Mettetal Airport/Street

[Planner3357]

Does anyone have any history on the origins of the name of the street in Detroit or the airport in Plymouth?

[PlymouthRes]

Mettetal was the name of the fellow who originally owned and operated the airport.

"Raphael Mettetal, the founder of the Mettetal Airport was born January 13, 1889, and was a builder with universal talents. He arrived in Canton in 1916, from Redford Township and purchased 100 acres of land from Warren Kennedy and Louis Kaiser. Mettetal helped contractors design and build the airport on the east side of Lilley Road, a greenhouse, a brick mansion, and 3 other houses for his children, Lewis, Esther and Marvin.
The airport opened in 1939.
The Mettetal's were active in church and civic affairs. His wife Stella[[9-30-1889 to 1-4-1965), who had graduated from the Detroit Conservatory had inspired him to join the choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth.
Upon retiring, Raphael moved to Drayton Plains, Michigan and donated land and helped build a church. He was an active Mason, being an honorary member and past Grand Master of the Plymouth Temple. He passed away December 26, 1961.
He and Stella had 10 children, most of whom were born in Canton Township. Their daughter, Esther later married Robert Scheppele and continued to live in one of the houses her father helped build. His sons, Robert and Marvin managed the Mettetal Airport."

http://www.oocities.org/histmich/cantonfamily2.html

More about Mr. Mettetal here:

http://www.thevalleyfamily.org/showm...hp?mediaID=201

You could also check with the Canton Historical Museum [[http://cantonhistoricalsociety.org/ ) as they may have additional information for you. Hope this helps!

Res