Welcome to The Detroit Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Pistons home games

• History on the founding of Detroit

• A deep-dive into the life of Henry Ford

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

– Friedrich Nietzsche

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the famous Detroit museum that is one of the largest and oldest art institutions in the United States?

A) The Detroit Historical Museum

B) The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

C) The Detroit Institute of Arts

D) The Henry Ford Museum

News

💼 Business

University of Michigan Automotive Research Center secures $100M funding from the U.S. Army. (link)

January 23: Marriott collaborates with Roxbury Group for Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in Midtown Detroit. (link)

January 24: Detroit's Book Tower introduces two new authentic Japanese dining and cocktail venues. (link)

🏒 Sports

Amon-Ra St. Brown dismisses critics, focusing on improving Detroit Lions' performance. (link)

Detroit Red Wings celebrate a 3-0 shutout win against the Philadelphia Flyers, praising fan support. (link)

Jim Harbaugh discusses his decision to stay with Michigan, expressing mixed feelings about offers from the Los Angeles Chargers. (link)

Moritz Seider stands out in Detroit Red Wings' significant victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. (link)

🏦 Finance

Detroit property values show a 23% increase, reflecting the city's growing real estate market. (link)

Analysts predict a stable economic outlook for Detroit, citing AI, cost, and lending factors. (link)

Detroit prepares for the resumption of pension payments, anticipating budget pressures. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 LA Clippers at Detroit Pistons
Big Boy Arena
Friday, Feb. 2nd | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 2024 Tier 1 EHL Detroit Showcase – 11U
Taylor Sportsplex
Friday, Feb. 2nd | (More Info)

🏒 2024 Motor City Girls Fes
Big Boy Arena
Feb. 2nd - Feb. 4th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Badfish - A Tribute To Sublime
Saint Andrews Hall
Wednesday, Jan 31 | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎧 DJ Shadow
Majestic Theatre
Thursday, Feb 1 | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Mayer Hawthorne
Majestic Theatre
Friday, Feb 2 | 7:00​​ PM | (More Info)

🎹 Meet Me At The Altar with Honey Revenge
The Shelter, Detroit
Friday, Feb 2 | 6:30​​ PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Wicked
Detroit Opera House
Jan 29 - Feb 4 | 6:30​​ PM | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Detroit as a giant eco-friendly treehouse community” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Detroit Historical Events

Founding of Detroit by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac (1701)

In 1701, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, a French explorer and adventurer, established a new settlement along the banks of the strait known as "le détroit du Lac Érie," meaning "the strait of Lake Erie." This strategic location chosen by Cadillac marked the founding of what would eventually become the city of Detroit. Cadillac, acting under the authority of New France, aimed to assert control and expand French presence in the region, which was already inhabited by Native American tribes and under the watchful eyes of competing colonial powers.

The establishment of Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit by Cadillac and his contingent of settlers and soldiers was a pivotal moment in the history of the region. The fort was named in honor of Louis Phélypeaux, Comte de Pontchartrain, Minister of Marine, and served multiple roles: it was a military outpost, a hub for the fur trade, and a center for diplomatic relations with the Native American tribes. The fort's strategic location on the strait between Lake Erie and Lake Huron made it a crucial point for controlling trade and military movements in the Great Lakes region.

Cadillac's founding of Detroit set the stage for centuries of growth, conflict, and transformation. The small fort and settlement would evolve through periods of French, British, and finally American control, each leaving its distinct imprint on the city's development. Detroit's early years laid the groundwork for its emergence as a significant industrial and cultural center in the United States, with the founding in 1701 by Cadillac remembered as the critical first chapter in the city's rich and complex history.

Famous People From Detroit

Henry Ford (1863–1947)

Early Life and Mechanical Inclinations (1863-1882)

Henry Ford was born in 1863 in Greenfield Township, Michigan (near Detroit). Growing up on a farm, Ford displayed an early interest in mechanics and machinery. His childhood was marked by a curiosity about how things worked, leading him to dismantle and reassemble timepieces and other machinery.

Early Career and Engineering Experiments (1883-1899)

Ford's early career was defined by various jobs, including work as a machinist in Detroit. In his spare time, he pursued his passion for engineering, experimenting with internal combustion engines. These formative years were crucial in shaping Ford's understanding of mechanics and manufacturing.

Automobile Innovation and First Vehicles (1900-1904)

In the early 1900s, Ford established the Detroit Automobile Company (later reorganized as the Ford Motor Company). His vision was to create affordable, efficient, and reliable automobiles for the masses. The introduction of the Model A and subsequent models marked the beginning of Ford's journey in revolutionizing the automotive industry.

Introduction of the Model T and Mass Production (1905-1913)

The launch of the Model T in 1908 was a pivotal moment in automotive history. The vehicle's simplicity, durability, and affordability made it immensely popular. Ford's innovative approach to manufacturing, particularly his introduction of the moving assembly line in 1913, significantly reduced production times and costs, making automobiles accessible to a broader population.

Expansion and Global Impact (1914-1925)

Ford's implementation of assembly line production and the success of the Model T led to the rapid expansion of the Ford Motor Company. The company's influence extended globally, with production plants established in various countries. Ford's methods revolutionized not just the automotive industry but also the principles of mass production and industrial management.

Labor Philosophy and the Five-Dollar Day (1926-1935)

Ford was known for his progressive labor philosophy, notably the introduction of the five-dollar day in 1914, which provided workers with fair wages and reduced working hours. This approach improved productivity and employee satisfaction and set new standards for labor practices in the industry.

Later Career and Innovations (1936-1945)

In his later career, Ford continued to innovate, introducing new models and refining production techniques. His commitment to advancement extended beyond the automotive industry, with investments in areas such as aviation during World War II, where Ford-produced aircraft played a significant role.

Retirement and Reflections on Legacy (1945-1947)

Ford retired in 1945, leaving the management of the Ford Motor Company to his grandson, Henry Ford II. In his final years, Ford reflected on his contributions to industry and society, recognized as one of the most influential business leaders and industrialists in history.

Death and Enduring Influence (1947)

Henry Ford passed away in 1947. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lived on. Ford's innovations in the automotive industry and mass production fundamentally transformed manufacturing, labor, and American society.

Key Achievements:

• Revolutionized the automotive industry with the introduction of the Model T and assembly line production.

• Pioneered modern mass production techniques, significantly impacting industrial manufacturing.

• Implemented progressive labor practices, including fair wages and reduced working hours.

• Left a lasting impact on the global automotive industry and modern industrial practices.

Summary: Henry Ford's journey from a farm in Michigan to becoming a pioneer of the automotive industry and mass production is a testament to his visionary thinking, innovative spirit, and enduring impact on society. As the founder of the Ford Motor Company and a proponent of assembly line manufacturing, Ford not only transformed the automotive industry but also reshaped the landscape of American manufacturing and labor. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the principles of efficiency, productivity, and innovation in industries worldwide.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll