130 Years Ago
May 19, 1994
A blind man, with a hand organ and a boy attached, garnered a few shekels on our streets Wednesday.
A few girls attempted a leap year dance at the opera house Monday evening, but the fiddler played to an empty floor.
J. H. Amsler purchased 80 acres of the March farm this week, through the agency of Taylor & Weaver, at $52.50 per acre.
Dahler & Son are building a new delivery wagon for the Fairbury Bottling Works.
120 Years Ago
May 20, 1904
Merkle & Sons, of Peoria, just completed the erection of the Soldiers' Monument in West Lawn Cemetery, Cullom. It is a very beautiful monument of Barre, Vt. granite, standing over 25 feet high with bas-relief emblems representing the four arms of the service surmounted by a life-size figure of a soldier.
The marriage of Miss Ora Gertrude Smith, of El Paso, daughter of Hon. James A. Smith, of Chatsworth, and Dr. Newton M. Otis, of this city, will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 25th at 8:30 at the home of the perspective bride's uncle and aunt, Prof. and Mrs. S. L. Wood of Chicago. The wedding will be informal, only a few of the relatives being invited. Rev. Charles S. Davies will perform the ceremony.
School report — enrollment, boys, 213; girls, 276; total 489. Total days attended, 10,289. Average daily attendance, 455. Percentage of attendance, 93. Number of cases of tardiness, 71. Number neither absent or tardy, 208.
We have engaged Ernest Peine, an experienced tinner, and have opened a tin shop in connection with our hardware department. We are prepared to do all kinds of tin, copper and sheet iron work. Repairing, roofing, spouting, furnace work, etc. —Walton Bros. Co.
110 Years Ago
May 22, 1914
J. Lester Haberkorn, the well-known baritone, will sing at the Bon Ton Ice Cream Parlor Saturday evening and Miss Marguerite Camp will accompany him on the piano.
A costly fire occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Fultz Thursday morning about 11 o'clock. Mrs. Fultz and Mrs. Peebles were cleaning the interior of the house and it is thought that the fire was caused from a spark from the chimney. The roof was a mass of flame when the firemen arrived but they soon had the fire under control. The ceiling of one of the rooms fell in while Mrs. Peebles was trying to get something out, and her hair and face were scorched.
The rural mail carriers are now receiving $1,100 a year salary, and expect a raise to $1,200 July 1. When the routes were first started out of Fairbury the salary was about $700.
100 Years Ago
May 16, 1924
H. E. Carter, Dr. E. L. Fincham, Ed Patton and Warren Stevens left here yesterday by auto for Louisville, Ky., where they will be among the thousands who will witness the big derby tomorrow at Churchill Downs. Royce Boyle and Dr. J. E. Sargeant expect to leave this morning for Louisville.
Vivian Barnes, little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clair Barnes, cut her face on barbed wire while at play yesterday. She was taken to the hospital where the wound was dressed. Several stitches were required to close the cuts.
The Farmers Market continues to grow. More customers were on hand last Saturday than at any previous market, which shows that the patrons are appreciating this new institution more and more every week. The doors were closed to the public until two o'clock. This made it fair to all concerned and allowed the ladies to arrange their counters before the market opened.
Soldiers of Livingston County are to picnic at Peterson's grove, near Pontiac on June 15. This picnic will include soldiers of the United States Armies of all wars from 1812 up to and including the World War.
90 Years Ago
May 18, 1934
An accident occurred on U. S. Route 24, east of Forrest early Sunday morning. Ray Taylor, together with Harry Barnes, Charles Norton, Leroy Miller, Clyde Kaisner, Thelma Vance, Dorothy French and Evelyn Hirstein, had gone to Chatsworth last Saturday evening to attend a dance, and were returning home when one of the tires on the Taylor car went down. They pulled off to one side of the road to fix the puncture, when a car from Cullom, also headed west, bumped into them. The Taylor car was put out of commission and the Fairbury young people had to hitchhike home.
The work of tearing down the T. P. & W. depot got under way Monday morning and a large number of workmen have been employed all this week on the job. By tomorrow night, little if anything except the basement, will be there to tell where the building once stood. The building, which was purchased by John Bolliger, will be made over into a church for the members of the Christian Apostolic Church. This church will be located at the north-east corner of Elm and Eighth streets on lots which the church purchased a couple of years ago.
Hugh Wallace, of Forrest, hit an uncovered manhole at the intersection of Oak (Route 24) and First Streets last night about midnight. Fortunately the only damage was a blowout of a rear tire and a slightly bent rim. The manhole cover, which is of iron, had evidentially been broken by a big truck passing over it. Part of the cover fell into the manhole and a part of it was thrown across the pavement. If some of the motorists who go through Fairbury at the rate of 50 or 55 miles an hour had hit that hole it would have been just too bad.
80 Years Ago
May 19, 1944
Miss Lucie Marie Carrithers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Carrithers, of this city, who has been employed in the waterways department at Springfield for the past few years, was in St. Louis, Mo., last Friday, where she was sworn in as a member of the WAVES. She will report at Hunters College, N. Y., June 28, to take up her training. After being sworn in last Friday, Miss Carrithers was one of seven who had also been sworn in that day, who broadcast over station CBS.
Miss Emma Lou Huber, one of this year's graduation class, was presented The Blade's citizenship-scholarship award at the commencement exercises held last Friday evening. The presentation was made by a former employee of The Blade, Lt. Mahlon Morris, who is also a graduate of FTHS. As the term "citizenship-scholarship" indicates, the award is not given to the one who may be best only in his or her studies, but citizenship also enters into the award. Emma Lou has not only been a good student but has taken an active part in school life. Among other things she is editor-in-chief of the Crier, now on the press.
The Wing school officially closed on Friday with their picnic as usual. School was out two weeks previous but due to the illness of some of the pupils the picnic was held later so all could attend.
70 Years Ago
May 20, 1954
Dick Stevens and Warren Zehr were named as Fairbury delegates to the Illinois Premier Boys' State to be held at Springfield June 20-27. Dick and Warren are being sponsored by John Joda post No. 54, American Legion. Boys' State, which is operated by the Legion, each summer gives over 2,000 Illinois high school boys a chance to participate in the operation of government. The "state" is set up on the fairgrounds, with the boys divided into groups of cities and other political subdivisions.
Relatives, friends and neighbors of Ernest Tyler, of Forrest, who has been laid up for the past three weeks with a leg ailment, brought in machinery, got the ground ready and planted 85 acres of corn Friday and Saturday of last week. Those taking part in the bee were Joe Metz, Gene Metz, Carl Metz, John Tyler, Joe Kaisner, William Honegger, Earl Anliker, Ralph Harms, Edward and Harold Haab.
N. W. Hanson, of the Fairbury Auto Co., went over to Monticello, Ind. yesterday and brought back a 1950 automobile stolen from the Fairbury Auto Co. parking lot, corner of First and Walnut Streets, in this city. Mr. Hanson had missed the car Sunday and notified authorities. The car had been abandoned in Monticello.
60 Years Ago
May 21, 1964
Plans for the new Helen Lewis Smith Pavilion at Fairbury Hospital were released today by the institution's directors, along with an expressed hope that construction on the 23-bed unit might begin within a month. Cost of the new pavilion, totally supplied, may run over $400,000, it was estimated by Roy Taylor, president of the hospital board. Directors approved the floor plans and elevation at their meeting Tuesday night. Specifications and working drawings are already under preparation by the architect, John H. Geiger and Associates of Park Ridge. Geiger was the architect on another Fairbury institution, Fairview Haven Nursing Home, which was opened about 18 months ago.
Girls have captured scholastic honors for the second straight year at Fairbury-Cropsey High School, it was announced yesterday by Principal James Peerman. Named as valedictorian is Miss Elaine Newnam, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Newnam of route one, Fairbury. Salutatory honors go to Miss Gloria Bachtold, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bachtold.
Donna Roche, a pert 18-year-old from Emington, Saturday night, walked, talked and sewed her way to the title of Miss Livingston County 1964. And she was a popular selection from the field of seven who sought the crown in Fairbury-Cropsey High School gym. A crowd of slightly more than 400 persons was on hand to view the beauty pageant, which was emceed by WCIA-TV's evening weather man, "Mr. Roberts," and also featured two more beauties, Dorothy Kohlman of Weston, the retiring queen; and Miss Illinois 1963, Miss Judy Schlieper of Decatur.
50 Years Ago
May 23, 1974
Joe Keeley of Forrest has been named manager of Indian Creek Country Club, Al Tavener, president, announced today. An ISU graduate, Keeley is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Keeley of Fairbury, and previously was associated with Forrest Milk Products as well as farming. He will be responsible for all club house functions.
Local golf fans are in for a big treat on Saturday, June 9 when golfdom's newest star, Paul Hahn Jr. visits Fairbury's Indian Creek Country Club at 4 p.m. This handsome young man has been touring the world with his amazing and entertaining exhibition of trick golf shots and educational golf clinics. Last year he flew completely around the world with his father in their twin-engine Aztec and gave 65 exhibitions in 24 countries on five continents.
During a heavy rainstorm Saturday morning, cars driven by Tom Kelso, 17, of Odell, and Roberta Wager, 17, of Fairbury, collided at the corner of Fifth and Elm Streets in Fairbury. Kelso was westbound at the time and Miss Wager was going north. Apparently neither driver saw the other one. No charges were filed.
The Louise Kinkade home, 413 West Chestnut, is one of 17 local structures cited as historical monuments by the Illinois Historical Society.
40 Years Ago
May 17, 1984
School board members from Fairbury-Cropsey, Forrest-Strawn-Wing, and possibly Chatsworth, will decide next Tuesday night at a joint meeting whether to take the question of consolidation to voters in those districts. A union of these three school systems would provide a high school enrollment of about 500 students with a total district enrollment of approximately 1,700 students. The proposed new district would save an estimated $550,000 in annual operating expenses with the largest share of those potential savings coming from the elimination of approximately 20 teaching positions. The consolidated district would cover 180 square miles and have a total valuation of about $106 million.
At 6 p.m., Tuesday, George Weber locked the doors of his IGA sSore, and Fairbury, which once had a dozen groceries at the same time, became a one-grocery city. Weber, who two weeks ago announced his going-out-of-business sale, told The Blade shortly after noon Tuesday that the store would close for good that evening, and that another retailer had "bought all the inventory which remains at that time." Weber's closing leaves Dave's Supermarket, with a staff of nearly 60 employees, as the sole grocery in town, and caused old-timers Wednesday to recall the days, 40-years ago, when there were a dozen, including two Kroger Stores at the same time and an A & P!
Mary Nimbler has been promoted to the controller of Fairbury Hospital, effective May 2, according to Dereck Marshall, Fairbury Hospital administrator. As chief financial officer, she is responsible for accounting for both the hospital and the Helen Lewis Smith Pavilion. She also supervises the business office and coordinated procedures with the department. Her career at Fairbury Hospital began 29 years ago in 1955 when she accepted a position in the housekeeping department as summer employment between her junior and senior years of high school.
30 Years Ago
May 18, 1994
The committee to build an all-weather track at Prairie Central High School was given the starting gun Monday night after the Board of Education narrowly passed the committee's request for approval to proceed with the project. Al Slagel of Fairbury presented a breakdown list of expected costs for the project. Materials and labor are estimated at $108,000, though Slagel said he believes the project can be done for less with donations of materials and labor.
Susan Marie DeCaire and Kevin Edward Headley, both of Fairbury, were married March 5, 1994 during a 9 p.m. candlelight ceremony at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas, Nev. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Theresa Adams of Gladstone, Mich. and the late Ralph DeCaire. The bridegroom's parents are Kenneth and Delores Headley of Fairbury. A wedding reception was held in Gladstone, Mich. on March 12, and another one held in Fairbury on April 2.
A dart team, with area members, recently took fourth place in the World Dart Championship at Las Vegas, Nev. Chris McCammon of Bloomington, Todd Moore of Normal, Hank Nelson of Danvers and Alan Kauffman of Chenoa play on a team sponsored by Mugsy's Pub, Bloomington. Moore and Nelson are also state champions in doubles this year. They competed among 80 teams from around the world, losing to a team from France.
20 Years Ago
May 19, 2004
Friday, May 7, is a day that Major Mike and Robyn Ward of Travis AFB, Calif., and formerly of Fairbury, will not forget. Major Ward has been promoted from Major to Lt. Col. and traditionally a pinning on ceremony is held at the squadron. His wife, Robyn who is expecting triplets, was confined to bed at David Grant Medical Center at Travis AFB, where they live. Instead of an official ceremony at the squadron, Major Ward received permission to have the pinning on ceremony at the hospital. The ceremony took place in front of his wife, his parents, Barb and Leroy Ward of Fairbury, his sister, Melanie Ward of Chicago, his daughter, LiliAna, and several friends.
Lt. Col. Mike and Robyn Ward of Travis AFB, Calif., are parents of triplets, two girls and a boy, born on May 10, 2004 at David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB. Michael James was born at 10:23 a.m. and weighed 2 pounds, 13 ounces; Ally Morgan was born at 10:24 a.m. and weighed 2 pounds, 15 ounces; and Avery Elizabeth was born at 10:25 a.m., weighing 3 pounds, 8 ounces. The new arrivals have an older sister, LiliAna Margaret, who is 3 years old.
Mary Maxson, formerly of Chatsworth, an associate in Tempe Arizona Cash Services, was recently selected as one of 98 Bank of America associates to be recognized with the "Award of Excellence." Maxson received the top honor an associate can receive in Technology and Operation departments. Maxson received an "Award of Excellence" trophy at an event in Toronto, Canada on May 6. Maxson is the daughter of Millard and Dolores Maxson of Chatsworth, a 1983 graduate of Chatsworth High School and a 1987 graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Charleston.
10 Years Ago
May 21, 2014
In May of last year, a group of specialty shop owners began meeting informally to work cooperatively to promote bringing people from outside the area into Fairbury to tour our attractions, shop our unique shops and enjoy our restaurants and food stores. For the last eleven months or so, they have been actively promoting one another using simple postcard maps to direct new people to other shops and areas of interest. Brochures have been designed and printed highlighting Fairbury as a destination area. These brochures have been approved by the State of Illinois to be distributed to welcome centers and rest areas throughout the state. This idea was prompted by Bobbi McKeon, owner of Heart's Desire Antiques & Accents, who started the coordination of these group meetings.
Walter Clemmons Post #613 recently recognized Luci Haberkorn for 60 years of continuous service. Haberkorn joined the American Legion's Women's Auxiliary in September of 1954, shortly after marrying her husband Donald, who served in the Army. She has been honored to serve in the Unit, District, Division and the Department over the years. Working on the plans and fruition of the new Legion building in Chatsworth was one of her most fulfilling experiences. She was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her 60 plus years of dedication, service, and most importantly, her friendship.
Hansen Agency of Ashkum along with Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company of Grinnell, Iowa, have named Prairie Central High School Senior Deann Slagel of Fairbury as a recipient of a 2014 Road to Success Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Slagel was selected from thousands of Grinnell Mutual policyholders based on excellence in the high school classroom and a safe driving record. She is the daughter of Steven and Joann Slagel.
(Looking Back from Kari Kamrath is sponsored each week by Duffy-Pils Memorial Homes with locations in Fairbury, Chenoa and Colfax)
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