THE RED DWARF
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The Red Dwarf was known in France and seems to have followed the settlers to the New World, even to the banks of the Detroit River. But others say that he was known to local Natives long before the French arrived in the area. In any case, not long after Cadillac came to le Détroit, he met a horrible little red creature with bright shining eyes, a grimacing face and two rows of sharp pointy teeth. Cadillac chased him away with his cane and the Red Dwarf ran away laughing. Since then, the red Dwarf has been associated with all of Detroit's misfortunes. |
| To begin with, Cadillac himself was relieved of his duties, lost his fortune and left no descendants in Detroit. The Red Dwarf did not leave with the city's founder, however. In 1763, during the Pontiac Rebellion, he was seen stalking British soldiers just before their defeat at Bloody Run. He was seen several times just before the fire that razed Detroit in 1805 - some claim to have seen him roaring with laughter on the flaming roofs of the town. |
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Sightings of the Red Dwarf continued even throughout the 20th century- some even claimed to have been attacked by him! Several people reported seeing him before the 1967 riots. As late as 1976, two Detroit Edison employees claim to have chased a little red man down the city's alleyways. Who will be the next to spot him? |
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Public Library 2004. All rights reserved.