Muskegon History and Beyond with the Lakeshore Museum Center

With the many rivers, streams, and creeks in Muskegon County, celery farming was a natural crop to try and grow. Much like other produce tried in our soils, celery farming would become a successful crop and Muskegon would lead the state of Michigan in celery production in the 1950s. In this episode we will trace the history of celery farming and learn how this grown was grown historically.

La Colonia was a community of Latinos that formed together during World War II at the Ryerson Heights project. Here these Latinos from all over the south and Mexico would bond together and create a cultural hub for themselves. Listen in as we share what life was like in La Colonia.

If you have a sweet tooth McDonald's Candies has you covered. McDonald's Candies started in Charles McDonald's basement and from there grew into the areas most well known chocolate and sweets destination.

One of the oldest churches still in operation in Muskegon, St Paul's has a long history and connection to some of the most important people in our past. Following along as we learn about the history of this congregation and church.

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.