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

25 Years Ago — Aug. 9, 1999

The Globe published a front page photo of Tracy Heslinga of Hopkins stocking shelves at the new Quality Farm & Fleet store that opened in the strip mall on West Superior Street, just east of the U.S.-131 expressway.

Selkirk and Geneva Lakes soon may finally have a long-awaited assessor’s plat.

A proposal for a fire millage in Yankee Springs Township was defeated by only 11 votes in the primary election last Tuesday.

Work has begun on sewer expansion at the lagoons on the northeast side of Wayland.

A new Alpha Women’s Center agency in Wayland has opened to provide pregnancy counseling services.

The search continues for a new location for a post office because the current site on East Superior Street is just too small to handle the growing numbers of local mail.

Danielle Lemmer, 1999 WHS graduate and drum major, wrote a letter to the editor defending a school bus driver who took a week off over the summer instead of appearing at band camp.

Adopt-A-Pet volunteer Elena Mellen wrote a letter reminding residents to pay attention to the needs of their pets during hot weather.

Tornado sirens continue to be a topic of discussion in the City of Wayland and Dorr Township. Local officials are promising to make sure they are activated when severe inclement weather approaches.

Dorr/Leighton Water Works, operated by Dick Baxter, has won Dorr Township’s franchise for operating the system planned along 142nd Avenue.

The Leighton Township Planning Commission has been caught in the middle of controversies about urban sprawl developments and preserving farm land.

Lindsey Wykstra was chosen Miss Martin at the annual queen pageant and runners-up were Emily Smit and Marlene Lee.

Harold Dieteker, former village councilman, United Church of Wayland trustee and choir director and volunteer of the year, died July 31 in Tampa, Fla. He was 86.

50 Years Ago — Aug. 6, 1974

Mrs. Henry (Dorothy) Peterson was featured in a story about the fact the Henika Public Library has had only two directors in its 59-year history and even the Library Board President Mrs. Frederic Hilbert has been at the helm for 25 years. Miss Fannie Hoyt was the first library director, chosen in 1915, with a salary of $5 per month.

Ralph Sytsma, Ellis Wykstra and Dennis Nickels won their primaries for two-year Republican seats on the Allegan County Board of Commissioners.

54th District State Rep. James Farnsworth was upset in his re-election bid by newcomer Ed Fredricks of Holland.

Gurney’s IGA a historic fixture at the corner of Main and Superior Streets in downtown Wayland since 1922, has closed its doors. Second generation owner Walt Gurney had purchased the grocery from his father, John L., in 1962. Gurney was active in the community as a village councilman, county commissioner and fire department member.

Sara Collins, an 11-year-old swimmer from Memphis, Tenn., wrote a letter objecting to comments in the Globe that suggested boys are much better athletes than girls.

The popular Muscat Ramblers are back by demand at the Gun Lake Inn Sunday, Aug. 18.

Wayne Belka has taken the gavel passed along by Louis Peets as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Hilliard’s.

Placing 27th among 1500 teams and winning $250 in the Michigan Women’s State Bowling Tournament at Muskegon was the team of Mrs. Ken Duimstra, Mrs. Eloise Genther, Mrs. Bert Washburn, Mrs. Cleo Schmidt and Mrs. Paul Lapham.

A late summer rainstorm flooded several streets in Wayland, including North and South Main.

Mrs. Bessie Perry, daughter of two area pioneer families, died in Reed City July 19. Born in Leighton Township in 1894, she was 89.

Roberta Flack took over the No. 1 spot among the nation’s top 40 tunes with “I Feel Like Making Love.”

75 Years Ago — Aug. 12, 1949

Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher said in his column that Village President Harold Hawkins “thinks we are all wet in our estimate of an average cost of $250 to hook up with the sewer, and that the cost would be lower.”

Mr. And Mrs. Naman Frank have purchased 32 acres of land that lies along U.S.-131 south of the roller rink and rumors are flying that they plan to establish a drive-in theater.

Mrs. Lois Wilson, mother of two children, is the first woman solo flyer at the new Wayland Municipal Flying Service after receiving instruction from Manager Bryan V. Cole.

The American Legion and Dorr Merchants are tied for first place in the summer recreation softball league.

Church of Christ pastor O.R. Little presented a program to Rotary on great characters in American life, including Herbert Hoover, Paul Robeson, Rocky Graziano and Jackie Robinson.

Hopkins Schools Supt. Gaylord Caszatt has announced the staffing for the district’s 1949-50 academic years nearly complete. The only exception is an English instructor.

Wayland Grange members were to answer roll call with “When and how I first learned to milk.”

Commencing the week of Aug. 8, the village dump will be open Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Mrs. Flocey Kimmel died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mildred Hayes, at Gun Lake. She was born in Wayland Township in 1875, the daughter of early settlers Jack and Lorinda Miller.

H.S. VanderVeen of the Netherlands is staying three months at the Wayland Township farm of John and Adrian Hendriksma to learn American agricultural methods.

The Allegan County Road Commission has reported 21 layoffs and 35 more planned as funds are drying up for road work. The remaining workers will handle only maintenance and emergency tasks.

Doc Murdock of Van’s Gas & Electric television store is announcing the lineup of programs that will be offered starting Aug. 15 by the only TV station outside of Detroit in Michigan, WLAV-TV. Included are wrestling, the Lone Ranger, amateur hour, Europe crusade and “Break the Bank.”

Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:

• Gloria Jean and Ross Ford in Manhattan Angel.”
• Roy Rogers and Dale Evans in “Susanna Pass.”
• Robert Young, Shirley Temple and John Agar in “Adventure in Baltimore.”
• David Niven and Teresa Wright in “Enchantment.”

100 Years Ago — Aug. 8, 1924

Allegan County will be the 10th in the state to be host to a Marl digging demonstration train from Michigan Agricultural College. One demonstration will be near Miner Lake and the other at the Wayland Co-op farm near Pickerel Lake.

The Allegan County Fair is scheduled for Aug. 26-29 and for the first time ever it will have night carnival attractions.

Gov. Alexander Grosbeak is predicting a solid plurality in the general election in Michigan for President Calvin Coolidge with 350,000 votes.

Despite attacks by Grand Rapids newspapers and the Grand Rapids Motor Club, traffic speed enforcement will continue by Allegan County authorities. “Attacks on Sheriff Hare for doing what he has been ordered to do have aroused county officials.”

Now showing at the Regent Theatre: Buck Jones in “Cupid’s Fireman.” Al St. John in “All Wet.” On Wednesday — “The Telephone Girl” series continues. “The Satin Girl.”

Sealed bids for concrete paving on Superior Street in Wayland will be opened at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11.

A discussion about electric light preparation in Bradley was held at Yeoman Hall. “It looks as if this village might secure lights in the near future.”

Rollo G. Mosher continued his attacks on Wisconsin Senator Robert M. LaFollette, claiming is “at heart, an autocrat, and absolute monarch… His elimination from office would be a blessing to this country.”

Moline had a celebration for turning on the lights with prizes given away, music performed and readings presented.

The Wayland Band will furnish music for the annual old settlers’ celebration and farmers’ picnic at Streeter’s Landing, Gun Lake, Aug. 28 and 29. There also will be speakers and ball games. Constance Duin, considered to be one of this area’s finest violinists, played earlier at Streeter’s Landing.