EDITOR’S NOTE: Because of the fierce snowstorm Wednesday afternoon, the editor was unable to complete the customary journey to the Now & Then Historical Library in Dorr to conduct the research necessary for the weekly column. The following is what research revealed Saturday, Feb. 27.

25 Years Ago — Feb. 27, 1991

Bert Schipper was named Martin Township Supervisor, succeeding Andrew Leep, who died of a heart attack Feb. 14.

The Wayland Board of Education still is balking at making a $3,000 contribution to having the Art Prize mobile gallery visit the Wayland Summerfest. Board member Dorothy DeWeerd said such a move could set a bad precedent and could jeopardize future millage campaigns. She noted the schools already provide gratis the sue of baseball and softball fields for the summer celebration and for circuses, and the high school gym is open to the community for its annual New Year’s Festival.

Globe Editor Nila Aamoth, in her “Soapbox,” asserted “instead of punishing tjose who don’t recycle, let’s reward those who care enough to take on the job.”

Burglars stole food, alcohol and cash from the Bay Pointe and Circle Inn restaurants in the Gun Lake area. Michigan State Police are investigating.

Wayland Junior High Principal Jon Jensen penned a letter to the editor in which he acknowledged that the Channel One TV program in schools is controversial, but he insisted that the positives outweigh the negatives.

More than 300 Wayland Junior High students, Principal Jon Jensen and teacher Ken Pearson went to Grand Rapids to watch the movie “Hamlet,” starring Glenn Close and Mel Gibson. Many of teh youngsters admitted enjoying the presentation.

The Lady Wildcats, led by Shannon VanPutten, Stacie Bratsburg, Dana Daniel, Kristy Nieuwenhuis, Shelly Salisbury, Chris Gruver and Julie Ainsworth, captured their seventh consecutive O-K Gold Conference volleyball chanpionship.

The Hopkins boys’ basketball team ended its regular season with a record of 13-7 after losing to Class D powerhouse Covert 99-79. Kelly Reynolds scored 27 points and Jeff Weber 24.

Martin hoops standout, 6-7 center Dan Herp, has been lost for the season after being hospitalized with back spasms. The Clippers clinched the SAC title and are 14-4, but will have to go into the district without their top scorer and rebounder, 26 points and 12 rebounds, per game.

Tim Dimock won the state Class D wrestling championship at 189 pounds.

50 Years Ago — Feb. 23, 1966

Rollo Mosher, in his “Observations Here and There” column, outlined how ice was captured, stored and used in bygone days. “Before the days of trucks and automobiles, ice was hauled into town from nearby lakes by teams of horses using bob sleighs. The ice was cut by a special saw.”

Ron Kidney, former all-state basketball players for Wayland, was pictured on the front page with a basketball and his mother and father, Vivian and Albert Kidney. The ball was a special momento he was given after scoring his 1,000th point in two seasons at Grand Rapids Junior College.

Wayland will play Allegan in the district Class B tournament March 2. Otsego, Plainwell and Delton also are in the district tourney.

Dennis DeHaan, Gary Finkbeiner, Jeri Shade, Kay Shafer, Catherine Graham, Kathy Jo Smith, Tim Tobolic, Joanne Grzeszak and Lois Sykes all earned perfect 4.0 grade point averages during the first semester for the 1956-66 academic year at Wayland High School.

Corporal Hans Wiebrecht was honored for 25 years with the Michigan State Police, the last 10 at the Wayland post. He was shown receiving his award from Commander Lewis Brandt at a retirement ceremony.

A state law enacted in 1966 maintains that all Republic and Democratic Party designations will be listed for all races on the state ballot. Advocates said it will strengthen the two-party system.

W. G. Manning, formerly of Wayland, has been appointed branch manager at the Paw Paw branch of the First National Bank of Kalamazoo.

Robert Hurst of Wayland has been promoted to merchandiser for the Grand Rapids division of Super Food Services.

Frank, Malmstone, 86, has died. He established a general store near the corner of Main and Superior streets in downtown Wayland in 1926, finally selling it in 1960 to the Dancer Company.

John G. Grafford of Dorr has been named president of the local district for the Society of Plasticl Engineers.

Hamilton took over second place in the Expressway Conference basketball standings by stopping Wayland 58-42. The Wildcats, now tied for third in the league, were led by Rick Baughman’s nine points.

The Wayland faculty suffered its second straight loss, this time 65-52 to Otsego teachers. Mentioned on the local squad were Lyle Berry, Spriggs TeRoller, Bobby Kerley, Gene Knobloch, Robert Marutz and Dave VanEerden.

Lou Christie topped the music charts in the land with “Lightning Strikes.”

75 Years Ago — Feb. 21, 1941

Three changes of business places on the north side of West Superior street since last fall, and which for a short time at least means some empty store buildings makes one wonder what the possible reason might be.

One very apt conclusion would be the very high fire insurance rate in force on property in that block. In some cases, the rate is around $75 per thousand and that is almost more than the owners can afford to pay.

If one knew the amount of good money that has been paid out for fire insurance in that row since the buildings… were built following the fire that cleaned it out about 60 years ago, the amount would be staggering.

Of course the reason for the high rate is the way the buildings are constructed. Those in the know claim that once a fire had gotten under way in the row, there would be almost nothing that could stop it and the fire would have to run its course.

At various times there has been some talk of building a fire wall in the middle of the block, which with Jack Gurney’s building on one end, the risk would be greatly reduced.

Of course such a thing would be up to the owners of the buildings, but it surely would prove to be a great step in reducing the fire risk and lowering the rate.

Great Britain can “finish the job” (of defeating the dictators) if the United States will maintain a supply of the necessary “tools,” said Winston Churchill, British prime minister, in a world-wide radio broadcast. He expressed the opinion that American troops would not be needed to insure a victory over the Axis powers.

He spoke of the war soon entering “upon a phase of greater violence” and stressed the possibility of a Nazi thrust in the Balkans.

Russians have branded as “hysteria” a story said to have emanated from Mexico that the Soviets are planning to invade Alaska. The story was that when Britain is knocked out of the war, Russia and the Axis will collaborate, in attacks on North-and South America, the Soviets going after Alaska and the Axis after South America and Central America.

Wayland Theatre —Thursday, Friday,
Saturday, “Gone with the Wind.” Two shows
daily. Nothing cut but the prices — Matinee 
25 cents, 40 cents and evening, 55 cents.

100 Years Ago — Feb. 25, 1916

Nearly 25 members of the Ladies Library Club celebrated Reciprocity Day.

The present outlook for a supply of ice during those hot days in the summer is not promising. John Meyers, “The Ice Man,” has put considerable time and expense into trying to increase the thickness of ice on Doan’s Lake by flooding it and sweeping snow.

The Wayland Military Band plans to give a concert March 9 at the Opera House. “Every citizens feels a just pride in this musical organization and their attendance on this occasion should prove a greater loyalty than ever before.”

The Christian Church has decided unanimously to engage the present pastor, Fay C. Wing, for another year and an increase in salary.

The Globe has just added to its equipment in the job department with a supply of new typefaces and is prepared to do satisfactory work in this line.

F.D. Cutler considers wind power cheaper than 20-cents-per gallon gasoline for pumping water for his 50 head of cattle and has erected a Sampon wind mill.

The Wayland High School orchestra, under the baton of Prof. A. L. Barendsen, provided musica accompaniment for both of the senior play productions.

The Thornburg murder trial is about to get under way in Cassopolis. The Wayland youth, who steadfastly insists he is innocent, is being defended by former State Senator Jamesa Kinnane of Dowagiac, who is expected to enter an insanity plea.

Ethol W. Stone of Allegan has announced his candidacy for Allegan County Probate Judge.

Republican party candidates nominated for election in the village include Alvesten Weaver, president; George Wilson, clerk; Arthue Deuel, treasurer; Frank Chamberlain, assessor, and Mark Beall, Louis Reno and Wilson Mosha, trustees.

Citizens Caucus village candidates will include Robert Williamson, president; Charles Clark, clerk; Lander Chapple, treasurer; William Aldett, assessor, and Adalbert Chaporan, Charles Carpenter and David Fox, trustees.