Share Memories: Oral Histories
Palmer Park is a wellspring
of memories and stories.
Video by Jacob-Hurwitz Goodman; Music by A. Spencer Barefield
Once it was an ancient Native American sacred center. In the 1800s, it was a rural retreat for senators, mystics, and early Detroit leaders and philanthropists.
Treasured as a public park for more than 125 years, it has been the site for magical memories, stories and experiences for children, who played and explored there, and their families. Once it was thriving and beautifully maintained — with waterfalls, wishing wells, lakes, a 1908 million dollar marble fountain, hiking trails, ponds for fishing and ice skating, orchards, flower gardens, wildlife, casino and log cabin from the 1800s — but fewer and fewer remember those days, as the park has suffered from neglect and lack of city funds to maintain it.
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER? Share your memories on this page by writing in the comment section and help us capture those experiences. If you are willing to be interviewed in person, please let us know because we hope to have an oral history project spin off from this. We want memories of the Park from elders and youngsters of all ages so we can collect your stories to help guide and inspire us as we restore, revitalize and re-create Palmer Park.
My parents managed an apartment that was at the end of Manderson Rd., right next to the park. I always loved going to the park and seeing the log cabin. After my children were born, I always took them to the park. At that time, there would be musical concerts in the park. Everyone would bring their blankets or lawn chairs and listen to the concert. It was a wonderful place to spend hot summer nights sitting on a blanket and enjoying the cool breeze from the trees. My parents moved there in the 1950′s. You may contact me by email.
I remember Sundays full of softball, laughter and waiting for someone to knock it outa the park on to Woodward and dont forget the Fish sandwich man … with his smile and story …..! Any other day but Sunday enjoying a Few Dutch Girl Donuts in the park! It Is a beautiful place, families playing tennis, walking and riding bikes in the park. Palmer Park just needs some TLC and People to appreciate it all its History. Its one more pf Detroit’s last diamonds in the ruff!