Southgate Historical Foundation

05/15/2026

When ecorse twp disbanded and Southgate became a city. The two islands has to be given up as a city cannot have land that doesn't attach to it .

Based on your reference to the October 16, 1958, Mellus Newspaper article, here are key details surrounding the founding:

Final Transfer: Before formally adjourning, the Ecorse Township Board transferred all remaining rights, titles, and interests to the newly formed city of Southgate.

A "New" City: Southgate was formed from one of the final remaining portions of the former township, which had previously seen areas break away to form cities like Ecorse (1941), River Rouge, and Allen Park.

The Name: The city was named after a shopping center being developed at the corner of Eureka and Trenton Roads.

First Leadership: Thomas J. Anderson, who served as a key figure in the incorporation process, became the first Mayor of Southgate.

05/12/2026

Sharing for our friends and fellow ecorse twp silver place winner (Southgate took gold for being the only one left standing in 1958)😀 reopening of the Allen Park Historical house

Saturday May 30th at noon.

15504 ENGLEWOOD AVE ALLEN PARK, MI 48101

05/10/2026

A staple of the Southgate and the downriver community. Kevin Walker started American Lock and Key in 1979 when Eureka was just a 2 lane road. He worked at downriver lock company. Had plans to purchase the business but decided to start fresh. He has supported the Southgate Animal Shelter, when they needed help. He kindly donated a safe and his expertise when they needed help. Great landlord, married for decades & father.

Thank you Kevin.

04/30/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CWrdEoJNP/

Come Visit us at Southgate Historical Foundation this weekend !

04/16/2026

Overview of City of Southgate from Dte aerial view 1949.

Hance airport and Michigan drive inn can be seen.

04/14/2026

13636 Dix-Toledo (corner of Fordline) Then and now

Lawsons from 1966 to 1977, Outside remodeling in 1995 changed how the buildings look...

Southgate had 3 Lawson at one time.

04/10/2026

We are looking for pictures from the great flood on August 11th 2014 for Southgate. Roads were closed basements flooded...

Here is the parking lot of Eureka and dix (chuck entertainment cheese)

04/09/2026

Penny Pinchers started by two guys Greg Bertera and Leon Dickey in 1980. They were in New York City for several years. Roommates and friends with the B52s right before and as they were getting famous. Came home to Detroit and fell in love with the building the owner did not want to sell but Leon was persistent. They created one of the most unique stores around catering to an alternative crowd when very few places did. They sold coffee clothes and had a record room upstairs. Greg's father Marchello would sell his jewelery inside prior to his passing in 1992. They didn't make a lot of money but would sell halloween outfits and that would sustain thier operations for the entire year. It was a unique place. They also bought and maintained a unique mansion the Griffith in wyandotte built in 1907 . Everything inside excluding the television and fridge is how penny Pinchers was. Very unique and artsy and nothing passed the 1960s. Greg Bertera sadly passed away a few years ago and Leon still does his art and has gallery shows every so often.

04/06/2026

Sharing for our friends over in Brownstown and Flat rock historical society

04/03/2026

Then and now

Heritage day Parade early 90s, Fordline & Eureka.

Handy Andy and Toys R US can be seen.