Time Machine Trip to February 1961

 

Kaukauna Times - February 1961

By Lyle Hansen

February 1, 1961

Jerry Klister was elected president of the Kaukauna High School Alumni association when the group met Monday evening. Norbert Noie will serve as vice president and Mrs. Marcus Nigel as secretary-treasure for the coming year.

 

February 1, 1961

Karen Lindemuth, who competed against ten KHS senior girls, has won the DAR Good Citizenship Award. She will be honored on Class Night.

 

Janet Reuter won the youth center ping pong tournament for girls last Wednesday evening.

 

February 3, 1961

James W. Lang, former managing editor, has been named editor of the Kaukauna Times; it was announced Thursday by Carl Hansen, editor, and publisher, who will retain the post of publisher. Lang was also elected vice president of the Kaukauna Times Printing Corporation, in additional to the editorial promotion.

 

Kaukauna voters will have, a large number, of candidates to choose from at the April 1 election. 18 Men have taken out papers for the five city council seats.

 

February 8, 1961

Thirteen students made straight A’s for the first semester of the current school year, according to honor roll lists released by the high school office.

 

February 10, 1961

G. E. McCorison, former president of Thilmany Pulp & Paper Company, was elected chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the company at its annual meeting yesterday. Former board chairman E. H. Jennings tendered his resignation at the meeting after 44 years with the firm. C. L. Dostal was elected president of the company.

 

A charge of murder in the first degree was issued against Leslie Weinke, 36, of Kaukauna Thursday morning by district attorney Nick Schaefer, in the shooting death of his wife Shirley, 25, Wednesday. The shooting took place in the kitchen of their home and Weinke called an ambulance and the police. Shirley Weinke was taken to the Kaukauna Community Hospital, where she died of a gunshot wound.

 

February 15, 1961

A two-year contract covering 1961 and 1962 was signed recently by the Badger Northland employees with the company. A nine cent per hour increase was negotiated for 1961 plus shift differentials. The 1962 contract includes an increase of ten cents per hour.

 

February 2, 1961

Despite the inclement weather Saturday, over 100 persons attended the Kiwanis Club Charter Night. Gustav Keller, of Appleton, presented the official charter of the club to Robert Roloff, president of the new Kaukauna Club.

 

February 22, 1961

The Kaukauna High School’s presentation of the musical “Annie Get Your Gun,” delighted a packed house of over 1000 persons Thursday evening and sent them home from the civic auditorium humming gay tunes.

Six new Eagle Scouts were added recently to Troop 27 St. Mary’s. Pictured left to right is Howard Veldman, assistant Scoutmaster, David Schwalenberg, Bill Niesz, Ronald Belongea, Wallace Mooney, commissioner, Roger Metz, Dennis Schaefer, Jack Grissman and Scoutmaster Louis Schultz.

The KAC Girl Cagers pictured above have run out of competition with three wins to no losses. Standing left to right are Judy Jacobson, Pearl Meulemans, Darlene Anderson, Marie Jakl, Wendy Thompson, Marilyn Hilgenberg, and Mary Schwinn. Kneeling are Joan Ludvigsen, Lindy Kemp and Beverly Coffey. 

 

February 1961 Brides

 

 

 

 

Time Machine Trip to February 1951

 

Kaukauna Times - February 1951

By Lyle Hansen

February 2, 1951

Robert Vander Loop, who is stationed with the army in Richland, Washington, has been promoted to Corporal.

Eleven Kaukauna men have been drafted into service. Thomas J. Eiting, Charles F. Kilawee, Richard E. Johnson, Edward J. Sullivan, Donald L. Hoh, Arthur D. Look, Robert R. Bergman, Ewald R. Ring and his twin brother Wesley R. Ring, Richard A. Van Handel, and Arthur W. Van Asten. 

Little Chute: Paul J. Vanden Heuvel, Robert W. Vander Loop, and Lester W. Winius, 

Kimberly: Gerald J. Van Zeeland, Edmund T. Cops, and Charles G. Jansen.

Combined Locks: William J. De Goey.  

Joe Reynebeau sent the pins flying Monday evening at the S&B alleys with a high 668 series. Byron Biselx had the high game of 246. 

 

February 7, 1951

Technical Sergeant John J. Kramer, who is stationed at Tucson, Arizona left last week to return to base after a three week visit with his parents.  

Egan’s Yacht and Gun Club was destroyed by fire early yesterday morning with a total loss of the buildings and contents estimated at $35,000.

Lieutenant James E. Marx, Kaukauna, came home for a week’s visit. He is serving aboard the USS Battleship Missouri, which has been playing an important part in pounding the Chinese Communist forces in Korea. Marx enlisted in the navy in March 1943.

February 9, 1951

A calm and peaceful meeting of the Kaukauna Common council suddenly erupted Tuesday night when the subject of salary increases for aldermen and other elected officials was introduced by Alderman Ray De Bruin. The measure passed by a vote of 7-3. Mayor Doty Bayorgeon immediately announced that he would veto the ordinance.

Cats and dogs will not be allowed to run at large within the city limits according to an ordinance adopted by the common council. Any cat or dog found loose will be impounded and destroyed with the owner liable for a $1.00 to $50.00 fine.

Pvt. Clifford D. Hinkens has been assigned to Westover Air Force Base, Mass. He had enlisted in October of 1950. 

February 16, 1951

Sergeant William P. McCormick, Jr., who was seriously wounded in December 1950 in Korea, is spending a 30-day leave with his parents in Little Chute. He will report to Great Lakes, Ill., following is visit.

 

The Board of Directors of the Kaukauna Advancement Association look over the year’s report as President James Bambery shows it. Seated opposite him is L. C. Smith. Standing is Neil McCarty, James Gustman, William Strick, Martin Janssen and Lawrence Verhagen.

February 21, 1951

Holy Cross wound up as the unbeaten champions of the grade school basketball league by slipping past a stubborn Lutheran team 25-24.

 

David A. Stuiber, 17, Whitney Street, has enlisted in the army for three years and is presently at Fort Sheridan, Ill.

Vincent Vissers, Little Chute, who is stationed at Camo Pickett, Va., arrived home Sunday to spend a furlough with his parents. 

Coach Rodney Legener revealed that he has resigned his position as St. John High School football, basketball and baseball coach and physical education instructor. He had come to St. John’s in 1947.

February 23, 1951

Dr. Simon Cherkasky of Kaukauna has been named to head a mobile medical team that will be part of the state civil defense battalion in this area.

 

 

 

Time Machine Trip to February 1941

 

Kaukauna Times - February 1941

By Lyle Hansen

February 5, 1941

Coach Guy Krumm’s squad Friday night had just enough to squeeze a greatly improved West De Pere five 29 to 27 for the Kaw’s 11^th straight win of the season, Junior Swedberg and Carl Giordana kept Krumm’s team in the game. Both had scored ten points each.

 

The Holy Cross grade school cagers won their fourth straight game in the league by defeating St. Mary’s Saturday 44 to 20. After a close 1^st quarter Holy Cross team got things rolling with “Darkie” Ristau pouring in 11 baskets for 22 points.

Kaukauna high school teacher Olin Dryer instructing his class.

 

February 7, 1941

An outdoor swimming pool for Kaukauna was one of the main subjects discussed at a meeting of the common council Tuesday evening.

Damage to the extent of approximately $2000 was caused by fire to L & L tavern operated by Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Belongea at 142 W. Third street Thursday afternoon.

February 12, 1941

First Lieutenant William J, Nelson of Kaukauna and Lieutenant Nicholas Biersteker of Little Chute, left Monday for Fort Knox, Kentucky to spend a year in the military service. They are members of the army reserve.

Mickey Walsh won his three bouts at the Appleton sectional golden glove tournament Monday night in the 112-pound division.

 

February 19, 1941

Coach Guy Krumm's high school basketball team clinched the Western division cage crown, its first in the history of the school, by downing a scrappy Menasha team, 36-27 here Friday night for its thirteenth win of the season.

 

The cost of direct city relief was slightly lower in January compared to the previous month. There was $2841.63 spent in January $28.91 lower than December.

 

February 21, 1941

Kaukauna high school basketball team. Top row left to right, Howard McCabe, manager, Kenneth Reinholz, John Ryan, Billy Knapp, Billy Van Dyke, Cal Spice, Robert Johnson, Coach Krumm; front row Eldor Stanelle, Willis Ranquette, Carl Giordana, Bill Alger, Captain Carl Swedberg and Bill Tessin. Kaukauna high schools first conference cage N.E.W championship the team made an amazing record of winning 14 straight games.

 

All members of Legion Post No. 41 are asked to register today and tomorrow for possible national, defense service. Registration will take place this evening at 7:00, Saturday at 1:30 until 4:00 in the afternoon, and Sunday evening from 7:00 to 10:00.

 

Two Kaukauna youths, Robert N. Schwaller and Harold J. Belongea have joined the army air corps and left for the air corps technical school at Scott Field, Belleville, Ill., where they will receive 16 weeks of specialized study.

 

Everything is all set for Kaukauna’s first professional boxing show to be held at the gymnasium Tuesday night when Phil Zwick of Kaukauna and Wisconsin’s feather and lightweight champion, battles Eu Eulien in a 10-round windup of a 30-round program.

 

February 28, 1941

Sixty World war veterans have registered with the Kaukauna American Legion post 41 for possible national defense service.

 

All regular army reservists have been ordered into active service not later than February 15, it was announced by Brig. Gen. Charles H. Bonesteel, commander of the sixth corps.

After being on the floor for a nine count in the first round of the weather weight bout Kaukauna’s Phil Zwick came back to drop Eu Eulien in the eighth round before a crowd of 1600 people in the Kaukauna high school gymnasium.

1941 Chrysler Town and Country

Time Machine Trip to February 1931

 

Kaukauna Times - February 1931

By Lyle Hansen

February 23, 1931

Six robberies occurred Sunday according to the Kaukauna police department. Four of them were residents and thought to be the work of the same gang. The other were a filling station and money from a local church. It is thought that all the robberies were the work of youths.

 

The Board of Education 

Front: Lester J. Brenzel,   Edward Grebe,   Mrs. John Regenfuss,   Lewis F. Nelson.

Back row: Herman T. Runte,   Nicholas Haupt,   James McFadden,   

 

The hiring of a second full time janitor for the Kaukauna High School to assist C. J. Jennerjahn, was the principal business transacted at the Kaukauna board of education Monday evening.   

 

February 6, 1931

A giant pair of shoes have made their appearance at the Verfurth Shoe store. The shoes are size fifteen and measure fourteen inches long.

 

Members of the Kaukauna Post No. 41, American Legion, voted unanimously in favor of the immediate payment of a cash bonus to ex-service at their meeting Tuesday evening.

 

February 10, 1931

Mayor Fargo has been named president of the Fox River Valley Municipalities association, an organization composed of ten cities and villages in the valley. The organization has been created for the purpose if mutually benefitting members through organized efforts. 

Troup 20, Boy Scouts of Park school, held a meeting Monday evening. Stanley Dix and Robert Woelz were advanced to first class and Dean Ball was advanced to second class. Robert Hoehne and Floyd Driessen made tenderfoot scouts.  Olin G. Dryer, troop committee chairman made the awards to the boys.

February 20, 1931

John D. Lawe, local Civil war veteran spoke to the children of the seventh and eighth grades of the Holy Cross school on “My Days in the Civil War, Thursday. Mr. Lawe giving a vivid firsthand account of the battles in which he participated.

 

February 24, 1931

How to Keep from Growing Old.

Always drive fast.

Always race the locomotives to crossings.

Be sure to pass a car on curves.

Never look behind you when you back up your car.

Remember a few shots of booze will enable you to make your car do stunts.

New drivers should be taught to drive fast in heavy traffic it gives them experience.

It is fun to drive in the trolley tracks for smooth going.  

February 27, 1931

John A. Johnson, 57 years old, spent ten years in Waupun prison for a murder which he did not commit. The state of Wisconsin has agreed to put $5000 in a trust fund to help in his declining years. He was accused of killing a 7-year-old girl. The police used third degree methods to extract a confession from him by telling him there was a lynch mob outside the jail, and they would turn him over if he did not sign the confession.

Time Machine Trip to February 1921

 

Kaukauna Times - February 1921

By Lyle Hansen 

February 3, 1921

A. R. Firehammer, manager of the Fuller-Goodman Lumber Company in this day, created a stampede on the street yesterday and a crowd was soon gathered around him eager to share in his supposed good fortune. Mr. Firehammer has been under the weather for several days and was seen to emerge from a doctor's office, step into a garage, pull a bottle from his pocket and tilt it up as he proceeded to separate the bottle from its contents. Putting two and two together while Mr. Firehammer and the bottled goods were being made one, the crowd singing, "Oh, How Dry I Am" filled the garage to overflow. As quickly as the crowd gathered it dissolved, separated, and vanished, for closer inspection disclosed a bottle containing nothing, in the nature of amber neither fluid nor golden moonshine, but the pink concoction that Dr... (We dare not give his name as doctor's do not believe in advertising) is fond of giving his patients as a gargle.

 

Miss Dorothy Preston Cooper of this city, attending Marquette University School of Nurses, was the selection of over 200 students who tried out for the part of the leading lady in the Prom play. Her dramatic ability and clear voice as well as her winning personality carried the audience.

 

February 10, 1921

The state highway commission believed the time is ripe for launching a campaign for safety in highway travel. In 1920 traffic deaths were 10,000. One step toward safety is to require the operation of automobiles by licensing drivers. 

 

Tuesday afternoon from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. the children of the Kindergarten, St. Mary's School were entertained, the occasion being Robert Mayor's sixth birthday anniversary. The afternoon was an enjoyable one for the little tots the main feature being a program and the most important number was a minute danced by Robert Mayer and Dolores Conlon, all credit due to their teacher Sister Beata who takes a great interest in the children. The school room was beautifully decorated in red, white, and blue crepe paper. The Rev. Fathers Steinbecker and Raymaker and all the sisters as well as the children enjoyed the party and Mrs. E. A. Mayer proved to be a good hostess.

Sgt. Arthur Schubring of the A-F-G Headquarters company of the Army of Occupation arrived home February 2. Sgt. Schubring was the first local boy to enter service for the war to be stationed in France and is the last one to return to Kaukauna. Beside wearing the insignia of sergeant his coat sleeves show a wound stripe on his right arm and the maximum of six gold service stripes on his left sleeve. 

 

February 17, 1921

Sylvester Dix was elected president of the Phoenix society of the seventh and eighth grade of Nicolet School at a meeting Friday. Helen Martens was elected vice president, George Look, secretary and Lila Alwardt, treasurer. An extensive program consisting of a dialogue, solos by Miss Mable Richardson and short talks were given.

 

February 24, 1921

Renn and Company, who have been unable to cut any ice on the river at their usual point in front of the company's icehouse on account of the unusually mild winter have arranged to secure a sufficient quantity elsewhere and ice consumers are assured that there will be no shortage of ice next summer.

WHY THE TIMES DOES NOT PRINT ALL THE NEWS

The question has been asked “Why does not The Times print the details of certain local scandals or some disgraceful episode?” The answer may be found in the fact that so few people are without sin and that the throwing of stones is not a very wise employment. It is a matter of common observation, moreover, that the very people who demand the publication of something against their neighbor are the first to request the paper not publish something that reflects badly on themselves. The Times does not consider itself to be called upon to act as a municipal sewer to poison the atmosphere for people who like fresh air. It would be a gross abuse of privilege and hospitality for a man to accept an invitation to visit another man’s home merely to let loose a lot of vulgarity or scandal. The pretest of pretending to give “all the news” is sheer bunk for everything that happens is news to someone, but “everything” is not fit for print or worthy of mention. It is our desire to help and not hinder those who have tripped and fallen for we feel that such persons may wish to get up and walk the right path again.  

       

 

Time Machine Trip to February 1911

 

Kaukauna Times February 1911

By Lyle Hansen

February 3, 1911

Arthur Schmaltz had a narrow escape from serious injury by falling from a scaffold Monday at the plant of the Kaukauna Gas, Electric Light & Power Company. He fell about twelve feet and was somewhat bruised but was able to continue at work.

 

Henry West hauled a record-breaking white oak log into town which was cut off land in the Town of Freedom. The log was 19 feet long and scaled 740 feet of good quality being cut at the Kaukauna plant.

February 10, 1911

Although the voters of Kaukauna decided at a recent election that they wanted the parcel of land known as Klein's Park in the Third Ward, purchased by the city, and retained as a public park or for other future use, the first payment of $500.00 was raised by tax rolls, but all in vain. The city council voted down any future plans for a park by a seven to three margin.

Kenosha – The dead body of Mary Zahon. 24, the daughter of a prominent local farmer was found in a field three miles north of town. Miss Zahon disappeared from her home on the night of January 8 and since that time searchers have been looking for her. The young girl was of rare personal beauty. On the night of her disappearance, she had quarreled with her father, who had urged her to marry one of his friends, who was much older than her. She had gone to her room and two hours later was noticed missing. She had died as result of the cold temperatures.  

     

February 17, 1911

A telephone message was received from City Attorney Fred Wilcox this morning announcing that the Rate Commission had concluded their appraisement of the plant of the Kaukauna Gas, Electric Light and Power Company, and that the value had been placed at $47,320.00. This, therefore, according to the Rate Commission's valuation, is what the City of Kaukauna is expected to pay for the plant in accordance with the people’s decision to buy at the special election held for that purpose. The Kaukauna Gas, Electric Light & Power Co. have the right to appeal to the circuit court of Dane County for a re-appraisement, if they do not elect to accept these figures, but eventually they must sell, and the city must buy at the Rate Commission's figures finally determined.

February 24, 1911

Joseph Wodjenski, while assisting in the repairing of the flume leading into the Outagamie Mill Sunday, fell 28 feet from the scaffold into the wheel pit. He was shaken up thoroughly and was badly bruised, though no bones were broken. As he fell, he struck the water wheel and glanced off. It was almost a miracle that Mr. Wodjenski was not killed or seriously injured.

 

The firm of Golden and Stone, junk dealers, has been dissolved this week and Golden will open a secondhand store on Wisconsin Avenue. He has bought out a secondhand furniture store in Neenah and the stock will be removed here. Golden has moved his family to the new location.

 

Time Machine Trip to February 1901

 

Kaukauna Times - February 1901

By Lyle Hansen

February 1, 1901

Doubleheader Train Submitted photo

The new railroad bridge across the governmental canal at the third lock was completed by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company. The structure will stand test today when a double header train will pass over it in safety.

 

The members of the Women's Christian Temperance Union are under arrest at LaSalle, Ind., for having gone on a saloon smashing crusade. Seven women armed with small hatchets entered the Harrison Hotel bar and smashed the mirrors and fixtures and destroyed cigar and liquors. The damage amounted to $700. Mr. Murphy, the bartender, in attempting to prevent the demolition, received a severe gash on his head from a hatchet in the hands of one of the women. The women are jubilant over their success in wiping out three saloons and promised to smash more at the first opportunity. They claim saloon wrecking is lawful and expect to be released without bail.

 

The Kaukauna Public Library was transferred to new rooms in the Central Block last Saturday. Today the doors were open to hundreds of appreciative patrons throughout the city. The new rooms are great improvement over the old location, being neat and clean, well-lighted comfortably. 

 

On Thursday last family circle of Mr. Mrs. Peter Essler was increased by the arrival of baby girl. Mr. Essler informs The Times reporter that this makes a total of 15 children. Twelve children are living and enjoying good health.

 

An Appleton physician, Dr. M. J. Rodermund, who caused considerable concerns last week by his deliberate exposure of dozens of people to smallpox, and who were subsequently placed in quarantine, with a guard of four officers around his house day and night, escaped Saturday night and is still at large.

Rev. Father Van Den Broek 

Rev. Father Antony Joseph Verberk, a retired priest who has during his priesthood been pastor at Freedom, Little Chute, Appleton, and other places died on Sunday last in Hollandtown. Rev. Verberk one of the early Holland missionaries had labored earnestly for many years in service. Father Verberk was the last living priest to have seen Rev. Father Van Den Broek who will be remembered brought the Holland settlers of Little Chute across the ocean. The meeting happened during the winter of 1847-48 when Father Van den Broek, after years of missionary work among the Indians in the Fox River Valley, was on a visit to his native country. Father Verberk, at that time attending college, went to see the aged missionary for advice about joining the colony of Hollanders just then preparing to immigrate to America.

   

February 8, 1901

The usual large stock of fish for the Lenten season is arriving daily at Runte's. Better place your order now for your season's supply.

 The city dads met in regular monthly session Tuesday evening and turn out customary cost of business. Amongst the business transacted passage of the resolution prescribing rules for the police officer. Hereafter the city marshal will be expected to be on duty from 6 AM to 6 PM and shall divide his time equally between the two sides of the river not remaining in one place for more than 15 minutes unless duty demands.

 

Cornelius Bruin of this city is the owner of a book that was printed in 1690 and which he offers for sale. It is printed in three languages Spanish, French and Holland and is bound in pigskin. It is a religious work and looks as if it has never received rough usage. It has been in Mr. Bruin’s family ever since it was printed.

February 15, 1901

Kimberly Clark Paper Mill – Kimberly Wisconsin

Chief Elmer L. Anderson of the Appleton fire department, who led the fighters of three cities in the battle against the raging flames, lost his life at the fire at the Kimberly & Clark Company at Kimberly Wednesday night. The mill was damaged to an estimated amount at between $300,000 and $400,000. Three to four large machine rooms, including the finishing department, in a mass of smoldering debris.

 

The biggest waterpower deal in recent history of the Fox River Valley was consummated on February 1st by the delivery of deeds which transfers to the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company practically all the interest in the power canal in Kaukauna and elsewhere on the Fox River. The figures in the deal are large and although not made public supposed to be upwards of $100,000.

 

February 22, 1901

A few weeks ago, we wrote Peter Essler the family of 15 thought to be entitled to the big family medal. He held for one week when George Kromer came forward and contested on the grounds that he was the father of 17 children. Now comes a record breaker and puts them all to shame. Michael Gilson, the blacksmith at A. E. Pardon’s shop on Crooks Avenue, is the father of 21 children, 13 of whom are living and range in age from 6 to 36 years of age.

 

Each of the members of the Kaukauna Fire Department who served at the Kimberly mill fire last week, received a $10 check from the Kimberly-Clark company as a reward for their aid. It is a graceful act for the company and certainly most acceptable.