30 years ago

MARQUETTE — A public demonstration of what’s being called the world’s longest pendulum will be offered by the Northern Michigan University Physics Club in the Superior Dome from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday. Fastened at the apex of the dome — itself the largest wooden dome in the world — the pendulum will have a length of about 140 feet with a total maximum mass of about 300 pounds, said Dr. David Lucas, a physics professor and advisor to the physics club. Some of the things measured will be acceleration due to the Earth’s gravity; Earth’s rotation rate; and changing mass to demonstrate effects on the pendulum. The public participation also will include an on-site “quiz.”

60 years ago

HOUGHTON — About 2,000 persons welcomed Dr. Raymond L. Smith as the seventh president of Michigan Technological University Friday. Smith succeeded Dr. John R. Van Pelt, who upon his retirement was named Tech’s first chancellor. In a speech at the inaugural ceremonies, Smith pointed to a broadening of education programs at the school, which primarily is devoted to engineering. The new president said a number of different schools are being adopted by the institution. He referred particularly to a school of the humanities. Smith was named president after having been in charge of Michigan Tech’s Metallurgical Engineering Division since 1959. Earlier, he taught in Alaska and received training in metallurgy in that state. President Johnson sent a telegram expressing his thanks for “the fine contribution Tech is making to our retraining program to our national output of well-educated young people.” Gov. George Romney sent a congratulatory letter. Also addressing the assembled delegates, faculty members, students and guests was the president of the new National Academy of Engineering, Augustus B. Kinzel.