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

30 years ago

EBEN — Drilling has begun in Eben to find out how gasoline-related compounds turned up in drinking water. “We’re doing a hydrogeological investigation to determine the flow direction, general extent, and source of contamination,” said geologist Chris Austin of the state Department of Natural Resources. An octane-booster found in unleaded gas, methyl tertiary butyl ether, turned up in December 1986 in a residential well in Eben, and has also been found in Trenary. Though the chemical itself is not linked to any health problems, it could indicate the presence of more dangerous compounds such as benzene, DNR officials have said. Residents with wells contaminated by MTBE are now receiving bottled water. The DNR plans to drill 10 wells throughout Eben and should be finished next week, said Austin. The date will be evaluated in a report that could take up to a year to complete, he said. Similar test drilling was conducted earlier this year in Trenary. Once the source and extent of the pollution is determined, the state public Health Department will develop alternative water supplies, ranging from new wells to a possible municipal water system.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — The Class of 1944 of Graveraet High School held its 14-year reunion in Marquette last weekend and 65 classmates attended the two-day event. A mixer, a dinner and dance were held at Hotel Northland on Saturday and on Sunday the class members and their families had a picnic at the Tourist Park. Ruth Backels Knutson, who came from Spenard, Alaska, for the reunion, won the prize for traveling the greatest distance. Other members of the class came from New Jersey, Oregon and California. The meeting was such a success that plans are already initiated for a 20-year reunion in six years.