October 1954

Sunlight poured through the tall windows of Rogers City High School, illuminating the vibrant atmosphere within as excited voices echoed in the polished hallways during the much-anticipated student elections. Senior Class sponsor Henry Asikainen stood at the forefront of the bustling scene, watching proudly as Nicholas Matwiyoff stepped forward to accept the class presidency. With a firm and confident handshake, Nicholas signaled his readiness to lead his peers, embodying the spirit of leadership that the student body had rallied behind.

Senior Class Officers include Edward Derry, Walter Buza, Nicholas Matwiyoff, and Richard Raymond, 1954

Senior Class Sponsor Henry Asikainen, 1954

Beside him stood Richard Raymond, Walter Buza, and Edward Derry, each newly appointed to their respective roles as vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The weight of their new responsibilities seemed to elevate them, making them stand a bit taller and exuding a sense of pride that came with their positions. Walter Buza, in particular, felt doubly honored, as he was not only entrusted with the role of vice president but also appointed captain of the hall monitors. This dual responsibility meant he would be tasked with maintaining order in the bustling hallways during the school day, guiding visitors as they entered the building, and overseeing crucial locker clean-up days that ensured the school remained a welcoming and organized environment.

Senior Class President Nicholas Matwiyoff, 1954

Senior Class Vice President Richard Raymond, 1954

Senior Class Secretary Walter Buza, 1954

Senior Class Secretary Edward Derry, 1954

Junior Class Officers include N. Vogler, K. LaLonde, W. Wagner, and T. Przybyla, 1954

Sophomore Class Officers include L. Quade, E. Smolinski, and M. Smolinski, 1954

Freshman Class Officers include R. Pines, K. Smolinski, J. Bisson, and A. Bruning, 1954

Hall Monitors include K. LaLonde, E. Grulke, S. Greene, B. Klingshirn, D. Hopp, W. Borrousch, W. Buza, N. Bruning, and J. Maynard, 1954

Hall Monitors include Y. Hein, E. Roeske, J. Hein, A. Feldheiser, N. Vogler, and W. Wagner, 1954

Hall Monitors include J. Miller, J. Getzinger, L. Smolinski, J. Montych, J. McDonald, E. Wyant, D. Boehmer, A. Fuhrman, and E. Haske, 1954

Down the hallway, in the library's quiet atmosphere filled with the comforting scent of musty books and the soft rustle of pages turning, senior Jackie Miller surveyed her new realm as the president of the library club. The satisfying sound of the date stamp marking returned books and the gentle thud of volumes being placed back on the shelves became the soundtrack of her authority over the student librarians. Jackie embraced her leadership role with enthusiasm, eager to foster a love of reading and learning among her peers, while also organizing events that would make the library a central hub for student engagement.

Student Librarians include standing: Mr. Haneckow, C. Sikorski, P. Kelley, B. McLennan, G. Brown, F. Bruning, and M. Schriber. Seated: J. Miller, J. Peltz, J. Jones, and S. Centala, 1954

Library Club President Jackie Miller, 1954

The Student Council was buzzing with activity as Tony Przybyla was elected president, stepping up to mediate between the faculty and the student body. This important role required him to navigate the complexities of student needs and administrative expectations. The council, under the guidance of Herman Haneckow, met periodically to discuss various issues relevant to school life, from academic policies to social events. They were also responsible for organizing the noon-hour program, managing all auditorium events, and clarifying administrative directives to ensure that the student body was well-informed and engaged. The council was composed of four members from both the Junior and Senior classes, three representatives from the Sophomore class, and two from the Freshman class, creating a diverse group that brought different perspectives to the table.

Members of the Student Council include G. Lamb, B. Dagner, E. Konieczny, L. Smolinski, C. Schalk, Mr. Haneckow, T. Przybyla, E. Mulka, J. Paradise, L. Monroe, S. Mulka, A. Haske, R. Fleming, and R. Kowalski, 1954

Student Council President Tony Przybyla, 1954

Beyond the school’s brick walls, Gerald Bunton was named president of the Rogers City Bow & Quiver Club. In the weeks that followed, his wife, Virginia, came back from a successful hunting trip with a deer, and their eleven-year-old son, John, happily announced he had taken his first deer as well.

Rogers City Bow & Quiver Club President Gerald Bunton, 1954

Virginia Bunton, 1954

John Bunton, at just 11-years-old, got his first deer, 1954

The Top-O-Michigan baseball league held their end-of-year banquet, a highlight of the local sports calendar. The event featured former Detroit Tigers star Paul "Dizzy" Trout as the guest speaker, who captivated the audience with engaging stories from his remarkable past in professional baseball. His anecdotes not only entertained but also inspired young athletes in attendance, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.

Rogers City Top-O-Michigan team, 1954

Former Detroit Tigers star Paul "Dizzy" Trout was the guest speaker at the Top-O-Michigan Baseball League banquet, 1954

Lastly, the Union Telephone Company issued their new telephone directory, as well as publishing a comprehensive list of party line protocols in the Presque Isle County Advance. This decision came in response to a surge of complaints in recent months regarding etiquette and communication practices. The company took this opportunity to remind customers that courtesy was not just expected but essential for maintaining a harmonious community, emphasizing the importance of respectful interactions among neighbors and friends in their daily communications.

Union Telephone Company Directory, 1954

Union Telephone Company Party Line Ad, 1954