In Review
First Week of December 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): We called into Mr. Richardson’s store and had the pleasure of looking over his stock of
fancy goods, toys &c., for the Holidays. It is much the largest stock of that class of merchandise ever brought
into Evansville at a single purchase. He has dolls from the size of an infant’s finger to marriageable size, pretty,
of course. Fancy boxes, vases of the most gorgeous styles, cradles for babies and sleds for boys, miniature
pails and tubs, porcelain statuary; horses and carts, engines and cars, rocking horses and stubborn mules,
and a thousand articles for which we knew of no names; but are attractive to the eye and useful as toys for
children.
130 Years Ago (1883): Nearly the entire business portion of Albany, Wis., was destroyed by fire at an early
hour Tuesday morning, Nov. 27th. The fire originated at 1 o’clock and in a few hours time the flames had
reduced the greater part of the place to ashes, entailing a loss of about one hundred thousand dollars. Eddie
Dodge, who was called to sacrifice his life, was about 15 years old, the son of a poor man who largely
depended upon him for support. Eddie was killed by a falling wall that struck him when carrying out goods the
night of the fire. He was killed by a bar of iron passing through his neck severing the jugular vein. List of
seriously injured as far as learned from : Chas. Mathews, Thos. Grovnor, Thos. Dorman, John Lemmel, and
Thos. Fallaway.
120 Years Ago (1893): The Opera House block, better known as the Cooksville auditorium, was totally
destroyed by fire this morning. The building was a large two-story structure on the corner of Main street and
Waucoma avenue. The fire was suppose to have originated in the boiler room of VanPatten & Newkirks, lard
rendering establishment, which occupied the first floor of the entire building. The opera hall covered the
second story and was under the management of our esteemed fellow townsman, Mr. J. P. Van Vleck, whose
genial and urbane manner has endeared him to all.
110 Years Ago (1903): From the pen of President Van Hise of the university: the Evansville Seminary is on
the accredited list of schools for the University of Wisconsin. Students graduating at this institution are
admitted to the University without examination. I have been well acquainted with the work of the Evansville
Seminary for many years and gladly commend its work as of high character.
100 Years Ago (1913): The city council has consented to the use of the city hall for basket ball purposes this
winter. The high school students appreciate the interest of the citizens in their athletics. We are planning on
making a good showing in basket ball this year and would like financial support as it costs money to bring out of
town teams to our city.
90 Years Ago (1923): Rolland Barnum, local athlete, was among the nineteen freshmen who received
sweaters and numerals for their football work during the past fall at the University.
80 Years Ago (1933): The advisability of allowing the sale of hard liquor in Evansville is the main topic of
conversation in the city at the present time although little information has been revealed as to what measures
will be taken for its regulation or prohibition here. The consensus is that the question should be voted upon at
the municipal election next spring as in past years allowing the majority to make the decision. It is doubtful if
the city council will take any action on the matter until that time.
70 Years Ago (1943): According to a letter received here recently by Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Janes from Mrs.
Sterling Beath, Los Angeles, Calif., she and her brother, Beryl Ballard, former Evansville residents were in New
York Wednesday to meet Mr. Beath, who returned to the states on the Gripsholm from China where he had
been interned in a Japanese prison camp for two years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Beath and their two sons were
formerly missionaries in China. Mrs. Beath and sons have been back in the states for several years, but Mr.
Beath refused to leave his work and was taken prisoner.
60 Years Ago (1953): A long list of Evansville individuals and business places cooperated to provide a good
meal and program for about 200 people attending the annual banquet honoring the high school football team
Monday night at the gym. Sponsored by the Lions club, the banquet got a real assist when almost all of the
food and services needed for such an affair were donated so that Coach Dave Demichei and Rollie Devlin who
handled arrangements for the evening believe that almost all of the total ticket sales will be available for
purchase of additional equipment for the team next year.
50 Years Ago (1963): Six children were baptized by the Rev. Wendell Marshall in the morning worship period
at the Congregational church Sunday. The parents are Mr. and Mrs. Roger Schultz, Mr. and Mrs. Calvin
Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. William Morrison and Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Beckwith.
40 Years Ago (1973): Giving a holiday appearance to Main Street are the Christmas decorations on the street
which were put up by the city Water and Light Department. Although no lights will be turned on the
decorations, they reveal the spirit of Christmas and the absence of lights shows the city’s desire to cooperate in
the energy crisis.
30 Years Ago (1983): Santa arrived last Saturday morning, entering Evansville from the west. He was driving
a small wagon, drawn by a pony. The jolly gent was welcomed by a great crowd of children and their parents,
who patiently lined the steps of the Grange Mall where Santa greeted his young friends. He will visit Evansville
again on Sunday, Dec. 18, just a week before Christmas. Saturday heralded the Christmas season in
Evansville and special evening store hours will be held for that final week.
20 Years Ago (1993): For the past six weeks, the 8th grade Performing Arts Class has been creating a
theatrical production, “A Christmas Carol”. The cast includes Beth Schneider, Melissa Arthur, Erica Brewer,
Ross Templeton, Christopher Pate, Duane Phillips, Jade Weber, Pam Lauer, Jana Crocker, Meg Krake, Jessica
Frank, Ann Prudhon, JoDee George, Katie Krueger, Marcie Christen, Amy Woulfe, Amanda Folstad, Bethany
Plechacek, Christine Sloniker, Wyatt Fellows, Tim Kruser, Corey Cook, Tamra Wussow, Allison Schneeberger,
Crystal Hughes, Jessie Lange, Sherri Sanner, Michele Bitter, Andy Buttchen, Aaron Wallisch and Paul Nardini.
10 years ago (2003): After twelve months of planning, demolishing and reconstructing, the management and
staff of UB&T are excited to spread out into their new office space at 6 E. Main St. The two floors of the
refurbished building will double the square footage of our Evansville office from 7,000 to 14,000. The
Evansville staff number 28 at the present time and new space will allow additional growth as well.
In Review
Second Week of December 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Being at the Depot the other morning we noticed sundry and quite necessary
improvements going on. The water tank has been completed and Mr. C. A. Tucker has just put up the tower
and windmill, for pumping. The tower is of substantial frame work fifty-five feet high and on this is a Halliday
windmill of twenty-five feet fan. It has been the business of Mr. Tucker to attend to this branch upon the road
during the past season, and he appears to have a knowledge of the business and does his well. Besides the
tank he has put up here, he has also put up one at Beloit, at the Tunnel, and various points along the road.
130 Years Ago (1883): WHEREAS, my husband, Wm. R. Johnson, has left his board and taken my bed and
bedstead and bedding with him, and all my household goods, not leaving me as much as a stool, except the
stool of repentance, which I have been compelled to occupy since our marriage, and has forbid anyone trusting
me on his account, which was wholly unnecessary, and has been pleased to divide the house and has kindly
taken the outside, I propose to keep the inside. Mrs. Nellie Johnson.
120 Years Ago (1893): The building owned by Martha Bemis and occupied by Mike Holden at the extreme
south end of First street, was burned on Tuesday morning. The roads were heavily drifted with snow. The
Maid of the Mist and Hook and Ladder got to the scene of the conflagration in about five minutes only to find
that there was not a drop of water to be had in the vicinity. The boys then went to work with a will and by quick
action and hard work succeeded in removing everything from the burning building. The fire engine stopped at
the high school where there was a plentiful supply of water, but being two blocks from the building and slow
work coupling hose, etc., on account of the extreme cold, the building was practically gutted before a stream of
water could be brought into play.
110 Years Ago (1903): Libby Bros. the enterprising and hustling butchers of Evansville are now pleasantly
settled in their new building on Main street having moved therein this week. This firm now has one of the finest
and commodious markets in southern Wisconsin, and any attempt to fully describe the finish of the place would
be futile. To be appreciated it must be seen and when you view its decorations, tile floor, etc., and attractive
display of meats you will commend the boys for their enterprise. [Note: the Libby Bros. meat market was
located at 17 West Main.]
100 Years Ago (1913): Miss Carolyn Hatch has resigned her position as teacher of the kindergarten in our
school. For over five years Miss Hatch has had charge of this department and her work has been excellent at
all times. She will be greatly missed in the social life of the city as well as in the school among the little tots.
Miss Cora Morgan has been elected by the school board to take charge of the kindergarten work.
90 Years Ago (1923): Grant Johnson, Viroqua, purchased the drug store and business of Lew Van Wart, who
has been in business here for many years and will go to California for the winter. Mr. and Mrs. Grant Johnson
and baby and Mr. Johnson’s mother, Mrs. Emma Johnson, Warsaw, came Sunday and have rented Mr. and
Mrs. Van Warts home for the winter.
80 Years Ago (1933): With a crew of 140 men and eight engineers at work here on Civics Work Administration
projects and a payroll which will this week amount to nearly $2,000, Evansville’s unemployment situation has
been relieved considerably. A crew of some 15 painters have been put to work redecorating the fair grounds
buildings, park buildings, city hall, and public school buildings. A crew of 48 men working under the supervision
of Supt. L. B. Cummings is straightening Allen creek from the park through the city to the sewage disposal
plant. This is a state project being done under the direction of a staff of engineers which was at work here last
summer on soil erosion and flood control projects in the rural communities. In straightening the stream, the
men are making artistic islands and lagoons from the North Madison street viaduct to the park spillways which
will greatly enhance the beauty of the grounds. The new channels will be riprapped with rock to prevent
erosion during high water.
70 Years Ago (1943): Many customers are tarrying in the Grange store grocery department this week to gaze
at a 27-inch black foreign looking reptile which was found on a window ledge in the basement early Monday
morning by Anton Cole. According to Howard Bruce, former circus operator and owner, the snake is a black
adder with a diamond shaped head. The supposition is that it came here in a case of bananas, as it was
discovered near the table where the fruit is unpacked and prepared for sale.
60 Years Ago (1953): Saturday, December 25, has been set as the date for the eighth annual Evansville
Community Theatre Snow Ball. Dee Losey will reign as queen of the affair, which will be held at the roller rink.
The court of honor consists of Kathryn Disch, Carla Heimerl, Betty McCaslin, Kathleen Helgeson, Evelyn
Thompson, Renee Gill, and Mary Schaller. Dancing will be from 9-1 to the music of Louis Dalvit. The dance
will be semi-formal and admission will be three dollars per couple.
50 Years Ago (1963): John Wilde, Evansville artist, has his 30th one-man exhibition of 19 paintings and 16
drawings on display at the F. H. Bresler Galleries in Milwaukee this month.
40 Years Ago (1973): Francis Erbs was notified Friday that he had been appointed postmaster of Evansville.
He had been acting postmaster since June 22 when Michael Finnane retired from the postmaster’s position
here. Mr. Erbs became postal clerk here Aug. 1, 1957 and was later appointed assistant postmaster. He
attended Milton High School until moving to Evansville where he entered high school and was graduated here.
He served in the South Pacific war area during World War II and upon his return here he was employed for a
time at the Baker Manufacturing Company.
30 Years Ago (1983): John Wilde, Jr. recently visited the McKenna Middle School where he talked to Mr.
Reese’s 8th grade art classes. John demonstrated painting while talking with the classes. John started his art
training in the Evansville school system about 20 years ago. He has worked hard to become one of the best
wildlife artists in the state of Wisconsin. Hopefully, John’s talk with these students will encourage them to work
hard, just as he did, to develop their artistic abilities to their fullest.
20 Years Ago (1993): Friday, Dec. 3 was the first official day that all Rock County residents could dial 911 for
emergencies, notes Police Chief Chuck DiPiazza. The Evansville Police Dept. still maintains a non-emergency
administrative telephone number. That number is for information, reports, etc.
10 years ago (2003): This year’s AWARE Love Light Tree Ceremony was once again made “Bright” by those
who donated to the In Memory Of and In Honor Of lights. People gather at the tree as Mayor Janis Ringhand
read the list of those to whom the lights were given.
In Review
Third Week of December 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Mr. Fred Eldredge has refitted and opened the Photograph Gallery, over Griswold’s.
Mr. Eldredge is known to most of us as an artist of considerable skill, and we have no doubt he will meet with
good success. One gallery ought to be well sustained in this place. [Note: Griswold’s drug store was at 1 East
Main Street. Eldredge’s photography studio was on the second floor of the building.]
130 Years Ago (1883): Yesterday forenoon as Charley Crall, the eleven year old son of Mr. Chris. Crall, of the
town of Center, was out driving a three-year-old colt, the animal took fright and ran away. The boy hung to the
lines and the colt ran about a quarter of a mile when he leaped over a gate four feet and seven inches high at
Mr. Josh Crall’s place, taking the cart with the boy in it with him. The horse then ran about six rods and was
stopped. No one was injured and no damage done even to the gate.
120 Years Ago (1893): We understand Mrs. Olive Fellows has taken the post office at Fellows Station.
110 Years Ago (1903): An alarm of fire called out the fire companies this Tuesday afternoon just before 3 o’
clock in a hurry, as well as a goodly number of other citizens, including many ladies; denoting the undivided
patriotism of all in this city to help each other in times of peril and need. The fire proved to be only a small
affair in the Seminary kitchen, caused from a gasoline stove, and was extinguished before help arrived.
100 Years Ago (1913): The condition of the desks and tables in our high school is extremely mortifying to all of
the conscientious pupils and to the faculty. Some of the inconsiderate members of the high school seem to
delight in mutilating the school furniture and wood work. Anything carvable gets carved. These detestable
culprits not only make kindling wood of their own desks, but while other pupils are absent they decorate their
property in glorious style. This often leads to the suspection of the innocent person. Thus it is doubly wrong.
90 Years Ago (1923): The following are those who received an average of 90 or over in their studies the past
six weeks: Seniors, Isobel Bullard, Harold Green, Ellen Jackson, Carol Murphy, Florence Reese, Jean Smith,
Dorothy Westcott, Julian Wichern, and Phyllis Thurman; Juniors, Caryl Carpenter, Bernadeen Cushman,
Thelma Hanaman, Norman Hyne, Ina Johnson, Mona Lamb, Ysobelle Roberts, Ellen Rasmussen, Evelyn Rodd
and Wilma Westby.
80 Years Ago (1933): J. F. Waddell, former superintendent of the Evansville public schools has been
appointed assistant state superintendent of schools. He assumed his new duties Saturday morning with
headquarters in Madison. Mr. Waddell and Miss Amy Perry, former Evansville teacher, are co-authors of a
third and fourth grade social science text book, “Long Ago,” which is being used in the Evansville schools.
70 Years Ago (1943): Pfc. Richard Eager, student at the Worcester, Mass., army school, has been spending a
furlough here with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Eager. His sister, Susan Eager, is in the WAVES, and a
brother, Prentice Eager is in the air corps and is serving in North Africa.
60 Years Ago (1953): These sixth graders have been neither late nor tardy in twelve weeks: Ellen Christy,
Terry Cole, Norma Dille, Kathleen George, Donna Golz, Richard Gunderson, Carol Holm, Florence Hopkins,
Sue Jones, Dannie McGrew, Susan Petterson, Diane Prospt, Kenneth Wood. Sue Jones was the sixth grade
reporter this week.
50 Years Ago (1963): The addition to the Congregational Church on West Church Street is rapidly nearing
completion. The building is 40 x 80 feet and will provide approximately 3,400 square feet of space which will be
used for Sunday school rooms. The building is being financed by H. F. Brunsell and will be furnished by the
congregation. It is expected that it will be ready for occupancy in January.
40 Years Ago (1973): Alderman Scheonenberger, Chairman of the Park Board, reported the pool will be
drained rather than risk frozen piping. Creek wall repair continues. The Lions Club has been contracted for
volunteer labor to help refurbish the warming house. Greg Higginbotham has been hired to supervise the
warming house during the ice skating season. Representatives of the Evansville tennis Club attended the
Board meeting to request resurfacing of the courts. This will be considered in the future. Representatives of
the Jaycees were in attendance to work out some problems regarding the Fourth of July celebration for next
year. A new road mat has been installed on the Park Drive. The fence has been installed around the wading
pool. A private contractor has volunteered to remove stumps from Lake Leota.
30 Years Ago (1983): There are three positions open on the Evansville School Board, namely that of Phil
Hamilton, Barbara Lawrenz and Larry Disch. None of the incumbents have sent a letter of intent to the clerk as
yet. Greg Whitmore has sent a letter and is planning on running for a seat on the school board. The following
have taken out papers for the First Ward: incumbent Lewis Farnsworth, and Harlin Miller. The two candidates
seeking the Second Ward seat are Ron Pierce and George Lundey. The Third Ward has no candidates thus
far. Robert Raymond is running for e-election as Municipal Judge.
20 Years Ago (1993): The Evansville City Council received two resignations, EMT coordinator Bill Hurtley and
Randy Rasmussen, Water & Light superintendent.
10 years ago (2003): This past Saturday started out cold, but was soon felt by many as “hot” and getting
hotter! The Evansville Fire District, in a controlled burn setting, along with several other local departments,
used a house located on West Church Street that was due to be taken down to provide expansion room for the
Fire District. The house-burning was an exercise for the firefighters and students from Blackhawk Technical
College. Four of the students are from Evansville.
In Review
Fourth Week of December 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Married. In Evansville. Dec. 18th, 1873, at the residence of A. R. Cole, by Rev. O. H.
True, Mr. Ed O. Ballard, of Taylor’s Falls, Minn., and Miss Josie Lewis, of Evansville, Wis.
130 Years Ago (1883): The event of last week, looked forward to with much anxiety by young people, was the
opening of the roller skating rink in Magee’s Hall. At eight o’clock Saturday night, the doors were opened and
the Evansville brass band took its place on the stage and the impatient skaters rushed in as fast as the
entrance would admit them. The skates on hand were soon all in use, and many who wished to try the skates
had to content themselves watching others use them. The newly laid hard maple floor was pronounced an
excellent one, and those in need of recreation and amusement will find it at the roller skating rink.
120 Years Ago (1893): Born to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Butts, of the town of Union on Saturday, Dec. 23, a son.
In this event the hearts of the parents were made glad. Only two short winter days were they allowed to care
for this loved, fragile blossom, when God transplanted it to his heavenly nursery. On the glad Christmas Day,
Ellsworth Eugene Butts was laid away in Evansville’s beautiful cemetery, until the morning of the resurrection.
110 Years Ago (1903): Two new rural routes started Dec. 15th from this city, Nos. 16 and 20; at the same time
the present routes 1, 2, and 3, will be changed to 17, 19, and 18. Five white wagons leave Uncle Sam’s
headquarters these days. The routes are No. 16, Walter Pflaum, carrier; No. 17, Herbert Hungerford; No. 18,
Wm. C. Pflaum; No. 19, Margie Munger; No. 20, Chas. Weaver. They are scheduled to leave the post office at
7:45 a.m. and to return at 2:30 p.m.
100 Years Ago (1913): Chicken thieves visited the farm of Frank Thomas about one o’clock yesterday
morning. No doubt they knew Mr. Thomas was away from home at the time. Mrs. Thomas heard them and
turned on the electric lights, frightening them away before they had gotten as many of the chickens as they
desired. One more argument for electric lights on the farm.
90 Years Ago (1923): An enjoyable and pleasing treat out of the ordinary at Christmas time in our city, was the
two decorated Christmas trees displayed on the sidewalk in front of the Economy and the Grange stores, which
were enjoyed by the adults as well as the children. They presented a most beautiful appearance after the
snow fell on them Saturday night.
80 Years Ago (1933): A tax rate in Evansville of $28 per 1,000 valuation, an increase of $5 over that of the
1933 rate, was approved at a special meeting of the city council here Monday night. The increase in the rate
for the year is due to an increase of $6,014.90 in county taxes and a decrease of $65,000 in assessed
valuation.
70 Years Ago (1943): The Evansville ministerial Association is making plans to conduct a church survey in the
city, Sunday, January 9, at which time representatives will call upon every home. The purpose of the survey is
fact-finding. Some people claim that perhaps, 40% of the local population is not affiliated with any church. The
survey will ascertain the facts and give the workers a basis for future programs.
60 Years Ago (1953): Some 15 local firemen braved below zero temperatures for more than two hours as they
fought to save the farm house of James Young. The fire destroyed most of the roof and attic of the nine room
house. It was caused either by faulty wiring or a defective chimney. After attempting to call the fire department
and finding his phone out of order, Young drove to the home of Robert Franklin intending to phone from there.
Apparently the high winds of the day had put the phones of the area out of commission and the Franklin phone
was also dead. Young then returned home to fight the blaze while Franklin drove to Evansville to get the fire
department. It required some two hours work and more than 2000 gallons of water to extinguish the fire.
50 Years Ago (1963): The Rev. Wendell Marshall, pastor of the First Congregational Church in Evansville
tendered his resignation Sunday to become effective early in February. He has accepted a call to become
pastor of the Congregational Church in Delavan. The Rev. Mr. Marshall came to Evansville in February of
1954 to assume his duties here as pastor. During the past ten years he has been active in local community
affairs in addition to his pastoral duties which have included special work with the young people of the church.
Mrs. Marshall, who teaches music in the city schools and is church organist, has been instrumental in
organizing the junior choir.
40 Years Ago (1973): The Athletic program in the Middle School is well under way with over one hundred boys
and girls participating in the winter sports and auxiliary groups. The activities being offered are basketball,
wrestling and cheerleading. The girls are somewhat limited in activities because of the scarcity of facilities and
qualified staff. The cheerleading program is the main activity being offered in the winter months under the
direction of Mrs. Willoughby.
30 Years Ago (1983): At a special school board meeting held Monday night of this week, Russell Jeske was
elected to serve on the school board to fill the vacancy created by the resignation recently of Roberta Van
Galder. A signed vote was taken on the three names submitted for the position and Jeske received four votes
and Barbara George received two votes. School board member Barbara Lawrenz advanced the name of Mrs.
George for consideration and board member Larry Disch nominated Russell Jeske.
20 Years Ago (1993): The school board agreed to target January 23 as the date for an open house for the new
high school library, gym, technical education laboratory and other improvements.
10 years ago (2003): UW-Green Bay commencement ceremonies were held Saturday, Dec. 20. Among those
graduating was Jessica Steig, Evansville.
In Review
Fifth Week of December 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): The Evansville Dramatic Club has effected its organization by choosing Dr. E. W.
Beebe, Manager. Their first entertainment will be held at Treat’s Hall, Thursday evening, January 8th, at which
time they will bring out the drama entitled “Bread Upon the Waters.”
130 Years Ago (1883): A brand new force pump, made by the Baker Mfg. Co., has been placed in the cistern
east of Winston & Sons’ store, for the better protection of property from fire.
120 Years Ago (1893): The Porter branch of the Catholic Knights held their regular annual meeting at Mr.
Stephen Dooley’s last Sunday when the following officers were elected, V. Pound, President; Jas. Murphy, vice-
president; D. F. McCarthy, cor. secretary; P. Reilly, financial secretary’ W. Noard, treasurer, while Wm. Dooley
was elected delegate for coming convention. Gentlemen from this and other localities are respectfully invited to
join this benevolent and charitable order. Although the society is new, it has an enrollment of seventeen
members.
110 Years Ago (1903): The board of education of Chicago, at a recent meeting, elected H. F. Kling of this city
as principal of the Webster school in that place at an annual salary of $1,600 with an annual increase of $100
up to $2,500 per year. This school is located on 33d street and has sixteen teachers with 800 pupils. The
selection of Principal Kling is well merited, as he has been in successful work in Evansville schools for the past
eight years. It is the intention of Mr. Kling to heave for Chicago at once, as the term commences Jan. 4.
100 Years Ago (1913): Miss Ella Fenrich and Max Wienke were united in marriage on Monday, Dec. 22, at the
home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fenrich. At eleven o’clock to the strains of the wedding march
played by Miss Lena Fenrich, the bridal party assembled in the parlor which was tastefully decorated with bells
and colored streamers. Rev. F. W. Wenzel of the Lutheran church performed the ceremony in the presence of
the immediate relatives of the bride and groom. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Clara Fenrich. The
best man was Wm. Wienke, of Columbus, Wis., a brother of the groom.
90 Years Ago (1923): Announcement has been made of the marriage of Mrs. Amanda Powers and George
Golz, which took place in Rockford, Monday, December 24.
80 Years Ago (1933): The city relief committee brought Christmas cheer to about a dozen needy Evansville
families when well-filled baskets of food were distributed here Saturday morning for the holiday feast. Fewer
baskets were distributed this year due to the fact that the majority of Evansville’s unemployed have been given
work by the Civics work Administration and are now able to purchase food for their families. The baskets
distributed Saturday, for the most part were given to older people and others who are unable to work.
70 Years Ago (1943): A $12,000 fire, only partially covered by insurance, completely destroyed an eight-bent
tobacco shed and its contents and a modern barn on the Jorgen Larson farm two and a half miles northeast of
Evansville late Sunday afternoon. The tobacco shed, located on the farm operated by Wayne Bourbeau, was
filled with a large quantity of hanging tobacco, corn fodder, 50 tons of ear corn, 5,000 tobacco laths, two
cultivators and various other farm equipment, all of which was completely demolished. The 60 by 36 foot barn,
filled with hay, equipped with milking machines and other modern devices, was also destroyed but the stock
was saved. Neighboring farmers hauled water until the reserve tanks owned here by the Union Mutual Fire
Insurance company arrived at the Larson home. They were taken to the farm by the V. H. Laufenberg and
Union Cooperative Association trucks. The splendid efforts of the local fire company saved all other buildings
on the farm.
60 Years Ago (1953): Lake Leota shelter house is open for the benefit of ice skaters, according to R.J. Antes,
park board representative. The shelter house which is heated to provide a warming up place for skaters, is
open mornings and afternoons. If enough interest is shown in night skating, the house will be kept open then
also.
50 Years Ago (1963): A building of steel and masonry with a modern insulated roof is being constructed as an
addition to the foundry at the plant of the Baker Manufacturing plant. The exterior is practically completed but
lighting and heating is still to be installed in the interior. It is expected that it will be ready for occupancy about
Jan. 1. The foundry business as well as factory business has greatly increased during the past two years, thus
making it necessary to build the addition. The building will house the core ovens and the process of cleaning
castings will also be done there. It is quite probable that two more molders will be added to the firm’s
employees at a very early date.
40 Years Ago (1973): The Evansville FFA presented gifts to the Evansville Empty Stocking Fund last week.
Rollie Devlin accepted the $60 and six cases of chocolate peanut brittle candy from Dean Vielhuber and Ken
Janes. Devlin serves as president of the Empty Stocking Fund.
30 Years Ago (1983): Some of the 600 fingerling trout, placed in Allen’s Creek the first Saturday in December
by members of Trout Unlimited Blackhawk Chapter, may not have survived, according to a report last week by
Don Bush, assistant area fish manager of the DNR who said seven of the dead fingerlings were caught in nets
the DNR has set up along the stream in various locations. It was not yet determined if they perished from the
liquid nitrogen fertilizer spill reported by Roger Rasmussen, owner of Cropmate Fertilizer Plant in Evansville, or
other causes. Ice cover and extreme below zero temperatures hampered the investigation.
20 Years Ago (1993): The Stoughton Trailers building has taken shape and appears to be nearing completion,
with a January date of operation planned. The huge building is quite impressive as one approaches Evansville
from the east.
10 years ago (2003): The UW-Stevens Point conferred 600 midyear graduates during the Dec. 13 services.
Included in this group is Anne Rosa, of Evansville, Interior Architecture, BA.