A few years ago I posted about Frank Zuzek (1904-1981), the “Voice of the Detroit River”. Frank was married to my great aunt Viola Pawlowski Zuzek (1906-1983). Viola was an older sister of my grandmother’s, Claire Pawlowski Halvangis (1916-1980). Here was the original newspaper article:
Recently an editor from the Detroit Free Press contacted me in search of information and photos about Frank. They were rerunning his story in their local history column: Free Press Flashback: Meet the man who served as the ‘voice of the Detroit River’ for 58 years. The column is behind a paywall, so unless you have a subscription you won’t be able to see it. But, it is simply a reprinting of the 1978 article that you can access above.
They did include a few more photos that I was able to provide thanks to my cousin, Frank’s granddaughter. I have included those here with a few extras!
For 58 years, Frank Zuzek was the voice of the Detroit River, working as the dispatcher for the J. W. Westcott Co. He retired in 1978.
Frank Zuzek, left, with the J. W. Westcott II, Detroit’s famous mail boat.
Frank Zuzek at his base in the J. W. Westcott Co. on the Detroit River. Zuzek communicated with Great Lakes freighters and other vessels from 1920 to 1978.
And here are a few photos I obtained from my cousin that the Detroit Free Press did not use.
Frank Zuzek
Frank Zuzek in 1974
Frank and Viola were married in Detroit, Michigan on June 30, 1925.
The wedding photo of Frank Zuzek (1904-1981) and Viola Pawlowski Zuzek (1906-1983) - my great aunt. From left to right: unknown man, Dora (Frank’s step-sister), seated - Helen Pawlowski Wolff (1904-1974), Roy (Frank’s step-brother), Frank, seated - Viola, Mary Pawlowski Agacinski (1907-1984), unknown man.
Helen, Viola, and Mary were all sisters to my grandmother, Claire Pawlowski Halvangis (1916-1980).
Frank and Viola Zuzek
Frank Zuzek
Frank and Viola Zuzek
Frank Zuzek and his two granddaughters (1966)
Here are a few newspaper clippings mentioning Frank.
Here is an identification card for Frank’s:
J. W. Westcott Co. identification card for Frank Zuzek.
And my favorite item of the entire collection, a 1925 letter from Charles H. Westcott to Frank wishing him good luck, happiness, and offering some marriage advice.
The June 26, 1925 letter from Charles H. Westcott of 178 First Street, Detroit, Michigan reads:
Dear Frank:-
Mrs. Westcott and I wish you and the future Mrs. Zuzek, the best of all good luck and happiness.
It’s a great life boy, but it’s a new life and in most cases takes time to become accustomed to the different mode of living. Your little differences and misunderstanding will arise and it will be necessary for you each to give in to the other once in a while.
My best friend gave me this advice before I was married and I have found it to be true every time. My best friend was my Mother. She also told me this, “Never have your first quarrel and there will be no second,” and I can truthfully say that after having been married for over eight years, while we have had our little differences our first real quarrel has still to come.
So more power to you lad, and the best of luck and well wishes.
Chas.