Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode I venture into a collection of strange crimes and stories found in old newspapers in Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore what Independence Day was like in 1941 prior to Pearl Harbor, and the USA entering WWII in Michigan, and compare it to 1942 & 1943. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I outline a summary of each chapter of my new book Murder in Victorian Western Michigan which is now available. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore the life of R&B Musician Wade Flemons , who launched his music career in Battle Creek with a hit single, and went on to become a founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire. For a copy of the book ' Here I Stand' by Sonya & Sean Hollins , Click Here. For tickets to the Del Shannon Tribute Concert, Click Here . For tickets to the Music Legacy Event on Sunday, June 29...

In this episode, I explore the early life of Michigan music legend Del Shannon from his early life in Coopersville to his days in Battle Creek and the hit song Runaway . For more information on the life of Del Shannon, visit: https://delshannon.com/biography For information on all of the Del Shannon Weekend events: https://BCRHM.org For tickets to the Del Shannon Tribute Concert on June 26th, 2025...

In this episode, I explore lost and forgotten stories with Aaron Helman, the author of the new book 'The Turtle, The Mitten & An Epic History of Michigan'. To get a copy of The Turtle, The Mitten & An Epic History of Michigan click here . For more information Aaron Helman, visit: https://www.aaronhelman.com For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.co...

In this episode, Bob Myers, the Director of History Programming at the Historical Society of Michigan and the Meijer Center for Michigan History joins me to discuss the organizations, its upcoming conferences, lecture series, programs and various publications. To join the Historical Society of Michigan , subscribe to the Michigan History Magazine or find out more about the organization and upcomin...

In this episode, I cover the early history of Memorial Day and tell the stories of four fallen heroes from four different wars from Calhoun County. I also announce some of the upcoming events and projects for the summer. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com For full details on the Del Shannon Weekend events and tickets, visit: https://BCRHM.org

This is the story of a five year old boy who disappeared under unusual circumstances in 1837 in Jackson Township, in Jackson County and then reappeared 29 years later to shock the community. His father searched for decades for his son, and another woman was rumored to be responsible for his death. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of the American national holiday 'Mother's Day'. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, Chicago antique expert Jack Girsbach joins me along with Bobbie Mathis from the Union City Society for Historic Preservation. We discuss the stories behind antiques, the topic of haunted artifacts and also an exciting upcoming event on May 10, 2025 at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum . For tickets to the event on Saturday, May 10th, click here. To email Jack Girsbach with...

In this episode, I am joined by Author Allie Seibert to talk about her new book 'Bloodstained: Exploring Michigan's Darkest Murders Forgotten By Time'. We also discuss the various aspects of researching stories from the past, and its challenges. For more information on Author Allie Seibert, visit: https://householdhistory.com To follow her on Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/a...

In this episode, professional Abraham Lincoln presenter Kevin J. Wood joins me to talk about the history of the 16th President in his visit to Kalamazoo, and also share the exciting news about the upcoming Association of Lincoln Presenters 2025 Annual Conference which is being held in Kalamazoo April 24-27, 2025. Click on these links below for more information on the event: Association of Lincoln...

In this episode, I explore some history of the hobo encampments that once existed outside the small village of Baroda in 1900-1901, and two dark stories that happened during this time. This story includes railroad history of the era. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the fascinating history of the Holland Harbor Lighthouse affectionately known as 'Big Red' which first went into operation shining its lights into Lake Michigan in December of 1870. The information from this episode comes from an article written and published in 2019 by Valerie van Heest for the Michigan History Magazine. To find out more about the Michigan Histor...

In this episode I conclude the story of attorney Charles Mains as he countinues his journey to California where he is convicted of mail fraud, then the State of Washington and onto Alaska where he is ultimately convicted of manslaughter. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I continue the saga on the life of attorney Charles Mains in the second part of a 3 part series. Charles is arrested for an alleged diabolical plot to abduct and murder a man who is winning a civil case against him, allegedly to clear his name. When he is caught in the act, he is arrested, and now faces charges of attempted kidnapping and murder. For more information on Michael Del...

In this episode, I begin a 3 part series into the history of an infamous attorney who began his career in the late Victorian period in Calhoun County. The path of his life led to many court cases, corruption, fraud and eventually being charged with murder. This episode begins the story of his legal case with Stephen Hulbert in 1897-1898. It sets the stage for a diabolical plot he was accused of or...

In this episode, I explore the history of missing children in Michigan, as well as the dark history of human trafficking. The references used in this episode: ThisisTreason.com Presenting the work of Ryan Matta. This is the site you can watch the documentaries. NamUS.gov/MissingPersons MissinginMich.com DoeNetwork.org For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode, author Amy Piper joins me to discuss her book 'Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure' and her other book '100 Things to Do in Lansing Before You Die'. She gives insight into the research she conducted for her books, and some of her favorite discoveries. To get copies of her books, visit: https://followthepiper.com/ For more information on Mic...

In this episode, I explore the history of Jenny Lind , a reknowned opera singer who came to be known as the 'Swedish Nightingale' when she toured American between 1850-1852. She was brought to the U.S. by invitation of showman P.T. Barnum, and her time on American soil created a craze across the nation. For more information on the life of Jenny Lind, click here . For a copy of the Autobiog...

In this episode I explore an article in History Magazine written by Brad Myers about when ventriloquist Edgar Bergen performed with Charlie McCarthy in his hometown of Decatur, Michigan in 1952. The performance was recorded before a live audience by CBS Radio, and included performances by some local people in the community. For more information on the Historical Society of Michigan and to subscrib...

In this episode, I explore the history of the Spanish Flu epidemic that lasted from 1918-1920, and cover some Michigan stories at the time. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the iconic Checker Cab Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan which officially stopped producing Checker Cabs in 1982, but continued to exist until 2009. I refer to a recent history article by Jay Follis in Michigan History Magazine. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the life of William Henry Harrison who served as Secretary of the Northwest Territory, and later Governor of the Indiana Territory when Michigan was part of this territory. Harrison later was elected to serve as the 9th President of the United States, and his election campaign of 1840 was a watershed moment in the history of all future Presidential campaigns. I also cove...