Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode I explore the story of three separate railway accidents that happened in the autumn of 1893 in Southwest Michigan, all carrying excursion trains to and from the World's Fair in Chicago, The first accident happened in Bellevue, Michigan on September 27th, the second was in Jackson, Michigan on Octiber 13th and the third was in Battle Creek, Michigan on October 20th. Over 40 peop...

In this episode, I explore the history of Capital Punishment in Michigan and what led up to its abolishment in on March 1, 1847. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore more of the life of Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, and his involvement and reasoning behind the names he gave to so many Michigan places. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the life and beliefs of John Harvey Kellogg. Dr. Kellogg was an American physician who was the director of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, founded by members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He is credited with the development of the flaked cereal industry, many health foods and holistic principles in medicine. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://Mi...

In this episode I explore Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, MI and talk about some of their key monuments and structures, as well as share some obitiuaries transcribed by the 'Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery' organization. To join or support the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery, visit: https://friendsofsilverbrook.org For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore an article recently published in the Michigan History Magazine about Dr. Robert Clark Kedzie and his battle against the use of arsenic in wallpaper. For information on subscribing to the Michigan History Magazine, visit: https://hsmichigan.org/subscribe For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I share with listeners information on existing walking tours at Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the Pelick Stevens Fire in 1869 in Kalamazoo, and the changes this dramatic event brought about in fire protection planning in the city. I also go into some of the history of the changes in 1869 between pump engines and the introduction of steam engines.

In this episode, I explore a long forgotten book entitled "The Railway Traveller's Handy Book of Hints, Suggestions, and Advice, Before the Journey, On the Journey and After the Journey" which was published in London in 1862 by Lockwood and Co., Stationers' Hall Court. Within its pages lie some very interesting tidbits of advice which offer an interesting and unique insight into...

In this episode I explore some of the history of flooding in Southwest and other parts of Michigan, and some of the legislation that came into existence over the years to prevent some of the historic tragedies. To watch a video on the Great Flood of 1904, click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the formation of the railroads on michigan, beginning with the history behind the first charters, and the central line, which became the Michigan Central Railroad. For more information, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of Wildcat banking in Michigan, and relate a story that happened in Jonesville during that era. I also talk about the Panic of 1837. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore some interesting history in Albion, Michigan surrounding a grove of trees once owned by William H. Brockway. The location became known as 'Brockway Woods' or 'Brockway Grove', and lasted until 1905. There were two tragedies, and one train accident at Brockway Grove each happening almost two years apart from 1899 - 1903 until the grove was harvested for tim...

This is the last episode of Season 4, in 2025. In this episode, I look back at the top stories in Michigan during World War II from 1941 - 1945, including stories from across the state as well as Southwest Michigan. I also review my year in 2025 as a podcaster and author. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com Season 5 will start on January 11, 2026. Happy New...

In this episode, I explore the early pioneer life and history of Leslie, Michgan located in the southern part of Ingham County, north of Jackson. The publication used as reference was 'History of the Early Life and Business Interests of the Village and Township of Leslie, Ingham County Michigan' published in 1914 by the Elijah Grout Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. For...

In this episode, I explore the early establishment of Calhoun County as written by author Charles A. Weissert in his book 'An Account of Southwest Michigan and Calhoun County: With special matter relating to Calhoun County' published in 1924. I also give details on the early naming of the counties in this area. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the story behind Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan. I also have an exciting announcement about preserving history in the region. To contribute to the Historic Preservation & Monuments Fund, click here. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore a memoir published in 1905 by Francis Hodgman (1839-1907). He tells stories from his childhood as a boy in Climax, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com For ticket information on the BC Regional History Museum Christmas Radio Theatre programs, visit: https://BCRHM.org

In this episode, I explore the history of Dutch emigration to Kalamazoo and Holland, and the history behind the movement in the 1800's. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of ice harvesting in Michigan between 1880 - 1950. This was the industry before the era of refrigeration. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore news articles during the Great Depression around the time of Thanksgiving from different cities in Southwest Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore some early history of Albion, Michigan. I also cover early railroad history and a riot. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore an early history of Tekonsha, Michigan referring to a Calhoun County Directory from 1869-70. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I cover some of the early history of the stagecoach roads, the early hotels, railroad and interurban in Marshall, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore some of the early history of Galesburg, Michigan named after George L. Gale. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com