December 24, 1913
Disaster occurred in Calumet.
Seventy-four people, mostly children, died during a panic-driven rush to escape the Italian Hall in Calumet after someone yelled “fire!” The children were attending a Christmas party for the families of striking miners.
Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past. See more here.
December 23, 1978
Michigan drinkers had to be twenty-one.
Concerned about high school students drinking and driving, Michigan’s drinking age was raised back to 21 years old from 18 years old.
Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past. See more here.
Based on the input from our readers, here are the Top Ten Favorite Michigan Holiday Traditions:
10. Putting up the lights before it gets too cold or snowy
9. Snow
8. Gary Lane Lights & the house with the lights set to music
7. Bronner’s/Frankenmuth
6. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
5. Making cookies
4. Visiting Santa at Kellogg Park
3. Driving down Lakeshore Dr. to see the lights
2. The food
1. The Wayne County Lightfest (Hines Dr.)
December 22, 1998
Comerica Bank spent $66,000,000 to have its name on the new home of the Detroit Tigers.
Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past. See more here.
December 22, 1825
General Lewis Cass was reappointed governor of the Michigan Territory.
Serving as governor of the Michigan Territory since 1813, Lewis Cass was reappointed to his fifth term. Cass remained Michigan’s chief executive until 1831.
Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past. See more here.
December 21, 1966
Michigan built its 10,000th bridge.
The $3.5 million bridge with thirteen spans carried traffic over the Lodge Expressway at the Detroit-Oak Park city limits.
Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past. See more here.
December 18, 1920
Ty Cobb took over as manager of the Detroit Tigers.
On his thirty-fourth birthday, Ty Cobb replaced longtime manager Hughie Jennings as manager of the Detroit Tigers. Cobb, who had to be talked into taking the job, took it partly because it was rumored that Clarence Rowland, the former White Sox manager whom Cobb did not feel was qualified, would be selected to lead the Tigers.
Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past. See more here.
Congrats to the Michigan State University Men’s Basketball program. It has been named the best basketball program of the decade by Sports Illustrated, edging out other powerhouse teams like North Carolina and Florida.
To read the whole Sports Illustrated article, click here. Or visit greenandwhite.com to read their article.
December 17, 1798
Michigan’s first American election was held.
The three-day electoral contest pitted James May, a former British subject, against Solomon Sibley. Each voter announced the candidate of his choice. According to May, who lost the election, Sibley won because he passed out liquor to the voters and had soldiers armed with clubs threaten to beat those who voted for May.
Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past. See more here.
Here at Michigan is Amazing we are looking for your input on our next Top Ten List.
This week we want you to tell us what’s your favorite Michigan Holiday Tradition? Leave a comment or send us an email (michiganisamazing@michaelflora.com).
The list will be up next Tuesday!
Michigan is Amazing 