Michigan Hidden History

In this week's Michigan Hidden History, we're traveling to the charming village of Quincy, Michigan. Settled in the 1830s, Quincy's journey from a small logging settlement to a vibrant, brick-lined community is a tale of railroad success, civic pride, and small-town hustle. Learn about the bold citizens who fought to keep Quincy on the map and the transformative events that shaped its development—like the advent of electricity and waterworks. Tune in for the story of a village where tradition meets progress, and discover how Quincy's legacy still shines brightly today.

In this episode of Michigan Hidden History, we step into the quiet charm of the H.C. Lewis Art Gallery, where small-town soul meets fine art flair. Nestled in the heart of Coldwater, this gallery honors the legacy of local artist H.C. Lewis, a man who believed every brushstroke told a story—and sometimes, that story involved a cow or two. From stunning landscapes to quirky community portraits, we explore how this hidden gem became a cultural beacon for Branch County. So grab your beret (or your best flannel), and join us for a colorful dive into Coldwater's creative side.

In this week's Michigan Hidden History, we uncover the rags-to-riches tale of Cyrus Gray Luce—wool carder, farmer, wartime legislator, and ultimately Michigan's 21st governor. Learn how a onetime Whig candidate in Indiana became the man who named a U.P. county after himself, oversaw the Grand Hotel's rise, and parlayed Civil War grit into two decisive election victories. It's politics, horse-power, and prohibition battles—served cold. Tune in and discover why Luce's legacy still echoes from Branch County to Mackinac Island.

This week on Michigan Hidden History, we tour Coldwater's Wing House Museum—a home built for love, sold out of spite, and inherited by a Civil War hero turned cigar mogul. It's a story full of failed romance, steam-powered explosions, and bold real estate moves. Come for the Victorian architecture, stay for the marital drama and historical pettiness.

Branch County's history has it all — flaming courthouses, clock drama, and 1830s Cabinet scandals. From New England settlers to a $267 bell and clock deal, this episode proves Coldwater's past is anything but boring.

Before Coldwater had a public library with award-winning masonry and historic district bragging rights, it had a team of absolute legends building it from the ground up—literally. In this episode, we're talking sassy librarians, early feminist wins, and why Coldwater's literary legacy is giving main character energy. Stick around for a teaser about next week's dive into the drama of Branch County.

What do you get when you mix a 185-foot steeple, a Civil War construction delay, a lecture from Sojourner Truth, and a bell with New York swagger? You get the First Presbyterian Church of Coldwater — a Romanesque Revival legend that's been standing tall (literally) since the 1860s. In this episode, we're diving into Coldwater's architectural pride, feminist guest stars, and why one donor basically said, “Build it big enough to be seen from Indiana.” Church has never sounded this iconic.

When two rich guys offered to build Quincy a library — one of them being Andrew Carnegie — the town went with the humble local hero instead. Find out why in this surprisingly funny tale of pride, paperbacks, and public shaming.

Join Tharan Suvarna as he takes you on a deep dive into the rich—and sometimes spicy—history of Jackson, Michigan. From feuding pioneers to booming railroads and skyscraper disasters, this episode reveals the untold stories behind one of Michigan's most intriguing cities. You won't want to miss this wild ride through time!

After a year-long mic mishap, Tharan's back with updates, big plans, and a fresh promise to finally stick with the podcast. Let's try this... again!

Dive into the story of Ella Sharp, a remarkable woman who turned a family farm into a cherished museum and park, leaving a lasting impact on her community. This episode explores her passion for conservation, community building, and the incredible legacy she leaves behind.

This one-room schoolhouse served the community for a long time. The McCain family has been in the United States since 1770, and there are how many one-room schoolhouses still in Michigan.

Hold onto your kepis, history lovers! We're drilling into the heart of the Civil War to uncover Camp Blair, Michigan's secret weapon. This wasn't just a military outpost; it was a crucible that forged raw recruits into battlefield heroes and a sanctuary that soothed the wounds of returning soldiers. Imagine the stories whispered by these very grounds – tales of bravery, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a nation divided.

Season 4 is coming in hot at the end of April.

The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. It was founded in 1828 and has a long and complex history, including periods of dominance and decline. This podcast explores the party's history from its origins to the present day.

Come find out about one of two major political parties in the United States and how it was founded in Jackson Michigan and not Ripon Wisconsin.

Austin Blair was a controversial figure during his lifetime, but he is now remembered as one of the most important figures in Michigan history. He was a strong advocate for civil rights and equality, and he played a key role in the Union victory in the Civil War.

What happens when your villiage maybe choosen for the new capital of Michigan and learn about how consumers energy is involved in a church's activities. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Learn about this important Jackson Business Man.

Learn about the founder of the Republican Party.

Learn about the different abolitionist movements in Jackson and about the history behind the Kansas- Nebraska act.

Learn how the First congregational church supported the social causes of the 1800s and 1900s. Learn about the St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I explore the first prison gang in Michigan History and the history of Michigan's first Prison in 1838. Sources Gang Violence and Crime · Daily Life · States of Incarceration: Michigan (msu.edu) The Old State Prison in Jackson - Lost In Michigan

I went to Jackson, Michigan, for a job interview at JPS after going on a historical marker tour and found a lot of markers to share with you all. The first of these are three churches. St. Johns, St Pauls, and the first baptist. Learn about their incredible histories. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Learn in this short episode how the City of Birmingham became a city. Source: Birmingham, MI (bhamgov.org)

Find out how Pontiac's War is related to the Academy of Scared Heart and changed the course in American History

Learn about how Kmart boomed and busted. We talk about our memories in Kmart. Also, learn the future of shopping. I go on another teaching rant about what should be taught in schools. Sorry, not Sorry. The teacher got to do what the teacher got to do. Answer the question below, and in a few weeks, when I think there are enough responses, I will read them on the podcast. Sources Kresge, Sebastian S. | Detroit Historical Society city village 2020.xlsx (michigan.gov)

Learn about a double homicide and how it formed the Greenwood cemetery. My guest Mario and I went off topic but kind of relate back to the podcast topic. Sorry, I go on a teaching rant. Sources Looking Back: Birmingham's first murders in 1825 (candgnews.com) Who saved the Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington from the White House before it was burned in 1814? - White House Historical Association (whitehousehistory.org) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Learn about Fred Bakers' house, John Almon Starr and where his descendants live, and about the Saginaw Trail. I tell a story about Fred Baker's house marker. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I go off on a tangent and connect the era that Louis Kamper is living to what is going on now in today's world with covid. I think the connection is cool. Also learn about Louis Kamper and how he affected the hotel business with his out of the world ideas for the time. This is my source: Historic Detroit

Who is Orson Starr and is it true that his cowbells are prized collector's items also. Which cemetery had the largest mausoleum in 1914? Find all that and more in this episode. Sources: Our History | Roseland Park Cemetery | Berkley MI funeral home and cremation --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Learn who built the Royal Oak Methodist Church and also about the church itself. Ridge Road was a Native American Footpath so learn more about it here. I give you a life update. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Know about the fabulous Royal Oak Women's Club. Here are my sources: History — Royal Oak Woman's Club (rowc.org) Royal Oak Woman's Club launches fundraiser to save historic clubhouse (candgnews.com) Here is the link for their Facebook page: Royal Oak Woman's Club | Facebook

Learn about the amazing history of the First Baptist Church of Royal Oak.

I will be back on January 3. I will be releasing new episodes every week after that.

Learn about a lighthouse on St. Helana Island and about who "discovered" Lake Michigan and how he died.

Learn about the former site of the US Army Arsenal in Dearborn, Michigan, and about the first commandment officer there. 

Learn about the place I want to teach and live in because it is the perfect place. This is the history of the village of Romeo.

Learn about a railroad that had over 70 million dollars in profit selling land and goes files for modern-day chapter 11 a few years later.

Who is the park named after and learn how he helped President Lincoln with the third most important document in American history behind the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Who is Loren and why did he build this strange house find out in this episode.

Learn which settlements are German and of the two reverends that helped each other. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Learn about the oldest continuous wool mill here in Michigan. Also, you can learn how wool turns into a quilt or bedding and what is wool batting? Phone number: 989-652-6555 Sources: Our Story | American Wool | Frankenmuth Woolen Mill (wool-bedding.com) ‘Healthy bedding' demand fuels growth of 127-year-old Frankenmuth Woolen Mill – tuscolatoday.com

Learn about how Warren went from a small corner in the 1800's to the third largest city in population in Michigan in the 2000's.

Learn about a house that is next to the Warren Community Center and a person named George Eckstein. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Learn about two homes and how a Creek was used to dry out the land. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Learn about the history behind the address 5520 Chicago Rd and about an original building from the 1850s in Warren Michigan. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Learn about a german church and a hoarder that lives in a house. Know you are probably thinking about whether they would make a marker on that. If you said no you are correct. If you said yes that is also correct because it is on a person with the last name Hoard. Learn about his house. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I talk about the village hall of Warren and the Flynn House and who Flynn Family is and what they did. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, I talk about the Claeys house and HL Clayes, A old grist mill, and the 102-year history of the Farm Bureau. Source Celebrating 100 Years of History - American Farm Bureau Federation (fb.org)

Learn about the amazing Car Campany that survived 113 years and a bankruptcy. Also, learn about the famed GM Tech center. Sources: General Motors | History, Deals, & Facts | Britannica A Brief History Of General Motors Corp. | Manufacturing.net