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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — Robert Pegenau has been elected commander of Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 22 of Marquette. Other officers elected May 20 were: Clovis Peano Sr., vice commander; Richard Sandstrom Jr., vice commander; Vernon Kellner, adjutant; Bruno Kotula, treasurer; Gerald Contois, chaplain; Amos Foster, service officer; Margherita Dupras, executive committee appointee; Vernon Kellner and Robert Pegenau, alternates; Gerald Contois, membership; Margherita Dupras, child welfare committee; Margherita Dupras, Americanism; Richard Contois, judge advocate; Amos Foster, legislative committee; Richard Sandstrom, publicity. Serving on the nominating committee were Robert Pegenau, Richard Sandstrom, and Gerald Contois. A potluck supper was served before the election. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month on the ground floor of the Jacobetti Veterans Facility.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE – An old Marquette landmark, the pig iron blast furnace on South Lake Street at the intersection with U.S. 41, has been razed due to its deteriorated condition. The furnace was built in 1872, and used sporadically until 1916. Robley H. Morrison, vice president and chief engineer of the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad Co., said the furnace, which was on LS&I property, was removed due to the hazards involved due to its deteriorated condition. Children has been seen climbing on the furnace, he added, and the railroad company felt the condition of the furnace made it a liability. The furnace was leveled by a bulldozer. Kenyon Boyer, Marquette, managing director of the Marquette County Historical Society, said the furnace was begun in 1872 by Detroit and Marquette capitalists, and first used in 1874 by the Carp River Iron Co. It was rebuilt after several fires and sold at the turn of the century to the Pioneer Iron Co. In 1916 the site was sold to the Lake Shore Inc. of Marquette. The furnace, and the charcoal kilns across the highway, had been of special interest to tourists in this area in past years, Boyer said.