From The Clarkston News archives

25 years ago – 1998
Holiday tree lighting ceremony Friday: Roasted chestnuts, apple cider, Christmas Carols and a visit from Santa – a perfect way to start the holiday season. It began on Friday night at the fourth annual Tree of Caring in downtown Clarkston to benefit Lighthouse Clarkston.
He loves a parade: Gordie Richardson, a Clarkston resident, planned to attend his 50th consecutive Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit. It was being honored with a commemorative jacket and a spot on one of the floats. Attending the 1998 parade would be special for Richardson, who saw his first one when he was three months old and living on Grand River and Wyoming in Detroit with his parents, Harlan and Gladys.
‘A Very Holly Christmas’ to benefit Toys for Tots: About 18 Clarkston members of On-Stage School of Dance were to be part of the cast of the school’s annual Christmas benefit production of “A Very Holly Christmas.” Profits from the performances would be used to purchase presents for the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

50 years ago – 1973
Most favor village civic center: Independence Township officials were exploring costs of remodeling the Hawk Tool Company on West Washington versus the acquisition of new land and new construction elsewhere in Independence to house township offices. Space was at a premium at the present quarters, officials said.
Winning runners: Four Clarkston High School Cross Country members placed in the Grand Valley Marathon in Grand Rapids. Junior Jeff McIlrath placed 17th in the 13-mile run in the under 18-year classification and 39th overall; sophomore Jason Sawyer, 25th and 51st; sophomore Paul Glowzinski, 28th and 64th; and senior George Bellairs, 29th and 65th.
Springing up: Andersonville Elementary teachers took part in a review program on some of the audio visual equipment which was now available to them and the children. Part of the new equipment was purchased from funds furnished by the PTA, such as a television which turned in educational studios and could be used with video tapes. It was reported the children enjoyed using headsets.

75 years ago – 1948
Mrs. Elsie Smith honored at a party: Mr. and Mrs. Mynon Leighton of Hill Top Farm in Metamora entertained a surprise birthday party, honoring her sister, Mrs. Elsie Smith of Clarkston. The group enjoyed an evening of cards and visiting. The honoree received many pretty gifts and best wishes. The highlight of the evening was a long distance telephone call for Mrs. Smith from her son, Donald of Grendale, California.
Rotary Anns to solve mystery: The Clarkston Rotary Anns met at the home of Mrs. Robert C. Beattie where Mrs. F. E. Davies was cohost. Mrs. Charles Robinson was in charge of the program which began as a mystery.
The Hilltopper: The seventh grade enjoyed their first class party of the year. In spite of the rain, the party started off with a football game with two teams made up of members of each section of the class. The movie “Li’ Abner” was shown in the auditorium after a wonderful supper and an hour of music and singing.

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