Time Machine Trip to January 1948

January 7, 1948

Kaukauna’s first television set went into operation on the last day of 1947 at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Alois Bachhuber West Wisconsin avenue. The first program originating in Milwaukee, was tuned in Wednesday afternoon. It was a demonstration of archery from long bows.

More than 750 persons lost their lives in Wisconsin traffic mishaps during 1947 topping the total killed in 1946 of 723.

Pfc. Edwin Seifert is serving with the famed first cavalry division of the eighth army in Tokyo, Japan.

January 9, 1948

Kaukauna taxpayers this year can feel themselves lucky in having to pay but a small raise of $1 per $1,000 of assessed valuation over the last year. Most cities were increased $3 to $8 per $1,000.

Everyone agreed that it was a shame to pass up such a good bargain, but nobody was willing to submit a bid when the Electric City Brewery was put up for auction last Tuesday. There were plenty of business men and out of town visitors huddled together but all remained silent when auctioneer George Greenwood called for opening bids. Most of the machinery was installed in 1934 when Dick Oudenhoven and Arthur Jones bought the business from John and Jacob Regenfuss, who had operated the since 1909 when they purchased it from Peter Helf, original owner.

In observation with the statewide festivities of the 100^th birthday celebration, Mayor Bayorgeon announced appointment of a five-man Kaukauna centennial committee.  The team consists of Lewis F. Nelson, former mayor as chairman with alderman Ray DeBruin, Walter P. Hagman principal of the Outagamie Teachers college, C. J. Hansen, publisher of the Kaukauna Times newspaper, and Mrs. Bertha Hamilton, member of the library board.

January 14, 1948

Kaukauna’s winning streak in the N. E. W. Conference was extended to four games Friday night when the Galloping Ghosts defeated the Shawano Indians, 32-25 at the Kaukauna Gymnasium. Head coach Asher Shorey charges showed improved shooting at the foul line hitting 12 of 19. Cliff Hinkens with 12 points and Don Lemke’s rebounding were the individual standouts.

The Wisconsin Telephone Company said today the installation of dial telephones here will be speeded up later in the week with the arrival of the installation crew. Approximately 2020 phones will be changed.

Residents of Kaukauna suffered $18,585.58 in property damage through fires during 1947 according to Fire Chief Henry Esler.

January 16, 1948

The Lawe street bridge is 16 years old today. Costing $275,000 to construct. The span opened on January 16, 1932 replacing the aging steel bridge that proved a hazard to traffic.

January 21, 1948

A small amount of money was stolen from Toonen’s Drug Store on Wisconsin Avenue early Friday morning when burglars entered the building by breaking a rear window. The drawer containing tickets and money belonging to Kaukauna high school was most of the money taken.  

Unless a similar program is developed in Wisconsin high schools, Kaukauna high will have a hard time finding opponents in their boxing program. Reluctance of state high schools to compete with Kaukauna is easy to understand. The Kaw boxers have won 55 matches, had 6 draws and lost 3 since the sport was adopted in 1937. After dropping one match in 1937, the Kaws completed 7 straight seasons undefeated.

January 23, 1948

Paul West, Kaukauna, was re-elected chairman of the East District of the Valley Boy Scout Council.

January 28, 1948

William Golden, 18, route 3 Kaukauna was killed early Monday morning when the automobile he was in left the road and crashed. The driver Lois Fink, 18, of Kaukauna was not injured. The crash occurred on County Trucks C and ZZ outside of Wrightstown.

The current siege of sub-zero weather sweeping across the midwestern states has struck Kaukauna full force last week. In a consensus of complaints from residents of frozen water pipes and automobiles bogged down.

January 30, 1948

If you feel like picking up an extra sawbuck on your day off just take the old 12 gauge and step outside of the city limits for a little fox hunting. The bounty is $10 a pelt. The Van Zeeland and Verboomen brothers have bagged 18 red foxes and three wolves all within a 12-mile area near Kaukauna.

Marion Francis renowned national singer is home visiting her parents Mr. and Mrs. Frank Charlesworth, Wisconsin Ave. Kaukauna, and renewing old acquaintances. When entertainment seekers discovered that Marion was in town they clamored for her services.

Kaukauna high school basketball team, A squad and B squad, in dark jackets - Left to right Tom Gustman, Clem Christenson, Joe Birkenmeyer, Harry Wirth, Jerry Klarer and Duane Gast; Second row Dick Myhrum, Roy Vandenberg, John Kobussen, Cliff Hinkens, Russ Hacker and Bob Roloff; Back row Assistant Coach, Fred Barribeau Co-Captains Don Lemke and Bob Von Dracek, Roy Nagan, Jerry Lizon, Neil Kalupa and Head Coach Asher Shorey, Jerry Kroll, Pat Lehman, Ed Roloff and Bill Brenzel were absent when the picture was taken.