St. Ignace
By Miriam Blair 643-7994

Editor's Note: Miriam Blair has volunteered to write a much-needed social column covering the St. Ignace area. Our readers can help by letting her know about visitors, celebrations, and other family events. Everyone will appreciate hearing the news about their friends and neighbors. Telephone Mrs. Blair at 643-7994 with news or encouragement. You can also telephone The St. Ignace News at 643- 9150 or send an e-mail to news@stignacenews.com

What a pleasure to be gathering news as my parents did in the past. Folks may recall Millard Smith as far back as the 1930s, when the paper was named The St. Ignace Enterprise. His signature was signed "The Laffer" (laugher), as he always had a good sense of humor no matter what, even when he repaired those televisions and radios.

Millard passed away in 1963, and yes, his wife, Edna, took over the news column, making sure it was all typed out on her Underwood typewriter. She did very well for only using her index fingers.

Their children, including myself, rushed the article to the news office, which was located where First National Bank sits today. I still recall all the noise with those big printing machines of all sorts. The floors were warped and creaked pretty bad, but what a memory, and I felt important. The faces I remember were Weldon and Winnie Chatelle, Pete Ney, and Frank Beaudoin.

The Reverend Earl Bercot wonders if I went to journalism school. Well, I attended Gros Cap School, where Olive Adams taught kindergarten. I then went on to LaSalle High, where Miriam Ellis and Jean Kalbfleisch were my teachers. That's pretty good instruction.

In more recent news, lots of road construction is going on the north end of the city. Please leave for your destination early enough to avoid tail-gating, knocking down cones, barrels, or injuring a worker. What's the big rush these days? Try to slow your lifestyle down a notch.

Happy retirement wishes go out to Pat Smith after more than 40 years at Mackinac Straits Hospital. Wow!

Clair and Jean Kalbfleisch have returned home to this beautiful town after spending the winter in Florida.

Walter North is doing just fine with his arm in a sling.

We express our sympathy to the Catherine Lehto family. Mrs. Lehto's funeral was Thursday, May 3, at Zion Lutheran Church in St. Ignace, and it was well attended. Lots of happy memories and very nice photographs were shared. Mr. and Mrs. Lehto were hard workers who started out in St. Ignace in 1949 and built the famous pastie shop in 1951. Today it's still in operation, so don't forget to stop by if you're cruising the Gros Cap area. Yummy!

Belated birthday wishes go out to Dan Blair May 1 and Gene Smith May 2. Family gatherings are fun, no matter what the age.

Connie Knutsen reports that her husband, Knut, is getting very good care at Mackinac Straits Hospital. He may have visitors, so don't forget to stop in and make his day.

Thirteen-year-old Gage Christenson was a patient at War Memorial Hospital Monday. Grandma Cataline says he had his tonsils removed and came home Tuesday.

Hotels, restaurants, and gift shops are preparing to open their doors for the busy tourist season.

Kent Smith has recently been admitted to a nursing home in Marquette and is quite ill. Kent is known for his walks along Cheeseman Road and in the town all his life.

The Hope Chest, our secondhand store on Ferry Lane in St. Ignace, is doing great thanks to all who donate items, or simply donate hours. What a hard-working group of people. Don't forget to check out the store, or offer to work a couple of hours.

Marvin Winkelman is progressing well after suffering a stroke in February. His son, Rob, said that Marv still enjoys his morning coffee social at McDonald's restaurant each morning. Wonderful.

Don't forget all the special mothers Sunday, May 13.