As we all know, Michigan has a rich Native American history.

There were two prominent Native Chiefs that inhabited the Clarkston area. One was Chief Sashabaw. Sashabaw Road is one of the main thoroughfares through Clarkston. A couple schools in Clarkston also use the name. The other Chief was named Waumegan. There is a lake named after Chief Waumegan in Clarkston as well. I live on this lake and have heard the tunes sung by the murdered Native princess on many occasions.

The story goes as follows: Two Native braves, one from each tribe of Waumegan and Sashabaw had their sights set on this beautiful woman. During a co-tribe ritual, the two braves decided to duke it out with the last man standing able to court the princess. This was done in the woods at the site that is now known as The Whispering Pines. There are many tall pine trees lined up in rows, planted that way by Chief Waumegan. The fight did not consist of much. Both braves took their tomahawks out and were ready to do battle with each other directly in sight. As they were about to hit each other, the princess jumped up in between them and screamed, "No! I will marry the both of you!!" But it was too late. They swung their tomahawks down. Not making any contact with each other but with the princess. She was immediately killed as both tomahawks were imbedded in her skull. Some say the ghost of the slain princess can be seen in The Whispering Pines with the tomahawks still sticking outside of her head!! I have not seen her, but can hear her whistling away, late at night, as she drifts among The Whispering Pines.

Submitted by Brett Dickie of Clarkston