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Why are we celebrating the historic role Bentley High School played in building our hometown? What is the significant role Bentley High School played in developing Livonia?

Here are four community perspectives on Bentley High School's Legacy

Maureen Brosnan

Mayor

City of Livonia

Divine Child High School

Class of 1981

It’s so fitting that we are celebrating the legacy and impact of Bentley High School on the former school property, even as we are building the new Livonia Senior Wellness Center in the same location. Thus, we honor our storied past in the same place where we’re creating part of Livonia’s exciting future.

Over the years, there have been so many Bentley graduates who have helped shape our community in so many ways.

I am grateful to have worked side by side with Laura Toy (class of 1970) and Terry Marecki (class of 1974), whose vision and leadership helped make Project Catalyst

a reality.

Our community has always found a way to make sure families are first. Here, on this Bentley property, we are finding new and exciting ways to serve our families, through our Senior Wellness Center and a revived Recreation Center. This will help create room for the transformation of the city campus at Five Mile and Farmington that will happen as part of the Vision 21 master plan. That plan – creating a City Center – was

created by Livonia residents, approved by the City Council and it is designed to ensure Livonia is a city our children want to come home to.

As we move forward in defining that future, I am proud that we are also commemorating and celebrating our past with this historic marker here at Bentley.

Thank you to everyone who had a hand in making this happen. 

R. William Joyner

Former Wayne County Commissioner

Franklin High School

Class of 1967

Many view history as a dull or pointless subject, yet there is more to it than initially apparent. 

History is the accumulated knowledge and examination of the past. It's the narrative of our collective past and memory. History tells us who we are, our origins and, possibly, our future direction. 

Grasping history equips us with vital decision-making abilities, cultural insight, and the capacity to predict future trends from historical patterns.

Studying historical events teaches us important lessons, helps us avoid previous errors, and informs our choices, all of which benefit our personal and professional growth. 

To understand the history of Livonia, especially the history of how education shaped the town we call home, is crucial because it is fundamental to understanding ourselves. 

Today, we gather to recognize the role Bentley High School has played in the growth and evolution of Livonia—from helping to attract new

families to developing a framework of parks, to spurring the community college extension of K-12 to K-14, to nurturing our future leaders as they developed their skillsets only to return the favor to the community by staying and raising their own families. 

With this commemoration of

Bentley High School, we continue the long tradition of Livonia’s pride in its history. Hopefully, over time, this marker will serve as a catalyst for shared memories, provide a talking point for parents and children and be a reminder of the importance we Livonians place on an educated community. 

Today is not just the planting of a marker, it is the acknowledgement that in our past we find our future. 

Andrea Oquist

Superintendent,

Livonia Public Schools

Stevenson High School

Class of 1985

On an overcast day in November of 1946, the first shovel of earth was turned on the future site of Bentley High School, paving the way for the future of what is now the Livonia Public Schools School District. 

On this historic day, we remember and honor the

role Bentley High School has played in our local school community—transforming what was then Livonia Township Schools into a K-12 community school district. 

Bentley was among the first high schools to be created in the new “community school district” structure in our state, eliminating the previous single-school school districts. 

In building Bentley High School, Livonia Township Schools no longer ended at eighth grade—it became a leader in implementing this new structure, which made high school available to all Livonia Township students and paved the way for higher education. 

Upon reflection, Bentley High School represents the essence of our district and our community, where innovation and excellence set the high standard that we continue to preserve and celebrate today. Paving the way for students to excel, Bentley High School is a true reminder of how much can be accomplished when a community comes together to support the education of its youth. In so many ways, we see this community support continue to lift up our students, staff and families in Livonia Public Schools. We would not be the destination school district that we are today without the consistent support of our families, residents and businesses. 

Together, we salute our school district’s predecessors for their foresight, passion and quest for excellence, qualities that still define our school district.

It is with great pride that our doors and our arms are open to more than 13,000 students and 2,000 staff members in Livonia Public Schools.

We are ever grateful for our Bentley Bulldogs, paving the road to excellence in LPS!

Dr. Glenn Cerny

President Schoolcraft College

Sterling Heights High School

Class of 1980

Without Bentley High School and the people of Livonia, I'm convinced Schoolcraft College wouldn't exist. The support of all our communities, and especially Livonia, was crucial to the creation of this two-year college, one that serves the needs of northwest Wayne County and beyond.

The residents of school districts such as Livonia Public Schools understood the need for a two-year college in this region, and their support allowed Bentley High School students to continue their education right here in Livonia at Schoolcraft College. That includes the very first student to ever enroll at Schoolcraft College: our very first student was a Bentley graduate.

After him, more than 3,500 Bentley Bulldogs became Ocelots, making Bentley one of our top feeder schools during its time.

The story of Bentley High School is forever intertwined with the story of Schoolcraft College, and we are proud to be a part of celebrating its history.

Note of pride from Jim McConnell, President of the Livonia Historical Society: the Schoolcraft College's acclaimed Culinary Arts Department will be providing desserts for those attending the marker dedication. The Historical Society realizing the important role Schoolcraft plays in developing a K-14 education philosophy in our hometown is grateful for Dr. Cerny's participation in the Dedication.

The History of Bentley High School: 1947 - 1985

Bentley High School was the first public high school in the Livonia Public Schools district. It was open from September 1947 through June 1985. 

When the United States entered World War II, Livonia Township was served by seven small school districts, none of which had a high school. High school students in the Livonia community attended either Redford Union High School in Redford Township or Plymouth High School in nearby Plymouth.

Because the community was growing, the decision was made in 1945 to build a high school in the City. While most people wanted to call the new school Livonia High School, it was eventually named after George N. Bentley, a former student at Elm Elementary School in the district and a school board member at the time of the school's groundbreaking on November 8, 1946. Bentley High School hosted its first classes on September 15, 1947, while still under construction.

During the first few years of operation, the original two-story building also housed seventh and eighth graders. As the population of Livonia grew during the 1950s, the school required expansion, and two wings, a gymnasium, an auto shop area, a pool, an auditorium and a multi-purpose room were added.

The first graduating class in June 1950 had 95 students. The graduation took place less than one month after the City of Livonia was incorporated on May 23, 1950.

By 1983, facing declining enrollment, the Livonia School Board decided to close Bentley. The final graduation ceremony took place in June of that year. Seventy percent of the structure was demolished in 1998, with the remainder used for adult education classes until the rest of the school was demolished in 2001. In 2003, most of the property was sold to the City.

Today, the site of the former Bentley High School is home to the Jack E. Kirksey Livonia Community Recreation Center, which opened its doors in 2003. 

Thank you to our community, business leaders and public officials, for supporting the Bentley Marker Dedication Program

Livonia sets aside a Day to remember and Honor Bentley High School

Starting at 1:00 graduating classes can meet and mingle with tables and signage set up by decades

At 1:30 the Clarenceville Marching Band will parade through the parking lot and assemble

At 2:00 the program begins with Bentley graduates Steve King singing the National Anthem and

Steve Spreitzer leading in the invocation

One organization. One idea. Partnerships with residents, graduates, businesses, community leaders. Making it all happen.

Jim McConnell, President

Livonia Historical Society

Wyandotte Roosevelt High School

Class of 1957

As we commemorate the 77th anniversary of George N. Bentley High School's opening, the Livonia Historical Society extends gratitude to the members of the Michigan Historical Commission. Their unanimous endorsement of the 97-page application underscores the significance of preserving local history. The Society is honored to spearhead this initiative, supported by numerous Bentley alumni and various civic organizations.

The Bentley Marker Committee's volunteers, hailing from diverse civic groups, deserve special recognition. We are particularly grateful to Marlene Katafias and Annette McConnell for leading the research efforts, and to Bill Joyner for overseeing the fundraising activities.

Founded in 1956 within the Bentley High School Library, the Livonia Historical Society's mission is to collaborate with the City and civic groups to cultivate appreciation for our community's history, safeguard historical items and archives, and promote Greenmead Historical Park's development. The Society not only offers free public programs but has also crafted field trip experiences for Clarenceville and Livonia Public School students.

Specifically, all second graders now have the opportunity to engage in the "A Day at the Newburg

Schoolhouse" program at Greenmead, which allows them to experience education as it was a century ago, complete with McGuffey Readers and chalkboards.

In alignment with the City of Livonia's 75th Anniversary on May 23, 2025, the Society's programs from September 2024 to May 2025 will highlight pivotal elements of our history. Additionally, the Society will lend support to the Livonia 75 Committee, initiated by Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan.

With a longstanding commitment to serving the

community, the Society aspires to contribute to a more prosperous future.

For membership details or further information about the Livonia Historical Society, please visit our website or contact us via email.

Thank you to the dozens of hometown residents donating to make the Bentley High School marker a reality.

The Livonia Historical Society appreciates the donations from the following individuals and organizations. Their contributions provided the funds to acquire this Bentley High School Michigan Historical Marker from the Michigan Historical Commission.

The Society expresses a thanks to Michelle Davis, Marker Coordinator, Michigan Historical Commission, for her commitment to facilitating the application process.

Dorothy Avendt, Linda Beard, Don & Kathy Bilger

George Calder Alumni Fund, George Calder

Marilyn & Carl Creighton, Dale Jurcisin, Sue Daniel

Rose Dillon, Alan Helmkamp,

Financial & Portfolio Advisors, Keith Fogle & Class of ‘59

Friess Family Investment Co., Friess Family, George Friess

Sandra Khan, Gene and Mare Kramer, Donald LaMay

Livonia Historical Society, Livonia Kiwanis Early Risers

Madelyn & Marko Lulich, Charlie Mahoney

McCullough Family, Terry Marecki, Robert & Susan Nash

Allan & Katherine Rickert, Rotary Club of Livonia AM

Thomas Shipley, Mike Smykowski, Roger Springman

Jayne Steel, Michael & Lori Tabaka, Larry Teahan

Think Ink/Bill Joyner & Kathy Ventittelli

Laura Toy, Kenneth Watson, Jr., Brian Weiss 

It took a village to provide the research, write the copy,

and raise the money to bring the

Bentley High School marker to Livonia

The Livonia Historical Society expresses its appreciation to the individuals who did the research for the Historical Marker Text, helped raise the funds for expenses, and facilitated this complex process. While most are Bentley alumni, many other high school graduates pitched in,

as this was a true community effort.

The 97-page application for the marker was mailed to the Michigan Historical Commission in April 2023 and was approved unanimously by the Commission at its Thursday, February 8, 2024, meeting.

Kathy Bilger, Mercy High, Class of 1976  

George Calder, Bentley High, Class of 1955

Ted Davis, Berkley High, Class of 1991

George Freiss, Bentley High, Class of 1953

Rosemary Fowler Dillon, Bentley High, Class of 1964

Stacy Jenkins, Franklin High School, Class of 1989 

Bill Joyner, Franklin High School, Class of 1967

Marlene Knoll Katafias, Bentley High, Class of 1966

Gene Kramer, Bentley High, Class of 1955

Marilyn Kramer, Plymouth High, Class of 1958 

Annette McConnell, Wyandotte Roosevelt, Class of 1957

Jim McConnell, Wyandotte Roosevelt, Class of 1957

Terry Marecki, Bentley High, Class of 1974

Susan Nash, Mercy High, Class of 1983

Jim Osborne, Bentley High, Class of 1974

Paige Plant, Bay City Center High, Class of 1988

Laurie Pohutsky, Divine Child High, Class of 2006

Tom Shipley, Bentley High, Class of 1964

Steve Spreitzer, Bentley Highl, Class of 1974

Emily Tchorz-Fielder, Wyandotte Roosevelt, Class of 2002

Laura Toy, Bentley High, Class of 1970

Kathy Ventittelli, St, Stanislaus High, Class of 1964

The tradition of educational excellence, started with Bentley High School, continuing over the years by community leaders serving on the Livonia Board of Education

Dan MacIver shares a secret about the Old Dutch Mill and the years the Bentley family was known as the Turkey Kings of Michigan

With this Bentley High School marker dedication the Livonia Historical Society is taking the first step toward celebrating the year of Livonia 75

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

Archive--Bill Joyner's FridayMusings

The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.

What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.