1. On January 7, 1929, the Detroit Auto Show opened its doors to the public for the first time at the Michigan State Fairgrounds. This event showcased the latest innovations and designs in the automotive industry, solidifying Detroit's reputation as the "Motor City."

2. In 1813, during the War of 1812, British forces launched an attack on Fort Niagara, located in present-day New York but then considered part of the Michigan Territory. The siege lasted for several days, with both sides suffering significant casualties.

3. January 7, 1895, marked the birth of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States. Ford was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but spent much of his childhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan and eventually settled in the state as a congressman before becoming President in 1974.

4. The Central Michigan University men's basketball team achieved a major upset on January 7, 2009, by defeating the nationally ranked Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing. The game was part of the annual "State Pride" series between the two schools and marked CMU's first victory over MSU since 2002.

5. On January 7, 1938, a major winter storm dumped nearly 20 inches of snow on Detroit and the surrounding areas, causing widespread disruptions and a number of fatalities. The storm was one of the worst in Michigan's history, and it took several days for normalcy to return to the region.