Time Machine

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Time Machine Trip to August 1916

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen - KAHS

August 3, 1916

Friday evening a car with seven passengers in a Mitchell automobile owned by Dr. Frank Babcock of Kaukauna narrowly escaped death around 9:00 p.m. on Friday south of town. No one was badly injured but they were shaken up. A tree stump caught the car as it dropped, preventing potential fatalities before it completed a somersault and landed back on its wheels 12 feet below road level. New wheels were installed, and the car was driven to Appleton under its own power.

Wisconsin reached 103,560 registered automobiles in the state. The state's residents will spend $58,000,000 on automobiles in 1916.

The United States Indian Commissioner in the Department of the Interior, issued an order strictly prohibiting the sale of liquor to Native Americans. The rule applies universally, regardless of whether individuals are U.S. citizens or classed as wards of the nation.

John VanRight, aged 24, was killed Monday morning when his arm contacted a live electric wire while working as a lineman for the Wisconsin Traction Company repairing a broken line. Funeral was held Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at St. John’s Church, Little Chute, with fellow linemen acting as pallbearers. Burial in Little Chute cemetery.

Albert Demming bought five acres of land from the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Co. The land is situated just west of Boyd Avenue on the crest of Beaulieu Hill.

Governor Philipp was officially advised by Attorney General Owen that Wisconsin soldiers deployed at San Antonio cannot vote in the September primary or November elections without physically returning to Wisconsin.

Auto Show at the State Fair on September 11–16 at the State Fair. 59 factories will show over 200 model specimens of 1917 pleasure cars, totaling more than $1,000,000 in value.

August 10, 1916

Nearly 5,000 men of the Wisconsin brigade marched 10 miles to Ten-Mile Hill enroute to maneuver grounds at Leon Springs. Every man carried a 60-pound pack while singing "On Wisconsin".

Johanna Bowers, the 7-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barney Bowers on Wrightstown Road, fell off a load of sand, and a wheel crashed her side around 6:00 p.m. Saturday. She was taken to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Appleton but succumbed to her severe internal injuries.

Jacob Lang assumed duties as the new postmaster of the north side office on Monday morning, succeeding J. C. Mitchell. Post office employees presented Mr. Lang with a bouquet of roses, while retiring postmaster J. C. Mitchell received a smoking set with a box of cigars from the clerks and rural carriers.

August 18, 1916

A tractor plowing demonstration for the farmers of this vicinity was held this afternoon, and will be continued tomorrow all day, and probably Saturday, at the farm of the Hurkman brothers, across the "marsh", just north of the Kaukauna city limits. Everybody interested, whether a farmer or not, is invited, but farmers are especially invited, because the demonstration will show what a tractor will do for them, how it saves expense, labor and delays in all kinds of farm work. Besides its use for plowing, the tractor is invaluable to farmers in handling hay, filling silos, sawing wood, baling hay, grinding feed, and innumerable other things which every farmer must do.

The city electrical department has just completed the installation of a ten-horsepower motor at the Chicago and Northwestern Railway shops, this being the first electric power to be installed there in the recent electrifying of the shops. The motor operates in the car-wheel department now located in the west end of the carpenter shops, operating the wheel press and boring machine.

The Union Bag and Paper Company has commenced some important improvements at their plant on the water power canal, which means a lot of work for skilled mechanics and also for common hands. Work on all of these improvements scheduled to commence by September first.

Walter Langlois, a delivery boy for J. L. Anderson, suffered a fractured right shoulder on Tuesday. He was jerked from his wagon by the horse he was driving.

Lake Winnebago and the Fox River are heavily polluted with thick green scum, causing dirty green tap water with an offensive odor. Swimmers at local beaches are reporting skin infections from the water.

Frank Van Drasek (age 7), son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Van Drasek, Sr. Attempting to catch a ride on a loaded stone truck near the Island quarry, he fell beneath the rear wheels. He suffered severe internal injuries and died on the way to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Appleton.

Wrightstown has a new high school. A new two-story red brick high school with a full basement is near completion on the east side of the Fox River. Built by contractor Frank Egers for less than $20,000, it is set to open for the fall term in September.

Nearly 50 Oneida Indians have moved to Kaukauna for manual labor opportunities, with more families continuing to arrive. They are noted for being prompt and reliable workers.

Jacob Hill (age 89), revered Oneida chief who moved to the Oneida Reservation from New York 83 years ago has died. He often served as a minister at tribe funerals and spoke at public occasions.

August 25, 1916

The New 1917 Ford Model features a restyled 1917 model with a larger radiator in a black enamel casing, a sloped hood for a streamlined body, and crown-shaped front fenders. 200 units shipped to Wisconsin—one per dealer.

Kaukauna Fibre Company is sold to a Milwaukee man for $104,000. The sale price fully covers all creditor claims dollar-for-dollar, with several thousand dollars remaining to be distributed among stockholders.

Mrs. William Van Lieshout suffered severe burns to her hands and arm on Saturday while ironing clothes. Residual gasoline, used for cleaning, ignited when exposed to the heat of an electric flatiron.

Mr. and Mrs. Gus Ristau and family completed a 200-mile trip to Marinette County, camping near Brookside in a new silk balloon-cloth tent. Gus noted poor, sandy road conditions in the Coleman, Brookside, and Oconto regions.

August 31, 1916

M. A. Wertheimer received a postcard sent via Holland from Oscar Thilmany in Germany —his first update from him in several months. The card confirmed that Mr. and Mrs. Thilmany are both in good health.

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Time Machine Trip to August 1906

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

August 3, 1906

Houdini, the handcuff king, who has been in Europe for several years, is again visiting his relatives in the Fox River Valley. He can free himself from the most intricate handcuffs as fast as they are placed on his wrists. No one has yet learned the secret of his power.

The Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company received a new 750 horsepower Corliss steam engine Tuesday from the Vilter Manufacturing Company, Milwaukee, and are now installing it in the basement of the big plant. The new power plant will be used in operating the No. 4 paper machine, making, when installed, the fourth engine used to operate paper machines.

August 10, 1906

A stranger visited Kaukauna one-day last week and brought with him about 35 hickory rockers which he manufactures himself. He canvassed the town and had no trouble disposing of them before sundown. They are durably made, but nevertheless some of the purchasers are wondering if they were not taken in by this smooth talker, to the extent of from $2.50 to $3.50.

The Kaukauna Lumber and Manufacturing Co. is expanding its facilities with 50% more floor space, glass walls on the east side, a 50-foot brick smokestack, electric power, and a novel vertical dry kiln.

Around 11 p.m., James Farrell was pinned to the sidewalk outside Heindel's hall when a heavy steam radiator—being installed in the nearby bank building—tipped over onto his leg after he leaned against it. Bystanders from the Hotel LaSalle porch rushed to help; no bones were broken.

August 17, 1906

An order for new suits for the Kaukauna High School football team was placed with a Milwaukee firm this week.

A new federal naturalization law taking effect Sept. 27 requires applicants to read and write English, supply sworn witnesses, and clear federal review. Circuit Court Clerk Glen Morse estimates roughly 1,000 men in Outagamie County falsely assume they are citizens through their fathers' first papers, warning that sons are not citizens unless their father completed second papers before they turned 21.

The 2-year-old son of Street Commissioner Theodore Schmalz nearly died Tuesday after drinking iodine left within reach. Swift intervention by his mother and a doctor saved his life after consuming a lethal dose.

August 24, 1906

Heros from the sixties are attending a reunion in Minneapolis

Owing to an excessive demand during the extreme heat of the early part of the week, local merchants ran out of bathing suits and as a result, all sorts of improvised rigging could be seen doing service along the riverbanks. In their desperation, some of the swimmers used flour sacks for trunks across which, in bold letters, appeared the words "Big Jo" or some other well-known brand. The most conspicuous thing about these suits was the announcement that they were "seamless."

It comes from high authority in railroad circles that the railroad shops of the Ashland division, Chicago and Northwestern railway, are not only to remain in Kaukauna, but will probably be doubled in capacity. It is altogether likely that with such an enlargement in the size of the shops, the repairs for not only the whole Ashland division, but also that of the Northern Wisconsin and the peninsular division will run their engines into Kaukauna for the needed repairs. Kaukauna is conveniently located right in the midst of the various divisions which comprise the Northwestern system in Wisconsin and the engine repairing can be brought here with less trouble than any other city on account of its central location.

An intoxicated traveler carrying luggage ducked under crossing gates and attempted to board a departing Ashland division train. He lost his grip, struck his head against a coach, and narrowly avoided falling under the wheels, though he recovered enough to walk away shortly after.

Thirteen head of young stock near Friendship have been killed by some large animal and the farmers are unable to capture the miscreant. The beast has visited a number of farms and has been seen by several people, but they have not been able to get a good look at the animal in the dark. A reward of $10 has been offered for its capture.

The members of the high schools of Green Bay will not be able to play football in the coming season. The game has been debarred from athletics connected with the public instruction and must go. This action was taken by the board of education at a meeting last week and is final.

August 31, 1906

A member of the Oneida band which gave a picnic at Columbia Park imbibed too freely of fire water and landed in the police station. The musician had no money with him and pleaded against going to the workhouse on account of the disgrace that would reflect on the band. A Kaukauna man paid the fine to rescue him.

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.

Marshal Jule Kuehn

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.