130 Years Ago
August 4, 1894
Joseph Wright, one of the men at the Co-operative Coal Mine, was badly injured Thursday. He and his working partner, Richard McAllister, were firing a shot, using a rope fuse. The rope contained a bad spot, and they supposed it had gone out. They went into the room to see and just as they got to the face of the coal the shot went off. The explosion blew Mr. Wright's face full of coal, mangled his right arm and injured his hip. Mr. McAllister was standing back of Mr. Wright and was not hurt much.
The saloon of James O'Malley and that of Sheppelman Bros. at Strawn were burned Thursday morning. The buildings were wooden. Most of the stock was saved.
The partnership heretofore existing between the undersigned in the ownership of this paper is this day dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Price retiring. —B. F. Shankland, B. F. Price.
George O. Thayer and Tom Payne are managing the clothing and shoe department of S. H. Herzberg, the square dealer.
120 Years Ago
August 5, 1904
Phil Wade has purchased the A. C. Bartlett property on South Fifth Street, paying $4,500 for it. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett are moving soon to Ogden, Utah.
Forty farmers north and west of Fairbury have organized a company and purchased the Middle Division Elevator Company's elevator at Champlain, three and a half miles northwest of this city. The organization will be known as the Champlain Farmers' Grain Company.
Mrs. George Kilgus met with a very bad accident last Saturday, receiving injuries which will lay her up for some time. Her horse became frightened near the W. H. Bartlett residence. The horse ran east until it was in front of Frank Wharton's residence, when the buggy struck the sidewalk, throwing Mrs. Kilgus out. She was carried into the Wharton residence and Dr. Otis summoned.
Sam Ernest and Ben Demler have been camping on the Vermilion this week.
110 Years Ago
August 7, 1914
A deal was closed Wednesday with Mrs. M. Morris for a plat of ground upon which the new mausoleum will be built.
The contractors for the building of the township high school commenced excavating this week and will push the job as fast as possible. When everything was in readiness to begin work, John Kring, one of Fairbury's oldest settlers, was called upon to turn over the first shovel of dirt.
A. B. Claudon is repairing the Dr. Johnson property, which he recently purchased, and is making a modern residence of it.
John Best and family are arranging to leave for an extended trip, visiting relatives in Kansas, Wyoming, California, and they may remain indefinitely at Pasadena, Calif.
100 Years Ago
August 1, 1924
Fairbury was "dry-cleaned" last Saturday night by Sheriff L. M. Shugart and fourteen deputies operating under him. They came over from Pontiac about 11 o'clock and got busy at once. In the mopping-up process seven prisoners and 300 gallons of wine, five gallons of moonshine and a still were gathered in. It was about five o'clock Sunday morning before the work was completed and the sheriff and his deputies got back to Pontiac.
Bright lights from an approaching automobile caused Claude Marsh, who resides north of town, to run off a culvert Sunday night about 9:30. The accident occurred a couple of miles northeast of Forrest. In the car with Mr. Marsh were his wife and two children and her sister, Miss Eliza Lester, of this city. All of the occupants were still in the car when it went over and all were able to extricate themselves and get out with the exception of Mrs. Marsh. There was water in the ditch and Mrs. Marsh was completely submerged, being held down by one of the bows in the top. Mr. Marsh quickly went to her rescue and was able to pull her out.
One of the cars on the Wabash local got off the tracks just west of the city limits yesterday afternoon. It not only delayed the local for some time but the Streator passenger, northbound, was unable to get by for a half hour or so.
90 Years Ago
August 3, 1934
A giant elm known as the "Mile Tree" located one mile west of Cornell, forming an island in the center of the intersection, was fittingly dedicated last Sunday evening and a bronze plaque baring the inscription of Joyce Kilmer's immortal poem, "Trees," was inlaid in the trunk of the tree. The dedication was sponsored by the Livingston County Sportsmen's club and a crowd numbering over 150 from all parts of the county gathered around the scene to witness the ceremony.
The free pavement dance held in this city last Saturday evening was a great success, and was enjoyed immensely by a large number of the young folk, and some not so young. The free dance is a regular event every Saturday night in Fairbury, and tomorrow night it will be held on Fourth Street, by the Langstaff building, formerly the Claudon Bank building. The dance is being sponsored by Fairbury business men.
The Fairbury Bank, a corporation, has filed an action in the circuit court against the Fairbury Fair Association, seeking the foreclosure of a trust deed in the sum of $15,000. The property involved is the Fairbury Fair grounds, located at the south limits of this city, comprising 21 acres. Situated on this land are a number of buildings that were used annually for the Fairbury Fair, which was held the first full week in September each year. For the past three years no fair has been held, the last fair held being September 1-6, 1930. That was the fifty-fifth annual. On July 20, 1931, the fair directors met and voted not to hold a fair that fall, and none has been held since.
80 Years Ago
August 4, 1944
Along with its many entertaining features, the Fairbury Fair has two still coming up that are outstanding. They are the second section of the horse show on Thursday evening and the White Horse Troupe on the last night of the fair, Friday. There are 16 head of albino horses in the White Horse Troupe that put on an amazing performance of intricate drills and formations. They are the last word in educated horses, and were brought to the local fair at no small expense.
Mrs. Birdie Widdifield of Oklahoma City, Okla., who came Tuesday to visit at the home of her cousin, Mrs. W. C. Payne, south of town, lost the greater part of her luggage and $25 in cash when the bus on which she was riding caught fire after the rear end of it had been hit by a truck and the gas in the gasoline tank caught fire. Those having their luggage in the rear luggage compartment lost all of their luggage. The accident occurred Tuesday afternoon on Route 66 in McCook. The bus, valued at several thousand dollars, was a total loss. Sections of the aluminum alloy chassis were melted by the intense heat. The passengers escaped without injury.
Lloyd Hartman of the A. & P. store, stepped on a flashlight battery while at work in the store one day of last week and turned his ankle, injuring the ligaments. He has been spending the ensuing vacation at his home. He hopes to be able to accompany his family to Peoria the last of the week for a few days' visit.
70 Years Ago
August 5, 1954
Some 80 Fairbury youngsters in the third grade through seventh grade age group will attend the Shrine Circus in Peoria on Monday under the sponsorship of the Fairbury Shriners' Club. Over 60 children have signed to take part in the trip, with space available for 30 more, George Yeck has announced. Reservations for the trip may be made with Mr. Yeck. Two busses will leave from the city hall at 12 noon on Monday.
Crowds estimated as totaling 65,000 persons watched the eight day festivities at Chenoa last week as that city celebrated its 100th birthday. Highlights of the entire week came Sunday when state police estimated 45,000 persons watched the gigantic 380 unit parade wind its way through the streets. Taking two hours and 35 minutes to pass a given point, the parade included 75 antique autos, 47 contest floats, numerous commercial floats, four riding clubs, 12 bands and many other units. Centennial ceremonies were reviewed over four television stations and three radio stations.
Dr. A. W. Pendergast, of Terre Haute, Ind., formerly of Fairbury, was in town the past week visiting acquaintances. From here he went to Iowa on a trip combining business and pleasure. He planned to visit Les Tammen, and also see about some coin banks. He is no longer in the Indian relic field, but now deals in antique coin banks. After Iowa, he plans a trip to Emporia, Virginia.
60 Years Ago
August 6, 1964
The overnight combat measures in Viet Nam involving units of the U. S. Seventh Fleet and their retaliation to attack from torpedo boats of the North Viet Nam regime brought instant reaction in Fairbury Wednesday. The action was reflected in opening prices of the Chicago Board of Trade. With Fairbury area farmers and businesses so heavily dependent upon the cash grain trade, interest in grain price fluctuations was intense, and the minute-by-minute changes on the ticker were watched with interest. At all three of the local elevators, no cash prices could be established until after the market closed.
Last week was hot and dry, as far as rainfall and soil moisture was concerned, but there was plenty of moisture as far as humidity and discomfort were concerned. Thermometers ranged from 98 to more than 100 degrees in the Fairbury area and the humidity was well above the figure which the weather bureau said was needed for "everyone to be uncomfortable." In an effort to overcome this, air-conditioner sales have been at record peaks, according to local suppliers, and they have been used too.
A "New Dimension" for University of Illinois, Urbana, will be the Center for Performing Arts, made possible through gifts of $10 million, with Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Krannert of Indianapolis as main donors. The Center, an educational facility for 1,700 students in music, theater, band and dance, will provide impressive areas for performances by students, faculty and visitors.
50 Years Ago
August 8, 1974
Renovation of the Old Susannah bowling lanes in Fairbury, which were damaged when a fire destroyed the adjoining restaurant last spring, is now underway due to the efforts of Bruce Lee, who formerly managed the lanes for several previous owners. Lee is restoring the structure containing the eight bowling lanes first, in order to meet the season's start, then reportedly will add a small snack shop and bar after things are rolling.
A second Australian AFS student has been assigned to Fairbury, Lynette Joyce Emmett, 17, from Burwood, Victoria, Australia. She was met in Moline last Thursday by her American parents and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Wells and the youngest of their three daughters, Connie. The first AFS student from Australia was Grant Woodhams in 1970-71. Lynette is the only girl in a family of four children of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth P. Emmett. She was born and raised in a metropolitan area composed of over three million people.
Interior remodeling started Monday on the west half of the building at the northeast corner of Third and Locust, which is owned by National Bank of Fairbury. The space has been vacant since Sigmund "Lefty" Sikorski in the spring moved his Gamble franchise to his new building at the west end of Sunken Park. When remodeling and redecorating is completed, Mrs. Clyde Gunn reportedly will move her Fashion Shop, featuring ladies ready to wear, into the site, which will give her much more space than she now has in the east half of the same building. After that move, the bank is expected to remodel the former dress shop location into more offices for their expanded staff activity.
40 Years Ago
August 2, 1984
Senior king and queen of the Livingston County 4-H Fair this year are Mr. and Mrs. Bill (Delma) Freed of rural Fairbury. Sponsored by the Fairbury Prairie Farmers, a 4-H club with which they have been involved for more than a generation, the Freeds, who reside north of Fairbury, were crowned in ceremonies Tuesday evening during the fair's opening day in Pontiac.
Regional Superintendent of Schools Wayne Blunier formally filed papers Tuesday with County Clerk Arnold Natzke putting the proposed consolidation of the Fairbury-Cropsey, Forrest-Strawn-Wing and Chatsworth school districts on the November 6 ballot. The issue is now up to the voters. A simple majority of those people casting votes in November will decide whether the three school districts will unite and form a new school system effective July 1, 1985. The proposed consolidation calls for each of the three currently-existing districts to maintain a kindergarten through sixth grade attendance center. The junior high school would occupy what is now FSW High School with grades nine through 12 attending the present FCHS High School.
The Fairbury Junior Woman's Club recently donated money to Stafford Community Pool to help purchase new pool furniture. Seven pieces of Desert Craft pool furniture were purchased for $678. Pool board president Jim Paternoster says the equipment is of good quality and should last a long time. he adds that the pool is in need of more furniture and donations are welcomed.
30 Years Ago
August 3, 1994
The Illinois State Police presented Troopers Gregory Beoletto and Mark Teske, District Six, with the Medal of Honor in ceremonies held at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield, July 27. Beoletto and Tekse earned the medal for safely apprehending two youths during a high-speed chase, despite being fired upon by the juveniles.
Mike and Deb Oelschlager of Fairbury are the parents of Maci Lyn Oelschlager, born at 7:10 a.m. on June 20, 1994 at Bro-Menn Regional Medical Center, Normal. She weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces and is the sister of Niki, 8, and Whitney, 5 years. Grandparents are Donna and Jerry Holland of Fairbury and Marium and Edward Oelschlager of Pontiac.
Betsy Hankes, 18, of Fairbury, won three grand champion awards with her hogs and one with her steer last week at the Livingston County 4-H Fair in Pontiac. She won grand champion gilt, grand champion pair gilt and grand champion overall with her hogs, and her steer won reserve grand champion. She is a member of Fairbury Prairie Farmers 4-H Club.
20 Years Ago
August 4, 2004
Terry W. Vance of Fairbury has been named All American Department (state) Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Commander Vance will be recognized at the 105th annual VFW National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio Aug. 14 - 20. This prestigious honor is earned through exceptional performance in advancing VFW membership by recruiting new members, retaining present members and increasing the number of life members.
Jerry and Donna Holland of Fairbury will observe their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 7. A family dinner and a trip out East are planned to celebrate the occasion. The couple was married at McCoy Chapel of the First United Methodist Church in Pontiac on Aug. 7, 1954. The Hollands are parents of three daughters, Vickie (Keith) Bittner and Debbie (Mike) Oelschlager of Fairbury; and Cindy (Joe) Nash of Webster Groves, Mo. They have 11 grandchildren. Holland retired in 1997 from sales and Mrs. Holland retired in 2000 from secretarial work.
Kelly Francis, 18, a member of Pleasant Ridge 4-H Club and the daughter of Bob and Ann Francis of Fairbury was crowned queen of the 2004 Livingston County 4-H Fair. Brad Follmer, 17, son of Mike and Mary Follmer, and a member of Graymont Achievers, was named king. The pair was chosen by a vote from their fellow 4-Hers. Francis, who hopes to own a florist business some day, has been a 4-H member for 11 years. She will attend the University of Illinois this fall to major in horticulture.
10 Years Ago
August 6, 2014
Clarence and Sharon Stadel of Odell will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner hosted by their daughters. Stadel and the former Sharon Bellot were married Aug. 8, 1964 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Odell. Their attendants were Bob Foley and Ruth Ellen Wheeler Tyler. They are the parents of Pam (Tom) Kilgus of Forrest and Julie (Todd) Jacobs of Pontiac. Their son, Jeff, is deceased. They also have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He retired from Caterpillar in Joliet and she retired from St. Paul School in Odell.
Beatrice “Bea” Tetley, 96, Fairbury, died at 1:45 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury. Mrs. Tetley was a longtime resident of Fairbury and was a former Fairbury Citizen of the Year, a lifetime member of Centrillio Council of Girl Scouts and a 69-year Gold Star of the American Legion Auxiliary #54. She was a past Chapeau of Ford County 8/40 Salon, a lifetime member of the Gold Star Wives of America, a lifetime member of VFW Auxiliary $9789 and also served as Noble Grand of Rebekah Lodge #112. She and her husband managed two restaurants, the Crossroads Cafe in Forrest and the Honegger House Hotel and Cafe in Fairbury. Later, she was employed by the National Bank of Fairbury for 25 years, retiring in 1979.
The Illinois Pizazz 17U girls' basketball team was national runner up in the Silver Division United States Junior Nationals Nike 17U National Championships held in Washington D. C. July 22-25. The Pizazz girls went 5-0 in pool play, beating most teams by more than 20 points. Their only loss was in the National Championship game (to the Maine Firecrackers) by a score of 38-30. Local team members are Lexi Davis and Sydney Shanks from Bloomington Central Catholic and Cassie Somers and Kiana Coomber from Prairie Central.
(Looking Back from Kari Kamrath is sponsored each week on Fairbury News by Duffy-Pils Memorial Homes with locations in Fairbury, Chenoa and Colfax)
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