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

30 years ago

MARQUETTE–The first components of the great wooden arches that will become the main frame for the Northern Michigan University sports dome are on their way to the Upper Peninsula via rail. For the next 12 weeks, one train car a week will arrive in Marquette from Eugene, Ore. With components for the wooden structure, which will be the largest of its kind when completed in August 1991. “The load will consist of main-frame laminated wooden beams, ranging from 15-45 feet in length,” said John D. Bekkala, associate director of facilities at NMU. “There will also be connecting steel parts. Each load will weigh approximately 160,000 pounds.” The shipments are originating at the Western Wood Products plant in Cottage Grove, Ore., and are being sent by truck to the nearby Eugene rail yards. Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad Co. engines will haul the cars the final leg of the six-day, 2,100-mile journey on the company’s tracks that run along the eastern edge of the dome property. Western Wood Products is the nation’s only manufacturer of the laminated frames being used in the 14-story, 531-foot diameter domed facility. Secondary and miscellaneous framing for the dome’s vestibules, dormers, and cupola will be supplied by a company in Albert Lea, Minn., Bekkala said.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE–Boy Scout life and star awards were presented, respectively, to Jim Pearce, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don M. Pearce, and Raymond Gudegast, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gudegast, during a Court of Honor conducted by Troop 305 of the First Methodist Church last night. Scoutmaster Ralph Laird made the presentations to the two boys, whose high awards highlighted a meeting during which two other Scouts also received honors, and seven were advanced. Gary and Paul Yoder, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Glen H. Yoder, were cited for selling the most Christmas wreaths, 40 and 30, respectively, during a Scout project. Troops 305 sold a total of 351 wreaths during the campaign. Other advancements announced at last night’s meeting included the following: first class awards, Charles West, son of Mrs. Beulah West, and Bob Belmore, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Belmore; second class awards, Mike Bliss, son of Mr. and Mrs. Grover Bliss; Dick Wiitala, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Wiitala, and Gary Yoder; tenderfoot awards, Mike Meyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Donald Meyer, and Bryant Davis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Davis.