In the 1950s, cruising swept the nation. American street became impromptu racetracks as soon as the police turned their backs. Young people piled into friends' cars and cruised their main streets with a new sense of freedom. Pent-up desires after the hardships of World War II plus a booming economy fueled a car-buying frenzy. To lure buyers to their particular makes and models, automobile companies targeted the youth market by focusing on design and performance. No place was that more relevant than on metro Detroit's Woodward Avenue, the city's number-one cruising destination and home of the world's automobile industry. Barely 50 years earlier, Henry Ford rolled his first Model T off the assembly line at Piquette and Woodward, just south of where cruisers, dragsters, and automobile engineers ignited each other's excitement over cars. This unique relationship extended into the muscle car era of the 1960s, as Woodward Avenue continued to reflect the triumphs and downturns of the industry that made Detroit known throughout the world.
I ordered this book for myself as I was a teenager in the 60's who cruised Woodward with my friends. Although there is a section on that era, the book covers far more. My husband (who didn't cruise Woodward) actually spent more time reading the book than I did! History buffs will enjoy this book, even if you weren't in the original crusin' generation.
I bought this book for a family reunion.....
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
We were having our first family reunion, and I was concerned that since we didn't know each other too well, there might be some awkward silences, and since we are orginally from the Detroit area, I bought this book and 'Detroit' in order to use them as conversation starters. The reunion went great, and the books weren't used then, but afterwards we had a great time reminiscing as we looked at the pics and shared stories. This book is ok, but the pics tend to be a bit redundant...
Cruisin' The Original Woodward Ave.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
An interesting read and lots of great photos for anyone who is interested in the historical perspective of the development of Americian cars and their influence on our lives. The topic is more than just a look at cruising in the Detroit area.
If you were there...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
This book will bring tears to your eyes recalling the friends and wonderful times we had. What a labor of love. Buy it!
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