Detroit Historical Society
12642 items
- Description:
- Color postcard depicting the entrance gatehouse at Woodmere Cemetery. There is a smaller ivy covered building in the background. Printed on verso, "Entrance to Woodmere Cemetery, Detroit, Mich. Woodmere Cemetery is located in the Western part of Detroit and is reached by Fort Street cars going West." Postmarked 1914.
- Date Issued:
- 1914-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Postcard. Color postcard entitled "Campus Martius, Detroit, Mich." The elevated view shows a busy street scene at the intersection of Woodward Avenue (lower left), Monroe Street (upper right), and Cadillac Square (right). Pedestrians, streetcars, horse-drawn carriages, and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument are visible in the image. The Detroit Opera House and Wonderland Vaudeville can be seen in the left center area of the image. Printed text on the verso shows "No. C10740 Published by the Detroit News Company, Detroit, Mich. Dresden-Leipzig-Berlin, Made in Germany." The date of the postcard is based upon the postmark date.
- Date Issued:
- 1908-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Black and white photographic postcard depicting a decorative arch for the Elks National Convention parade on Woodward Avenue in Grand Circus Park. Pedestrians, cars, and the Central United Methodist Church are visible.
- Date Issued:
- 1910-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Postcard. Illustrated postcard entitled "Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, Woodward and Medbury Avenues, Detroit, Mich." The Romanesque revival church designed by Malcomson and Higginbothan is featured. Printed on verso, "No. M 1914. Pub. by The Detroit News Company, Detroit, Mich."
- Date Issued:
- 1914-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Black and white reproduction of a drawing of Theodore Roosevelt, drawn by Gari Melchers in 1908. The drawing depicts Roosevelt standing, wearing a hat, glasses, a coat with a fur collar, and black knee high boots. Printed text on the lower right corner right reads "Copr. Gari Melchers Copr. Detroit Publishing Co." The print is mounted on beige paper from a former framing. A hand written caption on the verso reads "Reproduced from drawing by Gari Melchers, Detroit artist 1908."
- Date Issued:
- 1908-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Government
- Description:
- Invitation card to the First Annual Fireman's Ball held by the Association of Ex-Members Detroit Steam Fire Department at the Light Guard Armory (noted in the invite as formerly being Fireman's Hall), on Friday, February 14, 1896, printed in red on pink. A green illustration of a horse-drawn fire engine serves as the background. It has been embossed with both a notary public seal, and one consisting of a loop of fire hose encircling a ladder, and a crossed hook, ax, and bugles. The ticket price is listed as $1.
- Date Issued:
- 1896-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Fire Department
- Description:
- One tax receipt, dated December, 14, 1871, issued by the Wayne County Treasurer's Office in Detroit. It was printed in black text on white paper and indicated that B. Richmond paid $13.47 for state and county taxes on property located at Henry St. W, namely, "Lot 22 & Personal Property." The receipt was signed by "James Collins, D. [Deputy] County Treasurer."
- Date Issued:
- 1871-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Business/Stores/Retail
- Description:
- Color postcard depicting a decorative flowerbed Water Works Park. Handwritten message on verso, postmarked Jun 23, 1908.
- Date Issued:
- 1908-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Product model, printed in black and gray on cardstock, for a Packard Single-Six Runabout. The model is cut into the shape of a Packard Single-Six Runabout, and shows a left side profile view of the car on the front and information about the car on the back. The model folds open and the inside shows a cutaway profile view of the car's interior at bottom and a profile view of its chassis at top. The product model, called an "Interrupter," was made by Packard for use as a selling device by Packard dealers. An accompanying note detailing the purpose and use of the Interrupters can be found at record 1986.016.001e The descriptive text on the back reads as follows: "Packard - Single-Six Runabout For recreation or for business usage, this model enjoys an ever expanding Packard clientele. Compact, yet roomy-short of body, yet graceful of line. Plenty of luggage space-neatly planned and protected by Yale lock. A lively little pal for the open road. Capacity, two."
- Date Issued:
- 1921-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Packard Motor Car Co.
- Description:
- Softcover booklet entitled, "A Trip Through Our Plant," published by the Ockford Printing Company in 1912. At that time, the company had just moved into a new facility at 68-92 Howard St., Detroit, Michigan. The booklet cover is grayish tan with red and black text. Inside pages include black and red text on white paper with black and white photographs of the printing plant interior and exterior. A blank information request postcard is located on the inside back cover of the booklet.
- Date Issued:
- 1912-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Business/Stores/Retail
- Description:
- One tax receipt, dated August 16, 1866, issued by the Receiver's Office in Detroit. It was printed in black text on white paper and indicated that Richmond & Backus Company paid $182.57 for various city taxes on "Personal Property." The receipt, No. 1565, was signed by "T.R. Cumings, Receiver of Taxes."
- Date Issued:
- 1866-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Business/Stores/Retail
- Description:
- Black and white postcard depicting Cadillac Square from Campus Martius, with pedestrians and horse-drawn vehicles. Signs read "Benedictine" and "SIGNS". Handwritten message on recto, postmarked Feb 25, 1908.
- Date Issued:
- 1908-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Program handbill advertising a production of "Diplomacy," at the Detroit Opera House, beginning February 1, 1915. Photos of the lead cast members, William Gillette, Blanche Bates, and Marie Doro, appear above a list of the rest of the cast. The same information is reprinted on the verso.
- Date Issued:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Theatre/Theater
- Description:
- Front page of the Saturday, April 15, 1865 evening edition of the Detroit Tribune mounted to a linen backing. The page is dominated by the news of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and the attempted assassination of Secretary of State William H. Seward, the latter of which it initially falsely reports as succeeding. The paper also includes a message from Detroit mayor Kirkland C. Barker, who requested that businesses be closed, all bells in the city be tolled for the hour between noon and one o'clock, and that the citizens gather for a meeting at City Hall at three o'clock.
- Date Issued:
- 1865-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Communication/Radio/Television
- Description:
- Postcard bearing a colorized half-tone photograph of the Belle Isle Casino, as taken from the lawn to the north, published by the United News Company. People and early automobiles are on the road in front of the building, and more figures stand along its promenade. An informational paragraph is printed on the verso: Casino, Belle Isle, Detroit, Mich. Casino, Belle Isle, is in the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor, Canada. The island contains 702 acres and is entirely covered with one of the most beautiful pars in the United States having some 21 miles of macadam roads; a magnificent Casino, Pavilions, Boat Houses, Aquarium, Horticultural Hall, and Zoological Gardens. The island was purchased by Detroit in 1879 and has since then expended $1,600,000 in beautifying it. The postcard has been addressed to Mr. Wright Collier of Camp Davis, Topinabee, Michigan, and postmarked July 4, 1919 from Detroit, with the message: Dear Wright Happy 4th. Will write soon. Mother
- Date Issued:
- 1919-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Color postcard depicting the Wayne County Building from Randolph Street, with a few pedestrians in front. Handwritten message on right side margin of recto. Verso: "Souvenir Post Card Co., New York" Handwritten message on recto, postmarked 1910.
- Date Issued:
- 1910-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Black and white photographic postcard depicting a house in Highland Park, with a family sitting on the front porch. Printed on recto: The home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Franklin Wilkinson, 49 Saint Johns Ave, "Highland Park" Detroit, Michigan. 6-1-1911
- Date Issued:
- 1911-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- State of New York chauffeur's license issued to Floyd A. Northrop.
- Date Issued:
- 1922-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Packard Motor Car Co.
- Description:
- Color postcard depicting a crowd gathered for a concert at the Band Stand on a bridge over a canal on Belle Isle. People are seated along the shore and many canoes fill the canal. Printed on verso: Canal Scene, Belle Isle, Detroit, Mich. Canoeing is the leading sport at Belle Isle. Its 702 acres are covered by many miles of Canals and Lakes. When Free Band Concerts are in progress during the summer months, hundreds of canoes dot the different canals and make a pretty sight. Handwritten message on verso, postmarked Apr 11, 1923.
- Date Issued:
- 1923-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Staple-bound booklet containing a list of presentations given at the Target Talk meetings of the Adcraft Club of Detroit, beginning November 11, 1910 and running weekly through April 20, 1911. The booklet contains a brief forward written by Albert Henry Finn, chairman of the club's educational committee, and general manager of the Franklin Press--who printed the booklet -- explaining the aim and success of the series.
- Date Issued:
- 1911-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- General History
- Description:
- Color postcard depicting Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church. Handwritten message on verso, postmarked Jul 29, 1908.
- Date Issued:
- 1908-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Color postcard depicting an elevated view along Central Avenue on Belle Isle. The street is crowded with pedestrians and horse-drawn vehicles. In the foreground is a round flowerbed. Handwritten message on verso, postmarked Jul 9, 1909.
- Date Issued:
- 1909-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Handwritten resolutions from the News Boys Association wishing good health and prosperity for the ill Russell A. Alger, dated December 31, 1906, less than a month before his death: Hall of the News Boys Association Detroit Dec. 31st At the regular weekly meeting of the News Boys' Association the following [?] resolution was unanimously adopted. Whereas- This with [?] agreed[?] that the association is advised[?] of the continued illness of our generous and most adored[?] friend Genl. Russell A. Alger. Therefore- Resolved That one do [?] to [?] & [?] of his [?] our heartfelt sympathy & express the hope that he may soon be [?] with perfect health & that happiness & prosperity may be abundantly showered upon him during the new year - further Resolved That as a further evidence of our esteem two of our members be chosen to present these resolutions at his residence. By order of the [?] James T. Stemling Pres.
- Date Issued:
- 1906-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- General History
- Description:
- Envelope from invitation 1957.304.003a, to a Governor's Levee and Military Soiree held by the Detroit Light Guard on February 12, 1885. "F. Watson," is handwritten on the recto, and the Detroit Light Guard insignia, consisting of the letters "DLG" intertwined above a rifle and the text, "organized 1855," are on the flap.
- Date Issued:
- 1885-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Biographical
- Description:
- Postcard. Features a black and white photograph of a man's face superimposed on an elk body with antlers. There is a handwritten note on the verso. Postmarked Jul 11, 1910
- Date Issued:
- 1910-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Dinner menu from a ball held by the Duke of Nassau on January 12, 1866. The menu is in French. The Nassau coat of arms depicting a gold lion rampant and seven billets on a blue field is printed at the top. "Ball at Duke of Naßau Palais - Mr. Drake Wiesbaden," is handwritten at the bottom.
- Date Issued:
- 1866-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- General History
- Description:
- Invitation form letter to a meeting of Mechanics' Fire Company No. 8, signed by its secretary C.F. Mirrs. The note reads: Mechanics' Fire Co. No. 8. There will be a regular meeting of Mechanics' Fire Co. No. 8, at the Engine House, this Evening at 7 o'clock. A punctual attendance is requested C.F. Mirrs, Sec'y. Detroit, June 7, 1849
- Date Issued:
- 1849-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Fire Department
- Description:
- Handwritten sheet music booklet containing "Wedding March" by J. H. Hahn, dedicated to Helen Hall Newberry for her wedding to Henry B. Joy on October 12, 1892. The score contains several revisions made in pencil.
- Date Issued:
- 1892-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Biographical
- Description:
- Cord-bound program booklet with envelope from the 20th anniversary service of the Mary W. Palmer Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church programs for both the 1904 and 1884 services are included as well as several photographs.
- Date Issued:
- 1904-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Religion
- Description:
- Color postcard depicting the Detroit Boat Club, with the Detroit River in the foreground. Handwritten message on verso, postmarked Mar 15, 1908.
- Date Issued:
- 1908-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Receipt dated October 28, 1868, for professional services given to Mr. Aaron P. Watson from April 1, 1867, to February 7, 1868, by Dr. A. Hitchcock. The receipt form is printed in black text on white paper with professional services details handwritten in dark brown ink.
- Date Issued:
- 1867-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Business/Stores/Retail
- Description:
- Color postcard depicting Michigan Central Station, with many pedestrians in front. Handwritten message on verso, postmarked May 9, 1918.
- Date Issued:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- One plan sheet entitled, "Line Draft of F.&P.M. [Flint & Pere Marquette] Steamers No. 59/60." The drawing consists of black and blue ink on linen and shows the lines for the proposed wooden-hulled, propeller-driven, passenger steamships. The plan was prepared at a scale of 1/4 inch = 1 foot by Frank E. Kirby for the Detroit Dry Dock Company and is dated May, 1882. (Steamer numbers 59 and 60 were the Detroit Dry Dock hull numbers for the passenger steamships that were known as F.&P.M. No. 1 and F.&P.M. No. 2, respectively.)
- Date Issued:
- 1882-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Maritime
- Description:
- One detached red back-cover likely to be from a map of Detroit published by Silas Farmer and Company.
- Date Issued:
- 1897-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- General History
- Description:
- One blueprint drawing entitled, "Fort Wayne - Plans, Elevation, and Section of Offices, Bakery, Guard, Store, and Washing Rooms." The drawing shows front and end elevations views of the building as well as plan views of the three floors. Handwritten text beneath the title shows "drawn by D. R. Bell, Eng'r. Dept., Wash't., 1850." A handwritten note in the lower right corner of the sheet shows "Gift from A.S.C.E. [American Society of Civil Engineers], R. A. Briggs."
- Date Issued:
- 1850-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Military
- Description:
- Color postcard depicting Central High School from the corner of W Hancock Street and Cass Avenue. Handwritten message on verso, dated Jan 25, 1908.
- Date Issued:
- 1908-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Invitation note from Governor Hazen S. Pingree to the Michigan Legislature for a complimentary dinner on December 18, 1900 in the Executive Parlor of the Capitol. The note includes Pingree's signature and an orange embossed Michigan seal with a blue ribbon. An additional handwritten note states, "This invitation to the famous Pingree banquet reads that it would be in the 'Executive Parlor, Capital,' Finding that the parlor was not large enough it was held in Representative Hall."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Biographical
- Description:
- Black and white photographic postcard depicting the Floral Calendar in Water Works Park, with plantings arranged to read "1913" and a building in the background. Postmarked Aug 4, 1914.
- Date Issued:
- 1913-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Black and white photographic postcard depicting a dirt road along the shore of Grosse Ile. In the center is a windmill. Printed on recto: J.H. Cave, Det. Handwritten message on verso, postmarked 1912.
- Date Issued:
- 1912-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Leather bound souvenir program and corresponding envelope from the banquet celebrating the 100th anniversary of Oliver Hazard Perry's victory in the Battle of Lake Erie held at the Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point, on September 10, 1913. The booklet features an image of Perry in profile on the cover between the an American flag, and a British flag consisting of a red cross and saltire on a white field, above a silhouette of Perry's ship the NIAGARA. The interior contains information on figures connected with the battle including Perry, as well as Robert H. Barclay, Lewis Cass, Isaac Shelby, William Henry Harrison, and Daniel Dobbins; the menu for the event, a program of toasts, and a list of members of the Inter-State Board of the Perry's Victory Centennial Commission. The envelope is brown with the silhouette of the NIAGARA on the front.
- Date Issued:
- 1913-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Biographical
- Description:
- Telegram from the Western Union Telegraph Company, Alpena, Michigan, dated 3:00 pm, October 14, 1889, to William R. Soutar. The telegram form is printed in black text on yellowed paper and has a message that is handwritten in ink that reads "Straight load two inch norway [lumber] for hall here to Detroit, no transfers. J. T. Barthwell."
- Date Issued:
- 1889-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Maritime
- Description:
- Invitation to the St. Joseph's Alumni Association Second Annual Dancing Party at Strasburg's Academy on February 7, 1906. The invitation is printed on a quarter folded piece of paper. One half lists the executive committee--Joseph L. Maniere, Benjamin S. Karrer, and Andrew O. Zink. The invitation also notes that the music will be provided by Finzel, and "Cards admitting Gentleman and Lady $1.00, Extra Lady 50¢."
- Date Issued:
- 1906-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- General History
- Description:
- Book that was presented to Annette "Nettie" Henry Alger upon her marriage to Russell Alger containing advice for newlyweds written by William M. Thayer, and published by John P. Jewett & Company, of Cleveland, Ohio. The book contains four chapters, "The Pastor's Address," "Duties of Conjugal Relation," "Dedication of Home," "Last Words to Bridal Pair, as well as a section of poetry. A handwritten inscription within reads: Dear Nettie, May your life be bright as the sunshine that ushers in your bridal day. Truly your friend, Sarah B.C, Greeley The book also contains a certificate which has been filled out in pencil: This certifies that Russell A. Alger and Nettie A. Henry were united in Marriage by me, according to the Laws of the State og Michigan at Grand Rapids, April 2nd, 1860. Rev. J.S. Whaley[?] The book is bound in a off-white cover with embossed scrollwork on the cover, some in gold.
- Date Issued:
- 1854-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Biographical
- Description:
- Color postcard depicting the Mervue Club with water in the foreground. Postmarked Jul 31, 1906.
- Date Issued:
- 1906-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- One empty envelope addressed to "Miss Madge C. Maybury, 91 Baker St., City" in handwritten black ink. It has a return address stamped in purple ink in the upper left corner that shows "Columbian World's Fair Excursion Association, Ltd., 19 & 20 Newberry Bldg., Detroit." The postmark is dated February 5, 1893.
- Date Issued:
- 1893-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Business/Stores/Retail
- Description:
- One drawing entitled "Fort Wayne, Plans & Sections of a Flank & Adjoining Portion of Curtain & Face, Showing the Intended Masonry of Scarp & Flank Casemates." The drawing consists of black and red ink on linen and shows plan and cross-section views of one of the casemates along the fort walls. The views have been drawn at a scale of 1 inch = 8 feet. Two handwritten notes in the upper area of the sheet show "Engineer Department, July 26, 1862. Sent to Capt. Blunt with letter of this date" and "Superseded by drawing sent from Dept. under date of Jany. 10, 1863."
- Date Issued:
- 1862-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Fort Wayne
- Description:
- Postcard. Color postcard depicting aerial view of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the center foreground, the Merrill Fountain is in the central foreground, and the Detroit Opera House is directly behind. Wonderland Vaudeville is depicted to the right of the opera house. The thoroughfares are aligned with streetcars, pedestrians and horse carriages. A note is written on the verso to Miss Florence Ward of Alanson, Mich. The date of the postcard is determined by the postmark, not when it was produced.
- Date Issued:
- 1909-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Black and white photographic postcard depicting the Hazen S. Pingree Monument in Grand Circus Park, with a decorative arch in the background for the Elks National Convention parade on Woodward Avenue. Several pedestrians are also visible. Printed on recto: Pesha Photo
- Date Issued:
- 1910-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- One blueprint drawing showing a survey for the "River Rouge Improvement Co." The drawing shows a boundary survey for an 8.64-acre land parcel that was part of Private Claims 226 and 496. The parcel abuts a Michigan Central Railroad right-of-way and the River Rouge Short Cut Canal. The drawing was prepared by "Herbert L. Russell, Civil and Consulting Engineer" at a scale of 1 inch = 150 feet and was dated December 4, 1912.
- Date Issued:
- 1912-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Maritime
- Description:
- Book containing a handwritten eulogy for Russell A. Alger, and an expression of sympathy on behalf of the People's State Bank, the predecessor of which--the State Savings Bank--Alger served on the board. A series of signatures are contained on the last pages. The book is bound in black rough grained leather.
- Date Issued:
- 1907-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Biographical