Detroit's population grew rapidly after the beginning of the 20th century due to the growth of the automobile and other industries, and the city became a tourist and convention center. Detroit was in its heyday in the 1920s when it was the fourth-largest city in the United States. Some of Detroit's larger hotels were architectural masterpieces, nationally known, and were the center of socialactivities. Others were lesser-known second-class hotels now largely forgotten. Detroit restaurants ranged from the self-serve to the elegant. These hotels and restaurants, many of which are gone now, are preserved in nearly 200 vintage postcards, allowing the reader to take a trip down memory lane.
Patricia Ibbotson is a writer and genealogical magazine editor with an avid interest in local history. She is the author of two previous books by Arcadia: Eloise: Poorhouse, Farm, Asylum, and Hospital 1839-1984 and Detroit's Hospitals, Healers, and Helpers.