October 1949
- charliebunton
- Jul 31, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 1, 2025
The autumn air was alive with excitement as 700 costumed children filled the gymnasium of Rogers City High School on that enchanting Halloween night, transforming the space into a vibrant tapestry of colors, laughter, and joy. The atmosphere buzzed with an infectious energy, as the children, dressed in an array of imaginative costumes ranging from whimsical fairies to fearsome monsters, eagerly awaited the festivities that would soon unfold. Their laughter bounced off the high ceilings and walls, mingling harmoniously with the sweet scent of vanilla ice cream that wafted through the air, mingling with the musty aroma of intricately designed papier-mâché masks and lovingly crafted homemade costumes that showcased the creativity and ingenuity of their young creators.
Under the warm, inviting glow of the school's lights, Edward Schultz's resonant voice echoed through the gymnasium as he took on the role of Master of Ceremonies with an enthusiasm that captivated the audience. He introduced each contestant with flair, recounting their costume inspirations and encouraging the crowd to cheer loudly for their favorites. Local photographer Ferris Parsons was on hand, capturing the delightful moments with his camera, ensuring that the memories of this magical night would be preserved for years to come. The children's excited squeals reached a crescendo during the applause contests, which would ultimately decide the evening's winners, adding an element of suspense and thrill to the proceedings.
The delicate rustle of Mary Lou and Deanne Schelley's meticulously crafted bridal costumes whispered against the polished gym floor as they gracefully accepted their well-deserved victory for the girls' category. Their costumes, adorned with intricate lace and shimmering beads, had clearly impressed the audience and judges alike. Meanwhile, Allan Sager's vibrant clown costume, with its bright colors and oversized shoes, drew thunderous cheers from the crowd, securing his first-place triumph among the boys. The joy of winning was present, as the children reveled in their accomplishments, their faces beaming with pride and excitement.
As the evening progressed, the festivities continued with a screening of Charles Ruggles' antics in the classic film "Breaking the Ice," which flickered on the makeshift screen at the front of the gym. The children, their sticky fingers clutching cold spoons, indulged in the creamy ice cream that had become a staple of the Halloween celebration. The sweet, cold treat added a layer of delight to an evening that would remain etched in the memories of Rogers City's children long after the last costume was carefully put away and the prize money—those precious dollars that felt like small fortunes in their young hands—was safely tucked away.
In the midst of this lively celebration, the Presque Isle County Advance took the opportunity to highlight four new businesses and their owners in its Meet Your Merchant Campaign. This month, the spotlight shone on Herron Farm Implements, the local barber Benny Berg, Rygwelski's, and Terry Buick and Pontiac Sales, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that thrived in the community.
Additionally, the community welcomed the family of Dr. Andrejs and Elvira Palms, who had recently arrived from Latvia with their three small children, Maruta, Ilze, and Juris. They were among the millions of refugees displaced during the harrowing chaos of World War II, forced to flee their homes in fear of the advancing Axis armies. The Palms family's journey was fraught with peril, as they escaped the horrors of mass rape, pillaging, looting, and murder that plagued their homeland. When Russia took over Latvia, the Germans fled to Danzig, taking with them all Latvians who were able to escape, including the Palms family.
Their journey continued through Western Pomerania for a brief period before they were relocated to Schleswig-Holstein for a year and a half. Following Germany's surrender to the Allied forces, they found themselves in a displaced persons camp in Anspach, Germany. The couple's professional skills proved invaluable in this challenging environment. Andrejs, a veterinarian by trade, took on the responsibility of caring for the camp's animals while also working as a chauffeur in the transport organization. Elvira, the first dentist to arrive at the camp, treated up to 70 patients a day, providing much-needed care and comfort to those around her.
Through the generosity and the compassionate members of local congregations, the Palms family was able to travel to the United States aboard a steamship filled with 1,300 other refugees, each carrying their hopes and dreams for a new beginning. Carl Dramburg donated an abandoned residence on his farm to provide the family with shelter, while church members rallied together to meet their material needs, ensuring they had the essentials to start their new life.
Upon arriving in the United States, Andrejs faced challenges in continuing his medical career due to licensing restrictions, which led him to pivot to cutting pulpwood and farming to support his family. Meanwhile, Elvira found employment at Rogers City Hospital as a nurse's aide, where her skills once again proved vital. Over time, the family eventually settled in Southern California, where they were able to resume their medical practices, contributing to the health and well-being of their new community until 1980. Their three children, Maruta, Ilze, and Juris, thrived in their new environment and each earned their college educations in the United States, fulfilling the aspirations of their parents and exemplifying the resilience and determination that characterized their journey. Together, they achieved the American dream, a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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