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
Ghost Town or Shadow Town? Pierport in Manistee County, Michigan
Typhoid wiped out many residents, businesses folded, and the remaining people fled. Here are a few facts about Pierport and a few photos...
The Things That Make Adrian One of Our Most Historic Michigan Cities: 1898-1922
Adrian was once "The Fence Capital of the World"? Yes, it was, among other things. Info and lots of vintage photos are here...
Abandoned Deer Forest a Few Years Later (Updated 2024): Coloma, Michigan
Closed since 2015, we paid a visit to the abandoned Deer Forest a few years ago...now take another look, with photos updated in 2024...
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...
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...
Old Michigan Sinclair Gas Stations: 1920s-1960s
Once upon a time, travelers looked forward to seeing the sign with the big green brontosaurus, now gone. Here's a quick look at some of Michigan's Sinclair gas stations...
Inside a Discontinued Taco Bell in Warren, Michigan
It looks as if it was a pretty decent Taco Bell, so why did it close? Here's a look inside...
Blackmailer, Pickpocket, Shoplifter, Thief: Sophie Lyons of Detroit: 1848-1924
The first time she was arrested, she was three years old...she was even put on trial...and that was just the beginning. Here's more about Detroit's notorious Sophie Lyons...
The Most Remote State Park in Michigan
Monster fish, black bear, and remote campsites you have to hike to. Sound good? Take a look at Michigan's Most Remote State Park...
The Remains of Old 1700s Kilns Still Stand on Michigan’s Lime Island
Old stone kilns, a 1912 school house and more are just some of the cool things to see when you visit Lime Island! Here are photos so you can see for yourself...