Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

Chauncey Davis would not only be Muskegon's first mayor but he was also instrumental in the creation of Muskegon County itself. Known as a honest man and respect by all, this is the story of his life. 

The Hackley Manual Training School would be the first of its kind in Michigan and would train generations of youth on manual skills. Learn how this great school got its start and what it taught its students. 

In 1891 Shaw Electric Crane opened in Muskegon Heights, it would stay in that location for 119 years. During that time it produced cranes, hoists, and lifts that were used in many keystone building projects throughout the world. 

Edward Gifford Crosby started out working in a sawmill and saving his money until he managed to purchase his own tugboat. From there he formed a partnership that would led to him owning a shipping line and becoming exceptionally wealthy.  This wealth would play a part in his death however, as Captain Crosby would die in the most famous shipwreck 108 years ago today.

Before electricity and refrigerators keeping food cool was a tough task. One of the main ways this was achieved was by using blocks of ice. That ice though had to come from somewhere and had to be available all year long. Listen in as today's podcasts explains how this was done. 

The Pine Street Fire of 1891 has gone down in Muskegon's history as the second worst fire to occur. The fire would  destroy the heart of the business district on Pine Street which would never recover. 

The Occidental Hotel was for a long time the largest and most elegant hotel in Muskegon. As time went on this hotel endured many hardships and changes until it was forced to close, leading to its implosion. Many Muskegon residents still have fond memories of this one time Muskegon landmark. 

Catherine Hackley-Holt was one of the early pioneer women in Muskegon County. She lived through the ups and downs of lumbering and the beginning of the industrial period in Muskegon. Even though she had many stories to tell, very little is known of her life besides the accomplishments of her husbands. Listen in as we try to dissect the history of this early pioneer and discover why so little is kn...

Around 10,000 years ago the last Ice Age giants became extinct, leaving only their remains to let us know they were once here. One of the most commonly found remains belongs to a creature that looked like a hairy elephant, I'm talking of course about the mastodon. These large creatures bones can be found across the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, including in West Michigan were several remains have b...

This episode looks at the history of beer in Muskegon, and focuses on the Muskegon Brewing Company which was at one point the largest brewery in the state of Michigan. 

Born in Muskegon, Haddon Sundblom would go on to create print ads for some of the biggest companies in the 1930s-1960s. His most famous ads were a series of artwork he create for Coca-Cola that featured St. Nicholas. These ads would help shape our modern view of Santa and are still identifiable and cherished today.

While Major Noah Ferry had a relatively short life, his and his families impact can still be seen in Western Michigan. Tune in to learn about the life of Noah Ferry, how he met his end on the battle field of Gettysburg, and how he is still remembered today.  

Foundries have long been important to Muskegon's industry. Today we examine one of the earliest and most successful of these, Rodgers Iron Works. 

In today's podcast we interview local historian Ron Pesch about the oldest football team in Muskegon County and one of the most successful programs in the nation, the Muskegon Big Reds. 

Of all the pilots that have lived in or visited Muskegon few have the credentials to match those of Cecil Sinclair. Born in 1888, Cecil or 'Sinnie' as he was commonly known was alive for the birth of flight and became an earlier pioneer in it. He was one of the first 1,000 pilots licensed, and he rubbed shoulders with the most famous fliers of all time including Charles Lindbergh. Learn the amazin...

Ruth Thompson born in Whitehall, Michigan would become a trail blazer for women across West Michigan and the United States. She began her career in law and became the first female member of the Muskegon Bar Association. She would then go on to politics to become the first female state representative for Muskegon County. Ruth would eventually run for congress, winning, and become the first female t...

Listen in as Erin Schmitz programming manager of the Hackley and Hume Historic Site answers some questions about the creation and history of two of Muskegon's most famous houses.

For 35 years the Muskegon Civic Theatre has been putting on shows for residents and visitors a like. Join us as we interview Jason Bertoia managing director of MCT to learn more about its history and what's involved in putting on a show. To learn more about MCT visit https://www.muskegoncivictheatre.org/ To learn more about the exhibit and opening visit https://lakeshoremuseum.org/events/the-show-...

On today's podcast we interview Eric Petersen and Amber May-Petersen the husband and wife duo behind the Fish Monger's Wife. Listen in as they discuss the history and future of commercial fishing in Muskegon.

Last year we examine the streets of the county and those whom they were named after. We also asked you for any other street names you were curious about. Well you delivered, so here is part two of the street names of Muskegon County.

Take an adventure across the Atlantic as we follow the story of the Bidwell brothers and their scam to defraud the Bank of England millions of dollars in gold.

For over 100 years the red Union Depot building has stood out from its surroundings on Western Avenue. When it first opened its importance to bringing in tourist, visitors, and new residents was immense. Over the years its importance declined but thankfully the building remained to be transformed into the center of tourism again in Muskegon as the Muskegon County Convention & Visitor's Bureau and...

This month we dive into the fascinating history of one of Muskegon's wealthiest residents' of all time. Learn how John Torrent earned this title and also how he earned the title of villain and scoundrel.

100 years ago the Great War came to an end. The cost of the war was terrible for all involved including Americans and Muskegon County residents. On today's episode we learn about the experiences of Muskegon County men and women during the war.

Join us for an interview with Judy Hayner director of the City of Muskegon Art Initiative, as she discusses the history of the Muskegon Indian Cemetery and a statue being installed in tribute of it.