From the Collection

Lions, Bears, the Red Grange Trophy, and a Thanksgiving Football Mystery

This time of year the Detroit-centric internet is full of Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Game facts. Here are some more:

Elizabeth O'Sullivan and the 1935 Detroit Tigers

"Take me Out to the Ball Game" Lyrics by Jack Norworth, 1908

 

Red Star: Help the Horse to Save the Soldier

World War I was an unprecedented conflict. At the intersection of dramatic new weapons of war, a shrinking globe, automobiles, aviation, and more hallmarks of innovation, the world was changing – for both soldier and civilian. Before the emergence of television or even commercial radio, governments needed a widespread and effective method of delivering wartime information to their population. This led to many countries using the already popular advertising medium of posters to broadcast messages during the war.

Downtown’s Forgotten Resort

In addition to the original structure, and the Wayne Gardens, this c. 1915 postcard shows a planned six-story addition to the complex, which was to follow the construction of the two-story mineral baths.

 

Bill Kennedy at the Movies

Heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Louis, with Kennedy in 1961.

 

Top o’ the World, Ma!

Imagine that you are fourteen years old in 1911, and your dad is into the latest transportation fad—not automobiles, but aeroplanes!

100 Years Young

I’ll Be There For You, When You Can’t Find the Door?

Nestled within the archives of the Detroit Historical Society are a pair of surprising pop culture artifacts--copies of the draft lyrics for both the theme song of the 90s T.V.

The Tigers Win the Pennant(s)!

In preparing for our forthcoming exhibit: “The Year of the Tiger: 1968” (opening April 21th, 2018) much of our staff has been engrossed in details related to the Detroit Tigers World Series run that year.  The '68 team holds a special significance for Tiger fans; their on-field accomplishments (103 wins, dominate pitching, and prolific power hitting) captured a generation of fan interest and earned Detroiters lifelong devotion.

Back To The Future of the 1989 North American International Auto Show

Each year, crowds flock to the Detroit International Auto Show to catch a glimpse into the future.  Some attendees are focused on their immediate futures; they are eyeing this year's models and are planning their next purchase.  Others go to experience a further and more fantastic future hinted at through the show’s concept cars.  A video tape in our collection prominently features several of the concept cars which captured the imaginations of attendees to the 1989 North American International Auto Show.  29 years later, we know how things turned out; our world is now one of wireless connec

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