EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

30 years ago

ISLE ROYALE — More wolves than expected have been counted so far in this year’s census, sparking hope that the animals’ decade-long decline has ended, naturalists say. “We were pretty depressed a couple of months ago, but these new sightings have our hopes up,” said Bruce Weber, a park naturalist. At this time last year, experts feared the wolves were bordering on extinction at this island park 48 miles northwest of Eagle Harbor on the northern tip of the Upper Peninsula. The population has been followed by international researchers for decades. The annual count, which ends March 7, shows nine wolves — three more than expected. Last year’s census showed 12 wolves, down from a peak population of 50 in 1980. The animals used to divide themselves between an east and west pack. “Now the pack structure has changed, and there seems to be a number of individual wolves,” Weber said. “Also, we have noticed several (male-female) pairs, which is encouraging.” Hopefully, the pairs will produce pups this April, he said.

60 years ago

ISHPEMING — Surplus commodities will be distributed this week in Marquette County, reports J. B. Scanlon, Negaunee, director of the Marquette County Department of Social Welfare. The outlet stores and their schedules are: Oberg’s Food Cetner, Marquette, and Helmila’s I.G.A., Republic, Tuesday and Thursday; Negaunee Co-Op Store, Wednesday and Thursday, and Ombrello’s Grocery, Ishpeming; Seuss’ Market, Gwinn; Red Owl Agency, Champion; Jaeger’s IGA, Cornell, and Hansen’s Store, Turin, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. In the past, Scanlon said, the outlet stores have had difficulty with eligible recipients regarding the monthly distribution period. Distribution is made during the second full calendar week of each month (the second week that has seven full days), he added. Butter, cheese, cornmeal, white flour, whole wheat flour, dri-milk and rice will be distributed this month in proportion to eligibility and family size. Persons must furnish their own containers.