Local historian Bill Loomis covers the big events and remarkable stories of life and culture from Detroit’s founding to its recent struggles and rebirth. One day at a time, discover colorful Motor City moments in history spanning more than three centuries. Here’s just a few highlights: On Nov. 5, 1851, Voice of the Fugitive published a letter in support of escaped slaves. On July 3, 1904, Monk Parry became the first monkey to drive a car. on Jan. 16, 1919, the Statler Hotel menu offered whale meat for dinner. And the legendary Steve Yzerman was named captain of the Red Wings on Oct. 7, 1986.

Author Loomis is the author of Detroit’s Delectable Past (2012), Detroit Food (2014), and numerous articles on culinary and social history. His writing has been published in The Detroit News, Michigan History Magazine, New York Times, Hour Detroit, and more. Loomis lives in Ann Arbor with his wife and children.