An ABANDONED East Side Detroit Neighborhood: Poletown 5K.

[@ChrisHarden]

Detroit Playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/haelZ4yIlKeWrq8 American Hoods Playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep6bYqykjNuIqa8 Michigan Playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmbXapScl6p6f8U Intro: 0:00 - 1:23 Eastern Market: 1:23 - 9:25 Abandoned Hoods: 9:25 - 21:00 Russell Street: 21:00 - 25:23 What Happened to Poletown: 25:23 - 26:55 Chene Street: 26:55 - 31:25 McDougall Street: 31:25 - 33:23 Gratiot Avenue: 33:23 - 34:57 ==================================================================== EVERYTHING THAT I USE IN THE FIELD: Main Camera: amzn.to/3iS4vvF Side Cameras: amzn.to/2WuCYIs Media Mod for Camera: amzn.to/3j7CMGF Lav Mic: amzn.to/3lsMkz9 Drone: amzn.to/3ITcKBV SD Cards: amzn.to/3C2co9O Camera Mounts: amzn.to/2UXVR6p Cables Required for Longer Recordings: amzn.to/3BYnr3Q Computer: amzn.to/3787b2j External Hard Drive: amzn.to/3lb23Tf WHAT I USE AT HOME: Computer: amzn.to/3rKIdiN Sound Mixer: amzn.to/3C15Ubx Microphone: amzn.to/2VaCjvo Microphone Accessories: amzn.to/3v7A35Z INTERACTIVE MAP that shows you all of the places that I've made videos on: (Doesn't always work on mobile devices. Will always work on PC.) www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?hl=en&mid=1Lhzf04ocimPu-ROkg4cfXEYEvKMNnlI5&ll=43.06219876674538%2C-83.82163216337808&z=10 SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTACT INFO: Email: [e-mail] On Twitter: twitter.com/Chris_Harden55 On Instagram: instagram.com/c_harden7/?... On Facebook: facebook.com/ChrisHardenYT/ DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. As an Amazon Associate I do earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. As always, thank you for supporting my channel!

[@ellenpeffer4803]

I lived in Detroit from 65 to 70. I was 10 when we moved to the other side of the state. We lived on the Eastside between Kerchavil and Mack. I have many memories of my childhood there. My parents are long gone. My older brother is the only one I could reminisce with. He past a few years ago. I appreciate these videos more than you could know.

[@wolfiethedog76]

Im sorry for your losses Ellen

[@singalongwrudy8690]

Mom and Dad lived in Warren, Toledo, Lake Orion. ..I remember the Baseball and a big tire/ wheel as big as a Ferris Wheel.

[@billbuschgen520]

I lived at Mack and Burns.

[@edwardwilliams2438]

Ahh yes...good ol eastside...I lived on Hillger st..between E Vernor and Charlavoix...Southeastern Highschool.

[@whatchagonnadowhentheycomeforu]

Grew up 8 and Mack

[@bobwallace9814]

My, then girlfriend's dad grew up in Poletown. His old neighborhood was demolished in the late 70's early 80's. We found his old house, which sat in an abandoned and dark non lighted neighborhood. I retrieved the wood address sign he had made while a kid that was on the house front for decades. I refurbished it and gave it to him for Christmas on year. The riot that changed the demographics and population numbers was a police raid on a "blind pig" or in common terms an after hours gambling business. They had been turned in by Blacks that lived in that neighborhood which was off Livernois. The gamblers all got arrested and some others used that excuse to start ransacking the stores along Livernois that catered and mostly owned by Blacks. They tore up their own neighborhood in what became the largest riot in America. The "white flight" to the northern suburbs started immediately. Anyone can see the population drops year by year in Detroit following the riot.

[@thomasschreiber9559]

Southern suburbs as well, my family moved to Trenton in 68. Downriver was a big white flight destination.

[@1L6E6VHF]

The significant riot was the 12th Street Riot, in 1967, which quickly got out of control, destroying a major business corridor, with a small number of people being senselessly murdered. The Livernois incident in 1975 was significantly smaller in violence and scope.

[@toddprater14]

@@thomasschreiber9559 Wyandotte represent😎

[@1L6E6VHF]

The Detroit Riot of 1967 was centered along 12th street. There was a short "Mini-Riot" along Livernois in 1975, Fortunately, they cleared that disturbance quickly.

[@bigmittengaming1590]

@@thomasschreiber9559 sundown towns unfortunately. Now look at downriver. Going to be as deteriorated as Detroit in a couple decades. Too much loss of community and people just don’t care anymore. Even Trenton has some run down spots and will get worse unfortunately. That’s what happens when wages are stagnant for a generation.

[@pianoman551000]

Thanks for adding the street names of your video at the bottom right hand corner of the screen. It really helps former residents to identify the various locations of your video! Thanks again!

[@tomekiaberry]

Thank you so much for keeping us informed on the history of Detroit. I'm from Chicago, but honestly....I absolutely love the energy of Detroit.

[@duckie0892]

Omg. You're joking right

[@justbulma]

It breaks my heart to see parts of my hometown like this me and mom left Detroit because there was a gang moving in my neighborhood back in 91

[@brainerdboy1177]

Wow, I don't know what's more heart-breaking, what I saw here on your video or what I have seen on other videos about Cairo, Illinois, Gary, Indiana or even Gary, West Virginia. Anyway, great job as always on this video. Stay safe, my friend.

[@gingernutmeg8628]

Super interesting video, as a Metro-Detroit resident the city has always interested me. I'm always sad when thinking about what the city has been, as a big history nerd, but I am equally as proud to see how far it has come recently. The thought of millions of people going about their normal daily lives shopping, commuting, living down town, taking pride in their homes and creating thriving communities with rich histories. Makes me wish I had a time machine to go back and experience that, as my entire life Detroit has generally been something to be avoided. The Detroit Historical Society youtube channel has a ton of great historical footage of the city which has been cool to pour over. Wonderful video, I appreciate the history you included about the buildings/locations. It would be even more cool if you tracked down photos of what the buildings looked like when they were thriving. (Probably a lot of hard work on your end but I would love to see what these places looked like in the past!) Thanks for the drive!

[@jger419]

Eastern Market is a really fun place to go on a Saturday during spring, summer and fall, when the farmers come in with their produce and people flock from all over the metro area. Even during the week, it's busy in those seasons with shoppers and people filling the restaurants there. Filming the place on a day when it's deserted makes it look empty, sad, and depressing, like an abandoned movie set or maybe a former industrial site. I'm sure it's easier to drive around when nobody's there, but it paints a picture at odds with your narration.

[@ChrisHarden]

I didn’t think that Eastern Market looked sad and depressing, but ok.

[@jger419]

@@ChrisHarden It looked empty. Deserted. If not sad and depressing, it didn't look like some place you'd be anxious to visit at the first opportunity. You do a great job, and I'm a Detroiter who subscribes to your site, but I do think urban scenes look much more inviting when there are a lot of people around, cars, movement, hubbub -- because that's what cities are about, not just streets and structures.

[@302Mustang13]

Thanks Chris. Definitely some great things to see and some that is disappointing. Hopefully someday homes will be built again in the vacant neighborhoods.

[@nexttime960]

Possible residential but the hazardous chemical remediation would cost a fortune

[@BillyT531]

You might have talked about the old Roma Cafe' restaurant in Eastern Market that you drove by without a mention. Very historic and has a long history.

[@billyjoejimbob56]

Yes... I was thinking the same thing. A proud history, although I though the food was unremarkable. Have not been there for over a decade.

[@Moondance-10]

I really appreciate these videos. My football team played in Detroit three times last summer, so I got a crash course in many of the things you’re talking about. That brand new field you passed was a great field to play on. And will always be special for me because it’s where I got my first career win. We also played at Adams Butzel and Chandler Park. This was by far my favorite of the three. I really enjoy your work.

[@superior451]

Just so great to drive along. Your insight is right on. I love when a viewer is so disappointed that you missed a special spot- these streets were all special at one time or another. So many addresses from my father’s, grand parents and great grandfather parent’s archives are vacant lots or shells of once thriving businesses. Thanks!

[@bradkrekelberg8624]

You take this kind of video to a new level. With all the history and highlighting some of what you drive by. Very nice!

[@michaelsaad684]

CHRIS : You may want to explore the hospital district. Or drive from Kercheval Street & Conner Street(Chrysler Jeep Plant) North through Grosse Pointe to see how quickly neighborhoods can change.

[@eyestoenvy]

I really like these tours, keep 'em coming!

[@jenniferschramm8560]

You are so spot on! I appreciate your honesty and videos ❤

[@Photo75Dog]

Another great one--as usual, lots of research that went into this one. Thanks.

[@JackRusselMan]

I was watching something on Detroit a while back and there is a lady that lives in her house on a block full of abandoned houses. Motor city had a big population back in the day but when auto manufactures pulled out it almost brought the city to their knees.

[@jk-vn5kv]

I really enjoy your Detroit series videos. I have been on many (not all) of the streets that you drive around on. Our bike group generally ride down from Birmingham to mid town and then Belle Isle once or twice every weekend once the weather gets nice. Occasional rides to gross pointe or down river or even Flat rock then up the west side by 275ish. At least as a tourist Detroit isn't as crime ridden as it might seem. The people are humble and polite unlike the suburbs where important wealthy people need to run us over on the roads because they have important things to do and getting to the next traffic light 10 seconds faster is really important.

[@alholdway2003]

Entitled people driving fast with no regard for life. The suburbanites at tiger's games are so snide and snarky. They have deep down issues..clearly miserable about something.

[@alholdway2003]

I like the bike groups going through Detroit. The group with the custom wheels and fancy lighting are really cool.

[@christianculliton9668]

Glad someone said it. Always a tesla or a BMW lol.

[@gregpanek523]

As I watch this, Bob Segers first local Detroit hit East Side Story from 1966 plays in my head. Great song!

[@Impervox]

Hey Chris. Love your clips, as it reminds me a lot of my summer bike rides through all these neighborhoods in Detroit you're featuring. Can you make a clip of Detroit's far East Side (Morningside, East English Village and Cornerstone Village)? You'll find some very rough and very beautiful neighborhoods there. Thanks!

[@ChrisHarden]

Yup, not sure when that video will be up but I have it filmed!

[@markpfeifer1402]

I find it strange that there are almost never any pedestrians walking around....it seems so uninhabited.

[@janibeg3247]

most of Poletown was seized by Mayor Young and the land sold for a dollar to GM. the seizure was later determined to be illegal.

[@thomasschreiber9559]

I remember that, it was intense.

[@Dallas_K]

Coleman Young was indeed a factor in the decline of Detroit. His response to every criticism was "You a goddam racist!"

[@TakenTook]

Coleman Young was awful. Krugerrands hidden in his ceiling, impregnating city official Annivory Calvert and then denying paternity of the resulting child, and a bunch of other stuff. He was more clever about hiding his crimes than Kwame Kilpatrick, but they both contributed to the downfall of Detroit.

[@SU1C1D3xPR4D4]

The documentary about it was great. Hope Poletown comes back. Truly a great location.

[@302Mustang13]

I'm puzzled by what is going on at GM. I didn't know the Hamtramck plant involved the destruction of so many neighborhoods and businesses. Then they nearly shut it down only 35 years later. I usually buy Ford vehicles and was going to buy something different in 2020, but I bought another Ford mainly because of what Ford did with the Michigan Railroad Station building. I respect a company that does for the community instead of take from it.

[@billyjoejimbob56]

In fairness to GM, a significant part of the neighborhood razed to build the "Poletown" plant was an old, closed Chrysler Corp. plant known as Dodge Main. It dated back to the days before Chrysler acquired the Dodge car company. It was a huge hulking white elephant that was destined to turn the area into a blighted neighborhood. And Chrysler at that time was on the ropes, bailed out by the federal government in 1981. So, in classic big corporate fashion GM promised to replace the old plant with brand new investment. Oh yeah... the old plant was eight stories, and modern plants are single story with a gazillion square feet of space needed to be economically viable. So, they needed a thousand or so houses around it torn down too. Years later when the plant opened, the new products launched didn't sell as well as hoped, so the second shift workers were never hired, hence half the jobs promised didn't happen. Interesting that you did not travel a mile or so due south to show us the infamous abandoned Packard plant. When GM was planning Detroit-Hamtramck, the Packard site was ONLY a 25-years empty eyesore, but the unspoken message was "you don't want Dodge Main to look like that, do you? The fact that the Packard ruins remain THE UGLIEST reminder of Detroit's past 65 years after it closed is simply mind boggling.

[@andrewyoung2796]

You said it Kenneth!🙏

[@andrewyoung2796]

@@billyjoejimbob56 would you say the new plant hurt " poletown" more than '67

[@billyjoejimbob56]

@@andrewyoung2796 Excellent question, and my honest answer is I don't know. I think it is fair to say that the entire Poletown deal was corporate welfare for two of the hometown auto makers, orchestrated by the City of Detroit, at the expense of many hundred Hamtramck families, businesses and institutions. Chrysler was on the ropes financially... razing Dodge Main was beyond what it could afford without government assistance. GM was being pressed to reinvest in the city to replace jobs that were moving to the suburbs. Were the riots in '67 and Detroit's first African American mayor 14 years later factors that motivated the Poletown deal? I think yes, but can't prove that. Both Chrysler and GM (Ford too) employed tens of thousands of black men and women of Detroit. Replacing jobs lost with new jobs is a legitimate goal, but Poletown never came close to achieving that goal. Years after Chrysler survived the early 80s with federal loan guarantees, Chrysler left a gaping hole in the tax base of neighboring Highland Park (where an empty Ford Model T plant still stands). GM was in more financial trouble in the early 80s than was ever admitted. Looking back on its decades of market share decline, I would argue that GM did not recover until after its federal govt. backed 2009 bankruptcy reorganization. The history lesson here... Strong growth in demand can float MOST boats for decades. When the growth levels off, wage demand and competition will drive investment in automation, and industry employment will contract dramatically.

[@lizlocher3612]

I was 10 yrs old when the 1967 riots occurred n I remember going to my Grandma's house in Detroit seeing the National Guard tanks on Warren Ave n my Dad took us for a walk down Warren that summer from Grandma's house n I can still see the burnt out store fronts n buildings to this day!!!! It was a trip!!!! There was a curfew of 6 pm during the riots n many people were kept out of the city unless they resided there. My grandfather had a gas station called Warren Central Service on that exact intersection n he used to give local residents gas credit n repair their vehicles do they left his gas station alone during the riots. He n Grandma n my Uncle Jr. In Lived in the neighborhood till their deaths in he 1990's. They lived at 5328 30th Street from the 1940's to the 199os. It was a really nice street between Warren Ave and I 94 freeway. We loved her house.

[@greggarbacz2566]

Thanks for the bit on the Russell Industrial Center. Just a couple blocks from there is American Axle, back along the railroad tracks you crossed. You drove by the gas station on Gratiot where a guy tried to rob me! He pulled a gun and asked me for my wallet. I showed him there was no cash in it! (I knew better than to carry cash in Detroit). He just turned around and ran away! 5:30 pm! Enjoying your videos, quite a variety! Thanks! keep me reminiscing of my youth in Michigan. It was a great state. Hope it can recover!

[@michaelsurant3858]

iconic Roma Cafe totally forgotten in your video! And you even drove right past it without a word of praise for a place that has been around since 1890. I had many wonderful dinners in what was at one time," Detroit[s Oldest Italian restaurant. Also, your drive thru Poletown down Chene should have mentioned another ethnic gem " Ivanhoe Cafe or as Detroiters know it as the "Polish yacht club". great perch and Polish dinners for a place that has been around since 1909. All in All and very good video

[@1KingCoop]

Hey Chris, long time viewer, i think this is the 1st time i've commented on one of your videos though. I enjoy your series, i enjoyed your Illinois and indiana cities tour as well, it's amazing seeing all these different places and how they've changed over time. Keep up the good work.

[@ChrisHarden]

Thanks man, I always appreciate kind words.

[@MazichMusic]

My last teaching position was in a charter school north of this area. You can see the football field in the aerial map. I'd say that Eastern Market certainly looks better than it did back then before I retired in 2011.

[@somerandomvertebrate9262]

Now almost everything is torn down and replaced by urban prairie, but you should have seen Chene some 10 years ago. Utter devastation. By the way, the site of the "highschool football field without a highschool", actually used to house a big, abandoned brutalist architecture highschool until the late 2010's.

[@earth2survival922]

I don't care what time of the day or day of the week this is. I have never seen a human empty town. Like wow

[@williamterry9819]

Abandoned property is a future treasure just waiting to be discovered.

[@lwskiner]

Butterflies and unicorns...............

[@beanetricemcdaniel6853]

I remember a lot of those streets. I moved out back in the Summer of 1999. Detroit started looking like a miniature war zone. I had just started a family so I relocated to another State. I have not been back since. I still have family living there, but I didn’t lose nothing there. Faygo was my stumping ground growing up. I remember you could smell the favor syrups when the had a change overs . I could walk a block down and I was standing in front of it. They sure changed the blding color and sealed up the glass windows. Thanks for the ride around the city appreciated it. But mostly the things I loved in that neighborhood is gone forever. But for us who took photos is worth cherishing. I hear Northeastern High School still have their block clubs and party ever August so that’s going strong.

[@ameliarhodes5000]

You passed by one apartment that in passing had my mind reeling. It looked okay and it was surrounded by green beautiful land! Right? From the car at 30-35 miles an hour it looks a lot better than getting out and walking around. Not all but many of those vacant green lots have debris, mattresses, glass, needles, and condoms strewn about. No mass transit to get back and forth. The darker part of my imagination thought of a movie called The Omega Man. Nights there may not be that bad, but they can't be very good. Think I'll scratch Detroit off the list of possible relocations.

[@cherylgreen4738]

Great video, lots of history. Had to drive through the National guard guys during the riot to get to the bus station to visit my husband at Fort Knox. He couldn't leave the base in case they were needed in Detroit.

[@sterlingskins2204]

We would have a blast back in the 70's as kids! Miss so much 💗

[@robinbuckeye6841]

At 9:41, the guy says, "Why not focus on the good parts of Detroit..." Hello? There aren't ANY good parts of Detroit. It's the armpit of America and more like a trip through Beirut. Why would anyone in their right mind want to go to Detroit?

[@Knightmessenger]

This channel has focused on the good and the bad of Detroit.

[@danielradziejewski8069]

I have great memories of going to the eastern market in the 60tys when I stayed at my grand parents house on the weekends in the summer!

[@dougbrowne9890]

You didn't mention any names, but I am grateful you did mention corrupt politicians, that helped bring down the city. Their hands had much to do with where Detroit is. Thanks.

[@garymartin1045]

All democrat politicians The same ones that are trying to destroy this country wake up.

[@garymartin1045]

Now that the criminals have destroyed The city Politicians, what have you Now these same Group is Moving to the suburbs.

[@injs1236]

Love Ur work Chris!!! U missed Bert's Place; directly across from Farmer's Market. . A Detroit "blind pig". Regular creole style restaurant during the day. Opens 2:00 am. most Sunday mornings. Live jazz + drinks till about 6:00 am. Police protected.

[@arthurholland624]

My father owned the business at 11:20, Addison Iron Works. He started as a fabricator, became a partner and finally whole owner from the 70s - 90s.

[@jlrthebassplayer]

I've spent my entire life in and around The D so thank you. This is really fun, especially with the cultural/history info. The only thing that could improve for me (my request) is show a dot on a map in the corner so I can tell where you are at and going toward.

[@poteariverviewmich]

Well done !

[@stankaftan5816]

Great job, Chris!

[@michaelrimmer4200]

On the left side where the football field sits on Chene use to be Knudsen Middle School

[@surudog4929]

Surprising in many of these videos, the roads still look quite good compared to roads elsewhere. Clearly, the people have left and maybe vehicles go over these streets much less, but there is a lot of salvageable parts of this city.

[@HappyGoosey]

You never disappoint us. I really appreciate your effort and dedication to make interesting videos for us ❤❤

[@TakenTook]

Eastern market is still great, but I really miss the Russell Street Deli. They closed after a dispute with a new landlord, before the pandemic even started.

[@danbowman9294]

This should serve as a warning to all Americans.

[@wolfiethedog76]

Too late....

[@surudog4929]

Wow the infrastructure is still so good. The roads this driver was on were certainly good. A lot can be salvaged and these streets could be made good and family friendly only if they had good leaders and good jobs.

[@Huggy1959]

I used to work at EW Grobbel - family owned since 1883! I don’t work there anymore but I still think they have the best corned beef. I am sad to hear about Louisiana Creole Gumbo. There was no place like that, their rib tips were the best. There used to be some breweries there, the famous Stroh’s brewery, and right across the street from Grobbels, on the corner of Orleans & Winder was what used to be the Ecker & Becker (E&B) Brewery. If you look at the building you can see the E&B brickwork.

[@joelyons3713]

I would drive through the Russell to Chene section every day for 2 years until just after Covid started. I would pick up a load from Michigan Box ( A business there that’s easy to miss ), and I would deliver that to VistaPrint in Canada.

[@michaelboler8553]

I grew up in the area starting at the 10 minute mark it brought back so many great memories of the 80’s.

[@Dave1979z]

Whenever I think of Eastern Market it reminds me of the rumors that Hoffa was taken there and disposed of. Very plausible. Makes sense in many ways if you know the history of the situation.

[@robertemery8660]

I grew up in good old Ypsilanti now I live in garden City and drive a tow truck for AAA I get to see a lot of good and bad sides of Detroit

[@timfronimos459]

I wonder if there's any plans for a bar/restaurant at the Butchers Market site. Russell Street Deli is missed.

[@beckysnyder4591]

Oh how I remember going to Eastern Market with Mom as a kid.. Get bushel baskets of green beans, tomatoes & other garden items to can. Then go home & get to work.

[@THELAW313]

Don't forget Black Bottom was on Chene from E.Vernor to W.Gran Blvd, had many stores and clubs, lot of entertainers would party there for Adult fun, also Della Reese was born there and Detroit former Mayor Coleman Young.

[@addieyarger5998]

I lived on 15th St for 18 years right across from the Depot I hope they go down that street would like to see how it is. We also had a western Market when I lived there

[@fs6622]

Chris, just read a comment on another video and this tune Flic has a crimnal vibe to it...!!!! Oh yea... let er rip.

[@detroitdan8487]

Thanks, Chris. Really enjoy seeing parts of Detroit I haven't seen for a while. I attended Stephens T Mason elementary school from K to 6. GM Poletown plant was dedicated to trying some the Japanese manufacturing philosophies which were killing American practices. Philosophies like KANBAN and just-in-time delivery. Many trucking companies started using soft sided trailers for quick unloading of assembly parts. The plant was very clean inside (only saw it once). I was involved with a parts manufacturer and had attended conferences where Japanese philosophies and techniques were involved. W. Edwards Deming fueled the Japanese interest in quality and production control. He got to Japan when his ideas were not accepted by American manufacturers. Later the Americans realized they needed to catch, the Americans grew their own "Demings" who basically spouted the same techniques and philosophies that Deming had. One of my favorite techniques was the Ishikawa Fish Bone diagram.

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

Interesting video 👏

[@1L6E6VHF]

About St. Louis vs. Detroit: Note that St. Louis has the invisible "Delmar Divide" and you want to be South of it (though I observed that people - of every shade - were enjoying the eateries on Delmar itself, and everything was in good repair). Detroit (Where I work) doesn't really have a North Side or a South Side (South of the river, is Windsor, ON, Canada). However, Detroit's "divide" is very much different than that of St. Louis'. Detroit has very many acres of discarded land - in fact, more vacant lots than houses. Only a few special neighborhoods in Detroit have a vibrant residential scene, most of them north of 6 Mile *AND* west of Woodward (M-1, Detroit's Main Street), and there are a few "Burnout" ghettos in that Northwestern sector. Detroit's East Side has *Very* few prestige neighborhoods, and they're usually only two or three roads wide. I visited St. Louis for the first time this past summer

[@wolfiethedog76]

Don't forget about Southwest Detroit....Its alive and kicking still....

[@1L6E6VHF]

@@wolfiethedog76 We like Southwest Detroit, too. As I type this, there is now a *HUGE* amount of heavy construction from Springwells all the way to Grand Boulevard. I-75 (Fisher Fwy) on about 1/4 mile to the North, and *everything* South of the Fisher Fwy. Almost all of Delray is gone. It appears that they are building an industrial park about 2 Sq. miles long, with the new Gordie Howe bridge under it.

[@patkcorcoran]

Chris Harden is talking code words because that's when the 'diversities' began moving in. 4:17

[@TomMcBoston]

At 32:06 there is what looks like a Catholic parish complex: church, school, convent. is it abandoned? It looks to be in decent shape.

[@ChrisHarden]

That is St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Still up and running.

[@kar120cus]

@@ChrisHarden That is the church that my paternal grandparents belonged to and my grandma was buried from. They lived exactly one block away on E. Canfield and their home is still standing and being refurbished. Only fond memories of that area and time.

[@Knightmessenger]

I feel like the emptiness of East Poletown is largely due to the GM plant. Yes it created some jobs but being built like a walled off fortress, look at what happened to the surrounding area. Ditto for the Jefferson North plant which split up Kercheval street. I think the east side would be a lot less abandoned and blighted if these factories weren't built. Or at least made more compact to have less sprawling impact.

[@CarlosPena-pf5zi]

I used to visit the Eastern Market Brewing Company and get a couple of beers 🍻

[@PenelopePeppers]

Dequindre runs from downtown Detroit to Avon road in Rochester hills and 23 mile rd in Shelby twp. where it splits into these 2 roads.

[@goldtopazasylum]

Looks like it was very nice at one time, not so much now

[@rosalindgibbs2980]

Hey there aren't you the guy who travel to Springfield, IL. And Carbondale, Illinois that maded my day home sweet home.

[@dianekennedy726]

I was bitn and grew up in Detroit and it will always be home to me. I left in 1974. I lived at 1561 Myrtle St. Went to Franklin elementary, Pelham Jr High and Cass Tecnical. I understand Mytle St has been renamed to ML KING Blvd. I am looking for old pictures of this area. Would you know where I might find any? Also Franklin Elementary made a documentary called "Children Without" where could I look for that? Please try and help me. Thank you

[@gregorynagy8500]

This area,Poletown, is part, of my upbringing. Sad to see, the empty Lots,where business,used to see!! G

[@metaldiceman]

20:01 How can you call yourself a Detroiter when you don't even spell Dequindre correctly?

[@MrDannyk01]

Wasn't Hamtramck more of a polish community?

[@ChrisHarden]

Yes.

[@urbanplanner7200]

Kiev looks cleaner than most US cities. Who is the poor country again?

[@Amonabus]

the ukraine. I mean come on man, in 2019 Detroit had a medium household income almost 200x more than what ukrianians could achieved.

[@urbanplanner7200]

@@Amonabus seems like they were getting more for their money.

[@Amonabus]

@@urbanplanner7200 Is funny you say that cause after I replied I did a little google trip to compare skylines and frankly I can't find a single one in the ukraine that doesn't look like a soviet era tenement slum. Maybe you saw something different.

[@urbanplanner7200]

@@Amonabus checkout the metro.

[@someguy23475]

Years ago a buddy of mine talked to an older man who lived in Eastern Europe during WWII. He said Detroit was worse. Yes, worse than bombed out Europe.

[@Werdnasemajjamesandrew]

You showed the back of the federal reserve instead of the front which used to be the gm headquarters

[@EdieCornelius]

I’m not sure If you’ve made one, but I grew up on the east side on Nottingham between E. Warren and Mack Ave. first block off E. Warren. Can you make a video of that area? It’s amazing how you went on the other side of Mack Ave and it was a different world completely. I had a lot of friends living all around where I grew up on Nottingham too in the same area I was in. I attended Servite High School and in my sophomore year switched to Dominican where I graduated (which is not Detroit but Harper woods which I’m sure you know lol) thanks!

[@EdieCornelius]

Oh and can you include Ballduck park? That’s where everyone went for picnics, family reunions, and sledding in winter. Thanks!

[@harold5857]

Wow! you can tell that this building 30:32 used to be a VERY old gas station. Probably 1930's or 40's, back when guys in clean uniforms would fill up your gas and clean your windshield. Amazing that is somehow still stands. Hopefully it can be saved.

[@1L6E6VHF]

It will need rapid-charging stations:-)

[@injs1236]

Check out Bert's Place directly across from the Eastern Market in your vid. Opens at 2 a.m. Serves drinks and live music till about 5 a.m. ( Saturday nights only.) One of Detroit's most elegant and police protected (Paid off?) blind pigs.

[@OneGina83]

I remember how alive this area was in the 90s.

[@waltglow6396]

Camden had a large Polish population, now just like your footage .The locals call it Pollock town!

[@cynthiafeagin6956]

Do they have a lot of speed bumps in this part of Detroit

[@Jimmy82102000]

This hood music does something to me when I drink 🥤 my gin & juice

[@ChrisHarden]

Haha oh yeah?

[@neilmadero2816]

Can someone tell me the name of the music played in the intro? I love these videos, but I always walk away with a ear-worm, with the music replaying in my head. 🤦‍♂️

[@wolfiethedog76]

@@ChrisHarden I think the song is hilarious as you drive through the neighborhoods.

[@edwardhasiak7961]

Chris, was this video filmed on a Sunday? Not many people around. When driving through the Heidelberg Project you should have rode a lot slower so we can get a better look. Thanks for your video's. I grew up in Detroit on the east side near the Plymouth Lynch rode assembly plant and that hood pretty much looks the same as this video.

[@ChrisHarden]

July 5th, 2021 was a Monday. And yeah the side shots in this video were taken at 30fps. I shoot side shots at 60fps now. Might even lower the resolution so I can shoot at 120fps. I’ve learned a lot and I’m continuing to put effort into learning what I can while still producing content.

[@katyg3873]

Transformers was partly filmed in and around the RIC.

[@aimeekrieg9932]

I remember growing up in Metro area, every night news always said at least 1 person shot and / or killed . I'm not a violent person, and yes we grew up poor ourselves, but I don't see how violence solves anything. It just makes it all worse . And 2 wrongs don't make a right

[@ejd1149]

They need some devils night burnings to get rid of all the abandoned buildings and then they can return parts of it to farm land. I remember going to this part of town in the late 1970's and it was a crime ridden trash heap back then.

[@MiBones]

No bars on the windows. No graffiti on the buildings. Grass relatively cut short. Not too bad. Things are looking up.

[@Tyrone950]

This is how corporate America destroys a neighborhood, Poletown.

[@Werdnasemajjamesandrew]

The heidlberg project is 3 miles away from poletown and 5 miles from eastern market what is happening not even close to the area known as poletown

[@MrZipperhead16]

The still open and operating Eastern market doesn't seem any more lively that the "abandoned" areas. This place has sucked the state dry for the last 60 years with nothing to show for it. Wonder if Toledo is still interested?

[@TakenTook]

I think this was just filmed on a day when they weren't having the open market. It's normally much more busy.

[@pauldefillippo8490]

Over by Chene and Gratiot is where I started out.

[@PenelopePeppers]

In the 80s and 90s more Section 8 housing became available in the burbs....that's what the next move was all about !!!! From Eastpointe (East Detroit) to Chesterfield Twp. All down Gratiot heading North.

[@ScottDLR]

Does someone come in and mow these vacant lots? I'm surprised the grass isn't waist high.

[@cynthiafeagin6956]

Is the germack candy company in eastern market.they sell items on QVC

[@TakenTook]

Germack pistachio company is still there, and Rocky peanut company is still there. A bunch of places are still operating, but I think this video was recorded on a day when the overall market was not open.

[@cortezmiller1899]

Is the whole city abandon?

[@cheri6360]

If does seem that way, but I can guarantee you it’s not. It could have been the time of day, time of year, he filmed this. Normally there are tons of ppl at Eastern Market on the weekends. It’s a super cool spot. There are tons of bando’s tho (abandoned building/houses). A lot of homeless make it their home.

[@ChrisHarden]

What Cheri said.

[@cheri6360]

@@ChrisHarden love your content. Keep on making it! I haven’t checked out the Detroit playlist yet, as I’m a new subscriber, but have you done Ann Arbor?

[@ChrisHarden]

@@cheri6360 Sweet, and yeah I made one on Ann Arbor about a year ago. - Go Blue! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmaYfZ2Ge8xkfNU

[@susanboatman7913]

There are still 674,000 people in Detroit down from 1.8 million in 1950. Detroit has a large land mass of 142 sq miles. It may seem that they're are a lot of buildings but they're are still alot businesses and homes that are still here.

[@jcee2259]

White flight included Polish-Americans. Who had run from Poland as I recall.

[@tomsteve3804]

22:18 mark-detroit renewable energy is now the new detroit animal care and control. much needed as DACC was a horrendous place with mayor duggan not doing anything about it- until video leaked and volunteers and employees started speaking up. even though duggan knew about it for quite some time, he did nothing until then.

[@jilllovesbeegees70]

My neighborhood off of Jefferson and Drexel looks like much if this video, does .. just grass growing, no more homes. Once there were beautiful homes and there were beautiful Dutch elm trees that made it like a tunnel in the 50s and 60s.