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.

Grindstone City Mayor's Office and City Jail c1970

Grindstone City’s Mr. Grindstone and Tourist Information Center

Posted on April 24, 2021January 14, 2022 by Michael Hardy

Grindstone City made a humorous attempt to get tourists driving by to stop and take a look and maybe take a selfie with Mr. Grindstone.

10 Interesting Michigan Sightseeing Spots In The Upper Thumb

Posted on April 23, 2021November 8, 2021 by Michael Hardy

We encountered many folks who have come up to Michigan’s Upper Thumb for their entire lives but never have seen these top ten sites. They offer a glimpse of the history and beauty of native Michigan and its Great Lakes.

These 8 Michigan Thumb Attractions Offer Family Fun & Festivals

Posted on April 22, 2021December 16, 2023 by Michael Hardy

The Upper Thumb offers many family friendly attractions and things to do.

The Summer of 2021 looks return to offering events and festivals that we love to attend and see.

Michigan Monday – Saginaw Poet Theodore Roethke

Posted on April 19, 2021November 10, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Noted author and poet Theodore Roethke was born in Saginaw Michigan. His upbringing working in greenhouses in the area shaped his work.

2 Tuskegee Red Tails Discovered in Lake Huron & St. Clair River

Posted on April 18, 2021March 28, 2026 by Michael Hardy

In the summer of 2015, underwater explorers made history by conducting a five-day archeological survey of a Bell P-39Q Airacobra fighter plane in Lake Huron.

The Amazing Michigan Photography of Steven Donahue

Posted on April 14, 2021November 10, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Steven W. Donahue was born and grew up on his family farm near Port Hope. He moved away and started studying the arts, including photography becoming an accomplished artist and photographer with over 50 years of work.

History of Grindstone City – Home to The Michigan Thumb’s First Industry

Posted on April 12, 2021October 24, 2025 by Michael Hardy

The accidental find of the Marshal Sandstone formation in Michigan’s Upper Thumb in 1834 gave rise to one of the areas first industries. Grindstone City became famous for its production of huge grinding wheels until a disruptive technology change slid the industry into obsolescence.

Michigan Monday – Pulitzer Prize Author Jeffrey Eugenides

Posted on April 12, 2021November 10, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Michigan author Jeffrey Eugenides was born in Detroit. This Pulitzer-winning author is best known for his 1993 novel, The Virgin Suicides.

Eugenides a contributing writer for the New Yorker magazine. His latest published work is a collection of short stories written between 1988 and 2017 called Fresh Complaint. Reports indicate that a fourth novel is forthcoming.

7 Best Bird Feeders For Michigan Every Cabin and Cottage Birder Must Know

Posted on April 9, 2021April 25, 2024 by Michael Hardy

If you have lived or have a cottage in Michigan’s Thumb or a cabin in Northern Michigan, there is almost

Walt’s Restaurant, A Caseville Institution

Posted on April 4, 2021December 6, 2022 by Michael Hardy

An institution in the Upper Thumb and owned by the same family for 50 years the restaurant celebrates it golden anniversary in 2016. Favored by locals and sought out by tourists, Walt’s is considered one of the top breakfast places in the Thumb.