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The next stop on the Discover Kalamazoo County Tour takes us south and east of Kalamazoo, to the Village of Climax. As we learn from Climax podcaster Kevin Harvey (whose parents oversee the Prairie Historical Society in town), Climax has a proud history. That includes the first U.S. Post Office Rural Free Delivery service in …
Part of the greater Kalamazoo area, the Discover Kalamazoo County Tour takes us next to Oshtemo Township. On Kalamazoo’s western border, Oshtemo (pronounced OSH-teh-mo) and its stakeholders are connected to central city Kalamazoo. Still, the township boasts a vibrant and peaceful neighborhoods, as well as recreational and historic spaces like the Historic Drake House. Oshtemo …
This episode of the Discover Kalamazoo County Tour takes us to the Village of Schoolcraft, Michigan. About 13 miles south from downtown Kalamazoo, Schoolcraft features a mix of historical buildings and a vibrant downtown with shops and restaurants. Nancy Rafferty and Steve Waldron offer a lively and engaging discussion about some of the historical attractions …
This time, our Discover Kalamazoo County Tour takes us to the Village of Richland, about 9 miles north and east of downtown Kalamazoo. Thought to be named for the rich soil settlers discovered back in 1830 on the edge of what is known as Gull Prairie, this episode centers around the Richland town square. Just …
Known as the “village with a vision”, Vicksburg is about a 30-minute drive south from downtown Kalamazoo. With a historic but modern and vibrant downtown, Vicksburg is also home to a historic village and Depot Museum, as well as a former paper mill – known today as The Mill at Vicksburg – it is now …
At times, you have seen the events and programs Chamber members benefit from. You may even have wondered, “Maybe it’s time for me to join the Chamber.” In this episode, Southwest Michigan First Chamber Director Clarence Lloyd helps Kalamazoo County business leaders (and others!) think about a few reasons NOT to join – and several …
The fifth and final Discover Kalamazoo Historic Walking Tour downtown episodes focuses on some of the historic homes on Kalamazoo’s South Street. Some of the homes seen on these blocks are its most beautiful, intricate and connected to families with prominent histories in Kalamazoo. Historian, author and curator of the Western Michigan University Legacy Collections, Lynn Houghton …
In the fourth episode of the Discover Kalamazoo Historic Walking Tour series, front-and-center is the city’s first business district. Historian, author and curator of the Western Michigan University Legacy Collections, Lynn Houghton starts at the corner of Portage Street and East Michigan Avenue, pointing out why the area is named “Haymarket” – along with some other …
