February 1925 Wright’s Weekly
Munising saw a surge of winter activity as attorney G.W. Jackson completed an unprecedented midwinter automobile trip from Gladstone to Munising in just two and a half hours — thanks to an unusual thaw that hardened the roads. Meanwhile, the town prepared for an exciting Dog Derby, inviting local boys to hitch their sleds and race through the streets. In tax news, a dispute arose between a local businessman and the city assessor over the valuation of a tannery site.
February 1950 Orange & Black
Mather High School students debated whether school dances should be limited or eliminated altogether due to financial struggles. While some argued that too many dances led to low attendance and financial losses, others believed dances fostered school spirit and provided much-needed social opportunities. The paper also highlighted February birthdays, including Ruth Johnson, who was born on Feb. 29, making her one of the rare students to have a true birthday only once every four years. In non-leap years, she celebrated on Feb. 28.
February 1979 Grand Marais Pilot & Pictured Rocks Review In U.P. politics, state Sen. Joseph Mack blasted Gov. William Milliken for vetoing a bill that would have allocated gas tax funds for snowmobile trail expansion, calling it an “irresponsible” decision that shortchanged the state’s 1.3 million snowmobilers. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Advisory Commission was set to meet in Munising to discuss buffer zones and park development priorities. Meanwhile, a total solar eclipse was expected to be partially visible in Michigan on Feb. 26, with astronomers warning residents not to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Grand Marais also prepared to welcome the Interlochen Academy’s brass and percussion ensembles for a special concert at Burt Township School featuring a mix of classical and contemporary music.
About this column
This column is made possible through the digital newspaper archives at the Munising School Public Library, which has worked to preserve local history through digitization. Historic editions of the Munising News, Wright’s Weekly, Orange & Black and the Grand Marais Pilot & Pictured Rocks Review are among the publications that researchers use to source these glimpses into the past.
