Turning Back the Clock

Thirty-five years ago, in 1987, Hobart saw some historic firsts.

First Margaret Kuchta, then Hobart’s clerk-treasurer, challenged three-time elected Mayor Calvin Green for his job and won the Democratic primary. She then defeated Republican challenger Bob Malizzo in the fall election. Kuchta became Hobart’s first elected female mayor, as Gladys Rose served the remainder of her late husband Fred’s term. Kuchta, who pushed for annexation and an elected school board, would lose to Malizzo four years later.

Also, the Revelli Bandshell, named for a former Hobart and University of Michigan band director, was dedicated the weekend of July 4.

Finally, after so many unsuccessful tries, the Hobart Brickies completed a perfect season by defeating Jasper for the 4A state gridiron title. Hobart would go on to win three more football titles, in 1989, 1991, and 1991.