Presidents' Day is, in many ways, a vastly underappreciated holiday. Yes, we celebrate the actions of presidents, especially on a national level, but they have made their impact locally too. In fact, one well-known president came to Macomb County to dedicate a high school in 1972. The Romeo Observer was there to cover it.
On August 24, 1972, President Richard Nixon dedicated the Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township. At the time, the school had a Washington Township mailing address, which explains why The Romeo Observer was present. Nixon was there to honor former president Dwight D. Eisenhower whom he served as Vice President during that administration.
It was a huge deal that a president was in Macomb County for two reasons. The first was in The Romeo Observer article "Visit by President, Family to Area Thrills Thousands" from their August 31 issue. It states that it was an unprecedented act for a president, for "no US president has ever dedicated a high school."
This is actually not true. Back in October 1940, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) spoke at the dedication of the Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in his home town of Hyde Park, New York. The National Archives has an entire story about this entitled "FDR: The President and the High School." Granted, this was a rare occasion, and neither Eisenhower or Nixon were originally from Michigan. As a result, this made this high school dedication all the more special.
The other reason was this was the second time that a president had visited Macomb County. It last occurred in 1944 when FDR visited the Warren tank arsenal with Eleanor Roosevelt. It's more common now for presidents to come to that county whether it's for campaigning or something else.
Thousands gathered on the grounds and in the gymnasium to hear Nixon's speech. Reports about the crowd size ranged from 8,000 to 15,000 people. Security was at a maximum as state troopers, deputy sheriffs, and the Sterling Heights and Shelby township police forces were present under the direction of Chief of Police Robert W. Smith. There was also a small group of dissenters, but they were initially turned away by security guards on 25 Mile Road, yet they were allowed to proceed without their signs. The only people that were allowed in the gym were the students, their parents, and intended VIPs.
One intended VIP was Romeo Observer photographer Tom Bleich. He took a lot of photos of the ceremony, including the one seen here. It shows Nixon speaking at the rostrum. On the left in the front row, there's Bill Hellebuyck, the student council president; Ed and Tricia Cox; Senator Robert Griffin; and First Lady Pat Nixon. Tricia is Richard and Pat's daughter. On the right side, various members of the Utica school board were present along with Congressman James O'Hara. The latter is not in the picture. Sadly, this photo didn't make into the article, but others did.
What did President Nixon talk about during the dedication ceremony? The article gives us a summary of what he said. Specifically, it asserts, "His message was the dedication and the importance of the school in the lives of the young people. He charged them with the responsibility to learn and remember what they had learned, using this learning in future community involvement. He urged them to listen to their parents and their teachers."
The full transcript of Nixon's speech is available through the American Presidency Project.
Afterwards, Nixon presented a plaque and a photograph of former President Eisenhower to Bill Hellebuyck. Apparently, Nixon had to be advised on how to pronounce Hellebuyck's name.
Nixon's presence and the speech were well received as the crowd loudly applauded when he was done.
Say what you want about Richard Nixon these days, but he did leave a positive legacy on Eisenhower High School and the people who were there to see him dedicate it.
To learn more about the Eisenhower High School dedication ceremony, you can contact the Romeo Community Archives at rca@romemodistrictlibrary.org or call (586) 690-4890.
Images and sources courtesy of the Romeo Community Archives; Melvin E. and Joan D. Bleich Collection, The Romeo Observer, August 31, 1972, p.1-C; National Archives; and The American Presidency Project