Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode, I refer to a book called 'Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards' by Tue Snider. I discuss her early chapters on safety and etiquette, as well as cemetery types, traditions and markers. For a copy of Tui Snider's book and newsletter, click here. For information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of the new book Victorian Southwest Mi...

In this episode, I explore the history of Warren B. Shepard, the first schoolmaster in Battle Creek in 1834. I also explore some of the history of the early public school system in the area, and some stories of the first one room school houses, as well as the last one to close. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order the new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime'...

In this episode, I explore stories of the early basket factories, canning factories, flour and wood mills, and other industries. The tales come from the works of James Pender, published in 1915, on the early days of Benton Harbor, Michigan . Hear also stories of odd characters, early fire engines and more stories of the successful pioneers. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order...

In this episode, I explore a memoir written by Ralph Ballard in 1948 entitled 'Tales of Early Niles'. He tells stories from his boyhood in the 1800's and many of the businesses, characters and events that happened in his recollection. He even discusses some early archeology of the area. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order the new book 'Victorian Southwest Mich...

In this episode I explore once again the establishment of the territorial roads with new material, and also the stagecoach lines and cover details about many of the early taverns in Southwest Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order his new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I return to Benton Harbor, Michigan and explore a chapter from the works of James Pender in 1915 on the early days of lumbering in that city. The tales include stories of the lumber mills, street fighting and the hermit who supposedly hid a stash of gold. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order his new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit:...

The blizzard of 1978 was a monster snow storm that has long lived in the history of Michigan. It was a storm that lasted from January 25th - 27th that year, and brought the Great Lakes region to a standstill for a week. For the Kalamazoo Libarary article, click here. For the MLive article, click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order his new book, visit: https://michaeldel...

In this episode I explore stories from history of the small village of Banfield, Michigan in Johnstown Township in Barry County. Hear stories of the last surviving stagecoach driver who lived there, another man who worked at the general store and went on to found his own store in Sunfield, and yet another who grew up there and became a prominent attorney. For the short article mentioned on Banfiel...

In this episode I explore the early history of White Pigeon, Michigan in St. Joseph County. It was one of the earliest settlements on the Chicago Trail, and named after a Potawatomi Chief. It was also the location for the U.S. General Land Office from 1831 - 1834. To read the article by Denise Frederick, click here. To contact Michael Delaware, or to Pre-Order a copy of the new book coming out Mar...

In this episode I explore the writings of James Pender from 1915, where he looks back at the early days of Benton Harbor , Michigan , including the stories of the wreck of the Hippocampus in 1863 , peach production, mail delivery, schools, the first big social engagement that set the town talking and horse races among many other tales. For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order a co...

In this episode I discuss one of the true crime stories from my upcoming book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' which is entitled 'The Ghost of Farrand's Bridge'. It is an outline of a much more detailed story in the forthcoming book, and it also includes some history of Colon, Michigan. To contact Michael or to Pre-Order the book, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of the City of Three Rivers, Michigan located in St. Joseph County. The community was first settled in 1829 by Jacob McInterfer from Wayne County, Ohio. Over the years it has been not only a prosperous farming community, but the manufacturers of clothing, paddle wheel boats, cigars, threshing machines and interurban cars to just name a few of the fascinating...

In this episode I explore the history of the soldiers home which was built in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1886. I also explore the murder of James Johnson that happened there in 1892. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com To see the calendar for the Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime book tour, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com/calendar-of-events/ Pre-Ord...

In this episode, I explore some history of Victorian street conditions in the U.S. larger cities, as well as Southwest Michigan. I also look at several stories of runaway horses and carriage accidents from all over the region, including Battle Creek, Marshall, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Union City, etc. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://mich...

In this episode I explore the history of saloons in Battle Creek, and one in particular founded by a man named Frank Boos which opened in 1883. There was a death that occured in this saloon in 1888 that was full of controversy and resulted in a trial on the charge of manslaughter when one railroad worker killed another after a night of drinking. It is an interesting exploration into the pre-prohib...

In this episode, I look at a historical election year from 1874. I compare an editorial written 150 years ago on this election, and draw comparison to the rhetoric of present day, as we look forward at the coming 2024. I also share the successful results from the podcast in 2023, and some surprising statistics. Finally a give a short summary of three of the stories in my new book 'Victorian So...

In this episode Mac McCullough from Willard Library joins me to talk about stories from New Years, traditions around the holidays from his years at the newspaper and at the Willard Library. We also cover some historical events, and talk a little about local restaurants and plans for 2024. For more information on the Willard Library events, visit: https://willardlibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar...

In this episode I explore life in Kalamazoo 100 years ago today on December 29th, 1923 through the secular newspaper the 'Augustinian'. The stories include religious themes, but also a lot of community interest stories, and advertising of the time. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore some of the history of the Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad Company and its railway line between Kalamazoo and South Haven. I discuss some of the history of the Brownell and Hopkins stations in Kalamazoo on this line, as the other stops along its route. I also explore some of the other old railway systems that have since been converted into hiking and biking trails in...

As a special Christmas Eve presentation, I discuss Charles Dicken's famous novella 'The Cricket on the Hearth' published in 1845. Also in the episode, is a live radio performance of the story that originally aired 100 years later on 1945 by NBC Radio. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore what was happening in history in Benton Harbor, Michigan on December 22, 1923 which is exactly 100 years ago from the release of this episode. Hear stories of fun Christmas parties, crimes, automobiles, prices on homes, cows for sale, holiday shopping, Santa Claus and so much more! For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the influence of author Washington Irving on Christmas traditions in the Victorian era in Michigan. Washington Irving, more well known for his stories 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' and 'Rip Van Winkle' also was quite passionate about writing stories about Christmas. He is often regarded as the one who laid the foundation for many Christmas traditions that...

In this episode I interview Ross Richardson , who is a shipwreck hunter on the Great Lakes, and also an author. He tells stories of finding lost shipwrecks off the Western shores of Lake Michigan, and his involvement in the search for lost airplanes in the state among other tales. For more information on Ross Richardson, and to get copies of his two books, visit Michigan Mysteries at: https://www....

In this episode I explore what was happening in South Haven, Michigan on December 15th, 1923 by reading through the local newspaper of the time, the South Haven Tribune. Hear fascinating stories of what was happening in the U.S. at the time, but especially what was happening with the people in South Haven. Great stories of libraries, social gatherings, advertisements, classifieds, sports and other...

In this episode, Rhiannon Cizon joins me from the Berrien County Historical Association to talk about Christmas Memories. We talk about the filming of 'Prancer' in Three Oaks, the Pickle Festival in Berrien Springs, the Christmas lights on the Bluff in St. Joseph, the Santa in the river in Niles, and many other stories. For more information on the Berrien County Historical Association, vis...