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

30 years ago

CHATHAM–The Michigan Energy Conservation Program is looking for a few willing farmers. All farmers have to do is present a proposal by Feb. 28. The Michigan Energy Conservation Program has $1,400 to fund demonstrations of three energy-saving techniques. The agency will pay up to 100 percent of a farmer’s cost for trying any of the three energy-saving programs. The first involves no-till planting in sod where vegetation has been killed by herbicides. The agency is also looking for farmers willing to demonstrate the efficient use of livestock waste as fertilizer. Or they can grow no-till brassicas–cabbage-related crops such as kale and turnips–as animal feed to show how the grazing season can be extended into the cold months. The program is open to farmers in Alger and Marquette counties.

60 years ago

CHOCOLAY TOWNSHIP–Telephone contact was maintained at all times during the blizzard by the Marquette State Prison with its two principal outside institutions here during the storm, but relief men had difficult times getting to their posts. At the Honor Camp, located six miles south of the prison proper, in Sands Township, snow plows finally broke a path through and the relief guards reached the institution at 11 a.m. It was somewhat more difficult for the two members of the custodial force going to the Mangum Farm, six miles southeast of the prison, in Chocolay Township. James White, farm foreman, and Charles Brunette, guard, snowshoed into the farm. They were able to drive to the Beaver Grove School, but the prison farm is located more than a mile off the highway from that point. Guards at both the camp and farm are normally relieved at 6 a.m. but yesterday’s blizzard resulted in their working about a half shift or more over the regular period.