Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode I explore the unusual history of the House of David in Benton Harbor, Michigan which was founded in 1903, and today has only a few surviving members. At one time the organization in addition to having a large religious following, had semi-pro baseball teams, musical groups and even an amusement park. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore history of Jumbo the elephant's first visit to the state of Michigan in 1883 traveling with PT Barnum's Circus. Jumbo was the main attraction which drew people in from all over the state to see the circus when it came to town, and it made several stops in Southwest Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https//:michaeldelaware.com Follow Michael on Fa...

In this episode, I explore the history of the Michigan Cholera outbreak in 1832 in Marshall and also look at the Grand Experiment by Dr. John Snow in 1854 in London, England to isolate the cause of the disease. Information in this episode comes from a video by Dr. John Campbell, which you can see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAQ3yE9cxpQ For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: htt...

In this episode, the final one for season 3 in 2024, I look back at New Year's Eve in Southwest Michigan in 1924. I also give updates on the plans for the show in 2025, moving into season 4 and other news. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the Victorian influence on Christmas traditions, including the impact of the royal family, carols, food and Charles Dickens.

In this episode I explore a list of famous people who have visited Kalamazoo in the past 200 years as researched by the Kalamazoo Library, which includes some famous U.S. Presidents, writers, poets, architects, etc. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore stories from the newspapers in Michigan on December 24, 1944. We look at the era of WWII with reports from Europe, the Pacific, rations, war bonds, travel difficulties at train stations and even war heros. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the filming of the movie Prancer which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Information in this episode comes from an article written by Nick Bogert of the Region of Three Oaks Museum in the Michigan History Magazine Nov/Dec 2024 edition. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

Today I read a story that I wrote for my upcoming book that is due out in July of 2025. It is a story that happened in 1879, and I cut it from my final manuscript. It is called the Dime Novel Adventurist. For information on tickets for Tales of Christmas Past, Click here. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, Dave Eddy, the former 'Morning Mayor' of WBCK Radio and Bobbie Mathis, the President of the Union City Society for Historic Preservation joins me to talk about Christmas Stories, traditions, music, Santa letters, lost diary entries, and the Christmas program 'Tales of Christmas Past'. To get tickets for Tales of Christmas Past, click here . For tickets to the Christmas Tea in Unio...

In this episode, I explore the history of the man known as the Celery King in Kalamazoo, Joseph Dunkley. I also cover the history of the celery industry in the city. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com For tickets to Tales of Christmas Past on December 14th at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum, click here!

Author Julie Rathsack joins me to talk about her new book 'A Haunted History of Grand Rapids'. To follow Julie Rathsack on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/HauntedHistoryOfGrandRapids To buy a copy of her book, click here: A Haunted History of Grand Rapids For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of Thanksgiving as an American holiday beginning with the First Continental Congress following the American Revolution. For more information about Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, author Patti Smith joins me to discuss her book Michigan Beer: A Heady History . We cover stories of the early brewing history in the state, stories from Ionia and Grand Rapids, and a lot of other facts about the fascinating industry. To follow Patti Smith on Facebook, Click Here. For copies of her book(s), visit: https://amzn.to/4eCMsUz For more information on Michael Delaware, v...

In this episode, I explore the history of Yankee Springs in Barry County. It is the story of the famous tavern established in 1836 once owned and operated by a man known as Yankee Bill across the state of Michigan. It is a story of the stage coach line between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore some of the early pioneer history of Allegan, some recent history with the historic bridge, the regent theatre and notable people. For more information on the upcoming program at BCRHM called Tales of Christmas Past, Click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode we take a look back at news stories from November 1924, 100 years ago this month. This is episode 100 of season 3 of this podcast! For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of grain harvesting, th Upton-Brown & Co in Battle Creek who were the first manufacturers of thresher machinery in Michigan and the story of the Dodge Brothers. I also open the letterbox sharing letters sent to me as a writer and podcaster. For the link to the article mentioned on Hiram Moore, click here. To find out more about Michael Delaware, visit: htt...

In this episode I explore the history behind the lost Benton Harbor shipping canal for which the city is named. I also include profiles on three men who greatly influenced the development of the canal: Henry C. Morton, James F. Higgby and Stern Brunson. To see the 1889 Benton Harbor birds eye view map, click here. For more information or to contact Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore the Presidency of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. I include a letter from the Governor of Michigan when he died, as well as other details about his career. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore some of the history behind three historic train depots that are still in operation along the Amtrak line in Southwest Michigan: St. Joseph, Kalamazoo and Jackson. Each building has its own unique story. For more information on the train stations, visit: https://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/ For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware...

In this episode I explore the history of the Kalamazoo County Poor Farm and also share some recent stories of my adventures on the book tour. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore forgotten customs and traditions of Halloween as covered in an article that ran in the Grand Rapids Press on October 31, 1894. It offers some unique insight into the romantic aspirations of youth that once was associated with the holiday. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the McCamly Plaza Hotel which was built as part of a larger complex in downtown Battle Creek beginning in 1980, and officially opening around November 1981. I review some of the history of the building, and discuss a tour I just had of the new Doubletree which officially opened this month after a 5 year remodeling project. It is a new beautiful hotel in Bat...

In this episode I explore the history of the railroad finally arriving in Niles, Michigan in 1848, and the history of the train depots leading up to the iconic Romanesque style building that was officially opened in February 1892. For more information in Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com or follow Michael on Facebook facebook.com/MichaelDelawareAuthor