John Robinson
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Articles by John Robinson
Once with 20 Businesses, Now Zero. Maple Ridge, Arenac County
The community of Maple Ridge lies at the intersection of N. Briggs and Maple Ridge roads in Arenac County, right on the border of Clayton and Mason Townships. You'll find it approximately 12 miles north of Standish. Maple Ridge was settled in 1869 and by 1877, the population had risen to a whoppin' 100. This was one jumpin' village in its day.
A Ghost Lamp Burns for the Dead: Old Town Playhouse, Traverse City
The Old Town Playhouse, 148 East Eighth Street in Traverse City, seems to have two different ghosts inhabiting the building. Back in the 1890s-1900s, the building was the original location of the First Christian Church. It stayed that way until the 1970s, when the church moved its services and congregation to a new location; this left the building empty until the Old Town Players took over. So what about the ghosts?
A Poltergeist in Webberville? Oh, Come on, Now…
A haunting in Webberville? It sure sounds like it. Not many believe this, let alone heard about it, so it’s all up to conjecture. Of course, it IS the Halloween season, so let's continue... It seems that the Webberville Village Office may have a playful poltergeist on their hands, as well as a few other 'things.' Employees have witnessed various objects that move by themselves and re-arrange. An obvious sign of the work of a poltergeist.
The Michigan Ghost Town of Tokio, Calhoun County
Michigan has its share of towns that share the names of other towns, countries, states, er cetera. One such little hamlet is one that many Michiganians have never heard of before, except for some of the residents in Calhoun County: The community of Tokio – yes, just one-letter different from Tokyo, Japan. Tokio – in Marengo Township – is one of Michigan’s ghost towns with nothing left to show it ever existed, except for some farms.
Columbiaville and its Classic 1893 Depot: Lapeer County
Columbiaville in Lapeer County had its origin in 1847 when Levi Cutting from Columbia County, New York became the area’s first settler. In 1848 he and Henry Niver built a sawmill with the new town being named “Niverville”. They were followed by another friend from New York, William Peter, who came to work at the sawmill. A smart businessman, Peter acquired all the mill’s property and expanded.
How a Simple Squeal Gave the Michigan Town of Climax Its Name
The town of Climax lies in Kalamazoo County between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, a few miles south of I-94 at the intersection of S. Main and W. Maple. How many jokes and titters have you had to endure when friends or family from out-of-state find out Michigan has a Climax? Yeah, the snickers, titters, and giggles will continue, but now you'll know why it has that name...and it's nothing funny, off-color or mind-blowing.
“Journey to the Center of the Mind” Has Held Up Since 1968
Arguably, one of the best Michigan rock songs to come out of the 1960s was The Amboy Dukes’ Journey to the Center of the Mind. The title was based on the title of the 1959 movie Journey To The Center Of The Earth that starred Pat Boone and James Mason. The year was 1968 and the country was at the height of its use of hallucinogenic drugs. The song was not written by lead guitarist Ted Nugent, which is widely believed, but rhythm guitarist Steve Farmer.
Moisture Sorption Behavior of Potato Crisps and Biscuits
Moisture Sorption Behavior of Potato Crisps and Biscuits - Renshaw - 2026 - Journal of Food Science - Wiley Online Library
Moisture Sorption Behavior of Potato Crisps and Biscuits
Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. References , , and . 2002. “Moisture Sorption Isotherm Characteristics of Food Products: A Review.” Food and Bioproducts Processing 80, no. 2: 118–128. https://doi.org/10.1205/09603080252938753. 1946. “Modifications of the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller Equation.” Journal of American Chemical Society 68, no. 4: 686–691. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja01208a049. , , , et al. 2010. US Patent No. US7695746 B2. , , , and . 1940.
Waterloo Farm Museum: The Realy House was Really the Siebold House
Longtime residents of Stockbridge, Munith, and Grass Lake referred to this old farmhouse as the “Realy” house, some not knowing that the original name was ‘Ruehle’. Built in 1854 by Johannes Siebold, who was originally from Endersbach Germany. He emigrated to Ann Arbor, then finally to Waterloo Township in Jackson County in 1846. Siebold’s wife Fredrika had been married before, and the last name of her two children was Ruehle.
Before the break-up: the real story behind The Beatles’ Get Back
Paul Newman 2 hours ago 68 Years Ago Today: Classic Drama, Named Paul Newman’s Finest Performance, Was Released Men's Journal - Chris Phelps • 2h This movie became a massive success at the box office. On this day, 68 years ago, a classic Paul Newman drama film was released, and it became one of … Türkiye Now Turkey’s Rise Is Israel’s New Problem foreignpolicy.com - Anchal Vohra • Now The Middle East’s newest rivals in the Levant region are Washington’s two key allies there. On Aug.
Vintage Photos of the Historic Jackson Train Depot: 1890-1920 Original
We have written about the historic Jackson train depot many, many times...so this time, I thought the focus should be on some vintage photos of the station. Sometimes, history is right under your nose. So obviously, that the historic value is forgotten and stored away in subconscious memory banks, or maybe some of us get so used to it, we just don't realize what we have so close by.
Michigan’s Oldest Cobblestone One-Room School Sits in Ionia County Original
It’s one of Michigan’s most curious structures that once people find out about it, they have to go see it. It’s the oldest, still-standing cobblestone one-room schoolhouse in the state. Some feel that aside being the oldest cobblestone, it's also THE oldest existing schoolhouse in the entire state. Either way, it's historic enough to have been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Clinicopathologic Evaluation of Amyloid Clearance in Alzheimer Disease
Introduction Aducanumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets aggregated forms of amyloid, including both soluble oligomers and insoluble fibrils,1 that was tested in 2 concurrent, phase 3, randomized clinical trials2 that produced discordant results.
Don’t Be Fooled: The 1679 ‘Le Griffon’ Shipwreck is Still Lost
What happened to the crew of the Le Griffon in 1679? For that matter, what happened to the Le Griffon itself? Explorers and archaeologists have been searching for this ship for the last few centuries, hoping to solve the mystery. The Le Griffon, named after its figurehead of a griffon (half eagle, half lion), was the first full-size cargo ship to sail the Great Lakes. It set off from the Niagara River at Lake Erie, transporting goods through the waters until it reached what is now Lake Michigan.
Did You Ever Have an Avocado Taste Like Gasoline? Here’s Why
Recently, we bought a handful of avocados at a grocer. Normally, that would be a boring statement...but not this time. These avocados had a funny taste to them...they tasted like gasoline, or petrol. So we wondered what the heck was going on? In all the years we’ve been eating avocados, they never had this taste to them...so we looked it up. Basically, the taste comes from fats in the avocado that have spoiled or broken down before its time.
Another Michigan Shoe Tree Has Disappeared: Oscoda County
Yep, Michigan has a good share of shoe trees...or should I say, HAD a good share.....because it seems that one by one, the shoes are being removed from these trees. Here's another one. This one is between Comins and Fairview in Oscoda County. If you drive north out of Fairview on M-33, you can't miss this shoe tree - just keep your eyes peeled on the right side of the road. So again, what are the possibilities of the existence of our shoe trees?
Fayette, Michigan’s #1 Ghost Town: 1867-1891
It’s touted as Michigan’s #1 Ghost Town...maybe it is, I won’t quibble. But for my own personal tastes, I prefer the Michigan ghost towns that haven’t been turned into tourist traps. Visiting Fayette is extremely enjoyable and historic..... but it doesn’t give you that eerie sensation that comes over you when you visit one of our other, more secluded ghost towns that doesn’t have lots of other people gawking and getting in your way. Fayette sits in the Garden Peninsula, in the UP’s Delta County.
The Country Kitchen, Mason: 1950s-1970s
Even though it closed in the early 1970s, I remember the Country Kitchen, located in Mason at 3700 Harper Road. The Country Kitchen was operated by Mary Lennon and Mable Tuttle who cooked all the delicious dishes. Their personal slogan was “your home is our only competitor”.
A Lone Schoolhouse Remains in the Lost Village of Shiloh, Ionia County
Shiloh, located in Orleans Township, Ionia County, has no business section to speak of. It is mostly an empty village with a few residents and a church. Shiloh was settled in 1876 as an as-yet-unnamed station on the Ionia & Stanton Railroad and grew to a population of 75 about 20 years later. In January of the following year, it was given a post office under the name ‘Smith’s Crossing’ and changed to ‘Shiloh’ on the very last day of the year: December 31, 1977.
Downtown Blocks are Now Empty in the Shadow Town of Jennings, Michigan
Now, before I begin, I do not refer to Jennings as a 'ghost town'. There are a good handful of Michigan history sites that do call it “One of the Largest Michigan Towns to become a Ghost Town”, but I feel it's more like a 'shadow town'. All the old businesses have left along with most of the people, but the downtown blocks are still prevalent, and there are a good handful of residents.
What Was the First Major Motion Picture Filmed in Michigan?
Since the 2000s, it seems like movie after movie was being filmed in Michigan. With such an influx of movie-making, it made me wonder: what was the very first movie filmed in Michigan? That distinction goes to the 1947 film This Time For Keeps starring Esther Williams and Jimmy Durante. It began filming in the summer of 1946, including good portions at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Now you know why the Grand Hotel’s swimming pool is named “The Esther Williams Swimming Pool”.
What Was the First Major Motion Picture Filmed in Michigan?
Since the 2000s, it seems like movie after movie was being filmed in Michigan. With such an influx of movie-making, it made me wonder: what was the very first movie filmed in Michigan? That distinction goes to the 1947 film This Time For Keeps starring Esther Williams and Jimmy Durante. It began filming in the summer of 1946, including good portions at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Now you know why the Grand Hotel’s swimming pool is named “The Esther Williams Swimming Pool”.
Return to the Ghost Town of Donken, Michigan Original
Smack in the midst of copper and timber country lies the mostly ghost town of Donken in the UP’s Houghton County. Donken is located just off M-26 in Elm River Township at the base of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Donken was originally called 'Beaver' as a station on the Copper Range Railroad. The ‘Beaver’ moniker came from the Beaver Area Case Lumber Company which the town was built around.
Almost 200 Years Old! Tompkins Center, Jackson County Original
Whether you call it Tompkins or Tompkins Center, it doesn’t matter which. This little village in Jackson County was settled between 1832-1836 by Nick Townley and his sons Richard and Anson. The township of the same name followed in 1838, named after a New York township (where Townley and other settlers came from) that itself was named after former governor Daniel Tompkins. In 1839 the post office originated, cementing ‘Tompkins’ as the official village name.
What Was the First Major Motion Picture Filmed in Michigan?
Since the 2000s, it seems like movie after movie was being filmed in Michigan. With such an influx of movie-making, it made me wonder: what was the very first movie filmed in Michigan? That distinction goes to the 1947 film This Time For Keeps starring Esther Williams and Jimmy Durante. It began filming in the summer of 1946, including good portions at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Now you know why the Grand Hotel's swimming pool is named "The Esther Williams Swimming Pool".
Don’t Venture Into Jackson County’s Black Spruce Bog Alone
If you happen to be scouring Google Maps and come across “Black Spruce Bog”, you need to know this is not unique to Michigan – there are a good number of black spruce bogs in the country. A good many of them are in Northern Michigan, the Upper Peninsula, and Canada. What is it? This particular one is found on the north side of Waterloo-Munith Road west of Parks Road. It’s 40 acres worth of swampy bog that includes drainage on the north end.
This is the Only Old Store Building Left in Hagensville, Michigan Original
The Michigan ghost town of Hagensville is located out in the middle of the isolated Michigan countryside, all by itself, in Presque Isle County’s Belknap Township. The Hagensville population isn't known because the census obviously didn't think the town was worthy enough to count the residents. Very uncool of the census, because Hagensville is an historic Michigan town and excellent place to stop for a few photo ops.
What Was the First Major Motion Picture Filmed in Michigan?
What Was the First Major Motion Picture Filmed in Michigan? What Was the First Major Motion Picture Filmed in Michigan? Casgo, YOUTUBE Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Since the 2000s, it seems like movie after movie was being filmed in Michigan. With such an influx of movie-making, it made me wonder: what was the very first movie filmed in Michigan? That distinction goes to the 1947 film This Time For Keeps starring Esther Williams and Jimmy Durante.
Introducing The Definitive, 172-page, Ultimate Music Guide: Yes
Nancy Guthrie Cops Believe They Know Exactly Why She Was Targeted As the search for Nancy Guthrie nears the end of its sixth week, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said investigators now believe they know why the …
The Many Businesses of This Abandoned Detroit Building, 1930 Original
The building at 11700 Livernois Avenue has seen its share of businesses and owners since 1930. The structure was built in 1930 with four business units and upstairs apartments. Each business unit had its own numbered address up to 11709. It was the unit on the corner that brought the customers, used at various times as a bar or restaurant. In the past, this building and its separate units were used for: Leon’s Spic & Span Pantry, 1934-1940 Ellen A.
Is This Really the Smallest Town in Michigan? Turner, in Arenac County
We humans are intrigued by the biggest, smallest, oldest, first, last, etc. In our state. There are a number of communities that are called the smallest: whether it’s a village, city, burg, hamlet, community, borough...there are many variations and many disputes. So here’s another one. This has been called “The Smallest Town in Michigan”. I’m not going to debate it. I’m just letting you know. It’s the village of Turner in Arenac County.
Dansville, Almost Our State Capitol: A Brief Backstory
Before we get to a brief backstory on Dansville, a little about Ingham County... Ingham County (and Township were named after Samuel D. Ingham, who spent his life in Pennsylvania and New Jersey....but for some reason, Michiganders in the 1800s thought enough of him to name a whole county after him. Ingham belonged to the House of Representatives and Congress, was Secretary of the Commonwealth and Secretary of the Treasury.
Is This Really the Smallest Town in Michigan? Turner, in Arenac County
We humans are intrigued by the biggest, smallest, oldest, first, last, etc. In our state. There are a number of communities that are called the smallest: whether it’s a village, city, burg, hamlet, community, borough...there are many variations and many disputes. So here’s another one. This has been called “The Smallest Town in Michigan”. I’m not going to debate it. I’m just letting you know. It’s the village of Turner in Arenac County.
Who Was the First Michigander to Have a #1 Hit Record?
Not long ago, I was asked the question, “Who was the First Michigander to Have a #1 Hit Record?” Well, only going back as far as to the beginning of the Rock ‘n Roll explosion in the 1950s, that wasn’t too hard to answer. The first #1 song in the rock era by a Michigander is also the very first #1 Rock & Roll hit EVER. That distinction goes to a song you all know: Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley & His Comets.
Is This Really the Smallest Town in Michigan? Turner, in Arenac County
We humans are intrigued by the biggest, smallest, oldest, first, last, etc. In our state. There are a number of communities that are called the smallest: whether it's a village, city, burg, hamlet, community, borough...there are many variations and many disputes. So here's another one. This has been called "The Smallest Town in Michigan". I'm not going to debate it. I'm just letting you know. It's the village of Turner in Arenac County.
Who Was the First Michigander to Have a #1 Hit Record?
Not long ago, I was asked the question, “Who was the First Michigander to Have a #1 Hit Record?” Well, only going back as far as to the beginning of the Rock ‘n Roll explosion in the 1950s, that wasn’t too hard to answer. The first #1 song in the rock era by a Michigander is also the very first #1 Rock & Roll hit EVER. That distinction goes to a song you all know: Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley & His Comets.
Who Was the First Michigander to Have a #1 Hit Record?
Not long ago, I was asked the question, “Who was the First Michigander to Have a #1 Hit Record?” Well, only going back as far as to the beginning of the Rock ‘n Roll explosion in the 1950s, that wasn’t too hard to answer. The first #1 song in the rock era by a Michigander is also the very first #1 Rock & Roll hit EVER. That distinction goes to a song you all know: Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley & His Comets.
Is This Really the Smallest Town in Michigan? Turner, in Arenac County
Is This Really the Smallest Town in Michigan? Turner, in Arenac County Is This Really the Smallest Town in Michigan? Turner, in Arenac County google maps Share on Facebook Share on Twitter We humans are intrigued by the biggest, smallest, oldest, first, last, etc. In our state. There are a number of communities that are called the smallest: whether it’s a village, city, burg, hamlet, community, borough...there are many variations and many disputes. So here’s another one.
Who Was the First Michigander to Have a #1 Hit Record?
Not long ago, I was asked the question, "Who was the First Michigander to Have a #1 Hit Record?" Well, only going back as far as to the beginning of the Rock 'n Roll explosion in the 1950s, that wasn't too hard to answer. The first #1 song in the rock era by a Michigander is also the very first #1 Rock & Roll hit EVER. That distinction goes to a song you all know: Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley & His Comets.
The Haunted Lady's Muff of Grosse Ile: Detroit, 1700s
A haunted muff...and no, I’m not kidding. This weird tale takes place on Grosse Ile way back in the 1700s. At the time, the island was a French settlement in the area that would become Detroit. One of the colonists on the island was unhappy in his marriage; his wife had gained weight and gotten frumpy, much to his dismay. So what did he do? He started up having an affair with a much younger, single girl. Why didn’t this guy just get a divorce?
Who Was the First Michigander to Have a #1 Hit Record?
Not long ago, I was asked the question, “Who was the First Michigander to Have a #1 Hit Record?” Well, only going back as far as to the beginning of the Rock ‘n Roll explosion in the 1950s, that wasn’t too hard to answer. The first #1 song in the rock era by a Michigander is also the very first #1 Rock & Roll hit EVER. That distinction goes to a song you all know: Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley & His Comets.
Two "Ohios" in Michigan? Yeah, There Used to Be
There were Ohios in Michigan? To the disappointment of a handful of Big Ten fans, yeah, there were. The first community was dubbed ‘Ohio Mill’, a settlement in Ottawa County that became official in 1868 when a post office opened up. It was re-named ‘South Blendon’ in April 1872. It was re-named after the Blendon Lumber Company , which owned most of the land. The actual village of Blendon was first settled in 1836.
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