Crossing the Street: Detroit, MI ca.1951

This 29"x41" watercolor shows the corner of Michigan and Griswold Aves. on a cold and stormy night in 1951 during the evening commute home. It is a tribute to our Friday nights in downtown Detroit when my sister, Mother and I went to meet my Father after work at the National Bank Building, then head up Woodward Avenue to J.L. Hudson's to shop. On the way down my sister and I would start teasing eachother and by the time we got downtown we would sometimes be in full combat mode. My mother is seen trying to get us across the street before the light changes while we are carrying on shamelessly under the watchful eye of a traffic cop. The officer is doubtless thinking how glad he is to be a bachelor. After we finished our shopping we would head up to my Uncle Mike's place, The Neon Coney Island Restaurant. at the corner of Woodward Ave and Massecheussetts St. This place was heaven on Earth during my childhood. It was a place where I could dine to my hearts content on hambugers and French fries smothered in mustard and ketchup, and wash it all down with cold chocolate milk. Those Friday nights were among the happiest times of my life. My only regret is that I can only return to that happy time in my dreams.

15 Comments

Anonymous Guest

Elton Houck 26 Dec 2005

Its buzzes with activity. A flow of motion and color.Nice job!!!

John Enright 13 Dec 2005

this is my favorite so far... i am astonished at your detail... wonderful stuff.

marie kasetta 12 Dec 2005

You're the best, you're simply the best.....

Anthony Billings 02 Dec 2005

That's fantastic!

Reba McDonald 02 Dec 2005

Excellent work.

jO ANNA jARVIS 02 Dec 2005

Outstanding scene...The detail is just amazing!

Angela Francis 02 Dec 2005

Beautiful scene. Love the attention to detail, the reflections on the pavement are wonderfully done!

Jean M. Laffitau 02 Dec 2005

Like always...gorgeous, awesome, excellent work Stanton!!

danielle bouchard 02 Dec 2005

excellent work, everything about it is wonderful! the cars and buildings are my favorite part

Emily Reed 02 Dec 2005

Delightful! I luv your street scenes.

Analua 02 Dec 2005

Enchanting and great paint Stanton!!!! Always a magnific work!!!!

corry stuart 02 Dec 2005

what can I say? once more you surprise me

thea walstra 02 Dec 2005

A master piece!!!

Anne Vis 02 Dec 2005

Outstanding job again, Stanton! And I agree with everything Amanda already said!

Amanda Hone 02 Dec 2005

This is extraordinarily good. Such incredible detail. Very skillful work.