(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — Aug. 11, 1997
New asphalt has arrived for application on North Main Street in Wayland, where repairs are planned soon.
Three families on Radstock Drive in Dorr Township insist there are flooding problems where they live, but Dorr is not in a flood plain.
Wayland citizens are blaming an inadequate sewer system for damages to homes in the June 20 and 21 win and rainstorm. They are requesting compensation.
The Wayland Township Board has adopted a civil infraction ordinance in which fines for tickets are to be paid at the Topwnship Hall.
Editor Nila Aamoth penned an editorial warning about the dangers of E coli as a result of problems found at the Cuddy Drain, which is getting a makeover by Allegan and Barry counties.
Wayland Township contends that David Botwinski, manager of the Gun Lake Community Center, is in violation of the local ordinance, and it appears that both parties will have to sedttle in court.
Hopkins Village and Township citizens are banding together to help Dallas Kerber and CD Quik Mart, which was severely damaged by the June 20-21 summer storm.
The Allegan County Road Commission has ruled 133rd Avenue does not qualify as an official natural beauty road after receiving a petition from Lisa Harnish and Karen Krulac.
The Dorr Township Library Board plans to go back to the drawing board yet again in the wake of the third defeat at the polls to build a new facility.
Road Runners Club founder Raymond Antel christened the new Wayland High School cross-country course, include the notorious “Big Bertha,” The first interscholastic competition on the course will be held Aug. 29.
The Gun Lake Chapel on Patterson Road celebrated its 60th anniversary.
The Globe published a feature story about the Second Chance for Greyhounds chapter in Wayland, which promotes adoption of the dogs.
50 Years Ago — Aug. 8, 1972
The Wayland City Council set the fee for Mayor Marshall Towne to officiate at marriage ceremonies at $10.
Mrs. Thomas Ayers has joined Mrs. Walter Alflen in the city offices as deputy clerk.
Gary Stewart defeated incumbent George Greig for the office of County Prosecutor and Robert Whitcomb emerged as primary contest winner for sheriff.
The five candidates for the annual Miss Wayland contest Aug. 12 at the girls’ gym are Denise Lettinga, Cathy LaValley, Mary Kaczanowski, Vicki VanOtterloo and Cindy Grimm.’’
Wayland City Police Chief Forrest Reichenbach is retiring after 20 years. The chief, 69, plans to continue to live in the community.
Dennis Nickels, local pharmacist, won the primary for the office of county commissioner from the City of Wayland.
The Ecology Club plans to meet Aug. 10 at the home of John Davis in Bradley.
Volunteer Coordinator Mrs. Doris Slomski of Wayland is launching a new “Helping Hands” column for the Globe in hopes of expanding awareness of government programs that assist citizens.
The 27th annual Wayland Community Fair will take place Aug. 18 and 19 at the “boys’ gym” on Pearl Street.
Pastor Ronald Welch preached farewell sermons at the St. Luthersn Churches in Dorr and Hopkins. He will begin duties at the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Bay City.
“Uncle Bob “ Seigler will be special guest at the Summer Bible School at East Martin Christian Reformed Church.
In the “Some of This, a Little of That” column, ghost writer Helen J. Helmey wrote, “If nothing else will do it, this should persuade more women not to smoke. Everyone knows smoking is bad for the health, but the really horrendous news is that a recent study shows it is a major cause of wrinkles!”
Army Capt. Clyde E. Walker, son of Thomas Walker of Martin, was awarded a Vietnamese Armed Forces Honor Medal at Ft. Sill, Okla. He also received the Bronze Star for service in Vietnam from March 1971 to March 1972.
The Road Runners went undefeated in the first-ever girls’ softball league. Other teams included the Sluggers, Ding-a-lings and Teddy Bears.
75 Years Ago — Aug. 15, 1947
Former Wayland Village President Alvesten Weaver, who also was president of Wayland State Bank, died at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was 82. He also was a former school board member.
Articles of Incorporation have been filed in Lansing for the Wayland Bottled Gas Co.
Many local citizens reported they felt the effects of a mild earthquake, with almost all saying if felt like a heavily loaded truck was passing nearby.
Village firefighters quickly extinguished a fire reported at a chicken house near the corner of Park and Cherry streets.
Mr. and Mrs. Max Rose, formerly of Wayland, have purchased Swayne’s Barb B Q.
Hopkins Holiness Camp will be held at the campground a mile and a half north of the village.
The Dorr Merchants captured their sixth straight baseball victory with a 6-1 verdict over Otsego.
Calvary Church and Moline earned the right to meet each other in the finals of the Allegan County softball tournament. Bill Reurink tossed a two-hit shutout in the semifinals for Calvary Church.
Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher praised Michigan Gov. Kim Sigler for vetoing the proposed gas tax, but added, “We cannot keep our roads up in condition unless we have men, materials and equipment… It begins to look as though the gas tax might have to be raised…”
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
• Richard Travis and Micheline Cheirel in “Jewels of Brandenberg.”
• Gene Autry and Sterling Holloway in “Saddle Pals.”
• Van Johnson and June Allyson in “”High Barbaree.”
• William Holden and Joan Caulfield in “Dear Ruth.”
100 Years Ago — Aug. 10, 1922
Once again the archives did not have any posting for that date. And once again, substituting will be an entry from August 1885.
About Our Confidential Friends, “They tell us how Billy Jones’ cousin is going to paralyze the editor for misrepresenting the congenial Mr. Flarity.”
“A mistake was made when the editor said more boys were ruined by free cider than by our saloons, that the Globe should take it all back and apologize for its weaknesses.”
Thomas Kean, manager of the GR & I Railroad discovered the mangled remains of a man who had been run over by the train. He later was identified as Charley Thorn, 21, of Martin.
W.J. Carveth of this village was arrested on a warrant charging him with the attempted poisoning of his wife. Mrs. Carveth has been characterized as “a most estimable woman, highly respected,” but in recent months sickly.
The new firm of Gilbert & Co. has been stocking up for a general store, with G.B. Kinney as proprietor.
F.E. Goodrich has opened a new livery stable at the Occidental hotel barn.
Burglars broke into the post office and made off with $10 to $15 in postage stamps, change and jewelry.
R.O. Rounds of Bradley had four sheep killed by dogs on his farm southeast of Bradley.
“John Turner indulged in too hearty a dinner the other day, which by the way, is one of his failings and started uptown feeling very much like a boa constrictor just after swallowing a steer.”
