Congratulations to Royal Oak: City of the Week with WCSX! According to the Royal Oak website, Royal Oak was established as a township on January 23, 1819. And then as a village on March 18, 1891. The first mayor was George A. Dondero.

By the time Royal Oak was established as a city, the population had grown to over 6000 residents. Today the population exceeds 57,000 and continues to boom.

Royal Oak with Woodward Avenue and I696 is well-connected to everything from Detroit to Pontiac. Which has only increased money to flow in for further development.

Land was purchased in Royal Oak and turned into the incredibly popular Detroit Zoo in 1926.

In 1928 the Kunsky Royal Oak was opened and was eventually transformed into the Royal Oak Music Theater. Amazing acts have played there since 1978 including Lady Gaga, Elvis Costello, and Adele to name a few.

Here are some Royal Oak Factoids:

• It's About Community

  Royal Oak is part of the 28 miles of Woodward Avenue that connects from Detroit to Pontiac.

• Why Royal Oak?

  Royal Oak was named after a large oak that reminded Governor Lewis Cass of a legend. The legend was that King Charles of England II took refuge from enemy forces under an oak. Cass and his men called this tree “Royal Oak”. 

• Now That's A Church!

  One of the most easily recognized structures in Royal Oak is the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica. This church can be seen as you travel Woodward with its amazing Art Deco designs. I recall even taking school trips to appreciate the skills that went into the construction.

• Arts Beats & Eats INDEED!

  Between the Woodward Dream Cruise and Arts Beats & Eats, Royal Oak has so many things for everyone to do. AB&E has been in Downtown Royal Oak since 2010 and has only grown in attendance. This year you can catch great artists like Joan Jett and Haelstorm!

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