Time Machine Trip to February 1908

February 7, 1908

The North-Western Railway Company which has been laying off men by the score during the past sixty days has been taking them back this week. Since the heavy snow storm, a week ago they have had work for all that want employment. With the mills all running with full crews and with the railroad men all at work there is a feeling in the air that prosperous times have again returned.

King Carlos of Portugal and the Crown Prince Lutz Phillippe were shot to death in Lisbon Saturday as they sat in the royal carriage, by a band of revolutionists.

Savannah, Mo., - William Young barely escaped being buried alive, regaining consciousness only an hour before the time for the funeral. A physician said the man was dead and the body was prepared for burial by an undertaker and placed in a casket. Mourners had assembled for the burial when Rev. McLaughlin went to the room where the corpse lay and detected a twitching of a muscle. He summed the physician, who found Young still alive. When the preacher announced the funeral would be delayed Young was sitting up in his coffin and was seen by those in the next room.

February 14, 1908

Kaukauna has the only sawmill in the U.S. that is operated by electricity. It belongs to the Kaukauna Lumber and Manufacturing Company and is attracting attention all over the country. The mill is in daily operation and saws from 10,000 to 20,000 ft. per day. It is the first instance on record where electricity has been successfully harnessed for the operation of a circular saw. Nearly a year was required to get the power working satisfactorily.

The “last of the Pottawatomie’s” is gone and probably never again will the members of the tribe see a characteristic tribal funeral. Kack-Kack was buried last week with all the honors due to his age and condition. This ceremony has not been employed for many years and it is likely never will be again.

The big passenger engine that pulled a train into Green Bay had an unusual experience Monday night. It had been uncoupled and left in the yard but in some way started up and backed out on to the track bound for DePere. When its absence was discovered word was sent to DePere of the run-away train. The night operator saw the engine coming and let it onto a sidetrack where it bumped into some box cars, little damage was done.

The Green Bay diocese announced the appointment of Rev. Monsignor P. J. Lochman to become the pastor of the Holy Cross congregation at Kaukauna on February 16.

Louis Hoffman, a farmer residing two miles south of New London has discovered buried treasure, estimated at $30,000 under a tree in his orchard. Hoffman is jealously guarding all details of his find in order to be able to locate the real owner of the money. A host of claimants have appeared with various claims. Where the money came from is a mystery. 

February 21, 1908

If you are a member of the Roman Catholic Church you cannot enter into an engagement to marry which will be binding in the eyes of the church unless the engagement is contracted in writing, witnessed by the bishop or pastor of the diocese and signed by at least two witnesses. The new rule with a number of others governing marriage in the church will take effect Easter Sunday, April 19.

February 28, 1908

The fuse of an interurban car of the Green Bay Traction company burned out Monday night between Green Bay and DePere and 150 society people returning from Green Bay after witnessing "The Red Mill" were forced to wait until 4 a.m. before the damage was repaired. A heavy sleet storm was in progress and a few dared to venture out in it. Many persons fell asleep while waiting. Several men braved the storm and walked to DePere, two miles, and secured carriages and returned and drove their wives and sweethearts home.

Charging that he has been injured in his reputation the Rev. Hall of Kaukauna has started a damage suit against the Appleton Evening Crescent for $10,000. The case being brought upon an article published in the newspaper in which it was charged that Hall had been removed from his pastorate because of the excessive use of liquor.

The vault clerk of the United States treasury called attention to the almost incredible growth of the business of the treasury. The United States is now the wealthiest nation in the world with a per capita per citizen wealth in 1907 of $1,310.11.