(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr):
25 Years Ago — Oct. 9, 2000
Editor Nila Aamoth penned her Soapbox about the approaching presidential election, noting the explosion of technology in campaign marketing.
Wayland Township Clerk Bev Taylor penned a letter to the editor indicating the Township Board’s opposition to Proposal 00-2, supporting Michigan cities at the expense of townships.
Gary Marsh of Wayland Township wrote a letter to the editor noting thieves returned their stolen goods to his property, proving that “Grinches” can have consciences.
The Allegan County Parks Commission has announced the completion of cleanup projects at the Gun Lake and Dumont Lake parks, thanks to grant money from the Michigan Department of Natural Rources.
Ann Kilmartin, executive director of the Wayland Chamber of Commerce, has announced the additions of two new local businesses, a framing shop on West Superior and a new restaurant at the former site of Rosita’s Mexican Restaurant.
Wayland High School students, under the guidance of Police Chief Dan Miller and Mayor David Miller, are conducting studies of the downtown Superior and Main Street intersection to make left hand turns safer for larger vehicles.
The Wayland Township Board denied a rezoning request to accommodate a heavy industrial business along M-179 in Bradley, which has been designated as a Heritage Highway.
John Schaendorf, a Monterey Township farmer, survived a machinery explosion of his forage harvester.
Ransom Heth, a paraplegic, has filed suit against the Leighton Township Board for allowing Dave’s Dozing and its equipment to operate at a site next to his home, causing him home and health risks.
A group of local youngsters are lobbying the Wayland City Council to build a skate park on the old Interurban between Park and Vine Streets.
Hopkins was edging closer to the O-K Silver football crown after defeating Kent City 41-12. Both Martin and Wayland teams were 2-4 overall after losses to Wyoming Park and Lawton, respectively.
Wayland star athlete Jessica Merchant, though sidelined by injury in basketball, has committed to play softball at the University of Michigan.
The Hopkins girls’ basketball team has caught fire of late under new coach Mike Ochinski, winning their last six games in a row and capturing first place in the O-K Silver Conference with a 5-0 mark.
Martin now owns a 7-2 overall record in girls’ basketball, winning its last five contests consecutively.
Wayland Middle School students hit the local trails for the 11th annual two-mile run under the guidance of Principal Dave Britten and physical education teacher Dennis Angulimn.
Frances Stora, well known locally as an excellent cook, fisherwoman and mushroomer, died in Traverse City. She was 88.
50 Years Ago — Oct. 7, 1975
The Wayland Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance to Anthony Geib of Martin to build Wayland’s first self-service gasoline station at the corner of Sycamore and South Main Street. He plans first to raze the Sunoco station.
The Globe published a front page photo of Wayland Lions Club members Tom Wilkinson and Noel Summers putting the finishing touches on a new public restroom in Wayland City Park.
The Allegan County Road Commission denied a group of local citizens’ request for a four-way stoplight.
The Wayland Board of Education and Wayland Education Association and been reported as reaching a tentative agreement on a new employment contract. The teachers engaged in a one-day walkout Sept. 25 because of differences in issues of salaries, class sizes and duty-free lunch periods. The teachers had been working under conditions of the old contract.
Dave Genther, son of Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Genther, has been selected as the Wayland High School student representative to City Council meetings.
Ronald E. Frank wrote a letter to the editor opposing the Village of Martin’s local ordinance challenging freedom of speech, arguing that it was poorly written and easy to get around.
Former Wayland resident Adeline Bauman wrote a letter praising the Globe as being like a letter from home.
Editor-Publisher Irvin P. Helmey said the Globe had received two letters that were unsigned, therefore they couldn’t be published.
Miss Carol Jager, 22, of Zeeland, has been serving Wayland Christian Reformed Church as a longterm volunteer. She teaches a ladies’ Bible class and has been calling on families at local homes.
The Hopkins Organization of Parents and Educators (HOPE) has selected second grade teacher Wilma Commans for recognition for 32 years of service.
The Hopkins High School football team remained undefeated by subduing Decatur 30-14. QB Ron Schafer and fullback Wayne Krotz both scored two touchdowns.
Martin’s gridiron record slipped to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in the SAC with a 20-6 loss to Gobles.
Tom LaValley recorded an 18-hole score of 80 as the Wayland golf team finished third in the O-K Blue Conference. Kim Suhusky had an 82, Jess Clyma 84 and Tom Smith 86.
Wayland trailed league leading Middleville only 7-0 through three quarters, but eventually lost 21-0.
John Menges, a fourth grade student at Baker Elementary took first place in the National Open Karate championships in Grand Rapids.
The Hopkins High School golf team is 3-2 overall and in second place in the A-O Conference to Fennville. Bill Sebright was most recent medalist in dual matches with scores of 43, 45 and 41.
Wildcat harrier Kelvin Lapham broke his own school record in the 5K with a 15:53 clocking in the Wayland Invitational.
Sports writer David T. Young complained about some coaches not taking the time to call in the results of their meets or games. The result is lack of coverage.
The Hopkins girls’ basketball team posted two victories, 68-17 over Wayland and 48-42 over Gobles. Kerry Kastner scored 15 points and Anita Punches 14 against Wayland.
Peter Baar, a 1966 graduate of Wayland High School, has received an appointment as assistant to the medical staff at the Regional Health Center in Baldwin. He served in the U.S. Navy as a corpsman and attended Ferris State College.
Tim Vorick of Sturgis has been selected to manage the Baehre Ford & Mercury auto dealership in Wayland.
Former Wayland businessman Harry Elenbaas died after a lingering illness. The former owner of Henderson Milling Co. of Wayland, he was 89. He also was Sunday school superintendent at the United Church of Wayland.
Mrs. Mary Marklevitz, longtime St. Stanislaus Church activist, died at her home in Hopkins. She was 90.
Meb Weick, longtime Hopkins businessman at Weick’s Department Store, died while fishing in Baldwin at age 56.
Neil Sedaka captured the No. 1 slot among the nation’s tunes with “Bad Blood.”
75 Years Ago — Oct. 14, 1950
Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher printed a late breaking story that Steve Chachulski had died Wednesday night. His funeral was scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church.
Fenn Simkins was elected master of the Wayland Grange.
The local Band and Orchestra Club is conducting a fund-raising campaign to buy new uniforms. “These uniforms will cost $1700 and we have $600 in our fund.”
The Wayland High School football team tasted defeat for the third time this season, dropping a 13-0 decision to Middleville. The Wildcats put together four drives that were stopped by the Trojans inside the 20-yard line.
Allegan County Democrats will welcome as guest speaker Gov. G. Mennen Williams at the Red Brick Tavern, one mile north of Plainwell, on Oct. 16.
The local Girl Scouts chapter toured Pet Milk in Wayland, thanks to their guide, Russ Rugaber.
F.D. Hilbert went to Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids and is expected to remain there for a week of treatment and observation.
Mrs. H.A. Letson returned from Butterworth Hospital, where she underwent cataract surgery on her left eye. The procedure was considered a success.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Walter Catlett and Raymond Walburn in “Father Makes Good.”
- Allan “Rocky” Lane and Blackjack in “Gunmen of Abilene.”
- Betty Grable, Dan Dailey and David Bryan in “My Blue Heaven.”
- James Cagney, Helena Carter and Barbara Payton in “Kiss Tomorrow Good-bye.”
100 Years Ago — Oct. 9, 1925
Both afternoon and mail trains were annulled Wednesday, owning to the wreck of a freight train a mile and a half south of Wayland.
The death of Mr. W.A. Shaw at his home southeast of the village was announced by Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher, who reported, “Mr. Shaw had been at work in the fields with his team and had come into the house for dinner and was putting the team out when his heart failed him. Only a few minutes earlier he had been talking with Mrs. And then went into the barn, where he died.”
The Wayland Fall Festival was well attended, particularly by those who came into town to see the parade. The Gardner School won first prize with the Nelson School a close second.
A good crowd also gathered just north of the bank two hear N.C. Thomas and his famous quartette and Congressman John Ketchum.
Saturday afternoon the Grand Rapids Press Newsboys band appeared, followed by a balloon ascension and the baseball game between the Wayland All-Stars and Jess Elsters Colored Athletes of Grand Rapids. “The local boys gave the darkies a real battle, which ended 4 to 3 for the visitors.”
The poultry show was characterized a decided success during the festival.
The Ladies Library Club welcomed teachers for the new academic year and Dr. Wishart of the Fountain Street Baptist Church. Also presented was a speech from a Mr. Vedder about cooperation between school and community. Refreshments often and wafers were served.
Now showing at the Regent Theatre downtown: James Oliver Curwood’s “The Hunted Woman.” Baby Peggy in “The Family Secret.” Coming next week: “Abraham Lincoln.”
Wayland High School’s football team is making preparations for a game this weekend against Zeeland. The boys last week lost 21-0 to Otsego.
A group of students is attempting to organize a school band under the direction of Mr. Bickert.Mr. Ingham is organizing a cross-country program for some athletes who will compete next spring in track.
The state fire marshal visited Wayland School and a fire drill was held.
John Headley, who moved to Yankee Springs Township in 1870, died at age 60. “In the home, he was always kind and thoughtful for others.”
Some petty thief took tools from a touring car owned by Howard Ward while it was parked just north of town. He was awakened by the noise and watched the thief make off with his booty through a window in his house.
Mrs. Esther Rankin had the misfortune of having her car stolen in front of her home on Maple Street in the village. The car was found a day later near Byron Center without its tires, battery and headlights.
About 30 friends of Howard Clack had a husking bee at his farm in Dorr for his birthday celebration.
George Renaud had the misfortune to lose his Durant car to a fire about three miles outside of town.
