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Before the Bridge - Story of the Mackinac Straits Ferries |
This is the story of the fleet of ferries and their predecessors that formed the first link between Michigan's two peninisulas. Today travelers cross the Mackinac Straits via the Mackinac Bridge without ever leaving their cars, but untill 1957 it was necessary to take a break from driving in order to cross via one of the many state-operated ferries. The carferries operated along with the famous train ferry "Cheif Wawatam". While the 'Chief' operated into the 1970's, carferry service ended on November 1, 1957 (after the Mighty Mac was opened). Take a trip with us back in time and see what straits travel was like before the bridge. Through the use of rare color footage and interviews with former ferry workers, we'll make this journey possible. | DVD | 55 minutes | grades 4-12 |
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Building the Mighty Mac |
Building the Mighty Mac is an award-winning documentary about the Mackinac Bridge. The program was produced in Hollywood by Mark Howell and includes extremely rare 16 mm color footage showing all stages of the bridge’s construction. These digitally restored archival finds are blended with interviews with those who helped build the structure, presenting a fast-moving, informative program, fun for all ages to enjoy. Recently, more rare color footage of the bridge’s construction was located, restored and added to the program. | DVD | 60 minutes | grades 4-12 | Plus: Includes Two Fully Restored Bonus Documentary Films !! - Miracle Bridge Over Mackinac (DVD - 30 Minutes) and Mackinac Bridge Diary (DVD - 30 Minutes)
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Ballooning, Blimps and Airship |
The Producers of this program, Al and Dave Eicher, have spent 8 years researching historic events in Michigan and Ohio relating to man’s involvement in flight. Over 500 scenes were gathered from old photos, vintage movie films and artwork to build a timeline of events. The documentary covers the 19th century experiments, the Civil War, WWI and WWII. Movie footage of the Gordon Bennet Balloon Races show the WJR Radio Balloon and other Michigan Balloon entries. In 1998, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. commissioned the Eicher’s to produce a video documentary for their 100th Anniversary. Information was also found in more than 50 newspapers throughout Michigan and Ohio. This documentary also covers the history of the U.S. Navy’s Rigid Airships, the Akron, Macon, Los Angeles and the Shenandoah, plus the Hindenburg and the Graf Zeppelin, made in Germany. 42 minutes plus historic previews.
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Life in the 30's - Summertime |
Fascinating archival film footage provides an entertaining look at what people did for fun when money was scarce. The old swimming hole, fishing in a pond, running a lemonade stand, picking berries, and soapbox carts are among the interesting scenes.
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Life in the 30's - Winter |
Life in the depression years during the colder months is shown through entertaining archival film. Many activities are shown, including a one-boy-one-dog sled race, a wild ride on a sled tethered to a wind driven iceboat, daring and dangerous bobsled rides and vintage ski jumping.
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Charles Lindberg Family |
While the emphasis of this video is on the life of the famous flyer of Little Falls and his early life in Minnesota, this program also traces the origin of his family in the state.
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The Communist Movement |
This is the story of the communist movement during the depression years in the upper midwest. It follows the story of Illimy (lastname) who grew up in a minnesota homestead farm and eventually moved with her family to Russia following dreams of a better life.
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End of the Big Lie - Russia |
Life in Russia before and after communisim. Story is brought to life through stories and first hand accounts of life behind the 'iron curtain'
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Civilian Conservation Corps MI |
The immeasurable contributions and the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps are told in this video. This is an inspiring story of a federal-state program that employed thousands of destitute young men during the depression years.
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The Orphan Train |
From the 1850’s to the 1930’s, more than 250,000 orphans from New York City and Boston were sent westward. The train made many stops along the way as married couples picked out the boy or girl they wanted. Michigan was one of many middle western states to take in 12,500 children from 3 to 16 years of age. Captivating stories, eyewitnesses and photos make this a very special documentary.
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