30 years ago

July 19, 1995 – MARQUETTE – Pesola Contracting, a Marquette development company, has secured an option to purchase the Heritage House on North Front Street, and is working with an architect to review the feasibility of renovation, a company spokesman said Monday. The six-story building, originally named the Northland Hotel, was built in 1930. Later called the Old Marquette Inn and then the Heritage House, it has been the subject of two foreclosures – one in the late 1970s, the other in 1982 when then-owner Ted Bogdan declared bankruptcy – and has remained vacant since 1982. The city of Marquette is aware of the current deal and is taking hopeful, but hands-off approach, Mayor Jack Leadbetter said last week. Although the developer’s purchase option expires in August, Leadbetter said it’s encouraging to see someone spending money to study the building.

90 years ago

MARQUETTE – Walter Klachak, an outside trusty at the Marquette branch prison, escaped from the new prison farm land in the Carp river valley adjoining the institution yesterday afternoon about 1:45 and was back in his cell last evening after three hours of freedom. He was captured by Elmer Neil, of Lake street, former prison officer, as he was walking along the lake shore near the gas house. Neil was returning to his home shortly before 5 o’clock when he saw several members of the prison posse hunting for the escaped convict. After getting a description of the man, he was on the alert and, as he neared his home he saw a man on the lake shore who looked suspicious. Neil went to his home, got his rifle, pursued the man and captured him after a short chase. Klachak was at work clearing land in the farm area and crossed the Carp river while guards were occupied elsewhere. It is believed he went over the hill back of the charcoal ovens and made his way to the lake shore. He was sentenced last November from Ontonagon county on a charge of carrying concealed weapons.