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

30 years ago

MUNISING — An avalanche of cross-country skiers does not smother Superiorland every winter like the annual crush of Indiana snowmobilers. “It’s definitely very large and growing the U.P., but especially Marquette and Alger counties,” said Mark Dolan, an employee at the Sports Rack in Marquette. “We have more trails and more organized skiing, like races and tours. Generally, this is considered the best cross-country place in the whole United States.” Midwest downhill skiers may yearn for Rocky Mountain powder, but the dependable snowpack on Lake Superior is best for cross county. Recognizing the area’s premier conditions, the National Ski Association sponsors camps here, and some of the best cross-country skiers in the nation come to the U.P. to train. “I like the challenge of skiing up a nice hard hill and then coming down,” Dolan said. “The scenery is wonderful and the nice thing is that you can stop and take a look. It’s good exercise and it’s fun.”

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Cows need a daily stroll into the fresh air. They benefit health-wise, just as people do, from the fresh air and exercise. That’s advice that comes from Jack Little, Marquette, Michigan State University Extension dairy-main for the Upper Peninsula. Many farmers believe that when they put drinking cups in their barn they can leave their cows in the barn day after day, he said. Rather than be kept in stanchions from fall until spring, cows should be paroled for a short time each day to loosen up their legs in the barnyard, Little said.