Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode, I explore the meanings of plant symbology in historic cemeteries . When you tour a cemetery, you will see headstones, monuments and even architecture with plant symbology worked into the design. It is easy to discount these as just decor, but in reality there is a symbolic meaning behind each one, and often it was carefully chosen to send a message to all who visit. The book I am...

In this episode, I explore an article included in the Pioneer Collections Annual Report of 1890 written by historian ADP Van Buren entitled "Michigan in Her Pioneer Politics". It offers an insight into the early political history of Michigan during the pioneer era, as well as the early formations of township governments and the emergence of the political parties leading up to the Civil W...

In this episode, I explore the stories of men who made the ultimate sacifice in service to their country that were from the Battle Creek area. I share stories from WWI, WWII & Vietnam. For the video I mentioned on Vietnam, click here . For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore a forgotten murder in the small village of Partello, Michigan that happened in 1897. Partello is located in Lee Township, in Calhoun County. The story also discusses briefly the subject of the infant mortality rate of the 1800's. For more information and a calendar for Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com For the list on feedspot mentioned, visit: htt...

In this episode, Tom Nehil & Eric Lafary join me from Tillers International , and also Brenna Pixley from Earthcraft Skillshare . We discuss the various skills used by the pioneers who settled in Michigan, and upcoming programs with both organizations this summer to impart a diverse collection of crafts and training. Both organizations offer numerous classes ranging from woodworking, blacksmit...

In this episode, I explore some stories of Musical History at Riverside Cemetery in Albion, Michigan researched by historican Frank Passic. There are tour books available for Riverside Cemetery at Stirling Books & Brew at 119 N Superior St, Albion which can make a fun and educational excursion into history. For tickets to the Del Shannon Tribute Concert, click here. For tickets to the Music Le...

In this episode, Larry Wagenaar, one of the Editors of the Historic Michigan Travel Guide joins me to discuss the new 8th edition of the book, and great locations to explore this summer in Michigan. The guide covers a lot of museums, historical societies, observatories, lighthouses, historic villages, and so much more in every region of the state. To get a copy of the Historic Michigan Travel Guid...

In this episode I explore the imagry in cemetery symbology on headstones, specifically on the meaning behind hands, hearts and faces. The information provided in this episode comes from Tui Snider's book 'Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards'. To get a copy of Tue Snider's book, click here . For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://m...

In this episode, my guests are from the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County (URSCC). William & Brenda Beadenkopf volunteer with the URSCC, and are also Quakers having been raised in the church. Mike Moroz it the President of the URSCC. We discuss the history of the Quakers as the radicals of society in their time, being advocates of Temperance, Woman's Suffrage and Abolition. For m...

In this episode I explore the legacy of St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids. I refer to an article in the May/June 2024 Michigan History Magazine written by Tiffany Dupont Novak and Ellen Arlinsky on the history of this incredible landmark in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com For tickets to the upcoming Del Shannon Concert on...

In this episode I explore the history of the Michigan Central Railroad Depot in Charlotte, Michigan. The information comes from a book by the Eaton County Historical Commission which can be found here: https://eatoncountyhistory.org For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com For tickets to the Del Shannon Concert, visit here: https://events.humanitix.com/delshannonshow

In this episode I explore the history of Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Battle Creek, and the Lawler family. I also have some exciting news on upcoming Author Symposiums this fall! For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, WGA Screenwriter Gary Gurner joins me for an interview about the screenplay on the music legend Del Shannon . We also talk about the updated progress on the screenplay, and the upcoming Del Shannon Weekend in Battle Creek on June 28-30th, 2024. For tickets to the Del Shannon Tribute Concert on June 28th: https://events.humanitix.com/delshannonshow For a sneak peak of the new scree...

In this episode, I reference Tui Snider's book 'Understanding Cemetery Symbology: A Field Guide to Historic Graveyards' to explore the meanings behind angels, saints, virtues and other beings depicted in statues. To get a copy of Tui Snider's book, click here. To find out details about the Cemetery workshop class in Union City, click here . For more information on Michael Delaware,...

Bobbie Mathis from the Union City Society of Historic Preservation joins me to discuss more details about one of the stories from my new book ' Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' entitled In Cold Blood: The Murder of James Robinson. For more information on the event with Michael Delaware speaking in Union City on May 18th, Click here. For more information on the event on June 15 at R...

In this episode I explore the story of a tragic murder and suicide that happened in Battle Creek, Michigan in the days leading up to Prohibition. The outcome of this incident resulted in the building of a nurses home in the city.

Jeff Green, a historian who worked on the Kal-Haven Heritage Project joins me to discuss history of the Kal-Haven trail and the highlights along its length. For more information on the Kal-Haven Trail, visit: https://kalhaven.org For more information on Michael Delaware, visit" https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of a Southern Michigan Ship Canal that was proposed in 1876, and was in fact submitted as a Bill to the U.S. Congress, but never came into being. I look at the proposal, and offer reflection on what lower Michigan would have looked like today had such a project been implemented. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I interview author Kelley Taylor about her book 'Destination: White Pigeon Prairie 1827 - 1899. We explore the history of some of the old buildings, the people and events that shaped the White Pigeon Village. For a copy of Kelley Taylor's book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4akEKND For more information on Kelley Taylor, visit her page on Facebook here. For more information on...

In this episode I explore the history of the Interurban in Albion, Michigan. The line was once operated by the Jackson - Battle Creek Traction Company and it existed between 1903 - 1931. The information used in this episode comes from the historical research of Frank Passic in Albion. For a complete look at his material, visit: https://www.albionmich.com For more information and a schedule of upco...

In this episode, I interview retired FBI Agent and Author Greg Stejskal on his book ' FBI Case Files in Michigan: Tales of a G-Man' (True Crime) . To get a copy of Greg's book, click the link here: https://amzn.to/3IOCVMD For more information on Michael Delaware, and his upcoming speaking engagements for his book tour, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode, I explore some history of legendary Black Women of Calhoun County History using a 1992 booklet printed by the Battle Creek Enquirer. In celebration of Women's History Month, I also discuss the upcoming program at the museum. For tickets to the Phenomenal Woman program, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/phenomenal-woman For information on the Tillers International program in...

History author Jim Jackson joins me to talk about the Irish Brigade, and their connections to Michigan. We discuss a lot of early history of the Irish in America, and also their involvement in the American Civil War. There were many Irish who served from Southwest Michigan. For more information on Jim Jackson, or to get copies of his books, visit: https://michlist.com For more information on Micha...

In this episode I return to explore more stories of Victorian Era carriage and railway accidents, and other tragedies using a collection of old stories from vintage newspaper accounts. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to get a copy of the new book ' Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime ' visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

Author Judy Gail Krasnow returns to the show for another interview where we explore even more stories from Jacktown, the history of the first Michigan State Prison in Jackson, Michigan. For more information on Judy Gail Krasnow and her books, visit: https://judygailkrasnow.org To purchase a copy of Jacktown, click here. For more information on the Michigan True Crime Symposium on April 6th at Art...