https://thumbwind.comThumbwind.com and Michigan4you.com. So, as a podcast, you can enjoy them anytime and anywhere. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s tale from the End of the Road in Michigan.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to check out and listen to our little podcast. If you like this kind of tale, you are invited to subscribe. Search for The End Of The Road In Michigan from wherever you're listening. Please watch for and download next week’s episode and take a moment to give us a review.

We cover #Michigan, #MichiganThumb, #PureMichigan #Thumbwind #Caseville, #PortAustin, #BadAxe, #GrindstoneCity, #HarborBeach, #Kindie, #Elkton, #BayPort, #Sebewaing, #Verona, #Pigeon and #PortHope

]]>enSociety & Culture2026 Thumbwind Publications LLChttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9c500c3bd7a93cd051458146cdde3f16.jpghttps://thumbwind.comSat, 11 Jul 2026 15:35:12 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThumbwind Publications LLC19scout79@gmail.comThis audio collection of amazing short stories is taken from the Great Lakes region and the Tip of Michigan’s Thumb. We love Michigan's history, places to see, and things to do in Michigan. Each episode is taken from feature articles from...Thumbwind.com and Michigan4you.com. So, as a podcast, you can enjoy them anytime and anywhere. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s tale from the End of the Road in Michigan.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to check out and listen to our little podcast. If you like this kind of tale, you are invited to subscribe. Search for The End Of The Road In Michigan from wherever you're listening. Please watch for and download next week’s episode and take a moment to give us a review.

We cover #Michigan, #MichiganThumb, #PureMichigan #Thumbwind #Caseville, #PortAustin, #BadAxe, #GrindstoneCity, #HarborBeach, #Kindie, #Elkton, #BayPort, #Sebewaing, #Verona, #Pigeon and #PortHope

]]>falsetrueepisodichttps://thumbwind.com/2026/07/11/history-of-alma-michigan/
When World War I erupted, Alma’s Republic Truck Company answered the call by producing thousands of Liberty Trucks for the U.S. Army. Meanwhile, the town’s roller mills, canneries, and Swift & Co. plant kept America’s food supply flowing.

This narrative shines a light on how Alma’s people and industries – from the Union Depot’s rail traffic to the Michigan Masonic Home’s charitable care – all contributed to the war effort and community life. It’s a story of innovation, patriotism, and early 20th-century spirit in small-town America.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72929901Sat, 11 Jul 2026 15:34:59 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsAt the turn of the 20th century, Alma, Michigan transformed from a quiet former lumber town into a thriving industrial hub. Sugar beet fields replaced pine forests, and a bustling refinery put Alma on the map for sugar production. Visionary local...
When World War I erupted, Alma’s Republic Truck Company answered the call by producing thousands of Liberty Trucks for the U.S. Army. Meanwhile, the town’s roller mills, canneries, and Swift & Co. plant kept America’s food supply flowing.

This narrative shines a light on how Alma’s people and industries – from the Union Depot’s rail traffic to the Michigan Masonic Home’s charitable care – all contributed to the war effort and community life. It’s a story of innovation, patriotism, and early 20th-century spirit in small-town America.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>543alma,beet,company,early,history,home,i,industry,liberty,manufacturing,masonic,michigan,moments,motor,republic,sugar,truck,trucks,war,worldfalse78fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-fishing-village-of-leland-michigan-one-of-the-last-commercial-fisheries-on-lake-michigan--72769934
This episode of End of the Road in Michigan follows Leland from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, when fish tugs, smokehouses, net racks and weathered shanties lined the Leland River. Before it became one of Michigan’s best-known travel stops, Leland was a hard-working harbor where families made a living from whitefish, trout, ciscoes and lake winds.

The story also covers Leland’s surprising industrial past, including its charcoal iron furnace and the origin of Leland Blue stone. By the 1900s, tourism began to rise, but commercial fishing stayed at the center of the village’s identity.

Leland’s story is not just about nostalgia. It is about labor, water, family businesses and the fight to keep one of Lake Michigan’s last traditional fishing districts in public memory.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72769934Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:01:22 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThe Fishing Village of Leland Michigan: One of the Last Commercial Fisheries on Lake Michigan tells the story of Fishtown, a rare working waterfront that grew from Native fishing grounds, sawmill power, iron smoke and Lake Michigan commercial fishing....
This episode of End of the Road in Michigan follows Leland from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, when fish tugs, smokehouses, net racks and weathered shanties lined the Leland River. Before it became one of Michigan’s best-known travel stops, Leland was a hard-working harbor where families made a living from whitefish, trout, ciscoes and lake winds.

The story also covers Leland’s surprising industrial past, including its charcoal iron furnace and the origin of Leland Blue stone. By the 1900s, tourism began to rise, but commercial fishing stayed at the center of the village’s identity.

Leland’s story is not just about nostalgia. It is about labor, water, family businesses and the fight to keep one of Lake Michigan’s last traditional fishing districts in public memory.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>590carlson’s,commercial,county,fish,fishery,fishing,fishtown,great,historic,history,lake,lakes,leelanau,leland,michigan,river,smoked,tugs,vintagefalse77fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2026/06/26/hotel-ojibway-sault-ste-marie/Hotel Ojibway has stood as one of Michigan's most recognizable historic hotels. Overlooking the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, it welcomed tourists, business leaders, politicians, and Great Lakes travelers during the golden age of railroads and automobile tourism.

In this episode of The End of the Road in Michigan Podcast, we trace the hotel's story from its grand opening in 1927 through the Great Depression, World War II, and decades of change in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. You'll meet longtime owners Leon and Beatrice Deglman, learn why former Governor Chase S. Osborn helped bring the hotel to life, and hear how the Soo Locks transformed Sault Ste. Marie into one of North America's most important transportation hubs.

We'll also separate documented history from local legend as we examine the enduring story of Room 616, where many believe the spirit of Beatrice Deglman still watches over the hotel. Is it history, folklore, or simply one of Michigan's favorite ghost stories?

Join us as we uncover the luxury, the legends, and the lasting legacy of the Hotel Ojibway—one of the Upper Peninsula's most fascinating landmarks.

The End of the Road in Michigan Podcast brings you the people, places, history, and legends that make Michigan unique—one story at a time.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72700399Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:08:27 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsFor nearly 100 years, the https://thumbwind.com/2026/06/26/hotel-ojibway-sault-ste-marie/has stood as one of Michigan's most recognizable historic hotels. Overlooking the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, it welcomed tourists, business leaders,...Hotel Ojibway has stood as one of Michigan's most recognizable historic hotels. Overlooking the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, it welcomed tourists, business leaders, politicians, and Great Lakes travelers during the golden age of railroads and automobile tourism.

In this episode of The End of the Road in Michigan Podcast, we trace the hotel's story from its grand opening in 1927 through the Great Depression, World War II, and decades of change in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. You'll meet longtime owners Leon and Beatrice Deglman, learn why former Governor Chase S. Osborn helped bring the hotel to life, and hear how the Soo Locks transformed Sault Ste. Marie into one of North America's most important transportation hubs.

We'll also separate documented history from local legend as we examine the enduring story of Room 616, where many believe the spirit of Beatrice Deglman still watches over the hotel. Is it history, folklore, or simply one of Michigan's favorite ghost stories?

Join us as we uncover the luxury, the legends, and the lasting legacy of the Hotel Ojibway—one of the Upper Peninsula's most fascinating landmarks.

The End of the Road in Michigan Podcast brings you the people, places, history, and legends that make Michigan unique—one story at a time.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>261616,beatrice,deglman,ghost,great,historic,history,hotel,hotels,lakes,locks,marie,michigan,ojibway,peninsula,room,sault,soo,ste.,upperfalse76fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/michigan-s-little-known-ghost-towns-lost-ports-mining-camps-and-vanished-company-towns--72668509
In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we take a lively trip through some of Michigan’s most interesting ghost towns, from the Upper Peninsula to the Thumb and the Lake Michigan shore. These are not just spooky names on old maps. They were working communities built around lumber, copper, salt, fishing, shipping, farming and tourism.

The episode covers well-known and lesser-known Michigan ghost towns, including Fayette, Freda, Sigma, Berne, Alabaster, Linkville, New River and Port Crescent, along with added stops at Singapore, Port Oneida, Pere Cheney, Old Victoria, Nonesuch, Disco, Aral, Edgewater, Good Harbor, Glen Haven, Central Mine and Clifton.

Some towns, like Fayette, survive as preserved historic sites. Others, like Singapore, were swallowed by Lake Michigan sand after the timber was cut away. Port Crescent, once a busy Lake Huron port near the Pinnebog River, had sawmills, salt works, hotels, shops and more than 500 residents before fire, timber losses and shifting industry left only traces behind. Today, its former townsite sits within Port Crescent State Park.

The story also includes Pere Cheney, a Crawford County lumber town now better known for its cemetery legends than its railroad and sawmill history. In the western Upper Peninsula, Old Victoria and Nonesuch tell the story of copper mining towns where good engineering and big hopes still could not beat falling prices or difficult ore. And then there is Disco, a real 19th-century Macomb County settlement with a name that arrived long before mirrored balls and Saturday night dance floors.

This episode asks a simple question: Why do towns vanish? In Michigan, the answer often comes down to one industry, one railroad line, one dock, one mine or one mill. When that reason for being disappeared, the town usually followed.Along the way, we look at the strange, funny and often sobering history of Michigan ghost towns. These were not empty places. They were homes. They had churches, schools, stores, blacksmiths, mills, cemeteries, boarding houses and people who thought their town had a future.

So take a ride down the back roads, old rail grades and forgotten shorelines of Michigan history. This episode of End of the Road in Michigan is about the places that boomed, burned, shifted, sank, emptied out or simply lost the fight with time.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72668509Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:44:50 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsMichigan is full of towns that once had mills, mines, hotels, post offices, rail depots, docks, stores and big plans. Then the timber ran out. The copper market fell. The railroad moved. The dunes shifted. The fires came. The ships stopped calling....
In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we take a lively trip through some of Michigan’s most interesting ghost towns, from the Upper Peninsula to the Thumb and the Lake Michigan shore. These are not just spooky names on old maps. They were working communities built around lumber, copper, salt, fishing, shipping, farming and tourism.

The episode covers well-known and lesser-known Michigan ghost towns, including Fayette, Freda, Sigma, Berne, Alabaster, Linkville, New River and Port Crescent, along with added stops at Singapore, Port Oneida, Pere Cheney, Old Victoria, Nonesuch, Disco, Aral, Edgewater, Good Harbor, Glen Haven, Central Mine and Clifton.

Some towns, like Fayette, survive as preserved historic sites. Others, like Singapore, were swallowed by Lake Michigan sand after the timber was cut away. Port Crescent, once a busy Lake Huron port near the Pinnebog River, had sawmills, salt works, hotels, shops and more than 500 residents before fire, timber losses and shifting industry left only traces behind. Today, its former townsite sits within Port Crescent State Park.

The story also includes Pere Cheney, a Crawford County lumber town now better known for its cemetery legends than its railroad and sawmill history. In the western Upper Peninsula, Old Victoria and Nonesuch tell the story of copper mining towns where good engineering and big hopes still could not beat falling prices or difficult ore. And then there is Disco, a real 19th-century Macomb County settlement with a name that arrived long before mirrored balls and Saturday night dance floors.

This episode asks a simple question: Why do towns vanish? In Michigan, the answer often comes down to one industry, one railroad line, one dock, one mine or one mill. When that reason for being disappeared, the town usually followed.Along the way, we look at the strange, funny and often sobering history of Michigan ghost towns. These were not empty places. They were homes. They had churches, schools, stores, blacksmiths, mills, cemeteries, boarding houses and people who thought their town had a future.

So take a ride down the back roads, old rail grades and forgotten shorelines of Michigan history. This episode of End of the Road in Michigan is about the places that boomed, burned, shifted, sank, emptied out or simply lost the fight with time.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>1139abandoned,cheney,crescent,disco,fayette,ghost,history,michigan,mine,mining,nonesuch,old,peninsula,pere,port,singapore,thumb,towns,upper,victoriafalse75fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pere-marquette-docks-show-how-arcadia-served-the-great-lakes--72619298
Through rare historic postcards and local history, we examine how the Pere Marquette Railroad, the Arcadia & Betsey River Railway and Great Lakes steamers worked together to move lumber, freight, passengers and manufactured goods through this busy harbor. What began as a lumber town grew into a transportation hub where trains met ships and local products reached markets across the Great Lakes region.

You'll learn about Henry Starke's role in building Arcadia, the creation of the channel connecting Bar Lake to Lake Michigan, the rise of the Starke Land & Lumber Company, the devastating 1906 sawmill fire and the town's transition into furniture manufacturing. We also look at the steamers that regularly called at Arcadia's docks and the people whose daily lives revolved around the waterfront.

This episode offers a fascinating look at a forgotten chapter of Michigan transportation history and reveals how one small harbor played an important role in the economic growth of Northwest Michigan.

If you enjoy stories about Michigan history, Great Lakes shipping, railroads, steamships, lumber towns and vintage postcards, be sure to follow End of the Road in Michigan for more journeys into the state's past.

#MichiganHistory #ArcadiaMichigan #PereMarquette #GreatLakesHistory #RailroadHistory

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72619298Sun, 21 Jun 2026 13:25:47 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThe Pere Marquette docks in Arcadia, Michigan, once connected a small Lake Michigan village to a much larger world. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we follow the story of the harbor, railroad and steamship network that helped shape...
Through rare historic postcards and local history, we examine how the Pere Marquette Railroad, the Arcadia & Betsey River Railway and Great Lakes steamers worked together to move lumber, freight, passengers and manufactured goods through this busy harbor. What began as a lumber town grew into a transportation hub where trains met ships and local products reached markets across the Great Lakes region.

You'll learn about Henry Starke's role in building Arcadia, the creation of the channel connecting Bar Lake to Lake Michigan, the rise of the Starke Land & Lumber Company, the devastating 1906 sawmill fire and the town's transition into furniture manufacturing. We also look at the steamers that regularly called at Arcadia's docks and the people whose daily lives revolved around the waterfront.

This episode offers a fascinating look at a forgotten chapter of Michigan transportation history and reveals how one small harbor played an important role in the economic growth of Northwest Michigan.

If you enjoy stories about Michigan history, Great Lakes shipping, railroads, steamships, lumber towns and vintage postcards, be sure to follow End of the Road in Michigan for more journeys into the state's past.

#MichiganHistory #ArcadiaMichigan #PereMarquette #GreatLakesHistory #RailroadHistory

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>640arcadia,betsey,docks,great,harbor,historic,history,industry,lake,lakes,lumber,marquette,michigan,pere,railroad,railway,river,shipping,steamshipsfalse74fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2021/07/30/ora-et-labora-colony-1862-1898/
Led by Emil Baur and backed by the Harmony Society of Pennsylvania, the settlers raised cabins, cleared land, built mills, opened a store, created a post office, and tried to form a self-sufficient community during the darkest years of the Civil War.

But faith alone could not overcome debt, labor shortages, hard winters, poor planning, and growing distrust. Within a few years, Ora Labora began to break apart. Then came the fire of 1871, which changed the region forever.

This episode tells the dramatic story of Michigan’s forgotten German colony, the dream that brought families to Huron County, and the reasons their settlement faded into history.A story of faith, work, ambition, and loss on the shore of Wild Fowl Bay.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72548458Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:47:37 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn 1863, a group of German Methodist families came to the edge of Wild Fowl Bay near Bay Port, Michigan, with a bold plan. They would build a Christian colony in the wilderness. They called it Ora Labora, meaning “Pray and Work.” Led by Emil Baur and...
Led by Emil Baur and backed by the Harmony Society of Pennsylvania, the settlers raised cabins, cleared land, built mills, opened a store, created a post office, and tried to form a self-sufficient community during the darkest years of the Civil War.

But faith alone could not overcome debt, labor shortages, hard winters, poor planning, and growing distrust. Within a few years, Ora Labora began to break apart. Then came the fire of 1871, which changed the region forever.

This episode tells the dramatic story of Michigan’s forgotten German colony, the dream that brought families to Huron County, and the reasons their settlement faded into history.A story of faith, work, ambition, and loss on the shore of Wild Fowl Bay.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>758bay,civil,colony,county,era,fowl,german,history,huron,labora,life,lost,methodist,michigan,ora,pioneer,port,settlers,war,wildfalse73fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2026/06/15/history-of-hillman-michigan/Hillman, Michigan, began as Brush Creek, a small settlement shaped by timber, water, farm trade and the Thunder Bay River. In this episode of Michigan Moments, we follow Hillman from its early days as a Montmorency County center to its years as a railroad stop, hotel town, farm market and Lake Avalon resort community.

The story includes State Street, Louis Davidson’s Department Store, the Winona Hotel, the Hillman depot, local elevators, Cronk’s service station, early automobiles, hunting clubs and the cottage culture that grew around Brush Lake, later known as Lake Avalon.

One of Hillman’s most surprising turns came when the Detroit & Mackinac Railway reached the village after the old pine boom had already faded in much of the region. The train gave Hillman a boost, but the town’s future came from something broader: farms, stores, roads, lake visitors and a main street that kept coming back after fire and change.

This episode is for listeners interested in Hillman history, Montmorency County, Northern Lower Michigan, vintage Michigan towns, logging-era communities, small-town railroads and early Michigan resort life.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72534690Tue, 16 Jun 2026 01:00:03 +0000Thumbwind Publicationshttps://thumbwind.com/2026/06/15/history-of-hillman-michigan/, began as Brush Creek, a small settlement shaped by timber, water, farm trade and the Thunder Bay River. In this episode of Michigan Moments, we follow Hillman from its early days as a...Hillman, Michigan, began as Brush Creek, a small settlement shaped by timber, water, farm trade and the Thunder Bay River. In this episode of Michigan Moments, we follow Hillman from its early days as a Montmorency County center to its years as a railroad stop, hotel town, farm market and Lake Avalon resort community.

The story includes State Street, Louis Davidson’s Department Store, the Winona Hotel, the Hillman depot, local elevators, Cronk’s service station, early automobiles, hunting clubs and the cottage culture that grew around Brush Lake, later known as Lake Avalon.

One of Hillman’s most surprising turns came when the Detroit & Mackinac Railway reached the village after the old pine boom had already faded in much of the region. The train gave Hillman a boost, but the town’s future came from something broader: farms, stores, roads, lake visitors and a main street that kept coming back after fire and change.

This episode is for listeners interested in Hillman history, Montmorency County, Northern Lower Michigan, vintage Michigan towns, logging-era communities, small-town railroads and early Michigan resort life.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>646and,avalon,bay,brush,county,creek,detroit,hillman,history,lake,lower,michigan,montmorency,northern,railroads,river,small,thunder,town,vintagefalse72fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/07/17/michigan-attractions/
This episode looks at how the automobile reshaped travel from the 1920s through the 1950s, using Spikehorn Meyers, Hedges Wigwam, Michigan tourist towers and other quirky stops as examples of the era when a good sign could make a family pull over.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72318232Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:53:26 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsMichigan’s roadside tourism boom turned two-lane highways into stages for bear camps, tourist towers, novelty buildings, tiny chapels, diners and roadside oddities. This episode looks at how the automobile reshaped travel from the 1920s through the...
This episode looks at how the automobile reshaped travel from the 1920s through the 1950s, using Spikehorn Meyers, Hedges Wigwam, Michigan tourist towers and other quirky stops as examples of the era when a good sign could make a family pull over.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>732attractions,history,michigan,roadsidefalse71fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2019/03/02/michigan-prohibition-whiskey-harbor/
This episode follows the gang’s rise and decline through newspaper accounts, with the Collingwood Manor Massacre of 1931 as the turning point that helped break its power.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72261624Sun, 31 May 2026 11:59:06 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsDuring Prohibition, Detroit’s location across from Windsor helped turn the Detroit River into a major liquor-smuggling route. From that underworld came the Purple Gang, a violent criminal group tied to rum running, hijacking, extortion and murder....
This episode follows the gang’s rise and decline through newspaper accounts, with the Collingwood Manor Massacre of 1931 as the turning point that helped break its power.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>845bootlegging,gang,gangsters,history,michigan,purplefalse612fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/they-ran-like-mad-the-1908-metz-fire-and-northern-michigan-s-burning-year--72226383
At the same time, fires threatened communities near Alpena, Traverse City and Sault Ste. Marie, where ashes fell on the water “as if from a volcano.”

This episode follows the fire through newspaper reports and the firsthand escape account of Mildred Swan, a Bay City teacher who ran through burning orchards and fences to survive.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72226383Fri, 29 May 2026 14:34:53 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn October 1908, northern Michigan burned. The Metz Fire destroyed a village, killed dozens and left hundreds homeless. At the same time, fires threatened communities near Alpena, Traverse City and Sault Ste. Marie, where ashes fell on the water “as...
At the same time, fires threatened communities near Alpena, Traverse City and Sault Ste. Marie, where ashes fell on the water “as if from a volcano.”

This episode follows the fire through newspaper reports and the firsthand escape account of Mildred Swan, a Bay City teacher who ran through burning orchards and fences to survive.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>9221908,fire,metz,michiganfalse611fullhttps://michigan4you.com/michigan-interurban-railways/
By the late 1920s and early 1930s, that system was collapsing under pressure from private automobiles, buses, rising costs and court-approved abandonments.

This episode follows the decline through newspaper accounts from Saginaw, Monroe and Berrien Springs, showing how electric rail gave way to Michigan’s road age.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72221872Fri, 29 May 2026 07:54:25 +0000trueThumbwind PublicationsMichigan once had a broad electric interurban rail network that linked Detroit, small towns, farms, factories and lake resorts. By the late 1920s and early 1930s, that system was collapsing under pressure from private automobiles, buses, rising costs...
By the late 1920s and early 1930s, that system was collapsing under pressure from private automobiles, buses, rising costs and court-approved abandonments.

This episode follows the decline through newspaper accounts from Saginaw, Monroe and Berrien Springs, showing how electric rail gave way to Michigan’s road age.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>856dur,interurbans,michiganfalse610fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-men-who-didn-t-want-to-leave-german-pows-in-michigan--72209342
This episode follows the final days of German POWs at Fort Custer and Camp Evelyn, using 1945–46 newspaper clippings and historical records to tell the story of enemy soldiers who came to Michigan as prisoners — and, in some cases, hoped to return one day as free men.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72209342Thu, 28 May 2026 14:34:58 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsDuring World War II, more than 6,000 German and Italian prisoners of war were held in Michigan. They cut pulpwood in the Upper Peninsula, worked in fruit orchards, harvested crops, and helped fill wartime labor shortages. This episode follows the...
This episode follows the final days of German POWs at Fort Custer and Camp Evelyn, using 1945–46 newspaper clippings and historical records to tell the story of enemy soldiers who came to Michigan as prisoners — and, in some cases, hoped to return one day as free men.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>765history,michigan,pows,wwiifalse69fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-gogebic-michigan-highwayman-the-last-stagecoach-robbery-in-north-america--72182787
A horse-drawn resort stagecoach carrying bankers and vacationers rolled along a lonely wilderness road when an armed gunman stepped from the trees. The robbery left one man dead, triggered fears of lynching in Gogebic County, and launched a manhunt that gripped newspapers across the Midwest. The suspect, Reimund Holzhey, became known as the “Gogebic Highwayman,” a mysterious figure whose courtroom testimony, claims of insanity, and strange later life only deepened the legend.

Using original 1889 newspaper accounts, regional historical records, and local Upper Peninsula history, this episode reconstructs the dramatic story behind what many still call Michigan’s last great stagecoach robbery. Along the way, it examines the fading frontier era of Lake Gogebic’s grand resort hotels, railroad tourism, and the rough wilderness roads that once connected them.

Was this truly the last stagecoach robbery in North America? The answer may surprise you.

#MichiganHistory #LakeGogebic #UpperPeninsula #TrueCrimeHistory #MichiganMoments #StagecoachRobbery #OldWest #GogebicCounty #Marenisco #GreatLakesHistory

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72182787Wed, 27 May 2026 10:14:16 +0000trueThumbwind PublicationsIn the summer of 1889, wealthy tourists stepped off Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad trains bound for the White House Inn on Lake Gogebic. What began as a peaceful journey through Michigan’s deep north woods quickly turned into one of the...
A horse-drawn resort stagecoach carrying bankers and vacationers rolled along a lonely wilderness road when an armed gunman stepped from the trees. The robbery left one man dead, triggered fears of lynching in Gogebic County, and launched a manhunt that gripped newspapers across the Midwest. The suspect, Reimund Holzhey, became known as the “Gogebic Highwayman,” a mysterious figure whose courtroom testimony, claims of insanity, and strange later life only deepened the legend.

Using original 1889 newspaper accounts, regional historical records, and local Upper Peninsula history, this episode reconstructs the dramatic story behind what many still call Michigan’s last great stagecoach robbery. Along the way, it examines the fading frontier era of Lake Gogebic’s grand resort hotels, railroad tourism, and the rough wilderness roads that once connected them.

Was this truly the last stagecoach robbery in North America? The answer may surprise you.

#MichiganHistory #LakeGogebic #UpperPeninsula #TrueCrimeHistory #MichiganMoments #StagecoachRobbery #OldWest #GogebicCounty #Marenisco #GreatLakesHistory

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>550highwayman,lakegogebic,michiganhistory,stagecoach,truecrimefalse68fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-two-eras-of-interlochen-michigan--70619617
By 1928 conductor Joseph Maddy had brought the National Music Camp to Interlochen, and by 1962 the Interlochen Arts Academy opened as a boarding school for gifted artists.

Interestingly, it all grew from that one decision to spare the pines – a logging-era move that paved the way for music. Thanks for listening, please follow us for future episodes.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70619617Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:24:41 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsInterlochen, Michigan was once a timber town on a narrow strip between two lakes. In 1917 the state bought a stand of white pines to create Michigan’s first state park, saving the forest and the town’s future. By 1928 conductor Joseph Maddy had...
By 1928 conductor Joseph Maddy had brought the National Music Camp to Interlochen, and by 1962 the Interlochen Arts Academy opened as a boarding school for gifted artists.

Interestingly, it all grew from that one decision to spare the pines – a logging-era move that paved the way for music. Thanks for listening, please follow us for future episodes.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>484interlochen,michiganfalse67fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/steam-smoke-and-sunday-excursions-newberry-s-turn-of-the-century-transformation--70330730
From charcoal iron and logging payrolls to the steady presence of the state hospital and the early pull of Tahquamenon country, Newberry’s story is about adaptation without pretense. It’s a place shaped by winter, work, and the people who stayed when the boom years cooled.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70330730Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:02:30 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsNewberry, Michigan rose with the railroads and the timber economy, then learned how to survive the long shift that followed. In this episode, we trace how a small Luce County town became both an industrial workhorse and a starting point for North...
From charcoal iron and logging payrolls to the steady presence of the state hospital and the early pull of Tahquamenon country, Newberry’s story is about adaptation without pretense. It’s a place shaped by winter, work, and the people who stayed when the boom years cooled.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>469history,michigan,newberryfalse66fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2026/01/22/history-of-walled-lake-michigan/
In this episode of The End of the Road in Michigan, we step back to the early 20th century, when steam trains, Model Ts, and streetcars carried thousands to the first popular beach west of Detroit. What began as a quiet farming village transformed into a lakeside playground filled with dance halls, glowing pavilions, and the roar of the Flying Dragon roller coaster.

We tell the story of rival dance halls that packed nearly a thousand people onto polished maple floors. We revisit the Walled Lake Amusement Park, where families rode Ferris wheels at sunset and teenagers stayed out late beneath spinning mirrored lights. And we explore how, even during the Great Depression, this small Michigan town kept the music playing. 

This episode is about ambition, escape, and the simple power of summer nights by the water. It is the story of how Walled Lake became more than a dot on a map — it became a memory for a generation.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70328410Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:56:55 +0000trueThumbwind PublicationsWalled Lake, Michigan — just 25 miles from Detroit — was once one of the Midwest’s most electric summer destinations. In this episode of The End of the Road in Michigan, we step back to the early 20th century, when steam trains, Model Ts, and...
In this episode of The End of the Road in Michigan, we step back to the early 20th century, when steam trains, Model Ts, and streetcars carried thousands to the first popular beach west of Detroit. What began as a quiet farming village transformed into a lakeside playground filled with dance halls, glowing pavilions, and the roar of the Flying Dragon roller coaster.

We tell the story of rival dance halls that packed nearly a thousand people onto polished maple floors. We revisit the Walled Lake Amusement Park, where families rode Ferris wheels at sunset and teenagers stayed out late beneath spinning mirrored lights. And we explore how, even during the Great Depression, this small Michigan town kept the music playing. 

This episode is about ambition, escape, and the simple power of summer nights by the water. It is the story of how Walled Lake became more than a dot on a map — it became a memory for a generation.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>513ammusement,lake,michigan,park,walledfalse66fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/03/31/soo-locks-disaster-1909/
In this episode of The End of the Road in Michigan, we step into the years between wars — when Fort Brady functioned less like a combat outpost and more like a northern town in uniform. Soldiers drilled at dawn, shoveled heavy snow in winter, played baseball in summer, and performed in post bands that echoed across Ashmun Hill.

We examine how routine shaped readiness. How winter training prepared troops for global conflict. And how the fort’s steady presence supported Sault Ste. Marie survived the Great Depression and World War II.

When the Army closed Fort Brady in 1944, its buildings did not fall silent. They became classrooms and dormitories, forming the foundation of what is now Lake Superior State University. This episode explores a different kind of military story — one defined by patience, discipline, community, and endurance in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70328178Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:27:36 +0000trueThumbwind PublicationsOn a hill above the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Fort Brady stood guard for more than a century. It never became a battlefield. It rarely made national headlines. Yet for decades, it shaped the lives of soldiers and the community around it. In this...
In this episode of The End of the Road in Michigan, we step into the years between wars — when Fort Brady functioned less like a combat outpost and more like a northern town in uniform. Soldiers drilled at dawn, shoveled heavy snow in winter, played baseball in summer, and performed in post bands that echoed across Ashmun Hill.

We examine how routine shaped readiness. How winter training prepared troops for global conflict. And how the fort’s steady presence supported Sault Ste. Marie survived the Great Depression and World War II.

When the Army closed Fort Brady in 1944, its buildings did not fall silent. They became classrooms and dormitories, forming the foundation of what is now Lake Superior State University. This episode explores a different kind of military story — one defined by patience, discipline, community, and endurance in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>468history,marie,michigan,sault,ste.false65fullhttps://michigan4you.com/1926-wreck-of-the-city-of-bangor/
In Copper Harbor, Michigan, Lake Superior doesn’t just mark the edge of the map—it sets the terms. On November 30, 1926, the freighter City of Bangor ran aground near Keweenaw Point in a fierce storm, carrying a remarkable cargo: hundreds of brand-new 1927 Chrysler automobiles.

What followed was part rescue story, part winter engineering, and part automotive oddity—men saved through deep snow, a ship sealed in ice, and a salvage operation so bold it still sounds unreal. This is the true tale of how roughly 202 new cars were hauled back from Superior’s winter and sent on to ordinary roads.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70298269Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:13:17 +0000trueThumbwind PublicationsThe End of the Road in Michigan is a nostalgic journey to the far corners of the Great Lakes State—where highways thin, weather makes the rules, and history still feels close. Each episode tells a true Michigan story with the pace and detail of a...
In Copper Harbor, Michigan, Lake Superior doesn’t just mark the edge of the map—it sets the terms. On November 30, 1926, the freighter City of Bangor ran aground near Keweenaw Point in a fierce storm, carrying a remarkable cargo: hundreds of brand-new 1927 Chrysler automobiles.

What followed was part rescue story, part winter engineering, and part automotive oddity—men saved through deep snow, a ship sealed in ice, and a salvage operation so bold it still sounds unreal. This is the true tale of how roughly 202 new cars were hauled back from Superior’s winter and sent on to ordinary roads.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>7301927,chrysler,history,keweenaw,michiganfalse64fullhttps://michigan4you.com/the-house-of-david-park/
Then came scandal, a public trial, and a slow collapse.

How did a strict religious sect end up with a beer garden, a zoo, and nightly dance parties? And what finally brought it all down?

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70297488Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:17:39 +0000trueThumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of The End of the Road in Michigan, we tell the bizarre true story of the House of David — a celibate, vegetarian religious commune in Benton Harbor that ran one of the most successful amusement parks in the Midwest. With long beards,...
Then came scandal, a public trial, and a slow collapse.

How did a strict religious sect end up with a beer garden, a zoo, and nightly dance parties? And what finally brought it all down?

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>1734cults,history,michiganfalse63fullhttps://michigan4you.com/interurban-railways/
This episode follows the interurban era as it shaped daily life in Romeo. We examine how scheduled public transportation affected downtown businesses, how it widened the market for farm communities, and why the system faded as cars, paved roads, and buses took over. It’s also a reminder that “progress” did not always mean better public options.

In many places, the end of rail service made mobility more expensive and more isolated for anyone without a car. If you’ve ever wondered how a small Michigan village stayed connected to the Detroit region—then watched those connections disappear—Romeo is a clean example. It’s a story about technology, economics, and the quiet ways a town changes when the tracks stop running.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70296863Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:29:24 +0000trueThumbwind PublicationsIn the early 1900s, Romeo, Michigan, was a farm town with a surprisingly modern advantage: electric interurban rail service. It gave residents a way to reach jobs, shops, and neighboring communities on a timetable—years before most families owned...
This episode follows the interurban era as it shaped daily life in Romeo. We examine how scheduled public transportation affected downtown businesses, how it widened the market for farm communities, and why the system faded as cars, paved roads, and buses took over. It’s also a reminder that “progress” did not always mean better public options.

In many places, the end of rail service made mobility more expensive and more isolated for anyone without a car. If you’ve ever wondered how a small Michigan village stayed connected to the Detroit region—then watched those connections disappear—Romeo is a clean example. It’s a story about technology, economics, and the quiet ways a town changes when the tracks stop running.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>543history,interurban,michigan,romeofalse62fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2026/02/10/history-of-farmington-michigan/
Using historic descriptions and first-hand accounts, we look at the hotels, mills, churches, schools, and power plants that shaped daily life between 1890 and 1940. This was a town built around movement—goods coming in, people passing through, and a community adjusting to modern life one decade at a time.

Grand River Tales is a reminder that some of Michigan’s most important stories unfolded not at the destination, but along the road itself.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70276250Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:32:17 +0000trueThumbwind PublicationsLong before Farmington became a suburb, it was a stopping point on one of Michigan’s most important roads. This episode traces Farmington’s story from the late 1800s through the early 20th century, when Grand River Avenue carried farmers, rail...
Using historic descriptions and first-hand accounts, we look at the hotels, mills, churches, schools, and power plants that shaped daily life between 1890 and 1940. This was a town built around movement—goods coming in, people passing through, and a community adjusting to modern life one decade at a time.

Grand River Tales is a reminder that some of Michigan’s most important stories unfolded not at the destination, but along the road itself.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>903farmington,history,michiganfalse61fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fort-brady-soldiers-in-the-snow--68310494
Fort Brady was built to protect American territory, but life at the post included everyday friendships and pastimes. Learn how the fort grew in the early 1900s with new barracks and officers’ houses that hosted summer training camps, and even had its own Women’s Army Corps barracks in the 1930s. 

Cold-weather training was a big part of Fort Brady’s mission. In World War II, 15,000 troops were stationed here to practice arctic warfare. Weaves together archival stories about military life, recreation, and the challenges of Michigan winters.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68310494Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:29:31 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsExplore the captivating story of Fort Brady, Michigan, from 1900 to 1941. This video looks at the historic U.S. Army fort in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where soldiers guarded the Soo Locks and endured brutal winters. You’ll see vintage photographs of...
Fort Brady was built to protect American territory, but life at the post included everyday friendships and pastimes. Learn how the fort grew in the early 1900s with new barracks and officers’ houses that hosted summer training camps, and even had its own Women’s Army Corps barracks in the 1930s. 

Cold-weather training was a big part of Fort Brady’s mission. In World War II, 15,000 troops were stationed here to practice arctic warfare. Weaves together archival stories about military life, recreation, and the challenges of Michigan winters.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>435false580fullhttps://michigan4you.com/michilimackinac-attack/
The result was a sweeping uprising led by an Odawa war chief named Pontiac — a conflict that reshaped both Michigan and North America. This ten-minute episode of End of the Road in Michigan takes listeners to the forests and rivers where Pontiac’s alliance struck back against British control. From the five-month siege of Detroit to the daring lacrosse ruse that captured Fort Michilimackinac, the story reveals how the Indigenous nations of the Great Lakes forced the world’s most powerful army to change course.

This episode explores the war’s origins in Neolin’s spiritual movement, the shocking use of smallpox as a weapon at Fort Pitt, and the human cost that rippled across the frontier. It ends with the Royal Proclamation of 1763 — Britain’s attempt to contain the unrest by recognizing Native land rights west of the Appalachians. Pontiac’s War – The Fire That Swept the Great Lakes is more than a story of rebellion; it’s a story of resilience, diplomacy, and the enduring will of the Great Lakes nations to protect their homelands. Key segments include:

• The Delaware Prophet Neolin and the vision that inspired unity.
• Pontiac’s council near Detroit and the start of the 1763 siege.
• The capture of Fort Michilimackinac through a staged lacrosse game.
• The British counterattack at the Battle of Bushy Run.
• The Royal Proclamation of 1763 and its impact on Michigan.
• The legacy of Pontiac’s leadership and the enduring lessons of the uprising.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68105595Sun, 12 Oct 2025 08:27:30 +0000trueThumbwind PublicationsIn 1763, the Great Lakes erupted in rebellion. The war between Britain and France had ended, but peace never reached the frontier. When British officers replaced French traders at forts like Detroit and Michilimackinac, Indigenous nations faced an...
The result was a sweeping uprising led by an Odawa war chief named Pontiac — a conflict that reshaped both Michigan and North America. This ten-minute episode of End of the Road in Michigan takes listeners to the forests and rivers where Pontiac’s alliance struck back against British control. From the five-month siege of Detroit to the daring lacrosse ruse that captured Fort Michilimackinac, the story reveals how the Indigenous nations of the Great Lakes forced the world’s most powerful army to change course.

This episode explores the war’s origins in Neolin’s spiritual movement, the shocking use of smallpox as a weapon at Fort Pitt, and the human cost that rippled across the frontier. It ends with the Royal Proclamation of 1763 — Britain’s attempt to contain the unrest by recognizing Native land rights west of the Appalachians. Pontiac’s War – The Fire That Swept the Great Lakes is more than a story of rebellion; it’s a story of resilience, diplomacy, and the enduring will of the Great Lakes nations to protect their homelands. Key segments include:

• The Delaware Prophet Neolin and the vision that inspired unity.
• Pontiac’s council near Detroit and the start of the 1763 siege.
• The capture of Fort Michilimackinac through a staged lacrosse game.
• The British counterattack at the Battle of Bushy Run.
• The Royal Proclamation of 1763 and its impact on Michigan.
• The legacy of Pontiac’s leadership and the enduring lessons of the uprising.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

This episode includes AI-generated content.]]>7911763,colonial,delaware,detroit,fort,great,history,lakes,michigan,michilimackinac,neolin,odawa,of,pontiac’s,proclamation,rebellion,royal,siege,tribes,warfalse579fullhttps://michigan4you.com/lady-elgin-disaster/Lady Elgin collided with the schooner Augusta off Winnetka, Illinois, sending more than 300 passengers into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. While the disaster became one of the deadliest shipwrecks in Great Lakes history, much of the blame focused on the Augusta.

Branded reckless, cursed, and unlucky, the schooner soon earned a reputation as a pariah of the inland seas.

This episode of End of the Road in Michigan traces the tangled story of the Augusta—its role in the tragedy, the bitter legal battles that followed, and the dark superstitions that dogged the vessel until its end. Was the Augusta truly cursed, or simply a scapegoat in the wake of unimaginable loss?

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67414655Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:14:13 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsOn September 8, 1860, the sidewheel steamer Lady Elgin collided with the schooner Augusta off Winnetka, Illinois, sending more than 300 passengers into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. While the disaster became one of the deadliest shipwrecks in...Lady Elgin collided with the schooner Augusta off Winnetka, Illinois, sending more than 300 passengers into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. While the disaster became one of the deadliest shipwrecks in Great Lakes history, much of the blame focused on the Augusta.

Branded reckless, cursed, and unlucky, the schooner soon earned a reputation as a pariah of the inland seas.

This episode of End of the Road in Michigan traces the tangled story of the Augusta—its role in the tragedy, the bitter legal battles that followed, and the dark superstitions that dogged the vessel until its end. Was the Augusta truly cursed, or simply a scapegoat in the wake of unimaginable loss?

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>4341860,19th,augusta,century,cursed,disaster,elgin,folklore,great,history,illinois,lady,lakes,maritime,michigan,schooner,ship,shipwreck,winnetkafalse578fullhttps://hubpages.com/education/spikehorn-meyers-and-his-harrison-michigan-bear-campThe Bear Man of Harrison, Michigan

In the 1930s and 1940s, motorists driving through Harrison, Michigan, often stopped at a roadside attraction unlike any other: Spikehorn Meyers’ Bear Den. Here, an eccentric old woodsman dressed in buckskin invited families to feed, pet, and even shake hands with live black bears. For nearly three decades, John “Spikehorn” Meyer turned his rustic camp into a legendary stop along US-27.

Visitors gasped as bears sipped soda from glass bottles and nibbled popcorn from their hands. Spikehorn became both a beloved folk hero and a thorn in the side of state conservation officers, proudly displaying a sign that read, “Feed Conservation Officers to the Bears.”

 In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the life of Spikehorn Meyers, his colorful partnership with “Chief Red Eagle,” and the unforgettable stories of the Bear Den. It’s a tale of showmanship, danger, humor, and the unique roadside history that shaped small towns across Michigan.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67392672Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:29:56 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThe Bear Man of Harrison, Michigan In the 1930s and 1940s, motorists driving through Harrison, Michigan, often stopped at a roadside attraction unlike any other: Spikehorn Meyers’ Bear Den. Here, an eccentric old woodsman dressed in buckskin invited...The Bear Man of Harrison, Michigan

In the 1930s and 1940s, motorists driving through Harrison, Michigan, often stopped at a roadside attraction unlike any other: Spikehorn Meyers’ Bear Den. Here, an eccentric old woodsman dressed in buckskin invited families to feed, pet, and even shake hands with live black bears. For nearly three decades, John “Spikehorn” Meyer turned his rustic camp into a legendary stop along US-27.

Visitors gasped as bears sipped soda from glass bottles and nibbled popcorn from their hands. Spikehorn became both a beloved folk hero and a thorn in the side of state conservation officers, proudly displaying a sign that read, “Feed Conservation Officers to the Bears.”

 In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the life of Spikehorn Meyers, his colorful partnership with “Chief Red Eagle,” and the unforgettable stories of the Bear Den. It’s a tale of showmanship, danger, humor, and the unique roadside history that shaped small towns across Michigan.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>557attractions,bear,chief,clare,county,den,eagle,folklore,harrison,history,legends,meyers,michigan,red,roadside,spikehorn,tourism,up,us-27,zoosfalse577fullhttps://michigan4you.com/history-of-beaver-island-michigan-untold-story-of-kings-fishermen-and-survival/ Beaver Island — the largest island in Lake Michigan and the only place in America that once had a king. From 1848 to 1856, James Jesse Strang ruled here as a self-proclaimed monarch, building roads, homes, and a newspaper before his dramatic assassination at the St. James docks.

We explore the Irish fishing community that reclaimed the island, the rise and fall of its Great Lakes fishing dominance, and the daring rescues of lighthouse keepers and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The story continues with the roar of logging trains through the forests, the quiet service of “Dr.” Feodor Protar, and the hard years when the population dwindled to fewer than 200 residents. This is a story of isolation, industry, and community spirit, told through the photographs and voices of history.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67380815Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:36:45 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we journey to Beaver Island — the largest island in Lake Michigan and the only place in America that once had a king. From 1848 to 1856, James Jesse Strang ruled here as a self-proclaimed monarch,... Beaver Island — the largest island in Lake Michigan and the only place in America that once had a king. From 1848 to 1856, James Jesse Strang ruled here as a self-proclaimed monarch, building roads, homes, and a newspaper before his dramatic assassination at the St. James docks.

We explore the Irish fishing community that reclaimed the island, the rise and fall of its Great Lakes fishing dominance, and the daring rescues of lighthouse keepers and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The story continues with the roar of logging trains through the forests, the quiet service of “Dr.” Feodor Protar, and the hard years when the population dwindled to fewer than 200 residents. This is a story of isolation, industry, and community spirit, told through the photographs and voices of history.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>747beaver,coast,community,feodor,fishing,great,guard,history,irish,island,james,jesse,king,lakes,lighthouse,logging,michigan,strang,u.s.false576fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/quincy-mine-old-reliable-s-rise-innovation-and-strife-1890s-1945--67343792Quincy Mine—nicknamed Old Reliable—was one of America’s most productive copper mines. It reached over a mile underground, ran the world’s largest steam hoist, and fueled Michigan’s Copper Country economy for decades.

But the work was grueling, the hours long, and tensions boiled over in the 1913 strike—culminating in the Italian Hall disaster, one of the darkest days in Michigan’s labor history.

In this End of the Road in Michigan episode, we uncover the full story: the rise, the innovation, and the strife that shaped the Quincy Mine and the community around it.

Listen now and step back into a world where copper was king—and the cost of progress was paid in human lives.

#QuincyMine #MichiganHistory #CopperCountry #EndOfTheRoadInMichigan

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67343792Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:33:21 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn the early 1900s, Hancock’s Quincy Mine—nicknamed Old Reliable—was one of America’s most productive copper mines. It reached over a mile underground, ran the world’s largest steam hoist, and fueled Michigan’s Copper Country economy for decades. But...Quincy Mine—nicknamed Old Reliable—was one of America’s most productive copper mines. It reached over a mile underground, ran the world’s largest steam hoist, and fueled Michigan’s Copper Country economy for decades.

But the work was grueling, the hours long, and tensions boiled over in the 1913 strike—culminating in the Italian Hall disaster, one of the darkest days in Michigan’s labor history.

In this End of the Road in Michigan episode, we uncover the full story: the rise, the innovation, and the strife that shaped the Quincy Mine and the community around it.

Listen now and step back into a world where copper was king—and the cost of progress was paid in human lives.

#QuincyMine #MichiganHistory #CopperCountry #EndOfTheRoadInMichigan

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>4501913,copper,country,disaster,hall,hancock,history,hoist,italian,keweenaw,labor,michigan,mine,mining,nordberg,peninsula,quincy,steam,strikefalse575fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/saugatuck-in-the-early-1900s-chicago-s-lakeshore-vacationland--67277154End of the Road in Michigan, we take you back to the early 1900s, when Saugatuck transformed from a quiet lumber town into a vibrant summer retreat for Chicago’s city dwellers. You’ll hear how steamships, interurban trains, and hand-cranked ferries brought thousands to this lakeshore village.

We revisit the days of the Big Pavilion, where electric lights lit up the harbor and music echoed across the water, and follow vacationers over Mt. Baldhead to the soft sands of Oval Beach.

This episode also explores Saugatuck’s artistic legacy, with the founding of the Ox-Bow Summer School of Painting, and uncovers local stories — including Prohibition-era intrigue and the town’s growing reputation as a welcoming, creative community.

It’s a story of reinvention, leisure, and the rhythms of summer that still echo today.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67277154Wed, 06 Aug 2025 20:21:37 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we take you back to the early 1900s, when Saugatuck transformed from a quiet lumber town into a vibrant summer retreat for Chicago’s city dwellers. You’ll hear how steamships, interurban trains, and...End of the Road in Michigan, we take you back to the early 1900s, when Saugatuck transformed from a quiet lumber town into a vibrant summer retreat for Chicago’s city dwellers. You’ll hear how steamships, interurban trains, and hand-cranked ferries brought thousands to this lakeshore village.

We revisit the days of the Big Pavilion, where electric lights lit up the harbor and music echoed across the water, and follow vacationers over Mt. Baldhead to the soft sands of Oval Beach.

This episode also explores Saugatuck’s artistic legacy, with the founding of the Ox-Bow Summer School of Painting, and uncovers local stories — including Prohibition-era intrigue and the town’s growing reputation as a welcoming, creative community.

It’s a story of reinvention, leisure, and the rhythms of summer that still echo today.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>400art,baldhead,beach,big,chain,chicago,ferry,history,lake,michigan,moments,mt.,oval,ox-bow,pavilion,resorts,saugatuck,school,tourists,vacationfalse574fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/north-adams-michigan-from-legendary-strength-to-early-20th-century-progress--67273830North Adams, a Hillsdale County village that grew up along the rails and wired itself for the future. We open with the town’s most retold story—blacksmith Henry Taylor, a former slave who became a respected tradesman and was said to carry his anvil and once walk off with a potbelly stove. From there, we move down Main Street to Maccabee Hall, Barden’s Hotel, and C. J. Knapp’s store, then over to the 1912 Municipal Lighting Plant that brought electric light to homes and storefronts.

We also cover a tough year: April 23, 1927, when sparks from a chimney ruined the village school. Classes shifted to Town Hall, the Odd Fellows hall, and the Congregational Church while a new building was planned. A 1927 newspaper snapshot rounds out daily life—about 500 residents, three churches, a 12-grade school on the University of Michigan list, a library of 900 books, and a full block of shops and services.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67273830Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:29:37 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThis episode traces North Adams, a Hillsdale County village that grew up along the rails and wired itself for the future. We open with the town’s most retold story—blacksmith Henry Taylor, a former slave who became a respected tradesman and was said...North Adams, a Hillsdale County village that grew up along the rails and wired itself for the future. We open with the town’s most retold story—blacksmith Henry Taylor, a former slave who became a respected tradesman and was said to carry his anvil and once walk off with a potbelly stove. From there, we move down Main Street to Maccabee Hall, Barden’s Hotel, and C. J. Knapp’s store, then over to the 1912 Municipal Lighting Plant that brought electric light to homes and storefronts.

We also cover a tough year: April 23, 1927, when sparks from a chimney ruined the village school. Classes shifted to Town Hall, the Odd Fellows hall, and the Congregational Church while a new building was planned. A 1927 newspaper snapshot rounds out daily life—about 500 residents, three churches, a 12-grade school on the University of Michigan list, a library of 900 books, and a full block of shops and services.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>3711912,1927,adams,blacksmith,county,depot,fire,hall,henry,hillsdale,history,lighting,maccabee,michigan,municipal,north,plant,railroad,school,taylorfalse573fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/history-of-de-tour-michigan-from-native-encampments-to-tourist-life--67269321
We revisit the days when the harbor was crowded with freighters, the winters when ships froze in place, and the arrival of summer tourists drawn to nearby Caribou Lake resorts. Through maritime heritage, economic change, and enduring small-town life, De Tour’s story reflects the history of Michigan’s Great Lakes communities.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67269321Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:18:35 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsAt the far eastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies De Tour Village, where the St. Marys River meets Lake Huron. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we trace De Tour’s history from its earliest Native American encampments and French...
We revisit the days when the harbor was crowded with freighters, the winters when ships froze in place, and the arrival of summer tourists drawn to nearby Caribou Lake resorts. Through maritime heritage, economic change, and enduring small-town life, De Tour’s story reflects the history of Michigan’s Great Lakes communities.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>372caribou,de,drummond,era,ferry,great,history,island,lake,lakes,lighthouse,lumber,maritime,michigan,peninsula,resorts,shipping,tour,upper,vintagefalse572fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-tower-michigan-1900-1950--67269079

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we travel to Cheboygan County to tell the story of Tower, a northern Michigan village built on timber and the railroad. At the turn of the 20th century, Tower was a booming lumber town — home to busy sawmills, the Stratton Handle Factory, and a thriving Main Street lined with shops, hotels, and saloons.

But Tower’s fortunes changed quickly. In 1911, a massive wildfire destroyed much of its industry and infrastructure. Just over a decade later, the Black River flooded, threatening to destroy the Tower Dam and washing out sections of railroad track. Through fire, flood, and economic decline, Tower adapted — from a bustling mill town to a quiet rural community.

Using rare historical accounts, this episode traces the rise, trials, and survival of Tower, Michigan, from 1900 to 1950. It’s a story echoed in small towns across the state — places built by the forest, changed by time, and held together by the people who stayed.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67269079Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:08:03 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThe History of Tower, Michigan (1900–1950)  In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we travel to Cheboygan County to tell the story of Tower, a northern Michigan village built on timber and the railroad. At the turn of the 20th century,...

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we travel to Cheboygan County to tell the story of Tower, a northern Michigan village built on timber and the railroad. At the turn of the 20th century, Tower was a booming lumber town — home to busy sawmills, the Stratton Handle Factory, and a thriving Main Street lined with shops, hotels, and saloons.

But Tower’s fortunes changed quickly. In 1911, a massive wildfire destroyed much of its industry and infrastructure. Just over a decade later, the Black River flooded, threatening to destroy the Tower Dam and washing out sections of railroad track. Through fire, flood, and economic decline, Tower adapted — from a bustling mill town to a quiet rural community.

Using rare historical accounts, this episode traces the rise, trials, and survival of Tower, Michigan, from 1900 to 1950. It’s a story echoed in small towns across the state — places built by the forest, changed by time, and held together by the people who stayed.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>370and,black,dam,detroit,end,era,factory,flood,handle,history,logging,lumber,mackinac,michigan,railway,river,stratton,tower,towns,wildfiresfalse571fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2017/12/24/1881-parisville-fire-michigan/1881 Parisville Fire, which destroyed 446 buildings and claimed 22 lives in a single afternoon.

Through vivid storytelling and eyewitness accounts, we explore how this small Polish immigrant community faced total destruction—and how a handful of mysterious "miracles" gave them hope amid the ashes. Discover the legacy of Michigan’s deadliest Thumb fire and how Parisville rose from its ruins to rebuild stronger than before.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65824381Thu, 01 May 2025 13:00:02 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsOn September 5, 1881, Michigan’s Thumb was engulfed by one of the deadliest forest fires in state history. In this gripping episode of The End of the Road in Michigan, we recount the devastating story of the...1881 Parisville Fire, which destroyed 446 buildings and claimed 22 lives in a single afternoon.

Through vivid storytelling and eyewitness accounts, we explore how this small Polish immigrant community faced total destruction—and how a handful of mysterious "miracles" gave them hope amid the ashes. Discover the legacy of Michigan’s deadliest Thumb fire and how Parisville rose from its ruins to rebuild stronger than before.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>5541881,county,disaster,fire,fires,forest,great,historic,history,huron,immigrants,michigan,paris,parisville,polish,thumb,township,wildfiresfalse570fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-ships-ruled-the-lakes-the-d-c-navigation-legacy--65792632
In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we chart the rise and fall of the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company—one of the Great Lakes' most iconic passenger lines. From grand vessels like the City of Detroit III and Greater Detroit, to the six-day cruises connecting Detroit, Cleveland, and Put-in-Bay, the D&C Line helped shape the travel culture of an industrializing Michigan.

With luxury cabins, promenade decks, and sweeping lake views, these ships were floating cities—and they carried millions across Lake Erie and Huron.

We bring you stories from passengers, stewards, and engineers, along with archival details and artifacts from Detroit's maritime past. Find out how this once-dominant fleet faded into history with the rise of the automobile—and what still remains today. This is the legacy of D&C Navigation—when ships ruled the lakes, and the end of the road was only the beginning.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65792632Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:27:16 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsBefore the freeways, before commercial flights, lake steamers were the gateway to the Midwest. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we chart the rise and fall of the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company—one of the Great Lakes' most...
In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we chart the rise and fall of the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company—one of the Great Lakes' most iconic passenger lines. From grand vessels like the City of Detroit III and Greater Detroit, to the six-day cruises connecting Detroit, Cleveland, and Put-in-Bay, the D&C Line helped shape the travel culture of an industrializing Michigan.

With luxury cabins, promenade decks, and sweeping lake views, these ships were floating cities—and they carried millions across Lake Erie and Huron.

We bring you stories from passengers, stewards, and engineers, along with archival details and artifacts from Detroit's maritime past. Find out how this once-dominant fleet faded into history with the rise of the automobile—and what still remains today. This is the legacy of D&C Navigation—when ships ruled the lakes, and the end of the road was only the beginning.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>298cleveland,cruise,d&c,detroit,great,historic,history,lake,lakes,maritime,michigan,navigation,paddlewheel,passenger,put-in-bay,ships,steamers,steamships,travel,waterfrontfalse569fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2018/02/24/dying-sparlings-author-jacki-howard/
In this episode, we unravel the haunting story of “The Dying Sparlings”—a tale of poison, scandal, and a courtroom drama that captured the attention of a state. Was it the family doctor? The grieving mother? Or someone else entirely? This 20-minute narrative walks you through one of Michigan’s most notorious historical murder cases—and the ripple effects it had across the Thumb.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65724778Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:46:56 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn 1911, the tiny farming town of Tyre, Michigan, was rocked by a string of mysterious deaths in the Sparling family. Over the course of two years, four men from the same household died of sudden, agonizing illnesses. At first, it seemed like a...
In this episode, we unravel the haunting story of “The Dying Sparlings”—a tale of poison, scandal, and a courtroom drama that captured the attention of a state. Was it the family doctor? The grieving mother? Or someone else entirely? This 20-minute narrative walks you through one of Michigan’s most notorious historical murder cases—and the ripple effects it had across the Thumb.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>14431900s,arsenic,conviction,county,crime,dr.,early,history,huron,macgregor,michigan,murder,murders,mystery,poisoning,robert,sparling,true,tyre,wrongfulfalse568fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/frozen-rescue-the-1911-walker-brothers-mission--65686627
With ice closing in and time running out, a life-saving crew from Harbor Beach set out on a 40-mile journey by sleigh to bring them home. This episode of End of the Road in Michigan tells the true story of grit, community, and survival during one of Michigan’s coldest winters. 

🔹 Bite-size pieces of Michigan history you likely never heard before.
🔹 Based on original reporting from The Harbor Beach Times, January 5, 1911.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65686627Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:27:46 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn January 1911, two young brothers vanished into the frozen waters of Lake Huron. What followed was one of the most daring rescue efforts in Great Lakes history. With ice closing in and time running out, a life-saving crew from Harbor Beach set out...
With ice closing in and time running out, a life-saving crew from Harbor Beach set out on a 40-mile journey by sleigh to bring them home. This episode of End of the Road in Michigan tells the true story of grit, community, and survival during one of Michigan’s coldest winters. 

🔹 Bite-size pieces of Michigan history you likely never heard before.
🔹 Based on original reporting from The Harbor Beach Times, January 5, 1911.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>4911911,beach,frozen,great,harbor,history,huron,lake,lakes,life,michigan,port,rescue,rescues,sanilac,saving,station,stories,walker,winterfalse567fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pontiac-s-war-fire-on-the-frontier-peace-in-the-shadows--65656864Pontiac’s War: Fire on the Frontier, Peace in the Shadows

In 1763, as British flags replaced French ones across the Great Lakes, the First Peoples of Michigan faced a new empire—one that dismissed their diplomacy, severed their trade, and threatened their way of life. Led by Odawa war chief Pontiac and inspired by the spiritual teachings of Neolin, tribes from across the region united in a massive resistance campaign.

This episode traces the dramatic siege of Fort Detroit, the harrowing use of smallpox at Fort Pitt, and the chilling aftermath of Pontiac’s assassination, including the haunting legend of Starved Rock.

From war councils beneath the pines to vengeance on the banks of the Mississippi, Pontiac’s War was not just a rebellion—it was a defense of land, life, and sovereignty. And its echoes still shape the memory of the Great Lakes today. Tune in as End of the Road in Michigan brings this powerful story to life through dramatic narrative and historic insight.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65656864Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:41:10 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsPontiac’s War: Fire on the Frontier, Peace in the Shadows In 1763, as British flags replaced French ones across the Great Lakes, the First Peoples of Michigan faced a new empire—one that dismissed their diplomacy, severed their trade, and threatened...Pontiac’s War: Fire on the Frontier, Peace in the Shadows

In 1763, as British flags replaced French ones across the Great Lakes, the First Peoples of Michigan faced a new empire—one that dismissed their diplomacy, severed their trade, and threatened their way of life. Led by Odawa war chief Pontiac and inspired by the spiritual teachings of Neolin, tribes from across the region united in a massive resistance campaign.

This episode traces the dramatic siege of Fort Detroit, the harrowing use of smallpox at Fort Pitt, and the chilling aftermath of Pontiac’s assassination, including the haunting legend of Starved Rock.

From war councils beneath the pines to vengeance on the banks of the Mississippi, Pontiac’s War was not just a rebellion—it was a defense of land, life, and sovereignty. And its echoes still shape the memory of the Great Lakes today. Tune in as End of the Road in Michigan brings this powerful story to life through dramatic narrative and historic insight.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>5211763,american,detroit,fort,great,history,lakes,legend,michigan,native,neolin,odawa,pontiac's,prophecy,rebellion,resistance,rock,siege,starved,warfalse566fullhttps://michigan4you.com/the-lost-city-beneath-lake-huron-michigans-oldest-known-hunting-ground/
Archaeologists uncovered stone structures over 9,000 years old, reshaping our understanding of ancient life in the Great Lakes. We also examine the Indigenous stories that may align with this site’s hidden history.

Read the story at The Lost City Beneath Lake Huron – Michigan’s Oldest Known Hunting Ground

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65641310Sun, 20 Apr 2025 12:49:10 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsBeneath the waters of Lake Huron lies one of the oldest known hunting grounds in North America. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we explore the discovery of the Alpena-Amberley Ridge—a submerged prehistoric land bridge once used by Ice...
Archaeologists uncovered stone structures over 9,000 years old, reshaping our understanding of ancient life in the Great Lakes. We also examine the Indigenous stories that may align with this site’s hidden history.

Read the story at The Lost City Beneath Lake Huron – Michigan’s Oldest Known Hunting Ground

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>424age,alpena,amberley,ancient,archaeology,discovery,great,history,hunters,hunting,huron,ice,lake,lakes,michigan,prehistoric,ridge,underwaterfalse565fullhttps://michigan4you.com/lady-elgin-disaster/The Sinking of the Lady Elgin – Milwaukee’s Night of Mourning

In this emotional 10-minute episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we recount the 1860 wreck of the Lady Elgin—a luxury steamer torn apart in a midnight collision that killed nearly 300 people. Through survivor accounts, newspaper reports, and haunting details, this story explores how an entire city mourned, how bravery shone in the darkness, and why the disaster still resonates today.

Read more about this tragedy at The 1860 Lady Elgin Disaster -  Lake Michigan's Deadliest Shipwreck

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65608015Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:18:05 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThe Sinking of the Lady Elgin – Milwaukee’s Night of Mourning In this emotional 10-minute episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we recount the 1860 wreck of the Lady Elgin—a luxury steamer torn apart in a midnight collision that killed nearly 300...The Sinking of the Lady Elgin – Milwaukee’s Night of Mourning

In this emotional 10-minute episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we recount the 1860 wreck of the Lady Elgin—a luxury steamer torn apart in a midnight collision that killed nearly 300 people. Through survivor accounts, newspaper reports, and haunting details, this story explores how an entire city mourned, how bravery shone in the darkness, and why the disaster still resonates today.

Read more about this tragedy at The 1860 Lady Elgin Disaster -  Lake Michigan's Deadliest Shipwreck

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>3711860,disaster,elgin,great,historic,history,illinois,jack,lady,lake,lakes,maritime,michigan,milwaukee,shipwreck,sinking,steamboat,steamship,tragedy,winnetkafalse564fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/04/16/grand-central-hotel-kinde-michigan/
Tune in for a surprising tale of resilience, reinvention, and what happens when a hotel becomes part of a community’s identity. Read the full story at The Amazing Story of the Grand Central Hotel (Kinde, Michigan) – 1880s to 1970s – The Forgotten Inn That Traveled Across Time

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65599310Wed, 16 Apr 2025 21:26:12 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsWhat do you do when your town dies? If you're William Carter and William McCoy in 1880s Michigan, you move your hotel — building and all — to where the action is. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we trace the 140-year life of a single...
Tune in for a surprising tale of resilience, reinvention, and what happens when a hotel becomes part of a community’s identity. Read the full story at The Amazing Story of the Grand Central Hotel (Kinde, Michigan) – 1880s to 1970s – The Forgotten Inn That Traveled Across Time

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>423endoftheroadpodcast,forgottenmichigan,ghosttownlegacy,greatlakesstories,historichotels,kindemichigan,michiganhistory,midwestheritage,portcrescent,thumbregionfalse563fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2023/10/12/white-rock-michigan-thumb/1838 journey of 15-year-old Edward Petit, the first European child born in Port Huron. 

As a teenage fur trader fluent in Ojibwe, Petit set out to locate a lost winter camp led by the elusive Chief O-ta-was. Braving freezing rain, hunger, and vast wilderness along the shores of Saginaw Bay, he completed one of the most successful trades in Michigan's early frontier history.

This story sheds light on the human side of early settler-Indigenous relations and the forgotten routes that shaped Michigan’s Thumb.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65556404Sun, 13 Apr 2025 11:43:18 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we uncover the remarkable 1838 journey of 15-year-old Edward Petit, the first European child born in Port Huron.  As a teenage fur trader fluent in Ojibwe, Petit set out to locate a lost winter camp led...1838 journey of 15-year-old Edward Petit, the first European child born in Port Huron. 

As a teenage fur trader fluent in Ojibwe, Petit set out to locate a lost winter camp led by the elusive Chief O-ta-was. Braving freezing rain, hunger, and vast wilderness along the shores of Saginaw Bay, he completed one of the most successful trades in Michigan's early frontier history.

This story sheds light on the human side of early settler-Indigenous relations and the forgotten routes that shaped Michigan’s Thumb.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>432bay,chief,county,edward,fur,great,history,huron,lakes,michigan,ojibwe,o-ta-was,petit,pioneer,saginaw,settlers,stories,teen,trade,traderfalse562fullhttps://michigan4you.com/detroit-cleveland-navigation-company-history/
You’ll hear about moonlit voyages, the majestic City of Detroit III, legendary designer Frank E. Kirby, wartime conversions, and the final season marked by tragedy. A compelling look at the transportation network that connected Michigan and the Midwest — and what it meant to the generations who sailed those inland seas.

Read the full story at Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company: Remarkable Tales from Michigan’s Golden Age of Steam.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65548867Sat, 12 Apr 2025 12:38:59 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsStep aboard the grand steamers that once ruled the Great Lakes. In this episode, we trace the story of the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company — from its 19th-century founding to its peak as a fleet of luxurious passenger ships and, finally, to...
You’ll hear about moonlit voyages, the majestic City of Detroit III, legendary designer Frank E. Kirby, wartime conversions, and the final season marked by tragedy. A compelling look at the transportation network that connected Michigan and the Midwest — and what it meant to the generations who sailed those inland seas.

Read the full story at Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company: Remarkable Tales from Michigan’s Golden Age of Steam.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>975city,d&c,detroit,great,history,iii,island,lakes,line,liners,mackinac,maritime,michigan,of,paddlewheel,passenger,steamers,steamships,transportation,travelfalse561fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2024/05/26/r-l-gillingham-fish-company/
Discover how this Saginaw Bay fishing empire expanded to Charity Island, endured a devastating fire and economic decline, and lives on today through the Bay Port Fish Company.

We also examine modern threats to this 140-year fishing legacy, from climate change to proposed conservation laws. Read the full story at R. L. Gillingham Fish Company - Surprising Insights of Commerical Fishing at Bay Port 1896-1978

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65538656Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:05:39 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsExplore the rise, golden era, and trials of Bay Port, Michigan’s Gillingham Fish Company – once the world’s largest freshwater fishery – in this documentary-style narrative. Discover how this Saginaw Bay fishing empire expanded to Charity Island,...
Discover how this Saginaw Bay fishing empire expanded to Charity Island, endured a devastating fire and economic decline, and lives on today through the Bay Port Fish Company.

We also examine modern threats to this 140-year fishing legacy, from climate change to proposed conservation laws. Read the full story at R. L. Gillingham Fish Company - Surprising Insights of Commerical Fishing at Bay Port 1896-1978

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>414bay,change,charity,climate,commercial,company,environmental,fish,fishing,gillingham,great,history,island,lakes,legislation,michigan,podcast,port,saginawfalse560fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/schooners-and-steam-michigan-s-golden-age-of-shipbuilding--65525225
The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65525225Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:25:41 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsExplore Michigan’s shipbuilding legacy from 19th-century schooners to Great Lakes freighters. Learn how towns like St. Clair and Port Huron became shipbuilding hubs in “Schooners and Steam” on The End of the Road in Michigan podcast.
The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>321city,clair,freighters,great,history,huron,lakes,marine,michigan,port,river,schooners,shipbuilding,ships,st.,steamshipsfalse559fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2021/01/15/vanished-company-town-new-river-michigan/
Discover how this once-thriving lumber and salt production village emerged in the mid-19th century, only to vanish as industries declined. Uncover the stories of early settlers, industrial endeavors, and the economic shifts that led to the disappearance of this remarkable hamlet.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65448569Wed, 09 Apr 2025 02:02:30 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsExplore the rise and fall of New River, Michigan, on "End of the Road in Michigan." Discover how this once-thriving lumber and salt production village emerged in the mid-19th century, only to vanish as industries declined. Uncover the stories of...
Discover how this once-thriving lumber and salt production village emerged in the mid-19th century, only to vanish as industries declined. Uncover the stories of early settlers, industrial endeavors, and the economic shifts that led to the disappearance of this remarkable hamlet.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>22419th-century,county,ghost,history,huron,industry,lake,lumber,michigan,michigan's,new,podcast,production,river,salt,settlements,thumb,towns,vanished,villagesfalse558fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/04/08/sinking-of-the-fishing-tug-searchlight/Searchlight, which vanished during a Lake Huron storm just outside Harbor Beach.

With six men aboard and no survivors, this story includes first-hand reports, a haunting message in a bottle, and new historical context from local archives. Discover how a sudden gale changed the fate of one small tug—and the community it left behind.

Topics include Great Lakes fishing history, the Harbor Beach Life-Saving Service, and maritime tragedies in Michigan.

Learn more at The Sinking of the Fishing Tug Searchlight - Harbor Beach’s Worst Fishing Tragedy.

Please follow our podcast for more Michigan stories lost to time.

Music: Fluidscape by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100393
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65440696Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:33:51 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of The End of the Road in Michigan, we investigate the tragic 1907 sinking of the fishing tug Searchlight, which vanished during a Lake Huron storm just outside Harbor Beach. With six men aboard and no survivors, this story includes...Searchlight, which vanished during a Lake Huron storm just outside Harbor Beach.

With six men aboard and no survivors, this story includes first-hand reports, a haunting message in a bottle, and new historical context from local archives. Discover how a sudden gale changed the fate of one small tug—and the community it left behind.

Topics include Great Lakes fishing history, the Harbor Beach Life-Saving Service, and maritime tragedies in Michigan.

Learn more at The Sinking of the Fishing Tug Searchlight - Harbor Beach’s Worst Fishing Tragedy.

Please follow our podcast for more Michigan stories lost to time.

Music: Fluidscape by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100393
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>9471907,a,beach,bottle,disasters,fishing,great,harbor,history,huron,in,lake,lakes,maritime,message,michigan,searchlight,shipwreck,storm,tugboatfalse557fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2018/11/09/captain-aaron-peer/Grindstone City.

Discover how a remote shoreline community in Michigan’s Thumb region became a global leader in grindstone production, shaping industries worldwide. Learn about the resilience, innovation, and communal spirit that transformed a harsh wilderness into a thriving hub of industry and culture.

Read the whole story at Captain Aaron Peer Founded Grindstone City In 1834 And Began a New Industry.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65383370Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:58:57 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsJoin us on "End of the Road in Michigan" as we explore the inspiring story of Captain Aaron Peer and Grindstone City. Discover how a remote shoreline community in Michigan’s Thumb region became a global leader in grindstone production, shaping...Grindstone City.

Discover how a remote shoreline community in Michigan’s Thumb region became a global leader in grindstone production, shaping industries worldwide. Learn about the resilience, innovation, and communal spirit that transformed a harsh wilderness into a thriving hub of industry and culture.

Read the whole story at Captain Aaron Peer Founded Grindstone City In 1834 And Began a New Industry.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>348aaron,captain,city,grindstone,heritage,historical,history,huron,industrial,lake,maritime,michigan,peer,pioneer,podcast,quarry,revolution,stories,thumbfalse556fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/02/17/douglass-houghton-michigan-geologist/
This detailed narrative reveals Houghton’s adventurous explorations, impactful civic contributions as Detroit’s mayor, and his tragic demise on Lake Superior. Join us to celebrate this remarkable historical figure whose relentless curiosity and dedication shaped Michigan’s history.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65378400Sun, 06 Apr 2025 12:23:24 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsExplore the fascinating life and enduring legacy of Douglass Houghton, Michigan’s pioneering geologist, whose groundbreaking discoveries initiated the Michigan Copper Rush and transformed the Upper Peninsula forever. This detailed narrative reveals...
This detailed narrative reveals Houghton’s adventurous explorations, impactful civic contributions as Detroit’s mayor, and his tragic demise on Lake Superior. Join us to celebrate this remarkable historical figure whose relentless curiosity and dedication shaped Michigan’s history.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>544copper,douglass,exploration,figures,frontier,geology,historical,history,houghton,lake,life,michigan,peninsula,rush,stories,superior,upperfalse555fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-griffon-the-famous-great-lakes-lost-17th-century-ship--65374880The Griffon sailed into Lake Michigan—and vanished without a trace. Built by French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, the Griffon was the first European-style ship to sail the upper Great Lakes. She was loaded with furs and promise... but she never came back. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we explore one of the oldest mysteries in North America. We trace the Griffon’s journey, the legends surrounding her disappearance, and the many failed attempts to find her remains.

 Was it mutiny? A storm? Or something deeper that pulled her under?

This is the story of a ship that opened the Great Lakes—and then disappeared into them.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65374880Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:14:50 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn 1679, a wooden ship named The Griffon sailed into Lake Michigan—and vanished without a trace. Built by French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, the Griffon was the first European-style ship to sail the upper Great Lakes. She was...The Griffon sailed into Lake Michigan—and vanished without a trace. Built by French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, the Griffon was the first European-style ship to sail the upper Great Lakes. She was loaded with furs and promise... but she never came back. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we explore one of the oldest mysteries in North America. We trace the Griffon’s journey, the legends surrounding her disappearance, and the many failed attempts to find her remains.

 Was it mutiny? A storm? Or something deeper that pulled her under?

This is the story of a ship that opened the Great Lakes—and then disappeared into them.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>42917th,century,exploration,explorers,french,great,griffon,history,la,lake,lakes,lost,maritime,michigan,mystery,salle,ships,shipwreck,thefalse554fullhttps://michigan4you.com/campau-trading-post/
His post became the site of the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw, a deal that ceded over 6 million acres of Native land to the United States. Learn how one man, one building, and one treaty helped launch the city of Saginaw—and marked a turning point in Michigan’s early history.

Read more about this story at The Campau Trading Post – How One Fur Post Sparked the Founding of Saginaw.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65368332Sat, 05 Apr 2025 12:08:03 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we follow fur trader Louis Campau as he builds the first permanent white settlement in the Saginaw Valley in 1815. From his log trading post on the Saginaw River, Campau traded with the Anishinaabe and...
His post became the site of the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw, a deal that ceded over 6 million acres of Native land to the United States. Learn how one man, one building, and one treaty helped launch the city of Saginaw—and marked a turning point in Michigan’s early history.

Read more about this story at The Campau Trading Post – How One Fur Post Sparked the Founding of Saginaw.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>3361819,anishinaabe,campau,campau’s,frontier,fur,history,house,louis,michigan,native,of,ojibwe,saginaw,trade,trading,treaties,treaty,valleyfalse553fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-light-in-the-woods-michigan-s-enduring-mystery--65358312
Known as the Paulding Light, it’s been called everything from a spectral railroad lantern to an optical illusion caused by distant headlights.

In this episode, we travel deep into the Upper Peninsula to uncover the truth behind one of Michigan’s most persistent legends. We explore the folklore, the science, and the enduring fascination with a phenomenon that refuses to fade. Is it a ghost? A trick of the light? Or something else entirely?

Find out in this eerie and atmospheric episode of End of the Road in Michigan.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65358312Sat, 05 Apr 2025 02:19:57 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsFor more than 50 years, a mysterious glowing light has appeared in the remote woods near Paulding, Michigan—captivating curious visitors, spawning ghost stories, and defying simple explanation. Known as the Paulding Light, it’s been called everything...
Known as the Paulding Light, it’s been called everything from a spectral railroad lantern to an optical illusion caused by distant headlights.

In this episode, we travel deep into the Upper Peninsula to uncover the truth behind one of Michigan’s most persistent legends. We explore the folklore, the science, and the enduring fascination with a phenomenon that refuses to fade. Is it a ghost? A trick of the light? Or something else entirely?

Find out in this eerie and atmospheric episode of End of the Road in Michigan.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>441folklore,ghost,haunted,illusion,legend,light,lights,michigan,mystery,optical,paranormal,paulding,peninsula,rural,story,unexplained,upperfalse552fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/poe-s-report-port-crescent-s-last-stand--65316840
In 1886, the people of Port Crescent pleaded for help dredging the silt-choked Pinepog River—a final hope to revive their struggling economy after decades of logging and devastating wildfires.

Lieutenant Colonel Orlando M. Poe, a respected U.S. Army engineer and Civil War veteran, was sent to investigate. His report didn’t just close the door on federal support—it sealed the town’s fate. This episode explores how one decision marked the beginning of the end for Port Crescent and how a river’s silence can echo for generations.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65316840Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:21:24 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we uncover the quiet collapse of Port Crescent, a once-promising Thumb Coast lumber town left behind when Washington said no. In 1886, the people of Port Crescent pleaded for help dredging the...
In 1886, the people of Port Crescent pleaded for help dredging the silt-choked Pinepog River—a final hope to revive their struggling economy after decades of logging and devastating wildfires.

Lieutenant Colonel Orlando M. Poe, a respected U.S. Army engineer and Civil War veteran, was sent to investigate. His report didn’t just close the door on federal support—it sealed the town’s fate. This episode explores how one decision marked the beginning of the end for Port Crescent and how a river’s silence can echo for generations.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>4601886,army,corps,county,crescent,engineers,ghost,great,history,huron,lakes,michigan,of,orlando,pinepog,poe,port,river,towns,u.s.false551fullhttps://michigan4you.com/students-for-a-democratic-society/Port Huron, Michigan—and wrote a document that changed political activism in America. Known as the Port Huron Statement, it became the foundation of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and launched the New Left movement of the 1960s.

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we tell the story of how one summer retreat on Lake Huron gave rise to a nationwide call for participatory democracy, student protest, and generational change.

To read more about this story, check out, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) – How A Retreat in Port Huron Sparked the Student Protest Era of the 1960’s

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65262799Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:18:56 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn 1962, a group of college students met at a union retreat in Port Huron, Michigan—and wrote a document that changed political activism in America. Known as the Port Huron Statement, it became the foundation of the Students for a Democratic Society...Port Huron, Michigan—and wrote a document that changed political activism in America. Known as the Port Huron Statement, it became the foundation of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and launched the New Left movement of the 1960s.

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we tell the story of how one summer retreat on Lake Huron gave rise to a nationwide call for participatory democracy, student protest, and generational change.

To read more about this story, check out, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) – How A Retreat in Port Huron Sparked the Student Protest Era of the 1960’s

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>2811960s,a,activism,democratic,for,hayden,history,huron,left,michigan,new,participatory,port,protest,sds,society,statement,student,students,tomfalse550fullhttps://michigan4you.com/1966-fermi-1-nuclear-incident/Fermi 1 fast breeder reactor caused a partial meltdown, releasing radiation and sparking a cover-up that lasted years.

Engineers blamed a loose piece of metal—described as “the size of a beer can”—for the failure.

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we uncover the chilling truth behind America’s first commercial nuclear accident, how close we came to disaster, and why the public didn’t learn the full story until nearly a decade later. If you’ve never heard about the Fermi 1 reactor or why one book called it We Almost Lost Detroit, this episode explains it all—fact by radioactive fact.

Find out more about this incident at We Almost Lost Detroit: Michigan’s Forgotten Nuclear Disaster at Fermi 1

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65257014Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:17:14 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn 1966, Michigan came dangerously close to a nuclear catastrophe—just 30 miles from downtown Detroit. A failed cooling system at the Fermi 1 fast breeder reactor caused a partial meltdown, releasing radiation and sparking a cover-up that lasted...Fermi 1 fast breeder reactor caused a partial meltdown, releasing radiation and sparking a cover-up that lasted years.

Engineers blamed a loose piece of metal—described as “the size of a beer can”—for the failure.

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we uncover the chilling truth behind America’s first commercial nuclear accident, how close we came to disaster, and why the public didn’t learn the full story until nearly a decade later. If you’ve never heard about the Fermi 1 reactor or why one book called it We Almost Lost Detroit, this episode explains it all—fact by radioactive fact.

Find out more about this incident at We Almost Lost Detroit: Michigan’s Forgotten Nuclear Disaster at Fermi 1

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>4121,1966,breeder,detroit,disaster,fast,fermi,history,incident,meltdown,michigan,nuclear,reactorfalse549fullhttps://michigan4you.com/1894-hinckley-fire/
We share and uncover how a fire 400 miles away turned Michigan’s sky black, caused widespread panic, and triggered shutdowns across the Great Lakes—featuring original 1894 newspaper accounts, eyewitness reports, and the harrowing story of a burning train that outran the flames. If you’ve never heard of the 1894 Hinckley fire’s impact on Michigan, this is the episode that brings it out of the shadows.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65255279Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:12:42 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the terrifying days of September 1894, when the deadly Hinckley Fire in Minnesota blanketed Michigan in dense, choking smoke. For five straight days, daylight vanished across Saginaw, the...
We share and uncover how a fire 400 miles away turned Michigan’s sky black, caused widespread panic, and triggered shutdowns across the Great Lakes—featuring original 1894 newspaper accounts, eyewitness reports, and the harrowing story of a burning train that outran the flames. If you’ve never heard of the 1894 Hinckley fire’s impact on Michigan, this is the episode that brings it out of the shadows.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>2241894,cloud,disasters,fire,forest,great,hinckley,historical,history,lakes,michigan,panic,peninsula,saginaw,smoke,upper,wildfire,wildfiresfalse548fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/03/31/soo-locks-disaster-1909/Canadian Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie when a massive lock gate failure sent four ships into chaos—two sank, and the Great Lakes shipping system ground to a halt.

In this episode, we recount the worst lock accident in Great Lakes history, detailing how it happened, its cascading impact on shipping and industry, and how it forever changed maritime infrastructure. If you've never heard of the "day the locks broke," you're not alone. But this forgotten event still echoes in today’s supply chain concerns.

If you want to read the rest of this story check out. Day of the Soo Locks Disaster — 1909’s Maritime Meltdown at Sault Ste. Marie

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65254320Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:16:10 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn June 1909, disaster struck at the Canadian Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie when a massive lock gate failure sent four ships into chaos—two sank, and the Great Lakes shipping system ground to a halt. In this episode, we recount the worst lock...Canadian Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie when a massive lock gate failure sent four ships into chaos—two sank, and the Great Lakes shipping system ground to a halt.

In this episode, we recount the worst lock accident in Great Lakes history, detailing how it happened, its cascading impact on shipping and industry, and how it forever changed maritime infrastructure. If you've never heard of the "day the locks broke," you're not alone. But this forgotten event still echoes in today’s supply chain concerns.

If you want to read the rest of this story check out. Day of the Soo Locks Disaster — 1909’s Maritime Meltdown at Sault Ste. Marie

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>2971909,canadian,disaster,failure,great,history,industry,infrastructure,lakes,locks,marie,maritime,michigan,sault,shipping,shipwrecks,soo,ste.false547fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/02/01/huron-county-historical-firsts/
Based on a 1959 article from the Harbor Beach Times, we trace the surprising national “firsts” that began in the Upper Thumb, from industrial breakthroughs and sports innovation to logging feats and food production.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65237199Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:29:13 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsFrom winter wheat to Ferris wheels, this episode of End of the Road in Michigan uncovers how Huron County helped shape Michigan—and the nation. Based on a 1959 article from the Harbor Beach Times, we trace the surprising national “firsts” that began...
Based on a 1959 article from the Harbor Beach Times, we trace the surprising national “firsts” that began in the Upper Thumb, from industrial breakthroughs and sports innovation to logging feats and food production.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>263austin,bay,beach,beans,caseville,city,county,ferris,grindstone,harbor,history,huron,michigan,navy,origins,port,thumb,upper,wheelfalse546fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/01/25/caseville-forest-fire/Caseville forest fire. With high winds and dry weather fueling the blaze, a small Michigan town faced down disaster with grit, shovels, and community strength.

Hear how residents and neighbors fought to save Caseville, Oak Beach, and beyond. It's a tale of bravery, quick thinking, and one narrow escape after another. This historical flashback is packed with drama—and just the right amount of sass.

To read the full story, check out Flashback - The Heroic Battle to Save Caseville, Michigan from a Raging Forest Fire - 1924

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65231822Sun, 30 Mar 2025 09:27:53 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the gripping true story of the 1924 Caseville forest fire. With high winds and dry weather fueling the blaze, a small Michigan town faced down disaster with grit, shovels, and community...Caseville forest fire. With high winds and dry weather fueling the blaze, a small Michigan town faced down disaster with grit, shovels, and community strength.

Hear how residents and neighbors fought to save Caseville, Oak Beach, and beyond. It's a tale of bravery, quick thinking, and one narrow escape after another. This historical flashback is packed with drama—and just the right amount of sass.

To read the full story, check out Flashback - The Heroic Battle to Save Caseville, Michigan from a Raging Forest Fire - 1924

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>2871924,beach,caseville,community,county,disaster,fire,forest,great,heroes,history,huron,lakes,michigan,news,oak,suppression,vintagefalse545fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/01/28/collision-of-the-city-of-cleveland-iii/City of Cleveland III and the freighter Ravnefjeel off the coast of Harbor Beach in 1950.

Through survivor accounts, local headlines, and historical context, we revisit a deadly fog-shrouded morning that left three dead, one missing, and a community in mourning. This little-remembered incident offers a sobering look at how quickly disaster can unfold on the Great Lakes—and how the echoes of that day still reach us 75 years later.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65219557Sat, 29 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan,  we recount the harrowing collision between the passenger steamer City of Cleveland III and the freighter Ravnefjeel off the coast of Harbor Beach in 1950. Through survivor accounts, local headlines,...City of Cleveland III and the freighter Ravnefjeel off the coast of Harbor Beach in 1950.

Through survivor accounts, local headlines, and historical context, we revisit a deadly fog-shrouded morning that left three dead, one missing, and a community in mourning. This little-remembered incident offers a sobering look at how quickly disaster can unfold on the Great Lakes—and how the echoes of that day still reach us 75 years later.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>2401950,beach,benton,city,cleveland,disaster,great,harbor,history,huron,lake,lakes,maritime,michigan,of,ravnefjeel,shipwreckfalse544fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/02/20/capital-airlines-flight-67-crash/Capital Airlines Flight 67 near Midland.

The disaster claimed 47 lives and exposed critical gaps in mid-century aviation safety. Hear eyewitness accounts, explore the investigation, and learn how one crash reshaped U.S. airline procedures. This is the story of a flight that never made it home—and the changes it forced across the skies.

For more on this story, check out Capital Airlines Flight 67 Crash: The Disaster That Shook Mid-Michigan – April 1958

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65214975Sat, 29 Mar 2025 10:00:32 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the tragic crash of Capital Airlines Flight 67 near Midland. The disaster claimed 47 lives and exposed critical gaps in mid-century aviation safety. Hear eyewitness accounts, explore the...Capital Airlines Flight 67 near Midland.

The disaster claimed 47 lives and exposed critical gaps in mid-century aviation safety. Hear eyewitness accounts, explore the investigation, and learn how one crash reshaped U.S. airline procedures. This is the story of a flight that never made it home—and the changes it forced across the skies.

For more on this story, check out Capital Airlines Flight 67 Crash: The Disaster That Shook Mid-Michigan – April 1958

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>1611958,67,airlines,airport,aviation,capital,crash,disaster,faa,flight,history,investigation,michigan,midland,plane,safety,tri-city,viscountfalse543fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/02/28/pontiac-oxford-northern-railroad-polly-ann/
Running through the Thumb region from 1889 to 1984, the Polly Ann was crucial for local agriculture and industry, from beans and sugar beets to gravel for construction.

Discover how this struggling railway shaped communities, transformed into a recreational trail, and left lasting landmarks in Caseville, Michigan. Join us on this nostalgic journey along one of Michigan's most endearing railways.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65213630Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:38:22 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsDive into the intriguing history of Michigan’s Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad, affectionately known as the Polly Ann. Running through the Thumb region from 1889 to 1984, the Polly Ann was crucial for local agriculture and industry, from...
Running through the Thumb region from 1889 to 1984, the Polly Ann was crucial for local agriculture and industry, from beans and sugar beets to gravel for construction.

Discover how this struggling railway shaped communities, transformed into a recreational trail, and left lasting landmarks in Caseville, Michigan. Join us on this nostalgic journey along one of Michigan's most endearing railways.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>181ann,caseville,depot,folklore,heritage,historical,history,michigan,northern,oxford,polly,pontiac,rail,railroad,railway,recreation,region,thumb,trailfalse542fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/02/28/lake-huron-shipwrecks-5-lost-vessels/
In this episode, we share the gripping stories of five lost vessels, from deadly collisions to ghost ship mysteries. Featuring the 1893 collision of the Philadelphia and Albany, the strange fate of the Caprice, and shallow wrecks you can visit today, this episode takes you to the edge of history—and under the waves. 

Got your own shipwreck story? Connect with us on social media or leave a comment.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65212560Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:09:28 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsBeneath the waters of Michigan’s Thumb lie hundreds of shipwrecks—silent remains of steamers, barges, and schooners that met their end in Lake Huron. In this episode, we share the gripping stories of five lost vessels, from deadly collisions to ghost...
In this episode, we share the gripping stories of five lost vessels, from deadly collisions to ghost ship mysteries. Featuring the 1893 collision of the Philadelphia and Albany, the strange fate of the Caprice, and shallow wrecks you can visit today, this episode takes you to the edge of history—and under the waves. 

Got your own shipwreck story? Connect with us on social media or leave a comment.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>373aux,barques,coast,disasters,ghost,great,history,huron,lake,lakes,maritime,michigan,pointe,preserves,ships,shipwreck,shipwrecks,stories,thumb,underwaterfalse541fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/03/07/lakeside-inn-port-austin/Lakeside Inn — a building that began as Huron County’s temporary courthouse in the 1860s and ended in a fiery blaze more than a century later.

From its Prohibition-era notoriety as a raided speakeasy to its golden age in the 1930s under Charles Finzel, the Lakeside Inn was once the Thumb’s premier entertainment venue. Big bands, roller-skating, political rallies, and poetry readings filled its lakeside pavilion — affectionately known as “The Fun Center.”

But in July 1967, it all went up in smoke. Join us as we recount the story of a building that mirrored Michigan’s changing times — and left behind a legacy that still echoes through the village of Port Austin.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65182604Fri, 28 Mar 2025 10:44:33 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we trace the long, colorful life of Port Austin’s iconic Lakeside Inn — a building that began as Huron County’s temporary courthouse in the 1860s and ended in a fiery blaze more than a century later....Lakeside Inn — a building that began as Huron County’s temporary courthouse in the 1860s and ended in a fiery blaze more than a century later.

From its Prohibition-era notoriety as a raided speakeasy to its golden age in the 1930s under Charles Finzel, the Lakeside Inn was once the Thumb’s premier entertainment venue. Big bands, roller-skating, political rallies, and poetry readings filled its lakeside pavilion — affectionately known as “The Fun Center.”

But in July 1967, it all went up in smoke. Join us as we recount the story of a building that mirrored Michigan’s changing times — and left behind a legacy that still echoes through the village of Port Austin.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>2391967,history,michigan,portaustinfalse540fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/03/17/elkton-school-fire-1930/Elkton, Michigan, watched helplessly as its beloved schoolhouse rose in flames. The fire lit the sky for miles, consuming a building that had stood since 1903 and served generations of local students.

 In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we recount the devastating blaze, the community's swift response, and how a small Thumb town came together to ensure education didn't stop—despite the loss. From improvised classrooms to a new state-of-the-art schoolhouse rising just months later, this is a story of loss, resolve, and rebuilding—and of the old school bell that rang one final time before falling silent forever.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65181808Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:44:43 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsOn a frigid December night in 1930, Elkton, Michigan, watched helplessly as its beloved schoolhouse rose in flames. The fire lit the sky for miles, consuming a building that had stood since 1903 and served generations of local students.  In this...Elkton, Michigan, watched helplessly as its beloved schoolhouse rose in flames. The fire lit the sky for miles, consuming a building that had stood since 1903 and served generations of local students.

 In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we recount the devastating blaze, the community's swift response, and how a small Thumb town came together to ensure education didn't stop—despite the loss. From improvised classrooms to a new state-of-the-art schoolhouse rising just months later, this is a story of loss, resolve, and rebuilding—and of the old school bell that rang one final time before falling silent forever.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>198elkton,history,michigan,michiganthumbfalse539fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/03/17/bay-port-summer-resort-1894/End of the Road in Michigan, we head back to 1894 and uncover the story of Bay Port, a once-thriving summer resort on Saginaw Bay. Promoted by the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, Bay Port drew wealthy travelers from Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Louis looking for fresh air, first-class lodging, and a break from the grime of big cities.

Bay Port was no ordinary stop, with electric bells in every room, a mineral well said to have healing powers, and a casino for dancing and bowling. So what happened to this ambitious lakeside resort? And why did it vanish from memory? 

Join us for a trip back in time to Michigan’s Thumb and a look at one of the state’s lost vacation hotspots.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65179521Fri, 28 Mar 2025 08:49:56 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we head back to 1894 and uncover the story of Bay Port, a once-thriving summer resort on Saginaw Bay. Promoted by the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, Bay Port drew wealthy travelers from Chicago,...End of the Road in Michigan, we head back to 1894 and uncover the story of Bay Port, a once-thriving summer resort on Saginaw Bay. Promoted by the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, Bay Port drew wealthy travelers from Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Louis looking for fresh air, first-class lodging, and a break from the grime of big cities.

Bay Port was no ordinary stop, with electric bells in every room, a mineral well said to have healing powers, and a casino for dancing and bowling. So what happened to this ambitious lakeside resort? And why did it vanish from memory? 

Join us for a trip back in time to Michigan’s Thumb and a look at one of the state’s lost vacation hotspots.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>219bayport,history,michigan,resortsfalse538fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/03/20/smith-culhane-house-port-austin/Smith-Culhane House in Port Austin stands as a quiet witness to Michigan's evolving story. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we visit the historic Victorian home at the tip of the Thumb. Once a grand residence during the lumber boom, the home later transformed into a B&B and has now returned to private ownership. Join us as we explore the home's architecture, its many roles, and the lives of those who shaped its legacy.

The Smith-Culhane House, a 150-year-old Victorian home in Port Austin, Michigan, reflects the region’s lumber boom heritage. Once a family residence, it now serves as a private home after being revived into a Bed and Breakfast, preserving local history and architecture.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65161096Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:43:40 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsFrom Civil War-era origins to the modern day, the https://thumbwind.com/2025/03/20/smith-culhane-house-port-austin/ in Port Austin stands as a quiet witness to Michigan's evolving story. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we visit the...Smith-Culhane House in Port Austin stands as a quiet witness to Michigan's evolving story. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we visit the historic Victorian home at the tip of the Thumb. Once a grand residence during the lumber boom, the home later transformed into a B&B and has now returned to private ownership. Join us as we explore the home's architecture, its many roles, and the lives of those who shaped its legacy.

The Smith-Culhane House, a 150-year-old Victorian home in Port Austin, Michigan, reflects the region’s lumber boom heritage. Once a family residence, it now serves as a private home after being revived into a Bed and Breakfast, preserving local history and architecture.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>251austin,bed,boom,breakfasts,historic,history,homes,house,houses,huron,landmarks,lumber,michigan,port,portaustin,smith-culhane,victorianfalse637fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2024/04/12/things-to-do-in-michigans-thumb/“Closer Up North” for Southeast Michigan and Detroit.


Are you looking for a summer trip just far enough to feel like a getaway? We share 12 things to do in Michigan’s Upper Thumb—from the quirky Cheeseburger Festival in Caseville to haunted inns, polka dances, and hidden beach camping. It’s the kind of place where the burgers are big, the vibes are weird, and the locals like it that way—a perfect episode for road trip season.


The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59436163Fri, 12 Apr 2024 10:31:04 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThe Upper Thumb has been deemed the “Closer Up North” for Southeast Michigan and Detroit. Are you looking for a summer trip just far enough to feel like a getaway? We share 12 things to do in Michigan’s Upper Thumb—from the quirky Cheeseburger...“Closer Up North” for Southeast Michigan and Detroit.


Are you looking for a summer trip just far enough to feel like a getaway? We share 12 things to do in Michigan’s Upper Thumb—from the quirky Cheeseburger Festival in Caseville to haunted inns, polka dances, and hidden beach camping. It’s the kind of place where the burgers are big, the vibes are weird, and the locals like it that way—a perfect episode for road trip season.


The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>387caseville,michigan,michiganthumb,travelfalse536fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2023/04/24/beaches-in-charlevoix-mi/
The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59329045Sun, 07 Apr 2024 11:21:06 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsExplore the best beaches in Charlevoix, MI, for a perfect family getaway. Unwind on the shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix, and Torch Lake, each offering unique experiences. Enjoy activities, amenities, and stunning views that create lasting...
The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>1244beaches,charlevoix,michigan,travelfalse535fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2023/08/02/southwest-michigan-inland-lakes/
From fishing to boating, these freshwater wonderlands offer a refreshing escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover the vibrant communities, picturesque parks, and annual festivals that make these lakes a must-visit destination.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59321552Sat, 06 Apr 2024 13:48:26 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsWe journey through Southwest Michigan’s inland lakes – where each one presents a unique canvas of tranquil beauty and boundless adventure. From fishing to boating, these freshwater wonderlands offer a refreshing escape for outdoor enthusiasts....
From fishing to boating, these freshwater wonderlands offer a refreshing escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover the vibrant communities, picturesque parks, and annual festivals that make these lakes a must-visit destination.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>1255cabin,cottage,lakeliving,michigan,travelfalse534fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2024/01/28/george-w-jenks/George W. Jenks, a figure of significance in the Michigan Thumb region, lived a life intertwined with history.

From his early days as a Civil War soldier to his prosperous business endeavors, Jenks made an indelible mark. This article delves into his life, highlighting his service and entrepreneurial spirit, providing insights into a fascinating chapter of Michigan’s past.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58478900Sun, 28 Jan 2024 13:27:03 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsGeorge W. Jenks, a figure of significance in the Michigan Thumb region, lived a life intertwined with history. From his early days as a Civil War soldier to his prosperous business endeavors, Jenks made an indelible mark. This article delves into his...George W. Jenks, a figure of significance in the Michigan Thumb region, lived a life intertwined with history.

From his early days as a Civil War soldier to his prosperous business endeavors, Jenks made an indelible mark. This article delves into his life, highlighting his service and entrepreneurial spirit, providing insights into a fascinating chapter of Michigan’s past.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>4571800s,civilwar,history,michiganfalse533fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2024/01/22/jeremiah-jenks-2/Jeremiah Jenks, a Michigan pioneer whose vision transformed the Thumb region. His story is a blend of entrepreneurship and community, shaping the very heart of Michigan’s history.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58432365Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:12:46 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsWe explore the intriguing life of https://thumbwind.com/2024/01/22/jeremiah-jenks-2/, a Michigan pioneer whose vision transformed the Thumb region. His story is a blend of entrepreneurship and community, shaping the very heart of Michigan’s history.Jeremiah Jenks, a Michigan pioneer whose vision transformed the Thumb region. His story is a blend of entrepreneurship and community, shaping the very heart of Michigan’s history.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>385history,jenks,michigan,michiganthumbfalse532fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2024/01/24/carl-heisterman/Carl Heisterman, a Prussian immigrant who made a lasting mark on the remote islands of Saginaw Bay.

From his arrival in Michigan to his entrepreneurial ventures and influence in the region, Heisterman’s life offers a glimpse into the immigrant experience and the rugged independence that helped shape Michigan’s Thumb coast. Recorded straight from Thumbwind’s archives, this story connects the dots between personal history and place in a part of the state often overlooked.

We found Carl Heisterman’s life, a riveting story of a Prussian translator who shaped Michigan’s early days. From battlefields, founder of early Bay Port and political arenas, his journey is an amazing story of the diverse fabric of 19th-century America.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58432119Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:49:37 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we spotlight the remarkable story of https://thumbwind.com/2024/01/24/carl-heisterman/, a Prussian immigrant who made a lasting mark on the remote islands of Saginaw Bay. From his arrival in Michigan to...Carl Heisterman, a Prussian immigrant who made a lasting mark on the remote islands of Saginaw Bay.

From his arrival in Michigan to his entrepreneurial ventures and influence in the region, Heisterman’s life offers a glimpse into the immigrant experience and the rugged independence that helped shape Michigan’s Thumb coast. Recorded straight from Thumbwind’s archives, this story connects the dots between personal history and place in a part of the state often overlooked.

We found Carl Heisterman’s life, a riveting story of a Prussian translator who shaped Michigan’s early days. From battlefields, founder of early Bay Port and political arenas, his journey is an amazing story of the diverse fabric of 19th-century America.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>36319th,bay,carl,century,great,heisterman,history,homesteads,immigrant,island,islands,lakes,michigan,pioneers,prussian,saginaw,settlers,stories,thumbfalse531fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2023/10/08/wenona-beach-amusement-park/
The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57178818Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:25:53 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsDive into the rich history of Wenona Beach Amusement Park, once dubbed the Coney Island of the Great Lakes. Discover its rise to fame, iconic attractions, and why it eventually had to close its doors. A must-listen for history buffs and Michigan...
The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>395baycity,greatlakes,history,michiganfalse430fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2023/06/25/michigan-trip-ideas/
From freshwater beaches to quirky roadside stops, this episode highlights the best summer road trip ideas across Michigan. We cover iconic destinations along the Great Lakes and offbeat attractions in the Thumb region. Whether you're looking for scenic drives, food spots, or quiet getaways, this audio guide delivers quick-hit ideas to help plan your next trip in the Mitten State.

See more at Michigan Trip Ideas

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54974995Sun, 25 Jun 2023 12:08:28 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsAffectionately known as "The Great Lakes State," given that it is flanked by four of the U.S.’s great lakes, Michigan is anything but average.  From freshwater beaches to quirky roadside stops, this episode highlights the best summer road trip ideas...
From freshwater beaches to quirky roadside stops, this episode highlights the best summer road trip ideas across Michigan. We cover iconic destinations along the Great Lakes and offbeat attractions in the Thumb region. Whether you're looking for scenic drives, food spots, or quiet getaways, this audio guide delivers quick-hit ideas to help plan your next trip in the Mitten State.

See more at Michigan Trip Ideas

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>313attractions,caseville,drives,great,in,lakes,m-25,michigan,puremichigan,region,road,roadtrip,scenic,small,summer,thumb,towns,travel,tripfalse429fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2023/01/23/michigan-road-trips/
From Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast and the historic Upper Peninsula lighthouse trail, to vineyard-lined Harbor Country and the remote River Road Scenic Byway—each route is packed with character, shoreline views, and iconic stops. 

Whether you're planning a summer getaway or just love the open road, this guide offers something for every traveler who wants to see the best of the Great Lakes State.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54967626Sun, 25 Jun 2023 10:46:02 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThis episode of End of the Road in Michigan takes you on a virtual ride through five unforgettable road trips across the state. From Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast and the historic Upper Peninsula lighthouse trail, to vineyard-lined Harbor Country and...
From Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast and the historic Upper Peninsula lighthouse trail, to vineyard-lined Harbor Country and the remote River Road Scenic Byway—each route is packed with character, shoreline views, and iconic stops. 

Whether you're planning a summer getaway or just love the open road, this guide offers something for every traveler who wants to see the best of the Great Lakes State.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>496country,drives,great,harbor,huron,lake,lakes,lighthouses,m-22,michigan,peninsula,road,roadtrip,scenic,travel,trip,upper,us-23false428fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2022/09/15/grave-robbers/
Grave robbing was a gruesome yet common crime in the late 1800s as medical schools sought bodies for study. We found five stories about grave robbing in Michigan. Read the full story at Grave Robbers Brazenly Operated In Michigan During the 1800s

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51267125Thu, 15 Sep 2022 09:58:49 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we dig into the disturbing history of grave robbing in the Great Lakes State. From 19th-century boomtowns like Caseville to unsettling university practices, Michigan’s cemeteries once faced a dark...
Grave robbing was a gruesome yet common crime in the late 1800s as medical schools sought bodies for study. We found five stories about grave robbing in Michigan. Read the full story at Grave Robbers Brazenly Operated In Michigan During the 1800s

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>6131800s,body,caseville,crime,grave,graverobber,great,halloween,historical,history,lakes,medical,michigan,robbing,scary,schools,snatching,stories,weirdfalse327fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2022/05/28/vintage-corelle-dishes/
Should You Stop Using Them Now if You Have These Vintage Corelle Dishes in Your Cottage, Camper, or Cabin? - We love our vintage Corelle dishes. They are the same brand that I had growing up as a kid. However, we will be getting rid of them ASAP. Here is why.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50831998Sat, 06 Aug 2022 01:55:13 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we dig into a nostalgic staple found in many cottages, campers, and thrift stores: vintage Corelle dishware. Known for its durability and classic floral designs, Corelle plates have served up decades of...
Should You Stop Using Them Now if You Have These Vintage Corelle Dishes in Your Cottage, Camper, or Cabin? - We love our vintage Corelle dishes. They are the same brand that I had growing up as a kid. However, we will be getting rid of them ASAP. Here is why.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>509cookware,corelle,cottage,dish,dishes,dishware,in,kitchenware,lead,life,michigan,paint,plates,retro,safe,safety,tips,vintage,warningfalse326fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2025/03/10/michigan-roadside-attractions/
From a giant cherry pie battle and a leaning tower built by Domino’s Pizza to dinosaur statues in the woods and the famously strange Mystery Spot, this guide covers seven attractions that are as bizarre as they are fun. Perfect for road-trippers and curious travelers, these stops are sure to make your Michigan visit unforgettable and your Instagram feed more interesting.

To find more attractions across Michigan's Thumb check out, We Found These 15 Quirky Michigan Roadside Attractions in the Thumb


The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49812984Mon, 16 May 2022 12:39:30 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThis episode dives into Michigan's oddest and most photo-worthy roadside stops. From a giant cherry pie battle and a leaning tower built by Domino’s Pizza to dinosaur statues in the woods and the famously strange Mystery Spot, this guide covers seven...
From a giant cherry pie battle and a leaning tower built by Domino’s Pizza to dinosaur statues in the woods and the famously strange Mystery Spot, this guide covers seven attractions that are as bizarre as they are fun. Perfect for road-trippers and curious travelers, these stops are sure to make your Michigan visit unforgettable and your Instagram feed more interesting.

To find more attractions across Michigan's Thumb check out, We Found These 15 Quirky Michigan Roadside Attractions in the Thumb


The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>596attractions,cherry,dinosaur,disneyland,domino’s,gardens,hamtramck,michigan,mystery,pie,pizza,record,roadside,rock,spot,tourist,touristtrap,turnip,weirdfalse325fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2022/05/11/summer-road-trips/
So whether you are looking for an IG-worthy stopover, a great food trip—or beer or wine place—or a fun and action-packed itinerary, here are ten stopovers you should check out for your Michigan summer road trip.

Read the full story at Summer Road Trips – 10 Magnificent Must-Hit Stops In Michigan

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49760049Wed, 11 May 2022 16:34:17 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsLooking to plan your next Michigan road trip? This episode of End of the Road in Michigan highlights ten essential stops for a perfect summer adventure across the Great Lakes State. From charming coastal towns to top food and drink destinations, we’ll...
So whether you are looking for an IG-worthy stopover, a great food trip—or beer or wine place—or a fun and action-packed itinerary, here are ten stopovers you should check out for your Michigan summer road trip.

Read the full story at Summer Road Trips – 10 Magnificent Must-Hit Stops In Michigan

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>699attractions,audio,drives,getaways,great,greatlakes,in,lakes,michigan,podcast,region,road,roadtrip,scenic,summer,thumb,tourism,travel,trips,weekendfalse324fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2022/05/10/great-lakes-sailing-destinations/Great Lakes sailing destinations ideal for summer cruising.

From charming harbors along Lake Michigan to scenic stopovers on Lake Erie, this guide is packed with inspiration for your next nautical adventure. Whether you're piloting a sailboat or a cruiser, these ports offer rich history, local eats, and plenty of shoreline character. Cast off with us and discover where the winds—and the lakes—might take you.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49748268Tue, 10 May 2022 18:49:38 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsSet your heading for open water in this episode of End of the Road in Michigan. We spotlight 11 top-tier https://thumbwind.com/2022/05/10/great-lakes-sailing-destinations/ ideal for summer cruising. From charming harbors along Lake Michigan to scenic...Great Lakes sailing destinations ideal for summer cruising.

From charming harbors along Lake Michigan to scenic stopovers on Lake Erie, this guide is packed with inspiration for your next nautical adventure. Whether you're piloting a sailboat or a cruiser, these ports offer rich history, local eats, and plenty of shoreline character. Cast off with us and discover where the winds—and the lakes—might take you.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>599boating,cruise,destinations,erie,great,greatlakes,greatlakescruising,greatlakessailing,huron,lake,lakes,marinas,michigan,podcast,ports,sailboat,sailing,summer,travel,tripsfalse323fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2023/11/12/famous-michigan-food/What’s on Michigan’s Plate? Great Lakes to Miner Meals

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we dig into the flavors of the state—literally. From the whitefish caught in Lake Huron to the pasties packed by copper miners in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan’s cuisine reflects its people, industries, and culture.

We explore the origins, traditions, and enduring affection for these regional dishes that continue to bring people together. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a curious foodie, this is one menu you’ll want to hear.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46348790Thu, 02 Sep 2021 18:53:41 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsWhat’s on Michigan’s Plate? Great Lakes to Miner Meals In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we dig into the flavors of the state—literally. From the whitefish caught in Lake Huron to the pasties packed by copper miners in the Upper...What’s on Michigan’s Plate? Great Lakes to Miner Meals

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we dig into the flavors of the state—literally. From the whitefish caught in Lake Huron to the pasties packed by copper miners in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan’s cuisine reflects its people, industries, and culture.

We explore the origins, traditions, and enduring affection for these regional dishes that continue to bring people together. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a curious foodie, this is one menu you’ll want to hear.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>635comforfood,comfort,cuisine,culture,fish,food,foodie,great,huron,lake,lakes,michigan,pasties,pasty,peninsula,recipes,regional,upper,whitefishfalse222fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/michigan-s-upper-thumb-is-a-playground-for-southwest-ontario--44468363Michigan’s Upper Thumb—a lakeside destination offering over 100 miles of pristine sandy beaches, lively port towns, and an array of seasonal festivals. Just a short drive from Southwestern Ontario, this region is perfect for day trips and family adventures close to home. Discover highlights and hidden favorites in each shoreline town and village. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a leisurely exploration, this episode covers the best sightseeing spots to enjoy Michigan's coastal charm.

Less than a two-hour drive from Sarnia, Michigan’s Upper Thumb offers close-to-home, up-north family fun. With over 100 miles of sandy beaches, hopping port towns, and a seemingly endless choice of festivals, fairs, and events. The tip of the thumb is the natural choice for Southwest Ontario to seek out a summer day of fun.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44468363Sat, 24 Apr 2021 15:20:38 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsTake a journey through Michigan’s Upper Thumb—a lakeside destination offering over 100 miles of pristine sandy beaches, lively port towns, and an array of seasonal festivals. Just a short drive from Southwestern Ontario, this region is perfect for day...Michigan’s Upper Thumb—a lakeside destination offering over 100 miles of pristine sandy beaches, lively port towns, and an array of seasonal festivals. Just a short drive from Southwestern Ontario, this region is perfect for day trips and family adventures close to home. Discover highlights and hidden favorites in each shoreline town and village. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a leisurely exploration, this episode covers the best sightseeing spots to enjoy Michigan's coastal charm.

Less than a two-hour drive from Sarnia, Michigan’s Upper Thumb offers close-to-home, up-north family fun. With over 100 miles of sandy beaches, hopping port towns, and a seemingly endless choice of festivals, fairs, and events. The tip of the thumb is the natural choice for Southwest Ontario to seek out a summer day of fun.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>844beaches,canada,caseville,family,festivals,greatlakes,huron,lake,michigan,ontario,port,portaustin,sandy,sarnia,sebewaing,thumb,towns,travel,upperfalse221fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2021/02/27/harbor-beach-michigan/
Known as home to the world's largest freshwater man-made harbor, Harbor Beach is more than just a stopover for sailors. Discover historic landmarks like the iconic Harbor Beach Lighthouse, enjoy local spots within walking distance, or venture further out for unique experiences around the area.

This episode guides you through six fascinating locations to help you make the most of your visit to this inviting lakeside community.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43672139Sun, 28 Feb 2021 11:44:11 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsJoin us for a scenic tour of Harbor Beach, a charming town nestled along Michigan’s sunrise coast on Lake Huron. Known as home to the world's largest freshwater man-made harbor, Harbor Beach is more than just a stopover for sailors. Discover historic...
Known as home to the world's largest freshwater man-made harbor, Harbor Beach is more than just a stopover for sailors. Discover historic landmarks like the iconic Harbor Beach Lighthouse, enjoy local spots within walking distance, or venture further out for unique experiences around the area.

This episode guides you through six fascinating locations to help you make the most of your visit to this inviting lakeside community.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>592beach,boating,charm,great,harbor,huron,lake,lakes,lighthouse,michigan,sightseeing,small-town,thumb,tourism,travel,upperfalse220fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2020/09/23/frederic-baraga/
Father Frederick Baraga, the Catholic missionary known as the “Snowshoe Priest.” In this episode, we explore Baraga’s 37-year mission across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and his unwavering support of Indigenous communities. From his work documenting the Ojibwa language to his treks through harsh winters, Baraga’s legacy is one of cultural preservation, compassion, and resilience. His influence still echoes through churches, schools, and statues across the Great Lakes region. This is the story of a man who walked across frozen wilderness not just to preach but to protect.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41103323Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:41:47 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsBishop Frederic Baraga was the first bishop of Marquette. For 37 years, he was a missionary priest among the Indians and settlers in the Upper Great Lakes. His presence shaped the region, and he is revered for his defending Native American lands...
Father Frederick Baraga, the Catholic missionary known as the “Snowshoe Priest.” In this episode, we explore Baraga’s 37-year mission across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and his unwavering support of Indigenous communities. From his work documenting the Ojibwa language to his treks through harsh winters, Baraga’s legacy is one of cultural preservation, compassion, and resilience. His influence still echoes through churches, schools, and statues across the Great Lakes region. This is the story of a man who walked across frozen wilderness not just to preach but to protect.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>1212american,baraga,catholic,frederic,frederick,history,language,l'anse,michigan,missionaries,native,ojibwa,peninsula,priest,religion,snowshoe,thumbwind,upperfalse119fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2017/12/13/northern-michigan-jewish-colony-palestine/
In the late 1800s, a bold experiment unfolded in Michigan’s Thumb. Backed by the powerful Baron de Hirsch, a group of Russian Jewish immigrants tried to carve out a new life on 1,200 acres northeast of Bad Axe. Their settlement, named the Palestine Colony, was part of a broader international effort to resettle persecuted Jews through agriculture.

This episode uncovers the hopes, hardships, and legacy of this short-lived community—why it was formed, what happened to its settlers, and how echoes of their journey still remain in Huron County. Learn about the figures who made it possible, including Rabbi William Martin and financier Frank W. Hubbard, and hear how this piece of forgotten Michigan history ties into a global movement for Jewish resettlement.

Adapted from Thumbwind.com, this is a tale from the edge of the Great Lakes—and from the end of the road.

#MichiganHistory #JewishHeritage #Thumbwind #EndOfTheRoadPodcast #HuronCounty

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40521396Thu, 27 Aug 2020 17:15:17 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThe Lost Jewish Farming Colony of Palestine, Michigan In the late 1800s, a bold experiment unfolded in Michigan’s Thumb. Backed by the powerful Baron de Hirsch, a group of Russian Jewish immigrants tried to carve out a new life on 1,200 acres...
In the late 1800s, a bold experiment unfolded in Michigan’s Thumb. Backed by the powerful Baron de Hirsch, a group of Russian Jewish immigrants tried to carve out a new life on 1,200 acres northeast of Bad Axe. Their settlement, named the Palestine Colony, was part of a broader international effort to resettle persecuted Jews through agriculture.

This episode uncovers the hopes, hardships, and legacy of this short-lived community—why it was formed, what happened to its settlers, and how echoes of their journey still remain in Huron County. Learn about the figures who made it possible, including Rabbi William Martin and financier Frank W. Hubbard, and hear how this piece of forgotten Michigan history ties into a global movement for Jewish resettlement.

Adapted from Thumbwind.com, this is a tale from the edge of the Great Lakes—and from the end of the road.

#MichiganHistory #JewishHeritage #Thumbwind #EndOfTheRoadPodcast #HuronCounty

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>4861880s,axe,bad,baron,colony,county,de,eastern,european,farming,hirsch,history,huron,immigration,jewish,michigan,palestine,thumbwindfalse118fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2019/01/24/sebewaing-fishtown/The Chilly Sebewaing Fish Town of 1878

In the brutal Michigan winter of 1878, when mercury barely rose above zero, hundreds of fishing families in Sebewaing didn’t retreat—they built a village on the ice. This episode recounts the true story of how families hauled homes onto the frozen Saginaw Bay, cut holes in the ice, and fished for survival. These makeshift shanties became a self-sufficient ice town, complete with camaraderie, hardship, and ingenuity.

Drawn from local reports and reimagined from Thumbwind.com, this is a gritty slice of frontier life on the Great Lakes—when the only way through winter was to build your future directly on the ice.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39910327Thu, 23 Jul 2020 00:46:13 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThe Chilly Sebewaing Fish Town of 1878 In the brutal Michigan winter of 1878, when mercury barely rose above zero, hundreds of fishing families in Sebewaing didn’t retreat—they built a village on the ice. This episode recounts the true story of how...The Chilly Sebewaing Fish Town of 1878

In the brutal Michigan winter of 1878, when mercury barely rose above zero, hundreds of fishing families in Sebewaing didn’t retreat—they built a village on the ice. This episode recounts the true story of how families hauled homes onto the frozen Saginaw Bay, cut holes in the ice, and fished for survival. These makeshift shanties became a self-sufficient ice town, complete with camaraderie, hardship, and ingenuity.

Drawn from local reports and reimagined from Thumbwind.com, this is a gritty slice of frontier life on the Great Lakes—when the only way through winter was to build your future directly on the ice.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>4731878,bay,fishing,frozen,great,history,huts,ice,icefishing,lakes,michigan,saginaw,sebewaing,survival,thumbwind,village,winterfalse117fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2023/10/12/white-rock-michigan-thumb/
Before highways and harbors, there was the White Rock. Just offshore north of Forestville, this massive limestone outcrop was a sacred site to the Anishinaabe, who left offerings to the Great Spirit for the land’s abundance.

This episode traces the spiritual, cultural, and historical importance of White Rock—from its ancient role as a ceremonial site to its mention in explorer Henry Schoolcraft’s 1820 journal during his expedition with Lewis Cass. Once towering and visible from miles away, today it sits mostly submerged, its legacy hidden but not forgotten. 

Adapted from Thumbwind.com, this is a layered story of reverence, removal, and remembrance from Michigan’s Thumb.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/31733849Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:23:21 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsWhite Rock – Sacred Stone of Michigan’s Thumb Before highways and harbors, there was the White Rock. Just offshore north of Forestville, this massive limestone outcrop was a sacred site to the Anishinaabe, who left offerings to the Great Spirit for...
Before highways and harbors, there was the White Rock. Just offshore north of Forestville, this massive limestone outcrop was a sacred site to the Anishinaabe, who left offerings to the Great Spirit for the land’s abundance.

This episode traces the spiritual, cultural, and historical importance of White Rock—from its ancient role as a ceremonial site to its mention in explorer Henry Schoolcraft’s 1820 journal during his expedition with Lewis Cass. Once towering and visible from miles away, today it sits mostly submerged, its legacy hidden but not forgotten. 

Adapted from Thumbwind.com, this is a layered story of reverence, removal, and remembrance from Michigan’s Thumb.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>586anishinaabe,cass,forestville,history,lakehuron,lewis,lumbering,michigan,nativeamericans,puremichigan,rock,sacred,salt,schoolcraft,sites,thumbwind,whitefalse116fullhttps://thumbwind.com/native-american-indian-trails/
This episode covers two well-known Indian trails in Michigan. The St Joseph Trail, which runs east-west from Ann Arbor to Niles, Michigan, and the Saginaw Trail, which starts in Detroit and ends in the former native American village known as Saginaw. Today, both of these former trials are now major highways and the location of the Detroit Dream Cruise.

These thoroughfares not only connected villages and trading hubs but later influenced the development of modern roadways across the state.

Learn how these trails carved the early infrastructure of Michigan and why their legacy is still felt today in the routes we travel daily.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/28450523Wed, 27 May 2020 18:30:12 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsBefore Michigan’s highways crisscrossed the landscape, there were the trails — narrow, well-worn paths tread by generations of Native Americans. This episode covers two well-knownhttps://thumbwind.com/native-american-indian-trails/ The St Joseph...
This episode covers two well-known Indian trails in Michigan. The St Joseph Trail, which runs east-west from Ann Arbor to Niles, Michigan, and the Saginaw Trail, which starts in Detroit and ends in the former native American village known as Saginaw. Today, both of these former trials are now major highways and the location of the Detroit Dream Cruise.

These thoroughfares not only connected villages and trading hubs but later influenced the development of modern roadways across the state.

Learn how these trails carved the early infrastructure of Michigan and why their legacy is still felt today in the routes we travel daily.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>929detroit,flintriver,greatlakes,lakehuron,michigan,michiganhistory,niles,puremichigan,saginaw,saginawbay,saginawtrail,thumbwindfalse115fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2023/03/14/michigan-indian-tribes/Ancient Tribes and the Giant Oak – Michigan’s Thumb Before Settlement"

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we travel back to a time before European settlers arrived in Michigan’s Thumb region. We recount the history of the Anishinaabe people, whose deep connection to the land made the Thumb a prized hunting and gathering territory. Conflicts between Native American tribes shaped the region's early history, leaving a legacy still visible today.

You'll also hear the fascinating story of Seabewing's Giant Oak, a natural landmark that stood as a silent witness to the unfolding centuries.

Tune in for a look at a Michigan you won't find in textbooks — rich with stories of survival, tradition, and ancient roots.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27093766Mon, 11 May 2020 14:15:07 +0000Thumbwind Publications"Ancient Tribes and the Giant Oak – Michigan’s Thumb Before Settlement" In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we travel back to a time before European settlers arrived in Michigan’s Thumb region. We recount the history of the Anishinaabe...Ancient Tribes and the Giant Oak – Michigan’s Thumb Before Settlement"

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we travel back to a time before European settlers arrived in Michigan’s Thumb region. We recount the history of the Anishinaabe people, whose deep connection to the land made the Thumb a prized hunting and gathering territory. Conflicts between Native American tribes shaped the region's early history, leaving a legacy still visible today.

You'll also hear the fascinating story of Seabewing's Giant Oak, a natural landmark that stood as a silent witness to the unfolding centuries.

Tune in for a look at a Michigan you won't find in textbooks — rich with stories of survival, tradition, and ancient roots.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>612american,anishinaabe,flintriver,greatlakes,history,lakehuron,michigan,michiganhistory,native,region,saginaw,saginawbay,saginawtrail,thumb,thumbwind,tribal,wars,wildenessefalse114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tracks-to-tranquility-the-story-of-point-aux-barques-michigan--25608678

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25608678Sat, 18 Apr 2020 10:00:21 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThis episode of End of the Road in Michigan tells the story of Point Aux Barques, a summer resort community shaped by the expansion of the railroads. What began as a transportation route became a destination, where Midwestern families sought quiet...

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>1174greatlakes,history,lakehuron,michigan,michiganhistory,ponteauxbarques,portaustin,puremichigan,saginaw,saginawbay,thumbwind,turniprockfalse113fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2021/01/15/vanished-company-town-new-river-michigan/
Near the tip of the eastern side of Michigan’s thumb lies a small cluster of neatly appointed cottages and mobile homes. Some have a commanding view of Lake Huron. This neighborhood is situated near the New River, a creek. There is a street with a neat name Tip O Thumb Drive. It describes the neighborhood perfectly. It’s almost idyllic. The question is, did someone develop this as a neighborhood during the post-World War II cottage boom? Surprisingly, this cottage retirement community is way older than that.

Read the entire story at A Lost Lumber and Company Town – New River Michigan.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24889119Sat, 11 Apr 2020 10:00:13 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we travel back to the height of the lumber boom to explore one of the Great Lakes region’s lost company towns. Entirely owned by a single firm, this once-thriving settlement embodied the economic highs...
Near the tip of the eastern side of Michigan’s thumb lies a small cluster of neatly appointed cottages and mobile homes. Some have a commanding view of Lake Huron. This neighborhood is situated near the New River, a creek. There is a street with a neat name Tip O Thumb Drive. It describes the neighborhood perfectly. It’s almost idyllic. The question is, did someone develop this as a neighborhood during the post-World War II cottage boom? Surprisingly, this cottage retirement community is way older than that.

Read the entire story at A Lost Lumber and Company Town – New River Michigan.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>4571800s,caseville,company,ghost,greatlakes,history,lakehuron,lumber,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,mittenlove,mittensup,puremichigan,saginaw,thumbwind,town,townsfalse112fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2019/03/02/michigan-prohibition-whiskey-harbor/
During Michigan’s Prohibition era, a quiet cove along Lake Huron became a covert gateway for illegal liquor. This episode of End of the Road in Michigan uncovers the dark past of Whiskey Harbor—a rugged shoreline near Huron County that once served as a smuggling point for the infamous Purple Gang.

We take you back to the 1920s and 30s, when organized crime turned Michigan’s Thumb into a key corridor for booze shipments from Canada. It’s a gritty, little-known chapter of local history featuring rum-runners, limestone shores, and federal agents in pursuit.

Read the full story at Michigan Prohibition – 16 Years Of Bootlegging At Huron’s Whiskey Harbor.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22920379Sat, 04 Apr 2020 10:00:09 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsOn the eastern edge of Michigan’s Thumb lies a lonely and very rocky cove on the shore of Lake Huron. It’s hard to imagine that this beautiful remote setting was the site for criminal activity during the time of Michigan Prohibition for over 12 years....
During Michigan’s Prohibition era, a quiet cove along Lake Huron became a covert gateway for illegal liquor. This episode of End of the Road in Michigan uncovers the dark past of Whiskey Harbor—a rugged shoreline near Huron County that once served as a smuggling point for the infamous Purple Gang.

We take you back to the 1920s and 30s, when organized crime turned Michigan’s Thumb into a key corridor for booze shipments from Canada. It’s a gritty, little-known chapter of local history featuring rum-runners, limestone shores, and federal agents in pursuit.

Read the full story at Michigan Prohibition – 16 Years Of Bootlegging At Huron’s Whiskey Harbor.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>341madeinmichigan,michigan,michiganlove,michiganpride,mittenlove,mittensup,prohibition,puremichigan,purplegang,upperthumbfalse111fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2024/03/11/great-lakes-cruising-history/
Today, cruise travel on the lakes is making a comeback, and we trace its roots to the heyday of elegant vessels like the SS South American and the SS Noronic. Hear how these floating hotels connected cities, built tourism, and left a lasting legacy on Michigan’s maritime culture.

Now that cruising the Great Lakes is making a comeback, this is a story you might want to hear before you venture out.

Read more at Great Lakes Cruising History - 100 Luxurious Years of Travel.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22674291Sat, 28 Mar 2020 10:00:09 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsBefore highways and airliners, the most stylish way to travel across the Great Lakes was aboard a cruise ship. This episode of End of the Road in Michigan explores the golden era of freshwater cruising, from the mid-1800s to the 1950s, when ships...
Today, cruise travel on the lakes is making a comeback, and we trace its roots to the heyday of elegant vessels like the SS South American and the SS Noronic. Hear how these floating hotels connected cities, built tourism, and left a lasting legacy on Michigan’s maritime culture.

Now that cruising the Great Lakes is making a comeback, this is a story you might want to hear before you venture out.

Read more at Great Lakes Cruising History - 100 Luxurious Years of Travel.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>630american,cruises,cruising,great,greatlakes,history,lakes,madeinmichigan,maritime,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,mittenlove,mittensup,puremichigan,south,steamshipfalse110fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2021/04/30/ghost-town-michigans-thumb/ Port Crescent State Park sits quietly on the shoreline of Lake Huron, but beneath the trails and campsites lie the foundations of one of Michigan’s once-bustling 19th-century communities.

Discover how a thriving sawmill town with hotels, stores, and a post office faded into history, and why its ruins are still worth visiting today. This story blends nature and history, offering a reminder that the land remembers—even when we forget.

Port Crescent State Park is one of the largest state parks in southern Michigan. Located at the tip of Michigan’s “Thumb”, along three miles of sandy shoreline of Lake Huron, the park offers excellent camping, fishing, canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, birding, and hunting opportunities. However, a lesser-known aspect of this park is that it sits on the site of a former ghost town.

Read the full story at Michigan Ghost Town in the Thumb - Port Crescent State Park.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22630973Sat, 21 Mar 2020 10:00:17 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we camp out—literally—on the remains of a lost lumber town. Port Crescent State Park sits quietly on the shoreline of Lake Huron, but beneath the trails and campsites lie the foundations of one of... Port Crescent State Park sits quietly on the shoreline of Lake Huron, but beneath the trails and campsites lie the foundations of one of Michigan’s once-bustling 19th-century communities.

Discover how a thriving sawmill town with hotels, stores, and a post office faded into history, and why its ruins are still worth visiting today. This story blends nature and history, offering a reminder that the land remembers—even when we forget.

Port Crescent State Park is one of the largest state parks in southern Michigan. Located at the tip of Michigan’s “Thumb”, along three miles of sandy shoreline of Lake Huron, the park offers excellent camping, fishing, canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, birding, and hunting opportunities. However, a lesser-known aspect of this park is that it sits on the site of a former ghost town.

Read the full story at Michigan Ghost Town in the Thumb - Port Crescent State Park.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>516camping,crescent,ghost,ghosttown,greatlakes,madeinmichigan,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,mittenlove,mittensup,parks,port,portcrescent,puremichigan,thumbwindfalse19fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2024/03/31/turnip-rock-things-to-know/Turnip Rock, one of the most photographed spots in the state. Learn the seven essential tips for kayaking to this iconic limestone formation off the coast of Pointe Aux Barques. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just curious about Michigan’s coastal wonders, this episode breaks down what to bring, what to avoid, and how to get the most from your trip to this unique destination—accessible only by water.

Read more about this adventure at Turnip Rock – 7 Basic Things You Really Should Know When You Kayak In The Upper Thumb.

From gear guidance to shoreline access points, we’ll help you plan the perfect outing. Pack your paddle and let’s hit the water.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22600990Sat, 14 Mar 2020 10:00:02 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThis episode of End of the Road in Michigan takes you on a paddle-powered journey to Turnip Rock, one of the most photographed spots in the state. Learn the seven essential tips for kayaking to this iconic limestone formation off the coast of Pointe...Turnip Rock, one of the most photographed spots in the state. Learn the seven essential tips for kayaking to this iconic limestone formation off the coast of Pointe Aux Barques. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just curious about Michigan’s coastal wonders, this episode breaks down what to bring, what to avoid, and how to get the most from your trip to this unique destination—accessible only by water.

Read more about this adventure at Turnip Rock – 7 Basic Things You Really Should Know When You Kayak In The Upper Thumb.

From gear guidance to shoreline access points, we’ll help you plan the perfect outing. Pack your paddle and let’s hit the water.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>450greatlakes,kayak,kayaking,madeinmichigan,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,mittenlove,mittensup,portaustin,puremichigan,turniprockfalse18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cold-war-at-the-port-austin-air-station-and-history-of-grindstone-city--22588477
First, we explore the Port Austin Air Force Station — a Cold War-era radar outpost built in response to the Korean War. For decades, it kept watch over the Great Lakes as part of the U.S. early warning defense system.

Then we head to Grindstone City, home to Michigan’s first major industry in the Thumb. This lakeside town once fueled the nation's appetite for sharpening stones and mill wheels — all carved from the rich stone beds of Lake Huron. Two stories. One region. A lot of history packed into ten minutes.

#PortAustin #GrindstoneCity #MichiganHistory #ColdWarRadar #ThumbRegion #EndOfTheRoadPodcast

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22588477Sat, 07 Mar 2020 11:00:14 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThis episode of End of the Road in Michigan brings you two quick dives into forgotten corners of Michigan’s Thumb region. First, we explore thehttps://thumbwind.com/2021/07/22/port-austin-air-force-station/ — a Cold War-era radar outpost built in...
First, we explore the Port Austin Air Force Station — a Cold War-era radar outpost built in response to the Korean War. For decades, it kept watch over the Great Lakes as part of the U.S. early warning defense system.

Then we head to Grindstone City, home to Michigan’s first major industry in the Thumb. This lakeside town once fueled the nation's appetite for sharpening stones and mill wheels — all carved from the rich stone beds of Lake Huron. Two stories. One region. A lot of history packed into ten minutes.

#PortAustin #GrindstoneCity #MichiganHistory #ColdWarRadar #ThumbRegion #EndOfTheRoadPodcast

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>497air,airforce,austin,cold,force,greatlakes,grindstonecity,madeinmichigan,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,michigansthumb,mittenlove,mittensup,port,portaustin,puremichigan,station,warfalse17fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2021/09/04/1881-michigan-fire/
This story is one of the most viewed on our website. 144 years ago, over a series of several days, a devastating fire overtook the Thumb. This story offers a synopsis of the days of that horrific event and its aftermath. Read the original story at 1881 Michigan Fire Forever Changed the Thumb.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22549134Sat, 29 Feb 2020 11:00:11 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the catastrophic 1881 fire that swept through the Thumb region. Known as the Thumb Fire, it scorched more than one million acres, left towns like Bad Axe and Cass City in ruins, and marked the...
This story is one of the most viewed on our website. 144 years ago, over a series of several days, a devastating fire overtook the Thumb. This story offers a synopsis of the days of that horrific event and its aftermath. Read the original story at 1881 Michigan Fire Forever Changed the Thumb.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>6971881fire,americanredcross,forestfire,greatlakes,greatmichiganfire,madeinmichigan,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,michigansthumb,mittenlove,mittensup,naturaldisaster,puremichiganfalse16fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2021/05/04/huron-city-michigan/
One such town is Huron City, Michigan. This is a spot where you can find original furniture, decorating a home as it looked over 150 years ago, and browse in a store as it looked and was stocked in the early to mid-1900s. It's a charming example of the late nineteenth-century architecture and provides fine samples of functional buildings of the period that are slowly being torn down.

#MichiganHistory #GreatLakesStories #CharityIsland #LighthouseLegends #PureMichigan

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22545544Sat, 22 Feb 2020 11:00:16 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsMichigan small towns have a special place in the hearts of their inhabitants. However, some towns slowly fade from their once-busy streets to a scene resembling a stopped clock. No longer functional, but certainly recognizable. One such town is...
One such town is Huron City, Michigan. This is a spot where you can find original furniture, decorating a home as it looked over 150 years ago, and browse in a store as it looked and was stocked in the early to mid-1900s. It's a charming example of the late nineteenth-century architecture and provides fine samples of functional buildings of the period that are slowly being torn down.

#MichiganHistory #GreatLakesStories #CharityIsland #LighthouseLegends #PureMichigan

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>9611881fire,great,greatlakes,history,huron,huroncity,lakes,madeinmichigan,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,mittenlove,mittensup,puremichigan,thumb,upperthumbfalse15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/special-bonus-episode-how-art-kayaking-and-a-farmers-market-saved-port-austin--22777058
The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22777058Sat, 15 Feb 2020 17:00:15 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThis short story is about how Port Austin, a sleepy little town at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb, is transforming itself into a unique destination for Kayakers, Tourist, and Artists.
The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>506caseville,greatlakes,lakehuron,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,mittenlove,mittensup,puremichigan,saginaw,thumbwindfalse1bonushttps://thumbwind.com/2022/03/26/garfield-inn-port-austin/
Nestled in the village of Port Austin, the Garfield Inn has stood since the 1850s and played host to one of America’s presidents. Despite its name, James A. Garfield didn’t build or own the historic home—but he visited it often. The fascinating history of the Inn really resides with the family that built the house, Charles and Maria Learned.

This episode from End of the Road in Michigan digs into the real story behind the inn’s name, its early construction, and its role in the region’s past. Originally a private residence, the Garfield Inn has become a symbol of local heritage in Michigan’s Thumb. Hear how this iconic structure reflects the area’s early history and its ongoing preservation.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22530054Sat, 15 Feb 2020 11:00:12 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThe 20th President of the United States, James Garfield, did not build or own this 1850s landmark Inn in Port Austin, Michigan.  Nestled in the village of Port Austin, the https://thumbwind.com/2022/03/26/garfield-inn-port-austin/ has stood since the...
Nestled in the village of Port Austin, the Garfield Inn has stood since the 1850s and played host to one of America’s presidents. Despite its name, James A. Garfield didn’t build or own the historic home—but he visited it often. The fascinating history of the Inn really resides with the family that built the house, Charles and Maria Learned.

This episode from End of the Road in Michigan digs into the real story behind the inn’s name, its early construction, and its role in the region’s past. Originally a private residence, the Garfield Inn has become a symbol of local heritage in Michigan’s Thumb. Hear how this iconic structure reflects the area’s early history and its ongoing preservation.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>360austin,garfield,greatlakes,history,inn,james,lumbering,madeinmichigan,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,mittenlove,mittensup,port,portaustin,puremichigan,thumbfalse14fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2021/06/11/charity-island-history/
There it sits — a lush tree-lined island on the horizon of Saginaw Bay. Big and Little Charity Islands are ten miles from the western shore of Michigan’s Thumb. Except for a couple of seasonal residents who live and host tours at the lighthouse keeper's house, the island is uninhabited.

These islands are considered by the US Fish and Wildlife Services to be one of the most remote and least visited islands in the Michigan Island National Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors are few due to the boulder-filled and treacherous shallow waters that surround the island. Yet, Charity Island has a fascinating history with its isolation and remoteness in a busy Saginaw Bay.

What role did it play in navigation, survival, and even smuggling? And what makes it one of Michigan's most intriguing locations today?

Tune in for a 10-minute narrative that blends historical fact with Great Lakes folklore, brought to you from the tip of Michigan's Thumb.

Read the full story at Charity Island History Is Mysterious and Remote

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22528533Fri, 07 Feb 2020 20:50:20 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsIn this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we venture to the windswept waters of Saginaw Bay to uncover the strange and storied past of Charity Island. Once a remote refuge for lighthouse keepers, Native Americans, bootleggers, and birders, the...
There it sits — a lush tree-lined island on the horizon of Saginaw Bay. Big and Little Charity Islands are ten miles from the western shore of Michigan’s Thumb. Except for a couple of seasonal residents who live and host tours at the lighthouse keeper's house, the island is uninhabited.

These islands are considered by the US Fish and Wildlife Services to be one of the most remote and least visited islands in the Michigan Island National Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors are few due to the boulder-filled and treacherous shallow waters that surround the island. Yet, Charity Island has a fascinating history with its isolation and remoteness in a busy Saginaw Bay.

What role did it play in navigation, survival, and even smuggling? And what makes it one of Michigan's most intriguing locations today?

Tune in for a 10-minute narrative that blends historical fact with Great Lakes folklore, brought to you from the tip of Michigan's Thumb.

Read the full story at Charity Island History Is Mysterious and Remote

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>777caseville,charity,greatlakes,huron,island,lake,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,mittenlove,mittensup,puremichigan,saginaw,thumbwindfalse13fullhttps://thumbwind.com/2019/12/02/isle-royale-national-park-fun-for-all-ages/
Isle Royale is one of the most remote and isolated U.S. National Parks in the lower 48 states. Traveling here is not for the faint of heart; what it lacks for comfort, it makes up for in its natural beauty and innocence. It's rugged. That does not mean to say that if you're over the age of 50, you can’t venture to this pristine island in the northwestern edge of Lake Superior.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22520503Fri, 07 Feb 2020 16:32:49 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsThis episode features a remote adventure to Isle Royale National Park, a rugged island park in Lake Superior. Known for its isolation and unspoiled natural beauty, Isle Royale offers a wilderness experience. The story focuses on how active seniors can...
Isle Royale is one of the most remote and isolated U.S. National Parks in the lower 48 states. Traveling here is not for the faint of heart; what it lacks for comfort, it makes up for in its natural beauty and innocence. It's rugged. That does not mean to say that if you're over the age of 50, you can’t venture to this pristine island in the northwestern edge of Lake Superior.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>653greatlakes,isle,isleroyale,lake,lakesuperior,madeinmichigan,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,mittenlove,mittensup,national,parks,puremichigan,royale,senior,seniors,thumbwind,travelfalse12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-you-can-island-hop-in-the-great-lakes--22518278
However, with over 35,000 islands, the salt- and shark-free Great Lakes offer some of the most inviting and unique chances for island exploration anywhere in the world. Some of these magnificent island destinations are only accessible by boat or floatplane, while others offer regularly scheduled ferry services. Here are the choice island destinations above and beyond Michigan’s famous Mackinac Island.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22518278Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:14:02 +0000Thumbwind PublicationsWhen you think of island hopping, your mind turns to swaying palm trees, seaside tiki huts, and white sand beaches. However, with over 35,000 islands, the salt- and shark-free Great Lakes offer some of the most inviting and unique chances for island...
However, with over 35,000 islands, the salt- and shark-free Great Lakes offer some of the most inviting and unique chances for island exploration anywhere in the world. Some of these magnificent island destinations are only accessible by boat or floatplane, while others offer regularly scheduled ferry services. Here are the choice island destinations above and beyond Michigan’s famous Mackinac Island.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications]]>390greatlakes,indian,islands,madeinmichigan,michigan,michiganders,michiganlove,michiganpride,mittenlove,mittensup,myths,puremichiganfalse11full