Belle Isle

by Karen MacArthur Grizzard, Ericka L. Grizzard

Overview

Detroit's crowning jewel, Belle Isle, has been a leisure destination for natives and visitors alike for well over a century. Originating as Wahnabezee or "Swan Island" by Native Americans and Isle aux Cochons or "Hog Island" by early French settlers, the name was changed to Belle Isle in 1845 to honor Michigan governor Lewis Cass's daughter Isabelle. After generations of passing between public and private ownership, the island was bought in 1879 by the City of Detroit, which commissioned famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to create the beloved haven that is known today. An island oasis with attractions dating back to its early years, Belle Isle continues to connect the past, present, and future of a vibrant city.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467126519
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	10/30/2017
Series:	Postcard History Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	1,062,004
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Karen MacArthur Grizzard and Ericka L. Grizzard, co-owners of J. Wendell Genealogical Research Company, created this title using their personal collection of postcards and memorabilia. Descendants of Emory and Jeanie Wendell, they share deep Detroit roots. Emory was the president of the First National Bank of Detroit from the late 1800s to early 1900s, and Jeanie was active with the Louisa St. Clair Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a legacy continued by both authors.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 6

Introduction 7

1 The Fun of Getting There 9

2 Island Leisure Activities 29

3 Island Park Gems 63

4 The Park System 119

Bibliography 126

Index 127