Michigan Minute

On this day in 1904, Herbert Hughes made headlines when a chicken he beheaded ran around for another 17 days, drawing tourists to Sault Ste. Marie. In 1862, Michigan State Agricultural College (now MSU) held its first graduation ceremony, delayed by the Civil War. Additionally, in 1909, the first mile of paved concrete road was laid on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, marking a significant development in Michigan's infrastructure.

On this day in 1928, the Fisher Theater opened in Detroit, later remodeled for a more intimate experience. In 1975, Mariner Church tolled its bells 29 times for the crew lost on the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, a tradition lasting until 2006. Additionally, in 2011, Michigan State became the first Big Ten team to play on an aircraft carrier, honoring veterans in a game against the University of North Carolina aboard the USS Carl Vinson.

On this day in 1975, a fierce storm claimed the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior, taking down the largest ship lost on the Great Lakes along with 29 crew members. The tragedy inspired Gordon Lightfoot to write “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” which became a Number 2 hit almost a year later, immortalizing the disaster in song.

On this date in 2013, the newest U.S. Navy aircraft carrier was named after Michigan's only president, Gerald R. Ford, with notable attendees like Senator Carl Levin and Susan Ford Bales. Additionally, in 1895, Detroit witnessed the last trip of a horse-drawn car before the arrival of electric public transit, marked by a crowd that celebrated its end with a bit of chaos.

On this day in 1870, African Americans gained the right to vote in Michigan state elections, thanks to the 15th Amendment. In 2002, Eminem released "8 Mile," a film based on his life in Detroit’s hip-hop scene. Additionally, in 1874, Frank Baldwin of Constantine, Michigan, became one of only 19 servicemen to receive the U.S. Medal of Honor twice for his bravery in battle.

This week in 1913, a devastating storm struck the Great Lakes, sinking 19 ships and claiming over 230 lives. On this day in 1950, Lansing welcomed Alexa Irene Canady, the first African American neurosurgeon, who later became chief of neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital. In 1991, Magic Johnson announced his HIV-positive status, becoming a prominent activist and changing perceptions of the disease.

On this day in 1962, an imposter named Daniel West was elected to Michigan's House of Representatives, claiming a background in local offices. He was reelected in 1964, but a fingerprint match revealed him as a three-time convicted felon. The real Daniel West, a New York attorney, had died in 1961. A warrant was issued in 1965, but the fraudster vanished, with his true identity remaining a mystery to this day.

On this day in 1918, Michigan became the 7th state to grant women the right to vote. In 2002, Jennifer Granholm was elected as the first woman governor. Additionally, in 2004, "The Polar Express" premiered in Grand Rapids, featuring a locomotive modeled after a Pere Marquette.

On this day, we honor Cora Mae Brown, who became the first Black woman elected to the Michigan Senate in 1952, advocating for civil rights and fair housing. Additionally, in 1907, Faygo Pop was founded by Russian immigrant brothers Ben and Perry Feigensen, introducing flavors like grape and fruit punch, which later became known as red pop.

On this date, we highlight key events: in 1927, Detroit Tiger Ty Cobb retired after 22 seasons, setting 90 MLB records. In 1972, Mackinac Island voters approved snowmobiles, the first motorized vehicles allowed since 1949. Additionally, in 1911, William C. Durant founded a new company after his ousting from General Motors, partnering with Louis Chevrolet.