WE ARRIVED IN THE BIG CITY
Downtown Detroit 1918
We arrived in the BIG City,
Detroit. It was early in the summer of 1918.
Excitement, the big city, a street-car ride,
Suitcases, boxes, three children, a bird,
The bird they carried with them from Manistee to Detroit
Our dog had been crated,
He’d be coming soon.
We were pushed and pulled in the big city manner.
Father asked for directions.
Father paid the fare.
Mother juggled the bird cage and,
Frantically hung onto us.
How well I remember the orange and yellow flowers
On her big black straw hat,
Her “Sunday” pocket-book with the fringe,
Her “once crisp” white shirt-waist and
Long black skirt – it touched the ankles of
Her black laced shoes.
We were damp, and limp, and tired
But THIS was a big city, Detroit.
I so enjoyed seeing all the pictures from the past. Brought back memories of seeing our extended families.
I talked with Ryan Jach recently. He said I would enjoy chatting with you. My email address is dthompson.1@icloud.com. Please drop me a line and we can exchange phone numbers.
I was just looking for some historic photos of Manistee and came across this incredible tribute to your family’s history. What a treasure. I was absolutely transported by every verse written by Hazel Thompson.
Thank you. Did you know Hazel Thompson?