The End of the Road in Michigan

In 1962, a group of college students met at a union retreat in Port Huron, Michigan —and wrote a document that changed political activism in America. Known as the Port Huron Statement, it became the foundation of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and launched the New Left movement of the 1960s. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we tell the story of how one summer retreat on...

In 1966, Michigan came dangerously close to a nuclear catastrophe—just 30 miles from downtown Detroit. A failed cooling system at the Fermi 1 fast breeder reacto r caused a partial meltdown, releasing radiation and sparking a cover-up that lasted years. Engineers blamed a loose piece of metal—described as “the size of a beer can”—for the failure. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we...

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the terrifying days of September 1894, when the deadly Hinckley Fire in Minnesota blanketed Michigan in dense, choking smoke. For five straight days, daylight vanished across Saginaw, the Thumb, and the Upper Peninsula. Ships refused to sail. Trains stopped. Residents feared the apocalypse had arrived. We share and uncover how a fire 400 m...

In June 1909, disaster struck at the Canadian Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie when a massive lock gate failure sent four ships into chaos—two sank, and the Great Lakes shipping system ground to a halt. In this episode, we recount the worst lock accident in Great Lakes history, detailing how it happened, its cascading impact on shipping and industry, and how it forever changed maritime infrastructure...

From winter wheat to Ferris wheels, this episode of End of the Road in Michigan uncovers how Huron County helped shape Michigan—and the nation. Based on a 1959 article from the Harbor Beach Times, we trace the surprising national “firsts” that began in the Upper Thumb, from industrial breakthroughs and sports innovation to logging feats and food production. The End of the Road in Michigan is a pro...

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the gripping true story of the 1924 Caseville forest fire. With high winds and dry weather fueling the blaze, a small Michigan town faced down disaster with grit, shovels, and community strength. Hear how residents and neighbors fought to save Caseville, Oak Beach, and beyond. It's a tale of bravery, quick thinking, and one narrow escape a...

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan,  we recount the harrowing collision between the passenger steamer City of Cleveland II I and the freighter Ravnefjee l off the coast of Harbor Beach in 1950. Through survivor accounts, local headlines, and historical context, we revisit a deadly fog-shrouded morning that left three dead, one missing, and a community in mourning. This little-remembere...

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the tragic crash of Capital Airlines Flight 67 near Midland. The disaster claimed 47 lives and exposed critical gaps in mid-century aviation safety. Hear eyewitness accounts, explore the investigation, and learn how one crash reshaped U.S. airline procedures. This is the story of a flight that never made it home—and the changes it forced a...

Dive into the intriguing history of Michigan’s Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad, affectionately known as the Polly Ann. Running through the Thumb region from 1889 to 1984, the Polly Ann was crucial for local agriculture and industry, from beans and sugar beets to gravel for construction. Discover how this struggling railway shaped communities, transformed into a recreational trail, and left...

Beneath the waters of Michigan’s Thumb lie hundreds of shipwrecks—silent remains of steamers, barges, and schooners that met their end in Lake Huron. In this episode, we share the gripping stories of five lost vessels, from deadly collisions to ghost ship mysteries. Featuring the 1893 collision of the Philadelphia and Albany, the strange fate of the Caprice, and shallow wrecks you can visit today,...

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we trace the long, colorful life of Port Austin’s iconic Lakeside Inn — a building that began as Huron County’s temporary courthouse in the 1860s and ended in a fiery blaze more than a century later. From its Prohibition-era notoriety as a raided speakeasy to its golden age in the 1930s under Charles Finzel , the Lakeside Inn was once the Thumb’s pre...

On a frigid December night in 1930, Elkton, Michigan , watched helplessly as its beloved schoolhouse rose in flames. The fire lit the sky for miles, consuming a building that had stood since 1903 and served generations of local students.  In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we recount the devastating blaze, the community's swift response, and how a small Thumb town came together to ens...

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan , we head back to 1894 and uncover the story of Bay Port, a once-thriving summer resort on Saginaw Bay. Promoted by the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad , Bay Port drew wealthy travelers from Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Louis looking for fresh air, first-class lodging, and a break from the grime of big cities. Bay Port was no ordinary stop, with e...

From Civil War-era origins to the modern day, the Smith-Culhane House in Port Austin stands as a quiet witness to Michigan's evolving story. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we visit the historic Victorian home at the tip of the Thumb. Once a grand residence during the lumber boom, the home later transformed into a B&B and has now returned to private ownership. Join us as we exp...

The Upper Thumb has been deemed the “Closer Up North ” for Southeast Michigan and Detroit. Are you looking for a summer trip just far enough to feel like a getaway? We share 12 things to do in Michigan’s Upper Thumb—from the quirky Cheeseburger Festival in Caseville to haunted inns, polka dances, and hidden beach camping. It’s the kind of place where the burgers are big, the vibes are weird, and t...

Explore the best beaches in Charlevoix, MI, for a perfect family getaway. Unwind on the shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix, and Torch Lake, each offering unique experiences. Enjoy activities, amenities, and stunning views that create lasting memories. The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

We journey through Southwest Michigan’s inland lakes – where each one presents a unique canvas of tranquil beauty and boundless adventure. From fishing to boating, these freshwater wonderlands offer a refreshing escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover the vibrant communities, picturesque parks, and annual festivals that make these lakes a must-visit destination. The End of the Road in Michigan is...

George W. Jenks , a figure of significance in the Michigan Thumb region, lived a life intertwined with history. From his early days as a Civil War soldier to his prosperous business endeavors, Jenks made an indelible mark. This article delves into his life, highlighting his service and entrepreneurial spirit, providing insights into a fascinating chapter of Michigan’s past. The End of the Road in...

We explore the intriguing life of Jeremiah Jenks , a Michigan pioneer whose vision transformed the Thumb region. His story is a blend of entrepreneurship and community, shaping the very heart of Michigan’s history. The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we spotlight the remarkable story of Carl Heisterman , a Prussian immigrant who made a lasting mark on the remote islands of Saginaw Bay. From his arrival in Michigan to his entrepreneurial ventures and influence in the region, Heisterman’s life offers a glimpse into the immigrant experience and the rugged independence that helped shape Michigan’s Th...

Dive into the rich history of Wenona Beach Amusement Park, once dubbed the Coney Island of the Great Lakes. Discover its rise to fame, iconic attractions, and why it eventually had to close its doors. A must-listen for history buffs and Michigan locals alike. The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

Affectionately known as "The Great Lakes State," given that it is flanked by four of the U.S.’s great lakes, Michigan is anything but average.  From freshwater beaches to quirky roadside stops, this episode highlights the best summer road trip ideas across Michigan. We cover iconic destinations along the Great Lakes and offbeat attractions in the Thumb region. Whether you're looking for scenic dri...

This episode of End of the Road in Michigan takes you on a virtual ride through five unforgettable road trips across the state. From Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast and the historic Upper Peninsula lighthouse trail, to vineyard-lined Harbor Country and the remote River Road Scenic Byway—each route is packed with character, shoreline views, and iconic stops.  Whether you're planning a summer getaway or...

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we dig into the disturbing history of grave robbing in the Great Lakes State. From 19th-century boomtowns like Caseville to unsettling university practices, Michigan’s cemeteries once faced a dark reality—stolen corpses fueling medical science. Hear accounts from the 1870s, drawn from rare historical texts like Mary Cobb Langley’s History of Casevill...

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we dig into a nostalgic staple found in many cottages, campers, and thrift stores: vintage Corelle dishware. Known for its durability and classic floral designs, Corelle plates have served up decades of meals across Michigan. But are they as safe as they are beloved? A surprising discovery from the website Lead Safe Mama raises serious questions abou...