(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — July 17, 2000
The new Harding’s Market off West Superior Street near the U.S.-131 expressway has opened its doors after moving from its longtime location downtown.
A Dorr Township man, Dan VanDerWeide, who has amnesia ,finds it to be a source of relief and regret. He suffered a temporary health crisis and crashed his car near Reed City. He did not recall the incident but since then has been reunited with his family.
Former Wayland High School social studies teacher Jon Carroll was elected president of the Board of Education.
The community of Martin has a 49-pound state champion in The Midget division of national wrestling competition. He is T.J. Berridge.
Doug Halloran turned a lot of Dorr Fourth of July parade watchers’ heads with his “doodlebug” style tractor entry, poking fun of the Allegan County Road Commission.
The new Wayland Union Schools’ transportation center is nearing completion and plans call for an open house from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13.
Editor Nila Aamoth, in her Soapbox presentation, praised the performance of City Manager Barb VanDuren as she prepared to leave for the City of Wyoming as deputy city manager.
Gun Lake Tribal Operations Manager John Shagonaby wrote a letter to the editor insisting the tribe cares a great deal about public opinions in the wake of its purchase of 80 acres in Bradley. He wrote that it is too early to discuss the possibility of the action being a precursor to building a casino.
The Leighton Township Planning Commission voted unanimously against a request from Flashpoint Raceway for a special use permit to use some of its land for a bicycle racing track state meet in September.
Dorr Township Clerk Dick Dutkiewicz has sent senior citizens 60 years old and older absentee ballot request forms. He estimated that about 500 to 600 letters were sent.
The Village of Martin has purchased a welcome sign for motorists approaching the community. The cedar sign, anchored in cement, was purchased by the Village Council for $1,000.
50 Years Ago — July 15, 1975
The Wayland Board of Education voted to extend its community education and adult education to Martin and Hopkins. The board also voted to hire an assistant director of community education. The applicant must have at least a master’s degree.
Todd Visser and his Irish Setter won the Best of Show award at the second annual pet show at the City Park, sponsored by the Wayland Community Education and Recreation program. Director David VanEerden said there were 73 entries in the competition.
State Senator Robert Davis, minority leader in the Michigan Senate, will be guest speaker the Allegan County GOP Barbecue. A German band under the direction of John Dunsmore will furnish the entertainment.
Allegan County Sheriff’s deputies continue to search for the body of 18-year-old David Paul Langlois of Dorr, who was swept off a pier near Saugatuck while fishing.
Hail, wind and rainstorms swept through the Hopkins and Hilliards areas, damaging crops considerably.
Pete Blok, Class of 1975, wrote a letter to the editor about the farewell assembly comments at WHS and defended them, saying a majority now are adults.
Brothers Kim and Craig Suhusky, both Wayland High School graduates, were among those who attended the four-state Midwest band camp at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.
The third annual Wayland Snowmobile program will feature German band members John Dunsmore, Fred Bogden, Rose Dunsmore and Kris Kohles performing, along with singer-pianist Kim Wyatt. The community choir will perform under the direction of Helen Gambee.
Robert Miller, 23, of Hopkins, will leave soon to join the Peace Corps in the Philippine Islands.
The Henika Library Bicentennial Reading Club presented certificates to 93 young readers for the summer program.
The Bill’s Place Babe Ruth League team, coached by Wayne Goodwin, saw its record-setting 21-game winning streak halted by Alflen’s in an 8-6 verdict. Sports writer David T. Young did some research and learned no Babe Ruth League team in Wayland ever went undefeated in a season before Bill’s did in 1974.
Wayland coach Zack Moushegian has announced there will be a free throw and one-on-one basketball tournament for youth later this summer.
The Waco Sales advertisement for Sidewalk Days was done entirely in cursive writing, something that wouldn’t be seen in these modern times.
Correspondent Rosemary Hitt penned a brief history of Hopkins in her column, starting with the earliest settlers in 1838.
Five-year-old Joby Smith and Brian Potter, 6, received special rewards after recovering stolen merchandise in a local field.
Gerald Johnson was installed as commander and Mrs. Richard Sevigny president of the Wayland VFW and Auxiliary.
Mark Arnsman, 20, a Hopkins High School graduate, was found dead after his car rolled over on 18th Street north of Hilliards. He was on leave from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Paul McCartney and Wings took over the No. 1 slot among the nation’s tunes with “Listen to What the Man Said.”
75 Years Ago — July 21, 1950
Tom Hudson was toastmaster and Steve and Robert Kaczanowski presented a saxophone and accordion duet to welcome new pastor Edwin Hrupek to the St. Stanislaus Church in Hilliards.
Mrs. Frederic Hilbert and Mrs. Beatrice Cole attended the annual Women’s Institute of the Congregational church at Pilgrim Haven in South Haven.
The Rev. Arthur Buege, former pastor of the Shelbyville church, returned to preach for one Sunday, filling in for the Rev. Robert Geiger.
Patrons of the Leighton Telephone Exchange are sad to learn of the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Strom to Milwaukee. Mrs. Paul Carey will take over duties at the switchboard in their absence.
Malmstone’s had a full-page advertisement published for its summer clearance sale.
A national story reported that the United States now has 11,915 millionaires and at least 51 executives are paid $200,000 or more in annual salaries.
The Wayland Flying Club is planning a breakfast trip to Three Rivers Sunday and a good breakfast is promised.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Estelita Rodriguez in “Belle of Old Mexico.”
- Jerome Courtland and Beverly Tyler in “The Palamino.”
- Deborah Kerr, Robert Walker and Peter Lawford in “Please Believe Me.”
- Gregory Peck, Helen Wescott and Millard Mitchell in “The Gunfighter.”
100 Years Ago — July 17, 1925
In Chautauqua News, the Globe front page included a schedule of events. Featured in this year’s third annual celebration will be Strombren Due, S. Platt Jones, entertainment first day; the Howard Orchestral Quintette and lectures from A.L. Fields; a dramatic sketch by Elias Day Players; a lecture by Ethel Irwin; American Glee Club prelude; Frank S. Regan lectures; and a pageant by the Junior Chautauqua and concert by the American Glee Club.
Now showing at the Regent Theatre downtown: Tom Mix in Zane Grey’s “Last of the Duanes.” Pat O’Malley in “The Fighting American.”
Mary Agnes Turner, a native of Hilliards, died at age 57. She was active in the Grange.
James Leggett, 24, a registered barber in business with his father, died June 24. He left behind a wife and two children.
There was a very good turnout at the school meeting and Floyd Culver was elected moderator, succeeding A.B. Congdon.
Archert & Hudson will open their gas station at Sycamore and South Main Street.
A fire erupted at the Pennsylvania depot. There was considerable water and fire damage.
Pearl Nina Whitcomb of Hopkins died July 11. She was only 15.
Jerome Palmer and the hotel have installed electric signs in front of their places on South Main.
There was a good crowd for the concert by Indian cornet soloist Robert Bruce.
