In this episode of Michigan Hidden History, Tharan and Robin slow things down to explore one of Mackinac Island’s quieter landmarks: the Little Stone Church, officially known as Union Congregational Church. Built in 1904 from glacial fieldstones gathered by hand from the island itself, the church grew from the vision of just eleven charter members who wanted a place of worship for Mackinac Island’s summer community.

They uncover how local builder Frank Rounds and his crew collected stones deposited by ancient glaciers and transformed them into the church’s walls, combining the island’s natural history with its human history.

Inside, fourteen stained glass windows installed in 1914 tell stories from Mackinac Island’s past, including the fur trade, missionary activity, and the experiences of Native people during a period of major cultural and religious change. Tharan and Robin examine not only the beauty of those windows, but also the more complicated history they represent and how our understanding of those stories has changed over time.
The episode also explores the church’s century-long role as a summer place of worship and one of Michigan’s most beloved wedding destinations.

From Ice Age geology to stained glass, faith, community, and cultural change, the Little Stone Church proves that some of Michigan’s biggest stories can be found in its smallest buildings.

Eleven people. A lot of rocks. More than a century of history.

In this episode of Michigan Hidden History, Tharan and Robin uncover how Mackinac Island became the backdrop for two major political and business gatherings whose influence reached far beyond northern Michigan.

First, they travel back to 1943, when Republican leaders gathered at the Grand Hotel during World War II to debate America’s role in the postwar world. At the center was Michigan Senator Arthur Vandenberg, a former isolationist who became one of the country’s strongest advocates for international cooperation. The compromise forged at Mackinac helped build Republican support for the United Nations and, later, NATO.
That gathering eventually evolved into the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference, attracting major political figures including Ronald Reagan, John McCain, Mitt Romney, and others.

Then, Tharan and Robin explore the very different origins of the Mackinac Policy Conference. Beginning in 1904 as a business conference held aboard a Great Lakes cruise ship, the event moved to Mackinac Island in 1981 and grew into one of the Midwest’s most influential gatherings of political, business, and civic leaders.

From wartime foreign policy debates to conversations about Michigan’s economy, infrastructure, and future, this episode reveals how the Grand Hotel’s famous porch became much more than a place to relax.

Two conferences. One island. Decisions that reached far beyond Michigan.

In Part Two of Michigan Hidden History’s Grand Hotel series, Tharan and Robin continue the story of Mackinac Island’s most iconic hotel by exploring the people, films, traditions, and restoration efforts that shaped the Grand into what it is today.

The episode begins with the Musser family, who purchased the hotel in 1979 and helped create its unmistakable style through a decades-long partnership with Dorothy Draper & Company. Then, Hollywood returns to Mackinac Island with Somewhere in Time, the 1980 film starring Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer that transformed the Grand Hotel into a pilgrimage destination for generations of fans.
Tharan and Robin also uncover the Grand Hotel’s National Historic Landmark designation, its collection of rooms honoring former First Ladies, and the end of the Musser family’s forty-year ownership era. Finally, they explore the massive restoration project working to return the hotel’s exterior to its historic appearance while preserving the character that has made it famous for more than a century.
From Hollywood romance and presidential history to bold design and historic preservation, Part Two tells the story of how generation after generation has chosen to keep the Grand Hotel alive.

The Grand Hotel exists because people kept deciding it was worth saving.

In this episode of Michigan Hidden History, Tharan and Robin explore the surprising story behind one of Michigan’s most recognizable landmarks: the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Opened in 1887 by a partnership of railroad and steamship companies, the Grand Hotel was built to attract travelers to Mackinac Island and quickly became famous for its massive 660-foot front porch. But behind the elegance was a far less glamorous story. For decades, the hotel struggled financially, went through multiple managers, and in 1910 even faced a serious proposal to tear it down and sell the land.
Then came W. Stewart Woodfill. Starting as a desk clerk before becoming manager in 1923, Woodfill would eventually buy the struggling hotel during the Great Depression and guide it through economic hardship, World War II, and decades of change. His determination helped transform the Grand Hotel from a struggling seasonal resort into a world-famous Michigan landmark.

Along the way, discover the Grand Hotel’s connection to Mackinac Island’s automobile ban, Mark Twain, early phonograph demonstrations, and Hollywood star Esther Williams.

This is Part One of our two-part Grand Hotel story: the building, the struggle, and the man who refused to let it disappear.

In this episode of Michigan Hidden History, Tharan and Robin return to Mackinac Island to uncover two remarkable stories connected by the same historic ground at Fort Mackinac.

First, discover the origins of the Governor’s Honor Guard, which began in 1929 with eight Eagle Scouts, including a young Gerald Ford, decades before he became the 38th President of the United States. Follow the program as it grew, from a Scout barracks built by World War I veterans during the Great Depression to the inclusion of Girl Scouts in 1975 and the tradition that continues every summer today.

Then travel back to 1885, when soldiers stationed at Fort Mackinac formed their own baseball club. Games drew spectators to a 500-seat grandstand overlooking Lake Huron, and the parade ground they played on is considered Michigan’s oldest continuously used baseball field.

From future presidents raising flags to soldiers playing baseball, this episode shows how one small piece of Mackinac Island has carried generations of Michigan history.

Two stories. One parade ground. Hundreds of years of Michigan life.

Uncover the fascinating history of the Starr family, a prominent name in Michigan's past. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit and community involvement, the Starrs have left an indelible mark on the region. This episode explores their journey from humble beginnings to becoming influential figures in local business and society. Discover the stories of their successes, challenges, and the legacy they continue to build in Michigan. Join us as we delve into the lives of the Starr family and their lasting impact on the community.

Discover the inspiring story of St. Paul Church in Royal Oak, a beacon of faith and community in Michigan. This episode explores the church's rich history, from its founding to its role as a spiritual and cultural hub. Learn about the dedicated leaders and parishioners who have shaped its mission and the impactful programs that serve the local community. Join us as we delve into the traditions, challenges, and triumphs of St. Paul Church, highlighting its enduring legacy and vibrant presence in Royal Oak.

Continue the journey with Part 2 of our exploration of the Saginaw Trail, as we delve deeper into its historical significance and the pivotal role it played in Michigan's expansion. This episode focuses on the trail's transformation during the 19th century, highlighting its impact on settlement patterns, economic growth, and cultural exchanges. Discover the stories of the pioneers and settlers who traveled the trail, and learn how it facilitated the movement of people and goods, shaping the region's development. Join us as we uncover the enduring legacy of the Saginaw Trail in Michigan's history.

Embark on a journey through history with Part 1 of our exploration of the Saginaw Trail, a historic route that has played a crucial role in Michigan's development. This episode delves into the origins of the trail, tracing its roots back to the indigenous peoples who first traversed it. Discover how the trail evolved over time, becoming a vital artery for trade, travel, and communication. Join us as we uncover the stories of the people and events that shaped the early days of the Saginaw Trail, setting the stage for its enduring legacy in Michigan's history.

Discover the enduring legacy of the Perry Hotel in Petoskey, Michigan, a historic gem that has stood the test of time. From its creation by a dentist-turned-hotelier to its role as a vibrant social hub, the Perry Hotel's story is one of resilience, community, and charm. Join us as we explore its fascinating history, including connections to Ernest Hemingway and its survival through economic shifts and wars. This episode uncovers why the Perry Hotel remains a beloved landmark and a living piece of Petoskey's history.