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 Evolving Story of White Rock – A Sacred Landmark in Michigan’s Thumb

Posted on October 12, 2023May 27, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Indigenous Peoples of Michigan, the Anishinabeg, view the White Rock on the edge of the Lake Huron shore as a sacred site. The rock was much, much larger than it appears today. (Which is 2019 is mostly underwater). The Indian ensured that fresh game and food items were placed on the site as an offering. Gitchie Manitou or Great Spirit would recognize the offering by the Anishinabeg as a token of thanks for the bounty and richness of the peninsula.

Metal Detecting Michigan – 67 Prime Areas To Find History And Fortune Under Your Feet

Posted on October 11, 2023September 4, 2024 by Michael Hardy

Looking for a new hobby? Take a virtual journey of beach metal detecting in Michigan. From understanding the principles to discovering the best spots and tips, this guide has you covered. Unearth the hidden treasures and stories that lie beneath Michigan’s sandy shores.

The Time When Bad Axe Almost Lost Its Name

Posted on October 11, 2023October 11, 2023 by Michael Hardy

In 1909 the Michigan state legislature changed the name of Bad Axe to Huron subject to a referendum of the voters of the city. That vote has yet to happen.

Wenona Beach Amusement Park – The Coney Island of the Great Lakes 1887-1964

Posted on October 8, 2023October 10, 2023 by Michael Hardy

Dive into the rich history of Wenona Beach Amusement Park, once dubbed the Coney Island of the Great Lakes. Discover its rise to fame, iconic attractions, and why it eventually had to close its doors. A must-read for history buffs and Michigan locals alike.

The Mystery of Caseville Mercantile Co. – An 1800s Social Platform

Posted on September 23, 2023January 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

A faded black and white image of the Caseville Mercantile, found in a historical museum, highlights its absence in public records. The store, representing 19th-century community hubs, may now exist as the Helping Hands Resale and Thrift Store, fostering local connections.

Michigan Boaters See Effect Of Ban on Antifouling Bottom Paint

Posted on September 21, 2023September 21, 2023 by Michael Hardy

Copper is added to the bottom paint as a biocide to prevent slime, plant, and zebra mussels from attaching to the hull. The typical recreational boat sits in her slip much of the time; the copper coating in the paint slowly leaches into the water and settles in the bottom.