Wagoosh: The Fox: Louis Campau

Louis Campau was given the name of Wagoosh by his Native American friends. Foxes are said to be difficult to see in the wild, but not this one. When Louis arrived at Grand Rapids he established himself so prominently that his presence was, and has been since, impossible not to see.

Foxes are also known to be cunning, sly and clever. Lucious Lyons called him “a selfish and troublesome Frenchman,” but perhaps he had good reason to feel that way. Various historians sound like the proverbial blind men describing different parts of an elephant: “gentlemanly” (although he was no stranger to fisticuffs), “visionary” (he manifested Yankee settlers and a priest then decried their presence), “irascible” and “inconsistent.”

Louis Campau, Wagoosh “The Fox”

And then’s the story of what happened in Saginaw. And the pesky ongoing presence of firewater. Of course it was a rough and tumble time in 1827 and after all, couldn't yesterday's resume be today's rap sheet? Monsieur Campau (properly pronounced KAHM poe) was also well known as a “generous benefactor” who never let visitors go hungry or sleep in the cold. Many knew him simply as “Uncle Louis.”

This presentation will explore the Fox’s tracks and his natural habitat at Bowting, the place where the water falls down, while attempting to convince the public that Johnny Depp would be perfect for the part.

“Wagoosh: The Fox: Louis Campau” Thursday, February 8, 2018, 7:00 p.m. presented by Maureen Shirey