Posted by:
b.a.hoarder
(---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Frank asked, so I'll start a corner store thread; here's my recollection from 25th & Washtenaw. I lived there until the age of five and for sure I remember Patek's store at 2702 W. 25th. The Patek family ran the kind of store that had just about anything a housewife or homeowner might need. Daily staples for the kitchen? Sure! Maybe dad needs a pair of bib overalls, or a shovel. Ice cream cone, Pop-sicle? You bet. My mother was pretty handy (spell that thrifty) and I remember her story that old man Patek was surprised when she bought a couple feet of lamp cord to repair a lamp herself.
I think there were two kids in their family, an older girl and Tommy. Tommy was about my age. For relaxation mom liked to go Downtown to shop for bargains. The summer we moved ('54) dad was in charge one day when mom went shopping. Tommy went into the basement of the store and came out with what we thought was rock candy. Actually it was rock salt and believe me it won't take much to make you feel pretty bad. The family doctor said to give me milk to drink and no, I won't go into the rest of the details. So much for hustling some candy.
I don't recall what was on the NE corner, but there was a tavern on the SE corner and there are still CHA Projects on the SW corner.