The first Belle Isle Bridge under construction

Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

The first bridge to Belle Isle

Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

The first bridge to Belle Isle wasn't built with automobiles in mind.

Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

The first bridge to Belle Isle

Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

The first bridge to Belle Isle

Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

The first Belle Isle Bridge had a much different look than its successor.

Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

The first bridge to Belle Isle

Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers

The old Belle Isle Bridge, showing a ferry at the Belle Isle ferry dock

Photo from the Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University; Retouching by Helmut Ziewers