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Claude Shannon may not be a household name for everyone, but he’s one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century — and he just so happens to be from Gaylord, Michigan.

Born in 1916, Shannon grew up tinkering with gadgets, fixing radios, riding his unicycle and even juggling. His curiosity and creativity set him on a path that would eventually change the world.

A mathematician, electrical engineer, computer scientist, cryptographer, and inventor, Claude Shannon had a hand in shaping the modern world as we know it. Often called the “father of information theory,” Shannon developed the groundbreaking mathematical framework that explains how information is stored, transmitted and communicated. His work didn’t just lead to better phone calls, it laid the foundation for computers, the internet, digital communication and the entire Information Age.

But Shannon’s genius wasn’t limited to solving serious problems. He loved to invent just for fun. He built juggling robots, a machine that could solve a Rubik’s cube and even a mechanical mouse that could navigate a maze all on its own. His playful spirit and brilliant mind made him a rare combination of scientist and inventor who truly enjoyed the wonder of discovery.

Gaylord honors Claude Shannon’s legacy with Claude Shannon Park — a downtown green space that’s as lively and inviting as the inventor himself. It’s the perfect spot to take a break or catch some live music, while remembering that some of the world’s most extraordinary ideas can come from the humblest beginnings.

Today, Claude Shannon’s playful spirit lives on, not just in the field of information theory but in the way we think about innovation itself. As we navigate our increasingly digital lives, it’s worth remembering the man from Gaylord whose ideas continue to shape our world. Claude Shannon showed us that innovation doesn’t always have to be serious; sometimes, a little playfulness can change everything.