Author: Michael Hardy

Michael is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. It started in 2009 covering Michigan and the Upper Thumb. Today, his Michigan Moments series has established a loyal base of 110,000 followers.

The History of Durand Michigan - Railroad Town USA

The History of Durand Michigan – Railroad City, USA (1890-1940)

Posted on April 5, 2026April 5, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The history of Durand Michigan is the story of the railroad. Unlike many Michigan towns that grew around lumber, mining,

Daily Great Lakes Ice Cover Report (Below 10%) – April 4, 2026

Posted on April 4, 2026April 4, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Winter of 2025-2026 is now underway across the upper Great Lakes region. As ice cover increases, changes in weather

The History of Park Island Michigan – When Lake Orion Offered the Thrill of Coney Island in Michigan (1901-1933)

Posted on April 4, 2026April 4, 2026 by Michael Hardy

There was a time when thousands of people came to Lake Orion every summer, not by car, but by boat.

Charlevoix itching to promote native plants

Posted on April 1, 2026April 1, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The town continues its ice storm recovery efforts through beautification projects, including replanting efforts to replace destroyed vegetation. Per best

Raccoons are trained to pick up trash in Port Austin.

Posted on April 1, 2026April 1, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Port Austin‘s animal control department has announced a new program to reduce litter on public beaches and parks. Dozens of

History of Copemish Michigan – Railroads, Woodenware, and a Main Street That Once Felt Big 1900–1935

Posted on March 31, 2026March 31, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Copemish, Michigan began as a railroad stop and logging town in Manistee County. These early photos show a busy small town built on timber, railroads, and local businesses that served the people who lived and worked there.

History of Buckley Michigan – A Railroad and Lumber Town That Survived

Posted on March 29, 2026March 29, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The History of Buckley Michigan is the story of a railroad and logging town that survived the end of the lumber era by turning to agriculture, allowing the town to survive while many northern Michigan logging towns disappeared.

A Brief History of the Old Log Cabin Restaurant – Sebewaing, Michigan

Posted on March 28, 2026March 28, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Small towns in Michigan evolve. Back in the 1900s, before the Old Log Cabin Restaurant, a small town provided all