In Berrien County’s orchard country, Eau Clair, Michigan, thrived in the early 20th century. This small town didn’t rely on tourism or trade routes—it relied on work. The people of Eau Clair were farmers, mill workers, railroad men, and basket weavers. They made things by hand and moved them by rail.
Playback speed
×
Share post
Share post at current time
Share from 0:00
0:00
/
0:00
Paid episode
The full episode is only available to paid subscribers of Explore Michigan & The Upper Great Lakes
History of Eau Clair, Michigan – A Working Town at the Turn of the Century - Video
In the early 1900s, Eau Clair was a hub for apples, crates, and hometown pride. The box factories ran hot, and baseball packed the stands. Did your family live here? Watch now
Jan 15, 2026
∙ Paid
Explore Michigan & Upper Great Lakes Podcast
The Upper Great Lakes podcast presents conversations and narratives tied to the people, places, and stories of Michigan and the wider Great Lakes region. Hosted on the UpperGreatLakes.com platform by Paul Austin, the show aligns with the site’s broader focus on regional travel and history, offering listeners an audio extension of that work, featuring interviews, reporting, and local insight.
Episodes center on subjects relevant to residents, visitors, and history-minded audiences, including the origins of small towns, the evolution of communities around the lakes, and firsthand accounts from individuals connected to the region. The tone aims to inform and engage those who care about northern Michigan’s heritage and the broader cultural currents shaping the Upper Great Lakes.
This podcast appeals to listeners interested in regional history, local travel narratives, and community perspectives. It suits those who want a deeper context on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and surrounding areas, including people planning visits, lifelong residents seeking fresh insights into familiar places, and history enthusiasts seeking stories grounded in authentic experiences and local voices.
The Upper Great Lakes podcast presents conversations and narratives tied to the people, places, and stories of Michigan and the wider Great Lakes region. Hosted on the UpperGreatLakes.com platform by Paul Austin, the show aligns with the site’s broader focus on regional travel and history, offering listeners an audio extension of that work, featuring interviews, reporting, and local insight.
Episodes center on subjects relevant to residents, visitors, and history-minded audiences, including the origins of small towns, the evolution of communities around the lakes, and firsthand accounts from individuals connected to the region. The tone aims to inform and engage those who care about northern Michigan’s heritage and the broader cultural currents shaping the Upper Great Lakes.
This podcast appeals to listeners interested in regional history, local travel narratives, and community perspectives. It suits those who want a deeper context on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and surrounding areas, including people planning visits, lifelong residents seeking fresh insights into familiar places, and history enthusiasts seeking stories grounded in authentic experiences and local voices.Listen on
Substack App
Spotify
RSS Feed
Appears in episode
Recent Episodes











