Hudson's Detroit's Legendary Department Store

Detroit, Michigan For over a century, the J.L. Hudson's Department Store on Woodward Avenue was more than just a store-it was a Detroit icon and a world-class cultural treasure. At 25 stories, it was the world's tallest department store, and was at one time home to the most exceptional offerings in shopping, dining, services, and entertainment. The store prided itself on stocking everything from grand pianos to spools of thread. In addition to departments offering fashionable clothing and home furnishings, the original Hudson's store featured an auditorium, a circulating library, dining rooms, barber shops, a photo studio, holiday exhibits, a magnificent place called Toytown, and the world's largest American flag. As a legendary symbol of urban and entrepreneurial American history, the J.L. Hudson's Department Store earned a permanent place in Detroit's collective memory. Although "the big store" no longer graces Woodward Avenue, its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of generations, and in the remarkable photographs that preserve its reign. Utilizing many of Davis Hillmer's exquisite images, as well as those from other collections, authors Michael Hauser and Marianne Weldon have captured the glory years of Detroit's famous retail entity. Michael Hauser is marketing manager for the Detroit Opera House and was guest curator for the "Remembering Downtown Hudson's" exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum. Marianne Weldon is an objects conservator working for the Detroit Historical Museums as their collections coordinator. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.Hauser, Michael is the author of 'Hudson's Detroit's Legendary Department Store', published 2004 under ISBN 9780738533551 and ISBN 0738533556.