Time Machine

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Time Machine Trip to August 1896

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen KAHS

August 7, 1896

A Green Bay woman thinks while Kaukauna and Green Bay were at it, the curfew ordinance should have included husbands, compelling them to be in after a certain hour.

The Mercury has been boiling over the top of thermometers this week.

Louisville Kentucky, Aug. 5 – A white man was sold at public auction at Elizabethtown yesterday under the vagrancy law. He was Lawrence Peak, and the services for six months realized $12.75.

August 14, 1896

Spectators at the ball games can now read the score every inning from a large score board erected on the grounds by Dr. Harrington, the dentist. At the same time, they can find out where to get troublesome molars extracted.

The new issue of the 1896-dollar bank note has appeared in this city. The new note is a departure from the usual work in that line. The design for the new one-dollar bill is that of a reclining figure instructing a youth standing at her side. The new notes present a neat appearance but from their novel appearance make people suspicious of them, the prevalent idea being that they are counterfeits.

NO MORE BARE LEGS - The racing board of the League of American Wheelmen has decided to permit no offensive costumes to be worn by any of the participants in the events at the national meeting this week in Louisville. This determination will unquestionably meet with the heavy approval of the public at large as well as with the endorsement of the great body of bicyclists. It will also, it is believed, have the effect of causing many people to violate good taste in the matter of custom to cloth themselves in more conventional garb.

August 21, 1896

A street preacher has held forth on the corner several evenings this week and loudly proclaimed that "the end of time has come." that Gabriel would toot his dinner horn in 1898. The preacher also has a man Friday, a sickly, penitent looking chap. that accompanies him as a bodyguard, and usually pops up just in time to cause a discord in the songs of halleluiah.

Capt. D. J. Brothers and comrades T. M. Kellogg, Herman Pauli, Peter Nettekoven, and John Timmers, K. L. Harrington, J. Martins, Fred Lindauer, J. H. Chamberlain, C, Egan, Thomas Reese, James Conway and C. C. Green attended the reunion of the survivors of the members of the 14^th Wisconsin Vol. Inf. at the Oneida reservation last Tuesday. All the “old boys” report a good time.

A home on wheels is good way to travel.

August 28, 1896

The Times has received a notice from Dr. Wilkie, the Humane Society Agent, calling upon teamsters, hack men, etc. to provide their horse with fly nets during fly season, or said teamsters will be prosecuted for cruelty to animals.

“Flags don’t vote,” said a Democrat this morning, in deprecation of the significance of the numerous McKinley and Hobart flags floating over the city. “Neither do the flags fight,” answered in a G. A. R. man but when the rebels saw the union flag, they knew that there were some frightening men under it.

Word was received here Wednesday that Chas. O'Brien was killed at Ashland while switching in the yard of the Chicago and Northwestern Ry. company at that place. Deceased was a young man favorably known, having resided here for a number of years. He was married to Miss Nellie Bartley of this city last fall. He will be buried at Fond du Lac.

A ballot box was put up at the Combined Locks paper mill recently by the employees to test the vote. A count of the ballots showed 95 votes cast, of which 89 were for McKinley and 6 for Bryan. Straws show which way the wind blows.

Umpire Herzog, of Manitowoc, got into a dispute with catcher Kromer last Sunday and as a result of the altercation Kromer was struck and Herzog subsequently arrested. The trouble was settled by the visitor anteing up eight dollars.

A young fellow who gave his name as Harry Morgan was run down by the Kaukauna police last Friday and now languishes at the county jail to await trial for grand larceny. Morgan entered the saloon of Peter Verbatim at Kimberly last Friday morning and while Verbatim had stepped into a side room, proceeded to the money drawer, taking what cash it contained together with a silver watch and a revolver. Marshal Kuehn was notified of the theft and having learned that the fellow had started in the direction of Kaukauna set out to find him. Morgan was sighted over on Beaulieu hill and a lively chase commenced. The fellow took downhill with Jule in the rear. He crossed the tail race near the ball grounds and stripped off his coat and vest Jule followed. The chase continued over through the quarry, across the lower flats, over the hills north of the city and up the Northwestern track to the Malone Road where the man was lost in a cornfield. Jule came back to the city and enlisting the services of the other police officers set out on another hunting tour. Morgan was traced along down the road toward DePere, and the force started out in a rig to head him off. At about 10 o'clock Morgan was captured by Policeman Mankosky on the railroad track just out of DePere and was marched back triumphantly to Kaukauna. A number of shots were exchanged during the day's chase, and Jule says it was a "reg'lar picnic."

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Time Machine Trip to August 1886

This Trip is sponsored by:

Look Back in Time

Antiques and Collectables

112 E. 2^nd St.

Kaukauna, Wi 54130

920-759-1985

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

August 6, 1886

The whole country in the vicinity of Hortonville is enveloped in smoke caused by forest fires.

On Saturday evening August 21st the corner stone to the new Methodist Episcopal Church will be laid.

The Spanish chamber of deputies on the 28^th moved a resolution that the government free, as soon as possible, the remaining 26,000 slaves in Cuba.

Very early last Sunday morning sneak thieves entered the residence of Chas. Mottart and made away with $207 besides a valuable watch. The money constituted the savings of Mr. Mottart, which he had managed to accumulate during the past year, by hard work and economy, and as he had a pecuniary obligation to meet with the money on the following day, its loss comes extremely hard. It is to be hoped that the thief may be apprehended and meet his just deserts, which will be a good long term at Waupun.

Decatur Ill. on the night of the 2d, Eva Clements, age 16 and Eddie Robinson, age 14, were married. Neither the girl nor boy looked over the age of 12. The parents of the children were present and gave their consent.

August 13, 1886

The trial run of the first car on the electric street railway at Appleton took place last Friday with a load that is estimated at ten tons. The power was found fully adequate to the requirements. It is expected to have the line in operation next week.

Last valentine’s day George McClure of Jeffersonville, Ky., received a comic Valentine that made him angry. He accused pretty 18-year-old Margaret Botts of sending it. She denied it. George didn't believe her and after a while sent a messenger to tell her that his mother wanted to see her. The unsuspecting girl went to the house where George and his brother William were waiting. They locked the door and wouldn't let her go home until she confessed to having sent the Valentine. She screamed and begged and at last said she sent it. Then they let her go. Now Margaret's father is suing the young men from $5000 damages to her wounded feelings.

A story out of New York that ex-Congressman Dorsheimer and Editor Pulitzer are to fight a duel. Dorsheimer weighs 300 pounds and Pulitzer weighs 125. The Irish scheme of chalking out the little man's outlines on the big man's body, shots outside a chalk line are not to count, ought to be adopted for the affair.

August 20, 1886

A wild news brief from Atchison, Kansas, where an explosive dynamite device was placed under the porch of a local saloon keeper's home. The explosion blew out windows and doors across the neighborhood, causing massive destruction. The attack was believed to stem from violent labor disputes and local anti-saloon vigilance groups.

J. H. Crowns has taken two views of Wisconsin Avenue, one from the top of the Kaukauna Paper Mill, the other from an elevated stand at the crest of the hill, both taken while the improvements were being made.

Huron Station, Ind., on the 17^th. A tramp entered the Railroad station and became offensive. Mr. Davis, the agent, tried to eject him. The tramp stabbed Davis to death. Neighbors soon caught the tramp and he was quickly hung to a tree. He has not been identified.

August 27, 1886

Mr. Henry Wellge of the firm of Norris, Wellge & Co., publishers of panoramic views at Milwaukee, is in the city and on Wednesday he called at The Times office and offered for inspection a most accurate and handsome sketch of Kaukauna, done in India ink. The view is taken from the bluff on the south side, and shows distinctly every street and building, including the river, bridges, etc., so correct that one glance will show the observer that he is gazing at "Kaukauna." Mr. Wellge proposes to lithograph the same, providing orders for 200 copies, at $2.00 per copy can be secured.

Officer Malloy shoots dogs and has saved the owners fifteen days or two dollars apiece by destroying the yelping night watchers. The city wants less strays or more money, and the marshals are interesting themselves in the matter. If a dog has not a brass tag it will be shot.

Chicago, Ill., Aug. 20 - The courthouse was surrounded by police early this morning to prevent any attempt to break in upon the privacy of the jury. In front of the main entrance to the courthouse there were 30 policemen in three lines. When the jury returned, seven anarchists charged with murder were sentenced to death and an eighth was sentenced to 15 years in the penitentiary. Over two thousand people had gathered in the street in front of the courthouse.

One Dollar Note – 1886

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Time Machine Trip to July 1976

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

July 1, 1976

Because of what was termed a dangerous condition between Second and Third St., Police Chief William Nagel has proposed that angle parking on the east side of Main Ave. be discontinued, to be replaced with parallel parking. Changing the parking in that block would also provide for a right turn lane for cars northbound on Main at Second St., he added.

July 7, 1976

Kaukauna's Mark Van Grinsven has been selected to participate in the American Legion North-South All-Star game at Milwaukee County Stadium on Saturday, July 10, immediately following the Milwaukee Brewers vs. Texas Rangers game.

Mark, who plays outfield and sometimes pitches for the Kaukauna team, was one of 20 players that will represent the North in the game.

Roger Van Eperen of Electric Post No. 3319, Veterans of Foreign Wars was elected aEnd installed as an officer at the state VFW convention held recently at Wausau. His new title is state judge advocate for the 1976-77 year.

More than 78 million beer cans - 3.5 million pounds of aluminum -- have been reclaimed in five months by the Miller Brewing company in a nationwide effort. The company believes that eventually 40 per cent to 50 per cent of its total aluminum can volume will be returned.

July 9, 1976

The old Carstens Farm Supply building on the corner of Second St. and Crooks Ave. was demolished yesterday morning in just one hour. Before being purchased by Carstens 21 years ago it was the location of the Louis and William Tennessen blacksmith shop.

Jim Effa of the Kaukauna Boxing Club has been named as the state's top Junior Olympic Boxer of the year in the senior division by the Wisconsin Association of Boxing Officials and Coaches. In route to the state championship at 100 pounds in Ripon he stopped all three of his opponents in the first round. Also given consideration was Kaukauna's Joe Berg, who compiled an outstanding 10-1 season log.

The Kaukauna Recreation Dept. will sponsor a bus trip for boys and girls ages 7 through 14 to the Milwaukee Brewer vs. New York Yankee baseball game on Thursday, August 5.

May of 1976 was a record month for building in Kaukauna, said Du Wayne Ver Kuilen, the city's building inspector this week and construction of all types is way ahead of last year's in terms of value. Permits were taken out for $462,223 worth of construction of all types, with new homes and garages amounting to $336,800 of that.

July 15, 1976

Saturday's Bicentennial parade, beginning at 11 a.m. at La Follette Park, will be what is termed as the largest ever held in Kaukauna. At least 150 units of all types will be entered in the parade, which will begin to form at about 10 a.m. on the street surrounding the park area. From the park, the parade will be routed down Third Street to Crooks Avenue, head back to Second Street and Main Avenue and then proceed up the Lawe Street Bridge to Wisconsin Avenue and proceed west to the Riverside Park area.

The Badger Northland Corporation has announced that it intends to bring a red, white and blue hot air balloon into the city for Kaukauna's celebration of the Nation's two hundredth birthday. A beard judging contest will be held, in addition to several other activities observing the Bicentennial.

Mayor Robert LaPlante has asked Kaukaunans to fly a flag from every building in the city. But if you don't have one--or just want to display another one--the city and the Kaukauna Electrical and Water utility have arranged for a full-page Stars and Stripes to appear on page 4 of today's Times.

Ron Margelofsky, for 12 years Kaukauna High School's head track coach, was selected Tuesday as the new athletic director for Kaukauna High School. Margelofsky will serve a three-year term as AD in the school system. The associate athletic directors will serve for two years. Margelofsky was felt by the board to be the best qualified. He has served since 1964 as the head track coach, and in 1968 and 1969 was the junior varsity reserve basketball coach.

The musical, "Promises, Promises" will open this evening at Riverside Park, Neenah, with Christine Koch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence "Bud" Koch of Kaukauna in a lead role. Curtain time is 8:15 p.m.

New officers to pilot the Kaukauna High School Alumni Association for the 1976-77 fiscal year were named at the Monday night meeting of the Board of Directors held in the Community Room at the Bank of Kaukauna. Robert A. De Bruin heads the organization as president, with Richard Bohm as the new vice-president. The secretarial duties will be handled by Jane Barribeau Hearden.

July 22, 1976

A pair of Kaukauna natives now teaching in the Kaukauna school system have been selected to fill the position of associate athletic directors at Kaukauna High School.

They are Janet Knapp and William "Glen" Hinkens, both of whom will assist newly appointed KHS athletic director Ron Margelofsky.

July 27, 1976

A Las Vegas man who has been living in Kaukauna was arrested and charged with the theft of an auto Thursday, but not before an automobile and foot chase which included the demolition of a Kaukauna squad car. The suspect was charged with the theft of the car, a 1974 Oldsmobile from the Gustman Chevrolet-Oldsmobile sales on or about July 15. According to reports, police were notified Thursday that the car was seen being pursued by a Gustman salesman who had recognized the vehicle. The salesman, Pat Kenny, chased the suspect into a parking lot at the Giddings & Lewis plant on Hyland Ave., where he abandoned the car and fled on foot. An officer checking the Augustine St. area nearby saw him near the Third lock and was taken into custody. Patrolman Allen J. Jacobson was responding as backup when he struck truck near Murphy Construction Co. quarry. The police vehicle was listed as demolished, and Jacobson suffered an injured right ankle and left leg.

ONE CAST was all Scott Mitchler, 18, needed to hook a 32 pound, 52'' prize muskie over the weekend at Archibald Lake in Lakewood, Wis. Fishing with his father, Scott used a "Big Slim" to lure his trophy.

GEORGE LAVIGNE of Minneapolis, Minn. was killed when his rocket-powered go-kart crashed into a retaining wall Saturday at the Wisconsin International Raceway.

THE KAUKAUNA CUBS will take on Neenah’s No. 1 team tomorrow evening in the first game of the Babe Ruth baseball tournament, 7:30 p.m., in Kimberly. Members of the team that finished regular season play with a 6-8 record are: front row (from left); Jerry Van Hammond, Don Hammen, Pete Giordana, Kevin Vanden Heuvel, Bruce Smith, Mike Ashauer, Dan Gerow, Bart Bovee, Dean Stock and Dan Ball. Back row: Coach Bill Hannen, Bill Berken, Ron Wingate, Ed Ebben, Dave LeMay, Jim Weigman, Barry Martzahl, Mike VandeHey, Kevin Huss, Keith Vanden Heuvel and Coach Joe Van Linn. In the foreground is batgirl, Julie Haanen.