From the Collection

A Taste of History Anyone?

Posted September 13, 2011 by DHSdigital

This find really takes the cake. While visiting a little-traveled area of the Detroit Historical Society's collection, our Curator came upon an unassuming glass jar that contained porous, brown chunks of what appeared to be sea sponges. What are these things? Or perhaps more to the point-what were these things? The mystery was short lived as a label became visible on the other side of the jar.

Looking Backward and Forward from Detroit's Bicentennial Parade

Posted September 2, 2011 by Brendan Roney

I’m sure we all remember the Stevie Wonder concert and the tall ships of Detroit’s tricentennial celebration in 2001, but how did Detroiters celebrate such a milestone in the days before Motown, when large sailing ships were still an everyday sight along the river?

Symbols of Authority and Gratitude

Posted August 26, 2011 by Brendan Roney

The firefighter’s speaking trumpet, commonly called, simply, a bugle, is an important symbol of authority within the profession, and for good reason.  Among the chaos of smoke and flame, coordination becomes necessary for not only success in battling the blaze, but also survival.  In the days before the modern amplified bullhorn, speaking trumpets were the b

Time Stands Still

Posted August 17, 2011 by Brendan Roney

Countless wrecks scatter the bottoms of our Great Lakes, and from these many sunken treasures have made their way to the shelves of the Detroit Historical Society’s Collection’s Resource Center.  The Alvin Clark was a small commercial sailing ship lost in Green Bay in 1864.  One hundred and three years later she happened to snag the nets of some local fisherm

Monuments and Higher Ideals

Posted August 17, 2011 by DHSdigital

After recovering from the shock of viewing such a crowded Campus Martius, occupied by gentlemen wearing jackets and hats no less, many of you may recognize the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

1905 Cadillac!

Posted July 15, 2011 by DHSdigital
One of the many DHS Beauties

 

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