HFC retiree releases Dearborn history book to preserve historic homes

While researching and writing Stories From the Sidewalk: A Walk Through 137 Years That Shaped Dearborn (1833-1970), HFC retiree L. Glenn O’Kray got to see how Dearborn transformed from a sleepy, agricultural community into the city that is home to the world’s largest industrial automotive organization: Ford Motor Company.

“I learned not only about the famous people who lived in the area like the Ford family, but also about ‘the common man,’ ” explained O’Kray, a lifelong Dearborn resident, who worked at HFC for 45 years – 30 as the Director of Financial Aid and 15 as an adjunct instructor.

Founded in 1786, Dearborn was incorporated as a city in 1929. It is the eighth largest city in Michigan and the second largest city in Wayne County. The book spotlights some of the pioneers who settled in Dearborn and later sold their land to automotive tycoon Henry Ford. Ford would build the Ford World Headquarters, the Fair Lane Estate, the Ford Rouge Complex, and The Edison Institute (later called Greenfield Village, and today called The Henry Ford) on the properties he purchased.

Working to preserve Dearborn neighborhoods as historic districts

Stories From the Sidewalk – which O’Kray co-wrote and co-edited with Christopher Merlo – is O’Kray’s seventh book and the third he wrote about Dearborn history. Photographers Alan Balaka and Bruce Harkness provided the photos. This book – a coffee table book with more than 360 photos of homes in Dearborn’s Arsenal and Riverbend neighborhoods spanning 378 pages – won the Historical Society of Michigan’s Best Book: Private Printing Award for 2023.

“I knew that was coming because this book is the best book in the history of western civilization,” quipped O’Kray. Getting serious, he said, “I’m proud and humbled that everyone involved in this project was recognized for their hard work.”

The impetus behind the book is to raise awareness about the need to preserve the houses in these historic neighborhoods. O’Kray and his team of researchers (alias the “Gang of Nine”) wanted visual documentation of these homes before they are either extensively renovated or worse – demolished.

“These houses are being torn down. These neighborhoods have already lost many historic buildings in the last 20 years alone,” said O’Kray. “We're trying to get the city to update an ordinance to enable us to begin the process to have the State of Michigan declare this area a historic district to prevent more houses from getting demolished to make way for modern homes. Presenting our case in visual form might have an impact on the Dearborn City Council to pass this ordinance. What we are trying to do is preserve a sense of place. History always gives us a sense of who we are, where we came from, and where we’re going.”

“Far beyond what was needed for this book”

One of the historic houses featured in the book is the Fisher House on 22156 Morley Ave. It belonged to Dr. Edward Fisher, who pitched just one inning for the Detroit Tigers on September 5, 1902. Fisher eventually became a physician and served as a state legislator. He served three consecutive terms on the Dearborn City Council.

“Every home has a story, which is why these homes need to be preserved,” said O’Kray.

The book started as an idea more than three years ago when Merlo, a third generation Dearborn resident and history buff, happened to walk by O’Kray’s house. O’Kray mentioned his interest in preserving historic homes. Merlo had the same interest and their conversation evolved into Stories from the Sidewalk. O’Kray asked Merlo to join Preservation Dearborn, the historical preservation nonprofit group that O’Kray helped found.

From there, O’Kray and Merlo formed the Gang of Nine. This group began researching area historic homes. This project ended up taking three years.

“We were writing it as we went along,” recalled O’Kray. “All of us bonded and made some great friendships. As you explore history, you want to learn more. Our love of history led us to go far beyond what was needed for this book. It also led to my next book I’m currently working on. Chris and I are beginning to put together a new book about the aviation subdivision in East Dearborn.”

Stories From the Sidewalk: A Walk Through 137 Years That Shaped Dearborn (1833-1970) is available for sale for $35 at the Dearborn Historical Museum on 915 S. Brady St. and on the DHM commercial website. All proceeds will go to the Museum Guild of Dearborn.

O’Kray is also looking for researchers to assist him with his current book. If you’re interested, contact him at lglennokray@gmail.com.