Roseville in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Frenchy's Auto Parts
Helping Hands for the Roseville Community
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 21, 2018
1. Frenchy's Auto Parts Marker
During World War II, new cars were not available
and people came to Frenchy's Auto Parts to keep their cars running. Owners Dumitru and Anna Simionescu experienced difficulties — rebuilding from a 1949 fire and financial struggles — however they loved Roseville and its residents, even giving free auto parts to people having tough times. Dumitru was born in Romania and nicknamed "Frenchy" because he spoke many languages. He moved to Roseville in 1925 and married Anna in 1943. At first he farmed on his property at Gratiot and Florian Street, but the auto parts business grew to fill his 2-acre lot.
You Auto Know
At its peak, Frenchy's Auto Parts had about 150 cars in the 2-acre lot.
Erected 2014 by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.
Location. 42° 30.961′ N, 82° 55.621′ W. Marker is in Roseville, Michigan, in Macomb County. Marker is at the intersection of VFW Memorial Drive and PFC Wetzel Drive, on the right when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Watching the Big Show (here, next to this marker); Packard Field in Roseville (a few steps from this marker); Rapid Railway Company (a few steps from this marker); A Plank Road History (a few steps from this marker); Erin United Presbyterian Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Sacred Heart Church (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Baumgartner House 1875 (approx. 1.1 miles away); Baumgartner House (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roseville.
Additional commentary.
1. Frenchy's Auto Parts Location
Frenchy's Auto Parts was located about 0.2 miles north of the marker — at the northwest corner of Gratiot Avenue (State Highway 3) and Florian Street.
— Submitted July 24, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 21, 2018
2. Upper Left Image
The shop was the primary place to buy new and used auto parts in Roseville. Sometimes a customer would be given a wrench and invited to take parts of their choice from the cars in the lot. Photo courtesy of the Simionescu Family.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 21, 2018
3. Middle Left Image
A painting of a Cobra sports racer adorns the fence around Frenchy's yard. Photo courtesy of Char Van Marcke.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 21, 2018
4. Middle Image
Cars at Frenchy's included brands like Hudson, Studebaker, Packard, Nash and Essex. Photo courtesy of the Simionescu Family.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 21, 2018
5. Near Upper Right Image
Dumitru D. Sinionescu in the 1950s. He died in 1985 at the age of 96. When he moved to Roseville in 1925, the town was only a crossroads on the dirt road between Detroit and Mt. Clemens. Photo courtesy of the Simionescu Family.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 21, 2018
6. Far Upper Right Image
The Simionescu family in the 1940s. They were torn by tragedy in 1949 when their five children died in the fire that burned the business. Dumitru and Anna went on to have five more children. Photo courtesy of the Simionescu Family.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 21, 2018
7. Lower Right Image
Anna Simionescu tending the shop in 1982. The business lived on until she died in 2001. Photo courtesy of the Simionescu Family.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 21, 2018
8. Frenchy's Auto Parts Marker
This marker is the one at the far right out of the five here.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,210 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 24, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
