Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past
By Michael Delaware
Starting from the Battle Creek regional area, and branching out from there, join me as I explore forgotten tales of Southwest Michigan’s past.
Tales of Southwest Michigan's PastFeb 06, 2024
S3 E49 - The Skills of the Pioneers: A Talk with Tillers International & Earthcraft Skillshare
In this episode, Tom Nehil & Eric Lafary join me from Tillers International, and also Brenna Pixley from Earthcraft Skillshare. We discuss the various skills used by the pioneers who settled in Michigan, and upcoming programs with both organizations this summer to impart a diverse collection of crafts and training. Both organizations offer numerous classes ranging from woodworking, blacksmithing, food harvesting, plowsharing, and many other pioneer skills and crafts.
For more information on classes and programs from Tillers International, visit:
https://www.tillersinternational.org
To sign up for the Earthcraft Skillshare summer program in July, visit: https://www.earthcraftskillshare.com
For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:
Check out the list from Feedspot featuring this podcast as #1 in the Michigan History Category!
S3 E48 - A Musical History of Albion Michigan
In this episode, I explore some stories of Musical History at Riverside Cemetery in Albion, Michigan researched by historican Frank Passic. There are tour books available for Riverside Cemetery at Stirling Books & Brew at 119 N Superior St, Albion which can make a fun and educational excursion into history.
For tickets to the Del Shannon Tribute Concert, click here.
For tickets to the Music Legacy event, click here.
For more information on Michael Delaware and the upcoming schedule for his book tour, visit:
S3 E47 - Exploring the Historic Michigan Travel Guide with Editor Larry Wagenaar
In this episode, Larry Wagenaar, one of the Editors of the Historic Michigan Travel Guide joins me to discuss the new 8th edition of the book, and great locations to explore this summer in Michigan. The guide covers a lot of museums, historical societies, observatories, lighthouses, historic villages, and so much more in every region of the state.
To get a copy of the Historic Michigan Travel Guide, click here.
For information on the Historical Society of Michigan, visit: https://hsmichigan.org
For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:
S3 E46 - Historic Cemetery Symbology: Hands, Hearts, Faces & Other Imagry
In this episode I explore the imagry in cemetery symbology on headstones, specifically on the meaning behind hands, hearts and faces. The information provided in this episode comes from Tui Snider's book 'Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards'.
To get a copy of Tue Snider's book, click here.
For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:
S3 E45 - Quaker History & the Underground Railroad: An Interview with William & Brenda Beadenkopf & Mike Moroz
In this episode, my guests are from the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County (URSCC). William & Brenda Beadenkopf volunteer with the URSCC, and are also Quakers having been raised in the church. Mike Moroz it the President of the URSCC.
We discuss the history of the Quakers as the radicals of society in their time, being advocates of Temperance, Woman's Suffrage and Abolition.
For more information on the URSCC, visit:
For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:
S3 E44 - The Legacy of St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids
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:
For tickets to the upcoming Del Shannon Concert on June 28th in Battle Creek, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/delshannonshow
S3 E43 - History of the Michigan Central Railroad Depot in Charlotte
In this episode I explore the history of the Michigan Central Railroad Depot in Charlotte, Michigan. The information comes from a book by the Eaton County Historical Commission which can be found here: https://eatoncountyhistory.org
For information on Michael Delaware, visit:
For tickets to the Del Shannon Concert, visit here:
S3 E42 - Mount Olivet Cemetery, The Lawler Family & New Symposiums
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:
S3 E41- The Screenplay on the Music Legend Del Shannon: An Interview with Screenwriter Gary Gurner
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.
For tickets to the Del Shannon Tribute Concert on June 28th: https://events.humanitix.com/delshannonshow
For a sneak peak of the new screenplay on Del Shannon, visit: https://garysgurner.com
For links to all the events on Del Shannon weekend, visit:
S3 E40 - Understanding the Meanings of Statues in Historic Cemeteries
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.
To get a copy of Tui Snider's book, click here.
To find out details about the Cemetery workshop class in Union City, click here.
For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:
S3 E39 - The Murder of James Robinson 1894: An Interview with Bobbie Mathis
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.
For more information on the event with Michael Delaware speaking in Union City on May 18th, Click here.
For more information on the event on June 15 at Riverside Cemetery, Click here.
For more information on Michael Delaware, and his upcoming schedule visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
S3 E38 - The Werstein Tragedy of 1916
In this episode I explore the story of a tragic murder and suicide that happened in Battle Creek, Michigan in the days leading up to Prohibition. The outcome of this incident resulted in the building of a nurses home in the city.
S3 E37 - The Kal-Haven Trail Heritage Project with Historian Jeff Green
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:
For more information on Michael Delaware, visit"
S3 E36 - The Southern Michigan Ship Canal Proposal of 1876
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:
S3 E35 - History of the White Pigeon Prairie with Author Kelley Taylor
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.
For a copy of Kelley Taylor's book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4akEKND
For more information on Kelley Taylor, visit her page on Facebook here.
For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:
S3 E34 - History of the Interurban in Albion, Michigan
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.
The information used in this episode comes from the historical research of Frank Passic in Albion. For a complete look at his material, visit: https://www.albionmich.com
For more information and a schedule of upcoming speaking and book signing events for Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
S3 E33 - FBI Case Files in Michigan: An Interview with Author Greg Stejskal
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).
To get a copy of Greg's book, click the link here: https://amzn.to/3IOCVMD
For more information on Michael Delaware, and his upcoming speaking engagements for his book tour, visit:
S3 E32 - Legendary Black Women from Calhoun County History
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:
https://events.humanitix.com/phenomenal-woman
For information on the Tillers International program in Scotts Michigan on July 18-21st, visit:
https://earthcraftskillshare.com
For information on Michael Delaware, and the upcoming speaking events on his new book Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime, visit:
S3 E31 - A History of the Irish Brigade: An Interview with Jim Jackson
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.
For more information on Jim Jackson, or to get copies of his books, visit: https://michlist.com
For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:
S3 E30 - Victorian Era Carriage & Railway Accidents and other Tragedies
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.
For more information on Michael Delaware, or to get a copy of the new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
S3 E29 - More Stories from Jacktown: An Interview with Author Judy Gail Krasnow
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:
To purchase a copy of Jacktown, click here.
For more information on the Michigan True Crime Symposium on April 6th at Art 634 in Jackson, Michigan click here.
To find out more about Michael Delaware, visit:
S3 E28 - The Life of Washington Gardner
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:
S3 E27 - An Interview with Tobin Buhk on Michigan True Crime Stories
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:
To sign up to attend the True Crime Symposium on Facebook, click here: https://fb.me/e/48cYSFQt0
The event is on April 6th, at Art 634 located at 634 Mechanic St, Jackson, MI.
For more information on Michael Delawaware, visit:
S3 E26 - The Founding of Branch County Michigan
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:
To order a copy of the new book Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime from Amazon, visit: https://amzn.to/49Kipbs
S2 E25 - Exploring the History of Railroad Communities in Hillsdale County
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.
To pre-order a copy of Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime on Amazon, click here: https://amzn.to/3UVbF6m
To find out more about Michael Delaware, visit:
S3 E24 - Early Stories & History of Grand Rapids, Michigan
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:
S3 E23 - Forgotten Stories & Early History of Manistee Michigan
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:
S3 E22 - The Lost Village of Yorkville & A Tragic Murder from 1849
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.
To read the article referred to in this episode, click here.
For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order the new book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit:
S3 E21 - A History of Gravesite Goods & Decorations
In this episode, I explore the history of items left at gravesites, often called gravesite 'goods' and decorations.
I use the book written by Tui Snider as a reference, which you can click here to get a copy of 'Understanding Cemetery Symbols'.
To watch the video referred to in this episode, click here.
For more information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of the upcoming book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
S3 E20 - Historical Flooding in Kalamazoo
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:
S3 E19 - Early Businesses & Manufacturing in Hillsdale County
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:
https://www.hillsdalehistoricalsociety.org/things
For more information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of his new book, visit:
S3 E18 - The Battle Creek Ambulance Corps of World War One
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'.
There is also an additional article on the history of Ambulance Corps on the Library of Congress here.
For more information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of his new book, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
S3 E17 - Early History & Manufacturing of Albion, Michigan
In this episode I explore some of the early history and manufacturing of Albion, Michigan.
For more information on the Albion Historical Articles mentioned, visit Frank Passic's page here.
For more information on Michael Delaware or to pre-order a copy of his new book, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
S3 E16 - Cemetery Types, Traditions & Markers
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.
For a copy of Tui Snider's book and newsletter, click here.
For information on Michael Delaware, or to order a copy of the new book Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime, visit:
S3 E15 - Battle Creek's First Schoolmaster & A History of One Room Schoolhouses
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:
S3 E14 - Basket Factories, Odd Characters & Great Pioneers of Early Benton Harbor Michigan
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.
For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order the book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' due out in March 2024, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
S3 E13 - Tales of Early Niles Michigan
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:
S3 E12 - Early Roads, Stagecoaches & Taverns of Southwest Michigan
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:
S3 E11 - Stories of the Hermit's Gold, Street Fights & Lumbering Days in Benton Harbor
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:
S3 E10 - The Great Blizzard of 1978
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.
For the Kalamazoo Libarary article, click here.
For the MLive article, click here.
For more information on Michael Delaware, or to pre-order his new book, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
S3 E9 - Stories from Banfield Michigan
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.
For the short article mentioned on Banfield, click here.
To contact Michael, or pre-order a copy of the book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
S3 E8 - The Early History of White Pigeon Michigan
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.
To read the article by Denise Frederick, click here.
To contact Michael Delaware, or to Pre-Order a copy of the new book coming out March 11th 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' visit: https://michaeldelaware.com
S3 E7 - The Early Days of Benton Harbor & The Wreck of the Hippocampus 1868
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:
S3 E6 - True Crime Story: The Ghost of Farrand's Bridge 1893
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:
S3 E5 - A History of Three Rivers Michigan
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.
For the source article for most of the information in this episode, click here.
For information on Michael Delaware, visit:
To pre-order a copy of 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' click here!
S3 E4 - Murder at the Soldiers Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan 1892
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:
To see the calendar for the Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime book tour, visit:
https://michaeldelaware.com/calendar-of-events/
Pre-Order your copy of Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime here: https://michaeldelaware.com/store/
S3 E3 - Victorian Street Conditions, Runaway Horses & Carriage Accidents
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:
For a calendar of the book tour for Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime which is coming out March 11th:
https://michaeldelaware.com/calendar-of-events/
Pre-Order your copy of Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime here:
S3 E2 - Death in the Bohemia Saloon 1888
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:
For Michael's calendar and information on the book 'Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime' coming out on March 11th, visit:
https://michaeldelaware.com/calendar-of-events/
S3 E1 - Year in Review, Historical Election Years & My True Crime Book in 2024
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:
https://michaeldelaware.com/calendar-of-events/
To sign up for an email notification on when my book is released, visit: https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/products/9781467156073/
S2 E157 - Stories of New Years & Holiday Traditions: An Interview with Mac McCullough from Willard Library
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:
https://willardlibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar
For more information on Michael Delaware and his 2024 book tour, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com