In Review
First Week of November 1867-1997
140 Years Ago (1867): Oyster Supper and Festival. There is to be an Oyster Supper and Festival
at the Spencer House on Friday evening next (Nov. 8.) This entertainment is gotten up for the
benefit of the Regular Baptist Society of this place, who are just completing a new church edifice, and
now lack the material aid wherewith to purchase the necessary furniture and articles for its entire
completion. The house is a decided ornament to the village, and while the members of the society
have strained every nerve to complete the house in so creditable a manner, it is but a reasonable
demand they now make upon the public to aid them in procuring their furniture.
130 Years Ago (1877): An attempt was made to burglarize Smith & Eager’s store, Saturday night
last. Entrance was gained by breaking a pane of glass in the rear storage room, and also a pane in
the rear end of the store. Mr. Smith, who occupies the upper story with his family, heard the breaking
of the glass, but not suspecting it was in his store, arose, and taking a light and revolver, went
below. After listening awhile, he called out, “Halloo! Who’s there?” and was answered back in a gruff,
husky voice, “Halloo.” The person appeared to be about midway of the store, but too dark to be
distinctly discerned, and commenced advancing toward Mr. Smith, who stepped within the staircase,
by which he had just entered the room, and the man passed him and made his exit by the broken
pane in the door, and also cleared the outer door by the same means. As he was passing the first
door Mr. Smith fired his revolver, but without effect. Blood was seen on the door, but probably came
from a wound made in breaking the glass. Had no one been in the building a good haul might have
been made, with the usual result: “no clue to the robber.” [Note: the Smith and Eager store was on
the site of the newly remodeled Eager Building on East Main Street. It was razed in 1904 to make
way for the Economy Store.]
120 Years Ago (1887): Caleb Snashall who has spent most of the fall in Minnesota and Western
Iowa, selling the Monitor windmill, returned Saturday. He says he has not so much trouble to sell mills
as to get his pay. Mills sell well but pay comes slow.
110 Years Ago (1897): The social event at the Henry Campbell farm, east of the city, Saturday
evening, would have been the greatest and grandest success of its kind, of the season, had it not
been for the announcement of the horrible death of Mr. Chas. C. Brink. About half had taken their
departure and remainder were in waiting for conveyance, when this terrible tragedy was announced,
which so shocked this entire community that all else was forgotten for the time being, and of course
all further pleasure suspended. About one hundred had already assembled at Mr. Campbell’s to
whom the sad news was conveyed, casting a gloom over all, but of course those present could do no
better than to eat their lunch in silence and return to their homes with heavy hearts in their strong
sympathy for the afflicted.
100 Years Ago (1907): Last Wednesday proved the greatest trading day in the history of the
Economy. From early morning until late at night the store was crowded with people eager to take
advantage of the many bargains offered in each department for the one day. The store was prettily
decorated in autumn foliage, potted plants and gay ribbons. Twenty-five extra clerks were employed
to assist the regular clerical force, and all were busy throughout the entire day. The sales were the
largest of any day since the doors were first opened to the public. Kneff & Hatch’s orchestra, of
Janesville, furnished music during the afternoon and evening, and Mr. Hatch delighted the crowd with
several vocal solos.
90 Years Ago (1917): The Evansville boys to enjoy their short furloughs at their home town last
Saturday were Robert Collins, Harry Milligan and Harry DeVoll. Cyrus Montgomery, of this city, it is
said by the boys who have written home, has become very popular at the Rockford Camp by reason
of presenting to the company a Victrola, which helps to while away many lonesome hours.
80 Years Ago (1927): The Evansville team held Delavan High School to a scoreless first quarter in
the game at Delavan last Saturday. In the second and third quarters, however, Evansville could not
hold the Delavan players and they ran the score to 19. In the last quarter Evansville fought like
tigers and while they made no scores, they showed Delavan what they could do if they tried.
70 Years Ago (1937): A crew of sixteen WPA employees started work Monday morning on the
installation of water for Maple Hill cemetery. A six-inch main will be laid on Cemetery Street from Main
Street to the northern entrance to the cemetery before the work is completed, R. J. Antes, WPA
superintendent stated.
60 Years Ago (1947): The Shea Furniture Company recently moved from the Maple Street address
to its new location in the recently remodeled Heffel building at 120 East Main Street and is now open
for business. L. J. Shea, who has been employed as furniture buyer and manager at the J. M.
Bostwick store in Janesville, has resigned his position there to become associated with his son,
Richard, in the local business. The company will handle a complete line of furniture and floor
coverings as soon as they are available and is also carrying the Frigidaire line of electric appliances.
In addition to the furniture and electric equipment sales business, the Sheas will do furniture
upholstering. [lNote: the building at 120 East Main was razed and is currently a parking lot at the
corner of East Main and Railroad Street.]
50 Years Ago (1957): The queen who will reign over the annual Snow Ball on Dec. 28 will be chosen
from the following: Tracy Shea, representing the American Legion Auxiliary; Lenora Lunde, Eastern
Star; Diana Eager, Lions Club; Muffy Heffel, American Legion; Helen Murphy, Masons-RAM; Peg
McBride, Chamber of Commerce.
40 Years Ago (1967): The Convalescent Home Committee appointed by Mayor Ida T. Conroy
desires to be contacted by all persons interested in making a pledge toward the $12,500.00 which
the citizens must raise toward expenses of planning and construction of a million dollar, 98-bed
nursing home in Evansville by the Church of Christ Manors, Inc. At a luncheon meeting held Oct. 19,
1967 at the Legion, representatives of the Church of Christ Manors, Inc. explained the plans to about
fifty citizens. The consensus of opinion was that the project was feasible and would fill an urgent
need of this community. In addition to Mayor Conroy, the following members of the Committee will be
glad to accept pledges or arrange for an interview with those who desire it: Leonard R. Finn,
Chairman, Dr. Roger S. Gray, Dr. S. S. Sorkin, and Attorney Don F. Gallagher.
30 Years Ago (1977): Two major residential developments are currently breaking ground for roads
just outside the city limits, in the extra-territorial zone. Stoneridge Manor, 30 acres of land east of the
city already has roads bulldozed across the rolling hills west of County M and is ready to
accommodate home construction. The average lot size of this rural residential single-family
development is between one and one-half and two acres and two of them are already marked sold.
Stoneridge Manor is owned by Robert Schaefges of Prospect Heights, Ill. Devlin Agency of
Evansville is in charge of developing and selling the property. In the Golf Air Estate, owner Clark
Prudhon has already sold six of the acre-size lots in his development. Seven more are platted now
and more lots will be added. Last week bulldozing was underway for an access road off Cemetery
Road. The area to be developed borders Cemetery Road on the west and extends approximately 33
acres to the east.
20 Years Ago (1987): Doug Batty, Secretary-Treasurer of the Evansville Historic Preservation
Commission, Lee Winch, Commission member, Ed Eisele and his wife Joan, who is also a
Commission member, planted 16 trees on the Highway 14 entrance to Evansville just at the north end
of the City. John Rasmussen and Russell Hall of the Water and Light Dept. used the city digger to
set the trees and the work was completed in less than an hour.
10 years ago (1997): Junior Mike Thornton competing in his second State Cross Country meet,
placed 3rd out of 108 runners at Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday. Mike began the race by running in
10th place at the mile in 5:08. In the second mile, Mike moved up to third with a pack of runners just
behind. Mike’s time of 16:25 placed him 10th on the All State Cross Country Team. This was the
first time Evansville placed a Cross Country runner on the All State Cross Country Team.
In Review
Second Week of November 1867-1997
140 Years Ago (1867): The friends of John Winston will be pained to learn that he has been
confined to his bed for some days under an attack of typhoid fever, and that a recovery is regarded
with much doubt at the present time. In fact, nearly all hopes for his recovery are despaired of.
130 Years Ago (1877): Married. Grove – Tullar. At the residence of the bride’s parents in Union,
Nov. 1st, 1877 by Rev. C. R. Lathrop, Mr. J.D. Grove, of Le Mars, Iowa and Miss Carrie C. Tullar, of
the same place. Aller – Ahara. At the Free Baptist parsonage, in Evansville, Nov. 11th 1877, by
Rev. B. F.McKenney, Mr. Ransom D. Aller and Miss Rachel Ahara, both of Union, Wis.
120 Years Ago (1887): The electric light poles are all set and the wire strung, but there is a
provoking delay about getting the lamps. The plea is that electric apparatus is needed faster than it
can be manufactured.
110 Years Ago (1897): The ladies basket ball team of the high school of this city play the ladies of
the Albion Academy at the driving park, on Saturday, Nov. 27, 1897, at 2 o’clock p.m. A football
game between the Evansville and Albion teams will immediately follow. Get your dinners early and be
on time to see both games, which will be very interesting.
100 Years Ago (1907): Messrs. H. H. Hile, Charles Fuller, B. B. Billings, E. H. Morrison, A. M. Libby,
John Schieble, and their wives, Mrs. J. C. Lees and daughter Lily, Mrs. Lina Doolittle, Leila Jenson,
Stella Magee, Terry Sorenson, Chas. Bullard, Orange Little and Joe Donnelly were among those
from this city who attended “Forty-five Minutes From Broadway”, at Myers’ Opera House in Janesville,
Thursday evening. All were well pleased with the performance.
90 Years Ago (1917): The young people’s society which was held in the church basement at
Cooksville Friday evening was largely attended. The following delegates were elected for the
Madison convention: Mabel Onsrud, Lillian Erickson, Augusta Brunsell, Torfin Olson and Ole Norby.
80 Years Ago (1927): Mrs. Fred Brunsell and son Billie, and Mrs. Ace Fellows and son Jerry spent
Tuesday in Madison. Jerry and Billie both having their tonsils removed at St. Mary’s Hospital.
70 Years Ago (1937): At the special meeting of the Lutheran church congregation of Evansville
Tuesday night at the home of the Rev. and Mrs. Theodore Heimarck, there was considerable
enthusiasm over the prospect of either purchasing or building a church. It was agreed that the
church council be authorized to make an offer on the Episcopalian property which they have used for
the past year. It was decided to elect a committee to organize and plan and carry out a campaign for
funds, consisting of Martin Anderson, Harold Spersrud, Edward Johnson, Leo Brunsell, Ole Norby,
Mrs. Harry Hamilton, Mrs. Ray Rosen, Mrs. Carroll Bly, Mrs. Selmar Jordahl, and Mrs. Tom Johnson.
It was agreed and the church council was authorized to incorporate under the Wisconsin laws, with
the name of the congregation to be St. John’s Lutheran Church. [Note: the Episcopal Church was
on the site of the current post office building on South First Street.]
60 Years Ago (1947): Petterson and Sarow who for the past few years have operated a plumbing
and heating business at 10 North Madison Street have moved to a building at 5 Maple Street recently
vacated by the Shea Furniture Company and are now open for business at that location. Mr.
Petterson and Mr. Sarow invited the public to visit their new place of business and look over their
sales articles which are on display to better advantage since they have more room than in their
former location.
50 Years Ago (1957): Chamber of Commerce directors met Monday night to lay out a program for
next year. This includes a 1958 dairy night; exchange students program; Black and White show;
dredging Lake Leota; industrial development; Christmas decorations for stores and offices; a week-
long retail promotion.
40 Years Ago (1967): George Prudhon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Prudhon is presently serving in
the Third Medical Corps near Conthien, Viet Nam. Doctor (Captain) Michael I. Sorkin, son of Doctor
and Mrs. Samuel S. Sorkin of 227 Garfield Ave., Evansville is on duty at Tuy Hoa AB, Viet Nam.
Arthur Dennison, son of Harry Dennison and Mrs. Anna Dennison arrived in Evansville on Monday
having been discharged from the armed forces after two years of service. He has recently been in
Viet Nam where he saw a great deal of action.
30 Years Ago (1977): Blanche Devine shared her reminiscing to a full church at the 125th
anniversary celebration at the Congregational United Church o Christ last Sunday. A special
morning service followed by an afternoon service open to the public commemorated the special day
for the church that was organized in 1846. Several other life-long and young members of the church
and community attended and enjoyed remembrances by Blanche, and three other former pastors:
Rev. Francis Kranz, Wendell Marshall, and Alan Kromholz and present pastor, Timothy Kehl.
20 Years Ago (1987): While Evansville-Albany finished second behind Beloit Turner in the Rock
Valley Conference standing, the Blue Devils placed more players on the all-conference team. Eight
members of the Blue Devil team, four on the offense and four on the defense, made the elite team.
Doug Spooner, Mike Koch, Todd Heritage, Rich Franklin, John Briggs, Jon Benash, Mark Walmer
and Matt Bratzke were named to the first team.
10 years ago (1997): Interim Pastor Bill Neuman is serving St. John’s Lutheran Church. He is from
Evanston, IL where he is currently pursuing an advanced degree from Garrett Seminary, which is
part of Northwestern University, in addition to his duties in Evansville. His field of study is Patristics
(early church fathers). Pastor Timothy White left St. John’s recently and returned to his previous
congregation in Nebraska, as associate pastor.
In Review
Third Week of November 1867-1997
140 Years Ago (1867): Fire at Cooksville – The barn belonging to the hotel in Cooksville was
destroyed by fire on Friday afternoon of last week, together with what hay, grain, &c. it contained, the
property of Wm. P. Johnson, The flames, when first discovered, were bursting from one corner of the
building, and before aid could be rendered to subdue it, the building was enveloped in one mass of
flames; although the neighbors were promptly on hand yet had barely time to secure the horses and
a few light articles such as were within easy reach. The wind was blowing hard at the time, and it was
with great efforts that the barn of Henry Duncan was saved. The houses of Mr. Wells and B. S. Hoxie
caught in several places by flying brands, but an active force of women and boys, under the direction
of Justin Wells saved them from a general conflagration. The loss of the barn was some $500; with a
partial insurance.
130 Years Ago (1877): Mr. Jas. H. Hoskins, who has been in Mr. Sheafe’s employ a month or so in
Elk Point, Dakota, returned last week and is given charge of the shipping business of A. S. Baker &
Co.
120 Years Ago (1887): Cal Broughton, the champion catcher of the west has signed with the
Detroits next season. Cal’s record the past season with the Milwaukee club is first rate. He received
a salary of $2,100 the year.
110 Years Ago (1897): Mr. Chas Moore returned Sunday morning from Freeport, Ill., where he has
been visiting his brother-in-law, Will King, who is in a hospital in that city, very sick with typhoid fever.
100 Years Ago (1907): The first deer arrived at the express office this morning, having been
captured by Frank Devendorf. F. H. Devendorf has delivered the deer, which he brought home from
his hunting trip, to Wm. Lee’s meat market where it will be cut and distributed among his friends, as
by law he is not allowed to sell the venison.
90 Years Ago (1917): William Frederick Krause, Sr., was born in Kramshoff, Germany, December 4,
1838, and was united in marriage with Louise Popanz May 10, 1864. Seven children were born to
this union, of whom four preceded the father in death. In the fall of 1865, he, with his family, crossed
the deep blue, which took them nine weeks. December 31, the same year, they arrived at Juda,
Wisconsin, where they made their home for a while. Over thirty-eight years ago they settled on a
farm in the Town of Brooklyn, about six miles west of Evansville where he proved himself a worthy
citizen and neighbor, and where he also was one of the organizers of the “Friedens,” Evangelical
Church, in which he took an active part. About sixteen years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Krause moved to
Albany to spend the evening of their life in ease. About three years ago they again moved back and
made their home with their son, William, Jr., where he passed away quietly Friday morning, November
16, 1917, at the age of seventy-eight years, eleven months and twelve days, after a lingering
sickness which made itself felt in the beginning of the month of July. He leaves to mourn his
departure, the bereaved wife, two sons, William F. and August, and one daughter, Mrs. Minnie Ross,
who are all living near the old homestead, seventeen grandchildren, two brothers, August of
Brodhead, and Fred of Monroe, and one sister, Mrs. Ernestine Feulker, of Cadiz, and also many
relatives and friends. The funeral services took place Sunday from the home of his son, William, at 2
p.m. in the Friedens Church and interment in the family lot in the adjoining cemetery. A very large
concourse of people had met to pay the last tribute to an old friend and neighbor, the Rev. E. G.
Zellmer officiating.
80 Years Ago (1927): This week Biglow and Roderick started construction on a modern operating
room, where they will do their embalming. The room will be equipped with all metal white furniture,
which will be in keeping with the room which also will be painted white. Members of the firm state that
they felt that they were in need of such a room as many people desire to have their relatives taken to
the funeral parlors for embalming and then returned home. [Note: in 1927, the Biglow and Roderick
funeral home and furniture store was at 10 East Main Street.]
70 Years Ago (1937): Thirty pupils in the White Star school near here walked out of the structure to
safety at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, as fire starting from an overheated chimney partially burned the
roof of the school. Janet Knudson, one of the pupils discovered the yard full of smoke as she
glanced out of the window, and called it to the attention of the teacher, Miss Mildred Horke,
Orfordville, who investigated to find the roof ablaze. The Evansville Fire Department put out the fire,
while neighbors removed desks and other movable materials. Laths near the chimney caught fire.
Damage was estimated by the contractor between $35 and $50 late Wednesday.
60 Years Ago (1947): Mrs. Ray Hubbard has received word from Marceline, Mo., where the
veterans’ history books are being printed that the 8 ½ x 11 hard bound volumes will reach here and
will be ready for distribution soon after the first of Dec. Orders are being taken now at Marty’s
Clothes shop and Dixon and Sperry barber shop. The price of each book is $3 and the supply is
limited, therefore, those who have not placed orders should do so at once to avoid later regrets. The
volumes will contain pictures and histories of all veterans of both wars who filled out and returned
their questionnaires and a list of all veterans of both wars, also pictures and stories of home activities
during the war and reports, names and photographs of those who participated in them. There are
also pictures of places of interest in Evansville including business establishments.
50 Years Ago (1957): Evansville’s well known quartet, the Gospel Singers, will present the vesper
service at Methodist Hospital in Madison today. Members of the quartet are Clarence Franklin,
William Wood, Eli Habeger and Eugene Millard.
40 Years Ago (1967): Virginia Wyse was elected president of the newly organized Junior High
School drama club at a meeting held recently. Mrs. Peter Hamacher will be advisor for the group.
Other officers are Kate Collins, vice president; Mary Beth Mohn, secretary; Kevin Katzenmeyer,
treasurer; Terri Bone, properties and Maureen Abey, reporter. The group is planning a Christmas
party.
30 Years Ago (1977): Only five persons were present at the public hearing on the city’s 1978 budget
Tuesday night to hear finance committee chairman, Alan Eager, review the budget that has hit the $1
million mark for the first time in Evansville’s history. The growth of the city this year and
contemplated future expansion has created the need for extending two streets and sanitary sewer
services plus the purchased of the right-of-way and land acquisitions that accounts for the major
portion of the $277,537 increase in the budget. The tax levy of $289,623 is an increase of $28,031
over last year’s levy and just barely under the state’s levy limit. The tax rate would be $13.38 per
$1,000 assessed valuation, up $1.29 over last year’s rate.
20 Years Ago (1987): Past Master Harold L. Tait of Union Lodge #32, has been awarded a special
certificate by the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin in recognition of his 66 years of service to Masonry in
Wisconsin. Brother Tait was raised to Master Mason October 24, 1921, in Dodgeville, Wis. He
transferred to Union Lodge #32 in Evansville on February 5, 1940. He was elected Master of Union
Lodge #32 in 1944. Since that time he had served as secretary of the Lodge for more than 30
years.
10 years ago (1997): On Tuesday night of last week, at the regular council meeting, Mayor Steve
DiSalvo broke a 4-4 tie vote on the City Hall referendum and voted for the renovation of the present
108 year old building. Some 60 supporters of the city hall renovation were present, fearing that the
Council members might have been inclined to vote down the results of the recent referendum
election. One of the first to speak was long-time resident, Alice Mackie, who questioned “why we pay
for a vote you are going to ignore.” John Sorenson said a vote “don’t mean nothing.” Main Street
businessman, Jeff Farnsworth stated the downtown integrity must be maintained. Bill Alt indicated
the council info was adequate and by possibly not following the vote they would set a bad
precedence. Tom Alisankus said, “A lot of communities around Madison have no identity. Evansville
is based in rich history. City Hall is a mainstay. Once lost we will never regain. As elected officials, it
is unwise to go against it.” Voting for the City Hall renovation were Adlerman James Bates, Ron
Jennings, Ron Schmit and Tom Cothard. Voting against the project were Aldermen Harlin Miller,
Thayne Anderson, Jeff Hanson and Janice Turner.
In Review
Fourth Week of November 1867-1997
140 Years Ago (1867): Mr. Raymond has sold his grist mill, house, and all the property connected,
Mr. Prentice, of Whitewater, being the purchaser. We understand that it is the intention of Mr.
Raymond to go West in the spring.
130 Years Ago (1877): Business is in the utmost confusion, down to the furniture factory. The
Lehmans are putting their new engine into position, and making steam connections with the boiler,
and changing the entire lines of shafting, to run lengthwise of the mill instead of crosswise, as it
originally stood. They are getting in several new machines, purposely for their sewing machine work,
and arranging everything with a view to business and economy than what they have heretofore had.
Consequently business of every other kind is suspended, both here and at the foundry of Baker &
Co. [Note the Lehman furniture factory was located on the east side of Enterprise Street and
provided power for the Baker Manufacturing Company machines. Both businesses were destroyed
by fire in 1884 and only Baker rebuilt.]
120 Years Ago (1887): Our young men have organized a dancing club called the Evansville
Quadrille Club, with about 45 members, for the purpose of giving social parties every two or three
weeks during the winter at Magee’s Hall. Music will be provided by Prof. J. M. Smith’s orchestra of
Janesville. All lovers of this delightful pastime are cordially invited to attend and the managers will
endeavor to see that all have a pleasant time. The first of the series was for the benefit of the Base
Ball Club, but the remaining ones will be for the benefit of the members of the Quadrille Club. The
second of the series will be given December 9th. J. H. Johnson, F. A. Morse and Lew Van Wart floor
committee. Jas. Broderick, Pres.; G. S. Brink, Secretary; & W. J. Clark, Treas. Directors: N. D.
Wilder and Wm. Magee.
110 Years Ago (1897): The board of education has decided to close the high school on Friday Dec.
10, making the fall term fourteen weeks. The winter term will commence on Monday, Jan. 3, 1898, in
the new high school building. The loss of two weeks in the fall term will be made up in the winter and
spring terms. The high school building will be dedicated on Monday, Jan. 3, 1898.
100 Years Ago (1907): Invitations have been issued for the wedding of Miss Blanche D. Rutty of
Brooklyn, and Arthur H. Devine of this city, which will take place at the home of the bride’s parents on
Wednesday, Nov. 27th.
90 Years Ago (1917): Articles of incorporation of a firm to be known as the Farmer’s Milk Company,
located at Evansville, have been filed with Register of Deeds, Smiley. The corporation is capitalized
at $10,000, and has been organized for the purpose of preparing for market, storing, buying and
selling farm products and handling fuel. The stockholders are: Robert Spencer, Leo H. Campbell, A.
G. Franklin, Fred W. Rodd, andDaniel Finnane.
80 Years Ago (1927): At its meeting Monday evening, the Lions Club decided to again put up a
Community Christmas tree, as was done last year, the tree to be electrically lighted and filled with
candies for the poor children of the town. Mr. Lester Thompson was appointed to get the tree, which
will be furnished by Mr. W. G. Miles. Harry Loomis, Rev. Dwyer and Robert Collins were appointed as
a welfare committee to look after the decoration of the tree and the purchase of the goodies for the
children. A program committee consisting of P. D. Pearsall, L. P. Eager, and J. P. Mann will take care
of the program which will be given at the time of the unveiling of the tree.
70 Years Ago (1937): Spencer Tracy, has a bit of Evansville in his autobiography, if he ever writes
one. According to an article published in the Chicago Sunday Tribune. Tracy got his name from a
girlhood friend of his mother, formerly Carrie Brown, who attended the Evansville seminary. Here she
met Miss Daisy Spencer, a sister of Mrs. George L. Pullen, and formed a deep and lasting
friendship. So deep was the friendship that she named her son Spencer after her girlhood friend.
Tracy’s parents visited at the Pullen home here a few years ago. Tracy was born in Milwaukee and
attended parochial schools there, later going to Northwestern Military Academy, Lake Geneva;
Marquette University and Ripon College where he developed a desire for dramatics. He met Pat O’
Brien in Milwaukee while working in a lumber yard nights after school.
60 Years Ago (1947): Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Cain were guests of honor Thanksgiving day at a family
dinner at the home of their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Don Ellis and daughter, Madison.
The occasion was the Cain’s 45th wedding anniversary. Other guests were Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth
Cain and two children, Mrs. Earl Deininger and two sons and Olive and Diane Cain, all of Evansville.
Mr. and Mrs. Cain were married in Johnstown, Nov. 27, 1902 and lived for a short time in Cainville
before coming to Evansville to make their home. Mrs. Cain was formerly Miss Jennie Sperry. Mr.
Cain owned and operated a grocery store here several years ago. He is now employed by the city.
In addition to the children and grandchildren at the family party, they have a son and daughter-in-
law, Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Cain, Oshkosh who could not be present. A son, Tom, died in 1930.
50 Years Ago (1957): The Rev. Francis E. Doherty, pastor of St. Paul’s Catholic Church here the
past five and one-half years, has been assigned to a Madison Catholic Church.
40 Years Ago (1967): Sp-4 Leonard M. Nehls, U. S. Army, arrived home Nov. 24, from 12 months
service in Viet Nam. He will be home at his parents Mr. and Mrs. Leo C. Nehls till after Christmas. He
received the Bronze Star medal for meritorious achievement in ground operation against hostile
forces. He will be stationed at Ft. Riley, Kan., 387th Repl. Co. after Christmas.
30 Years Ago (1977): A plaque placed on the Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville
was dedicated Nov. 6, 1977 when the church observed its 125th anniversary. The church was
organized in 1846 and received its charter in 1852. They met in the church erected by the Methodist
Episcopal Church, which was on the site of the Ben Franklin Store. In 1857 they completed their own
building at the present location. The church has been enlarged several times since then. The
plaque was selected by Harry Roderick and a church committee. Mr. Roderick is the Chairman of the
Evansville Historic Preservation Commission. He plans that this plaque will be the prototype for
others that will be placed on significant historic buildings in the city. [Note: the Methodist Church was
located on the site of the newly renovated Eager Building on East Main Street.]
20 Years Ago (1987): The Downtown Revitalization meeting is set for Dec 9 at the library. Doug
Batty and Larry Dobbs, committee members, state the purpose of the meeting will be to discuss new
and on-going projects with emphasis on continuing façade renovations, Allen’s Creek project, etc.
10 years ago (1997): Blue cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin has named Joe Decker Vice
President of its Southwestern Region. Decker will direct the sales, marketing, provider relations, and
customer service operations from the Southwestern Region’s Service Center in Evansville. Decker
joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 1988 as a sales representative. Decker worked in United
Wisconsin Services’ Legal Department while attending Law School at Marquette University. Upon
graduation, Decker focused on insurance.