On Alpena’s east side, jutting towards Thunder Bay, are Baldwin, Blair, and Crapo streets. Just before you enter Alpena Township, on the city’s far west side, is Bagley Street. Each of these streets has the namesake of a former Michigan governor.

The question posed is, where is Comstock Street? After all, Michigan’s 33rd governor, William Alfred Comstock, was an Alpena native.

Born in 1877 in Alpena, Comstock graduated from the University of Michigan in 1899.

While at the university he was an active brother of Zeta Psi international fraternity. His personal vision for the organization was to publish a newsletter connecting all the chapters. In 1909, he accomplished this vision with the introduction of a newsletter, “The Circle.”

In his early career years, Comstock was recognized as a regional business leader within real estate, banking, and railroads.

COMSTOCK ENTERS POLITICS

Archives from the National Governors Association noted in 1911 Comstock entered his political career when he served as Alpena County’s Democratic party chairperson. Subsequently, he served as the city’s mayor from 1913 to 1914. In addition, for a period of time, he served on the U-M’s board of regents.

From 1920 to 1924, he was chair of Michigan’s Democratic State Party. Beginning in 1924 to 1930, he served on the Democratic National Committee.

In 1926, 1928, and 1930, Comstock was an unsuccessful candidate pursuing the party’s candidacy as Michigan’s governor.

However, in the 1932 election, he was selected as the party’s candidate. He was elected and served as Michigan’s governor from 1933 to 1935.

The National Governors Association’s historical research noted during his tenure the state’s first sales tax was authorized. In addition, he proposed an old-age pension system which failed to be implemented.

With the Great Depression occurring, Comstock established a trust commission and implemented an eight-day state of Michigan bank holiday. This approach was later affirmed by President Franklin Roosevelt which led to a national bank holiday offering financial stability.

I’LL DRINK TO THAT!

During the 18th Amendment’s implementation prohibiting alcohol production and sales, Michigan was full of booze. About 75% of the alcohol consumed within the United States came through a Detroit pipeline. Canada was just across the Detroit River with Ontario having 29 breweries and 16 distilleries.

Through Comstock’s leadership, Michigan became the first state to vote yes on the U.S. Congress’ 21st Amendment ending prohibition.

On April 10, 1933, Michigan’s leadership voted yes to implement the 21st Amendment. The remaining states did not ratify this new Amendment until much later in the year.

Media reports stated Comstock celebrated Michigan’s leadership role by pouring a glass of beer and purchasing a legal bottle of whiskey.

POST GOVERNOR’S LIFE

Comstock departed as Michigan’s governor on Jan. 1, 1935.

In the years that followed, he served on the Michigan Civil Service Commission and the Detroit City Council.

Located in Detroit near the intersection of the John C. Lodge Freeway and 8 Mile Road, on Oxley Street, is the Comstock municipal park. The multi-acre complex offers recreation for football, baseball, soccer, tennis, a walking path, and play area.

Returning to Alpena, Comstock passed away of a stroke on June 16, 1949. He is interred at Alpena’s Evergreen Cemetery.

Jeffrey D. Brasie is a retired health care CEO. He frequently writes historic feature stories and op-eds for various Michigan newspapers. As a Vietnam-era veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve. He served on the public affairs staff of the Secretary of the Navy. He grew up in Alpena and resides in suburban Detroit.