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
Michigan’s ‘Bates Motel’ – The Abandoned Star Lite Motel, Albion
Just off Michigan Avenue near Albion lies the abandoned Bates...er, Star Lite Motel, opened in 1952, closed in the 2010s. Take a look in and around the grounds...
What Happened to the Wrigley’s Supermarkets in Michigan?
I remember Wrigley supermarkets, but never went to one. Are there any left in Michigan? Here's some scant info and a few photos...
Photo Gallery: Jackson, Michigan in the 1940s
It was wartime. Michigan towns and cities did their best to keep morale high and people entertained. Here's how it looked in Jackson back in the 1940s...
The Vicksburg Spiritualist Camp – Kalamazoo County, Michigan: 1884-1900s
Spiritualism was at its peak in the late 1800s-early 1900s, and Michigan had its share of Spiritualist camps. Check out this one that popped up in Vicksburg...
Johnny Ginger: The Man Who Introduced The Three Stooges to Michigan, 1957
If it wasn't for this former standup comedian, maybe we wouldn't have known about The Three Stooges for years. Here's a look at the man who first showed us those films...
Michigan’s Oldest, Still-Operating Restaurant
This landmark Michigan eatery hit its 193rd birthday in 2024...and still operating...
The Only Venomous Snake in Michigan
I always thought there were more, but I was wrong...this is the only venomous snake in Michigan...Here are photos and info...
Here’s Where You’ll Find the #1 Pasty in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
It's a tie for The Number One Pasty in the Upper Peninsula. Find out where, and also see other pasty shops you should try...
The Abandoned Flint Mobile Home Park, Before & After Demolition
This park was in serious deterioration before it was demolished....
Three Forgotten Michigan Communities; Places That Had Promise but Failed
One in Ionia County, Kent County, and another in Delta County, these three communities just didn't grow. Here are a few photos and brief details...