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.

Iron Mountain Prohibition: 14 Wine Barrels Meet the Gutter

Posted on July 22, 2026July 23, 2026 by Michael Hardy

A crowd gathered on East Ludington Street in April 1928 as Iron Mountain and state police emptied 14 barrels containing more than 850 gallons of confiscated wine.

Pine Mountain Ski Jump – Iron Mountain’s 1943 Spectacle

Posted on July 22, 2026July 22, 2026 by Michael Hardy

A 1943 photograph records packed hillsides, bumper-to-bumper cars and fearless athletes at Pine Mountain Ski Jump in Iron Mountain, Michigan.

History of Ironwood, Michigan — Built by Iron Ore Mining and Community.

Posted on July 22, 2026August 4, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Historic images show how iron mines, railroads, immigrant families, winter weather and busy downtown streets shaped Ironwood in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula.

Ironwood Homesteads: Michigan’s New Deal Town of 1936

Posted on July 22, 2026July 22, 2026 by Michael Hardy

A federal New Deal program built 132 homes north of Ironwood for mining families facing poor housing and unstable work during the Great Depression.

Wakefield Michigan Iron Mining History – Life in a Boomtown (1890–1940)

Posted on July 21, 2026July 22, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Historic images show Wakefield during its iron-mining era, from workers 1,800 feet underground to Main Street stores, Cody Park and the 1919 parade that marked its rise from village to city.

Pointe aux Barques Heritage Festival Marks 60 Years Since Daniel J. Morrell Sinking

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Pointe aux Barques Heritage Festival returns Saturday, Aug. 1, with lighthouse tower climbs, museum tours, maritime history programs, vendors, food and live music. The free event will also mark 60 years since the sinking of the Daniel J. Morrell.

10 Marvelous Great Lakes Beaches You Should Visit & Walk in 2026

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Michael Hardy

If you have lived and traveled in the Great Lakes region I think you will agree that there are some pretty amazing sites to explore. This may be the reason that so many folks in the upper lakes don’t venture far during family vacations. There is simply too much awesomeness that one must not miss. Here are 9 of the most unique beaches in the Great Lakes region.