ROBERT OAKMAN
Robert Oakman was a true Detroiter. Born there in 1860, he spent his entire life within its borders. His parents lived in Corktown when he was born.
ABOUT THE AMAZING OAKMAN BOULVEARD
Oakman Blvd runs from roughly from Michigan Ave. in the south to Hamilton at the north end. Like its sisters Outer Drive and Grand Blvd, it runs more like a river than a road. Unlike its sisters, it is 90 percent residential. You cannot tell the difference from one block to the next. There are NO derelict or burned out residential buildings on its entire length.The orginal idea was to connect the old and new Ford factories. Oakman Boulevard is a hidden gem that deserves more respect than it gets.
HISTORY OF THE AMAZING OAKMAN BOULVEARD
Robert Oakman was mayor Hazen Pingree secretary in the 1890's. Oakman, Oscar Marx mayor from 1913-1919 and John Dodge ran southeast Michigans Republican Party He was a very active and powerful Republican party member. Later, he became city assessor then went on to be a member of the states first Tax Commission. He resigned from that position to join the Detroit United Railway as a tax expert. It was here he became interested in buildings and real estate where he left a lasting mark.
He married Mamie Moross who came from another promient Detroit family. As a politician he was instramental in Detroit's first water filtration plant and building a seperate prison for women in Northville.
As Detroit grew in the early 1890s, Oakman believed the city would out grow it's border. He bought extensive land and real estate in the northeast side. This made him a wealthy man.
By the early 1900s the city grew to Grand Boulevard. The wealthy built big ornate house on Grand, many still stand today.In the mid-teens Oakman proposed another ring road to serve as Detroit's new border. He planned and layed out parts of Detroit and most of the northeast side.
In 1917 Oakman donated land to connect Woodard to Michigan Avenue. He named it after himself. Oakman Boulevard was born. The idea was to copy Grand Boulevards style. Also at the time, Henry Ford was building a new auto factory in Dearborn, the Rouge.
Ford's orginal factory was in Highland Park. Oakman Boulevard would connect the two plants. Oakman's thinking was Ford would help invest in the undertaking. Ford turned him down. Good friend John Dodge put up one-quarter of a million dollars to help with the project.
THE AMAZING OAKMAN BOULEVARD TODAY
The Amazing Oakman Blvd stood the test of time. Today it is hard to find a dilapated or burned out house on the Boulevard. Some are rough around the edges but there are only 1 or 2 boarded up houses on the entire stretch. All homes have neatly mowed lawns. There will be muggles on the weekend as many homeowners will be working on gardens and lawns. I found them friendly and talkative.
The Bad
.The only rough stretch is between West Chicago and Fullerton near the I 96 overpass. This section is all industrial with only a few still open. Most are boarded up and/or abandonded.
WARNING!!! WARNING!!! Unfortunately, because this is an urban environment, care most be taken when hunting. Sometimes there is a run-down neighborhood a block away. The Oakman Blvd residents are friendly but those passing through may not be. BE STREET SMART AND WISE!!!! If you feel uncomfortable, move on to another cache.
Most of the major intersections have run down or boarded up buildings. There still are some vibrant (and interesting) buildings around here. Some caches are NOT on Oakman Blvd. These are meant to show the contrast in the neighborhood or a historical place. They may be in a less than desireable area. Like stated above, if you are not feeling safe, or don't feel comfortable searching an area, move on to another cache.
Finally
If you can, take some time to look around and get a feel for the area. The Amazing Oakman Boulevard has been through a lot, the racial 60's, the white flight following that, and the econmic downturns of the auto industry. Yet it still stands proud. It is one of the few Detroit subdivisions that have survived and thrived.
You can find something of interest in every block if you take the time to look and smell the roses. There are stately homes, ornate homes and everyday houses. There are many family run businesses (one over 50 years!!) You will see many churches of different sizes and shapes. There are unique one of a kind businesses .A historic library is on Oakman. There are a few parks nearby. I found a few surprises also.
I love Detroit!! This is an example of what Detroit was and WILL become if we stay on the right track. Come out and see the Oakman historic district. I know you will be surprised by what you see!!!!!
Robert Oakman Crypt
ABOUT THE CACHE
should be a quick find