News & Fun in Michigan
This tag hints at articles and stories about Michigan history and the Michigan Thumb region. Michigan was part of the Northwest territory, and starting in 1815, the fur trade and influx of settlers and land speculators began.
By the time Michigan became a state in 1838, much of the southern third was already cris-crossed with improved Indian trails and initial roads. In a few short years, the lumbering era would begin, followed by the agriculture growth resulting from the cleared land.
Tucked away in Sanilac County in Michigan’s Thumb, the village of Snover offers a window into the rhythms of early 20th-century rural life. These historic images, captured between 1900 and 1910, provide a rare view of a town fueled by agriculture, …
In the summer of 1919, a captured German submarine made headlines across the Great Lakes. UC-97 (often reported as U-97) had been surrendered at war’s end and was brought to the United States for a patriotic bond and recruiting drive. After …
The Hires Condensed Milk Company, established in 1917, processed milk until Nestlé’s 1922 acquisition. After closure in 1953, the site transitioned through various uses, finally undergoing remediation to support new businesses and create 32 jobs, enhancing Cass City’s economy.
The 1881 fire that swept much of Michigan’s Thumb devastated one town. However stories of miraculous events are passed down today.
Port Sanilac, Michigan, once a hub for commercial fishing from the late 19th to mid-20th century, transitioned to recreational fishing by the 1970s due to overfishing and regulatory changes. The town now celebrates its fishing heritage through local museums.
The Earle Monument near Cass City, Michigan, commemorates Horatio S. Earle, the first Highway Commissioner. Dedicated in 1930, it symbolizes his significant influence on Michigan’s paved highway system and national infrastructure policy.
In the heart of Michigan’s Thumb, the small village of Ubly once housed one of the state’s most unusual drinking establishments—Cash’s Bar. These two vintage photo postcards from the 1940s give us a rare glimpse into a one-of-a-kind tavern that doubled …
The Ten Cent Horse Barn Museum in Ubly, Michigan, faces closure due to declining community support and maintenance issues. Managed by the last remaining historical society member, the museum symbolizes a lost rural chapter, highlighting broader challenges faced by small heritage sites.
