West Bloomfield in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Westacres Community
New Life for Auto Workers
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 22, 2021
1. Westacres Community: New Life for Auto Workers Marker
Born with great purpose in the Great Depression
Westacres endures as a strong West Bloomfield Community. In 1936, U.S. Senator from Michigan, James Couzens pooled $550,000 of his own money with $300,000 of federal funds to establish this neighborhood of 150 homes for low-income automotive factory workers. Home ownership included an acre of land and encouraged farming for food and self-sufficiency. Oakland Housing Inc. also assisted residents to develop a satisfactory communal life and financed supplemental enterprises.
Westacres was James Couzens' last gift
before his death on October 22, 1936, after a life of leadership and giving. His business skills were vital to the early success of Ford Motor Company, and he went on to be Mayor of Detroit and Michigan's U. S. Senator. His gifts and ideas supported Detroit hospitals, schools and programs for the poor.
You Auto Know
Non-profit Oakland Housing Inc. began in 1935 as custodian of Couzens' vision.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 22, 1936.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sharing the Ride (here, next to this marker); Westacres (within shouting distance of this marker); Walter Flanders / Flanders Garage (approx. 0.9 miles away); Four Towns Methodist Church (approx. 2 miles away); Orchard Lake Chapel (approx. 2.1 miles away); An Advocate for Parks (approx. 2.4 miles away); Settling the Dust (approx. 2.4 miles away); WB Parks Kiosk (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Bloomfield.
Also see . . . James J. Couzens. Wikipedia article. (Submitted on June 22, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photo courtesy of the Westacres Historical Society.
2. Westacres Community: New Life for Auto Workers Marker top left image
Aerial view of land under development, about 1936 with Middle Straits Lake in the background. At lower left is a clubhouse that was built for an earlier plan for a golf course and became home of Oakland Housing Inc.
Photo courtesy of the Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library.
3. Westacres Community: New Life for Auto Workers Marker bottom left image
James Couzens
Photo courtesy of the Westacres Historical Society.
4. Westacres Community: New Life for Auto Workers Marker center images
Aquacade, about 1940. In this annual event on Middle Straits Lake, the community enjoys a weekend of comradery and competition.
Photos courtesy of the Westacres Historical Society.
5. Westacres Community: New Life for Auto Workers Marker top right images
Top: Jo Aughenbaugh and her dad enjoying the garden on their Westacres property, about 1940. Bottom: In the historic community are a few of the original homes and many second and third-generation residents.
Photo courtesy of the Westacres Historical Society.
6. Westacres Community: New Life for Auto Workers Marker bottom right image
Westacres volunteer fire department, 1941. Community spirit grew quickly, expressed in the new fire department, commuter bus, a weekly newspaper, credit union and many clubs.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 22, 2021
7. Westacres Community: New Life for Auto Workers Marker
Marker at the back of the library parking lot as seen from Commerce Road.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 516 times since then and 124 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 22, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
