Mike - interesting chili history. the Penderys in the narrative is still in fact going strong here in Ft Worth. I have attached the link. Some terrific mixes, reday to be used with eitheir a Cincy or western recipe

OK, now what's the connection to Coney Dogs in Detroit? They're a very important part of the Detroit culinary experience along with pastrami,frog legs and loose meat sandwiches. Yes, that's right, frog legs. I never tried 'em, but they could be had at several highly reputed establishments in black neighborhoods. Coney dogs and loose meat were popular in black and white neighborhoods. I never quite figured out loose meat. It's just ground beef, but not in patties. It's loose. Kind of like sloppy joes without the sauce. Also, Detroit raised the eating of potato chips to a high art. The true artist could hit the bag in such a way that it burst open at the seam. The bag was then peeled completely open, the chips were spread out and then peppered and sprinkled with hot sauce. This was a long time ago. I wonder if they're still doing that stuff. Detroit was it's own little world back then. I feel privileged to have lived there.