Time Machine Trip to October 1968

By Lyle Hansen

October 2, 1968

Army Captain Robert Greenwood, Kaukauna. Received the Bronze Star Medal on September 3 near Long Binh, Vietnam. Captain Greenwood was presented the award for meritorious service in operations against hostel forces in Vietnam.

Kaukauna took the initiation, but Two Rivers employed their speed and size over the course of the game Saturday and came away with a 27-8 margin and dampened the KHS homecoming spirit.

October 4, 1968

Mrs. Robert Pittman, mother of Kaukauna Marine Lance Corporal John P. Gray, receives the Bronze Star and Citation which were presented posthumously to Lance Corporal Gray. Gray was killed in action in South Vietnam on May 31, 1968.

Mayor Gilbert Anderson received the support of the common council to send a letter to the county board chairman that opposed the transference of all welfare aid to the county level. We feel that the many phases of welfare should remain as such, but area of local relief and welfare should remain on the local level. Alderman George Simon stated, “The city knows it needs better than the county and therefore it can be handled better on the local level.”

October 9, 1968

Airman First Class John J. Hoersch, Kaukauna, has been assigned to the U.S. Air Force “Hurricane Hunters” at Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico.

This week is being observed nationally as Fire Prevention Week according to Kaukauna Fire Chief William Haupt. If the simple rules of fire safety were observed at home and on the job, the destruction and loss of lives would be far different.

2^nd Lt. Thomas G. Berghuis, Kaukauna, has graduated from the United States Army Engineer Officers Candidate School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

2nd Lt. Dennis Gerharz, Sarah Street Kaukauna, departed Monday for Viet Nam after spending a two-week leave at the home of his parents.

Gregory Kappell, Filmore Street, Kaukauna, will leave Monday for Texas, where he will be stationed at Lackland Air Force Base for his basic training.

The Hollandtown Golden Raiders ran their record to 6-0 for the season as they defeated St. Phillips of Green Bay by a 25-6 margin. Fullback Jerry Van Dyn Hoven scored the first two TD’s for the Raiders. In the third period halfback Jerry Kerkhoff ran 78 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Reed Giordana scored on a quarterback keeper in the fourth quarter. Coach Bob Wurdinger gave credit to the entire team for the win.

October 11, 1968

Janice Mitchell, of Route 2 Kaukauna, is one of a small number of medical technologists to receive the highest grade on the national registry examination. She graduated with honors from Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh in June.

October 18, 1968

Officers of Thilmany Pulp & Paper Company stand next to the giant dryer for their No. 14 paper machine. The dryer is 18 feet in diameter and 28 feet wide. Left to right are E. R. Sutherland, Chairman of the Board; J. T. Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer and F. Herbolzheimer, Jr., Vice President for Manufacturing.

Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company of Kaukauna is about to receive a new mammoth dryer for their newest paper machine, No. 14, from England. The dryer is the second largest in the world and the largest located in the Western Hemisphere. The only one that outranks it can be found in Finland and is described as being just slightly larger.

Four Kaukauna young-men are among the Outagamie County inductees to the U.S. Army in October. They are Kenneth J. Jaeger, Dennis W. Borg, John J. Wyngaard and James M. Biese.

Kaukauna's cross-country team successfully defended their Mid-Eastern title in the Annual M-E run held Saturday at Clintonville. The Ghosts had a low total of 42 points, as Kaukauna's Bob Kneepkens led the champions with a fourth-place finish individually.

Miss Mary Margaret DeClerq, former executive secretary of the Kaukauna Chamber of Commerce, has been named Twin City Business and Professional Women’s Club ‘Woman of the Year.’

October 23, 1968

USN Fireman Peter Parker of Kaukauna is attending Steelworkers School at the U. S. Navel Schools, Port Hueneme, Calf. The school provides a corps of skilled craftsmen for the vital front-line mission of the mobile construction battalions in Vietnam.

October 25, 1968

Two sons of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schaetz of Rt. 2 Kaukauna have been cited for their performances while on Viet Nam duty. Dennis, a 1965 graduate of Freedom High School, was awarded a citation of commendation by the Navy while serving aboard the USS Reeves. Darold a 1967 graduate of Freedom High received the Army Commendation Medal for his heroic actions under fire during combat in Viet Nam.

October 30, 1968

Airman 1^st Class Victoria LaPlante has been honored for her achievements in survival training at 4600^th Air Base Wing at Colorado Springs. Colo.  She graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1967. She was one of four selected for the first woman’s survival program in the Air Force.   

Jerome Siebers, Brothers St., Kaukauna, has been promoted to major in the U.S. Air Force. He is an advance weather officer at High Wycombe Air Station, England. He is a Kaukauna High graduate and has a M. S. degree from the University of Wisconsin.

The Kaukauna varsity football team made their 1968 swan song a resounding triumph Saturday as the Ghosts galloped to a 27-13 victory over Clintonville. It was the first victory for Kaukauna and highly satisfying for the players. Coach Ken Roloff credited the whole team for a fine effort.

Time Machine Trip to October 1880

By Lyle Hansen

October 1, 1880

What Kaukauna needs and must have is more houses for residence purposes. The town is now over crowded, nearly every house containing from two to three different families; winter is near at hand and unless some steps are taken soon in the direction indicated, there will be much inconvenience, and possibly suffering before spring.  Rents are high; therefore, the erection of cheap dwelling houses would be a profitable investment to men of capital.

A young woman recently answered and advertisement for a dining-room girl and the lady of the house seemed pleased with her. But, before engaging her, there were some questions to ask. “Suppose that you were carrying a piece of steak from the kitchen and by accident should slip from the plate to the floor, what you should do in such a case?” the girl looked the lady square in the eyes before asking: “Is it a private family, or are there boarders?” “Boarders” was the answer. “Pick it up and put it back on the plate” She was hired.

October 8, 1880

Green Bay – A disastrous fire struck on the 20^th of September. About sixty building were destroyed including a church and parsonage, the high school, Pine street school and a number of the best residences in the city. Loss is about $125,000. The entire police force of Green Bay, three officers, were suspended from duty by the mayor because of inattention to duty. 

Henry Vander Vorst, proprietor of the store and public hall at Darboy post office, Calumet County, is doing a fine business and deservedly so, too. He has by square dealing won the confidence of the community in which he has cast his lot, keeps a good supply of general merchandise and sells the same at reasonable prices. He is also the efficient postmaster at that point.

October 15, 1880

A petition to the postmaster general requesting that the mail for this point over the M. S. & W-Railway be delivered directly instead of going to Appleton first, will soon be circulated amongst our business men for signature. We trust the measure can be brought about as it would be of the greatest importance to our citizens in many instances and is an arrangement that we have every right to ask for.

October 22, 1880

The high winds last Saturday played havoc with the fences and outbuildings in this village. D. J. Brothers' fence around his handsome residence on Lawe Street was prostrated in several places while others suffered more or less severely.

Spotted Tail, chief of the Brule Sioux has six young men of his tribe being tried for the massacre of the whites near the White River agency. He has sent $320.80 to Secretary Schurz to secure the services of able lawyers to defend them before the courts of the Great Father. 

October 29, 1880

A republican meeting was held here on Wednesday evening, the speaker of the evening being Hon. J. E. Burton, of Geneva Lake. A large bonfire was built on the street in front of The Times office on Wisconsin avenue, about which a large crowd of people gathered, while the orator spoke from a large box on the sidewalk.

Indian Chief, Victorio, has been killed and most of his band killed or captured by Mexican troops. On the afternoon of the 14^th troops overtook and surrounded the Indians. The two-day fight resulted in the almost complete annihilation of the whole party. Chief Victoria, 50 warriors and 18 women and children were killed. 7 women and children were taken prisoners and 250 head of horses and mules captured. The Indians being entirely out of ammunition resulted in only three losses to the Mexican troops and three wounded. It is believed that Victoria and his band have murdered upwards of 400 persons.

Time Machine Trip to October 1988

By Lyle Hansen

October 4, 1988

Marine Pfc. Thomas P. Howard, Kaukauna, has completed recruit training at Marine Corps Depot, San Diego, Cal. Pfc. Howard is a 1988 graduate of Kaukauna High School.

Jerry Verstegen signs an autograph for a young fan after he kicked the winning field goal Friday night.

Homecoming was just like a perfectly-written movie scrip. Kaukauna opened the game with 20 straight points, then, Oshkosh West put together the next 21 points. With one-minute left in the game the Ghosts starting on their own 14-yard line, moved the ball down the field. Jerry Verstegen then booted a 29 yarder for the 23-21 victory.

October 6, 1988

Local views on the news –

Dog Track: for 68%, against 30%;

Dukakis 53%, Bush 46% 

The Patriots will be making their first Wisconsin appearance since 1979, when Green Bay embarrassed Howard Cosell and the Monday Night Football crew who said the Packers would be wiped out. Green Bay won 27-14 in the first ever Monday night game in Lambeau Field.

October 11, 1988

Kaukauna Kiwanis held a dinner recently honoring its new officers, who include front, Bud Wendt, secretary; Harold Kahler, president, and vice president Irv Curry. At the rear are board member Les Abel, Dick Sauer and Bill Rammer.

Strikes in three mills of International Paper Co., appear to be terminated Monday. Presidents of the local unions received a message that read: “Please be advised that the strikes at Androscoggin, Maine, Lockhaven, Pennsylvania, and De Pere, Wisconsin are hereby terminated. A return to work order is ordered. The strike at Nicolet in De Pere has been in progress since June 8, 1988, when 356 employees went off the job. Replacement workers have kept the mill in operation during the strike. 

Pvt. Nicholas J. Corrente, Kaukauna, has completed basic training at Fort Dix, N.J. He is a 1988 Kaukauna High School graduate.

October 13, 1988

Bruce “Bucky” Bay was inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Hall of Fame October 1. Bay a graduate of Kaukauna High School, was a starter for the Pointers who played offensive right guard most of his career from 1961-64. 

The Green Bay Packers set a number of long standing records with the 45-3 trouncing of New England. The 42-point margin of victory was their largest in more than 20 years, since Nov. 12, 1967, when they beat Cleveland 55-7.

October 20, 1988

The Ghost girls’ varsity cross country squad huddles at the FVA meet. Starting at the bottom center and moving left around the circle are, Michelle Hoffman, Kala Brogan, Karla Schuessler, Zoe Stewart, Cathy McGinnis, Leah Menozzl and Sara Zimmerman.

Kaukauna cross country runners were named to all-Fox Valley Association teams. Senior Kala Brogan and Karla Schuessler were voted to the girls all FVA team.  On the boy’s side, Mike James was selected to the all FVA team. Three Ghosts were chosen to the honorable mention squads, Junior Zoe Stewart, and Sophomore Cathy McGinnis were given girl honors. Senior Dave Zarter was selected to the boy’s honorable mention team.

October 25, 1988

Cheryl Mau, formally of Kaukauna, was presented the Photographer of the Year Award for her region which covers Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, at the annual meeting of the American Studios. She has been employed at American Studios of North Carolina for the past year.

Candidates for the 5^th District Assembly seat, William Vander Loop and Gary Schmidt, will meet for a forum October 27, at the community room in the municipal services room at 7:30 p.m. 

Time Machine Trip to October 1928

By Lyle Hansen 

October 2, 1928

Two young deer, which were raised on an Oconto farm, have been sent to prison. The deer were offered to the city of Green Bay to be keep in the city park on the bay shore, providing an enclosure was built.  The city received an offer from the Green Bay reformatory for the deer to be kept there as pets. The deer are now behind the gray walls of the state institution.

The Green Bay Packers fought the Chicago Bears to a 12 to 12 tie game before 10,000 rabid football fans at Green Bay Sunday. Casualties were many in the fray, four Packers were injured, and three Bear players were forced to leave the line-up. 

October 9, 1928

First row: L. Van Lieshout, Rich Landreman, Ludke, Esler, Hallock, Marv Miller, Mau, Creviere, Ferguson, Casey and Hanson.  Second Row: Bob Grogan, Toman, Vanevenhoven, Driessen Derus, Frank Grogan, Niesen, Schwenderman, and C. Bay. Third Row: Otto, Coach, Noie, Ransley, Mislinski, Heinz, Nelson, Doering, M. Van Lieshout, Main, and F. Bay. Top Row: Posson, Assistant Coach, Nagan, Assistant Manager, Farwell, Manager, Schuler, McCormick, Nicholson, Wally Mooney, Arps, and M. Nagan.

After a week of hard drill, the Kaukauna machine entered one of the toughest battles of the year. The freshman boys of Lawrence college had a fine working team and because four of our regulars were out with injuries, Lawrence was able to punch one touchdown over in the first quarter. Kaukauna had an opportunity to score when they had the ball on the Lawrence five-yard line but fumbled. Lawrence had a much deserved 6-0 victory over Kaukauna.

A gray timber wolf, weighing 32 pounds, was brought to the County Clerk office in Waupaca on Monday. The wolf had been seen several times over the past year. Arthur Penney spotted the animal near his farm Sunday morning and called his friend Mr. Smith to help hunt it. There is a state bounty of $30 on the wolf and the pelt is valued at $10.

October 12, 1928

Bill Glasheen, Kaukauna young man who is attending Marquette University was one of the stars in a game against St. Viator Saturday at Milwaukee. He seems to have won a regular berth on the eleven at the left tackle position. 

October 16, 1928

Alcoholic drinks under prohibition are various. In the South “white mule,” powerful alcohol, made of corn, is popular. In the Middle West “needled” beer is drunk by workmen. It is legal beer containing no alcohol but brought up to a high alcoholic percentage by needling it with denatured alcohol bought at gasoline filling stations.

American talking movies seen and heard in England arouse enthusiasm and prediction that the silent pictures is doomed.

October 23, 1928

The first number of the weekly Kaukauna High School newspaper, called the Kau Hi News, was issued Friday afternoon at the local school by members of the senior English class. News in the paper consists of all school activities.

Little Chute - Stephen M. Peeters was renamed president and business manager of the Little Chute band at the annual meeting Wednesday held at the village hall. Thirty members of the band were present at the meeting.

October 26, 1928

The count in the Kaukauna Times straw vote of the choice of Kaukauna people for the United States president is still in favor of Al Smith, democratic candidate, but Herbert Hoover, republican candidate for the office, has made great gains within the past week. The count to now stands Smith 73, Hoover 59.

October 30, 1928

The pushing and pulling of over 2,000,000 pounds of rock into the making of the loose stone wall along the Fox River from the municipal garage to the lower end of the Wisconsin Avenue bridge, was completed by Kaukauna Post No. 41 of the American Legion at the work day session staged here Sunday morning.

Time Machine Trip to October 1955

By Lyle Hansen

October 5, 1955

A fun and thrill packed four days of activities will start Thursday when the Kaukauna Fall Festival begins. Such crowd pleasers as a mammoth parade, a display of fireworks, carnival rides, free public dances, free movies, a band concert and the appearance of one of the Fox River Valley’s most popular orchestras, cousin Fuzzy, are all in the offering for the four-day period.

A couple has a little spat as happens even in the best families. Today was the 
day they had planned to give the basement its annual cleaning. She went down the steps into the basement and her husband following. Silently they went about their work, not speaking a word. After two hours of painful silence she became more miserable and he seemingly more stubborn each moment. After the work was done to perfection she turned and started toward the stairs. Reaching out her husband stopped her and put both arms around her. “Why didn’t you do that two hours ago?” she asked. “Because you work so good when you’re mad.”

October 7, 1955

The Kaukauna grade school teams have looked impressive against out-of-town foes have started another full grid season despite fewer practices due to the polio epidemic. Holy Cross is so far undefeated. Jim Steger and Tom Frank at ends; the tackles are Leo Faust and Roger Nussbaum, while the guard are Bob Skalmusky and Jerry Heindel; the center is John Esler. In the back-field Gene LaBorde, Jim Martzahl, Bruce Ludke and Mike Coffey carry the offensive duties.  

St. Mary’s team is led by coach Amsey Mauel, the gridders are Bob Wurdinger, Pat Rochon, Ron Granger, Gary Novak, Tom Siebers, John Austin and Walt Donnermeyer in the front wall. Dennis Burns, Mike Pendleton, Tom Verhagen and Dick Theis round out the starting ‘11’ in the backfield.

October 12, 1955

Lei Kuchelmeister has been chosen by popular vote to be the Queen of the 1955 Homecoming. Attending her will be Sue Berens a senior Marilyn Conrad a junior.

October 19, 1955

An 8-yard touchdown run by Jack Coenen the first time Kaukauna had the ball in the second half, a 51-yard touchdown run by Jerry Hawley on the opening play of the fourth quarter and a pass from quarterback Dan Maes to Coenen completed with a 12 run for the touchdown spelled a 20-10 win for the Galloping Ghosts Homecoming win over the Neenah Rockets.

October 21, 1955

Ken Roloff of Kaukauna is feeling at home more each week at his new quarterback job with Central State’s undefeated football team. Roloff was moved from end to quarterback when the Pointers needed someone who could throw the ball. The ex-Kaukauna prep star was the answer. He completed 18 of 24 passes for 275 yards for the Stevens Point team.

October 26, 1955

A portion of Wrightstown’s St. Paul Catholic Church was destroyed along with all its contents Friday night in a blaze of undetermined origin. Firefighting units from six neighboring villages and cities fought for four hours to save the structure.

October 28, 1955

Robert F. Swanningson, fireman apprentice, USN arrived home on recruit leave on the 25^th of October. He will report to New Orleans on November 9 aboard the USS Tripoli for duty.

Pfc. Gerald P. Baker, a member of the US Marines, is currently spending a leave at home with his parents. 

Time Machine Trip to October 1918

By Lyle Hansen

October 4, 1918

The Rev. J. S. Whiting of the Oneida M. E. Church on the Oneida Reservation is a war time pastor who is “making good.” His salary not being sufficient to make both end meet he has engaged in farming on the land comprising the Mission. He has succeeded in raising a fine farm crop. In addition, he has a herd of 15 cows which he milks himself.

Albert Koelm has brightened the face of the clock in the tower of Holy Cross church with a fresh coat of paint, finishing the work this morning.  The clock measures seven feet and the hands are two and a half feet long.

War has opened to women a variety of work hitherto regarded as men’s work. Today there are 1,500,000 women engaged on “War Orders.”

October 11, 1918

The St. Nicholas school in Freedom is closed this week on account of sickness. There is no Spanish influenza in Freedom, but an unusual amount of scarlet fever and other diseases make closing the school wise precaution.

Lawrence McDaniels, age 26 years, formerly of the south side passed away Monday at Muscle Shoals, Ala. Where he has been employed the past two years by the government in a nitro plant. Spanish Influenza was the cause of his death.

Leo Van Roy, aged 24 years, of Kaukauna, died at Camp Taylor, Ky. Tuesday of Spanish influenza. He was a soldier in the army in training to go to France.

The Dressmaker – Ah, my dear madam, I consider that the most perfect fit I have ever seen.

My dear Madam – Perfect fit, fiddle-sticks! You should see the one my husband will have when he sees the price.  

October 18, 1918

My Dear Mrs. Thorsen, Ashland, Wisconsin:

Do not think me intrusive for writing you but I was with your boy when he died, and I want you to know how sweet and calm he was when he left us. We did everything in our power to save him, but it was of no avail. He called “Mother” at the last. My love and sympathy are all yours and when I return to Wisconsin I would like to see you in person.

Most sincerely yours in sympathy, Clair Fell, nurse.

(Miss Claire Fell of Kaukauna is a nurse in France.)

The remains of Private Paul Thelan, who died last Tuesday at Camp Meade, Maryland, arrived here Monday morning and was taken to his sisters’ home in Sherwood for burial.

Mrs. Theodore Vanden Broek of this city received a telegram from the war department at Washington. “Regret to inform you that Private Martin Vanden Broek, Infantry, previously listed as missing in action July 20 is now reported as killed in action the same day. The sympathy of the community is with the parents of the young hero.

George McDaniels at Camp Zachary, Ky., died following an attack of Spanish influenza. The young soldier was laid to rest in the family lot by the side of his father at St. Nicholas cemetery, Freedom.

Private Joseph Creviere, 25 south side of Kaukauna, was the first one of Kaukauna’s soldier boys to be claimed by Spanish influenza. His death occurred Sunday at Camo Hancock, Georgia. On Saturday his parents Mr. and Mrs. Emery A. Creviere received a message informing them the seriousness of his case and Monday a second message followed informing the grief-stricken parent of his death.

John Heup, aged 28 years, passed away Saturday after a battle with Spanish Influenza. He is survived by his wife, mother, one brother and two sisters.  

October 25, 1918

Dr. Nolan, city health officer, received an order from the state board of health at Madison compelling him to take necessary steps to control the spread of the Spanish influenza. Public gatherings will not be allowed. This includes church services, schools, picture shows, lodge meetings and other public gatherings. The Public Library was closed last Saturday for an indefinite period due to the influenzas epidemic.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dreger of this city received a letter stating that their son William was killed in action on the French Front. An inquiry was initiated. He was reported as missing in action by his company commander and a search of the hospitals failed to locate him. It is equally likely that the young soldier may have been taken prisoner by the Germans instead of being killed.

Time Machine Trip to October 1908

By Lyle Hansen

October 2, 1908

Kaukauna was visited by a heavy downpour of rain Sunday night that extinguished the forest fires in this vicinity and cleared the atmosphere generally. The rain started in Sunday morning and continued at intervals throughout the day, but scarcely enough fell to lay the dust. Late Sunday night, however, the wind shifted, whereupon the earth was given a drenching. Had not relief come as it did the chances are that the city would have suffered considerable damage by fire.

A large fire in Fond du Lac was reported.  The city lost three churches and a parsonage.  Also lost were a garage with 7 automobiles, a public school and several homes. Total loss estimates to be $250,000.00.

October 9, 1908

Luther Lindauer, center, is walking tall now days. His horses Dick White and May Kennedy have won their races in Springfield Ill. They are now on the way to Lexington, Ky. for their next race.

That John Hoolihan narrowly escaped death at the steam plant of Thilmany mills a few days ago is not doubted by anyone who witnessed the accident. The blow off connection under boiler No. 1, with a heavy head of steam forcing it, gave way suddenly and the contents of boiling water and steam came gushing out into the boiler room. Mr. Hoolihan has just passed in front of the opening and stood only a few inches at one side when the explosion occurred.  With presence of mind he jumped to open the water supply pipe to lessen the force of the hot water and steam and was knocked down. He was sent to the floor twice before he accomplished the act. His hands and arms were slightly scalded in several places.

October 16, 1908

There promises to be more activity in the woods this coming winter than several seasons. The forest fires have destroyed a large number of trees, and others have only been burned out on the outside, and these lumbermen propose to save as far as possible, and they are now busy in rebuilding the camps that were burned. A large number of men are now preparing to go to the woods for the winter, who have been idle all summer. The wages paid will be good, and prosperity will once again reign among the woodsmen.

The city has agreed to a five-year contract with the Kaukauna Gas, Electric Light and Power Company for street lighting.  The agreement includes that the lights must remain on all night and every night.  The dark streets will now be a thing of the past.

October 23, 1908

Julius Kuehn, mayor of the city of Kaukauna, and Democratic candidate for sheriff of Outagamie County, died suddenly and without the slightest warning, on an interurban car Sunday afternoon while in route to Appleton. Owing to the death of Mayor Kuehn, Julius J. Martens will fill the position until a special election is held. 

The Chicago Cubs won their division by one game this year and then went on to beat the Detroit Tigers 4 games to 1 in the 1908 Worlds Series. This is the second year in a row that the Cubs beat the Tigers in the series.

October 30, 1908

Kaukauna is threatened with an ice famine. The ice houses of the North-Western Railway company are empty and that of the city dealers is nearly so. Two or three weeks more will exhaust the supply. For several days the railway people were depending on the local dealers who finally had to cancel their order, in order to supply their regular customers. The shortage is due to the long hot summer.