image source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalamazoo,_Michigan

Odd Origins

The founding of Kalamazoo was thanks to Titus Bronson, who was actually quite odd. Unfortunately, due to his particular peeves that created tension within the community and then later because he stole a cherry tree, he was removed from the town. After that, it was renamed Kalamazoo, which is just as odd as the founder himself- making it a fitting selection. Initially, though, while under Titus's management, the town was known as the Village of Bronson (this was March 1831). Regardless of the situation that led to his removal from the city, he did receive a memorable park named in his honor, Bronson Park.

How Kalamazoo Got Its Name

The name is of Native origins and is just as confusing as it sounds. The definite meaning of "Kalamazoo" has been lost over time, but nonetheless, there are speculations. The first of the few is from a more prominently told legend, one that involves a Potawatomi tribe member. This story tells of Fleet Foot gaining his bride's acceptance to be through the accomplishment of an endurance task. Running from the village to the river and then back again, all before the water boiled beneath a flame. This led to the use of the word Kalamazoo, which was, in turn, translated to meaning "boiling pot" or "boiling water."
Of course, though, there are a few other tales rooted in native lore and lessons that also use the word "Kalamazoo." Other translations have found it used to describe the feeling of being smothered or to represent the concept of reflection- in this case, that of a river. These are all relevant and give room for mystery, though I know it to be true that most anyone from Kalamazoo refers to it as K-Zoo 99% of the time.

Local Legacies

Kalamazoo is more than just a strange name, though. It is, in fact, the rooting ground for various iconic productions and moments in American history. The local legacies form the history of Kalamazoo, helping to remind its residents that there is room to grow and bloom. What I've put together as the more intriguing monumental moments in K-Zoo history is not all that the city has to offer- use this list as a guide, not as the tell-all. If you're genuinely interested, plan a trip and make the trek to explore this tightly knit, Michigan made community.

The First Outdoor Pedestrian Shopping Mall

Kalamazoo was the first of many cities to build an outdoor pedestrian shopping mall. This venture cost nearly $60,000 during 1959, so imagine what that would translate to in terms of expense in today's economy. This change in commerce changed the entire "feel" of the city itself, leading to the name "Mall City." With this incorporated into Kalamazoo's functional expectations, the town's downtown segment was closed off to cars, and my goodness it changed the way people experienced the city itself.

“KZoo” Northern Nail Polish under the lights in the streets of Kalamazoo

Currently, the streets are reopened but in a safe and manageable way. Four decades passed by before these renovations were constructed and then implemented. You can still visit this outdoor shopping mall today, and if you do, ensure that you make a visit to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. This hotspot is very "hands-on" with technology, history, and science all the way. Ideal for families, but just as fun for a nice date night if you're into education and being surprised. Make sure to schedule a visit ahead of time, though, so you can work it around partaking in one of the favored presentations put on in the state-of-the-art planetarium (great for homeschooling field trips)!

Celery

Kalamazoo was first known primarily for its agriculture, especially during the 1840s. They were lucky enough to be off a functional river that allowed barge systems to transport produce to different areas via the Kalamazoo River. Over time, this allowed business to be done at even further distances, creating an immense profit for some farmers. Celery was the most successful Kalamazoo crop, as their mucky land made superb conditions for hardy, healthy vegetables (ideal for shipping via boat). For this product, the situation was lined just right to pan out profitable for many people. This became a booming part of Kalamazoo's population growth during the 1800s.

Gibson Guitars

The original Gibson Guitar Corporation began in Kalamazoo back in 1902. This is shocking to so many people who visit and even to some who live in the city, as the guitar's well-known home is in Nashville. Don't let this unified belief keep you from the truth, though. Orville Gibson was initially in business for crafting mandolins, but there was a new expectation for the music manufacturers after WWI. Guitars were in, mandolins out. This shift kept the Gibson factory functional until the era of WWII.

WWII meant that factories were entitled to produce the materials demanded for the war, leaving the guitar factory transitioning into a munition factory. During this time, the iconic yet secretive group of women that later became known as the Kalamazoo Gals made their way into the factory and took such an opportunity seriously. Despite the stipulations on production, the Gibson Factory was indeed still producing guitars on the side. In fact, it was discovered that almost 25,000 instruments were shipped just during wartime- that is not accounting for all those made and then sold after.

In 1985 the Gibson Factory relocated itself to Nashville, Tennessee. This did not end the passion for music in Kalamazoo, though. Previous Gibson employees remained local to the area and founded what is now known as Heritage Guitar. This business is in the same location as the previous factory and is open for tours for all music advocates out there. If you have the chance, don't pass up making a visit to this unique location within Kalamazoo.

Checkered Cabs

The Checkered Cab Manufacturing Company was born in May of 1922. The company needed reliable automobile production plants and was able to find just that in Pitcher Street in Kalamazoo. In 1929 the plant grew even more with expansion and became one of the most successful cabs producing companies in the United States. During WWII, the company's involvement with wartime production halted its ability to maintain cab companies' demands, leaving them stuck using pre-war checkered cabs. This shined a light on how durable their cabs were, stretching the mileage to the max,

In the '70s, though, the company had reached a burning-out point. The success achieved through their "flawless" construction came to an end as gas prices increased after 1973. The checkers were indeed hard on gas with their steel chassis and large frames, leaving the company in the dust when it came to meeting federal standards for gas mileage. Checker maintained business in the automobile industry for quite some time after fizzing out with the cab sales, working with companies such as Ford and Chrysler. It wasn't until June of 2009 that they finally had to declare bankruptcy, leaving Kalamazoo's city with only their legacy.

Kalamazoo Gazette

The Kalamazoo Gazette is of the primary sources for the local news and has been since 1833 when it was first founded by John D. Defrees. This article of history in Kalamazoo is a great place to search back on all the memorable events and moments in the county's history. You can find the publishings as far as they go back at the local library.

Educational Hub

There are various options for post-secondary education right in Kalamazoo, which has given way to numerous professional people who have since graduated, made waves upon waves in technology, culture, and the public's greater good. These three schools that I've listed below have the best rankings of the county and truly bring in a large amount of the Kalamazoo population, helping diversify and progress the community.

Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo College is a thriving art and science 4-year school with a sterling reputation for student-focused academics. They're known for doing all they can as both a facility and directly as faculty to help ensure students can excel towards their highest of goals. This hard work seems to be paying off too, as their current rate of employed jobseekers is 92% by the 6 month mark.

They are known to be highly selective with both incoming students as well as with faculty. Currently, 96% of their full-time teachers have a Ph. D. or the highest degree available in their field, which is one of their highlights.

Western Michigan University

WMU offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in a large range of fields. They are ranked among the top 11% of all universities in the country and of the top 80 colleges for diversity. As if that weren't enough, they are also rated as one of the eco-friendliest colleges in the United States. It is not a stretch to say that Western Michigan University is a big part of the progressive moves made in Kalamazoo- and proudly at that.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

The Kalamazoo Valley Community College prides itself on being student-oriented, focusing on the uniqueness that each student has in their needs for successfully completing higher education.

What to Do When You’re in K-Zoo

There are so many sights to see and places to be when venturing through Kalamazoo. Whether you’re from out of state or just down the road in Grand Rapids, there is something new around every corner.

The Zoo of K-Zoo

There are no animal-oriented zoos in Kalamazoo, but there is a unique Air Zoo that could keep a person just as busy. That is right, I said Air Zoo- what could that even be? The Air Zoo is a phenomenal place to go when in K-Zoo, for adults and children alike. It is highlighted as an Aerospace and Science Experience, giving its visitors a one of a kind exploration into science and technology areas that otherwise they may never have access to. Engage with the technology, tour real air force planes, and embrace your imagination at the Air Zoo of K-Zoo! The Air Zoo is a favorite of the community, and even more so for those who don't have consistent access to its broad spectrum of teachings.

The Public Library

As should be in any town, the local library of Kalamazoo is a hub for the public. There is such a variety of patrons involved with this space. Families find themselves spending their afternoons browsing books and mingling in this hotspot, teens use it as a comfortable place to study and socialize, and the thinkers and do-ers even come out to explore. There is so much buzzing between the K-Zoo library branches with events for children, "grown-up" spelling bees, and guest presenters.

The Kalamazoo Public Library also offers a unique experience, unlike any other that I have stumbled upon while venturing libraries (and let me tell you, I’ve ventured A LOT of libraries). They have a one-of-a-kind Idea Lab, which gives patrons access to state-of-the-art equipment that otherwise may be out of their reach to experiment with.

things to do in kalamazoo public library

There are a few areas within this lab, each with their own special focus. First is the "Maker Lab," which consists of public CNC mills and 3D printers. There is then the “Video Lab”, offering access to programs such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Cloud. Here you can even utilize Wacom Drawing Tablets and top of the line Canon Scanners. Finally, though, there is the “Audio Lab”. With programs such as Garageband and Logic Pro at your fingertips, anyone can be a musician. That isn't all, though; throw in some Yeti Microphones and killer Arturia keyboards, and wala- you can tap into your true musical potential.

Find Boombox Ronnie

This may seem silly to mention here, but at this point, he is a local legend. Boombox Ronnie is a walking radio, rapping music out loud for the public to hear day and night, from one side of town to the other. There are forums about him on almost every social media site and even a fan page on Facebook. If you happen to see (or hear) him, take some time to give him a smile and maybe even ask for his autograph.

Compliments of K-Zoo

The history Kalamazoo is both memorable and musing, filled with excitement and diversity. This colorful, exciting, and complex town deserves some limelight, and lucky for K-Zoo, Northern Nail Polish is doing just that with one of their deepest shimmering shades. Eggplant purple with flakes of gold; this vegan nail polish really gives a classy pop to almost any outfit. If you're planning a visit or just feeling iconic, make sure to grab a bottle of this handmade and Michigan Inspired, toxin-free, eco-friendly, and chip-resistant polish. It is just as inspiring and intriguing as Kalamazoo itself!