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- That Plank
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Most of the photos on this site were extracted from reference images (high-resolution tiffs, 20 to 200 megabytes in size) from the Library of Congress research archive. (To query the database click here.) Many were digitized by LOC contractors using a Sinar studio back. They are adjusted by your webmaster for contrast and color in Photoshop before being downsized and turned into the jpegs you see here.
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Today's Top 5
Between the Grands: 1912
Submitted by Dave on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 1:51pm.
Detroit circa 1912. "Pringle Furniture Co., Gratiot Avenue." Establishing shot of the home-furnishings crypt seen here. 8x10 glass negative. View full size.
Wickah First Floor!
Submitted by Mudhooks on Sat, 07/16/2011 - 7:52pm.
Based on the fact that the only windows with awnings is first floor, that's where the wicker was (awnings visible through the hideous blinds).
The Sally Ann is next door and offers a free day nursery.
I also like the way that the Grand Union Tea Company has diversified and sells tea -- and soap.
You liked our pictures, you'll love our furniture!
Submitted by jdowling23 on Sat, 07/16/2011 - 12:25pm.
So the company that took this photo went into the furniture business? I wonder why they needed to point out the connection? I don't think there would be much customer carry-over.
Just Curious
Submitted by Mr Mel on Sat, 07/16/2011 - 6:34pm.
If I am reading the signage correctly, the Pringle Furniture Company was formerly the Detroit Picture Company. Did they sell works of art such as framed paintings or photographs? Was there any connection between this Detroit Picture Company and the Detroit Pictures (DPC), the Library of Congress source, for so many great Shorpy pictures?
[DPC is the Detroit Publishing Company. - Dave]
OK, the other thing I wanted to know is why these guys decided to go into the fake potato chip business?
No badgering, pestering or harassing
Submitted by jimmylee42 on Sat, 07/16/2011 - 9:29am.
I never liked to be importuned at a car dealership. I might have said something like "if your salesmen keep importuning me I'll take my business down the street." I will use this word 4 times today and add it to my vocabulary.
Gratiot Avenue
Submitted by TJZee on Sat, 07/16/2011 - 8:28am.
First time I was in Detroit and was being driven down Gratiot Avenue, I asked the driver how it was pronounced. He replied, "Think of these two words, grass and shut. Now say them fast! Very very fast, eventually dropping the two esses from grass.
Never Importuned to Buy
Submitted by stanton_square on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 8:54pm.
The Social Secretary of Detroit, 1922.Art and Utility are blended admirably in the creations of the master period designers whose noteworthy achievements are represented in furniture for every room in your home found on our display floors.
Our sixty-five display rooms show the various types of furniture in the proper setting which greatly simplifies selection. Here you are never importuned to buy.
Pringle Furniture Co.
431 Gratiot Avenue
One and one-half blocks from Broadway
Still there!
Submitted by JTF1972 on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 3:11pm.
Looks a little lonely on the block. Perhaps some new buildings will come around soon to keep it company!
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Shorpy.com | History in HD is a vintage photo blog featuring thousands of high-definition images from the 1850s to 1950s. The site is named after Shorpy Higginbotham, a teenage coal miner who lived 100 years ago.
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Today's Top 5