Time Machine Trip to October 1926

 

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

October 5, 1926

Zwick, who is mixing with the paddists around the Buckeye state, handed Billy Knowles, a Chicago 120 pounder, about everything in a boxer's repertoire, and punched his way to a knockout victory in the first round of a scheduled eight stanza fight in Cleveland, Tuesday night.

October 12, 1926

When Leo Mercy, 26 years of age of Escanaba, Mich., was arraigned before Judge Theodore Berg in Municipal court here on Saturday morning on the charge of stealing a car belonging to Alvin Chelma of Kimberly, he stated that he had taken the wrong car, and after it had broken down at Kaukauna, he had found out it didn't belong to a friend but to someone he did not know. He pleaded not guilty, and his hearing was set for Monday. Bail was set at $500.

 

Emmet Rohan of this city, a graduate of the Kaukauna high school with the class of 1926, who is now attending Lawrence college won the college campus cross country contest last Saturday afternoon before the Lawrence-Oshkosh Normal game. He covered the three and one-half miles in 23:03.3.

Kaukauna radio fans, those with a yearning for baseball in their systems, and those without it but craving excitement, surely had a great "kick" out of the climax to the world series games between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees, when in the seventh and deciding game at New York on Sunday, the Cardinals won the championship. Such a game. It surely kept the great "unseen audience" on its toes, according to the announcer.

October 14, 1926

 Coach Bill Smith

Football! Football! And more football. Did you ever see the like? No, neither did we, but it's to be expected for the town is all worked up over the game. And there is cause for it too, for coach Bill Smith surely has turned out to be a fighting team for the Orange and Black this season.

October 19, 1926

The Konkopot Bridge, which has been undergoing construction for the past several weeks, has been completed, and was opened to traffic at 3:30 last Saturday afternoon. The new span is one of the most magnificent structures of its kind in this section of the state, and one of which the city of Kaukauna and the contractors may feel justly proud. The roadway of the bridge has a width of 23 feet, and the walk is five and one-half feet wide. It is built entirely of concrete, and the widening of the bridge across the creek is expected to care for the high waters which in several instances, in the spring of the year, threatened to flood that entire section of the city.

 

With over 800 people served the first day, and equal that number on the second, the tenth annual bazaar and chicken supper of the St. Francis church at Hollandtown was a decided success, well worth the effort of the congregation during the two days, last Sunday and Monday. Many Kaukauna people enjoyed the chicken supper, some of them being, according to visitors, very much in evidence at the tables on both evenings.

 

Two unmasked bandits held up Mike Meyer and a bartender in Mr. Meyer's soft drink parlor at North Seymour last Friday night, and unable to find any money in the cash register, escaped with a slot machine containing about $30. Police are watching for the bandits.

 

Barney, Gene and Tom last of the horses used by the Washington D.C. fire department making their “last run”. The engines have since been motorized and the faithful trio is enjoying a well-earned retirement on a farm.

October 21, 1926

A Little Chute delivery truck was badly damaged, but a boy, the lone occupant of the truck was unhurt, when a Buick roadster, bearing an Illinois license plate crashed into it while it was parked on Highway 15. According to reports, the truck was standing facing west, and the roadster was headed in the same direction. The crash severely damaged the radiator and front part of the Buick, and the rear end of the truck was badly smashed.  Two men jumped out of the Buick, and made their way down the highway, hailing a Kaukauna-Appleton bus which happened to be passing at the time.

 

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. William H. Powers of Second street at the St. Elizabeth's hospital Wednesday evening.

 

Every person should go to the cemetery at least twice in life. Once at the end of life, and first early in life to reflect on the brevity of life, and the insufficiency of worldly goods. There is no place like a quiet churchyard for meditation and there is room in every life for more serious thought. The tombstones hold a moral for all living. There are no record of estates left behind, fortunes made and spent and worldly fame attained.

 

October 26, 1926

According to word received here, Phil Zwick battled Lew Bloom to a standstill for eight rounds in a bout Monday night and won by a large margin in the semi-windup to the Jack Zwick-Tommy Freeman go, in Cleveland.

 

Samuel Dauschsky is a man without a country. As a Russan stowaway on a White Star line ship. England, Russia and the United States refuse taking him in.

 

October 28, 1926

Forest Junction—Henry Kempen, a farmer near here, captured a large eagle Friday morning. It is said that the bird measured seven feet, two inches from tip to tip, and was one of the largest specimens ever captured alive in this vicinity. The eagle was eating a rabbit, when Kempen, coming from behind, pounced on the bird and grabbed it by the neck and leg. Taking the bird home, his place, where the bird is displayed, has proven to be a mecca for curious spectators. Mr. Kempen has not decided yet what he will do in the way of disposing of his captive.

 

All the seniors who wanted class rings have ordered them during the last week, at Lang's jewelry store on the north side. Mr. Lang took the size of the rings for each and the initials that each wanted on his ring. A deposit of two dollars was required as a first payment, and balance of five dollars is to be paid when the students get their rings.

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".

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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