Book Description
Motor City Mafia: A Century of Organized Crime in Detroit chronicles the storied and hallowed gangland history of the notorious Detroit underworld. Scott M. Burnstein takes the reader inside the belly of the beast, tracking the bloodshed, exploits, and leadership of the southeast Michigan crime syndicate as never before seen in print. Through a stunning array of rare archival photographs and images, Motor City Mafia captures Detroit's most infamous past, from its inception in the early part of the 20th century, through the years when the iconic Purple Gang ruled the city's streets during Prohibition, through the 1930s and the formation of the local Italian mafia, and the Detroit crime family's glory days in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, all the way to the downfall of the area's mob reign in the 1980s and 1990s.
Customer Reviews:
interesting.......2007-09-15
an interesting book on the history of detroit organized crime. it has a lot of nice photos but not a whole lot in the way of information. it is also very brief so if you're looking for a comprehnsive history of this topic it's probably not the source.
Cheers to Scott!.......2007-05-08
I've known Scott since we were 6 years old, and it is great to see this book out. While the book could have used substanintally more copy-editing, the photos and text were quite informative. I have never seen much of this information before, or a book of this type. It was neat to learn more about the area in which I grew up.
Excellent book for the Motor City.......2007-05-07
Excellent book. especially since not much has been written about the Motor City mafia. even recognized a house I used to fertiize when I worked in that field. very informative and interesting. a must buy for the mob freak.
Motor City Mafia.......2007-03-24
This book consisted of a lot of pictures. It was interesting to me because I have grown up in Detroit. It had very recent photos, including ones of the Summer 2006 wild goose chase in which a farm in Milford, Michigan was investigated in the search for Hoffa. It could have been a little more in depth, but I enjoyed the information none the less!
Interesting Read - Especially for Detroiters.......2007-03-12
Bought this for Valentine's Day for significant other. We both enjoyed the trip down "memory lane" and gleaned a lot of information re. the shady past of our fair city. This is a quick and easy read. Promise you that any Detroiter who lived in or about the city during this era won't be disappointed.
Book Description
For over a century, the J.L. Hudson's Department Store on Woodward Avenue was more than just a store—it was a Detroit icon and a world-class cultural treasure. At 25 stories, it was the world's tallest department store, and was at one time home to the most exceptional offerings in shopping, dining, services, and entertainment. The store prided itself on stocking everything from grand pianos to spools of thread. In addition to departments offering fashionable clothing and home furnishings, the original Hudson's store featured an auditorium, a circulating library, dining rooms, barber shops, a photo studio, holiday exhibits, a magnificent place called Toytown, and the world's largest American flag.
Customer Reviews:
Memories of a true shopping experience!.......2007-08-09
Anyone who shopped in Detroit's once bustling downtown Woodward corridor should have this book. Starting in the 1930's my grandmother would take the bus downtown at least once a week to shop at Hudson's and the surrounding stores. As a young girl in the mid 1960's, I occasionally traveled with her and some of my earliest and fondest memories are of wandering around the upper 12 floors and two basement levels of merchandise. You would drop your coats off on the forth floor, have lunch on the mezzanine or perhaps the basement cafeteria, shop all afternoon, catch an early dinner at the Riverview room on the 13th floor and then head home with your purchases shipped to your home within a day or two. It was truly an experience that no mall today can come close to. The book consists mostly of photographs and each is sure to spark memories for anyone who had the pleasure of shopping at Hudson's. Photographs cover the start and gradual expansion of the store through it's heyday years in the 1950's followed by it's slow demise in the late 1960's up to demolition day. The most enjoyable photos for me were of ToyTown that covered the usual toy department along with a massive Christmas holiday display and home to the "real" Santa Clause in the adjoining two story auditorium on the 12th floor. I cried the day the store was demolished and I am sure that Grandma was rolling in her grave but this book helped to rekindle my memories of the place and relive a very enjoyable part of my childhood.
Hudson's: Detroit's Legendary Department Store Review.......2007-01-18
A very good book for old Detroiters that brings back many good memories!
Regional Department Stores - a thing of the past........2006-01-29
In today's increasingly competitive retail market, it's nice to see books documenting regional department stores. I have my fond memories of J.L. Hudson (known to me as just "Hudson's").
Before the merger with "Dayton's" and then then later re-named as "Marshall Field's" in the 1990's, I have fond memories of Hudson's - particularly the downtown Detroit location. When I was a child, my sister and I would be overwhelmed with the Christmas decorations. The picture with Santa; the imfamous "Santa Bear" - (later adopted by Field's). My mother would enjoy shopping in the "Oval Room" for her shoes, along with "Woodward" suits for my dad. It was the place for that one stop shopping: clothing, furniture, even appliances.
Nevertheless, what gave Detroit, particularly Michigan, an identity - other than the big three auto companies, K-Mart, Meijer, and Motown music, was Hudson's.
The effects of the current onslaught of department store mergers is evident. In several metropolitan areas, communities are losing their store (i.e. Kaufmann's; Robinson-May; Foley's, etc) "identity" as Federated Department Stores continue with re-branding old time stores into "Macy's" into a national brand.
A DETROIT LEGEND.......2004-12-04
I was too young to remember Hudson's dept. store in it's heyday of the 40's and 50's. But I do still have fond memories of staring at the wonderful chrismas displays in their windows when I was a child attending the annual Hudson's Thanksgiving day parade.
This wonderful little book by Michael Hauser details hudson's history from it's initial construction to it's final, sad, demolition. At it's peak, the massive Hudsons store spanned an entire city block and employed more than 10,000 employees.
Through his text and archival photos, you'll see as Hudsons was built from a single building to a sprawling complex of many buildings over the years. The great photography includes many shots of those great christmas displays in the windows as well as the yearly interior holiday decorating themes, and shots of the classic parade.
This is the tale of a store that was once a one-stop shopping location for everything: Clothes, Furniture, appliances, Toys, tools...truly the days of a multiple floor dept. store. And Hudson's serviced everything, from appliances to fur coats.
Among the most interesting parts and photos deal with the amazing instrastructure of the store...the massive power and boiler rooms to keep the place heated and lighted...the floor dedicated to the storage of over 500 elevator motors. The multitude of pneumatic tubes that went to every corner of the complex, the in house switchboard and operator dept. The store even had its own on-site hospital with 4 full-time doctors and 6 nurses.
Hudson's was truly a city unto itself in its prime. A place for members of high society to shop for expensive fur coats and jewelry and for the common man to shop for t-shirts, get a haircut, or a shoeshine.
A step back in time to an era we will never see again. Highly recommended!
Book Description
Lake Michiganís Aircraft Carriers is the story of the USS Wolverine and the USS Sable, two Great Lakes excursion ships converted for use as aircraft carrier training during World War II. Through the duration of the war, the United States Navy qualified 17,800 pilots for aircraft carrier operation. Training the pilots on either the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean would have exposed the training ships to the danger of submarine attack, while requiring the escort of fighting ships that were needed elsewhere. It would also have involved arming and armoring the ships used for training. Commander R.F. Whitehead came up with an idea that solved all of these problems. He suggested doing the training on the protected waters of the Great Lakes. ÝÝThe USS Wolverine and the USS Sable were chosen and thus became the only fresh water, paddle-wheeled, coal-fired aircraft carriers in the history of the world. Author Paul M. Somers shares his collection of vintage photos and a lifetime of research to detail the history of these two great vesselsófrom their life as cruise ships to their contributions to the war effort and then to their eventual scrapping. ÝÝ
Customer Reviews:
One-of-a-Kind View of Detroit.......2007-05-06
Of the many cities embellished architecturally during the period between the Two World Wars of the twentieth century, Detroit surely had an athletic spurt of growth, with many examples of the architecture now known as Art Deco decorating its downtown landscape. Now, the Arcadia series has put together a volume of views of these many fine buildings into one book, and at a reasonable price. In fact, this is the only volume specifically concerning Detroit Deco that I'm aware of. As such, it's a valuable additon to the collection of anyone interested in American architecture, specifically the Deco period, appreciation of which has risen considerably, even during the past couple of decades.
Here are many views of Detroit buildings, some of which no longer exist, making the Arcadia contribution even more valuable, for showing us a world of urban life no longer visible. Deco came and went between two violent world upheavals, then was washed under the sea of Modernism in post-war perceptions, when decoration of any kind was abandoned altogether.
Journey back, then, to a world when the urban landscape was considerably more decorative, and sophistication was a trait to be prized.
Book Description
The spokelike grid of wide grand avenues radiating out from downtown Detroit allowed for a concentration of theaters initially along Monroe Street near Campus Martius and, after the second decade of the 20th century, clustered around Grand Circus Park, all easily accessible by a vast network of streetcars. In its heyday, Grand Circus Park boasted a dozen palatial movie palaces containing an astonishing total of 26,000 seats. Of these theaters, five remain today, fully restored and operational for live entertainment. Detroit, more so than any other North American city, illustrates how demographic and economic forces dramatically changed the landscape of film exhibition in an urban setting.
Customer Reviews:
Down Memory Lane.......2007-06-26
When I reflect back on my years as a child growing up in marvelous Detroit, some of the strongest images are of the movie houses I used to frequent downtowm. This book evokes many of those sweet memories as it is loeaded with pictures, and written histories of those fabulous palaces. When it came to grandiouse movie houses Detroit was second to none. This book helps you trace the history of each theater from its building to - in some cases - it deomltion. Some of these grandious auditoriums were actually built by motion picture companies such as the Fox (Twentieth Century Fox) and the Untied Artist (United Artists), Many were not merely theaters but also were part of large office building housing industry related businesses such as booking agents and the likes. Many were build as vaudeville houses and later converted to movie theaters. Some have survived and hosts different venues today. Few are still showing first run movies as the characterless multi screen matchboxes of suburbia have taken over that venue.
GLORY.......2007-03-22
This book is a joy. Before the '67 riot Detroit was always a big movie town. In the 40s there were more than 50 theatres in the city. A few of the neighbourhood theatres were quite extrodinary such as the Rivera or the Algiers but the downtown theatres were wonderful places to be. Back in the 40s, 50s & 60s just to go downtown was exciting with Hudson's & all the wonderful stores & restaurants & to top off the trip with a movie in one of the downtown theatres was, indeed, a treat. If the movie didn't please the theatre always did. The Fox, State, Music Hall, United Artist & Opera House (formerly Broadway Capitol/Grand Circus among other names) still stand. Some just barely. So it's wonderful to see photos of those that are gone. Photos which show just how lovely & unique they were. Each theatre had it's own character & aptmosphere. Most of all it's wonderful to see the Michigan Theatre in all its glory. She was the undisputed queen of the downtown movie theatres. She was the only place in Detroit where you could sit & actually feel you were in a real palace. It's lovely to have this book.
A fascinating look at Detroit's theatres.......2007-01-18
This book reviews the history of the movie palaces that have graced downtown Detroit since the late nineteenth century. I found it hard to put this book down once I started to read it. The photographs are wonderful and are often one of a kind dating back over a century. The narration ties together the history of films, architecture and the story of formal entertainment in Detroit for over one hundred years. Although it is of particular interest to people interested in Detroit's past, it is equally significant for non-Detroiters who will find that Detroit's story parallels that of most other cities in North America. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and often find myself browsing through it.
Book Description
In 1867, a roomful of men gathered in the office of a noted attorney to discuss Detroit's need for a rural cemetery. They decided to form an association and invested their own money to purchase a plot of land that had once been occupied by Native Americans and then French settlers, a few miles from the heart of the city. They chose this heavily wooded area because it offered many acres of land that could accommodate the growing need for more burial space, and it became the cornerstone of one of the city's oldest and most historic cemeteries, Woodmere Cemetery. Cemetery acreage has been bought and sold, and buildings on the grounds have been raised and later razed. Funeral procedures have changed, as well as cemetery ownership. Still, Woodmere has remained one of Detroit's most beautiful treasures, where visitors can take a historical step back into time. From the very rich to the very poor, many thousands have chosen Woodmere Cemetery to be their final resting place. Through archival images, Detroit's Woodmere Cemetery takes a look at the movers and shakers of Detroit found in these bucolic grounds and glimpses the ordinary citizens who have lived and died through extraordinary circumstances.
Customer Reviews:
History and more.......2007-08-21
Normally I am NOT someone who reads about cemeteries! Therefore I was very pleasantly surprised that this book was so
interesting and well written. It kept my full (undivided) attention
throughout the entire book.
The style of writing used by Ms Hershenzon about the life and history of the persons buried at Woodmere provides an excellent doorway to the activities that lead up to our present time.
This book is entertaining enough to be enjoyable and yet factual enough to be used as a reference book.
I am hoping this author writes another book. I will make sure to keep my eyes open for her name.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Garie Thomas-Bass
Interesting Historical Book.......2007-01-11
The author has taken a lot of time to research the history of this cemetery. Many pictures. Anyone who enjoys visiting cemeteries or has ever lived in Detroit will find this an interesting read.
Book Description
In 1913, the Michigan Central Station opened its majestic entrances to the people of Detroit. Designed by Warren & Wetmore and Reed & Stern, the firms also noted as the architects of the Grand Central Station in New York City, the depot was a marvel of grandeur and comfort for the traveler lucky enough to utilize its facilities. Soldiers went to war, families both separated and rejoined, and folks looking for an honest living in the Motor City all walked the Michigan Centralís elegant corridors. Since the last train pulled away from the station in 1988, the structure has fallen prey to rapidly paced deterioration. ÝÝDetroitís Michigan Central Station captures the glory of the Michigan Central and its environs. Using photographs from the Burton Historical Collection, as well as private collections, the book illustrates the use of the Michigan Central Station by a city whose story dramatically parallels that of this magnificent structure. The book also includes imagined futures of the station from some of the many people who have been inspired by the magic this grand building continues to exude.
Book Description
Michigan is commonly recognized as a manufacturing center and for its splendid tourist attractions. Lesser known is Michigan's role as a leader in the production of oil and gas. Since the discovery of commercial quantities of oil in Saginaw in 1925, Michigan has grown to become the 12th-largest natural gas and 17th-largest crude oil producer of the 34 states producing oil and gas. Michigan's petroleum heritage spans 64 of the state's 68 Lower Peninsula counties and has played a role in shielding communities from the financial devastation of the Great Depression, funding acquisition of hundreds of public recreation projects through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, and rising to meet environmental challenges through improving technologies. Michigan Oil and Gas documents that heritage with photographs from the Clarke Historical Library Norman X. Lyon and Michigan Oil & Gas News Collections.
Book Description
More than a century has passed since the first Poles settled in Detroit. The first communities were established on the east side of Detroit, but the colony expanded rapidly to the west neighborhoods, and Poles in Detroit still identify themselves as East- or Westsiders. The pioneers left Poland for freedom of language and religion, and to own property. They replicated village life in the big city, living in close-knit neighborhoods anchored by the parish church. Polish immigrants made cigars, built railroad cars, molded stoves, established businesses and breweries, and moved into the political arena. The struggles and triumphs of these early settlers are on display in the pages of Detroit Polonia, a photographic history that links future generations with their Polish heritage.
Customer Reviews:
Polish Roots.......2007-05-17
It is interesting in seeing what our ancestors life was like when they first came to Detroit. What stength of character! We should appreciate their endevors.
Our Lady of Czestochowa! .......2006-02-25
Why on earth would anyone be interested in a book called Detroit's Polonia if they were neither from Detroit nor Polish? The answer is because Wendt Jensen has painstakingly compiled, edited, and composed a brilliant pictorial history that speaks volumes on the human condition... and, if you happen to be a Polish Detroiter... well, that's just icing on the paczki. This book is fascinating collection of stories told through hundreds of compelling photographs accompanied by a clear, caption-style text that is peppered with humor, loaded with interesting factoids, and filled with historical accuracy as well as the integrity of tireless research. This elegant book takes us on a wild journey from a 1900's photo of the boys down at Olschefsky's Saloon, to turn-of-the-century Polish nuns, the 339th "Polar Bear" WWI Infantry, a dolled up "Stella the Riveter", a heart wrenching, Depression-Era Eviction photo, and oh yeah, who could forget Eleanor Roosevelt's September 9th, 1935 Detroit stop on the Slavonic Rhapsody tour??? Detroit's Polonia chronicles the life and times of an overlooked and previously underrepresented segment of immigrants who came from Poland with little more than a dream and who ultimately crafted a soulfully rich heritage for not only Detroit and America, but for future global generations. Sto Lat!
Book Description
After the first settlers reached northwestern Michigan, the region's immense pine forests were quickly cultivated into a thriving lumber industry. Coastal towns sprang up to support sawmills, and soon lumber schooners arrived to carry large loads of timber to ports across Lake Michigan. Their journeys were not without dangers, however. Rudimentary harbors made docking and loading hazardous while shoals and reefs, hidden beneath the water's surface, threatened to ravage the unsuspecting vessels. The need for lighthouses to mark these dangerous waters and harbor entrances was crucial to prevent the loss of lives and valuable cargo.
Books:
- Narrative as Virtual Reality: Immersion and Interactivity in Literature and Electronic Media (Parallax: Re-visions of Culture and Society)
- Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers
- Owen & Mzee: The True Story Of A Remarkable Friendship
- Postcards from Mars: The First Photographer on the Red Planet
- Quick Snap Guide to Digital SLR Photography: An Instant Start-Up Manual for New dSLR Owners
- Real Photo Postcard Guide: The People's Photography
- Reel Psychiatry: Movie Portrayals of Psychiatric Conditions
- Rock Climbs in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, 3rd edition (East Volume)
- Russell Lee Photographs: Images from the Russell Lee Photograph Collection at the Center for American History (Focus on American History Series,Center ... History, University of Texas at Austin)
- Sandworms of Dune
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Mussolini's Italy: Life Under the Fascist Dictatorship, 1915-1945
- How to Stop the Pain
- Canaan's Tongue
- Dream Backyards: From Planters to Decks, Over 30 Projects to Create a Beautiful Outdoor Living Space
- Goodnight Moon
- Galois Theory
- History: Fiction or Science
- Nature Walks In Southern Maine: Nature Rich Walks along the Maine Coast and Interior Hills
- Dear Milkman
- Rogue's March: John Riley and the St. Patrick's Battalion
General
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
The Purple Gang: Organized Crime in Detroit 1910-1945
The Sixth Family: The Collapse of the New York Mafia and the Rise of Vito Rizzuto
The Silent Don: The Criminal Underworld of Santo Trafficante Jr.
Detroit's Downtown Movie Palaces (MI) (Images of America)
The Brotherhoods: The True Story of Two Cops Who Murdered for the Mafia
