We Summered in Detroit 42.3314°N, 83.0458°W
Chicago, circa 1978
Detroit, circa 1974
My baby brother is my first friend. We created a world of wonder and fun that made sense to only us. I played the role of protective and outspoken big sister and he was loving and kind. Our immediate family is small but between my brother and I, we were really all we needed. Each summer our bond was strengthened by the yearly sojourn to my grandma Tee’s house on Holcombe in Detroit. Known as the Motor City and home of Motown, the city breathed an air of connectivity, culture, and rich history. A teacher by trade, Tee served as our tour guide, tutor and driver. Our great uncle, Uncle Earnest, was my grandma’s partner in crime. He was a colorful character who was a master story teller, DJ and harmonica player, and retired General Motors worker. Between the two of them we learned about everything from homemade wine to Vacation Bible School. The kitchen of Uncle Earnest’s bungalow on Burns Street was always stocked with Vernor’s ginger ale, Faygo pop, Better Maid chips, and assorted candies. His vinyl collection rivaled that of any radio station and he was once a contestant on the Price is Right. He often slid a few quarters in our hands and would advise, “don’t tell your right hand what your left hand is holding.” He was also a bit weird about his lawn and the downstairs restroom off the kitchen…don’t ask.
Tee drove a burgundy Ford Granada with vinyl seats. If the sun was out, we knew our little thighs would sizzle on impact and we had to watch out for hot seat belt buckles too! We galavanted about the city in the backseat listening to Tee’s favorite radio station that only played elevator music as she tapped her delicate fingers across the steering wheel. With the windows rolled down and the summer air blowing across our faces, my brother and I would absorb the smells, sounds, and citizens of this vibrant city. We never sat still as my grandma loved to ride around and see people and things. In hindsight, it may have been that she knows idle summer minds make for poor grades in the fall, or it could be that strolling around East Land shopping center in the AC was much better than trying to keep cool with box fans at the house. Whatever her reasons, we were always on the go.
Often our jaunts took us to the popular watering hole Belle Isle or a ferry ride to the amusement park Bablo Island in Ontario, Canada. Whatever the adventure, my first friend and I were filled with excitement and anticipation of where we would go next. I suppose it was during these field trips that I developed a love of travel. I believe Tee would be proud that I followed her advice to be brave, live the life I want on my terms, and to learn and see as much as I can for as long as I can.
