In Review
First Week of March 1870-2000
140 Years Ago (1870): There are fourteen clergymen in Evansville to minister to our spiritual wants.
130 Years Ago (1880): The Evansville Mercantile Association held their annual meeting. The new officers
elected are George F. Spencer, President; T. C. Richardson, Treasurer; E. J. Doolittle, Secretary. Their sales
the past year reached $64,000. The business is being run very acceptably by the stockholders. [Note: the
Evansville Mercantile Association was also known as the Grange Store.]
120 Years Ago (1890): Mrs. M. V. Pratt went to Chicago last week to witness the graduation of Miss Nellie
Hartley, from the woman’s hospital, corner of Rhoda Avenue and 32d Street. Miss Hartley has been in that
institution some year and a half, and has made herself proficient as a hospital nurse, and she now goes out with
a diploma that entitles her to many privileges in the line of duty and choice of profession as a nurse for the sick.
Some think it a strange choice for an amiable young lady like Miss Hartley to have but such is her delight, and
she puts forth every energy to excel in her profession. Her many friends at home wish her the success her
arduous labors entitles her to acquire.
110 Years Ago (1900): Married: Thursday evening March 1, Miss Zoe Rogers and Mr. Curtis Pierce, both of this
vicinity. The couple took their departure on the night train for their new home in Wessington, S. D.
100 Years Ago (1910): The Commercial Club of Evansville will hold a banquet at the Central Hotel, Tuesday
evening, March 15, 1910. The following toasts will be responded to: How to Make Evansville Grow; the Booster
and the Kicker; City Government by Commission; Sewage and the Spring Election; The Present High Cost of
Living and Its Results.
90 Years Ago (1920): Charles Winkleman has moved into the George Bahr place which he recently purchased.
Mr. Bahr has moved onto a farm. F. Seeman has moved to a farm in East Center. Lyle Wells is moving to
Evansville. Mr. Beckwith is moving into Fenner Beal’s house here. Albert Bratzke has moved to his new home
purchased from Mike Mulcahy. [Cainville Center, Magnolia Township news.]
80 Years Ago (1930): Melvin Ingraham, 83, one of the five surviving members of the local post of the G. A. R.
attended the University of Wisconsin when it boasted of only 600 students. “I entered the school with Burr Jones
shortly after the close of the Civil War and like many of the other students worked for my board, room, and tuition
clearing the campus which was then a forest grown up with underbrush,” explained the veteran in commenting on
his education. “At that time the school had three buildings, two dormitories, one for girls and one for boys, and a
chapel which was heated by wood burning stoves. The faculty was comprised of not more than three teachers at
the most,” he said.
70 Years Ago (1940): Little Philip Erpenbach, five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Erpenbach, played the
role of a hero and save his two sisters, Donna Jean, 7, and Barbara, 15 months, from being burned to death
when fire broke out in their residence at 239 West Liberty Street, and badly damaged the roof, attic, and second
floor of the home.
60 Years Ago (1950): Following the business session and obligation ceremony of the Eastern Star Monday
night, the triple trio of the high school sang three numbers under the direction of E. M. Cannelin. The trio
comprised of Georgia Hensel, Carol Hazlett, Faye Wolff, Diane Cromhecke, Joan Moldenhauer, Shirley Wolff,
Patricia Gibbs, Theresa Gibbs and June Heffel. Barbara Conroy is the accompanist.
50 Years Ago (1960): Mr. and Mrs. Fenner Beal will observe their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday, March 6,
with an open house at their farm home on Route 2, Evansville. Mr. Beal and the former Grace Clark were
married Mar. 3, 1910, in a double wedding ceremony with George Brigham and the former Emma Levzow. They
have one son, Clark and two grandchildren. Mr. Beal was employed for many years as a shovel operator with the
Rock County Sugar Company and the Drew-Garry Construction Company.
40 Years Ago (1970): A most interesting and informative panel discussion will take place tonight, Thursday, at
the auditorium of the First Street School. Purpose of the discussion is to explain about the proposed Evansville
Nursing Home to all interested area residents. Dr. Robert Heimerl is serving as chairman of the event and will
moderate the Question and Answer period. An 80 bed nursing home will be built on the corner of Fifth St. and
Garfield Ave. for residential and convalescent care. The total cost of the nursing home will be $711,000.
30 Years Ago (1980): After one year with the Evansville Police force, officer Clint Flood has joined the Rock
County Sheriff’s Department. He is one of eight hired by the County Sheriff’s Dept. and has moved to Janesville.
Prior to coming to Evansville, he was on the police force in Milwaukee and before that he was in Janesville.
20 Years Ago (1990): “Player of the Year” is the new honor conferred upon Tim Trow, by a vote of the
conference coaches of the Rock Valley Conference. Trow, 6’ 3”, 180 lb, senior, has broken four records and tied
two. Trow led the conference in scoring. The four records that Trow surpassed are: Dave Baumgarten’s Single
Season Scoring Record, set in 1968 of 518 points. Trow had 550. The Single Season Assist Record of Steve
Parish of 132, set in 1976 now goes to Trow with 143. Trow also broke Scott McElroy’s Free Throw Record, for
the most free throws made in a season set in 1983, of 105, now Trow has 167 free throws. The fourth record to
fall was that of Charlie Allen’s 1974 record of 49 blocked shots. Tim Trow has 77 for his career.
10 years ago (2000): Ronald Wilbur, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wilbur, Evansville, graduated Cum Laude from
UW-Stout, with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communications Management.
In Review
Second Week of March 1870-2000
140 Years Ago (1870): The public schools closed Friday with review and exhibition in a highly creditable
manner. We believe a very general satisfaction has been given by all the teachers.
130 Years Ago (1880): We understand that sixty-five converts have joined the M. E. Church since the
commencement of the revival meetings. Quite a number have joined the other churches, but we have been
unable to learn how many. Such an awakening has never been experienced in Evansville. May the good work
go on “till all shall know the Lord, whom to know aright is life eternal.” The meetings are still continued at the M. E.
Church and there appears to be no abatement in the enthusiasm.
120 Years Ago (1890): Wilder has been making some pretty heavy lumber sales the past week. Sold to John
Needham, of Magnolia, lumber for tobacco shed; E. S. Hoague, of Porter for the same, and several barn orders.
His sales within the last two weeks have amounted to $2,000.
110 Years Ago (1900): Married: At the home of the bride’s parents, March 7, at high noon by Rev. Mr. Miner,
Miss Jennie Adee and Mr. Seth L. Crall both of the town of Center. The bride’s home was six miles east of this
city where the wedding occurred and fifty-five persons sat down to the sumptuous dinner. The young couple
were handsomely remembered by their friends with many beautiful and well selected presents. Mr. and Mrs. Crall
will make their home on the farms of Mr. Eli Crall in the town of Center. Their many friends will wish them a long,
happy and prosperous life.
100 Years Ago (1910): The meeting to consider the canning factory project, at the city hall, Saturday, was well
attended and the sentiment seemed strong in favor of a factory here. Mr. Adams of Sycamore, Ill. was present
and gave an interesting talk on the subject. A committee has been appointed by the Commercial Club who will
have charge of the matter and will bring it to a successful issue if possible.
90 Years Ago (1920): Mrs. Frederika L. Apfel was born in Mackleburger, Sparine, Germany in the year 1838.
She came to America in 1857, was married in Milwaukee in the year 1860 to Henry Apfel and came to Center,
Rock County, in the same year and resided there until the year 1899, when they moved to this city. The same
year the husband passed to the world beyond. Ten children were born to them, seven boys and three girls of
which all survive her. Lew and Albert of this city, Mrs. Rosa Miller of Marshall, Minn., Will of Beloit, John of
Neilsville, George of Dell, Mrs. Lucy Kuelz, of Fellows, Charles of Cameron, Mrs. Charles Miller of Larifore, North
Dakota and Henry of Janesville. There are 33 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
80 Years Ago (1930): Vic Wall, local entertainer and drummer, will broadcast from Station WIBA, Madison
tonight. Vic will sing and play his own accompaniment on the guitar. He is representing the Brooklyn post in a
program sponsored by the Dane County American Legion posts.
70 Years Ago (1940): Fifty-eight purebred and registered Percheron and Belgian horses were auctioned off in
the fourth annual state sale conducted by the Wisconsin Horse Breeders’ Assn. in the University of Wisconsin
stock pavilion. They were the choice stock of the year, association officials declared. Peter Templeton,
Evansville, Association President, and Fred Caygill, Linden, were elected to fill two director vacancies in the
group’s annual meeting.
60 Years Ago (1950): The Moore rural grade school should be closed, the Moore and Gardner school districts
consolidated and the Gardner re-opened for use of the combined districts was the recommendation made by the
Rock County education committee at a meeting. The committee met jointly with the town board of Magnolia and
the school boards of Moore and Gardner schools. The Moore school which is located four miles southwest of
Evansville has been in constant use since it was erected 99 years ago, Miss Mary Frances, New York state, was
its first teacher.
50 Years Ago (1960): Frank W. West, 85, died early Wednesday morning at his home on E. Main St. after a
long illness. He was born May 15, 1874, in Ohio, the son of Henry and Mary Okey West. He married Blanche
Barnard Nov. 4, 1901, in Chicago. He was engaged in the wholesale tobacco business here for many years. He
has been an Evansville resident for more than 63 years. Surviving are his wife and sister-in-law. Mrs. Bertha
Lees, Evansville, a brother, Robert C. West of San Diego, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial
services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Allen Funeral Home following cremation. Interment will be in Maple
Hill Cemetery
40 Years Ago (1970): Mayor Ida T. Conroy and John Wyse president of the Evansville Betterment Corp., and Dr.
Samuel S. Sorkin, president of the Continental Manor of Evansville were at last Thursday night’s panel discussion
on the proposed nursing home for Evansville. A local drive for bond sales to be completed by April 1, is now
underway. Construction cannot begin until the sale of $250,000 in debenture bonds is completed. Anyone
wishing information may contact these people.
30 Years Ago (1980): Members of the Jaycees and several others interested in Lake Leota were on hand
Sunday to cut holes through the ice on Lake Leota. The purpose was to update their information on water depth
and amount of soft silt. They cut 35 to 40 holes in a grid pattern of 200 feet apart. Those who helped were Dan
Hazlett, Phil Golz, Norman Thompson, Jaycee members were Phil Kress, Greg Whitmore, Mike Loftus, Bob
Dammen, Ron Maxwell, Ron Bennett and Kendall Schneider. Bob Brunsell and Roy Sarow supplied the workers
with refreshments.
20 Years Ago (1990): The Rock Valley Conference has selected players to be named to the All Conference
Basketball Team for 1989-90. In Boys Basketball from Evansville, Tim Trow, senior, has been named to the First
Team, and was chosen Player of the Year. Matt Kraus and Sid Bagley have been given honorable mention. In
Girls Basketball, senior Jenny Grovesteen has been named to the Second Team and Sandy Larson and
Shannon Maves have been given honorable mention.
10 years ago (2000): The Evansville High School Forensics Team, 23 members strong, traveled to Big Foot
Union High School on February 28, to challenge seven other schools for the Conference Forensics
Championship. Evansville won the competition for the 5th consecutive years, a record. The team will be
attending the State Forensics finals in April. Carl Bennett is the team’s coach. Participants are Heidi Martin, Jeri
Schnabel, Joe Syverson, Carrie Schmidt, Amber VanGalder, Adam Erdmann, Amy Hauri, Cody Marenes, Lana
Albright, Becky Doverspike, Emily Saul, Jamie Jakes, Joanna Forde, Ben Herman, B. J. Warren, Max Percy, Justin
Tilley, Shad Wanless, Elizabeth Dietzman, Lexi Herman, Serena Johnson, Becca Tracey, and Tabatha Wethel.
In Review
Third Week of March 1870-2000
140 Years Ago (1870): The alarm of fire at the Seminary Thursday night, was occasioned by the breaking of a
lamp on the stage during the rehearsal. No essential damage was done however, but somebody was awfully
“skeered.”
130 Years Ago (1880): The Evansville Mutuals have reorganized for 1880 and are ready to play any club in the
state, on condition. The following are the players: Cal Broughton, catcher; Bayard Andrews, pitcher; with
Morehouse, Owen, F. Broughton, on bases and Hunt in the field. John Silverthorn and A. Broughton extras.
Invitations are open to all clubs in the state. Matt Broderick, Manager.
120 Years Ago (1890): The meeting Friday night called for the purpose of considering the matter of building a
public hall for public purposes, received a pretty good attendance. C. E. Lee was made chairman and W. R.
Phillips was chosen secretary. After a good deal of desultory talk of building a hall, its use and purposes, a
resolution was adopted requiring the village clerk to have incorporated in the notice for spring election, the
question of building a public hall at a cost not to exceed $6,000, and that people vote on the question by simply
saying “yes” or “no” on their ballots.
110 Years Ago (1900): Married: Saturday morning March 10 at 10:30 o’clock by Rev. Mr. Short, Miss Lucy
Moore of this city and Mr. Frank Holmes of Racine. The bride is the elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Moore
of this city, at whose home the marriage was performed. She was reared and educated in this city and has
gathered to herself many friends. The groom is a resident of Racine where he is employed as a painter in the
carriage works. The happy couple left on the noon train for their new home in Racine accompanied by the well
wishes of many friends.
100 Years Ago (1910): F. W. Gillman and Clint Scofield left Monday night on a trip to North Battleford, Canada,
where they go to look over the land in that section of the country, and if found suitable will probably invest. They
expect to be gone about ten days.
90 Years Ago (1920): The third dance of the winter series given under the auspices of the American Legion will
be March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. The boys have secured Art Mussehl’s Ragadors of Fort Atkinson for the
occasion and in addition are promising some unusual features in the form of special acts to be put on at
intermission time.
80 Years Ago (1930): Miss Justina Crall, daughter of Seth Crall, became the bride of Nile McCaffery, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Elmer McCaffery, 263 West Main Street, at a ceremony performed at 4 p.m. Friday in the Methodist
parsonage, Rockford, Ill The occasion was the 30th wedding anniversary of the bride’s parents. The attendants
were Miss Ruth Crall, sister of the bride, and Victor McCaffery, brother of the groom. The couple are making
their home in the Elizabeth Lehman residence at 121 South Third Street.
70 Years Ago (1940): The state public service commission today granted the application of the Evansville City
electric utility to buy the Northeastern Electric Co., Town of Union, Rock County for $1,200. The property
consists of 3 ½ miles of electric distribution line serving 13 customers of whom 9 are stockholders of the
Northeastern Company.
60 Years Ago (1950): A University of Wisconsin class in rural sociology has selected Evansville as the site of a
community survey to be made in this spring. A. F. Wileden, professor of rural sociology will meet with a group of
Evansville leaders. H. H. Cate, veteran farm training instructor in charge of arrangements has called the meeting
to organize a rural community committee. Prof. Wileden will address the group on “What Makes a Rural
Community Tick?” The survey is carried out annually. Several interested Evansville citizens asked that their
community be chosen for this year’s project.
50 Years Ago (1960): Wisconsin State Patrol Officer Daniel Holzem, Evansville, earned a two-year service bar
insignia to wear on his uniform. It was announced this week by Capt. Earl Wolff, Madison, district commander.
When an officer completes five years of service, he is presented with a star insignia. The state patrol numbers
250 men, stationed throughout Wisconsin.
40 Years Ago (1970): Two outstanding local basketball players were named to the first All-Central Suburban
conference basketball team. Daryl Fuchs and Steve Kundert played a big role in the 9-1 conference records and
19-3 season which just ended. Coach Richard Muenich was voted the “Coach of the Year.” His 1968-69 team
won the Central Section title with a 13-0 record.
30 Years Ago (1980): Arlen Butts, age 20 of Evansville, Wisconsin left New York last week on the first leg of 18
days of agriculture-related visits in six European countries. It is the second annual FFA trip of its kind to honor
award winners according to FFA officials.
20 Years Ago (1990): Just about the time that most people were ready to leave their places of business and
head for home, an unannounced tornado struck the Brooklyn area on March 13th. It may have been Mary Abey,
whose home is on County T, who was the first to see the tornado that created all the havoc. About 4 p.m. her
outside dog was very upset, she recalls. At the time she thought it was the lightening and heavy rain. About 5 p.
m. she was on the phone when she heard what sounded like a train. Then she sighted the brownish-black funnel
with a tail that touched the ground, coming up the west side of County Trunk T. Although the barn on the
Patterson farm on Hwy C went down, the very old brick silo remained standing. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Golz were in
the basement when the tornado took the roof and twisted their home and flattened the garage. On the Golz farm,
Phil Golz and veterinarian Blaine Ellison were looking after a sick cow when the twister took the roof off the Golz
home. The animals in the barn were okay. On Emery Road, Mrs. Sarah Dunbar was looking out the window at
the heavy rain. About three-fourths of her house roof blew off and the rest made a U-turn. “Nothing touched
me,” she said.
10 years ago (2000): This Lenten season, St. John’s has transformed its sanctuary into a life-size replica of the
“Upper room”. This scene, made popular by the famous artist Leonardo Da Vinci is being reenacted by members
of St. John’s Lutheran Church, including Steve Verkuilen, Rick Larson, Mike Halvorson, John Verkuilen, Pastor
Paul Forde, Dan Drake, David Persons, John Peterson, Al Hipke and Craig O’Leary.
In Review
Fourth Week of March 1870-2000
140 Years Ago (1870): We learn that the prospects of the Evansville Cheese Factory for the present year are
better than at any time before. Farmers are really waked up to their interest, and while C. H. Wilder has the
supervision of this institution, they are sure that one branch of farming will pay.
130 Years Ago (1880): We are glad to hear that Mr. U. N. Slawson has concluded to keep his barber shop
closed on Sunday. It seems to us that people might find time during the week to get shaved and not compel our
barbers to keep open shop on Sunday in order to make a living. But it is a sad fact that more people visit the
shops Sundays than on any other day of the week.
120 Years Ago (1890): Fred Wilder is yet suffering from his sprained ankle, that a pile of lumber fell over onto, at
Baker’s shops, nearly breaking it. It is very painful, but slowly improving.
110 Years Ago (1900): Mrs. Swinson, an aged lady who lived alone in a log house between Cooksville and
Dunkirk narrowly escaped being burned to death Tuesday morning. In some unknown way the house caught fire
and in trying to save her few belongings, her clothes caught fire and by the time the neighbor, who lived a half
mile away, could reach her she was frightfully burned. The doctors think she will not recover.
100 Years Ago (1910): Evansville has a new industry in the New Process Feather Washing Co., which recently
moved here from Stoughton, where they have been doing a very prosperous business for the past eight months.
They are located in the Snashall building, north of the Bank of Evansville, and we predict for them the liberal
patronage of our people. All ticking washed by hot water, and each patron’s ticking and feathers washed
separate. [The small building was at 10 North Madison and was razed.]
90 Years Ago (1920): Schools closed March 24 for the remainder of this week and all of next for the Easter
holiday. This closing is one week earlier than was expected. It was necessary in order to repair the boiler in the
heating plant.
80 Years Ago (1930): Art Spencer narrowly escaped serious injury Monday when a charge of powder exploded
unexpectedly while he was blasting a log on the Peter Doyle farm at the north limits of the city. Mr. Spencer was
straddling the log at the time of the explosion and was thrown some 15 feet. He sustained only minor injuries.
70 Years Ago (1940): Oldest high school boxing tournament in Wisconsin, the Evansville prep ring carnival will
be staged here tonight in the new gymnasium with a program of 30 bouts. The tournament is being held for the
11th straight year under the direction of coach George O’Neill who pioneered high school boxing in the state.
60 Years Ago (1950): Walter Croak, who is 94 and resides here with his nephew and niece, Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Maloy on Garfield Avenue is believed to be the oldest living person who attended the Moore School in
Magnolia township. Mrs. Neva Peckham, present teacher, and a group of first grade pupils were photographed in
front of the school house. There are now about four floors in the school house. The flooring was added
throughout the years as the old became worn by the pupil’s feet.
50 Years Ago (1960): Census enumerators for this area have been named as follows: Evansville, Mrs. L. L.
Thompson; Mrs. Ardis Brigham and Miss Elizabeth Baker; Magnolia Township and part of Union, Mrs. Carol
Howard; Union Township, Mrs. Oliver Franklin; Porter and part of Fulton Township, Mrs. Lucy Sayre. Mrs.
Vaughn Petersen is local chairman.
40 Years Ago (1970): The annual meeting of the Evansville Volunteer Fire Department was held on March 9.
The following officers were elected: Fire Chief, Laurence Skoien; Assistant Fire Chief, Leslie Golz; Fire Captain,
Charles Nordeng; Fire Lieutenant, Don Olsen; Secretary, Robert Olsen; Treasurer, William Erbs; Steward, Phil
Montgomery; Assistant Steward, Richard Golz.
30 Years Ago (1980): Miss Vicky Vreeland was the guest of honor at a miscellaneous shower Sunday p.m. held
in the Weese Restaurant. The hostesses were Miss Jana Vreeland, Mrs. Marian Tomlin and Mrs. Weese.
Twenty-two guests were present. Miss Vreeland will become the bride of John Rasmussen in April.
20 Years Ago (1990): At the regular council meeting the bid for the 300,000 gallon elevated water storage tower
was approved. CB&I of Naperville, IL was the low bidder at $441,500. Structure completion time is 240 days
which will be sometime in the fall. The new structure will allow increased pressure on the line and will
accommodate growth in the community and better fire protection. The tower will be located on the east side of
Evansville behind Ron’s Standard Station.
10 years ago (2000): At the regular council meeting on Tuesday night of last week, approval was given to grant
the liquor license to Citgo Quick Mart, located on E. Main St. and Union Street. The action cleared the way for
Ron Thornton to sell his gas station, convenience store business to Ed Francois and close his business on E.
Main Street as of last Wednesday.
In Review
Fifth Week of March 1870-2000
140 Years Ago (1870): Mr. R. F. Pettigrew leaves town for Sioux Rapids, Dakota, where he will at once engage in
the real estate business. Mr. Pettigrew is a young man possessed of life, ambition, and real western pluck, and
we have no doubt but that his success is clearly defined before him. He is the right stamp to help build up a
western town. May success attend you, Frank. [Note. Richard Franklin Pettigrew was elected to several terms in
political offices, first in the Dakota Territory and later in the U. S. House of Representatives and the U. S. Senate
from South Dakota.]
130 Years Ago (1880): We understand that the Free Methodists will take possession of the Seminary building,
April 7th and proceed at once to repair and add to it preparatory to opening a denominational school.
120 Years Ago (1890): Dr. C. M. Smith, Jr., returned home on Wednesday evening a full fledged physician
having passed a very honorable examination as a graduate from the Rush Medical College of Chicago. We shall
look for the doctor to become one of the best in his profession, believing that he now has all the qualifications
necessary to place him in the foremost rank.
110 Years Ago (1900): Mr. Will Patterson left this morning with his family for their new home in Blue Springs,
Neb. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson leave behind them in Evansville, many warm friends who regret their departure
exceedingly but who wish them abundant success in their new home.
100 Years Ago (1910): Citizens, Notice! You are hereby requested to assist in beautifying our city and
improving the health condition by removing all ash piles, manure heaps, cleaning cesspools, vaults and all other
sources of filth. By Order of Health Commissioner.
90 Years Ago (1920): Local politics took a new turn this week and two lively contests are booked for April 6th.
For the office of mayor there is a contest. E. H. Libby, the present title holder is up for re-election, while A. E.
Harte, alderman, is going to try and oust him from the office. Both are good men for the place. The other contest
is for city treasurer between W. W. Gillies, who now holds that office and P. P. Pullen. Nay Gillman is the only one
out for city clerk. So far there has been no papers filed for assessor. The job is not a very desirable one on
account of the cussing you get but the pay is $4 a day for actual time put in.
80 Years Ago (1930): W. Daryl Patterson, former local boy who is in command of the S. S. Marinduque in the
government coast and geodetic survey, recently purchased a can of peas from the army commissary in Manila
which were packed by the Garden Canning Company here. The label on the can read, “Toboggan Brand of
Wisconsin Peas, packed by the Garden Canning Company, Evansville, Wisconsin.” Mr. Patterson’s work has
taken him to Zamboanga, Jolo, which is the smallest “walled in” city in the world. While on the Sula islands he
called upon the Sultan, was most graciously received, and was permitted to take his pictures with Mrs. Patterson
and the wife of one of the officers.
70 Years Ago (1940): Fred W. Gillman, 72, one of Evansville’s most outstanding civic leaders, veteran police
and fire chief, and prominent detective of state-wide fame, died unexpectedly at 12:30 p.m. Saturday from a heart
attack in his home here at 125 North First Street. A native of Evansville, Chief Gillman, son of the late Ray and
Sarah Fellows, Gillman, was born October 12, 1867 and spent his entire life in Evansville. Mr. Gillman, who was
educated in the city public schools here, was widely known as second baseman on the city’s baseball team some
40 years ago. Mr. Gillman was appointed chief of police here in 1918 and with the exception of a few months,
served continuously in that capacity.
60 Years Ago (1950): Claire Ehle has been appointed census enumerator for the city of Evansville, and Mrs. Phil
T. Smith will take the census in the Town of Union. They are being trained.
50 Years Ago (1960): Union Masonic Lodge No. 32 at its regular meeting Tuesday, March 22, honored J. F.
Waddell with a 50-year certificate of membership in the lodge. Mr. Waddell served as master from 1912 through
1916 during which time the lodge showed steady growth. Four of the men who became Masons while Mr.
Waddell held the office of master were present at the ceremony, William Phelps, Jay Brink, H. F. Brunsell,
Evansville, and E. O. Evans, Monroe.
40 Years Ago (1970): At 10:10 p.m. Saturday, the Evansville firemen were called out to a barn fire south of the
city at the intersection of Townsend Road and Old 92. The building was located on the Charles Dunphy farms
and was about one-half mile from the owner’s home. It was all in flames before it was discovered by Mr. and Mrs.
Dunphy and although the firemen responded promptly, the building was beyond saving before they arrived. The
Dunphy barn was used only for storing hay. There were about 600 bales in the building, all of which were
destroyed.
30 Years Ago (1980): The engineering firm of Owen Ayres and Associates has begun the Phase I agreement of
the Lake Leota Development and it appears that this portion of the project will be completed in about three
months. The firm has begun mapping the area and disposal areas will be looked into in the near future. It is
anticipated some 150,000 cubic yards of silt will have to be removed from the lake. Problems involved are the
distance the residue must be hauled and over what roads or streets.
20 Years Ago (1990): This year the Evansville Jaycees will hold their annual awards banquet on Saturday, March
31, at the Evansville Country Club. This year the Jaycees will be honoring the following five: Rob Peters,
Outstanding Young Adult; Keith and Debbie Trow, Outstanding Young Farmers’ David Ross, Distinguished
Service Award; Jim Pope, Outstanding Young Individual and Richard Langer, Outstanding Young Educator.
10 years ago (2000): Candidates for Evansville’s spring election include: for Mayor, incumbent Mayor Steve
DeSalvo and write-in candidate Jeff Hanson; First Ward alderman, incumbent Paul Baker and write-in candidate
Debbie Milbrandt; Second Ward alderman, Janis Ringhand ; Third Ward alderman, incumbent Robert Gore
finishing out the term of Jeff Hanson who resigned, incumbent Diane Roberts and write-in candidate Barbara
Eggum; Fourth Ward alderman, Michael Halvorson and write-in candidate John Sornson. Two candidates are
running for school board, Donna Haakenson and Ruth Ann Montgomery.