History From The Muddy Bottom Of The Detroit River

[painter777]

Probably best to post this here.

Today while looking for something else, I came across this story and pictures of items Police divers have brought up from the depths of the Detroit River. Items cover a wide history if you keep in mind Detroit was founded in 1701. To include British Cannons from Pre War of 1812. Vehicles and bottles from the Prohibition days. Smooth bore 1700's muskets and even a customized M1 carbine....... That I believe is still a Hi-Wood stock. Diving is illegal in Detroit City limits because of so many guns considered evidence. As you look through these pictures know that I've spent countless days fishing these waters.
My best find ? Anchor line snagged a sunken 16-18' Aluminum skiff. We spent hours trying to pull it up.... and free our anchor. With much effort using a rocking motion that with the help of the current washed muck out from inside the upright craft and broke loose the bottoms mucky grip. We towed it down stream with the help of our motor and the current to a sand bar. There we pulled the Johnson outboard loose and in to our boat. The skiff we dragged over and gave to a shoreline local. Took 2 years of off and on work to rehab that 1957 18HP. I sold it off about 10 years ago, but gotta say she was near mint. One of the last to sell from my 35+ Pre 1960 outboard collection. This is NOT my picture, but a near perfect representation of her.



I always thought about what lay on the bottom, often fishing over old concrete and steel ruins along shore from buildings long gone. Ship wrecks, anchors, cannons, Rum bottles... you name it while one floats on a sunny day.

But while looking through these new to me pictures, after seeing pictures number 36 and 37. I realized I knew not just the story behind this Ford wagon, but went to High School with the Mother. The Father decided he'd had enough and launched his car, wife and 4 kids in to the river. Father and Mother survived.... the 4 little ones drown. He received 5 Life sentences.

See this link for Finds From Under The Muddy Detroit River:
Detroit River's muddy bottom conceals cannons, cars, guns

Cheers,
Charlie-Painter777

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