Mike Dell's World
Welcome to the world of Mike Dell—where tech, storytelling, and a bit of off-the-cuff wisdom collide. Broadcasting from Northern Michigan, Mike shares his thoughts on podcasting, technology, travel, aviation, and whatever else crosses his radar. No script
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Part 2 – Downtown Traverse City – Then and Now
Host Mike Dell continues his exploration of Traverse City, focusing on Union Street and reminiscing about the area. He begins by revisiting Front Street, mentioning the Beetle Building—a structure he associates with childhood memories of a Big Boy restaurant. He shares how the building has changed over time, including the closure of Mackinac Brewing and the presence of shops like Hocus Pocus, a magic store where he bought tricks as a kid. Transitioning to Union Street, Mike describes its location on the west end of downtown Traverse City, starting at the bay and discussing the former Morgan McCool fruit processing plant, known for processing Motts apple products. After the plant’s closure, the land was donated to the college, and the area was transformed into an open space that hosts the National Cherry Festival and other events. As Mike moves further into the episode, he details various buildings and businesses along Union Street. He describes a large apartment building, previously home to a gas station and a bank, and mentions parking lots and city parking behind those buildings. He reminisces about a fire that affected a building housing a café called “The Dish,” recounting its history and the local establishment Mel G’s Music Shop, where he and fellow band members would purchase instruments. Continuing his trip down memory lane, Mike mentions a pizza place called Papa Jay’s with an arcade and the bar zone that exists along Union Street, detailing Union Street Station and the now-closed Bill’s Dills, known for karaoke. He reflects on both establishments’ significance in local nightlife and connects back to his personal memories associated with them, including a karaoke mistress named Laura. Mike shares tidbits about local bars, like Brady’s bar, which has been a staple in the community, and its menu highlighting bluegill fish. He briefly touches on the history of gas stations and notable locations like a mechanic shop that was formerly a gas station. As he wraps up this extensive recounting, he shares memories of City Bike Shop, where he purchased his bicycle and had it serviced, and mentions Fivensons, known for their memorable TV commercials. After a lengthy trip through the history of Union Street and its surroundings, he concludes by discussing upcoming episodes and the intent to continue providing content as part of National Podcast Post Month. Mike thanks his listeners for staying engaged and expresses excitement about future topics, hinting at an aviation-related episode to come, before signing off.
Part 1 – Downtown Traverse City – Then and Now
Link to Stacy’s video in 1984: https://www.c-span.org/program/interview/staceys-restaurant/93196 In this episode of “Mike Dell’s World,” titled “A Nostalgic Stroll Through Traverse City,” host Mike Dell introduces the topic of downtown Traverse City, emphasizing a nostalgic look back at its history rather than focusing solely on the present. Mike begins by acknowledging the show’s date and hinting at an initial plan to discuss November in Traverse City, but decides instead to dive into the broader topic of the downtown area across time. He sets the scene, noting the arrival of colder weather and the first snowfall, which influences his nostalgic mood. Moving into descriptions, he outlines what constitutes downtown Traverse City from Pine Street to the parkway, mentioning key landmarks. He describes the historic Fifth Third Bank building, originally the Traverse City State Bank, highlighting its iconic dome and heated sidewalks which prevent snow from accumulating. Mike reflects on his childhood memories of the bank’s motorized revolving door. Next, he discusses the Park Place Hotel, which dates back to 1930, remarking on its lighthouse beacon. He shares memories of the City Opera House, built in 1890, mentioning various performances he has attended there, including a local gala and shows by notable entertainers. Mike recounts the transformation of several buildings over the years, such as the former True Value Hardware store, which was affected by fire and later revamped into storefronts. He praises Traverse City for having a thriving downtown despite the convenience of big box stores outside the city. The conversation continues to the Whiting Hotel, recalling its reputation as a cheap stay in the 70s and 80s and its current transformation into upscale apartments. He discusses the Hannah Lay building, emphasizing its historical significance related to lumber baron Perry Hannah, and recalls various stores that were once located there. Mike also brings up the Michigan and State theaters, noting their similar designs and contrasting them with the local roller skating rink that used to be underneath the Michigan theater. He reminisces about his childhood experiences there and the eventual transformations of both theaters into new spaces. He describes the rise of Horizon Books, which evolved from a small store to a large community-centered bookstore featuring a café, music events, and book signings, emphasizing its importance in the downtown culture. As he moves forward, Mike reflects on his family’s past with Doll’s Restaurant, once owned by his grandfather, and highlights both the uniqueness and character of various now-defunct eateries, including Stacy’s and the Beanpot. The episode concludes with Mike discussing local radio history and the significance of old establishments like Murray’s Boats and Motors. He emphasizes the growth and change within Traverse City’s downtown while sharing personal anecdotes and fond memories from his life. Ultimately, Mike notes that he intends to continue the exploration of downtown Traverse City in a subsequent episode, specifically focusing on Union Street and the surrounding area. He wraps up this episode at the twenty-eight-minute mark, indicating a follow-up discussion is imminent.
Take The Long Way Home
In this episode of “Mike Dell’s World,” titled “Taking the Long Way Home,” host Mike Dell begins by ensuring the recording is set up correctly while joking about keeping his dog, Benny, from interfering. After greeting listeners with various times of day, Mike shares that he just had lunch at Burger King with Benny, who enjoyed a plain hamburger. Mike introduces the episode’s topic of taking the long way home, explaining that he enjoys scenic routes rather than the quickest paths back to his house. He describes driving along Five Mile Road and discusses the area around him, including its woodlands and the slight elevations. As he drives, he comments on the beautiful weather—55 degrees and sunny—with the fall colors still visible but past their peak. As he navigates the roads, Mike reminisces about his family’s history in the area, including his uncle’s place from the 1970s. He mentions the names of several lakes, emphasizing the beauty and charm of taking slower, scenic routes through the Forest Lakes area and reflecting on past experiences from his childhood. Mike encounters some minor driving challenges, like getting caught behind other vehicles and needing to manage his dog’s comfort with the seatbelt and windows. He shares details about a road known as Supply Road, which is popular among car enthusiasts and motorcyclists for its curves and scenic beauty. He also contrasts Supply Road with M-22, another renowned highway in Michigan, sharing anecdotes about local tourism and roadside attractions, including a t-shirt company that has trademarked the highway sign. As he nears his home, Mike discusses the significance of local landmarks like Roy’s General Store, mentioning its array of products and offerings. Towards the end of the episode, Mike reflects on the seasonal changes in Michigan, humorously commenting on the challenges of construction and tourist traffic that occur throughout the year. he expresses his intention to record more mobile podcasts and hints at doing a podcast from the airport soon. As he approaches home, he remarks on the challenges of navigating traffic lights and concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more. Throughout the episode, Mike creates a humorous and laid-back atmosphere while sharing his thoughts and experiences on the joys of taking the long way home.
Just Another Fast Food Building
Before it was “110 Munson Ave” The site used to be addressed as 1504 E. Front Street in Traverse City. Back then it was part of the old fast food strip east of downtown. At some point in the early 1990s, that section was renumbered/reassigned and the same building became 110 Munson Ave (Munson Ave and E. Front basically merge/split in that corridor). So: same physical spot, two different street numbers over time. The business history, oldest to newest Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips (late 1970s / very early 1980s) One of the classic British-style fried fish & chips chains. The Traverse City location was listed at 1504 E. Front St., which is the same building that later became 110 Munson Ave. Arthur Treacher’s expanded hard in the ‘70s/early ‘80s and then started fading nationally in the mid-’80s. The Traverse City shop was part of that early wave. Burger Square (≈1981–1984) After Arthur Treacher’s left, the spot became Burger Square around 1981. Locals describe Burger Square as a slider/burger place, kind of White Castle-ish. It only lasted a few years, into the mid-1980s. Dairy Queen (mid-1980s to early 1990s) After Burger Square, the same building turned into a Dairy Queen. Sources say that Dairy Queen ran there through the late ’80s and very early ’90s, then closed/relocated. This is also the point where the address shifts: that old DQ at 1504 E. Front is later referred to as 110 Munson Ave. Schlotzsky’s Deli (early 1990s) In the early ’90s, after Dairy Queen, the building became a Schlotzsky’s Deli (the Austin-style sandwich chain). That didn’t last super long; by the mid/late ’90s it had flipped again. Luigi’s Pizzeria & Café (mid/late 1990s into 2000s) Next up was Luigi’s Pizzeria & Café, doing pizzas, pasta, sandwiches. Luigi’s shows up in business directories at 110 Munson Ave and is tied to the Gutowski family locally. One listing says Luigi’s (at that address) dates back to the 2000s and had a handful of employees. A note from the owners suggests this Munson Ave location eventually closed around the late 2000s/very early 2010s. Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders (late 1990s / 2000s era overlap) The same family (Valentine “Billy” and Linda Gutowski) also operated Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders in Traverse City. Mancino’s is described as their independent, mom-and-pop pizza/grinder shops that started in the area in the 1990s and expanded to multiple Traverse City locations. Mancino’s is specifically listed at 110 Munson Ave in older directories, and some maps still show “Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders” or “Gutowski Restaurants” tied to that address even after it was gone. Over time, the Gutowskis rebranded/relocated the Mancino’s/“bread nuggets” operation to other Traverse City spots (Chum’s Corner, West Bayshore, etc.), and the Munson Ave shop closed. That’sa Pizza (2010s–2020) After Mancino’s/Luigi’s, the building housed That’sa Pizza, a long-running Traverse City pizza brand that traces back to 1981. That’sa Pizza ran takeout/delivery from 110 Munson Ave through the 2010s. By early 2021 the Munson Ave location had shut down; That’sa Pizza continues today at other Traverse City locations (Long Lake Rd, Hammond Rd, Acme/Williamsburg), but not at 110 Munson. Jersey Mike’s Subs (2021–present) In 2021, a Jersey Mike’s Subs franchise moved in. Local business news in February/March 2021 said Jersey Mike’s would open in the “former That’sa Pizza space” at 110 Munson Ave, targeting a late-March grand opening. Jersey Mike’s is still the current tenant, and their official store listing shows the address as 110 Munson Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, phone (231) 421-1379, open daily. Quick summary timeline Late ’70s / early ’80s: Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips
Welcome to Interlochen Michigan
Interlochen is a small town in NW Lower Michigan near Traverse City and is home to the Interlochen Center for the Arts and WIAA Radio. I grew up near there and it's a great little town. Check out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interlochen,_Michigan - Episode Title: "Welcome to Interlochen" - Host: Mike Dell - Location: Interlochen, Michigan, 15 miles from host's home - Personal Connection: Frequent visits for brunch and family gatherings - Key Feature: Interlochen Center for the Arts - a renowned performing and visual arts school - Population: 694 (2020 census), significantly increased by summer music camp attendees - Nearby Family: Sister lives in the area - Geographical Context: Reference to US highways nearby - Town Status: Unincorporated, with its own post office and ZIP code - Infrastructure: Small airport with two grass runways; ongoing tension with township regarding its existence - Name Origin: "Interlochen" - Latin for "between" and Scottish for "lakes," located between Green Lake and Duck Lake - Concert Venue: Arts academy venue accommodates ~4,000, with views of Green Lake - Winter Activities: Ice fishing on Green Lake, driving across a frozen ice bridge - Community Memories: Hanging out at state park beach, deep-fried smelt culinary experience - Graduation Venue: Traverse City Public Schools holds ceremonies at Kresge Auditorium in Interlochen - Notable Alumni: Includes Chip Davis (Mannheim Steamroller) and singer Jewel - Next Episode Tease: Focus on an interesting building in Traverse City
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