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History of Watertown,
Wisconsin
Miscellaneous set
Watertown Daily Times, 02 28 1908
The first masquerade of the season was given
at the Turner opera house last evening on roller skates, by August Henze. There was a fairly good crowd of skaters and the
galleries were well filled with spectators, all seeming to enjoy the fun of
trying to solve the mystery of the identity of the man or woman behind the
mask. The identity of those in costume for most part remained merely a matter
of guess work from 8:00 to 9:00 o'clock, when the order to unmask was given and
the announcement of the prize winners was made.
There was quite a variety of costumes without
an over production of clowns as is almost invariably the case at a masquerade,
there being but three. There were also rubes, turks, cowboy, fencing girls, jockeys, tennis girls,
chimney sweep, Little Red Riding Hood. There were some by which with a stretch
of the imagination might have been taken for ancient historical characters
while there where others who did not make any pretence of representation. The
gong was sounded at 9:00 o'clock and the prizes were announced . . .
Veteran’s Park
Watertown Daily Times, 06 04 1901
An ordinance providing for the protection of
the city park, situated in the First ward in the city of Watertown (Veteran’s Park today) . . . No person shall step or
walk on the sod or grass, or deface, mutilate or injure the trees, flowers or
shrubbery, or deface, mutilate or injure or sit upon the steps of the Soldiers'
Monument, or catch, kill, destroy, wound, maim, worry or molest the birds or
game, or deposit any filth or commit any nuisance, or suffer or permit any dogs
belonging to him, or in his charge, custody or control to chase, worry or
molest, disturb or catch any bird or game, within the city park, situated
within the First ward of this city . . . no person shall ride, drive or lead
any horse or other animal, or ride any bicycle or velocipede, upon or across
said park or any portion thereof.
Provided always that a person lawfully employed by the Board of Public
Works, in doing work in or upon said park, may step or walk on the sod and
grass thereof.
Elks Lodge members No. 666 honored
Watertown Daily Times, 03 19 1958
Nine past exalted rulers of the Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666, and a large number
of “Old Timers,” Elks who have been members of the lodge for at least 21 years,
were guests of honor at a dinner and meeting held at the lodge last night.
The nine past exalted rulers honored were
Attorney Charles Payant, A.A. Beyer, Dr. J.R.
Casanova, Attorney Charles E Kading, Gordon Scott,
Walter Schlueter, A. E. Bentzin,
L.M. Bickett and G.T. Lange. All were present except
Mr. Bickett.
Watertown Daily Times, 02 15 1908
An interesting program was carried out at the
High school auditorium yesterday morning to commemorate the memory of the
immortal Abraham Lincoln. The feature of
the program was an address by Mayor Arthur Mulberger
on the life and character of Lincoln.
The mayor in his address showed that great
events center about great men and that whenever the country needed great men,
some mastermind came to the front and proved to be a match for the existing
conditions. The mayor related how
Lincoln's early life was wrought out under adverse circumstances, and showed
how by persistent efforts and courage he became a national figure.
In concluding his remarks, he spoke of the conditions
of the present time and how we were in need of men like Lincoln at the present
time. The address of the mayor lasted
about an hour and was listened to very attentively.
Watertown Daily Times, 02 15 1983
A new automobile dealership will open in
Watertown on March 1, according to James and Clyde Kennedy, owners of the
business. The dealership, to be known as
Kennedy Chevrolet-Buick, Inc., will be located at West Main Street and Votech Drive, in the former Feldner
Chevrolet building.
James Kennedy said he has reached agreement
with officials of General Motors for the Chevrolet and Buick dealership
franchises in Watertown. The city has been without a Chevrolet dealership since
Feldner left the business several years ago, and the
Buick dealership is being transferred from Petros
Pontiac, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, GMC, Inc.
Watertown Daily Times, 12 27 1997
In a few short weeks, the Watertown Post Office will be losing its two top
administrative employees. Postmaster Art
Hamann is retiring from the U.S. Postal Service and
Scott Wrucke, supervisor of customer services, is
leaving to become postmaster of the post office in Green Lake. Hamann's last day
of work is Jan. 2, 1998. Wrucke was supposed to have begun his new job already, but
will stay in Watertown for the first few weeks in January to assist Nick
Chapel, who will serve as officer-in-charge until a new postmaster is
hired. Hamann
was hired as Watertown's postmaster to succeed Janet Bauer, who left on May 24,
1989.
Watertown Daily Times, 03 20 1958
Dave Pirkel, senior
center of Watertown High school's basketball team, has been elected honorary
captain of the squad for the 1957-58 season by his
teammates. Pirkel
was a strong rebounder and top scorer on the team. Tom Gamroth, junior
forward, was elected most valuable player and Ralph Krueger, junior guard, was
named hardest working player on the club.
Gamroth started the season at a slow pace but
came along well and was an outstanding performer at season's end. Krueger was a
perpetual motion performer at guard and a good scorer.
Watertown Daily Times, 03 20 1983
“I can't think of a nicer thing to have
happen,” said Watertown High School Athletic Director Harris Grabow. Grabow was referring to Watertown's trip to the WIAA State
Boys' Basketball Tournament this week which coincides with the announcement of
his retirement. The school board will
act on Grabow's request to take early retirement at
age 62 at Wednesday's meeting. Grabow's relationship with Watertown and basketball goes
back a long way. He coached the 1960
team which played in the state tournament and was the co-captain of the 1939
Gosling team which won the Class B title.
t More in on Harris Grabow t
Grabow's Retirement Banquet
Watertown Daily Times, 10 16 1983
Former athletes, teammates, students, family
and friends made up the crowd of some 200 wellwishers
at Harris Grabow's retirement banquet Tuesday
evening. Grabow
has served as Athletic Director at Watertown High School since 1966.
Prior to that he was the Gosling basketball
coach for 20 years and took his 1960 squad to the WIAA State Tournament. He had
been there 21 years earlier as a member of the Goslings' 1939 Class B state
Championship team.
Watertown Daily Times, 03 24 1958
The
Plattdeutscher Verein and the auxiliary of the organization last night
held their annual elections of officers and during the evening a 92-year-old
member, Franz Koch of 1000 Labaree Street, was
presented with a life membership. Mr.
Koch's membership in the Plattdeutschers dates back
70 years. He is the oldest member. In addition to the life membership, Mr. Koch
was presented with a gift by the organization.
Officers elected by the verein are: Marvin O. Niehoff, president; Leonard Fehrman,
vice president; Charles Teich, secretary; Wallace
Block, treasurer; Max L. Noffz, trustee for three
years; Elmer Kube, warden. Other trustees are Raymond
F. Franz and Leonard Nass.
Watertown Daily Times, 03 24 1998
An
Oconomowoc-area man has been hired postmaster of the Watertown
Post Office. Jeffrey D. Hoffmann,
34, is succeeding Art Hamann, who retired in January.
Hoffmann started his career with the postal service as a letter carrier in 1988
in Milwaukee. He worked his way up the
ranks as a supervisor, followed by assignments as station manager for three
post offices in the Milwaukee area. His most recent position was station
manager at the West Milwaukee branch, where he was responsible for 140
employees and 40,000 deliveries daily.
Watertown Democrat, 07 01 1858
Splendid Pie Plant — Mr. Hezekiah Flinn
of
this city has presented us with four stocks of the best Pie Plant we have
ever seen, without exception. They
were about two feet in length, two
inches through and six in circumference. They were not the Cahoon variety but much tenderer and milder. We have never seen their equal for all the purposes for which this vegetable is esteemed and now so
widely used. The leaves were almost
twenty feet in circumference, and
were about as large as a common
umbrella. They show what care and intelligence can do in the way of improving graden
productions.
Watertown Democrat, 07 01 1858
Concert — “The Kimbles,"a
new company of minstrels which has recently been organized, will give a concert of vocal and instrumental music in this city, at Cole's Hall, tomorrow evening. They can play the banjo, strike the guitar, rattle the bones, crack a joke, and sing all varieties of songs to perfection — except when they happen to fall short of that high
mark.
Watertown
Democrat, 07 01 1858
[Advertisement]
ST. JULIEN SALOON.
Dennis' Block, West Side of the River.
The subscriber would announce to his
old friends and the public generally, that he has just opened a
NEW SALOON
in
Dennis' new block, on the west side of the river, where he is prepared to meet
the wishes of all who give him a call. He has procured a superb marble bottom
Billiard Table for those who delight in that elegant trial of skill and chance,
and has on hand a large stock of the best
WINES, LIQUORS AND SEGARS,
and
Lager Beer by the bottle or glass. Free
Lunches of the most delicate dishes of the season will be served up every
forenoon. The favorite kinds of Havanas and Prineapees can be had
at all times. Oyster and Game Suppers, accompanied with the
best drinks when desired, will be served up on the shortest notice and in the
most approved manner. No pains
will be spared to make all who visit the St. Julien
pleased with their entertainment. B. MILLER.
↓ More on St. Julien ↓
Watertown
Democrat, 12
30 1858
Supper at the St.
Julien. The proprietor of this well
known and popular establishment, B. Miller
[Bernard], entertained about fifty persons of this city on Monday evening
last, with an oyster and quail supper, which was in every respect
excellent. His guests were well pleased
and there is not one of the number who would not
willingly bear testimony to the superiority of the festival and be much
gratified with an opportunity of repeating the performance.
1958 03 29
One of Watertown's veteran barbers, Clarence G. Young, today announced
his retirement from business. He has operated Young's Barber Shop at 101 South
First Street for the past 30 years, but his service as a barber in this
community goes back years before that. Mr. Young ended his barber career
yesterday. In making his announcement today he said he has sold his business to
Floyd Wilder of Ripon.
212
N Water
Watertown Gazette, 06 26 1908
Otto C. Riebe has drawn plans for a new two story brick building in
North Water Street for Frank B Weber,
the dimensions for which are 22x46 feet.
He has also drawn plans for a residence now under construction by Mrs.
Mary Moran in [108] North Warren Street, plans for a residence for Wm. Wedemeyer in Montgomery Street, for a residence for Albert Valaskey in [806] Jones Street, and for a garage for Edward
Buroff in North Third Street. A new residence is
being erected in Church Street by Daniel Kusel, Jr, the plans for
which were drawn by Otto Uehling, of Milwaukee.
↓ More on Weber
store
↓
Watertown Gazette, 09 25 1908
The Weber store in North
Water St. and residence adjoining are offered for rent cheap. The store is 24x70 feet and is suitable for a
general merchandise store—has a basement and is fitted out with all modern
improvements. In the rear of the store
are a fine barnyard and stables which will accommodate 85 horses. This is one of the best business stands in
the city, and the right party renting it can make it a money-maker. There is a saloon adjoining the store doing a
fine business, and the large elevator of the Watertown Grain Co. is 1 1/2
blocks away, which adds much to the place in a business way. The store will be remodeled to suit tenant. The residence adjoining contains 10 rooms,
has everything modern and [is] in excellent repair. The store and residence can be rented as a
whole or separately.
For further particulars apply to Frank B. Weber, 516 North Washington
St., Watertown, Wis.
↓ More on Weber
store
↓
Frank Weber Engages in
Business
Watertown Gazette, 06 11
1909
Frank B. Weber, for many years a member
of the former lumber firm of J. Weber & Son,
has opened a general merchandise store in the Weber building at 212 North Water
Street. He has put in a brand new stock
of dry goods, groceries, hats, caps, gents’ furnishing goods, crockery, green
and dried fruits, etc. Goods delivered
free to any part of the city. Free stabling in connection.
Mr. Weber’s past honorable business dealings in this city will ensure to
him a large share of the patronage of our people. The
Gazette wishes him success in his new venture.
The 29th section
of the 7th Chapter of [the City Charter] provides expressly that the Street
Commissioners "Shall give notice to all owners and occupants of lots which
may be deemed injurious to health by stagnant water remaining thereon, in the
official paper for ten days, to abate such nuisance by draining or filling such
lot within a reasonable time therein to be specified."
We concede for
the sake of the argument that the delay occasioned by the required ten day's
notice may be disastrous and result in consequences fatal to the health of our
city. . . Any owner or occupant of a lot who has the welfare of himself, his
family or the community at heart, should not, and probably will not, hesitate
to take early and efficient measures for the correction of the evils complained
of. No argument is necessary to show
that they are dangerous ones—deleterious to health—and if not speedily remedied
will result in sickness. We have had several cases of fever already. Every one knows
that the first great principle is to make our city and its streets clean. Cellars, too, in which water has stood for a
long time—of which there are a great number about town-should be thoroughly
cleansed and purified. Lime, or other disinfectants, cannot be used too freely,
and we hope that their application to the streets, alleys, backyards, cellars,
out houses and the like, will not only be prompt but bountiful.
Watertown Democrat, 07 01 1858
Before another
number of our paper is issued, the Anniversary of our National Independence
will have passed. Another year will be
added to an infant nation's age, and the bond of union strengthened by the
trials and experience of another cycle.
The recurrence of this event is suggestive of many thoughts and
recollections that should, and in the breast of the true friend of freedom do,
inspire renewed confidence in the permanency and stability of free
institutions. On that day the heart of
the American citizen beats warm with gratitude, his step is elastic and his
bearing proud. His daily vocation is suspended, his cares and business laid aside, and his individuality forgotten in the pride of
citizenship . . . Despotic pretensions produced resistance that, crowned with
success, resulted in incalculable and untold blessings. The "arms of the mighty was
broken," and "the stone that the builders rejected" was made the
corner stone in the edifice of universal freedom.
Scarce
three-quarters of a century have transpired since the sun of freedom first
shone upon the Western Hemisphere [1776], yet the tree of liberty then planted,
watered by the blood of the patriots, and protected from the blasts of
despotism by the wisdom and sagacity of the sages of the revolution, has grown
to giant stature. Beneath its sheltering
branches millions of freemen are protected in "life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness." The lapse of
time has but increased the strength and extended the area of freedom. Her
fields yield their riches to the hands of industry. The winds of prosperity blow fresh around the
homes of her children. The air of
liberty nerves their arms and incites their aspirations . . . Let us forget our
duty as Christians, in a Christian land, and that we owe our inestimable
blessings to Him the giver of all good, who holdeth
in his hand the destinies of the nations of the earth, and without whose
guidance and protection the wisdom of man availeth
nothing. [Chapter
on Fourth of July]
Watertown Democrat, 07
08 1858
SPECIAL
NOTICE.
Mrs. Hicks has removed from the Bank building, and now occupies the
front room over McKey Bro. & Co’s store adjoining
the Planter's Hotel. A
good assortment of Bonnets and Millinery Goods always on hand and for sale at
prices to suit the times. Straw
and Neapolitan Bonnets bleached and remodeled.
Having employed Miss Newton, a superb Dress Maker, I am now prepared to
do all work in that line of business and at reduced prices. Mrs. M. Hicks
Watertown Democrat, 07
08 1858
MILLINERY
& DRESS-MAKING.
Mrs. Webb would inform her friends and the public generally that she is
not going to abandon the millinery business this spring, but, on the contrary,
has just received a well selected stock of spring and summer goods which she is
prepared to sell cheap for cash or ready pay.
Having employed Miss Halverson, a superb milliner from Chicago, she
feels confident she can suit the tastes of all who may favor her with their
patronage. She is also prepared to cut,
fit and make dresses by the latest and most approved style. Her prices will be the same as heretofore,
believing them to be as low as any one can afford to do
dress making and do it well, and if she does not do her work as cheap as her
neighbors, she will do it better or no charge will be made for the effort.
Watertown Democrat, 07
08 1858
lce Cream and Ice! The rooms in Cooley's Block on Second St., are now open for the reception of parties who wish to
partake of the most delicious article of Ice Cream that can anywhere be
obtained. Every care will be taken to
render the visit of guests pleasant and agreeable. The subscriber can also supply families,
stores saloons, or anybody with any quantity of the purest and best ice during
the summer. Orders may be left at the
office of the undersigned. Ice is
delivered every morning to all who want it regularly. F. Cooley
↓ More on F Cooley ↓
Cooley Hall
Watertown
Democrat, 02 10 1859
A social
dance will be given by Fred. Cooley at his commodious hall
this evening. A gay party, lively
music, a table profusely covered with the choicest viands, cannot fail to
furnish all who delight to move through the mazes of the dance a most favorable
opportunity to indulge in so exciting and healthful an exercise. Fred. will leave
nothing undone that will contribute to the pleasure of his guests.
Watertown Democrat, 07
08 1858
Dead
Dogs. Somebody sends us
the following item through the Post Office, which we publish just as we
received it, for the sake of the hint it contains to those who are troubled
with the presence of these defunct animals
"A nuisance in the shape of dead dogs line the shore of Rock River
below the city, to the great annoyance of the inhabitants who have no objection
to the un-dogging of the town but at the same time would propose some other
method of disposing of the carcasses this hot weather, more agreeable to. SMELLER
↓ More on dogs ↓
Watertown Democrat, 05 24 1860
The
dogs still flourish in our community. To
be sure, most of them are provided with a collar, name and number, but they run
about nearly as numerous as ever. No
less than two hundred and four have been registered in this city during the
present Spring.
Who would believe that over two hundred and twenty-five dollars would be
paid to secure the existence of nearly as many useless creatures as ever drew
breath, for we take it for granted that not one in ten is worth the food he
eats for any purpose whatever. We have
alluded to this subject to call attention to the fact that every
one who keeps a dog unregistered is liable to a fine of five dollars for
so doing. As there has
been one or two cases in this city of parties being arrested for this offence,
a hint may be sufficient to prevent any more such unpleasant incidents.
Bible Reading in Watertown Schools
Watertown Democrat, 07
08 1858
HOW
IT LOOKS ABROAD—The classic correspondence between our City Superintendent of
Common Schools and one of the teachers, which we published some time since, has
been extensively copied by our exchanges, with such observations as tended to
show their estimate of the fellow who was a party to it. It is generally
regarded as the only specimen of the kind extant. After publishing it, the Waukesha Republican speaks of it as follows: “This Superintendent Gill is the same man
that ordered the reading of the Bible in the
Public Schools of Watertown, to be suppressed. State Superintendent Draper, sent a very
sensible and dignified letter to the School Board of that city, giving his
reasons why the bible should be used in schools. Of course this allusion to religious
instruction is a miserable fling from a very small pattern of a man, as the
above correspondence indicates Mr. Gill to be.
The Watertown Democrat, from
which we extract the above, gives this shrewd specimen of a Superintendent some
very excellent advice regarding the duties of his office."
Watertown Democrat, 07
08 1858
Post
Office regulations—We have received the following note
from M. B. William s, Esq., and cheerfully give it a place in our paper, in
accordance with his request:
Wisconsin,
July 6th, 1858.
To
the Editor of the Watertown Democrat:
SIR—You will confer a favor upon the
undersigned, and perhaps aid in disseminating general information, by
publishing in your paper the following extracts from instructions issued by the
Post Master General, dated September, 1854:
"Postage cannot be paid on regular
newspapers or periodicals, for a less term than one quarter; and in all cases,
postage must be paid on such matter at the commencement of the quarter."
"The Post Master who collects the
postage on newspapers, periodicals, etc., quarterly or yearly in advance, is
entitled to the commissions on the same, although he may go out of office
immediately thereafter, and the paper or periodical be delivered by his
successor."
"When newspapers or periodicals are
not taken out of the Post Office by the persons to whom they are addressed, the
Post Master will, under his frank, give immediate notice to the publisher,
stating the cause, if known."
The above instructions will be strictly
followed. Yours, MYRON
B. WILLIAMS, P. M.
Common Council Proceedings
Watertown Democrat, 07
15 1858
COMMON COUNCIL
PROCEEDINGS:
SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
July 6th, 1858.
Present—The Mayor, Ald. Bennett, Dutcher,
Johnson, Jones, Pease, Prentice, Rothe, Schurz, Steck and Weissert.
The minutes of
the last meeting read and approved.
The resolution
relating to the appointment of assessors was taken from the table, and after
considering the same, on motion of Ald. Johnson it was again laid upon the
table.
Ald. Johnson offered
the following resolution which was adopted, viz :
Resolved, That the Mayor appoint a committee of three to express the
wish of the Council to the persons elected as City Assessors, that they would
resign their office in order that the provisions of the new Assessment Law be
complied with, and that they report on next Monday.
Whereupon the
Mayor appointed as such committee Ald. Johnson, Prentice and Steck.
Ald. Bauman
presented his written resignation which was accepted and placed on file.
On motion the
Board adjourned.
WM. DUTCHER, Cleck. pro tem.
In Common
Council, July 12, 1858.
Present—The Mayor, Ald. Bennett, Johnson, Lindon,
Prentice, Pease, Quintmeyer, Schatz, Steck and Weissert.
The minutes of
the last meeting were read and approved.
Presentation of
petitions, memorials and accounts.
By Ald.
Schatz—Account of M. Canfield for work on streets, $5 00. Also account of Miles Norton for work on
streets, $10 00. Allowed and charged to
6th ward fund.
The following
accounts were presented and referred to the Finance Committee, viz:
Blumenfeldt
& Kopp for printing, $1 75. A. Herkeurath
for services as constable, $2.21. Jacob Jussen for rent of engine house, etc., $14 25. Petition of Wenzl Quis and others in relation
to the repair of the plank road bridge.
Laid on the table.
Watertown Democrat, 07
15 1858
ICE CREAM SALOON. F. P. Brook & Co.
have just refitted their Ice Cream Rooms at their
Confectionary & Fruit Store on the bridge, and are prepared to serve up the
Best Quality of Ice Cream Every Afternoon and Evening. Ice Cream furnished for Parties or Private
Families on a few hours notice, in large or small quantities. Owing to the hard times we shall charge only
ten cents a dish this season.
Watertown Democrat, 07
15 1858
The New Post Master.—The report of
the appointment of a new Post Master of this city
has been confirmed. Last week Gen. James
Potter, an esteemed and respected citizen, received his commission from the
President and is making arrangements to enter upon the discharge of his public
duties. This selection, under the
circumstances, will give universal satisfaction. The new incumbent has all the qualifications
to make a popular and faithful officer, and we have no doubt that he will take
pleasure in consulting the convenience of the whole community. He will commence his official career with the
best wishes of all who know him, and will no doubt fully realize the
expectation of his many friends. We
congratulate him upon his good fortune.
Watertown Democrat, 07
15 1858
The New Post Office.—Gen. Potter, the newly appointed Post
Master of this city has determined to remove the Post
Office from its present location on Second Street to the Democrat Block, on
Main Street. No one can reasonably
complain of this change. A more central
and convenient point could not be found.
If the accommodation of the largest number should be the governing rule
in the establishment of an office designed for the benefit of the public, then
the choice made in the present case is wise and impartial. The new room is
large and commodious, and will be fitted up in a handsome and substantial
style. As soon as the necessary
arrangements can be completed the new Post Master will enter upon the discharge
of his duties—removing the office to the place which he has selected for it.
04 01 1908
A very difficult and
successful surgical operation was performed just before noon at St. Mary's Hospital in this city . . . the patient being Herbert Kuehnemann
. . . Eleven years ago . . . Mr. K. had the misfortune to have his left foot
badly crushed. The member became
deformed and withered and always troubled him yet he continued to work, walking
on his heel which bothered him as a sore on the sole of the heel refused to
heal, although every effort possible was made by physicians to heal the sore
which refused to yield to treatment. As
a last resort, it was decided that the only way to save the foot . . . was by the process known as skin grafting and
yesterday Mr. K. submitted to the operation ... the patient was placed under
the influence of an anesthetic and the skin around the opening . . . was
removed after the sore was properly prepared by Dr. Habhegger,
the dead skin covering a space of about three or four inches . . . After the
skin was removed from the foot, Dr. Habhegger opened
a place in the right leg of the patient between the knee and the thigh turning
down the skin over a surface of about three by four inches and when everything
was in proper shape and condition, the foot was brought over and the heel
placed in the opening in the leg and the flap brought up to the heel.
Watertown Democrat, 07
15 1858
The following accounts were presented and referred to the
Finance Committee, viz:
Blumenfeldt & Kopp for printing, $1 75. A. Herkenrath for services as constable, $2 21. Jacob Jussen for rent of engine house, etc.,$14
25. Petition of Wenzel
Quis and others in relation to the repair of the
plank road bridge. Laid on the table.
The finance committee reported in favor of allowing the
account of Jacob Jussen of $14 00 for rent of engine
house for March and April. Adopted and charged to city general fund.
Peter Rogan, having received the highest number of votes for
the office of Alderman of the 3d ward, appeared, was qualified and took his
seat in the Council.
By Ald. Steck—Resolved, That the
Mayor and Clerk draw their order on the city general fund for the sum of one
hundred and fifty dollars to Edward Johnson, Amos Bennett and William Dutcher, who are authorized to cooperate with L. A. Cole,
John Richards, J. A. Hall, Heber Smith and H. W. Blanchard, in putting the
"Blanchard Bridge" in as thorough repair as possible, and upon the
completion of the repairs to the satisfaction of said Johnson, Bennett and Dutcher, they are hereby authorized to deliver said Cole
and others the orders herein authorized to be issued. Adopted
Watertown Democrat, 07
15 1858
A Pic Nic to be a Pic Nic must be free, and relieved of all the stiffened
forms of Etiquette and fusty musty rules of Codfish Aristocracy, while good
humor and innocence run wild. Never were
our ideas of what it should be more fully realized than on the occasion of the Pic Nic at Boomer's Grove on Saturday last. There were all
the essentials to make pleasure prevail. The ladies had not only made happy the
hearts of trusting swains by their presence, but had provided the essentials
wherewith to relieve the cravings of appetite and taste.
Watertown Democrat, 07
22 1858
THE INDIAN WAR. Intelligence from Oregon establishes the fact
that we have another Indian War on our hands.
Some of the tribes of Oregon Territory have given unmistakable evidence
of being actuated by deep feelings of bitter hostility towards the white
population. They have murdered emigrants
and attacked the troops of the United States while on their march through the country. The government is making a vigorous effort to
meet this state of things. A sufficient
force will be sent across the Rocky Mountains to conquer the Indians and bring
them to terms of peace. Though it is
hard to tell what are the causes of these outbreaks of savage
cruelty, or who is responsible for them, there is but one way to deal
with these wild men of the woods - that is to subdue them and then make it
their interest to cherish peaceful dispositions. They no doubt feel as Indians
have always felt when they beheld themselves crowded and pressed by settlers,
and their lands passing from them - their first impulse is to exterminate the
authors of their wrongs. But it is
useless to struggle - their overthrow and extinction are only questions of time
- their fate can now be foreseen.
Watertown Democrat, 07
22 1858
IMMENSE SACRIFICE
Closing out sale of Furniture and Bedding!
Having purchased the entire stock of House Furnishing Goods
formerly owned by Pike & McAlister, I will sell, for the next sixty days,
without regard to cost, in order to close the business. The stock consists of tete a tetes sofa chairs [furniture intended
to seat two persons, especially facing each other], lounges of every
description, marble top, center and side tables, mahogany and walnut side tables,
mahogany, walnut and cherry bureaus, bureau washstands, sink and common
washstands, extension and common leaf tables, cane and wood seat rockers, cane
and wood seat office and dining chairs, common kitchen chairs, and many other
articles too numerous to mention, such as is found in a first class furniture
store, all of which will be sold at a Great Sacrifice, in order to close the
business by the 10th of September next.
WM. L. CHURCH. Dennis' Block, West Side of the River. Watertown, July 14, 1858.
↓ More on Pike
& McAllister ↓
Watertown Democrat, 09 30 1858
CHAIRS—Mr. O. S. Howard has for sale, in Dennis’ Block, some ten dozen
of common chairs. They were manufactured
by Pike & McAllister and will be disposed of at the lowest cost figure. Those wanting them have now a chance to
purchase a first rate article at the lowest price.
Watertown Democrat, 07
22 1858
A sort of miscellaneous vagrant, who registered himself as
“B. B. Vandercook, Rochester, N. Y.” at the Exchange Hotel of this city, a few days since,
sneaked away without paying his bill after staying there over a week, playing
the “gentleman of leisure." We see he practiced the same game at
Horicon. The Argus describes him as "a large, dark complexioned, heavy
bearded young man, about 25; wears a dark figured morning gown, occupies the
whole sidewalk when he travels, and says he is a brother of Vandercook,
of Portage City. His baggage consisted
of a pair of dirty socks and shirt, is here at the Winter House, where he would
do well to call and settle for a week's board." Landlords will do well to be on the lookout
when he makes his appearance.
Watertown Democrat, 07
22 1858
The finest fruit we have ever seen of the berry kind, were a few specimens of the new orange raspberry given
us yesterday by Mr. W. Clark, in whose garden they were raised. They were
large, sweet, juicy, and decidedly superior to any other variety we have ever
known cultivated. These were picked from a lot of very small bushes procured at
Rochester, N. Y., last spring. They thrive well here and promise to be a choice
addition to our garden productions.
New potatoes raised by our farmers are beginning to make
their appearance in our streets. Mr. Walter Pease - who generally brings to this market the earliest
and best varieties of garden vegetables that we get last week presented us with
a lot of very fine new potatoes.
Amongst the other abundant crops this year will be the potato. Probably
more acres have put in the ground this season than ever before in this state,
and the yield promises to be large.
S. P. Day & Co. have a lot of
lumber wagons for sale, which for strength, lightness and durability, cannot be
surpassed. They were manufactured by
Charles Wood, one of the most skillful of our mechanics. They are both handsome and serviceable
vehicles.
↓ More on Charles Wood ↓
Sale of
Personal Property
Watertown Democrat, 05 03 1860
Notice
is hereby given that I shall expose for sale and sell at public auction to the
highest bidder, at my shop, in the Third Ward of the city of Watertown, in the
County of Jefferson and State of Wisconsin, on Saturday, the 26th day of May,
A.D. 1860, at one o’clock P.M., one red Sulkey or two
wheeled carriage, the property of John P. McDonald, and now in my possession,
for the purpose of paying the repairs made by me thereon, in accordance with
the provisions of Section 14, of Chapter 153, of the Revised Statutes of the
State of Wisconsin.
Charles
Wood.
First Street is now being macadamized [pavement of layers of
compacted broken stone] which will be a great improvement to that thoroughfare,
if done as it should be, which appears to be the case.
The Ladies Festival, held at Cole's Hall, was a very successful
effort towards accomplishing a good end - the payment of the small remaining
debt that now hangs over the Congregational
Church of this city. We have never
seen that spacious hall fitted up more pleasantly, or tables more bountifully
and tastefully spread. The attendance
was large and all seemed to enjoy themselves finely.
This was entirely an affair of the ladies, and like all their attempts to do
something kind and useful, its success was brilliant, and reflects credit on
their benevolence and enterprise.
There is now an extensive Threshing Machine Manufactory in
this city, carried on by Mr. F. E. Shandrew. Though only recently started, fifteen have
been completed this season. They have all the latest improvements and will be
found to be among the best now in use. Farmers in this region will find it for
their interests to buy their threshing machines at this new establishment, for
the reason that it will be a great convenience to have a place where they can
come to get their repairing done. We learn that most of the machines made here
have been sold cheaper than they could be obtained elsewhere, while in point of
strength and finish they have been pronounced superior by good judges. When the
motives are so great as in this case, we should by all
means encourage our home manufactures, and do all we can to make them permanent
and successful. We hope to see this threshing machine establishment one of the
prominent institutions of our city - adequate to meet the growing demands of
one of the best grain growing districts in the West. Without the help such
labor saving inventions afford, the vast quantities of wheat raised in this
State could never be prepared for market.
Watertown Democrat, 07
29 1858
Eighty Choice Lots for sale
In Cady's Addition to the City of Watertown.
TERMS EASY AND PRICES LOW.
Inquire of Myron B. Williams, Esq., Agent.
Office over Waldron & Steck's
store,
Main Street. Watertown
Watertown Democrat, 07
29 1858
New Millinery Store
On Main Street Bridge.
Mrs. Engelmann has just returned from Chicago, where she has
purchased a large and choice assortment of bonnets, flowers, and every variety
of goods belonging to a first rate millinery establishment. She offers them to
the ladies at the lowest prices. In this
store there is also a Sewing Machine offered to the use of the public for two
or three cents a yard.
8th
Regiment of Wisconsin Militia
Watertown Democrat, 07
29 1858
REGIMENT ORDERS, NO. 1.
Headquarters of
the 8th Regiment of Wisconsin Militia.
Henry Mulberger is hereby notified
and appointed Adjutant; Carlos A. Sprague, Quarter Master; W. M. Wright, Pay
Master; J. R. Rood. Surgeon; J. M. Bingham, Judge Advocate -
each with the rank of Captain.
Also, Rev. E. P. Beecher, Chaplain, and H. B. Willard, Surgeon's Mate -
each with the rank of Lieutenant; all attached to the Staff of the Eighth
Regiment of Wisconsin Militia. By order of Harlow
Pease, Colonel Commanding 8th Regiment.
Watertown Democrat, 07
29 1858
The Welsh Methodists are progressing with their church
building on the West side of the river.
The frame is up, the clap-boards on the roof shingled and the interior
is being finished. In a short time it
will be ready for service. They are
supplying themselves with a very neat house of worship. It is finely located and easily accessible
from all points of the city.
↓ More on Welsh Methodist Church ↓
A Good Job
Watertown Gazette, 08
20 1909
The Welsh Church corner, North Washington and West Cady
streets, has a new cement walk that is a credit to Edward Racek,
who constructed it and to our city officials who laid out and looked after the
work, especially so when compared with other corner walks in some parts of the
city.
Cross Reference: Mention of Welsh
Church, by Rachel Davies
Rock River Pilot,
05 03 1848
Watertown Democrat, 07
29 1858
The New Dam - Mr. W. H. Blanchard and Enos
Salsich are now engaged in building a new dam across Rock River, a few rods below Main
Street bridge, in place of the one that was carried
away some six weeks ago by the great flood.
The new structure will be built in such a way as to make it strong and
permanent, and capable of resisting any amount of pressure that will ever be
made upon it by any accumulation of water that is likely to flow over it. When completed it will furnish a splendid and
reliable water power, sufficient to carry all the machinery that is now located
on the river, and as much more as it may be profitable to put in operation. A large number of men are now employed on the
work, the object being to get the structure done as soon as possible, so that
the mills now standing idle may once more be set in motion. The two grist mills that depend on this power
for water are among the largest and best in the state. Both are being thoroughly
overhauled and repaired, and will be put into the best running order. When driven to their full speed, they are
capable of manufacturing daily large quantities of the best quality of flour,
and their brands stand among the first class in all markets where they are
seen. They give steady employment to a
considerable number of men, and their success is a matter of interest to all.
↓ More on Lower (Globe Mill) Dam ↓
Water
Power for Sale or to Lease
Watertown Democrat, 09 09
1858
I will sell the Hydraulic Reserve on the east side of Rock River, in the
City of Watertown, or any part thereof, with the Mills and water power
connected therewith, or lease the same for a term of years to any Party or
Parties who will improve the same. None
[sic] others need apply. This property
is located in the central part of the city.
The Reserve is within five hundred feet of the Planters Hotel and Bank
of Watertown, and is capable of being divided into 20 or 25 lots suitable for
mechanical or hydraulic purposes.
H. W. Blanchard
↓ More on Lower (Globe Mill) Dam ↓
Sheriff’s Sale
Dam and Flouring Mill
Watertown Democrat, 04
21 1859
State of Wisconsin
Jefferson County Circuit Court
Amos Steck against Enos Salsich
By virtue of an execution issued from said Court in the
above entitled action, to me directed and delivered, against the real and
personal property of the above named defendant, Enos Salsich, I have levied upon and taken all the right, title
and interest which the said defendant had on the
nineteenth day of November, A.D., 1858, or at any time thereafter, in and to
all those certain lots and parcels of land, lying and being in the city of
Watertown, and county and state aforesaid, known and described as lots three,
four and five . . .
Cross reference: Portion
of 1857 map showing lower dam and Salsich flour mill
Flouring mill and dam rights sold
. . . together with the flour mill on the south half of lots
four and five, in block forty-eight, and all the water power and privileges,
and all the rights, interest and privileges created and made on the west side
of Rock river by the dam across said river
abutting on lots one and two in said block forty-eight, except four hundred and
fifty (450) inches appurtenant to the saw mill . . . I shall expose for sale
and sell at public auction at the Planter’s Hotel, in the city of Watertown, in
said county of Jefferson, on Saturday, the 4th day of June next, A.D. 1859, at
one o’clock in the afternoon. Joseph
Giles, Sheriff of Jefferson County, Wis.
↓ More on Lower (Globe Mill) Dam ↓
Infanticide
Watertown Gazette, 05
12 1859
It seems we have that most infamous of all things among
us—an infant killer. Last Tuesday
afternoon some children, who were playing near Blanchard’s Brick Mill,
accidentally discovered the body of an infant floating in the race. They gave the alarm and on its being taken
out it proved to be a full grown but new-born child, which had all the
appearance of having been first strangled and then thrown into the water as the
best way of hiding the shame and concealing the odious deed of the authors of
so fiendish a crime. Police Justice
Hadley held a Coroner’s Inquest, the jury returning a verdict of death from
some cause unknown to them. But for the
barbarity of the punishment, the perpetrators of this heathenish act ought to
be consigned to an enraged band of Blackfeet Indians and left to their
vengeance. The torture inflicted would
be none too hard for the slaughterers of innocents.
↓ More on Lower (Globe Mill) Dam ↓
Red Mill Undergoing
Extensive Repairs
Watertown
Democrat, 09 01 1859
The Red Mill on the west
side of the river, carried on by Messrs. Salsich and the Greens, is now
undergoing extensive repairs and receiving a new run of stone. These improvements will add largely to the
capacity of this heavy milling establishment to accommodate the large number
who daily resort to it with custom work and also greatly increase its
facilities for manufacturing bread-stuffs.
Mr. Enos Salsich is also doing another good thing in macadamizing that
portion of Water Street which runs from West Avenue (today West Main) to the
mills. This timely improvement will
render the establishments down there easily accessible through every season of
the year, and all who may have business to transact can go and come without
being buried in mud and mire, no matter what the weather. We are glad to see these changes going on, as
they indicate that our business men anticipate busy times ahead. In this expectation we trust they may not be
disappointed. Here is a wide and
inviting field for profitable manufacturing enterprises and it has only just
begun to be occupied. We hope at no
distant day to see it more generally appreciated and made available.
↓ More on Red Mill = Lower (Globe Mill)
Dam ↓
Red Mill
Watertown Democrat, 07 19 1860
The Red Mill, on the
west side of the river, is among the best flouring establishments in this
state. Since it has been owned by Mr.
Enos Salsich it has been much improved both in machinery and its capacity to do
work. He is now making a large addition
to the south end of the main building, which will not only be a great
convenience but add greatly to the business facilities of the institution. The flour that goes from this mill has always
been regarded as fully equal to the best in the market and brings the highest
price, which is the best possible proof of its superior quality.
↓ More on Lower (Globe Mill) Dam ↓
Watertown
Democrat, 07 21 1859
Last
Tuesday afternoon a sad and melancholy event happened in this city—a painful
incident all were sorry to witness, because it carried pain and mourning to two
families, which were suddenly made desolate and lonely. Two bright and promising boys were drowned
while bathing in the rapid current of Rock River, just below the new dam,
opposite Enos Salsich’s Mills. One was
the only son of Hon. Peter Rogan—an active favorite lad—a little more than
eight years old, bearing his father’s name—and the other was Mitchelburne Knox,
an intelligent and hopeful child about nine years of age, and son of Thomas M.
Knox, Esq.
It
seems that these two, with another boy, thought they would like a swim, and
chose a very dangerous place for the amusement—one that has heretofore proved
fatal to several other individuals who have tried the experiment at that
particular point. They made the attempt,
unbeknown to their parents, became involved in the eddies
of a dangerous stream, [and] after an interval of search were taken out dead
and carried to their bereaved and stricken homes.
Yesterday—one
in the forenoon and the other in the afternoon—they were buried amid the grief
of near and dear relatives—fathers, mother, brothers, sisters—and the sympathy
of a large number of friends, who mingled their tears with those whose
household had been suddenly clouded with sorrows of an irreparable loss.
Words
of consolation or comfort would be vain from us—God, who gives and takes, can
alone heal the wounded heart and bind up the broken spirit. But we wish we could say something that would
be of some service to the living—those who have not yet been called to weep
over a calamity of this kind, but who may be far within the range of
danger.
This
is not the first, second nor third time accidents of this fearful nature have
taken place, at or near the point where the present one transpired, and we have repeatedly called
public attention to that fact. That is
no place for children to make their first efforts to learn the difficult art of
swimming, for the reason that it is dangerous even for those who understand
it.
Small
boys ought not to be permitted to go there, for that or any other purpose, and
if they are, no one can tell what family will next be unexpectedly plunged into
the depth of anguish by seeing the lad who left the paternal roof with a face
radiant with joy and hope, brought back lifeless and dead.
Far
be it from us to cast the slightest blame on any one—least of all on those who
are so heart stricken already by this Providence—but to others we speak, who
may possibly learn and profit by this afflicting dispensation.
