Sometimes when your looking for a little bit of Clarkston history, the source seems to be where you least expect it.
Charles ‘Chuck? J. Smalley, a resident of Clarkston since 1952, celebrated his 80th birthday on Oct. 27. In addition to the special day, the octogenarian also shares the honor of being the last police marshal for the Village of Clarkston and a World War II Veteran.
‘I did everything – I was the cop,? remembers Smalley. ‘I would fill in for the crossing guard some mornings or the ordinance officer, whatever they needed. They paid me $5 an hour – I had to earn it.?
Smalley began as police marshal in 1980. He retired from the position in 1992 when Clarkston became a city and formed a new police department. He describes himself as the last of a ‘tradition? dating back to Charles Kimball in the 1800s.
‘At first I was a little opposed to (Clarkston becoming a city), but since it has happened, I think it went the right direction,? said Smalley. He added he was never interested in being on the new police force: ‘I kind of shied away from it.?
Today, Smalley, originally from North Baltimore, Ohio, lives on Sashabaw Road with his wife Betty. The couple have three children – Sandra, Cindy and Susan. The long-time Clarkston resident worked for 30 years in the U.S. Postal Service in Pontiac. He was president of the LCA for 14 years.
The Smalleys agreed they wanted to move to Clarkston because they ‘wanted a bigger home.? The couple joked about how the area ‘was country out here at one time.?
Aside from being police marshal, Smalley also served his community as a school board member from 1972-76, during the bicentennial. When looking at Clarkston Schools today, he is proud of the district, but wary about Oakland Community Schools and the additional elections.
‘I don’t like the extra money they spend on (the elections),? he explained. ‘School elections should be with the regular elections.?
Still active and strong at 80, Smalley served his country in World War II from March 1943 to October 27, 1945. He was a Private First Class in an Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, and made the landing at Normandy.
‘I was hit with shrapnel in Hurtgen Forrest in Germany on Oct. 23, 1944,? he remembers. ‘I was in the hospital for 96 days in London, England, then they send me back to the front lines.
‘I still have the shrapnel in my leg. That was my souvenir from Germany.?
Mr. Smalley was awarded a host of honors for his service: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.
‘My daughter had them framed and such for me,? said Smalley gratefully. ‘They really look nice now.?
Even after all these years and the many community changes, Smalley said he still finds Clarkston to be a perfect place to live.
‘I love the friendliness of the community,? he said. ‘Everyone still cares for their neighbors. We’re more involved with things than we were in the past and that’s good.?