  Ookpik Member Username: Ookpik Post Number: 216 Registered: 01-2007 |
 A grocery store and Peter's Shoe Repairing. For a larger version, please click here: http://www.geocities.com/detpix/detpic58b.jpg Ookpik | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 2110 Registered: 06-2004 |
Wow, look at all that snow! That's how I remember winters being. | ||
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936 Post Number: 1427 Registered: 01-2005 |
That's a great photo, but I sure can't place the location. Looks like early forties, and Michigan had front license plates in those years. The car in the foreground has none, but it seems the one right behind it in the street does have one. Looks like a '41 Chev. Pretty lady in the photo, too........  I sure enjoy these photos, Ookpik. Thanks a ton for your efforts! | ||
Rb336 Member Username: Rb336 Post Number: 51 Registered: 02-2007 |
Not sure why, but it looks suburban to me | ||
Homer Member Username: Homer Post Number: 167 Registered: 08-2004 |
Next Store sign down the street seem to say Van Dyke........I think. | ||
Mikeg Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 839 Registered: 12-2005 |
Yes, it does look like "Van Dyke" in this enlargement of that section of the photo, which has been turned into a negative image for better readability.  | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 2155 Registered: 12-2005 |
That shoe repair sign sure looks familiar. There's a barber pole to the far left. Nice ornamental street lights! I have a feeling I'll be kicking myself when this one's revealed. I'll take a guess it's somewhere in Warren. | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1871 Registered: 04-2005 |
I think its CoD. The lamp poles give that away. | ||
Fareastsider Member Username: Fareastsider Post Number: 379 Registered: 08-2006 |
I see four Coca Cola logos! | ||
Gtat44 Member Username: Gtat44 Post Number: 129 Registered: 02-2007 |
Mikeg, It does look like Van Dyke on the sign, although what's up with the "curly" thing on the end of it almost looks like an "R". But still even though my gut wants to say Harper. I'll take a stab and say Van Dyke south of 7 Mile, west side of the street. If it is than that's a bowling pin on the sign and it's the Van Dyke bowling alley. I seem to remember some buildings across the street just like those you see, during my drives to work in the 80's. | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1873 Registered: 04-2005 |
I tend to agree with you Gtat44, but I have to do some digging to confirm. (just to busy right now to get into this) | ||
Ookpik Member Username: Ookpik Post Number: 217 Registered: 01-2007 |
Ray1936 - Glad you enjoy the photos! Bonus photo:  For a larger view: http://www.geocities.com/detpix/detpic57b.jpg Ookpik | ||
Bob_cosgrove Member Username: Bob_cosgrove Post Number: 519 Registered: 03-2005 |
From the sun angle, it could be Warren or Mack looking west between Alter Road and Connor. Bob Cosgrove | ||
Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 1430 Registered: 11-2003 |
Is the bonus photo related to the first? Same location? | ||
Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 1431 Registered: 11-2003 |
I don't know if that sign says Van Dyke. Looks like Van is indeed the first word. But the second word is S-NR? The last letter does look like an R with a long tail. And it sure as heck looks like that is a bowling pin on the sign. Any bowling alleys/bowling supply stores named "Van XXXX"?  | ||
Redvetred Member Username: Redvetred Post Number: 14 Registered: 04-2007 |
It looks like the sign says VANSPAR or VANSTAR. Could that shape be a bottle (liquor store) or musical instrument (music shop)? I'm a newbie and am enjoying all this detective work. Thanks. | ||
Ookpik Member Username: Ookpik Post Number: 218 Registered: 01-2007 |
The Bonus Photo shows what is across the street from the first photo. Redvetred - Welcome! We can always use another "sleuth." Ookpik | ||
Oliverdouglas Member Username: Oliverdouglas Post Number: 83 Registered: 02-2006 |
How 'bout "Valspar" - could it be a hardware store? | ||
Catman_dude Member Username: Catman_dude Post Number: 125 Registered: 03-2006 |
The image in the VanXXXX sign does not conform to the shape of a regulation bowling pin. The "neck" is too long. There appears to be indentations on the sides and there is something running vertically in the middle of the image. This seems to suggest a violin of sorts....Music store? | ||
Detroithabitater Member Username: Detroithabitater Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2006 |
I'm not sure that is a regulation size shoe either.... just messin catman! | ||
Catman_dude Member Username: Catman_dude Post Number: 126 Registered: 03-2006 |
You know what? I believe that word below the "Van XXXX" *IS* the word "Bowling." After blowing up the large-sized picture 400%, the image DOES conform to the shape of a regulation bowling pin. ALSO, the "R with a long tail" is actually one of those telephone pole step-spikes obscuring the last letter of the sign. So ignore my previous post regarding it to be a music store. | ||
Gtat44 Member Username: Gtat44 Post Number: 136 Registered: 02-2007 |
Still leaning towards Van Dyke going to bed have to work at midnight. Ookpik, now I have to take an ambien. I'll be home at 5:30 A.M. (EST) I'm sure you all will have it figured out by then. You guys are to good to let it go another day Plus I'm running out of Pepto. LOL | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1875 Registered: 04-2005 |
Here is an enhanced view of the sign in question. I can't get much from the rest of the picture. Its all to far away.  | ||
20043_stotter Member Username: 20043_stotter Post Number: 23 Registered: 03-2007 |
It looks like a bowling pin in this last picture and if it is, than the picture is on Van Dyke, south of 7 mile. The row of stores looks like the west side of VD. I'm almost sure. By the looks of the cars, it was taken in the 40's. I'd almost bet my last pierogi on it. | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 2165 Registered: 12-2005 |
What was that website that showed street-level photos of storefronts accessed via a map interface? Was it A9? It says there: "A9 Maps are no longer available." Bummeroni with cheese! That was a great resource. Is there an equivalent alternative? (Message edited by Jimaz on May 12, 2007) | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1876 Registered: 04-2005 |
Here is a wild guess. Van Dyke and Stockton  All the houses in that area are exactly the same. Same roof lines. | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1877 Registered: 04-2005 |
The other factor is there must be a stop light on the main street. (Message edited by PSIP on May 12, 2007) | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1878 Registered: 04-2005 |
Here is a DTE photomap from 1949: I listed a building as the bowling ally because it is deeper then the others. Notice the empty lot on the other side of the road.  Those things match up BUT, there are a lot of other things missing, like the gas station. | ||
Ookpik Member Username: Ookpik Post Number: 219 Registered: 01-2007 |
I think you guys are on the right track! I was sorting my negatives today and was surprised to run across this photo:  The street sign appears to read Van Dyke. The presence of the safety patrol as well as a police officer would seem to indicate that a school was close by. For a larger view: http://www.geocities.com/detpixii/detpic64b.jpg Ookpik | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 2166 Registered: 12-2005 |
The cross-street street sign seems to start with an "S" I love the suspense in these contests! | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1879 Registered: 04-2005 |
There appears to be a school on Stockton on the left side below.  (Message edited by PSIP on May 12, 2007) | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 2167 Registered: 12-2005 |
 An aside: Why does a reverse image of "STOP" appear on that stop sign? | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1880 Registered: 04-2005 |
Good ? Jimaz, This pretty much confirms its Van Dyke at Stockton.  can't see it very well, but it says Van Dyke and the second word starts with S | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 3177 Registered: 10-2004 |
schools BTW, the streetcar tracks are still there, but streetcars were converted in 1938. (Message edited by Livernoisyard on May 12, 2007) | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 2168 Registered: 12-2005 |
The kid on the left looks very worried about something.  ("The dog ate my homework." Yeah. Maybe that will work. [crossing fingers]) | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1881 Registered: 04-2005 |
I think its interesting that block on the east side of VD had been vacant for over 60 years. That was a pretty well developed area. | ||
Ookpik Member Username: Ookpik Post Number: 220 Registered: 01-2007 |
The word STOP appears reversed because signs of that era were made of embossed steel. We are seeing the BACK of the sign in the photo. Put a fork in it - looks like this one is done! Thanks guys! Ookpik | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 2169 Registered: 12-2005 |
No, thank you, Ookpik! These are so much fun! | ||
20043_stotter Member Username: 20043_stotter Post Number: 24 Registered: 03-2007 |
Well, the bonus photo did it for me. The building with the Pfeiffer beer sign, I know very well. It had 2 storefronts. the store on the left was a sweetshop that sold bulk ice cream, candies, magazines and comic books. It was located on the east side of VD around Stockton or Grixdale or close by to those streets. I would go there with my parents 1950-51. I believe that building is still there and the next time I go down there, I will confirm the street. I believe it's one block north of Stockton. | ||
Homer Member Username: Homer Post Number: 172 Registered: 08-2004 |
Great detective work. Congrats to all......... | ||
Royce Member Username: Royce Post Number: 2223 Registered: 07-2004 |
Anybody notice the grocery store sign mentioning, "Groceries to take out." Seems like a given that when you bought groceries you took them out of the store. Interesting saying. | ||
Mikeg Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 844 Registered: 12-2005 |
Royce, the "to take out" refers to the "Beer-Wine", meaning their license allowed beer and wine to be sold for "take out" and not for consumption on the premises. | ||
Royce Member Username: Royce Post Number: 2224 Registered: 07-2004 |
Thanks, Mikeg. | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 3286 Registered: 10-2003 |
west side of Van Dyke, north to south: 18507 Casmir Zebrowski beer garden & bowling alley Grixdale intersects 18439 Kazmer Dzencol, beer garden 18433 Michael Mentlikowski, groceries 18427 Mrs Tille Kus, women's furnishings 18425 C F Smith Co (branch), groceries 18419-21 Van Dyke Public Market, groceries & meats 18417 Peter Koomjian, shoe repair 18415 George Bergler, groceries 18408-11 Walter Arasimowicz, groceries 18405 Joseph Merabile, barber & Wanda Tobash, beauty shop 18401 Sigmund Buszek, drugs Stockton intersects east side of Van Dyke, north to south: 18520 John Kelba, oil & fuel Grixdale intersects 18448 Mrs Lottie Storey, beauty shop 18440 Crystal Lunch 18438 Frank Russo, shoe repair Stockton intersects | ||
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936 Post Number: 1442 Registered: 01-2005 |
Great thread. If it had turned out to be the west side, it would have been solved thus:  | ||
Brewcitypunk Member Username: Brewcitypunk Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2004 |
Keep posting pictures Oopik, the depth into which everyone researches these pictures of old Detroit amazes me. What interests me most is the comparison of the old photos and recent satellite imagery. Fascinating. I am glad there is an urban forum of people who have my interests. | ||
65memories Member Username: 65memories Post Number: 397 Registered: 10-2003 |
I agree Brewcity. Ookpik, your photos have been an interesting challenge, evoking so many memories. Please keep them coming. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 5321 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thanks Ray1936. You look Marvelous in your white AAA crossing guard sash. Give us a location. jjaba, Proudly Westside, but love the names of those Eastside Merchants. Priceless. Sounds like Poles, Italians, Armenians, Czechs, Ukrainians. | ||
Ookpik Member Username: Ookpik Post Number: 221 Registered: 01-2007 |
Glad everyone enjoys the photos! I will keep posting 'em - I have fairly large collection to choose from.  Ookpik | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1882 Registered: 04-2005 |
Having 3 photos helped. This was not as bad as XXX, the Grand River photo. I wish I had more time, but pretty busy right now. | ||
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936 Post Number: 1444 Registered: 01-2005 |
"Thanks Ray1936. You look Marvelous in your white AAA crossing guard sash. Give us a location." My corner was Schoolcraft and Sorrento; I imagine yours was a tad east of there. But for the sake of the photo, we'll say we were at Schoolcraft and Wyoming, protecting our mates against a runaway Dexter bus......... | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 454 Registered: 01-2007 |
The mom was HOT! And a defunct gas station to boot. Thanks Oopik! | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 1585 Registered: 11-2003 |
http://atlas.freshlogicstudios .com/?cp=42.42903499647329~-83 .02424974351748&style=o&scene= 42.42903499647329 here is an arial shot of the location. You can kinda see some of the store fronts. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 5323 Registered: 11-2003 |
Ray1936, we had crossing guards in front of Noble School, Fullerton and Ohio. For those of us walking home north of there, there were no guards on busy streets like Davison, Schoolcraft, Wyoming. Keep up your good work. jjaba, Westsider. | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 455 Registered: 01-2007 |
Here are a few shots of the Van Dyke/Stockdon intersection as it looked today. East side of Van Dyke looking south: http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/monday may142007067.jpg?t=1179192387 West side of Van Dyke looking east: http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/monday may142007072.jpg?t=1179192631 West side of Van Dyke looking north/east: http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/monday may142007058.jpg?t=1179192753 Looking due east from Stockton: http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/monday may142007081.jpg?t=1179193435 The school they attended: http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/monday may142007078.jpg?t=1179193574 Defunct Detroit gas station on Van Dyke at Emily: http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/monday may142007083.jpg?t=1179193038 http://i148.photobucket.com/al bums/s22/bulletmagnet69/monday may142007084.jpg?t=1179193095 Bullet, east/west-sided | ||
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936 Post Number: 1449 Registered: 01-2005 |
Good job, bullet. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1216 Registered: 02-2007 |
Van Dyke at one point was like an eastside Livernois. Can't say that after seeing those photos. | ||
Catman_dude Member Username: Catman_dude Post Number: 128 Registered: 03-2006 |
Bullet, could you get pictures of both sides of Van Dyke NORTH of Stockton? (The ones you posted were of Van Dyke south of Stockton) I'm interested in seeing what the buildings look like nowdays compared to the pictures Ookpik posted earlier in this thread. | ||
Waz Member Username: Waz Post Number: 39 Registered: 11-2006 |
I started thinking they did a poor job of shoveling the sidewalks at that intersection if it was a main crossing for schoolkids. But then I remembered, those were the days before slip-and-fall lawsuits. | ||
20043_stotter Member Username: 20043_stotter Post Number: 26 Registered: 03-2007 |
Waz, and is was way, way before snow blowers. | ||
Hpgrmln Member Username: Hpgrmln Post Number: 10 Registered: 06-2007 |
Ive seen people identify 40s and 50s cars, but what about 70s cars? As one would guess from the reference to an AMC Gremlin in my username, I LOVE 70s cars, but that black one in the background of the very last "today" pic-with the scrap removal truck- has me stumped. The front end was cropped so the telltale signs arent there. I think its either an early 70's Lincoln or circa '72 T-bird. Anyone want to take a shot at it? | ||
Jman Member Username: Jman Post Number: 63 Registered: 10-2006 |
My guess is a 73/74 Mercury. | ||
Ookpik Member Username: Ookpik Post Number: 255 Registered: 01-2007 |
That's a good guess - Ford LTD or Mercury Montego. Ookpik | ||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 1395 Registered: 12-2005 |
I'm going with LTD--and it didn't spend it's whole life in this area, 'cause those cars liked to rust. | ||
Ventura67 Member Username: Ventura67 Post Number: 129 Registered: 12-2003 |
In almost every respect I'm sure that street scene was much nicer at the time than you would find today but is anyone else glad those huge utility poles are largely gone from most of Detroit's streets at some point? | ||
Hpgrmln Member Username: Hpgrmln Post Number: 12 Registered: 06-2007 |
Nothing like a Detroit picture with old Detroit-made machinery, eh? | ||
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell Post Number: 3872 Registered: 10-2003 |
Ootpik, thank you so much for your continued contributions of your stimulative "Old Photo ** - Where Is This?" threads and images. They have been entertaining and informative, a source of great enjoyment to all. In recognition of this all your threads have have been archived in the Hall of Fame forum. From me, and I am sure in behalf of the forum, thank you and keep'em coming! [Applause] | ||
Ookpik Member Username: Ookpik Post Number: 257 Registered: 01-2007 |
Wow! Thanks Lowell! I must mention that without the gracious help of Mikeg, who provides web space for the photos, none of this would have been possible. I appreciate everyone's participation in the threads. I have learned so much about Detroit, the city of my birth, that I hope I can remember it all! Ookpik | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 575 Registered: 01-2007 |
Congrats Ook! Way ta go, pal |
