On This Day in History

December has witnessed pivotal moments in Michigan’s history, from groundbreaking legislation to the birth of notable figures. The month holds a special place in the state’s legacy, marked by transformative events and milestones. Events that shaped its cultural, political, and social landscape. Join us as we reflect on some of the most significant occurrences that happened on this day in December, from innovative transportation developments to extraordinary local events. December 7, 1945 In the summer and fall of 1945, former Michigan Governor Chase Osborn championed the vision of Sugar Island becoming home to the United Nations. The proposal was supported… Read More »

A Historical Overview The Traverse City State Hospital, originally known as the Northern Michigan Asylum, opened its doors on November 30, 1885. Established in response to overcrowding in existing facilities like the Kalamazoo State Hospital (1859) and Pontiac State Hospital (1873), it became the third psychiatric hospital in Michigan. The site was secured by Perry Hannah, a prominent lumber baron from Traverse City,. He used his political influence to advocate for the hospital’s location. Architectural Significance and Early Operations Building 50 was the first structure erected at the hospital, designed according to the Kirkbride Plan in a Victorian-Italianate style. Dr…. Read More »

A Tragic Maritime Disaster on Lake Superior On November 27-28, 1905, the Great Lakes were engulfed by the Mataafa Storm. This was a weather event that became a haunting reminder of nature’s ferocity. With its powerful winds and heavy snowfall, this storm led to the destruction of 29 ships and claimed the lives of 36 seamen. The economic impact was a staggering $3.567 million in shipping losses (in 1905 dollars). The storm was particularly infamous for the fate of the bulk carrier SS Mataafa, from which it derived its name. The Meteorological Conditions The storm system initially moved across the… Read More »

A Shipwreck, Chryslers, and an Epic Winter Storm Imagine a brutal winter storm on Lake Superior, a steamer loaded with brand-new cars, and a desperate crew battling freezing waters and raging winds. This is the incredible story of the City of Bangor. The City of Bangor was a steel steamer built in 1896 in Bay City, that met its fate in November 1926. Let’s take a closer look at how a shipwreck, a rescue, and hundreds of Chryslers turned into one of Lake Superior’s most remarkable shipwreck tales. On November 30, 1926, the City of Bangor set out from Detroit,… Read More »

On November 1, 1973, Michigan celebrated a significant milestone in its transportation history with the completion of Interstate 75 (I-75). Stretching 395 miles from the Ohio border near Toledo to Sault Ste. Marie, I-75 stands as the longest expressway in Michigan and one of the most important highways in the state. This vital corridor connects the southern and northern regions of Michigan, making road trips and travel across the state faster and more convenient. The Journey to Completion The journey to completing I-75 began in 1957, when construction crews broke ground on this ambitious project. By 1959, signs marking the… Read More »

A Historic Landmark on Walloon Lake Perched along the shores of Walloon Lake in Emmet County is a cottage that witnessed the formative years of one of America’s most celebrated authors: Ernest Hemingway. Known as “Windemere,” this single-story, white clapboard structure served as the Hemingway family’s summer retreat and as a sanctuary where Hemingway developed his lifelong passions for hunting, fishing, and storytelling. The History of Windemere In 1898, Hemingway’s parents, Dr. Clarence Hemingway and Grace Hall Hemingway, purchased four lots on Walloon Lake. The following year, Grace designed a cottage, and in 1900, the couple had it constructed for… Read More »

On a stormy evening in November 1953, a mystery unfolded over Lake Superior that continues to baffle historians and aviation enthusiasts alike. It began when an unexpected object appeared on the radar of a United States Air Force (USAF) facility. This prompted officials to dispatch two airmen to investigate. What transpired next remains one of the most enduring enigmas of aviation history. The Radar Detection The story started on November 23, 1953, at an Air Defense Command facility located on the U.S.-Canada border. Reports of the weather vary, with some accounts describing snowfall while others mention a stormy atmosphere. At… Read More »

In the fall of 1975, Michigan’s high school football landscape experienced a pivotal change with the first official Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state championship games. This marked the beginning of structured playoffs in Michigan, allowing high school football teams to compete for a recognized state title. Before this formal system, high school championships were often deemed unofficial. Rankings and championships based largely on the opinions of sports writers. With the advent of these playoffs, Michigan established a fair and competitive method to crown state champions across multiple classifications. The Inaugural MHSAA Football Championships of 1975 The first MHSAA… Read More »

A Stamp of Recognition On November 20, 2018, the United States Postal Service (USPS) unveiled a stunning stamp featuring the Ontonagon River. The river is a breathtaking 25-mile waterway flowing through Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula to Lake Superior. Captured by renowned photographer Tim Palmer, this stamp is part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers series. The series honors America’s unaltered rivers. The Ontonagon River: A Natural Gem The Ontonagon River has been celebrated for its natural beauty and ecological significance. It is one of twelve rivers featured in the Wild and Scenic Rivers series. The series was part of the… Read More »

Lawmakers Settle It! Officially, Michigander it is! On November 2, 2017, the Michigan Legislature made a significant decision regarding the identity of its residents. In a historic move, lawmakers voted unanimously in both the House and Senate to designate “Michigander” as the official term for the people of Michigan, replacing “Michiganian.” This change updated a 1913 law pertaining to the Michigan Historical Commission, effectively unifying Michiganders under a single, proud identity. The Legislative Shift The term “Michigander” has a long and somewhat ambiguous history. While the precise origins of the term are debated. We do know that it was famously… Read More »

A Historic Gem Serving the Community Nestled along the serene shores of Mullett Lake, the Topinabee Public Library has been at the heart of its community for generations. Located at 1576 North Straits Highway, this charming library not only serves the residents of Mullett Township and part of Burt Township, but it also provides a unique blend of history and community spirit from a building that once welcomed trains, not books. A Look Back in Time Topinabee’s history dates back to 1881 when the Michigan Central Railroad had plans to turn this picturesque spot into a resort destination. H.H. Pike,… Read More »

A British Stronghold in Early American Michigan Located on the western end of Drummond Island in Michigan’s Whitney Bay is Fort Drummond. The fort has also been known as Fort Colyer or Fort Collier and holds a unique place in American history. Established in 1815 by British forces, Fort Drummond was built on American soil post-War of 1812, following the Treaty of Ghent. Despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Michigan State Historic Site, the fort is currently private property, and only a few remnants like stone chimneys remain. The Fort’s Beginnings Fort Drummond’s… Read More »