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Bygone Days: A look at the past in NE Allegan County

(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)

The site of the Springdale Cheese Factory in Hopkins more than 60 years ago. The cover photo is of the same location today.

25 Years Ago— Jan. 19, 1998

Martin Fire & Rescue personnel battled a farm barn blaze for 12 hours that caused removal of 93 cattle to temporary quarters. Freezing temperatures made the siruation even more challenging at the farm of Bruce Aukema on Sixth Street.

Dorr Recreation officials are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of vandals who struck South Park.

The Wayland City Planning Commission has recommended rezoning for recently annexed property to be rezoned to accommodate high-density housing on the north side of 133rd Avenue.

The Gun Lake Winterfest celebration this year is being downsized, but a splendid time is guaranteed for all.

Seven superintendent candidate finalists will be interviewed by members of the Martin Board of Education. The person selected will succeed Iris Williams.

Editor Nila Aamoth in her Soapbox entry, planted tongue in cheek and criticized Watson Township and state officials for granting the contract for removing tires from a site to the person responsible for the problem.

Diane Smith wrote a letter to the editor insisting a police officer accused of using excessive force face charges, just like the teens he apprehended.

Hopkins Township Supervisor Mark Evans will serve on the Wayland Emergency Services Board, succeeding Julie VanderMoore, who is unable to cast votes because she doesn’t live in Hopkins Township.

Construction at the new Hopkins High School continues despite the cold weather conditions of winter.

The Globe published a photo of Macy Merchant as the Wayland volleyball team’s “water girl.”

Brian Maher, Mike Kisner and Jason Arnsman led the way for a Hopkins basketball struggling to repeat as O-K Silver Conference champion.

The Wayland varsity hoops team now is 0-3 in the O-K Gold, despite a couple of quality offensive perfornces by Jason Hilaski.

The Wayland wrestling team set a record for dual meet victories by getting past Sparta and Byron Center and lifting its record to 18-2.

50 Years Ago — Jan. 16, 1973

Globe Editor-Publisher Irvin P. Helmey has been named to the advisory committee of the journalism advisory board for Ferris State College.

The Wayland City Council again has been fielding complaints about misuse of snowmobiles on city streets and properties.

The Allegan County Board of Commissioners were sworn in, including Dennis Nickels of Wayland, Anthony Wykstra of Martin and Ralph Sytsma of Moline among the 12 members.

A free drug education program will be offered at the Knights of Columbus Hall west of the U.S.-131 expressway on 135th Avenue.

Tom Hildebrand dropped in two free throws with 16 seconds left as Martin edged Hopkins 66-65. Mike Pavlak led the Vikings with 16 points.

Wayland lost two more league ballgames. Bob Lehocky scored 23 points, but no one else made double figures. Lehocky is the O-K Blue Conference’s leading scorer.

Wayland captured its first wrestling dual meet victory of the season, 42-16 over Middleville.

Wayland High School Athletic Director Richard Akers issued a public statement urging the Wildcat girls’ sports teams to join the O-K Blue Conference.

The Hopkins PTA is sponsoring a special information session on venereal disease Monday evening, Jan. 22.

Non-demoninational services will be held at the American Legion. Collections will not be taken.

Dan Miller, a 1969 graduate, has been hired as a new patrolman for the City of Wayland Police Department, bringing the force up to four men.

75 Years Ago — Jan. 23, 1948

The Rev. Clyde Piskett, who was born in Wayland in 1873, died in Fremont. A graduate of Wayland High School, he earned a doctor of philosophy degree from Yale and then toured Europe and Palestine. He was pastor emeritus at the Church iof Christ in Fremont.

Kendall Ingham, a Hopkins native who taught math in Detroit and Wayland schools, died at his home in Redford Township. He was 48.

Mr. and Mrs. Eli Frank have sold their theater in Galesburg and are building a new home near that town.

A stag smoker and organizational meeting of the Rod and Gun Club has been scheduled for Jan. 29 at the Legion Hall.

A clarinet solo will be performed by William Mauchmar at the Wayland High School Sunday musical at the auditorium.

The Allegan County Road Commission is cutting back workers’ hours because of a shortage of gasoline.

The Wayland Grange is taking part in a drivers’ training education program sponsored by the Ford Motor Co. They also propose building a community house for teen-agers, providing skating and swimming.

Mr. and Mrs. Burdette Blair and family of Hopkins are staying with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Hazen, after sustaining a fire.

Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher reported in his column that there have been indications that fish restocking efforts at Gun Lake have been successful.

The Ladies Library Club bid a sad but fond farewell to Mrs. Mary Noah, who is leaving after 16 years as a member.

“Pressure Saucepan Cookery” was the title of a presentation to the high school adult education homecoming class.

Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:

• Victor Mature, Brian Donlevy and Coleen Gray in “Kiss of Death.”

• Katherine Hepburn, Paul Henreid and Robert Walker in “Song of Love.”

• Felix “Doc” Blanchard and Glenn Davis in “Spirit of West Point.” 

• Rory Calhoun and Rhonda Fleming in “Adventure Island.”

100 Years Ago — Jan. 19, 1923

This year women will have their own Farm Week program with special home economics meetings and exhibits and Michigan Agricultural College.

Dr. Slemons of Grand Rapids presented a brief “Health Talk” to Wayland High School students.

Some of the topics taken up by students in debate sessions include “Should Cats Be Taxed?” and “Resolved that high school boys should learn to cook.”  Teacher Miss Haines appears to be on the affirmative side of both issues.

Home economics girls have expressed appreciation to Fanny Hoyt, Mrs. Buskirk, Mrs. McCaslin, and Mr. and Mrs. Koehler for contributions of food for the hot lunch program.

Julia Smith has been absent from school on account of the whooping cough.

Clark Chapple of West Leighton was found dead at his brother-in-law’s home in Grand Rapids.

Several boys were playing at Pryor Bros. mill and threw a snowball that hit motorcyclist Walter Barnum, causing him to lose control of his vehicle. He and his passenger wife were thrown into a snowbank, but injuries were minor. 

The NE Hopkins Community Club received a talk about proper feeding of the dairy cow. “As we pride ourselves on being a progressive farmers’ club, every member of which is always eager to learn anything to his advantage, we hope they will come again.”

Ralph Whitcomb and Charles Kramer, both of Wayland, killed two bears while hunting and trapping in Oscoda County.

Robert Smith was elected president of the board of directors for Moline State Bank.

Members of the Bradley Congregational Church have been engaged in a contest to attract new members. Losers have to serve the winners at a celebratory dinner.

Now showing at the Regent Theatre downtown: “Heart’s Heaven,” with Robert McKim, Claire Adams and Carl Grantvoort, and Hoot Gibson in “Trimmed.”

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