(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — July 5, 1993
The Penasee Globe published its “We Live Here” edition with lots of feature and human interest stories over the July 4 holiday.
Kathy Stinger of Grand Rapids, a member of the Potawatomi Tribe, has officially taken possession of bones of a Native American from the 18th century found on Gun Lake property. She and the Gun Lake Tribe have planned a burial ceremony for the remains at the Bradley Indian Mission.
Amcorn Hybrids has sold its seed corn division and changed the name of the business to Ampro. The company’s roots were in the business founded in the 1930s by Fred Hilbert Sr. and later passed along to son Fred Jr. and grandsons Kenneth, John and Scott, the latter three assuming leadership in 1974.
Reporter Daniel Kelsey wrote “A Day in the Life of Hopkins” and included a photo of local Library Director Alice Hazen. Also included were members of the McEwen family dining downtown in the village and he added a story about renovations being done at the historic Monterey Hall.
A 1965 class ring was unearthed by a couple of young lads, and it was determined to belong to Pat Kelly, a 1965 graduate of Wayland High School. She and her husband, Dan Myers, were presented with the missing item.
Joseph Kuhtic, 16, rolled an impressive 644 series in the Michigan State Young American Bowling Alliance tournament at Airport Lanes and finished first among 494 entries.
Nila Aamoth penned a feature story about A Day in the Life at Gun Lake.
The Walker Bros. Circus was coming to town Thursday, July 15, setting up stakes on the grounds at Wayland High School off East Superior Street.
As part of the Day in the Life in Wayland was a photo of three regulars at City Hall, Assessor Jeannie Franck, Treasurer Karen Doyle and Deputy City Manager Barbara VanDuren.
Marilyn Hess wrote a feature about longtime Globe reporter Pat Staley, who returned the favor about Dorr.
The Wayland Union Schools’ two-week extended summer school attracted 1,500 students. The most popular class was Spanish, with about 500 in attendance.
Scott Sullivan penned a feature about Jan Westendorp, of Martin who was born 45 years previous in the Netherlands.
Linda Stoepker was the subject of a feature piece for her 15 years with Wayland Area Emergency Medical Services. She indicated that she had seen, heard and experience a great deal, but mostly appreciated the family atmosphere.
50 Years Ago — July 3, 1968
Mrs. Edward (Helen) Hudson has announced her retirement after teaching for 33 years, most recently at Steeby Elementary. Her children, Tom, Dick, Harry and Marie all are Wayland High School graduates.
Dairy farmer Ron Layton, a Hopkins High School graduate, has thrown his hat in the ring as a Republican Party candidate for state representative against incumbent James Farnsworth of Fennville.
John Dewey has sold his appliance business downtown to Mr. and Mrs. Harold VandeKodde. Jack Dewey has decided to remain with the business.
Ronile Brooks, a 1966 graduate of Wayland High School, will spend her junior year in college at the University of New Delhi in India as part of a special program through the University of Wisconsin.
Jack F. Cook was chosen president of the Wayland Rotary Club.
The Allegan County Cancer Crusade was successful this year, with more than $7,000 raised over the established goal, according to Chairman Dr. Larry LaGatutta.
Clothing is urgently needed for children of migrant workers who are attending Wayland and Dorr schools this summer.
An ice cream social is planned in Hopkins for the Fourth of July, including Little League and Pony League baseball games and a parade afterward.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre: Walt Disney’s “The Jungle Book.”
The Wayland Calvary Church Bible Quiz team captured the state championship and then finished third in the national competition near Seattle, Wash. Team members included Steve Parks, Kathy Smith, Bob Marks, Dave Smith, Tom Marks and Kathie Marks.
The Wayland Grange plans to have a special patriotic program Friday evening, July 5, featuring ice cream, cake and songs.
75 Years Ago — July 9, 1953
Cpl. Paul Pratt was in town on a 12-day furlough, A 1937 Wayland High School graduate, he has been attending telecommunications school at Camp Crowder in Joplin, Mo.
Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher maintains that more productive soils seem to produce less color than poorer soils, which seem to offer a plethora of wild and colorful flowers.
The Wayland Rotary Club is planning a fish dinner at the Gun Lake cottage of Rollo Mosher, but he has reported that members need to step it up on the angling to get enough for the featured fare, noting the club has never failed to put on the feed before.
Sgt. Welson Rumery of Allegan was in on the capture of five Italian soldiers in North Africa. He said they seemed to be happy to be taken prisoners by the Yanks.
The new federal “A” gasoline application forms now are available and being sold locally by Mrs. Martha Japinga.
The old Tubah Hardware store is getting major renovations done by new owner John E. Ward.
Cpl. Claude Smith is being transferred from the medical corps in Chickasha, Okla., to Camp Berkley, Texas, for officers’ training.
The Rebekahs and International Oder of Odd Fellows are combining efforts on a fund-raising rummage and White Elephant sale for the war effort.
The Allegan County Draft Board has elected new officers. The five members are chairman Sib Rumery of Wayland, Allegan County Treasurer John Stockdale, Harrison Hutchins of Fennville, Don Nesbit of Otsego and John Axe of Allegan.
The Martin Township Rural School annual election will be held July 12 and President Frank Zumbrink and Clifton Wicks will candidates on the ballot.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
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- Jimmy Lydon, June Preisse and John Litel in “Henry Aldrich for President.”
- John Loder and Ruth Ford in “The Gorilla Man.”
- John Garfield, Gig Young and Harry Carey in “Air Force.”
- Don Ameche, Janet Blair and Jack Oakie in “Something to Shout About.”
100 Years Ago — July 5, 1918
Allegan County is sending 33 more boys into the military for the war overseas. A sendoff with a band and cheering crowds gathered around the boys at the Allegan boys to see them off to Camp Custer in battle Creek.
The L. Barnhart Grocery was advertising supplied and “ingredients for the most delightful picnic menus, practically everything ready to serve.”
Miss Bernice Woodworth has been hired as Allegan County home demonstration agent, with her salary paid for by the federal government through emergency war fund. “We believe this will be a very valuable addition to our farm bureau work,” said Allegan County Farm Agent Alfred Benthall.
The LalaKuom Grotto Band, which includes Charles B. Yeakey of Wayland, will perform in concert Saturday, July 20, downtown.
A Cooperative War Dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Beall on West Superior Street. The main fare on the menu was pigeon squabs.
The Rev. Grant Perkins of Camp Sheridan, will give a presentation of Prohibition at the Wayland United Methodist Church Sunday evening.
Minnie Goble Simpkins is lodged in the Allegan County jail on charges of bigamy. She was married to Walter Simpkins of Bradley, but then wed Mert Mast of Monterey, just after the latter was granted a divorce from his wife, Bertha.
Miss Eva Bennett, 30, who is completely blind, has been doing her part for the war effort by making pink pillow slips and selling them for raise money for the troops. She is the daughter of Alfred Bennett of Wayland Township.