July 1951
- charliebunton
- Oct 2, 2025
- 4 min read
The summer sun shone intensely on Rogers City's picturesque shoreline, casting a warm glow that made the waters of Lake Huron shimmer like a vast expanse of jewels. The steady rumble of city trucks and the deep roar of a large bulldozer echoed through the air, signaling a significant transformation that was destined to reshape generations of cherished memories. This transformation was not merely a physical alteration of the landscape; it represented a revitalization of the community's spirit and a renewal of the bond between its residents and the natural beauty that surrounded them.
Between Michigan Avenue and Erie Streets, a dedicated team of workers diligently removed years of accumulated topsoil, which had become a blend of sand, silt, and organic debris over countless seasons. They cleared away weathered logs that had washed ashore, remnants of past storms and high waters, and tidied up various debris that cluttered the beach, preparing the sandy stretch for its much-anticipated renewal. This meticulous work was a labor of love, aimed at restoring the beach to its former glory and enhancing the experience for all who would visit.
Then came the enchantment—over a thousand yards of pristine white sand, so clean it sparkled like sugar in the sunlight, was poured from Calcite's trucks arriving from the scenic Swan Bay. The County Road Commission generously donated their labor, showcasing a remarkable spirit of community cooperation. Now, with the beach transformed, children's bare feet sank into the soft, warm sand, eliciting squeals of delight as they raced toward the cool waters of Lake Huron, which gently lapped at the shore. The scene was idyllic, with a vigilant lifeguard stationed nearby, equipped with essential first aid supplies, ensuring the safety of every beachgoer.
Above the joyful splashes and laughter, Millie Gorman's clear and encouraging voice rang out, guiding eager students through their swimming strokes. As a certified Red Cross instructor, she provided not just swimming lessons but also the invaluable gifts of confidence and safety to a community that was wholeheartedly embracing its beautifully renewed waterfront. Her commitment to teaching the children how to navigate the water safely fostered a sense of empowerment and community pride.
Meanwhile, in an effort to accommodate the growing needs of the local population, St. John's Lutheran Church expanded their parochial school by adding a fourth classroom. Principal Norman Utech explained that this significant step was taken to prevent overcrowding in the middle grades, allowing the school to accept new students and provide a more conducive learning environment. This expansion reflected the church's commitment to education and the betterment of the community, ensuring that children received the attention and resources they needed to thrive.
In downtown Rogers City, the dynamic business landscape was also evolving as Earl and Max Little sold The Rainbow Gardens tavern to Jack and Eleanor Mayo, who hailed from Detroit. The Mayos brought with them a wealth of experience, having worked in prestigious clubs and venues throughout the Detroit metro area, including the renowned Detroit Golf Club, Club Bali, and the esteemed Detroit Athletic Club. Their arrival promised a new chapter for the tavern, and to launch their grand opening celebration, Carroll Hopp and His Orchestra would provide an enchanting night of music and dancing for everyone to enjoy, inviting the community to come together in celebration.
In a notable achievement, the employees of the Calcite Plant of Michigan Limestone & Chemical Company received national recognition for their exceptional accident prevention work during a ceremony held on July 19. Plant operations were temporarily paused for a mass meeting of employees, where John A. Johnson, Chief of Accident Prevention and Health Division of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, presented the prestigious Sentinels of Safety trophy and the Joseph A. Holmes award to the dedicated Calcite employees. Bleacher seats were set up in the area between the machine shop and the crusher house, where members of the Rogers City Community Band performed a delightful half-hour concert to entertain attendees before the ceremony began. The team was celebrated for achieving an impressive milestone of working 1,568,416 man-hours without a lost-time accident, a testament to their commitment to safety and teamwork. Ironically, however, this remarkable safety record was broken the very next day when Otto Maerz, working as a pitman in the quarry, twisted his ankle on a slippery stone and fractured a small bone in his foot, serving as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in their work.
Finally, a heartfelt reunion was held for former employees of the Hammond Bay Coast Guard Station, commemorating the rich history of this vital institution. Construction of the Hammond Bay Life Saving Station was completed in 1876 on property that had been carefully chosen to ensure navigational safety in waters not covered by the lighthouses of Presque Isle and Cheboygan. George Feaban was appointed its first keeper on September 20, 1876. As the station was built, a small community formed around it, comprised of crewmembers and their families. This vibrant community not only included homesteads but also boasted a post office, a general store, a school, and even a saloon, reflecting the close-knit nature of life at Hammond Bay.
In 1915, the station was transferred to the United States Coast Guard, remaining operational until its decommissioning in 1947. The reunion served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and contributions of those who served at Hammond Bay, celebrating their commitment to safeguarding the lives of those navigating the waters of Lake Huron and the bonds formed during their time together.
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