In Review
First Week in January 1876-1996
140 Years Ago (1866): The 13th Regiment. This regiment has returned home and has been mustered out of service. It has seen much hard work and long marches in Kansas, Tennessee and Texas. Without seeing any hard engagement in the war, it has done it work well and in a soldierly manner obeyed orders. We welcome its members home again. Many homes in Rock County will be made glad by their return.
130 Years Ago (1876): Just as the sun went down Saturday night the wind came up, and oh! What a hurricane. It swept over the country at the rate of 40 miles an hour, at least, playing with signs and fences and every loose object as with a toy. The large Haliday Wind Mill, that did the pumping at the depot, was blown entirely free from the tower and landed on the track, midway from the pump to the depot. Mr. Stevens had a shed blown over in which was his cow, but miraculously escaped unharmed. The lumber of both Randolph and Winston & True’s yards, was scattered to the four winds and some of it badly broken. In many places heavy plank sidewalks were taken and landed in promiscuous heaps along with fence rails, boards and debris of every description. The ground was so softened by the day’s rain that shade trees were bent over and uprooted, completely destroying many. Mr. Newman’s barn was unroofed at Cooksville, and several other buildings at that place suffered, but nothing irreparable. Similar fate attended tobacco sheds and buildings at Union village. It was the fiercest wind, unaccompanied with rain, and not severely cold, of any we have ever experienced.
120 Years Ago (1886): Last Wednesday, a very pleasant gathering of relatives and near friends assembled at the home of Mr. Levi Leonard, it being the occasion of his seventieth birthday. Among the guests were his son, Hon. Burr W. Jones and family of Madison, Mr. Lewis Spencer and family and Mr. Harvey Prentice and family who enjoyed themselves in commemorating Mr. L.’s birthday, talking over old times, etc. Mr. L. Received letters from relatives in the east congratulating him. Among others was one from a brother in N. Y., who is seventy-three years old, and like himself hale and hearty. Mr. L. came to Wis. in 1840, and has lived in the vicinity of this place ever since. There were but a few of the old pioneers here in those days. Mr. Hiram Griffith, Mr. Ira Jones and Mr. Quivey were about the only ones and they have all been gone to their long home for a number of years. John T. Baker and Mr. Sales came the same season but a little later as did several others. Mr. Leonard has seen our prairies and forests settled up with many of the very best people on earth and still survives nearly all of the old pioneers and is hale and hearty and one of the best preserved men of his age we ever saw, being tall, straight and strong. He still enjoys the reminiscences of old times.
110 Years Ago (1896): Married: At Edgerton, Thursday, January 2, 1896, Miss Alice Keegan, of Union, and Mr. Orrin P. Johnson of Cooksville. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are well and favorably known in this community. The bride is the youngest daughter of Mrs. E. Keegan of Union and ranked among the first teachers of this part of the country. The groom is the youngest son of Mr. D. M. Johnson and is a prosperous farmer. The young couple will make their home on the Johnson farm near Cooksville where a furnished house all ready for occupancy awaited them. Not only was the house swept and garnished to fit the occasion but the larder was well supplied and loving hands had made ready the first breakfast to be eaten by the happy couple in their own home.
100 Years Ago (1906): Cards are out announcing the marriage of Dr. Leon Patterson of Green Bay and Miss Ethel Baker of this city, which occurs at the bride’s home on Liberty Street, Wednesday, January 3, 1906.
90 Years Ago (1916): Miss Nina E. Munger, daughter of Mrs. C. S. Ware, wants to be a movie actress. Miss Munger has entered the “Beauty and Brains” contest being conducted by the Photoplay Magazine in conjunction with the World Film Corporation. The proposition is to send eleven young women to the studios in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where they will be given a thorough tryout as film actresses. No efforts will be spared to make film stars of these young women. Miss Lillian Russell and William Brady, the theatrical manager are among the judges of the contest.
80 Years Ago (1926): In the Review I read about our Dear Old Lake Leota, but Mr. Smith did not state why the Lake was called Lake Leota. It was named by my neighbor Boyd Jones; he was killed at Washington in the old Ford Theater there and was one of our First School Teachers 50 years ago, and was born on the old farm near Evansville. Mrs. T. F. Shurrum, Long Beach, Calif.
70 Years Ago (1936): Fire believed to have originated from an explosion of coal gas completely destroyed the plant of the Evansville Ice and Ice Cream company here which was leveled to the ground within two hours after the blaze was discovered at 5 p.m. last Thursday. Everything in the two-story frame building was consumed including the ice and ice cream manufacturing equipment much of which was practically new, and two motor trucks which were recently purchased. The total loss has been estimated at $20,000, of which amount $15,000 is covered by insurance. W. P. Fleming, who owned the plant in partnership with M. T. Vanderbilt had left the building after banking the fire for the night, a short time before the fire broke out. Dense clouds of smoke pouring from the building were seen by Mrs. Arthur Devine, who immediately turned in the alarm when the flames were discovered, but before the city firemen could arrive the fire was beyond control. Firemen were greatly hampered in their work by the sub-zero weather, but remained on the job for several hours despite frozen clothing and frost-bitten faces, hands and feet. The K. D. Shaw ice house in the same location as the fire here last Thursday burned Sept. 26, 1916 with a $1,700 loss. The building with its double walls filled with sawdust was erected to replace the ice house destroyed by fire.
60 Years Ago (1946): Miss Charlene Koepp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Koepp, Evansville, became the bride of Donald Farberg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Farberg, also of Evansville, at a ceremony performed in the Cooksville Lutheran church at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, by the Rev. A. M. Romstad. The couple was attended by Mrs. Janet Neuenschwander, sister of the bride, as matron of honor and Christian Farberg, Jr., brother of the groom, as best man.
50 Years Ago (1956): Mrs. Alice Haakenson celebrated her 70th birthday Sunday with a family gathering. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Chester Haakenson, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Haakenson, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Haakenson, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Haakenson, Mrs. Leslie Chilsen, Waterloo, and Mrs. Nettie Julseth.
40 Years Ago (1966): Jennifer Lynn Tomlin was Evansville’s first New Year’s baby born in the Stoughton Hospital attended by a local physician. Jennifer was born at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, and weight 6 lbs 11 oz. She has four sister and three brothers. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Tomlin Evansville and Mrs. Leonard Ripp, Madison.
30 Years Ago (1976): Since January 2, the Village Square Restaurant has added a little touch of Bohemia to its menu, which came along with the establishment’s recent change in ownership. Vladimir and Dagmar Jurco, Czechoslovakian emigrants, assumed ownership of the Village Square January 1, after purchasing the establishment from Clara Hull. The Jurcos came to Evansville from Crystal Falls in Upper Michigan, where they also operated a restaurant for two years. They area accompanied by five-year-old son Peter and Valdimir’s mother, Katrini, who arrived in this country just three weeks ago. They moved into the apartment above the Village Square last week.
20 Years Ago (1986): Richard A. Knudtson, has been appointed postmaster at Evansville, WI., effective January 4, 1986. At Evansville, Knudtson will be responsible for seven employees, serving a population of over 3,000 residents. Total revenue for the Evansville post office reached $313,570 during the fiscal year 1985. There are two regular and one auxiliary city routes and two rural routes. Knudtson is married and he and his wife Pat have two children, Joseph, age 6 and Ann, age 4.
10 years ago (1996): Peter Sears, president of Baker Manufacturing Company, presented a check for $4,000 to the Eager Free Public Library to be used for furnishings. Five tables and 18 chairs have been purchased with the funds which represents the largest donation received from a local business firm.
In Review
Second Week in January 1876-1996
140 Years Ago (1866): The Spencer House has changed landlords. Clayton Seman having purchased the property of Henry G. Spencer, an arrangement has been made by which Mr. Gardner gives possession to L. C. Seman, who is now “mine host” of the Spencer House. [Note: The Spencer House was a 3-story hotel on the northwest corner of Main and Madison Street. It was later named the Central House and razed in the late 1930s.]
130 Years Ago (1876): The stockholders of the Evansville Seminary met as by notice, in the Town Hall, Thursday of last week to consider the propriety of turning over the building and its franchises to a company to be used as a boot manufacturing establishment. Speeches were made and desultory remarks indulged, all ending to the same effect. A vote was taken and carried nearly unanimously, authorizing the Trustees to turn over the building and all the appurtenances thereto to any company or corporation, for educational or manufacturing purposes. If the Boot & Shoe business goes off, as it is confidently expected now it will, Evansville will have made a tolerable fair show in her incipient manufacturing interests.
120 Years Ago (1886): The following is a report of school district No. 2, Town of Union, for month ending Jan. 8th, 1886. Names of those not absent during month: Willie Snyder, Lester Holt. Those not tardy: Eva Holt, Johnnie Albertie, Lee Cronn, Charles Richardson, Warren Richardson, Harry Johnson, Lester Holt, Frankie Nelson, Frankie Richards, Roy Richards. Deportment, Lee Cronn, 100, Bernice Johnson, 98. Johnnie Albertie, 95. Cora E. Hartley, Teacher.
110 Years Ago (1896): Monday night the annual election of officers occurred at the meeting of the Women’s Literary Club at which time the following officers were elected: President, Mrs. Ada Johnson; Vice Pres., Mrs. W. T. Boyd; Treasurer, Mrs. L. S. Pullen; Executive Board, Mesdames. E. P. Colton, R. M. Richmond, C. E. Lee, J. P. Porter.
100 Years Ago (1906): The friends of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas George assembled on New Years day for probably the last family gathering in their old residence as they are soon to move into their grand new residence. Those who were present were Mr. and Mrs. Richard Price of Thayer, Neb., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Butts and daughter of Attica, Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Higday of Evansville, Mrs. Haney of Butts Corners, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Jones and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Walter George and Clarence George all of Albany. All went home feeling it was a day well spent.
90 Years Ago (1916): A pall of gloom settled over the community last Sunday when it was learned the death angel had called Honorable Allen S. Baker to his eternal home, death coming at 12:15 after a brief illness from la grippe and heart trouble. Mr. Baker, who was founder of the well-known Baker Manufacturing company, whose products are sold throughout the world, and who was the only remaining member of a company of five who first organized the great industry was born near Evansville, January 12, 1842. Coming from an old West Virginia family, his ancestry on the paternal side runs back to England, and on the maternal side to Germany.
80 Years Ago (1926): H. A. Knapp announces this week that he has rented his farm and dairy to George Mabie, who will take over the farm March 1st, Mr. Knapp retaining an interest in the dairy business. Mr. Knapp will hold a sale of all his Holstein cattle consisting of fifty head, on February 24. These will be immediately replaced in the dairy of the farm with 25 head of Guernseys which he and Mr. Mabie recently purchased in Richland county, being added to from time to time with more Guernseys, it being their intention to use nothing but Guernsey cattle on the farm, a purebred sire of that breed having been already purchased. Mr. Knapp, who was one of the organizers of the Farm Bureau in this county and for several years one of its officers will give his attention to organization work for the bureau in different portions of the state.
70 Years Ago (1936): Feb. 15, E. E. Combs, pioneer local photographer, closes his ground floor studio at 18 North Madison street after faithfully serving the community for the past 47 years. The cameras and other portrait equipment have been sold and the building, which has housed the studio since its erection in 1893, has been leased to Mrs. Hannah Losey who is now making plans for the opening of a modern coffee shop. During his 47 years in the photograph business here, Mr. Combs finished more than a million pictures from 86,000 negatives which he now has on file and which will be moved to his home for reprints when desired. In addition to this number, he has another 10,000 negatives in his possession which were made by his predecessors, Beals and Wise. He plans to continue his profession with amateur Kodak developing, finishing, copying, enlarging, view work, and picture framing in his home at 44 West Main St.
60 Years Ago (1946): The Methodist Women’s Society of Christian Service met Wednesday in the church parlor for a one o’clock picnic dinner, regular business session and installation of officers. Mrs. Frank Fenrick, who succeeds Mrs. Gertrude Eager as president of the groups assumed her duties as head of the organization. Other officers are Mrs. Charles Petersen, vice president; Mrs. Leo Kuenzli, secretary; and Mrs. Will D. Brown, treasurer.
50 Years Ago (1956): Robert Horne, Highway 14, and John Thurman, 310 W. Church Street, who alternate driving the parcel post truck up and down the city streets, last week were awarded gold medals in recognition of two years each behind the wheel of the truck without a traffic accident. Horne, foreman of the parcel post department has been driving his own car more than 20 years without accident. Neither has Thurman had an accident in the 27 years he has been driving his private automobile. He has been with the post office here since 1952. Bob began about seven years ago in 1949.
40 Years Ago (1966): Charles Maas, Evansville, is one of five rural Wisconsin leaders who will be honored by the University of Wisconsin College of Agriculture at the annual honorary recognition banquet in Memorial Union to be held in Madison. Mr. Maas will receive the recognition for being a leading livestock producer from Evansville.
30 Years Ago (1976): Sandy Schuh, 110 Liberty Lane, Evansville, has been added to the staff of the Devlin Agency at 230 E. Main St. Mrs. Schuh obtained her broker’s license from the Wisconsin School of Real Estate in Janesville last year and will work out of her home and from the E. Main St. office. She joins Jan Davis, Roger Berg and Rolland Devlin on the Devlin staff. Another addition to the agency is Bonnie Kremer, age 28, as secretary. Both began work Jan. 2.
20 Years Ago (1986): Two aldermanic ward primaries will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18. The second and third wards of the city have three candidates each for the single, two-year terms. In the second ward, incumbent Ron Pierce is opposed by Robert Tanner and Cindy Nordness. In the third ward, incumbent Woodrow Wickersham is opposed by Ron Buttchen and Lawton Short.
10 years ago (1996): Roger Berg and Robbie Petterson brought an idea to the Plan Commission for land on South Madison Street. The 35-acre plot could be turned into a retirement facility where the elderly, and Snowbirds of Evansville might roost. Patterned after the popular Vennevoll in Stoughton, which it is reported has a waiting list of some four or five years, “the building could answer a need in Evansville which is not being addressed, Berg said. All duplexes and condos would probably occupy half of the acreage, with the other area landscaped with ponds and prairie grasses. Berg says the city is losing a lot of people who need this type of living facility.
In Review
Third Week in January 1876-1996
140 Years Ago (1866): Married. December 27, 1865, at the residence of the bride’s parents, by Rev. E. Robinson, Mr. Henry Campbell, of Center, and Miss Malvina A. Howard, of Evansville. December 31st, 1865, at the Baptist Church, by Rev. J. E. Davis, Mr. Ethan G. Shepard, of Stockton, Chautauqua County, N. Y., and Miss Carrie R. Parker, of Evansville. January 1st, 1866, at the Spencer House in Evansville, by Rev. E. Robinson, Mr. Ezra S. Griffith, of Porter, and Miss Melissa J. Rutter, of Fulton.
130 Years Ago (1876): In an article on Parker & Stone’s Reaper Works, in the Beloit Free Press, of last week, speaking of the amount of stock used in their works the past year, mention is made of 8 or 10 car loads of moulding sand brought from Evansville, and says: “This sand is found to be nearly as fine as the famous Troy sand, and far better for foundry use than any to be obtained here.” This is complimentary to Evansville. The sand obtained is found on the premises of Mr. W. H. Hatfield, a mile or so west of town. The quantity appears inexhaustible. The sand used by our foundry here comes from the adjoining farm, owned by Mr. John Miles. The discovery was first made by Mr. A. S. Baker, Superintendent of the works here, and Mr. Boyd, the moulder. No doubt there are other undeveloped wealth in and around Evansville. [Note: the farms of Hatfield and Miles were in section 29 of Union township, on the road later named Porter Road.]
120 Years Ago (1886): Brodhead talks of electric light, and is going to send a man over here to “enlighten” we uns, on the subject. All right. Old lunar serves us pretty well now, and when that is gone Tom Aspell is around with his one handed wheelbarrow to dispense the electric fluid from a large tin can, that answers pretty well for the rest of the time. [Note: Tom Aspell was the street lamp lighter in Evansville.]
110 Years Ago (1896): Married on Wednesday January 8, ’96 Miss Sarah A. Ford, of Porter, and Mr. Lawrence Barrett, of Center. The Rev. Father Barrett of Minneapolis, brother of the groom, officiating. The couple were married in St. Michaels church amidst a large circle of relatives and friends. Miss Kate Ford acted as bridesmaid and Mr. Con Hayes as best man.
100 Years Ago (1906): Mrs. Ellen A. Hoxie, aged seventy-nine years, died Friday, Jan. 12, 1906, a short time after noon, at her home on First Street. Her maiden name was Ellen A. Woodbury, and she was born in Baltimore, Vermont, Nov. 9th, 1826, moved to Cooksville in Nov. 1849, was married Jan. 22, 1852 at Union, Wis., to Benjamin S. Hoxie, who departed from this life about four years since, he was proprietor of the Cooksville cheese factory for a number of years, a prominent contractor and builder, and after moving to this city in 1884, was secretary of the State Horticultural Society and was a leader in farmers’ institute work. Mrs. Hoxie had not been in good health since the demise of her husband. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Eva Van Patten of this city, Mrs. Mary A. Kemp of Madison, and Mrs. Cora B. Green of Walters, Minn., and a brother Charles Woodbury of Janesville. The funeral was largely attended at the home, Sunday afternoon, with Rev. Edwin A. Ralph, officiating clergyman.
90 Years Ago (1916): The public is familiar with the growth of the Baker Manufacturing company from its small beginning in the seventies to the modern, up-to-date plant it is today, but all of our readers may not know of the part of some of the present employees have taken in bringing this plant up to the high state of efficiency it has attained. The following ten men have been in the employ of the company almost from its inception and their record for steady, faithful continuous work has few, if any, equals in the state. Following is their record: Frank Hubbard, 37 years; Chas. Jenkins, 36 years; John Bly, 34 years; Fred Wilder 33 ½ years; Geo. Meekins, 29 years; Dan Knause, 27 years; Harry Blakeley, 25 ½ years; Arthur Blunt, 25 years; Clyde Babcock, 22 years; Chas. Powles, 22 years. Mr. Powles has worked in all about thirty years, but not continuously. Several of the men commenced work for the company when at the age of 16, 18, 20 and 22 years. Seven of them hold the position of foreman in the different departments of the factory. All of these men own their homes and hold about 900 shares of common stock of the company, which brings them an annual dividend of $4,500.
80 Years Ago (1926): Charles Murphy, of the drafting department of the Baker Manufacturing Company and Howard Morrison, employed as inspector of gas engines at the same plant have resigned their positions and will go on the road for the Kohler Manufacturing Company, also installing the plants which they sell. Their territory will comprise part of Rock, Green, Walworth, and Dane counties. They expect to take up their new work the latter part of the week.
70 Years Ago (1936): Evansville lost one of its most respected and best known citizens in the passing of Charles Fuller, 75, veteran mail messenger, who died at 1:30 a.m. Friday in his home on North Madison street following a two week’s illness which confined him to his bed. Mr. Fuller, who held a record as being probably the oldest messenger in the state, was born in Glen Falls, Warren county, New York, Dec. 26, 1860 and later settled with his parents on a farms near Marseilles, Ill., and Fulton and Center, Wis. He came to Evansville 54 years ago and was first employed with the G. I. Trip creamery. In 1898 he established his transfer line keeping 22 head of horses and five hacks used for funeral purposes. For the past 54 years Mr. Fuller has been transferring mail bags to and from the post office, hauling baggage about the city, and driving a taxi cab for the residents of the community. In all that time he had never failed to get his passengers to the depot in time to catch a train even though many of the calls were last minute errands. His large barn today resembles a museum of historical vehicles.
60 Years Ago (1946): Under the sponsorship of the Parent-Teacher association and with Mrs. R. J. Antes serving as general chairman of the project, Girl Scout troops are being organized in Evansville. Three troops of girls, one for Brownies and two for Intermediates are organized. Miss Kay Sinski will be in charge of the Intermediate group. Her co-leaders will be Mrs. Kenneth Wood and Mrs. Kenneth Ellis. Miss Hazel Redford in charge of the Brownie troop will have as co-leaders Mrs. Myron Williams and Mrs. Maurice Bly.
50 Years Ago (1956): Mr. and Mrs. Edward Erpenbach will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary Sunday, Jan. 22, with open house at their home 21 School Street. Mr. Erpenbach and the former Elnora Neis were married in Baraboo, Jan. 22, 1931. They have seven children: Mrs. William Reich, Crystal City, Mo., Phil of Evansville; Barbara, Darlene, Richard, David and Alice at home, and three grandchildren. Mr. Erpenbach has been employed with the Wisconsin Telephone Company for the past 27 years.
40 Years Ago (1966): Grant Johnson, Evansville, observed his 50th anniversary as a pharmacist in Wisconsin this week. He received his pharmacist’s license, Jan. 18, 1916, upon his graduation in the pharmacist’s course at Marquette University, Milwaukee. Mr. Johnson was from Bloomington, Wis. and following his graduation he was employed in Hayward, served in the armed forces in World War I and spent some time in a drug store in Viroqua before coming to Evansville in about 1925. He owned and operated a drug store here for 28 years before he retired several years ago.
30 Years Ago (1976): Two new directors were named at the annual stockholders meeting of the Union Bank and Trust Company January 13. Rolland E. Devlin, 125 Park Drive and Thomas N. Hatlen, rural Evansville were added to the bank’s Board of Directors. Board members re-elected were Forrest T. Durner, Dr. Howard Krueger, Leonard p. Eager, Leonard P. Eager, Jr. and Alan S. Baker. The board elected the following officers: Leonard Eager, president, Leonard Eager, Jr., executive vice president; Alan Eager, vice president and cashier; Robert G. Brunsvold, Mary A. Christensen, Shirley L. Gransee, Lois Holzem and Joan E. Norby, assistant cashiers.
20 Years Ago (1986): Maynard Rauk of Lucan, MN has been named General Manager of the Union Coop with his office here in Evansville. Rauk comes to Evansville with 20 years of experience. He began with the Hartford, WI Ironridge Coop in 1965. Prior to that he lived on a farm near Decorah, Iowa.
10 years ago (1996): The Evansville State Qualifying Cross Country Team won academic certificates at the 17th annual coaches meeting in Milwaukee. Evansville received this award by averaging the best five GPA’s of the seven runners who compete for their team at the WIAA State Meet. Individual runners who had a 3.5 average or better also received an award. Team members from Evansville who received this award were Jake Peters, Chad Wallisch, Jason Marin, Justin Frey and Aaron Wallisch.
In Review
Fourth Week in January 1876-1996
140 Years Ago (1866): Nine cases of small pox have occurred in this place, two proving fatal. The infection was brought by an emigration from Nashville. At a meeting of the Board of Health of the town of Union, held at the office of Jacob West, in Evansville, on 16, day of January, 1866, it was ordered and determined that steps be immediately taken to arrest the progress and confine to its present locality that contagious disease small pox now raging in this village. After hearing a report from Drs. Murphy and Evans that those who were sick could not be removed without endangering their health, it was determined that the infected district be closed up and no communication be allowed, except under the direction of the Board of Health. Jacob West, E. B. Harvey, Board of Health.
130 Years Ago (1876): GOLDEN WEDDING. It was the 50th anniversary of the marriage of Thomas and Anna Robinson, held at the residence of C. R. Bent, who is a son-in-law by his first and second marriage. Thomas and Anna were married at the residence of the bride's father Justice Jones, in Champaign county, Ohio, Jan. 12th, 1826. They were in early life identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have ever remained consistent and active members of the same. A considerable portion of their life was spent in pioneering in La Port County, Indiana, to which county they moved in 1838 before the land came in market. They subsequently moved with their family, consisting of five girls and one boy, to Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1845, which has since been their home. They are at present making their home with their children, Mrs. C. R. Bent, and Dr. S. E. Robinson. West Union Gazette, Iowa, reprinted in Evansville Citizen-Review.
120 Years Ago (1886): The remains of a young man by the name of Finneran, as near as we are able to learn, was brought by rail to this place last Saturday and taken to the Catholic cemetery on Catfish Prairie for interment. He was a brakeman on the railroad and was killed by the cars, the accident occurring by the breaking of a chain on a brake.
110 Years Ago (1896): The Womans’ Literary Club met at the home of the Misses Andrews last Monday night. Twenty-five ladies spent the evening listening to papers upon various subjects. Papers were read by Mrs. W. T. Boyd, Mrs. A. C. Richardson, Mrs. Emmeline Snashall, M. L. Ewing, and Mrs. Lillian Pullen. The paper by Mrs. Snashall, was of special interest as it pointed the way to the beautifying of Evansville and was full of practical suggestions.
100 Years Ago (1906): The directors of the Rock County Fair Association have chosen Everett Van Patten president in place of W. E. Campbell, who has moved to Madison, and I. U. Fisher superintendent of tracks and Arthur Franklin superintendent of privileges; the remainder of the officers remain the same as last season. President Van Patten says there is plenty of hard work to be done before the next fair, but if all take hold with a will and do their part there will be no trouble to have an excellent fair. Let our people render all assistance possible to the officers and make for this year a banner fair.
90 Years Ago (1916): Gasoline has almost doubled in price since last summer and the refiners are being blamed and abused accordingly. But some statistics gathered by the government indicate that the “oil octopus” is not wholly to blame. For example: In 1912 approximately 312,000 motor cars were built in this country. A year later the builders turned out 420,000. In 1914 the number was 515,000 and for the year which closed last June 710,000 were made, the grand total of motor cars then in use in this country being estimated at 3 ¼ millions. Refiners estimate that 30 million barrels will be used in this country next year. There has been a corresponding increase in motor boats, farm tractors, and other kinds of engines that use gasoline. The refiners say they have not been able to keep pace with the demand. Exhaustive experiments are also being carried on in the production of denatured alcohol. Experts believe the time is coming soon when it will be a rival of gasoline and will keep the price down.
80 Years Ago (1926): The Chicago & Northwestern freight depot this week reports the heaviest shipments for several weeks, as follows: Potter Porter, 2 double deck of sheep; Wm. Wiles, 1 double deck of sheep; Rodd & Miles, 1 double deck of sheep; L. Hubbard, 1 double deck of sheep; Fred Miller, 4 cars of cattle; Ernest Miller, 1 car of cattle; John Wall, 2 cars of cattle; W. W. Gillies, 2 cars of cattle; and Chet Miller, 2 cars of cattle.
70 Years Ago (1936): Eugene Williams, 80, local junk dealer and beloved citizen who has toted on a average of 60 tons of paper per year on his wheelbarrow and who for more than 30 years visited Evansville stores daily collecting, packing, and shipping paper to junk markets, dropped dead at 9:30 o’clock this morning while at work in the Grange store. Scarcely a day has passed that Mr. Williams has not been seen either pushing his cart loaded with paper or packing boxes in one of the stores and it is with a pang of regret that the residents of the community receive the news of his death. Jolly and always of a good nature he won for himself a host of friends throughout the city with whom he chatted daily discussing current events with which he was well versed and predicting the weather forecast.
60 Years Ago (1946): A hot lunch program for students has been inaugurated in the Evansville school and now in the second week of the project about 100 rural and city pupils are being served daily in the lunch room. The project sponsored by the Parent Teacher Association and the local Board of Education is being well received by the students and according to their reports their luncheon hour is something to look forward to every day, because as one boy said, “we get such good food and plenty of it.” Mrs. Ellen Hansen is the cook and is being assisted by Mrs. Victor Wall. The P.T.A. luncheon committee is comprised of Mrs. E. C. Krebs, Mrs. Lawrence Schwartzlow, Miss Ruth Chase, and Mrs. Jeanette Toepfer. Mrs. Krebs assisting in serving the meals the first week.
50 Years Ago (1956): Ham and eggs were scrambled in king-sized portions on highway 14 three miles north of Evansville. One of two semi-trailers involved in the accident was loaded with 237 pigs and another bore a cargo of eggs. The first accident occurred about 1 a.m. when a Briggs Transport semi trailer jackknifed and slid to a stop diagonally across the icy pavement. Before this truck could be returned to its proper lane, the driver of the pig load slid onto its side and flipped upside down. Fire broke out in the cab of the truck and many pigs died of burns and crippling. The Evansville volunteer fire department was summoned to put out the blaze and to free Charles Hopple, St. Paul, driver of the truck who had been trapped with a second driver in the cab of the truck. Meanwhile, nearly 200 pigs were scampering across the countryside. Most of them had been recovered by other trucks by mid-afternoon.
40 Years Ago (1966): Reid Francis son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Francis received a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering at commencement exercises, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Saturday, Jan. 22. He has accepted a position with the Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Michigan. Reid was a 1962 graduate of the Evansville High School.
30 Years Ago (1976): Mary Rupnow, who recently completed 20 years of service with Varco Pruden, has the distinction of being the oldest employee in seniority with the Evansville plant. Since coming to Varco-Pruden, Mrs. Rupnow has worked in various departments. Her present status is purchasing secretary. She received a 20 year diamond pin presented to her at a dinner meeting by Dean Axtell, vice president and general manager.
20 Years Ago (1986): Robert F. Brunsell, 222 N. Third St., Evansville, was appointed Chaplain for Zor Shrine Temple, by Potentate Don Splitgaber, at the annual meeting of the Temple held in Madison, Saturday, Jan. 11th. Chaplain Brunsell was born and raised in Evansville. Chaplain Brunsell and his wife Joann, who is a volunteer Braillest, have three daughters and belong to the First Congregational Church in Evansville. He has been active in many community organizations and Masonic orders.
10 years ago (1996): Steven Eager presented a check for $1,000 from Union Bank and Trust to the Eager Free Public Library. The funds will be used to purchase new furnishings for the library’s recent addition. New circulation desks, shelving, display units and seating in the meeting room and children’s area are some of the items that will be needed in the new addition. Funding for all furnishing purchased have come from private donations.
LAST WEEK IN JANUARY - FIRST WEEK IN FEBRUARY 2006
In Review
140 Years Ago (1866): Evansville Church Directory. Religious Services – Methodist Episcopal Society – Rev. G. W. De La Matyr, Pastor; services every Sunday morning at 10 ½ o’clock; evening at 6 ½ o’clock. Congregational Society – Rev. James Watts, Pastor; services Sunday morning at 10 ½ o’clock (Brick Church). Free Will Baptist Society – Rev. J. E. Davis, Pastor; services every Sunday morning at 10 ½ o’clock and in the evening at 6 ½ o’clock.
130 Years Ago (1876): Mr. Josiah Blake having spent the flower of his life to the filial devotion of his aged mother, now passed away, and feeling the cares of bachelorhood to be unrequited and burdensome concluded to share them with Miss Marilla Aller, daughter of Jesse Aller, Esq., of Union, on Wednesday last. The honeymoon is enjoyed in a visit among friends and relatives in Juneau county.
120 Years Ago (1886): Judge Bennett’s Court has done a lively business this winter on divorces alone. Earlier, a decree was granted Lizzie Griswold against D. C. Griswold, both parties residing in Evansville. Recently a decree has been granted to Freedom E. Green against W. H. Green. Mrs. Green will assume her maiden name, Freedom E. Bullard. Mrs. Bullard is a lady of our place, always been known here, and adds not a little to the church and society she frequents, having excellent musical and social qualities.
110 Years Ago (1896): Married. On Wednesday, January 29, 1896, Mrs. Grace Ellis was united in marriage to Mr. J. B. Wattles of Buffalo. The ceremony took place at noon at the residence of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Helen Sawin in the presence of a few guests. Mrs. Ellis is an Evansville girl, having been reared in this vicinity, and is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Sawin. In leaving this city the bride leaves a host of friends who will miss her greatly. Mr. Wattles is a commission merchant of Buffalo, N. Y., and the bride and groom started for that city on the 2:00 o’clock train where they will establish themselves at 422 Fargo Ave.
100 Years Ago (1906): The farm house known for many years as the John West place about one mile northwest of the city, now owned by Mrs. Roy Munger, with all of its contents was completely destroyed by fire Saturday night. Mrs. Munger, who is a mail carrier upon one of the rural routes out of this city, was residing in the house and fixed the coal fire perfectly safe, as she supposed. While she was away Saturday night at her mothers and knew nothing of the destruction of her home until Sunday morning and no cause can be assigned for the fire unless it originated from an explosion of gas in the coal stove. The loss will reach over a thousand dollars while only six hundred dollars was covered with insurance.
90 Years Ago (1916): In the suit of Harry E. Pease versus the city of Evansville, resulting from the oiling of the streets in 1914, the Supreme court Tuesday affirmed, without opinion, the decision of the circuit court, which was in favor of the city.
80 Years Ago (1926): Mr. and Mrs. George Morrison celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Saturday Jan. 23, by entertaining about 40 friends at cards and dancing, Friday evening. On the Sunday following they entertained with a dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Morrison of Edgerton, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Rasmussen and two children, Madison, Beth at home, their parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Patterson, Mrs. Elnora Patterson, Mr. and Mrs. Pliny Tolles, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Courtier and son, Kenneth, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Miller, Jr., Fred Morrison and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jones. The out of town guests for Friday evening were Mrs. Anna Ryan, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Conrad Hanson and son, Madison.
70 Years Ago (1936): A short scene from act II of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” will be presented by a group of high school students under the direction of Mrs. T. C. Richardson at the regular meeting of the Woman’s Literary club to be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Richardson residence on West Main Street. The cast, which has been rehearsing for the past week, includes Susan Eager, Beth Brigham, Doris Moore, Beth Schuster, Albert Gibbs, Phil Croak, Robert Hubbard, Paul DeLeon, Rolland Worthing, John Wall and Howard Brunsell. The roll call at the meeting will be responded to in the reciting of lines from the play.
60 Years Ago (1946): Wilbur Luchsinger was discharged from the navy at Jacksonville, Fla., the latter part of last week and arrived at his home here Monday. John E. Haakenson was discharged from naval service at Great Lakes, Ill., last Saturday. Howard Milbrandt arrived home Sunday having been discharged from the Marines in which he served more than four years. Lee Barnard, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Barnard, has reenlisted in the armed forces. Albert Richard Williams, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. K. Williams, Mill street, was discharged from the navy at Great Lakes, Ill. S/Sgt. B. W. Hubbard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hubbard, was recently discharged from the armed forces at Maxwell Field, Ala. He entered the service in May, 1942 and for the past two years he has been chief control tower operator at Pope Field, N. Car. Before entering the service he was with the Wisconsin Conservation department.
50 Years Ago (1956): Forty Evansville area farmers heard Claude Willoughby, director of the Rock County Agricultural Conservation and stabilization committee, speak on Tuesday night. Willoughby spoke on the proposed soil bank program, corn loans and storage problems. Free classes on agricultural problems are available to adult Evansville farmers and those qualified under the veterans agricultural training program. Joseph Polich is the veterans’ agricultural training instructor and Ed Lunde is the high school agriculture instructor.
40 Years Ago (1966): A new Evansville High School scoring record was set in the gym. by Coach Rod Truog’s Blue Devils and the 113 points tallied against Wisconsin Heights will probably stand on the books for quite some time. The team shot an impressive 61% which would be good in any league and would have turned many defeats to victories thus far. Daryl Elmer had his best night of the year and his career as he pushed through 28 points for individual honors. Mike Losey hit for 17, Steve Ehle for 14, Terry Allen for 13, Denny Reese for 12 and Don Nelson for 10.
30 Years Ago (1976): A new minister for the Congregational United Church of Christ has been chosen. The Rev. Tim Kehl who replaces the Rev. Joshua Crowell, will begin duties this Sunday. He and his family reside at 514 Meadow Lane. Rev. Kehl came to Evansville from Gary, Indiana, where he served at Immanuel United church of Christ in Highland. He and his wife Rita, have two daughters; Jenny 2 ½ and Heather, 10 months old.
20 Years Ago (1986): Mary Halbman, secretary of the Grove Society, Father Thomas Lourim, Ruth Ann Montgomery, Harvey Stevens, chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission, and Stuart Brooks of Madison served on a committee to prepare a slide-tape presentation for the Visitor Center at the Masonic Temple. Walking tours of the Historic District are offered as well as historical items of interest.
10 years ago (1996): The local Knights of Columbus have announced the winners of their recent Christmas Poster Contest. Eddie Roemer, son of John and Deb Roemer, placed first in St. Paul Parish and in the Diocese of Madison for grades 1 and 2. The presentation was made by Ed Kuhlow. Lynn Farberg, daughter of Scott and Therese Farberg of rural Evansville placed first for grades 3 and 4.
In Review
First Full Week in February 1876-1996
140 Years Ago (1866): Livery Stable. Dr. W. Beach & Co., Proprietors. Madison Street, (near the Spencer House). Evansville, Wis. Persons wishing anything in our line, please call and examine our stock. Our charges are reasonable – Our terms cash. Dr. Beach can be found at the stable at all hours, ready to attend to sick and disabled horses, and all matters pertaining to veterinary practice.
130 Years Ago (1876): The attendance at the pickle factory meeting Friday was much better than what was really thought it would be. Quite an interest prevailed looking toward an enterprise of that kind. A committee was appointed from each school district in town to canvass the matter among the farmers and report. A stock company has been proposed but a greater majority of our farmers would prefer an individual enterprise, where the responsibility rests with fewer persons than to subscribe to a stock company. Our soil is well adapted to such plants and we know of no good reason why a factory devoted to the manufacture of pickles, sauces, etc. might not succeed here as well as elsewhere.
120 Years Ago (1886): The little three-year-old daughter of a German family, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Stuenke, who live in the little red house near the mill, died Sunday morning, and was buried Monday. The child has been sick since coming into the country, late in the fall. The family, the father, mother, two little boys with this little girl, have been in very destitute circumstances and it has taxed the energies and resources of the Ladies Relief Society, somewhat to reasonably supply their wants, in connection with other duties of the committee. Mr. Stuenke speaks English poorly and it has been difficult for him to get work. Although the family have no connections or relatives among the Germans here, yet they have aided liberally in their needs. The committee have been obliged several times to call upon Mr. Henry Monshau, as interpreter, as no one could speak the language.
110 Years Ago (1896): Second Annual Charity Ball. At Magee’s Opera House, February 20, 1896. Prof. Smith’s six piece orchestra will furnish music. The committees for the evening will be as follows: Executive Committee: Byron Campbell, Fred Baker, W. E. Bullard, Dick Ballard, Geo. L. Pullen, E. Fiedlier, H. W. Fellows. Floor Managers: W. E. Campbell, E. J. Ballard, Ira Fisher, Fred Baker. Reception Committee: Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Boyd, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Brewer, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fellows, Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Richmond. Honorary committee: J. M. Evans, Levi Leonard, Peter F. Spencer, G. F. Spencer, Daniel Johnson, J. W. Quimby, C. M. Smith, Geo. Fellows. Soliciting Committee: R. Maranville, Fred Billman, C. Scofield, I. H. Brink.
100 Years Ago (1906): Mrs. Fursett of Cooksville, died Feb. 3, 1906. The funeral was held Feb. 5th. Undertaker Boyd of this city had charge of the funeral. She is survived by two daughters and three sons, Miss Carrie Fursett, Mrs. Mary Nelson, Jacob Fursett, Antone Fursett and Edward Fursett. Rev. Martin Maggie officiated.
90 Years Ago (1916): There was an unusual demand for marriage licenses in this county during January, the number amounting to twenty-seven. Edgar C. Horne and Alice L. Holden, of this city, were issued a license.
80 Years Ago (1926): What is believed to be a record price for common farm hogs was recently made at a farm sale on the old Rasmussen place, west of this city when Orville Devlin sold eleven head of common hogs for the sum of $483. One sow sold for $66, three spring gilts at $50 each, a boar for $45.50, three spring June gilts at $36 each, and four barrows at $28 per head, making a total for the eleven head of $483. Considering Mr. Devlin is a young man and that he has only been farming for himself for three years it must be said that he has certainly learned how to make hogs and make them pay.
70 Years Ago (1936): Evansville’s winter sports program will reach its peak next Sunday afternoon when the local Ski club will hold its annual ski tournament on the 60-foot slide located one and one-half miles northeast of the city on the Riley Searles Farm. Many contestants who were practicing here last week made jumps of from 75 to 80 feet. The slide, which was completed last year by members of the club who donated their services in its erection, is 60 feet high and with the hill on which it stands provides a jump of 90 feet or more. Among the Evansville participants will be Leo Brunsell, Hans Norby, Norman Odegaard, Chester, Hans and Edwin Haakenson, 12-year-old Kenneth Haakenson, Maurice Hansen and Harold Brunsell.
60 Years Ago (1946): Nightly rehearsals are being held in preparation for the presentation of the Evansville Community Theatre’s second major production, “Double Door.” Mrs. Kenneth Ellis is directing the play. The following arrangements committees have been appointed, Howard Becher, tickets; Mrs. H. M. Hamilton, Mrs. E. C. Krebs, and Mrs. Lawrence Schwartzlow, costuming; Miss Hazel Redford, prompter; Mrs. D. G. Whitmore, makeup and property and stage setting, and Theo Devine, Jeanette Montgomery and Howard Becher, advertising. Reserved seats will be on sale at the Krebs Pharmacy.
50 Years Ago (1956): Mr. and Mrs. John Thurman, 310 W. Church St., Evansville, announce the engagement of their daughter Shelley Anne to Donald C. Wold, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Wold of Rice Lake, Wis. Both young people are graduate students at the University of Wisconsin. Miss Thurman is a student in library science and Mr. Wold is majoring in physics.
40 Years Ago (1966): Charles Maas of Evansville was honored at a special recognition banquet held at the University of Wisconsin Memorial Union. He was among five state rural leaders who were presented awards for outstanding in rural leadership. Maas was honored for his participation in Wisconsin’s swine and dairy industries, activities in his own community, promotion of education for farm youth and for acting as advisor on national livestock policy. About 75 Evansville and local area folks attended the banquet. The event marked the second time an Evansville man has won the award. Several years ago Lloyd Hubbard, a veteran farmer was given the same recognition. Mr. Hubbard was in the audience witnessing the award presentation.
30 Years Ago (1976): The City Council met in a special session to approve the sale of its old garbage truck. According to Public Works superintendent Kenneth Grenawalt, the truck hasn’t been used since the city council contracted with Allstate Disposal of Beloit to pick up the City’s refuse.
20 Years Ago (1986): Evansville High School’s musical directors have expressed their delight with the choice of “Guys and Dolls.” Sheila Klein is the director. Advisors also include, Richard Krake, a veteran of the technical aspects of drama and staging, Ron Grimes, the man responsible for orchestration and pit band direction, and Linda Knuckles, Evansville’s choral director.
10 years ago (1996): Members and residents of the Town of Union and City Council members and other interested citizens met on Thursday night of last week at the Hagen Insurance Agency building to talk about what the future planning of the area might be. Rock County Planner Colin Byrnes stated that there are areas that the City and Town of Union share that are ripe for development. “I see Evansville as becoming a bedroom community for the city of Madison and the city of Janesville,” Byrnes said. The proposed Master Plan for the City of Evansville encompasses a 1.5 mile radius around the city. Town of Union Chairman Wayne Disch voiced his displeasure at not being informed of decisions made at the City level without first discussing the repercussions on the Town of Union.
In Review
Second Week in February 1876-1996
140 Years Ago (1866): Last Friday evening Prof. Searing gave his lecture on Mohammedanism before the Literary Union. He traced the main incidents in the life of Mohammed; gave a brief sketch of the social and religious condition of Arabia previous to his time; an outline of the Koran and the doctrines it teaches, and closed with an estimate of the character of the prophet of Arabia. The lecture was a scholarly one and indicated a great deal of thought and research.
130 Years Ago (1876): Certainly we have had the most singular and uncertain winter weather ever known even in the mildest portion of our climate. Not a day of sleighing, and it is past the middle of February. The 7th of February last year was one of the severest days of the season, and long to be remembered for its extreme cold. The 7th this year was mild, and it has continued pleasant, remarkably so, excepting a day or two.
120 Years Ago (1886): At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Grange Store held at their office in the store Monday, February 8, Geo. F. Spencer was chosen president. The officers as they now stated are Aaron Broughton, Chas. Sperry, H. Silver, D. Wackman and H. Ludington, V. Holmes, secretary. The amount of sales last year was $124,678.53; that of the Brooklyn branch was $24,447.99, making a total sale of both branches for the past year of $149,126.52. The increase of business last year over the preceding year of the home store, was $6,000; that of the Brooklyn branch, $147.
110 Years Ago (1896): The sad intelligence reached this city the first of the week that Mr. Charles Hall had died in Meridian, Miss. Mr. Hall was there with his show in winter quarters. His father, Col. Geo. W. Hall, of this city, upon hearing of his critical condition, started south immediately but arrived too late to see his son alive. The funeral will take place in this city within a few days. Mr. Hall was an Evansville boy and the news of his death brings sadness to all of his friends, as he was unusually popular among his associates and business friends.
100 Years Ago (1906): Richard Thurman and wife became the proud parents of a nice boy on Sunday, Feb. 4, 1906. Mrs. Nelthorpe returned to Janesville having come to pay a visit to the new grandson at the home of Richard Thurman.
90 Years Ago (1916): Mrs. August Kleinsmith, Charles Hartin and Miss Grace Kleinsmith visited friends in Madison one day last week. Mr. and Mrs. Kleinsmith have issued invitations for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, Monday, February 21.
80 Years Ago (1926): Miss Edith Beulah Cole, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Cole of this place and Harry Oscar Kloften, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Koften, town of Porter were united in marriage in the chapel of the First M. E. Church, in Madison, at twelve o’clock noon, Friday, Feb. 12. The Rev. J. W. Walters officiating. The bride graduated from our local high school with the class of 1913 and spent several years teaching in the rural and state graded schools of the county. For the past year and a half she has been engaged in the marinello work in Chicago and Benton Harbor, Mich. The groom has lived in this vicinity most of his life. He is a member of the American Legion.
70 Years Ago (1936): Harold Casey and Herb Fursett of Evansville hold the record of working hours for Rock County’s highway department which has been kept busy opening roads since the recent blizzard. After 42 hours of continuous work on a plow in the northwestern part of the county, the men finally reached the county highway office in Janesville on Monday, and after naps they were back to work Tuesday. Casey is noted for his ability to work without sleep in emergencies and the story is told of how he once took his helper to Janesville when he became too sleepy to carry on and picked up a fresh man, continuing work himself for another full day.
60 Years Ago (1946): Attorney William H. Bewick has opened a new law office at 19 ½ West Main street over Brown’s Drug store. Mr. Bewick, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin law school, was admitted to the bar in 1941. He practiced law in the office of Raymond C. Fett in Janesville prior to entering the armed forces from which he was recently discharged.
50 Years Ago (1956): Young pupils in 16 Evansville area rural schools took part in a county-wide hearing testing program. The tests were designed to discover children with impaired hearing and to see that these children obtained proper diagnosis and evaluation of their hearing loss. Test are administered on a volunteer basis by members of the American Legion Auxiliary. Mrs. Alvin Golz, Mrs. Wilbur Luchsinger, Mrs. Leonard Finn, Mrs. Roger Gray, Mrs. C. W. Hyne, Mrs. Ben Green, and Mrs. D. Wahl, administered hearing tests to children in schools including Tullar, Pleasant Prairie, Butts Corners, Union, Franklin, Brown, Tupper, Cooksville, Lienau, Wilder, Forest Academy, Furseth, Magnolia, Drew, Gardner and Spring Valley.
40 Years Ago (1966): Lt. Cdr. C. R. Christensen, son of Mrs. Elsie Christensen, 20 N. Fourth St., who has served in the U. S. Navy for 22 years has now served a year in March in Viet Nam. He was selected by Washington last October and decorated by Admiral Johnson while in Viet Nam, Nov. 1, 1965, as a Lt. Commander of the U. S. Navy. Mr. Christensen will return to the states in March 1966. He has also had several other medals issued him, one of which was The Gallantry cross with a Silver Star while in Viet Nam. Mr. Christensen’s family lives in Williamsburg, VA, until his return. His brother Dudley and sister, Mrs. Lloyd Hendrickson, live in Madison.
30 Years Ago (1976): Evansville’s Blanche Devine was honored as one of 22 Wisconsin State Journal “Women of the Year,” in Southern Wisconsin. Blanche, who was awarded the Evansville Jaycee “Distinguished Service Award” three weeks earlier, was cited under the “Community Service in Area” title, among a group of women ranging from ages 16-90, mostly from Madison. (Blanche is 90.) The Journal said about 800 nominations were received from the area. Mrs. Devine’s activities during the past year include Community Theater, recording secretary for the City Planning Commission, Director for the Brooklyn State Bank, member of the City Board of Appeals, Madison Capital Times and Evansville Review correspondent.
20 Years Ago (1986): Madison developer Gary J. Gorman announced that he is ready to begin the second phase of development at Seminary Park. His firm of Gorman and Slinde completed the renovation of the Wyler School buildings at the end of last year, and nearly all of the 24 apartments have been rented. The second phase, according to Gorman, will involve new construction on the property which wraps around the restored buildings. He has teamed with Madison attorney, Kathryn Collins, an investor in the Seminary Park project to design, construct and sell homes which are especially designed for persons at or near retirement age who no longer have children living at home.
10 years ago (1996): Kensel and Viola Farrell will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house on Sunday, February 25, 1996. Kensel and Viola Wallom were married in Belleville, WI at St. Mary of Lourdes Church on Feb. 24, 1936. Their children are Charles and Jacquie Farrell of Richland Center, Gwen and Eric Quam of Stoughton, Margaret and Mahlon Hallmark of Oregon and Lee Farrell of Oregon.