Karl Schachter, May 4th, 2024
Title
Karl Schachter, May 4th, 2024
Description
In this interview, Karl Schachter shares his views on his community and his work trying to make a difference when it comes to climate change.
In partnership with the Manistique Community Treehouse Center.
In partnership with the Manistique Community Treehouse Center.
Publisher
Detroit Historical Society
Rights
Detroit Historical Society
Language
en-US
Narrator/Interviewee's Name
Karl Schachter
Brief Biography
Karl Schachter has lived in places like Pittsburg, California before settling in Detroit in 1979. Currently retired, he is a former factory worker with a passion for solar energy.
Interviewer's Name
Kevin Hawthorne
Date
05/04/2024
Interview Length
11:19
Transcription
Kevin Hawthorne: Hello, this is Kevin Hawthorne with the Detroit Historical Museum for the oral history project. And I'm here today with.
Karl Schachter: Karl Schachter.
KH: Thank you Karl and could you spell your name for the record?
KS: Yeah, my first name is K a r l, and my last name is s c h a c h t e r.
KH: All right. Thank you so much. And we're just going to start with a couple questions. Do you live in the city of Detroit?
KS: Yes I do.
KH: In which area? Which, neighborhood?
KS: In the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood.
KH: Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. How long have you lived there?
KS: Since 2007 So.. well, over many years. That is 17 years.
KH: All right, 17 years. Have you lived in any other neighborhoods in the city?
KS: Oh, yes.
KH: Which ones?
KS: I don't know what the neighborhoods are called, but out on the west northwest side by evergreen and Joy road, I lived there, I lived down by the campus on Willis by Wayne State campus and I've lived in the southwest part of Detroit on Toledo. So I've been in Detroit since 79.
KH: where do you live before?
KS: California.
KH: California. Where in California?
KS: Northern California and southern California. Yeah, I graduated in Northern California. Graduated from high school.
KH: Oh, excellent. And then did you, go to college in California? Did you go to college out here?
KS: Part both.
KH: All right and do you work in the city of Detroit currently?
KS: I'm currently, retired.
KH: What year did you retire in?
KS: In 20—It was 2011 or 2012.
KH: All right excellent and, what was your work before you retired?
KS: Factory worker. I'd say factory worker.
KH: What? Factories? Just like, the motor company factories or other factories?
KS: Yeah, I worked in printing plants, I worked in steel mills, I worked in auto plants.
KH: All right. And what do you remember which areas? A lot of those factories were in which area of Detroit.
KS: Well, actually one of them was in Pittsburgh when I lived there for a couple of years as work for U.S. steel. In a blast furnace. Right. When I moved back to Detroit in 79. I worked in auto, the, Ford, assembly plant on Michigan Avenue and Wayne Road around that area. I worked in, various companies that had, well, I guess you call them— Well, I guess I guess you just call them, various companies that require a lot of, labor to to stockpile things, and. Yeah.
KH: All right.
KS: And also my my last job was at, Bluewater Automotive Systems, and that plant closed down and went out of business. And this was in. 2008.
KH: So how did you get involved with the tree house?
KS: The tree house? My neighbor, Tammy Black. I live right across the street from her. And, yeah, I. Yeah, yeah.
KH: So when she talked to you about it, what was the thing that really got you interested in the tree house? Was there anything specific?
KS: It wasn't so much the specific point about the tree house as it was kind of, rebuilding the neighborhood, bringing the neighborhood back and making it something a good place for people to live. Yeah you know, treehouses are definitely part of that. That was, I think, the first start of it.
KH: And what services do you think the, your organization helps with the community to help combat things like climate change?
KS: Oh, the only thing I can really think of about climate change offhand is, the solar energy project, which, I've been a part of. I kind of pushed for it because I kind of on that tip myself.
KH: Oh, so you've been one of the big proponents of solar panels?
KS: Absolutely.
KH: When did you first get interested in solar panels?
KS: Yeah, probably, about four years ago. I started getting interested in alternative forms of energy, and I started learning more about the ecology and environment and Carbon footprints and all that.
KH: So, have you implemented them in your house personally? Solar panels?
KS: Yes. I have solar panels on my roof.
KH: Yes. And, with the tree house, with encouraging solar panels. I know a big concern is the price. Have you been trying to find a solution for that with the tree house?
KS: Well, when I originally, decided to set up the solar panels, there was an offer being made by the tree house people who, in conjunction with a so, solar power company out of Ferndale, and distributed power and, they they had a very good deal going where you could buy into it and get panels on your house for a very reasonable price. So that's why I took part in.
KH: Excellent. So we've talked about the tree house, the solar efforts. But, would you be able to tell me anything about the Tree House's flooding prevention efforts?
KS: I'm not— I know, I know that in the neighborhood, they've been doing a lot towards rain gardens and whatever and, some of this I've been doing on my own for my own house, rain barrels, rain gardens and kind of shoring up the foundation area and also very recently, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department installed back backflow preventers. So I have one of those in my system. Yeah.
KH: Have you seen an increase in flooding in the neighborhood in recent years?
KS: Actually, I've seen worse flooding in past years, but the one that happened in 21 was a bad one because the sewer backed up. Yeah and into the into people's basements and everything, including mine, and went up 3.5ft or so and— But as far as, beyond that, I think, actually, my basement has been relatively dry. The neighborhood is I mean, it seems passable. I mean, you know, when it rains hard, you know, you can still drive down the streets and you won't be flooded.
KH: So, would you be able to tell me anything about the, tree houses partnership with the National Weather Service?
KS: That I'm really not all that— You know, and I'm not.
KH: But, you know, about you guys are working with them like, but you don't know.
KS: I heard about it, but I don't know about the details.
KH: That's totally okay. With you, the Treehouse organization, how do you think you're able to engage with the community?
KS: Hmhm. I, you know, I, I guess I'll have to say that I don't really feel that much part of the organization as much as I am a concerned resident. And for people who are involved in the organization, you'd have to, probably talk to Tammy and she probably, you know, tell you who the best people are in the organization. So I'm just— Just consider me a concerned resident.
KH: All right. So do you think the tree house has been doing a good job in the community? You, approve of their efforts?
KS: Oh, absolutely. They've been doing great. Yeah.
KH: How do you think they've been able to educate more of the residents. How do you think they've been? What do you think is their main effort of, being able to educate people?
KS: Well, I know they they put out, depending on what's going on, they'll put out, information to people in terms of fliers. They'll have people go around and hand out fliers, they'll have meetings and discussions. And, when things come up, they'll they'll be, they'll be there and, you know, and. Talking to people about it.
KH: Excellent. So as you said, you are a more a concerned resident rather than involved with the group. How have you seen other citizens of your community react to the tree house or most of them accepting, or are they apathetic?
KS: That's hard to say. I'm just— I mean, just in terms of me, because I'm not all that involved. I mean, I just.. you know, do my own thing pretty much. But, yeah, people like a lot of the ideas coming out of that but as far as activity, I'm not so sure. I really don't know what people are actually active in.
KH: And, you have your own solar panel, but if you could have one piece of green infrastructure, that you could get the tree house to use more which, would it be, would it be the wind turbine, or would it, mainly be like things like solar panels?
KS: I haven't thought about wind turbine. That's that's possible I mean, I'd think about it, but I think at this point, you know, the solar panels, that's been kind of like what we've been going with now. And I think there's some kinds of ideas about how, the whole neighborhood could become, solar neighborhood and, and that really pleases me. the Thought of that.
KH: And would you like to see that implemented, like, citywide? What do you think that?
KS: Oh, I think that would be great. Yeah, yeah.
KH: Do you think the city could be doing more to engage with things like, solar power and other green efforts to combat climate change? Do you think the city as a whole could be doing more?
KS: I think so, absolutely. I think that they seem to be at times, they seem to be favorable towards it, they'll help people out, they'll give people breaks in terms of projects that they get going around solar. But, I think it could be much more proactive around implementing, a solarization of Detroit
KH: Solarization of Detroit. That's a that's a great term. All right, all right. Is there any final things you'd like to say for the record today?
KS: No, I think it's good. I really enjoy what's been going on here. I hope it continues to get backing, and gets more backing from, you know, the city, the powers that be and yeah We'll see what happens down the road.
KH: All right. Well, thank you so much for your time today, Karl. I really appreciate it.
KS: Okay. And it's Kevin, right?
KH: Kevin yes
KS: Okay Thank you.
Karl Schachter: Karl Schachter.
KH: Thank you Karl and could you spell your name for the record?
KS: Yeah, my first name is K a r l, and my last name is s c h a c h t e r.
KH: All right. Thank you so much. And we're just going to start with a couple questions. Do you live in the city of Detroit?
KS: Yes I do.
KH: In which area? Which, neighborhood?
KS: In the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood.
KH: Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. How long have you lived there?
KS: Since 2007 So.. well, over many years. That is 17 years.
KH: All right, 17 years. Have you lived in any other neighborhoods in the city?
KS: Oh, yes.
KH: Which ones?
KS: I don't know what the neighborhoods are called, but out on the west northwest side by evergreen and Joy road, I lived there, I lived down by the campus on Willis by Wayne State campus and I've lived in the southwest part of Detroit on Toledo. So I've been in Detroit since 79.
KH: where do you live before?
KS: California.
KH: California. Where in California?
KS: Northern California and southern California. Yeah, I graduated in Northern California. Graduated from high school.
KH: Oh, excellent. And then did you, go to college in California? Did you go to college out here?
KS: Part both.
KH: All right and do you work in the city of Detroit currently?
KS: I'm currently, retired.
KH: What year did you retire in?
KS: In 20—It was 2011 or 2012.
KH: All right excellent and, what was your work before you retired?
KS: Factory worker. I'd say factory worker.
KH: What? Factories? Just like, the motor company factories or other factories?
KS: Yeah, I worked in printing plants, I worked in steel mills, I worked in auto plants.
KH: All right. And what do you remember which areas? A lot of those factories were in which area of Detroit.
KS: Well, actually one of them was in Pittsburgh when I lived there for a couple of years as work for U.S. steel. In a blast furnace. Right. When I moved back to Detroit in 79. I worked in auto, the, Ford, assembly plant on Michigan Avenue and Wayne Road around that area. I worked in, various companies that had, well, I guess you call them— Well, I guess I guess you just call them, various companies that require a lot of, labor to to stockpile things, and. Yeah.
KH: All right.
KS: And also my my last job was at, Bluewater Automotive Systems, and that plant closed down and went out of business. And this was in. 2008.
KH: So how did you get involved with the tree house?
KS: The tree house? My neighbor, Tammy Black. I live right across the street from her. And, yeah, I. Yeah, yeah.
KH: So when she talked to you about it, what was the thing that really got you interested in the tree house? Was there anything specific?
KS: It wasn't so much the specific point about the tree house as it was kind of, rebuilding the neighborhood, bringing the neighborhood back and making it something a good place for people to live. Yeah you know, treehouses are definitely part of that. That was, I think, the first start of it.
KH: And what services do you think the, your organization helps with the community to help combat things like climate change?
KS: Oh, the only thing I can really think of about climate change offhand is, the solar energy project, which, I've been a part of. I kind of pushed for it because I kind of on that tip myself.
KH: Oh, so you've been one of the big proponents of solar panels?
KS: Absolutely.
KH: When did you first get interested in solar panels?
KS: Yeah, probably, about four years ago. I started getting interested in alternative forms of energy, and I started learning more about the ecology and environment and Carbon footprints and all that.
KH: So, have you implemented them in your house personally? Solar panels?
KS: Yes. I have solar panels on my roof.
KH: Yes. And, with the tree house, with encouraging solar panels. I know a big concern is the price. Have you been trying to find a solution for that with the tree house?
KS: Well, when I originally, decided to set up the solar panels, there was an offer being made by the tree house people who, in conjunction with a so, solar power company out of Ferndale, and distributed power and, they they had a very good deal going where you could buy into it and get panels on your house for a very reasonable price. So that's why I took part in.
KH: Excellent. So we've talked about the tree house, the solar efforts. But, would you be able to tell me anything about the Tree House's flooding prevention efforts?
KS: I'm not— I know, I know that in the neighborhood, they've been doing a lot towards rain gardens and whatever and, some of this I've been doing on my own for my own house, rain barrels, rain gardens and kind of shoring up the foundation area and also very recently, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department installed back backflow preventers. So I have one of those in my system. Yeah.
KH: Have you seen an increase in flooding in the neighborhood in recent years?
KS: Actually, I've seen worse flooding in past years, but the one that happened in 21 was a bad one because the sewer backed up. Yeah and into the into people's basements and everything, including mine, and went up 3.5ft or so and— But as far as, beyond that, I think, actually, my basement has been relatively dry. The neighborhood is I mean, it seems passable. I mean, you know, when it rains hard, you know, you can still drive down the streets and you won't be flooded.
KH: So, would you be able to tell me anything about the, tree houses partnership with the National Weather Service?
KS: That I'm really not all that— You know, and I'm not.
KH: But, you know, about you guys are working with them like, but you don't know.
KS: I heard about it, but I don't know about the details.
KH: That's totally okay. With you, the Treehouse organization, how do you think you're able to engage with the community?
KS: Hmhm. I, you know, I, I guess I'll have to say that I don't really feel that much part of the organization as much as I am a concerned resident. And for people who are involved in the organization, you'd have to, probably talk to Tammy and she probably, you know, tell you who the best people are in the organization. So I'm just— Just consider me a concerned resident.
KH: All right. So do you think the tree house has been doing a good job in the community? You, approve of their efforts?
KS: Oh, absolutely. They've been doing great. Yeah.
KH: How do you think they've been able to educate more of the residents. How do you think they've been? What do you think is their main effort of, being able to educate people?
KS: Well, I know they they put out, depending on what's going on, they'll put out, information to people in terms of fliers. They'll have people go around and hand out fliers, they'll have meetings and discussions. And, when things come up, they'll they'll be, they'll be there and, you know, and. Talking to people about it.
KH: Excellent. So as you said, you are a more a concerned resident rather than involved with the group. How have you seen other citizens of your community react to the tree house or most of them accepting, or are they apathetic?
KS: That's hard to say. I'm just— I mean, just in terms of me, because I'm not all that involved. I mean, I just.. you know, do my own thing pretty much. But, yeah, people like a lot of the ideas coming out of that but as far as activity, I'm not so sure. I really don't know what people are actually active in.
KH: And, you have your own solar panel, but if you could have one piece of green infrastructure, that you could get the tree house to use more which, would it be, would it be the wind turbine, or would it, mainly be like things like solar panels?
KS: I haven't thought about wind turbine. That's that's possible I mean, I'd think about it, but I think at this point, you know, the solar panels, that's been kind of like what we've been going with now. And I think there's some kinds of ideas about how, the whole neighborhood could become, solar neighborhood and, and that really pleases me. the Thought of that.
KH: And would you like to see that implemented, like, citywide? What do you think that?
KS: Oh, I think that would be great. Yeah, yeah.
KH: Do you think the city could be doing more to engage with things like, solar power and other green efforts to combat climate change? Do you think the city as a whole could be doing more?
KS: I think so, absolutely. I think that they seem to be at times, they seem to be favorable towards it, they'll help people out, they'll give people breaks in terms of projects that they get going around solar. But, I think it could be much more proactive around implementing, a solarization of Detroit
KH: Solarization of Detroit. That's a that's a great term. All right, all right. Is there any final things you'd like to say for the record today?
KS: No, I think it's good. I really enjoy what's been going on here. I hope it continues to get backing, and gets more backing from, you know, the city, the powers that be and yeah We'll see what happens down the road.
KH: All right. Well, thank you so much for your time today, Karl. I really appreciate it.
KS: Okay. And it's Kevin, right?
KH: Kevin yes
KS: Okay Thank you.
Files
Collection
Citation
“Karl Schachter, May 4th, 2024,” Detroit Historical Society Oral History Archive, accessed January 22, 2025, https://oralhistory.detroithistorical.org/items/show/1008.