Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

Join us as we look back at the history of the Chase Hackley Piano Company and the role it played in Muskegon's past.  

Our episode today takes a look at the two Shaw named companies located in Muskegon, Shaw-Walker and Shaw Electric Crane Company. We will also look into the backstory of their unrelated founders Arch Wilkinson Shaw and Alton Shaw. 

On the podcast today we look at the history of Muskegon's Opera House and its origins with the Temperance Movement. 

Join us as we welcome Mallory Metzger and Joe Zappacosta from Hackley Public Library as we talk about the history of the Torrent House in Muskegon. Beginning with its construction by the local wealthy lumberbaron John Torrent, to its use a mortuary, hospital, and as part of the Red Cross, until its present ownership under the library. We will also discuss the upcoming project to remove the attached building from it, and the library's future plans for the house. 

On our podcast today we tell the story of the man who created the Strand, Reagent, and Michigan (now Frauenthal) theaters. His love of the theater lead to a local theater empire in Muskegon County and brought him much success. Today we tell the story of the man commonly called P.J. 

Located on the channel from Mona Lake to Lake Michigan, the Lake Harbor Hotel was in a perfect spot to enjoy the cool summer breezes and a dip in the water. This large hotel would become the premier resort of West Michigan and would offer all the amenities of a top resort today. The hotel would be a beacon of tourism for Muskegon until it burned down in 1918. 

Today we are joined by Dr. Janet Brashler former anthropology professor at GVSU, as she discusses the history and importance of the Spring Creek Site located in Muskegon County. This archaeological site is on the national register of historic places and dates to around 100 B.C. to 1100 AD.

To see some of the sites collection at the University of Michigan see the link below. 

https://lsa.umich.edu/ummaa/news-events/all-news/search-news/collection-news9.html

On our episode today we look at the interesting history of the United States involvement in Russia during World War I, and see what life was like for those Muskegon residents who found themselves in a strange new place.

Margaret Drake Elliot was a noted author, naturalist, and librarian among many other roles. Her deep knowledge of the natural world led her to become the leading expert in the field and earned her the nickname "bird lady" due to her particular knowledge of birds. Join us as we discuss the many contributions of Margaret Drake Elliot during her incredible lifetime. 

Major General Philip Kearny most likely never visited Muskegon and probably had never even heard of it; however, his fame as a military leader would inspire those of Muskegon to honor him in several ways including creating a memorial park in his honor. On our episode today we go into the life of Philip Kearny and the how and why a statue and a park of him were created in Muskegon.