Time Machine Trip to April 1929

By Lyle Hansen

April 3, 1929

Many stalled automobiles line the highways throughout this section of the state. In one stretch of road between the Log Cabin service station on USH 41 and the Kaukauna city limits, a distant of about one-half mile, ten cars were counted stuck in the snow banks during the storm.  Two busloads of travelers were forced to seek shelter at a farm house overnight in Neenah.

Although the city vote was short, only 1810 votes being cast, the rooters and candidates were on their toes all day. One new alderman, Otto Ludtke won the second ward. Two new supervisors Sylvester “Cooney” Esler and Ben Bell were also selected by the voters.     

April 5, 1929

Ross Farwell was named captain of the 1929-1930 Kaukauna high school basketball team. He is a brother of Karl Farwell who captained last year’s squad.

With the water in the Fox River here reaching the highest point in years, local citizens have spent many moments near the Lawe Street bridge watching the water rushing down the river, over the dam and swirl around the municipal building. Authorities have said that the present water level on the river is one of the highest in history, with the exception of June 10, 1922, when the water was slightly higher.

Seniors now and friends forever.

Drivers in a line-up of 124 cars, were traveling behind an Outagamie county snow plow on USH 41. When the snowplow driver stopped at the Brown county line and tried to turn back the 124 determined drivers convinced the driver to continue on to De Pere. 

Combined Locks – Malachi Ryan was again named village president and member of the county board in the election held Tuesday.

LITTLE CHUTE – Anton “Casey” Jansen was re-named village president and supervisor to the county board in Tuesday’s election.

April 9, 1929

Kaukauna High School's first swimming team took part in its initial swim meet, at the Y.M.C.A. pool in Appleton Friday night, with Lawrence College as opponents. Kaukauna lost 38-12.

John Bergmans, Sr. 79 years of age, a resident of this vicinity for 72 years died on Sunday following a short illness. He was born in Holland and at the age of seven came to the United States with his parents settling at Little Chute. In 1879 he moved to Kaukauna. Mr. Bergmans served the city as alderman for many years. He was employed at the Kaukauna Lumber company for over thirty years and with the Thilmany Pulp and Paper company for fourteen years retiring at the age of 75.

April 16, 1929

The Kaukauna high school seniors won the weekly bank award for thrift. The high school students deposited a total of $91.23 with 97 per cent of the students depositing funds. The seniors had 100 per cent and an average of 53c per pupil, receiving the weekly honor banner.

April 19, 1929

Alderman E. R. Landreman of the third ward was unanimously elected president of the local common council, and all appointed officers were filled by Mayor Sullivan with the same men who held the offices during the past year.

April 23, 1929

KESHENA – Menominee Indians on the reservation who were 16 year of age and older received $100 each Thursday afternoon as a result of the United States government distributing $16,000 to 160 Indians. An enterprising Shawano county automobile salesman was on hand when the money was given out, with a string of used cars. The Uncle Sam’s representatives forced him to leave the area.

April 26, 1929

Stray dogs running throughout the city and surrounding territory are of danger to humans and livestock according to written complaints received by Mayor W. C. Sullivan. People are cautioned to be watchful when outdoors and to keep watch over their animals.

The Rex theatre in Kaukauna, which had been closed for some time, will reopen under new management Wednesday evening. The theatre will be managed by Mrs. Lydia Andrews, Arnold Matz and Walter Matz son and daughter of the owner. The theatre has been thoroughly cleaned and motion picture mechanism being completely overhauled.

Omar Graf, head of the Union Lumber company here, has purchased the first airplane to be owned by a Kaukauna resident. The plane being a Waco-9 a three-passenger capacity biplane power by an eight-cylinder motor.