Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode, I explore the history of the early railroads in Allegan County, the impact it had on population growth and the changes over the years. I also discuss the financial panics of 1857 and 1873 which had an impact on the growth and direction of transportation in the nation. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, Gulf War Veteran, Author & Photographer Richard Sherman joins me to talk about his new book: Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned. This book was a project that took 6 years, and 8 seperate trips overseas to collection information and photograph. He visited 23 of America's military cemeteries overseas, and included 225 photos and 50 biographies in...

In this episode I explore the history of the National Driving Park in Kalamazoo, horse racing, harness racing and the legend one horse that shocked the world on a track in that city named 'Flora Temple'. For the article refered to in this episode, click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of the Potter House in Battle Creek, Michigan. The Potter House was a hotel that was built in 1869, and opened in 1870. It was burned down in 1880, and was rebuilt as the Potter Block. It has a fascinating history in the decade that it existed in the city. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I refer to a recent article in Michigan History Magazine written by Barry Levine on the history of Fort Custer. For more information on the Historical Society of Michigan, visit: https://www.hsm.pub For the video I mention in this episode on Fort Custer National Cemetery, click here. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, Maurice Imhoff, the President of the Jackson Civil War Society joins me to discuss the upcoming Jackson Civil War Muster , one of the largest reenactment events in the country. The event is happening on August 24-25, in Jackson, Michigan. For details on attending this free outdoor event, visit: https://civilwarmuster.org To follow details of the event on Facebook, click here. For...

In this episode, I explore the history of the Southern Michigan Baseball League and the teams in this league that existed in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Jackson and Lansing between 1906 - 1915. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode Bobbie Mathis joins me from the Union City Society for Historic Preservation , and we discuss her recent cemetery restoration workshops at Sherwood Cemetery, in Sherwood, Michigan in Branch County. We also explore some history of the town of Sherwood which gets its name from the Nottingham Forest in England. For more information on the programs and organizations mentioned in this e...

In this episode I cover some stories of the olden days recorded about the pioneer period in Van Buren County, Michigan from a text written in 1912. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I interview Dr. Mirelle Luecke of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has been the curator of the museum since 2022, and the organization is celebrating the 50th Anniversary this year of the Gerald R. Ford Presidency with special exhibits, programs and educational presentations. For more information on the Gerald R. Ford Presidential...

In this episode I explore pioneer recollections recorded in a book published in 1923 entitled "Pioneer History of Ingham County" by Mrs. Franc L. Adams. It covers stories written in 1873 by some of the pioneers who settled in Lansing and Mason. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I revisit stories from Benton Harbor as written by James Pender in his 1915 publication "History of Benton Harbor: Tales of Village Days" and cover the chapters on pastimes and entertainment. We explore ice skating, roller skating, the circus, baseball, skeet shooting and more! For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the first hotel built in Kalamazoo in 1832, and also a letter a woman wrote about the story of a tornado that hit in 1834 when she was just six years old. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: ⁠ https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of the Grand Trunk Railroad Tragedy of 1893 in Battle Creek, Michigan. The accident left 27 people dead and 36 people injured. Many of the deceased were burned beyond recognition. Two men were charged with manslaughter, but both were ultimately acquitted. It is a dark and graphic story. Warning: Graphic Content in this Story For more information on Michael De...

In this episode I explore the early amusements of the pioneers in St. Joseph Counnty Michigan. From fourth of July parties, militia training, hunting, community feasts and other humorous stories from long ago. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

The year 1976 was the Bicentennial of the founding of the USA. It was a year of celebrations and activities, and in this episode I explore some of the activities and events held during that historic year. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I look through old newspapers to find what was happening at the 100th Anniversary of the USA on July 4th, 1876 around Southwest Michigan. From grand balls, fireworks, parades, sack races, greased pole climbing and even greased pig chasing events, it was a community celebration like none other in history. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore stories of pioneers from Oakridge Cemetery, including looking at the life of the Ketchum brothers, Isaac Crary, Adam Crosswhite and Reverend Calvin Clark. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of the musical talent that emerged from those that performed at the El Grotto Lounge in Battle Creek, Michigan. The establishment was owned and operated by Robert 'Snap' Montgomery and Helen Evans Montgomery, and it was opened in 1949. Over its 40+ years of existence, some of the performers who started their early days at the El Grotto went onto achie...

In this episode I explore early stories from the pioneer days of Grand Ledge, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com For tickets to the Del Shannon Concert, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/delshannonshow

In this episode, I explore some history of the tragic heat wave that struck the Northeast USA for a period of 10 days in August of 1896. This was during a time before air conditioning and swamp coolers, and 1500 deaths were recorded as a result of the extreme temperatures. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of Cassopolis, Michigan from its early pioneer founding days, including the old town square, early businesses and a few famous people who came from this little village in Cass County. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the founding of the first churches in Battle Creek, Michigan from 1830 - 1877 in the book History of Calhoun County by L.H. Everts & Co.

Rhiannon Cizon from the Berrien County Historical Association joins me to talk about history. She tells fascinating stories about the Clark Equipment Company, War Relics, Family Bibles and much more! Also find out about the Pickle Festival on July 4th and the upcoming True Crime & Wine event on June 20th! For information on the Berrien County Historical Commission, click here: https://berrienh...

In this episode, I explore the history of the orphan trains which existed as a form of a child welfare program that lasted between 1854 - 1929. The first orphan train stop was in Dowagiac, Michigan in 1854. In the years they operated, over 200,000 children were placed in homes by charitable programs from eastern cities like New York and Boston. For more information on the references in this episod...