Hazel Park Historical Commission and Museum

Hazel Park Historical Commission and Museum The Hazel Park Historical Commission, is dedicated to identify and preserving the history of our city. This is a local history museum.

We have a wide variety of artifacts on display that tells the history of Hazel Park and the Hazel Park Schools, dating back to the early 1900's

While paying your respects at the Veterans Memorial this weekend, please tie a yellow ribbon onto our annual Tie A Yello...
05/20/2026

While paying your respects at the Veterans Memorial this weekend, please tie a yellow ribbon onto our annual Tie A Yellow Ribbon art installation in honor of a service member. While the display is only at city hall for a few days each year it is always available to view at the museum.

đź‘€Looking for something to do this weekend?COME VISIT THE MUSEUM!45 E PearlWe will be open this Sunday, May 17th, 11am-2p...
05/16/2026

đź‘€Looking for something to do this weekend?

COME VISIT THE MUSEUM!
45 E Pearl

We will be open this Sunday, May 17th, 11am-2pm.

Come check out some local history!

🎞️ This Week in History: A Fresh Face for the Hazel Park TheatreThis week, we’re looking back at a major turning point f...
05/11/2026

🎞️ This Week in History: A Fresh Face for the Hazel Park Theatre

This week, we’re looking back at a major turning point for one of Hazel Park’s most beloved landmarks: the Hazel Park Theatre. Located on the east side of John R, just south of Nine Mile Road.

Originally opened in 1928, the theater stood as a beacon of entertainment for the community for decades. But it was during this week in 1944 that the theater underwent a massive "face-lift" that changed the game for local moviegoers.

🎨 The "New Management" Makeover

Under the direction of new manager Gordon Page, the Hazel Park Theatre didn’t just get a fresh coat of paint—it got a whole new philosophy. Page’s mission was to transform it into a true community enterprise.

The Look: The front of the building received a complete "redecoration" to give folks in the city the "very finest" in theater atmosphere.

The Programs: Saturday afternoons were strictly "for the kiddies," featuring marathons of cartoons and free comic books.

🍽️ "Dish Night"

Perhaps the most nostalgic part of this era was the introduction of Dish Nights. Starting on May 31st and running every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the theater gave away Oven King Ovenware to the ladies in attendance.

During the Depression era, these promotions were a lifeline for theaters. Families would return week after week, hoping to complete their sets of dinnerware while catching a double feature. If you grew up in a Hazel Park household, there’s a good chance your grandmother’s favorite serving bowl originally came from a trip to see a movie on John R!

đź“Ť Did You Know?

The Hazel Park Theatre was a cornerstone of the original downtown business district. While the landscape of Nine Mile and John R has changed significantly over the years (with the theater eventually making way for new developments in the mid-20th century), it remains a symbol of the city's "Friendly City" spirit.

Photo curtesy The Palladium Vol. 6 No. Thursday, May 18, 1944

This Week in History: Groundbreaking for a Racing LandmarkSeventy-eight years ago this week, a major transformation bega...
05/04/2026

This Week in History: Groundbreaking for a Racing Landmark

Seventy-eight years ago this week, a major transformation began for a piece of land in Hazel Park that would go on to become a local legend. On Friday, April 30, 1948, construction officially commenced on the Hazel Park Stadium, located just south of Ten Mile Road and near Dequindre Road.
While many remember this site as the Hazel Park Raceway horse track, its origins were actually rooted in auto racing and community sports.

The Vision for a Multi-Purpose Hub

The original plans for the stadium were ambitious, designed to serve as a versatile venue for the community:
-Midget Auto Racing: The centerpiece was a quarter-mile asphalt track sanctioned by the Great Lakes Auto Racing Association.
-Spectator Capacity: Initial construction aimed to seat 6,400 fans, with plans to eventually expand the steel stadium to hold 14,000.
-Community Sports: Beyond racing, the stadium was intended for pro and amateur baseball, football games, and other large gatherings.
-Economic Impact: Local officials expected the venue to draw "countless new businesses" to the area to serve the thousands of anticipated weekly visitors.

Fast Track to Opening
The developers moved quickly, aiming to have the track completed and in operation by June 30, with races planned twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Article courtesy The Palladium Vol. 10 - No. 17 Thursday, May 6, 1948

đź“ś This Week in History: Building a Community Legacy!Big things were happening in Hazel Park this week years ago! Ground ...
04/27/2026

đź“ś This Week in History: Building a Community Legacy!
Big things were happening in Hazel Park this week years ago! Ground officially broke for the new Hazel Park Library building, and the energy was electric. ⚡️

A True Community Effort
The ceremony kicked off with John Erickson, the Hazel Park Schools Superintendent, turning the very first shovelful of earth (captured in the first photo!). But he wasn’t alone—a dedicated crew of approximately 50 citizen volunteers paraded from Lacey School to the site, ready to roll up their sleeves.

Fun Fact: This wasn't just a government project; the library was literally built by the hands of local citizens working alongside a few contractors! Talk about "splendid spirit."

🏛️ From Library to Museum
While the books have moved on, the building remains a cornerstone of our city's identity. That original library building is now the Hazel Park Historical Museum! It stands as a testament to what our community can achieve when we worked together wholeheartedly to build something worthy for future generations.

đź“Ť Visit Us!
Want to see the history held within these volunteer-built walls? Come explore the artifacts and stories of Hazel Park’s past!
Where: 45 E. Pearl
When: Every 3rd Sunday
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
We can’t wait to show you around! ✨
Photos from The Palladium Vol. 2, No. 15 Thursday, April 25, 1940

What was happening in Hazel Park this week in history?Exactly 87 years ago this week, Tony’s Grocery and Meat Market was...
04/20/2026

What was happening in Hazel Park this week in history?

Exactly 87 years ago this week, Tony’s Grocery and Meat Market was celebrating its Grand Re-Opening at 24031 John R right next to where the hardware store is now!

Take a look at these “Low Prices” from the April 20, 1939, edition of The Palladium. It’s a fascinating window into what life cost in Hazel Park just before the 1940s!

04/19/2026

The museum is open today 4/19 from 12pm until 2pm. Come join us and wander through the past!

Step through the doors of Hazel Park’s past and discover the stories that shaped our community. The Hazel Park Historica...
03/15/2026

Step through the doors of Hazel Park’s past and discover the stories that shaped our community.

The Hazel Park Historical Museum is open every 3rd Sunday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Inside you’ll find fascinating artifacts, photographs, and local history that bring Hazel Park’s story to life.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a curious neighbor, or simply someone who enjoys a good story from the past, we would love to welcome you.

Hazel Park Historical Museum
Every 3rd Sunday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Come explore a little piece of Hazel Park history with us!

Dearest Gentle Readers,It is with great pleasure that this author reports a most distinguished visit to the Hazel Park H...
03/15/2026

Dearest Gentle Readers,

It is with great pleasure that this author reports a most distinguished visit to the Hazel Park Historical Museum today. The ever-notable **Mr. Charles “CC” Clouse** graciously stopped by, bringing both curiosity and charm to our halls of history.

Such visits remind us that the stories of Hazel Park are not merely relics of the past, but living threads woven by the remarkable people who continue to shape our community today. One could hardly imagine a more delightful guest strolling among the artifacts and tales of days gone by.

The museum extends its warmest thanks to Mr. Clouse for spending part of his day with us. Should others wish to follow his excellent example, the doors of history await their arrival.

Yours most faithfully,
A devoted observer of all things Hazel Park

Dearest Gentle Readers,It has come to this author’s most delightful attention that the doors of the **Hazel Park Histori...
03/15/2026

Dearest Gentle Readers,

It has come to this author’s most delightful attention that the doors of the **Hazel Park Historical Museum** shall be open today from **11:00 until 3:00**. Within those charming walls await curious tales, treasured artifacts, and the quiet whispers of Hazel Park’s past, all ready to greet visitors of discerning taste.

Should one find themselves wandering about town this afternoon, it would be most fashionable indeed to step inside and indulge in a bit of local history. One never knows what fascinating stories may reveal themselves.

Pray do not keep history waiting.

Yours most faithfully,
A devoted observer of all things Hazel Park

Address

45 E Pearl Avenue
Hazel Park, MI
48030

Telephone

+12483974654

Website

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