Broadway Park: Renewing Ann Arbor's Public Riverfront

The third industry that made its mark on the Fourth Ward and Lower Town was the slaughterhouse. Slaughterhouses began operating on both sides of the Huron River in 1830, and created horrid odors in the neighborhoods around them. Though the city passed an ordinance in 1875 attempting to remove the yards, they remained open until 1915.

The following letter describes the nuisance of the slaughterhouses and the difficulty in having them closed.

Klinedob & Co.

Letter to Editor

April 30, 1835 — Michigan Argus

Mr. Editor,

Will you permit me through the medium of your paper, to call the attention of our Town Authorities, to the existence of a nuisance within the limits of our corporation. I allude to the slaughter-house now occupied by the Messrs. Klinedob & Co. It is true that there are but few families who immediately feel the effect of this establishment, but ought not all who have any interest, in having it generally believed that our village is cleanly and healthy, feel desirous to have removed that which might injure health to our citizens.

You would not have been troubled with this Mr. Editor, had not have those who control the above mentioned establishment manifested unwillingness, or indifference about removing it, after being requested so to do.

Sufferer

Ann Arbor, April 27, 1835