1. On December 4, 1829, the University of Michigan held its first commencement ceremony in Detroit. Three students received degrees and the event marked the beginning of a long and successful history for the university.

2. In 1955, the Detroit Lions played their first ever nationally televised game on December 4, against the San Francisco 49ers. The Lions won the game 21-17, and it helped to establish the team as a national presence in the NFL.

3. On December 4, 1868, the Michigan State Agricultural Society was formed. The Society was created to promote agriculture and farming in the state, and it played an important role in the development of Michigan's agricultural industry.

4. The Detroit Zoo opened on December 4, 1928. It was the first zoo in the United States to use barless exhibits, and it quickly became a popular attraction for families and tourists alike.

5. On December 4, 2006, the Michigan legislature passed a law banning smoking in all workplaces in the state, including bars and restaurants. The law was controversial at the time, but it has since been credited with improving the health of Michigan residents and reducing the number of visits to the emergency room for smoking-related illnesses.