Latest news with #313Day
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Yahoo
For two sisters, bringing their story to historic site has been winning Detroit B&B recipe
For Francina and Roderica James — sisters separated in age by only 13 months — taking a trip down memory lane to relive times spent in their childhood home on West Outer Drive off Meyers during the 1980s and '90s is a most joyful experience. That joy can be seen by the sparkle in their eyes, and heard in their extended moments of laughter, followed by periods of silence when their smiles speak louder than words as they take turns recalling special moments. But Francina and Roderica are able to do more than just talk about their childhood home to people they meet. The affable sisters also can show people from near and far what their home was like, to a degree, because they are the co-owners of The Cochrane House Luxury Historic Inn located in Detroit's Brush Park Historic District. The exterior of The Cochrane House provides a glimpse of what Brush Park was like around 1870 when it was originally built as a red brick home for Dr. John Terry, and then shortly afterward purchased by Lyman Cochrane — a former Michigan Superior Court judge and a state senator — during a time when Brush Park was called 'Little Paris' for its mansions. However, inside The Cochrane House today, which Francina and Roderica opened as an adult, luxury bed-and-breakfast in May 2018, is an atmosphere patterned after the sisters' childhood home. 'People that we grew up with, when they come in here, the first thing that they say is that this reminds them of Outer Drive,' explained 46-year-old Roderica, the younger of the two sisters, about The Cochrane House, which for some is a leisurely walk away from Comerica Park, Ford Field, Little Caesars Arena and other popular Detroit entertainment destinations and restaurants in and around downtown. 'Even though the decor is different, the feel and the comfort we provide at The Cochrane House is the same that we had growing up on Outer Drive.' From a living room that they created from a shared vision, on the afternoon of March 11 — nearly two weeks into Women's History Month and two days away from 313 Day in Detroit — Roderica and Francina were proud to explain how the present-day version of The Cochrane House is deeply connected to history year-round. And that connection strongly comes to life through the decor, which blends African American and African culture with Detroit's rich history. A tiny sampling of what guests come across while strolling through The Cochrane House, with jazz music playing in the background, includes colorful African masks and other symbols reflecting the African continent, and artwork from African American artists that chronicles the African American experience across several time periods, including a piece titled 'Harriet' by Chanell Angeli, which pays homage to the courageous Underground Railroad 'conductor' Harriet Tubman. There also are many images throughout the interior of The Cochrane House that celebrate people, institutions and places that have left a lasting mark on Detroit, including Joe Louis, 'Little' Stevie Wonder, Della Reese, The Flame Show Bar, Black Bottom, Paradise Valley and more that are captured on one extravagant mural at the top of the staircase created by award-winning, Detroit-based artist Desiree Kelly. Then there is one precious piece of art located at the bottom of the staircase that certainly is as significant as any piece within the art-filled bed-and-breakfast because that painting, titled 'Mama's Girls' by Detroit artist Tab Rasul, shows Roderica and Francina sitting on the staircase with their mother, the late Mary Frances James. The sisters say it was Mary James who introduced them to the world of entrepreneurship. And it was Mary James, a longtime Detroit Public Schools teacher and later an entrepreneur, who worked beside her daughters — even while weakened by colon cancer — to assist with the extensive and arduous restoration of The Cochrane House, which took several years to complete after Roderica and Francina purchased the property in 2010. In addition, Mary James had a hand in the freshly prepared breakfasts that Francina and Roderica cook and serve to guests at The Cochrane House because she required her daughters to use their own hands early in life. 'My mom, when we were in middle school, was taking classes as she was working on her master's. And she said: 'Francina and Roderica, I don't have time to cook,' ' recalled 47-year-old Francina, who, like her sister, would go on to graduate from Martin Luther King High School, with Francina graduating in 1995 and Roderica in 1996. 'So, mom bought us a microwave and a plug-in grill. We would get meat from Eastern Market and we had to cook for ourselves. More: After a recent MSNBC program cancellation, Detroiters are still talking about Joy 'When we were little, we were like: 'We gotta cook?!' But it's just amazing how all of those experiences have divinely worked out, step by step. And they have allowed us to do what we're doing today.' The breakfasts cooked by Francina and Roderica — breakfasts that one guest described in a review as 'better than home cooked,' featuring savory comfort food like fried potatoes with hand-cut onions, grits, honey-buttered biscuits, bacon, chicken sausage, waffles and homemade jam — also reflect the profound bond shared by the sisters, which they say goes back to their days growing up on Outer Drive. 'People have told us that it looks like we're dancing together in the kitchen because of the way we move around and anticipate each other's next step,' explained Roderica, who shared an apartment in Ypsilanti with her sister in college when Francina was attending the University of Michigan and Roderica was attending Eastern Michigan University. 'Mama used to always say: 'We're all we got.' She said that no matter what happens outside the doors of our home, in any situation, you and your sister are all you got. So, I can't remember a point in our lives when Cina and I haven't been together, and we have always been each other's best friend automatically.' The two best friends say The Cochrane House has provided them with an opportunity to meet many new friends among overnight guests, as well as people that have attended special events at The Cochrane House such as weddings, retreats and conferences that impact the community. In fact, as they tell it, repeat guests have become like family to 'Rica' and 'Cina,' as they often are affectionately called by people who know them well. However, the sisters' fellowship does not end there because through The Cochrane House's nonprofit arm, also known as the Mary Frances Almon-James Youth Organization, they have been able to connect with the community in a different way. 'We have provided toys to over 300 families within the last seven years through our annual Christmas Toy giveaway,' Francina reported. 'We do it in our mother's honor.' More: Teen HYPE produces 'magic' for its participants and a topical play for the whole community And with everything they do in the name of their business, Francina and Roderica, who also are the proud daughters of the late Roderick James — a stylish man who served as an attorney for the city of Highland Park — hope to make a statement about their city and culture. 'We enjoy exposing our guests and other cultures to who Black Detroiters really are,' Roderica said as Francina smiled and nodded in agreement. 'People have perceptions, so for my sister and I, one of our goals is to break some of these perceptions that people have. There are a lot of people in Detroit that have lived the same kind of life that my sister and I have, but other people don't realize this. So, we are able to give our guests a peek into Black Detroit and a view of what our lives are really all about.' Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and a lifelong lover of Detroit culture in its diverse forms. In his second tour with the Free Press, which he grew up reading as a child, he is excited and humbled to cover the city's neighborhoods and the many interesting people who define its various communities. Contact him at stalley@ or follow him on Twitter @STalleyfreep. Read more of Scott's stories at Please help us grow great community-focused journalism by becoming a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Cochrane House Luxury Historic Inn in Detroit has rich history
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
313 Day: Gardner White celebrates with recliner donations to Detroit firefighters
This year's 313 Day came with a little extra comfort for first responders as Gardner White delivered recliners to fire battalions across the city on Thursday. March 13, based on Detroit's area code, is known in Michigan as "313 Day," a celebration of all things Motor City-related. And this year, Gardner White marked the occasion by delivering 16 triple power Celeste Recliners by Southern Motion to all eight Detroit Fire Department battalions, according to a news release from the metro Detroit furniture retailer. Each location received two chairs. "In recognition of 313 Day, we are honored to provide a gift of comfort to the brave men and women of the Detroit Fire Department, whose dedication ensures the safety of our city," Rachel Stewart, CEO of Gardner White, said in the release. "Our hope is that these recliners offer a well-deserved moment of comfort and relaxation to the first responders who tirelessly protect and serve the community." More: 313 Day and Pi Day = special food deals Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms praised the donation, emphasizing the importance of rest and comfort for firefighters who work long, demanding shifts. 'We are incredibly grateful to Gardner White for their generous donation of 16 recliners to firehouses across Detroit,' Simms said. 'Having a comfortable place to rest between calls makes a real difference. This gift is a testament to Gardner White's commitment to supporting our team and the neighborhoods they serve." Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@ Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit firefighters receive recliners from Gardner White on 313 Day
Axios
13-03-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: March 14-16
Between 313 Day celebrations and downtown's St. Patrick's Day parade, there's no shortage of stuff to do this weekend. The forecast, however, does call for rain. ☘️ The 67th Detroit St. Patrick's Parade is Sunday at 1pm. The Corktown procession starts at Sixth Street and Michigan Avenue and ends at 14th Street. The free two-hour event features marching bands, color guard units, floats, clowns and more. 🛸 UFO Bar is joining the parade festivities with an all-day party Sunday involving music and breakfast sandwiches. Free! 8am-2am on Sunday. 🥅 Women's pro hockey comes to Little Caesars Arena this weekend with open practices and autograph sessions on Saturday and a marquee faceoff at 7:30pm on Sunday between the PWHL's Minnesota Frost and the New York Sirens. Tickets for the game start at $26. 🥊 Cage Night XX, an MMA showcase with bouts approved by the state's Unarmed Combat Commission, is Saturday at 7pm at MotorCity Casino Hotel. Tickets start at $50. 🧚 Peter Pan the musical has several shows at Fox Theatre Thursday through Sunday. Tickets start at $25. 🏺 Pewabic Pottery is celebrating all things Celtic with music, treats and pottery on Saturday from 10am-5pm. Entry is free.
CBS News
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Celebrate 313 Day in Detroit with music, food, art and history
313 Day is an unofficial holiday to celebrate all things Detroit. The number 313 and the designated calendar date of March 13 represent the legacy telephone area code for the metro area. With that, here are some of the special events and promotions that are taking place to honor the 313 city and region. 313 Day at Atwater Atwater Brewery, 237 Joseph Campau, Detroit, will host its second annual 313 Day celebration March 13. The schedule includes Third Man Records Rolling Record Store providing music from 3 to 7 p.m. 313 Day Celebration Live music, trivia, poetry and children's activities are taking place in the 313 Day Celebration, which opens 3:13 p.m. and goes to 7 p.m. at Robert C. Valde Park, 2670 Atwater Street, Detroit. 313 Festival The 313 Festival features music local to the Detroit area with performances at the Masonic Temple, 500 Temple Street, Detroit. The March 13 schedule features R&B, the March 14 schedule features hip hop. 313 Day Detroit Artist Market A 313 Day Detroit Artist Market featuring several vendors will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. March 13 at Detroit Shipping Company, 474 Peterboro Street, Detroit. 313 Day Late Night at the Museum The Detroit Historical Museum will host a 313 Day Late Night at the Museum event from 5 to 8 p.m. March 13. Two programs honoring Women's History Month are part of the schedule. 313 Day After Party The Marble Bar, 1501 Holden Street, Detroit, will host a 313 Day After Party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. March 13. 313 Day Detroit Trivia and Live Show A 313 Day Detroit Trivia and Live Show will take place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. March 13 at Tocororo Detroit, 1400 Fisher Freeway East, Detroit. The trivia questions will include history, geography and events – all with a Detroit thtme. Detroit's Freshest 313 Day Event Live music and 17 local vendors are on the slate for Detroit's Freshest 313 Day Event, taking place from 4 to 7 p.m. March 13 at Rivertown Market, 1475 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit. Detroit Pistons and Wingstop The Detroit Pistons have partnered with Wingstop for a special edition shirt giveaway on March 13. The exclusive piece is designed in collaboration with Detroit fashion designer Engineered by Dre. The first 200 fans age 16 and older to visit the Wingstop restaurant at 2648 E. Jefferson Avenue in Detroit on March 13 will receive a work shirt with the slogan "I only want to eat with friends." No lineups before 2 p.m., the giveaway starts at 3:13 p.m. 313 Pours The Junior League of Detroit is hosting 313 Pours from 6 to 9 p.m. March 13 at The Roostertail, 100 Marquette Drive, Detroit. The fundraiser showcases "the best of Michigan's wine regions and beyond." Detroit Promise Detroit Promise, a community organization whose goal is to provide a tuition-free option for students at 32 partnering Michigan colleges, has a giveaway on its Instagram account. McDonald's in Southeast Michigan Customers at participating McDonald's in southeast Michigan can order a 313 Day Meal that features a Double Filet-O-Fish, four pieces of McNuggets, a medium fries and a Vernors Boston Cooler. The Vernors is a one-day only special, and specifically for Detroit. The first 40 customers who order this combo after breakfast hours end at each participating restaurant will get a free, special design long-sleeved T-shirt. The design was a collaboration with Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, Michigan's only Historically Black College and University. Former student Ameera Haynes worked on the final version of the design. The participating restaurants are: 1481 Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills. 7300 Wyoming Road, Dearborn. 25341 Michigan Avenue at Gulley, Dearborn. 10400 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit. 8825 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit. 14271 Gratiot Ave, Detroit. 18201 Mack Avenue, Detroit. 15550 W Mcnichols, Detroit. 15501 Plymouth, Detroit. 22021 West 8 Mile Road, Detroit. 13676 Grand River Avenue, Detroit. 18403 Grand River Rd, Detroit. 20405 Conant Avenue, Detroit. 1321 West 8 Mile Rd, Detroit. 6876 Michigan Avenue, Detroit. 18137 Joy Rd, Detroit. 2889 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit. 9815 Grand River Avenue, Detroit. 17121 Livernois Avenue, Detroit. 19840 Van Dyke, Detroit. 1000 Mack Avenue, Detroit. 4235 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. 17800 East 8 Mile Road, Harper Woods. 26160 Greenfield Rd, Oak Park. 21000 Greenfield Rd, Oak Park. 11310 Telegraph Rd, Redford. 15301 Telegraph Rd, Redford. 10995 W Jefferson Ave, River Rouge. 9777 Wayne Road, Romulus. 8019 Merriman Rd, Romulus. 24480 Telegraph Rd, Southfield. 28670 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield. 30161 Southfield Rd, Southfield. 23000 Van Dyke, Warren. 166 James L. Hart Parkway, Ypsilanti. 16 Ecorse Rd, Ypsilanti.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
McDonald's metro Detroit 313 Day meal deal includes Vernors Boston Coolers: What to know
On Thursday, March 13, it's not just any other day in Detroit. It's also known as 313 Day, after Detroit's area code. In honor of the day, participating McDonald's restaurants are celebrating 313 Day with a special meal combo. McDonald's 313 Day meal includes a double Filet-O-Fish, a 4-piece order of McNuggets, a medium order of fries, and a Vernors Boston Cooler made with the Detroit classic pop. Thursday is the only day the deal is offered and the only day Vernors Boston Cooler will be available. According to McDonald's, prices for the entire meal are about $15, but keep in mind the price will vary by location. And it's not only meals that are special. At each participating McDonald's location, the first 30 customers to purchase the meal receive a free t-shirt specially designed by the students at Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, Michigan's only historically Black college and university. 'McDonald's takes pride in its deep roots within Detroit and communities across southeast Michigan, providing delicious meals and employment opportunities for people of all ages,' said Brian Temple, a McDonald's owner/operator in Detroit and surrounding communities, in a news release. 'Partnering with Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design and honoring the city's history through the Boston Cooler and our special meal is a true celebration of the 313 area code and Detroit's spirit.' More than 30 locations are participating in the 313 Day meal deal. And, not to worry, it's not just locations in the 313 area code participating but those in the 248, 586, and 734 area codes. According to a news release, here are the participating locations: 1481 Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills. 7300 Wyoming Road, Dearborn. 25341 Michigan Ave. at Gulley, Dearborn. 10400 Gratiot Ave., Detroit. 8825 E. Jefferson, Detroit. 14271 Gratiot Ave., Detroit. 18201 Mack Ave., Detroit. 15550 W. McNichols, Detroit. 15501 Plymouth, Detroit. 22021 West 8 Mile, Detroit. 13676 Grand River Ave., Detroit. 18403 Grand River Road, Detroit. 20405 Conant Ave., Detroit. 1321 W. 8 Mile Road, Detroit. 6876 Michigan Ave., Detroit. 18137 Joy Road, Detroit. 2889 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit. 9815 Grand River Ave., Detroit. 17121 Livernois Ave., Detroit. 19840 Van Dyke, Detroit. 1000 Mack Ave., Detroit. 4235 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 17800 E. 8 Mile, Harper Woods. 26160 Greenfield, Oak Park. 21000 Greenfield, Oak Park. 11310 Telegraph, Redford. 15301 Telegraph, Redford. 10995 W. Jefferson Ave., River Rouge. 9777 Wayne Road, Romulus. 8019 Merriman Road,, Romulus. 24480 Telegraph, Southfield. 28670 Northwestern Highway, Southfield. 30161 Southfield Rd., Southfield. 23000 Van Dyke, Warren. 166 James L Hart Parkway, Ypsilanti. 16 Ecorse Road, Ypsilanti. Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@ Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: McDonald's special 313 Day meal that includes a Vernors Boston Cooler
