The year 1976 was the Bicentennial of the founding of the USA. It was a year of celebrations and activities, and in this episode I explore some of the activities and events held during that historic year.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I look through old newspapers to find what was happening at the 100th Anniversary of the USA on July 4th, 1876 around Southwest Michigan. From grand balls, fireworks, parades, sack races, greased pole climbing and even greased pig chasing events, it was a community celebration like none other in history.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore stories of pioneers from Oakridge Cemetery, including looking at the life of the Ketchum brothers, Isaac Crary, Adam Crosswhite and Reverend Calvin Clark.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of the musical talent that emerged from those that performed at the El Grotto Lounge in Battle Creek, Michigan. The establishment was owned and operated by Robert 'Snap' Montgomery and Helen Evans Montgomery, and it was opened in 1949.

Over its 40+ years of existence, some of the performers who started their early days at the El Grotto went onto achieve great success in the record business. Names like Al Green, Wade Flemons, Johnny & Jackey, The Velvelettes and Junior Walker & the All-Stars were some of the most notable ones.

For tickets to the Music Legacy event, visit:

https://events.humanitix.com/musiclegacy

For tickets to the Del Shannon Concert, click here:

https://events.humanitix.com/delshannonshow

For more information on Del Shannon Weekend, visit:

https://bcrhm.org

To connect with Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode I explore early stories from the pioneer days of Grand Ledge, Michigan.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://MichaelDelaware.com

For tickets to the Del Shannon Concert, visit:

https://events.humanitix.com/delshannonshow

In this episode, I explore some history of the tragic heat wave that struck the Northeast USA for a period of 10 days in August of 1896. This was during a time before air conditioning and swamp coolers, and 1500 deaths were recorded as a result of the extreme temperatures.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of Cassopolis, Michigan from its early pioneer founding days, including the old town square, early businesses and a few famous people who came from this little village in Cass County.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the founding of the first churches in Battle Creek, Michigan from 1830 - 1877 in the book History of Calhoun County by L.H. Everts & Co.

Rhiannon Cizon from the Berrien County Historical Association joins me to talk about history. She tells fascinating stories about the Clark Equipment Company, War Relics, Family Bibles and much more! Also find out about the Pickle Festival on July 4th and the upcoming True Crime & Wine event on June 20th!

For information on the Berrien County Historical Commission, click here: https://berrienhistory.org

For tickets to A Murderous Pairing: True Crime & Wine, please hurry, as it is selling out fast. See below:

For tickets to the True Crime & Wine Event Click Here

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode, I explore the history of the orphan trains which existed as a form of a child welfare program that lasted between 1854 - 1929.

The first orphan train stop was in Dowagiac, Michigan in 1854. In the years they operated, over 200,000 children were placed in homes by charitable programs from eastern cities like New York and Boston.

For more information on the references in this episode, visit the Dowagiac Museum bibliography page here.

For tickets to the Del Shannon Concert mentioned, click here.

For information on Michael Delaware, visit:

https://MichaelDelaware.com