River Rouge/ Ypsilanti - war plant worker housing

[s.e.charles]

years ago i read a book regarding WW II plant transformation and worker housing in Michigan. for the life of me i have not been able to find it in an internet search despite numerous attempts.

any help locating this book title for a re-read will be gratefully appreciated!

thanks

[FortyNiner]

You are close with your rememberer. The noted bomber factory was in Willow Run, not the Rouge. Was this what you are thinking of perhaps?

Not sure about the book question.

[rotorwrench]

I would be curious if you may remember the approximate date it was published or what type, if any, photos or illustrations it may have had. A 1970 book titled "State of War: Michigan in World War II" may have some info.

A recent book titled "Arsenal of Democracy" had mention about how difficult it was to get Willow Run up and running due to the housing shortage in Ypsilanti and what they had to do to get it working in such a short period of time. A look at stuff like this and a person can better understand why Edsel Ford dies so young. That job was beyond monumental. He gave a truly heroic attempt to complete that task and it succeeded but the price was high.

[DavidG]

Actually the Rouge River reference is somewhat relevant as the lower branch of the river does emanate near Willow Run.

[ford38v8]

Of all the hundreds of books written about Henry Ford, the best by far were the three volumes known as the Ford Trilogy by Alan Nevins. These three titles detail every aspect of Ford’s life and everything he touched. They are accurate and entertaining, and should be on every Fordophiles bookshelf.

[flatjack9]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

My dad worked over there as a plumber during the war. There were a number of plumbers form Oshkosh who worked over there.

[petehoovie]

This one? > https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pla...son/1112822564

And > https://www.amazon.com/Planning-Home...ct_top?ie=UTF8

[s.e.charles]

thanks for all the helps. i think this is the book i'm seeking:

The Story of Willow Run - by Marion F. Wilson - 1956

the copy i read must have been a more recent addition maybe from the '80s.

i got trapped by my own thinking and wasn't getting anywhere until you fellows got me off dead center.

thanks again

[petehoovie]

https://www.amazon.com/Story-Willow-.../dp/0472752014

[scicala]

The Yankee Air Museum is also at Willow Run airport.

Sal

https://yankeeairmuseum.org/

[DavidG]

And for those that want to, at the Early Ford V8 Club's Grand National Meet in 2023 they will be able to take a flight in the Yankee Air Museum's restored Ford Tri-motor, which is always a great treat.

[GB SISSON]

I rarely get off this 50 something square mile Island I live on, but the V8 meet coupled with a flight on a Ford Tri-motor would be #1 on my bucket list if I had one. Maybe I'll get a pen and make one. Like I could find a pen that worked.....

[cas3]

I thought carpenters had a pencil behind they're ear at all times?

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by cas3

I thought carpenters had a pencil behind they're ear at all times?

I always did in my younger years... sometimes when I was single I'd get onto the pillow that way. Ouch. But now with the ballcap and reading glasses it's hard to find it's way behind the ear. Now I just set it on the bench and lose it in the rubble.

[cas3]

Good answer GB ! I can relate to the "rubble" on the bench

[rotorwrench]

When I was in the military going through basic training. I was issued an M-16 that was manufactured by GM at the hydromatic plant that took over Willow Run after Kaiser-Frazer used it to build C-119 cargo planes. There was a lot of history made at that location. Most of the plant is gone now but there is enough left to house a fair amount of old birds.

[s.e.charles]

thanks for the suggestions, but the search is still on!

[FordyOne]

The book is on Amazon right now. Only one copy is left. Go to Amazon,then"
search books", then" advanced search" and type in name and author.

[Ol' Ron]

Often wondered how many B24 Ford bombers actually went to war. They were building them a tone every 55 minutes at the end, so theu said????? That's allot of parts!!!!!
Gramps

[34fordy]

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

Often wondered how many B24 Ford bombers actually went to war. They were building them a tone every 55 minutes at the end, so theu said????? That's allot of parts!!!!!
Gramps

I cannot help but wonder how well "quality control" was at that speed. The "incoming" was not the only enemy those brave men endured. I had a friend that told me stories about WW11 flights. He passed in 2021 at 104 years old. I flew in a B-17 in 2007 and that was a memorable experience thinking how those guys must have felt. No protection from the extreme cold or the enemy. My respect for them wells up whenever I think about it.