Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchMichigan’s First Telephone Rings | August 4
Episode 1615
Today in 1877, the first telephone in Michigan rang, owned by the Grand Rapids Plaster Company, a friend of Alexander Graham Bell.
2 months, 3 weeks ago
The Treaty of Greenville & Bois Blanc Island | August 3
Episode 1614
Today in 1795, Chippewa Chief Matchekewis ceded Bois Blanc Island to the U.S. as part of the Treaty of Greenville, calling it "an extra and voluntary…
2 months, 3 weeks ago
Michigan's Car Ferry Debut & A Historic Olympic Win | August 2
Episode 1613
Today in 1923, the first car ferry service began across the Straits of Mackinac, with the wooden ferry Ariel carrying three cars on its inaugural voy…
2 months, 3 weeks ago
Detroit's Historic Bowling Alley & Trailblazing Aviator | August 1
Episode 1612
In 1913, John Bauer and Irv Giese opened The Garden Bowl, a 10-lane bowling alley on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. It has become America's oldest conti…
2 months, 3 weeks ago
GM Hits NYSE & Treaty with Ottawa, Chippewa | July 31
Episode 1611
On this day in 1911, GM became the first auto stock on the NYSE. And in 1855, a treaty with the Ottawa and Chippewa set land reserves and pensions, l…
3 months ago
Hoffa Vanishes & Charter Schools Approved | July 30
Episode 1610
On this day in 1975, Jimmy Hoffa disappeared, sparking decades of mystery. And in 1997, Michigan's Supreme Court cleared the way for charter schools …
3 months ago
GM Buys Cadillac & Ford’s Failed Start | July 29
Episode 1609
On this day in 1909, GM bought Cadillac for $4.5 million. Born from Henry Ford’s failed company, Cadillac soon became a cornerstone of GM’s growing a…
3 months ago
Detroit Rebellion Ends & Change Begins | July 28
Episode 1608
On this day in 1967, the Detroit rebellion ended after five days of violence, leaving 43 dead. It sparked major political change, paving the way for …
3 months ago
Morality Laws & Michigan’s First Quake Shakes | July 27
Episode 1607
On this day in 1818, Detroit passed a morality law allowing public whippings. In 1934, Michigan issued its first old-age pension checks. And in 1980,…
3 months ago
Lorna Gray’s Debut & Grand Rapids Log Jam | July 26
Episode 1606
On this day in 1917, actress Lorna Gray was born in Grand Rapids. And in 1883, a massive log jam on the Grand River damaged train bridges in the hear…
3 months, 1 week ago