Chronological History 1955 through 1956

 

1955      

First RCA 21 inch color TV set arrived at Bridgman Appliance Center in January. This set is the first of its kind in Berrien County.

 

Ice Skating Rink on American Legion property. Pemco and Castings Service donated lumber for a shelter.

 

Nylen Products moves office to Bridgman plant.

 

Bridgman Bees basketball team won the district championship. This was the thirteenth district win in 16 years.

 

Retired A & P Store Manager, John Riggle, died April 15, after his retirement. He had served as manager for 26 years.

 

Bridgman to have launderette in the Ward Baking Company building on Lake Street. Mr. And Mrs. John Horon will be the owners.

 

Dedication services were held at the Olivet Congregational Church for the newly remodeled church building and Diamond Jubilee (75th anniversary).

 

Cub Scout Pack 50 organized.

 

Bridgman Clinic opens with Dr. Robert J. Feldman M.D. and David D. Heath M.D. and Dale L. Smith D.D.S.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Sam Pollack open Garden Center one mile south of Bridgman on US 12.

 

Mr. William Ketelhut, former postmaster and Royal Blue Store owner for 19 years in Bridgman, died at the age of 64, July 31.

Citizen Telephone has dial equipment available for installing in Bridgman and Baroda area.

 

Ben Franklin store owned and operated by Jack and Bette Fuller. Grand Opening September 20 and October 1.

 

Bowling Green Lanes open at the Bowling Green Golf Course and Bowling Lanes.

 

1956

Immanuel Lutheran starts fund drive for new school in January.

 

R.W. Ackerman, Sr. dies. He was a life-long nurseryman in Bridgman.

 

Baroda, Bridgman and Stevensville plan trial petitions for merger of schools.

 

Lake Township organizes zoning board.

 

Cornerstone laid for new Christian Education School of Lutheran Church.

 

Williams Pharmacy to open June 1.

 

On November 9, Albert Chaunceys celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

 

In December Bridgman City Commission acts tobuild water filtration plant.

 

Bridgman Bank has 25th anniversary. Gus Knaak a member of original Board of Directors.

 

Petitions circulated for merger of Bridgman, Baroda, Stevensville plan in June.

 

In July, Dr. Sharp DDS starts practice with Dr. Smith.

 

Results of Bridgman voting in August – down “BBS” plan 4-1.

 

Congregational Church burned mortgage incurred September 1953.

 

High school renovated and modernized.

 

First FHA homes offered for sale in Bridgman.