Time Machine: Time Machine Trip to June 1954

Kaukauna Times – June 1954

By Lyle Hansen

June 2, 1954

With the crash, of falling, timbers and the snapping sound of splintering glass another of Kaukauna's landmarks bit the dust. Built in 1881, the old Ashland House on the corner of Reaume Avenue and Third Street was for many years a prosperous boarding house and tavern. With the moving of the railroad shops, the building became silent, and as of recent years, it was used as a warehouse for the Miller Furniture store.

The Kaukauna High School baseball team. Left to right back row are Head coach Noel Diffatte, Tom Hilgenberg, Paul Bethke, Carl Bowers, Ron Welch, Tom Nytes, Jack Coenen, Dick Jaeger and Asst. coach Bernard Alberg. Front row left to right are Gene Wittman, Andy Whittaker, Carl Frank, Bob Theis, Jack Jansen, Bill Lappen, Joe Van Linn, Manager Dick Brys, Manager Neil Huss is in the center foreground.

June 9, 1954

The Kaukauna High School baseball squad, the defending state champion, suffered its first defeat in twelve starts when Kenosha eliminated them from state tournament contention by an 8-4 score. The loss was only the third one in two seasons for the Ghosts.

June 18, 1954

Attendants at the pool opening day from left to right are Joan Weyenberg, Helen Parker, Carol Schulze, Lois Vils and Pat Zuelzke.

Five lifeguards at the Kaukauna Memorial pool. Left to right are Sally Strom and Cal Engerson, Assistant Rec. Director Mary Jane Appleton and guard Dick Otte, Tom Hilgenberg and Sharon Engerson.

A crowd of 312 people were in attendance' at the Alumni Rally Saturday night. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Kaukauna High School Alumni Award to Dr. George Boyd. Dr. Boyd is currently the Chairman of the Kaukauna Community Hospital Committee.

A new truck was added to the Kaukauna Street Department’s fleet this week. Posing with the truck are, in the back of the truck John Hartmansdorfer and left to right in the foreground are Harry Wolf, George Giesbers and Quentin Driessen.

Kaukauna Post 41 of the American Legion elected a new commander at the last meeting. Loyal Belongea will succeed Steve Andrejeski as commander.

June 23, 1954

Rev. John De Wild, pastor of the St. Paul’s Catholic church, Combined Locks, will be honored by his parishioners Sunday, June 20. In commemoration of the fortieth anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood.

A parade of over 200 contestants was on hand for the Huckleberry Finn Day competition last Saturday. The boys and girls were judged on who looked most like the part of Huck Finn and Becky Thatcher. Kathy Huss of 610 Lincoln Avenue and Gerald Haen of 814 Metoxen Avenue were chosen as the winners and were awarded new bicycles for their efforts.

The first duties assumed by Rev. Paul Stevens; the new pastor of the Kaukauna Methodist church was to supervise the Daily Vacation Bible School. Rev. Stevens is pictured in the far right of the back row.

June 30, 1954

Johnny Erickson of Menasha shot a par 70 to take $75 first prize money in the Fox Valley Open Golf Tournament here Sunday. He topped a record field of 89 pros and amateurs, including former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, who scored an 80. Louis was in the valley with a wrestling troupe for whom he referees.

Richard Borree, Storekeeper Third class of East 8th street, Kaukauna, was among the many navy men who assisted in removing the injured and clearing the debris in the recent Bennington Aircraft carrier disaster.

Winners at class night are from left to right Mary Skiba, Pat Arnoldson, Joyce Jacobson, Daniel Sachs, Mary Feldmann, Jim Brenzel, Vivian Blaha, Richard Jaeger and James Schlude.

Happy Birthday

Kaukauna

234 Years Old

First recorded settlement in Wisconsin.

1790 - 2024