In Review
First Week of April 1870-2000
140 Years Ago (1870): The photograph business has been of the most lively character, in Evansville, the past
winter. Mr. W. H. Owen has taken 7000 pictures, during the past three months.
130 Years Ago (1880): Friday, while Mr. C. H. Wilder was digging the cellar for his new dwelling, he received a
severe blow in the side from the handle of a scraper he was using.
120 Years Ago (1890): While the two little boys of Mr. Dan Rogers were playing ball Saturday, the bat breaking in
the hands of the elder one, sent the full blow against the head of Montie, 8 year old, knocking him senseless. The
boy was taken up and carried into the house and Dr. Spencer sent for with urgent haste. When the Doctor arrived
the boy began to recover, and an examination revealed no particular external wound but a terrible contusion. The
Dr. cared for the boy the best he could and thinks he will recover all right.
110 Years Ago (1900): Hiram Emery has sold his farm to Ed Hyne for one hundred and ten dollars per acre, and
taken as part payment the Hyne’s property here, which the former is now occupying.
100 Years Ago (1910): There is so little interest taken in the election in Evansville that there is hardly a contest
over any of the offices. The only one this year was between Dr. C. M. Smith and Henry Austin in the Third Ward, Mr.
Smith being the winner. Even the question of park or no park did not inject any life into a dead election, but the park
lost by a large majority.
90 Years Ago (1920): The Cozy Café which had the misfortune to catch fire the forepart of the winter is steadily
coming to the front with a new building. The Graham Bros. have taken hold of the café again and it is booming as it
always does when it comes under their management. The framework of the building is up and in the near future will
be ready for occupancy.
80 Years Ago (1930): Plans have been completed here for an amateur night and fiddlers’ contest to be held at the
Magee Theatre, Tuesday night April 22. Cash prizes totaling $30 will be awarded for the best local talent vaudeville
specialties, old time fiddling, guitar, and accordion playing. Those who have already registered to appear in
vaudeville specialties are Christie Ryan and Betty Groh,Vic Wall, Beth Schuster, Doris Moore, Helmer Olson, Jean
Covert, and Clyde Bates.
70 Years Ago (1940): James Lamb was elected to the office of Chief of Police to succeed the late Fred W. Gilman
by a plurality of 246 votes over his opponent Charles A. Gibson. Dorothy Richmond easily defeated her opponent,
Burton C. Janes for the office of treasurer. Receiving a total of 585 votes, A. M. Winn was again placed at the helm
of the city by a plurality of 269 over his closest opponent, Harry H. Loomis, who polled 316. The third contestant J.
B. Coleman was awarded 244 votes.
60 Years Ago (1950): The Evansville Methodist Church on Easter day was the scene of a beautiful setting of “The
Risen Christ Appearing to Mary,” painted by Mrs. E. J. Gibbs. Imitation grass was used as a mound and Easter lilies
and hyacinth blossoms placed at the sides set off the pictures with beauty and symmetry. Powerful spot lights
illuminated the whole scene, bringing home the truth of the Easter Message, “He is Risen.”
50 Years Ago (1960): The annual Junior Prom will be held Friday, May 6, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the high school
auditorium with music by the Top Hatters. “Bali Hai” has been chosen as the theme for the event. King Steve Crull
has named Dawn Feldt as Prom Queen. Committees and the court of honor will be announced at a later date.
40 Years Ago (1970): There are five candidates for three positions on the Evansville Board of Education, two of
whom are present incumbents as follows: David Fellows and Robert C. Kelley. The three new names appearing on
the ballot this spring are Erwin Zweifel, Dr. Henry Youngman and Kenneth Rabideau.
30 Years Ago (1980): The Evansville City Council members were informed that the Wisconsin Fund grant for
funding Phase II of the new water treatment plant had been approved. The grant will cover about 75% of the cost of
the design plan and specifications for the new plant.
20 Years Ago (1990): The lobby of the Valley Bank of Evansville, located on North Madison Street, has come alive
with an interesting collection of art works by local residents. Those who have works on display are James McGoey,
Joan Sands, Ross Sperry, Howard “Bud” Cufaude, Jim Patterson, Denny Reese, Dick Krake, Linda Grenawalt-Dean,
Dave Turner, Gayle Puhl, Deanne De La Rond, Jonathan Wilde and Gordon Kazda.
10 years ago (2000): Another blackened sky, orange blazing grass drew the curious to the south side of town on
Hwy. 213, last Friday afternoon. According to Evansville Fire Chief Mike Halvensleben, the fire was called in by a
passerby at about 1:30. Although conditions are dry for this time of year, the cause has yet to be determined.
About 20 firefighters were on the scene and within three hours had the fire under control, but were at the scene for
a total of six hours. The prairie is DNR land and was more extensively burned last year. Halvensleben estimated
the area burned was about one mile long and one mile wide.
In Review
Second Week of April 1870-2000
140 Years Ago (1870): The annual election of officers of the Methodist Sunday School took place Sunday, April 3d,
and resulted in the well-merited and unanimous choice of L. T. Pullen, superintendent; C. K. Landers assistant, and
David Stevens, secretary and treasurer. The school for the past year has been under the charge of Mr. E. R.
Sprague, ably assisted by Mrs. E. Robinson, than whom no better, or more competent persons can be found.
130 Years Ago (1880): The election of the Trustees of the Evansville Seminary was held in the bank. I. M. Bennett,
C. H. Wilder, and Peter Aller, of the old Board remain in the new. L. T. Pullen was elected to fill a vacancy. A
proposal was entertained from J. E. Coleman to take charge of the school the next academic year. The Illinois and
Wisconsin Conference of the Free Methodist Church, are already represented in this project, and it is expected that
the Minnesota and Iowa Conferences will be. This young denomination, but twenty years of age, has two
Seminaries in operation now, one at North Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y., and the other at Spring Arbor, Jackson Co.,
Michigan.
120 Years Ago (1890): North and west Magnolia were visited with a genuine cyclone Sunday afternoon about five o’
clock. William Henry Austin had his tobacco shed blown to pieces and Mr. Geo. Bishop had a barn and shed blown
to atoms. Several other farmers in that section suffered more or less from the wind. Dark heavy clouds were seen
from this place skirmishing in that direction and it was expected Evansville would be an unwelcome visit, but they
sheared off and our people breathed easier.
110 Years Ago (1900): Married: April 12, 1900, at noon, by Rev. M. C. Miner, at the Free Baptist parsonage, Miss
Della Thompson and Mr. Philip De Remer, both of the town of Brooklyn.
100 Years Ago (1910): E. P. Tullis has received the appointment of census enumerator for the City of Evansville
and Henry L. Austin will do the enumerating for the Town of Union. Census takers will wear a badge with “United
States Census 1910.” The census starts April 15 and will be completed in 30 days. Census Enumerator Tullis
wishes the wives of the citizens of Evansville to find out where their husbands’ parents were born, so they can tell
him when he visits them.
90 Years Ago (1920): The friends of Miss Marion Calkins feel a pardonable pride, also a deep interest in her latest
adventure which gives her a place in the author’s world. Miss Calkin’s story, “Spring in the Ghetto” is given first
place in the last number of The Survey. The writer is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and is now engaged
in vocational work in one of the New York City public schools.
80 Years Ago (1930): The city fire department was summoned to the Garden Canning company’s plant here at 9:30
this morning to extinguish a lumber blaze. No serious damage was done. Sparks from burning brush nearby started
the trouble.
70 Years Ago (1940): Fire originating from a grass blaze at the Charles Gibson residence at 32 West Main Street
badly damaged the Ray Hyne apartment and blacksmith building at the rear of the Rex Theater here at 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday. The grass blaze crept to the Hyne building and spread like a flash up the walls between the rafters.
Though the fire itself caused but little destruction, damage from the smoke will necessitate considerable interior
redecorating in the second floor Hyne apartment. A similar fire damaged the Hyne building last year.
60 Years Ago (1950): Mrs. Roger Collins and infant daughter, Candace Ann, returned home from the hospital
Wednesday. Mrs. Collins was formerly, Miss Charlotte Brunsell.
50 Years Ago (1960): Police Chief Richard Luers will attend a police chief school in Milwaukee next Tuesday and
Wednesday, the City Council decided and it also approved the purchase of a new police car for the department.
40 Years Ago (1970): Ten fires in less than three weeks for a small city is sort of frightening. Evansville’s volunteer
fire department has been kept unusually busy. Prompt action on their part has prevented much fire damage in and
near the city, especially in the cases of the several grass fires which spread rapidly. There were two fires last week,
one of which was in the city dump and was caused by the wind fanning hot ashes. Friday night firemen were called
out to extinguish a blaze in the field on the Phil Rowley farm on Bullard Road. The fire Tuesday afternoon was
located on the Lloyd Hubbard farm and was confined to a grass fire.
30 Years Ago (1980): Local artist Linda Grenawalt had a successful showing of her art work at the Footville State
Bank and is now showing her paintings at the Green County Bank of Brodhead. Miss Grenawalt is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Grenawalt and is a 1979 graduate of Evansville High School.
20 Years Ago (1990): The Evansville Fire Department held their annual meeting on March 12, 1990. The following
officers were elected: Chief, Edd McCaffrey; Assistant Chief, Ken Fuchs; Captain, Scott George; First Lieutenant,
Dennis Cooper; Secretary-Treasurer, Ron Peckham; First Steward, Russ Hall; 2nd Steward, Eric Jorgensen;
Publicity, Art Phillips.
10 years ago (2000): School Board members selected the Master Plan option which includes building a new high
school, remodeling and upgrades to the existing elementary school and middle school and converting the present
high school into an intermediate school serving grades 3-5. Bray Associates estimates $19.2 million for the new
high school; $2.3 million for mechanicals and a new cafeteria and library at the middle school, and $500,000 for
revisions to the elementary school. The board voted to include operating costs for the new high school, a swimming
pool and a full fly loft for the auditorium among the questions for the referendum.
In Review
Third Week of April 1870-2000
140 Years Ago (1870): Westward Ho. Mr. Bela Beebe, started for Iowa last Thursday, taking with him his family and
household goods, what a single team could draw, shipping the more heavy articles by rail. His destination is not
particularly defined, but inclines to the country west of Des Moines as that best suited to his ideas. Mr. Beebe is one
of our oldest citizens and has many friends in this part of the state. His recently family afflictions in the loss of his
wife and mother, seems to crowd around him the usual share of earth’s sorrows.
130 Years Ago (1880): Labor of repairing the Seminary building has begun. Some of the roof timbers having
become rotten will be replaced with new ones and the roof will be otherwise repaired. The whole building will
undergo a complete renovation from top to bottom. Mr. Weeber, a carpenter and also member of the board of
trustees, with his family, is occupying the building as tenent.
120 Years Ago (1890): The “Maid of the Mist” boys desire to express grateful thanks to the Village of Evansville,
through its proper officers, for the nice hose carriage presented to them for the use of their company. J. W. Morgan
& Co., were makers.
110 Years Ago (1900): Geo. Thurman, of Albany, has traded a pearl with Mrs. Wallace of Chicago, for ten acres of
land on Lake Geneva, and on which is the Idaho building, moved there from the world’s Fair. He will conduct the
property as a pleasure resort.
100 Years Ago (1910): Adelaide Evans, granddaughter of John M. Evans, M. D., was an editor on the first co-ed
newspaper at the University of Wisconsin, “Chadborne Review.”
90 Years Ago (1920): Mrs. Carl Olson was surprised when her two brothers from Norway entered her home
Saturday night. They will work for Mr. Olson this year. He has taken the Brunsell farm. (Cooksville news)
80 Years Ago (1930): The Evansville City Council authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign Electric Service contracts
between the City of Evansville and Roy Fellows, Clarence Hagan, Charles Gabler, Ole Olsen, Ben Griffeth, Charles
A. Taylor, Marvin Ellingson, John Knudson Jr., Charles Van Wart, Torfin Olsen, Martin O. Fursett and John Wall.
70 Years Ago (1940): Nearly every person living in or near Evansville knows that the Baker Manufacturing Company
makes windmills and gas engines. But few know that the Su Panda toys which were bought for Christmas presents
for their children and nieces and nephews were made by this same company and hence purchased in the shadow of
the factory which manufactured them. Su Panda is the creation of J. G. Baker. The machine which formed the
arms, legs, and body of Su Panda were also designed by Mr. Baker and the first machines which cut the toy were so
fast that often the wood was burned in the process. Men working at the machines considered them a great hazard
and did not relish the thought of manufacturing Sue Panda. The machines have now been corrected and the toy is
no longer unpopular with the workers.
60 Years Ago (1950): The Evansville 4-H club will meet in the City Hall. Mrs. Fred Abey and Mr. and Mrs. Harold
Abey are in charge of the meeting. Nineteen new members will be initiated with R. T. Glassco, county agent, in
charge. Serving on the refreshments committee are Janet Allen, Sue Croft, Katherine Doyle, Betty Dunbar and
Patty and Shirley Franklin.
50 Years Ago (1960): There is plenty of interest in getting the contract for building the Evansville district’s new
school, judging by the 35 bids made on the project Tuesday. Bids were opened before about four dozen spectators
at the school Tuesday afternoon. As they were made, the bids totaled about $25,000 more than the board planned
to spend for the building, but it is expected that various alternatives in the bidding and conferences on changes
between the contractors and architects will bring the figures down to the level estimated before the bidding.
40 Years Ago (1970): Army Private First Class Theodore K. Kremkoski, son of Alvin J. Kremkoski, Route 1,
Brooklyn, recently received the Purple Heart during ceremonies near Cu Chi, Vietnam. Pfc. Kremkoski was
presented the award for wounds suffered in action against hostile forces in Vietnam. The private is assigned as a
medical aidman in Company A. 2d Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division’s 27th Infantry. The 21 year old soldier is a
graduate of Albany High School.
30 Years Ago (1980): With the addition of the new fire department pumper, a Pierce Suburban pumper using a
Ford C-8000 chassis, the Evansville Fire Department has improved its equipment. The $59,265 pumper allows the
pump operator a better vantage point to watch the fire fighters and direct the water flow. The new truck can pump
1,000 gallons per minute. The fire department members tested the new equipment at Leota Park. The fire
department has also received a $13,800 Chevrolet pickup, with equipment, known as the “brush buggy,” for use
when brush fires occur. Updating equipment contributes to lower insurance rates for the community.
20 Years Ago (1990): Mayor Chris Eager was re-elected Mayor in the April election. The vote was Eager, 404 and
Harlin Miller 375. Good weather prevailed on voting day, but the turnout was only 779 voters. The advisory lake
referendum drew 515 yes votes and 247 no votes. In the Municipal Justice race, Casey Nagy was the winner.
Other votes of uncontested incumbent council members were: Larry Dobbs, Ward 1; Richard Modaff, Ward 2; and
Ron Buttchen, Ward 3.
10 years ago (2000): A school referendum scheduled for May 23 will ask voters to spend $25.5 million on a new
high school and renovations to the district’s three other schools. The bulk of the cost will go toward construction of
a new high school. In the coming weeks district officials must convince taxpayers of the merits of the referendum for
the district and the community. Superintendent Gary Albrecht said the building plan approved by the board allows
for growth over the next 20 years and for future expansion to the new high school. It also creates an elementary
campus and addresses traffic and congestion problems.
In Review
Fourth Week of April 1870-2000
140 Years Ago (1870): Mr. A. H. Robinson has sold his interest in the dentist business to Mr. Taylor (of Carleton &
Taylor Photographers). Mr. Robinson will carry on the business for Mr. Taylor, and be found ready to serve the
public, as usual for anything in the line of dentistry. A. H. Robinson, Dentist, makes and repairs all kinds of artificial
teeth. Teeth extracted without pain by the use of chloroform, ether, or gas, the last of which is perfectly safe.
130 Years Ago (1880): Married at the residence of the bride’s parents, in Evansville, April 26th, 1880, by Rev. E.
Robinson, Mr. Chas. H. Ladd of Buffalo County, Wis., and Miss Kate H. Winston of Evansville.
120 Years Ago (1890): Mrs. M. A. Hubbard who has spent the winter with her daughter, Mrs. Eugene Bullard, went
last week to her prairie home. Mrs. Hubbard is getting quite old and does not step as lively as she did twenty-five
years ago, but her mind is active and vigorous as ever, apparently. Although it is home to her, her children feel
uneasy to have her there alone, which she seldom is allowed to do, and is always glad to have any of her children or
grand children come and live with her, yet she does not find a home like the “old prairie home,” with any. Mrs. M. A.
Hubbard is one of the grand old women of the day, and she has a warm spot in the hearts of many people in this
section.
110 Years Ago (1900): Married: April 26, 1900, at 12 o’clock, at the home of the bride’s parents on East Main St.,
Miss Ella M. Kuelz of this city and Mr. Charles R. Minch, of Fellows. Rev. Mr. Eilert officiated. The bride recently
moved to this city with her parents from Center and has many friends. The groom is a thriving young farmer and
after a couple of weeks in Milwaukee and Chicago will take his bride to their new home at Fellows where he will work
his father’s farm.
100 Years Ago (1910): Col. G. W. Hall was in Chicago, Tuesday and bought the mate to Charlie, one of the largest
elephants in Ringling’s herd, also lions, tigers and other animals. All orphans, children and old soldiers will be
admitted free to his circus which appears here in May.
90 Years Ago (1920): The Good Times Club met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Baker Monday evening. This
was an especially joyous occasion in that E. J. Ballard, who has been ill for about a year, was able to be present.
80 Years Ago (1930): A declamatory, oratory and extemporaneous reading contest will be held at the high school
Tuesday night with the following competing: Declamations, Dorothy Earleywine, Lucille Hubbard and Betty Jane
Main; orations, Michael Finnane, Theodore Geisler and Robert Hubbard; extemporaneous reading, Kenneth Ellis,
Margaret Baker, and Louise Lindsey. The winner of each group will represent Evansville at the district meet to be
held at Milton, April 24.
70 Years Ago (1940): Following a three weeks’ period of installation and remodeling, the pharmacy of the Brown
Drug Company, Inc., in the Grange building will officially opened to the public Saturday, May 4, it was announced
this morning by W. E. Brown manager. Though the new soda fountain and many other fixtures have not arrived, the
store has been open for business here since Tuesday of last week. Mr. Brown, who has brought his wife, and infant
daughter to Evansville from Sheboygan is residing here at 15 Mill Street. A registered pharmacist, he is a graduate
of the pharmaceutical course at Marquette University, Milwaukee. Mr. Brown will be assisted in the store by his wife,
a registered nurse and by Kenneth Norby, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Norby, Route 1.
60 Years Ago (1950): Robert Madding, Richland Center, will succeed Mel Erickson as basketball coach at
Evansville High School, it was announced by J. C. McKenna, Superintendent of Schools. Coach Erickson recently
resigned. Mr. Madding is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin where he was a member of the football,
basketball and swimming team. He has also played semi-pro basketball in his native city. He served three years in
the Navy during the war as a radio operator.
50 Years Ago (1960): Construction equipment and supplies were being moved onto the fairgrounds site of the new
school building Wednesday of this week and at the same time School District Board Clerk Elizabeth Gray was in
Chicago to receive payment from the bond underwriters. The $315,000 from the bonds will go into short-term
treasury notes and will earn an estimated $3,000 in interest prior to being paid out to the contractor as construction
proceeds.
40 Years Ago (1970): Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Meredith, Sr., Route 1, Evansville will mark their golden wedding
anniversary Sunday, May 10th, with an open house to be held at Meredith’s Lounge, hosted by Mr. and Mrs.
George Kelly and family, Evansville, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Meredith and family, Bettendorf, Iowa. Richard
Meredith and Margaret Finnane were married May 5, 1920 in St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Evansville. Monsignor
William P. McDermott officiated at the Mass.
30 Years Ago (1980): Dr. Rodney J. Gray, died April 17, 1980 at the age of 79 at a Madison hospital. He was born
November 18, 1900 in DeForest and attended Beloit College and the University of Wisconsin. He received his
medical degree from the Washington University Medical School in St. Louis. Dr. Gray began his medical practice in
1926 in Brooklyn, moving to Evansville in 1946. He was recognized by the State Medical Society for 50 years of
medical service in 1976.
20 Years Ago (1990): Marsha Dobbs, proprietor of Dobbs’ Duds, Main Street, excitedly discovered that there were
leaded glass windows hidden behind a partition in the store. The Dobbs’ ran into a situation where their furnace
gave out. In replacing the furnace they had to remove a partition at the rear of the store and behind the partition
was a long expanse of leaded glass. The speculation is that the glass probably was behind the popular soda
fountain that exited there. Before the Dobb’s bought the store it was a drug store. (Note: The stained glass is on
display at The Heights in the dining area windows.)
10 years ago (2000): St. Paul’s Knights of Columbus and the AWARE Agency recently completed their 2nd Annual
Easter Basket Program. The Easter Program was created to provide Easter dinners to families in need and to help
make the holiday a little more special for their children. A total of 40 families were served through the Easter
program, including 57 adults and 110 children.