Back in Time
by Diane Rockall
For August, let’s look back to 1928 (90 years ago), 1978 (40 years ago) and 1998 (20 years ago).
In 1928, the Stockbridge Brief Sun was the paper of record for Stockbridge. In its Aug. 2 edition, the paper announced that the 31st annual Catholic picnic to be held at Artz Brothers Grove in Bunkerhill. The Sts. Cornelius and Cypriot Church event featured a baseball game between American Oil and Hankerd Grove. A chicken pie dinner also was planned.
In the same issue, farmers were invited to attend a dairy meeting at the Stockbridge Township Hall on Aug. 9. The event was later described as a big success. The community of Bath planned to dedicate a new school on Aug. 18 and invited guests to attend the event that featured food, speakers and music. Deer hunters were advised to wear badges for the benefit of conservation officers. Corn borers were found in Ingham County.
Later in the month, the Homecoming Committee published its annual invitation announcing speaker Grant Hudson, soloist Herman Hurst, “aeroplane” stunt and fancy flying, a parachute drop, music, dancing and a baseball game. Homecoming was scheduled for Sept. 3.
Children are not identified 1998 photo
In 1928, grocery prices listed in advertisements included 25 pounds of sugar at $1.65, three bars of Palmolive soap for 19 cents, 1 pound of chocolate candy for 15 cents, Alaskan red salmon for 25 cents (quantity not listed) and 1 pound bulk macaroni for 9 cents.
In August 1978, the Town Crier announced primaries scheduled in Bunkerhill and Waterloo. As Stockbridge and Unadilla had candidates running unopposed, the communities did not need a primary and would vote directly on the final ballot in November. Linden Township would vote on a road millage. The Stockbridge school ballot had two issues: renewal of a 17-mill operating millage and a 1-mill increase. Voters had previously denied a 2-mill hike. Proposed cuts if millage failed were listed. The choice, according to the report, was to continue to operate at current level or face sharp cuts.
Fishermen were expressing concern about chemicals in the fish. Everett Huttenlocker was installed as Lions Club district governor. The home of Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Gauss was destroyed by fire in White Lake Township. The Boyce family held its 57th family reunion with 90 present at the home of Max Boyce in Gregory.
New rules for absentee ballots were established. Mysterious fires damaged two rural homes. The Stockbridge Area Ambulance Inc. raised rates to $10 for seniors and $12.50 for others because of higher costs.
In 1998, Shell Food Court and Buddy’s Mini Market experienced burglaries four days apart early in the month. Edward Weddon, M.D., retired after practicing medicine for the past 46-years in Stockbridge.
A group of area artists led by Debbie Duranczyk and Deb Campbell planned to decorate the children’s play area at Veterans Memorial Park with the help of student volunteers and children. The three main reasons for the project were to brighten the area, get children involved in “hands on” community projects and raise awareness of arts in the community.
Deb Campbell paints at left.
Diane Rockall, Board member.
