Bond & Bailey Machining, Detroit

The Bond & Bailey building on W. Fort St. in Detroit is one of my favorite old buildings. I like it because of its unique character, its slight lean, its "ghost" sign on the east wall, and most of all because it is at least 125-130 years old and still being used (I think). I have been unable to learn anything about its history except that Bond & Bailey has been there "since 1948," according to the sign out front.

Bond & Bailey Machining and its neighbor the Detroit Trucking Co. 

building, aka, Don Miller "Land Storage" - May, 2012

 Former Detroit Trucking Co. building - May, 2012

 This neighboring building was constructed (late 1930s - 1940s?) by the Detroit Trucking Co. and was later occupied by Bond & Bailey Machining, and then Don Miller Land Storage. It was still standing in 2012 after being vacant and suffering at least two fires. As you can see it was a mere shell awaiting its dismal fate which was most probably demolition. The only question was, how and when.

The answer came when it burned again (likely due to a scrapper's torch) the afternoon of June 29, 2012, just 40 days after the photos above were taken. After a 2-hour battle the fire was extinguished without injury. The building has since been demolished. 

The late 1800s Bond &Bailey building still stands. These photos show how it looked in 2012:

Bond & Bailey Machining (2012)

A sign on the east wall by the entrance boasting their services (2012)

It was - and still is - comforting in some way to see the little building still there each time I pass by. At the same time, though, I always wonder how much longer it will be there. While this old stalwart still stands it has been, like so many buildings in Detroit, senselessly defaced by tagger vandals. I was furious when I saw it on a drive down Fort Street in July of 2013. Taggers have painted the entire side of the east wall, completely obliterating the terrific old sign:

July, 2013

For what useful purpose was an historic building defaced, and a vintage sign destroyed?

What or who is TAF-TMK, and why should anyone care???

Pin It Now!

Awrey Bakery sold, brand saved

On the side of an Awrey semi-trailer
The trailer was gone shortly after this photo was taken.
_______________________

 This little-noticed sign on the the north wall of the Awrey building has seen better days. It is unknown if it will be repaired,  removed or replaced by the new owners.

_______________________

In the fall of 2012, facing seemingly insurmountable financial trouble, Awrey Bakeries said it would lay off most of its 200 employees unless a buyer could be found for the 103-year-old company by mid-February.

As hopes for finding a buyer dimmed, the company discontinued retail bakery operations and began dismantling equipment which was to be sold at an auction scheduled for February 20th. On February 19th, in what was literally a last-minute reprieve, privately-held Minnie Marie Bakers of the Midland-Bay City, Michigan area came forward with a purchase offer just eight minutes before the final sale deadline.

New CEO Jim McColgan said owner Ron Beebe will change the Livonia bakery's name to Minnie Marie Bakers, Inc., but will "keep the Awrey brand name alive." McColgan also said they intend to rehire more than 150 laid off workers and reopen the 218,000 square foot facility within thirty days.

Sales and marketing director John Awrey, who is a member of the founding family, said he is “pleased that the new owner will preserve the Awrey’s brand and tradition of fine products."

"They know Michigan is a good place to do business and will expand our focus to develop a local supply chain of farmers, millers and producers of Michigan-grown wheat, soybeans, sugar and other ingredients," Awrey said.

When the bakery reopened on March 11th, about 50 former employees had been returned to work. McColgan said the number of workers they can rehire will depend on sales.


Read more about Awrey in this previous post.


Pin It Now!

Now Showing at Great Lakes Market Place - Holly, Michigan

I'm pleased to announce that my work is now available at the Great Lakes Market Place, 110 S Saginaw St. in Holly, Michigan. Owned by John LaCroix, the marketplace features a variety of Michigan-made artwork and specialty food products, baked goods, wines, and more. Have cup of your favorite coffee, or a scoop of delicious Guernsey ice cream while you browse the unique artwork created by local artists!

Keep up with what's new on the Great Lakes Market Place Facebook Page.

Pin It Now!