Michigan Minute

1960: Motown Records was officially incorporated by Berry Gordy Jr., marking a pivotal moment in music history. From humble beginnings, Motown rose to prominence, producing hits for artists like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder, transcending racial boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on American music.

1926: Michigan State University shed its nickname "Staters" in favor of "Spartans," a change catalyzed by sports editor George Alderton. Inspired by the ancient Spartans' valor, this transformation marked the beginning of a legacy in collegiate athletics.

1825: Lisette Denison became Michigan's first Black woman landowner, purchasing 48 and a half acres in Pontiac. 1955: U-M announced the effectiveness of the polio vaccine. 2016: MSU took steps to combat climate change by ceasing coal burning in their power plants.

1843: James Vernor Sr., the creator of Vernor's Ginger Ale, was born in Detroit. 1943: Midst of World War II, Detroit saw one of its largest marches against Jim Crow laws, particularly for workers at Willow Run Airport.

1822: Caroline Kiner, known as Elsa Von Blumen, showcased her bicycling prowess in Michigan, inspiring women's bicycle racing as a popular sport. Her visit to Detroit highlighted her role as a pioneering figure during the suffrage movement's early days.

2017: The Red Wings ended their era at Joe Louis Arena with a victory and octopus toss. 1877: Ragtime pianist Hughie Cannon's journey to fame started in Michigan's saloon-filled streets.

1957: Lansing Community College was endorsed by the Lansing board of Education. Initially serving 32 students in a math refresher course, the college quickly expanded to offer programs in mechanical apprenticeship, nursing, and technologies, despite humble beginnings with tuition collected in a cigar box and a makeshift library on window sills.

1947: Henry Ford passes away in Dearborn, MI. At one point during the funeral of this key figure of the Industrial Revolution, approximately 5,000 people per hour passed his casket and paid their final respects.

1862: Private George Sidman becomes the youngest Michigander to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his Civil War bravery.

1947: Flint flooding ruined buildings and swept many goods into the river, causing millions in damage. 1882: After Wexford County voted to move their seat to Cadillac, folks in Manton, the original seat, weren't ready to let the move happen without an armed fight.