Comments for Feral Houses

Feral Houses

2009-09-09T16:58:53Z

There are over 10,000 abandoned houses in Detroit, and some have been abandoned for so long that they are being reclaimed by nature.

I have heard people here use the word "feral" because so many of Detroit's strays learn to survive long-term on their own. Feral, used in this sense, means they have reverted to a wild state, as from domestication. Our world feral comes from the Latin root fera, or "wild beast," but it also has a connection to another Latin word, feralis, literally: belonging to the dead.

A fascinating photo essay of some of these "feral homes" in Detroit. Haunting.

An abandoned house in Detroit overcome by vines.

via Slate Political Gabfest.

Comment from Danny L. McDaniel on 2009-12-08

2009-12-08T17:40:23Z

Detroit lives on the reputation it built from the start of the 20th century until the riots in 1967. Not much has happened to the city since then, except a fast moving downward spiral. The "Arnesal of Democracy" doesn't look that strong. But if recovery money was put back into some of those long ago abandoned factories to be renovated and manufacuring brought back to Detroit once again it could be the hup of the world. Green jobs, for the all hype, are simply fantasy. They will never take the place that the golden-era of manufacturing had in American economic history.

Danny L. McDaniel Lafayette, Indiana

Comment from John Hearst on 2009-12-16

2009-12-17T05:53:40Z

If anyone knows about the history of Detroit and the development automobile industry it is Danny L. McDaniel. He is a native Detroiter that now leaves in Lafayette, Indiana and writes extensively about the "Motor City." I have heard him speak several time the past couple of years and if anyone can figure out a way to bring Detroit back it is McDaniel.

Comment from Mark Newberry on 2009-12-16

2009-12-17T06:19:37Z

McDaniel should have won a Pulitzer along time ago. It doesn't matter if he writes or speak about Detroit, he will make you feel you are their back its golden-era. I never met anyone with the enthusiamism of bring the Industrial Midwest and Detroit back to its grandeur. Danny McDaniel, I am told is some kind of economic guru, if up to him, he would restore Detroit like most people would restore a 1950's car. I would volunteer to help!