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

30 years ago

BESSEMER — There were record crowds but not a record pumpkin at the Bessemer Pumpkin Festival this weekend. Ken Brace of Ironwood had the biggest pumpkin at 140 pounds, and took second place with a pumpkin weighing 137.5 pounds. But Brace wasn’t even close to the festival record of 335 pounds, which he set back in 1988. Although the weather was cool and cloudy for the 12th annual festival, organizers Sue Ableman and Denise Stephens said they were setting a record for attendance, which they estimated at 5,000. Stephens also said entries at the craft fair were at an all-time high and the kids parade stretched for about four blocks. Pumpkin carving is one of the festival highlights. Besides the traditional carving and painting, some artists etch pumpkins, scratching a design in the pumpkin when it’s the size of a baseball. As the pumpkin grows, the rind scabs over and the designs grow, too.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Ted Getz, manager of Getz’ Department Store, and E. Kenneth Goldsworthy, manager and buyer for the men’s and boy’s department of Getz’, were the guest lecturers at the weekly session of the course in retail merchandising problems conducted by Northern Michigan College. Both speakers drew upon years of retailing experience in their discussion of up-to-date buying practices. In 33 years of retailing, Getz has worked as a delivery boy, stock boy, served in the store office, and has been in charge of displays and advertising. His experience includes selling on the floor, purchasing, and merchandising. He analyzed the department store’s buying office and its function in the retail business, the qualities a person must develop to become a good buyer, and factors in buying men’s and women’s clothing such as selection of styles, quantity to purchase, and confirmation of orders. Goldsworthy, who has been associated with Getz for 25 years, presented some of his personal experiences in the retail field and explained in detail numerous business techniques and principles. A question-answer session followed the talks. More than 30 people are enrolled in the course, which features a series of lectures by Marquette area retailers. The class meets in room K-102 of Kaye Hall.