I spy the “building on the northeast corner of E. Huron and 4th,” writes Bryan Magnuson. “At one time it had been a gas station,” writes Dave Bicknell. “The old service station architecture … always catches my eye as I go by,” shares Bob DeBona. It’s the “former location of Rosey’s Barber Shop,” writes longtime reader, first-time entrant, Shawn Ricoy.
“The ‘Rosey’s’ iconic sign,” which can still be seen today, “was painted over the prior Gulf gas station sign,” writes Louisa Griffes. Rosey’s “was one of the last black-owned businesses in [that] area,” she continues. According to the Ann Arbor District Library, the first blocks of N. Fourth and E. Ann were “a hub for Black-owned businesses in downtown Ann Arbor … for much of the twentieth century.” Roosevelt “Rosey” Rowry worked in other barber shops in the area before opening his own in 1972. It closed “in November 2018 after [Rosey] passed away,” writes Gabe Della Vecchia.
We received twenty-two entries in April. Our random drawing winner is John Zainea, who will enjoy his $25 gift certificate at Zingerman’s.
To enter this month’s contest, use the image and clue on the Back Page of the May issue and send your answer to the address at the bottom of the page.