Hoofing it for history

THURSDAY, JUNE 4 — Lansing residents can get a little history while they get a little exercise this summer. The Historical Society kicks off its series of summer walking tours Saturday with a tour of Lansing Community College’s downtown campus.

“There is no better way to learn about Lansing than to walk and talk,” said Valerie Marvin, president of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing.

The walking tours, in their third year, have proven to be a popular attraction during the summer and early fall months, said Marvin.

“This year’s tours are all new and include visits to the Ingham and Eaton County courthouses, a walk through Lansing’s African-American West Side, the historic homes in downtown Lansing and a tour that will explore some of Lansing’s favorite old restaurants,” Marvin said.

The LCC tour, Marvin said, is being held to recognize the 50th anniversary of the college’s downtown expansion. LCC, founded in 1957, saw extensive development following a 1965 millage approved by the voters of Lansing. The campus now occupies a seven-block, 42-acre parcel in downtown and recently has adorned the campus with more than 25 sculptures.

The summer’s second tour, 7 p.m. on June 18, will explore the history of Lansing’s movement east on Michigan Avenue and include several of the roadway’s churches, Sparrow Hospital and Fabiano’s Candies. The tour meets at Christ Lutheran Church, 122 S. Pennsylvania Ave., just off Michigan Avenue.

Michigan Ave is perfect place to explore Lansing’s immigrant history, from the Italians to the Irish to the more recent “lost boys of Sudan,” Marvin said. Integral in that development, she said, was the involvement of the various churches along the avenue.

Later in the summer, the society is hosting a walking tour of MSU’s historic West Circle Drive, which will take walkers through the early days of Michigan State College and Michigan Agricultural College. Stephen Terry, author of the award-winning “Michigan Agricultural College Campus Life 1900-1925: A Postcard Tour,” will co-host the tour.

LCC Historical Tour

Hosted by the Historical Society of Greater Lansing

1 p.m. Saturday, June 6

FREE

Arts and Sciences Building, LCC main campus

lansinghistory.org