Time Machine Trip to August 1969

Kaukauna Times - By Lyle Hansen

August 1, 1969

Mary DeCoster, the Holy Cross student who recently underwent kidney transplant surgery at Madison is home and doing well according to her family. Mary’s 21-year-old brother Tom, the donor, is serving out the remainder of a hitch in the U.S. Army at Camp McCoy doing desk work. 

Kaukauna will feel the impact of change and growth when the new Massey-Ferguson, Inc. assembly plant opens June 1, 1970 on what is now farmland at the north edge of the city.

A recent article appearing in a Milwaukee newspaper linked the career of former Milwaukee Brewer slugger Jack Kloza and Kaukauna’s Stormy Kromer. Kloza began his baseball career playing sandlot ball on church teams. In 1924 he advanced to the semi-pro Wisconsin State League and played with Kromer, a Kaukauna native who doubled as a ballplayer and locomotive engineer. In 1925, Kromer bought the Blytheville, Ark. franchise and signed up Kloza. Some of Kromer’s theories on baseball were peculiar. Kromer tried out 117 rookies. They came from all points. One of Kromer’s pet theories was that a batter should always take two before taking a swing at the ball. Blytheville loss 36 games in a row that year according to Kloza. 

August 13, 1969

Spec/4 Ted Schmitt, Kaukauna, has returned home after completing two years of active duty in the U. S. Army. He had been stationed at Ft. Campbell, Ky.; Fort Leonard Wood Mo., Ft. Hood Texas and served one year as a Combat Construction specialist in Vietnam. 

Kaukauna’s Building Inspector Harold Loeser has suggested a joint meeting with area towns to establish a dumping ground for junk automobiles. He stated the cars could be burnt out and used to fill ravine and swamp areas.

August 15, 1969

The Lectro-Lite Majorette Corps competitive teams were named State Champs in their division in the open competition held at the Wisconsin State Fair at West Allis on Tuesday.

A new coin operated automatic laundry has been opened on Tobacnoir street in the former Frank Grocery store building. Mr. John McKinley is the operator.

August 20, 1969

Four young men from Kaukauna are among the inductees into the U.S. Army from Outagamie county.  They are Wayne Gartmann, Gerald Van Domelen, Raymond Gruenstern and Denis Vande Hey. 

The outstanding batters and pitchers in the north side softball leagues are left to right Jim Vande Hey, Pete Kobin, Tim Mattek and James Mattek. 

Ed Van Zeeland, right, was presented a trophy honoring him as “All Around Boy” in the north side recreation program this year. Ed received the award from Mark Kobin of the Recreation Department.

A record number of students will pass through the doors of Outagamie County Teachers College in Kaukauna this year. School administration announce 145 students have registered for the first semester which is 35 more than last year’s number.

Hill Top Bakery, on the corner of 7th and Main has been purchased by Harry Wirth, a former Kaukaunan. Fred Gerhard, who owned the Hilltop since 1948, will stay on as a consultant for the first year. An important part of Hilltops business has been built up by Gerhard in his famous Honey Houses. Last year Hilltop shipped 250,000 units in the USA and Canada.

August 22, 1969

Victor H. Haen funeral services will be held Saturday morning. Victor Haen, president of the Board of Education and founder and part owner of the Haen Insurance Agency, died suddenly Wednesday morning. He was 55. Haen was at his cottage near Eagle River when he was stricken. An ambulance was called, but he was dead on arrival at the hospital.

Army Second Lieutenant Jeffrey DeBruin, 24, of Kaukauna, has received the Bronze Star Medal in South Vietnam. Lt. DeBruin received the award for heroism in action while engaged in ground operations against a hostile force in Vietnam as a forward observer with the 11^th Artillery of the 9^th Infantry Division. 

The Kaukauna Lectro-Lite Majorettes are pictured with trophies they won from State Fair competition in West Allis. Kneeling left to right Carrie Benotch, Sue Schommer, Director Mary Beth Tease, Kay Smith and Shelly Lust. Standing, Sharon Wynboom, Betty Vander Zanden, Kay Kaphingst, Sue Hanby and Pam Blajeski.

August 27, 1969

Three promotions for personnel in the Kaukauna police department were confirmed last week. William Nagel will replace the retired Chief Harold Engerson. Nagel has been on the force since 1944. Others promoted are Lt. Dean Ball and Sergeant James Egan. 

Kaukauna’s Dutch elm disease continues to soar in the hot weather. City Forester Victor Luedtke stated there are now 150 diseased trees thus far this year with 47 being removed.

Time Machine Trip to August 1919

Kaukauna Times - By Lyle Hansen

August 7, 1919

The city’s oldest citizen, Mrs. Christina Jensen, will celebrate her 102^nd birthday anniversary on Aug. 4. She is in good health.

In one of the best played games of the season, the Kaukauna Canucks last Sunday showed real championship caliber by defeating the league leaders, Two Rivers, by the score of 3 to 0. Pleschek was invincible has the Cool city boys were breaking their bats swinging at his puzzlers. The Canucks “Ironman“ Johnson looked as if the whole game depended on him as “Robin” Minkebige and “Lily” Nagan both got on base before Big Oscar got one to the fence and Nagan speeded home. “Zipp” Ristau for a pair of sacks to open the second and scored on Robin’s hard kit.  

George “Stormy” Kromer, Jr. known in the Valley baseball circles is planning to move to Milwaukee so he can be in closer contact with his cap factory.

August 14, 1919

After serving for seven months under Uncle Sam’s flag across the Atlantic and within a few hundred miles of his home in Poland, Thomas Andreski wants to go there and see his wife and two sons. Andreski, who served in the field artillery, was employed by Thilmany Pulp and Paper company before entering the service. His service entitled him to citizenship papers, and he intends to ask Uncle Sam to let his wife and son make this country their home.

Everette Buckley, an Illinois hero, is to be at our Chautauqua in Kaukauna as the principal speaker on the second day. Buckley left home and joined the French army as an airman. He was shot down and held prisoner for ten months before he escaped. He had a number of German planes to his credit and is an accredited ace.

A club of five hundred members has been formed to take over the management of the La Salle Hotel property which Thilmany Pulp and Paper company will remodel and equip as a civic center. The company has agreed to spend from $15,000 to $20,000 in preparation. 

Cashier F. A. Towsley of the Bank of Kaukauna announced to the Times the bank showed a gain of $120,377.49 in the past 12 months a 28 per cent increase over 1918. 

The situation in the strike for increased wages on the part of the local shop men of the Northwestern Railway continues unchanged, the strikers having decided to ignore the request of President Wilson and the International officials to return to work pending the decision of the government and the council.

August 21, 1919

Leo Feller, son of Peter Feller, lost his left leg as the result of an accident when the motorcycle he was riding collided with the horse and buggy of Marin Van Handel near the station on the Kimberly road.

On August 18 the city electric department signed a contract with the Wisconsin Traction, Light, Heat and Power company of Appleton whereby the two electric systems will be tied together, and Kaukauna will be assured of all the advantages of a steam auxiliary power plant.  

August 24, 1919

Labor Day activities in Little Chute will be brought to a fitting close with a grand ball and band concert in the evening. The Little Chute band will give the concert and dancing in Watry’s hall. Soldiers and sailors in uniform will attend free.

A number of young men of the city, including some old high school stars of the gridiron have been practicing regularly on the high school grounds and expect soon to organize a team that will be a winner.

William L. Brockman

On Friday August 15, the returning soldiers and sailors of Hilbert united to form an organization known as the William L. Brockman Post of the American War Veterans. The boys have named the Post in memory of a fallen comrade and have established a living testimonial for him and many others who have died.

1919 Ford Model T touring automobile.

Time Machine Trip to August 1959

Kaukauna Times by Lyle Hansen

August 5, 1959

Gene Hammen fired an 84 gross and 66 net Saturday in the playoffs of the annual Presidents cup tournament and was the winner. Len Derus with just two strokes of over Hammen's total was runner up. Third place went the Howard Meyer were registered a 69 net.

38 residences were added to Kaukauna as of July 31 this year, according to statistics released this week by Luther Kemp, city assessor and building inspector. This figure compares 33 at the same time in 1958.

Labor negotiations have been completed between the Combined Locks Paper Company and its unions this week. The new one-year agreement provides a general wage increase of 4% for all hourly paid employees, effective August 3, 1959. The wage increase raises the male day base rate from a $1.74 to $1.84 and $1.64 to $1.74 for female employees.

  

Lindy Kemp, 14, Kaukauna, a member of the Kaukauna girl’s recreation softball team was voted the most valuable player in the recent Girls’ recreation tournament held in Oshkosh. Kaukauna was one of ten teams entered in the 1959 State meet. The unusual sight of trucks, front end loaders and trains at work in the Fox River bed on either side of the Lawe street bridge has become somewhat commonplace worker, in recent weeks as workmen remove the piles of stone and wood growth in preparation for blocking off the tail race located between the municipal building and the library grounds.  

   

A barn on the Urban Micke farm, route 2, North of Kaukauna, was destroyed by fire late Saturday afternoon which saw the Wrightstown ankle, fire departments battling the blaze and police officers of Outagamie and Brown Counties and the City of Kaukauna, supervising the traffic.

August 7, 1959

A few season tickets for the Green Bay Packers fans in Kaukauna are still available through Art Mongin, director of the organization and ticket source for Kaukauna and the immediate surrounding area. Mongin urges all persons interested in purchasing them contact him at the Look Drug store at their earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.  

A neighborhood talent show, by youngsters in the Eden Ave. Seventh, Eighth and Ninth street area was held at the Joseph Wimberger home. Pictured are back row are Mary Baeten, Sandy Wittman, Joanne Wimberger, Joan Hauschel, Myrtle Baeten, Sharon Dietzen, Linda Damro, Jean Kramer, Mary Vanden Heuvel, Nancy Kimberlein, Gail Brown, Susan Donnermeyer, Elaine Vander Heuvel and Jean Terry. Second row are Kathy Kersten, Linda Biese, Mary Young, Cynthia Kersten, Joan Hostettler, Susan Young and “Butchie” Young. Seated front are Dennis Wittman, Jerry Biese, Dick Wimberger and Stephen Kersten.  

August 12, 1959

Little Chute-Kimberly advanced to the quarterfinals of the Wisconsin State semi- pro tournament held at Milwaukee County Stadium before they lost a tight 1-0 decision to the eventual tourney champs.

The Department of Agriculture toured Kaukauna streets last Monday in a search for evidence of Dutch elm disease. A case was discovered recently in Fond du Lac. The disease, of European origin, was first reported in Wisconsin in July 1956.

Approximately 200 children have signed to go to Milwaukee on the Knothole excursion August 22 according to James Gertz, Recreation director. 

August 14, 1959

The KRD sponsored fishing derby will get underway tomorrow at Reichel's pond northeast of the Dodge Street ballpark. Last weekend the conservation commission dumped some 2000 fish in the pond, mostly bluegills with a sprinkling of sunfish and crappies.  The Derby is open to children, boys and girls, 14 years old and younger.

The Kiddie Karnival was held last Tuesday. The King and Queen chosen by judges are seated on their thrones. Queen Susan Zenisek, 6, of the White City playground beams into the camera. King Douglas Van Dyn Hoven, 4, of the Park School playground looks on.

August 19, 1959

The first school in Kaukauna, to open for the 1959 – 60 term, again this year will be the Outagamie County teacher’s college. 

August 21, 1959

A living Rosary, made up of lighted flares encircling part of the Kaukauna high school athletic field, will be part of an outdoor Holy Hour of Prayer for Peace, Monday, August 31, John Van De Loo, general chairman said Thursday. As each “Hail Mary” is recited by the assembly a new red flare will be lighted placed in the ground. When a decade is finished and an “Our Father” said yellow flare will be added to the glowing chain in the darkness. When completed the 30-minute flares will form a rosary.

No cases of Dutch elm disease were discovered ankle, during a recent visit by representatives of the state Department of agriculture. Some 15 cases where suggested for removal of dying Elm trees. Several other trees were listed to be prone to avoid any possibility of the disease being started. 

Father and son, Leroy Balza and Richard Balza team in a service station and fuel old business on the corner of Third and Main in Kaukauna. Their Deep Rock station is the oldest service station in the city.

Peter Heindel and Dennis Van Stiphout of Kaukauna are military training at the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill. The two young men have been selected to act as recruit Petty Officers in their company during their recruit training.

August 26, 1959

A 3½ percent general wage increase was granted to about 1250 hourly employees of the Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company following the completion of contract negotiations with the union. In addition to wage increases the company granted double time for holidays worked and three weeks of vacation after 10 years of continuous service. The new male base rate is $1.92 per hour and female base rate is $1.66. The contract is for one year from August 1, 1959 to July 31, 1960.

“Fishermen, fishermen, everywhere but nary a fish would bite” might well describe the fishing derby held last Saturday at Reichel's pond. While the attendance was not colossal it was large in comparison to the number of fish taken. Greg Schuh won a football for pulling out the first fish for the boys. Steve Kappell came into the judges with a string of eight dandelions and was given the prize for the most fish.

August 28, 1959

Coach Fred Barribeau and his assistants issued equipment to 48 Kaukauna “Ghost” hopefuls on Tuesday, August 25. The team candidates reported to the high school equipment room at their assigned times and were given their pads. Among the 48 were 14 lettermen from last year's squad that finished in fifth place in the Mid-Eastern conference with a 3-3-1 record. 15 seniors, 16 juniors and 17 sophomores comprised of 48 that reported Tuesday. 

1959 Ford Galaxy 500

Time Machine Trip to August 1909

Kaukauna Times - By Lyle Hansen

 August 6, 1909

The cupola of Nicolet School was badly damaged by lightning during the severe electrical storm at 1 o'clock Wednesday morning. Indications are that the lightning came down the wire halliard leading from the top of the flag staff and entered the roof of the cupola near a door through which the wire passed, tearing off the slate shingles and scattering them about the yard. It then leaped to the east side of the cupola, tearing out a large section of the brick and stonework on one of the arches. The loss was estimated at several hundred dollars. No damage was done to the interior of the building. The crash awakened the entire neighborhood. H. E. Thompson and Barney Verfurth were among those who saw the bolt when it struck. Officer Weirauch also saw it and turned in a fire alarm from the north side. The firemen responded promptly, but their services were not required, as the building did not ignite.

The board of Nicolet met Saturday afternoon and awarded the contract for furnishing 120 tons of coal to the F.J. Solar Company. The winning bid was for $4.30.

August 13, 1909

The Lincoln penny had been received in the city and is proving quite a novelty. The new coin will be known as the Lincoln centennial memorial coin and bears the stamp of the head of Abraham Lincoln instead of an Indian head. There has been a rush of coin collectors to get hold of the new pennies.

The Earl of Clanwilliam was in Winnipeg with his new bride. He expressed himself as of the positive belief that England is doomed. He says Germany has made every preparation, has a strong Army and Navy. And will invade England without a moment’s notice. Nothing will prevent England being devastated and captured. England is weak and unprepared, she could make little resistance against and invading force.

Two hundred girls in the shirtwaist factory in New York City have struck because the management prohibited conversation during lunch hour.

We note in perusing the proceedings of the common council that plans have been drawn for a new sewer on Wisconsin Ave., from Desnoyer to Canal Street and that the board of sewer commissioners has been instructed to advertise for bids for the construction of the sewer.

All Kaukauna dairymen raised the price of milk last week from five to six cents per quart.

August 20, 1909

Tony Van Abel of West Holland had a peculiar experience Monday that nearly resulted in his death. While hauling in grain he came upon a bumble bee’s nest in his barn. He was stung several times and soon after his body began to swell and he passed from one fainting spell to another. A physician was summed and he is now out of danger. This is the first instance ever reported in this part of the state where a bee came near causing a man’s death.

A negro named Miller, who it is alleged attacked a 9-year-old girl near Cadiz, Ky., was taken from the officers who were conveying him to jail and lynched.

Miss Elsie Gasser, age 18 of Cincinnati, is dead. The family physician, says her death was caused by tight lacing of corsets and clothes. Dr. Strohbach states that it is useless to attempt to caution young girls of the danger that is run in lacing their clothes too tightly.

The Olympia orchestra is putting in a very busy season and is in great demand for miles around. The boys are pretty well booked for all dates between now and September, as follows:

August 17, Hollandtown  - August 24, Mackville

August 25, High Cliff Park - August 26, Kloten

August 27, Stockbridge - August 29, High Cliff Park

August 30, Sherwood - August 31, Freedom

Sept. 6, Labor Day, Askeaton

In addition to these dates, they play once every week for the dancing school at Appleton and for the one now being held in this city.

August 27, 1909

Marshal Richard Conlon was given a merry chase Monday morning by an Appleton woman who was wanted by the officers of that city. The Kaukauna officers saw a woman answering the description sent by the Appleton Police force going in to the Ristau Hotel Sunday evening. They waited for her to leave Monday morning only to find she had slipped out through a back door. A chase ensued through the brush and she was caught and returned to the Hotel. Appleton Police came for her later Monday morning. She was under a $300 bond to keep the peace which was imposed upon her with a view of curbing her vicious tongue, but unmindful of this she broke into court circles again by using obscene language. She gave up bonds in the sum of $100 for her appearance on Monday afternoon in Appleton.

The last of the old-fashioned stagecoaches that supplied mail to settlers in the southwestern Kansas will soon be discarded and automobiles will take their place. The twice-a-week delivery by stage was not often enough now days. The automobile will make daily mail service possible.

Time Machine Trip to July 1979

Kaukauna Times - By Lyle Hansen

July 3, 1979

D.J.’s Place had to settle for second place in the KAC’s women’s tournament concluded over the weekend. Members include front row Paula Giordana, Lynn Biese, Sue Black, Carol Nushart, Pat Belling, owner of D.J.’s and George Kautza. Second row Judy Diedrich, Kay Van Dera, Lynn DeLeeuw, Karen Elrick, Chris Schreiber, Marcia Geneske, Mary Zuleger and Kathy Van Gompel.

With July gasoline allocations arriving fuel will still be in tight supply but generally available at most Fox Valley service stations. In Kaukauna a poll of stations indicated that all but two will be open today, with Van Hoof’s service station and Park standard closed in protest, and Balza D-X out of fuel.

It appears all systems are “GO” for the formation of a little league program in the city of Kaukauna. Under the initiative of John Lambie, a program is currently having the details ironed that would allow boys and girls ages 9-13 to play summer little league.

July 6, 1979

Gas costs for a vacation are bringing more people to fly to their destinations. Many people are fearful that they’ll be unable to find fuel, so air travel has become more attractive.

Harold O. “Red” Peters, retired vice president of Thilmany Pulp and Paper company,  died following a short illness. He was 70 years of age. Services will be held today at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Appleton.

July 10, 1979

Kaukauna Postmaster Ray Keyzers announced some of the mail routes that are being done by vehicle will now be done by foot-delivery as result of the shortage of fuel.

Edward Uehlein has been installed as president of the Kaukauna Rotary by outgoing president James Brogan.

Sgt. Thomas P. Feldkamp of Kaukauna recently completed the Primary Leadership Course at Fort Hood, Texas. Feldkamp entered the Army in April 1973.

   

July 13, 1979

The old and new side by side at the Kaukauna Electrical and Water Utility’s new combined office and shop building, with a portion of the original powerhouse structure at left.

Even if the Kaukauna Electric and Water utility had not asked for and later attempted to withdraw a mandatory electric rate increase would have been ordered by the Public Service Commission. General manager Ernest Mullen told members of the utility commission “We are not happy about it.” Mayor Robert LaPlante charged the PSC with trying to make the Kaukauna Utility fit a mold envisioned by the state.

The Chicago White Sox will conduct a tryout camp at Goodland Field in Appleton on July 31. Players trying out for the team must pay a $2.00 entry fee.  

July 17, 1979

Toll-free, “800” telephone numbers are now available with questions on gasoline availability.

July 20, 1979

The Kaukauna Legion baseball team sunk to a new low Tuesday evening, when the squad was forced to forfeit its game to Appleton. Kaukauna was unable to take the field for its home game when just seven players showed up. Kaukauna owns a 2-15 record in Legion action this year and has been plagued by injuries and players have quit.

Despite doubts that the school district could come in with a budget increase with less than 9.5 per cent increase allowed by inflation guidelines, the Kaukauna Area School District Board passed a budget at 6.73 percent higher than last year’s $6,168,451 allocation.

Greg Eiting of Kaukauna High School will be participating in this Saturday’s 3^rd Annual Shrine All-State All-star game in Oshkosh. Eiting is one of 80 players selected in the state over 350 nominations. Eiting, an FVA All-Conference wide receiver for the Ghosts this past year.  

Dan Miller checks his glove in disbelief as the ball falls away. He is playing the outfield in the Northside Pee Wee game.

Troy Hooyman, “The next Babe Ruth” keeps his eye on the ball and takes a home run swing during Tee-Ball action at White City Park.  

Mark Miller, playing second base, was a picture of concentration in his Pee Wee game Tuesday.

Time Machine Trip to July 1929

Kaukauna Times - By Lyle Hansen

July 2, 1929

Paul Eugene Little, Fennimore High School athletic director for the past three years, and a star athlete at Ripon College up to his graduation, was appointed athletic director at Kaukauna High School for the coming year at a meeting of the local board of education held Monday night at the high school building. Little will succeed Elmer Ott, who recently resigned from the post.

The new Andrews Oil company filling station and office at the corner of Lawe and Doty streets will be opened on July 4^th, according to Dale Andrews, head of the concern.

July 5, 1929

Starting with a parade with one of the most beautiful parades ever staged in the city of Kaukauna, the Fourth of July celebration held by the Kaukauna Post 41, American Legion proved to be every bit the big affair which was expected and thousands of local and out of town people witnessed the huge event at La Follette park.

American automobile drivers paid $20,000,000 in 1928 for gasoline which they did not receive, according to A. A. A. At least one-sixth of all gasoline sold in 1928 was subjected to short measure, so that motorists received 100,000,000 gallons less than they paid for.

July 9, 1929

John Milbach, 20, of Kaukauna was killed and three people were injured  when the car driven by Milbach crashed head-on into a machine driven by F. Coonen, Little Chute. According to reports Milbach and his two passengers attempted to pass several cars before hitting the Coonen auto. 

July 12, 1929

The total production of automobiles during the year 1928 exceeded the five million mark this year. The sale of open cars has been overtaken by closed models.

July 16, 1929

Samuel Ludwig has purchased the Rex theater on Lawe street. The first feature will be an all-talking picture, “The Drag”.

July 23, 1929

Thirty charges were placed before Governor Walter Kohler at Madison by Stanley Staidl, Outagamie County district attorney for the removal of Fred Giese Outagamie county sheriff for official misconduct.

Shawano – Charges of selling intoxicating liquor to Indians on the Menominee reservation brought against Mrs. John Koscuit were dismissed by the U.S. commissioner on Friday when it was learned that she was the mother of a large family. Her husband charged with her was bound over for trial.  

July 26, 1929

Chicago gangsters were to blame for the robbery of the First National bank of Dale recently. About $14,000 was taken Friday afternoon July 12 in the daylight robbery. The gang has been spending the summer at a resort north of Dale.

Federal probation officers have been busily engaged in this section during the past week. Numerous raids have been made in this part of the state. Federal prohibition agents raided at Greenleaf yesterday resulted in the arrest of six defendants.

July 30, 1929

Waters of Green Bay claimed the lives of three Kaukauna girls and that of a Brussels man who attempted to go to their rescue.

The dead are:

Anna Maes, 18 years of age 907 Lawe street.

Mildred Smith, 17 years of age, 923 Lawe street.

Caroline Smith, 15 years of age, 923 Lawe street.

The accident occurred about three miles north of Sturgeon Bay on the Green Bay beach Sunday afternoon. The girls were wading on a sand bar close to shore and slipped off into a deep hole. Mr. Wachholz, who was eating lunch with his wife and child, heard the cries and went to their rescue. He also drowned  in an attempt to save the three girls.

Top of picture are Misses Mildred and Carolyn Smith; Miss Anna Maes is pictured at the lover right while William Wachholz is at the lower left. 

The young people of Kaukauna ought to realize that they are living in an age vastly different from that which preceded them. Miracles are being accomplished these days. The airmail flier talks over wireless as he flies over his route and before long, he will be able to see as well as talk with the girl he left behind. And yet the average schoolboy or girl passes over these and other great achievements without thought, classing them as commonplace.