Time Machine

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Time Machine Trip to April 1916

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen KAHS

April 7, 1916

Boys fishing in the Fox River a short distance west of the village of Little Chute early Monday morning found the body of a man who apparently had died at least two months ago. The police in Appleton were notified immediately and turned the case over to the coroner to secure an undertaker to bring the body to Appleton.

The baby show at Nicolet school on Wednesday afternoon was well patronized by about 50 babies and their mothers along with 150 spectators. Children aged from six months to five years all healthy specimens of infantile life. Awards were given to the youngest baby that could walk. To the fattest baby under three years of age another and to the fattest baby under one year of age. The largest family of children under five years of age also received a prize.

The eight-hour workday has been granted to papermakers employees by practically all the mills in the Fox River Valley. Three shifts of 8 hours will be the same pay as it was for 11 or 13 hours.

P. A. Gloudemans was reelected president of the village of Little Chute.

Tuesday's election was one of the warmest that was held in Kaukauna for a number of years and before polls had closed resolved itself to be one of the old-time campaign of years ago when everybody was in the game. Charles Raught defeated Dr. Boyd by a majority of 46 votes. For position as mayor of Kaukauna.

The flight of ducks to the north has begun and it would be well for the hunters to observe the law prohibiting spring shooting of them.

April 14, 1916

Two large chandeliers supplemented by other smaller lights and obscure parts of the building now illuminate St. John's church with a brilliant flood of light that makes the big room as bright as day. This is a splendid invocation and one that will much be appreciated by the large congregation. The lights were first used on Wednesday night.

Davenport Ia. Miss Bertha Spangler claims she gave John Brown a kiss for an automobile and that was fair trade. Brown insisted he only let Miss Springer, his housekeeper, use the machine. The jury was out for five hours before a verdict was finally agreed upon which gave the machine to the woman.

April 21, 1916

The entire roundhouse was lit for the first time last Saturday night, much to the delight of the employees. The electrical crew hopes to have the machine shops completed so that current can be turned on there by Saturday night.

April 28, 1916

The U.S. Bloomer Girls baseball team who are making a tour through this section, will play the Kaukauna regulars at the local baseball grounds next Wednesday afternoon at 3:00.

Posters will be out this week announcing the 4th annual excursion of the Kaukauna Outing Club to High Cliff Park, on Sunday June 4. The steamer Leander Choate has been chartered and a brass band of 16 pieces will furnish the music on the boat and at the park during the afternoon.

McAlester, Ok. After a trip through the state penitentiary, a visitor realized that he had not seen any clocks either in the administration building or in any of the cell houses was there a timepiece. Why are there no clocks he asked a trustee. The man grinned. We don't need any. We have all the time we want here. An electric gong announces the divisions of time work, eat, and retire according to the rings.

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Time Machine Trip to April 1906

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen KAHS

April 6, 1906

Asa Rice, the Town of Kaukauna pioneer settled since 1854, has made up his mind to retire from hard labor after 52 years of farming just outside of this city. Asa Rice, Michael Hunt and A.C. Black composed that famous trio of pioneer voters composing the first Republican Party in Kaukauna, and they were in such a small minority that it was almost as good as declaring for an open knockdown fight as to own that they were "black republicans." They would instantly be insulted, and Asa Rice carries to this day a crippled hand he got smashing the nasal organ of one of the opposite parties.

Being unopposed in the recent election, C. E. Raught has been named to the position of mayor in this city. Raught is not new to the job, as he has been in the mayor's chair before.

Alex Heinz, who is employed at the Combined Locks paper mill, narrowly escaped death last Monday by eating raw ham. The ham was purchased at Little Chute and for his own lunch Mr. Heinz ate a sandwich out of the thin slice. About 4:00 in the afternoon he was taken ill and started for home which he reached with some difficulty. Tuesday Mrs. Heinz used some of the ham and soup and an hour later three of the children, Frank, Henry and John. ages 10, 8, and five years respectively for taking ill.

Manufacturers of talking machines are elaborating their enterprises to an extent never dreamed of before. It would not take long before an entire opera cast will be heard on one of these machines.

April 13, 1906

The Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen has secured a mammoth canvas to cover the floor of the opera house for their ninth annual May Ball. The canvas comes from Chicago and will be large enough to cover the entire hall, thus furnishing a splendid dancing surface.

The family of L. Van Skyhawk of Menominee has been the victim of remarkable series of misfortunes. In a few months nine out of his thirteen children have died, and another son is now suffering from an attack of typhoid fever. The last death in the family occurred last week when Arthur L Skyhawk passed away after a year intensive suffering from cancer.

Three tramps applied for lodging at the police station last night. They walked here from Hortonville and claimed they were on their way to Green Bay, where they expected to find work. Having no supper last night, Marshall Richard Cullen brought them down a bountiful breakfast this morning. Which included a choice cut of beef. The breakfast was tempting but the tramps, hungry and fragile, turned it down and informed the officer it was Good Friday and that it was their intention to observe the day.

The Mill and Nugent orchestra will play every night next week except Saturday. Monday evening at Kaukauna, Tuesday evening at Stockbridge, Wednesday evening at Appleton, Thursday evening at Darboy and Friday evening at the Kaukauna Junior Prom.

April 20, 1906

The annual reports of the city clerk and city treasurer have been released. Just look and get a good idea of what it costs to operate a city the size of Kaukauna. The money handled last year amounted to $107,797.67. The total tax roll, however, was only $51,383.57.

The destruction of the city of San Francisco California. will be recorded in history as one of the most terrible disasters in modern times period, the beautiful Golden Gate City, which but a few days ago was a pride of the western coast, is today a mass of ruins, destroyed by an earthquake and fire. Thousands of buildings including mammoth skyscrapers toppled over and crumbled into heaps of wreckage. The wreckage in various parts of the city immediately caught fire and progress of the flames could not be checked.

The city was all worked up Monday morning by the mysterious tracks of a barefooted man plainly showing all the way across the Lawe street bridge in the white frost which covers the planks going toward the north side. Reports from various points showed that he had nearly all over town in his pilgrimage. Mr. Hurkman from the south side took pains to telephone Superintendent Downer of the Outagamie County Insane Asylum to find out if any of their patients were missing but he was told that all had reported present that morning.

The decapitated body of Charles DeKich was found on the railroad tracks near his home at Combined Locks Monday evening by Daniel Ryan, chairman and Town for a Buchanan. Mr. Ryan came upon the body shortly after freight passed that arrived in Kaukauna at 7:00 PM. DeKoch was an employee of the Kimberly mill but was not working that day he was killed. The deceased is about 40 years of age and is survived by her widow and eight children, the oldest of whom is 12 years. The body was removed to the undertaking establishment in Little Chute. Mr. DeKoch was left in destitute circumstances and talked of committing suicide Tuesday morning by jumping into a well but was prevented by Daniel J Ryan.

April 27, 1906

Kaukauna Station Agent C. W. Scott has received instructions to the effect that all goods consigned to the victims of the San Francisco calamity will be shipped free of charge if addressed to any of the relief societies.

Kaukauna mayor issues orders. The Police Department is instructed to see that saloons are closed during certain hours. Regulations on musical instruments and slot machines are regulated to be taken effect on the 1st of May.

Come dear, take your medicine.

“Is it too late for school?”

Yes, dear.

“Well, I guess I’m well enough to get up then.”

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Time Machine Trip to April 1896

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

April 3, 1896

Independence, Kan., - Traveling men who have come up through the Indian territory within the last couple days report that the people are greatly aroused over the spread of smallpox, which is ranging in different parts of the territory, and that all the towns along the railroad are quarantine. No person is allowed to get on or off the trains and business is at a standstill.

William Helmke, third hand on one of the paper machines at Thilmany Mill, was caught in a gear Tuesday evening from 6 o’clock and has his arm mangled so badly that it had to be amputated just below the elbow. The unfortunate young man had only been working at Thilmany mill that day having quit at the Outagamie Mill the day previous. He was through work on Tuesday and had started to put on his coat to go home when one sleeve became caught in the gear pulling the right arm in up to the shoulder. He was treated at Dr. Boyd’s office.

On a street out east, a beggar was often seen plodding about with a small dog. The dog was held by a chain and had around its neck a placard with “Pity the Blind” in large red letters. Mr. T. passing one day dropped a nickel into the outstretched hand. “Thank you” the man replied. “Was that a quarter I gave you?” No, the man replied only a nickel. “So, you are not blind at all.” No said the man the dog has the sign, he is blind.

Rain and gale winds broke the ice on Lake Winnebago, and it was driven to the west shore in great masses. Trees were uprooted and many boat houses along the shore were wrecked.

The Kaukauna police department, under the efficient leadership of Marshal Kuehn, has been a terror to evil doers; in fact, so widespread is the reputation of our officers that not a single burglary has occurred in Kaukauna in the past year, and not a single case of assault has taken place on our streets.

April 10, 1896

Athens, April 7 – The opening of the Olympian Games were observed here today. The city was brilliantly decorated and great enthusiasm manifested over the sports. American contestants won in throwing the discus, hop, skip and jump and in the trial heats of the 100-yard dash and quarter mile run.

Wanted – Good girl to do general housework; must be thoroughly familiar with all kinds of work. Good wages and home for life to right girl. Inquire at D. J. Brothers’ residence.

The old saying that pleasant sunshine election days are productive of Republican victory has been relegated to innocuous desuetude in the vicinity of Kaukauna. Lifelong Republicans seemed to come in contact with a democratic Svengali somewhere, for they marched to the polls as if hypnotized and placed their cross at the head of the Democratic column.

Tuesday's election brought Kaukauna a new mayor in Mr. Joseph McCarty. McCarty defeated Thomas Reese by a total majority of 83 votes to win the race for the mayor's chair. In the individual wards, McCarty's greatest advantage came in the third ward where he claimed a 180-136 vote count.

April 17, 1896

The Milwaukee papers of Tuesday tell a story about the second escape of Fred Reichel, the Kaukaunaite, who broke jail in Appleton several weeks ago. It seems deputy Sheriff Waite heard that Reichel was in Milwaukee and went down Monday and located him. Reichel requested Waite to accompany him to his room so he could gather his effects before returning to Appleton. The officer complied and after Reichel fumbled with soiled linen for some time he made a dash through the door connecting with an adjoining room and flight down the stairs and escaped.

George Wood, the young man who was badly scalded in the chip bin at the Badger sulfite fiber plant couple weeks ago, died last Monday morning. It will be remembered that the deceased had crawled into the bin and dropped to sleep unknown to the other employees.

Last Wednesday the temperature reached 83 degrees. An Italian Street orchestra, the unmistakable harbinger of spring, put in an appearance here the same day.

April 24, 1896

Ohio citizens who cannot read the English language are citizens no longer. An act of the legislature just enacted deprives such people of the right to assistance in marking their ballots at election. Physically incapable may receive assistance but not the illiterate.

The Spanish government within the next four weeks will put into execution a system of home rule or autonomy for the island of Cuba. It promises to bring to a sudden termination the irritation and friction which has existed for many months between the United Stated and Spain and to replace this feeling with one of friendly and amicable nature.

Navigation has been formally declared open for this year, and Lake Winnebago is two feet higher than it was last year at this time.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Time Machine Trip to April 1886

This Trip is sponsored by:

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Antiques and Collectables

112 E. 2^nd St.

Kaukauna, Wi 54130

920-759-1985

Kaukauna Times and Sun

By Lyle Hansen KAHS

April 2, 1886

Mayor Frambach's address at the city convention on Tuesday night was highly appreciated by his many warm friends. His was the most trying term of office which will probably be experienced for several years. He was elected when the city was new, and all hands were inexperienced. The active part the retiring mayor has taken in the affairs of the city is evidence of his sincerity in the welfare of our prosperous and growing city.

Galveston, Tex., - A court on the 24th sentenced Alice Walker to prison for one day on a conviction of bigamy. It appears that her first husband left her after one year of married life and went west, where he was reported as having died. His wife mourned for him for a time then married again. Her second husband died a short time ago and about the same time her husband No.1 turned up and had her arrested for bigamy. The jury gave her the lightest sentence possible under the law.

2 feet of snow on the first day this month was no “April fool”.

Geronimo Chihuahua Natchez Nawat

A dispatch has been received of the unconditional surrender to Gen. Cook of Geronimo, Chihuahua, Natchez, and Nawat the four Apache chiefs along with twenty-nine bucks. The captives were taken to Fort Bowie.

The German government reports that during 1885 the number of German immigrants to this country was 84,680. Since 1820 the United States has taken considerably more than 3 million of German immigrants under the national wing. Unless signs change the year 1886, we'll see more than 100,000 Germans leave the fatherland for this country.

April 9, 1886

The City Election.

Mayor - Thomas Reese

Clerk-C.H.L. Hamer

Treasurer - Peter Nettekoven

Assessor - Joseph Filler

Rowdyism seems to show itself among a certain class in our city. A party who certainly were not gentlemen were on the rampage last Sunday night. In their effort to “paint the town” tore down signs, threw empty beer kegs into the streets and rendered the night hideous by their unearthly yells.

April 16, 1886

Mr. Chas. E. Raught has purchased one half interest in THE TIMES paper, which in the future will be published by the firm Bidwell & Raught. Charley Raught has been connected with this office during the past five years almost from the time of its establishment and is well known as a first-class printer.

Colored straw hats will be the fashion worn by children.

April 23, 1886

One of the very (un) attractive features of Wisconsin Avenue, last Sunday, was a lumber wagon stuck fast in the mud, in front of the post office. It is forcible illustration of the fine (?) condition of our principal street.

Great Falls, Me. – For six months a young man named Ferguson has been suffering from some disease which baffled the physicians. One of the symptoms was violent choking. A few days ago, while choking a small snake thrust its head out of his mouth. The next time the reptile appeared it was removed. The young man died in a few minutes, and an examination revealed that a portion of the snake’s tail had grown fast to the stomach and its removal had burst a blood vessel, causing a horrible death.

On Saturday last occurred the death of Mr. Arnold Hurkman, one of the pioneer settlers here. He came to Buchanan in 1851, moved to a farm in the town of Kaukauna. He was greatly beloved and respected by all who knew him and leaves hundreds of friends who will sincerely mourn his death.

April 30, 1886

The water in the Fox River is now higher than it was in 1881, when it was considered almost a flood.

While delivering a quantity of groceries on the south side last Wednesday, John Corcoran’s team got into a bed of quicksand on Fourth Avenue and sank so deep in the treacherous bed that it was impossible for them to get out without assistance. It was necessary to unhitch the team and use levers to get them out of the mire.

One night twenty years ago, in Georga, Gus Akers and two other negro boys stole 100 pounds of lint cotton, worth $6, from an old gin-house. They were each sentenced to life in prison. One died in strips, another was pardoned. Gus at the end of eighteen years is still in the penitentiary serving his life term.

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Time Machine Trip to March 1976

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen KAHS

March 2, 1976

Tim Van Able bowled a 712 national honor count last Wednesday evening in the Knights of Columbus league at the Bowling Bar.

For a change a letter without a gripe. Robert E Veon has written a letter to the Kaukauna Community Hospital, lauding its staff for the care he received while a patient there. The staff couldn’t have taken better care of me.

Demand for rabbit meat is on the increase both nationally and locally according to the University of Wisconsin poultry specialist but little of the meat is available. Rabbit is high protein and low in fat it is similar in texture to chicken and it's easily digested.

It was billed as the championship game in the Manitowoc sectional but a better name for it might have been the sectional free throw shooting tournament’s basketball tournament The Neenah girls won the team title and the opportunity to compete in the first girls state tournament over this weekend by making 22 of 39 free throws to defeat Kaukauna Ghostettes 54 to 38.

March 4, 1976

The Eagle Scout award was presented to Donald Niesen by Mrs. Howard Veldman, while Scoutmaster George Hibbard of Boy Scout Troop 27 looked on last Sunday.

An alternative source of energy may be essential for our survival. The super flywheel may be one of those sources according to the Wisconsin Lung association. Flywheels are simple medical devices that propel things like potters’ wheels and toy tops. Flywheels are used in sewing machines, spacecraft, automobile engines, airplane landing gears and thousands of other wheels using products. Scientists are now considering adopting flywheels to power pollution free automobiles and other vehicles energy systems for homes. Car owners would wind up the Super flywheels at night from home electronic outlets.

Vincent DeGroot of Little Chute was one of seven from the Green Bay diocese to be ordained at Saint Francis savior cathedral in Green Bay Saturday as a deacon. There are now 14 permanent deacons in the Green Bay diocese.

Dan DeKoch will be among fifty persons from throughout the state displaying creative work in the annual “Festival of Arts” March 6th at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.

March 9, 1976

Friday night, Gregg Jensen literally didn't know the meaning of the word “miss”. The sophomore amassed 31 points matching the right numbers on his orange jersey. Down by as much as 10 points 24 dash early in the 2nd half, Kaukauna outscored Appleton East 19-11 in the second. The Ghost rallied to defeat the Pats 69-63.

In competition with 16 other schools, the cheerleading squad from Kaukauna’s Holy Cross took first place honors in the events held in conjunction with the Catholic boy’s league basketball tournament at Xavier high school Appleton. This year marked the first time that the cheerleading competition was held.

March 11, 1976

Dr. Simon Cherkasky, (center), was presented with awarded two awards by military representative. Capt. Tony Czamik and Lt. Col. Edward Wulgaert of Kaukauana. Dr. Cherkasky, Kaukauna physician and surgeon, has been presented the awards by the United States army units for his contributions toward enlisted programs. Doctor Cherkasky conducted physical examinations which were instrumental in getting 54 men enlisted in Wisconsin Army National Guard in the February campaign.

March 16, 1976

Out of 270 participants, Gene Biese (second from the left) placed first in the 2^nd annual KHS freshman free throw shooting tourney this year. He made 87 of 100 shots to win the competition. Tied for second place with 86 of 100 totals were Pat Brogan and Kevin Coenen. Ken Roloff, tourney manager, on the left.

Appleton’s Transit Commission has instructed Appleton City Transit incorporated to suspend the Kaukauna-Little Chute bus route as of midnight March 31st.

March 18, 1976

Rocky Rococo (Pizza) of Madison is a team that will defend its championship against a strong field of 15 other teams in the 8th annual Holy Cross Open Basketball Tournament which gets underway tomorrow night and runs for the next two successive weekends.

Kaukauna’s 8th grade All-Stars will host the Milwaukee Monsters this Sunday in the Holy Cross gym. The team front row, Dan Ball, John Wittmann, Jerry Van Abel and Jim Nytes. Second row Dave Weyers, Jeff VanDehy, Mark Eimmerman, and Tom Dawson. Back row, Tony Nytes, Mike Coenen, Joe Verkuilen, Darrell Haen, Dan Hietpas and Dave LeMay.

March 23, 1976

Members of Kaukauna’s Board of Education voted to retain a third teacher for educationally retarded students in the school system for the coming year.

Wisconsin International Raceways Red, White and Blue series of late model stock car races will be around again for the Bicentennial year, with a total purse of $29,000 for the three races.