Categories: Metro Detroit, Belle Isle
A pair of Detroit jewels
"Say Nice Things About Detroit."
Whether you actually followed through on the 1970s and 80s slogan or not, you must remember it and, perhaps, the woman who dreamed it up.
Detroit News columnist Neil Rubin did a nice column today, Singing the city's praises, about Emily Gail, who now sells real estate and hosts a radio show in Hawaii but was among the first Motor City boosters.
Also today, The News' David Josar writes about Belle Isle's two faces: Island jewel, lawless landmark.
Jon Morgan and I will be meeting with Roberta Henrion, president of Friends of Belle Isle, on July 20 to further investigate partnering with the organization.
I still firmly believe that Belle Isle is the perfect spot to move forward with this initiative: bringing former and current residents of the city together to create better tomorrows for our children in Detroit.
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· http://lacatholicworker.org Peace, Mike W.
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07/03/09 @ 01:51 When I started working downtown (at the phone company) in 1979, I enjoyed going Across the Street, always to be greeted by the upbeat Miss Gail. And as things continued in a downward spiral (especially after the closing of Hudson’s in 1983) Emily’s was about the only place you could find a smiling face.
I’ve tried to live by her mantra, “You don't have to do anything spectacular. You just have to notice the things worth appreciating.”
For so long, the widespread attention has been focused on the worst of Detroit, but hopefully future generations will turn out more Gail’s - out there dancing in the streets of Detroit.
And who knows, maybe someday I’ll end up in Hawaii – one can always dream!
P.S. Hasn't Belle Isle always had "two faces"? At one time, one of them being Purple (Gang - boot legging in the 1920's)? But it's always been a treasure too.
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