From the Clarkston News archives…
25 years ago – 1998
Young writers learn to perfect their craft: Six area students decided at the young age of 9- to 12-years-old, they wanted to be writers when they grew up. Along with about 80 other Oakland County students, they spent two weeks at Oakland Schools Camp for Young Writers learning how to improve their skills.
Celebrating a birthday with friends: Some people know how to party, and Clarkston Daisy Dowling was one of them. For the past two years she celebrated two birthdays, 89 and 90, with Andersonville Elementary students, and forged some friendships in the process. It began in the spring of 1997 when Kay Robertson, a teacher at the time at Andersonville, incorporated a language arts writing project for her students into get well letters for her friend Daisy, who had been ill.
A whole new world: Clarkston High School students, Sheila Hill and Geoff Denstaedt, spent their summer in foreign countries under Youth for Understanding’s International Exchange program. Hill spent her time in New Zealand while Denstaedt spent his time in Japan.
50 years ago – 1973
Adding cans: Leif Gruenberg added 345 cans to the emergency food pantry at the independence center in an effort to earn his service badge toward Eagle Scout ranking. Center representatives Betty Bond and Zella Benson accepted the results of Gruenberg’s door-to-door campaign.
Dave pitches no hitter: David Williams, pitcher for the Evan Trailer Sales team in the Widget Division, came on really strong in the last game of the year, pitching a no hit and no run game. Only four batters walked during the game. The empires ended the game after the fifth inning with Evans Trailer leading Mr. Gray by 27-0.
Springing up: A double celebration was held at the Glen Sommers home on Clark Road. Their daughter, Glenda Baker, turned 21-years-old that week, and her husband, Charles Baker III, received his certificate, stating he was now a journeyman millwright. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Baker, Jr. of Whippleshore Drive, were at the Sommer’s home for the celebration.
75 years ago – 1948
Orion succumbs to Clarkston: The Clarkston Merchants won their game against Lake Orion, 9-2. Bill O’Roark hurled for the locals and had things well under control after his mates spotted him four runs in the first inning.
Local girl receives honors: Jeanette M. Morse of Clarkston won outstanding honors in the College of Commerce of Ferris Institute. Her name appeared on the dean’s list of 20 honor students. All of the honor students were expected back for the opening of school for the fall term. Jeanette had three “A” grades and one “B” grade” for the spring term.
Clarkston locals: Mr. and Mrs. Keith Leak returned from a short vacation in northern Michigan. While they were gone, David and Lanny visited an aunt in Dearborn and Carolyn visited her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Perry and her brother, Lee Yoder.