Crossing the Lines: Automakers fueled growth in Highland Park then left it running on financial fumes - WDET 101.9 FM

Crossing the Lines: Automakers fueled growth in Highland Park then left it running on financial fumes - WDET 101.9 FM

In the early 20th Century Ford and Chrysler operated extensive facilities in Highland Park, helping its population grow to more than 50,000 people by the 1930s.But both car companies moved away from Highland Park decades ago. Now its population hovers between 8,000 and 9,000.Automotive historian Robert Tate writes for the website MotorCities and worked with the Chrysler museum.Tate says Ford mass-produced its Model T in Highland Park, creating t…