In Review
First Week of March 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Messrs. Daniel Johnson and Reuben Winston have opened a lumber yard on the
grounds near the furniture factory. Their first installment of lumber was received yesterday.
130 Years Ago (1883): There will be a lunch social at Mr. Sidney Smith’s on Tuesday evening next. Each lady,
young or old, bring lunch for two, thereby providing for every gentleman present. Gentlemen will purchase a
basket and share the contents with the lady whose number corresponds with that in the basket. Baskets 25
cts. Supper will be served at 7:30.
120 Years Ago (1893): Mr. E. D. Barnard’s daughter Bertha has recovered from the scarlet fever, but her
sister Maud now has the same disease.
110 Years Ago (1903): Mr. Allen Carpenter of this city, and Miss Grace Emmons of Magnolia, were married in
Rockford, Illinois, on February 25, 1903. The groom has been in the employ of the D. E. Wood Butter Co. for
some time and is an honest, hardworking young man. Both young people have many friends here who extend
congratulations.
100 Years Ago (1913): In October 1912, a Monitor 11-horsepower portable engine outfit was shipped to the
east for testing purposes, with several other well known makes of gasoline engines. These machines have
been tested for the past four months on stone crushers to see which one would stand up the best and give the
least trouble. The Monitor has given the best satisfaction, all things considered. Consequently the concern
making this stone crusher has adopted the Monitor engine to use exclusively. Mr. LeRoy Kling, whom most of
the readers of the Review will remember as an Evansville boy, is sales manager for the rock crusher department
of this concern.
90 Years Ago (1923): Never before in the history of Evansville has as fine a bunch of pure bred swine been
sold at such ridiculously low prices as did the forty-three head of Durocs offered last Friday by Clarence George
& son. The top sow of the sale was purchased by F. B. Green for $43. The average of the sale being $27.30.
There was a fair attendance at the sale, but not of hog buyers, the whole offering being sold to farmers and
breeders in the three counties around Evansville.
80 Years Ago (1933): Police Department monthly report for the month of February 1933: Accidents to person,
2; Accidents to property, 2; Investigations, 5; Funerals attended, 2; Vagrants locked up, 83; Potential burglaries,
2; Lights reported out, 25; Police clock readings filed, 56. Respectfully submitted, F. W. Gillman, Chief of Police.
70 Years Ago (1943): Hans H. Norby, route 1, Evansville was recently graduated from the U. S. Naval Training
school for machinist’s mates on the University of Kansas campus with the rating of seaman, second class. He
will now be assigned to active duty with the fleet or at a naval shore station or to an advanced school for further
training.
60 Years Ago (1953): Jack (Zeke) Deininger, son of Mrs. Helen Deininger, Evansville and husband of the
former Jean Butler, was inducted into the army February 24 at Fort Sheridan, Ill. His mother, wife and her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Myrland Farrell visited Pvt. Deininger Sunday at Fort Sheridan. He left Tuesday morning
for a camp in Colorado.
50 Years Ago (1963): Evansville voters turned out in good numbers at the polls on Thuseday despite the
hardships of one of the season’s heaviest snowfalls. This was the primary election. Final tabulations show that
735 electors cast their ballots in the local polling places for the Town of Union and for the City of Evansville.
Polling was done as usual, at the City Hall in Evansville and at the Union Mutual Fire Insurance Bldg. for the
town of Union. There was a 3-way contest for the Republican candidate for the 2nd district state assembly
seat. Rusty Robinson chalked up 388 votes in Evansville and 107 in the Town of Union. Robinson’s majority in
the Evansville area, however, was not enough as the election throughout the district went to Carolyn
Blanchard. She will become the Republican candidate for the assembly seat to oppose Arnold Wikum in the
April general election. The voting for the supreme court justices gave Bruce F. Beilfuss an overwhelming
majority in the Evansville area.
40 Years Ago (1973): The Evansville high School Jazz Ensemble placed 4th out of 40 high school bands at the
Eau Claire Festival of Jazz this past weekend. Randy Schneeberger was first selected as an outstanding
trumpet soloist and then received one of two scholarships given to the Shell Lake Jazz Clinic to take place this
summer. One trophy was awarded to the Outstanding Jazz Musician of the entire festival and this award was
given after considering more than 1,000 jazz musicians. Randy won this award too.
30 Years Ago (1983): The Food Pantry will continue in Evansville with the cooperation of the people in the
community. Containers for canned goods will be placed in the super markets and churches. The General
Motors-UAW Care and Share Program will end Saturday, March 12. In cooperation with this program a food
pantry was organized in Evansville by Dee Losey and Iona Gray. They have been handing out food boxes for
the past seven weeks. The boxes were made available to anyone laid off from General Motors and other
families in need of aid. The numbers averaged between 45 and 53 families.
20 Years Ago (1993): Mitch Larson, Evansville senior, has been named to the First Team on the All
Conference Boys Basketball team for 1992-93. Duane Updike of Evansville was named Coach of the Year. Joe
Benson, Ty Grovesteen, and Aaron Dammen, all from Evansville, were given Honorable Mention.
10 years ago (2003): This past week was a memorable moment for both UB&T and Chris Eager as he officially
took over as the new bank president. The bank hosted an open house in honor of this occasion. The Board of
Directors recently appointed Chris to succeed Alan Eager, his father, as President.
In Review
Second Week of March 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Soot igniting in the chimney of Robinson & Hoxie’s clothing store, on Saturday last,
produced so much heat as to burn goods on the shelf in close proximity. The damage will amount to some
dozen dollars or more
130 Years Ago (1883): Rev. C. E. Goldthorpe, of the First M. E. Church tied the matrimonial noose at his
residence about eight o’clock last evening. The contracting parties were Mr. Frank Crall of Center and Miss Ella
M. Greatsinger, of Evansville.
120 Years Ago (1893): Dr. C. M. Smith goes to La Crosse today as a delegate from the G. A. R. Post of this
city, to attend their 27th annual State Encampment which convenes in the above named city on the 8th and 9th.
110 Years Ago (1903): Messrs. G. Pullen, Chas Pearsall and P. C. Wilder, having purchased property on the
banks of First Lake for residences will commence next week the erection of handsome summer cottages
thereon. From the proposed designs exhibited these houses will be models of elegance and comfort,
unsurpassed by any of the residents there. The materials for the erection of the buildings can be delivered at
the lake far cheaper by the Evansville Lumber Co., than can be had at Stoughton lumber dealers. Score one
for Evansville.
100 Years Ago (1913): A sanitary sewer was ordered laid on Second street from Main to Church street. A
petition for water main on Fourth street from Main street to Liberty street and on Liberty street from Third street
to Fourth street was received and referred to the street and alley committee. Meeting of City Council March 5,
1913.
90 Years Ago (1923): Forrest Durner has resigned his position at the D. E. Wood Butter Co. to take effect
when he has been officially notified of his appointment as postmaster of this city. His successor at the desk at
the D. E. Wood plant will be A. E. Harkin of Washington Courthouse, Ohio, a young man who has been with the
company for several years.
80 Years Ago (1933): A class of five candidates was initiated at the regular meeting of the Evansville Young
Men’s club held in the City Hall bringing the total membership of the organization to about 25. Those initiated
were Harold Schuster, Robert Hubbard, Fern Stott, Willis Wilson and Keith Williams. The club will elect new
officers at the next meeting.
70 Years Ago (1943): Seaman second class Kenneth Wall, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Burton Wall, this city, died
at 8 p.m. Sunday in the Great Lakes Naval Training Station hospital where he had been ill for two months.
60 Years Ago (1953): The Center 4-H Club will present the play, “Cupid Advertises,” at the Evansville high
school auditorium on March 20, with the following cast: Harold Fenrick, Bill Miller, Bernice Collins, Tom Treinen,
Philip Woodworth, Anna Belle Franklin, Joan Treinen, Kitty Knox, Shirley Templeton, Elaine Sloan, Joyce
Haberman and Deanna Howell.
50 Years Ago (1963): Edwin Tomlin, a Wisconsin State Patrol officer, who graduated Friday, from the state
patrol academy, one of 34 who have completed a 15 week training course in traffic law enforcement at the
academy at Camp McCoy. He is assigned to the Poynette area on I-90. A party was held at his home in his
honor, Saturday evening with about 25 attending.
40 Years Ago (1973): Heavy rains Tuesday night of last week flooded Leota Park and the lowlands of the
residential district in that area and the land near the Varco and Baker Manufacturing plants and also caused the
Coach House parking lot to look like a pond. The rains caused flash flood conditions on Allen’s Creek which
overflowed its causeway covering much of the park and flatland near Madison Street between the highway and
the railroad tracks. The spillways were carefully watched through the night and morning hours but it did not
become necessary to raise the gates.
30 Years Ago (1983): At the council meeting on Tuesday night of last week the resignation of Les Golz as fire
chief was accepted. Golz has served as chief since the latter part of 1981 and has been on the volunteer fire
department for 31 years. Charles Nordeng was named the new chief. The resignation is effective as of March
14.
20 Years Ago (1993): First Baptist Church of Evansville has called Rev. Michael Parker to their vacant pulpit.
Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14, 1993 was his first day as their pastoral leader. Presently employed by them
on a half-time basis, Mike is also an employee of Monroe Truck Equipment in Monroe, WI, and will continue his
work there during the week.
10 years ago (2003): Kelly House is celebrating its 15th anniversary by opening up yet another addition. Two
duplexes on the northwest side of the property were completed at the end of last year. Three of the four units
are rented. The duplexes are targeted for the elderly. There will be an open house in the remaining duplex on
Thursday March 20th.
In Review
Third Week of March 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): The Evansville Dramatic Club will regale our citizens with the play entitled Ten Nights in
a Bar Room next Tuesday evening. We have no need to speak of the play or the actors, for it is well known and
the actors will do their part with credit.
130 Years Ago (1883): Married at the home of the bride’s parents, March 15th, by Rev. E. Robinson, Mr. Willis
A. Searles of Porter, and Miss Genie E. Wing, of Brooklyn.
120 Years Ago (1893): Mr. B. S. Hoxie, with assistant carpenters, has again commenced work on the village
hall, which, it is hoped, will be continued until the building is completed.
110 Years Ago (1903): A pretty wedding took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Greatsinger,
Wednesday, March 18, 1903, when their only daughter Pearl was united in marriage to Milo C. Halsey, Rev.
Mrs. E. A. Copp officiating. Only immediate relatives were present. Both young people are well and favorably
known, the groom having been in the employ of the Baker Mfg. Co. for some time past. They left on the
evening train for a short visit with friends in Beloit and Rockford.
100 Years Ago (1913): Mr. Grant Howard of Magnolia is at Rochester, Minn., where his nasal organs have
been operated on by Dr. Mayo. Word was received last night saying he was making good recovery and was
greatly encouraged. G. H. Howard went to be with his son.
90 Years Ago (1923): Melvin Ingraham, one of the few old soldiers left in this locality was struck last Saturday
by an automobile opposite the Review office, one of his legs being broken. Mr. Ingraham being partially blind
and partly crippled did not see the car in time to avoid it. He was taken to the Statia Henneberry home, where
he is being taken care of.
80 Years Ago (1933): A record crowd of approximately 330 persons attended the American Legion’s St. Patrick’
s day dance held in the Magee hall here Friday night with Pete Olson’s six piece band furnishing the music.
The door prizes awarded were an electric clock, fountain pen, slab of bacon, a drip coffee maker and two cash
prizes. Dean George, Harry Inman and Charles Rasmussen were among the winners. The dance, one of the
most popular social events held here this season was in charge of Joe Straka and Marion Jones, both of whom
were untiring in their efforts to make the affair a complete success.
70 Years Ago (1943): With numerous items of farm machinery, household goods and a large amount of
livestock listed for sale, plans for the Waucoma Grange consignment sale to be held Saturday afternoon on the
Co-op and Brigham lots on East Main street, are being completed here today. Dean George is the auctioneer.
The object of the sale is to assist farmers in their victory project by keeping all machinery working during the
coming summer. Among the sale items listed are nine head of horses, including several matched teams; 15
head of cattle, with four heifers to freshen soon; 60 pigs, plows, discs, stoves, drags, hay loader, corn sheller,
water pipe, grain drill grain binder, incubator and other farm equipment.
60 Years Ago (1953): Over fifty people attended the Civil Air Defense meeting Tuesday evening in the city
hall. S/Sgt. Kenneth Stelzer, USAF of Chicago explained what was expected of the ground observer corps and
the danger threatening the country, even small towns such as Evansville. One of the tourist cabins now in the
park will be moved to the fairgrounds for an observer shack, and it is hoped to have 24 hour watch in the near
future. Mrs. William Sumner asked for volunteers for setting up schedules. Watching periods will be only 2 to 4
hours per month if enough volunteers are obtained. Those volunteering included Mrs. Evelyn Reynolds, Mrs.
Elizabeth Cutter, Robert Turner, Jens Norum, E. S. Cary, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Mickey, William Ware, Earl
Schwartz, Robert Olsen, Herbert Blum, John Jones, Ed Erpenbach, Louis Spencer, Richard Grasshoff, Mrs. Bert
McCoy, Mrs. Clyde Babcock, Mrs. William H. Bewick, Don Thompson, Mrs. Carroll Hartl, Mrs. Alfred Hensel, Mrs.
Russell Losey, Mrs. William Sumner, Rev. Theodore Krause, Leonard Finn, William H. Bewick and Leslie Giles.
50 Years Ago (1963): The Evansville City Council is seeking the views of city people on a subject which is
destined to be a vital issue in Evansville: relocation of Highway 14. Although I-90 has cut highway traffic on
Highway 14 through the City, Mayor Wilson Brown points out that present indications are that within five or ten
years, the traffic on the highway will equal or exceed the traffic which it has enjoyed in the past. The State
Highway Department plans to renovate and relocate Hwy. 14 with eventual provision for a four-lane highway. If
Evansville is to retain this highway, extensive changes must take place along East Main Street to accommodate
four lanes. Otherwise the Mayor says, it may be necessary to relocate a portion of the Highway away from the
East Side and Union Street.
40 Years Ago (1973): Patti Krueger and Lorrie Hipke have been selected as Badger Girls State representatives
from Evansville High School this year. Kari Gransee and Lynne Parish have been named alternates. The
Badger Girls State representatives are sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary and the Evansville Lions
club.
30 Years Ago (1983): Flags were flying in the city recently, designating Tuesday March 8 as Mayor Robert
Olsen Day. That night, at the regular council meeting, he banged down his gavel to adjourn the meeting for the
last time as mayor. Olsen has served 14 years in the council, since 1974, as mayor and previously as an
alderman.
20 Years Ago (1993): The Evansville Fire Department held an election of officers at their annual meeting.
Chief Edd McCaffrey, Assistant Fire Chief, Kenneth Fuchs, Captain, Scott George, Lieutenant Dennis Cooper
and Secretary-Treasurer, Ron Peckham,
10 years ago (2003): The Evansville Community Partnership is holding its 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff on
Saturday, March 22. This year’s cookoff features five judges with a wide variety of chili expertise: Mayor Janis
Ringhand, Nancy Greve, the 2002 Chili Cookoff winner, Fireman Bill Castonguay, Maggie Richter and Phil Toler.
In Review
Fourth Week of March 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): We understand Mr. Greatsinger is about to start up the blacksmith business in
Evansville. We have three well established shops already.
130 Years Ago (1883): Evansville has had repeated occasion to congratulate itself upon its students abroad.
At the State University Leander Hoskins and Miss Mamie Howe lead their respective classes, while Wilbur S.
Tupper and Ed Dwight have each taken the highest rank at their classes in a special study. At Beloit, Wayland
Axtell heads the Freshman class in mathematics. At Rockford Seminary the Misses Alice C. Morehouse and
May West maintain a first rank in the curriculum, as well as in general standing.
120 Years Ago (1893): Barnard & Son handled about a million pounds of tobacco the past year. They have 40
to 50 hands in their assorting room. Fifteen teams all loaded with tobacco were waiting on the street Friday to
get to Barnard & Son’s warehouse to unload. Nearly as many more at Goffs.
110 Years Ago (1903): Fred Benedict, H. Sholts, Frank and Geo. Greatsinger, are going to take a hand in
pearl hunting this spring, on the Mississippi. Kossuth Morgan and Frank Tolles proposed to try their fortunes in
the pearl fields, in and around Prairie du Chien this spring. They expected to leave for that place Tuesday but
the severe storm put them back. We wish them good luck and plenty of pearls.
100 Years Ago (1913): The Rock County Agricultural Association changed the fair dates to August 20, 21, 22,
and 23. This enables the fair association to join the circuit composed of Beloit, Jefferson, Monroe, Madison and
Watertown which is one of the strongest racing circuits in the state. The management have every reason to
believe there will be from 75 to 100 horses entered in these races.
90 Years Ago (1923): Dr. C. S. Ware, Secretary and speed superintendent of the Evansville Rock County Fair,
attended a meeting at Janesville yesterday, at which was organized what will be known as the Wisconsin Grand
Circuit, a racing circuit to consist of Evansville, Janesville, Monroe, Madison, Milwaukee and Elkhorn. This puts
the Rock County Fair in this city in the same speed circuit with Milwaukee, Madison and Elkhorn and insures us
a fine speed program. The season will open for this circuit in Evansville, Aug. 1, to be followed by Janesville,
Monroe, Madison, Milwaukee and Elkhorn, in the order named. Such a racing program as is promised, in
connection with our night fair and fireworks will sure be a great aid to the Big County “Pumpkin Show.” Let’s go.
80 Years Ago (1933): With the development of several contests, the coming electing in Union townships
promises to be the most exciting in years and with the repeal referendum is expected to draw a record vote.
Potter Porter, present incumbent is being opposed for the office of Union township chairman by Lyman Gillies,
and William Reese, candidate for re-election is in the race with Milo Gillies for the office of constable. Dan
Finnane is without opposition for the other constable office. Other candidates in Union township without
opposition are Peter Templeton and Mike Moore, supervisors; Stanley Perry, clerk; Mrs. Grace Brunsell,
treasurer; Charles Weary, assessor; Sherman Hubbard, justice of the peace for two year term; and Harry
Spooner, justice of the peace for short term.
70 Years Ago (1943): Mr. and Mrs. Harlan L. Bliss, Beloit, have purchased the property on West Church street
formerly owned by Miss Eleanora Andrews and Mrs. Marilla Buckwalter, and are making arrangements to open a
select private school to be known as the “Badger School for Boys.” Mrs. Bliss, who has been associated with
the Leota school the past several months where she was house mother for the younger girls, has resigned her
position there and will take charge of the boys school which will open about April 15. It will be non-sectarian and
non-military. [Note: the Andrews house was at 262 West Church Street.]
60 Years Ago (1953): Pfc. Robert Apfel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Apfel, now serving with the artillery in Korea,
recently received a Wisconsin flag and a personal letter from Gov. Kohler. Pfc. Apfel’s gun crew is made up of
men from Iowa, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Kansas, Hawaii, New York and Wisconsin. As the Wisconsin
representative, Apfel wanted a state flag so he wrote to Gov. Kohler asking him how to obtain one and received
the flag, a small silk one, also a letter in response. He now proudly flies the flag over his bunker every day. Pfc.
Apfel has sent the letter home for his mother to save for him as a souvenir.
50 Years Ago (1963): Miss Daisy D. Spencer, 89, died March 21 at a Stoughton hospital after a long illness.
She was born Sept. 16, 1873, in Evansville, the daughter of Lewis and Eva J. Spencer. She was a resident of
Evansville most of her life. Surviving are nephews and nieces. The funeral was held at the Allen Funeral Home,
Rev. Wendell Marshall officiating, followed by burial in Maple Hill Cemetery.
40 Years Ago (1973): According to Richard J. Luers, Chief of Police for the City of Evansville there were a total
of 26 arrests for the month of February 1973. There were also 82 civil complaints for the months; 9 juvenile
complaints; 2 fire calls and 17 ambulance calls.
30 Years Ago (1983): The 1983 Junior Prom Court of Honor will include Dawn Sarbacker and Jeff Elmer, Amy
Erdman and Dewey Hull as Queen and King, Kim Rhoda and Steve Hipke, Karl Allen and Stacie Shaw, Ann
Bennett and Marty Kerkenbush, Karen Conners and Wayne Steinhoff, Karen Lien and Rick U’Ren. The theme
of the April 30th Prom is “We’ve Got Tonight.” The colors are lavender and white.
20 Years Ago (1993): On Thursday, March 25th, Varco-Pruden was host to a group of visitors from Shanghai
China. They were representatives of Shanghai Johnson Ltd. and are considering using Varco-Pruden Buildings
for the construction of new plants and warehouses. Their company currently manufactures and distributes
Johnson wax products at various locations in China.
10 years ago (2003): Judge Pat Roggensack, Appellate Court Judge, is a candidate for the Wisconsin
Supreme Court in the April 1st election. Roggensack will be a guest speaker on Friday, March 28 at a luncheon
meeting at the Coach house in Evansville.