Flint pride: In your home, at your fingertips, under your glass

FLINT, Michigan—It’s an ode to Flint. For your drink.

From Hamilton to Hemphill and Stockton to Selby, Daniel Conner’s newest creation features the roads of Flint in an eclectic design that has Welch cutting through at a surprising angle and Kearsley taking its place right in the center—and Center way over to the far side, just like the landmark streets of Flint really move through the city.

And, they all are on a coaster. 

Daniel Conner founded Vehicle City Heritage less than a year ago. It started as a Facebook page to share his love of history and of the city—and he was quickly overwhelmed to see others flock to pictures of memorabilia. 

“People need to be reminded of the importance of what is around them. We get used to an area and become ignorant, myself included. We become blinded and closed off to anything around us and right in front of us. Making people aware of the past and present are important for any positive momentum for the future,” Conner said. 

Just two months ago, a new inspiration hit: “I was trying to think of ways to further share Flint’s heritage and spread a positive view of the Vehicle City with others,” Conner said.

And, he decided to take his blog one step further and develop it into a shop where others could celebrate their love of Flint history.  

The son of local artist James Conner, owner of the Grand Blanc gallery of the same name. The younger Conner grew up watching his father fashion, “and make artwork that references architecture of popular US cities.” 

Inspired by all he saw, Conner developed the topic coasters. There are several coaster sets available. The one features Flint streets, but there are others featuring neighborhoods, leaders, antique postcard prints and old business advertisements.

“I can help share the heritage of one of America’s greatest cities,” Conner said.

Conner’s standard sandstone coasters come in sets of 4 with a wrought iron rack, available for $35 or a set of two for $65. Coasters sell individually for $9. Conner’s work will be on display at Art Walk on April 14 in downtown Flint. It will be on display at the Peace Barn in the Patterson Building at Third and Saginaw streets.

Vehicle City History can also be found online at www.vehiclecityhistory.com and on facebook.