Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

While the name evergreen fits today, Evergreen Cemetery was not always a beautiful and peaceful resting place. In our episode today we look at the history behind the creation of this cemetery and how it turned into the final resting place for many of Muskegon's most famous residents.  

On today's podcast we moooove in a different direction as we examine the stories of several farmers and their cows that ended up becoming embroiled in legal disputes or news headlines. Find out the stories behind who the rightful owner of the doomed cow was, who/what poisoned Mr Potters cows, and was there a cow disease on the loose in eastern Muskegon County? 

Around 4:30am on October 29, 1919 the worst naval disaster in Muskegon's history occurred when the steamer Muskegon crashed into the pier of the Muskegon Channel and sank taking many lives with it. On today's podcast we examine what led to that moment and what came after for those involved.

James McGordon like many lumber barons came to Muskegon with dreams of riches. Working his way up from the bottom he managed to become a business partner to Charles Hackley and obtained his riches. However his life took many twists and turns leading to many scandalous incidents before his death in  1880. 

On today's episode we are joined by Steven Winston a business owner and researcher who through examining his own culture discovered the roots of two black organizations (Muskegon County Black Organizations-MCBO and Michigan Association of Black Organizations-MABO) created during the civil rights movement to help unify blacks in the county and state in the fight towards equality.

As Super Bowl Sunday quickly approaches, we look at the amazing journey of a Muskegon graduate that led him to be a part of some of the most memorable Super Bowls of all time. 

Our podcast episode today looks at the family that brought music into many homes, schools, and concert halls in Muskegon and beyond. Learn about this talented family and their music store. 

Caution this episode looks at the darker side of Muskegon's history and contains themes not suitable for younger audiences.  On the podcast today we dive into the darker side of Muskegon's history and present the history of the Canterbury House, a place where everything goes and where you could find your hearts desires. This house catered to lumberjacks and their needs serving companionship,...

Much like many of us today, people 100 years ago liked to have pine trees in their home for the holiday season. However, those that lived in large cities like Chicago had trouble finding trees. Enter lumber schooners who on their last trip of the year would often load their deck and hold with evergreens to bring to the market and sell. Today we look at one of these schooners history and fate as we...

While Charles and Julia Hackley never had any children of their own, they did adopt two children. On today's episode we look at the life of their adopted son Charles Moore Hackley.

Operating for only a short time, the Lake Harbor railroad ran along the lake from today's Pere Marquette Beach to the Mona Lake Channel. This railroad was built to serve those headed to the resorts in the Lake Harbor area. On today's episode we discuss its construction and history with local historian Garry Olson.

On today's episode we look at the first official female police officer in Muskegon, Sarah McVeigh. Listen in as we examine what led to her hiring and her role within the police department. 

In 1913 a curious site was seen on the beach in Muskegon. A new invention never before seen in the area landed in the water nearby and a curious figured emerge, a bird-man. This was the first time a plane had been seen in Muskegon much less one that could land on water. Today's podcast tells the story of the race around the Great Lakes that brought both pilot and plane to Muskegon for the first ti...

In the 1880s digging for brine lead to a curious discovery, the presence of oil in many parts of Muskegon County. It will not until the end of the 1920s that this oil and its potential impact on Muskegon County was realized, as the first oil wells were dug. Learn about the fascinating history of the discovery and harvesting of oil, and its impact on us today. 

The fur trade in Michigan attracted Europeans to the area and led to the earliest interaction between these Europeans and Native Americans. Muskegon County with its many lakes and rivers was a destination for the animals valued by the fur traders and Native Americans alike. On today's episode we dive into the history of those fur traders who came to Muskegon County. 

In 1918 a new strand of the influenza virus reached Michigan and Muskegon. This Spanish Flu as it was called would become the worst pandemic the world has seen. The response to the pandemic in Muskegon and Michigan has many similarities with our current pandemic, this is the story of what occurred during that year. 

Henry Holt was one of Muskegon's most preeminent politicians serving as mayor, state representative, and Lieutenant Governor. Holt was also an avid traveler and "collector" of antiquities. His life provides us an insight of the politics of 1870s Muskegon and Michigan. 

Pigeon Hill named for the now extinct passenger pigeon was once the most recognizable landmark of Muskegon from both land and lake. At over 200 foot tall it was a popular sight seeing destination, but this massive sand dune was also target of many businesses looking to use its sand for various products. 

Dr Eames was an important figure in the early 1900s in Muskegon. Among her accomplishments was the creation of the Y.W.C.A. in Muskegon, serving on the Women's Club, and most importantly her work on public health which was centered around improving the lives of mothers, children, and infants. 

Newcomb McGraft came to Muskegon hoping to make his fortune, a feat which he achieved. While not as well known as other lumber barons he played a pivotal role in the history of Muskegon, heading up the booming company, being mayor, and most importantly kicking off the industrial bonus fund which would help revitalize Muskegon after the decline of lumbering. 

The Industrial Bonus Fund provided money and incentives for business to relocate to Muskegon. This fund was very successful at this goal and managed to propel Muskegon forward going into the 20th Century after the decline of lumbering.  

A visit to the beach 100 years ago in Muskegon would have been a very different experience. With a roller coaster, Ferris Wheel, stage, and many more amusements, a trip to the beach and Lake Michigan Park was like going to an amusement park that had a water park the size of Lake Michigan. Today we examine the spectacle that was the beach escape, Lake Michigan Park.  

The youngest brother of famous lumber baron Charles Hackley, Porter Hackley was also involved in the lumbering business. He served many years as bookkeeper for the family firm and taught Thomas Hume the ropes. However, his fortune would never grow vast like the other two as he lived a tumultuous life full of booze and run-ins with the law. 

Albert Mears was the younger brother of the much more famous Charles Mears. While he does not have the fame of his brother today, Albert was vital in the success of Whitehall and the White Lake area.

Helen Hume was the daughter of lumber baron Thomas Hume. She was also an avid traveler and writer. Her letters home contain insight into various sights around the world but also let us look at what was going on with the Hume family as she response to various letters sent to her. Join us to hear more about Helen's adventures and what was happening in Muskegon.