Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

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.

Operating for only a short time, the Lake Harbor railroad ran along the lake from today's Pere Marquette Beach to the Mona Lake Channel. This railroad was built to serve those headed to the resorts in the Lake Harbor area. On today's episode we discuss its construction and history with local historian Garry Olson.

On today's episode we look at the first official female police officer in Muskegon, Sarah McVeigh. Listen in as we examine what led to her hiring and her role within the police department. 

In 1913 a curious site was seen on the beach in Muskegon. A new invention never before seen in the area landed in the water nearby and a curious figured emerge, a bird-man. This was the first time a plane had been seen in Muskegon much less one that could land on water. Today's podcast tells the story of the race around the Great Lakes that brought both pilot and plane to Muskegon for the first time. 

In the 1880s digging for brine lead to a curious discovery, the presence of oil in many parts of Muskegon County. It will not until the end of the 1920s that this oil and its potential impact on Muskegon County was realized, as the first oil wells were dug. Learn about the fascinating history of the discovery and harvesting of oil, and its impact on us today. 

The fur trade in Michigan attracted Europeans to the area and led to the earliest interaction between these Europeans and Native Americans. Muskegon County with its many lakes and rivers was a destination for the animals valued by the fur traders and Native Americans alike. On today's episode we dive into the history of those fur traders who came to Muskegon County. 

In 1918 a new strand of the influenza virus reached Michigan and Muskegon. This Spanish Flu as it was called would become the worst pandemic the world has seen. The response to the pandemic in Muskegon and Michigan has many similarities with our current pandemic, this is the story of what occurred during that year. 

Henry Holt was one of Muskegon's most preeminent politicians serving as mayor, state representative, and Lieutenant Governor. Holt was also an avid traveler and "collector" of antiquities. His life provides us an insight of the politics of 1870s Muskegon and Michigan. 

Pigeon Hill named for the now extinct passenger pigeon was once the most recognizable landmark of Muskegon from both land and lake. At over 200 foot tall it was a popular sight seeing destination, but this massive sand dune was also target of many businesses looking to use its sand for various products. 

Dr Eames was an important figure in the early 1900s in Muskegon. Among her accomplishments was the creation of the Y.W.C.A. in Muskegon, serving on the Women's Club, and most importantly her work on public health which was centered around improving the lives of mothers, children, and infants.