A Look Back in Time – April 2018

On April 19, 1888, the Stockbridge Sun printed advertisements on its front page. Merchants and manufacturers mentioned were:  clothing — I.J.Kellogg, dress goods — E.V. Johnson, millinery — Miss T.W. Branch, meat market — Elmer Nott, lumber — Stockbridge Lumber Yard, W.J. Just proprietor, and Michigan Implement Branch in Stockbridge — F. D. Bacon, manager. The editor of the Sun. W. B. Gildart, wrote feature pieces on Washington, the Mormons, and issues from across Michigan.  Area news announced plans by the Stockbridge Union Agricultural Society to hold a fair in October. That edition of the Sun was the only 1888 paper microfilmed for the month of April.

Fast forward 100 years and in 1988, the Town Crier reported the Stockbridge Middle School received first place in words and English skills in a statewide competition held in Flint, Mich., with 83 other schools competing.  Later in the month, the Stockbridge Development Association introduced plans for a recreational park. Ron Fillmore stepped down as chair of the SDA.

In 1998, the Town Crier reported on community preparation for Holy Week observances, while area churches provided lists of special programs and events. Additional community activities included the annual Easter egg hunt on April 11. The Plainfield United Methodist Church planned a chicken and biscuit dinner. Phyllis Stowe presided over her first meeting as village president on April 6. Mike Klinkiewicz from Stockbridge Bowl announced plans for a farmers’ market. Plans for the June Day in the village also were announced.

Dairyman Larry Steffey was one of 42 Michigan Milk Producers recognized for his high-quality milk. Stockbridge sophomore Nicole Barnes was ranked second in the county for women’s wrestling. Dianne Byrum announced her plans to run for a second term in the Michigan Senate. Unadilla held a public meeting to discuss its sewage issues.

A small sampling of ads which usually ran weekly were: Ransom’s, Tom’s Market, Stockbridge State Bank, Gary Adiska, Collins Electric, Pennington, Food Center, and Stockbridge Animal Clinic. Elsewhere in the world that April, Britain and Ireland signed the Belfast Agreement. Peyton Manning was first draft choice for the Indianapolis Colts, and Animal Kingdom opened at Disney World in Florida. Dictator Pol Pot in Cambodia died, as did Linda McCartney, wife of The Beatles’ Paul McCartney.

In 1978, Stockbridge elected officials received salary increases under the new budget. President Wendall Barber’s salary went from $1,800 to $2,100 per year plus $20 per meeting. Voters approved raises for the clerk and treasurer as well. The Munith Orchestra was scheduled to perform at Michigan State University. Six candidates ran for school board. They were Robert Jackson, Marge Pollok, Ken Martz, Judy Heeney, David Sweet and Kathleen Smith. Thirty-one students were inducted into the National Honor Society. The school board asked for a 2-mill increase in the upcoming millage election. Brighton lawyer Mike McGivney opened an office in Stockbridge. Area residents were warned of a serious measles epidemic in the area and were advised to be vaccinated.

While these local events were happening, on the national scene the TV series “Dallas” premiered. Richard Dreyfuss, Diane Keaton and the motion picture “Annie Hall” all won Oscars. Gary Player won the 42nd Masters Golf Tournament. The U.S. Senate voted that in 21 years (1999) the Panama Canal would be returned to the government of Panama. A pro-Russian military coup was successful in Afghanistan.

Forty years earlier in 1938, the Stockbridge Brief Sun reported brief summaries on a variety of topics. Area farmers were honored at a 10th birthday celebration for Wayne Creamery. The WCTU held an essay contest. The Stockbridge Community Club had a movie night. Teams were named for an area shuffle board competition and local baseball opened.

Advertisers were: Fowlerville Hatchery, E.B. Stiles Elevator, Paul’s Cleaning Service, Chapell Studio, A.W. Brown druggist and C.W. Glenn Chevrolet. During April of that year, the novel “Mistress of Monterey” by Virginia Stivers Bartlett was serialized, two or three chapters per week. The Michigan Presbytery planned a gala program for the Young People’s League in Stockbridge. Gregory boys Edward Rockwell and Jack Young were selected as attendee and alternate to Boys State in Lansing. On the national or world front in April 1938, Joe Louis defeated Harry Thomas for the Heavyweight boxing title.  Anti-Jewish riots occurred in Dabrowa, Poland, and Austrian Jews were required to register property over a certain value. Future governor of California, Jerry Brown was born.