EDITOR’S NOTE: Superiorland Yesterdays is prepared by the reference desk staff at Peter White Public Library.

30 years ago

MARQUETTE — Cleaning up the former Cliffs-Dow/Royal Oak Charcoal Factory site in north Marquette hasn’t been a simple affair. Cost projections have doubled and the effort has taken a year longer than expected. “Hopefully this will be completed by the end of this year,” said Dale Hemmila, spokesman for the three companies–Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. of Ishpeming, Dow Chemical Co. of Midland and Georgia-Pacific Corp. of Atlanta, Ga.–paying to remove the contaminated soil. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, acting under the Michigan Environmental Response Act (MERA), determined that all current and former property owners are “potentially responsible” for the cleanup. Some toxins identified at the site are benzene and phenol, which are suspected carcinogens. Progress on the cleanup was slowed by last winter’s frigid temperatures. From November 1993 to May 1994, about 77,000 tons of material were sent by rail to a Utah landfill. The crew started up again Sept. 19; an additional 46,000 tons is predicted to be shipped before the $10 million-plus job is completed. Once cleanup is done, the DNR and a toxicologist will review the work. An independent analytical laboratory is sampling the soil and groundwater to verify the area will be safe for future use. After excavation, the area will be backfilled, seeded and mulched.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — Michigan enters the 1964-65 winter sports season well equipped to host the thousands of snow fans who will be seeking the Michigan brand of winter recreation. Eighty-seven areas are listed on the statewide 1964-65 Winter Sports Guide and Ski Map–the largest number ever to appear in the annual publication. “Expanded facilities, improved equipment and accommodations and the largest number of winter sports areas ever could well result in the busiest winter in the state’s history,” said William T. McGraw, Michigan Tourist Council director. “Given normal winter temperatures and snowfall, it is expected that more than 225,000 skiers will spend close to $25 million in the state during the approaching winter months.” Added to the Upper Peninsula’s skiing facilities is Big Powderhorn Mountain near Bessemer, as well as the reopening of Iroquois Mountain (Mission Hill) near Brimley. Establishments have improved their slopes, and several have added new lighting for night skiing. In some instances, both dining and lodging accommodations have been improved and expanded.