A pair of dive bars in Mount Clemens that flourished during Prohibition are receiving special attention from the city’s Historical Commission.
The volunteer commission presented a historical marker Saturday afternoon to Wilson’s Cafe on Grand Avenue near the railroad tracks and Cass Avenue. On Monday, the panel plans to present a plaque to Franks Eastside Tavern, better known as the “Basement Bar.”
Members of the Historical Commission said the presentations are part of a renewed effort to focus on older businesses in the county seat as well who the original owners were and what kind of architectural styles were used to build the structure.
“My goal for this year was to get more businesses in town recognized with a plaque for being around so long and adapting to the changes,” said member Lauren Harrington. “A lot of our current owners don’t know when their buildings were built or how old they are. We want to let them know the importance they play in that regard.”
Wilson’s Cafe started as 201 Grand, a saloon built by August Biewer in 1885, according to the Mount Clemens Public Library. Biewer built his property directly across from what was known as the Grand Trunk Western train depot to attract more foot traffic.
Researchers said the saloon was constructed in the same year that Mount Clemens paved Cass.
Daytripping close to home is likely to be the trend among summer travelers
As the year went on, the property went through several owners and uses including a cigar factory, cafés and various saloons/bars.
In 1923 during Prohibition, 201 Grand was involved in a federal raid and the owners at the time, Jacob Ernst and Henry Clay, were sent to prison for serving liquor illegally.
During World War II, 201 Grand was a popular place for soldiers, traveling in and out of Detroit through the Grand Trunk Railroad, to stop and have a drink. The property has historically opened at 7 a.m. -- and still does -- to accommodate factory workers coming off the night shift.
Clarence and Ruth Wilson purchased the bar in 1945 and it has been Wilson’s Café ever since. The current owner Jim Berezik purchased it in 1991 and runs the place with his family. They have added a patio and have a horseshoe pit in the back.
This past Saturday, Mount Clemens Mayor Laura Kropp, Historical Commission Chair Tracy McLarty and some of Wilson's customers and staff participated in a barbecue lunch at the bar.
Meanwhile, the Eastside Tavern will be recognized on Monday.
The bar is located in the basement of a 100-year-old farmhouse on Avery near Dickinson streets. Researchers say it developed the moniker of the Basement Bar because the ceilings are so low that anyone over six feet tall has to duck to walk through it, forcing patrons to interact with each other.
It was known as a speakeasy that served beer illegally for 13 years during the Prohibition days. The Eastside Tavern holds the oldest liquor license in Macomb County.
Frank DeBruyn purchased the business in 1991. His daughter Heather runs the place today.
"They started home brewing in the basement during Prohibition and opened the tavern in 1933, when it finally ended," Harrington said.
Members of the nine-seat Historical Commission performs the research and pays for the plaque meant to display to the public that the business is at least 50 years old.
"We're taking a proactive approach because there are more and more people coming into the downtown area and doing business here in Mount Clemens," said Harrington. "We have such a rich history in this county and it's important that people know a little of it."
The Historical Commission has one current vacancy. For more information, visit mountclemens.gov
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June 11, 2022 at 10:38PM
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Wilson’s Cafe, Eastside Tavern receive recognition from city’s Historical Commission - The Macomb Daily
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