HISTORY LOVES COMPANY

Stories We Keep

THE SUNDAY LETTER  ·  SEPTEMBER 20, 2026

A NOTE FROM CHRIS

The places we keep coming back to.

This week took us from Detroit’s riverfront and Belle Isle to Oak Hill Cemetery in Pontiac. Back at The Foundry, I’ve been moving things around, making room for more small businesses, and thinking about what we can put on those big, empty walls.

It all comes back to the same thing for me: these places mean more when we know who was here, what they built, and what people remember.

Here’s what I’ve been working on—and a few ways you can be part of it.

TODAY IN PONTIAC · SEPTEMBER 20

Walk through the stories of Oak Hill.

If you’re reading this Sunday morning, the fall cemetery walk at Oak Hill Cemetery in Pontiac is today, September 20, from 2–4 p.m. It’s a chance to spend an afternoon with the people and stories that helped shape this city.

Before you go—or if you can’t make it—come along for my drive through the cemetery. There’s a lot of Pontiac history behind those names.

THIS WEEK ON HISTORY LOVES COMPANY

A little time on Belle Isle.

Come ride along as we explore Belle Isle and the stories behind one of Detroit’s most familiar places. Whether you grew up visiting or haven’t been in years, I hope this gives you a reason to look a little closer.

ANOTHER ONE TO WATCH

The river that built Detroit.

A walk along the riverfront becomes a way to look at Detroit itself: the water, the work, and the people connected to this stretch of shoreline. If you missed this one during the week, here’s your chance to catch up.

THEY LIED TO US · EPISODE 4

Why Detroit destroyed Black Bottom.

This week’s focus in They Lied To Us is Black Bottom. I want us to look beyond the familiar language of “progress” and ask what it meant for the people whose homes, businesses, and neighborhood were taken apart.

This is one of the stories at the center of why I started this series. Head to the channel for the latest episode and catch up on the earlier chapters.

THE FOUNDRY · DOWNTOWN PONTIAC

Come meet the businesses growing here.

From The Foundry’s photo archive.

We’ve welcomed new vendors, and I’ve finished what I believe is the final round of making room for more pods. Come browse, meet the people building something here, and see what’s changed.

Space options start at $75 a month for bookshelves. We also have vendor pods and office opportunities, with availability changing as people move in. If you’ve been waiting for a place to try your idea, reach out.

Have a piece of history looking for a home? We have big stretches of wall that would be perfect for old automotive pieces, Boblo artifacts, or something with a local story. I’d love to talk about consignment, a donation, or a display loan—and build the story around it.

Find us inside the historic Riker Building at 35 W Huron Street, Suite 101, Pontiac.

BOBLO MEMORIES

Keep October 17 on your calendar.

From The Foundry’s Boblo memories journal.

We’re planning Boblo Day at The Foundry on Saturday, October 17, with memories, a small display, and a screening of our Boblo documentary.

If you have photographs, tickets, souvenirs, or a story about the boats or the island, I’d love to hear from you. The family snapshots and ordinary memories are a huge part of what makes this worth doing.

BOOK UPDATE

They Lied To Us About Detroit

To everyone who has preordered: thank you for being part of this before the book is even in your hands.

Our current expected arrival is around October 17. Orders will be processed and shipped after the books arrive. This is still a preorder, and I’ll keep you updated as we get closer.

ONE MORE THING

What place should we remember next?

Hit reply and tell me about a place you wish more people understood. It could be a building you pass every day, a neighborhood your family came from, or somewhere that’s gone but still feels close.

And if you’re thinking about buying or selling a historic home, I’d be glad to talk about that story, too.

Thank you for watching, sharing, shopping local, and helping me keep this going.

Chris Hubel

History Loves Company
REALTOR® · @properties Christie’s International Real Estate

Every home has a story, let’s discover yours.

History Loves Company  ·  The Foundry
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The Foundry by History Loves Company
35 W Huron Street, Suite 101 · Pontiac, MI 48342