Michigan Minute

Born today in 1894, Buster Keaton, famed silent film star, has ties to Muskegon through the Bluffton Actor’s Colony. Meanwhile, Oscar-winner Charlton Heston, born in 1923, spent much of his childhood in St. Helen, Michigan, acting out scenes from his favorite books in the northern woods.

Born on this day in 1886, Mexican artist Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals, painted in 1933, depict the Motor City and Ford Motor Company, and are still on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts. On this day in 1956, Central Michigan University dedicated the Clarke Historical Library in Mount Pleasant, housing extensive collections on Michigan's history, including the state's first people.

Born today in 1951, Karen Koch of Monroe, Michigan, became the first female professional hockey player, debuting as a goaltender for the Marquette Iron Rangers. And today in 1980, Somewhere in Time, filmed on Mackinac Island, hit theaters, enchanting audiences with the island’s beauty and sparking a lasting love for the historic Grand Hotel.

On this day in 1873, the cornerstone for Michigan’s third and current state capitol building was laid. Designed by Elijah E. Meyers, the building features a cast iron dome and materials sourced from across the U.S. and abroad. Five years later, the iconic structure was completed and remains a testament to Michigan’s history and craftsmanship.

Born on this day in 1840, Fannie Richards became Detroit’s first Black school teacher and played a crucial role in pioneering early childhood education in Michigan. She opened the state’s first kindergarten and advocated for women's care, leaving an enduring legacy in education and social reform.

Born on this day in 1814, in Vermont, Lucinda Hinsdale Stone moved to Kalamazoo in 1843. She became a leading educator at Kalamazoo College, advocating for co-education and contributing significantly to women's rights and education. Known as the "Mother of Clubs," her work left a lasting impact on Kalamazoo and beyond.

Today in 1975, Detroit launched WGPR-TV, the first TV station in the U.S. owned and operated by Black Americans. Founded by William Venoid Banks, it offered diverse programming and training for Black producers. The station was sold to CBS in 1995, leading to programming changes.

On this day in 1912, Muskegon High defeated Hastings High with a staggering score of 216-0, marking the largest blowout in football history. Also on this day, in 1835, the Democratic Free Press and Michigan Intelligencer, now known as the Detroit Free Press, began publication, becoming Michigan's longest continually published newspaper.

Today in 1962, Michigan's Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant, near Charlevoix, began operation, featuring a promotional video with Ronald Reagan. The plant supported cancer treatments with Cobalt-60 before closing in 1997. Additionally, on this day in 1999, Detroit's Tiger Stadium hosted its final game, where the Tigers defeated the Kansas City Royals 8-2.