Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

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 Histor...

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 Del...

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 or...

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/MissingPersons MissinginMich.com DoeNetwork.org For 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 Mic...

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 Autobiog...

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 subscrib...

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 cove...

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 Fa...

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: htt...

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 Unio...

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