The Peter White Public Library in Marquette is pictured. (Journal file photo)

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

30 years ago

ISHPEMING — A busload of 60 locked-out Minnesota steelworkers set up picket lines at Marquette County’s two iron ore mines this morning, causing traffic jams and convincing hundreds of local miners not to go to work. Under the watchful eye of Marquette County Sheriff’s deputies, peaceful informational pickets went up about 6 a.m. at the Tilden and Empire mines and at the Central Shops in Ishpeming. Members of United Steelworkers of America Local 2660 from Keewadin, Minn. protested the sale of hematite ore pellets from the Tilden Mine to steel mills co-owned by National Steel Corporation. About 614 steelworkers employed at National Steel’s pellet plant in Keewadin went on strike Aug. 1, but were locked out Sept. 15. Steelworkers angered by the company’s purchase of ore from other mines set up pickets this morning at eight mines in Michigan and Minnesota. Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., which manages the two local mines, said local steelworkers who don’t show up for work could face disciplinary action. At the Tilden, a banner surrounded by bright red flares read: “Our dispute is with the Tilden as an ally with NSP.” “They are fellow union brothers. We are all in the same union. It could be anybody, any time,” said a 29-year Tilden employee who honored the picket line. Minnesota steelworkers explained to local miners that it’s their choice whether to go to work. The picketers handed out leaflets stating they have a right to picket secondary employers under the National Labor Relations Act Allied Doctrine.

90 years ago

REPUBLIC — Harwick Johnson, who spent the holidays here visiting his parents, will return to Houghton tomorrow to resume his studies at the Michigan College of Mining and Technology. Jennie Maki has returned to Detroit after spending two weeks here visiting her parents. Kate Lowney has returned to her home in Hermansville after spending a few days here at the home of Mrs. John Seeley. Vivian Sahlman left Wednesday for Duluth to resume her studies in Duluth College after spending the holidays here with her father. Arthur Malsin, of Eagle River, Wis., has returned after spending a few days here with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Louis LaForias, Jr., and son, Louis, were recent visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. L.F. Skeels in Iron Mountain. Arvo Johnson has returned home after spending two weeks in Chicago visiting relatives.