Michigan Minute

On this day in 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau—a former U-M student—leading to civil service reform after Garfield’s death.

On this day in 1955, Michigan State College officially became Michigan State University after a long push for recognition—and despite resistance from the University of Michigan.

On this day in 1915, Selina Pramstaller and Tillie Esper of Detroit wrote a note at Tashmoo Park, sealed it in a bottle, and cast it into the St. Clair River. Nearly a century later, in 2013, the bottle was discovered and now rests at the marina where the park once thrived.

On this day in 1863, Monroe native George Armstrong Custer was promoted to brigadier general and took command of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, playing a key role at Gettysburg. Also, in 1928, Michigan launched its first major pollution control effort to protect lakes and streams.

On this day in 1965, Michigan made the unique Petoskey Stone its official state rock, with a historic signing attended by Ella Jane Petoskey, granddaughter of Chief Petosegay. And in 1958, Governor G. Mennen Williams dedicated the Mackinac Bridge—the world’s largest suspension bridge—linking Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

On this day in 1947, the first College World Series baseball games took place in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where the University of California swept Yale, led by future president George W. Bush. Also, in 1975, acclaimed writer Teju Cole was born in Kalamazoo.

On this day in 1911, Michigan adopted its current state flag, featuring the coat of arms with symbols of peace, defense, and wildlife — all topped with the state motto, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.”

On this day in 1832, Detroit issued strict medical guidance to combat a cholera epidemic, restricting boat traffic and public movement amid fears and outdated treatments. Church bells were silenced to prevent panic during the deadly outbreak.

On this day in 1960, the steamer J.F. Schoellkopf nearly collided with the new Houghton-Hancock Bridge when the bridge operator missed its whistle signal, causing the ship to run aground and cut telephone service to 1,000 Hancock customers.

On this day in 1963, 125,000 marched Detroit’s Woodward Avenue with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., marking one of the nation’s largest civil rights demonstrations.