Tag: History

Covering topics from early European colonization, fur trade, military history, the French and Indian War, Pontiac’s Rebellion, Michigan in the American Revolution, Michigan in the Civil War, lumbering and early tourism in Michigan.

First Female Lighthouse Keeper Michigan: The Untold Story of Catherine Shook

Posted on March 19, 2026March 19, 2026 by Malcom Mott

In 1849, Catherine Shook was appointed the first woman lighthouse keeper in the State of Michigan. She ran the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse until 1851.

Ora Labora Michigan – A Little Colony in the Wilderness of Wild Fowl Bay – Part 1

Posted on July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Located near present day Bay Port, Ora Labora known as “Christian German Agricultural and Benevolent Society of Ora et Labora” (Pray and Work), where it’s parishioners could combine work with prayer, and live according to the Methodist Church Discipline. Founded in 1862 on Michigan’s Wild Fowl Bay, the colony disappeared in 1867.

The History of North Branch Michigan – 12 Rare Photos That Reveal a Resilient Past – Video

Posted on July 11, 2025October 5, 2025 by Michael Hardy

North Branch Michigan History is full of grit, fires, railroads, and rebirth. This blog takes you on a photo-rich journey through the people and landmarks that built a town, rebuilt it, and kept its story alive for generations. Discover the true heart of a small town.

Interurban Services in Michigan – 1900s Electric Vechicles Kept Small Towns Going – Video

Posted on June 10, 2025October 5, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Before automobiles, Michigan’s interurban electric railways addressed transportation challenges in small towns, offering reliable, affordable travel and freight services, thus connecting communities, enhancing local economies, and transforming daily life until the rise of cars in the 1920s.

Kingston Michigan History – A Vibrant Snapshot of Early 20th Century Americana – Video

Posted on May 7, 2025June 13, 2025 by Michael Hardy

The early 1900s in Kingston, Michigan, reflect the essence of rural American life. This quiet village in Tuscola County provides

Midwest Mansions Stained Glass – 10 Astounding Examples of Stained Glass Artistry In Our Backyard

Posted on February 13, 2024February 13, 2024 by Annette Hinshaw

Discover Midwest mansions where stained glass windows turn sunlight into stories. Each pane tells tales of historical elegance and architectural wonder in the heart of America.

The Artistic Legacy of Michigan – Celebrating 6 Of Its Painters

Posted on February 6, 2024February 6, 2024 by Annette Hinshaw

Delve into the Michigan Painters Legacy, where each brushstroke tells a story of Michigan’s beauty and history. From serene lakes to bustling cities, these artists have immortalized Michigan’s essence on canvas

Caseville History – 4 Pioneering Industries That Predate Its Tourist Charm

Posted on December 30, 2023November 22, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Caseville transformed from an industrial hub in the late 1800s, characterized by fishing and lumbering, to a modern tourist destination. Its economy shifted towards tourism, attracting visitors with beaches and events, while its industrial past remains evident in historical sites and buildings.