Roseville in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Frenchy's Auto Parts
Helping Hands for the Roseville Community
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 east on VFW Memorial Drive. Marker is in front of Roseville City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 29777 Gratiot Avenue, Roseville MI 48066, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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.
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 1,212 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 24, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.