Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

In 1880s Muskegon if you were looking for some night life, the best place to go was Sawdust Flats. This part of town on the outskirts near the Muskegon River was the place were nearly anything went and you could find what you desired, however it also had a softer side in the day. Listen in to learn about this interesting area and its history.

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the museum brings our newest exhibit, Home Front Heroes. Home Front Heroes looks at the effort of Muskegon County during the war.

In this podcast episode we look at the Civilian Defense Corps which was in charge of dealing with air raids and drills, civil air patrol, and recruiting volunteers among many other roles.

On Christmas Day 1965, Sherman Poppen and his children would be sent outside to play. During this play session a new invention would be created that would become known as the Snurfer. On today's episode we look at the history of this invention and the sport it would go on to inspire.

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the museum brings our newest exhibit, Home Front Heroes. Home Front Heroes looks at the effort of Muskegon County during the war.

In this podcast episode we look at one of those efforts, the collection of milkweed pods for the war and what use they had.

Invasive species have for a long time made the Great Lakes and Michigan waterways their home. In our episode today learn about how some of these creatures found their way here, what is being done to stop them, and what you can do to help fight back against them and prevent their further spread.

John Wesley Moon came to Muskegon as a young man and started out in a sawmill eventually working his way up to being a sawmill owner. Moon would later expand his portfolio into many other Muskegon businesses such as The Alaska Refrigerator Company and Muskegon Chemical Fire Engine Company. Moon was a prominent politician though serving at the state and national level.

When the ice and snow cover our area many of us stay inside and find indoor activities to keep us entertained. Ice boaters however spend as much time outside as they can enjoying the frozen waters. Listen in to learn about what ice boats are, and for just how long they have been gliding across our ice.

Known for her incredibly kindness and willingness to help others, Julia Hackley was an important figure in Muskegon. On this episode we look back at her contributions to Muskegon, her life, and her marriage to Charles Hackley.

Today we look at the history of a internationally known dance group that was formed and trained right in Muskegon County, the Maycroft Square Tappers. The Maycroft Square Tappers blended together square dancing and tap dancing into their own unique style, listen in to hear their story.

On Halloween night 1925, Detective Charles Hammond of the Muskegon Police Department was tracking down a counterfeiter. At the time he had no idea his target was a notorious criminal known as Dutch Anderson. An ensuing confrontation between the two would leave both men dead. Listen in as we uncover the history of these two men and what happened that fateful night.

On August 5, 1919 tension and issues between the Muskegon Traction and Lighting Company, the City of Muskegon, and residents resulted in a large riot lasting the night. This riot would end up resulting in over 1 million dollars of damage today. Join us as we examine the events that led up to the street car riot, what happened that night, and the fall out of the event.

The Erie L. Hackley was a steam ship that navigated throughout the Great Lakes. Listen in to learn about its creation, service, and its final fate.

While you might not recognize their name, you have most likely seen their work. Kelly Brothers was the premier interior decorators and wood workers in the late 20th century. Their work includes Hackley Public Library and Charles Hackley's house. Listen in to hear about their achievements and history.

On the banks of the old White River was the small and at one point thriving village of Mouth. This early settlement lead the growth in White River but would vanish when the current White Lake Channel was constructed.

After a boom in the lumbering industry led to huge growth in North Muskegon, it all started to fall apart when the sawmills began closing down. Facing huge challenges North Muskegon had to redefine itself, the savior would become the resort industry which brought tourist from all over to this small community and reinvigorated it.

The 1893 World's Fair that took place in Chicago was a glorious spectacle that showcased many brand new inventions and innovations. The event drew millions to Chicago including many county residents. But Muskegon was also well represented in the fairs various displays and creations.