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What Yosemite is to natural marvels, Detroit is to man-made ones. And one man in particular...Henry Ford. In fact, the biggest tourist attraction in Detroit is "The Henry Ford." Notice the absence of the word museum, or experience, or tour following his name. It sounds odd to say, we are going to see The Henry Ford, but it really is all about the man. His contributions to American society cannot be denied. The impact of the automobile and the automation of production are on display here at The Henry Ford. Not only can you see the changes in auto design throughout history, but you can tour the Ford Rouge, the factory where the Ford 150 truck is still being assembled at one per minute. But as we are getting news of how forest fires are devastating Yosemite, we also see the devastating impact economic downturns have had on Detroit. The poor road conditions, tent communities under bridges, and homeless people collecting money at traffic lights are a stark contrast to the wealth created by Henry Ford. Visiting the Diego Rivera murals at the Detroit Insititue of Art would have been a perfect teaching moment for the kids to look at the juxtaposition of wealth and the working class in the Motor City, but ironically, the exhibit was closed, despite the museum being open to view costumes of the Star Wars movies. These murals, that were quite the controversy when they were commissioned, now play second fiddle to Darth Vader's suit and cape. I think I will introduce these murals to my students this year in my Spanish classes...a nice tribute to our visit to Detroit.
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Peggy I have been really enjoying your blogs. What a fantastic trip and so many great memories. I saw your photos of Seneca Lake. We were there with your mom and my dad in 2006. My dad felt a little nervous when we left the suffragettes museum. He thought that perhaps your mother and I were a little too empowered! I purchased a book in the gift store about women that fought in the Civil Wat. Most of them pretended they were men and went with their husbands. Interesting.
Adam Hi Peggy, Thanks so much for following the blog! Comments like yours kept us connected as we were off on the road. It was reassuring knowing loved ones were keeping an eye out for us! When we were in Seneca Lake Julie asked about the trip my mom took. While I can imagine your dad's feeling traveling with two strong women such as you and my mom, it is hard to believe that the convention for women's rights was held in 1848, and we still haven't had a woman president! Change sure doesn't come quickly.