(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — Aug. 3, 1994
“Local governing boards have been receiving disturbing notices interpreting use of private (building inspectors) as a breach of law.” The Michigan Department of Labor is threatening townships and villages, insisting that they use public agencies.
City of Wayland Department of Public Works Director Dave Long and Jim Bush have been placing “Cruisers,” wasp egg collectors/protectors to fight the growing problems of gypsy moth infestations.
Michigan Department of Transportation officials have indicated they are postponing reconstruction and repaving of South Main Street in Wayland until the following spring.
Wayland Union Schools has purchased it seventh portable classroom as elementary student growth continues apace. Three portable are at Steeby, three more at Baker and another for the alternative education program.
Former Wayland High School debate coach Denise Klinge is returning to her old job after taking a year off. She was replaced for a year by Michael Brew.
Editor Nila Aamonth, in the weekly Soapbox, said of federal environmental threats against West Michigan, “We may be breathing some Chicago air, but we’re also making a lot of it right here at home. If we could see through the haze, we would see that the enemy is us.”
The headline, “Monterey passes gas pact,” probably crafted by Scott Sullivan, appeared above a routine story about the township renewing its 30-year contract with Michigan Gas Utilities.
The Wayland Township Board approved a liquor license transfer to the new owners of the Orchard Hills Golf Course, the Leatherman brothers of Caledonia, who plan to offer a banquet and dance hall for weddings.
The Martin Summerfest, sponsored by the local Lions Club, will be held Friday and Saturday and will include a youth parade, community-wide garage sales, three-on-three basketball, a craft fair, chicken dinner and street dance.
Tracy Hazen Iciek has been selected Hopkins girls’ varsity basketball coach, succeeding Tom MacArthur. She was a standout for the Lady Vikings in the seasons 1976-78, helping them reach the quarterfinals.
Scott Hall, Matt Morse, Dennis Anguilm and Rick Thibeault combined efforts on a 58 to win the Summerfest golf tournament that featured 45 foursomes.
Steeby Elementary fifth-graders had some of their works of art featured at the Arts Emporium in Shelbyville for the Fontana Festival.
Alan Shank, 11, of Wayland, is competing in the nation junior bowling tournament in Syracuse with his grandfather, state champion Bryan Shank of Mt. Morris.
50 Years Ago — July 30, 1969
Mary Nickels, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Nickels Jr., was chosen Miss Martin at the pageant Friday at the high school First runner-up was Kathy Anderson.
Mrs. J.L. Smith has announced that the Wayland queen contest is seeking more girls and the registration deadline is fast approaching at Aug. 2.
Wayland High School journalism, speech and language arts teacher Vincent DeJong has resigned his post to take a job education project director for the Office of Economic Opportunity in Kent County.
German foreign exchange student Axel Koneke has just boarded a plane to return to his native Germany. He spent the academic year with the Lee Millers and their daughter, Betty Sue.
Voters in Hopkins Township will go to the polls Aug. 5 to decide on a two-mill proposal for local roads for three years.
Dr. Harry Johnson, a longtime physician in the area, died at Pipp Hospital in Plainwell. He was 89. He graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School in 1906 and came to the Wayland area to practice medicine in 1936.
Russell Thomas Wheeler, 25 of Middleville, was found dead in his car on Patterson Avenue after it crashed into a tree.
The park in Moline now has a picnic shelter, thanks to local volunteers and an effort by the Garden Club.
Wayland Fire Chief Hugh DeWeerd said many residents were confused by the siren that was initiated by the approach of a tornado that was sighted, but did not touch down. He said a three-minute sustained blast indicates residents should seek shelter.
Former Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher, in his “Observations Here and There” column, expressed deep pride in being able to witness the moon landing in July 20.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre: “CHARLY” starring Claire Bloom and Cliff Robertson, an adaptation of the book “Flowers for Algernon.”
Randy Heth, 13, found an unusual fresh water turtle 15 inches long, with three clawed web feet and soft shell with warts and “ peculiar snout.”
Wayland High School graduate Don Japinga was added to the Downtown Coaches Club of Lansing. Japinga was co-captain of the Michigan State Rose Bowl team in 1965.
An open house at the Don Weick Recreation Farm in Hopkins has been added to the Michigan Farm Management Tour.
75 Years Ago — Aug. 4, 1944
Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher noted, “Harvey Zeerip urges us to impress upon car users with the vital necessity of caring for their present tires as there are just enough to go around.”
Former Wayland teacher Horace Bennett has been promoted to petty officer for physical fitness.
Methodist Church youth now have a second-hand bus to travel in to the Lake Orion Bible Conference. They are accompanied by Howard Clack, Mrs. Carol Krick and Mrs. Ethel Deardon.
Cpl. Ed Belka has joined the Ninth Air Force as technician fifth grade, building a landing strip in France.
Petty Officer Ralph Tigchelaar is serving in England with the U.S. Coast Guard, aiding rescue efforts.
Second Lt. Richard Walker of Bradley, has graduated from Officers’ Candidate School as has been assigned to the 128th Cavalry Reconaissance Group.
Recent Wayland High School grad Dick Chapple has completed aerial gunnery school and awaits orders for assignment overseas.
Mrs. John Rawlinson sent the Globe a letter from Liberia, where she is living with her husband, who is employed by the Firestone Co. She is the former Ruth Kinney.
The Order of Eastern Star and the Masonic Lodge will have a joint potluck picnic Sunday at Selkirk Lake.
Dan Morganstern has used his two-week furlough from the service to help around the farm just waert of Wayland afgter his mother suffered an ankle injury.
Donna Lou Brenner, 4, of Hillards, died at Blodgett Hospital from burns she suffered in a fire she started by playing with matches.
Pvt. Ruth Crisman has been hospitalized at Ft. Myers, Fla., after being struck by a baseball.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Jimmy Lydon and Charles Smith in “Henry Aldrich, Boy Scout.”
- Trudy Marshall and Anthony Quinn in “Ladies of Washington.”
- Anne Baxter and Michael O’Shea in “The Eve of St. Mark.”
- Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly in “Cover Girl.”
100 Years Ago — Aug. 1, 1919
Three people were killed and two seriously injured in a car-train crash at the Montieth Junction near Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Strawder Craig and their daughter, Jessie, 16, died when a limited train struck their vehicle. J.R. and Ella Gusting were taken to Bronson Hospital with serious injuries.
For the next Wayland Grange discussion: “Which is more foolish, the farmer who neglects his work or the one who never his leaves to see what others are doing?”
William Miller of Wayland is suing Fred Yerrington after the latter’s hired thresher caught fire and damaged much of his property and grain.
“When well known Leighton pitcher Gunnis walked in the box in the fifth inning, it caused the 12 Gun Lakers to drop their bats at home plate.” The Leighton Greyhounds, as a result, won 14-9.
The fourth annual Farmers Picnic will be held at the Inglewave Landing, Green Lake, on Aug. 9. Included will be a ballgame between Leighton and Moline and music by the Duing Orchestra.
The Plainwell band will give a street concert Thursday evening downtown.
New Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher announced, “Today is the first issue to be mailed by the new editor since his return from the service. I want to express my appreciation of theor who so kindly offered their help during the sickness and death of my father (George).”
Wayland Schools Supt. Fred Boughner, who had done some recruiting at Kalamazoo Normal lately, said the local schools now have enough teachers for the academic year.
C.M. Sias was elected president of the board of education for Wayland schools.
Miss Elva Steeby, typist and bookkeeper for the A.D. Hughes Co., has resigned to accept a more lucrative position in Middleville.
The Hilliards baseball team, which has won eight of nine contests this season, will play the Colored Athletics at Ramona Park.
Leon Schuh has disposed of his interest in the Martin Garage to brother Norris Schuh.
William E. Warner of Wayland Township, has been accused of assaulting real estate agent Samuel Glover with a pitchfork in a dispute over allowing use of Warner’s land for harvesting rye. No warrant for his arrest has been issued, however.