This page is a repository of articles I have written about Detroit. Links and summaries of the articles are below.
- Detroit’s Renaissance: Unveiling Michigan Central Station and Corktown Charm
- Roadtrip Chronicles: From Plymouth, Michigan to Detroit
- Detroit (Hart Plaza/Spirit of Detroit Plaza): Jan 1, 2023
- The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: A Cultural Reflection
- The Great Blackout of 2003: A Personal Tale
- Ozzy’s Legacy: The Impact of a Simple Street Sign
I love Detroit and always have.
Emerging from The Tunnel Bus
I was practically born the first time I emerged from the Detroit River via Tunnel Bus and squeezed through the bottleneck created by the Ren Cen and the Mariners’ Church. But I was in love with Detroit even before then.
Before I found myself at “The Corner” and entered the promised land that was Tiger Stadium, I was in love with Detroit.
The Soul of Detroit: People and Songs
Even before I sort of became a regular at The Old Shillelagh, hung out at the long-gone1 Trapper’s Alley, walked up Cass Avenue from the river to Wayne State or bought “Malcolm X Speaks” at some radical Black shop while wandering around downtown, I was in love with Detroit.
Before I split a six-pack with a homeless Brother on a park bench? Yup, already in love with The D.
And speaking of The Old Shillelagh, I even made my friend Roger fall in love with Detroit a little bit when we were hanging out there one time, and a Brother belted out a version of In The Ghetto that made a big room full of rowdy drunks understand that song like nobody ever had before.
The Heidelberg Project and the Ambassador Bridge
And I didn’t stop loving Detroit when my wife and I totalled her car at The Heidelberg Project, although she did.
I love Detroit so much that when a coworker told me she once threw up on the side of the Ambassador Bridge, I was jealous.
The View Ahead: The Gordie Howe Bridge
And I just KNOW that I am going to love the drone-like view of Zug Island the first time I have the privilege of travelling over the Gordie Howe Bridge into Michigan.
Detroit Articles
Detroit’s Renaissance: Unveiling Michigan Central Station and Corktown Charm
Michigan Central Station (MCS) opened to the public for the first time in 36 years, offering a glimpse into its history. Reopened by Ford Motor Company, the restored station now embodies the spirit of Detroit’s revitalization. Tiger Stadium’s nearby legacy and unique dining experiences further enrich the vibrant atmosphere of Corktown.
Roadtrip Chronicles: From Plymouth, Michigan to Detroit
November 23, 2023 A travel journey from Ann Arbor to Detroit unfolds unexpectedly, leading to a transformative conversation with a devout driver. They discuss sports officiating, parental involvement in sports, and the driver’s challenging upbringing. The conversation then turns to religion, and despite differing views, a deep connection is formed. The encounter leaves a lasting impression, symbolized by a gift exchange before embarking on the final leg of the journey to Toronto. Read Article
Detroit (Hart Plaza/Spirit of Detroit Plaza): Jan 1, 2023
January 22, 2023 The author had a memorable New Year’s weekend in Detroit, revisiting familiar spots. They enjoyed the city’s renaissance, interacted with public art, and reflected on the significance of monuments like the Gateway to Freedom. The visit to the Detroit River brought back nostalgic memories, making the trip a meaningful experience. Read Article
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: A Cultural Reflection
October 11, 2025 In Toronto, Gordon Lightfoot is celebrated, especially as locals propose renaming Yonge-Dundas Square to Lightfoot Square. The author shares memories of the Welland Canal’s engineering and the impact of the Edmund Fitzgerald, connecting it to experiences in Detroit, including the Mariners Church and Hart Plaza’s historical significance.
Read Article
The Great Blackout of 2003: A Personal Tale
August 14, 2025 The narrator recalls the 22nd anniversary of “THE Blackout,” a power outage originating in Ohio that left him stranded in Windsor. He describes feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability during the crisis, navigating closed tunnels and an overpriced hotel room. A memorable but disappointing, meal leads to reflections on cultural connections amid chaos. Read Article
Ozzy’s Legacy: The Impact of a Simple Street Sign
Years ago in Detroit, a friend showed me a high school stop sign spray-painted with “OZZY”—a symbol of teenage rebellion. Subtle yet powerful, it had survived decades. After Ozzy’s passing, I heard a DJ say he’d had a living funeral. That sign, like him, embodied defiant joy and endurance. Read Article
- Thank you, Ernie Harwell! ↩︎
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