In spite of its infrastructure and landmarks, a city is not immortal. These vintage Detroit photos serve as a reminder of that.
In spite of its infrastructure, landmarks, and cultural significance, the city is not immortal. Detroit is no exception. While rebounding in some areas, for the most part, 21st-century Detroit remains a mere shadow of its former self.
Once known for powering most of the country, Detroit lost its steam and 70% of its population in the last 60 years and had to declare bankruptcy in 2013 to stay afloat.
When Detroit’s Michigan Central Station was built in 1913, it was one of the largest rail stations in the country. Source: Wikipedia
Detroit circa 1915. Source: The Woodward Spine
A Liberty Bond rally in Detroit that took place around 1918. Source: Bentley
A glimpse of the interior of Detroit’s First Congregational Church in 1918. Source: Organ Society
Detroit’s bustling city streets back in 1920. Source: Source: Wikipedia
A quaint Polish-American grocery store in 1922. Source: Wikipedia
Olympia Stadium (eventually known as the home of the Detroit Red Wings) was built in 1927. Source: Wikipedia
Boats float along the water outside of Detroit in 1930. Source: Coleman Family
After World War I, Detroit was home to some of the most innovative and cutting-edge industries. Source: Permanent Crisis
Men walk in a Labor Day parade in 1938. Source: Rivet Head
Deep snow makes driving in Detroit impossible. Source: Metro Times
Children run through Pingree Park. Hazen S. Pingree was a local politician who expanded public welfare programs and created many new parks and schools. Source: Detroit Metro Times
During World War II, many wartime factories were located in Detroit. Source: Slate
28-ton tanks called “General Grants” were mass produced by the Chrysler Corporation’s tank arsenal in 1942. Source: Vintage Everyday
In 1945, gasoline in Detroit cost just 17 cents per gallon. Source: Vintage Everyday
Employees work on cars at Detroit’s Packard Motor Car Company. Source: PennLive
A peek at the 1960 National Auto Show held at Cobo Hall. Source: Huffington Post
A testament to globalization's impacts, it's hard to imagine that this overwhelming mass of abandoned buildings and empty streets was once considered the Silicon Valley of America.
But for now, forget about the slums, high crime rates and urban graveyards and think back to the days when Detroit symbolized the indomitable power of American industry and labor.
