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.
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.















