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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — A fixture of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will fall prey to the wreckers ball this summer. The Guild Hall, located at 300 High St. adjacent to the church proper, will be demolished due to its faltering structural condition and lack of use, said Bob Robertson, church building committee member. The large hall has served generations of Marquette residents of all denominations since its opening in 1909 as a community recreation center which included a swimming pool, gymnasium, and billiards room. The Episcopal presence in Marquette goes back much further than the hall, with the first religious services taking place in the summer of 1851. Growing steadily through the years, the denomination saw the present church completed in 1875. The Guild Hall was the last expansion of church facilities. “We have known about the structural problems for several years,” Robertson said. “And two years ago we tried to tighten up the front wall which is sagging outward. It’s a costly building to keep up and it isn’t being used for what it was intended.”

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — The summer playground program sponsored by the Marquette Recreation Department is in full swing, announced Morgan Gingrass, director. Playground supervisors in Marquette for the summer months include Mary Lou Wester, Harlow Park; Tom Schwalbach, Williams Park; Betty Maitland, Memorial Park; Robert Tupper, playground general manager who will work with all area leaders; Louis Taccolini, Hurley field; and Gary Burley, Central Playground.