(From the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)

25 Years Ago — Sept. 30, 1992

Hopkins voters turned down the latest bond proposal to build a new high school and renovate Sycamore Elementary 840 to 657. It was the third time in the last two years the plan has been rejected at the polls.

The W. K. Kellogg Foundation had awarded a $90,000 grant to Martin Public Schools for improvements in science education.

Many letter writers discussed the latest rejection of the Hopkins schools’ bond proposal. Janice Iciek essentially was saying “Don’t blame me” for the loss, though she opposed it, and Violet Beaver called it ”A sad day for Hopkins.”

Stephen Groh, CFO of Cellar Door Inc., meanwhile, penned a letter to the residents of Wayland Township thanking them for consideration of the company’s proposal for an amphiteater in Bradley. But Editor Nila Amoth reported in a story that Cellar Door was looking at other site options along the U.S.-131 corridor between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

Donny Brazier, 21, of Hastings and Samuel Phillips, 17, of Hopkins were arrested in connection with the armed robbery of Elaine’s Country Store on 10^th Street south of Wayland.

Wayland Area Emergency Medical Services Director Bob Hess has announced he intends to launch an Explorers program for local scouts ages 14 to 20.

The City of Wayland put together a “grand re-opening” of the downtown after completion of the Streetscape beautification project.

Gobles limited Martin to only 12 offensive plays in the second half to post a 26-0 shutout victory. Hopkins lost 34-14 to Battle Creek Pennfield and Wayland beat Cedar Springs 25-13 to improve its record to 3-1.

The Wayland High School girls’ tennis team is chasing South Christian for the O-K Gold title, but lost 5-2 to the Sailors. Staci Bratsburg and Becky Bouwens were the only Wildcat winners in the match.

The Martin girls’ basketball team posted its sixth straight victory and now is atop the Southwest Athletic Conference. Hopkins lost two games and starter Kris VanBonn. Wayland was plagued by turnovers in a 65-29 loss to Caledonia and a win over Cedar Springs.

Longtime U.S. Postal Service employees Vi Shoemaker and Russ Haller have announced their retirements.

50 Years Ago — Sept. 27, 1967

Wayland City manager Blaine Bacon was pictured showing members of the local Lions Club the new voting machines that will be used first in the Oct. 16 special election on installing a water and sewer system.

State Rep. James Farnsworth and local and county officials met with the Michigan Department of Transportation to lobby for improvements in the conditions of rural roads in the Wayland area.

Don Milburn, a 1966 graduate of Wayland High School, wrote a letter to the editor from Vietnam.

Steve Clack, a 1965 grad, has been promoted to airman first class in Vietnam.

Frederick Hilbert Sr. wrote a letter to the editor opposing the proposed water and sewer system in the special election, insisting it will be a burden on citizens who live on fixed incomes.

Former Editor and Publisher Rollo Mosher was asked his opinion on the water and sewer issue, and he said he could see both sides as a retired man and property owner in the city.

Don Japinga, a Wayland High School grad, earned his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and Joan Freund earned hers in German at Michigan State University. James Rynbrandt of Dorr received his degree from MSU in labor and industrial relations.

Lesley Wakeman was elected student council president at Wayland High School and Ed Bergeron was named vice president.

Joe Permoda was elected president of the seventh and eighth grades classes at St. Therese School and Mike Trubiroha was vice president.

Mrs. Irvin Helmey was one of three women appointed by Allegan County Judge Dwight Cheever to serve on the Condemnation Commission.

Rollo Mosher noted in his “Observations” column that he was surprised to learn the city now forbids burning of rubbish at the city dump, instead having the refuse covered by dirt or topsoil.

The running of Ray Spencer and John Barr and the passing of Lee Pankratz led Wayland to a 27-13 Expressway League victory over Hamilton.

One hundred and eighty boys have signed up for Wayland’s first Rocket football program for ages 8 to 13.

Jim Brenner of Shelbyville was pictured showing off his grand champion steer at the Allegan County Fair.

Now showing at the Wayland Theatre: “One Million Years B.C.”

The Box Tops took over the No. 1 slot for the nation’s top tunes with “The Letter.”

75 Years Ago — Oct. 2, 1942

The scrap drive for the war effort is under way and there are hopes to finish it before the snow flies. Residents are urged to leave scrap metal, paper and rubber at the curb for pickup.

The local American Legion group resumed its dinner and bi-monthly meetings after a hiatus over the summer.

Earl Laucks caught a 15-inch rainbow trout and a 22-pound Great Northern pike in Green Lake on a fly rod.

Joe Bergman came into the office at the Globe to show off his cabbage with 27-inch circumference weighing 24 pounds.

Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher: “It is feared that 300,000 retail stores will close their doors soon unless there is a change for the better… Just where do we who are too old or too fat to fight fit into the scheme of winning the war?” Mosher insisted farmers have it tough because their ranks are being thinned by loss of young men to the draft.

Mavis Welch, a 1942 graduate of Wayland High School, placed third in a state-wide essay contest, “The Modern Challenge to Youth,” sponsored by the Order of Eastern Star.

Mrs. Mabel Lewis, a native of Leighton Township and life-long area resident, died at her home at the age of 68. She had been suffering from the effects of the flu outbreak last winter and had a fatal stroke just last week.

The first Wayland High School football game will be this Friday against Caledonia. The Miss Football contest candidates for the Oct. 14 game will be Dorothy Larson, Angela Wisniewski, Mary Ann Krulac and Blanche Christensen.

Mrs. Carl Woodward was elected president of Wayland PTA and Mrs. Frank Morris vice president.

William McElwee was elected student council president over Kenneth Pratt.

Fifteen-year Globe employee Walter Ellis is leaving to take a position in the defense plant in Battle Creek.

Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:

• Gene Autry and Smiley Burnette in “Call of the Canyon.”
• Joan Davis and Jinx Falkenburg in “Sweetheart of the Fleet.”
• Ann Sheridan and Ronald Reagan in “Juke Girl.”
• Laurence Olivier, Leslie Howard and Raymond Massey in “The Invaders.”

100 Years Ago — Sept. 28, 1917

“The Wayland State Bank has just moved into its new and commodious home, which has just been completed at the corner of Main and Superior streets downtown… They were ready for business at their new location Monday morning.”

Cashier at the bank is Arthur Deuel and George Wilson is assistant. Dr. E.O Hanlon is president of the board of directors, with C.H Brush vice president. The board includes V.S. Fish, Dr. E. H. Ryno and George E. Tubah.

Supervisor George Herteau of Watson Township won the $50 first prize for the best half bushel of Red Rock wheat at the Grand Rapids Fair.

Health Officer Dr. W.R Vaughan has shut down Plainwell schools because of an outbreak scarlet fever.

Wayland High School opened its football season with a 42-12 victory over Fennville. “Jones, Smith, Howard Calkins and Baker made spectacular plays.”

O.S. Flanegan of Allegan spoke at the chapel hour on the war overseas, saying the cause of the conflict was “Germany’s intention to rule the world.”

Thomas H. Ince’s multi-million dollar film spectacle “Civilization” will be shown Oct. 11 at Frank’s Opera House. It brings an anti-war message, but “as versed by President Wilson, the only way to terminate war is a war upon war.”

Henika Librarian Miss Fannie Hoyt has returned from her summer vacation in Mackinaw City.

“The rush on the Dixie Speedway has greatly decreased in the last week. I wonder what happened?”

There will be a Red Cross entertainment fund-raiser at Frank’s Opera House Sept. 30 with the military film “The Field of Honor.”

Last Sunday was the first day of duck hunting season and a number of local parties went to Gun Lake Saturday night to be ready for the opening the next morning.