The Whitney Restaurant to Host 'Chrysler Classics and Cruisers' Garden Party and Classic Car Show

In the latter part of the 19th century, it was Detroit's access to inexpensive raw materials that gave rise to a thriving carriage industry. It was that carriage industry that would later provide the infrastructure to the fledgling auto industry. The wealth generated by these industries made Detroit a hub of activity in the American period known as "The Gilded Age" where opulence and lavish lifestyles of the rich became a center of social news. In fact, during this period, Detroit was renowned for its architecture, earning the nickname, "The Paris of the West."

Now, Detroit's role as a lumber, carriage, automotive and architectural center come together once more at "Chrysler Classics and Cruiser" on Monday, August 11th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The event takes place in the gardens of the spectacular 52 room residence of lumber baron David Whitney, now home to the venerable Whitney Restaurant, on Woodward Avenue and promises great food and drink, live music and a stunning collection of Chrysler vehicles. Proceeds will benefit The Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills.

"In 2008 Year of the Car, MotorCities National Heritage Area and all of Detroit celebrate the centennials of General Motors Corporation and the Ford Model T," said Bud Liebler, Owner of The Whitney Restaurant. "In addition to those monumental celebrations, and in conjunction with Cruisin' MotorCities and the Woodward Dream Cruise, we also wanted to pay homage to Chrysler's contributions to the auto industry."

Registration for the event is available at http://www.MotorCities.org for $100, which includes strolling appetizers, drinks and entertainment. Those who register for the event and have cruisers of their own are welcome to meet at The Walter P. Chrysler Museum at 3:00 PM and join a cruise to The Whitney. The registration also encourages guests to submit information on their Chrysler Classic if they are interested in displaying it at the event.

One of Detroit's most iconic residences, The Whitney home on Woodward, was constructed by lumber baron David Whitney, who in 1890 was considered Detroit's wealthiest citizen. Whitney made good use of his lumber connection in the building of the home which is adorned with mahogany, teak, maple, oak, silver birchwood, and sycamore to name a few. The exterior of the Romanesque Revival home is Pink Jasper, a semi-precious stone from South Dakota. The stone, all hand cut, was so hard that a small blacksmith shop was maintained for continuous sharpening of tools.

For more information on "Chrysler Classics and Cruisers," please visit http://www.motorcities.org . For more information on this event and other happenings at The Whitney, visit http://www.thewhitney.com

Cruisin' MotorCities is a collaboration between MotorCities National Heritage Area, Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit News and is supported by a coalition of business and community organizations, including: AFL-CIO; Alfred P. Sloan Museum; Big Boy Restaurants; Campus Martius Park; Detroit Athletic Club; Detroit Renaissance; Detroit Festival of Speed and Style; Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau; Detroit Opera House; Detroit Riverfront Conservancy; Detroit Tigers; Motorcities Dreammakers; Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau; General Motors Corporation; The Henry Ford; Michigan Firehouse Museum; Michigan State Fairgrounds; Motor City Casino and Hotel; Olympia Entertainment; UAW; Woodward Avenue Action Association; Walter P. Chrysler Museum; The Whitney; and Woodward Dream Cruise.

About MotorCities National Heritage Area

The programs and activities of the MotorCities National Heritage Area are designed to increase tourism throughout the State of Michigan; develop and deploy educational and informational programs that tell the story of the automobile industry and labor in our region; and encourage revitalization through conservation. MotorCities was designated by Congress in 1998 and is currently one of 37 National Heritage Areas in the United States. For more information, please visit http://www.motorcities.org .