Michigan Minute

In 1913, John Bauer and Irv Giese opened The Garden Bowl, a 10-lane bowling alley on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. It has become America's oldest continuously operating bowling alley and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. Also today, Michigan-born Harriet Quimby, who became the first American woman to receive a pilot’s license and the first woman to fly across the Englis...

On this day in 1911, GM became the first auto stock on the NYSE. And in 1855, a treaty with the Ottawa and Chippewa set land reserves and pensions, led by Andrew Blackbird.

On this day in 1975, Jimmy Hoffa disappeared, sparking decades of mystery. And in 1997, Michigan's Supreme Court cleared the way for charter schools statewide.

On this day in 1909, GM bought Cadillac for $4.5 million. Born from Henry Ford’s failed company, Cadillac soon became a cornerstone of GM’s growing auto empire.

On this day in 1967, the Detroit rebellion ended after five days of violence, leaving 43 dead. It sparked major political change, paving the way for leaders like Coleman Young and Erma Henderson.

On this day in 1818, Detroit passed a morality law allowing public whippings. In 1934, Michigan issued its first old-age pension checks. And in 1980, an earthquake shook the state.

On this day in 1917, actress Lorna Gray was born in Grand Rapids. And in 1883, a massive log jam on the Grand River damaged train bridges in the heart of the city.

On this day in 1974, the Supreme Court sided with Gov. Milliken on Detroit’s busing case, fueling white flight. And in 1966, Michigan named its first state ombudsman.

On this day in 1880, the world’s first hydroelectric plant began in Grand Rapids. And in 1963, trailblazing jockey Julie Krone was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

On this day in 1967, a police raid sparked the Detroit rebellion—one of the deadliest in U.S. history. Lasting 8 days, it led to 43 deaths, 7,000 arrests, and a national investigation.

On this day in 1930, Detroit Mayor Charles Bowles was recalled over corruption and KKK ties. And in 1911, the first Boy Scouts arrived at Camp Owasippe near Sleeping Bear Dunes.

On this day in 1951, Robin Williams was born. Before becoming an Oscar-winning actor, he spent his teen years in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, excelling in school and sports.

On this day in 1977, Michigan required hunters to wear fluorescent orange. And in 2013, trailblazing journalist Helen Thomas, a Wayne State alum, passed away at age 92.

On this day in 1909, Michigander Neal Ball made MLB’s first unassisted triple play. And in 1838, a massive canal project began—only to be abandoned years later.

On this day in 1885, Harbor Beach Lighthouse began service. In 2013, Detroit filed for bankruptcy. And in 1980, actress Kristen Bell was born in Huntington Woods.

On this day in 2007, Michigan lost beloved outdoorsman Fred Trost, host of “Michigan Outdoors” and later “Practical Sportsman,” staples of public TV for hunting and fishing fans.

On this day in 1812, British forces captured Fort Mackinac in the first War of 1812 battle on U.S. soil—triggering a swift British takeover of Michigan’s forts.

On this day in 1929 and 1975, Michigan AG rulings advanced women’s rights. And in 1940, the world’s tallest man, Robert Wadlow, died in Manistee at age 22.

On this day in 1913, Gerald R. Ford was born. The only U.S. president never elected to the presidency or vice presidency, he represented Michigan in Congress for 25 years

On this day in 1787, the Northwest Ordinance was enacted, setting the stage for Michigan and other Midwest states to move from territory to statehood with guaranteed rights.

On this day in 1995, Olympian Jordyn Wieber was born in DeWitt, Michigan. And in 1974, women were officially allowed to join the Michigan National Guard.

On this day in 1974, Michigan enacted its Endangered Species Act. And in 1796, U.S. forces officially took control of Fort Detroit from the British after years of delay.

On this day in 1805, Jacob Merritt Howard was born. A Michigan lawmaker and U.S. senator, he helped draft the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments alongside President Lincoln.

On this day in 1975, Jack White was born in Detroit. A key figure in the 2000s garage rock revival, he rose to fame with the White Stripes and later wrote a Bond theme in 2008.

On this day in 1924, U-M alum DeHart Hubbard became the first Black American to win Olympic gold. In 1962, Roger Roberts became Lansing’s first Black firefighter.