Wyandotte in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
R. P. McMurphy's
Wyandotte, Michigan
— The Museum in the Streets —
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, November 8, 2021
1. R. P. McMurphy's Marker
This block has been an essential part of Wyandotte's business district since the 1860's. The structure at 2922 Biddle was built in the 1880's, but wasn't given its Old World German façade until after 1900.
In the 19th Century, this was the site of Mehlhose Groceries and Oyster Depot shown in the small photo, and then a dry goods store. In the 1920's, it housed the Bon Ton sweet shop. After prohibition ended, a succession of bars and taverns located here, including Schroeder's Café and Sonny Gandee's.
In 1980, R. P. McMurphy's opened as an old style saloon with an interior featuring fanciful murals, oak wood trim, distinctive tiles and leaded glass.
The large photograph shows this block in the 1940's. Note the Rialto Theater down the block, as well as Lewis-Star Clothing, Cahalan's Drug Store, Schroeder's Café and The Ladies' Shop.
Erected by The Wyandotte Historical Society. (Marker Number 2.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
Location. 42° 12.255′ N, 83° 8.953′ W. Marker is in Wyandotte, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker is at the intersection of Oak Street and Biddle Avenue, on the right when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hotel Arlington (here, next to this marker); Thomas Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Eureka Iron Works & Wyandotte Savings Bank (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kelly's First Tilting Bessemer Steel Converter (about 400 feet away); First Fire Station (about 500 feet away); Melody Brothers Building (about 600 feet away); America's First Bessemer Steel Mill (about 600 feet away); The Triangular Corner (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wyandotte.
More about this marker. This is the 2nd marker in a series of 16 on the historical walking tour of Wyandotte.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, November 8, 2021
2. R. P. McMurphy's Marker
The marker is on the right.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, November 10, 2021
3. R. P. McMurphy's
McMurphy's is shown to the left of Merrill Lynch in this view.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, November 10, 2021
4. The Museum in the Streets Walking Tour Panel
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 385 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 1, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
