24 Vintage Photos Of Detroit That Will Take You Back In Time

No small thanks to globalization’s impact, Detroit remains a mere shadow of its former glory for the most part of the 21st century. While the city strives and continues to thrive in some areas, Detroit still has a long way to go to reclaim its title of being once considered the Silicon Valley of America.

In the last 60 years, the city has lost its steam and almost 70% of its population. But forget about the slums, urban graveyards, and high crime rates for now and let’s take a quick look back to the days when Detriot’s infrastructure, landmarks and cultural significance symbolized the indomitable power of American industry and labor.

These 24 wonderful vintage photos will take you there. Enjoy!



Welcome to Detroit

Governing

Detroit’s Michigan Central Station. It was built in 1903 and was one of the largest rail stations in the country.

Wikipedia

Detroit’s Belle Isle, 1905

Coleman Family

Detroit circa 1915

The Woodward Spine

Ford’s Highland Park plant, 1914



Hemmings Daily

Detroit in 1917

Coleman Family

A Liberty Bond rally in Detroit that took place around 1918.

Bentley

A glimpse of the interior of Detroit’s First Congregational Church in 1918.

Organ Society

Detroit’s bustling city streets back in 1920.

Wikipedia

A quaint Polish-American grocery store in 1922.

Wikipedia

The Ford River Rouge Complex

Tropics of Meta

Olympia Stadium (eventually known as the home of the Detroit Red Wings) was built in 1927.

Wikipedia

Boats float along the water outside of Detroit in 1930.

Coleman Family

After World War I, Detroit was home to some of the most innovative and cutting-edge industries.

Permanent Crisis

Circa 1936

NY Daily News

Men walk in a Labor Day parade in 1938

Rivet Head

Deep snow makes driving in Detroit impossible.

Metro Times

An aerial view of Detroit in the 1940s.

The Detroit News Archivist

Children run through Pingree Park. Hazen S. Pingree was a local politician who expanded public welfare programs and created many new parks and schools.

Detroit Metro Times

During World War II, many wartime factories were located in Detroit.

Slate

28-ton tanks called “General Grants” were mass produced by the Chrysler Corporation’s tank arsenal in 1942.

Vintage Everyday

In 1945, gasoline in Detroit cost just 17 cents per gallon.

Vintage Everyday

Employees work on cars at Detroit’s Packard Motor Car Company.

PennLive

A peek at the 1960 National Auto Show held at Cobo Hall.

Huffington Post