Pontiac in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Great Migrations
Opportunities in Boomtown Pontiac
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 13, 2021
1. Great Migrations: Opportunities in Boomtown Pontiac Marker
They built this city.
An exodus of people left southern America for the north in the early 20th Century, attracted by the explosive growth in the automobile industry. Many cam to Pontiac for jobs in the auto plants, and many others brought their hands and skills to help the city grow. With vehicle production as its beating heart, Pontiac offered opportunities that improved people's lives and, in turn, they gave back to their community. Union members, tradespeople and others from all backgrounds grew into positions of leadership. Pontiac's generations nurtured gifts that were shared with the world.
You Auto Know
From 1910 to 1930, the auto industry spurred a 500 percent increase in Pontiac's population.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location.
Images courtesy of Ron Gay.
2. Great Migrations: Opportunities in Boomtown Pontiac Marker far left images
In the 1940s, Walter Gay left Alabama to work in concrete infrastructure in the Midwest. He moved his family to Pontiac in 1954, attracted by the growth of the city and its auto industry, and became a general contractor for water and sewer systems. He maintained union membership even through his years as a general contractor.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wessen & Bagley (a few steps from this marker); Versatile Vehicles (approx. 0.2 miles away); Automobile Financing (approx. Ό mile away); First Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Rapid Transformation (approx. 0.3 miles away); Notable Neighbors (approx. 0.3 miles away); Pontiac's Coach Builders (approx. 0.4 miles away); Building Trucks In Pontiac (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pontiac.
Photo courtesy of Pontiac Public Library.
3. Great Migrations: Opportunities in Boomtown Pontiac Marker top near left image
Downtown Pontiac in 1928, looking south along Saginaw Street. One year later, the Great Depression brought much downtown construction to a halt.
Photo courtesy of Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society.
4. Great Migrations: Opportunities in Boomtown Pontiac Marker bottom near left image
Workers enclose the Pontiac Creek in Pontiac, 1960s. The expansion of Pontiac's auto industry demanded improvement of the city's infrastructure.
Photo courtesy of Ron Gay.
5. Great Migrations: Opportunities in Boomtown Pontiac Marker top center image
Cast iron skillet and cornbread, symbols of cultural endurance. Black and white workers from the south relied on this cookware and food staple as they settled in the north.
Photo courtesy of Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc.
6. Great Migrations: Opportunities in Boomtown Pontiac Marker bottom center image
An African American worker helps build Pontiac's Water Works in 1920. This worker likely was a southern transplant needed fro projects in the city's growing public works.
Photo courtesy of John Cohassey.
7. Great Migrations: Opportunities in Boomtown Pontiac Marker near right image
Jazz drummer Elvin Jones. Jones grew up in Pontiac after his father moved from Mississippi in 1919 for work in the auto industry. Elvin and his brothers Hank and Thad developed gifts in music. Called "the world's greatest rhythmic drummer" by Life Magazine, Elvin gained fame in the 1960s playing with jazz legend John Coltrane and other notable musicians.
Photo courtesy of Pontiac Public Library.
8. Great Migrations Marker
Allen Noble was Pontiac's first black police officer, pictured here in the 1930s, and a graduate of the University of Michigan. His brother Oscar, while in his early twenties, was a key organizer for the United Automobile Workers union in Pontiac.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 13, 2021
9. Great Migrations: Opportunities in Boomtown Pontiac Marker
This marker is the one on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on June 21, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
