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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — After only two years in existence, the Marquette Rotary West Foundation has given away $40,000 for projects that focus on the young, the elderly, the handicapped, and the poor. The foundation is now looking for this year’s recipients who can claim their grants in August. To do so, applications must be filled out and returned to the foundation. Applications ask about the organization requesting the money, what they do in Marquette, and who will benefit from the project. The money awarded is raised through the annual Seafood Fest and through donations to the Rotary Club, according to Mark Canale, president of the foundation. “The Club needed a way to channel the funds from the Seafood Fest and donations so that they could be given back to the community,” Canale said. “This was the best way. Since we started giving the grants, most of it has stayed in the local community, although some has gone to Rotary International.”

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Bathing beach areas on Lake Superior in the southern portion of Marquette, in the South Lake Street area, have been reopened for swimming purposes this year. City Sanitarian Frank P. Sciotto said today that the high bacterial count which forced closing the beach last year has been cleared up, and that the waters are “perfectly safe for swimming,” from a bacteria standpoint. The bacteriological analysis of the waters in that area, Sciotto stated, is in-accordance with the standards set by the United States Public Health Service and the Michigan Department of Health. Further bacterial studies will be made periodically throughout this summer, he added, and if at all possible, the minimum count will be maintained. High bacteria counts in that area had resulted from a clogged sewage line, which has been cleared with a new sewer cleaning machine obtained by the city.