Booth Chapel on Chene St. Detroit

Chene Street in Detroit continues to be lined with empty retail stores. Booth Chapel Church in Christ was founded over 30 years ago and  continues to minister.  On a hot  July day Bishop Willis Booth ll stood on a letter touching up the building signage.

The Bishop's church remains a light of religous hope in a barren landscape. In addition to a dedication to his ministry, Bishop Booth is a full time Detroit Police Chaplain. In this role he ministers to police officers and crime victims on the east side of Detroit.

     

"Of course it is hard work running a church and working full time, but it is God's calling" the Bishop said on the ladder while handing me his business card. He cares about people and hopes for a better future.

Oasis with fig tree on John R Street in Detroit

Michael Yousif is very proud of his business, Advance Steering Column Repair. I visited on a June Monday morning and  Mondays are often good for business.  Seven customer calls already this morning from victims of attempted auto theft where the ignition is broken.

Immigrating from Iraq nearly 30 years ago, Michael settled in the Chaldean community on Seven Mile east of Woodward, he has built a strong business. The environment features a rich patch of green grass, apple and peach  trees, and a large fig tree in the garden at the rear of the building. This could be only fig tree in Detroit.

The front courtyard is framed in blue with used steering columns stored  under the tent.

Everything in the interior has an organized place.  The walls, floor, and ceiling is spotless. 

Even the office is amazing. Coordinated colors. a real feeling of being a home.
 

 Michael is very proud of his life in America " I will never go back to Iraq, America is the greatest Country in the World". His built environment is a shinning example of honest values, clean leaving, good service, and a lot of red, white and blue paint.

Mr. Jackson Has It All May 24, 2012

Mr. Jackson is 79 years old and retired. He did not say from what.  Mr. Jackson's home on West Grand St. off Hamilton in Highland Park, Mi. overflows with collected objects. 
He offered me a little lunch while listening to classical music on a cassette player tucked in his shirt pocket.

While talking with Mr. Jackson a woman walks up, looking for a bath tub..." sorry dear, I am out at the moment...check back in a week or so." Mr. Jackson went on talking about being an artist, and exhibiting  a sculpture at the art museum.  The sculpture is displayed on the front porch.

Not far from the art is a fine example of furniture planted at the stairs to the home.

Wandering the landscape you can find just about anything. 

Now don't be discouraged... he may have it .

Small business may not be booming....but you still can find friendly service, a bite of lunch,    and just the fireplace you have always wanted.

The American Dream...owning your own business including fine glassware.

Radio Gods of Detroit

The WWJ-AM Radio transmitter building on East Eight Mile at Meyers  was owned by the Detroit News, and construction budget was not a problem.  The art deco granite block structure was designed by architect Albert Kahn.

The three-panel basically black and white mural near the entrance atrium ceiling shows the god Zeus hold a microphone and directing a parade varied entertainers broadcast from the station. Flanking the entrance door are large illustrations of radio tubes and equipment. The murals were painted by an assistant of famed Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. These designs are similar to displays of technology seen at the Detroit Institute of Arts Rivera murals.



The Atrium floor has an inlaid linoleum design showing a carbon microphone with the call letters WWJ in the design. The art deco black and silver design continue along the walls with the men's bathroom door as an excellent example even in low light. The building is no longer owned by WWJ-AM and its future is unknown.  Additional information can be noted at: radioworld.com

Saint Agnes Catholic Church

Saint Agnes Catholic Church ( 1922 ) was part of the rapid expansion of the Archdiocese of  Detroit.

The stately church has been stripped of all it interior decor.  The only element left is the Pewabic Tile floor. The building stands at Rosa Parks Blvd. and LaSalle Gardens Street, in the general area of the 1967 Detroit Revolt.

Dissolving Detroit: January

Dissolving Detroit: January: I have been hired to provide location scouting for an out of State agency. A strong snowstorm has finally hit Detroit for a short while. R...

January

I have been hired to provide location scouting for an out of State agency.  A strong snowstorm has finally hit Detroit for a short while.  Roosevelt Park in front of the Michigan Train station nearly floats off the frame. Client need to see images of dispair fast !!

Miracle Temple of Faith on Scotten St. has indured many such storms. Church services seem to be postponed.

Michigan Avenue businesses are closed.

Detroit is getting ready for the big Boat Show in February.

Another grey day in Detroit. Location scouting in a snow storm brings out a lot of interesting images.