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

30 years ago

ISHPEMING — Ishpeming’s cemetery rates will increase an average 25 percent next month in the first rate hike in 10 years. A new rate schedule was approved last week by the city council. The largest increase was for adult burials from $160 to $250. Burials for children 4 to 10 years old increased from $120 to $150. The price of two cemetery plots for residents increased from $80 to $100 and for non-residents from $160 to $200. The additional $125 fee for adult winter burials did not increase. The rates have not changed since 1983. They go into effect 30 days after they were approved. Ishpeming resident Barb Isaacson told the council she hopes the rate increase will result in better upkeep of the cemetery. “I hope if they raise the rates they put in real grass on the graves,” she said. “The cemetery is beautiful, but if you put weeds on your grave it looks terrible.”

60 years ago

UPPER PENINSULA — Interest in the region’s attractions being promoted at sports and travel shows throughout the Midwest may indicate one of the greatest years yet is ahead for the Upper Peninsula’s fastest growing industry. More literature concerning the Peninsula’s tourist and resort accommodations and facilities is being distributed than ever before, leading to belief that the 1963 summer tourist season may be a “bumper” one. The Upper Michigan Tourist Association, in cooperation with local and area groups, this year launched a heavy promotion schedule at Midwest travel shows. “This year’s travel show has truly been a cooperative venture,” Ken Slater, Hulbert, association president, said. “Chamber representatives manning our booth have been promoting the attractions of the entire region, rather than trying to ‘sell’ their own individual communities alone. “Many thousands of pieces of literature, Upper Peninsula-wide in nature, as well as pamphlets from individual areas, have been distributed to interested persons. “Our effective exhibit-attracting an unusual amount of interest wherever it has been set up-together with the cooperation of volunteers from all parts of the Peninsula who have staff the booth, should prove beneficial for the entire region we serve.” He said the volume of 1963 tourist business will depend in some measure on weather conditions, but expressed confidence that the “increase in patronage over last year will be considerable.”