In Review
First Week of March 1875-2005
140 Years Ago (1875): The roads leading everywhere into the country, are in a horrible condition. In many
places they are drifted even fence-full, and new tracks have to be opened across fields to afford anything
like passable openings. Mr. Case drove to Janesville Monday and says he scarcely made it through. The
drifts averaged four feet in depth, and where there were no drifts the snow was dry and “mealy” making
traveling nearly as difficult. There is great complaint of indolence in keeping the roads open.
130 Years Ago (1885): Miss Nellie Hartley will have been a clerk in the Grange store four years on the 11th
of April. She resigns her position on the first of April and will be succeeded by Miss Carrie Evans. Miss
Hartley has been so closely confined to the store as to begin to tell upon her physical endurance, and a rest
becomes necessary.
120 Years Ago (1895): The sociable given by the ladies of the Congregational church Thursday evening in
the Baker block was a very enjoyable affair. Although there was not as large an attendance as usual, the
baskets offered for sale, averaged fifty cents each. They were sold by Mr. Dan Finnane, the popular
auctioneer.
110 Years Ago (1905): Mr. Levi Leonard favored this office with a pleasant call Monday, and while
incidentally talking of the Osler chloroform theory of men at 60 years of age, because of apparent imbecility,
etc., remarked that he would reach his 90th birthday very soon. While physically, Mr. Leonard is probably
not as strong and rugged as he were thirty years ago, he thinks he is mentally stronger with no apparent
weakness, and good for many years yet. He has a brother in New York who is nearing his 94th year of age.
100 Years Ago (1915): By a strong comeback in the second half, the local quintet placed the Brodhead five
well out of the way, at the same time knocking off another lap on the road to Appleton. A jinx seemed to be
on the trail of the E. H. S. representatives, for time and again accidents occurred which gave the Blue and
Whites a setback. Twice during the game Jones lost his knee bandage, while Durner was forced to take out
time on account of a nose bleed. Early in the clash, Adams had the end joint of one of his fingers dislocated,
necessitating some spectacular left hand shots. Gabriel played a consistent game, feeding to Jones and
Cain. Adams made good four free throws after injuring his finger. Brodhead 15 - Evansville 20.
90 Years Ago (1925): Albert Blunt was in Chicago the first of the week buying new fixtures for his popcorn
wagon, which he expected to start about April 1st. He has started this wagon as early as March 17 in former
years, but the season this year is backward.
80 Years Ago (1935): The Cooksville Ladies Aid have organized a Ladies Chorus, rehearsals to be held
every Wednesday evening at the home of Mrs. Lester Bullard, with Mrs. Lester Patterson as accompanist.
Members are the Mmes. Carl Erickson, Harley Brunsell, Lester Bullard, Harold Spersrud, Chris Nelson, Roy
Kloften, Harvey Brunsell, Helmar Kloften, Johnnie Furseth, and the Misses Olga Aslakson, Martha Brunsell
and Beulah Haakenson. It is hoped that the chorus will gradually increase in number.
70 Years Ago (1945): As a service to physicians and citizens of Evansville and community, Edward Krebs,
who recently purchased the Collins Drug store has installed an electric refrigerator for the purposes of
preserving and keeping at the proper temperature all biological products. Among the items kept by Mr.
Krebs in the refrigerator are small pox, whooping cough, measles, scarlet fever, diphtheria and other
serums. Should a case of any of the diseases occur in or near Evansville in the future it will not be
necessary to go out of town for serum to prevent an epidemic. A fresh supply of insulin is kept in the ice box
at all times and is always available to patients.
60 Years Ago (1955): All members of the Evansville Police Department are attending a 10-week police
training school. Patrolmen Myron Beyer, Rolland Gundlach and Richard Luers are attending classes each
Tuesday afternoon at Janesville and Acting Chief George Walk is attending the same classes Tuesday
evenings at Beloit. The classes deal with such subjects as public relations and courtesy, fire arms and safety
rules, observation and patrolling and the handling of prisoners.
50 Years Ago (1965): A public hearing on the offer of Pruden Products Co. to purchase land back of the
homes on Cherry Street was held at the City Council meeting. After hearing appraisals of local real estate
businessmen, the council voted to accept the offer of $1,500 for the property excluding Francis Street, with
all purchasing expense to be borne by Pruden Products Co. However, the city will retain an easement to
service the creek.
40 Years Ago (1975): Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gibbs will be honored at an open house to be held Sunday,
March 9, in the Masonic Temple, complimentary to their silver wedding anniversary. Richard Gibbs and Miss
Joan Lee were married March 11, 1950 and have spent their married life in Evansville. They have three
children, Greg, Cheryl, and Tom. Mr. Gibbs is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Gibbs and Mrs. Gibbs is the
daughter of Mrs. Dorothy Lawrence, all of Evansville.
30 Years Ago (1985): The annual stockholders meeting of the Union Bank & Trust Co., Evansville was held
Feb. 12 at the bank. Directors named are Glenn R. Brewer, Wm. C. Brunsell, Alan S. Eager, Leonard P.
Eager, Leonard P. Eager, Jr., Howard Krueger and Judson Spooner. Officers are as follows: L. P. Eager,
president; L. P. Eager, Jr., vice president; Alan S. Eager, vice president and cashier; Robert G. Brunsvold,
assistant cashier; Mrs. Mary Christensen, assistant cashier; and Mrs. Shirley Gransee, assistant cashier.
20 Years Ago (1995): The Evansville Community Fire Department held a retirement dinner at the Evansville
Country club. The dinner honored three members whose years of service total 76. Chief Edd McCaffrey, 30
years; James Schwartzlow Sr., 25 years, and Ronald Peckham, secretary-treasurer, 21 years. The retirees
each spoke of the memorable times they had spent serving the Fire department. They also spoke highly of
the dedication and loyalty of their fellow firefighters over the years.
10 years ago (2005): According to Brian Cashore, Associate Principal at Evansville High School, 28 students
received a truancy citation from the Evansville Police Department as a result of the student Walk-out staged
on Feb. 2, 2005 in support of Technical Education Teacher Jeff Tanko and the future of the shop classes at
EHS. Students who were unexcused for more than two class periods on that day received citations.
In Review
Second Week of March 1875-2005
140 Years Ago (1875): The people of Cooksville came near losing their fine brick schoolhouse Sunday of
last week. A fire had been built in the afternoon to have the house warm for evening services, and by some
oversight, wood had been left near the stove which caught on fire and communicated with the building.
When discovered it was making lively headway; but a few taps of the bell and some stentorian lungs brought
out the “department” in force and the fire was soon subdued. Loss about $50. Insured in the Madison
Mutual. We learn these particulars from Mr. Roswell Morgan, of Cooksville.
130 Years Ago (1885): BORN. Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Collier, a girl, Saturday morning, March 7. Mr. and Mrs.
Fred Sperry, a boy, February 25. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers, Union, a boy, March 9th.
120 Years Ago (1895): The members of the High School Senior class spent last Saturday in Madison in
company with the Principal, Mr. DeCou and the two assistants, Miss Burnham and Mr. Yonker. Their
objective point was the University and other attractions of our capital city. Mr. L. E. Gettle was with them, also
the Evansville boys who are attending the University and a delightful day was spent making a tour of the
beautiful campus and magnificent buildings which the state of Wisconsin has provided for the higher
education of her sons and daughters. The state house with its libraries and museum came in for a share of
their time also. All who went report a most profitable and enjoyable day.
110 Years Ago (1905): The Business Women of this city will hold their second annual banquet at the Central
House, next Thursday evening, March 16th. Professional and business women are urged to join in making
the affair a success, and those wishing to attend are requested to hand their names to Mrs. Winifred Allen or
Mrs. Quivey at Clark’s store, anytime before next Tuesday evening.
100 Years Ago (1915): The Big Brother movement is an attempt on the part of some of the best men of the
land to help unfortunate boys, or boys who have not had a fair chance in life’s game. The movement is
especially successful in the cities. But now the leaders of this movement are beginning to get in touch with
the country, in an effort to place the boys on the farms. L. B. Ring, Milwaukee, is asking farmers to apply for
one of his boys for farm work. Mr. Ring was born near Cooksville. He was formerly editor of the Neillsville
Times.
90 Years Ago (1925): Through the courtesy of Harry Loomis, Miss Bell and pupils of Pleasant Prairie School
were able to hear President Coolidge’s address last Wednesday, as the former installed an Atwater-Kent
radio for the day.
80 Years Ago (1935): The First Regular Baptist Society of Union township will meet in the Union rural school
north of the city at 8 p.m. next Monday at which time trustees will be elected and other business transacted.
The society, one of the oldest organizations in existence here, was organized in 1851 and shortly afterwards
erected the present Baptist church in Union township. Due to the fact that many of its members have moved
to the city or have been transferred to Evansville churches, services have not been held in the rural church
in sometime although the society still continues to function.
70 Years Ago (1945): In addition to the election of an alderman and a supervisor for each ward at the spring
election here Tuesday, April 3, an important referendum will be submitted for Evansville citizens to vote
upon. The referendum will concern the sale of liquor over the bar by the glass. A resolution regarding the
issue will be found in the council proceedings published in the Review.
60 Years Ago (1955): Evansville public schools, the music department and the community will again serve as
hosts to the band and vocal music festivals to be held here April 1 and April 30. Participating schools are
Edgewood high school, Madison; St. Bernard’s grade, Middleton; Middleton high and grade school; De
Forest, Sun Prairie, Verona, Black Earth, Oakwood, Oregon and Evansville.
50 Years Ago (1965): The Congregational church extended a cordial hand to the Freedom Marchers who
made Evansville the stopping off point on the hike to Madison from Beloit. The marchers, mostly Beloit
College students, began at noon in Beloit.
40 Years Ago (1975): “Mitch made it the Hull way” was one of the slogans in evidence at the special
assembly held on Monday of this week to honor Mitch Hull, who ranked Number 1 in the state on Saturday by
edging out his Manitowoc opponent. Mitch is the proud owner of a 29-0 record in the 185 pound class. This
the first state championship for a Blue Devil wrestler.
30 Years Ago (1985): The Evansville Jaycees will host the School Board Candidate Forum on Sunday,
March 17 from 2 to 4 pm in the Middle School Auditorium. Candidates will be incumbents Mary Abey, Wayne
Wilson and Russell Jeske, joined by two new candidates, Steve Zwicky and Donna Haakenson. Ron Pierce
will again moderate this year.
20 Years Ago (1995): Over 100 youth from rock County 4-H clubs exhibited their communication skills in the
Rock County 4-H Communication Arts Festival at Marshall Middle School on Feb. 21. Blue Ribbon winters
were Lynne Farberg, Randy Prudhon, Ann Prudhon, Judson Quinn, and Jill Jabs. Merit Winners were Kathy
Zych, and Jim Zych.
10 years ago (2005): This year’s Annual Chili Cook-off hosted by ECP was another “Burnin’ Success!” Chili
cooks didn’t disappoint the attendees and provided tastes of the hot stuff for every palate. Cooks included
Angela Tesch, Michael Stafford, David Vogl, Jennifer Grovesteen, Dale Matthews, Kim Heimerl, Trish Graves,
Roxanne Crombeeckle, Amanda Morrison, Tammy Shaffer, Jim Brooks, Heidi Carvin, Tom Calley, Butch
Beedle and the 6th grade Class, Karla and Sammi Alisankus, Theresa Alberici, Linda Draeving-Hammock
and David Sobeski.
In Review
Third Week of March 1875-2005
140 Years Ago (1875): Mrs. M. V. Pratt was about Saturday making collections from the amounts subscribed
Thanksgiving day for charitable purposes. She reported the Sheridan family sick and exceedingly destitute.
Mrs. Sheridan is hardly expected to recover.
130 Years Ago (1885): In striking a “parlor” match to light a hanging lamp in the parlor of a house on First
street, Sunday evening last, a portion of the phosphorus left the match and flew across the room, lighting
upon the plush window curtains, and in a moment the curtains were all ablaze. A little alertness extinguished
the fire and saved the curtains, and averted a conflagration. It was done so quickly that it seemed like a
flash of electricity.
120 Years Ago (1895): There were 119 farmer’s teams hitched in town at one time Saturday. Each team
probably brought in on an average no less than three people. So much for Evansville’s business men and
their methods.
110 Years Ago (1905): Upon last Thursday evening, at the Central House, occurred the second annual
banquet given by the professional and business women of the city. At 8 o’clock about sixty-five passed into
the dining room, Miss Cora Harris playing the march. Mrs. E. G. Burritt asked the blessing, and all did justice
to the daintily served meal of four courses. After the meal was served, the following toasts were given:
Toastmistress, Mrs. E. A. Copp; The Business Woman, Mrs. Helen Richardson; Women in Literature, Nettie
Knudtson; Incidents of Farm Life, Jennie Bryan; The Library, Maggie Gillies; Our Brothers, Hallie Ames;
Symposium—What Is the Business Woman’s Aim in Life? Besides the above program, Dr. M. L. Ewing, Mrs.
Vie H. Campbell, and others, entertained the ladies with appropriate and interesting remarks.
100 Years Ago (1915): On Saturday, March 27th you are invited to attend the formal spring opening of our
millinery section. It will be a pleasing and authoritative showing of the advanced and accepted style
tendencies in this season’s newest spring millinery. The call of Easter is the call of new adornments, and
womankind responds to this dress appeal. Nothing adds to a woman’s appearance so much as a pretty hat.
We have taken unusual pains to make this Easter Showing give expression to all that is newest and best.
The Grange Store.
90 Years Ago (1925): T4785+he pupils from Pleasant Prairie School who wrote on seventh and eighth grade
examinations Saturday were: Dorothy George, Philip Robinson, Robert Hubbard, Jr., Elmer Allen and
George Rasmussen.
80 Years Ago (1935): A 1928 Chevrolet sedan owned by Lloyd Porter, which was stolen Friday night from its
parking space on Maple Avenue near the Green house was found abandoned on Grove Street Saturday
morning by local police. Mr. and Mrs. Porter, who were attending a banquet in the Waucoma Grange hall,
found their car missing when they came to go home. They reported the theft to Evansville police who
immediately started an investigation.
70 Years Ago (1945): A planning board for the purpose of forming a committee to be known as the
Veterans’ Council will give advice to the veterans of the current war when they return home and are desirous
of reentering civilian life and taking their places in the community. With J. C. McKenna heading the group
members of the committee will be expected to familiarize themselves with all phases of the veterans’
problems. The following members are expected to attend the a meeting of the Veterans Council: H. F.
Brunsell, Bernie Christensen, Rev. C. W. Bloedow, Arthur Templeton, L. P. Eager, P. D. Pearsall, Ben Green,
Mrs. Ray Hubbard, M. L. Paulson, C. W. Hyne, M. V. Allen, J. S. Pullen, Wilson Brown, and H. H. Loomis
60 Years Ago (1955): Plans for a new school are completed. The estimate total cost of 8 classrooms is at
$236,000. Designed to be placed west and south of the present school building, the entrance would just be
visible from First St. A modern building, utilizing the most up-to-date knowledge of school construction and
needs has been designed by architects Weiler and Strang, Madison. A referendum on a bond issue will be
presented to the voters April 5 and if passed, would provide the necessary money for the needed additional
classrooms.
50 Years Ago (1965): Robert Erstad has been informed that he qualified for the Leaders Club, an honorary
organization of the Central Life Assurance Co.
40 Years Ago (1975): Mrs. Ray Staffeld, librarian at Eager Free Public Library, announced this week that the
new copier is now at the library. It is available to the public to use and costs only 10 cents for a single copy.
Pages of books may be easily reproduced for reference. Other material, which does not belong to the
library, may also be copied. Mrs. Staffeld urges everyone to come in and see the new machine.
30 Years Ago (1985): On Tuesday, April 2, voters here will be choosing three school board members, each
for a 3-year term, from five candidates. Three incumbents, Mary Abey, Wayne Wilson and Russell Jeske,
are being opposed by Donna Haakenson and Steve Zwicky.
20 Years Ago (1995): The public is invited to the Open House, this coming Sunday, at the Evansville Manor
Therapy and Education Wing, from 1 to 3 p.m. The new wing, located on the east side of the Manor, places
a major emphasis on physical, speech and occupational facilities and classrooms for education. The wing
has an office for social worker, Chris Maxwell, and for the nurse practitioner/assistant director, Debbie
Schneider. Visitors will note the separate entrance to the wing, affording easier access for out-patients. A
therapist will be on hand to answer any questions. The footage is approximately 4,500 sq. feet. Landscaping
will be done sometime in the spring.
10 years ago (2005): Evansville’s own Erin Ellison, a 2004 EHS graduate, with her band Rising Gael,
opened for Gaelic Storm this past Thursday evening. The first of the newly formed E-Arts Council’s
performances was a big hit and sold out in advance of the show.
In Review
Fourth Week of March 1875-2005
140 Years Ago (1875): Quite a severe accident occurred to Mr. Pinkham while engaged in cleaning out the
well of Mr. Harvey Frost. A stone fell from near the top of the well striking Mr. P. on the head as he was at
work more than thirty feet below. It cut a bad gash in his head, and is a wonder it did him no more danger.
He is about, but carries a sore head and will, for some time.
130 Years Ago (1885): Mr. E. W. Stearns having sold out his harness business and “good will,” to Mr. C. E.
Lee, desires to express gratitude to his many friends for their liberal patronage, and would request the same
be extended to his successor. Mr. C. E. Lee, embarking upon the prestige of his Mr. E. W. Stearns, is
opening up a good business in the harness trade. He has several workmen and all are busy repairing the
old and building the new. Mr. Lee will presently show that he can run a harness shop as well as the engine
of a gun boat on the Mississippi River. [Note: Caleb E. Lee served in the Union Navy during the Civil War.]
120 Years Ago (1895): Married at the home of the bride, east of Evansville, Monday, March 18, 1895, Mr.
Edward M. Jones and Miss Jessie M. Morrison, the Rev. J.C. Steele, officiating.
110 Years Ago (1905): The failure of the Storey Cotton company, in the eastern states last Friday, caught
many people in this place in sums ranging from $100 to $4,000 and now there is wailing and weeping. The
crash came none too soon and the only query how it maintained its existence as long as it did. The
Evansville stockholders have one consolation, however, they are not the only ones who were bit on a three
per cent monthly dividend. Hereafter they will be satisfied with a smaller margin and more legitimate profit on
their investments.
100 Years Ago (1915): The Review has received a letter from the State Historical society at Madison,
asking for certain copies of the Review containing articles written by Byron Campbell in his “Old Settlers’
Series.” These articles will soon be published in book form.
90 Years Ago (1925): Plans are being made at the local high school to organize this spring one of the
largest and best track squads that has ever represented Evansville on the cinder path. Twenty-eight boys
answered the first call for track candidates Monday, and will be out training under the direction of coaches
Lyons and O’Brien as soon as the ground is dry enough. Evansville has had a track team the last three
years, but was never very strong in the sport on account of baseball. This year, a baseball team will not be
formed because most of the surrounding schools have given up baseball for track.
80 Years Ago (1935): Mrs. Walter Gollmar and son Walter Jr., and the former’s grandchildren, Miss Betty
Main and Floyd Main Jr., returned Friday evening from an extended motor trip to California where they spent
the winter. They made the trip in a new house-car trailer which represents the last word in modern motor
travel convenience.
70 Years Ago (1945): Corporal Arthur M. Sands, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. George M. Sands, Beloit, Wis.,
recently arrived overseas and will soon start combat flying with the 15th AAF as a gunner on a B-24 Liberator
bomber in a heavy bombardment group based in southern Italy, which is currently engaged in bombing Nazi
industries and rail yards in northern Italy, southern Germany, Austria and parts of Yugoslavia. After
attending Evansville high school, he was employed by the Highway Trailer Co. in Edgerton, Wis., until his
enlistment in the air force in April 1943.
60 Years Ago (1955): Probably one of the most familiar personages in Evansville today leaves the position
which has made him so well known in the city during the past 17 years. Art Cain, who will be 75 this May,
resigned as clean-up man of the streets in Evansville’s business district. Art and his two-wheeled cart was a
familiar sight to most everyone who had occasion to walk or ride down Main street. He was on the job seven
days a week, helping to make Main Street a street the townspeople could be proud of. “I’m 74 now,” Art said
proudly, “and I think it’s time I let up and give the younger men of the town an opportunity. I’ve been happy
at work; never had anyone to boss me or tell me what to do or how to do it. I knew I had a job to do, though,
and I did it.”
50 Years Ago (1965): Cars driven by John Burger of Madison and C. Ward Popanz, Evansville, collided
Monday afternoon of last week on the Brooklyn-Evansville Road. There was damage to both cars.
40 Years Ago (1975): The 8th annual U. W. Eau Claire Jazz Festival last weekend was the setting of what
turned out to be the high point in Evansville’s thrill-packed 1975 competitive season. Last Saturday a 5,000
plus audience shouted approval to the announcer’s “and the winner in Class AA, Evansville.” Four
individuals were given special Outstanding Musician Awards, Lori Elmer, Ken Hagen, Bob U’Ren and Bruce
Jandrey. Terry O’Malley was awarded a $50 scholarship to the Shell Lake Jazz Band Clinic for his
outstanding trombone work. The EHS group is directed by Ray Baumgardt. In a special assembly
Baumgardt remarked, “How many of us can say that we are a part of a group or individual that was THE very
best? Well, here are 24 musicians that can. Here are the 1975 Wisconsin Jazz Champions!”
30 Years Ago (1985): Kyle Schneider, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kendall Schneider will play the part of Michael in
the Children’s Theatre Production of “Peter Pan” at the Oscar Mayer Theatre in the Madison Civic Center.
The production will be April 19, 20 and 21.
20 Years Ago (1995): There will be a special meeting of the common council on Monday, March 27 in the
City Hall. A motion to approve a resolution requesting a fourth siren on the north side of Evansville and to
approve booster station bids will be followed by first readings of ordinances concerning park land fees and
false fire alarms. There will be a public hearing on the special assessment for Fifth Street reconstruction and
storm sewer improvements, followed by a motion to approve same.
10 years ago (2005): The city’s contractor will begin replacing sanitary sewer and water mains and laterals
under E. Main St., from Union St. to just east of Countryside Drive. This work must be completed by early
July.
In Review
First Week of April 1875-2005
140 Years Ago (1875): Sleighing is about done for, for this season, unless we should have a late
installment of snow, which can hardly be expected at this lateness of the season. The roads are almost
impassible for any kind of vehicle. Mud is accumulating, and by another week, if thawing continues, roads will
begin to break up and mud then will be the current medium of travel. Farmers are hurrying up with their little
marketing and looking up their implements for spring’s work. Nothing can be done for a week or two yet; but
everyone stands ready, soon as the surface dries a little, to start the plow and harrow. This weather is a
great relief to many whose stock of fodder was nearly exhausted, and cattle will soon get their living (a poor
one) from the fields and meadows.
130 Years Ago (1885): The women’s suffrage bill before the Wisconsin legislature fared as bad as a similar
bill in Dakota. The women of Wisconsin have been persistent and have labored hard for recognition of their
rights, but in the end have failed but not discouraged.
120 Years Ago (1895): Tuttle, Fisher & Co. take possession of their new Main street property the first of the
week and will immediately begin excavation for their new real estate building, which will be one of the neatest
and most convenient of office buildings. [Note: the building address is 16 West Main and for many years
was known as the “Copper Front” building. It was designed by Janesville architect James Wray.]
110 Years Ago (1905): Rev. Clark A. Wilson, pastor of the Episcopal church, sails next month for Europe
where he will spend several weeks. He was one of the losers in the Storey Cotton failure at Philadelphia but
his loss is said to have been a nominal one compared with that of some other Evansville people.
100 Years Ago (1915): The city election will be held Tuesday, April 6. At that time alderman and a
supervisor from each ward will be chosen. In the First ward the time of R. Williams as alderman expires, Vi A.
Axtell in the Second, O. D. P. Chapin in the Third. In the First John Tullars’ term as supervisor is ended, M.
L. Paulson in the Second, and Henry Austin in the Third. Petitions for candidates must be filed by the night
of Wednesday March 3.
90 Years Ago (1925): One night last week Fred Wilder listened in on a very fine musical concert sent out
from some broadcasting station in Kentucky. It pleased him so well that he wrote a letter of appreciation to
the station, at the same time telling them of the wonderful little city in which he lived, stating at the same time
that Evansville always extended a welcoming hand to all tourists and asked the announcer to tell all his
friends that they would always be welcome at our tourist park. To Mr. Wilder’s surprise a few evenings later
his letter was read off at the same station in Kentucky and the invitation to visit Evansville extended to the
general public through the radio.
80 Years Ago (1935): More than 100 live raccoon cared for during the winter at the game farm here on East
Church street will be distributed for liberation at the annual meeting of the Wisconsin Raccoon and Fox
Hunters’ association which will convene at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the city hall auditorium. The animals will be
distributed to a group of more than 100 enthusiastic sportsmen from all parts of the state who are expected
to gather here for the annual meet, and will be liberated in the vicinities of Evansville, Marshall, Deerfield,
Galesville, La Valle, Lake Geneva, Monroe, Madison, South Wayne, Sparta, Sullivan, Wauzeka, Basco,
Oregon, Orfordville, Middleton, Kenosha, Albany, Ridgeway, New Glarus, Monticello, and Hillsboro.
70 Years Ago (1945): One of the largest votes in the history of the city of Evansville is expected to be polled
here next Tuesday when a liquor referendum will be one of the main issues of the spring election. Hard
liquor has never been legally sold over the bar by the glass in Evansville since the city was founded in 1839.
Next Tuesday the citizens of Evansville will decide by their vote whether or not the sale of intoxicating drinks
by the glass over the bar will be legalized in 1945. Every citizen of Evansville over 21 years should vote next
Tuesday. The poles will not close until 7 p.m.
60 Years Ago (1955): Although there is only one contest between candidates for office, the spring election
here next Tuesday is expected to be one of the more hotly contested in some time. Koralyn M. May, who has
been acting clerk-treasurer for a year and a half, is seeking election, as is Dorothy W. Richmond, a former
city treasurer. This is the first time that Evansville voters have elected this combination official, the job in
recent years having been an appointive one. The referendum in the city election will be to decide whether
the city should continue with an elected assessor, or should change to a system where the assessor should
be appointed by the council.
50 Years Ago (1965): Mike Schuster, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Schuster, was chosen by the coaches of
the conference for All-Suburban Honors. Mike played basketball for Evansville High School for four years.
40 Years Ago (1975): Voters will be asked to vote next Tuesday for or against on the city building a new city
hall at a cost of from $145,000 to $170,000. The engineer was on hand Tuesday night to answer questions
of voters. He stated that the heating cost of a new building would be $1.50 a day on a year round average.
Presently the city is paying $6.39 a day the year round for the same size building.
30 Years Ago (1985): Mr. and Mrs. Harold Gransee were greatly surprised Sunday March 24 at the home of
their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Walmer when a family dinner for their golden wedding
anniversary turned into a surprise open house for them. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Flood, Harold’s sister and
husband, closed their resort in Park Falls to attend. There were also guests from Janesville, Monroe and
Brooklyn.
20 Years Ago (1995): Two of Evansville’s oldest organizations, the Evansville Lions club and the Evansville
Boy Scouts, are combining efforts for their annual pancake breakfast this Sunday in the middle school
cafeteria.
10 years ago (2005): This year’s Easter Egg Hunt, according to Chamber Coordinator Trish Graves, was fun
but cold. Her “Bunny” volunteers were Sally Bowers, Jim Jones, Ron DeKelver, Pat Kuelz, Ken Kuelz, Kat
Edmunds and Sharon Stanforth. Evansville area children and parents chose to ignore Mother Nature’s
freshly dumped snowfall and cold windy twenty-eight degrees, on Saturday, March 19th. About 90 children
received candy and prizes after a brief visit with the Easter Bunny. Volunteers bundled up in layers and
ignored the weather and had fun doling out candy from the Knights of Columbus, prizes provided and/or
underwritten by area Chamber businesses, and coupons from Subway deli for the free cookie for each child.