Milestones on Mainstreet: Sparta Builders

A few months ago someone left an envelope on the doorstep of the Meyer School House Museum. Among the items included in the envelope was a certificate from the State of Michigan incorporating “Sparta Builders” on the 7th day of September, 1945. Also included are stock certificates issued to the original eight members of the [...]

Milestones on Mainstreet – See you at the Curb!

“See you at the curb” is the motto for the revived homecoming parade in Sparta this year. When I read this it made me think of the fun we had, during homecoming week, when I was in high school in the early 1970’s. We would gather, weeks in advance of homecoming, in someone’s barn and [...]

Milestones on Mainstreet: Summer of ’71

It was the summer of 1971 and there was an air of excitement in Sparta. We were celebrating our one hundred and twenty fifth birthday!  Our Quasquicentennial! I had just completed my sophomore year and had secured my dream summer job at Momber’s  Pharmacy. This was shaping up to be the best summer of my [...]

Milestones on Mainstreet: History of Sparta Township

For years Sparta graduate Kathryn Paasch had harbored the desire to write a book.  In 2010, while researching through the files and photos of Sparta’s history, the sister duo JoAnne VanderWerff and Jayne Paasch, Kathryn Paasch’s Aunt & Mother-in-Law who are actively involved in the Sparta Township Historical Commission, discussed how to “tell” the story [...]

Who Killed Elvis? By Sparta Middle School Production Co.

Discussion of the Howard Christensen Nature Center Future

To those that would like to be involved in a discussion of Howard Christensen Nature Center (HCNC) (reopening) there will be a Town Hall Meeting at Tyrone Township Hall 28 East Muskegon Street, Kent City, MI 49330  For more information please contact Cindy Perski (616) 325-4554 cperski@charter.net  Date: March 3rd, 2011, Thursday Time 7:00 PM [...]

Milestones on Mainstreet: Days of the Peach Ridge Apple Smorgasbord

1951 – The First Time Sixty three different apple dishes and recipes will be whipped up for the one day occasion by about 30 of the Peach Ridge farm women.  One of the farm wives have called the new Apple Smorgasbord event a “wonderfully fresh idea”.  The smorgasbord itself seems that it might become a [...]

Milestones on Mainstreet: Civic Center IS a true Community Building

Researched by Jayne Paasch and JoAnne VanderWerff 1949 With Harry S. Truman as President of the United States, the Sparta division of the Muskegon Piston Ring Company is looking to donate $25,000 to the Sparta Community Foundation for the purpose of building a community building.  Building Committee chairperson, C. Laurence Johnson is working with Glenn [...]

Milestones on Mainstreet: Engines & Fruit

Gasoline Engine The introduction of the new line of gasoline engines has Sparta residents excited, especially the farmers.  The Holm Machine Manufacturing Company, located in Sparta, Michigan, is manufacturing the first Sears Economy Engines.  Production began last year in 1909. Local farmers are being charged $100 to $150 dollars for a 2-horse power engine that [...]

Milestones on Mainstreet: An Elderberry Jubilee

A Big Idea It is the year of our Lord, 1981, and Peace Lutheran Church is preparing to add a sanctuary to the existing building.  The members of the congregation believe it is their duty to help with the financial situation to lessen the burden than by simply increasing the weekly offering.  There is rumor [...]

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