Peekin' into the Past

Five Years Ago

May 25, 2017

Seeing it as the only way to get the process moving and make progress, Holyoke City Council members voted at the May 16 meeting to work with University of Colorado engineering students to draw up plans for new fire and police department buildings.

Two self-defense classes were hosted by Holyoke Fitness Club this month, providing a free opportunity for community members age 13 and older to learn some valuable life skills.

Holyoke School District resource teacher Nancy Miles was recognized as the Northeast BOCES Outstanding Special Education Teacher for 2017. The honor was presented to Miles at the May 16 Holyoke Board of Education meeting.

Ten Years Ago

May 24, 2012

Holyoke Elementary School literacy coordinator and longtime music teacher Nancy Kennedy is retiring after 25 years of teaching in Holyoke.

Special ceremonies will be held at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery on May 27 to bless the new cemetery grounds addition and to re-bless the original 127-year-old rural cemetery located east of Holyoke.

Jake’s Feed recently moved from its location on Highway 6 to a new location south of Melissa Memorial Hospital on East Johnson Street.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

May 29, 1997

The gazebo at Holyoke Cemetery was dedicated at the Memorial Day ceremony on May 26. The new gazebo and cemetery directory were made possible through a memorial fund left to the city specifically for cemetery improvements by the Francis A. White Estate.

Big ideas brought up by Holyoke City Council at its May 20 meeting included hiring an assistant city superintendent and eliminating at least one of the town’s daily whistles.

On June 8, the public is invited to a celebration of the Phillips County Historical Society and Museum’s 30th anniversary. On May 16, 1967, residents of Phillips County organized the historical society in answer to a request from Gov. Love, who suggested museums be established to preserve local pioneer articles.

A school policy change regarding participation in more than one school-approved sport during a given season was discussed at the May 20 school board meeting. Only two board members expressed interest in considering the change.

Fifty Years Ago

May 25, 1972

Harding Bicycle and Supply, operated by Sheldon Harding, is located in the basement of the Burge Hotel. The store will stock bicycle tires, tubes, parts and accessories.

Roger Milner has been appointed director of the Holyoke summer youth recreation program by the Holyoke town board.

Contrary to circulating rumors, there are no known or suspected cases of diphtheria in Holyoke, according to Dr. Myrlen Chesnut.

Friday twilight golf will start on June 2. The schedule is posted at Holyoke Golf Club.

Seventy-Five Years Ago

May 29, 1947

The G.V. White Implement Co., which for the past several years has been owned and operated by G.V. White, has been purchased by Henry T. Gassert, the local agent for Sinclair products. Gassert has stated that the business will continue to operate under the name of White Implement Co. and will handle the same lines of merchandise that have been carried by White.

On May 21, Holyoke High School students and teachers got out the old rag bag and donned the garb that hobos wear. This annual affair takes place every spring and is highlighted by the selection of the king and queen of the hobos. Virgil Ruby was voted king, and Miss McLeod queen.

Snowfall of approximately 1 inch fell Wednesday morning, doing some damage to a number of trees and bushes in Holyoke. The snow started falling early Wednesday morning and continued until about noon. The rain which preceded the snow started Tuesday evening, and between 5 p.m. on May 27 and noon on May 28, 1.65 inches of moisture was reported.