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AACHM Oral History: Sharon Gillespie

Sharon Gillespie

Sharon Gillespie was born in 1945 and raised by her grandmother in Oklahoma before moving to Ann Arbor with her mother at age nine. She remembers redlining in Ann Arbor and the breakup of the historically Black neighborhood she grew up in. She helped raise two younger sisters while her mother attended ophthalmology school at the University of Michigan. Gillespie excelled in her career as a typesetter at local businesses. After retiring, she has been active in volunteering at homeless shelters and hospice programs. She was married to Raymond Gillespie for 21 years. 

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Clara Hildinger With Candy She Distributes At Ypsilanti State Hospital, May 1952

Clara Hildinger With Candy She Distributes At Ypsilanti State Hospital, May 1952 image
Year:
1952
Published In:
Ann Arbor News, May 28, 1952
Caption:
Shown with a few of the more than 4,000 pounds of candy she has distributed to patients at Ypsilanti State Hospital during the past year is Mrs. Arthur Hildinger of 120 1/2 W. Liberty St. The table is loaded with treats for just one weekly visit.

Clara Hildinger Distributes Candy Canes To Ypsilanti State Hospital Patients, January 1956

Clara Hildinger Distributes Candy Canes To Ypsilanti State Hospital Patients, January 1956 image
Year:
1956
Published In:
Ann Arbor News, January 30, 1956
Caption:
RECEIVES AWARD FOR SERVICE: Mrs. Clara Hildinger of W. Liberty St. was presented a citation for "meritorius service" Saturday by the post of the Erwin Prieskorn Unit of the American Legion. Mrs. Hildinger began distributing candy year-round to patients at the Ypsilanti State Hospital several years ago when her husband was a patient there. She still makes weekly trips to the hospital and also makes weekly trips with candy for patients at Battle Creek Hospital where her husband is now.