Time Machine

Monday, February 9, 2026

Time Machine Trip to February 1906

Kaukauna Times & Sun

By Lyle Hansen

February 2, 1906

The North and South Side Gun clubs are arranging for a clay pigeon contest which will take place on Sunday, February 11. As there is considerable rivalry between the two clubs, an exciting time is anticipated. The North Side Gun club held another contest last Sunday, with Ludtke's team defeating Rabideau's by six points.

Peter Eimmerman’s new saloon fixtures which have just arrived are the finest to be seen in Kaukauna. The heavy carvings and ornamental moldings are brought out by beautiful, beveled glass and heavy columns.

Michael Chopin, a well-known resident of the northside, sustained injuries at Combined Locks paper mill Wednesday afternoon and died two hours later. His death was the result of his coat being caught by a spinning shaft.

Town of Freedom – Henry Verhagen met with a number of farmers Tuesday afternoon for the purpose of establishing a new cheese factory in that town.

Copenhagen, Denmark Jan 20 – Christian IX., the aged king of Denmark died Monday. This is the passing of the dean of the crowned heads of Europe, who was father of King George of Greece, Queen Alexandra of Great Britain and the Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia, grandfather of King Haaken VII of Norway and relative by blood or marriage to most of the European rulers.

F. J. Solar of the Solar Manufacturing company caught two children helping themselves to coal from the company’s sheds early Tuesday evening. Their sled was loaded with about two hundred pounds at the time it was confiscated. He had noticed the children’s tracks and that of the sled in the snow about a week ago. Both children and their mother were taken before Justice H. J. Mulholland.

February 9, 1906

Kaukauna people who have returned from the northern woods claim that the depth of snow, from four to five feet on the level, has interfered with logging to such an extent that some of the camps have suspended operations. The expense of getting out logs in the past month has been more than double that of other years. Smallpox has made its appearance and has had some effect in breaking up the camps. It will be a short season, and the cut of the timber will be less than for many years.

Wm. Klumb, who recently took the agency for gasoline engines in this city, disposed of an 8-horsepower portable engine to James Lambie this week for $550.

Marshal Richard Conlon went to Clintonville Wednesday where he arrested Martin Verhagen, the young man who was wanted for making away three weeks ago with a horse and cutter that belonged to Malone’s livery stable.

SUNSHINE AND SHOWERS - Marshall P. Wilder “The Prince of Entertainers.”

February 16, 1906

Elderly Little Chute residents.

Little Chute is noted for the longevity of its residents. Out of the entire population of 120 families there are thirty people over 70 years of age. The oldest resident is Mrs. Mary Nugent, who recently celebrated her 93^rd birthday. Following are over 80, Jacob Appleton, 88; Henry Hietpas, 87; Mrs. Lizzie Hermsen, 86; Mrs. Mary Besslair, 85; Anna Degroot, 85; Adrian Gloudeman, 83; John Kobussen 83; and Nettie Gloudeman 80.

February 23, 1906

Mrs. Catherine Lawe, widow of the late George W. Lawe, "Father of Kaukauna," was 90 years old Monday and celebrated the event with an old-fashioned Virginia reel, dancing through the figure with all the zest and agility of a young girl. Mrs. Lawe entertained her friends with reminisces of her early pioneer days, when she first arrived in Green Bay in 1834, coming to Kaukauna five years afterwards. This was fourteen years before Wisconsin became a state. Nothing pleases this intelligent and vivacious old lady better than having some early settlers of this region call on her to talk over old times.

In Castine, Maine, there lived a man named Ordway, who had the job as grave digger in the village cemetery. On one occasion he finished the task of burying a woman pauper. He arrived at the store from which he was turned away. He then demanded his pay in no uncertain terms. He ended his harangue as follows: “Look a-here, if I don’t get my pay before tomorrow night, up she comes.

John Masterson, of Kaukauna, who had recently been in the employ of the Northwestern Road here, had his arm crashed at Forest Junction late Monday afternoon to such an extent that it had to be amputated.

James Mullogan of Iola, Wisconsin narrowly escaped being buried alive Wednesday. The funeral possession was slowly weaving its way to the church when the driver of the hearse heard groans from within, followed by the smashing of glass which plainly indicated that Mulligan had objected to being buried alive. The casket was open and Mulligan, fully restored to consciousness, sat up and began to inquire where he was.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Time Machine Trip to Febraury 1896

Kaukauna Times & Sun

By Lyle Hansen KAHS

February 7, 1896

Marshfield Times - During a performance at Kaukauna one-night last week the ladies of that city set a pace for ladies of other cities to follow, they removed their hats during the play. All hail the ladies of Kaukauna.

Luther Lindauer is very fortunate in having harvested his ice crop early in January, for this week the river is all but free of ice.

February 14, 1896

The north side post office was removed to new quarters, the Brother’s building on Lawe Street last Sunday afternoon. It is about as hard for northsiders to get accustomed to the new location of the post office as it was to write 1896 a few weeks ago.

Young man, there is one thing you cannot do. You cannot make a success in life unless you work. You cannot loaf around the street corners, smoke, tell stories, drink and sponge off someone else without making a failure in life. You must learn a trade or get into some honest business. The ripe fruit is at the top of the tree, and you must climb if you want to get it. Do something no matter how small or low wage it will be a starter.

February 21, 1896

The Badger Paper Company and the Kaukauna Waterpower Company have decided not to pay the taxes levied against them by the city for 1895 and will carry the same into the courts for a decision on the grounds of excessive valuation, compared to other like property. This will temporarily, at least make a decrease in the estimated revenue from taxes, as the taxes of these two companies amount to upwards of $4,000 and will not be paid in until the courts decide upon the equity thereof.

Several weeks ago, an article appeared in the TIMES relative to the stubbornness of the average man or woman and holding down the aisle seat, in church pews compelling everyone to crowd past to get into the seat. A preacher in Buckley, Ill., wrote back to us. We have solved the problem of dislodging the end setters in church of whom you justly complained in the TIMES. The following notice was posted on the back of the pews. “All seats free except the end next to the aisle; those are reserved for the highest contributors to the support of the church.” That took care of the problem.

Despite the howling storm that raged last Monday evening, a large crowd turned out to attend the fifth annual masquerade given by the Odd Fellow Society at the Opera house. Only 60 couples participated in the grand march, all previous years had reached about 100. Among the good representatives on the floor was a group, the Kings club, all of whom appeared in striped garb as prisoners and headed by a guard in uniform, marching in lockstep around the hall several times. The Odd Fellows, after paying expenses, netted about $50.

February 28, 1896

Kaukauna has fifteen separate and distinct bicycle agencies. Just whisper "wheel wanted" and bicycle agents will be around thicker than life insurance solicitors.

A St. Paul woman accuses a man of having kissed her 2,132 times. If they have got counting machines for that kind of work, why then is nobody safe.

The Thilmany Paper Company makes papers that are put to various uses. One of the most novel kinds is for lining puffed sleeves and skirts for ladies’ wear, the paper being especially capable of making a stylish effect.

Even if Dr. Nansen has discovered a North Pole, it is quite certain that he has not discovered any practical use to which it can be put.

James Fitzgerald was hanged at St. Louis Thursday for the murder of his sweetheart, Annie Naessens, on the night of November 24, 1893. The first rope broke and the victim lay struggling on the floor beneath the gallows. A new rope was sent for and this time the condemned man went to death.

William Egan paid a fine of $1 and costs before Justice Mitchell last Saturday for keeping his saloon open after 11 o’clock one evening last week.

Monday, February 2, 2026

Time Machine Trip to February 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 and Sun

By Lyle Hansen KAHS

February 5, 1886

The Badger Paper Mill started the pulp mill on Friday last for the first time. So far everything works to the perfect satisfaction of the proprietors. Four grinders and one wet machine were started. One paper machine is now in place, but some of the shafting and other attachments remain to be adjusted before it will be set in motion.

Three bills are pending in Congress to authorize the construction of railways across the Indian Territory. Several other lines are pointing from Kansas in that direction. Congress can hardly long refuse to open up the Indian Territory to civilization.

February 12, 1886

A hub and spoke factury 1880's

The Reuter Hub and Spoke Factory is now at work on an order for a carload of hubs for parties in Cleveland. When this order is completed in about nine weeks, the company will be relocated in Barron County. The material fit for use is nearly exhausted in this locality.

Cleveland, Oh. – The casket of James Garfield was placed in an ornamented bronze sarcophagus costing $2000. The military guard will be continued until the end of June.

February 19, 1886

On Wednesday evening last north side fire department assembled and organized a hook and ladder company. The following officers were elected:

Jos. Driessen, Foreman; Gus Hilgenberg, First Assistant; Dan Reardon, Second Assistant;

Thos. Reese, Secretary; Geo. Butler, Treasurer; Jo. Rivers, Steward; John Watson, Trustee for one year;

Henry Schubert, Trustee for two years; John Mitchell, Trustee for three years.

February 26, 1886

Jacob Lummerding has constructed a bowling alley in the rear of his saloon. Lovers of that sport can now “roll the balls" to their hearts content.

Los Angeles, Cal., - The famous breach of promise case of Louise Perkins against “Lucky” Baldwin has resulted in a verdict for Miss Perkins for $75,000. Miss Perkins said she was 18 when she met Baldwin. He was about 60 at the time. After a time, he proposed, but married Miss Bennett before their wedding day arrived. He denied that he ever spoke to her of marriage.

St. Louis, Mo – Several weeks ago, Charles Knollman and Henry Kroeger, two youths, stole a large sum of money from Kroeger’s father and started out to see the world. They traveled east then decided to go West after some scalps. On the morning of the 22nd, while fooling with a revolver they had purchased for their trip, Kroeger accidentally discharged it. The bullet entering Knollman’s heart. Kroeger was arrested.

The strike of more than 2000 New York Street railroad employees began on Monday morning and ended 10 hours later with a complete victory for the men who demand that 12 hours be made a day's work with no reduction in pay. The men knew nothing of the strike being ordered by the Knights of Labor committee until they reported to work at the several depots. Not a man complained, and all return home to escape at least one day of the bitter cold. The railroad officials found themselves with nearly 8000 horses in the stables and not a man to care for them. The railroad gave in agreeing to 12 hours at $2.00 a day for conductors and drivers and $11.50 per week for stablemen.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Time Machine Trip to January 1976

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

January 6, 1976

Connie Jean Killian is the first baby of the new year from Kaukauna. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Killian. Connie received a U. S. saving bond from the Kaukauna Hospital auxiliary and many gifts from Kaukauna merchants.

Driving to work or on shopping experiences takes you past the city's only set of traffic lights, pay particular attention to them from now on. As a result of request acted upon last year. The city has alternated the sequence of the lights as well as adding directional arrows to the signals to speed traffic at the Wisconsin Ave. and Lawe St. intersection according to Chief of Police William Nagel.

A heart attack in April left Harold Doering’s heart in a weakened state, so much so that he was told by his doctor that he must not drive out of the city without someone with him in the car. Doering suggested that in lieu of a regular passenger, he installed a citizen band radio with which he can summon help if necessary and his doctor agreed. Last week someone stole the unit from Doering’s car when it was parked in his garage.

Ross Giordana committed an act of larceny Tuesday evening, and he wasn't even arrested for it. The fleet footed Kaukauna guard swiped the ball from Green Bay East with 9 seconds left to go to preserve a slim win of 58 to 56 for a Kaukauna Ghosts victory.

January 8, 1976

Forty-one states, including Wisconsin now permit a right turn on a red light in some manner according to the American automobile association.

Neil Geiger Kaukauna, award-winning photo, will be on display at the Kodak photo gallery in New York City, January 13th through March 13th as part of a major presentation of the finalist in the 1975 Kodak International Newspaper Snapshot Awards. Geiger was a photojournalist student at Saint Norbert’s college when one of the coeds asked him if he would take a series of pictures of her in campus scenes to keep as a memento of her college days. As they passed a statue, she spontaneously said, “take one of me sitting on his lap”.

January 15, 1976

Cheerleaders from St. Al’s rooted their team to the championship in the Reedsville tournament and captured a third place in the cheering leading computation. They include front row; Joanne Schmidt and Mary Jo VandeHey; second row; Karen Van Linn and Patty Hubert, third row; Lezlie Vander Loop, Debbie Collins and Becky Welhouse; on top Kathy Meyers.

Bethany Lutheran Church will celebrate its 30th anniversary on January 18. Many guest pastors for these services will be here for the event.

Deaths and births dropped in Kaukauna in 1975 according to health and welfare director James Gertz. Overall births in Kaukauna totaled 166, the lowest in the past five years continuing a downward cycle. There were no fatality deaths in 1975, the first time that figure reached 0 in the past five years. Deaths in Kaukauna were less than in the past years; only 59 were recorded last year.

Construction has been completed on a $1.75 million Midland Cooperative feed mill in Little Chute. The mill took more than a year to build.

January 20, 1976

The Bicentennial festivities chairman John Arnoldussen placed the crown on Miss Peggy Pomeroy to his left as members of the court, Miss Kim Kromer and Mrs. Jane Hietpas join her.

Monday’s wintry day was not altogether an unexpected scene here for the month of January, but a red breasted Robin perched atop a pile of drifted snow. According to the calendar spring is 8 weeks away but the undaunted Robin hopping about the front yard of Donald Mangold residence on Glenview Ave. seemed oblivious to the calendar date.

January 22, 1976

Bill Knapp, a grade school basketball coach for more than 26 years, was presented the Kaukauna Athletic Club “Man of the Year” award at the Red Smith sports dinner Tuesday evening. The engraved plague cites his devotion to sports since the days he played on Kaukauna’s only championship basketball team in 1941.

January 27, 1976

Kaukauna will honor its two retired physicians at a recognition event scheduled for Saturday evening, February 7th at Van Abels, Hollandtown. Honored will be Dr. George L. Boyd, a native of this city, and physician and surgeon here for 40 years, and Dr. Alois M. Bachhuber, who had served residents of this city and surrounding communities for 36 years, prior to his retirement in June 1972. Doctor Boyd retired from active practice on May 1st, 1975. Honored posthumously will be Dr. Alphons Bachhuber, who served Kaukauna for 39 years. He died two years ago on April 23rd of 1973.