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

30 years ago

SKANDIA — A charter member and long-time supporter of the Skandia-West Branch Townships Volunteer Fire Department has been named the Skandia Township Citizen of the Year for 1992. Dean Johnson, 62, of Ingalls Road, Skandia, received the honor Sunday during ceremonies at the township hall. “I was totally surprised. I had no idea,” said Johnson, a retired plumber who operated a business in Skandia for many years. “If it wasn’t for my wife, I wouldn’t have been able to go out and do the things I did.” Johnson is credited with helping develop the two-township fire department 29 years ago. Since then, he’s devoted countless hours in renovating the fire hall, installing cabinets and maintaining equipment. “You can see his truck (at the fire hall) about anytime you go by there,” said Alice Anderson, Skandia Township treasurer. Fire Chief Les Johnson, Dean Johnson’s cousin, agreed. Earl Robinson, township supervisor said, “We all felt he was deserving of it. He’s put a lot of time and effort into the fire department.”

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Mayor James R. Smith, general chairman of the Marquette city-civic committees, who handled arrangements for the Dallas Cowboys training stay in Marquette, welcomed Tom Landry, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys upon his arrival at Marquette County Airport in Negaunee Township yesterday. Mayor Smith was accompanied by F.L. “Frosty” Ferzacca, athletic director and football coach of Northern Michigan College. Certificates as “Admirals of Lake Superior” were presented to member of the Dallas Cowboys organization at a dinner meeting in the Hotel Northland following their arrival. Clayton Dahlke of the Marquette Chamber of Commerce presented the certificates to Dallas Publicity Director Larry Karl, Head Coach Tom Landry, and Business Manager Jimmy Parker.