  Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 1 Registered: 04-2007 |
Hey guys, this is my first post here but I have been interested in Detroit history for a long time and I often stop by this page to read some -posts. I work in South-east Detroit @ Fort st. and 75. Last week I was heading noth on 75 but I got sidetracked by traffic and ended up on Gratiot. I needed to go west so took a left on Chene and ended up going through what must have been a beautiful, quant "main st." type area years ago, that I never new existed. Unfortunately most of the buildings were boarded up and probably have been for years. I don't know anything about architecture so I can't really explain them. I was just wondereing if anyone knows something about the area, or if someone maybe has some pictures they can post of the area in its heyday? I am not sure exactly where it was on Chene but it was definitely somewhere on Chene between Gratiot and 94, maybe just after Ferry | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1798 Registered: 04-2005 |
Welcome to the forum. There is quite a lot about the northern part of Chene St from Canfield to the Poletown plant in the HOF thread: The Early Detroit Polish Community | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 3281 Registered: 10-2003 |
You probably are referring to the 2-3 blocks of Chene north of Ferry. It's one of the few parts of Chene with a continuous section of stores. The sidewalks are narrow and the store fronts seem to be right up against the street, giving the feeling of driving in a canyon. Behind the stores on the west side of Chene is the Chene-Ferry market. I guess this was the south end of the Poletown neighborhood. Not so quaint anymore. Lately, prostitution seems to be the best business on the street. | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 2 Registered: 04-2007 |
Mike, That's exactly where I was talking about. God, it makes me so sad/upset about what these once beautiful, proud neighborhoods have become. To see Detroit back in the 30's and 40's in it's heyday for me, would be a dream come true. Maybe one day it will come back to it's original glory. But especially in this "Poletown" neighborhood, it seems like a longshot. Any idea if this is one of the areas picked by Kwame for revitilization? | ||
Gtat44 Member Username: Gtat44 Post Number: 124 Registered: 02-2007 |
Check out some of Bullet's pics. There are some from that area. Looking at them you can IMAGINE what life was like back then. | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 3 Registered: 04-2007 |
Bullett? Sorry I'm a noob and don't know what that means. Is it someones profile? | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 2066 Registered: 12-2005 |
Msuscorpio, Here are some recent photos by Bulletmagnet: Detroit Quick Pic 6.0. Welcome to the forum.  | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2576 Registered: 10-2003 |
Msuscorpio, you should probably buy a map and a compass. I-75 @ fort is in Southwest Detroit. Chene runs closer to north south not east west. (NNW - SSE to be exact.) | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 4 Registered: 04-2007 |
Uh ya, I'm pretty sure I know where I was. I was heading from work to Royal Oak up 75 and missed an exit. That's how I ended up there. | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2577 Registered: 10-2003 |
You may have known where you were. But your description of where you were is wrong. quote: | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 5 Registered: 04-2007 |
What are you talking about? Yes "technically" Chene runs NW. But the other people who responded seemed to under stand what I was talking about. You've got nothing better to do than troll a message board busting my balls? I may not know much about the area but I do know that it doesn't make much sense that 75 and Fort is considered SW Detroit when it's about as far east as you can get, but I guess that's how it is. | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2578 Registered: 10-2003 |
You must be new here. | ||
Wally2times Member Username: Wally2times Post Number: 11 Registered: 03-2007 |
Chene in Poletown area was great up until late 70's. It was amazing and I loved growing up there. | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 3284 Registered: 10-2003 |
I-75 crosses Fort Street near River Rouge, on the far southwest side of Detroit, hence the confusion when you said you work in southeast Detroit. To answer your question; no, I do not know if this area has been picked by the mayor for revitalization. | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 6 Registered: 04-2007 |
Ya, I already said that in my original post. If you'd read the entire thing, not just the pieces that I so terribly screwed up, you'd know that. Wally, any pics from back in the day? | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 7 Registered: 04-2007 |
Well let me just apologize then. I figured that since this office is literally in the southern part of the city and just about as far east as you can go, without hitting the river, that it would be considered "southeast". If I have offended anyone, I will personally kick my own ass! | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 1466 Registered: 11-2003 |
I think your confusion lies that all of the northwest, northeast, southwest, southeast descriptions come from where they sit in comparison to the center of the city. Compared to the center of the city, Fort is in the southwest. | ||
Royce Member Username: Royce Post Number: 2216 Registered: 07-2004 |
Jimaz, those Detroit 6.0 shots are mostly of Grand River Avenue. Bulletmagnet did take some good shots of Chene, but these aren't the ones. BTW, Msuscopio, if you want to know what Chene was like in its heyday, go to Jos. Campau(north of Holbrook) in Hamtramck. The scale and activity you find on Jos. Campau is very similar to what it was like on Chene decades ago. (Message edited by royce on May 01, 2007) | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 372 Registered: 01-2007 |
Welcome Msuscorpio! I dont have time at this moment (gotta get to work!), but I'll post a few shots of that ghettohood here later on today, so please stick around, check out the site, and enjoy! (Message edited by Bulletmagnet on May 01, 2007) | ||
Missnmich Member Username: Missnmich Post Number: 592 Registered: 11-2004 |
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 3 Registered: 04-2007 Posted on Monday, April 30, 2007 - 2:56 pm: ------------------------------ ------------------------------ -------------------- Bullett? Sorry I'm a noob and don't know what that means. Is it someones profile? Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2578 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Monday, April 30, 2007 - 4:10 pm: ------------------------------ ------------------------------ -------------------- You must be new here. Brilliant Ndavies. Now stop being so cranky. Welcome Scorpiomsu | ||
Concon Member Username: Concon Post Number: 4 Registered: 04-2007 |
Chene Street was the main street of old Polonia (Latin for Poles, i.e. Poles and their descendants, Polish Americans). The Univ. of Michigan has a Chene Street Project for those who are interested in contributing materials. Google the Chene St. project for more. Contact Marian Krzyzowski, <mjsk@umich.edu> | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 373 Registered: 01-2007 |
Msuscorpio, here are a few shots of Chene Street as seen today: http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup042907054.jpg?t=1178057076 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup042907102.jpg?t=1178057111 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup042907099.jpg?t=1178057155 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup042907066.jpg?t=1178057232 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup042907049.jpg?t=1178057361 From a few weeks ago: http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/100_31 03.jpg?t=1178057622 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/100_31 01.jpg?t=1178057677 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/100_31 00.jpg?t=1178057715 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/100_30 97.jpg?t=1178057786 From March: http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup032607121.jpg?t=1178057983 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup032607118.jpg?t=1178058027 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup032607116.jpg?t=1178058060 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup032607114.jpg?t=1178058096 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup032607115.jpg?t=1178058127 I think I have more around someplace, but I don't want to be too repetitive for the sake of those who have seen them posted here in the past. P.S. Please feel free to check out any of the 'Detroit Quick Pic' series for more photos and discussion. (Message edited by Bulletmagnet on May 01, 2007) | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 376 Registered: 01-2007 |
Msuscorpio, I just wanted to call your attention to this topic about the same ghettohood: https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/5/99776.html?1177864702 | ||
Paczki Member Username: Paczki Post Number: 22 Registered: 02-2007 |
I grew up in this neighborhood in the 60's and 70's and loved it. We went to the Chene Ferry Market for produce and fresh poultry every Saturday, bought our groceries at A&P or the grocery store on Palmer that was behind the bakery on the corner of Chene and Palmer. I had my first Communion Party in the hall that was above the Bakery and had my Communion pictures taken at the photography studio on Chene. The bakery also had the best Napolians. A Kowalski Deli was between the bakery and grocery store. I had my first car accident in the parking lot of the grocery store when I was 16 and my mom had sent me up to Kowalski to get hot dogs. It was the first time she let me take the car by myself. There was a record store across the street from the bakery and we would walk up to the store to buy the latest 45 topping the charts. The parents of one of my best friends from grade school owned Dane Donuts. We would go in the bakery and lift up the top glass counter and help our selves to donuts. I learned how to fill donuts with jelly and custard helping my friend finish her work so we could hang out in the park behind the donut shop. We bought our pizzas at Dan and Vi's and my cousin worked at Brays Auto Parts. Werners was a soda shop where you could buy cards, magazines and have an ice cream or a coke. There were also bars, jewelry stores etc. You could get anything you needed on Chene. We could also catch the Chene DSR bus and go to Hamtramck or shopping downtown. It was the best! | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 384 Registered: 01-2007 |
Thanks for all that Paczki, it’s the reason I take those photos. I was really hoping you and others would come along and tell a bit of their life stories. The more I learn here, the more I pine for the day. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us Paczki, you are one of a small but growing number of people to share their memories with us. If you have ANY photos and such that you would care to share, please do! Please check back here tomorrow for a surprise photo. | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 8 Registered: 04-2007 |
Thanks everyone for your input. This site is becoming an addiction for me! | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 9 Registered: 04-2007 |
Bullet, what is that fairly large building show in the 3rd link you posted? | ||
Paczki Member Username: Paczki Post Number: 24 Registered: 02-2007 |
Bullet I'm sure my Mom has photos somewhere. I'll have to ask my kid to help me post them as I have no idea how. | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 385 Registered: 01-2007 |
Paczki, here are the before: http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/store. jpg?t=1178148965 and after photos of Janickis' store on Chene St: http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup042907065.jpg?t=1178149070 Msuscorpio, that third photo is of the Chene Ferry Market: http://farm1.static.flickr.com /123/408343624_ff2d665748_b.jp g The Paczki family would shop there on Saturdays. (Message edited by Bulletmagnet on May 02, 2007) | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 10 Registered: 04-2007 |
That market isn't still open is it? | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 11 Registered: 04-2007 |
What happened to Janickis' store? Fire, just plain neglect? | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 1484 Registered: 11-2005 |
quote: No. I think it became a recycling center. | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 396 Registered: 01-2007 |
Pam, did you view the 'Before' and 'After' photos of Janickis' store? The only thing being recycled are the bricks! http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/kodakg roup042907066.jpg?t=1178227424 | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 12 Registered: 04-2007 |
I think she mans the Chene Ferry Market | ||
Homer Member Username: Homer Post Number: 163 Registered: 08-2004 |
I-75 and E. Fort, it's there | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 1487 Registered: 11-2005 |
quote: Yes. I thought that was the one you were asking about. | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 1488 Registered: 11-2005 |
Here's a link: http://www.metrotimes.com/edit orial/story.asp?id=3054 | ||
Msuscorpio Member Username: Msuscorpio Post Number: 13 Registered: 04-2007 |
No, I meant the Janickis' store. The building is completely crumbled into a pile of bricks. | ||
Crew Member Username: Crew Post Number: 1245 Registered: 02-2004 |
Remember when you were little and your mother told you not to slam the door? Janickis' kids didn't listen that that's what happened. | ||
Waz Member Username: Waz Post Number: 23 Registered: 11-2006 |
Is the Polish Yacht Club on Frederick a block or two east of Chene still open? Last couple of times I drove by was on a weekend and the doors were locked, but the building still looked cared for. | ||
Paczki Member Username: Paczki Post Number: 27 Registered: 02-2007 |
Their web site is still up and running http://www.ivanhoecafe-pyc.com /pycmain.html | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 416 Registered: 01-2007 |
Thanks for putting me straight Msuscorpio, and apologies to Pam. Msuscorpio, I believe the abandoned store closed some time ago, and then burned recently. The day it was razed, I was without my trusty cameras, and to this day could still kick myself. Crew, the last time a door slammed that hard behind me, it was launched by an old girlfriend. I never saw here again. Thanks for the linkage Paczki, it's too bad the recycling stats for Detroit aren’t better. Waz, do you have an address? If you do, I will be happy to take a look as I drive past there. Thanks for the input all! | ||
Waz Member Username: Waz Post Number: 33 Registered: 11-2006 |
Bulletmagnet, do you mean an email address or an address for the restaurant? It's on the corner of Jos. Campau and Frederick, two blocks eat of Chene. As I currently have some extra time on my hands, I plan to stop in there on Monday or Tuesday. Want to meet for lunch? Too bad Big John still isn't there two pour you two drafts as soon as you sit at the bar! | ||
Waz Member Username: Waz Post Number: 35 Registered: 11-2006 |
I just caught this article in today's News. Some good news in that neighborhood for a change. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20070505/U PDATE/705050432/1003/METRO | ||
Eric_w Member Username: Eric_w Post Number: 161 Registered: 02-2007 |
Paczki What you describe could be expanded to just about any area of old Detroit. In my case the Fenkell Evergreen area. Those places were once great neighborhoods to live,work and shop in. sadly they are gone like the buffalo from the western plains | ||
Peter Member Username: Peter Post Number: 71 Registered: 02-2007 |
I'm assuming that apart from party stores and store front church's these areas are completely abandoned? | ||
Paczki Member Username: Paczki Post Number: 28 Registered: 02-2007 |
St Hyacinth Church on McDougall between Frederick and Farnsworth will be celebrating their 100 year anniversary tomorrow. My mother went to grade school and was married at St Hyacinth, I was baptized, went to school, made my communion and confirmation here, and was also married at this beautiful church. Now I take my children to this church to celebrate their Polish Heritage. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=2007705040357 |
