Michigan Minute
WKAR’s Jamie Paisley presents intriguing stories for each day in Michigan history. From name changes and iconic cities to arcane laws, Michigan Minute covers a wide variety of fascinatingly true tales from the Great Lake State. Interested in supporting the Michigan Minute?
- Update frequency
- every day
- Average duration
- 1 minutes
- Episodes
- 446
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Tashmoo Park & The Message in a Bottle | June 30
On this day in 1915, Selina Pramstaller and Tillie Esper of Detroit wrote a note at Tashmoo Park, sealed it in a bottle, and cast it into the St. Clair River. Nearly a century later, in 2013, the bot…
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Mon 30 Jun 2025
Custer’s Rise & Michigan’s Pollution Fight | June 29
On this day in 1863, Monroe native George Armstrong Custer was promoted to brigadier general and took command of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, playing a key role at Gettysburg. Also, in 1928, Michiga…
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Sun 29 Jun 2025
Petoskey Stone & Mackinac Bridge Dedication | June 28
On this day in 1965, Michigan made the unique Petoskey Stone its official state rock, with a historic signing attended by Ella Jane Petoskey, granddaughter of Chief Petosegay. And in 1958, Governor G…
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Sat 28 Jun 2025
College World Series & Teju Cole’s Birth | June 27
On this day in 1947, the first College World Series baseball games took place in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where the University of California swept Yale, led by future president George W. Bush. Also, in 1…
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Fri 27 Jun 2025
Michigan Flag & State Motto Unveiled | June 26
On this day in 1911, Michigan adopted its current state flag, featuring the coat of arms with symbols of peace, defense, and wildlife — all topped with the state motto, “If you seek a pleasant penins…
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Thu 26 Jun 2025
Detroit Cholera Epidemic & Quarantine Rules | June 25
On this day in 1832, Detroit issued strict medical guidance to combat a cholera epidemic, restricting boat traffic and public movement amid fears and outdated treatments. Church bells were silenced t…
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Wed 25 Jun 2025
Houghton-Hancock Bridge & Steamer Near Miss | June 24
On this day in 1960, the steamer J.F. Schoellkopf nearly collided with the new Houghton-Hancock Bridge when the bridge operator missed its whistle signal, causing the ship to run aground and cut tele…
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Tue 24 Jun 2025
Walk to Freedom & MLK’s Detroit Speech | June 23
On this day in 1963, 125,000 marched Detroit’s Woodward Avenue with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., marking one of the nation’s largest civil rights demonstrations.
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Mon 23 Jun 2025
Joe Louis Knockout & Detroit’s Pride | June 22
On this day in 1938, Joe Louis knocked out Max Schmeling, becoming a national hero amid rising global tensions.
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Sun 22 Jun 2025
Hirabayashi Case & Justice Murphy’s Dissent | June 21
On this day, 1943, the Supreme Court upheld Japanese Internment; Justice Murphy condemned it as racist and un-American.
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Sat 21 Jun 2025
Tolkan’s Birth & Detroit’s 1943 Riot | June 20
On this day, actor James Tolkan was born in Calumet, and Detroit faced deadly 1943 housing riots amid war-driven growth and desegregation efforts.
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Fri 20 Jun 2025
Juneteenth & Michigan’s Legacy | June 19
On this day, Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in 1865, a moment celebrated nationwide and honored by voices from Michigan and beyond.
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Thu 19 Jun 2025
Checker Cab’s Start & Kalamazoo Pride | June 18
On this day in 1923, the first iconic Checker Cab rolled off the line in Kalamazoo, marking a milestone in Michigan’s auto legacy.
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Wed 18 Jun 2025
Detroit’s First Auto Strike & Labor Roots | June 17
On this day in 1913, Detroit saw its—and America’s—first auto strike, shaping labor rights and the modern workweek across the nation.
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Tue 17 Jun 2025
MSU Land & The Birth of Spartans | June 16
On this day in 1855, the land for Michigan State University was chosen, setting the stage for the state’s first agricultural college and Spartan pride.
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Mon 16 Jun 2025
Michigan’s UP & The Toledo Compromise | June 15
On this day in 1836, Michigan gained the Upper Peninsula in a land dispute deal with Ohio, securing statehood and a treasure of natural beauty.
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Sun 15 Jun 2025
Michigan House Censure & Hudson’s Flag | June 14
On this day in 2012, two Michigan lawmakers were censured over language in debate, and in 1976, Detroit’s Hudson’s retired its giant flag to the Smithsonian.
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Sat 14 Jun 2025
Red Wings' Win & Tim Allen’s Michigan Roots | June 13
On this day in 2002, the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup, and it’s also the birthday of Michigan’s own comedian Tim Allen.
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Fri 13 Jun 2025
Marian Anderson & Slaughterhouse Five Win | June 12
On this day, Marian Anderson made U-M history as first Black female speaker, and Slaughterhouse Five was freed from a school ban in Michigan.
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Thu 12 Jun 2025
Detroit Fire & Rising from Ashes | June 11
On this day in 1805, Detroit was nearly destroyed by a great fire—but the town rose from the ashes, inspiring its enduring motto of hope.
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Wed 11 Jun 2025
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