April 1948
- charliebunton
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
The early morning chill of April lingered on the shores of Rogers City, serving as a sharp reminder that despite spring's official arrival, Lake Huron's waters remained cold and uninviting. The air was crisp, with a slight breeze that carried the scent of the lake mixed with the earthy aroma of wet soil, a sign of the season's transition. Along the docks, the steady hum of diesel engines formed a familiar melody, punctuated by the rhythmic clatter of equipment being readied for the day's work, and the soft, animated chatter of voices filled the air.
A group of commercial fishermen, clad in thick wool sweaters and heavy oilskins to shield against the lake's icy breath, were busy preparing their boats for the day ahead. The peak year for commercial fishing was notably 1948, a benchmark in the local fishing industry. This month marked the much-anticipated start of the commercial fishing season, a time of year that brought both excitement and hard work.
Charles Vogelheim's Katherine V and Fred Schmekel's Rambler II were among the first vessels to make their initial hauls of chubs at Middle Island, a location renowned for its rich fishing grounds. The Katherine V had a remarkably successful first day, bringing in an impressive 1,475 pounds of fish, a testament to the skill and dedication of its crew. Philip Centala, who captains the Vogelheim tug, was well-respected among his peers for his extensive knowledge of the waters.
Meanwhile, Clarence Mertz's Rosalie Claire was also hard at work, casting its nets for whitefish and trout in the deeper, cooler waters of Hammond Bay. Once the fish are caught, they are carefully placed in refrigerator cars to ensure freshness. Herring are meticulously packed in thirty-pound boxes, chubs in fifty-pound boxes, and trout in one hundred-pound boxes, then shipped daily to bustling markets in New York, Chicago, Detroit, and other major cities.
Of the many commercial fishing boats that once operated out of Rogers City, the Katherine V stands as the sole survivor of its kind, a relic of a vibrant industry. The Vogelheim family, in a gesture of community spirit and historical preservation, donated the vessel to the Besser Museum in Alpena, where it now serves as a reminder of the town's rich maritime heritage.
In the realm of local culture, the senior class of Rogers City High School took to the stage to perform the three-act comedy "You Can't Take It with You" at the high school auditorium. The talented cast, under the direction of the esteemed Helen Holmes, included a diverse group of students such as Alvin Bruder, Rita Przybyla, Dick Wing, Donna Carter, Robert Hein, Yuldine Jachcik, Milo Grulke, Milton Lamb, Jeanne Breach, Russel Wenzel, Delores Mendrick, Bob Sorgenfrei, Lou Geyer, Arthur Hilla, Carlyle Bruning, Gerald Klee, Dick Karsten, and Bernard Wojtaszek. Their performances brought laughter and joy to the audience, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the community and the importance of the arts in local life.
In a significant development for public safety, the Rogers City Fire Department proudly received a new fire truck, a much-needed upgrade that replaced the outdated 1926 model, which had served its purpose for far too long. The new truck, acquired at a cost of $8,000, is an American Marsh pump mounted on a sturdy two-ton Chevrolet chassis. It comes equipped with a sizable 500-gallon emergency water tank, enhancing the department's ability to respond effectively to fires and emergencies in the community.
As the month unfolded, families gathered in their living rooms, fathers and sons hurried home from work and school activities to listen to the live broadcast of WWJ-Detroit's coverage of the Stanley Cup Finals. The excitement was strong as the defending champion Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings, led by their seasoned captain Sid Abel, were entering their first series with the rookie sensation Gordie Howe, who had quickly become a fan favorite. Unfortunately for the Red Wings, the series did not unfold in their favor, as they were swept by the Maple Leafs, solidifying the latter's status as a dominant team of the era and leaving fans yearning for a better outcome in the seasons to come.
In a notable shift in the local business landscape, about 130 members of the Rogers City Cooperative Marketing Association (Co-Op) recently convened to discuss a transformative transition from a profit-based to a non-profit-based business model. This pivotal change led to the rebranding of the organization, now known as the Rogers City Cooperative Company, with Albert Dietz elected as the new president. The Co-Op was originally established in 1918 when a group of 100 county farmers united with a shared vision to offer essential services that were unavailable elsewhere in the region.
In 1920, a substantial 40x160 brick warehouse with a full basement was constructed at the north end of Second Street, symbolizing the growth and commitment of the organization. To help cover the construction costs, members purchased shares of stock at $10 each, investing in a future that would benefit the entire community. The association has since expanded its offerings, selling a wide range of products including fertilizer, insecticides, farm implements, electrical equipment, stock feed, hardware, gas, and oil. Additionally, they act as a marketing agent for local farmers, helping to market their grain, wheat, and potatoes effectively. This year, the Co-Op celebrated the completion of five silos on the property, which can store up to an impressive 12,000 bushels of grain, further solidifying its role as a vital resource for local agriculture and the community.
In the realm of leisure and community engagement, league play recently concluded at the Lucky Strike Bowling Alley, a popular gathering spot for residents. The Presque Isle County Saving Bank team, led by the charismatic Eugene King, emerged victorious in the Merchants League, showcasing their skills and teamwork throughout the season. Meanwhile, the Phillips 66 team, guided by the talented Helen Buza, claimed victory in the Women's All-Star League, highlighting the competitive spirit and camaraderie that bowling fosters within the community. The conclusion of the league play not only celebrated the achievements of the teams but also brought the community together, reinforcing bonds and creating lasting memories.
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