Hudson strike

[Dave Mellor NJ]

I found this on HAMB's "Vintage shots of days gone by". It looks like a strike but there aren't any picket signs. Maybe just a day in front of the factory. By Raceron1120.

[Hudsy Wudsy]

I recall this or another similar picture from a while ago. The reason the workers were gathered together was because of a strike, but not an auto workers strike. There was a transit strike going on and Hudson couldn't be without it's work force, so they acquired buses to get the guys to and from work. If I'm right, these guys are waiting for a pending bus.

[Dave Mellor NJ]

Thanks for the info, Hudsy. I wondered why you picked that handle, now I know.

[Rusty_OToole]

Looks like clocking out time at the old auto plant. Everybody waiting for the bus.

[Jon37]

However, I believe there was a strike in 1941, and the displayed Hudsons are (I think) 1941 models. I'm not sure why the guys would be carrying a large American flag at clock-out time, so maybe "something's up".

[Hudsy Wudsy]

Yeah, on second thought, I may be entirely wrong in my assessment. Besides the flag, there appears to be a number of guys wearing ties, so maybe these aren't necessarily the rank and file assemblers waiting for a bus.

[Rusty_OToole]

I don't see anyone carrying the flag. It appears to be on a flag pole stuck in the flower bed. No picket signs. It looks more like they are walking to the parking lot to get their cars, or waiting for the bus.

Is that a Model A roaster speeding by in the curb lane?

[Dave Mellor NJ]

For that many fares they should have a bus ready when the shift changes. Maybe the bus is unexpectedly late but why are some walking in the other direction? They do have a cab waiting, like the driver knew the bus isn't coming. It does look like a transit strike.

[Dandy Dave]

Is that a Model A roaster speeding by in the curb lane?

I do not think so. It looks like two distinct separations between the hood louvers. Model A's did not have that feature. Dandy Dave!

[DAVE A]

Doesn't seem to be an antagonistic situation. The majority seem to know the picture is being taken and more than a few smiles and a wave or 2.

[Hudsy Wudsy]

Doesn't seem to be an antagonistic situation. The majority seem to know the picture is being taken and more than a few smiles and a wave or 2.

In general, Hudson guys do tend to be a happy lot.

[R W Burgess]

Is that factory building still standing? Which city?

[richasco]

The speeding roadster looks like a 1930 DeSoto K.

[rons49]

Wayne, answer is no. it is a huge empty semi paved lot( parking lot) at the corner of Jefferson And Conner in Detroit. Three years ago the only thing still there was a towering smoke stack with Continental on it,( Engine plant).

[R W Burgess]

Thanks Ron. Different AACA regions/chapters have tours of empty factory buildings every year or so, buildings with famous names from the past still visible on their walls.

Wayne