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

30 years ago

GLADSTONE — Gladstone’s new city manager sailed into town — literally. After piloting his 36-foot sailboat from Lexington, a Lake Huron port near his former home of Croswell, he arrived in town late last week. Now that he’s arrived, Soumis expects to take an active role in the community. “Gladstone has a very active community,” said Soumis, 45. “It won’t take long to get involved.” Industrial development is the key to the future for the city, he said, adding it’s a tool that Gladstone has already learned to use. “Gladstone is doing very well industrially,” he said. “The future is going to be good here, and the community will continue to grow with industry. The city has also already identified the downtown area as an emphasis for the future, and that is an area in which I have experience, as Croswell also had a Downtown Development Authority.” Soumis said it’s important that a community find a role for its downtown.

60 years ago

ISHPEMING– Festivities are in full swing at the Marquette County Harvest Festival being staged at the Ishpeming National Guard Armory. The festival, now in its second day, has been received by county residents with commendation for the agricultural, homemaking, baking, industrial and commercial exhibits. The occupational therapy department of Morgan Heights Sanatorium, with a Nativity scene, placed first in the arts classification class. Helicopter rides are being conducted by the Orchard Helicopter Corp. in connection with the festival. Farm products were judged by Don Thurlow, agronomist at the U.P. Experiment Station in Chatham, and Lawrence Ewing, superintendent of agriculture at the festival. Lewella Nault, Ishpeming home economics teacher, judged the 4-H Club clothing, knitting, foods and candy projects. Sawyer AFB survival techniques presented by base personnel are given at 8:30 each evening.