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

30 years ago

LAKE LINDEN — The regular monthly meeting of Schoolcraft Township Board turned into a shouting match Tuesday when 30 residents complained about cemetery rules. Throughout the public comment portion of the meeting, cemetery plot owners competed with each other for the floor and shouted personal insults at Sexton Gary Kendzierski. The dispute stemmed from Mount Calvary and Maple Hill cemeteries’ rules, which were published on April 16 and May 1 and later posted at the cemeteries. Most complaints were aimed at rules forbidding mowing, trimming and digging at grave sites. Kendzierski and the board said the rules have been in effect since the 1950s, but they admit enforcing them was impossible. Now, because of increased lawsuits and wider use of power mowers and weed-eaters, the township is concerned with liability. The residents booed and shouted down suggestions that one of them might sue the township. Kendzierski was accused of having no respect for the dead and was asked, “Why can’t things stay the same as they have always been?” The board refused demands that it change the rules and republish them, saying it believes the township is relieved of liability responsibility by keeping the rules as they are. Kendzierski said, however, that he would not stop people from mowing. The public comment portion ended after one resident asked for final clarification. “So, we can keep doing what we’ve been doing?” she asked. “Nothing’s changed except that you’ve protected yourselves?” The board’s response was affirmative.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Marquette area residents sweltered yesterday in a record heat wave which continued this morning and is not expected to let up until later in the week. At 4:30 yesterday afternoon it was 93 in the city, the highest temperature in Marquette since Aug. 2, 1957, when it also was 93. Yet exactly one week ago an inch and a half of snowfall occurred here. It was in the high 70s by 9 a.m. and in the 80s before 10 yesterday morning. At noon it was 88 and from 1:30 to 6:30 it was in the 90s. It was in the 80s until nearly 10 p.m. and 75 at midnight. Picnic areas were sought by many families yesterday in efforts to escape the heat. Some persons even went swimming–which is unheard of in Marquette in mid-May.