Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

With the many rivers, streams, and creeks in Muskegon County, celery was a natural crop to try and grow. Much like other produce tried in our soils, celery farming would become a successful crop and Muskegon would lead the state of Michigan in celery production in the 1950s. In this episode we will trace the history of celery farming and learn how this grown was grown historically.

La Colonia was a community of Latinos that formed together during World War II at the Ryerson Heights project. Here these Latinos from all over the south and Mexico would bond together and create a cultural hub for themselves. Listen in as we share what life was like in La Colonia.

If you have a sweet tooth McDonald's Candies has you covered. McDonald's Candies started in Charles McDonald's basement and from there grew into the areas most well known chocolate and sweets destination.

One of the oldest churches still in operation in Muskegon, St Paul's has a long history and connection to some of the most important people in our past. Following along as we learn about the history of this congregation and church.

In 1880s Muskegon if you were looking for some night life, the best place to go was Sawdust Flats. This part of town on the outskirts near the Muskegon River was the place were nearly anything went and you could find what you desired, however it also had a softer side in the day. Listen in to learn about this interesting area and its history.

On May 6, 2025 a millage will be on the ballot for the Lakeshore Museum Center for the construction of a new museum building and the renovation of the existing space into a collection and archival storage facility. In this episode museum director Melissa Horton explains what this millage entails, why it is needed, and how the community will be served by it if it passes. For more information e-mail...

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the museum brings our newest exhibit, Home Front Heroes. Home Front Heroes looks at the effort of Muskegon County during the war. In this podcast episode we look at the Civilian Defense Corps which was in charge of dealing with air raids and drills, civil air patrol, and recruiting volunteers among many other roles.

On Christmas Day 1965, Sherman Poppen and his children would be sent outside to play. During this play session a new invention would be created that would become known as the Snurfer. On today's episode we look at the history of this invention and the sport it would go on to inspire.

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the museum brings our newest exhibit, Home Front Heroes. Home Front Heroes looks at the effort of Muskegon County during the war. In this podcast episode we look at one of those efforts, the collection of milkweed pods for the war and what use they had.

Invasive species have for a long time made the Great Lakes and Michigan waterways their home. In our episode today learn about how some of these creatures found their way here, what is being done to stop them, and what you can do to help fight back against them and prevent their further spread.

John Wesley Moon came to Muskegon as a young man and started out in a sawmill, eventually working his way up to being a sawmill owner. Moon would later expand his portfolio into many other Muskegon businesses such as The Alaska Refrigerator Company and Muskegon Chemical Fire Engine Company. Moon was a prominent politician as well serving at the state and national level.

When ice and snow cover our area, many of us stay inside and find indoor activities to keep us entertained. Ice boaters however spend as much time outside as they can enjoying the frozen waters. Listen in to learn about what ice boats are, and for just how long they have been gliding across our ice.

Known for her incredibly kindness and willingness to help others, Julia Hackley was an important figure in Muskegon. On this episode we look back at her contributions to Muskegon, her life, and her marriage to Charles Hackley.

Today we look at the history of a internationally known dance group that was formed and trained right in Muskegon County, the Maycroft Square Tappers. The Maycroft Square Tappers blended together square dancing and tap dancing into their own unique style, listen in to hear their story.

Mona Lake long has been an obstacle to travelers going north or south through Muskegon County, with the only way to get around it being by the channel to Lake Michigan or the east side of the lake. Both options were a long way around though and so the idea of bridging the lake across a middle point would eventually occur with the first "float" bridge. Since that time there have been many "float" b...

Before tomorrows election, we are going to be discussing just exactly how women won the right to vote and how that movement took shape state wide and in Muskegon. Additional Resources: Suffragist Magazine Smithsonian Learning Lab Suffs the Musical Education   Museums:  Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls NY Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Mo...

On Halloween night 1925, Detective Charles Hammond of the Muskegon Police Department was tracking down a counterfeiter. At the time he had no idea his target was a notorious criminal known as Dutch Anderson. An ensuing confrontation between the two would leave both men dead. Listen in as we uncover the history of these two men and what happened that fateful night.

On August 5, 1919 tension and issues between the Muskegon Traction and Lighting Company, the City of Muskegon, and residents resulted in a large riot lasting the night. This riot would end up resulting in over 1 million dollars of damage today. Join us as we examine the events that led up to the street car riot, what happened that night, and the fall out of the event.

The Erie L. Hackley was a steam ship that navigated throughout the Great Lakes. Listen in to learn about its creation, service, and its final fate.

While you might not recognize their name, you have most likely seen their work. Kelly Brothers was the premier interior decorators and wood workers in the late 20th century. Their work includes Hackley Public Library and Charles Hackley's house. Listen in to hear about their achievements and history.

On the banks of the old White River was the small and at one point thriving village of Mouth. This early settlement lead the growth in White River but would vanish when the current White Lake Channel was constructed.

After a boom in the lumbering industry led to huge growth in North Muskegon, it all started to fall apart when the sawmills began closing down. Facing huge challenges North Muskegon had to redefine itself, the savior would become the resort industry which brought tourist from all over to this small community and reinvigorated it.

The 1893 World's Fair that took place in Chicago was a glorious spectacle that showcased many brand new inventions and innovations. The event drew millions to Chicago including many county residents. But Muskegon was also well represented in the fairs various displays and creations.

On part three of the Name Game: Streets of Muskegon County we are looking at a family history to find the origin of four Dalton Township roads, Ora, Nielwood, Eklund, and Nielsen.

On the very edge of Muskegon County lies an interesting community know as Casnovia. This village is split right down main street between Muskegon and Kent Counties. Join us today us we discuss its history and the challenges and benefits of being divided in half.