  Mark Member Username: Mark Post Number: 7 Registered: 03-2004 |
I am a native Detroiter who left for greener pastures in Florida in 1976. I haven't been back to the city in many years, although (like many others on this forum)I still care about my hometown. I grew up in old Redford and graduated from Redford High in 1967. A big reunion for my class will be held next month and I am planning on attending with my wife and family. Although the reunion itself will be in the suburbs, I would like to go back to the old neighborhood, but I am not certain this is a good idea. How safe is this neighborhood these days? My sense (based on national news about Detroit and the views of my relatives who all live in distant suburbs now)is that much of Detroit is a war zone. Assuming a daylight visit with my wife and family is reasonably safe, a follow up question is what does the area look like these days? Old Redford was a wonderful place to grow up and I have nothing but happy memories of Holcomb School and Redford High. My Michigan relatives tell me to enjoy my memories. They insist that seeing old Redford today will just depress me. Although I am going to the reunion for certain, I would appreciate some advice about whether or not I should visit my old neighborhood. Thanks. | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 6160 Registered: 02-2004 |
I visit my old Detroit Ghettohood and its WORSE than I've saw it 20 years ago. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 9495 Registered: 10-2003 |
Mark - Aks your friends/family in SE Michigan if there is anywhere safe in the entire city. I'd be curious to see what they say. I'm not saying there won't be a bittersweet feeling driving through some areas but the divide and stereotyping in this region is much, much worse than when you left. Depending when you are in town you may be able to take the family to the Old Redford theater. It is done up nicely and they play old movies. The kids would probably get a kick out of the interior. | ||
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed Post Number: 1117 Registered: 02-2006 |
There are very few areas of Detroit that are unsafe to drive through during the day...probably none. | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 316 Registered: 04-2006 |
Detroit is a war zone. The US government officially designated it as such. You can only enter the maximum secured border accessibility points in 3 locations: Telegraph and Joy Conant and 8 Mile Chandler Park and Morross The rest of the city is surrounded by a wall emblazened with eternal flames reaching 50 feet into the sky. Also, you cannot drive your own vehicle. You have to be escorted by a US government armored tank. These tanks only travel on designated tracks (think Jurassic Park jeeps). There are no streets left in Detroit, so the tracks ensure that you stay strictly within fully monitored, fully fenced, secured territory so as not to mistakenly end up face to face with scary black people and their guns, pit bulls, and burning drug shacks. So, I'd just recommend attending the party in the distant suburb and not go much further than reminiscing about those tender days at Redford. When the party is over, make sure your hotel is on the Ohio side of the state line, so that when you go back home, you can brag about how bad Michigan is that you even had to stay in Toledo or else your family was in grave danger of being murdered, dismembered, and eaten for dinner. Now that I'm done being an ass...visit your old neighborhood. I'm sure you will be glad you did and especially if you take your family, you really can share with them all the great times that you had there growing up. Maybe the kids will find a new fascination with what is wrong in America in order to let its communities fall into the conditions that some are in. Your adventure can be both fun and educational. I am a student, and a year or two ago, I had a surveying job which involved me going through a very large, comprehensive coverage of Detroit proper. Everything went fine, and if I found myself uncomfortable about going down a street, I simply wouldn't go down it. Simply put, if you're not looking for trouble, you're probably not going to find it. Most of the people I encountered, even in the less than desirable neighborhoods were friendly and just curious as to what I was doing. They were taking interest in their neighborhood was all, which I told them I was glad they were doing.  | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 2150 Registered: 02-2004 |
The residential section of Old Redford is pretty nice. The business part is devastated. I went to Holcomb too. What street? | ||
Pamequus Member Username: Pamequus Post Number: 121 Registered: 07-2005 |
Mark....I went to Holcomb and would have graduated from Redford in 1967 but went to Mercy instead. I lived on Patton. Do we, perchance, know each other?? | ||
Eric_w Member Username: Eric_w Post Number: 256 Registered: 02-2007 |
If you go you will be depressed-what was there is now gone. I lived on Burt Rd, & Midland from 1967 to the 80's. It's sickening to see how far down the area has gone. | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 1241 Registered: 11-2004 |
Hell yeah Mark. Bring your family to your old neighborhood in Detroit. Your visit will probably go down a little something like this http://youtube.com/watch?v=52F TMGYs6wY In all seriousness, Old Redford is fine. Check out a movie at the Redford Theatre: http://redfordtheatre.com | ||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 1486 Registered: 12-2005 |
Mark--it's fine, you can't go home but you can go see your old street. Depending on where you lived the house you grew up in may be gone. A lot has changed since 1976, there has been a huge wave of disinvestment and class change thru most areas of the city formerly populated by working people. Not so much that you should have fear--that would be unfounded. Just use common sense. Go to local live.com and look up the address. I grew up on Braile between Clarita and Pickford, and went to Holcomb, which is still very much there. come by the Redford theatre if you are around when we are open (every other weekend) you will be amazed. www.redfordtheatre.com | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 5437 Registered: 11-2003 |
Take the family to a Sat. matinee at The Redford. Drive around all you want. Take them to a party store for a snack. They may never have seen the lazy susan and the guy behind the plate glass. Corner of Lahser and Grand River would be fine. Your streets are intact and so is the suburban racism. Yrs. ago, jjaba went to a Cass Tech. 10 yr. Reunion in Warren. That was long ago. We've never had one since. (CT class of '59) Drive the length of Grand River and then park for a ballgame at Comerica. Your family will get a good view of Detroit today on that ride. Having Michigan plates on car and daytime would be preferred. After the ballgame, you can drive on expressways, no issues. Hilton Garden Inn in Greektown is an easy way to stay downtown. Book the Ford Rouge Plant F-150 tour and go to Greenfield Village. That is still wonderful. Save time for Motown Museum on W. Grand Blvd. and The Lafayette for coneys. (Order up, two on one, one loose, mustard, lite onions, no Pepsi, Vernors.) Sit at counter. jjaba, Proudly Westside. nuthin' wrong with Detroit Zoo either. jjaba. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 3161 Registered: 02-2005 |
Absolutely, go visit. Don't let the media and misinformed exurbanites change your mind. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 5438 Registered: 11-2003 |
Mark, welcome to Forum. jjaba's old two-flat on Northlawn and Schoolcraft is intact and the community housing stock is well-maintained. Retail on Grand River/Oakman, Tappan Intermediate, Wyoming street shopping, long gone. St. Brigit's Parish converted to adaptive reuse by somebody else. Noble School intact. Second and thrid gewneration owners/kids live in same houses. No Jews on Dexter or Linwood. jjaba, Old Timey Detroit Times carrier and Westside Bar Mitzvah Bukkor. | ||
Exmotowner Member Username: Exmotowner Post Number: 333 Registered: 06-2005 |
Mark, I was just home for my first time in 10 years over memorial day. Downtown is AWSOME (the city has never EVER been that clean) Yes there are still bad parts, but sure you can drive through old redford in the daytime, I sure didnt have any problems (being the little white homo, I wasnt scared) LOL I think you will be pleasntly suprised (downtown)! Not sure about Redford area, but Im sure you can take a drive through without getting killed. | ||
Carolcb Member Username: Carolcb Post Number: 1157 Registered: 11-2006 |
Jjaba, you are a class act and I always enjoy reading your posts. Mark, regardless of the area, I have always been sad when I saw what other had done to the home I grew up in/lived in/owned. I think that is human nature, or at least it is my nature. Go - have a good time! | ||
Wkl Member Username: Wkl Post Number: 116 Registered: 11-2003 |
My wife and I where back in Detroit a few weeks ago and decided to drive through the neighborhood I grew up in. She's a California native and thought the neighborhood looked great. I on the other hand thought it looked kind of crappy. Especially the house I grew up in. Mow the lawn already! I figure the difference probably has something to do with how we "remember" the way the things uses to be. All in all, I think you have to go the objective opinion (the wife's) - so I guess the old neighbor hood looks great. | ||
Janesback Member Username: Janesback Post Number: 360 Registered: 08-2006 |
Exmotown its good to see you posting. I have a question about an area and since you seem to be an expert on locations and experienced, how is the 2200 block of W. Boston. I have a lead on a house on this boulevard and am curious if you think this straight white 30 somemthing female would have any problems in this area? I had some documentation sent , but it doesnt go into detail about the area. Please help babe, your knowledge was quite impressive about Boston Edison area and I am hoping you can reply? Its close to a large high school. Love, Jane xox | ||
Barnesfoto Member Username: Barnesfoto Post Number: 3718 Registered: 10-2003 |
The old neighborhood is rundown and there are gaps where things used to be...also, few people walking the streets. Go and see a movie at the Redford, drive down your street and ask yourself why so many people were so willing to abandon such a vibrant neighborhood with such passivity. | ||
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936 Post Number: 1609 Registered: 01-2005 |
I visit the old neighborhoods each year on my annual vacation in Michigan from Vegas. Wouldn't miss it. All the old homesteads are still looking decent except for one, which is now a vacant lot. But just being there brings back torrents of warm memories. Go for it. | ||
Jelk Member Username: Jelk Post Number: 4476 Registered: 10-2003 |
Be sure to tell the folks living in your old neighborhood what you think should be done to the place. Folks love hearing that kind of stuff. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 9503 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: especially if you can start with "This place was perfect when I lived here but you people have ruined it" | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 225 Registered: 05-2004 |
It will be like a trip through the twilight zone. Most people I know didn't leave the city because they were passive. My parents put up with a lot of cr*ap before they were forced out. We were on Winthrop and went to St. Mary of Redford. Redford Theatre is one of the few gems left in Old Redford. Hell, Redford High School is soon to be abandoned. Many of the houses are still in good shape but too many others are not. A drive down Grand River (from Lasher) to CoAmerica will wake up some downtown lovers. It's a disgrace. | ||
Lombaowski Member Username: Lombaowski Post Number: 42 Registered: 11-2004 |
I actually try to spend a full day or two in my old neighborhood (Franklin Park) every time I get back. It's a lot different but I still enjoy thinking about what it was like even 20 years ago. Old Redford is not even close to being as bad as a lot of other Detroit neighborhoods IMO. Definitely go see what it's like now and I bet you'll find some things that make you smile. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 9504 Registered: 10-2003 |
You're right - all the blame falls on those people. Don't worry, there are a lot more threads were you can interject how much Detroit sucks. It's also a disgrace that it is now 'their problem' or Detroit's problem since to those that moved away. Bitching and doing nothing - the SE Michigan attitude. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 9505 Registered: 10-2003 |
Mark - My apologies for getting sidetracked with the broken record. I won't continue to ruin your thread. I hope you have a good visit when you are back in town. | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 769 Registered: 01-2007 |
Mark, come on back. It might not be easy, but in a year or two, it might not be there. You can never go home, as the saying goes, but you can visit. Don't forget the east side if you REALLY wanna see some thing. Check any of my crappy "Detroit Quick Pics" for a preview of Detroit, as I see it. Bullet East meets West | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 11622 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote:  Man, what the hell are they showing on tv these days in regards to Detroit? A war zone? Not sure where you live in Florida, but I've heard plenty of bad shit that goes down in Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa, do you consider them war zones too? | ||
Exmotowner Member Username: Exmotowner Post Number: 334 Registered: 06-2005 |
Hey Jane, Great to hear from you. Im not real sure about W. Boston. When I was back over memorial day, I didnt get over that way much. Honestly, I would have apprehensions myself, but my running luck with Detroit isnt very good. But, I was so impressed with downtown, If I found myself single again and could find a great deal on a home with charm and character I'd do it, but I would have an alarm, bars on the windows, rottwilers and several loaded guns throughout my home and would not leave the house at night! Thats like 1001 Covington in Palmer Park going condo, If I had $200,000 for one, Hell yes I'd buy it but I'd be armed to the teeth and dare someone to come in on me, and when I left the house I'd sure as hell be packin! JUST MY OPINION GUYS. I've been through a lot in detroit and just because it was pretty clean and nice looking in Foxtown and downtown, I still have very vivid memories of very bad experiences and a still bitter taste about the city. But it was good to come home for a visit. You would really have to look at the neighborhood Jane and ask yourself this, can I go to sleep at night and feel safe. If that answer is NO then you have your answer. If your answer is yes, go for it. Good luck! | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 1082 Registered: 04-2006 |
^Prime example of why we need more gun control in this country! Who wants you walking around armed with the type of luck you have? You'll mess around and get everyone else wiped out along with you... | ||
Mark Member Username: Mark Post Number: 8 Registered: 03-2004 |
Thanks for all the responses. The folks on this forum are sure passionate about Detroit. Even those who paint a dismal picture seem to have strong feelings about the city. Given all the bad national press, it is also good to discover that there are people who are still passionate supporters of Detroit. Anyway, after reading the responses and thinking about it, I have decided that I should visit the old neighborhood. I may not like what has happened to old Redford, but it is still part of me. I'd like to see it again. In fact, there are some other parts of the city I'd like to visit as well. Thanks again for such great responses. There are widely divergent views represented on this forum, but it is certainly an articulate and passionate group. I will report back to you after my visit in mid-August. P.S. To my former neighbors who responded, I grew up on Fielding between Marion Place (Reid Park)and Glencoe. I think I will drive by Holcomb as well as take a last look at Redford High. E-mail me if you lived in the neighborhood from 1949 to 1976. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 3172 Registered: 02-2005 |
That neighborhood is quite intact, as you'll find out. That is the far NW side and though it's a tad depressed by any normal standards, blight and crime are not too widespread in this area. South towards Brightmoor is a bit worse. Be sure to travel along Lahser near Grand River to see the rejuvenating Old Redford/Redford Theatre strip on Lahser. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 5581 Registered: 11-2004 |
I think it's part of human nature to want to come back to your roots but also be prepared to be somewhat disappointed- that being said, I think that'd be true of most cities because your memory of a place is probably better than what it was or what it is now. Especially if you left here with relatively good memories of your old neighborhood, you'll come back to something different. And it might be something perfectly fine but it's got to compete with what you perceived it to be. I recently drove down the street I grew up on in NW Detroit and physically it still looked fine, but the house I grew up in was changed. The shrubs that my parents had planted are gone. The tree in the front yard that I climbed on is now too tall for anyone to climb safely. What was once white aluminum siding has been replaced with tan. As nice as it looked- it just wasn't the house I remembered. I was a little disappointed but then I tried to step back and look at the entire neighborhood as well. Some houses were improved upon and some had gone downhill a little bit. I still remember each house I had to deliver newspapers to and where they wanted the paper too. It was definitely a trip down memory lane and a heartfelt one... again, some good and some bad. Just realize that things have changed- some for the better and some for the worse. Just try not to come back to your old neighborhood with expectations of what it once was. | ||
Vetalalumni Member Username: Vetalalumni Post Number: 491 Registered: 05-2007 |
Here is a small DYes "Connect" thread named Redford High School Reunions (3) and Events - RHS is closing. If you have not done so yet, you will find also find Redford-oriented discussions here on DYes by doing a search on the term "Redford" ( or other applicable terms). (Message edited by vetalalumni on July 06, 2007) | ||
Granmontrules Member Username: Granmontrules Post Number: 115 Registered: 01-2007 |
It is not far from where I live and I think it is a good area. We have several friends that live there and they enjoy it. | ||
Granmontrules Member Username: Granmontrules Post Number: 116 Registered: 01-2007 |
I have noticed the very few times I read paulmccall you are always a negative nellie about everything. If you still live in the city either move or do something about it. If you don't then move in and do something about it. | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 228 Registered: 05-2004 |
I couldn't join the police force. The guy I voted for lost. All my fellow neighbors left way before I did. I couldn't afford to put bars on my windows. My job switched to Royal oak and I gladly moved a few blocks from where I worked. Have you had your place broken into? Have you raised a newborn in a place that has gotten robbed? I drew the line. My family's personal safety was more important than hanging around for more abuse. When you catch a guy breaking into a car in front of your house and the cops don't show up that was the last straw. That was back in 1978 and things haven't gotten any better in the neighborhoods. | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 229 Registered: 05-2004 |
I will say I am encouraged by groups like Blight Busters. The whole city has to rise up and embrace their courage and pride. Sadly, they are in the minority. | ||
Lobsterpots Member Username: Lobsterpots Post Number: 3 Registered: 06-2007 |
No fear here..I'm so looking forward to my trip to Detroit end of this month. Cash was tight this year so my daughter and I decided to go someplace we haven't been. Spirit airlines had a sale $57. each way from Boston sale, so we booked. We plan to do the museums and general sightseeing. -Ken | ||
3rdworldcity Member Username: 3rdworldcity Post Number: 771 Registered: 01-2005 |
You should probably visit Baghdad instead. Actually, although I'm a suburbanite, there are no areas I wouldn't visit during the day and only a few I wouldn't go into at night. Just like Chi, L.A., NYC, Washington, D.C. etc. | ||
Lobsterpots Member Username: Lobsterpots Post Number: 4 Registered: 06-2007 |
I'm used to living in a city (metro subs). In fact, there were two shooting murders in my "quaint New England suburban" hamlet this week. 47 stabbings last year. Most every metro area with surrounding suburbs is like this or will be someday. | ||
Pamequus Member Username: Pamequus Post Number: 122 Registered: 07-2005 |
Mark....would love to email you but don't have your addy. We shared classes at Holcomb and lived about a block apart. Methinks you will remember me. Funny thing, but I moved to Florida in 78. | ||
Mark Member Username: Mark Post Number: 9 Registered: 03-2004 |
Pamequus, By all means send me an email. My address is MKSLawyer@aol.com. It is a small world, indeed, to hear from someone who went to Holcomb and now lives in Florida!! | ||
Rickinatlanta Member Username: Rickinatlanta Post Number: 62 Registered: 07-2006 |
Lobsterpot, I encourage you to stay downtown to really enjoy the rebirth of Detroit. I'm NOT kidding! We come back up twice a year and either stay in Livonia or right downtown and really enjoy downtown better. We normally stay at the Courtyard on Jefferson to enjoy the river and take the train all around the CBD for Lafayette Coney Island, Comerica, and Greektown. | ||
Tponetom Member Username: Tponetom Post Number: 43 Registered: 06-2007 |
Mark: Visiting the old neighborhood? To do or not to do, that is the question! My younger brother lives on Radnor street, just east of Cadieux and E. Warren. My younger sister lives in SCS, south of Harper, between 8 and 9 mile road. When we visit them, there is no apprehension about making the visitation to McClellan and E. Warren. One time we had the temerity to drive down the alley behind our old house and look for the embedded metal plate that we used for "home plate' in our early baseball games. (circa l935-40). Some s.o.b. removed it. Some things are no longer sacred. Go for it Mark! My brother works for the City of Detroit, he is an Inspector and he travels all around the inner city. By the way. I would suggest that you be careful if you visit Tucson, Az. It is lawful to carry a gun in your car as long as it is visible. You cannot conceal it. So you do not want to engage in a "road rage" incident because the other driver just might shoot you. And that is not an apocryphal story. It is the law. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 3199 Registered: 02-2005 |
Good post, Tponetom. Taking off of your Tucson story, I have to say I'd be terrified to visit this one county in suburban Atlanta where someone told me you are required by law to own a firearm (don't know how that's enforced but I guess it's on the books). I'll roam the streets of Detroit anyday rather than be the one gunless person down south. | ||
Rickinatlanta Member Username: Rickinatlanta Post Number: 65 Registered: 07-2006 |
The "county" is the town of Kennesaw north of Atlanta and the "law" is merely a token and not enforced. Funny their crime rate is down since the THUGS think law abiding citizens might actually shoot back! Go ahead and roam around West Vernor around midnight and see how safe you feel! | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 3201 Registered: 02-2005 |
That's right, Kennesaw. As I suspected, it's not really enforced, but that is a hell of a sentiment to have enshrined in law. Funny, though, there are thugs in Detroit, and lots of guns. You can never be sure who has one. Yet we still have violence. Violence begets violence. It's driven by attitudes, but enabled by the presence of guns. I'm no hippie. I vote Republican. But c'mon, you don't really believe that guns are what makes Kennesaw "safe." If it's indeed safe, give yourself or the people who live their some credit. It's not the guns. There are a lot of unpredictable people out there. A lot of people "snap", or have "rage." Seems like having a gun at hand would make it alot easier for the worst rather than the best to come out of a situation. | ||
Kslice Member Username: Kslice Post Number: 92 Registered: 04-2007 |
Downtown is really not much different than any other city. Even some of our abandoned builings look pretty nice. Greektown is as good as ever. The riverwalk is huge, Sure you can't launch your boat but thats the price you pay. As Bob Barker would say "Mark, come on down" | ||
Exmotowner Member Username: Exmotowner Post Number: 339 Registered: 06-2005 |
Iheartthed, Do you have a gun? Wonder how many do? Good thread question. Will ask that question. Iheartthed, How much Sht do you take before you arm yourself. Hell yea if I lived back in the D. I'd be armed! |
