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Videos of Woodward Ave., Detroit, J. L. Hudson Dept. Store

Woodward Avenue

The History of Detroit Street Names

This 15-minute film shows Detroit in the old days. It teaches about judge Woodward and why Woodward, Gratiot, Michigan Avenue, Fort Street, and Jefferson Avenue are shaped like a spoke of a wheel. It also explains why all other roads are designed the way it is today. This video includes wonderful old footage of Detroit, old cars and trucks, and grand Detroit homes.

A History of Detroit's Woodward Avenue, 1987

This 45-minute documentary presents the history of Woodward Avenue.  It's narrated by Mort Grim. and part of "A World of Differnce" project.

Motor Truck Crashes With an Interurban Streetcar, Woodward Avenue, 1925

This Detroit News Pictorial shows where a motor truck crashes with an interurban streetcar.  Two person were killed with speeding express hit a tester's vehicle at 11 1/2 Mle Road and Woodward Aaenue.

Santa Claus Stars in a Circus Parade, Woodward Avenue, 1927

Santa Claus stars in a circus parade along with Mother Goose, Robinson Crusoe, and other favorites.  Though not documented, the parade routes appears to be along Woodward Avenue.

Possible Veteran's Day Parade, Woodward Avenue, 1928

Airmen paid tribute and home is paid to naval veterans.

March in Memory of Those Who Died, Woodward Avenue, 1928

 Military and civilian organizations parade to commemorate heroes who gave their lives on battlefields.

Detroit

"A Photographic History"  Part 1 (1800s-1920)

Portrait of a City.  Presented by the Ford Motor Company, 1961

This 25-minute video is a celebratory film from Ford commemorating Detroit's 250th anniversar y.  It reenacts scenes from the city's history and presents a tour of its streets, parks, skyscrapers, factories, and waterfront. This is from a collection of short films in animation, education, documentaries, the arts, and experimental films.

The Once Great City of Detroit

This 16-minute video shows how the city of Detroit looked in the 1950s - 1960s.

The History of Hudson's Department Store

This is 28-minute documentary of the famous Detroit department store chain from its beginning. It appears that it was produced as an internal training film but is rich with historic scenes of Detroit and interesting little known facts about the city. 

Detroit 1946

Golden Jubilee Parade

Detroit in the 1950s

This 3-minute overview of Detroit has racist overtones, but there is a nice segment of Northland at 1:54, including the “Water Mobile” by Richard Hall Jennings.

Detroit Old and New

Sites of old small structures replaced in early 20th Century. See the city when it was booming. Old and New Detroit. Comparisons of old small buildings with newer, larger ones (1923). First Baptist Church on site of Dime Bank Building at Griswold and Fort, 1872. Adams and Park in 1900; the modern Kresege Building. Ford Building at Griswold and Congress, 1876. YMCA at Adams and Witherall, 1900. City Hall upon completion, 1871 and its modern appearance.

A Tale of Two Cities - Detroit

This 12-minute video shows Detroit as the once fastest growing city in America and its rapid decline.

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