Looking Back
Compiled by Ryan Schlehuber

90 Years Ago

The St. Ignace News

Thursday, July 18, 1918

Thirty-five years ago or more, before ice crushers had solved the problem of all-the-year-around navigation across the straits, there was much agitation for a tunnel across the straits, and it is recorded that several measures were introduced in congress and the legislature looking towards that end. Certain it is that many plans were evolved and there was much publicity given the project by the press of the country. After the advent of the car ferries, the agitation for the tunnel died down, although even in recent years there has been considerable talk relative to the scheme.

Now comes another plan for bridging the straits, advocated by Horatio S. "Good Roads" Earle, made in an address at the Soo at the Dixie Highway celebration last week.

Next Wednesday will witness the departure of the largest number of Mackinac county selects to have left at one time since the beginning of the war. Sixty-four is the number scheduled to leave, and with others who have been inducted for special service will make about 70 men this county who will have contributed to the war in July.

The St. Ignace Business Men's Association enjoyed a six o'clock dinner Tuesday, served by Mrs. Katheryn Dolan in the Moose hall.

News was received here Friday of the death of Isaac Bourisaw of Gros Cap, who lost his life on the fighting front in France.

50 Years Ago

The Republican-News

& St. Ignace Enterprise

Thursday, July 17, 1958

First of a series of five motor vehicle accidents which had total estimated damages of $1,375 on Saturday claimed the life of a seven-year-old Romeo boy, killed when struck by a car driven by a Gladstone man.

Ingham Co. Circuit Court Judge Louis W. Coash on Tuesday denied a request for an injunction which would have prohibited use of ferry docks at Mackinaw City by the Arnold Transit Company.

Colonel and Mrs. W.P. Goodwin, Jr., and daughter, Elizabeth, are the guests for a few days of Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Evans. Col. Goodwin, who headed our military mission to Guatemala in 1956 and 1957, is now en route to Chile, where he will head our military mission for the next three years.

A survey just published by the Michigan Tourist Council about Michigan's tourist industry has reached the offices of the Upper Peninsula Development Bureau. "This survey has brought to our attention many facts never before known to us about the tourist industry," said Martin Isaacson, advertising manager of the bureau. "We never knew that 43 per cent of the visitors to the State of Michigan spend their vacation in the upper peninsula. This means that almost one half of the money spent on Michigan's second largest industry was spent in the upper peninsula."

35 Years Ago

The Republican-News

& St. Ignace Enterprise

Thursday, July 19, 1973

A three-ring circus is coming to St. Ignace Wednesday, August 1, with performances at 4 and 8 p.m., sponsored by the Jaycees. The big tops will be set up at Airport Grounds.

On July 14, it was discovered that the beautiful statue of Father Marquette just north of the Mission Museum building had been knocked from its base, breaking off the outstretched hand and chipping the body portion of the statue in several places.

The 20-voice Barber Shop Chorus and two visiting quartets will present the annual Mid- Summer Harmony Festival at Cedarville high school auditorium on Saturday evening, July 28. Robert Tracy of Mackinaw City will direct the Les Cheneaux Chorus.

A record crowd of patrons was on hand at the Strawberry Festival on Tuesday, sponsored by the Lutheran Church Women in Les Cheneaux.

15 Years Ago

The St. Ignace News

Thursday, July 15, 1993

From Point Brule, through Hessel, to points north of Swede Road, buildings, vehicles, and woodlands sustained still-unestimated damage as high winds, strong thunderstorms, and driving rain cut through Clark Township on a northeasterly course.

Marathon Oil Corp. has agreed to discontinue its use of several large, green gasoline tanks on the Mackinaw City waterfront, clearing the way for the state to raze them and eventually build a new marina.

Nearly 300 yachts, ranging in length from 27 feet to 80 feet, will set sail from just off Chicago's Monroe Harbor at noon Saturday, July 17, in the 86th annual Chicago- Mackinac Yacht Race.

The honored guest of this year's Antique Wooden Boat Show in Les Cheneaux will be the woman who served as the show's co-chairperson for several years and who instituted the honored guest program in 1983: Phyllis DeLooff, of Cedarville.

The Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League have announced the signing of Mike Fornes, of Mackinaw City, as the team's broadcaster.

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 the archives and for the Looking Back column. Photographs to be loaned or donated to the Michilimackinac Historical Society can also be sent or dropped off at The St. Ignace News.