(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — Sept. 15, 1997
Pine Street Elementary, which was built as Wayland High School in 1941, held an open house, as well as the community education building across the street.
Martin Schools Supt. Iris Williams resigned her post, effective in January, citing “personal reasons.” She indicated, “I believe the time is right for me now to begin development of a second career outside the superintendency.” She had been hired in 1990. School Board President Roger Evans said Williams “the best educational leader we’ve had here.”
Perennial cross-country power Caledonia won the girls’ race and Wayland boys surprised as champ of the annual Gun Lake Invitational.
The Leighton Township Board tabled a request from the local fire department for equipment evaluation.
The threat of the demise of the Gun lake Winterfest appears to be getting more serious, as trouble mounts in finding volunteers to step up to save it.
Charles McNabb penned a letter to the editor taking issue with those who insist remodeling the old Dorr Township Library would be preferable to building a new library. Kathy Nyenhuis added that misconceptions have been feeding the naysayers’ comments.
Dorr Township Library Director Suanne Wierenga said a survey of local residents will help determine the fate of the old library as opposed to building a new facility.
Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) scores for this area show problems in science, but higher achievement in reading and writing skills.
The Hopkins Township Board has tabled action on having the Rabbit River basin in that area declared a flood plain in order to seek more information.
A public hearing will be held in October on a proposal to rezone land on the northeast corner of Martin Township to accommodate “multi-tenant warehousing.”
Coach Larry Ward beamed with pleasure over his Wildcat football team’s defensive effort in a 13-0 win over Plainwell.
Defensing Class C state champion Ravenna defeated Hopkins 24-12 by stifling star Viking running back Kurt Glupker.
Melanie Heslinga scored 16 points and then 13 points in Hopkins’ two victories over Allendale and Godwin Heights.
Wayland girls hiked their overall season record to 3-1 with victories over Hudsonville and Unity Christian. They had to overcome an injury to star sophomore forward Kara Potter.
Zeke Fletcher fired a nine-hole score of 32 to lead the Wildcat golfers to a school and conference record low score of 150 at the Pines.
50 Years Ago — Sept. 12, 1972
Cathy LaValley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome LaValley of Wayland, was crowned Miss Allegan County Harvest Queen during the Allegan County Fair. For her talent portion she did a pantomime of the song, “Ma, He’s Making Eyes at Me.”
Thieves made off with meat and money in a burglary at Gurney’s IGA at the corner of Main and Superior Streets. About 35 pounds of meat and $2,500 in cash were reported missing, according to Police Chief Scott Norman.
Lee Buck, owner of L.L. Buck Produce of Hopkins, has announced he has sold his interest in the distribution business to Gerald Rose, who will move headquarters to Wayland.
Miss Susan Parker was hired as a special education teacher for seventh, eighth and ninth grades at Wayland.
Allegan County Sheriff Roberty Whitcomb penned a letter to the editor reminded citizens and particularly young people about safety practices for bicycle riders.
The Globe published a photo of Allegan County Fair Board President Weldon Rumery in front of the new cattle barn facility on the fairgrounds, which was dedicated this week.
Mrs. John Wicks and her son, Bruce, of Hopkins, have donated a circa 1900 “Red River” thresher for display at the Allegan County Fair.
Head coach Gerald Omness has announced the Wayland varsity football team will unveil a wishbone-T offensive alignment in its season opener this Friday against Muskegon Oakridge.
Area couples interested in playing in a coed, family volleyball league at the Wayland boys’ gym are urged to call Colleen Ellinger.
Hopkins native Dan Roxbury and the Haven Gosp[el Singers will lead a revival series at Dorr Baptist Church on 142nd Avenue Sept. 17-22.
75 Years Ago — Sept. 19, 1947
A seining operation was conducted on Gun Lake for information about fishing. Anglers were disappointed not many muskies or walleyes were discovered, but the operation mostly was conducted near shores.
Forty-two players reported for practice at the Wayland High School football field, the largest group of hopefuls ever. Returning starters are Jim Koster, Bill Dobson, John Bruinsma and Bob Jager. A scrimmage against Plainwell revealed the backfield lacked speed and finesse.
Mrs. Steve Lapekes gave birth to a daughter in Wayland at a doctor’s office while en route from Grand Rapids to Crispe Hospital in Plainwell. The headline read, “Stork beats automobile.”
Bernard Barrow of the Wayland FFA showed the grand champion steer at the Allegan County Fair and Larry Knowlton had the grand champion heifer.
Miss Blanche Garwood of Ludington will arrive here soon as the new nurse of northeast Allegan County.
A good turnout is expected Sept. 23 for the first turkey dinner at the local American Legion.
Ralph Barrett, 30, of Kalamazoo, was seriously injured in a traffic crash near Martin after being found next to his car on the side of the road.
Robert Lee Stone, 3, was injured when he ran in front of a car at Watson Corners west of Martin. He was transported to Crispe Hospital in Plainwell.
Mrs. Kennard Schaibly was elected president of the Hopkins Ladies Library Club. She presented “a short, peppy talk” to members.
The Wayland Community Fair will be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4, at the school.
All Hopkins Township residents have been invited to a reception to introduce Hopkins Public School teachers Sept. 19.
Hugh DeWeerd has started classes at Western Michigan Normal in Kalamazoo in industrial arts and Ken DeWeerd is in East Lansing at Michigan State College for pre-veterinary studies.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
• Gene Autry and Lynne Roberts in “Robin Hood of Texas.”
• Paul Kelly and Adrian Booth in “Spoilers of the North.”
• Lizbeth Scott, Burt Lancaster and John Hodiak in “Desert Fury.”
• Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Barbara Stanwyk and Gary Cooper in “Variety Girl.”
100 Years Ago — Sept. 12, 1922
Again, no issue available. Here’s the news from Sept. 12, 1885:
The box social at W. Meredith’s in Shelbyville last week was hailed as a success with 30 boxes sold and a haul of $8.
A few roughs of Shelbyville indulged in a cider spree a few days ago, to the disgust of many citizens. “Don’t do it again, boys.”
W.W. Pierce has completed a full line of drugs and now features a full assortment at his store.
The 5-year-old child of H.C. Garrett is very ill and not expected to live.
There will be a special meeting of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Saturday evening at the hall.
The infant child of Allie Congdon of Bradley died Monday and was buried Tuesday.
William Jones, constable of this place, went to Alma to arrest George Cornell on a charge of rape. He has been bound over to Circuit Court.
Two young boys near this place wandered from their home to mingle with the naughty outside world or “fight Indians in the far west.” Their parents found them several miles from home and they were returned, tired and sore.
C.E. Davison has been appointed to the office of Highway Commissioner, succeeding Stone, who has been removed in Wayland Township.
“Those who visit this office this week are compelled to climb a ladder in order to reach the sanctum. It is hoped the carpenters soon will complete the new stairs, as it is very inconvenient for now.”