Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

The Red Cross has a long history serving Michigan and also Muskegon. Today we examine that history, and look at some of the work the Red Cross has done and continues to do today.

Every year on May 25 the Muskegon Community celebrates a local holiday, Hackley Day. This holiday has it roots with Hackley Public Library and Charles Hackley's philanthropy. It was created to remember and honor Charles Hackley for all he did and has done for Muskegon. Listen in to hear its story and how it is celebrated today.

Before the invention of the Big Wheel, lumbering was primarily carried out in winter. With the introduction of Big Wheels though, lumbering could flourish year round. Listen in to learn about the history, construction, and use of these oversized wheels and how they transformed our state.

Before Muskegon was unified into a larger city, many smaller communities existed. Port Sherman was one such area. Located on the Muskegon Channel, Port Sherman served as the first point of contact for boats coming into harbor and was home of many sailors, fishermen, and tugboat operators.

Listen in to learn about the history of this program and its local ties right here in Muskegon.

In the 1800s many small communities came together in Muskegon County, with places such as Muskegon, Whitehall, and Ravenna. While these communities grew and remain today, not all did. Located on Crockery Creek a small village named Trent would flourish in the 1800s, but would eventually disappear off the map entirely by the 1970s. What happened to this once thriving settlement? Listen in to find o...

The Great Depression caused upheaval throughout the United States, Muskegon being no exception. Today we look at the impact of the depression in Muskegon and how resident coped with the tough times.

Did you know that Muskegon County was home to several muskrat farms in the 1920s and 30s? Listen in to learn about the muskrat and why farming them became the newest fad in the early 20th century.

Today we examine the history of one of the most prominent milk delivery companies in the area as we look at the history of Sanitary Dairy.

Lumbering was the cornerstone for many cities big and small in Michigan. Today's episode will cover how one of these cities was formed and how it adapted after lumbering ended. Join us as we examine the history of North Muskegon.

L.C. Walker alongside business partner Arch Wilkinson Shaw founded Shaw-Walker a furniture company which would become a national leading brand. Walker and his family would also become great philanthropists in the area, a legacy which still helps provide for much in the area.

By the early 1900s most sawmills on Muskegon Lake had closed down, however the sound of wood being cut could still be heard as a few sawmills remained in business. One of the last to operate was that run by James Gow. Today we look at his life and how he managed to become the last operating lumber baron in Muskegon.

As part of the Great Michigan Read, we have a spoiler free discussion of the book Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, and many of the topics it brings up about Native Americans. Whether you have read the book or not this episode is still for you! Links for things mentioned in the episode: Great Michigan Read Page https://www.michiganhumanities.org/great-michigan-read/ Braiding Sweet Gra...

Listen in as we cover the early years of the village of Ravenna. Learn about its strategic location and growth, and how several disasters nearly derailed the settlement.

In the 1970's, Muskegon like many cities went through the process of urban renewal. In this process local and federal fund were used to redevelop downtown Muskegon, tear down older buildings and creating a downtown mall. In this episode we look into the urban renewal process and see where Muskegon ended up at the end of it.

Pascoe's Place long held the title of the best fried fish in the area, and attracted visitors from all over to this unassuming little bar in Bluffton. It also served as the unofficial club for the Actor's Colony and served many famous patrons including Buster Keaton, who was a frequent visitor. Listen in to learn about the history of this place and its owner.

Robert Bunker was a long time Muskegon school board member, lawyer and law professor, and was close to Charles Hackley. He would eventually have a school named after him for his dedication and work in seeing Charles Hackley's gifts to the city be completed.

2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the Spanish-American War, a brief conflict that would put the United States of America on the path to a global power. Many Muskegon County residents would be a part of this war. Today we examine the history of this conflict and the role these residents played.

Today's episode takes newspaper stories from the 1880s , eye witness accounts, and testimony to piece together what happened to John Guild and how he ended up dead. This episode will put you in the role of detective to see what you think happened to Guild and who if anyone was responsible for his passing, in a story that made national headlines and local history.

In the early 1900s Bluffton started to attract performers from all around the United States. These performers eventually formed an actors colony as a summer retreat along the shoreline. Two of those who made Muskegon their home were acrobatics/dancers/animal trainers Samaroff and Sonia who brought their 4 legged friends. Listen in the learn about this amazing duo. For a video of their act check ou...

Our episode today takes us back to our very first episode on the Amazon building in downtown Muskegon, by examining a different aspect of that company. Listen in to learn how the building was constructed and what from, and learn about what they produced, how they made it, and just how much was created.

Early in the morning on March 17, 1930 an explosion rocks downtown Muskegon. It is discovered that a bomb has gone off at the Regent Theater, but why was the theater targeted, by whom, and did it have any connection to other bombings in the state. Join us today to learn the answers to these questions and uncover a tumultuous time in our past.

Today learn about the history of Kaydon. A specialty ball bearing production company that has its origins in war, but whose products today go far beyond Muskegon Counties borders.

The Muskegon Motorcycle Club has been around for over 100 years. On our episode today learn about the history of the motorcycle, the clubs founders and members, and various activities of the club including the Mt. Garfield Hill Climb.

The Maring Wire Company, later known as Anaconda Wire was formed by Albert Maring. Maring began the company after he designed a new enameling machine to cover wires with insulation. This company would continue to produce insulated wires to be used in electronics and motors until the 1980s.