Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode, I explore the life of musical composer, performer and trumpet player Melvin James 'Sy' Oliver who was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and went onto to perform with J immie Lunceford, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong . To get a copy of the book 'Here I Stand' by Sonya and Sean Hollins click here. For more information on Mich...

In this episode true crime author Tom Carr joins me to talk about some of the stories in his book that occured in Southwest Michigan. We explore the legend of 'Baby Face' Nelson and the story of the tommy gun found in Berrien County that was used in the St. Valentine's Massacre. To order Tom Carr's Books online, visit: Blood on the Mitten: Infamous Michigan Murders 1700s to Present...

In this episode I explore railroad history in Potterville, Michigan. There are stories from the depot that once existed there, including a mail robbery and a body found on the tracks. Also two train derailments, one in 2002 and the other in 2006. For more information on the Eaton County Historical Commission, visit: https://eatoncountyhistory.org For more information or to contact Michael Delaware...

In this episode I explore the lives of Father Baart pastor of St. Mary's Church in Marshall and Father Sadlier, pastor of St. Philips Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. Both died in 1908 within two days of each other, both were similar in age, reputation and had the largest funerals in their respective cities within a day of each other. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://m...

In this episode, Bobbie Mathis and Brian McCombs from the Union City Society for Historic Preservation return to the show to talk about some interesting tales from the cities history. We talk about the apple lady, memories from WWII and a circus elephant who was saved from the brink of death by a determined local veterinarian. Dead Mans Hollow Tickets:   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ucshp-dead-man...

In this episode I explore the history of the CK&S Railroad, also known as the 'Beer Bucket Train' and the 'Cuss, Kick & Swear' Railroad. It is a fascinating history that spans Kalamazoo, Barry and Eaton Counties. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com To get tickets to the special event by the Steam Railroading Insitute on 'Michigan...

In this episode, I explore an article written by Berenice Bryant Lowe in her book 'Tales of Battle Creek' entitled 'Battle Creek in Wartime'. She reviews the cities history from the Mexican American War, through the Civil War, World War I and World War II, including the impact of Fort Custer. She also details much of the women's contribution to the war effort in support of the...

In this epside I explore the history of Fort St. Joseph that was the original settlement near Niles, Michigan. It was first established in the 1680's as a mission by French Jesuits, and then expanded to a garrison and trading post in the 1700's. To read the WMU article referenced, visit: https://wmich.edu/fortstjoseph/about/fort-history To contact Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaelde...

In this episode I explore the life of Berenice Bryant Lowe, the author of the book 'Tales of Battle Creek' published in 1976. Her anthology on the history of Battle Creek served as a foundation for many historians who have followed her work in recent years. To listen to the interview with Berenice, visit: https://willardlibrary.org For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://m...

In this episode I explore a forgotten murder story from 1889 , where the body of an infant was found floating in the Kalamazoo River near Marshall, Michigan. The story of this crime spanned two counties, sparking a joint investigation beween the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department and the Kalamazoo Detective offer of the Police Department. In the end three people were charged with murder, and...

In this episode I explore some of the early history of Cassopolis, and nearby Vandalia and the namesake of the County and village, Lewis Cass. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the Burdick Hotel that once stood on the site of the present day Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo. The first building was built in 1850, and the hotel went through many evolutions over the many decades, but was a long standing legacy in the downtown district. To read the Kalamazoo Library article on this story: https://www.kpl.gov/local-history/kalamazoo-h...

In this episode, I explore the history of the founding of Parchment, Michigan and the paper mill in that community. Additionally, taking advantage of the recorded oral histories at the Parchment Library, I include an interview with a man who worked 40+ years for the KVP Mill and he offers a unique insight into that history. For more oral histories from the Parchment Library, visit: https://www.par...

In this episode I explore the legacy of Autry DeWalt Mixon, better known as Junior Walker, and his band the All-Stars. The group began their early career in South Bend, Indiana and also in Southwest Michigan. They first sang their legendary 'Shotgun' which went on to become a #1 R&B Hit at the El Grotto Lounge in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1965. The material in this episode comes from t...

In this episode I explore the history of the Grand Rapids Furniture Strike of 1911. During that time in history, the city was the leading manufacturing center for furniture in the country. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the life of Mary Colemen, the first woman elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, and the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. Her life is an amazing history. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, Leah Richard from the Vicksburg Historical Society joins me again to talk about railroads, robberies and many more interesting stories from Vicksburg. For information on the Vicksburg Historical Society, visit: https://vicksburghistory.org For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

At one time there existed the Kalamazoo Sled Company which was the largest manufacturer of children's sled in the world. The company began in the 1870's as a manufacturer of wooden components for buggies, and then reorganized in 1894 into manufacturing sleds. Through two World Wars, and different changes in the industry, the company existed in Kalamazoo until the 1970's. For the full a...

In this episode I explore the early distilleries of Kalamazoo, Michigan. The story of the Whitcomb brothers who brought fame to the city with whiskey. Luke Whitecomb's famous 'Luke's Best' whiskey became known from chicago to the Eastern seaboard as the best in the counrty. For more information on this story, visit the Kalamazoo Library History story on this here. For more informat...

In this episode I explore the origins of the Spiritualism movement that swept across the United States and Southwest Michigan in the 1800's. I also cover the lives of the Fox Sisters, and some of the key locations of Spiritualism in the region. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the life of Charles T. Gorham from Marshall, Michigan. He was a successful merchant, banker, State Senator who became the U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands. He is best known for establishing the First National Bank of Marshall, and his story is an important part of the history of Marshall. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com For t...

In this episode I explore the fascinating life of Adolphus C. Waterman, who was an early pioneer founder of Athens, Michigan. He also was a millwright, water power engineer, inventor and took off for California for the Gold Rush in 1850. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

Dave Eddy, formerly of WBCK Radio known as 'The Morning Mayor' for over 40 years, and also the current President of the Board of Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek joins me to talk about the architecture of this cemetery that was founded in 1844. We discuss buildings past and present, and also talk about the current restoration project on the chapel which is nearing 100 years old. For Infor...

In this episode I explore the life of a pioneer medical doctor, Simeon Starkweather French. His grandfather severed actively in the American Revolution, his father served in the War of 1812 as a medical doctor, and he served in the American Civil War. He played an active role in the medical profession, as well as education in Battle Creek, and served two terms as Mayor. His story is a fascinating...

In this episode I explore stories of the early founding of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. The reference I used is: Pioneer History of Eaton County, Michigan 1833 - 1866 compiled by Daniel Strange. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com For tickets to the program on Oak Hill Cemetery, click here .