Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past

In this episode I explore the legacy of St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids. I refer to an article in the May/June 2024 Michigan History Magazine written by Tiffany Dupont Novak and Ellen Arlinsky on the history of this incredible landmark in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

In this episode I explore the history of Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Battle Creek, and the Lawler family.

I also have some exciting news on upcoming Author Symposiums this fall!

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

In this episode, WGA Screenwriter Gary Gurner joins me for an interview about the screenplay on the music legend Del Shannon. We also talk about the updated progress on the screenplay, and the upcoming Del Shannon Weekend in Battle Creek on June 28-30th, 2024.

In this episode, I reference Tui Snider's book 'Understanding Cemetery Symbology: A Field Guide to Historic Graveyards' to explore the meanings behind angels, saints, virtues and other beings depicted in statues.

Bobbie Mathis from the Union City Society of Historic Preservation joins me to discuss more details about one of the stories from my new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' entitled In Cold Blood: The Murder of James Robinson.

Jeff Green, a historian who worked on the Kal-Haven Heritage Project joins me to discuss history of the Kal-Haven trail and the highlights along its length.

For more information on the Kal-Haven Trail, visit:

In this episode I explore the history of a Southern Michigan Ship Canal that was proposed in 1876, and was in fact submitted as a Bill to the U.S. Congress, but never came into being. I look at the proposal, and offer reflection on what lower Michigan would have looked like today had such a project been implemented.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

In this episode, I interview author Kelley Taylor about her book 'Destination: White Pigeon Prairie 1827 - 1899. We explore the history of some of the old buildings, the people and events that shaped the White Pigeon Village.

In this episode I explore the history of the Interurban in Albion, Michigan. The line was once operated by the Jackson - Battle Creek Traction Company and it existed between 1903 - 1931.

In this episode, I interview retired FBI Agent and Author Greg Stejskal on his book 'FBI Case Files in Michigan: Tales of a G-Man' (True Crime).

In this episode, I explore some history of legendary Black Women of Calhoun County History using a 1992 booklet printed by the Battle Creek Enquirer. In celebration of Women's History Month, I also discuss the upcoming program at the museum.

For tickets to the Phenomenal Woman program, visit:

History author Jim Jackson joins me to talk about the Irish Brigade, and their connections to Michigan. We discuss a lot of early history of the Irish in America, and also their involvement in the American Civil War. There were many Irish who served from Southwest Michigan.

In this episode I return to explore more stories of Victorian Era carriage and railway accidents, and other tragedies using a collection of old stories from vintage newspaper accounts.

Author Judy Gail Krasnow returns to the show for another interview where we explore even more stories from Jacktown, the history of the first Michigan State Prison in Jackson, Michigan.

For more information on Judy Gail Krasnow and her books, visit:

In this episode I explore the life of Washington Gardner (1845-1928) who served in the Civil War, as Secretary of State in Michigan, was a Congressman representing Michigan's 3rd District for 12 years, and was also a National leader for the Grand Army of the Republic. He also was a businessman, minister, lawyer and a historian.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

Michigan True Crime Author Tobin Buhk joins me in a special interview on his book 'Murder & Mayhem in Grand Rapids'. We talk also about some stories from his other books, and new titles he has coming out in 2024.

For information on Tobin Buhk, and his books, visit his website at:

In this episode I explore the history and founding of Branch County Michigan with stories from the early formation days, and early pioneers.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

In this episode, I explore the history of several railroad communities in Hillsdale County, which includes stories of how some of them were named and formed.

In this episode, I explore the early history of Grand Rapids, Michigan using a reference 'Historic Michigan: Land of the Great Lakes' Vol III which features history of Kent County, published in 1926.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

In this episode I visit some of the forgotten stories and early history of Manistee Michigan using a reference published in 1882.

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

In this episode, I explore the early history of the village of Yorkville that once existed in Cass Township in Kalamazoo County. Today not much remains of the once bustling community. Also, I explore a tragic murder that happened there in 1849.

In this episode, I explore the history of items left at gravesites, often called gravesite 'goods' and decorations.

In this episode I explore the history of flooding in Kalamazoo, and the surrounding area. With flooding records dating back to the 1850's and significant floods in 1904, 1908 & 1947, the city has experienced many challenges with this through history.

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

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:

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'.

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

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.

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

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.

In this episode I explore stories from history of the small village of Banfield, Michigan in Johnstown Township in Barry County. Hear stories of the last surviving stagecoach driver who lived there, another man who worked at the general store and went on to found his own store in Sunfield, and yet another who grew up there and became a prominent attorney.

In this episode I explore the early history of White Pigeon, Michigan in St. Joseph County. It was one of the earliest settlements on the Chicago Trail, and named after a Potawatomi Chief. It was also the location for the U.S. General Land Office from 1831 - 1834.

In this episode I explore the writings of James Pender from 1915, where he looks back at the early days of Benton Harbor, Michigan, including the stories of the wreck of the Hippocampus in 1863, peach production, mail delivery, schools, the first big social engagement that set the town talking and horse races among many other tales.

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

In this episode I discuss one of the true crime stories from my upcoming book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' which is entitled 'The Ghost of Farrand's Bridge'. It is an outline of a much more detailed story in the forthcoming book, and it also includes some history of Colon, Michigan.

To contact Michael or to Pre-Order the book, visit:

In this episode, I explore the history of the City of Three Rivers, Michigan located in St. Joseph County. The community was first settled in 1829 by Jacob McInterfer from Wayne County, Ohio. Over the years it has been not only a prosperous farming community, but the manufacturers of clothing, paddle wheel boats, cigars, threshing machines and interurban cars to just name a few of the fascinating industries.

In this episode I explore the history of the soldiers home which was built in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1886. I also explore the murder of James Johnson that happened there in 1892.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

In this episode, I explore some history of Victorian street conditions in the U.S. larger cities, as well as Southwest Michigan. I also look at several stories of runaway horses and carriage accidents from all over the region, including Battle Creek, Marshall, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Union City, etc.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

In this episode I explore the history of saloons in Battle Creek, and one in particular founded by a man named Frank Boos which opened in 1883. There was a death that occured in this saloon in 1888 that was full of controversy and resulted in a trial on the charge of manslaughter when one railroad worker killed another after a night of drinking.

It is an interesting exploration into the pre-prohibition era saloons in Battle Creek, and the legal procedures of the time.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

In this episode, I look at a historical election year from 1874. I compare an editorial written 150 years ago on this election, and draw comparison to the rhetoric of present day, as we look forward at the coming 2024.

I also share the successful results from the podcast in 2023, and some surprising statistics. Finally a give a short summary of three of the stories in my new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' which is coming out on March 11th this year, and go over the initial dates on my book tour that are scheduled so far!

For more information my my book tour schedule:

In this episode Mac McCullough from Willard Library joins me to talk about stories from New Years, traditions around the holidays from his years at the newspaper and at the Willard Library. We also cover some historical events, and talk a little about local restaurants and plans for 2024.

For more information on the Willard Library events, visit:

In this episode I explore life in Kalamazoo 100 years ago today on December 29th, 1923 through the secular newspaper the 'Augustinian'. The stories include religious themes, but also a lot of community interest stories, and advertising of the time.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

In this episode I explore some of the history of the Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad Company and its railway line between Kalamazoo and South Haven. I discuss some of the history of the Brownell and Hopkins stations in Kalamazoo on this line, as the other stops along its route.

I also explore some of the other old railway systems that have since been converted into hiking and biking trails in Southwest Michigan.

As a special Christmas Eve presentation, I discuss Charles Dicken's famous novella 'The Cricket on the Hearth' published in 1845. Also in the episode, is a live radio performance of the story that originally aired 100 years later on 1945 by NBC Radio.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

In this episode, I explore what was happening in history in Benton Harbor, Michigan on December 22, 1923 which is exactly 100 years ago from the release of this episode. Hear stories of fun Christmas parties, crimes, automobiles, prices on homes, cows for sale, holiday shopping, Santa Claus and so much more!

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:

In this episode I explore the influence of author Washington Irving on Christmas traditions in the Victorian era in Michigan. Washington Irving, more well known for his stories 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' and 'Rip Van Winkle' also was quite passionate about writing stories about Christmas. He is often regarded as the one who laid the foundation for many Christmas traditions that are still kept today in America, with his famous essay 'Old Christmas'.