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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — Work on the future appearance of the Shiras Zoo at Presque Isle Park in Marquette will begin soon, with the appointment of a Zoo Improvement Task Force. Mayor Michael Coyne made appointments Monday following the commission’s approval of a creation and mission statement. Included on the task force will be representatives of the city, the Marquette County Humane Society, the Shiras and Kaufman foundations, local veterinarian David Engstrom, and Northern Michigan University Dean of Behavioral Sciences Steve Christopher. The city zoo came under attack earlier this year from the humane society and area residents for having so-called antiquated operational procedures. Initial changes last spring included a switch to indigenous species exclusively, and eliminated burrowing animals.

90 years ago

MARQUETTE — Work on the future appearance of the Shiras Zoo at Presque Isle Park in Marquette will begin soon, with the appointment of a Zoo Improvement Task Force. Mayor Michael Coyne made appointments Monday following the commission’s approval of a creation and mission statement. Included on the task force will be representatives of the city, the Marquette County Humane Society, the Shiras and Kaufman foundations, local veterinarian David Engstrom, and Northern Michigan University Dean of Behavioral Sciences Steve Christopher. The city zoo came under attack earlier this year from the humane society and area residents for having so-called antiquated operational procedures. Initial changes last spring included a switch to indigenous species exclusively, and eliminated burrowing animals.