Tunnels in Minot – Escape Tunnels – There were also many
rumors about tunnels under “High Third”, Minot’s Red Light District. One hears
rumors about bars and clubs that had escape tunnels in the basement for quick
evacuation in case of a raid by the police. Again, in interviewing people back
in the mid 80’s for the Ward County Centennial, I was told that “High Third” in
its hey-day had many such tunnels. I was also informed that at one time a
person could start at 4th Avenue (Burdick Expressway) and go to 1st
Avenue or Stearns Motors (now I. Keating’s) without ever going outside. The
route would consist of basement tunnels between houses and businesses as well
as above ground passages between buildings. I have been investigating the
history of Minot’s High Third. I very seriously doubt if this was true. In the
days of prohibition, most of the addresses on Third Street were houses
inhabited by regular law abiding citizens. True or not about the tunnels, I
don’t know BUT some of the people I interviewed 25 years ago are no longer with
us to ask. One thing that did come out is the fact that most of the time the
places to be raided were warned ahead of time about a pending raid, hence
tunnels were probably not really needed. It appears that many establishments of
Third Street had “escape” passages out the back or through the basement if the
need arose.
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| Parrott Inn |
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| Dee Dee's Bar & Grill |
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