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

30 years ago

SAWYER AFB — More than 33 years of B-52 training flights came to an end Thursday afternoon at the base. “This is just another step in the closure process for Sawyer and its people,” said 1st Lt. Bryan Hubbard, chief of public affairs at Sawyer. Flight operations, which will close in September 1995, have steadily decreased since the base was approved for closure in June 1993. At its peak, the base employed about 3,500 active duty personnel and 780 civilians. “The U.P. has been a great place to live and train for the past four decades,” Hubbard said. B-52 bomber operations began at Sawyer when the first one arrived Aug. 4, 1961. At one time, 19 B-52s and KC-135 air-to-air refueling tankers flew out of Sawyer. The last KC-135 left the base in September 1993. There are still six B-52s, but they will leave for other bases beginning in mid-October.

60 years ago

NEGAUNEE — Eagles Auxiliary No. 1944 will be instituted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at a ceremony to be conducted in the Negaunee Eagles clubrooms by Mrs. Isabelle Vallie of Muskegon, past madame president of the Grand Aerie. Auxiliary members and their husbands from around the Upper Peninsula are expected to be here for the occasion. Approximately 50 women have registered for membership in the Negaunee Auxiliary, and others desiring to sign up may do so until 7:30 p.m. Friday. Mrs. Vallie will be at the Eagles club Friday night to answer any questions regarding the auxiliary program. Following the ceremony Saturday afternoon, there will be a smorgasbord and entertainment, with music being furnished by the Syria Duo.