Michigan has changed tremendously over the years. Its landscape has transformed from mostly agricultural, to industrial, to experiencing unprecedented population decline, leading to many cities shrinking before our eyes.
Still, many our our major cities maintain the same essence. Their iconic buildings, institutions, and character are the same as they were 80-plus years ago. Here, we take a look at four major Michigan cities: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, and Lansing. Using archived photos found in Wayne State University’s Virtual Motor City database, we can see that while some things have changed, much remains the same, some eight decades later.
Have a look.
- From a window in the Penobscot Building.
Virtual Motor City
- Women shopping during Christmas season in downtown Detroit.
Virtual Motor City
- Crowds in downtown Detroit.
Virtual Motor City
- Aerial shot of Grand Rapids.
Virtual Motor City
- Downtown Grand Rapids.
Virtual Motor City
- Downtown Grand Rapids while President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was in town.
Virtual Motor City
- A Traverse City canning factory.
Virtual Motor City
- Women in Traverse City canning cherries.
Virtual Motor City
- Traverse City Park Hotel.
Virtual Motor City
- Aerial shot of Lansing.
Virtual Motor City
- The Michigan Legislature in session.
Virtual Motor City
- Michigan State University, Hospital & Health Unit.
Virtual Motor City
Isn’t that something? We especially love catching a glimpse at people in everyday life – plus look at those old cars.
Virtual Motor City
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