Oregon History Timeline for November 2018
100 years ago
Oregon Celebrates Armistice Day 1918: The declaration of 11th November 1918 ending World War I. brought out the whole village in celebration. People gathered in the downtown square ringing bells and blowing whistles. G. L Booth sat on the water tower ringing the fire bell for hours on end. A half holiday was declared as businesses closed and people joined a parade though the village. The parade started at the schoolhouse and ended in the village square where the celebration continued with music by the band, singing and shouts from the crowd and the disposing of an effigy of “Kaiser Bill”. Short addresses were given by Rev. F. E. Wagg and A. H. Sholts.
The Village ran into trouble supplying running water to its patrons for about four days. The problem was finally solved with a new pump. It was noted in a newspaper article that “the old engine is again ‘acting up’ and anyone who has ever run a gasoline engine knows that when they balk they are the greatest profanity producers ever invented.” The digging of ditches and the laying of water mains for Main Street continued; however, patrons were warned to be sparing in their use of water until the problems were totally resolved.
The U. S. Food Administration for Wisconsin explained Order IV for Public Eating Places:
Although the offering of two or more kinds of meat at one meal is forbidden there are exceptions: liver and bacon; chicken and Virginia ham; club sandwiches; and a variety of sandwiches containing different meats may be served at one meal. There were exceptions for the ingredients for mincemeat pie too.
A basket social was held in the Stone School house. A program was held and baskets sold, The proceeds amounted to about $50. L. E. Pennwell acted as the auctioneer. The school plans to adopt a French orphan. Miss Nellie Trow was the teacher for the district.
A group of Methodist women formed a Dorcas Society (a charitable society for providing clothes for poor people) The following officers were elected and installed: Mrs. F. E. Wagg, president; Miss Nell McGill, vice-president; Mrs. M. J. Wischhoff, secretary; and Mrs. Org Green, treasurer. There were sixteen charter members.
The piano students of P. C. Herrick gave a recital for family and friends. Pupils participating were Helen Fincher, Anna Kroyer, Louise Sweeney, Mary Scanlon, Helen Feeney, Florence Pierce, Frances Tipple, Pearl and William Black, and Margaret and Bernice Barry.
Donald McGill compiled a revised roster of Oregon area patrons of the local postoffice. He came up with approximately 2200 names.
John Gilbert and his son, Henry, bought the late Paul Fisher’s Garage. They plan to take over the business within the next couple weeks. Henry Gilbert is a graduate of an automobile school in Chicago and has had seven year’s of experience.
Rev. Frank E. Wagg announces a Victory Jubilee Service and Program. Of the many speakers and activities there will be music by a male quartet and Donald McGill will sing “When the Boys Come [Marching ?] Home”.
50 years ago (1968)
The Oregon Village Board gave final approval for the purchase of 53 acre industrial zoned land in the northwest part of the Village for $1,850 per acre on a land contract from The Estate of Clarence Johnson.
The Village Board gave their approval to proceed with expanding and remodeling facilities at the Village Hall for the library. The approximate cost would be $50,000.
In the presidential election of 1968 the Village of Oregon gave the Democratic ticket of Humphrey/Muskie 557 votes; the Republican ticket of Nixon/Agnew received 429 votes. Also on the ticket were Wallace/LeMay, poling 62 votes.
It was estimated that over 850 attended the HMC Smorgasbord. Those making an appearance at the event included congressman, Robert Kastenmeier and Dane County Sheriff Franz Haas.
The Oregon District School Board approved membership in the newly formed Central Suburban Conference. Schools in the new conference were Evansville, Lake Mills, Oregon, Milton, Beloit-Turner, and Clinton.
The School District built a metal storage shed on the parking lot grounds just north of the then junior high school (now Netherwood Knoll Elementary School) it was built to accommodate custodial vehicles and supplies and continues to be used for that purpose today. The accepted bid for its construction was from Pruden Buildings for $6,975.00.
The Oregon Police Commission printed the following gun warning: “Gun Noice (including BB guns) There is to be no shooting of any pellet, BB gun, rifle, shotgun or any firearms inside the village limits of Oregon. The law makes the parent liable up to $300 for property damage done by their children. Parents: You can control this matter.”
The Peoples United Methodist Church welcomes a new pastor: Rev. Don Teasdale.
The Fitchburg Club holds its first annual meeting. The new Club president was Tom Gorman, taking over from Lawrence Rowley. The organization was formed last year to further a variety projects in the Township.
The General Telephone Co. closes its Oregon business office. Customers still wishing to pay their bill in person can leave the payment at the Bank of Oregon,
Green Bay Packer, Willie Davis, was the guest speaker at the Annual Father and Son Banquet sponsored by St. John’s Men’s Club.
OHS football fullback, Nick Brashi, was selected for the Central Section All-Madison Suburban High School squad for the third straight year. This was the only time in history a player has made the squad three years in a row.
25 years ago (1993)
The Town and Country Women’s Club plan their annual luncheon and style show. Modeling fashions by Suzan Sez will be club members Dorothy Kruse, Lola Nordlie, Gina O’Brien, Kathy Kruger, Margaret Dukerschein, Jeanne Doyle, and Mary Jane Osborne.
OHS students presented a production of “Oklahoma” It was directed by Tom Mielke,vocal musical director and Susan L. Boerth, associate director. The stage manager was Louisa Uphoff along with her assistant, Becky Schreier. School Board Member, Charles Uphoff, and crew were in charge of designing and constructing the imaginative stage sets.
Michelle Wachter and Pam Raschein opened a new business on North Main Street; Oregon Floral and Stained Glass.
Oregon observed Veteran’s Day with the traditional ceremony at the downtown monument lead by the Oregon-Brooklyn VFW Post. Music for the observance was provided by the Oregon Middle School Band under the direction of Jim Baxter. The band played the National Anthem along with other patriotic numbers.
The General Telephone Co. announced that they will provide a new plan called the Extended Community Calling (ECC). Under the plan patrons in Oregon will be able to call Cottage Grove, Evansville, McFarland, and Middleton without incurring a long distance charge. At a later date the area will be expanded.
Community National Bank of Oregon was one of 64 Wisconsin independent community banks that helped put a financial package together though First Business Bank and Bankers’ Bank for the development of the World Dairy Center. Gov. Tommy Thompson, operating a back hoe, had recently broke the first ground to start its development.
The PTO continued to sponsor assembly programs. The theme of a recent one for the middle school was “The Wheel of Wisdom”. The game show sets featured a full size Hollywood style studio with students and staff participating as contestants and wheel spinners. The topics included reading, music, sports, geography, etc.
The OHS Girl’s Swim Team competed in their first conference meet in school history. The team finished in eight place. Some of the Oregon swimmers competing were Sarah Brogan, Jenny Nelson, and Annie Timm.
Oregon Video advertised a Thanksgiving Special: Rent one movie and get a second one for a dollar. New movie releases included “Muppets Christmas Carol”, “Free Willy”, “Made in America”, and “Life with Mikey”.
10 years ago (2008)
A local artist, Cheryl Adams, arranged to host a debut of her work at the Firefly Coffeehouse. Her specialty is still life acrylic paintings.
In the 2008 Presidential election the Village of Oregon, Town of Oregon, and Village of Brooklyn gave the Democratic ticket a majority of votes (Barack Obama/Joe Biden) 5233 to the Republican ticket (John McCain/Sarah Palin) 2560 votes.
The Lemery Foundation held a town hall style meeting to discuss arts education for children.
The foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the community and arts together. (It was located at159 North Main Street).
The Oregon Town and Country held their annual style and luncheon. The clothing was provided by The Garment Shop of Cambridge. Some of the members modeling were Sue Berg, Emily Harris, Doris Koster, Penny Root, Janet Maves, Dawn George, Ann Staton, Kathy Kruger, Linda Jackson, Jo Statz and Doreen Barry.
The OHS Girl’s Swim Team earned their first-ever Badger Conference Trophy. Their head coach was Wendy McNall and assistant coach, Allis Winters.
OHS students presented a production of “Grease”. Leading roles were taken by Abby Johnson (Cha Cha) and Patrick Mielke (Danny). Others working on the production were Jennifer Yancey, OHS chorus teacher (producer); Jeff Dyer (director); Mike Ducett (assistant producer); Lori Gothard (choreographer); Karen Taylor (costume designer); Leyla Sanyer (band director); and Pat Hetland on the keyboards).
Doug Debroux, OHS Cross Country Coach for the past 25 years, was inducted into the Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Frame. He will be officially recognized at a meeting on January 5, 2009.
Kaori Kurihara-Nelson opened an Asian massage business at 990 Janesville Street above Cousin’s Subs.
SG Insurance Agency, LLC, owned and operated by Steve Garvoille, opened an office at 602 Pleasant Oak Drive in the Autumn Woods Professional Center.
Paul Ganshert of Ganshert Nursery and Landscapes joined with Netherwood Knoll Elementary School Principal, Dan Rikll, and head custodian, Tom Fischer, and other parent volunteers to plan and develop an arboretum (outdoor classroom).
OHS student, Zachary Green, was awarded the Best Instrumental Jazz Award, by the Wisconsin School Music Association, in the Student Composition Project, High School Division. He received the award for his composition “Suite of the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency”.