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.

Stump Battles of Edmore Michigan

Posted on November 28, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

These scenes from around Edmore Michigan, in Montcalm County, show what came after Michigan’s great lumber boom. Once this ground

History of Fair Haven Michigan – Rediscovering Anchor Bay’s Lost Summer Playground – (1900-1930) – Video

Posted on November 25, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Drive along Dixie Highway today and Fair Haven, Michigan is easy to miss. A few marinas, a bar or two,

History of Casco Michigan – 5 Striking Postcards From a Hard-Working Farm Town

Posted on November 25, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

The History of Casco Michigan comes alive in a stack of real photo postcards. One-room schools, bean fields, orchards and family homes show how a modest St. Clair County farm township built its daily life.

Celebrating The History of Richmond Michigan – Convenient Small-Town Living 1890–1930

Posted on November 24, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

From the brick Hotel Lenox to St. Augustine’s stone church and the steady hum of the Grand Trunk Railway, the history of Richmond Michigan between 1890 and 1930 shows how a modest farm town adopted modern life without losing its close community ties.

Fascinating Loosemore Point Legend – The Driftwood Castle and “Indian Gold” Myth in Michigan’s Thumb

Posted on November 22, 2025January 1, 2026 by Michael Hardy

We examine a local legend of Indian gold and a hermit who made a castle at Loosemore point near the tip of Michigan’s Thumb.

Defunct Michigan Automakers – 8 Tough Lessons from the Michigan’s Lost Car Companies

Posted on November 19, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Defunct Michigan automakers once filled Detroit, Lansing and Kalamazoo with factories, jobs and big promises. This feature profiles Packard, Hudson, AMC, REO, Hupmobile, Detroit Electric and Checker, and explains how each tried to stand against the Big Three before finally closing the doors.

November 11, 1911 Cyclone at Owosso, Michigan- The Night the City Never Forgot – Video

Posted on November 13, 2025December 1, 2025 by Michael Hardy

The History of November 11, 1911 Cyclone at Owosso Michigan begins like many Midwestern stories, with an ordinary Saturday that

History of Chesaning Michigan – Big Rock Beginnings

Posted on November 11, 2025November 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Chesaning grew along the Shiawassee with mills, farms, rail service, and Main Street parades. See how a Chippewa place-name and early industry shaped a Michigan river town between 1900 and 1930.