In Review
First Week of January 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Horses are recovering from the epizooty, wood begins to come in, weather is fine,
sleighing ditto, and business of all kinds is moving with its accustomed activity on our streets.
130 Years Ago (1883): The relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bullard numbering about sixty, assembled at his
residence on New Year’s and partook of oysters, chicken, etc., which we will bet was as good as anyone had
and as jolly a time enjoyed, for the relatives on both sides of the house know how to enjoy themselves on such
occasions.
120 Years Ago (1893): The first to receive World’s Fair souvenir coin in Evansville are ladies Gertie Eager,
Clara Smith and Cora Mc Kenzie, sent to them by an uncle in Marshall Field’s store in Chicago.
110 Years Ago (1903): Mr. and Mrs. Fred Janes are rejoicing over the arrival of a nine pound son, Monday.
100 Years Ago (1913): After several years of anticipation Evansville has a beautiful new depot. It is located just
north of the old one, about half way between that building and Main Street. The design is one that is typical of
such buildings along the C. and N. W. in cities of this size. The extended eaves give the impression of smallness
to the building but when one enters it is found to be much larger than anticipated. The new depot was opened
for the passenger business for the first time New Year’s day. The old building will be used as the freight depot.
The new station is finished on the interior in hard wood. [Note: this depot is currently the home of Evansville’s V.
F.W.]
90 Years Ago (1923): T. C. Richardson this week resigned his position as manager of the Evansville Mercantile
Association, which he organized in 1874 with V. C. Holmes and J. P. Porter as Associates. During the many
years of his management the Association, more commonly known as The Grange Store, has moved constantly
and steadily to a larger business until it is now known as one of the largest department stores in the state, and a
monument to the ability and industry of Mr. Richardson, who has given it the best years of his life, Mr.
Richardson will be succeeded in the management of the store by Robert P. Richardson, a nephew and son of
the late Alex Richardson.
80 Years Ago (1933): A total of 51 burials were made here in Maple hill cemetery during the past year,
according to an announcement made yesterday by Herb Lee, sexton. The cemetery now has 3,630 graves
which number exceeds the population of the city by several hundred.
70 Years Ago (1943): Citizens of Evansville and community who contributed furs for the making of fur-lined
vests to be distributed to the merchant marines of the United States and the united nations, may secure their
certificates by calling at the Fred Hansen Tailor shop at 3 West Main street. Mr. Hansen collected a large
amount of discarded fur here and sent it to a Madison firm from where it was forwarded to an eastern concern to
be made into vests.
60 Years Ago (1953): A report on fires in Evansville and community released today by Fire chief V. L. Giles
reveals the following. The department answered 33 fire alarms in 1952. There were also five emergency calls
for fire aid and oxygen equipment. Of the 33 calls, 18 were city and 15 were rural. The property loss for the
area amounted to $22,326. Out of these, 18 fires were plain carelessness in burning waste paper and rubbish
and could have been avoided if we would be a little more careful with our out door fires.
50 Years Ago (1963): A crisp, cold, winter night appropriately provided the outdoor atmosphere for one of
Evansville’s annual social events. About 150 residents and friends sought out the gaiety of the evening at the
Legion Lounge last Saturday night. This year marked the 16th annual dance to be held and was the first year
that the Legion sponsored the affair. Previously the Snow ball was sponsored by the Community Theater but it
was voted earlier this year to concentrate solely on theater productions here in Evansville and to further the
efforts of the Little Theater.
40 Years Ago (1973): Go out of town on 4th St. or County C and take the first right, the Evansville Brooklyn
road. Go over the hill and stop by the bridge. Look to your right and you will see the rock rip rapping already in
place on the Upstream Project which will help stop the filling in of Lake Leota. Friday’s rain and Saturday’s
flooding temporarily halted the project.
30 Years Ago (1983): Donald H. Johnson, Vice President and General Manager of The Harvard Corporation,
announced that firm’s acquisition of Como Industries, Inc. of Edgerton, Wisconsin. The Harvard Corporation
manufactures high efficiency oil filtration equipment used largely on mobile equipment in the trucking, heavy
mining and construction equipment, agricultural machinery, industrial equipment and in the automotive
aftermarket. Como Industries, Inc. has been engaged in the manufacture and sale of heavy-duty, high-capacity
filtration equipment used in industrial plants.
20 Years Ago (1993): According to Police Chief Chuck DiPiazza New Year’s Eve was pretty slow with usual
activity. “We are proud to report that we had no reports of drunk driving, nor no drunk driving arrests. It
appears that everyone held a pretty responsible attitude, and that is a great way to bring in the New Year,”
DiPiazza commented.
10 years ago (2003): The Evansville Lady Devils Basketball Team improved their overall record to 8-0 on
Friday as they celebrated the holidays with an impressive 63-27 win over visiting Whitewater. Juniors Sarah
Mosher and Lucy Wourms led the Lady Devils in scoring with 16 points apiece while Sophomore Kelli Fuchs
added 7 points and Senior Libby Reese added 6 points.
In Review
Second Week of January 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): The midnight train, when near the first crossing, about two miles below here,
encountered a broken rail, which threw off one passenger car and the Pullman sleeping car; the latter was badly
smashed. We did not learn that any of the passengers were injured. The severity of the weather prevented the
removal of debris until Friday, although persistent efforts were made to accomplish it earlier. It was a narrow but
fortunate escape from a severe accident.
130 Years Ago (1883): C. B. Morse and Jas. Gleaves were chosen delegates at a late meeting of T. S. Sutphen
Post, G.A.R., as representatives to the annual Encampment of Wisconsin that holds its session in Portage City,
January 23d. Post Commander J. R. West, is exofficio delegate. The Post numbers rising 40 members and hold
regular meetings here.
120 Years Ago (1893): Leota affords the best yield of ice this winter that it ever has done. Charley Winship
has the job of filling the Creamery and the Pratt cold storage, and he is doing it with ice a foot and a half thick,
clear as crystal. If there are no spore or bacilins in it bigger’n a toad, it will make good ice cream next summer
and won’t go bad in buttermilk.
110 Years Ago (1903): Liverymen Ware & Bazley have a fine line of brand new cutters, both single and double,
which are taking the lead for sleigh-riding just now. Give them a call. Telephone 103.
100 Years Ago (1913): John Pearson was one of the largest shippers of sheep this week. He sent five car
loads to Chicago yesterday. He had been feeding them about five weeks and they were in good condition. Mr.
Pearson has purchased the Stevens farm northeast of the city.
[90 Years Ago (1923): Mrs. Sophia Wilhelmina Fredrica Stark Merrick was born September 29th, 1846, at Dars,
Mecklinburg Schwerin, Germany, and died at her home in Evansville, Wisconsin January 9th, 1923, aged 76
years, 3 months and 11 days. On October 15, 1870, she married Mr. Wm. Merrick in Germany and during the
following year they came to America and settled in Milwaukee where they made their home for eleven years.
They then moved to a farm near Evansville, and have made Evansville and vicinity their home ever since. Mr.
and Mrs. Merrick five children were born, one son and four daughters. They are Chas. Merrick, of Evansville,
Mrs. Bertha Groat of Janesville, Mrs. Nellie Hanson of Beloit, and Mrs. Ella Heffron and Mrs. Mae Douglas, both
of Evansville.
80 Years Ago (1933): The City Council petitioned the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to allow the city to
continue giving a 20 per cent discount on its water and light rentals up until Jan. 1, 1934. The extension period
was asked because the depression has not in any way improved during the current year and the consumers in
the city are in no better position to pay than they were when the petition was presented and granted last year.
70 Years Ago (1943): The Baker Manufacturing Company confirmed last week by J. L. Gillette, head of the War
Production Board, Farm Machinery Branch, who stated at a recent meeting: “In order to conduct the war
successfully it is necessary to step up production of farm equipment machinery by 331/3% for the first six
months of 1943. Yours is the responsibility to produce the machinery where it is needed. Your first
responsibility and ours is to manufacture the farm machinery needed to produce the food requirements for the
United States of America and our Allies. No one else can do it.” This will mean that the Baker Manufacturing
Company’s line of farm pumping equipment is an important part of the farm equipment program and has been
granted larger quotas than was originally allowed. C. S. Baker, President of the Baker Manufacturing Company,
who attended the Farm Machinery Equipment meeting, feels that under the new arrangement the Baker
Manufacturing Company continues taking an active part in a large scale in producing material for the war effort.
60 Years Ago (1953): At the regular meeting of the Lions Club Monday evening it was decided to hold the Tri-
county Black and White Show and the horse show at Leota Park again this summer. The group also voted to
build onto the shelter house by Lake Leota and Memorial Athletic field. This addition will give exhibits and large
picnics at the park during the summer more room, which is badly needed.
50 Years Ago (1963): Harold B. “Rusty” Robinson, Union township supervisor, who farms two miles west of
Evansville, announced today that he will be a Republican candidate in the special election to fill the seat in the
state assembly for the third Rock county district. The assembly seat was left vacant by the death of David
Blanchard, Edgerton.
40 Years Ago (1973): A request for a class B and B liquor license for William F. Meredith to do business as
Meredith’s Lounge, formerly legion Lounge, was approved by the City Council upon the release of the license by
the American Legion.
30 Years Ago (1983): Evansville area farmers who stored their grain at the Farmer’s Grain Exchange may at
last receive some money from losses estimated at $1.9 million. The group has been trying for ten years to
recover their money. The change in status occurred when the 7th District U. S. Court of Appeals in Chicago
overturned the decision of U. S. District Judge James Doyle. Doyle had dismissed the suit in 1980, ruling that
the government acted within its rights to withdraw grain without telling others that the Evansville company was
failing.
20 Years Ago (1993): Mitch Hull, formerly of Evansville, now of West Lafayette, Indiana, has been named the
National Teams Director for USA Wrestling. Hull comes to USA Wrestling from Purdue University, where he had
served as Head Wrestling coach since 1988. Hull will direct the National Teams program, which manages all U.
S. teams competing in international wrestling competition. He started his new position in June of last year. Hull,
the son of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Hull, Evansville, was a high school state champion and won two Junior National
freestyle championships.
10 years ago (2003): City Administrator Jennifer Petruzzello informed the Mayor, Janis Ringhand and council
members of her intentions to resign her position as City Administrator. The effective date to be February 7th.
Petruzzello was hired in January of 1999, succeeding Mike Davis who moved on to be the City Administrator of
Middleton.
In Review
Third Week of January 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): About half past twelve Saturday night, the cry of “fire” and the bell on the F. Baptist
church, rang out on the crisp midnight air that something of more than usual occurrence was going on. The rear
portion of Dr. Robinson’s house was in flames. A few people had collected and they were removing furniture.
As the crowd gathered the work of removing the furniture and dismanteling the house was the work of but a few
moments. Water was brought from neighboring wells and cisterns, and with snow being freely used, the flames
were kept down. As portions burned away, they were removed with ropes and chains, manned by strong men,
so the fire was kept mostly within the ell part of the house. [Note: Dr. Robinson’s house was at 104 Liberty
Street.]
130 Years Ago (1883): S. J. Baker is not manufacturing cutters very extensively, but still continues to get out
some first-class light wagons. He disposed of a nice one to Walter Pierce, last week.
120 Years Ago (1893): Street Com. Austin has a unique and novel machine, of his own build, for cleaning the
walks of snow. It’s shape is a short isosceles triangle, drawn by a horse. It rests on a pair of low narrow wheels,
on which the driver sits, and by the turn of a crank the triangle is lowered or raised, and by another motion its
base can be widened or narrowed, according to the width of the walk to be cleaned. Only one passage is
necessary, and the work can be done as fast as the horse can go, and does it nicer, and better than it is usually
done with a shovel.
110 Years Ago (1903): M. J. Fisher has purchased the Flora E. Winston property, Mrs. Winston making
reservation, however, that the land at the corner of Main and 1st Streets, with frontage of seven rods on Main
St., shall be held for Library site until July 1st, 1903, and that the price to purchase for such purpose shall be
$1,750, but if not taken by that date for Library site Mr. Fisher is to pay $1,950 for said land.
100 Years Ago (1913): A resolution was adopted by the Evansville City Council opening a street from Second
street west along the southern boundary of the City of Evansville to the fairgrounds owned by the Evansville
Rock County Agricultural Association. [Note: this is the opening of Fair Street.]
90 Years Ago (1923): The angel of death stepped into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Robinson of The Maples
last Monday, January 15, and called little Ruth Mary, the only daughter of the home, to a higher life. Ruth Mary
Robinson was born Oct. 15, 1911, bidding farewell to what to her was a world of joy and love, Jan. 15, 1923,
after a short illness with heart trouble, with which she had been afflicted more or less since her birth. The
funeral services, conducted by the Rev. Frank Hanaman, of the Methodist church, were held at The Maples,
Wednesday afternoon, the interment being in Maple Hill cemetery.
80 Years Ago (1933): The Woman’s Afternoon club of Evansville will sponsor an art exhibit to be held at their
next meeting. The articles to be displayed by Evansville artists will include pewter, wood cut etchings, water
colors, pen and ink sketches, oil studies and art rugs. Exhibitors include Mrs. Earl Gibbs, Mrs. Margaret Green
Halstead, Mrs. George Wolf, Mrs. Irwin Wallace, Miss Lulu VanPatten, Mrs. Arthur Hallam, Mrs. Fred Miller, Mrs.
R. J. Antes, Milford Dake and Howard Munns. Some works of Theodore Robinson, a nationally known artist who
was born in Evansville, which will be loaned by his brother, J. C. Robinson, will be exhibited.
70 Years Ago (1943): Private Arthur D. Losey, son of Mrs. Hannah Losey, this city, was enrolled recently in the
B-24 mechanics school at Keesler Field, Miss., a unit of the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command,
where he has started a intensive 16-week course in the maintenance and upkeep of the great consolidated
“Liberators.” After completing the course, the soldier will be qualified for active line duty to keep the B-24’s in
condition for long distance raids against the Axis. The liberators are the largest bombers used by the Army Air
Forces today.
60 Years Ago (1953): Union Mutual Fire Insurance company will hold its 78th annual meeting in the Waucoma
Grange hall. Officers of the company are Malcolm Towns, president; Charles Maas, vice president; and D. G.
Whitmore, secretary and treasurer. Directors will be elected for terms of three years to succeed Leon
Patterson, Sr., Evansville; Raymond Ryan, Footville; and Leslie Hook, Brooklyn.
50 Years Ago (1963): Evansville’s Pruden Products Company thinks that it’s on the track of one feasible
solution to the problem of ironing the wrinkles out of the weather. For the past six months Pruden has been
experimenting with a low-cost, crop-cover technique which, according to Clark Prudhon, company president,
offers some challenging possibilities. The greenhouse is on the Pruden property. The structure has steel pipe
framing with a translucent polyethylene cover. A forced air heating unit, fired by L-P gas, keeps a constant and
desirable temperature of between 65 and 70 degrees. Prudhon is currently ready to take off his first crop of
tomatoes which occupies all the area of the 25 by 100 foot structure.
40 Years Ago (1973): Several years ago the city applied for federal funds to finance the Evansville low income
housing project and has been assisted by Rep. Les Aspin, D.-Wis., who tried to find out why the city has not yet
received approval. Merlin Reese, who at that time was chairman of the local committee and had put forth every
effort to secure the housing, told the council that the director of Federal Housing and Urban Development in
Milwaukee has written, that the council must adopt two resolutions regarding the housing development and
supply HUD with copies of the adopted resolution containing the city’s seal and the mayor’s signature before the
application can be approved. The council complied with the request and adopted a resolution on the execution
of the cooperation agreement between the Evansville Housing Authority and the City of Evansville.
30 Years Ago (1983): The Evansville Wastewater Treatment Facilities, which recently began treating the City’s
wastewater, have had a long history. The project was actually begun in mid-1977 with an extensive study of
Evansville’s sewer system and existing treatment plant. The new plant is designed to meet Evansville’s needs
for 20 years. It will accommodate the residential and commercial wastes for 5,000 people. In addition, the plant
has capacity to treat industrial sewage up to the equivalent of another 750 people. Evansville is not expected to
exceed these during the twenty-year period, although expansion of the facility could be readily accomplished if
the need arose.
20 Years Ago (1993): The students of J. C. McKenna Middle School witnessed a ribbon cutting that opened up
the old brick walls into the new building. The builders did such a good job matching the old brick to the new that
it is difficult to tell that the new walls have not always been part of the building. The inside hallway leads to the
new addition and old cafeteria. An open house is being planned for the near future for the community to come
and see the improvements.
10 years ago (2003): Mr. Gary Burkhalter, Evansville High School Agriculture Teacher, addressed the
Evansville Community School Board at the January 13, 2003 meeting, pleading for information about the new
High School greenhouse, which still has not been built. After aggressive efforts to build up the Ag program at
the high school, advertising to upcoming freshmen, Mr. Burkhalter reported he’s lost between 70- and 80
students this semester who have been disenchanted with the limits of working without a greenhouse.
In Review
Fourth Week of January 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): We understand the order of the Patrons of Husbandry is being well received by the
farmers of Porter. The grange is prospering finely at Cooksville, G. E. Newman is master thresher.
130 Years Ago (1883): At the tobacco warehouse of Messrs. Smith and Eager the following report of their
business this season. Bought the following named crops; Ollie Colony, 75,000 lbs. 6 ½ acres; Sam Donaldson,
20,000 lbs., 2 ¼ acres; Burt Clifford’s 20,000 lbs, 2 ¼ acres; Jesse Harvey, 350 lbs, ½ acre; Geo. Hall’s 25,000
lbs, 2 ½ acres; Albert Daniels, 25,000 lbs, 2 ½ acres; Bernard Reilly, 77,000 lbs, 6 ½ acres. They have in stock
69 cases of ’81 crop.
120 Years Ago (1893): Two infant daughters, twins, of Mr. and Mrs. Meredith, who live on the David Stevens
farm, Edith Jane and Rosa May, aged two months, died, one on the 15th and the other on the 22 days of
January. Two bursting rose buds born to wither and fade in cold mid-winter’s storms.
110 Years Ago (1903): Physicians are enjoying a harvest just now as many are sick and their ranks are rapidly
increasing; the prevailing diseases being hard colds, pneumonia and grip, with these added to the usual number
of old chronics makes busy times in this professional line.
100 Years Ago (1913): Mr. and Mrs. Pat Ryan very pleasantly entertained about seventy young people at their
home near Albany, Friday evening at a china shower in honor of Miss Nora Cassody and Mr. Al Dunphy. The
evening was spent in playing cards and dancing. The guests of honor received many handsome pieces of china.
90 Years Ago (1923): At their last meeting, the Board of Education decided to hire Mr. Jack of the Elkhorn Band
Instrument Co., to act as instructor of the High School Band at a salary of $50 per month. This gentleman sold
the instruments to the young people of the school and has been giving them lessons for the last three months.
80 Years Ago (1933): Mr. and Mrs. Warren Rodd, 15 Garfield avenue, whose 25th wedding anniversary
occurred last Saturday were guests of honor at a dinner given Sunday by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Higday, route 4.
A feature of the dinner was an angel food cake decorated with silver candy. Mr. and Mrs. Rodd were married
Jan. 14, 1908 on the Higday farm two miles west of the city and have since made their home in Evansville. Mrs.
Rodd was formerly Miss Jane Higday.
70 Years Ago (1943): Francis J. Kelly, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Kelly, this city, who enlisted in the Navy
November 1 and received his book training at the U. S. Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Ill., has been
assigned to advanced instruction at the Navy’s new training school for radio men at Miami University, Oxford,
Ohio. Kelly demonstrated special skills in a series of aptitude tests taken while in recruit training. The sailor was
graduated from the Evansville High School in 1935 and employed here at the Inman Standard Service Station on
South Madison street before his enlistment.
60 Years Ago (1953): Salome Kimberley was crowned queen of the Senior Snow ball by her escort, Rollyn
Kauth at the first senior formal dance held at the high school gymnasium last Saturday night. Miss Kimberley is
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jess Kimberley and Kauth is the son of Dr. and Mrs. P. S. Kauth. Chaperones for
the dance were Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gibbs, Mr. and Mrs. William Wood, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. McKenna, Mr. and Mrs.
William Hinze and Mr. and Mrs. Ben Heffel.
50 Years Ago (1963): Evansville’s roller rink has been sold. The new owners are Mr. and Mrs. Phillip A. Utzig
of 576 Soden Drive, Oregon. The Oregon people purchased the rink from Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Briggs who have
operated the business here for the past nine years. The new owners took over effective Monday, Jan. 21. Mr.
Utzig was born here and lived in Evansville until he was 18 years old. His mother was the late Mrs. Alice Utzig.
His father died when he was very young.
40 Years Ago (1973): Three aldermen are seeking re-election. As of Tuesday morning, John Jones was the
only office seeker who has filed papers. He is opposing Robert Olsen, present incumbent in the second ward.
Dr. Karl Schoenenberger states that his papers are being circulated in the third ward where he is presently
serving as alderman. Francis Erbs, first ward alderman informs the Review that his papers are in circulation for
reelection. Mrs. Vaughn Petersen stated Tuesday no one had signified an intention to become a candidate for
school board post.
30 Years Ago (1983): The board of the Town of Union met at their regular monthly meeting. No new people
filed as candidates to fill the positions for the town. Norman Hatlen and Dean George filed as supervisors,
Wayne Disch as Chairman, Deanna Jeans as Clerk, Ruth Templeton as Treasurer, and Don Elmer as Constable.
20 Years Ago (1993): Superintendent Tom Benzinger presented an administration “wish list” to the Evansville
School Board Monday that includes requests for $408,000 for additional staff and staff improvement. On his
wish list is a K-12 social worker, a first grade teacher, two part-time at-risk student support persons, part-time
home economics, music, art, foreign language, math, physical education teachers and a part-time peer coach
for a total of $245,000. Also included are support staff increases of $38,000, administrative staff increases of
$65,000 and $60,000 in professional improvement expenses. Benzinger estimates the social worker alone will
cost $50,000.
10 years ago (2003): New Council member Jane Oberdorf was sworn in at the last meeting of the Evansville
council. Sandra Hart, City Clerk, gave the oath of office to the incoming Alderperson. She is taking the seat of
Scott Rassbach who recently resigned his position for employment reasons.
In Review
Last Week of January - First Week of February 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Thursday of last week was said to have been the severest of the season. The
thermometer did not show the temperature so low as at some other times, but the air was full of snow drifting and
whirling into every crack and cranny, driven by the wind that everywhere kept it in action. The day closed with a
perfect gale, boding ill to any luckless pedestrian, way-bound or way-lost. The night trains on the railroad were
hauled off for safety.
130 Years Ago (1883): Born on Friday, Jan. 29, ’83, to Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Tracy, of the town of Porter a boy.
On Jan. 16, ’83, a boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. James Harper of Magnolia. Mrs. Harper has been very
dangerously sick, but strong hopes are now entertained of her recovery. On the 17th inst. to Mr. and Mrs.
Conrad of Porter, a boy.
120 Years Ago (1893): Married. Mr. Ferdinand W. Kruger and Miss Augusta Kleinschmidt, both of the town of
Brooklyn, Dane county, Wis. were married at the home of the bride, January 26th, 1893 by Rev. P. Speich.
Many were the friendly guests and also the fine presents at the pleasant occasion. All seemed to be much
interested in listening to the fine music given by the Dayton band of which the groom was a member.
110 Years Ago (1903): Death came Wednesday, Jan. 28 and relieved Mr. Henry Brunsell of the terrible disease
known as cancer of the face, of which he has been a patient sufferer for the past few years. Mr. Brunsell is
widely known in our community as an honest, upright farmer, and has resided on the Edmunds farm two miles
south of Cooksville, the past year. He leaves to mourn his loss a wife and two sons, Albert who is studying law in
Michigan, and John who resides on the farm.
100 Years Ago (1913): Mr. Colton wishes to announce that he will be glad to hear from any who are interested
in the Yellowstone Park trip for next summer, as he will soon make arrangements for the special car for the
Evansville party. A stereopticon illustrated talk will be given as soon as arrangements are under way.
90 Years Ago (1923): The business at the Baker Mfg. Co. shops has been growing better for some time and this
week they added several new men to their working force among them being Lyle Wells and J. C. Chantry. Mr.
Chantry will have charge of the cupola beginning next week. About eight new men have been added to the
force. This company has also purchased a new Arcade Moulding machine which is the latest thing in this line of
machinery, having air squeeze and air jolt. This new machine will not only increase the output of the foundry,
but will add much to the convenience of the men employed.
80 Years Ago (1933): Mrs. Ole Fursett, 66, died at her home here Wednesday of flu-pneumonia after a week’s
illness. She was born in Norway and had come to Cooksville with her parents, moving after her marriage to live
here since 1918. Her survivors include the widower; five children, Mrs. Leo Decker, Mrs. Merlin Reese, Herbert
and Dora, all of Evansville; and Mrs. William Brunsell, Madison; a sister, Mrs. Mary Onsrud, Stoughton, two
brothers, Jacob and Anton Fursett, Evansville; and 12 grandchildren. The Rev. M. H. Hegge will conduct funeral
services Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the home and at 2 at the Cooksville Lutheran church. Burial will be in the
Cooksville cemetery.
70 Years Ago (1943): Evansville Now Has 235 in Armed Forces. A group of 235 men and women in the armed
forces of the United States have been registered with the Wives and Mothers’ club registration committee
headed by Mrs. Ray Hubbard, and their names either have been or soon will be placed on the honor roll board
by Mrs. E. J. Gibbs. Many more blanks have been sent to parents and relatives of those in the service who have
neglected to return the filled in papers to the committee which retards the work of placing the names on the
board.
60 Years Ago (1953): The paintings of University of Wisconsin art education Prof. John Wilde, Evansville, now
on display in a New York gallery were reviewed in the current issue of Newsweek magazine. The Wilde’s live at
335 South First St. He will exhibit oils and drawings at the Newman Brown Gallery, 15 E. grand Ave., Milwaukee,
Feb. 28 to March 20
50 Years Ago (1963): Evansville firemen answer two calls a week ago Wednesday in the sub zero weather. On
Highway 59 near Evansville fire damaged the Gerald Tierney farm home. At 12:15 pm an alarm was answered
at the Hyne farm on Milbrandt Rd. A chimney fire was the cause and damage was minor. Mr. and Mrs. Alvin
Best are residents on the farm.
40 Years Ago (1973): Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Reuder, Meunich, Germany, are having an extensive visit at the
home of Mr. and Mrs. George Wollinger, Sr., Rte. 2, Evansville. They have been visiting many relatives in the
area some of whom they have met for the first time. Among the visitors are Mr. and Mrs. George Wollinger, Jr.,
and family, Don Wollinger, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bennett and family, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Neal, Mr. and Mrs. Vill
Bauman and family, Mr. and Mrs. John Hein and family and Kathy Wollinger, who is a student at Whitewater,
Wis. Mrs. Reuder is Mr. Wollinger Sr.’s sister.
30 Years Ago (1983): Gregory Kerkenbush, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Kerkenbush, 27 Grove St., Evansville,
has been named the recipient of the Daughters of the American revolution “Good Citizen Award” at Evansville
High School for the 1982-83 school year.
20 Years Ago (1993): Meals on Wheels has been in operation for 19 years and was introduced here in 1973.
Officers and board members were reelected unanimously for 1993. They are: LaVerne Krueger, president; Cliff
Woolever, vice president; Betty Gray, treasurer; Ruth Petersen, secretary; Ruth Foster, chairman of
applications; Joy Rhoda, volunteer coordinator; David Ross, legal advisor; Al Hipke, business advisor; Father
Robert Hughes, clergy representative; and Phoebe Smout, senior citizens representative. Mrs. Gray reported
that 4,313 hot meals and 616 cold meals, a grand total of 4,929 meals were delivered in 1992.
10 years ago (2003): A day for Lake Leota fans took place this past week as Phase 2 of the Lake Restoration
Project was under taken by members of Lake Leota’s S.O.L.E. committee. Sediment samples were extracted
from beneath the frozen surface of the lake by a DNR official and ten transported to Madison by committee
members.