Detroit in WWII - Author Gregory Sumner

A look inside the "Arsenal of Democracy" as Professor Gregory Sumner of University of Detroit Mercy joins Digging Detroit's Thomas J. Reed Jr. and Detroit History Tours' Bailey Sisoy Isgro at Detroit's historic Abick's Bar.   Sumner previews his upcoming book-signing, Detroit in WWII, at Abick's on November 10, 2015.

Thanks to our Abick's host, Eric and Kit, we visit with Prof. Sumner in the cigar room--formerly a barber shop.  Amazing eats was provided once again by Andy Surowiec of Smokin' Pole BBQ!

Topics include:

• Advantages of being an Hoosier looking in at Detroit
• Coming out of isolationism with the $1 men and patriotism of Joe Louis and  Edsel Ford
• Warren Tanks and Willow Run--designed by the son of a German rabbi
• Soldier Hank Greenberg's home run--"hitting one against Hitler"
• The third shift--and loosening of conventions for women and children
• Female pay disparity greater now than in WWII
• Racial tensions and the Detroit wartime riot
• Detroit expressways created for WWII but ironically accelerating white flight--and who stayed.

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