30 years ago

MARQUETTE – A Marquette mother believes the Gift of Reading program has had a positive impact on her daughter. The woman, who asked not to be identified, said her 14-year-old daughter received several books last year including a mystery story. “My daughter really enjoyed the books,” the woman said. “I think reading is very good for a child.” Sponsored by the Marquette-Alger reading Council, the Gift of Reading program is now accepting books to be distrusted to children in need at Christmas. The books are being collected at area schools, businesses, civic organizations, and book stores. Nearly 13,000 books have been donated and distributed since 1988, including more than 2,000 books last year alone. Service organizations, area business and individuals are also collecting cash that will be used to buy books at a discount from area book stores. The books are distributed at Christmas by the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul stores in Marquette and Alger counties. The program is co-sponsored by The Mining Journal. Journal readers can contribute with the accompanying clip-out coupon which will appear in the paper regularly for several weeks.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE COUNTY – Marquette County has a new chapter of SPEBSQSA – Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America. William Wright, director of conferences for Northern Michigan University’s Public Services Department, is president of the countywide unit, which is currently seeking members. A meeting for all interested male singers in the area is slated for 7:30 PM, Monday, at the American Legion Club in Marquette. Wright said a minimum of 75 members is sought for the chorus, and urged all men who like to sing and might be interested in joining, to attend the meeting. Plans call for the county chapter of SPEBSQSA to sponsor and be among participants in a show tentatively slated for the spring. The Bay de Noc Chapter from Escanaba will take part, along with other regional units. According to Wright, stars of the show will be international SPEBSQSA champions, the Schmidt Brothers from Two Rivers, Wis. Professional singing experience is not required for membership in the Marquette County chapter, Wright also noted.