30 years ago

ST. IGNACE — She has been a lonely and largely forgotten lady of the lakes since 1927, when the last of her four keepers closed the door on St. Helena Lighthouse. In its heyday, the 71-foot lighthouse overlooking northern Lake Michigan was an important stop for wood-burning lake vessels to pick up fuel as well as fresh fish headed for southern markets. Today, the island in the Straits of Mackinac is uninhabited. The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association and an Ann Arbor Boy Scouts troop have undertaken restoration of the lighthouse. When completed, the old U.S. Coast Guard facility will house a museum and visitor’s center.

60 years ago

MENOMINEE — Menominee Police Sgt. Ervin J. Mouritsen was named temporary president of the Upper Peninsula Police Association at an organization meeting in Menominee. Police from Menominee, Iron Mountain, Kingsford, Manistique, Escanaba, Ironwood, Gladstone, Houghton, St. Ignace, Crystal Falls, and Hancock were represented. The next meeting will be held in Kingsford Sept. 29, police joining will be charter members. An extensive membership drive in the U.P. is planned. A poll of municipal departments revealed that most officers are in favor of the organization. A constitution and by-laws are being drafted subject to approval at the meeting.