September 1943
- charliebunton
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
As the back-to-school season approaches, Rogers City buzzes with excitement and anticipation. With summer ending, families make the most of the Labor Day holiday, joyfully gathering with friends and relatives. The air is rich with the enticing smells of cookouts, as families enjoy hearty meals and delightful picnics in the picturesque Westminster Park. This beloved local park provides a setting for relaxation and fun, where children play games and adults have lively conversations, creating lasting memories before the school year starts.
Elementary school classes start at 9:00 a.m. The teaching staff includes Dorothy Goodman, Nina Ferdelman, Gertrude McKenna, Clara Olsen, Dorothy Poch, Marie Selke, Jean Sells, and Dora Brady, each bringing unique strengths such as nurturing, creativity, experience, love for learning, discipline, critical thinking, innovative methods, and engagement. This dedicated team is ready to guide students through the academic year.
Meanwhile, the high school classes are scheduled to begin earlier, at 8:20 a.m. Students gather in the auditorium for an all-school welcome back assembly, an event that sets a positive tone for the year ahead. This assembly is led by Principal John Sibley, who addresses the students with enthusiasm and encouragement, and Superintendent Howard Gilpin, who emphasizes the importance of education in shaping the future. The high school staff is comprised of a diverse array of educators, each specializing in different subjects. Margaret Hawley brings her expertise in music and art, while Helen Paradise captivates students with her English lessons. Mary Pardy focuses on Commercial Arts, preparing students for future careers, while Mildred Greene teaches Latin and History, imparting knowledge of the past. Kathryn Goodin also teaches English, ensuring students have a strong foundation in language skills. Harry Grambau covers Social Sciences, offering insight into societal structures, while Milton Hoffer instructs in Industrial Arts, preparing students for hands-on work. Martha Klinsmann is dedicated to Mathematics, helping students navigate numbers and problem-solving. Aldie Long shares his passion for music, and Maxine Flannery teaches Home Economics, equipping students with practical life skills. James Quinn leads Physical Education, promoting health and fitness, while Marion Grambau teaches English, ensuring a well-rounded education. Clinton Cook rounds out the team with his focus on Science, encouraging curiosity about the natural world.
As the school year kicks off, transportation is provided by a reliable group of bus drivers, including Fred McCutcheon, Otto Mendrick, and August Luedtke, who ensure that students arrive safely and on time.
In the realm of sports, the Rogers City Huron football season commences with a challenging match against the formidable Class A powerhouse, Alpena. The team faces a tough start, suffering a 20-0 loss, but remains determined to improve. Under the guidance of Coach Jim Quinn, the players are motivated to learn and grow from their experiences. Senior leaders Martin Gabrysiak and Guy Pardike are instrumental in rallying their teammates and fostering a sense of unity and resilience as they look forward to the upcoming games.
In the backdrop of these educational and athletic pursuits, the local economy sees significant developments as well. The Fisch Brewery building, located on Third Street and originally constructed in 1913 for Fred Fisch, is acquired by M. Dunn & Company, a Detroit-based firm specializing in potatoes and produce. This acquisition marks a new chapter for the historic brewery, which has played an important role in the community over the years. The building is repurposed for storage purposes, reflecting the changing dynamics of the local industry.
In a poignant reminder of the broader national context, several local men are preparing to leave for Army training camps this month. Among them are Robert Lee, Louis Yarch, Leonard Mauti, Charles Smith, Earl Meyer, Glen Burdick, Philip Henry, Eugune Modrzynski, Clarence Pilarski, Clarence Griwatsch, Robert Shorkey, Marlin Thomas, Richard Zemple, Clarence Furtaw, and Earl Luetzow. Their departure underscores the impact of World War II on the community, as families come together to support these brave individuals embarking on a journey that will take them far from home.
September 1943 in Rogers City is not merely a transition back to school; it is a time of community, growth, and resilience as families navigate the joys and challenges of life during a pivotal moment in history.
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