Michigan Moments – Vividly Explore The Amazing History of 132 Michigan Small Towns

Preamble to War

Today, we start a new seven-part series in Michigan Moments about Michigan’s role in the War of 1812. What followed was a sprawling, two-and-a-half-year conflict fought from the Atlantic to the Mississippi.

Nowhere did the opening months matter more than on the Michigan frontier, where General William Hull crossed the Detroit River just three weeks after war was declared. This set the stage for the dramatic campaign that this video will examine.

Invasion of Canada

The summer of 1812 saw the first American offensive of the War of 1812 directed from Michigan Territory into Canada. General William Hull, the Governor of Michigan Territory, led U.S. forces across the Detroit River with high hopes of a quick victory. Instead, a series of setbacks unfolded: small but pivotal skirmishes, the surprise loss of distant outposts, and a climactic surrender that handed the British a stunning early triumph.

British Take Fort Michilimackinac Island

The British used surprise and psychological warfare to great effect at Mackinac. By arriving undetected and exploiting the Americans’ ignorance of war, they forced a surrender without firing a shot. This bloodless victory was a huge boost to British morale. It also served as a force multiplier – dozens of tribes, seeing British strength, rallied to Tecumseh’s confederacy in the following weeks.

Skirmish at Brownstown

The tactics at Brownstown showcased the effectiveness of Native American irregular warfare on the Michigan frontier. Tecumseh’s ambush capitalized on stealth and surprise in wooded terrain, neutralizing the Americans’ numerical advantage. The psychological impact was significant: U.S. troops now felt vulnerable even on home soil, and Hull began to imagine hostile warriors behind every tree. For Hull, the defeat confirmed his worst fears – that his supply lines were cut and swarms of Indigenous fighters were closing in.

Retreat From Canada

Facing the twin blows of Fort Mackinac’s fall and the ambush at Brownstown, General Hull made a fateful decision: he abandoned his Canadian campaign. In the first days of August (around August 3–8), Hull withdrew his army from Sandwich back across the Detroit River into Michigan Territory.

In military terms, Hull’s pullback was strategically prudent but operationally disastrous. He was right that maintaining a foothold in Canada without supplies or artillery was untenable. However, the retreat meant surrendering any chance to take Fort Amherstburg, and it emboldened the enemy.

Step back into early 20th-century Adrian, Michigan—a town shaped by education, industry, and innovation. From the burning of the Lion Motor Works in 1912 to the centennial celebrations of 1925, this short film brings forgotten moments to life using original postcards and rare archival photos.

If you’ve never heard how Adrian tried to break into the auto industry or why its college was ahead of its time, this video will fill in the blanks.

Akron was established as a thriving agricultural hub in Michigan’s Thumb. Its early days saw bustling farms and vibrant community activities. Today, it retains much of its historical charm and rural character.

Once a booming industrial town on the shores of Lake Huron, Alabaster, Michigan, rose from gypsum rock and factory steam. In 1910, a massive fire nearly erased it overnight. This Michigan Moments episode brings rare photos and newspaper accounts to life, revealing a town shaped by industry, scorched by disaster, and determined to rise again.

If you’ve never heard about how Adrian tried to break into the auto industry or why its college was ahead of its time, this video will fill in the blanks.

#Alabaster #MichiganHistory #VintageMichigan #MichiganMoments

Applegate began as a small but significant railroad village. The town’s growth revolved around the transportation of goods and people. Historical landmarks from this railroad era still remain.

Barefoot school kids. A hotel with a windmill. Canoes on Lake Pleasant. These authentic images from Attica, Michigan, circa 1900, depict how people lived, worked, and played.

On July 11, 1911, two Michigan lumber towns vanished in a single afternoon. Oscoda and AuSable were leveled by fire, driven by wind and sparked by drought. This Michigan Moments episode traces the tragedy through rare photos and eyewitness accounts.

Why did residents flee into Lake Huron? How did a steamer become a lifeboat? What caused the fire to spread so fast—and why was it never stopped? Find out in this powerful short documentary on one of Michigan’s worst urban wildfires.

Step back into the early 1900s and experience the rise and quiet decline of Bach, Michigan—a once-thriving railroad and agricultural hub in Huron County’s Thumb region. Founded by visionary Christian Frederick Bach, the town held onto its German heritage well into the 20th century, reflecting the cultural roots of its community. However, the devastating economic impact of the Great Depression and the loss of critical rail connections diminished Bach’s prosperity. Today, its historical structures stand as quiet testaments to a dynamic past.

Join us in exploring Bay Port, Michigan, during its vibrant early 20th-century days. Experience the bustling railroad depot, thriving fisheries, the luxurious Bay Port Hotel, and leisurely summer days by Wildfowl Bay. Discover how commerce and leisure intertwined to shape this historic Michigan community.

Step back in time to Bear Lake, Michigan, through a rare series of photos spanning 1909 to 1947. From sawmills and schoolhouses to soda fountains and summer resorts, this Michigan Moments episode brings to life a village that grew through timber, thrived with tourism, and endured with heart.

Big Rapids was built on timber – and saved by education. This episode of Michigan Moments uncovers how a rough 1880s lumber town transformed into a thriving college community, all thanks to a bold teacher named Ferris and the school that refused to quit. It’s a hometown story full of grit, hope, and a few surprises along the way. Watch now to travel back in time. #BigRapids #MichiganMoments

Step back into the early 1900s with this Michigan Moments episode featuring George V. Black’s legendary general store in Pigeon, Michigan. Starting as a teenager with a small peddler’s wagon, Black turned his entrepreneurial dreams into a thriving three-story retail empire. Famous across Michigan’s Thumb for selling almost anything imaginable—from groceries and farm supplies to pianos—Black’s store was a community hub until it was tragically destroyed by fire in 1925. This short narrative captures the spirit of early commerce, everyday life, and resilience in small-town Michigan.

Brown City developed rapidly due to its strategic location and strong agricultural economy. It became a bustling center of commerce and local trade, and many historical buildings reflect its prosperous past.

Join us for a nostalgic look at Burnside Township, Michigan – once a lively small town in Lapeer County and now almost vanished. This short film dives into Burnside’s story from the 1880s through the mid-1900s. We explore the ornate Bruce Mansion built in 1876 by Scottish immigrant John G. Bruce, and visit the little Main Street store (“J.G. Bruce & Son”) where locals gathered and young baseball players posed for photos. We’ll talk about the big 1881 fire that destroyed most of Burnside, plus the many local legends that grew up around the brick mansion (including reports of ghosts!). #MichiganHistory #Baseball #HauntedPlaces

In the 1950s and ’60s, Burnt Cabin Pointe Resort welcomed anglers and families to Michigan’s Thumb for smallmouth bass fishing, beach walks, and hot coffee on quiet mornings. But after a winter fire and a vanishing act from state maps, the resort was lost to time. Here’s the story of a shoreline, a lodge, and the life that once lingered at Eagle Bay.

Explore the captivating history of Cadillac, Michigan, a town defined by industrial growth, vibrant social life, and legendary sports figures. From bustling downtown streets to lakeside leisure at the Boat-House Club, Cadillac’s past comes alive in this Michigan Moments episode. Don’t miss discovering the hometown of boxing champion Ad Wolgast and the industries that built northern Michigan’s prosperity. #Cadillac #MichiganHistory #MichiganMoments

Calumet, Michigan, was once the beating heart of America’s copper industry. Deep beneath its snowy streets, miners worked the Red Jacket Shaft—then the deepest mine in the world. Above ground, a thriving immigrant community built churches, unions, and social halls. But one winter night in 1913, joy turned to tragedy. A false cry of “fire” at the Italian Hall Christmas party caused a deadly stampede, killing 73—most of them children.

This Michigan Moments video explores the rise of Calumet, its labor struggles, and the heartbreaking events that left a mark on a generation. Through rare photographs and narration, we tell the story of a town built by hope—and tested by loss.

Explore the compelling history of Clare, Michigan—a city at the crossroads of industry and intrigue. From its timber-rich beginnings and devastating fires to the infamous 1938 incident at the Doherty Hotel, this documentary delves into the events that shaped Clare’s legacy. Join us as we uncover the stories etched into the very fabric of this historic Michigan city.

Journey through the captivating history of Clarkston, Michigan—a picturesque town shaped by early settlers, bustling Main Street life, and serene lakeside inns. Explore iconic landmarks like the historic Deer Lake Inn, the Old Mill, and Clarkston Depot, and discover how this charming community preserves its heritage while embracing the future. Subscribe for more Michigan Moments!

Take a rare look into Clifford, Michigan between 1890 and 1940. Through never-before-seen photos, this video shows how the town grew through lumber, farming, and railroads. See the Bird Miller Hardware store, towering lumber stacks, busy creameries, and early blacksmith shops that helped define Clifford’s small-town life. Watch and step into Michigan’s Thumb as it once was.

Watch to the end to see how Clifford, Michigan adapted as automobiles arrived and the old ways began to change.

#Clifford #MichiganHistory #VintageMichigan #MichiganMoments

Step back into Clio, Michigan between 1890 and 1940 — a time of steam trains, storefronts, and steady growth. This Michigan Moments episode brings to life rare vintage postcards and photo archives from one of Genesee County’s most connected towns.

From the Pere Marquette depot to bustling Vienna Street, these images reveal how industry, transportation, and community shaped Clio’s identity.

Take a three-minute visual journey through Columbiaville, Michigan, in the early 1900s. Featuring rare images of the woolen mills, opera house, train depot, and bustling Water Street, this pure Michigan moments narrated short film captures the rhythm of small-town life shaped by rail, river, and community. A glimpse into the past — steady, proud, and uniquely Michigan.

Take a rare look into the past of one of Michigan’s oldest and most unique towns—Cross Village. In this 3-minute Michigan Moments episode, we walk you through rare archival photos of stone churches, pow-wows, totem-topped taverns, and snowy logging camps. Learn about Legs Inn, the hermit Weikamp, and why Cross Village still matters.

Before Croswell, Michigan had paved streets and traffic lights, it had something even better—a swinging bridge with a warning: “Be Good to Your Mother-in-Law.” Watch how this small town carved out its place in history with factories, vaudeville, and farm grit.

Take a trip back in time to Deford, Michigan, between 1900 and 1920—where steam engines met navy bean harvests, and the post office was the pulse of the town. This short film features rare photos of Deford’s main street, schoolhouse, dairy factory, and train depot. As part of our Michigan Moments series, this episode takes you to the heart of a rural Thumb town during its most vibrant years.

#MichiganHistory #DefordMI #GreatLakesStories

One brutal winter in the early 1900s, an entire fleet of Great Lakes freighters lay frozen in the ice off tiny De Tour, Michigan. Locals could only watch and wait for spring to free the ships. This haunting moment from De Tour’s past is one of many surprising stories in our latest Michigan Moments episode

Step back in time to Eau Clair, Michigan, where Main Street bustled with crates, trains, and a town baseball team. This Michigan Moments episode shares rare photographs from the early 1900s, including images of the Eau Clair train depot, local factories, and the Berrien County Poor Farm.

Watch and learn how this small Michigan town helped fuel a fruit-driven economy.

#MichiganHistory #VintageMichigan #MichiganMoments

A nostalgic look at Elkton, Michigan (1880s–1950s): from its founding by W.J. McGillivray to the heyday of its Main Street shops and grain elevator, covering key events like the 1930 school fire and stories of local characters. (Sources: Michigan railroad and school histories

Discover Fairgrove’s legacy as a key center for commerce and agriculture in Michigan’s Thumb.

Forestville boasts a rich maritime and logging history. The village flourished thanks to lumber and shipping industries. Historical sites today commemorate its vibrant past.

Before it became a tourism hotspot, Frankenmuth, Michigan was a quiet town of mills, merchants, and modest hotels. This episode of Michigan Moments brings you 10 rare photographs from 1900–1940 that reveal the working life of the people who built Frankenmuth from the ground up.

You’ll see the Henry Fischer Hotel, Rupprecht’s Meat Market, the Frankenmuth Brewing Co., and the original Zehnder Hotel—long before it became an icon. These images tell a different story—one of grit, trade, and everyday pride.

A glimpse into Gagetown’s vibrant past, featuring community milestones and historical landmarks.

Gilford, Michigan’s story unfolds through rare early 1900s photos—featuring a bustling train depot, farm life, one-room schools, and community spirit that still echoes today

Step back into Gladstone, Michigan’s early days through rare photographs from 1890 to 1940. Once a thriving hub for the Soo Line Railroad, the N.W. Cooperage Company, Marble Arms Manufacturing, and busy harbor docks, Gladstone helped fuel Michigan’s rise during the industrial boom. See how this Upper Peninsula town balanced hard labor with lakeside recreation at Tourist Park Beach. Watch now and see the history unfold.

#Gladstone #MichiganHistory #MichiganMoments

This reel showcases a collection of historical photographs capturing life in Michigan’s Thumb region. The images provide insights into the area’s cultural and economic development over the years. Viewers can appreciate the rich heritage and transformations of these communities through visual storytelling.

Continuing the visual journey, this reel presents additional historical photographs from Michigan’s Thumb. The curated images highlight everyday life, significant events, and architectural changes in the region. The collection serves as a valuable resource for understanding the area’s past.

Explore the fascinating story of Grand Marais, Michigan—a village defined by timber, fishing, and tourism along Lake Superior. Witness its transformation from a bustling lumber port into a charming getaway filled with local legends and natural beauty.

Greenville, Michigan, rose from a frontier sawmill in 1844 to a thriving industrial hub by the mid-20th century. Known as the “Refrigerator Capital of the World,” the town built refrigerators, trucks, and more. It also gave the world Meijer’s first grocery store and contributed a D-Day glider funded entirely by schoolchildren. Greenville’s history is both proud and surprising, and its photos from 1900 to 1950 capture the town at its peak of growth.

In 1905, Harbor Beach was more than a small lakeside town — it was one of Michigan’s most ambitious communities. Home to the world’s largest man-made harbor, a booming grain elevator, factories, hotels, and a bustling dock served by steamers, Harbor Beach stood as a key player in the state’s economic growth. This rare photo from the town’s busy dock tells the story of its rise during Michigan’s industrial boom.

Take a nostalgic trip back to the early 1900s in Harrisville, Michigan, a charming small town on Lake Huron’s shore. This video weaves together vintage photographs and warm storytelling to bring Harrisville’s past to life.

Take a step back to early 20th-century Hastings, Michigan, a town where trains rolled in, snow fell deep, and the sawdust never stopped flying. These vintage images capture daily life in a working-class Midwestern town—where hotels welcomed guests off the rails, factories shaped hardwood tables, and churches anchored the community.

A forgotten Thumb village once had it all: a rail stop, a general store, and a church built by hand. Helena, Michigan may be quiet today, but a century ago, milk cans lined the porch of the town store and German hymns rang out from a concrete-block church. Watch how this tiny crossroads helped shape the Thumb’s rural life.

In October 1912, young love took flight—literally. Aviator Art Smith and Aimee Cour made history with America’s first aerial elopement, soaring 71 miles in a fragile biplane to marry in Hillsdale, Michigan. Their daring journey included engine failures, a dramatic crash landing, and a bedside wedding ceremony that captivated the nation. Watch their incredible story unfold!

In the early 1900s, the quiet village of Holly, Michigan, saw circus brawls, roaring saloons, and even a firebrand grandma with an axe shaking things up. From the Battle Alley fight with a traveling circus to a daring raid by temperance legend Carry Nation, Holly’s history is anything but boring. ? Take a journey back in time with this clip and witness the wild side of small-town Michigan!

Houghton – Ever wondered how Michigan’s copper rush shaped an entire town? See rare glimpses of Houghton’s mining past.

Steamboats, stringers of pike, lakeside cottages—Hubbard Lake, Michigan, in the early 1900s was summer paradise. Swipe through vintage photos that bring this era to life!

Idlewild, Michigan was more than a resort—it was a movement. Known as “Black Eden,” it offered Black Americans a place to relax, connect, and thrive during segregation. In this Michigan Moments episode, we explore rare photos and real stories from Idlewild’s heyday—dining clubs, soda bars, Sunday services, and summer camps.

This isn’t nostalgia. It’s a record of strength, ambition, and joy when those things weren’t always allowed.

Step back in time to discover Imlay City, Michigan at the turn of the 20th century. This video tells the story of a bustling small town on the thumb of Michigan — from the railroad depot that put it on the map, to the creameries and general stores that fueled local life. See how farm families and shopkeepers built a community: an annual county fair drew crowds by trolley car, a new Masonic Temple with a bowling alley stood on Main Street, and every summer brought parades and picnics. Imlay City may seem quiet today, but its history is rich with pioneering spirit and small-town pride. Watch as we explore why this rural town played a big role in Michigan’s past, and meet the people who gave Imlay City its enduring character. Don’t miss these Michigan moments of community, industry, and discovery

Indian Dave, a Chippewa elder, lived a century in Michigan’s Thumb, fishing, hunting, and sharing his knowledge. He earned trust from settlers and inspired local lore that still echoes today.

Jeddo, Michigan, 1900–1950 : a one-room school bell, ox teams in the fields, a grain elevator by the rail, and stormy mornings at St. Clair State Park.

In one day, Kalkaska, Michigan, lost nearly its entire downtown. But within hours, rebuilding began. This video tells the story of the 1908 fire—and the town’s quick rise from the rubble.

Take a rare look back at Lakeville, Michigan, as it grew from a small farming village into a lakeside summer retreat. Through these seven historic photos, we see how Lakeville Lake, Smith’s Resort, Linger Longer Korner, Echo Grove Camp, and private summer cottages shaped life between 1890 and 1940.

From early boat-building experiments to Salvation Army camps for mothers and veterans, Lakeville Michigan history is filled with small but powerful moments that made it a beloved destination for generations of summer visitors.

#Lakeville #MichiganHistory #MichiganMoments

L’Anse, Michigan: where the past meets the present! Discover the town’s unique history, from its railroad roots to its role in the rise of Ford Motor Company’s northern operations. And be sure to visit the Ojibwa life exhibit

Step back in time with this visual journey through Lapeer, Michigan, a small town with an outsized role in shaping Michigan’s civic, industrial, and cultural history. From the nation’s oldest Christian radio station to a courthouse dating back to 1839, Lapeer’s past is full of surprising milestones.

See rare historic images of cigar rollers, train depots, stove factories, and a towering state institution known as “the Castle.” If you think you know small-town Michigan—you might want to think again.

In this episode of Michigan Moments, we travel to Lawton, Michigan — a small town that found prosperity during one of America’s most challenging eras.

When Prohibition arrived in 1919, most alcohol-based industries collapsed. But in Lawton, farmers turned their Concord grape harvests into a new opportunity. Welch’s opened one of its largest processing plants here, transforming the town into a national supplier of grape juice. Local farmers became cooperative members, securing stable incomes while preserving their way of life.

We walk you through rare historic images: the Michigan Central Depot, grape harvest wagons, Smith’s Hotel, basket factories, Eaton Manufacturing, and the iconic Welch’s plant itself. Lawton’s story is one of adaptation, innovation, and hard work — and its grape harvests still roll in today.

Leonard, Michigan, may look like a quiet blip on the map, but this small town’s story includes fires, train wrecks, a homemade phone line, and a factory that made its own concrete blocks by hand. In this episode of Michigan Moments, we uncover how Leonard grew from a railroad siding into a tight-knit village that still carries the names and spirit of its founders.

From the basket factory to the grain elevator, from telegraph wires to school bells — Leonard made its own way. Watch the full story now and subscribe for more short documentaries about Michigan’s forgotten towns.

Linkville, Michigan, once had a hotel, depot, two churches, and a roller mill—all in just a few blocks. Today, only one building remains. Hear what happened in this powerful Michigan Moment.

Lost Lake Woods Club near Lincoln, Michigan, has a history as rich as the surrounding forest. Founded in 1926, it began as a hunting and fishing retreat on land once stripped bare by logging. Members passed through the gated entrance to find a family lodge, golf course, and thousands of acres of wilderness. Bear hunts, deer camps, and lakeside gatherings defined the early decades. After World War II, fire destroyed the original lodge, but the members rebuilt stronger than ever. These rare historic photos take you inside the Lost Lake Woods Club’s remarkable first 25 years.

#LostLakeWoodsClub #MichiganHistory #VintageMichigan #MichiganMoments

Marlette grew significantly due to railroad connectivity and agriculture. Its economic prosperity led to notable community developments. Today, its historical narrative continues through well-preserved sites.

The Marlette Depot was critical to local transportation and community life. It connected Marlette to wider markets and facilitated local growth. Historical preservation efforts keep its legacy alive.

Marysville’s history is closely linked to Great Lakes shipping and industry. Its strategic location fostered significant industrial growth. Maritime heritage sites remain prominent today.

Step back in time to early 1900s Mayville, Michigan—a thriving Thumb village built on agriculture, railroads, and tight-knit community life. This video showcases rare historic photos of Mayville’s bustling Main Street, the Brick Hotel, Shay’s Tavern, the Pere Marquette Depot

Step back in time with this 4-minute Michigan Moments episode on Metamora, Michigan, a village where railroads, horse wagons, and Girl Scout songs shaped everyday life.

This historic photo montage brings to life a town built at a crossroads—where the White Horse Inn has served travelers since 1850, Camp Metamora echoes with summer laughter, and local hardware stores stock supplies for every season.

See rare images of Metamora’s early downtown, snowy streets filled with wagons, lakeside camps, and the preserved railroad depot that helped shape the village’s identity.

#Metamora #MichiganHistory #VintageMichigan #MichiganMoments

General stores were central to rural Michigan life, providing goods and community gathering spots. This reel explores their cultural significance and historical charm. Many original stores are still preserved.

Celebrating Michigan’s smallest towns and their outsized impact on state history.

Explore historical “firsts” that put Michigan towns prominently on the map. These pioneering moments illustrate local innovation and influence. Each milestone shaped Michigan’s broader historical narrative.

Established in 1855, Millington began as a lumbering community in Tuscola County. The arrival of the railroad spurred economic growth, connecting the village to larger markets. Today, Millington retains its small-town charm while honoring its rich history through local museums and community events

Newaygo, Michigan, sits quietly on the Muskegon River today. But its story is anything but quiet. From massive pine forests to fiery destruction, from cement kilns to roaring dams, this small town has endured one transformation after another. Watch how Newaygo adapted to boom, bust, and rebirth over 100 dramatic years. This is Michigan history you’ve never seen like this.

#Newaygo #MichiganHistory #VintageMichigan #MichiganMoments

Take a ride through Newberry, Michigan in the 1930s. This short feature brings to life rare images of the town’s downtown, state hospital, industrial sites, and the early days of Tahquamenon tourism. See where visitors stayed, what they rode, and how this U.P. town bridged its past with a changing future.

North Adams, Michigan, once rallied after a 1927 school fire by holding classes in Town Hall, a lodge hall, and a church. We remember Main Street, the depot, and the new power plant that kept the village moving.

Northport, Michigan’s history is preserved not only in records, but in the everyday scenes captured by these photo postcards. From dockside labor to seasonal cherry harvests, the town’s past is written in steam, crates, and shoreline. These images offer a rare, honest view of a community that shaped northern Michigan’s shoreline economy.

Once the world’s leading producer of wooden steering wheels, Onaway, Michigan, roared to life in the early 1900s. This short documentary traces the rise of the American Wood Rim Company, the 1926 fire that changed everything, and the town’s quiet determination to survive. Featuring rare historic photos and narration in the style of Ken Burns. #MichiganHistory #Onaway #GreatLakesIndustry

Step into Onsted, Michigan, at the turn of the 20th century — a rail stop that grew into a lakeside getaway in the heart of the Irish Hills.

This episode of Michigan Moments features restored postcards and rare photos of the town’s depot, Main Street businesses, lakeside resorts, and local industry. From Putnam’s Hotel on Sand Lake to the dry goods boom on Main Street, Onsted’s story reflects both the work ethic and rest ethic of early 1900s Michigan.

Step back in time to early 1900s Mayville, Michigan—a thriving Thumb village built on agriculture, railroads, and tight-knit community life. This video showcases rare historic photos of Mayville’s bustling Main Street, the Brick Hotel, Shay’s Tavern, the Pere Marquette Depot

Step back in time to early 1900s Otter Lake, Michigan.

Take a walk through Owendale, Michigan, in the early 1900s. This photo collection shows Main Street, the church, schools, family life, and the local economy. Experience the heartbeat of a small town that shaped Michigan’s history.

We spotlight Palms, Michigan, a once-thriving railroad town in Sanilac County. The video features rare historical photos of St. Mary’s Church, the Pere Marquette rail yard, and the New Hotel Palms, owned by M.F. Maher. It also recounts the devastating 1916 fire that swept through the heart of the village, destroying key businesses and reshaping the town’s future. It is a gripping look at resilience and small-town life in Michigan’s Thumb.

Step back into early 20th-century Pinconning, Michigan, where lumber mills, railroads, cheese factories, and summer cottages shaped the town’s identity. This short history features rare photos and engaging narration about a place that went from pine logs to wonderful Colby-like cheese wheels in just a few decades.

Step back in time with us to Pinnebog, Michigan, where horse-drawn wagons lined Main Street and neighbors gathered at the general store. These rare images and stories reveal what life was like in this tight-knit Thumb town at the turn of the century. 

Take a walk through time in Pontiac, Michigan, with this Michigan Moments episode. These rare photos from 1890 to 1940 reveal the city’s rise through auto factories, public institutions, and social turmoil.

See President Roosevelt’s train in 1936. Witness the crowded streets of a downtown parade. Learn about the Ku Klux Klan rally that drew thousands in 1925. This isn’t nostalgia—it’s history that still echoes today.

Watch now for a close-up view of Pontiac, Michigan’s past.

#Pontiac #MichiganHistory #VintageMichigan #MichiganMoments

In the 1950s and ’60s, Burnt Cabin Pointe Resort welcomed anglers and families to Michigan’s Thumb for smallmouth bass fishing, beach walks, and hot coffee on quiet mornings. But after a winter fire and a vanishing act from state maps, the resort was lost to time. Here’s the story of a shoreline, a lodge, and the life that once lingered at Eagle Bay.

Once a grand Georgian Revival mansion turned bed and breakfast, this 7,000-square-foot home welcomed guests with antique charm, homemade blueberry muffins, and a front-porch view of small-town life. Built in the 1800s and lovingly restored in the 1980s, it stood as a reminder of Port Austin’s rich history and hospitality.

Originally known as Bark Shanty, Port Sanilac was established in the 1840s as a lumberjack settlement. The construction of docks in 1857 and the Port Sanilac Lighthouse in 1886 bolstered its maritime importance. Today, the village preserves its history through museums and restored historic buildings.

Step into the history of Rose Island Resort, a beloved summer retreat along Saginaw Bay near Sebewaing, Michigan. This video highlights vintage photographs and narratives capturing the spirit of early 1900s vacations—boat races, dances, picnics, and community gatherings. Explore why Rose Island became an enduring memory for generations of Michiganders and learn about its lasting impact on the region. Subscribe for more Michigan history and travel stories!

This Michigan Moments episode captures the rich history of Ruth, Michigan, from its origins as a German farming community and Adams Corners to its heyday with railroads, gas stations, and a local tile factory. Using rare vintage photos, this 3-minute video shares the story of a Thumb town that stayed steady through changing times.

#MichiganMoments #RuthMichigan #GreatLakesTowns

When Chicago needed to cool off in the 1900s, they headed for Saugatuck, Michigan. Music from the Big Pavilion, the chain ferry’s slow pull, and the sand of Oval Beach made summers unforgettable.

Standish’s early-1900s story comes alive in this 3-minute tour. We visit the stone Michigan Central Depot, lively Main Street stores (Hotel Ryland, Keller & Amsbury, State Bank), and industries like the Michigan Producers Dairy and a booming 1930s oil well. The video script also recalls the big rainstorm of 1922 that washed out the dam. It ties all these visuals together in a Ken Burns–style narrative, noting what remains today (for example, the old depot is now a historic welcome center). Join us for a concise history of this small Michigan town’s past.

In the early 20th century, Sturgis, Michigan, punched far above its weight. From building the state’s first municipal hydroelectric dam to hosting Vice President James Sherman and launching a biplane over Chicago Street, this small town embraced the modern age with energy and pride.

Watch as we explore the remarkable transformation of Sturgis between 1907 and 1918, featuring restored vintage RPPC images.

Take a step back in time to East Tawas and Tawas City, Michigan. This visual journey showcases the people, places, and events that shaped a hardworking waterfront community. From ice harvesting and smelt fishing to parade day on Main Street, this is a Michigan Moment worth remembering.

Step back in time to Three Rivers, Michigan. This Michigan Moments episode brings you rare historic photos from 1908-1920 showing the devastating flood, thriving factories, and vibrant downtown life that defined Three Rivers, Michigan’s history.

See how Fairbanks Morse, Sheffield Car Company, and the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Depot fueled the town’s rise. Watch as small businesses like Balch & Haring Furniture offered everything from household goods to funeral services.

The 1908 flood remains one of the worst natural disasters in the town’s history — but Three Rivers bounced back, becoming a model of small-town industrial success.

Delving deeper into Unionville’s history, emphasizing its heritage buildings and community legacy.

Delving into the dramatic history behind Unionville’s iconic Coy Block and its influential founder.

Vassar, Michigan in 1908–1930 was anything but quiet. In this Michigan Moments episode, we explore how this small town earned the nickname “Cork Pine City” through logging, then weathered repeated floods (28 floods since 1900!) and even a dramatic 1911 train derailment. Vintage photos show the Cass River dam, brick downtown storefronts and the railroad depot bustling with life. Discover how farms, factories and railroads shaped Vassar’s history — and what remains of it today. This short film uncovers a surprising chapter in Michigan history that will fascinate anyone who loves local stories or old-time photography.

Step back in time to Wakefield, Michigan, during its iron mining heyday from 1890 to 1940. This Michigan Moments video brings to life rare historic images of one of the Upper Peninsula’s most active mining towns. Through engaging narration and carefully restored photographs, viewers will experience Wakefield’s rise from a rugged mining camp to a bustling city fueled by the Gogebic Iron Range.

The video explores Main Street as it looked in the early 1900s—lined with hotels, banks, drugstores, and shops serving the working families of the region. Scenes from Sunday Lake Mine, including deep tunnel drilling operations and massive surface excavations, show just how central iron was to daily life. Viewers will also see the human side of the mining era, from families relaxing in Cody Park to Fourth of July celebrations and a 1919 cityhood parade.

The story touches on Wakefield’s founding, its incorporation as a village in 1887, and its boom years when mines like Sunday Lake and Brotherton pulled millions of tons of ore from the ground. Wakefield’s community spirit is seen in its schools, churches, and fraternal halls—all built as the town grew on the strength of its workers and their families.

This video is a valuable resource for those interested in Michigan mining history, small-town development, and early 20th-century Upper Peninsula life. Ideal for educators, history fans, genealogists, and viewers researching Gogebic County or the iron ore industry, this episode blends imagery and narrative to capture a proud chapter in Michigan’s past.

Wakefield, Michigan is noteworthy for its role in powering America’s industrial growth—and for the community it built along the way.

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This episode of Michigan Moments takes viewers back to the early 20th century streets of Wacousta, Michigan, a rural river town that thrived along the Looking Glass River. Using rare real photo postcards and archival research, this video captures Wacousta’s quiet but active role in Michigan’s development between 1900 and 1950.

The story unfolds through restored images of daily life: the sturdy post office at the center of town, two prominent churches serving as places of worship and community events, a bustling general store, and the town’s Masonic Hall where civic life was organized and debated. Scenes from the local schoolhouse show the town’s commitment to education, while new concrete sidewalks reflected the push toward modernization.

The river plays a leading role. The Looking Glass wasn’t just a feature of the town’s geography—it powered the local mill, turned by water diverted by a hand-built dam. Photos show the mill during peak operation and later during winter ice, capturing the pace and pattern of rural life shaped by seasons and steady labor.

This video also offers insight into early infrastructure, small-town commerce, and how Michigan’s rural communities evolved in the shadow of bigger cities. Whether you’re researching Clinton County history, tracing Michigan post offices and mills, or looking for small-town archival photos, this short film is a strong resource.

Wacousta, Michigan, stands as an example of the hundreds of Michigan towns built on farming, water power, and neighborly connections—where everyday life was shaped by shared purpose and local effort.

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Take a visual journey through early 1900s Waterford and Drayton Plains, Michigan. From lakeside retreats to bustling mill towns, this episode of Michigan Moments showcases how small-town life once looked, sounded, and moved. A rare look at daily life, shared through real photos and rich history.

What was life like in small-town Michigan between 1900 and 1950? This episode of Michigan Moments transports you to West Branch, Michigan—a historic railroad town that became the heartbeat of Ogemaw County. Through rare archival photos, newspaper clippings, and vivid narration, this short documentary captures the people, progress, and quiet strength of a community in transition. Follow the journey of West Branch from its early 20th-century streets lined with Model Ts and telephone poles to its wartime send-offs and postwar recovery. You’ll see the iconic West Branch train depot, the evolution of Main Street, Depression-era parades, the founding of civic institutions, and the deeply personal moments of family, faith, and farewell.

In the early 20th century, Yale, Michigan, stood as a thriving small town where industry, agriculture, and community life intersected. This video takes viewers through vintage images and historical accounts of Yale’s bustling Main Street, the landmark Paisley Hotel, and the growing influence of Michigan’s automobile age seen in the town’s Ford garage. It was here that residents first experienced the transformation of daily life from horse-drawn carriages to early automobiles, tying Yale to the state’s role as the center of American auto manufacturing.

Industry anchored much of Yale’s prosperity. The Yale Milling Company’s towering brick mill processed local grain for markets across the region. The Yale Woolen Mills provided steady employment, producing textiles that supported local families and regional trade. The W.R. Roach Company operated a large canning factory, preserving produce from surrounding farms and offering critical jobs that reflected the community’s agricultural roots.

Transportation played a central role in connecting Yale to wider markets. The Pere Marquette Depot was vital in moving local products to Detroit and other Michigan cities, ensuring that Yale’s output of grain, textiles, and canned goods remained essential to the state’s industrial growth.

Hotels such as the Harrington served travelers and residents alike, offering lodging, meals, and a place for gatherings. These businesses, along with shops and services lining Main Street, made Yale an industrious and welcoming community during a period of rapid change.

This video provides a historical window into Yale’s contributions to Michigan’s economic and cultural development. From mills and factories to railroads and hotels, the story of Yale reflects the broader forces that shaped small towns across the state. Yale, Michigan, remains noteworthy for its role as a center of industry, agriculture, and community during the early 20th century.

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