Belle Isle Then and Now

[p69rrh51]

Lowell suggested this thread and I thought it was an excellent idea! To start the thread I thought anyone who has been to the picnic would enjoy the next 3 images. Also hats off to Kathleen and Dave for going above and beyond for today's terrific picnic!


Shadynook comfort station near the corner of Muse & Loiter Way. Designed by J. Phillip McDonnell built in 1920. Also included is an image from the Thumb Tack Club of Detroit 1921 exhibition catalog.







The Belle Isle Aquarium, a favorite of many on the island. Located and the corner of Inselruhe and Conservatory Drive built in 1904. Designed by Albert Kahn.



Several images of the Aquarium from the Burton Historical Collection.










The Bicycle Pavilion designed by Edward Schilling in 1898

[p69rrh51]

Found this image in a 1921 Thumb Tack Club Exhibition catalog.

[Zacha341]

What a nice photo! Who remembers when the bridge use to go UNDER Jefferson? I do. It was in the late sixties... maybe up thru '75 or so. Then they closed it off and made everything up top.

[p69rrh51]

What a nice photo! Who remembers when the bridge use to go UNDER Jefferson? I do. It was in the late sixties... maybe up thru '75 or so. Then they closed it off and made everything up top.

Just for you the viaduct under E. Jefferson.

[p69rrh51]

The viaduct under construction.

[Honky Tonk]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fWtVXkZ7gU

[Zacha341]

Yep. That's it... for sure a childhood memory - going under Jefferson. Thanks guys!!

[Honky Tonk]

The viaduct under construction.

That's interesting. What did they do with Jefferson, just defer the traffic until the viaduct was completed?

[Honky Tonk]

Found this image in a 1921 Thumb Tack Club Exhibition catalog.

Was this station on the Southeast corner, and when was it torn down? Thanx.

[p69rrh51]

Was this station on the Southeast corner, and when was it torn down? Thanx.

HT traffic was diverted while the viaduct was filled and the entrance to the island rerouted.
Also yes the station was on the southeast corner. I do not remember when the station was torn down, the 1980's come to mind.

[p69rrh51]

The Belle Isle Boathouse circa 1890 from the Burton Historical Collection archives.

[p69rrh51]

The Belle Isle Coast Guard Station and Lighthouse circa 1900 from the Burton Historical Collection archives.

[Honky Tonk]

HT traffic was diverted while the viaduct was filled and the entrance to the island rerouted.
Also yes the station was on the southeast corner. I do not remember when the station was torn down, the 1980's come to mind.

I thought I rememebered it from going to Belle Isle, with my parents, by bus in the 60's. Thanx.

[p69rrh51]

I wonder what the clueless council member would say about this image. A very elegant Packard on Belle Isle.

[p69rrh51]

Best guess is the image is Central At Inselruhe Ave. Both images are from Wayne State Univerisity's online archives.

[p69rrh51]

The Bicycle Pavilion designed by Edward Schilling in 1898 located at Loiter Way and Vista Avenue.

[p69rrh51]

The Detroit Police Department Belle Isle Station. Designed by George Mason in 1893 and located on Inselruhe Avenue.

[stromberg2]

Is the Bicycle pavilion in use today?

[p69rrh51]

Is the Bicycle pavilion in use today?

I have not been by there this year so I do not know if the pavilion has been opened.

[p69rrh51]

George Mason's Detroit Yacht Club 1 Riverbank Road built in 1922.

[p69rrh51]

Images of the DYC from the Burton Historic Collection and Michigan Architect and Engineer.

[p69rrh51]

The MacArthur Bridge.

[Zacha341]

Great photography! When's the last time we've had that much ice on the river? Thanks for sharing these......!

[p69rrh51]

The Casino designed by Van Leyen & Schilling built in 1908.

[p69rrh51]

The original Bath House on Riverbank.