Oregon History Timeline for November 2016
1916 (100 yrs. ago)
The First National Bank of Oregon continued to hold special events for area farmers. They recently sponsored a Corn Exhibit in their lobby and had J. J. Garland, instructor in agronomy at the U. W. Madison, give a lecture on “Corn and Corn Judging” . The corn exhibits of local farmers were to be judged in December.
The Oregon football team defeated the Gisholt team by 21-0 on what was described as “a soft muddy field”, In addition to Oregon;s touchdowns, a comment was made that “a well directed drop kick from Ted Elliott “ added to the team’s margin of success.
Jensen & Schoen moved their blacksmith shop to a new building just west of the pumping station.
The old Tipple School was sold to W. J. Bossingham and its stove to Edgar Nicholls. The new schoolhouse will be finished as soon as the flooring is complete and the heating unit installed. It was noted that their teacher, Wilmay Zink, and some of the older pupils were now busy cataloging the library.
A comment from the “Random Shots” column of the Observer noted: “Rockefeller has been squandering his money again. This time he gave a little girl thirty cents. Watch the price of oil.”
Anton Nelson and family have moved their household goods from the McGraw house on South Third Street (i.e. State Street) to the John West house on North Main St.
The Oregon Electric Co. announced that “a competent man” will soon be in the Village to explain the use of the new electric light fixtures and take orders for them.
1966 (50 yrs. ago)
Bids were opened for the construction of a new fire station to be located next to the Village Hall. With the bids coming in a bit higher than anticipated, the total cost was estimated to be about $116,000. Many of the evergreen trees located on the residential lot that was purchased for the fire station were to be transplanted to the village park near the swimming pool and to Waterman Park. One of the trees transplanted to Waterman Park was a blue spruce which had been given to Frank Powers some years ago by Jens Anderson. Frank, a long time village employee, donated the tree to the village for transplanting in Waterman Park. The Jens Anderson house located on the site was burned down by the Fire Dept.
Earl Reeve announced that he had moved his jewelry shop across Main Street from 115 North Main to 106 North Main. The newly remodeled building was the former location of the Packard Barber Shop.
Local residents were reminded that it was illegal to burn leaves in the street because of a smoke hazard to passing drivers and the damaging effect to the black top.
OHS Boy’s Cross Country Team coach, Ted Bucher, announced the year’s letter winners were Rolley Glasgow, Steve Loftus, Terry Richmond, Jim Tachon, Oscar Larson, Les Gammeter, John Rowley, Ron Ringhand, and Harold Loomas (manager). Senior, Rolley Glasgow, was voted captain by his teammates, Senior, Steve Loftus, most valuable player and sophomore Ron Ringhand the most improved.
Ron Erfurth was building a new body shop in the rear of his present building located north of the present day Kwik Trip on North Main St.
At the November election all the surrounding municipalities recorded a win for Gov. Warren P. Knowles over his challenger, Patrick J Lucey with the exception of the Town of Rutland which gave the edge to Lucey 109 to 101. Robert Kastenmeier, Congressman for the 2nd District, won over his opponent, William B. Smith, at all the locations.
OHS football team awards were given to Tom Olson as team captain and Ed Lemke as most valuable player. Coach Cal Callaway named the letter winners for the past year: Tom Olson, Ed Lemke, Steve Lawry, Dan Butts, Dave Heller, Al Utzig, Dennis Johnson, John Mihlbauer, Gayle Larson, Joe Palmer, Gary Shackelford, Tim Crapp, Greg Trosper, Bill Fiscus, Bob Maier, Doug Strander, Doug Johnson, John St. Claire, Tom Appel, Dave Griffith, Craig Smith, Nick Brashi, Jim Dulaney and Jim Anderson.
1991 (25 yrs. ago)
The Village Board passed a resolution increasing the cost of stickers for bags of garbage pickup from $1.25 to $1.75.
The traditional Veteran’s Day observance was held at the downtown war monument. Maynard Stoehr spoke briefly, Loraine Kopke placed flowers at the base of the memorial wreath, and an honor guard consisting of Gene Eaton, John Org, Leonard Mihlbauer, and Leonard Tronnes fired a volley in honor of veterans and the sacrifices they had made for their country.
Brooklyn Lutheran Church welcomed their new pastor, Rev. William Berg.
The After School Clubs celebrated their 5th Anniversary. There were 70 children in grades K-6 attending daily. Teachers were Ann Stevenson, Laurie Hustad, Jennifer Parry, Sue McMarasee, and Avril Hanson.
Oregon Band Boosters honor volunteers with “Someone Special Awards”. Those honored were Pat Zimmerlee, Jean and Dick Rydecki, Mike Dean, Cal and Bonnie Gilbertson.
The OHS fall sports award winners were Megan Staton (MVP cross country); Meghan Werth (co-captain cross country); Emily Hoffmeiser (co-captain cross country); Catherine Colburn (MVP tennis); Rebecca Seed (captain tennis) Maria Klein (MVP and co-captain Volleyball); Angie Weaver (co-captain volleyball); Joe Dettwiler (Callaway Award); Rick Gnewkuch, (co-MVP football); Dennis Schoefer (co-MVP football) Peter Benedict (Captain Football); Scott Slater (MVP and co-captain cross country) Randy Conklin (co-captain cross couintry); Mark Epping (tri-captain soccer) Paul Sphatt (tri-captain soccer).and Jason Hook (tri-captain soccer).
OHS students under the direction of Tom Mielke, presented a production of “Damm Yankees”. Leading the cast were Randy Conklin as Joe Hardy and Matt Briscoe as Mfr. Applegate. Others in the cast included Brian Pitt, Chad Grote, Jason McPherson, Jodi McBee, Jeff Horstmann, Bret Anderson, and Bill Mueller. Those supporting the production in other areas were Julie Brindley (choreographer), Louise and Charles Uphoff (managing the stage and designing the sets), Brian Pitt (stage lighting design), Steve Spiwak (working on the technical end of the production), Nancy Cox (coordinator of costumes), Sandy Grote (makeup supervisor for the cast), Sue Boerth (assistant music director), and Loyla Sanyers (pit orchestra director).
2006 (10 yrs. ago)
OHS Freshman swimmer, Rachel Walsh, broke the school’s 50 yard free style record at the Badger South Central Conference Meet with the time of 25.42.
The voters of the Village of Oregon voted down both non-binding referendum included on the fall ballot. The issue of a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages and civil unions was voted down 2,186 to 1,537 and the issue of reinstating the death penalty in Wisconsin was turned down 2,122 to 1,578. Both referendum passed statewide.
The shareholders of Verona Bancshares and Independent Bank voted to merge with The State Bank of Cross Plains.
Brigadier General Kerry Denson (1964 OHS graduate) retired after a distinguished military career which included commanding the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
OHS students presented a production of “The Sound of Music”. Leading a cast of thirty, was Angela Dahl (Maria); Marty Brent (Captain Von Trapp); Toni Hale (Liesl); Willy Subach (Friedrich); Grace Ledin (Louisa); Jackson Schneider (Kurt); Madeline Morgan (Brigitta); Mariah Martin (Marta) and Cheyenne Marks (Grett.)
Oregon Helping Hands 4-H Club elected officers: Heather Rem, president; Karlie Kuenning, vice president; Elliot Moravec, treasurer; Kristina Caughill, historian; and Jake Kluever, reporter.
Harmony Fitness Zone holds a grand opening celebration.
The Optimist Club installed new officers: Dr. Dennis Farrar, president; Jay Kindschi, vice-president, Maynard Stoehr, treasurer; Ann Wanless, secretary and Lyle Wanless, board member.
A ground breaking ceremony is held for the Oregon Community Sports Center.
The Oregon’s Boy’s Cross Country Team was selected as a 2006 Academic All-State Team. Team members were Matt Mixdorf, Jay Belanus, Mile Hill, Adrian Swanson, Matt Bakken, Dan Clark and Eric Rogers.
Local students performing with the Wisconsin Youth Symphony were Matthew Gracz, viola; Alicia Monroe, viola; Bradley Riss, cello; Clay Schmidt bassoon; Adrian Swanson, cello; Thomas Bjoraker, percussion; and Robert Smeaton, tuba.
The Lula G. Lemery Foundation for Arts and Expression, a non-profit organization dedicated to the fostering of personal development and self-expression though the arts, opened their gallery at 159 South Main Street.