A Look Back In Time – May 2018

by Diane Rockall

On May 3, 1888, the Stockbridge Sun featured the Decoration Day custom of placing flowers on the graves of veterans and discussions of sacrifice. Also in May,  Sarah M. Goodwin died and her funeral was held in the Baptist Church. Articles on Waterloo, Parkers’ Corners and Gregory  also were featured. Selected ads were placed by George Glazier and Son Commercial Bank, goods from Yocum and Co., and many others. The October fair planned by the Agricultural Society received more publicity.

In 1908,  the Stockbridge Brief-Sun held many front page ads. They included: Siler and Richmond, Sayles Surprise Store, B.E. Brown — Real Estate, Marshall’s Elevator, and  W.J. Dancer (carpets, linoleum, lace curtains). The world and national news for 1908 included Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary celebrating his Golden Jubilee. Mother’s Day was celebrated for the first time, and the first airplane passenger flight occurred. The song “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was registered for copyright. “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” premiered in Chicago and was the first horror movie.

In Stockbridge, plans for a local baseball doubleheader were announced. The first game was to be Stockbridge High School against Williamston High School, while the second was between Stockbridge and the Iosco First Nines. Local community news came from Williamsville, Bunkerhill, Fulmer’s Corners, and Meadsville to mention only a few. The columns held informative pieces on who had visitors and who traveled to see others, birthdays and special events.

In 1948, the Brief Sun no longer placed advertisements on Page 1, but some of those advertising were: Powell’s Greenhouse, McEwings Home and Auto Supply, Nu-Bid Store, Shortway Lines, Wilbur E. Tisch — real estate, C.W. Glenn Buick, Dancer’s, C.G. Lantis and Sons. O.E.S. held a card and tea party Style Show sponsored by Lee’s Dress Shop and Dancer’s store. The mother and daughter night was well attended. Naturally, special events were planned to honor veterans and celebrate May 30.

On the national and world front, Eddie Arcaro won the Kentucky Derby on Citation. North Korea proclaimed itself the Democratic Republic of Korea. Tennessee Williams was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. “CBS Evening News” was first broadcast on May 3, and it would become the longest running network news show in the United States. Israel declared its independence and most Arab nations declared war on the new independent state the next day. Joe DiMaggio hit for the cycle (single, double, triple, homer) on May 21, and on May 23, he had three consecutive home runs. On the May 25, San Francisco had its first telecast. Buffalo, N.Y.,  had its first telecast on May 14.

Moving ahead 45 years to 1993, the Town Crier was reporting that the village and SDA had been awarded a $574,000 development grant. Township officials got salary increases. The supervisor’s salary was increased from $8,500 to $9,300, while the clerk and treasurer salaries went from $7,200 to $7,800. Trustees received $50 per meeting, up from $45.

Ads in 1993 included Fowlerville Family Eye Care, Suds and Snax, Kim and Company, Napa Auto Care, Farmers’ State Bank, Collins Electric, Panther Hardware, Stockbridge Pharmacy and Tom’s Market. Local students were preparing for the quiz bowl. Lawrence A. Lindemer was named to head the National Automobile Association of America. Brian Glynn was named valedictorian and Melissa Collins salutatorian for their graduating class. Mandy Mitteer broke two school records and led the track and field team to a close fourth-place finish in the 14-school invitational event.

Diane Rockall and her husband moved to Stockbridge 20-plus years ago from Northville, where they were active in the Northville Historical Society among other organizations.