Michigan Minute

On this day in 1873, the cornerstone for Michigan’s third and current state capitol building was laid. Designed by Elijah E. Meyers, the building features a cast iron dome and materials sourced from across the U.S. and abroad. Five years later, the iconic structure was completed and remains a testament to Michigan’s history and craftsmanship.

Born on this day in 1840, Fannie Richards became Detroit’s first Black school teacher and played a crucial role in pioneering early childhood education in Michigan. She opened the state’s first kindergarten and advocated for women's care, leaving an enduring legacy in education and social reform.

Born on this day in 1814, in Vermont, Lucinda Hinsdale Stone moved to Kalamazoo in 1843. She became a leading educator at Kalamazoo College, advocating for co-education and contributing significantly to women's rights and education. Known as the "Mother of Clubs," her work left a lasting impact on Kalamazoo and beyond.

Today in 1975, Detroit launched WGPR-TV, the first TV station in the U.S. owned and operated by Black Americans. Founded by William Venoid Banks, it offered diverse programming and training for Black producers. The station was sold to CBS in 1995, leading to programming changes.

On this day in 1912, Muskegon High defeated Hastings High with a staggering score of 216-0, marking the largest blowout in football history. Also on this day, in 1835, the Democratic Free Press and Michigan Intelligencer, now known as the Detroit Free Press, began publication, becoming Michigan's longest continually published newspaper.

Today in 1962, Michigan's Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant, near Charlevoix, began operation, featuring a promotional video with Ronald Reagan. The plant supported cancer treatments with Cobalt-60 before closing in 1997. Additionally, on this day in 1999, Detroit's Tiger Stadium hosted its final game, where the Tigers defeated the Kansas City Royals 8-2.

On this day in 1981, tennis legend Serena Williams was born in Saginaw, Michigan. Additionally, on this day in 1807, the Denison family fought for freedom in Macomb County. Although they lost initially, their children later escaped to Canada, eventually returning as free Americans due to new legal protections.

Today in 1956, Jamie Hyneman, future MythBusters co-host, was born in Marshall, Michigan. On the same day in 1849, Detroit hosted its second state fair, a major event that drew crowds from all directions and set the stage for Michigan's rich tradition of state fairs.

Today in 1830, Stephen G. Simmons was executed in Detroit for killing his wife, marking Michigan's last death penalty before its abolition in 1846. His moving final address and hymn contributed to changing public opinion, leading Michigan to become the first English-speaking government to abolish capital punishment.

Born on this day in 1949, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jerry B. Jenkins is a bestselling author best known for the Left Behind series. On this day in 1934, the Detroit Lions played their first NFL game at the University of Detroit, defeating the New York Giants 9-0.

Born on this day in 1941, Ernest Green, a member of the Little Rock Nine, was the first Black student to graduate from Little Rock Central High School in 1958. After attending Michigan State University, where he discovered the anonymous benefactor supporting his education was MSU President John A. Hannah, Green continued his activism and earned degrees in sociology.

On this day in 1969, the University of Detroit Mercy dedicated Gino Testaguzzi’s bronze statue, The Black Madonna and Child. This artwork, commissioned to reflect diversity and inclusivity, was unveiled in a ceremony attended by Archbishop Cardinal Dearden, symbolizing the integration of black culture into the university’s Christian values.

Today in 1918, in Alabama, Dr. Charles Howard Wright moved to Detroit, where he challenged racial segregation at Hutzel Women’s Hospital. His efforts led to policy changes and inspired his founding of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, a major institution for black history and civil rights.

Today in 1844, William Austin Burt discovered iron ore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, fueling future steel production. On September 15, 1876, Melville Bissell was granted a patent for the mechanical carpet sweeper. After his death, his wife Anna successfully led the Bissell Company, becoming one of America's first female CEOs.

Today in 1951, neurosurgeon and political figure Ben Carson was born in Detroit, Michigan. Carson later gained prominence as a presidential candidate and HUD Secretary. On September 18, 1918, Hazel Stimson became the first Michigan woman to enlist in the Marines during WWI, serving 14 months before her honorable discharge.

Today in 2016, Nashville, Michigan reclaimed the world record for the longest ice cream sundae with a 3,656-foot creation. In 1962, Paul Feig was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Feig is renowned for directing comedies like Bridesmaids and creating Freaks and Geeks, inspired by his own high school days in the fictional suburb of Chippewa.

Today in 1944, Yooper Sergeant Oscar Johnson of Foster City earned the Medal of Honor for his valor in WWII. Johnson later farmed and attended Michigan State University, with the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center named in his honor. On the same date in 1972, Dennis Franklin became the University of Michigan's first Black quarterback, leading the Wolverines to victory against Northwestern.

Today in 1886, Michigan Mining School held its first classes in Houghton Fire Hall, evolving into Michigan Tech. Meanwhile, in 1878, Michigan's first phone book, "List of Subscribers," was published in Detroit with 124 listings, predating the US's earliest phone book by months.

On this day in 1935, the first issue of the Detroit Tribune, a historic Black newspaper, was published. It continued until 1966 and is now available online. In 1964, Kellogg’s of Battle Creek beat Post Cereal to market with the Pop-Tart, a creation led by baker Bill Post from Grand Rapids.

On this day in 1966, the Michigan Court of Appeals desegregated cemeteries, ending racial segregation in final resting places. This decision followed the disinterment of an indigenous WWI veteran due to segregation policies. Also, in 1948, Don Brewer, drummer and songwriter for Grand Funk Railroad, was born in Flint. He co-wrote and sang their 1973 hit "We're An American Band."

On this day in 1911, J. Clifford Turpin made the first flight over Grand Rapids at the West Michigan State Fair. His Model B plane, with wheels for takeoff and landing, soared above Comstock Park. Also today, in 1942, Michigan opened its first expressway along US 12 to support wartime production at the Willow Run Bomber plant.

In 2015, Michigan Representatives Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat were embroiled in a scandal involving fake stories and misuse of taxpayer funds. Courser resigned, and Gamrat was expelled by a 91-12 vote, becoming the fourth lawmaker removed by the Michigan Legislature.

Today in 1913, Ana Clemenc, known as “Big Annie,” was jailed during a protest at Calumet mine while supporting striking miners. She was convicted of assault but continued advocating for workers’ rights. On the same date in 1960, Mickey Mantle hit what is believed to be the longest home run at Detroit's Tiger Stadium, traveling 643 feet into a nearby lumberyard.

Today in 1925, Dr. Ossian Sweet and his family were attacked by a white mob in Detroit after moving to a neighborhood considered beyond the color line. In self-defense, shots were fired, resulting in the death of a mob member. The Sweet family was arrested and tried, with Clarence Darrow ultimately securing their acquittal. It took over three years before Dr. Sweet reclaimed his home, which still...

Today in 1885, Eleanore Hutzel was born in Ann Arbor. She became a pioneering advocate for women's and children's rights, leading the Women's Division of the Detroit Police Department. On this day in 1974, President Gerald Ford issued a controversial pardon to Richard Nixon.