Hour Magazine – June, 2001. (Eastern Market connections)
‘Some cities need no introduction; their charms are obvious. While Detroit abounds in many cultural superlatives, its allure also lies in more subtle assets – hidden gems and eccentricities best discovered at the side of a seasoned denizen, one who knows the ins and outs of this town. Next month, Detroit marks its 300th birthday, making it one of the oldest cities in the Midwest, older than Chicago. And in honor of that distinction, we offer 300 reasons why this city possesses a charm all its own. Detroit’s character, as seen through the eyes of an insider, provides more than enough experiences to fill a postcard home. … As our words and pictures show, Detroit is well worth rediscovering three centuries after Cadillac’s landing.’
29. Bert’s Marketplace in Eastern Market. There are very few places left in Detroit where jazz is regularly showcased, but here’s one.
46. Cheap Charlie’s. An eclectic inventory displayed in the most basic way – all over the sidewalk in front of the store near the Gratiot Central Market. (plus picture)
55. Loft conversions of abandoned buildings. The architectural version of the cliché, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’
58. Flower Day at Eastern Market in May.
60. The Underground Railroad. The Second Baptist Church in Greektown and Fort Street Presbyterian both were stops on the route to freedom. (note – also Eastern Market!! – the tunnel at Ciaramataro’s, St. John’s and the false bottom casket).
64. Cost Plus Eastern Market Wine Warehouse (and picture of Tim McCarthy).
87. The impossibly complex aroma inside Rafal Spice Co. in Eastern Market.
93. The spokes of the wheel: The radiating pattern of our thoroughfares – Woodward, Gratiot, Michigan, Grand River, Jefferson, Fort – stretching outward from downtown are reminiscent of Paris. (note – OK – this is a stretch to include as part of EM…but it does mention Gratiot!!)
108. Eastern Market: It dates back to the 1880’s and it’s still going strong. Where else in the city can you get such fresh produce year-round?
113. R. Hirt Co. and its famous Cheese Vault.
132. Gardella Furniture. This family owned retailer of transitional to modern furnishings on Gratiot near Eastern Market, has been in the city for 62 years.
137. The Johanson Charles Gallery uses bare brick walls and an industrial space to showcase art. (note – this is on 1345 Division, just west of Russell.)
139. Gratiot Central Market, a brighter semblance of itself before the big fire.
148. Busy Bee Hardware
160. The Eastern Market Flea Market in the Trade Center.
230. The Eastern Market
murals.
232. Roma Café: Tuxedoed waiters, an intimate bar, and the Roma Tossed Salad help to make this oldest restaurant in the city a perennial favorite.
235. Russell St. Deli
247. Stroh’s Ice Cream (now owned by Melody Farms): It’s a splendid treat on its own, and even better packaged with Sanders fudge. (note – Stroh’s turned to ice cream during Prohibition)
277. Rocky Peanut Co. at Eastern Market
