In Review
First Week in January 1876-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  The 13th Regiment.  This regiment has returned home and has been mustered out of service.  It has seen much hard work and long marches in Kansas, Tennessee and Texas.  Without seeing any hard engagement in the war, it has done it work well and in a soldierly manner obeyed orders.  We welcome its members home again.  Many homes in Rock County will be made glad by their return.

130 Years Ago (1876): Just as the sun went down Saturday night the wind came up, and oh! What a hurricane.  It swept over the country at the rate of 40 miles an hour, at least, playing with signs and fences and every loose object as with a toy.  The large Haliday Wind Mill, that did the pumping at the depot, was blown entirely free from the tower and landed on the track, midway from the pump to the depot.  Mr. Stevens had a shed blown over in which was his cow, but miraculously escaped unharmed.  The lumber of both Randolph and Winston & True’s yards, was scattered to the four winds and some of it badly broken.  In many places heavy plank sidewalks were taken and landed in promiscuous heaps along with fence rails, boards and debris of every description.  The ground was so softened by the day’s rain that shade trees were bent over and uprooted, completely destroying many.  Mr. Newman’s barn was unroofed at Cooksville, and several other buildings at that place suffered, but nothing irreparable. Similar fate attended tobacco sheds and buildings at Union village.  It was the fiercest wind, unaccompanied with rain, and not severely cold, of any we have ever experienced.

120 Years Ago (1886):  Last Wednesday, a very pleasant gathering of relatives and near friends assembled at the home of Mr. Levi Leonard, it being the occasion of his seventieth birthday.  Among the guests were his son, Hon. Burr W. Jones and family of Madison, Mr. Lewis Spencer and family and Mr. Harvey Prentice and family who enjoyed themselves in commemorating Mr. L.’s birthday, talking over old times, etc.  Mr. L. Received letters from relatives in the east congratulating him.  Among others was one from a brother in N. Y., who is seventy-three years old, and like himself hale and hearty.  Mr. L. came to Wis. in 1840, and has lived in the vicinity of this place ever since.  There were but a few of the old pioneers here in those days.  Mr. Hiram Griffith, Mr. Ira Jones and Mr. Quivey were about the only ones and they have all been gone to their long home for a number of years.  John T. Baker and Mr. Sales came the same season but a little later as did several others.  Mr. Leonard has seen our prairies and forests settled up with many of the very best people on earth and still survives nearly all of the old pioneers and is hale and hearty and one of the best preserved men of his age we ever saw, being tall, straight and strong.  He still enjoys the reminiscences of old times.

110 Years Ago (1896):  Married:  At Edgerton, Thursday, January 2, 1896, Miss Alice Keegan, of Union, and Mr. Orrin P. Johnson of Cooksville.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are well and favorably known in this community.  The bride is the youngest daughter of Mrs. E. Keegan of Union and ranked among the first teachers of this part of the country.  The groom is the youngest son of Mr. D. M. Johnson and is a prosperous farmer.  The young couple will make their home on the Johnson farm near Cooksville where a furnished house all ready for occupancy awaited them.  Not only was the house swept and garnished to fit the occasion but the larder was well supplied and loving hands had made ready the first breakfast to be eaten by the happy couple in their own home.

100 Years Ago (1906): Cards are out announcing the marriage of Dr. Leon Patterson of Green Bay and Miss Ethel Baker of this city, which occurs at the bride’s home on Liberty Street, Wednesday, January 3, 1906.

90 Years Ago (1916):  Miss Nina E. Munger, daughter of Mrs. C. S. Ware, wants to be a movie actress.  Miss Munger has entered the “Beauty and Brains” contest being conducted by the Photoplay Magazine in conjunction with the World Film Corporation.  The proposition is to send eleven young women to the studios in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where they will be given a thorough tryout as film actresses.  No efforts will be spared to make film stars of these young women.  Miss Lillian Russell and William Brady, the theatrical manager are among the judges of the contest.

80 Years Ago (1926):  In the Review I read about our Dear Old Lake Leota, but Mr. Smith did not state why the Lake was called Lake Leota.  It was named by my neighbor Boyd Jones; he was killed at Washington in the old Ford Theater there and was one of our First School Teachers 50 years ago, and was born on the old farm near Evansville.  Mrs. T. F. Shurrum, Long Beach, Calif.

70 Years Ago (1936):  Fire believed to have originated from an explosion of coal gas completely destroyed the plant of the Evansville Ice and Ice Cream company here which was leveled to the ground within two hours after the blaze was discovered at 5 p.m. last Thursday.  Everything in the two-story frame building was consumed including the ice and ice cream manufacturing equipment much of which was practically new, and two motor trucks which were recently purchased.  The total loss has been estimated at $20,000, of which amount $15,000 is covered by insurance.  W. P. Fleming, who owned the plant in partnership with M. T. Vanderbilt had left the building after banking the fire for the night, a short time before the fire broke out.  Dense clouds of smoke pouring from the building were seen by Mrs. Arthur Devine, who immediately turned in the alarm when the flames were discovered, but before the city firemen could arrive the fire was beyond control.  Firemen were greatly hampered in their work by the sub-zero weather, but remained on the job for several hours despite frozen clothing and frost-bitten faces, hands and feet.   The K. D. Shaw ice house in the same location as the fire here last Thursday burned Sept. 26, 1916 with a $1,700 loss.  The building with its double walls filled with sawdust was erected to replace the ice house destroyed by fire.

60 Years Ago (1946):  Miss Charlene Koepp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Koepp, Evansville, became the bride of Donald Farberg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Farberg, also of Evansville, at a ceremony performed in the Cooksville Lutheran church at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, by the Rev. A. M. Romstad.  The couple was attended by Mrs. Janet Neuenschwander, sister of the bride, as matron of honor and Christian Farberg, Jr., brother of the groom, as best man.

50 Years Ago (1956):  Mrs. Alice Haakenson celebrated her 70th birthday Sunday with a family gathering.  Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Chester Haakenson, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Haakenson, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Haakenson, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Haakenson, Mrs. Leslie Chilsen, Waterloo, and Mrs. Nettie Julseth.

40 Years Ago (1966):  Jennifer Lynn Tomlin was Evansville’s first New Year’s baby born in the Stoughton Hospital attended by a local physician.  Jennifer was born at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, and weight 6 lbs 11 oz.  She has four sister and three brothers.  Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Tomlin Evansville and Mrs. Leonard Ripp, Madison.

30 Years Ago (1976):   Since January 2, the Village Square Restaurant has added a little touch of Bohemia to its menu, which came along with the establishment’s recent change in ownership.  Vladimir and Dagmar Jurco, Czechoslovakian emigrants, assumed ownership of the Village Square January 1, after purchasing the establishment from Clara Hull.  The Jurcos came to Evansville from Crystal Falls in Upper Michigan, where they also operated a restaurant for two years.  They area accompanied by five-year-old son Peter and Valdimir’s mother, Katrini, who arrived in this country just three weeks ago.  They moved into the apartment above the Village Square last week.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Richard A. Knudtson, has been appointed postmaster at Evansville, WI., effective January 4, 1986.  At Evansville, Knudtson will be responsible for seven employees, serving a population of over 3,000 residents.  Total revenue for the Evansville post office reached $313,570 during the fiscal year 1985.  There are two regular and one auxiliary city routes and two rural routes.  Knudtson is married and he and his wife Pat have two children, Joseph, age 6 and Ann, age 4.

10 years ago (1996):  Peter Sears, president of Baker Manufacturing Company, presented a check for $4,000 to the Eager Free Public Library to be used for furnishings.  Five tables and 18 chairs have been purchased with the funds which represents the largest donation received from a local business firm.

In Review
Second Week in January 1876-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  The Spencer House has changed landlords.  Clayton Seman having purchased the property of Henry G. Spencer, an arrangement has been made by which Mr. Gardner gives possession to L. C. Seman, who is now “mine host” of the Spencer House.  [Note:  The Spencer House was a 3-story hotel on the northwest corner of Main and Madison Street.  It was later named the Central House and razed in the late 1930s.]

130 Years Ago (1876): The stockholders of the Evansville Seminary met as by notice, in the Town Hall, Thursday of last week to consider the propriety of turning over the building and its franchises to a company to be used as a boot manufacturing establishment. Speeches were made and desultory remarks indulged, all ending to the same effect.  A vote was taken and carried nearly unanimously, authorizing the Trustees to turn over the building and all the appurtenances thereto to any company or corporation, for educational or manufacturing purposes.  If the Boot & Shoe business goes off, as it is confidently expected now it will, Evansville will have made a tolerable fair show in her incipient manufacturing interests.

120 Years Ago (1886):  The following is a report of school district No. 2, Town of Union, for month ending Jan. 8th, 1886.  Names of those not absent during month: Willie Snyder, Lester Holt.  Those not tardy: Eva Holt, Johnnie Albertie, Lee Cronn, Charles Richardson, Warren Richardson, Harry Johnson, Lester Holt, Frankie Nelson, Frankie Richards, Roy Richards.  Deportment, Lee Cronn, 100, Bernice Johnson, 98.  Johnnie Albertie, 95.  Cora E. Hartley, Teacher.

110 Years Ago (1896):  Monday night the annual election of officers occurred at the meeting of the Women’s Literary Club at which time the following officers were elected:  President, Mrs. Ada Johnson; Vice Pres., Mrs. W. T. Boyd; Treasurer, Mrs. L. S. Pullen; Executive Board, Mesdames. E. P. Colton, R. M. Richmond, C. E. Lee, J. P. Porter.

100 Years Ago (1906):  The friends of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas George assembled on New Years day for probably the last family gathering in their old residence as they are soon to move into their grand new residence.  Those who were present were Mr. and Mrs. Richard Price of Thayer, Neb., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Butts and daughter of Attica, Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Higday of Evansville, Mrs. Haney of Butts Corners, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Jones and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Walter George and Clarence George all of Albany.  All went home feeling it was a day well spent.

90 Years Ago (1916):  A pall of gloom settled over the community last Sunday when it was learned the death angel had called Honorable Allen S. Baker to his eternal home, death coming at 12:15 after a brief illness from la grippe and heart trouble.  Mr. Baker, who was founder of the well-known Baker Manufacturing company, whose products are sold throughout the world, and who was the only remaining member of a company of five who first organized the great industry was born near Evansville, January 12, 1842.  Coming from an old West Virginia family, his ancestry on the paternal side runs back to England, and on the maternal side to Germany.

80 Years Ago (1926):  H. A. Knapp announces this week that he has rented his farm and dairy to George Mabie, who will take over the farm March 1st, Mr. Knapp retaining an interest in the dairy business.  Mr. Knapp will hold a sale of all his Holstein cattle consisting of fifty head, on February 24.  These will be immediately replaced in the dairy of the farm with 25 head of Guernseys which he and Mr. Mabie recently purchased in Richland county, being added to from time to time with more Guernseys, it being their intention to use nothing but Guernsey cattle on the farm, a purebred sire of that breed having been already purchased.  Mr. Knapp, who was one of the organizers of the Farm Bureau in this county and for several years one of its officers will give his attention to organization work for the bureau in different portions of the state.

70 Years Ago (1936):  Feb. 15, E. E. Combs, pioneer local photographer, closes his ground floor studio at 18 North Madison street after faithfully serving the community for the past 47 years.  The cameras and other portrait equipment have been sold and the building, which has housed the studio since its erection in 1893, has been leased to Mrs. Hannah Losey who is now making plans for the opening of a modern coffee shop.  During his 47 years in the photograph business here, Mr. Combs finished more than a million pictures from 86,000 negatives which he now has on file and which will be moved to his home for reprints when desired.  In addition to this number, he has another 10,000 negatives in his possession which were made by his predecessors, Beals and Wise.  He plans to continue his profession with amateur Kodak developing, finishing, copying, enlarging, view work, and picture framing in his home at 44 West Main St.

60 Years Ago (1946):  The Methodist Women’s Society of Christian Service met Wednesday in the church parlor for a one o’clock picnic dinner, regular business session and installation of officers.  Mrs. Frank Fenrick, who succeeds Mrs. Gertrude Eager as president of the groups assumed her duties as head of the organization.  Other officers are Mrs. Charles Petersen, vice president; Mrs. Leo Kuenzli, secretary; and Mrs. Will D. Brown, treasurer.

50 Years Ago (1956):  Robert Horne, Highway 14, and John Thurman, 310 W. Church Street, who alternate driving the parcel post truck up and down the city streets, last week were awarded gold medals in recognition of two years each behind the wheel of the truck without a traffic accident.  Horne, foreman of the parcel post department has been driving his own car more than 20 years without accident.  Neither has Thurman had an accident in the 27 years he has been driving his private automobile.  He has been with the post office here since 1952.  Bob began about seven years ago in 1949.

40 Years Ago (1966):  Charles Maas, Evansville, is one of five rural Wisconsin leaders who will be honored by the University of Wisconsin College of Agriculture at the annual honorary recognition banquet in Memorial Union to be held in Madison.  Mr. Maas will receive the recognition for being a leading livestock producer from Evansville.

30 Years Ago (1976):   Sandy Schuh, 110 Liberty Lane, Evansville, has been added to the staff of the Devlin Agency at 230 E. Main St.  Mrs. Schuh obtained her broker’s license from the Wisconsin School of Real Estate in Janesville last year and will work out of her home and from the E. Main St. office.  She joins Jan Davis, Roger Berg and Rolland Devlin on the Devlin staff.  Another addition to the agency is Bonnie Kremer, age 28, as secretary.  Both began work Jan. 2.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Two aldermanic ward primaries will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18.  The second and third wards of the city have three candidates each for the single, two-year terms.  In the second ward, incumbent Ron Pierce is opposed by Robert Tanner and Cindy Nordness.  In the third ward, incumbent Woodrow Wickersham is opposed by Ron Buttchen and Lawton Short.

10 years ago (1996):  Roger Berg and Robbie Petterson brought an idea to the Plan Commission for land on South Madison Street.  The 35-acre plot could be turned into a retirement facility where the elderly, and Snowbirds of Evansville might roost.  Patterned after the popular Vennevoll in Stoughton, which it is reported has a waiting list of some four or five years, “the building could answer a need in Evansville which is not being addressed, Berg said.  All duplexes and condos would probably occupy half of the acreage, with the other area landscaped with ponds and prairie grasses.  Berg says the city is losing a lot of people who need this type of living facility.

In Review
Third Week in January 1876-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  Married.  December 27, 1865, at the residence of the bride’s parents, by Rev. E. Robinson, Mr. Henry Campbell, of Center, and Miss Malvina A. Howard, of Evansville.  December 31st, 1865, at the Baptist Church, by Rev. J. E. Davis, Mr. Ethan G. Shepard, of Stockton, Chautauqua County, N. Y., and Miss Carrie R. Parker, of Evansville.  January 1st, 1866, at the Spencer House in Evansville, by Rev. E. Robinson, Mr. Ezra S. Griffith, of Porter, and Miss Melissa J. Rutter, of Fulton.

130 Years Ago (1876): In an article on Parker & Stone’s Reaper Works, in the Beloit Free Press, of last week, speaking of the amount of stock used in their works the past year, mention is made of 8 or 10 car loads of moulding sand brought from Evansville, and says:  “This sand is found to be nearly as fine as the famous Troy sand, and far better for foundry use than any to be obtained here.”  This is complimentary to Evansville.  The sand obtained is found on the premises of Mr. W. H. Hatfield, a mile or so west of town.  The quantity appears inexhaustible.  The sand used by our foundry here comes from the adjoining farm, owned by Mr. John Miles.  The discovery was first made by Mr. A. S. Baker, Superintendent of the works here, and Mr. Boyd, the moulder.  No doubt there are other undeveloped wealth in and around Evansville.  [Note:  the farms of Hatfield and Miles were in section 29 of Union township, on the road later named Porter Road.]

120 Years Ago (1886):  Brodhead talks of electric light, and is going to send a man over here to “enlighten” we uns, on the subject.  All right.  Old lunar serves us pretty well now, and when that is gone Tom Aspell is around with his one handed wheelbarrow to dispense the electric fluid from a large tin can, that answers pretty well for the rest of the time.  [Note:  Tom Aspell was the street lamp lighter in Evansville.]

110 Years Ago (1896):  Married on Wednesday January 8, ’96 Miss Sarah A. Ford, of Porter, and Mr. Lawrence Barrett, of Center.  The Rev. Father Barrett of Minneapolis, brother of the groom, officiating.  The couple were married in St. Michaels church amidst a large circle of relatives and friends.  Miss Kate Ford acted as bridesmaid and Mr. Con Hayes as best man.

100 Years Ago (1906):  Mrs. Ellen A. Hoxie, aged seventy-nine years, died Friday, Jan. 12, 1906, a short time after noon, at her home on First Street.  Her maiden name was Ellen A. Woodbury, and she was born in Baltimore, Vermont, Nov. 9th, 1826, moved to Cooksville in Nov. 1849, was married Jan. 22, 1852 at Union, Wis., to Benjamin S. Hoxie, who departed from this life about four years since, he was proprietor of the Cooksville cheese factory for a number of years, a prominent contractor and builder, and after moving to this city in 1884, was secretary of the State Horticultural Society and was a leader in farmers’ institute work.  Mrs. Hoxie had not been in good health since the demise of her husband.  She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Eva Van Patten of this city, Mrs. Mary A. Kemp of Madison, and Mrs. Cora B. Green of Walters, Minn., and a brother Charles Woodbury of Janesville.  The funeral was largely attended at the home, Sunday afternoon, with Rev. Edwin A. Ralph, officiating clergyman.

90 Years Ago (1916):  The public is familiar with the growth of the Baker Manufacturing company from its small beginning in the seventies to the modern, up-to-date plant it is today, but all of our readers may not know of the part of some of the present employees have taken in bringing this plant up to the high state of efficiency it has attained.  The following ten men have been in the employ of the company almost from its inception and their record for steady, faithful continuous work has few, if any, equals in the state.  Following is their record:  Frank Hubbard, 37 years; Chas. Jenkins, 36 years; John Bly, 34 years; Fred Wilder 33 ½ years; Geo. Meekins, 29 years; Dan Knause, 27 years; Harry Blakeley, 25 ½ years; Arthur Blunt, 25 years; Clyde Babcock, 22 years; Chas. Powles, 22 years.  Mr. Powles has worked in all about thirty years, but not continuously.  Several of the men commenced work for the company when at the age of 16, 18, 20 and 22 years.  Seven of them hold the position of foreman in the different departments of the factory.  All of these men own their homes and hold about 900 shares of common stock of the company, which brings them an annual dividend of $4,500.

80 Years Ago (1926):  Charles Murphy, of the drafting department of the Baker Manufacturing Company and Howard Morrison, employed as inspector of gas engines at the same plant have resigned their positions and will go on the road for the Kohler Manufacturing Company, also installing the plants which they sell.  Their territory will comprise part of Rock, Green, Walworth, and Dane counties.  They expect to take up their new work the latter part of the week.

70 Years Ago (1936):  Evansville lost one of its most respected and best known citizens in the passing of Charles Fuller, 75, veteran mail messenger, who died at 1:30 a.m. Friday in his home on North Madison street following a two week’s illness which confined him to his bed.  Mr. Fuller, who held a record as being probably the oldest messenger in the state, was born in Glen Falls, Warren county, New York, Dec. 26, 1860 and later settled with his parents on a farms near Marseilles, Ill., and Fulton and Center, Wis.  He came to Evansville 54 years ago and was first employed with the G. I. Trip creamery.  In 1898 he established his transfer line keeping 22 head of horses and five hacks used for funeral purposes.  For the past 54 years Mr. Fuller has been transferring mail bags to and from the post office, hauling baggage about the city, and driving a taxi cab for the residents of the community.  In all that time he had never failed to get his passengers to the depot in time to catch a train even though many of the calls were last minute errands.  His large barn today resembles a museum of historical vehicles.

60 Years Ago (1946):  Under the sponsorship of the Parent-Teacher association and with Mrs. R. J. Antes serving as general chairman of the project, Girl Scout troops are being organized in Evansville.  Three troops of girls, one for Brownies and two for Intermediates are organized.  Miss Kay Sinski will be in charge of the Intermediate group.  Her co-leaders will be Mrs. Kenneth Wood and Mrs. Kenneth Ellis.  Miss Hazel Redford in charge of the Brownie troop will have as co-leaders Mrs. Myron Williams and Mrs. Maurice Bly.

50 Years Ago (1956):  Mr. and Mrs. Edward Erpenbach will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary Sunday, Jan. 22, with open house at their home 21 School Street.  Mr. Erpenbach and the former Elnora Neis were married in Baraboo, Jan. 22, 1931.  They have seven children:  Mrs. William Reich, Crystal City, Mo., Phil of Evansville; Barbara, Darlene, Richard, David and Alice at home, and three grandchildren.  Mr. Erpenbach has been employed with the Wisconsin Telephone Company for the past 27 years.

40 Years Ago (1966):  Grant Johnson, Evansville, observed his 50th anniversary as a pharmacist in Wisconsin this week.  He received his pharmacist’s license, Jan. 18, 1916, upon his graduation in the pharmacist’s course at Marquette University, Milwaukee.  Mr. Johnson was from Bloomington, Wis. and following his graduation he was employed in Hayward, served in the armed forces in World War I and spent some time in a drug store in Viroqua before coming to Evansville in about 1925.  He owned and operated a drug store here for 28 years before he retired several years ago.

30 Years Ago (1976):   Two new directors were named at the annual stockholders meeting of the Union Bank and Trust Company January 13.  Rolland E. Devlin, 125 Park Drive and Thomas N. Hatlen, rural Evansville were added to the bank’s Board of Directors.  Board members re-elected were Forrest T. Durner, Dr. Howard Krueger, Leonard p. Eager, Leonard P. Eager, Jr. and Alan S. Baker.  The board elected the following officers:  Leonard Eager, president, Leonard Eager, Jr., executive vice president; Alan Eager, vice president and cashier; Robert G. Brunsvold, Mary A. Christensen, Shirley L. Gransee, Lois Holzem and Joan E. Norby, assistant cashiers.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Maynard Rauk of Lucan, MN has been named General Manager of the Union Coop with his office here in Evansville.  Rauk comes to Evansville with 20 years of experience.  He began with the Hartford, WI Ironridge Coop in 1965.  Prior to that he lived on a farm near Decorah, Iowa.

10 years ago (1996):  The Evansville State Qualifying Cross Country Team won academic certificates at the 17th annual coaches meeting in Milwaukee.  Evansville received this award by averaging the best five GPA’s of the seven runners who compete for their team at the WIAA State Meet.  Individual runners who had a 3.5 average or better also received an award.  Team members from Evansville who received this award were Jake Peters, Chad Wallisch, Jason Marin, Justin Frey and Aaron Wallisch.

In Review
Fourth Week in January 1876-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  Nine cases of small pox have occurred in this place, two proving fatal.  The infection was brought by an emigration from Nashville.  At a meeting of the Board of Health of the town of Union, held at the office of Jacob West, in Evansville, on 16, day of January, 1866, it was ordered and determined that steps be immediately taken to arrest the progress and confine to its present locality that contagious disease small pox now raging in this village.  After hearing a report from Drs. Murphy and Evans that those who were sick could not be removed without endangering their health, it was determined that the infected district be closed up and no communication be allowed, except under the direction of the Board of Health.  Jacob West, E. B. Harvey, Board of Health.

130 Years Ago (1876): GOLDEN WEDDING.  It was the 50th anniversary of the marriage of Thomas and Anna Robinson, held at the residence of C. R. Bent, who is a son-in-law by his first and second marriage.  Thomas and Anna were married at the residence of the bride's father Justice Jones, in Champaign county, Ohio, Jan. 12th, 1826.  They were in early life identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have ever remained consistent and active members of the same.  A considerable portion of their life was spent in pioneering in La Port County, Indiana, to which county they moved in 1838 before the land came in market.  They subsequently moved with their family, consisting of five girls and one boy, to Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1845, which has since been their home.  They are at present making their home with their children, Mrs. C. R. Bent, and Dr. S. E. Robinson.  West Union Gazette, Iowa, reprinted in Evansville Citizen-Review.

120 Years Ago (1886):  The remains of a young man by the name of Finneran, as near as we are able to learn, was brought by rail to this place last Saturday and taken to the Catholic cemetery on Catfish Prairie for interment.  He was a brakeman on the railroad and was killed by the cars, the accident occurring by the breaking of a chain on a brake.

110 Years Ago (1896):  The Womans’ Literary Club met at the home of the Misses Andrews last Monday night.  Twenty-five ladies spent the evening listening to papers upon various subjects.  Papers were read by Mrs. W. T. Boyd, Mrs. A. C. Richardson, Mrs. Emmeline Snashall, M. L. Ewing, and Mrs. Lillian Pullen.  The paper by Mrs. Snashall, was of special interest as it pointed the way to the beautifying of Evansville and was full of practical suggestions.

100 Years Ago (1906):  The directors of the Rock County Fair Association have chosen Everett Van Patten president in place of W. E. Campbell, who has moved to Madison, and I. U. Fisher superintendent of tracks and Arthur Franklin superintendent of privileges; the remainder of the officers remain the same as last season.  President Van Patten says there is plenty of hard work to be done before the next fair, but if all take hold with a will and do their part there will be no trouble to have an excellent fair.  Let our people render all assistance possible to the officers and make for this year a banner fair.

90 Years Ago (1916):  Gasoline has almost doubled in price since last summer and the refiners are being blamed and abused accordingly.  But some statistics gathered by the government indicate that the “oil octopus” is not wholly to blame.  For example:  In 1912 approximately 312,000 motor cars were built in this country.  A year later the builders turned out 420,000.  In 1914 the number was 515,000 and for the year which closed last June 710,000 were made, the grand total of motor cars then in use in this country being estimated at 3 ¼ millions.  Refiners estimate that 30 million barrels will be used in this country next year.  There has been a corresponding increase in motor boats, farm tractors, and other kinds of engines that use gasoline.  The refiners say they have not been able to keep pace with the demand.  Exhaustive experiments are also being carried on in the production of denatured alcohol.  Experts believe the time is coming soon when it will be a rival of gasoline and will keep the price down.

80 Years Ago (1926): The Chicago & Northwestern freight depot this week reports the heaviest shipments for several weeks, as follows:  Potter Porter, 2 double deck of sheep; Wm. Wiles, 1 double deck of sheep; Rodd & Miles, 1 double deck of sheep; L. Hubbard, 1 double deck of sheep; Fred Miller, 4 cars of cattle; Ernest Miller, 1 car of cattle; John Wall, 2 cars of cattle; W. W. Gillies, 2 cars of cattle; and Chet Miller, 2 cars of cattle.

70 Years Ago (1936):  Eugene Williams, 80, local junk dealer and beloved citizen who has toted on a average of 60 tons of paper per year on his wheelbarrow and who for more than 30 years visited Evansville stores daily collecting, packing, and shipping paper to junk markets, dropped dead at 9:30 o’clock this morning while at work in the Grange store.  Scarcely a day has passed that Mr. Williams has not been seen either pushing his cart loaded with paper or packing boxes in one of the stores and it is with a pang of regret that the residents of the community receive the news of his death.  Jolly and always of a good nature he won for himself a host of friends throughout the city with whom he chatted daily discussing current events with which he was well versed and predicting the weather forecast.

60 Years Ago (1946):  A hot lunch program for students has been inaugurated in the Evansville school and now in the second week of the project about 100 rural and city pupils are being served daily in the lunch room.  The project sponsored by the Parent Teacher Association and the local Board of Education is being well received by the students and according to their reports their luncheon hour is something to look forward to every day, because as one boy said, “we get such good food and plenty of it.”  Mrs. Ellen Hansen is the cook and is being assisted by Mrs. Victor Wall.  The P.T.A. luncheon committee is comprised of Mrs. E. C. Krebs, Mrs. Lawrence Schwartzlow, Miss Ruth Chase, and Mrs. Jeanette Toepfer.  Mrs. Krebs assisting in serving the meals the first week.

50 Years Ago (1956):  Ham and eggs were scrambled in king-sized portions on highway 14 three miles north of Evansville.  One of two semi-trailers involved in the accident was loaded with 237 pigs and another bore a cargo of eggs.  The first accident occurred about 1 a.m. when a Briggs Transport semi trailer jackknifed and slid to a stop diagonally across the icy pavement.  Before this truck could be returned to its proper lane, the driver of the pig load slid onto its side and flipped upside down.  Fire broke out in the cab of the truck and many pigs died of burns and crippling.  The Evansville volunteer fire department was summoned to put out the blaze and to free Charles Hopple, St. Paul, driver of the truck who had been trapped with a second driver in the cab of the truck.  Meanwhile, nearly 200 pigs were scampering across the countryside.  Most of them had been recovered by other trucks by mid-afternoon.

40 Years Ago (1966):  Reid Francis son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Francis received a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering at commencement exercises, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Saturday, Jan. 22.  He has accepted a position with the Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Michigan.  Reid was a 1962 graduate of the Evansville High School.

30 Years Ago (1976):   Mary Rupnow, who recently completed 20 years of service with Varco Pruden, has the distinction of being the oldest employee in seniority with the Evansville plant.  Since coming to Varco-Pruden, Mrs. Rupnow has worked in various departments.  Her present status is purchasing secretary.  She received a 20 year diamond pin presented to her at a dinner meeting by Dean Axtell, vice president and general manager.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Robert F. Brunsell, 222 N. Third St., Evansville, was appointed Chaplain for Zor Shrine Temple, by Potentate Don Splitgaber, at the annual meeting of the Temple held in Madison, Saturday, Jan. 11th.  Chaplain Brunsell was born and raised in Evansville.  Chaplain Brunsell and his wife Joann, who is a volunteer Braillest, have three daughters and belong to the First Congregational Church in Evansville.  He has been active in many community organizations and Masonic orders.

10 years ago (1996):  Steven Eager presented a check for $1,000 from Union Bank and Trust to the Eager Free Public Library.  The funds will be used to purchase new furnishings for the library’s recent addition.  New circulation desks, shelving, display units and seating in the meeting room and children’s area are some of the items that will be needed in the new addition.  Funding for all furnishing purchased have come from private donations.

LAST WEEK IN JANUARY - FIRST WEEK IN FEBRUARY 2006
In Review

140 Years Ago (1866):  Evansville Church Directory.  Religious Services – Methodist Episcopal Society – Rev. G. W. De La Matyr, Pastor; services every Sunday morning at 10 ½ o’clock; evening at 6 ½ o’clock.  Congregational Society – Rev. James Watts, Pastor; services Sunday morning at 10 ½ o’clock (Brick Church).  Free Will Baptist Society – Rev. J. E. Davis, Pastor; services every Sunday morning at 10 ½ o’clock and in the evening at 6 ½ o’clock.

130 Years Ago (1876):  Mr. Josiah Blake having spent the flower of his life to the filial devotion of his aged mother, now passed away, and feeling the cares of bachelorhood to be unrequited and burdensome concluded to share them with Miss Marilla Aller, daughter of Jesse Aller, Esq., of Union, on Wednesday last.  The honeymoon is enjoyed in a visit among friends and relatives in Juneau county.

120 Years Ago (1886):  Judge Bennett’s Court has done a lively business this winter on divorces alone.  Earlier, a decree was granted Lizzie Griswold against D. C. Griswold, both parties residing in Evansville.  Recently a decree has been granted to Freedom E. Green against W. H. Green.  Mrs. Green will assume her maiden name, Freedom E. Bullard.  Mrs. Bullard is a lady of our place, always been known here, and adds not a little to the church and society she frequents, having excellent musical and social qualities.

110 Years Ago (1896):  Married.  On Wednesday, January 29, 1896, Mrs. Grace Ellis was united in marriage to Mr. J. B. Wattles of Buffalo.  The ceremony took place at noon at the residence of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Helen Sawin in the presence of a few guests.  Mrs. Ellis is an Evansville girl, having been reared in this vicinity, and is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Sawin.  In leaving this city the bride leaves a host of friends who will miss her greatly.  Mr. Wattles is a commission merchant of Buffalo, N. Y., and the bride and groom started for that city on the 2:00 o’clock train where they will establish themselves at 422 Fargo Ave.

100 Years Ago (1906):  The farm house known for many years as the John West place about one mile northwest of the city, now owned by Mrs. Roy Munger, with all of its contents was completely destroyed by fire Saturday night.  Mrs. Munger, who is a mail carrier upon one of the rural routes out of this city, was residing in the house and fixed the coal fire perfectly safe, as she supposed.  While she was away Saturday night at her mothers and knew nothing of the destruction of her home until Sunday morning and no cause can be assigned for the fire unless it originated from an explosion of gas in the coal stove.  The loss will reach over a thousand dollars while only six hundred dollars was covered with insurance.

90 Years Ago (1916):  In the suit of Harry E. Pease versus the city of Evansville, resulting from the oiling of the streets in 1914, the Supreme court Tuesday affirmed, without opinion, the decision of the circuit court, which was in favor of the city.

80 Years Ago (1926):   Mr. and Mrs. George Morrison celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Saturday Jan. 23, by entertaining about 40 friends at cards and dancing, Friday evening.  On the Sunday following they entertained with a dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Morrison of Edgerton, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Rasmussen and two children, Madison, Beth at home, their parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Patterson, Mrs. Elnora Patterson, Mr. and Mrs. Pliny Tolles, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Courtier and son, Kenneth, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Miller, Jr., Fred Morrison and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jones.  The out of town guests for Friday evening were Mrs. Anna Ryan, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Conrad Hanson and son, Madison.

70 Years Ago (1936):  A short scene from act II of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” will be presented by a group of high school students under the direction of Mrs. T. C. Richardson at the regular meeting of the Woman’s Literary club to be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Richardson residence on West Main Street.  The cast, which has been rehearsing for the past week, includes Susan Eager, Beth Brigham, Doris Moore, Beth Schuster, Albert Gibbs, Phil Croak, Robert Hubbard, Paul DeLeon, Rolland Worthing, John Wall and Howard Brunsell.  The roll call at the meeting will be responded to in the reciting of lines from the play.

60 Years Ago (1946):  Wilbur Luchsinger was discharged from the navy at Jacksonville, Fla., the latter part of last week and arrived at his home here Monday.  John E. Haakenson was discharged from naval service at Great Lakes, Ill., last Saturday.  Howard Milbrandt arrived home Sunday having been discharged from the Marines in which he served more than four years.  Lee Barnard, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Barnard, has reenlisted in the armed forces.  Albert Richard Williams, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. K. Williams, Mill street, was discharged from the navy at Great Lakes, Ill.  S/Sgt. B. W. Hubbard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hubbard, was recently discharged from the armed forces at Maxwell Field, Ala.  He entered the service in May, 1942 and for the past two years he has been chief control tower operator at Pope Field, N. Car.  Before entering the service he was with the Wisconsin Conservation department.

50 Years Ago (1956):  Forty Evansville area farmers heard Claude Willoughby, director of the Rock County Agricultural Conservation and stabilization committee, speak on Tuesday night.  Willoughby spoke on the proposed soil bank program, corn loans and storage problems.  Free classes on agricultural problems are available to adult Evansville farmers and those qualified under the veterans agricultural training program.  Joseph Polich is the veterans’ agricultural training instructor and Ed Lunde is the high school agriculture instructor.

40 Years Ago (1966):  A new Evansville High School scoring record was set in the gym. by Coach Rod Truog’s Blue Devils and the 113 points tallied against Wisconsin Heights will probably stand on the books for quite some time.  The team shot an impressive 61% which would be good in any league and would have turned many defeats to victories thus far.  Daryl Elmer had his best night of the year and his career as he pushed through 28 points for individual honors.  Mike Losey hit for 17, Steve Ehle for 14, Terry Allen for 13, Denny Reese for 12 and Don Nelson for 10.

30 Years Ago (1976):   A new minister for the Congregational United Church of Christ has been chosen.  The Rev. Tim Kehl who replaces the Rev. Joshua Crowell, will begin duties this Sunday.  He and his family reside at 514 Meadow Lane.  Rev. Kehl came to Evansville from Gary, Indiana, where he served at Immanuel United church of Christ in Highland.  He and his wife Rita, have two daughters; Jenny 2 ½ and Heather, 10 months old.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Mary Halbman, secretary of the Grove Society, Father Thomas Lourim, Ruth Ann Montgomery, Harvey Stevens, chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission, and Stuart Brooks of Madison served on a committee to prepare a slide-tape presentation for the Visitor Center at the Masonic Temple.   Walking tours of the Historic District are offered as well as historical items of interest.

10 years ago (1996):  The local Knights of Columbus have announced the winners of their recent Christmas Poster Contest.  Eddie Roemer, son of John and Deb Roemer, placed first in St. Paul Parish and in the Diocese of Madison for grades 1 and 2.  The presentation was made by Ed Kuhlow.  Lynn Farberg, daughter of Scott and Therese Farberg of rural Evansville placed first for grades 3 and 4.

In Review
First Full Week in February 1876-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  Livery Stable.  Dr. W. Beach & Co., Proprietors.  Madison Street, (near the Spencer House).   Evansville, Wis.  Persons wishing anything in our line, please call and examine our stock.  Our charges are reasonable – Our terms cash.  Dr. Beach can be found at the stable at all hours, ready to attend to sick and disabled horses, and all matters pertaining to veterinary practice.

130 Years Ago (1876):  The attendance at the pickle factory meeting Friday was much better than what was really thought it would be.  Quite an interest prevailed looking toward an enterprise of that kind.  A committee was appointed from each school district in town to canvass the matter among the farmers and report.  A stock company has been proposed but a greater majority of our farmers would prefer an individual enterprise, where the responsibility rests with fewer persons than to subscribe to a stock company.  Our soil is well adapted to such plants and we know of no good reason why a factory devoted to the manufacture of pickles, sauces, etc. might not succeed here as well as elsewhere.

120 Years Ago (1886):  The little three-year-old daughter of a German family, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Stuenke, who live in the little red house near the mill, died Sunday morning, and was buried Monday.  The child has been sick since coming into the country, late in the fall.  The family, the father, mother, two little boys with this little girl, have been in very destitute circumstances and it has taxed the energies and resources of the Ladies Relief Society, somewhat to reasonably supply their wants, in connection with other duties of the committee.  Mr. Stuenke speaks English poorly and it has been difficult for him to get work.  Although the family have no connections or relatives among the Germans here, yet they have aided liberally in their needs.  The committee have been obliged several times to call upon Mr. Henry Monshau, as interpreter, as no one could speak the language.

110 Years Ago (1896):  Second Annual Charity Ball.  At Magee’s Opera House, February 20, 1896.  Prof. Smith’s six piece orchestra will furnish music.  The committees for the evening will be as follows:  Executive Committee:  Byron Campbell, Fred Baker, W. E. Bullard, Dick Ballard, Geo. L. Pullen, E. Fiedlier, H. W. Fellows.  Floor Managers:  W. E. Campbell, E. J. Ballard, Ira Fisher, Fred Baker.  Reception Committee:  Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Boyd, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Brewer, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fellows, Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Richmond.  Honorary committee:  J. M. Evans, Levi Leonard, Peter F. Spencer, G. F. Spencer, Daniel Johnson, J. W. Quimby, C. M. Smith, Geo. Fellows.  Soliciting Committee:  R. Maranville, Fred Billman, C. Scofield, I. H. Brink.

100 Years Ago (1906):  Mrs. Fursett of Cooksville, died Feb. 3, 1906.  The funeral was held Feb. 5th.  Undertaker Boyd of this city had charge of the funeral.  She is survived by two daughters and three sons, Miss Carrie Fursett, Mrs. Mary Nelson, Jacob Fursett, Antone Fursett and Edward Fursett.  Rev. Martin Maggie officiated.

90 Years Ago (1916):  There was an unusual demand for marriage licenses in this county during January, the number amounting to twenty-seven.  Edgar C. Horne and Alice L. Holden, of this city, were issued a license.

80 Years Ago (1926):   What is believed to be a record price for common farm hogs was recently made at a farm sale on the old Rasmussen place, west of this city when Orville Devlin sold eleven head of common hogs for the sum of $483.  One sow sold for $66, three spring gilts at $50 each, a boar for $45.50, three spring June gilts at $36 each, and four barrows at $28 per head, making a total for the eleven head of $483.  Considering Mr. Devlin is a young man and that he has only been farming for himself for three years it must be said that he has certainly learned how to make hogs and make them pay.

70 Years Ago (1936):  Evansville’s winter sports program will reach its peak next Sunday afternoon when the local Ski club will hold its annual ski tournament on the 60-foot slide located one and one-half miles northeast of the city on the Riley Searles Farm.  Many contestants who were practicing here last week made jumps of from 75 to 80 feet.  The slide, which was completed last year by members of the club who donated their services in its erection, is 60 feet high and with the hill on which it stands provides a jump of 90 feet or more.  Among the Evansville participants will be Leo Brunsell, Hans Norby, Norman Odegaard, Chester, Hans and Edwin Haakenson, 12-year-old Kenneth Haakenson, Maurice Hansen and Harold Brunsell.

60 Years Ago (1946): Nightly rehearsals are being held in preparation for the presentation of the Evansville Community Theatre’s second major production, “Double Door.”  Mrs. Kenneth Ellis is directing the play.  The following arrangements committees have been appointed, Howard Becher, tickets; Mrs. H. M. Hamilton, Mrs. E. C. Krebs, and Mrs. Lawrence Schwartzlow, costuming; Miss Hazel Redford, prompter; Mrs. D. G. Whitmore, makeup and property and stage setting, and Theo Devine, Jeanette Montgomery and Howard Becher, advertising.  Reserved seats will be on sale at the Krebs Pharmacy.

50 Years Ago (1956):  Mr. and Mrs. John Thurman, 310 W. Church St., Evansville, announce the engagement of their daughter Shelley Anne to Donald C. Wold, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Wold of Rice Lake, Wis.  Both young people are graduate students at the University of Wisconsin.  Miss Thurman is a student in library science and Mr. Wold is majoring in physics.

40 Years Ago (1966):   Charles Maas of Evansville was honored at a special recognition banquet held at the University of Wisconsin Memorial Union.  He was among five state rural leaders who were presented awards for outstanding in rural leadership.  Maas was honored for his participation in Wisconsin’s swine and dairy industries, activities in his own community, promotion of education for farm youth and for acting as advisor on national livestock policy.  About 75 Evansville and local area folks attended the banquet.  The event marked the second time an Evansville man has won the award.  Several years ago Lloyd Hubbard, a veteran farmer was given the same recognition.  Mr. Hubbard was in the audience witnessing the award presentation.

30 Years Ago (1976):   The City Council met in a special session to approve the sale of its old garbage truck.  According to Public Works superintendent Kenneth Grenawalt, the truck hasn’t been used since the city council contracted with Allstate Disposal of Beloit to pick up the City’s refuse.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Evansville High School’s musical directors have expressed their delight with the choice of “Guys and Dolls.”  Sheila Klein is the director.  Advisors also include, Richard Krake, a veteran of the technical aspects of drama and staging, Ron Grimes, the man responsible for orchestration and pit band direction, and Linda Knuckles, Evansville’s choral director.

10 years ago (1996):  Members and residents of the Town of Union and City Council members and other interested citizens met on Thursday night of last week at the Hagen Insurance Agency building to talk about what the future planning of the area might be.  Rock County Planner Colin Byrnes stated that there are areas that the City and Town of Union share that are ripe for development.  “I see Evansville as becoming a bedroom community for the city of Madison and the city of Janesville,” Byrnes said.  The proposed Master Plan for the City of Evansville encompasses a 1.5 mile radius around the city.  Town of Union Chairman Wayne Disch voiced his displeasure at not being informed of decisions made at the City level without first discussing the repercussions on the Town of Union.

In Review
Second Week in February 1876-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  Last Friday evening Prof. Searing gave his lecture on Mohammedanism before the Literary Union.  He traced the main incidents in the life of Mohammed; gave a brief sketch of the social and religious condition of Arabia previous to his time; an outline of the Koran and the doctrines it teaches, and closed with an estimate of the character of the prophet of Arabia.  The lecture was a scholarly one and indicated a great deal of thought and research.

130 Years Ago (1876): Certainly we have had the most singular and uncertain winter weather ever known even in the mildest portion of our climate.  Not a day of sleighing, and it is past the middle of February.  The 7th of February last year was one of the severest days of the season, and long to be remembered for its extreme cold.  The 7th this year was mild, and it has continued pleasant, remarkably so, excepting a day or two.

120 Years Ago (1886):  At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Grange Store held at their office in the store Monday, February 8, Geo. F. Spencer was chosen president.  The officers as they now stated are Aaron Broughton, Chas. Sperry, H. Silver, D. Wackman and H. Ludington, V. Holmes, secretary.  The amount of sales last year was $124,678.53; that of the Brooklyn branch was $24,447.99, making a total sale of both branches for the past year of $149,126.52.  The increase of business last year over the preceding year of the home store, was $6,000; that of the Brooklyn branch, $147.

110 Years Ago (1896):  The sad intelligence reached this city the first of the week that Mr. Charles Hall had died in Meridian, Miss.  Mr. Hall was there with his show in winter quarters.  His father, Col. Geo. W. Hall, of this city, upon hearing of his critical condition, started south immediately but arrived too late to see his son alive.  The funeral will take place in this city within a few days.  Mr. Hall was an Evansville boy and the news of his death brings sadness to all of his friends, as he was unusually popular among his associates and business friends.

100 Years Ago (1906):  Richard Thurman and wife became the proud parents of a nice boy on Sunday, Feb. 4, 1906.  Mrs. Nelthorpe returned to Janesville having come to pay a visit to the new grandson at the home of Richard Thurman.

90 Years Ago (1916):  Mrs. August Kleinsmith, Charles Hartin and Miss Grace Kleinsmith visited friends in Madison one day last week.  Mr. and Mrs. Kleinsmith have issued invitations for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, Monday, February 21.

80 Years Ago (1926):   Miss Edith Beulah Cole, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Cole of this place and Harry Oscar Kloften, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Koften, town of Porter were united in marriage in the chapel of the First M. E. Church, in Madison, at twelve o’clock noon, Friday, Feb. 12.  The Rev. J. W. Walters officiating.  The bride graduated from our local high school with the class of 1913 and spent several years teaching in the rural and state graded schools of the county. For the past year and a half she has been engaged in the marinello work in Chicago and Benton Harbor, Mich.  The groom has lived in this vicinity most of his life.  He is a member of the American Legion.

70 Years Ago (1936):  Harold Casey and Herb Fursett of Evansville hold the record of working hours for Rock County’s highway department which has been kept busy opening roads since the recent blizzard.  After 42 hours of continuous work on a plow in the northwestern part of the county, the men finally reached the county highway office in Janesville on Monday, and after naps they were back to work Tuesday.  Casey is noted for his ability to work without sleep in emergencies and the story is told of how he once took his helper to Janesville when he became too sleepy to carry on and picked up a fresh man, continuing work himself for another full day.

60 Years Ago (1946): Attorney William H. Bewick has opened a new law office at 19 ½ West Main street over Brown’s Drug store. Mr. Bewick, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin law school, was admitted to the bar in 1941.  He practiced law in the office of Raymond C. Fett in Janesville prior to entering the armed forces from which he was recently discharged.

50 Years Ago (1956):  Young pupils in 16 Evansville area rural schools took part in a county-wide hearing testing program.  The tests were designed to discover children with impaired hearing and to see that these children obtained proper diagnosis and evaluation of their hearing loss.  Test are administered on a volunteer basis by members of the American Legion Auxiliary.  Mrs. Alvin Golz, Mrs. Wilbur Luchsinger, Mrs. Leonard Finn, Mrs. Roger Gray, Mrs. C. W. Hyne, Mrs. Ben Green, and Mrs. D. Wahl, administered  hearing tests to children in schools including Tullar, Pleasant Prairie, Butts Corners, Union, Franklin, Brown, Tupper, Cooksville, Lienau, Wilder, Forest Academy, Furseth, Magnolia, Drew, Gardner and Spring Valley.

40 Years Ago (1966):   Lt. Cdr. C. R. Christensen, son of Mrs. Elsie Christensen, 20 N. Fourth St., who has served in the U. S. Navy for 22 years has now served a year in March in Viet Nam.  He was selected by Washington last October and decorated by Admiral Johnson while in Viet Nam, Nov. 1, 1965, as a Lt. Commander of the U. S. Navy.  Mr. Christensen will return to the states in March 1966.  He has also had several other medals issued him, one of which was The Gallantry cross with a Silver Star while in Viet Nam.  Mr. Christensen’s family lives in Williamsburg, VA, until his return.  His brother Dudley and sister, Mrs. Lloyd Hendrickson, live in Madison.

30 Years Ago (1976):   Evansville’s Blanche Devine was honored as one of 22 Wisconsin State Journal “Women of the Year,” in Southern Wisconsin.  Blanche, who was awarded the Evansville Jaycee “Distinguished Service Award” three weeks earlier, was cited under the “Community Service in Area” title, among a group of women ranging from ages 16-90, mostly from Madison.  (Blanche is 90.)  The Journal said about 800 nominations were received from the area.  Mrs. Devine’s activities during the past year include Community Theater, recording secretary for the City Planning Commission, Director for the Brooklyn State Bank, member of the City Board of Appeals, Madison Capital Times and Evansville Review correspondent.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Madison developer Gary J. Gorman announced that he is ready to begin the second phase of development at Seminary Park.  His firm of Gorman and Slinde completed the renovation of the Wyler School buildings at the end of last year, and nearly all of the 24 apartments have been rented.  The second phase, according to Gorman, will involve new construction on the property which wraps around the restored buildings.  He has teamed with Madison attorney, Kathryn Collins, an investor in the Seminary Park project to design, construct and sell homes which are especially designed for persons at or near retirement age who no longer have children living at home.

10 years ago (1996):  Kensel and Viola Farrell will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house on Sunday, February 25, 1996.  Kensel and Viola Wallom were married in Belleville, WI at St. Mary of Lourdes Church on Feb. 24, 1936.  Their children are Charles and Jacquie Farrell of Richland Center, Gwen and Eric Quam of Stoughton, Margaret and Mahlon Hallmark of Oregon and Lee Farrell of Oregon.

In Review
Third Week in February 1876-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  Quite a number of the students of the Seminary fearing the small pox would be a universal epidemic in town, packed up their duds and left for home.

130 Years Ago (1876): Mr. T. C. Richardson has been retained as agent of the Grange store, at a salary of $800.  We are glad to see the judgment of the stockholders of that concern so confidently expressed as to retain a man so well qualified to manage its affairs as Mr. Richardson has shown himself to be, since he engaged in the business.

120 Years Ago (1886):  Our Albany correspondent told us last week that Mr. Ed Devereaux was canvassing among the farmers of the place with a view to establishing a cheese factory.  We understand that he has met with such encouragement that will warrant him in the undertaking.  It is unnecessary for us to recommend Mr. Devereaux in that line, for all know him to be one of the best and most successful cheese makers in the country.

110 Years Ago (1896):  Married:  At St. Rose’s Church, Brodhead, Wis.  Mr. Daniel F. Finnane and Miss Nellie M. Dunphy, Monday, February 17, 1896.  Both of the contracting parties are very well known in this vicinity.  Miss Dunphy is the oldest daughter of Mr. Michael Dunphy living in Magnolia, and has for the past few seasons been trimmer in one of our leading millinery stores in this city where she had made many friends.  Mr. Finnane is one of the most popular auctioneers in Southern Wisconsin and in his business has made many and warm friends by his jovial disposition.  We extend our congratulations wishing them a long and prosperous life.

100 Years Ago (1906):  Jacob Fursett of Porter township delivered his 1905 crop of tobacco to Barnard & Wilder Friday which brought him the snug little sum of $2,658.02, averaging 1,500 pounds to the acre.

90 Years Ago (1916):  Misses Avis Hurd, Ada Curless, Leslie Miler and Willis Decker attended the dancing party given by the Wisconsin telephone operators at Janesville Monday evening.

80 Years Ago (1926):   Wisconsin Power and Light Co., made a proposition to the City Council to purchase the distributing system of the city electric plant.  It was understood that they only wished the wires, cables, etc., of the electric plant, although they intimated privately that they were willing to also take over the waterworks system, as well.  However, it seems as if they must have changed their plans, as according to a resolution published by the city council elsewhere in this paper, it will be seen that they are now making an offer to the city of $200,000 for the combined plants.  The city pledges to use the money thus obtained for the liquidation of the indebtedness of the city by taking up the outstanding bonds.  [note:  this purchase was proposed but never made.]

70 Years Ago (1936):  The city fire department was summoned three times over the weekend to extinguish chimney blazes resulting in slight damages.  The first alarm was sounded at 11:30 a.m. Friday when the firemen were called to the Floyd Main residence at 230 South Madison Street. Where an over-heated chimney had started to ignite the timbers of the house. Two calls were responded to Sunday, one at 6:30 a.m. at the Wilbur Hall home, 112 Water Street and the other at 7:45 p.m. at the Maurice Woodworth residence, Lincoln Street.  A chimney fire became dangerous at the Hall home and a spark from the chimney burned a small hole in the roof of the Woodworth residence.

60 Years Ago (1946):  Philip Robinson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Robinson was recently discharged from the armed forces at Ft. Sheridan, Ill., after serving more than three years.  He was stationed the majority of the time at Kansas City and St. Louis, Mo., as an army meat inspector.  He will leave here the later part of next week for Denver, Colo., where he has accepted a position as overseer of a show herd on a large ranch.
 

50 Years Ago (1956):  Bob Davis, bowling for Central Tavern at the Dairy Bowl here last Wednesday, captured the bowling spotlight with a high single game of 276 and a series of 629.  Union Tavern’s Don Jorgenson came through with a 205 to help his team take two from the Lions Club.  His series total was 516.  Don Graham sparked Lucky’s squad to two out of three wins over K & H Café.  Howard Hawthorne and Jerry Apfel rolled 203 and 204, respectively for Casey’s and Union Coop.  Jim Davis hit 201 to help his Grange store teammates take at least one game from Ronnies Bar, which was paced by Ken Kuelz and his high single 216 game.  Other top bowlers were Verne Gallman, 200; Lloyd Gleason, 201; Herbert Blum, 201; Buck Allen 203; and Bob Antes, 202.

40 Years Ago (1966):   Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Devine, Springfield, Ill., former Evansville residents, observed their silver wedding anniversary during the past weekend.  They were married in Ohio, Feb. 14, 1941 and have resided in Springfield most of their married life.  Their three children, Tom, student in Marquette Dental College; Nancy, student in Normal College, Normal, Ill. and Jane, sophomore in the Springfield High School spent the weekend with their parents.

30 Years Ago (1976):   John Gordon Baker, aged 69, former president of the Baker Manufacturing Company, died Sunday, February 15, in a Madison Hospital, after a long illness.  Mr. Baker, who resided at 1l1 W. Main St., was the grandson of the company’s founder and served as its president for 37 years.  He retired from the position last March.  He was born April 13, 1906 in Evansville, the son of John S. and Eliza Cleland Baker.  He graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin in 1928 with a BS degree in mechanical engineering.  He joined Westinghouse Electric Company, Pittsburg, Pa., that same year, and his main achievements came in the area of dynamic balancing and automatic balancing machines.  One of his technical papers in this field was the first article published in the first issue of the Journal of Applied Mechanics.  He started his employment with the Baker Manufacturing Co. in 1938 as an engineer primarily engaging in the development of new water system products.  The Baker Mfg. Co., is the owner of more than 35 patents in his name, ranging from pumps, pitless units, well construction components, floats for tanks, hydrofoil boats and machine tooling improvements.  Survivors are his wife, Betty Nelson Baker, two daughters, Ann Baker Burgess, of Madison; Mary Baker, San Diego, California; a granddaughter, Kristen Burgess; and a sister, Margaret Baker Kearns, Wethersfield, Conn.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Mr. and Mrs. James P. Beggs, Route 4, Janesville, announce the engagement of their daughter, Monica to Michael A. Hurley, Route 2, Brooklyn, son of Pauline Hurley, Evansville.  Miss Beggs is a 1983 graduate of the Evansville High School and graduated from Blackhawk Tech in 1985.  She is employed by Debco Corporation in Janesville.  Her fiancé is a 1977 graduate of Evansville High School and is employed by R. A. Heating and Air Conditioning, Evansville.  They are planning a May 24, 1986 wedding in St. William’s Catholic Church, Janesville.

10 years ago (1996):  The historic landmark building on East Main Street has been torn down to make way for an apartment complex.  It had served as part of the Evansville’s business district from way back in the late 1800s.  Originally it operated as a feed mill and tobacco warehouse.  Catastrophe struck the structure several times during its history.  A disastrous fire swept the premises years ago.  When Allen Creek swelled over its banks, it inundated the basement.  In recent years it had been operated by John Wyse as Evansville Feed and Farmers Grain Exchange and by John Morning as Farmers Market. (Note:  the new building constructed on the site is office space, a laundry and East Mill Creek Apartments.
 

In Review
Last Week in February – First Week of March 1876-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  Messrs. Parker and Snashall, tinners, are making three large vats, holding 5,000 lbs of milk, for the cheese business and costing some $40.00 each.

130 Years Ago (1876):  “Union Items” Considerable Sickness prevails in this and adjacent neighborhoods.  Measles, diptheria and diseases akin to these seem to be prevalent.  Mr. Bowen of our village has lost two children by diphtheria.  The last one a fine little boy of six years died Sunday morning.  This bereaved family have the kindest sympathy of the entire community, in their great trouble.

120 Years Ago (1886):  Mr. Charles W. Sperry and Miss Ida May Carle, of Porter, were among the recent marriages of our neighboring town, although Mr. Sperry is almost a citizen of our place from his frequency here.

110 Years Ago (1896):  Andrew Manning returned Sunday night from his trip to Mardi Gras at New Orleans and reports a very pleasant time.  Fred Baker who accompanied Mr. Manning, came back with him as far as Chicago, where he will remain for a few days.

100 Years Ago (1906):  E. H. Morrison is now the proprietor of the Central House livery barns, having purchased the interest of Dr. C. S. Ware therein.  Mr. Morrison comes from Oregon and will locate his family here.  Dr. Ware will resume business at his old stand on Main street with new and improved stock.

90 Years Ago (1916):  Evansville will not get the Townsend Manufacturing Company.  It was determined last week, when Janesville, after making almost desperate efforts, succeeded in coaxing the Townsend brothers to locate in the Bower City.  The Townsend brothers are the manufacturers of an excellent general purpose tractor, the invention of R. G. Townsend.  The company is at present located in Beloit, but being dissatisfied with conditions there sought a new location.  The gentlemen, being former residents of Evansville, preferred to move to this city and negotiated for the purchase of the building formerly occupied by the Frost Engine Company.  The local Commercial club interested itself in inducing the company to locate here, but Janesville outbid Evansville and landed the factory.

80 Years Ago (1926):   Mrs. Elliott D. Barnard, one of the well-known early settlers of this vicinity, passed away at her home on East Main Street, Saturday evening, Feb. 20, at 6:35, aged 85 years.  Mrs. Barnard, whose maiden name was Miss Jane Osborn, was born near Belleville, Canada, Aug. 10, 1840.  She was the daughter of James and Louisa Osborn and was the oldest of seven children:  two died in infancy, Louisa, died at the age of 16, Martha, wife of Thomas Hutson of Edgerton died several years ago, while James Osborn died in June 1918; there now remains but one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Mabie, of Rockford, Ill.  The deceased came to Wisconsin in 1866.  On April 19, 1874, she was united in marriage to Elliott D. Barnard, and they lived on a farm 4 miles east of Evansville until 1880 when the family located in this city.  In 1882 they moved into the home where she died on East Main Street.  Mr. Barnard preceded her to the land beyond on Nov. 5, 1909.  Mrs. Barnard leaves two daughters, Mrs. Blanche West of this city, and Mrs. Bertha Lees of Minneapolis.  She also leaves four step-children:  Mrs. Emma Rogers, Shasta E. Barnard, Charles D. Barnard, of this city and Mrs. Maud Palmer of Janesville.  One step-daughter, Mrs. Flora Sperry, died Dec. 8, 1925.

70 Years Ago (1936):  The marriage of Miss Ruth Gilbertson to Peter Templeton, Jr. was solemnized at a ceremony performed at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Methodist parsonage by Rev. G. Kenneth McInnis.  The bride was graduated from the Evansville high school in 1933.  The groom who also attended the local high school has been associated with his father on the latter’s farm north of the city.  Mr. and Mrs. Templeton have rented the Steele farm west of the city where they will make their home.

60 Years Ago (1946):  Dr. J. W. Ames, who has maintained a dentist’s office here at the same location at 1 ½ West Main Street for 45 years has sold his equipment to Dr. O. G. Libby and plans to retire from active professional service Saturday evening.  Dr. Ames, born in Vermont, came to Evansville from Clinton, Ill., the home of his parents in 1901 and opened an office here.  In 1903, he and Miss Myrtle Crow were married and they have resided here their entire married life.  Their present home is on North Second Street.  In an interview with Dr. Ames, he stated that modes of dentistry have changed considerably during the past 45 years.  When he first began to practice only gold, silver and cement were used for fillings which during the past few years porcelain fillings have become popular.  Patients were formerly required to sit in the chair while the gold was pounded into the cavities and then wait for it to harden.  Dr. Libby who practiced here before entering the service will take over the Ames office and will be glad to greet his old and new friends.  R. M. Antes and F. L. Janes are the only two men who have been in business here longer than Dr. Ames.

50 Years Ago (1956):  Elizabeth Gillies Becomes 100.  Elizabeth Ann Gillies was born March 6, 1856, the daughter of Elizabeth Christie and David Gillies, who came to southern Wisconsin from Fife, Scotland in 1846.  She is the last survivor of the family.  Their early life was spent in two different farm homes; the first was a stone house in Rutland township, Dane county, built by David Gillies.  Later he moved the family to the red brick house, west of Cooksville, both homes typical of the rugged life of the early pioneers.  After attending rural school and the Evansville Seminary, she, her sister and two brothers attended Milton College.  Miss Elizabeth graduated from the teachers’ course in 1877.  Miss Gillies made teaching her profession and she could have written a book on her observations in country and town schools.  She taught country schools in Center, Footville, and also schools in Iowa and Wyoming.  Later she taught in Evansville grammar and high school.  When a young woman, she joined the Union Baptist church, later transferring her membership to the Evansville Baptist church.  Her last teaching was of the adult Bible class.

40 Years Ago (1966):  There will be a primary election in the Evansville City Hall Tuesday, Mar. 8 to select one of three Evansville men who have filed papers for election to the county supervisor’s seat.  Those who have filed papers are Richard Eager from the first ward, Albert Winn from the second ward and Rheinhold H. Gallman from the third ward.  Heretofore, there have been three supervisors from the city to serve on the county supervisors’ board, but in accordance with a new ruling there will be only one supervisor from Evansville on the board in the future.  There will also be a Union township primary election next Tuesday in the Union insurance building on North Madison Street.  Elmer C. Lawrenz, present member of the Rock County Board of Supervisors is a candidate for reelection for the townships of Porter, Center and Union.

30 Years Ago (1976): The John Yutzy family is preparing to move a house from its present location at 23 North Madison Street to a lot on Milbrandt Road.  True to their Amish cultural traditions, the Yutzys do much of their traveling by horse and buggy.  The actual moving of the house, though, will be done with modern trucks.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Kendall and Kyle Schneider have just completed their run in the Madison Children’s Theatre production of “The Yearling.”  It was presented in the Isthmus Playhouse of the Madison Civic Center.  Seven-year-old Kyle has been in “Peter Pan” and “A Christmas Carol” and his father, Kendall has gotten into the act as Boyles in the “The Yearling.  The play is based on Marjorie Kennan Rowling’s Pulitzer prize winning novel.

10 years ago (1996):  The Eager Free Public Library addition is completed and the new rooms are now in use.  New tables and chairs donated by the Baker Manufacturing Company have been installed in the new reading room.  Book shelves and magazine racks were donated with funds from the Friends of the Eager Free Public Library, including donations from the Evansville Manor, Harvard Corporation, Mike and Lois Finnane, and Union Bank and Trust.  Three large plants, including a palm and peace lily were donated by the Rose Connection.  A painting given in memory of Richard Strassburg is also hung in the new addition.  The children’s room has moved into the new addition in the basement level and the old children’s room has been converted to its original use as a meeting room.  The elevator is now operational and many people who have had problems getting into the library now will be able to get into the reading rooms without climbing stairs.  An open house in connection with the Business After Hours, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, will be held on March 7 at the library.

In Review
Fourth Week of March 1866-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  The Trustees of the Congregational Society have concluded arrangements whereby the Rev. James Watts remains another year.  The officers of this church have acted wisely in securing the services of a worthy man.  Mr. Watts has been pastor a number of years and has won a host of warm friends both here and elsewhere he has labored.

130 Years Ago (1876):  The revival interests prevails.  Meetings will be held nightly at the different churches.  Sunday night, at the Methodist church, one or two new ones rose for prayers, and others expressed unbounded faith in their new hope of salvation.  Rev. Mr. Cole has labored almost unremittingly for three months, and although feeling almost tired out, has great confidence in the hopeful conversion of many more of his congregation.  The union meetings, held at the Free Baptist, Baptist, and Congregational churches, unitedly, will be continued during the week.  The results have been hopefully expressed by a number of conversions, and a general church revival.

120 Years Ago (1886):  Married.  By Rev. E. Robinson, March 24th, 1886, Mr. Willis E. Miller, son of Charles Miller, of Cooksville, and Miss Sarah M. Altemas, of Stoughton.  Married.  By Rev. H. Sewell, Wednesday, March 17, 1886, Mr. Fremont Ide and Miss Lillie J., youngest daughter of Mr. T. J. Stevens.  All of Porter.

110 Years Ago (1896):  Married at the M. E. parsonage at Footville, March 25, 1896, Mr. Bert Silverthorn of Footville, and Miss Luta Crow of Janesville.  The bride is the youngest daughter of Cal. Crow, a former resident of this city; they will reside at the home of the groom, near Footville.  They have the best wishes of a host of friends.

100 Years Ago (1906):  Married.  Fred Denison of Union Township and Miss Margaret Hopkins of this city, were united in marriage in Justice Norton’s office at Rockford, Ill., last Saturday, March 24th, 1906.  The bridal couple were accompanied by Guy Lee and Miss Anna Schultz.  After the ceremony the party went to Beloit, where a wedding feast was served at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. Call.

90 Years Ago (1916):  The E. H. Libby tobacco warehouse was opened this week by A. D. Ballard, employing thirty sorters.  H. O. Walton is the foreman.

80 Years Ago (1926):   On account of a defective brake, Riley Searles’ big touring car while being parked in front of the Economy store, Wednesday, took a nose dive through the iron railing of the basement stairway and into the front window of the basement, stopping just as it hung over the edge of the stair way.  Outside of the damage to the railing and the glass, there was little damage done, as the car was easily pulled back into the street by the tow car of the Medlar Garage.

70 Years Ago (1936):  A transaction has been completed here whereby Mrs. M. M. Ware sold her milk route and business to Dorothe Calhoun, who has been employed for the past three years on the Fred Miller farm, six miles northeast of the city, who took possession March 1.  Mrs. Ware, who has been engaged in the dairy business here for the past 20 years at various times, left Evansville Tuesday morning for Janesville where she has accepted a nursing position.  Mr. Calhoun, who has also had considerable experience in the dairy field will continue to handle Guernesy milk and cream serving the same patrons who in past years have favored Mrs. Ware with their patronage.

60 Years Ago (1946):  The regular meeting of the Buts Corners Community club to be held next Tuesday afternoon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Templeton, Jr., will be featured by a shower for Mrs. Carl Winchel, who was recently married and a lesson on making and cleaning lamp shades.  Mrs. Winchel was formerly Miss Lucile Ringhand.  The lamp shade demonstration will be in charge of Mrs. Ed. Turner and Mrs. Donald Turner.

50 Years Ago (1956):  A new street has been laid out and will be built in the near future, according to an agreement between the city and Ralph Brzezinski.  The street, still unnamed, will run north and south midway between Fourth and Prentice streets, from Church to Liberty.  Church street will also be lengthened westward to Prentice street and Prentice will be made a full size road from Church to Liberty.  According to the agreement, 624 feet of water main and sewer pipe will be laid.  The new additions will begin on Fourth and Church, extend west to the new street and then proceed south to Liberty.  Brzezinski plans to develop the area for new homes, some of which will be built this year.  [Note:  The new street was named Crawford Street.]

40 Years Ago (1966): The executive organization which will direct Evansville’s week-long centennial observance June 28 through July 4 moved into full swing here last week.  Heading up the centennial will be general co-chairmen Mr. and Mrs. Ken Kuelz.  Serving on the centennial executive committee are Mrs. Dee Losey, secretary; Mrs. Claire Ehle, treasurer; Cal Anderson, general headquarters chairman, Claire Ehle, special events chairman; Charles Maas, revenue chairman; Lee Winch, ticket division chairman and Max Johnson, publicity director for the event.

30 Years Ago (1976): Candidates for school board in the April election are Mary Abey, Phil Hamilton, Herb Christensen, Bill Sumner, Warren Sarow and Ronald Pierce.  Candidates for Evansville City Mayor are Lee Ringhand and Robert Olsen.

20 Years Ago (1986):  All the students made a study of famous people in several units in Mrs. Jan Berezowitz’s 3rd grade class.  The students each selected one person on which to do a study and make a report dressed as the person.  Five of the famous people to visit the class were Becky Rossiter as Florence Nightengale; Maury Bauer as Orville Wright; Ethan Willougby as John Glenn; Matt Reese as George Washington; Patrick Rogalla as President John F. Kenndy; Cheyenne Disch, Abe Lincoln; Nichole Arthur, Helen Keller; Gwen Campbell, Dolly Madison; Quentin Johnson, Theodore Roosevelt; Eli Stokes, Eli Whitney; Danny Douma, Ben Franklin; Jim Abey, Johnny Appleseed; Jammie Lange, Amelia Earhart; Jason Langmeier, Thomas Edison; Teri Reilly, Harriet Tubman; Jessica Johnson, Marie Mitchell; Jenni Thornton, Betsy Ross; Jessica Rossiter, Frances Willard; Allison Francis, Jane Adams; Sara Hayes, Clara Barton; Kristina Benash, Elizabeth Blackwell; Courtney Krake, Susan B. Anthony; and Sean Brown, Martin Luther King, Jr.

10 years ago (1996):  A new business complex consisting of a McDonald fast food restaurant, combined with an Amoco auto service station and convenience store is on the drawing board for the corner of east Main St. and Water St., in Evansville.  The property owned by Pleasy Berg and Gregory Helgesen is situated on the southeast corner across from R A Heating and Air Conditioning and adjacent to a group of mini warehouse storage units and across the road from Countryside Estates.  A public hearing on the project is scheduled for Monday, April 1, 1996 with the Evansville Plan Commission at the Evansville Manor classroom.

In Review
First Week of April 1866-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  The Annual Town Meeting passed off yesterday with the usual excitement over favorite candidates.  This morning a little dissatisfaction is being expressed on the street.  If the thing could be tried over again our knowing ones think the result would be somewhat different.  We are glad to correct the impression which some entertained of the candidates for Supervisors on the “People’s” ticket, they are all firm Temperance men and would not have granted Licenses, if had been elected.  The result of an election depends somewhat on who brings up the candidates.  Below are the names of Officers elected.  Their ability will be tested by their official acts:  For Supervisors—Daniel Johnson, Chairman, Wm. P. Patterson, Samuel Cadallwader; For Treasurer—Elijah Robinson; For Town Clerk—Jacob West; For Justices of the Peace--Jacob West, Daniel M. Rowley, A. S. Ordway; For Assessor--Reuben Winston; For Constables—Thomas S. Peck, Sumner Frost, Reuben Winston; For Sealer of Weights and Measures—Caleb Snashall; For Pound Keeper—Lucian Craig.  [Note:  in 1866 both village residents and township residents could serve on the Union Township Board.]

130 Years Ago (1876):  The annual town election passed off yesterday with no unusual excitement.  The roads were desperately muddy, but the vote was about equal to the usual number polled.  An effort was made to elect a ticket differing from the one we herewith publish in that of having the name of D. Johnson for chairman; C. M. Tuttle and H. L. Blackman, Supervisors, and D. L. Mills for Assessor.  The Ticket.  Supervisors--Peter Aller, Chairman; W. H. Taggart, James G. Rowley; Town Clerk--J. H. Hoskins; Treasurer—Homer Potter; Assessor--Jacob West; Justices of the Peace—J. H. Hoskins, W. B. Patterson; Constables—J. M. Ballard, Ray Gillman, J. McMillan; Sealer—I. M. Bennett.

120 Years Ago (1886):  A school district meeting is being called for April 13th, to see if the district will vote an appropriation to build a new school house, or to provide in some manner for an increase of room for the juvenile department.  There would seem to be some justice in recognizing the wants and conveniences of the Eastside, in school improvements.

110 Years Ago (1896):  News reached this city of the death of Mr. Theodore P. Robinson, which occurred at New York City, Thursday, April 2, 1896, aged about 44 years.  Mr. Robinson was a son of Rev. E. Robinson, who was a M. E. Minister here for several years.  While living here he was a student at the Seminary.  For a number of years he has been a proficient artist in New York City, having made several trips to Europe in the interest of his work.  He leaves two brothers, John of this city, and Hamlin of Missouri, besides many friends, to mourn his loss.

100 Years Ago (1906):  Little Leslie Fisher fell while at play upon some tobacco cases at the lumber yard Monday evening causing a concussion of the brain to that extent that he lay unconscious for sometime.  Dr. Ewing was called and he soon recovered and is thought to be out of any further danger at this writing as no bones were broken and no internal injury can be discerned, but it was a narrow escape as he fell nearly or about twelve feet and apparently struck squarely upon his head.

90 Years Ago (1916):  The well-known real estate firm of Gillies & Janes has dissolved partnership by mutual consent.  Mr. Gillies will continue in the old office, while Mr. Janes will conduct a general law practice and real estate business in the old Grange store building, formerly occupied by the Fisher brothers.

80 Years Ago (1926):   When the squad of sixteen University of Wisconsin baseball players leaves Madison on its annual southern training trip Friday afternoon it is very probably that our Rollie Barnum will be among those present.  Rollie has been practicing with Coach Lowman’s diamond candidates since the close of the basketball season, and is reported as having a good chance to earn his second basketball “W” this spring.  Last year Barnum alternated in the outfield and behind the bat, but this season he will probably see most service in the field.  He has developed into a reliable batter, last season having connected safely several times when sent in as a pinch hitter.

70 Years Ago (1936):  The Leota Ice Cream Parlor and Café at 15 East Main Street will have its grand opening here Saturday when it will give away absolutely free 200 Dixie cups of home made ice cream between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m.  The week-end special as announced in a display ad in today’s Review lists one pint of ice cream at 20 cents and the second pint at only 9 cents.  The ice cream part, which has been equipped with a new Tuthill Ice cream machine operated near the front of the store for public inspection is being opened here by Mr. and Mrs. Carter Skaife, Livingston, who have just completed remodeling and redecorating the building.

60 Years Ago (1946):  A crowed of 1,000 spectators watched the annual Evansville high school boxing show here Friday night as Don Jorgenson was named the best high school boxer.  Jorgenson will have his named placed on the Tom Green Memorial Trophy.  The grade school bouts:  Stan Sperry, Jr., and Norman Thompson drew; Leo Schumacher won over John Edwards; Jerome Blackman and Dave Losey drew; John Bly and James Knapp drew; Ronald Giles won over Ronald Powers; Duane Tomlin and Junior Kuenzli, drew; Walden Peterson won over Don Doyle; Eugene Gruenwalt and Bud Hatlevig drew; Dick Curless won over Alan Kahn; Phil Erpenbach and Bob Dixon drew; Jack Miller and Bill Green drew; John Hazlett and Tony Pearsall drew; Charles Fritcher won over Martin Barnard; and Marvin Hollibush won over Ed McCaffery.  High School bouts:  La Verne Seeman won over Ken Devlin; Dick Johnson won over Irvin Parson; Andy Hollibush won over Ronald Wall; Rodney Douglas won over Bernard Crocker; Dave Spanton won over Tom Elert; Rodney Crawford and Rolly Ellis bout called no contest; Don Jorgenson won over Robert Jorgenson; Byrl Rowley won over Richard Hatlen; Cliff Berryman drew with Stuart Gransee; Gerald Easton drew with Marion Benton; Tony Coyne won over Archie Lange; and Merrill Hyne won over Walter Clark.

50 Years Ago (1956):  By a narrow 13 vote margin, R. B. Townsend beat incumbent William E. Brown in the Evansville mayoral contest.  Townsend won 444 votes and Brown 431.  Koralyn M. May, present city clerk-treasurer, topped Edna Lee, 473-408, in the race for that office.  In the only other contested local race, Leonard R. Finn beat Perry Burnett, who sought re-election as third ward alderman.  Finn won 149-108.  The biggest factor in the victories of Townsend and Finn was probably a statement they made in regard to the Water and Light Department situation.  The two victors and Mrs. Lee banded together in a statement favoring continued ownership of all parts of the cities utilities. The statement also expressed the belief that the city administration should keep the streets, park, storm sewers and cemetery in good condition.

40 Years Ago (1966): Evansville has a woman mayor.  As far as anyone can remember, this is the first time that the city has had a woman in the mayoral post.  It was a close race as having been recent Evansville elections.  Mrs. Ida Conroy won the post by 36 votes polling 527 as opposed to 491 for incumbent Wilson Brown.  Joe McDonald a newcomer to the Evansville political scene polled 19 votes in his first bid for city office.  Mrs. Conroy had formerly served 10 years as second ward alderman and was unseated by one vote in the last election by write-in candidate John Wyse.  Brown, who lost his bid for a fourth term as mayor, won the last election as a write-in candidate.  In the consolidation of the districts for election of county supervisors, Richard Eager defeated Albert Winn by a vote of 587 to 431.

30 Years Ago (1976): The Evansville Planning Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 6 at City Hall.  In addition to regular business, the Rock County Planning Department will be present to discuss progress on the Master Planning Process.  The economy and physical features of the area will be the focus for discussion and city and area residents are encouraged to attend those meetings.  Almost 750 questionnaires have been returned by city and area residents.  The analysis is currently underway.

20 Years Ago (1986):  J. C. McKenna Student Council members have been busy packaging and preparing for mailing 17 boxes of used Current Science, Voice, Read, and Scholastic Scope magazines to be sent to former student David Jeans, who is now teaching in Sierra Leone, Africa with the Peace Corps.  David had expressed a desperate need for modern teaching materials especially printed matter.  Teachers have been sending used sets of magazines to the Student Council to prepare for mailing.

10 years ago (1996):  Construction is underway on the new Big A Auto Parts Store which is being built by Ed Corn who also operates Evansville Gas & Go.  The new structure is located on U. S. Hwy. 14 North on land owned by Nora Doyle and directly across the road from Harvard Corporation.

In Review
Second Week of April 1866-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  Mr. Hutchinson has sold his corner lots fronting the Congregational church, for $400 to parties representing the Calvinist Baptists for the purpose of erecting a church thereon, which we learn is their intention to do the coming summer.

130 Years Ago (1876:)  The Sick. Mr. Harry Blackman is dropping away with age.  He lies, apparently without pain, but slowly wearing away, like a watch whose main-spring is uncoiled and whose tick is scarcely discernable.  The machinery is worn out and will soon stop.  His age is 71 years; but previous sickness has told heavily upon his system.

120 Years Ago (1886):  Seminary.  Among the literary exercises were, A ghost by Fred Janes; A blind girl, Mary Robb; Reading, by Mary Freeland; Speech, by Charlie Hanmer; Paper, by Editors; two good pieces of Music; Essay, by Henry Waite.  Miss Palmer and Miss Alcott of Brodhead were present at our last Literary Society.  Miss Alcott will teach school near home this summer.  The sick are improving.  Miss Bryan is much better and Mr. Childs is able to sit up.

110 Years Ago (1896):  Dr. Claude Snashall arrived from Chicago Thursday evening.  We are pleased to learn that Dr. Snashall has decided to begin the practice of dentistry here at once and bespeak success for him as his rank in class was good and his practical work among the very best of a large class.

100 Years Ago (1906):  The tobacco sorters gave Walter Apfel a surprise Thursday evening and presented him with a bookcase, refreshments were served and a very pleasant time enjoyed.

90 Years Ago (1916): Eugene Butts, of this city, has just been granted a patent on his eighteenth invention, a combination crate for ringing, castrating and vaccinating hogs.  He is showing a model of the large crate which apparently demonstrates that the device is practical and useful.  Last spring the crate was tried successfully at the Geo. Keylock and Levi Sperry farms, and both of these gentlemen pronounced the invention a success in every particular, saying it excelled anything in its line they had ever seen.  Mr. Butts, who has been a farmer all his life, moved to town two months ago, having decided to devote his entire time to the manufacture of this and other inventions that are the children of his brain, among which are a handy farm gate, cylinder churn, pump stand, a pump and pump-stand combined, butter worker, Washington machine, punching machine and a portable saw mill.

80 Years Ago (1926):   The restaurant known as The Coffee Shop, conducted by Mrs. Hannah Losey, for nearly a year, was this week taken over by M. H. Fleming and Frank Meredith, who will open it Saturday, April 10.  Both these gentlemen are well known in Evansville, Mr. Fleming having had charge of the City Park Concessions last year and Mr. Meredith, chef at “Jack’s Place,” for several years, having proven himself an artist in the culinary line who is hard to beat.  These two men should make a team which should make a success of the business.  They expect to again open the kitchen and serve full meals, making a specialty of Sunday dinners and catering to parties and lodges in the ice cream business.

70 Years Ago (1936):  Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Young were entertained at a miscellaneous shower Thursday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Haakenson, Jr.  After an enjoyable program, refreshments were served.  The bridal couple received many beautiful gifts.  Before her marriage, Mrs. Young was Miss Evelyn Jenson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Jenson.  She is an ardent worker in the Cooksville Lutheran Sunday school and is president of the Young People’s Lutheran League.  Mr. and Mrs. Young have the very best wishes of the entire community for much future happiness.

60 Years Ago (1946):  Eloise Susan Eager, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard P. Eager, Evansville, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the WAVES, Feb. 21.  She has been in the office of the Navy Industrial management, Chicago.  Lt. Comm. Eager entered service in September, 1942, was the first WAVE from Rock County.  She received her first commission in January, 1943, after graduating from officers school at Smith College, Northampton, Mass.

50 Years Ago (1956): A recount last Friday morning of Evansville’s mayoral votes resulted in no significant change in the original election results.  After an original count of 444 to 431 in favor of R. B. Townsend, William E. Brown Thursday requested the recount which gave him one additional vote, or a total of 432.  The recount did not change Townsend’s 444 total.  Townsend and the new council will assume official duties at a meeting Tuesday, April 17.  New members of the council include Walter Spratler, Jr., first ward; and Leonard R. Finn, third ward.  Returning councilmen are C. Ira Larson, first ward; Art Rasmussen and Norman Bone, second ward; and Ralph Bennett, third ward.

40 Years Ago (1966): According to Roy Thayer, owner and manager of the Evansville Coast to Coast store on West Main Street, the work of adding more space and remodeling the store is progressing satisfactorily.  The wall between the present store and the building adjoining on the east side has been removed and that section is practically complete.  This week stock is being moved from the former store into the new part and the older part will then be completely remodeled.

30 Years Ago (1976): Four 11th grade students and two alternates have been selected at Evansville High School to be the school’s delegates to Badger Boys State and Badger Girls State.  The Girls State delegates are Deb Blum, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Blum and Jane Norby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Norby. The alternate for Girls State is Pat Molitor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Molitor.  The Boys State delegates are Roger Gray, son of Dr. and Mrs. Roger Gray and Mike Patterson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robin Patterson.  The alternate for Boys State is Less Swenson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Swenson.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Evansville experienced a turnout on Tuesday of last week of 1184 voters, the largest in many years, exceeding even presidential elections.  Mayor John Jones was re-elected in a vote of 660 to 512.  His opponent, former Mayor Robert Olsen, had served eight years in that office, with 14 years total on the City Council.

10 years ago (1996):  Mr. and Mrs. Hans Schneeberger of rural Evansville celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last week.  The former Helen Elmer and Mr. Schneeberger were married March 19,1 936, at a parsonage in Freeport, Illinois, and settled in the Albany, Wisconsin, area where they farmed.  In May 1944, the couple bought a farm in Porter Township near Evansville, where they now reside.  The Schneebergers have two daughters; Virginia (Mrs. Willard Schuld) of Sharon Wis., and Elaine (Mrs. Paul Anderson) of Naperville, Ill.  Their sons are:  Donald of Janesville, Melvin (Jane) of Edgerton, Hans Jr. (Mary) of Oregon, Delbert (Nancy) of Stoughton, Randel (Joey) of Monroe and Timothy (Shirley) of New Glarus.  Hans and Helen also have 11 grandchildren and a great grandson.

In Review
Third Week of April 1866-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  A stroll about town Saturday evening we noticed the commencement of several new houses.  Others are to follow as soon as the frost leaves the ground so that cellars can be dug and foundations laid.  Mr. H. Hubbard advertises his house and lot for sale.  Measures are being gone into to dispose of the present site of the Methodist Church and erect a new edifice.  We hope that the matter may be brought into a proper form so as to enable this pioneer Society to erect a tasty and more commodious building, than they now have for public workshop.  The house now occupies an eligible site for stores, and could be sold for a good price.  Terms for settlement with the cemetery board have been offered, but as yet nothing has been concluded upon.  [Note:  the Methodist church was located on the grounds of the building just vacated by the Ace Hardware and the first cemetery was located just south of the old church.]

130 Years Ago (1876:)  John T. Baker, one of the early settlers of the town of Union died at his residence here at half past one o’clock on Monday morning last, in the 70th year of his age.  Mr. Baker came to this country from Rock Grove, Ill. during the season of 19389 and entered the land on which Mr. Gleaves now resides and early in the season of 1840 moved here with his family.  There came with him, and settled in this vicinity, a brother – Mr. Aaron Baker and Jacob West – the former died some years since, and the latter now resides here, but at the present time, is lying very low, with scarcely any hopes of recovery.  Mr. Baker’s sickness was brief but painful.  He was in his accustomed seat in the Methodist church (of which society he had been a long and faithful member) on Sunday morning, April 2d, but feeling slightly unwell did not attend in the evening.  He kept his house Monday and not feeling much better on Wednesday, sent for the Doctor.  He had taken cold, and before it could be removed, inflammation of the lungs set in, and in spite of all effects to raise him, died as above.

120 Years Ago (1886):  Wm. Dawson loaded up a car full of house, horses, lows, grain seed and all the paraphernalia and etceteras of house keeping, farm making and set off for McCook County, Dak. Thursday.  Mrs. Dawson went one day after.  William is looking more stout and vigorous and, no doubt, digging in the dirt of Dakota, will prolong his days and add coppers to his wallet.

110 Years Ago (1896):  The Dane County Telephone company is at work on a line to Stoughton and Evansville, and when this is completed it will have connections with Stoughton, Oregon, Brooklyn, McFarland, Cottage Grove and Deerfield.  Eventually the company intends to cover every town within fifty miles of Madison.

100 Years Ago (1906):  Plans for the new Catholic church have been drawn, submitted to those in authority and approved.  It calls for an edifice of practically 40 x 60 feet and probably cost about five thousand.  While not costly nor of a freak architecture, it will be neat and tasty.

90 Years Ago (1916):  Evansville students at the University of Wisconsin this year are Elizabeth Baker; Eileen M. Ballard, Marion C. Calkins, Leonard P. Eager, Viola H. Miller, Barbara E. Pearsall, Alexander P. Richardson, Clara M. Vickery, Marjorie E. Wilder, Gordon D. Adams, Wesley E. Langemak, Lloyd L. Wilder, Stanley L. Brink, Leon S. Patterson, Max Phillips, Ethel Van Wart, Everett Van Patten, and John W. Faath.

80 Years Ago (1926):   Thomas Steele, who for twenty-five years resided on the Boynton farm, just west of Evansville and who was well known by a large circle of acquaintances, departed this life at his home just west of Leoanrd Park where he, with his sisters have resided for the past six years.  Mr. Steele was born in Dane County, August 8, 1857 and was honored by the Town of Union as its chairman for many years.  Funeral services were held Sunday at the home, the Rev. D. Q. Grabill, of Fort Atkinson, officiating.  Interment was in Maple Hill.  He leaves to mourn his decease, Mrs. Mary McGraw, Syene, and the Misses Jennie, Ida and Tina Steele, Evansville; one brother, William, Evansville.

70 Years Ago (1936):  Mrs. Peter Rasmussen, 60, residing on a farm three miles west of Evansville died following a three-day illness of pneumonia.  Mrs. Rasmussen, formerly Miss Anna Rose Christiansen, was born in Chicago, December 27, 1875 and was married to Peter A. Rasmussen Nov. 24, 1909.  Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen lived on farms near Brooklyn, Evansville and Center before moving to their present home at Jug Prairie.  Besides her husband, Mrs. Rasmussen is survived by her mother, Mrs. George Christiansen, North Fourth Street, Evansville; two sons, George and James, at home; one brother Paul, this city and one sister, Mrs. Brevet Johnson, Elkhorn.  The pall bearers were Leon Patterson, Lewis Larson, Fred Anderson, Walter George, Boyd Williams, and Potter Porter.

60 Years Ago (1946):  The citizens of Evansville were shocked and grieved Wednesday evening when it became know that Margaret Mary “Peggy” Dalton, five year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Dalton had fallen into Lake Leota and drowned.  Peggy went to the city parks about 3 o’clock in the afternoon with some playmates and when she failed to return to her home at 5 o’clock, a search was started, but it was nearly 7 9’clock before it became known that she had been playing near the lake.  In addition to dragging the lake searchers with flashlights spread out through the groves on the north and west sides of Leota.  The fire sirens were sounded about 7:30 and citizens turned enmasse to assist in locating the child.  The sheriff’s department arrived here about 8 o’clock with grappling hoots and the body was discovered near the big spillway in four feet of water.

50 Years Ago (1956):  John Whitmore this week was named to replace Rolland Gundlach as full time member of the Evansville police department.  Gundlach submitted his resignation April 9 to Chief George Walk. Gundlach has accepted a position with the Inter-Ocean Insurance company and will remain in “Evansville for the time being.  Whitmore has been a member of the auxiliary police force since it was organized last year.  He is married to the former Diane Cromheecke.  The couple have one child.  Whitmore is currently employed at the Heffel Chevrolet garage.  He will assume his new police duties April 23.

40 Years Ago (1966): Election of officers of the Evansville Fire Department for the ensuing year was held April 11.  Lawrence Skoien was appointed temporary chairman of the meeting.  The results of the election are as follows:  Fire Chief, Chet Jorgenson; Assist Fire Chief, Lawrence Skoien; Captain, Les Golz; Lieutenant, Charles Nordeng; Secretary, Dick Meyers; Treasurer, Bill Erbs; Steward, Bob Gallman; Assistant Steward, Phil Montgomery; Recruiting Committee:  Dick Jorgenson, Bob Olsen and Art Harnack and Publicity Chairman, Bob Olsen.

30 Years Ago (1976):  Fire broke out in the Ben Franklin Store, 7 East Main Street, and about 10:30 Sunday morning volunteer firemen were called from churches to fight the blaze, which gutted the variety store and caused smoke damage in nearby businesses.  Clean-up operations and estimates of damage are being made this week.  Howard Cufaude, Evansville, who owns the Ben Franklin store, was fishing at Castle Rock with his son and son-in-law when the fire was discovered.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Judging from the smiles and comments of the audience, “Annie,” the EHS musical production held at the J. C. McKenna Auditorium, was a tremendous success.  Every member of the cast was in top form.  The title role was played perfectly by Ruth Hedgecock.  Daddy Warbucks, was played convincingly by Greg Wahl.  Christia Baumberg,, Carla Fellows, Shoe Shotliff, Jan Bue, Vicki Wonders and Tracy Neuenschwander, Wendy Wickersham, Gretchen Youngman, Kathy Hazlett, Katie Grimes, Aimee Krake, Jenell Lindermann, Lee Spanton, Ron Purkapile, Chris Jorgenson, Joanna Knuckles, Mark Walmer, Amy Dammen, Tyna Lund, April Rockstead, Wendy Krueger, Carrie Bradley, Chris Jorgenson and JoAnn Manke were also cast members.  Ron Grimes directed the pit band that included Kim McFarlin, Kendall Wethal, Ron Patterson, Pete Franklin, Janell Johnson and Todd Hoffman.

10 years ago (1996):  Joshua Nyail Gibbs was born on April 9, 1996 to Tom and Tracy Gibbs of Evansville.  He arrived at Mercy Hopsital in Janesville at 4:03 a.m., weighing 7 lbs. 13 oz. and measuring 21 inches.  The new arrival has two sisters, Brittany and Abby.  Grandparents are Dick and Joan Gibbs, Evansville and Nyall and Cheryl Knutson, Janesville.  Mable Gibbs of Evansville and Gladys Jones of Viroqua are great grandmothers.

In Review
Fourth Week of April 1866-1996
140 Years Ago (1866):  Farm For Sale – Situated in the Town of Union 2 miles west of Evansville, containing 132 acres, timber, meadow and plow land.  It has a good orchard and a variety of fruit trees.  For particulars as to terms etc., enquire of the subscriber at the New Meat Market, West of Bemis’ Shoe Store.  W. H. Hatfield.

130 Years Ago (1876:)  Squire West rode out Saturday, for the first time since election day, over three weeks, since he was taken sick.  He looks thin and poor, but much better than we expected to see him two weeks ago.

120 Years Ago (1886):  Earnest Ballard has got his jewelry store underway, and has opened a good line of watches, clocks, and jewelry, at the old place of Ed Fischer.  He will make repairing a specialty.

110 Years Ago (1896):  P. C. Wilder, the retiring president of the village board, at the opening of the meeting presented to Mayor J. M. Evans a gavel made by Mr. Homer Potter from a huge apple tree recently felled in the Evans yard, which had been planted by Dr. Evans many years ago when he was a young man and when apple trees were rare in the west.  It was peculiarly fitting that the first gavel should be made from such a tree and should be wielded by Dr. Evans, a man who for fifty years has lived in Evansville and always worked for its interests and good name.

100 Years Ago (1906):   Sunday, April 22, marks the date and time that Catholic services were ever held in Evansville.  Father Condon of Madison conducted mass at the morning service, which was partaken of by over one hundred people, and until the church edifice is erected services will be held every two weeks at the city hall.  The same gentleman commenced his labors Monday in canvassing this place and adjoining territory for subscriptions for the new church and so far is meeting very encouraging success.  The plans for the building have been completed and are ready for prospective builders to estimate upon.

90 Years Ago (1916): The A. E. Durner agency has recently sold the following new cars:  A Studebaker “Six,” seven-passenger touring car to John S. Baker; Maxwell cars to William Snyder, of this city, Matt Farrell, of Union, and Lyman Farrell, of Brooklyn.

80 Years Ago (1926):   The city council is to be commended for its action in appropriating fifty dollars to be used in buying trees to plant on Arbor Day, thus working with the Commercial and Lions Clubs which in turn are supporting the school children and all good citizens who are joining in the “Plant A Tree” movement.  It is stated that these clubs, together with the schools and the Boy Scouts will plant out over 200 trees in and around the city park on Arbor Day.  It is expected to plant a row of trees on both sides of the east entrance to the park and for a considerable space north of the lake and bathhouse.

70 Years Ago (1936):  Morris Fellows, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Fellows, who resides on a farm five miles east of here, was painfully injured last Thursday when his foot was caught between the wheel and fender of the tractor with which he was plowing.  The top was torn from his shoe but he managed to extricate his foot from the shoe and stop the tractor.  Several ligaments in his foot were torn and he suffered severe bruises but no bones were broken.

60 Years Ago (1946):  A group of Evansville Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts assembled at the park store last Saturday morning and assisted in planting trees on a new drive that has recently been constructed in the park and will be known as “Memorial Drive.”  R. J. Antes has planted several trees on Legion Point and hopes to continue the work until at least one tree of every Wisconsin species is growing on the Point.  Later the names of the trees will be marked on the tree trunks.

50 Years Ago (1956):  The shop, best known as the old blacksmith’s shop in Cooksville, burned to the ground Saturday.  It was owned by Arthur Kramer who used it as a pottery shop.  This landmark was over 100 yaers old.  It was built by Mr. Hoxie who used it for a cabinet shop.  Paul Savage bought the building from Mr. Hoxie.  It was used for a broom factory.  Paul Savage sold it to a Mr. Leedle.  It is not known what he used it for.  After that, Jack Robertson bought it and then it was used for a blacksmith shop, for which it is best known.  While the fire was raging at the Kramer residence, the garage of Miles Armstrong caught fire.  It was put out after a few minutes.  Many people around the area were afraid of their homes catching fire as it was quite windy and also very dry.

40 Years Ago (1966): Centennial Belles official membership is presented to Evansville Mayor Ida Conroy.  Mayor Conroy gave official recognition to the Belles and the Brothers of the Brush Monday by signing proclamations naming the two organizations as official celebration representatives.  Organization officials include Mrs. Peter Hamacher, Marshall Smith, Mrs. Wilbur Luchsinger, Tom Wickersham, and Mrs. Donald Spooner.

30 Years Ago (1976):  After months of planning, construction and rehearsal, Evansville High School’s production of the hit musical “Brigadoon” hits the boards this Friday and Saturday night.  Over 100 high school students are actively involved in the production.  An elaborate sound amplification system will make the show easy to hear according to John Rasmussen.

20 Years Ago (1986):  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nelson, Mary Halbman and Margery Buckeridge attended the 38th annual meeting of the Rock County Historical Society Tuesday, April 15.  The dinner was held in the Armory building in Janesville.  Sonia Nelson, Vice President of Administrative Affairs, introduced staff members.

10 years ago (1996):  Jill Zhe of Harvard Corporation presented a check for $1,000 to the Eager Free Public Library.  The donation will allow the purchase of shelving for the new addition.  A new donors’ plaque has been installed in the entry of the new addition.  Donors of $100 to $499 are listed and individuals and businesses donating $500 or more are listed as major donors.  The plaque was designed, manufactured and installed by Ed McCartan.

In Review
First Week of May 1866-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  By the terms of an act of Congress, all persons are required to furnish me at my office with a detailed statement of their income for the year 1865, also the number of gold watches, carriages and musical instruments subject to a tax under the Excise Law of the United States.  Jacob West, Assistant Assessor, 4th Division 2nd Dis.

130 Years Ago (1876:)  Street Commissioner Ballard has been smoothing off the knobs, and filling up the little holes in our streets, made during the muddy weather, making them much more pleasant and comfortable to ride over.  But a good deal of work remains to be done to put them in good condition.

120 Years Ago (1886):  Mrs. Vie Campbell visited the Grange at Center and gave some good talk on “Women’s Rights.”

110 Years Ago (1896):  Arbor Day celebration at the Opera House was a delightful affair.  The school children four hundred strong marched in a body to the hall and a forenoon of songs and recitations followed.  From Little June Baker, Inez Clinch and Master Earl Gillies of the First Primary room to the sweet girl graduate each department was represented in a manner that showed great care on the part of both the pupils and teachers.

100 Years Ago (1906):   Mr. Glen Clark and Miss May Harper both of Magnolia, were joined in the holy bonds of matrimony Wednesday evening.  George Acheson and wife of this city were guests at the wedding.

90 Years Ago (1916): Victor Wall, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Wall, of Union, gave a very creditable exhibition of cartoon drawing at the opera house Monday evening.  Mr. Wall is studying this art in a school at Lansing, Mich., and no doubt has a bright future in his chosen profession.

80 Years Ago (1926):   Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Hollibush, who reside on the Schoening farm, town of Oregon, had a peculiar experience one day last week, which for a few minutes gave them the shivers.  Mrs. Prichard, who is staying at the Hollibush home, has a boy about four years of age, who climbed on the running board of the Ford touring car as it stood in the sun near the house.  Mr. and Mrs. Hollibush received a phone call to hurry to Stoughton to see his mother, Mrs. O. O. Melaas, who was ill.  The curtains were on the car and they got in on the opposite side from where the little boy was asleep, not knowing he was there.  They drove about four miles and were they stopped by Frank Newton and were told what they were carrying.  The little fellow was yet asleep.

70 Years Ago (1936):  The Evansville plant of the Pet Milk company located on East Church Street just west of the Northwestern depot is having machinery installed this week to facilitate the handling of the large volume of milk now being taken in at the factory.  A large ice machine, powered by a 30 horsepower electric motor, will be placed in operation within the next few days.  While milk taken in here is trucked to various plants in this vicinity, it is necessary to cool it before it can be handled and the ice machine will do this faster and more thoroughly than is possible with water.

60 Years Ago (1946):  Miss Lorna Gundlach, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Gundlach, Evansville, became the bride of George Walk, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Walk, Belvidere, N. J., in a double ring ceremony performed at 9 a.m. Saturday in St. Paul’s Catholic church here by the Rev. F. J. Mehigan.  The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a white floor length gown with white satin waist and net skirt with long train.  Miss Betty Steele, maid of honor, wore a blue satin and net dress, and Virginia Hartl, cousin of the bride, as bridesmaid wore a peach jersey and net gown.  Walter Walk of Belvidere,N. J. was his brother’s best man and S2/c Rolland Gundlach, brother of the bride, was the groom’s second attendant.  Carroll Hartl was the usher.  George Kelly sang a solo during mass.
 
50 Years Ago (1956):  Mrs. Elsie Abey, 321 Lincoln Street, will celebrate her 88th birthday Friday.  Yet she creates fine needlework that would rival the most elaborate patterns and she does it without the aid of glasses.  Mrs. Abey started needlework 82 years ago in her native Switzerland.  When she was 26 years old, she moved to a small town in Iowa where she met and married Albert Abey.  They worked together in a cheese factory there for 14 years.  Then they moved to a farm near Evansville and worked the land about 10 years.  She has been living at her present address since 1921.  Her husband has since died.  Four of her seven children are still living.  They are Mrs. Emma Hallmark and Fred Abey, Evansville; Helen Stevenson, Albany and Anna Hall, Janesville.  Mrs. Abey has eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

40 Years Ago (1966): Robert H. Pendell, 8, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pendell, 421 W. Liberty St., Evansville sustained a broken arm, cuts and possible internal injuries when struck by a car.  The youth was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital Madison.  The mishap occurred in the vicinity of Crawford and Liberty Streets.

30 Years Ago (1976):  Carolyn Jordan, Jill Allen, Jeannie Olson and Sonja Hagen proved themselves to be the best Middle School spellers in Evansville at an old fashioned spelldown Tuesday night, April 27.  The Evansville contestants were among the students from 11 schools who competed that night.  The meet was held under the auspices of the Wisconsin State Journal.  All spellers but Charlene Cox of Beloit Turner and Carolyn Jordan of Evansville had been eliminated, when both misspelled “reveille.”  Charlene corrected the error, and then went on to spell “ascertain.”  Charlene Cox was the winner of the Evansville sectional and will compete at the state spelling bee in Madison.

20 Years Ago (1986):  At the re-organizational meeting of the school board Monday night, Wayne Wilson was elected president’ Steve Schneeberger, vice president; Barbara Lawrenz, clerk; and Mary Abey, treasurer.  Phil Hamilton will represent the board at the CESA meetings.  All votes were unanimous.
 
10 years ago (1996):  ):  David Mosher of the Gordee Insurance Agency in Monroe, will become the new owner of Community Insurance Services of Evansville.  Mosher believes in being active in the community and says the activity will continue in Evansville.  The Mosher family has lived in Monroe since 1979.  As in the past, Randy Peters will continue his association with Community Insurance.  Teresa Weltzin will also remain in the office.

In Review
Second Week of May 1866-1996

140 Years Ago (1866):  Married.  In Union, April 30th, by J. H. Hoskins, Esq., Mr. Joseph Benway, and Mrs. Caroline Snow, all of Union.

130 Years Ago (1876:)  Thinking that a report of the Teacher’s Examinations might be of interest to some of your readers I submit the following.  I have examined 1877 for certificates.  Of this number 115 have received Third and 12 Second Grade certificates.  Mr. William W. Gillies, of Union, has the honor of standing the highest of any applicant, he having received a Second Grade certificate.  Of the teachers who are employed for the summer schools, some are young and have never taught, but possess good qualifications and will in my opinion, succeed as teachers.  Others have long been in the field as successful teachers and are still persevering, with untiring industry, to keep pace with the improvements that are constantly being made.  J. W. West. County Superintendent, 1st District.

120 Years Ago (1886):  Mr. A. H. Day has bought the baking business of B. Ternan and will keep a full line in that direction. Mrs. Day was pastery cook in the Park hotel in Madison for eleven years and understands well that part of the business.  Soon as he can workup a trade, Mr.Day will fire out every Sunday morning a full army corps of Boston Baked Beans. So lookout for them with your dish right side up, early Sunday morning, hot and smoking right from the furnaces, flanked with a nice loaf of brown bread.
 

110 Years Ago (1896):  Mr. Hamlin Robinson spent a couple of days the latter part of the week in this city with his brother on his way from New York City to Marysville, Mo.  Mr. Robinson has been east looking after the estate of his brother, Mr. Theodore P. Robinson.

100 Years Ago (1906):   Mrs. Helen Rowley departed this life Sunday evening, aged 75.  She leaves one son, Fred Rowley and four daughters, Mrs. Dewitt Compton, Mrs. David Rowley, Mrs. E. Sherman of Jug Prairie and Mrs. C. Benson of Evansville.  The funeral was held from her late home Tuesday, the Rev. E. A. Ralph officiating.

90 Years Ago (1916): Mrs. Marilla Andrews Buchwalter placed an organ in St. John’s Episcopal Church on Easter, in memory of her grandfather, William Wright, one of the original members of the parish.  [St. John’s Episcopal Church was located on South First Street, the present location of the post office.]

80 Years Ago (1926):   The Garden Canning Co. of this city states that the prospects for a good paying crop of peas was never better, as the exceptional weather has allowed the seeding to be under very favorable conditions and all planted at one time.  The acreage of this company for peas this season is 475 acres, all of which has been contracted for.  The price of seed this year has been the same as last, $3.00 per bushel, with a guaranteed price about the same as for the last year’s crop, for the product.  The company this year will handle the product of f