Ford’s Quadricycle & the 20 MPH Revolution | June 4

Ford’s Quadricycle & the 20 MPH Revolution | June 4

On this day in 1896, Henry Ford test drove his first gas-powered vehicle—the Quadricycle—paving the road to the future of automobiles.

Pocket Protectors & Practical Invention | June 3

On this day in 1943, Michigan’s Hurley Smith patented the pocket protector—creating a simple, smart fix for ink stains and worn-out shirts.

Galarraga's Imperfect Game & 28 Outs | June 2

On this day in 2010, Armando Galarraga lost a perfect game on a missed call, resulting in the now-legendary “28-out perfect game.”

Company K & The Rise of Dodge Main | June 1

On this day in 1863, Michigan began recruiting Native Americans to form Company K, an all-Indigenous Civil War unit that fought with distinction under a live eagle mascot. And in 1910, the Dodge brothers broke ground on their massive Hamtramck factory, transforming the town into a bustling hub of Polish-American industry—until its closure in 1980.

Soo Canal Opens & Kellogg's Breakfast Flakes| May 31

On this day in 1855, the Soo Canal linking Lake Huron and Lake Superior was opened. And in 1884, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patented wheat flakes, revolutionizing breakfast.