(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — Sept. 2, 1996
Leighton Township Board members adopted a new ordinance forbidding public nudity, prompting Supervisor Dar VanderArk to say, “It’s like closing the barn door before the cows get out.”
Flashy new railroad crossing signs are being installed so that Allegan County motorists will see them better at night.
Two local youngsters were reprimanded for their “Kids Paper” project, which started innocently, but turned sour. It was supposed to be a newspaper project.
The Dorr Township “Pathways for our Children” volunteer sidewalk building project has begun with a half mile stretch beside township parks.
The Globe published a feature about Albert Brenner of Burnips and his newest pony in the upcoming Allegan County Fair harness races.
The Globe published a front page photo of Martin Township Fire & Rescue personnel doing a controlled burn of a more than 100-year-old house next to Martin United Methodist Church.
Editor Nila Aamoth, in her latest Soapbox, urged the City of Wayland and Wayland Township to patch up their differences in the arrangements for five services in exchange for use of Elmwood Cemetery.
Wayland Township Trustee Randy Marklevitz insisted the city is wrong to propose terminating the agreement.
Dan and Pam Kisner sent a letter to the editor about the school bond issue opining, “We at Hopkins need to give our children the chance to be prepared, to be able to compete and be winners in life.”
Patricia Brewer of Dorr said it’s (the bond proposal) a moral obligation to the young people of Hopkins.
Other letters supporting the Hopkins Schools bond issue for a new high school Sept. 21 were signed by Cindy Lowman, Carrie-Sue Marchsotti, Sandy Schartz, Adam Blain, Marti MacArthur, Brent Sebright, Randi and Kari Underdahl. Opposing were Janice Iciek, Bryan Layton and Sue Betterly.
Terry Delp of Wayland will be the Democratic Party’s candidate for 88th District State Representive, opposing Patty Birkholz.
Despite strong performances by all-stater Angie Farmer, the Wayland girls’ basketball team lost to Grand Rapids Catholic Central and East Kentwood.
The Hopkins girls’ varsity under new coach Mark Austin, won the Rainbow Classic tournament, defeating East Grand Rapids and Forest Hills Northern.
Melvin Wagner, 60, locomotive engineer at CSX Transportation, Knights of Columbus member and Army veteran died.
50 Years Ago — Sept. 1, 1971
Former Allegan County Republican Party Chairman Marion (Hugh) Allen of Plainwell, was killed in a private plane crash.
After one year of experience with a six-person jury for civil cases, Circuit Judge Wendell Miles has endorsed the idea and suggested it be used for criminal cases as well.
New landmarks added to this year’s Allegan County Fair are a 16-foot high white leghorn hen and 58-foot high windmill.
“All things considered, the first day went well at Wayland Union School,” said Supt. James Thomas after the district’s split sessions made their debut.
Letter writer Danny K. Welsh of Shelbyville wrote, “Any person that would approve of a schedule that would keep elementary children in school until 5:30 and on school buses until 6 or 6:30 has to be a child of Satan.”
The Globe published a front page story and photo about Wayland High School graduate Cindy Weber, who had just returned home from a Western Michigan University “Varsity Vagabonds” vocal music concert tour of Europe.
Mrs. Isabell Dandrow added her voice to criticism of the condition of 135th Avenue west from Wayland to Hilliards.
Edward G. Guider of Hopkins has been promoted to colonel in the U.S. Air Force after completing a tour of duty in Thailand. A 1942 graduate of Hopkins High School, he is a professor of mathematics at the Air Force Academy.
Wayland Rotary Club members entertained their wives in the annual Rotary Ann celebration in Grand Rapids.
Alan D. George and his “dummy” Johnny will be guest performers at the Berean Bible Church in Moline.
Wayland cross-country coach Rick Tokarchick is recruiting boys from the student body to try out the sport, new to the school this fall. Record-holder Elwyn Powers and Mark Predum are two of the elder statesmen on the squad thus far.
Wayland Grange members will have a special forum about the issue of prayer in public schools at their next meeting.
Paul McCartney and wife Linda Eastman had this week’s No. 1 song in the land with “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey.”
75 Years Ago — Sept. 6, 1946
Mrs. F. A. Clingen has installed a new gas range, replacing the old electric device, at the Bee Hive Restaurant.
While acknowledging the problems with speeding motorists, Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher noted troubles with slow poke drivers he and Jack Gurney encountered while traveling north for the closing weekend of trout season.
Douglas Stewart, an evangelical missionary and prisoner of the Nazis for five years during the war, will be guest speaker at the Wayland Calvary Church Sept. 8.
Charley Bird and His Orchestra will be special guest performers Sunday night, Sept. 8, at the Dixie Pavilion south of town. The group’s slogan is “Music Sweet with a Beat.”
Mrs. A. W. Preap has sold her dry goods business to Mr. and Mrs. John Arbanas. She and her husband, Albert, started the business in 1928 and they operated the Bee Hive Restaurant. The Arbanases are known for operating the general store in Bradley for 11 years.
Ford Garage and the Vets have moved into first place in the Wayland Softball League, both with 5-1 records.
“Announcement to Girls and Women: Starting Saturday, Sept. 7, and through Saturday, Sept. 14, the personnel manager at the Globe Knitting Works Co. will be at the Wayland plant from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to interview and take applications.”
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Edmund Lowe and Brenda Joyce in “The Enchanted Forest.”
- Kane Richmond and Stephanie Bachelor in “Passkey to Danger.”
- Lana Turner and John Garfield in “The Postman Always Rings Twice.”
- Bob Hope, Joan Caulfield and Patrick Knowles in “Monsieur Baucaire.”
100 Years Ago — Sept. 2, 1921
School will open Monday, Sept. 5 will a short session on registration. Superintendent Floyd Boughner, Dacey Hanes is principal; Miss Rachael McKinstry, Latin and English; Miss Helen Emery, history; Mrs. Clara Cogwell, grammer room; Mrs. Goldie Stockdale, fifth and sixth grades; Mrs. Jackson, primary.
Screen child actor Wesley “Freckles” Barry will appear in the film “Dinty” at the Regent downtown Monday. He may be remembered as the reporter in “Go and Get It.”
The Barry County Fair, “One of the best and most largely attended in the state,” will get under way Sept. 6-9.
Discussion on “Should the farmer limits his crops? If So, When and How?” will be held at the next Grange meeting Saturday night, Sept. 3.
The Pennsylvania Co. Station has reopened with Roy Hines as agent.
Pryor Brothers say, “Bring your eggs and get your groceries” Saturday evenings.
Profane, fat and married men are the most reliable indicators for people who cuss.
John Hoyt of Wayland has been re-engaged as principal for Grand Marais High School in the Upper Peninsula.
The businessmen of Dorr have engaged the Wayland band to play in concerts every other Wednesday evening.
E.S. Rose has opened a welding shop in the Yeakey Auto Co. garage, boasting of 13 years experience and being a Navy veteran.
A Mr. Warner of Shelbyville was arrested by the deputy game warden for taking more than the lawful number of bluegills from Selkirk Lake. He was fined $10 and $6.65 in costs.
