Andrew Kercher Lectures & Tours

01/16/2025

I'm excited to talk to over 300 Grand Rapids area seniors about Michigan history this afternoon at Northveiw High School! They're expecting a nearly full house!

01/16/2025

100 years ago today the Vault at C. C. Peck's bank was blown open, but left two very disappointed burglars. Yeggs was a slang term for safecrackers from the beginning of the 20th century, probably related to a John Yegg, the alias of a bank robber at the turn of the 20th century. The yeggs were disappointed at Mr. Peck's bank as they couldn't actually access any cash, and even missed an envelope with a few bucks in it that was sitting in plain sight on a counter nearby. Police were left with few clues, although they did take some footprints from near by, but it wasn't much to go on.

The bank today was moved to the historic village at Goodells County Park run by the St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission. Have you been through the historic village?

01/15/2025

Excited to hrad to Grand Ledge this afternoon!

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday January 15, from 6pm - 7:30pm for Michigan History in Shipwrecks! [Registration Req.]

Shipwrecks are fascinating to divers, historians, and anyone with an imagination that's been near the lakes on a stormy day. Different wrecks can tell stories of courage and heroism, but also of cowardice and greed. They can also be used as a way to see the changing nature of shipping on the Great Lakes and the evolution of Michigan, from territory to frontier state to modern times. Join Historian Andrew Kercher and examine the historical past of our Great Lakes State! Ages 12+, registration required through our Event Calendar on gladl.org to ensure enough seating.

01/10/2025

60 years ago today, McMorran Auditorium was officially dedicated with huge public fanfare. There was, however, a pall that hung over the otherwise festive occasion and that was the unexpected death of patron Emma McMorran the night before the ribbon was to be cut. The massive civic center and downtown centerpiece had cost close to $3.5 million dollars provided by the McMorran Foundation. The Foundation was the legacy of Henry McMorran, born and raised in Port Huron who made millions as a capitalist in the dry goods and chicory trade before serving terms in Congress. HIs daughters Emma and Clara MacKenzie were dedicated to helping out the city, and came up with the idea for a large civic center and auditorium downtown when the old City Hall had burned in 1949.

The building is an architectural masterpiece by famed designer Alden Dow with sculptures called Day and Night out front designed by Marshall Fredricks. The opening dedication was made all the more special when before a sellout standing room only crowd, the news was delivered that in Emma McMorran’s last act while living, she had signed the paperwork to donate another $1.5 million to build what is now the attached McMorran Arena. The only empty seat in the house that night was on in the front row draped in black ribbon for the late patron who made the gift possible. She would further be honored by the construction of a large urn and bench that still sits on the corner out front of the recently renovated plaza. The Tower constructed in 1966 by her husband Andrew J. Murphy would also be dedicated to her honor. Today the junior arena and tower belong to SC4.

McMorran had had a large number of acts over the years, including Victor Borge, Johnny Cash, KISS, the Harlem Globetrotters and countless others. Who was the most famous act you ever saw in person at McMorran? Who would you like to come someday?

01/05/2025

A quick survey of some bumper stickers in downtown Port Huron half a century ago in 1975. Do you have any stickers on your car?

01/04/2025

80 years ago today, a Port Huron caravan was organized to help deliver trucks from Detroit to the East coast to waiting ships to deliver to the boys on the front line. The Port Huron men volunteered to drive, donated their 4 cents a mile pay to a local charity and got on a train back home.

The United States was in a unique position during WWII, especially by 1945, when production far outstripped every other country on the planet. More material from trucks and tanks to shirts, rifles and everything in between was pouring out of Michigan in particular, where Detroit was known as the Arsenal of Democracy. There were logistical bottlenecks to overcome in getting these much needed items to the front lines. Although humble, the duce and a half truck, known for carrying 2.5 tons was truly a war winning weapon as much as any bomber, tanks, or rifle.

Do you recognize any of the names in the article? Would you volunteer to drive a truck for Uncle Sam?

01/03/2025

100 years ago today, the first big fire of the year for 1925! The upstairs at 309 Huron burned completely, threatening both downtown and a well known business that we're lucky to still have around. The fire started between the floors and everything above the first floor had to be rebuilt, at a then expensive estimate of over $3,000! The business that was most impacted was Ullenbruch's Flowers and Gifts, which was underinsured, but able to continue selling flowers out of another location. They continue to sell today as quite possibly the oldest continually operating business in the city. The building was rebuilt, and building owners William Cosello and Mrs. M. Graziadei had their names placed on the top of the building where they can still be read today.

12/12/2024

It's always interesting to see a house when new compared to today. Take a look at this neat little bungalow that appeared brand new in the Times Herald this week 90 years ago in 1934. It still stands today, even with the little one car garage. I imagine the original owners would be quite surprised to see the pink Barbie car parked there today!

Are you lucky enough to have any old photos of your home?

12/09/2024

100 years ago today was Port Huron's first million dollar fire! Port Huron had a bad reputation for many fires over the years, and in 1924 it was the last of the major grain elevators in town. The Grand Trunk elevators at the foot of Minnie street would be consumed in a fire that could be seen for miles. Thousands would turn out as the early morning blaze consumed tens of thousands of bushels of mixed grains, and threatened to destroy the cargo barge Alexander Maitland. The ship's mooring ropes eventually burned away, but not before the ship was also on fire. It would drift to Marysville, where the hull got so hot it glowed red.

What's the biggest fire you remember seeing?

12/05/2024

Tonight! I'll be headed to Sterling Heights to talk all about the history of Michigan as told in 10 shipwrecks!

This Thursday! Register here: https://sterling-heights.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=116324

11/23/2024

11/20/2024

More than a Tower: Lighthouse Technology with Andrew Kercher

Michigan has 129 of them, but how do they work? Join us Monday, November 25, from 6 - 7 p.m., at the St. Clair Library to learn about the latest advancements in navigational aids and maritime safety. This informative session will explore the evolution of lighthouses from traditional structures to modern, technologically advanced beacons. From the early use of lenses and mirrors to the incorporation of electricity and automation, the lecture will highlight key milestones and innovations that have shaped the history of lighthouse technology.

For more information and to register, please call (810) 329-3951 or click here: https://sccl-mi.libcal.com/event/12886477?hs=a

11/19/2024

Happy 80th to Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home!

11/15/2024

Great Lakes Titanic: SS Eastland with Andrew Kercher

Although few know of it, anyone who hears the story will never forget it. The sinking of the SS Eastland, constructed in Port Huron, represents the most significant loss of life from a maritime disaster on the Great Lakes. Hear this thrilling tale at the G. Lynn Campbell Library on Thursday, November 21, from 6 - 7 p.m.

For more information and to register, please call (810) 982-9171 or click here: https://sccl-mi.libcal.com/event/12711211?hs=a

11/13/2024

Tonight! A new lecture in Wixom!

Historian Andrew Kercher will be back on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 6:30pm, to present the rise, fall, and rise again of the ‘Vehicle City’, Flint, MI - from motor city powerhouse to public health disaster to a community hard at work at making itself bigger and better than before.

Registration required at https://tinyurl.com/4butvfmw