Packard. Nash. Hudson. Ford.
They were common names in the Detroit of the 1930s, but now, only one of those automobile companies survives. As part of a new program series at Macomb Community College, a series of presentations will be offered on these companies, on the working life and labor union developments in the auto factories of the times, and examine the role of Henry Ford as perhaps the nation’s first hero tycoon.
And Still They Prospered: Living Through the Great Depression – a program series at Macomb Community College’s Lorenzo Cultural Center running Feb. 27-May 8 – examines the 1930s and the economic, social and cultural changes that took place during that decade, laying the groundwork for future prosperity in the Motor City and beyond.
Key to the area’s economic life during the time was the activities of the auto companies. Among the presentations on this critical aspect of life in Detroit at the time will be:
• Working Detroit, tracing the ebb and flow of working-class activity and union organization in Detroit, 1 p.m. March 10.
• Forgotten at 7:30 p.m. March 26. The musical drama relates the story of the Rev. Lewis Bradford, a Methodist minister and advocate for the homeless and the unemployed who worked at the Rouge Plant. At the plant, he advocated for fair and just treatment of the workers before he died from injuries in an unexplained “accident” at the plant in November 1937.
• Factory Workers in the 1930s and Today: This Is Not Your Grandparents’ Depression, 11 a.m. April 7.
• An April 21 presentation on the Henry Ford Trade School, an industrial training program created by Henry Ford. The school graduated more than 8,000 young men during the 33 years it operated, beginning in 1916. Following the presentation, a private reception and reunion will be held for those who were students at the school.
• How Nash Motors and the Hudson Motor Car Company Survived the Great Depression, 11 a.m. April 23.
• The Essential Henry Ford, 1 p.m. April 24.
• Packard Motor Car Company, 11 a.m. April 28.
• The Union’s Role During the 1930s, 1 p.m. April 28.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, Garfield & M-59, Clinton Township. The cultural center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday; and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information on the cultural center and on the And Still They Prospered program series is available at www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (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 59,000 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:
Dan Heaton
586.445.7271
heatond@macomb.edu