What Really Killed
America’s Streetcars?

The tracks disappeared.
The questions never should have.

Hey everyone,

This week, I stepped aboard a Boblo boat, went inside Ford’s historic Highland Park plant, and took you through Arden Park. Now we’re asking another question about the America we inherited:

Why did we lose the streetcars?

Last week, we opened They Lied to Us by questioning the familiar explanation for Detroit’s decline. This week, we turn to the transportation systems that once connected our neighborhoods—and the story behind their disappearance.

If you’ve ever looked at an old photograph and wondered why getting around looked so different, this episode is for you.

Missed the beginning? Catch up on Episode 1 here.

Three places. So many stories.

I finally stepped aboard the Ste. Claire.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO →

I never got to ride the Boblo boats as a kid. But through your comments on our Boblo Island videos, I’ve experienced a little of what those trips meant.

This week, I boarded the SS Ste. Claire on its first day open to the public as a floating museum. I met Ron and Steve, heard about the restoration, and filmed a walkthrough of the first floor.

For those of you who remember the boat, I hope this brings something back. For those who don’t, come see why it matters.

Inside Ford’s Highland Park plant

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO →

Another surprise this week: a look inside the historic Highland Park Ford plant. There’s something about standing inside a place you’ve seen in old photographs that makes its story feel completely different.

Come explore the building with me—and if someone in your family worked here, I’d love to hear their story.

Arden Park deserves a closer look.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO →

Arden Park and Boston-Edison sit beside each other, but each deserves its own chapter. This week’s Streets of History takes you through Arden Park’s extraordinary homes and the neighborhood around them. If you loved our Boston-Edison episode, make this your next watch.

They Lied to Us
About Detroit

The companion book to our documentary series is available for preorder. Thank you to everyone who has already ordered a copy. Seeing you believe in this project means more than I can explain.

Choose from the signed and unsigned options on the preorder page.

Help me choose the cover.

Which Detroit building should grace our first book? I’ll be taking the cover photographs myself, using your recommendations as inspiration. Leave your pick on the cover post, or hit reply and tell me which building—and why.

This thing is growing.

This week, we welcomed Amanda to the team. She also shared footage of herself kayaking near the SS Ste. Claire immediately after the fire. Pretty cool connection for someone joining History Loves Company.

We also introduced our Detroit Built shirts. You can order online for delivery while we get ready to bring them into the store.

If you’re nearby, come explore The Foundry: local makers, vintage finds, and small businesses inside downtown Pontiac’s historic Riker Building.

35 W Huron Street, Suite 101
Pontiac, Michigan

Wednesday, September 9 · 6 PM Eastern
Streets of History heads to Indian Village.

Sunday, September 13 · 10 AM Eastern
They Lied to Us, Episode 3: “Why America Really Built the Suburbs.”

Looking for a home with a story?

Historic real estate is a big part of why I do this. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home with character, let’s talk about the details that make it special—and what comes next.

14,000. Thank you.

This week, we celebrated reaching 14,000 YouTube subscribers. I’ve spent the better part of five years building History Loves Company, and watching these stories find their people has given me a lot to smile about.

Every comment with a family memory, every shared video, every preorder—it all helps keep this moving.

Let’s get to 20,000. If a story made you think of someone this week, send it to them. That’s how this grows.

— Chris
History Loves Company
Every home has a story. Let’s discover yours.