Since the time of the horse and buggy, Vehicle City has shined brightly during the holidays. When the first snow blankets the ground and thoughts of merriment and gift-giving fill the air, Genesee County downtowns come alive. Trees are adorned, buildings gleam and shop windows hold holiday wonders to delight all ages. Take a trip down Memory Lane with some nostalgic holiday scenes courtesy of the Sloan Museum Archives, Factory One, Genesee County Historical Society and area historical associations.
A Grand Blanc resident decorates the family Christmas tree in the early 1900s. The photograph is from the Evatt Family Collection as provided by the Grand Blanc Heritage Association.
Photo courtesy of Sloan Longway Collection
Saginaw St. in 1907 featuring Foot & Church (hardware), Economy Shoe Store, Crawford & Wright (clothiers) and Flint Furniture Store. The crowd is gathered for the Christmas Slipper Sale at Economy Shoe.
Photo courtesy of GCHS
The view on Harrison St. on Christmas Day, 1948 includes the Rettkes Garden Center and Beecher, Peck & Lewis Paper Company.
Photo courtesy of GCHS
600 block S. Saginaw St. on Christmas Day in 1955 highlights Flint Glass & Paint, Hamady Bros., Grinnells, Ferris Bros. Furs, and Vogue clothing store.
Photo courtesy of GCHS
At Smith-Bridgman’s Department Store, Christmastime decorations in 1955 featured lighted garland and snowmen galore.
Photo courtesy of GCHS
Smith-Bridgman’s Department Store at Christmastime in 1955 featuring lighted wreaths and flying reindeer.
Photo courtesy of GCHS
Dec. 26, 1957 view of the 700 block of Harrison St. featured Hamady Bros., Colonialage Furniture, Brownson Fisher Wallpaper, and Taystee.
Photo courtesy of Factory One
Present day Downtown Flint featuring the Mott Foundation Building lit up for the holidays in 2022.
Photo courtesy of Factory One
The Flint Christmas Tree framed for the 2022 holiday season. Here’s to another great year!
