Third in a series on the families who helped build Clarkston and the descendants who still live here, carrying on their legacy.
BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Six generations of Sally Hadden’s family has lived in the Clarkston area.
“The foundation of my family has been laid here and is still here. We are the evidence of that,” Hadden said. “I have lived in Clarkston most of my life as did my father, grandmother and great-grandparents.”
Her great-great-grandmother Mary Slater was born on Sept. 2, 1854, and died on Sept. 19, 1902, after moving to Independence Township.
Her great grandparents Grace M. Slater Fielding and William James Fielding lived on Holcomb Street in Clarkston
Grandparents Gilbert U. Radoye and Madeline L. Fielding, who was born on April 7, 1898, were married in Clarkston.
“Grandfather Fielding worked on Henry Ford’s farm on Holcomb,” Hadden said.
Her father Stanwood M. Radoye was born on Dec. 15, 1927, and died on April 4, 1966.
“My father, Stan Radoye, was actually a business associate of Chuck Robertson’s father Gray, and my great-grandfather William Fielding worked for the Ford family on the farm,” said Hadden, who was born in 1950. “Mary and Tink Ronk were my parents’ best friends.”
Hadden’s son Travis C. Hadden was born in 1985, and is the sixth generation descendent residing in Clarkston.
“These are things I’ve known my whole life,” Sally said. “People want to know where you come from. It’s important to me. I’ve always felt there’s a need to preserve history to pass on to future generations.”
For Sally’s family, many of the names and dates are preserved in a family Bible.
“It’s very fragile and old, and dates back to the Slaters of Oakland County, 1854,” she said. “There’s a lot of history I’m not aware of. I wish I was. What I know, I want to share with my son and have him continue to share with future generations.”
Photos of her growing up in town overlooking Middle Lake, and visiting her relatives, including her great grandparents, are preserved as well, she said.
“It was the best childhood you could ever imagine. You didn’t lock your doors. You walked to school, and went downtown to get an ice cream,” Sally said. “You’d walk to your neighbors. Everyone embraced everyone else, when they needed help or assistance or just a good time. Everyone knew everyone’s name. I have wonderful memories.”
The Clarkston News and Tom Stone, longtime resident and genealogist, are highlighting every month local families who have lived in the area for at least 100 years.