J.L. Hudson Department Store

Last night [Tuesday, Nov. 29] the Detroit PBS station aired Detroit Remember When: Holidays at Hudson's.   The televised tribute focused on Hudson's holiday legacy and was very nostalgic. During the filmed program, several people were interviewed including Carmen Harlan, Mike Hauser, Bruce Kopytek, former Mayor Dennis Archer, Debbie Stabenow and several others.  The program was made into a DVD by Eric Longs and obtainable through the PBS station.

Bruce Kopytek's book was also featured.  I'm still waiting for my pre-ordered book to arrive due to shipping delays.  I know it will be worth the wait.   

Last night's PBS program set the stage for today's Dine and Discover program at Farmington Hills Costick Center.  My ticket was secured a few months ago, but I forgot about it until I received a text from my friend, Linda, reminding me.  It was a cold, windy morning, but that didn't prevent a sell-out crowd from coming to honor the legacy of Hudson's Department Store.

~ Linda and son, Jerry ~

 

  ~ Vickie, Tracey, and Barb ~

Lunch was served at 11:30 a.m.  The two most popular items on Hudson's restaurant menus was the Maurice Salad and Chicken Pot Pie, so today's lunch menu was a Chicken Pot Pie served with a tossed salad and roll, and my beverage of choice was hot tea.

The program was The Hudson's Building, a documentary by award winning Detroit film maker, Gary Glaser.  Afterwards Mr. Glaser answered questions and gave comments.  He reminded us that Hudson's was Amazon before Amazon!  You could purchase anything and everything there.

~ J.L. Hudson's Building~

~ Gary Glaser ~

 

While last night's PBS program brought back fond memories of the beloved department store, today's program offered no 'warm fuzzies'. It was the debate about preservation and redevelopment vs demolition. There were interviews with developers, city planners, preserationists and city council members.  In the end, the city council voted for demolition, and we watched the implosion on film as the department store toppled in a huge cloud of billowing dust.  It was a very sad event that can never be rectified, but I have happy memories.

On the brighter side, the Detroit Historical Museum is bringing back their Hudson's Holidays exhibit by popular demand.  It was launched last year and was an awesome exhibit.  It's open now thru December 30th.  Check the Detroit Histocial Museum website for times.

With that, I'll close my last post of November 2022.