June 1946
- charliebunton
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
As friends and family gather in the spacious auditorium of Rogers City High School, a sense of excitement fills the air. The Marching Band skillfully plays the iconic "Pomp and Circumstance," a traditional piece that heralds the significance of this momentous occasion as the Class of 1946 prepares to graduate. This year, diplomas were awarded to a total of 76 seniors, each representing years of hard work, dedication, and growth throughout their high school journey. Among the graduates, there is a notable presence of 10 young men and women who have honorably served or are currently serving in the armed forces, a testament to their commitment to their country and community.
The ceremony will feature Reverend Casimir Skowronski, the esteemed pastor of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, who will deliver the baccalaureate sermon, sharing words of wisdom and inspiration with the graduates. Following this, Dr. Edgar Robinson from the prestigious University of Michigan will take the stage to give the commencement speech, titled "Internes in Citizenship," which promises to challenge and motivate the graduates as they embark on their next chapter. In addition to these significant speeches, the high school journalism class, under the guidance of Mrs. O'Connor, has achieved a remarkable milestone by publishing the first yearbook, aptly named the Huron, capturing the memories and essence of the school year for all to cherish.
In the realm of athletics, the varsity baseball team has concluded their inaugural season with an impressive record of 5 wins and only 1 loss. This remarkable achievement has ignited excitement among fans and players alike, as they eagerly anticipate what next year's team will accomplish. Marvin Hopp, a standout player, led the team with an exceptional .414 batting average, showcasing his skill and dedication on the field. Additionally, he boasts a commendable 4-1 pitching record, further solidifying his status as a key player. The local community is buzzing with anticipation, speculating on the potential growth and success of the team in the upcoming season, and looking forward to the fresh talent that may join the ranks.
Meanwhile, at the Presque Isle County Airport, there are thrilling developments as flight training has officially commenced under the provisions of the G.I. Bill of Rights, providing veterans with the opportunity to pursue their passion for aviation. Frank Netkowski proudly became the first local veteran to participate in this program and has already accumulated several dozen flying hours, marking the beginning of his journey in the skies. Other veterans who have recently enrolled in the flight training program include James O'Connor, Charles Heinzel, and Ivan Wirgau, all eager to take to the air. Notably, Edward Holmes, a seasoned veteran who served as an overseas fighter pilot, has joined an advanced commercial refresher and instructor's course, further enriching the local aviation community with his expertise and experience.
However, the art of flying is not without its risks, as evidenced by a recent incident involving a plane crash shortly after takeoff from the local airport runway. Two individuals narrowly escaped death but sustained injuries during this harrowing event. The pilot, Dewain Palmer, hailing from Flint, suffered severe burns to his face, legs, arms, and back, along with a dislocated shoulder, while his wife and passenger, Margaret, endured minor burns and scratches. Both were promptly transported to Alpena Hospital for medical attention and have since been discharged following their recovery, serving as a reminder of the inherent dangers associated with flying.
In the realm of business, exciting developments are taking place as Clarence Kotwicki, the owner of the well-known Kotwicki Department Store in Alpena, has made a significant investment by purchasing the Nowicki building on Third Street. He plans to open a new location, also named Kotwicki's, which is expected to cater to the shopping needs of the local community. With Jerome Kowalski and Jack Hein hired to manage this new branch, it is strategically located in the bustling heart of the business district, poised to become a popular shopping destination for families seeking quality products and services.
In addition to Kotwicki's expansion, John Wood and Gerald Bunton, both recently returned from military service, have launched John and Jerry's Service Station at the prominent corner of Larke Avenue and Third Street. This new establishment will offer a full range of Standard Oil products, providing vital services to the community and contributing to the local economy.
Attorney William J. Beer has also made his mark on the community by announcing the opening of his new law office in the Klann building located on West Michigan Avenue. A husband and father of three, Beer recently relocated to this vibrant community from Royal Oak, where he practiced law for several years. His arrival brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the local legal landscape, and he is eager to serve the needs of the residents.
In a commendable effort to support those suffering from hunger in foreign countries, members of the Kiwanis Club organized a one-day, door-to-door canned food drive on June 12th. This initiative aimed to raise awareness and resources for those in need, and the club successfully collected $281.45 in cash donations along with 65 cases of canned goods. To maximize their outreach, the city was divided into districts, with Kiwanis Club members staffing each area, and donations were also solicited by enthusiastic Boy and Girl Scout Troops. The event concluded on a high note with a festive parade down Main Street, featuring performances by the City and High School Bands, celebrating the community's spirit of giving and cooperation.
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