Restored Hamtramck hitting wall sees new generation of success

The Wall was not only meant for top players. It was meant for recreation; a chance for younger, new-to-the-game players to learn tennis. Hoxie started one of the first recorded tennis camps in America, introducing the lifelong sport to more than a thousand new Hoxie Kids, making tennis a staple sport in the Hamtramck community. No matter who was hitting at The Wall, no matter what angle the ball bounced, one thing was certain: They were getting better.

The Wall saw success for nearly five decades. Hoxie Kids won six Orange Bowls and one player would go on to win a Junior Wimbledon title. As the juniors aged and their talent grew, Hoxie helped more than 100 players attend college on tennis scholarships. 

However over the years, Hamtramck's population began to decline. What was once a booming town where The Dodge Brothers manufactured parts for Henry Ford’s auto plant, was now losing Hoxie Kids who had grown up and moved away. The Wall's significance began to dwindle.

Throughout the 1900s, sports brought Hamtramck together; tennis, baseball and other sports served as an outlet for locals working in factories. 

Much had changed when Peaches Bartkowicz returned to Hamtramck for the first time in 30 years to visit her old stomping grounds. The Wall was no longer active and in poor condition. 

Bartkowicz wanted to make a change. 

She decided to team up with Hoxie Kids from years past, and together, they've restored The Wall and its tennis programming. Volunteers included Chuck Brainard, a historian, who started playing tennis in second grade at Pulaski Elementary School where Mrs. Hoxie taught. In 1963 he was ranked nationally at No. 3 in the 16 & under age division. He was a singles and doubles winner of the National Indoor Championships, a Big 10 runner-up in No. 1 singles and winner of No. 1 doubles at Michigan State University.

Today Brainard is 76 years old and still plays in tournaments. And he's volunteering alongside Peaches Bartkowicz, Walter Oehrlein, Fred Kovaleski, Ray Senkowski, Vic Braden, Julie Heldman, Sheila Ford, June Stack, Ted Jax and others to return The Wall to its former glory. 

"This is a great opportunity for me to give back to Hamtramck after all that was provided to me growing up there," said Brainard. "The Wall is a very important way for lone tennis players to be able to improve their game... Hopefully tennis will return for many people to enjoy. Getting outside and playing tennis, or any other physical activity, will improve the health for nearly all participants."

The work doesn't stop at The Wall. Volunteers are also promoting tennis at area schools, where P.E. teachers like Mrs. Jean Hoxie can make a difference in students' lives for years to come. 

So now the question is... Who will be the next tennis legend to hit against The Wall?