January 1943

Our tale commences in the quaint town of Rogers City, Michigan, on the brisk morning of January 1, 1943. As you stroll along Third Street, which is affectionately known to the locals as Main Street, you can't help but notice the picturesque scene before you. A delicate layer of freshly fallen snow blankets the ground, glistening softly under the pale winter sun, while the air is invigoratingly crisp, carrying with it the sharp chill from the nearby waters of Lake Huron. The town is enveloped in a serene stillness, as most businesses remain closed in observance of the New Year's Day holiday. In the absence of bustling shoppers and open storefronts, families gather together, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere within their homes. They busily prepare large, hearty meals, filling their kitchens with the delicious aromas of traditional dishes, while the sounds of college bowl games waft through the air from radios, providing a backdrop of excitement and camaraderie.

Vern Pauly

The world beyond this small Michigan town is embroiled in the chaos of World War II, a conflict that has profoundly altered life as they know it. President Franklin D. Roosevelt has recently delivered his annual State of the Union address, a significant event that serves to inform the nation about the ongoing war efforts. In his address, he reveals that an astonishing 7 million men are currently serving in the military, with a substantial 1.5 million of them stationed overseas, far from their homes and families. This month, the community of Rogers City faces the harsh reality of the war as several local boys, including Ernest Tulgetske, Vern Pauly, Norman Hopp, William Conley, Rudolph Schalk, Norval Bade, Jack Berg, Edward Rygwelski, Edward Vogelheim, Thomas Derry, Leonard Flewelling, Jack Florip, Jack Hein, Robert Danbert, Clifton Daly, and Edward Greene, have received their call to active duty. The U.S. Selective Service has announced a stringent policy to begin prosecuting draft dodgers starting February 1st, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Jack Florip

The residents of Rogers City are rallying together, contributing to the war effort in any way they can. Rationing has become a part of everyday life, affecting essential items such as coffee, sugar, gasoline, tires, and fuel oil. Each family has received ration books, a tangible reminder of the sacrifices they must make for the greater good. Local businesses are stepping up to assist their customers in navigating this new reality, providing guidance and support as they adapt to the restrictions. The ration board, a crucial resource for the community, is situated in the Cash Nowicki building on Third Street, where residents can obtain the necessary supplies while adhering to the rationing guidelines.

As steel and rubber are in high demand for war production, automobile manufacturing has been banned, forcing local auto dealerships to pivot their focus towards service rather than sales. Employees at the Calcite limestone quarry have initiated a Share the Ride carpooling program, a thoughtful effort to conserve precious gasoline and tires. Others in the community are utilizing the company’s newly acquired bus transportation, which includes a large 33-foot, 100-passenger bus that has recently been purchased to facilitate commuting. Additionally, the government has prohibited pleasure driving, urging citizens to conserve fuel for the war effort. One of the most accessible ways for the community to support their troops and the nation is through the purchase of war bonds, a patriotic act that helps finance the military and sustain the fight for freedom.

As the holiday season comes to a close, classes have resumed in Rogers City, bringing a sense of normalcy back to the community. The excitement of the 1943 football season is still fresh in the minds of the students and fans, as Charles Gordon and Roy Voda have both earned prestigious spots on the All-Conference Team, a testament to their hard work and dedication. Meanwhile, the basketball season is underway, and the team has already celebrated a thrilling 33-31 victory against Alpena St. Anne, with Charles Gordon leading the Hurons with an impressive 10 points. The spirit of competition and teamwork is alive and well, providing a much-needed distraction from the somber realities of war.

In addition to the athletic achievements, the Rogers City High School band, under the skilled direction of Aldie Long, has held a concert in the high school auditorium, showcasing the talent and dedication of its members. The band comprises a diverse group of students, including Robert LaLonde, Alfred Schrader, Robert Centala, Donald Brackenbury, Donald Bade, Ronald Kroesch, Faye Freidrich, Laural Wenzel, Robert Gordon, Margaret Brady, Anita Borough, Dorothy Plath, Aileen O'Toole, Donal McGregor, Fern Erickson, Helen Dagner, Phyllis Baker, Anna Kreft, Margie Cherrette, William Grossman, Carl Leow, Gabriella Kaniecki, Marie Liedtke, Marjorie Gapske, Barbara Santimo, Ruth Prell, Pat Friedrich, Joyce Meyer, Paul Vogelheim, Delmar Zemple, Duana McLennan, Chester Lamb, Albert Schrader, George Conklin, James Stewart, James Smith, Neil Meharg, Kenneth Wagner, William Conklin, Ralph Schram, Earl Lietzow, Edgar Kreft, Howard Schaedig, Wallace Roeske, Rosalie Friedrich, Dorothy Leszinke, Donald Raymond, Ted Modrzynski, and Melbourne Smith. Their performances not only uplift the spirits of their peers but also serve as a reminder of the resilience and creativity that thrive even in the darkest of times, bringing the community together through the universal language of music.