May 1951
- charliebunton
- Sep 29, 2025
- 5 min read
The sharp sound of the fire whistle pierces the morning air, creating a buzz of excitement among the eager crowd gathered along Main Street in downtown Rogers City. The powerful rhythm of marching feet and the triumphant brass tunes of the Rogers City High School marching band resonate through the air, with their shiny instruments sparkling like silver in the early morning sun, catching the light in a dazzling display that captivates onlookers. The band, clad in their vibrant uniforms, plays a medley of patriotic songs that evoke a sense of pride and unity, filling the atmosphere with an infectious energy that draws the community together in celebration.
Colorful streamers and hand-painted banners flutter from decorated trucks loaded with shining mops, brooms, and buckets, each vehicle a testament to the creativity and enthusiasm of the participants. Children wave enthusiastically from flower-adorned floats that creak and rumble along the pavement, their laughter mingling with the music and cheers from the crowd. The sweet fragrance of spring lilacs blends with the earthy scent of fresh paint from newly decorated vehicles, creating a sensory tapestry that embodies the essence of spring and renewal. Everywhere, the contagious energy of community spirit hums like electricity through the crowd, igniting smiles and fostering connections among neighbors who may not have spoken in some time.
Neighbors exchange cheerful greetings, their voices blending into a symphony of determination and hope, as hundreds of willing hands prepare to transform their cherished city into the cleanest, safest haven in all of Michigan—one swept sidewalk, one painted fence, and one shared dream at a time. This collective effort not only aims to beautify the town but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and camaraderie among its residents, who share a common goal of improving their community for future generations.
An announcement has been made about the opening of Harold and Nina's Rogers Cafe at their new location on the corner of Larke and State streets. The restaurant, previously known as Domby's Grocery, has been thoroughly remodeled, providing the Flemings with more space to operate their business, allowing them to offer a wider variety of menu options and improve the dining experience for their patrons. Operating hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. each day, catering to early risers and night owls alike. The new establishment will focus on short orders and dinners, promising to become a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors, where they can enjoy hearty meals and warm hospitality.
The Rogers City Huron baseball team is off to an excellent start this season, igniting excitement among fans and boosting community morale. In the first weeks of play, their pitching staff has built quite a reputation, with pitcher Marvin Elowski throwing a no-hitter against Gaylord St. Mary's, followed by a remarkable 1-hitter by Gordon Elowsky against the Cheboygan Chiefs, a no-hitter by Don Dagner against Alpena Catholic Central, and a 2-hitter against Gaylord, leading the Huron team to four consecutive victories in conference play, solidifying their status as a formidable force in the league.
There has been increased pressure on Huron ace Gordon Elowsky, who has already accumulated an impressive 76 strikeouts this month, attracting the attention of Detroit Tigers scouts who recently came to watch him pitch. His performance not only showcases his talent but also highlights the potential for young athletes in Rogers City to make their mark on a larger stage.
Gary Lamb, safety patrol leader at Rogers City Elementary, departed for Washington D.C. with 100 other outstanding young men from Michigan as guests of the Automobile Club of Michigan's four-day all-expense trip to the 15th Annual AAA National Safety Patrol Rally. Lamb was selected by local school officials and Club safetymen after his school was recognized for its superior 1950-51 safety patrol, a testament to the hard work and dedication of both students and faculty.
Highlights of the trip include a mile-long parade down Constitution Avenue with 25,000 patrollers from across the nation, led by William "Hopalong Cassidy" Boyd and Don Gehrmann, the fastest mile-runner in the world, creating an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Speaking of safety, the Calcite Plant of Michigan Limestone & Chemical Company was awarded certificates of honor for notable achievements in safety. The Calcite Plant received their award for an accident-free period from October 1949 to January 1951, a remarkable feat that underscores the commitment to workplace safety. During that time, a total of 1,568,416 man-hours were worked without a lost-time accident, a record that continues as the plant has since added an additional 577 days to this achievement, setting a standard for others in the industry.
A city-wide Girl Scout council has been formed when the Westminster and St. Ignatius troops united, marking a significant development in local youth organizations. With the organization of the council, the scouts are now eligible for additional funding, which will enhance their programs and outreach efforts. While the two groups will remain separate troops, the leaders hope to implement a program where the girls will work on the same projects at the same time, thus fostering closer collaboration and camaraderie among the scouts. Leah Hoffer was chosen to lead the council as president, bringing her passion and leadership skills to this new role.
In church news, Erhardt Schultz graduated from Michigan Lutheran Seminary at Saginaw as valedictorian of his class, a proud moment for his family and community. Additionally, Rev. Arthur Mulka is one of four deacons who will ascend to the priesthood at St. Mary's Cathedral in Saginaw, a significant milestone in his spiritual journey. Alongside his family, Reverend Casimir Skowronski joined a large number of friends and neighbors from Rogers City to witness the ceremony, a gathering that reflects the strong ties within the community. Father Mulka offered his first solemn high mass at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Rogers City the following Sunday, a moment of great significance for both him and the congregation.
Fourteen chapters of the Order of the Eastern Stars were represented at the annual meeting of the Wolverine District Association held at Westminster Church, showcasing the unity and strength of this organization. Approximately 240 members attended, filling the space with a sense of purpose and collaboration. The banquet room was beautifully decorated with trellises covered with ivy and red roses, and vases of cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque setting for the event. In addition to business matters and the installation of new officers, there were musical performances by the Junior Choir of Westminster Church under the direction of Josie Valentin, adding a delightful touch of artistry to the gathering and celebrating the talents of the youth in the community.
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