Detroit's Belle Isle: Island Park GemOne of the most unique urban parks in the world, Belle Isle has long been a source of civic pride in Detroit. In 1879, just as its population, land area, and industry were flourishing, the city of Detroit purchased this 700-acre island for use as a park. Famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted was soon commissioned to transform the island into an idyllic retreat from the industrial city. This book uses remarkable images drawn from the Walter P. Reuther Library to document Belle Isle's distinctive history. Throughout the city's periods of accomplishment, economic flux, and social turmoil, Belle Isle is revealed as a romantic haven where Detroit's many cultures came together to relax, celebrate, and play. |
Contents
Acknowledgments | 6 |
Genius of the Place | 27 |
Island in the Citys Age of Experience | 57 |
Seasons in the Park | 93 |
Bibliography 128 | |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
20th century Albert Kahn amusement park Aquarium automobile band shell Bath House bathing beach Belle Isle Bridge BELLE ISLE PARK bridge approach building built burned Burton Historical Collection Cadillac Campau canals canoe Casino city of Detroit city officials city's industrial Clair clubhouse Conservatory construction Courtesy Detroit Boat Club Detroit Historical Museums Detroit Public Library Detroit River Detroit Yacht Club downtown early days Electric Park entrance facility Ford fountains Frederick Law Olmsted George McDougall Grand Boulevard Harmsworth Highland Park Hog Island horticultural Isle was purchased Lake St Lake Takoma later located manufacturing Michigan miles million Miss America Newsboy Olmsted's plan opened park's passengers Penobscot Building Pewabic Pottery photo shows photograph pictured police population recreation ride rowing team rumrunners served shelter ships shot Skating Pavilion Station steamer summer territory traffic visitors Water Carnival waterfront Wayne Windsor Ferry winter Wood Woodward world-class