From The Clarkston News archives

25 years ago – 2000
They made it clear – no I-75/Clintonville exit: Concern over the possibility of construction of an I-75 exit at Clintonville Road near Maybee Road mobilized a group of Independence Township residents into action. About 25 residents “crashed” the June 20 Independence Township Board meeting and challenged the board to support them in their fight against the interchange.
Clarkston art teacher receives grant award: Carolyn Armitage, an elementary school art teacher in the Clarkston school district, received a pleasant surprise. Two representatives from Electronic Data Systems were on hand at North Sashabaw Elementary to present Armitage with a $1,500 check. The funds were a EDS Technology grant, presented to teachers of students ages 6-12 to purchase information technology services and products to increase the students’ ability to learn.
Mitchell plays at Comerica in high school All-Star game: For the entire baseball season, Chris Mitchell was one of Clarkston’s best weapons. After the season ended, he was surrounded by the best players the state had to offer. Mitchell was one of 36 Michigan High School varsity baseball players selected to take part in the East West All-Star game at Comerica Park, June 22. Mitchell was a member of the East team, which won the game 14-9. He went 1-for-2 in the game with a single and caught a fly ball, which was the last out of the game.

50 years ago – 1975
Parade kicks off July 4 weekend: Clarkston’s traditional 4th of July parade was set to kick off a big summer weekend of fun at 10 a.m. on Friday. Sponsored by the Independence Township Firefighters Association and featuring Rudy Schwarze as grand marshal, the parade was expected to include 20-30 entries. Immediately following the parade, some 20 sailboats were expected to compete for trophies in the annual Deer Lake Sailboat Club regatta.
Mill Pond causes anxiety: Water levels in the Lower Mill Pond receded to 25 to 30 feet below normal, causing cave-ins and cracks along part of the west shore. Worried homeowners, who feared the seal might have broke, contacted township officials and the dam gates were closed. Some 20 yards of dirt was dropped into the cave-in off Ronald Walters’ property, just off Washington. Sand and cement were used to anchor the fill, and officials were hopeful the problem was solved.
Sung and kissed: Gina Roselli, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Roselli of Almond Lane, got to win with the Lettermen on Wednesday night at Pine Knob. She was chosen from the audience to sing “Sing” and was awarded with a kiss from Tony. “I don’t think I’ll ever wash my face again,” she shared.

75 years ago – 1950
Parade to start July 4th celebration: The Clarkston Firefighters kept busy getting everything in tip-top shape for the big July 4th celebration. It would be a day of fun for everybody. Starting at ten o’clock in the morning, the parade was planned to start. Young and old were invited and urged to participate in the parade.
Local school being redecorated: The Clarkston Board of Education approved several summer projects for the improvement of the buildings and equipment. Mr. Rowley Chase was to paint several classrooms. Color schemes were suggested by the Pontiac Varnish Co. and a variation of pastel colors would be seen in various rooms. There were also repairs and improvements planned for the lavatory facilities and locker rooms. Modernization of the remaining old school furniture was approved.
Vote to be taken on school purchase: Independence Township residents would have the opportunity to vote in July on purchasing what was known as the “old school” on North Main Street. Pursuant to a petition to the town board, the board secured an option from the Ford Motor Company in the amount of $31,500. The plan was to use the building for some of the township offices, a community building and what was very important at the moment, as added space to ease the capacity for students in the Clarkston School System which at the time was crowded.

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