Time Machine Trip to July 1918

By Lyle Hansen

July 5, 1918

Today the military rifle is a mighty weapon as compared to the rifles of the Civil war. The pistol has also made a change from the .30 caliber of the past has no comparison to the .45 caliber revolver of today.

Beginning September 1, 1918, the subscription to the Kaukauna Times will increase from $1.50 to $2.00 per year. The increase is forced on us by the increase in the cost of paper and postal rates. 

Floyd Hawkins, one of the Kaukauna soldiers wounded May 28, writes home from the hospital in France. “After we had gained our objective we began digging in to stay off the counter attack by the Germans. At that time a shell exploded over head and a piece of shrapnel metal hit me but nothing serious. I will soon be able to go back to my company and ready for another surprise party on Fritz.”

July 12, 1918

The Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company has commenced operations on the new building which is to house the company's carpenter and blacksmith shops, and a new machine shop. The new building is to stand on the other side of the railway track where the company does all its shipping, and the old structure, which has become unsafe, is being torn down completely.

Joseph Kobussen of Little Chute in his first day in the army made the record of perfect scores on the 100 and 200-yard ranges at Camp Grant and in consequence promoted to the rank of corporal. 

Congress is considering a new revenue law the taxation of jewelry, automobiles, clothing and whiskey. The tax being fifty per cent on these items. The businesses declare that such a measure of taxes would put them out of business.

Another contingent of Kaukauna’s choice young men was given a splendid ovation as the boys left home July 8 for Columbus Barracks, Ohio, to enter the national army. There were 39 young soldiers in line when the roll was called in front of the City Library and a large crowd of spectators filled the square and adjoining street. Each selected man wore a badge on his arm inscribed “National Army,” and “I am from Wisconsin.”

July 19, 1918

White bands have been placed all over the state on telephone poles along the roads containing the words “State Trunk Highway” with a number and word “Wis” at the bottom of the triangle. Now a driver can travel the highway and easily follow the road to his destination.

Safety gates will be installed on the Lawe street bridge, thus safeguarding the public whenever the bridge is opened for river passage of boats. The council members voted to replace the rope barrier as being inadequate to holding an automobile on the bridge.

A letter has been received from Oscar Thilmany and family who had returned Germany several years ago. The letter stated that Mr. Thilmany is doing his own gardening at his home on the Rhine river at Bonn, as his gardener was called to defend the cause of the Fatherland, serving in the German army. Mrs. Thilmany had fallen and had broken her arm but is progressing favorably. Their daughter Miss Elsa is at home running the household affairs. The letter was received thru their friends in Switzerland.

The plan by the city council to obtain possession for a park the site known as Klein’s park on the south side through a resolution was introduced by Alderman Landreman. The city had an opportunity to obtain this property at a reasonable price several years ago for the plan was never carried out. It is hoped that this time no hitch will occur. 

July 26, 1918

The Times is in receipt of a letter from Ed. Towse, news correspondent of Honolulu, wrote us concerning the origin and meaning of “Kaukauna”.  He has informed us that the meaning of your word in Hawaiian would be “A Feasting Place”

Ted Feller, who was reported several weeks ago as having been killed in action last May while fighting in France was alive and well, reached his sisters, Miss Margaret Feller and Mrs. Goetzman last Saturday through a telegram from the war department at Washington. The family’s joy was increased Wednesday by receiving a cablegram from France from Ted himself saying “was only slightly wounded, am leaving the hospital and ready for active service.”

A hair raising, blood quickening thrilling stunt is to be pulled off next Sunday at High Cliff Park, a spectacular stunt which is likely to make strong men turn pale and delicate women faint. Manager Niesen has arranged to have a valuable automobile driven full speed over the cliff, a dare devil feat and certain death if the driver were to bungle his stunt. A movie picture artist has been secured in this sensational affair. How will he escape? You will have to be there to know next Sunday.

The swift current of the Fox River along with the culpable negligence of the city of Kaukauna in failing to provide a swimming place for its youth claimed another victim last Saturday little Leo Hartzheim, 8 years old, who was drowned while swimming in the river just above the railway shops at Eden Park. His frightened companions were unable to help him and called loudly for help. Two railroad men came as quickly as they could to assist but the boy had gone under and they were unable to find him.