Time Machine

Friday, October 9, 2026

Time Machine Trip to October 1916

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

October 5, 1916

Little Chute - Marty Lamers and teammates who captured the Fox River Valley League Pennant in 1915 and repeated the feat in 1916. This team won every game it played in the league schedule this season.

Funeral services for John Goehler were held at Sacred Heart Church in Appleton, with burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. He passed away following acid burns sustained at the Kaukauna Fibre mill.

A boost for Kaukauna ranked Kaukauna 30^th in collection volume out of 20 states for the first seven months of 1916. Local agents Frank McCormick and John Wyro were commended for their efficiency. Company receipts increased by $16,646.82 compared to the same period the previous year.

Newly designed U.S. silver coins adopted by Congress were scheduled to reach Kaukauna around October 1. The dine has Grecian woman's head on the obverse; fasces (bundle of sticks) on the reverse. The quarter has a full figure of Liberty on the obverse; flying American eagle on the reverse. The half dollar has the Goddess of Liberty holding olive branches on the oberse; eagle standing on a rock on the reverse.

Edison Day Observance notes that Kaukauna "The Electric City" has strong reason to celebrate Edison Day, highlighting that thousands of electric lamps illuminate the city each night.

The Chicago and Northwestern Railway shops in Kaukauna extended daily working hours due to increased work volume. The locomotive department increased from 8 to 9 hours daily, and the car department increased from 9 to 10 hours daily, in lieu of hiring additional workers.

In autumn 1916, Wisconsin reached 70 years as a governmental entity, tracing back to July 4, 1836, when Governor Dodge and Secretary Horner took their oaths of office in Mineral Point.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that university students residing in Madison solely for educational purposes without establishing permanent residency cannot vote in Madison elections.

A group of young Kaukauna women frequently hiked to Kimberly and planned to extend their trips to Appleton. Participants: Verna Wenzlaff, Margaret Paschen, Esther Mau, Alma Fischer, Agnes Steidl, Lillian Glenzer, and Laura Glenzer.

Three new homes were under development on Tenth Street in South Kaukauna near Union Cemetery. Property Owners: Anton Welhouse and Frank Kiba divided 11 acres bought from Peter Biese, while Frank Walenstein purchased 7 acres from Joseph Beuchel for new construction.

October 12, 1916

James Gerharz was served a warrant following a complaint by John Engerson, charging him with using abusive language on October 7 in violation of a city ordinance. Gerharz demanded a jury trial; the case was adjourned to Saturday at 9 a.m.. City Attorney W. C. Dittmer represented the prosecution.

Agnes, the 4-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Muthig on Wisconsin Avenue, was severely burned on her back, arms, neck, and face when boiling contents spilled from a dish near the kitchen stove. She was resting comfortably.

Henry, the young son of Mr. and Mrs. John Niesen, was struck by a Rieth Bros. auto delivery vehicle on Tuesday morning, sustaining bruises but no serious injuries.

The Kaukauna City Football Team opened its 1916 season with a 6 to 0 victory over the DePere City Team. Their home opener was scheduled for the following Sunday against the Green Bay Hillsides.

Team Roster:

Center: James Brown
Guards: McDonald (Right); Ben Faust & Tony Siebers (Left)
Tackles: Ray Servaes & Ad. Ristau
Ends: Robt. Niesen & Art Schubring
Quarterback: Harry Treptow
Halfbacks: Bryan Reardon (Right); Arnold Ristau (Left)
Fullback & Captain: Robt. Regenfuss
Business Manager: Barney Brown

October 19, 1916

Joseph Zink, a south-side young man, had his right leg amputated above the ankle at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Appleton following a quarry accident. On Friday morning at the Lindauer stone quarry, Zink stepped into a loop formed in a cable used to haul stone cars to the crusher; when tautened, it caught his feet and crushed his leg.

Margaret Skalminsky, 3 years old, fell into a cistern at her parents' home (Mr. and Mrs. John Skalminsky) on Fourth Street around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. She was underwater for about eight minutes. Neighbor Jacob Lummerding retrieved her using a rake, and a responding doctor successfully saved her life.

J. G. Fechter erected a 10-foot-high granite and Carrara marble monument in Holy Cross Cemetery in memory of three deceased family members, including the late Robert J. Fechter.

Kaukauna boys are back from Mexican border, Elof Ringlund and Ralph Jewell returned home after serving for several months on the Mexican border with a New York company.

Chicago & Northwestern Train No. 111 (Milwaukee to Ashland) was wrecked by an open switch half a mile west of Manitowoc, killing Engineer Robert Fitzgerald and Fireman Albert Duchaise. This was the fifth wreck attempt on this train in two years, suspected to be the work of a disgruntled former employee.

October 20, 1916

Thomas F. Konop

At the Combined Locks mill, Harry LaFayette (superintendent for Ward-Allen Construction) loaded a .42-caliber revolver and ordered Congressman Thomas F. Konop to stop speaking to workers, stating his company instructed him to prevent speeches opposing Republican candidate Hughes.

October 26, 1916

A letter from Sgt. Charles W. Chamberlain reported his promotion to Duty Sergeant in Co. "G", 69th Infantry (U.S. Infantry), explaining new Army organization structure with six Duty Sergeants per 150-man company. In his letter he described a tough mountain hike where pack mules were required, winter preparations using adobe for tent walls/floors.

A letter from Ben Hamilton (Co. G) written to his parents upon returning to Camp Wilson after a 14-mile march from Loxello following a hike to Austin. Co. G of the 2d Regiment of Wisconsin led near the front in a massive Military Day parade in San Antonio, where Dr. Tanner was spotted cheering with a Wisconsin pennant. The Wisconsin troops were nicknamed the "Iron Brigade" and "Lumberjacks".

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Time Machine Trip to October 1906

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

October 5, 1906

To settle an argument, as to the relative efficiency of gas stoves, a resident conducted an expensive demonstration for neighbors. She forgot that she had deposited her husband's money, checks, and other valuable papers in the stove. A total of $900 in paper money and $210 in checks was burned.

A two year girl 1906

Clara, the two-year-old daughter of August Marzhel, living near the Wisconsin Central tracks, was struck and instantly killed by an engine on Tuesday afternoon. She was on her way to meet her Papa coming from work. While waiting for a freight train to pass on one track, she stepped backward onto the opposite track directly into the path of an oncoming engine.

October 12, 1906

The annual fall kirmesses at Little Chute, Hollandtown and Darboy were held this week and were well attended. The kirmesses here differ considerably from those in Holland according to a local businessman who was born and raised in that country. There he says the kirmess continues three days and is looked forward to for months as it is about the only real holiday that the people have. All work is suspended during the celebration and the money hoarded during the year is spent freely. Country people frequently drive ten and twelve miles taking their children with them and do not return until the celebration is over. In that country the dancing continues throughout the day and night and there is general feasting and merry making.

A curious story detailing a financial loophole along the U.S.–Mexico border between El Paso and Juarez. Mexican silver coins were worth only half as much as American silver quarters, but local saloons on both sides accepted both coins interchangeably at face value. A thirsty traveler could buy a drink in El Paso for an American quarter, receive a Mexican quarter in change, walk across the international bridge to Juarez, spend the Mexican quarter for another drink, get an American quarter back in change, and repeat the process endlessly drinking all day for free.

An amusing thing happened on the interurban car headed for Appleton a few evenings ago. Among those enjoying cigars was a young man who boarded at the Desnoyer Street crossing. The car had scarcely got underway when there was a flash of fire causing the motorman to shut off the power, thinking something was wrong with the car. The most frightened man was the new passenger, who was not aware that his cigar was loaded.

October 19, 1906

Owing to the mills being shut down at Neenah Sunday, the water in the river here was the lowest it has been in several years. There was no water coming over the dam for the greater part of the day and almost the entire bed of the river was exposed.

A fire broke out at Fred Reichel's saloon and residence on Second Street, caused by a match falling on spilled gasoline. Reichel bravely made two trips into the burning structure, rescuing his four young children and retrieving a valuable iron box containing important papers before the flames completely destroyed the interior. Just hours later around midnight, fire gutted Mrs. Mansfield’s laundry building on Second Street. The fire started in the drying room and destroyed thousands of dollars in machinery and customers' clothing, though neighboring properties were saved.

October 26, 1906

A French inventor in Paris debuted a new wearable "automobile swimming device" designed to prevent drownings and assist open-water swimmers. The compact mechanical apparatus features a body-mounted cylinder and small propeller powered by a portable electric battery belt, allowing the user to navigate through rough waters effortlessly.

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Time Machine Trip to October 1896

October 2, 1896

A great demonstration was held in Kaukauna on Wednesday. More than 1,500 people gathered at one of the largest Republican rallies ever held in Outagamie County to listen to Ex-senator John Spooner speak. Many of the top Republicans in the state were in attendance for the all-day event.

Local politics in Kaukauna were at a fever pitch ahead of the 1896 presidential election. The local "Sound Money Club" erected a 110-foot flagpole in the middle of the street to raise a massive American flag, while rival Democratic clubs held grand rallies at the Opera House featuring prominent speakers.

October 9, 1896

The steamer Evelyn has gone into winter quarters at Oshkosh.

A city football team to oppose the high school eleven was organized by a number of the boys who met last Monday evening at F. M. Charlesworth's drug store.

James McFadden, of this city, fell from a freight train coming into Kaukauna Thursday afternoon and was instantly killed beneath the cars. A companion who was with him says the young man got on the train at Green Bay and was somewhat intoxicated at the time.

A bus load of Republicans from here went to Little Chute Wednesday evening and attended a meeting called for the purpose of organizing a McKinley and Hobart club. The speeches are received with applause. A club was then organized with the following officers elected: Pres. C. H. Peters; Vice Pres. P. N. Van Handel, Sec., Charles Germanson.

Mrs. Edward White of New York City is a remarkable woman. She has challenged heavy weight champion Jim Corbett to a boxing match and she fights regularly with her husband two times a day and makes no secret of it. In other words Mrs. White holds her own against the champion welterweight boxer of the world. She is willing to enter contest with male professionals and fight to the finish.

October 16, 1896

First Kaukauna High Football team

The newly organized high school football team won its first match last Saturday, when they met the Ryan High School team of Appleton on the gridiron in this city. Miller secured the first touchdown for Kaukauna and C. Frambach scored the next two touchdowns and Hallock kicked goal making the score 22 to 14.

Theodore Hesselberg, an elderly and well-known resident living alone on Kaukauna’s north side, was discovered dead in his bed after neighbors grew suspicious when no smoke was seen coming from his chimney.

On account of the scarcity of room at the high school building, a great many pupils, especially the seniors, have to sit two in a seat. This is not very convenient, so the seniors are allowed to leave school immediately after their recitations.

The interior of the Savings Bank has undergone quite a change this week. Large new shelving has been added alone the middle of the store. The Savings Bank is fast gaining in favor in Kaukauna.

Spiral Submersible illustrations detail a revolutionary submarine design invented by Mr. Apostoloff. Instead of using a traditional rear propeller, the submarine itself functions like a giant Archimedes' screw or boring worm, spiraling through the water. It features thick glass observation ports and electric floodlights for viewing ocean shipwrecks.

A number of monuments or headstones furnished by the government to mark the graves of several union soldiers hereabouts, arrived recently and on Monday a delegation of members of the Paul H. Beaulieu Post No. 247, G. A. R., drove out to the Buchanan Cemetery to mark the places for the stones on the graves of the old soldiers who now answer to the roll in the great army that has been mustered to the other shore.

A tramp who gave his name as J. C. Smith was arrested on the south side by officer Earles last Saturday night for stealing a coat from the Grand View hotel. Smith is a believer in the adage, “God helps those who help themselves.” The tramp lost the coat and got 30 days in the county bastille.

October 23, 1896

Following the mysterious disappearance of Kaukauna City Treasurer W. T. Rambusch, an examination of his books revealed missing funds and altered records. Unofficial estimates put the shortage between $25,000 and $30,000. Shortly after fleeing, Rambusch was found dead in a hotel in Carrollton, Missouri. It was determined that he took his own life by drinking carbolic acid.

The Kaukauna football team won its second match game last Saturday afternoon at Appleton by a score of 12 to 4. At the close of the first half the score was 4 to 4. If Appleton people think the Kaukauna game was interfered with by spectators, they certainly cannot say that the Appleton game was free from this interference. The spectators resembled a mob. If the Appleton people stayed out of the way one half the distance that the Kaukauna people were in all probability the score would have been different and not in Appleton's favor either.

On the 1^st of November, Charles Welter of the town of Kaukauna, will start a new milk delivery wagon in this city. Mr. Welter says the price of butter and cheese is very low and therefore decided to deliver full cream milk for four cents per quart.

October 30, 1896

The eight-hour working schedule went into effect at the railway shops Monday. The employees now quit at 4:30 in the afternoon.

The high school football team won its third match at De Pere by a score of 24-0. In the evening the high school girls gave a social and reception for the two teams and made great efforts to make the evening enjoyable.

The great one-man show has made its farewell tour, and Kaukauna has seen the elephant. William Jennings Bryan touch at Kaukauna at 10:15 this morning for about 15 minutes, talked about it’s and supposes. A large crowd of perhaps 2500 people turned out to greet Willie but it was an awful frosty mass of humanity. No one joined in the cheers at the reception. The railroad shops and most of the Mills were closed down so that all laborers could go and see and hear the great and only Bryan. As the greater part of the population of Kaukauna saw and heard the candidate who will be buried under an avalanche of ballots next Tuesday, it is not necessary to further comment on his appearance here for The TIMES press hour has arrived.

While boarding a crowded streetcar on Chicago's West Side, a young woman felt a thief reaching directly into her dress pocket for her purse. Instead of panicking, the young woman grabbed the thief's hand through the fabric of her skirt, twisted his wrist, and forced him to drop both the purse and a costly diamond ring he was wearing before he managed to break free and flee into the crowd.

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Time Machine Trip to October 1886

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen KAHS

October 1, 1886

The walls of the new Catholic school building are now complete as far as the first story and now begin to assume a very handsome appearance. The structure will be a great '' ornament to the city of Kaukauna.”

Four vacant dwelling houses in south Kaukauna for rent. Fine locations and convenient to business portion of the city. Will rent at prices ranging from $7 to $12 per month. For information apply to Manufactures Bank south Kaukauna.

Sheriff Hoefer came down from Appleton on Monday last to secure a witness in a case before a court in that city. The person whom he wished to secure did not wish to go and the sheriff had a hard time to serve the papers on him. After a chase the whole length of 3d street, in which the runners had narrow escapes from slipping and covering themselves with mud, (not glory) the sheriff captured his man and returned home in triumph.

October 8, 1886

A big black bear about 450 lbs. was seen at Wrightstown on Monday last, approaching almost within the village limits. Hunters from that burg shouldered their guns and started in pursuit of the animal. The bear made a miraculous escape despite the number of times he was shot at.

In the case of Mary Chopin vs Mrs. Green, both of Kaukauna, which was tried before Justice Heineman yesterday, the jury found the defendant guilty of an assault, but recommended that the fine be nominal, as it appeared from the evidence that it was a neighborly fight. The Justice therefore fined the woman $1 and costs, amounting in all to $41.65. The case is not likely to be appealed.

October 15, 1886

The first game of baseball for the championship of the world, between the St. Louis “Browns” of the American League and the Chicago “Whites” of the National League, was played at Chicago Monday and resulted in a victory for Chicago with a score of 5 to 0.

1886 CHICAGO “WHITES”

Superintendent Anderson’s monthly report submitted at the School Board meeting last night, shows that the present average enrollment per first grade teacher is 83 and that four half-day classes in the school have 108 to 130 children per teacher. This is cruelty to teachers even more exasperating than any ordinary act of cruelty to animals, which would prompt the Humane Society to take action.

Wanted - a Lady Clerk – A competent saleslady can find employment by applying at Aug. Mill's store, South Kaukauna. Applicant should be able to speak both English and German. References required.

There is but one opinion of visitors relative to the future of Kaukauna, and that opinion is the most flattering. Within the past two months the city has been visited by many people from near and far, who have heard of the place, its wonderful water-power and natural advantages for manufacturing facilities but had never beheld the sights with their own eyes. Their only wonderment on seeing the place and learning the possibilities that are in store for us is that capital is so slow to take advantage of the surroundings by locating factories, machine shops and mills here. There is not another city in Wisconsin, and we doubt if there is one in all the western states that has a better water power, better building material or better surroundings for a manufacturing city than Kaukauna.

October 22, 1886

Burglars entered the residence of Peter Rademacher one-night last week but failed to make a "Haul" as Mr. R. and his son happened to be awake and took after the thieves with double barrel shot guns.

The excitement in regard to the natural gas discoveries near Dundas has not died, but is only resting. Mr. Peter Killian Jr., on whose farm the most copious flow of gas was discovered, has been in communication with the Standard Oil Co., and they will soon send an expert to make tests and a thorough investigation. It would be no surprise to see petroleum exported from Calumet County.

John Kavanaugh and J. Thornton were injured by a runaway team on Sunday last. At the time of the accident Mr. Kavanaugh was driving and in making too short a turn capsized the buggy and throwing him out, the horse starting on a run. Mr. Thornton going to Kavanaugh’s assistance, slipped and fell, spraining his arm. The horse had not run very far when he stumbled and fell upon his head, breaking his neck.

October 29, 1886

The Sun Publishing Co. has received a proof of their bird's eye view of Kaukauna. The pictures are very fine and as nearly correct as it is possible to make a view. Every building in the city is distinctly shown, and at a glance one can with ease, locate any place in the city with which he is familiar.

Outagamie County Taxes

Sunday, September 27, 2026

Time Machine Trip to September 1976

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

September 2, 1976

Guy Krumm, recently retired Kaukauna High School Athletic Director, will be inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Athletic Hall of Fame this fall. During his college career at Point, Krumm was a member of both the football and basketball teams, being an all-conference basketball player for two straight years.

Contract negotiations will continue today in an effort to find agreement on a contract between the Thilmany mill and its two United Paperworkers International Union locals. A meeting by members of those labor groups is reported to be scheduled for Friday, although union officials were not available and company officials declined to comment on that report. Thilmany employs over 1,300 persons and has an annual payroll of over $11 million.

September 8, 1976

Funeral services were held at St. Mark's Church, Two Rivers, Friday for former Kaukauna resident Theodore Feller, who died of cancer last week after a long illness. He was 77. At the age of 16 Feller enlisted in the Army and served with the 32nd Division in France in World War I. Through an error in identity at a field hospital, he was reported to have died of combat wounds. A requiem mass was said for him at Holy Cross and a gold star placed in the service flag. Several weeks later his family received a letter from him, telling of his having been wounded and of his recuperation. Thus, he had the unusual experience of reading the report of his own death.

Employees of the Thilmany Pulp and Paper Co., voting by a large margin, accepted a contract with the mill for the coming two years. The vote was 663 to 103 in favor of accepting the contract among representatives of local 147 of the United Paperworkers Industrial Union while members of local 20 voted in favor of the contract by a 174 to 21 margin.

Chuck Bayer, who has won two other area tournaments this year, added the Fox Valley Golf Club championship award to his trophy shelf, fashioning a three under par 143 over the Labor Day weekend. He edged out Tom Hanby, three times champion in the past, by two strokes.

September 10, 1976

Patricia M. Miller, Kaukauna High School 1945, graduate nurse and an officer in the Army nurse corps, was recently advanced to the rank of colonel. She is one of the very few women who are privileged to wear the silver eagle insignia. Her title is Chief of Career Activities Office, Army Nurse Corps.

Quarterback Reed Giordana, former Kaukauna High School star, completed 19 of 29 passes for 250 yards as he led the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to a 38-3 victory over Lakeland College in the Pointer's home opener. Giordana played just over half the game and threw for three touchdowns.

Todd Lunda forged a two-under par 33 for a new school record to steal individual honors and the Kaukauna Ghost golf team defeated Neenah on the first hole of sudden death in a dual meet at Bridgewood country club last Friday.

September 14, 1976

An agreement has been reached for the sale and transfer of the business and assets of the White Clover Cairy Co. of Hollandtown, producers of quality natural cheeses, to Gerber International Foods, Inc. of Stamford, Conn., a subsidiary of the Nestle Co., of White Plains, N.Y.

Leslie C. Smith, former director of industrial relations at Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company, who died at 10:00 p.m. Tuesday. He was 80. In a lifetime in the Fox River Valley.

September 16, 1976

As the closing seconds ticked off, Kurt Coenen booted a 27-yard field goal to give the Kaukauna Raiders a 3-0 victory over the always tough Neenah-Menasha 1,000 Yarders Saturday night at Doty Bayorgeon Field. The winning kick hit the cross bar, came down--hit the cross bar again and fortunately for the Raiders bounced through the uprights.

September 21, 1976

For the third time in four years the Kaukauna Ghost golf team captured first place in the Kaukauna Invitational tournament Saturday at High Cliff.

Jim Eifler Mark Van Abel

Senior Jim Eifler led the team and finished third individually with a fine round of 77, but the real surprise was Mark Van Abel, another senior, who shot a 78 playing in only his third varsity match of the year.

September 23, 1976

Three penalties following a fumble led to the only score of the game as the Little Chute Jets blanked the Kaukauna Raiders 6-0, stopping a streak of 26 straight Raider wins over the last three seasons.

Clarence Baumgartner won the annual Senior Tournament at the Fox Valley links last week-end, scoring a net 60 in the 18-hole handicap competition.

Shirley Heesakker won the ladies' senior trophy with a net 68 and Rita Boyd won the super senior competition.

September 28, 1976

A condition which has existed since the turn of the century, a "sliding" north Fox Riverbank, may delay the beginning of excavation on the Heart of the Valley Metropolitan Sewerage District interceptor sewer in the river. Though the slope has been described as slipping for many years, the problem has intensified with the addition of fill matter more recently. Blasting, it is felt, may aggravate the situation, and cause more serious slippage.

The Soldier's Memorial along Lawe St. will stay--still in the same location, even when Taylor St. is extended through the present parkland to link up with Catherine St. City engineer Kenneth Schoenike has prepared new plans, calling for the relocation of sidewalks near the statue, rather than the statue itself.

Julie Young Vicki Biese

The Ghost girls, running in their first meet ever as a team, placed sixth in the 10-team field with 193 points and the Ghost JVs were 10th out of 16 with 213 points. Julie Young ran the two-mile course in 13:27 and finished 24th while teammate Vicki Biese was 25th in 13:29 to pace the Ghostettes runners.

September 30, 1976

Lt. Governor Martin J. Schreiber will be the featured speaker at today's dedication of a plaque commemorating the sale in 1793 of the first land in Wisconsin. The Bicentennial event will take place at the Badger-Northland Corp. property on Delanglade St. and highway OO. A highlight of the program will be the release of a cloud of balloons from the site. Subsequent to Ducharme's acceptance of the deed, it was ratified in 1796. The deed was registered in Brown County in December 1828.