Look Back in Time – September

One hundred years ago, Stockbridge was a quiet little town as were the many surrounding villages. School opened in the village on Sept. 3 and opened within a week in most other area communities.  The Community School District was yet to be created.

In Stockbridge (the village), Miss Carr resigned as principal and Miss McKenzie was asked to return. The teaching staff listed eight people, including F.M. Van Sickle, superintendent;  Ruby McKenzie,  principal; Nora Mae Cronk, assistant; Hattie Hamilton, assistant; Versa Dean, seventh  and eighth grade; Mrs. McClain, fifth and sixth grade; Miss Haas, third and fourth grade and Emma Smith, kindergarten, first and second grades.

In Unadilla, Nellie Danton began her school. Dorothy Bell taught in North Stockbridge.  Attendance counts were affected by farm harvests, the military draft and enlistment.

World War I, “the war to end all wars,” was soon to end. The Sept. 12 paper published an obituary for Sgt. J. Taylor Glenn, born  in Unadilla. He later opened a garage with his brother, Casper. Glenn enlisted in May 1915 with his brother, Ralph, in Co. M, Michigan National Guard of Jackson.  They were called to the Mexican border in 1916. He mustered out in 1917 and in March 1918 was recalled and sent to France, where he died reportedly on Aug. 4.  Memorial services were held Sept. 9, 1918.

In Munith,  50 young people gathered to surprise and see Victor Huffman off for military duty. Veterinarian D.O. Cranston enlisted for military service after six years of service to the Stockbridge community.  War news dominated the majority of that September’s issues of the Sun-Brief.

Other highlights included a warning to keep chicken coops locked because of multiple reports of chicken coop raiding, Stockbridge State Bank offered to store Liberty Bonds securely to guarantee them against loss for the fee of 20 cents per $100 bond.

 Ninety years later in 2008, the 4-H clubs nationally celebrated their 100th anniversary.  Area groups joined in by holding special events. A retro barber, Adam Naith, opened an old-time barbershop in Gregory. Four people were hospitalized after a crash at Michigan 52 and Dexter Trail.

Nationally, Hurricane Ike caused enough damage to raise gasoline prices. In the area, gas was selling for $4 per gallon.  The Red Cross experienced shortages in blood supply because of the hurricane.

Also in 2008, all Mugg & Bopp properties were placed in receivership including those in Stockbridge and Gregory. The second All Clubs Day saw more than 2,000 riders converge on Stockbridge Town Square. Event coordinator Suzi Greenway said 200 antique, classic and specialty bikes were on display. Bill Stanfield celebrated his 96th birthday at his home.