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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — The Fourth of July was enjoyed by thousands of people across the central Upper Peninsula, with parades and fireworks topping most Independence Day revelers list of activities. Clear skies and temperatures generally in the 80’s aided celebrants in their endeavors. For most area residents, relaxing in the warm, sunny weather meant being a spectator of parades and fireworks displays. At the parade in Marquette, which had more than 100 participating units, a float from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario won the best overall float award. Other winners in the parade, coordinated by the American legion, were: Marquette Elks, Fraternal Award; Wendell’s Auto Supply, Theme (America the Beautiful) Award; First National Bank of Marquette, Commercial Award; Native Americans of Marquette County, Open Category Award; Recycle Marquette, Youth Award; Spear and Sons Building Supply, Grand Marshall Award; Ishpeming High School Band, Band Award; Dick Lutey, Classic Car Award; and Sawyer Air Force Base, Marching Unit Award.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — While driving home from Munising one night recently, Charles Ramsay, announcer for WDMJ-TV, noticed an object strike the side of the car. He stopped and walked back, where he found a tiny owl lying in the ditch. Ramsay noticed that the bird was alive, so he placed it in the glove compartment of the car and drove on to Marquette. The following day, he turned the bird over to Richard Gysendorfer, an employee of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Gysendorfer, who identified the bird as a full-grown saw-whet owl, still has the diminutive creature as a pet. The smallest owl found in the Upper Peninsula, the saw-whet is only eight inches in length. It is a surprisingly tame bird. The saw-whet gets its name from its unusual call, usually heard during the spring, which resembles the rasping sound made by filing a large-toothed saw.