MEMORIES OF ALGONAC BURN BRIGHT
by Dave Ponke

Algonac has endured quite a transition period - from the early era of yesteryear, some three-quarters of a century ago - to the modern landscape of today.

The buildings and businesses that once lined the St. Clair River's edge have vanished, but the memories of their wonderful existence burn as bright as a lighthouse guiding a sailor.

For one resident, recalling the days of the past is as comfortable as wearing a warm pair of slippers.

From her home located at the corner of St. Clair River Drive and Dixie Blvd., Jeanine Craig waited for the main road to be cleared after the "Big Snowstorm of 1952" in Algonac.

"I would walk half the distance to meet my friend Barb, who lived on Pointe Duchene, at the midway point downtown," said the lifelong city resident, formerly Jeanine Busuttil.

"The snow that fell on Algonac that year was really something; everyone was snowed in."

Jeanine, who recently celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with husband Pat, often spent time at her father Charles' restaurant on the Algonac riverfront while growing up.

Charlie's Blue Water Grill was situated on the river's edge, across from what is now the Citizen's First Bank.

"That was a popular spot for people," she said. "Everyone from town ate there."

Perhaps one of the most vivid recollections she possesses is of the St. Clair River itself.

As remarkable as it may seem, the Indian residents of Walpole Island, directly across from Algonac, often ventured onto the frozen waters and attempted to cross the body of water.

Some made the journey of over a mile with success, but many were not as fortunate. Tragically, many perished by falling through thin spots in the ice and drowning.

"In 1949 the river would freeze solid and the (Indians) would cross on foot," Jeanine said. "Some would go to work at the Chris Craft (boat manufacturing) plant….others simply came over for groceries."

Those who braved the trek had a method to "test" the ice thickness.

"They would use long sticks with picks attached to poke and check the ice," she said. "Then they made a path straight across, and then went back and marked it by sticking Christmas trees into the holes. That way, they could return and use the same route; at times some lives were lost."

Born in Detroit, Jeanine grew up with her family, which included brother Chuck and sister Charlene, on Anchor Bay Drive. They later moved into town in Algonac, where she resides today.

"I have many fond memories of growing up in the area," she says, "many special times…the times in winter when it snowed and anyone on back roads could literally be snowed in for days before any plow could get to them."

The residents would somehow "find their way" into town, in order to stock any groceries or medicine that was needed.

The snow-covered branches of gigantic trees that enveloped the downtown Algonac area still offer a breathtaking thought.

As late as 1952, before the Belle River power plant in St. Clair was up and running, the swift-moving river would "literally freeze smooth," she stated, "just like glass."

Yet somehow, it seemed, shortly after the plant fired up and began operating, the conditions on the St. Clair River changed.

No longer would the "guys skate around and play hockey" on the riverfront behind the various businesses. The girls could no longer ice skate, all due to the river not freezing like it did in the years past, it appeared.

"The ice chunks began to float down the river, carried from the north," Jeanine explained, "just like they do today.

"And the river has never frozen smooth since."

There was always so much to do as a youngster, Jeanine said. In the spot where the Fifth Third Bank is now, were a couple of her "favorite haunts."

"The movie theatre and bowling used to be right there," she said.

It was her father's restaurant - right next door to the Chevrolet dealership and barbershop and shoemaker that holds a special place in her heart.

"Those were some good old days," she said.