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

By | May 27, 2016

For the last 60 years, Detroit has lost its steam and almost 70% of its population, and remains a mere shadow of its former glory for the most part of the 21st century.

But forget the slums, urban graveyards, and high crime rates for now and let's take a quick look back to the days when Detroit's was considered the Silicon Valley of America.

These 24 wonderful vintage photographs will take you there. Enjoy!
 
Welcome to Detroit

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Governing

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

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Wikipedia

Detroit’s Belle Isle, 1905

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Coleman Family

Detroit, circa 1915

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The Woodward Spine

Ford’s Highland Park plant, 1914
Ford's Highland Park Plant, Known As The 'Crystal Pala

Hemmings Daily

Detroit, 1917

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Coleman Family

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

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Bentley

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

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Organ Society

Detroit’s bustling city streets, 1920.

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Wikipedia

A quaint Polish-American grocery store, 1922.

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Wikipedia

The Ford River Rouge Complex

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Tropics of Meta

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

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Wikipedia

Boats float along the water outside of Detroit, 1930.

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Coleman Family

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

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Permanent Crisis

Circa 1936

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NY Daily News

Men walk in a Labor Day parade, 1938

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Rivet Head

Deep snow makes driving in Detroit impossible.

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Metro Times

An aerial view of Detroit, 1940s.

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The Detroit News Archivist

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

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Detroit Metro Times

During WWII, many wartime factories were located in Detroit.

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Slate

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

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Vintage Everyday

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

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Vintage Everyday

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

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PennLive

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

Auto Show See Touch Smell

Huffington Post

 
Via All That Is Interesting