Detroit was the nation's leading manufacturer of coal and
woodburning stoves. The Garland Stove Company celebrated this status with
a giant stove replica in front of its headquarters on E. Jefferson Avenue.
Unchecked by government regulation, factories discharged all manner of toxins to the water and air. But perhaps the most noticeable source of air pollution was particulate matter from the ubiquitous coal stove. While gas and electricity were used for l ighting, coal burned in nearly every home during the heating seasons. So thick was the soot produced on cold, wintry days that pure, new-fallen snow was quickly covered with a gray skim coat from the soft, bituminous coal.
Detroit was the nation's leading manufacturer of coal and
woodburning stoves. The Garland Stove Company celebrated this status with
a giant stove replica in front of its headquarters on E. Jefferson Avenue.