September 1947
- charliebunton
- Jun 25
- 4 min read
Labor Day signifies the official close of summer and serves as a heartfelt tribute to the hard work and dedication contributed by individuals throughout the year. This special day is not just a marker of the changing seasons; it embodies the spirit of unity and appreciation for the labor force that drives our communities. As businesses across the community shut down their operations, families seize this opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved day of rest and relaxation with their loved ones, fostering connections and creating cherished memories.
The essence of Labor Day celebrations revolves around family gatherings and community spirit. Picnics have long been a popular activity, especially in picturesque locations such as Westminster Park and along the scenic shores of Lake Huron. These gatherings provide a chance to enjoy the refreshing breeze that sweeps in during the final hot days of summer. Families come together, filling their picnic baskets with a delightful array of homemade dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Classic items like crispy fried chicken, creamy potato salad, hearty baked beans, and sweet, delectable pies are staples that grace the tables, each bite telling a story of tradition and love.
With warm weather continuing, families take advantage of the beautiful surroundings, engaging in favorite activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating on Lake Huron. The shimmering waters provide a perfect backdrop for laughter and joy, as children splash around and adults cast their lines in hopes of catching the day’s dinner. Others prefer the backyard barbecue scene, where the sizzle of Plath's hot dogs and juicy hamburgers fills the air, creating an inviting aroma that beckons neighbors and friends to join in. Local establishments, particularly those serving refreshing adult beverages, are bustling with patrons seeking respite from the heat, providing another way for older residents to unwind and socialize.
As the holiday comes to a close, the youth of Rogers City prepare to transition from the carefree days of summer back to the structure of school life. Superintendent Howard Gilpin has exciting news to share with the community, announcing the hiring of five new teachers who will join the dedicated staff this year. Among them are Elizabeth Ollila, who will teach Home Economics, Helen Holmes, who will inspire students in English, Jean Biddle Adams, who will nurture young minds in Kindergarten, Mason Evans, who will provide guidance as the new Guidance Counselor, and George Larsen, who will delve into History and English with students. This year, enrollment has seen a significant increase, with 45 new students added to the public-school roster, signaling a vibrant and growing community.
In addition to the educational updates, class elections have been held for the upcoming school year, fostering a sense of leadership and responsibility among the students. The senior class proudly announces its elected officials: Class President Richard Wing, Vice President Robert Sorgenfrei, Secretary Jeanne Breach, Treasurer Edna Smolinski, and Class Sponsor Principal Harry Grambau. These young leaders are poised to make their mark on the school year ahead.
The community also received exciting news from the family of Helen Jean Hamilton, a distinguished 1941 Rogers City High School graduate. Hamilton is making waves in the fashion industry in New York City, where she is establishing herself as a prominent fashion model. After graduating from Central Michigan University, she boldly moved to Manhattan to pursue her dreams in modeling. Her hard work and determination quickly paid off when she secured an interview with John Robert Powers, a renowned American actor and the founder of one of the country's top modeling agencies, the John Robert Powers Agency. With her striking presence and talent, she is already landing notable work in the industry. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out, as they might soon spot her gracing the pages of a high-fashion magazine.
Perhaps the most significant baseball game ever played in the area took place when the Rogers City Independents faced off against the esteemed Detroit All Stars, a team bolstered by the remarkable talent of Bob Hoeft, an 18-year-old rising star in the baseball world. Hoeft's journey began in the hay fields of Moltke, where his love for the game blossomed. After his family moved to Detroit, he continued to hone his skills at Southeastern High School, where he made a name for himself, earning all-city honors in both football and baseball, and being recognized as a Hearst Newspaper All-American in baseball in 1947.
During an All-Star game held at the legendary Polo Grounds, Hoeft showcased his extraordinary talent by throwing a runner out at third base from deep center field, a play that not only highlighted his skills but also caught the attention of the legendary Babe Ruth, who famously asked the young man for his autograph following the match—a moment that Hoeft would cherish for the rest of his life. Following his high school career, he went on to play minor league baseball for the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox organizations until his retirement in 1955 while playing for the Madisonville Miners. After serving his country in the Navy during the Korean War, Hoeft pursued a new path by attending Concordia Seminary, ultimately becoming an ordained minister. In 2002, he published a memoir about his playing days titled "When Baseball Was Fun," sharing his experiences and insights with fans of the sport.
On that thrilling day at the Sports Park, nearly 1,200 fans gathered to witness an unforgettable game as Ed Mulka of Rogers City drove in the winning run, leading his team to a stunning victory over the highly regarded Detroit All Stars with a final score of 8-7. In addition to this remarkable achievement, the Merchants Softball Team also celebrated success this year, claiming the title of City and County champions. Under the leadership of Otis Pollock, the team triumphed over the Lions Club team with a decisive score of 12-4, securing not only the championship but also a well-deserved share of bragging rights within the community.
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