On this day in 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first U.S. city to add fluoride to its tap water. This was part of a study comparing dental health with Muskegon, MI, which later also fluoridated its water. Learn about the origins and impact of water fluoridation.

On this day in 1924, Grace Gilbert, the famous Bearded Lady from Kalkaska, Michigan, passed away. In 1938, a colossal winter storm hit the Upper Peninsula, causing 32 inches of snow and trapping people with snowdrifts up to 18 feet tall.

On this day in 1913, Lorinda Anna Blair Etheridge, a Union nurse and vivandière, was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In 1963, Malcolm X spoke at MSU about race and the Black Muslim religion.

On this day in 1969, Governor George Romney resigned to join Nixon's cabinet. In 2002, K-Mart filed for bankruptcy. And in 2007, Pfizer closed three research sites, leading to the creation of the University of Michigan's North Campus Research Complex.

On this day in 1893, the first train arrived at Detroit’s Fort Street Union Depot. In 1915, Kiwanis International was founded, with the first club organized in Detroit's Griswold Hotel.

On this day in 1837, Michigan's first locomotive-powered train began service from Adrian to Toledo. In 1988, the Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, celebrated for their polished style that bridged pop and soul.

On this day in 1941, Bob Heft was born in Saginaw, Michigan. At 17, he designed the 50-star American flag, which earned him a B-minus in class but later a call from President Eisenhower. This flag remains the longest-serving design in U.S. history.

On this day in 1943, Michigan bakeries were ordered to stop slicing bread to save steel for the war effort. Also today, Glenn Frey, co-founder of The Eagles and Royal Oak native, passed away in 2016. His music continues to inspire.

On this day in 1899, Ellen May Tower, a veteran of the Spanish American War, became the first woman in Michigan to receive a military funeral. In 1983, Detroit’s J. L. Hudson Department store closed its doors for the last time. And in 1931, James Earl Jones, the iconic voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa, was born.

On this day in 1937, Blanche Martin, the first African American MSU Trustee, was born. In 1938, Caberfae Ski Resort opened in the Manistee National Forest. And in 2018, a meteor lit up the Michigan sky.