It Happened in Michigan: Globe Pequot Press

True Tales from the Great Lakes State's Past--from the pageant of the Sault to a World Series that healed wounds Michigan is one-of-a-kind. America's only two-part state, with dual peninsulas, it has been host to a medley of cultures. And, while these cultures have not always coexisted peacefully, Michigan has conquered its brushes with adversity to reunite stronger than ever. It Happened in Michigan goes behind the scenes to tell its story, in short episodes that reveal the intriguing people and events that have shaped the Great Lakes State. - Set sail with the Griffin on its first, triumphant voyage in August 1679, and on its second, last, disastrous journey a month later. - Learn how one man survived a gunshot for fifty-eight years with a see-through stomach that brought advanced medical knowledge. - Have the last laugh along with Michigan, which saw Ohio prevail in the 1835 Toledo War but gained both statehood and much of the Upper Peninsula. - Relive the building of the Mighty Mac--the engineering masterpiece that spanned Michigan's two peninsulas and that would forever change the state.

Colleen Burcar has worked as a reporter and news anchor in radio, television, and newspapers for many years in the Detroit area. She now works in media consulting, public relations, and freelance writing, while her voice continues to be heard in numerous commercials. She is the author of Michigan Curiosities and You Know You’re in Michigan When . . . and shares her love of Michigan in speaking engagements across the state. The mother of a daughter, Kimberly, (now a transplant in Minnesota), Colleen proudly continues her life-long Michigan residence in Bloomfield Hills with her husband, Bryan Becker.

Contents

Introduction

Pageant of the Sault—1671

The Griffon Sets Sail—1679

Chief Pontiac’s Siege on Fort Detroit—1763

Battle of the River Raisin—1813

Stomaching a Medical Discovery—1822

Toledo War—1835

Discovering Iron Ore—1844

Kentucky Raids the Underground Railroad—1847

Orphan Train’s First Hopeful Stop—1854

Rapids Get “Locked Up”—1855

Assassinating a “King”—1856

Battle of Manton—1882

Logging Out of a Jam—1883

Thousands Vowing “I Do”—1907

Automobile Suits Public to a “T”—1908

Furniture Strike of 1911—1911

Summer Spark Sets Towns Ablaze—1911

Italian Hall Catastrophe—1913

Storm of 1913—1913

Cleaners and Dyers War—1924

The Ossian Sweet Trial—1925

Dramatic Rescue at the Pabst Mine—1926

Bath School Disaster—1927

Battle of the Overpass—1937

Detroit Race Riots—1943

Japanese Balloon Bombs—1945

Lost in Space: NW Flight 2501—1950

Flint Beecher Tornado—1953

Bridging the Gap—1957

Motor City Gives Birth to Motown—1959

World Series Heals Wounds—1968

Arthur Hill Plays to Perfection—1973

Indoor Grass Sets New Soccer Standard—1994

Bibliography

Index

About the Author