LUDINGTON'S TRUE SECRETS REVEALED, (Part Uno)

[AQUAMAN]

In the most recent several years the South James Street area has had a lot of reconstruction in the streets, sewers, curbs, and paving. It's been a good thing for the downtown main street and it's merchants, up until we consider the fact that sometimes, the heavy machinery and heavy concrete and asphalt were undermining the area with oooops, Big Sink Holes, Cave-In's, dangerous to all concerned. While pedestrians and skilled DPW officials looked on and tried to keep working through these problems of an unusual nature, they, up above ground, did not realize what they really uncovered in several areas. So, HERE'S THE REAL SCOOP ON SINK HOLES THERE! They aren't sink holes at all, they are an intricate system of underground TUNNELS that have been there near 100 years or so. I know, I've been in several years back, not just swimming around like an Aquaman, but a curious young man given the privilege by certain unnamed store owners to see the TRUTH! The reasons for their actual existence is unknown, as this happened in a time long before I or you existed, or were passed on the SECRETS! Here's a brief synopsis of my findings: 1) the first I witnessed in the early 70's was in the old Club Lakeside Bar, now the Blue Moon Cafe?, way down under in the basement, the tunnel crossed the street and went to the Ludington State Bank's secret basement, long since now been bricked up to prevent access, to the Money Vault,  2) Capt. John's, now the AJ partyport, under the new expanded north side, another tunnel, also crossed the street over to either the old Bach's Bakery building or adjoined the old Bicycle shop owned by Lee Peters, thereabouts, and 3) where the old McDonald's Drug store was, crossing also to a now vacant gas station I believe. Nowthen, whom commissioned these Secret Tunnels, when, why, and mostly, why is it an unknown to so many yet today? I'd file for an FOIA but I truly doubt the crew down there knows either, nor has any spare time now since X keeps them hopping, har!  Anyone in this forum know or have relatives that can give us a clue as to the SECRETS? I know some big city's, like Minneapolis, in the 1920's had such a system, it was during prohibition days, speak easy's were down there, and as well known gangster hideouts discovered later. Sorry, there are no links nor pictures available, I am bringing this TOP SECRET to your attention ONLY!

[masonco]

I think Michigan was also a part of the underground railroad to bring people to Lake Michigan north to Canada. I wonder if that was a part of it or we do have rumors of Al capone bootlegging here.

But then again these stories are from elderly people who have since passed on so I don't know how accurate those stories would be.

[AQUAMAN]

The Underground RR existed in Civil War era, for the slaves, so maybe,... no? Sorry Masonco, you know, I'm not talking about any stories, these proofs are self-evident, and undisclosed previously, and now, perhaps, lost, since the DPW has now caved-in those non-existent tunnels, or did they? JMO

[masonco]

I was just wondering of those "old folk tales" might have had a ring of truth to it. Was 't there underground action for more than just civil war era?

[Lisa O'Brien]

I find the mob connection to Mason county fascinating. I know he had a place over by round lake, and his crew did a drive by in Freesoil.

[masonco]

And the place by round lake goes up for sale every couple of years after new owners spend a summer in there. I find that verrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyy interesting in light of the "rumors" that place is haunted.

[Willy]

Aquaman
That is very interesting. I wonder why the tunnels were constructed.

For those of you who don't know, beneath Detroit there are 100 miles of roads / tunnels located a 1/4 mile below the surface. The roads / tunnels are carved out of salt which has been mined for over a century. I have traveled on many of those roads.
http://atlasobscura.com/place/detroit-salt-mine

[AQUAMAN]

Very Interesting indeed RJE, but, we are not talking about Detroit, but, Ludville, as it has existed for a very long 100 years, not many hundreds of years sir! That is interesting though, but does not lend credence to this particular discussion, ,maybe start a new thread on that alone, it has merit for sure. Thanks, never knew that about the big D either. AQ

[Willy]

Aquaman
You mentioned Minneapolis so I thought I would mention Detroit.

[AQUAMAN]

I bookmarked Atlas Obscura, looks like it will be good reading for all kinds of odd events of the past. Quite the pics. trucks and mules with miners down 1200' below ground for salt. The mules stayed until they died, never to return above ground? Looks like it's in operation yet today. Thanks.

[masonco]

In a way it makes sense for the mules. Look how they had to use all that special glasses, oxygen etc etc for the miners in Chili when they were rescued.

The shock would kill the mules anyway.

[XLFD]

Very interesting topic, Aquaman. I can't talk much about the downtown area, but I have talked with some of the Avenue's Bed and Breakfast owners and they may have some stories about what's under E Ludington Avenue. Most of the houses have their histories documented, and some of it is probably false, but I have heard connections to the Underground Railroad, Capone, and prohibition speakeasies in their tales.

Many early businesses in Ludington used coal to heat their places, and some of these tunnels may have made it easier for the coal deliverers to dump their product at an easily accessible location from the road. This could also lead to the existence of present-day 'sinkholes'. Not as exotic a purpose, but a possibility.

[AQUAMAN]

Where did this Al Capone connection come from? I've never heard of him up in this neck of the woods at all. From what I know from books and movies, he wasn't in hiding, very accessible in Chicago, then wintered near Miami on vacations. Bonnie and Clyde types did the hideout thing, as far as I know. Let's get back to the Time Tunnels please.