Hudson's & Hudsons Talk
The story of J.L. Hudson’s department store, Detroit’s jewel in the crown for generations of shoppers, is still the stuff of legend. Before shopping malls, and before everything under the sun was available on Amazon, a trip to Hudson’s was one of the great wonders of the world.
The original Hudson’s on Woodward Avenue covered an entire city block encompassing 2.2 million square miles, 33 floors, 200 departments, 705 fitting rooms and 76 elevators. It boasted a toy department known to send children into paroxysms of joy.
The Ford Piquette Plant Museum will offer a deep dive into the history of this legendary downtown destination featuring a talk by Bruce Kopytek, author of Hudson’s: Detroit’s World-Famous Department Store, on Saturday, June 13 at 11 a.m. This presentation will explore Hudson’s from its inception in 1881 through the Piquette era and beyond, as well as touch on the memorable and performance-oriented Hudson automobiles and the Hudson Motor Car Company.
This occasion is an opportunity to enjoy Detroit history and socializing, including a continental breakfast, and an appearance by local members of the Hudson Motor Club of Michigan with their Classic automobiles. They will be on hand to answer questions about their vehicles and the automaker that operated in Detroit between 1910 to 1959. Tickets for this event are $25, or $15 for museum Members. Tickets can be purchased online at www.fordpiquetteplant.org or at the window.
The Hudson Motor Car Company was bankrolled by Mr. Hudson, and grew into a well-respected manufacturer of cars, culminating in the fabulous step-down sedans of the early 1950s. The company was absorbed into American Motors by 1957. After J.L. Hudson passed away in 1912, his four nephews, the famous 'Webber Brothers' expanded the business. Mr. Kopytek will share more about these Detroit icons and local history during this unique event.
The Ford Piquette Plant Museum will offer a full schedule of community events through this fall. This includes free “Cars & Coffee” events on June 13 and October 10; a talk celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66, “The Mother Road,” on July 25; Automotive Foundations STEAM workshops for youth in July 18-19 and August 22-23; the 118th Model T Birthday Party on September 27; a presentation on “James Couzens: His Own Man, The Powerhouse Behind Ford” on October 11; and a “Motor City Origins Tour” on November 28.
The Ford Piquette Plant Museum is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest surviving automotive plants in the world. With over 65 rare vehicles, exhibits and photographs, the museum is open year-round to the public, Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $10 for students. Optional guided tours take place daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Private group tours and school field trips are available on all days by appointment. The museum is also a popular destination for weddings and corporate events of all sizes.
Cultural programming at Piquette is made possible by support from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Proceeds from events support museum operations. For a complete event schedule or to purchase tickets visit www.fordpiquetteplant.org. For more information contact [email protected] or call (313) 872-8759.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3638249-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3638249-2
