Oregon History Timeline for April 2018

 

100 yrs. ago (1918)

The voters at the spring election narrowly reelected Andrew Madsen for village president over R. D. Ozburn, 106 to 102. Madsen also won the position of county supervisor. Others elected were C. A. Hanan, village clerk; James Welch, treasurer, W. B. Chandler, assessor; Norris Getts, police justice; Arthur Criddle, justice of the peace; and Jake Starry, constable. The perennial question of whether or not to issue liquor licenses again lost on a vote of 57 to149.

Chairpersons elected for the surrounding area Towns included Harry Hook (Town of Oregon); Ole Evans (Town of Dunn); H. C. Rasmussen (Town of Rutland); and Eugene Barry (Town of Fitchburg).

The local Red Cross chapter sponsored a benefit dance at the opera house. Music was provided by Hatch’s Harp Orchestra of Janesville. All proceeds were given to further the work of the local chapter.

The following business owners, Custer & Hanson, James R. Sheil, and P. E. Fisher, gave notice in a newspaper ad that any services they provided involving labor, repairs, and supplies, must be settled in cash within 30 days. This was being implemented “to avoid the losses and increased expense incident to running charge accounts for such items [and] because of the steadily increasing expense of operation in the automobile business, the margin of revenue has become narrower and narrower and with no way to offset this condition the only sure steps to take in order that we may stay permanently in business.”

The OHS Junior Class presented the play “Brown Eyed Betty” at Olson’s Opera House. The cast included Anslow Keenan (Jonas Hutchins); Catherine McWilliams (Violet Hutchins); Marguerite Ozburn (Miranda Hutchins); Earl Montgomery (Rev. Cyrus Hardy); Stanley Chandler (Hiram Whitcomb); Vincent Grady (Harry Leon); Will Sweeney (Jim Blinn); Clement Criddle (Sam Mason); Lillian Hanan (Letitia Starbird); Frances Tipple (Leuinda Mason); Dorothy Manson (Huldah Griffin); and Neva Clapp (Betty).

Daylight savings time became effective for the first time, March 31, 1918. The following was noted in the school news: “The school likes the new daylight savings plan as it gives more chance for work before dark.

“Jas. Sheil, John Sheil, and Wayne Bentley went to Racine, returning with three Mitchell Six cars, one of which was sold to Gene Barry.”

The following warning notice about getting rid of trash: “The village authorities give notice that the dumping of rubbish on Market Street near the depot is forbidden. Coal ashes may be hauled there by permission of the village street committee, but the ashes must not contain tin cans and other rubbish.”

The First National Bank of Oregon advertised patriotic support for the war by the purchase of Liberty Bonds.   Examples of support were: A $50.00 bond will supply four months sustenance in the field for one man. A $200 bond will supply complete uniform and outfitting for 4 navy men. A $500 bond will supply 180 gas masks.   A $1,000 bond will supply gasoline enough to propel a submarine 2,000 miles.

George King rented his house on South Third Street [State Street] to M. Q.Green of First Lake [Lake Mendota] and will move to his farm in the Town of Rutland.

 

50 yrs. ago (1968)

In the spring elections Forest (“Steve”) Madsen retained his position as Dane County Supervisor for District No. 41; a position he held for the past 32 years. He won over Clarence Fritz 583 to 162 in the Village and 211 to 57 in the Town of Oregon. The three village trustees elected were Marvin Jensen, Earl Lawson, and Kenneth Robert.

Coach Jack Statz’s OHS baseball team opened their season on a newly reworked diamond. The initial game on the diamond was celebrated with a victory over Evansville, 8-4.

Returning lettermen were Jim Anderson, Nick Brashi, Dave Kapusta, Tom Appel, Craig Smith, and Greg Judd.

The OHS faculty selected Dawn Grinnell to attend to the Badger Girls State program and Tom Appel and Richard Heller to attend the Badger Boys State program. Their participation was funded by the American Legion /Johnson-Litch Post No.334.

The OHS track team started their 1968 season with the following returning lettermen: John Dahlke, Bob Maier, Bill Fiscus, John Collins, Doug Johnson, Dave Griffith, and Dave Decker.

Dan Wrolstad was the head coach and Earl Lockner assistant coach.

Bicyclists are reminded that licenses will be available at the Village Hall starting Monday, April10th. For those old enough, a written test will be given prior to the issuance of the license. The program was a joint effort of the police department (Joe Lockwood, Chief of Police) and the Woman’ Club Safety Committee headed by Mrs. Earl Gransee. Two hundred cyclists took the written safety test.

Earl Lawson, chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce Retail Committee, posted the following notice in the newspaper: “All retail stores are expected to close from 12 – 3 on Good Friday and all other services or business places which can do so.”

The Oregon PTA (Parent Teachers Association) announced plans to split up into two separate groups, each with its own officers.   Officers for the High School organization were: Mrs. Merle Kopke (president); Mrs. Harold May (vice-president); Mrs. Harold Zuercher, (secretary); and Mrs. Ralph Kreutlzer (treasurer). For the Elementary and Junior High Schools the officers were Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Joyner (co-presidents); Mrs. Bernard Freitag (vice-president); Mrs. Kenneth Lemke (secretary); and Mrs. Walter Raha (treasurer).

George Hecox, new owner of the local Gamble Store, held a Grand Opening of his facility which now included a basement merchandise department.

Construction began on the Oregon-Madison 4-lane highway.   Grading operations has begun on the re-construction of US Hwy. 14.

Holy Mother of Consolation Parochial School announces that it will cease operations at the end of the school year. The closing will effect about 120 first through sixth grade children. The present school building had been in use since 1952.

The OHS golf team opened its season with a 233-243 victory over Verona. The Oregon golfers included Doug Dukerschein, who carded a 41 to lead both teams, Gerry Burns, Mitch Spilde, Fred Sheils and Mark Kellogg.

Marcia McAllister became “Miss Oregon” for 1968. Nearly 700 spectators and participants filled the OHS cafetorium for the event. The master of ceremonies was Clark Hogan, a popular Madison area sports and newscaster.

25 yrs. ago (1993)

 

Ground breaking ceremonies were held for the new Hardee’s Restaurant to be built on North Main Street, just south of Kwik Trip. Those participating were Eric Grover, president of Oregon Chamber of Commerce; Bill Kortte, village president; Rick Conant owner of Oregon Hardee’s; Harry Van Vonderen, project manager; and Ray Delong of Remedial Engineering.

The Village Board approves Municipal Judge Edward Quamme’s request to hire Dawn Hans as court clerk.

The Oregon Board of Education agreed to obtain cost estimates for the restoration of the Red Brick School building and to determine the feasibility of using it for district offices and public use.

OHS students present Arthur Miller’s play, “The Crucible”, directed by Charles Uphoff.

A spring community choir concert was planned, combining members of the community with the High School Choir and Chamber Choir under the direction of Thomas Mielke.

The Oregon Chapter of the FFA presented second year degree certificates to the following students, Ross Thomas, Rick Clayton, Chris Meier, Breg Bergweger, Rob Dornaus, Bob Davis, Ben Davis, Dan Puphal, Chad Cox, Mike Hannem, Jeff Smithback, and Jim Grindle.

Oregon’s Odyssey of the Mind Crystal Program team became the Wisconsin State Champions. Members of the winning team were Lisa Barroilhet, Cadie Langer, DeeDee Paster, Eli Paster, Chad Rittenhouse, and Zak Paster. The team coach was Penny Paster. Their problem solving task involved writing an analogy to Ernest Hemingway’s novel, “The Old Man and the Sea”.

An OHS teacher and three OHS students received Tendy Computer Corp. Awards. OHS teacher, Chris Christenson received a certificate in the Math/Science/Computer Science Teacher finalists category. Christopher Mitchell was the recipient of a certificate in the Math/Science/Computer Science Student category. Scott Murray and Henry Potykus were recipients of certificates for being in the top two percent of academic nominees.

Howard Larson was given a retirement party by the students, teachers, and staff of the Oregon School District. He had served as a custodian for 40 years and as a bus driver for 10 years.

 

10 yrs. ago (2008)

The local election results for Village of Oregon board members returned Jerry Bollig, Phil Harms and Jon Lourigan uncontested.

The fines for speeding on village streets as reported by Dennis Geske, clerk for the Oregon Municipal Court, were 1-15 mph over the speed limit $83.80; 16-19 mph over the limit, $109.00; 20-24 mph over the limit, $134.20; and 25-29 mph over the limit $159.40. Fines steadily increase up to $424 for going 45 mph or more over the speed limit.

The Outstanding Farm Family Award was presented to Lloyd and Ruth Klahn at the OHS FFA banquet. Appreciation awards were presented to Kathy Dunn and Gay Pearson.

The Stoughton Hospital held an open house at its expanded Rehab & Sports Medicine and Urgent Care Clinic at 990 Janesville St., in Oregon.

The Straw Hat Players presented a production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town”. Oregon residents in the cast include Cynthia Bacon, Heidi Johnson,William Subach, Lianna Schmidt, Joel Kapusta, Allison Janssen, Christopher Phistry, Tiffany Root, Samantha Elmer and Violet Carpenter. Duane Draper was the director of the production.

OHS students present a production of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” by John Bishop. The cast included Emily Tente and Zach Green. Part of the proceeds were used to fund drama at the high school and the Thespian Honor Bar Scholarship.

The Green County Border Patrol Band, a rock band comprised of Oregon High School students competed in a regional battle-of-the-bands competition. Members of band were John Thompson (second lead guitar), Ryan McGrath (guitar, piano and vocals), Neil Belanus (drums), and and Jake McGrath (bass).

OHS returning letter winners for boy’s golf, Jeff Lund, Mike Amend and Benn King were ready for the new season.

The Oregon DECCA Chapter hosted a charity basketball game; the “Green Machine” (Green Bay Packers) against the “Big Red” (Wisconsin All-Stars). The event was for the benefit of Gilda’s Club of Madison. The “Big Red” team included such area celebrities as Lisa Stone (UW girl’s basketball coach) and Dave Mahoney (Dane Co. Sheriff). Green Bay wide receiver, Revell Martin, coached the “Green Machine”.