I imagine some of you, (my fellow Detroiters for sure!) have by now read or heard of the passing of Stella Paris, aka "Greektown Stella." Various newspapers printed her story and many Detroiters were interviewed about the subject of Stella. Here's what I remember.... Back in the late 70's, and 80's I'd be hanging around downtown after an event. Usually one of my 'city cousins' would have organized a concert or ballgame and then inevitably we would make our way into Greektown. Quite possibly we would have had cocktails at the RenCen where the "Summit" bar rotated around giving you a gorgeous 360 degree view of our glorious city. We sipped those $7.50 cocktail s-l-o-w-l-y to make it one full circle. How very glamorous! I have a few old pics somewhere depicting the events with smiling happy girls, holding a fancy drink with the backdrop of Detroit thru the window. Then it was off to Greektown. I loved the smell, music, food and lights these restaurants and shops that were so alive and always seemed open.
In that time, before Greektown Casino, there was Trappers Alley. You could watch those darling boys making fudge and singing harmonies. I loved the boutiques that were also housed in that very unique, old building.
But the real sight to watch for was Stella. My cousins had warned me that she would probably be somewhere around and hopefully having a good day. The first time I spotted her, she was sleeping in a corner. I was alarmed because up north, that is something you would not see. I innocently fretted about her and wondered where she would go when stores closed. I was assured that she was just fine and that is just how she lived.
The next time, I got a better look. Stella was so tiny and she must have had about 20 colored barrettes in her gray hair. I offered her my take out but she waved it away with a tiny hand, mumbling something in Greek. Seems the local restaurateurs kept her in food. So from then on, I gave her a few bucks and hoped she would be okay. Surely she was SOMEONES gramma!
Then years went by and I never again saw her. Her health failed and life on the streets was impossible for her. I've read she was given a full Greek funeral and burial.
So, rest in peace, Stella. Like so many good things about Detroit--you will be missed. xoxo
7 comments:
Hey Jodi,
That was a wonderful euology. Don't think I ever ran into Stella, but I do remember Trapper's Alley. Have you been to Seldom Blues? Been twice and what startled me was seeing $450+ shots of Scotch on the drink list. Maybe for Kid Rock and Eminem or Kwame in his heyday?
A character worthy of fiction for sure. Wow.
Jodi - I never met Stella, but we got talking about Greektown and Eastern Market lately and we were talking about Stella. I remember Trappers Alley though AND the FUDGE! I loved walking through there!
See you soon!
Kel
She was a trip. A couple of decades ago we were fixing underground steam pipes right around the corner from Gtowns main drag. We loved sitting and watching her in her glory as she went about her day on Monroe.
Reports were that she had been housed in a senior living hi rise not far from her stomping grounds and was doing OK at the end, well cares for.
Jodi,My mom knew of her back in my mother's running days.her good friend's husband was a cop.And from what I know they all watched out for her.For some reason she would allways scream(in Greek of crouse)to him,even thou he never had a conflict with her.They figure he must have looked like someone that hurt her some how.But what a girl,making such a name for herself.I personally saw her twice,but never did have an encounter with her just stay my distance.no guts.
Speaking of charaters I ran into Stacy at church with her Mom.We walked in and she was saying what a great time she had with you.But we did get a chance to talk much being we were in church.Hope to se you soon.
many good times in Greektown going back to college days. Loved Trappers Alley. I also performed in the beautiful chuch in Greektown every Holiday with the Wayne State Chorus and Orchestra. God Bless Stella!!!
Erik, Thanks, babe! Haven't been to Seldom yet, but will pass on the scotch if I do. Could NEVER justifuy THAT buzz. Maybe if the Kwamster was tabbin' it! Charles, You can't make these lives up, I swear! Anon/Kel, That's my girl! Fudge all day! Mark-Stella was the Queen of GTown, for sure! Back when Greektown had real character and not just a casino area! Carolyn-I love it that Mom had "running" days. Guess you get it honest! My Stacy time is always a blast... Rose-fond memories, indeed and yes, God Bless Stella!
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