July 1952
- charliebunton
- Nov 5
- 4 min read
The morning sun rises majestically over Rogers City, casting a warm, golden glow that envelops backyard fences and tree-lined streets, transforming the everyday landscape into a picturesque scene reminiscent of a painting. The gentle rays of sunlight filter through the leaves, creating playful patterns on the ground, while the sounds of children's laughter resonate through the air, echoing joyfully like church bells ringing on a serene Sunday morning. This heralds the arrival of summer vacation, a season filled with endless possibilities and the delightful promise of adventure. Days stretch out long and leisurely, with the alarm clock blissfully silent, allowing life to be distilled to its purest form—the unadulterated joy of play, exploration, and discovery.
At Westminster Park, the city recreation program buzzes with vibrant energy, now in its fourth consecutive summer, drawing families and children from all corners of the community. The invigorating scent of freshly cut grass mingles harmoniously with the crisp, refreshing air wafting in from the nearby shores of Lake Huron. This year, the park introduces an array of exciting new attractions designed to captivate the imaginations of young visitors. Shuffleboard courts have been constructed, where colorful discs clatter across smooth concrete surfaces, their paths determined by the skillful flicks of eager players. Expansive sandboxes, filled with cool, grainy treasure, invite children to dig and create, while shiny play equipment gleams under the sun, promising hours of fun and laughter. Adding to the excitement is a quirky makeshift nine-hole miniature golf course, where putters ping against balls, and children groan theatrically at nearly missed shots, their competitive spirits ignited by friendly rivalry.
Everywhere you look, the park is alive with activity: arrows fly toward archery targets with precision, kickballs thud against sneakered feet in spirited games, and the rhythmic sound of ping pong balls bouncing on tables fills the air with a sense of camaraderie. Horseshoes clang against metal stakes, while wooden mallets crack through croquet wickets, creating a symphony of summer sounds in the dappled shade of the trees. The delightful smells of sawdust and fresh-cut wood drift from the craft corner, where local lumber companies have generously donated scraps, allowing eager young hands to transform simple materials into cherished treasures. Nearby, children bend over plaster of Paris molds, their fingers dusted white with powder, while others meticulously drag paintbrushes across glass, creating vibrant kaleidoscopes of color that catch and reflect the afternoon light, turning their artworks into shimmering masterpieces.
For the youngest ones, story time becomes a magical experience—a circle of grass-stained knees and captivated faces as enchanting tales unfold in the warm, drowsy air. The storyteller weaves narratives that transport children to distant lands and fantastical realms, igniting their imaginations. As Thursday evenings roll around, families eagerly gather for the Lions Club movie nights, where the mechanical whir of the projector and the flickering light create an enchanting atmosphere under the vast expanse of stars. Special events dot the summer calendar like brightly wrapped gifts waiting to be unwrapped, each promising its own unique joy: the beloved Pet Show, the exciting great Bottle Cap Hunt, relay races that leave grass-stained winners panting with pride, a Doll Contest showcasing cherished companions, a whimsical Dress Up Party, and a delightful Children's Tea Party complete with the clink of borrowed china and pinkie fingers held just so.
Mason Evans, a beloved figure in the community, returns to lead the program once more—though he has recently retired his whistle at Rogers City High School—joined by the capable Estelle Johnson from the local elementary school. Meanwhile, young Richard Abraham, fresh from the gridiron at Michigan State where he played halfback with remarkable speed and determination, steps into Evans' coaching shoes, bringing the vibrant energy of youth and college football to Rogers City's diamonds, fields, and courts.
The arrival of July also brings the grand celebration of Independence Day—a quintessential embodiment of small-town summer spirit. At 10 a.m., Main Street transforms into a lively parade route where beautifully decorated floats roll past cheering crowds, colorful bunting flutters in the warm breeze, and bicycle spokes glint with red, white, and blue streamers, creating a festive atmosphere. Awards are given for creativity, humor, and patriotic spirit, recognizing the hard work and enthusiasm of participants. The crowd then moves to Lakeside Park—recently restored after last month's severe storm—where the air fills with the sounds of friendly competition: racing feet pounding on dirt tracks, the grunting effort of tug-of-war teams digging their heels in with determination, the sizzle of refreshment booth grills tantalizing hungry spectators, and the cheerful carnival music of midway attractions echoing throughout the park. The brassy notes of the Rogers City Community Band drift across the scene, providing a joyful soundtrack to the summer festivities. Only the minor hiccups of a sputtering public address system and a shortage of Queen's Ball candidates slightly mar an otherwise perfect day. As darkness finally falls, a breathtaking display of fireworks blossoms and crackles above Lake Huron's dark waters, their vibrant colors reflecting like scattered jewels before fading into smoke and memory, leaving behind a sense of wonder and delight.
In the realm of business news, Mel Wilton has taken over the gas and service station previously owned by Ernest Viegelahn. Now operating as Mel's Friendly Service, the station shines with modern equipment and proudly displays the distinctive red Pegasus of Mobil products. Inside, the air is infused with the familiar scents of motor oil, rubber, and the sweet smell of possibility. Bill Hanson manages the operation with Don Schefke at his side, both ready to provide exceptional service, whether it’s washing your car until the chrome gleams like mirrors, greasing your joints, tuning your engine to a perfect purr, handling light repairs, or flushing your radiator clean. Several weeks later, a grand opening celebration takes place, offering six free Libby safety edge glasses for every eight gallons pumped—an enticing promotion that draws in customers. Children skip through the lot, excitedly collecting puzzles and bright balloons, adding to the festive atmosphere. This summer moves at just the right pace—fast enough to feel alive and vibrant, yet slow enough to savor every sun-drenched moment, each day a cherished memory waiting to be made.
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