Quanicassee Michigan’s Jenny, The Beer Drinking Bear
In the 1900s Michigan was known for its roadside attractions to draw tourists to stop. An early attraction in the Thumb region was Jenny, the Beer Drinking Bear in Quanicassee.
Category: History
We examine stories and events that shaped the history of the Upper Thumb and Michigan. While we focus on the Thumb region, other Great Lakes historical events are covered. Major events include the lumbering era and the 1871 and 1881 great fires. We cover major pioneers and personalities that shaped the region. To hear many of our best stories, visit and subscribe to our Podcast, “The End of the Road in Michigan.”
Our best Michigan history posts are found below.
Bay Port Fish Co. in 1996 – A Retrospective
I have a great collection of pictures my parents took of the Upper Thumb region in the 1980s and 90s. They had started Thumb Impressions and traveled all over the region looking for unique photo opportunities. One session was at Bay …
The 1902 Buffalo – Detroit Rate War Between Steamships and the Railways
the Harbor Beach News from July 1902. It highlights a fare war between the railroads and the steamships on excursions between Buffalo, New York, and Detroit, Michigan. It signals a sign that it’s the beginning of the end of steamship dominance on the Great Lakes in favor of railroads.
Tuscola County Public Transportation – History Is Moving In The Thumb
Public transportation services in Tuscola County Michigan has evolved from oxcart, stagecoach, rail and bus. We look back at its evolution.
Mystery of the Remains of An Michigan Indian Chief Found Near Bay Port In 1933
In the 1920s, there was a flurry of archaeological activity in Michigan to record and catalog Native American villages, garden beds, and burial mounds. As a result, the entire Saginaw Valley has 100s of identified sites. The identification, and looting, of Indian artifacts from burial mounds, was a common occurrence.
Michigan Genealogy – 10 Million Records Available To Family Tree Researchers Online
Those researching Michigan Genealogy have a new resource provided by the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan DNR. Over 10 million records including death and naturalization records, which family researchers use to learn more about their family’s history.
The Colorful Tuscola Pumpkin Festival – 2022
The first pumpkin celebration took place forty-one years ago and was held in the days that were colder near the close of the month of October!
A Fascinating Story of The Hitching Post Inn Elkton Mi (It Has A Twin!)
From time to time, we like to visit the Hitching Post in Elkton. It’s a great place to stop after a round of golf at Century Oaks. It’s a great place to grab a proper bar burger. It’s a fascinating old building with strange stained glass in many windows. I always wondered about the history of this building and what role it played in the community.