The word "Ypsitucky," derived from the 1940s influx of Appalachian war workers at Ford's Bomber Plant, is pejorative or proud--depending on whom you ask. But where is Ypsitucky?This map taken from Carr & Stermer's book Willow Run (available for your perusal at the Archives) shows the two main settlement areas for war workers: the large Willow Village and the smaller Willow Lodge. The area is northeast of Ypsilanti, within Ypsilanti Township.
Today's maps show that except for the road patterns in Willow Village, the entire gigantic settlement area of Willow Lodge and Willow Village (at left) has been erased.
The present-day area of Willow Village is now residential. Green Oaks Golf Course is prominent.
Here's a look at the onetime dormitory style buildings in Willow Lodge.
Today the area is dominated by Willow Run High School and the Michigan Ave. Kroger's.
There are no historic plaques or preserved structures anywhere in Willow Village or Willow Lodge--despite the major role the workers (42,000 of them at the plant at its employment peak in 1943) played in the war effort and in forever shaping the culture of the town.
Perhaps the citizens of Ypsilanti, by now reclaiming the term, are creating their own memorial.
Actually, the Willow Run Village area extended well into Superior Township as well. The population of Superior Township was higher in the 1950 census (7,181 persons - a time when the Village was already disappearing) then it would be again for 30 years.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good detail Building Place; thank you for that. There were lots of other areas of worker settlement as well as you know--lots of makeshift off-the-grid trailer camps and the like. The book mentioned is a superb analysis of the range of housing conditions, with photos--highly recommended.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thank you!
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