(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now historical library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — March 3, 1997
Barry County Circuit Judge James Fisher is getting a lot of criticism for his suggestion a local woman who was found negligent in her son’s death can be sterilized with Depo Pravera.
An upcoming special meeting will feature a discussion about whether Wayland Township land can be annexed into the City of Wayland.
A community development block grant is helping Dean Foods and the City of Wayland with building and road projects associated with expansion of a powder dryer at the building.
The Wayland High School volleyball team captured its second consecutive O-K Gold Conference volleyball championship.
Parent advocate Carol Miller wrote a letter supporting those who feel left out of the decision in transitioning transportation services from public to private.
Dorr Elementary parent Mary Arnold penned a letter opposing having Dorr students in fifth or sixth grade bused into Wayland.
Wayland Union Schools, Diversco Construction, and Eleanor Marker of Byron Center are seeking to have 140 acres of land in Wayland Township annexed into the city. A special meeting is planned for March 13 at the WAEMS Building on the south edge of the city.
Cheryl Smith wrote a letter to the editor exhorting, “Don’t let short-term savings (with privatizing) cost us long-term employees.”
Rev. William Bills, pastor of the Martin United Methodist Church and president of the Allegan County chapter of Habitat for Humanity, said work on the organization’s first house should begin this spring.
Motivational speaker Bill Sanders was guest speaker at Wayland Schools, suggesting students “follow your heart, not the crowd.”
Wayland’s basketball team is 12-7 and preparing for the regular season finale before districts. Walter Smith is the O-K Gold Conference’s second leading scorer.
Hopkins is sporting a 16-2 record going into season finale and districts.
The fortunes of the Hopkins volleyball team have had a strange reversal. The Lady Vikings won their first six dual matches but since then have gone 0-6. Coach Terri Merren insisted the team isn’t really playing badly.
50 Years Ago — March 1, 1972
R.C. Foss of Wayland earned commendation from Penn Central Railroad for putting in injury free employment efforts for the company.
Mrs. Ford Brower is supervising an Allegan County Immunization Clinic for measles and rubella.
Dr. Sannie Young, a native of Hong Kong and recent Michigan State University graduate, has joined the veterinary practice of Dr. Kenneth DeWeerd.
Dr. Robert Kinney has been chosen pastor of the Wayland Calvary Church.
Wayland High School junior Nancy Dandrow and the Rev. and Mrs. Leo Bennett of the United Methodist Church will attend a United Nations seminar in Washington D.C. later this month.
Gary Dewey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Dewey of Wayland, has been named outstanding young educator of the year in South Holland, Ill.
Former Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher sent the Globe an “Observations” column and relayed the perils and joys of trailer life in Florida.
The Allegan County Family Planning Clinic will meet March 6 at the County Health Department.
Wayne Johnson, who operated the Johnson Bait Shop in Wayland for many years, died at his home in St. Helen, Mich. He was 60.
Brenda Bala was the leading scorer for the Hopkins girls’ basketball team that tied Wayland for second place in the league.
Noting the recent successes of a young and inexperienced basketball team, David T. Young predicted a big winning season for the Wildcats in 1972-73.
The Hopkins boys’ varsity basketball team finished its season with a 9-7 record overall. The squad was led by Bob Walker, Dan Cadman, Gerald Arnsman and sophomore point guard Kelly McEwen. The Vikings lost to Wyoming Lee in the opening round of districts.
Martin won its district opener over Schoolcraft, with Dick Guerrrant leading the way.
Brad Kern, Scott Miller and Tom Miller of the Hopkins FFA Demonstration Team have qualified for the state competition.
Harry Nillson had the country’s No. 1 song, “Without You.”
75 Years Ago — March 7, 1947
Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher said in his weekly column that a number of local farmers want to lease their farms this spring and noted there are many up for sale. “There seems to be a great demand for small farms of 10 to 60 acres as a place to fall back on during times of depression.”
Mosher also expressed his opposition to a bill in the State Legislature suggesting delay of the trout season opener by two weeks.
Julius Andringa and Naman Frank left by plane for St. Petersburg, Fla., for a two-week vacation.
Fire destroyed a new cottage owned by Henry Whittaker at Payne Lake.
Motorist Fred Johnson and passenger Clarence Bisbee of Moline both were injured n a traffic crash when Johnson’s car hit a patch of ice, left the road and struck a tree. Both had to be hospitalized.
Miss Benson and Miss Amy Jean Holmblade presented a lesson on rejuvenating hats to members of the adult homemaking class at Wayland High School.
Employees of the local Kroger grocery have been invited to join others at the special banquet of the company Saturday evening, March 15, at the Civic Auditorium in Grand Rapids. It will be the first company party since 1941.
Mrs. Mary Noah presented slides of “Northern Michigan: Land of Hiawatha” to members of the Ladies Library Club. Library Director Fanny Hoyt led the discussion.
Charles Edgar (Ed) Hoyt was featured in a story about rising from humble beginnings in the foundry business in Wayland to the top of the industry.
“Hi Neighbor!” correspondent Margaret Dado Jenkins expressed serious displeasure with an envelope that arrived at her house claiming the Bible was a series of false tales told by an illiterate fisherman.
Michigan Bell Telephone has filed a petition to expand services in the Wayland, which would add two- and four-party lines.
Now Showing at the Wayland Theatre:
• Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Gabby Hayes in “Heldorado.”
• Errol Flynn and Eleanor Parker in “Never Say Goodbye.”
• Jeanne Crain, Glenn Langan and Lynn Bari in “Margie.”
100 Years Ago — March 3, 1922
Mrs. Rena Goodrich, county school commissioner, visited the Wayland school last week.
The boys of the school gave a supper with proceeds going to athletic association funds. Raymond Fox and Gerald Andrus are leaders of two competing fund-raising divisions.
Mrs. Motley from Grand Rapids appeared at a meeting dressed in a kimono and Japanese show to give a presentation to members of the Ladies Library Club about Japan and its customs.
Wayland Township Republican Caucus will be held Saturday, March 11, at the Village Hall.
Mrs. Phila Deuel will demonstrate the latest in spring headware Saturday, March 4, at the Millenary downtown.
Bradley Grange members held a meeting last Saturday to make preparations for an anniversary celebration.
Mr. and Mrs. Fay C. Wing now have moved to their new home in Jackson.
Former Wayland Farm Bureau Elevator Manager Clifford Averill has hone into the roofing business with his brother, Walter.
Miss Pauline Howarth has been confined to her home after suffering a fall while working at the condensary.
Showing Sunday at the Regent Theatre: Wallace Reid and Bebe Daniels of Grand Rapids in “Sick Abed.” Also showing will be Shirley Mason in “Lovetime.”
A.K. Richardson of Hastings has purchased the house formerly owned by Dr. Ira Slater.
The Wing-Metcalf furniture and undertaking rooms are being extensively rearranged this week. F.C. Wing’s son, Paul, will occupy the building soon.
Ezekiel Smith, son of Mrs. Lois Smith of Wayland, is a member of the famous military band for Michigan Agricultural College and has been lauded with honors.
While working in a 5 and 10-cent store in Grand Rapids, Mildred Lussenden fell through trap door and injured the back of her head. The injury doesn’t seem to be as bad as feared.