Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

James Balbirnie long served as an undertaker in Muskegon, before turning his gaze to politics becoming Mayor of Muskegon. While in office Balbirnie would meet his end in a harrowing assassination right outside his home, in broad daylight.

Pinchtown received its name from being pinched between two towns, Muskegon and Lakeside. This small community long shared the border of Ruddiman Creek with Lakeside, but as the City of Muskegon expanded it was squeezed on the other side as well. It maintained its streak of independence though even when the City of Muskegon annex Lakeside in 1889, effectively surrounding it with the City of Muskegon. This proud community would eventually join the city in 1895 but always maintained a unique identify.

2023 marks the 150th anniversary of the Muskegon Fire Department. In honor of that we are looking back into some of the history of the department and talking about our Fire Barn Museum which opens this year on May 1. To learn more about this topic visit the Fire Barn Museum and keep your eye out for some events this year celebrating this anniversary.

They swim, they crawl, they want your blood. Leeches may be one of the larger fears for all of us swimmers, but at many points in time a leech bite is just what the doctor ordered. On our episode today we trace the long, strange, and fascinating history of leeches and their connection with humans.

With a quick look around Muskegon you will come across the name Charles Hackley several times, and for good reason. The lumberbaron donated much of his wealth to Muskegon and he was a popular figure. However what you will not come across anymore is the steamer that bore the name Hackley. On our episode today we look back at history of the ship that would take Hackley's name and its fascinating past. 

Nellie B. Chisholm holds the unique position as being the first female elected to any position in Muskegon County. She was elected as County School Board Superintendent in 1907 and stayed in this position for the next 28 years. She also in her life served as a teacher and principle and was involved in many organizations. She dedicated her life to education and the well being of children in Muskegon County.

While the sawmills get all the industrial glory for early Muskegon, none of these mills would have been able to operate long without support business such as The Muskegon Boiler Works. The boiler works provided crucial repair service to keep these sawmills running and built new equipment for many of the businesses and homes that would come afterwards. The company would at its height be constructing massive boilers throughout the United States and stayed in business until the 1980s. 

Hockey has a long history in Muskegon County, from backyard pond games to championship professional teams. On our episode today we look at the introduction of hockey to the area and follow its story up to Muskegon's present hockey teams. 

Brunswick has long been synonymous with bowling and setting the standard in that sport, but over the companies history they have produced a variety of products. Many of these products were designed and created right here in Muskegon, which for a long time was its production hub. Today we get a strike looking into the history of this long lived company. 

The West Michigan Dock and Market Corporation, known commonly as the Mart Dock had its start in the Great Depression. This project helped bring jobs to the area and would become a trading hub and entertainment center for Muskegon. Today the dock still functions in downtown Muskegon for shipping and trade but also hosts the LST 393 and Port City Princess.