In Review
First Week of March 1872-2002
140 Years Ago (1872): Mr. W. S. Smith, of Smith & Eager, left for Chicago, Monday night to purchase new
goods. The firm has associated Mr. L. J. Wilder, and will open a store at Brooklyn station. Mr. Wilder is a
careful business man, and uniting with capital and experience, will make a triplet partnership of enduring
firmness. Goods are now to be purchased and business to commence immediately. The firm here will remain
in the old style. A stock of general merchandise, well selected, of some four thousand dollars, will make quite
an accession to the business of Brooklyn.
130 Years Ago (1882): Lehman’s Furniture Factory came near conflagrating Wednesday afternoon, by the
dry house taking on fire. The fire was first discovered by a workman in the iron foundry who immediately gave
the alarm. The hose from the force pumps in both buildings were directed upon the fire and soon had it out
without giving the alarm on the street. The origin of the fire is not exactly known as the building is heated
solely by steam. Possibly a spark from the chimney might have lodged in some light combustible matter.
120 Years Ago (1892): The first of a series of four club dances was held at Magee’s Hall last evening. A very
pleasant time was enjoyed and a much larger gathering assembled than was anticipated, fully sufficient in
number for a good party, the floor being well filled at each call, and as far as music is concerned we think it all
folly to send away for it when we have as good, if not better, at home. The music consisted of six pieces as
follows: Henry Huyke, first violin; Johnny Johnson, cornet; Fred Smith, clarinet; Warren Budlong, guitar; Elmer
Scoville, Trombone and Gust Wieser, base viol.
110 Years Ago (1902): What was termed a leopard meeting was held at the city hall Wednesday evening
consisting of all of those who helped to kill the leopard which escaped from Col. Hall’s show last September,
for the purpose of distributing the reward money consisting of $110, which was divided equally with 23. After
their expenses were paid the number actually engaged in the hunt, which amounted to $4.25 each. Some felt
well paid for their trouble when they received their share, but those who still suffer from wounds made by the
animal’s teeth may well feel poorly rewarded for the sacrifice.
100 Years Ago (1912): 1912 will be one of the largest building years. Several residences are being
planned. It is interesting to recall the arguments made against all improvements in the past. When the
system of water works was installed nine years ago, the argument was advanced that this would increase the
taxes and consequently people would move away. The same reason was urged last year against putting in
sewerage. The same argument will be urged against the paving and improving of our streets.
90 Years Ago (1922): Reinhardt Hess, whose sudden death last Thursday came as a shock not only to his
relatives, but to the whole community, died in his twenty-sixth year, having a wife and daughter of three years
of age, to mourn their loss. The funeral was held at the home of his uncle, Frank Asmus, on West Main
street, last Sunday afternoon, the interment being in the German Lutheran cemetery, west of town, the
funeral services being in charge of the Rev. Barnlund of the M. E. church. The young man was well known in
this city and universally liked and respected by all who knew him, and his untimely taking away is greatly felt
by all. A large number of friends and relatives from different nearby towns attended the funeral.
80 Years Ago (1932): A large group of canvassers were to start work the latter part of the week making a
complete survey of the entire city to secure work for the unemployed registered. Postmaster A. C. Holmes,
Chief of Police Fred Gillman and Walter Green were representing the city in the campaign; Harry Roderick,
the Rev. G. Kenneth MacInnis and Lester Bullard, the Lions club; and R. L. Collins, the American Legion.
The employment being secured includes every kind of work from ash hauling to window washing, and the jobs
obtained are being apportioned only to worthy Evansville residents who are unemployed and who are in
immediate need of work.
70 Years Ago (1942): Coach George O’Neil’s thirteenth annual boxing show will be staged in the high school
gym. The following boys have chosen their opponents and made arrangements for matches: Grade boys to
date are Andy Hollibush vs. Pat Davis, Dutch Hollibush vs Jerry Andrews, Walter Polzin vs Dick Golz, Bernard
Bakke vs Wayne Millard, Ted Estes vs Dick Meredith, and Don Verch vs Warren Thomas. High School bouts
are Kenneth Dunbar vs Wilbert Klassey, John Spanton vs Cliff Sarow, John Hatlen vs Merritt Tuttle, Dale
Leeder vs Frank Daniels, Jerry Brunsell vs Rodney Leeder, Charles Davis vs Charles Hazlett, Dale Olson vs
Ken Spanton, Dick Scott vs Al Ellis, Harold Abey vs Cliff Ringhand, Donald Lawry vs Bob Hurd, Ray Herman
vs Bob Johnson and Norman Zweifel vs Arthur Jorgenson.
60 Years Ago (1952): Randy Feldt has been signed by the Chicago White Sox and will leave in April for
spring training in Kentucky. Randy, who is 18 years old, was graduated from Evansville high school last June
and entered the University of Wisconsin in September. He was a baseball star here last year and according
to reports of all critics, was an outstanding high school player. He was one of the pitchers for the local team
but expects to train as a right fielder when he joins the White Sox.
50 Years Ago (1962): Wilson Brown, currently the mayor of Evansville, will be on the ballot again this coming
election. A veteran of a number of years of civic service, Brown won the mayor post in 1960 in a contest with
incumbent mayor Bruce Townsend.
40 Years Ago (1972): A large turnout of 100 students participated in the tryouts for the parts in the 1972 E.H.
S. musical, “Fiddler on the Roof”. The lead roles include Bill Meredith as Tevye and Kate Conners as Golde.
The five daughters will be played by Betsy Nelson, Gina Wyse, Pat Krueger, Brenda Whitmore and Eileen
Ellis. Sally Mauerman will play Yente the matchmaker and Rick Bryant, Motel, the tailor. Bob Paulson will play
Perchik the student; Greg Wood, Lazar Wolf the butcher; David Devlin, Mordcha; Lorrie Hipke, Golde’s
Grandma; and Patti Bishop will play Fruma Sarah. The chorus and other remaining roles will be announced
later.
30 Years Ago (1982): R. A. Heating has purchased Thompson’s Garage on S. Madison Street near the main
corner and when the Village Auto Body vacates the premises down to E. Main Street, in the former Conners
Chevrolet Bldg., the new owner will remodel. Ron Arndt, of R. A. Heating has plans for a showroom and there
will be an office with a receptionist.
20 Years Ago (1992): Elizabeth Kress and Shanti Lall, from Evansville High School and Karl Dallman of
Brooklyn, from Albany High School were among the 321 high school students who participated in Luther
College’s 42nd annual Dorlan vocal Festival. Students were from four states.
10 years ago (2002): J. C. McKenna Parents-in-the Classrooms started with their first official clean-up and
paining project this past weekend. Those attending this past Saturday mornings program were Cheryl Janes,
Linda Rehfeldt, Todd Culbertson, Rich Bonfiglio, Rick Cole, Scott Brummond, Steve Parks, Robin and
Dorothy Patterson, Bob Janes, Carol Culbertson, Julie Bonfiglio, Jeff Farnsworth, Steven Culbertson and
Karen Bass.
In Review
Second Week of March 1872-2002
140 Years Ago (1872): A dwelling house belonging to Mr. Hosley in Union village, occupied by Mr. McCarty,
was burned Sunday morning last. A pan of ashes did the mischief.
130 Years Ago (1882): Miss Carrie Ingraham, aged 18 years, daughter of Nathaniel and Lois Ingraham, and
niece of Mrs. Johnson diseased, died of measles on the 2d inst. She was an amiable Christian girl, and will
be greatly missed both by friends and associates. Funeral services conducted by Rev. Mr. Drown, of Union,
Rock County.
120 Years Ago (1892): A petition has been handed to the Village Clerk requesting that the question of
having a new village hall be submitted to the voters at the next election. The proposition is to build a building
costing $10,000, and bonds be issued for this amount bearing 5½ per cent interest. $500 of the principal
and interest payable annually.
110 Years Ago (1902): Having plotted out my real estate into city lots situated at the west end of Main St.,
opening up the west end of Church street on the south, with Prentice street on the east and Fifth street on
the west. 2 blocks from the Seminary where I have some very desirable lots for sale. Those wishing to buy
will do well to call upon me before purchasing elsewhere. A. M. Hungerford.
100 Years Ago (1912): It is said only one couple out of every one thousand married live to celebrate the
golden wedding. It is all the more remarkable that we have seven couples in Evansville that have passed the
fiftieth milestone of wedded life. They are: Mr. and Mrs. Anson Baldwin, Dr. and Mrs. C. M. Smith, Sr., Mr.
and Mrs. Isaac Brink, Mr. and Mrs. Byron Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Gillman, Rev. and Mrs. J. C. Lees, and
Mr. and Mrs. James Ballard, who have been married over sixty-five years. This is one more proof that ours is
a good city to have a home in.
90 Years Ago (1922): A physical culture class has been organized for ladies, meeting at the home of Mrs.
Harper on Liberty street every evening. This class has been formed for the benefit of ladies who are
interested in reducement and other general exercises. This culture class now consists of about ten, six in the
reducing and four in the general exercises. The musical records for reducements are being used and more
records will be used as the work advances. This work is coming to the front more and more and it is hoped
that more people will become interested. From three to five pounds a week have been lost in the reducing
exercises.
80 Years Ago (1932): A. M. Van Wormer,72, resident here a half-century, died Sunday at his home after a
month's illness with heart disease. Born in Oil City. Penn., he went with his parents to Baraboo in 1878,
moving to Evansville 50 years ago. He conducted a teaming business for 20 years, and for the last 30 years
had dealt in real estate. Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Will Brown, Evansville, and Miss Anna, at home;
three brothers, G. C., Janesville; C. M., Lewiston. Mont.; and John, Richland Center; and three sisters. Mrs. A.
W. Spaulding, Janesville; Mrs. L. E. Whaley. Beloit, and Mrs. F. M. Dixon, Fond du Lac. Funeral services will
be held at 2:30 p. m. Tuesday at the home, the Rev. G. K. Maclnnis officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill
cemetery. The family asked that no flowers be sent.
70 Years Ago (1942): A special school meeting will be held Friday, March 13, at Dougherty’s hall [Magnolia]
to make further arrangements to rebuild the Furseth school. The school board has visited several new
schools in the county and will be prepared to quote costs and make comparisons.
60 Years Ago (1952): J. G. Baker was re-elected to the Baker Manufacturing company’s board of directors at
the annual stockholders’ meeting held here. H. C. Zimmerman, Omaha, was also elected to the board,
replacing C. M. Hendricksen, Evansville. Baker was also reelected to the company’s presidency at a board
meeting following the stockholders’ session. The company had total sales of more than $5 million in 1951.
This total marks an all-time high in sales. Besides J. G. Baker and Zimmerman, holdover directors of the
concern include: William C. Schneider, R. B. Townsend, and J. A. Meredith, Evansville, Garrett M. Hamm,
Chicago and Vern Wagner, Enid, Oklahoma.
50 Years Ago (1962): Union Township and City of Evansville persons interesting in discussing the future
resource development of both the urban and rural areas are invited to attend a meeting here, March 15.
Topics will include: What will be the farming picture in our area by 1970? Will there be opportunities for
employment for everyone? What additional public services will people be asking for? Are there ample
facilities for disposal of waste? Are there plans for outdoor recreational facilities? Are ample facilities
available for folks ready for retirement?
40 Years Ago (1972): Phyllis’ Fashion Shop has opened recently at 11 East Main and a full line of women’s
ready to wear garments are displayed along with children’s dresses and some household accessories.
30 Years Ago (1982): The annual Birkebeiner, 55-kilometer ski race, attracted more than 6,000 racers last
Saturday. Among them were three from Evansville, Jim Kopecky, Ann Willis and Eloise Eager Allen, now of
Mercer, Wisconsin. The conditions were ideal and every skier finishing receives a medallion or pin.
20 Years Ago (1992): Debbie Schneider, Evansville, completed a long time goal recently when she earned a
Masters Degree in Nursing from the UW-Madison. Debbie is well known in Evansville, especially at the
Evansville Manor, where she is Assistant Director of Nurses. She and her husband Kendall and their son
Kyle reside on Brooklyn-Evansville Road.
10 years ago (2002): Mayoral candidate Janis Ringhand jumpstarted her campaign this past week with a
“Meet the Candidate Coffee Tour” with the first stop at the Red Barn. Andy’s Café was the next stop and the
last stop on the tour was at the Village Square, downtown Evansville. Steve Hagen is treasurer and campaign
manager for Janis.
In Review
Third Week of March 1872-2002
140 Years Ago (1872): Mr. C. H. Wilder informs us that the prospects for the cheese business were never
better than what the present time presents. We further understand that he intends to make cheese the
coming season for one cent and three quarters per pound.
130 Years Ago (1882): Tracy Montgomery, treasurer of the town of Porter, collected every dollar of taxes
assessed to that town of 1881. This is the only instance on record in Rock county where a town treasurer
has collected the entire assessment.
120 Years Ago (1892): Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Ballard’s home was blessed with the arrival of a nice eight pound
boy quite early Sunday morning. The neighboring ladies seem to feel as proud of the little jewel or jeweler as
its own father and mother.
110 Years Ago (1902): Mr. David Stevens has sold the farm known as the Elmer Bullard farm to Mr. Brunsell.
There will be a large auction sale of stock and farm machinery, on the Elmer Bullard farm, 2 miles northeast of
Evansville, on Tuesday, March 18th, commencing at 1 o’clock p.m. sharp. D. E. Stevens and Geo.
Rasmussen proprietors; D. F. Finnane, Auctioneer.
100 Years Ago (1912): Saturday morning a little after six o’clock, when employees of the Grange store went
to work they soon discovered the furnace was out of commission. On investigation it was found that both
furnaces had been injured. When the trouble was first found the asbestos covering around the steam pipes
was smoking and smoldering. Had the accident happened earlier in the night the consequences might have
been much more serious.
90 Years Ago (1922): Mrs. J. C. McMurry has just received word that her son, Moreland, has received his
citation for gallantry in action at Gora, Russia. Moreland McMurry was one of the soldiers held at Archangel,
Russia, for such a long time after the signing of the Armistice. His many friends in this city will rejoice at the
fact that his services are appreciated.
80 Years Ago (1932): Town of Union Caucus was held in the G. A. R. Hall, Saturday, March 12, the following
running for office: Potter Porter, town chairman; M. T. Moore and Peter Templeton, supervisors; Stanley
Perry, clerk; Mrs. Grace Brunsell, treasurer; Chas. Weary, assessor; Wallace Crocker, Justice of the Peace, 2
years; and D. F. Finnane and W. E. Reese, constables. The caucus committee for next year is composed of
Kenneth Gilbertson, Wade Woodworth, and Stanley Perry.
70 Years Ago (1942): The following telegram was received late Saturday night by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hatlen
regarding their son, Edwin, who has been in the navy for the past two years. “The navy department deeply
regrets to inform you that your son, Edwin Arthur Hatlen, Seaman First Class US Navy , is missing following
action in the performance of his duty and in service of his country. The department appreciates your great
anxiety and will furnish you further information promptly when received. To prevent possible aid to our
enemies please do not divulge the name of his ship or station.”
60 Years Ago (1952): The Evansville High School basketball team finished its season in a tie for the
championship of the Rock Valley league. The current championship makes the second title in a row for the
Blues, and is the second won since 1938. The boys responsible for bringing Evansville its championship are
Jack Miller, Norm Tomlin, Steve Losey, Bud Hatlevig, Bob Dixon, Dan Finnane, Peck Sperry, Pat Finnane,
Don Guse, Jerry Apfel, Phil Erpenbach and Gordon Brunsell. Brunsell was named most valuable player. The
boys elected Jack Miller and Dan Finnane, as honorary co-captains for the past season. Besides their
championship, the current team set league and gym records when they scored 81 points against Middleton.
The former records was also held by Evansville, having been set when the Blues scored 71 points here
against Brodhead last year. The coach is Bob Madding.
50 Years Ago (1962): Boys and girls of the Brown School, Route 2, Evansville attempted to chase Jack Frost
back to the North Pole and blow the birds back from the south during the WCLO Schooltime radio program
this week. Presenting the programs were Beverly Nipple, Corvan Neuenschwander, Roy Fenn, Debra Starks,
David Starks, Matt Jones, Billy Krumwiede, Synda Jones, Judy Nipple, Donna Nipple and Patricia Trickel. Mrs.
Clara Moldenhauer is the teacher.
40 Years Ago (1972): Classroom space for elementary students might present a problem this fall. In the past,
5th and 6th grade students have been housed at Third Street School, but this fall, the junior high is planning
to incorporate 6th grade into a middle school, 6, 7, 8 concept to be housed in the junior high school building
on the First Street campus. This will require the 4th grade to be moved to the Third Street campus, making
11 sections of grades 4 and 5 to be put in nine rooms since there are only 10 rooms in the Third Street
School and one must be used as a combined music and art room.
30 Years Ago (1982): Evansville city residents will find an advisory referendum on their April 6 ballot, since
council members voted unanimously to place the Lake Leota Rehabilitation Project question on the ballot.
The referendum calls for the city supporting the $440,000 project with $200,000, the balance of $240,000 to
come from available funding.
20 Years Ago (1992): The Evansville School Board passed the resolutions regarding bonds and special
election authorizing the issuance of general obligation school improvement bonds in the amount of
$5,290,000.
10 years ago (2002): Last week the Evansville School district Office served as the “round table” meeting
place for a requested meeting by Council President Janis Ringhand, of city, school and county decision
makers. The people who gathered to put heads together over the State’s probable budget cuts proposed by
Governor Scott McCallum included Terry Maybee, Rock County Board of Supervisors; Eric Runaas, Rock
County Sheriff; Phil Boutwell, Assistant to the County Administrator; Sandra Hart, City Clerk; Deb Olsen,
School District Business Manager; Gary Albrecht, District Administrator and Ringhand.
In Review
Fourth Week of March 1872-2002
140 Years Ago (1872): Mr. I. A. Hoxie has purchased the clothing business of Mr. M. W. Sheafe, Jr., to which
has been added the stock of clothing, cloths &c. of Mr. E. Robinson, and removed into the store recently
occupied by Mr. Sheafe. The new firm is Robinson & Hoxie. They will do a general clothing business, and
keep always on hand a full line of ready made clothing, cloths, hats, caps, &c. [Note: I. A. Hoxie also ran the
Evansville Review. E. Robinson was the Rev. Elijah Robinson, a retired Methodist minister and father of
Impressionist painter, Theodore Robinson and prominent Union township farmer, John Robinson.]
130 Years Ago (1882): The Baker Mfg. Co. received their new engine and boiler Monday. They are getting
things into place for business in the shop. The engine is a model of its kind, and one of the most powerful
and economical machines made. There was considerable speculation about strength of the wagon that was
capable of holding 7,000 pounds of boiler, but the work of removal from the cars to the shop was
accomplished safe and without accident of any kind.
120 Years Ago (1892): Mr. Samuel Cleland, of Center, has bought the Henry Spencer place on Main Street,
and will move onto it, as soon as it is vacated by E. H. Graves. Mr. Cleland is a forehanded farmer and will
make Evansville a good citizen. [Note: The house is at 128 West Main Street and currently owned by John
and Angela Wyse.]
110 Years Ago (1902): Mr. M. J. Fisher had ground broke Monday, on what is known as the Lewis Spencer
lot on the corner of Madison and Church streets, for the erection of a double dwelling. [Note: this is the
house at the southwest corner of Madison and Church streets.]
100 Years Ago (1912): An unusually large audience was present at the Congregational church last night to
hear King Tong Ho, of Hawaii. Mr. Ho spoke in a very interesting manner about the people, schools, and
various other important features of the islands. Mr. Ho expects to visit his native islands, also China next
year, the latter being the birthplace of his parents.
90 Years Ago (1922): At the Methodist parsonage, Evansville on Thursday, March 9, Mr. Charlie Crocker of
Brooklyn and Miss Marion Nesbit, town of Union, were united in the bonds of matrimony, Rev. A. W. Barnlund
officiating. The groom, a prosperous farmer, is well known by a host of friends in his home community. The
bride, with pleasant recollections of her school days in Evansville high, where she graduated and is known
and loved in the town of Union among many friends. The future seems very bright to these young people in
their great new venture, and many will wish them a long and happy fellowship and life.
80 Years Ago (1932): At a special session last Thursday night, the Board of Education revised the teachers’
salary schedule here offering new contracts for next year at an approximate reduction of 10 per cent. The
board has also voted to abolish the positions of grade supervisor and of band instructor, and to reduce the
salary for substitute teachers from $4 to $3 per day in the grades and from $5 to $4 in the high school.
70 Years Ago (1942): No plans are being made here this spring for interschool baseball because of the fact
that many of the schools in nearby cities are closing so early that the season would be too short. The
Evansville schools will close about the middle of May while several others in this locality will complete their
work as early as May 1. However, baseball coach Harold Roethel will be in charge of intramural games here
and Coach George O’Neil is planning a softball schedule which will take the place of the interschool baseball
of former years.
60 Years Ago (1952): Myrland Farrell has been appointed manager of the Evansville-Brooklyn Co-Operative
association to succeed Leo Straus who has held that position for the past several years. Mr. Farrell has been
employed at the Co-Op for some time and for the past nine months has been assistant manager. He has
been associated with farmers practically all his life and is therefore, familiar with their problems and capable of
anticipating their needs and serving them. In 1951 the business grossed $461,000 and has 14 employees.
Present officers are Donald Olson, Orfordville, president; Frank Viney, Evansville, vice-president; and Morris
Gilbertson, Evansville, secretary.
50 Years Ago (1962): E. Cadwallader Smith, 84, Madison who became widely known as an author of animal
books for children died in a Madison hospital. Mr. Smith was born on a farm near Evansville. He began
writing books for children gaining his first success with “Kongo the Elephant,” published in 1939. It was
chosen by the American Institute of Graphic Arts as one of the 50 books of the year in 1940. Surviving are
his wife, the former Alice Stevens; three daughters, Miss Dorothy E. Smith, New York, Mrs. Walter K. Morley,
Marianna, Fla, and Mrs. R. S. Plotz, Rumson, N. J. five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Services were held in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Madison, with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery.
40 Years Ago (1972): It has been a few years since the park has been so completely covered with water as it
was last weekend. Although it was not as bad as it used to be according to several older citizens. The lower
park resembled a huge pond dotted with small islands last Saturday and Sunday with the foot bridge
completely under water and the foul odor foam mounting higher and higher, reminding Evansville citizens of
the amount of detergent and barn yard drainage coming this way.
30 Years Ago (1982): Sleet and wind caused wires to burn out behind Pete’s Inn on N. Madison Street last
Friday afternoon, creating a power outage that lasted some 50 minutes. A good share of the town was
affected, but some residences did not lose power. Dense fog settled in the latter part of the day and rain and
lightning occurred in the evening.
In Review
Last Week of March 1872-2002
140 Years Ago (1872): Married. In Evansville, March 16th by Rev. J. B. Hutton, Dr. E. L. Graves, of
Janesville, and Miss Etta Crawford, of Magnolia.
130 Years Ago (1882): There is to be quite a change in the Grange Store this spring. Nata Potter leaves
and goes into business with his father; W.H. Doolittle goes in at the head of the grocery department; Miss
Hartley will have charge of the “dimity” and notion trade. There could not be a better man found to manage
the butter and egg trade than Vivan Holmes. Wm. Dawson takes the carpet, clothing, boot and shoe
business, up stairs. John Porter has the books in charge, and will keep a sharp eye out for the bills
receivable and bills payable. T. C. Richardson is chief of all and has got a good a crop of subordinates as
they have superior.
120 Years Ago (1892): A little shindy occurred in Mr. Heddles tobacco warehouse Monday forenoon,
between Mr. Al Fessenden, Mr. Heddles foreman, and Mr. James Hoisington, concerning the sale of some
tobacco that was grown on Mr. Hoisington’s farm, for which the latter held a chattel mortgage. Words came to
blows and the blows enforced with stove wood made sundry pretty severe scalp wounds on Mr. Fessenden’s
head and fingernail scratches on his right cheek. But light weight overcoming phlegmatic avoirdupoise,
gained the mastery and victory was turning in Mr. Fessenden’s favor, when the assorters rushed in and
separated the belligerents. The difficulty was wisely settled between the two.
110 Years Ago (1902): The farmers west of here held a meeting in the Robinson school house Thursday
evening, with a view of establishing telephone line in that vicinity. As they all appreciate the advantages to be
derived from them, saving them and their horses a great many steps.
100 Years Ago (1912): Mr. and Mrs. Charles Powles entertained Tuesday evening in honor of Mr. Jerome
Andrews and his sisters, the Misses Elnora and Marilla Andrews. Mr. Jerome Andrews, who has been making
a month’s visit with his sisters has returned to his ranch at Friday Harbor, Wash. Mr. Andrews has business
interest in Seattle and mining claims in Alaska.
90 Years Ago (1922): Potter Porter, Orrie Steele and Horace Brown are this year putting in a pea viner on
the Orrie Steele farm, west of town, for the accommodation of themselves and their neighbors. It will probably
be in charge of Mr. Steele during the busy season.
80 Years Ago (1932): Wilva Woodworth was elected president of Evansville’s 4-H club here Friday night.
Alice Odegaard was elected vice president; Clarence Franklin, Jr., secretary; Robert Brunsell, treasurer;
Elizabeth Spooner, reporter. F. W. Gillman presented the club members with a portrait of George
Washington which was given them by Thomas R. Amlie, Elkhorn, congressman from the district.
70 Years Ago (1942): Mrs. Edward Buchwalter, 77, died at her home here on West Church street at 11:30 a.
m. Saturday. Mrs. Buchwalter, formerly Miss Marilla Andrews, daughter of the late John C. and Sarah Wright
Andrews, was born August 12, 1864 in Argyle. She received her early education in the old Evansville
Seminary and was graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1892. She was at one time owner and editor
of the Evansville Badger which was later purchased by and merged with the Evansville Review. She was
postmaster here for several years in the early 1900s.
60 Years Ago (1952): Five Arneson brothers, Philip, Kenneth, Rodney, Robert and Harold Lee, sons of Mr.
and Mrs. Harold Arneson, Milton Junction, former Evansville residents are serving with the armed forces.
Philip, Kenneth and Robert are stationed in Korea. Mrs. Arneson was formerly Miss Minnie Milbrandt of
Evansville.
50 Years Ago (1962): R. B. Townsend, a veteran of two terms as mayor of Evansville has thrown his hat in
the ring as the third candidate to compete for the mayoral post. In announcing his candidacy, he said that
this is the first time in his knowledge that there have been three candidates for mayor in the City of
Evansville. Townsend served his first two terms as mayor from 1956 to 1960 when he was defeated by
Wilson Brown who is now the mayor and is running again for the job. During his terms of office, the electric
utility was overhauled completed as regards to rural service and city lines were put to the back of the lots. A
new 1,000 foot well was drilled and new gas and electric driven pump was installed with a new building to
house it.
40 Years Ago (1972): Good Friday Services will be held at First Baptist Church on Friday, March 31st. This
will be a community service. Those participating in the service will be Rev. Orlo Espeland, Rev. Joshua
Crowell, Rev. Richard Corning, Rev. Joseph Brechtl, Rev. Dean Jordan and Rev. Hugh Crandall.
30 Years Ago (1982): Soybean and hog producer Vincent J. Drendel, will be recognized March 30 for his
outstanding contributions to Wisconsin agriculture by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University
of Wisconsin Madison. An innovative and enthusiastic farmer for nearly 40 years, Drendel has been active in
many state agricultural organizations. Drendel is currently a national director of the American Soybean
Association, which recognized him as the top membership recruiter in the United States in 1980.
20 Years Ago (1992): Columbia Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star in Evansville will note their 100th
birthday on Sunday March 29. A catered dinner will be served. There will be a program. The event will be
held at the Masonic Temple on W. Main Street.
10 years ago (2002): Lexi Herman, daughter of Sue Herman of Evansville, and Dan Herman of Rockton, has
been selected to perform with a national performing organization known as the Sound of America Honors
Band and Chorus. The group will perform in six European countries, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy,
France and Luxembourg.
20 Years Ago (1992): The Evansville Fire Department responded to three calls recently. On March 17, they
were called to Cavalier Motor Homes where a hot water heater caused a minor fire. On March 18, they were
called out in the evening to the Richard Eager residence. The Eager’s boat was on fire. Firemen were on the
scene for an hour according to Chief Edd McCaffrey. On March 21, The Fire Department was called to assist
the ambulance at an accident. The accident was a one-car rollover. The car was driven by Lisa Goers.
10 years ago (2002): The Evansville Community Partnership has selected a tag line for the City; it is
“Evansville…Treasures of the Past – Vision for the Future.” The group will be working with a local graphic
artist to create a logo and updating the community brochure to include the new tag line and logo.