EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference staff at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.
30 years ago
ISHPEMING – Ishpeming’s new National Ski Hall of Fame received a winter welcome on Saturday when it was inaugurated amid cold winds and occasional snow. “It’s a beautiful building” Ishpeming Mayor Angelo Bosio said under the building’s sloping roof. “This is a very important addition to the entrance to our city. More than 100 people attended the ceremony, which included the induction of four new members into the hall. Architect John Seaborg said the building would be familiar to ski jumpers. “It is an artistic representation of a ski resort“ said Seaborg. “I just hope we don’t have so much snow that someone is really trying to ski it.” Although the building has officially opened and the keys have been handed over to David Holli of the Hall of Fame Building Committee, officials say exhibits will not be moved from the old Hall on Mather Avenue until after next spring. Ultimately, the $ 1.78 million building will house national trophies, a national ski library and numerous exhibits illustrating the birth and development of skiing. But for the moment, the guests at the dedication were content to contemplate the interior of the new building. “It’s just wonderful” said Norm Johnson of Michigamme, originally from Ishpeming. “It’s way beyond my expectations. It is a building worthy of a National Ski Hall of Fame. It is the birthplace of organized skiing in the United States.
60 years ago
ISHPEMING – Judge Fred J. Berg of the Ishpeming Municipal Court has a “furry barometer” which he observed to be a good indicator of whether the partridge will be active or passive. that of Judge Berg “barometer” is a chipmunk who lives in the yard of his house on Barnum Street. “If this chipmunk is ready to run in the yard early in the morning”, said the judge, “It’s a good sign that the partridge will also be active and a hunter will get a few hits if he goes out. When the chipmunk sleeps late, this is an indication that the birds will also be sitting near the brush and the hunt will not be too good.
