Time Machine Trip to June 1909

By Lyle Hansen

June 4, 1909

At a meeting of the Kaukauna Liquor Dealers Protective Association No. 15, it was agreed by all members not to sell any intoxicating liquors to anyone who neglects his family or those dependent upon him for support. The members of the association also wish to say to all persons that if they have any member of the family who drinks to excess, if the name of such parties is sent to the secretary of the association, we will take action at once to forbid members of our association from selling to the party in question.

 Spring Bitters

W.J. Gantter is the manager of the new orchestra of six pieces which has just been organized and will be known as Gantter’s Orchestra. The orchestra is prepared to furnish music for dances, weddings and receptions.

June 11, 1909

The tallest and largest smokestack in the Fox River Valley is to be built at the Neenah Mill of the Kimberly-Clark company. Over 200,000 bricks will be used, and the stack will be 200 feet high.

Hugo Weifenbach, Otto Look, Dr. E. C. and Knight Hallock returned Tuesday morning from Shawano County where they spent several days fishing. They caught over 300 trout for their efforts.

Wright Brothers First Flight was on December 17, 1903, two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, named Wilbur and Orville Wright, were successful in flying an airplane they built. The powered aircraft flew for 12 seconds above the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina; making them the first men to pilot a heavier-than-air machine that took off on its own power remained under control, and sustained flight.

June 18, 1909

The city has solved its dilemma in regard to the scarcity of water in a very sensible manner so that now the big reservoir and standpipe are full. The Green Bay and Mississippi Canal company kindly gave the water works commissioner’s permission to use all the water they needed from their fine artesian well at the site of the old Badger Mill. City Engineer Hyland at once laid a 1,500-foot line of hose from the well to the reservoir and soon had that big cistern running over, and he then proceeded to fill the standpipe.

June 24, 1909

At Consolidated Water Power and Paper Company’s Mill at Grand Rapids all previous records were broken last week by machine No. 1, a total of 92,460 pounds of paper being turned out in 24 hours. The machine was running at the rate of 585 feet per minute.

Michael Theisen, who recently returned to Kaukauna from the northern part of the state, has established a new bottling works on the south side and commenced this week to deliver quenchers in the line of carbonated drinks.

In order to demonstrate to the jury that he was not guilty of abusing his horses, W. J. Campbell of Superior bared his arm and allowed himself to be horse whipped in municipal court after he had declared that the bows did not hurt the horses. Dr. Howden, a veterinarian, delivered several lusty blows. The teamster did not wince, but a verdict of guilty was returned and a fine of $5.00 ordered.

Joe Matson victor in the Indiana trophy race, at the wheel of the winning car.

Time Machine Trip to May 1979

By Lyle Hansen

May 3, 1979

Traps have been set below the De Pere dam by bureau of commercial fisheries to determine how many, if any, sea lamprey have been attempting to spawn in the Fox River. Improvements in the water quality as a result of river pollution abatement have made the waterway attractive to the parasitic fish and the department of natural resources is trying to head off any further migration.

Joseph Walsh was named to the Board of Directors at the Farmers and Merchants April 25th meeting.  He will assume his responsibilities with the bank immediately.

May 3, 1979

 

     Sue Grissman     Marion “Cooney” Simon

Two Kaukauna women were honored at last week's annual Women in Support of Athletics banquet at Lawrence University. Kaukauna High School senior Sue Grissman and Marion “Cooney” Simon were recited for their contributions, both on and off the field, to the world all sports.

Although slowed by winter weather, a large portion of the strand mapping of Kaukauna for cable television has been completed and a spokesman for Fox Cities Communications Inc., said that cable programming is still predicted for October.   

The first meeting for girls interested in trying out for the Green Bay Packers sideliners has been set for Monday May 7^th. To become a member of the Sideliners, girls must have previous dance, pom pon or cheerleading experience; be 16 years of age, average height and weight and must be able to rehearse two nights a week from now through the entire football season.   

An outdoor graduation ceremony, the first of its kind has been chosen by Kaukauna High School seniors following a vote taken Tuesday. The ceremony will take place Monday, June 4. 

May 17, 1979

The baseball season that coach Bill Simon looked forward to with such high hopes has turned out to be at frustrating ordeal. A rough week in which the ghost’s last 4 more games still left them looking for their first victory after eleven outings.

Navy Seaman Recruit Margaret M. Harp of Little Chute has completed recruit training at the Naval Training Center, Orlando, Florida.

May 22, 1979

Dick Trickle wheeled his 1977 Pontiac Firebird to a two-car length victory at the Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna Sunday before a crowd of 5192.

May 24, 1979

Senior sprinter Berry Martzahl put on a dazzling performance in powering the KHS boys track team to the first boys regional track championship in the school’s history. The Ghosts captured the Ashwaubenon regional by racking up 124 points. Marshall dominated the sprints, winning two individual races and helping the team to a third first place finish. 

May 30, 1979

A Seymour man missing for a week was found drowned in the Fox River navigation canal Sunday at Little Chute. Lockmaster Roger Berken discovered the body of Michael Spaude, 29, floating near the upstream gate of the number 2 lock.

Clayton Van Dyke, 62, of Kaukauna, Outagamie County Board Supervisor for 11 years, and operator of the Vaudette Theatre here for many years, died Friday afternoon following a four-month illness.

Members of the KHS baseball team – Front row: Tom Steffens, Mark Eiting, Dean Stock, Jon Wittman, Todd Feldkamp, Terry Gruenstern. Back row: Terry Gasper, Tom Diedrich, Dan Ball, Dave Van Eperen, Al Van Wychen, Joe Verkuilen, and Larry Lennert. 

Most valuable players of the past year for the KHS girls’ sports include front row: Carol Ebben (basketball) Patty Hubert (softball) Vicki Biese (cross country). Back Row: Karin Klarer (tennis), Amy Gertz (track), Chris Hoffman (gymnastics), and Sue Grissman (volleyball).

Most valuable players of the boys’ sports for the past year are front row: Todd Schelfhout (football defensive player), Barry Martzahl (track), Greg Pawlak (volleyball). Back row: Greg Eiting (offensive football player and track), Dave Van Eperen (baseball), Dan Schneider (wrestling), Kevin Coenen (best free throw shooter-basketball), Tim Lappen (golf).  

Five boys recently won state championships at the AAU tournament in Menasha, Front row: Bill Hibbard (125-pound champ), Dan Zwick (147-pound champ), Kevin Biesterveld (112-pound champ). Back row: Mike Horn (80-pound champ and Wisconsin outstanding Junior Olympic Boxer), Tom Horn and Dave Diedrich (75-pound champ).

Time Machine Trip to May 1889

By Lyle Hansen

May 3, 1889

The laying of the walls for the Thilmany Paper Mill has been commenced. Everything is on the rush. A force of about 50 men are busy working on the tail race.

A settlement for the approach to the draw bridge has at last been affected and the property now belongs to the city of Kaukauna.  Rent of one dollar per day has been charged to the city for the use of the ground since Geo. W. Lawe received clear title at the time the suit began between him and the city. The city will pay $1500 for the land. There was a time when for $300 would have secured the property if the proper steps had been taken, the land could have been transferred to the city, but the council attempted to obtain the property for nothing. The case was carried to the Supreme Court and it was decided that the land belonged to Geo. W. Lawe and the city built the bridge approach on his land. Now $1500 and $500 court costs result as the final cost.  

Cincinnati, O., - April 26- Last night a body of masked White Caps administered a whipping to Frank Gehrline. Gehrline is said to be a general worthless while his wife supports him and the family by taking in boarders. He had been cruel to his wife, knocking her down for no reason. He was found in a saloon where he was seized by the white caps tied to a tree and whipped. A crowd gathered and cheered as the punishment was administered.

May 10, 1889

A Sherwood, Calumet County, girl killed a bear which she observed prowling around, by giving him a big dose of “Rough on rats”, which she cleverly inserted in a piece of fresh pork. The dressed skin of the bear was bought by John Roberts of Neenah.

When the baby has hiccoughs, give it gin; when the father has hiccoughs, take away the gin.

New signs have been placed at the ends of the river bridges informing all the penalty of driving faster than a walk. 

Real estate is booming in Kaukauna. Lots that sold for $400 a year ago now bring from $1500 upwards.

May 17, 1889

The city policemen are now logged out in full uniform, which includes hat, belt, club, etc. Police Officers of the City of Kaukauna, Thos. Earles, Patrolman, Julius Kuehn, Marshal, seated, Daniel Reardon, Chief of Police, Anton Mankoskey, Patrolman’   

Harvey Bells has added an elegant hack to his line livery stable outfit, which will be used for special purposes only. It is one of the latest modeled and improved vehicles and is finely furnished on the interior with toilet articles, racks, bells, and the other arrangements usually found about a first-class hack.

Ozark, Mo., - May 10 – The Bald Knobbers; Dave Walker, his son William and John Matthews, were hanged this afternoon for murders they committed. The noose was adjusted at 9:40 and the drop fell. The rope broke, and Wm. Walker fell and lay struggling on the floor. He was taken up the scaffold and dropped again. This time the rope held.  

May 24, 1889

The first man to die by the electrical execution law will be William Kennchy of Buffalo, N.Y.

Memorial Day - General Order No. 1 - Comrades are requested to meet at 1 o’clock May 30^th at post headquarters. All are requested to be in regulation uniform. The line of march will be from Reuter’s block North side direct to the South side and on to the Island Opera House. After services the detail will visit the cemeteries and decorate the graves. Post Commander H. A. Frambach. 

The government is paying off its indebtedness at the rate of more than $100,000,000 a year. Other governments throughout the world are borrowing to meet current necessities.

The Standard Oil Company has placed an order in Philadelphia for 200 bull dogs, which will be used to guard the tanks in the Ohio field against tramps. 

May 31, 1889

The Shawano stage robber put in his appearance again Saturday and carried off the mail poaches and money of the passengers.

“The woods are full of them,” said Marshal Kuehn the other day. Tramps are more numerous around here this summer than ever before.

Standing Rock Agency, D.T., The Indians here held a big council Sunday, and all agreed to not sign the treaty unless paid $11,000,000 for their land. They are disappointed at how the government has treated them in the past in regard to the treaties of 1867 and 1876.

Gold is now worth about $240 per pound.

Fire broke out in the Outagamie Paper Company, which resulted in an approximate damage of $8,000.

William Klumb, (center with beard) was elected chief at the annual meeting of the fire department. Kaukauna Fire Department, Top row. Phil Kalum, Herman Schrieber, Klum, Charley Raught, Hank Wittmann, Nat Vandenberg, Row 2, Gus Hilgenberg, Mel Raught, William Klumb, John Filler, Luc Joe, Bottom row, Tony Reith, unknown, Patterson, Nagan.  

Time Machine Trip to May 1929

By Lyle Hansen

May 3, 1929

Over fifty percent of this year’s forty graduates of the Outagamie Rural Normal School in Kaukauna have accepted teaching positions in rural schools for the next year according to the school principal W. P. Hagman.

  

John McNaughton, 45 years of age, one the foremost financiers and president of the Bank of Kaukauna died Thursday evening after a lengthy illness. He had attended schools in this city before attending Princeton. Following his graduation, he came back to Kaukauna as a collector in a bank.

Mayor A. C. Rule of Appleton vetoed the resolution for the city to rent the upper floor of the proposed new ten-story Irving Zuelke building in Appleton. The council had passed by a vote 11 to 1 for the city to rent the floor. Mr. Zuelke has withdrawn his offer to build and the site will be parking and a gasoline filling station.

May 7, 1929

The Union Bag and Paper company’s mill, for the past twenty-nine years in Kaukauna, will shut down this summer. According to management, the reason for the closing of the mill is the competition from newer plants. Last year the bag making department was transferred to Orange, Texas. 

Last Monday morning an excited voice talked over the telephone to a prominent local man and told him of a discovery made on his farm in the town of Buchanan. He told of digging on his land and had found what seems to be gold nuggets. He had asked a friend if he could help him obtain the services of an assayer. The local man refused to name the Buchanan farmer but did help him find an assayer.

May 14, 1929

Anton Jansen, village president of Little Chute, will be participating in the 1929 WTMJ Wisconsin Community series on May 15. The Little Chute band and many soloists will be heard.   

A new service station and main office for the Andrews Oil company of this city will be constructed on the corner of Doty and Lawe streets on the site of the old Lord home according to Dale Andrews head of the local company.

Ten years ago, Oregon imposed a tax on gasoline. This year New York and Illinois passed their tax bill and now every state has a gasoline tax varying from two to five cents per gallon.

  

May 17, 1929

Jas. McFadden, local assistant chief of police and Elmer Ott, athletic director of the Kaukauna schools, saved the life of little Florence Gussert, 6-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gussert, Doty Street, when she fell into the draw on the Lawe Street bridge Friday morning.  Sixty little children of the Holy Cross School under the direction of the sisters, were coming from the Kaukauna auditorium when the accident occurred. The draw began to open as the children were crossing the bridge when little girl attempted to leap the gap, but it was too wide for her and she fell thirty feet into the river. The screams of the children alerted officer McFadden who was standing by the Bank of Kaukauna at the top of the bridge.

May 21, 1929

The bodies of August Mollen, 36, and George Van Berkel, 34, who drowned in the Fox River May 12^th, near Little Chute were taken from the river Sunday morning after the tail race had been drained. Military honors were accorded the men at the double funeral held at St. John’s church at Little Chute.

A slightly smaller class than last year will graduate with the 1929 class of the Kaukauna High School here June 7^th. The 1929 class numbers 65 students.

The Seniors today Friends for life.  

May 24, 1929

Arthur Schmalz, post commander of the American Legion, states that a well-known local resident has donated the sum of $100 to the local legion post for use in the fund to fix up the Legion park, that narrow strip of land running between Oak Street and the river wall.

Time Machine Trip to May 1949

By Lyle Hansen

May 4, 1949

In a letter to the conservation department at Madison, L. F. Nelson former mayor of Kaukauna, suggested that the state consider the establishment of a park on the north shore of Lake Winnebago. Nelson stated this area could serve the 30,000 or more people in the Fox Valley during the hot summer days.

Standing: Pat Lehman, Gerald Lizon, Robert Vondracek, Robert Berghuis, Thomas Morgan, Don Lemke, Don Buelow, Kneeling G. Klarer, Ray Gerow, Dale Kilgas.  

Coach Asher Shorey’s Kaukauna High School baseball team was limited to three hits Thursday but still had enough to beat Kimberly 4-1 in a tight pitching duel. It was John Kobussen’s long homer with two on in the fifth that decided the contest.  Pat Lehman started on the hill for the Ghosts and was relieved by Don Mahn in the third inning.

May 6, 1949

Today the dream of a blind youth for a guide dog will begin for 13-year old Ronald Borland of Kaukauna. Ronald made the trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday. He was met by officials from the Master Eye Institution and will receive instruction about his guide dog.

May 13, 1949

Plans are now underway for the Memorial Day services sponsored by post 41 American Legion, post 2319 Veterans of Foreign Wars and their Auxiliaries. The VFW will honor Kaukauna’s 212 War dead.

Recruit Robert G. Schiefelbein, Kaukauna, has recently reported to the Second Armored Division at Camp Hood, Texas.  

New City Council – Meeting for the first-time last night, since the three new aldermen are added, Back row: Michael Gerharz, Sr., Bert Roberts, John Haid, Donald Kenney, Ray DeBruin, Ray Nagel. Front row: Jule Mertes, William Glasheen, Mayor Joseph Bayorgeon, Emmet Rohan and George Luebke.

May 18, 1949

Did you happen to see a bull come running through your yard lately? People in the vicinity of Wisconsin Avenue can actually say they did. It all happened when a young bull escaped from a barn on Quinney Avenue and started his merry trip down Crooks Avenue to Second Street and when cornered by the police swam across the river. He came out the river by the St. Paul Convent and began running down Wisconsin Avenue. He was finely caught by the police as he grazed in a farm field off highway 96. 

Leo Coffey was selected president of the Kaukauna Lions club at a meeting at the Elks club hall. 

Kaukauna’s Phil Zwick was the loser of a 10-round decision to feather-weight Pat “Tiger” Flowers, a New Orleans Negro, at Appleton Saturday. Flowers punched hard and opened a cut over Zwick’s right eye in the fourth round. Zwick bled profusely through the rest of the fight. 

May 20, 1949

Bobby Giordana, fullback on Kaukauna High School's 1948 unbeaten football team, has received a bid to play in the annual North-South high school football All-Star game next August.

Reigning as King and Queen of the Kaukauna High school junior prom held May 6 at the High school were Richard Myrhum and Miss Ruth Van De Loo. The theme of the prom was a “Grape Arbor.”

Howard Christofferson - After 52 years of serving Kaukauna residents, Dr. E. A. Mayer is retired. His drug store and business has been sold to Howard Christofferson. The Mayer Drug store was opened in 1897 in the same building where it is now located on the corner of Crooks and 2^nd Street. With $40 cash after paying expenses Mayer began his business. The store housed a soda fountain and a showcase of candy, cigars, drugs, school supplies and cigarettes.

Captain Lyle McGinnis lead the way by tying the low hurdles record as Kaukauna High School’s track team qualified four men for the state track meet next Saturday at Neenah.

Cliff Hinkens, right and Lyle McGinnis will be two of Kaukauna High School’s top threats this afternoon when Coach Walter Rennebohm’s cindermen travel to Neenah for a meet. Hinkens has been an outstanding miler while McGinnis has been the Ghosts’ top hurdler.

May 25, 1949

Tuesday afternoon Mayor Joseph Bayorgeon turned over the first shovel of dirt in the construction of Kaukauna’s new swimming pool. Members of the common council, the city planning committee, the Chief of Police, the Fire Chief, the city clerk and other officials were on hand for the brief ceremony.

Joseph T. Sadlier – In recognition of faithfulness and loyalty to the Kaukauna High School Alumni association, the 1949 edition of the Alumni News was dedicated to Joseph Sadlier. He has served on the Alumni board since 1936.

May 27, 1949

Alphons Bachhuber, Jr., was awarded the Eagle Scout award in a Court of Honor conducted by St. Mary’s Boy Scout Troop 27, Wednesday evening. The presentation was made by Wallace Mooney, assistant commissioner of the East District, Valley Council Boy Scouts of America. 

 

Time Machine Trip to May 1939

By Lyle Hansen

May 3, 1939

It appears that Old Dubbin, the farm family horse, continues to lose his struggle with the machine. For the second consecutive year, the horse popularity in the state has again decreased. More and more farm work is being done by motor driven machinery. The horse population has fallen to 515,000 head about 11,000 less than last year.

Committees for the junior prom were chosen last week by Leo Wolf, prom king, Mildred Feller, advisor and the class officers.

This week our Hall of Fame presents a well-known junior boy who is very active in affairs at high school. This person is Clarence De Bruin. Clarence is a member of the boys’ glee club, mixed chorus. Double mixed quartet and, also one of the soloists who represent the school in the tournaments. He is also active in forensics, debate and is a member of the Kau-Hi-News staff.

Carl Bartsch was high gun of the members of the Kaukauna Gun Club at the first shoot of the season. Carl broke 47 of 50 targets.

Beautification of the city, both to attract visitors and sell residents in the community was urged last week in a talk by Mayor L. F. Nelson before the Rotary club. The Mayor praised the American Legion for laying the cornerstone of the move to beautify the city by erecting the wall on the southside of the rapids some years ago.

Upon a suggestion received from the board of public works the common council voted to turn on the water at the drinking fountains located at the corner of Lawe street and Wisconsin Ave. and Second street and Main Ave. for the summer months.

May 5, 1939

The Holy Cross softball team defeated St. Mary’s 12–0 Thursday afternoon at St. Mary’s. The winning pitchers were Jim Lehman and Don Mangold with Mark Verhagen catching. Bill Knapp was on the mound for St. Mary’s with Dave Nagan catching.

May 10, 1939

              How the Grignon Home will look after it is restored

The Outagamie county board voted 32 to 21 to purchase the historic Grignon home and property in Kaukauna for $8,000. Restoration of the home to put it as near as possible to its original condition will be continued under the direction of the executive committee.  W. E. Smith chairman of the memorial committee of the pioneer society urged for the purchase of the property. The purchase includes more than 31 acres of land along with the home, furnishing and all records. Smith stated that the records were worth more than the home. Charles A. Grignon was born in 1808 and was the first treasurer of Outagamie county. He represented the Indians at the signing of the Treaty of the Cedars and for services was given $10,000 in silver dollars. The Grignon home was built 100 years ago in 1839.

Coach E. L. Curly Lambeau of the Green Bay Packers never missed a chance to see a football contest while in Europe and the cheap admission prices startled him. At one contest in France, it only cost him a dime to get in and his box seat was only 92 cents more. The football season extends over none months and teams often play two or three games a week. The Packer coach also remarked that he liked the size of the guards around Hitler’s headquarters in Berlin.

The Milwaukee Brewers are getting quite a few Fox Valley fans to their games and of course Red Smith, assistant Packer coach gets his share of attention as he directs traffic around third base. In a recent game, Smith was arguing with an umpire over a call when a fan called from the stands “Look out Red, he may be a pro football official and you might get penalized 15 yards.”

The police department has been busy this last week inspecting bicycles and giving drivers test. Bicycles must pass inspection before a license can be obtained from the city clerk L. J. Brenzel.

May 12, 1939

The Electric City Brewing company, manufacturers of Mellow Brew Beer, have just completed a six-year building program in every department of the brewery. The new brew kettle is considerably larger being increased from 60 to 100 barrels per brew.  Last fall a combined modern office and garage were built. Through the sale of Mellow Brew in the surrounding territory and several large cities in the state, thousands of dollars have been brought to Kaukauna.

Conservation men planted 3,000,000 walleyed pike in Lake Winnebago over the weekend. The fish were secured from the Wisconsin conservation commission hatchery at Gills Landing.

Mike Klein was elected president of the Lions Club at a meeting Tuesday evening. He succeeds A. H. Mongin, Jr., and will begin his term July 1.

May 17, 1939

The appointment of John Kramer as senior leader was announced at the meeting of Holy Cross Troop 31 Boy Scouts of America held at Park this week. Scouts made plans to March in the Holy Name rally parade Sunday as part of the Kaukauna contingent.

May 24, 1939

Five persons were arrested and fined for speeding over the weekend by the Kaukauna Police Department. Donald Olson of Sawyer was fined $5 and costs for driving at a rate of 45 miles an hour on Lawe Street. Andrew Van Dera, Route 1, paid a fine of $5 and costs for driving a rate of 50 miles an hour on Crooks Ave. Frank Vils paid $5 and cost for driving 55 miles an hour on Taylor Street. William Bedat and Carl Kuchelmeister of this city each paid $5 and costs for driving 60 miles an hour on Taylor Street.

Arthur Kappell, 50, E. 7th St., drowned Sunday afternoon when he fell off the bridge connecting the Badger power plant and the Badger Tissue Mills here Sunday. Kappell and John Heiting were netting fish from the bridge when Kappell fell into the river.

A new front is being installed on the Haas hardware store on Third Street.  

May 26, 1939

Five members of the high school track team will go to Madison Saturday to compete in the state track meet that will have representatives entered from the entire state. The five Kaukauna boys qualified for the state meet at the district meet at Neenah two weeks ago. Andy Meitner will compete in the broad jump, Giordana and Alger in the discus, Derus in the pole vault and Doering in the low hurdles.

Work or Go Hungry - Green Bay’s able-bodied wards – men on relief with or without families now will be required to work for their food, it was decided by councilmen Tuesday night. Any “pin money” would be nil. The plan to solve a hefty slice of the community’s tax burdens was proposed by the public welfare commission. The plan provides for imprisonment on non-support charge for men with families refusing to work and withdrawal from relief for other “lazy birds”. It is said that eight days a month would be a minimum work time. About 400 may be employed.  

May 30, 1939

Little Chute hasn't found themselves yet, but nevertheless, fans are raving about the play of Strick, rookie catcher. Also notable are Boots, Bongers, Verstegen, Hammen, M. Schuler and Van Dykes.