From The Clarkston News archives

25 years ago – 1998
Schools set price for new M-15 elementary property: The Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to pass a resolution to purchase the property from the Maria J. Baylis Trusts. Clarkston Schools planned to pay $1 million for 24 acres of the 29 acre parcel on the northwest corner of M-15 and Hubbard Rd. The property would be used for the next elementary school in Clarkston – currently Independence Elementary.
Growth in Springfield up 30 percent: Growth had been a big story throughout Oakland County during the decades and Springfield Township was part of it. According to the county’s mid-decade census figures, Springfield ranked third in the county among all municipalities in occupational housing unit growth from 1990 to 1996, increasing 31.1 percent. Springfield was fourth in population growth, a 29.1 percent increase from 9,927 to 12,812.
Feathers, fur and scales: Local children found lots to do during Easter vacation when they participated in an Eco-Explorers Discover program at Independence Oaks County Park. They could participate in one-day, two-day or all three sessions with Wednesday learning about birds; Thursday, mammals; and Friday, reptiles, through a variety of hands-on activities which included live animals, games, crafts and more.

50 years ago – 1973
SEMCOG proposes two landfills here: Two landfills for Independence Township, accepting trash only from residents of this area, were included in short term plans for a major solid waste program was under consideration by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.
Larry Wright wins $5 first week of contest: Larry Wright, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Floyd Wright, was The Clarkston News’ “salesman of the week.” Larry sold 20 new subscriptions of The Clarkston News and earned $5 plus a head start at all the prizes being given during the newspaper’s subscription contest, ending May 26.
Springing up: The fifth grade Camp Fire Girls in Clarkston group went with other girls in the Pontiac Council to Battle Creek. They toured the Kellogg cereal factory, had a picnic, lunch in a city park, and hiked in the Kellogg bird sanctuary.

75 years ago – 1948
Large crowd attends P.T.A. meeting: A large crowd attended the P.T.A. meeting at the school. Before the meeting, classrooms were open for inspection by the parents and friends. A election of officers took place during the business meeting which included Mrs. Leslie Shanks elected president; Mrs. Russell Coltson, vice president; Ami Althouse, father vice president; and Mrs. William Vliet, teacher vice president.
Our boys and girls in the service: Alvin Beardslee, son of Mrs. Emily Beardslee, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was in training at Great Lakes Training Station, Ill. Several in the service had been lucky enough to get a few days rest and visited friends and relatives in Clarkston including 2nd Lieut. Herbert Beach, Sgt. Dan Addis, and Pte. Robert Johnson.
The Hilltopper: The ninth grade attended an assembly held sixth hour. The Beginners’ Band, directed by Mr. Wainowski, played several numbers. The band was composed of 42 students, every one of whom started in band music by Mr. Wainowski.

  A Look Back, Peek in the Past