Northwest Lower Peninsula

William Grawn Milliken born in Traverse City On this day in history, March 26, 1922, William Grawn Milliken was born in Traverse City. A man of integrity, civility, and dedication to public service, Milliken left an enduring mark on the state. He served as Michigan’s longest-tenured governor from 1969 to 1983. His leadership spanned a transformative period in Michigan’s history. He navigated economic challenges, environmental reforms, and shifting political landscapes. Path to Politics Milliken’s path to politics was deeply rooted in his family’s legacy. His father, James T Milliken, was a mayor of Traverse City as well as a Michigan… Read More »

March 22, 1878 On this day in 1878, one of the final mass nestings of the passenger pigeon took place near Petoskey, Michigan. Once numbering in the billions, these birds were a dominant presence in North America. They would darken the skies for hours as their flocks passed overhead. Early explorers and settlers frequently marveled at their abundance. Samuel de Champlain in 1605 described “countless numbers” and Cotton Mather witnessed a flight that took hours to pass. But by the late 19th century, relentless hunting and habitat destruction had pushed them to the brink of extinction. Petoskey Nesting The Petoskey… Read More »

A History of Names, Settlers, and Struggles On this day in history, April 1, 1840, Michigan’s legislature created what was originally called Tonedagana County—later renamed Emmet County in 1843. From its deep Odawa roots to a brief period under Mormon rule, Emmet County’s past is filled with fascinating twists. Emmet County, one of Michigan’s northernmost counties, has a history as rich as its scenic landscapes. From its early days as an Odawa stronghold to its brief time under Mormon rule, the county has seen its fair share of change, controversy, and resilience. From Tonedagana to Emmet On April 1, 1840,… Read More »

Once upon a time, Michigan had a county that no longer exists on the map: Manitou County. This fascinating “ghost county” came into existence in 1855, encompassing Beaver Island, the Fox Islands, and the North and South Manitou Islands in Lake Michigan. Its county seat, St. James, was nestled on Beaver Island, where the story of Manitou County intersects with an enigmatic figure: James Jesse Strang. The Curious Creation of Manitou County Manitou County owes its name, likely, to Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, the man behind the poetic naming of many Michigan counties. Schoolcraft had a penchant for weaving Native American-inspired… Read More »

From Small-Town Michigan to Grammy Glory In the picturesque town of Frankfort, just 40 miles west of Traverse City, something extraordinary happened on February 10, 2013. The usually tranquil community of about 1,200 residents buzzed with excitement. One of their own, Andrew Dost, was up for six Grammys with his band, Fun. The momentous occasion was celebrated with a red-carpet event at the Garden Theatre. Locals gathered to cheer on the hometown hero and his bandmates, Nate Ruess and Jack Antonoff, as they vied for music’s most prestigious awards. The Garden Theatre turned into the epicenter of celebration that evening…. Read More »

Grace Gilbert, born in 1876, gained fame as a circus performer known as ‘The Female Esau.’ From Ohio roots to Kalkaska, Michigan, her story is one of resilience, fame, and love in an era of curiosity and spectacle. The Captivating Story of Grace Gilbert In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, circuses were the height of entertainment, often showcasing “curiosities” to attract audiences. One of the most fascinating figures of the era was Grace Gilbert, born in Ohio in 1876 and later a Kalkaska resident. Grace, with her extraordinary hair growth, captivated the world as one of the first… Read More »

The Snowshoe Priest When you think of the rugged landscapes of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the image of a Slovenian priest trekking through snow-covered forests on snowshoes might not be the first thing that comes to mind. For 37 years, Frederic Baraga—fondly known as the “Snowshoe Priest”—dedicated his life to the spiritual and cultural enrichment of the Ottawa and Chippewa tribes. He also ministered to the immigrant communities of the region. His story is one of resilience, faith, and a relentless commitment to his mission. He earned the title “Apostle of the Lakelands” and, in recent years, the honor of being… Read More »

A Historic Look at Michigan’s Legendary Ski Destination Did you know Michigan is home to one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States? On January 16, 1937 Caberfae Ski Resort opened. Known for its stunning views, Scottish heritage, and innovative skiing features, Caberfae has transformed over the decades while retaining its charm and community focus. Caberfae’s Scottish Roots The name “Caberfae” means “Stag’s Head” in Scottish Gaelic. The land was named in 1919 by Kenneth MacKenzie, honoring both his ancestry and the abundance of deer herds in the area. The resort’s unique name adds to its allure, blending… Read More »

Earl Young’s Quirky Stone Masterpieces Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan lies Charlevoix, a charming town famous for its fairy-tale-like “Mushroom Houses.” These enchanting homes, with curved lines, stone façades, and imaginative shapes, were the vision of Earl A. Young, an untrained but wildly talented architectural designer. Over his 52-year career, Young created 31 one-of-a-kind structures that have captivated generations of visitors and earned Charlevoix its whimsical charm. There are 28 Mushroom Houses in Charlevoix. The Mushroom Houses are also all built from stones that Young dredged straight from Lake Michigan. They’re all close (or on) Lake Michigan waterfront… Read More »

A Haunting Chapter in Northern Michigan History On a quiet winter evening, January 7, 1971, the residents of Charlevoix, Michigan, were jolted by a fiery explosion over Little Traverse Bay. A U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) B-52C bomber, conducting a routine radar bomb scoring flight, tragically crashed into Lake Michigan. The disaster claimed the lives of all nine crew members aboard. It also came alarmingly close to the Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant. This incident not only left a scar on the local community but also raised critical questions about Cold War military practices and nuclear safety…. Read More »

Emelia Schaub’s Remarkable Journey Emelia Christine Schaub (1891–1995) was more than just a lawyer; she was a pioneer who broke barriers for women in law and advocated for justice throughout her life. As Michigan’s first elected female prosecutor and the first woman in the U.S. to successfully defend a murder trial, her legacy resonates deeply in both the legal profession and her Leelanau County community Early Life and Roots in Leelanau County Born in 1891 in a log cabin in Centerville Township, Michigan, Emelia was the eldest of eight children. Her family, early settlers in Provemont (now Lake Leelanau), operated… Read More »

A Story of Resilience and Community Nestled on the eastern side of the Leelanau Peninsula, Omena Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and community. Its roots trace back to the mid-1800s when Reverend Peter Dougherty moved his mission from Old Mission to Omena. He established what would become one of the oldest Protestant churches in Michigan. This historic landmark reflects the trials, triumphs, and dedication of its congregation over the decades. The Founding Years In 1839, the Presbyterian Board of Missions sent Reverend Peter Dougherty to Michigan’s Grand Traverse region to establish a mission. He founded the… Read More »