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

30 years ago

ISHPEMING — Seventeen year old Tori Sodergren of Ishpeming will be joining the National Guard, being the first female in the 800-member 107th Engineer (combat) Battalion. She was sworn into the Michigan Army National Guard as a private on Thursday at the Ishpeming Armory. Encouraged by her uncle, 1st Sgt. Gary LaFreniere to join the battalion, Sodergren will undergo basic training at Fort Jackson, followed by seven weeks of school in law related secretarial duties. During the next few weeks, at least 10 other U.P. women will be joining the 107th battalion, which wouldn’t accept females until the Pentagon’s recent overruling of this law. The 1075th Maintenance Company in Marquette, a non-combat unit, is around 35% women. Recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Dan Garceau says that he is excited about women joining the ranks as they will ensure a successful and proud future for the battalions.

60 years ago

MARQUETTE — During a blizzard, residents witnessed a flurry of more than just snow in the air. A boat was seen “flying” which had been safely stored for many seasons along Michigan St., on top of Harkin’s Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bannon, the owners of the boat claimed to have “heard a loud noise” during the storm, looked out of their windows, and saw that the boat was gone. The Ross Todds, who live at the end of the hill, also heard the sound of the 18-foot aluminum boat which was hurled into their home, breaking a window. No one was harmed, and the Bannon’s stated that from now on, their boat will be more securely moored. The craft was not damaged.