March 1947
- charliebunton
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Traffic on Third Street has become increasingly congested in recent months, a situation that has been exacerbated by the significant expansion of new businesses since the end of World War II. This post-war boom has drawn more residents and visitors to the area, leading to a noticeable increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic. To address this pressing issue, the city council proposed a six-month trial of parking meters, which they believed would help manage the parking situation more effectively. The proposal included the installation of 100 parking meters, with a pricing structure that charged 1 cent for twelve minutes or 5 cents per hour. This pricing was designed to encourage turnover in parking spaces, allowing more people the opportunity to access the shops and services on Third Street.
However, the following week, a packed council chamber witnessed a dramatic turn of events. Local merchants, who felt that the parking meters would deter customers from visiting their stores, rallied against the proposal. They presented a petition signed by an overwhelming 95 percent of businesses in the area, demanding that the city council drop the initiative. The atmosphere was charged with tension as the merchants expressed their concerns about the potential negative impact on their livelihoods. The only supporter of the parking meter plan was a representative from the Duncan Meter Company, who faced severe criticism from the crowd. The backlash was so intense that he left the meeting abruptly, unable to defend his position in the face of such opposition. When questioned about the possibility of revisiting the matter, the city attorney remarked, "Any further negotiations apparently were terminated when the meter company's representative disappeared in the night," indicating a complete halt to the proposal.
Interestingly, parking meters have never been installed in Rogers City, which has historically relied on alternative methods of managing parking. This lack of meters reflects a broader trend in the community, where local businesses and residents often prioritize accessibility and customer convenience over regulatory measures that might restrict parking availability. The end of the war also led to a shortage of building materials in the county, which further complicated the growth of new businesses. The rising popularity of cement construction increased demand for the product, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
One notable venture is the Rogers City Cement Products Company, co-owned by Melvin Wenzel and Howard Goetsch, which has opened its doors on North First Street. Goetsch, a former employee of Michigan Limestone, realized that he could leverage local resources by using limestone instead of gravel for the aggregate mix in cement blocks. This innovative approach not only utilized local materials but also positioned the company for success in a competitive market. Their modern plant is equipped with advanced steam-drying ovens, allowing them to cure blocks in just five hours, a significant improvement over the traditional 21-day air-drying method. This method of steam curing not only accelerated production but also resulted in smoother blocks with reduced breakage during handling, enhancing the overall quality of their products.
In their first month of operation, the Rogers City Cement Products Company achieved impressive production levels, turning out 1,500 cement blocks daily and providing employment for 15 local residents. Among their notable customers was Michigan Limestone, which purchased large quantities of cinder blocks for its powerhouse, specifically to remove sulfur from its product. The plant's offerings extended beyond cement blocks; they also produced 80 varieties of blocks, as well as brick, tile, cement paints, waterproofing solutions for foundations, and steel sash and reinforcing steel, catering to a wide range of construction needs.
In the realm of local commerce, new items advertised this month include the Maytag Dutch Oven Gas Range available at Krueger Hardware, which promises to enhance home cooking experiences, and Borden's Ice Cream, a delightful treat featured at the Larke Drug Store, enticing families and children alike.
Meanwhile, the Rogers City High School basketball team made headlines with a remarkable upset in the regional tournament held in Petoskey. They faced off against a highly regarded Traverse City team and emerged victorious with a nail-biting score of 24-23, securing the Class B regional championship for the first time in eight years. The highlight of the thrilling game came in the final seconds when Hank Shorkey, who had been a defensive powerhouse throughout the match, seized the ball, dribbled down the court past mid-floor, and executed a one-hand shot that swished through the net, clinching the victory for the Hurons. The team was led by Dale Basel, who contributed significantly by scoring 10 points. Although the Hurons advanced to the quarterfinals held in Saginaw, they ultimately lost to Alma with a score of 41-27, yet their journey to the regional championship remains a source of pride and excitement for the community.
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