In this episode I explore some of the early businesses and manufacturing in Hillsdale County from buggys, automobiles, folding chairs, hardware stores, fur companies and bottle manufacturers. It is a fascinating history.

For more stories on businesses in Hillsdale County, visit:

https://www.hillsdalehistoricalsociety.org/things

For more information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of his new book, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In 1917 Dr. James Case in Battle Creek contacted the American Red Cross to form an ambulance corps. He received approval to do so within 10 days, and almost immediately 75 men signed up. Later after training locally, the group now grown to 107 men transferred to Allentown, PA where they were remain until they eventually were sent to Italy in June 1918.

Some of their stories and history was recorded in an article written by Elizabeth Neumeyer in a book 'What's in a Name'.

There is also an additional article on the history of Ambulance Corps on the Library of Congress here.

For more information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of his new book, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore some of the early history and manufacturing of Albion, Michigan.

For more information on the Albion Historical Articles mentioned, visit Frank Passic's page here.

For more information on Michael Delaware or to pre-order a copy of his new book, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I refer to a book called 'Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards' by Tue Snider.

I discuss her early chapters on safety and etiquette, as well as cemetery types, traditions and markers.

For a copy of Tui Snider's book and newsletter, click here.

For information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of the new book Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime, visit:

https://MichaelDelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of Warren B. Shepard, the first schoolmaster in Battle Creek in 1834. I also explore some of the history of the early public school system in the area, and some stories of the first one room school houses, as well as the last one to close.

For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order the new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore stories of the early basket factories, canning factories, flour and wood mills, and other industries. The tales come from the works of James Pender, published in 1915, on the early days of Benton Harbor, Michigan. Hear also stories of odd characters, early fire engines and more stories of the successful pioneers.

For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order the book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' due out in March 2024, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore a memoir written by Ralph Ballard in 1948 entitled 'Tales of Early Niles'. He tells stories from his boyhood in the 1800's and many of the businesses, characters and events that happened in his recollection. He even discusses some early archeology of the area.

For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order the new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore once again the establishment of the territorial roads with new material, and also the stagecoach lines and cover details about many of the early taverns in Southwest Michigan.

For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order his new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I return to Benton Harbor, Michigan and explore a chapter from the works of James Pender in 1915 on the early days of lumbering in that city. The tales include stories of the lumber mills, street fighting and the hermit who supposedly hid a stash of gold.

For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order his new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

The blizzard of 1978 was a monster snow storm that has long lived in the history of Michigan. It was a storm that lasted from January 25th - 27th that year, and brought the Great Lakes region to a standstill for a week.

For the Kalamazoo Libarary article, click here.

For the MLive article, click here.

For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order his new book, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com