Life moves along so rapidly

by Harry Whiteley, guest columnist

As we grow older life seems to go whizzing by. Such was the case as I pondered over the series of events that occurred in recent weeks. It seems that just the other day we were looking forward to the Nautical Festival, a huge success and it’s over. A short time later the funeral of my longtime friend, Jerome Kowalski took place. Then followed the passing of Lewis Karsten. A former mayor and ace high citizen and Gail Simmons, a jolly good fellow loved music and enjoyed entertaining many friends.

Everyone was awaiting Nov. 2 so they could vote for their favorite candidates (and the good guys won). We honored Ted Planck an outstanding citizen at the annual chamber of commerce dinner. What followed was deer season and that’s over. I was in the woods opening day, but no, I didn’t get a deer. About the same time a big open house was held for another longtime friend, Shorty Nowak who was celebrating his 100th birthday. Unfortunately I was out of town and missed it but since then Shorty and I have had a good visit. And last Saturday we paid tribute to another friend, Ernie Silverthorn who passed away a couple of weeks ago.

That series of events passed like a flash and reminds me of my own daily bout with life. When I get up in the morning I check the computer go to the post office, maybe the bank, answer any messages, do a few other errands and it’s noon. Time flies too fast! Jerome Kowalski lived into his 90s but was lucky to have made it. One evening back about 1942 Jerome and I along with four or five other guys were having coffee at Annie Clemen’s restaurant located next to the old Star Theatre, now the Port of Call. It was a beautiful evening and one of the guys said, “Let’s take a drive over to Onaway.” Ralph Zemple, Keith McDonald, Ray Smith and Jerome said OK. I declined, as I had to work in the theatre that night so off they went. An hour later, three of the four were dead and only Jerome survived. They had smashed into a tree on the outskirts of Onaway.

The Rogers City hospital was located on Huron avenue opposite Grulke Hardware and that’s where I, and many of his friends, visited Jerome for several weeks until he was able to be up and about. He had suffered a broken leg, the big femur, and had cuts and bruises, but survived to see another day. What followed was a long career, 17 years managing the Kotwicki clothing store, being engaged in the insurance business and giving of himself for numerous community affairs. We were both lucky to enjoy long lives after that tragic episode.

It was my good fortune to have a long relationship with Shorty Nowak. We really had something in common. When he started working umteen years ago he was making $6 a week and so was I as cashier at the Star Theatre. Today we are awed by what $6 would buy in those days. My first good job after getting out of school was at the Midland Daily News where I received the handsome sum of $20 a week. We awe again. This covered room and board, fuel for my car and a little left over to take a girlfriend occasionally to a movie.

The thing that’s amazing about Shorty is his appearance. He doesn’t look one day older today than he did 40 years ago. He came up the hard way working for small change while learning the grocery business. He eventually became a success as owner of the Black and White grocery and later Shorty’s IGA, now the site of the Presque Isle District Library. Shorty tells the story of how he spotted a girl in the Owl Cafe in Alpena and remarked to a friend, “That’s the girl who is going to be my wife. ” That’s where the similarity between us ends. I staved off marriage until I was 30 and then the girl with whom I was smitten said, “You’ve been single long enough so now we’re going to get married or I’m going back to Florida. (or something like that)? I thought about it for a minute and told her she was staying here and 60 years ago we started sleepi

ng together. Yea, we were married!

Sad to say what followed just a few weeks ago was the news that our good friend Ernie Silverthorn had passed away. Ernie and Meta came to the area not too long ago, following his retirement as an optometrist in Royal Oak where he practiced for 37 years. They built a home at Grand Lake but as time went on they sought the “bright lights” of Rogers City. They built a nice home on Brege Drive and developed numerous friendships. Ernie was a kindly gentlemen, always good natured, impeccably dressed and cheerful to the end. He will be missed?as will all the others.

During this short span of which I speak there were the usual doctor appointments, meetings to attend and even a chance to acquire several new friendships. Thanksgiving has come and gone but we like others give thanks for the many blessings, which the good Lord has bestowed on us. Yes, life moves along at a rapid pace but that’s the way it is. Upward and Onward

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