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

30 years ago

NEGAUNEE — For two Negaunee families, one of the great lessons of hosting Soviet exchange students is the simple realization that Soviets and Americans are not so different after all. The DeRochers, who are hosting George Pavlov, 14, were impressed with a letter of thanks from George’s family. “We grew up in an era of McCarthyism,” said Lynn DeRocher. “Years ago we were afraid of Communism, but we didn’t know what it was.”

Her husband, Mike, said George’s visit is “a first-hand experience in learning the Soviets are not terrible people.”

“Everybody has the same ideas at heart,” he added.

Lynn said George fits right in with the rest of the family. David DeRocher, 13, said his impressions of the Soviet people and the country have changed since he met George.

“Until recently, before the Berlin Wall and Glasnost, I thought the Soviet Union was a hardline country. But when talk to George, it doesn’t seem that way,” he said.

60 years ago

ISHPEMING — Day Camp sessions for Ishpeming Brownies and intermediate Girl Scouts will be held in June at the Al Quaal Recreation Area. Two sessions will be held. The first will be June 19 through June 23 and the second June 26 through June 29. “A special unit is being set up for the intermediate Scouts who desire to take advantage of this opportunity to earn badges related to the outdoor field,” the announcement said. “Through camping, girls find opportunities for satisfying their basic desires, affection, achievement, recognition, security and new experiences, which will help them grow inside as well as outside in an informal outdoor atmosphere.”