(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — Nov. 29, 1999
The Hopkins varsity football team defeated Addison 34-0 In the state semifinals to earn a berth in the state championship round. The Vikings, coached by Rex Weaver and Jim Newell, were led by hard-nosed runner Kevin Glupker. They will take on St. Charles for the Division 6 state title.
Martin Village officials have approved a $1.625 million water project.
The new location for a post office in Wayland has been decided. The postal service will move from the overcrowded small building on East Superior Street to a new facility on Reno Drive, behind Wayland Chevrolet to the south.
Allegan County officials warn they are tightening up their programs to regulate school truancy.
Editor Nila Aamoth wrote in her Soapbox that on Jan. 2 everybody will chuckle over the hand-wringing that was demonstrated with Y2K “In short, life will go on — and ain’t it grand.”
Caroline McCarty wrote a letter to the editor challenging Wayland High School freshmen, sophomores and juniors to come out for cross-country.
Janet Kiosk of Dorr penned a letter praising the unsung heroes who came out to donate blood at the drive in Dorr.
A decision about limiting the number of people who can gather for parties in Wayland Township to 150 has been delayed until January.
The Middleville Village Council adopted a resolution and presented a key to the village to Major League baseball star Chad Curtis, a Thornapple Kellogg High School graduate.
The Lady Trojans of Middleville Thornapple Kellogg, who edged Wayland in the districts in overtime, now are headed for the state quarterfinals after beating Hastings and East Grand Rapids in the regionals.
50 Years Ago — Nov. 26, 1974
Thirteen local volunteers took part in an emergency medical test for EMT certification, supervised by local doctors Dale W. Kuiper and Robert Blickensderfer.
The Globe published a huge front page photo of staff members who sent Thanksgiving greetings. Shown in the photo were Betty Lee, Margaret Dickinson, Mariam Baltema, Helen Jame Helmey, Robert Reidlinger, Ira Helmey, Pat Staley, Jean Tingler, David Young, Eric Weber and Suzanne Wood.,
The City of Wayland was showing off its new Christmas decorations along streets downtown this week.
St. Therese Church is planning a winter festival Dec. 6 under the leadership of Mrs. James Cisco.
The Wayland Community Education program is offering a class in computer repair and upkeep.
Mrs. Henry Alexander presented a special program, “Women of the Bible” to members of the Ladies Library Club.
The Wayland High School varsity basketball team, under the tutelage of John Virgo, will open its season at Delton Friday night. Vargo promised a return for the Wildcats’ hurry-scurry Hoosier style of play.
Hopkins basketball coach Mark Austin insisted though his team absorbed the loss of many players to graduation, the Vikings are not rebuilding, but just reloading. Co-captains were Bernie Smith and Steve Adamczyk.
Season debuts also loomed ahead for area wrestling teams. Wayland coach Rick Tokarchick said the O-K Blue Conference features a lot of returning veterans.
Co-captains of the Martin basketball team this year were Jeff Lawler and Robert Vandenberg.
Mrs. Ted Steffens of Hopkins nailed five straight strikes while bowling at Plainwell Lanes.
Gov. William Milliken defeated challenger Sander Levin 69-42 in a mock election by students in junior high social studies classes.
Earning perfect 4.0 grade point averages at Hopkins High School were Burton Brenner, Mike Fein, Marianne Kastner, Sally Lindley, Mel Arnsman, Annette Norman, Ron Naken. Sue Maher, Karen Hennip and Mark Chrusciel.
Billy Swan and “I Can Help” took over the No. 1 slot among the nation’s top tunes this week.
75 Years Ago — Dec. 2, 1949
Almost a hundred children lined the streets to see Santa Claus for the hugely successful first-ever Wayland Merchants’ Window Shopping Night.
Lifelong Hopkins Township resident Clara Baker died at her home. She was 87.
Mrs. Katherine Mauchmar died at her home just north of Wayland. She was 76.
About five inches of the white stuff fell on formerly barren ground in the area on Thanksgiving night.
The Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club members will sponsor a Fire Inspection Day at the American Legion Club meeting room Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Firestone was advertising a “big 10-inch consolette TV for only $249.95, with installment payments of only $5 per week. Installation of an indoor antenna cost $6.95. The ad was published by Jacob Ewing Co.
The Leighton Grange planned a discussion of the Brannon Plan at its next meeting.
A Christmas party is scheduled for Dec. 13 for members of the Party Line Extension Club. Mrs. Beatrice Baker was elected chair at the November meeting.
Miss Lue Ardis Dean won an FHA project award and was granted a trip to the Chicago Livestock Show. She was accompanied by her mother.
The local Girl Scouts group elected Polly Low treasurer and Norma Enter reporter.
Mrs. Gabriel Merren was elected chairwoman of the St. Therese Altar Society, which is preparing for its annual holiday ham supper.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Robert Armstrong, Mae Clark and Monte Hall in “Streets of SanFrancisco.”
- Paul Hurst and Jeff Donnell in “Outcasts of the Trail.”
- Victor Mature, Lucille Ball and Lizabeth Scott in “Easy Living.”
- Paul Douglas, Celeste Holm and Linda Darnell in “Everybody Does It.”
- 100 Years Ago — Nov. 28, 1924
- Wayland Township Supervisor Carl Warner furnished the Globe with a list of local property taxes due for people who live in 11 school districts. The amounts ranged from $19.90 to $26.01.
- The Peninsular Fire Insurance Company in Grand Rapids has announced it has failed because of financial difficulties.
- Now Showing at the Regent Theatre downtown: The Covered Wagon.” Wednesday — Jack Pickford in “The Hill Billy.”
- Allegan County Clerk Stickel reported the largest number of deer licenses at 104 this year.
- The West Leighton Community Club will have a box social Nov. 28.
- Miss Queen Munger a teacher at the School District No. 4, presented a Thanksgiving program at the school and a potluck supper was enjoyed by all.
- The Wayland High School debate team defeated Zeeland with team members Henry Amborski, Hubert Warner and Glen McCaslin.
- Library Director Fanny Hoyt wrote a column about cranberries in “Library Notes.”
- The Globe published extensive material surveying local families and their Thanksgiving gatherings.
- All ex-service members are cordially invited to the Forrest Lewis Post No. 266 of the American Legion for “a big feed.”The Ladies Library Club welcomed about 70 guests to the annual New England Supper.
Sauger School will have a box social and action cried by N. C. Thomas next Friday.
Shelbyville Lumber Co. is erecting six new houses on Gun Marsh for the Michigan Land Company.
