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.

Black-and-white postcard photo of people boarding a two-deck passenger boat at the Park Island landing on Lake Orion, with docks and railings in the foreground.

The History of Park Island Michigan – When Lake Orion Offered the Thrill of Coney Island in Michigan (1901-1933)

Posted on April 4, 2026May 17, 2026 by Michael Hardy

There was a time when thousands of people came to Lake Orion every summer, not by car, but by boat.

History of Copemish Michigan – Railroads, Woodenware, and a Main Street That Once Felt Big 1900–1935

Posted on March 31, 2026May 17, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Copemish, Michigan began as a railroad stop and logging town in Manistee County. These early photos show a busy small town built on timber, railroads, and local businesses that served the people who lived and worked there.

History of Buckley Michigan – A Railroad and Lumber Town That Survived

Posted on March 29, 2026May 17, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The History of Buckley Michigan is the story of a railroad and logging town that survived the end of the lumber era by turning to agriculture, allowing the town to survive while many northern Michigan logging towns disappeared.

Old Log Cabin Restaurant Sebewaing – 50 Year History of an Iconic Michigan Restaurant

Posted on March 28, 2026May 17, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Old Log Cabin restaurant in Sebewaing, Michigan, opened in 1934 and became a local staple for decades. Known for home-style meals and community events, it expanded into a former theater and changed hands several times while remaining a fixture on Center Street.

Oakland Hotel St Clair Michigan – The Rise and Fall of a Grand Resort (1881- 1915)

Posted on March 25, 2026May 17, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Oakland Hotel is a beloved St. Clair, Michigan treasure, offering guests an unforgettable glimpse into the town’s rich history and architectural heritage. From its early days as a bustling hub for tourists and industrial workers to its current status as a beautifully restored and modernized landmark, the hotel remains a vital part of the community’s identity.

Category: History

The History of Park Island Michigan – When Lake Orion Offered the Thrill of Coney Island in Michigan (1901-1933)

History of Copemish Michigan – Railroads, Woodenware, and a Main Street That Once Felt Big 1900–1935

History of Buckley Michigan – A Railroad and Lumber Town That Survived

Old Log Cabin Restaurant Sebewaing – 50 Year History of an Iconic Michigan Restaurant

Oakland Hotel St Clair Michigan – The Rise and Fall of a Grand Resort (1881- 1915)

Overlooked Michigan History You Likely Missed in School

Michigan Genealogy Research Surges as New Laws, DNA Breakthroughs, and Archives Expand Access

First Female Lighthouse Keeper Michigan: The Untold Story of Catherine Shook