Southwest Michigan is rich in history, as the region contains the second wave of twelve counties organized in the State in 1829. The stories encapsulate pioneer triumphs and tragedy, amazing events and resilient, enterprising and passionate people. The re
In this episode, I explore the early life of Michigan music legend Del Shannon from his early life in Coopersville to his days in Battle Creek and the hit song Runaway.For more information on the life of Del Shannon, visit:https://delshannon.com/biographyFor information on all of the Del Shannon Weekend events:https://BCRHM.orgFor tickets to the Del Shannon Tribute Concert on June 26th, 2025 at the Kellogg Arena, Click here.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, I explore lost and forgotten stories with Aaron Helman, the author of the new book 'The Turtle, The Mitten & An Epic History of Michigan'.To get a copy of The Turtle, The Mitten & An Epic History of Michigan click here.For more information Aaron Helman, visit:https://www.aaronhelman.comFor more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, Bob Myers, the Director of History Programming at the Historical Society of Michigan and the Meijer Center for Michigan History joins me to discuss the organizations, its upcoming conferences, lecture series, programs and various publications.To join the Historical Society of Michigan, subscribe to the Michigan History Magazine or find out more about the organization and upcoming events, visit:https://www.hsmichigan.orgFor information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, I cover the early history of Memorial Day and tell the stories of four fallen heroes from four different wars from Calhoun County.I also announce some of the upcoming events and projects for the summer.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://MichaelDelaware.comFor full details on the Del Shannon Weekend events and tickets, visit: https://BCRHM.org
This is the story of a five year old boy who disappeared under unusual circumstances in 1837 in Jackson Township, in Jackson County and then reappeared 29 years later to shock the community. His father searched for decades for his son, and another woman was rumored to be responsible for his death.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, I explore the history of the American national holiday 'Mother's Day'.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, Chicago antique expert Jack Girsbach joins me along with Bobbie Mathis from the Union City Society for Historic Preservation. We discuss the stories behind antiques, the topic of haunted artifacts and also an exciting upcoming event on May 10, 2025 at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum.For tickets to the event on Saturday, May 10th, click here.To email Jack Girsbach with questions, use: JacksUniqueAntique@gmail.comFor information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, I am joined by Author Allie Seibert to talk about her new book 'Bloodstained: Exploring Michigan's Darkest Murders Forgotten By Time'.We also discuss the various aspects of researching stories from the past, and its challenges. For more information on Author Allie Seibert, visit:https://householdhistory.comTo follow her on Facebook, visit:https://www.facebook.com/allieseibertauthorFor more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.comFollow Michael Delaware on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDelawareAuthor
In this episode, professional Abraham Lincoln presenter Kevin J. Wood joins me to talk about the history of the 16th President in his visit to Kalamazoo, and also share the exciting news about the upcoming Association of Lincoln Presenters 2025 Annual Conference which is being held in Kalamazoo April 24-27, 2025. Click on these links below for more information on the event:Association of Lincoln Presenters 2025 Annual ConferenceKevin J. Wood's website: MrLincoln.comFacebook.com/MrLincolnKevinWoodFor more information on Michael Delaware, visit:MichaelDelaware.comFacebook.com/MichaelDelawareAuthor
In this episode, I explore some history of the hobo encampments that once existed outside the small village of Baroda in 1900-1901, and two dark stories that happened during this time. This story includes railroad history of the era.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I explore the fascinating history of the Holland Harbor Lighthouse affectionately known as 'Big Red' which first went into operation shining its lights into Lake Michigan in December of 1870.The information from this episode comes from an article written and published in 2019 by Valerie van Heest for the Michigan History Magazine.To find out more about the Michigan Historical Society or subscribe to the magazine visit: https://hsmichigan.orgFor more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I conclude the story of attorney Charles Mains as he countinues his journey to California where he is convicted of mail fraud, then the State of Washington and onto Alaska where he is ultimately convicted of manslaughter.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I continue the saga on the life of attorney Charles Mains in the second part of a 3 part series. Charles is arrested for an alleged diabolical plot to abduct and murder a man who is winning a civil case against him, allegedly to clear his name. When he is caught in the act, he is arrested, and now faces charges of attempted kidnapping and murder.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, I begin a 3 part series into the history of an infamous attorney who began his career in the late Victorian period in Calhoun County. The path of his life led to many court cases, corruption, fraud and eventually being charged with murder. This episode begins the story of his legal case with Stephen Hulbert in 1897-1898. It sets the stage for a diabolical plot he was accused of organizing, which is explained in Part 2.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, I explore the history of missing children in Michigan, as well as the dark history of human trafficking.The references used in this episode:ThisisTreason.com Presenting the work of Ryan Matta. This is the site you can watch the documentaries.NamUS.gov/MissingPersonsMissinginMich.comDoeNetwork.orgFor more information on Michael Delaware, visit:MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode, author Amy Piper joins me to discuss her book 'Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure' and her other book '100 Things to Do in Lansing Before You Die'. She gives insight into the research she conducted for her books, and some of her favorite discoveries.To get copies of her books, visit:https://followthepiper.com/For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode, I explore the history of Jenny Lind, a reknowned opera singer who came to be known as the 'Swedish Nightingale' when she toured American between 1850-1852. She was brought to the U.S. by invitation of showman P.T. Barnum, and her time on American soil created a craze across the nation.For more information on the life of Jenny Lind, click here.For a copy of the Autobiography of P.T. Barnum, click here.For information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I explore an article in History Magazine written by Brad Myers about when ventriloquist Edgar Bergen performed with Charlie McCarthy in his hometown of Decatur, Michigan in 1952. The performance was recorded before a live audience by CBS Radio, and included performances by some local people in the community. For more information on the Historical Society of Michigan and to subscribe to the magazine Michigan History, visit: https://www.hsmichigan.orgFor more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.comRecording of the Edgar Bergen show in 1952 was obtained from Internet Archive and is used under fair use .
In this episode, I explore the history of the Spanish Flu epidemic that lasted from 1918-1920, and cover some Michigan stories at the time.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I explore the history of the iconic Checker Cab Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan which officially stopped producing Checker Cabs in 1982, but continued to exist until 2009. I refer to a recent history article by Jay Follis in Michigan History Magazine. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode, I explore the life of William Henry Harrison who served as Secretary of the Northwest Territory, and later Governor of the Indiana Territory when Michigan was part of this territory. Harrison later was elected to serve as the 9th President of the United States, and his election campaign of 1840 was a watershed moment in the history of all future Presidential campaigns. I also cover the first and famous campaign slogan 'Tippicanoe and Tyler Too' and the history of other slogans used in Presidential campaigns from 1840 forward to present time. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I explore the unusual history of the House of David in Benton Harbor, Michigan which was founded in 1903, and today has only a few surviving members. At one time the organization in addition to having a large religious following, had semi-pro baseball teams, musical groups and even an amusement park. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, I explore history of Jumbo the elephant's first visit to the state of Michigan in 1883 traveling with PT Barnum's Circus. Jumbo was the main attraction which drew people in from all over the state to see the circus when it came to town, and it made several stops in Southwest Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https//:michaeldelaware.com Follow Michael on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDelawareAuthor/
In this episode, I explore the history of the Michigan Cholera outbreak in 1832 in Marshall and also look at the Grand Experiment by Dr. John Snow in 1854 in London, England to isolate the cause of the disease. Information in this episode comes from a video by Dr. John Campbell, which you can see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAQ3yE9cxpQ For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode, the final one for season 3 in 2024, I look back at New Year's Eve in Southwest Michigan in 1924. I also give updates on the plans for the show in 2025, moving into season 4 and other news. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I explore the Victorian influence on Christmas traditions, including the impact of the royal family, carols, food and Charles Dickens.
In this episode I explore a list of famous people who have visited Kalamazoo in the past 200 years as researched by the Kalamazoo Library, which includes some famous U.S. Presidents, writers, poets, architects, etc. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, I explore stories from the newspapers in Michigan on December 24, 1944. We look at the era of WWII with reports from Europe, the Pacific, rations, war bonds, travel difficulties at train stations and even war heros. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I explore the history of the filming of the movie Prancer which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Information in this episode comes from an article written by Nick Bogert of the Region of Three Oaks Museum in the Michigan History Magazine Nov/Dec 2024 edition. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
Today I read a story that I wrote for my upcoming book that is due out in July of 2025. It is a story that happened in 1879, and I cut it from my final manuscript. It is called the Dime Novel Adventurist. For information on tickets for Tales of Christmas Past, Click here. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, Dave Eddy, the former 'Morning Mayor' of WBCK Radio and Bobbie Mathis, the President of the Union City Society for Historic Preservation joins me to talk about Christmas Stories, traditions, music, Santa letters, lost diary entries, and the Christmas program 'Tales of Christmas Past'. To get tickets for Tales of Christmas Past, click here. For tickets to the Christmas Tea in Union City, click here! For information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode, I explore the history of the man known as the Celery King in Kalamazoo, Joseph Dunkley. I also cover the history of the celery industry in the city. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com For tickets to Tales of Christmas Past on December 14th at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum, click here!
Author Julie Rathsack joins me to talk about her new book 'A Haunted History of Grand Rapids'. To follow Julie Rathsack on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/HauntedHistoryOfGrandRapids To buy a copy of her book, click here: A Haunted History of Grand Rapids For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I explore the history of Thanksgiving as an American holiday beginning with the First Continental Congress following the American Revolution. For more information about Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, author Patti Smith joins me to discuss her book Michigan Beer: A Heady History. We cover stories of the early brewing history in the state, stories from Ionia and Grand Rapids, and a lot of other facts about the fascinating industry. To follow Patti Smith on Facebook, Click Here. For copies of her book(s), visit: https://amzn.to/4eCMsUz For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode, I explore the history of Yankee Springs in Barry County. It is the story of the famous tavern established in 1836 once owned and operated by a man known as Yankee Bill across the state of Michigan. It is a story of the stage coach line between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode I explore some of the early pioneer history of Allegan, some recent history with the historic bridge, the regent theatre and notable people. For more information on the upcoming program at BCRHM called Tales of Christmas Past, Click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode we take a look back at news stories from November 1924, 100 years ago this month. This is episode 100 of season 3 of this podcast! For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I explore the history of grain harvesting, th Upton-Brown & Co in Battle Creek who were the first manufacturers of thresher machinery in Michigan and the story of the Dodge Brothers. I also open the letterbox sharing letters sent to me as a writer and podcaster. For the link to the article mentioned on Hiram Moore, click here. To find out more about Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode I explore the history behind the lost Benton Harbor shipping canal for which the city is named. I also include profiles on three men who greatly influenced the development of the canal: Henry C. Morton, James F. Higgby and Stern Brunson. To see the 1889 Benton Harbor birds eye view map, click here. For more information or to contact Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode I explore the Presidency of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. I include a letter from the Governor of Michigan when he died, as well as other details about his career. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I explore some of the history behind three historic train depots that are still in operation along the Amtrak line in Southwest Michigan: St. Joseph, Kalamazoo and Jackson. Each building has its own unique story. For more information on the train stations, visit: https://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/ For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
In this episode I explore the history of the Kalamazoo County Poor Farm and also share some recent stories of my adventures on the book tour. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode I explore forgotten customs and traditions of Halloween as covered in an article that ran in the Grand Rapids Press on October 31, 1894. It offers some unique insight into the romantic aspirations of youth that once was associated with the holiday. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode I explore the history of the McCamly Plaza Hotel which was built as part of a larger complex in downtown Battle Creek beginning in 1980, and officially opening around November 1981. I review some of the history of the building, and discuss a tour I just had of the new Doubletree which officially opened this month after a 5 year remodeling project. It is a new beautiful hotel in Battle Creek, and this will give you some insight into the early history of the project.
In this episode I explore the history of the railroad finally arriving in Niles, Michigan in 1848, and the history of the train depots leading up to the iconic Romanesque style building that was officially opened in February 1892. For more information in Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com or follow Michael on Facebook facebook.com/MichaelDelawareAuthor
In this episode, author Tom Carr joins me again to talk about stories of Michigan True Crime. In this episode he covers a story about John Dillinger who had an accomplice that traveled through Southwest Michigan from Indiana, as well as other tales about lumberjack brothels, stories about growing up with his father, and much more. To follow Tom Carr on Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/tomcarrauthor For copies of his books, click here. For details about the SW MI True Crime Symposium in Charlotte on October 19th, click here. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com
Cemetery restoration experts Bobbie Mathis and Andrew Noland join me again to talk about Michigan ghost stories, encounters and also an upcoming presentation on cemetery restoration and symbology. For information on the upcoming event on Saturday, October 12th, Tombstone Preservation, Restoration & Symbology, click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode, True Crime Author Rod Sadler joins me for a talk on his books. He discusses his investigative process, research, murder site visits and much more. For information and books by Rod Sadler, visit: https://www.rodsadler.com To follow Rod Sadler on Facebook, visit: Facebook.com/RodSadlerAuthor For information on the event we are participating in at the Grand Ledge Area District Library on Wed, Oct 9th, called Writing the Dark, click here. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com To follow Michael Delaware on Facebook, visit Facebook.com/MichaelDelawareAuthor
In this episode, Author Allie Seibert joins me to discuss her company 'Household History' and the process of researching the history of a home, as well some true crime stories she has uncovered. For more information Allie Seivert, her books & Household History, visit: Householdhistory.com To follow Household History on Facebook, Click here. For information on the Writing the Dark event to be held at the Grand Ledge Library on Wednesday, October 9th, Click here. For information on the Southwest Michigan True Crime Symposium in Charlotte on October 19th, Click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com
In this episode I explore the Wildcat Banking Era in Michigan which began in 1837 and lasted until approximiatly 1845 when the first state banking law was introduced by the legistlature. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
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