<![CDATA[Lanstories]]>3dbdcc61-36bd-5047-bdd8-266bd8c700eaTue, 17 Mar 2026 17:39:28 +0000Captivate.fmLCC Connecthttps://artwork.captivate.fm/cc69e15e-913f-40cf-9ad8-b70e17153b7b/UuDUD_mXPIzF_QBfTW0JTTWI.jpgLanstoriesLCC ConnectLCC ConnectAn exciting community show about local history, with an emphasis on the history of LCC and its surrounding neighborhoods, as well as greater Lansing and Mid-Michigan. Hosted by David Siwik, each episode explores a different topic such as the people, businesses, neighborhood communities, buildings, and other phenomena that make up the history of our college and region.https://lanstories.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastBoustrophedonical: Drawing the Borderline, Pt. 2Boustrophedonical: Drawing the Borderline, Pt. 2Boustrophedonical – Part Two

Part two of a two-part episode, on this edition of Lanstories, host David Siwik continues his exploration of the namesake of Meridian Township, the land survey of Michigan conducted during the territorial and early statehood period of Michigan history. In this part two, Host Siwik takes a deep dive into the methods by which early land surveyors conducted their craft and the long-term implications for the land survey and sales systems that came out of this period of Michigan’s past. Other topics explored include the impact the land survey had on Michigan becoming a state, including the historical significance of the boustrophedonical section number system both short and long-term.

Related Podcasts: Lanstories - Indigenous Mid-Michigan Lands, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Tags/Keywords: Michigan History, United States History, Northwest Territory, Ordinance of 1784, Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance of 1787, Township, Township Section, Boustrophedonical Section Number System, Michigan Territory, Statehood

]]>Boustrophedonical – Part Two

Part two of a two-part episode, on this edition of Lanstories, host David Siwik continues his exploration of the namesake of Meridian Township, the land survey of Michigan conducted during the territorial and early statehood period of Michigan history. In this part two, Host Siwik takes a deep dive into the methods by which early land surveyors conducted their craft and the long-term implications for the land survey and sales systems that came out of this period of Michigan’s past. Other topics explored include the impact the land survey had on Michigan becoming a state, including the historical significance of the boustrophedonical section number system both short and long-term.

Related Podcasts: Lanstories - Indigenous Mid-Michigan Lands, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Tags/Keywords: Michigan History, United States History, Northwest Territory, Ordinance of 1784, Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance of 1787, Township, Township Section, Boustrophedonical Section Number System, Michigan Territory, Statehood

]]>16c416c5-0302-4285-b640-f357d6e63068Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -040027:13falsefull331313Boustrophedonical: Drawing the Borderline, Pt. 1Boustrophedonical: Drawing the Borderline, Pt. 1Part one of a two-part episode, on this edition of Lanstories, host David Siwik explores the namesake of Meridian Township - the land survey of Michigan conducted during the territorial and early statehood period, centered around the Meridian survey line, and the establishment of the boustrophedonical section number system. Topics covered include an overview of the establishment of the Northwest Territory, the Ordinance of 1784, Land Ordinance of 1785, and how these early laws laid the foundation for virtually all land surveys and sales in Michigan, with the principal survey meridian located where Meridian Township lies now.

Related Podcasts: Lanstories - Indigenous Mid-Michigan Lands, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Tags/Keywords: Michigan History, United States History, Northwest Territory, Ordinance of 1784, Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance of 1787, Township, Township Section, Boustrophedonical Section Number System, Michigan Territory, Statehood, Survey Point State Park

]]>Part one of a two-part episode, on this edition of Lanstories, host David Siwik explores the namesake of Meridian Township - the land survey of Michigan conducted during the territorial and early statehood period, centered around the Meridian survey line, and the establishment of the boustrophedonical section number system. Topics covered include an overview of the establishment of the Northwest Territory, the Ordinance of 1784, Land Ordinance of 1785, and how these early laws laid the foundation for virtually all land surveys and sales in Michigan, with the principal survey meridian located where Meridian Township lies now.

Related Podcasts: Lanstories - Indigenous Mid-Michigan Lands, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Tags/Keywords: Michigan History, United States History, Northwest Territory, Ordinance of 1784, Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance of 1787, Township, Township Section, Boustrophedonical Section Number System, Michigan Territory, Statehood, Survey Point State Park

]]>8c90aa0f-d75e-43b0-985d-80e4da162b22Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -040027:50falsefull330303Lansing and Malcolm X – Part ThreeLansing and Malcolm X – Part ThreeIn this third part of a three-part episode, Lanstories host David Siwik concludes his look at Lansing during the childhood of Malcolm X in the 1920s and 1930s. Topics discussed include housing discrimination, foster care, the death of Malcolm X's father and the threats the Little family faced from the state authorities and local white supremacist terrorist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and the Black Legion.

Topics/Tags/Keywords

  1. Malcolm X
  2. Malcolm Little
  3. Earl Little
  4. Louis Little
  5. Ella Little
  6. Lansing
  7. Michigan
  8. Michigan History
  9. United States History
  10. 1920s
  11. 1930s
  12. Housing Discrimination
  13. Grand River Avenue
  14. Pleasant Grove Elementary School
  15. Pleasant Grove Avenue
  16. Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC)
  17. Mason
  18. Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital
  19. Ku Klux Klan
  20. Black Legion

]]>In this third part of a three-part episode, Lanstories host David Siwik concludes his look at Lansing during the childhood of Malcolm X in the 1920s and 1930s. Topics discussed include housing discrimination, foster care, the death of Malcolm X's father and the threats the Little family faced from the state authorities and local white supremacist terrorist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and the Black Legion.

Topics/Tags/Keywords

  1. Malcolm X
  2. Malcolm Little
  3. Earl Little
  4. Louis Little
  5. Ella Little
  6. Lansing
  7. Michigan
  8. Michigan History
  9. United States History
  10. 1920s
  11. 1930s
  12. Housing Discrimination
  13. Grand River Avenue
  14. Pleasant Grove Elementary School
  15. Pleasant Grove Avenue
  16. Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC)
  17. Mason
  18. Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital
  19. Ku Klux Klan
  20. Black Legion

]]>c3be66bb-23b8-490d-8d7c-3a5fed707b43Tue, 10 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -040026:50falsefull329293Lansing and Malcolm X – Part TwoLansing and Malcolm X – Part TwoIn part two of a three part episode, host David Siwik continues the exploration of Lansing, Michigan in the 1920s and 1930s, with a consideration of Malcolm X’s childhood and the broader socioeconomic dynamics of a black family living in a northern city during these years. Specific episode topics include historical housing discrimination, the growth of Lansing neighborhoods and the establishment of several organizations that would play a major role in creating Lansing’s neighborhoods and the impact changes in Federal housing policy had on Lansing.

Keywords/Tags:

  1. Malcolm X
  2. Earl Little
  3. Louise Little
  4. Lansing
  5. Michigan
  6. United States
  7. Michigan History
  8. 1920s
  9. Great Migration
  10. Harlem Renaissance
  11. American history 1920s-1940s
  12. Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Haley, by Alex Haley
  13. Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention, by Manning Marable
  14. Federal Housing Administration
  15. Home Owner’s Loan Corporation
  16. New Deal
  17. National Housing Act, 1934

]]>In part two of a three part episode, host David Siwik continues the exploration of Lansing, Michigan in the 1920s and 1930s, with a consideration of Malcolm X’s childhood and the broader socioeconomic dynamics of a black family living in a northern city during these years. Specific episode topics include historical housing discrimination, the growth of Lansing neighborhoods and the establishment of several organizations that would play a major role in creating Lansing’s neighborhoods and the impact changes in Federal housing policy had on Lansing.

Keywords/Tags:

  1. Malcolm X
  2. Earl Little
  3. Louise Little
  4. Lansing
  5. Michigan
  6. United States
  7. Michigan History
  8. 1920s
  9. Great Migration
  10. Harlem Renaissance
  11. American history 1920s-1940s
  12. Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Haley, by Alex Haley
  13. Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention, by Manning Marable
  14. Federal Housing Administration
  15. Home Owner’s Loan Corporation
  16. New Deal
  17. National Housing Act, 1934

]]>35b55cff-8e77-4202-b93d-e01ba631d54fTue, 26 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -040027:15falsefull328283Lansing and Malcolm X – Part OneLansing and Malcolm X – Part OneIn part one of a three part episode, host David Siwik discusses life in Lansing in the 1920s and 1930s as the childhood home of Malcolm X, with a focus on broader socioeconomic realities in the city and elsewhere at the time. Siwik discusses the arrival of the Little family into Lansing in the 1920s and the broader cultural dynamic their arrival into a growing industrial city with strained race relations.

Keywords/Tags:

  1. Malcolm X
  2. Earl Little
  3. Louise Little
  4. Lansing
  5. Michigan
  6. United States
  7. Michigan History
  8. 1920s
  9. Great Migration
  10. Harlem Renaissance
  11. American history 1920s-1940s
  12. Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Haley, by Alex Haley
  13. Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention, by Manning Marable
  14. Federal Housing Administration
  15. Home Owner’s Loan Corporation
  16. New Deal
  17. National Housing Act, 1934

]]>In part one of a three part episode, host David Siwik discusses life in Lansing in the 1920s and 1930s as the childhood home of Malcolm X, with a focus on broader socioeconomic realities in the city and elsewhere at the time. Siwik discusses the arrival of the Little family into Lansing in the 1920s and the broader cultural dynamic their arrival into a growing industrial city with strained race relations.

Keywords/Tags:

  1. Malcolm X
  2. Earl Little
  3. Louise Little
  4. Lansing
  5. Michigan
  6. United States
  7. Michigan History
  8. 1920s
  9. Great Migration
  10. Harlem Renaissance
  11. American history 1920s-1940s
  12. Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Haley, by Alex Haley
  13. Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention, by Manning Marable
  14. Federal Housing Administration
  15. Home Owner’s Loan Corporation
  16. New Deal
  17. National Housing Act, 1934

]]>81345f74-534f-4aa9-af2b-75552037bb98Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -040028:12falsefull327273MotorCities National Heritage Area and LansingMotorCities National Heritage Area and LansingOn this episode, show host David Siwik interviewed John Beck of the School of Human Resources & Labor Relations at Michigan State University to discuss Lansing as part of the MotorCities National Heritage Area, an ongoing project of the US National Park Service. Focusing on Beck’s role in leading the Lansing chapter of the MotorCities National Heritage Area, and some of their work in preserving the automobile heritage of Lansing.

Keywords/Tags: Automobile, Automobile Production, Labor Relations, Business Management, Labor history, Automotive History, Lansing History, Michigan History, Labor Unions, United Auto Workers (UAW), Lansing Labor Holiday of 1937, Michigan Historical Marker, 20th century US History

]]>On this episode, show host David Siwik interviewed John Beck of the School of Human Resources & Labor Relations at Michigan State University to discuss Lansing as part of the MotorCities National Heritage Area, an ongoing project of the US National Park Service. Focusing on Beck’s role in leading the Lansing chapter of the MotorCities National Heritage Area, and some of their work in preserving the automobile heritage of Lansing.

Keywords/Tags: Automobile, Automobile Production, Labor Relations, Business Management, Labor history, Automotive History, Lansing History, Michigan History, Labor Unions, United Auto Workers (UAW), Lansing Labor Holiday of 1937, Michigan Historical Marker, 20th century US History

]]>0cf3fdbb-7c0d-49ed-997c-8e875ccf6571Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:00:00 -040021:34falsefull2626Jerry Benson and Zachariah ChandlerJerry Benson and Zachariah ChandlerMichigan Capitol Tour Guide and historian Jerry Benson joined host David Siwik to discuss Zachariah Chandler, one of the Michigan’s most important leaders of the 19thcentury. Jerry Benson is an expert on Chandler and has done extensive research on Chandler’s connections to the mid-Michigan area, including the Chandler-Marsh farm in Clinton County.

Tags/Keywords:

Zachariah Chandler, Jerry Benson, Michigan, Michigan History, Antebellum History, Civil War, Lansing, Clinton County, Republican Party, Anti-slavery, Abolition, Underground Railroad, Detroit, Clinton County, Scientific Farming, Land Usage, Reconstruction.

]]>Michigan Capitol Tour Guide and historian Jerry Benson joined host David Siwik to discuss Zachariah Chandler, one of the Michigan’s most important leaders of the 19thcentury. Jerry Benson is an expert on Chandler and has done extensive research on Chandler’s connections to the mid-Michigan area, including the Chandler-Marsh farm in Clinton County.

Tags/Keywords:

Zachariah Chandler, Jerry Benson, Michigan, Michigan History, Antebellum History, Civil War, Lansing, Clinton County, Republican Party, Anti-slavery, Abolition, Underground Railroad, Detroit, Clinton County, Scientific Farming, Land Usage, Reconstruction.

]]>39318bdd-5c49-41f8-a9c4-faba298bc6a6Sat, 01 Jun 2024 13:00:00 -040029:13falsefull2525Lansing and the Civil WarLansing and the Civil WarMatt VanAcker, Director Capitol Tour, Education & Information Services, Director/Curator-Save the Flags for the state of Michigan, joins host David Siwik to discuss Lansing’s role in the Civil War, and the book Matt recently published of the same title. This episode focuses primarily on the folks from Lansing who contributed to Michigan’s effort to save the Union. Topics discussed also included VanAcker’s curation work on the Michigan regimental battle flag collection.

Tags/Keywords: American Civil War, Civil War, Lansing history, Michigan history, United States history, Confederacy, Union, Union Army, Union Navy, Confederate Army, Charles Foster, Michigan Agricultural College, Downtown Lansing, Michigan Capitol, Matt VanAcker

]]>Matt VanAcker, Director Capitol Tour, Education & Information Services, Director/Curator-Save the Flags for the state of Michigan, joins host David Siwik to discuss Lansing’s role in the Civil War, and the book Matt recently published of the same title. This episode focuses primarily on the folks from Lansing who contributed to Michigan’s effort to save the Union. Topics discussed also included VanAcker’s curation work on the Michigan regimental battle flag collection.

Tags/Keywords: American Civil War, Civil War, Lansing history, Michigan history, United States history, Confederacy, Union, Union Army, Union Navy, Confederate Army, Charles Foster, Michigan Agricultural College, Downtown Lansing, Michigan Capitol, Matt VanAcker

]]>947b0071-da51-4ed5-a586-c970f803eb31Sat, 11 May 2024 13:00:00 -040026:28falsefull2424The Former Lansing YMCA BuildingThe Former Lansing YMCA BuildingIn this episode, guest Daniel Siwik joins host David Siwik to discuss the former YMCA building that once stood at the corner of Lenawee and Townsend Streets in downtown Lansing. In particular, this episode focuses on the architecturally significant elements of the former building and the restoration/repurposing of the building sign, now located on the campus of Lansing Community College.

Tags/keywords: Lansing history, Michigan history, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Self-help movement, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modernism, Doris Coor, Francis Coor, Frandor Shopping Center, Architecture, Historic Architecture, Munson and Bowd

]]>In this episode, guest Daniel Siwik joins host David Siwik to discuss the former YMCA building that once stood at the corner of Lenawee and Townsend Streets in downtown Lansing. In particular, this episode focuses on the architecturally significant elements of the former building and the restoration/repurposing of the building sign, now located on the campus of Lansing Community College.

Tags/keywords: Lansing history, Michigan history, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Self-help movement, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modernism, Doris Coor, Francis Coor, Frandor Shopping Center, Architecture, Historic Architecture, Munson and Bowd

]]>8fca5ebf-f6d4-45a5-a9c0-3b77c318111cSat, 20 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -040025:34falsefull2323John McGoff, Panax Corporation, and Vice President Bush, Part IIJohn McGoff, Panax Corporation, and Vice President Bush, Part IIIn this episode, host David Siwik continues his look at 20th century businessman John McGoff and his Panax corporation. The episode beings by discussing the premise behind a 1986 Vice Presidential visit to Lansing for fundraising, then examines the connections the Panax Corporation made to the South African Government at a time when economic sanctions where being imposed upon the nation by the United States. The last part of the episode examines the legal case the US Department of Justice pursued against McGoff, only to abandon, and the eventual liquidation of Panax Corporation.

Keywords/tags: John McGoff, Panax Corporation, Lansing History, Mid-Michigan History, Business History, Michigan History, George Herbert Walker Bush, South Africa, Nelson Mandella, Soweto , Apartheid, Radio, Television, Media, Campaign, Republican Party, US Department of Justice, Fundraising, Protest, Peace Education Center of East Lansing

]]>In this episode, host David Siwik continues his look at 20th century businessman John McGoff and his Panax corporation. The episode beings by discussing the premise behind a 1986 Vice Presidential visit to Lansing for fundraising, then examines the connections the Panax Corporation made to the South African Government at a time when economic sanctions where being imposed upon the nation by the United States. The last part of the episode examines the legal case the US Department of Justice pursued against McGoff, only to abandon, and the eventual liquidation of Panax Corporation.

Keywords/tags: John McGoff, Panax Corporation, Lansing History, Mid-Michigan History, Business History, Michigan History, George Herbert Walker Bush, South Africa, Nelson Mandella, Soweto , Apartheid, Radio, Television, Media, Campaign, Republican Party, US Department of Justice, Fundraising, Protest, Peace Education Center of East Lansing

]]>bc7da8f5-d039-49ac-9a06-c0aa8b2a04b1Sat, 09 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -040022:32falsefull2222John McGoff, Panax Corporation, and Vice President Bush, Part IJohn McGoff, Panax Corporation, and Vice President Bush, Part IIn this episode, host David Siwik uses the 1986 fundraising visit by George H.W. Bush to local business magnet John McGoff as the premise for a deep dive into the Panax Corporation, and accusations leveled against it of illegal activity involving the South African government. Topics Siwik covers include McGoff’s biography, the growth and eventual liquidation of Panax, and the Vice Presidential visit to Lansing in 1986.

Keywords/tags: John McGoff, Panax Corporation, Lansing History, Mid-Michigan History, Business History, Michigan History, George Herbert Walker Bush, South Africa, Nelson Mandella, Soweto, Apartheid, Radio, Television, Media, Campaign, Republican Party, Fundraising, Protest, Peace Education Center of East Lansing

]]>In this episode, host David Siwik uses the 1986 fundraising visit by George H.W. Bush to local business magnet John McGoff as the premise for a deep dive into the Panax Corporation, and accusations leveled against it of illegal activity involving the South African government. Topics Siwik covers include McGoff’s biography, the growth and eventual liquidation of Panax, and the Vice Presidential visit to Lansing in 1986.

Keywords/tags: John McGoff, Panax Corporation, Lansing History, Mid-Michigan History, Business History, Michigan History, George Herbert Walker Bush, South Africa, Nelson Mandella, Soweto, Apartheid, Radio, Television, Media, Campaign, Republican Party, Fundraising, Protest, Peace Education Center of East Lansing

]]>2e3b108b-b387-4aaf-9394-63e669aff2e0Sat, 02 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -040026:23falsefull2121Michigan Vietnam Veterans MemorialMichigan Vietnam Veterans MemorialThis episode of Lanstories delves into the historical significance of the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated on November 11, 2001, just two months after the harrowing events of September 11. We explore the context surrounding the memorial's creation, emphasizing its role as a poignant commemoration of the sacrifices made by Michigan veterans during the Vietnam War and examine the broader implications of war memorials within Lansing and their connections to the collective memory of our community.

]]>This episode of Lanstories delves into the historical significance of the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated on November 11, 2001, just two months after the harrowing events of September 11. We explore the context surrounding the memorial's creation, emphasizing its role as a poignant commemoration of the sacrifices made by Michigan veterans during the Vietnam War and examine the broader implications of war memorials within Lansing and their connections to the collective memory of our community.

]]>52f7922f-b3cb-4852-9c32-f9fe51343753Sat, 21 Oct 2023 13:00:00 -040028:54falsefull2020Alarm Box 23Alarm Box 23In this episode, host David Siwik discusses the Kerns Hotel Fire of December 11, 1934. Topics discussed include the hotel, fire, and aftermath, as well as the history of the Lansing Box 23 club.

Keywords: Lansing, Lansing History, Michigan, Michigan History, Kerns Hotel, Building Construction, Early-20th Century History, Lansing Fire Department, Mount Hope Cemetery, Fire Alarm Box 23, Box 23 Club

]]>In this episode, host David Siwik discusses the Kerns Hotel Fire of December 11, 1934. Topics discussed include the hotel, fire, and aftermath, as well as the history of the Lansing Box 23 club.

Keywords: Lansing, Lansing History, Michigan, Michigan History, Kerns Hotel, Building Construction, Early-20th Century History, Lansing Fire Department, Mount Hope Cemetery, Fire Alarm Box 23, Box 23 Club

]]>ed07ef84-8d36-4b43-ae80-2caecdfe0a01Sat, 23 Sep 2023 13:00:00 -040026:39falsefull1919Signstories!Signstories!Subject matter expert Daniel Siwik, a professional sign maker currently practicing his trade in Lansing, joined host David Siwik for a wide-ranging discussion of unique signs around Michigan’s capital city. This is a follow-up to an earlier episode, with host and guest expanding the connections between historic signs in Lansing and broader social, economic, and political trends.

Keywords, Tags:

  1. Signs
  2. Construction
  3. Design
  4. Automobile History
  5. Architecture
  6. Lansing, Michigan
  7. Lansing History
  8. Michigan History
  9. United States History 20th century
  10. 1920s
  11. Teapot Dome Scandal
  12. United States Navy
  13. Sinclair Oil
  14. Public Lands
  15. Wyoming
  16. President of the United States
  17. Secretary of the Interior
  18. Warren Gamaliel Harding
  19. Albert Bacon Fall
  20. Daniel Siwik

]]>Subject matter expert Daniel Siwik, a professional sign maker currently practicing his trade in Lansing, joined host David Siwik for a wide-ranging discussion of unique signs around Michigan’s capital city. This is a follow-up to an earlier episode, with host and guest expanding the connections between historic signs in Lansing and broader social, economic, and political trends.

Keywords, Tags:

  1. Signs
  2. Construction
  3. Design
  4. Automobile History
  5. Architecture
  6. Lansing, Michigan
  7. Lansing History
  8. Michigan History
  9. United States History 20th century
  10. 1920s
  11. Teapot Dome Scandal
  12. United States Navy
  13. Sinclair Oil
  14. Public Lands
  15. Wyoming
  16. President of the United States
  17. Secretary of the Interior
  18. Warren Gamaliel Harding
  19. Albert Bacon Fall
  20. Daniel Siwik

]]>d07b3bc9-3cfa-40c5-b8e1-68aeb8f85e9bSat, 22 Jul 2023 13:00:00 -040026:38falsefull1818Where is Local History?Where is Local History?In this episode, Siwik interviews lifelong Lansing resident Timothy Bowman. Bowman is active in the Historical Society of Greater Lansing and shared with host David Siwik some of the research he has done on local history. Siwik and Bowman discussed sources and the plethora of local history resources to be found in the Lansing area.

Keywords: Lansing, Michigan, Regional History, Local History, Historical Society of Greater Lansing, Timothy Bowman, David Siwik, Capital Area District Library

]]>In this episode, Siwik interviews lifelong Lansing resident Timothy Bowman. Bowman is active in the Historical Society of Greater Lansing and shared with host David Siwik some of the research he has done on local history. Siwik and Bowman discussed sources and the plethora of local history resources to be found in the Lansing area.

Keywords: Lansing, Michigan, Regional History, Local History, Historical Society of Greater Lansing, Timothy Bowman, David Siwik, Capital Area District Library

]]>7b314a63-2adb-4aad-8cfa-e47ce5926ddfSat, 01 Apr 2023 13:00:00 -040024:15falsefull1717The History of Signs in and Around LansingThe History of Signs in and Around LansingDaniel Siwik joins host David Siwik to examine the art, science, and cultural considerations of signs in Michigan's capital city.

Keywords: Lansing, Michigan, Lansing Michigan, History, Signs, Communication, Daniel Siwik

]]>Daniel Siwik joins host David Siwik to examine the art, science, and cultural considerations of signs in Michigan's capital city.

Keywords: Lansing, Michigan, Lansing Michigan, History, Signs, Communication, Daniel Siwik

]]>272e48de-5302-4434-b4b3-9bfedb029885Sat, 04 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -040023:37falsefull1616Michigan Panoramic PhotographyMichigan Panoramic PhotographyHistorical Society of Greater Lansing President Bill Castanier joined host David Siwik to discuss By the Yard: MIchigan in Panoramic Photography, an exhibit of historic panoramic photos. Consisting largely of photos from the Dan Barber Collection, Michigan State University Museum, Library of Congress, and other archival sources, the exhibit is on display through the Winter 2023. Bill and David discussed the acquisition, production, and display of the photos, as well as general themes of photography, identity and the place of photography in culture.

Explore More:

Website: Historical Society of Greater Lansing

Website: Library of Congress

Website: MSU Museums & Collections

Keywords: Photography, photographs, historic photography, panoramic photography, Michigan, Michigan history, Michigan State University, Lake Lansing/Pine Lake, Bill Castanier, David Siwik, Historical Society of Greater Lansing, Buffalo Bill.

]]>Historical Society of Greater Lansing President Bill Castanier joined host David Siwik to discuss By the Yard: MIchigan in Panoramic Photography, an exhibit of historic panoramic photos. Consisting largely of photos from the Dan Barber Collection, Michigan State University Museum, Library of Congress, and other archival sources, the exhibit is on display through the Winter 2023. Bill and David discussed the acquisition, production, and display of the photos, as well as general themes of photography, identity and the place of photography in culture.

Explore More:

Website: Historical Society of Greater Lansing

Website: Library of Congress

Website: MSU Museums & Collections

Keywords: Photography, photographs, historic photography, panoramic photography, Michigan, Michigan history, Michigan State University, Lake Lansing/Pine Lake, Bill Castanier, David Siwik, Historical Society of Greater Lansing, Buffalo Bill.

]]>65eb27c0-e691-4afb-8074-c194156348f1Sat, 11 Feb 2023 13:00:00 -040027:22falsefull1515R.E. Olds and the First Auto CityR.E. Olds and the First Auto CityThis episode explores the Ransom Eli Olds and automobile production in Lansing through the filmmaker's lens with Michael Rodriguez, PhD, a Michigan State University professor who wrote and produced R.E. Olds and the First Auto City, released in 2019 as part of the Biddle City Project. Topics covered include Lansing automobile production, manufacturing processes and innovation, and telling the story of Ransom Eli Olds in the documentary film format.

Keywords: Lansing, Michael Rodriguez, Ransom Eli Olds, Olds Motor Vehicle Works, Oldsmobile, REO Motors, Michigan history, Automotive Production, Automotive History, Industrial Production, Mid-Michigan, East Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan, United States Industrial History, Rico Bruce Wade, Biddle City Project, Infobase

]]>This episode explores the Ransom Eli Olds and automobile production in Lansing through the filmmaker's lens with Michael Rodriguez, PhD, a Michigan State University professor who wrote and produced R.E. Olds and the First Auto City, released in 2019 as part of the Biddle City Project. Topics covered include Lansing automobile production, manufacturing processes and innovation, and telling the story of Ransom Eli Olds in the documentary film format.

Keywords: Lansing, Michael Rodriguez, Ransom Eli Olds, Olds Motor Vehicle Works, Oldsmobile, REO Motors, Michigan history, Automotive Production, Automotive History, Industrial Production, Mid-Michigan, East Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan, United States Industrial History, Rico Bruce Wade, Biddle City Project, Infobase

]]>f0692779-e0de-40e2-b307-fe558aae5a45Sat, 14 Jan 2023 13:00:00 -040024:58falsefull1414Paving the Way: I-496 Project, Part 2Paving the Way: I-496 Project, Part 2A continuation of a look at the Paving the Way project, exploring the social impact of the destruction of the neighborhood for the construction of Interstate 496. Siwik interviews Bill Castanier, President of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing, and Patrick Sambaer, historian who worked on the project. The host and interviewees discuss aspects of the history project, including its inception, funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and changes necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Keywords: Lansing, Michigan, Michigan history, Lansing history, Interstate Highway Act, oral history, local history, urban renewal, redlining, racism, discrimination, eminent domain, Bill Castanier, Patrick Sambaer, Historical Society of Greater Lansing

]]>A continuation of a look at the Paving the Way project, exploring the social impact of the destruction of the neighborhood for the construction of Interstate 496. Siwik interviews Bill Castanier, President of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing, and Patrick Sambaer, historian who worked on the project. The host and interviewees discuss aspects of the history project, including its inception, funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and changes necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Keywords: Lansing, Michigan, Michigan history, Lansing history, Interstate Highway Act, oral history, local history, urban renewal, redlining, racism, discrimination, eminent domain, Bill Castanier, Patrick Sambaer, Historical Society of Greater Lansing

]]>96df26d7-4053-48fd-bf5b-49258f59ceccSat, 12 Nov 2022 13:00:00 -040028:57falsefull1313Paving the Way: I-496 Project, Part 1Paving the Way: I-496 Project, Part 1In this story, Lanstories explores the history of Interstate-496 through the Paving the Way: I-496 Project, an endeavor of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing, funded in part through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Patrick Sambaer appears as a guest to discuss the project and his work transcribing some of the interviews conducted as part of the project. Paving the Way focused on the people and business displaced with the construction of I-496.

Keywords: Paving the Way: I-496 Project, Historical Society of Greater Lansing, Interstate-496, Lansing, Interstate Highway Act, Lansing History, Michigan History, Patrick Sambaer, Oral History, Interviews, Redlining, Urban Renewal, African-American communities, Suburbanization

]]>In this story, Lanstories explores the history of Interstate-496 through the Paving the Way: I-496 Project, an endeavor of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing, funded in part through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Patrick Sambaer appears as a guest to discuss the project and his work transcribing some of the interviews conducted as part of the project. Paving the Way focused on the people and business displaced with the construction of I-496.

Keywords: Paving the Way: I-496 Project, Historical Society of Greater Lansing, Interstate-496, Lansing, Interstate Highway Act, Lansing History, Michigan History, Patrick Sambaer, Oral History, Interviews, Redlining, Urban Renewal, African-American communities, Suburbanization

]]>67291c11-9dfd-42cc-8f6a-48395ce6e138Sat, 05 Nov 2022 13:00:00 -040029:26falsefull1212Lansing Baseball - Part 2Lansing Baseball - Part 2In this follow-up to episode 10, Lanstories continues the exploration of Lansing baseball teams in the early days of the professional and semi-pro game. This episode considers more aspects of the Lansing Senators and examines the development of the Lansing Baseball Association, Lansing’s city league that formed in the 1920s and had a major presence in the city. Cultural and social aspects of baseball are also considered along with the ultimate fate of baseball at the professional and semipro level in Lansing.

Keywords: Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Semipro Baseball, Lansing, City League Baseball, American culture, American society, Lansing Senators, Lansing Lugnuts, Lansing History, Michigan History, Michigan State League, Southern Michigan League, Central League, Municipal Park

]]>In this follow-up to episode 10, Lanstories continues the exploration of Lansing baseball teams in the early days of the professional and semi-pro game. This episode considers more aspects of the Lansing Senators and examines the development of the Lansing Baseball Association, Lansing’s city league that formed in the 1920s and had a major presence in the city. Cultural and social aspects of baseball are also considered along with the ultimate fate of baseball at the professional and semipro level in Lansing.

Keywords: Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Semipro Baseball, Lansing, City League Baseball, American culture, American society, Lansing Senators, Lansing Lugnuts, Lansing History, Michigan History, Michigan State League, Southern Michigan League, Central League, Municipal Park

]]>e980d448-2c51-4cda-b3a0-c0f85cecc4bdSat, 22 Oct 2022 13:00:00 -040027:32falsefull1111Lansing Baseball - Part 1Lansing Baseball - Part 1This episode explores the history of baseball in Lansing, focusing on the late-1800s to early-1900s time period. The Lansing Senators were a professional baseball team that played in a minor league known as the Michigan State League. The Senators were notable for having the first professional Black baseball player in the United States, Bud Fowler. The Senators played in several locations around the city. In places like Lansing, professional baseball developed side-by-side the urbanization and industrialization of America.

Keywords: Baseball, Lansing, Michigan, Professional Baseball, Black Baseball Players, Bud Fowler, John W. Jackson, Ball park, Urbanization, Industrialization, City Parks, Minor League Baseball, Major League Baseball, Waverly High School, John Smoltz, Atlanta Braves

]]>This episode explores the history of baseball in Lansing, focusing on the late-1800s to early-1900s time period. The Lansing Senators were a professional baseball team that played in a minor league known as the Michigan State League. The Senators were notable for having the first professional Black baseball player in the United States, Bud Fowler. The Senators played in several locations around the city. In places like Lansing, professional baseball developed side-by-side the urbanization and industrialization of America.

Keywords: Baseball, Lansing, Michigan, Professional Baseball, Black Baseball Players, Bud Fowler, John W. Jackson, Ball park, Urbanization, Industrialization, City Parks, Minor League Baseball, Major League Baseball, Waverly High School, John Smoltz, Atlanta Braves

]]>00a2e286-4a51-4478-b5a6-a42990edac95Sat, 08 Oct 2022 13:00:00 -040024:52falsefull1010Indigenous Mid-Michigan Lands, Part 3Indigenous Mid-Michigan Lands, Part 3The third in a three-part series, this episode concludes our look at the historical background behind the Lansing Community College Land Acknowledgement statement. Part three explores how the lands formerly held by the Potawatomi and other Anishinaabeg came into the possession of Euro-Americans, with a focus on tribal sovereignty, land cession treaties and the forced removal of indigenous peoples from their ancestral homelands.

Keywords: Anishinaabeg, Three-Fires People, Ojibway, Odawa, Potawatomi, Indigenous America, Indigenous Michigan, Land Cessions, Treaties, Ethnic Cleansing, Genocide, Trail of Tears, Mid-Michigan, Michigan, Lansing History, Michigan History, Prehistoric, Land Use, Land Appropriation, Land Acknowledgement, Lansing Community College, Ingham County, Michigan

]]>The third in a three-part series, this episode concludes our look at the historical background behind the Lansing Community College Land Acknowledgement statement. Part three explores how the lands formerly held by the Potawatomi and other Anishinaabeg came into the possession of Euro-Americans, with a focus on tribal sovereignty, land cession treaties and the forced removal of indigenous peoples from their ancestral homelands.

Keywords: Anishinaabeg, Three-Fires People, Ojibway, Odawa, Potawatomi, Indigenous America, Indigenous Michigan, Land Cessions, Treaties, Ethnic Cleansing, Genocide, Trail of Tears, Mid-Michigan, Michigan, Lansing History, Michigan History, Prehistoric, Land Use, Land Appropriation, Land Acknowledgement, Lansing Community College, Ingham County, Michigan

]]>3cd36355-1dc9-4ac9-aad3-79806ed1d32fSat, 24 Sep 2022 13:00:00 -040031:37falsefull99Indigenous Mid-Michigan Lands, Part 2Indigenous Mid-Michigan Lands, Part 2The second in a three-part series, this episode continues to examine the historical background behind the Lansing Community College Land Acknowledgement statement by considering how the lands formerly held by the Potawatomi and other Anishinaabeg came into the possession of Euro-Americans. With a focus on the changing political, geographic, and economic circumstances following the American War of Independence, this program takes a closer look at what happened after white settlers from the east came to desire indigenous lands in southern Michigan.

Keywords: Anishinaabeg, Three-Fires People, Ojibway, Odawa, Potawatomi, Indigenous America, Indigenous Michigan, Land Cessions, Treaties, Ethnic Cleansing, Genocide, Trail of Tears, Mid-Michigan, Michigan, Lansing, Michigan History, Prehistoric, Land Use, Land Appropriation, Land Acknowledgement, Lansing Community College, Ingham County, Michigan

]]>The second in a three-part series, this episode continues to examine the historical background behind the Lansing Community College Land Acknowledgement statement by considering how the lands formerly held by the Potawatomi and other Anishinaabeg came into the possession of Euro-Americans. With a focus on the changing political, geographic, and economic circumstances following the American War of Independence, this program takes a closer look at what happened after white settlers from the east came to desire indigenous lands in southern Michigan.

Keywords: Anishinaabeg, Three-Fires People, Ojibway, Odawa, Potawatomi, Indigenous America, Indigenous Michigan, Land Cessions, Treaties, Ethnic Cleansing, Genocide, Trail of Tears, Mid-Michigan, Michigan, Lansing, Michigan History, Prehistoric, Land Use, Land Appropriation, Land Acknowledgement, Lansing Community College, Ingham County, Michigan

]]>6190d193-f5c7-4bb3-85b8-f6e2ab3b39aeSat, 03 Sep 2022 13:00:00 -040029:04falsefull88Indigenous Mid-Michigan Lands, Part 1Indigenous Mid-Michigan Lands, Part 1The first in a three-part series, this episode examines life in Mid-Michigan for the indigenous Anishinaabeg. Part one explores life in the Great Lakes region millennia ago and the cultural differences between the Anishinaabeg and later European colonizers. Content includes a focus on what is known and not-known of the centuries of human existence that pre-date European and Euro-American interest in the region.

Website: LCC History Degrees & Programs

Keywords: Anishinaabeg, Three-Fires People, Ojibway, Odawa, Potawatomi, Indigenous America, Indigenous Michigan, Pre-Contact, Archaeology, Neolithic, Mid-Michigan, Lansing History, Michigan History, Prehistoric, Land Use, Land Appropriation, Land Acknowledgement, Lansing Community College, Ingham County, Michigan

]]>The first in a three-part series, this episode examines life in Mid-Michigan for the indigenous Anishinaabeg. Part one explores life in the Great Lakes region millennia ago and the cultural differences between the Anishinaabeg and later European colonizers. Content includes a focus on what is known and not-known of the centuries of human existence that pre-date European and Euro-American interest in the region.

Website: LCC History Degrees & Programs

Keywords: Anishinaabeg, Three-Fires People, Ojibway, Odawa, Potawatomi, Indigenous America, Indigenous Michigan, Pre-Contact, Archaeology, Neolithic, Mid-Michigan, Lansing History, Michigan History, Prehistoric, Land Use, Land Appropriation, Land Acknowledgement, Lansing Community College, Ingham County, Michigan

]]>31fdcc5f-7d59-4571-bc9f-df0ed8d4bc03Sat, 20 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -040028:40falsefull77Part 2: Governor Austin BlairPart 2: Governor Austin BlairThis episode, part two of a two-part program on Austin Blair, continues an examination of Blair's life and people remember or memorialize historical events and people. Topics covered include the Civil War, Michigan politics during the Civil War, Austin Blair's political career and the memorial erected in his honor on the State Capitol grounds in Lansing.

Keywords: Austin Blair, Ulysses S Grant, Civil War, Michigan, Union, Confederacy, Confederate Flag, Civil War Regiments, Michigan Politics, Michigan Capitol, Lansing, Republican Party, Liberal Republican Party, Horace Greeley, Reconstruction, Ku Klux Klan, United States Constitution, 13th Amendment, 14th Amendment, 15th Amendment, Freedmen, Slavery, Grant’s Memoirs

]]>This episode, part two of a two-part program on Austin Blair, continues an examination of Blair's life and people remember or memorialize historical events and people. Topics covered include the Civil War, Michigan politics during the Civil War, Austin Blair's political career and the memorial erected in his honor on the State Capitol grounds in Lansing.

Keywords: Austin Blair, Ulysses S Grant, Civil War, Michigan, Union, Confederacy, Confederate Flag, Civil War Regiments, Michigan Politics, Michigan Capitol, Lansing, Republican Party, Liberal Republican Party, Horace Greeley, Reconstruction, Ku Klux Klan, United States Constitution, 13th Amendment, 14th Amendment, 15th Amendment, Freedmen, Slavery, Grant’s Memoirs

]]>9d48b0e4-ae5b-4820-a1e1-a5a1b6a3cf67Sat, 06 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -040034:45falsefull66Part 1: Austin Blair and Historical MemoryPart 1: Austin Blair and Historical MemoryThis episode of Lanstories begins a look at Austin Blair, Governor of Michigan from 1861-1865 and considers not only the historical events he was a part of, but also how memories and ideas of the past become part of our culture, our "historical memory."

Tags/Keywords: Lanstories, Lansing, Michigan, Jackson, Michigan, New York, History, Civil War, Slavery, Republican Party, Anti-Slavery, Abolition, Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Michigan House of Representatives, Michigan Senate, Michigan Governor, United States House of Representatives, Free-Soil Party

]]>This episode of Lanstories begins a look at Austin Blair, Governor of Michigan from 1861-1865 and considers not only the historical events he was a part of, but also how memories and ideas of the past become part of our culture, our "historical memory."

Tags/Keywords: Lanstories, Lansing, Michigan, Jackson, Michigan, New York, History, Civil War, Slavery, Republican Party, Anti-Slavery, Abolition, Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Michigan House of Representatives, Michigan Senate, Michigan Governor, United States House of Representatives, Free-Soil Party

]]>298f95c2-5246-44c0-8665-1875f5c2dd6dSat, 23 Jul 2022 13:00:00 -040031:21falsefull55LCC Downtown Campus, Pt. 3LCC Downtown Campus, Pt. 3In this episode, part three of a three-part series, Siwik continues looking at the growth and development of Lansing Community College's downtown campus, with particular attention on the construction of Dart Auditorium and the Technology and Learning Center building (TLC). Siwik also covers the broader topic of where Lansing Community College's downtown campus fits into the community college movement and construction of campuses all around Michigan and the United States during the 1960s, including a comparison to other Michigan community colleges.

Keywords: Lansing Community College; Lansing; History; Lansing history; Mid-Michigan, Mid-Michigan history; Gannon Building; Washington Mall; Washington Court; Dart Auditorium; community college; community college planning; community college construction; Alden B. Dow; Delta College; University Center, Michigan

]]>In this episode, part three of a three-part series, Siwik continues looking at the growth and development of Lansing Community College's downtown campus, with particular attention on the construction of Dart Auditorium and the Technology and Learning Center building (TLC). Siwik also covers the broader topic of where Lansing Community College's downtown campus fits into the community college movement and construction of campuses all around Michigan and the United States during the 1960s, including a comparison to other Michigan community colleges.

Keywords: Lansing Community College; Lansing; History; Lansing history; Mid-Michigan, Mid-Michigan history; Gannon Building; Washington Mall; Washington Court; Dart Auditorium; community college; community college planning; community college construction; Alden B. Dow; Delta College; University Center, Michigan

]]>ce267b59-8a6a-468c-a173-88cadf9d41c1Sat, 02 Jul 2022 13:00:00 -040023:58falsefull44LCC Downtown Campus, Pt. 2LCC Downtown Campus, Pt. 2In part two of a three-part series, Lanstories continues to examine the growth of the downtown Lansing Campus for Lansing Community College. Picking up where episode two left off, this show looks at the space where the University Center is currently located, as well as the development of the Washington Square/Washington Mall pedestrianized area in downtown Lansing, including the construction of the Gannon Building in the 1970s.

Keywords: Lansing Community College; Lansing; Michigan; Lansing History; History; Local History; Old Central; Carnegie Library; Elijah E Myers; Washington Square; Washington Mall; Downtown Revitalization; Urban Renewal; Gannon Building, Gannon Parking Ramp

]]>In part two of a three-part series, Lanstories continues to examine the growth of the downtown Lansing Campus for Lansing Community College. Picking up where episode two left off, this show looks at the space where the University Center is currently located, as well as the development of the Washington Square/Washington Mall pedestrianized area in downtown Lansing, including the construction of the Gannon Building in the 1970s.

Keywords: Lansing Community College; Lansing; Michigan; Lansing History; History; Local History; Old Central; Carnegie Library; Elijah E Myers; Washington Square; Washington Mall; Downtown Revitalization; Urban Renewal; Gannon Building, Gannon Parking Ramp

]]>2d81e5f8-9544-4cb7-9311-92cc8ea7eab3Sat, 21 May 2022 13:00:00 -040022:03falsefull33LCC Downtown Campus, Pt. 1LCC Downtown Campus, Pt. 1In part one of a three-part series, this episode explores the history behind the laying out of the selection of the location of Lansing Community College's downtown campus and looks at the history of some of the buildings. Content discussed includes the founding of LCC in 1957, the Rogers-Carrier and Herrmann Houses, as well as the Community College Act of 1966, the construction of the Arts & Sciences Building and downtown redevelopment efforts along with urban renewal in the 1960s.

Keywords: Lansing Community College, Lansing, Michigan, Community College Act 1966, Dr. Philip J. Gannon, Urban Renewal, Rogers-Carrier, Herrmann, Arts & Sciences Building, Downtown Lansing, Community Colleges, 1960s, Downtown Lansing, Urban Planning, Michigan History, Lansing History, Lansing Community College History

]]>In part one of a three-part series, this episode explores the history behind the laying out of the selection of the location of Lansing Community College's downtown campus and looks at the history of some of the buildings. Content discussed includes the founding of LCC in 1957, the Rogers-Carrier and Herrmann Houses, as well as the Community College Act of 1966, the construction of the Arts & Sciences Building and downtown redevelopment efforts along with urban renewal in the 1960s.

Keywords: Lansing Community College, Lansing, Michigan, Community College Act 1966, Dr. Philip J. Gannon, Urban Renewal, Rogers-Carrier, Herrmann, Arts & Sciences Building, Downtown Lansing, Community Colleges, 1960s, Downtown Lansing, Urban Planning, Michigan History, Lansing History, Lansing Community College History

]]>cca8545f-1618-4aa2-b9d6-2383605a0aa0Sat, 14 May 2022 13:00:00 -040031:41falsefull22In the Name of LansingIn the Name of LansingOn this episode, David Siwik explores how Lansing, Michigan came to get its name, including providing insight into the establishment of the city as the state capital in 1847, and exploring the life and times of John Lansing Jr., namesake of the city. Topics discussed include the politics and practical reasons behind Lansing's founding, the connection to New York in the settlement of Michigan, and the story of John Lansing, Jr. Lansing was a fairly well-known New York attorney who had served in a variety of public offices. He disappeared in December, 1829, never to be seen again. He may have been the victim of politically-motivated foul play.

Keywords: Lansing, John Lansing Jr., Lansing Community College, Michigan, Lansing History, Michigan History, New York History, American History, Thurlow Weed

]]>On this episode, David Siwik explores how Lansing, Michigan came to get its name, including providing insight into the establishment of the city as the state capital in 1847, and exploring the life and times of John Lansing Jr., namesake of the city. Topics discussed include the politics and practical reasons behind Lansing's founding, the connection to New York in the settlement of Michigan, and the story of John Lansing, Jr. Lansing was a fairly well-known New York attorney who had served in a variety of public offices. He disappeared in December, 1829, never to be seen again. He may have been the victim of politically-motivated foul play.

Keywords: Lansing, John Lansing Jr., Lansing Community College, Michigan, Lansing History, Michigan History, New York History, American History, Thurlow Weed

]]>35b95bec-6cfb-4918-907d-e021a779c1d0Sat, 30 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -040023:24falsefull11