January 1946
- charliebunton
- May 22
- 3 min read
A fresh layer of snow blanketed Rogers City, serving as a picturesque backdrop that marked the dawning of a new year filled with promise and opportunity. The town, known for its tight-knit community and charming atmosphere, welcomed the opening of a small yet significant library situated in the voting booth behind city hall. This library, which operates only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, dedicates a total of twenty hours each week to serve the reading needs of its residents. The establishment of this library is a testament to the community's commitment to fostering literacy and education, especially in the wake of the challenges faced during the war years.
The State Library has generously loaned an impressive collection of 1,031 books and 27 magazines to the newly opened library, which serves as a vital resource for the townsfolk. In addition to these state-provided materials, the library has also benefited from a variety of donated books and magazines from community members, showcasing the local support and enthusiasm for reading. Adele Bird Riley, a seasoned librarian with over 25 years of experience in various states including Missouri, Ohio, Iowa, and Washington, has been appointed as the first librarian of this budding institution. Her prior experience at the Detroit Public Library, where she dedicated herself to serving the public since 1927, equips her with the skills and knowledge necessary to nurture the library's growth and development.
One of the standout features of the new library is its supervised Saturday morning story hour, designed specifically for young children. This initiative not only promotes early literacy but also provides parents with the opportunity to shop locally, knowing their children are engaged in a fun and educational activity. The library is set to relocate to the O'Callahan building on Third Street in August, a move that promises to enhance its accessibility and visibility within the community. Furthermore, the library has acquired a bookmobile—an innovative service vehicle dedicated to distributing reading materials across the county. This mobile library is designed to be user-friendly, allowing individuals to walk in and select books from its shelves. Its routes include various post offices in Hawks, Grand Lake, Posen, Metz, Ocqueoc, and Millersburg, as well as the Onaway branch located within the Onaway News building and several surrounding schools, ensuring that the joy of reading reaches every corner of the community.
In addition to the library's advancements, the local economy is also witnessing growth. Wayne Stuve has opened Presque Isle Dairy, a new establishment offering a range of dairy products including milk, butter, cream, and cottage cheese. Stuve has implemented an early morning door-to-door delivery service, ensuring that residents can conveniently access fresh dairy products right at their doorstep. To further enhance the community's shopping experience, a triangular-shaped building has been constructed at the corner of Third and Superior streets, providing a new hub for local commerce.
Moreover, Frank Netkowski Jr., a veteran who bravely served in Europe during the war, has reopened a barber shop at the corner of Orchard and Third streets, conveniently located next to the Herron Implement Store. His return to the community not only provides essential grooming services but also symbolizes the resilience and dedication of those who served. Meanwhile, Louie LeVeck has established a 24-hour taxi service from his Louie's Steak House location on Michigan Avenue, offering a reliable means of transportation for those needing a quick ride to the store or a safe journey home from the tavern. Residents can easily reach Louie by calling 438, ensuring that they have access to transportation whenever they need it.
The medical community is also expanding, as Dr. Arthur Foley, a qualified physician and surgeon, began his practice in the Lehndorff building. A proud graduate of the University of Michigan Medical College, Dr. Foley recently completed his service in the Army, where he spent the previous 2 ½ years as a flight surgeon with the Eighth Air Force during the war. His return to Rogers City is a welcomed addition, providing essential healthcare services to the community.
In the realm of social activities, the East Presque Isle County Spitzer Club, originally established in 1936 by local clothing store owner Samuel Solomon, has commenced a new season this month. Joe Valentine has emerged as a standout player, leading the league with an impressive high individual score of 405. The popular card game, which was introduced to the area by German settlers in the 1870s, has remained a beloved pastime for local boys, particularly during the war years. Notably, Donald Green, Rudy Schalk, Vernon Pauly, Ted Rose, and Jack Berg are known for teaching the game to fellow soldiers stationed in Manila, Philippines, fostering camaraderie and connection through the shared enjoyment of Spitzer. Plans are underway to establish a West Presque Isle County Spitzer Club later in the year, further expanding the reach of this engaging game.
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