St. Clair Shores in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Underground Economy
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 27, 2026
1. The Underground Economy Marker
The Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s was a turbulent and colorful time in St. Clair Shores. The Volstead Act, prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol, went into effect in 1920. However, the state of Michigan had passed statewide prohibition in 1918.
Prohibition did not accomplish its goal of making the nation more sober. Instead, it produced a situation in which normally law-abiding citizens violated the law with frequency and impunity. Illegal alcohol and gambling created employment for thousands of people experiencing the hardships of the Great Depression. Locally, the liquor trade was the second largest industry in Metro Detroit, surpassed only by automobile manufacturing.
The police department carried the burden of trying to enforce Prohibition. Locally, police raids were rare. In a small town, most people were either related to or neighbors or friends of the local police. When a raid did occur, a warning telephone call frequently preceded it.
Making, bootlegging, and selling illegal liquor was a major cottage industry in St. Clair Shores. When the law went into effect,
this page online
In February 1933, the federal government repealed the Volstead Act, legally bringing an end to Prohibition.
Erected 2026.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Food & Drink • Law Enforcement. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1933.
Location. 42° 28.478′ N, 82° 53.271′ 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, it finds
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 27, 2026
2. The Underground Economy Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Blossom Heath (within shouting distance of this marker); A High-Class Public Amusement Resort (within shouting distance of this marker); The Finest in the Country (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blossom Heath Inn (about 400 feet away); Guardians of the City (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Blossom Heath (about 400 feet away); Shore Line Interurban Railway (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Shore Line Interurban Railway (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Clair Shores.
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 27, 2026
3. The Underground Economy 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 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2026, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
