Time Machine Trip to July 1909

Kaukauna Times - By Lyle Hansen

July 2, 1909  

J. A. Anderson, the south side jeweler, has two brothers whose names are Knute and Ole Nelson. When asked by a Times reporter why their last names were different, Anderson explained he was born in this country as his brothers were born in Norway. In Norway the children are given the father’s first name then followed by son. Anderson’s father’s name is Nel Anderson therefore his brothers last names are Nelson.

Wisconsin will harvest this year one of the greatest hay crops ever. Corn and barley are in splendid condition according to the State Board of Agriculture.

July 9, 1909

The fourth of July was very spectacular in Kaukauna. The carnival on the rivers and the big display of fireworks in the evening certainly proved a pleasing finale of the day. The decorated boats commenced to appear on the river and both sides of the banks were filled with a vast crowd of men, women and children, all anxious to see what was in store. Strings of illuminated Japanese lanterns were strung across the government dam and along the riverbank of the south side. Upwards of twenty boats participated in the water carnival each being elaborately decorated. The afternoon spectators saw canoe and rowboat races on the half mile course. Boys 16 and older competed in swimming races. The fourth was a great celebration again this year. 

July 16, 1909

A wireless station is possible for Kaukauna in connection with the plans of the North-Western Railroad Company for wireless on its system from Chicago. The company will erect a station in Chicago then in Milwaukee. If the system is a success other stations will be installed along the line.

Registration for 160-acre farms on the Flathead Reservation at Missoula Mont. has been opened. Any qualified applicant can register for parcels of three different areas. The cost of taking the prize is $1.25 to $7.00 an acre. 

OLYMPIA Orchestra

Wm. Van Dyke – Manager      

Music for Balls, Parties and Receptions

July 23, 1909

Louis Jordan, a brakeman of the North Western road, had three fingers crushed Saturday while making a coupling.

The lack of a nickel to drop into a telephone slot costs Oscar Niedt $1500.00 when his barn was destroyed by fire. Niedt’s barn caught fire about 10 pm and he hastened to a telephone booth in his neighborhood to call a fire engine. Being told by the operator to drop a nickel into the drop he discovered he had none. He told the girl it was a case of life and death, but she sweetly insisted she could not place the call without the proper charge being paid. Niedt fled to find another place and sent in the alarm. It was too late, for when the fire engine reached the place the barn was in ashes.

July 30, 1909

“Sweetheart Kathleen” and “In the Old Rose Garden, Sue”, are the titles of two new songs which have recently been composed by Will A. Nugent and placed on the market by the Nugent Bros. Music Co. The sheet music is being printed by the Times presses this week.

The mills on the Fox River are now drawing only 50 per cent of the usual water supply for power purposes. Owing to the low water in the river the cut was deemed necessary.