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

30 years ago

SAWYER AIR FORCE BASE – The 3R Team from K.I. Sawyer Elementary School worked with teacher, Ragene Henry, to write the book “Who is K.I. Sawyer and Why Should We Care?” by researching interesting facts about the man for whom the local Air Force Base was named, Kenneth Ingalls Sawyer. Upper elementary students, Sean Higgins, Michael Johnston, Lydia Edwards, Mark Anderson, Bryan Bell, Melissa Vloedman, Kelly Anderson, and Shannon Hodum, researched their book at the Marquette County Historical Society’s Longyear Archive. They found that Sawyer was famous for putting lines on the highway (most notably Deadman’s Curve on County Road 492), designing bridges as a Marquette County engineer, and serving as mayor of Ishpeming. He also came up with the idea of putting picnic tables at roadside parks. “I’m very proud of all the kids,” Henry said. “It was exciting to see the learning and enthusiasm take place at the same time,” said June Shaw, principal of the school.

60 years ago

ISHPEMING – Winners of the American Legion Auxiliary poppy poster contest in the 12th District were announced this week. In Class 1, Lynn Tikkanen of Negaunee placed first, followed by Nancy Lodholz of Ishpeming and Donna Putnam of Iron River. Kathy Kevern of Negaunee took top honors in Class 2, with Susan Anderson of Crystal Falls placing second and Leslie Myers of Iron River, third. Winning in Class 3 were Rae Oja of Ishpeming, Janet Anderson of Iron River, and John Richards of Negaunee, in that order. Posters were judged on points with 50 for eye appeal, 25 for originality, 15 for artistic ability and 10 for neatness. Mrs. Eliza M Doudge, 13th district poppy chairman, stated that first place winners have been entered in state competition.