Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode I explore the history of the first hotel built in Kalamazoo in 1832, and also a letter a woman wrote about the story of a tornado that hit in 1834 when she was just six years old. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: ⁠ https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of the Grand Trunk Railroad Tragedy of 1893 in Battle Creek, Michigan. The accident left 27 people dead and 36 people injured. Many of the deceased were burned beyond recognition. Two men were charged with manslaughter, but both were ultimately acquitted. It is a dark and graphic story. Warning: Graphic Content in this Story For more information on Michael De...

In this episode I explore the early amusements of the pioneers in St. Joseph Counnty Michigan. From fourth of July parties, militia training, hunting, community feasts and other humorous stories from long ago. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

The year 1976 was the Bicentennial of the founding of the USA. It was a year of celebrations and activities, and in this episode I explore some of the activities and events held during that historic year. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I look through old newspapers to find what was happening at the 100th Anniversary of the USA on July 4th, 1876 around Southwest Michigan. From grand balls, fireworks, parades, sack races, greased pole climbing and even greased pig chasing events, it was a community celebration like none other in history. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore stories of pioneers from Oakridge Cemetery, including looking at the life of the Ketchum brothers, Isaac Crary, Adam Crosswhite and Reverend Calvin Clark. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of the musical talent that emerged from those that performed at the El Grotto Lounge in Battle Creek, Michigan. The establishment was owned and operated by Robert 'Snap' Montgomery and Helen Evans Montgomery, and it was opened in 1949. Over its 40+ years of existence, some of the performers who started their early days at the El Grotto went onto achie...

In this episode I explore early stories from the pioneer days of Grand Ledge, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com For tickets to the Del Shannon Concert, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/delshannonshow

In this episode, I explore some history of the tragic heat wave that struck the Northeast USA for a period of 10 days in August of 1896. This was during a time before air conditioning and swamp coolers, and 1500 deaths were recorded as a result of the extreme temperatures. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of Cassopolis, Michigan from its early pioneer founding days, including the old town square, early businesses and a few famous people who came from this little village in Cass County. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the founding of the first churches in Battle Creek, Michigan from 1830 - 1877 in the book History of Calhoun County by L.H. Everts & Co.

Rhiannon Cizon from the Berrien County Historical Association joins me to talk about history. She tells fascinating stories about the Clark Equipment Company, War Relics, Family Bibles and much more! Also find out about the Pickle Festival on July 4th and the upcoming True Crime & Wine event on June 20th! For information on the Berrien County Historical Commission, click here: https://berrienh...

In this episode, I explore the history of the orphan trains which existed as a form of a child welfare program that lasted between 1854 - 1929. The first orphan train stop was in Dowagiac, Michigan in 1854. In the years they operated, over 200,000 children were placed in homes by charitable programs from eastern cities like New York and Boston. For more information on the references in this episod...

In this episode, I explore the meanings of plant symbology in historic cemeteries . When you tour a cemetery, you will see headstones, monuments and even architecture with plant symbology worked into the design. It is easy to discount these as just decor, but in reality there is a symbolic meaning behind each one, and often it was carefully chosen to send a message to all who visit. The book I am...

In this episode, I explore an article included in the Pioneer Collections Annual Report of 1890 written by historian ADP Van Buren entitled "Michigan in Her Pioneer Politics". It offers an insight into the early political history of Michigan during the pioneer era, as well as the early formations of township governments and the emergence of the political parties leading up to the Civil W...

In this episode, I explore the stories of men who made the ultimate sacifice in service to their country that were from the Battle Creek area. I share stories from WWI, WWII & Vietnam. For the video I mentioned on Vietnam, click here . For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore a forgotten murder in the small village of Partello, Michigan that happened in 1897. Partello is located in Lee Township, in Calhoun County. The story also discusses briefly the subject of the infant mortality rate of the 1800's. For more information and a calendar for Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com For the list on feedspot mentioned, visit: htt...

In this episode, Tom Nehil & Eric Lafary join me from Tillers International , and also Brenna Pixley from Earthcraft Skillshare . We discuss the various skills used by the pioneers who settled in Michigan, and upcoming programs with both organizations this summer to impart a diverse collection of crafts and training. Both organizations offer numerous classes ranging from woodworking, blacksmit...

In this episode, I explore some stories of Musical History at Riverside Cemetery in Albion, Michigan researched by historican Frank Passic. There are tour books available for Riverside Cemetery at Stirling Books & Brew at 119 N Superior St, Albion which can make a fun and educational excursion into history. For tickets to the Del Shannon Tribute Concert, click here. For tickets to the Music Le...

In this episode, Larry Wagenaar, one of the Editors of the Historic Michigan Travel Guide joins me to discuss the new 8th edition of the book, and great locations to explore this summer in Michigan. The guide covers a lot of museums, historical societies, observatories, lighthouses, historic villages, and so much more in every region of the state. To get a copy of the Historic Michigan Travel Guid...

In this episode I explore the imagry in cemetery symbology on headstones, specifically on the meaning behind hands, hearts and faces. The information provided in this episode comes from Tui Snider's book 'Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards'. To get a copy of Tue Snider's book, click here . For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://m...

In this episode, my guests are from the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County (URSCC). William & Brenda Beadenkopf volunteer with the URSCC, and are also Quakers having been raised in the church. Mike Moroz it the President of the URSCC. We discuss the history of the Quakers as the radicals of society in their time, being advocates of Temperance, Woman's Suffrage and Abolition. For m...

In this episode I explore the legacy of St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids. I refer to an article in the May/June 2024 Michigan History Magazine written by Tiffany Dupont Novak and Ellen Arlinsky on the history of this incredible landmark in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com For tickets to the upcoming Del Shannon Concert on...

In this episode I explore the history of the Michigan Central Railroad Depot in Charlotte, Michigan. The information comes from a book by the Eaton County Historical Commission which can be found here: https://eatoncountyhistory.org For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com For tickets to the Del Shannon Concert, visit here: https://events.humanitix.com/delshannonshow

In this episode I explore the history of Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Battle Creek, and the Lawler family. I also have some exciting news on upcoming Author Symposiums this fall! For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com