November 1956
- charliebunton
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Throughout Rogers City, young athletes came together to celebrate their accomplishments, with pride, excitement, and community spirit radiating from every corner. The festivities kicked off in the St. Ignatius Catholic School auditorium, where the first annual Little League banquet nearly packed the room. The aroma of a hearty chicken dinner with all the fixings—prepared with care by the Little League Booster Club and the ladies of St. Ignatius church—set the stage for an evening that felt truly special.
At the tables sat 135 Little Leaguers, their parents, managers, coaches, umpires, sponsors, scorekeepers, and officers. For the kids, it was already a night to remember, but the thrill of a lifetime arrived when guest speaker Bob Buhl—Milwaukee Braves pitcher fresh off an impressive 18–8 season—stepped into the room. For many young players, it was the first time they had ever seen a real major leaguer in person. Buhl showed baseball films, answered questions with patience and humor, and posed for photos and autographs that would be treasured for decades. The evening closed with awards for the top teams in both the major and minor leagues, followed by diplomas for the twelve-year-old graduates moving on from Little League. Pride hung in the air like a banner.
Just days later, the same auditorium filled again—this time to honor the Rogers City High School Huron football team at the annual football bust hosted by the Varsity Club. The applause was loud and heartfelt as Jim Munn was named Most Improved Player, Jerry Malocka received Best Moral Builder, and Mark Smolinski earned Most Valuable Player. Smolinski drew an extra round of cheers when it was announced he had been chosen Class B All-State Fullback. The town loved its athletes, and the athletes gave the town plenty to cheer for.
As football season faded, the boys shifted into basketball. First-year coach George Noch had a strong foundation with six returning lettermen: Mark Smolinski, Larry Quade, Ted Pardieke, Bill McCall, Jim Bisson, and Bob Crittendon. Their hard work would pay off with an impressive 11–4 season, adding another chapter to a year of athletic pride.
Beyond the gyms and fields, something remarkable was happening at the Calcite plant. After nearly three months of nonstop drilling—24 hours a day, seven days a week—the exploratory deep well east of the quarry equipment building was finally complete. Crews from the Hilliard Drilling Company of Mt. Pleasant had cored 1,800 feet into the earth. The data gathered would help geologists and company officials better understand the region’s ancient formations. It was the kind of quiet, behind-the-scenes work that shaped the future of the community.
Meanwhile, volunteers across Rogers City rolled up their sleeves for the first annual Keep America Beautiful campaign. The national nonprofit, founded in 1953 to combat littering, found eager partners in local service organizations, the Presque Isle County Road Commission, and employees of Michigan Limestone. Together, they combed roadsides, parks, and neighborhoods, clearing debris and restoring the shine of the town they loved. It was simple work, but meaningful—proof that pride in one’s community is built piece by piece.
As November drew to a close, hunters headed into the woods despite harsh weather that began with cold rain and quickly turned to snow. The first reported deer of the season belonged to Bob Haneckow, who brought down a 160‑pound six‑pointer near Old State Park Road. Not far behind, Martha Dueltgen claimed her twelfth deer in fourteen years—a fine six‑pointer taken on the second day of the season at Coyote Lodge south of Rogers City. Their stories joined countless others shared around kitchen tables and campfires as families prepared for Thanksgiving. And when those families finally gathered—sharing turkey, laughter, and the warmth of familiar faces—they had more than enough to be thankful for.
