November 1950
- charliebunton
- Aug 27, 2025
- 5 min read
As November's brisk winds swept through Rogers City, the harmonious sounds of progress resonated throughout the community. Crews from the State Highway Department, in a collaborative effort with city officials, worked diligently to revamp the roadways that had long been a source of frustration for residents. For years, the community had endured jarring potholes and uneven surfaces that tested the patience of every driver and pedestrian, transforming routine commutes into treacherous journeys. However, with the onset of this significant project, residents could finally see tangible evidence of their tax dollars at work. Heavy machinery, with its rumbling engines and clanking metal, systematically smoothed out these problematic road hazards, restoring safety and comfort to the streets.
This joint effort extended beyond mere pavement repairs. In addition to fixing the roads, gleaming new speed limit signs began to appear throughout the outskirts of the city, serving as vigilant guardians of safety for families and children in the expanding residential areas. These signs not only provided crucial information but also represented a commitment to fostering a safer environment for the community, particularly as new developments brought more families into the area.
In a moment of local pride, five boys from Troop 90 of Westminster Church achieved the highest honor in Boy Scouts, earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scouts—Bob Smith, Leo O'Conner, William Burrough, Ron Voda, and Norm Quinn—were guided through their journeys by their dedicated Scoutmaster, Donald VanZandt. The Court of Honor ceremony, a celebration of their hard work and dedication, was held in the welcoming basement of Westminster Church, where family, friends, and community members gathered to applaud their achievements and recognize the values of leadership, perseverance, and service that the Eagle Scout rank embodies.
In a lighter vein, the Kiwanis Club sponsored a comedic show titled "Womanless Wedding," which featured sixty local business and professional men donning dresses and playing various roles in this humorous production. The event took place in the Rogers City High School auditorium, where laughter filled the air as Reuben Florip and Donald VanZandt teamed up to portray the comedic husband and wife duo. This delightful performance not only entertained the audience but also fostered a sense of community spirit, showcasing the talents of local residents while raising funds for important community initiatives.
In election news, the political landscape revealed a mix of continuity and contention. All incumbent Republican county officers were re-elected, reflecting a stable political climate at the local level. However, the state's gubernatorial results were far less decisive. Incumbent Governor Democrat G. Mennen Williams narrowly secured re-election with a margin of just 1,154 votes, defeating former Republican Governor Harry Kelly. Initial election night returns had shown Kelly as the apparent victor, leading to premature declarations of victory in local media, including the Presque Isle County Advance. However, as the days progressed, a statewide recount became necessary, drawing out the process and adding to the tension surrounding the election. It wasn’t until December 13 that Williams was officially declared the winner, underscoring the contentious nature of the political climate at that time.
Members of the Rogers City Community Band took a moment to honor Dr. William Arscott, a founder and long-term director of the band, as he celebrated his 80th birthday. Dr. Arscott played a pivotal role in organizing the Boys Band, which eventually evolved into the city band in 1906, emerging from the remnants of previous musical groups. The City Fire Department, a community staple of which Arscott was once a proud member, was represented by their fire engine, which served as the backdrop for the band’s performance. Under the glow of the floodlight, band members played several selections, including a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday," creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated both music and community.
In a more somber turn of events, the varsity football game between the Rogers City Hurons and Alpena Wildcats was canceled due to a case of polio affecting freshman end James Plume. The previous week, Plume had been admitted to Rogers City Hospital with nearly complete paralysis of the left leg and partial paralysis of the right leg, a stark reminder of the disease's devastating impact. Polio, known as infantile paralysis, was one of the most feared diseases globally at the time, with President Franklin Roosevelt's own battle with the disease drawing significant attention to its effects. Between 1947 and 1951, polio affected an average of 39,000 Americans annually, with Michigan reporting 2,002 cases in 1950, ranking fourth highest in the nation. The decision to cancel the game came on the advice of local health professionals, who expressed concerns about the potential spread of the disease, highlighting the community's commitment to public health and safety.
As men ventured into the north woods at dawn with rifles in hand, Fred Dagner emerged as the season's early champion by bagging the first buck of the day at precisely 7:30 a.m. sharp. With excitement coursing through his veins, he barely allowed himself time to field dress his prize before rushing off to start his regular shift at the plant thirty minutes later, embodying the spirit of the season and the thrill of the hunt.
As Thanksgiving dinner was served and families gathered around tables laden with turkey and all the traditional fixings, there was much to be thankful for in the warmth of home and hearth. Yet, even amidst the laughter and sharing of stories, thoughts inevitably turned to the young men serving far from home in the frozen hills of Korea. Their places at the table were marked by empty chairs, a poignant reminder of their absence and the sacrifices they were making. Families offered fervent prayers for their safe return, holding onto hope as they celebrated the holiday season together, united in gratitude and love despite the challenges they faced.
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