Time Machine Trip to January 1925

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

 

January 1, 1925

The new ice rink on the baseball field is ready for use. At this time, it is too cold for anyone to brave this cold blast.

 

Local industries are looking forward to a good year in 1925. The present order situation is highly satisfactory. The heavy stock of paper stored by the Thilmany company in order to keep running last summer has been nearly all shipped. The Moloch is doing a good business with plenty of work.

January 8, 1925

The work on Kaukauna’s $100,000.00 bridge across the Fox River is now being resumed by about 20 men after work stopped due to the cold weather.

January 15, 1925

Mrs. Henrietta Coppes saw her 100^th Christmas tree this past year. She is the oldest citizen of Kaukauna. She enjoys listening to the radio and listening to the Christmas programs. She is in the best of health, needs no glasses and moved quickly about the house. She was born in Holland and come to this country in 1868, moving to Kaukauna in 1887 to 701 Dodge Street. She says she expects to live there until she gets to be a ripe old age. “The first 100 years is always the hardest.”

Rumors have lately arisen that there are irregularities in the collection of money among the Wisconsin Indians by legal counsel in carrying the fight to regain position of eastern land illegally obtained from their ancestors. The Stockbridge and Brothertown Indians have met and voted their unanimous support toward the movement and plans are under way in Kaukauna to determine the settlement of the local Indians. 

 

January 22, 1925

The Rev. John Mc Coy, publisher of THE KAUKAUNA TIMES, and for many years pastor of the Memorial Presbyterian church in Appleton, died at 11:15 Monday night at Appleton. He had been seriously ill for more than a week.

Explosive materials left over from the war are now available for farmers throughout the country according to the county agent. The cartridges are packed in 50-pound boxes and can be used in land clearings.

 

January 29, 1925

The KHS basketball team continued its winning streak by defeating the Clintonville high team 22-21. This is the fourth consecutive win for the boys.

The Little Chute high school basketball team was defeated at Watry’s Hall Friday evening by the Hilbert team 12 – 19. A large crowd was present. 

This is not a murder. Just testing a bullet proof vest. The vest consists of layers of “Bovite” .013 of an inch thick. It will resist every type of revolver of pistol bullet, both the lead and the metal jacketed. 

Perhaps you've heard the slang expression abour an automobile wrapping or draping itself around a telephone pole. Well above you see one that actually did. It took an acetylene torch to break the affectionate embrace. The driver was hurt and arrested.  

Time Machine to January 1915

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

January 1, 1915

Meat at 50 cents a pound and shoes at $10.00 a pair are possibilities in the next two years. This is the opinion of the government and stockyard experts. The war is draining the supply and an increase in stock must be made before long or we will face small supplies soon.

14 of the 48 states in the union are “dry”. November elections added four of these Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Colorado to the dry list. More than half of the people in the nation live under prohibition.

 

Large crowds assemble daily to skate at the new city rink in the rear of the public library.

 

January 8, 1915

Mayor John Coppes has been recommended by Congressman Konop to succeed Julius J. Martens as postmaster at the South Kaukauna office.

 

January 15, 1915

If you want to know whether a letter will go for two cents or not, here is a way to find out--without the use of a scale. Balance the letter on a ruler against a silver dollar.

The first chime of bells ever heard in Kaukauna rang out their melodious tones at noon hour Wednesday from the tower of Holy Cross church. There are three bells in the chimes at present and it’s hoped that a fourth will soon be added in order to perfect the tone combination.

 

January 22, 1915

A group of Chorus Beauties with Mc Intyre and Heath in the Musical Comedy, “The Ham Tree,” will perform at the Appleton Theatre, Saturday, January 28.

 

For Rent - Nine room house, cement basement, gas heat, beautiful lawn with shade and fruit trees, cement walks. Priced at $18.00 per month, 968 Superior Street, Appleton.

 

For sale – A 80-acre farm just over the line in Shawano county. 50 acres under cultivation, balance woodland. Good well and nice creek. Substantial 8 room log home atone basement, barn 36x66 and outbuildings. Price $6,000 which includes team, 6 cows and other livestock. 

Grandview Hotel

Alex MacIntosh, alias Murphy, Lering, MacLane, and any other name that he happened to think of, who stole $15.00 and a valuable time piece of George Mulholland at the Grand View Hotel last week was sentenced to one year in Waupun by Judge Ryan last Thursday afternoon. The theft took place on January 12. MacIntosh had applied at the hotel for a meal stating he had not partaken of food for more than a day. Landlord Mulholland in his usual generous way fed the Wandering Willie and the allowed him to remain around the hotel for a few days and do some odd jobs.

 

January 29, 1915

Miss Mary Eccles who brought suit against the Kaukauna free high school to recover salary amounting to $332.50 on a breach of contract, was given a judgment for that amount plus the interest for about three years and costs of trial by and order from Judge Kreiss in municipal court last week. Miss Eccles testified that she had signed a contract to teach at Kaukauna high school during the year of 1911-12. After a few months she was dismissed without a hearing.

 

Monte Carlo is closed because of the war. Visitors are not being turned away, but most of the 800 employees have left to join the French Regiments, and money is becoming scarce in France.

To express their love for their paster of a quarter of a century, the people of Little Chute last Thursday observed the 25^th anniversary of Rev. Theodore Knegtel as rector of St. John’s church in that village. Bishop J. J. Fox of Green Bay along with many priests from around the area were present for the celebration.

 

Time Machine Trip to January 1905

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

January 6, 1905

The attendance at the ice rink is still large concert evenings. Despite the storm Wednesday evening the crowd was large, and the management made a special effort to keep the ice clear for the skaters although several inches of snow fell in the meantime. A number of sweepers were busy all the evening brushing the ice surface.

 

The South Kaukauna post office is to be moved. It is to be placed in the new vacant store building adjoining the Grand View Hotel.

 

 

January 13, 1905

Just as a customer was about to leave J. G. Fechter's store last Saturday he paused at the door to light a cigar and in scratching a match the head flew off and landed midst the cotton trimmed display window in front of the jewelry department. With a flash the cotton ignited, and, in a few seconds, the whole window was enveloped in flames. Chunks of snow from the outside were immediately thrown on the fire and the flames soon subdued but not until several hundred dollars’ worth of goods were damaged.

 

Fifty freight cars will arrive at Kimberly in the very near future carrying the two paper machines for the new plant. It will take at least two months to get them in readiness to run.

The Railway Y.M.C.A. has announced that last year over 51,000 lunches were served over the counter and sleeping rooms were used 6,400 times.

 

January 20, 1905

The new paper mill at Kimberly will be provided with an electric plant that will cost nearly $100,000. Five beaters will be driven by motors and also nine super calendars. The entire mill will be lit by arc and incandescent light. It is expected that the new plant will be in operation by the first of June.

 

January 27, 1905

All the merchants of Kaukauna have signed an agreement to close their places of business four evenings each week at 6:30. Mondays and Saturdays, the stores will remain open and the 20^th and 21st of each month.

Time Machine Trip to January 1895

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

January 4, 1895

New Year's Day was one to be remembered by all, for in all probability, a similar one will not be seen for years. No snow on the ground, and the weather by no means uncomfortably cold.

A young woman employed as a domestic at Dr. H. B. Tanner’s residence until recently, was arrested last Saturday on the charge of stealing two rings belonging to Mrs. Tanner. The woman pleaded guilty upon being accused and produced the stolen property and was committed to jail. 

 

The year 1894 closed in Kaukauna with a fire, the Transient Hotel being completely wiped out of existence. About 6 o'clock Monday evening, the building was discovered to be on fire; around one of the chimneys an alarm was immediately sounded. The fire was burning very slowly in the attic area. The engine was set at the reservoir at the corner of Kaukauna Street and Wisconsin Avenue and as the cistern has not held much water since the new sewers were put in it was pumped dry within a few moments. The engine moved to the canal in an attempt to find water but soon the hose burst and the fire department “threw in the sponge.”  All was lost in the effort.

There has been excellent skating on the River for the past week and on Sunday and New Year's Day the ice was literally covered with boys and girls enjoying the sport.

January 11, 1895

Sheriff Baker found seventy boarders at the county jail when he took charge last Monday. They were mostly tramps and are being boarded at the county's expense. When, oh when, will some plan be invested to properly punish these worthless vagabonds?

 

An extraordinary horseless carriage, which is not electric, but propelled by steam, is an invention in France. It is built of tubes, which are encased in a light frame and therefore not seen. The wheels are fitted with bicycle spokes and have solid rubber tires. A coachman sits in front before a pair of upright handles not unlike those of a bicycle with which he steers. The cost of this carriage is about $1000.  

 

Smallpox cases are reported at Fond du Lac, Appleton and Manitowoc.

 

January 18, 1895

Fire again paid a visit to Kaukauna over the weekend, despite the valiant efforts of Mayor Tanner and Policeman Kuehn, who worked like beavers giving orders to the department. A shortage of water in the reservoir and the fact that the fire engine tipped over on the way to the fire resulted in the tragic loss of several businesses on Third Street. The Lindauer & Ruppert structure which housed G. W. Fargo & Sons Furniture Store was a total loss, along with A. W. Thomas Jewelry, Frank Bartsch Shoe Store, John Majeres tailor, and Misses Diedrick, dressmakers. The total loss is estimated to reach $35,000.

 

Policeman Kuehn of Kaukauna has been reappointed deputy Sheriff for this part of the county. Jules has served in this capacity for several terms and has at all times proved an efficient officer. The poor department of a city is a thing that is very expensive according to the city council. Many people are honest and do not ask for help that they actually need. The worthy poor it is a pleasure to aid, but the greedy, lazy class ought to be left in the lurch.  

Madison, Wis., Jan. 14 – Since the present state administration came into power just one week ago today, they have begun paying off $82,000 in debts left by the Democrats.

January 25, 1895

Three children in our city died this week of diphtheria and the number of cases continues to grow every day.

Last Thursday evening Ernest Schlafler, employed at the Kimberly paper mill, at Kimberly, while crossing the drawbridge which connects to departments of the mill, slipped on the ice and fell into the waterpower canal. He succeeded in reaching one of the iron columns supporting the trestle after clanging to it was frozen fast. It was almost dark, and the roar of the mill drowned out his cries and it was some time before he was discovered considerable force was found necessary to dislodge him from the post and he was totally helpless and unconscious when rescued.

 

           

 Open they lattice my true love, gaze with thy bright orbs.   And she did.

  

The Ball Season

Time Machine Trip to January 1885

 

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

January 2, 1885

Happy New Year to all! 1885, How does it sound to you?

H. Kinzer, a brakeman on the Lake Shore road met with a serious accident on Wednesday of last week. He was in the act of coupling a flat car loaded with lumber and failing to notice that the load projected from the car was badly jammed between the two cars.

At a Catholic Church in Brooklyn, on the 27, was held the funeral of twenty-one victims of the fire at the orphan asylum.

A body of well-equipped men is setting out from Laramie, Wyoming for the purpose of shooting wild horses and poisoning coyotes. The cattlemen have offered $2.50 for the coyote pelts. The wild horses do damage by enticing away tame ones at great loss to the owners. 

January 9, 1885

Kaukauna should have better sidewalks and more of them, also a well-organized and regulated fire department. This would require the village portion being incorporated as a city. The recent fires in both business districts prove that city incorporation would be for the best interest of this community.

At a country hotel a traveler retires to his room, leaving word that he is to be called for the early train. In the morning, he is aroused from a sweet sleep by the knocking at the door. “Are you the gentleman that was to be called for the 5:15 train?” “Yes, I am that person.” “Then you can go to sleep again sir the trains gone.”

 

1885 Western Washing Machine

January 16, 1885

Early on Wednesday morning the alarm of fire sounded for the third time within six weeks, arousing our citizens from their slumbers. The flames originated in the Dockery building about 3:15. The adjoining buildings, Kellogg’s drug store and the Bank of Kaukauna being wooden structures, were soon caught by the devouring element and were soon consumed. The Bank of Kaukauna has been temporarily opened in Butler Brothers hardware store. The safe used at the bank came through all right, the contents being found in perfect condition. The enterprise of the bank officers was illustrated by the fact that though their building was a pile of ashes at about 4 p.m., at 10 they had the safe open and were ready for business.

The iron for the new drawbridge is now in readiness for the completion of that structure, and the work for the same began this week. Messrs. Keepers & Riddell, the Milwaukee firm, have the project in hand and are expected to have the job finished before spring.

Salyersville, Ky., John Stapleton was taken from jail by a mob and hanged to a tree. His son killed a Mt. Sterling man last November and he was arrested last week under suspicion that he assisted in the crime. There was much indignation at the hanging many believing him to having nothing to do with the killing.

Chattanooga, Tenn., - A beautiful young lady named Lilly Lathro is the victim of a false marriage. Oscar Coulter a leading young man of this section is under arrest on a charge of forgery. The couple was engaged, and the day was set for the nuptials. On the appointed day Coulter was accompanied by a stranger who he introduced as a magistrate to perform the ceremony. Several weeks after the wedding it was rumored that the magistrate was an imposter. Coulter was arrested but will not tell who aided him in committing the fraud. 

 

January 23, 1885

The central telephone office has been temporarily placed in W. H. Srey's store under The Times office and the shouts of "hello," "hello," have become anything but funny.

There is an old and true saying that "in union there is strength," and while the citizens of Kaukauna and Ledyard are talking of incorporation, and its advantages and disadvantages, why should they not let the truth of the old adage come home to themselves? The time has arrived for some action to be taken on this matter, and the only real obstacle is the question of separate or united cities. Of course, there are two sides to every question, and for everyone to see this one in the right light, it should be discussed in public, by citizens holding opposite views on the subject. By presenting the question in this manner, to people of both sides of the river, the citizens can see the advantages and disadvantages-if there are any-of a united city, and thus be able to judge for themselves as to what they want and what would be best for all.

January 30, 1885

With unfavorable weather of 30 below zero the past two weeks the new bank building has progressed finely, the foundation being entirely completed and the frame ready to rise.

On Monday of this week, a meeting was held at the office of W.T. Albers for the purpose of discussing the question of united incorporation. At the meeting were citizens from both Kaukauna and Ledyard, and a committee was chosen to represent each village. The meeting of these committees, which include some of the leading citizens from both villages, was held at the office of Master Mechanic Hickey on Tuesday evening, and a very interesting discussion took place. By taking a vote at that meeting, it was shown that a unanimous number of all present felt that the two places should be incorporated as one, if it could be done without detriment to either place. Another committee was then selected to draw up the outlines of the new charter, which would see the new city be called the City of Kaukauna.

 

Time Machine Trip to December 1974

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen 

December 4, 1974

A Belgian draft horse was fitted with new shoes this week by Ted Hawk as the owner, Lloyd Vander Heiden stood by. Hawk is one of the last blacksmiths to shoe horses in Northeastern Wisconsin.

 

Jean Lang, Institute of Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin, stated that Americans have tamed the continent and have beaten back much of the animal life. The eagle populations have dropped, packs of wolves have retreated to Canada. But the coyote is still hanging on and even expanding its range.

Funeral services were conducted for Donald W. Kramer, a 40-year-old, Kaukauna man who was struck by and apparent stray bullet which riding in a van on a country road in Oconto County. 

Mrs. Dennis Wittman and her twin sons will receive two Christmas stockings as a gift from the Kaukauna Community Hospital Auxiliary. The gifts are presented to all babies born there in December.

 

December 11, 1974

Four new firemen, to replace four who will be retiring, have been hired by Kaukauna. Chief Theodore said that Leon Van Toll and Robert Nack Jr., have begun training at this time. Joining the department on January 2 will be Scott Robach and Keith Knorr. The four firemen who will be retiring are John Niesz, Wibert Kobussen, Stanley Kramer and Florian Diedrich.

Kaukauna’s Frank Bouressa and Greg Helf were two of six gridders that have been named to the United Press International All-team football team.

 

December 18, 1974

Members of Brownie Troop 40 of Park School posed for a photo. Front row are Lori Tennessen, Judy School, Lisa Golla, Julie Jezeski, Kerry Noe and Susan Mueller. In the middle row are Shannon Hietpas, Cynthia Huss, Amy Gerow, Penny Arnoldussen, Mindy Gipp and Kathy Hegner. In the rear are Jill Gloudemans, Beth Van Dyn Hoven, Noreen Novak, Cynthia Roehrborn, Melissa Nieuwenhuis, Susan Kamke, Susan Seif and Lisa Blair.  

 

The Kaukauna aldermen approved school expenditures of $4,621,869 after cutting $57,787 from the budget presented by the school board. 

 

The Kaukauna’s Ghostettes won their opening non-conference game 50-30 over Two Rivers last Thursday in Kaukauna. Karen Wyngaard paced the Ghostettes, scoring 20 points. Deb Meehl was second in scoring with 11 points.

Linda Nushart, Glenview Avenue. crossed her fingers this week. She has good reason as she’ll celebrate her 13^th birthday today, Friday the 13^th.

It finally happened the old railroad buildings have finally been demolished and Board of Public Works Chairman James McDaniel referred to the area looking like the ruins of Rome.

 

December 20, 1974

Mayor Robert LaPlante plans to meet with all department heads twice a month in the future to prevent differences in opinions from coming to the council floor. Those differences particularly between the mayor and that of the city engineer Robert Natrop.

 

December 24, 1974

Private First-Class Robert G. Simons, 21 of Kaukauna, died on December 19 as result of and auto-pedestrian accident in Germany. He was struck by a privately owned vehicle as he crossed a road.

Bart Starr, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers in the glory years of the 1960’s, was named coach and general manager of the Packers this week. Starr, 41, will succeed Dan Devine who resigned at the end of the season to accept the head coaching position at the University of Notre Dame.

Karen Newhouse, Kaukauna, was the winner of the Voice of Democracy. She was presented a trophy designating her outstanding spokesman for democracy in her community. Karen center is pictured with Tom Wulterkens, Voice of Democracy chairman for the Kaukauna VFW and Mrs. Roy Grissman, auxiliary chairman.