Michigan History Moment

Michigan History Moment explores the historical significance of Edward George Kingsford, his establishment of the Kingsford Chemical Company and his role in the development of the town named after him in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode tells the story of Harold Loud, a Michigan observation pilot during World War I whose service often went unnoticed, when compared to famous fighter aces. Through dangerous missions and close calls during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Loud demonstrated courage and dedication in one of the war’s most challenging roles.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

In this episode, listeners learn how the telegraph changed communication in Michigan during the 1800s, allowing messages to travel almost instantly instead of taking hours or days. The discussion explores the growth of telegraph networks across the state and how this groundbreaking technology transformed the way people connected with one another.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode explores the rich history and quiet charm of Bois Blanc Island, a hidden gem tucked into the Straits of Mackinac. Once home to Indigenous fishing camps and later valued for its timber, farming, and distinctive basswood trees, the island has played many important roles over the centuries. Today, Bois Blanc remains a peaceful ferry-accessible getaway where visitors can experience both natural beauty and a deep connection to Michigan’s past.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode shares a powerful story from 1942 at Michigan State Normal College, where eight college women preparing to become teachers faced discrimination when an African American classmate was excluded from shared housing. In an inspiring act of solidarity, the seven white students refused to participate unless their classmate was included, leading the college to allow an integrated living arrangement. Their experience became a lasting lesson in courage, fairness, and standing together in the face of injustice.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

On this episode, explore the the tragic story of Charlotte native Belle Naish and her fateful journey aboard the RMS Lusitania with her husband, Theodore, which was infamously torpedoed during World War I. Despite this devastation and personal loss, Belle’s experience reflects remarkable resilience and generosity.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Orlando Bolivar Wilcox, a United States Military Academy graduate, led the 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War and showed notable bravery at the First Battle of Bull Run. Though a Medal of Honor recipient and writer, he remains relatively overlooked. His novel, published as Major March, reflects his experiences and adds depth to his legacy.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode shares how the Fordson tractor helped change farming around the world, especially in the Soviet Union. The Fordson tractor was created by Henry Ford to make farming easier and faster. After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, the Soviet Union needed better tools, so they ordered many tractors and even started building their own. In the end, the Fordson became a symbol of big change and growth in farming.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode explores the tumultuous offshoot of the Ku Klux Klan, The Black Legion, which emerged in the Midwest during the 1920s and promoted violence against marginalized groups, including African Americans, Catholics, and Jews. At its peak between 1933 and 1936, the organization carried out acts of arson and murder, often targeting union members and others they labeled undesirable. Public outrage following the 1936 murder of Charles Poole triggered a major investigation that led to the conviction of several members, ultimately contributing to the group’s collapse. The Black Legion’s actions in Michigan remain a stark reminder of the destructive impact of e...

This episode offers an insightful look into Michigan's ecological history, particularly focusing on the White Pine Era and its ramifications. As logging operations ravaged the landscape, the narrative shifts to the inspiring figure of Bud Overholzer, who, rather than succumbing to despair over the environmental loss, chose to channel his creativity into crafting the Shrine of the Pines.

Amy Wagenaar

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode revisits the harrowing heat wave that engulfed Michigan in July 1936. It was a climatic phenomenon that resulted in unprecedented temperatures and tragic consequences, with an average temperature soaring to nearly 102 degrees across the week. Desperate measures had to be taken by residents in an attempt to escape the oppressive heat, from seeking solace in air-conditioned movie theaters to camping in parks.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Mackinac Island is renowned for its captivating lilacs, which erupt in a stunning display of color and fragrance each June, enchanting visitors for a brief yet glorious period. Although tour guides often romanticize the origins of these blossoms, they are not indigenous to the island or even to North America; rather, they were introduced by settlers in the mid-18th century from their native regions in Eastern Europe and Asia. The lilacs, initially planted by business owners to entice tourists, have evolved into a significant aspect of the island's cultural heritage, culminating in the annual Lilac Festival that attracts...

This episode delves into the harrowing narrative of German prisoners of war during World War II, who were working the sugar beat fields in Blissfield, Michigan. It recounts the tragic events surrounding a fatal accident that claimed the lives of several prisoners, highlighting their experiences and the aftermath of their untimely deaths.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The Copper Country strike of 1913 in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula marked a significant moment in labor history, culminating in a tragic event known as the Italian Hall disaster. This episode delves into the complexities of labor relations, the struggles of miners, and the societal impacts of industrialization in early 20th-century America.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The creation of the Lone Ranger, an iconic figure in American culture, was conceived during the Great Depression, a time when hope was desperately needed. Introduced by George Trendle and Francis Stryker in 1933 at WXYZ Radio in Detroit, The Lone Ranger's character has unwavering morality, a commitment to justice, and is a symbol of resilience and idealism.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The episode highlights the historical significance of muskrat as a sustenance option during times of scarcity in Michigan, particularly during the War of 1812. The episode recounts the legislative efforts to promote muskrat hunting and the cultural events surrounding it, including annual dinners that cemented its place in Michigan's culinary landscape.

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This episode highlights the ill-fated expedition undertaken by Dr. William C. Ransom and the Trip around the World company, which set sail in 1894 aboard the Great Lakes schooner George L. Wren. Initially envisioned as a grand three-year voyage across the globe, the enterprise was marred by deceit and mismanagement, culminating in Ransom's disappearance, betraying his fellow adventurers. Instead of traversing the world, the crew spent two months navigating the Great Lakes, ultimately returning home with a sense of disillusionment. Dr. Ransom, having absconded with funds and left his companions to their fate, found solace in Oregon, living out his...

The episode explores the historical rivalries among Michigan towns vying for the designation of county seat. As a title that conferred not only prestige, but also economic prosperity, various towns engaged in fierce competition.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Sonny Elliott, a beloved figure in Southeast Michigan, captivated audiences with his engaging weather reports for over six decades. His tenure as a broadcaster was marked by not only his meteorological insights but also his penchant for humor and relatable anecdotes. However, few were aware of his harrowing experience as a prisoner of war during World War II, where he served as a morale officer. Following the war, he returned to Detroit and became a prominent television personality, steadfastly choosing to remain in his hometown despite numerous offers from larger networks. Elliott's legacy endures as a testament to his...

Michigan's white pine forests are thriving today thanks to the life and legacy of Karen Hartwick, whose remarkable donation of forested land, serves as a compelling narrative of love, loss, and conservation. Karen's father, Nels Mickelson, was a Danish immigrant who forged a path in the logging industry upon his arrival in America in 1866. His success provided economic opportunities during a transformative period in American history; however, it came at a significant environmental cost, as vast expanses of forest were sacrificed in the name of progress. With her remarkable act of philanthropy, inspired by her desire to honor the...

Initially sent to Havana in 1895 under the pretense of protecting American interests, the USS Maine met with disaster when an explosion claimed the lives of 266 crew members. Only William Madison of Bay City would survive. Despite an investigation revealing that coal dust ultimately lead to the explosion, the incident became a rallying cry for the United States during the Spanish-American War.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

In 1917, towards the latter stages of World War I, Haller's Blue Army of Poland was formed under the command of General Jozef Haller von Hallenburg. With some hailing from all round Michigan, 20,000 Polish-American men would answer the call to fight for Polish Independence.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Take a trip this episode to Grand Hotel, established on scenic Mackinac Island and an iconic focal point throughout Michigan's history.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The episode explores the significant contributions of Michigan's Odawa men during World War I, highlighting their brave service despite the injustices they faced as non-citizens.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode dives into the origins of Gerber Baby Food, an iconic brand that emerged from a moment of domestic challenge in 1927. Dorothy Gerber's frustration in preparing pureed peas for her daughter prompted her husband, Daniel Gerber, to confront the difficulty of the task himself, ultimately leading to a pivotal inquiry regarding the feasibility of pureeing peas at their canning plant.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The Rainbow Inn was Northern Michigan's sole African American resort hotel and restaurant, which opened its doors in 1950. Established by William Thomas West, an African American railway porter and chef, the Rainbow Inn was a pioneering establishment that welcomed patrons of all races, thereby providing a sanctuary in an era when racial segregation was prevalent even in the North.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode explores the significant role Michigan plays in the realm of sugar beet production. The origins of this industry can be traced back to the late 19th century.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The principal focus of this episode revolves around the significant contributions of the Traverse City State Hospital and its contributions towards progressive mental health care in America throughout the 20th century. The institution was pivotal in implementing advanced treatment methodologies emphasizing the necessity of clean air, sunlight, and humane treatment for individuals with mental health challenges.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The episode recounts the tragic maritime disaster involving the schooner Minnehaha on October 13, 1893, near Lake Michigan. Despite being one of the largest vessels on the Great Lakes, the Minnehaha succumbed to a ferocious storm, leading to its eventual wreck.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The primary focus of this episode revolves cigar manufacturing industry in Detroit, a pivotal hub of tobacco production during the early 20th century.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Following a disastrous camping trip, Arthur Sherman was inspired to design a more practical and efficient camping solution that brought about the covered wagon, an early version of the recreational vehicle.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Tim McCoy, a native of Saginaw, Michigan, carved a niche for himself in the realm of motion picture Westerns. His journey commenced with a childhood steeped in adventure along the Saginaw River, leading to a formative experience with Native American culture in Wyoming, and culminating in a successful acting career that spanned from the 1920s to the 1950s.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The episode explores the tumultuous and often chaotic history of early automobile manufacturers in Michigan, highlighting their audacious endeavors, financial struggles, and the remarkable innovations they contributed to the automotive industry.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Faygo has been a quintessential Michigan beverage that originated in Detroit in 1907. MHM tells the story of Perry and Ben Feigensen, Jewish immigrants from Russia, began the production of Faygo within the confines of their home.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

This episode delves into a profound historical injustice that transpired in 1900, when the Odawa community at Burt Lake, Michigan, was violently displaced by the local sheriff and his deputies. This egregious act of dispossession stemmed from a complicated history of land treaties, which had left the Odawa with reservations amidst ongoing encroachments by settlers.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The University of Michigan's decision to admit female students in 1870 marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of coeducation, a decision that many contemporaries deemed perilous and unorthodox.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The episode explains the historical presence of Chinese immigrants in Houghton County, Michigan, highlighting their significant yet often overlooked role in the region's copper mining industry from 1900 to 1910. While many associate the area primarily with European immigrants, Houghton County housed the largest Chinese population in Michigan during this period.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

The Page Fence Giants were a remarkable African American baseball team based in Adrian, Michigan, that flourished from 1895 to 1898. With an impressive record of 500 wins to 76 losses, they not only showcased their talent on the field but also faced significant racial challenges off of it.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

American women played a crucial role in World War I, marking a significant shift in their participation in wartime service. Thousands of women went overseas to serve as nurses and in various supportive roles, breaking traditional employment barriers. While the popular image often centers around women in World War II, this episode highlights the contributions of those who served during the First World War, including the notable efforts of the "Hello Girls," who operated switchboards to facilitate communication for the troops.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine

Michigan has its own historical tale reminiscent of the mythical Atlantis, centered around the village of Belvidere. Initially flourishing with essential amenities like a hotel, mills, and even its own bank, Belvedere's growth was abruptly stunted when nature struck. Despite some residents attempting to return after the floods, the town never fully recovered, ultimately succumbing to a devastating fire in 1882.

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Produced by Michigan History Magazine