This file part of www.watertownhistory.org website

 

Miscellaneous set

 

Hiawatha Extension service

Watertown Daily Times, 07 02 1998

 

The Hiawatha Extension service that runs from Watertown to Milwaukee will continue to operate for only nine more days.  The service reached the second highest ridership rate during the week of June 23 and June 29.  There were 2,790 riders on the temporary train service between June 23 and June 29, according to figures released from the Department of Transportation.  There were five riders less than the previous week, which was the highest week with 2,795 passengers, but ridership still remains at a high.  [Chapter on Railroads]

 

Wisconsin State Fireman's Association

Watertown Daily Times, 06 27 1908

Today the twenty-first annual convention and tournament of the Wisconsin State Fireman's Association will begin in the beautiful little city of Lake Mills and continue for three days.  This is an association of volunteer firemen, with a membership of 120 companies, located in all parts of the state mostly in villages and fourth class cities.  The objects of the state association are many - to promote acquaintance and to profit by the experience of each other, to hold annual meetings to bring the firemen together for a social outing when they become acquainted, talk over past experiences and plan for the future.  During the tournament it is quite probable that many of our citizens will visit Lake Mills to witness the contests that will take place.  [Chapter on Watertown Fire Dept]

 

Supper Club

Watertown Daily Times, 06 27 1983

 

Plans to turn a palatial home on a historic site in Watertown into a supper club with fine food, dancing and room for large banquets came a step closer to reality.  The Watertown Planning Commission voted to recommend a zoning change for 749 North Church Street, also known as Carl's Huegel.  Bernetta Coughlin, former owner of the Sharp Corner Inn and owner of Coughlin's Coffee Shop, plans to buy the 1,800-square-foot home on 7 1/2 acres between Church Street and the Rock River and turn it into a supper club.

 

The Celebration

Watertown Weekly Register, 07 09 1853

 

Monday last being the anniversary of our National Independence, our citizens had made arrangements for its celebration in a becoming way.  At sunrise our citizens were aroused by the booming of our city ordnance giving a gun for each state in rapid succession.  The gun was under the direction of the Watertown Artillery Company and the rapidity with which they handled the piece is a guarantee that when fully organized the company will be one of the best in the State.

 

Pursuant to arrangements, a procession was formed at the liberty pole, and preceded up Main Street, headed by the Watertown Rifle Company, in full uniform, and the members of the Watertown Artillery Company, in citizens’ dress, they not having completed their organization, with the piece used in this city on such occasions.

 

At the grove the services were opened with prayer are by Rev. Mr. Hoyt, and reading of Declaration by J. J. Enos, Esq.  The English oration was delivered by Mr. J. W. Carter, and was an excellent production.  The gentleman is the young man, and this effort before the public betokens a talent which, if rightfully fostered, will make him a prominent speaker in future years.  Mr. Bernhardt, delivered the German oration, which we have heard spoken of in high terms.

 

Mrs. Off, presented the Rifle Company with the beautiful flag which they had that day first flown to the breeze.  We were not present at the presentation, but hear that the remarks of the donor, and Captain Bogel in reply, were will timed and appropriate.

 

The ceremonies in the grove concluded about noon, when the crowd dispersed to the different hotels, whose boards groaned under the weight of good things, and the bill of fare at the American and Planter’s gave ample satisfaction to all lovers of good living.

 

There were several pic nics in the afternoon and evening, which were well attended and gave general satisfaction.  The pic nic at the Sons Hall [Sons of Hermann?] passed off in a lively manner.  The refreshments were ample and the best of order prevailed throughout the evening.

 

The whole concluded with a ball in the evening at the Planters, got up in Harrington’s best style, which was well attended.  “We won’t go home till morning,” was literally fulfilled, when the party broke up well satisfied with their entertainment at the Planters, which will be by them long remembered as a happy event.  .   [Chapter on Fourth of July]

 

Watertown Area Health Services and UW Health

 

Hospital, UW affiliation announced

Watertown Daily Times, 11 15 2007

 

Watertown Memorial Hospital and UW Health in Madison today announced an affiliation that will link Watertown's independent community hospital and physician network to the extensive resources of UW Health.

 

Officials of the local Hospital and UW Health have been in discussions over the potential for a partnership agreement over the past 18 months, and those discussions are now moving quickly toward completion.

 

John Kosanovich, hospital chief executive officer, is conducting briefings with the hospital staff today and in the coming days will be meeting with the medical staff and others directly involved in local health care service.

 

Kosanovich said, “the mission of Watertown Area Health Services is to provide the best in health care to our patients. We firmly believe that an affiliation with UW will help us achieve that mission. We are excited about the possibilities created by a partnership between Watertown Memorial and UW and believe the patients in the communities we serve will benefit from the enhanced programs and services we will be able to provide through this collaboration.”

 

Dr. Jeffrey Grossman, senior associate dean for clinical affairs at UW School of Medicine and Public Health, said, “Watertown Area Health Services has shown a commitment to be a leader in both the quality of care and the delivery of excellent customer service. UW Health has built a national reputation in those areas, and so the idea of forming a partnership was appealing to us. ”

 

Kosanovich and Grossman said that, in addition to patient benefits, each organization would gain from working more closely with the other. UW Health's research and educational efforts would be strengthened through the link to the community, and it is expected that UW Health and Watertown will jointly work on advances such as electronic health records, continuous quality-improvement programs and the implementation of best practices in health care.

 

With the health care field changing rapidly, Kosanovich said he and the hospital board of directors believe this affiliation will ensure quality health care here and well into the future. He said these discussions “will allow us to chart our next steps so we can continue to compete in this highly competitive market and remain a viable and successful organization. The future of our organization is based on clinically excellent, patient centered care and that's exactly what this affiliation will give us.”

 

The hospital executive said the affiliation will not change control of local health care. It will remain independent and intensely local, he said. The hospital and its other services will continue to be led by a local board of directors.

 

Pat Caine, chairman of the hospital's board of directors, said, “One of the main tasks of the hospital board is to ensure this community asset is viable today and into the future. Our affiliation with UW allows us to offer additional services while maintaining local control of the hospital.”

 

Representatives from the medical staffs of UW Health and Watertown Memorial Hospital are also involved in the affiliation discussions and are focusing on clinical program development and collaboration. Leaders from both organizations are in the midst of finalizing details to expand and formalize areas of partnership. Kosanovich estimated that a definitive agreement would be signed early in 2008.

 

The hospital also plans to host a series of update meetings for the entire staff on Nov. 28. Those meetings will offer more information on the new strategic direction for the hospital and will offer more details on the progress of the affiliation talks.

 

The affiliation with UW hospital is an extension of the relationship that is already in place. The hospital has a partnership in place with UW Health for the Cancer Center in Johnson Creek, for heart and vascular services and in other areas.

 

The hospital has been moving aggressively forward in health care services. Earlier this year a new $26.5 construction project was completed. This project includes a new surgical wing, new heart and vascular suite, GI surgical rooms, minor procedure room, ambulatory care areas, a new MRI suite and a new intensive care unit.

 

In addition, the hospital has new partnerships with a hospitalist group, cardiologist group, perinatologist group and GI providers and others.

 

UW Health includes University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; UW Hospital and Clinics in Madison; the brand-new American Family Children's Hospital, which opened in August; a variety of clinics throughout the region; and UW Medical Foundation, the largest group practice in the state. It also includes the state's only federally designated comprehensive cancer center. The School of Medicine and Public Health expends millions of dollars in clinical research studies, which offer opportunities for patients to receive the most advanced treatments available.

 

Watertown Area Health Services is an independent, non-profit provider of health care and well-living services to area communities. With Watertown Memorial Hospital as its cornerstone, Watertown Area Health Services has grown over the last decade to include comprehensive centers of excellence in women's health, bone and joint health and a brand new Heart and Vascular Center; clinics in Watertown, Juneau, Lake Mills and Johnson Creek; senior housing ventures in Watertown and Waterloo; mental health counseling; wellness and prevention services; a unique cancer care partnership at the UW Cancer Center Johnson Creek; Watertown Area Health Services has consistently ranked in the top ten percent in the country for patient satisfaction and has earned repeated recognition for its use of technology to promote the highest quality medical care.

 

A new partnership for the greater good

UW Health teams with Watertown

 

Two systems are better than one.  Emphasizing their common vision, leaders of Watertown Area Health Services (WAHS) and UW Health in Madison announced an affiliation that will link Watertown’s independent community hospital and physician network to the extensive resources of UW Health.

 

Although WAHS will remain independent, the new affiliation includes plans to expand the range of specialized health care services provided in Watertown to patients of the region.  If patients requite more advanced Kenner, they will have easy access to the comprehensive medical and surgical services available at UW Health.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 27, 2008

 

On Monday, February 25, Watertown Area Health Services and UW Health said that the leadership of both organizations have approved the agreement that will link Watertown's independent community hospital and physician network to the extensive resources of UW Health.

 

Both organizations said the new relationship would make highly specialized services more accessible to Watertown-area residents without duplicating services. By working together, both Watertown and UW Health will be able to enhance primary and specialty care in a cost-effective manner.

 

John Kosanovich, CEO, said, “Watertown Area Health Services is very committed to keeping local health care strong. We firmly believe that an affiliation with UW Health will help us achieve our mission of providing the best in healthcare for our patients. This partnership will allow local residents convenient access to UW’s world class medical specialists, clinical programs, and health research.”

 

Dr. Jeffrey Grossman, senior associate dean for clinical affairs at UW School of Medicine and Public Health, said, “The opportunities for mutual benefit are considerable. This partnership will enhance care, medical education and research. ”

 

Kosanovich and Grossman agreed that the two organizations will jointly work on advances such as electronic health records, continuous quality-improvement programs and the implementation of best practices in health care.

 

The hospital and its other services will continue to be led by a local board of directors. With the healthcare field changing rapidly, Patrick Caine, Board Chairman for Watertown Area Health Services, said the affiliation will ensure quality healthcare in the community well into the future.  “Joining with UW Health will allow us to continue successfully competing in our region, and to do so on the basis of outstanding quality and service,” said Caine.

 

“This partnership is a model for how UW Health serves the people of Wisconsin through collaboration and sharing of resources,” said Donna Katen-Bahensky, president and CEO of UW Hospital and Clinics.  “I am delighted that we could join in this important endeavor.”

 

Representatives from UW Health and Watertown will be working behind the scenes over the next several months to develop an affiliation implementation schedule.

 

UW Health includes University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; UW Hospital and Clinics in Madison; the brand-new American Family Children's Hospital, which opened in August; a variety of clinics throughout the region; the UW Paul P. Carbone Cancer Center; and UW Medical Foundation, the largest group practice in the state. The School of Medicine and Public Health expends millions of dollars in clinical research studies, which offer opportunities for patients to receive the most advanced treatments available.

 

Watertown Area Health Services is an independent, non-profit provider of health care and well-living services to area communities. With Watertown Memorial Hospital as its cornerstone, Watertown Area Health Services has grown over the last decade to include comprehensive centers of excellence in women's health, bone and joint health and a brand new Heart and Vascular Center; clinics in Watertown, Juneau, Lake Mills, Johnson Creek, Ixonia, and Waterloo; senior housing ventures in Watertown and Waterloo; mental health counseling; wellness and prevention services; a unique cancer care partnership at the UW Cancer Center Johnson Creek Watertown Area Health Services has consistently ranked in the top ten percent in the country for patient satisfaction and has earned repeated recognition for its use of technology to promote the highest quality medical care.

 

Hackett Fire

Watertown Weekly Register 07 09 1853

 

On the morning of Thursday last, a blacksmith shop occupied by Mr. Hackett in the 3d ward, opposite Owens Hotel, took fire and was burnt to the ground with its contents.  Mr. Hackett loses all his tools.  This is a loss which he is ill able to bear, as he is a poor man, having no means to replace them.  We hope our citizens will show their liberality to Mr. Hackett, in placing him in a position to do business again.   [Fire Dept file]

 

Watertown Savings & Loan Association

Watertown Daily Times, 07 03 1958

 

Officials of the Watertown Savings & Loan Association today announced that bids were let yesterday for the construction of a new building to be occupied by the institution.  The new building will be located on the southeast corner of North Third and Madison Streets [119 North Third], a few doors north of the present location at 113 North Third Street.  Cost, exclusive of fixtures, will be $110,000.  The present building, a two-story structure and owned by the association, will be sold.  Last August the firm purchased the tavern building on the corner to the north and on the same side of the street, and the building housing a restaurant adjacent to it.  The buildings were purchased from Edwin Wolf.

 

Joseph Francl

 

AUTHOR:  Joseph Francl. Introduction by Richard Brautigan

TITLE:  THE OVERLAND JOURNEY OF JOSEPH FRANCL. The First Bohemian to Cross the Plains to the California Gold Fields.

PUBLISHER:  William P. Wreden.  San Francisco

YEAR: 1968

DESCRIPTION: 55 pages. Pictorial paper over boards. Small quarto (7 1/4" x 10").  Illustrated from highly stylized line drawings by Patricia Oberhaus, the Berkeley film-maker and artist. Introduction by the late novelist-poet, Richard Brautigan. Typographic design by Jack Werner Stauffacher, at the Greenwood Press, San Francisco.  Set in Monotype, Baskerville and Walbaum types. Binding by the Schuberth Bookbindery.  Limited to 540 un-numbered copies, of which 500 were for sale.  Paper spine label. Illustrated prospectus laid in. The imaginative introduction by Richard Brautigan and the illustrations make this very much a production of San Francisco in the Sixties.

 

From the prospectus:  "Joseph Francl departed Watertown, Wisconsin, 18 April 1854.  Six months later he arrived in California, the first Czechoslovakian to cross the plains . . . Historically valuable, Francl's story is enhanced, almost enchanted, by his quiet charm and humor."

 

Peggy Preinfalk

Watertown Daily Times, 07 10 1998

 

Watertown resident Peggy Preinfalk has been named the 1998 employee of the year at the Watertown campus of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.  Preinfalk has been employed at Bethesda for 19 years as a housekeeping aide and part-time residential aide.  Also nominated for the award were Donna Mae Bergedorf, assistant vocational specialist; Lynn Burris, residential aide; Shirley Buss, housekeeper; Terri Danner, care services administrative secretary; Sally Jensen, registered nurse; Shirley Tessmann, driver and donations clerk; Judy Ulm, computer network manager; and Crystal Van Dyke, chaplaincy representative.

 

Watertown owes loss to Milwaukee

Watertown Democrat, 07 07 1858

 

Watertown Owes to Milwaukee the loss of a railroad beyond a doubt — at least the Madison papers claim such to be the fact. If there is one city in the West, more than any other, that has attempted to build up its own fortunes on the ruin of its neighbors, that city is Milwaukee.

 

We have no feelings of hostility toward the commercial emporium of the State, but much less fear on her part lest some other place should enjoy a share of the prosperity which she seeks to monopolize, would disarm a great deal of the opposition she always meets when she has any particular measure to carry for her special benefit, which requires the consent of the Legislature.

 

Clearly, it is for the advantage of Milwaukee, to have the Watertown and Madison road be built and put in operation at an early day. The traveling public would save a vast amount of time and money by the completion of this work. But the Directors of that wretched humbug, the Mississippi Railroad, fearing that it will reduce their receipts, are throwing every obstacle in the way they possibly can to defeat the efforts now being made to finish what they regard as a rival, a better and a shorter line.

 

Yet Milwaukee quietly looks on, and year after year consents to pay a heavy premium for the privilege of crawling in, crawling out, and crawling around to the capital or the Mississippi, merely that a selfish corporation may make a few more dollars.

 

Speaking of this suicidal policy, the Madison Argus gives the following illustration: 

 

"Within a few years, we have attempted an enterprise of our own that would yield a vast tribute of trade and travel to Milwaukee. The Watertown and Madison railroad would have brought us within three hours and a half of Milwaukee, and would have carried passengers to Chicago, by way of Milwaukee, within a half hour of the time occupied by going around the crooked and serpentine Janesville route. This enterprise received from the start the bitter hostility of the two great Milwaukee Railroads, and is, temporarily at least, defeated, after Madison, Watertown, and the towns between, had contributed and paid half enough to build it. It owes its defeat to Milwaukee.”

 

Planter’s Hotel Property

Watertown Weekly Register, 02 04 1854

 

By an advertisement in today’s paper, it will be seen that this hotel is for sale.  It is one of the best stands in the state.  It is situated upon Main Street, the plank road passing the door.  The property embraces a tract of ground 100 feet front by 108 feet deep.  Upon the premises is one of the best artesian wells in the state, being 80 feet deep and giving a constant supply of water to the hotel, and also the barn on the opposite side of the street, to which it is carried by pipes underground.  The hotel is newly repaired, and has a general reputation throughout the state.  The barn is one of the largest class, furnished in the best and most commodious style, with a running stream of water inside, which never freezes in the coldest weather. 

 

To men of capital we consider this property the best investment in the state.  It is the best point in the city for a first class hotel, and we invite capitalists who look at the property.

 

Allard Express

Watertown Daily Times, 06 19 1983

 

Allard Express, 806 Elm Street, closed its doors.  Employees of the firm were told of the decision to close the business at a meeting Monday morning by Millicent C. Allard, president of the company.  Approximately 68 people were affected by the decision, most of whom are with the Watertown terminal.  The firm also operates terminals in Chicago and Milwaukee.  It operated primarily in Wisconsin, northern Illinois and Indiana. Allard's terminal in Watertown as well as some equipment has been purchased by Clairmont Transfer Company.  That firm is now operating at the Allard location.  A few Allard employees have been offered positions with Clairmont.  Allard has been in business for 53 years, and the firm has been headed by Millicent Allard since the death of her father, Edward, in 1960.

 

Gerald Hepp

Watertown Daily Times, 06 23 1998

 

A longtime Watertown businessman has been named the honorary marshal of this year's Fourth of July parade.  Gerald Hepp, 1616 Lakeside Terrace, will be in one of the front units of the parade set to kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4 at the intersection of Water and West Main streets.  Hepp belongs to many Watertown organizations, including the Moose Lodge, Elks Club, American Legion, and is a committee member of Chickens Unlimited.  He is a member of Bartelme-Schwefel Marine Corps League and has held several offices and received a number of awards through the years.

 

Edward J. Kusel

Watertown Daily Times, 07 16 1958

 

Another Watertown boy “who went out into the world and made good” is Edward J. Kusel, president of the Locke Manufacturing Co. at Akron, Ohio.  He is the son of Mrs. Elizabeth Fitzgerald, 114 East Cady Street, Watertown.  Mr. Kusel, a graduate of Watertown High School, class of 1946, also attended the University of Wisconsin and Akron University, Akron, Ohio.  During World War II he was in the U.S. Naval Reserve, attached to the United States Maritime Service and was active in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres of operations.

 

Temporary Quarters

Watertown Daily Times, 07 16 1983

 

The Watertown Public Library will reopen in its new temporary quarters at 119 North Third Street Monday at 9 a.m.  Library employees, volunteers and professional movers are in the final stages of moving from the existing building and the new location will be ready by Monday, patrons can be assured.  Actual construction on the library expansion and renovation project is expected to get underway in early August.  Total cost of the project will be about $1.3 million.

 

H. S. Ranson & Co

Watertown Democrat, 09 09 1858

 

Dissolution.   The Co-partnership heretofore existing between the undersigned, under the name of H. S. Ranson & Co., is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  The hardware business heretofore conducted by us will hereafter be carried on by J. A. Hall, who is authorized to settle up the business of the late firm.

H. S. RANSOM.

J. A. HALL.

Watertown, August 23, 1858

 

It will be perceived by the above notice that I have assumed the settlement of the business of the firm of H. S. Ransom & Co.  Those indebted will please take notice that I want and must have the money on their notes and accounts. 

 

Those wanting stoves, shelf hardware, iron or any other goods, and are willing and pay for them, can purchase cheap at the old stand.

J. A. HALL.

 

Joseph Miller

GUNMAKER AND LOCKSMITH

Watertown Democrat, 09 09 1858

 

Commends himself to the public of Watertown and the surrounding country for the purpose of furnishing all kinds of fire arms, locks and balusters, every kind of brass, steel and iron work, machines in whole and in part, and all kinds of instruments.  Razors and scissors will be ground in the best manner; and all repairs will be attended to with the utmost diligence.

JOSEPH MILLER  Second St., opposite the Post Office.

 

Our Railroad Interests

Land Grant Road

Chapter on Railroads

Watertown Democrat, 08 05 1858

 

To the Editor of the Watertown Democrat:

 

The recent, or rather present "Kilkenny fight" going on between the presses of Milwaukee and Madison, in relation to the "Land Grant," is suggestive of several important facts, of interest not only to the cities of Madison and Milwaukee, but also to Watertown, and the State generally, which facts, if you will allow me the use of your columns, I desire to bring before the public.  It is undoubtedly true that "what benefits Milwaukee benefits the State."  It is equally true that what benefits the State benefits Milwaukee; the interest is identical and should be preserved.  But, sir, this cannot long be the case if the narrow and short-sighted policy of making Milwaukee projects the special recipients of favor and patronage from her corporation and citizens is persisted in.

 

Milwaukee may well be proud of her location and advantages, her enterprise and success; but with all her good fortune and bright prospects, she may still err, and I think, does commit a serious error, in endeavoring to bolster up projects which are at best questionable, to the sacrifice of better ones.

 

The railroad system of Wisconsin is already well developed, and the time has now arrived when, if any diversion is to be made in favor of Milwaukee, it must be done.  Chicago is struggling for the rich treasures that will flow from the trade of Wisconsin.  She will divert a portion of it, but how much, remains to be seen, and with Milwaukee to decide.

 

The opening of the Grand Haven route will eventually, and probably soon, turn the Northwestern travel through Milwaukee.  It is important to Milwaukee that at a direct route from thence Westward be furnished, for there will be several, if not more, of those arriving at Milwaukee, who—notwithstanding the beauty and advantages of that city—will desire to go further west.  In these fast days, the cheapest, quickest and most direct route is the one, and neither the Milwaukee and Mississippi, or the La Crosse and Milwaukee railroads possess these advantages equally with other roads leading west. The distance from Milwaukee to Prairie du Chien by the Milwaukee and Mississippi road is greater, more circuitous and consequently more expensive, than by the Watertown and Madison, and greater from Milwaukee to La Crosse by the La Crosse and Milwaukee road than by the Columbus branch of the Land Grant road, each of which roads Milwaukee has been and is endeavoring to crush out. These are facts, and "facts are stubborn things."

 

The Milwaukee papers in their attacks upon the Governor and upon Madison interests, speak of his Excellency's refusal to furnish a certificate for lands, as a blow at Milwaukee, while the truth is that the blow was first struck by Milwaukee in defeating the construction of these roads, and by the La Crosse Company in neglecting to carry out the true intents of the grant.

 

The following table of distances will best illustrate the true position of Milwaukee in relation to the railroad system of Wisconsin:

 

DISTANCE                                         MILES

 

From Milwaukee to the Mississippi at Prairie

  du Chien by the Milwaukee and Mis-

  sissippi Railraod                              198

From Milwaukee to Prairie du Chien by

  the Milwaukee, Watertown and Bara-

  boo Valley, and the Watertown &

  Madison Railroads                              176

From Milwaukee to La Crosse by the La

  Crosse and Milwaukee Railroad                  198

From Milwaukee to La Crosse by the Mil-

  waukee, Watertown and Baraboo

  Valley Railroad, and Columbus divi-

  sion of the Land Grant road                    192

 

It will be seen that neither of the pet roads of Milwaukee are the shortest or most direct, but oft the contrary, that those routes that have met the strongest opposition from Milwaukee through her miss-named railroad men, are really the ones that Milwaukee should have assisted.  I have shown that the shortest route to the Mississippi at Prairie du Chien or La Crosse from Milwaukee, is by way of Watertown, Madison and Columbus, and yet Milwaukee has done more to injure the local interests of these places than any others.  She is now opposing the construction of the Madison and Columbus divisions of the Land Grant Road, and the former is particularly objectionable.  Let us see what she has to fear from that source.

 

Distance from La Crosse to Chicago via           MILES

  Prairie du Chien, Madison and Janesville       321

Distance from La Crosse to Chicago via

  Columbus, Watertown and Milwaukee              278

Distance from La Crosse to Chicago via

  Portage City, Madison and Janesville           280

 

It will also be seen that the shortest route from Chicago to La Crosse will be by way of Watertown and Columbus, as soon as the Land Grant road is completed, and that the Madison division will make the distance less than it now is, and that it is less by way of Milwaukee than by the Chicago, St. Paul and Fond du Lac road.  Thus much for distances.  What other advantages do these anti-Milwaukee routes possess?