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

30 years ago

ISHPEMING — The year-long sesquicentennial celebration which commemorates iron ore mining in the Great Lakes region, named Courtney Allen as Miss Sesquicentennial. She entered the pageant because her grandfathers, Francis Racine and the late Jack Allen, both worked in local mines. Allen will preside over all the sesquicentennial events running through October. Allen won a $750 scholarship that she’ll use to attend Northern Michigan University this fall. First runner-up, Westwood senior Liisa deRoche of Ishpeming, received a $500 scholarship. Second runner-up, Westwood senior Jamie Magnuson of Ishpeming, received a $250 scholarship. Marquette Senior High School junior Gwenda Verburg of Marquette was named Miss Congeniality and received $50 cash Other contestants were Carol Alongo, Dawn Johnson, Casey Pawley, Any Sundberg and Delair Wilson.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — The U.S. Public Health Service has approved a $145,000 federal grant to St. Mary’s Hospital in Marquette for construction of a 16-patient psychiatric unit, The Mining Journal was advised today by U.S. Senators Philip Hart and Patrick McNamara. Total estimated cost of the project is $290,000, and the grant represents federal (Hill-Burton) matching funds. The remaining $145,000 has been pledged in a county-wide fund drive headed by Marquette Probate Judge, Michael F. DeFant. George Mancuso, associate administrator of the hospital, said the architects’ drawings were completed last week and have been distributed to contractors. Bids on the unit will be opened at 2 p.m. May 21 at the hospital. “The new unit is designed to provide a relaxed atmosphere in accordance with the modern approach to psychiatric care of patients,” Mancuso said.