On This Day in History

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 »

The Royal Connection of Northern Michigan Tucked away in the serene St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Leelanau County lies an unexpected yet fascinating piece of European history. His Imperial and Royal Highness Archduke Stefan of Austria, Prince of Hungary, Bohemia, and Tuscany, rests beside his former wife, Mary Jerrine Soper. In this remote Northern Michigan cemetery is a connection to royalty that many are surprised to discover. A Life of Royal Heritage and American Roots Born on August 15, 1932, in the suburban community of Mödling, Vienna, Archduke Stefan was the eldest son of Archduke Anton of Austria and Princess Ileana… Read More »

The tale of the Edmund Fitzgerald stands as one of the most mysterious and controversial shipwreck stories of the Great Lakes, rivaled in cultural impact only by that of the Titanic. Since her tragic sinking on November 10, 1975, the Fitzgerald has inspired numerous narratives in books, films, and songs, most notably through Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” released in 1976. The Final Voyage The Edmund Fitzgerald met her fate on Lake Superior, approximately 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan, with all 29 crew members on board. Her last journey commenced on November 9,… Read More »

On November 1, 1966, a small town with a big name—Christmas, Michigan—made history when the U.S. Postal Service released its first Madonna and Child stamp. This release, centered on a 15th-century painting by Hans Memling titled Madonna and Child with Angels, marked a milestone for both the holiday season and American philately. The stamp, designed by Howard C. Mildner and modeled with exceptional detail, brought art and culture to the forefront of seasonal postage, quickly becoming a favorite across the country. A Record-Breaking Stamp The Madonna and Child stamp was immensely popular upon its release. Demand soared, leading the U.S…. Read More »

Michigan’s experience with time changes has evolved significantly over the years, shaped by a mixture of federal legislation, state referendums, and unique local decisions. Here’s how the state transitioned from adopting its first time standard in the late 1800s to aligning with today’s nationwide observance of Daylight Saving Time (DST). Timeline of Time Observance in Michigan 1883 On October 11, U.S. and Canadian railroads adopt standardized time zones at the General Time Convention in Chicago. A second meeting, the Southern Time Convention, occurs in New York on October 17. 1884 Twenty-four global standard time zones are established by the International… Read More »