On September 6, 1901 President William McKinley was shot while visiting the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. He would later die from these wounds and the nation began the process of grieving. Charles Hackley, a supporter of McKinley would after his death donate funds for the creation of a statue of the martyred president. Today's episode covers McKinley's life and the story of how his statue came to be erected in Muskegon.  

Starting as Central Paper, the paper mill in Muskegon had many names and a long history to match it. Central Paper ended up being located in Muskegon partially because of a glance at a map, from this fortuitous glance it grew to be a leading industry in town and saw many ups and downs in business. In the past years this large complex has been torn down, but its legacy still lives on in Muskegon. 

While the name evergreen fits today, Evergreen Cemetery was not always a beautiful and peaceful resting place. In our episode today we look at the history behind the creation of this cemetery and how it turned into the final resting place for many of Muskegon's most famous residents.  

On today's podcast we moooove in a different direction as we examine the stories of several farmers and their cows that ended up becoming embroiled in legal disputes or news headlines. Find out the stories behind who the rightful owner of the doomed cow was, who/what poisoned Mr Potters cows, and was there a cow disease on the loose in eastern Muskegon County? 

At 4:00am on October 29, 1919 the worst naval disaster in Muskegon's history occurred when the steamer Muskegon  crashed into the pier of the Muskegon Channel and sank taking many lives with it. On today's podcast we examine what led to that moment and what came after for those involved.

James McGordon like many lumber barons came to Muskegon with dreams of riches. Working his way up from the bottom he managed to become a business partner to Charles Hackley and obtained his riches. However his life took many twists and turns leading to many scandalous incidents before his death in  1880. 

On today's episode we are joined by Steven Winston a business owner and researcher who through examining his own culture discovered the roots of two black organizations (Muskegon County Black Organizations-MCBO and Michigan Association of Black Organizations-MABO) created during the civil rights movement to help unify blacks in the county and state in the fight towards equality.

As Super Bowl Sunday quickly approaches, we look at the amazing journey of a Muskegon graduate that led him to be a part of some of the most memorable Super Bowls of all time. 

Our podcast episode today looks at the family that brought music into many homes, schools, and concert halls in Muskegon and beyond. Learn about this talented family and their music store. 

Caution this episode looks at the darker side of Muskegon's history and contains themes not suitable for younger audiences. 

On the podcast today we dive into the darker side of Muskegon's history and present the history of the Canterbury House, a place where everything goes and where you could find your hearts desires. This house catered to lumberjacks and their needs serving companionship, booze, entertainment, and a fair share of violence.    

Song Credit: Jack Haggerity from Library of Congress Collection

https://www.loc.gov/item/afc1939007_afs02358a/https://www.loc.gov/item/afc1939007_afs02358a/