Bygone Days: A look at the past in NE Allegan County

⁽Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)

This picture postcard was in circulation after a big announcement was made in 1915 at a meeting of the Wayland Business Men’s Association. It was decided to publicize the fact that Wayland was the heart of the dairy industry, so the slogan, “Wayland, The Cow Town of Michigan,” was adopted.

25 Years Ago — Feb. 1, 1999

The Gun Lake Tribe of Pottawatomis’ attempts to gain access to federal funds for casino rights have been put on hold. The City of Detroit asked for a pause because it wants federal recognition as well to make it eligible.

The Leighton Township Board has announced it is standing by its fire chief after receiving complaints from two firefighters about personnel problems overseen by Paul Baker.

Three new troopers have joined the Wayland post of the Michigan State Police. They are Christian Clute, Timothy Maxson and Scott Sholander.

The Leighton Township Planning Commission is indicating some support for a for establishment of a BMX track for kids. Gordon and Linda Bryan’s request for a special use permit was approved.

The Martin varsity boys’ basketball team claimed its second victory of the season, 59-48 over Bloomingdale. Jed Noble and Andy Ash both scored 10 points.

Leighton Township Supervisor Dar VanderArk told the Allegan County Board of Commissioners, “You couldn’t have picked a worse time to dismiss an equalization director (Doug Darling).” The director was terminated because he no longer had the proper credentials.

Dawn Malone of Hopkins penned a letter to the editor praising Hopkins schools’ decisions to close during bad weather, showing proper concern for the safety of children.

Fred Hilbert wrote a letter praising the city’s choice of Reno Drive as the name of the new street off West Superior Street, which will include industrial facilities. Another letter, from Debra Reno Grimm concurred.

Local experts from the Department of Environmental Quality contend the solid waste plan just adopted could reduce the amount of trash going into landfills and increase the amount of materials that can be recycled.

Daniel G. Kelsey wrote a feature story, with photos, about David Finehout and his experiences as a Union soldier incarcerated at the notorious Andersonville prison during the Civil War.

Wayland’s basketball team had a strange week, beating Sparta by 36 points but then losing to South Christian by 34. The ‘Cats are 2-7 overall.

The Wayland Middle School eighth grade team, coached by Bill Merchant, finished a perfect 11-0 season.

The Wayland wrestling team bounced back after an upset at the hands of Sparta to defeat Hudsonville Unity Christian 63-12. The ‘Cats now are 20-1 in dual meets.

Four Martin grapplers, Rick Mena, Josh Hildebrand, Travis Brenner and Levi Conley have a combined record of 107-4.

The Hopkins volleyball squad welcomed back star player Sabrina Bird from an injury and defeated Allendale.

The Wayland volleyball team shocked South Christian to move into a tie for first place in the O-K Gold Conference.

Boat builder and carpenter Floyd Thompson died at his home. He was 86.

50 Years Ago — Jan. 29, 1974

The Wayland Board of Education has joined other civic and government entities in protesting implementation of “Double Daylight Savings Time” because too many children are on streets traveling to school in the dark.

The Yankee Springs and Orangeville Township Boards are planning a $10 million sewer project for the Gun Lake area. A preliminary study has been started to build a wastewater treatment plant.

Jon Carroll, who guided the Wayland High School baseball team a state semifinal finish and two O-K Blue Conference championships, surprised a lot of people by announcing his resignation. His 1971 team fashioned a 24-5 record.

Wayland High School graduate Art Kidney has been promoted to assistant vice president and operations officer for the First National Bank and Trust Co. in Kalamazoo.

Wayland Police Chief Harold Ernst said too many people are parking illegally on city streets between 2 and 6 a.m., wreaking havoc with snow removal efforts.

Don Verduin of Caledonia and Robert VanDam of Hudsonville have formed a partnership to oversee the Hopkins Livestock Auction Yards. Van Dam’s father, Edward, is retiring.

Wayland Union Schools Supt. James Thomas wrote a column explaining the reason for an election Feb. 25 for three mills to help students, administrators and staff to move into the new high school that will open in the coming fall.

Gloria Bursey Slykhouse, editor and publisher of Glory Etc. magazine, will be special guest speaker at the annual anniversary banquet of the Ladies Library Club the Wayland Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

The Wayland Lions Club learned the Varsity Vagabonds from Western Michigan University will come here in mid-February to present a concert. Wayland High School graduate Cindy Weber is a member of the group.

Wayland High School graduate Patricia Krup was pianist and accompanist for the Senior Recital at Nazareth College of Kalamazoo. 

The Wayland High School basketball showdown with Caledonia was won by the latter, 67-57, essentially handing the O-K Blue Conference championship to the Scots. Rick Mauchmar pumped in 18 points, Alan Lettinga 13, Randy Mauchmar 11 and Paul Heckert nine. The ‘Cats are 5-3 in the league, Caledonia is 7-1.

Martin took a hard-fought 39-35 decision from Decatur. Dan Lukins scored 14 points to lead the Clippers in their second victory of the season.

Hopkins lost to Maple Valley 68-62 because of free throw troubles, but then clobbered Martin 80-34. Mike Smith had 20 points and Red Foley 12.

Upper weights grapplers John Kaur and David Wolowicz led Wayland to its third dual meet victory in the O-K Blue, 34-18, over Wyoming Lee. Overall, the Wildcats are 6-4 in dual meets.

The Barkeater Brothers, Jarv Willett and Bill Hill, will visit the Ogres as special guests for the annual “Let’s Put the Hog Back in Groundhog Day” celebration.

Ed Buchanan and a large group of Ogres attended a Grand Valley State College basketball game and then let off steam at a local pub.

Elderidge the Cat enjoyed a quick and easy meal at Ogre House when a suicidal goldfish jumped out of its habitat.

The Wayland Union Schools are expected to get $234,280 in state aid payments. Hopkins will get $123,950 and Martin $115,910.

Wayland High School grad Alan Farling has been promoted to the rank of ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Barbra Streisand caotured the No. 1 slot among the nation’s tunes with “The Way We Were.”

75 Years Ago — Feb. 4, 1949

The Wayland Chamber of Commerce will have its annual election of officers and a turkey supper at the Legion Hall.

Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher said he’s been trying to get more input from the public for its attitudes about installing a sewer system in the village. “Goodness knows there are a great many places in town where something must be done along this line, and quick,” he wrote in his weekly column.

The Allegan County Health Department reported that 270 youngsters were vaccinated at a clinic at Wayland High School. Targeted diseases were diphtheria and smallpox.

Four Allegan County youths have been bound over to Circuit Court of charges of breaking and entering and vandalism at Wayland High School earlier this month. The teens hailed from Kalamazoo and Otsego.

Wayland remains on top of the Barkenall Conference basketball standings with a 7-0 record after beating Martin 50-25. Hopkins is in second place at 5-2.

Wayland High School for the first time ever will elect both a king and queen at the homecoming football game, starting next fall.

Nellie Zimmerman is substitute teaching for Mrs. Wycoski, who suffered minor injuries in a traffic accident while on her way to school.

Mrs. Bridgett Wheatley died at the home of her son in Hopkins. She had lived in the community for 67 years. She was 91.

The Dorr Township Fire Department earned praise for handling quickly a fire that broke out at Bill DeKorte’s place of business.

The “Gold Coast Boys” will perform for square dancing at the Dixie south of Wayland on Friday nights.

“Rural Ruth” in the Green Lake Breezes column, wrote, “It’s just as well to forget your old troubles, as there always will be new ones coming.”

Mrs. Frank Malmstone was painfully injured when she slipped and fell 9in her kitchen and injured her back and shoulder.

Mrs. Bessie B. Baker is improving at Butterworth Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment for an eye infection.

Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:

• William Elliott, Andy Devine and Adrian Booth in “The Gallant Legion.”

• June Allyson, Perry Como, Judy Garland, Lena Horne and an all-star cast in “Words and Music.”

• Edmund Gwenn, Donald Crispe and Janet Leigh in “Hills of Home.”

100 Years Ago — Feb. 1, 1924

The front page of the Globe had a headlined series of stories called “Florida Notes,” which included accounts of the doings of local people who were snow birds.

Hope Rebekah Lodge issued a Resolution of Respect for the late Edith Ball, who died Jan. 24.

Many people in the area have faced challenges getting around because of a winter snowstorm. Dr. I.L Slater reported having to battle huge snowdrifts for three miles to serve two families in need in Hopkins Township.

The children in the early elementary grades enjoyed a visit to the local bakery, arriving just in time to see Mr. Lagesen take bread from the oven.

Vivian Chapman and Opal Cozzens were the cooks this week for home economics, with assistance from Dora Culver and Lucille Crocker.

Mr. Pinney from McLaughlin Business College gave a presentation on courses offered at the college and on the Palmer Method of Writing.

Now showing at the Regent Theatre downtown: “The Valley of Silent Men,” featuring Alma Rubens. And additional feature, “Wonders of the Sea,” showing the ocean floor with many strange creatures.

Officers for a group known as The Prairie Triangle of the YMCA were elected. Any boy at least 14 years old is eligible to join.

H.J. Selkirk has sold his barber shop to Alla Prattt, who took possession at once in Shelbyville.

A social meeting and Smoker of the James Fenton Lodge will be held Feb. 4.

A huge feed is promised at the American Legion Forrest Lewis post upstairs from the bank.

About 25 business operators Monday gathered to attack the snowdrifts north of town to open roads to traffic as far north as Moline. By the time the project was completed, it was estimated that as many as 50 men took part.