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Watertown Gazette, 06 15 1894
Two men
entered the store of D. W. Schwab & Co., on last Monday night, disrobed
themselves, and redressed in a new outfit, leaving their old garbs after
them. Messrs. Schwab and Co's loss is
about $20.
↓ More on Schwab & Co ↓
Watertown Gazette, 07 13 1894
"Dave" Schwab, the old stand-by clothing man of Watertown, was
in Juneau Monday. This was
"Dave’s" last business trip to that city, as he is soon to leave for
Cincinnati where he intends to locate permanently. For thirty-seven years the well-known
clothing firm of D. Schwab & Co., of Watertown, has been a household word
among lovers of fine clothing, and has always been synonymous with good
material, good work and good fit. For
thirteen years "Dave" has been the responsible head of the establishment
and there is no businessman of our acquaintance outside of our own city, who
will be more thoroughly missed than he.
A regular solicitor for the best grades of Gents' Furnishing Goods, his
old time patrons as well as his new ones will scarcely feel that perfect
confidence in other firms that they have in his. But successor Mr. Andrew Hertel has been a
trusty and trusted employee of the firm for years, and probably understands the
tastes and demands of this section nearly as well as Mr. Schwab himself, while the
veteran cutter, A. W. Cavanath, will still handle the shears, and in the
future, as in the past, will "give the people perfect fit. He was square in business, a genial good
fellow to associate with, could tell a rousing story, and was everybody's
friend. We join with hosts of others in
wishing him “God speed” wherever he may be.
Watertown Gazette, 06 15 1894
A prominent
4th ward young lady had a lively encounter with a billy goat on last Tuesday
afternoon to the great amusement of the spectators. Said young lady was amusing herself by
mimicking the goat's bleat, when "Billy" retaliated by chasing and
bunting her. Not every Belle enjoys an
encounter with a billy goat, but "Billy" enjoyed himself hugely on
this occasion at the expense of the young lady.
It is safe to say that billy goats are not her pet animals.
Lectures and Bowling
Watertown Daily Times, 11 17 1903
A large audience assembled last
Thursday evening to hear the lecture on Charlemagne. The use of Concordia Opera House has been
generously donated, as the capacity of the assembly room was altogether
insufficient. The hall, however, was
poorly heated to the discomfort of many, and the bowling was also the source of
some annoyance. The next lecture takes
place Thursday, Nov. 19, the subject being Lorenzo di Medici.
Reconstruction of South Third Street
Watertown Daily Times, 12 03 08
The section of South Third Street
that had been closed since August reopened to traffic on December 3rd.
The $1.47 million reconstruction
project included South Third Street from East Main Street to Western Avenue and
five roadways in that area between Third and Fourth streets. Those roads include Market Street, Jefferson
Street, Dodge Street, Spring Street and Wisconsin Street.
South Third Street from Main
Street to Dodge Street now includes two 11 -foot lanes and the parking area on
both sides of the road was widened from seven feet to 10 feet. South Third Street from Dodge Street to
Western Avenue has two 11 -foot lanes and the 8-foot parking area on the west
side of the road was expanded to 10 feet.
New sidewalks, stamped concrete
and decorative lighting was installed from Main Street to Dodge Street. The sidewalks on Third Street from Dodge
Street to Western Avenue, as well as the five side roads, were replaced where
necessary.
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 03 58
Watertown's
new deputy city clerk, Mrs. Ralph O. Ertl of 1311 River Drive, will begin her
duties at the City Hall next Monday morning.
She succeeds the late Mrs. Lester A. Kuckkahn whose sudden death took
place on Nov. 8, just one month to the date on which her successor will begin
her duties.
Kuckkahn,
Evelyn, b. Dec 26, 1903, d. Nov 8, 1958
Mrs.
Ertl has worked in the office of the Sears Roebuck Co. store here for some
years. She has had some experience in
City Hall office work, having worked there for a time after the death of Arthur
W. Duffy, who served as city clerk.
Watertown
Daily Times, 01 14 84
City
Clerk Bernice Ertl was honored by the members of the Watertown Common Council
Tuesday night for her service to the Watertown community. Mrs. Ertl will leave her post next Tuesday
after serving 16 years [if newspaper date is correct, this should be 26
years] as city clerk. Mayor Kenneth
Thiel presents her with a plaque inscribed, “In appreciation for your loyalty,
honesty and excellence as an employee for the City of Watertown. A special commendation for never missing a
council meeting as city clerk for 16 years.”
Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Tea
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 03 83
The
Volunteer of the Year award winner was announced and three new officers were
installed at the annual Watertown Memorial
Hospital Auxiliary tea held Sunday in the hospital cafeteria. Members of the auxiliary voted Diane Cochrane
as Volunteer of the Year. She has served
on the hospital auxiliary board for five years in several capacities including
publicity chairman, legislation chairman and vice president of fund raising. A child safe volunteer at the hospital, she
was also chairman of the hospital Christmas bazaar held this year. New officers installed for two-year terms
were Jo Bostrom, vice president of programs; Marion Bauman, newsletter chairman
and corresponding secretary; and Peg Brandenstein, membership chairman and
assistant treasurer. They were installed
by Sharyn Abraham, a past president of the auxiliary.
Enjoys Lecture on Foreign Churches
Watertown Gazette, 04 25 1923
The Catholic Woman's Club
was given the opportunity Monday evening of listening to a very entertaining
illustrated lecture on "Foreign Cathedrals," given by Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Brandt. The paper read by Mr. Brandt was very
comprehensive in its scope, showed much care in its preparation, and contained
much interesting information about many of the wonderful cathedrals as well as
other places of interest visited by Mr. and Mrs. Brandt on their recent
European trip.
Beginning
with the churches of England, Mr. Brandt described the famous Westminster
Abbey, as being typical of England's finest attempt in church architecture,
going on from there with a description of the most beautiful and best known
churches in various countries visited—Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, France and
Germany—and concluding with many beautiful exterior and interior views of four
of Italy's greatest cathedrals— Santa Maria Novelle, in Florence; the Cathedral
of Milan St. Marks, in Venice; and St. Peters, in Rome.
In speaking of St. Peter's,
Mr. Brandt said that some idea of its vastness could be obtained if we
considered it as being just twice as high as the spire of St. Bernard's Church.
In all, over two hundred views were thrown on the screen, giving the audience
an excellent idea not only of the general appearance of these famous edifices
of the old world, but also showing many fine details such as
artistically-carved pulpits, doors of exquisite design and altars of rare
beauty. The many rare and beautiful
churches erected in Europe many centuries ago will . . .
Watertown Daily Times, 12 01 1958
Members of the City Council
and the City Water Commission last night laid the groundwork for carrying out
the first in a series of steps to improve and expand the city's water facilities, based on a report filed
several months ago by the Jerry Donahue Engineering Co. of Sheboygan.
The initial step, as decided
tentatively last night, calls for repairing and reconditioning Well No. 1 of
the system.
It was decided to bring in a
report and resolution to this effect at the Dec. 16 meeting of the
Council. Any work undertaken will be
submitted on bids.
Watertown Daily Times, 12 01 1983
Sally Flegner, R.N., has
been appointed department head of the Newbirth Center at Watertown Memorial Hospital. Flegner, a native of Appleton, has worked as
a registered nurse at Watertown Memorial for eight and one-half years, the last
seven and one-half in obstetrics. She
has served as a vice president of Webster Elementary School's P.T.A., assisted
with library and church functions, been a substitute Sunday school teacher, and
is currently room mother for second grade and kindergarten at Webster.
Watertown Daily Times, 11 25 1983
Welcome Inn, 700 East Main
Street, has been sold to a local partnership and is under new ownership. Balloon Enterprises, a partnership consisting
of Charles Balistreri, William O'Brien, and David Nielsen, has been formed, and
has purchased the hotel and restaurant facilities. Balistreri and his wife, Betty, who formerly
managed Balistreri's Ristorante at 100 Madison Street, will manage the motel and
restaurant businesses. They are also
planning to move into the apartment which is part of the hotel.
Watertown Daily Times, 11 25 1998
A railroad engine spilled
more than 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel near a wetlands area in Watertown on
Tuesday morning, after it derailed while traveling on tracks south of West Main
Street, the Watertown fire chief said. Chief Richard Olson said the train, owned by
CP Rail, did not tip over but the track tilted enough to derail the engine and
puncture its fuel tank in two places.
“There were 2,100 gallons lost of diesel fuel, which is a very major
spill,” Olson said.
Harsh criticism upon the death of Carl
Schurz
Mother Earth, Vol. 1 No. 4, June 1906
Monthly Magazine Devoted to Social Science
and Literature
Carl Schurz, politician and career hunter by
profession, died May 14th. He was met at
the gate of Hell by the secretary of that institution with the following
question, "Were you not one of the enthusiasts for the battle of freedom,
in your young days? If the reports of my
men are correct—and I am confident my men are more reliable than the majority
of the newspaper men on your planet—you were even a Revolutionist?
Carl Schurz nodded.
"And why have you
thrown your ideals and convictions overboard?"
"There was no money in
them," Carl replied, sulkily.
The Satanic Secretary nodded
to one of his stokers, saying, "Add 5,000 tons of hard coal to our
fires. Here we have a man that sold his
soul for money. He deserves to roast a
thousand times more than the ordinary sinner."
Robert Lee
Grulke, age 79, of Menasha, passed away into the arms of God during the early hours
of Tuesday, November 11, 2008, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. He was born in Lebanon, WI, on February 17,
1929, to Emil and Charlotte (Andrews) Grulke and was one of 10 children. He graduated from Watertown
High School and later attended Northwest
College and the University of WI, Milwaukee, obtaining a Masters degree in
Education. He went on to marry Elaine Wentland
of Deerfield, WI at St. John's Lutheran Church in Dubuque, IA on March 1,
1959. They then moved to Lincoln,
Nebraska where they had three children and then later moved to Menasha, WI
where they currently still reside.
At a young age, Bob showed promise
as one of Dodge Counties "Wiz Kids."
He also went on to receive the Joe Davies scholarship award for select
high school students in and around Watertown.
Upon completion of high school, Bob wrote the highest biology college
admissions scores of that time. After
graduating from college, at the age of 18, Bob became a teacher and principal
in Waukesha County, WI earning the prestigious placement of one of the top
three principals in the State of WI.
During his tenure as a principal he also co-authored a book, "Guide
to Superintendency for School Administrators in Waukesha County."
Upon retirement from the
school system, he went on to work for the leading educational publisher,
Prentice Hall, becoming one of the top three sales people in the company.
Bob was an avid hunter and
fisherman and it was often said that he was most happy fishing for bluegills
with his fly rod. He also loved
gardening, photography, and all animals and birds in general. Hardly ever seen without his dogs, we know
that they will all be happy to greet him again.
Bob is survived by his
beloved wife of almost 50 years, Elaine Grulke and dear father to their three
children: Forrest (Rebecca) Grulke, Plover, WI; Nancy Wissell, Vernon Hills,
IL; and Tracy (Dan) Curtin, Hortonville, WI; seven grandchildren: Krystyna,
Bryttany, Barrett, Hayden, Mackenzie, Alexis, and Madison. Surviving siblings and in-laws: Emil Jr.
(Betty), Marvin, Cheryl (Harry) Haapala, Stuart, Kathy (Ron) Schuman, William
Jordan, and Margo Grulke.
He was preceded in death by
his parents and siblings: Emil and Charlotte Grulke; Barbara Jordan, George
Grulke, Phyllis McCuen, and Joanne Kreitzer.
A celebration of Bob's life
will we held on Thursday, November 13, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Wichmann
Funeral Home Tri-County Chapel (3212 S Oneida Street, Menasha). Church services will take place on Friday,
November 14, 2008, at 11:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lebanon,
Wisconsin and a visitation will be available Friday morning from 10 a.m. until
the time of service at the church. Bob
will also be receiving graveside military rights for his work in the Naval
Reserves. Interment will take place in
the Kroughville Lutheran Moravian Cemetery in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. In lieu
of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Fox Valley Humane Association.
The
Sheboygan Press, November 11, 2008
Albert W. Bruesehoff, of 708
North 15th Street, Sheboygan, passed away on November 10th, at St. Nicholas
Hospital, at the age of 89.
Albert was born on May 21,
1919, at Barre Mills, WI, the son of Richard and Blondina (Freitag) Bruesehoff.
He was baptized at the
Lutheran church in Barre Mills where his father served as teacher and organist.
He attended Lutheran schools
in Racine and Juneau. He attended high school at Northwestern Preparatory School in
Watertown, WI. At that time, his parents
moved to Watertown where his father took the position of principal of the
school at Bethesda Lutheran Home. He
graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN, in 1945. His graduate work was done at the University
of Wisconsin, Madison, as well as Marquette University, the University of
Minnesota, Mankato, and the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
On June 23, 1946, he was
united in marriage to Valeria Thalmann at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hamburg, MN.
Their marriage was blessed with 2 sons and 2 daughters.
The family lived in Winona,
MN, Elgin, MN, St. Paul, MN, Jacksonville, IL, and Oconomowoc, WI, where Albert
was teacher and principal of the Lutheran schools. His last position was as Director of
Education and Minister of Music at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sheboygan,
retiring in 1978. In 2005 he was recognized by the Lutheran Church, Missouri
Synod, for 60 years of faithful service in the ministry of the church.
Albert was a member of
Trinity Lutheran Church, the Sheboygan Chapter of People to People, the Mayor's
International Committee, the Commission on Aging, the Historical Preservation
Committee, the Wisconsin Council on Human Concern, the Northeast Area Health
Board, the United Way Board and the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra. In 1995 his
name was placed on the Sheboygan Musical Wall of Fame.
Survivors include his wife,
Valeria; two sons, the Rev. Richard (Naomi) Bruesehoff, Park Ridge, IL; the
Rev. Mark (Diane) Bruesehoff, Ocean City, NJ; two daughters, Judith (Jon)
Koenig, Michigan City, IN; and Kristin (Robert) Sturgeon, Portage, IN; 10
grandchildren, Nathan Bruesehoff, Renton, WA; Dr. Peter Bruesehoff, Madison,
WI; the Rev. Christopher (Jamie) Bruesehoff, Tom's River, NJ; Emily (Michael)
Johnson, Kyle, TX; Sara Bruesehoff, Ocean City, NJ; Gretchen Bruesehoff, Elon,
NC; Joshua Koenig, Kalamazoo, MI; Jason Koenig, Edwardsville, IL; Erik Sturgeon
and Lauren Sturgeon, Portage, IN; two great-grandsons; one sister-in-law and
brother-in-law, Leila and Rudy Skoda, Union City, TN; one niece; two nephews;
and many cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by
his parents, his in-laws, one sister and brother-in-law.
Funeral services will be
held on November 13 at 12:00 noon at Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Rev.
Timothy Mech and the Rev. John Berg officiating. Inurnment will be at Glenview
Memorial Gardens, Ixonia, WI. Friends may call at the church from 10:00
a.m.-12:00 noon.
In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be given to Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School,
Bethesda Lutheran Home, Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra or St. Nicholas Hospital
Hospice.
Watertown
Daily Times, 11 11 1983
Another
Watertown industry has undertaken an ambitious expansion program. Wis-Pak, Inc., 860 West Street, has announced
it is constructing a 48,000 square foot addition to the north end of its
facilities. The addition, which will be
200 by 240 feet in size, will be used primarily for warehouse space, according
to Arnold Fobes, vice president and general manager. Work on the $600,000 square foot addition got
under way this week. Oliver Construction
of Oconomowoc is general contractor for the project. Initial ground preparation work is now under
way.
Watertown
Daily Times, 08 23 1983
Six
returning letter winners and an influx of talented freshmen promise to make it
an interesting season for the Watertown High School swim team. As is the case with the letter winners, the
new crop of AAU swimmers is very versatile, giving coach Dave Hanssen a lot of
flexibility in the lineup. Hanssen is
hoping the incoming group will complement returning letter winners Chris
Opperud, Cara Himrich, Ellen Schmitt, Patti Ebert, Cathie Miller and Lisa
Drebenstedt.
Milwaukee Street Bridge Reopened
Watertown
Daily Times, 11 07 2008
The new Milwaukee Street bridge over the
Rock River reopened to traffic at about 2 p.m. today. The roadway has been closed since December
2007 when the old bridge was demolished.
In 2006
the Milwaukee Street bridge averaged about 7,200 vehicles per day and it was
expected that number would be the same when it reopens.
The new Milwaukee
Street bridge is an open arch structure with a Texas concrete rail. Because the Milwaukee Street bridge is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places, the designs for the new bridge had
to be aesthetically similar to the old structure.
The old
Milwaukee Street bridge was a three-span, open spandrel, reinforced concrete,
continuous-rib-arch bridge that had a structure length of 240 feet. It was constructed in 1930 by Eau Claire
Engineering and designed by Daniel B. Luten.
The new
bridge has been expanded to three travel lanes, with two moving east and one
going west. The two eastbound lanes are
about 25 feet wide and the westbound lane is approximately 15 feet wide.
With the
sidewalks and the area for bicycles, the entire bridge is almost 60 feet
wide. The overall width of the old
bridge was 42 feet, which included a 30-foot-wide roadway.
The
designs also called for the river walk on the east side of the river to be
extended south under the bridge. The
stairs to access the river walk from Milwaukee Street have been replaced with a
ramp.
Along with
the replacement of the bridge, the project also included the reconstruction of
the Milwaukee Street intersections with South First and South Water streets.
A
southbound right-turn lane has been added to South Water Street, as well as a
second eastbound through lane where it intersects with Milwaukee Street. The intersection has also been extended to
the south to help smoothen out the three lanes of traffic on the bridge.
The
concrete islands at the intersection of Milwaukee and South First streets have
been removed and the intersection has also been widened.
The entire
project has a cost of $3.1 million and the city will be responsible for
covering 20 percent of the total, which is $620,000. The remaining amount will be covered by state
and federal funding.
City
officials and those involved with the project will hold a ribbon cutting
ceremony on the morning of Nov. 15 to officially celebrate the reopening of the
bridge.
Watertown
Gazette, 03 16 1894
R.
Achtenhagen's opening at his place of business in Cole’s block last Monday was
a grand success in every respect. The
place was crowded with anxious buyers from morning until late in the evening,
and all admired the elegant stock and especially the low prices at which it was
offered for sale. The fine display of
floods in the show window was very attractive, and was admired by everyone who
saw it. Mr. Achtenhagen is certainly a
subject for congratulations on the success of his opening, and a beginning so
successful is a fine indication of a good business career to follow.
Watertown
Republican, 04 04 1894
H.L.
Beckmann (Beckman), of this city, is the inventor of a handy device called the
"Little Wonder" door fastener, which is used as a bolt to secure
doors from opening. It is made so as to
apply to any door and is small enough to be carried on a key ring. It should become quite popular with
travelers.
Uncle Tom' s Cabin Co
Watertown
Gazette, 03 30 1894
A
fair-sized audience was tortured by an "Uncle Tom' s Cabin Co." at
Concordia opera house on last Tuesday evening.
It was the worst attempt ever made here in that line.
Watertown
Republican, 03 28 1894
F. A.
Cooley is erecting a building for mercantile purposes, on the corner of Western
Avenue and Fifth Street [413 Western Ave].
Main Street must look to its laurels if it does not want to see trade
leave it and seek new channels. Business
is working south, evidently.
Cross reference:
1909 mention of store with respect to
route of interurban
Former
First Congregational Church Parsonage
500 S. Fourth St
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 04 2008
Home of
Tim and Peg Theder at 500 S. Fourth St. featured in 2008 Holiday Parade of
Homes
The Theder
home was built in the early 1900s as a parsonage for the then adjacent First Congregational Church. Many parents and children will remember
fondly the home being used as the Gingerbread Preschool. The home was decorated with all of the
preschool decorations including a fire escape on the front of the home.
Using
Peg's talents as an interior designer, she saw the potential of returning the
home to a residence, and in 1989, they purchased the home. After extensive remodeling of the entire
home, it is home now to her interior design business as well as Tim's landscape
contracting business.
The home
was filled with many treasures and holiday decorations that the family has
enjoy throughout the years.
One
feature of the home is the sun room, which was decorated with a unique
Christmas tree used to display Peg's collection of Village Homes complete with
a train set. The living room tree is
adorned with wooden ornaments Peg painted the first year they were
married. Tim and their son, Tyler, are
passionate about hunting and fishing.
Their favorite pastimes are showcased with whimsical ornaments and
continued over into a trophy bedroom.
Watertown
Gazette, 03 23 1894
The ladles
of Watertown and vicinity will be interested in the annual millinery opening of
Mrs. C. Weiss, 203 Main Street, which will be held on next Monday and
Tuesday. At the opening there will be an
elegant display of pattern hats, made up in the very latest style, besides hat
shades and fillings, and everything found is a first-class millinery
store. The display will be one of the finest
ever made in Watertown, and the prices will suit everybody, so low will they
be. A general invitation is extended to
the ladies to call on those days and inspect the goods. [Clara Weiss]
Watertown
Daily Times, 10 27 1998
Members of
St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 215 N. Sixth
St., will say farewell to the Rev. Donald Sutton this week. Sutton, who has served the congregation for
the past 13 years as family/youth pastor, has accepted a call as pastoral
coordinator of the ministry team at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in New Ulm,
Minn.
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 05 1958
It's
goose-noodling time in Watertown again.
The once widespread practice of “stuffing
geese” for the holiday trade is now down to a trickle, but this year some
200 genuine Watertown stuffed geese will be readied here at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Fred Rumler, 727 North Church Street.
And most of them will wind up on the plates of smart diners at Luchow's
Restaurant on 14th Street in New York City. Luchow's is now in its 76th year of
operation. In recent years the
restaurant, which is known the world over for its fine dishes, has been taking
the bulk of the stuffed geese from Watertown.
Shipments are made through Kerr's Poultry and Egg House in Watertown.
Squad Cars Carrying New Weapons
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 05 1998
Watertown police squad cars are carrying new automatic
weapons this week, now that most officers have completed the training process.
Eight Colt AR-15 rifles were purchased, which will provide shot accountability
and increased standoff distance, said Capt. Tim Roets. “The Watertown Police
Department had conducted an extensive study on determining what squad gun
should be placed in our cars,” Roets said. “The study determined this would be
the best weapon suited for our needs.”
Watertown
Republican, 02 06 1895
The entire
hardware stock of E. A. Heck, with the exception of the tinkers' [tinners?]
tools, has been disposed of by the mortgatees, Frank Stercinski and Mrs.
Charles Noack, to D. & F. Kusel and removed to
their store.
The Abilene
Reflector-Chronicle, 12 08 2008
. . . After Martin and Dorthea Volkmann of
Statien, Germany, sailed to America in 1857, they settled near Watertown,
Wisconsin. The following year the
Volkmanns loaded a wagon and moved to Kansas Territory with their five
children, Frank, August, William Frederick and Wilhemina. The trip took eleven weeks, including two
weeks in Iowa waiting for a rain-swollen river to recede. The wagon was pulled
by a team of oxen from Watertown to the settlement at Lyons Creek. The Volkmanns settled in the Lyona area where
they began to farm the rich Kansas soil . . .
Watertown Republican, 01 23 1895
During the year 1894
there were 226 arrests made by officers in this city. The statistics as compiled by the chief-of-police
show the nature of complaint and number of arrests as follows: Assault,
29; abusive language,27; drunk and disorderly, 17; petit larceny, 11; carrying concealed weapons, 4; obtaining money by false pretenses, 3;
malicious mischief, 3; indecent
exposure,2; threats, 2; resisting officer, 2; bastardy, 1; grave larceny, 1; assault with intent to rob, 1; non-support, 1; jumping board bill, 1.
In addition there were
papers served on 121 tramp cases, making the total 226 arrests. Besides, 1,000 persons were accorded free
lodging at the jail.
[File on Police Department]
↓ More on Police, 1894 ↓
Julius Schoechert
Watertown
Gazette, 06 29 1894
Julius Schoechert
has been appointed special policeman for the
west side without pay. Mr. Schoechert
will make it interesting for evil doers in that section of the city.
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 06 1983
New
officers for 1984 were installed at the recent Christmas meeting of AARP
Chapter 2007 held at the Watertown Country Club. Mrs. Lucille Gronert, the first president of
AARP Chapter 2007, installed the following officers: Mrs. Adeline Lattimer,
president; H. Zimmermann, first vice president; C. Coogan, second vice
president; Mrs. Dorothy Draeger, recording secretary; Mrs. Peg Buckland,
corresponding secretary; and Mrs. Lillian Wilde, treasurer. Named as directors
for two-year terms were Leona Strohbusch, Ruth Funk, Russell Gallup and Ervin
Finder. Members of the nominating committee for two-year terms are Irene
Splinter, Milton Bender and Margaret Pfeifer.
First Republican Mayor
Watertown
Republican, 04 03 1895
For the
first time in the history of Watertown a Republican mayor will be at the head
of the city government the ensuing year, Justus T.
Moak having been chosen at the municipal election yesterday by a clean
majority of 134 over ex-Senator W. S. Voss, mayor for the past two years, and
who a year ago received a majority of 519.
The outcome of the mayoralty contest is quite generally a surprise, and
especially so to the "powers that be" in the Democratic Party
here. It cannot, however, be considered
a purely Republican victory, but rather one for reform and the practice of
stricter economy in the administration of the city's affairs. From the result it is quite evident that the
majority of our citizens is dissatisfied with the present regime and wanted a
change, and especially it is true of the common classes. Mr. Moak's election is due to the generous
support of his Democratic friends who had become dissatisfied with their own
party's representatives in office, for it is an undisputed fact that without the
aid of this faction the Republicans would not have been successful.
↓ More on Mayor Moak ↓
Watertown
Republican, 04 17 1895
The first
meeting of the Common Council and the inauguration of Mayor J. T. Moak occurred
last evening. Long before the time for
convening, the lobby of the council chamber and the corridor communicating were
crowded with citizens interested in the proceedings. The aldermen-elect entered the chamber in
single file and took their respective seats, closely followed by the incoming
and outgoing mayors. Mr. Moak was
formally introduced by Mr. Voss, the clerk called the roll and the oath of
office was administered to the body by City Clerk Bieber. The council was then ready for business.
Watertown
Republican, 03 13 1895
The family
of Thomas Darcey, 107 North Montgomery Street, was poisoned one day last week
from eating brick cheese. Timely medical
assistance avoided fatal results.
Watertown
Republican, 02 13 1895
A new post office has been established in the eastern part
of the town of Watertown, in the Wieman homestead, six miles from the
city. It is named Aliceton, and W.
MetcaIf, formerly of Farmington, is the postmaster. Mr. MetcaIf has built a store at the place and
keeps a general merchandise stock.
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 09 1958
The
seventh dinner meeting of the G.B. Lewis 25 year
club was held Wednesday night at Otto's Inn. Two new members were welcomed into the club
who had served the company 25 years: Herbert Knoll and Ray Erdmann. Those in attendance who served the company
for 25 to 48 years were: Otto Wendt, Otto Erdmann, Loretta Irving, Edward
Wiese, Gordon Frater, Herman Gerth, Walter Kaercher, Herbert Riedemann, John
Erdmann, Karl Lange, Arthur Killian, Neil Follensbee, Carl Wollin, Carl Stark,
Raymond Erdmann and Herb Knoll.
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 09 1998
A
community program that has been well received in the past will again reach out
to residents. The Bread and Roses meal
program, which provides a free meal to anyone in Watertown, is being
reinstated, according to committee chairwomen Jean Kwapil and Judy Hoffstetter. The dinners will be served Thursday evenings
at Immanuel Lutheran Church fellowship hall with the first one served Jan. 14,
1999, from 5 to 7 p.m.
New Christmas Wreaths
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 06 1998
Eighty new
Christmas wreaths are on display on Main and South Church streets in
Watertown. The lighted wreaths are being
paid for by donations to the Watertown Chamber of Commerce. There will be an
annual expense of approximately $1,500 to provide the annual Christmas season
display. People who are interested in
contributing to the annual display can contact the Watertown Chamber of
Commerce. The city's park, recreation
and forestry department is responsible for installing, maintaining and removing
the decorations.
Highway 16 Bypass Project
Watertown
Daily Times, 11 04 1958
The Public
Service Commission of Wisconsin has scheduled a public hearing for Nov. 19 in
connection with the proposed construction of an overhead over the North Western
Railroad track one-half mile north of Watertown. An overhead will be constructed in connection
with the highway 16 bypass project. The
hearing was scheduled as a result of a petition which the State Highway
Department had filed with the commission on Oct. 21. The commission is now investigating the
petition. All expenses in connection
with the investigation, which include checking the books, accounts, practices
and activities of the railroad, will be assessed against the railroad.
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 11 1983
The Flower
Box, a floral shop on North Fourth Street, has been purchased by Tom Schwefel,
former designer at Draeger's Floral and Gift Shop. The new owner said the name of the floral
shop will be changed after Jan. 1. The
Flower Box was operated by Jeanne Robinson for the past two years and was
formerly Flowers by Alice. Schwefel said
he will continue the services offered by the previous owner including supplying
fresh cut flowers, blooming plants and green plants as well as floral
arrangements for funerals, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other
occasions.
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 11 1998
David W.
Hertel, 201 N. Church St., was appointed Tuesday night to represent Aldermanic
District No. 7 on the Watertown Common Council.
Hertel, who previously served on the council, said he stepped forward to
fill the position vacated by Tracy Terrill because of his continuing interest
in city government. He will fill
Terrill's term until the April election.
The council appointed Hertel with a 5-3 vote, the other votes being cast
for candidate Julaine K. Appling, 510 W. Main St. Hertel began his service on the board
immediately, after being sworn in by city Clerk Mike Hoppenrath, who was
dressed in a green shirt and red Santa hat.
New Layout for the Watertown Daily Times
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 15 1983
The new
design of the Watertown Daily Times has been received
favorably by our readers. Thursday was
the first day of the design changes and staff members have received positive
comments from many readers. The masthead
was changed back to a more traditional style with a banner across the entire
top of the front page. The Bodoni
typeface, used on the Daily Times
masthead for most of the 88 year history of the paper, has returned. In addition, the day of publication of each
paper is in a reversed typeface and placed as a ribbon on the right side of the
masthead, providing for quick identification of each issue. The second section was also redesigned to
follow a format similar to the front page.
Maranatha Baptist Bible College
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 15 1998
An
evangelist who graduated from Maranatha Baptist
Bible College has been selected as president of the college, officials have
announced. Dr. Dave Jaspers will take the helm of the Watertown institution on
Jan. 4, 1999, only the third president in the college's 30-year history. He was
selected for the post after a unanimous vote by the college's board of
trustees. After 13 years of pastoral and evangelistic ministry, Jaspers'
appointment marks a return to his alma mater.
Watertown Gazette, 02 05
1909
The
committee of the City Council and citizens having the Lincoln Day celebration
in charge for Friday evening of next week at Turner opera house met at the city
hall last Wednesday evening and perfected all arrangements. C. McGee, of Milwaukee, one of Wisconsin’s
most gifted orators, will deliver the address and the Apollo Club and the
Northwestern University Band will furnish the music. At 8 o’clock p.m. a procession will be formed
fronting the city hall, composed of the Mayor and the City Council, the
speaker, G.A.R. Post, the Kriegerverein, Northwestern
University cadets and, headed by the Northwestern University band, will
march to Turner opera house, where an appropriate program will be rendered.
↓ More on Lincoln Day Celebration ↓
Lincoln Day in Watertown
Watertown Gazette, 02 19 1909
The
100th anniversary of the birthday Abraham Lincoln, the United States’ famous
Civil War president, was appropriately celebrated all over the United States
last Friday, and Watertown was not behind in doing him honor. During the afternoon the Northwestern
University cadets and band paraded our streets in honor of the event and gave
several fine exhibitions of drill work.
The boys made a very fine appearance and are a credit to the University. In the evening at 7:30 o'clock a parade of
military and civic societies was formed fronting the City Hall in North First
Street and marched to Turner opera house, where patriotic exercises were
held. The parade was made up as follows:
Dr.
Fred C Werner, Marshal
Northwestern
University Band
Northwestern
Cadets
O. D.
Pease Post No. 94, G.A.R.
Krieger
Verein
Speaker
and Committee
Executive
Committee
Citizens
. . .
Turner opera house was packed to the doors.
It was nicely decorated in honor of the event; a large portrait of the
lamented president draped with flags was suspended over the stage. On the stage were seated the executive
committee of the celebration, the council committee, the citizens' committee,
the Grand Army committee and members of the Apollo Club. W. D. Sproesser presided and introduced the
speaker of the day, Attorney C. A. McGee of Milwaukee. Mr. McGee is certainly a gifted orator and
his subject was handled very eloquently and patriotically, all present being
delighted with his remarks. The singing
of the Apollo Club, directed by Edward L. Schempf, was particularly
appreciated. Mrs. William F. Whyte
accompanied the club's vocal numbers in her usual artistic style. W. D. Sproesser read Lincoln's Gettysburg
address in a very creditable manner and the Northwestern University band,
directed by Prof. H. A. Frank, played several patriotic selections. Following was the program in full . . .
↓ More on Lincoln Day Celebration,
Apollo Club ↓
Apollo Club in Rehearsal
Hayden's ''Creation” Will be Produced on
Elaborate Scale
Watertown Gazette, 02 05
1909
The Apollo Club of this city is contemplating to
produce on a large scale one of the grandest and most beautiful musical works,
Hayden's "Creation" at their next concert. In fact, the rehearsals of this masterpiece
have begun and there is sufficient artistic spirit among members of the club to
guarantee a perfect production. But it
takes a large chorus to make this composition effective, to bring out the powerful
and wonderfully harmonious choruses and to make the beauty of their melodies
impressive, especially in such choruses as “The Heavens Are Telling." The management of the Apollo Club therefore
wishes to arouse the interest and enthusiasm of everyone who is interested in
music and chorus singing and asks them to join the club, to help swell the
numbers and the volume of the voices, to profit by studying this grand work and
to assist in the production of one of the finest compositions ever
written. Let everyone who feels so
inclined be present at the next rehearsal in the Masonic Temple on Tuesday
evening, February 2, at 8 o'clock sharp.
Part of
this rehearsal will be devoted to the study of the choruses for the Lincoln
memorial celebration, for which occasion a large chorus is also desirable. But besides a large chorus, the financial
support and backing of our public spirited citizens is necessary for the
undertaking of such a great work. An
orchestra of at least eighteen of Bach's best musicians is needed to make the
production worthy of the masterpiece, besides soloists for the different solo
parts. In fact the expenses will be
extremely high and the management of the Apollo Club has therefore set a list
in circulation for a guarantee fund, each signer to guarantee a pro rata share
of five dollars of any possible deficit.
The
endeavors off this club to offer to the music-loving public only the best at
its concerts deserves a better support than has been given heretofore, and the
management feels that this is their last effort to secure this support. If sufficient interest and enthusiasm does
not exist among the citizens of Watertown to give the support and approve the
faithful work done by the Apollo Club, then the club has no cause for existence. It would indeed be too bad if a city like
Watertown could not keep a musical organization above water.
Watertown Gazette, 02 05
1909
Otto
Gerbitz has returned from a business trip to Antigo, Nielsville and other towns
in the northern part of the state. Mr.
Gerbitz has built more houses in Watertown the last two years and done more to
improve the residence portion of the city than any other resident. John Hilgendorf, the boss contractor, built
all his residence buildings and has put them up in fine shape. Mr. Hilgendorf is a thorough mechanic in his
line of work and when he turns over a building to the man who employs him, you
can count on it being all right. We want
more men like Mr. Gerbitz to build up our city.
↓ More on Otto Gerbitz ↓
Enterprising Citizen
Watertown Gazette, 06 03 1910
Otto Gerbitz has built a fine cement walk fronting his
home at the corner of West Main and Warren streets. Aside from the walks on West Main and Warren
he has built a large cement walk all around his house, which sets it off in
fine shape. Mr. Gerbitz has built more
houses, and all of them large and up-to-date homes, than anyone of our citizens
the past year. He has built up the
section of the Third ward between Warren Street and the C.&N.W. Ry., and
his enterprise has added greatly to the value of property in that section of
the city. We hope that more of our
moneyed men will follow Mr. Gerbitz's example and do likewise. He is now building an automobile garage in
the rear of his home, and has purchased a fine automobile, which he intends to
use both for pleasure and business purposes.
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 13 1983
Fire broke
out at The Office tavern, 1217 River Drive, early today, causing damage to the
building and its contents estimated at $100,000. The fire was reported at 4:12 a.m. by a
street department employee plowing the streets.
When firemen arrived at the scene, the
building was already fully involved with flames. Twenty-six firemen battled the blaze which apparently
started in the basement and spread vertically into the bar area and then into
the attic area. The first floor caved
into the basement, making fighting the blaze difficult.
Hospital Association Directors
Watertown
Daily Times, 12 13 1998
Two new
directors were elected at the annual meeting of Watertown
Memorial Hospital Association Wednesday evening. Elected to their first terms were Cathy
Kwapil who will have a three-year term and Pat Caine who was elected to fill
the final two years of the term of Steve Foti who has resigned. In addition, Steve Zillmer and John Uttech
were re-elected for three-year terms on the board. In addition to Foti, Joy Soderstrom is
leaving the board after having served for 11 years.
Reeseville Nearly Wiped Out by Fire
Watertown Gazette, 02 05
1909
Reeseville,
Wis., Jan. 29—With one of the worst blizzards in the history of the village
raging and the wind blowing a gale, almost the entire business section of
Reeseville was destroyed by fire today.
But for the prompt assistance rendered by the cities called upon for aid
it is certain that the entire town would be one mass of ruins tonight. As it is, eight business blocks and one
dwelling are gone, the estimated loss being $25,000.
The
fire started this noon, following a gasoline explosion in the hardware store of
C. W. Steinacher. The volunteer fire
department was on the ground within a short time, but the flames had made
considerable headway and efforts to protect surrounding property proved
fruitless with the storm fanning the blaze.
Surrounding towns were appealed to for aid by telephone and telegraph
and Milwaukee Road at once placed special trains in readiness at Columbus and
at Watertown to carry apparatus to the stricken village. In the meantime the department from Lowell, a
village about three miles distant, had reached here overland. Within a short time a hook and ladder company
with apparatus reached here from Columbus and an engine with a full crew
complement came from Watertown.
Thus
strengthened, the local department renewed its fight against the spreading
conflagration, but it was not until after 6 o'clock tonight that the fire was
under control. Among the buildings
destroyed or damaged practically beyond repair are a meat market, two saloons,
a blacksmith shop, and the State Bank of Reeseville. When danger of further spread of the
conflagration was passed the departments from Columbus and Watertown returned
home by special trains.
The fire
was caused by an explosion in the store of C. W. Steinacher; Arthur Cohn, a
clerk, was drawing gasoline from a tank, when the gases from the gasoline were
exploded by a nearby light. His face and
hands were seriously burned, and he has since been receiving treatment at St.
Mary's Hospital, this city.
The Silsby
engine and the east side hose wagon on appeal for help were sent from here with
a sufficient number of firemen to man them.
Fire Chief Carl Otto had one of his feet badly cut at the ankle while
assisting fighting the fire.
↓ More on Reeseville Fire ↓
Rebuilding Reeseville
Watertown
Gazette, 05 07 1909
Among buildings to be
erected here during the
summer are a two story double building by the Kurth Company on the site of the old
opera house at a cost of $10,000; a single two story building costing $5,000,
by William Hartig Company, a new home for the state bank and residences by O.
A. Sell, Miss Bertha Yauman, W. E. Wendt and Dr. Eickelberg. Thus is Reeseville rising like a phoenix from
the ashes of the fire which recently destroyed the greater part of the town.
Watertown Gazette, 02 12 1909
Watertown
City Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Elect Officers.
Last Saturday evening the directors of the Watertown City Mutual Fire
Insurance Co. elected the following officers for the ensuing year:
H. R.
Moldenhauer, president; Michael Fitzgerald, vice-president; Julius Strehlow,
secretary;
William Trachte, treasurer.
Theodore Roosevelt
Watertown Gazette, 02 12 1909
In short, the fundamental facts of human
nature apply to men and women who live in the country just as they apply to men
and women who live in towns. Given a
sufficient foundation of material well being, the influence of the farmers'
wives on their children becomes the factor of first importance determining the
attitude of the next generation toward farm life. The farmer should realize that the person who
most needs consideration on the farm is his wife. I do not in the least mean that she should
purchase ease at the expense duty.
Neither man nor woman is really happy or really useful save on condition
of doing his or her duty. If the woman
shirks her duty as housewife, as home keeper, as the mother whose prime
function is to bear and rear a sufficient number of healthy children, then she
is not entitled to our regard. But if
she does her duty she is more entitled to our regard even than the man who does
his duty and the man should show special consideration for her needs. I warn my countrymen that the great recent
progress in city life is not a full measure of our civilization, for our
civilization rests on the wholesomeness, the attractiveness, and the
completeness as well as the prosperity of life in the country. The men and women on the farms stand for what
is fundamentally best and most needed in our American life.
– Theodore Roosevelt, The White House, February 8, 1909.
Charles Wenck's Office Removed
Watertown Gazette, 02 12 1909
Chas. J. Wench has removed his fire insurance
office from over Raue's store to the Bank of Watertown building. For over 30 years he occupied a joint office
with August Tanck on Main Street, but the increase in business of both
gentlemen now requires separate offices.
Watertown Gazette, 02 12 1909
Unveiling at First
Methodist Church. A most pleasing
and appropriate service was held at the close of the Sunday school hour at the
First Methodist Church in the assembly room last Sunday morning. It was the occasion of the unveiling of a
faithful likeness of the late Jonas Stahl [1836-1907], who, for thirty years by
fidelity in service and sweet voice in song was the inspiration of the
Methodist Church and Sunday school.
After singing by the school, the pastor delivered an address in memory
of the departed. The Sunday school flag,
the stars and stripes, was removed from the wall and as the audience looked
upon the likeness of this good man ("Old Faithful" we love to call
him), it seemed that his very presence was among mortals. The Sunday school was gladdened by the
presence of Mrs. Stahl, who is again able to be about, besides many
visitors. The picture is an enlarged
photograph done by the Watertown Photograph Co and is the gift of Mr. and Mrs.
Harry Forncrook, of 313 Warren Street, who with many others love to revere his
memory.
Jonas
Stahl is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery
Elk's Ball at Turner Opera House
Watertown Gazette, 02 19 1909
Bach's orchestra of Milwaukee will furnish the
music for the Elk's ball at Turner opera house next Monday evening, Washington's birthday. The decorations are being prepared on a very
elaborate scale, and it is said will exceed in beauty anything in the
decoration line ever attempted here.
Watertown Gazette, 02 19 1909
Last Friday evening the pupils of 4th grade No. 4 School enjoyed a sleigh ride to the home of
H. F. Scholz, town of Emmet, where they were right royally received by Mr.
Scholz and family. They were chaperoned
by their teacher, Miss Alina Kirchhoff.
On their return to this city they wound up at the home of G. A.
Stallmann, where Mrs. Stallmann, assisted by Mrs. M. F. Blumenfeld, served them
with refreshments. A spelling contest
was indulged in, Miss Ada Wegemann receiving the prize.
Monday evening the teachers of No. 2 School
gave a valentine party at the school building to a number of teachers of the
other schools. The school room was very
prettily and appropriately decorated.
Games and guessing contests were indulged in and refreshments were
served in three courses. The affair was
a decidedly pleasant one. Those present
were the Misses Edna Voss, Ida Barganz, Sophie Koehler, Josie Voss, Thekla
Krebs, Ida Kopp, Anna M. Holland, Mary Crangle, Ella Sipp, Leona Steinmann,
Katie Brasky, Emma Wittchow, Mamie Stacy, Margaret McGrath.
Watertown Gazette, 02 12 1909
By P. H. Swift
Respectfully dedicated
to my childhood friend, Charles E. Straw, Watertown, Wis.
The maple syrup
and the buckwheat
cake,
The bread like mother
Used to make,
The chicken like
My mother fried,
That used to line
My small inside;
The pumpkin pie,
The doughnuts brown,
The candy dad
Brought up from town,
Don't very much
Appeal to me.
But buttermilk
Of those days! Gee!
I feel I wouldn't
Give a durn
If I could stand
Beside the churn
And drink again
The way I did
When I was just
A little kid.
If buttermilk
Intoxicated,
I'd always be
Inebriated.
Yum, Yum.
Watertown Gazette, 02 12 1909
H. J. Darton, for many years a resident of Oshkosh
and employed as a locomotive engineer in the railway passenger service from
Oshkosh to Antigo during that period, was in our city a few hours on Friday
last. He failed to meet one of our old
residents whom he desired to see. He
called on Schlueter Bros. stating that 38
years ago he had fired a locomotive for C. E. Straw, who was at that time
acting in the capacity of engineer for the
Milwaukee Road. Failing to find his old
comrade, Mr. Straw hopes he will come this way again, and says that Henry is
not very wide from the mark, it being just 37 years past that he had charge of
locomotive No. 147, and named "John Bailie", after the head of the
car department. This engine was built in
Boston by Hinkley & Williams, and was known as a "cold water
Hinkley," like many more of same brand owned by the C. M. & St. P. Ry.
at that time. The "Bailie" and
crew that followed the No. 147 was in charge of Joseph Bilty, conductor, and served
the stock yards, also the packing houses out on “the marsh," as that
district was then known to all railroad residents in Milwaukee; same section of
land is now covered with a network of tracks.
Our friend Dudley Fitzgerald at that time, 1872, was in charge of the
"south yards" during the long hours of the night.
Watertown Gazette, 02 19 1909
A Ride on the Trolley
Have you ever been on a Watertown trolley
car? It is a fine craft, rocking along
in fine style. If the swaying motion
doesn't exactly lull one to a state of blissful unconsciousness, it will
assuredly make him at times feel like taking a good snooze. They have several little conveniences too for
the security and comfort of the sleepy or seasick passengers. The window sills particularly were devised
especially for convenience in resting the arms and elbows when it is impossible
to sit up without something to hold onto or lean against.
A young gentleman from the west side has it in
for the trolley cars. He says but little
about it himself, but a number of happy and joyous fellow passengers are
telling it. He got on one of the cars
the other night, and the only unoccupied space being by the side of a pretty,
well-dressed and refined-looking young girl, he took the seat, although with
apparent diffidence. The young woman's
elbow was on the window next to him. She
had found it necessary to brace against something, being evidently worn out
with a round of strenuous shopping and the car careening and plunging along
like a merry-go round. When the car
bumped passed one of the side streets the girl’s arm slipped from the window,
and in some inexplicable way onto the young man's shoulder. She was certainly sound asleep, he says, and
he is equally certain, in his modest way, that she did not open her eyelids
previous to this unfortunate accident. He being a young man of retiring
disposition and somewhat inclined to bashfulness in the presence of ladies,
found himself in a delicate position.
It was very evident to the other passengers that it
was a serious problem. The perspiration
starting from his forehead showed this, also the fixed and glassy way in which
he gazed at the "Uneeda Beer" advertisement on the opposite side. Several acquaintances of his among the
passengers were making unseeming exhibitions of mirth over his unfortunate
predicament. One man was trying to place
a bet that he would stay to the end of the line and back again, unless the girl
woke up, and each and every villain agreed that he would stay on the car as
long as he did. He didn't know what to
do. If he got up, the girl would wake
and be embarrassed; if he stayed, those devils in the car would never let him
hear the last of it. Just when he had
given up all hope, the conductor shouted "tickets," and the girl
awoke with a start, shot one glance at the bashful young man, smiled happily,
and went to sleep again.
Watertown Gazette, 02 19 1909
The choir of St. Paul's Episcopal Church is actively engaged
in rehearsing Stainer's sacred cantata, "The Daughter of Jairus,"
under the direction of Edward L. Schempf, to be sung Friday evening, February
19, in St. Paul's Church. Some of the
best musical talent of Watertown are assisting in this work and it undoubtedly
will be one of the musical events of the season. Mrs. William
Sproesser will sing the leading soprano parts; Edward
L. Schempf, tenor; William Sproesser, baritone. The augmented choir will be accompanied by
the organ, with Mrs. Elizabeth Green as organist, and a small orchestra,
including a cellist from Milwaukee who has been specially engaged for this
occasion. The fact that the cantata is
the work of the celebrated musical writer, Stainer, is sufficient evidence as
to its worth. It abounds with beautiful
solos, duets and choruses. A treat is in
store for all lovers of music who take advantage of this opportunity. The effect of the combined chorus, organ and
orchestra is truly grand and inspiring.
This cantata was sung by St. Paul's choir a number of years ago and the
concert proved a splendid musical event.
The price of admission has been fixed at thirty-five cents. Tickets may be obtained from members of the
choir and at Eberle's and Schempf's drug stores.
Fun in the Country
Watertown Gazette, 02 19 1909
A number of
Watertown business men and their ladies growing weary of city life and longing
for one of the “good old times" in the country that they so much enjoyed
in years gone by, arranged last Wednesday for a sleigh ride and in order to add
life, grace and beauty to the crowd, a few young ladies and gentlemen of this
city and the adjoining towns of Shields and Emmet were invited. Two bobsleighs were comfortably fitted out and
at 7:30 o'clock the party started for the home of Michael Casey and wife, town
of Emmet. The sleighing being good and
the weather moderate, of course the ride was a most enjoyable feature of the
evening's program, especially to one young gentleman who occupied the hindmost
corner of one of the sleighs. He went
through several stunts that left several of the young ladies in good humor all
evening and they remarked "oh, we are so glad we came, we never experienced
such joy before," and the young man said "ditto," and began
singing "Sweet Marie.” "That
is well put," shouted everybody, "we guess you heart is in the
song.” There was no proposal, however.
At about 8:30 the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Casey was reached and here a wide-open hospitality was
extended and it only took a few moments for all to feel at home, and they
certainly had one of those "good old times." The fore part of the evening was passed in
social converse and at cards. The honors
at cards were won by a ten-year-old son of Mr. Casey, who showed the city folks
a thing or two about playing cinch. At
10:30 a delicious luncheon was served, at which two legal lights from the city
officiated as toastmasters. It is not
often that at a festive board two toastmasters are tolerated, but in this case
it was absolutely necessary to keep these gentlemen talking, else the rest of
the party might possibly run short on rations.
Supper being over, one of Watertown's substantial business men suggested
a quadrille, and as there were several violinists present and a number of good
pianists, his motion found numerous seconds, and on went the dance. The aforesaid business man was the first to
give vent to his feelings as he tripped the light fantastic and enthusiastically
remarked: “I’m just as good as I was 20
years ago.” The prompter winked at the
other gentlemen in the set and kept said dancer so busy with “right and left
four,” “grand right and left,” “swing the one on the corner,” etc., that it was
not long till it was very apparent the merry swirl was proving too much for the
gentleman from Watertown and his partner remarked this is no place to have
“Fitz” and they scooted to a cozy corner and indulged in a cheese lunch, a
commodity that the gentleman is a better success in manufacturing than in trying
to outdance two lawyers and an editor.
We’ll let him down
easy—for he administered to our wants at the hour of parting and saved our life
in our journey home. At intervals during
the evening vocal and instrumental music enlivened the occasion and all present
joined in the choruses. It began to be
noised about the house that we had a celebrated warbler amongst us and after
great persuasion on the part of the ladies the warbler got to work—and the
ladies began to holler “Oh, Mabel, isn’t it terrible.” Several of them laughed
till they swooned away, but it was no use, the warbler kept on—the shingles on
the house began to drop off and all the sparrows for miles around were
attracted to the neighborhood—no use—his wife threatened divorce—nothing
doing—he kept on—finally a brother lawyer present got out an injunction against
him and he stopped short—but it was out of the frying pan into the fire—and
worse—we had a standard oil warbler present, he remarked the machinery needs
oiling, and he took up the key where his legal friend left off, and the only
way relief was found [was when] some one hollered, "all board for
Watertown." There was a sudden
halt—some one remarked its 1 o'clock—another "it's a shame to keep these
people up so late."
A vote of thanks
was given Mr. and Mrs. Casey and their interesting family for the excellent
time given them under their hospitable roof, and good night was said, all
leaving for their homes with fondest memories of a winter’s night in the
country at one of the finest homes in Dodge County and with one of its most
esteemed families.
Watertown Daily Times, 11 26 1958
The supply of toys
which the Fire Department repairs and turns
over to the Family Welfare Association for distribution, has hit a new low this
year, firemen disclosed today. Fewer
toys than ever have been received this year, the men regretfully report. For a period of a great many years the
firemen have conducted a toy repair project.
They welcome all sorts from small toys to larger items like bicycles and
sleds. All are placed in first class
condition and repair.
Watertown Gazette, 02 19 1909
Turner Opera House was packed to the doors last
Tuesday evening to witness the performance of the Watertown Imperial Minstrels,
and the excellence of the entertainment furnished, well deserved the
magnificent audience. From start to
finish everybody was amused, and it certainly was one round of pleasure. The
hall decorations were very artistic and added interest to the occasion. W. J. Bethke officiated as musical director
and the Weber-Stube orchestra furnished the music and accompanied the vocal
numbers. John F. Berigan made a most
excellent interlocutor. The minstrels
were made up as follows: Comedians—F. P.
McAdams, Lew W. Parks, Otto V. Knaak, bones ; Gordon E. Bacon, C. A. Kohn, John
J. Lietz, tambos. Vocalists—William L.
Schlueter, E. J. Hoermann, Joseph Glaus, William F. Richards, Joseph J. Raue,
Carl F. Otto, Edward C. Wolfram, J. C. Weber, Baldwin S. Raue, Frank G. Exner,
George A. Richards, Roman M. Hahn.
The jokes and funny
sayings of the above combination were all well taken and thoroughly enjoyed by
all present and the following vocal selections were heartily applauded:
True Blue Company
Dixie Dan John J. Lietz
Lazy Moon W. F. Richards
Your Minstrel Boy C. A. Kohn
Smiling Star Frank G. Exner
Common Sense Otto V. Knaak
When the Bell in
the Lighthouse Rings W. L. Schlueter
I'm Glad I'm Married F. P. McAdams
My Mother's Kiss Was
Sweetest of Them All E. C. Wolfram
Mandy Lane L. W. Parks
What's the Use G. E. Bacon
In Watertown Company
↓ More on Turner Opera House ↓
“Paid in Full”
Watertown Gazette, 09 16 1910
To My Theatre
Patrons:
In making my
bookings for the coming season I have secured many excellent and meritorious
attractions. Among the number I am
pleased to announce that I have secured The United Players Company's big production
of Eugene Walter's great play, "Paid in Full." This is the play that ran for two years in
New York and six months in Chicago.
"Paid in Full" practically needs no introduction to the
theatre-going public. It has been known
ever since its initial performance as the greatest American play, and the
present production that I have secured has lost none of its strength and beauty
in its presentation by the United Players Company, as they have a complete and
adequate equipment of special scenery and a carefully selected company of
metropolitan players of actors and actresses, and I sincerely trust that my
patrons will show their appreciation of this opportunity to witness this
exceptional play and performance by extending their liberal patronage to my theatre
on Tuesday, September 20, the date of the company's appearance here.
Respectfully, Wm. Bethke, Manager
↓ More on Turner Opera House ↓
"Ishmael"
Watertown Gazette, 09 30 1910
Next Sunday evening
at Turner Opera House promises to be a notable event, the occasion being the
first presentation in this city of "Ishmael," the play that is
setting all the country talking, and is creating a furor in theatrical
circles. "Ishmael" is a dramatization
by Grace Hayward of Mrs. Southworth's widely read story
"Ishmael." Miss Hayward has
also drawn upon Mrs. Southworth's "Self Raised" for some of the
incidents and scenes of the play, and as a result of the combination of the
two, this clever dramatist has created a play that bids fair to surpass the
wonderful success of her “Graustark" and "St. Elmo."
"Ishmael"
is so different from the usual run of plays that it leaves a distinct
impression of its own upon the mind of the spectator. The story and theme are new. There is an abundance of bright dialogue, droll
humor and the pathos and sentiment of the play are not of the artificial
sort. The stage settings are remarkably
elaborate and many of the scenes art so well managed as to receive hearty
applause. The engagement of
“Ishmael" promises to be a record breaker.
Watertown Daily Times, 12 19 1958
New figurines
almost life-size enhance the scene at Bethesda Lutheran
Home as the grounds and buildings take on a Christmas atmosphere. The supervisor of manual arts training,
Martin F. Heinemeier of 120 South Washington Street, obtained the set from a
manufacturer in Milwaukee. The group is
enclosed in a green arbor setting against the east wall of the manual arts
school building. It can be viewed by
taking the “service road” and visitors are welcome to see it.
New Watertown Police Department
Watertown Daily Times, 12 19 1998
A new Watertown Police Department would be
constructed near the high school under a plan
unveiled by the Watertown Unified Board of Education Tuesday night. Under the proposal, the school district would
donate approximately 8.73 acres on the high school site to the city of
Watertown. The city, in return, would
build Elm Street through to Carriage Hill Drive and otherwise develop the
surrounding property. The plan would be
contingent on voter approval of a referendum to construct a new facility.
↓ More on Lincoln School ↓
Possible New City Police Station
Watertown Daily
Times, 01 26 1999
The Watertown Board of Education agreed
Thursday night to several land transfers that will allow for construction of a city police station near the high school if
voters agree to the project in a possible referendum. School and city officials expect the deal to
be finalized in the coming days by attorneys for the city and the school
district. The plan for the land swap was
developed to allow for the construction of the station on land owned by the
school district on the south end of the Watertown
High School property . The parcel
would front on an extension of Elm Street the city is planning. As part of the land transfer plan, the
district will deed to the city a right of way needed to extend Elm Street from
its westerly terminus at Fremont Street west to Carriage Hill Drive. The school district will also deed to the
city a 4.98-acre parcel along the south side of the Elm Street extension, and
about .59 acres along Carriage Hill Drive.
The district will also trade a 1.13-acre parcel along Carriage Hill at
West Main Street to Maranatha Baptist Bible
College in exchange for a 1.06-acre parcel south of the 4.98-acre parcel.
Specifications
for a New High School
Watertown Daily Times, 12 17 1983
The Watertown
School Board will be asked to give the go ahead for preparation of educational
specifications for a new high school when it
meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the board room of the Educational Service
Center, 111 Dodge Street. Preparing the
specifications will be done by Dr. John H. Fredrickson, the school facilities
consultant who has prepared a phase I study dealing in general with eventual
construction of a new high school. The phase I report will be presented
Wednesday for reactions from board members, who may take some action on it at a
later date. The report will be detailed
in Tuesday's Daily Times.
Watertown Daily Times, 12 18 2008
The Watertown Food
Pantry has received a donation of food and cash from a recent drive sponsored
by the Watertown Professional Firefighters
IAFF Local 877 and held at Breselow's Family Market. Hundreds of pounds of food and $321.53 were
generated from donations by area residents and local businesses including
Seneca Foods and Berres Brothers Coffee.
From left are Larry Crawford, Watertown Food Pantry board president;
Dennis Breselow, owner of Breselow's Family Market; and Greg Wellach, vice
president IAFF Firefighters Local 877. [picture not available]
Watertown Daily Times, 10 23 1983
Construction of a two-bedroom senior citizen apartment
complex was approved unanimously at a joint meeting Monday night of the Marquardt Memorial Manor and Moravian Homes
boards. Known as Hus Apartments, the
complex includes 22 apartments and provides the first two-bedroom development
for senior citizens in Watertown. The
non-subsidized apartments are restricted to persons 62 years of age and
older. The complex, to be built north of
Marquardt Manor, 1020 Hill Street, will cost about $1.15 million, according to
Boyd Flater, executive director. Flater
said that plans have been completed and that details of contracts are being
worked out. He expects construction to
begin in about two weeks, with occupancy on June 1, 1984.
Educational Foundation of Watertown
Watertown Daily Times, 10 23 1998
A new educational foundation dedicated to
promoting and strengthening public and private
schools in the Watertown area has been formed. Educational Foundation of Watertown, Inc., is
a nonprofit, tax deductible corporation.
It is accepting funds which can be donated to any individual school or
any educational purpose the donor wishes to support, according to Ray Kubly,
foundation president. Plans are now
under way for the development of a new logo for the foundation. A $100 savings bond will be awarded to the
winner of the logo contest.
Watertown Daily Times, 08 30 1998
What began as a nondescript bus turnaround on
a miniature model of Watertown High School more
than five years ago is now a blooming example of what students and a devoted
teacher can do when they set their minds to it.
That bus turnaround, once an island of grass surrounded by parking lots
and sidewalk, is today a sea of color in the form of a peace garden. Students envisioned it as a place for inward
reflection, a break from tile floors and concrete block walls inside the high
school, which was opened in 1994. Social
studies teacher Steve Jacobson has been a mentor for students involved in the
project, and his own ideas have meshed with theirs.
Watertown Gazette, 02 19 1909
Monday afternoon the Board of Public Works
opened the bids for furnishing two sprinkling wagons of 600 gallons capacity
for the city. Following were the bids:
Q. N. W. Sherman $335.00
J. D. Casey 250.50
Studebaker Mfg Co 296.60
Austin Western Co 291.00
Bitten by Dog
Watertown Gazette, 02 19 1909
Joseph, the
four-year-old son of Mrs. Lilian Brandenburg, proprietor of the New Commercial Hotel, was bitten in the face by
a dog in the lobby of the hotel last Sunday afternoon. Dr. Shinnick cauterized the bite and advised
the taking of the boy to the Pasteur Institute, Chicago, and he and his mother
have been there for several days.
Watertown Gazette, 02 26 1909
At about 1 o’clock
Friday morning fire at L. H. Cordes’ home in Third
Street destroyed it to the extent of about $400. Mrs. Cordes smelled rubber burning as she lay
awake in bed and aroused her husband. He
went downstairs and discovered fire in the pantry. The house phone was just over the blaze and
he went to a neighbor and sent in an alarm to the fire
department. In the pantry there is a
combination gas and electric fixture which was in an imperfect condition and
set fire to the woodwork in the wall and it spread rapidly to the bathroom
above. The fire department responded
promptly and the aid of chemicals put the fire out in short order. Defective electric covering and gas also was
the cause of a small fire at G. Fuermann’s in North Fourth Street on Friday.
Watertown Daily Times, 12 23 1958
Second Lt. Ronald
Kapheim, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Kapheim, North Church Street, recently
was awarded his wings following a nine month period of primary training with
the Air Force. He received his training at
the Harlinger, Texas, Air Force Base.
Ronald now is spending a leave at his home here. Upon his return he will be transferred to an
Air Force base at Waco, Texas, where he will receive training as a radar
observer on an all weather jet interceptor plane.
Kapheim,
Ronald, Second Lt. 1958, Awarded
his wings
Watertown Daily Times, 12 23 1998
Firing up the
burners will have a whole new meaning Monday when Zwieg's restaurant begins
another era with a new grill. After
turning out burgers by the bagful for the past 52 years, the original grill had
begun to feel the heat. Thursday was its
last gasp. A new grill is being
installed today to replace the one that dates back to 1946. The old grill was a familiar sight in the
small family restaurant where patrons seated on counter stools can watch cooks
flip rows of sizzling burgers while the smell of frying onions wafts through
the air.
Watertown Unified Board of Education
Watertown Daily Times, 12 22 1998
There will be an
open seat on the Watertown Unified Board of Education next spring, as one of
three incumbents has declared he will not run again. Terry Grinwald, board president, signed a
statement of noncandidacy Tuesday, the district office reported. The two other incumbents whose terms expire
in April, Barbara Phelps and Mark Putra, submitted their statements of
candidacy Tuesday.
Watertown Daily Times, 11 24 1983
Wisconsin-Michigan Trailways will
be serving the Watertown area Monday with six buses per day, according to Bob
Moore, Green Bay, home office of the bus service. The Watertown terminal will be located at
General Rental Center, 211 North Third Street.
Three of the buses will go west to Madison and three will go east to
Milwaukee. Moore said Trailways seeks to
serve residents of Watertown and the surrounding area on a permanent basis, and
not just for the duration of the Greyhound bus strike. Buses will carry passengers and packages
weighing up to 150 lbs.
Watertown Daily Times, 11 15 2008
Rock River Pizza
Co. and River City Distributing Co. are holding a fund-raiser for the Watertown Fire Department where someone can win a
mini chopper. Pictured standing next to
the chopper, from left, are firefighter/paramedic Ken Riggs;
firefighter/paramedic Greg Wellach; assistant fire Chief Ralph Wandersee; Lt.
Layne Fohr; Rock River Pizza Co. owner Randy Trella; Steve Zgonc of River City
Distributing Co.; Fire Chief Henry Butts; and firefighter/paramedic Christine
Butzine [Newspaper photo not available]
Rock River Pizza Co. and River
City Distributing Co. are sponsoring a fund-raiser that will benefit the
Watertown Fire Department. Every time a customer
at Rock River Pizza Co. purchases a Hook and Ladder product or makes a
donation, they will be entered into a drawing where they can win a mini chopper
motorcycle.
Proceeds raised during the event
will be donated to the Watertown Fire Department and local National Burn
Centers. The drawing will be held on
Dec. 17.
The mini chopper was
donated to the Watertown Fire Department by River City Distributing Co. The fire department then donated the chopper
to Rock River Pizza Co.
Watertown Daily Times, 12 20 1958
Carl
V. Kolata, head of radio station WTTN who is serving his first term as a
city councilman and whose term expires on next April 21 announced late
Wednesday afternoon that he will not be a candidate for re-election. His intention to retire at the end of his
term had been rumored for several weeks.
Of the other two councilmen whose terms expire on April 21 - Fred W.
Kehl and Charles E. Kading - only Mr. Kehl has indicated to date that he will
seek a second term.
In a statement
which he gave to the Times this
morning, Mr. Kolata said: “Because of the unusual interest in local government,
and because of the numerous inquiries of me, I am making this statement for
publication. After many weeks of deliberation
and many conferences with interested people, it is with deep regret that I make
this decision. I have decided not to run
for re-election to the office of Council for the city of Watertown.”
Watertown Daily Times, 12 20 1983
Watertown
businessman Royce Rowedder was elected to a second term as president of the
Health Planning Council (HPC) at the agency's 15th annual meeting. Rowedder has represented the Jefferson County
Health Resource Committee on the HPC Board of Directors since 1981, and in
addition to holding the office of president, has served for three years on the
administrative committee. HPC is an
independent, nonprofit agency serving 11 counties in southern Wisconsin, and is
one of many such Health Systems Agencies located throughout the United States.
Watertown Gazette, 02 26 1909
The following
reports were submitted:
To the Honorable
Mayor and Common Council of the City of Watertown.
Gentlemen: The undersigned,
to whom was referred the matter of building a new
school house [Lincoln School] in place of the present No. 2 building in the
Fourth ward, beg leave to report.
That upon careful consideration
of the matter we are satisfied that it is necessary to build a new school house
as aforesaid, and we therefore recommend that the Common Council introduce at
this meeting if possible an ordinance authorizing the issue to bonds
preparatory to the building of such school house, and as it will be necessary
to lay such ordinance over until the next meeting of the Common Council, we
further recommend that the chairman of the committee on public buildings of the
Common Council, and the chairman of the Committee on Buildings and Grounds of
the Board of Education, invite competition in the matter of considering other
plans for a new school building, besides the one thus far procured, provided,
that they can secure sketches of such other plans from architects or
contractors without a great expense to the city.
Respectfully
submitted,
Herman Tetzlaff,
of the Finance Committee..
F. C. Werner;
Herman Tetzlaff,
Frank Kalina,
Committee on Public Buildings.
C. A. Kading,
City Attorney.
The report was
adopted.
↓ More on Lincoln School ↓
That New School House
Watertown Gazette, 03
05 1909
On February 2,
1909, the Board of Education addressed the following communication to the Mayor
and Common Council of the city of Watertown, Wis.
To the Hon., the
Mayor, and Common Council of the city of Watertown, Wis.
Gentlemen: At a regular meeting of the Board of
Education, Dec. 2, 1908, a resolution that it is necessary to erect a new school
building [Lincoln School] in place of the present school building No. 2, in the
Fourth ward of this city, was unanimously adopted.
The probable cost
of such proposed building will be THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($30,000 ). At a special meeting of said Board of
Education January 21, 1909, the plans herewith submitted for your approval were
duly adopted.
The material in
said old school building may be used in the erection of a new school building,
and it would be advisable to authorize and instruct said Board of Education to
offer the same for sale in the call of sealed proposals for a new building to
contractors, the proceeds which may be derived therefrom to be applied on the
contract price for such new building.
Watertown, Wis.,
Feb. 2, 1909.
By order of the
Board, Carl R. Feld, Clerk.
The matter was laid
over by the council for further consideration.
Since then the
Board of Education has not as an official body received any official notice
from the mayor or council to either sell the old building or go ahead with the
contemplated school. We believe the
mayor and council as well as the Board of Education are both of the opinion
that this work should be pushed from now on, and we understand that at the next
meeting of the council the Board of Education will be authorized to proceed in
the matter. At the Board of Education
meeting last Wednesday night, a resolution was passed, and the clerk was
instructed to present a copy of it to the mayor and city council, again setting
forth the amount of money needed for the erection of a new school in place of
No. 2 school, and requesting the council to authorize the Board to dispose of
the old one. The committee on buildings
and grounds of the Board of Education was also directed to advertise for
proposals for the erection of the new school, and the superintendent, and
chairmen of the buildings and grounds and teachers and instruction committees
were directed to look up temporary quarters to hold school in while the old
school is being torn down, and the new one is ready for occupancy.
Should the plans of
the school board in this matter meet with no further opposition, the intention
is at the close of the present term of school in April to tear down the old
school and begin the erection of a new one.
The school law of the state requires that school facilities shall be
furnished our people at least 9 months in the year, and it is out of the
question to grant a long vacation to the pupils of No. 2 School, else the
chances are we would receive no state school money.
Extra precautions
are being taken at No. 2 school by the Board—it is thoroughly cleansed every
week and the janitor has been instructed to put in all his time at the school
during school hours to see that everything
is properly attended to and the superintendent reports that he is faithfully
carrying out the Board's instructions.
↓ More on Lincoln School ↓
City Council Notes
Watertown Gazette, 03
19 1909
At the meeting of
the City Council held last Tuesday evening the Board of Education submitted the
following resolutions and communication, as directed at the meeting of the
Board of Education heId on Wednesday evening, March 10, 1909:
Resolved, That the
committee on buildings and grounds be and the same is hereby directed to
advertise for sealed proposals for building a new school house according to
plans and specifications adopted by the Board of Education.
Resolved, That the
clerk be and he is hereby directed to officially notify the Mayor and Common Council
that the cost of the new school building to be erected in place of No. 2 school
house will be $30,000.
That the Board of
Education has now on hand the sum of $4000 levied last year for repair of said
No. 2 school building and which sum is available for the new building.
Further, the Board
of Education requests your honorable body to authorize the said board to sell
the old No. 2 School building to the highest bidder.
To the Hon. the
Mayor and the Common Council of the city of Watertown.
Gentlemen: I hereby transmit to your honorable body the
above and foregoing resolutions approved and accepted by the Board of Education
March 3, 1909.
By order of the
board,
Carl R. Feld,
Clerk.
To the Hon. the
Mayor and Common Council of the city of Watertown.
Gentlemen: It has been determined and is hereby
certified by the Board of Education that the sum necessary for the construction
of the No. 2 School house according to the plans and specifications approved and accepted by said board . . .
↓ More on Lincoln School ↓
Bids Opened for New School House
Watertown Gazette, 04 02
1909
At a
special meeting of the Board of Education held last Monday evening the bids for
the construction of the new school building in the 4th
ward were opened. Wagner &
Baumann of Monroe were the lowest bidders; their compete bid being $30,105, on
which they allow a deduction of $1000 for the old school building and $5100 for
the heating and ventilating. The Board
deducted the $5100 and accepted the bid of Otto Biefeld & Co. of this city
for the heating and ventilating for $4952, making the complete bid for the
school of Wagner & Baumann combined with the Biefeld bid less $1000 for the
old school, $28,957.
Following
is the full list of complete bids submitted, there being a few other bids on
separate parts of the work.
H.
Schmidt, Milwaukee.........$32,926
Appleton
Construction Co.......... 30,910
G. R.
Kachie, Madison............... 31,988
Wagner
& Baumann, Monroe..... 29,957
A.
Sommers & Son, Janesville..... 34,550
John
Schatz, Watertown....... ... 32,042
Block
& Schlueter, Watertown... 32,725
Rohde
& Zickert, Watertown..... 32,183
[Zickert, Herman G]
↓ More on Lincoln School ↓
Contract For New Public School Let
Watertown Gazette, 04 16
1909
At the
meeting of the city council held last week Thursday evening, the school bond
ordinance was passed, all members present voting for it, hence at a special
meeting of the Board of Education held last Wednesday evening the contract for
the new school was let to Wagner & Baumann, of Monroe, Wis., the contract
price being, $29,957. They pay $1000 for
the old school building, which will make the above amount $1000 less. About the 26th inst. the work of tearing down
the old building will begin, and it is expected to have the new school
completed on or before November 1st . . . The new school building will be a
credit to the city—the first story will be of vitrified brick and the second a
grayish pressed brick with a tiled roof.
It will have a perfect system of heating and ventilating and nothing has
been neglected in its planning to conduce to the health and comfort of both
teachers and pupils.
↓ More on Lincoln School ↓
Classrooms Relocate
Watertown Gazette, 04 23
1909
Next
week the old No. 2 public school building in the 4th ward will be torn down and
a new building will be erected in its stand.
Until the new building is finished, the pupils of this school will be
located as follows:
First
grade in Welsh church building in North Washington Street.
Second,
Third and Sixth grades in the basement of the public library building.
Fourth
and Seventh grades in the store building at 117 West Main Street.
Fifth
grade in the Fifth Ward hall.
These
quarters will be made as comfortable as possible for pupils and teachers and
the little inconvenience that will be experienced will cheerfully be overlooked
in anticipation of the fine new school building which they will shortly have.
↓ More on Lincoln School ↓
Men Wanted
to Wreck Old School
Watertown Gazette, 04 30
1909
Men Wanted to wreck old school
building at corner of Montgomery and O'Connell streets.
Report at 7 o’clock Friday morning.
Wagner & Baumaun. Contractors.
Ordinance
Watertown Gazette, 02 1909
Gentlemen: The undersigned special committee, to whom
was referred the matter of the complaint against the permission of wine rooms
in connection with saloons, etc., beg leave to report:
That due to the well
established custom of people coming to town and temporarily stabling their
horses in barns maintained in connection with the saloon business in the city
of Watertown, back rooms and waiting rooms have been established by saloon
keepers for the accommodation of such persons so unhitching for their families
while hitching and unhitching their horses, and for such purpose such rooms are
recommended and commended.
On Saturday,
January 23, we visited and inspected saloons maintaining back rooms, making one
trip of inspection in the early part of the evening and one later; that we
found such back rooms occupied in several instances by minors of both sexes;
that some saloons maintained as high as four back rooms; that the same are
small and not connected with each other or with the main bar room; that they
lead off from a narrow hallway and are each equipped with a door; that in
several instances we found them occupied as aforesaid and not properly lighted.
We therefore
recommend that your honorable body cause the passage of an ordinance regulating
such back rooms by limiting the number to one or two such rooms with each
saloon to be connected by an open passage-way or partly glass door with the
main bar room.
And we further
recommend to your honorable body and particularly to the license committee that
in the future no application for retail liquor license should be acted upon
favorably or granted to any applying therefor, unless the premises at which
such license is asked for is constructed in accordance with the above
suggestion.
Along this same
connection your committee recommends for your consideration the matter of
passing an ordinance fixing a time when all saloons should be closed at night.
And we further
recommend that when such ordinance is so passed that strict compliance with its
terms should be insisted upon by the city authorities and that any deviation
therefrom should be punished to be provided for is such ordinance.
On said tour of
inspection we also found evidence in existence in connection with the saloon
business in the city certain nickel machine gambling devices, but we have been
informed the state law amply provides for the abating of the same we make no
recommendations in the way of passing an ordinance pertaining thereto.
Watertown
Republican,
10 24 1894
Wegemann & Strauss, the enterprising
young dry goods firm, has just finished remodeling their store, whereby a
commodious cloak room is added on the second floor, with a convenient interior
stairway leading to it. This firm keeps
abreast of the times and is meeting with well-deserved prosperity.
Watertown
Republican,
12 12 1894
EmiI Luessow, of
this city, was arraigned in the circuit court of Oconomowoc Wednesday on the
charge of bigamy. His first wife resides
in Ixonia and the second would-be wife is a fair resident of Oconomowoc. The jury found him guilty of the charge and
sentence will be passed upon him by Judge Sloan as soon as a criminal calendar
is done with.
Watertown
Republican,
10 17 1894
Charles Wendtland,
of this city, was accidentally shot in the left foot Sunday, while on an outing
in the country. The affair occurred on the
farm of August Marquart in the town of Emmet, and luckily was not attended by
more serious results. While a companion
was in the act of loading a shot gun, an untimely discharge took place and the
shot entered Mr. Wendtland's foot, quite badly shattering a portion of it. Dr. Spalding was called and dressed the
wound. Amputation was not necessary, but
Mr. Wendtland will be laid up a few months by the accident.
Watertown Daily Times, 12 27 1983
Luminaires will,
for the third consecutive year, be the center of attraction in the 300, 400 and
500 blocks of North Washington Street Christmas Eve. Luminaires, lighted candles in sand-filled
paper bags, will create a scene of great beauty in the three-block area. The sidewalk display will be ready for
viewing by the public beginning at approximately 6:45 p.m. The candles will burn until about 2 a.m.
Christmas Day.
True Meaning of Christmas, 2008
Watertown Daily Times, 12 23 2008
Forty-four area
students in first through fourth grades from St. Henry and St. Bernard Schools
entered the Knights of Columbus "True Meaning of Christmas'' poster
contest. Entries were judged on the
following criteria: 20 points for expression of the Christmas theme, 30 points
for originality and 50 points for artistic quality. The winning entries in Watertown were created
by Michael Kuckkan in grade one, Ali Hinchcliffe in grade two, Sara Lemminger
in grade three, and Erin Haeger in grade four.
Their posters have moved on to the Diocesan level where winners will be
selected to move on to the state competition.
Watertown Gazette, 02 26 1909
James P. Holland,
editor of The Daily Times, left here on Wednesday
for Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he will take baths for rheumatism till about
March 15. In the meantime the editorial
department of The Times will be
looked after by J. W. Cruger, one of the proprietors thereof. Mr. Holland’s many friends hope he will find
the relief he seeks at Hot Springs and that he will return home restored to
health.
Watertown Daily Times, 12 27 1958
The Oconomowoc
American Legion band, with 85 members, including players from Watertown, will
leave Christmas night to represent Wisconsin in the Tournament of Roses
parade. Watertown is represented in the
Oconomowoc band with a number of players. Included are Marilyn Eske, vocalist;
Armund Turke, baritone horn; Will Eske and Ellward Kuehl, trombones; Harold
Baumann and William Turke, clarinets; Donald Neitzel and William Kehl, drums;
Walter Samstad, trumpet; William Nass, bass horn; William Kehl Jr.,
clarinet. Donald Timmel, trombone, and
Richard Schliewe, bass horn, are from Ixonia.
Mrs. Donald Timmel and Marilyn Eske, who is Mrs. Will Eske, will be among
those carrying a “Wisconsin” banner and other signs in front of the band during
the parade.
Watertown Daily Times, 12 26 2008
TOWN OF WATERTOWN -
A garage at the W3200 block of Oak Hill Road and its contents were declared a
total loss following a fire that started Wednesday evening.
According to Watertown assistant fire Chief Ralph Wandersee,
the approximately 850-square-foot detached garage at W3256 Oak Hill Road was fully
involved in flames when firefighters arrived at the scene around 7:05 p.m. Wandersee said the fire was called in by a
motorists who was passing by the garage.
The property owners were not home at the time of the blaze, he added.
The contents of the
garage that were damaged included a skid steer, two lawn mowers, a car and a
large number of tools. Damages are
expected to exceed $100,000, Wandersee said.
Firefighters were
on the scene for about two and a half hours.
Mutual aid was provided by fire departments from Ixonia and Clyman.
C.&N.W.Ry. Warehouse Fire
Watertown Gazette, 02 26 1909
Watertown volunteer firemen on the day [in 1877]
mentioned above assembled in a body at the corner of Main and First streets at
1 p.m., engines and apparatus brightly shined, also decorated with red, white
and blue. It was the second appearance
of the Phoenix Co. clad in their new blue uniforms, trimmed with white, and in
each horse’s headgear of the team that hauled the Silsby there could be plainly
seen the regulation circus plumes, red, white and blue, which added much to the
appearance of the west side company’s turn out.
The men of the east side wore their regulation red shirts, except the
Sack Co., who always appeared in their neat-fitting sack coats of blue. There was little or no snow to be seen, muddy
roads, badly frozen and broken up, therefore the parade did not get very far
down Main Street. The two-wheeled hose
carts pulled by men on foot were very cumbersome and the ladies were pleased to
get back to quarters early in the afternoon, and the teams were cared for by
their owners in their own barns, S. M. Eaton having the contract for hauling
the “Phoenix steamer,” and Mr. Mannegold of the east side had a similar
arrangement with the city for hauling the “Pioneer” by the year to fires.
About 8 p.m. a
fierce fire broke out in a warehouse at the C.&N.W.Ry. depot and spread
rapidly. Eaton’s drivers and sons soon
had four horses at the house of the “Rotary” and it was not long after they
were hooked up that they turned the corner at Main Street, passing the Pioneer,
with one team, at the next corner.
Charlie Kerr assisted by Bill Ready drove the pole team, while Frank
Eaton and Charles Haskell rode the leaders.
“Doc” Moore, stoker of the Silsby, fell off at the next crossing and
Barney Gardner and his hack cleared the way at the Warren Street corner. He was on his way from the depot and wound up
on the sidewalk rather mixed up in Thomas McCabe’s monument display and it has
been said that willing hands disconnected the “Bays” and hack and put Barney
and his rig on the road again. The fire
was of short duration after the Silsby connected to the tank house and the day
wound up with a rumpus. Charles Haskell
and Charlie Fuermann could not settle the question as to which company had
exclusive rights to the water in the tank house without coming to blows and Mr.
Haskell got a good one on the top of the head with a spanner, which settled
matters until the following day, when one of the east side engine crew called
at No. 2 engine house telling the man who was cleaning the Silsby what he would
do and proceeded to carry out his threat.
The Phoenix boy ran out and rang the bell—the rope then hung outside the
north wall; this alarm soon brought a number of firemen, who were employees of Woodard & Stone, on the scene and the
intruder was soon out of sight.
The officers and
engineers of our engine companies in 1877 were John Muth, foreman and chief, F.
Bursinger, engineer, E. Kunert, assistant engineer, Charles Fuermann, stoker,
Fred Spink, foreman No. 2, C. E. Straw, engineer No. 2, Edwin Moore, assistant
engineer, Frank Eaton, stoker. The
latter also served as secretary of the Phoenix
Company.
Watertown Democrat, 01 27 1859
During the two or
three days past the ice packers [harvesters] have been taking as fine, clear
and solid ice out of the river as we have ever seen.
Watertown Democrat, 01 27 1859
CONFECTIONARY. Mr. Thomas
Moore’s confectionary store is among the best in the State. Everything in the way of toys and candies, nuts
and fruit can always be found at his establishment, which has long been the
paradise of children. As he does a
wholesale as well as retail business, all who wish to buy confectionary by the
quantity should purchase from him as he can sell as cheap as anybody and all
his articles are the best quality.
↓ More on Thomas Moore’s Candy
Store
↓
News Depot
Watertown Democrat, 09 22 1859
Mr. John Miller has removed his
News Depot from the Post Office to Thomas Moore’s Candy Store, where the latest
magazines and papers can be obtained by all who want to purchase them. Among the latest periodicals on his counter
are Godey’s Lady’s Book for October
and Harper’s Magazine—the last named
of which is a brilliant and attractive number, superbly
Watertown
Republican, 03 06 1895
Thieves
effected entrance to the smoke-house in the rear of Lindon's meat-market Monday
night and got away with about seventy-five pounds of hams, which were being
smoked for customers. [Joseph Lindon
Meat Mkt, 208 W Main, res. same, 1895]
↓ More on Lindon's Meat-Market ↓
Pork and Beef Packing
Establishment
Watertown
Democrat, 01 19 1860
Pork
and Beef Packing Establishment of Joseph Lindon, West Avenue, Watertown, Wis.
[today location of public library], has constantly in store and for sale, mess
pork, mess beef [barreled cured beef], leaf lard in bbls. and half bbls. [leaf
lard has little pork flavor, making it ideal for use in baked goods], bacon
(green and smoked), smoked sugar cured hams, smoked sugar cured shoulders,
etc., etc., etc., at wholesale and retail.
He also keeps a market where can be had at any time at the lowest cash
prices the choicest pieces of all kinds of meats, as he takes particular pains
to have the best variety constantly on hand.
Cash paid for all kinds of stock and produce.
Watertown Democrat, 01 27 1859
C. A. Sprague,
Watertown, Wisconsin, wholesale & retail dealer in drugs, medicines, chemicals,
paints, oils, glass, varnishes, turpentine, dyestuffs, fancy articles,
perfumery, trusses and shoulder braces, pure wines and liquors for medicinal
purposes, books, stationary and wall paper.
Watertown
Republican,
11 28 1894
The first matched
game of football between the Northwestern
University and Sacred Heart College eleven
was played yesterday afternoon on the former's campus. Although the weather was extremely cold and a
strong northwest wind prevailed, the teams put up a fairly good game and showed
numerous strong points in the individual work of the players. As the elevens came on the field it was seen
that the Sacred Hearts averaged heavier by several pounds than their opponents
. . . The features of the game were the sprinting of Farrell and Quinlen, the
tackling of Stuehm, and the work of Krafft and Brand back of the line, although
the latter was open to criticism for not better guarding his goal. The time of each half of the game was cut
from the customary thirty-five minutes to twenty minutes. The Northwesterns play the Milwaukee Athletic
Society eleven tomorrow at Milwaukee.
↓ More on Northwestern vs. Sacred
Heart
↓
Watertown Gazette, 11 30 1894
An account of the
football game between Northwestern and Sacred Heart. Interesting statements like "it proves
that rugby is a manly sport and when played by gentlemen is not so utterly bad
after all."
Northwestern University Cornerstone
Watertown
Republican,
10 24 1894
Appropriate
exercises marked the laying of the cornerstone at the Northwestern University Monday
afternoon. Seated on the platform
erected for the purpose, near the cornerstone, where the participants in the
ceremony, including the visiting clergymen, the trustees, the faculty, the
contractors and architects, and the college band. The latter opened the program with music,
followed by an oration in English by Rev. Julius Gamm, a professor in the
institution. The choir then sang, and
Prof. Notz delivered the dedicatory address on behalf of the university.
A choral service
led by Rev. J. H. Brockmann, of St. Mark’s Church,
followed and after that came the laying of the stone. There was a large audience present to witness
the ceremonies, and a collection for the benefit of the building fund was taken
up. Rev. P. Von Rohn, of Winona, Minn.,
president of the Wisconsin Lutheran Synod, was among the notables visiting
clergy.
The cornerstone is
placed in the southwest corner of the entirely new addition to the building and
is of brown sand stone. It is inscribed
with the name of the institution, the date, and the name of the architect, O.
C. Uehing. The building is being erected
by Duke, Schroeder & Co. of Milwaukee.
Watertown
Republican,
11 28 1894
Work has begun on
the new factory of C. May & Sons, located at the foot of Western Avenue, on
a lot directly joining their cold storage on the west. The lot was recently purchased by them from
the Globe Milling Company and the purchase includes the latter’s old office
building. The new structure is to be of
stone and brick, one story high, and 36 x 45 feet in size. It will be fitted with the latest improved
machinery. Messrs. May & Sons expect
to occupy their new quarters by the first of January. C. [Carl?] Stiemke is the contractor.
[In 1867 Fred Miller formed a partnership with Christian
May; the firm did a large cooperage business with sawmill and stave factory
which continued several years.]
Watertown Democrat, 01 27 1859
Sixth Lecture. Mr. E. A. Calkins, Editor of the Madison Democrat, has accepted an invitation to deliver
the next lecture before the Young Men’s
Association and will consequently fulfill his engagement next Monday
evening, the 31st inst. His subject is
“What we are made for!”—a truly great question, an answer to which has troubled
and puzzled mortals through all time.
Mr. Calkins is an impressive and pleasing speaker, an able and ready
writer, with rare and brilliant imaginative powers, which have enabled him to
win an enviable reputation as a poet. He
has been long and honorably connected with the press of Wisconsin and ranks
among the most talented and accomplished editors in the West. That his lecture will be more than ordinarily
attractive and interesting we hazard nothing in saying. We sincerely hope that he will have a large
audience, for we are sure that all who attend will be richly compensated for
their time.
Dedication of St. John’s Church,
Jefferson
Watertown Democrat, 01 27 1859
Dedication of St.
John’s Church [Jefferson]. On Sunday,
the 9th inst., this church was dedicated to the service of Almighty God, with
all the rites and pomp peculiar to the Catholic Church by Bishop Henni and
Professor De Berge of Milwaukee, assisted by the Rev. F. X. Minderer, the
officiating clergymen of the church in presence of a crowded congregation. The altar was tastefully ornamented with
several scriptural paintings—one figurative of our Savior’s agony in the
garden, beautifully executed. Professor
De Berge preached a sermon in the morning, in German, and Bishop Henni followed
in English, giving great satisfaction to those present. The services were concluded about two o’clock
p.m., when the congregation dispersed. –Jeffersonian [Henni was the bishop of the Milwaukee
archdiocese, Father De Berge was a professor at Milwaukee’s Ecclesiastical
Seminary and Father Minderer was the parish priest at Jefferson and was later
assigned to St. Henry’s, Watertown].
Mildness of the Passing Season
Watertown Democrat, 02 03 1859
The mildness of the
passing season may had led some to suppose that there has been little occasion
for the exercise of a discriminating charity in our minds this winter. Such is not entirely the case, for now as
ever “The poor we always have with us.”
There have been instances of uncomplaining suffering, where a little
help kindly extended would have done much to lighten the heavily pressing
burden of poverty . . . We have heard of some such cases in this city, and now
simply allude to the fact to remind those in whose bosoms the “heavenly flame” of
charity yet burns bright and pure, to bear in mind that “God’s Poor” are with
us yet and gratitude to Him who may have given us a competence if not an
abundance, requires [that] we should share our plenty with those who have
nothing.
Watertown Democrat, 02 03 1859
The members of the Young Men’s Association are engaged in an
effort to procure the means of making some desirable additions to their
library. We are glad to be able to state
that so far they have succeeded very well, and in a short time will probably
purchase over a hundred dollars worth of new and valuable works, including some
of the best and most popular that have been published recently. As this is the only
public library in this city, all who can should contribute to this object,
and so do something towards placing within reach of the whole community books
that many would like to have the privilege of reading, but which would,
perhaps, be inaccessible otherwise. In
this way, without anyone’s making any great sacrifice, a useful and increasing
collection of standard books will gradually be brought together . . . We understand that those who help in raising
the fund it is proposed to devote to this purpose will be invited to aid in
making out a list of such works as it may be thought best to buy under the
circumstances, which course will give all the voice in the matter, and each
will be able to a certain extent to have his taste or preference gratified. From beginnings far smaller than this, many
extensive libraries have been created.
By doing a little every year in this respect, it will not be long before
we begin to reap the fruits of our liberality in having conveniently at hand a
library to which we can resort for the indulgence of a habit of reading, which
may be a source of more pleasure and improvement than almost any other we may
form.
↓ More on Books for Library ↓
Books for the Public Library
Watertown Democrat, 02 10 1859
We are requested to
state that next Thursday, the 17th inst., Messrs. F. E. Shandrew, C. A. Sprague
and Geo. L. Field, who have been appointed a committee for this purpose, will
call at the residences of citizens to ascertain what contributions they are
willing to make in books to the Young Men’s Library, a strenuous effort to
increase which is now being made. It is
thought many would be willing to add some interesting and useful volumes who
cannot conveniently, or in justice to themselves, give money. In this way many standard or popular and
instructive works may be made to the collection now being gathered together
without in the least causing the liberal to make any sacrifice. Let all look over their book shelves and see
what volumes they can spare without detriment to themselves and place them
where others can have the use of them.
By this means parties may accommodate each other and the public
generally and not feel any loss.
Watertown Democrat, 02 03 1859
The Planters’ Hotel has recently been overhauled from
top to bottom and is now ready for the reception of visitors. It is under the management of its former
popular and experienced landlord, Mr. A. F. Cady, who takes not only great
pains in giving his old friends and customers a cordial welcome, but will spare
no care to make an agreeable and comfortable home for all new ones. We hope “Mine Host” will always have a house
full upon whom to bestow his attentions, for he knows how to fill those who
place themselves under his care.
↓ More on Planter’s Hotel ↓
Common Council
Watertown Democrat, 02 10 1859
Resolved, That the
Marshal be and he is hereby directed to notify the occupant of the Planter’s
Hotel to remove the sign and post recently erected on the northwest corner of
said premises, to remove the same within 24 hours after notice shall be given
him, and in case of refusal so to do, the Marshal is hereby required to remove
the same immediately thereafter.
Watertown Democrat, 02 03 1859
The revival in the Methodist Church still continues with unabated zeal
and fervor. We do not like to apply the
word excitement to such an awakening of the mind on religious subjects, but the
present movement has been productive of much good and some who have not entered
the House of Worship for years have become members of a Christian church, and
there is no doubt that they will walk in the light which faith sheds on the
path way of life.
Watertown Democrat, 02 03 1859
O. B. Sanford & Co. wants saw logs at their
establishment on the east side of Rock River.
They wish to purchase a large number and pay the highest cash
price. If we should have a run of
sleighing, all who have any of the timber for which they advertise in another
column, they cannot do better than bring it along and get their money for it.
↓ More on Sanford & Co ↓
Sanford & Co
New Manufacturing Establishment
Watertown Democrat, 03
17 1859
Ours is not a commercial city and we
have no ocean or lake coast to give us the trade of a continent or a
world. But we have unsurpassed
manufacturing facilities, by the improvement of which our place can become
populous, wealthy and prosperous.
Looking with peculiar favor upon every effort to build up our home
interest, we notice with pleasure the new establishment which Sanford & Co.
have just put in operation for the manufacture of lumber and flour
barrels. It consists of a mill with
circular saws, which cuts all kinds of logs into every variety of building
material in the shortest space of time, of a stave saw which makes 3,000 staves
a day, a heading machine which turns out, all fitted and ready for use, 1,500
barrel heads a day, of a planer of the stave as it is first roughly shaped, and
of a jointing machine—in short every necessity to make a good barrel as it
exists in the timber until it comes out ready to be packed with the staff of
life, to be used at home or sent a thousand miles off to a distant market. This establishment gives steady employment to
some fifteen men and consumes annually large quantities of raw material now
standing in our forests. It is well
organized and everything about it goes on with the regulation of clock
work. All the different pieces of
machinery are carried by a water power, which, since the completion of the new
dam, is reliable and unfailing. A few
more such establishments will do a great deal towards increasing the business
of our city, furnishing a permanent home, and bringing among us a large number
of industrious and intelligent artisans.
The enterprising proprietors have taken the right step to advance their
own interests and that of the community where they live.
↓ More on Sanford & Co ↓
Sanford Fire
Watertown
Democrat, 01 12 1860
Two
stave dry houses in the Sixth Ward belonging to Mr. O. B. Sanford, filled with
barrel staves, were entirely consumed by fire
last evening. There was no insurance on
them and their destruction will involve an entire loss of three or four hundred
dollars. The fire was accidental and is
the more to be regretted as Mr. Sanford was just getting in good working order
an establishment for manufacturing a first rate quality of flour barrel staves
that promised to be successful and extensive.
Watertown Democrat, 02 03 1859
The price of
oysters having declined, Peter Brook & Co. would
like to have the lovers of that bivalve understand the fact, as he has a large
lot of the best that can be obtained from either New York or Baltimore, at the
reduced price. The game season having
ended and the time past when a brace of partridges or half dozen quails could
be purchased any day in the street, we feel considerable interest in the
change. Then again, we suppose, to make
up for the loss of birds, every variety of choice fruit, green and dried, can
always be found at the well supplied depot on the south side of the bridge, not
to mention the confectionary and nuts which Peter always keeps to please his
numerous customers, whether old or young.
The fact that while everything else is becoming dearer, fresh oysters
are becoming cheaper, should largely increase the demand for the latter, and
the best and cheapest are always kept at the favorite depot.
Fresh shell oysters
Watertown
Democrat, 09 15 1859
Fresh
shell oysters are already in town and F. P. Brook has them as a matter of course
and he is the only dealer in these delicious bivalves of whom they can be had
in this city, at the present date. He is
ready to serve them up in any way his customers may prefer and that in the
finest style which the pleasant art of seeking oysters has yet reached. “Peter” is a careful observer of the seasons
and keeps a keen eye on the choice things that belong to each. A splendid array of fruit, the nicest of
confectionary, new cider of the most agreeable flavor, and now to crown all,
fresh shell oysters to any extent that may be desired.
Watertown and Madison Railroad
Watertown Democrat, 02 03 1859
The iron on the Watertown and Madison railroad has been
laid to Waterloo and the work of extending it to Hanchetville is going rapidly
forward. Construction trains daily pass
over the track as far as it is ready, carrying along the line ties, rails and
other material necessary to put a road in running order. The completion of this road to the Capitol at
no distant day we now regard as certain.
From some point near Hanchettville [Marshall] a branch will probably be
built to Baraboo Valley, the agricultural resources of which will furnish it
with a good paying business. Should the
gaps in the Chicago and Fond du Lac road ever be built, it is evident that the
tide of travel from the north east portion of the state must be drawn from
Milwaukee and pass through our city to the west. This will be an important saving of time, distance
in money—points of advantage which no sharp and practical man will ever
overlook in estimating the cost of a journey either for pleasure or profit.
Rural Debating Clubs
Watertown Democrat, 02 03 1859
It will be
remembered that Gov. Randall, in his last annual message, suggested the propriety
of the citizens of every town in the state organizing societies for the purpose
of discussing the thousand questions relating to the best method of cultivating
the soil, in having occasional lectures from gentleman of intelligence and
experience on grain raising, fruit growing, stock improvement, and the many
other topics that might be usefully brought under consideration. The idea, though not new, is a good one and
has long been carried in many states with decided success. It is believed that a course of lectures
might be secured in almost every farming community, which would be in every way
profitable, not only to those whose living and pecuniary prosperity depend upon
agricultural knowledge, but to the people generally. Most of these lectures could probably be
obtained at little expense, from competent men in the immediate vicinity. But good lectures, even if at considerable
expense, would be a profitable investment.
Our new ideas of practical importance in regard to manures, or any other
of the numerous subjects belonging to agriculture, would pay, in the results of
next summer’s labor, for the whole course.
Serenaders
Watertown Democrat, 02 03 1859
The serenaders go
the rounds now and then, when the stars are brightest and all the world is silently
reposing in the arms of “tired nature’s sweet restorer.” At such an hour, when we least expect it, to
be softly awakened out of “balmy sleep” by a “concord of sweet sounds” stealing
gently on the ear, is always pleasant and agreeable. We must return our thanks to those who paid
us that compliment of a visit the other evening and say to them that long did
the tones and words of the beautiful songs with which they came to greet us
linger in our ears, after expression had died from the lips that so tunefully
warbled them forth.
Watertown Democrat, 02 03 1859
The last month of
winter is with us, but as yet we have none of the severe cold both the eastern
and western papers talk about. Yesterday
and today there have been appearances and attempts at snowing and blowing and
freezing, but not much of the reality.
Instead of the clear ringing of the merry bells chiming in with the
musical voices of some lighthearted and pleasure-going company, we have to put
up with the heavy rumble of slowly moving wagons, the owners all wondering when
there will be sleighing and winter will begin.
The much talked about but rarely seen “six weeks sledding in March” will
have to do the thing for us this year.
↓ More on Winter of 1859 ↓
Watertown Democrat, 02 17 1859
The ice in the
river is rapidly dissolving and disappearing.
In many places it is gone and the water shimmers and sparkles with a
spring-like smile of freedom. There is
no snow on the ground. The fields look
bare and brown, bereft, as they are, of both the white mantle of winter and the
green verdure of summer. If the present
warm and sunny weather continues we may expect an early return of buds, leaves
and flowers.
Winter wheat, we
are told by the farmers, has suffered very little from the open and mild winter
that is just drawing to a close. There
have been better seasons for fall sown grain, but the past has by no means been
a bad one. Very little has been damaged
or killed and if the spring proves favorable the harvest will be large and
ample.
The wild ducks are
beginning to visit us from the South. In
the absence of other game they afford fine sport for the hunter and are now in
the best condition for the table. When
they first reach us in the spring they are generally plump and full, having
found plenty to eat in the bays and rivers which they frequent in the South.
↓ More on Winter of 1859 ↓
Watertown Democrat, 02 17 1859
If you would have a
sleigh ride you must go while the snow lasts.
Feeling the full force of this truth and observing that the little snow
on the ground was likely to go off as soon as it came, a universal
determination was formed by a large number of our citizens to make good use of
it while it remained. Accordingly, last
Monday afternoon there was a general sleigh ride. All went who could find, hire, borrow, hook
or steal a team. The first we knew of
the movement was to find a neat cutter and fine horse standing in front of our
door, from W. H. Humphrey’s extensive and well furnished livery establishment,
with an invitation to sport with the crowd.
So to the ride we went with the long procession of the gayest and best
turnouts the city affords and over the long, smooth, prairie-like road, which
was in the best condition, we dashed and played to our hearts content. There must have been sixty or seventy teams
flying and running in all directions over the level surface that furnished so
good a field for the display of horsemanship.
The music of the jingling bells, the excitement of the occasional race,
the ring of merry voices, the smiles on happy faces, all combined to make the
affair pleasant and delightful, and none the less so because in some respects
it was a surprise party. This was the
first chance for anything like an old fashioned sleigh ride that has presented
itself so far this winter and according to present appearances will be the
last, for the snow has nearly all disappeared in the April-like warmth and
sunshine which makes all seem and look so spring-like and bright.
Watertown Democrat, 02 10 1859
A gleam of
sunshine—the display of desire to do a good thing—now and then breaks through
the heavy mass of the dreary proceedings of Congress and seems to indicate that
the more popular branch of the national legislature does not consider itself
entirely above consulting the wishes of the people, whose voice is always
entitled to a respectable hearing.
On the 1st of the
present month, the House of Representatives passed a HOMESTEAD BILL by a vote
of 128 to 76, giving to the head of every family who is a citizen of the United
States or has declared his intentions to become such, one hundred and sixty
acres of unappropriated lands belonging to the general government. The favorable action of the Senate and the
signature of the President are all that is necessary to make the just and
beneficent principle, on which the proposed act is based, the settled policy of
the nation, so far as the future disposal of our vast public domains is
concerned.
[Areas] broad and
rich enough for the organization of many great flourishing states, within the
ample limits of some of which the first pioneer has yet to make his appearance
and build his hut, hundreds of miles, it may be, away from the nearest
settlement, and there in patience and solitude, await the approach of
civilization. If he is yet a young man,
it is more than probable that before he has passed much beyond mid-life, he
will have neighbors with whom to exchange the hospitalities of society, schools
in which to educate his children, churches in which to worship, journals from
which to read the latest news, railroads over which to travel, a government to
protect his life, name and property . . .
Watertown Democrat, 02 10 1859
Clothes stealing is
a business that is carried on to a considerable extent in this city just
now. Two or three instances have
recently occurred where families have been robbed of nearly a whole washing at
a time, the clothes having been left on the line through the evening. That this, like most other cities, is
infested with gangs who make it a business to engage in the meanest of all
kinds of plunder, is pretty certain, or there would not be so much complaint of
losses of this kind. We allude to these
incidents for the purpose of setting those on their guard who may not be aware
of the danger they run leaving their clothes exposed.
Henry Bertram, Campaign for City
Treasurer
Watertown Democrat, 02 10 1859
To the Electors of
the City of Watertown. The undersigned
would respectfully announce to the citizens of Watertown that, at the
solicitations of his friends, he will be a candidate for the office of City
Treasurer at the coming municipal election.
Should he be elected he will devote his time and attention to the
discharge of his duties as a public officer and endeavor to meet the approval
of the public by the promptness and punctuality with which he will meet every
obligation that will then devolve upon him.
Watertown, February
10, 1859
↓ More on Henry Bertram ↓
Watertown Democrat, 02 10 1859
Municipal
Offices. The time for holding spring
elections is rapidly approaching and will soon engage the minds of the
people. The selection of capable and
honest men to fill local offices is always a matter of importance and should be
the leading purpose of every elector in casting his vote. Among those who will be a candidate for the
office of Treasurer in this city will be found the name of Henry Bertram, the
present able and popular Mayor. Mr.
Bertram has served faithfully four years as Alderman and two as Mayor, and in
both capacities he has shown himself a prudent and judicious officer, always
seeking to serve the public well. He has
all the requisite qualifications to make a prompt and efficient Treasurer and
if elected would discharge his official duties with an intelligence and
punctuality that would be perfectly satisfactory to all classes. Mr. Bertram is a gentleman so well known to
this community that it is not necessary to say anything in his favor to
strengthen his claims on the confidence and good will of his fellow
citizens. All know if chosen he will
make an accommodating, popular, upright and reliable public servant, and none
other is wanted or should be honored with the suffrages of the majority. - Watertown Democrat
↓ More on Henry Bertram ↓
Watertown Democrat, 03
31 1859
The friends of Mayor Bertram—a gentleman
who has faithfully served the public in various capacities during the last four
years—should remember his claims to their active efforts [at the election] next
Tuesday and give him a practical demonstration of their regard for him.
↓ More on run for City Treasurer ↓
Watertown Democrat, 02 17 1859
The office of City
Treasurer is really as important as any municipal position known to our
charter. We strongly approve of the plan
of volunteer candidates for most places filled by the people at their spring
elections. When this course in pursued
we are more likely to have a larger choice of capable men. Henry Graves will be one of those to propose
to run for this office next April. He is
well qualified to correctly discharge all its duties—being an experienced,
careful and prompt business man. He
would make a good officer and give no occasion for the people to regret his
election.
Watertown Democrat, 02 10 1859
Resolved, That a
committee be appointed to confer with Messrs. Bieber & Co. and ascertain
the amount of rent for “lock up” for the
ensuring year and also what repairs, if any, may be needed to the same.
Resolved, That the
City Clerk is hereby authorized and required to cancel the contract entered
into by P. B. Basford with the City of Watertown for the erection of two Public School Houses, and deliver to him his
bond on file as surety for the erection of the same.
Resolved, That the
Treasurer be authorized to call upon John Luber, Esq., late City Treasurer, to
pay into the Treasury the sum of seven dollars, not paid over by him to his
successor in office as required by law, which seven dollars was paid him as
Treasurer by Daniel Hall, Esq., and in case of the refusal of said Luber to pay
the same, the Treasurer is authorized to sue said Luber and his surety for the
amount, immediately after said refusal.
Watertown [German] Rifle Company
Watertown Democrat, 02 24 1859
The German Rifle
Company [assumed to be same as Watertown Rifle Co] came out on the 22d of
February in commemoration of Washington’s birthday. They, if nobody else, were mindful of the day
that gave birth to the noblest champion freedom ever had. “What are you going to parade today for?”
said a Yankee to a Dutchman, as the latter went along the street dressed in the
uniform of his company. “That is a
question no countryman of Washington ought to ask,” was the quick and slightly
sarcastic reply.
Watertown Democrat, 02 17 1859
Mr. D. Wing, who is
just bringing to a close a course of lessons in fancy dancing, is now giving a
series of cotillion parties on Friday evenings at the close of the regular
exercises, which are very pleasant and delightful. Though not intended to be public yet the
parents of scholars and those receiving cards are invited to be present and
join in the amusements of the occasion.
As all know who have been under his instruction, Mr. Wing is a
successful and accomplished teacher in the art of dancing and we hope his
parties will be fully attended. The cost
to those going will only be trifling, just enough to defray the expenses of
music, lights and room, while the real enjoyment may be much more than that
experienced at larger and more formal assemblages.
Watertown Democrat, 02 17 1859
The season that
reminds us of bright, clear, pleasant days intervening between cool frosty mornings
and evenings, must be nearby or is even now upon us, judging from the mild
weather we are having. Some farmers have
already tapped their trees and if the spring is favorable there will be a
pretty large amount manufactured. As an
article of commerce there is usually a ready sale for maple sugar at paying
prices. Those who have the groves and
the means will do well to make the most of them.
Watertown Democrat, 02 17 1859
A trip to Pike’s
Peak is now the general talk among a considerable number of our citizens. Our hearty wish is for their success, and if
a word from us could give it to them, they should all have it beyond their
fondest expectations—gold plenty, romance and contentment should be theirs in
the fullest measure. But after reading
all the accounts we could find relative to the auriferous [yielding or
containing gold] wealth of that region, we have not been able to resist the
conclusion that the element of humbug largely mingles in the excitement. Those out of employment—who have nothing else
to do and cannot lose anything in the event, whether they find gold dust or
sand, and are in want of a little variety, adventure and experience, if they
have got the fever—had better go. For those
who are doing well it will be at the very least a hazardous enterprise and, in
too many instances, a fatal undertaking.
Some may go with nothing and return with much—others will go with much
and return with nothing. If an election
should take place and the parties are divided into these two classes, the
latter would have an overwhelming majority and sweep all before them.
↓ More on Pike’s Peak ↓
Emigration to Pike’s Peak
Watertown Democrat, 03
17 1859