Chapters 6 and 7 focus on: Detroit’s bid for the Olympics;
Martha Reeves’ rise to fame; and the men behind the city’s advertisement
agencies. Which story held the most intrigue for you? Why?
First, write a response to the question. Then, comment on at least two responses by your colleagues.
I immensely enjoyed reading all of these stories and the characters associated with them. However, I was most interested in Fred Matthei, who so intrigued me that I performed additional research on his life and career (for examples, see https://goo.gl/2xPCBQ) . The son of German immigrants, Fred Matthei was born in Detroit in 1892 and later graduated from Western High School. Three years after graduating from the University of Michigan, he founded American Metal Products in 1917 and soon became known as an ardent supporter of higher education, environmental issues and amateur athletics. U-M’s Matthei Botanical Gardens and WSU’s Physical Education Building are named in his honor. Maraniss’ book focuses on Matthei’s tireless efforts to bring the Olympics in Detroit. Due to his unwavering contributions of time and finances, the Detroit became an Olympic site finalist an unprecedented five times during the 20th century. I was truly astounded to read about the man’s other contributions to Detroit and Ann Arbor. When he died in 1973, the New York Times lauded him as an “industrialist, philanthropist and sportsman” (https://goo.gl/Jt5xQy)
ReplyDeleteI was also surprised to learn his contributions to both Ann Arbor and Detroit and how instrumental he was in getting Detroit as an Olympic site multiple times. He definitely showed how much he wanted the world to see Detroit in the light he always saw it in.
DeleteYes - I definitely think we should consider Fred Matthei for a 2018 Hall of Fame induction.
DeleteDr. Anderson, I think that would be an excellent idea (if we still have HOF in 2018). Matthei's contributions to the city are exemplar to what we deem a UM Hall of Famer.
DeleteIt was nice to learn about Fred Matthei. I have seen his name so many time as a student visiting the Botanical Gardens on campus. To be able to know more about him as a person and what he was about and contributed to the world is pretty cool. He did so much. It is a shame that Detroit did not get the bid.
DeleteI was interested by Detroit's bid for the Olympics, due to the fact that it is something that has circulated in the realm of locations for not only the Olympics but for the World Cup as well. While I understand that Detroit is not the "sexy" choice for a city to be used in United States bid for the Olympics or World Cup, I personally believe that the city has more of an audience than it did before to host a portion of a World Games.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Detroit would be a good choice for the Olympics or World Cup. Within our region are a number of venues which could be used for this event. Our city is such a great sports town. Every major sports event that has been held here has received great reviews. I am hopeful we will get the chance for an even larger event with global interest.
DeleteIn regards to the Olympics, I disagree. Detroit has a lot of land to offer, but majority of the 'Olympic Villages' have been left to ruin. I'd much rather the land remain as is and not build a monstrous structure on it for a short period of time, never be used again. Just thinking about how the RECENT Olympic dorms were built, worse than shelters and poorly constructed! Such waste of skill and resources.
DeleteThere was an article in either the Free Press or News about the possibility of Detroit and Windsor submitting a joint bid to host the Olympics. It would be the first International bid and would take advantage of many of the assets currently in place between the two cities. I was excited, but apparently it was just speculation. I think hosting an Olympics would be so very great for the city.
DeleteI enjoyed the story of the city leaders' trip to Baden Baden. I had heard and read stories about Detroit putting in a bid for the 1968 Olympics, but never in such detail. The back and forth with Los Angeles was very surprising to learn about. The fact that they voted against us in the end made me pretty angry when I read it. I did appreciate some of the citizenry protesting the Olympics based on the races issues in the city.
ReplyDelete