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.

 

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.

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.

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.

 

Charles Ahrens (1857- 1943) and son, Albert (1902-1990)? and unidentified family members on top of wagon pulled by 2 horses.

Borgman Store, Leonard Street, Grand Rapids