The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

FORD'S CURVE; DEAD MAN'S CURVE

ON LAKESHORE ROAD, BETWEEN 8 AND 9 MILE ROADS IN GROSSE POINTE
SHORES, MICHIGAN, THERE IS A CURVE IN THE ROAD KNOWN AS "FORD'S
CURVE." THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTED MANY ACCIDENTS FROM KIDS
DRAG RACING ON THIS STREET. BRIAN, AT 19, RECEIVED A 1966
CORVETTE STING RAY FOR HIS BIRTHDAY. ONE DAY, DRIVING DOWN
LAKESHORE, ANOTHER CORVETTE APPROACHED HIM; THEY DECIDED TO
"DRAG." THE BOY IN THE OTHER CAR DIDN'T MAKE IT AFTER REACHING
THE CURVE--HE DIED 3 HOURS LATER. BRIAN ALSO ENDED UP IN
CRITICAL CONDITION FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. AFTER THIS FATAL ACCIDENT
THE CURVE WAS NAMED "DEAD MAN'S CURVE."

Where learned: GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Subject headings:

PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land

Date learned: 00-00-1966