There is a refreshing chill in the air that tinges cheeks with a rosy hue and causes breath to become visible, creating an enchanting scene reminiscent of winter dragons as residents stroll down the streets, bundled in layers of warm clothing. The vibrant foliage, adorned in shades of orange, red, and gold, complements the festive atmosphere, as both students and parents don their coziest attire to cheer on the Huron football team. The excitement was palpable as the Hurons celebrated a hard-fought victory over Manistee with a score of 13-0, followed by an impressive win against Petoskey, where they triumphed 32-19. However, the season came to a bittersweet close when the Hurons faced a formidable opponent in Traverse City, suffering a defeat of 40-0. In the wake of this challenging conclusion, the student body came together to revel in a dance organized by the junior class, where the melodies of the Paul Vogelheim Band filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.
Among the graduating seniors who played in their last high school football game were notable athletes such as Carlton Althoff, Robert Friedrich, Norman Karsten, Edward Knabe, Leonard Kowalski, Chester Kuchinski, Paul Lezinkse, Phil Nowicki, Donald Raymond, and Carl Schroeder. The community expresses its heartfelt gratitude to these young men for the countless seasons of thrilling football entertainment they have provided, fostering a sense of unity and pride among the residents of Rogers City.
In a significant development for the local community, Westminster Church welcomed their new minister, William Lichau, who hails from LeRoy, Illinois. Reverend Lichau brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, having graduated from the State Teachers College in Crooksville, Missouri, followed by his theological training at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Chicago. His arrival has been met with enthusiasm, as the congregation looks forward to his guidance and leadership in the coming years.
As the leaves continue to fall and the air grows crisper, hunting season has arrived in Rogers City, stirring up excitement among the residents. Although the first snowfall has yet to blanket the ground, hunters have eagerly ventured into the woods. Local establishments such as Krueger Hardware and Rogers City Hardware have stocked their shelves with essential hunting supplies, catering to the needs of the enthusiastic hunters. The local restaurants and grocery stores buzz with activity, as hungry hunters take a moment to refuel and share tales of their adventures during this exhilarating deer season. A particular highlight of the opening day was the impressive achievement of fifteen-year-old Jerold Geyer, who became the first to bag a deer at 9:20 a.m. His six-pointer, weighing approximately 110 pounds, marked a significant milestone as it was the young man's very first deer, filling him with pride and excitement.
As the nation looks toward the upcoming presidential election, President Franklin D. Roosevelt is campaigning for another term, while local elections in Rogers City intensify. Among the noteworthy candidates this year is local businessman Emil Peltz, who is running for State Representative, along with Fred Bradley, a candidate for Congress. Bradley's campaign proved successful as he decisively secured his congressional seat with a commanding victory, garnering 45,811 votes to 31,729 against his opponent, Cecil W. Bailey of Mancelona. This triumph marked Bradley's largest margin of victory in any of his four elections, reflecting the confidence the community has in his leadership. Meanwhile, Emil Peltz also emerged victorious, defeating John Guiggisburg of Gaylord, with voters drawn to his reputation of "rugged honesty and conservative good sense," showcasing the community's desire for trustworthy representation.
In a poignant moment for the community, Edward Langlois returned home on furlough, sharing captivating stories of his experiences with Merrill's Marauders. This elite Army special operations jungle warfare unit, officially known was the 5307th Composite Unit, was established in 1943 and tasked with operating deep behind enemy lines. Their commander, Brigadier General Frank Merrill, became synonymous with the unit, which played a crucial role in the construction of the Ledo Road, a vital supply route connecting the Indian railhead at Ledo with the Old Burma Road to China.
Langlois recounted harrowing tales from his thirteen months in Burma, detailing the challenges faced by the Marauders. "They used bait on us once," he recalled, describing a situation where they encountered a group of inexperienced troops left on the Burma Road. They had traveled 300 miles to engage them, only to find themselves ambushed by a formidable force of 3,000 enemy soldiers. Remarkably, sixty-five of his comrades held their ground long enough for the unit to destroy their heavy equipment and retreat to safety. Langlois also shared the intense pressure of evacuating a battalion that had been trapped for two weeks, emphasizing the critical role of air support in their operations. The cooperation of the Air Force was instrumental, with dive bombers making a significant impact on their missions, while the vital supplies they received were prioritized and delivered through coded messages.
Langlois narrowly escaped death on one occasion, when a Japanese machine gunner fired at him from point-blank range, only to be saved by a fellow soldier who eliminated the threat from behind. Another member of the Marauders, Carl Pilarski, served as a Tec. 4 and took on the challenging role of farrier, responsible for shoeing the transport mules. He vividly remembered the arduous journey of walking 500 miles over the mountains while navigating behind enemy lines, sharing the burden of caring for 290 mules with just one other soldier. Each time planes began dropping ammunition, the Japanese forces would respond with shelling, creating a perilous environment. Yet, the urgency of supplying the boys in the foxholes compelled them to brave the risks. Pilarski recounted a night when they lost 22 mules, a loss that weighed heavily on him, though they were fortunate not to lose any men that time. His memories serve as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made during the mission, where by the end, only 130 of the nearly 3,000 men remained fit for active duty, as many succumbed to malaria, dysentery, and typhus.
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