Filmed on Wednesday, May 31 2023, I drive around the beautiful small town St. Joseph, MI to see what's going on.

The city was named after the St. Joseph River, which was named by French explorers and missionaries.

St. Joseph has a rich history tied to its location on Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. In the 19th century, the city became an important port for shipping and trade. The proximity to Chicago and other major cities further enhanced its significance as a transportation hub.

In 1911, Louis, Emory, and Frederick Upton began a business that produced household washing machines. The business soon became a boom and has continued to grow to this day. In 1929, Upton Machine Company merged with Nineteen Hundred Corp., taking the latter name. The company began marketing a line of appliances known as the "Whirlpool" brand in 1948. Within the next decade, Nineteen Hundred changed its name to Whirlpool. Today, Whirlpool Corporation is the largest manufacturer of major home appliances and maintains a large presence in St. Joseph.

The city features many wellpreserved Victorianera buildings, reflecting its history and architectural heritage. The city's downtown area is known for its charming streetscapes, featuring a mix of Victorian and other architectural styles. The preservation of these buildings adds to the city's character and attracts visitors.

St. Joseph is home to the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, a unique water feature located at the city's Silver Beach. The fountain has interactive jets that shoot water into the air, creating an engaging and enjoyable experience for visitors, especially children.

The city's prime location on the shores of Lake Michigan makes it a popular tourist destination. The beautiful beaches, picturesque lighthouse, and waterfront activities attract visitors from near and far. The area offers opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and exploring the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding dunes.

As of the census of 2020, there were 7,856 people residing in the city, down from 8,365 in 2010.

The racial makeup of the city was 88.1% White, 5.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 3.4% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.8% of the population.

The median household income was $62,156 and the per capita income was $48,480. 7.1% of the population lived below the poverty line.

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