Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

In this episode staff member Wendy interviews her father Charles DeWitt and her Uncle Feller about their experiences growing up near Norton Township Park, which would later become Hoffmaster State Park. The duo shares stories of their time in the park and the changes they have seen to it over the years. 

On today's special episode in partnership with the Michigan Irish Music Festival and their Hackley Hooley event on September 18th, we take a look at the history of the most famous Irishmen to call Muskegon home, Thomas Hume. Business partner to Charles Hackley, Thomas Hume would in his life acquire millions, much of which was given back to the community of Muskegon. We will also be releasing a podcast on the history of Irish settlers in Muskegon County so make sure to check that episode out too. 

On today's special episode in partnership with the Michigan Irish Music Festival and their Hackley Hooley event on September 18th, we take a look at the history of Irish settlers in Muskegon County and some of their contributions to our past. Please make sure to also listen to our episode on Irishmen Thomas Hume and his life story. 

Today's podcast is off to the races as we examine the history of The Muskegon Race Course and one of its most famous competitors who went on to win great fame Red Rhone. 

Image Credit: M-Live

Audio Credits:

1989 Balmoral Park RED RHONE Randy Edmunds

Author: Harnessdom, uploaded August 6th, 2016

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuGYbzeH2Zo

1989 Sportsmans Park RED RHONE Open Handicap Trot

Author: Harness Racing History- The Lost Videos

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LERqLw6QfU

The Pomona or Fruitport Pavilion was once one of the most popular attractions in Muskegon County. This dance hall saw many famous musicians play on the shores of Spring Lake including Louis Armstrong and Lawrence Welk among others. Tragically the pavilion would burn down in 1963 and would never be rebuilt, ending an era in Fruitport.  

George McCoy may have been one of Muskegon Counties most interesting criminals, and was always in trouble with the law. From shooting Charles Hackley's brother Porter, to shooting at the sheriff, and all his various escapes from prison. McCoy's story fills a book of broken laws and prison sentences. In our episode today we try to piece together the story of his life of crime.  

Lawrence Hogan was a Muskegon County resident who may have set the record for the amount of time spent in court. From lawsuits over farm animals, to cases of assault, to the argument with a neighbor that got him bitten and in the hospital with tetanus. Lawrence Hogan certainly knew his way around the court room. Join us to listen about his legal experiences and get insight into the daily activities of a Muskegon County resident.    

Electricity is so vital to our lives today that it is hard for us to imagine a world without it. As vital as it is today when electricity was first introduced it took awhile before it gained in popularity and wide spread use. On our episode today we trace the ups and down of early electricity in Muskegon.  

On September 6, 1901 President William McKinley was shot while visiting the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. He would later die from this wound 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.