Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode, author Patti Smith joins me to discuss her book Michigan Beer: A Heady History . We cover stories of the early brewing history in the state, stories from Ionia and Grand Rapids, and a lot of other facts about the fascinating industry. To follow Patti Smith on Facebook, Click Here. For copies of her book(s), visit: https://amzn.to/4eCMsUz For more information on Michael Delaware, v...

In this episode, I explore the history of Yankee Springs in Barry County. It is the story of the famous tavern established in 1836 once owned and operated by a man known as Yankee Bill across the state of Michigan. It is a story of the stage coach line between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore some of the early pioneer history of Allegan, some recent history with the historic bridge, the regent theatre and notable people. For more information on the upcoming program at BCRHM called Tales of Christmas Past, Click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode we take a look back at news stories from November 1924, 100 years ago this month. This is episode 100 of season 3 of this podcast! For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of grain harvesting, th Upton-Brown & Co in Battle Creek who were the first manufacturers of thresher machinery in Michigan and the story of the Dodge Brothers. I also open the letterbox sharing letters sent to me as a writer and podcaster. For the link to the article mentioned on Hiram Moore, click here. To find out more about Michael Delaware, visit: htt...

In this episode I explore the history behind the lost Benton Harbor shipping canal for which the city is named. I also include profiles on three men who greatly influenced the development of the canal: Henry C. Morton, James F. Higgby and Stern Brunson. To see the 1889 Benton Harbor birds eye view map, click here. For more information or to contact Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore the Presidency of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. I include a letter from the Governor of Michigan when he died, as well as other details about his career. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore some of the history behind three historic train depots that are still in operation along the Amtrak line in Southwest Michigan: St. Joseph, Kalamazoo and Jackson. Each building has its own unique story. For more information on the train stations, visit: https://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/ For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware...

In this episode I explore the history of the Kalamazoo County Poor Farm and also share some recent stories of my adventures on the book tour. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore forgotten customs and traditions of Halloween as covered in an article that ran in the Grand Rapids Press on October 31, 1894. It offers some unique insight into the romantic aspirations of youth that once was associated with the holiday. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the McCamly Plaza Hotel which was built as part of a larger complex in downtown Battle Creek beginning in 1980, and officially opening around November 1981. I review some of the history of the building, and discuss a tour I just had of the new Doubletree which officially opened this month after a 5 year remodeling project. It is a new beautiful hotel in Bat...

In this episode I explore the history of the railroad finally arriving in Niles, Michigan in 1848, and the history of the train depots leading up to the iconic Romanesque style building that was officially opened in February 1892. For more information in Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com or follow Michael on Facebook facebook.com/MichaelDelawareAuthor

In this episode, author Tom Carr joins me again to talk about stories of Michigan True Crime. In this episode he covers a story about John Dillinger who had an accomplice that traveled through Southwest Michigan from Indiana, as well as other tales about lumberjack brothels, stories about growing up with his father, and much more. To follow Tom Carr on Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/tom...

Cemetery restoration experts Bobbie Mathis and Andrew Noland join me again to talk about Michigan ghost stories, encounters and also an upcoming presentation on cemetery restoration and symbology. For information on the upcoming event on Saturday, October 12th, Tombstone Preservation, Restoration & Symbology, click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode, True Crime Author Rod Sadler joins me for a talk on his books. He discusses his investigative process, research, murder site visits and much more. For information and books by Rod Sadler, visit: https://www.rodsadler.com To follow Rod Sadler on Facebook, visit: Facebook.com/RodSadlerAuthor For information on the event we are participating in at the Grand Ledge Area District Librar...

In this episode, Author Allie Seibert joins me to discuss her company 'Household History' and the process of researching the history of a home, as well some true crime stories she has uncovered. For more information Allie Seivert, her books & Household History, visit: Householdhistory.com To follow Household History on Facebook, Click here. For information on the Writing the Dark event to be h...

In this episode I explore the Wildcat Banking Era in Michigan which began in 1837 and lasted until approximiatly 1845 when the first state banking law was introduced by the legistlature. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the symbology of clubs, organizations and secret societies found in historic cemeteries. For a copy of Tui Snider's book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols , click here. For a link to her website: https://tuisnider.com/ For information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode, I tell the story of Mary Sanderson from my book Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime . To attend the Michigan History Author Symposium and get tickets, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/mihistoryauthorsymposium For more information or to contact Michael Delaware , visit: ⁠ https://michaeldelaware.com ⁠

In this episode, I explore the historic markers found in Cass County Michigan, and talk about some of the history of the county. For the link on where to locate historic markers in Michigan, click here. For more information or to contact Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of Kalamazoo's extraordinary inventor Jay B. Rhodes using the book written by author Cynthia Jeffrey. Rhodes in his day was referred to as the 'Kalamazoo Edison' and the 'Patent King' as he filed over 230 patents in his lifetime. The impact from his inventions impacted a range of industries including world events. For information about Cynt...

In this episode I explore the history of the Wallace Woolen Mill established in 1844 by William Wallace, a miller from Vermont. The mill was owned by Wallace until he sold it in 1872, and the building later became the Union School Furniture Company. For tickets to the Michigan History Author Symposium in Battle Creek, click here: https://events.humanitix.com/mihistoryauthorsymposium For more infor...

In this episode author Amberrose Hammond joins me to share stories from her book 'Wicked Grand Rapids'. We also share news about an upcoming event we will be participating in on September 28th in Battle Creek called the Michigan History Author Symposium. For ticket information on the Michigan History Author Symposium , click here: https://events.humanitix.com/mihistoryauthorsymposium For i...

In this episode, I explore the early history of Vermontville, Michigan. For more information on the village history of Vermontville, click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

This episode is a replay of an interview with Dennis Skupinski that was recorded in November 2022 on the History of the War of 1812 . I am reposting this interview in honor of the memory of Dennis who passed away in December 2023. For information on where donate to the Michigan Military Heritage Museum, visit: ⁠ https://mimhm.org/donation ⁠ The museum mailing address is: 311 N. Wisner St., Jackson...