This image is the cover for the book Forgotten Detroit, Images of America

Forgotten Detroit, Images of America

Forgotten Detroit delves into the wellspring of history to retell some of Detroit's lesser-known stories within the Motor City's rich heritage.


Detroiters know their history well. Founded in 1701 by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, the city subsisted on a variety of industries: fur trading, stove building, and, of course, the automobile. Names such as Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh resonate in Detroiters' common memory while Detroit's meteoric rise during the 20th century established the city as an influential leader in commerce, culture, and religion. This growth spawned the development of numerous businesses, organizations, and institutions, many now forgotten after the passing of so many years. Individuals from the Michigan metropolis, such as Albert Kahn, Mary Chase Stratton, and Henry Ford II, all made their marks on the history books, even if the average Detroiter couldn't tell you who they were.

Paul Vachon

Paul Vachon is a freelance writer and an avid local historian. He has, at various times, worked, studied, and worshipped in Detroit and has an excellent sense of the pulse of urban life. A lifelong Detroit area resident, he currently lives in suburban Oakland County. In 1995, the Detroit News donated its photographic archive to the Walter P. Reuther Library at Wayne State University. This outstanding collection is the major source of this book's images.

Arcadia Publishing