Time Machine Trip to August 1956

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

August 1, 1956

 

THE KAUKAUNA KLUBBERS will be going into Sunday's Menasha Falcon game at Menasha as reigning leaders in the Fox River Valley Baseball league having picked up five wins in six starts in the second half of the 1956 season. Last Sunday they were upset by the cellar-dwelling Two Rivers crew at Kaukauna for their first loss. Left to right in the back row are Manager Stoney Vander Steen, Art Levknecht, Gene Wittman, Tom Nytes, Bob Petruska and Dick Jaeger. In the front row, same order are Joe Van Linn, Jim Nirschl, Elmer Kobs, Ken Vander Velden, Harry Wilson and Tom Hilgenberg.

 

Today marks the beginning of the summer season although the entire month of August and part of September remains as the traditional vacation. Various groups are making preparation for autumn. The gradual change in the sports picture from baseball and softball to football, basketball and bowling are coming more and more evident every day. 

 

Reasonably warm days and a special Fun Day at the, swimming pool last week helped boost the seasons attendance by 5633 according to a report issued this week by assistance recreation director Ms. Mary Jane Appleton.  To date the summer weather has been anything but “summery” most of the season jackets, slacks and shoes were the order of the day. 

 

August 3, 1956

 

Father Norbert Verhagen will be starting his thirteenth year as padre to the impoverished Indians in a village that can be reached only by mule train. He returns to Mexico as a Mary Knoll missionary priest next week. The son of Henry Verhagen, 216 Jefferson street, has been visiting relatives in the Kaukauna area for the last two months, his first time home in four years. Father Verhagen reaches his village by extreme means of transportation. A rapid air flight takes him from the States to Merida, seaport town of Yucatan on the Caribbean Sea. There he stays overnight at a Mary Knoll headquarters house. A five-hour bus trip takes him to the end of the road. From there he takes a day and a half trip on mule train, along the trail to his village of Tihosuco on the Yucatan peninsula.

 

Vince Roloff, Pres. of the Badger Northland company of Kaukauna along with 20 other men from Wisconsin in 10 from Minnesota will leave the United States September 9 for a visit to Russia and other European countries to inspect industrial installations in those countries. 

 

A week from today the Kaukauna Girl Scout Camp Winnecomac will complete its third season of operation at its location southeast of Kaukauna, this year having entertained an estimate 525 Brownie and Intermediate scouts. The camp went into operation for the first time during the summer of 1954.

 

August 8, 1956

The Kaukauna Community Hospital executive board unanimously recommended to the hospital board that the hospital be completed according to the original plans. This would mean the building of the second story over the one story section. The final decision on the proposal will be made at the August 17 board meeting.  At the present time the hospital is a 40 bed institution and an addition would make it 52 bed hospital. 

 

The Kaukauna Klubbers Sunday continued their winning season in the Fox River Valley league as they romped to a 5-2 score over Freedom at Dodge Street Park. Lefty Joe Van Linn made his final appearance of the season in the match before entering military service. Van Linn, who started every game this season and almost every game of the last three seasons, outdid himself at the plate tapping out four hits including a triple in five trips to the plate. 

 

August 17, 1956

 

SHARPENING UP THEIR AIMS for the forthcoming archery contest, which will take place at the library grounds on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 14 and 15  are a group who are in the class taught by Miss Helen Huss, third from the left above. The group includes, left to right, Mary Ball, Jane Barribeau, Miss Huss, Mary Sue Nimmer, Nancy Van Dyke, Beth Bloch, Mary Mauel and Lynn Gerend.

 

Bows were drawn and arrows flew this week as Kaukauna archers lined up to take part in the recreation department sponsored archery tournament. First place in the senior tournament was taken by Tom Lindemuth with a score of 441 on 87 hits. Taking honors in the Junior division was David Schommer with his score of 291 on 59 hits. Ten boys received award badges, they were: Cliff Nushardt, Lee Jacob, Bill VanderPas, Jim Lettau, Jim Nushardt, Tom Siebers, Leroy Van Dera, Lee Haas and Eugene DeGroot. 

 

By the summer of 1957, that portion of Highway 96 which runs from Lawe Street to the city limits will have been radically changed. Several properties will have to be moved to make room for the new road. The Depot grocery, Mugs and Bob's Tavern and the Feller Warehouse will have to be removed completely, and parts of the Benotch Fuel buildings must be removed or relocated.

 

One of the Fox River Valley's favorite baseball players Louie “Butch” Thein of Kimberly was honored at a special Appreciation Night game at the Kimberly ballpark August 18. The veteran, who cavorted on the diamond for many seasons, was a member of the Little Chute club in 1916 when the Dutchman took the pennant. Such diamond stars as Marty and Boots Lamers, Rube Verstegen, manager Lewis Manhebach, “Stub” Peters and many more were all members of the clubs during “Butch’s” days.

 

The Kaukauna Junior American Legion baseball squad Left to right back row: Karl Frank, Ken Sanders, John Smith, Glenn Weyenberg, Jack Coenen, Russ Arts, Jim Martzahl, Bud Baumgartner and Harry Wilson, team coach, Front row Ron Vandenberg, Cal Welch, Jerome DeBruin, Bob DeBruin, Ed Schaefer, Andy Whittaker, Duane Pahl, Ed Wettstein and Gary Vanevenhoven.  

 

First place in the cadet girls’ Archery tournament sponsored by the recreation department was taken this year by Lindy Kemp. Lindy collected a total of 163 points of 41 target hits. In the senior class Judy Jacobson claimed first place honors with her score of 189 on 46 target hits.

  

August 29, 1956

Tragedy struck in Kaukauna at about 10:40 Saturday morning as two workmen were killed when the side of a sanitary sewer trench collapsed on Oakridge Avenue. The men were in the process of installing shoring to hold up the sides of the trench. Joseph Mathis, Jr., 36, and Francis Otte, 33, both of Kaukauna were employees of the Van Daalwyk excavating in grading company.

 

Eugene DeGroot, 13, Kaukauna, competed in the State Fair championship twirling contest at West Allis, August 22. He received first place and was presented with the Governor’s trophy and named “Wisconsin's Junior Boy Champion for 1956”.

 

Results of the archery tournament held last week by the Kaukauna recreation Department are as follows: first Place winner boys’ senior division was Mike Lintner, Neenah, who score was 492 with 96 hits. Second place winner was Dick Schuh, Kaukauna, with 96 hits had total score of 477. Other winners were Cliff Nushart, Kaukauna, 3^rd place, Joe Lamers, Kaukauna, 4th place, Bob Casper, Green Bay, 5^th place, Jim Jansen, Kaukauna, 6th place Eugene DeGroot Kaukauna 7th place and Roger Leick, Kaukauna, 8th place winner.

 

One of the winners of the prize awards in the second annual popsicle Western Round-up contest was a Kaukauna girl. She is Lynn Chizek, Meade Street. Young Lynn competed with thousands of contestants from all over the United States and Canada and won a pair of Western boots in the seventh week contest.

 

August 31, 1956

The spiraling trend in Wisconsin's traffic fatalities this year has shown a leveling off during July, according to the motor vehicle Department safety division. With 91 traffic facilities represent an increase of 6% over July of last year while the June toll of 113 was an increase of 74% over June 1955.

The Junior Softball Champions in the Recreation Dept. League this year are the White Sox’s. Right in front row are Tom Otte, Mark Rabideau, Jerry Kobussen, Lee Jacques and Fred Steger. Second row are Gary McGoey, John Lambie, Dick Skibba, Leigh Wachel and Roger Leick.

 

Golden Wedding Anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Gehr

 

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Amil C. Witter

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Van de Hey

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Baeten

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Alois Leintz

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Beyer

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ebben

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Baumgarten

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Norman Lenz

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Donald Biese

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Auden

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Roger Hietpas

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Brockman

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Burton

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Maes

Son to Mr. and Mrs. James Eslinger

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Van Beek

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Benedict A. Quella

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Robert DeValk

Twins, a boy and a girl, to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Green

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Ted Kokke

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Lambert Van Hout

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Johnson

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Feldkamp

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph DeLeeuw

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Vosters

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Deering

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Siebers

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Vanderloop

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Archie Hendrickson

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Milford Roehrborn

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hudson

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Romenesko

Two from Kaukauna and one from Little Chute reported for induction into the armed services on Thursday, August 16. Kaukaunans were David J. Berens, 910 Desnoyer street and Wayne J. Newhouse, of Route 2, and the Little Chute youth was Roger J. Dercks, 523 McKinley street.

 

Carl DeBroux will be leaving for the air force on Monday.

 

Army Privates Clarence H. Kilsdonk, 18, and Thomas G. Vandehey, 18, of Kimberly, recently began six months of active-duty training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

 

Daniel Lappen route 2 Kaukauna, has enlisted in the Marine Corps and is now taking his boot training at San Diego, California.

 

Leaving for army service July 19 was Kenneth Nushart, East Tenth street.

 

Ervin Louis Pomeroy, West Second street, left for Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

 

 

                                                1956 Cadillac

Time Machine Trip to August 1946

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

August 2, 1946

Red Cross Reports 810 cases over the last two years by the Kaukauna home service department.

 

Second annual midsummer festival is on August 11 at Holy Cross parish school grounds.

Crowning of the king and queen by Mayor Joseph Bayorgeon. King Richard Myrhum and Queen Yvonne Emperor, 7th/8th-grade essay contest winners who each received a fountain pen at graduation in May.

 

No lost-time accidents at Thilmany Pulp and Paper company mill during June and July.

 

August 7, 1946

The Times is seeking a Kaukauna resident fluent in Norwegian to translate a letter received by a local subscriber from an unknown sender in Norway.

Outagamie County Voiture 1140 "40 et 8" box car and engine took first place in the parade at the state Legion convention in Racine.

 

August 9, 1946

Norwegian letter mystery solved. The Letter was sent to Thomas Gerend, Grignon St. by 14-year-old Lars Bjorndal from Norway. Lars thanked Gerend for a donated jacket that fit perfectly, shared details about his family's financial hardships, and asked to have his name published in the town paper so Americans might send relief packages.

Translated by Richard Mischler with help from his Norwegian bride, Gerd Olsen, whom he married in Norway while serving with the 474th Infantry Regiment before returning to the U.S. in July 1946.

 

August 14, 1946

 

Frank M. Charlesworth, who has served the city of Kaukauna as engineer for the last 26 years, has resigned his position to become associated with the firm of Foth and Porath, Green Bay, consulting municipal engineers and airport engineers. His resignation, which becomes effective September 16, was announced by City Clerk Karl E. Marzahl Tuesday.

 

Main Avenue Neighborhood Talent Show. Neighborhood kids (ages 2½ to 13) staged their 3rd annual talent show, drawing 60 spectators, in the Art Look backyard using blankets and curtains as a stage. The children donated $2.50 of their proceeds to the local hospital fund drive.

 

Ellis H. Dana of the Wisconsin Council of Churches stated that alcoholism is the fourth ranking public health problem in the U.S. and urged treating victims as sick persons.

 

August 16, 1946

 

Sgt. Warren G. Alger USMC was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for heroic leadership during combat on Iwo Jima on March 8, 1945. Wounded on March 20, 1945, and died on April 1, 1945; buried at sea. The medal was presented to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Alger, by Lt. William E. Barber at their Kaukauna home on August 4.

 

Holy Cross Midsummer Festival Air Show. An estimated 8,000 people attended the Holy Cross midsummer festival benefiting the parish school fund. Featured a 30-minute aerial demonstration by a dozen private planes led by flier George Greenwood. Leonard Van Zeeland provided PA commentary, and Stub Liethen closed the show with stunt maneuvers, including a 13-turn corkscrew descent from 5,000 feet.

 

Walter Rennebohm will come to Kaukauna High school in a double role, as teacher and coach, it was announced at a recent meeting of the board of education. Rennebohm will succeed Harry Stumpf as chemistry instructor and will work with Karl Schuelke in the job of developing a topnotch football team.

 

August 21, 1946

A new ruling by the Wisconsin Industrial Board prohibits issuing work permits to boys under 18 for employment in bowling alleys, as announced by Superintendent of Schools T. H. Boebel. An October 1942 special order that permitted boys ages 15 to 18 to work in bowling alleys was rescinded after the board decided the wartime conditions prompting it had passed.

 

Youth Center Ping-Pong Tournament Results. Senior Champion: Dave Kilgas won the senior division by defeating Gene Walker (21–17, 21–18). Junior Champion: Cliff Hinkens claimed the junior title by defeating Tom Gustman (21–14, 21–14).

 

Local figure "Stormy" Kromer shared stories illustrating how baseball rules in the late 1880s were frequently shaped by circumstance and "expediency". Darboy Game Incident: Darboy Game Incident: Rookie Bolivar Glaff hit a long drive so far, he could have rounded the bases twice but opposing players blocked his path home with threatened fists, forcing him to stay at third.

 

August 23, 1946

Kaukauna Swimming Pool Proposal. Pool engineer Wesley Bintz presented a proposal to the city council for a  foot swimming pool costing approximately $55,000.

 

Edward F. Rennicke (clerk of local board No. 2) clarified that men must still register for Selective Service upon turning 18, even though induction typically does not occur until age 19 unless they volunteer. Registration is mandatory under law, and failure to register is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

 

August 30, 1946

Thilwerth Park, stretching along Canal Street from the Wisconsin Avenue bridge to the First Lock, will soon be dedicated. A bronze plaque on a  3-foot diameter millstone placed near Catherine Street will hold a bronze marker designating the park. Named "Thilwerth" in honor of Oscar Thilmany and Monroe A. Wertheimer, founders and organizers of the Thilmany mill.

 

 

Daughter, Michelene Ann, to Mr. and Mrs. Al Michel

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Robach.

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. William Lambie.

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gerow.

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Brown.

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Johns.

Son, Richard Stanley, to Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Bauer.

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Willard Keil.

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson.

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Earl Brohm.

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Urban Vander Velden.

Daughter, Kathleen, to Mr. and Mrs. Milford Roehrborn.

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Huss

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Urban Gerrits.

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Berken.

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Verhagen.

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Lennert.

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. James O. Knott.

Son to Mr. and Mrs. John Hruska.

Daughter to Dr. and Mrs. Charles Koepp

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Elmer J. Brock

Daughter, Susan Ann, to Mr. and Mrs. Francis N. Brooks

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Vanevenhoven.

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Lemers.

Son to Mr. and Mrs. John Vanden Broek.

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. James J. Jansen.

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Schmitz.

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Main.

Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Danner.

 

 

Discharged

Leroy Balza

W. A. Willey

F. Weyenberg

Jerald Wittman

Robert Kobs

Hugh Nelson

James Gustman

Adam Miller

F. D. Vanderheiden

James McMahon

Jerome Verhagen

Gerald Flynn

Ronald Ragen

Alfred Knorr

William Hoehne

Lawrence Gerend

Leo Van De Loo

Duane Heindel

Boniface Kempen

Gerald Hietpas

Vincent Hietpas

Junior Van Lanen

Donald Janssen

Victor Mueller

Anthony De Bruin

Marvin Kempen

Gerald Klister

Donald Krueger

 

1946 Newest Jeep makes debut – You may not get all the eggs in one basket but it’s a cinch they will all fit in the new Jeep Station Wagon. Seat seven removing the seats provides for simple carrier space. 

Time Machine Trip to August 1936

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

August 4, 1936

Roy Schuler (aged 30, Main Street, Combined Locks) was instantly killed in an accident at the Combined Locks Paper company at noon on Monday. Schuler was carrying paper over a reel when he became caught between a metal drum and a paper roll, pulling his head and shoulders between the rolls before nearby workmen could stop the machine.

 

165 boats passed through the canal during July. Bridges were opened 38 times in the final week of July, indicating an uptick in river traffic. Fox River Navigation company boats are moving to 24-hour operations due to cooler weather and higher demand for coal.

 

Kaukauna's three main swimming facilities (the quarry, the fourth lock, and the municipal building pool. served 28,380 swimmers in July, breaking city record during its hottest month on record.

 

August 7, 1936

Mildred Feller won the low score prize with a 64 during ladies' day activities at Kaukauna Golf course, which drew 20 participants for golf, bridge, and lunch.

 

An inquest was held regarding the deaths of Mrs. Nellie Straka (75) and her son George (29), who were found dead at their home on East Eighth Street on Wednesday morning, July 15. The jury determined the cause of death was food poisoning of unknown origin combined with possible heat prostration.

 

Relief Director Joseph V. Krahn reported July poor relief expenditures totaled $1,271.05—a decrease of $302.83 from June ($1,573.88).

 

Four 4x5 foot signs painted by Karl Minkebige were installed on Highways 55 and 41 to invite tourists to visit the historic 100-year-old Grignon Mansion.

 

The Gold Medal shows, hosted at the ballpark by Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge No. 1416, are drawing large afternoon and evening crowds to support the lodge's building fund. Features include rides, sideshows, concession stands, and nightly 10:30 PM performances by world champion high fire diver Captain Jack Perry into 6 feet of water.

 

August 14, 1936

 

Investigating the cost of Grignon Home property brought sixty attendees—including members of the Outagamie County Board, representatives of the city of Kaukauna, the Advancement Association, and the Kaukauna Historical Society to the Grignon home lawn for a Tuesday noon luncheon. Attorney William L. Crow spoke on the history of the Grignon family, the home's significance as early water traffic stops, and the long-term value of preserving the property. Judge Fred V. Werner spoke on the advisability of purchasing the home and property. Mrs. Ross Grignon, current custodian of the home. The county board unanimously passed a resolution authorizing a committee to investigate purchase costs and options. This effort aims to evaluate converting the property into a county park and memorial in cooperation with the Kaukauna Common Council.

 

August 18, 1936

 

Chief of Police James E. McFadden will ask the city council to purchase safety signs to place in the center of the road near all Kaukauna grade schools. The 5-foot-tall sign depicts a Boy Scout holding two signs reading "10 miles per hour" and "Danger, school zone".

 

Norman Hennessey paid a $3 fine plus costs in Justice Abe Goldin's court on Monday following a Saturday arrest for disorderly conduct.

 

Arthur Kappell was fined $1 and costs in Justice Abe Goldin's court on Monday following his arrest on Saturday for disorderly conduct.

 

August 21, 1936

Among the hundreds of odd exhibits at the National Inventor's Congress to be held at Springfield, Mass., September 1 to 4 is this dimple-producing gadget. E. Isabella Gilbert, the inventor, demonstrates how the device is clamped around the face, with knobs pressing into the cheeks to imprint the dimples.

Conservation wardens stocked 60 cans of perch, crappies, and walleyed pike into the abandoned Niesen stone quarry. Between 8,000 and 10,000 fish were delivered, with another truckload expected Saturday. Fishing in the quarry is prohibited for two years while seaweed and wild rice are established; unauthorized fishing in the reserve carries a heavy fine.

 

A petition signed by 82 5th Ward voters and taxpayers requested the city halt construction of an 8-foot stone WPA wall around the high school athletic field, citing property devaluation and loss of scenery.

 

Two-armed men held up the Seymour State Bank on Wednesday afternoon, forcing four employees and three customers to lie on the floor. The robbers forced bank president Charles Prosser to open the vault, took approximately $6,000 in cash and securities, locked the victims in the vault, and fled in a getaway car driven by a third accomplice.

Mary Main, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph V. Krahn, was chosen as Miss Kaukauna during a contest at the Nitingale Ballroom, with Ruby Belling placing second. Main won an all-expense trip to the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee to compete for Miss Wisconsin. She is a high-ranking high school student and pianist.

August 25, 1936

 

Julius Nemetz, a Kewaunee farmer, lost $6,249.50 to a fortune teller named Madame Marie. After gaining his trust by charging fees to "cure" his daughter's hand and "appease spirits" with candles, she convinced him to bring cash to Manitowoc on June 30 under the promise that spirits would double it. Nemetz mortgaged his farm for $6,000, cashed the check, and allowed Madame Marie to tie the wrapped cash around his waist with instructions not to open it for a week. When she failed to return, Nemetz opened the bundle to find only 100 one-dollar bills and old newspapers. Police across the Midwest and District Attorney John Cashman are searching for her.

  

According to county agent, Wisconsin farmers will need to import roughly 14,000 work horses and 250 mules from other states in 1937 due to a lack of local breeding in recent years.