Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

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

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...