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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — Dandelion Cottage, which was made famous in a 1904 children’s book, was named recently to the State Register of Historic Sites. Dandelion Cottage, located at 440 E. Arch St., is owned by Bill and Sally Birch of Marquette, who moved the building two blocks and renovated it this summer. The Birch family saved the cottage from a wrecking ball pumping $60,000 into the restoration effort. “It feels really good,” said Sally Birch. “It has been a lot of paperwork to get it all together. We have a nice certificate (from the state).” The State Register was established in 1955 to recognize historic sites in Michigan. The designation enables the purchase and display of an official state marker citing Dandelion Cottage’s historic significance.

90 years ago

MARQUETTE — The zoology department of the Northern State Teachers college has received yeo mounted birds from Frank J. Jennison, of Jacksonville, Fla., a former Marquette resident which are a valuable addition to its collection of bird life. The birds sent by Mr. Jennison are excellent specimens of the Mexcian toucan. They were taken in Mexico and were in good condition and fine feather. The mounted specimans are on display at the college in glass cases with other valuable mounted birds given to the institution by Mr. Jennison. Before he left Marquette several years ago Mr. Jennison gave the college zoology department a large number of mounted birds and added to the collection after he moved to Florida.

“We deeply appreciate Mr. Jennison’s kindness and interest which have enabled us to have our unusually fine assortment of birds,” said Dr. John N. Lowe, head of the department.