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🗓️ This Week’s MI Moments
Bonus: Mud Bruneteau, a 21-year-old rookie, had only scored two goals all season. By the 6th overtime, the Red Wings were reportedly using two gallons of rubbing alcohol on their legs to keep them from seizing up, while the Montreal Maroons were said to be drinking brandy and coffee just to stay awake.
☮️ The Nation’s First "Teach-In" at U of M
Digest Exclusive: The organizers originally called for a 'moratorium' on classes, but the State and University legally defined it as a strike. Anthropology professor Marshall Sahlins is credited with coming up with the "Teach-in" pivot.
The 'loophole' wasn't just about the law; it was about the optics. By choosing to teach more instead of working less, the professors made it impossible for the administration to cast them as 'lazy' or 'unprofessional.' It was a masterclass in PR as much as it was in law.
🏀 The Highest Rated Basketball Game in History
Digest Exclusive: Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were so competitive that they didn't speak a single word to each other during the 1979 warm-ups or the trophy ceremony. It wasn't until they filmed a 1985 Converse commercial and shared a home-cooked lunch made by Larry's mother—that they finally became friends.
Tip: Click the underlined title for any moment to watch on YouTube for free!
💬 MI Community Spotlight
The 1837 Club: Member Recognition
A special shoutout to three of our Founding Members of The 1837 Club for helping us preserve Michigan's history: Amy W., Danita F., and Kory S. Your continued support helps make this all possible!
A warm welcome to two of our newest members: Adam G., and Jordan B. who became Founding Members this month.
Join The 1837 Club today and you’ll receive our very first Quarterly Impact Report in April, a Founding Member digital certificate, plus have your name featured. Support our work for as little as $3/month, cancel any time. Click here to learn more.
📸 MI Photo of the Week
A 1932 Ford V-8 Featuring Bonnie Parker
Photo Credit: From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Family of Henry Austin Clark, Jr. - circa 1933
📍 MI People & Places
The People’s Engine: The Ford V-8
On March 31, 1932, Henry Ford introduced the Model 18 , featuring the first low-priced, mass-produced V-8 engine in automotive history. While most people just call it the "1932 Ford," the V-8 version was technically the Model 18 (the "1" stood for first and the "8" for the number of cylinders)
By engineering a single-piece cast block, Ford made high-performance driving accessible to the general public during the height of the Great Depression. This technological breakthrough solidified Detroit’s global dominance in manufacturing and launched the American hot-rodding culture that persists to this day.
🔎 MI Local Spotlight
Michigan Notable Books
The Michigan Notable Books program is an annual tradition by the Library of Michigan that selects 20 titles each year to celebrate the people, places, and stories that define our state.
This initiative brings Michigan’s rich heritage to every community through a curated reading list and a statewide author tour that visits local libraries across both peninsulas.
✍🏼 My Michigan Reflection
As 'March is Reading Month' comes to an end, it’s a great reminder that learning about Michigan history should never stop. As you’ve seen this month, the connections are everywhere—including in sports. And what a month it has been for Michigan sports!
It’s been so fun to root for both of the teams from Michigan in the NCAA Basketball Tournament and to see the courts—made right here in Michigan—at literal center stage. With one Michigan team remaining, we’re hoping U of M can bring home the NCAA Championship in both men’s and women’s basketball!
We’ve also got WMU, MSU, and U of M all representing Michigan in the quarterfinals of the Men's Ice Hockey Championship!
Turning to the pros, the Detroit Tigers are off to a hot start, the Red Wings are battling for a playoff spot, and the Pistons are officially the #1 team in the Eastern Conference. Here’s to more history and great things ahead for all of our Michigan sports teams.
Until next week, thank you for reading Michigan History Digest.
— Zac and the Welcome Home History Team.
🎓 MI History Trivia
Born in Detroit on March 26, 1944, which "Supreme" superstar grew up in the Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects?
Tip: Click or tap on your guess to see how you did!
P.S. You can leave us any feedback you may have after making your guess or replying to this email.