St. Clair Shores in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Blossom Heath
A Prohibition-Era Social Club
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 27, 2026
1. Blossom Heath Marker
St Clair Shores was home to a classic speakeasy on the shores of Lake St. Clair. Blossom Heath, now a event center, was notorious for illegal drinking and gambling during Prohibition and the Great Depression.
Hoteller Matthew Kramer constructed the building in 1911 and called it Kramerhof. After his death, Kramer's widow sold the establishment to Williamm McIntosh in 1920. Under Mcintosh's management, the renamed Blossom Heath Inn hosted the finest gambling facilities and served the best bootegged liquor. It was the place to be.
The guests and wealthy patrons gambled and drank from crystal glasses in the luxriously decorated Lantern Room, the Summer Palm Garden, and the English Tavern. The menu offered elegant dining and outstanding cuisine. Couples danced to nationally known big bands, which drew crowds from Detroit and Canada.
Gambling occured upstairs and in the basement The basement featured a back door where rumrunners brought in the bootleg whiskey transported across the lake by boat aher dark. The newel post on the stairs had a buzzer used to warn everyone when officers showed up to raid the
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Unfortunately Blossom Heath lost money on food and entertainment, and with the repeal of Prohibition, there wasn't a need for secret drinking holes. Mcintosh died in 1930. His heirs ran Blossom Heath but sold it in 1943. By 1946 with the building in disuse, the Village of St Clair Shores purchased and reopened it as a civic center and Village offices.
Erected 2026.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Food & Drink. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. 42° 28.487′ N, 82° 53.303′ W. Marker is in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, in Macomb County. It is at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Revere Street, on the right when traveling north on Jefferson Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24800 Jefferson Avenue, Saint Clair Shores MI 48080, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically,
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 27, 2026
2. Blossom Heath Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A High-Class Public Amusement Resort (within shouting distance of this marker); The Underground Economy (within shouting distance of this marker); The Finest in the Country (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Blossom Heath (within shouting distance of this marker); Guardians of the City (within shouting distance of this marker); Shore Line Interurban Railway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Shore Line Interurban Railway (about 400 feet away); Blossom Heath Inn (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Clair Shores.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . . Blossom Heath History.
With more than 100 years since its establishment, Blossom Heath Inn has developed a truly unique story. Matthew Kramer, a hotelier and yachtsman, built this roadhouse in 1911, naming it the Kramerhof. In 1920 the building was(Submitted on October 5, 2026, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)sold to William McIntosh, who renamed it the Blossom Heath Inn and added two large wings, which included an ornate ballroom. Blossom Heath was one of the most luxurious roadhouses in Michigan. Nationally known big bands, such as Ben Pollack's, drew people from Detroit and Canada.Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 27, 20263. Blossom Heath Inn
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 27, 2026
4. Blossom Heath Marker
Location of the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2026, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 5, 2026, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
