The Leland Chapter, Detroit held a gathering, building tour at the Durant-Dort Factory One building and a business meeting in Flint, Michigan on Saturday, June 17, 2017. Hosted by Factory One Operations Manager Kevin Kirbitz and his staff, over thirty chapter members and their guests were in attendance. Kevin gave the group a tour of the renovated and re-purposed Durant-Dort Factory One building and the renovated Durant-Dort Offices building across the street, which houses extensive displays of artifacts and photos. Greg Miller, Director of University Archives at Kettering University, gave a tour of the University archives now housed in the second story of the Factory One building. These two buildings were the original facilities of what was later to become General Motors.
Following lunch, organized by Leland Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Victoria Mobley, Kevin Kirbitz gave a presentation on the history of the immediate area and the Durant, Dort and GM presence in Flint. A chapter business meeting followed, with the momentous occasion of long-serving Leland Chapter President John “Top Hat” Jendza III handing over the reins (or, tiller/steering wheel) to his successor Brian Baker. Following the business meeting, retired GM Designer Bill Porter entertained attendees with his reminisces of his career at GM.
A special thanks to Victoria Mobley, Top Hat, Brian Baker, Kevin Kirbitz and Greg Miller for making this event a success.
