When Oak Park became a city in 1945, the community was not much different from the village that was carved out of Royal Oak Township 18 years earlier. Its population had barely increased, and there was just one paved road connecting Oak Park to Detroit; however, big changes were coming. Thousands of veterans returned home after World War II, started families, and bought homes with the assistance of the GI Bill. By 1950, Oak Park was recognized as Detroits first northwest suburb. The residential character of the community was attractive to families, and in 1956 Oak Park was the nations...
When Oak Park became a city in 1945, the community was not much different from the village that was carved out of Royal Oak Township 18 years earlier....
