Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

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...

In this episode I interview Author Brian Young who is coming out with a new biography this year on the life and legacy of Del Shannon. In this interview, he gives a lot of lost history of the early life of the music legend who wrote 'Runaway' and several over Billboard hits during his career. Brian Young will also be visiting Battle Creek during Del Shannon Weekend from June 23rd - 25th an...

In this episode I explore the history of the first large public theatre in Battle Creek, which opened in 1869 called the 'Hamblin Opera House'. It was established by Alexander C. Hamblin, a banker and philanthrophist. Through the 30+ years of its existence the Hamblin Opera House brought a variety of entertainment from dramatic plays, to concerts and minstral shows to the community. Many o...

In this episode I explore some of the history of the early hotels in St. Joseph, Michigan as well as take a look at what travel was like during the Victorian Era. To read some of the references used in this episode: click here For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com Subscribe to the channel!

In this interview Mac McCullough from the Willard Library returns to the show with Author Sonya Bernard Hollins , who wrote the book 'Here I Stand' which covered the history of the El Grotto Lounge . The El Grotto Lounge was founded in 1949 by Robert & Helen Montgomery, and became an iconic landmark where many black musicians launched their careers. Names like Junior Walker & the A...

In this episode I explore the history of the notorious criminal John Dillinger, and his crime spree through Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin, and look at whether he was ever in Southwest Michigan. There are reports of him having been in Michigan near Port Huron and the Upper Penninsula, and one story of a woman who received a car ride from him on a stormy day when she was walking home from w...

This episode explore the history of Michigan's lumber industry and the great logging era from 1840 - 1900. Michigan was once the leading lumber producer in the nation, and its deep forest of Eastern White Pines and hardwoods help build a nation. For more information on Hartwick Pines State Park as mentioned in this episode, visit: https://stateparks.com/hartwick_pines_state_park_in_michigan.ht...

In this episode historical fiction author JuliAnne Sisung joins me for a talk on her research into almost a dozen historical fiction novels set in Michigan. He stories are typically set in the region north of Grand Rapids, but contain factual details of Michigan history from all over the state, including Southwest Michigan. It is a fascinating discussion about her various book series that are set...

In this episode I explore the history of poultry breeders and their organizations in the 1800's and the ones that exist today in Michigan and the USA. I also discuss some of the life of George Barnes who founded the Michigan Poultry Breeder trade publication in Battle Creek in 1885 which became a national sought magazine in the industry. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https:/...

In this episode I explore the history of Litchfield, Michigan . Included are stories of the early pioneer settlers, a tragic fire that burned the downtown in 1894, an explosive bank robbery that happened in 1904, and the fascinating stories of people who came from this village and went onto greater achievements. Most notably Rose Hartwick Thorpe , the author of the poem ' Curfew Must Not Ring...

In this episode in honor of Memorial Day Weekend , I telling stories of lost and fallen heroes of WWII and Vietnam that I have researched when working on videos on local cemeteries. Many of these servicemen never made it home from the conflict they served in, and some I have chosen to feature had extraordinary experiences while serving the country. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:...

In this episode I explore some of the history of the Kellogg Airfield in Battle Creek, Michigan. I also include the story of the B-17 Flying Fortress named 'Snap, Crackle & Pop' which served in the European Theatre of Operations in 1942 during World War II. The plane was named by a pilot that had formerly been an engineer at Kellogg's and as cooincidence would have it, he was instr...

In this episode I explore some of the history of the founding of Olivet College and its notable alumni. The college was founded in 1844, and is 179 years old as of 2023. It has some interesting history. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com Become a subsccriber!

In this episode I explore the founding of the village of Bellevue, as well as the important impact of the limestone industry and its impact on Michigan from this community. I explore specifically the history of the Dyer Kiln and recent developments on its restoration. For more information on how to support the Dyer Mill restoration project, visit: https://www.csamuseum.net To find out about the up...