— With special thanks to faithful typist Coleen W. Young.
(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — July 20, 1996
State Rep. Paul Hillegonds surprised his GOP Colleagues by endorsing a candidate for the GOP primary to succeed him – Allegan County Treasurer Patty Birkholtz.
Allegan County courts may follow the lead by Barry County judges sharing caseloads.
More than 100 vehicles showed up on the streets of Hopkins for the community’s first-ever classic car show. Chuck and Jan Dell’s 1950 Chevy won the People’s Choice award.
Wayland Revolution, made up of area teenage girls were runners-up in the AYSO national soccer competition.
Jose’ Blanco of Shelbyville wrote a letter to the editor asking people to join the Habitat for Humanity parade at the upcoming Allegan County Fair.
Julia Layton expressed skepticism about the way the Hopkins bond issue was cobbled together to ask voters for support for a seventh time on Sept. 21.
Nathan Gambee will challenge Randy Marklevitz for supervisor of Wayland Township in the GOP Primary. Winner will face Jose’ Blanco in general.
Dan Miller is challenging Dave Haverdink for Allegan County Sheriff. Frank Pluta, Frank Morton and Fulton Sheen are running for treasurer. Fred Anderson, vs. Andrew Marks for prosecutor.
Rita Marsh has been hired as assistant principal for Baker School.
Former Michigan State Police at Wayland Commander Steve DeBoer is running for Barry County Sheriff.
Because Dar VanderArk is running for State Rep., no one on the ballot or Leighton Township Supervisor. All other Leighton candidates are unopposed. Tracie Moored and Jan Westendorp are running for Martin Township Clerk. Michael Brown, Albert German, Patricia Kelsey trustees for Watson. All six Watson candidates are Democrats.
Jerry Fouch has been hired as athletic director at Wayland High School, succeeding Dave Chesney.
50 Years Ago — July 28, 1971
Teresa Calkins of Wayland was one of four Allegan County students to attend a Farm Bureau political seminar at Ferris State College.
Mrs. Charles Wright of Wayland has been named hospital chairman for the Michigan Veterans Facility in Grand Rapids. She is a former president of Wayland VFW Auxiliary.
Former Wayland man, Richard F Hooker has been honored by a Memorial Award established for advancement of free enterprise. He was a partner in Miller, Johnson, Snell and Cumeskey in Grand Rapids. He died in March 1970.
Barbara Carpenter was chosen Miss Martin. Kit Geib was first runner-up.
Gorden Funeral Residence has purchased the Switek Funeral Home in Hopkins with Michael Shearer named resident manager. Joseph VanderVeen purchased the business from Norbert Switek.
Wayland Union School District voters will go to the polls for the fourth time Sept. 27 to decide another proposal to build a new high school and remodel other district buildings with a $3.78 million bond.
Former Shelbyville Postmaster Kenneth Potter died of a heart attack at Pipp Hospital. He was 68.
David and Carol Whittredge wrote a letter agreeing with Doug Doors the week before maintaining that it’s important for the school board to understand how taxpayers feel.
Thirty-three people attended the Sprout School reunion Sunday at Dorr Park.
Sarah Reinart of Monterey Township will attend a national farm business conference at Colorado State, Ft. Collins, Colo.
Wayland Merchants won the Moline Slow-pitch League Trophy, defeating Moline Berean Church, which intentionally walked Doug Bosin twice, only to see Glenn Collins then hit two home runs.
James Taylor took over the top slot among the nation’s top 100 tunes with “You’ve Got a Friend.”
75 Years Ago — Aug. 2, 1946
Edior-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher reported in his weekly column that corn has suffered this summer because of a lack of rain. He also said the road between Martin and Allegan has “given out” and two county roads east of Bradly and east of Wayland “are just too rough for words.”
The obituaries for two Hopkins High School graduates, both WWII veterans killed in the July 21 auto crash at West Gun Lake, were published on the Globe front page. James G. Collings and Harold Decker both had military funerals conducted.
St. Cyril & Methodius formally welcomed new paster, Father Stephen Kolenic and thanked Fr. Albert Radowski of St. Therese in Wayland for leading the church the past four years.
WHS grad Corporal Don Christensen is taking a trip down the Rhine River in Germany while continuing to serve in the military.
After a year and a half in the Navy, Ensign Pauline Hazen is home with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Mann of Hopkins, on terminal leave.
Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Richardson announced the launcg of a bowling alley one mile north of Plainwell with eight lanes and openings for fall leagues.
Six Wayland students are enrolled in the graduate program at Western Michigan College — Claude Smith, Richard Overmire, Walt Gillett, Lloyd Fales, Ellsworth Bassett and S.N. Baker.
Now showing at The Wayland Theatre:
• John Hodiak, Nancy Guild, Richard Conte in “Somewhere in the Night”
• Joan Leslie, Robert Alda, Edward Everett Horton “Cinderella Jones.”
• Sydney Greenstreet, Geraldine Fitzgerald and Peter Lorre in “Three Strangers.”
100 Years Ago — July 29, 1921
“Nothing But the Truth,” a comedy will be presented in Wayland during the Redpath Chautauqua series Aug. 13-18. A theater group from New York will perform.
Alidia Walcott was installed as Noble Grand and Leona Robinson Vice Grand at the local Rebekah Lodge. Members plan to meet Aug. 5 for reorganizing and drill practice.
The Corning United Methodist Church presented a musical program Tuesday evening, mostly supplied by local talent.
A comment made in the obituary of drowning victim Harold Stanley Culver said, “Harold was respected as a loyal companion among his playmates and was always a comfort to the folks at home.”
Village Marshal John C. Devit published a notice that he will reward citizens $1 apiece for providing names those violating the hours for sprinkling water on lawns, 5:30 to 7:30 daily.
David Hollenbeck paid $15 by order of Justice David Stockdale for striking Glenn Calkins in altercation while both were working on the concrete road from Wayland to Moline.
Burglars made off with $7 left in the cash register at W. B. Hooker’s hardware store. Allegan County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating.
The difference in the appearance of the four corners intersection in the village is striking after concrete has been poured and installed.
Chester Mills Sanford will talk about “How to Avoid the Wrong Vocation” during one presentation Aug. 13-18 of the Chautauqua series.
Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher commented, “It has been too hot this week for any news to transpire, we guess.”
Allegan School patrons are circulating petitions on behalf of John C. Damoth to be retained next school year with an increase pay of $2,000 annually instead of $1,850. He also serves the district as athletic director.
Now showing at the Regent Theatre downtown: Viola Dana in “The Chorus Girl’s Romance,” Marguerite Clack in “A Girl Named Mary” and “Truant Husbands,” featuring an all-star cast.