(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — May 22, 2000
The Globe published a front page photo of Garry Redding of Wayland Township, who recently joined the Third Michigan Volunteer Infantry of Grand Rapids, with a nod to the upcoming Memorial Day observances.
Wayland Union School bus drivers gathered at the annual Allegan County school bus rodeo competition and took first place.
Third District Congressman Vern Ehlers (R-Grand Rapids) told a crowd of constituents in Hastings that too often more laws will not help solve problems.
Editor Nila Aamoth suggested in her Soapbox that women celebrate Women’s Day May 25 by scheduling a potentially life-saving mammogram.
Wayland City Police, Michigan State Police and the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department conducted successful car seat checks for children.
Anita Buckowing wrote a letter to the editor praising Baker Elementary Principal Ed Torkko for personally intervening immediately to help a troubled special needs student.
Four candidates in the August primary, Terry Delp and Spencer Moore for supervisor and Terry Hoeve and David Muster for clerk and trustee, respectively, have been removed from the ballot because of an error in the County Clerk’s office. The four filed with the clerk’s office instead of the townships where they resided, Leighton and Wayland.
The controversy about the Band Boosters booth at the County Fair continues, as several more band parents wrote letters to defend the organization accused of letting the building deteriorate.
A Wayland man was detained on charges of assaulting his former girlfriend in the 100 block of East Superior Street. Police said he struck the woman with his vehicle.
Republicans David Haverdink, Blaine Koops and Donald Norwood will vie for the GOP nomination for sheriff in the August primary. Haverdink is the incumbent.
Republicans Jason Dykstra and Randy Marklevitz will battle for the Wayland Township Supervisor’s post.
Luke Williams of Hopkins won both the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs at the O-K Silver Conference meet and set two new school record at the same time.
The Globe published a photo of Brad Blauvelt in catcher’s gear. Who knew Blauvelt would guide Martin to two state championships in eight-man football 20 years afterward?
The Wayland softball team outscored opponents 44 to 1 during the week, thanks to stellar pitching by Kara Potter, Lena Tompkins and Amber Wilson. The Wildcats now are 24-1 for the season.
Hopkins will play at Grand Valley State University against Comstock in the first round of the Silver Tournament.
Coach Mick Francis’ Hopkins softball team is creeping closer to a second straight undefeated campaign in the O-K Silver Conference.
Fifth-grader Jessica Armstrong won the annual Pine Street Elementary mile run with a school record time of 6:28.29.
50 Years Ago — May 20, 1975
Wayland High School freshman Lesley Irvine took first place in her category at the International Science Fair in Oklahoma City. Her project was “Hormonal Retardation in Tenebrio Molitar,” winning her a cash prize of $100.
St. Johns Mayor Roy Ebert and entourage came to visit Wayland for the annual Mayor Exchange Day, picking up the ceremonial key to the city.
The new Wayland High School building was formally dedicated and architect Guido Binda was honored for his design.
Michigan State Police Lt. William Monroe was reminding local citizens and businesses about a scam subscription game from the “State Police Journal.”
Miss Carol Evans, a member of the board of directors for the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, was guest speaker at the kickoff dinner of the “Spirit ’76” at the Wayland High School cafeteria.
Baker Elementary will have a spring festival that will include puppet shows, the fifth grade band and a “Tribute to Flags.”
The Wayland High School Instrumental Music and Arts Departments will have a creative arts program at the Wayland High School auditorium.
Michael Patterson and Rick Krause were awarded first place and second, respectively, at the district Amvets’ essay contest, “Where Else But in America?”
Wayland High School alum Eric Weber was named outstanding graduate in the business management curriculum at Davenport College of Business.
Wayland High School graduate Gary L. Finkbeiner received his juris doctor degree at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
Kim Baugh and Jackie Straub were introduced as office personnel at the Michigan State Police post in Wayland. Straub later became full-time dispatcher.
Wildcat tricksters Russ McCarren, Duane Dewey, Brian McBride, Lee Kelly, John Lubberts and Kelvin Lapham were identified as the biggest point-getters in the O-K Gold track meet. The ‘Cats finished fifth.
The Wayland baseball team delivered a 15-7 upset over previously unbeaten Hamilton. Steve Pencola and Doug Beek also came up with impressive victories on the mound.
The Wayland softball team absorbed its first loss of the season, to Hopkins, but remained atop the O-K Blue Conference standings.
Wayland varsity tennis coach Tom Tarnutzer is starting a local tennis club.
Hopkins’ Bernie Smith has earned the right to compete in the Class C track meet in the high jump by clearing 6-1 in the regionals.
The Wayland Adult Education program graduated 32 seniors at commencement.
Dr. Ted Jackson, a veterinarian and a native of Leighton Township,, died of a heart attack at his home in Battle Creek. He had been working lately on the PBB contamination problem.
Eath, Wind & Fire took over the No.1 slot among the nation’s tunes with “Shining Star.”
75 Years Ago — May 26, 1950
The Rev. Jamie Laupmavis was to be guest speaker at the Memorial Day observance. Groups, including WHS band members, were encouraged to organize at the bank corner downtown and march to Elmwood Cemetery.
Ben Ciboc was elected commander of the American Legion and Harold Truax first vice commander.
Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher wrote a tribute to Edgar D. Wells, publisher for 26 years of the Plainwell Enterprise, who died May 24 at his home.
Mrs. Effie Beckwith died at the home of her son in Bradley, She was 80.
Mosher reported that during a recent vacation trip he ran into a man who knew about Wayland because he was the officer who apprehended Sylvester Thornburg for the murder of his aunt in Cassopolis. He escaped from prison and later was arrested for murder in Colorado.
Local girls interested in forming a bowling program are invited to sign up near the new ally just north of Wayland.
The 44th annual Wayland High School reunion at the high school cafeteria Friday evening, June 2 for a potluck supper. Phil Reno is president of the Alumni Association Laverna Hilbert is secretary and Helen Herb program chairwoman.
Twenty-two Hopkins High School seniors left Thursday for the annual bus trip to Chicago.
Barry Clark Brewer, 4, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ford Brower of Wayland, earned an honorable mention in a children’s photo contest among 400 contestants.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Palmer have returned from Scandinavia after spending six weeks putting together 30 concerts.
Wayland delegates Mrs. Robert Crofoot and Mrs. Robert Campbell attended the opening of the Michigan Congress of Parents and Teachers and toured the new schools Milwood and Comstock schools.
One of the largest graduating classes for Allegan County Normal has been reported, with 21 students earning teaching certificates.
Wayland lost 4-1 to Caledonia, as Bill Mauchmar drove in the only run. Milt VanDuine suffered the hard-luck pitching loss. The Wildcats, however, scored an upset victory over Kalamazoo Christian, 7-6, and beat Martin 16-4. Jim Henry struck 14 K-Christian batters and Dick Hudson unloaded a homer and a single.
A coach from Kalamazoo Central High School was guest speaker and Robert Closs was toastmaster at Martin High School’s alumni banquet.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brandon and teachers Mr. and Mrs. Edward Guilder accompanied 22 seniors on Martin High School’s trip to Washington D.C.
“The Grange stands for temperance, but does not interfere with your politics or religion.”
Charles Fisher of the Wayland chapter of the Future Farmers of America has been chosen vice president of Region 1, which includes all counties in the southwest part of the state.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Stephan McNally, Sue England and Barbara Whiting in “City Across the River.”
- Joe Kirkwood and Leon Errol in “Joe Palooka Meets Humphrey.”
- Betty Grable, Victor Mature and Phil Harris in “Wabash Avenue.”
- Joan Davis and Andy DeVine in “the Traveling Saleswoman.”
100 Years Ago — May 22, 1925
The prosperous village of Byron Center is debating about whether or not to incorporate. Local businesses are in favor of the idea in order to pay for street lighting.
The local troop of Boy Scouts is reported to be reorganizing under the leadership of Scoutmaster Mr. Pettis. The reorganization meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the high school.
The Globe published the Memorial Day proclamation by Gov. Alex J. Grosbeak.
Now showing at the Regent Theatre downtown: Tom Mix and Tony the Wonder Horse in “Oh, You Tony.” Richard Talmadge “In Fast Company.” Also: “Zowie.”
A killing white frost and freeze nipped local gardens, apples, peaches, pears and cherries.
Daniel Edward Jenkins, who came to Moline from New York and then moved to Wayland in 1918, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Bessie Perkins, in Moline. He was 70.
Revival meetings of the Methodist Episcopal closed Sunday night and the Rev. Corn has moved meetings to Hickory Corners.
Miss Georgia Huttleston, who has been keeping the books at J.L. Smith & Son, has accepted a new clerk’s job at Pickett and Deane.
Johnnie Ward is learning the barber’s trade from his father, C.H. Ward, and probably is the youngest barber in Michigan.
Six members of the Class of 1900 were remembered. They were Clara Brog, Marie Shattuck, Lena Farnham, Dora Heazlit, Birdie Hersey and Fred Edward Leakey, who was valedictorian.
Library Director Fanny Hoyt declared in the Library Notes column, “Few present day authors are better and more widely read than Booth Tarkington and Ellie Parker Butler.”
Raymond Newton is in the hospital in Rochester, Minn., recovering from an operation for remove his goiter.
Hazel Frank, Dorothy Frank and Ernest Koehler were recognized for perfect attendance at District School No. 10, Leighton Township.
Called “two of Wayland’s finest young people,” Clayton Baugh and Miss Mildred Tolhurst, were united in marriage.
Members of the Common Council voted unanimously to pave both sides of the state trunkline on South Main Street.
Miss Dorothy Douglas was toastmistress for the Rainbow Banquet for Wayland High School juniors and seniors. On the menu was fruit cocktail, olive greens, radish reds, creamed fowl, bruised potatoes, inexperienced asparagus and hot loaves. Dean Davidson, in his toast, “Showers,” wished the seniors showers of good fortune on their lives’ paths.
A stereoscopic moving picture will be featured at next Wednesday’s film presentation at the Regent Theatre. Each patron will be given the use of special glasses upon arrival.
William Mauchmar died at his home on Dixie Highway north of town. He was “one of Wayland’s old residents.”
Former Wayland High School Principal Dacie Haines has secured a position with the Detroit schools for next year.
