Rockford Area Museum

05/28/2026

Rockford Historical Society Vice-President Terry Clement and the Rockford Area Museum present his weekly series of articles relating to the upcoming semiquincentennial of the United States.

AMERICA 250

On June 12, 1942, President Roosevelt, by executive order created the Office of War Information (OWI). This replaced four different federal agencies that disseminated government information to the public: the Foreign Information Service, the Office of Facts and Figures (OFF), the Office of Government Reports, and the Division of Information of the Office of Emergency Management. By combining so many different divisions, branches, and offices into one central organization, Roosevelt sought to avoid conflicting and confusing government statements, and losing the trust of the people. Because the OWI's mandate covered both foreign and domestic audiences, two branches were created: the Overseas Operations Branch and the Domestic Operations Branch. The OWI worked with radio broadcasts, newspapers, posters, photographs, films and other forms of media.
To get these messages out, however, the federal government turned not to its own employees or to its military, but the Boy Scouts of America.

The Boy Scouts of America were to become The Poster Boys of World War II.

The Scout Oath:
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

The scouts had already proven themselves during WWI, selling War Bonds, scrap collections, and as Civil Defense Messengers.
The OWI posters had to be placed in street-level windows of every store, office, restaurant, and "service establishment of every kind". Almost 200,000 different designs were printed to support the war effort. While the total number of individual copies is difficult to pinpoint, some series, like those distributed by the OWI from 1943–1945, saw millions of copies printed.
Starting in October 1942, Boy Scouts of America distributed thousands of OWI posters every two weeks to 2,300 communities. While total cumulative numbers vary, the Scouts could receive over one million posters per month to distribute to local stores.

The Boy Scouts of America wanted to be officially and formally recognized by President Roosevelt as America's main distributor of government information. On February 16, 1943, President Roosevelt signed a letter asking the scouts "to take an important commission as Government Dispatch Bearers for the Office of War Information." The Boy Scouts of America would become the "Official Dispatch Bearers" for the OWI.

Although the OWI and the poster program had some rocky moments before its eventual dissolution at the end of the war, the operation successfully used 1,600,000 young people to inform and inspire civilians on the Homefront. The Office of War Information was no longer necessary when World War II came to a close. The agency was officially disbanded by President Truman in 1945.

https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/summer/posters

05/25/2026

Rockford Area Historical Society

Terry Konkle – President

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026 the Rockford Area Historical Society (RAHS) will have their annual Picnic/potluck meeting at the Rockford Congregational Church. It will be the last regular one for the year 2025-26 year. We will begin our 2026-27 RAHS year in September. Officers for the new year will be elected after the meal next week and will preside over society business and become members of the RAHS Board of Directors. All of our meetings are open to the public, but only members can vote next week.

The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park is going to become a Heritage Trail soon, and the “Friends of the White Pine Trail” contacted the RAHS to inform us that several kiosks and signs will be placed at locations along the trail. One of them will be dedicated on June 10, 2026 in Rockford. It is a log display that will be presented at 3:00 P.M. behind the Towers Building by the trail. The ceremony will be open to all, and hopefully many will attend to celebrate the occasion.

Recently, I found a “Rockford Squire” newspaper article from September 13, 1977 entitled “Pauline Johnson recalls early Rockford Days”. Mrs. Johnson was 85 years old at that time, and she had many memories of growing up and living in Rockford. Her father was Wesley F. Hessler who, along with his brother, Henry, built the Hessler Opera House (southeast corner of Main and Courtland) to replace their businesses that had been destroyed by fire in 1896. Pauline lived with her family in the five room second floor area of the building until she graduated from Rockford High School in 1910. I thought readers would enjoy some of the areas she discussed.

Her father was a pharmacist who was very active in Rockford. There were three businesses in the new Hessler Building: his pharmacy was on the corner, his brother’s hardware store in the middle location and a grocery store to the south end. Wesley was the village president, a member of the school board, helped start the Rogue River Electric Light and Power Company and had the first telephone service out of the back of his store. He did all of this despite his death at the age of 41.

Pauline remembered her father having the first car in Rockford. He traded a team of horses and a surrey to acquire an Oldsmobile from an older man who was afraid to drive it. She mentioned that the car had no steering wheel, only a stick to steer it. She also recalled the Betts House which was run by the Betts family as a hotel. When the present Post Office (2026) was built in 1937, the Betts House was torn down. There were twelve upstairs rooms for guests, and Mrs. Betts (described as the best cook in Rockford) served meals to all of the residents at the same time at a large table on the main floor. Mrs. Johnson also talked about the town baseball team and of the rivalries with Sparta and Cedar Springs.

Because she lived downtown with windows on Main and Courtland streets, she knew a lot about that area and the activities that occurred there. In next week’s column, I will detail some of her observations.
Please contact me by email ([email protected]) or phone (616-866-0530) with your comments, suggestions, further information, donations and corrections. STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY AND HAVE A GREAT, POSITIVE WEEK!

05/24/2026

History is built on the sacrifices of those who came before us. On Memorial Day, we pause to remember all fallen heroes who gave everything protecting our freedom. Join us in taking a moment of quiet reflection to also remember the local heroes who gave their lives in service to our nation.

05/22/2026

Rockford Historical Society Vice-President Terry Clement and the Rockford Area Museum present his weekly series of articles relating to the upcoming semiquincentennial of the United States.

AMERICA 250

4-H and the Milkweed Campaign: (For those that have forgotten what the 4 “H’s” stand for they are; Head, Heart, Hands, and Health) While 4-H children did much to increase food production on farms and in gardens, the also provided a great, life saving service to our military.
With the attack of Japan on Pearl Harbor, and the U.S. being thrust into war, there was a sudden need to rebuild our Military. Ships, guns, planes, and even life vests were going to have to be produced. The fiber that filled life vests, kapok, came from a tree in Asia, that grew pods much like a milkweed pod. The Japanese now controlled the Pacific and the supply of kapok was cut off. Dr. Boris Berkman, a physician and inventor from Chicago, believed that milkweed floss could be used as a filler for life vests. The United States Navy preformed test and found that one pound of milkweed floss could keep a 150-pound man afloat.
Petoskey, Michigan became the headquarters for collecting, buying, and processing milkweed floss. Northern Michigan (Emmet County) is home to a large population of milkweed. Preston Feather & Sons was one of the largest factories in the area and was taken over by the Milkweed Floss Corporation of America. Petoskey was a good location with a railroad and Lake Michigan for shipping.
With adults working in defense factories or fighting overseas, children were an available workforce to harvest the widely growing wild plants. 4-H groups held contest to see who could collect the most pods. MSU Extension Service had thousands of mesh onion bags made and distributed by 4-H groups, for drying and shipping of the milkweed pods. By the end of the war in 1945, about 12 million pounds of pods had been collected and filled 1.2 million life preservers.
For many great pictures and more information on the collection of milkweed pods follow this link.

https://charlevoixemmethistory.weebly.com/wwii-milkweeds.html

05/18/2026

Rockford Area Historical Society

Terry Konkle – President

This week’s column will cover the last “Nugget” quiz and present a new one, but the first part will be about a former Rockford teacher and coach. Some readers may remember Rick Krueger who coached ninth grade football in the fall of 1972 and 1973. He also taught math classes. I got to know him during that time mostly as a coaching colleague as a member of Varsity head coach Don Verduin’s coaching staff who are pictured and identified with this column. Rick and Jack Miller were the ninth grade mentors, and Don Curry and I handled the tenth grade squad. We often practiced together and scrimmaged often. The coaches also played golf at times. Rick told us that he wanted to continue his baseball ambitions and hoped to make it to the big leagues.

His ambition caused him to leave Rockford after two years to go into the Boston Red Sox system. We kind of joked about his ambition, but we knew he was serious. Well, in the summer of 1975, he pitched two games for the Red Sox. Then in 1976, he was in eight games and in 1977 one more. In 1978 he pitched for the Cleveland Indians in six contests. Overall, he won two games and lost the same number. He faced 190 batters striking out twenty and walking twenty. He gave up 42 hits in 44 innings and had no errors in 14 chances. When he left Rockford, we told him “Don’t let the Red Sox send you to a minor league team with no bleachers.” What a stupid comment because in one Red Sox game he did so well that he got a standing ovation from the Fenway Park crowd. Rick ended up back in the Grand Rapids area later and occasionally I would see him, but not very often. Then I read that on May 7, 2026 Rick passed away. At times people ask me if any Rockford player ever made it to the big leagues, and the answer is “NO. Minor leagues “YES”, however, a Rockford teacher and coach did make it. We should all be proud!

The last “Nugget” showed three buildings that no longer exist and readers were asked to tell what street those buildings were on. Three readers, Ron Hagadorn, Jeff Lewis and Lee Paull took the challenge and did well. Here are the answers: (A) the Wolverine administration building was located on North Main, (B) the old high school that burned was in the middle of the block and surrounded by Maple, North Main, Division (10 Mile) and North Monroe and (C) the Rockford Mills was located on Bridge Street about across from the east end of Garden Club Park.

Here is a new trivia question. I have often heard that when Roy “Sharkey” Whittall was in his prime as an athlete and baseball player that he had a great game at Ramona Park against the Philadelphia Athletics. I was told that the Philadelphia manager was so impressed that he offered him a contract which Roy turned down. Whether the incident is true or not, here is the question: WHO WAS THE MANAGER OF THE ATHLETICS? Please contact me by email ([email protected]) or by phone at 616-866-0530.

In closing, I welcome questions, comments, additional information, suggestions, donations and corrections. STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY AND HAVE A GREAT, POSITIVE WEEK!

Richard Allen Kreuger (November 3, 1948 – May 7, 2026) was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1975 through 1978 for the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians. Listed at 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 185 lb (84 kg), he batted right-handed and threw left-handed.

05/15/2026

Rockford Historical Society Vice-President Terry Clement and the Rockford Area Museum present his weekly series of articles relating to the upcoming semiquincentennial of the United States.

America 250

Health and Nutrition: While Victory Gardens did much for the health of our population, there was much study going on to provide proper nutrition for our soldiers as well as our American population. Working the gardens, our youth was never healthier, with fresh air, sunlight, and exercise to improve strength and eating vegetables. The Cooperative Extension Service worked with farmers and 4-H gardeners to increase production and grow healthier gardens. The Extension Service also instructed farm women and housewives on food canning, home nursing, and sewing, and other skills that helped many families survive.
As World War II became inevitable, the US government was very worried about nutrition in the military and among civilians. Their concern was warranted as up to a quarter of draftees called up via the Selective Service Act of 1940 were malnourished and unfit to serve. Today 3 out of every 4 are unfit to serve due to overweight, drugs, and other problems.
During the Great Depression, many across the United States suffered from hunger and malnutrition. A main concern was a widespread lack of B vitamins, resulting in a tired, nervous, and depressed population. Scientists began recommending “protective foods” to prevent malnutrition. These included milk, leafy vegetables, eggs, fish, and organ meats.
In 1940, the National Research Council founded the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) “to advise on nutrition problems in connection with National Defense.” Their goal was to prepare a standard list of recommended nutrients that would make up a healthy diet. In the same year commercial bakeries started to fortify their breads with vitamin B and other vitamins that were lost during the refining of the wheat.
Government-provided school lunches were first established during the Great Depression. They were among the New Deal programs managed by the Works Progress Administration. The program used surplus agricultural products to feed the overwhelming number of hungry children. The school lunch program did more than feed children’s bodies. It also increased school attendance, improved learning outcomes, and led to healthier children. This last was important due to a shortage of doctors in the US as they joined the military. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/nutrition-on-the-home-front-in-world-war-ii.htm

Side Post: The first hot lunch and milk was served at the Rockford School on December 1, 1927, by the girls of the Home Economics Class. This was part of a Vocational Classes program introduced by a pioneering vocational teacher, Benjamin F. Hennink, at Rockford High School during the mid-to-late 1920’s. He played a central role in establishing the school's agricultural programs under the Smith-Hughes Act. Hennink was a graduate of Union High School, Grand Rapids, Michigan and of Michigan State University.
Michigan schools began receiving funds from the Smith-Hughes Act during the 1917-1918 school year, shortly after the federal law was enacted. Although the state’s formal legislative acceptance—Act 149 of 1919—wasn't finalized until August 14, 1919, Michigan was one of the early states to participate under a governor's proclamation to meet the immediate federal deadline.
In the 1920s, Rockford High School underwent a dramatic transformation following a catastrophic fire in 1922 that forced students into temporary classrooms across town. The decade was defined by the construction of a modern "accredited" facility and the introduction of its first vocational programs.
By the late 1920s, Rockford’s curriculum expanded beyond traditional Latin and Physics to include practical training in Vocational Classes including Agriculture, Home Economics, and General Shop and hands on learning.
By 1927, students had been in the "new" building for four years. It was a state-of-the-art facility for the time, featuring a gymnasium and specialized rooms for the vocational programs.
Under the leadership of Ferris and Ampbelle, the school worked to maintain its status as an accredited high school, allowing graduates to enter Michigan universities without entrance exams.
Hennink taught at Rockford from 1925 to 1928 and was principle the 1927/28 year.
He was the school's second-ever vocational agriculture teacher, succeeding J. Dykehouse (1923–1925).
After leaving Rockford, Hennink became a prominent figure in Michigan's statewide agricultural education and rural development. He moved to Charlotte, Michigan, where he taught vocational agriculture from 1929 to 1935. By 1937, he had risen to become the Director of Junior Farm Bureau work for the Michigan State Farm Bureau.

05/11/2026

Rockford Area Historical Society

Terry Konkle – President

The regular meeting of the Rockford Area Historical Society (RAHS) on May 6, 2026 featured a presentation on “Railroads and Agriculture” by Rockford area resident Mark Worrall. He has spoken to our group on previous occasions and always has a well researched and very interesting talk. About forty people were in attendance at Rockford City Hall to enjoy the many pictures and information that highlighted the evening. At the end of the program, several questions were asked and answered including some dealing with the railroad history in Rockford.

Only one more regular meeting for the 2025-26 RAHS year is left. It will be our annual picnic/potluck on Wednesday, June 3. It will be held at 6:30 P.M. at the Rockford Congregational Church instead of City Hall, so bring a dish to pass and a table service for yourself. Officers for the 2026-27 year will be elected at the meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend all meetings, but only members can vote for officers. There are no regular meetings in July or August , so our first meeting for the new year will occur on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. It will be at Rockford City Hall which will continue to be our meeting location until the library is finished and the Community Cabin is ready for public use.

The RAHS newsletter, “Powerhouse Post” will be sent to all members early in June. It will feature information on Rockford Civil War soldiers buried in the Rockford Cemetery. The newsletter is included as part of society memberships. Membership information is available at the museum, or readers can contact me by email ([email protected]) or phone (616-866-0530), and I will be sure to help you join. The RAHS financially exists because of memberships, donations, memorials and fundraisers, and most of our money is used to run the Rockford Area Museum (RAM).

As I have mentioned many times over the years, the RAM is open from 1-4 P.M. every day but Monday. This is made possible because of many volunteers who work one or more days each month to greet people and help them visit. We are constantly told that the RAM is an excellent place to learn about our area history. It is well planned and contains many exhibits for all ages. It has areas especially for children. In addition, the RAM has historical files on families, houses, buildings and organizations. There is also a hallway devoted to photos of Rockford graduating classes back when the senior class was much smaller in size. The classes from the 1920’s to early 1960’s are represented. Please plan to visit the RAM when time permits and to consider how you can help it continue.

Please contact me with questions, ideas, concerns, suggestions, comments, donations and corrections. STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY AND HAVE A GREAT, POSITIVE WEEK!

05/10/2026

“To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.” – Dr. Seuss

Happy Mother’s Day!!

‼️ ❤️

05/08/2026

Rockford Historical Society Vice-President Terry Clement and the Rockford Area Museum present his weekly series of articles relating to the upcoming semiquincentennial of the United States.

America 250

Victory Gardens: were first introduced during WWI. Initially called "war gardens" or "liberty gardens" they were public and private vegetable gardens encouraged by governments to boost food supplies and bolster morale. As World War I raged on, a crisis beyond warfare and shell shock emerged: Europe was running out of food.
Shortly before the United States entered the war in early 1917, Charles Lathrop Pack, a wealthy timberman from a family long involved in Michigan forestry, spearheaded efforts to aid with Europe’s food shortage by organizing the National War Garden Commission, a program that encouraged nationwide participation from Americans of all ages to grow their own produce with home gardens. This enabled citizens to "produce more and consume less," freeing up agricultural resources for soldiers and allies in Europe facing severe food shortages.
Initially termed "war gardens," the campaign aimed to bolster civilian support. Following the victory of Allied forces in 1918, the effort was rebranded as "victory gardens" to emphasize the success of the initiative. The movement was so successful it was revived for World War II.
During WW2, half of all American households grew a Victory Garden – in their yards, in window boxes, at their jobs, in school yards, and in community spaces. Incarcerated people of Japanese descent also planted victory gardens. By 1943, Victory Gardeners had planted over 20 million acres of land and by the end of the war, had produced about 8 million tons of food. Even Eleanor Roosevelt, Batman, and Superman had Victory Gardens. Follow the link to learn more.

https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/victory-gardens-on-the-world-war-ii-home-front.htm