In this episode, I explore the life of musical composer, performer and trumpet player Melvin James 'Sy' Oliver who was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and went onto to perform with Jimmie Lunceford, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

To get a copy of the book 'Here I Stand' by Sonya and Sean Hollins click here.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode true crime author Tom Carr joins me to talk about some of the stories in his book that occured in Southwest Michigan. We explore the legend of 'Baby Face' Nelson and the story of the tommy gun found in Berrien County that was used in the St. Valentine's Massacre.

To order Tom Carr's Books online, visit:

Blood on the Mitten: Infamous Michigan Murders 1700s to Present

Dark Side of the Mitten: Crimes of Power & Powerful Criminals in Michigan's Past & Present

MI Bad: Robbers, Cutthroats & Thieves in Michigan's Past & Present

Connect with Tom Carr on Facebook here.

To contact Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

Follow Michael Delaware on Facebook here.

In this episode I explore railroad history in Potterville, Michigan. There are stories from the depot that once existed there, including a mail robbery and a body found on the tracks. Also two train derailments, one in 2002 and the other in 2006.

For more information on the Eaton County Historical Commission, visit:

https://eatoncountyhistory.org

For more information or to contact Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the lives of Father Baart pastor of St. Mary's Church in Marshall and Father Sadlier, pastor of St. Philips Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. Both died in 1908 within two days of each other, both were similar in age, reputation and had the largest funerals in their respective cities within a day of each other.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, Bobbie Mathis and Brian McCombs from the Union City Society for Historic Preservation return to the show to talk about some interesting tales from the cities history. We talk about the apple lady, memories from WWII and a circus elephant who was saved from the brink of death by a determined local veterinarian.

Riverside Memories Tour: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/riverside-memories-cemetery-tour-tickets-711115895787?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information on the events mentioned that are happening in Union City, visit: Saving Graves Union City Riverside Cemetery

For tickets for events mentioned that are happening at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum, visit: https://bcrhm.eventbrite.com

For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the CK&S Railroad, also known as the 'Beer Bucket Train' and the 'Cuss, Kick & Swear' Railroad. It is a fascinating history that spans Kalamazoo, Barry and Eaton Counties.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

To get tickets to the special event by the Steam Railroading Insitute on 'Michigan Train Robberies' click here.

In this episode, I explore an article written by Berenice Bryant Lowe in her book 'Tales of Battle Creek' entitled 'Battle Creek in Wartime'. She reviews the cities history from the Mexican American War, through the Civil War, World War I and World War II, including the impact of Fort Custer. She also details much of the women's contribution to the war effort in support of the troops at Camp Custer, and later Fort Custer.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this epside I explore the history of Fort St. Joseph that was the original settlement near Niles, Michigan. It was first established in the 1680's as a mission by French Jesuits, and then expanded to a garrison and trading post in the 1700's.

To read the WMU article referenced, visit:

https://wmich.edu/fortstjoseph/about/fort-history

To contact Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the life of Berenice Bryant Lowe, the author of the book 'Tales of Battle Creek' published in 1976. Her anthology on the history of Battle Creek served as a foundation for many historians who have followed her work in recent years.

To listen to the interview with Berenice, visit: https://willardlibrary.org

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore a forgotten murder story from 1889, where the body of an infant was found floating in the Kalamazoo River near Marshall, Michigan. The story of this crime spanned two counties, sparking a joint investigation beween the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department and the Kalamazoo Detective offer of the Police Department. In the end three people were charged with murder, and no one was ever convicted. A very sad and disturbing tale from the Victorian Era in Southwest Michigan.