June 1954
- charliebunton
- Jan 5
- 4 min read
The warm June air hung heavy with anticipation inside the Rogers City High School auditorium as the Class of 1954 -- seventy-eight strong -- gathered for their graduation ceremony, the culmination of three memorable evenings of celebration. The week had begun with the solemn Baccalaureate service, where Reverend Frederick Steen's stirring sermon, "Making Your Life Count," echoed through the hushed hall, his words settling into the hearts of the graduates like seeds planted for future harvest. Class Night brought laughter and nostalgia, the auditorium alive with the buzz of shared memories and inside jokes, punctuated by the thoughtful addresses of Salutatorian William Borough and Valedictorian Herman Meyer, whose voices carried both pride and promise. Now, on this final evening, the rustle of graduation gowns mingled with the soft creak of wooden chairs as guest speaker Charles Hamilton commanded the stage, his address on "The Keys to Success" ringing clear and true across the rows of eager faces. The rustle of diplomas being lifted, the whispered congratulations, the sweet scent of corsages pinned to proud mothers' dresses, the flash of cameras capturing smiles that would never fade -- all combined to create a moment suspended between who those young men and women had been and who they would become as they stepped forward into the bright, unknowable future awaiting them beyond these familiar walls.
As the school year drew to a close, Sue Mertz, the diligent editor-in-chief of the yearbook staff, alongside her dedicated sponsor, Mr. Morgan, was immersed in the final stages of crafting the second annual yearbook, titled Perannos. This yearbook was not merely a collection of photographs and names; it was a vibrant tapestry that captured the essence of the school year through engaging pages filled with thoughtful memories and captivating photographs. The staff and the school's photography club worked tirelessly to ensure that every snapshot reflected the spirit of the students and the various events that defined the year. Each page was meticulously designed to evoke nostalgia and celebrate the unique experiences shared by the students, from sports events to academic achievements, and from club activities to social gatherings. This collaborative effort was a labor of love, as Sue and Mr. Morgan strived to encapsulate the fleeting moments of youth that would soon become cherished memories for their classmates.
Meanwhile, downtown Rogers City was buzzing with excitement and transformation, marking a season of renewal and community engagement. The Rogers City Community Band kicked off the summer with a dedication ceremony at the newly constructed band shell, a beautiful addition to the local landscape that had been eagerly anticipated by residents. This special event honored the late City Police Chief Norman J. Smith, a beloved figure in the community who had played a pivotal role in the establishment of Lakeside Park and had been a dedicated member of the band for several years. The ceremony was not just a tribute but also a celebration of the vibrant musical culture in Rogers City, marking the beginning of the summer concert series that would take place every Friday night throughout the warm months. Families and friends gathered to enjoy the music, fostering a sense of community and togetherness that resonated through the park.
In the realm of business, significant changes were unfolding that would reshape the local economy. A notable transition occurred as William Blair took over Harold's Friendly Service, rebranding it as Hooker's Service Station. Additionally, the entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well in Rogers City with the opening of Borghild's Dress Shop on Erie Street. Situated conveniently between the Servicemen's Club and the Radka building, this new women's clothing store quickly became a fashionable destination. Borghild Johnson, the store's owner, curated a diverse selection of clothing, swimwear, lingerie, jewelry, outerwear, accessories, and various essentials for women, catering to the needs of the community. In a short span of time, the dress shop would relocate to a charming small white frame building adjacent to the Brooks Hotel on Third Street, further enhancing its visibility and accessibility to shoppers.
Amidst these developments, residents were also alerted to an important public health issue—the temporary closure of the city dump. In response to a growing rat problem that had become a concern for the community, an extermination company was called in to address the situation effectively. Over a two-day period, the company implemented a strategic plan that involved the use of fifty pounds of horsemeat and salmon, which were laced with the potent poison sodium fluoroacetate. This decisive action resulted in the elimination of approximately 4,000 rats, significantly alleviating the pest problem that had plagued the area. Following the extermination, a city bulldozer was promptly deployed to clear the site of the deceased rodents, ensuring that the area was safe and sanitary for residents once again. Residents can sleep easier knowing their community was no longer being taken over by rats.
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