Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode, Brenna Pixley and Ashley Kloote join me from Earthcraft, and organization based in Scotts, Michigan which is dedicated to Ancestral Skillshare which includes experiential learning, intergenerational exchange and an effort to build an enduring community. Also in the program is archeologist Tom Talbot who will be presenting a program 'Mysteries in Stone' at the upcoming Eart...

In this episode I explore the history of the Michigan Soldiers Home and Cemetery in Grand Rapids. I refer to an article published in the Michigan History Magazine of July/August 2026 written by Bruce Kalish. For information on how to subscribe the Michigan History Magazine visit: https://www.hsmichigan.org/read/michigan-history For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelawa...

In this episode, I explore the life of Ernie Harwell the 50 year voice of Detroit Tigers Baseball who retired in 2002, and passed away in 2010. The source material for this episode is an article in Michigan History Magazine July/August 2026 'Ernie Harwell: The Voice of Michigan Summers'. To subscribe to the Michigan History Magazine, visit this link here: https://www.hsmichigan.org/read/mi...

In this episode, I explore some early history of the pioneer era and founding of Springport township and Springport village in Jackson County. To read the source material, click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I discuss the history of prostitution post-civil war to the turn of the century in Michigan. I discuss the moral influence on the circuit courts, and examine the story of Ella Lester in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1872 when three men came calling on her at the same time, and the tragic result of that encounter. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware....

In this episode I explore some of the history of the Grand Trunk Railroad moving their repair shops for their steam engines to Battle Creek in 1908, and it all surrounds an iconic photo taken the day it opened by photographer Isaac D Smith. For more information on Michael Delaware visit: MichaelDelaware.com

Ever wonder how Lansing became the Capitol of Michigan? In this episode, I explore some of that early history as well as the State Capitol building. For more information, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore some of the history of saloon row that once existed in the early 1900's in Kalamazoo in the Pre-Prohibition era. To read the Kalamazoo Library Article, click here . For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history and impact of the Presidential Election of 1848 which former Territorial Governor and Senator from Michigan Lewis Cass was the Democratic candidate who lost to General Zachary Taylor, in a race than also included former President Martin Van Buren. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the innovation of curb cuts for wheel chair accessibility which had its origins in Southwest Michigan, first being introduced in Battle Creek in 1945, and later in Kalamazoo that same year, 45 years before the American with Disabilities Act in 1990. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the 1887 book ' History of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan: A Grammar of their Language, and Personal and Family History of the Author ' by Andrew J. Blackbird, and Native American interpretor for the U.S. Government in Michigan. To read the full text of this book, it is available at the Library of Congress here. For more information on Michael Delawa...

In this episode, I explore the unsolved case of the Glass Family Murders of 1838, and the lingering mystery that surrounds it. For more information, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore a story from 1850 when travelers who dined at the Kalamazoo Exchange Hotel began dying suddenly following an afternoon meal. All total 13 people died within a few days, and it took two weeks for doctors and investigators to isolate the cause. The news of the events unfolding traveled all over the world, and creating fears of a new epidemic on the rise. For more informatio...

In this episode I explore the story of three separate railway accidents that happened in the autumn of 1893 in Southwest Michigan, all carrying excursion trains to and from the World's Fair in Chicago, The first accident happened in Bellevue, Michigan on September 27th, the second was in Jackson, Michigan on Octiber 13th and the third was in Battle Creek, Michigan on October 20th. Over 40 peop...

In this episode, I explore the history of Capital Punishment in Michigan and what led up to its abolishment in on March 1, 1847. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore more of the life of Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, and his involvement and reasoning behind the names he gave to so many Michigan places. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the life and beliefs of John Harvey Kellogg. Dr. Kellogg was an American physician who was the director of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, founded by members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He is credited with the development of the flaked cereal industry, many health foods and holistic principles in medicine. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://Mi...

In this episode I explore Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, MI and talk about some of their key monuments and structures, as well as share some obitiuaries transcribed by the 'Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery' organization. To join or support the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery, visit: https://friendsofsilverbrook.org For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore an article recently published in the Michigan History Magazine about Dr. Robert Clark Kedzie and his battle against the use of arsenic in wallpaper. For information on subscribing to the Michigan History Magazine, visit: https://hsmichigan.org/subscribe For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I share with listeners information on existing walking tours at Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the Pelick Stevens Fire in 1869 in Kalamazoo, and the changes this dramatic event brought about in fire protection planning in the city. I also go into some of the history of the changes in 1869 between pump engines and the introduction of steam engines.

In this episode, I explore a long forgotten book entitled "The Railway Traveller's Handy Book of Hints, Suggestions, and Advice, Before the Journey, On the Journey and After the Journey" which was published in London in 1862 by Lockwood and Co., Stationers' Hall Court. Within its pages lie some very interesting tidbits of advice which offer an interesting and unique insight into...

In this episode I explore some of the history of flooding in Southwest and other parts of Michigan, and some of the legislation that came into existence over the years to prevent some of the historic tragedies. To watch a video on the Great Flood of 1904, click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the formation of the railroads on michigan, beginning with the history behind the first charters, and the central line, which became the Michigan Central Railroad. For more information, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of Wildcat banking in Michigan, and relate a story that happened in Jonesville during that era. I also talk about the Panic of 1837. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com