April 1949
- charliebunton
- Jul 19, 2025
- 5 min read
The church bells of Rogers City rang out melodiously across the crisp April morning, their rich bronze tones resonating harmoniously over the cold, glistening waters of Lake Huron. The sound seemed to dance in the air, inviting families to step out of their homes, all adorned in their finest spring outfits, eager to partake in the day’s festivities. Children, their faces alight with excitement, held wicker baskets brimming with pastel-colored eggs, meticulously painted in hues of pink, blue, and yellow, a delightful contrast against the fresh green grass. Their polished shoes tapped rhythmically against the limestone sidewalks, creating a cheerful symphony that echoed the joyful spirit of the day.
Meanwhile, mothers carefully smoothed unruly curls, ensuring every strand was in place, while fathers adjusted their best ties, a ritual that signified the importance of the occasion. The air was filled with the mouthwatering scent of Plath's honey-glazed ham, a staple of the Easter feast, mingling with the aroma of freshly baked dinner rolls that wafted invitingly from kitchen windows. This olfactory delight was further enhanced by the sweet fragrance of early lilacs, which determined souls had nurtured to bloom despite the lingering chill of the northern spring.
In this small, tight-knit quarry town, neighbors exchanged warm Easter greetings over picket fences, their breath visible in small puffs as they hurriedly made their way to St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Westminster Church or St. John Lutheran Church. The sound of organ music poured through the open doors, filling the air with a sense of reverence and community spirit, while the gentle rustle of Sunday dresses created a soft backdrop as parishioners filled the wooden pews, ready to celebrate together. As the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows between the modest homes and melting the last stubborn patches of snow, the entire community seemed to exhale a collective sigh of relief—grateful for the winter they had endured, the arrival of spring, and the simple yet profound joy of gathering as one to celebrate renewal and hope.
In a delightful twist that added to the excitement of the day, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters were scheduled to play an exhibition match against the Northern Michigan All Stars in the Rogers City High School gymnasium. The local Northern team was proudly represented by notable athletes such as Bob Patzer, Charles Gordon, Dominic Mauti, and Dale Basel, who were eager to showcase their skills against the legendary Globetrotters.
On April 11, 1949, a significant event unfolded as a groundbreaking ceremony took place on the future grounds of the Rogers City Hospital. Over 2,000 citizens from the county gathered to witness the momentous occasion as Governor G. Mennen Williams turned the first sod, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in healthcare for the community. In a brief yet heartfelt address, he expressed his gratitude for the unwavering community spirit that had brought everyone together. The evening culminated in a dinner at St. John Lutheran School, where members of the hospital board welcomed visitors and conveyed their sincere appreciation for the support that had made this project possible. Notably, State Representative Emil Peltz of Rogers City made a sacrifice by missing his first legislative session to attend the ceremony, flying into the Presque Isle County Airport to be part of this historic day.
Additionally, on the morning of April 10, 1949, the voice of Harry Brege, broadcasting under the station name Edmunds, was heard for the very first time from WHAK AM Station 960, which operated from "Radio Hill" in Moltke. Initially broadcasting with 1,000 watts of power—later expanded to 5,000 watts in 1953—the station aimed to reach listeners across seven neighboring counties, including Presque Isle, Cheboygan, Alpena, Emmet, Charlevoix, Otsego, and Montmorency. However, it was quickly discovered that the debut broadcast could be heard in as many as twelve states, a remarkable feat for a small-town radio station. The broadcast was so powerful that the station's voltage regulators overheated, necessitating a brief halt in operations until a forced air-cooling system could be installed to manage the heat.
Brothers Albert and Harvey Klann developed an early interest in radio, leading them to establish Klann's Radio Electric, a radio sales and repair shop located in the Covey building before World War II. During the war, Albert continued his work in Bay City, while Harvey gained extensive experience in the Army's signal corps. After returning home, they conducted surveys to assess the viability of establishing a radio station in the county. Confident in their findings, they submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a one-kilowatt station in April 1947. Despite delays due to federal bureaucracy, approval for construction was finally granted in July 1948, allowing the project to move forward. Harvey took on the roles of chief engineer and general manager, while Albert became the traffic manager. The team also included Alvin Bruder as music director, Dick Ford and Bob Fulbright as announcers, and Nick Mazzei as the commercial manager.
Known fondly as the "Voice of the North," WHAK began its journey by offering a diverse array of programs that catered to the interests of the community. This included national and local news, Sunday church services, the Bradley Transportation Company schedule, and timely sports reports. Among the popular local shows were The Swing Shop, Polish Polka Clem, Bargain Barn, Chicken Man, The Farm Report, Bob Edwards' Country Music Show, and Family Altar of the Air featuring Rev. Donald Price, which resonated deeply with listeners seeking spiritual nourishment. WHAK broadcasted daily from 6:00 a.m. until sunset, with the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner marking the end of each broadcast day, a patriotic tradition that instilled pride in the hearts of its audience.
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