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Miscellaneous set

 

Curtain Club’s production of “Pajama Game”

Watertown Daily Times, 03 01 1967

 

The male and female leaders in Curtain Club’s production of “Pajama Game” are Reuben Feld and Mrs. Edward Smith.  In looks and talent they form a duo which is hard to surpass and is sure to be a delight to everyone seated at Turner Hall on March 4 and 5 at 8:15 p.m.  Mrs. Smith (Mary) is cast as Babe Williams, head of the union’s grievance committee.  Babe is a loving person who feels intensely that the workers in her particular factory are victims of injustice, and that she must do everything in her power to rectify the situation, regardless of the consequences to her personal life.  By her dedication to this musical, Mrs. Smith has followed many of the precepts indicative to her stage character.  She has given unstintingly of her time and energy to meet an exceedingly demanding rehearsal schedule.  In addition, she has pleasantly helped other cast members whenever possible.

 

Super 8 Motel

Watertown Daily Times, 04 12 1992

 

The location of the proposed Super 8 motel in Watertown has moved, although most people probably won’t notice the change.  Mark D. Adrian, operating partner of Watertown Hospitality Inc., said his firm has purchased 3.3 acres of land from the R.J. Voigt Real Estate Agency.  This property, located at the corner of state Highway 26 and County Trunk Y, is directly south of the previous proposed location of the motel complex.  The Voigt property previously had a sign advertising a proposed American Budget Inn, but that motel will not be built now that the land has been sold.  “We didn’t need two new motels at that location,” Adrian said.  Adrian said the firm continues to hold an option to purchase the 3.95-acre parcel, currently owned by David Welbourne, and is looking for a potential development for the site, which is adjacent to the Super 8 property.

 

Fellowship Baptist Church

Watertown Daily Times, 04 11 1992

 

A day of special music, messages and activities is planned Sunday as members of Fellowship Baptist Church hold a dedication service and open house at the new facility.  The special day begins with Sunday school at 10 a.m., when gifts will be presented to children of all ages.  The morning worship service is planned at 11 a.m., with founding pastor, the Rev. Randy Jaeggli, as guest speaker.  The dedication service at 3 p.m. will include a message from the Rev. Paul Auckland of Sellersville, Pa.  Fellowship Baptist Church was formed in 1987 and has held worship services in an area town hall, the Elks Lodge and the Mason building.  Construction of the new facility began in August 1991, and the first service was held Jan. 26.  The church is located at 605 Welsh Road, north of the new Farm & Fleet store on the east side of Welsh Road.

 

Honor Roll in Municipal Building

Watertown Daily Times, 03 20 1967

 

Months of work spent in preparing Watertown’s Honor Roll, listing the men and women who served in the nation’s armed forces, will be climaxed here Monday evening in the municipal building when the name plates are placed in the automatic revolving display case where they will be on permanent view and record.  Members of the committee, representing the three major service organizations here, are: AMVETS — Al Stengel, Al Tobalske, John Kube. Legion — Ceilan Baker, Palmer Freres, Palmer Wickert. VFW — Gene Schlesner, Lowell Dubois, Lloyd Giese. Members of the special common council committee are Aldermen Phil Gerloff, Erich Nuernberg and Dan Grinwald.

 

Fuller's Music and Sewing Store

Watertown Gazette, 05 09 1890

 

One or the very finest pianos ever brought to Watertown is now on exhibit at S. B. Fuller's Music and Sewing machine house.  It is one of A. B. Chase's Cabinet Grand, Style 16, finished and highly polished in walnut, natural color.  The work throughout is a marvel of excellence, and for sweetness of tone, nothing like it has ever been heard here.  The price of it is $900, and the probabilities are it will become the property of a Watertown young lady.

 

Knick & Braunschweig

Watertown Republican, 04 11 1903

 

A New Firm.  P. H. Knick and Fred Braunschweig have opened a photograph gallery at 305 Main Street, over Pohlmann’s shoe store.  The firm will be known as Knick & Braunschweig.

 

Straw Residence Sold

Watertown Republican, 04 11 1903

 

The Straw residence property at the corner of Church and Emmet streets was sold at sheriff’s sale last Saturday morning to John Thauer for $1906.  The property has a frontage on Church Street of 132 feet with a depth of 82 1/2 feet and contains a large brick house.  Deputy Sheriff Gus Struck sold the property.  To the sale price must be added taxes to the amount of about S200.

 

1899-1900 Watertown City Directory

 

 

Singer Sewing Machine Cos. branch agency

Watertown Republican, 05 09 1903

 

The Singer Sewing Machine Cos. has opened a branch agency in this city at 119 North Fourth Street.  W. F. Moenning of Sheboygan, has charge of the business and arrived on Tuesday evening with his household goods.  Mrs. Moenning and their two children arrived Thursday evening and have commenced housekeeping in the rear of their business place for the present.  Mr. Moenning is an experienced man in the machine business and is ready to show a full line of the first-class article.  He is also prepared to do all kinds of repairing in his line in a satisfactory manner and at reasonable prices.  Mr. Moenning will undoubtedly receive a generous patronage.

 

 

Dr. F. Hoermann’s home

411 South Third Street

Watertown Republican, 05 20 1903

 

TASTY IMPROVEMENTS.  What was an entire piece of wilderness for many years has been turned into a fine lot on [409 South] Third Street, bordering on the north side of Dr. F. Hoermann’s residence [411 South Third].  It has been cultivated and cleared of all filth and has now numerous flowers beds with an oleander tree in the center.  This work is much appreciated and enhances the beauty and neatness of the city, as well as adding financially to the value of the property, which is owned by Wm. A. Buerhaus, one of our prosperous dry goods merchants.

 

1899-1900 Watertown City Directory

 

Tool Shop Opened

Watertown Republican, 05 20 1904

 

Ernst Engelman has opened a shop at 211 North Third Street, for the purpose of grinding and filing tools of all kinds.  Mr. Engelman is an experienced man in this line of work.

 

Marilyn Moran

Watertown Daily Times, 07 02 2006

 

Marilyn Moran has enjoyed working with the elderly population since 1962.  She has been with Beverly Terrace for the past 26 years.  Recently, Beverly Terrace celebrated her retirement with an afternoon party of appreciation.  Moran joined Beverly Terrace in 1980 as an activity assistant.  A native of Michigan, Moran moved to Watertown in 1956 after marrying her husband, Al Moran.  She became the director of the Funster Club for the city of Watertown and held this position for 18 years.  The Funster group grew from 25 members to over 175 during her directorship.  During that time she drove for FISH and Meals on Wheels as well.

 

Christmas 1891

Watertown Gazette, 01 02 1891

 

The observance of Christmas day in Watertown did not differ materially from similar occasions, although the merriness of the day was somewhat lessened by Mother Earth being entirely free of snow, which usually adds to a merry Christmas in this portion of the world.  Offices, stores, and in fact all places of business were closed, and at the churches the customary Christmas services were rendered, each vying with the other in celebrating the great festival in a truly Christian spirit. . . .

 

She's a Swindler

Watertown Gazette, 10 31 1898

 

A few days since a strange lady visited our city and disposed of a recipe for $5.00 to several ladies here, claiming that the mixture prepared from the recipe was excellent for curling and coloring feathers.  On submitting the recipe to druggists, it was found that such a mixture would produce a terrible explosion and would burn feathers or anything else placed in it.  She's a swindler:  look out for her.

 

Rock River Queen

Watertown Daily Times, 07 02 2006

 

The saga of how a cargo barge was turned into a river belle begins with a man who has a feel for history, is mechanically inclined, and likes to putz with boats.  The story has a happy ending with three men enjoying a cruise down the river in the new Rock River Queen, a barge-turned-paddle wheeler.  Although the boat is owned by Hank Rabbach and Bill Loeb of Watertown, the paddle wheeler is actually a community commodity.  Rabbach, official skipper of the former barge, said, “Everybody for 10 miles around donated stuff for this boat.”

 

The Hotels of this City

Watertown Gazette, 12 05 1890

 

The article in last Sunday's Milwaukee Sentinel reflecting on the hotels of this city by one N. Friedmann, was entirely uncalled for.  We have sifted the matter here and find that his credence consists solely of losing three friendly games of "freeze out" that he indulged in with a party of four others, he being the loser to the extent of 75 cents.  The game was played merely for amusement and not for money.  If this is a case of "fleecing" we fail to see it.

 

Thanksgiving 1890

Watertown Republican, 12 03 1890

 

A beautiful day was given us for the enjoyment of Thanksgiving, the atmosphere being clear and bright, with just sufficient crispiness for outdoor pleasure.  The church services were well attended and most of the business places were closed for the afternoon and evening.

 

The union services at the M. E. church were appropriate to a proper observance of the day.  The sermon by Rev. J. M. Campbell on "Social wrongs and how to right them," was timely in its character and set forth many matters well worth heeding in this day and generation.

 

Turkey Thief

Watertown Gazette, 12 19 1890

 

For some weeks past a turkey thief has been enriching himself by raiding at night time the turkey roosts of farmers residing west of this city.  He'll receive several ounces of cold lead some night if caught at his work.

 

Bluebird Cafe

Watertown Daily Times, 12 14 1967

 

Harley Lehmann, 912 Garfield Street, has taken over the operation of the former Tastee-Freez Restaurant located at 769 North Church Street, across from the Bowl-A-Fun.  Mr. Lehmann has changed the name of the restaurant to the Bluebird Cafe.  Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, as well as pizzas will fee served.  Lehmann said he will also feature carryout service.

 

Horse and Buggy Stolen

Watertown Republican, 12 21 1890

 

Wednesday forenoon last Alanson Boomer's horse and buggy were stolen while hitched in front of Raue's store on Main Street.  Marshal Kerr being notified, he at once telephoned to different points describing the property.  Word was soon received from Fort Atkinson, that a horse and carriage answering the description given had been offered for sale there at a very low figure, and the person in charge of the property was taken to the lockup on suspicion of having stolen them.  Marshal Kerr went down to Fort Atkinson and identified the horse and carriage as belonging to Mr. Boomer.  The young man who offered them for sale was recognized as one Patrick Dunn, of Chicago, who has a habit of hanging around here three or four times a year.  He was brought before Justice Stacy Thursday morning for examination.  In default of $300 bail he was committed to Jefferson jail to await trial in the circuit court on the charge of horse stealing...

 

Farmers' Institute

Watertown Republican, 12 24 1890

 

The date of the farmers' institute to be held in this city is January 22 and 23.  The farmers of this section should not fail to improve the opportunity which this meeting will offer them to gather knowledge from the experience of others.  It should be remembered that every worker in the institute force is a practical and successful farmer, whose prosperity is a result of his perseverance and the pursuit of the best-known methods.  The experiences of such men are valuable and worthy of consideration; besides it costs the farmers who listen to it nothing.  Better still, all subjects are open to discussion, and any point not made clear by the speakers can be brought up to the fullest satisfaction of all . Let there be a full attendance.

 

Schiffler & Quentmeyer's

Watertown Republican, 12 19 1890

 

By far the most attractive window show ever arranged in Watertown, can be seen at Schiffler & Quentmeyer's.  In the window are a large eagle, a hawk, several grouse and rabbits, all tastefully arranged amid a winter scene of snow and shrubbery.  Don't fail to notice it.

 

Zautner Saloon and Restaurant

Watertown Gazette, 12 26 1890

 

An exchange, referring to fitting Bull’s death, says he was a ’’bad Indian.”  Did our esteemed contemporary ever hear of any other kind?  The only good Indian ever heard of in this glorious country is one that has passed to the happy hunting grounds. — (Waukesha Journal)

 

What's the matter with the Indian who fired the fatal bullet into Sitting Bull's body?

 

In the show window of Chas. F. Zautner's saloon and restaurant may be seen a couple of large tobacco pipes formerly owned by Sitting Bull, his knife pouch, and his ammunition bag, besides two arrows picked from the Custer battlefield, and photographs of all the Indian chiefs who took part in that battle, as well as a photograph of the scout, the only living survivor of Custer's force.  These articles were presented to Mr. Zautner- by Chas. Halligher, until recently a member of the U.S. army stationed on the frontier.

 

Bees

Watertown Gazette, 12 26 1890

 

A curious story comes from Darien about a swarm of bees that made their home between the ceiling and the floor of Fred Johnson's dwelling.  Last summer they became annoying, and when cold weather came on Johnson decided to remove them.  Taking up the floor he found three large swarms snugly domiciled for the winter, and 300 pounds of honey.

 

Golden Touch Beauty Salon

Watertown Daily Times, 06 27 1968

 

The Golden Touch Beauty Salon, a new business in Watertown located at 601 North Fourth Street, will hold an open house on Sunday, June 30 from 1 to 5 p.m.  A former gas station, the Golden Touch Salon was completely remodeled both inside and outside by its owners, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Buss.  The interior is completely paneled, partly carpeted and is air conditioned.  There are six beautician chairs, six dryers, a waiting room and wig room.

 

Gates and Carroll

Watertown Republican, 04 05 1905

 

Will Close Out Business. The farm implement business conducted by Gates and Carroll on North Water Street is for sale at a bargain. The building will be rented to the purchaser if he wishes to continue in that line. This is a fine chance for some enterprising man. Gates and Carroll.

 

715 Main Street

Watertown Daily Times, 07 25 1968

 

For weeks there have been reports in circulation here of a new restaurant and dining complex to be located in Main Street and while no one reportedly connected with the deal involved would talk about it directly, the Daily Times has learned that the new facility is to be located on the site of the former A. D. Platz home at 715 Main Street and the two properties to the east, that of Miss Leona Lewandowski and the building on the corner at Main and South Eighth Streets.  The site is directly opposite the former recreation building block in Main Street.  Plans for the new dining place are now before the State Industrial Commission and are expected to be approved within a matter of a few weeks after which a building permit will be applied for. There still is one liquor license available here so that could be applied for also.

 

Pipersville Cemetery

Watertown Daily Times, 07 31 1993

 

What began as a seemingly simple request to purchase a grave site may have started a task in preserving the history of the first residents of the township.  When Ixonia resident Ken Buss requested to purchase a spot next to his mother’s lot in the Pipersville cemetery, the town found itself questioning what its procedure was concerning the sale of burial lots.  There were questions such as, “Does the town sell lots or is the cemetery closed?”  “How much?” and “Which lots are occupied and which are unoccupied?”  The latter question has proved to be one of the more intriguing for Ixonia supervisor Wayne Winter, who even sought the help of a UW researcher. Al Divine, a computer graphic designer at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the School of Education, pursued a three-week research of the cemetery recently.

 

2013 Parade of Homes / 1333 Livsey Place

 

The spacious and light-filled home reminiscent of an early English storybook cottage of Mark and Lisa Sweet, 1333 Livsey Place, will be one of five homes open for viewing Sunday as part of the 20th annual Holiday Parade of Homes.

 

Sponsored by the Watertown Main Street Program, the event will be held from 1-5 p.m. Proceeds from the tour will be divided between the Main Street Program for downtown beautification projects and the Alpha Life Resource Center, which offers free and confidential services that include pregnancy testing, counseling and parenting resources, as well as infant, child and maternity clothing and supplies. The center also offers referrals for educational, professional and/or medical help, housing and financial assistance. It operates solely on donations and fundraising efforts.

 

Built in 1922 for Dr. Theodore C. Abelmann, the Sweets are the fifth owners of the Tudor Revival style home. Since purchasing the house in 1989, they have updated their house to reflect the needs of a modern-day family while maintaining the unique character of the historic home. Among the most striking feature of the Sweets’ house is the cedar shingle roof which was designed to resemble a cottage-style thatched roof with each shingle being individually cut to curve or “wave” where the shingles terminate along dormer windows and at the bottom of the roof line.

 

An open staircase, an original fireplace, an abundance of multi-paned windows and a unique wooden “spandrel” at the top of the staircase all add to the historic charm of the Sweets’ home.

 

At Christmastime, many rooms in the Sweets’ house are decorated with their own theme. Although the majority of their decorating style is traditional, one room in the home will sport a baseball theme with a Milwaukee Brewers tree along with family and local baseball memorabilia. Another room will be decorated in a military theme to honor the Sweets’ son, Spencer, a Marine serving his third deployment to Afghanistan. The Sweets will have a collection box at their home for anyone interested in donating items to servicemen and servicewomen overseas. Items to be donated could include toiletries such as lip balm, shaving cream, deodorant, razor blades and foot powder, and food items such as granola bars, candy, nuts and dried fruit. Magazines will also be collected.

 

2013 Parade of Homes / 740 W. Main

 

The historic Victorian-style Watertown brick home of Chris Heins and family, 740 W. Main St., will be one of five houses featured on the 20th annual Holiday Parade of Homes on Sunday, Dec. 1.

 

Sponsored by the Watertown Main Street Program, the event will be held from 1-5 p.m. Proceeds from the tour will be divided between the Main Street Program for downtown beautification projects and the Alpha Life Resource Center, which offers free and confidential services that include pregnancy testing, counseling and parenting resources, as well as infant, child and maternity clothing and supplies. The center also offers referrals for educational, professional and/or medical help, housing and financial assistance. It operates solely on donations and fundraising efforts.

 

Built in 1867, the Heins family’s stately and well-preserved residence retains many elements from the time of its construction including ornate metal cresting along the roof line of the original front porch and bay window, a heavily carved front door with original bell and a cast iron fireplace surround. Although the original ceiling light fixtures were long gone by the time the Heins family purchased the home in 1987, they have since been replaced by period-appropriate fixtures that date from the late 1800s.

 

All of the furniture in the Heins home is antique and includes parlor tables, velvet-covered chairs and settees, an heirloom walnut dining room table and chair set, a solid walnut étagère, a marble-top sideboard, an Eastlake-style cylinder secretary, and many framed prints and paintings.

 

Also on display in the Heins home are a number of antique and vintage collections that include Victorian cranberry glass, an extensive number or framed silhouettes, beaded purses, quilts, small jewel caskets, rug beaters, porcelain and cast iron tea trivets, and match strikes. A unique collection of Victorian hair art — where strands of a deceased loved one’s hair is woven into wreathlike and floral shapes and preserved under glass as a memorial — also can be found within the home.

 

At Christmastime, the decorations within the Heins home reflect the family’s passion for history and antiques. Doorways will be festooned with garland, and a grand Christmas tree takes center stage in the bay window of the dining room.

 

2013 Parade of Homes / 1010 Charles St

 

The 1950s era home of Mary-Sue “Susie” Mariani, 1010 Charles St., features an updated interior which has been painted and decorated in shades designed to appeal to the feminine senses. This cozy and well-kept home will be one of five houses showcased on Dec. 1 as part of the 20th annual Holiday Parade of Homes.

 

Sponsored by the Watertown Main Street Program, the event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Proceeds from the tour will be divided between the Main Street Program for downtown beautification projects and the Alpha Life Resource Center, which offers free and confidential services that include pregnancy testing, counseling and parenting resources, as well as infant, child and maternity clothing and supplies. The center also offers referrals for educational, professional and/ or medical help, housing and financial assistance. It operates solely on donations and fund raising efforts.

 

Built-in bookcases and many pieces of heirloom furnishings grace the interior of Mariani’s home. An antique smoking stand and fan chair can be found in the home office, an antique end table and chest of drawers accent a bedroom and in the sunroom rests a large traveling trunk used by Mariani’s grandparents when they immigrated to America from Europe. Among Mariani’s most prized heirloom pieces is a picture of her father taken when he was 5 years old in 1919 that still retains its original oval brass frame with beveled glass.

 

Four six-foot tall Christmas trees take center stage in Mariani’s home during the Christmas holiday. The tree located in the sun room is decorated with white lights and red and brass ornaments. The trees located in each bedroom accent the rooms’ décor and the tree located in the home office contains multi-colored lights, vintage icicles and a variety of ornaments from around the world. Several of the ornaments are more than 70 years old.

 

Two lighted Christmas villages will be on display in the living room. Each miniature house and building was purchased by Mariani in remembrance of a particular home, downtown building or store located in Watertown, Milwaukee or Waukesha where she grew up. Mariani also recently redecorated her large laundry/utility room which will be dressed for the holidays in a Snowman theme.

 

Escape Death

Watertown Republican, 11 22 1905

 

Wednesday night, Mr. and Mrs. Nels. Hanson came very near the boundary line which divides time and eternity.  During the night coal gas escaped from a stove the cover on which was not tightly closed and when discovered they were both unconscious, and it was several hours before they were restored by Dr. J. E. Simpson who was summoned.  It was very fortunate for the couple that a messenger was sent to the house for Mr. Hanson by the party who employs him, who made the discovery and summoned help.  Their many friends in the city rejoice over their escape from death.

 

Curley’s Service Closed

Watertown Daily Times, 08 16 1968

 

Arnold (Curley) Aufdermauer, who for the past 38 years has operated Curley’s Service Station at 400 West Main Street, has gone out of business.  The last of his equipment was moved out yesterday.  He declined the invitation to lease the new and greatly enlarged Citgo station which soon will open at the same location.  Two homes north of the station were acquired by Cities Service Oil Company to provide the site for the enlarged station.

 

Elton “Tubby” Reinhard

Watertown Daily Times, 08 25 1993

 

When the Carson & Barnes Circus pulls in to town on Sunday, its arrival will bring back many memories for Watertown resident Elton “Tubby” Reinhard.  Back in the old days, before he became a professional wrestler, he was hired by circuses to put body slams on any member of the audience who had the nerve to challenge him.  He went on to become the middleweight wrestling champion of the Midwest, and almost middleweight champion of the world.  He lost a tough match, making him second in the world, but not by much.  “He knew he was in a good fight,” recalled Reinhard with a smile.  He enlisted in the service in World War II which marked the end of his professional wrestling career.

 

Habitat for Humanity

Watertown Daily Times, 06 22 2008

 

Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County is planning a new home in Watertown.  The location of the new home will be announced after funding is arranged and permits issued.  Funding for the Watertown project will come from donations, and a grant which Executive Director of Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity Lauren Cravens is optimistic will be received.  Cravens said raising funds can sometimes be a challenge.  "We don't receive any money from Habitat for Humanity International, and we can only apply for donations to businesses in Jefferson County," Cravens said.  "Our homes cost about $100,000 to build, and we rely on grants and donations. Sometimes it gets hard to keep up, which is why we applied for the grant to build in Watertown."

 

River’s Edge Espresso and Cafe

Watertown Daily Times, 10 19 2008

 

The River’s Edge Espresso and Cafe in Watertown will open Friday and will offer a variety of foods and drinks for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The cafe is an addition to The River’s Edge restaurant owned by Chuck Wendt of Watertown.  A few years ago the space was used as Riverside Creations salon.  When that business moved out Wendt used it as a game room for the restaurant and banquet hall.  The idea of a cafe came up and he has made a number of changes to offer a new environment for those seeking a drink and meal in Watertown.

 

Clothes-Line Thieves

Watertown Republican, 02 06 1900

 

Clothes-line thieves are abroad in the city, Ernst Briesemeister on North Fourth Street being visited Friday night and the laundry hanging in the yard stolen.

 

 

 

 

 

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