(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — June 9, 1993
The Apple Core Lounge at the Orchard Hills Golf Course now is closed in the wake of the Wayland Township Board denying the club’s dance permit. Supervisor Don Black said the township had no choice because of too many violations of alcohol and safety policies.
Monterey Township officials are unhappy with implementation of an agreement to pay $7,500 each year for the Hopkins Area Fire Authority’s new fire barn, insisting payments are exceeding payoffs.
William Sleeman, 32, of Hopkins, was charged with delivery of meth and during a raise on his house marijuana plants were discovered on the property and four others may be arrested.
The state-wide Proposal A plan to pay for public schools with a sales tax increase, from four to six cents on the dollar, and lower property taxes. Local school officials expressed disappointment and noted the defeat was caused by rejection in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties.
Letters of support for embattled Hopkins Board of Education member Christina Schwartz were written by Susan Betterly and Neesi Williams in anticipation of the annual school election, in which she is the subject of recall. The Globe published brief biographical sketches of the school board candidates in Hopkins, Martin and Wayland.
The Wayland City budget of $1.88 million for 1993-94 includes a tax levy of 16.4283 mills, according to City TreasurerKaren Doyle.
Andrew VanderLaan, 18, was injured and hospitalized after a roof upon which he was working caved at the Christian School Buying Co-Op pole barn in Moline.
Pat Kelsey told Watson Township officials she was opposed to them spending $30,000 on an office addition to the township hall.
Jack Bolhuis of Wayland, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge under General George Patton, died. He was 74.
Wayland’s 1600-meter relay team of Marcy Brown, Angie Christianson, Heather Postma and Ann Iciek checked in with a time of 4:05.3, good for third in the Division 2 state meet. Also placing third was Heido Moreau, who threw the discus 128-3.
Shortstop Kim Verburg, third sacker Melissa Kaczanowski and catcher Christine Colben made the all-conference softball team, but Wayland finished the season with a 7-24 overall record.
The Wayland baseball team copped its first district championship in 22 years with a 9-3 victory over Allegan in the finals. Chris Vlietstra, who threw a two-hitter in the semifinals, came on to finish in the nightcap. Mike Wilson homered. The Wildcats now are 27-4 overall.
Chris Nightingale of Martin was reported to have recorded the highest batting average in Michigan at .636, but the Clippers struggled to an 8-16 record.
Hopkins’ baseball season ended with a 12-10 record in the districts. All-conference performers were catcher Mike Rewa, who hit .360, and third baseman Lance Markoski, who hit .484.
Chris Huffman, 9, of Dorr, won the Young Americans’ bowling tournament in singles and in doubles.
50 Years Ago — June 5, 1968
The Allegan County chapter of the Young Democrats was planning a special “Meet the Candidates” event June 11 at St. Margaret’s in Otsego. Scheduled to appear were Gary Williams, son of former Gov. G. Mennen Williams, representing Vice President Hubert Humphrey, and representatives for New York Senator Robert Kennedy and Minnesota Senator Eugene McCarthy.
Wayland was gearing up for a very important school election that included a 6.8-mill tax increase request and four candidates seeking two four-year seats on the Board of Education. Wallace Wakeman, the only candidate for a two-year seat to finish the unexpired term of Frank Langley, wrote a letter to the editor explaining that there is no conflict of interest in serving on both the Wayland and Allegan County Intermediate school boards.
The Wayland City Council is looking into offering a franchise to a company for garbage pickup in the wake of news that the city dump at the south edge of town is nearly full.
David Dagley, biology teacher, and football and baseball coach, has been elevated to principal at Hopkins High School. He succeeds Stanley Armstrong, who will take the principal’s post at the new Pine River School District.
Two representatives from the City of Gaylord made a presentation to the Wayland Chamber of Commerce about how it was transformed from a sleepy, dying community into a vibrant city through a project called “Operation Bootstrap” because it used no state or federal help.
The Wayland VFW post, No. 7581, celebrated a mortgage burning, becoming debt free at its facility on South Main in just 12 years.
The Allegan County Board of Supervisors is being reorganized into the Board of Commissioners, and Wayland’s representation will be reduced from two to one, City Manager Blaine Bacon reported.
Bill Pavlak of Hopkins was shown in a photo with a 12-pound, 38-inch pike caught at an undisclosed lake northeast of the village.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre: Lee Marvin in “Sergeant Ryner.”
The Wayland High School class reunion and potluck will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the high school cafeteria. Donald Noah of St. Joseph, Class of ’48, will be guest speaker. Dave Low is president and Ray Wagner vice president. Gene Weber will present a special medley of songs that were popular in the year 1948.
The Green Lake Drive-In Church will open its summer season June 9 with the Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music Singers under the direction of WHS graduate Robert Parks.
Mrs. Ruby Smith, in her weekly column about the history of Wayland, focused on the Grange, America’s oldest farm institution, which she reported is “still going strong” in Wayland. She wrote about the Grange building north of Pine Street that was burned to the ground at the hands of an arsonist covering up a robbery. She also noted that her family had five generations in the Grange, including Eathen, Roy, Clayton and Bernard Smith and John Salski.
Simon & Garfunkel took over the No. 1 slot among the nation’s top tunes with “Mrs. Robinson.”
75 Years Ago — June 11, 1943
Another nation-wide power blackout is scheduled for Tuesday evening, June 15. Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher advised, “Perform the same duties that you did during the blackout last September.” The activity is an effort to conserve energy for the war effort.
Village Postmaster Morris Ehle has announced that the local post office will be closed early on Thursdays because many stores will be shut down over the summer on Thursday afternoons.
A large creamery truck had its wheels sink into the septic tank in back of Peffley’s Sweet Shop downtown and it had to be extricated.
Edward R. Lapekes, only 5 months old, died unexpectedly at his home.
Lt. Ivan Baker, who joined the Navy 20 years ago, returned to his hometown of Wayland for a visit. He was serving at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked at the start of the war.
Mr. and Mrs. Pirl Truax have three sons who now are sergeants while serving in the military overseas.
The Wayland High School class reunion was held at the high school cafeteria. Harold Dietiker was re-elected president and Harold Clack vice president. Guest speaker Dr. Hugh Kennedy talked fondly in remembering his days growing up in rural Dorr Township. Hazell VanBrussel performed two musical pieces on the cello, accompanied by Mrs. Boyd McWhinney on the piano.
Halden Hudson sent a letter to Merle Peffley, telling of his experiences in Nashville, Tenn. “I walked the streets and then had a swell feed and took in a show.” Lt. Chet Brevitz also sent a letter from North Africa.
Mrs. Mattie Leggett gave a presentation to members of the Wayland Grange about the proper etiquette in dealing with the U.S. flag.
Home economics teacher Margaret Stanton was in charge of the “Clothing Problems of the Family” weekly series that started in January and ended last week with 16 adults in attendance.
Lt. David McClintock has been awarded the Silver Star for “heroic duty and conduct” against the Japanese navy.”
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Allan Jones and Jane Frazee in “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”
- Chester Morris, Ann Savage and Richard Lane in After Midnight with Boston Blackie.”
- John Wayne, John Carroll and Anna Lee in “Flying Tigers.”
- Robert Paige, Harriet Hilliard and Dick Foran in “Hi Buddy.”
- Craig Stevens and Elizabeth Fraser in “The Hidden Hand.”
100 Years Ago — June 7, 1918
The 35th annual Allegan County Sunday School Convention was held in Wayland June 4 and 5. A. E. Weaver of Wayland was elected president. The Rev. J.M. Jensen of the Methodist Episcopal Church opened the two-day event with prayer service.
The June 15 Wayland Grange program featured a recitation and monologue by Dorothy Jordan, a reading by Mrs. Franks, music by Pauline Smith and a surprise feature by Mrs. Chamberlain and Mrs. Jessie Fales.
William Overmire had the misfortune to lose a valuable horse Monday morning.
The most recent barn dance was well attended at the farm of Allie Watkins. Parl Fisher won the crocheted yoke.
Bomber Pat McCoy will be guest presented for “A Michigan Boy, Direct from France” June 14 at Frank’s Opera House.
Alfred Graves of Rockford broke his right arm at the wrist while attempting to crank his auto just north of Wayland. Dr. James Brysen was summoned to reduce the fracture.
All German alien females at least 14 years old must register at their local post offices by June 26.
The International Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs are planning a memorial service. Members are to meet at the hall and proceed to Elmwood Cemetery.
Red Cross Chairman O.G. Cross, in a letter to local chapter chairman Harry Allgeo said, “Wayland certainly has made a good showing and I sent a special report to headquarters in Detroit of the result secured.” Wayland raised 150% of its goal for the Red Cross.
Water sprinkling hours in the village will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. “No sprinkling at any other time will be tolerated,” said Water Commissioner John Stockdale.
The musical trio of Yeakey, Fox and Barnes led the Grand Rapids Memorial Day parade May 30.
“Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wade of Saugatuck were in town recently,” wrote Editor-Publisher George Mosher. “He is a candidate for the Republican nomination in the Legislature… We are personally acquainted with Mr. Wade and can say that he would very ably represent this district.”