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.

This Labor Day Weekend Explore Art in the Park in Port Austin

Posted on September 3, 2021October 30, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Its an end of Summer Tradition. The Thumb Arts Guild’s Annual Juried Art Fair occurs each Labor Day weekend at Gallup Park in Port Austin

Marlette Train Depot – Beautifully Restored History From 1881

Posted on September 2, 2021August 3, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Marlette Train Depot is a beautiful and well-restored example of a late 1800s rural Michigan railway train station. Today its a historical marker and museum.

Michigan Monday – Ernest Hemingway

Posted on August 23, 2021November 2, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Ernest Hemingway was born in Illinois, but his family bought land on Walloon Lake near Petoskey Michigan. Is is a noted author of the 1900s.

This is the last post of a series inspired by fellow blogger Catherine Beeman.

WCAG Compliance and SEO – Do Both Now to Benefit Later

Posted on August 23, 2021November 2, 2021 by Michael Hardy

The interesting twist is that WCAG and SEO conventions and standards are intertwined in many key areas. Thus blogs and small website owners can be compliant and benefit from both.

A Great Summer in Michigan’s Thumb – 6 Bucket List Ideas

Posted on August 21, 2021July 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

The calendar on your desk indicates that summer officially ends in about a week, but deep down you not quite ready to ditch the shorts and flip-flops for sweatshirts and football. It only really ends when you’ve done these 6 things in Michigan’s Upper Thumb.

Discover Caseville Beach – From Sandcastles, Shopping to Sunsets, It’s All Here!

Posted on August 13, 2021August 21, 2023 by Michael Hardy

Caseville beach is one of the finest in the Upper Thumb. Rent kayaks and swim the day away.

Its also one of the most posted sites on social media.

Fascinating Stories from Ora et Labora Colony Near Bay Port Michigan 1862 – 1898

Posted on July 30, 2021June 16, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Letters from Ora Labora 1862 – 1898. Offers a glimpse of the challenges of being a religious pioneer in Michigan’s Wilderness.

This is a collection of stories written through the years.

On Watch During the Cold War – Port Austin Air Force Station

Posted on July 22, 2021November 2, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Port Austin Michigan Air Force Station was a major radar site during the Cold War. It was one of nine radar stations in Michigan that were part of the SAGE line of radar defense.