The End of the Road in Michigan

Before the freeways, before commercial flights, lake steamers were the gateway to the Midwest.In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we chart the rise and fall of the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company—one of the Great Lakes' most iconic passenger lines. From grand vessels like the City of Detroit III and Greater Detroit, to the six-day cruises connecting Detroit, Cleveland, and Put-in-Bay, the D&C Line helped shape the travel culture of an industrializing Michigan.With luxury cabins, promenade decks, and sweeping lake views, these ships were floating cities—and they carried millions across Lake Erie and Huron.We bring you stories from passengers, stewards, and engineers, along with archival details and artifacts from Detroit's maritime past. Find out how this once-dominant fleet faded into history with the rise of the automobile—and what still remains today. This is the legacy of D&C Navigation—when ships ruled the lakes, and the end of the road was only the beginning.

In 1911, the tiny farming town of Tyre, Michigan, was rocked by a string of mysterious deaths in the Sparling family. Over the course of two years, four men from the same household died of sudden, agonizing illnesses. At first, it seemed like a tragedy. Then suspicion. And finally, murder.In this episode, we unravel the haunting story of “The Dying Sparlings”—a tale of poison, scandal, and a courtroom drama that captured the attention of a state. Was it the family doctor? The grieving mother? Or someone else entirely? This 20-minute narrative walks you through one of Michigan's most notorious historical murder cases—and the ripple effects it had across the Thumb.

In January 1911, two young brothers vanished into the frozen waters of Lake Huron. What followed was one of the most daring rescue efforts in Great Lakes history.With ice closing in and time running out, a life-saving crew from Harbor Beach set out on a 40-mile journey by sleigh to bring them home. This episode of End of the Road in Michigan tells the true story of grit, community, and survival during one of Michigan's coldest winters. 

Pontiac's War: Fire on the Frontier, Peace in the ShadowsIn 1763, as British flags replaced French ones across the Great Lakes, the First Peoples of Michigan faced a new empire—one that dismissed their diplomacy, severed their trade, and threatened their way of life. Led by Odawa war chief Pontiac and inspired by the spiritual teachings of Neolin, tribes from across the region united in a massive resistance campaign.This episode traces the dramatic siege of Fort Detroit, the harrowing use of smallpox at Fort Pitt, and the chilling aftermath of Pontiac's assassination, including the haunting legend of Starved Rock. From war councils beneath the pines to vengeance on the banks of the Mississippi, Pontiac's War was not just a rebellion—it was a defense of land, life, and sovereignty. And its echoes still shape the memory of the Great Lakes today. Tune in as End of the Road in Michigan brings this powerful story to life through dramatic narrative and historic insight.

Beneath the waters of Lake Huron lies one of the oldest known hunting grounds in North America. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we explore the discovery of the Alpena-Amberley Ridge—a submerged prehistoric land bridge once used by Ice Age hunters to track caribou.Archaeologists uncovered stone structures over 9,000 years old, reshaping our understanding of ancient life in the Great Lakes. We also examine the Indigenous stories that may align with this site's hidden history.Read the story at The Lost City Beneath Lake Huron – Michigan's Oldest Known Hunting Ground

The Sinking of the Lady Elgin – Milwaukee's Night of Mourning In this emotional 10-minute episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we recount the 1860 wreck of the Lady Elgin—a luxury steamer torn apart in a midnight collision that killed nearly 300 people. Through survivor accounts, newspaper reports, and haunting details, this story explores how an entire city mourned, how bravery shone in the darkness, and why the disaster still resonates today.Read more about this tragedy at The 1860 Lady Elgin Disaster -  Lake Michigan's Deadliest Shipwreck

What do you do when your town dies? If you're William Carter and William McCoy in 1880s Michigan, you move your hotel — building and all — to where the action is. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we trace the 140-year life of a single building that started in Port Crescent, found new life in Kinde, and reinvented itself as the Grand Central Hotel, Clancy's, and finally the Wagon Wheel Inn. It's a story of sawdust, railroads, Friday fish fries, and the long arc of small-town history.Tune in for a surprising tale of resilience, reinvention, and what happens when a hotel becomes part of a community's identity. Read the full story at The Amazing Story of the Grand Central Hotel (Kinde, Michigan) – 1880s to 1970s – The Forgotten Inn That Traveled Across Time

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we uncover the remarkable 1838 journey of 15-year-old Edward Petit, the first European child born in Port Huron. As a teenage fur trader fluent in Ojibwe, Petit set out to locate a lost winter camp led by the elusive Chief O-ta-was. Braving freezing rain, hunger, and vast wilderness along the shores of Saginaw Bay, he completed one of the most successful trades in Michigan's early frontier history.This story sheds light on the human side of early settler-Indigenous relations and the forgotten routes that shaped Michigan's Thumb.

Step aboard the grand steamers that once ruled the Great Lakes. In this episode, we trace the story of the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company — from its 19th-century founding to its peak as a fleet of luxurious passenger ships and, finally, to its quiet demise in the postwar era.You'll hear about moonlit voyages, the majestic City of Detroit III, legendary designer Frank E. Kirby, wartime conversions, and the final season marked by tragedy. A compelling look at the transportation network that connected Michigan and the Midwest — and what it meant to the generations who sailed those inland seas.Read the full story at Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company: Remarkable Tales from Michigan's Golden Age of Steam.

Explore the rise, golden era, and trials of Bay Port, Michigan's Gillingham Fish Company – once the world's largest freshwater fishery – in this documentary-style narrative.Discover how this Saginaw Bay fishing empire expanded to Charity Island, endured a devastating fire and economic decline, and lives on today through the Bay Port Fish Company.We also examine modern threats to this 140-year fishing legacy, from climate change to proposed conservation laws. Read the full story at R. L. Gillingham Fish Company - Surprising Insights of Commerical Fishing at Bay Port 1896-1978

Explore Michigan's shipbuilding legacy from 19th-century schooners to Great Lakes freighters. Learn how towns like St. Clair and Port Huron became shipbuilding hubs in “Schooners and Steam” on The End of the Road in Michigan podcast.

Explore the rise and fall of New River, Michigan, on "End of the Road in Michigan."Discover how this once-thriving lumber and salt production village emerged in the mid-19th century, only to vanish as industries declined. Uncover the stories of early settlers, industrial endeavors, and the economic shifts that led to the disappearance of this remarkable hamlet.

In this episode of The End of the Road in Michigan, we investigate the tragic 1907 sinking of the fishing tug Searchlight, which vanished during a Lake Huron storm just outside Harbor Beach.With six men aboard and no survivors, this story includes first-hand reports, a haunting message in a bottle, and new historical context from local archives. Discover how a sudden gale changed the fate of one small tug—and the community it left behind.Topics include Great Lakes fishing history, the Harbor Beach Life-Saving Service, and maritime tragedies in Michigan.Learn more at The Sinking of the Fishing Tug Searchlight - Harbor Beach's Worst Fishing Tragedy.Please follow our podcast for more Michigan stories lost to time.Music: Fluidscape by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100393Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Join us on "End of the Road in Michigan" as we explore the inspiring story of Captain Aaron Peer and Grindstone City.Discover how a remote shoreline community in Michigan's Thumb region became a global leader in grindstone production, shaping industries worldwide. Learn about the resilience, innovation, and communal spirit that transformed a harsh wilderness into a thriving hub of industry and culture.Read the whole story at Captain Aaron Peer Founded Grindstone City In 1834 And Began a New Industry.

Explore the fascinating life and enduring legacy of Douglass Houghton, Michigan's pioneering geologist, whose groundbreaking discoveries initiated the Michigan Copper Rush and transformed the Upper Peninsula forever.This detailed narrative reveals Houghton's adventurous explorations, impactful civic contributions as Detroit's mayor, and his tragic demise on Lake Superior. Join us to celebrate this remarkable historical figure whose relentless curiosity and dedication shaped Michigan's history.

In 1679, a wooden ship named The Griffon sailed into Lake Michigan—and vanished without a trace. Built by French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, the Griffon was the first European-style ship to sail the upper Great Lakes. She was loaded with furs and promise... but she never came back. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, Michael Hardy explores one of the oldest mysteries in North America. We trace the Griffon's journey, the legends surrounding her disappearance, and the many failed attempts to find her remains. Was it mutiny? A storm? Or something deeper that pulled her under?This is the story of a ship that opened the Great Lakes—and then disappeared into them.

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we follow fur trader Louis Campau as he builds the first permanent white settlement in the Saginaw Valley in 1815. From his log trading post on the Saginaw River, Campau traded with the Anishinaabe and helped shape the future of Michigan.His post became the site of the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw, a deal that ceded over 6 million acres of Native land to the United States. Learn how one man, one building, and one treaty helped launch the city of Saginaw—and marked a turning point in Michigan's early history.Read more about this story at The Campau Trading Post – How One Fur Post Sparked the Founding of Saginaw.

For more than 50 years, a mysterious glowing light has appeared in the remote woods near Paulding, Michigan—captivating curious visitors, spawning ghost stories, and defying simple explanation.Known as the Paulding Light, it's been called everything from a spectral railroad lantern to an optical illusion caused by distant headlights.In this episode, we travel deep into the Upper Peninsula to uncover the truth behind one of Michigan's most persistent legends. We explore the folklore, the science, and the enduring fascination with a phenomenon that refuses to fade. Is it a ghost? A trick of the light? Or something else entirely?Find out in this eerie and atmospheric episode of End of the Road in Michigan.

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we uncover the quiet collapse of Port Crescent, a once-promising Thumb Coast lumber town left behind when Washington said no.In 1886, the people of Port Crescent pleaded for help dredging the silt-choked Pinepog River—a final hope to revive their struggling economy after decades of logging and devastating wildfires.Lieutenant Colonel Orlando M. Poe, a respected U.S. Army engineer and Civil War veteran, was sent to investigate. His report didn't just close the door on federal support—it sealed the town's fate. This episode explores how one decision marked the beginning of the end for Port Crescent and how a river's silence can echo for generations.

In 1962, a group of college students met at a union retreat in Port Huron, Michigan—and wrote a document that changed political activism in America. Known as the Port Huron Statement, it became the foundation of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and launched the New Left movement of the 1960s.In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we tell the story of how one summer retreat on Lake Huron gave rise to a nationwide call for participatory democracy, student protest, and generational change.To read more about this story, check out, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) – How A Retreat in Port Huron Sparked the Student Protest Era of the 1960's

In 1966, Michigan came dangerously close to a nuclear catastrophe—just 30 miles from downtown Detroit. A failed cooling system at the Fermi 1 fast breeder reactor caused a partial meltdown, releasing radiation and sparking a cover-up that lasted years.Engineers blamed a loose piece of metal—described as “the size of a beer can”—for the failure.In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we uncover the chilling truth behind America's first commercial nuclear accident, how close we came to disaster, and why the public didn't learn the full story until nearly a decade later. If you've never heard about the Fermi 1 reactor or why one book called it We Almost Lost Detroit, this episode explains it all—fact by radioactive fact.Find out more about this incident at We Almost Lost Detroit: Michigan's Forgotten Nuclear Disaster at Fermi 1

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the terrifying days of September 1894, when the deadly Hinckley Fire in Minnesota blanketed Michigan in dense, choking smoke. For five straight days, daylight vanished across Saginaw, the Thumb, and the Upper Peninsula. Ships refused to sail. Trains stopped. Residents feared the apocalypse had arrived.We share and uncover how a fire 400 miles away turned Michigan's sky black, caused widespread panic, and triggered shutdowns across the Great Lakes—featuring original 1894 newspaper accounts, eyewitness reports, and the harrowing story of a burning train that outran the flames. If you've never heard of the 1894 Hinckley fire's impact on Michigan, this is the episode that brings it out of the shadows.

In June 1909, disaster struck at the Canadian Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie when a massive lock gate failure sent four ships into chaos—two sank, and the Great Lakes shipping system ground to a halt.In this episode, we recount the worst lock accident in Great Lakes history, detailing how it happened, its cascading impact on shipping and industry, and how it forever changed maritime infrastructure. If you've never heard of the "day the locks broke," you're not alone. But this forgotten event still echoes in today's supply chain concerns.If you want to read the rest of this story check out. Day of the Soo Locks Disaster — 1909's Maritime Meltdown at Sault Ste. Marie

From winter wheat to Ferris wheels, this episode of End of the Road in Michigan uncovers how Huron County helped shape Michigan—and the nation.Based on a 1959 article from the Harbor Beach Times, we trace the surprising national “firsts” that began in the Upper Thumb, from industrial breakthroughs and sports innovation to logging feats and food production.

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the gripping true story of the 1924 Caseville forest fire. With high winds and dry weather fueling the blaze, a small Michigan town faced down disaster with grit, shovels, and community strength.Hear how residents and neighbors fought to save Caseville, Oak Beach, and beyond. It's a tale of bravery, quick thinking, and one narrow escape after another. This historical flashback is packed with drama—and just the right amount of sass.To read the full story, check out Flashback - The Heroic Battle to Save Caseville, Michigan from a Raging Forest Fire - 1924

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan,  we recount the harrowing collision between the passenger steamer City of Cleveland III and the freighter Ravnefjeel off the coast of Harbor Beach in 1950.Through survivor accounts, local headlines, and historical context, we revisit a deadly fog-shrouded morning that left three dead, one missing, and a community in mourning. This little-remembered incident offers a sobering look at how quickly disaster can unfold on the Great Lakes—and how the echoes of that day still reach us 75 years later.

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the tragic crash of Capital Airlines Flight 67 near Midland.The disaster claimed 47 lives and exposed critical gaps in mid-century aviation safety. Hear eyewitness accounts, explore the investigation, and learn how one crash reshaped U.S. airline procedures. This is the story of a flight that never made it home—and the changes it forced across the skies.For more on this story, check out Capital Airlines Flight 67 Crash: The Disaster That Shook Mid-Michigan – April 1958

Dive into the intriguing history of Michigan's Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad, affectionately known as the Polly Ann.Running through the Thumb region from 1889 to 1984, the Polly Ann was crucial for local agriculture and industry, from beans and sugar beets to gravel for construction.Discover how this struggling railway shaped communities, transformed into a recreational trail, and left lasting landmarks in Caseville, Michigan. Join us on this nostalgic journey along one of Michigan's most endearing railways.

Beneath the waters of Michigan's Thumb lie hundreds of shipwrecks—silent remains of steamers, barges, and schooners that met their end in Lake Huron.In this episode, we share the gripping stories of five lost vessels, from deadly collisions to ghost ship mysteries. Featuring the 1893 collision of the Philadelphia and Albany, the strange fate of the Caprice, and shallow wrecks you can visit today, this episode takes you to the edge of history—and under the waves. Got your own shipwreck story? Connect with us on social media or leave a comment.

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we trace the long, colorful life of Port Austin's iconic Lakeside Inn — a building that began as Huron County's temporary courthouse in the 1860s and ended in a fiery blaze more than a century later.From its Prohibition-era notoriety as a raided speakeasy to its golden age in the 1930s under Charles Finzel, the Lakeside Inn was once the Thumb's premier entertainment venue. Big bands, roller-skating, political rallies, and poetry readings filled its lakeside pavilion — affectionately known as “The Fun Center.”But in July 1967, it all went up in smoke. Join us as we recount the story of a building that mirrored Michigan's changing times — and left behind a legacy that still echoes through the village of Port Austin.

On a frigid December night in 1930, Elkton, Michigan, watched helplessly as its beloved schoolhouse rose in flames. The fire lit the sky for miles, consuming a building that had stood since 1903 and served generations of local students. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we recount the devastating blaze, the community's swift response, and how a small Thumb town came together to ensure education didn't stop—despite the loss. From improvised classrooms to a new state-of-the-art schoolhouse rising just months later, this is a story of loss, resolve, and rebuilding—and of the old school bell that rang one final time before falling silent forever.

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we head back to 1894 and uncover the story of Bay Port, a once-thriving summer resort on Saginaw Bay. Promoted by the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, Bay Port drew wealthy travelers from Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Louis looking for fresh air, first-class lodging, and a break from the grime of big cities.Bay Port was no ordinary stop, with electric bells in every room, a mineral well said to have healing powers, and a casino for dancing and bowling. So what happened to this ambitious lakeside resort? And why did it vanish from memory? Join us for a trip back in time to Michigan's Thumb and a look at one of the state's lost vacation hotspots.

The Smith-Culhane House, a 150-year-old Victorian home in Port Austin, Michigan, reflects the region's lumber boom heritage. Once a family residence, it now serves as a private home after being revived into a Bed and Breakfast, preserving local history and architecture.

The Upper Thumb has been deemed the “Closer Up North” for Southeast Michigan and Detroit.  Sandy beaches, great fishing, parks, and some of the friendliest proprietors around.Huron County is a great place to steal a weekend away from the "burbs" of Detroit without busting your wallet.  

Explore the best beaches in Charlevoix, MI, for a perfect family getaway. Unwind on the shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix, and Torch Lake, each offering unique experiences. Enjoy activities, amenities, and stunning views that create lasting memories.

We journey through Southwest Michigan's inland lakes – where each one presents a unique canvas of tranquil beauty and boundless adventure. From fishing to boating, these freshwater wonderlands offer a refreshing escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover the vibrant communities, picturesque parks, and annual festivals that make these lakes a must-visit destination.

George W. Jenks, a figure of significance in the Michigan Thumb region, lived a life intertwined with history. From his early days as a Civil War soldier to his prosperous business endeavors, Jenks made an indelible mark. This article delves into his life, highlighting his service and entrepreneurial spirit providing insights into a fascinating chapter of Michigan's past.

We explore the intriguing life of Jeremiah Jenks, a Michigan pioneer whose vision transformed the Thumb region. His story is a blend of entrepreneurship and community, shaping the very heart of Michigan's history.

We found Carl Heisterman's life, a riveting story of a Prussian translator who shaped Michigan's early days. From battlefields, founder of early Bay Port and political arenas, his journey is an amazing story of the diverse fabric of 19th-century America.

Dive into the rich history of Wenona Beach Amusement Park, once dubbed the Coney Island of the Great Lakes. Discover its rise to fame, iconic attractions, and why it eventually had to close its doors. A must-listen for history buffs and Michigan locals alike.

Affectionately known as "The Great Lakes State," given that it is flanked by four of the U.S.'s great lakes, Michigan is anything but average. Enjoy a trip to Michigan to experience some of North America's unique experiences, scenery, and attractions.

When we think of Michigan, we immediately think of lighthouses, beautiful historic downtowns, and covered bridges. Mix it all together, and you have the perfect plan for an excellent road trip.

Grave robbing was a gruesome yet common crime in the late 1800s as medical schools sought bodies for study. We found five stories about grave robbing in Michigan. Read the full story at https://thumbwind.com/2022/09/15/grave-robbers/

Should You Stop Using Them Now if You Have These Vintage Corelle Dishes in Your Cottage, Camper, or Cabin? - We love our vintage Corelle dishes. They are the same brand that I had growing up as a kid. However, we will be getting rid of them ASAP. Here is why.

Michigan is known for being full of many activities for tourists. We found some weird Michigan attractions that may raise eyebrows, they are weird in a good way. If you plan or consider a trip to this state, researching things to do is essential. Here are seven unique Michigan attractions you can visit on your next visit to the Great Lakes state.

Summer is just around the corner, bringing the scent of adventure and the possibility of summer road trips. Michigan is full of destinations for all seasons, the Great Lake state offering lots of fun and picturesque spots for a perfect summer road trip. So whether you are looking for an IG-worthy stopover, a great food trip—or beer or wine place—or fun and action-packed itinerary, here are ten stopovers you should check out for your Michigan summer road trip. From the post https://thumbwind.com/2022/05/11/summer-road-trips/

Dreaming of another summer on the water? Thinking of new places to sail and explore? These unique Great Lakes sailing destinations offer so much to see and do.

Known for its beautiful lakes and beautiful sights, Michigan is also famous for serving some of the best foods in the Midwest region of the USA. No trip to Michigan can be complete without trying out some of the famous foods in the area. Known for its comfort foods, the Mitten state is famous for re-creating regular dishes by adding a twist to them like the Detroit-style pizza, Olive Burgers and Coney Dog. Its home-grown foods like cherries and Michigan apples also make Michigan a tasty food destination.

Less than a two-hour drive from Sarnia, Michigan's Upper Thumb offers close-to-home, up-north family fun. With over 100 miles of sandy beaches, hopping port towns, and a seemingly endless choice of festivals, fairs, and events. The tip of the thumb is the natural choice for Southwest Ontario to seek out a summer day of fun.

During 2020 the entire Great Lakes broke record water level records. This affected businesses, homes, cottages, and tourism. Each month Thumbwind provides a summary update compiled from various reports of the Army Corps of Engineers - Detroit District. Here is the latest update.

Today, we have a travel log of a small town in the upper thumb of Michigan. Harbor Beach lies on the sunrise side of the eastern shore of Lake Huron. It is a small town with a huge harbor. It's a neat place to visit and we want to reveal some of the things you can do here.