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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Significant Anniversary Dates This Year

Here is some important information about significant events in the history of our community:

This fall will mark the 100th anniversary of the tragic Metz Fire of 1908.
The Metz Fire Centennial Committee is planning a major commemorative program
that will be held at St. Dominic's Church and Parish Hall in Metz, starting
at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 12.

To keep interested persons apprised of the planned activities the Presque
Isle County Historical Museum and the Metz Fire Centennial Committee have
established a website with information about the fire and the planned
commemorative activities.

Thanks to Webmaster Rich Warwick, the site is now up and running. We'll add
additional information to the site as we go along.

Check it out at www.metzfire.com.

We are also getting ready to open a similar site with information about
planned activities on the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Steamer
Carl D. Bradley. That site will be found at www.carldbradley.org. The
basic site should be up and running by August 27.

Mark Thompson
Presque Isle County Historical Museum
989-734-4121 or bradleymuseum@i2k.com
Check out the museum's website at www.thebradleyhouse.org.

Michigan Oral History Association in Rogers City

The Michigan Oral History Association (MOHA) Annual Conference will be held in Rogers City on Friday and Saturday, November 7-8, 2008 at the Water's Edge Huron Conference Center. The event is offered by MOHA in partnership with the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries and the Huron Shores Humanities Council. The Conference begins with an oral history workshop on Friday at 1:00 p.m. Tours of area historical sites, museums and the world famous limestone quarry are planned.

A banquet and special recognition of veterans will occur at the Water's Edge Conference Center Friday evening. Tom Wiener is the keynote speaker for the banquet. He is the Historian for the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. He is author of Voices of War and Forever a Soldier.

Saturday, November 8, the program will include a roundtable on veterans stories, film and electronic media, marine history, quilters and their stories, Michigan celebrates the Year of the Car and labor, community culture and traditions, and student experiences in oral history and writing.

Terry Wooten, Michigan Humanities Touring Artist, oral historian and poet/bard will chair a session focused on student experiences in oral history and writing. This session is made possible by the Huron Shores Humanities Council.

Continuing Education Units (CEU) for teachers and librarians are available.

See www.michiganoha.org for registration and program information. This is a great opportunity for local residents to learn more about our rich heritage and history.

The Great North Woods


Tuesday, August 12, 2008

New Trail from Park to 40 Mile Point Lighthouse

Today, at beautiful P. H. Hoeft State Park (five miles North of Rogers City), Lt. Governor John Cherry announced, to a good crowd of officials from the County, City, DNR, MDOT, and the Lighthouse Society, a grant of almost $1 million to build a trail extension for the existing trail between the City of Rogers City and Hoeft State Park. Harry Whitely of Rogers City, who's grandfather donated the 300 ares for the Park, was also on hand to celebrate this victory. Blake Gingerich, the Park Director, described how the trail will be mostly on MDOT right-of-way but also on Lighthouse, Presque Isle County, and DNR property. The new trail link will connect the existing trail out to 40 Mile Point Lighthouse. As the Lt. Governor pointed out, this new trail will be good for local residents and for tourism too. Kevin Schaedig, the project engineer for MDOT pointed out that the idea for the trail came from a previous City Manager of Rogers City, Mr. Rob Fairbanks, over ten years ago. The full project was never completed due to funding limitations; however, now the funding has been approved! All trail and nature enthusiasts rejoice!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Nautical City Festival Success

Nautical City Festival 2008 has come and gone. As the amusement rides are packed for transport, as the big tent comes down, as the City crews clean up, and as we all go back to work--we know we had a great Nautical City Festival!

The Queen's pageant was filled with drama. The car show was bigger than ever with about 100 cars. The Quilters were back and "pieceable" this year. The Texas Hold 'Em game had more players than last year. Some food booths did a record business and all the food was tasty; I know! The bands played every sort of music imaginable and loudly. The Softball Tournaments were a blast! With many interesting floats and many candidates out to great the people, the parade was a big success! Rosco gave away loads of free shakes.... The Strawberry Shortcake and Ice Cream Social sold more than ever.

Yes, there were some things that could be improved and probably will be next year. Next year will be even better.... Except perhaps the Fireworks--not sure we can top those. Happy 90th and thanks to Mrs. McLennan!

Probably best of all: no one was hurt and no one was arrested. Thanks to our citizens and guest for acting responsibly!

Certainly, for this year and these economic conditions, a lot of money was spent, vendors and businesses did well, and most everyone had a good time! It was a good week for our community.

The Festival Committee members and all the volunteers deserve a big thank you! Thank you for making our hometown so special. Rogers City is great in 2008!

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