Michigan Minute

On this day in 1891, Detroit’s streetcar employees unionized. Starting in April, local transit workers picketed the Detroit Street Railway and Grand River Railway companies, leading to a violent 3-day riot. They sought a 10-hour workday instead of 12. After Mayor Hazen Pingree intervened, an agreement was reached on May 12, recognizing the new union.

On this day in 1978, Margaret Brewer, a native of Durand, became the Marine Corps’ first woman brigadier general. Inspired by the Iwo Jima flag raisers, she joined the Marines after graduating from the University of Michigan. And in 1875, Harriet Quimby, the first licensed American female pilot, was born in Arcadia, Michigan.

On this day in 1815, Eliza Seaman Leggett, a key member of the Underground Railroad, was born. Her Michigan home welcomed many enslaved people and notable abolitionists. A fighter for women's suffrage and public water availability, she also supported American literature. In 2003, she was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.

On this day in 1959, Mike and Marian Ilitch opened their first Little Caesars restaurant in Garden City, Michigan. Mike, a former Detroit Tigers farm team shortstop, turned to pizza after an injury. Their $10,000 investment grew into the world's largest carry-out pizza chain, enabling them to own other businesses in food, sports, and entertainment.

On this day in 1924, Sophie Lyons, a famous rogue turned reformer, died in Detroit. Known as one of the country's most notorious thieves, she later dedicated her life to juvenile delinquent rehabilitation. Her autobiography, "Why Crime Doesn’t Pay," and her amassed fortune reflect her complex legacy.

On this day in 1898, Daniel Frank Gerber, the creator of Gerber Baby food, was born in Fremont, Michigan. His wife Dorothy suggested making and selling baby foods at their canning company, leading to the creation of the Gerber Products Company. Their enterprise became the world's largest baby-food manufacturer by 1974.

On this day in 1903, civil rights pioneer Booker T. Washington addressed an enthusiastic audience in Detroit, advocating for unity and greatness. And in 1831, Michigan's oldest continuously published newspaper, the Detroit Free Press, began its journey. Both events mark significant milestones in Michigan's history.

On this day in 1846, the first woman to address the Michigan legislature, Ernestine Rose, spoke about women's suffrage. And in 2010, Detroit Tigers' beloved broadcaster Ernie Harwell passed away, leaving behind a legacy in sports memorabilia. Their contributions continue to inspire and shape Michigan's history.

On this day in 2017: A rare fossil of a Placoderm, an armor-plated fish, was found in Alpena, Michigan, exciting paleontologists at the University of Michigan. On this day in 1921: Walker Smith Jr., better known as boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, was born. Although his birth certificate says Georgia, he grew up in Detroit and became one of the greatest boxers, winning six world championships.

On this day in 1964: At Michigan Stadium, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced his plans for "The Great Society" during the University of Michigan’s commencement. This included Medicare, Medicaid, and the Civil Rights Act. On this day in 1844: Elijah McCoy, the son of escaped enslaved people, was born. His invention of a steam engine oil lubrication system led to the phrase "The Real McCoy."