1945 World Series footage of Detroit Tigers versus Chicago Cubs

Major League postseason play kicks off today and my beloved Tigers didn't make it (again) this year. Here is a look back at some footage of the Tigers 1945 World Series victory over the Chicago Cubs. Hank Greenberg made his triumphant return from WWII after his discharge in June of 1945 to lead the Tigers to the championship. Although his legs weren't the same as when he left the game when drafted into service in 1941, Hammerin' Hank's bat was still crushing the ball. A grand slam in the final game of the 1945 season clinched the pennant for the Tigers. They would go on to win the 1945 World Series against the Cubs 4 games to 3.

At the end of the clip below you will see Hank Greenberg smash a grand slam home run in Game 7. It was part of a five-run first inning that propelled the Tigers to the victory, 9-3.

On a side note, the 1945 World Series is also the start of the famed "Billy Goat Curse" when Billy Sianis brought his goat to Wrigley Field for Game 4 of the series. He and his goat were denied admission to the game so he put a 'hex' on the team.

Five things to do in Michigan this weekend 10/1-10/3

This weekend Flannel Festivals, lumberjack meals, sweet chocolate, and vintage restored trains will be celebrated and enjoyed across Michigan.

1. Fayette State Park Fall Festival 10/2. Enjoy hayrides, campsite decorating, haunted trail, and more family-friendly activities at historic Fayette.
2. Lumberjack Breakfast and Logging Contests at The Tahquamenon Logging Museum - 10/2. Breakfast runs from 7am to 12pm and costs $7.50. You will enjoy a "breakfast of bacon, eggs, homemade sausage, pancakes and fried potatoes cooked over an authentic wood stove and served in the Cook Shack as it was done 100 years ago."
3. Cedar Springs Red Flannel Festival 10/1 - 10/2. Events include a lumberjack supper, entertainment, bed races, arts & crafts, a parade, and more.
4. This is the last weekend for the Michigan Renaissance Festival up in Holly - 10/1 - 10/3. The weekend's theme is their 10th annual Chocolate Festival.
5. Railroad Enthusiasts will be gathering in Grayling 10/2 - 10/3. There will be opportunities to view and ride in restored passenger coaches, LEGO train display, Model Train Show & Swap, Farmer's Market, Tractor Show, and many more events around Grayling.

Limited number of collectible Mackinac Bridge posters available

The Michigan E-Store has a black and white print of the Mackinac Bridge (30" by 12") available for $6 (which includes shipping and handling). This was one of the four posters designed to commemorate the bridge's 50th anniversary back in 2007. The original four posters sold out rather quickly so I don't expect this one to be available for long. Purchase the Mackinac Bridge poster

New State Park 'Recreation Passport' is coming October 1st

You will now have an easier (and cheaper!) way to visit state parks here in Michigan. Beginning October 1st, for an additional $10 on your license plate/tab renewal you can get the "Recreation Passport" which gets you in to all 98 Michigan state parks and recreation areas. All you have to do is check 'Yes' on your license tab renewal form. The $10 fee replaces the $24 fee that was charged for the windshield sticker. I always thought it was a pretty good deal at $24, but at $10 it's a no-brainer.

You can be traveling around Michigan and pull into any state park or recreation area knowing you don't have to fork over $6 for a day pass. I know that when we have the state park pass we use it all the time by stopping in at the nearest state park when we're on the road. If you have it, you use it.

How will the Michigan State Park service know I paid the $10?

When you check 'Yes' and pay the $10 fee you will receive a sticker to place on your license plate. If you don't have the passport and decide to stop in at a state park you "will be required to purchase the Recreation Passport (for a possibly higher fee)."

Check out Michigan.gov for more information on the "Recreation Passport."

Five Things to do in Michigan this weekend 9/24-9/26

This weekend's Top Five list takes you from the village of Clinton on up to Leelanau State Park. Get out and enjoy some Pure Michigan this weekend!

1. Clinton's Fall Festival - 9/24-9/26. They pack a lot of events into their annual festival - car show, live music, hundreds of arts & crafts vendors, food, bull riding, and a huge parade.
2. Detroit History Highlights Trolley Tours - 9/25. "Climb aboard our nostalgic trolley and enjoy a ride back in time as our experienced guides present the real Detroit story and its role in shaping our nation and the world."
3. 19th Century Lumber Days at Hartwick Pines State Park - 9/24-9/26. "Historic logging demonstrations, Musical/entertainment programs, other historical activities and demonstrations."
4. Curran Black Bear Festival 9/25-9/26. Visit the "Black Bear Capitol of Michigan" this weekend for "displays and information about black bears as well as woodcarvers, live music, wildlife exhibit, vendors and crafts, and food."
5. Leelanau State Park Harvest Festival - 9/25. "Event has an agricultural background with various vendors displaying products, conducting educational programs, leading games and outdoor activities such as nature hikes, apple press/cider making, candle making, nature craft making."

Bonus - Corn mazes and apple orchards abound across Michigan. Check here for a statewide listing and find one close to you!

Double Bonus - enjoy this unofficial Pure Michigan ad created by Leclerc Brothers Motion Pictures.

Detroit Skyline at Night circa 1915

I found this interesting old shot of the Detroit city skyline at night while poking around at the Library of Congress website. The photo was taken between 1900 and 1915 and shot from Windsor.