July 1953
- charliebunton
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The summer sun shone brilliantly over Rogers City, filling the air with the delightful scents of freshly cut grass, suntan lotion, and the refreshing promise of Lake Huron's waters gently hitting the sandy shore. Children's laughter echoed like bells across Lakeside Park as they splashed through the cool waves that glittered like diamonds under the midday sun. Their fingers, wrinkled from the water, clutched the chains of shiny new swings, while others climbed ladder rungs, their joyful shouts carried by the warm breeze rustling through the trees.
The vibrant Fourth of July brought the town to life with celebration—Main Street resonated with the triumphant brass and booming drums of the Rogers City Community Band leading a magnificent parade. Their polished instruments gleamed in the sunlight as proud veterans marched in crisp formation, and the Vogelheim Lumber Company's award-winning float captivated everyone with its patriotic grandeur. The visiting Canadian Soo Pipe and Drum Corps filled the air with the stirring sound of bagpipes, evoking Celtic pride as their tartan kilts swayed in time with the ancient melodies. An Amateur Hour talent show followed, with Charlene and Dean Schrader's sweet harmonies winning the competition, while the McLennan twins, Lyn and Lee, earned a well-deserved second place with their silvery duet, their parents' proud smiles shining from the audience. Meanwhile, the Rogers City Indians county baseball team faced the visiting Dearborn Heating team, adding its own drama to the day's festivities. Although they lost 4-2, spectators enjoyed an exhilarating game while munching on roasted peanuts and popcorn in the bleachers. As twilight painted the sky in watercolor shades of pink and amber, families spread blankets along the shoreline, watching in awe as brilliant fireworks exploded above the darkening Lake Huron waters, cascading stars of red, white, and blue reflected in countless dancing ripples across the water.
Exciting news comes from Wisconsin, where siblings Richard and Caroline Fisher, former residents and children of retired Calcite chief electrical engineer Charles Fisher, are achieving great success and recognition at their Peninsula Players Theater near the bustling summer resort town of Fish Creek. The Fishers are well-acquainted with the performing arts; Richard has worked as a producer for The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, The Jack Benny Program, and The Jo Stafford Show. Caroline has held various roles in Hollywood, including writing, acting, dancing, and modeling. On one of her film sets, she met John Rodion Rathbone, son of Basil Rathbone, famous for portraying Sherlock Holmes in numerous films. The couple married in Hollywood in 1938. Work at the theater became a full-time commitment; so much so that Caroline had it written into her contract that unless a pressing film obligation arose, she was to be released for the summer season. Several famous actors began their careers at the summer theater, including Harvey Korman (The Carol Burnett Show), Stacy Keach (Mike Hammer), Rene Auberjonois (MASH), and Ralph Waite (The Waltons).
On the international front, there is great news as the Korean War has concluded with an Armistice Agreement signed on July 27. Among the soldiers returning home this month is Sgt. Marvin Schaudt, who spent the last sixteen months in Korea with the 17th Infantry Regiment as a truck master. During his service, he earned three Battle Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean Service Medal, two Bronze Service Stars, and the United Nations Medal. Although the war may be over, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the brave men and woman serving in our military, many stationed around the world.
