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 ebook  History of Watertown, Wisconsin

 

Miscellaneous set

 

Congregational Church

 

Watertown Democrat 08 08 1872

 

Enlargement - Pretty extensive repairs on the Congregational Church having become necessary, and the pews being all occupied, it has been decided to improve and enlarge the whole edifice.  The ladies of the congregation, having earnestly taken hold of this enterprise, and by their efforts insured its accomplishment, it is no more than right to award to them a large share of the credit for what has been and will be hereafter done.  Two of their number, Mrs. J. A. Hall and Mrs. C. H. Prior, have succeeded in procuring a subscription of nearly a thousand dollars for this object, the balance of the estimated amount to be furnished by the Mite Society, which is also conducted by the ladies.  We understand the plan of enlargement drawn by an architect has been accepted, and the work will be commenced immediately.  It is supposed that it will be some five or six weeks before the contemplated addition and repairs will be completed, and the church be again ready for use as a place of worship.  Commendable liberality has been shown in this matter - many not belonging to the congregation having cheerfully contributed towards carrying out the plan.  In this was the structure can be made commodious for some time longer, when it may be possible to replace it with a new and more beautiful one.

 

Improvements at Monarch Tractor Co. Plant

Watertown Gazette, 08 12 1920

 

On Thursday evening last the machine shops, blacksmith shop and erecting shops of the Monarch Tractor Co. closed down for about two weeks to make necessary repairs and to install new machinery at the plant.  The molding department however, is operating as usual.  When all new improvements have been made, the company will start again in full blast manufacturing the new model “B” Monarch Tractor, which will be entirely built of steel.  On Friday last all the Tractor Co.’s distributers of prominence in the United States were in the city at a special meeting with the officers of the company, including R. H. Green of Los Angeles, California, W. R. Karll of Kansas City, Mo., W. H. Barnhart of Omaha, Neb., S. L. Menge of New Orleans, A. S. Chafe of Memphis, Tenn., J. H. Osborn of Dallas, Texas, T. B. Bailey of Spokane, Wash., and C. C. Marrilat of Monmouth, Ill.

 

W. H. Wilcox of the Crosby Engine Company of Chicago, and E. B. Caldwell of New York, head of the Caldwell Banking Company, one of the largest stockholders of the company also attended the meeting.

 

It is the intention of the company to greatly increase the output, as the demand for this famous machine is very great.

 

 

Death of C. A. Judd

Watertown Gazette, 01 04 1889

 

C. A. Judd, the American Express agent in this city, died of consumption at his home in the 5th ward, Wednesday, Jan. 2d, 1889, aged 56 years.  Deceased had been ailing for several weeks past, and everything that medical skill and kind nursing could was done to save his life, but all to no purpose.  Mr. Judd was born at Waterbury, Conn., Dec. 16, 1832, and previous to coming to this city about five years ago resided at North Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., in the state, being in their employ some 30 years.  Years ago he was engaged in the newspaper business at Marquette, Mich., and has many newspaper friends in the state.

 

His death here in universally regretted everyone was his friend. He was kind and accommodating in his official capacity, and pleasant in all social relations with his fellow man.  His wife, two sons and four daughters survive him, to whom the most sincere sympathies of our citizens are extended in their great bereavement.

 

New Officer Is Assigned

 

Ceithamer Will Begin Duties on Nighttime Force

Watertown Daily Times, 02 29 1956

 

Watertown’s newest police officer, Kenneth Ceithamer, will begin his duties on March 1, going on the night shift, it was announced today by Police Chief Herbert F. Vehlow.  The addition of this the 17th man to the force, will make possible a shift in the police lineup.  Under it, Sgt. Clarence Tessmann will be assigned to the day shift starting March 1.  He is taking a voluntary demotion to patrolman to get the daytime assignment.  Officer Earl Ebert will be assigned to a late night shift as a result of the change.

 

 

H. Leschinger Is Retiring

 

Watertown Plumber Sells Business To R. W. Urban

Watertown Daily Times, 02 29 1956

 

Harry Leschinger, widely known plumber, today announced his retirement and has sold his business to R. W. Urban of Clyman who will take over the business in its present location at 204 West Main Street, tomorrow, March 1.

 

Mr. Urban has been operating the Urban Plumbing and Heating Service in Clyman the past six years and before that operated a plumbing and heating service and hardware business in Brownsville for some three years.  Urban holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin.  He is married and has three children, two girls and a boy.  The family will move here as soon as they locate and establish a suitable home.

 

Mr. Leschinger has been in the plumbing business for the past 42 years, learning the trade in 1908 at the D. and F. Kusel Co.  He operated a shop in Columbus from 1914 to 1924 when he came here to establish his shop at 204 West Main Street.

 

Mr. Leschinger said today that he has enjoyed doing business in Watertown and that he wishes to take the occasion to thank the public for its generous patronage during the many years he operated here.  He said he wishes the new owner the same success he enjoyed and declared that the public can consider his service and work with full confidence.

 

Mrs. Adeline Cody

Watertown Democrat, 08 08 1872

 

In the city of Watertown, Wis., on Sunday evening, August 4th, 1872, Mrs. Adeline Cody, in the 42d year of her age, and wife of Dr. James Cody.

 

Mrs. Cody was a daughter of Capt. James Rogan, one of our oldest pioneers.  She was born at Rodman, N.Y., 1880.  With her parents she came, by the lakes, to the territory of Wisconsin in 1835, landing at Green Bay, and attending school in that then remote frontier town.  After staying at the new settlement of Milwaukee a short time, with the rest of her family, she removed to this city, reaching here March 2d, 1837, which has since been her place of abode. 

 

Here she has lived, grown up into womanhood, taken her marriage vows—with quiet dignity and gentle grace, dutifully sustained all the varied relations of life, mingling in its activities, and experiencing her allotment of its joys and trials—but, whether as daughter, sister, wife or mother, ever winning the kindliest regards of all, being most warmly cherished and tenderly beloved by those who knew her best in the  more retired circle of home, which she brightened and beautified with a sweetness and intelligence that wore an unfailing charm. 

 

She was a sincere Christian, but so wide were her sympathies and so ready was she to be a dispenser of good to all, that no one would ever learn from her ministrations of charity, to what denomination she belonged or where she worshipped, though she was devout Catholic, and a member of St. Bernard’s Church—animated by the sublime hopes of her faith, and soothed by the consolations of her religion in her dying hour.  A touching testimony to her worth was given in the constant inquiries by all classes during her short illness, and the sadness felt and expressed, when it was known that she had created a mournful vacancy in the society in which she had so long moved, and which she had so beamingly adorned. 

 

Many eyes began to overflow with tears when her heart ceased to overflow with love.  Her funeral, which took place last Tuesday forenoon, was attended by a large concourse of people.

 

W. F. Richards / Mulick

Watertown Gazette, 08 07 1908

Appointed Railway Mail Clerk

 

W. F. Richards, clerk in the Watertown post office, has been appointed railway mail clerk.  At present he will do only substitute work, and will not resign his position in the post office until his appointment is made a regular one.

 

Badly Stung By Bees

Watertown Gazette, 08 07 1908

 

Last Saturday morning the three-year old son of N. E. Mulick and wife, who live in the town of Watertown southwest of this city, was badly stung by bees.  He was playing on the lawn in front of their home and noticing the beehives some distance away he playfully strayed among them and was attacked by the bees and was stung all over his face, head, neck and limbs.  Mr. Mulick and his wife drove to the city to the home of E. H. Mulick and called in Dr. Habhegger, who for a time thought the little fellow would die, but the treatment applied brought him around all right, and he is now out of danger and almost fully recovered.

 

Chapman / Engelmann

Watertown Gazette, 08 07 1908

 

A son was born to John Chapman and wife last Saturday.  He is their first child and consequently the parents are very happy.  Grandpa George W. Webb says if the fellow grows up to be as good as his grandpa, he'll be all right.

 

Watertown Gazette, 08 07 1908

 

Julius Engelmann, a young man whose home is in Watertown, sustained a fracture of the arm while employed on the farm of William Schultz east of this city Tuesday.  The accident happened while Mr. Schultz and Mr. Engelmann were unloading hay in the barn and were using a hay fork.  One of the pulleys on the fork became caught and to loosen it a horse was hitched to the rope.  After the pulley was loosened the rope attached to it broke and the pulley fell to the barn floor, striking the young man on the arm and causing the fracture.  Dr. Schwalbach is attending him.  [Juneau Independent]

 

St. Mary’s

Watertown Gazette, 08 07 1908

 

Tilman Bros., furniture dealers of La Crosse, have presented St. Mary's Hospital, this city, a fine gift, consisting of seven pieces of furniture in birch, valued at $100.  The wants of the hospital in this line were made known by Miss Parsch, a former nurse at St. Mary's.

 

Bruegger

 

Watertown Gazette, 08 07 1908

Letter from an Old Member of the Hook and Ladder Co.

 

Dear Friend:

I received the reprints of Gazette articles you sent me - mailed 14th inst., and read them with great interest and I thank you for them.  In reading them it brings me way back to the good old times and friends like Ernst Wood, and all other schoolmates who are now few and scattered.  In reacting of the pranks played upon one another in the F. D. [Fire Department] I played one on the No. 1 boys.  After the Phoenix boys had a dance in Turner hall Mrs. Wm. E. Jones who lived near the old engine house on First Street asked me when we were going to have a dance and said that the ladies of the east side intended to furnish the supper.  At the next meeting it was decided that we, the H. & L. Co. [Hook & Ladder], [would] have a dance, and we did have one.  Such as you know we always had.  A few days later Mrs. Jones told me the supper they furnished was to have been for the No. 1 boys.  I wear that smile yet when I think of it.

 

I was up to Culbertson about 2 weeks ago and met Nic Simon, he is awful pleased with this country and has great faith in it, looks well and feels good.

 

Respectfully,

Nic Bruegger.

t       Another Bruegger letter       t

Nice Bruegger

Watertown Gazette, 03 05 1909

 

Letter from Bainville, Montana

 

Nice Bruegger, formerly of this city, writes from Bainville, Montana:  “There is a saying that history repeats itself and it seems that it is true.  It corresponds to what occurred, if I remember rightly, in 1871, when the fire bell in Watertown called out the fire department and by the time the boys assembled it was found that the moon rising was the cause of the alarm.  On Feb. 10th inst. there were two liquor[ed] drummers at this place and it was getting towards spook time here when the editor of our weekly paper adjourned by himself and after he got outside the saloon where the drummers had been “setting ‘em up,” and took a survey of the planets he discovered something—he rushed back to the saloon and said “Boys, Mondak is on fire” (15 miles away).  Mr. Doyle, the saloon keeper, with the rest of the boys, ran out.  Mr. Doyle said it is Mr. Lundquist’s barn, 2 1/2 miles from town, and went to the next saloon and ordered someone to go and call Mr. Lundquist, who is running a general store here.  And, lo and behold, it was the moon rising, as in the case in good old Watertown way back in 1871.  Am well and doing well.  Best wishes to all old friends.”

 

Odds and Ends

Watertown Gazette, 08 07 1908

 

On Sunday the Blue Ribbon Gums of Milwaukee were defeated by the Watertown baseball club at Washington Park.  Score 8 to 2.  At Washington Park on Saturday the Hartig Brewers defeated the Bittners.  Score 10 to 0.

 

The members of the police force are wearing new stars.

 

Prof. C. F. Viebahn it conducting examinations for teachers' state certificates at Madison this week.

 

The famous Beals & Torey fire alarm box 36 was false again last Tuesday evening and was the means of calling out the fire department.

 

No. 1 Fire Engine

04 22 1908

 

The No. 1 fire engine was taken out of its storage place yesterday and spotted on the Cady Street bridge with the intention of giving the old fire fighter a test.  After kindling a fire, however, it was found that the coils leaked to the extent of smothering the fire in the furnace and that repairs will be necessary.  The engine has recently been painted and made a very good appearance.

 

1958 High School Prom

04 22 1958

 

Another successful high school prom was held last night at the high school gym.  Ninety-seven couples were in attendance.  The prom was followed by a post-prom party, held in the upper hall of the Elks Club.  The same number attended the party at the Elks Club. Tom Justmann and Miss Helen Fendt reigned. Members of the court of honor were: Ralph Krueger and Susan Kressin, Charles Harberg and Barbara Poellet, Junior Class President John Kressin and Joanne Gmeinder, Class Vice President Larry Kapheim and Chris Klecker, Gene Tesch and Class Secretary Phyllis Hertel, John Ponath and Class Treasurer Susan Kehl. Representing the senior class in the court were Mary Ann Nimm, vice president, and Mike Podolske.

 

Eugene Tornow

04 18 1958

 

Eugene Tornow, a native of Milwaukee and at present supervising principal of the Reeseville-Lowell High School, is the new principal of Watertown High School where, starting July 1, he replaces Edward Hinterberg, who is retiring at the end of June.  Mr. Tornow was named at last night's meeting of the Board of Education and has accepted the appointment.  The board's vote was unanimous after the committee on teachers had recommended him for the position.

  More on Eugene Tornow 

Eugene Tornow begins duties

07 01 1958

 

Eugene Tornow, the new principal of the Watertown High School, began his duties yesterday in accordance with his contract which the Board of Education voted him some time ago.  He succeeds Edward Hinterberg whose retirement went into effect yesterday.  Mr. Hinterberg is now a member of the City Council and has stepped completely out of the school picture in Watertown after serving 35 years as high school principal.  Mr. Tornow and his family will make their home in a residence in Willow Street.  There are two sons in the Tornow family.  Mr. Tornow, who is 39, is a native of Milwaukee and until he accepted the Watertown position was supervising principal of the Reeseville-Lowell High School.   WDT

  More on Eugene Tornow 

Eugene Tornow

New Superintendent of schools

Watertown Daily Times, 03 26 1959

 

Eugene Tornow, principal of the Watertown High School, last night was selected as the city's new superintendent of schools at a meeting of the board of education and will be offered a contract effective April 1.  Mr. Tornow was one of seven men who were screened by the board last night and given an opportunity to appear before a selection was made. In all there were 13 applications originally.

  More on Russell Twesme 

New Senior High School Principal

Watertown Daily Times, 05 21 1959

 

A new principal for the senior high school was announced today through the Watertown Board of Education's committee on teachers and instructions.  He is Russell Twesme, who has been serving as junior high school principal for five years and for one year as assistant high school principal.  Mr. Twesme will take over his duties officially next fall.  Mr. Twesme will succeed to the position formerly held by Eugene Tornow who recently was advanced to the position of superintendent of schools to succeed Roger B. Holtz who has accepted a position of superintendent of Ashland.

 

Library

04 18 1983

 

Mayor Kenneth Thiel today announced he is supporting a proposal to have the library temporarily located in the current Job Service offices, Third and Madison streets, when the expansion project gets underway this summer.  Two possible locations have been discussed for a temporary library site.  They are the current Job Service office and the basement of the municipal building.  Job Service is scheduled to move this summer to the Royce Fabrics building, Fourth and Main streets. The Job Service building is the former location of First State Savings and is owned by that firm.  Thiel, in a letter to the library board, said he would be in favor of using the lower level of the municipal building only if it was the only site available.  He said, “The lower level is undesirable for a number of reasons.  They include accessibility which would present a problem for the elderly and handicapped, a number of programs currently held in the city hall would have to be discontinued, and the lower rear level of the city hall building is needed for possible use during disasters.”

 

Clover Club

04 17 1908

 

Everyone is now anxiously awaiting the appearance for the first time in Watertown of a home talent lady minstrel performance, which is billed to appear at the Turner opera house on Wednesday evening next, the entertainment to be given under the auspices of the Clover club.  It goes without saying, that the hall will be packed to its utmost capacity, as everyone is “on edge” anxiously waiting for the curtain to go up and expose to the gaze of Watertown's lovers of amusement, the city's very best talent.  The public will not be disappointed, for a program is fully assured that will captivate the audience.

 

The solo work will be one of the best features of the evening's entertainment.  The songs will all be of the popular and catchy variety, and yet they will be of such a character that the most critical who are to participate have been well drilled in the choruses . . . Great preparations are being made for the stage setting and they will be something novel and appropriate.  The costumes are very original and attractive.  The jokes will be found good and to the point and sprung in a manner that only the fair sex is capable of doing.

 

On Northwestern Faculty

 

Watertown Institution Adds Two Teachers of Languages to Its Staff

Watertown Gazette, 08 14 1908

 

Prof. Theodore Schlueter, of Concordia College Springfield, Ill., and the Rev. Hans Mouffa, Burlington, Wis., were appointed at a special meeting of the board of trustees of Northwestern University in this city to professorships at the university.  They will be teachers of languages.  The Rev. Mr. Mouffa is a graduate of Northwestern University and the theological seminary at Wauwatosa.  He also took a post graduate course at Chicago University.  Both are well adapted to the new positions to which they have been appointed. [Milwaukee Sentinel]

  More on Northwestern   

Northwestern Day

Watertown Gazette, 06 04 1909

 

On Monday Northwestern Day was very appropriately celebrated in this city.  The Milwaukee Northwestern Club came here on the interurban and joined in the program.  There were over 500 and large crowds of people from this city and surrounding towns joined in the celebration.  The program included second Pentecost services at 10:45 am, the sermon being delivered by Professor Th. Schlueter of this city.  At 1:30 pm memorial services were held.  Professor A. F. Ernst delivered the address of welcome, which was responded to by E. A. Wurster, president of the Northwestern University Club of Milwaukee.  Rev. A. Bendler of Milwaukee delivered the memorial address.  At 2:45 o’clock a baseball game was played between the Alumni and Varsity teams and at 4:45 o’clock a sham battle took place between the military companies of the university.  The Northwestern military band and choir rendered the music at the different exercises.

 

Albert Will

Watertown Gazette, 08 14 1908

Seriously Injured

 

While driving in Washington Street south of West Milwaukee Street last Monday evening, Albert Will jumped from his rig and suffered a terrible fracture of the right leg at the ankle.  Mr. Will was driving a horse owned by himself, but which was attached to a borrowed vehicle which was not very sound.  After crossing Milwaukee Street bridge one of the thills [one of two shafts extending from rig to either side of horse] fell down, striking the horses heels and running the vehicle against the animal.  The horse, being a spirited one, started to run.  Seeing that it was useless to try to hold the horse after turning [the] Washington Street corner, Mr. Will decided to jump and avoid a more serious injury.  He landed so heavily on his feet as to cause the injury.  F. H. Lehmann who was in the vicinity took the injured man to St. Mary's Hospital where his injuries were dressed.  Mr. Will also received other injuries, and it was at first thought necessary to amputate his right foot.  Since then he has improved rapidly and if no infection sets in he will be all right in a week or two.

 

Major Traeumer Injured

 

Last Friday morning, while Major George P. Traeumer was driving near Hartig's Brewery, his horse became scared by the blowing of the brewery whistle, and startling the horse causing him to lunge.  Mr. Traeumer was thrown to the ground and dragged quite a distance.  He was rendered unconscious and taken to his home.  Dr. Shinnick attended him.  He recovered consciousness in a short time, and will be all right again in a few days.

 

Baseball

 

Last Saturday at Washington Park the Watertown baseball team defeated the National Indian team by a score of 7 to 2.  On Sunday the Indians were victorious, score 7 to 6.

 

The Bittner baseball team of this city defeated the Gifford team at that place last Sunday by a score of 22 to 2.  Fleming of the Bittners pitched a wonderful game, striking out 13 men during a steady rain.

 

The baseball team of the local Elks defeated the Fond du Lac Elks team at the latter place by a score of 6 to 5.

 

Picnic at Hubbleton.

 

On Sunday, August 16, a grand picnic will be given at Bares' woods, Hubbleton. In the afternoon a baseball game will be played and other amusements will be indulged in.  Platform dance will be given in the afternoon and evening for which the Weber-Stube orchestra will furnish the music.

 

Ends

 

Watertown Gazette, 08 14 1908

Rate Too High for Residents Near City Limits.

 

A petition to lower the rate to the city limits will probably be presented to the officials of the electric line by residents in that vicinity.  Much dissatisfaction is being expressed regarding the extra charge of 10 cents from the railway company's east limits to the actual limits of the city, making the total fare 15 cents to the city limits.

 

Interurban Line Booming Real Estate.

 

Several new residences are building on lots in the Richard's Hill addition in the 1st ward, along the new interurban electric line.  Arthur Jaeger [801 Richards] is just completing a handsome residence, while two more are under construction for Wm. Rhode and J. W. Dauffenbach.

 

The enthusiasm with which Watertown last week welcomed the entrance of the first interurban electric car into the city is but a repetition of the reception accorded the officials of the line by nearly every place to which they have extended their lines, and was in recognition of the value of such an undertaking to each of these places.  In Oconomowoc, however, when the extension was completed, no cognizance was taken of the fact either officially or by popular demonstration. There have been criticisms of the new road and as a result of short sighted objections several of the plans for making this city a point of more importance than others along the line, have perforce been abandoned. It is a poor policy on the part of our people to let permanent advantages such as were contemplated when the line was planned, pass on to the upbuilding of Watertown or Waukesha or other points. [Oconomowoc Enterprise]

 

Bursinger / Biefeld

 

Watertown Gazette, 08 14 1908

Leak Discovered in Water Main

 

Last Friday Arthur Bursinger, after some experimenting, found a leak in the water main at the foot of Jones Street.  It had been apparent for some time that there was a waste of water, but efforts to locate the spot had not been successful.   The gate valve has been shut off at the foot of O'Connell Street and also at the foot of Jones Street, stopping the flow across the river.  It is said by interested parties that 150,000 gallons went to waste each day before the leak was stopped.

 

Contract Let for Heating Plant

 

Otto Biefeld & Co. have secured the contract for installing the steam heating apparatus for the M. D. Wells Shoe Co., who will occupy the old Woodard Stone factory.  They were chosen from three bidders.

 

 

212 North Washington

Watertown Gazette, 08 14 1908

 

W. S. Williams has sold his residence property at 212 North Washington Street to Dr. J. C. King of Concord.  Dr. King will remove his family here and will soon commence a medical practice in the city.  The deal was made through the agency of Skinner & Thauer.

 

YMCA

Watertown Leader, 04 23 1908

 

A number of the young people of the city are making preparations to observe Sunday, May 3, as “Young Men's Sunday.”  A committee of pastors and lay members representing several of the churches of the city will meet tomorrow evening to complete arrangements for the Young Men's Sunday under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian

 

Watertown Citizens Council for Better Schools

Watertown Daily Times, 04 23 1958

 

Plans for launching a citizens study group to be known as the “Watertown Citizens Council for Better Schools” which were announced in the Times last Saturday have now progressed to the point where such an organization will definitely be formed at a meeting to be held Thursday night at the Green Bowl, it was announced this morning.  The meeting, which is open to all interested citizens, will begin at 7:30 o'clock.  Claude M. Towne, who is spearheading the drive for the organization, told the Times that between 50 and 100 representatives from local organizations and groups which have been contacted will be at the meeting and that the general public interested in the movement is also invited to attend.  Chief purpose of the organization is to group together interested civic leaders and citizens to work for better schools and promote the welfare of schools.

 

Dadant and Sons

Watertown Daily Times, 04 23 1983

 

A sure sign of spring is the sight of beekeepers waiting to pick up their orders of honey bees from Dadant and Sons Inc., located off highway 16 east of Watertown.  However, Dick Kehl, manager of Dadant, said, “Not as many bees were ordered this year because of the mild winter.  Beekeepers don't have to replace as many.”  Usually Dadant averages seven truck loads every April but this year only needed to order three.  “All of our bees are specially ordered because they are a live commodity,” Kehl explained.  The bees, which are shipped primarily from Georgia and Mississippi, need an air-conditioned atmosphere.  They arrive around the time of the first fruit bloom and beekeepers have about four days to get them settled in a hive.

 

Watertown Gun Club

Watertown Republican, 09 18 1895

 

The Johnson Creek "unknown" crack shot came up -last Wednesday afternoon and endeavored to show the Watertown Gun club, at the grounds in the Fifth ward, how to shoot clay pigeons.  The biggest score in the goose-egg line of the season was the result - 25 missed birds.  It is said that it took the aforesaid "unknown" so long to return home in the evening that his brother and partner John was obliged to send out a searching party for him, finding him practicing on a lot of eggs from a load he was conveying home.  After he has practiced sufficiently, H. J.'s Watertown friends hope he will again join them.

  More on Watertown Gun Club 

Watertown Gazette, 08 21 1908

Diamond Medal Shoot

 

The thirteenth diamond medal shoot and target tournament of the Watertown Gun Club was held at Washington Park on Sunday.  R. H. Keel of this city won the diamond medal, until then held by John Reichart.  Keel broke 23 clay pigeons out of a possible 25.  The silver cup for high gun shooting was also secured by Mr. Keel, who broke 160 clay pigeons out of a possible 175.  The diamond medal must be won three consecutive times before it can become the property of the winner, but the silver cup is held permanently by the winner of each contest.

  More on Watertown Gun Club 

Watertown Gazette, 01 15 1909

Elect Officers.  At the annual meeting of the Watertown Gun Club held last Friday evening, the following officers were elected:

 

President—Ben H. Rieck

Vice President—Ben A. Krueger

Secretary—Ary G. Keel

Corresponding Secretary —Joseph Mirgler

Treasurer—Louis Mueller

Field Captain—John Richart

Executive Board—Joseph Mirgler, R. S. Keel, Joseph Glaus

  More on Watertown Gun Club 

Gun Club Elects Officers

Watertown Gazette, 01 13 1911

At the annual meeting of the Watertown Gun Club held Friday evening the following officers were elected:

President—A. G. Keel

Vice President—Ben A. Krueger

Secretary—Ben H. Rieck

Treasurer—Louis Mueller

Field Captain—John Richart

Executive Board—Joe Glaus, chairman, R. S. Keel, William Wolff

 

  More on Watertown Gun Club 

Watertown Wins Shoot

The Watertown Gun Club won from the Spring City Club Sunday afternoon at the local club’s grounds, east of the city, in a 250 bird shoot by thirty-tree birds.  S. R. Keel of Watertown was high man with 40 out of 50 . . .

 

Drainage Ditch

Watertown Gazette, 05 05 1908

 

Johnson Creek, Wis. - At the town hall in Farmington a meeting was held last week to discuss the possibilities for dredging the creek. Those not deriving any direct benefit voted against the proposition which was dropped for the time being. Those however who would greatly benefit by the work held a meeting at the Park Hall here and appointed a committee to look closer into the matter. Mr. Nichols of Beaver Dam, civil engineer and dredging contractor, was present at both meetings.

  More on drainage ditch 

Watertown Gazette, 08 21 1908

 

The jury recently appointed in Justice Henze’s court to determine whether or not a drainage ditch shall be constructed from a certain point in the town of Watertown through Farmington to empty into Johnson Creek took testimony in the city hall.  In the morning and afternoon a number of witnesses from both towns were examined.  The commissioners reversed the decision of the board of supervisors of the towns of Watertown and Farmington.  The board of supervisors must now proceed with the construction of the ditch.

 

Concert

Watertown Gazette, 08 21 1908

 

The music loving people of Watertown are to have a rare treat next Tuesday, August 25th at the First Methodist Church.  The program will be one of delightful variety.  The special attraction will be the professional whistler, Miss Gladys Scofield, a remarkable imitator of the bird creation, Miss Lulu Tryalt of Oconomowoc the elocutionist, Miss Fanny Crout soprano soloist, Miss Grace Osen pianist and Mr. Moldenhayer violinist.  These young people are all known in the city, and it is to be hoped a good audience will greet them.  Tickets 25 cents.  Posters in the store windows will announce their coming.

 

Big Good Roads Convention

 

Watertown Gazette, 08 21 1908

 

State Good Roads Association to hold its annual convention in Milwaukee on Tuesday, September 8th.

 

Preparations are being made for one of the biggest Good Roads Conventions ever held in the country.  The first state convention, held last year, had nearly two thousand members, and a permanent organization was formed with Ex-Governor Hoard as President.

 

This state convention was considerably larger than any of the National Good Road gatherings that have been held for many years, and-from the interest already manifested it seems probable that there will be more delegates present this year than last.

 

Every town chairman in the state has been asked to suggest the names of prominent farmers in his locality who will be appointed as delegates.

 

The State Good Roads Association is very much interested in the amendment to the state constitution which must be passed by the people in our November elections before our state can give state money to aid the farmers to pay for building good roads.  The amendment will doubtless be very thoroughly discussed.

 

The committee aims to make this convention better than the one held last year.  It is planned, in so far as time will permit, to give each delegate who desires it an opportunity to discuss any-of the questions under discussion.

 

The meeting will not be held on the State Fair grounds as last year, but in some large hall down town. The place will be announced later.

 

Catherine A. Malloy nee Larkin

 

Watertown Gazette, 08 21 1908

Letter from an Old Watertown Resident

Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 7, 1908.

 

Dear Friend:—

 

A few days ago I received the souvenir program of the sixth annual homecoming. I return you many thanks and for all past favors received, I appreciate them very much. I noticed in the brief sketch of our dear old home "past and present," particularly the "past.” 

 

I was a mere child but I do remember the first fire department, “The Volunteers," my father being one of them.  Oh! what excitement there was when the alarm of "Fire-Fire-Fire" was sounded.  Charley Huber, Sr., would be one of the first to give the alarm with a stick hammering on an old tin pan and he also hollowing "fire-fire-fire." 

 

Of course the fires were always in the night time and it was frightful for the children. I remember how frightened I used to get.  I would get up and go down stairs and get in my mother's bed and tremble like a leaf. The "Volunteers" would haul the engine to the fire and then pump it by hand.

 

I remember too, shortly after they got the engine, the sham fire the Volunteer firemen had.  Father being one of the few who knew about it, they built a fire on the bank of the river and then in the middle of the night started the fire and then hollered "fire-fire-fire.” (Charley of course out with his old tin pan and stick.)  They wanted to see how many of the Volunteers would show up, and it was a good showing.  Father and mother informed me about it so as I would not get frightened when they sounded the alarm.

 

The next sketch that I was greatly interested in was the first frame house built on the West side at the southeast corner of West Main and Water streets.  It was on that corner that my husband went into business with his brother John Malloy (*), shortly after we were married; my son Charles was born in that house, so you see I was somewhat interested in all I read.

 

(*)  Today 121 W Main St (formerly West Ave)

             Malloy Bros. (John and Peter Malloy), gen. store, 28 West Ave.              1880 Watertown City Dir

                 Malloy, Catherine (wid. Peter), res. e.s. Washington, 2 n. O’Connell      1885 Watertown City Dir

 

I often ponder on the good old times we used to have in our dear old Watertown, like every one else who used to live in Watertown, my heart is still there. I certainly congratulate all you old home people for all you have accomplished for our town and for your success in making Watertown one of the foremost, up-to-date little cities in the state of Wisconsin. Everybody has a kind word for Watertown and its people.

 

I think the interurban railway will be a great benefit to Watertown. I wish I were able [to] run out and return on the car quite often.

 

Hoping you are well and thanking you for your interest and thoughtfulness in sending me so many reminders of our dear old home "past and present."

 

Wishing the good town continued success and hoping to hear from you again in the near future also with kind remembrances to all you home people I remain,

 

Respectfully your friend

Mrs. Catherine A. Malloy.

 

Mrs. [Catherine] Malloy, when a girl, resided at the southeast corner of Third and Madison streets.  She was the happy possessor of an accordion and often made the children living in that neighborhood very happy; they flocked to the fence when "Katie Larkin" appeared early in the evening on the "stoop" and began to make "musick" as she did very often during the summer season, when our population was numbered among the hundreds perhaps.

 

There are several of our residents who remember how they ran and romped when they heard Mrs. Malloy, nee Larkin, play the popular airs of their childhood days and a reserved seat on Mr. Larkin's fence while "Katie" played, was as comfortable, no doubt, as a reserved and cushioned seat in any play house in the country.

 

Watertown Plank Road

Watertown Daily Times, 04 29 1998

 

Covered wagons will once again be rumbling down the old Watertown Plank Road on the way to Watertown.  The event is being held in conjunction with the celebration of the state's sesquicentennial.  The Central Business Association of Historic Downtown Watertown has invited owners of covered wagons to participate in a sesquicentennial re-enactment of a wagon train on Friday and Saturday. The wagon train will travel through Watertown on Saturday afternoon and end at The Market.  The event is planned as an educational experience for school-age children as well as adults.

 

Carl Schurz Memorial

Watertown Leader, 05 01 1908

 

A meeting of several of the influential citizens of Watertown was held at the council room in the city building last evening to take the initiative toward raising money locally, fund to be applied toward the Carl Schurz memorial.

 

The friends and admirers of the late statesman, whose early home was Watertown, propose to honor his memory by the endowment of a chair in the University of Wisconsin to be known as the Carl Schurz Memorial Professorship. The chair is to be filled from year to year by distinguished professors of the universities of Germany, It is understood that such professors shall also deliver popular lectures in the various cities of the state.

 

In many of the cities of Wisconsin steps have already been taken to further this movement. The feeling of the local promoters is that Watertown, where Mr. Schurz began his distinguished and honorable career in America, should take the lead.

 

The object of the meeting last evening was to consider the question and, if action was to be taken, to agree upon a plan of procedure.

 

Carl Schurz Stamp

Watertown Daily Times, 05 08 1983

 

Orders for the new four-cent postage stamp honoring Carl Schurz are coming to the Watertown Post Office in large numbers, according to Janet Bauer, Superintendent of Postal Operations.  The first day of issue for these stamps is June 3, with a public ceremony at 11 a.m. at Riverside Park.  Long distance calls are also being received by the Watertown Historical Society for data on Carl Schurz. Carl Schurz came to Watertown in 1854 to visit relatives, the Jacob Juessen family, early pioneers, and to consider making this city his home.  He wrote: “I think there is an endless fresh spirit surging through this land, charged with hopefulness.” The Schurz family members were great letter writers and these letters, saved, have assisted historians for many publications about Schurz, the great German American statesman.  Schurz spent his first two years in America studying the English language, mostly with the help of newspapers and the dictionary.  In 1855 he purchased 89 acres of land north of Watertown, with the plan of dividing it into lots.

 

Interurban Crosses Bridge

Watertown Gazette, 08 28 1908

 

The first electric car crossed Main Street bridge at 11:40 Saturday morning.  It was the construction car and it made several trips over the bridge to Montgomery Street and back.  At 1 o'clock Saturday afternoon the first passenger car crossed the river.  There was no shaking or jarring of the bridge while the cars were crossing, due to the fact that the car rests upon an independent structure.  No more cars will be allowed to cross the bridge until both sides are completed and the work is approved by the board of public works.  Interurban  

 

Northwestern

Watertown Leader, 04 11 1908

 

Recitations at the seminary (Northwestern) came to a close on April 9 and will be continued on April 22.  Owing to the fact that a number of congregations have been without pastors for many months, the senior class at the seminary, instead of being obliged to complete the entire year's work, will be graduated at the end of the second semester.

 

The examinations took place on April 9 and today the Mission Commission meets with the purpose of assigning parishes to the different candidates.  As has been the case for years past, the demand for ministers again greatly exceeds the supply.  Eleven congregations have sent in applications while only seven graduates are ready to enter the ministry immediately.  Mr. Koehler, the eighth, intends to continue his studies, presumably at S. Louis.

 

Bethesda Dedications

Watertown Daily Times, 04 11 1958

 

The first of two dedication services for the Louis Pingel School, the Linda Ritter Memorial Hospital and the Manual Arts School at the Bethesda Lutheran Home was held yesterday afternoon at the home.  It is estimated that at least 2,000 persons visited the home during the day.  Dedication services were held in the chapel, with the Rev. Oscar Naumann, St. Paul, Minn., president of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Wisconsin and Other States preaching the sermon.  The additions at the home were erected at a cost of $2,000,000, and will enable the institution to accommodate 650 mentally retarded persons between the ages of 8 and 99 years.

 

Cayo Benito Park Association

 

Watertown Gazette, 08 28 1908

 

The Cayo Benito Park Association, which owns fruit lands adjoining the city of Santa Fe, Isle of Pines, was permanently organized in this city Tuesday afternoon when the stockholders and directors of the company met and elected the following officers: 

 

President and treasurer - E. W. Schultz, Watertown.

Vice President - W. C. Schulz, Isle of Pines.

Secretary - L. P. Zinke, Chicago.

 

504 North Washington Street

Watertown Gazette, 08 28 1908

 

On Thursday of last week Miss Wanda Krueger of this city, and Arthur W. Lueck, of Juneau, were united in marriage at the home of the bride's parents, 504 North Washington Street.  Rev. H. Kuezel, of Juneau, performed the ceremony.  The bride is a daughter of Otto R. Krueger and wife of this city, and is one of Watertown's best and accomplished young ladies.  The groom is a son of F. W. Lueck, of Juneau, and is a law partner of Attorney M. E. Burke of Beaver Dam. The Gazette, with their many Watertown friends extends hearty congratulations.  They will make their future home at Beaver Dam.