In this episode I explore some of the history and the people of Three Oaks, located in Berrien County, Michigan. Three Oaks was the home of Edward Kirk Warren who founded the Warren Featherbone Company, and also the film location for the Christmas movie 'Prancer' which hit the screens in 1989.

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

In this episode I explore the history of the first telephones installed in Battle Creek, and the creation of the first telephone exchange. Drive by the persistence of Fire Chief John Bohnett in 1882, the City of Battle Creek was able to establish its own telephone system and eventually expand to long distance calling in 1883.

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

This this episode, author Dianna Stampfler joins me to talk about the history of Michigan lighthouses. She is the author of two books: 'Michigan's Haunted Lighthouses' and 'Death and Lighthouses on the Great Lakes'.

Dianna is also the President of Promote Michigan which serves as an outlet to promote all things in the Great Lakes State.

To purchase signed copies of Dianna's books, and to find out her schedule of upcoming events, visit: https://promotemichigan.com

To find out more about Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore the history of the Checker Motors Company that existed in Kalamazoo. The company manufactured the iconic Checker Cabs used in cities all over the USA, and often seen as a backdrop to any classic film in New York City. The last Checker Cab rolled off the assembly line on July 12th, 1982 and today resides in the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan.

To read the article referred to in this episode, click here: https://www.kpl.gov/local-history/kalamazoo-history/business/checker-motors

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

In this episode I explore some of the history of the old territorial roads, mail routes and stage coach lines through Southwest Michigan through the works of historian Charles E. Barnes which was written in April 1908. It is a fascinating look at the origins of the original roads of travel, the later established mail routes and the stage coach lines.

To watch the video on the Territorial Roads: https://youtu.be/33s3u4ZRXAw

To find out more about Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I had the opportunity for an exclusive interview with screenplay writer Gary Gurner, on his project to bring the life story of music legend Del Shannon to the big screen. Del Shannon was born Charles Westover in Grand Rapids, and grew up in Coopersville, Michigan. He launched his career at the HiLo Club in Battle Creek, Michigan where he performed the hit song 'Runaway' for the first time.

In this interview we discuss the early life of Del Shannon, explore some forgotten stories of his time here in Battle Creek, and the launch of his career. We also talk about the project to create the screenplay, and all of the people Gary had the opportunity to interview along the way. Gary also gives insight into where the project now stands, and what the prospects look like to bring it into production.

To find out more about or contact Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

To find out more about Del Shannon Weekend sponsored by the Battle Creek Regional History Museum, visit: https://bcrhm.org

To get tickets to the Del Shannon Tribute Concert at the Pennfield Auditorium on Friday June 23rd, 2023: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/529899081417

To register a classic car or truck for the Del Shannon Classic Car Show on Saturday, June 24th, 2023: https://donorbox.org/delshannoncarshow

In this episode I explore the history of the village of Hickory Corners, and also the Gilmore Car Museum and the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary at the biological station. All are in Hickory Corners, which is located in Barry County, Michigan.

For more information on the Gilmore Car Museum, visit: https://gilmorecarmuseum.org

For more information on the WK Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, visit: https://birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu/about

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

Kalamazoo was once the home of the rising Duplex Phonograph Company that produced the 'Duplexophone' using the motto "Made For You in Kalamazoo". The company lasted from 1905 to 1910, when it folded following a series of lawsuits for patent infringement by the Victor Talking Machine Company. The unique Duplex twin-horn phonograph was designed by Charles E. Hill, a Canadian immigrant. In this episode I explore the history of the company through its short existence as a nationally known phonograph manufacturer.

To see the article on from the Kalamazoo History site: https://www.kpl.gov/local-history/kalamazoo-history/business/duplex-phonograph-company

To see the YouTube video of a Duplex Phonograph in use: https://youtu.be/KcIZOfwMC0Y

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

In this episode, Steve Salisbury from the Facebook Page 'If Vines Could Talk' joins me for a talk on the history of the wine industry in Michigan. We take a tour through some of the early history in the state, as well as have a look at Prohibition and the different vineyards and wineries in the region. We also have a great discussion on types of grapes used, and the popular wineries in Western Michigan today.

To reach out to Steve Salisbury, visit: https://www.facebook.com/IfVinesCouldTalk

To find out more about Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

In East Leroy in 1848, there lived two brothers, James and John Winters. One was a respected citizen, who served as township Supervisor and earned the title of Captain during the Civil War. The other was an axe murderer.

Join me for this walk through history with a compelling story of murder, community and the difficult ties of brotherhood.

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