Tales of Northern Michigan's Past

Season 5 is officially here! Chris kicks off the season with a visit to the House of Ludington in Escanaba, and with it he has a wonderful conversation with Tyler DuBord, the manager at The House of Ludington. This is part 1 of their conversation.

Chris returns with Part 2 of his conversation with Kenny Olson, guitarist for Kid Rock of Ten Years and lifelong friend to Chris.

Happy New Year! Chris is joined by his long time friend Kenny Olson, guitarist for a famous band called Kid Rock. This is part 1 of their conversation together!

This is Part 2 of Chris Struble's conversation with John Cohassey on Idlewild, the Affluent African American Summer Enclave.

Welcome back to Tales of Northern Michigan's Past! In this Episode Chris sits down with his long time friend and historian John Cohassey, who delves into the community of Idlewild, an African American Summer Resort for Affluent African Americans, that hosted musicians from the early jazz era all the way through to Motown. This will be Part 1 of their conversation.

Chris continues his conversation with Valerie Hemingway in the final part of their lakeside chat. They discuss her time with Ernest Hemingway as his secretary, confidant, and eventual daughter in law.

Chris continues his lakeside chat with Valerie Hemingway, former secretary, confidant, and daughter-in-law to the famed Ernest Hemingway, as they dive into more about his time in Cuba and his book, A Moveable Feast.

Chris had the opportunity to speak with Valerie Hemingway; daughter-in-law, confidant, and former secretary to the famed Ernest Hemingway. They dive into her time with Ernest as they travelled the world, and highlight her new book, Running with the Bulls, My Time with the Hemingway Family.

Our final episode of season 3 is the conclusion to Chris' conversation with Taylor Dueweke, an independent filmmaker who is working on a project to tell the stories of the property that holds both the Club Manitou and the Club Ponytail. They continue their conversation about both eras of the property along with Taylor's project which is set to tell the tales of people who experienced the Club Ponytail in person. If you were someone who had the opportunity to experience the Club Ponytail at its peak, please reach out to Taylor himself on his website: www.taylordueweke.com/pony-tales -no matter how small of a story you have, he would love to speak with you! This conversation is timely as the property on which these two infamous clubs were located is currently up for sale and Taylor, along with his partner in the project Nate Graham (The realtor of the property) are looking for a buyer who will help protect and save the property from behind torn down and a new house being built. If you are someone interested in an investment in the history of Harbor Springs and Northern Michigan in general and have the funds, check out the property for sale yourself! We here at Tales of Northern Michigan's Past would love to see it preserved! https://www.grahamre.com/listing/472478-8470-pleasantview-lane-harbor-springs-mi-49740/

As our season 3 comes to a close, Chris was able to sit down with Taylor Dueweke, an independent film maker who is working on a project to tell the stories of property that holds both the Club Manitou and the Club Ponytail. They talk about both eras of the property along with Taylor's project which is set to tell the tales of people who experienced the Club Ponytail in person. -Stick around for next week for a bonus episode that continues this conversation between Chris and Taylor Dueweke just in time for the holidays!- If you were someone who had the opportunity to experience the Club Ponytail at its peak, please reach out to Taylor himself on his website: https://www.taylordueweke.com/lead-collection -no matter how small of a story you have, he would love to speak with you! This conversation is timely as the property on which these two infamous clubs were located is currently up for sale and Taylor, along with his partner in the project Nate Graham (The owner of the real estate business which is currently selling the property) are looking for a buyer who will help protect and save the property from behind torn down and a new house being built. If you are someone interested in an investment in the history of Harbor Springs and Northern Michigan in general and have the funds, check out the property for sale yourself! We here at Tales of Northern Michigan's Past would love to see it preserved! https://www.grahamre.com/listing/472478-8470-pleasantview-lane-harbor-springs-mi-49740/

Chris continues his conversation with Emmy award-winning composer Roger Tallman from Petoskey, Michigan about his history in the music industry.

Chris continues his conversation with Emmy award-winning composer Roger Tallman from Petoskey, Michigan about his history in the music industry.

Chris continues his conversation with Emmy award-winning composer Roger Tallman from Petoskey, Michigan about his history in the music industry.

Chris continues his conversation with Emmy award-winning composer Roger Tallman from Petoskey, Michigan about his history in the music industry.

Chris had the opportunity to speak with Emmy award-winning composer Roger Tallman from Petoskey, Michigan about his history in the music industry.

Chris has the unique opportunity to speak with Carl Lindquist from the Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) to talk about what Stannard Rock Lighthouse is being used for today and other exciting things happening!   Carl is the founder of the Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) and was the sole employee when the Great Lakes non-profit formed in 1999. Working together with a creative board they have been able to grow the organization to 18 full-time staff and over 30 seasonal employees in the Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC). The SWP over the years has assisted UP communities with a variety of conservation-based, water quality protection projects including storm water management, dune restoration, beach monitoring, and community pollution prevention, just to name a few.

Frederick returns to talk about the  Stannard Rock Lighthouse said to be the loneliest lighthouse. They talk about the history and stories of the lighthouse. Next week the conversation continues about what the lighthouse is used for today!

Chris and Frederick continue their conversation about all things marina history! They discuss a little about the Edmund Fitz Gerald as well as another interesting topics!

Chris had the opportunity to speak with author Frederick Stonehouse, author of over thirty books on maritime history many focusing on the Great Lakes including the best-selling The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. They discuss what inspired Frederick to focus on the great lakes, the paranormal, and other exciting topics!

Chris continues his conversation with John Hemingway, grandson of Ernest Hemingway. They talk about continuing legacies, as well as a deeper dive into the idea of the concept of gender which is something John's father struggled with in life, and how John processed through his father's struggles.

Chris had the opportunity to speak with John Hemingway, the grandson of Ernest Hemingway who has numerous connections to Northern Michigan. They talk about what it means to have such an important last name and many other interesting topics.

Chris has Tom Wright back on to continue their conversation about the Quincy Mines and more history from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Welcome to the first episode of season 3 of Tales of Northern Michigan's Past! As season 2 was wrapping up, Chris took his family up to the UP for vacation and met some interesting people while he was there through the podcast. In this 2 part season opener, Chris talks to one of those people he met, Tom Wright. In the episodes, they talk about not only the Quincy Mines, but also interesting history that takes place in the UP.    

In this final episode of season 2, Chris continues his conversation with Todd Clements owner of Haunts of Mackinac to talk about some of the paranormal activity up on Mackinac Island along with other cool areas that aren't paranormal on the island. This is the final episode of season 2! Look out for season 3 coming sometime in 2023!

While season 2 of Tales of Northern Michigan's Past is officially over, we aren't done giving you some extra content! To celebrate this spooky season, Chris had the opportunity to speak with Todd Clements owner of Haunts of Mackinac to talk about some of the paranormal activity up on Mackinac Island along with some of the stories behind the activities. Part two of their conversation will be posted next week so stay tuned for that!

Chris dives into the real-life case that the movie and book "Anatomy of a Murder" is based on that took place in Marquette, Michigan.

One simple court case in the Upper Pennisula of Michigan helped set a legal precedent and clarified the principle of self-defense and the defense of others. In this episode, Chris details this specific case and what led up to one of the most important court cases ever to be tried on Mackinaw Island.

***Due to the topics of this episode, it is not intended for younger listeners. The listener's discretion is advised.***   After the short break of the hard-hitting to have a conversation with author Mary Jane Doerr, Chris is back, diving into another tragic part of Northern Michigan's history. In this week's episode, he covers the horrors of North Fox Island and the man behind all those horrors, Francis Sheldon. The show's producer, Karin Nemec also chimes in with some questions of her own for the first time!

This is the second part of Chris' conversation with Mary Jane Doerr talking about her new book, Smiles the Songs of J. Will Callahan Tin Pan Alley's Blind Lyricist. If you find their conversation interesting and want to by her new book, you can find it through the link below!   https://maryjanedoerr.com/book.html

Taking a break from the harder-hitting history of Michigan, Chris had the opportunity to sit down with returning guest from season 1, Mary Jane Doerr to talk about her new book, Smiles the Songs of J. Will Callahan Tin Pan Alley's Blind Lyricist. Stay tuned for next week for the second part of their conversation! If you find their conversation interesting and want to by her new book, you can find it through the link below! https://maryjanedoerr.com/book.html

WARNING: The following episode discusses alleged abuse of heinous nature. It is not intended for a younger audience. Listener discretion is advised.   Northern Michigan has a vast amount of history, but not all of it is good. Jeffrey Epstein was an American convicted sex offender and former financier who held connections to Northern Michigan, specifically Interlochen Center of the Arts where he had a cabin. Chris dives into this heavy topic to discuss Epstein and his connection to the area.

WARNING: The following episode discusses alleged abuse of heinous nature. It is not intended for a younger audience. Listener discretion is advised.   Northern Michigan has a vast amount of history, but not all of it is good. Jeffrey Epstein was an American convicted sex offender and former financier who held connections to Northern Michigan, specifically Interlochen Center of the Arts where he had a cabin. Chris dives into this heavy topic to discuss Epstein and his connection to the area.

Dianna Stampfler returns for this second episode to talk more about lighthouses, focusing on the tragedies that have taken place at these iconic Michigan landmarks as well as talk about her new book out now: Death & Lighthouses of the Great Lakes: A History of Misfortune & Murder.   You can find more info about Dianna's books at her website: https://promotemichigan.com/   Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/Tales-of-Northern-Michigans-Past-100283372263569

Dianna Stampfler returns for this second episode to talk more about lighthouses, focusing on the tragedies that have taken place at these iconic Michigan landmarks as well as talk about her new book out now: Death & Lighthouses of the Great Lakes: A History of Misfortune & Murder.   You can find more info about Dianna's books at her website: https://promotemichigan.com/   Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/Tales-of-Northern-Michigans-Past-100283372263569

Chris has returning guest Dianna Stampfler back to talk more about lighthouses, this time with a focus on the tragedies that have taken place at these iconic Michigan landmarks as well as talk about her new book out now: Death & Lighthouses of the Great Lakes: A History of Misfortune & Murder.   You can find more info about Dianna's books at her website: https://promotemichigan.com/

Chris has returning guest Dianna Stampfler back to talk more about lighthouses, this time with a focus on the tragedies that have taken place at these iconic Michigan landmarks as well as talk about her new book out now: Death & Lighthouses of the Great Lakes: A History of Misfortune & Murder.   You can find more info about Dianna's books at her website: https://promotemichigan.com/

Chris is back again this week to talk with author Kristie Dickinson about details of the Robison family murders as well as how she wrote her book, "Summerset" which is a book that tells the story of this famous Michigan case that is still unsolved.

Chris is back again this week to talk with author Kristie Dickinson about details of the Robison family murders as well as how she wrote her book, "Summerset" which is a book that tells the story of this famous Michigan case that is still unsolved.

Northern Michigan is known as a peaceful and tranquil place. But that peace was broken on June 25, 1968, when the Robison family were shot and killed while vacationing in their Lake Michigan cottage just north of Good Hart, Michigan, near the Straits of Mackinac. In this episode of Tales of Northern Michigan's past, Chris lays out the details of this gruesome act. Tune in on June 9th for notable guest author Kristie Dickinson to talk in further about this still-unsolved case as well as her book based on these murders: "Summerset"! If you haven't already, follow us on Facebook and leave us suggestions for what you'd like to hear about Michigan's vast history! https://www.facebook.com/Tales-of-Northern-Michigans-Past-100283372263569

Northern Michigan is known as a peaceful and tranquil place. But that peace was broken on June 25, 1968, when the Robison family were shot and killed while vacationing in their Lake Michigan cottage just north of Good Hart, Michigan, near the Straits of Mackinac. In this episode of Tales of Northern Michigan's past, Chris lays out the details of this gruesome act. Tune in on June 9th for notable guest author Kristie Dickinson to talk in further about this still-unsolved case as well as her book based on these murders: "Summerset"! If you haven't already, follow us on Facebook and leave us suggestions for what you'd like to hear about Michigan's vast history! https://www.facebook.com/Tales-of-Northern-Michigans-Past-100283372263569

In this second part of their conversation, Chris continues the discussion with Eric Hemenway, a historian for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. They discuss the attempts that occurred to convert Odawas to Christianity and the different altercations that occurred between the Odawas and the settlers. If you enjoy this podcast, follow us on Facebook! If you have any suggestions for topics that Chris could cover or have an area of expertise you feel you could talk about with Chris on the podcast, feel free to message us! https://www.facebook.com/Tales-of-Northern-Michigans-Past-100283372263569

In this second part of their conversation, Chris continues the discussion with Eric Hemenway, a historian for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. They discuss the attempts that occurred to convert Odawas to Christianity and the different altercations that occurred between the Odawas and the settlers. If you enjoy this podcast, follow us on Facebook! If you have any suggestions for topics that Chris could cover or have an area of expertise you feel you could talk about with Chris on the podcast, feel free to message us! https://www.facebook.com/Tales-of-Northern-Michigans-Past-100283372263569

The wait is finally over! Season 2 of Tales of Northern Michigan's Past officially launches today!! This season we will be showcasing many of Michigan's firsts that have happened within the great state of Michigan. What better way to start the journey than learning more about the first people who inhabited Northern Michigan. Chris had the opportunity to talk with Eric Hemenway, a historian for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. In this two-part conversation, they talk about the life of the Odawas before contact as well as shortly after contact and how the Odawan way of life has changed in some ways, and yet, in others is still the same.   If you enjoy this podcast, follow us on Facebook! If you have any suggestions for topics that Chris could cover or have an area of expertise you feel you could talk about with Chris on the podcast, feel free to message us! https://www.facebook.com/Tales-of-Northern-Michigans-Past-100283372263569

The wait is finally over! Season 2 of Tales of Northern Michigan's Past officially launches today!! This season we will be showcasing many of Michigan's firsts that have happened within the great state of Michigan. What better way to start the journey than learning more about the first people who inhabited Northern Michigan. Chris had the opportunity to talk with Eric Hemenway, a historian for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. In this two-part conversation, they talk about the life of the Odawas before contact as well as shortly after contact and how the Odawan way of life has changed in some ways, and yet, in others is still the same.   If you enjoy this podcast, follow us on Facebook! If you have any suggestions for topics that Chris could cover or have an area of expertise you feel you could talk about with Chris on the podcast, feel free to message us! https://www.facebook.com/Tales-of-Northern-Michigans-Past-100283372263569

While we are hard at work producing a new season, we wanted to take a moment to produce something special for our listeners that, while it is history now, it seems to be a very timely topic at this time. This special is broken down into two parts: Part 1 talks about Michigan's early history of the Native Americans, the French, the English, and eventually the English Americans as they fought for control of Northern Michigan. Part 2 will be covering how Michigan has played parts in the different wars that have gripped our world over the years and how, unsurprisingly, history always seems to repeat itself. Stay tuned for season 2 coming your way very shortly! Thanks for listening!

While we are hard at work producing a new season, we wanted to take a moment to produce something special for our listeners that, while it is history now, it seems to be a very timely topic at this time. This special is broken down into two parts: Part 1 talks about Michigan's early history of the Native Americans, the French, the English, and eventually the English Americans as they fought for control of Northern Michigan. Part 2 will be covering how Michigan has played parts in the different wars that have gripped our world over the years and how, unsurprisingly, history always seems to repeat itself. Stay tuned for season 2 coming your way very shortly! Thanks for listening!