Muskegon History And Beyond With The Lakeshore Museum Center

In the 1880s digging for brine lead to a curious discovery, the presence of oil in many parts of Muskegon County. It will not until the end of the 1920s that this oil and its potential impact on Muskegon County was realized, as the first oil wells were dug. Learn about the fascinating history of the discovery and harvesting of oil, and its impact on us today.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

The fur trade in Michigan attracted some of the earliest Europeans to the area and led to the earliest interaction between these Europeans and Native Americans. Muskegon County with its many lakes and rivers was a destination for the animals valued by the fur traders and Native Americans alike. On today's episode we dive into the history of those fur traders who came to Muskegon County.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

In 1918 a new strand of the influenza virus reached Michigan and Muskegon. This Spanish Flu as it was called would become the worst pandemic the world has seen. The response to the pandemic in Muskegon and Michigan has many similarities with our current pandemic, this is the story of what occurred during that year.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

Henry Holt was one of Muskegon's most preeminent politicians serving as mayor, state representative, and Lieutenant Governor. Holt was also an avid traveler and "collector" of antiquities. His life provides us into an insight of the politics of 1870s Muskegon and Michigan.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

Pigeon Hill named for the now extinct passenger pigeon was once the most recognizable landmark of Muskegon from both land and lake. At over 200 foot tall it was a popular sight seeing destination, but this massive sand dune was also target of many businesses looking to use its sand for various products.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

Dr Eames was an important figure in the early 1900s in Muskegon. Among her accomplishments was the creation of the Y.W.C.A. in Muskegon, serving on the Women's Club, and most importantly her work on public health which was centered around improving the lives of mothers, children, and infants.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

Newcomb McGraft came to Muskegon hoping to make his fortune, a feat which he achieved. While not as well known as other lumber barons he played a pivotal role in the history of Muskegon heading up the booming company, being mayor, and most importantly kicking off the industrial bonus fund which would help revitalize Muskegon after the decline of lumbering.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

The Industrial Bonus Fund provided money and incentives for business to relocate to Muskegon. This fund was very successful at this goal and managed to propel Muskegon forward going into the 20th Century after the decline of lumbering.   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

A visit to the beach 100 years ago in Muskegon would have been a very different experience. With a roller coaster, Ferris Wheel, stage, and many more amusements, a trip to the beach and Lake Michigan Park was like going to an amusement park that had a water park the size of Lake Michigan. Today we examine the spectacle that was the beach escape, Lake Michigan Park.   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

The youngest brother of famous lumber baron Charles Hackley, Porter Hackley was also involved in the lumbering business. He served many years as bookkeeper for the family firm and taught Thomas Hume the ropes. However his fortune would never grow vast like the other two as he lived a tumultuous life full of booze and run-ins with the law.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

Albert Mears was the younger brother of the much more famous Charles Mears. While he does have the fame of his brother today, Albert was vital in the success of Whitehall and the White Lake area. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

Helen Hume was the daughter of lumber baron Thomas Hume. She was also an avid traveler and writer. Her letter home contain insight into various sights around the world but also let us look at what was going on with the Hume family as she response to various letters sent to her. Join us to hear more about Helen's adventures and what was happening in Muskegon.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

Chauncey Davis would not only be Muskegon's first mayor but he was also instrumental in the creation of Muskegon County itself. Know as a honest man and respect by all, this is the story of his life.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

The Hackley Manual Training School would be the first of its kind in Michigan and would train generations of youth on manual skills. Learn how this great school got its start and what it taught its students.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

In 1891 Shaw Electric Crane opened in Muskegon Heights, it would stay in that location for 119 years. During that time it produced cranes, hoists, and lifts that were used in many keystone building projects throughout the world.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

Edward Gifford Crosby started out working in a sawmill and saving his money until he managed to purchase his own tugboat. From there he formed a partnership that would led to him owning a shipping line and becoming exceptionally wealthy.  This wealth would play a part in his death however, as Captain Crosby would die in the most famous shipwreck 108 years ago today. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

Before electricity and refrigerators keeping food cool was a tough task. One of the main ways this was achieved was by using blocks of ice. That ice though had to come from somewhere and had to be available all year long. Listen in as today's podcasts explains how this was done.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

The Pine Street Fire of 1891 has gone down in Muskegon's history as the second worst fire to occur. The fire would  destroy the heart of the business district on Pine Street which would never recover.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

The Occidental Hotel was for a long time the largest and most elegant hotel in Muskegon. As time went on this hotel endured many hardships and changes until it was forced to close, leading to its implosion. Many Muskegon residents still have fond memories of this one time Muskegon landmark.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support

Catherine Hackley-Holt was one of the early pioneer women in Muskegon County. She lived through the ups and downs of lumbering and the beginning of the industrial period in Muskegon. Even though she had many stories to tell, very little is known of her life besides the accomplishments of her husbands. Listen in as we try to dissect the history of this early pioneer and discover why so little is known about her. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-horn/support