From The Clarkston News archives

25 years ago – 2000
City flows forth with water plans: The complicated issue of whether Clarkston would receive city water was excepted to be resolved in the not-too-distant future. The subcommittee, which was appointed in November to study the issue, planned to make a recommendation at the next council meeting. Two options could be considered and both included installing a water main, with residents electing to hook up with city water when they wished.
Independence Elementary’s dream come true for staff, students, school officials: Hundreds of excited kids and their parents joined school officials to mark the official dedication of Independence Elementary, Jan. 9. At the dedication, Chris Turner, school principal, gave a slide show presentation on the school’s history, from the groundbreaking in July 1998 to the first day of classes in November. “Each and every member plays a role … in making our school history an exciting one,” he told the audience. Clarkston Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts commended construction crews and others for “making a dream come true for countless future generations. What a great legacy.”
Grapplers drop Troy Athens, 60-21: The Clarkston Varsity Wrestling team started the new millennium in style posting an impressive victory in their Jan. 5 meet against Troy Athens. The Wolves started slow, dropping the first three matches of the night. Clarkston then took control and won ten of the next eleven matches, en route to a 60-21 win. “We had a good overall performance,” said Coach Mike DeGain. “It’s nice to win big.”

50 years ago – 1975
Small businesses weather the storm: Small shops catering to the day-to-day needs of residents from Independence and Springfield townships were weathering the recession. The owners reported in a phone survey undertaken by The Clarkston News the shops were in good shape. Some like hardware stores catering to the do-it-yourself trade found that layoffs promoted the sale of their stock and were doing better than normal. The story was different for luxury sports equipment vendors, larger businesses which had been forced to pare inventory and staff, new car sales and building related enterprises.
Citizens seek media centers: A group of Clarkston School District citizens was preparing petitions to request the possibility of providing media centers and multi-purpose room in all elementary schools, according to Mrs. Robert Kittredge.
The mill stream: Twenty-five friends and neighbors of Frances Chenoweth got together at the home of Clem and Shirley Doblewski, in Davisburg, to help Mrs. Chenoweth celebrate her retirement from Fisher Body after 30 years.

75 years ago – 1950
Auxiliary plans future activities: The Clarkston Legion Auxiliary held its Jan. 3 meeting at the home of Mrs. Raymond Jarvis with Barbara Jarvis as co-hostess. A Christmas box for the American Legion Billet Hospital was packed and mailed, containing 24 dolls, a rag rug and several miscellaneous toys. The Auxiliary was still interested in collecting children’s clothing as it was needed year long. Ecuador was chosen as the Pan-American Project for 1950. Mrs. W. V. LaPlante volunteered to make a scrapbook for the project.
Young people have get-together: Lois Baynes, Mary Porritt and Janet Keelean entertained the “Clarkston 49ers” at the Baynes home on Reese Road. The group had a good time playing games and visiting. The young people had many new experiences to tell about and they did a little reminiscing.
Clarkston locals: Pvt. Edward Craft, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Craft, who was stationed at the Air Corps Hospital at MacDill Field near Tampa, Fla., wrote he received a lovely Christmas package from the Service Mothers of Clarkston. He sent his thanks to the thoughtful group and shared he expected to be released from army duty some time in January.

  A Look Back, Peek in the Past