The Amazing Story of Norvell Michigan History
Norvell took its name from one of Michigan’s first U.S. senators. Seven chapters trace its mills, railway crews, public buildings, motorized mail, altered postcards and the 1935 flood.
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.
Michigan Early Voting Dashboard Opens Historic Local View of Early Ballot Returns
The 2026 election is Michigan’s first midterm to combine constitutionally guaranteed early voting, widespread automatic absentee voting, and a public Michigan early voting dashboard that tracks participation down to the local level. LANSING, Mich. — Michigan voters can now follow absentee …
St. Clair Inn Celebrates 100 Years With Historic Tours, Prohibition Stories and Centennial Events
The historic St. Clair Inn celebrates its 100th anniversary in November 2026 with a guided history tour, public open house and gala along the St. Clair River.
History of Whitmore Lake Michigan – 17 Remarkable Views Show Life in the Early 1900s – Video
Whitmore Lake once welcomed vacationers by train, cut winter ice for shipment and hosted Michigan football camps. These seven episodes follow the hotels, swimming towers, dance halls and fires that changed the town.
Michigan Approves 185-Megawatt Sanilac County Solar Project Amid Growing Thumb Opposition
DTE Energy’s Peatville Solar project advances as Michigan’s Thumb debates farmland preservation, renewable energy development and industrial data centers. SANILAC COUNTY, Mich. — Michigan regulators have approved key agreements for a proposed 185-megawatt Sanilac County solar project, advancing another major renewable …
El Niño Forecast Favors Warmer, Drier Winter Across Michigan
Michigan could face a warmer, somewhat drier winter as a powerful El Niño shifts weather patterns across North America, according to a new federal outlook. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration favors above-normal temperatures across the Great Lakes from December through …
The Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago: routes, map and planning tips
The Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago is now the second most popular pilgrim route after the French Way. It is shorter, greener, and, in its coastal version, far more scenic than many people expect. Here is a practical overview …
Fairy Tale Trail Set for Saturday at Port Austin History Center
PORT AUSTIN, Mich. — A Fairy Tale Trail is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Port Austin History Center, 1424 Pointe Aux Barques Road. The Greater Port Austin Area Chamber of Commerce lists the event on …
Bay County Aging Reopens Renovated Community Kitchen
A six-week renovation at the Bay County Department on Aging’s central kitchen is complete, and officials say the updated space will help staff prepare and deliver meals more efficiently to older residents across the county. BAY CITY, Mich. — Bay County …
Michigan History Sites: 409 Helpful, Essential Listings
Thumbwind Publications’ free Michigan History Site Index lists 409 historical organizations and independent history websites. Search by name, county, region or record type.