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ST. CLAIR SHORES — In the presence of council members and other guests, the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission unveiled a historical marker on the Blossom Heath Pier on June 13.
The new marker, which is positioned about halfway down the pier, tells the story of Lac Ste. Claire. The history starts from the first Native American people who inhabited the land surrounding the lake to its past and future economic impact on Michigan and the world.
“The lake provides a strong economic influence on the region and its waterborne commerce exceeds 60 million shipping tons per year,” the marker reads. “Nearly 40 million tons originates in Michigan and includes iron ore, limestone, coal, and grain.”
Historical Commission Chair Gerald Sielagoski presented the plaque with Councilman John Caron standing next to him at the podium. Sielagoski introduced the Historical Commission members, members of council and city staff in attendance.
“The St. Clair Shores Historical Commission is very proud to be able to celebrate our local history by promoting recognition of historical sites throughout our city and raising public awareness of their significance and importance,” Sielagoski said.
Kathleen Campbell, the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission’s secretary, said they started the process of getting the marker around a year ago.
“Jerry writes the information and then we had to worry about photos,” Campbell said. “And the city provided the photos taken by the drone, the Communications Department did, and then just coming up with the art that would include everything that we wanted to encompass about Lake St. Clair.”
Campbell said that Sielagoski decided what history to include on the marker.
“Just so we could kind of give just a little, you know, encapsulated version of how all this came to be,” Campbell said. “So when you’re walking along here you can just get an idea of where this all started and who discovered it.”
Dawn Zifilippo, the treasurer of the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission, said the marker will be a valuable tool for the community.
“Because they’ll stop out here,” Zifilippo said. “I’m kind of glad it’s out here.”
Campbell added they try to place the markers in visible pathways and locations so people can read them.
At the end of his speech, Sielagoski said he wanted to emphasize that people should take care of the historical marker.
“The residents take pride in the lake’s rich history and its role as a focal point for recreational and cultural activities,” Sielagoski said.
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