September 1951
- charliebunton
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
The crisp morning air was filled with the invigorating scent of freshly sharpened pencils and the rich aroma of new leather shoes as children poured into the schools of Rogers City, their excited voices creating a lively chorus that echoed through the gleaming hallways, which still carried a faint hint of summer floor wax. Small hands clutched stiff lunch pails that clinked rhythmically with thermoses, while older students adjusted their heavy, book-laden satchels, the new canvas rough against their shoulders, a reminder of the academic challenges that lay ahead. In the bustling high school corridors, freshmen eagerly searched for room numbers, their hearts racing at the thought of meeting Mr. Hugh Webster, a promising young Central Michigan University graduate hailing from Mt. Pleasant. His infectious enthusiasm for U.S. History and English had already captured the attention and admiration of parents and students alike, setting high expectations for a dynamic learning environment.
Meanwhile, down the hall, the art room beckoned students with the sharp, promising scent of turpentine and vibrant tempera paint, where Mr. Robert Eplett, a recent graduate from Northern Michigan University and originally from Ironwood, was meticulously setting up brushes and paper, ready to ignite the spark of creativity in students from elementary through high school. The wooden floors creaked under the weight of many eager feet, while the radiators clanked a comforting rhythm in the background, creating a harmonious atmosphere for learning. The last songs of summer birds drifted through open windows, bidding a bittersweet farewell to vacation and welcoming this bright new season filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth.
Excitement permeated the air surrounding the upcoming football season, especially with significant improvements made to the athletic field, now proudly renamed Gilpin Memorial Field in honor of our beloved Superintendent Howard Gilpin, who sadly passed away last year. Following his death, the Gilpin Memorial Fund was established, dedicated to preserving his legacy and supporting the school community. This spring saw the completion of a new baseball field, and this summer, the long-awaited football field was finished, transforming the athletic landscape of Rogers City. The most thrilling new feature was the addition of eight towering light poles, equipped with a total of 64 powerful lights, enabling evening games for the first time in the school's history, a change that promised to enhance the community spirit and excitement surrounding local sports events.
Other enhancements included the installation of spacious bleachers to accommodate enthusiastic fans, two ticket booths for streamlined entry, and a small concession stand offering snacks and refreshments to spectators. The field was officially dedicated during halftime of the Hurons' season opener against East Jordan, marking a historic moment as the first game played under the bright Friday night lights. Among those present were Mrs. Gilpin, a pillar of strength during this transition, and Joseph Valentin, a close friend of Mr. Gilpin, who delivered a heartfelt dedicatory speech. He stated, "So we here and now dedicate this field as the Gilpin Memorial Field. May it give a long and useful service, and may the players who grace its grounds always be a credit to the ideals of Howard Gilpin." The program concluded with the presentation of a beautiful bouquet of red roses and a thoughtful gift to Mrs. Gilpin, who accepted graciously, her eyes reflecting both gratitude and pride.
In addition to these developments, the safety of our schoolchildren has been a major topic of discussion recently, prompting representatives from each local school to convene and form a city-wide safety council. This initiative aimed to ensure that the safety patrol squads of all Rogers City schools were aligned in making the areas surrounding school buildings secure before and after school hours. The council quickly garnered support from parents, school officials, city officials, and local service organizations, all committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for the children.
Exciting changes are also underway at the Presque Isle County Library, where Lee Gregory of Coldwater has been appointed the new librarian. Having previously managed the Branch County Library near Cleveland, Ohio, Gregory brings a wealth of experience and a grade five certificate, the highest awarded by the Michigan Board of Libraries. Gloria Hassett, who has served as librarian since 1946, will remain as Assistant Librarian, continuing her invaluable contribution alongside the remarkable staff, including Alvin Brege and Grace Harworth, who have been instrumental in promoting literacy and community engagement.
Finally, there's excitement surrounding the release of the film A Streetcar Named Desire. This new movie, starring the iconic Marlon Brando, features Kim Hunter, born Janet Cole in Detroit in 1922. Janet and her mother frequently visited Grand Lake, as her mother married Bliss Stebbins, a prominent aristocrat from Lansing who had acquired the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse and the Grand Lake Resort. Janet later reflected on her childhood, describing herself as a lonely child, and it was during these summer visits to Grand Lake that she first gained confidence by performing plays for the guests at her stepfather's resort. Hunter made her Broadway debut as Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire, a performance that not only showcased her exceptional talent but also earned her the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film version. Over the years, Hunter would go on to appear in over 150 films and television episodes, solidifying her legacy in the entertainment industry. In 1975, she authored a cookbook titled Loose in the Kitchen, which included several photographs and cherished recipes from her time spent at Grand Lake, further intertwining her artistic journey with the memories of her youth.
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