Here’s an awesome shot I’ve shared before, but it’s always good to have a little Wednesday weirdness. Blondieyooper explained “These cute little ones were fun to find. The blueberries were big compared to the mushrooms. :) I’m easily amused!”
Me too! See more in her Dr Seussish File gallery on Flickr.
Lots more weird & wonderful pics on Michigan in Pictures!
Northland Shopping Mall Southfield MI by William L Bird
The Detroit Historical Society’s Encyclopedia of Detroit tells the story of the Northland Shopping Center in Southfield, potentially the world’s first mall:
Northland Center, located in Southfield, Michigan was the world’s largest shopping center, and first regional shopping center, when it opened on March 22, 1954. For many, its construction heralded the beginning of the end for downtown Detroit’s shopping district, and the beginning of suburban shopping malls.
Designed by architect Victor Gruen and constructed at a cost of $25 million, Northland Center’s opening, widely publicized in the national media, was said to signal the future of shopping in postwar America. The Center had a Hudson’s department store as its anchor with, at time of opening, an additional 80 spaces for tenants, all surrounded by an 8,344-space parking lot. Northland Center also featured a bank, post office, auditoriums, artwork, fountains and extensive landscaping, design features that were soon incorporated by other developers across the country.
The artwork included six sculptures commissioned by Hudson’s, perhaps the most well-known being Marshall Fredericks’ Boy and the Bear. Among other commissioned works were Moby Dick by Joseph Anthony McDonnell, and Lily Saarinen’s water sculpture/fountain, Noah.
In 1975, Northland Center was enclosed as a mall, and a food court was added to the complex in 1991. Despite these additions, Northland suffered a natural decline as it aged. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, major tenants vacated their operations, as did several of the anchor stores. The volume of shoppers dropped from its peak of 18 million annually to half of that. The property had various owners until the last in 2014 who defaulted on his mortgage.
Read on for more.
William shared this photo from the Hiawatha Postcard Co of Ypsilanti. You can see more in his awesome Northland Shopping Mall gallery on Flickr.
The first crocuses I’ve seen this spring by Bill Dolak
While I’m still waiting to see the first crocus here in Traverse City, Bill saw some on Friday in Kalamazoo. How about you – any crocuses or springy signs in your neck of Michigan??
Head over to Bill’s Flickr to see his latest & have an awesome week everyone!
Get your Spring on with Michigan in Pictures!
While it’s cooler today, yesterday was something to enjoy across the southern half of the state unbelievably balmy temps recorded in places like Kalamazoo (72), Detroit (73), Flint (70) and 72 in St. Joseph where Mark got this sweet shot at Grand Mere Beach a couple weeks ago. Guessing it’s all gone by now!
See more in Mark’s 2022 gallery on Flickr & enjoy your weekend everyone!
Wishing everyone a very happy St. Patrick’s Day!!
I featured this photo by Rhonda of the tiles in one of Detroit’s People Mover Station 13 years on St. Paddy’s & but had to bring it back for an encore! See more in Rhonda’s Explored gallery on Flickr.
Michigan’s Winter Wonderland by TP Mann
Most of Michigan will see highs in the 50s or 60s today and while there’s (of course) still some snow & subzero temps ahead, the temperature trend is most definitely UP!!
TP took this shot of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge in late February. See more in his Michigan Winter Scenes gallery on Flickr!
The Karen Andrie and Endeavor by Craig Hensley
Craig got this tasty shot of the tugboat Karen Andrie and the barge Endeavor making their way up the Detroit River last summer. Detroit is on the left & Windsor, Canada is on the right.
Head over to Craig’s Flickr and his website for more!
Intrepid MK2 8×10 at Lake Superior by Kirt E Carter
Here’s a sweet shot large-format, black & white shot of Kirt’s rig for a recent photo shoot at Little Girl’s Point on Lake Superior near the Michigan/Wisconsin border. You can see more on Flickr & for sure check out his website to view & purchase his work!
More black & white photography on Michigan in Pictures & you can click to read more about the Intrepid MK2 8×10 camera.
Marche du Nain Rouge by Joel Williams
The Nain Rouge has been a harbinger of doom since the time of Detroit’s founding. Every spring, Detroiters celebrate liberation from the fearsome Red Dwarf of Detroit by holding a parade in the Cass Corridor to trick the Nain with their terrible French and costumes in the Mardi Gras-esque Marche du Nain Rouge!
The event is symbolic of a new beginning and speaking as someone who has been to a couple of these, it’s a heck of a lot of fun! Next Sunday, March 20, 2022 from 1-3 PM join thousands of revelers to celebrate and once again banish the fiendish imp intent on ruining Detroit! Tradition holds that a citizen of Detroit dresses up as Le Nain Rouge, temporarily embodying its spirit, wearing a mask to conceal identity. As Le Nain Rouge, this person accepts responsibility for leading people through the streets of Detroit to La Marche’s final destination.
Joel took this at the Marche back in 2017. You can see more in his Marche du Nain Rouge 2017 gallery on Flickr.
PS: Turns out I was there in 2017 as well so you can also check out my Flickr gallery!
I saw a robin yesterday & have decided that Spring would be a very good idea. Who’s with me?
I know this guy Charles caught at Kensington Metropark the other day is! Head over to Charles’s Flickr for more including a few more great bird shots!
More birds & more Spring on Michigan in Pictures.
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