Today in 1923, the first car ferry service began across the Straits of Mackinac, with the wooden ferry Ariel carrying three cars on its inaugural voyage. The service operated until the Mackinac Bridge opened in 1957. Also today in 1932, Eddie Tolan, a Black American sprinter from Detroit, became the first non-European to be named “The World’s Fastest Human” by winning gold in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes at the Los Angeles Olympic Games.

In 1913, John Bauer and Irv Giese opened The Garden Bowl, a 10-lane bowling alley on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. It has become America's oldest continuously operating bowling alley and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. Also today, Michigan-born Harriet Quimby, who became the first American woman to receive a pilot’s license and the first woman to fly across the English Channel, is celebrated for her pioneering achievements in aviation.

On this day in 1911, GM became the first auto stock on the NYSE. And in 1855, a treaty with the Ottawa and Chippewa set land reserves and pensions, led by Andrew Blackbird.

On this day in 1975, Jimmy Hoffa disappeared, sparking decades of mystery. And in 1997, Michigan's Supreme Court cleared the way for charter schools statewide.

On this day in 1909, GM bought Cadillac for $4.5 million. Born from Henry Ford’s failed company, Cadillac soon became a cornerstone of GM’s growing auto empire.

On this day in 1967, the Detroit riot ended after five days of violence, leaving 43 dead. It sparked major political change, paving the way for leaders like Coleman Young and Erma Henderson.

On this day in 1818, Detroit passed a morality law allowing public whippings. In 1934, Michigan issued its first old-age pension checks. And in 1980, an earthquake shook the state.

On this day in 1917, actress Lorna Gray was born in Grand Rapids. And in 1883, a massive log jam on the Grand River damaged train bridges in the heart of the city.

On this day in 1974, the Supreme Court sided with Gov. Milliken on Detroit’s busing case, fueling white flight. And in 1966, Michigan named its first state ombudsman.

On this day in 1880, the world’s first hydroelectric plant began in Grand Rapids. And in 1963, trailblazing jockey Julie Krone was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan.