7601 Mack Avenue
William Schnider Soft Drink Parlor, Trig’s Alibi Bar, Eustace T. DuMetz DDS, John A. White, Jr., DDS
This structure was built in the 1910s. When completed, the corner had an American State Bank, and the neighborhood was becoming incredibly dense, increasing the need for first-floor retail with apartments upstairs. Business owners could operate their livelihoods off Mack and live their lives upstairs.
In 1924, there was a soft drink parlor at the structure pictured here. It was run by William Schnider, who allegedly was serving liquor there, which was illegal in Michigan until 1933. Detroit, like many cities, had busts most weekends. That same year, one of the businesses had a National Cash Register for sale.
After the soft drink parlor, I haven’t found anything here for a few decades. Likely, there were two small businesses on the main floor and at least two apartments upstairs. Mack Avenue was a healthy thoroughfare with businesses, restaurants, grocery stores, and light manufacturing. There were areas that did heavier lifting, but this area was primarily residential.
In 1957, the structure was Trig’s Alibi Bar. One patron, Michael Lappin, 58, caused a ruckus and began abusing other patrons at the bar. George H. Ongley, 61, threw him out of the bar for causing a scene. Lappin hit his head on the concrete and later died at Receiving Hospital. Police held Ongley; however, I’m unsure what happened to him.
By 1984, a dentist’s office was on the main floor, a mainstay that would be one of the structure’s last tenants. At this time, it was occupied by Eustace T. DuMetz, who had a Doctor of Dental Surgery and was a Professional Corporation. His office took MIDA (Metropolitan Independent Dental Associates/Dental Plans), which was typical for the auto workers of the era.
By 1986, John A. White, Jr., DDS had moved into the space. I’m not certain if Dr. DuMetz had moved on or if he was still in the office, too. Dr. White took MIDA, too.
In 1994, the structure was for sale through the City of Detroit Commercial property sale. It was listed as occupied, and there was no starting price listed. Most of the other entries had that. Online records show that it last sold in 1998.
The sign for Dr. White’s office remained on the facade until around 2016, despite the office likely closing at least a decade prior.
There may have been a ‘junk store’ in the lower left unit until around 2008. That term is said in the most loving way possible; those are my favorite kinds of shops. Street view showcases lots of items placed somewhat deliberately in the side lot and sidewalk.
I’ve seen people in and out of here a few times in the past few years, but nothing that seemed consistent. The structure is handsome and appears to have had some masonry repaired in the past two decades. With Indian Village, Pingree Park, and West Village seeing more investment, I wonder when Mack Avenue will spark with new stores, restaurants, and renovations.
Hopefully, this one can hold out until then!
