Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode, I explore the history of the founding of Parchment, Michigan and the paper mill in that community. Additionally, taking advantage of the recorded oral histories at the Parchment Library, I include an interview with a man who worked 40+ years for the KVP Mill and he offers a unique insight into that history. For more oral histories from the Parchment Library, visit: https://www.par...

In this episode I explore the legacy of Autry DeWalt Mixon, better known as Junior Walker, and his band the All-Stars. The group began their early career in South Bend, Indiana and also in Southwest Michigan. They first sang their legendary 'Shotgun' which went on to become a #1 R&B Hit at the El Grotto Lounge in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1965. The material in this episode comes from t...

In this episode I explore the history of the Grand Rapids Furniture Strike of 1911. During that time in history, the city was the leading manufacturing center for furniture in the country. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the life of Mary Colemen, the first woman elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, and the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. Her life is an amazing history. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, Leah Richard from the Vicksburg Historical Society joins me again to talk about railroads, robberies and many more interesting stories from Vicksburg. For information on the Vicksburg Historical Society, visit: https://vicksburghistory.org For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

At one time there existed the Kalamazoo Sled Company which was the largest manufacturer of children's sled in the world. The company began in the 1870's as a manufacturer of wooden components for buggies, and then reorganized in 1894 into manufacturing sleds. Through two World Wars, and different changes in the industry, the company existed in Kalamazoo until the 1970's. For the full a...

In this episode I explore the early distilleries of Kalamazoo, Michigan. The story of the Whitcomb brothers who brought fame to the city with whiskey. Luke Whitecomb's famous 'Luke's Best' whiskey became known from chicago to the Eastern seaboard as the best in the counrty. For more information on this story, visit the Kalamazoo Library History story on this here. For more informat...

In this episode I explore the origins of the Spiritualism movement that swept across the United States and Southwest Michigan in the 1800's. I also cover the lives of the Fox Sisters, and some of the key locations of Spiritualism in the region. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the life of Charles T. Gorham from Marshall, Michigan. He was a successful merchant, banker, State Senator who became the U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands. He is best known for establishing the First National Bank of Marshall, and his story is an important part of the history of Marshall. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com For t...

In this episode I explore the fascinating life of Adolphus C. Waterman, who was an early pioneer founder of Athens, Michigan. He also was a millwright, water power engineer, inventor and took off for California for the Gold Rush in 1850. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

Dave Eddy, formerly of WBCK Radio known as 'The Morning Mayor' for over 40 years, and also the current President of the Board of Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek joins me to talk about the architecture of this cemetery that was founded in 1844. We discuss buildings past and present, and also talk about the current restoration project on the chapel which is nearing 100 years old. For Infor...

In this episode I explore the life of a pioneer medical doctor, Simeon Starkweather French. His grandfather severed actively in the American Revolution, his father served in the War of 1812 as a medical doctor, and he served in the American Civil War. He played an active role in the medical profession, as well as education in Battle Creek, and served two terms as Mayor. His story is a fascinating...

In this episode I explore stories of the early founding of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. The reference I used is: Pioneer History of Eaton County, Michigan 1833 - 1866 compiled by Daniel Strange. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com For tickets to the program on Oak Hill Cemetery, click here .

In this episode, Rhiannon Cizon joins me from the Berrien County Historical Association . We talk about the history of the battle for the Berrien County seat that happened in the late 1800's. We also discuss exhibits at the museum, and upcoming events. For more information on the Berrien County Historical Association visit: https://berrienhistory.org Be sure to check out their link for tickets...

In this episode, I explore the history of the legendary Gibson Guitar Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan which was founded in 1896 by Orville Gibson. For more information on the history of Gibson Guitars, visit: https://www.kpl.gov/local-history/kalamazoo-history/business/gibson-inc For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the murder of John Wiley in 1855, in Marshall, Michigan. It was sparked over infidelity, and sent one man to prison and another to the cemetery. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com To purchase tickets for the event at the museum on July 29th, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/638951831127

In this episode I explore the year 1915, which saw the formation of the Conventions Bureau in Battle Creek. That first year the city hosted 17 conventions, and brought in over 5000 people. I look at the industry of conventions back in the day. To connect with Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDelawareAuthor For tickets to Wizards &amp...

In this episode I explore the history of Caleb Eldred and his sons Daniel and Nelson and their impact on several communities in Southwest Michigan, including Comstock, Climax and Battle Creek. It is a collection of fascinating stories written by people who knew them, and offers interesting insight into pioneer history. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com Fo...

As this episode is airing on Independence Day in the United States, I am explore Fourth of July celebrations from the past in this episode. I cover not only the events of over 100 years ago, but also their views on patriotism, how important the day was and what they considered most important. I use articles in old newspapers for this journey. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https:...

In this episode, I explore the history of Buchanan, Michigan which was named after the 15th President of the U.S., James Buchanan. I share some of the early pioneer history, and formation of the town. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com For tickets and information on the Oak Hill Cemetery Event on July 29th with Michael Delaware, Dave Eddy & Jim Jackson...

In this episode I explore some of the history of Bronson, Michigan from the early pioneer period to present day. Listen to hear about the Polish Festival, the early mills and taverns. For the Bronson Website, visit: https://www.bronson-mi.com For the FB info on the Polish Festival, visit: https://www.facebook.com/BronsonPolishFestival/ For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldel...

In this episode I explore old stories about dogs from many different angles in old newspapers published over 100+ years ago. Some are sad, others disturbing, and still others are uplifting and may even make you smile. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com To get tickets to Michael Delaware's event on Oak Hill Cemetery at the museum, click here .

The North Country trail is a scenic hiking trail of 3200+ miles that spans eight US States from North Dakota to Vermont, and the largest section of the trail goes through Michigan. In this episode I interview Dave Cornell from the Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, which is reponsible for the trail section in Barry, Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties. We discuss the history...

In this episode I explore some of the early history of Jackson, Michigan. I also discuss the formation of the state prison in Jackson, as well as the garmet and automobile industry, and railroad history. One of the references referred to was: Jackson city directory and business advertiser for 1867 & 1868. With a history from the first settlement of the city, and a general portrait of its busin...

In this episode I explore the history of a German pioneer businessman Nicholas Baumann who settled in Kalamazoo in 1855, and established a brewery as well as other businesses over the years in the city. I also explore some of the history of other German pioneer businessmen in this era. To reference the Kalamazoo Library article referred to in this episode: https://www.kpl.gov/local-history/kalamaz...