A group to reunite residents of Center Line, Michigan. During the boom years of the 1950's, Center Line grew to city of about 11,000 people. Now about 8,500 call it home. As you have time, please tell about your time in this unique community. Feel free to post any picures you may have and want to share.

Center Line has 1.7 square miles of area and is located in southern Macomb County. Its name was derived from the early French trappers and settlers based on its having been on the middle one of three Indian Trails linking the fort at Detroit with the trading posts to the north. Joseph Buechel built the first general store here in 1863. Hieronymous Englemann became the first postmaster on July 19, 1878 and was succeeded by Sophia Buechel in 1885. This first post office was spelled "Centreline" and it was closed on July 31, 1906. However, it was soon re-opened as the "Center Line" Post Office. In the early part of the 20th Century, the community of Center Line began to grow as the farms of the original settlers were subdivided for the construction of single family homes, many of which were occupied by retired local farmers. Center Line was incorporated into a village in 1925 and as a city in 1936. The city saw tremendous growth in the 1940's and 50's as it satisfied housing demands created by the construction of many nearby factories during World War II and the following years.

The photo above was taken on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945. The view is of Van Dyke, looking north from in front of Wolf Hardware, between Warren Blvd. and Ritter Ave. (more Center Line info can be found at http://centerline.grobbel.org)

Please see the Frapper map and add the location where you now live (scroll down and click on the "Related Link"). Who knows, a childhood friend or classmate may live nearby.