From The Clarkston News archives

25 years ago – 1998
Principal for a day: By 9 a.m., seventh grader Stephanie Frelwald had made the morning announcements and emailed Sashabaw Middle School assistant principal Charles Rowland. Frelwald was principal of the day at SMS. She earned it after winning an essay contest sponsored by Students For A Better World, one of the school’s clubs. Frelwald’s parents shared she had wanted to be a teacher since she was in third grade.
Police launch patrol at Deer Lake Beach: Deer Lake waters would be safer during the summer thanks to Clarkston police and Independence Township Parks and Rec. City Police Chief Paul Ormiston said parks and recreation director Ann Conklin asked him to provide additional enforcement at the city beach on weekend and holidays for those who use the boat launch at the all-sports lake. He planned to have one officer on site through Labor Day.
Four CHS coaches ride into the sunset: Clarkston High School said goodbye to four coaches as they retired. Dick Swartout, girls tennis; Jim Chamberlain, boys golf; Gina Cox, varsity pom pon; and Roy Warner, varsity baseball, combined for nearly a century of service to CHS students and athletics. The athletic department held a retirement banquet for the four on June 2. Each retiring coach received a gift from the athletic department and athletic boosters.

50 years ago – 1973
End of an era – Rudy’s Market up for sale: When Rudy Schwarze, a young butcher, opened his third grocery store in Clarkston 40 years prior, his competition said he would last six months. He made $45 the first month and outlasted all of them. At 65, he earned his retirement and Rudy’s Market was up for sale.
They’re thinking Christmas: Winners of a design contest to prepare Christmas cards for sale by Independence Center later in the year were Vickie Howe, a Clarkston High School junior; Kathie Lochard, Clarkston Junior High School eighth grader; Linda Smith, Northwest Oakland Vocational Education Center junior; and Dawn Funck, Sashabaw Elementary. Vic Hamby of the vocational school received a special award from the center board.
Springing up: A 25th Anniversary Tea was given at the Clarkston United Methodist Church to honor Bill and Betty Richards. The party was planned by their daughter, Jeannie (just home from college) with help of her brothers and sisters, Mark, Eric, Ruth and Gail.

75 years ago – 1948
Seniors enjoy swimming party: High school seniors enjoyed their last weeks being together. Pat J. Watson entertained the group, together with a few other guests, at a swimming party at Parke Lake. After an afternoon of fun, the group enjoyed refreshments served on the beautiful grounds at the rear of the Watson home.
Local girl among University of Michigan graduates: Among the graduates at the University of Michigan on Saturday afternoon was Mazy B. Wompole, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Wompole of Clarkston. Mazy received her bachelor of science degree in landscape architecture. She was the only student receiving this degree in landscape of architecture in 1948.
Clarkston locals: Mrs. Jack Chisholm and son, Jack; Mr. and Mrs Hawley Skarritt; and Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hawley went to Gladwin and attended the graduation exercises at the high school. Among the graduates was Doris Marie Hawley, sister of Mrs. Chrisholm, Mrs. Skarritt and Mr. Hawley.

  A Look Back, Peek in the Past