Hamtramck: the Driven City

Publisher Marketing: Surrounded completely by the city of Detroit, Hamtramck is today home to 24,000 residents, but its small size-just 2.1 square miles-belies its expansive history and the influence this remarkable community has had far beyond its borders. Founded as a township in 1798, Hamtramck remained primarily a rural area until the early twentieth century, when auto pioneers John and Horace Dodge opened a factory on the south end of town. In just 20 years, the city's population increased by a staggering 1,600 percent. The majority of these newest residents were Polish immigrants, who brought with them a strong work ethic, a rich culture, a genuine joy for living, and an intense appreciation for democracy. Legendary to this day for its fiery politics, the solidly Democratic Hamtramck openly flaunted Prohibition, received a visit from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, strongly supported the early labor unions, and even served as a key headquarters for the Communist Party in North America. In Hamtramck: The Driven City, an engaging narrative combined with more than 100 black-and-white images will take readers on a fascinating journey into the past and breathe new life into the memorable characters and events, the conflicts and scandals that formed the city's distinctive identity. Contributor Bio:  Kowalski, Greg Greg Kowalski was born in Hamtramck in St. Francis Hospital and has lived in the city all his life. He has worked in communications for over forty years. Greg served as editor of the Hamtramck Citizen newspaper and Birmingham Eccentric newspaper, among others, and has written several books on Hamtramck. Greg has served as chairman of the Hamtramck Historical Commission since 1998 and helped found the Hamtramck Historical Museum. He has also published Wicked Hamtramck with The History Press.