Michigan Minute

On this day in 1972, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore became the first of its kind, showcasing 73,000 acres of stunning natural beauty in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In 1983, Michigan House Republican James Dressel introduced the state’s first bill to protect sexual orientation under civil rights law, a bold move that ultimately cost him his seat.

On this day in 1835, Michigan voters elected their first governor, Stephen T. Mason, along with the first state legislature, while also adopting a groundbreaking constitution that funded public libraries. In 2017, the Detroit Red Wings christened their new home, Little Caesars Arena, with a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild.

Born today in 1894, Buster Keaton, famed silent film star, has ties to Muskegon through the Bluffton Actor’s Colony. Meanwhile, Oscar-winner Charlton Heston, born in 1923, spent much of his childhood in St. Helen, Michigan, acting out scenes from his favorite books in the northern woods.

Born on this day in 1886, Mexican artist Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals, painted in 1933, depict the Motor City and Ford Motor Company, and are still on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts. On this day in 1956, Central Michigan University dedicated the Clarke Historical Library in Mount Pleasant, housing extensive collections on Michigan's history, including the state's first people.

Born today in 1951, Karen Koch of Monroe, Michigan, became the first female professional hockey player, debuting as a goaltender for the Marquette Iron Rangers. And today in 1980, Somewhere in Time, filmed on Mackinac Island, hit theaters, enchanting audiences with the island’s beauty and sparking a lasting love for the historic Grand Hotel.

On this day in 1873, the cornerstone for Michigan’s third and current state capitol building was laid. Designed by Elijah E. Meyers, the building features a cast iron dome and materials sourced from across the U.S. and abroad. Five years later, the iconic structure was completed and remains a testament to Michigan’s history and craftsmanship.

Born on this day in 1840, Fannie Richards became Detroit’s first Black school teacher and played a crucial role in pioneering early childhood education in Michigan. She opened the state’s first kindergarten and advocated for women's care, leaving an enduring legacy in education and social reform.

Born on this day in 1814, in Vermont, Lucinda Hinsdale Stone moved to Kalamazoo in 1843. She became a leading educator at Kalamazoo College, advocating for co-education and contributing significantly to women's rights and education. Known as the "Mother of Clubs," her work left a lasting impact on Kalamazoo and beyond.

Today in 1975, Detroit launched WGPR-TV, the first TV station in the U.S. owned and operated by Black Americans. Founded by William Venoid Banks, it offered diverse programming and training for Black producers. The station was sold to CBS in 1995, leading to programming changes.

On this day in 1912, Muskegon High defeated Hastings High with a staggering score of 216-0, marking the largest blowout in football history. Also on this day, in 1835, the Democratic Free Press and Michigan Intelligencer, now known as the Detroit Free Press, began publication, becoming Michigan's longest continually published newspaper.

Today in 1962, Michigan's Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant, near Charlevoix, began operation, featuring a promotional video with Ronald Reagan. The plant supported cancer treatments with Cobalt-60 before closing in 1997. Additionally, on this day in 1999, Detroit's Tiger Stadium hosted its final game, where the Tigers defeated the Kansas City Royals 8-2.

On this day in 1981, tennis legend Serena Williams was born in Saginaw, Michigan. Additionally, on this day in 1807, the Denison family fought for freedom in Macomb County. Although they lost initially, their children later escaped to Canada, eventually returning as free Americans due to new legal protections.

Today in 1956, Jamie Hyneman, future MythBusters co-host, was born in Marshall, Michigan. On the same day in 1849, Detroit hosted its second state fair, a major event that drew crowds from all directions and set the stage for Michigan's rich tradition of state fairs.

Today in 1830, Stephen G. Simmons was executed in Detroit for killing his wife, marking Michigan's last death penalty before its abolition in 1846. His moving final address and hymn contributed to changing public opinion, leading Michigan to become the first English-speaking government to abolish capital punishment.

Born on this day in 1949, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jerry B. Jenkins is a bestselling author best known for the Left Behind series. On this day in 1934, the Detroit Lions played their first NFL game at the University of Detroit, defeating the New York Giants 9-0.

Born on this day in 1941, Ernest Green, a member of the Little Rock Nine, was the first Black student to graduate from Little Rock Central High School in 1958. After attending Michigan State University, where he discovered the anonymous benefactor supporting his education was MSU President John A. Hannah, Green continued his activism and earned degrees in sociology.

On this day in 1969, the University of Detroit Mercy dedicated Gino Testaguzzi’s bronze statue, The Black Madonna and Child. This artwork, commissioned to reflect diversity and inclusivity, was unveiled in a ceremony attended by Archbishop Cardinal Dearden, symbolizing the integration of black culture into the university’s Christian values.

Today in 1918, in Alabama, Dr. Charles Howard Wright moved to Detroit, where he challenged racial segregation at Hutzel Women’s Hospital. His efforts led to policy changes and inspired his founding of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, a major institution for black history and civil rights.

Today in 1844, William Austin Burt discovered iron ore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, fueling future steel production. On September 15, 1876, Melville Bissell was granted a patent for the mechanical carpet sweeper. After his death, his wife Anna successfully led the Bissell Company, becoming one of America's first female CEOs.

Today in 1951, neurosurgeon and political figure Ben Carson was born in Detroit, Michigan. Carson later gained prominence as a presidential candidate and HUD Secretary. On September 18, 1918, Hazel Stimson became the first Michigan woman to enlist in the Marines during WWI, serving 14 months before her honorable discharge.

Today in 2016, Nashville, Michigan reclaimed the world record for the longest ice cream sundae with a 3,656-foot creation. In 1962, Paul Feig was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Feig is renowned for directing comedies like Bridesmaids and creating Freaks and Geeks, inspired by his own high school days in the fictional suburb of Chippewa.

Today in 1944, Yooper Sergeant Oscar Johnson of Foster City earned the Medal of Honor for his valor in WWII. Johnson later farmed and attended Michigan State University, with the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center named in his honor. On the same date in 1972, Dennis Franklin became the University of Michigan's first Black quarterback, leading the Wolverines to victory against Northwestern.

Today in 1886, Michigan Mining School held its first classes in Houghton Fire Hall, evolving into Michigan Tech. Meanwhile, in 1878, Michigan's first phone book, "List of Subscribers," was published in Detroit with 124 listings, predating the US's earliest phone book by months.

On this day in 1935, the first issue of the Detroit Tribune, a historic Black newspaper, was published. It continued until 1966 and is now available online. In 1964, Kellogg’s of Battle Creek beat Post Cereal to market with the Pop-Tart, a creation led by baker Bill Post from Grand Rapids.