Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode, WGA Screenwriter Gary Gurner joins me for an interview about the screenplay on the music legend Del Shannon . We also talk about the updated progress on the screenplay, and the upcoming Del Shannon Weekend in Battle Creek on June 28-30th, 2024. For tickets to the Del Shannon Tribute Concert on June 28th: https://events.humanitix.com/delshannonshow For a sneak peak of the new scree...

In this episode, I reference Tui Snider's book 'Understanding Cemetery Symbology: A Field Guide to Historic Graveyards' to explore the meanings behind angels, saints, virtues and other beings depicted in statues. To get a copy of Tui Snider's book, click here. To find out details about the Cemetery workshop class in Union City, click here . For more information on Michael Delaware,...

Bobbie Mathis from the Union City Society of Historic Preservation joins me to discuss more details about one of the stories from my new book ' Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' entitled In Cold Blood: The Murder of James Robinson. For more information on the event with Michael Delaware speaking in Union City on May 18th, Click here. For more information on the event on June 15 at R...

In this episode I explore the story of a tragic murder and suicide that happened in Battle Creek, Michigan in the days leading up to Prohibition. The outcome of this incident resulted in the building of a nurses home in the city.

Jeff Green, a historian who worked on the Kal-Haven Heritage Project joins me to discuss history of the Kal-Haven trail and the highlights along its length. For more information on the Kal-Haven Trail, visit: https://kalhaven.org For more information on Michael Delaware, visit" https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of a Southern Michigan Ship Canal that was proposed in 1876, and was in fact submitted as a Bill to the U.S. Congress, but never came into being. I look at the proposal, and offer reflection on what lower Michigan would have looked like today had such a project been implemented. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I interview author Kelley Taylor about her book 'Destination: White Pigeon Prairie 1827 - 1899. We explore the history of some of the old buildings, the people and events that shaped the White Pigeon Village. For a copy of Kelley Taylor's book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4akEKND For more information on Kelley Taylor, visit her page on Facebook here. For more information on...

In this episode I explore the history of the Interurban in Albion, Michigan. The line was once operated by the Jackson - Battle Creek Traction Company and it existed between 1903 - 1931. The information used in this episode comes from the historical research of Frank Passic in Albion. For a complete look at his material, visit: https://www.albionmich.com For more information and a schedule of upco...

In this episode, I interview retired FBI Agent and Author Greg Stejskal on his book ' FBI Case Files in Michigan: Tales of a G-Man' (True Crime) . To get a copy of Greg's book, click the link here: https://amzn.to/3IOCVMD For more information on Michael Delaware, and his upcoming speaking engagements for his book tour, visit: https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode, I explore some history of legendary Black Women of Calhoun County History using a 1992 booklet printed by the Battle Creek Enquirer. In celebration of Women's History Month, I also discuss the upcoming program at the museum. For tickets to the Phenomenal Woman program, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/phenomenal-woman For information on the Tillers International program in...

History author Jim Jackson joins me to talk about the Irish Brigade, and their connections to Michigan. We discuss a lot of early history of the Irish in America, and also their involvement in the American Civil War. There were many Irish who served from Southwest Michigan. For more information on Jim Jackson, or to get copies of his books, visit: https://michlist.com For more information on Micha...

In this episode I return to explore more stories of Victorian Era carriage and railway accidents, and other tragedies using a collection of old stories from vintage newspaper accounts. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to get a copy of the new book ' Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime ' visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

Author Judy Gail Krasnow returns to the show for another interview where we explore even more stories from Jacktown, the history of the first Michigan State Prison in Jackson, Michigan. For more information on Judy Gail Krasnow and her books, visit: https://judygailkrasnow.org To purchase a copy of Jacktown, click here. For more information on the Michigan True Crime Symposium on April 6th at Art...

In this episode I explore the life of Washington Gardner (1845-1928) who served in the Civil War, as Secretary of State in Michigan, was a Congressman representing Michigan's 3rd District for 12 years, and was also a National leader for the Grand Army of the Republic. He also was a businessman, minister, lawyer and a historian. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaelde...

Michigan True Crime Author Tobin Buhk joins me in a special interview on his book 'Murder & Mayhem in Grand Rapids'. We talk also about some stories from his other books, and new titles he has coming out in 2024. For information on Tobin Buhk, and his books, visit his website at: https://tobinbuhk.com To sign up to attend the True Crime Symposium on Facebook, click here: https://fb.me/...

In this episode I explore the history and founding of Branch County Michigan with stories from the early formation days, and early pioneers. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com To order a copy of the new book Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime from Amazon, visit: https://amzn.to/49Kipbs

In this episode, I explore the history of several railroad communities in Hillsdale County, which includes stories of how some of them were named and formed. To pre-order a copy of Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime on Amazon, click here: https://amzn.to/3UVbF6m To find out more about Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the early history of Grand Rapids, Michigan using a reference 'Historic Michigan: Land of the Great Lakes' Vol III which features history of Kent County, published in 1926. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I visit some of the forgotten stories and early history of Manistee Michigan using a reference published in 1882. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of the new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the early history of the village of Yorkville that once existed in Cass Township in Kalamazoo County. Today not much remains of the once bustling community. Also, I explore a tragic murder that happened there in 1849. To read the article referred to in this episode, click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order the new book ' Victorian Southwe...

In this episode, I explore the history of items left at gravesites, often called gravesite 'goods' and decorations. I use the book written by Tui Snider as a reference, which you can click here to get a copy of ' Understanding Cemetery Symbols'. To watch the video referred to in this episode, click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of the upcoming b...

In this episode I explore the history of flooding in Kalamazoo, and the surrounding area. With flooding records dating back to the 1850's and significant floods in 1904, 1908 & 1947, the city has experienced many challenges with this through history. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of the new book ' Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime ' visit: https...

In this episode I explore some of the early businesses and manufacturing in Hillsdale County from buggys, automobiles, folding chairs, hardware stores, fur companies and bottle manufacturers. It is a fascinating history. For more stories on businesses in Hillsdale County, visit: https://www.hillsdalehistoricalsociety.org/things For more information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of his ne...

In 1917 Dr. James Case in Battle Creek contacted the American Red Cross to form an ambulance corps. He received approval to do so within 10 days, and almost immediately 75 men signed up. Later after training locally, the group now grown to 107 men transferred to Allentown, PA where they were remain until they eventually were sent to Italy in June 1918. Some of their stories and history was recorde...

In this episode I explore some of the early history and manufacturing of Albion, Michigan. For more information on the Albion Historical Articles mentioned, visit Frank Passic's page here. For more information on Michael Delaware or to pre-order a copy of his new book, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com