December 1950
- charliebunton
- Aug 28, 2025
- 4 min read
The chilly December air brought an extra touch of excitement to the lively streets of downtown Rogers City, where shop windows sparkled with holiday delights, transforming the lakeside community into a winter wonderland filled with the joyous essence of Christmas spirit. As families strolled through the streets, the vibrant decorations and twinkling lights adorned each storefront, creating an enchanting atmosphere that invited people of all ages to partake in the festive cheer. Local shopkeepers excelled in their offerings, showcasing a carefully curated selection of gifts tailored for every family member—from Erector sets for children that sparked creativity and imagination, to elegant jewelry and practical housewares for adults that combined beauty and functionality. The warmth of the community was alive as neighbors greeted each other with smiles and holiday wishes, reinforcing the bonds that made Rogers City feel like home.
The highlight of the season, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, was the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, which created a magical moment that would remain etched in the memories of wide-eyed children for years to come. His jolly laughter and bright red suit were a beacon of joy, drawing families to gather around him, eager to share their Christmas wishes. This year's must-have gift was the innovative Silly Putty, a stretchy plaything that promised endless hours of fun and creativity. Children could hardly contain their excitement as they eagerly approached Saint Nicholas, their eyes shining with anticipation as they asked for the beloved toy that had captured their imaginations. Among the first to share their heartfelt Christmas wishes were Joyce and Ruth Tulgetske, whose charming requests to Santa embodied the innocent hope and joy of the season, reminding everyone of the pure magic that the holidays can bring.
Enhancing the festive mood further, the Rogers Theater announced a special Christmas Day screening of the cherished classic film "Miracle on 34th Street," offering families a perfect opportunity to celebrate together after the excitement of opening presents. This beloved film, with its themes of love, belief, and the spirit of giving, resonated deeply with the community, creating a shared experience that would linger in their hearts long after the credits rolled.
Meanwhile, Postmaster Lawrence Larke was amazed by the unprecedented surge of holiday spirit at the post office—a record-breaking 102,021 letters and 573 parcels delivered in just two weeks leading up to Christmas. The sheer volume of mail was a testament to the love and connection that defined the season, with Monday, December 18th alone bringing nearly 21,000 letters and 180 packages filled with love, wishes, and Christmas magic, all carefully dispatched across the snowy northern Michigan landscape.
In the realm of sports, the Rogers City Huron basketball team began their 1950-51 season with a resounding 52-25 victory over Harrisville. Coached by the dedicated Mason Evans, the Hurons faced the challenge of a larger schedule than ever before, with 16 games lined up, including a highly anticipated match against Alpena Catholic Central, a newcomer to the basketball scene. Although Coach Evans faced a lack of veteran players, he was buoyed by the enthusiasm and determination of many eager newcomers ready to take on the challenges of the season ahead. The energy and spirit of the team reflected the community's passion for sports, fostering a sense of unity and pride among students and fans alike.
However, the festive atmosphere was tinged with sadness as students at Rogers City High School received the shocking news of the passing of their beloved Superintendent Howard Gilpin. Born in Mt. Pleasant in 1887, Gilpin had a rich educational background, having attended public schools in Mt. Pleasant, Central Michigan College, and the University of Michigan. He arrived in Rogers City at the young age of 19 to teach in the public schools and dedicated the next 40 years of his life to building Rogers City schools into a progressive learning center that emphasized the importance of education and community involvement. Beyond his role as school superintendent, Gilpin was actively engaged in various community services, serving as chairman of the local American Red Cross for an impressive 30 years, past master of the Masonic Lodge, a member of the Kiwanis Club, former president of the Presque Isle County Savings Banks, and director of the Rogers City Electric Light & Power Company. In light of his passing, the prom scheduled for December 28 was respectfully rescheduled for January, allowing the community to come together in remembrance and honor of his contributions.
As December's cold winds swept across Lake Huron and the last freighter departed from Rogers City's harbor, the busy shipping season at Calcite concluded triumphantly. The dedicated employees of Michigan Limestone and the Bradley Transportation Company gathered for their annual holiday celebrations, filled with pride and anticipation for the well-deserved time they would spend with loved ones during the holidays. The festivities buzzed with excitement as company leaders announced a remarkable achievement—a new production record of 14,441,559 tons of limestone had been extracted and shipped, showcasing the hard work and commitment of the entire team. Even more impressive was the workforce's outstanding safety record, having completed an entire season—1,350,928 working hours—without a single disabling injury, a testament to their skill, vigilance, and dedication to maintaining a safe working environment.
In addition to celebrating their achievements, employees were informed of a significant merger between Pittsburg Limestone Corporation and Michigan Limestone, with Irvin L. Clymer stepping into the role of president of the newly combined enterprise. Joseph A. Valentin was also named Manager of Operations for the Calcite Division, signaling a new chapter for the company and its employees as they looked forward to the future with optimism and determination. This merger not only promised to enhance the operations of the limestone industry in the region but also underscored the resilience and adaptability of the community in the face of changing times.
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