THEN & NOW
A fellow classmate sent a suggestion for something that he wished to see on the home page. His suggestion was:
"Here's a thought: For the benefit of those of us who don't get back to Wayne on a
regular basis, how about some photos of some of the old local icons of yesteryear as
they appeared in the late 50s and early 60s, paired with some current photos of the
same places as they look today. I realize this would involve some work, but it
would certainly be interesting! Some examples: Daly Drive-In, Algiers Drive-in,
the old Wayne Recreation Center, Downtown Wayne (if there's anything left), the
Nor-Wayne business district, Eloise."
While I do collect old post cards of Wayne, I had a few places to start with, but there are many others that I don't have photos of. If any of you have photos of old local icons of yesteryear you'd like to share, please forward them to me and I'll go out and photograph the site as it appears today.
So, without further ado, here's what I have so far. Enjoy !!!!!
St Mary's Church - Circa 1950 St Mary's Church - Circa 2001
Nor-Wayne Business District - Circa 1950's Nor-Wayne Business District - Circa 2001
Bus Station - Michigan & Laura - Circa 1950's Bus Station - Michigan & Laura - Circa 2001
(Now a local printing establishment)
Northside Business District - Circa 1950's Northside Business District - Circa 2001
Recreation Building - Circa 1950's Presently Wayne City Hall - Circa 2001
Michigan Avenue-Wayne Road - Circa 1950's Michigan Avenue-Wayne Road - Circa 2001
Uht Memorial Funeral Home - Circa early 1960's Uht Memorial Funeral Home - Circa 2001
Dairy Queen - Circa early 1960's Dairy Queen - Circa 2001
(This year (2001) is their 50th year in the same spot)
Daly Drive In - Circa early 1960's Daly Drive In - Circa 2001
"Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio"
Looking through the advertisements on the back pages of the "Spectators", it's amazing how many places are now gone.
Lazar's Clothing &Sportswear For Men and Boys - Torn down during "Urban Renewal" early 1960's
J.E. Dowling Drugs - Torn down during "Urban Renewal" early 1960's
Vladu Shoe Repair - Torn down during "Urban Renewal" early 1960's
Gladstone's Shoe Store - Torn down during "Urban Renewal" early 1960's
Mulholland Dry Goods - Torn down during "Urban Renewal" early 1960's
W. L. Gates Furniture - Has had a succession of new owners and names, now sells tuxedos and apparel
Riggs Cleaners - Out of Business - Recently torn down to make a parking lot for the people of Ash Street to park on, since they've had Ash Street torn up for new pavement for MONTHS !!!!
Stuarts Ladies Clothing Store - Out of Business (neon sign is in my barn)
Fisher's Cleaners - Now an air conditioning & heating business
Clarence Bell FORD Dealership - Torn down during "Urban Renewal" early 1960's
Northside Pharmacy - Has had a succession of owners, different businesses
Wayne 5c to $5.00 Store - Went out of business, building burned to ground late 1970's, as it was part of the old Wayne Theater building
O'Briens Drug Store - Torn down during "Urban Renewal" early 1960's
Recordland - Now the storage building for the Dairy Queen
Fabor's Men's Store - Now a part of the expanded Leo's Jewelry & Gifts store
Milt Humphries "Latest In Ivy League Styles" - Building has been vacant for nearly 20 years
Venoy Drive-In Restaurant - Torn down, and a gas station put up in its place
T-V Drive-In Restaurant - Now a Used Car lot
A & W Root Beer Drive-in - Torn down, and a cell phone/beeper business is now there. Formally an auto parts store
Wayne Drive-In Theater - Torn down, now the site of the Ford Motor Company Paint Facility (but, the marquee from the drive-in theater is in my back yard !!!!)
Algiers Drive-In Theater - Torn down, now the site of the Westland Crossing Shopping Center
If after viewing this page you wish further information,
please contact me via e-mail, by clicking on my name below:
Bill Whitworth - whit@whitworth.com
This Page Last Changed
Saturday, May 26, 2007 05:27 PM