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In Review
First Week of December 1878-1998
140 Years Ago (1868): Married: At the residence of the bride’s parents, January 1st, 1868, by Rev. Jas. Watts, Mr. J. T. Norton and Miss Delphine McMillan, all of Evansville, Wisconsin. Married: In St. Louis, Mo., at the residence of E. C. Little, Esq., on Thursday evening, Dec. 26th, 1867, by the Rev. A. H. Burlingham, D. D., Pastor of the Second Baptist Church, Mr. David C. Stevens of Evansville and Miss Mary A. Little, of Rutland, Wis. Married: In Albany, at the house of the bride’s father, Jan. 1st, 1868, by Rev. E. Robinson, Mr. Hosea Bridgman, of Evansville and Miss Hannah A. VanDusen, of Albany. Married: At the Union Hotel in Union, Wis., Dec., 25th, 1867, by Rev. A. C. Keene, Wm. H. Dreher and Susan Babbitt. Married: January 1st, 1868, at the residence of the bride’s mother, by Rev. Mr. Barry, Mr. J. A. Warner and Miss Alice Thompson, both of Center, Rock Co., Wis.
130 Years Ago (1878): The Evansville Dramatic Association will present the beautiful drama “Among the Breakers,” to be followed by a farce entitled “Slasher and Crasher,” at Morehouse’s Hall, Thursday night. With the popularity that this association has carried, right among our own people, entitles them to a full house. They have been idle for some months and now present this play as the first of the season, with the hope it will meet with the hearty response from our people that it deserves. Tickets for sale at N. Winston & Sons.
120 Years Ago (1888): Married: Chester Miller, of Cooksville and Miss Inis E. Maxon, of Evansville, Christmas Eve, December 24, 1887.
110 Years Ago (1898): Mr. Geo. L. Pullen gave an afternoon party to about forty of his friends at the Opera House New Years from four until eight, evening. Dancing was the amusement provided. Prof. Huyke furnished music.
100 Years Ago (1908): The rubber coats for the Evansville Hose Company No. 1, which were recently ordered through the firm of Ray Gillman & Sons, have arrived. The coats were purchased by the City Council for the firemen, and as the boys are very much in need of them, the gift is greatly appreciated.
90 Years Ago (1918): The officers of the Evansville Home Guards have received notice from the government that owing to the scarcity of rifles and uniforms that it will be impossible to federalize the company at the present time and that many of the companies who have already been promised supplies and federalization will have to be withdrawn. Instead of our sixty companies that it was intended to have in this state, the number will be reduced to forty. The Evansville company, however, by a decisive vote has decided to maintain its organization and to keep up its drills as the time may come when they will be needed, and they want to be ready.
80 Years Ago (1928): It is announced by the secretary of the Evansville Rock County Fair Association that the annual stockholder’s meeting will be held at the city hall on the afternoon of January 10, for the purpose of hearing reports and considering the offer from the Janesville Driving Park Association of $4,200 for the Evansville charter which will give that Association the right to call itself a county fair and will virtually put the Evansville Rock County Fair out of business.
70 Years Ago (1938): Mr. and Mrs. Dan Francis Finnane announce the arrival of a baby son born early Christmas morning.
60 Years Ago (1948): According to D. G. Whitmore, secretary of the company, arrangements have been completed here for the 73rd annual meeting of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The company which has its headquarters at 137 East Main Street, is one of the oldest in the state having been in constant operation since 1874. Directors will be elected for terms of three years to succeed Fred Miller, Wade Woodworth and D. G. Whitmore.
50 Years Ago (1958): Baker Manufacturing Co., Evansville’s largest industry, expanded its line of products recently when it introduced a new pitless pump installation system. The company, which gained fame in pioneer days as manufacturer of windmills, now makes automatic water systems along with such things as television towers, pump jacks, hydrofoils and grey iron castings, and is also distributor for pipe, fittings, motors, hydrants, brass goods, plumbing fixtures, steel cabinets and other supplies.
40 Years Ago (1968): Evansville skaters have been hoping that the ice on Lake Leota would be safe and in good condition for the winter sport. City officials state that they too have been hopeful that the city youngsters would enjoy the sport but up until Christmas Day the weather did not cooperate. However, they have made arrangements for the warming house to be open whenever the ice is safe. Therefore, skaters are requested to cooperate and stay off the ice when the warming house is not open. The ice is being tested daily throughout the winter for safety.
30 Years Ago (1978): Evansville Police Chief Richard Luers was elected President of the Rock County Law Enforcement Association last week to succeed Rock County Sheriff Fred Falk for a one-year term. Members of the group are police chiefs from Beloit, Beloit township, Clinton, Edgerton, Janesville, Milton, Milton township, Orfordville, Turtle township, in addition to the Rock County Sheriff, Coroner, District Attorney, Juvenile Probation Officer, State Patrol and other county representatives.
20 Years Ago (1988): According to LaVerne Krueger, president of the Meals on Wheels, “We are the only city that has never missed a day in 15 years.” Madison did not deliver and several other towns were not able to as a result of the Tuesday blizzard, December 15th. Tom Williams and Blaine Ellison, in one four-wheeled vehicle and Howard Krueger and Ken Reese in another, made fourteen people very happy. Tom Williams said the people were also very surprised. They didn’t think the meals would get to them. The men, all veterinarians, with Evansville Vet Service, had to stop in the middle of the road when making the deliveries because they didn’t dare get too near the curb. All the meals arrived just a little later than usual.
10 years ago (1997): According to city administrator Mike Davis, four have applied for the position of police chief for the city of Evansville. Two are local and two are from other areas. The names will not be divulged until the screenings have taken place and finalists listed. Acting Police Chief was Scott McElroy.
In Review
Second Week of January 1878-1998
140 Years Ago (1868): New Wagon Shop: Mr. Wm. Bedford & Co., have rented the shop and premises of Mr. Hiram Spencer, and is now receiving stock for an extensive wagon and carriage manufactory. Mr. Bedford is from Oregon, Dane county, where for several years he has been extensively engaged in the business, and his work has always commanded a ready and extensive sale.
130 Years Ago (1878): The extensive foundry and machine shop of Messrs. A. S. Baker & Co., received a narrow escape from a severe fire on Saturday evening last. A spark from the fire in the furnace room flew into a barrel of fine charcoal which ignited, but was discovered by one of the workmen in the wood shop of Lehman Bros. who succeeded in extinguishing the flames.
120 Years Ago (1888): The accidents from the icy walks Thursday were as numerous as they were painful. There were many minor mishaps which figure nothing on the records. Mrs. Apfel slipped and sprained her arm quite badly. Miss Betsy Mann went to the well to get water for tea, and slipping on the ice, fell, splashing the water all over herself, and receiving such injuries that she had to be helped into the house, after laying sometime in a painful and helpless condition. She was quite badly hurt.
110 Years Ago (1898): Mr. George Christman, aged 63 years died at his home in this city of heart failure, about 12 o’clock Monday night. Comrade Christman attended the funeral of Comrade H. W. Smith, Monday, and marched in the ranks of the G. A.R. to the cemetery and back, supposed to be in his usual health and only commenced feeling a little weak about 6 o’clock in the evening, but rapidly grew worse until he passed away. His funeral was held at the M. E. Church, Thursday at 10 o’clock a.m., and his remains taken to the Magnolia cemetery near his former home.
100 Years Ago (1908): Miss Emma Kuelz expects to leave for Beloit soon, where she will take a course in the business college.
90 Years Ago (1918): Dr. John M. Evans was a life long resident of this city and a son of Dr. John M. Evans, the pioneer physician for whom Evansville was named, and Emma Clement Evans, of La Porte, Ind., died at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Monday afternoon, Jan. 7. Dr. Evans was ill at his home for many months before he was taken to the hospital last November. Dr. Evans was born in Evansville fifty-nine years ago. He was educated in the Evansville schools and Rush Medical College. In 1885, he married Miss May Johnson, daughter, of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Johnson, of this city. After their marriage they spent a year in Vienna and London where Dr. Evans pursued his medical courses. Following the precedent of his father, he decided to make Evansville his field of service. After his father’s death he maintained the interest in the Pioneer Drug Store which was established before the Civil War. Dr. Evans is survived by Mrs. Evans, three children and a sister, Mrs. Edward Cary of Portland, Oregon. His daughter Adelaide, and son John Clement, are graduates of the university and Richard is beginning his work there in the pre-medical course.
80 Years Ago (1928): Frank Hall, of Hall Bros. Shows, Whitewater, was in this locality last week and while here purchased of Dan Finnane a standard bred gelding which he will add to his equipment, as the animal is said to be of extraordinary intelligence.
70 Years Ago (1938): For sale: Tourist cabin at Lake Leota in excellent condition. Accommodations for five. Inquire of Mrs. Ralph E. Smith, 15 ½ West Main Street, above Bliven’s Royal Blue Food Store.
60 Years Ago (1948): Evansville’s first annual ice carnival was held Sunday afternoon on Lake Leota with 150 in attendance. The event was sponsored by the Congregational Church with H. L. Tait serving as general chairman. He was assisted by the Rev. Francis Kranz, pastor of the church and other men in the community. First place winners were Wayne Disch in the boys intermediate 16-17 years; Gordon Brunsell, boy’s juvenile 12 and 13 years; James Knapp, boy’s midgets, under 12; Jean Butler, girls junior 14- 15 years; Darla Albright, girl’s juvenile, under 14 and Carlyn Krueger 7 and Edwin Krueger, 5, both were awarded ribbons for their sportsmanship in competing against older skaters.
50 Years Ago (1958): Many Evansville business places were closed Monday afternoon, as the community turned out to pay its last respects to former mayor, William E. Brown. Services for the well known druggist were held in the Congregational Church and burial was made in Whitewater. Brown died suddenly at his new home here last Friday morning. He was 55. His interest in antiques led to his developing one of the finest private collections of old drug store supplies and equipment. The antique drug store he set up in the basement of his former home on Church street was listed as among the outstanding such collections in America by the Smithsonian Institution, and had been pictured and described in many professional and general interest publications. He is survived by his wife, Isabelle, a daughter Susan; two brothers, Donald and Arleigh, Whitewater, and a sister, Mrs. Bruno Wardin, Beloit.
40 Years Ago (1968): Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Holz, Evansville, announce the engagement of their daughter, Sandra Louise, to David Zweifel, Route 1, McFarland, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cloyence J. Zweifel, Evansville. Miss Holz, a graduate of Madison Business College, is a secretary for the Madison Diocesan Department of Education. Mr. Zweifel, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Journalism, is a member of the Capital Times news staff.
30 Years Ago (1978): The Evansville Board of Health will hold a public discussion on January 31 at 7 p.m. regarding the noise and dust problem from corn drying. Last fall, citizens living in the area adjacent to the Union Co-op’s corn drying operation objected to the noise and dust. No action was taken at that time. The city will invite a DNR representative to attend, as well as Union Co-op and interested citizens.
20 Years Ago (1988): Each year the Evansville Jaycees recognize members of the Evansville community for outstanding involvement and accomplishments in their profession and their community. On January 30, 1988 a banquet will be held in their honor at the Evansville Country Club. Doug Spooner will be honored as the outstanding young adult; Ed and Denise Arnold, the outstanding young farm couple; Chris Eager, outstanding young individual; and Ann Krause, outstanding young educator. Marjorie Hipke, will receive the Distinguished Community Service Award for her dedication in serving others.
10 years ago (1997): With the Jan 6, 5 p.m. deadline passed, the following candidates have filed papers with City Clerk Robert Poffenberger. Running for Mayor are incumbent Steven DiSalvo and council member Thayne Anderson. For First Ward Alderman, incumbent Harlin Miller is being opposed by Paul Baker. Second Ward has two newcomers vying, Chuck DiPiazza and Janis Ringhand. Third Ward alderman Ron Schmit is being opposed by Diane Roberts and Fourth Ward Alderman has two running former councilman Dale Bryant and Kent Katzenmeyer. Thomas Alisankus is the only candidate for Municipal Judge.
In Review
Third Week of January 1878-1998
140 Years Ago (1868): To Farmers. The subscriber wishes to inform the farmers of Union and the adjoining Towns, that he has the agency of the following different kinds of Farm machinery and agricultural implements; Mitchel’s Celebrated Racine Farm Wagons, Buckeye Grain Drill, The marsh harvester, The Excelsior Reaper & Mower, the celebrated Joseph Hall Threshing Machine, Collins & Shattock’s Blower Thresher, Sulky Corn Plow, and in fact, all kinds of heavy farm machines: which I will sell as cheap and as good time as can be said in Rock County. Any one contemplate buying any kind of Farm Machinery, will do well to call or write to me for circulars, terms etc. Any person wanting information in regard to any kind of Farming Machinery, need only to write to me and I will give full descriptions by return mail. Earl Billings, Evansville, Wis. Office with Randolph at Fifield’s Lumber yard.
130 Years Ago (1878): At the meeting of the first Constitutional Convention which met at the Capitol, at Madison, the 5th of October, 1846, two gentlemen from this county who were elected as delegates are still residents of our town, Hon. David L. Mills, and Sanford P. Hammonds. Hon. Daniel Johnson and family, and Hon. David L. Mills, went to Madison Monday to attend the opening of the new Legislature and the Inauguration.
120 Years Ago (1888): Rev. Arthur J. Hovey, of Stoneham, Mass. will occupy the Baptist pulpit next Sabbath morning and evening. We understand the Baptist people have engaged Mr. Hovey for their settled pastor, for a term, at least. Mr. Hovey was in town a few days since on his way to Minneapolis, but we had not the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is a man of middle age and bears the impress of a Christian gentleman, that he is, and is well learned in his noble profession.
110 Years Ago (1898): Twenty-one cars of stock were shipped from this station to Chicago the first three days of this week, as follows: Monday evening, Will Campbell and O. F. Collins shipped 3 cars of hogs and cattle; David Stevens, 2 cars of hogs and cattle; Tuesday evening the Miller Bros., shipped 4 cars of cattle, and Wednesday evening, C. A. Hollister shipped 2 cars of sheep; W. H. H. Johnson, 2 cars of sheep; John Wall, 2 cars of sheep; Arthur Franklin, 2 cars of cattle; Chris Jorgensen, 2 cars of cattle; David Stevens, 1 car of hogs and 1 of cattle.
100 Years Ago (1908): A very pretty wedding occurred last evening at the suburban home of George Higday, when his daughter, Jane Evelyn, was united in marriage to John Warren Rodd. The wedding took place at eight o’clock, and the wedding march played by Mrs. T. W. North announced the nuptial hour. The guests consisted of relatives only, and the ceremony which made the happy couple one was performed by the Rev. T. W. North. The bride wore a beautiful gown of tan silk and carried pink carnations. Following the congratulations, a bountiful three-course supper was served, the tables and dining room being tastefully decorated with ferns and carnations. Mr. and Mrs. Rodd will commence housekeeping at once in the handsome residence which Mr. Rodd recently purchased of Henry Asmus on Garfield Avenue. Both young people are well known and popular and hosts of friends will wish them much happiness in their wedding life.
90 Years Ago (1918): A deal was completed last week whereby the Saxon Garage, formerly owned and conducted by Harry Loomis and Warren Rowley became the property of Leslie and Blaine Davis, and will hereafter be run under the name of Davis Brothers. These two young men are well known in this city and both of them are experienced in the business, so it is very probable that they will be able to hold and satisfy the large trade that the Messrs Loomis & Rowley have built up. The reason for the sale is that Mr. Rowley has been offered a $4,000 a year position as superintendent of an iron foundry at Anniston, Ala., an iron foundry town close to Birmingham, which is called the Pittsburgh of the South. Mr. Rowley expects to leave to take charge of his new position about the fifteenth of this month, his family to follow later. [Note: This garage was located at 14 West Main. The Quonset style building was razed and a new building constructed on the site in the 1960s.]
80 Years Ago (1928): School Notes: Next semester school starts at 8:45 in the morning. This means that some people will have to get up about fifteen minutes earlier. School will close at 11:45 and start again at 1:00. This leaves the amount of time for noon just the same only it is fifteen minutes earlier. School will end at 4:00 as usual.
70 Years Ago (1938): At its annual meeting held here last week in the G. A. R. hall, the Farmers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Company of the Town of Union re-elected officers, chose two new directors, and changed its name to the Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The officers for the ensuing year have been announced as follows: Fred Miller, president; Ed. J. Ellis, vice president; C. H. Whitmore, secretary and treasurer; and Lyman Gillies, Charles Miller, Lee Barnard, and Victor Tullis, directors. The two new directors are W. G. Patterson, Evansville and Harry Hook, Brooklyn.
60 Years Ago (1948): Plans are being completed here this week for a Parent-Teacher Association card party in the school lunch room. The arrangement committee is comprised of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bennett, Mr. and Mrs. Don Every, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Roderick, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Kissel, and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Becher. Mrs. Howard Estes, social chairman has announced that the party will be held in place of the neighborhood parities. In that the party is the only money making event of the year sponsored by the P. T. A., it is expected that a large crowed will attend. The admission prices will be 35 cents per person.
50 Years Ago (1958): An Evansville girl will be commissioned Friday, Jan. 17, as a Methodist missionary to West Pakistan. She is Mrs. Donald C. Wold, the former Shelly Thurman. She and her husband will be among a group of 59 who will be commissioned as missionaries or deaconess of the Methodist Church in ceremonies at Buck Hill Falls, Pa. In Pakistan, Mrs. Wold will work in the field of library science, and her husband will teach physics. Both of them are graduates of the University of Wisconsin, where Shelly was a honor student. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. John Thurman.
40 Years Ago (1968): Albert Winn is seeking a seat on the County Board, as is also Richard Eager, present incumbent from Evansville. Mr. Winn is a former Evansville Mayor and was a member of the County Board 18 years, two of which he was chairman. An Evansville business man for many years, Winn had an automobile agency until 1922, when he entered the coal and gas business, operating the Winn Coal and Gas Co. He is now retired.
30 Years Ago (1978): John Jordan, son of Rev. and Mrs. I. Dean Jordan, 314 Grove St., is among the nearly 100 students leaving the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point last week to spend the next four months in one of four overseas centers operated by their alma mater. John is a member of the group headed for England.
20 Years Ago (1988): At the regular school board meeting Monday night, the board members approved a plan of action that would create a handicap access to the middle school building. After much investigation and study, the installation of elevators appears to be the only reasonable approach to providing access throughout the middle school facility. The estimated cost of this project is $270,000 which would include a seven percent architect cost of $17,520 and about $1,500 to $2,000 for printing and DILHR fees. The Evansville School District has recently been awarded a federal aid grant of $50,500 for removal of architectural barriers to the handicapped. According to Supt. Tom Benzinger, Evansville was one of 14 districts to receive grants, all of which were for installing elevators.
The Varco-Pruden building, now under construction on Bullard Road in Union Township is taking shape, as framing was in process this week. Worthington Tractor Parts is building this 100’ by 150’ facility, specializing in service to the ag related community. Worthington of Minnesota will now have its first Wisconsin branch.
10 years ago (1997): The Evansville Boys Varsity Basketball Team has 17 straight Rock Valley Conference wins over the past two seasons. They are 10-0 for the first half of the season and are presently ranked 4th in the state in Div. 3.
In Review
Fourth Week of January 1878-1998
140 Years Ago (1868): For Sale: A most desirable location within the corporate Village of Evansville, 30 acres of land for sale! Embracing arable land, timber and pasture together with never failing springs of water. A most desirable front on Madison Street for building purposes. The above is offered for reasonable prices. Inquire of A. C. Fish, Evansville, Jan. 22.
130 Years Ago (1878): Mr. James Hopkins of Center, sold last week, and delivered here 13 choice Poland China hogs, the aggregate weight being 5, 965 pounds, an average of 450 lbs. each, and the Broderick Brothers delivered 39 hogs that tipped the scales at 403 pounds each, not a bad average for that number.
120 Years Ago (1888): The remains of Mrs. Sarah Beebe Collins, who died in Northwestern Missouri, early the previous week, were brought here for interment Friday night, and her funeral was held in the Methodist church on Saturday forenoon. When her brother got to her late residence, owing to a delay of letters and trains, a funeral and burial had taken place, but complying with her request, her body was taken up, brought here and laid beside her mother’s which was buried here almost eighteen years ago. Mrs. Collins had been twice married, and left, besides a husband and his two children, three of her own, ranging in age from nine to thirteen years, and who will find homes with her friends about here. Mrs. Collins was a fine Christian woman and although she had experienced trouble in her early married life, in the loss of her husband, yet she bore her trials with Christian grace and fortitude. The friends here cordially extend thanks to the people who so kindly lent their aid and assistance in this their sad hour of affliction.
110 Years Ago (1898): Tuesday evening, Feb. 1, the ladies of the Baptist Church of Union, are planning to give one of their famous chicken pie suppers, A large turkey will also be served. Supper from 7 to 10 o’clock at 25 cents. In case of a bad evening, the supper will be on the first pleasant evening following.
100 Years Ago (1908): Early Wednesday forenoon, J. E. Reilly’s residence was badly damaged the result of an explosion. Mrs. Reilly lighted the gasoline stove, preparing to do baking and ironing, and crossed the road to look after her invalid mother. While attending her mother, the explosion occurred. Rev. T. W. North was the first one to arrive at the home, and threw flour on the flames, which were quickly smothered. Windows in the room were shattered and pieces of glass were scattered several feet away. The force of the explosion was sufficient to force the east side of the building about three inches from the floor sills. The roof was also separated a couple of inches. Considerable other damage was done about the house. It is still a mystery what was the cause of the explosion. It was indeed fortunate that Mrs. Reilly was not in the house at the time.
90 Years Ago (1918): Prof. J. F. Waddell is in Janesville attending the meeting of high school principals throughout Rock County, to consider the advisability of allowing young men in the schools to go on farms in the spring, without lowering their grades. [Note: during World War I there was a shortage of farm workers and a great need for the crops produced on local farms.]
80 Years Ago (1928): Dan Williams is mad at the weather man. Recently he fixed himself up with what is called a “snow flier,” a Ford equipped with Caterpillar tread which will ramble over all kinds of snow drifts at a speed of twenty-five miles an hour. As Dan’s mail route, when there is snow, has more drifts to the square mile than a route should have, he imagined he was fixed for the winter, when lo, and behold, the weather man won’t give him any snow to even try it out.
70 Years Ago (1938): Steffin’s Ben Franklin store, which was opened in Evansville last October in the former Economy building is joining more than 2,600 other home-owned Ben Franklin stores throughout the nation in sponsoring a nine-cent sale scheduled to start here Friday morning. The Evansville store has purchased a wide variety of new goods, including novelties, wearing apparel and household necessities, that represent astounding values for 9 cents.
60 Years Ago (1948): The newly elected officers of St. John’s Lutheran Ladies Aid Society including Mrs. Carroll Bly, president, Mrs. Chris Nelson, vice president; Mrs. Donald Persons, secretary; and Mrs. Harry Hamilton, treasurer, recently held a meeting and named the following committees to serve during the ensuing year: Mrs. Ray Rosen, sunshine chairman; Mrs. Lester Patterson, Christian nurture; Mrs. Chris Olson, mission box; Mrs. Alf Algrim, cradle roll; Mrs. Ole Westby, charity; Mrs. A. M. Romstad, promotion; Mrs. Harold Spersrud, historian; Mrs. Harold Morrison, publicity; Mrs. Alvin Olsen, chairman of sales items; and Mrs. Edwin Teubert and Mrs. Merrill Hyne, pianists.
50 Years Ago (1958): Salvage operations were underway Tuesday and Wednesday as the Antes Printing Company started going through the rubble which was about all there was left of the interior of the Antes building. Fire which raged through the building Monday night destroyed most of the interior in about three hours. Will Sumner, Jr., manager of the company, said that no estimate can be made until factory representatives of machinery manufacturers have completed surveying the equipment in the plant, and until they have contractor’s estimates on the damage to the building. Origin of the fire is unknown. Examiners from the state fire marshal’s office were expected Tuesday, but had not arrived yet by Thursday morning. Although the printing operations were of course at a complete standstill, the company plans to continue with publication of the weekly Evansville Review and Brooklyn Teller, with the help of other printing plants in the area. The first issue is being printed in the plant of the Markham’s, owners of the Brodhead Independent Register. [Note: the Antes Building is located at 116 East Main.
40 Years Ago (1968): Mayor Ida T. Conroy turned over the final check in payment of the new Evansville Fire Station to Robert Helgesen, who with Don Helgesen, of Janesville, owns and operates Helgesen Pruden Sales. An open house will soon be held at the new Fire Station.
30 Years Ago (1978): The emergency medical technicians of Evansville presented a plaque to Dick “Blackie” Meyers “for loyal service as an EMT.” Meyers has served on the ambulance since 1960 and was among the first group of EMT’s trained from Evansville two years ago. He is leaving Evansville this month to assume a job in Michigan.
20 Years Ago (1988): Lauri Ann Sperry and Rudolph Maurice Steinhoff exchanged marriage vows, December 5, 1987, Reverend Mark Pirazzini officiated in the 4:30 p.m. candlelight service in the United Church of Christ, Evansville. A poinsettia altar, built by church ladies, Dee Losey and Ione Gray, provided the setting with candelabras on each side of the center aisle with evergreen roping and red and ivory bows. Parents of the couple are Eugene and Ruth Sperry and Elizabeth Steinhoff and the late Gerald Steinhoff, all of Evansville.
10 years ago (1998): At the January 19 special meeting of the Evansville Board of Education, residents, board members, and educators exchanged ideas, sometimes in heated tones, about where the district should locate a new building needed to accommodate growth in the student population. Mary Potter of Potter, Lawson Architects, Madison, explained two variations of a plan to place a new building near Fair Street, to the east of the high school, and two variations of a plan to place a new building to the south of the current high school just off South Fifth Street.
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In Review
Last Week of January 1878-1998
140 Years Ago (1868): A petition has been in circulation, the past week, among the taxable inhabitants of the two school districts embraced mostly within this village, to present to the Board of Supervisors, asking for a consolidation of separate interests. The districts as they have been, and now exist, are formed by a line running nearly midway of the village, and at either end are two rookeries, that in common parlance, called school houses. It is a shame that the districts have been suffered to remain in this condition so long as they have, and the move which is being now made to unite them, is entitled to the greatest consideration. We cannot see how any voter, having the good reputation of the place in view, and the social and moral advantages attendant thereto, can for a moment question the propriety of such a move. When the two districts are once united a respectable house can be erected at a point that will accommodate both districts nearly as well as what either do now, and be an honor and an ornament to the place, without drawing heavily upon the tax payers either. The idea that such an arrangement will work an injury to the Seminary is all sophistry. [Note: for more information about the history of Evansville schools see: http://mywebpage.netscape.com/ruthannmontgomer/Public%20School%20History.html
130 Years Ago (1878): Some parties captured a large gray wolf on Mr. D. M. Rowley’s farm, some three miles from town. He was bearing off the trap set for his wolfship by Mr. Tullar.
120 Years Ago (1888): Cooksville: Mr. I. G. Porter has sold the farm he bought of Ed Fellows to the Brunsells, living on the J. K. P. Porter homestead for $7,000.
110 Years Ago (1898): The worst blizzard of the season came Saturday afternoon and night, and everything was buried deep in snow, but the sun shown as bright and clear on Sunday morning as though nothing unusual had occurred, but many were late or unable to attend morning church services from clearing the drifted snow from their doorways and walks.
100 Years Ago (1908): A part of the high school grounds west of the buildings has recently been flooded from the city hydrants for the purpose of providing a suitable place for skating. The ice is now in fine condition and is being greatly enjoyed by the children. It is understood that the water was donated and that one or two of our most prominent citizens were the instigators of the move. It is to be hoped that before the arrival of another winter Lake Leota may be restored and as in days of yore make an ideal place where the younger members of the city may go and enjoy this most healthful of winter sports.
90 Years Ago (1918): The lecture given by Ivan Fay before a large audience at the opera house last Friday evening was very interesting and more than delighted all who heard it. He told in a very entertaining way his experiences as an ambulance drive in the Verdun district in France. Here he served five months and it was in the vicinity of Verdun that some of the heaviest fighting of the entire war has been done. He wore his uniform just as he did while in the service and had on exhibition his gas mask, steel helmet, also shrapnel and splinters of shell that came direct from the battlefields over which he drove an ambulance.
80 Years Ago (1928): Miss Helen Ethyln Cain, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Cain, and Earl Deininger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Deininger, Monticello, were quietly married last Thursday, January 19, in Belvidere, Illinois, with Rev. Mundell officiating. They immediately left for Rockford and Beloit where they spent several days. The couple will make their home in Janesville, where Mr. Deininger is employed.
70 Years Ago (1938): January 1, of this year marked the 21st anniversary of Herb Lee as custodian of Maple Hill cemetery, which is rated as one of the most beautiful, modern, and best kept burial grounds in southern Wisconsin
60 Years Ago (1948): Miss Carol Brunsell was elected president of the Porter 4-H club for the third consecutive term at a meeting of the group held last week Wednesday evening in the Eagle school. Other officers chosen were Calvin Anderson, vice president; Gertrude Fox, secretary; Thomas Anderson, treasurer, and Carol Brunsell, reporter. Committees and project leaders for the coming year are H. S. Raymond, Mrs. Theodore Hatlen, Mrs. Henry Julseth, Mrs. Malcolm Towns, Mrs. Kenneth Peach, and Lloyd Stearns, advisory committee.
50 Years Ago (1958): The Rev. William H. Wyler, who founded the Dakotah School for Boys at Dakota,Ill., and the Wyler School at Evansville, Wis., died at his home in December. He had lived in Dakota since he retired in 1937. An ordained minister now the United Church of Christ, he had served pastorates in Ohio and Nebraska before coming to Illinois. The Wyler School, which he established in the former Evansville Academy, has continued under the same name.
40 Years Ago (1968): The largest group of young people baptized and welcomed to the Evansville Baptist Church recently as new members were Bill Shelby, Keith Stoddard, Kevin Stoddard, Norman Hagen, Robert Miller, Dale Miller, Randy Phillips, Cheryl Phillips, Lorri Rasmussen, Diane Jorgensen, RoxAnn Smith, and Vicky Thompson. All of them previously attended Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and finished a 10 week course in the doctrines of the Bible and Baptist history. Rev. Arne Waldemar is pastor.
30 Years Ago (1978): The 8.5 cents on the dollar that 100 farmers received for $2 million in claims against Farmers Grain Exchange are all the assets that FGX owner Ben Green had for paying creditors, the trustee has advised Federal Bankruptcy Judge Leonard Bessman. The trustee has two lawsuits pending but other than the proceeds that may eventually be recovered in these two actions, the estates have been fully administered, the reports said. The bankruptcy action began Dec. 23, 1974.
20 Years Ago (1988): With two firsts and three seconds, Evansville placed third at the wrestling match held at Albany. Chris Larsh and Mark Zee both placed first; Toby Kelley, John Seig, Shannon Ringhand, placed second; Jerry Delzer, Shane Zautke, third; Greg Sendlebach and Brian Reilly, fourth; and Bill Benash sixth place finish..
10 years ago (1998): Joseph Wollinger, who has been Culinary Arts instructor at Blackhawk Technical College for the past 13 years has been chosen Restaurateur of the Year by the Blackhawk Chapter of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA). The Chapter consists of over 80 member restaurants from south central Wisconsin. In addition to teaching in BTC’s program. Wollinger also runs the Evansville Country Club restaurant. The award is annually presented to a restaurateur who is dedicated to the industry, committed to the profession, and is involved in community activities. Candidates also must have a record of running a successful restaurant.