Kmart began as a small Detroit dime store in 1897. Today, only a handful of stores remain — but its impact on retail is everywhere.
Scott Winters
I’ve always been the kind of person who notices the things other people overlook — strange roadside attractions, forgotten pieces of history, unusual places, odd trends, and the little things in everyday life that make you stop and say, “Wait... when did that become normal?”
That curiosity is really what this blog is all about.
I’m especially drawn to the stories hiding in plain sight: a forgotten piece of Michigan history, a roadside attraction you’d never know was there, an old building with a story behind it, or some completely ordinary part of modern life that suddenly seems ridiculous when you think about it for more than five seconds.
Some days you’ll find a fascinating history story here. Other days I may take you along on a road trip, dig into something weird from Michigan’s past, share an interesting discovery, or simply rant about something in modern life that makes absolutely no sense.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I just enjoy asking the questions, digging around for the stories, and sharing the interesting things I find along the way.
My goal is simple:
Keep looking. Keep learning. And keep things interesting.
March 20 in History: Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, Kmart Founded, and the First U.S. Aircraft Carrier
On this day in history, March 20: Einstein publishes relativity, Kmart begins as a dime store, and the first U.S. aircraft carrier is commissioned. (READ MORE)
March 19, 1925: The Day Michigan Made Fishing Require a License
In 1925, Michigan made it illegal to fish without a license — sparking backlash and changing conservation forever.
March 19 in History: First U.S. Bank Robbery, Daylight Saving Time Approved, and Elvis Buys Graceland
On this day in history, March 19: the first U.S. bank robbery is reported, Congress approves Daylight Saving Time, and Elvis Presley buys Graceland. (READ MORE)
March 18 in History: American Express Founded, Electric Razor Introduced, and the Largest Art Heist in History
On this day in history, March 18: American Express is founded, the first electric razor is marketed, and the largest art robbery in history occurs at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. (READ MORE)
March 17 in History: First St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Empire State Building Construction, and Nevada Legalizes Gambling
On this day in history, March 17: the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in America takes place, construction begins on the Empire State Building, and Nevada legalizes gambling. (READ MORE)
March 16 in History: Lansing becomes Michigan’s capital, first liquid-fuel rocket launched & Dow Jones crossed 10,000 mark for the first time
On this day in history, March 16: Lansing becomes Michigan’s state capital, Robert H. Goddard launches the first liquid-fuel rocket, and the Dow Jones crosses the 10,000 mark for the first time. (READ MORE)