1900 - 1949
Click on first image for slideshow mode and descriptions.
Woodward Ave, Detroit, 1900-1909
DETROIT OPERA HOUSE Woodward Avenue is on the far left. (Source: Shorpy.com) Factoid, 1900: > Detroit’s population is 285,704. It is the 13th largest city in the U.S. > Nearly 12% of Detroit’s population doesn’t speak English, the highest percentage in the nation. > The Detroit Tigers become members of the new American Baseball League.
Caption: ""Windsor ferry dock, Woodward Avenue. Steamers to Bois Blanc Island (Bob-Lo Island), Ontario." (Source: Shorpy.com) Factoid: > 1889: Bob-Lo Park is established as an entertainment destination by the Detroit, Belle Isle, and Windsor Ferry Company.
"Belle Isle Ferry Dock, Woodward Av., Detroit" "...the handsome new screw ferry steamer PLEASURE, recently added to the large fleet of excursion steamers in the service of the Belle Isle and Windsor Ferry Company. She is to run on the Detroit River, touching at Belle Isle, Windsor, and other summer resorts." (The Steamship, Vol 6, July 1894-June 1895, pg 94) The Library of Congress dates photo between 1890 and 1901. Image: shorpy.com
BELLE ISLE FERRY DOCK WOODWARD AVE. According to the Library of Congress, image was created/published between 1890 and 1901. (Image: Library of Congress)
Colorized photo of the Belle Isle Ferry.
Woodward & Farnsworth Avenues The Library of Congress dates photo between 1880 and 1901. Factoid: >1901: Henry Ford establishes his second automobile company, called the Henry Ford Co.
"Down Woodward Avenue from Peterboro St., Detroit" Note: Given the steeple in the distance, this is probably facing south. The Library of Congress dates photo between 1880 and 1901. Factoid: > 1901: Ransom E. Olds produces the first practical American car. It can reach speeds of 18 miles per hour and costs $650.
Front view of the rebuilt Detroit Opera House, which was destroyed by fire in 1897 and rebuilt; streetcars, horse-drawn vehicles and pedestrian traffic can be seen in the foreground on Woodward Avenue. Retail establishments occupy the ground floor of the building. (Source: Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
Detroit City Hall and Moonlight Tower The Old City Hall was dedicated in 1871 and used until 1961. In front of City Hall on the right is a moonlight tower. Woodward is the horizontal road in front of City Hall. Source: Wikipedia
630 Woodward Avenue (east side of Woodward) "The Metropole's original exterior, in its hotel heyday." Image date: 1900-1905 (per Library of Congress) The Hotel Metropole opened Aug. 17, 1898, on Woodward, about a half block north of Congress St. The 60-room hotel moved into the former home of the Mabley stores, which had vacated and moved into the Majestic Building two years earlier. The pediments and cornice detail was removed in 1918 to streamline the building.
Groups of people in park in Cadillac Square; two women with parasols in front of chair-shaped monument. Woodward Avenue behind. Top of tall pillar visible behind plants. Signs include: Charles A. Shafer, department store; Sanders confectionery. Recorded in glass negative ledger: "D/Two women with parasols viewing Cadillac Chair, erected July 24, 1901." Emulsion flaking at top and bottom edges. (Source: Digital Collections Detroit Public Library)
"Woodward Avenue in Winter Attire," Streetcar and Pedestrians "Electrics streetcars started to replace horse-drawn streetcars as cities built power stations in the late 1800s. They carried more passengers and were cheaper and cleaner to operate than horse-drawn streetcars. This is Detroit's Woodward Avenue line, about 1900." Note: The first church on the left is the Woodward Avenue Baptist Church. The second church is the St. John's Episcopal Church. Source: The Henry Ford
Cadillac Square and Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, which front the east side of Woodward. Building on right is the Russell House, on the SE corner of Campus Martius. The Russell House opened Sept. 28, 1857, in the former National Hotel building; Russell House closed Nov. 19, 1905. Note: The lawn behind the S & S Monument was the site of new Central Market Building; it was built around 1879 and stood until 1889. Building on left is probably the Plankinton Hotel. (Photo Reuther Lib)
WHITNEY-WARNER PUBLISHING CO According to the 1904 Detroit City Directory, this building was located at 10 Witherell. It also housed the offices of Shapiro, Remick & Co. (music publishers) and Edward R. Schremser, a music teacher and the leader of "Schremser's Military Band & Orchestra". To the left is Herman Bowman's saloon at 12 Witherell and on the right is the Asbaugh, Dittrich & Co. Furs at 8 Witherell, which was located on the s.e. cor with Woodward Ave. Date: 1900-1905 per Lib of Congr
FROM JEFFERSON AVE Left: The Queen Anne Soap store, 77 Woodward (site of today's One Woodward, formerly known as the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company Building). Distant Left Tall Bldg: Majestic Building, today's 1011 Woodward Ave. Right: Avenue Theatre, 400 Woodward, which opened as Merrill Hall on Nov. 8, 1859; was located on the spot where “The Spirit of Detroit” stands today. Distance Right Tall Bldg: Hotel Pontchartrain, today's 660 Woodward Ave. Image Source: The Henry Ford
Then 243 Woodard Ave. At that time, this address was south of Grand Circus Park and north of Clifford Street. Source: The Henry Ford
Caption: "Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad office, Woodward & Jefferson Aves." (Source: Shorpy.com)
CAMPUS MARTIUS "From 1895 to 1924, the Detroit Publishing Company was one of the major image publishers in the world. The company's wide-ranging stock of original photographs documented life and landscapes from across the nation and around the globe. From the tens of thousands of negatives, the company created prints, postcards, lantern slides, panoramas, and other merchandise for sale to educators, businessmen, advertisers, homeowners and travelers." Source: Henry Ford
CAMPUS MARTIUS Note: It does not appear that the Merrill Fountain was installed when this photo was taken; therefore, it is possibly before 1901 when the fountain opened. NF
"Woodward Avenue, North from Jefferson Avenue, circa 1905" On the left is Queen Anne Soap, a "premium store" of the Detroit Soap Company. On the right is the Avenue Theater. The building opened as Merrill Hall on Nov. 8, 1859, and was used mostly for lectures and recitals than entertainment. On Dec. 25, 1886, it reopened as Wonderland, a variety venue with everything from Vaudeville to minstrel shows. In 1901, it became the Avenue Theater; its main entertainment offering was burlesque.
"Woodward Avenue, North from Jefferson Avenue, circa 1905" In the distance on the left is the 14-story Majestic Building (flag on roof). It opened in 1896 and was demolished in 1962. On the right is the Avenue Theater, a.k.a. Merrill Hall and Wonderland Theater. The building was demolished in March 1950 to make way for the City-County Building, today known as the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, at 2 Woodward Ave. and site of the "The Spirit of Detroit" monument.
ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1905 (Today's 2326 Woodward Ave, east side of Woodward, north of Grand Circus Park) The Gothic-Revival church was built in 1859. (Source: Wikipedia)
4421 Woodward Ave "The David Whitney home, left, and the Detroit Athletic Club, right, on Woodward, August 1905." Source: Detroit News
"An electric car passes the original Highland Park Presbyterian Church on Woodward in 1905. Real estate investors, find it almost impossible to sell their platted areas, prompted the extension of rail transportation from Detroit to the village to encourage land sales." Source: Detroit News
Caption: "Square Black and white postcard depicting an elevated view along Woodward Avenue from Campus Martius, facing southeast. In view are commercial buildings, pedestrians, and a ship on the Detroit River. Handwritten message on verso, postmarked Aug 20, 1905." (Source: Detroit Historical Society)
"Woodward Avenue: North from Grand Circus Park" Postmark/Cancel: Nov. 20, 1905 On the right, next to Grand Circus Park is the Central United Methodist Church, located at the corner of E. Adams St. and Woodward. It opened in 1866. A moon light pole is visible on the left.
First Presbyterian Church 2930 Woodward Ave Built: 1889. Note: When Woodward was widened in 1936, the elaborately-carved entrance porch was moved from the Woodward façade to the Edmund Place side. Image: Library of Congress
SW Corner of Woodward and State St. For more than 100 years, B. Siegel was one of Detroit’s finest women’s apparel stores out of this building. Opening on Feb. 21, 1884, it initially housed M.S. Smith & Co., a jeweler and import shop. Meanwhile, Benjamin Siegel had opened his clothing business in March 1881, and would relocate to this store in the fall of 1904. The Gordon W. Lloyd-designed gem was one of the last cast-iron-fronted structures in the city. Text: Historic Detroit.org
Majestic Building 137 Woodward Ave, Detroit (west side of Woodward) Colorized photograph. Postcard is postmarked Oct. 17, 1906. In the foreground is a moonlight tower and the Michigan Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument at Campus Martius Park. On the left is the Old City Hall, and on the right is the Majestic Building. Woodward runs between the S&S Monument and Majestic Building (road with streetcar). (Source: www.civil-war-150.com)
View of the north end of Campus Martius Park. After the fire of 1805, Campus Martius was the focal point of Judge Augustus Woodward's plans to rebuild the city. It is where the "point of origin" of Detroit's coordinate system is located. Seven miles north of this point is 7 Mile Rd; 8 miles north is 8 Mile Rd, and so on. In 1901, the Wonderland vaudeville theatre moved next door to the Detroit Opera House. Woodward (Source: eBay)
Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 1900-1909
FORD/PEABODY MANSIO 325 S. Old Woodward (s.e. cor Old Woodward & E. Brown St.) Built in 1878 by Frank Ford, the mansion was later occupied by his daughter Alta and her husband J. Bert Peabody. The building on the far left is the United Presbyterian Church (n.e. cor Old Woodward & Brown St). The church was moved in the 1950s to 280 E. Lincoln Ave. oocities.org
FORD/PEABODY MANSION 325 S. Old Woodward (s.e. cor Old Woodward & E. Brown St.) "Here, seated on the front steps of the home during more pleasant weather are, at the top left, Alta Ford Peabody and at the right J. Bert Peabody with his younger son, Clyde, on his knee. At the left, in front, is daughter Cora who is seated next to her elder brother Ford. Clyde was born in 1902."
LEVINSON'S DEPARTMENT STORE (NW corner of N. Old Woodward Ave & W. Maple Rd) The two-story Ford Building was commissioned in 1896 by businessman Frank Ford, who lived two blocks south in the Victorian-style Ford-Peabody Mansion. Levinson's Department Store occupied the Ford Building from 1897 to 1916. The building was later occupied by First State Savings Bank of Birmingham, Wilson Drugs, The Gap, and Così Restaurant. (Photo source: www.candgnews.com)
FORD BIRMINGHAM MILLING COMPANY'S TRUCK (NW corner of N. Old Woodward Ave & W. Maple Rd) Image date unknown. William Eugene Smith's mill truck parked on W. Maple in front of the Ford Building. The alley on the left is much wider than it is today. At the left is the rear of what was once Blakeslee's Dry Goods Store, later Erwin & SMitih Meat Market, Dunn's Camera Shop, and the Roots shoe store. The large house at the end of the alley became Price's Chateau Tea Room. oocities.org
BIRMINGHAM MILLING CO. (Woodward, Between W Maple Rd & E Brown St., Future site of Peabody's Restaurant) In 1904, William Eugene Smith constructed a combination grist mill and saw mill just south of E. Maple, west of the Grand Trunk Railway tracks. At that time, the Grand Trunk ran near the center of Birmingham along the route followed by present day Woodward Ave. In later years the mill became a fruit market, a grocery store and then a restaurant operated by James Peabody. oocities.org
BIRMINGHAM MILLING CO. (Woodward, Between W Maple Rd & E Brown St) This ad appeared in the 1921 High School Yearbook, "Balwininian." oocities.og
BIRMINGHAM MILLING CO (Woodward, Between W Maple Rd & E Brown St) This ad appeared in the 1921 High School Yearbook, "Balwininian." "Since William Eugene Smith processed a great deal of corn brought in by area farmers, a large supply of corn cobs accumulated next to his Birmingham mill. Some of these were burned to operate a steam engine that powered the mill. However, one of Mr. Smith's sons realized that the cobs could also be sold to produce a worthwhile income." oocities.og
O’NEAL FRAME BUILDING Pre-1905 (SW corner of S. Old Woodward Ave. & Maple Rd) Edin O’Neal (far left) was a skilled leather craftsman who came to Birmingham in 1885. He opened a store in a one-story freestanding wooden building on the west side of South old Woodward Avenue, where he repaired harnesses and reins for horses.The frame structure was replaced by a brick building in about 1905 (see next photo). Source: Birmingham, Mich, Craig Jolly & Birmingham Historical Museum, p. 32.
O-NEAL BUILDING & GENERAL STORE BUILDING (SW Corner S. Old Woodward Ave & Maple Rd) Image date:1905 or later. NOTE: The O’Neal Building (two windows left of shorter building) exits today. The General Store (right) does not appear in a 1910 postcard of the O’Neal building. Therefore, the posted 1910 date of this photo is likely incorrect. Based on an 1881 map of Birmingham, the General Store on the right is probably L. B. Peabody’s General Store.
SE CORNER OF W. MAPLE RD & PIERCE ST. Birmingham Left to Right: > Shain Drugs & Groceries. > Exchange Bank of Whitehead & Mitchell. > In the distance can be seen the Methodist Church on the west side of Henrietta St. oocities.org
Cropped from postcard postmarked May 23, 1907. (Note: This is likely today’s N. Old Woodard Ave. near Oak Ave. NF) : “Looking South on Woodard Avenue From Near Oak Street in About 1907. Center of Town was just beyond the trees in the distance.” Photo Source: The Birmingham Eccentric, 75th Anniversary (1878-1953). Publisher: Birmingham, Michigan, 1954.)
BLOOMFIELD HILLS "A 1907 Packard 30 Model U with four male passengers driving south on Woodward Ave., south of Long Lake Rd., Inter-Urban rail tracks to the right, houses in background. " (Detroit Public Library) What is now Long Lake Road is at the bottom of the hill with Bagley Inn on the left." (Images of America: Bloomfield Hills: Home of Cranbrook, by C. Blackwell, 2016 Detroit Public Library
THE 1907 photo is likely today’s N. Old Woodward Ave. near Oak Ave. Photo Source of Today’s View: Google Street Map, Image Date Aug 2012.
Woodward Ave, Detroit, 1910 - 1919
LOOKING NORTH "A view along Woodward Avenue, facing north from the intersection of State Street with horse-drawn carts removing snow. Signs read 'Chop Soy Cafe,' 'Howland & Uhlik Clothes.' 'B. Siegel Co.,' "Brown's Cut Rate Drug Store,' and 'Kaiser-Blair Co. Clothes.'" Detroit Historical Society
Photo source: Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
Snow piled on street. (Photo source: Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University) Factoid: Jan. 13-14, 1910: 11.4 inches of snow falls in the Detroit-metro area. (My guess is this photo is of that snowstorm. NF)
WOODWARD AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH Caption: "The church, middle background, as seen looking south on Woodward in 1910." In the distance is St. John's Episcopal Church. Note: Both churches are located on the east side of Woodward, north of Grand Circus Park. (Source: Historic Detroit.org)
First Congregational Church, 33 E. Forest Ave Note: The wide staircase on the left of the photo fronts the east side of Woodward Ave. The streetcar rails on the right side of the photo are on E. Forest Ave.
In the foreground is Grand Circus Park. On the right is Central United Methodist Church. St. John's Episcopal Church can be seen in the far background. Wikipedia
"The circus is in town! Parade on Woodward at Campus Martius. June 16, 1910. (Source: Detroit News Archive)
"Watching the circus parade on Woodward at Campus Martius." June 16, 1910. (Source: Detroit News Archive)
Caption: Black and white photographic postcard depicting a view along Woodward Avenue at Campus Martius, with a biplane superimposed onto the image. In view are the Majestic Building, Detroit Opera House and pedestrians. Signs read, "H.C. Weber & Co", "Gray & Worcester", "Wright, Kay & Co", and "Weil & Co". Handwritten message on verso, postmarked June 23, 1910. (Source: Detroit Historical Society)
"Belle Isle Steam Woodward Ave Landing dated 1910. " Note the rolling sign.: 'Moonlight To-Night, Steamer Columbia , 8:330 to 11:30 35c" (Source eBay)
VERNOR'S STORE 33 Woodward (on right) On the right side of postcard is the second location of James Vernor's store. In 1896, Vernor closed his pharmacy at 235 Woodward (later renamed 1449) at the southwest corner of Woodward/Clifford and opened a soda fountain at 33 Woodward (later renamed 239), south of Jefferson. Image: hippostcard.com
May 12, 1910 Vernor's Store, 33 Woodward (later renamed 221) is on the left. "Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co. sits next to a bowling alley with an electric sign for Vernors ginger ale, along with other businesses on west Woodward Avenue between [Detroit] River and Jefferson." Note: In 1896, James Vernors moved his store from 235 Woodward (today's 1459 Woodward, southwest corner of Clifford St. & Woodward) to this location, 33 Woodward, which is south of Jefferson. Detroit Public Library
FACING WEST SIDE OF WOODWARD AT MICHIGAN AVENUE The 14-story Majestic Building, 137 Woodward (today’s 1023 Woodward), northwest corner Michigan and Woodward avenues. Built 1896, demolished 1962. Next door, on the right, is Fred Sanders' “Palace of Sweets,” 141 Woodward Ave. (today’s 1037 Woodward), the former J.L. Hudson building. Sanders occupied the building from 1896 until the 1980s.
Middle: 4-story R. & G McMillian Co. building (white) ,131 Woodward Ave. (today's 639 Woodward). McMillan Co. was a wholesale grocery business. Right: 10-story Hammond Building, corner of Griswold St and W. Fort St. Completed 1889, demolished 1956. The building was Detroit’s and Michigan’s first skyscraper. It was made of redbrick and stone and was one of the largest masonry buildings ever built in the U.S. The building held 246 offices and stores on the ground floor. (Image: etsy.com)
Note: The title lists date as 1911-1913; however, under information the date is listed as 1910. "The spot where visitors take in 'The Spirit of Detroit” today used to be where Detroiters went to take in burlesque dancers. The Avenue was one of a number of small theaters, Vaudeville houses and Nickelodeons that dotted downtown Detroit in the early 20th century." (Historic Detroit.org) (Image: Source: Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
GRAND CIRCUS BUILDING 261-271 Woodward (SW Corner of Woodward & Park Ave) Unknown date Left to Right: Keenan & Jahn Furniture (261-263) Goodyear Raincoat Co. and Rubber Store (265) H.R. Leonard Furniture (267-269) T.C. Mau Furrier (269). Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Co. (founded 1909) Sharing the 271 address were A.L. Le Gro, Dentist and "Frederick W. MacDonald, Dentist. Detroit Historical Society
Left: 10-story Hotel Pontchartrain, southeast corner of Cadillac Square and Woodward Ave. (today’s 660 Woodward). Opened 1907, demolished 1920. 5-story addition tacked onto the top in 1909. Middle: 4-story R. & G McMillian Co. building (across the street, white bldg.), 131 Woodward Ave. (today's 639 Woodward). Wholesale grocers. Right: 10-story Hammond Building, corner of Griswold St and W. Fort St. Completed 1889, demolished 1956. Historic Detroit.org
"Old City Hall with the Pontchartrain, back left, and the Hammond Building, back right, seen in June 1910." The Old City Hall was located on the north side of Campus Maritus. It opened in 1891 and was demolished in 1961. The "Pontch" was built in 1907 on the SE corner of Cadillac Square and Woodward Ave. In 1909, a 5-story addition was added. The 10-story Hammond Building was Detroit's first skyscraper. It opened in 1889 at W Fort Street and was demolished in 1956. Historic Detroit.org
GRAND CIRCUS BUILDING (right) SW Corner Woodward & Park Ave According to the 1910 Directory, the building on the right was the Grand Circus Bldg. at 261-271 Woodward (today’s 1551-1571 Woodward). Its tenants included "Keenan & Jahn Furniture" (261-263), "Goodyear Raincoat Co. and Rubber Store" (265), "H.R. Leonard Furniture" (267-269) and "T.C. Mau Furrier" (269). Sharing the 271 address were "A.L. Le Gro, Dentist" and "Frederick W. MacDonald, Dentist." (Image: Shorpy.com)
KRESGE'S STORE NW Corner of Woodward and State St. Looking North. "African American woman crosses Woodard Avenue near S.S. Kresge 5 & 10 cent store at State Street, with other businesses down Woodward toward Grand River. Written on original glass negative envelope: 'May 4, 1910.' Recorded on glass negative ledger: 'LD/Streets-Woodward, W. State to Grand River looking north." Detroit Public Library
NW CORNER WOODWARD & CLIFFORD ST (west side of Woodward, just south of Grand Circus Park) Left to Right: 1. Newton Annis Furs (NW corner of Woodward & Clifford St) 2. Grinnell Brothers Music House (built 1908 at 243-245-247 Woodward) 3. Short Building 4. Tall Building 5. Grand Circus Building (built 1887, SW Corner of Woodward 7 Park Ave) Detroit Public Library
Image date unknown "View of a brochure for Newton Annis fur cold storage, depicting storage building on front and squirrel on back. Printed on front: "Reliable fur cold storage on the premises, Newton Annis, Woodward at Clifford, established 1887. Phones: Main 3462, Main 3463. Includes description of services and price list." Detroit Public Library
FACING WEST "Northwest corner of Woodward Avenue and Adams Street. Pedestrians cross the street in front of a drug store, as others walk down the sidewalk. Businesses include H.J. Neumann, Importer, Tailor; and Pittmans & Dean Co."
“Woodward Avenue with a view of the old Hotel Pontchartrain.” Hotel Pontchartrain was built in 1907 on the former site of the Russell House (SW corner of Cadillac Square & Woodward Ave.) In 1909, a five-story addition was tacked onto the top, which included the three-story mansard roof and dormers that gave the building a bit of Second Empire flare. In the right foreground is the Grinnell Building. It was built in 1908, designed by Albert Kahn, and covered in a white-glazed terra cotta.
The tall building on the left is the Pontchartrain Hotel, which opened Oct. 29, 1907. By 1909, Detroit was booming, and the timing seemed right to expand. Starting early that fall, a 5-story addition was tacked onto the top (seen in photo). (Photo source: Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
“Brush Street streetcar passes businesses along the east side of Woodward Avenue between Congress and Fort streets. Recorded in glass negative ledger: ‘LD/Streets-Woodward Ave., E. Congress to Fort, May 12, 1910.’” (Source: Dig Collections Detroit Public Library)
Postcard depicting the east side of Woodward Avenue, from the intersection of Gratiot Avenue. Signs read "Geo. P. Yost Furrier", "English Woolen Mills Co.", "Kuhn's", "Marion Blair", "Stone & Co.", "Cable Piano Co. 218 Woodward Ave., Mason & Hamlin Pianos, Phonographs", "C. Hopp & Co.", "Sullivan's Roses, Florist", "Dr. Kirk Dentist", "D. D. Spellman Photographers", "The F.L. Reeg Co. Manufacturing Stationers", "Schwankovsky Pianos", and "The White Sewing Machine Co." (Source: Detroit Hist Soc)
East side of Woodward, between Grand River (to the left) and Gratiot (to the right) Avenues. "View of Woodward Avenue with businesses such as Mableys, Weil & Co., and Benson Co., with pedestrians in street. Recorded in glass negative ledger: "LD/Streets-Woodward, May 11, 1910, 11:35 am" Note: This block would eventually become the Hudson's block, location of the behemoth 25-story flagship store.
LOOKING SOUTH 630 Woodward Avenue (east side of Woodward) The Hotel Metropole opened Aug. 17, 1898, on Woodward, about a half block north of Congress St. (Photo source: Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
Caption: "Campus Martius. Detroit City Hall, Bagley Fountain and Majestic Building." Note: Bagley Memorial Fountain was Detroit's first public drinking fountain, created in 1887 with money from the estate of John Hudson Baglely. It was erected at Campus Martius on Woodward at Fort Street next to City Hall before being moved to Woodward and Monroe in 1926. It then went into storage around 2000 during the Campus Martius reconfiguration until 2007, when it was reinstalled. (Source: Shorpy.com)
Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 1910 - 1919
"View of commercial buildings on Woodward Ave. in Birmingham, Michigan. Printed on front: 'Woodward Ave., Birmingham. Copyrt apld for J.H. Cave, Det.' Handwritten on back: 'Dear Minn: I came to Mr. Jacksons yesterday having a fine time expect to go home the first of the week. I want to get to Scofield between this and Xmas. They are all well here. Love to all, Lillie Warner.' Card is postmarked November 4, 1913." Detroit Public Library
BLOOMFIELD HILLS "Around 1915, a spider of electric lines crisscrosses over the Bloomfield Center Interurban station that was located at Woodward Avenue and Long Lake Road. Woodward Avenue, pictures on the left, was still a dirt road." Images of America: Bloomfield Hills, by C. Blackwell, 2016.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS N. Woodward approaching Long Lake Rd Text Source: 13 & Woodward FB Group Image Source: Detroit News Archive
Note: Based on the cars, I've conclude this photo was taken during the 1910s. NF Note: Based on the top facade of building located behind tallest telephone pole, I've concluded that the building is on the s.w. corner of S. Old Woodward Ave & W. Maple Rd. NF The Birmingham Museum Facebook
Woodward Ave, Detroit, 1920-1929
LOOKING SOUTH In 1920, Detroit police officer William Potts created nation’s first 4-way, 3-color traffic signal tower; it was installed at the intersection of Woodward and Michigan Avenues in Oct. 1920. Using mostly railroad equipment, the lights were installed on a tower in the middle of the intersection and manually operated. The tower had 12 lamps, three in each direction. Left: Kirkland Hotel, SE corner of Woodward & Monroe Avenues (Michigan Ave. turns into Monroe Ave. east of Woodward).
In 1921, Potts apparently figured out how to automate the operation of his 4-way, 3-color signal tower and subsequently spread the lights throughout the city. (hemmings.com) This first traffic light (pictured here) was installed at Woodward Avenue and Fort Street in Detroit, Michigan. (thehenryford.org)
MICHIGAN AVE LOOKING EAST "View of policeman standing in traffic tower in the middle of street; pedestrians crossing street against traffic; commercial buildings in background. Sign on tower: 'Drive safely, walk right.' Written on duplicate photograph negative front: '1920.' Handwritten on back: 'Michigan Ave.' Handwritten on duplicate mat back: 'Between city hall and the Majestic Building, Michigan Avenue near Woodward.'" Note: Woodward runs horizontally just beyond the traffic tower.
LOOKING NORTH Note: The 14-story Majestic Building is in the background on the left. Note: Date in lower right corner is too blurry too read. (roadtrafficsigns.com)
The Merrill Fountain, left, opened in 1901 in front of the Old Detroit Opera House that stood on Campus Martius. When Woodward Avenue was widened, the large fountain was relocated to Palmer Park in 1925 in an effort to ease traffic congestion downtown. Note: Monroe Ave runs in front of the fountain. Woodward is to the left, out of view. Source: Historic Detroit.org
In the background is the Detroit Opera House, which was destroyed by fire in 1897 and rebuilt. (Photo source: Detroit News)
33 WOODWARD AVE “Delivery trucks in front of bottling plant on Woodward Ave, c. 1920” Vernor's was created in 1866 by James Vernor, a Detroit pharmacist. Vernor opened a drugstore of his own on Woodward Ave at the corner of Clifford St and sold his ginger ale at its soda fountain. In 1896, Vernor closed his drugstore and opened a new soda fountain and ginger ale factory on the west side off Woodward Avenue just south of Woodbridge St (photo). (Photo Source: Detroit Historical Society)
In the distance is the Fyfe Building, located at 10 W. Adams St, at the corner of Adams and Woodward. It faces Grand Circus Park. Image: Alamy.co The building was named after Richard H. Fyfe, a Detroit merchant who made his fortune in the shoe trade. For many years it had a Fyfe shoe store at the retail street level and offices in the upper stories; at the time of its opening, the shoe store was the largest in the country. . Image: Alamy.com
(Photo source: Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
In the foreground is Grand Circus Park. The tall building in the middle is the Fyfe Building at 10 W Adams St, at the corner of Adams and Woodward. On the right is the Central United Methodist Church.
WOODWARD AVE, DETROIT, 1922 TRAFFIC TOWER Photo Caption: “Woodward and E. Adams as it appeared in 1922 with tower.” In the background is the Central United Methodist Church (east side of Woodward). To the right, out of view, is Grand Circus Park. Source: standford.edu
600 Woodward (NE corner of Woodward & Congress St) The building, designed by Albert Kahn and completed in 1917, stands 12 stories tall with 2 basement levels for a total of 14 floors. The building was constructed in the neo-classical architectural style, and contains mainly terra cotta as its main material. It features a peaked parapet wall on the front façade, reminiscent of classical temples. Source: Wikipedia
R.H. FYFE COMPANY BUILDING 10 W. Adams St (Corner of Woodward & W. Adams) "Color postcard depicting the Fyfe Building from Grand Circus Park, at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Adams Street. People on benches and trees are in the foreground. An American flag flies above the Fyfe building. Handwritten message on verso, postmarked Aug 28, 1923." Detroit Historical Society
Caption: "TRAFFIC; JEFFERSON AVENUE WEST; AT WOODWARD; AT GRISWOLD." (Photo source: Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
November 27, 1924 "In 1924, the Mother Goose float led off the first J.L. Hudson Thanksgiving Day parade." Pinterest
"Exterior of Kern's Department Store, located at Woodward and Gratiot. Pedestrians are visible on the sidewalk adjacent to the thoroughfare and the store. Signage in the store windows reads, "September is Founder's Month at Kern's, In Forty-One Years No Sale Like This, What did they wear when Arthur was President? See this window Saturday Noon August 23, 1:30 p.m., Ten Presidential Years Since we began." Signage over the other windows notes a differing President." Detroit Historical Society
The Merrill Fountain opened in front of the old Detroit Opera House in 1910 and was relocated to Palmer Park in 1925.
ANNIS FUR POST 1505 Woodward NW Corner of Woodward & Clifford St. (Between Clifford St and Park Ave) "Signage on the facade of the structure notes the name of the company and that they were established in 1887. Several of the windows are open on the upper floor." Detroit Historical Society
ANNIS FUR POST 1505 Woodward (NW Cor At Clifford) "A window display at Annis Furs. A female mannequin draped in a fur coat and adorned with a crown stands behind a microphone with the radio station call numbers CKLW visible on the top and front of device. Signage adjacent to the mannequin reads, "A $1,000.00 Annis Fur Coat was selected as a Grand Prize in the current contest on 'Queen for a Day' coast-to-coast Mutual Network Radio Show. CKWL 2 p.m. Monday - Friday." Detroit Historical Society
ANNIS FUR POST 1505 Woodward (NW Cor At Clifford) "A silver foxtail window display at Annis Furs." Detroit Historical Society
"The interior sales floor at Annis Furs. Mannequins, fur coats, and animal pelts ornament the sales floor." Detroit Historical Society
ANNIS FUR POST 1505 Woodward (NW Cor Woodward & Clifford) "The interior selling floor of Annis Furs. Fur coats are hung around the exterior walls; a carpeted table is at the center of the photograph. Chairs, an adding machine, and telephone are also visible." Detroit Historical Society
Photo is dated 1925. However, one comment listed the date as 1923: "I believe that is the Book Cadillac Hotel being constructed. (slight left - downtown) It was started in 1923 and finished in 1924" (Source: reddit.com)
"2615 Woodward Avenue from City Hall, Detroit Michigan" (cropped from stereograph) Created: Stereograph, KeystoneView Company, c1925 Source: Library of Congress
HIGHLAND NASH AGENCY, 1926 6330 WOODWARD AVE, DETROIT Caption: “A circa 1926 Nash Dealership with a new Nash and a used Pierce-Arrow.”
Caption: "The Pontch, far left, and Campus Martius in 1926. Old City Hall is at far right." Note: Hotel Pontchartrian was built on the southeast corner of Cadillac Square and Woodward. Construction started in 1906; it opened in 1907. The 6-story addition was tacked onto the top in 1910. It was closed and demolished in 1920. (Source: Historical Detroit.org)
"Thousands of Freemasons march down Temple Street from Woodward Avenue toward Detroit's new Masonic Temple, for the temple dedication ceremony on Thanksgiving Day in 1926. They wear white aprons, a symbol of innocence and honor derived from the working apron of ancient stone masons."
Feb. 12, 1927 Caption: "View of Woodward Avenue with railroad tracks in foreground and automobiles and houses in background. Written on photo: 'North from 8 Mile Road, Feb. 12, 1927.'" (Source: Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
Oct. 1, 1927 Exterior view of the Detroit Institute of Arts on Woodward Ave. The DIA has been a beacon of culture for the Detroit area for well over a century. Founded in 1885, the museum was originally located on Jefferson Avenue, but, due to its rapidly expanding collection, moved to a larger site on Woodward Avenue in 1927. The new Beaux-Arts building, designed by Paul Cret, was immediately referred to as the "temple of art." Two wings were added in the 1960s and1970s. (Photo: Reuther Lib)
CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS Hudson's department store is on the right (east side of Woodward). Note: In 1927, Hudson’s purchased nearby competitor Newcomb Endicott and Company structures located at Woodward and Grand River Avenues and replaced them with a 16-story structure and 25-story tower. The 1927 addition was the fourth and final piece of flagship store on the east side of Woodward between Gratiot and Grand River Avenues. (Photo: Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 1920-1929
BLOOMFIELD HILLS "This c. 1920 photograph shows backed-up traffic heading south from Woodward Avenue and Long Lake Road to Birmingham. More lanes were desperately needed, even with the Interurban and the Grand Trunk Western Railroad also operating, as seen by the tracks on the left. In 1923, the state legislature passe a bill to widen Woodward Avenue to four lanes going each way." Images of America: Bloomfield Hills, by C. Blackwell, 2016.
In 1920, Birmingham’s population was 3,690. In the early years of the 20th century, hopes that Birmingham would become an industrial center of any consequence were completely and forever dashed as Detroit and nearby Pontiac became world centers of automobile projection. In the 1920s, Birmingham began to establish itself as a premiere residential community. It had gas and electric power an a good water supply. Its schools were highly regarded and it had a wide range of businesses.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BIRMINGHAM 176 N. Old Woodward (s.e. cor Woodward & Hamilton Rd) Postcard, c. 1920 "The First National Bank of Birmingham organized on September 7, 1910 under the National Currency Act of 1863." birminghammichiganbank.com
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BIRMINGHAM 176 N. Old Woodward (s.e. cor Woodward & Hamilton Rd) Caption: “Circa 1920, interior construction of the First National Bank of Birmingham. Teller cages were located behind the 3-or 4-foot high partitions you see on each side of the picture. The bank manager was locatedbehind the portion of the left partition, which is out of the picture. Tiny cubicles were installed ahead of the vault where people could work with the contents of their safe deposit boxes."
(OLD) WOODWARD AVE, BIRMINGHAM Looking south. (Image date unknown) Building on left with pillars is The First National Bank of Birmingham. Location: SE Corner of N. Old Woodward Ave. and Hamilton St. SIDE NOTE: In 1923, the nation's first “super highway” (Woodward Avenue between Detroit and Pontiac, through Birmingham) was an eight-lane divided highway with a 40-foot median. Photo Source: Views of The Past.Com.
Caption: “Two of wider Woodward’s westerly lanes in Blomfield Hills were in used by 1924.” “Eastern half of right-of-way was already graded (this view looks north down the hill to E. Long Lake road).” Photo Source: The Birmingham Eccentric, 75th Anniversary (1878-1953). Publisher: Birmingham, Michigan. Publication Date: 1954.
WOODWARD AVE, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, 1924 & 2012 Looking north towards Long Lake Road. Photo Source for Today's View: Google Street Map
West side of S. Old Woodward, just south of W, Maple Rd. Far right: Wilson Drug Company Image: The Birmingham Museum Facebook
211 S. Old Woodward (east side of Woodward) "On this day [Nov. 21] in 1921 the first motion picture theater opened in Birmingham. Admission was 35 cents for adults and 15 cents for children. There was also a heated debate about whether movies should be allowed on Sundays. This photo from our collection shows the Birmingham Theater in 1927." The Birmingham Museum Facebook.
BIRMINGHAM SAVINGS BANK (former D.U.R. waiting room): Today's 138 S. Old Woodward. McBride Bldg: 124-128 S. Old Woodward (white brick, "Drugs" & "Beauty Salon"). Bldg Name?: 116-122 S. Old Woodward (red brick, "Groceries"). Johnston-Shaw Bldg: 112-114 S. Old Woodward (red brick, "Wilson's Drugs"). O’Neal Bldg: 106-110 S Old Woodward, (red brick, "Pecks"). Hanna Bldg: 100 S Old Woodward. The narrow Hanna building on corner has been replaced. Photo Source: City of Birmingham Website.
FIRST STATE SAVINGS BANK OF BIRMINGHAM, 1925-1935 (OLD) WOODWARD AVE “PROSPERITY WEEK” 101 N. Old Woodward Ave. NOTE: Around 1925, the First State Savings Bank of Birmingham added the limestone façade. Although this photograph is not dated, I've concluded that the Bank was still located in the building because the cars look like they were built long before 1935 when Wilson Drugs first occupied the building. NF Photo Source: City of Birmingham, City History, Historical Photo Gallery.
BIRMINGHAM SAVINGS BANK, 1920s 138 S. Old Woodward During the late 1920s, the Detroit United Railways (D.U.R.) waiting room got a new façade and became the Birmingham Savings Bank, which kept a small waiting room for streetcar riders. Ever since First National Bank of Birmingham assumed the Birmingham Savings Bank in 1931, the building has been used as a retail location, including Olga's Restaurant (closed March 2012). A crest with the initials B.S.B. remains on the upper façade.
Caption: “Woodward Avenue 1928 – looking North toward Long Lake Rd.” Photo Source: AA Roads.Com
Caption: “211 S. Old Woodward. Street Lighting – Birmingham – Union Metal #25 Combined Trolley & Ornamental Street 1500 C. P. Lamp” The Birmingham Theater is on the right in the distance. The original theater was built in 1927.
According to General Village Plan (1929), “During the past 10 years Birmingham has grown from a quiet village community of 2,500 to a metropolitan suburb of 12,000. Situated on a super-highway [today’s Old Woodward Ave.] connecting the great industrial metropolis of Detroit, eighteen miles southeast, with the thriving new industrial center of Pontiac, seven miles northwest, it is in the direct line to received the full effect of growth in the region as a whole.” NOTE: Hunter was built in 1939
DEC. 31, 1929 Caption: “An aerial photograph of Birmingham in December 1929. At that time, the population was less than 10,000. Today it's more than 20,000.” Photo Source: Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University. Donor: The Detroit News
Image: 13 & Woodward Facebook Comment: "I'm thinking this photo is from the 1920's. You can clearly see the GTW railroad tracks swing toward the old alignment along Woodward Avenue north of 11 Mile Rd. The present day elevated line that parallels Woodward about 1/2 mile east of Woodward opened in October 1929."
Woodward Ave, Detroit, 1930-1939
FACING WEST 5200 Woodward Between Farnsworth & Kirby Streets "Vernor's Ginger Ale delivery truck and trailer (#200 and #201) that are parked on Woodward Avenue in front of the entrance to the Detroit Institute of Arts." Detroit Historical Society
Aerial view of Woodward looking north from about 8 Mile Rd. The center of Birmingham (E. Maple Rd and Woodward Ave.) is 8.1 miles from the corner of Woodward Ave. and 8 Mile Road. SIDE NOTE: By about 1930, the city had increased its size to a population of 9,539. As more and more affluent residents arrived, so did business owners and shopkeepers eager to please them. (Sources: An Architectural Survey of Birmingham, Mich, L. Gomberg, 1938. Images of America: Birmingham, C Jolly, 2007.)
"Color postcard depicting an elevated view along Woodward Avenue at Grand Circus Park, facing south with the David Whitney Building [right] and Eaton Tower [left, AKA Brokerick] in view." Detroit Historical Society
Streets, left to right: Broadway St., Woodward Ave, Washington Blvd. Grand Circus Park (foreground). Buildings, left to right: Madison Theatre, Eaton Tower (AKA Broderick Tower), David Whitney Building (between Woodward Ave and Washington Blvd), Statler Hotel (red brick, far right). The tallest building on the right beyond the Statler Hotel is the Book Tower building. Detroit Historical Society
"Color postcard depicting the Eaton Tower [AKA Broderick Tower] and Madison Theater [left] at night, with Grand Circus Park in the foreground." Woodward Ave is in the lower right corner. Detroit Historical Society
"Next door to the Majestic building site was the candy and ice cream store of Fred Sanders. He set up business in 1875 on the Majestic building site but moved a few feet north a couple of years later. Sanders made a notable contribution to American culture by inventing the ice cream soda." Text: All Our Yesterdays: a Brief History of Detroit, F. B. Woodford & A.M. Woodford, 1969. Image: Historic Detroit.org Historic Detroit.org
The Bagley Fountain in front of the the Detroit Opera House, about 1930. "In 1919, the Detroit Opera House became the Shubert-Detroit Opera House. This business permutation did not last very long. The opera house could not survive the economic dislocation of the Depression, and ended up closing in 1931." Text: Seeking Michigan .org
2560 Woodward Ave. (east side of Woodward, 5 blocks north of Grand Circus Park) The 12-story hotel opened on Sept. 15, 1926, as the SAVOY HOTEL on the corner of Woodward Ave. and Adelaide St. Shortly after opening, the Savoy’s name was changed to the HOTEL LA SALLE, around 1928 or 1929. In 1931, after after changing management, the hotel's name was changed to HOTEL DETROITER. In 1955, it was sold and turned into a senior nursing home, CARMEL HALL.
"Color postcard depicting an elevated view along Woodward Avenue at Grand Circus Park, facing south with the David Whitney Building [right] and Eaton Tower [left, AKA Broderick Tower] in view. Handwritten message on verso, postmarked Jul 14, 1931." Detroit Historical Society
Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 1930-1939
Wider Woodward Ave. "Super Highway," Pontiac, Mich. Color postcard depicting a view along Woodward Avenue in Pontiac with cars traveling in the distance. Handwritten message on recto, postmarked Jul 30, 1931. Detroit Historical Society
THE DIXIE DINER, BIRMINGHAM, ~1931 (OLD) WOODWARD AVE Photo: Birmingham, Michigan in Retrospect. This photo dates back to about 1931, since the Detroit United Railway Interurban tracks can be seen in the middle of Woodward, but no trolley wires are visible. At the far right, in the background, you can see the ODD FELLOWS HALL on Pierce St. It later housed Joyce Packard's TRADING POST, an early-day flea market. The building was later renovated; the lower level included the VARSITY SHOP.
WOODWARD AVE WIDENING, OCT. 17, 1932 Opening Birmingham to Bloomfield Photo Source: Detroit News Archives “Cars drive along Woodward Avenue between Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills in October 1932. The road originally known as The Saginaw Trail was at the heart of the small community as it grew in the 19th century. Birmingham officially became a city in 1933.”
Woodward, Widening, Opening. Birmingham to Bloomfield Hills. October 17, 1932 Walter P Reuther Library, Wayne State University
MOBILE STATION PLOT PLAN, OCT 24, 1935 405 S. Old Woodward Ave Birmingham (West side of Woodward, between Hazel St. and E. Brown St. "Plot plan for gas station number 3 located in Birmingham, Michigan. Printed on front: 'Plot plan, Pontiac station #3, 405 S. Woodward Ave., Birmingham, Mich. White Star District. Socony Vacuum Oil Company, Inc. Scale 1/8"=1'-0". Redrawn 10-24-35. Note: R & angles from office record & plan, station dimen. from field notes.'"
MOBILE STATION 405 S. Old Woodward Ave Birmingham (west side of Woodward, between Hazel St. and E. Brown St.) Image date unknown, based on a 10/24/1935 plot plan. "View of Mobilgas station viewed at an angle from across street, located at 405 S. Woodward in Birmingham, Michigan. Three gas pumps in front of station; house on the side. Billboard on side of station reads: 'Shop at the Mobilgas station, Mobiloil, tires, batteries, supplies.' Flying horse symbol on several signs.'" Det Pub Lib
MOBILE STATION 405 S. Old Woodward Ave Birmingham (west side of Woodward, between Hazel St. and E. Brown St.) Image date unknown, based on a 10/24/1935 plot plan. "Front and side view of Mobilgas station viewed at an angle from street, located at 405 S. Woodward in Birmingham, Michigan. Three gas pumps in front of station; house on the side. Station has two service bays; sign on building: 'White Star Refining.'" Detroit Public Library
MOBILE STATION - PLOT PLAN 405 S. Old Woodward Ave Birmingham (west side of Woodward, between Hazel St. and E. Brown St.) Image date unknown, based on a 10/24/1935 plot plan. "Three gas pumps in front of station; billboards by station read: 'Shop at the Mobilgas station, Mobiloil, tires, batteries, supplies' and "Follow the Tigers with Mobilgas." Station has two service bays; sign on building: 'White Star Refining Co.' Printed on front: 'Pontiac Sta #3.'" Detroit Public Library
MOBILE STATION AT OAK Plot Plan, Nov. 1, 1935 Woodward Ave & Oak Ave Birmingham (s.w. cor Woodward/Oak))
Woodward Ave., Detroit, 1940-1949
"An aerial view of the riverfront, Detroit, Michigan." Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University
(The front side of Hudson's faces Woodward, which is in the lower left corner.)
"Woodward Avenue and the Hudson's Building. Pedestrians populate the sidewalk and a series of world flag hang off the facade of Hudson's. The David Broderick Tower is visible in the far left background." Detroit Historical Society
"Pedestrians cross Woodward at State on Jan. 30, 1940" In 1929, the old Kern department store structures were demolished and a new store was erected on the same site (photo). Source: Detroit News Archives
"Campus Martius was hopping on Jan. 8, 1940. Perhaps the crowd was drawn to Bond Clothes' advertisement of 'two trouser suits.'" Source: Detroit News Archives
16430 Woodward Ave (west side of Woodward, between Louise Ave & Florence St) Image: pinterest.com
VERNOR'S BOTTLING PLANT 239 Woodward (west side of Woodward, s.w. cor Woodward/Woodbridge St) Left to Right: > Vernor’s 10-story bldg (between Woodbridge & At Water St) > Vernor’s 6-story bldg (s.w. cor Woodward/Woodbridge) > Woodbridge St > Mariner’s Church (n.w. cor Woodward/Woodbridge) Image: viewsofthepast.com
VERNOR'S BOTTLING PLANT 239 Woodward (west side of Woodward, s.w. cor Woodward/Woodbridge St) Left to Right: > Vernor’s 10-story bldg (between Woodbridge & At Water St) > Vernor’s 6-story bldg (s.w. cor Woodward/Woodbridge) Image: viewsofthepast.com
VERNOR'S BOTTLING PLANT 239 Woodward (west side of Woodward, s.w. cor Woodward/Woodbridge St) Left to Right: (Woodward is horizontal road at bottom of photo) > Vernor’s 6-story bldg (s.w. cor Woodward/Woodbridge) > Woodbridge St > Corner section of Mariner’s Church (n.w. cor Woodward/Woodbridge) Image: viewsofthepast.com
Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 1940-1949
BIRMINGHAM MOTOR SALES, INC., 912 S. Old Woodward (west side of S. Old Woodward, between Landon St & George St) Image: hudsonjet.hetclub.org
BIRMINGHAM NATIONAL BANK (s.e. cor (old) Woodward & Hamilton, building on left) birminghammichiganbank.com
Left: Cunningham Drug Store (Briggs Building), 111 S. Old Woodward (s.e. cor S. Old Woodward & W. Maple Rd) Far Left: Birmingham Theater 211 S. Old Woodward (between W Maple Rd & E Brown St) Right: Southwest corner of S. Old Woodward & Maple Rd.
BIRMINGHAM NATIONAL BANK (s.e. cor (old) Woodward & Hamilton, building on left) "Detroit Bank & Trust has become known as Comerica and has merged with Manufacturers National Bank. The bank in Birmingham resides in the exact location as it has since the early 1920's. Gone is the triumphant architecture of yesteryear, but the Birmingham Bank’s legacy still continues." birminghammichiganbank.com
BIRMINGHAM THEATER 211 S. Old Woodward Ave (east side of S. Old Woodward, between E. Maple St. & East Brown St.) Image: WaterWintreWonderland.com
34965 Woodward (west side of Woodward, between E. Maple Rd & E. Brown St. ) SIDE NOTE: Once the site of Park Smith’s gristmill, where lumber was cut and farm implements repaired, Peabody’s began as the local fruit market in 1946. It was Peabody’s Market, a thriving family-run market that served as grocer to its surrounding communities for 29 years. Text: peabodyrestaurant.com
Miles of apple, peach and pear orchards, maintained by Stan and Louise Peabody, combined with their hard-work and fortitude, were the “venture capital” that started Peabody’s. peabodyrestaurant.com
34965 Woodward (west side of Woodward, between E. Maple Rd & E. Brown St. In 1975, son Jim Peabody turned the infamous barn structure into Peabody’s Fine Foods and Wet Goods, a local upscale restaurant. In 1980, a fire swept through the historic Peabody barn. In six months, Peabody’s Restaurant was up and running. In 1980, a fire swept through the historic Peabody barn. In six months, Peabody's Restaurant was up and running again. The restaurant closed in 2016. Text: peabodyrestaurant.com
SPEED GAS STATION Next to Ford-Peabody Mansion (right) at 325 S. Old Woodward. (east side of S. Old Woodward; s. e. cor Old Woodward & E. Brown St.) Image: 13 & Woodward Facebook Group.