Please allow me a moment of your patience, and to first preface this article with one statement: I am a sheltered child of the 80s who did not grow up listening to Bob Seger, and did not even hear the name until high school.
Yes, I grew up with New Kids on the Block.
With these thoughts in mind, I began to tackle an assignment handed down from my editorial superiors ? put together an article for the 75th anniversary about the photo taken of Bob Seger in front of The Clarkston News.
Sounds pretty simple. Begin by making a contact at the Palace of Auburn Hills with the media relations department. From there, hopefully be able to make contact with Bob Seger’s people. Eventually, come to a source that can assist with the story.
As I stated, sounds pretty simple. I encountered one problem though: how do I describe the picture I want to feature when I’ve never seen it?
So, as a good Generation X member would, I began my search on the internet. Several hours, days and weeks later, I knew quite a bit about Bob Seger from the unofficial fan sites and such, even a couple mailing addresses where my letter would ‘definitely get to Bob,? but had been unable to find a copy of the picture.
Then fate intervened.
Laura Glasel, an Independence Township resident, contacted me about a different 75th anniversary feature. While chatting about other 75th stories I was researching, Glasel mentioned she had a friend with a copy of the famous picture, and Jerry Darling contacted me that very day.
Jerry Darling, 59, moved to Independence Township in 1950 when he was adopted from Canada by his parents Margaret and Dell Darling. He retired from General Motors after 30 years and still lives in the area with his significant other Sherri.
I had Darling stop by The Clarkston News office with the elusive picture. He walked into the building caring a large, framed print covered in plastic bags.
For the first time, I was able to catch a glimpse of the famous picture. The dark image shows Clarkston’s Main St. in the wee morning hours ? not a car in the scene. Bob Seger leans casually against a street sign directly in front of The Clarkston News office. He is merely a small part of the picture as Main St. and the twinkling street lights and stars dominate the landscape.
Darling explained that he got the picture when a close friend Ron Waldriff passed away about five years ago.
‘He was a rock ‘n roll memorabilia collector,? he said.
‘He had 2,000 to 3,000 albums,? remembers Darling with a grin. ‘I’m not kidding. His whole living room was full. It was just great.?
Darling gave the eulogy at Waldriff’s funeral. As a gift, Waldriff’s daughter Bridgett asked if Darling would like a piece of the collection.
The Clarkston man said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have the picture he’s loved so much.
‘That’s my Main St. That’s Bob’s Main St.,? said Darling. ‘As soon as I saw it, I didn’t see Bob in the picture, I saw Main St.?
Darling added that he’s not sure if the print is an original or a copy ? he’s never taken it from the frame. Darling said the piece of memorabilia hangs above his fireplace in his rec room along with his hockey souvenirs.
‘I love looking at that street and enjoying the memories I have of that street,? said Darling. ‘It’s the street I enjoy in that picture more than anything.
‘I just couldn’t have grown up in a better town,? he concluded.
The Clarkston News is looking for anyone who may also have memories about this famous image. Anyone who may know how the picture was distributed or may have been around when it was taken. Please give us a call at 248-625-3370 and tell us your story!