From The Clarkston News archives

25 years ago – 1999
Car allowance approved for township treasurer: One of Independence Township’s top three officials was turning over his car in exchange for an auto stipend. Treasurer Jim Wenger’s request for a monthly stipend of $400 in lieu of the current policy, which he defined as a personal preference, was unanimously approved by the board.
Independence and Springfield in top 10 in county growth: Of 60 Oakland County communities profiled in the 1999 Southeast Michigan Council of Governments population and household estimate guide, Independence and Springfield townships were in the top ten fastest growing. Ranking at number six, SEMCOG estimated Springfield Township’s population had grown 42.8 percent from 9,937 in 1990 to 14,173. Independence, ranked eighth, had 38.6 percent growth, from 23,717 in 1990 to 32,869.
Having ‘Moore’ fun with reading: Detroit Lions wide receiver Herman Moore took time out from his busy practice schedule with the team to visit and read a story to a class at Pine Knob Elementary. The second graders were chosen due to “exemplary behavior in the media center,” said Connie Sullivan, media specialist. Moore read “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs,” by Jon Scieszka, in observance of National Children’s Book Week.

50 years ago – 1974
Supervisor gets word on M-15 proposals: The State Highway Department proposed adding two lanes to M-15 from Dixie Highway to Paramus at some time in the future. The department did have immediate plans for a quartet of improvement projects on the stretch of the road running through Independence and the Village of Clarkston. Four immediate plans included resurfacing of the stretch south of the village with no widening; creation of a northbound right-turn lane at Waldon Road; extension of the southbound taper lane going out of the village from 125 to 225 feet; and additional curbing and asphalt shoulders from I-75 to Miller Road with no widening.
Cagers gear for winning season: A record number of almost 70 boys tried out for the Clarkston Varsity Basketball team, but only one veteran varsity player, Randy Miller, was returning. Coach David MacDonald said since the team was so new, he had not picked starting players yet, but he did indicate that the defensive players look to be some of the best Clarkston has had.
The mill stream: Seven Clarkston Civil Air Patrol cadets participated in a survival training mission in the Holly Recreation Area. The Clarkston Composite Squadron cadets who participated were Mike Klann, Lu Ann Klann, Mike Latimer, Steve Maierle, Beverly Moore, Geoff McDavid and Cheryl Thomas.

75 years ago – 1949
P.T.A. and guests hear fine program: The Clarkston P.T.A. sponsored a Silver Tea at the school for the benefit of the elementary library. The amount realized was about 37 dollars. Just before the
program, a short business meeting was conducted by the president, Mrs. L. D. Gaynor, and the membership committee reported 237 memberships so far.
The Hilltopper: The Clarkston High School Band was progressing very rapidly. There were many new members due to the constant effort of the director, Mr. W. C. Ladd. The band was allotted money for the sole purpose of buying more instruments and creating an interest in band work.
Clarkston locals: A card from Mr. and Mrs. Ira Jones said they arrived at their home in St. Cloud, Fla. and had a wonderful trip down. They found everything in nice shape at their home and were both feeling fine and enjoying the weather.

  A Look Back, Peek in the Past