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Southwest Michigan is rich in history, as the region contains the second wave of twelve counties organized in the State in 1829. The stories encapsulate pioneer triumphs and tragedy, amazing events and resilient, enterprising and passionate people. The region developed along the Territorial Roads, connecting the first land routes between Detroit and Chicago, which later brought with it the railroads and modern highways. Starting from the Battle Creek regional area, and branching out from the ...
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show series
 
In this episode I revisit stories from Benton Harbor as written by James Pender in his 1915 publication "History of Benton Harbor: Tales of Village Days" and cover the chapters on pastimes and entertainment. We explore ice skating, roller skating, the circus, baseball, skeet shooting and more! For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https:…
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Push play for a tour of Happy Top, a one-of-a-kind B&B in Athens, Georgia that's also an analog performance space and recording studio. You'll hear the origin story, the approach to the vintage decoration and design (there's a piano in every room. Literally.), and how owner T.S. Woodward created a signal flow speaker system, giving each room a diff…
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In this episode I interview Dr. Mirelle Luecke of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has been the curator of the museum since 2022, and the organization is celebrating the 50th Anniversary this year of the Gerald R. Ford Presidency with special exhibits, programs and educational presentations. For more i…
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In this episode I explore pioneer recollections recorded in a book published in 1923 entitled "Pioneer History of Ingham County" by Mrs. Franc L. Adams. It covers stories written in 1873 by some of the pioneers who settled in Lansing and Mason. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com…
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My interview with Austin City Limits photographer Scott Newton took a surprising turn. While discussing my indie music video shot in a Maine lighthouse, I found myself opening up about creative doubts. Scott's wisdom transformed our interview into an unexpected pep talk. His words were deeply moving and motivational, and I hope they resonate with y…
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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 Conten…
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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 Mich…
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Ever wonder what really happens when musicians click with the camera lens? Get ready for an emotional podcast about the art of concert photography. In this episode, the host of Concert Cast, Kyle Lamont, meets up with Scott Newton, Austin City Limits' resident photographer (with over 50 years of photo-making experience), to talk about the philosoph…
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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 e…
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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…
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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 Histo…
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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…
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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 t…
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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 pol…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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 Co…
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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. …
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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 M…
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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 Tempera…
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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 F…
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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…
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I'm on location, finger up, hanging out with other miracle ticket seekers outside the venue. But the quest doesn't stop there. I take you all over Vegas to talk with dedicated fans (and haters too) at Phish webcast gatherings, after-parties, in nitrous alley, and during Uber rides. You'll hear real-time reviews and reactions from Phish fans moments…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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 …
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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.albionmi…
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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.…
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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 inform…
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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: …
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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 o…
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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…
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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…
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