Great activities always happening in Wayne

By Dee Ryan – Mat Mulholland gave a wonderful talk at our Library last month.  It was packed with memories, pictures and articles of the store—Mulholland Dry Goods—that his family founded in Wayne. It was a loving look back at not only the store, but also Wayne in its heyday.  Started by Mat’s grandfather, Mulholland’s  was where you shopped for a special baby gift or a gift for a shower.  They also outfitted the Girl and Boy Scouts.
Mat is the youngest of the 10 Mulholland children and his talk was filled with heartwarming memories.

On December 9th, The Historical Society will present “Potato Chip Manufacturing in South East Michigan.”  The talk will be at the Wayne Public Library starting at 6:30 p.m. in the large meeting room.
Did you know that Wayne once manufactured potato chips?  The Gates family (remember Gates furniture?) owned a beer store at 3113 Wayne Rd, between Ash and Elm St. In the front part of the store they sold beer, but in the back of the store they made potato chips and sold them by the bag. “Wild Bill” was just a teenager then, but still remembers his great job—helping with the manufacture of those potato chips.  YUM!

 Hooray!  The Historical Museum is all decorated for Christmas!  The Garden Club, as it does every year, made it look so festive with wreaths, red bows and a huge Christmas tree, decorated with an array of antique ornaments.
After the decorating we adjourned to the Congregational Church Parlor for a very special luncheon. Betty Dryer was awarded a lifetime membership in the Garden Club—and after being a member for 65 years she certainly deserves the honor.
Mrs. Dryer looked lovely in a black suit adorned with swatches of lavender around the edge of the jacket.
She spoke lovingly of her late husband, Dr. Dryer, and his devotion and work at Annapolis Hospital.  She was part of the hospital’s Women’s Auxiliary.
Pastor Chris Richards also came by to congratulate Mrs. Dryer.

The Church’s yearly two day lunch and dinners event was really a community effort.  Entitled “Christmas Bells are Ringing” The Methodist Church took over the roasting of the 20 some turkeys, while our Boy Scouts collected canned goods. The Ladies of the Church not only did the additional cooking, but along with the Men’s Club, did the serving.
It’s always a gala affair—not only for the good food, but also the fun of seeing old and new friends.
All the funds from the “Christmas Bells are Ringing” will be spent for food baskets, which will be given to needy families.
If you didn’t get a chance to shop after your meal, it’s my understanding that extra shopping time will be available after the Sunday Church Service.  Many beautiful gift items are for sale, for babies, grandparents and everyone in between.

I hope to see you all right here next year. Until then—“God Bless Us Everyone.”