Time Machine Trip to January 1949

By Lyle Hansen

January 5, 1949

James William Black, 88, the last survivor of Andrew Clinton Black’s thirteen children, died Wednesday. He was born in Kaukauna December 23, 1860 and died after an illness of several days. His father Andrew Black came to Kaukauna in 1846 and plotted much of Kaukauna’s north side.  

An eight-pound boy, Peter Joseph Nagan, born to Mr. and Mrs. Paul S. Nagan, is the first Kaukauna to make an appearance in this new year. He was born Sunday morning January 2 at St. Elizabeth Hospital Appleton. The newborn baby and his parents will receive a host of gifts donated by 22 Kaukauna merchants.

January 7, 1949

William F. Wolf, curator at the historic Grignon mansion, is pictured holding a skull and copper kettle, unearthed recently by workmen at the Murphy quarry near the mansion. It is believed that the skull is that of an Indian woman, buried about 200 years ago. The kettle was probably buried with her. 

The Thilmany Pulp and Paper company recently announced that a pension system has been adopted for all employees to be known as the Thilmany Employees’ Retirement Plan. 

The Kaukauna common council Tuesday evening approved the purchase of a three-ton Dodge truck from Van Lieshout Motor Sales for $4,200 with the trade in allowance of $494.05 on the old 1935 Dodge truck.

January 12, 1949

The Mereness IGA store at 111 East Second Street has been sold to Harvey C. Doering who will take over the business. Mr. V. R. Mereness has been in the grocery business in Kaukauna for 33 years.

Coach Asher Shorey and five of his 12 man Galloping Ghost varsity squad gather around prior to a recent practice. Left to right: Neil Kalupa, John Kobussen guards, Russ Hacker center. Coach Shorey, Cliff Hinkens forward and Pat Lehman forward. 

January 14, 1949

Al Schumann blasted a 703 series in league competition Tuesday night at the S & B alleys, the highest individual score rolled in the city of Kaukauna since the S & B and Verbeten’s alleys opened. He had games of 222, 255 and 226.

January 19, 1949

Diane Derus was selected from eight girls nominated for the D.A.R. This award which makes her eligible to compete for the $100 bond to be given the state winner.

James Van De Loo, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 27 was awarded the Eagle Scout badge Wednesday evening. James is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Van De Loo.

Chief of Police Harold Engerson (center) is shown as he congratulates his two new sergeants, Oscar Jahns (right) and Robert Main. The two-sergeant system which replaces the assistant chief of police went into effect the first of the year. 

Walter H. Roloff, president of the Roloff Manufacturing Corporation was elected president of the Kaukauna Advancement association at the annual meeting held Monday evening. He succeeds Dale Andrews, who served during 1948.

Robert M. Thompson was awarded the Distinguished Service Award Key by the Kaukauna Junior Chamber of Commerce.