The Little Brown Jug in 1957 with Mrs. Jack Berg and Mrs. Sumbera.
And the History of the Little Brown Jug
There has always been great competition between Owosso and Corunna. Probably this dates back to when Shiawassee County was deciding where the County Seat should be located.
There have always been stories about Corunna high school boys heading over to Owosso on Friday and Saturday nights looking for action. And of course, even to this day, when these two schools meet on the grid iron or basketball court, there is always a great rivalry. The fantastic community support means big dollars for the athletic clubs....Standing Room Only...is the norm.
In the mid 1950's, Corunna held a weekend festival called 'George Days'. The odd name was given because of an old saying.....Let George Do It. When asked to do something, it is always easier to let someone else do it.
Mike Crane wasn't 'George of Corunna', but he sure was a big promoter of activity around the city. He lived just north of the Corunna dam and owned Mike's Boat and Motor. Mike even was a champion outboard motor boat racer in the 1940's.
Mike, his wife Lorraine and son Michael always invited everyone down to the river to ice skate in the winter. They provided hot dogs and cocoa and created many fond memories for many children.
A George Days committee was formed and Mike was in charge of the activity on the river. He brought in water show performers from all over, including a water ski show that was second to none.
Mike graduated from Owosso High School in 1936 and was well aware of the rivalry between the two cities. He envisioned a friendly competition of sorts to settle any disputes between who was the toughest. A challenge was made to a Tug-of-War which would be held across the Shiawassee River. The winners would receive the "Little Brown Jug". The losers would....get wet!
The Little Brown Jug in 1957 with Mrs. Jack Berg and Mrs. Sumbera.
Mike Crane....anchor, Tom Perkins, Arnie Lepior, Wally Campbell, Paul Olajas, Steve Olajas, Paul Riechert, Bob Volek, Ed Janego and Bill (?) Bacon.
(Looking for team picture)
Owosso won in 1957
Top Row....Ben Sovis, Glen Conger, Don Redinger, Frank Olajas and Jack Berg.
Bottom Row....Don Holtforth, Mike
Voulgaris, Tony Sumbera, John Sumbera, Frank Svarc and Bill Brockmiller.
George Days only lasted a few years and the Tug-Of-War competition, according to the Little Brown Jug, records Corunna winning only in 1956 and Owosso winning in 1957 and 1958.
Check out the Little Brown Jug at Schmidt's Jewelry Store downtown Owosso.