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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — Hundreds of Upper Peninsula residents remain without water or hooked to neighbors’ hoses after a four-month water crisis triggered by several weeks of record-breaking sub-zero weather. Burst and frozen water mains have caused about $5.5 million in damage in eight U.P. counties. Michigan State Police say 134 homes still have no water, 258 are using temporary hookups, and 44 homes are without sewers. More than 15,000 homes are letting their water run to avoid further freeze-ups. In Marquette, residents should not turn off their water until contacted by the city, said Department of Public Works Superintendent Steve Lawry. In some areas the frost has thawed, but in others it’s still five feet deep, he said. Marquette Department of Public Works employees, Bruce Gauthier and Bob Black filled in a hole on Ridge St. where they restored water on Thursday. Mary and John Weber, who went two weeks without water this winter when their lines froze, have been using a garden hose hooked to a city fire hydrant to get water since mid-January.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Crews were on the job again today cleaning up after Monday night’s strong windstorm, which whipped up to 80 miles per hour. Three roofs were blown off buildings, in addition to shingles, signs and chimneys. Extensive destruction occurred at the Soo Line Railroad Co. building, occupied as a warehouse by Northland Appliance Co. at Baraga Ave. and Lake St. At Northwest Radio Supply Inc. of 1010 W. Washington St., the front half of the roof blew off and landed on the back half of the roof. The third roof blew off the Flanigan Bros. warehouse on Lake Shore Blvd. The fire department was called to the warehouse because of danger of fire, since the roof crushed the roof of the boiler room. Probably the most dangerous damage wrought by the storm was the number of trees and limbs which fell across streets and power lines. A huge force of volunteers, city crews, and National Guardsmen worked to keep thoroughfares open for emergency traffic.