I’ve always believed that Michigan small town history deserves more attention. These small towns in Michigan may not appear in the headlines of Detroit or Grand Rapids, but they helped build the state we know today. From lumber towns on Lake Huron to farming villages inland, each has a story worth telling.
Why Michigan Small Town History Captures Me
For years, I’ve collected postcards, photos, and old documents that reveal how people in the Thumb and beyond lived more than a century ago. What stands out to me is how central these small towns were—logging camps supplied lumber for growing cities, railroads carried crops to distant markets, and resorts drew vacationers long before highways existed.
This was also a fantastic time period at the turn of the last century. America was moving from horse and buggy to the automobile. We relied on the electric interurban rail system that let people in a small town work in the big city. Homes transitioned from oil and gas lamps to electric lighting. It was a time of transformation, and Michigan towns were part of that change.
The Broader Value of Preserving Small Town History
One of the most rewarding parts of working on Michigan Moments is seeing how much these stories resonate beyond the towns themselves. When we highlight a place like Vassar, Croswell, or Idlewild, the response often comes from people far away—former residents, children of families who moved decades ago, or simply those who feel a connection to Michigan through vacations and family trips. We explore Michigans most historic towns which spark pride, but they also remind us how quickly local history can fade when it isn’t recorded.
That’s why documenting Michigan small town history matters. Local newspapers are closing, historical societies struggle with funding, and younger generations may not have access to the photos and archives that tell a community’s story. By digitizing old postcards, sharing them through short-form video, and making them accessible online, Michigan Moments is ensuring that these fragments of history aren’t lost.
It’s also about showing the larger picture. The turn of the 20th century was a time of enormous transition in Michigan—industries rose and fell, waves of immigrants arrived, and technology reshaped daily life. By looking at these changes through the lens of small towns, we see not only where we’ve come from, but how those same shifts still influence our communities today.
Creating Michigan Moments
That passion led me to start Michigan Moments, a series of short videos and blog posts I produce through Thumbwind Publications. I started with great photos of Michigans Thumb and expanded to the entire state. Each episode takes a snapshot of Michigan small town history and brings it to life with authentic images and narration.
Every day, we get a comment from a viewer who has lived their entire life in a town we’ve featured, telling us they learned something new about their hometown. We also get requests every day to research and cover someone’s hometown they miss. That constant feedback fuels the work and proves that these stories matter.
Inviting You Into the Story
What excites me most is the interaction with viewers. Michigan Moments isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about making it a conversation. Families often share their own photos, stories, or connections to the towns we feature. It turns what could be a one-way story into a shared experience.
Where You Can Find My Work
- Watch short features on Facebook Reels, YouTube, and Pinterest
- Read full stories at Michigan Moments
- Hear longer versions on The End of the Road in Michigan podcast
Final Thought
My goal is simple: keep Michigan small town history alive by making it easy, engaging, and worth sharing. Michigan Moments is my way of preserving these stories before they fade, while inviting others to join in by adding their own voices and memories.
👉 I invite you to follow along at Thumbwind’s Michigan Moments and join me in celebrating Michigan’s past, one small town at a time.
