A Letter from long-time resident, Wayne Clements

To the Michigan Main Street Center,

As a boy, my parents would take me to, what was then known as ‘Uptown Saline’, to enjoy entertainment for them at the Mason Hall, and for me at the Saline theater directly below.  Other trips to the Uptown from our farm north of town would mean angle parking our Studebaker in front of the C.F. Smith grocery to get our week’s supply of food.  To get the most from each trip, Mother would then shop at the Burkharts dry goods store while Dad and I stopped at the post office, paid the Edison bill and picked up some parts at the John Deere dealer on the corner.  A final stop for the day could be the butcher shop before heading home.

As a high school student, I drove the same Studebaker to Union school, just a block north of Uptown.  During lunch hour it was common to walk to the drug store for an ice cream sundae or pick up some school supplies at the variety store.  With any time left, we would stop in at the bowling alley and pool hall to see who might be there.

Today when I go Downtown, the experiences of those early days are re-lived. Each building offers a memory for me and provides that feeling of belonging to the community.

Along with the support of the Saline Area Historical Society, I would like to first help preserve, maintain and offer suggestion to help visitors enjoy their experience Downtown as I have.  Secondly, to bring local history to the attention of the community as often and in as many ways as possible.  Combining Downtown history with the new experiences that the Downtown offers today will give the community a feeling of belonging and a very rewarding destination.

‘Main Street’ will continue to serve the community, although for different needs, to satisfy current and future generations.

Sincerely,

Wayne Clements
SHDA Design Team Member