Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

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? 

Around 4:30am 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/

Much like many of us today, people 100 years ago liked to have pine trees in their home for the holiday season. However, those that lived in large cities like Chicago had trouble finding trees. Enter lumber schooners who on their last trip of the year would often load their deck and hold with evergreens to bring to the market and sell. Today we look at one of these schooners history and fate as we delve into the story of the Rouse Simmons, better known as the Christmas Tree Ship. 

Cover Photo from the Collection of the Wisconsin Historical Society

While Charles and Julia Hackley never had any children of their own, they did adopt two children. On today's episode we look at the life of their adopted son Charles Moore Hackley.