February 1953
- charliebunton
- Nov 19
- 4 min read
The crisp February air nipped at the faces of the eager Boy Scouts gathered at Adams Point for the annual Klondike Derby, their breaths forming small clouds in the frozen stillness before fading into the clear Michigan sky. Under the watchful eyes of Explorer Post No. 90, the three patrols—Iroquois, Flying Eagles, and Flaming Arrows—clutched the rough-hewn runners of their handmade sleds, feeling the splinters of pine and the cold metal on their equipment against their wool-mittened hands. The snow crunched and squeaked beneath their boots as they set off from the central point, their hearts pounding with anticipation while they scanned the stark winter landscape for blazed tree trunks, their eyes following the subtle scars of axe marks that guided them forward. At each station, the sharp clicks of compass needles finding north punctuated the silence, while team members huddled close to decipher the rhythmic taps of Morse code messages, their ears straining to distinguish dashes from dots.
The scent of wood smoke from a far-off warming fire mixed with the crisp, almost metallic bite of winter air as the young men pushed their sleds through untouched drifts, showing with each careful step, every well-read sign, and every challenge overcome that they had truly mastered the wilderness. Scout leaders for the day were Duane McLennan, Lewis Irvin, George Robbins, Norman Haselhuhn, Ralph Dolsen, and Donald Monroe. Camp cooks included Dr. Renwood Flagg and Paul Thornley. Scouts taking part in the event were Dick Wright, Don Wirgau, Milton Tulgetske, David Lucas, and Bob Shawhan of the Iroquois patrol; Mike Joppich, Calvin Sorgatt, Lloyd Tulgetske, Donald Schrader, and Duane Sobeck of the Flaming Arrow patrol; and Jerome Schefke, Bill Richards, Harry Grote, Jim Dembney, and Randy Draper of the Flying Eagles patrol.
Rogers City has been buzzing with civic activity this month. Local businesses, residents, and service groups teamed up to raise over $2,000 for the annual March of Dimes campaign, led by Lavin Woizeschke, chairman of the Presque Isle County chapter. Founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to fight polio, the March of Dimes remains a well-known nonprofit. The Lion’s Club hosted its first-ever Potato Pancake fundraising supper at the Eagles Hall, serving all-you-can-eat pancakes with Sauerbraten or sausage, biscuits, and fresh coffee for just $1.00. The cooking crew included Harry MeHarg, Neil Glosser, Bud Osborn, Charlie Gordon, James Bourrie, Milton Hoffer, Les Raymond, Les Tippman, and Frank Reinke, while the wait staff featured Bill Belz, Jim Cook, Howard Hoffman, Neil Jackson, Jerome Kowalski, Roy Schefke, Ivan Bannon, Robert Reis, and Russ Lamb. Meanwhile, the Presque Isle County Historical Society was officially formed at a meeting at the Brooks Hotel, with plans to collect artifacts, pioneer-era photos, and build exhibits—eventually aiming to open a museum to spark interest, especially among youth, in the county’s history.
Boxing fans got a real treat when the Kiwanis Club put on an amateur boxing showcase at the Rogers City High School gym, packing the place with over 500 spectators. The night featured eight bouts with fighters from Traverse City, Alpena, and Rogers City, including five hometown boxers: Jerry Yerks, Dave Kerr, Kenny Kerr, Ronnie Hempel, and Leland Jarvis. Event chairman and Rogers City club coach and trainer, Albert Cadieux, kept things running smoothly. Tickets were just 50 cents to encourage a big turnout, with all proceeds going to the local club to help grow the program and support fighters aiming for state tournaments. Rogers City’s team came out strong, winning four of their five matches.
The Rogers City High School marching band, led by Delmar Conley, put on a lively "Pops" concert in the high school auditorium. Their set included tunes like "Mother Goose Jumps," "Syncopated Clock," and "Service Salute." Before the concert, they also entertained students at St. John's Lutheran School, St. Ignatius Catholic School, and Rogers City Elementary School.
Love filled the air as couples of all ages celebrated Valentine’s Day. Sweethearts visited local shops to pick up classic gifts like flowers, chocolates, and jewelry as thoughtful tokens of affection. Schoolteacher Marian Bechtelheimer and her Shorthand I class enjoyed a Valentine’s party with fun activities and tasty treats. Joining the celebration were Gwen Larke, Angie Smolinski, Sandra Chain, Jeanne Ware, Ruth Urlaub, Bonnie Patchkowski, Norma Klee, and Irene Nagel. The evening ended with the students surprising Bechtelheimer with a heartfelt gift of appreciation.
After the varsity basketball game against Alpena Catholic Central, Rogers City High School held the Coronation of the King and Queen of Hearts. Senior class favorite Janet Vogler, carrying a heart-shaped bouquet of red and white carnations, and her King, Ray Meyers, walked a white carpet to their red-and-white-trimmed throne, where Principal Milton Hoffer crowned them. Their court featured Juniors Sue Mertz and Bill Borough, Sophomores Carol Bruning and Jerome Wojtaszek, Freshmen Faye Bruning and Len LaTulip, and Eighth Graders Sandra Haneckow and Roger Flemming.
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