On This Day in History

A Leap Through History in Ishpeming Few traditions in Michigan match the boldness and spectacle of ski jumpers launching themselves off the imposing Suicide Hill in Ishpeming. This iconic ski jump has been the heart of winter sports in the region since February 26, 1926, when brave souls first tested its daring heights. But the story of Suicide Hill goes back even further. It is rooted in the passion of early ski clubs and the adventurous spirit of a community united by winter. Before Suicide Hill came into existence, the Ishpeming Ski Club (formerly the Norden Ski Club) was already… Read More »

Soaring Through History Nancy Harkness Love, a trailblazer in aviation, was born Hannah Lincoln Harkness on February 14, 1914, in Houghton, Michigan. From an early age, her adventurous spirit and passion for flying set her on a path that would forever change the role of women in aviation. At just 16, Nancy took her first flight and earned her pilot’s license within a month—a clear indication of her determination and skill. Her journey into the skies continued while attending Vassar College, where she famously earned the nickname “The Flying Freshman.” Nancy not only transported passengers for income but also pushed… 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 »

The Great Freeze of 2014: Lake Superior’s Icy Spectacle The winter of 2013-2014 delivered an icy masterpiece, with Lake Superior nearly freezing over entirely for the first time in decades. By February 5, 2014, 92% of the lake’s surface was covered in ice, peaking at 96% by the end of the month. This extraordinary event brought beauty and challenges to the region, from delayed shipping to icebergs lingering well into June. The freeze captivated onlookers and showcased the lake’s raw power and resilience. Let’s dive into the remarkable story of the Great Freeze of 2014. The Ice Came Early—and Stayed… Read More »

A Forgotten Chapter of WWII History February 12, 1944, marked the arrival of German soldiers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), bringing a piece of World War II history to this remote and rugged region. Members of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Corps were transported across the Atlantic and the United States to POW camps such as Camp Evelyn and Camp Sidnaw. Eventually, approximately 1,000 German prisoners of war (POWs) would reside in five camps scattered across the U.P., with others sent to facilities in the Lower Peninsula. A Journey Across the Atlantic With Great Britain running out of space for… Read More »

Nick Baumgartner is a name that rings loud in the world of snowboarding. Did you know that his roots are deeply tied to Iron Rive? Iron River is where this Olympic champion proudly calls home. Known as the #BlueCollarOlympian, Baumgartner is not just a professional snowboarder. When he’s not soaring down the slopes he’s also a concrete worker. The 40-year-old’s journey to Olympic glory has been marked by grit, perseverance, and the heart of a true Michigander. Making History In 2022, Baumgartner made history when he earned his first Olympic gold medal in the inaugural mixed team snowboard cross event… Read More »

How Michigan Became British In 1763, a momentous treaty changed the trajectory of Michigan and North America as a whole. The Treaty of Paris, signed on February 10, 1763, officially ended the Seven Years’ War (commonly known in America as the French and Indian War). It marked the transfer of Michigan and all French territory east of the Mississippi River to British control. What seemed like a major victory for the British Empire carried long-term consequences that sowed the seeds of conflict in North America. The Seven Years’ War began as a territorial dispute over the Ohio River Valley, pitting… Read More »

Snow, Snowballs, and Snow Angels at Michigan Tech February 10, 2006, will forever be remembered as the day Michigan Technological University (MTU) made winter history breaking three world records. Amid the Keweenaw Peninsula’s notoriously cold and snowy conditions, MTU capitalized on the weather to set three world records in one unforgettable event. With the help of students, faculty, staff, and local kids, Michigan Tech’s Sherman Field became the stage for a series of winter feats that showcased the community’s enthusiasm and creativity. The day began with a snowball fight for the ages. A whopping 3,084 participants threw themselves into the… Read More »

2,228 Snowmen Built in One Hour When temperatures dipped into the single digits on February 10, 2018, Michigan Technological University faced a unique challenge. Could a group of dedicated students, faculty, and community members defy the odds and break a Guinness World Record? The answer was a resounding “yes”! They shattered the record for the most snowmen built in one hour. They crafted a world record of a total of 2,228 snowmen. This beat the previous record of 2,036 set in Japan back in 2015. The event, aptly named “Snowman Left Behind,” took place at Sherman Field on the Michigan… 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 »

Where the Cold Rewrote State History Nestled in the heart of Otsego County, Vanderbilt is a quaint village with a big claim to fame. While its 2020 population of just 498 might suggest a sleepy town, Vanderbilt is anything but ordinary. It was here, on February 9, 1934, that Michigan experienced its coldest recorded temperature: a bone-chilling −51°F (−46°C). Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating history behind this frosty feat and the town that holds the title. A Snapshot of Vanderbilt’s History Vanderbilt’s story began in 1875 when the Michigan Central Railroad planned to extend north from Gaylord…. Read More »

A Stunning Tribute to Nature On February 7, 2018, coin enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs gathered in Munising, Michigan, to celebrate the release of a truly special quarter. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore quarter, part of the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters Program, was officially launched.  This quarter was the first coin release of 2018 and the 41st in the program. This stunning coin honors the breathtaking beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It features the iconic Chapel Rock sandstone formation and its resilient white pine tree. A sight to behold in both nature… Read More »