Metro Detroit's "Little Italy"? (Warren, Redford: businesses, move, community)

[Dexterguy]

Hitorically did the City of Detroit ever have a real Little Italy at one time? I heard one time from one of my friends that there was a small group of Italian immigrants around the eastern market area, and is still a few remanding Italian restuarants in that area.
Where are most of the Italian-Americans in current day Metro Detroit? All I know is there is a few shops in Clinton Township. That I guess moved from the eastern market area years ago. Does anyone one else know anymore history or info on the subject?

[Coldjensens]

I have never heard much about Italians in Detroit and I am a history buff. Originally French and English. Later, lots of Polish and Slavic people, quite a few Scandanavians, lots of African Americans, more recently lots of Middle easterners and Hispanic's/Mexicans. Probably a lot of Canadians too.

No room left for Italians.

About 20 years ago there were a lot of ialians in the Fraser/Roseville area. I am not sure whether that is still true.

[BurtsBees]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

About 20 years ago there were a lot of ialians in the Fraser/Roseville area. I am not sure whether that is still true.

Still are a lot of italians in Fraser.

[Cato the Elder]

Hasn't "metro Detroit's" Little Italy always been across the border in Windsor?

[Coldjensens]

No. Those are Canadians.

[OhEdo]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

No. Those are Canadians.

I am assuming this is a joke? If not, calling Italian Canadians just "Canadian" is tantamount to saying the same for all Americans, regardless of ethnic background (of course, people in other countries often argue just that). Since you have called yourself a history buff, Coldjensens, I hope you are joking in which case I apologize for the lecture.

Be that as it may, according to friends/colleagues from Windsor, Windsor does have a fairly vibrant Italian community with lots of restaurants.

[Coldjensens]

Umm Yes. It is a joke. All of those humans living in Canada are Canadians aren't they? They are a unique species ehay?


My sense of humor is a bit dry and sometimes hard to understand (and therefore to many people offensive).

Burt's Bees: if you know, are the Dimaggio's markets still in the Fraser area? I once knew a Dimaggio family member and I am curious whether they are still there.

[Dexterguy]

I know that there is a Italian Bakery & Food Store in Redford. I go there about monthly for there good cannoli.

[Dexterguy]

Sorry, I forgot to add that the name of the Store is Dimaggio. I do not know if it is owned by the same family or not.

[stock66]

There were LOTS of Italians on the east side when I was growing up. My neighborhood in Warren seemed to be half Polish and half Italian. Weren't many of us that weren't one or the other. All of them had moved there from the east side of Detroit, but I don't know exactly where.
Tringali's Bakery on Schoenherr, Ferenzi's Restaurant on 10 Mile (not sure if they are there anymore?), Randazzo's Market on Gratiot, Alinosi's on E. McNichols there were no shortage of Italian businesses.