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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — First of America Bank and Marquette Harborfest Inc. will sponsor free hot air balloon rides at Harborfest ’93 in Marquette July 23-25. The First of America hot air balloon will be available for rides from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 23 and 24. The free rides will be first come, first served. The 70-foot balloon will be tethered at the Ellwood A. Mattson Lower Harbor Park both days. Rides will depend on weather conditions.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Marquette’s fire department was called out twice yesterday, once to extinguish a blaze at a filling station and on a second occasion when a short circuit occurred in an office. The fire occurred at 3:55 yesterday afternoon at the Standard Oil Station, operated by Leonard Fluette, at the northeast corner of Presque Isle and W. Fair Aves. Firemen said a metal container, loaded with oil cans, paper, paper boxes and rags, caught fire, due to spontaneous combustion. The material in the container burned and the east wall of the filling station was scorched, with the paint being burned off. Nine firemen responded to the call with the Nos. 2 (1,000-gallon) and 4 (750-gallon) pumpers. They used the booster hose off the No. 2 pumper to put out the flames. The loss was covered by insurance. Firemen returned to the station at 4:25 p.m. At 4:47 p.m. firemen were called to the Bacon Block, 112 S. Front St., where a short circuit occurred in the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles office, on the second floor. Firemen said the incident resulted in smoke, but no fire, and nothing was used, with the switch being disconnected to stop the smoking and the office being aired out. Eleven firemen responded to the call with the Nos. 2 and 4 pumpers and the service truck. They returned to the station at 5:12 p.m.