Old Detroit - Vintage Photos of The Motor City

Chronicling the Motor City's days gone past through vintage and historical photos and other Detroit related ephemera

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The first people mover train car is placed on its tracks.  June 19, 1985

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The construction site of the Renaissance Center.  1974

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Corner of Woodward Avenue and Kirby, 1966.

Taken from the Detroit Historical Museum with view of Detroit Institute of Arts, Horace H. Rackham Building, and Maccabee's Building.

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The Supremes pose for a photo in a parking lot in Detroit, 1966.

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Detroit Tigers Yearbook, 1964 edition.  

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David Stott Building. Detroit, MI. 1964

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Engraved print showing city life in Detroit, along Woodward Avenue.  Circa late 19th century.

From Peculiarities of American Cities, by Willard Glazier. 1883.

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Kirk Gibson and the Tigers win the World Series in 1984.  

Front page of the Detroit Free Press.  

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The Grand Ballroom at the Book Cadillac Hotel in downtown Detroit. Circa 1920s.

When it opened in 1924, the Book Cadillac was the tallest building in Detroit and the tallest hotel in the world

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The 1940 Detroit News Soap Box Derby in Rouge Park.

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A 1958 print advertisement for the Detroit Sheraton-Cadillac Hotel (now the Westin Book-Cadillac).  

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Aerial photo of the Detroit Public Library with the Belcrest Apartments (then a hotel) and Fisher Building in the background.  Circa early 1940s.

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Photo of the Detroit Club, circa early 1900s.

Located at 712 Cass Ave, this Romanesque Revival building was built for use as a private social club. Serving as a meeting place for the country's elite, numerous historical deals and events have taken place within its walls.  In 2005, the sandstone and limestone facade was completely restored.  The building looks remarkably similar today on Google Maps.

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Tiger Stadium fisheye aerial view, circa 1960s.

On this day in 1999, the final game at Tiger Stadium was played.  

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"Opera Under the Stars” at Navin Field (Tiger Stadium).  1930s.

On this day in 1999, the final game at Tiger Stadium was played.

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The grounds crew marking the lines for a Lions game at Tiger Stadium (then Briggs Stadium), 1938.

On this day in 1999, the final game at Tiger Stadium was played.

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Night time view of the diamond at Tiger Stadium (then Briggs Stadium), circa 1950s.

On this day in 1999, the final game at Tiger Stadium was played.