  1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 795 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 209.104.146.146 |
Greetings. I was wondering if anyone has any positive pictures of the Brightmoore area that they could share with me for a project I'm doing with a certain reputable foundation. Specifically, I am looking for Gompers Elementary School and/or Leland Baptist Church. Any other shots would make me so happy, I would be forever grateful. Come on....you know you want to share them with me.... 1953 | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 161 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 70.236.164.49 |
go to the reuther Archives on Wayne State's Campus. I wrote a research paper on the Brightmoor Community Center while an undergrad there and the annual reports of the Center had many photographs of the area, all positive as well. If you want I could send you a copy of my paper with footnotes to the documents in question. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1459 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 71.144.95.162 |
I was just thinking about Brightmoor today. I was there April 1st for Detroit Project day (sponsored by UM), and I got to wondering about what the long term effects of our day of service might have been. We were in the most depressed part closer to Outer Drive, and did extensive lot cleanup, some demolitions, and prepared gardens and plots which were being primed for possible new housing. I anticipate I'll take a drive over there soon. | ||
Moreta Member Username: Moreta Post Number: 211 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 69.133.84.29 |
I'd go take pictures for you, as I don't live far, but after living there for ten years I prefer not to go back.  | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 799 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 65.54.154.116 |
lol thanks everybody. we found some pictures to use afterall. unfortunately, Brightmoor does look quite distressed. | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 4091 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.174.229 |
There used to be a KKK HQ's on Fenkell Rd. near Burt Rd. in the Brightmoor sub-division. | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1421 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.39 |
It was a Nazi bookstore, not a KKK HQ (as if that matters). | ||
Rustic Member Username: Rustic Post Number: 2404 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 130.132.177.245 |
BV there was a KKK org operating outta there too. AIR the nazi "bookstore" was actually a headshop/junk shop that put "Nazi" books in the front window. A few yahoos dressed up in WW2 costumes and paraded around occasionally. The KKK org worked out of a storefront church a few doors down (?) and a few years later. I _think_ they were both operated by the same guy, I forget his name, he kinda looked like a shorter younger version of George Cannon the canadian wrestler. Once upon a time in a galaxy far far away .... | ||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 248 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 129.9.163.234 |
go to Scotty Simpson's fish and chips while you are there. Good eatin' | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 75 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 152.163.100.8 |
Is it true the Pete Karmonos eats at Scotty's? | ||
623kraw Member Username: 623kraw Post Number: 900 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.41.224.200 |
As expected, no pictures. If I knew where da fukk Brightmoor was, I'd be on it. Typical forum - all hot air, no pixels... | ||
Darwinism Member Username: Darwinism Post Number: 490 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.215.30.34 |
Greg: Brightmoor is an area by Fenkell down to the Southfield Freeway and the Telegraph Road border. It has seen very bad times due to crime and gang activities. I am also hoping that someone will post some pictures. | ||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 252 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 129.9.163.234 |
Darwinisim--Brightmore (aka "Blightmore") was built on the cheap, for the cheap. My father grew up there in the 20's and 30's, and it was no garden spot then. A lot of people his age settled there after the war, and worked their way out. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1472 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.221.39.177 |
Yes. The housing stock in the part that I became acquainted with was some of the worst I've ever seen (I'm talking streets like Bentler, Chapel, and Westbrook near that crook in Outer Dr.) Genenerally one story frame houses built on a slab, most without garages, with small backyards. With the combination of these small houses and many vacant overgrown lots, this really had the feel of poor Appalachia. These homes, which were the 1930s model of efficiency for lower middle class factory works, were built under the auspices of Henry Ford. Toward Stoepel Park and Evergreen Rd., the neighborhood becomes much nicer, but I don't know if that is still considered Brightmoor. There were more brick and 2-story homes, generally standard 1940-ish builds, and also some very new, low-income targeted housing. | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 802 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 209.104.146.146 |
Bussey...could you send me a copy of that paper you wrote? You can send it to admin at grandcircuspark.com. Thanks! | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2473 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
According to the census, this is Brightmoor:   Going clockwise starting at the northwest corner, everything to the right of: Fenkell, from the western city limit east to Lahser, Lahser from Fenkell north to Puritan, Puritan from Lahser east to Fielding, Fielding from Puritan south to Fenkell, Fenkell from Fielding east to Kentfield, Kentfield from Fenkell south to Lyndon, Lyndon from Kentfield east to Grandville, Grandville from Lyndon south to Schoolcraft, Schoolcraft from Grandville east to Southfield, Southfield from Schoolcraft south to the CSX Railraod, the CSX RR from Southfield west to the city limits, and the city limits from the CSX RR north to Fenkell. Brightmoor is spread over 8 census tracts. Some housing statistics from the 2000 census: Housing Units 2000: 7728 Housing Units 1990: 9310 Change from 1990: -1528 or -16.4% Vacant Housing Units: 857 or 11% Owner Occupied: 3136 or 46% Renter Occupied: 3789 Median Rent $441 Median Year built: 1955 (Message edited by MikeM on May 05, 2006) | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2474 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Population statistics: Total 2000: 20,044 Total 1990: 23,775 Change from '90: -3,731 or -14.7% White Only: 2,811 Black Only: 16,295 Amer Indian: 92 Asian Only: 310 Pacific Island: 14 Other Only: 110 Two or more: 412 Hispanic: 299 Age 0-17: 7,538 or 38% Age 18-64: 11,515 Age 65+: 991 or 5% Median Age: 26.4 Female: 53.6% | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2475 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Income statistics: < $10k: 1448 $10-15k: 626 $15-25k: 1189 $25-35k: 1045 $35-50k: 990 $50-75k: 1109 >$75k: 588 Median Income: $26,116 Poverty: 2006 or 29% Public Assist: 959 or 15% Social Security: 1129 or 16% Retiree Income: 749 or 11% | ||
Islandman Member Username: Islandman Post Number: 171 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 68.42.171.59 |
1953, Were you at the Good Neighborhoods Initiative (GNI) community meeting held last night? | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1423 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.31 |
maps.a9.com has pics of Brightmoor along Fenkell. They're not professional photos by any means, but they're pictures none the less to placate 623kraw. Search the archives and you'll find some pics Lowell did on a summer tour. Yes, Karmanos does business deals at Scotty's Fish & Chips (at least he said he did in HOUR Detroit). | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2476 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Housing value statistics: < $15k: 400 $15k-30k: 408 $30k-50k: 606 $50k-70k: 530 $70k-100k: 818 $100k-200k: 141 >$200k: 18 Medial Value: $45,987 The two census tracts with the highest median home value (west of the Rouge River at $77,300 & $76,800) had none of the $200k+ homes in it. Only 2 of the 8 census tracts had homes valued at more than $200k; the section north of Fenkell and a tract between the Jeffries and Lyndon, centered on Outer Drive. The tract with the lowest median home value ($22,100) was in the area south of I-96 and east of Outer Drive. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1476 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.221.39.177 |
That tract you just mentioned is what I was describing. Incredibly poor around there, but it seemed to me to be a fairly safe and quiet neighborhood. | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2477 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
This one, which also had the fewest number of houses (171) of the eight tracts?:  | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 803 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 209.104.146.146 |
I was not at the meeting but some of my organization's staff were. I don't go to the west side except for funerals or mandatory events. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1477 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.221.39.177 |
Oops, Detroit Project Day was actually focused NORTH of 96 and east/south of Outer Drive. East of Evergreen seemed pretty livable, but closer to that crook in outer drive is really rough with small, low-quality housing stock. It struck me because I'm well acquainted with the slummy areas of the SE side of Detroit, but the difference between this neighborhood and the slums along, say, Kercheval and Charlevoix, are that Brightmoor contains dilapadated low-quality housing while most of these areas closer to the river contain equally dilipadated, yet predominantly nice brick homes of once solid-middle/upper middle class dwellings. It's hard to imagine something worse than where I was stationed that day, but I guess I can believe that south of 96 down by the tracks there is even worse. Perhaps where I was the property values aren't the lowest because this area has been positively affected in recent years by community organizations and service learning projects, plus the homes that are still standing up around outer drive and fenkell are almost all inhabited (with a pretty diverse mix of people, too.) | ||
Moreta Member Username: Moreta Post Number: 212 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 69.133.84.29 |
Scotty's is awesome. I'd almost go back there to pick up dinner... if I wasn't worried about having flashbacks. | ||
Islandman Member Username: Islandman Post Number: 172 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 68.42.171.59 |
1953, I am a facilitator at the meetings, and that is why I was asking. Love the joke though. I used to feel the same way about the east side. Alas, my best friend was at 8 Mile and Gratiot while I was at 7 Mile and Southfield. Got to know both sides pretty well. The meetings are very productive. You should come out for the next one on the 25th, as well as anyone from Brightmoor. I'd love to meet you 1953. Anyone needing any additional info that lives in the area, let me know. | ||
Jenniferl Member Username: Jenniferl Post Number: 271 Registered: 03-2004 Posted From: 4.229.156.43 |
What's the URL for the website with the census data? I used to have it on my old computer, but it got lost last year when the old computer crashed. | ||
Illmatic774 Member Username: Illmatic774 Post Number: 9 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 70.189.142.74 |
umm, any pictures of the place? its been 29 posts... | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 164 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 70.236.164.49 |
Walter Reuther Library Archives UCS Files - TONS OF PHOTOS!! | ||
Gravitymachine Member Username: Gravitymachine Post Number: 1042 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 69.136.142.0 |
i don't know much about brightmoor but every time I drive through on 96 it always strikes me as being very lush with lots of older growth trees and stuff...with very good housing density as well | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2489 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Jennifer: http://www3.ci.detroit.mi.us/p landevl/advplanning/census.htm | ||
Nainrouge Member Username: Nainrouge Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 209.104.146.146 |
Here is the satellite view of Brightmoor that was used in the GNI presentation:  | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 3776 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 67.160.138.107 |
The public housing in Brightmoor near Stoepel Park was built for white people only. That was back when DHA was totally 100% segregated. Hermann Gardens was also segregated for white folks. Driving West out W. Outer Drive was always amazing for jjaba. When you got to that section in Brightmoor, it seemed like you had turned into Kentucky on US 23 near Louisa. Ofcourse, that's where the residents had come from to work at Ford Rouge and other Westside auto and defense plants. Detroit immigrants have always brought their legacies with them, seen in housing, churches, mosques, synagogues, and languages. In Brightmoor, the legacies extended to dental work too. jjaba, Westsider, LOL, jus havin' fun, y'all. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 3777 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 67.160.138.107 |
The comment about the Westside by 1953 is well understood. jjaba feels the same way about the Eastside. Why go there, there's nothing there. jjaba, Westside Bar Mitzvah Bukkor. | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 814 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 209.104.146.146 |
Jjaba, I'm glad we can agree to live in different parts of the same community and not visit the area in which the other lives. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 3782 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 67.160.138.107 |
1953, truly spoken like a real Detroiter. If you ever meet jjaba, we can laugh together about our Detroit, eh. jjaba. | ||
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell Post Number: 2581 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 63.138.19.234 |
And there are these 'Downtown' Brigtmoor pictures... | ||
Skamour14 Member Username: Skamour14 Post Number: 81 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 24.11.184.193 |
long live Brighton!!!! | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1134 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 69.220.224.184 |
Ok, somebody's gotta provide some Brightmoor pics...   I momentarily tried to drive down this street/alley, but then turned around...    Lest you think it's all blighted, as with most areas of Detroit, there are always a some more vibrant blocks mixed in...  The above pics were all the area south of 96, between Outer Drive & Evergreen. North of Schoolcraft was this firehouse:  Sonny's Hamburgers at the corner of Schoolcraft & Evergreen:  | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1507 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 68.248.2.9 |
That captures it. Good job. | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1135 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 136.1.1.101 |
1953, sorry but I just re-read your first post, and saw you asked for a pic of Gompers Elementary. I remember driving past it yesterday, but didn't think to take a picture. The school seems to look fine. I'll try to take a pic if I'm back in the area anytime soon. | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 199 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 4.229.141.49 |
Channel 7 and the Blight Busters in Brightmoor: http://www.wxyztv.com/wxyz/cn_ call_for_action/article/0,2132 ,WXYZ_15905_4718312,00.html |
