Uploads from DetroitDerek Photography ( ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ), tagged dearborn

Let There Be Light

I've been having fun lately with pictures such as this ( and 2 by my wife ) that are not black and white images, but at first glance certainly appear to be so.

Off Season

It's actually never off season at this drive-in ( even in the winter they show movies daily ) but I just liked the title with the feel of this image. This is the world's largest drive-in theater. Originally opening on 5/19/1950, it shows movies all night long - convenient for the aiuto workers in the area that work late shifts. For more info go to www.forddrivein.com/showtimes.asp?house=3720

Eastbound And Down

The old Pere Marquette line. I'm a little down today as my grandfather passed away earlier. Trying to show something a little different and I've always loved trains so here ya go.

And Now For Something Completely Different...

I do enjoy shooting flowers as well, I just don't get the chance to do so very often. This one is straight out of the camera and was taken at Henry Ford Dearborn Estate back when it was still warm.

Cha-cha-cha-changes.....

Looks like someone is fixing up the old abandoned Casa de Espana on Michigan Ave , as the doors are now BRIGHT red. Originally built in 1895.

Islamic Center of America Mosque - Dearborn MI

Completed in 2005 and claiming to be the largest mosque in North America. The architectual style is Islamic and the architect was David Donnellon. It cost 14 million dollars to build and is located in Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit. The towers are 150 feet high.

There Is Beauty In Imperfection

Everyone is imperfect. It's those qualities that make us the induviduals that we are.

Casa De Espana - Dearborn ( Update )

My wife and I get questions a lot about updates on buildings, how do they look now, etc. I came across this one again today and, as it's our most popular picture I figured I'd post an update. It appears that there is no longer a realtor listing on the front, and the grass and trees have grown quite a bit. There's a lot of damage to the sides of this building. I prefer to focus on the front and still find this building very compelling.

Located near Dearborn on Michigan Avenue ( Just East of Livernois ) , this was in use by the Detroit Fire Department from 1896-1983. After that it became a fairly popular Flamenco style restaurant until the owner was tragically killed in a car crash.

Abandoned Montgomery Wards - Dearborn ( now demolished )

Located on Michigan Avenue, they tore it down to make condos or something.

This abandoned Montgomery Wards store takes up an entire city block ( this picture is maybe 1/8 of the building ) . I first worked in Dearborn in 1991 and it was closed before then. Located right in the heart of Dearborn, on the main street, Michigan Avenue. This building opened in Dearborn in 1936.

Colors

Taylor the Tailor used to own this store. The lettering has long since faded, with the Carhardt "Fashion" Overalls sign barely readable but I really liked the colors in this one - especially as most Carhardt signs I have seen are black and white script only.

Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village - Dearborn MI

Greenfield Village was the brainchild of Henry Ford, who started collecting items in 1906 specifically for this outdoor exhibit and an additional enclosed museum. He built Greenfield Village, America's first and largest outdoor museum, and it opened in 1929. The Museum encompasses 240 acres. Included here ( besides this replica of the Bell tower in Philadelphia, everything else is the original ) are the Wright Brothers' Bike Shop, Thomas Edison's laboratory, and a ton of others. This Historic Site is located in Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit where Ford Motors World Headquarters is also located.

Home Style

The funny thing is I usually like out of the way, family owned restaurants.

I chose this one as i spoke to a very good friend of mine today, someone I used to be thick as thieves with ( Paul Weller reference ) until life, distance, and the rest got in the way. We grew up together, graduated college together and spoke to each other each week, then once a month, then... every 10 years...

Marc, glad we got back in touch today.

Keep Out

Like you really have a choice with all the crap in the middle of the alley.

Buzzzz off.... I'm trying to work here.

A tribute to my flickr friend and great photographer Brian Callahan ( www.flickr.com/photos/shinsanbc/page2/ ) , I FINALLY got a good shot of a bee without the wind blowing them all over the place. This was taken at the Henry Ford Estate. You can see the bee's tongue in this shot. Yech.

Henry Ford Estate - Rouge River Waterfall ( Dearborn MI )

How would you like to have your own waterfall in your backyard? Henry Ford did. This is located at Henry Ford's "summer house" Fairlane Manor, in Deaborn Mi ( a suburb of Detroit ). This picture shows less than 1/2 of the width of the waterfall.

Nature versus People ( Nature Won )

I don't usually post pictures of myself but there's a story behind this. My wife was SUPPOSED to be in this picture with me at the Henry Ford estate in Dearborn. Just as I was getting ready to take the picture a swarm of huge mosquitoes went after Kerry and she ran off. I followed right after this picture was taken. I swear the moquitoes were as big as quarters...

Ford - Wyoming : The World's Largest Drive In Movie Theater

Originally opening in 1950 in Dearborn ( a suburb of Detroit ), when it opened it could accomodate 750 cars. it was purchased in 1981 and in 1990 was expanded from 1 screen to five. A few years later 4 more screens were added. It can now accomodate over 3,000 cars.

Hungry Boy Bar and Grill

Located on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, I am not sure if they are still open. I thought the sign was amusing.

Casa De Espana - close up

Located near Dearborn on Michigan Avenue ( Just East of Livernois ) , it used to be an old firehouse. The plaque in the middle of the building states it was built in 1895. Thanks to the folks at detroityes.com ( especially Hornwrecker for nailing down the dates ) - This was in use by the Detroit Fire Department from 1896-1983. After that it became a fairly popular Flamenco style restaurant until the owner was tragically killed in a car crash. A close up of my most popular picture here on flickr.

Trail Cocktail Bar sign - Dearborn Heights

Located at 22738 Ford Road, I thought it was a pretty cool sign. Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit, is where Ford Motors' World Headquarters is located.