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.

Bay Port Fish Co. in 1996 – A Retrospective

Posted on December 10, 2022December 17, 2022 by Michael Hardy

I have a great collection of pictures my parents took of the Upper Thumb region in the 1980s and 90s.

Tuscola County Public Transportation – History Is Moving In The Thumb

Posted on November 14, 2022November 17, 2022 by Mark Putnam

Public transportation services in Tuscola County Michigan has evolved from oxcart, stagecoach, rail and bus. We look back at its evolution.

Mystery of the Remains of An Michigan Indian Chief Found Near Bay Port In 1933

Posted on November 14, 2022October 29, 2024 by Michael Hardy

In the 1920s, there was a flurry of archaeological activity in Michigan to record and catalog Native American villages, garden beds, and burial mounds. As a result, the entire Saginaw Valley has 100s of identified sites. The identification, and looting, of Indian artifacts from burial mounds, was a common occurrence.

Michigan Genealogy – 10 Million Records Available To Family Tree Researchers Online

Posted on November 13, 2022March 26, 2025 by Malcom Mott

Those researching Michigan Genealogy have a new resource provided by the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan DNR. Over 10 million records including death and naturalization records, which family researchers use to learn more about their family’s history.

A Fascinating Story of The Hitching Post Inn Elkton Mi (It Has A Twin!)

Posted on September 20, 2022March 16, 2025 by Michael Hardy

From time to time, we like to visit the Hitching Post in Elkton. It’s a great place to stop after a round of golf at Century Oaks. It’s a great place to grab a proper bar burger. It’s a fascinating old building with strange stained glass in many windows. I always wondered about the history of this building and what role it played in the community.

The Classic Point of Pines Hotel and Summer Resort in Port Austin, MI – 1898

Posted on September 10, 2022December 29, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Point of Pines Hotel and Summer Resort operated in Port Austin Michigan from 1898 until about 1935. Mary Buttars ran the resort until her death in 1911.

Caseville IGA – The Amazing Memories of Our Grandparents Time

Posted on September 2, 2022November 9, 2022 by Michael Hardy

The Caseville IGA was a landmark as a kid growing up in the Upper Thumb The IGA was the store I remember growing up. It was old, the floors creaked, it smelled funny and it was crowded in the summer. I loved it.

How Have Steam Giants Revolutionized Transport and the Way People Travel

Posted on August 24, 2022August 24, 2022 by Annette Hinshaw

From horse-drawn carriages to steam-powered trains to vehicles and airplanes. Read on to find out how steam giants have revolutionized transport.

Collection of Ora Labora Letters Discovered in Ohio

Posted on July 25, 2022July 25, 2022 by Michael Hardy

Archives of Michigan is now in possession of a collection of Ora Labora letters written in English and Old German by Emil and Bertha Baur and other family members. They were found in Cincinnati in 1974 and sent to the Historical Society of Michigan in 2018. They are in process of being prepared for availability online

The Amazing History of The Bay Port Commercial Fishing District

Posted on July 22, 2022July 25, 2022 by Michael Hardy

Bay Port Commercial Fishing District was designated a National Historic Place in 1977. At the time there were seven buildings on the site. Now three remain.