With a reputation that extended well beyond the entire city block it occupied on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, J.L. Hudson’s Department Store was a Detroit icon that created an experience that was so much more than shopping. Hudson’s was a destination that offered shopping, dining services and entertainment, along with an auditorium, a circulating library and holiday exhibits that have become cherished memories for many with its Toytown displays.
In his presentation, Remembering Hudson’s: The Grand Dame of Retailing, Wednesday, March 23 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, author and marketing manager for the Detroit Opera House, Michael Hauser reminisces about Hudson’s glory years during the 1950s, when the store prided itself on stocking everything from grand pianos to spools of thread and established itself as world-class cultural treasure.
The presentation is part of a series of programs, The 1950s: Affluence and Anxiety in the Atomic Age that runs through May 7 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center. Through presentations, activities and exhibits, the series provides a broad look at the decade, including Cold War fears and atomic anxiety, the rise of suburbia, the heightening influence of television and pop culture, emergence of both the civil rights and women’s rights movements, as well as what was happening locally, such as the pre-Motown era in the local music scene, and even the Lone Ranger.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information about the cultural center and on the 1950s program series is available at www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com. Group visits are welcome during the series and may be arranged by calling 586.445.7348.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 48,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media Contact:
Tish Wirth
Communications & Community Relations
Macomb Community College
586.445.7560
wirthp@macomb.edu