Michigan Minute WKAR Public Media

1917: Birth of Hollywood actress Lorna Gray in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She starred alongside Buster Keaton and The Three Stooges, and portrayed Gail Richards in the first film adaptation of Captain America in 1944. 1883: Grand Rapids experienced one of the largest log jams in U.S. history due to heavy summer rains. The jam on the Grand River reached 30 feet deep and 7 miles long, taking loggers four days and nights to clear. The incident partially destroyed two train bridges at Fulton and Wealthy streets in downtown Grand Rapids.

1974: The US Supreme Court ruled against the NCAA's lawsuit challenging Michigan Governor Milliken's busing practices in Detroit, which ultimately exacerbated racial segregation and spurred 'White Flight' to the suburbs. 1966: Michigan Secretary of State James Hare appointed 26-year-old Gordon Alexander as the state's second-ever Ombudsman. Alexander served as the liaison for addressing grievances against the state government, initially earning a salary of $10,500. His appointment was not publicly disclosed until three weeks later, as reported by the Cass City Chronicle newspaper.

1880: Grand Rapids Electric Light & Power Company launched the world’s first commercial central station hydroelectric power plant, powered by Wolverine Chair & Furniture Company’s water turbine. 1963: Julie Krone, born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, became the first woman to win a Triple Crown race in 1993 with Colonial Affair at the Belmont Stakes. Inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 2000, she overcame severe injuries to be hailed as one of USA Today’s toughest athletes and received the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award from the Women’s Sports Foundation.

On this day over 40 years ago, a major race riot erupted in Detroit. Triggered by a police raid on an illegal bar, the riot quickly escalated, leading to eight days of violence. Michigan Governor George Romney deployed State Police and later the National Guard to restore order. The riot left a devastating toll: 43 dead, 1,700 stores looted, over 7,200 arrests, and $50 million in property damage. President Lyndon Johnson responded by establishing the Kerner Commission to investigate the underlying causes of civil unrest in American cities.

1930: Detroit recalled Mayor Charles Bowles over corruption and KKK ties, marking a historic event in U.S. city politics, fueled by the Detroit Free Press's advocacy. 1911: The first Boy Scouts embarked from Whitehall near Muskegon on their inaugural journey to Camp Owasippe by Crystal Lake, promoting values like loyalty and bravery.

On this day in 1951, Robin Williams, renowned actor and comedian, was born. During his early teens, he lived in Michigan when his father was transferred to Detroit for work. Williams excelled in academics, sports, and even served as class president before the family later moved to California. His diverse legacy includes iconic roles in "Mork and Mindy," "Dead Poet’s Society," "Good Will Hunting," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Jumanji," and "Night at the Museum."