Michigan Minute

Feb 03 2025 365 ep. 1 mins 4
Michigan Minute Podcast artwork

WKAR’s Jamie Paisley presents stories for each day in Michigan history. From name changes to arcane laws, Michigan Minute covers a variety of true tales from the Great Lake State. Subscribe now! Interested in supporting the Michigan Minute? Click here to donate $20.

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First Train Ride, Howe's 6 Goals, & 13th Amendment | Feb 3

Feb 03 2025 1 mins  
On this day in 1838, passengers rode the Michigan Central Railroad from Detroit to Ypsilanti for the first time. In 1944, Detroit Red Wing’s Sydney Howe scored a double hat trick. In 1865, Michigan ratified the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery.

Stockwell's Admission & Ty Cobb's Induction | Feb 2

Feb 02 2025 1 mins  
On this day in 1870, Elizabeth Madelon Stockwell became the first woman admitted to the University of Michigan. In 1936, the Baseball Hall of Fame inducted its first five players, including Detroit Tiger Ty Cobb.

I-94's Completion & Blue Star Mothers' Founding | Feb 1

Feb 01 2025 1 mins  
On this day in 1967, Michigan completed I-94, becoming the first state with an interstate highway stretching border-to-border. In 1942, the Blue Star Mothers of America was founded in Flint to support children serving in WWII, and continues its mission today.

Jane Johnston Schoolcraft's Literary Firsts | Jan 31

Jan 31 2025 1 mins  
On this day in 1800, Jane Johnston Schoolcraft, the first known Indigenous literary writer and poet, was born in Ste. Saint Marie. Known as Bamewawagezhikaquay in Ojibwe, she left behind writings in both English and Ojibwe, offering insights into early 1800s life.

Fred Korematsu & Tom Izzo's Birthdays | Jan 30

Jan 30 2025 1 mins  
On this day in 1919, future Detroiter Fred Korematsu was born. He resisted Japanese American internment during WWII and was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1955, Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo was born, leading the team to numerous Big Ten titles.

Prohibition, Selleck's Birth, & Michigan's Rocket | Jan 29

Jan 29 2025 1 mins  
On this day in 1919, Michigan ratified the 18th Amendment, leading to Prohibition. In 1945, actor Tom Selleck was born in Detroit. In 1971, Michigan launched its first rocket into space from Keweenaw.

1898 Speed Limits & Baseball Legends in Michigan | Jan 28

Jan 28 2025 1 mins  
On this day in 1898, Sault-Sainte Marie imposed a 6 mph speed limit, sparking criticism from The Soo Times. In 1958, Ozzie Virgil joined the Detroit Tigers as their first Latino player. In 2015, the Lansing Lugnuts established the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame.

Crosswhite Freed, Tenney Librarian, & Wolf Saved | Jan 27

Jan 27 2025 1 mins  
On this day in 1847, citizens of Marshall, Michigan, thwarted slave catchers and helped the Crosswhite family escape to Canada. In 1859, Jesse Eugene Tenney became Michigan’s state librarian. In 2012, the Michigan gray wolf was removed from the endangered species list.

Corina Morariu Birthday & Michigan Statehood Signed | Jan 26

Jan 26 2025 1 mins  
On this day in 1978, Detroit welcomed future Wimbledon winner Corina Morariu. She won major doubles titles and overcame leukemia. Michigan also became the 26th state in 1837.

First Fluoridated Water in Grand Rapids, Michigan | Jan 25

Jan 25 2025 1 mins  
On this day in 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first U.S. city to add fluoride to its tap water. This was part of a study comparing dental health with Muskegon, MI, which later also fluoridated its water. Learn about the origins and impact of water fluoridation.