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Centuries ago, Europeans desperate for gold and a route to the East found a lush, green paradise populated by native tribes in the New World.

Subsequent violence and disease all but wiped out the native population. The land nurtured Charlton Heston and Ernest Hemingway in their youths and spawned the assassin of President William McKinley. Northern Michigan also bore witness to the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, one of the worst shipwrecks in Great Lakes history, and to the bizarre kidnapping of Gayle Cook, an ill-fated attempt to save the Perry Hotel in Petoskey from bankruptcy. Author and storyteller Dave Rogers recounts these and other historical tales from Up North.

Macomb County has a long and storied history full of vibrant and driven characters. Bernard Trinity of Chesterfield Township launched a neighborhood library in his own home. The Weiss family from Clinton Township grew award-winning roses and relocated families from Japanese internment camps during World War II. Colorful politicians like Tom Welsh in St. Clair Shores and Richard Notte in Sterling Heights earned their place in local lore. A shy, unassuming Memphis art teacher turned out to be the infamous multiple personality patient Sybil. There's true crime, too, including the attempted murder of a prominent Utica doctor in 1872 and the shooting of Richmond native Gilbert "Square Deal'? Miller's grandson in 1961. Author Barb Pert Templeton collects two hundred years of Macomb County heritage.

Perch next to the first man to fly over Grand Rapids and share the spine-tingling thrills of wing-walker Ormer Locklear. Learn how barnstormer "Fish" Hassell led locals to the sky from the shores of Reeds Lake and paved the way for a new air route to Europe. Be there as helicopters and gliders roll off Grand Rapids assembly lines during World War II. Cheer Charles Lindbergh as he steps out of the Spirit of St. Louis at the old Kent County Airport. Ride from Grand Rapids to Detroit on the country's first passenger airline. With journalist Gordon Beld as your pilot, you're in for a spectacular aerial view of Grand Rapids aviation.

Along the Indiana border in Southwest Michigan lies Cass County, a place rich in historical significance.

Nearly one thousand freedom seekers traveled through the area on their way to Canada. The first rendition of “The Old Rugged Cross” was sung in a local church before it became one of the best-loved gospel hymns in America. The first stop on the Orphan Train, which moved street orphans from New York City to homes across the Midwest, was in Dowagiac, and the invention of Kitty Litter by local Edward Lowe allowed cat lovers the world over to finally bring their furry friends in from the cold.

Author Rose Mary Wood commemorates the events and individuals who left their mark on Cass County and the world.

Remembering Flint, Michigan puts the pedal to the metal for a fast-paced journey through the Vehicle City's halcyon days.

Few cities have as complex and fascinating a history as that of Flint, Michigan. Sit back and enjoy a drive through the good old days - the people, the places, and the cars that have been a part of the city's long road into modernity.

Join local history columnist Gary Flinn as he examines the contributions of oft-overlooked David Buick, the inventive and invaluable Flint auto pioneer who lacked the business savvy to become an auto legend. Travel back to the original Kewpee Burger and wash it down with an old Vernor's Ginger Ale before catching a show at Capitol Theatre. Take a front-row seat as Keith Moon, drummer of rock icons The Who, celebrates his 21st birthday at the local Holiday Inn and creates the blueprint for rock roll excess with his legendary hotel stay. Fast-forward a few years and flip open a copy of the Flint Voice, the alternative newspaper published by controversial filmmaker and Flint native Michael Moore. Come along for the journey and time travel through Flint--the Vehicle City.

This fast-paced and electrifying look at the rich history of Flint compiles and updates articles from the beloved Uncommon Sense alternative press as well as previously unpublished histories, archival photographs, advertisements, and images. A must read for fans of fast lives, faster cars, and huge dreams, fasten your seat belt because Remembering Flint, Michigan is a wild ride!

Come along with authors Gordon Beld and David McMacken on a trip down memory lane to Alma College, a mid-Michigan school with a fascinating past, rich heritage and impressive influence. Look on as thousands of spectators flock to the campus for the annual Highland festival. Sit in the front row while a yet unknown young performer introduces you to a new song, Take Me Home, Country Roads." Peek into a voting booth to see the ballot listing two former Alma students who are candidates for the U.S. vice presidency--in the same election. Learn how Alma students reached out to make a difference here at home and around the world.."

Author Laura Bien offers up a diverse sampling of offbeat and lighthearted stories that will transplant readers to the bygone days of Ypsilanti, from the fight Ypsilanti waged against standardized time to the gloom apparent in an Ypsilantian's Depression-era grocery receipt, and from Jackson's glowing pork chop to the time Ypsilantians staunchly defended themselves against accusations of sloppy speech."? Enjoy these quirky tales and learn what life used to be like in this fascinating city."

Join longtime journalist Gordon Beld on a historical tour of the Furniture City. Gleaned from the best of Beld's work for Grand Rapids Magazine, this collection weaves together intriguing vignettes highlighting the unique character of the Grand Rapids people and their community. Get a glimpse into the lives of famous leaders Gerald Ford and Arthur Vandenberg and marvel at Harry Human Fly" Gardiner, who scaled the buildings of downtown Grand Rapids. Take a nostalgic trip down to Reed's Lake, where the streetcars will drop you off at Ramona Gardens to dance the night away. Find the grand in Grand Rapids just don't get lost in Saddlebag Swamp on the way."