It is unimaginable to picture whole cities burning, much less whole counties, but that was the case in 1871, and then remarkably, ten years later again in 1881. The whole Michigan Thumb suffered two disastrous fires. The Thumb Fire of 1881 brought the American Red Cross to the first major disaster they brought relief to. The combination of the two fires marked the end of the lumber industry in the Thumb and the clearing of the land for agriculture. But that was the only benefit, as each fire brought over 200 dead, tens of thousands homeless, and thousands suffering burns, inhalation, smoke blindness, and more from the fires.

Significant Michigan forest fires from 1871 through 1911. Features the Metz Fire of 1908 and the Ausable-Oscoda Fire of 1911.

Discover how important railroads once were to Michigan's Thumb region in this wonderful collection of images. Although the area is best known for its agrarian roots, the railroad operations were involved in so much more, from light industries that fed the auto industry to shipments of fish from Saginaw Bay into eastern markets. Return to a time when everyone knew the route of the "Polly-Ann," local citizens identified the time of day by the sound of a train whistle, and the arrival of a train crew nearly doubled a town's population. Many of the images in this book have never been seen before, or, if so, only in a family's living room, soon to be returned to grandpa's trunk in the attic. These images surfaced to introduce future generations to what railroading in the Thumb once was. In an age when many of these railroad lines have disappeared, it can be hard to believe how many once crisscrossed this area.

Huron County, Michigan, was organized by the Michigan legislature in 1859 and quickly became known for its abundant natural resources-in particular, lumber. In the summer of 1881, disaster struck, as 1,500 square miles of forest burned. Huron County rose again, replacing lumbering with agriculture as its major industry. This agricultural tradition, along with commercial fishing, continues to this day. In Huron County, Michigan the Huron County Historical Society showcases the histories of the communities of Bad Axe, Bay Port and Ora Labora, Caseville, Elkton, Harbor Beach and Port Hope, Pigeon, Port Austin, Sebewaing, Ubly, and White Rock, using over 200 vintage photographs. Stop by the Caseville Mercantile or visit the old Caseville High School. Go back in time to the 1933 Sebewaing Farmers and Merchants parade that wound its way through the downtown area. A 1920s Prohibition scene comes to life in Bad Axe as Deputy Duncan McKenzie dumps illegal whiskey into the sewer at the site of today's "old City Hall."

Against the backdrop of an immortal War that has entered into its final chapter... A girl and a boy from a ravaged planet hope to start the first chapter of their new lives... But no one could see what was lurking in the darkness that lies beyond what their eyes can see... THE SAGA BUILDING UP FOR A THOUSAND MILLENNIA... IS FINALLY READY TO BE TOLD..... The story begins as an Empire that spreads across an entire star system starts preparing for an inevitable war against an unseen enemy from beyond the realm of the known, an enemy that is determined to destroy everything and at any cost. Leading the defenses of The Empire are The Imperium who have gathered a group youngsters from far and wide to begin their initiation into their ranks before the war begins... and within this group, there are two that stand out... a girl and a boy... They stand out as they are the first of their people to be allowed a chance to enter the ranks of The Imperium in generations as it was generations ago that their people had lead rebellion against The Empire. This rebellion had failed and as a result their people were pushed into exile, an exile that only came to an abrupt end when this War came calling... but with them now being cautiously welcomed back into the mainstream fold opportunities such as having their representatives being allowed an opportunity to be a part of The Imperium have now become a reality. But even within The Empire there still whispers of discontentment amongst those who continue to feel they should be more careful in extending this welcome... Against this backdrop, this fast-paced story will introduce you to a diverse cast of authentic characters that come together to bring this world alive! This is their story. The story of how they try and find a place for themselves in a changing new world as their old world begins to collapse... two lost souls alone in the vast star system trying to help each other find their true paths... just as a great War charges ahead on its path to them! DESTINIES WILL BE CHANGED... LIVES WILL BE LOST... WHEN THE PAST & PRESENT COLLIDE! This is the story of an epic war between Darkness & Light... the story of how an immortal war finally died... this is the story of the Dance of Darkness & Light... Witness the beginning of the end with... Episode 1...

Report on the Michigan Forest Fires of 1881 by William Bailey O., first published in 1882, is a rare manuscript, the original residing in one of the great libraries of the world. This book is a reproduction of that original, which has been scanned and cleaned by state-of-the-art publishing tools for better readability and enhanced appreciation. Restoration Editors' mission is to bring long out of print manuscripts back to life. Some smudges, annotations or unclear text may still exist, due to permanent damage to the original work. We believe the literary significance of the text justifies offering this reproduction, allowing a new generation to appreciate it.

Eastern Michigan's vanished boomtowns and villages are uncovered and revisited in this fascinating look at the history of the lost settlements around Detroit and the Great Lakes. Many of eastern Michigan's old boomtowns and sleepy villages are faded memories. Nature reclaimed the ruins of some while progress paved over the rest. Discover the stories of lost communities hidden in plain sight or just off the beaten track. The vanished religious colony of Ora Labora fell into a state of near-constant inebriation when beer became the only safe liquid to drink. Lake St. Clair swallowed up the unique currency of Belvidere along with the place that issued it. Abandoned towns still crumble within Detroit's city limits. Alan Naldrett delves into the fascinating history of eastern Michigan's lost settlements.