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🗓️ This Week’s MI Moments
Digest Exclusive: Ford has gone on to sell over 10 million Mustangs since its 1964 debut. The car is now in its 7th generation, but none have sold better than the 1st model.
🚧 The 1st Full Mile of Concrete Highway
Digest Exclusive: Hines’ contributions to Michigan went far beyond the centerline. Recognizing that the utility of the automobile was limited by winter weather, Hines initiated the first systematic snow removal programs for public roads. He also led national efforts in landscaping highway rights-of-way and successfully lobbied for the removal of billboards and power lines to preserve scenic views.
🌋 1973 Gas Blowout in Williamsburg, MI
Bonus: Because the gas was odorless and invisible, nobody knew how much was in the air. Officials banned cars, large machinery, and even cameras because a single spark from an engine or a flash could have leveled the town. Police patrolled on horseback with the horses' shoes covered in burlap to prevent sparks.
😮 Detroit Made NFL Draft History in 2024
Bonus: A record-shattering 23 offensive players were selected in the opening round of the 2024 NFL Draft— beating the previous high of 19. With pick 24, the Lions went defense, selecting cornerback Terrion Arnold.
For the first time in the Common Draft era, no defensive players were selected in the top 10. The night featured 14 consecutive offensive picks to start the draft, which is the longest such streak on one side of the ball in history.
This unprecedented run included six quarterbacks taken in the first round, tying the legendary 1983 record and marking the first time six QBs have ever been selected within the first 12 picks.
Tip: Click the underlined title for any moment to watch on YouTube for free!
💬 MI Community Spotlight
Social Comment of the Week
“Doesn’t her family also own the oldest grocery store in US? Is it Doud general store & grocery?”
— Jana from Instagram
Margaret isn’t the only Doud continuing to make history on Mackinac Island. Doud's Market, located on Mackinac Island, Michigan, is also recognized as America’s oldest family-owned grocery store!
Founded in 1884 by brothers James and Patrick Doud, the market has been in continuous operation for over 140 years, with 4th-generation owner Andrew Doud currently operating the store.
📸 MI Photo of the Week
The Five Dollar Day Draws a Crowd
Applicants outside the Highland Park Plant - January 1914
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.
📍 MI People & Places
A Trailblazing Spirit: Ruth Thompson
This week we celebrate the legacy of Ruth Thompson of Whitehall, MI, on the 56th anniversary of her passing this April. We honor a leader and Michigander whose historic “firsts” helped build the state's legal and economic framework.
First Female Probate Judge in Muskegon County
Muskegon’s First Woman Attorney
First Woman to Represent Michigan in the U.S. Congress
First Woman on the House Judiciary Committee
First Woman Member of the Muskegon Bar Association
🔎 MI Local Spotlight
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
Standing as a sentinel at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula since 1858, this "Cat’s Head" light served as a vital navigational beacon for Lake Michigan mariners for over a century.
Today, history enthusiasts can skip the drive to Northport and explore the entire station through an immersive 3D virtual tour that grants full access to the Keeper’s quarters, the fog signal building, and the historic grounds.
Take the virtual climb to the top of the lighthouse tower, where you can experience a stunning, high-definition 360-degree digital view of the Manitou Passage and the sparkling blue horizon from the comfort of home.
Start your virtual climb and explore the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum.
✍🏼 My Michigan Reflection
We celebrated plenty of historic firsts this week, both past and present—from the first Ford Mustang and the world’s first mile of highway to the trailblazing Ruth Thompson and some long-awaited Detroit sports milestones.
Despite opening in 2017, LCA hadn’t hosted a playoff win for either the Pistons or the Red Wings until Wednesday, April 22nd. After suffering 11 straight home playoff losses, the Pistons finally secured a victory at home for the first time since 2008, and I was lucky enough to witness it in person!
It’s hard to describe the energy inside that arena. A sold-out crowd of 20,000+ was buzzing, featuring fan favorites like Jared Goff, Isiah Thomas, Ben Wallace, Rip Hamilton, Tom Izzo, and our very own 2026 NCAA Champion Michigan basketball team.
I have a simple favor to ask. This week’s MI History Trivia question is actually a request for feedback. I’d love it if you could take a quick moment to help us improve the Michigan History Digest!
Until next week, thank you for reading Michigan History Digest.
— Zac and the Welcome Home History Team.
🎓 MI History Feedback
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