Hedge's Wigwam was a popular restaurant in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan from 1927 until 1967. It was located at 24362 Woodward which is M-1 (Michigan highway), one block from the original Saginaw Trail. The restaurant showcased a Native American theme and was known for good food at a good price.
History
editRoy Hedge opened an orange juice stand at Ten Mile and Main Street in 1920.[1] As the business grew, Hedge added barbecue food. After a visit to Mackinaw City where he saw a native American-themed restaurant, Hedge decided to create a similar restaurant. Hedge's Wigwam opened in 1927.
The exterior of the building featured a giant concrete teepee over the front door, a fort-like wooden exterior, and five painted concrete Native American statues. The interior had birchbark columns and picture frames, redwood tables with shadowbox tops, cedar chairs, parchment lighting, native american paintings, Hedge's ceramic table settings, and a waterfall with a fish pond. It also had a gift shop.
Hedge's Wigwam became a big area attraction. For four decades, it was "the" place for cruiser to stop. According to the Roger Schmidt article, "Hedge died in 1955 and left the business to his longtime employees. At the time of his death, the restaurant was serving close to 2,000 meals a day."[1]
Due to the planned development of the controversial Interstate 696 in the 1960's, it was inevitable that Hedge's was going to be demolished. Despite the delay in the construction, planned improvements were tabled and the restaurant closed in 1967. [1]
Artifacts
editSeveral artifacts from the original Hedge's Wigwam have survived. A cedar chair is on display at the Ferndale Historical Museum. A coat rack and some ceramic items are at the Pleasant Ridge Historical Museum. Of the five concrete statues that stood guard in front of the building, "Chief Pontiac" is now on display at the Paint Creek Cider Mill in Oakland Township, Michigan. A second statue has been discovered and the City of Pleasant Ridge is currently discussing possible plans for it's return to the city.
Trading Post
editThe building was purchased in 1971 and was opened as the Trading Post, a boutique and antique store. After the Ferndale Fire Department inspected the building, no building permit was issued do to safety concerns. After a court battle, the Trading Post was opened on April 15, 1971. This was followed by ongoing battles between the city of Pleasant Ridge and the owner regarding safety violations, noise and crowd issues. On March 22, 1972 the Trading Post was destroyed by a fire. Although arson was determined as the cause, no suspect was ever named. [1]