Farewell Lakeside Mall – Screamin’ Scott
(Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
The Year was 1976 when America was celebrating its bi-centennial. News around the neighborhood was that the greatest mall ever was finished. Back then, my pals in the area went to the Macomb or Oakland Mall for years. Holidays like Easter and Christmas had many memories. Then, a new concept of an even greater mall with all your favorite stores all in one place was built.
Lakeside Mall was in Sterling Heights off M-59 and Hall road. The mall had two levels and a movie theater. An ice rink was also there that later became a hydro-tube water slide. There was a food court and glass elevator and more. It had that new mall smell.
When I first went to the mall with friends, we took a bus that left Macomb Mall out front. You did not ever miss the last bus, as it would mean a call to mom & dad that wouldn’t go over well. It was the cool thing to do to go to the mall- a local hangout where you meet all your friends from school and other schools from all over. I loved the record stores -they had like three or four back then, including Harmony House, Music Stop, and more.
Another fond memory was Lakeside had midnight movies to go to, where I was introduced to the Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pink Floyd’s The Wall. Right now, the mall is pretty much a ghost town and sad after so many memories. Maybe shopping online was the death of the mall. Can’t wait to see what they will do next. According to reports, the development plan for the land that Lakeside Mall sits on will be filled with new businesses and more. The majority of Lakeside Mall will be demolished in the process.
Creepy Michigan Places to Visit This Year
Halloween is less than a week away. It’s the perfect time to head to a spooky Michigan destination and take in all things scary.
Of course, even after Halloween, Michigan has some cool spots that you might want to visit and take in. The folks at Pure Michigan (Michigan.org) have put together a great list with the spookiest places to visit in Michigan in the fall.
“Looking for a spooky addition to your vacation while exploring Michigan?” they state in the article. “Enjoying the fall season isn’t reserved for only Michigan’s charming apple orchards and autumnal festivals. Explore the outdoors, rich history and experience a spooky, ethereal ambiance at some of Michigan’s ghost towns, cemeteries and historic attractions this fall. Before and during your visit to these ghostly locations, be mindful of what times of day visitors are allowed, as well as any informational and restrictive signage on the properties. Remember to always watch your step and be aware of your surroundings while exploring!”
So, which creepy Michigan spots should you get on your to-visit list? Read the full list via Michigan.org below. I actually haven’t been to any of these places yet, but I get scared pretty easily, so not sure if I should venture out there. Find more information here.
Born in Mt Clemens, Screamin’ Scott has been a part of the Detroit airwaves for 30-plus years. With 40 years of experience in radio. When he’s not out on the streets for WCSX, you can find him devoting time to local charities with his, “Screamin Angels”; and for 16 years with Rock 4 Tots charity. And last 10 years with his local band, "Chit!." Screamin Scott likes to write about nostalgic Detroit area memories, classic rock, and local metro Detroit topics.
