Before and after the turn of the 20th century, spring in Ann Arbor brought parades, circuses, and attendant student mischief – including an elephant stampede set off by hooligans tossing firecrackers.

Though lauded as one of the most influential presidents ever to helm U-M, James B. Angell was not keen on Michigan at first. It took two years, three offers, and a barrage of letters, telegrams, queries, and concessions to lure the beloved ‘Prexy’ to Ann Arbor.

The first and arguably greatest American novel about a scientist — Sinclair Lewis’ Pulitzer Prize-winning Arrowsmith — never could have been written without the real-life character Lewis found at U-M. But the writer never delivered the credit he promised.

Handwritten letters between the greatest Detroit Tiger of all time and his physician, U-M Regent Charles S. Kennedy, reveals a kinder, gentler Cobb than common lore dictates.

History nuts and people who like old stuff — really, really old stuff, like Civil War diaries with bullet holes in them — should enjoy this episode of Listen in, Michigan, as we enter the inner sanctum of the University of Michigan’s Bentley Historical Library.

The grounds of the University president’s house over many decades reflect changes in the nature of campus life at Michigan.

Frank Beaver celebrates the Wolverines’ love for late announcer Bob Ufer, star of a new documentary.

Zina Pitcher, an unsung hero of U-M’s earliest years, was a doctor, soldier, politician, and botanist.

In this episode, raconteur and University of Michigan grad John U. Bacon regales the listener with tales – heartfelt and hilarious – culled from a 25-year career covering sports. His new book features ‘select cuts,’ showcasing Michigan heroes Bo Schembechler and Jim Abbott, as well as Detroit legends Ernie Harwell, Joe Louis, and more.