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For decades, the city of Hamtramck, MI, has had a legendary association
with bars. Its 2.1 square miles was packed at one point with at least
200 bars, clubs and other places that served alcohol in some form.
During Prohibition, there were hundreds of speakeasies that openly
flaunted the law and played host to the whole metro area's leading
political figures and upstanding citizens—as well as murderers and
thieves—among many others. Hamtramck's bar scene seemingly was not like
anywhere else. Through the decades bars in Hamtramck have served as
social centers, power bases for politicians, dens of crime, and red-hot
venues for cutting-edge music. With their pervasive presence, the bars
became cornerstones of the community. It's a staggering thought but the
vast array of bars that has flourished in the city have made a powerful
contribution to its character and even its existence. Exploring the
history of Hamtramck's bars is a fascinating journey that lays out the
character of the community—for better and for worse.
About The Author:
GREG KOWALSKI was born in Hamtramck, MI, attended school in Hamtramck
and received a degree in journalism from Wayne State University. He has
been a journalist for more than 40 years, and has written for and edited
numerous newspapers and magazines. More recently he has served as
communications director for Bloomfield Township, MI. Since 1998, he has
been chairman of the Hamtramck Historical Commission and is a director
of the Hamtramck Historical Museum. This is his eleventh book on local
history, including nine on Hamtramck.
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