Time Machine Trip to December 1941

 

Kaukauna Times - December 1941

By Lyle Hansen

December 3, 1941

Indians Scalp Kaws – The Shawano high school cage team handed Kaukauna high school a 42 to 22 beating At Shawano Friday night in the seasons conference cage opener. Bill VanDyke and Ken Reinholz led Kaukauna scorers with 6 and 5 points respectively. 

 

Florence Brewster has been elected by her classmates to represent Kaukauna in the daughters of America revolution good citizen pilgrimage this year. Florence is a member of the senior class.

Myron “Mush” Esler, trainer for the Cleveland Rams, National Professional Football League team, arrived home Sunday to spend some time with his father, Fire Chief Henry Esler and other relatives and friends.

December 5, 1941

Santa Claus will pay Kaukauna a pre-Christmas visit Saturday at 2 pm at the south side train depot. Santa will have a treat for all the boys and girls.

Staff Sergeant La Rue Smith, who is serving the 36th infantry, 3rd armored division in Louisiana, arrived home Tuesday for 14-day furlough.

December 10, 1941

People of Kaukauna along with the rest of the nation have had their ears on the radio,  eyes on the daily press and hearts practically in their throats since the first announcement of the Japanese surprise attack in Hawaii. The United states declared war on Japan Monday noon shortly after President Roosevelt delivered a war message to Congress his last statement of which was “I ask that the country declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, a state of war now existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.”

 

There is much interest in the city due to the placement of Kaukauna soldiers stationed with the army and navy forces in the Japanese war zones. Several Kaukaunan are presently in Hawaii with U.S. forces, where the attack took place.

 

Second Lieutenant Joseph J. Lingle, Cortana, has reported for duty at the new Air Corps basic flying school at Greenville, Mississippi, according to information arriving here from the public relations office.

 

December 12, 1941

Private Leo Vander Heiden, route 2 Kaukauna, who is stationed at camp Wallace, Texas, has been assigned to truck driving.

Mayor William J Gantter in a statement to the press yesterday urged citizens and public officials to take all precautions against sabotage to public institutions and plants holding defense contracts in the city. All precautionary measures must be taken since the attack of the Japanese and a declaration of war on the United States by the three axis powers Japan, Germany, and Italy.

 

December 17, 1941

William Rohan, route 3, has received a telegram from his son flying cadet Clifford Rohan that he was unhurt in the recent Japanese attack at Hickman Field, near Honolulu.

Luke Martin, Park St., Kaukauna, who is with the 17th air base group, Hickman Field, Honolulu, sent a cablegram to inform his parents that he has been promoted to the rank of corporal and that he was not injured in the Japanese attack a week ago.

 

December 19, 1941

The members of the fire and police departments were granted an emergency bonus of $10 per month per man for one year by the common council.   

 

The common council Tuesday evening adopted a resolution recognizing the community spirited activities of Strassburg during the last year. The people of Strassburg have shown outstanding community work and have done things that no other organization ever attempted. Mayor Nelson pointed out the banquet for Lawrence Wheelock, only Indian chief to be inducted in selective service, the Dr. C. D. Boyd testimonial dinner honoring 50 years of service and the show sponsored by Strassburg to raise money to purchase instruments for the high school band.

 

Staff Sergeant Gene Winn who is stationed at Camp Livingston, La., is home enjoying a furlough with his parents.

 

Miss Iva Chizek, registered nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton, has been called to serve with the U.S. Naval reserve nurses corps. She will be stationed at the base hospital in San Diego, California.

December 24, 1941

The Kaukauna NYA workshop received its first national defense order for the Roi Tan Arsenal in New Jersey this week according to Elmer Grebe county supervisor. This is the first of many orders to be expected by the NYA workshop.

December 31, 1941

Private Albert Herman arrived home Sunday from Fort Benning, Ga., to spend a 12-day furlough with his family on High street.

Sylvester “Ham” Hopfensperger, who is stationed at the naval air station, Miami, Florida, spent the Christmas holidays with his family here.

Six-year-old Jerome Dreger Jr., of Harrison Street, was struck in the back by a bullet that had ricocheted off a rock. The boy was wearing heavy clothing and was uninjured by the bullet. The rifle was fired by a 14-year-old neighbor youth at a chicken. Police have confiscated the gun.

Private John McMahon, who had spent Christmas with his family, was notified by wire Friday to return to Fort Dix, New Jersey and that all furloughs were being cancelled.

 

 

 

Kaukauna Time Machine December 1931

 

Kaukauna Times - December 1931

By Lyle Hansen

December 1, 1931

The city of Kaukauna is responding to the call for funds for relief. According to Chairman Arthur Schmalz, the employees of the mills, teachers and city employees responded without delay. The income is $1,200 per month. The Legion post turned over $700 toward the cause.

Ed Matchett bowled a 247 game to take individual honors in the City Bowling league. Les Smith was high with a 619 three game series.

 

December 4, 1931

More than 225 housewives of the city of Kaukauna attended the closing day of the cooking school Thursday afternoon bringing the total attendance to over the 500 mark this year. 

 

December 8, 1931

The Boy Scouts of the city will make a house-to-house canvass for clothing for distribution by the Women’s relief committee.

 

The Vaudette theater has been closed Monday and today for the installation of a completely new sound equipment. The new system will replace the disc method of synchronization sound with the picture. Under the new method the sound will be reproduced directly from the film.

 

December 11, 1931

December 15, 1931

Assemblyman Reckard, Socialist, is preparing a resolution which will provide about $500,000 which has accumulated in the state treasury from excess fees on gas and oil inspection.

 

The Kaukauna entry in the Mid-West bowling league rolled 2894 to take high honors. Amay Bayorgeon rolled 258 to take high game and Henry Minkebige lead the three-game series with 643.    

 

December 22, 1931

 

No trace has been found of the burglar who entered the Chicago and Northwestern depot on the northside Friday evening stealing the mail pouch containing first class mail. The punishment for this crime is 15 years in the federal penitentiary.

Leo Onkels route 5 Kaukauna lost 25 head of cattle and four horses in a disastrous fire which occurred early Saturday evening while the family was not home. The loss is expected to exceed $10,000. The family’s two dogs tried in vain to save the livestock in the barn.  

The first meeting of the new scout troop was held in St, Mary’s annex Monday evening. Henry Greischar, teacher, and assistant athletic coach in the high school, will act as scoutmaster of the organization.

December 24, 1931

Kaukauna will not be awarded a new post office in 1932 according to an article in the Milwaukee Journal last Sunday. The federal government has rejected all recommendations of funds for the building program. The rejection of funds will affect 30 cities in Wisconsin. 

December 30, 1931

Nicholas Licht, 51 of Kaukauna, was killed instantly near St. Francis south of Milwaukee yesterday. Licht was serving as a brakeman when he was struck by a passing train. He was with the railroad for the past 26 years.

 

1931 CADILLAC  355A  FLEETWOOD  CONVERTIBLE  COUPE

 

Time Machine Trip to December 1921

 

Kaukauna Times - December 1921

By Lyle Hansen

December 1, 1921

A very exciting game of basketball was played between Little Chute High School at De Pere Wednesday night. Our boys gave the game to De Pere by a score of 64-4.

Arnold Ristau and Robert Regenfuss, of Kaukauna, both said to being under the influence of liquor Sunday night, failed in an effort to whip the Appleton police force. When confronted by the police Ristau and Regenfuss resented the interference and engaged in a fist fight. Ristau knocked down one officer and proceeded to muss up the rest. Night sticks were finally used to subdue the pair. They spent the night in the Appleton jail nursing their battered heads and were reigned the next day on charges of disorderly conduct. A fine of $25.00 and cost was assigned each of the men.

 

Roy Pomeroy, of Kaukauna, appeared before Judge Monahan in Green Bay on Wednesday afternoon to give testimony as to the shooting of Otto Lambrecht by a marine mail guard on Sunday morning last week. The boys were fired upon as they attempted to catch a ride on the train. Governor Blaine order the arrest of the marine.

 

As shown by the 1921 report Outagamie County has 5,445 automobiles. This is an increase of 1,123 over 1920. The assessed value of the automobiles in the county is $2,138,891. Motorcycles in the county are assisted at $2,665.

 

Rev. Daniel Woodward began his pastoral work in the Kaukauna Congregational church last Sunday.

 

December 8, 1921

The chemical auto of the city fire dept. responded to a call at the home of Herman Konrad, Desnoyer Street, and Friday evening to extinguish a chimney fire. Very little damage was done.

 

December 15, 1921

The Jacob Coppus Post No. 258 held its regular meeting Monday night. Ralph Lowell resigned as Post Commander. The vacancies were filled by Joseph Lenz and John G. Hermsen.

 

The unemployment canvass in the city of Kaukauna brought to light there are 19 married men and 6 single men who are at present out of work. One man has been placed at work through the aid of the committee and it is hoped that the remaining number may be placed at work before long.

 

December 22, 1921

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Johnson and baby of Little Chute narrowly escaped injury Monday afternoon when the sleigh in which they were driving south along Lawe Street, overturned. While nearing the Bank of Kaukauna, Mr. Johnson attempted to turn out from the car tracks. The runner caught on the rail, the sleigh tipping and throwing the occupants out. Fortunately, the fall was not great and with the exception of a rather severe shaking up, the party escaped injury.

The Kaukauna Lumber company which has the first electrically driven sawmill in the world, is doing a small amount of repairing on it. A large crew of men are on hand to handle the large number of logs already on hand. Sleighing is excellent and numerous farmers are already bringing in their logs for sawing.

Above is a picture of three little children deserted by their father and whose mother is sick in a hospital. The grandparents are caring for them as best they can with their small pension. The children are 3, 5 and 7. Their names will be gladly furnished on application at The Times. These young children should not be penalized for the misdeeds of their parents.  

December 29, 1921

The Seymour High School basketball teams played the local high school team at Watry's Hall, Little Chute, and romped away with two victories. The boys were defeated by a score of 15 to 17 and the girls lost by a 6 to 2 score.

 

 

Kaukauna Time Machine December 1911

 

Kaukauna Times - December 1911

By Lyle Hansen

December 1, 1911

The north side post office is now nicely located in the Wendt block, corner of Wisconsin Ave. and Desnoyer St., Postmaster Mitchell having made the transfer after closing hours.

There will be some new work at the government dry dock this winter. The fifth lock will be re-built this winter also.

The new five and ten cent store just opened in the Hiting block on Third street by Mrs. Derfus was taken over Monday by Julius J. Martins Co., Mrs. Derfus having decided she could not handle the business. 

December 8, 1911

Chas. Otte met with a serious accident at Appleton last Saturday, while driving down the hill east of the big raven. His rig was struck by a streetcar, and he was thrown out and suffered a scalp wound and a badly lacerated hand.

 

December 15, 1911

The White Way - The new arches on Second St. and Main Ave. were turned on for the first-time last Friday and now Kaukauna, like a number of other cities, has a white way. There are nine arches and as tungsten lamps are used, the illumination is quite bright.

December 22, 1911

Gus. Ristau received a curiosity Monday in a valuable Swiss watch of solid gold filled with jewels and some of the most delicate machinery imaginable. The time piece is valued at $600. On it’s face it indicates the days, months, and year, along with the hours, minutes, and seconds. The moon and stars and musical bells tell the hour. Mr. Ristau has had his eye on it for the past six years but it’s owner always refused to sell at any price until this past week when he was transacting other business with the owner and the deal was closed.

The lumbering camps throughout northern Wisconsin are being broken up because of the mild weather. Camps of many of the companies near Crandon were broken up last weekend about 150 men thrown out of employment. The deep snow fell early in November covered the swamps and ponds as with a blanket and they were prevented from freezing. The operators say unless there is severe freezing weather before there is further snowfall, logging will be seriously interfered with all winter. 

December 29, 1911

The final decision of the Railroad Commission of Wisconsin on the matter of determining and fixing the just compensation to be paid to the Kaukauna Gas, Electric Light, and Power Company by the City of Kaukauna in taking over the plant of that company, was received Thursday by City Attorney Fred Wilcox and was forthwith delivered to Mayor John Coppes to be received and considered by the common council at their adjourned meeting. The amount as fixed by the commission was $50,000 in round numbers and includes everything owned by the company in Kaukauna except their standing accounts.

 

City Treasurer Richard McCarty reports that so far there has not been much of a rush by property owners to pay taxes. Last year there was quite a line-up at the city hall on the first day, all waiting to contribute their portion to the city exchequer, but this year only about 2 dozen called around on opening day. Mel Burkart was the first one to report.

A colored electric light to be used as a police single has been put up at the corner of Lawe Street and Wisconsin Avenue, where it may be seen from the police station or any direction. A person wanting police service may ring up central telephone station and the operator will immediately turn on the light. A policeman seeing the light will respond at once.

The Combined Locks Paper Co. is facing a serious menace to their property. A heavy snowfall along with high winds and high water caused the boom to give way, containing thousands of cords of pulpwood. The logs in the boom were headed toward the dam when the boom held. Workmen have been busy night and day trying to relieve this situation. The slash boards were placed in position at the dams in Neenah and Menasha to relieve the flow of water.

Time Machine Trip to December 1901

 

Kaukauna Times – December 1901

By Lyle Hansen

December 6, 1901

Smallpox at Dundas and in the Town of Woodville is on the increase. At Dundas one fatality occurred that of Tony de Vrucht. Dr. H. B. Tanner was called to the Dundas Wooden Ware Company’s factory, where young de Vrucht was employed. He vaccinated all the hands numbering 28. The factory was closed to await developments.

The Kimberly-Clark company in the Fox River Valley, took an initiative in acceding to the demands of its employees for shorter hours without a reduction in pay, and the action of the company will affect 150 to 200 employees in the Neenah and all their other mills. By the terms of the agreement the working hours in all departments are reduced from 72 to 60 hours a week without a reduction in wages taking effect December 1. Other paper companies in the Fox Valley have likewise agreed to try the desired change experimentally. 

 

All the physicians in the city met yesterday and resolved upon taking certain action relative to the spreading of smallpox and in order that the disease may not become prevalent in Kaukauna will take prompt action in every case that is reported. Strict quarantines will be ordered. In view of the prevalence of smallpox in the immediate vicinity, we urge general vaccination of all those who have not been successfully vaccinated within 3 years.

O.G. Lord - MD

H.B. Tanner - MD

C.D. Boyd - MD

J. Quinlan - MD

W.N. Nolan - MD

D.A. Titus - MD

J.W. Blair City Physician

An Indiana man says he has invented a cheap substance that will absorb heat rays and keep them absorbed until they are turned loose again under a boiler or in the kitchen stove. His idea is to capture the sun's rays during the day and use the heat later.

Sixteen dead, thirty-two wounded and two missing constitute a record of casualties to hunters during the deer season in Wisconsin.  

December 13, 1901

Everyday has been the doctor's "busy day" this week, for hundreds of children and grown people as well have had a little vaccine put in their arms. There will be sore arms galore by this time next week.

December 20, 1901

Winter came on with a hop, skip and a jump when it really got started. There were no yard gains connected with it. It was a clean sixty-yard run around the end for a touch down. The mercury went down so fast Saturday night that it got clear out of sight before the rebound occurred.

A disaster occurred last night about 6:30 at the Union Bag & Paper company’s mill, which may have easily been a fatal one. Several thousand pounds of ice came crashing down through the roof burying the back end of the 63-inch paper machine. The great weight of the combined ice, roof timbers, planking and tin sheathing came down on the machine resulting in it being down for repairs. 

December 27, 1901

There is more joy in the printing office over one sinner who pays in advance and abuses the editor on every occasion, than over the ninety-nine who borrow the paper and sing its praises without contributing one cent to pay the bills.

Those investing in lands in northern Wisconsin are reaping good profits. A farm purchased near Colby a couple of years ago for $600 has increased in value so that the owners have refused an offer of $2,000 for it last week.

Nelson Green, an Oneida Indian came to town Tuesday with a load of pulp wood and filled up on booze, suffered the extreme penalty by losing his life on a railroad crossing. He left the city late in the evening and in attempting to make Rademacher’s crossing was hit by the special freight. The engine struck the rear end of his wagon throwing him about 30 feet. He died from head injuries. 

My New Sled

 

Kaukauna Times December 1891

 

Kaukauna Times - December 1891

Lyle Hansen

December 4, 1891

Farmers that are fortunate enough to have a quantity of hay now, are in great luck for it brings $15 per ton. Eggs are "out of site"--25 cents a dozen, butter ditto per pound.

 

Heavy Verdict for Indians – Washington, D.C. Nov. 30 – The court of appeals today gave judgment for $824,000 in favor of the “old settlers” or Cherokee Indians, in their suit against United States to recover money alleged due to them under the treaty of 1846.

 

APACHES OUT FOR BLOOD - Wilcox, Ariz., Nov. 30 – The Apaches are on the war path and have committed several depredations. One man has been killed and another wounded. The settlers are arming to protect themselves. Maj. Wm. Downing, who lives about 30 miles south of this place, rode here in great haste. Robbery was not the object of the murder it is the season when the Redskins become uneasy, and a dispatch says it would be well for all citizens to look to their arms before lives are wantonly taken. Great excitement exists among the settlers will fear a raid from the Chirecuhuba Mountains. The Indian hostiles are moving south.

 

Dr. Wilkie, the superintendent of the Humane Society at Oshkosh, ordered the owners of 12 horses at Appleton to either shoot the animals or stable them, as they are unfit for work.  The doctor would find quite a number, of similar cases hereabouts if he would pay this locality in visit.

 

Nearly Burned to Death – It’s the same old story kerosene can and stove. Mrs. L. Krueger of the South side while pouring kerosene into a coal stove on live coals for the purpose of a better start last Saturday. She was severely burned about the face, hands and arms by the explosion that followed. She will be badly scarred for life and narrowly escaped death.

The New Library – The Epworth house rejoices in a new library. Over 300 volumes are now on the shelves and are ready for distribution and there are more to come. All the great authors of the world are represented an excellent reading can be secured. Let the young and old possess themselves of the treasures of more worth than gold or jewels, to be found between the covers of these books. Books will be given out on Monday evenings and Saturday 2 to 6 pm. Those not League members can get books at a nominal fee.

 

 December 11, 1891

Several of the men employed in the Badger Wallpaper Mill struck for higher wages this week and met with prompt discharge.

 

Ghost Dance Resumed – Miles City, Mont., Dec. 8 – Orders were received in St. Paul for troops to go to the Cheyenne agency, as the Indians are dancing in violation of orders. Since the order of the general land office that allowed settlers with claims within the reservation to make the final proofs there has been trouble and the Indians have made threats. Sheriff Jones returned from the agency last night with two Indians arrested for killing cattle. Considerable difficulty was experienced in making the capture as the Reds put every obstacle possible in their way.

No Hope for the Finny Tribe – A short time ago fish and game warden Fernandez made an investigation concerning the report that millions of fish were being destroyed in the Fox River by sulphite acid, which comes from the pulp mills located at Kaukauna. The report was found to be true. Mr. Fernandez being called upon to take some action to prevent the killing of the fish by the acid sought the advice of assistant attorney general Clancy at Madison on the question. He stated the state cannot prevent the pulp Mills from depositing their acids into the waters of the lower Fox and consequently the fish will have to die.

Oscar Thilmany and family moved to Kaukauna last week to take up their residence in the new home on the River bluff. They have a beautiful house in one of the finest River outlooks on the Fox. Mr. and Mrs. Thilmany during a residence in Appleton had made many warm friendships and will be greatly missed.

 

Broke Jail – Three tramps confined in the cooler last night for larceny broke jail by knocking off the hinges of the door with an axe that was left in the office of the jail. They secured the axe by means of a hook and a long string.

 

Frozen in the Ice – Last Friday, in Wausau, W. Berth found a hat frozen in the Wisconsin River. In trying to chop it out of the ice he came across the neck and shoulders of a man. The corner was notified an the body brought to Wausau. The examination discovered evidence to show that he had committed suicide as he had made all necessary preparations before leaving his boarding place. He was about 40 years old and named George Shoeke. He had been missing about eight days.  

 

December 18, 1891

10,000 Negroes of Crawford, Miss., have forwarded a letter to the Postmaster-general at Washington asking to be sent to Africa and whether the government could aid them. The letter was referred to the superintendent of immigration.

 

The first paper mill was erected on the Fox River 25 years ago, and it is proposed that the anniversary of the event be duly celebrated at some point in the valley. The first mill had a capacity of 2 tons a day. The present output is 250 tons per day.

President Harrison in his annual message makes for an appeal for the safety of the lives of railroad brakeman. He said during the year ending June 30, 1890, 365 brakemen were killed and 7,841 maimed while engaged in coupling cars. The total number of railroad employees killed during the year was 2,451 and injured 22,390. This is a cruel and largely needless sacrifice.

 

There is no longer any doubt in the mind of the average Kaukaunaite that the Milwaukee Lakeshore and Western railroad has been sold to the Chicago Northwestern company. Although no official appraisement of the transfer has been made public yet enough has leaked out to show there is no denial. The Northwestern has had a covetous eye on the Lake shore road for some time because the system would be of great value to the Vanderbilt system giving it a better chance of competition with the Milwaukee and St. Paul road in the North. How the deal will affect Kaukauna is the problem of the hour and time alone will solve it. 

 

December 25, 1891

The three-mile race at the opera house Tuesday evening between J. N. E. Trout on a safety bicycle and Frank Foster on skates was won by the latter. Owing to the width of the hall Mr. Trout labored under difficulties and could not speed his wheel.

 

Future Prospects – That the sale of the Milwaukee Lakeshore and Western road will prove beneficial to Kaukauna in more than one way is being made manifest for the property owners and businessman are at last awakening from their lethargic state and peering into the future. During the past week there has been considerable speculation about the Lake shore shops being removed from here not that there is any probability of any such move, but the matter has been weighed, nevertheless.  For years THE TIMES has endured to show, property owners how property could be enhanced in value by the addition of more industries that would employ labor.

 

For Russian Sufferers – The movement originated in Minneapolis to send a ship load of flour from the Millers of the United States to the starving Russian peasants is being endorsed by the flour-makers in all sections of this country. Individual Millers from every part of the country are responding generously and the total amount thus far promised exceeds 700,000 pounds of flour.

 

A ravage of the Grippe- Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 17 – The most severely ravaged by the grippe in this city is that of the Home of the Aged Women. 60 inmates are prostrate from the disease, 10 have died within the past five days and yesterday an 81-year-old woman, crazed from sickness, cut her throat dying shortly afterward.  

 

Packing Horses for Export – The Department of Agriculture announced that inspectors on Long Island have unearth an operation devoted entirely to the slaughter a broken down, crippled horses. Many of these horses are diseased and some had glanders. Most of the meat was put up for export as family beef.

 

Kaukauna Fire Engine House - 1891