Evening Edition: 6 things to know around town
A sandwich tip near the Masonic, a documentary on Detroit's newspapers, plus a new chapter for an old factory
Jer Staes
5 min read
Hey friends, Jer here.
Before we get started with stories and things to do around town, I'm at our studio getting ready to watch tonight's gubernatorial debate between Jocelyn Benson and John James. It's live over on WDIV Channel 4 at 8 p.m. if you're interested.
The Republican Governors Association have basically defunded John James' campaign, pulling out their ad spend. And it makes sense why — according to Decision Desk HQ polling, Benson is polling comfortably ahead at 51%.
Norris Howard and I just recorded a podcast episode talking about that, the U.S. Senate race, and the quieter Secretary of State and AG contests. Plus, we spend some time on two statewide proposals.
Jer Staes
I'm going to start to share more of my "notebook" of stories that didn't make today's show — or think you should know about. Hope you enjoy.
🏭 Canton Township’s The Factory is trading auto parts for arts, classes and community gatherings. The 1944 building at Cherry Hill and South Ridge roads has undergone a $1.8 million renovation funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
It once employed disabled World War II veterans making automotive parts; now, the 6,400-square-foot space will host recreation and cultural programming, along with private events. [WXYZ]
I recently watched "The Power of the Newspaper: Detroit in the 1960s," and wanted to put it on your radar.
From the creators of The Detroit History Podcast, the roughly 90-minute documentary explores the Free Press’ coverage of the 1967 rebellion, its rivalry with The Detroit News, and the rise of local TV news.
It also examines whose stories the big papers overlooked — and what happens when a community loses its shared sources of information. Directed by Eric Kiska and narrated by Tim Kiska.
👀 Eye Spy: A podcast listener said that Einstein Bagels is getting ready to open in the lobby of One Campus Martius in downtown Detroit. They're doing worker training, and the Freep reported last month that the target is to open October 19.
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🥙 Is a riff on an old favorite back at a new location? Engineer of Audio and Alcohol, Randy Walker, stopped into White Grove Restaurant this week and sent in these pictures.
It looks like they've got a version of the Old World Sandwich (IYKYK): He says it's pita, iceberg lettuce, fennel sausage, and yellow mustard.
You can check out the menu above.
I've always been fascinated by this long-quiet building that somewhat recently re-opened. A remnant of when this was a far busier street, it was a former Standard Oil service station. I'll have to make the journey myself.
You can find it at 3131 Second Avenue in Detroit, near the Masonic Temple.
Google says it's open 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. during the week, and in true under the radar fashion, I can't find a website for it.
📖 Detroit’s history doesn’t preserve itself. Detroit in the Archives is a chance to meet some of the people doing that work — and get a closer look at what they’re saving.
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the Reuther Library hosts a guided tour of its collections and a panel with archivists from institutions including the Detroit Institute of Arts and Charles H. Wright Museum.
Why do archives matter to Detroit? For me, as someone who spent part of my childhood next to my grandmother in an Indian Village church basement sorting old photos, it’s about keeping a connection to the people, neighborhoods and movements that made this city.
The event is free and runs from 6–8 p.m. at the Walter P. Reuther Library. RSVP here.
That's it for today. Thanks for the constructive and kind notes on yesterday's edition. If this notebook format is something you like, let me know.
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Remember that you are somebody,
-Jer
