Sparty Statue & Michigan State Pride | June 9

Sparty Statue & Michigan State Pride | June 9

On this day in 1945, Michigan State unveiled the original Sparty statue, symbolizing decades of Spartan athletic spirit and achievement.

Flint-Beecher Tornado & Michigan’s Dark Day | June 8

On this day in 1953, an F5 tornado tore through Genesee County, killing 116 and injuring hundreds more in one of Michigan’s deadliest storms.

Battle Creek Belle & A League of Her Own | June 7

On this day in 1932, Mary Moore was born in Detroit. She played for the Battle Creek Belles and slid into home in A League of Their Own.

D-Day Orders & A Saginaw Soldier's Story | June 6

On this day in 1944, Gen. Eisenhower gave his D-Day orders to Lt. Wallace Strobel of Saginaw, Michigan—captured in a now-iconic photo turned postage stamp.

Elly Peterson & Michigan’s Political Firsts | June 5

On this day in 1914, Elly Peterson was born—becoming the first woman to lead a major Michigan political party and a pioneer for women in politics.