City - Detroit, MI - Picnicking in the park 1905 - Side by Side

by Mike Savad

Title

City - Detroit, MI - Picnicking in the park 1905 - Side by Side

Artist

Mike Savad

Medium

Photograph - Colorized Photo

Description

Hand colored photo from 1905
Original title: Bridge in the woods, Belle Isle, Detroit
Photographer: Detroit Publishing
Location: Belle Isle, Detroit, MI

Fun fact: In French, Belle Isle means "beautiful island." It was also called "pig island" when traders stored their livestock there before it was developed.

The original image showcased a lot of garbage in the water and on the ground. And I did in fact color it in, but decided on the end that it wasn't worth it. If I had shot this myself, I would have cloned the trash out, I didn't want the trash to be the focal point, along with that post in the ground.

I did leave the wires, there is a telegraph pole on the right, and insane amount of wires at the top. And below that you'll see one wire strung between and into trees. There are insulator caps coming off one of the trees on the left near the bridge.

Try as I might I couldn't find this location. There are a lot of bridges at that park, and many were replaced and look different. I can't even tell if this location exists now or if they still canoe ride.. I'm guessing no, only because the bridges are straight and not arched for the most part. There is a house in the background on the right, I assume they rented the boats there. There is also a manhole cover on the right, maybe a local would know the location better than me.

I'd be curious as to when this was shot, as many have little flags. Maybe it was an election year? The trees are fully out, but there are also dead leaves in the water making me think this was right after winter and its a warm spring day. Many are in shorts, many have baskets.

Uploaded

January 16th, 2024

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