by Rebecca Binno
The signs on the buildings in Hamtramck are an important part of the city’s history and image. Hamtramck’s commercial history has always been expressed through its distinctive signage that would not fit in anywhere else. The stainless steel projecting clock on the First of America Bank building at the corner of Joseph Campau and Caniff was one of Hamtramck’s defining images. A large, well-known sign becomes a landmark to the community by reason of its prominent location, long existence, large size, and unusual design.
The large vertical sign at the top of the former Witkowski clothing store on Joseph Campau was recently removed by the Witkowski family, much to the disappointment of the city’s Downtown Development Authority. The corner clock that was on the First of America Bank deserves a better fate.
The clock was removed because it was damaged in the tornado on July 2, 1997, and has not been repaired. First of America was recently bought out by National City bank, and the future of the clock looks dim. The Detroit Area Art Deco Society would like the repair and reinstallation of the clock to be a priority of the new bank in a welcoming gesture. Repairing the sign would symbolize that National City bank wants to be part of a continuing, vital community that appreciates its past heritage.
