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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — Geriatric Swimming, a Northern Michigan University course for senior citizens, features water aerobics and open swimming. The course is offered at no charge and meets for an hour — three times a week at the Physical Education Instructional Facility pool. The first half of each session is spent doing water aerobics, which provides sufficient resistance without causing muscle strain. Although the sessions are considered a class in the eyes of the university, no tests are given and no grades are assigned. Persons over 63 interested in the class can call the PEIF to enroll. Some of the current students attending these sessions are Marie Rueker, Ruth Bertagheli, Clarence Bullock, Frances Downs, Ela Belmore, Millicent Jensen, and Helen Pertunnenn who was instrumental in starting the class.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Nothing gladdens the heart of a man like the prospect of a fine steak done just as he likes it. State Trooper Cosmo Bonello spent his day off at the Barbecue School June 11 learning tricks to use with his own grill, and with a trooper’s devotion to the duty at hand, he kept a sharp eye on the steaks. The tantalizing fragrance of shish kabobs sizzling over charcoal drew Sandra Peterson and Sally Dupras to the brazier at the Barbeque School at Tourist Park, along with 20 other students. Experts from the Michigan State College Extension Service were on hand to give advice and direct operations. Upper Peninsula products were promoted too, since the making of charcoal has become an important industry in this area.