Time Machine Trip to April 1887

Hello Fellow Time Travelers,

Well it’s time to fire up the old “Time Machine Chair” and travel back in time to April of 1887.

For today’s trip Bud Nelson 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 Wisconsin Avenue on Kaukauna’s Northside.

 

• Rev. Fr. Verbeck is safe after ruffians enter his home in Little Chute. 
• Thousands of brook trout are planted in the Fox River. Great fishing is to come. 
• Mr. Peter Reuter was elected as the new mayor of Kaukauna.

 

Charles Raught

 Times owner, has left the newspapers on the chair out front.

  

Your old newsman - Lyle 

PS: If April showers bring May flowers. What do Mayflowers bring?

“Pilgrims”  

To become a passenger on the Time Machine send me your email.

hansenlyle5@gmail.com 

April 1, 1887

Ten thousand brook trout were planted in the river last Saturday. If the big fish in the river don't eat them before they become large enough to protect themselves, this will in all probability become a popular game fish.

The amount of county school tax for Kaukauna is $1240.00.

John Hammen, of Little Chute, who has been working in the woods at Iron River this winter, was compiled to return home last week on account of a dislocated shoulder. He says the camps are breaking up and many of the “boys” are coming home.

Gabriel Peterson, of Deerfield, who was charged with an assault upon a little girl at Deerfield, with intent to commit rape, pleaded guilty and was fined $50 and costs, amounting to about $150. 

Josiah Betz, of La Crosse, has been arrested and charged with having three wives. His father alleges that he has had six wives in twelve years.   

April 8, 1887

Mayor Peter Reuter

In this city's third municipal election, Kaukauna obtained a new mayor. Mr. Peter Reuter was elected to that post without opposition, which is certainly complimentary to him, and shows the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens, and the confidence they show in his ability to serve as mayor.

The Connecticut Senate passed the 10 hours work law for women and children. It is the same as the Massachusetts law.

The election of R. Conlon and M. H. Mulloy as city marshals meets with the approval of all good citizens.  Conlon received every vote in the council and Mulloy 9 out of the 10.

Two masked ruffians entered the residence of Rev. Fr. Verbeck, at Little Chute Friday night. They entered the sleeping room of the servant girl who screamed for help. The marauders then went to the priest’s room but were met by the reverend gentleman who had been aroused by the screams. The priest attempted to use a revolver on the intruders but without effect due to some defect in the weapon. A shot fired by one of the burglars lodged in the wall passing but an inch above the priests’ head. The alarm was given and the robbers made their escape in the confusion failing to secure any booty.

April 15, 1887

A cordial invitation is extended to the people of Kaukauna to call at August Mill's south side store, corner of 4th Avenue and 3rd Street, where has just been received a very large and complete stock of straw hats.

A curious suit has been begun against an estate in a Milwaukee court. Four men who acted as pallbearers at the funeral have sued for compensation in the amount of $1.50 each for their service

118 applications for certificates for teachers in the county were examined in Appleton last week, only twelve persons were successful in passing examinations entitling them to teach up to third grade. Such a record as this was never known in this county before and indicates that a higher grade of scholarship must be obtained before a certificate is granted in the future. 

April 22, 1887

Military units at Fort Sully, Dakota Territory, received orders yesterday to proceed at once to Winnebago and Crow Creek Reservations and drive settlers from these lands. The orders are strict calling for the destruction of property and if necessary the use of guns. The land was thrown open by the Arthur administration in February of 1884 and thousands of settlers rushed in and made claims. President Cleveland has reversed the Arthur proclamation and now the settlers are forced to leave.

Henry Seegbush, 12 years of age, died suddenly in the classroom at the First District School in the town of Milwaukee, on the 14^th, while being punished by his teacher, George Werner.

April 29, 1887

The wrecks of the two locomotives which collided near Scot Station last week arrived at the repair shops in this city on Wednesday morning. They were "hard looking" machines.

There has recently been a large increase in the number of mechanics employed at the railroad shops. This increase creates a great demand for dwelling houses and rents are high and tenement houses scarce. It is impossible to find a vacant dwelling in South Kaukauna.

A New York man who attended a game of baseball nearly met his death by a stray ball caroming on his head. He sued for $10,000 damages, but the court decided that people who attend baseball games must take their chances.