Time Machine Trip to February 1956

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 Don LaBrec 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 Main Avenue.

We are now in February of 1956.    

·         Thilmany received national safety award

·         Kaukauna Dollar days are going on

·         Hartjes is president of Advancement Association

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

          My Prayer – The Platters

 https://youtu.be/eDlcqhlzDqQ

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.  There are great pictures in this month’s edition. 

Your old news man – Lyle

PS: Add a friend to the Time Machine Trips.

Send me the name and email to hansenlyle5@gmail.com

February 1, 1956

Army Pfc. Wilfred J. Mitchler, 19, is participating in amphibious training with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. A cannoneer in battery eight of the divisions eight infantry artillery Battalion, Mitchler entered the Army in March 1955.  He is a 1954 graduate of Kaukauna High School.

Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company captured high ranks in the 1955 national safety Council contest according to figures released by the firm's industrial relations Department. C. H, Kemp, Safety director at Thilmany, announced the company placed 19th out of 78 entries in this division. 

February 3, 1956

Total of $926 was collected for the 1956 March of Dimes drive carried out Tuesday evening by KHS students.  Total of 92 high school students took part in the drive with the dividing of the 16 teams to cover the number of districts in Kaukauna.

Wednesday snow and icy road conditions led to two accidents late Wednesday according to Kaukauna police. One accident resulted in $100 in damage the other $140 in damage.

Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts tried to pull themselves out of conference cellar as they invade Menasha tonight for their tenth conference start.

February 8, 1956

"A gift of $50,000 to the city of Kaukauna from Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company was unanimously accepted Tuesday evening at the regular meeting of the Kaukauna common Council. “Once again, we can thank Mr. Jennings and the Thilmany Pulp and Paper company for another whole-hearted contribution to the citizens of Kaukauna.” The mayor pointed out that Thilmany Pulp and Paper company pays approximately 1/2 of all city taxes.

Through the first semester five students have maintained a straight “A”. They are Senior, Marie Bohm; Juniors, Janet Oettinger and Ann Teske; Freshman, Patricia Doering and Sally Hertz. 

A cold third quarter, which is rapidly becoming traditional for the Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts basketball squad Friday night gave the Menasha Bluejays their seventh win in conference play by a score of 72-61. Leading the way in the losing cause was Jim Rausch with 18 points and close behind was Ray Vils with 12 and Cal Welch with 11.  

February 10, 1956

Dick Lemke, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ed Lemke is presented with his Eagle Scout award by his parents as Scoutmaster Louis Schultz looks on.   

Webelo scouting awards were presented to eight Cub Scouts. The boys are left to right back row, Jerry Veldman, Ronald Straus, Robert Niesen and Don Straus, in the front row are Greg Tilkens, Jim Jirikowic, Lyle Hansen and Jerome Schaefer.

 

Kaukauna dollar days are in full swing. Semi-annual citywide event got underway yesterday morning and will continue through tomorrow afternoon. Under this sponsorship of the Kaukauna advancement Association, twice a year event has come to mean an opportunity for shoppers to purchase his needs at reduced prices.

February 15, 1956

The Kaukauna Little Ghosts, Thursday evening copped their first win of the 1955–56 season as they edged to a 33-32 win as guests of Wilson Junior high school in Appleton. Gary Vanevenhoven pocketed a free toss in the closing 45 seconds of the match to establish the win margin.

Definite arrangements have been completed this week for the appearance of Keith Head, Kaukauna and Ross Bishop, Sherwood on the forthcoming boxing show card which will be sponsored by the Kaukauna Lions Club according to club president, Guy Krumm.

Kaukauna firemen were summoned twice within a matter of three days since Friday. The first call was to the William Bartels residence route one and the second two Dave Siebers Main Avenue.

The Kaukauna's Galloping Ghost Friday evening showed championship in all departments as they romped over New London by a score of 65-48. Big Jim Rausch collected 36 points and Wayne Paschen swished 15 points to lead the Ghosts. With a 2-9 record Kaukauna is tied with Clintonville for last place in the conference.

February 17, 1956

The Kaukauna Police Department again this week reiterated their warnings to city dog owners to keep their pets under restraint. There have been many complaints recently of dogs running at large. Chief Engerson said that the law on keeping dogs on leashes applies and will be enforced throughout the year.

  

Father Martin Vosbeek, pastor of St. Mary's church, DePere, has been appointed pastor of St. John's parish, Little Chute, it has been announced by most Rev. Stanislaus V. Bona, bishop of Green Bay. Father Vosbeek succeeds Msgr. J. J. Sprangers, who retired in January after 40 years in Little Chute.

Bob Kennedy, former University of Wisconsin All-American guard, has signed a 1956, contract with the Green Bay Packers. Kennedy, a Wisconsin product all the way, was born in Rhinelander where he starred in high school football.

February 22, 1956

The Two Rivers Purple Raiders were no match for the superior Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts Friday night as the Kaws storm to a 52-40 decision at the KHS gym in the final home game of the 1955–56.

February 24, 1956

Dave Hartjes, manager of Hartjes Electric company, was elected president of the Kaukauna Advancement Association at a meeting of the board of directors this week. He had been active in the advancement Association since he came to Kaukauna as a youthful electrical contractor in 1936. He had started in Little Chute in 1933 after he graduated from electrical school in Chicago.

A fire destroyed the Gordon Clothing store at 120 E. 2^nd. Street along with the upstairs apartment Tuesday evening. All members of the family including Mr. and Mrs. Zuehl and four children escaped without injury, but none of their personal effects were saved.

William H. Smith, 52, Kaukauna, was killed in a three-truck collision at the intersection of US 41 and State Highway 47 Tuesday noon.