Joe Fine facts for kids

Joseph Fine (born June 13, 1895 – died October 4, 1969) was a smart businessman and a leader in politics in Marquette, Michigan. He was born in Lithuania but moved to the United States and became a citizen. He lived most of his life in Marquette.

In the 1960s, Joe Fine was very active in city government. He served as mayor, a city commissioner, and a member of the Board of Light and Power. He helped create Marquette's Board of Light and Power, which runs the city's own power station.

For over 40 years, he owned many businesses in Marquette. His most famous business was a unique tavern. At the time of his death, a local newspaper called him "one of the city's best known merchants." He also helped many community groups, including religious and social organizations.

Early Life and Military Service

Joseph Fine was born on June 13, 1895, in the Russian Empire. In 1913, he moved to the United States. He first settled in Boston, Massachusetts, and worked in a factory.

In 1916, he moved to Marquette, Michigan. His brother, Samuel "Sam" Fine, and his uncle, Abraham "Abe" Fine, already lived there. Joe Fine joined the United States Army during World War I. He served from 1918 to 1919. The war ended before he went to Europe. His military service helped him become a United States citizen.

Family Life

In 1933, Joseph Fine married Ruth Wolfe. They had their first child, Bernard, in 1935. Their second child, Lithia, was born in 1938.

Running Businesses in Marquette

Joseph Fine was known as "one of the city's best known merchants." He ran businesses in Marquette for over 40 years.

One of his first jobs in Marquette was working with his brother Sam. They worked in a slaughterhouse owned by their uncle Abe. In the mid-1920s, Joe and Sam ran a grocery store together.

In 1934, Joe Fine left the grocery business. He bought a tavern in downtown Marquette and named it "Joe's Tavern." An advertisement from that time said:

Blatz ... on tap for the first time in Marquette ... 5 cents a glass. Beer and lunches served in a tavern atmosphere. Booths and tables for ladies and men. A nice place to stop when you are out for a drive.

Around World War II, Joe Fine made big changes to his Tavern. By the 1950s, Joe's Tavern was so unusual that a major newspaper in Detroit wrote about it. One unique rule was that the Tavern was only open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This early opening time allowed people who worked night shifts to visit before going home. Joe Fine said, "If a fellow decides to stay out late, his wife knows he's not here. And this way the bartenders and I get a chance to get home for dinner, too."

Another unusual thing was that there were only a few chairs. These chairs were for older or sick customers. Most people stood. This helped the bartenders see if someone had too many drinks. Even with these unique rules, Joe's Tavern was very popular. It had low prices, a friendly feeling, and dedicated staff. Its 57-foot bar was usually busy with all kinds of customers.

In 1962, Joe Fine sold the Tavern. But he didn't stay retired for long. For the rest of his life, he ran other businesses in Marquette. These included a newsstand, a cigar stand, a hobby shop, and another bar.

Serving in Public Office

In 1961, Joe Fine began his career in city politics. He ran for Marquette city commissioner and won. He was re-elected for another two-year term in 1963. In 1964, the commissioners voted him to be the mayor. At the same time, Fine also served on the Marquette County Board of Supervisors.

Joe Fine was very important in creating the Marquette Board of Light and Power. This board runs the city's own power plant. He was also chosen as one of the first members of the Board. After being re-elected, he became the Board's chairman.

A local newspaper wrote about Joe Fine's public service:

When he ran for office it was always for an ideal and with a view to service, not for personal gain. He never accepted open support from groups or individuals. 'If I can't win on my own I don't want to,' he'd say. Yet Joe Fine always won any election he entered. In fact, he always ran first in the field.

Community Involvement

Joseph Fine also helped many religious, social, and community groups. From 1952 to 1953, he helped create the first Jewish temple in the area. Even though he was Jewish, he also supported local churches. He once said, "I figure as long as I am able to give something to help build a church—any kind of church—it must be a good cause and this must be a good country."

In 1962, he became the commander of the Marquette American Legion post. He was also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Elks Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Kiwanis Club.