On This Day in History

A Look Back at the 1978 Decision In 1978, Michigan made history as the first state to raise its legal drinking age back to 21. The state had lowered it to 18 just six years prior. This decision, fueled by growing concerns over drunk driving among teenagers. This law marked a pivotal moment in the state’s efforts to improve road safety and address public health concerns. The Drinking Age Debate The movement to lower the drinking age to 18 in the early 1970s was tied to the Vietnam War. Proponents argued that if young Americans could be drafted at 18,… Read More »

The History of Rural Mail Delivery in Michigan Imagine a time when retrieving mail meant trekking to the local post office. For many Michiganders in the late 19th century, this was the norm. That was until rural free delivery (RFD) revolutionized the postal system. Traverse City residents were among the first in Michigan to experience home delivery, albeit unofficially, in 1897. By 1905, rural mail routes crisscrossed the state, connecting even the most remote corners to the rest of the world. The Beginnings of Mail Delivery in Traverse City On December 20, 1897, Traverse City made local history as five… Read More »

Pioneers of Fuse Manufacturing in Michigan’s Mining Era In 1862, the Lake Superior Safety Fuse Company began its journey in Eagle River, amid the thriving copper mining industry of the Upper Peninsula. With deep roots in Cornwall, England, and an innovative spirit, the company evolved into J. Blight & Sons, leaving a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and resilience that lasted for generations. This blog explores the fascinating story of how this small company became an integral part of Michigan’s mining history. From Cornwall to Michigan: The Origins of Fuse Manufacturing The concept of safety fuses originated in the mines of… Read More »

Pioneering Road Safety Since 1915 Michigan has always been a trailblazer in transportation and traffic innovation and safety. From inventing critical road markings to developing modern traffic signals, the state has continually shaped how we navigate the streets. Among these innovations, Michigan became the first state to paint solid yellow lines on December 20, 1971, marking no-passing zones and enhancing road safety for drivers everywhere. Solid yellow lines play a crucial role in traffic management On curves and hills: Solid yellow lines warn drivers against passing, where visibility of oncoming traffic is limited. One-way or four-lane roads: Solid yellow lines… Read More »

A Boundary Dispute That Shaped Two States In the early 19th century, a peculiar conflict arose between Ohio and the Michigan Territory. Known as the Toledo War (1835–1836), or the Michigan–Ohio War, this dispute wasn’t a war in the traditional sense but rather a heated political and economic struggle over a sliver of land called the Toledo Strip. The Roots of the Conflict The dispute centered around the 468-square-mile Toledo Strip, which included the mouth of the Maumee River, a vital shipping hub, and fertile farmland to the west. Both Ohio and Michigan saw the area as essential to their… Read More »

A Prolific Voice of American Literature Jim Harrison (1937–2016) remains one of the most celebrated figures in American literature, weaving poetic lyricism with gritty, earthbound storytelling. Born in Grayling, Michigan, and passing in Patagonia, Arizona, Harrison’s work encapsulates the human struggle between nature and modernity. Renowned for his novellas, novels, essays, poetry, and screenplays, Harrison’s prolific output—spanning more than 30 books—cements his place alongside literary greats like Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner. Early Life and Influences Jim Harrison’s formative years in rural Michigan laid the foundation for his deep connection to the natural world. Born to avid readers, his upbringing… Read More »

From Boom to Farewell: The Story of the Soo Line Railroad On this day in 1887, the Soo Line Railroad, officially the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad, reached Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This milestone marked a transformative moment for the Northwoods, connecting the region to the outside world year-round, even during the frozen grip of winter. Formed in 1884, the Soo Line primarily served as a freight railroad but also brought passenger services to the Northwoods. With its Laker passenger train, the Soo Line offered residents access to Minneapolis-St. Paul and connections to Chicago, making it an… Read More »

A Vision for Global Diplomacy on Sugar Island In the aftermath of World War II, as the League of Nations gave way to the newly formed United Nations. At that time discussions began about where this global organization’s headquarters would be located. Among the many proposals, a surprising contender emerged: Sugar Island, located in the St. Marys River between Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Ontario. Sugar Island’s Bid for the UN Headquarters In the summer and fall of 1945, former Michigan Governor Chase Osborn championed the vision of Sugar Island becoming home to the United Nations. Supported by the twin… 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 »

November 1, 1957 On November 1, 1957, the Mackinac Bridge opened to traffic as scheduled. Many challenges were overcame that were the result of marine construction in the turbulent Straits of Mackinac. This engineering marvel spans 26,372 feet and connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, linking Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. The bridge is 5 miles long and the roadway is 199 feet above the water at midspan. Just a year after its completion, the bridge earned recognition as the world’s longest suspension bridge between anchorages. In 1998, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan became the longest in the world,… 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 »