Del Shannon and Michigan ~ December 30, 1934 - February 8, 1990

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Charles Westover grew up in this house in Coopersville, Michigan.

His music is his legacy, and sadly he ended his own life in 1990 while living in California. His ashes may be scattered but the music world still remembers him and his music.

Del Shannon first performed "Runaway" in the Hi-Lo club that was located on this spot in Battle Creek.

The historical museum in Coopersville has a small collection of Del Shannon memorabilia.

I had hoped for more but still appreciated this museum with an alcove devoted to Del.

Coopersville remembers its favorite son with a huge car show every year. He probably would have liked that.

Sojourner Truth 1797 - November 26, 1883 ~ Battle Creek, Michigan

 

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery as Isabella Bomfree sometime in or around 1797. After getting her freedom, she became an outspoken advocate of abolition and a champion of civil and women's rights. The end of her life was spent in Battle Creek, Michigan, where she was buried.

We went to find Sojouner Truth's gravesite in the winter but the snow was deeper than we anticipated when we arrived at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Up to my knees 😮

We returned this Spring when the snow was gone.

There is a large sculpture of Sojourner in downtown Battle Creek. Winter photos are followed by photos from our Spring visit.

This panel provides her given name and why she changed it.

This is the only known example of her signature.

This mural can be found at 17 W Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek.

You can stand in her footprints in Quaker Park (63 Groveland St, Battle Creek), the site of the church where Sojourner sang.

The Battle Creek History Museum has a small exhibit about Sojourner's life.

At the time of our visit, there were hats available that had been painted by a descendant of Sojourner, and this one came home with me.

This photo also hangs in the Clinton Presidential Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas.

She is honored in the Capitol in Washington D.C.

What a woman and what a life 💗