(From the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — March 31, 1993
The deadline for filing petitions to run for offices on school boards in the annual June election is April 12. Though Hopkins has only one board member whose term is expiring this year, Evonna Beard, there will be a recall election to decide the fate of Christina Schwartz.
Disgruntled Hopkins Township citizens have indicated they oppose any plans to implement a draining improvement project on the Rabbit River in hopes of reducing risks for flooding. Opponents contend the flooding rarely occurs and dredging will have an adverse impact on trout and salmon in the stream.
Anita Kerber wrote a letter in reply to Barbara Chachulski’s missive the week before, asserting a recall is a perfectly legal remedy to redress grievances against Chachulski’s daughter, Hopkins school board member Christine Schwartz. Kalene Larr was even stronger in her criticism of Chachulski, maintaining she “does not know anything about the Hopkins Public Schools, its educators and students.”
Three candidates, David Miller, Mary Reno and Robert Golm, will be on the ballot seeking three open seats on the Wayland City Council. Miller will succeed Bob Genther, who is stepping down. The Globe did a feature story on Genther elsewhere in the edition.
Local citizens Bill and Linda Leach, Karen Slater, Chris Navis, Anita Kerber and Beth Maher attended a rally in Lansing to encourage school finance reform. They met with State Rep. Paul Hillegonds.
Martin High School graduate Vonda Evers earned a letter as a sophomore on the Hope College basketball team.
The Martin Lions Community Center was dedicated at 1590 S. Main St. It is being used by the Lions, Martin Schools boosters, bingo, family gatherings and public events.
Wayland’s second annual Dahlia SpringFest will be held April 30 and May 1, featuring a musical variety show at the Wayland High School auditorium.
50 Years Ago — March 27, 1968
Eleven members of the Hopkins FFA earned awards at the state FFA Leadership Convention at East Landsing.
Hugh DeWeerd was named fire chief for the Wayland Department, succeeding Pat Brocker, who died the previous month. Bob Hendrixson was chosen assistant chief, succeeding Russell Hunsberger, who remains as secretary of the department.
Mrs. Ruby Smith’s weekly history column focused on the first village election after Wayland was incorporated in 1868. Nelson Chambers twice afterward petitioned the state to vacate the village designation, fearing it would result in burdensome taxation. His efforts failed. The first village president was E.S. Finch, with George Mosher secretary and Norman Briggs treasurer.
Mrs. George (Florence) Cramer, age 102, of Wayland, died at the Allegan County Health Center.
The Allegan County Intermediate School District Board had lengthy discussions about the future of special education. It was noted there were 15 classes with 210 students countywide.
The Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America’s strike against Kessler’s Undies and Woolies entered its sixth week, but representatives from the two sides were reported to be continuing negotiations.
The Wayland Queen Contest is scheduled for April 6. ContestantsLucinda Lawrence, Bobbette LaValley, Mary Torrey, Diane Cowles, Jane Sheldon and Anna Niemchick are trying to succeed Roxie Greenwalt, who is making preparations for the 1968 Miss Michigan contest.
Treasurer Rose Marie Feldwisch is being challenged in the city elections by Herbert Klinesteker. City Council incumbents Hugh DeWeerd, Arnold Wilde and Walt Gurney are bing joined on the ballot by Robert Marutz and Ben Ciboch.
State Senator Gary Byker, who won the special election for the 23rd District seat earlier in the year, was to be guest speaker at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Masonic Hall.
Cindy Miller, Ed Bergeron and Dan Snyder have been selected to attend the national seminar of the Future Teachers of America in Washington D.C.
Election Day on April 1 also will include the controversial 14-mill levy proposal for one year by Wayland Union Schools, which was defeated soundly in January. Many district voters who live outside the city will be using voting machines for the first time.
The Wayland Lions Club bowling team catured eighth place in the state tournament. Teammembers included Ron Standish, Byron Blue, Aaron Russ, Everett Mutschler and Rev. Bernard Randolph.
The Wayland High School girls’ physical education classes had a three-way volleyball competition with Martin and Caledonia. The girls afterward enjoyed cookies and punch together.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre: Disney’s “Charlie the Lonesome Cougar.”
Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” continued to top the nation’s music charts.
75 Years Ago — April 2, 1943
The late Pvt. Joseph Ambrose, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ambrose, received his Purple Heart posthumously. He died Oct. 29, 1942, in New Guinea.
Rollo G. Mosher, on reports of recent food shortages: “I am more interested in the food situation right around here than in New York, Cincinnati or Kansas City. When Jack Gurney runs out of pork chops, Harold Koster is short of hamburg or Tommy Lutostanski is short of steak, the big question arises — why? I lay the whole blame on the way Washington bureaus handle things.”
Ruth Perry and Beatrice Rairigh both have concluded their Wayland High School careers with perfect 4.0 grade point averages.
The Wayland Township School District has sold six unoccupied school buildings at auction, including Nelson, Hamilton, Kinner, Gardner, Chamberlain and Gregoryville.
The local American Legion, Forrest Lewis Post, celebrated its 24th anniversary with a potluck and honored Harold Hawkins, Ivan Smith, Rollo Mosher, Naman Frank, Fred Brooks and Harold Fox as charter members.
NOTICE: “Commencing next Tuesday, April 6, and until further notice, the Village Dump will be open two days a week, Tuesdays and Fridays.”
Leo Niemczyk has returned home to Hilliards to recover from his harrowing experiences on a raft in the Atlantic Ocean after the ship he was riding in was torpedoed by a German U-boat.
Harold Truax has received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army for defective vision. He has three brothers already fighting in the war.
A fast-moving grass fire destroyed the Hoffman Cottage near West Gun Lake.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Jane Withers and Henry Wilcoxon in “Johnny Doughboy.”
- Irene Hervey and Kent Taylor in “Halfway to Shanghai.”
- Errol Flynn and Alexis Smith in “Gentleman Jim.”
- George Brent and Brenda Marshall in “You Can’t Escape Forever.”
- Allen Jones and Jane Frazee in “Moonlight in Havana.”
100 Years Ago — March 29, 1918
Pat McCoy, the Michigan boy who joined the Canadian Highlanders in the war overseas, will be guest speaker at Frank’s Opera House. McCoy had to come home with wounds and he since then has been writing stories for daily newspapers.
The Wayland chapter of the Order of Eastern Star adopted a resolution of respect for Betsey Tanner, who died March 8. She was hailed for “ministering to the call of the orphan” and being a faithful member of the order.
Howard Calkins sent a letter to Wayland and high school students outlining his basic training experiences in Augusta, Ga. He indicated he was suffering from a bout of the mumps.
Frank Yerrick and his wife entertained about 60 neighbors and friends with a pedro card party at his home near Ohio Corners.
A railroad car of coal was welcomed in Moline Saturday evening, with local residents eagerly taking the substance after being without it for most of the winter.
Prof. Grant Morse of the Michigan Public Domain Commission was guest speaker at Wayland School on the topic of conserving natural resources.
Miss Spencer, a teacher at Western Normal School, gave a presentation at Wayland High School chapel hour about the use of camouflage in wartime.
Florence Yeakey and Louise Hanlon made a presentation to members of the Ladies’ Library Club about the effect of the war overseas on immigration to the United States.
Wayne B. McClintock, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.C. McClintock, has been director of a 20-team basketball tournament for Upper Peninsula high schools at Marquette Normal School.
Members of the Middleville Baptist Church sent the Globe a letter praising the Rev. Faye C. Wing of Wayland as “an up-to-date preacher of old-time truths.” Wing was guest pastor for two weeks at the church earlier this month.
Peter Visser, an employee of the milk condensary, has been called into service by the U.S. Army and has left for Camp Custer, Battle Creek.
Herbert German of Leighton Township suffered injuries in a farm accident when the roof covering his barn collapsed onto a shed eight feet below.
“WANTED: Protestant girl for general housework in family of three living in Otsego.”
