Oregon Area Historical Society & Museum

May 1951

Oregon High School to Graduate 33

Graduation week ceremonies will begin Sunday evening, May 27, at 8 o’clock at the high school gymnasium when Rev. Robert Berthelsen, pastor of St. John’s church will deliver the baccalaureate address. The salutatory address will be given by Doreen Ruud.  The commencement address will be delivered by Dr. Russell Gregg of the University Education Department.  Barbara Madsen will give the valedictory address.  The invocation and benediction will be given by Rev. Robert Conner of the Methodist Church.  The musical numbers on the programs have not yet been fully completed. 

The graduating class, which numbers thirty-three, one of the largest in the history of the school, has chosen for its motto, ‘Only a step has been taken of the miles that lie ahead.’ The class colors are blue and silver, the class flower is the white rose, and the class song is “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep Us.” 

 The members of the graduating class are: Emmett M. Barger, Charlotte L. Burkeland, Neva M Byrne, Mary Ellen Collins, Clement Dalsoren, Virginia A. Denton, Mary E. Devine, Joan A. Dupont, Werner R. Eugster, Jay Flint, Joan A. Haarklau, Ruth Joan Henry, Sheila Jenkins, Oris Kielhold, Joyce L. Long, Barbara Jean Madsen, William D. Maher, Jon R McElroy, Monica M. Masten, Bernice Ann McGowan, Pauline Mick, Don A. Powers, Olga Oree Richardson, Doreen Ruud, Berndetta  Schneider, Oliver J. Seldal, Richard Sheil, Carol M. Staley, Paul Steiner, Betty Stone, Byron D. Wechter, and Dorothy M. Winch

Fire

Fire destroyed the home on the Warner Skow farm in the town of Dunn Tuesday evening.  The Oregon Fire Department was called at 6 o’clock but when it arrived at the scene the fire had gained such headway that no portion of it could be saved.  Most of the contents of the home were also destroyed.  The cause of the fire is unknown, but it started on the upper floor. 

Memorial Day Poppies

More than 10,000 disabled veterans of both World Wars have been given profitable employment during the winter and spring months shaping the little red memorial flowers which will be worn in memory of their fallen comrades on Poppy Day, May 26.  The work not only has enabled them to earn much needed money but has been valuable to them as occupational therapy.

In Flanders’ Fields

“In Flanders’ fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row___”

With young Americans dying again in defense of the principles of freedom for which America stands, and with our country again mobilizing to prevent new aggression and war, it is fitting that every American remember those who have given their lives in the nation’s service by wearing their flower, the memorial poppy, on Poppy Day.  Wearing a poppy is the way for every patriotic citizen to show that he honors the memory of the nation’s war dead. 

Geo. Johnson, Jr., Injured

Dale Culp and George Johnson, Jr., accompanied by Merle Johnson, all of Geneva, Ill., came up to spend the weekend here.  Merle came as the guest of Dale.  While the three boys were passing the time around a filling station on Saturday evening, George was accidentally shot, the bullet passing through and shattering the right wrist bones and barely missed going through his body.  He was rushed to St. Mary’s hospital where he will be for at least a week.  Due to the fact that he had his arm raised, thus protecting the body, a more critical injury was averted. 

Birthday 

Ann Champion, little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Champion, entertained six of her little friends at a party Thursday in honor of her sixth birthday.  Mrs. Champion served supper to them, and they were entertained at games.

50-Cent Supper

Under the Auspices of the Lutheran Ladies Aid

Wednesday, May 23

Village Hall

Menu: 

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Whole Kernel Corn

Golden Glow Salad

Pickles

Rolls

Coffee

Angel Food Cake- 10 cents extra

Adults- 50 cents

Children- 25 cents

Serving begins at 5 P.M.

Random Shots 

Amateur gardeners, as usual, will have trouble keeping up their enthusiasm until their backs get used to it. 

Most dogs have plenty of friends because they wag their tails instead of their tongues.

The chief weakness of the democratic system is that any man capable of handling government business has a business of his own that he can’t afford to leave. 

If politicians worked half as hard after being elected as before, efficiency in government would be tripled. 

It’s next to impossible to keep the mind and mouth open at the same time. 

May 1976 

Village News:

CC Petition Again Denied

The state Public Service Commission has informed the Oregon Village Board that their petition for the rerouting of County Highway CC was again denied following a hearing on the matter.  The PSC cited as the reason for the second denial that the plan was not advisable and will not promote public safety.  The Board is now considering its next action, if any action is to be taken.  

Organizational Meeting of Village Board

The Oregon Village Board held it annual organization meeting, where committees were named and new members took the oath of office.  The new members are taking the place of Donald Doyle and Marvin Jensen.  Doyle resigned some months ago as he moved out of the village and Jensen declined to run for re-election after serving 12 years.  The new members are Robert Weckerly, former board member and former acting village president, and John Plenke, a warden supervisor with the Wisconsin DNR.  Re-elected this year was Rita Plummer.  Holdover trustees, with one year remaining to serve are John Struck, Mike Molony and Maynard Stoehr, as well as President Norman Champion.  

Work on Hwy 14 Bypass to Start Next Year

The State Highway Commission took action changing funding priorities to complete the Oregon bypass on Hwy 14 before making improvements to Hwy 138 between Stoughton and Oregon.  Traffic congestion and high noise levels along Main Street in the Village of Oregon has brought urgent calls for action on the completion of the bypass according to Senator Carl Thompson.

The constant stream of cars through the village presents a hazard to school children and travelers on Hwy 14 from Janesville to Madison find it a disadvantage to drive through traffic-clogged

Main street in Oregon.

Thompson had contacted the Dept of Transportation and urged them to change their funding priorities, and he stated he was very pleased with the commission action.  The Hwy 14 bypass project will begin in early 1977 with grading and structuring of the roadbed.  This preliminary construction work will continue to the Dane County line and will include making necessary changes to connect with Hwy 138 south of Oregon.  Paving and completion are scheduled for 1978.

“The state Hwy Commission has acted wisely in switching priorities to match the citizen concern, especially in view of the limited monies available for road construction.”  Thompson said.

Celebrate the 4th of July in Oregon

Why not spend an old-fashioned 4th of July weekend in Oregon this year in celebration of our nation’s 200th birthday.  Big plans are in the making by the Village of Oregon Bicentennial Committee and surrounding townships for an interesting, fun-filled and enjoyable 4th of July.

Starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 3rd, the opening ceremony will officially begin Oregon’s Bicentennial celebration.  It will be held on the high school grounds.

From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. a FREE antique exhibit will be held in the high school gymnasium.  At 1:00 in the afternoon, three WALT DISNEY movies and two cartoons will be shown continuously.  These are FREE movies for all ages to enjoy:  “Light in the Forest” (French Indian War); “Johnny Tremaine” (Revolutionary War); “Johnny Shiloh” (Civil War).

At 7:45 p.m. a FREE program will be presented at the high school cafetorium and at 9 p.m. a fantastic FREE fireworks display will take place at the football field.  

Sunday, July 4th, will again be a full day of events.  From 12 noon until 5 p.m. the FREE antique exhibit will be open to the public at the high school gym. At 1 p.m. a “Bell Ringing” ceremony will be held.  An outside “OLD FASHIONED” Ice Cream Social will be taking place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Beginning at 5 p.m. the Zor Concert Band will entertain at a FREE concert continuing throughout the afternoon. There will be all sorts of races, tug-of-war contests, water fights, and lots of things to see and do for the whole family for an enjoyable old-fashioned 4th of July celebration right here in OREGON.

And please note that ALL activities take place at the Senior High School and grounds where there will be plenty of places to park and take in all the events that the Bicentennial Committee has put together to enable us to enjoy celebrating our nation’s birthday.

Oregon School District

Oregon High School Prom

May 6: Saturday evening, May 8, is the magic night when David Ahrens and Karen McGuire will be crowned King and Queen of the Junior Prom.  This year’s theme is “Color My World” and music will be provided by the Plus Three dance band.  Tickets are on sale at the high school; $3 a couple, $2.00 single.  Admission for spectators will be $1.00 to view the beautiful Grand March which will begin at 10:00 p.m.  

Badger Girls’ State/Badger Boys’ State

The faculty of Oregon High School announced the selection of two girls to represent Oregon at Badger Girls’ State to be held on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus June 12-19.  Selected were Toni Prestigiacomo and Susan Meyer.  Toni is an honor student at OHS and is currently president of the local F.H.A. chapter.  She has also been active in A.F.S., Forensics, M.O.B., and is secretary of the junior class. Susan is also an honor student and is a member of the varsity football and wrestling cheerleading squads this year.

Announcement was also made by the faculty of OHS of the selection of two boys to represent Oregon at Badger Boys’ State at Ripon College June 12-19.  Selected were David May and Luther Appel.  David is an honor student at OHS and has participated in many school and athletic activities.  Luther is also an hoor student who has been active in band, chorus, and a member of the OHS football and golf teams.

Badger Girls State is sponsored statewide by the American Legion Auxiliary and is sponsored locally by the Legion Auxiliary Post and the Oregon School P.T.A.  Badger Boys’ State is also sponsored statewide by the American Legion and locally the American Legion Post and the Oregon Rotary Club.  

Teachers Picket School Board; Talks May Resume

May 6: Nearly seventy-five teachers, some carrying signs, gathered at the junior high entrance.

Prior to the regular Board of Education meeting, Monday night, in an effort to persuade the Board to resume negotiations.  During the meeting attended by the group, the Oregon Education Association (OEA), Deanne Ehman, OEA president requested that the Board return to the negotiations table with a proposal.  Negotiations broke off after neither the Board or the OEA changed their stand at the April 20 meeting.  The OEA is currently asking for a 24 percent increase, while the board’s offer is a 6 to 9.5 percent increase.  The board responded that it would contact the OEA regarding resumption of meetings through their negotiations committee.

In other business, Charles Teeter and Donna Mahr were appointed to hand out diplomas at graduation on June 2nd.  The board also received a report on the rental of classroom space at the Catholic Church.  Two and one-half rooms at a cost of $400 per month for short term on a one-year basis, not to exceed 3 years was offered by the Catholic Church.   Though it is not the best set-up, according to Supt. Phil Helgesen, it’s the best and only offer the district has had to date.  The board must decide whether to look for other space or to proceed to work out details for the use of the Catholic Church school.             

Oregon School Bond Referendum 

May 20: Electors of the Oregon School District will have the opportunity next Tuesday, May 25, to approve a $2,700,000 building addition bond issue for the Oregon High School and the Brooklyn Elementary School.  Voting will take place at the High School, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Costs at the high school are projected at $2,048,532 for the addition of classrooms, phy ed space, including girls’ locker space, music, shop and other areas.  At Brooklyn, the figure is $466,922 for classroom IMC (library), art, music, and miscellaneous space addition.  This totals $2,515,454, which combined with architect fees, financing fees for the bond issue, legal fees and election expenses of $184,000 make up the $2,700,000.

The mill rate impact on taxpayers is computed at 86 cents per thousand dollars of market value for the first year, estimated at probably about the same for the second year, then decreasing rapidly with each passing year.  

Several informational meetings have been held with various community groups, with the intent of providing the electorate with all necessary information prior to the referendum.  For those who may not yet have had contact with the organizational meetings, a public meeting will be held in the high school cafetorium tonight (Thursday, May 20).  All electors are urged to attend.  

Those that have opposed the referendums have pointed out the declining school population in Madison.  Those favoring them have countered with the information that although this fact is true, the result is that the suburban areas, particularly the Oregon School District, are steadily increasing as people move out of the metropolitan areas by choice.

OHS Honor Students

Principal Henry Appel of Oregon High School announces the selection of 38 honor graduates for 1976.  Heading the list and receiving the valedictory award is Connie Lythjohan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Lythjohan.  Connie has maintained a nearly straight ‘A’ average over her four years at Oregon High School.  She has been active in the future teacher’s organization, FTA, and was a member of the Concert Band.  Connie plans to continue her education at the UW-Whitewater majoring in elementary education.  Receiving the salutatory award for the second highest grade point average is Susan Carr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Carr.  Susan has maintained a nearly straight “A” average for four years of high school.  She is active in Concert Band and girls athletics.  Steve Zach, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Zach will also be honored at commencement exercises for a nearly straight “A” average for his four years at Oregon High School.     

195 to Graduate at OHS on June 2nd

Oregon High School principal, Henry Appel, announced that commencement exercises for 195 seniors, Class of ‘76’ will be held Wednesday evening, June 2, starting at 8:00 p.m. at the high school cafetorium.  Speakers for the commencement exercises will be Connie Lythjohan, Valedictorian; Susan Carr, Salutatorian; and Steven Zach.  Diplomas will be presented by representatives of the Board of Education, Mrs. Donna Mahr and Mr. Charles Teeter.

The seniors will be honored by the faculty at National Honors Night program on Tuesday, June 1st at 8:00 p.m. in the high school cafetorium.  Scholarships and awards will be announced at this time and will be presented by department chairmen and guidance personnel.

Mr. Merritt Bohse will greet the guests at the Honors Night Program.  An informal reception sponsored by the PTO will follow the program.  All families and friends are invited to attend.

Clubs, Churches and Organizations

Presbyterians Enjoy Birthday Party

Approximately 175 members and friends of the Oregon Presbyterian Church came on the evening of May 2 to enjoy an all-church birthday party.  Over 20 hostesses decorated tables in delightful and appropriate fashion to represent the 12 different months.  Beautifully decorated cakes and ice cream were served, following special birthday acknowledgements.    Centerpieces became surprise gifts to a lucky guest at each table.  Climaxing the evening’s festivities was a variety program of music and dance by the following:  Phyllis McGibbon, Carol Batterman, Monica Plummer, Jane Forsberg, Janet Davidson, Lynn and Kelly Champagne, Diane Weeden, Jeanette Rieck and Nancy Prine.  The accompanists were Mrs. Robert Forsberg, Mrs. Jerry Phillips, and Mrs. Scott Miller, Jr.  

New Oregon Chamber of Commerce Plaque

Executive Secretary Orrill Ferguson of the Oregon Chamber of Commerce introduces the new plaques that have been distributed to all members.    He asks that any paid-up members whose plaque has not been delivered please call him immediately as he wants no oversights.   Also, if there are any dues not paid as yet, he asks that you take care of it now so he can keep the books up to date.

FHA Delegates Attend Convention

The Oregon Chapter of FHA/Hero was represented by five high school girls and accompanied by their adviser, Miss Lynn Buyarksi to the American Baptist Assembly at Green Lake for the 30th Annual Wisconsin Association convention.  The girls represented Oregon in the following capacity: Sue Higgins, Voting Delegate; Michele Maurer, Voting Delegate; Toni Prestigiacomo, Officer Candidate; Linda Walter, Chorus Participant; and Joan Morrison, Hostess.

In a salute to our nation’s Bicentennial, the theme “Cherish Yesterday, Live for Today, Reach Out for Tomorrow” was carried out in daily Heritage Highlights, special themes of the day, and in a beautiful Heritage Style Show.  The closing session of the convention was highlighted with the installation of the newly elected 1976-77 state officers. Toni Prestigiacomo was elected State Parliamentarian-Historian.      

Jaycees, Jaycettes Hold Installation

The Oregon-Brooklyn Jaycees and Jaycettes held their installation and Banquet at Poole’s-Northgate, Madison on April 24th.  Bill Hause was named Jaycee of the Year.  

Jaycee officers for 1976-77 are: President-Ed Quamme; external vice President -Bill Hause; internal vice President-Harry Grover; treasurer-Dick Epping; secretary-Neal Hart; directors-Jerry Tyler, Dale Fredrickson, and John Bertelson.  

Jaycette President-Nyla Keuler presented awards to Jaycette of the Year-Sally Quamme and the Presidential Award of Honor-Jackie Luebbers.  New Jaycette officers are President-Gail Brown; Vice President-Marlys Nettesheim; Secretary-Mary Roddel; Treasurer-Kay Hause; Program Director-Sally Bertelson; Project Director- Bev Connery; Publicity Director-Gloria Kocovsky.

Bicentennial – America’s 200th Anniversary

Bi-Cen Briefs- by Joan Wethal  

May 20: Some of the early industries in the Village of Oregon and surrounding area were:

Munger’s brickyard in the southeastern part of the village; A bicycle factory on Janesville Street;  the Anthony Mill in the Town of Rutland; a wagon shop operated by Bentley and Hartwell; a butter and creamery business at Oak Hall.  

The first bank was established about 1892 by Dwiggins and Starbuck.  It unfortunately failed after a couple of years.  The Bank of Oregon was established in 1900.   

May 2001

Local Restaurant to Re-Open

The Waterfall Restaurant closed a few years ago, but the building it housed will soon be home to a new eatery.  The Rose Garden Family Restaurant.

Evansville businessman Jake Aliu plans to open the new establishment within the next four to five weeks. Aliu has been operating the Village School Restaurant in Evansville for the past three years. 

“I’m going to take some time to open it, but it’ll be really worth the wait.” Aliu said. “We’re planning to have daily specials and will be serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

He said there is some remodeling that will have to take place before the restaurant opens for business, and some plumbing repairs remain to be completed. 

Police Department Readies for Move

The Oregon Police department will finally begin operating out of their new Park Street facility on May 29.  The move will begin this Friday, with smaller items not necessary for the department’s day-to-day operations and end early on the morning of the 29th when the computer system is switched over. “We’re hoping for a smooth transition,” Police Chief Doug Pettit said.

The new headquarters will not be 100 percent complete when the department moves in, with work still to be done on the holding cell and weapons cleaning room, but it will be fully functional. According to Pettit, the new facility will be much more in line with the department’s needs. “It will be a better work environment,” he said. “To have an effective workspace for all of the staff will make a tremendous difference.”

While construction delays have pushed the move back, Pettit did say he was pleased with the final product.  An open house will be held sometime in early summer to give the public a chance to see the new facility. 

Manor Faces Uncertain Future

Money is apparently the force determining the fate of the residents of Oregon Manor and Main Street Quarters.  Those facilities, both under the same roof at the corner of Main and Prairie View streets, are being sold to the highest bidder, but it is the displaced residents who will pay the ultimate price. 

“We’ve known that this nursing home and others have been in a dire financial situation for some time.” Said Sue Lewis, a social worker at Oregon Manor , “it’s tragic.”

Sheilah Turzenski Powers, Oregon Manor and Main Street Quarters administrator, said she’s known for a while that the owners of the facilities were considering selling the building.  Randy Diehl, president of the Oregon Manor Ltd., confirmed that the owners have been looking for a buyer for nearly two and a half years. 

Still, knowing the owners were interested in selling didn’t numb the shock of finding out a sale was imminent, especially considering the way in which many staff members found out.

On Friday, April 20, representatives from the potential buyers’ architectural firm came in to get measurements and announced to staff and residents present that the building had been sold and the businesses were to be closed.  Turzenski Powers, who serves as administrator for both care facilities, was completely unaware that these decisions had been made. She had received no word from principal owner Randy Diehl that a sale was pending. 

What makes the upheaval even more difficult is that Powers herself put in an offer on the building in hopes of turning it into a not-for-profit nursing home. Diehl confirmed that Turzenski Powers put in an offer, but it wasn’t substantial enough to be seriously considered. 

While the facility would be reopened as a community based residential facility for people requiring less intensive care, Oregon would go without a nursing home and many for whom Oregon Manor was a home, or second home would be left out in the cold. 

“The people on medical assistance, which make up three quarters of the residents, are people you know.  They are schoolteachers and people who’ve worked hard in this community.  They deserve a place to go,” Lewis said.