A Presentation of the Film Mary's Buttons
May 21, 2012
On Monday, May 21 2012 we are presenting a movie entitled Mary's Buttons.
It was co produced by the former president of the Greater Clinton Township Historical Society and current society member, Lynn Anderson.
Because of the length of the film and the library's 9:00pm closing time, the movie will begin at 6:30 pm sharp. Come early to make sure you get a seat. The doors open at 6pm.
Mary's Buttons is the true story of the murder of a Macomb County Sheriff in 1910, the first law officer to die in the line of duty in Michigan. The shooter was the 14-year-old son of a Belgian immigrant farmer in Harrison Township. The mother of the family, Mary Govaere, was put on trial for first degree murder, while the community, distraught by the loss of their beloved Sheriff, reacted with mob violence.
The film touches on issues that are as applicable today as they were in 1910. Do immigrants add or detract from our society and our economy? Should court documents be translated into foreign languages? Do indigent people deserve free legal counsel? Can a person get a fair trial in a town that is largely biased against both their case and their kind?
Mary's Buttons was filmed entirely in Michigan at various historic locales, including the Clinton Township Historical Village, Crossroads Village, the Holly Hotel, the Lapeer County Courthouse, and the Allegan County Jail. The movie employed 270 actors and extras in authentic 1910-period wardrobe. It also utilized a number of authentic Model T Fords, horses and carriages.