August 1947
- charliebunton
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
Business is thriving in downtown Rogers City as the humid August sun heats the pavement of Third Street, which is affectionately known locally as Main Street. The bustling atmosphere is filled with the sounds of chatter and laughter as residents and visitors alike enjoy the vibrant community spirit. Among the exciting developments is the launch of the Rogers City Boot Shop by Marlow Hein, a new establishment that is set to become a cornerstone of the local retail scene. The shop will be expertly managed by his son, Jack Hein, who has a passion for footwear and customer service. This store stands out as the sole local retailer dedicated entirely to shoe sales, catering to a diverse clientele.
Jack Hein, born in Detroit, has honed his skills and knowledge in the footwear industry through rigorous training at Dr. Scholl's School in Chicago, where he learned the ins and outs of foot care and shoe fitting. Situated prominently on South Third Street, the Rogers City Boot Shop boasts an impressive selection of hosiery and footwear. Customers can find high-quality brands such as Florsheims for men, known for their timeless elegance and comfort, and Miracle-Trend for women, which combines style with practicality. For the little ones, the store offers popular brands like Acrobat, Jumping Jacks, and Storybook, ensuring that children not only look good but also have shoes that support their active lifestyles. To guarantee that every customer leaves with the perfect fit, Hein provides an innovative x-ray fitting service at no extra charge. This service is particularly beneficial for children, whose ability to judge their own shoe size can often be unreliable.
In the heart of Main Street, the Richardson Dairy Bar, originally established by Alfred Richardson in 1941, has recently changed hands and is now owned by Joseph Micketti. This attractive modern building features a stunning glass block entrance adorned in soft eggshell blue colors, which creates a welcoming atmosphere for all who enter. The interior decor mirrors this charming color scheme, providing a pleasant environment for patrons. The parlor is well-known for its homemade ice cream and sherbet. In addition, the menu includes a variety of soft drinks, sandwiches, crispy french fries, and a selection of confections that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. A unique addition to the Dairy Bar is the dance room, finished in warm knotty pine, which features a classic Wurlitzer jukebox. This space has quickly become a popular gathering spot for the community's youth, where they can enjoy music and dance. Under the new name, Joe's Dairy Bar, the establishment will also introduce an ice cream delivery service, making it even more convenient for customers to enjoy their favorite treats. Furthermore, Joseph plans to add new menu items, including a weekly spaghetti dinner prepared by his mother, which is sure to attract families looking for a hearty meal.
Another notable change in the community comes with the sale of Helmuth Schultz's bakery to Al and Verna Shaffer, a couple from Alpena who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new venture. Having both worked at the Douville Bakery in Alpena, the Shaffers are well-equipped to run a successful bakery. Al is particularly celebrated for his beautifully decorated cakes, a skill he cultivated at the prestigious Lambeth School of Decorating and the Wilton School of Decorating and Candy, both located in Chicago. Their bakery is anticipated to be a delightful addition to the local culinary scene, attracting customers with a variety of baked goods.
As summer progresses, young couples have been gathering at the Lakeside Inn to enjoy the music of Lloyd Conley and His 4-piece orchestra, which plays on weekend evenings. This charming establishment, built for Cash Gapczynski in 1938, has become a cherished venue for dancing and socializing. Managed by Anthony Kowalski, a retired Presque Isle County Sheriff, the inn has established itself as a popular spot for dancing during the big band swing era. A distinctive feature of the tavern and dance hall is its innovative jukebox, which amplifies its volume when patrons shout into a microphone hanging from the ceiling, adding a playful element to the experience. The bar, originally constructed in Chicago, was the longest bar in Michigan when installed. Stretching 50 feet and designed in the Art Deco style, the wood has endured over time, later being sold to a restaurant in Florida. Regular performers at the inn include Ted Gilmore and His Rainbow Valley Group, The Buddy Boys, Paul Montgomery and His Orchestra, and Eddie Clark and His Orchestra, each contributing their unique flair to the lively atmosphere.
Perhaps the community's most exciting new venture is the Cozy Corner, recently opened by high school sweethearts Edward "Bazz" and Clara Modrzynski at the intersection of First and Orchard Streets. After graduating, the young couple married in Texas and spent five years traveling around the country due to Ed's military assignments. Clara gained her first experience in the restaurant industry while working at a USO club in California during the war, which provided her with valuable skills. The Cozy Corner, housed in a charming little red brick structure, features a welcoming front counter, stools, and booths, all outfitted in vibrant red vinyl and chrome, creating a charming diner atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of short orders, ice cream, and soft drinks, with hours of operation from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. daily, making it a perfect spot for both early risers and late-night diners. With all this new business activity and community engagement, the future of Rogers City looks exceptionally promising!
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