Hamtramck’s ever-evolving transformation

The closing of St. Lad’s Church may have been expected, but it was still a shock for many.
While it’s true the Polish-Catholic community here in Hamtramck has greatly shrunken in the past few decades, it was thought that – somehow – St. Lad’s would hang in there.
St. Lad’s was Hamtramck’s oldest parish, and its passing closes yet another chapter in the city’s rich cultural history. Places of worship are part of our community, and when one dies, so to speak, we all mourn.
The thing about communities is that they are ever-evolving, and always changing. Part of us rebels against change, even though it’s inevitable. The Polish Catholic community long ago moved to the suburbs and left Hamtramck far behind.
One thing always remains the same: Hamtramck is home to immigrants. And today, the predominant populations come from Yemen and Bangladesh.
They are now creating their own Hamtramck experiences, and their own historical moments.
Time is always on the move, and waits for no one, so the cliché goes. Hamtramck is no different.
We change, yet remain the same in many ways. The vibrant spirit of the city still continues. It’s what makes Hamtramck so fascinating to so many.
Want to get a sense of Hamtramck’s past? Do yourself a favor, and visit our city’s Historical Museum. The volunteers there have put together an incredible presentation that will show you how a city progresses through the decades.
Hamtramck’s rich legacy lives on, as does today’s community.
Posted July 12, 2024