June 1953
- charliebunton
- Nov 26
- 4 min read
The heavy velvet curtains of the Rogers City High School auditorium shone like midnight under the radiant June sun, which poured through the tall, arched windows, casting a warm, golden light that danced across the rows of polished wooden seats. These seats were filled to the brim with proud families, each face reflecting a mix of joy, nostalgia, and anticipation. The air was thick with the sweet, heady scent of fresh-cut red carnations—the class flower—pinned lovingly to the lapels of mothers, fathers, and graduates alike. Alongside this floral fragrance lingered the faint mustiness of the grand old building, a testament to its storied past and countless celebrations of achievement. Programs rustled in nervous hands, sounding like whispered prayers of hope and excitement as the ceremony unfolded.
On stage, adorned with cascading blue and silver bunting that shimmered with each gentle summer breeze wafting through the open doors, the voices of co-valedictorians Larry Smolinski and Thomas Schriber rang out clear and strong, their words echoing with the weight of their shared experiences and dreams for the future. Their heartfelt speeches were met with thunderous applause that reverberated off the high ceiling, filling the auditorium with a strong sense of pride and accomplishment. ElRose Fleming's salutatory address had already moved many mothers to dab their eyes with delicate handkerchiefs, and now Dr. John Harker, the esteemed president of Alma College, stood tall at the podium, his resonant voice filling every corner of the room as he challenged the seventy-eight graduates with his inspiring commencement address titled "It Does Cost to Live Well." The graduates, clad in their traditional caps and gowns, sat upright, their tassels swaying gently, embodying the hope and promise of a bright future that seemed to shimmer in the warmth of that perfect spring day.
As the ceremony progressed, the excitement in the auditorium was mirrored by the vibrancy of the community outside, where several public works projects were underway, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. Improvements to several city streets were being implemented, with crews diligently laying down much-needed new asphalt and upgrading storm sewers to ensure better drainage and safety for all. Lakeside Park was undergoing a complete renovation, a project fueled by the passion and dedication of local volunteers including the Lions and Kiwanis Clubs. This revitalization included leveling the ground, seeding new grass, installing modern playground equipment, and constructing two large outdoor fireplaces and picnic grills, creating inviting spaces for families to gather and enjoy the beauty of nature. Plans for future improvements to the park later this year included the construction of a new bandstand, which would serve as a vibrant hub for the Rogers City Community Band and other local events.
The new main office building of Michigan Limestone has recently opened its doors, a stunning 51x140 structure perched on the hilltop northeast of the machine shop, overlooking the picturesque Calcite Harbor. This modern office was designed to house the engineering and accounting departments, as well as a time office, first aid rooms, a spacious conference room, and the private offices of the plant management team, all aimed at fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment. Meanwhile, the existing brick office building on Woodward Avenue is set to be converted into a maintenance building, further optimizing the operations of the company.
Adding to the summer season's excitement, Eddie Przybyla announced the grand opening of his new A-P Super Service Station, strategically located at the corner of Third Street and Woodward Avenue. The previous building, constructed by the Huron Oil Company of Posen, had been leased to Anthony Przybyla Sr., offering White Star gasoline and essential car repairs. Eddie took over the business in 1947 from his father. The spectacular three-day grand opening celebration promised to be a community highlight. The festivities included party favors for children and complimentary gifts for visitors, such as key chains, magnets, and whisk brooms, along with an exciting chance to win valuable prizes like a tabletop radio, passenger car tires, a case of premium oil, and free oil changes and grease jobs. The service station will offer a wide range of products and services, including Phillips 66 gasoline, car batteries, tires, accessories, comprehensive car washing and polishing services, and wheel balancing, making it a one-stop destination for vehicle maintenance.
Finally, members of the Westminster and St. Ignatius Girl Scouts troops have already kicked off a busy summer with an adventurous trip to Mackinaw Island. There, they enjoyed a guided tour of the island's historical sites, including the illustrious Grand Hotel, which has long been a symbol of elegance and history. In addition to this enriching experience, several scouts from the Westminster Troop were presented with first-class badges in a heartfelt ceremony at the church. This moment was a celebration of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Following the ceremony, the girls and their mothers gathered to celebrate with afternoon tea and an array of delightful treats, honoring the effort that went into achieving these prestigious honors.
