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.