QUESTION: New Year’s Eve in Marquette is now associated with the dropping of a ball on West Washington Street. How was the holiday celebrated at the turn of the 20th century, on Dec. 31, 1899?

a. Mayor Neidhart opened the Front Street hill for sledding

b. An usually warm week meant that the outdoor ice rink at Harlow park was too slushy for the annual New Year’s hockey game between the Marquette and Harvey teams

c. Local breweries set up outdoor taps and revelers who purchased a “20th Century Mug” for 50 cents could fill it up at any of the taps

d. A warehouse fire, fortunately quickly contained, destroyed the fireworks that were planned for the celebration.

ANSWER: A.