Lansing’s Top Avenues: Michigan & Washington, 1906-1950s

First of all, this is NOT a history of Michigan and Washington Avenues...it's simply a peek at how they appeared in the early 1900s.

Michigan Avenue in downtown Lansing reaches between 3.5 and 4 miles, from the Capitol building to East Lansing. On this strip, just about anything could be found, any type of pleasure, entertainment, or shop. You name it, it was probably here (or still is). The legal, illegal, teen, child, adult, very adult, food, hardware…..just name it, it was here. Oh yeah, you better believe it. Bourbon Street, look out.

Clubs, cafés, event centers, book stores, medical centers, baseball stadium, apartments…it’s been that way for over one hundred years….actually, pretty close to two hundred.

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As for Washington Avenue, it, too, had it all: Bakeries, Bars, Boarding Houses, Clothing stores, Department Stores, Drug stores, Five and Dime stores, Fur shop, Gift shops, Hotels, Jewelers, Movie Theaters, Restaurants.....literally something for everyone.

Driving up and down Washington Avenue in the 2020s there are still many things and places to see and do, but ya know what? It doesn't compare to the buzz and bustle that took place well over 100+ years ago. In the late 1800s / early 1900s, the many colorful signs that decorated the streets during the day, brightly shined during the dark of night, turning a walk down Washington Avenue into a romantic nighttime stroll.

'Cruisin' the Ave' was the popular sport during the 50s and 60s.....but when the malls opened in 1969, that was it. Washington Avenue became a thing of the past in the minds of many as they all flocked to the new shopping centers to see the "wonders" of these new malls.

Now known as "Washington Square". the area of Washington Avenue has events, many more apartments and eateries for the public and more action for everyone.

Now scroll down and take a look at some old images of Michigan Avenue and Washington Avenue in downtown Lansing from 1900 to the 1950s; see the differences, crowds, fun, shops, and how these two major Lansing roadways complimented each other.