Episode

The Welcoming Doors of the Rainbow Inn

Podcast
Michigan History Moment
Published
Jul 15, 2025
Duration seconds
195
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
https://michigan-history-moment.captivate.fm
Audio
https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/cae6f3c4-91ff-48a9-83d9-9589cde44c5b.mp3
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/michigan-history-moment-4814484/episodes/the-welcoming-doors-of-the-rainbow-inn
Markdown
/podcast/michigan-history-moment-4814484/the-welcoming-doors-of-the-rainbow-inn.md

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Summary

The Rainbow Inn was Northern Michigan's sole African American resort hotel and restaurant, which opened its doors in 1950. Established by William Thomas West, an African American railway porter and chef, the Rainbow Inn was a pioneering establishment that welcomed patrons of all races, thereby providing a sanctuary in an era when racial segregation was prevalent even in the North. ___________________________ Produced by Michigan History Magazine