History of Plainwell Michigan – 21 Remarkable Images of Island City
Plainwell became Michigan’s Island City through a hand-dug mill race, two railroads, a paper mill and one unusual land deal that moved a flour mill and helped create Hicks Park.
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.
Great Lakes Navigation: Remarkable 1902 Guide Reveals 124-Year-Old Maritime Secrets
A rare 1902 Great Lakes navigation guide is now online through the Beaver Island Archive, revealing the lighthouse signals, compass courses and hazard warnings once used by Great Lakes captains.
Black Michigan History: Inspiring $5,000 Gift Saves 160 Years of Powerful Pioneer Stories
A new $5,000 gift is helping the Old Settlers Digital Museum preserve photographs, documents, interviews and family stories from Black pioneers who built farms, schools, churches and communities across Mecosta, Isabella and Montcalm counties beginning more than 160 years ago, before the Civil War had ended.
AI Makes 186 Years of University of Michigan Records Easier to Search
The University of Michigan has used AI and improved text recognition to reorganize more than 55,000 pages of Board of Regents records dating to 1837, giving historians new ways to search 186 years of decisions.
St. Clair Flats – 12 Remarkable Rare Views Behind Detroit’s Legendary Island Playground
St. Clair Flats turned a Great Lakes delta into Detroit’s island playground. Steamers carried families to Tashmoo Park, waterfront hotels and private clubs. Behind the summer fun stood a rare lease system that let residents own cottages while Michigan retained the lake bottom below.
Library of Congress Updates Major Michigan History Research Guide
The newly updated Michigan history research guide points historians to old Michigan newspapers, photographs, maps, courthouse records, and other primary sources available online. WASHINGTON — Finding an old Michigan photograph, newspaper article, or courthouse record online often isn’t difficult. Knowing where …
Metal Detecting Michigan Ghost Towns – 17 Sites in the Thumb and What May Remain
Metal detecting Michigan ghost towns starts with old maps, parcel research and written permission. Review 17 former communities, likely period finds and legal limits.
Port Sanilac Garden Gala Brings History and Dinner Together Sept. 13
The Port Sanilac Garden Gala will pair a seasonal dinner, live music and local history Sept. 13 while raising money for the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum.
Old Tawas Goes Digital: A Century of Lake Huron History Is Being Saved
A new preservation project to digitize Lake Huron history, including photographs, letters, maps, and newspaper clippings documenting generations of life around Tawas Bay. EAST TAWAS, Mich. — More than a century of Iosco County history is moving from museum shelves into …
Michigan Constitutional Convention: 612 Historic Recordings Return as Voters Face a Major 2026 Decision
Michigan is digitizing 612 recordings from its 1961-62 Constitutional Convention, bringing the voices behind today’s state constitution back as voters face the issue again in 2026.