Detroit has been through plenty of changes over the course of the last century. Through all its ups and downs, though, the spirit of the city has remained intact. While we Detroiters are always looking forward to the future, there’s something undeniably fascinating about glancing back in time to explore life in the Motor City during generations past. Here are ten photos that will give you a taste of what Detroit was like 100 years ago.
- Soldiers from Battle Creek-based Camp Custer make their way down Detroit’s Woodward Avenue as part of a service recruitment effort, 1917.
Flickr/Foto Guy 49057
- Detroit’s history with the auto industry is long and fascinating. This unique photo from 1914 shows an early assembly line at Ford Motor Company.
Flickr/Tekniska Museet
- This capture from 1915 shows cars lined up outside the Burroughs Factory in downtown Detroit. Our city’s industrial prowess has always been a point of pride.
Wikimedia Commons/Detroit Public Library
- Detroit’s Monroe Avenue makes for a fascinating scene in this amazing photograph from 1917. Do you recognize any of these buildings?
Wikimedia Commons/Manning Brothers Commercial Photographers
- If there’s one pastime Detroiters can’t get enough of, it’s sports! This scene from the early 1910s offers a view of the Detroit Athletic Club.
Wikimedia Commons/Andrew Jameson
6. The history of the Detroit News has played a major role in the development of our city. This photo shows the newspaper’s Telegraphic Department in 1918.
Wikimedia Commons/Internet Archive Book Images
- Another fascinating look at a block of Detroit’s Monroe Avenue, as photographed in December 1912. Wouldn’t you love to step back in time and explore?
Wikimedia Commons/Manning Brothers Commercial Photographers
- Do you remember Boblo Island Amusement Park? The dancing pavilion at this unique spot, which closed in 1993, is shown here way back in 1914.
Wikimedia Commons/Picturing Canada
- There’s nothing more classically Detroit than rooting for our beloved Tigers. This awesome photo shows the 1921 team — already wearing that timeless logo!
Wikimedia Commons/Cbl629
- Residents make their way down the street near Central United Methodist Church and Grand Circus Park. This lovely scene was photographed in 1910.
Wikimedia Commons/Detroit Publishing Company
What strikes you most about the way Detroit appeared 100 years ago? Do you recognize any landmarks or locales? We’d love to hear from you — and see your family’s historic photos — in the comments below!
Flickr/Foto Guy 49057
Flickr/Tekniska Museet
Wikimedia Commons/Detroit Public Library
Wikimedia Commons/Manning Brothers Commercial Photographers
Wikimedia Commons/Andrew Jameson
Wikimedia Commons/Internet Archive Book Images
Wikimedia Commons/Manning Brothers Commercial Photographers
Wikimedia Commons/Picturing Canada
Wikimedia Commons/Cbl629
Wikimedia Commons/Detroit Publishing Company
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