Michigan Minute

On this day in 1838, Governor Stevens T. Mason called out the state militia to prevent Canadian rebels from using Michigan as a base to attack Canada. In 1997, Marilyn Kelly's investiture marked the first time women comprised a majority on Michigan’s Supreme Court.

On this day in 1929, the first non-stop flight from Detroit to Miami took place. In 1950, Chevrolet introduced the Powerglide, the first affordable automatic transmission. And in 1971, a B52 bomber narrowly missed the Big Rock Park nuclear plant when it crashed into Lake Michigan.

On this day in 1994, the U.S. Figure Skating Championship in Detroit was marred by the attack on Nancy Kerrigan, orchestrated by supporters of Tonya Harding. In 1912, Muzyad Yakhoob, later known as Danny Thomas, was born in Deerfield, Michigan. He founded St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

On this day in 1870, the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents voted to allow women as students. In 1988, the last train left Michigan Central Station, which was later refurbished by Ford in 2023 as a symbol of Detroit’s resurgence.

On this day in 1918, the historic Ford River Rouge plant began operations, initially assembling Fordson tractors. In 1943, Fran Harris became Michigan’s first woman newscaster on the radio, marking a step towards radio equality.

On this day in 1848, Epaphroditus Ransom became Michigan’s 7th governor and the first sworn in at Lansing. In 1951, Ruth Thompson became Michigan’s first woman in Congress. In 2019, Rashida Tlaib became the first Palestinian American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

On this day in 1920, an infamous pirate known as the Gray Ghost began haunting the Detroit River. Also in 1920, the FBI rounded up suspected communists in Michigan during the Red Raid. In 1974, Coleman Young became Detroit’s first Black mayor, serving for 20 years.

On this day in 2015, Richard Bernstein became Michigan Supreme Court's first blind justice. In 1954, the MSU Spartans won their first Rose Bowl. In 1989, The Temptations were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

On this day in 1899, the 306-foot paddle-wheeler SS Tashmoo was launched in Detroit, becoming a beloved Great Lakes pleasure boat. It sailed for 37 years until it sank after hitting a submerged rock, though all passengers were safely evacuated. In 1983, Fred Dakota opened The Pines, Michigan’s first Native-American owned casino, starting in his garage before expanding to a 3,200-square-foot facility in Baraga, Michigan.

On this day in 1933, Governor William Comstock marked the repeal of Prohibition by purchasing the first bottle of whiskey sold in Michigan: Old Taylor Bourbon. In 1998, the Dwarf Lake Iris was designated Michigan’s official wildflower after a public vote, surpassing the more common Large Flower White Trillium, which is found across the U.S. but not primarily in Michigan.