Rolling Back the Years

News from the Coloma Courier

100 years ago – 1923

The Courier called upon citizens to submit what their estimation was of the greatest need of the village. The first response came from H. G. Krake. “We need many more homes in this village,” he writes.

The high school debating team met in their first debate at the Methodist church. All debaters showed ability in the preparation and presentation of materials.

The Coloma Theatre – “Mr. Billings Spends His Dimes” Adults 27c-tax 3c

60 years ago – 1963

Main Street was barren as businesses were closed in memory of President Kennedy. The funeral has taken place. “Taps” have been played and the caisson which carried the body of President John F. Kennedy has returned to its place of rest. We must examine our principles. Remember President Kennedy’s inaugural address and those unforgettable words, “ask not what the country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

30 years ago – 1993

A Thrasher Table Display will be set up at the North Berrien Historical Museum. This display depicts seasonal and special interest occasions. Groups are welcome. Contact Bill Beverly or Wendell Smith.

The Coloma Public Library will conduct its fifth Food for Fines program. Fines under $5 can be paid through a donation of nonperishable food items.

The Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs from the Coloma Seventh-day Adventist Church have delivered Thanksgiving food baskets. More than 40 families received deliveries.

The American Legion Auxiliary is having its annual children’s Christmas party. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus are scheduled, along with a “mitten tree.”

First Marking Period Honor Roll Principal’s List: 8th grade - Sarah Kolenko, Chad Weeks; 9th grade – Megan Fulton.

Submitted by volunteer Sandi Musick Munchow at Coloma Public Library from the Coloma Courier newspapers donated by the Tri-City Record.

Hours: Mon-Thu 9-7; Fri & Sat 9-2

Phone: 269-468-3431

News from the Hartford Day Spring

100 years ago - 1923

Hartford apples were first premiums, one third place, and the sweepstakes for the best of their variety in the state at the Michigan Apple and Potato Show at Grand Rapids. The winning apples were Wagners and were from the orchards of Arthur Dowd, southeast of the village.

A program of interesting songs of our mothers’ days will be presented next at the Christian church by the Philharmonic Club of Hartford. Pretty costumes of bygone days will be worn by the members.

80 years ago - 1943

Theodore Phillips, southeast Hartford farmer, was injured when caught between a tractor and a plow. The tractor, driven by Phillips’ brother-in-law, Harold Hamill, 16-year-old son of James Hamill, became stalled and the boy called to Phillips for assistance. In the process of restarting the tractor, Hamill shifted to reverse and Phillips was pinned against the plow, breaking his leg. He was taken to Watervliet Hospital where Dr. F.N. Williams placed the fractured leg in a cast. Phillips had broken the same leg last year and had only recently regained use of it.

The Hartford Garden Club will meet at the home of Mrs. Clara Ewald for the annual cooperative dinner and election of officers. Members that have automobiles available for transportation are asked to contact the secretary.

60 years ago - 1963

Hartford joined with the rest of the nation in paying tribute to President John F. Kennedy, whose assassination at Dallas, Texas shocked Americans everywhere. When word of the attack on the president reached Hartford Friday afternoon, the largest group assembled in one place here was at the high school. Principal Gary Waterkamp sent the radio bulletins directly to all the classrooms through the school’s PA system.

A conference of village and township officials and local ministers arranged a community memorial service for 2 p.m. Monday at the south grade school. Between 300 and 400 persons attended the service, which opened with the posting of colors by a color guard composed of war veterans. The high school band played the national anthem and Mayor Norb Nelson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Rev. Guy Udell gave an invocation and Lawrence Larsen read the poem, “O Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman. James Keech delivered the eulogy of the late president. The choir led by William Miller sang the hymn, “Abide with Me.”

Submitted by Librarian Stephanie Daniels at Hartford Public Library from microfilm copies of the Hartford Day Spring.

Hours: Mon & Wed 10-7; Tue, Thu & Fri 10-5; Sat 10-2

Phone: 269-588-5103

News from the Watervliet Record

90 years ago - 1933

The first Citizens’ Work Administration checks, drawn on the U. S. treasury to Berrien County workers, were given out at the Watervliet City Hall, when 27 men received the crisp pieces of paper in payment of labor performed on local CWA projects.

It is interesting to note that 40 cents out of every dollar collected by the sales tax is used for welfare. Distribution of the funds is made by the welfare department of the state and the federal emergency relief.

60 years ago - 1963

As snow falls and snowmen grow, a spirit begins to awaken from a sleep of almost a year to be kindled in the minds and hearts of all people. The people are warmer in spirit; friendliness and brotherhood prevail. A season is fast approaching that all wait for, especially the children, for they know that soon, very soon, a bright and happy day will dawn.

In Watervliet, all wait as impatiently as people all over the world, and to help set off the season, the Watervliet Vocal Music Department will present the annual Christmas Concert in the high school gym. Four hundred high and junior high school students will be singing in this all-secular concert.

A surprise birthday party was given for Mrs. Lillie Stineman, widow of former Watervliet Chief of Police, Orange K. Stineman, celebrating her 83rd birthday. All her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were present.

30 years ago – 1993

August Montai, former Watervliet resident, now residing at Lake View Nursing Home in Lawton, turned 95 years old on Dec 1, 1993. Twenty-five family members and friends gathered at the home to help him celebrate his birthday with cake, ice cream, and many cards and gifts. The highlight of his day was the hugs and kisses from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, plus two songs sung especially for him by his four-year-old great-grandson.

Members of the North School Choir had the opportunity to submit designs for the very first choir T-shirt. The winner of that contest was Allison Edwards. The Watervliet Music Boosters has purchased shirts for the choir members to wear at their concerts.

Submitted by Sally Q. Gonzalez from files at Watervliet District Library of the Watervliet Record newspapers donated by the Tri-City Record.

Hours: Mon & Wed, 10-7; Tue & Thu 10-6; Fri 10-5; Sat 9-3

Phone: 269-463-6382