Larry Lankton's 'Motor City Boomer' Book Tour Highlights Jackson's Automotive History and Personal Memoir
Larry Lankton, professor emeritus at Michigan Technological University, brought his new book, 'Motor City Boomer: The Car Culture That Defined a Generation,' to the Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson, Michigan. The event drew childhood friends and community members eager to hear Lankton discuss his memoir, which intertwines personal experiences with the history of the automobile. Lankton emphasized that the cars serve as a backdrop to a colorful childhood and a rich historical narrative. His book, published by Wayne State University Press, explores the post-war social changes in America through the lens of his own family's experiences with cars in the 1950s and 1960s. During his talk, Lankton focused on his childhood in Jackson, including memories of local racer Ralph Donaldson at Jackson Motor Speedway. He also detailed the evolution of car design, such as the iconic tail fins inspired by aviation, and the broader impact of automobiles on suburban development. The event was part of a nine-stop book tour, with e...
