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

30 years ago

REPUBLIC — Republic Township voters gave their approval Tuesday to a franchise the township board granted in July to the Michigan Gas Co. The final tally was 291 yes votes to 100 no votes, according to Marquette County Clerk Dave Roberts. The franchise allows the utility to install and maintain natural gas mains for 30 years.

90 years ago

MARQUETTE — The large vacant lot at the northwest corner of Front and Bluff streets, formerly owned by the Masonic Building association, has been purchased by Karl P. and Dr. Daniel P. Hornbogen, who announced yesterday that they will build a large automobile service station on the property. Plans for the building are being prepared in Milwaukee and will embody many of the features common to service stations in large cities. The filling station building will be the largest in the Upper Peninsula and will be equipped to handle gasoline, grease, and other motor necessities. The service station will occupy part of the property and the rest will be prepared for use as parking space. A large area will be reserved for this purpose and the owners believe it will fill an imperative need, especially after the opening of the new Northland hotel, which is almost directly across the street. As soon as the plans have been received from Milwaukee, ground will be broken for construction of the new station, Karl Hornbogen said yesterday. It is probable that foundations for the buildings and concrete driveways and pits will be built this fall but the station may not be completed until spring.