Time Machine Trip to May 1890

Kaukauna Times - By Lyle Hansen

May 2, 1890

Thousands of workmen in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and other large cities have gone out on strike today for an eight-hour work cause. The extent of the strike can be estimated from the fact that fully 30,000 laborers in Chicago will take part in the demonstration held there today.

The Detroit Tribune tells the story of the manager of a knitting mill. The concern has just issued an order to the girls employed in the establishment, about 400 in number, that hereafter while at work they must only wear button shoes and as the reason for the order has explained that one of the managers has made a calculation that the shoestrings of a working girl will come untied on an average of three times per day and that girl will lose about 50 seconds every time she stoops to retie them. Most of the employees have two feet so that entails a loss of 300 seconds every day for each girl. The employer wishes not to pay for that much wasted time.

Syracuse, New York, April 26 – The remains of Frank Hotchkiss, who was killed in a fall, was being interned in the Greenwood Cemetery. The ceremony was marred by a most painful and peculiar accident. The Grand Army post and a large crowd were present at the ceremony when the large family monument, which had been under cut in preparing the site fell with a crash, the base going into the grave falling upon the coffin. The coffin broke open and one of pallbearers tumbled into the grave site. The solemn exercises were immediately concluded, and the spectators withdrew.

May 9, 1890

A prolonged whistling up the river Tuesday morning led many to believe that the mills at Kimberly or Appleton were on fire, but such was not the case. The whistle of the steamer Evelyn caught in some manner and could not be closed until the steam in the boiler was nearly exhausted.

May 16, 1890

Day by day, Kaukauna grows, and healthy growth it is. Look to the East, look to the West, the South, or the North and the rising peak of some new building meets the eye. Step-by-step the city expands its circle, and where lofty trees rose in all their splendor 10 years ago comfortable cottages or large residence now stand, happy home of some family who has come among us, who came a few years ago with barely enough capital to get here, and have by the many opportunities presented succeeded in building a place that they can call home – – their home.

There is a great scarcity of hired girls in Kaukauna. If someone would import about a dozen good girls, it would receive a heartfelt thanks of many were seeking help.

A regular building boom has struck Kaukauna this spring. Four brick blocks, and thirty-five residences are now in the course of construction about the city, with many more to follow.

Several weeks ago, THE TIMES first mentioned the celebrating of the 100th anniversary in Kaukauna, and we are pleased to see the same meets with the approval of our citizens. Dr. H.B. Tanner is now circulating a paper amongst the pioneers of the city to lend their aid to support such an anniversary. An appropriate program consists of impromptu remarks, orations, music and supper. Members of the press of neighboring cities will be invited to participate. Kaukauna being the first community in Wisconsin to reach the century mark.   

A Dakota farmer whose property was swept away by a recent tornado says that everything was blown off the farm except the mortgage.

May 23, 1890

Paul H. Beaulieu Post G. A. R. and the citizens of Kaukauna have arranged for the proper observance and exercises on Memorial Day. The Veterans will meet at 7:00 in the morning and proceed to decorate the grave of the soldiers who sleep their last long sleep. They will visit sites in Buchanan, Little Chute and Kelso in Kaukauna. Ten little girls will strew the flowers on the graves. A procession will be formed consisting of members of the G.A.R., school children, the fire department and members of the city government. The Kaukauna Cornet Band will furnish the music and the line of march will be on streets on both sides of the city, arriving at the Opera House where closing exercises will be carried out.

May 30, 1890

The eight-year-old son of August Hass fell beneath a moving freight train at the depot last Tuesday morning and narrowly escaped death. The little fellow had been warned innumerable times to keep away from the moving trains but persisted in catching into them. Bystanders who saw him sink beneath the moving wheels stood spell bound for a moment fortunately no bones were broken and only flesh was cut from his thigh. He was rushed to Dr. Lord who happened near by and dressed his wounds.

People along Wisconsin Avenue have been highly entertained this week by the antics of an individual who is moving a building up the street to a new location. At the rate he is moving it he may be able to get it in position before the snow flies next fall. The owners of the structure along with several businesses on the avenue are saying they are planning on a lawsuit against the moving company.