Wyandotte Community Information Center--History

"City of Wyandotte" circa 1905


Other historic photos

Wyandotte's history is written in two books by Edwina DeWindt.

Proudly We Record and Our Fame and Fortune

A new book titled Wyandotte, a pictorial history: The Early Years

is produced by The Wyandotte Historical Society.

These books may be purchased at the Historical Museum and the Bacon Library.

Much of our "oral" history is lost as older citizens die. Let's try to keep some of these

hearsay tales alive!

Here a few "oral" stories about our history:

Back in the days of Prohibition, Wyandotte was a spot for "rum running" both

across the river from Canada, and on the roadways. When the Police would

confiscate an illegal shipment, the case and or bottles would be dumped unopened

into the Detroit River. The Police station was then located at the foot of Pine Street

and the river. Teenage boys and young men would later dive into the river and

retrieve these treasures. Often the item was resold.

Owners of older houses have found "secret" tunnels leading from their boat dock

to a garage or basement. Other owners have found walled up "rooms" with a small

outside entrance, that have contained old crates and broken bottles of beer and liquor.

In the early 1930's Wyandotte is said to have had it's own "St. Valentine's Day

Massacre". At a site in the south end (possibly a garage) several men were

allegedely shot by gang members. That part of town was not considered a

proper place for a young lady to be out and about at night.

Perhaps this is to represent Chief Pontiac who lead a conspiracy against the British

garrison in Detroit. Pontiac and his supporters met at a site on the banks of

Ecorse Creek to plan their attack.

Photo taken on grounds of the Wyandotte Yacht Club showing the Detroit River

and facing towards Detroit.

If you have a story to tell please email here

Return to:Bacon Library's Community Info Home Page
This project was funded in part with a federal Library Services and Construction Act grant administered by the library of Michigan
Bacon Memorial District Library 45 Vinewood Wyandotte MI 48192 Phone 734-246-8357
r2/26/2005
jcashin web librarian