Community Events Headlines2023 Back to Bricks photos by L.M. Land by TanyaAugust 23, 20230343 Share0 Featured photo: This is the 50th anniversary year of the Corvette, which was made in Flint, Michigan. Here, the Corvettes are lined up on MLK Blvd under an old mural honoring the factory workers in Flint’s Auto Industry Downtown Flint was packed with people for Back to the Bricks 2023. Back to the Bricks was an event for the wholefamily. Car owner Michael Stormer (with beard) shares the history of his car with Bryron Latter. This is a 1949 Cadillac Fleetwood, series 62. All parts are original except the stereo, which is a modern reproduction of the original, and the engine transmission. The paint was originally two-toned. This is also the first model of car to be a ‘rat rod’, the precursor to ‘hot rods’. Before official sports cars like the Corvette were created, cars were souped-up with parts scrounged around by young men and were the ‘cool cars’ of the day. The Genesee Historical Society had a booth on SaginawStreet where President Gary L. Fisher and Board DirectorDaryl Gillian were in attendence.Gillian was born and raised in Flint, but had to leave Flintin the ’80s to find work as so many families did. Nowa Farmington resident, he explained why he was on theboard, “My heart is still here. Flint was a great place togrow up, we had an awesome experience”. A cord runs along the back of the front seat to heat blankets for the women sitting in the back seat. Women rode in the back at the time as they were not allowed to drive.Heat was sent up to where the blankets hung. When a blanket got cold, the ladies would switch it out with a warm one. This is the first model of car with the speedometer in thecenter of the steering wheel. Three above photos: Some cars on display were traditional and faithfullyrestored to their original construction. Others werecreatively embellished, such as two vehicles with oldsaw blades for fenders, spalted maple sides on arestored old pickup truck, and a white 2005 Chrysler300 modified and fancier than a DeLorean. After a full day at Back to the Bricks, T. McCullough stopped at LaFamilia Morales on MLK and 5th streets for a good quick dinner. McCullough owns XYZ’s Ice Cream and Things mobile ice cream.