Michigan State University has a wonderful collection of photos called the Making of Michigan.
These pictures of the people working and building things pull at my heart. I love their work ethic, their confidence and ability, the beauty of what they produced, and the cleanliness and pride in their world. I hope with all my heart that America returns to our formerly high standards!
Here are seven photos that stood out to me, with the original captions.
Black and white photograph four women and three men standing outside of Ball & Co. Dry Goods & Grocery Store, located on Washington Ave. Grand Haven, Michigan.
circa 1900
8×10 black and white Packard Co. file photograph of a 1928 Packard factory scene, four African American workers pouring molten metal into a steel mold, two men standing on either side of mold.
Circa 1928
Photograph of William Rhodes, left, who ran The Cycle Shop at 109 East Brown Street in Iron Mountain. Rhodes sold Indian motorcycles and evidently repaired and serviced automobiles. Also pictured are Pat Trepanier, center, and James Martin, right. Information on the photograph indicates The Cycle Store was located at 202 Merritt Avenue.
1927
Circa 1900-1910
Photograph of Andrew Bjorkman’s jitney bus that traveled to and from Grand Blvd. via River & Carpenter avenue. The man standing at the bus door is unidentified, but the man with the crutch was Peter ‘Peggy’ Merzlac. The ride cost five cents, payable when entering the vehicle.
Circa 1900
Charles Ahrens (1857- 1943) and son, Albert (1902-1990)? and unidentified family members on top of wagon pulled by 2 horses.
1915
Borgman Store, Leonard Street, Grand Rapids
circa 1900/1920
old spirituals 
Those were the days when people could start their own business to suit the needs of their own community and be reasonably assured of success if they worked hard. Now it is all rich people buying franchises and making money for corporations which in turn buy up smaller businesses and other corporations. It is a rare small business that can withstand those forces. As you can probably tell, I hate corporate America as it sucks at individual initiative and leaves people as mere employees with no power of decision. Can’t stand it.
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I hear you! Big businesses don’t co-exist with small businesses so nearly everyone becomes dependent on them… or at their mercy, you might say. Maybe the worst drawback is that the independence, self-reliance, and strength that characterized Americans is draining away as we plead with and wait for corporations and government to solve problems. My inner conviction is that the solutions to our problems and the push toward something greater always comes from individuals with a strong sense of purpose. The more people understand their unique purpose, the more we see them rise and inspire others. It isn’t easy and the biggest obstacle is discovering what your unique purpose is. That’s the beginning of a positive transformation! I have lots of thoughts about this but I don’t want to get on a soapbox 😉
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Go right ahead. I like your soapbox! Lol. I am a Canadian but the exact same thing is happening here. Sigh.
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Fortunately, it’s not an idea confined to one nation! You’ve got a lot of good people to work with in Canada. 💖
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