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

30 years ago

MUNISING–The Grand Island bill passed another milestone Tuesday in its Byzantine trip through Congress. The House Interior Subcommittee on Appropriations has included the $3.5 million to purchase the Munising Bay island in its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The bill has already been approved by the House Interior Committee but because it requires federal government money, it also needs consideration by the House Appropriations Committee. The lion’s share of the 13,000-acre island is owned by The Trust For Public Land, which purchased it last December from Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. TPL, a non-profit organization, is devoted to transferring sensitive lands into the public domain. The bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Flint, would turn the entire island into a National Recreation Area under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service.

60 years ago

CHAMPION–More than 1,500 persons are expected at Champion Lions Club’s second annual horse pulling and power saw contest on July 5. The winners in the contest will be eligible to enter their teams in the “national” finals to be held in Lower Michigan this fall. Ten heavyweights and 20 to 30 lightweight teams are expected to be entered in addition to the estimated 30 contestants for the power saw contest. A feature of the event will be a four-horse hitch on a large wagon demonstrating both light and heavyweight pulls. A new two-lane road has been built entering the arena leading to the lunch area and pony rides for the children. David Hamel has been named committee chairman for the event.