Disco, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Disco, Michigan
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 Disco, Michigan
Location in Michigan
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Macomb |
| Township | Shelby |
| Platted | 1849 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
48316
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| Area code(s) | 586 |
| GNIS feature ID | 624694 |
Disco, Michigan was once a small village located in what is now Shelby Charter Township, Michigan. It was found in Macomb County, in the state of Michigan, United States. Today, Disco is no longer an active village. It is considered a "lost village" or a ghost town because most of its original buildings and community life are gone.
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What Was Disco, Michigan?
Disco was a small community that began to form around 1830. It was officially planned out as a village in 1849. The first settlers in the area were mainly from New York State. They built their homes near the center of what is now Shelby Township.
Where Was Disco Located?
The village of Disco was located at the crossing of two important roads. These roads were once called Whiskey Road and Van Dyke Road. Today, Whiskey Road is known as 24 Mile Road. Interestingly, the main offices for Shelby Township are now located very close to this same intersection.
How Did Disco Get Its Name?
The name "Disco" has two possible stories behind it. One idea is that it came from the Latin word "Discare." This word means 'to learn.' Another idea is that it was a shortened version of "District of Columbia."
Life in Disco
Even though Disco was never officially made into a city, it was a busy place. It had a post office that operated for over 50 years, from 1854 to 1906. The village was also home to a school called the "Disco Academy," which was quite well-known.
The community had many useful businesses:
- Two general stores, where people could buy everyday items.
- Shops for making and fixing wagons.
- Blacksmith shops, where metal was shaped.
- A harness shop for horse gear.
- A paint shop.
- A hotel called The Halfway House. This hotel was important because Disco was exactly halfway between Royal Oak, Michigan and Almont, Michigan on a stagecoach route.
Disco also had several mills that helped with local industries:
- A feed mill, for processing animal food.
- A cider mill, for making apple cider.
- A wooden bowl mill, for crafting wooden bowls.
- A planing mill, for smoothing wood.
Churches in Disco
Religion was an important part of life in Disco. The Disco Methodist Church was started by Orestes Millerd, an early settler from around 1827. Another church, the Mennonite Church, was built in the late 1890s. It was used for worship until the early 1930s. In 1988, this old church building was moved and rebuilt into a home near its original spot.
What Happened to Disco?
Over time, Disco slowly faded away as a village. Today, there are only a few old homes left. The name "Disco" can still be found on some county road maps. It serves as a reminder of this historic community in Shelby Township. You can learn more about this "lost village" on the Shelby Township Historical Society website.
