Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode I explore the history of Coloma, Michigan which was first known as 'Dickerville'. Explore the early pioneer struggles with commerce, exploding mills and harsh winters. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore some of the early pioneer history of the village of Watervliet in Berrien County, Michigan . The first settler in the area arrived in 1832, and the place was originally known as 'Shingle Diggings' from the early shingle industry. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore some stories of the millinery/hatmaking industry. I also profile a woman named Mary Morgan who led an exceptional life in Michigan in the millinery business, and other stories. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com To follow Michael Delaware on Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDelawareAuthor

In this episode I explore the works of Washington Gardner where he defines the early history of the Temperance Movement in Michigan. Particularily explaining the Washingtonian Movement, the Red Ribbon Movement, the Women's Christian Temperance Movement and the various legislative actions of the late 1800's influenced by this. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michael...

In this episode I explore the history of thc Charlotte Brewery that once existed from 1870 - 1909 in Charlotte, Michigan. The article referred to in this episode is from a book entitled 'Spirits of the Past' published by the Eaton County Historical Commission. To find out more information about this organization or to obtain a copy of this book, visit: https://eatoncountyhistory.org For mo...

Parcel post was introduced by the USPS on January 1st, 1913 and in the early years there were many interesting stories of about what people were shipping, as well as the challenges the postal workers had in adapting to the new service. There were even stories of people shipping children by parcel post! For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the early streetcar systems which were originally pulled by horses, and their transition to electric street cars, and eventually the establishment of the interurban cars that ran between cities. For information on Kalamazoo history on this subject, click here . For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the trial of George Vanderpool for the murder of Herbert Field in 1869. The saga resulted in three separate trials held in Manistee, Kalamazoo and Hastings, Michigan. The story received statewide, national and international attention in the news over a two year period. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, Anne Harrigan, the Music Director for the Battle Creek Symphony joins me to talk about the 125 years legacy of the oldest continually operating orchestra in Michigan history. For information and tickets to the Battle Creek Symphony visit: https://yourmusiccenter.org/symphony/ Tickets are now available for the 125th Season! For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://m...

In this episode I explore the history of wildcat banking and the panic of 1837 in Michigan, which existed between 1837 and the mid 1840's. It was a period of almost no regulation on the banking industry, and a lot of devaluation of currency and financial panic in the USA. Much of the material in this episode is taken from Washington Gardner's Book 'History of Calhoun County' publis...

In this episode I explore some of the history of survivors of the Titanic disaster that lived in Michigan, with many stories from Southwest MI. The Titanic struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912 and onboard were 2200 passengers, and 61 had Michigan connections. The read the book 'A Night to Remember' by Walter Lord click here . For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeld...

In this episode, Author Nicole Beauchamp joins me to talk about her new book ' Haunted Bars & Pubs of Michigan' . The new book is an eerie roadtrip around the mitten state through haunted places. She gives us some inside details of some of the stories, and her research into their history. To get a copy of her new book, click here: https://amzn.to/3sTX5jy To follow Nicole Beauchamp on F...

In this episode I explore details about the early history and conditions of the Michigan State Prison in Jackson founded in the 1800's. The information is take from a book written by author Judy Gail Krasnow 'Jacktown: History & Hard Times at Michigan's First State Prison'. For a copy of her book, click here. To find out more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://mich...

In this episode, I explore the life of musical composer, performer and trumpet player Melvin James 'Sy' Oliver who was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and went onto to perform with J immie Lunceford, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong . To get a copy of the book 'Here I Stand' by Sonya and Sean Hollins click here. For more information on Mich...

In this episode true crime author Tom Carr joins me to talk about some of the stories in his book that occured in Southwest Michigan. We explore the legend of 'Baby Face' Nelson and the story of the tommy gun found in Berrien County that was used in the St. Valentine's Massacre. To order Tom Carr's Books online, visit: Blood on the Mitten: Infamous Michigan Murders 1700s to Present...

In this episode I explore railroad history in Potterville, Michigan. There are stories from the depot that once existed there, including a mail robbery and a body found on the tracks. Also two train derailments, one in 2002 and the other in 2006. For more information on the Eaton County Historical Commission, visit: https://eatoncountyhistory.org For more information or to contact Michael Delaware...

In this episode I explore the lives of Father Baart pastor of St. Mary's Church in Marshall and Father Sadlier, pastor of St. Philips Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. Both died in 1908 within two days of each other, both were similar in age, reputation and had the largest funerals in their respective cities within a day of each other. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://m...

In this episode, Bobbie Mathis and Brian McCombs from the Union City Society for Historic Preservation return to the show to talk about some interesting tales from the cities history. We talk about the apple lady, memories from WWII and a circus elephant who was saved from the brink of death by a determined local veterinarian. Dead Mans Hollow Tickets:   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ucshp-dead-man...

In this episode I explore the history of the CK&S Railroad, also known as the 'Beer Bucket Train' and the 'Cuss, Kick & Swear' Railroad. It is a fascinating history that spans Kalamazoo, Barry and Eaton Counties. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com To get tickets to the special event by the Steam Railroading Insitute on 'Michigan...

In this episode, I explore an article written by Berenice Bryant Lowe in her book 'Tales of Battle Creek' entitled 'Battle Creek in Wartime'. She reviews the cities history from the Mexican American War, through the Civil War, World War I and World War II, including the impact of Fort Custer. She also details much of the women's contribution to the war effort in support of the...

In this epside I explore the history of Fort St. Joseph that was the original settlement near Niles, Michigan. It was first established in the 1680's as a mission by French Jesuits, and then expanded to a garrison and trading post in the 1700's. To read the WMU article referenced, visit: https://wmich.edu/fortstjoseph/about/fort-history To contact Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaelde...

In this episode I explore the life of Berenice Bryant Lowe, the author of the book 'Tales of Battle Creek' published in 1976. Her anthology on the history of Battle Creek served as a foundation for many historians who have followed her work in recent years. To listen to the interview with Berenice, visit: https://willardlibrary.org For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://m...

In this episode I explore a forgotten murder story from 1889 , where the body of an infant was found floating in the Kalamazoo River near Marshall, Michigan. The story of this crime spanned two counties, sparking a joint investigation beween the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department and the Kalamazoo Detective offer of the Police Department. In the end three people were charged with murder, and...

In this episode I explore some of the early history of Cassopolis, and nearby Vandalia and the namesake of the County and village, Lewis Cass. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the Burdick Hotel that once stood on the site of the present day Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo. The first building was built in 1850, and the hotel went through many evolutions over the many decades, but was a long standing legacy in the downtown district. To read the Kalamazoo Library article on this story: https://www.kpl.gov/local-history/kalamazoo-h...