Why America Really
Built the Suburbs

A house. A yard. A promise.
How did that become the American Dream?

Hey everyone,

This week, we explored Indian Village, took a closer look at Zug Island, and went for a ride along 8 Mile. Today’s episode brings us to a question that connects so many of the places we’ve been visiting:

How did we end up living the way we do?

In Why America Really Built the Suburbs, we look at the forces behind that familiar dream of a home outside the city: mortgages, highways, zoning, and who had access to the opportunities being created.

As someone who grew up in metro Detroit and now helps people buy and sell homes here, this story feels close to home. The neighborhoods we choose have histories that began long before the “For Sale” sign went up.

Join me at 10 AM Eastern. And if you’re catching up, start with Episode 1 and last week’s streetcars episode.

Keep exploring with me.

Ride with me along 8 Mile.

You know the name. You may have driven it thousands of times. Come along as we look at 8 Mile through the lens of Detroit’s history—and the questions that follow us across a city’s boundaries.

Make this your companion watch for today’s suburbs episode. Then tell me: what did 8 Mile mean to you growing up?

Let’s talk about Zug Island.

Zug Island is one of those places people have questions about. This week’s video takes a closer look at its story, including the history that came before the industrial landscape we associate with it today.

Did you or someone in your family work there? I’d love to hear what you remember. Those personal connections add something no photograph can.

Indian Village: behind the front doors.

This week, Streets of History heads to Indian Village, where extraordinary homes introduce us to the people and ambitions of Detroit’s Gilded Age.

If historic architecture is what first brought you to History Loves Company, this one belongs on your watchlist.

You can start reading now.

The Preview Edition of They Lied to Us About Detroit is available now—a digital taste of the full book for everyone who’s been eager to get started.

And you’re helping shape the full book.

We’ve finalized the text and are working on the photographs. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing polls so you can help choose the images that become part of it.

The first signed release is limited to 100 copies: 50 paperbacks and 50 hardcovers. Thank you to everyone who has already ordered. I can’t wait to put this in your hands.

We’re aiming for a book signing at our October 17 event. I’ll keep you posted as that comes together.

A little history before football.

Before you settle in for the Lions game, come see the Hazel Park Bottle House in person. I’ll be there for a Sunday morning open house, and I’d love to show you around.

Today, Sunday, September 13
10 AM–noon
39 W Elza Avenue · Hazel Park

Watch the new episode over coffee, stop by the house, or save the video for later. There’s plenty of history to fit into your Sunday.

Bring your Boblo memories to The Foundry.

We’re planning Boblo Day at The Foundry: a chance to share memories, enjoy a small Boblo display, and watch our Boblo documentary together.

Have photographs, tickets, souvenirs, or a story you’d like to share? Want to help with the event? Hit reply and tell me. I’d love for the people who remember Boblo to help make this day special.

The Foundry by HLC
35 W Huron Street, Suite 101 · Pontiac

Wednesday, September 16 · 6 PM Eastern
Streets of History heads to Brush Park.

Sunday, September 20 · 10 AM Eastern
They Lied to Us: “Why Detroit Destroyed Black Bottom.”

Tell me where your story starts.

A lot of this week’s stories come back to home. Where we grew up. Where our families worked. The streets we knew before we knew their history.

What neighborhood did you grow up in—and what’s one thing about it you wish more people remembered?

Reply and tell me. And if one of this week’s videos makes you think of someone, send it their way. Thank you for helping these stories reach the people who carry them.

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