Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – Marquette’s Presque Isle Pavilion, which has been at the site since the turn of the century, will be torn down due to severe structural damage. Commissioners expressed regret at their decision to raze the pavilion, but cited major structural damage and the lack of a community effort to save it as forcing the demolition. Portions of the pavilion had begun to rot, although the severe damage was caused by winter storm in December of 1985.
The storm washed away several concrete piers, resulting in the collapse of the center support beam, floor structure and leaving the facility perched atop a few remaining piers. The pavilion was built in 1894 on Partridge Island by Marquette pioneer J.M. Longyear, who provided excursion vessels for mainland residents to visit and dance at the pavilion. After its popularity faded, Longyear had the pavilion moved across the ice to Presque Isle.
60 years ago
MARQUETTE – When the new state police post was opened in Stephenson in Menominee County some of the people there – especially the young – said that the troopers weren’t going to make any arrests for four months so the people could get used to being watched. The silly story was passed along with a pat of approval for the good sportsmanship of the police in declaring this period of grace. The person who started this story hasn’t been identified for posterior notice, but his waggery was soon punctured by arrests. He couldn’t have peddled his joke in the nine U.P. communities which have had state police posts for years. They have adopted the police intimately into community life and regard them casually as fellow citizens whose duty it is to enforce the law.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – It’s back to school for Northern Michigan University students, and for many area businesses, that means a welcome return of additional dollars. While businesses throughout the county see a surge in traffic upon the school year startup, those close to campus reap the lion’s share of the university market. From housing to hair salons, NMU students spend money to live and play as they become a part of the community during the school year. While the number of students frequenting Hardee’s restaurant on Presque Isle Avenue had declined from previous years, they still comprise about 15 percent of Hardee’s business. “We can still tell when Northern is in session, definitely,” said manager Melody Traczyk. “We get a lot of people from Cohodas (administrative center), administrators and instructors. We do a good breakfast and lunch business.
90 years ago
MUNISING – Construction of Munising’s new city warehouse and refacing the brick walls of the firehall, begun last week by Lowell G. Olsen, a Manistique contractor, is progressing rapidly. The Manistique contractor submitted a bid of $38,000 for the construction of the warehouse, refacing of the brick wall and new roofing job for the firehall. The new warehouse will be located on the southeast corner of the firehall. When completed, it will have 5,656 square feet of storage space. The two buildings will be connected in the shape of an “L.”
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – Two black bear cubs are in the wild near the borders of Marquette and Baraga counties after being raised in captivity when their mother abandoned them in their den south of Shingleton. The young bears were released Tuesday after being fitted with radio collars so they can be monitored by the Department of Natural Resources. The pair of baby bears were brought to Marquette during April, weighing between one and two pounds at the time, and were cared for by two local families before being placed in the Presque Isle Park’s Shiras Zoo. Prior to placement at the zoo, the male and female bears were taken for walks in the woods to prepare them for eventual release. Part of the animals’ diets during the summer consisted of natural foods they’ll encounter in the wild. When released, the two cubs weighed between 30 and 50 pounds, with the male being the bigger of the two.
60 years ago
MARQUETTE – Capt. John M. Roberts, formerly of Marquette, has been named to the new post of administrative flight manager for United Air Lines at Chicago. His is the son of Mrs. Abby Beecher Roberts of Deertrack. Capt. Robers managed Deertrack Village Resort from 1950 to 1954 and is former president of the Marquette Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Upper Peninsula Air Transportation Committee.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – William Austin Burt was a man of many firsts. He not only discovered iron ore on the Marquette Iron Range in 1844, he invented the first solar compass and the first typewriter. These achievements, as well as the history of his five sons, will be explored in a book compiled by three of his great-great-great grandsons who now live in California. Two of these descendants, John and Dick Burt, were in Marquette Wednesday as they concluded their task of researching their famous ancestors. The manuscript titled “They Left Their Mark, William Austin Burt and His Sons, Surveyors of the Public Domain”, is expected to be released in six weeks. The book begins with William Austin Burt’s family and his birth in 1792. In addition to being a discoverer and an inventor, Burt was as surveyor, farmer, postmaster, and judge.
90 years ago
IRONWOOD – Cut off by many tons of boulders which gave way in the “G” Pabst iron mine Friday, 41 men are trapped hundreds of feet below the streets of this city. At least three men, trapped in a cage, were believed dead. Rescue work started immediately. Boulders loosened by vibration a short distance from the surface of the mine broke through the concrete slabs which braced the surface of the 2,600-foot shaft. The boulders tore out, snapping steel supports, and bounded down the incline. As one plunged down another was loosened to fall in a pile of debris at the bottom of the shaft. It was said that the chances of rescuing the men trapped on the eighth level of the shaft gradually were growing smaller because the hangings in the shaft have been caving in continually. About 250 feet of hangings on the eighth level have caved, it was reported. It may be several days before the imprisoned miners can be reached and hopes of their being brought out alive are fading.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – The 1986-87 high school debate season will be kicked off in grand style this Friday and Saturday at Marquette Senior High School. The statewide invitational tournament has nearly 40 teams signed up for it with about 120 debaters expected, according to MSHS debate coach Rich Ryan. “The bulk of the teams will be coming from the metro (Detroit) area, but there are some from elsewhere as well,” Ryan said. He added that the reputation Marquette has built over the past several years in state debate competition is part of the reason so many teams are traveling to Marquette to compete. The other reason, Ryan added, was the opportunity to travel to the U.P. – a first for many of the high school kids – before the winter makes travel difficult. The debate season continues after Marquette’s tournament with most of the following nine tournaments taking place downstate.
90 years ago
NEGAUNEE – Despite delays caused by the rains of the past few weeks, work on the new concrete bridge over Carp River on M-15 near the Negaunee Cemetery is progressing satisfactorily and the structure will be completed by Oct. 1.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
ISHPEMING – In a last-ditch effort to save Ishpeming’s Mather Inn, local investors have outlined new plans to raise more than $600,000 for the purchase and rehabilitation of the landmark. Mather Inn Inc. President Burt Boyum addressed members of the Ishpeming Chamber of Commerce Monday night to detail plans for syndication, and announce the incorporation of the Mather Inn Restoration Society Inc., which is currently selling ownership shares at $500 per share. Boyum said a tentative deadline of Dec. 31 has been set for raising the entire $677,000, which includes $180,000 for the acquisition of the building and personal property.
60 years ago
ISHPEMING – Aunty’s, one of Ishpeming’s best-known restaurants, marks its 25th anniversary with a special Sunday observance. Usually closed on Sunday, Aunty’s will open on its regular schedule through the day.
Mr. and Mrs. George Kenward, proprietors, opened their first restaurant on Canda Street 25 years ago.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – When the home video rental business burst on the scene a few years ago, movies and equipment could only be found in specialty shops or larger discount stores. Today, it seems that everyone is getting a piece of the profitable video action. From grocery stores to convenience centers, patrons now find displays of home movie rentals peering from behind canned goods or dairy products. “I’ve thought about it (increased competition) quite a bit,” said Fred Alspaugh, owner of Movies To Go in Marquette. “But more people have (video) recorders now and are really into this. The more sophisticated people become, the more they want, and it becomes harder for them to find good selections. There’s no denying the ease with which a display of video rentals can be placed in most stores, and Alspaugh predicts that sooner or later some specialty shops may have to fold.
60 years ago
LANSING – Work is expected to start next spring on the painstaking restoration of the historic Biddle House on Mackinac Island, members of the Biddle House Restoration Committee reported. The committee, spearheaded by the Michigan Society of Architects and including representatives of every phase of the Michigan building industry, held an organizational meeting at Lansing. The group discussed plans for removing the original timbers piece by piece, cataloging each piece, and then rebuilding the house from the ground up. The house, constructed around 1797 on historic Market St. of Mackinac Island, was recorded as an outstanding example of architecture by the Historic American Buildings Survey in 1935.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – Based on numbers after the last census, the population of citizens 65 years of age and older has increased more than 10 percent in two Upper Peninsula counties: Marquette and Alger.
Lynn Emerick, director of the Marquette County Commission on Aging, said during recent budget hearings more than 7,200 senior citizens received some form of assistance from senior citizens or Commission on Aging during 1985.
That was more than an 11 percent increase from 1984, and she said the number of elderly persons staying at home and requiring care is the reason for the dramatic increase.
60 years ago
MARQUETTE – J.H. Kline, president and general manager of the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad Co., will head up the industrial division of this year’s Marquette Community Chest fund drive.
Announcement of Kline’s appointment was made today by Kenneth Brenney, 1956 fund campaign chairman, and Ellwood A. Mattson.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
IRON MOUNTAIN – The sale of St. John the Baptist Church was announced Wednesday by the Catholic Diocese of Marquette. The church, which was the target of a concerned parishioners’ group trying to save it from demolition, was sold to Marquette contractor Peter O’Dovero. Located on the corner of Fourth and Washington streets in Marquette, the church had been closed since December of 1985 due to the heavy financial burden required to repair the church and grounds. The parish was disbanded on June 30. Much of the church’s contents are being removed for use at other parishes within the diocese. Major items being salvaged are the bells, which will be used at St. Francis de Sales Church in Manistique; and the pipe organ, which will be moved to the St. Mary and St. Joseph Church in Iron Mountain.
90 years ago
MARQUETTE – Two of the three convicts who escaped not long ago from the Marquette branch prison while employed outside the prison walls as trusties and who, after their capture, were held to circuit court on charges of breaking prison, were sentenced yesterday by Judge Richard C. Flannigan. The sentenced are Harold Douchey and Bert Farrer. The court’s sentence, one to three years with one year recommended, was imposed with the stipulation that the state parole commissioner would not add the year’s time to the convicts’ old sentence because of their escape. In the case of Henry Krause, the third trusty who escaped, the court suspended sentence because the convict has been found to be mentally unbalanced. He had been recommended for parole a short time prior to his escape and his parole papers were received at the prison the day after he was captured.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MUNISING – A majority of Munising residents would like to see additional recreation opportunities, better docking and marina facilities, protection of the environment and enhancement of the “lakeside character” of the city, according to results of a Munising Bayshore Committee survey released Tuesday. The shoreline survey and the general future of the Munising shoreline will be discussed at a Bayshore Committee public hearing at the Munising Community Center beginning at 7:30 tonight. Munising City Manager Spencer Nebel found it significant that the community believes that housing and commercial development along the shoreline should be limited. Nebel noted that some 62 percent of the community believes that wetlands and wildlife habitat along the shoreline should be protected.
90 years ago
MUNISING – Radio Station WMAB, operated by the Munising-Alger Broadcasting Co., will start broadcasting regular programs at noon. Approval of the application for the station to commence programming, filed with the Federal Communications Commission, was received Friday. A dedication program planned for the station’s opening will include greetings by Gov. G. Mennen Williams and talks by Mayor G. Wallace Masters of Munising.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – Although only about 11 people attended a meeting of the newly-formed chapter of the Upper Peninsula Federation of Landowners Monday night, almost unanimous support was given to the group’s goal of lowering water levels in the Great Lakes. Record high levels now being experienced on all the lakes are causing millions of dollars worth of property damage as increased erosion washes away land, especially during severe storm periods. The new chapter was recently formed at a meeting in Houghton to give property owners along Lake Superior a unified voice in seeking solutions to the overall problem. The groups are also against creating any diversion projects that would send Great Lakes water to other areas of the country.
60 years ago
MARQUETTE – The construction of a 650-foot rock seawall on Lake Superior in front of Munising High School will begin this week in accord with a decision last week by the Munising Board of Education.
The cost of the project is estimated at $46,000, according to Superintendent George Truckey. At the August board meeting, the board voted to go ahead with construction of a seawall along 475 feet of the most eroded shoreline in front of the high school.
But a $10,000 grant from the state Shoreline Community Protection Program, combined with an additional school budget allotment of $2,500, will enable the C. Oberstar Excavating Co. of Marquette to construct the full project this year. School officials had been particularly concerned about the immediate dangers from erosion to the school parking lot, where the shoreline has receded to within a few feet of the blacktop.
The wall will be constructed of large slabs of rock combined with filter cloth and back-filled with sand excavated from the shoreline.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – With winter’s cold creeping up on Superiorland, the effects of the home weatherization program are being felt more than ever. The program, a state- and federally-funded operation administered in Marquette and Alger Community Action Board, is in its 13th year, and more than 100,000 homes across the country have benefitted from the program. Low-income households are the target of home weatherization, and total gross income of the household can’t exceed 125 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify. Services available under the program include: Electric water heater wrap and pipe insulation; low-flow shower head; floor insulation; wall insulation; major infiltration weatherstripping, caulking, doorsweeps and window repair; duct insulation; clock thermostats; skirting; storm window installation; oil furnace flame retention burner; and gas furnace thermal vent damper.
60 years ago
IRON MOUNTAIN – The first annual organized bear hunt with dogs in Dickinson County failed to yield a single bruin, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Sportsmen’s Club, sponsors of the event. They plan to hold another hunt after Oct. 1 when another season for bear hunting with dogs gets underway. Reports from the Brimley area in Chippewa County where similar hunts were held last week indicate that three bears were killed during one day of the hunt but that on Saturday a dog pack drove a bear for eight hours without treeing its quarry.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – A special apple baking contest has been added to this year’s events at the Marquette County Harvest Festival. The festival takes place Sept. 18-20 at Lakeview Arena here. This is the 30th year for the festival, which is sponsored by the Marquette County Harvest Festival Association, with most funding from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and some money coming from the Marquette County Board. A number of different classifications are included in this apple baking contest. These classifications are: main course dishes using apples; pies; baked goods; and apple drink. “Apples or pure apple products must be used in these recipes,” Pietila said, adding that the judges will take into consideration the amount of apples or apple products used.
90 years ago
MARQUETTE – Sixteen members of the Marquette Police Department have completed a course of training in practical pistol shooting at ranges in Marquette and Negaunee, conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. James Swenson, special FBI agent in Marquette, directed the program in a course outlined by the FBI. The type of shooting taught in this course is entirely different than the usual pistol instruction, Swenson said, in that it stresses the more practical side of police shooting and emphasizes accuracy in shooting under conditions which a police officer would be likely to encounter when answering a call. The first part of the course, which was held in two sessions, dealt with single action firing from many different positions and at distances ranging from seven to 60 yards. Standing, sitting and prone positions were used, as well as right and left had shooting from behind barricades. Targets used were life sized silhouettes, rather than the usual bull-eye found on a pistol range. Second half of the course dealt with double action shooting, without the use of sights.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – Although both the Marquette Redmen and Ishpeming Hematites have yet to win a grid game this fall, Friday’s matchup at Ishpeming promises to be a typical hard-fought contest. Both clubs will likely have little trouble getting fired up for the traditional rivalry. “We always consider this a big game,” said first-year Hematite mentor Brian Sarvello. “It generally has not been hard to get a team up for this game. We’re somewhat disappointed in our start so far, but we’re aiming to get better every week.” Marquette coach Jon Peterson – also in his first year at the helm – believes the game is an important one for both clubs. “It’s a big game for both teams because we’re both 0-2,” Peterson said. “Ishpeming will be hungry like us. The Hematites, who fell to Mid-Peninsula Conference foes Iron Mountain and Manistique in its first two contests, will be relying on quarterback Mike O’Brien to direct the offense. “We need a big game out of our quarterback and he’s responded the past two games,” Sarvello said of O’Brien, who has passed for over 330 yards so far. “We’ve worked especially hard (in practice) in defending against the pass. We move the ball well, but have trouble scoring points.”
90 years ago
GRAYLING – Members of the first annual forestry excursion of northeastern Michigan Friday took part in the dedication of the Thompson Trail, former logging road, which is to be rebuilt by the federal government from East Tawas to Au Sable. Harry Price, treasurer of Iosco County, made the dedicatory address. Trees were planted in honor of Iosco and East Tawas pioneers. The party of 100 inspected the national forest and nursery at East Tawas, crossing the state to the Higgins lake forestry and nurseries near Roscommon. Saturday the members of the tour will inspect state forestry work near Alpena. The tour is being sponsored by the United States Forestry Service, the Upper Michigan Development Bureau and the East Michigan Tourist Association.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MUNISING – Alger, Marquette and several other U.P. counties in need of hay to replenish diminishing feed will likely receive some hay donated by Lower Peninsula farmers within the next few days. Alger County Extension Director Jim Lempke said this morning that U.P. counties, including Alger, Marquette, Iron, Dickinson, Luce, Schoolcraft, Mackinaw, Gogebic and Ontonagon, will be receiving at least a portion of 70 carloads of hay which are being shipped by rail. Lempke explained at the meeting that the county hay shortage was caused in large measure by early summer dryness followed by continuous rain during July and August, which prevented farmers from making hay.
90 years ago
MUNISING – With the exception of the final horse racing program, postponed until Sunday afternoon because of heavy rain Wednesday, the annual Alger county fair closed Wednesday evening with a dance in the Chatham Hippodrome. In spite of the repeated showers on Monday and Wednesday which, besides keeping many visitors away, made the grounds soggy and unattractive, the fair was a pronounced success from the standpoint of exhibits. Premiums awarded to owners of prize-winning livestock and farm products are being listed this week. Other exhibitions included work done by the boys’ and girls’ clubs of the county, domestic articles, and work done in the county schools. Because of the loss of the balloon, which got beyond control at the initial ascension and drifted southwestward, subsequently being lost in the forest, this event was cancelled. The balloon was procured by the St. Clair Sisters Balloon company, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and was brought to Chatham by Theodore Sweet, who also performed acrobatic stunts.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MUNISING – Alger, Marquette and several other U.P. counties in need of hay to replenish diminishing feed will likely receive some hay donated by Lower Peninsula farmers within the next few days. Alger County Extension Director Jim Lempke said this morning that U.P. counties, including Alger, Marquette, Iron, Dickinson, Luce, Schoolcraft, Mackinaw, Gogebic and Ontonagon, will be receiving at least a portion of 70 carloads of hay which are being shipped by rail. Lempke explained at the meeting that the county hay shortage was caused in large measure by early summer dryness followed by continuous rain during July and August, which prevented farmers from making hay.
90 years ago
MUNISING – With the exception of the final horse racing program, postponed until Sunday afternoon because of heavy rain Wednesday, the annual Alger county fair closed Wednesday evening with a dance in the Chatham Hippodrome. In spite of the repeated showers on Monday and Wednesday which, besides keeping many visitors away, made the grounds soggy and unattractive, the fair was a pronounced success from the standpoint of exhibits. Premiums awarded to owners of prize-winning livestock and farm products are being listed this week. Other exhibitions included work done by the boys’ and girls’ clubs of the county, domestic articles, and work done in the county schools. Because of the loss of the balloon, which got beyond control at the initial ascension and drifted southwestward, subsequently being lost in the forest, this event was cancelled. The balloon was procured by the St. Clair Sisters Balloon company, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and was brought to Chatham by Theodore Sweet, who also performed acrobatic stunts.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – Although Stan Albeck only lived 11 years in Marquette, he considers it home whenever he comes back to visit. Whether it be to spend time with friends or to take part in a social gathering, Albeck feels comfortable in the Upper Peninsula. Monday night, Albeck was the featured guest at the Economic Club of Marquette’s opening meeting at the Ramada Inn here. Although he was asked to discuss the business of big-time NBA basketball, Albeck had the opportunity to talk and share memories with former players and friends in the area. Albeck, who coached the Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team from 1957-68, said, “I’m delighted to be back and am encouraged by the enthusiasm and bonding that takes place here.”Albeck recently accepted the head coaching post at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. Prior to that, Albeck had head coaching stints in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, N.J. Nets and, most recently, the Chicago Bulls. In that time, the former Wildcat mentor registered a 207-266 won-loss record. At NMU, he compiled a 178-77 record and took his club to the playoffs five times.
60 years ago
ISHPEMING – Another wood-processing plant has begun operations in the Upper Peninsula, this time on the site of an abandoned iron mine near here. The plant is located at the old Lloyd Mine stockpile location in North Lake and operated by the Osmose Wood Preserving Co. of America. The Ishpeming plant will treat railroad ties for the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad. The plant will also treat timber for underground roof supports for mines.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – The third annual Marquette Seafood Fest, sponsored Saturday and Sunday by Marquette Rotary West, is getting high marks from persons involved. The event got underway at noon Saturday at the Lower Harbor Park, and despite the cool temperatures and sporadic rain showers the first day, organizers say at least 25,000 visitors attended. Highlighting this year’s menu was live Atlantic lobster, flown in from Massachusetts; shrimp, crab, lake trout, whitefish, frog legs, seafood chowder and smoked fish. Even persons who weren’t big seafood fans were taken care of, with hot dogs, bratwurst, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, ice cream and cotton candy among food items available. Seafood delicacies were not the only attraction, though. Continuous music was on hand as was a skydiving exhibition, stunt plane flyovers and tours of the Maritime Museum and the U.S. Coast Guard station.
60 years ago
ISHPEMING – The sanitation problem of Ted Trondson and his Wagon Wheel Trailor Court may be a step nearer solution. Trondson, whose establishment is just over the city line in Negaunee, asks permission to hook up an overflow pipe from his septic tank to a city sewer. Trondson pointed out that 18-20 families occupy the trailer park and do 90 percent of their business in nearby Ishpeming stores a business estimated at $50,000. He said Negaunee officials estimated it would cost $40,000 to connect him with the Negaunee sewer line, since this would require blasting through rock and tunneling under the highway.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE – When one thinks of a B-52 Bomber crew, thoughts of Air Force personnel floating thousands of feet up on the blue sky come to mind. But a B-52 crew from Sawyer Air Force Base spent today floating over the deep blue waters of Lake Superior instead. No, a bomber didn’t go down into the big lake overnight with the crew forced to take to the water, but a training maneuver was intended to simulate that situation. “This is a continuation of survival training – a refresher course – but it hasn’t been tried on the coldest of the Great Lakes before,” Maj. Charlie Bergman said, before hitting the water this morning. But the survival training began without a hitch as the Coast Guard boat out of the Marquette station dropped the 11 men off early this morning and motored back to port. The maneuver was scheduled to end about 2 p.m. today when a Coast Guard helicopter from Traverse City was due in Marquette to airlift the men out of the water to a waiting Coast Guard boat.
60 years ago
ISHPEMING – The 5-4 vote which quietly decided the mayoral election in August turned into a noisy, wide-open split in the city council last night, resulting in the most tumultuous session in two years. The council, with loud applause from a large gallery: 1. Abolished the pre-council meeting “bull sessions.” 2. Called for a study of a revision in method of electing the mayor, and of other charter amendment possibilities. 3. Moved to call in the county prosecutor on alleged irregularities in the city clerk’s circulation of a nominating petition. Councilman Frank Valenti moved to abolish the “bull sessions” – a semi-private committee of the whole meeting which has taken place before each council meeting for about 13 years – on the ground that the public could not be convinced that these were “honest” meetings. Councilman Carl Corneliuson defended the “bull sessions,” claiming the council never denied attendance at the sessions to anyone. “But that door is closed,” stormed Hill, pointing to the main entrance chambers, “and I defy you to deny that.” In the matter of the third of the “underhanded issues” – as they were tabbed by Councilman Ted Mattson – Corneliuson asked that the matter be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney George Hill. “Let’s have some clean government for a change.” said Councilman Robert Hill.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
ISHPEMING – In an effort to acquire state funding for the construction of a new National Ski Hall of Fame on U.S. 41 here, the Ishpeming City Council Wednesday night directed City Attorney David Savu and City Manager Don Bogren to meet with the legal counsel of the Hall of Fame to iron out details of a proposed lease arrangement. The site, located between Second and Third streets, is owned by the Hall of Fame, which would like to turn the land over to the city so that state funding can be obtained. The city, in turn, would lease the land to the Hall of Fame, an arrangement Savu has said, in his opinion, is illegal.
90 years ago
MARQUETTE – Since 1890, when the first cottage was built by Miss Adams, the growth of Middle Island Point as a summer resort has been steady, and today there are 30 cottages on the point and adjacent shore, with four more being constructed.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MUNISING – The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore experienced a slight increase in visitation this summer despite paving work on Miner’s Road, which blocked access to one of the park’s main attractions, Miners Castle. “It was a good visitation year,” said park chief ranger Deryl Stone. Overall, the park experienced a 1.7 percent increase in visitations from 321,880 in 1985 to 327,494 in 1986. Following completion of the road work on Miners Road, the Miners area including both the castle and Miners Falls experienced a 10 percent increase in visitation over August of 1985. The park experienced a sharp decrease, however, in “back country use,” that is, use of isolated shoreline campgrounds by backpackers. That figure was down by 20.3 percent. Stone added there were no injuries of any kind reported in the park this summer. There were only a few minor car accidents and there were no lost campers or backpackers this year.
90 years ago
MARQUETTE – The first boys’ club motor tour to the state fair will take place next week under direction of M.L. Wright of Marquette, assistant state boys’ and girls’ club leader, and J.G. Wells of Marquette, dairy specialist. Forty-two boys who have won honors in dairy, poultry or handicraft club work will make the trip with their leaders.
Superiorland Yesterdays
EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
MARQUETTE After a successful first year, the After School Program in Marquette is expanding. A pilot program for the concept was introduced at Sandy Knoll School in 1985-86 and was well-received by students, parents and others involved with the effort.
With an added $16,000 grant from the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund this year, the program will expand to additional elementary schools: Parkview, Whitman and Vandenboom.
“The program started in the fall of 1985,” said Mary Andes, president of After School Program, Inc.” Andes explained that the youngsters admitted to the program were children of parents who were either working during the after-school hours or who were attending school.
60 years ago
MARQUETTE-ISHPEMING-NEGAUNEE Gala celebrations took place on Labor Day years ago. Although Labor Day was not declared a national legal holiday until 1894 when a bill was passed by Congress to this effect, it had been observed by labor groups in New York City, Chicago and other cities as far back as 1887, and Marquette followed suit the next year. Ishpeming and Negaunee celebrations started in 1889. The Marquette Stone Cutters’ and Mason’s Union, with 66 members, and the Marquette Union of Carpenters and Jointers with 79 members, both of which had been organized in the spring of 1888, sponsored the first Labor Day event which started with a parade in the morning led by the Marquette City Band, and athletic contests in the afternoon. These included “football,” later called soccer, a tug of war or “rope pull” and a baseball game between the fats and the leans at Nester’s addition on West Washington Street.
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Superiorland Yesterdays
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