Time Machine Trip to February 1901

Hello Fellow Time Travelers,

Well it’s time to fire up the old “Time Machine Chair” and travel back in time to February of 1901

For today’s trip Nancy Wallace 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 Southside.

·         The railroad bridge is now complete.     

·         The new library building is a success

·         Rev. Verberk of Little Chute has died

Charlie has left the papers on the chair out front of the Times building. Let’s see what’s in the news this month.

Your old newsman – Lyle Hansen 

February 1, 1901

  

 Doubleheader Train Submitted photo

The new railroad bridge across the governmental canal at the third lock was completed by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company. The structure will stand test today when a double header train will pass over it in safety.

The members of the Women's Christian Temperance Union are under arrest at LaSalle, Ind., for having gone on a saloon smashing crusade. Seven women, armed with small hatchets entered the Harrison Hotel bar and smashed the mirrors and fixtures and destroyed cigar and liquors the damage amounted to $700. Mr. Murphy, the bartender, in attempting to prevent the demolition, received a severe gash on his head from a hatchet in the hands of one of the women. The women are jubilant over their success in wiping out three saloons and promised to smash more at the first opportunity. They claim saloon wrecking is lawful and expect to be released without bail.

The Kaukauna public library was transferred to new rooms in the Central block last Saturday. Today the doors were open to hundreds of appreciative patrons throughout the city. The new rooms are great improvement over the old location, being neat and clean, well-lighted comfortably. 

On Thursday last family circle of Mr. Mrs. Peter Essler was increased by the arrival of baby girl. Mr. Essler informs The Times reporter that this makes a total of 15 children. Twelve children are living and enjoying good health.

An Appleton physician, Dr. M. J. Rodermund, who caused considerable concerns last week by his deliberate exposure of dozens of people to smallpox, and who were subsequently placed in quarantine, with a guard of four officers around his house day and night, escape Saturday night and is still at large.

Rev. Father Antony Joseph Verberk, a retired priest who has during his priesthood been pastor at Freedom, Little Chute, Appleton and other places died on Sunday last in Hollandtown. Rev. Verberk one of the early Holland missionaries had labored earnestly for many years in service. Father Verberk was the last living priest to have seen Rev. Father Van Den Broek who will be remembered brought the Holland settlers of Little Chute across the ocean. The meeting happened during the winter of 1847-48 when Father Van den Broek, after years of missionary work among the Indians in the Fox River Valley, was on a visit to his native country. Father Verberk, at that time attending college, went to see the aged missionary for advice about joining the colony of Hollanders just then preparing to immigrate to America. 

   Father Van Den Broek

February 8, 1901

The usual large stock of fish for the Lenten season is arriving daily at Runte's. Better place your order now for your season's supply.

The city dads met in regular monthly session Tuesday evening and turn out customary cost of business. Amongst the business transacted passage of the resolution prescribing rules for the police officer. Hereafter the city marshal will be expected to be on duty from 6 AM to 6 PM and shall divide his time equally between the two sides of the river not remaining in one place for more than 15 minutes unless duty demands.

Cornelius Bruin on this city, is the owner of a book that was printed in 1690 and which he offers for sale. It is printed in three languages Spanish, French and Holland and is bound in pigskin. It is a religious work and looks as if it has never received rough usage. It has been in Mr. Bruin’s family ever since it was printed.

February 15, 1901

The Kimberly & Clark Company at Kimberly was damaged by fire Wednesday night to an estimated amount at between $300,000 and $400,000. Three to four large machine rooms, including the finishing department, is a mass of smoldering debris. Chief E. L. Anderson of the Appleton fire department, who led the fighters of three cities in the battle against the raging flames, lost his life at the fire, after it was about under control.

A couple weeks ago in chronicling the rival new baby at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Essler made The Times award the big family medal of this community to them with 15 children. They are informed this week however that Peter will have to step down as the head of the class and give the title to George Kromer, of the Southside who owes him two better. On February 7 Mrs. Kromer gave birth to another baby girl, making a total of 17 of which Mr. Kromer is the father.

Unknown parties broke into Hotel Brothers and cleaned out one of the slot machines of $15 or $20, all in nickels

The biggest waterpower deal in recent history of the Fox River Valley was consummated on February 1st by the delivery of deeds which transfers to the Green Bay and Mississippi canal Company practically all the interest in the power canal in Kaukauna and elsewhere on the Fox River. The figures in the deal are large and although not made public supposed to be upwards of $100,000.

February 22, 1901

A few weeks ago Peter Essler the family of 15 thought to be entitled to the big family medal. He held for one week when George Kromer came forward and contested on the grounds that he was the father of 17 children. Now comes a record breaker and puts them all to shame. Michael Gilson, the blacksmith at A. E. Pardon’s shop on Crooks Avenue, is the father of 21 children, 13 of whom are living and range in age from 36 to 6 years.

Each of the members of the Kaukauna fire Department who served at the Kimberly mill fire last week, received a $10 check from the Kimberly-Clark company as a reward for their aid. It is a graceful act for the company and certainly most acceptable.