Category Archives: History & Libraries

Michigan History: A wok down memory lane with La Choy

As America began its experiment with Prohibition in the early 1920s, some Michiganians concocted illegal spirits in their bathtubs. However, at least one Detroiter reportedly used his bathtub to grow bean sprouts. From such modest beginnings sprang the Chinese food brand La Choy.
The origins of La Choy can be traced to Ilhan New, a native [...]

Road Trip: 2008 Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival, Oct 9-12

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse by cmu chem prof
The four day event provides activities for the young and old including lighthouse tours (aerial, boat or personal vehicle), entertainment, and vendors. The festival boasts over 100 maritime related vendors including lighthouse preservation groups, artists, authors and more.
Although the main site of activities occur at the Thunder [...]

Fort Fright: Haunted history at Michilimackinac

On October 10 & 11 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m, Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinac City becomes "Fort Fright" - home to  werewolves, witches, and other legendary characters. Many of the fort's buildings will be open, with lanterns lighting the way from door to door and costumed interpreters telling stories, playing music and serving authentic autumn [...]

Road Trip: 50th Anniversary of Anatomy of a Murder Celebration

The Library of Michigan is spearheading a series of special events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1958 publication of Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver. Traver was the pen name of Marquette County attorney, prosecutor, and Michigan Supreme Court Justice, John D. Voelker, who used his experience with the legal system [...]

Michigan's Famous and Historical Trees Sought as Part of National Effort

Church Beeches by Simonds
The Michigan Forest Association, in conjunction with the Michigan Forestry and Parks Association and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is searching for famous and historical trees in Michigan. As part of a nationwide effort to locate and document these trees, the association plans to update its book "Michigan's Famous [...]

Weird Wednesday: Michigan Sea Monsters

Here's a pair of excerpts by Linda S. Godfrey from that fascinating tome of Michigan mysteries: Weird Michigan. The last Wednesday of every month is a "Weird Wednesday" on Absolute Michigan, so be sure to stay tuned and send us or Linda your Michigan weirdness. You can listen to Linda's latest podcasts and read her [...]

Michigan History: A Resort Called Blaney

Blaney Park Dude Ranch by smartee_martee
Travelers who turn off US 2 and head north on M-77 for the Seney Wildlife Refuge, Munising or Marquette quickly pass a group of buildings on either side of the road. These buildings, while still in apparently good repair, go largely unused. There is little indication they were once part [...]

Old US 27 Motor Tour and the new Route 66

Update: Next year's tour will be August 18-23, 2009!

Club 27 Bar Sign by Alan C of Marion,IN
In Old U.S. 27 classic car cruise to traverse mid-Michigan, The Saginaw News reports that the second annual Old U.S. 27 Auto Tour begins today in Coldwater and includes four stops in mid-Michigan en-route to a finish Saturday [...]

Dig Michigan: Flint and the Tri-cities of Bay City, Saginaw & Midland

Flint/Tri-Cities is the third of Michigan's regions that we are exploring this month. Our goal with this series of articles is to give you a little taste of some great vacation opportunities that are probably less than a tank of gas away and an idea of what is going on in the region, so if [...]

Dig Michigan: Kalamazoo Region

Situated approximately half way between Detroit and Chicago and home to Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo is the second of Michigan's regions that we are exploring this month. Our goal with this series of articles is to give you a little taste of some great vacation opportunities that are probably less than a tank of gas [...]