August 1952
- charliebunton
- Nov 6
- 4 min read
The humid August air buzzed with excitement as over 3,500 spectators gathered at Calcite harbor, their eyes locked on the shimmering waters where the majestic Str. John G. Munson was set to make her grand entrance. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and the sound of chatter as families, friends, and curious onlookers awaited the arrival of the vessel that had become a symbol of pride for the community. When she finally appeared on the horizon, gliding gracefully through the waves, a collective gasp arose from the crowd—a sound that echoed the awe felt by all present. The ship's newly painted steel hull gleamed like polished silver in the brilliant summer sunlight, reflecting the rays in a dazzling display that captivated everyone. The sharp yet oddly pleasing scent of fresh paint and diesel mingled with the familiar limestone dust that always lingered over Rogers City, creating a sensory experience that was uniquely tied to the area.
As the Str. John G. Munson approached the dock, the Rogers City Community Band launched into a triumphant march. Their brass instruments gleamed golden in the sunlight, and the stirring tunes they played echoed across the port, competing with the deep, resonant sound of the ship's horn that seemed to vibrate through every chest in attendance. The music filled the air with a sense of celebration, enhancing the joyful atmosphere as families and friends gathered closer, their faces illuminated with smiles and excitement. Children twirled around their parents, their laughter merging seamlessly with the music, forming a tangible symphony of joy.
Excited voices buzzed like a swarm of bees as families boarded the ship, their footsteps echoing on the decks as they explored from bow to stern. The thrill of adventure was in the air as they ran their hands along the cool railings, feeling the smooth, solid metal beneath their fingers. They peered into the vast holds that would soon transport tons of limestone, imagining the journey ahead and the important role the ship would play in the industry of their town. Michigan Limestone President Irvin L. Clymer's voice boomed with pride as he addressed the crowd, his words filled with hope and ambition for the future. Grateful hands clutched commemorative folders bearing the ship's portrait—tangible memories of this historic day when Rogers City's newest ambassador prepared to carry her first precious cargo of stone to the steel mills of Gary, Indiana. The excitement of the moment was not just about the ship; it was about the community coming together to celebrate their shared history and future.
As the festivities continued, it was also election season in Rogers City, with several significant changes at the polls affecting local city government. In a pivotal race for Prosecuting Attorney, Elmer Radka emerged victorious, defeating incumbent Louis Jarboe with a decisive 1,788 to 1,069 votes. This shift signaled a desire for change among the electorate, as Radka's supporters celebrated his win with enthusiasm. Similarly, Henry Hoffman defeated incumbent Renata Getzinger in the race for County Clerk, garnering 1,678 votes against her 1,191. The political landscape was shifting, and the community felt the weight of these changes as they discussed the implications for local governance. In a closely contested three-way race for County Treasurer, Clarence Platz triumphed with 1,366 votes, edging out Edward Schultz, who received 1,137 votes, and Edward Modrzynski, who garnered 365 votes. These elections were not just about numbers; they represented the voices and choices of the residents, shaping the future of Rogers City.
Meanwhile, local youth, 16-year-old Joseph Valentin, was among 500 talented individuals competing in Plymouth Motor Corporation's Sixth International Model Plane competition held in Detroit, an event often referred to as the "Olympic Games of Model Aviation." This prestigious competition brought together the top model plane flyers from across the United States and Canada, all selected from a staggering pool of 25,000 nominees who sought bids to qualify through one of the 200 elimination contests held throughout the year. Joseph was proudly sponsored by local Plymouth dealer A-P Super Service, and his participation was a point of pride for the community, showcasing the talent and ambition of the youth in Rogers City.
In another highlight of the summer, Mrs. Arthur Foley was a recent contestant on the popular daytime radio program Art Linkletter's House Party, which was broadcast over radio station WJR. This variety show often included a humorous monologue by Linkletter, engaging performances by musical groups, and informal celebrity interviews that kept listeners entertained. One of the most memorable segments of the show was "Kids Say the Darndest Things," where Linkletter would interview schoolchildren, eliciting laughter and heartwarming responses. Foley was one of the fortunate studio audience members selected to participate in the program, where she was asked a question on beauty. With her quick wit and charm, she answered correctly and won a beautiful 9x12 rug as a prize. Her experience on the show became a cherished memory, further enriching the tapestry of stories that defined the summer of excitement and community spirit in Rogers City.
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