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Miscellaneous set

 

Cluttered Lawns

Watertown newspaper, 06 21 1906

 

The people are kicking vigorously against having their lawns cluttered up with advertising matter.  Residences are provided with letter boxes for holding newspapers, folders, posters, etc. and there is neither excuse nor reason for throwing them broadcast to be blown around a terror in the roads and an eyesore to passers by.  What can be done?  We want to know at once.

 

1930s Vintage Pond

Watertown Daily Times, 08 24 2002

 

For Karl Lorenz, the discovery of a 1930s-vintage pond in his back yard was an opportunity to fill spare time after his retirement.  “We have a stone tower about 8 feet tall and a bridge in our back yard,” he said, sitting outside his home at 1106 S. Eighth St.  “We knew something was there.  We started digging around the base of the tower last May and we found the concrete pond.”  Lorenz restored and landscaped the pond with the help of his stepdaughter, Jennifer, and his wife, Connie, spending about 40 hours a week on the pond until its completion.  The work included removing an enormous volume of soil and rocks by hand, and planting more than 700 pink and white impatiens.

 

Judy Quam

Watertown Daily Times, 12 19 1996

 

Judy Quam of Watertown, longtime museum manager of the Watertown Historical Society will retire from the position in June.  Quam has been manager of the Octagon House complex and tour center for the past 16 years.  She plans to stay on until June to help her successor through the busy spring season when the house is cleaned in preparation for the tourist season, and many school tour groups are scheduled.  “I felt that after giving of myself all these years, it’s time for someone else to take over.  I want to spend more time at home and gardening,” Quam said.

 

"Mein Host" Ranke

Watertown Republican, 07 21 1886

 

Last Wednesday was "mein host" Ranke's birthday and a number of his friends rallied at the Tremont House to do honor to the event, receiving a princely reception at his hands.  The Philharmonic band furnished sweet strains for the occasion, a fine piccolo solo by Prof. Reeves being among the pieces played.

 

Mother Ill-Treats Her Child

Watertown Gazette, 05 28 1886

 

It is seldom that a mother ill-treats her child, but we hear of a case of a very aggravating kind existing in the 4th ward, bordering on the 5th, where a mother most cruelly treats her daughter, who is quite seriously ill with inflammatory rheumatism.  All such work should be squelched at once.  Give this woman to understand that she is not only violating the laws of nature, but also the laws of the State of Wisconsin, and that unless she ceases in her work she will be arrested and punished according to the law bearing on such cases.

 

H. D. James Ice Cream Parlor

Watertown Gazette, 05 28 1886

 

H. D. James & Co., opened the ice cream season at their ice cream parlor last Wednesday night, and a very large number were on hand to partake of the delicious cream and strawberries served.  James& Co.’s ice cream is certain to be as largely sought after this season as it was last.

 

Peninsular Button Attaching Machine

Watertown Gazette, 05 21 1886

 

J. Koerner has recently added a Peninsular Button Attaching Machine to his business.  Buttons can be placed on shoes in the twinkling of an eye, and in a manner warranted not to come off very soon.

 

Watertown Men Attacked in Milwaukee

 

Watertown Gazette, 05 21 1886

 

Milwaukee Journal:  Monday Gov. Rusk was mad, and his indignation fairly boiled over.  The captain of a Watertown company reported that two of his men boarded a street-car on the West side, and after paying their fare were attacked by the driver armed with a car hook, who drove them from the car with the remark, it was said, that he "wouldn’t allow any ___ blue-coated scabs" to ride on his car.  Gov. Rusk rushed into the police station aid ordered Chief Ries to send a detail of men to arrest the driver and produce him at headquarters.  He said he would "arrest the whole ____ company, if necessary," and ordered the soldier-boys to accompany the police sergeant to identify the driver.  The militia men were unable to identify the driver, and he was not arrested.

 

The Actions of a Certain Man in this City

Watertown Gazette, 05 21 1886

 

Queer rumors are in circulation regarding the actions of a certain man in this city, who has but recently become a widower, and if one-half of them are true, tar and feathers would be a mild application in the way of bringing him to see himself as others see him.  It is said that he has most shamefully treated his family, at all times, and appeared to be in a great hurry to have his wife die in order that he might marry a young strumpet, whom it is said, is very anxious to become his wife.  In justice to his deceased wife, the surviving members of his family and to society in general, should he carry out his desire and marry her, public opinion may become so enraged as to make life for both of them here anything but agreeable.  He has been forewarned and advised in the matter — it behooves him to beware.

 

Fred Winkenwerder

Watertown Gazette, 05 14 1886

 

Fred Winkenwerder is once more in the field ready to supply all our citizens with milk.  The milk that Fred sells is guaranteed to be the pure stuff, none of your starch and water kind.

 

Cruelty to Animals

Watertown Republican, 05 19 1886

 

John Belinski, of the Second ward, was arrested by Deputy Sheriff Brook and taken before Justice Halliger yesterday morning, for violating the statute against cruelty to animals.  Testimony was adduced proving that Belinski, for some months past, had failed to provide his team of horses with proper food or water, and had worked them when old, diseased and totally unfit for use.  It was also proved that the only food that the beasts had for some time past, was wheat straw, not even clean water being given them.  Nothing whatever was found in the barn and the poor animals literally died of neglect and starvation.  All these things were proven by neighbors of the accused.  Belinski was fined $25 for his cruelty, and to this was added $16.16 for costs, making the sum total of $14.16, which was not half enough in the view of the aggravation of the case.  It is hoped, however, that this example will be a warning to others, who think that they can abuse dumb beasts without fear of punishment.

 

Cito Products Inc.

Watertown Daily Times, 02 17 1989

 

A local manufacturing firm has all but quashed the possibility of a land deal with the city for expansion of its facility.  Cito Products Inc., located at 1002 S. Twelfth St., is planning to more than double the capacity of its business by constructing a new facility, according to Horst Wieder, the firm’s owner.  Thursday night, Wieder appeared before the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Committee to explain his plans, which include the purchase of a 20-acre parcel of land currently owned by Reinhold Stibb, about one-quarter mile south of Boomer Street in the town of Watertown.  He plans to develop about half the land available.

 

Church Contribution Box

Watertown Republican, 01 30 1895

 

A new invention is out and should recommend itself to church managers.  It is a church contribution box that is passed around instead of the plate.  The coins fall through the slots of different size, and has quarters and dimes alighting on velvet so to make no noise . . . . but copper and five cent pieces drop on a Chinese gong which sounds to beat the band.

 

Miss Strong

Lessons in singing and voice culture

02 20 1900

 

The attention of singers and parents is called to a reduction in prices offered by Miss Strong for lessons in singing and voice culture.  To accommodate many who would not otherwise feel able to take lessons, the following prices are offered to all:

 

One pupil in a family, 70 cents a lesson to each pupil.

Two in same family, 60 cents a lesson to each pupil.

Three in same family, 50 cents a lesson to each pupil.

To the clergy and their families and to music teachers and their family, 50 cents a lesson.

 

Payment every ten lessons.

Voices tried free of charge.

 

Lessons will be given by Miss Strong either at her studio, corner of Fifth Street and Western Avenue, or at private houses if specially desired.

 

German Old Soldiers' Society

02 27 1900

 

The German Old Soldiers' Society of this city has begun the publication of "The Fest Zeitung", which will be issued monthly until next June to boom the convention of the German Old Soldiers of Wisconsin to be held here June 17 and 18.  It is predicted that the meeting will attract several thousand visitors.

 

Street Sweeping in 1900

02 27 1900

 

Council Proceedings:  A resolution was passed authorizing the mayor to select a committee of three, including himself to procure full information as to the most approved kind of machine for sweeping paved streets, and the cost of the same, and to report as soon as convenient.  The mayor and Aldermen Wertheimer and Mayer to act with him.

 

Smut in Oats

03 13 1900

 

The loss to the farmers of Wisconsin due to smut in oats amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually; practically all of this loss may be saved by treating the seed oats before planting, at a very slight cost.  All that is necessary is to thoroughly saturate the seed oats with a solution made by adding one pound of formalin to fifty gallons of water.  To use this remedy, place a layer of oats three or four inches thick on the barn floor and sprinkle them with the formalin solution until they are entirely wet; then another layer may be placed on the first layer and sprinkled as before, repeating the process until all the seed oats has been sprinkled; then leave them in the pile for two hours, when they should be spread out thinly to dry.  They should be shoveled over once or twice a day until dry.  If they are to be sown broadcast, it will not be necessary to dry them.

 

The Spring Hat of 1900

03 13 1900

 

The spring hat of 1900 occupies a unique position in the millinery world.  It is approved by the radical dress reformers because of its lightness, and by the most fastidious society girls because of its beauty.  Never have the spring hats been so light in weight and so artistic in shape and coloring.  Airiness is the keynote of the early-spring models.  Heavy, coarse straw is no longer used, and the big flower-garden picture hats have been relegated to the past.  The most approved hats are of medium size, and the straws which are used are of the lightest possible texture.

 

Fruit Trees

Watertown Democrat, 05 05 1864

 

Many fears have been entertained that the young fruit orchards in this locality might be seriously damaged by the severe and long continued frosts of the past winter, but we are told by those who have examined the matter that this will be the case only to a limited extent, if at all.  The older trees have stood the cold without injury and only a few, more recently planted, have suffered.  If fruit trees can survive such a winter as we have just passed through, and come out healthy and vigorous in the spring, they are not likely to be killed by any weather they will experience in this climate.  They have probably gone through the worst.

 

Seeds May Go By Parcel Post

Watertown Gazette, 04 02 1914

 

The rate of eight cents per pound on seeds, bulbs, plants, cuttings, roots and scions has been abolished and hereafter articles of this kind may be sent through the mails at parcel post rates according to orders received at the local post office from the third assistant postmaster general.  The old rate was practically prohibitive on many shipments, and a much larger use of the parcel post by both farmers and city gardeners is predicted.  Parcel post patrons may also get their sassafras root for their spring tonic or a “mess” of onions for a cold in the head by parcel post, as the order states that this class of goods may now be sent by the parcel post whether intended for planting or for other purposes.

 

Ernest Ingersoll

“Birds of the United States”

Watertown Republican, 03 20 1900

 

Ernest Ingersoll, of New York, will deliver a lecture on “Birds of the United States”, at the high school building, on Thursday evening, March 29.  This lecture will be given under the direction of the former University Extension committee and will be free to those who held season tickets to the first course of lectures by Prof. Sparks one year ago.  General admission for others will be 25 cents, with reduced rates for children.  The lecturer is a man of wide reputation and eminent as a naturalist.  The lecture will be a familiar talk upon familiar birds and will be illustrated the beautifully chemically-toned lantern slides made from photographs of living wild birds.  Of these pictures, made at the New York Camera Club expressly for the professor, The Outlook says: “Nothing equal to these pictures has ever been done in this country.”  The purpose of the committee in securing this lecture is to awaken a deeper interest in birds and the preservation of bird life.  Those entitled to free admission are requested to call at the drug store of H. T. Eberle and leave their names.

Watertown Republican, 04 03 1900

WR T April 3, 1900

Ernest Ingersoll gave his illustrated lecture on “Bird Life” at the high school auditorium Friday evening before a large audience.  Opinions seem to differ as to the merits of the lecture, and as we were not present we are unable to offer a just criticism.

Watertown Republican, 04 06 1900

A large audience attended the bird lecture at the High School last Thursday evening by Ernest Ingersoll of New York City.  He is well posted on the subject and gave a very interesting lecture, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.  It was very unfortunate; however, that the lantern secured for the occasion to exhibit the pictures failed to work.

 

Wikipedia info on Ernest Ingersoll

 

 

A Daring Hoodlum

Watertown Republican, 04 03 1900

 

Saturday evening a daring hoodlum who attempted to mistreat a young Fifth ward girl who was standing in front of her home awaiting the arrival of a friend, was given chase by the girl’s father and a neighbor, and when overtaken was the recipient of a sound trouncing at the hands of the irate father, which will no doubt serve as a serious lesson to him in the future.  The ruffian’s identity was not established. We understand there have been other incidents of this nature lately and the police ought to keep a sharp vigilance for the offenders.

 

New Form of Needlework

Watertown Gazette, 04 27 1900

 

A new form of needlework, very beautiful in its results, is shown in the May Delineator.  Instead of accomplishing embroidery by colored stitches of various lengths, as heretofore, very pretty results are obtained by sewing carefully to proper background small strips of colored silk cut out in the shape of leaves or petals or stalks.  A most attractive feature of the article describing this method of work is that there is a foil page printed in colors showing the effect of this dainty idea.

 

High Spirited Horse

 

Watertown Republican, 05 09 1899

 

An individual living on the outskirts of the Seventh ward had a horse some time ago, but as he was a little too high spirited to suit him he traded the animal off to a local dealer and gave $1.50 to boot.  He took the new charger home and hitched him up, and the horse, not being familiar with his new surroundings, kicked the rig all to pieces.  He led the horse into town and traded him off for a coat about six inches too long for him, and is now applying to himself the parable of the man who went down to Jericho.

 

The Itinerant Medical Vendor

Watertown Republican, 04 26 1899

 

With the advent of warm weather comes the itinerant medical vendor.  His medicines are warranted to cure all the ills flesh is heir to.  Of course he does not care so much about money – it is his philanthropic nature which impels him to release us from our local medical changes.  He throws in a gold watch and chain, a $20 bill, or something equally valuable, just to show how little he cares for money.  But the string of suckers is never exhausted.  Watertown has been a rich field for the street fair, and is so registered in a "guide" kept for the information of those fellows.

 

Paper Floating Around Our Streets

Watertown Republican, 05 09 1899

 

City officials should not lose sight of the fact that most of the paper seen floating around our streets does not come from hand-bills and circulars in the hands of careless boys, but is swept out of places of business in the early morning hours.

 

 

Horses Collide with Wagon on Main St

 

Watertown Republican, 04 03 1900

 

A team of horses belonging to Edward Mulick, who resides a few miles southwest of the city, ran away Friday afternoon on West Main Street and made things lively for a time.  After crossing Main Street bridge they collided with a wagon belonging to August Neitzel, slightly damaging it.  One of the horses injured the leg by being struck repeatedly with a hitching weight which it had dragged along.

 

John Spindler

Imitates music box with his mouth

Watertown Republican, 03 15 1899

 

John Spindler, employed on the Lalone farm in Clyman, is a veritable curiosity.  Mr. Spindler gives perfect imitations of a music box with his mouth, and his imitations of what is commonly known as a mouth organ would make the average small boy green with envy.  He is equally entertaining in his imitations of various other instruments, and is quite an entertainer of the denizens of that neighborhood with his charming melodies.

 

Do away with the Trading Stamps

Watertown Gazette, 03 03 1899

 

At a meeting of the business men of this city held last Monday evening representing nearly every business in this city it was decided to do away with the trading stamps system in vogue here for several weeks.  The introduction of that method of doing business here has caused a great deal of unpleasant wrangling amongst businessmen, hence the determination to do away with it.  The giving of trading stamps, however, will be continued for 40 days from last Monday for all who desire to do so, when all stamps will be redeemed and then discontinued.

 

Fancy-Bred Fowls

Watertown Republican, 03 08 1899

 

Joe Mullen, aside from his college studies, will devote his spare time to the cultivation of fancy-bred fowls.  The other day he carried home a fine specimen of the Wyandotte species, which he secured from a breeder of fancy fowl at Fort Atkinson.  Joe will be prepared in a short time to supply his friends with choice varieties of the feathery tribe.

 

Treasurer of the Town of Shields

Watertown Republican, 03 15 1899

 

A good story is told by a west sider of his experience in getting the nomination and being elected to the office of treasurer of the town of Shields.  "I had to 'set them up' for the boys to get the nomination, and then keep on doing it to keep from being defeated.  After the election I was so delighted with my success that I kept on 'setting them up,' but when I came to settle up with the county treasurer I had to sell all my wheat to make good the deficiency.  No, no more office, thank you."

 

Weight of Rags

Watertown Republican, 10 12 1898

 

A wagon loaded with old rags broke down at the corner of Main and First streets Monday afternoon and stood in the rain quite a time.  Some thought it was a good way to increase the weight of the rags.

 

Norman Humphrey

Watch Stolen

Watertown Republican, 10 12 1898

 

Saturday Deputy Sheriff Smith arrested, near Appleton, a strange young man who is suspected of having stolen a silver watch from the home of Norman Humphrey, on Sixth Street, one day last summer. For obvious reasons the young man’s name is withheld for the present.  He was taken before Justice Henze Monday and his preliminary examination set for October 20, he meanwhile being lodged in, the county jail.

 

It is claimed that the suspect was engaged in taking orders for enlarging pictures and in this capacity called at Mr. Humphrey's residence.  He was told by the servant girl that nothing in was wanted in his line, after which she returned to her duties in the rear part of the house.  The watch in question was lying on a shelf in the room which the agent entered, and it being missing after his departure; it is supposed that he embraced the opportunity to appropriate it.  The watch was subsequently sold at Beaver Dam, and this furnished a clue to the apprehension of the suspect.

 

Society to Discourage Matrimony

Watertown Republican, 02 08 1899

 

A dozen young men in Appleton have formed a society, the object of which is to discourage matrimony. Some Fort Atkinson young men had the idea that marriage vows were not for them.  Where are they now?  All but one of them are bound by the matrimonial noose.

 

Egg Famine

Watertown Republican, 03 01 1899

 

There is a sort of egg famine confronting us.  During the recent extremely cold snap the dutiful hen gave up her job, with the result that her product is a rather scarce article just now.  The market price of eggs ranges from 25 to 30 cents per dozen, which of course makes a pretty expensive luxury.

 

Frozen Water Pipes and Mains

Watertown Republican, 02 22 1899

 

Several water mains have been found to be frozen, and steps have been taken to put them in condition for use in case of necessity.  Fire Chief Roy has taken the matter in hand, and made proper provisions for the use of the fire engines should it become necessary.  R.W. Wood, assistant in physics at the state university, has originated a new plan for thawing out water pipes.  By his plan an electric wire is attached to the water pipe at the meter, if the freeze is outside of it, and another to the nearest hydrant. The current is then turned on and the electricity does the rest.  At the residence of W. F. Viles, in Madison, Monday afternoon, 150 feet of pipe in the frozen section was thawed out in twelve minutes.   WR

 

Watertown Gazette, 03 10 1899

 

The frozen water pipes and mains in this city have all been thawed out by electricity, and Watertown claims the distinction of being the first city in the country where water mains and pipes have been successfully thawed out by this method.

 

Watertown Republican, 03 15 1899

The thawing out of the crossing sewers on the west side we fear will be an expense without any corresponding benefits.  The first thaw and freeze-up will leave most of them in the same condition as they were to begin with.

 

Sleigh Rides

Watertown Republican, 03 29 1899

 

Sleigh rides were all the rage last week.  Although there was rather a scarcity of the "beautiful" snow, every evening witnessed the long-box and hay-rack sleighs loaded to the brim with rollicking, happy childhood.

 

Fast driving is not a very comfortable pastime, especially on Main Street. Old people and children stand in great danger from the thoughtless driver, and it is to be hoped the practice will be discontinued.

 

Fire at Dauffenbach's Saloon

Watertown Gazette, 03 24 1899

 

There was a small blaze last Monday night in Christian Dauffenbach's saloon on Market Street.  The ceiling took fire from a defective flue, but the blaze was put out by Mr. Dauffenbach without the necessity of calling out the fire department.

 

Two Tramps Sentenced

Watertown Republican, 09 21 1898

 

Two tramps named Bradley and Woodford were sentenced by Justice Henze Monday to the county jail for ten days on a charge of vagrancy.  They were arrested Saturday night in a car loaded with grain near the Bucheit malthouse.  They had broken the seal of the car and also admitted having removed three switch lights, both of which offences were serious.  The railroad officials may take action against the tramps for their misdemeanor.

 

Edwin F. Lewis

Watertown Republican, 10 26 1898

 

Yesterday morning Edwin F. Lewis, son of E. R. Lewis, of Pipersville, arrived here direct from the Alaskan gold regions, where he went last May as a member of the Milwaukee expedition arranged by Dr. F. J. Toussaint.  Several others of the party, including Dr. Toussaint and George Williams, returned with Mr. Lewis.  The latter reports those of the party left in Alaska are getting along all right and that dredging for gold had begun when he left.  He expects to go back to Alaska in the spring.

 

The "Non-Treating Club

Watertown Republican, 10 19 1898

 

R. Scholl, of Johnson Creek, has interested himself in the "Non-Treating Club," organized by E. B. Monett, of Chicago, and has become the distributor for the Wisconsin chapter.  The object of the club is, as its name implies, to drink what you want yourself and not imagine you are going to offend anybody else by not asking him to join you.  Members of the club are distinguished by the wearing of an "N.T.C." button.  All desiring a pledge card and button can obtain the same by sending four cents in stamps to Mr. Scholl.

 

Senator John C. Spooner

Watertown Republican, 10 26 1898

 

The large audience that crowded Turner Opera house Saturday evening and the intense interest manifested attested in a marked degree the popularity of United States Senator John C. Spooner as a public speaker and evidenced the fact that the voters of this vicinity are not as apathetic as those of others sections have appeared to be.  It was a first Republican rally of the campaign and it was a good one.  Although the roads were almost impassable, there were many people in from the country and some of the nearby towns were well represented.  The Sinnissippi band enlivened the occasion with patriotic music.

 

Attempted Jail Break

at Jefferson

Watertown Republican, 09 28 1898

 

William Denby, Frank Moran and Charles Williams, alias Carney, the three parties who attempted to rob a railway train at Jefferson a few weeks ago, tried to break jail at Jefferson Thursday night.  They were detected in their efforts by the night watchman, after having worked a hole ten inches square through the wall and knotted their blankets together so as to be ready in another half hour to let themselves down from the second floor.  Their tools were a couple of old heavy hinges and a piece of heavy iron, evidently handed in by someone from the outside.

 

Glove and Mitten Factory

Watertown Republican, 09 21 1898

 

C .H. Chatfield, of Berlin, was here one day last week looking over the prospects for locating a glove and mitten factory in this city and ascertaining what inducements would be offered.  He was in consultation with F. A. Hoffmann, president of the Business Men's Association, and a fair proposition was made him.  Mr. Chatfield how has the matter under consideration.

 

Mrs. Steve Meyer

Watertown Republican, 09 28 1898

 

Mrs. Steve Meyer is the name of a much bedraggled female who walked into town from Watertown on Wednesday afternoon.  The woman told a most pitiable story; she said that she and her husband had come across the continent from Oregon in a covered wagon, and when they arrived at Watertown she went into the bakery, her husband drove off, and up to the time she arrived here had heard nothing of him.  She was hatless, saying that she had left her headgear in the wagon.  She was given supper here and a railroad ticket was bought for her to Milwaukee.  The story was in some ways corroborated, several having seen the wagon she described pass through here.  Oconomowoc Republican

 

Robert Kniesel

Watertown Republican, 09 28 1898

 

Friday evening the Concordia Opera House was the scene of a merry gathering of young people, the occasion being a dancing party given in honor of Robert Kniesel, of Waterbury, Conn., who in former years was a leading spirit of our youthful society in this line.  Thirty couples participated in the festivities, and two-steps and waltzes were the order from 9 to 1 o'clock, excellent music being provided by Hardege's string quartette.  A pleasing feature of the evening's entertainment, and one duly appreciated by the attendance, was the appetizing luncheon served by Mesdames Kniesel and Sproesser.

 

Michael Ready

Watertown Republican, 10 05 1898

 

Michael Ready, one of the oldest and best known settlers of the town of Shields, died at his home, one mile west of Richwood, on Tuesday last, September 27, at the age of 90 years.  His funeral was held at St. Joseph's Church in Richwood yesterday and the remains interred in St. Bernard's cemetery.  Mr. Ready was an inoffensive, industrious and honest man, who commanded the respect of all who knew him.

 

Kniesel's Millinery Line

Watertown Republican, 09 28 1898

 

After October 1 the ladies of Watertown and vicinity will have an opportunity to inspect a full and up-to-date line of pattern hats and bonnets, trimmings, etc., at Mrs. L. Kniesel's.  Having purchased complete and up-to-date novelties in the millinery line lately in Chicago, we take pleasure in extending an invitation to the ladies of Watertown and vicinity to call and inspect the same after October 1.  – MRS. KNIESEL.

 

Sidewalks

West Main Street

Watertown Republican, 10 05 1898

 

A special meeting of the common council was held last Wednesday evening . . . Resolved, By the common council of the city of Watertown, that all side-walks hereafter laid on that part of West Main Street which extends from Church Street westerly to the west line of the right-of-way of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company shall be laid three feet from the boundary line of abutting blocks thereon, and that said portion of said West Main street is hereby excepted from the operation of any resolution inconsistent herewith.

 

Roosters crowing at daylight,

Dogs barking late at night

 

Watertown Republican, 11 09 1898

At this season of the year, when roosters crow at daylight in the morning, dogs bark late at night and the street vendor yells his wares, the police are the recipients of hundreds of complaints from citizens who must, by reason of the heat, keep their doors and windows open.  For the information of those concerned, the Washington Post has obtained what is cited as the determination of the police court in such cases.

 

It has been held that where a person is disturbed by unnecessary noises, such as has been mentioned, it does not come within the province of the police officer to arrest those responsible, unless the police officer himself should be disturbed.  In other words, the party whose peaceful rest is interfered with by the crowing or barking must first procure a warrant against the owner of the fowl or dog which causes the disturbances.  The officer then proceeds to bring the owner of the offending creature to justice.  Where persons denounce loud crying by hucksters, accompanied by written complaint, the police officer has been permitted a hearing in court.  In determining cases in court it has been made a rule that a party crying his wares must not make noise enough to be heard more than a square. Just how a single police officer is to determine their “length" of a vendor's cry is what is now puzzling him.

 

Washboiler,

Clothes Supporter and Lifter

Watertown Republican, 10 02 1895

 

A recent invention by our townsman, W. R. Thomas, is a washboiler, clothes supporter and lifter which is spoken of as a very useful household commodity.  The contrivance holds clothes while being boiled on two sections, thus allowing the water to more freely circulate through and more thoroughly cleanse them, and at the same time it saves a great deal of time in the work.

 

Case of Paternal Brutality

Watertown Republican, 09 11 1895

 

A case of paternal brutality, which might have resulted in serious injury to a 14-year-old girl, was discovered by William Jaedecke, Robert Abele and Will Berbin on their return from a hunt at Hahn's lake Sunday afternoon.  When near the railroad crossing south of the Junction they were attracted by the cries of a child, and hastening toward the spot found Ferdinand Maas, who lives on the Pease farm in the Third ward, abusing his daughter Emilie in a frightful manner.  Maas was compelled to cease his attack, after which the gentlemen hastened to town and swore out a warrant for his arrest.  A hearing was called in Justice Stacy's court on a charge of assault and battery Monday afternoon, but was adjourned to September 14.

 

Fires on Horicon Marsh

Watertown Republican, 10 16 1895

 

The fires on Horicon Marsh are doing a great amount of damage, not only in burning the hay and grains, but by burning the ground itself, so that it is feared it will be impossible to raise even grass for several years to come.

 

Walter Stone

Watertown Republican, 10 16 1895

 

Justice Stacy's court was occupied Friday by Town of Ixonia farmers who gave evidence in the action of the Ixonia Mutual Fire Insurance Company against Walter Stone to recover $100 damages.  On August 31, last, Stone was employed with his traction engine and separator and threshed grain on the farm of Fremont Lounsbury, in Ixonia, and after the work was done a fire started in a straw stack, consuming a quantity .of hay and fodder which was covered by insurance in the plaintiff’s company, the loss being settled at $50.  It is alleged that Stone's engine had no spark arrester attached to it, and it is supposed the fire originated from sparks thus emitted.  On the grounds of this alleged negligence the company brought suit against Mr. Stone to make good their loss.  C H. Gardner appeared for the plaintiff and J. A. Kelly, of Oconomowoc, for the defendant.  After taking the testimony the case was adjourned for review by the court untiI Monday morning, when the opinion was rendered that there was no cause for action.

 

M/M James O'Rourke

Watertown Republican, 11 06 1895

 

 

Mr. and Mrs. James O'Rourke are a couple who recently came here from Milwaukee, occupying quarters over Thomas Brooks' store, on West Main Street.  According to versions of the affair as given by neighbors and others they engaged in a family row Saturday afternoon, the same, it is said, arising over a matter of money.  The row grew into a fistic encounter on the street, in which some bodily damage was done, and which was witnessed by several pedestrians.  Forthwith Mrs. O'Rourke made complaint against her husband for assault and battery and a warrant was issued by Justice Stacy for his arrest, it being served subsequently and the prisoner producing $100 cash as bail.  The preliminary examination was set for Mon day, but on a physician's affidavit being filed that the complainant was unable to appear, owing to injuries, the hearing was adjourned to 1 o'clock Saturday afternoon in Justice Stacy's courtroom. Mrs. O'Rourke has also begun proceedings for a divorce from her husband.

 

Watertown Republican, 11 13 1898

 

James O'Rourke, charged with assault and battery by his wife, failed to appear before Justice Stacy Saturday afternoon when the case was called.  The action was therefore dismissed and O'Rourke's bail bond - $100 -declared forfeited.

 

Watertown Chess Player

Watertown Gazette, 08 05 1900

 

Rather a mean joke was played on one of our local chess players on Tuesday.  A gentleman from Watertown was here on business and wanted a game of chess and prevailed upon a local player to accommodate him, the agreement being, so it is claimed, to play three games.  The Watertown player won the first game and then pleaded a pressing engagement, playing no more, and then went about the city telling how he had beaten our player.  Our local player says he can beat the Watertown man for money, marbles or funs, and is very anxious to try conclusions with him again. [Waterloo Democrat]

 

Mrs. Albertina Schroeder

Watertown Gazette, 05 21 1914

 

Awarded $5,000 Damages.  In the county court at Jefferson last Friday Mrs. Albertina Schroeder of this city was awarded $5,000 damages against the city of Watertown by the jury on account of the death of her husband.  Last year, while driving a team of horses attached to a wagon loaded with bricks, Mrs. Schroeder’s husband was thrown out of the wagon and one of the wheels passed over his head, causing death almost instantly.  Mrs. Schroeder claimed the wagon struck a defective catch basin in the street and Mr. Schroeder was thrown off the wagon and was killed by the hind wheel passing over his head.  The city’s defense was that as Schroeder drove across the C. M. & St. P. Ry. tracks the front end board of the wagon box was jolted out, that bricks fell from the load on the heels of the horses and caused them to run away, throwing Schroeder out.  Otto Kuenzi represented the city, with Mayor Kading assisting.  Bloodgood, Kemper & Bloodgood of Milwaukee were the plaintiff’s attorneys.  Edward J. Wieman was the original attorney for Mrs. Schroeder, but owing to having recently been elected city attorney, he had to drop out of the case.

 

A Flower of Youth Has Passed Away.

Alma Amanda Jaehnke

Watertown Gazette, 05 28 1914

 

Alma Amanda Jaehnke was born in Johnson Creek, Wis., Sept. 28, 1896, died in Portland, Oregon, Sunday forenoon, May 17, 1914, age 16 years, 7 months and 19 days.  She was the youngest daughter of Mrs. Mary Jaehnke, of Portland, Oregon, with whom she made her home.  Her father, the late Fred Jaehnke, and a brother Max preceded her in death.  She made her home at Johnson Creek until going to Fort Atkinson nine years ago, and went with her mother to make their home in Portland, Oregon, four years past.  She attended the public schools at Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Wis., and Portland, Oregon, and will be remembered by those who knew her by her kind and pleasing disposition.  Deceased had been suffering from intestinal obstruction for the past two years.  Her condition became critical April 30 and she was immediately moved to the hospital, where a surgical operation was performed May 5, finding there was little hope for her recovery.

 

The good angel of our heavenly Father was delegated to inform her to qualify for a chosen place in his fold that had been selected for her, and for the past few months she realized that this qualification was essential to meet His wishes and she remarked to the dear ones left behind some months ago that she had certain things to perform and was soon to depart from this earth and has daily been preparing with prayer.  Finding she was overcome with weakness she asked her dear old mother, sisters, brothers and dearest friends to offer up prayer to God in her behalf.

 

She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Mary Jaehnke, Portland, Oregon; five brothers: E. F. and W. F., Fort Atkinson, Wis.; Ferd. and Paul E., Portland, Oregon; George V., Omaha, Neb., and five sisters: Mrs. Mattie Quam, Mrs. Flora Karr, the Misses Bertha, Lydia and Nora, Portland, Oregon.

 

The good Lord found it necessary to call her from this earth and the bereaved ones should rejoice in his selection.  Rev. E. W. Mager of Fort Atkinson conducted obsequies at the home of E. F. Jaehnke, 305 Adams Street, Fort Atkinson, Wis., and the concluding sermon at the M. E. church Johnson Creek, Wis., Sunday afternoon.  Six of her girl playmates acted as pallbearers at Fort Atkinson.

 

Two Bicycles Stolen

08 14 1904

 

Monday evening two bicycles were stolen from in front of the owner’s place of business in this city, one being taken from in front of Brennecke & Bergman’s drug store , the property of Mr. Bergman, by a boy who went south on Fourth Street.  When he reached Turner Opera House He fell off the wheel and ran south.  At about the same time a bicycle was stolen from in front of Schmutzler and Heismann’s store in Third Street, and it was found on Wednesday by Officer Butzler under a pile of grass and leaves in Vaughan’s woods south of the city.  It belonged to Chas. Heismann.

 

Drs. Richard Holden and Bruce Cochrane

Watertown Daily Times, 08 14 1979

 

Two new physicians Thursday began their medical practice with Watertown Family Practice, 123 Hospital Drive, Watertown.  The two are Dr. Richard Holden and Dr. Bruce Cochrane, both of whom are certified in the specialty of family practice.  Dr. Holden and his wife, Ellen, reside at 1522 Bridge St.  He enjoys tennis, softball, racquetball and skiing.  Dr. Cochrane and his wife, Dianne, reside at 303 James St.  They are expecting their first child later this month.  He enjoys water skiing, baseball and a variety of other sporting activities, and is also a licensed pilot.

 

“Wausau Homes”

Watertown Daily Times, 06 28 1994

 

A new type of home is popping up in Dodge and Jefferson counties.  The homes literally seem to pop up because the houses are completed elsewhere and then set on the foundation, complete with carpeting, drapes, appliances and all amenities.  Added features can include basements, garages and decks.  The concept of manufactured homes is not new, but its acceptance by communities is making news.  The manufactured homes, which meet all Housing and Urban Development (HUD) codes, are becoming more popular here and in towns and cities across the nation due to rising housing costs.  “As the cost of affordable housing escalates, people are looking for alternatives,” said Ken Schmidt of Watertown, assistant manager of Steenberg Homes, which sells a variety of manufactured homes.

 

28th Wisconsin Dairymen’s Association Meeting

02 20 1900

 

Watertown last week had the honor and pleasure of entertaining the Wisconsin Dairymen’s Association.  It was the twenty-eighth annual convention of the organization and formed a most notable contrast to the mere handful of men in this city twenty-eight years before when the now large and influential association was given its life.  A few of the enthusiasts of that primeval epoch in Wisconsin dairying were again here on this occasion and showed they had lost none of their interest in the movement.  These early promoters may well feel proud of their efforts toward fostering the industry which is now which a large source of revenue to our agriculturists.

 

Albert B. Liebermann

Watertown Republican, 03 27 1900

 

The following appeared in last Wednesday’s Milwaukee Journal:  Albert B. Liebermann has brought suit for $10,000 damages against the Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company, on the ground that an employee of the road defamed his character.  He says that he was riding on a Farwell avenue line car, November 5, 1899, and had paid his fare.  When he got to Brady Street he took his overcoat and started for the door.  The conductor refused to let him get out and charged that he had stolen the coat in the car.  The conductor called him a crook and yelled very loud, and finally called a policeman and stopped the car to turn over Liebermann to the law.  There were many people present and he asserts that his shame and indignation cannot be overcome for less than $10,000.”  (Albert Liebermann was the owner-operator of the clothing and gents’ furnishing store in Watertown)

 

Howard’s Tavern

Watertown Daily Times, 04 05 1964

 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Howard, of No. 36 Stimpson Street who have retired from the tavern business after 34 years, today expressed their thanks and appreciation to their patrons and suppliers for their generous and continued support while they were in business in Watertown.  Mr. Howard recently sold his business at 501 North Fourth Street to Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Engelhart who are now operating the place.  Mr. and Mrs. Howard were in business here for 22 years and prior to that were in business for 12 years at Clyman.

 

Conley Saloon

Watertown Gazette, 10 12 1894

 

For an “A No. 1” quality brandy and whiskey go to M. D. Conley's, corner of West Main and Water streets.  Dan keeps the genuine article, and sells it lower than any house in the city.  If you want something good for medical purposes, you will always find it there.  Ale, porter and Milwaukee bottled beer always on hand.  Free lunch served all day long.   [121 W. Main, southeast corner of W. Main and Water streets]

 

"In God we trusted,

In Nebraska we busted"

Watertown Republican, 10 17 1894

 

"In God we trusted, In Nebraska we busted" was the inscription in large letters on a prairie schooner that passed through here on its way north last Sunday.

 

Pearl Button Manufactory

Watertown Gazette, 10 12 1894

 

This week we visited the pearl button manufactory of John Spies in Waterloo, and we find him doing a thriving business.  He started in a small way here, considering it a venture, but has built up a business that is keeping himself and another man busy all the while.  He is making a superior class of pearl button which is finding a ready sale.  Among other things manufactured are 8 line of pearl cuff buttons that are by far the finest thing of the kind that we have ever seen and will pay everyone desiring anything in this line to give him a call.

 

Manufacture of Cigars in Watertown

Watertown Republican, 01 23 1895

 

It has long been an established fact that the manufacture of cigars in this city is of no small moment in business circles.  A visit to the different concerns by the average citizen would be one of surprise at the number of men employed and the amount of material used.  There are eight firms here engaged in this enterprise, whose combined output the past year reached the enormous total of 3,220,000 cigars.  The old-established house of Wiggenhorn Bros. took the lead, their manufacture amounting to 1,600,000, and besides this they sold 500,000 cigars for a Pennsylvania firm.  The other firms doing business here are Wilkowski Bros., Schlueter Bros., Kramer and Neumann, J. S. Miller, William Buending, Charles Becker and J. Goodnetter . . .  

 

More about cigar industry in this issue

 

Charles Becker, Cigar Manufacturer

Watertown Gazette, 12 08 1905

 

Wednesday of last week Louis Brumm, of Hubbleton, was taken before Justice Henze on complaint of Chas. Becker, a cigar manufacturer of this city, who claimed that Brumm relieved him of $260 while he was in Hubbleton the day previous.  Brumm confessed to Chief of Police Block that he had taken the money and he accompanied Mr. Block to Hubbleton, where they recovered $205 of the money.  Brumm claims another man took some money from Becker also.  Brumm waived examination and Justice Henze placed him under $200 bail, in default of which he was committed to the Jefferson county jail for trial at the next term of the circuit court.  Mr. Becker missed his train at Hubbleton on the day he was relieved of his money, and had Brumm drive him to his home in this city.  He did not miss the loss of money until next day.

 

Order of Rainbow for Girls

Watertown Daily Times, 05 27 1953

 

The Order of Rainbow for Girls, assembly No. 10, will hold a public installation of the officers of the assembly this evening at 8 o’clock.  The following have been elected and appointed to office:  Worthy advisor, Sharon Draheim; worthy associate advisor, Cynthia Northrop; charity, Inez Radke; hope, Valerie Krueger; faith, Sandra Foley; chaplain, Patricia Swailes; drill leader, Nina Stockli; love, Ann Parker; religion, Barbara Bauman; nature, Kathryn Brink; immortality, Elaine Frey; fidelity, Roberta Kilian; service, Barbara Krebs; confidential observer, Diane Herried; outer observer, Barbara Tester; musician, Elaine Gritzner; choir director, Jean Adams; choir members, Kathleen Foley, Patricia Kugath, Shirley Frish, Catherine Platos, Nancy Landsverk, Sandra Nolte, Nancy Krebs, Donna Koemer.  The installation will be preceded by a Parents’ Banquet at 6 o’clock.

 

Mrs. P. A. Schoechert

Watertown Daily Times, 04 22 1953

 

Mrs. P. A. Schoechert, 811 Cady Street, who went through the dark days of World War I as a resident of Germany and who knows the terror of a post-war reconstruction period from personal experience, today pleaded for a better understanding between the people of the United States and Germany — in fact between all the people of the world.  Mrs. Schoechert, who has been a resident of Watertown for many years and who has directed her efforts toward a better understanding between Germans and Americans and who carries on a vast correspondence with men high in the councils of government in Washington in her efforts to promote a better understanding and humanitarian efforts, made her views known in a letter to the editor of the Times.

 

Amateur Musical Club

Watertown Republican, 04 03 1900

 

The orchestra concert of the Amateur Musical Club on April 19 promises to be an event of unusual interest in musical circles.  The members of the orchestra have been working hard during the past three months preparing for the event, and our people should not fail to avail themselves of the opportunity to hear this new vocal organization and incidentally to assist the club in a financial way and thus encourage further efforts in the future.  Considerable expense has been incurred in making the arrangements for the concert and our people can expect an evening of rare and unusual pleasure.  The program will consist principally of popular numbers.

 

Lack of Bullheads,

Fodder for Hogs

Watertown Republican, 04 03 1900

 

For years Beaver Dam has been the scene of remarkable catches of bullheads during the winter months, and the papers all over the country have commented on the phenomenon, many people being inclined to believe that it was more in the nature of a “fish story” than a fact.  However, the past winter has been remarkable here owing to the fact that not a bullhead has been dished out of the small lake, and people are at a loss to account for the change of affairs. 

 

Every winter the farmers hereabouts have been able to scoop the bullheads out of the lake by the bushel and carry away wagonloads at a time.  It has been a common occurrence to see a dozen farmers cart away wagon loads of these fish in one night and people wondered at the unlimited quantity.  It seemed that as fast as the farmers dished

out the bullheads there were just as many left in the lake.  Local merchants took the matter up and made a regular business of catching them and shipping to eastern markets.

 

The past winter, however, there have been no catches and the farmers have been unable to get them to feed to their hogs.   WR

 

Christmas 1906

12 19 1906

 

Several of the stores in this city have been beautifully decorated and made exceedingly attractive for the holiday season.  Much taste and genius has been displayed in arranging the show windows and the store rooms.  This is especially true of the stores of Strauss & Sette, Schempf Bros. Co., Charles Fisher & Son Co., Beurhaus-Gloger Co., The Fair Store, Schempf Drug Co., The New Store, and Keck & Co. 

 

In entering the several stores, it is like entering a fairy land full of beauty and very inviting to the senses, and ought to influence those who visit the stores to invest in many of the beautiful things displayed and kept in stock, for their own personal use, or for gifts to relatives and friends.  There is no need of going away to purchase goods of any kind, for they can be secured here just as cheaply and at the same time be helping our home merchants and keeping the money at home instead of helping outsiders who do not pay taxes for the improvement and betterment of Watertown.

 

Crosby Bros.

Watertown Republican, 06 01 1898

 

Crosby Bros. are minus a bicycle which they loaned to a boy last Wednesday afternoon.  The boy bargained to purchase the wheel, but asked to first try it, which request was granted.  He forgot to return and leave the money, however, and nothing has since been heard of him.  He was about 14 years of age and claimed to live in Edgerton.

 

The Crosby Bros. bike shop was at 410 E Main St.  

 

Harlow Pease

City Attorney

Watertown Gazette, 05 04 1900

 

The city council proceedings published in this issue of The Gazette will interest most of our citizens . . . The reasons given herein by Harlow Pease why he has not accepted the appointment of city attorney, we believe to be well founded.  The compiling of the city ordinances for the past 47 years or more is a very difficult task, and we would consider it outside of the ordinary duties of a city attorney, and should be paid for extra.  Besides requiring a great amount of labor, it also involves a great deal of care in order that no blunders may occur.  This is a matter that everyone that gives it the proper amount of attention will take Mr. Pease's view of.  The city council, however may have good reasons for thinking otherwise, but we believe they will adjust the matter satisfactorily.

 

Mrs. L. A Bates

822 Richards Avenue

Watertown Republican, 03 30 1898

 

Some miscreant gained entrance to the residence of Mrs. L. A Bates, 822 Richards Avenue, Saturday evening, and engaged in the nefarious work of destroying the house furnishings, among other things tearing and ripping the upholstery of the furniture with a knife.  While thus employed the fellow was discovered by neighbors and the police were notified, but ere the latter's arrival the fellow had made good his escape . Mrs. Bates is at present in New York City and her home is unoccupied.

 

Charles Carney

Watertown Republican, 03 23 1898

Charles Carney, who was brought from Watertown to the county jail on a charge of resisting an officer, and who was bound over to the circuit court, last Monday made application to Judge Grimm to plead.  For his offense the heaviest penalty is one year in the county jail.  He will be heard in ten days from the date of his application,

Watertown Republican, 03 30 1898

Carney, the man who resisted an officer at Watertown, Tuesday pleaded before Judge Grimm and was sentenced to thirty days in county jail.  The sentence was made light on account of the poor health of the prisoner.  The sooner he gets out of the county the better.

 

Hymn Books

Watertown Gazette, 05 18 1900

 

A minister down in Missouri found his people too poor to purchase hymn books and being offered the same book free by a patent medicine house provided they be allowed to insert their advertisement, ordered three dozen for the congregation.  He was elated upon receiving them to find no ad in the same.  Then next Sunday he distributed the books, telling his brethren of his good fortune and requesting that they sing 119.  A chagrin may be imagined when they sang the hymn,

 

“Hark, the heavenly angels sing,

Johnson’s pills are just the thing;

The angelic voices meek and mild—

Two for man and one for a child.”

 

Sunday Recreation

Watertown Gazette, 05 18 1900

 

There are worse things than Sunday recreation.  An unkind remark, perhaps embittering someone’s heart for an entire day or longer, is far more reprehensible than an hour or two at cards on Sunday.  Yet how many encompass and perpetrate the one who would not consent to the other.  He who would deprive the toilers of their right to refresh themselves on Sunday would take a toy from the hands of a child on the plea that there must be no play on Sunday.

 

Nature is as beautiful on Sunday as on other days, the air is as fresh and pure, the breeze as refreshing, the shade as inviting, the music of waves that play upon the beach as delightful to the work-weary ear of the tired laborer who for six days has listened to the whirr of wheels in the manufactories . To deny these on Sunday to many thousands of toilers is to shut sunshine out of their lives.

 

The English Language

Watertown Gazette, 05 18 1900

 

It is not against the interests of the city schools that members of the board of education should inveigh against the English in them.

 

The trustee who said the grammar and high school graduates are not welcome in Chicago business places on account of their inability to speak, spell, or write English well spoke the truth.

 

It is notorious that work seekers from the British Islands are more readily employed than Americans seeking like employment.  The reason is obvious.  The course of study in the English, Irish, and Scotch schools is based upon the principle that the chief tools for English-speaking business life is the English language.  To acquirement in that the chief energy of the British and Irish schools is concentrated until its orthography and construction are mastered.

 

The chief principle most apparent now in the public schools of Chicago is that of cram.  A little of every science on earth and not enough of any to constitute a tangible acquisition.

 

Women have taken to Profanity

Watertown Gazette, 05 18 1900


A noticeable improvement in the sphere of manners which this generation can boast is the decline of profanity among men.  Not so very long ago “swearing” was common among all classes.  Some men swore because their vocabulary was meager and oaths were necessary to emphasize remarks.  Others honestly believed that the custom was required as a support to what was called manly dignity.

 

But along with this acknowledged improvement in men’s manners come the startling assertion that women have taken to profanity.  At first timidly a gentle “cussword” is employed and the woman is scared at her own daring. She gets used to it and strengthens the expression, until at last, it is said, she actually says “d—n.”

 

Is this an accomplishment of the new woman?  If so, save us from the new woman.  But it is not to be believed.  No woman of sense would think of weakening her speech by the use of words which betray a property of mind and character.

 

 

 

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History of Watertown, Wisconsin

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