  Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2 Post Number: 112 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 71.10.61.35 |
Does anyone have a before picture of the Briggs auto body plant located at Meldrum and Benson prior to the fire? Also, does anyone have any photos of the fire on April 10, 1963 that destroyed the complex? I believe Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church that served Detroit's Flemish population comprised of the Belgian and Dutch communities was also consumed by the conflagration. Livedog2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1047 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 66.2.148.144 |
Check OCF page 12 for the LeBaron/Briggs fire at 3100 Meldrum. As of yet, no before photos have been found, that I know of. I think there is a Sanborn map of the building on page 13. For more history of LeBaron go to http://www.coachbuilt.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5471 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.228.197.62 |
Back alley shops always interst me. I found one in Windsor that was demolished a few years ago... "Windsor Bedding Co Ltd"  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2 Post Number: 114 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 71.10.61.35 |
I could not find a before picture of the Briggs auto body plant. But, I did find a photo of the fire at the abandoned Briggs auto body plant at Meldrum and Benson on April 10, 1963, almost exactly 43 years ago today. Next, my challenge was to get the photo down to the right size to post it to this site. The photo is courtesy of the Detroit Archdiocese archives of Detroit churches.  Livedog2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1051 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 66.2.148.145 |
Good find of a new source Livedog. Here is an aerial of the Wheel Truing Brake Shoe Co building, still in the alleyway in 1949. This area later got eaten up by the DMC.  While not an OCF, another backyard factory in an alley off of Hendrie and Beaubien. This one is really in the backyard. The Detroit Nipple Works!  *snicker* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2 Post Number: 115 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 71.10.61.35 |
Re: Briggs auto body plant fire I wanted to independently verify that the photo I posted in fact was the burned out Briggs auto body plant because I was wondering why the Detroit Archdiocese archives had a photo of the Briggs fire and what I found out was that they had a photo of the fire because they wanted a record of the loss of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. If you look at the photo of the aftermath of the fire and look directly to the right of the burned out Biggs complex you can see the the steeples that are faintly visible. Here is a photo of Our Lady of Sorrows from 1908 and the steeples look just like the steeples in the fire photo. So, I would say that the photo is an accurate photo of the Briggs auto body plant fire aftermath. Again, this photo is thanks to the Detroit Archdioceses archives of Catholic Churches.  Livedog2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Toolbox Member Username: Toolbox Post Number: 889 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.125.129 |
Currently the Wheel Truing Brake Shoe Co. is located in Rochester on South Street. The location is near the old railyards by the south bridge and old barge canal. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1053 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 66.2.148.26 |
Thanks Toolbox, it didn't occur to me that they made railroad brake shoes, and that the firm would even still be in existence. Looks like an interesting product, "turning" the brake into a lathe cutting bit. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 202 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 129.9.163.105 |
  photos from wsu virtual motor city website, originally Detroit news files (Message edited by 56packman on April 17, 2006) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 203 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 129.9.163.105 |
 another shot of the Our Lady of Sorrows/Briggs conflagration. Anyone care to caption this photo? from WSU VMC site | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 3139 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.79.166.214 |
As usual while searching for something else on the web I came up with this article from DAC about the Gotfredson family. http://www.gotfredson.org/prin t/2003_print.htm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Toolbox Member Username: Toolbox Post Number: 892 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.184.29.148 |
Did someone say Detroit Nipple Works Inc.???  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aarne_frobom Member Username: Aarne_frobom Post Number: 20 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 162.108.2.222 |
It's already been noted that the Wheel Truing Brake Shoe Company makes "cutter shoes" for railroad equipment, but I can't resist mentioning that I'm a satisfied customer. We use `em regularly at the Steam Railroading Institute to cut down the flanges of our 1941 locomotive when they're in danger of turning into "pizza cutters." Speaking of the traditional fenestration of reinforced-concrete auto plants, it's a bit far afield from Detroit, but the old Prudden Wheel Company at Saginaw and North Larch Streets in Lansing has been rehabbed into apartment lofts. This is a three-story concrete plant from about 1913 very much on the Detroit model. One feature of the conversion is replacement of the modern windows with special new glazing that is, from a distance, an exact replica of the original windows but with, I presume, insulated glazing. From photos it looks like care was taken to mimic the original layout of the panes, including the opening lights. The local newspaper article was a bit garbled, but it suggested the windows alone cost over a million bucks. Sure looks like a million bucks from the street. This factory became a plant of Motor Wheel, then was given over to Michgian State University, and was lastly the testing laboratory of the Michigan Department of State Highways before laying derelict for several decades and undergoing one failed redevelopment effort before the current big-buck reinvestment. This shows what can be done with old plants given a little confidence in the urban residential and mixed-use market. In Lansing, at least. It appears as though each bay of the factory was converted into a square apartment with aluminum stud walls. The brick stack with "Prudden" still visible has so far been retained. Spalled concrete and crumbling brickwork was repaired. Too soon to tell how fast the units are moving, but I hope it works. A low steel machine shop on the site had earlier been enlarged into offices. Very inspiring and worth a look by any old-plant fans in Lansing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2 Post Number: 123 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.223.133.177 |
Where are the pics Aarne_frobom? Livedog2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aarne_frobom Member Username: Aarne_frobom Post Number: 21 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 162.108.2.222 |
Sorry, I have no electronic camera, but a clear photo of the new sash can be found about a third of the way down the page at http://forum.skyscraperpage.co m/showthread.php?t=93557&page= 3 It's the building with the weird ochre paint, the one doubtful detail of this scheme. The developer's web site is www.mwlofts.com which contains a photo of the building when new. It seems to be an Albert Kahn building. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2 Post Number: 125 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.223.133.177 |
Thanks, Aarne_frobom. Livedog2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1063 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.40.152 |
Dodge Bros. Truck Plant #3, former Graham Bros. Trucks (1924-30), 6100 Lynch Rd.  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1076 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.40.102 |
This is the 1910 Sanborn map of what I think was built by Electromobile, but never occupied.  I've only found sketchy info about Electromobile, or American-Electromobile. They were originally in a factory at Lafayette & Meldrum, that may have been a Massnick Mfg plant (before or after?) from 1906-07. Optimistically, they built a new factory at 1567 River St (West Jefferson), but went broke before they could occupy it. I can't find any info if they actually produced any cars, or if this was another pipe-dream. By 1910, obviously, the factory was used by the Michigan Auto Parts Co. No info found on them yet. I'm not sure if the building with the S, a house?, was part of the compound. Any help with either? (Message edited by Hornwrecker on April 25, 2006) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Raul1983 Member Username: Raul1983 Post Number: 17 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 80.186.212.176 |
According to the good old "Standard Catalog of American Cars" book American Electromobile only built a few pilot models. The book also mentions that "a new factory seems to have been completed at 1571 River Street". I don't see that address in your Sanborn map but as we know all facts are not 100% true in that book. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 554 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 69.242.223.42 |
River Street is the old name for West Jefferson. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sven1977 Member Username: Sven1977 Post Number: 185 Registered: 04-2004 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
Does anyone know what the factory at 5th and Spruce was? I think it takes up the whole block. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5518 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 65.92.102.75 |
More questions.... Work calls today took me to Outer Drive & Mount Elliot. The west side of the road is an old Briggs factory, the east side of the road was where I was, there was a "FMC" in the lobby (no longer what it is). A check of the Sandborns shows a Fitzsimmons Manufatcturing Company. The building is streamlined buff brick (should have brought my camera, sorry!). Any ideas on this one? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sven1977 Member Username: Sven1977 Post Number: 186 Registered: 04-2004 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
But what about the go-cart track? There's a whole mess of plants in that area. Do most of them belong to Chrysler? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 235 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 129.9.163.105 |
AIW-if that is the building I think you are describing, that would be Fairmont sign (that neighborhood is the "neon sign gulch")Kitty corner from Chrysler? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5519 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.48.208.243 |
Close. It's not fairmont sign. The go-cart track is in the rear of the Briggs plant. The place I was today is called Mark IV Automotive. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5520 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.48.208.243 |
Here's an overhead of Mark IV http://tinyurl.com/quj9m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1104 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.8.70 |
Sven, if the bldg in question is on the west side of 5th, between Spruce and Pine, then it is likely an old Detroit Creamery Co. building shown on the 1921 map. Aiw, I must have driven by the old Fitzsimmon's Mfg thousands of times, but never knew what they did. Mikem covered that area of Mt. Elliot Chrysler plants, but I haven't got around to inputting those pages into the db yet. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5521 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.48.208.243 |
Well, quit slackin'.  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 3767 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 67.160.138.107 |
Fairmount Sign is owned by Salem Haddad, a second generation Lebanese-Detroiter who grew up on the Eastside. He has a rather successful operation there. Across the USA, major chains like banks, restaurants, car agencies, hotels have him building their signs. Successful guy. jjaba. jjaba. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 237 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 129.9.163.234 |
jjaba: The Packman has patronized Spectrum neon (inside the Fairmount sign bldg.) for his neon sign restorations. Packman Packman | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
30th_street Member Username: 30th_street Post Number: 8 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
Hello this seems like a good thread to ask about the following. I am doing research on a man named Adam H. Sarver. I resently learned that he was a president of an Automobile Company in Detroit in 1920. I kinda figured and now know after reading this thread that there were a bizillion car companies but, on the off chance does his name ring any bells or does anyone got any ideas where to look? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thunderkiss65 Member Username: Thunderkiss65 Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 67.38.6.233 |
Ford along with the other Big 3 automakers had plants outside of Detroit way back when. Ford had plants in Long Beach, Denver, Dallas, and Memphis that made Model As. Those plants were designed by Albert Kahn, thus making other places look like areas of Detroit. Some of the plants still exist, example being Dallas. Its now loft living space. But the look of the building is very familiar to those in this thread. Some of the plants are history, but the names of streets in Sommerville MA are still Assembly Ave for example and the place where the San Jose plant was is now a mall with a giant 56 Ford on the sign. Long Beach http://www.polarinertia.com/de cember02/ford.htm Dallas http://www.loftsofdallas.com/i mages/hot4.jpg Denver http://fs7.deviantart.com/i/20 05/237/3/4/gates_4_by_superinf atuation.jpg Chester PA http://www.oldchesterpa.com/im ages/ford_bw_clark.jpg Richmond CA http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/k ap/2000_images/gallery/ford07. jpg http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/k ap/2000_images/gallery/ford18. jpg http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/k ap/2001_images/ford08.jpg Houston TX http://www.historicphotography .com/FORD%20MOTOR%20PLANT%20HO USTON.jpg http://www.historicphotography .com/FORD%20%20Ford%20Upside%2 0down%20All%20Steel.jpg A list of former Ford assembly plants. http://www.mafca.com/assembly. html | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bate Member Username: Bate Post Number: 73 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 71.101.227.115 |
TK65, welcome and thanks for your input. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2490 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Don't forget Salt Lake City! https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/23585/29338.html | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scrippsbooth Member Username: Scrippsbooth Post Number: 11 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 4.232.219.167 |
Hi 30th_street - Yes - Your Adam H Sarver, a good personal friend of WC Durant, [he was a Buick Manager] was placed as the President of the Scripps-Booth Corp in December 1917. He continued in this position after GM acquired control of the company and made its GM's 7th Car Division. Scripps-Booth was discontinued in April 1922. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2 Post Number: 204 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.223.133.177 |
Can anyone shed light on a company called J.W. Murray Co. Hamtramck,MI? Thanks. Livedog2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1132 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.8.211 |
Murray Body Co. I don't think that they were in Hamtramack, close though. I only have addresses for:
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Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2 Post Number: 207 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.223.133.177 |
I found this photo with this inscription on it and was wondering where in Hamtramck this shop was located. "1900's Photo of Work Force J.W. Murray Co. Hamtramck,MI"  Livedog2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1135 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.8.211 |
Maybe that area of the Russell Industrial Complex wasn't incorporated into the City of Detroit yet, and was still Hamtramack Twp, or the person who identified it still thought it was. Hard to say... They might have had a shop in Hamtown, but we haven't found it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2492 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
1925 Listing: J W Murray Manufacturing Co John W Murray, Chairman James R Murray, President George D Shanahan, Vice-PResident Fred Krum, Secretary-Treasurer Manufacturers of Sheet Metal Parts for Motor Cars, Trucks and Tractors, and Sheet Metal Stampings Executive Offices, 1440 Clay Ave, Phone Empire 6900 Plant, 1975 Clay Ave, Phone Empire 5000 1935 listing: The Murray Corp of America Clarence W Avery, President & Chairman Charles Widman, Vice-President C D Widman, Secretary-Treasurer Manufactures of Automobile Bodies, Light and Heavy Sheet Metal Stampings, Cushion Springs, Chassis Frames, Steel Beer Barrels 1424 Aberle, Phone TRinity2-4000 Light Stamping Division 1931 Clay Avenue, between Morrow & St Aubin 1940 Listing: The Murray Corp of America Clarence W Avery, President & Chairman Charles Widman, Vice-President C D Widman, Secretary-Treasurer Engaged in the Manufacture of Automobile Body Stampings, Chassis Frames, Fenders and Other Light and Heavy Stampings, Electric Stokers, Cushion Springs and Upholstery Materials, and Other Parts and Accessories, 7700 Russell, Phone TRinity2-4000 Plant 1931-1975 Clay, between Morrow & St Aubin For more information, see Page 17:  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Livedog2 Member Username: Livedog2 Post Number: 209 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 24.223.133.177 |
Wasn’t there also a Murray Bicycle Company? And, is it part of the same company or a division of The Murray Corporation of America referred to by Hornwrecker and Mikem in their posts? It might be that as Hornwrecker said, “Maybe that area of the Russell Industrial Complex wasn't incorporated into the City of Detroit yet, and was still Hamtramack Twp, or the person who identified it still thought it was.” My thinking is the person that identified it either made a misidentification or thought it was still Hamtramck Twp. Livedog2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 629 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 69.242.223.42 |
Remember that the city, village, or township part of a postal address does not indicate the governmental jurisdiction, just the location of its post office. The Dearborn Holiday Inn has a Dearborn address, but is located 100% within the city of Detroit. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
30th_street Member Username: 30th_street Post Number: 11 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
ScrippsBooth, where did you get the info on A H Sarver? I found the Scripps Booth website and did some reading about Durant and early GM stuff. I can't find a Sarver reference. (possible that I sped read right by it) I also saw a picture of a Scripps Booth Plant. It looks like when Durant took over Scripps Booth it was a rocky time. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scrippsbooth Member Username: Scrippsbooth Post Number: 12 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 4.232.219.135 |
30th_street - Try using Google exact phase search for AH Saver and you be where I mentioned him. I also found his name as Scripps-Booth Director and President on its Annual Reports filed for 1917, 1918, 1920 and 1921 with the Sec of State that are now in the State Archives in Lansing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1154 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.40.80 |
A new find: the (Graham-)Paige Parts and Service Dept on Fort and 12th street, right next to the USPS garage. The 1949 aerial still shows both of them standing.   | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 286 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 24.208.234.52 |
Hornwrecker, yes that building still stands. I used to work across the street (to the south) Blvd.-Trumbell towing used that building, and the state of MI has it now--well, at least they did a year and a half ago when I worked across the street. Do you know what the building on the SE corner is? that was long gone by the time I got there. Our boss owned that land, and every year for the fireworks we had to keep some local idiots from "selling" parking. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1158 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.8.72 |
Packman, according to the maps, the Detroit Graphite Company Paint Works was on that site from Fort to Jefferson along 12th. I hope your old boss never took any soil samples there. Next to it eastward, along the tracks, was the Fruit Auction Warehouse, and the Commission House, whatever that was. Nice to hear about another old car related building still standing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 1316 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.122.57 |
ThyssenKrupp to shut down Detroit plant: Factory had built '55 T-bird body "ThyssenKrupp Budd, a division of the Bochum, Germany-based steelmaker, operates the 82-year-old plant, which built the original body for the 1955 Ford Thunderbird. ... The plant is on 85 acres east of downtown Detroit, with a facade that's a replica of Philadelphia's Independence Hall. In 1924, Budd Co. bought the factory from Liberty Motor Co., which built cars there from 1919 until 1923. ThyssenKrupp purchased Budd in the mid-'70s." http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20060516/BUS INESS01/605160394/1014/BUSINES S | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2513 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.54.94.97 |
The Paige Service Dept is now the "Millennium Garage" of the MDOT. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sven1977 Member Username: Sven1977 Post Number: 189 Registered: 04-2004 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
For whatever reason, I decided to look up on the Sanborn Maps the Monarch Steel building at 8650 Mt. Elliot (& Hentz). As I mentioned in an earlier page, I was told by the manager that it was first a Briggs factory. Well, the Sanborn Map from the 40's says at that time it belonged to the R.C. Mahon Company. They were a structural steel and sheet metal company. My uncle was the president of the company for a number of years. They later moved to a bigger building on 8 Mile. Kind of a strange discovery for me.  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1172 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.8.20 |
I'm not sure if the Budd Co photos (1960s) from WSU/VMC were posted before, but seeing as the place is closing. This place has future Superfund Site written all over it.   I amended the OCF db for the Briggs info and added the Paige Service and Parts fate. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5542 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.228.209.230 |
Ok, quick question on this one:  Who did this belong to? It's on the s.w. corner of Telegraph and Glendale in Redford. Looks like a Chrysler or Ford to me... What was made there? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1176 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.8.210 |
A, is that on the other side of Telegraph from Detroit Diesel? It sure has the Chrysler/Briggs late 50s look to it. This is the Ford Motor Co. carburetor factory on 419 Rowena, between Beaubien and Brush, from the 1921 Sanborn map. Anybody know anything about this? I thought Ford brought Holley to Detroit to make carbs.  What the hell is a "cork dipping room"? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 296 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 65.185.132.134 |
AIW-that bldg. at Telegraph/Glendale was a huge Ford parts distribution center.It has a distinctly Ford-postwar look to it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 297 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 65.185.132.134 |
Hornwrecker--they probably were dipping cork carburetor floats in some kind of goo that was impervious to gasoline, and that goo was most likely flammable, ergo it's presence on the sanborn map. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5543 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.228.209.230 |
Hornwrecker, it is across the street and north of the train tracks from Detroit Diesel. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2519 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Packman, the parts depot you're thinking of is at Middlebelt: https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/5/65269.jpg halfway down on p.17. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 302 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 65.185.132.134 |
No, I'm talking about the building at the SW corner of Telegraph and Glendale (pictured above @ AIW's post #5542) That was a Ford parts distribution Whse. until a few years ago. I have family that worked there. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 1330 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.122.57 |
I know that, prior to becoming TechTown in the last couple years, 440 Burroughs (between Cass and Second) used to be the home of Chevy Creative Services. My father-in-law worked there for many years. Recently he mentioned that, prior to Chevy Creative Services' use of the building, it was owned by another auto manufacturer; he mentioned how the internal ramps were used to move cars along the production process. Can anyone shed some light on that? I searched the Forum but couldn't find anything. Anybody have the inside scoop? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5550 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.228.195.166 |
Kathleen, here's the Sandborn revised to 1944. Looks like it was always a Chevy building. Built in 1927.  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1189 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.8.83 |
The only thing of interest that I found was that Burroughs used to be named Vienna, and the street south of it, York (if it still exists) was called Bohemian St. I like the sound of that, appropriate for an area of WSU, or it could be with proper marketing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 1333 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.122.57 |
Thanks, Hornwrecker, for the clarification. Appreciate the quick response. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2560 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Sorry I was too lazy to run this through my OCR software:            1952, freshly built in the wilds of western Wayne County:   2003, with the additional trim plant on the south side:   | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2561 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
The last few paragraphs of the article had me scratching my head. I think I knew Ford built turbine engines for the military, but I couldn't place the location of the plant, even though I work in Romulus. Then I remembered this factory, west of the airport, which I pass by once in a while. It always caught my attention because it had guard towers in the corners of the property, just like a prison. This must be the turbine plant and the guard towers were there because of the defense production. On Northline Road, just west of I-275 (visible upper-right corner):  1956:  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2562 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
A few other notes from the same magazine: Ford Motor closed its Iron Mountain, Michigan plant in October, 1951. They had been making station-wagon bodies there. New owners, Kingsford Chemicals, is making charcoal briquets, methanol, and other chemical wood derivatives there, and leasing out extra space to several other concerns. John Hartmann has been appointed to the production staff of the Airframe Division of the Hudson Motor Car Comapny. In his capacity as assistant general superintendent at the Hudson Harper Plant, he brings to Hudson many years of experience in aircraft production James Ellis has been appointed to the production staff of the Airframe Division of the Hudson Motor Car Company, Detroit, with the title of superintendent of the Vernor Plant. Chrysler Corp halved its operations at the Marysville plant in December [1952] when it opened its new parts plant in Centerline. C. L. Jacobson, president of the parts division, said the Marysville work force of 1,500 was reduced 700-800. The Marysville plant will continue to handle storage and shipment of parts to overseas points. Albert Kahn Associates, Detroit architects, have completed plans for an addition to the Gear & Axle Division plant of Chevrolet Motor in Detroit. Kelsey-Hayes Wheel Company, Detroit, is erecting a $500,000 factory. Darin & Armstrong, Inc., Detroit, has the foundation contract. Giffels & Vallet, Inc., Detroit, architects. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2564 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
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Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1209 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.8.168 |
Mikem, a recent-ish AAA map shows Kelsey-Hayes factory on Northline where those last aerials show. Might that be the plant that this line refers too? Kelsey-Hayes Wheel Company, Detroit, is erecting a $500,000 factory. Darin & Armstrong, Inc., Detroit, has the foundation contract. Giffels & Vallet, Inc., Detroit, architects. Another question about the address of the Michigan Ave Lincoln-Mercury factory: is that anywhere near 36253 Michigan Ave, sight of the former Harroun Motor Co factory, later Gotfriedson Body Co? My recent map neglects the east/west street numberings. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2566 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Now that you mention it, I remember the Northline Road plant being Kelsey-Hayes also, but maybe they bought it later, after the Navy contract expired? The article said it was four miles south of the Wayne factory, and that's about right. I wonder if the Kelsey-Hayes project was the southward expansion, across McGraw, of the Military Ave plant? The Wayne plant doesn't fit well on the aerials from 1952. What I neglected to show was the older factory east of the railraod tracks, located approximately at 36253 Michigan Ave, Wayne, MI (Wayne doesn't seem to use east/west designations). I suppose this is Harroun?:   (Message edited by MikeM on May 27, 2006) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2567 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Kelsey-Hayes in 1952:  1956:  Looks like they took out a block of houses along the east side of Livernois for expansion. Or maybe the new building east of the tracks, south of McGraw? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2568 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
I don't want to stray to far from town, but west of the airport, south of Belleville Lake is this factory, Ford's Rawsonville Asssembly plant. I see it from the air all of the time, but I've never driven by it. I see on the older aerials, it was built in the late 1950s. Looks like an assembly plant due to the railyard with all of the autocars. What's built there now, and what was it's original purpose?   http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?T=4&S=11&Z=17&X=723&Y=11686&W=3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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