'Michigan Matters' Focus: Of Semi-Trailers, Shoes And Elephants

(CBS Detroit) - August Fruehauf invented the semi-trailer 100 years ago which helped shape the 20th century.

What became of Fruehauf and the company he founded?

Ruth Fruehauf, his grandaughter, talks about the unique company started in 1914 and where it stands today with host Carol Cain on this week's "Michigan Matters."

She also talks about her new book, "Singing Wheels:  August Fruehauf and the Fruehauf Trailer Company." and an exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum about the company.

She talked about how her father, Roy, helped President Dwight D. Eisenhower back in the day and how involved he was in helping create our national highway system.

Then Faith Fowler, executive director of Cass Community Social Services, discusses their new publishing company as well as their Detroit Treads effort, which was launched a year ago and makes sandals and other products out of old tires.

Craig Stigleman, First Vice President for the Detroit Shriner, talks about the Shrine Circus as it comes to town March 20-22 with trapeze artists, elephants and more.

Watch "Michigan Matters" 11:30 am Sunday on CBS 62.