Welcome Home, {{first_name|default:Michigander}}!
Three MI Moments from December
1. The Drinking Age That Lasted Less Than 3 Weeks
On Dec. 3, 1978, Michigan raised the drinking age from 18 to 19 as momentum built to reverse the drinking laws of 1972.
But by Dec. 22, a voter-approved constitutional amendment took effect—raising the legal drinking age back to 21.
The brief 19-year-old threshold was erased almost as soon as it appeared, firmly positioning Michigan ahead of a national reversal that wouldn’t arrive until 1984.
2. Michigan Sells its First Legal Post-Prohibition Whiskey
When Michigan’s new liquor law took effect on Dec. 30, 1933, the state opened its first seven government-run liquor stores.
Three stores in Detroit and one each in Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Kalamazoo, and Jackson.
To celebrate the occasion, Governor William Comstock bought the very first legal bottle: Old Taylor Bourbon in Detroit.
3. Michigan Designates its State Wildflower
On Dec. 30, 1998, Michigan officially designated the Dwarf Lake Iris (Iris lacustris) as its state wildflower.
This rare blue and purple iris is found along the shores of Lakes Michigan and Huron, and symbolizes the state’s unique natural beauty.
It’s so rare that it’s protected on both the federal and state level. With organizations like the Michigan Nature Association (MNA) working to protect its habitat and educate the public.
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MI History Photo of the Week
Postcard Photograph of Chief Shoppenagon and Family
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David Shoppenagon, posing with his wife, child (likely grandchild) and dog in front of their wood-sided home - circa 1905-1910
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MI Trivia
The 1936–37 Flint Sit-Down Strike was pivotal in labor history. Which major outcome did it achieve?
Tip: Click or tap on your guess to see if you got it right!
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MI History Spotlight
Help Bring a Michigan History Lego Set to Life
Our most viewed social post of the year was about the iconic train in The Polar Express movie and its real-life Michigan connection. The film’s locomotive was modeled on the Pere Marquette 1225, a historic steam engine from Owosso, MI.
And with enough support, Lego will review this fan-created Lego set and consider producing it for fans to buy. Support is gaining steam (pun intended), and you can add yours with a free Lego account.
Click the Learn More button below to see this awesome build for yourself.
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My Michigan Reflection
Michigan is full of firsts — and this issue marks four full months since the launch of Michigan History Digest. What an incredible journey it has been.
We’ve explored a wide range of Michigan history, from automotive and civil rights to commerce, education, infrastructure, military, music, and more — and we’ve only just begun.
This was our best month yet, with many new newsletter subscribers (welcome!) and thousands of new followers across our social accounts. We even had our first million-view month — and then turned it into our first multi-million-view month.
All that to say, I truly appreciate you — and there’s even more Michigan history coming in 2026.
Until next year, have a safe and happy New Year, thank you for reading Michigan History Digest, and we look forward to seeing you in 2026!
— Zac and the Welcome Home History Team.
P.S. If you know someone who loves Michigan or its history, have them subscribe to Michigan History Digest. We’d love to welcome them in the New Year.