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4.7

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Southwest Michigan is rich in history, as the region contains the second wave of twelve counties organized in the State in 1829. The stories encapsulate pioneer triumphs and tragedy, amazing events and resilient, enterprising and passionate people. The region developed along the Territorial Roads, connecting the first land routes between Detroit and Chicago, which later brought with it the railroads and modern highways. Starting from the Battle Creek regional area, and branching out from there, join me as I explore forgotten tales of Southwest Michigan’s past.

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Check latest episodes from Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past podcast

S5 E43 - Haunted Places in Southwest Michigan Part 2

2026/10/31

In this episode, I explore the history of haunted places and their legendary stories in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Jackson and Nashville, Michigan. This is part 2 or a two part series for the month of October 2026. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

S5 E42 - Haunted Places in Southwest Michigan Part 1

2026/10/25

In this episode I explore some of the history behind haunted places and their legendary stories in areas of Berrien County, Cass County, Van Buren and Kent Counties. This is part 1 of a two part series. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

S5 E41 - The Unsolved Murder of Senator Warren G. Hooper 1945

2026/10/18

In this episode, I explore the unsolved murder case of Senator Warren G. Hooper that happened on January 11, 1945. The story is full of political corruption and conspiracy, and still remains an unsolved case today. For information on the Bentley Historical Library collection on the Warren G. Hooper case, click here. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

S5 E40 - The Dexter and Hillsdale UFO Sightings of March 1966

2026/10/11

In this episode I explore some of the stories of the Dexter, Hillsdale and other areas of southern Michigan that experienced intense UFO sightings during the month of March in 1996. In this episode I refer to the book 'Unexplained Michigan Mysteries' by Gary Barfknecht and newspaper accounts of the events at the time. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

S5 E39 - Stories of the Underground Railroad, A New Union City Walking Tour & Cemeteries with Bobbie Mathis

2026/10/04

In this episode, historian Bobbie Mathis joins me to discuss a new Union City Walking Tour that has been in the works. We also talk about more history of the Underground Railroad in Union City and in other areas like Marshall and Battle Creek, and also upcoming cemetery tours. For more information on the UCSHP, follow them at: https://www.facebook.com/ucshp For more information on the upcoming Murder & Mysteries Oak Hill Cemetery Tour, visit: https://www.michaeldelaware.com/store/p/murderandmysterytour

S5 E38 - Three Unexplained Michigan Mysteries

2026/09/27

In this episode, I explore stories from the book 'Unexplained Michigan Mysteries' by Gary Barfknect. Hear the story of the unusual fish found in Michigan waters, a man who had a very unusual gift in Paw Paw and a dream that solved a murder in Kalamazoo. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

S5 E37 - The History of Gibson Guitars in Kalamazoo

2026/09/20

In this episode, I explore the history of Orville H. Gibson and the Gibson Guitar Company in Kalamazoo. Source articles for this episode: Orville H. Gibson - Kalamazoo History Gibson Inc Article - Kalamazoo History For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com For tickets to the Murder & Mystery Tour at Oak Hill Cemetery on Thursday, October 8th, 2026 - Click here.

S5 E36 - Morning of Blood and Miracles 1889

2026/09/11

In this episode, I tell the story of 'Morning of Blood and Miracles' from my book 'Murder in Victorian Western Michigan'. This story took place in 1889 in Vergennes Township, Kent County, Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

S5 E35 - The History of the Village and Township of Oshtemo

2026/09/06

In this episode, I explore the early history of the village and township of Ohstemo over in Kalamazoo County. For the full article referred to in this episode, click here. For information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

S5 E34 - Andrew Carnegie and Dolly Parton: Impacting Libraries & Early Learning in Michigan

2026/08/30

In this episode I explore the history of two philanthropists: Andrew Carnegie and Dolly Parton whose charitable work impacted libraries and early learning in Michigan. For more information on the Imagination Library, visit: https://imaginationlibrary.com/ For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

S5 E33 - The Life of Mary S. Coleman, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice

2026/08/23

In this episode I explore the life of Mary S. Coleman, the first woman elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, and the first woman to be selected to serve as Chief Justice. The Calhoun County Justice Center was recently re-dedicated in her honor, and today's show showcases some of the highlights from her amazing life. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

S5 E32 - The Famous Celebrity Parrot of St. Joseph, Michigan

2026/08/16

In this episode, I explore the history of local celebrity green and yellow Amazon parrot named Polly from St. Joseph, Michigan. The story is a warm and happy one, with a little unexpected drama. To subscribe to the Michigan History Magazine, visit: https://www.hsmichigan.org/read/michigan-history For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

S5 E31 - The First College World Series was held in Kalamazoo in 1947

2026/08/09

In this episode, I cover the history of the first and second college World Series which were held in Kalamazoo. The source article was written by Paul M. Keep in the Summer 2006 issue of Chronicle Magazine by the Historical Society of Michigan. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://www.michaeldelaware.com

S5 E30 - Life in Rural Schools in Pioneer Michigan

2026/08/02

In this episode I explore life in rural schools in pioneer Michigan. I use a reference book from the Eaton County Historical Commission 'Rural Schools of Eaton County Michigan' for the source material. I discuss rules and information published originally in 1864. To get a copy of the book mentioned, visit: https://eatoncountyhistory.org/ For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

S5 E29 - The Victorian Circus and the Origins of Pink Lemonade

2026/07/26

In this episode I relay some history of the Victorian Era circuses in Southwest Michigan with the Van Ambergh Menagerie, and also the origin story of Pink Lemonade. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

Podcast reviews

Read Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past podcast reviews

4.7 out of 5

32 reviews

★☆☆☆☆

Voracious reader 1200 2025/03/09

Conspiracy theory monger

I used to enjoy this podcast quite a bit, but over the last few months, the episodes have become full of conspiracy theories and his opinions of moder...

★★★★★

Michigan Mamadukes 2024/01/30

Hidden Gem

Love this podcast and the delivery! Hope you keep the stories coming as I find them interesting and comforting, definitely a favorite!

★★★★★

Woodwagondad 2023/05/17

Great Podcast!!

One of my favorite to listen to. Good quality content. Thank you.

★★★★★

Jasnshell93 2023/04/06

Great for local history nerds

If you live in or are from SW Michigan (I live in Battle Creek) this is a great show to follow. Lots of interesting episodes based on the local histor...

★★★★★

slit lip 2023/01/15

The best show yet!

I love our native people’s. Thank you, thank you.

★★★★★

Tom Hengesbach 2022/11/17

A+ Podcast

Love this podcast! Michael Delaware has a great range of history topics in his podcasts!

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