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.
In Review
Second Week of February 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Saturday evening, last while our citizens were in attendance at the Musical Convention some
imps of darkness in human form, amused themselves by breaking into houses, stealing, and cutting up generally. Rev.
J. W. Harris was astonished on his return to find that his house had been broken into, and completely ransacked,
although no valuables were taken. Mr. Henry Spencer’s house was next visited. Entrance was gained by using a pair
of old shears to pry open a rear door. Some twenty-five dollars in money was taken from Dr. Beebe’s room and other
valuables, belonging to Mrs. Beebe, amounting to nearly as much more. The following night his corn crib was
molested.
130 Years Ago (1883): I. M. Bennett and brother, Nelson Winston and wife, Dr. C. M. Smith, and L. T. Pullen, left on
Friday of last week for a tour of New Orleans and other points south.
120 Years Ago (1893): Thos. Edison’s Talking Machine will be exhibited in Shiveley’s block Saturday evening. This
wonderful little machine will talk to you, sing to you and play to you. Do not fail to hear it. Single selections five cents.
110 Years Ago (1903): Mr. Truman J. Lee and Mrs. Mary Emery, both of this city, were united in the holy bonds of
matrimony at Rockford, Ill., on last Thursday Feb., 5th 1903. They will take up their residence in this city, where they
have many friends who wish that the remainder of their days will be filled with peace and contentment.
100 Years Ago (1913): The marriage of Miss Pearl Crawford, Cainville, to Will Spanton of Evansville, took place at
Rockford Tuesday, Feb. 11th.
90 Years Ago (1923): At a business meeting of the Commercial Club last Thursday evening to consider a program or
the new year, at the suggestion of L. P. Eager it was decided to undertake an effort to erect an ornamental street
lighting system from the library corner to the railroad crossing on East Main Street. The club took a favorable view of
the idea and appointed Mr. Eager, a committee of one to look into the matter and the probable cost of same.
80 Years Ago (1933): In spite of the mild weather during the month of January, a total of 68 vagrants were locked up in
the city jail during that month, the majority of whom were not ordinary transients but well behaved men who were
unemployed and without food and shelter. This number, according to Chief of Police Fred Gillman, is one of the largest
that has ever been given lodging here during a month’s period. The present unemployment condition is directly
responsible for so many vagrants now traveling about from town to town. Many, who are in search of work, request that
the police department put them in jail for a night’s lodging.
70 Years Ago (1943): The Evansville Street department is to be commended upon the manner in which it has kept the
streets cleared of snow this winter when snow has fallen almost daily and every storm has been accompanied or
followed by heavy winds. Due to the snow filled roads west of the city, Frank Dennis, who resides between here and
Albany and collects garbage from Evansville homes, has been unable to perform his duties. However, B. R. Ellis
received a telephone message from him Wednesday to the effect that he will be on the job again at the earliest possible
moment.
60 Years Ago (1953): The Baker Manufacturing company’s new hydrofoil boat at the 20th annual National Boat show in
Chicago is making quite a hit. The boat, which is one of the latest and surely the most practical applications of airplane
lift and airplane wing “flow-lift” principles to small boat operations is manufactured in the plant here in Evansville.
50 Years Ago (1963): Art Huseth, who had been employed by the Pet Milk Co. here in Evansville until the plant closed
down, has become an authorized De Laval dealer for this area. The business of selling and servicing dairy equipment
and handling dairy supplies is not new to Huseth. For five years from 1951 to 1956, he operated a business then
known as Evansville Dairy Supply. It was located in the old Loomis Building which was razed to make way for the
professional building erected by Bewick and Erstad. Huseth will operate his business from his home garage at 205
Walker St., in Evansville.
40 Years Ago (1973): Three boys and three girls, Evansville Middle School and High School youths, vandalized school
buses here on Tuesday night and were apprehended Wednesday morning. According to Clifford Ringhand, who owns
and operates the school busses, seven of the 16 busses were put out of commission and a few items were stolen from
the vehicles. Sgt. John Whitmore of the Evansville Police force stated that the damage report came in about 7 a.m
Wednesday and as early as 8:30 a.m. the same day deputies knew the names of five of the alleged vandals. Since the
case occurred outside the city limits, the case was turned over to the sheriff’s department. The buses were repaired
and in operation on Thursday morning.
30 Years Ago (1983): Renee Waller showed slides and told about her month long stay in Cannes, France last summer
at the Tourist Club meeting recently. Renee was part of the North Atlantic Cultural Exchange League program and
stayed with the family, whose daughter had earlier visited with the Richard Waller family under the same program.
While in France Renee visited Monaco and Paris.
20 Years Ago (1993): Della and Donald Weaver will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Weaver and the former
Della Dyers were married Feb. 20, 1943 at the Presbyterian Manse in Wisconsin Dells. They bought a home in
Evansville on N. Madison Street, where they lived for 43 years before moving to Janesville in 1980. The Weavers have
three children: Joanne Hageman (deceased); Donna Moen of Mineral Point; and Daniel (Terri) Weaver of Evansville.
They have five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
10 years ago (2003): After months of planning and hard work, the Cooksville Lutheran church will unveil its new look
and new sound with a re-dedication ceremony Sunday, February 23. Over the past year, workers have painted and
refurbished the sanctuary, new carpet was installed, and a new basement ceiling was added. Plus, a new electric organ
was purchased.
In Review
Third Week of February 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): Some one who has been a little curious to know how things are going on round town, has
furnished the item of figures on our public school. For teachers’ wages, $230, a month or $1.74 an hour. This is
exclusive of the fuel, janitor’s services and all the miscellaneous expenses about the several departments of school,
aggregating an expense of about $2 for every hour school is in keeping. Every idle moment costs the district thirty
three cents. With this expenditure, we ought to have a good school, and we have.
130 Years Ago (1883): Having sold the Review office, presses, types, subscription list, etc., we retire from the business
and consign its cares to abler hands. For over seventeen years we have published a newspaper in Evansville and
have done what our humble means would allow, for the place and people. Our health having failed us it becomes
necessary now that we should have rest. Our successor is Mr. Cliff M. Wells, a young man of newspaper experience
and ability, and who has also associated with him Mr. Wat Warren, also a good writer and practical newspaper man,
both young and active, from West Virginia. Truly, I. A. Hoxie
120 Years Ago (1893): While out sliding Saturday afternoon, Fred Clifford, oldest son of C. M. Clifford, with a parcel of
school boys, near the Heart place, a couple of miles east of town, got his ski caught in some way under the crust, and
being under rapid motion, was thrown down, breaking his left leg at the upper third, from the knee. The boys
improvised an ambulance by lashing their skies together and making a cot with their overcoats, brought their
unfortunate companion to the road, when Mr. Smith, living nearby, was sent for who brought him home with his team.
Drs. Evans and Colony set the bone and Fred was made as comfortable as possible.
110 Years Ago (1903): David R. Elwood of Union and Miss Edna Lloyd of this city were married on Tuesday evening at
the bride’s residence. Only the immediate friends and relatives were present; Rev. J. Churm, officiating. The happy
couple left on the 7:30 p.m. train for Charles City. They will be at home in Union after an absence of two weeks.
100 Years Ago (1913): The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Evansville Canning Company was held Tuesday
afternoon in the city hall. In the absence of the president, Everett Van Patten, Sr., Fred A. Baker was elected
temporary chairman. Secretary Richardson read the yearly report. It showed a big business had been done during the
past season in spite of much unfavorable weather. A dividend of six per cent was declared on the capital stock, the
balance of the earnings being kept for a good working capital. Maiscell W. Lewis and Arthur Spencer were elected
directors for three years. Leo Campbell was elected a director in the place of James Gillies, who resigned. The board
of directors elected M. W. Lewis as president, V. C. Holmes, treasurer, T. C.Richardson as secretary and A. R. Adams
as superintendent.
90 Years Ago (1923): Those reported on the sick list with colds and grippe at the Baker plant this week are Levi Miller,
Leedle Dennison, John Bly, Joe Meredith, Lyle Ballard, Cy White and Raymond Estes.
80 Years Ago (1933): At the regular meeting of the city council, Mayor E. H. Libby, City Attorney R. M. Richmond and
the five aldermen took a voluntary reduction of 15 per cent in salaries.
70 Years Ago (1943): Ralph V. James, local high school music director, is appealing to Evansville citizens for the
donation or loan of used musical instruments which they may have stored in closets or store rooms. The manufacture
of new instruments has been halted for the duration which means that many students will be obliged to forego a musical
education unless instruments can be secured for them.
60 Years Ago (1953): Mrs. Archie Gilbertson is the operator of the newly opened restaurant known as the “Sizzling
Grill.” The restaurant was former Tag’s Griddle. Mrs. Gilbertson opened the restaurant on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and
plans to have her Grand Opening on Saturday, Feb. 28. Sometime next week a permanent name will be given the
restaurant, the “Sizzling Grill” only being a temporary name. Mrs. Gilbertson has formerly worked in Evansville at Joe’s
Café and at the Cozy Café. She is the former Miss Reba Apfel.
50 Years Ago (1963): At least one man in Evansville has met the challenge of President Kennedy when he suggested
recently that military personnel might be better fit if they hiked more. Bill Leopold, 256 W. Main St., Evansville,
accomplished the feat in a day-long excursion from Black Earth to LaPods Supper Club, north of Janesville. A weary
man at day’s end, Leopold hiked the 50-mile route with the blessing of good weather last Sunday. Tom McPherson,
another General Motors employee, started the hike with Leopold but dropped out about half way along. He passed
through Evansville on the by-pass about 2:30 in the afternoon before quite a grandstand audience which had collected
in front of the Dairy Queen. The Evansville hiker arrived at LaPod’s Supper Club to an astronaut’s welcome. Some 60
or 70 Evansville friends were on hand to greet him at the destination.
40 Years Ago (1973): Eric A. Runaas, 25, Route 5, Janesville, has been appointed a Rock County deputy sheriff
effective Feb. 16. Runaas was a member of the town of Beloit Police Department since December, 1970. While a
member of the town of Beloit Police Department he completed his 10 weeks basic police training at Blackhawk Tech and
other in-service training. Runaas fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Larry Tollison who took a position with
the Edgerton Police Department.
30 Years Ago (1983): The annual Distinguished Award Banquet will be held Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Evansville
Country Club. The Distinguished Service Award this year will be given to John Whitmore, an active community member
for over 50 years. Three other awards are given to individuals or couples under age 35. Outstanding Young Individual
is Stan Gildner; Outstanding Young Educator, Marguerite (Pegg) Johnson and Outstanding Young Farm Couple, Steve
and Debi Towns.
20 Years Ago (1993): At the WIAA Regionals held at Beloit Turner on Saturday, four Evansville wrestlers qualified for
section competition. Jason Langmeier, Nate Katzenmeyer, Cole Benash and Randy Delzer will compete this Saturday in
Milwaukee. In order to advance to the State Tournament a week from Saturday, they will need to place either first or
second at the sectionals.
10 years ago (2003): Friday February 21 is designated as “Senior Night”, recognizing the Senior Class athletes, as well
as “Duane Updike Recognition Night”, recognizing his 34 years of teaching and coaching at Evansville.
In Review
Fourth Week of February 1873-2003
140 Years Ago (1873): We understand that the Rotary Steam Engine Company has been thrown up and the franchises
turned over to a new company recently organized for the purpose of doing general machine work. In the mean time
tools will be fitted up for manufacturing the engine, which is the indirect purpose of the new company. The present
organization we understand is composed of Allen S. Baker, Snashall & Mygatt, Smith & Eager and Levi Shaw, with the
manufacturing title of A. S. Baker & Co. It is the intentions of the company to have a building ready for operation in sixty
days.
130 Years Ago (1883): The tack factory which our business men have been agitating for the past few weeks, decided
at a meeting last Saturday night to go ahead and get ready for business as fast as possible. The institution is to be
called, “The Evansville Manufacturing Co.,” as they expect to manufacture other articles. The capital stock is $25,000;
$12,500 already paid. The committee on charter is: Caleb Snashall, L. T. Pullen, M. V. Pratt; committee on site and
building, Caleb Snashall, A. Eager, L. T. Pullen. This will be a grand thing for this place and should be encouraged by
every means possible.
120 Years Ago (1893): Married. On Tuesday, Feb. 14, 1893, by the Rev. J. H. Bowe, Miss Maggie McCarthy and Mr.
Robert Earle, of Porter. Both bride and groom are too well known and respected to need much further mention and
suffice it to say we wish them all the happiness this life affords.
110 Years Ago (1903): Invitations are out for the wedding of Miss Myrtle Crow and Dr. J. W. Ames which is to occur at
the home of the bride Wednesday evening, March 4. The contracting parties are both residents and are well known
and very popular young people.
100 Years Ago (1913): The local post office is struggling over the new eight hour law that goes into effect March 4 in all
first and second class post offices. The force has been going on duty at six a.m., the office remaining open till seven p.
m., making thirteen hours. The bulk of the work comes early in the morning and the last thing in the evening which
makes it difficult to arrange the shifts of work in the most advantageous way.
90 Years Ago (1923): The Evansville High School basketball team will go into the tournament at Whitewater, March 8-9-
10, with practically a perfect score this season as they have not stood a defeat at the hands of any team that will be in
the Whitewater tournament, their only defeat being last Tuesday evening when Madison Central defeated them on a
non-standard floor. The teams at the tournament are Evansville, Milton Union, Beloit, Stoughton, Elkhorn, Palmyra,
Janesville and Madison Central. The Evansville High School team members are Carl Gibson, Wesley James, Merle
Roberts, George Miller, Rolland Barnum, Arthur Funk, Tom Cain, Cleland Baker, and Lester Libby.
80 Years Ago (1933): For Rent: The Colton lower apartment at 34 North Second street. Six rooms, modern, steam
heated, and garage, $23 per month. Also space in big garage at $1 per month. Inquire of Fred. L. Janes.
70 Years Ago (1943): The Reverend A. M. Romstad, Black River Falls, has accepted the call to the Cooksville –
Evansville Lutheran parish. It is expected that he and his family will move to Evansville on or before June 1. The call
committee was composed of Ben Haakenson, chairman; Harold Spersrud, secretary; Martin Anderson, treasurer; John
N. Furseth; Thorfinn Olson; and Harley Brunsell. Rev. Theodore Heimarck has served the Evansville – Cooksville
Lutheran churches for seven years.
60 Years Ago (1953): Allen creek went on a rampage early Friday, overflowing the banks and causing flooding in many
sections of the city. Unexpected rains and frozen ground, which didn’t allow the water to go into the ground, started the
rushing of water about 6:30 a.m. Leota park was completely submerged in water from the dams on Lake Leota to the
railroad tracks. Several business establishments and homes in the city were flooded. Water started to go into the
Evansville Feed and Fuel company basement about 8:00 a.m. They were able to jack most of the electric motors and
equipment up out of the reach of water. One motor was damaged. Baker Manufacturing company was shut down at 9:
30 a.m. and remained closed for the day. Miller’s Hotel basement was also flooded, as was the Burton Wall basement
home on Madison street occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Hatlevig. R. J. Antes had to don hip wading boots to rescue
dogs from his kennels on Church st., across from the Union Co-op. All animals were rescued unharmed.
50 Years Ago (1963): Clark Prudhon, of Prudon Products Co. here, will be a member of the first U. W. Agricultural
Engineers people to people goodwill delegation to Europe and the Soviet Union. The people to people program is one
of international exchange involving people of the United States and other countries.
40 Years Ago (1973): Mayor Wilson Brown appointed Einar Haakenson as building inspector and assessor for the City
of Evansville. Mr. Haakenson has been assistant assessor and building inspector for the past several months during
which time he was working with Myron Beyer who retired in February after several years in the position. The council
approved the appointment, also a $75 a month wage increase for Haakenson.
30 Years Ago (1983): Ray Smith, age 84, died Monday, February 21, 1983 at the Evansville Manor Nursing Home
where he had been a resident for the past two years. Born August 8, 1898 in Brooklyn, the son of George and Cora
Person Smith, he had been a lifelong Brooklyn-Evansville area resident. He was a butcher and had his own meat
market on Main Street for 40 years and later worked at Chapin’s for several years. He was married to Ruth Graham
who preceded him in death. He married Frances Miller who also preceded him in death. Survivors are a daughter,
June Byers of Madison; two granddaughters, Carol Esser, Madison and Anita Root, Oregon; one grandson, William
Byers of Madison.
20 Years Ago (1993): Fire destroyed the Hans Kleisch house on Highway. 14, north of Evansville, on the afternoon of
February 18. The fire burned from early afternoon all through the night. The Kleisch family lost all of their belongings.
Nobody was home in this vintage turn-of-the-century Victorian-style home when the fire started, but several family pets
were killed. The home is owned by Hans Kleisch, Sr. and was occupied by his son Hans W. Kleisch, Jr., his wife and
three children ages 17, 14 and 10.
10 years ago (2003): The Blue Devils outplayed the Orfordville Parkview Vikings on Tuesday night of last week with a
score of 64-55. The win put the Blue Devils in first place in the Rock Valley with a 10-2 record. The Devils took
command at tip off. Shots by Kruser, Laube, Coats, gave Evansville a 30-16 half time lead. In the second half, with
good ball control and shots by Everson, Olson, Hermanson, the Blue Devils outshot, outplayed the Vikings and won the
game, putting the devils in first place.