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

30 years ago

MUNISING — Greg Whitman and Elizabeth Benam were seeking respite from last Thursday’s heat on the beach at Sand Point when the two Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Rangers spotted something peculiar.

“In comes this loon, coasting in on a wave,” Benam said. “It was only about 20 feet away. “It was unusual,” Whitman said, “we were really close.” They were also close enough to see why the normally reclusive loon was acting so strangely; it has become tangled in a monofilament fishing net. The loon, a threatened species that avoids people and civilization, dove under the wave in a weak attempt at escape, but Whitman managed to retrieve it and bring it to park headquarters. Park service workers cut away the net, which the loon had partly swallowed. As soon as the net was removed, Whitman carried the bird back to where they found him. When released in swam off into the lake. Since returning the loon to the lake, Whitman has spotted a pair in the area, presumably the rescued bird has found a companion. “I have every faith that he’ll do all right,” Whitman said.

90 years ago

ISHPEMING — It is reported that officials of the Chicago & North Western Railway Co. are thinking seriously of taking out of service the “gas” train running between Ishpeming and Escanaba, making a round trip every day except Sunday. This service would be greatly missed by the traveling public, especially during the winter.