April 1946

As a young robin spreads its wings and gracefully descends over the picturesque town of Rogers City, the sweet and uplifting melody of "Amazing Grace" can be heard wafting through the air, emanating from the venerable St. Ignatius Catholic Church. On this beautiful Easter morning, parishioners gather in joyous celebration of Christ's resurrection, a cornerstone of their faith that brings hope and renewal each spring. The church, adorned with blooming lilies and vibrant decorations, is filled with families dressed in their Sunday best, their faces illuminated by the warmth of the occasion. After the uplifting service, families will return to their cozy homes, where they have meticulously prepared a delightful Easter feast that includes traditional dishes such as glazed ham, fluffy mashed potatoes, and an array of colorful spring vegetables. Children and grandchildren will gather around the table, sharing laughter and stories, as they celebrate this cherished holiday together.

St. Ignatius Catholic Church

In addition to the familial celebrations, the Lions Club has sponsored an Easter egg hunt for the second consecutive year at the courthouse square, creating a lively atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation. Members of Marjorie Dersham's home economics class took on the delightful task of filling a total of 720 eggs with candy and small toys, each one a treasure waiting to be discovered. Prizes were awarded to eager participants, with Laurine Liedtke winning $10, Lou Monroe receiving $5, and Norma Klee also taking home $5. The event drew approximately 300 enthusiastic children, each one eager to search for brightly colored eggs hidden in the grass, making it a memorable day for all.

1946 Easter Card

The operations for the season at Calcite commenced on Monday, April 1st, marking an exciting return to productivity after the winter lay-up. The plant's wheels will turn for the first time since the fall, signaling the start of a new season of activity. As the stone begins to rumble into the holds of the boats, the Strs. Calcite and Bradley, the first of the Bradley fleet, are loaded with the valuable resource. Following their loading, the Strs. Robinson and Taylor, which were also laid up here during the harsh winter months, will take their turn to be filled. The ice conditions in the surrounding waters are favorable, indicating that there should be no significant delays in operations, except possibly in the more challenging waters of Lake Superior. Furthermore, the Calcite Radio Station, known as Central Radio, will begin broadcasting on Monday as well, providing important updates and information to the community, further enhancing the sense of connection among residents.

Str. Calcite

Crew of the Carl D. Bradley, 1946

In the realm of sports, Rogers City High School has made an exciting announcement: they have launched a new varsity baseball team, which will be led by the well-loved Coach Jim Quinn, known for his dedication and passion for the game, along with Assistant Coach Clay Shoemaker. A total of 44 boys attended the first practice of the season, showcasing the community's enthusiasm for baseball and the opportunities it presents. Currently, only six games have been scheduled, with the inaugural match set against Hillman on their field on May 3rd, followed by subsequent games against Cheboygan and Alpena. The roster of team members includes a promising group of young athletes: Robert Karsten, Royden Schefke, Jerold Geyer, Frank Richards, Dominic Mauti, Humphrey Berg, Donald Carrow, Leonard Parsons, Clayton Murphy, Walter Hempel, Kenneth Wenzel, Marvin Hopp, Gerald Grohowski, Dale Basel, Delmar Hopp, and David Micketti. The community is buzzing with excitement as they look forward to supporting their team throughout the season.

1946 Varsity Baseball Team

In a thrilling development for the local sports scene, a group of veterans and other young men from the community are coming together to form a six-team softball league this summer, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition among participants. The teams participating in this league include the American Legion, managed by Bill Conley, the Knights of Columbus, overseen by Joe Chrzan, the Lion's Club, led by Red Lee, the Union, managed by Gene King, the Merchants, under the guidance of Otis Pollock, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, managed by Charlie Furtaw. This initiative not only promotes physical activity but also strengthens community ties, as players and spectators alike gather to enjoy the games and support their teams.

The Merchants team including Manager Otis Pollock, Jerry Yerks, Don Raymond, Leonard Parsons, Enos Brege, Clarence Kelly, Chick Wing, Bob Yerks, Dale Basel, Sparky Fleming, and Frank Richards.

In a significant business development, John Blaskey has acquired the O'Callaghan Drug Store located on Third Street. This pharmacy, which has been a staple in the community since its establishment in 1915 by brothers Joseph and Edward O'Callaghan from Alpena, has a rich history and a loyal customer base. Beyond providing pharmaceutical drugs, the store offered a wide range of goods, including household supplies, cigars, liquor, toiletries, stationery, and baby items, making it a one-stop shop for many residents. Following the passing of her husband Edward last year, Mrs. O'Callaghan made the difficult decision to sell the business. For the time being, Mr. Blaskey has decided to continue his excellent work with the Presque Isle County Savings Bank, ensuring that the community will continue to receive the quality service they have come to expect from the O'Callaghan Drug Store.

O'Callahan Drug Store

Now showing at the Rogers Theater from April 21-23 is "The Harvey Girls," a delightful new musical featuring the iconic Judy Garland alongside John Hodiak. This production promises to be a treat for audiences, showcasing not only the star power of its cast but also a collection of new showtunes, including the catchy and memorable "On the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe." For those looking to enjoy a matinee option, the theater offers a Sunday showing at 2 p.m., making it convenient for families and individuals alike to attend. Admission is affordably priced at 35 cents, ensuring that this entertaining experience is accessible to all members of the community. The excitement surrounding the film is palpable, as residents eagerly anticipate the opportunity to enjoy a night out at the theater.

The Harvey Girls (1946)