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

30 years ago

SANDS TOWNSHIP — Playing in waist-deep mud puddles, says racer Michael Peterson of Marquette, is one of life’s greatest thrills, his 1976 Chevrolet C-10 Silverado pickup truck dripping with mud Saturday at the Marquette County Fairgrounds in Sands Township. Peterson, joined by Fritz Horrocks of Harvey, and about 100 other mud draggers competed for prizes during the one-day annual event. First-year racer Steve MacDonald of Half Way Location said the thrill is reason enough to compete on the 200-foot track, which allows racers to speed up to about 40-50 mph. Ray Keskimaki, president of race sponsor North Woods Trailblazers, said proceeds from the races go toward improving the race track and to non-profit organizations. Fair organizers estimate attendance at this year’s three-day event at over 10,000 people. “This is the first year we’ve had three good days of weather,” said Chuck Wilson, fair vice president

60 years ago

MUNISING — Francis G. Putvin, Munising, was elected president of the Alger County Chapter of Crippled Children and Adults at a meeting here this week in Munising High School. Putvin succeeds Mrs. Vivian Markel, AuTrain, under whose guidance the Alger chapter had the highest per capita rating in the state for Easter Seal donations. Mrs. Markel Held the post for three years. Other officers elected were Richard Larsen, vice president; Helen Genry, secretary; Ben Zastrow, treasurer; and William T. MacNeil, equipment chairman. Putvin will take over the duties of chairman of the chapter’s fund-raising drive in the spring. The purpose of the society is to provide crippled and handicapped people in the county with crutches, bedside supplies and other items needed. One-half of all revenue collected by the society is used in Alger County.