A look back in time

by Diane Rockall

Thirty years ago March 1988, the Stockbridge Community School District (SCSD) sought a millage increase while discussions on a supercollider for the area continued. Geologists indicated the area would be a perfect site. In addition, the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority asked for additional property to be annexed to the village for development, and Hans Klockes asked for a special use application to build a multi-use dwelling at Willow and Clinton.

Thirty years ago March 1988, the Stockbridge Community School District (SCSD) sought a millage increase while discussions on a supercollider for the area continued.  Image credit: Supercollider Dreamtime by Aaron Ross www.dr-yo.com

The local Lions established a fund for SCSD victims of tragedy while the American Red Cross scheduled a local blood drive. Harold and Vivian Lantis celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and the Stockbridge High School band scored high ratings in the District Band Festival.

In 1968 in Stockbridge, Kenneth L. and Maynard Stanfield closed Stansfield’s grocery, started 30 years earlier in 1938 by brothers Bill and Tom Stanfield. While Bill was still in high school, he had worked for Elmer Applegate and then Frank Lyons. Lyons sold the store to Bill and Tom, in the early years the business featured dry goods, clothing and household articles. It served people from a front counter. The store became self serve in the early 1940s.  Alison 1968 the library books were relocated to the new site on Wood Street and area registered nurse Arlene Howe received national recognition for her achievements.

The Town Crier carried columns from other local communities, and Clara Lantis died. In the same year, the village opened bids for a water filtration plant, with the cost listed as $41,000. Arthur Collins was re-elected council president for Stockbridge. Maurice Biehn, who had died the previous year in Vietnam combat, received the Vietnam Honor Medal posthumously from the Republic of Vietnam. The medal and decree were forwarded to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Biehn of Gregory.

The area experienced a severe snowstorm at the end of March. The school district announced plans to pay off their debt by May 1, five years ahead of schedule. The Stockbridge Ambulance Association just five months old in March listed its success due to loyal volunteers. Chief among them was William Woll who served as driver, chair of village membership, and first qualified as Red Cross first aid instructor and treasurer.

March 1918, 100 years ago, Frank Steffey sold 13 head of cattle to Emmett Berry for $1,417. Alton Fletcher broke his ankle.

Sixty years ago on the national and world scene, significant events included the first U.S. nuclear test, held in Nevada on March 14, 1958, while the U.S.S.R. performed an atmospheric nuclear test. Elvis Presley joined the army on the 24th, and on the 25th, Sugar Ray Robinson became the first to win a worldwide boxing championship five times. Bridge on the River Kwai was selected for best picture Oscar on the 26th. Nikita Khrushchev became U.S.S.R. Communist Party First Secretary March 27.

Diane Rockall

Diane Rockall is a member of the Stockbridge Community News board of directors.   She and her husband moved to Stockbridge 21 years ago from Northville where she wrote a history column for the Northville Record.