Time Machine Trip to December 1945

Hello Fellow Time Travelers,

It’s that time again to fire up the old “Time Machine Chair” and make trip back to December 1945.

The big wheel is spinning Betty Mereness is taking her place in the driver’s seat. The years are clicking back and in no time we are back to Kaukauna’s south side.  We are out front of the Kaukauna Times on Main Street.     

• Kaukauna high school basketball team wins first game of season    

• Christmas shoppers crowd Kaukauna stores

• Kaukauna pilot presumed dead in Germany

• Mayor Nelson stepping down

The hit parade song of the month.

https://youtu.be/cmBKHSZ1pcU

On The Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe – Johnny Mercer

Carl Hansen, the publisher, has left the newspapers for us by the front door of the Kaukauna Times. Let’s see what’s in the news this month.

 

Your old news man – Lyle Hansen

PS:  You can now receive the Time Machine Trips on line from my Blog.

Go to “Google” and sign into at “Kaukaunatimemachine”.

You will then receive email notice of each Time Machine Trip.

December 5, 1945

The senior class again leads the honor roll at the close of the second six weeks.

9 seniors have straight A’s

2 juniors have straight A’s

1 sophomore had Straight A’s

3 freshman have straight A’s

Donald C. Kobs was honorably discharged at Camp McCoy, Nov. 17. The former staff sergeant served 50 months in the Armed Forces, 37 of which were spent overseas. He was awarded the following decorations: Asiatic Pacific theater ribbon with two battle stars, Philippines liberation ribbon with one bronze star, American defense ribbon, good conduct medal, victory medal, combat infantry badge combat, expert infantry badge and the bronze arrowhead.

    Robert Kobs has been recently promoted to Seaman first-class and is stationed on a patrol craft somewhere in the South Pacific.

    Anthony J. Wyngaard received his honorable discharge November 27 at Great Lakes separation center.

    Lieut. James McFadden has been released from active duty from the naval service after serving two years and four months. He participated in naval actions in the Italian campaigns.

    EM 2/c Norbert W. Kobs was honorably discharged from the Navy November 29 at the Great Lakes separation center.

The November report of the total amount victory bonds and stamps purchased in the public schools of Kaukauna is as follows: high school $349.40 in stamps and $859.35 in bonds. Park school students purchased $377.20 in bonds and stamps and Nicolet school children invested $128.40.

Master Sgt. Orville W. Yingling is currently serving with the 48th evacuation company Calcutta, India and is busy engaged in the task of preparing soldiers for immediate return to the United States. Troops arrived by plane or train from all over India, Burma and China. The first step is to give them a hot meal and assigned them to billets. Men receive an influenza shot and may draw partial or full pay.

Donald F. Reichelt, Connors gunners mate third class USNR was on the destroyer escort USS Gendreau as she participated in the occupation of Japan. The ship is expected to arrive in San Francisco this week. 

Platoon Sgt. Theodore Hermans has been honorably discharged from the Marines. He enlisted July 1940.

Technician fifth grade Albert Hermans was honorably discharged November 10 from the Army. He entered the Army July of 1941 and left for overseas April 1944. He was awarded the American defense ribbon, victory ribbon, American campaign medal, good conduct medal, European African-Middle-Eastern theater ribbon with one Silver Star and one bronze arrowhead, combat infantry badge and glider badge.

Platoon Sgt. Theodore Hermans has been honorably discharged from the Marines. He enlisted July 1940.

Coach Guy Krumm's Kaukauna high school cagers made it five wins in a row over non-league opponents. At Appleton high school Friday night, they won by a score of 25 to 23.  It was Chuck Kalista and Ken Dexheimer who paced the Kaws in their fifth straight win. 

December 7, 1945

Brothers Inducted 3 years ago discharged the Same Day  

First Sgt. Mark A. Nagan is back at his job at Haas Hardware after serving three years in the Army in which he served 27 months in the European area. Nagan went overseas with the original 101st Airborne Division and was later transferred to the 82nd division which he served in over two years. Nagan was discharged November 19 at Camp McCoy. His decorations include the European theater ribbon with four battle stars, the bronze arrowhead, the combat infantry badge, glider wings with two combat mission stars, victory ribbon, American theater ribbon, good conduct medal, Army of occupation ribbon and three awards from foreign governments of France, Holland, and Belgium.

Technical Sgt. Eugene Nagan was honorably discharged November 19 at camp McCoy and returned to his former work at Kaukauna machine Corporation. He entered the Army December 1942 and served overseas from October 1944 to September 1945. He was assigned to the 14th armored division and later with the 45th infantry division. He wears the European theater ribbon with two battle stars, the good conduct medal, American defense ribbon and a victory ribbon.

Private Claude S. Smith is on his way home aboard the USS Kallian Bay, one of more than 250 cruisers, battleships and carriers of the Navy's famous “magic carpet fleet”. The ships left Pearl Harbor November 27 for San Diego, Calif.

Fire Chief Henry Esler appeared before the common Council Tuesday with a request that two additional firemen be added to his present crew giving him one additional man for each shift.

Lt. Col. Ray Dohr was guest speaker at the Kaukauna Rotary Club Wednesday meeting at the Ritz Club. “The United States is now the leader nation of the world. It must be kept powerful so that it can lead this world in a lasting peace.” Dohr was in service five years and has now returned to Appleton to his law practice.

The regular Army, which offers travel, adventure, vocational training and security, now is open to enlistment ages 18 to 34 years of age. Enlistees can choose their branch of service as well as the theater in which they prefer duty.

December 12, 1945

Tech. fifth grade Paul Kersten received an honorable discharge from the Army after serving three years. He served in Europe in the 168^th combat engineer battalion. He was awarded American medal, good conduct badge, European-African-Mid-eastern theater ribbon with a Silver Star.

BM 2/c Oliver Wheaton received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy.

Howard J. Patterson was honorably discharged after serving 3 years in the Air Corps

M2/c Stanley a. Kramer was honorably discharged from the Navy.

CCM Edward Renn was honorably discharged from the Navy.

CMM Richard S. Coenen received an honorable discharge from the Navy.

Clyde J. Smith received an honorable discharge from the Army.

Staff Sgt. James M. Strick received his honorable discharge from the Army.

   T/4 Donald McCormick received an honorable discharge from the Army.

   Private Francis Alears was honorably discharged from the Army.

Sgt. John J. Flanagan returned home Sunday after serving three years in the Army as a surgical technician. He has been awarded the victory medal, American theater ribbon, and European African Middle Eastern theater ribbon with four bronze stars, good conduct medal and the meritorious unit award. 

Seaman second class Francis Yingling is spending a nine-day leave with his parents after completing boot camp at Great Lakes. Yingling graduated from Kaukauna high school last June.

Leo J. Merlo was re-elected chairman of the Eastern district of the Valley Council Boy Scouts of America. The East district is composed of Boy Scouts from Kaukauna, Little Chute, Kimberly and Brillion.

First Lieut. C. J. Casper return to his base in Topeka Kansas after spending 10 days here with his family.

Glenn Lappen, Main Avenue, enlisted in the Navy and arrived in San Diego California December 1. Lappen graduated with the class of 1945. 

With Lehman dropping in 18 points, Coach Guy Krumm's Kaukauna high school basketball opened its northeastern Wisconsin conference schedule with a 35 the 26 win over Clintonville last Friday. It was the six straight win for Kaukauna.

December 14, 1945

Three Kaukauna youths escape serious injury Wednesday when their car crashed into a parked auto on County Trunk V near Kimberly and tumbled down an embankment. In the car were Richard Kiffe, Len Rohan and Roy Lindstrom.

Seaman first-class Carl Nieuwenhuis and his wife arrived Saturday and is spending a 30-day leave with his parents on Klein Street. He enlisted in the Navy August 1943 and served 18 months in the South Pacific. He now wears the American campaign ribbon, victory ribbon and the Asian Pacific ribbon with two battle stars.

Maj. John A. Sullivan, fighter pilot and squadron commander of the eighth air force in England, is now presumed dead by the war Department having been missing in action for a year, according to word received by his family. Memorial mass will be held this morning at 9 o'clock at holy Cross Catholic Church. On December 5, 1944, Major Sullivan was forced down over the North Sea on a return trip from a mission to Berlin Germany. He entered service December 1940 and was assigned as a fighter pilot on a P38. 

December 19, 1945

Pfc. Peter Schneider received an honorable discharge from the Army after serving 27 months in the European theater of operations. He served with the 101st Airborne Division which was the first group into Hitler’s stronghold. He took part in capturing Goering’s special train with his stolen loot of famous paintings, gold and silver. The paintings were put on exhibition and he was one of the soldiers who guarded the loot. He was awarded the EOT ribbon with four battle stars, the bronze arrowhead, the good conduct medal, the bronze star, the combat infantry badge, presidential unit citation, victory medal and glider wings.

Petty Officer third class Donald R Yingling, Desnoyer Street, was honorably discharged from the Navy. He served 3 1/2 years in the Navy. His decorations include the European African Middle Eastern theater ribbon with one bronze star, the American theater ribbon, good conduct ribbon and a victory ribbon.

Lieut. Robert U. Hagman was honorably discharged from the Navy.

Lowell W. Garvey was honorably discharged from the Army.

GM 3/c Jerome J. Truyman received an honorable discharge from the Navy.

Herman Arndt, 57, lower Cliff, was burnt to death about 8 o'clock Monday morning when he apparently fell into the lime kiln pit at High Cliff. An inquest into the death will be held Monday in Calumet County. Arndt was working on the top of the kiln running a cart which dumps limestone into the kiln. He had been employed at the kiln since he was 14 years old.

It was a pair of high-scoring guards that lead Kaukauna high school to its seven Straight cage wins of the season here Friday night over the New London Bulldogs by a score of 50 to 37. Dexheimer and Haas scored 28 points between them.

December 21, 1945

The ownership of Nagan’s store has passed out of the Nagan family with Harry Leeman of Michigan as the new proprietor. It was nearly 55 years ago when the Nagan family moved to Kaukauna from Port Washington. The first Nagan store was open in what is now Haas hardware appliance showroom. In 1894 a new building was erected on the site of the present store. Four years later it was completely destroyed by fire and in 1898 the present building was erected.   

All city employees, except the Mayor and the members of the Council will receive pay raises, the Council decided at its Tuesday evening meeting. The Council voted to give the city Treas. a salary of $1200 per year, instead of his former $880 salary. This is the largest increase approved. 

Shoppers have crowded Kaukauna stores in unprecedented numbers this week and it is expected that the demand for merchandise that will make suitable Christmas gifts will continue to increase on the remaining three shopping days. Because of the extreme cold weather conditions, the installing of Christmas lighting system in the city has not been completed.

Santa is coming to Kaukauna Saturday afternoon to visit with 2000 kiddies who are expected to pack the civic auditorium. Anton Berkers will be the master of ceremonies.

December 24, 1945

Don Kuehl’s free throw with about 15 seconds to play in overtime period gave Kaukauna high school a 30 to 29 win over Shawano high school and undisputed possession of first place. Kaukauna is the only undefeated team in the Western division of northern Wisconsin.  It was the eighth straight win for Coach Guy Krumm’s outfit.

First Sgt. Francis J. Landreman received an honorable discharge at Camp McCoy. He had entered service in April 1942 and spent seven months in Panama assigned to the 2010th maintenance company before being assigned to the South Pacific. Landreman was awarded the good conduct medal, American theater ribbon, Asiatic Pacific ribbon with two battle stars and the Philippine liberation ribbon. 

Three Kaukauna men receive honorable discharges from the Navy:

Boatswain mate second class Gordon L. Hennes.

Seaman first-class Mark M. Nichols

Lieut. Robert R. Helf   

Two brothers are discharged and a third is in the Philippines. Earl Ludtke, who is serving in the Philippines, was recently promoted from Seaman first-class the gunners mate third class.  He has been overseas about two years.

Pfc. Otto Ludtke was honorably discharged from the Army after serving three years and nine months in the European theater.

Staff Sgt. Lester Ludtke was honorably discharged last month. He was in service for three years seven months and served in the European theater of operations.

Holy Cross scored a 49 to 27 win over St. Mary's Saturday to take over first place in the grade school league. Pat Lehman and Richard Giordana led Holy Cross in its third straight victory.

December 28, 1945

Sgt. Karl Kobussen a veteran of 28 months in service in the Pacific theater is returning to United States as the units are being demobilized. 

Seaman first-class Lawrence McMahon arrived home to spend a 36-day leave with his father on Kenneth Avenue. He had entered service in November 1942 and was stationed in the North Atlantic.  Including among his decorations are the American theater ribbon, Asiatic Pacific ribbon, European theater ribbon, Philippine liberation ribbon and the victory medal.

Master Sgt. Lewis Vanevenhoven received an honorable discharge at camp McCoy after serving in the Army for 4 1/2 years 14 months being in the South Pacific.

Staff Sgt. Donald J. Promer and his wife Sgt. Marjorie E Promer both received honorable discharges from the Army recently. Donald had been in service for three years and 10 months. He wears the European Middle Eastern theater ribbon with three battle stars and the combat infantry badge. Sgt. Marjorie Promer was a basic training instructor at the first Wac Training Ctr., Fort Des Moines. 

Mayor L. F. Nelson, who has served the city as mayor for seven years announced Wednesday at the special council meeting he would not be a candidate for re-election in April. Mayor Nelson stated he believed he had served enough and his present capacity and was time for a younger man to take over the responsibility.

Papyrus - 1945

Seaman MM 2/c Kenneth Balgie returned to the states from the Philippines and was discharged on December 21 after spending 26 months 13 of which were overseas. Seaman Balgie played in an orchestra and took part in stage shows to entertain servicemen. He was awarded the Philippine campaign ribbon with one star, the Asian-Pacific ribbon with one star, the American defense ribbon and the victory medal.

MOMM 2/c Roland Grode received an honorable discharge from the Navy.

Sgt. Norbert M. Jansen, Little Chute, was honorably discharged after having served three years in the Army. He was stationed in the European theater of operations for the past 16 months. He was awarded the EOT with four battle stars, the good conduct medal, American theater ribbon and the victory medal.

Master Sgt. Lewis Vanevenhoven received an honorable discharge at camp McCoy at the serving in the Army for 4 1/2 years 14 months being in the South Pacific.

W. Arthur Tennessen was honorably discharged at Fort Sheridan after serving three years, seven months in the Army. He was awarded the victory medal, American theater ribbon, and the European African Middle Eastern ribbon with three battle stars, the good conduct ribbon and the meritorious unit award.

At a special meeting of the common Council Wednesday evening the councilmen voted unanimously to make application to the federal housing administration for 50 prefabricated houses to be erected in the city and offered for sale to returning service men. It was the hope of the city officials that this might alleviate the housing shortage in Kaukauna. 

Time Machine Trip to December 1959

Hello Fellow Time Travelers,

It’s that time again to fire up the old “Time Machine Chair” and make a trip back in time.

Today Betsy Newhouse is sitting in the driver’s seat. The big wheel is spinning and the years are clicking back. In no time we are back to Kaukauna’s south side.  We are out front of the Kaukauna Times on the corner of Third Street and Main.

We are now in December of 1959.    

·         Harry Wilson named Football coach at KHS

·         Long time merchant S.J. Berens dies

·         Youth dies in accident at quarry

For the music lovers the top song on the Hit Parade this month is:

Heartaches by the Number – Guy Mitchell

https://youtu.be/fmRjgWW8yn0

         

Carl Hansen, the publisher, has left the newspapers for us by the front door of The Kaukauna Times. Let’s see what’s in the newspapers this month.   

Your old news man – Lyle

PS:  Merry Christmas to all you “Time Travelers”

December 2, 1959

Both Little Chute and Kimberly recently announced record-setting budgets for 1960. The village of Little Chute’s budget is set at $666,134 which will increase rates one dollar per thousand. The village of Kimberly's budget is $230,634 which will boost rates three dollars per thousand.

The Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts cagers Wednesday night had little trouble in disposing of their non-conference foe, Sheboygan North as they took the initiative almost immediately after the first jump ball and were never led on a road to a 68-47 decision. 

December 4, 1959

The worst weather in years sent attendance at high school football games this fall into a tailspin, according to a survey conducted. For every two games which reported increased gates there were three more which suffered decreases in their attendance during the 1959 campaign the survey showed. Many games were played in the rain and a number of games were played in snow while still others were postponed or canceled. 

Joseph W. Verstegen, 81, Little Chute, former businessman, village board trustee and chief of police, died Sunday after a short illness.  He was born October 3, 1878 in Little Chute and was the last member of the original Verstegen family which first settled in the village.

The Kaukauna Galloping Ghost Tuesday night made it three in a row as they swept a 66-32 win over the Fond du Lac Cardinals in a rough-and-tumble affair, which at times resembled a football rather than a basketball game. A total of 46 fouls were committed as two members of the host team and three members of Kaukauna roster fouling out before the final buzzer. Again Leroy Weyenberg was the high score for the Ghosts registering 31 points while Bill Borcherdt was again the number two boy with 22 points.

December 9, 1959

Ray Morgan, proprietor of Morgan Printing in Kaukauna, was elected president of the Fox Valley golf club at the Board of Directors meeting Monday night at the Elks club. VP for the season will be Les Forde, manager of industrial relations at Giddings and Lewis Machine Tool Company Kaukauna division.

The Kaukauna Galloping Ghost found the New London Bulldogs a bit rougher than anticipated Friday night but still managed to outscore their hosts in a 55-46 decision.

December 11, 1959

Head baseball coach, Harry Wilson, was named head football coach by the Kaukauna board of education at their regular meeting Tuesday night. He replaces Fred Barribeau, who resigned following the 1959 grid season.

December 16, 1959

Funeral services were held Tuesday for S. J. Berens a clothier here for more than 50 years. He came to Kaukauna at the age of two in 1889. He served with the American forces in France in World War I and spent the rest of his life in this city. As a young man he entered the clothing business in the employment of W. S. Mulford, who owned the store on 2nd St. Berens later managed the store for many years and then purchased it.

The Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company announced to its employees recently that the company contributed to the cooperative savings plan for Thilco employees in 1959 was increased to 50 cents for each dollar saved by those participating in the plan. Under the plan all the local employees with a year or more service are eligible to participate. They may save up to 5% of their pay through payroll deductions. 

The Kimberly Papermakers Friday night proved that they had quite a bit of talent as they copped a 55-36 decision over the Galloping Ghosts at the KHS gym. Probably the two main factors in the loss where that the Papermakers managed to keep Kaukauna's top scorer Leroy Weyenberg in check with a “triple-team” type of defense and Kaukauna shot very poorly from the floor and at the free throw line.

December 18, 1959

Traffic accidents took an average of more than 100 lives a day in 1958, according to the National Safety Council. The deadliest day of fatal accidents was Saturday. Sunday was the next most dangerous day. November traffic accidents in the state killed 77 persons, bringing Wisconsin road death toll for this year to 752 the Motor Vehicle Department reports. 35 Wisconsin counties now have worse records this year than last and 30 show improvement. In Outagamie County 21 were killed in the first 11 months of 1959 as compared to 16 in 1958 for the same period.

December 22, 1959

Donald Biese, 9, Florence Street, was killed at about 10:15 AM Sunday, when a large boulder toppled on him as he and his brother James, 10 were on a rock hunting expedition at the Murphy quarry near Augustine Street according to a report by the Kaukauna Police Department. James told police that Donald had kicked the small rock which was balancing a larger rock out of the way and the large rock rolled on to his chest. “He told me he couldn't breathe and I couldn't move it so I ran home to tell my mother what happened.” 

 

December 24, 1959

Quick action by two alert Kaukauna police officers early on Tuesday morning halted an attempted burglary of the Nack Service Station located on Highway 41, according to a report by the Kaukauna police. While patrolling the area police officers Gerald W. Lopaz and James A. Egan noticed the front door glass at the station was broken and saw a man seated in a car near the station. One officer confronted the man in the car while the other confronted the man inside the station.

The Kaukauna galloping ghost had absolutely no trouble in defeating Neenah rockets 72-61 for the third consecutive victory in four starts. Despite the fact that Neenah had superior man to man size Kaukauna succeeded in controlling both boards throughout the game. Head coach Gerald Hopfensperger cleared his bench in the final few minutes of the game. Leroy Weyenberg tied a single-game scoring record set in 1955 by Jim Otte of 38 points. 

Lindy Kemp fired over 197 single and Tom Ashauer with a 334 series lead the bowlers at the Tuesday Nite Teenage Recreation League on December 22 at Verbeten’s bowling alley. 

Time Machine trip to December 1910

Hello Fellow Time Travelers,

Well it’s time to fire up the old “Time Machine Chair” and travel back in time to December of 1910.

For today’s trip Bernard Hupperts will be sitting in the front seat operating the Time Machine.  The big wheel is spinning, the years are clicking back and in no time we are back on East Second Street on Kaukauna’s South side.

• 14 football players died and 40 injured this year.  
• Thilmany has purchased the flats  
• City purchases the Kaukauna Electric Light Company.

Charlie has left the papers on the chair out front of the Times building.

Charles E. Raught - Editor & Publisher

Let’s see what’s in the news this month.

Your old newsman - Lyle Hansen

December 2, 1910

Operations were commenced Monday tearing out parts of the Kaukauna Fibre plant to rebuild portions of the interior and to build an entire new chip bin which is located at the top of the building. One side of the pulp mill was found in an unsafe condition and this will be replaced by new work.

December 9, 1910

Owing to the forest fires that swept many portions of northern Wisconsin last summer, Christmas trees this year will be pretty scarce. There will be few desirable trees on the market this holiday season for less than forty or fifty cents each.

The Buboltz farm containing 120 acres located 1 ½ miles north of Sherwood has sold to Henry Kasten for $11,500.

December 16, 1910

According to the Chicago Tribune which has been keeping tab on football casualties, a total of fourteen dead and forty seriously injured was the price paid for football by its followers during the season just closed.

John G. Fechter, the hustling merchant of the White Front on Wisconsin avenue, who is always a firm believer in progressiveness and up-to-date business methods, has set the pace for local merchants by installing electric arch lights in front of his store to brighten and enliven the avenue for the holiday season.

December 23, 1910

For the first time in over eight months the mills on the Fox River received word last Friday afternoon that until further notice they would be permitted to use the full flowage of the river or 100 percent. With permission to use the full flow of the river the mills will be able to run full force and will save hundreds of tons of coal a day.

The contract for the building of a dam in Combined Locks was awarded to O’Keefe Orbison Engineering Company. Work will begin as soon as the ice clears in spring. The cost of construction is estimated between $90,000 and $100,000. The new dam will replace the wood and stone structure now in place. The dam will provide seven steel gates to control flow of water. 

December 30, 1910

The Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company has purchased the Grignon flats and will erect a new $250,000 pulp mill in the very near future. The Thilmany Company now owns the land on both sides of the government canal, which indicates the great growth this company is experiencing at present. Construction of the new plant will commence within a few weeks.

Cutting Ice on Lake Winnebago - 1910

Peter Renn, the ice man, began cutting and delivering new ice from the government stone quarry this week. The new congealed aqua squares are about ten inches thick.

By almost a unanimous vote, the citizens of Kaukauna decided Tuesday to purchase the local plant of the Kaukauna Gas, Electric Light and Power Company and convert it into one of municipal ownership. The question of the purchase of the plant was submitted to a vote of the people at a special election held for that purpose, and the result came to be 552 for and 52 against the purchase.

  

The Fox Club

Time Machine Trip to December 1958

Hello Fellow Time Travelers,

It’s that time again to fire up the old “Time Machine Chair” and make a trip back in time.

Today Barb Langman is sitting in the driver’s seat. The big wheel is spinning and the years are clicking back. In no time we are back to Kaukauna’s south side.  We are out front of the Kaukauna Times on the corner of Third Street and Main.

We are now in December of 1958.    

·         Six young children die in Kaukauna house fire.

·         Bomb threat closes high school.

·         Weyer’s Implement torn down

For the music lovers, the top song on the Hit Parade this month is:

Tom Dooley – The Kingston Trio

 Carl Hansen, the publisher, has left the newspapers for us by the front door of the Kaukauna Times. Let’s see what’s in the news this month. 

Your old news man – Lyle

PS: Lyle’s Laughs - The weather man says “Expect lots of sunshine during the daytime tomorrow” - - I guess that means night will be dark again.

December 3, 1958

Arliss French, former manager of the Red Owl store here, left Tuesday for Mars, following his big “Trip to Mars” contest in the supermarket he manages in Appleton. French departed by plane but since the planet Mars is difficult to reach this time of the year the trip will be to Mars, Germany, a town of 78 persons. French got the idea when he saw a highway sign: Free trip to Mars for 900 empty jars of Burma Shave. He advertised and collected the 900 jars needed.

Kaukauna recreation director James Gerrits this week announced under all probabilities, at least three ice rinks will be flooded about December 18 so that the youngsters will have the recreation access available throughout the Christmas holidays. One of the ice rinks will be located between 10th and 11th St., west of crooks Avenue. Another adjacent to the tennis courts on the library grounds on the island and a third rank is still in question. 

December 5, 1958

The Post office didn’t need the Army to deliver all the many parcels this Christmas season but they used the army light truck as well as several extra helpers. George Vanden Hogan of Little Chute is one the extra helpers on the corner of Third Street and Main Ave.

Kaukauna’s Mayor, Joseph Bayorgeon, has been honored by appointment as chairman of the utility committee of the Wisconsin league of municipalities. Kaukauna has gained a great deal of statewide recognition and praise for its consistently low rates for power and water which also accounts for the nickname given to Kaukauna “The Electric City”. At present the utility rates in Kaukauna is lower than any other city in the state. 

The St. Mary's grade school cagers will be playing their second Catholic conference game Sunday at 2 PM as the entertain the precious blood parochial school of the London at the St. Mary's gymnasium. The St. Mary's squad is piloted by coach Bill Knapp.

A building permit for the construction of a new $30,000 addition to the foundry of the Roloff manufacturing company was issued December 1 in the office of the city engineer. 

December 10, 1958

Thomas Verhagen, student at KHS is the Junior class Pres. this year. Besides being the Junior class Pres., Tom participates in various school activities. He is the treasurer of the Latin club, is on the debate team and is in forensics and B.A.A. “My future plans,” Tom said, “are to go to college in business administration so I can own a store. I am considering the field of mathematics too.”

KHS students are invited to a dance at the record hop to be held Saturday night at the youth center. admission will be $.10 per person.

Carol Niesen was chosen as the safe- driver for November by the local police department and is the first student selected in the ‘58- ‘59 term at KHS. Carol was picked for the award as she was riding through town on her way home. Police chief Harold Engerson, watched her driving, reported her as an excellent candidate for the award.

Keith Roberts, 16, Kaukauna, sustained a fractured left thigh in a one car accident Friday afternoon. The auto in which he was driving at the time of the accident was severely damaged. Roberts was driving north on Crooks Avenue when he apparently lost control of his car, jumped a curb, ran across the driveway, travel some distance before striking the corner of a home. He was transported to Kaukauna community hospital by the city ambulance.

December 12, 1958

Kaukauna high school students received an unexpected half-day holiday on Wednesday morning, when an anonymous call was received at the police station shortly before classes were to start, stating that a bomb had been placed at in the building. When the school was notified superintendent of schools T. H. Boebel immediately cleared the building of all students and teachers as did D. J. Bordini, director of Kaukauna Vocational School.

December 17, 1958

Kaukauna children this Saturday will be the guest of Kaukauna Chamber of Commerce and the managers of the Rialto and Vaudette theaters as the annual pre-Christmas theater party for the young fry is held.  There will be two showings at each theater according to the theater managers, Clayton Van Dyke and Walter Holt.

Featuring Tony Bettenhausen, a veteran of the Indianapolis 500-mile race, the Teenage Safety Council in Kaukauna will offer a special program for the Kau-Hi students on January 7

One of the oldest landmarks of Kaukauna’s south side passed into history this fall when the former Weyer’s Implement building on Dodge Street was torn down. The site was purchased by the Farmers and Merchants bank.

December 19, 1958

Thus far in the month of December, the Kaukauna fire Department is answered eight calls, twice the number received during the entire month of November, according to figures released by fire chief William Haupt.

Army Pfc. Ronald J. Weyers, Kaukauna, recently participated in a tactical training parachute jump with them 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The 19-year-old soldier is a 1956 graduate of Freedom High School.

George E. Greenwood was promoted to the rank of captain in the Army reserve Tuesday evening. Capt. Greenwood is a company commander of the 84th division quartermaster Corps stationed at the Menasha Army reserve center.

December 24, 1958

A defective cord on a lamp table has been singled out as the cause of a fire that took the lives of the six little children of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Weyenberg early Sunday morning according to a statement made by Kaukauna Fire Chief William Haupt. Mrs. Weinberg stated she had turned on the lamp in the living room Sunday morning before leaving the house to attend mass with her husband.

A Mass of Angels was sung at Holy Cross Catholic Church this morning at 10 o'clock in final services for the six children who perished in a fire that swept their home early Sunday. Dead are Lynn, 7; Douglas, 6; Margaret, 5; John, 3; Barbara, 2 ½; and Michael. 1 ½. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery. Boys from Holy Cross school served as pallbearers a large crowd of mourners and friends attended the service at the church and cemetery.