A Colossal Battle

Detroit Free Press, March 31, 1860

Sarah Ann Rabb and Harriet Gaines, the former a white woman who followed fortune-telling for a living, and the latter a sturdy negro wench, were arrested in a row and disturbance of the peace. They were discharged, having remained in jail over night.

Hindu Mystic Told to Leave

Detroit Free Press, August 3, 1929

If you know nothing of the mystic frenzy which encompassed Detroit in the first quarter of the 20th century then you've been cheated. Anyway...here's one of the least successful fortune tellers to hit the scene.

Silva Synci arrived in Detroit from Houston in late July of 1929 and quickly got to work. Just as quickly the police department were on to his trade. Police woman Victoria Wasney paid an undercover visit to Synci to get her fortune read.

He told her that she'd get married the next year. Then he asked if she had a steady boyfriend. When she said no he informed her that a mystical man would soon make love to her. That man was him. Then proceeded to put his arms around her and attempt a purloined kiss.

Instead he was arrested and ordered to leave town by Judge W. McKay Skillman or face jail with the former part mandatory, calling Synci's business a high class call girl racket. It was a brief 3 day stay in the city of the straits. 

"Gypsy Curse" is Feared

Detroit Free Press, October 22, 1913

Refuge Taken in Law to Put Stop to Mystic Passes

Fearing the workings of the dreaded "gypsy curse,' Mrs. Esther Holson, of 312 Winder street, took refuge in the law Tuesday, and got a warrant for Mrs. Mary Rylick, a fortune teller.

Mrs. Bolson and the fortune teller live in the same house. Mrs. Rylick, it is alleged, exchanged her professional services for Mrs. Holson's money at regular intervals.

Since Mrs. Holson ceased her visits to the fortune teller, she says Mrs. Rylick has stopped her in the hall, made mystic, fateful passes at her and projected evil spirits through the wall which separates their rooms.