Category: News

Site announcements of changes that affect the Thumbwind website are highlighted.

News and events of Michigan’s Upper Thumb that are worth knowing in the region.

Here are some of the top stories.

River bordered by trees and low vegetation, with reflections in the foreground and a large brick factory emitting chimney smoke in the background.

Clinton Woolen Mill – The Factory That Powered a Michigan Town For 100 Years

Posted on September 21, 2026September 21, 2026 by Michael Hardy

For generations, a tall smokestack rising above the River Raisin announced that Clinton, Michigan, was more than a farming community

The Clintonian Hotel: When US 12 Brought Travelers to Clinton

Posted on September 21, 2026September 21, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Long before interstate highways redirected traffic around small towns, Clinton, Michigan, sat directly in the path of travelers moving between

The Clinton Michigan Stagecoach Tavern That Henry Ford Moved – Video

Posted on September 20, 2026September 20, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Before Interstate 94, before automobiles and even before Michigan became a state, travelers heading between Detroit and Chicago faced a

Kinde Polka Fest Marks 20 Years of Music, Dancing and Community Tradition

Posted on September 18, 2026September 18, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Kinde Polka Fest 2026 returns Sept. 19-20 with five band performances, Polish-American tradition, food and a special anniversary raffle as

The Pasta House in Kinde – Diners Love the Portions, but One Dish Divides Expectations

Posted on September 16, 2026September 16, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Kinde, Michigan, is home to The Pasta House, a beloved restaurant known for its hearty Italian-American dishes and small-town charm. Offering a cozy atmosphere alongside friendly service, the restaurant features standout meals like lasagna and seafood pasta, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse – Tours, History and Tips for Visiting Michigan’s Oldest Lighthouse

Posted on September 15, 2026September 15, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Fort Gratiot light was built in April 1829. It was situated north of an older tower light that has collapsed into the St. Clair river after a violent storm. The tower was constructed of brick to the height of 65 feet. In 1862 the height was increased to 82 feet to match the focal point of a new 4th order Fresnel lens.

Video: History of Grand Blanc, Michigan — When School Reform Began

Posted on September 13, 2026September 13, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Historic photographs trace Grand Blanc from Michigan’s pioneering school consolidation to the mills, railroads and businesses that shaped the community.

Port Hope Barn Quilts: Bright Designs, Bold 150-Foot Goal

Posted on September 13, 2026September 13, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Port Hope’s Lumberyard Museum has launched a barn quilt web page with local stories and instructions for making painted panels. Volunteers hope to fill the museum’s 150-foot wall facing M-25.

History of Grand Blanc Michigan – School Reform Began Behind Horses

Posted on September 12, 2026September 13, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Grand Blanc’s early history includes horse-drawn school buses, a working mill, a railroad depot and a business street adapting to automobile travel. Historic images show how farms, schools and local businesses shaped this Genesee County community before its later suburban growth.

Elkton Michigan History – 1940 – The Day the Star Theater Welcomed Hollywood

Posted on September 12, 2026September 12, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Watch this Michigan Moments episode as we travel back to downtown to see a bit of Elkton Michigan history in