DETROIT, Aug. 5 /EMWNews/ -- 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 .