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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — It’s not Alaska’s Iditarod, but the U.P. 200 Sled Dog Race has a winning reputation among mushers. After the race’s premier running in 1990, “Several mushers said to me that we have one heck of a trail,” said Scott Bunce, Chatham Checkpoint coordinator. Organizers from the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association are looking forward to an even bigger event this year: the U.P. 200 slated for Feb. 15-17, and the Midnight Run, a six-dog team race starting in Chatham on Feb. 16. Bunce said the races have mushroomed more than anyone thought. “In a way this race is really the consummation of what we did last year, and that is creditable to the organization, the community, and the trail itself.” Indeed, the popular consensus among mushers was that the degree of organization at the 1990 U.P. 200 was superior to other much older races. Organizers still need the help of volunteers. A volunteer training session is planned from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Westwood Mall.

60 years ago

TROWBRIDGE PARK — Fire of undetermined origin early this morning destroyed the Peninsula Granite & Marble Co. building off U.S. 41 near Erickson St. in Trowbridge Park. Marquette firemen battled desperately in subzero weather to save the structure, but faced a hopeless task, as the fire had already penetrated the roof of the building by the time they got to the scene. “It was blowing and storming so hard firemen could hardly see,” said Fire Chief R.W. Bystrom.