It’s 1913 – Ladies Who Puff? Get Cuffed — Grand Rapids Cops Arrest a Smoker
In 1913, Grand Rapids police arrested a woman for smoking a cigarette in a public park. The case sheds light on outdated norms and how public behavior was policed.
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.
The 1913 Pere Marquette Train Wreck Near Marlette – 4 rare photos of a forgotten event
In May 1913, a Pere Marquette train derailed near Marlette, Michigan, after a backup engine caused the tracks to buckle. No one was killed—but the wreck drew a crowd.
Michigan’s Voice on the Airwaves – Aubrey M. Clarke of Brown City and the Golden Age of Amateur Radio
We found an interesting photo from the 1950s that shows Aubrey M. Clarke seated in front of a panel of radio equipment, a microphone in one hand, and a confident smile on his face. Clarke’s call sign—W8OKV—is prominently displayed, along with …
Rare 1761 Map of Fort Detroit Aquired By The University of Michigan Library
Clements Library at the University of Michigan adds to their collection with this rare map of Fort Detroit. It offers a glimpse of what Detroit looked like in 1761.
The Indian Legend of a Lead Mine Near Caseville
In the early 1900s, news broke of a lead and zinc strike just six miles east of Caseville, tucked along the shoreline of Saginaw Bay. The story, first reported in the Detroit Free Press on December 8, 1907, sparked excitement across …
A Brief History of the Old Log Cabin Restuarant – Sebewaing, Michigan
Small towns in Michigan evolve. Back in the 1900s, a small town provided all the services one needed, which was merely a horseback or buggy ride away. General stores, liveries, blacksmiths, hardware stores, hotels, and restaurants were all part of the …
Night Flight 760 With Jay Roberts – When WJR Was The Great Voice Of The Great Lakes
In the waning days of the fairness doctrine, and before the cheaply produced and political “talk radio” took over the AM band, Night Flight 760 dominated the night.
The History of North Branch Michigan – 12 Rare Photos That Reveal a Resilient Past – Video
North Branch Michigan History is full of grit, fires, railroads, and rebirth. This blog takes you on a photo-rich journey through the people and landmarks that built a town, rebuilt it, and kept its story alive for generations. Discover the true heart of a small town.