Castle Blog

Saginaw and the H.J. Heinz Company – Part One

The Pittsburgh-based H.J. Heinz Company - of 57 varieties fame – has strong Saginaw connections. This week we are exploring the history of the firm’s Saginaw branch, and next Sunday, we will look at a more personal connection. 1907 Photograph of the Heinz’s Saginaw Branch. ( H.J. Heinz Company Photographs, 1864-2001 (bulk 1900-1925; 1940-1975). MSP #57, Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center.) The H.J. Heinz Company established

kellison71

Nov 2, 20254 min read

Living the High Life (Inn)

“Opening Friday, High Life Inn, 1 ½ miles south of Hess on Dixie, Big Fish Fry, Friday – all you can eat, good music – best of beer.” - The Saginaw Daily News, September 21, 1934. The Saginaw News , September 21, 1934. For four decades the High Life Inn was a destination for Sunday dinners, special events, public celebrations and everyday dining. Opening during the Great Depression, advertising highlighted value: “All meals 50c – nothing higher.” And a 1937 advertiseme

kellison71

Oct 22, 20254 min read

Hook, Line, and Batter: The Sullivan’s Fish & Chips Dynasty

Bill & Helen Sullivan* Back in 1946, when everyone was driving Chevys and eating meatloaf, William F. “Bill” Sullivan and his brother John decided they’d rather fry fish than build car parts. Bill worked at the Chevy transmission plant on E. Genesee at the time, but he was inspired by his brother-in-law. Getting the idea from Al Bergal, a brother-in-law who had success with his restaurant, Suzy Q’s in Detroit, serving fish, chips and coleslaw as carryout, Bill thought this sa

kellison71

Oct 19, 20253 min read