Shows / Michigan Minute
Michigan Minute
WKAR’s Jamie Paisley presents intriguing stories for each day in Michigan history. From name changes and iconic cities to arcane laws, Michigan Minute covers a wide variety of fascinatingly true tales from the Great Lake State. Interested in supporting the Michigan Minute?
Episodes
- Michigan Minute
Michigan Bans Hitchhiking on Freeways | August 28
Michigan passed a law banning hitchhiking and bicycles on the Interstate Highway System, nearly a decade after the system's enactment. Also, on this day in…
- Michigan Minute
Lincoln's Kalamazoo Visit | August 27
Today in 1856, Abraham Lincoln visited Kalamazoo to campaign for John Charles Fremont. His speech, initially lost to history, was rediscovered in 1930 by Tom…
- Michigan Minute
UAW Formation | August 26
Today in 1935, the United Auto Workers (UAW) was officially organized, uniting various autoworker unions under one banner. This led to a series of sit-down…
- Michigan Minute
John Smalley's Last Stand | August 25
Today in 1895, notorious train robber John Smalley was killed in a shootout with deputies near Cadillac, Michigan. Smalley, who had stolen over $1 million and…
- Michigan Minute
Bounty on Rats & Bathtub Boat Adventure | August 24
Today in 1915, Michigan introduced a bounty of 5 cents per rat to combat rodent infestations, a law that remained in place until its repeal in 2000. In 1969…
- Michigan Minute
Keith Moon's Memorable Flint Birthday | August 23
Today in 1967, The Who performed at Flint's Atwood Stadium on drummer Keith Moon’s 21st birthday. Fans sent 200 cakes to the Holiday Inn, leading to a wild…
- Michigan Minute
Iris Kyle's Birthday & Detroit's Electric Trolley Cars | August 22
Today in 1974, professional bodybuilder Iris Kyle was born in Benton Harbor. She is the most successful woman bodybuilder with 10 Ms. Olympia and 7 Ms…
- Michigan Minute
Oldsmobile's Debut & Capri Drive-In Theater Opening | August 21
Today in 1897, Ransom Eli Olds founded Olds Motors Works, which later became Oldsmobile. After a fire destroyed most of the cars, the surviving model became a…
- Michigan Minute
First Commercial Radio & Paul Bunyan Claims | August 20
Today in 1920, Detroit began the first commercial radio broadcasting with the test call sign 8MK, later becoming WWJ. It continues to broadcast today. On the…
- Michigan Minute
Birthdays of Rick Snyder & Colleen Moore | August 19
Today in 1958, former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder was born in Battle Creek. Snyder, a businessman and lawyer, served as governor from 2011 to 2019 and gained…
- Michigan Minute
Presidential Pie and Olympic Gold | August 18
Today in 1926, Traverse City's Wallace Keep sent a 46-pound cherry pie to President Calvin Coolidge, showcasing the region’s famous cherries. On the same date…
- Michigan Minute
Claudia House Morcom's Legacy | August 17
Today in 2014, Claudia House Morcom, the first Black woman to serve as a Wayne County circuit court judge, passed away. Morcom was a pivotal civil rights…
- Michigan Minute
Michigan’s First Black Police Chief & Madonna’s Birthday | August 16
Today in 1965, George Grady became Michigan's first African-American police chief in Dowagiac, serving for 9 years. Today also marks the birthday of Madonna…
- Michigan Minute
Michigan’s First Postage Stamps & Chrysler’s Tank Factory | August 15
Today in 1847, the U.S. Government introduced postage stamps to Michigan, with 5 and 10 cent versions arriving in Detroit. On the same date in 1940, Chrysler…
- Michigan Minute
Magic Johnson’s Birthday and Bay City’s Rock & Roll Honor | August 14
Today in 1959, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson was born in Lansing, Michigan. In 2014, Bay City honored the song “96 Tears” by Rudy Martinez, aka Question…
- Michigan Minute
James Monroe’s Visit & The Palace’s Grand Opening | August 13
Today in 1817, President James Monroe visited Detroit as part of his tour inspecting US forts post-War of 1812, and also visited Monroe, Michigan, named in his…
- Michigan Minute
Commissioning of the U.S.S. Wolverine & Its Historic Training Role | August 12
Today in 1942, the U.S.S. Wolverine, the Great Lakes’ first aircraft carrier, was commissioned in Buffalo, NY. Originally named the Seeandbee, the ship was…
- Michigan Minute
Detroit's Record Rainfall & First Mechanical Heart Pump | August 11
Today in 2014, Detroit experienced its heaviest one-day rainfall in nearly 90 years, causing flooding, power outages, and two deaths. In 1971, Dr. Adrian…
- Michigan Minute
First European Ship in Michigan & Soviet Propaganda | August 10
Today in 1697, the European ship Le Griffon docked in Michigan, only to sink in Lake Michigan shortly after. In 1950, Soviet radio claimed Michigan football…
- Michigan Minute
Claressa Shields' Olympic Gold and Gillian Anderson's Birthday | August 9
In 2012, Flint native Claressa Shields won gold in the first women's middleweight boxing event at the London Olympics. Today is also Gillian Anderson's…
- Michigan Minute
Fishing Agreement Reached, Shortest American League Game & Jim Blanchard's Birthday | August 8
Today in 2000, after 27 years of litigation, an agreement was made between Michigan, the US Government, and various indigenous tribes regarding fishing…
- Michigan Minute
Grand River Avenue Opens & National Lighthouse Day Celebrated | August 7
Today in 1926, Grand River Avenue, or Historic US-16, opened in Michigan, becoming the first paved road to stretch completely across the state. Connecting…
- Michigan Minute
Detroit Restaurateur Convicted as Nazi Spy | August 6
Today in 1942, Detroit restaurant owner Max Stephan was convicted of treason and sentenced to death for being a Nazi spy.
- Michigan Minute
Stevie Wonder Signs Historic Contract | August 5
Today in 1975, Stevie Wonder signed a groundbreaking contract with Motown worth $37 million for seven albums over seven years.
- Michigan Minute
Michigan’s First Telephone Rings | August 4
Today in 1877, the first telephone in Michigan rang, owned by the Grand Rapids Plaster Company, a friend of Alexander Graham Bell.
- Michigan Minute
The Treaty of Greenville & Bois Blanc Island | August 3
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 gift of…
- Michigan Minute
Michigan's Car Ferry Debut & A Historic Olympic Win | August 2
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 voyage. The…
- Michigan Minute
Detroit's Historic Bowling Alley & Trailblazing Aviator | August 1
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 continuously…
- Michigan Minute
GM Hits NYSE & Treaty with Ottawa, Chippewa | July 31
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, led by…
- Michigan Minute
Hoffa Vanishes & Charter Schools Approved | July 30
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 statewide.
- Michigan Minute
GM Buys Cadillac & Ford’s Failed Start | July 29
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 auto empire.
- Michigan Minute
Detroit Rebellion Ends & Change Begins | July 28
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 leaders…
- Michigan Minute
Morality Laws & Michigan’s First Quake Shakes | July 27
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, an…
- Michigan Minute
Lorna Gray’s Debut & Grand Rapids Log Jam | July 26
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 heart of the…
- Michigan Minute
Busing Ruling & Michigan’s First Ombudsman | July 25
On this day in 1974, the Supreme Court sided with Gov. Milliken on Detroit’s busing case, fueling white flight. And in 1966, Michigan named its first state…
- Michigan Minute
Hydropower Launch & Krone’s Racing Firsts | July 24
On this day in 1880, the world’s first hydroelectric plant began in Grand Rapids. And in 1963, trailblazing jockey Julie Krone was born in Benton Harbor…
- Michigan Minute
Detroit Rebellion Erupts & National Guard Called In | July 23
On this day in 1967, a police raid sparked the Detroit rebellion—one of the deadliest in U.S. history. Lasting 8 days, it led to 43 deaths, 7,000 arrests, and…
- Michigan Minute
Detroit’s Recall & Scouts at Crystal Lake | July 22
On this day in 1930, Detroit Mayor Charles Bowles was recalled over corruption and KKK ties. And in 1911, the first Boy Scouts arrived at Camp Owasippe near…
- Michigan Minute
Robin Williams’ Roots & Bloomfield Hills | July 21
On this day in 1951, Robin Williams was born. Before becoming an Oscar-winning actor, he spent his teen years in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, excelling in…
- Michigan Minute
Hunter Orange Law & Helen Thomas’ Legacy | July 20
On this day in 1977, Michigan required hunters to wear fluorescent orange. And in 2013, trailblazing journalist Helen Thomas, a Wayne State alum, passed away…
- Michigan Minute
Triple Play History & Michigan’s Lost Canal | July 19
On this day in 1909, Michigander Neal Ball made MLB’s first unassisted triple play. And in 1838, a massive canal project began—only to be abandoned years later.
- Michigan Minute
Detroit’s Bankruptcy & Harbor Beach Light | July 18
On this day in 1885, Harbor Beach Lighthouse began service. In 2013, Detroit filed for bankruptcy. And in 1980, actress Kristen Bell was born in Huntington…
- Michigan Minute
Fred Trost’s Legacy & Michigan Outdoors | July 17
On this day in 2007, Michigan lost beloved outdoorsman Fred Trost, host of “Michigan Outdoors” and later “Practical Sportsman,” staples of public TV for…
- Michigan Minute
Mackinac’s Fall & War of 1812 Begins | July 16
On this day in 1812, British forces captured Fort Mackinac in the first War of 1812 battle on U.S. soil—triggering a swift British takeover of Michigan’s forts.
- Michigan Minute
Women’s Rights & World’s Tallest Man | July 15
On this day in 1929 and 1975, Michigan AG rulings advanced women’s rights. And in 1940, the world’s tallest man, Robert Wadlow, died in Manistee at age 22.
- Michigan Minute
Ford’s Birthday & Michigan’s President | July 14
On this day in 1913, Gerald R. Ford was born. The only U.S. president never elected to the presidency or vice presidency, he represented Michigan in Congress…
- Michigan Minute
Northwest Ordinance & Michigan’s Path | July 13
On this day in 1787, the Northwest Ordinance was enacted, setting the stage for Michigan and other Midwest states to move from territory to statehood with…
- Michigan Minute
Olympic Gold & Women in the Guard | July 12
On this day in 1995, Olympian Jordyn Wieber was born in DeWitt, Michigan. And in 1974, women were officially allowed to join the Michigan National Guard.
- Michigan Minute
Endangered Species & Fort Detroit's Handoff | July 11
On this day in 1974, Michigan enacted its Endangered Species Act. And in 1796, U.S. forces officially took control of Fort Detroit from the British after years…
- Michigan Minute
Toledo War Vet & Author of Freedom Amendments | July 10
On this day in 1805, Jacob Merritt Howard was born. A Michigan lawmaker and U.S. senator, he helped draft the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments alongside…
- Michigan Minute
Jack White’s Roots & Seven Nation Sound | July 9
On this day in 1975, Jack White was born in Detroit. A key figure in the 2000s garage rock revival, he rose to fame with the White Stripes and later wrote a…
- Michigan Minute
Olympic Gold & Lansing’s First Firefighter | July 8
On this day in 1924, U-M alum DeHart Hubbard became the first Black American to win Olympic gold. In 1962, Roger Roberts became Lansing’s first Black…
- Michigan Minute
Old Age Aid & Detroit’s First Daily News | July 7
On this day in 1933, Michigan passed the Old Age Assistance Act. And in 1845, the first issue of the Detroit Daily News was published, laying the foundation…
- Michigan Minute
Michigan's Historical Conventions | July 6
1931: Della Reese, born Delloreese Patricia Early in Detroit, began her journey as a singer and made history by performing as the first gospel singer in Las…
- Michigan Minute
Canoe Cussing & Free Speech in Michigan | July 5
On this day in 2002, Michigan’s Court of Appeals struck down a law banning public cursing, ruling it protected speech—thanks to one canoeist’s colorful…
- Michigan Minute
British at Detroit & Grand Rapids’ Balloon | July 4
On this day in 1783, Britain held onto Fort Detroit. In 1859, Grand Rapids saw its first hot air balloon flight, and in 1969, Mackinac Island hosted its first…
- Michigan Minute
Royal Visit & Michigan’s First Librarian | July 3
On this day in 1959, Queen Elizabeth visited Detroit for the first Freedom Festival. In 1828, Henry Schoolcraft became Michigan’s first territorial librarian.
- Michigan Minute
Garfield’s Shooting & a U-M Connection | July 2
On this day in 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau—a former U-M student—leading to civil service reform after Garfield’s death.
- Michigan Minute
MSU’s Name Change & U-M’s Opposition | July 1
On this day in 1955, Michigan State College officially became Michigan State University after a long push for recognition—and despite resistance from the…
- Michigan Minute
Tashmoo Park & The Message in a Bottle | June 30
On this day in 1915, Selina Pramstaller and Tillie Esper of Detroit wrote a note at Tashmoo Park, sealed it in a bottle, and cast it into the St. Clair River…