May 1946
- charliebunton
- Jun 7
- 4 min read
The tourist season is in full swing in Rogers City, and the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement as the community gears up for an influx of visitors. During a recent chamber of commerce meeting, which brought together local business owners, city officials, and community leaders, comprehensive plans were laid out for the upcoming tourist season, which promises to be exceptionally busy and vibrant. This year, arrangements have been meticulously made to set up the tourist information booth on Third Street, conveniently located next to Hopp's Standard Oil Station, a well-known landmark in the area. The booth will be under the capable management of Maude O'Toole, who has a wealth of experience in customer service and community engagement. Last year, the booth proved to be a valuable resource, handling about 400 inquiries from tourists eager to explore the natural beauty and attractions of Rogers City. The local chamber has also ensured that the large billboards advertising Rogers City along US-23 have been freshly repainted, making them more eye-catching and informative. In addition to these efforts, preparations for the highly anticipated annual Homecoming celebration in July are well underway, promising a festive atmosphere filled with activities that celebrate the rich history and community spirit of Rogers City.
In an exciting development for the local arts scene, Ferris Parsons has officially launched the Parsons Studio of Photography at the bustling intersection of First Street and Woodward Avenue. The building, which has undergone a complete renovation and thoughtful redecoration, now boasts a modern aesthetic that reflects the creative vision of its owner. The studio is equipped with a variety of new, state-of-the-art cameras and accessories, allowing Ferris to offer high-quality photography services to both residents and visitors. Ferris brings a wealth of experience to his new venture, having spent the past 12 years honing his skills in various areas of photography. His educational journey began at Western Michigan College of Education in Kalamazoo, where he studied art, before he moved on to major in commercial art at the prestigious Art Center School in Los Angeles. His professional experience includes working as an engraver for a photo engraving company in Los Angeles, and later as a laboratory technician at the renowned Technicolor Motion Picture Company in Hollywood. Notably, before being drafted into the army in 1943, Ferris served as an assistant cameraman at Walt Disney Studio, where he gained invaluable industry experience. After his discharge, he graduated as the Valedictorian of his class at the Ray School of Photography in Chicago, further solidifying his expertise in the field.
In other photography-related news that is sure to excite local enthusiasts, Dahlquist's on Third Street has recently begun selling film and developing all rolls, with prices starting as low as 3 cents per print. This new initiative not only makes photography more accessible to the community but also offers a unique service that aligns with the growing interest in capturing memories. Dahlquist's has implemented a customer-friendly policy that guarantees payment only for the prints that customers genuinely like, ensuring satisfaction and encouraging more people to engage with photography. Additionally, enlargements are available for those who wish to showcase their favorite moments, starting at an affordable price of 33 cents, making it easier for families and individuals to create lasting keepsakes.
On a more serious note, juvenile delinquency has emerged as a pressing topic of discussion in recent weeks, particularly following a troubling series of vandalism acts that have affected the community and its surrounding areas. During a recent Sportsman's Club meeting, Hoeft State Park Manager John Reagan reported significant damage to the park, which has been attributed to local youth engaging in reckless behavior. He expressed concern over the alarming incidents of cars racing through the park, especially during the nighttime hours. The situation has escalated to the point where whiskey and beer bottles have been thrown through windows, materials have been stolen, and both property and equipment have suffered extensive damage. This wave of vandalism has prompted community leaders to seek solutions to address the underlying issues contributing to such behavior, emphasizing the need for constructive youth engagement and community support.
There is growing unrest at Calcite due to the ongoing 1946 Coal Mine Strike, which has had a profound impact on operations in the area. Last month, nearly 400,000 coal miners across 26 states, led by the influential John L. Lewis of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), initiated a strike demanding higher wages, better health benefits, and improved safety regulations in the mines. This significant labor action resulted in operations at Calcite being halted for a week due to a critical coal shortage. Operations eventually resumed, but only with just enough coal to sustain the plant and boats for a limited duration of three weeks. The situation escalated to a national level, prompting President Truman to intervene and take control of the coal mines to restore order. The strike ultimately concluded on May 29th with the signing of the Krug-Lewis Agreement, which aimed to address some of the miners' concerns, but the effects of this strike will likely be felt for some time as the community adjusts to the changes in the labor landscape.
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