John Robinson was raised in Stockbridge and began his media career at age 15 playing bass guitar and singing in a local rock band. From there he went into radio after receiving his license in 1974, along with being a TV host, author (ten books published to date), columnist, actor, producer, and emcee. He's been honored as Contributor of the Year by Townsquare Media and has also received a President's Club Award. His passions are all kinds of pop culture and Michigan history.
John Robinson
“The Oil Capital of Michigan” – Mount Pleasant, 1928-1970s
It's known as "The Oil Capital of Michigan" even though the supply of oil didn't last long. Here's info and vintage photos of Mount Pleasant from 1900-1911...
From Cascade to Okemos: 10 More Former Michigan Drive-in Theaters
From Cascade to Okemos, here are ten more former drive-in theaters around Michigan - some completely with no trace at all...
Little Nemo in Slumberland: Created by a Man from Spring Lake, Michigan
One of America's most popular comic strips over 100 years ago and a 1989 movie - all began with this man from Spring Lake, Michigan...
Abandoned Radio Tower Sits in the Clinton, Michigan Countryside
Out in the countryside lies this deserted radio tower; here are photos including a view from the top...
AC Spark Plugs: Created in Michigan, Early 1900s
After a car crash left a man's leg two inches shorter, he went on to create AC Spark Plugs. Here's some brief info...
Inside an Abandoned Farmhouse with Marijuana Growing Room: Union City, Michigan
That's right...whole plants of marijuana were left behind to dry, decay, and rot. Here's a look inside...
Inside the Abandoned Star Theatre: Taylor, Michigan
This theater was only open for 23 years before it permanently closed. Here's a look inside after it shut down over a decade ago...
How Flint, Michigan Got Its Name and Its Growth Years, 1855-1920s
Here are vintage photos of Flint from 1899-1924 and a bio of its earliest years before their major problems began...
The Village of Elwell and Its Stone Sanitarium: Gratiot County, Michigan
Here are some "then-and-now" images of Elwell going back to 1900 and its former stone sanitarium, still standing...
Creator of the Comic Strip “Cathy” Grew Up in Midland, Michigan
Growing up in Michigan gave her inspirations for personal cartoons that eventually became a national comic strip favorite. Here's her story and a few photos...