(From the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr).
25 Years Ago — June 24, 1992
Leighton and Dorr Township officials are exploring the possibility of forming a Library Authority that would oversee both the Dorr and Moline libraries. The moves stem from Dorr Township’s reluctance to invest in the deteriorating Moline library housed inside the aging Moline Town Hall. Leighton Township does not have a library, but provides some sporadic financial support.
Tracy Jean Rickstad, 25, of Parchment was killed in a boating accident on Selkirk Lake. She was a passenger in a boat driven by her father when it was struck broadside by another boat driven by a 16-year-old youth.
The Hopkins Board of Education approved a new employment contract with teachers, but had a serious discussion about permitting teachers to smoke in designated areas. There was emerging consensus that the school complex should be smoke-free.
Longtime elementary teacher Mary Howard was named principal at Hopkins Elementary, succeeding Dr. William Howard, who was to take over as director of curriculum, special education and state and federal grant writing.
Edwin Reed wrote a letter to the editor critical of the Gun Lake Area Sewer Authority’s recent proposed increase in rates.
Rudy Martinez Cruz, 40, of Wayland, was killed in a traffic accident on the U.S.-131 expressway near the 140th Avenue overpass.
More than 30 local candidates were expected to be on hand for a forum at the Bay Pointe Restaurant. Included were candidates for supervisor in Orangeville, Martin, Wayland and Yankee Springs Townships. The primary election is Aug. 4.
The Gun Lake Farmers Market is set to open June 25 at a site on Marsh Road across from Gillett’s Hardware.
Pat Staley wrote a feature story about Martin Band Director Fred Bogdan, who plays trombone for and tours with the 126th U.S. Army Band.
50 Years Ago — June 21, 1967
Editor-Publisher Irvin P. Helmey wrote an editorial about the recent troubles in securing ambulance service in Wayland. He opined, “Providing ambulance service has become a function of government at some level. We may not like it… but the fact is Medicare has had the unfortunate result of eliminating private ambulance service here… We believe an ambulance service is necessary for Wayland for all the people, and we believe the most economical way to have it is to buy it at the local level.”
Fred D. Hilbert Sr., Wayland’s oldest native citizen, will have an open house at his Cedar Street home to celebrate his 90th birthday.
A group of Republican activists plan a special meeting, with State Rep. James Farnsworth as guest speaker, to attempt to take back the political power in Orangeville Township.
The Wayland Education Association honored retiring Steeby Elementary teacher Mrs. Rose Iciek after 22 years of service. She is retiring to take the librarian’s post at the Hopkins Township Library.
The Wayland City Council agreed to accept the low bid of $31,030 from Lehocky Construction for building an addition to Henika Public Library.
Richard Brenner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Brenner of Dorr, received special recognition while being presented with his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Michiogan State University. He will establish a practice in Williamston.
The Hopkins High School reunion honored special guests from the Class of 1917, including Howard McBride, Leonard Pegg, Leslie Wise, Ed Noxon, Margie Wicks and Mrs. Harlie Sebright.
Droopy the Clown will be a special guest at the annual Moline Community Fair June 24.
Serving overseas in the military are Roger Hendges of Dorr, Larry Schmidt in Thailand, and Donald Milburn in Vietnam.
Lee Greenawalt, eldest son of Fred and Effie Greenwalt of Wayland, wrote a letter from California indicating that he stopped in to visit with WHS grad and ex-Pittsburgh Steeler Ron Stehouwer in Pleasanton, Calif.
The Rev. Donald Hoffman, assistant pastor to the Rev. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale in new York, was guest speaker at the Wayland Congregational Church.
John Stamm sustained injuries from a planter sprayer overturning on his farm near Wayland. Neighbor Lloyd Miller was able to remove the vehicle.
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, remained at No. 1 on the music charts with “Respect.”
75 Years Ago — June 26, 1942
Donna Jean Blue and Donna Larson entertained members of the Ladies Library Club with a violin duet. Grace Sinke played two selections on the marimba and Carol Ellinger performed on the piano.
The Wayland Rotary Club will meet at one of its members’ cottage at Gun Lake this week instead of the customary noon Wednesday luncheon at the Doll House downtown.
The families of F.D. Cutler and the Skutts were among groups observing fathers Day with reunions.
A Mr. Jackson was scheduled to speak on “The Most Serious problem the Nation Faces Today” at the next meeting of the Wayland Grange. Also planned is a wide discussion on the impact of price ceilings on farmers.
The Business Men’s Association, in a large advertisement, declared, “We are in this war of survival together. We filled our bins (with coal) to hasten the day of peace.”
Millard Perry of Wayland has just returned home after spending six months with the U.S. Army Transport Service, just missing the attack by the Japanese on the Aleutian Islands. In an interview, “Millard expressed confidence that the Japs will get plenty slapped before Uncle Sam gets through with them.”
Mrs. Pyrie Miller of Bradley reported her 2-year-old rock hen to something out of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not.” The hen laid plenty of eggs last fall, but since has brown extra feathers about the neck and has begun to crow like a rooster.
Editor-Publisher Rollo Mosher and his fishing buddies, Naman Frank, Harold Hawkins and Ivan D. Smith, gathered for the 15th consecutive year to open the bass and panfish season at Gun Lake.
Douglas Cutler was elected president and Bill York vice president at the most recent meeting of the Wayland 4-H Livestock Club.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Grant Taylor in ”40 Thousand Horsemen.”
- Marjorie Woodworth and Jimmy Rogers in “Dudes Are Pretty People.”
- George Brent and Joan Bennett in “Twin Beds.”
- Victor McLaglen and Edmund Lowe in “Call Out the Marines.”
- Bert Lahr and Dorothy Lovett in “Sing Your Worries Away.”
100 Years Ago — June 22, 1917
The new Bohemian-Slavic church construction southeast of Wayland is nearing completion. Today it is known as Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church.
Wayland officials are planning “one of the biggest old-fashioned gatherings ever pulled off” for the Fourth of July. Activities will include Boy Scouts and Home Guard drills, a patriotic parade, band music, a flag raising, a picnic in the park, free coffee, vocal and instrumental music and sports games coordinated by Rollo Mosher. Editor-Publisher George Mosher declared, “We want to demonstrate that a good, rousing time can be had without the noise and waste of fireworks.”
The WaylandChapter No. 336 of the Order of the Eastern Star published a front page resolution of respect: “The Angel of Death has entered our chapter and removed from our midst our esteemed sister, Emily Emmons.”
Mrs. Ida Overmire entertained members of the Emroidery Club. “Covers were laid for 18” and then dinner was enjoyed by all in attendance.
The Alpha Society will have an ice cream social near the Robins Schoolhouse, West Gun Lake, with proceeds to be set aside for the purchase of a piano.
Civil War veteran Lawyer Tomlinson of Plainwell will be guest speaker at a patriotic service July 1 at the Gun Lake Church.
R.W. Middleton, who recently purchased the Dean Hotel, is making improvements and repairs and soon will rename it the Tourist Hotel.
There will be a gand ball at the old Birney House in Dorr June 26 with music by the Koon’s Orchestra of Grand Rapids.
Prof. J. E. Sturgis, known to many Wayland people, has moved from Mansfield, Ohio, to Butler, Ind., to take over the city band program and become director of music at the local schools.
The Woman Legislator of the Week (No. 5) is Mrs. Alexander Thompson, a state legislator in Oregon and the first woman to be part of a national campaign committee.
PHOTO: The landmark stone house at what often is referred to as “Knobloch’s Corners” has a colorful history, including serving as a gasoline station in bygone days.
