Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode I explore some interesting history in Albion, Michigan surrounding a grove of trees once owned by William H. Brockway. The location became known as 'Brockway Woods' or 'Brockway Grove', and lasted until 1905. There were two tragedies, and one train accident at Brockway Grove each happening almost two years apart from 1899 - 1903 until the grove was harvested for tim...

This is the last episode of Season 4, in 2025. In this episode, I look back at the top stories in Michigan during World War II from 1941 - 1945, including stories from across the state as well as Southwest Michigan. I also review my year in 2025 as a podcaster and author. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com Season 5 will start on January 11, 2026. Happy New...

In this episode, I explore the early pioneer life and history of Leslie, Michgan located in the southern part of Ingham County, north of Jackson. The publication used as reference was 'History of the Early Life and Business Interests of the Village and Township of Leslie, Ingham County Michigan' published in 1914 by the Elijah Grout Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. For...

In this episode, I explore the early establishment of Calhoun County as written by author Charles A. Weissert in his book 'An Account of Southwest Michigan and Calhoun County: With special matter relating to Calhoun County' published in 1924. I also give details on the early naming of the counties in this area. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the story behind Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan. I also have an exciting announcement about preserving history in the region. To contribute to the Historic Preservation & Monuments Fund, click here. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore a memoir published in 1905 by Francis Hodgman (1839-1907). He tells stories from his childhood as a boy in Climax, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com For ticket information on the BC Regional History Museum Christmas Radio Theatre programs, visit: https://BCRHM.org

In this episode, I explore the history of Dutch emigration to Kalamazoo and Holland, and the history behind the movement in the 1800's. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of ice harvesting in Michigan between 1880 - 1950. This was the industry before the era of refrigeration. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore news articles during the Great Depression around the time of Thanksgiving from different cities in Southwest Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore some early history of Albion, Michigan. I also cover early railroad history and a riot. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore an early history of Tekonsha, Michigan referring to a Calhoun County Directory from 1869-70. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I cover some of the early history of the stagecoach roads, the early hotels, railroad and interurban in Marshall, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore some of the early history of Galesburg, Michigan named after George L. Gale. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the origins of some unusual street names in Battle Creek, Michigan. The information is taken from articles in a book published by Elizabeth Neumeyer entitled 'What's in a Name?' To get a copy of the book, visit the Battle Creek Regional History Museum at 307 W Jackson St, Battle Creek, MI on weekends 10-4PM, or at the same address visit the Historical Society...

In this episode I explore the history of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway . It was the principle route for travelers coming from New York to Chicago, and it connected Lake Michigan with the East Coast. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of Interstate 94, and the Interstate Highway system. I-94 is unique as it is the only Interstate that has a numbeer not divisible by 5, and it is also the only one running West to East that connects with another country, Canada. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of assassinations in America covering Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKinley, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Robert F. Kennedy and Charlie Kirk, along with several other cases of attempted assassinations. I also discuss the changes I have observed as a historian with the American education system which has disconnected present day youth from...

In this episode, I conclude the three part series on the story of Sarah Haviland. In this final segment, I explore what happened to Sarah after she was sent to prison in 1966 at the Michigan State Prison in Jackson, Michigan. I also cover what her experience was, compared to other prisoners, and carry her story all the way through to her pardon by Governor Treadway Rich in 1896. I also cover the r...

This is part 2 of the three part story on Sarah Haviland, a woman who murdered her three children in 1865 in Battle Creek, Michigan. In this episode, I cover her sinister plan that she created with Dr. Daniel Baker, and how it unfolded, resulting in the death of three children. Her plans were foiled by the innocence of one of her surviving daughters, Phoebe. Sarah Haviland and Daniel Baker are cha...

In this eposide I begin a three part series on the story of Sarah Haviland from my book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime'. In this part we follow her life as a mother, through divorce and her involvement with spiritualism. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

Charles Sherwood Stratton AKA 'General Tom Thumb' had a condition known as pituitary dwarfism, and only grew to 2 feet, 10 inches tall in his life. He worked for years with showman P.T. Barnum, and in 1852 toured through southern Michigan, stopping in several southwest michigan towns. His 1863 wedding to a woman his same height was a national sensation, and for nearly 150+ years later it h...

In this episode I explore the history of the Kalamazoo Pant & Overall Company founded by Samuel Rosenbaum, and later carried on by his four sons. The company lasted 100 years in Kalamazoo. To read the source article, click here. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the life of Father Gabriel Richard (1767 - 1832) who served as Michigan's non-voting Delegate to the 18th Congress from 1823-1825. During his single term, he was successful in getting funds appropriated for building the Territoral Road between Detroit and Chicago. This road became the essential corridor for pioneers to settle Southern Michigan. He was also a co-found...

This is the second part of a two part series on the era of horse thieves in Michigan which ranged from 1850 - 1920. In this episode I explore the prominent Indiana-Michigan gangs that operated for approximiately 50 years. I also cover the various preventative societies that formed to combat these gangs, along with some high profile arrests of horse thieves. For more information on Michael Delaware...

In this episode, I begin a two part series on the era of horse thieves in the USA and Michigan from 1850 - 1925. In this first part, I explore national and Michigan stories, which offer insight into the problem it presented to its citizens, the value of horses and the emotional pulse of the society of the era regarding this lawless activity. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https:/...