August 1949
- charliebunton
- Jul 28, 2025
- 4 min read
The sweet scent of pine needles warmed by the August sun mingles harmoniously with the smoky aroma of campfire embers, creating an intoxicating blend that fills the air as a spirited group of Girl Scouts and Brownies bursts into laughter, their joy echoing across the crystalline waters of a nearby lake. Their uniforms, slightly rumpled and bearing the marks of a morning filled with adventure, catch the golden afternoon light, glimmering as they race barefoot through the cool, soft sand. The sound of their voices rises in a joyful symphony of chatter, animatedly discussing the day's discoveries — wildflowers pressed delicately between the pages of their journals, smooth stones collected as treasures for craft projects, and the satisfying crackle of twigs they have gathered in anticipation of tonight's cookout, where they will roast marshmallows and share stories around the flickering flames.
The gentle lapping of waves against the shoreline serves as a rhythmic backdrop to their summer memories in the making, a reminder of the carefree days spent exploring nature's bounty. The taste of wild berries still lingers on their lips, a sweet reminder of their nature hike through the lush wilderness. Each girl carries within her the unshakable confidence that comes from venturing into the great outdoors with friends by her side, their laughter intertwining with the sounds of nature, creating a beautiful melody of childhood innocence and adventure.
In the midst of this vibrant summer atmosphere, excitement buzzed in the air as the circus was coming to town! The Ayres and Kathryn Davies wild animal show, an impressive 16-act program, arrived in Rogers City for just one day on August 2nd. Sponsored by the Rogers City Lions Club, all proceeds from this spectacular event were dedicated to benefiting the Rogers City Hospital, showcasing the community's spirit of generosity. The show featured a dazzling array of talent, including Captain Eugene Christy's jungle-bred African lions, whose majestic presence captivated the audience, the Frazier Troupe high wire act that left spectators on the edge of their seats, and the accomplished aerialist Betty Tilton, who soared through the air with grace and precision. Montgomery's military ponies added an element of charm, while Johnny Pringle's equestrian dogs performed tricks that had the crowd in stitches.
Attendance at Hoeft State Park reached record highs this summer, with more visitors recorded through July than in all of the previous year combined. According to Lee Cadwell, the dedicated caretaker of the park, this surge in visitors was largely due to the recent installation of electricity, which allowed the camp to accommodate up to 130 campsites at one time. Families and friends flocked to the park, eager to escape the sweltering August heat and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
For those seeking a respite from the humid summer days, the Rogers Theater offered a delightful escape, screening "The Boy with Green Hair," a whimsical film starring Pat O'Brien alongside a young Dean Stockwell, providing entertainment for all ages.
Meanwhile, the Presque Isle County Advance continued their "Meet Your Merchant" campaign, shining a spotlight on local businesses such as the Rog-Isle Shop, Shorty's Black & White Supermarket, and Mendrick Electric, fostering community spirit and supporting the local economy.
Amidst all the excitement, a laughter-packed Donkey softball game was played under the bright lights at the Sports Park on August 15th. In a spirited exhibition sponsored by the Rogers City Softball Association, a group of local businessmen, known as the Rogers City Merchants, faced off against a picked team of league players, the Rogers City All Stars. The event drew a crowd of nearly 1,500 spectators, all eager to witness the hilarity of the match. However, it wasn't all fun and games, as local butcher Leon Wozniak of Shorty's Black & White Supermarket found himself unexpectedly thrown from a donkey during the match, necessitating a trip to the Alpena Hospital for treatment after the game. The match concluded in a thrilling 6-6 tie, but the highlight of the evening came when Paul Hopp staged a dramatic pretend injury, losing consciousness on the field, prompting Hank Szlag and Eddie Muszynski to rush onto the field in the Gatzke ambulance to provide "first aid," much to the amusement of the crowd.
As the last golden rays of sunlight stretched across Rogers City's limestone quarry and the endless blue expanse of Lake Huron, it was as if summer itself was reluctant to surrender this charming northern Michigan harbor town to the impending promise of autumn's crimson embrace. The laughter of children, the warmth of community, and the spirit of adventure lingered in the air, making it a summer to remember.
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