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
Jackson's Endurance Walk & Detroit's First Flight | Apr 30
On this day in 1935: During the Great Depression, the Regent Cafe in Jackson, Michigan offered $1,000 for couples to walk as long as they could. Tommy McGeer…
- Michigan Minute
Michigan-Ohio Border War & Last Oldsmobile | Apr 29
On this day in 1835: The Michigan-Ohio border war flared up as Michigan militia confronted Ohio surveyors. The Detroit Free Press and Toledo Gazette exchanged…
- Michigan Minute
Milo Dakin's Bribery & Tigers' Debut Win | Apr 28
On this day in 1887: The Michigan House expelled Representative Milo Dakin for attempting to bribe fellow lawmakers. This marked the first expulsion in…
- Michigan Minute
Detroit's Zion Lodge & Steamboat Launch | Apr 27
On this day in 1764: The Provincial Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Masons in New York issued a charter to Michigan's first Masonic lodge in Detroit. The…
- Michigan Minute
Kalamazoo Free Lunch & Lincoln's Assassins | Apr 26
On this day in 1901: Kalamazoo saloon owners agreed to stop offering extravagant free lunches, limiting them to cheese and crackers. On this day in 1865…
- Michigan Minute
Mary T. Lathrap, Prohibition Advocate | Apr 25
On this day in 1838: Mary T. Lathrap, known as the "Daniel Webster of Prohibition," was born in Jackson, Michigan. She was a teacher turned evangelist who…
- Michigan Minute
First M3 Tank Rolls Out in Detroit | Apr 24
On this day in 1941: The first tank from Detroit's Arsenal of Democracy rolled off the assembly line at Chrysler. The 30-ton M3 tank was rapidly produced and…
- Michigan Minute
Ford's Gift to Burbank & Moore's Birth | Apr 23
On this day in 1918: Henry Ford gifted his first Fordson Tractor to his friend, plant breeder Luther Burbank. Burbank was known for his experiments with plants…
- Michigan Minute
Kalamazoo College & Flint's Lois Holt | Apr 22
On this day in 1933: The Territory of Michigan chartered its first school of higher learning, initially named the Michigan and Huron Institute, now Kalamazoo…
- Michigan Minute
Zarichny's Defiance Against Senate | Apr 21
On this day in 1948: James Zarichny, a Michigan State College senior and political activist, took a stand against the Michigan legislature. He refused to…
- Michigan Minute
Ty Cobb's Historic Run at Navin Field | Apr 20
On this day in 1912: The Detroit Tigers moved into their new home at Navin Field, later known as Tiger Stadium. The Tigers had previously played at Bennett…
- Michigan Minute
Glenn T. Seaborg & Detroit Tigers | Apr 19
On this day in 1912: Glenn T. Seaborg, the Nobel-laureate Michigander, was born in Ishpeming, Michigan. He discovered 10 atomic elements, including plutonium…
- Michigan Minute
Grand River Times' First Issue | Apr 18
On this day in 1837, Grand Rapids' first newspaper, the Grand River Times, was published after a challenging journey. The printing press, bought from the…
- Michigan Minute
St. Joseph Tidal Wave & Al Kaline's Batting Title | Apr 17
On this day in 1893, a tidal wave swept St. Joseph, Michigan, extending 600-700 feet over the beach. In 1955, Al Kaline became the youngest player to win the…
- Michigan Minute
Harriet Quimby's Historic Flight & Des Linden's Win | Apr 16
On this day in 1912, Harriet Quimby from Arcadia, Michigan, made history as the first woman to fly solo over the English Channel. She was also the first…
- Michigan Minute
Titanic, Blizzard Game & Whizzer White | Apr 15
On this day in 1912, the Titanic began to sink, with Michigan couple Dickinson and Helen Bishop among the first to board a lifeboat. In 1911, the Detroit…
- Michigan Minute
Motown Records' Iconic Start | Apr 14
On this day in 1960, we celebrate the incorporation of Motown Records. With an $800 loan from his family, Berry Gordy Jr. founded the company, originally named…
- Michigan Minute
MSU's Nickname Change to Spartans | Apr 13
On this day in 1926, we remember how Michigan State University fans avoided the nickname "Staters" in 1926. Thanks to George Alderton and Stephen Scofes, the…
- Michigan Minute
Lisette Denison's Land & Polio Vaccine | Apr 12
On this day in 1825, we remember Lisette Denison, the first Black woman landowner in Michigan, who bought 48.5 acres in Pontiac in 1825. We also highlight the…
- Michigan Minute
Detroit's 1943 March & Vernor's Birth | Apr 11
On this day in 1943, we reflect on the 1943 march in Detroit against Jim Crow laws and celebrate the birth of James Vernor Sr., creator of Vernor's Ginger Ale…
- Michigan Minute
Elsa Von Blumen's 1000-Mile Ride in Detroit | Apr 10
On this day in 1822, Caroline Kiner, aka Elsa Von Blumen, visited Michigan. She was a famous high-wheeled bicyclist, known for her exhibitions on the Penny…
- Michigan Minute
Red Wings Farewell and Hughie Cannon's Birth | Apr 9
On this day in 2017, the Red Wings closed out their 38-year residency at Joe Louis Arena with a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Fans celebrated by…
- Michigan Minute
Lansing Board Endorses Community College | Apr 8
On this day in 1957, the Lansing Board of Education endorsed the establishment of Lansing Community College. The first class was a math refresher course with…
- Michigan Minute
Henry Ford's Passing at Fair Lane | Apr 7
On this day in 1947, Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company, died at his residence in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford's innovations, including the Model T and…
- Michigan Minute
Medal of Honor for George Sidman | Apr 6
On this day in 1862, Private George Sidman, a drummer boy from Owosso, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism on a Civil War battlefield. At 16…
- Michigan Minute
Flint Flood & Battle of Manton | Apr 5
On this day in 1947, Flint experienced one of its worst disasters as rising waters caused severe flooding, sweeping furniture and appliances into the river…
- Michigan Minute
Nannette Gardner Votes | Apr 4
On this day in 1871, Nannette Gardner became the first Michigan woman to vote in a general election. As a wealthy widow, she convinced Detroit City Officials…
- Michigan Minute
Isle Royale's Wildlife & Shipwrecks | Apr 3
On this day in 1940, Isle Royale was established as a national park. It consists of one large island and over 200 smaller islands in Lake Superior, accessible…
- Michigan Minute
MSU Name Change & Giant Fungus Discovery | Apr 2
On this day in 1954, Michigan State University got its name. The Detroit Free Press reported that Michigan Attorney General Thomas Kavanagh ruled there was no…
- Michigan Minute
Lansing Ice Floe Disaster | Apr 1
On this day in 1875, a massive ice floe collapsed five bridges in Lansing, starting with the newly constructed Mineral Wells Bridge. In 1963, Michiganders…
- Michigan Minute
Birth of Referee Stripes | Mar 31
On this day in 1921, Michigan sports official Lloyd W. Olds introduced the striped referee shirt to avoid confusion during games. The idea came after a mix-up…
- Michigan Minute
U-M's First Kidney Transplant & Legacy | Mar 30
On this day in 1966, Michigan's first kidney transplant was performed at the University of Michigan, saving 15-year-old Janice Ottenbacher with an organ from…
- Michigan Minute
Pacification Ball & Robert Mahoney's Legacy | Mar 29
On this day in 1815, Detroiters and Canadians celebrated the end of the War of 1812 with the Pacification Ball, mending fences and hoping to leave the previous…
- Michigan Minute
MSU's 1979 Parade of Champions | Mar 28
On this day in 1979, MSU Superfan Duane Vernon and broadcaster Tim Staudt planned a parade with coach Jud Heathcote. Instead of celebrating a Final Four…
- Michigan Minute
First Women Graduates & Michigan's Suffrage Support | Mar 27
On this day in 1871, Amanda Sanford and Sarah Killgore became the first women to graduate from the University of Michigan. Additionally, in 1912, the Michigan…
- Michigan Minute
Diana Ross's Supremes' Success | Mar 26
On this day in 1944, Diana Ross was born in Detroit. She rose to fame as the leader of The Supremes, one of Motown's most successful groups. Ross launched a…
- Michigan Minute
Aretha Franklin's Musical Legacy | Mar 25
On this day in 1942, Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was born in Memphis. She moved to Detroit, began singing at New Bethel Baptist Church, and later…
- Michigan Minute
Dr. Hanna-Attisha's Flint Impact & Time Nomination | Mar 24
On this day in 2016, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha was nominated for Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people for exposing the Flint Water Crisis. She tested Flint…
- Michigan Minute
Nain Rouge Parade & Cadillac's Curse | Mar 23
On this day in 1710, Detroit held its first Nain Rouge parade to banish the mythical Red Dwarf and his curse. According to legend, Detroit's founder Antoine…
- Michigan Minute
Comedian Keegan-Michael Key | Mar 22
On this day in 1971, actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key was born in Southfield, Michigan. He later co-created the influential sketch comedy series "Key &…
- Michigan Minute
Rivera's Murals & S.S. Badger's Launch | Mar 21
On this day in 1933, Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals were unveiled at the Detroit Institute of Arts. In 1953, the S.S. Badger ferry began its voyages…
- Michigan Minute
Snowman Burning & Gordon's Assassination | Mar 20
On this day in 1971, Lake Superior State University held its first annual Snowman Burning. In 1919, women were allowed to serve on jury duty in Wayne County…
- Michigan Minute
Fishing Licenses, Pingree's Choice & Voelker's Legacy | Mar 19
On this day in 1925, Michigan required fishermen to purchase licenses. In 1897, Hazen Pingree resigned as Detroit mayor to serve as governor. In 1991, John…
- Michigan Minute
U-M Co-Ed Housing & Alma's Easter Eggs | Mar 18
On this day in 1972, a co-ed housing experiment at the University of Michigan was disbanded amid media attention. In 1911, Alma mail carriers received over…
- Michigan Minute
Detroit's St. Patrick's Day & MSU's FRIB | Mar 17
On this day in 1808, Detroit held its first St. Patrick’s Day celebration, one of the oldest in the U.S. In 2014, Michigan State University broke ground on the…
- Michigan Minute
Union Dues Bill & Lansing's Capital Status | Mar 16
On this day in 2013, a bill was passed prohibiting school districts from deducting union dues from paychecks. In 1846, Lansing became the capital of Michigan…
- Michigan Minute
Stratton's Pottery & Zingerman's Anniversary | Mar 15
On this day in 1867, Mary Chase Perry Stratton, founder of Pewabic Pottery and a Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame member, was born. In 1982, Zingerman’s Deli was…
- Michigan Minute
King's Grosse Pointe Speech | Mar 14
On this day in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his speech "The Other America" in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, facing interruptions from protesters but…
- Michigan Minute
Baldwin's Capitol Vision & Lansing's Selection | Mar 13
On this day in 1872, Governor Henry P. Baldwin called for a new Capitol Building for Michigan. The first Capitol was built in Detroit in 1832, and Lansing was…
- Michigan Minute
1974 Streaking Craze Hits Michigan | Mar 12
On this day in 1974, the First Annual Ann Arbor Streak-In took place, drawing thousands of spectators. Later, the First Annual Lucky Streak attracted 10,000…
- Michigan Minute
Osborn's Prohibition Efforts & Township Act | Mar 11
On this day in 1912, Gov. Chase Osborn sought to outlaw brewery-owned saloons in Michigan. In 1836, Gov. Stevens T. Mason signed the Township Act, organizing…
- Michigan Minute
Writing Reform, Paper's End & Hutton's Birth | Mar 10
On this day in 1914, Michigan took steps to improve handwriting in schools. In 2016, The Bay City Democrat published its final edition. In 1919, Marion Hutton…
- Michigan Minute
Olds' Factory Move & Balloon Flight Legalization | Mar 9
On this day in 1901, R. E. Olds moved his automobile factory to Lansing after a fire in Detroit. In 1976, Governor Milliken legalized manned hot-air balloon…
- Michigan Minute
Parmelee's Aviation Feats & Legacy | Mar 8
On this day in 1887, pioneering pilot Philip Parmelee was born. He trained with the Wright Brothers and achieved several aviation firsts, including the first…
- Michigan Minute
Olympic Triumph & Dingell's Legacy | Mar 7
On this day in 1976, Sheila Young won three medals in speed skating at the Innsbruck Winter Olympics. In 2019, Representative John Dingell Jr., a key figure in…
- Michigan Minute
Phone Concert, Detroit's First Car & Lindstrom | Mar 6
On this day in 1877, the Detroit Club experienced a live concert from Chicago via telephone. In 1896, Charles King built and drove Detroit's first gasoline…
- Michigan Minute
Sheldon's Fine, MSU Fire & Court Transparency | Mar 5
On this day in 1829, Detroit Gazette editor John P. Sheldon was fined and jailed for criticizing the Michigan territorial court. In 1916, a fire destroyed an…
- Michigan Minute
Michigan's First TV Station & State Tree | Mar 4
On this day in 1947, WWDT-TV Channel 4, Michigan's first TV station, began broadcasting. In 1955, Michigan designated the eastern white pine as the official…
- Michigan Minute
Felch's Resignation & Michigan's National Parks | Mar 3
On this day in 1847, Governor Alpheus Felch resigned to become a U.S. Senator. In 1875, Mackinac Island became the US's second national park. Then in 1931…
- Michigan Minute
Kalamazoo's Name Change & Detroit's Port | Mar 2
On this day in 1836, Governor Stevens T. Mason approved changing the town name from Bronson to Kalamazoo, distancing it from its controversial founder, Titus…