The Mysterious Purchaser of Detroit City Ice Fuel Co
In the early 1900s, Detroit City Ice Fuel Co was one of the largest producers of ice in the United States. However, its success was not enough to prevent its sale in 1911, when a mysterious buyer stepped forward to purchase the company. Despite numerous investigations and rumors over the years, the identity of the purchaser remained a mystery for nearly a century.
The History of Detroit City Ice Fuel Co
Detroit City Ice Fuel Co was founded in 1885 by William Oliver. The company quickly became a major supplier of ice to the growing city of Detroit, and by the turn of the century, it had expanded its operations to include the production of fuel as well. Detroit City Ice Fuel Co was known for its high-quality ice and reliable service, and it was widely regarded as one of the most successful businesses in the region.
The Sale of Detroit City Ice Fuel Co
In 1911, William Oliver decided to retire and put Detroit City Ice Fuel Co up for sale. The company was sold to a mysterious buyer, who paid a hefty sum for the business. The identity of the purchaser was not revealed at the time, and over the years, speculation about who it might have been has run rampant.
Speculation Surrounding the Purchase
Many theories have been put forward about the identity of the purchaser of Detroit City Ice Fuel Co. Some believed that it was a rival ice company looking to eliminate the competition, while others suggested that it was a wealthy industrialist looking for a new investment opportunity. The secrecy surrounding the sale only added to the intrigue, and the mystery only deepened as the years went by.
Investigating Potential Buyers
Over the years, many investigators tried to uncover the identity of the purchaser of Detroit City Ice Fuel Co. They searched through old records, interviewed former employees, and pored over newspaper articles from the time. However, despite their best efforts, no concrete evidence emerged.
Rumors and Theories
Rumors about the identity of the purchaser continued to circulate for decades after the sale of Detroit City Ice Fuel Co. Some suggested that it was John D. Rockefeller, while others believed it was Henry Ford. Others suggested that it might have been a group of investors working together under a secret agreement.
A Breakthrough in the Case
In the early 2000s, a breakthrough in the case finally emerged. A historian working on a book about the history of Detroit discovered a letter written by William Oliver’s son, in which he revealed the identity of the purchaser. The letter had been hidden away in a family archive for nearly a century.
Reveal: The Identity of the Purchaser
The letter revealed that the purchaser of Detroit City Ice Fuel Co was Frederick Fisher. Fisher was a wealthy businessman and philanthropist who had made his fortune in the lumber industry. He had a reputation for being private and elusive, and he preferred to keep a low profile.
Who is This Mystery Buyer?
Frederick Fisher was born in Canada in 1862 and grew up in Michigan. He got his start in the lumber industry, where he quickly made a name for himself as a savvy businessman. He eventually expanded his interests to include mining, railroads, and real estate.
The Motivation Behind the Purchase
The letter did not reveal the specific motivations behind Fisher’s purchase of Detroit City Ice Fuel Co. However, it is believed that he saw the company as a good investment opportunity and was attracted to its solid reputation and steady income.
The Impact on Detroit’s Economy
The sale of Detroit City Ice Fuel Co had a significant impact on the city’s economy. The company had been a major employer and supplier of ice and fuel, and its sale caused many people to lose their jobs. However, the sale also opened up new opportunities for other businesses to take its place, and it ultimately helped to fuel the growth of Detroit’s economy in the years that followed.
Conclusion: Uncovering the Truth
The mystery of the purchaser of Detroit City Ice Fuel Co has fascinated historians and Detroit residents for over a century. While many theories and rumors have circulated over the years, it was not until recently that the true identity of the buyer was finally revealed. Though the reasons behind the sale remain a mystery, the impact of the sale on Detroit’s economy is clear, and the legacy of Detroit City Ice Fuel Co lives on to this day.
