New line of T-shirts recalls bygone Ann Arbor icons
Those iconic businesses from Ann Arbor's past—along with Mr. Flood's Party, Bicycle Jim's and the 1972-era Blind Pig—have been memorialized in a new line of T-shirts.
The shirts came about thanks to an association between Tim Redmond, a longtime local resident, and Markham McGill of Key West-based company Long Lost T's. Redmond—the organic food pioneer and entrepreneur who helped found Eden Foods and now co-owns Eat Local Eat Natural—worked with McGill at Blue Horizon Organic Seafood Co.
After McGill relocated to Florida and started a line of T-shirts memorializing bygone locales in various cities around the country, his background and his friendship with Redmond meant an Ann Arbor-themed line was only natural.
"There's some great old places here in Ann Arbor," said Redmond, who graduated from the University of Michigan in 1970. "We probably had 15 or 20 places on the list" of possible subjects.
They narrowed the list down to six initial designs, but "We can broaden that out if we want to, and we probably will," Redmond said.
“Tim and I worked long and hard on what places to include from Ann Arbor’s past. There are so many beloved old Ann Arbor haunts, and Tim seemed to know them all. The tees are very high quality, 100 percent lightweight cotton, screen-printed by hand using water-based inks. We’re really proud of them and feel like they do justice to the places,” McGill said in a press release announcing the new line.
The first batch of shirts will go on sale this week, exclusively at Bivouac on State Street, a longtime locally owned independent business. They will be available in both men's and women's styles and in various colors.
Redmond said they will probably retail for around $30. Each shirt comes with a card explaining some background on the place it memorializes.
When pressed, Redmond says of the initial six places, his favorite might be the Del Rio, the legendary townie bar on West Washington in the space that now houses Grizzly Peak's Den. But "I have memories from all those," he added.
See all the designs on the Long Lost T's website.
Bob Needham is director of entertainment content for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at bobneedham@annarbor.com or 734-623-2541, and follow him on Twitter @bobneedham.
Comments
actionjackson
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
Many of those designs were made by Crow Quill graphics. That was the 1970's site of the old Sears battery center on Liberty and Ashley. Zeke and John did much of the artwork. Elmos sells Mr. Flood's shirts and has the artwork for quite a few others.
a2miguy
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 3:54 a.m.
Thanos Lamplighter State Discount Steve's Ice Cream
Tico
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 2:53 a.m.
How about Bimbo's?
Arborcomment
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.
Must have - Bimbos. Make them smell like pizza and peanuts.
81wolverine
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 12:49 a.m.
Pretzel Bell and Village Bell bring back the memories. They were near the end of the line probably when I went there in the latter 70's. Good times! And how about Bimbo's? Even Victorian-era songs sound great when you've had enough beer and pizza. Also, I remember going on several dates with my future wife at Bicycle Jim's. I'll definitely have to check out their website.
grimmk
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 12:34 a.m.
How about Sweet Loraine's or The Red Bull or Gypsy Cafe?
Real Life
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 11:31 p.m.
Real townies will remember Everett's and the Stadium Tavern (be sure to say "hi!" to Doc). I'm upset Zanzibar closed, myself. I'm thinking about one T-shirt with all the businesses where PJ's (or whatever it's called) is now. Starting with the Rubaiyat. And why can't ANYONE make vinegar based cole slaw like the Whiffletree?
f4phantomII
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 9:55 p.m.
Yes, the Stadium Tavern!
actionjackson
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 12:38 p.m.
It actually started as a Saab dealership. Remember the two stroke, ding da ding, ding, ding, sound from the 50's and 60's Saab cars.
djacks24
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 9:16 p.m.
The U as in University Drive-in and then I might spring for $32.
djacks24
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
I thought the XXX theatre was Scio theatre..? http://www.michigandriveins.com/scio7.asp But either or on a T-Shirt would be fine.
Dog Guy
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.
Yes, djacks24, University Drive-in is memorable even for many who never snuggled up in a car there. Evening traffic exiting westbound I-94 to US-23 northbound swerved when confronted mid-ramp with XXX scenes on that big screen.
djacks24
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 9:26 p.m.
For those not familiar; http://www.michigandriveins.com/university8.asp
annarborfan
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
The Beer Depot, and there was another beer drive in next to Delongs though can't think of it now.
Borbsi
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 2:40 a.m.
Beer Vault
jns131
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.
I really miss Farrells and the Whiffle Tree. We keep talking bout opening a Farrells. What about Kresge?
SMAIVE
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 4:34 p.m.
The Flame, The Rubiyat,
kittybkahn
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 4 p.m.
The Blind Pig is still open. I wonder how they feel about this.
jim
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
How about one showing somebody walking down the street alone after dark? Definitely can't do that in Ann Arbor these days.
the artist
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 2:14 p.m.
Great Idea Tim, too bad you didn't hook up with Adrian T Shirts or Elmo on Main Street to keep it really local and less than $30 bucks. Love the Del Rio!
LA
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.
What are the 6 designs available? GREAT idea! I'll buy some Drakes shirts (not all at once tho $$!!). How about Delongs?
annarborfan
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
Delongs!
LA
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 3:20 p.m.
ooohhhh. I see the link the the designs now. sorry. Still want Drakes best of all!
A2James
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 1:52 p.m.
They should screenprint a stick figure at a crosswalk looking towards traffic, with the caption "Ann Arbor pedestrians able to cross a street without relying on taxpayer-funded strobe lights". Ah, the good old days. Maybe 10 percent of profits could go toward the installation of more HAWK systems!
SMC
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 1:37 p.m.
If you can make a One-Eyed Moose shirt, put me down for one, size large.
annarborfan
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.
I thought no one would remember this wonderful pinball alley!
almightydanish
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
Love the Del Rio shirt...I still remember their wet burritos. As for desired shirts, how about The Old German or The Ann Arbor News?
jtwilkins
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
Ypsilanti Press, Eastern Michigan Hurons, Red Hot Lovers
Tom Wilkinson
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.
Clint's Club? PJ's? Miller's Ice Cream?
garrisondyer
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 3:36 p.m.
PJs!
Boo Radley
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
Great idea Now ... who wants to buy my original Stadium Tavern team jacket ...
Dog Guy
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 12:56 p.m.
They don't make nostalgia like they used to.
Matt Lang
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
i hope they make Primo Showbar and Joe's Star Lounge t-shirts
zags
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 12:24 p.m.
$30 for a T-shirt? Not for me. Maybe the tourists will buy them to go with their $18 Zingerman's sandwich!
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 4:05 p.m.
Thanks, Peter, for the wonderful lesson in the obvious. Still overpriced.
djacks24
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
Everything cost more in Ann Arbor (A2 yuppie tax) so why wouldn't a T-shirt about Ann Arbor be any different?
Peter Baker
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 7:03 p.m.
"I just priced an order at Underground Printing for $8 per shirt, including printing. Nice profit margin." Get the art together, make a website, promote the product, give the credit cards their cut, get them packaged and shipped and pay the taxes on the profits and THEN make your assumptive comment on how business works.
garrisondyer
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
I agree $30 feels like a lot for a tee-shirt. However, when one does their homework and digs into the background of anything we buy (where it came from, who, how, and why...), it becomes painfully obvious why there's such a price difference.
Unusual Suspect
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
Good point, zags. I just priced an order at Underground Printing for $8 per shirt, including printing. Nice profit margin. I've never spent $30 on a t-shirt and never will. No chance.
Markham McGill
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 1:19 p.m.
Just wanted to reply to the cost issue. Basically, it's a question of the quality of our Ts versus the cheapo Ts that you find everywhere. We use American-made blanks of a higher thread count and better dyes. Add to that our labor costs (again, here in the US) and, well, you get what you pay for. We guarantee the higher price is well worth it (as with most things). Thanks. -Markham
breadman
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 12:22 p.m.
For got Bimbo's. Back in the 70's
bobslowson
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.
Bimbo's...AWESOME! I had a few birthday parties there back in the day...and not the crappy Bimbo's on the Hill....the good one on Fourth Ave! That's a shirt I'd spend $30 on for sure!
Markham McGill
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 1:17 p.m.
Hey Breadman. We do, in fact, have a Bimbo's in the mix. We will probably be reissuing that one next. Stay tuned for sure. Thanks! -Markham
JGS
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
Oh man the memories!! We used to stuff peanut shells in the hand dryer of the restroom. Then turn it on when someone came in. Darn kids! Bimbos was the only place I've ever seen where it was customary to throw peanut shells on the floor.
Wolf's Bane
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 11:56 a.m.
I miss the Del Rio even now.
Andrew
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
How about a Borders t-shirt.
almightydanish
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
You'll have to talk to Barnes & Noble. They bought all of Borders intellectual property and have complete control of the Borders brand now - which they have effectively snuffed out.
bobslowson
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.
I still have about 10 different Borders shirts from working at corporate for more than 10 years!
mkogrady
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.
What!!! No Hash Bash?????
Chip Reed
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 11:47 a.m.
It is still here.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 11:19 a.m.
Don't forget Schlenker's hardware.
Andrea Zastrow
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.
I still have one of those, with the crossed plungers on the front. Good times!
Catholic Social Services
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 11:18 a.m.
I spent many an hour at Bicycle Jim's and Mr. Flood's Party back in the 70's. I definitely will be buying one of these shirts!
Mike D.
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 11:01 a.m.
Just because these businesses are closed doesn't mean their names aren't still trademarked. I wonder if Mr. Redmond received approval to use the names and logos. I know of a very real case of need related to the descendents of one of the establishments listed above.
Robert Hughes
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.
The Blind Pig is still in operation, isn't it? I hope you did your research on that joint.
Robert Hughes
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 10:47 p.m.
You could charge an extra dollar a t-shirt and give it to the old owners or their heirs.
Markham McGill
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
Hey Guys We take every step necessary to make sure we are not in violation of any active, or live, copyrights or trademarks. We're definitely a small operation, not some huge brand, and our goal is always to bring back old spots that are long-gone and have a great story. It's not our intention to cause any harm here...trust me, we ain't getting rich here. It's more of a labor of love than anything else. I appreciate your input. -Markham
craigjjs
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
When you stop commercially using a trademark, you abandon your rights in it. If they went out of business and took no action to continue to use the trademarks over a significant period of time, they are abandoned.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 11:16 a.m.
good point. Hopefully they did their legal homework.
Chip Reed
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 10:53 a.m.
How about an Ann Arbor News shirt?
garrisondyer
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
...Or "continuous"... not sure if I meant to write "contiguous" or not. I'm such a good teacher.
garrisondyer
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
They're still my longest source of contiguous employment in my life. Soon to be surpassed by the school district I teach in, but considering how long I've been teaching, it's pretty remarkable to me how long I was a paper boy. Ahhh, the good old days...
SonnyDog09
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
Would that be the Ann Arbor Snooze? That's what I used to call it.
Paula Gardner
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.
A while back, Found (in Kerrytown) sold purses made from copies of the Ann Arbor News. Very cool!
Linda Peck
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 10:23 a.m.
Nice, we need new old tee shirts!