Workers on the Chief Dock in St. Ignace. The man on the far left is Gus Holm, grandfather of Hilda Ryerse of St. Ignace. The other men are unidentified. The dock was vibrant with commercial rail cars and passengers crossing the Straits of Mackinac, going to and from the Lower Peninsula. In 1986 the rails leading from St. Ignace to the rest of the Upper Peninsula, and in northern Michigan, were abandoned. (Photographs courtesy of Hilda Ryerse) 115 Years Ago

Saturday, March 14, 1891

Advertisement For mayor, Michael Chambers.

Farrell, McArthur & Co. received a car-load of nails this week.

The telephone line to Allenville and Ozark will be built as soon as the frost is out of the ground, so that the poles can be set.

We are pleased to learn that the members of the new brass band are working together in harmony, and are progressing finely with each practice.

At the last meeting of the St. Ignace Fire Department, the following fire alarm system was adopted: The bell to be rang as usual for fire alarm; if fire is in the 1st ward, one stroke of bell at short intervals; 2nd ward, two strokes; 3rd ward, three strokes; 4th ward, four strokes. The public and firemen are requested to make a note of the above signals. Simon Boudreau, Secretary.

The Chief Wawatam (left) and, most likely, the Ste. Marie, during a typical winter crossing of the Straits of Mackinac. Rev. Tuttle was too ill to preach last Sunday. He is convalescing.

Capt. John McCarty says the road over the ice to the Island is in excellent condition at present.

A large force of men are busy at work every day on the job of rebuilding the steamer Mary. When finished, she will practically be as good as a new boat.

Alex Brown was quite badly injured at the dock Wednesday morning, when the St. Ignace arrived. He was struck in the legs by the lever used to raise and lower the end of the dock to receive the boat. No bones were broken but his injuries are painful.

At the Mackinaw City village election on Monday, the following officers were elected: J.F. Lamond, president; J.H. Coffman, A.H. Buhler, D.W. Willetts, James Converse, and George P. Harmoud, trustees; L.G. Willetts, treasurer, and Charles Zimmerman, street commissioner.

90 Years Ago

Thursday, March 16, 1916

The Embury-Martin Lumber Co. of St. Ignace, which is now operating their mill day and night, are giving employment to more men than any other firm in northern Michigan. Aside from a few small jobbers, north of the straits, they are the only firm who have operated this winter, says the Cheboygan News.

Until he gets caught, a man rather enjoys being chased by a woman.

Advertisement "In New Quarters;" I have moved my stock of goods to the store formerly occupied by M. Hoban, known as the "Marine Grocery" and located on State St., near the Merchandise dock. Here, I will be as well prepared as ever to serve both old customers and new ones with the very best in Groceries and Provisions, Fruits, Vegetables, Etc. Special attention given to Marine trade and Telephone orders. Prompt delivery. G.H. Bobier, Marine Grocery, State Street.

Wallie Wendell, the plate glass man, called on his city trade the first of the week.

Engadine column The Engadine band boys will give a grand ball March 17 in the town hall. Come, gents, and bring your ladies.

Wm. Bennett, who runs camp for the Cooperage company near Gilchrist, got his head hurt Tuesday and came here to consult Dr. Walsh.

Mackinac Island column The wood traffic between here and Bois Blanc was resumed on Tuesday.

The Enterprise is pleased to learn that Edwin O. Wood and family will occupy their summer home on Mackinac Island the coming season. Mr. Wood is intensely interested in the State Historical Museum to be opened in the old state officers' quarters.

The men of the Murray and Fenlon camp think they have recently hauled the largest load of logs ever moved on one set of sleighs in Les Cheneaux. The load consisted of 37 pine logs scaling 10,704 feet, log measure. The load was loaded by camp foreman J.W. Esseltine and Fred Latondress, a St. Ignace man, who also drove the team. This team, by the way, known as the Taylor Gough team, because it was purchased from him, has made a reputation for great strength.

50 Years Ago

Thursday, March 15, 1956

The Vacationland carried 16,528 vehicles last month.

St. Ignace and northern Michigan were still digging out from under eight-foot snow drifts Monday morning, left by a twoday northerly blizzard, which on Sunday confounded a flock of Canadian geese. W.H. McDermott of Gros Cap heard a racket overhead near the home about 10 a.m. on Sunday. He and his wife investigated and learned that flying low in the heavy blizzard was a whole flock of Canadian geese, honking and circling.

Republic and Democratic parties last week picked city and ward slates for the annual St. Ignace city election.

James Ryerse, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ryerse, celebrated his 14th birth anniversary last Saturday and during the evening entertained his friends at supper and a scavenger hunt. Guests included Lynda Nordstrom, Alice Ogle, Sally Leveille, Sue Harrington, Betty Powers, Myrna Raleigh, Sandy Hunter, Larry Winneroski, Bill Phillips, Jack Goudreau, Ray Popp, Dennis Aho, and Dean Cote.

Sherwin "Sunny" Gandee, stalwart defensive end of the Detroit Lions professional football team, will be in St. Ignace the early part of next week for several appearances before local sports fans.

35 Years Ago

Thursday, March 18, 1971

The fog-shrouded waters of the Straits of Mackinac claimed the life of 33-year-old Bill Victor, WIDG radio station manager, on Saturday evening, March 13. New to the sport of snowmobiling, Mr. Victor was making his first crossing from Mackinac Island with three friends when the tragedy occurred.

In a recent announcement from the office of the Most Reverend Charles Salatka, Bishop of Marquette, the people of St. Ignace were notified that as of June 1972, the St. Ignatius school will be closed. Having opened with five sisters from Chatham, Ontario on September 8, 1897, the Ursulines will have completed 75 years of service to the people of St. Ignace when they close their doors. At the present time there are 162 students attending St. Ignatius school, grades second through seventh.

The Harbor Springs Rams dealt the Brimley Bays a 65-52 defeat to win the Regional Championship. The game was played at LaSalle High School gym with 1,400 fans in attendance.

15 Years Ago

Thursday, March 14, 1991

St. Ignace used pressure defense and a 15-4 free throw advantage to top Newberry, 5545, in the March 8 Class C district boys basketball championship game at Rudyard - just the Saints' third win this year. St. Ignace is now 3-19 on the season, including playoff games.

St. Ignace junior and senior high school bands received number one ratings - the highest of five ratings available - at the March 1 and 2 District Band and Orchestra Festival, hosted by LaSalle High School in St. Ignace. The two-day festival drew 17 bands from schools throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The St. Ignace News is seeking original prints or reprints of old photographs depicting areas in the Eastern Upper Peninsula to be scanned into its archives and for the Looking Back column. Photographs to be loaned or donated to the Michilimackinac Historical Society can also be dropped off at The St. Ignace News.