Rolling Back the Years

News from the Coloma Courier

100 YEARS AGO – 1925

The Metro-Goldwyn Mayer trackless train was exhibited in Coloma. It stopped on Paw Paw street and took pictures, then departed for Benton Harbor.

We will loan your money for you on first class real estate mortgages. Baker Insurance Agency, State Bank Building. Coloma.

60 YEARS AGO – 1965

Some 323 Pier citizens signed petitions calling for an election to annex to Coloma schools.

A huge Box Elder tree at the A. V. Walther home on Boyer Rd is the largest in this vicinity. It measures 13 feet around the trunk.

The 6th annual Regional Junior Championship in the Penguin Class Regatta was run at the Paw Paw Lake Yacht club. Second and third place winners were from the Yacht club.

Duane Elkanah Carter, Jr. and Carolyn Ann Sherwood were married in the First Methodist church in Dearborn. They are making their home in Coloma. The bride wore an antique ivory peau de sole gown adorned with re-embroidered Alencon lace.

30 YEARS AGO – 1995

Del Sipes, Executive Director of the Coloma Watervliet Area Economic Development Corporation invites the general public to their meeting. The focus is to prepare a Vision for the future.

We Asked You… “What are you doing to cope with the heat wave?” Beverly Dombro, Delores Latter, Mark Mercer and Barb Wiegel all spend time at the beach.

LOMA – “Batman Forever” Excellent cast: Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman and Chris O’Donnell.

The grandson of Mrs. Marjorie Scott Wells received a HUGE honor. Capt. Charles Andrew Wells was inducted into the Knights Templar at ceremonies at the Tower of London, city of London.

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-1925

A very good yield of black raspberries is being harvested by Hartford growers and that the quality is excellent is attested by several quarts of berries left at the Day Spring editor’s home a few evenings ago.

Frank G. Simpson had a narrow escape from lightning while sitting on the porch at his home a half mile east of the village Saturday. The lightning raced down chains suspended from the ceiling porch swing on which Mr. Simpson was seated. He was slightly, but not severely shocked. The bolt also burned out an electric light on the porch and the telephone just inside the door.

Clare Northrup has opened a new refreshment stand and gas station in a unique location in the Northrup woods opposite Pitcher Lake, on M-17 east of Hartford. He is providing free tables and picnic grounds.

80 years ago-1945

Ten men are turning out 1,500 to 3,000 crates a week here in a factory which literally beganfrom nothing and now promises to help forestall a shortage of fruit containers such ashampered movement of southwest Michigan’s orchard crop last year. Located in the formerWestcott cement block factory on the southeast side of the village, the plant operated by Jerry Bullard and Fred Smith under the name of Bullard and Smith, currently is producing field crates, cherry jugs and wine bottle cases.

Hartford youths may have a roller skating rink and recreation center in the town hall, it developed this week, if plans begun by the township board and Community Education council

can be completed. The board granted permission Saturday for use of the second floor of the hall on condition that it is approved by the state fire marshal. Use of the building was requested by Milton M. Weed. Miss Mary Ellen Latus and Robert Dyer, representing the Community Council.

60 years ago- 1965

The City of Hartford last week put up warning signs at approaches to all railroad crossings in the city. The large yellow signs are reflectorized and have black letters reading RR. The signs placed one to two hundred feet before the crossings, are intended to warn motorists that there is a railroad crossing ahead. The City became interested in better railroad warning devices following the death of three young people at a local crossing last January.

The Hartford Garden club will hold a family picnic at 6:30pm Friday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Day, Beverages and rolls will be furnished. Members may bring their own table serving and a dish to pass.

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

1935 – 90 Years

Gerald Coon has installed a Hydro Call system at his gas station. When a car passes over a hose, a bell rings, and if the attendant is busy repairing a tire or doing other work, he hears the bell.

Gerald Coon received first prize on tire sales for the period beginning Jun 1, to Jul 15, 1935. Standard Oil Company gave the prize on the sale of Atlas tires. Southwestern Michigan dealers were in the contest.

A. N. Woodruff, a former well-known resident of Watervliet, where he held several important offices, and elected to the state legislature as the representative from this district in 1884, observed his 85th birthday at his home.

1965 – 60 Years Ago

Val. Friedrich, Jr. was the honored guest at a retirement dinner party on Jun 21, 1965. Val. closed out a career of 42 ½ years of service to the paper industry on July 2. Guests included the department heads, the superintendent’s office and technical personnel of the Watervliet Paper Company.

Airman Third Class Leroyce H. Forrester, has completed Air Force basic military training at Lackland AFB, TX. Airman Forrester is assigned to an Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) unit at Robins AFB, Ga., for training and duty as a medical services specialist. His unit furnishes medical services in support of the AFLC mission of providing Air Force operational units with supplies, equipment and maintenance services.

1995 – 30 Years Ago

Donna Brinsfield recently received recognition for having the highest scoring print at a High School Senior print competition sponsored by the Professional Photographers of West Michigan. The competition is judged by current high school seniors. Donna has worked as an Associate Photographer at Friesen’s since July of 1994.

Watervliet Free Methodist Church is pleased to announce the hiring of Rev. Tillman Amstutz as its new Associate Pastor. A veteran of 57 years of ministry. Rev. Amstutz has served as a district superintendent, managed

Christian bookstores, and worked for several para-church organizations.

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

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