On this day in 1974, the First Annual Ann Arbor Streak-In took place, drawing thousands of spectators. Later, the First Annual Lucky Streak attracted 10,000 people to watch 70 streakers.
On this day in 1912, Gov. Chase Osborn sought to outlaw brewery-owned saloons in Michigan. In 1836, Gov. Stevens T. Mason signed the Township Act, organizing land into political units and setting an example for other states.
On this day in 1914, Michigan took steps to improve handwriting in schools. In 2016, The Bay City Democrat published its final edition. In 1919, Marion Hutton, a singer with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, was born.
On this day in 1901, R. E. Olds moved his automobile factory to Lansing after a fire in Detroit. In 1976, Governor Milliken legalized manned hot-air balloon flights in Michigan, ending a ban in place since 1931.
On this day in 1887, pioneering pilot Philip Parmelee was born. He trained with the Wright Brothers and achieved several aviation firsts, including the first commercial flight and military reconnaissance flight. Parmelee tragically died at 25, but his legacy is honored at Lansing Capital Regional International Airport.
On this day in 1976, Sheila Young won three medals in speed skating at the Innsbruck Winter Olympics. In 2019, Representative John Dingell Jr., a key figure in passing significant legislation, passed away at 92.
On this day in 1877, the Detroit Club experienced a live concert from Chicago via telephone. In 1896, Charles King built and drove Detroit's first gasoline automobile. In 2014, the Detroit Red Wings retired Nicklas Lindstrom's number.
On this day in 1829, Detroit Gazette editor John P. Sheldon was fined and jailed for criticizing the Michigan territorial court. In 1916, a fire destroyed an engineering building at Michigan Agricultural College. In 2013, the Michigan Supreme Court began live streaming its proceedings.
On this day in 1947, WWDT-TV Channel 4, Michigan's first TV station, began broadcasting. In 1955, Michigan designated the eastern white pine as the official state tree, symbolizing the state's logging history.
On this day in 1847, Governor Alpheus Felch resigned to become a U.S. Senator. In 1875, Mackinac Island became the US's second national park. Then in 1931, Isle Royale National Park was authorized by Congress.
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About Michigan Minute
From the publisher's feed
WKAR’s Jamie Paisley presents intriguing stories for each day in Michigan history. From name changes and iconic cities to arcane laws, Michigan Minute covers a wide variety of fascinatingly true tales…
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