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

30 years ago

GWINN — The flouridation dispute in Forsyth Township has been delayed while township officials take care of more pressing matters, the supervisor said. “We’ve just had so much going on, the fluoride issue has had to wait,” said Evelyn Valente-Heikkila, referring to the township’s financial problems after a six-mill renewal was defeated in August. A debate between residents who want fluoride in their drinking water and those who don’t erupted in April when the board announced plans to end fluoridation because of complaints from residents. Valente-Heikkila said a committee will be formed in the fall to study the problem. Until it reports back, fluoridation will continue, she said. The township spends about $1,200 a year to add fluoride to its water system. Dentists say fluoride saves thousands of dollars in dental care by improving the health of teeth. Those against it say it’s forced on them against their will and could be a health hazard that causes spotted teeth.

60 years ago

BIG BAY–High on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior stands a group of small, white buildings, a church that has been converted into a physical and occupational therapy building and the “Big House,” former home of the wealthy Couzens family. For six weeks each summer, this isolated spot buzzes with activity while the Bay Cliff Health Camp is in session. For 27 years, Bay Cliff has been host to campers from the entire Upper Peninsula. This year 139 boys and girls learned to live together happily and benefited from the fine services rendered by the competent staff. Founded in 1934 as a care center for undernourished children, it has expanded its operations so that today its gates are open to Upper Peninsula children with any and every kind of physical handicap, from epilepsy to blindness; from diabetes to deafness.