(From the archives of the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — Oct. 21, 1992
Yankee Springs Township’s first and only bed and breakfast may have to close its doors after the township files suit against John Rough’s business on Sandybeach Road. Yankee Springs says Rough is violating a local ordinance that Rough contends doesn’t exist and he is covered by state regulations.
Construction on the new Amcorn mulch plant in Bradley has begun, with plans to have the facility to open in the spring of 1993.
Police Chief Dan Miller was shown with an electronic speed limit device he was using to encourage vehicles to slow down. There have been many complaints about truck going too fast in the city limits. Miller said he did not issue any tickets.
Editor Nila Aamoth penned an editorial opposing the state ballot proposal to establish term limits for legislators and the governor and attorney general. She maintained, “A method of turning out ineffective politicians already exists. It is called voting.”
Amanda Pauline Cook of Hopkins has been selected Miss Midwest Michigan at a pageant in Whitehall. A former Miss Allegan County, she is a student at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Allegan County Probate Judge George Greig is hearing a “right to die” case involving Michael Martin of Moline, who was severely injured in a car-train crash in 1987. His wife, Mary, contends he is in a vegetative state and is asking to have his feeding tube removed.
Word has been received of the death of the Rev. Fred Dunbar, 88, in Osprey, Fla. Dunbar was pastor for nine years at the Christian Church Disciples in Wayland.
South Christian dealt Wayland a blow to its hopes for a winning football season by posting a 25-8 win, dropping the Wildcats’ overall record to 3-4.
Martin defeated Bloomingdale 34-0 lost top running back Brody Kent to an injury.
The Wayland girls’ basketball team, sparked by Ann Iciek’s 27 points, defeated Hudsonville to go 7-6 overall and 4-3 in the O-K Gold Conference.
Mike Merren carded a respectable 90 for 18 holes in the first round of the state Class B golf tournament, but missed the cut.
Amanda McCully advanced to the semifinals before dropping out of the state Class B tennis regionals, where Wayland finished fifth.
Martin suffered a 37-29 loss to Marcellus and its SAC lead in girls’ basketball was whittled to just one game.
The Hopkins varsity football team blew out Battle Creek St. Phillip 52-14 to keep alive its hopes for a Class C post-season playoff berth.
Proposal D on the November general election state ballot promises to lower auto insurance rates and limit the ability of motorists to sue for injuries and damages.
50 Years Ago — Oct. 18, 1967
The four proposals to enable the City of Wayland to install a water and sewer system went down by more than 2-to-1 in heavy voting of 614 at the polls, according to City Manager Blaine Bacon.
The Pet Incorporated plant in Wayland was recognized nationally with the traveling safety award for having the last 992 days free of any accidents.
Mrs. H.J. Helmey of Wayland was named a delegate of the State GOP Convention by the Allegan County Republican Women’s Club. Mrs. Jerome LaValley was named an alternate.
Wayland High School senior Mary Lee Hayes was lauded as the author of a book, “It Can Only Happen Once,” a collection of true whimsical tales.
Chairwoman Mrs. Ed Nickels is pleading with local residents to volunteer and donate at the Red Cross bloodmobile Oct. 26 at the Congregational Church because Wayland is on probation with the organization for underperforming in pint collections.
Wayland City Council members voted to install lighting on Walnut, Oak, Alpine and Commerce streets.
The Globe reported that the John McCarren family has arrived from Maryland. he is a printer with the Grand Rapids Press and their two sons are Russell and Michael.
Editor-Publisher Irvin P. Helmey wrote two front page editorials, one suggesting the city fo back to the drawing board on the water and sewer proposals and another exhorting residents to come out to donate at the bloodmobile. About the water and sewer issue, he opined, “Now’s the time for thoughtful civil groups to come down and assist the council in presenting a package the voters will buy.”
Caledonia overtook Wayland in the annual battle for the Cowbell, 18-13, dropping the Wildcats’ overall record to 1-4. Rich Tolan scored twice on short runs and John Barr carried in an extra point. The Wildcats were hurt by 14 penalties for more than 100 yards and a Fighting Scots’ gallant goal-line stand. Wayland will be guest for Middleville’s homecoming next Friday.
Dan Lenhart, Ron Thomas, Larry Thomas, Bob Gregory and Ron Miller have just returned from the national FFA Convention where Hopkins received the national poultry award.
The Rev. Ronnie Avalone, who turned down an opera career to become an ordained minister, will sing at the Wayland Calvary Church Sunday evening. Also appearing will be the Evangelaires Quartet, led by Wayland High School grad Robert Parks, also a staff member at Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music.
Remaining atop the nation’s Top 40 music list was the Box Tops and “The Letter.”
75 Years Ago — Oct. 23, 1942
Wayland ranks high in sales of war stamps, totaling $973.25, according to local campaign chairman Harold Weaver.
Three state-wide ballot proposals will appear in next month’s general election, to revise the state’s constitution, supervision of marketing of milk and granting a home rule charter to Wayne County. Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher indicated support for Wayne County, but recommended turning down the other two.
The Wayland Conservation Club made a presentation at a Wayland High School assembly, with Carol Ellinger leading the students in group singing.
Director Gerald Mulder of Grand Rapids is appealing to local residents, particularly those with experience, to join the Wayland Community Band. Rehearsals are planned for Wednesday evenings at the Village Hall.
The Pines Lunch is closing its doors for a couple of weeks for remodeling and co-owners Mr. and Mrs. Leo Bailey meanwhile are vacationing in Baldwin.
The Wayland and Hopkins Ladies Library Clubs will have a joint meeting Oct. 26 and members who have transportation needs are to call Myrtle Blue or Neva Singer.
The State Highway Department is reporting a majority of Michigan motorists are observing and obeying the war-time speed limit of 35 miles an hour in an effort to conserve fuel.
L.J. Roberts has closed his hardware store on West Superior Street, a location that has been home to business for at least 60 years. Roberts said he has been unable to replenish his supplies because of war time restrictions.
Corp. Lloyd Fales sent his mother, Hattie, a letter from Trafalgar Square, where was taking a break from the war and feeding the doves.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Gene Autry and Smiley Burnette in “Bells of Capistrano.”
- George Montgomery, Ann Rutherford and the Glenn Miller Orchestra in “Orchestra Wives.”
- Kay Kyser, Ellen Drew and Jane Wyman in “My Favorite Spy.”
100 Years Ago — Oct. 19, 1917
The Globe listed the names of all men in the vicinity who were exempted from military duty by the draft board in Allegan County.
Mrs. Louis Hanlon gave a presentation on “Social Life in Washington,” Hattie Walbrecht presented a program about First Ladies and Metta Rose read a paper on “War Time in Washington” during the most recent meeting of the Wayland Ladies Library Club.
The Rev. Frank Baweja, son of Mrs. Mary Baweja of Wayland, has been appointed Catholic Church chaplain at Fort Custer in Battle Creek.
Nine local businesses have announced they will close their doors at 6 p.m., except for Saturdays, from Oct. 22 through April 1 to conserve light. They were W.B. Hooker, Faye C. Wing, F.E. Sias, G.E. Tubah, Beall Brothers, L. Barnhart, L.B. Mason, A.E. Weaver and P.J. Longstreet.
Allegan defeated Wayland Saturday afternoon in a muddy football game. The Tigers’ offense featured 10 forward passes.
The Wayland High School Class of 1916 held a reunion at Byron Crofoot’s home with nine present.
Faye C. Wing gave a popular presentation on “Jack and Jill” to the Wayland High School chapel hour.
The Wayland High School girls’ glee club presented a concert to a record crowd at the Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday evening.
James Thompson died at his home near Dorr at the age of 86. He was a native of England.
The Hamilton School, two miles east of Wayland, will have a Halloween party, with proceeds to go toward the purchase of an organ at the school.
The Lyceum attraction at Frank’s Opera House will feature the Gretchen Cox Concert Company, featuring solos for violin, voice and musical readings.
Alec Modriewac has returned from serving in France after suffering a knee injury, leading to his discharge.