News items from the Kendall County Record (1950) and the Oswego Ledger (1950-1969).
1950 -- 1969
1950
January
Jan. 5: Born to Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Lippy, a daughter, Cynthia Ann, on Thursday, Dec. 29. Mr.
and Mrs. Lippy are building a new home on Garfield avenue.
Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Schilling are parents of a son born Friday, Dec. 30, at the Copley Memorial
hospital.
A boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. George M. Valentine at the Copley Memorial hospital Dec. 30.
Eight year old Jim Wormley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Wormley, who underwent an
emergency appendectomy Dec. 25, came to his home four days later and was able to return to
school Jan. 3 when the “think factory" reopened after the all too brief holiday vacation.
Russell Rink underwent an operation at St. Luke’s hospital in Chicago Dec. 28, when a thin slice
of bone was removed from the hip bone and wired between two vertebrae. He suffered intensely
for four days but by Jan. 2 had begun to improve.
Mrs. Rink has been going to Chicago every day. Roger does the chores and necessary work
about the farm. Janice attends school, though she’d much prefer to visit her dad.
The annual reunion of the Leonard Shoger descendants, the brothers and sisters and their
families, met with Mrs. Emma Shoger Jan. 2.
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Fosgett and three children took his father William Fosgett to his home in
Midlands, Mich. Dec. 30 and stayed over for New Years.
Jan. 12: Miss Shirlee Strothman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Strothman of Aurora became
the bride of John Gengler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gengler of Oswego Saturday Jan. 7, at
the home of the bride's brother, Mr. and Mrs. John Erickson.
Roy Hettrich left Jan. 5 for his annual vacation in Hawaii flying on the United Airlines with only
one stop, and that in California.
Yorkville: I wish to announce that I will be a candidate for the Republican nomination for the
office of Kendall County Treasurer in the primaries to be held April 11, 1950.
Your support at the polls will be much appreciated.
THEODORE E. GERRY
Oswego, Illinois
Jan. 19: Mr. and Mrs. Howard Shoger and Dr. and Mrs. Russell P. Armbruster entertained
Sunday at the Shoger home for their mother, Mrs. Emma Shoger, who was observing her 75th
birthday anniversary.
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Johnson have another son, born Sunday, Jan. 15.
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gengler, who started on a trip to California right after Christmas, returned
Jan. 13. They visited friends in Shreveport, La., went west through Texas. The Genglers left Los
Angeles on Jan. 9, drove through Las Vegas, N.M.; went sight-seeing at Boulder Dam and the
Grand Canyon and then took Route 66 east, arriving home Jan. 13.
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hoch went to Woodstock Jan. 14, to see his mother, who had suffered a
stroke. We are sorry to report that she passed away Monday.
A lovely post holiday wedding took place Sunday evening, Jan. 15, at the Oswego Presbyterian
church. The pastor, the Rev. Alan Darling, officiated at the double ring ceremony uniting Miss
Joanne Delphine Woolley, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur M. Woolley, to Robert
Dean Walper, son of the Arthur Walpers.
The bride graduated from Oswego Community high school with the class of ’49 and is employed
at Shuler’s drug store. Mr. Walper graduated from the Oswego schools in 1944 and served for
two and a half years in the U.S. Navy and at present is employed by the CB&Q railroad in
Aurora.
Mr. and Mrs. Walper left on a wedding trip to Hot Springs, Ark and upon their return will reside
with the bride’s parents.
Jan. 26: Mrs. Ida B. Williams of Chicago, who spent the greater part of her life in the Oswego-
Aurora vicinity, died Jan. 17. She was born Jan. 1, 1869 and is survived by her daughter, Mrs.
Evelyn Furr of Chicago; two sisters; and four brothers. Services were conducted by the Order of
the Eastern Star in Chicago Jan. 18 and at the Healy chapel, Aurora, Jan. 20. Interment was in
the Lincoln Highway cemetery.
Mrs. John Hoch, 77, died Jan. 16, at the Woodstock hospital from the results of a stroke suffered
three days before.
Mrs. Hoch is survived by five sons and four daughters, and 21 grandchildren
Funeral services were held at the Grace Lutheran church, Jan. 19, with interment in the
Woodstock cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. John Hoch, who formerly lived on the Oswego-Plainfield road, moved to
Woodstock 33 years ago. Mr. Hoch died in 1932.
Ernest Hoch of Tyler street, Oswego, one of the five sons, his wife, and several Oswego friends
attended the funeral services.
February -- 1950
Feb. 2: "The White Sisters," as they are affectionately called by the townspeople, the Misses Jane
and Agnes White, have resigned from active service in the Oswego library. The library for many
years a project of the nineteenth Century Club, will continue with a twosome of the club's board
members caring for the library each Wednesday. The misses White were Chicago
businesswomen before they moved to Oswego. They took charge of the Oswego library and
catalogued all the books arranging them for the convenience of the patrons.
David Campbell, high school senior who was so seriously injured north of Morris in an auto-
truck accident last week, Jan. 29, was taken by the McKeown ambulance from the Morris
hospital to the Copley hospital in Aurora. He received injuries to both hips, a brain concussion,
many cuts and bruises.
Jackie Challis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Challis of Route 31, was seriously injured Jan. 26
when he got off the school bus in front of his home and was struck by an auto driven by a
woman from Sandwich.
Many Oswego children have been having throat and ear infections recently.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gast have gone to Florida to spend February. Their son-in-law and
daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dadwell, are staying on the farm during their absence.
Ralph Smith and Michael Eich, accompanied by a Purina feeds salesman, left Jan. 29 to go to the
Purina experimental farm at St. Louis as guests of the company.
The Oswego Mothers’ club has completed its second season of free movies for children. The
project was started in cooperation with the Oswego Recreation council.
The programs were well received by the children with about 150 average attendance.
Merchants of Oswego financed the project and the Presbyterian church donated the use of the
church annex and the use of its equipment.
Feb. 9: Stanley Herren, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Herren, graduated from Oswego High
School in 1943, served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division in the European Theatre,
was honorably discharged and then attended the Northern Illinois College of Optometry and
served on year as intern at the Northern Illinois Public Eye Clinic and graduated as Dr. Stanley
Herren, optometrist. Dr. Herren now announces opening an office for the practice of optometry
and visual training.
On Feb. 16, the Kendall County Home bureau has its annual play day to which the entire county
is invited to enjoy a program of human interest stories, monologues, and character delineations
by Miss Means.
Winston Cather, youngest of the five Cather boys, is now a papa--a daughter was born Jan. 31,
and has been named Lana Mureen. They live in Aurora.
Don Cherry, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cherry, has enlisted for four years in the army air
corps.
Millbrook: Mr. and Mrs. Louis Thurrow and Mr. and Mrs. George M. Hollenback had the
pleasure of having the granddaughter of Chief Shabbona visit their homes Friday evening. The
group of visitors included Mrs. Sue Dupuis, Chief Shabbona’s granddaughter and her own
granddaughter, Beverly Joe, both of Falls City, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Russell Norris and two
children of St. Charles; and Gertrude McDonald of Aurora. The callers came to see the “Painting
the Picture” of Chief Shabbona, which is in the Hollenback home.
Feb. 16: Charles Schillinger, aged 85, died Feb. 8 at the home of his nephew, Robert Schillinger
on Main street.
He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Lena Westphal of Aurora; by one brother in Germany; and
several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at the McKeown funeral home Feb. 10 with interment in the Lincoln
Highway cemetery.
Barbara Woolley is home from the Western Illinois teachers’ college at Macomb. The college is
closed because of the coal shortage.
Mrs. Richard Young held a recital for her piano pupils and one organ pupil, Joan Foster, Sunday
afternoon.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank McMicken had friends and neighbors at their home Wednesday evening as a
farewell for Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Lumbard, who are moving to a home they are building in
Aurora.
Mr. and Mrs. William Husband and sons went to Chicago Sunday to call on his mother, who is
ill.
Mrs. Glen Leigh entertained a few neighbor ladies Tuesday afternoon for Mrs. Addie Jay. Mrs.
Jay and son Robert are moving to the farm east of Oswego where Mr. and Mrs. Mike Eich have
been living.
Come to the barn dance and box social in the OHS gym Saturday night of this week. There will
be prizes, the boxes will be auctioned, lunch will be served, and there'll be fun for old and young.
Feb. 23: Oswego and the residents of the vicinity are all agog over the forthcoming big amateur
contest, which is being sponsored by the Oswego Lions club with $225 being given in prizes.
On Saturday morning, Feb. 18, Mary Evelyn Schuebeke of Aurora and Frederick Van Deventer
of Oswego were married at St. Mary’s church in Plano.
The happy couple are south on a trip and on returning will live in an apartment on New York
street, Aurora. Mrs. Van Deventer, a graduate of East Aurora high school, is employed by the
Bell Telephone company. Frederick is a graduate of the Oswego high school and is employed by
the Chicago Sand and Gravel company.
Nellie Mitchell, 46, passed away Feb. 18 at the Copley Memorial hospital in Aurora after many
months of suffering. She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Martha Mitchell, with whom she made
her home; her sister, Vera of Oswego; and Mrs. Bessie Hayes of Harvey; two brothers, Ray of
South Milwaukee and Harry of Oswego. She was preceded in death by her father, Howard
Mitchell and a brother, Albin.
Funeral services were held from the McKeown funeral home Feb. 20. Interment was in the
Oswego cemetery.
Nellie Mitchell was a dear, sweet girl, beloved by her many friends in the church and Eastern
Star and in the places of business where she had been employed.
Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Parkhurst moved last week into their new home just completed located
across the driveway from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Parkhurst south of town.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Parkhurst and two little daughters Gloria and Pamela are living in the
apartment over the store building on the corner of Main and Washington streets recently vacated
by Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Parkhurst.
Mr. and Mrs. Billie Denney have a daughter, born Feb. 15 at the Copley Memorial Hospital. The
little miss has been named Dawn Annette. There is an older child in the family, 2-1/2 year-old
Richard Wayne.
A Dave Campbell benefit basketball game will be played Friday night, Feb. 24, at the Oswego
high school gym between the Yorkville grades and the Oswego grades at 7 p.m.
Dave was injured in a head-on truck-car collision about a month ago and remains confined in the
Copley hospital.
March -- 1950
March 2: Items following were meant for last week but the telephone service went out before
they were telephoned to the Kendall County Record; Mrs. Hammond of Wolf's Crossing who
was recently left a widow, has taken her three children and gone to Paris, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Alex
Harvey Sr. celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary Feb. 16.
The fire department keeps in practice--three fires in less than a week
A roof fire at the Oscar Rohr home on Madison street burned two holes in the roof.
A much more serious fire was at the Donald R. Clark commercial feed barn near the Pierce
Cemetery. The inside of the barn was gutted, several tons of chicken feed were ruined, and 40
laying hens were killed. The Clark Hatchery is in another building and was not harmed.
On Sunday morning, Feb. 26, the fire department was called to Mr. Mead's tool shop back of the
Orr service station and garage. The fire started from a stove and the shop was damaged but not
lost.
Mr. and Mrs. Al Shuler of the Drug store Shuler's that is, returned Saturday evening, Feb. 25,
from a delightful trip of two weeks in the south.
Tell the “Rural Woman” if she would empty her kerosene lamps and wash the wicks when she
put them back in the cupboard the next time she had occasion to use them they wouldn’t be
“smelly and smoky.” -- Voice of Experience.
A large crowd of friends and neighbors met for a farewell party for Mr. and Mrs. Ted Youngman
Saturday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Youngman, who have lived on the Will Condon farm for 34 years, will soon move
to a home on Franklin street in Aurora.
Pete Schlapp purchased the Will Condon farm recently, and their son in law and daughter, Mr.
and Mrs. Donald Kanning, will live there.
Mr. and Mrs. Youngman, who have lived on the Will Condon farm for 34 years, will soon move
to a home on Franklin street in Aurora.
Pete Schlapp purchased the Will Condon farm recently and their son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs.
Donald Kanning, will live there.
March 9: Mr. and Ms. Clarence Johnson of Main Street had as their guests at a Sunday night
supper Mr. and Mrs. Lewie Matile of Joliet.
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Lippy and the little ones, David and Cynthia Ann, moved Saturday into their
new home on Garfield avenue. The house has been built during the winter and the interior s
finished with some outside work yet to be done.
Mr. and Mrs. George Hafenrichter have purchased the new residence on Park avenue from
Harold Schobert which he is just finishing building. Mr. and Mrs. Hafenrichter and Leonard will
move in a soon as the house is completed, a beautiful home for retired farmers.
Because of uncertainties of the heating situation and the possibilities that it would not be settled
the big Lions Cub Amateur Show has been limited to one night only. According to the plan
announced this week, the program will be presented in the Oswego High School gym Saturday
evening, March 18, at 6 p.m.
March 16: Mr. and Mrs. Warren Norris and sons David and Mark returned from a southwestern
trip March 10. They left Feb. 22, taking Mrs. Norris’ mother to her home in Murdock, Neb., then
going on to Albuquerque, N.M., to visit Mr. Norris’ brother in law and sister, the Rev. and Mrs.
Willis Plapp and their two children, Lynn and Gregory. Mrs. Plapp, the former Margaret Norris,
is very well known in this vicinity.
Roy Hettrich left Oswego Jan. 5 for Honolulu, Hawaii, and returned March 9. He made the trip
by air both ways, with the United Airlines, returning in a double-decker, which made the trip of
Honolulu to San Francisco in eight and one-half hours.
Mrs. J. Stanley Drew and baby son, Todd Scott, returned home March 15, from the Copley
Hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Walper of Oswego were united in marriage Jan. 15, 1950 at the
Presbyterian church in Oswego by the Rev. Alan Darling. Mrs. Walper was Miss Joann Woolley,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur M. Woolley, and Mr. Walper is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur
Walper.
March 23: The Oswego Parent-Teacher association met March 14 with Leona Connery of
Aurora as guest speaker. She gave an interesting talk on “Homes in Other Countries” where she
has traveled.
Officers elected for 1950-51 were: President, Mrs. Bert Salmons; vice-president, Mrs. Harold
Jump; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Richard Jericho; recording secretary, Mrs. Russell Rink;
and treasurer, Mrs. Carl Ekstrom.
There are now 299 members in the Oswego parent-teacher group.
A large number of Oswegoans attended the International exhibits and program presented by the
Kendall County Home bureau at the Yorkville school gym last Friday and Saturday.
Dwight Foster is out of quarantine and has gone back to his school duties in the first grade.
Chuckie Perrin, who has been suffering with rheumatic fever for some time, is now a patient in
the Copley hospital, where he may obtain added treatment.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Glen Tooley of Madison street, a ten-pound, two-ounce girl, at the Copley
Memorial hospital in Aurora, March 19.
March 31: Reeve Thompson of the music department of the Oswego school, with ten pupils as
entries in Class D, attended a district solo contest at Harvey Saturday, March 25. First places
were won by five girls; Flute, Elaine Fosgett; clarinet, Eleanor Fosgett; piano, Reta Zimmerman;
trombone, Joann Foster; baritone, Ann Shuler. Five placed second: Piano, Arthur Baumgartner;
vocal, Joan Wheeler and Pat Corrick; in sextet freshman singing; and in senior girls' sextet.
The annual business meeting of the Oswego Cemetery Association will be held at the Town Hall
Saturday evening, April 1.
The friends of Mrs. Jerry Tate are pleased to hear that she has had more of her writing accepted
and published and paid for, too. One of her latest is a poem published in the March issue of Good
Housekeeping Magazine. Mrs. Tate, the older daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Young, writes
under the nom de plume Narcissa Young. With her later prose writings she uses her name,
Velma Tate.
The firemen’s banquet was given in the Masonic dining room March 28. Mr. Weber of Aurora
showed pictures of a western trip.
April -- 1950
April 6: A fire on the Chris Herren farm April 1 burned a room on the end of the club house and
damaged the club house. Herbert Albert, an employee of the Barber-Greene company in Aurora
who made his home in this large room, lost almost all of his possessions, including clothing and
money.
The Oswego Fire department did some quick work to save other buildings.
The Busy Bee club met with Mrs. Howard Gengler April 5.
Our gravel roads are not worth mentioning, full of holes and soft where autos get stuck and have
to be pulled out with tractors.
Mr. and Mrs. George Hafenrichter and son Leonard are moving into the new home on the corner
of Park avenue and Jay Street.
Dr. and Mrs. M.R. Saxon and three children returned Saturday from a three-week vacation in
Florida.
April 13: On Saturday evening, April 8, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Ricketts and family attended the
wedding of his sister, Helene Rehm, and Richard Yurs at the Lutheran church in St. Charles.
A reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles rickets, on Illinois
avenue, Aurora. The newlyweds are on a trip in the Smoky Mountains and on returning will live
in the bride’s home in St. Charles.
Mrs. Yurs soldier husband, Warren Rehm, died two years ago. She had a two year-old son.
Jessie Walper and Clifford Schillinger, both of Oswego, ware married April 2 by the Rev. James
Bunch at the Federated church parsonage.
Mr. and Mrs. Schillinger have a small apartment in the home of the father, Robert Schillinger, on
Main street. Clifford is employed in the Burlington shops and Jessie has been at Barber-Greene
in Aurora since her graduation in 1948.
What weather for an Easter in April! —something of which to tell your grandchildren in years to
come. Wind and rain for 24 hours, every tree and shrub covered with a quarter-inch of ice, gravel
roads very bad, highways and sidewalks in town not so bad. More like Christmas than Easter.
Audrey Weidert, 5 year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Weidert, enjoyed a birthday party
Saturday afternoon, April 8, with a number of friends and guests.
After winning an "A" rating in the district music contest at Lockport, the Oswego Junior High a
capella choir under the direction of Reeve Thompson, advanced to the sectional contest at the
Washington School in Peru. There on Thursday, March 30, they won another "A" rating. This
gives them the privilege of going to Springfield April 21 to compete in the state contest. The
members of the a capella chorus are David Rogerson, Sandra Nutt, Elnathan Claassen, Geri
Jump, Sharon Ross, Janet Vinson, Wilma Penn, Janice Friebele, Delores Zentmyer, James
Plocher, Ronald Akerlow, Mike Kontos, Dean Shoger, Gene McDowell, Connie Smith, David
Gengler, Arlo Bower, Donald Smith, Barbara Shultz, Leah Baker, Delores Cordas, Beverly
Kanning, Pat Cordas, and Louise Norris.
April 20: The senior class of the Oswego high school is presenting the play, “Here Comes
Charlie,” a three-act comedy in the school gym Friday and Saturday, April 21-11.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nutt of Washington Street, have broken ground on Tyler street for a new
residence to be built this summer.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Sergerson and daughters have moved to the farm formerly owned by Mr.
and Mrs. George Hafenrichter. The Hafenrichters are now located in their new home on the
corner of Park and Jefferson.
The WCTU met April 17 in the choir room in the Presbyterian church.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cherry have a son born April 10 at the Copley hospital. The little fellow has
been given the name Robert Scott There are two little daughters in the family, Susan and Carol.
April 27: Reeve Thompson and several of the parents of the grade school chorus of 24 members
motored to Ipava April 21 to compete with eight other grade schools and received a grade of 91-
92, and a banner representing a “B” rating.
The Oswego Fire Department was called last week to the farm formerly occupied by Mr. and
Mrs. Ted Youngman where a fire supposedly started by the children of the family living there
started in a pile of baled hay. The department was also called to NaAuSay last week.
May -- 1950
May 4: The religious film, "Prejudice," was shown by the Youth Fellowship at the Presbyterian
Church Sunday evening showing lessons in tolerance to those who attended.
May 11: The nineteen seniors of the Oswego High School, accompanied by their class advisor,
William Warren and his wife, and Superintendent and Mrs. T. Loyd Traughber, spent the
weekend on a Chicago tour.
Forty members of the Oswego school chorus participated in the Fox Valley Music Festival at
Elgin May 8.
Wilbur Peshia, an insurance adjuster (and he needs it) is in the Copley Memorial Hospital with a
fractured leg suffered in an auto accident May 8, when the auto he was driving on a highway
near Kaneville was wrecked by a car driven off a side road.
May 18: On Friday, May 12, the juniors of the Oswego High School entertained the seniors,
faculty and the board members at a dinner dance in the school gym. The theme of the evening
was "Ye Olde South." A delicious ham dinner was prepared by the junior mothers, with the
sophomore boys dressed as colored waiters, serving the meal in typical southern style. Dinner
music was furnished by Roger Voughtman's orchestra.
On May 21, the high school Baccalaureate service will be held at the Federated church with the
Rev. Alan darling delivering the sermon.
On Sunday May 28, the memorial chimes will be dedicated to the Presbyterian church. The Rev.
Raymond V. Kearns, former pastor, will be the guest minister for the service.
May 28: The high school commencement exercises will be held on Friday evening, May 26, at
the school gym. There are 20 in the graduating class. Members of the class are Thomas Edwin
Alex, Oswego; Ruth Elaine Baker, Plainfield; Ruth Lorraine Baker, Oswego; Norma Jean Book,
Aurora; Dorothy Elizabeth Calvert, Oswego; David Allan Campbell, Oswego; Donald Nelson
Conklin, Oswego; Roger Lee Eichelberger, Oswego; Clemet Rowland Eyer, Aurora; Lloyd
Thomas Faul, Oswego; Gene Herren, Oswego; Richard Charles Heiman, Oswego; Richard
Eugene Hutchings, Oswego; Brona Lu Ode, Oswego; Donald Ernest Plocher, Aurora; Thomas
George Traughber, Oswego; Lu Ann Walper, Oswego; Joanne Elizabeth Wheeler, Yorkville;
Nan Cecilia Weishew, Oswego; and Reta Marie Zimmerman, Aurora.
Eighth grade graduation exercises were held May 25 in the high school gym. Class members
included Ronald Akerlow, Jean Alex, Leah Baker, Cherril Barger, William Betzwiser, Elnathan
Claassen, Gerald Cowger, Barbara Davis, Janice Friebele, Catherine Gowran, Patricia Jackson,
Mary Jericho, Billy Lewis, Deloris Marvin, Gene McDowell, Robert Nelson, Sandra Nutt,
Wilma Penn, James Plocher, Danny Rebhorn, David Rogerson, Ronald Rohr, Ronald Schlapp,
Dean Shoger, Constance Smith, Patricia Smith, Ralph Smith, William Strukel, Jerome Traughber
, Russell Turner, Regina Van Deventer, Mary Belle Van Etten, and Paul Weimer.
Yorkville: Public Notice
The schoolhouse building and all appurtenances thereto (including other structures on the school
house lot) commonly known as the Squires School located on the following described property:
A part of the northwest quarter of Section 10, Township 37 North, Range 8 East of the Third
Principal Meridian;
The schoolhouse building and all appurtenances thereto (including other structures on the
schoolhouse lot) commonly known as the Russell School located on the following described
property: A fraction of the northeast quarter of Section 32, Township 37, Range 8 East of the
Third Principal Meridian.
The schoolhouse building and all other appurtenances thereto (including other structures on the
schoolhouse lot) commonly known as the Harvey School on premises located in the southwest
quarter of Section 12, Township 37, Range 8 East of the Third Principal Meridian.
The schoolhouse building and all appurtenances thereto (including other structures on the
schoolhouse lot) commonly known as the Grove School on premises located in the southeast
quarter of Section 5, Township 36, Range 8 East of the Third Principal Meridian.
The schoolhouse building and all appurtenances thereto (including other structures on the
schoolhouse lot) commonly known as the Cutter School located on a part of Section 24,
Township 37 North, Range 8 East of the Third Principal Meridian, commencing at the southeast
corner of land formerly in the possession of one Isaac Foote lying north of the Ottawa and
Oswego road and on a corner of a road leading from said Ottawa and Oswego road to Fox River.
June -- 1950
June 1: Mr. and Mrs. Arthur W. Wagner of Aurora announce the engagement of their daughter,
Clara Mae, to William Dean Paydon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Paydon, of Plainfield.
The memorial chimes at the Presbyterian Church given in memory of Ms. Beth Darling and Mrs.
Stella Shephard Woolley were dedicated at the morning service Sunday, May 28.
Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Lantz and family of Aurora visited at the Harvey Eichelberger home
Sunday afternoon.
Marshall Tate, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Tate, received injuries Saturday, which could
have been very serious. Mrs. Tate and three sons were in Aurora and while the mother went into
the crowded post office, she left the boys on the cement steps outside. An iron lamppost fell,
striking Marshall a glancing blow on the head. He was taken to a clinic for x-ray and treatment,
and although there was profuse bleeding from a scalp wound, no serious injury was indicated.
June 8: The marriage of Miss Anna Schumann, daughter of Mrs. Frieda Schumann of Loup City,
Neb., to the Rev. Alan B Darling, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Oswego, took place
Thursday, June 1, at the Schumann home.
The Rev. Mr. Darling is the son of Mrs. Forrest Wanless of Mabel, Minn.
After a reception, the couple left for a trip in the Colorado mountains. They will be at home at
the manse on Madison street, Oswego, after June 11.
The people of this area are exceedingly thankful for the generous rainfall last week.
An accident which might have been much more serious occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Harvey Eichelberger June 1. Mr. Eichelberger is having a new silo erected on his farm on the
Plainfield road, and the scaffolding gave way and a workman, George Scamn of Morris, who is
employed by the Midwest Silo company, fell 30 feet. He was taken to a hospital where it was
found that besides severe bruises only one wrist and a collarbone were fractured. He is doing
well at his home in Morris.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ebinger attended the 25th reunion of his North Central college graduating
class Saturday.
Warren and Phyllis Ebinger came home Monday for the summer vacation from North Central
college.
NaAuSay: The Grove schoolhouse was sold Saturday to a man from Bristol Station. The price
was $190. The land at this school did not go with the building, but reverted back to the Charles
Clark farm. The sale of the Grove School evoked a flood of memories to former students and if
you will look on page 6, column 1, you will find under the heading, "In Memoriam," a few
nostalgic thoughts by a former student.
Plattville: Miss Ruth Fletcher of Evanston is spending a few days at the home of her parents, Mr.
and Mrs. T.A. Fletcher.
Miss Fletcher will graduate June 12 from Northwestern university in Evanston. She will receive
the degree of bachelor of science and education.
Yorkville: Word has been received from Springfield by the Yorkville Lions club that a decision
has been reached to erect 4-way stop signs at the intersections of Routes 47 and 71.
Specially-trained gas men from the Western United Gas and Electric company will begin making
calls at all homes and stores in Yorkville next week preparatory to the introduction of natural
gas.
The conversion from the present mixed gas to straight natural gas is dictated by large increases in
the use large building development in recent years, which have combined to tax the present
facilities to capacity, it was said.
The gas service men will visit all customers’ premises to adjust the burners on gas stoves, water
heaters, furnaces, and other gas appliances preparatory to turning the new natural gas into the
local distribution system.
“In Memoriam”
Yes, neighbor--it came to pass.
On June 3rd, at 1:30 p.m. the auctioneer’s gavel called for bids--and very soon it was “sold to the
highest bidder.” Yes--sold was the old landmark of 100 years--Grove School, District 41, sold
for $190. But that which was sold was the material part f the school. Never can the spiritual and
educational side be sold--those are memories--sweet memories and sad memories to all who
passed through that educational door.
We pause a moment to look back over the years and to meditate on the influence of the old
Grove school. From its portals went such men and women as State Rep. Charles Cherry;
veterinarian Charles Clark; Alfred Klomhaus, M.D.; school leader Ralph Schlapp, president of
the Oswego Grade school board; church and civic leader Mrs. Deborah Cherry Hall; and many
others you will remember.
As your thoughts drift back through time, you will recall the day Hugh Goudie Sr. ducked a
chunk of coal hurled by Abbie Lucas’ daughter. The coal, well, it took out the window and
Goudie and Alvie Cooney followed hastily behind it. What happened next seems hard to
remember. In later years there was the recess when Helen Cherry, now Mrs. Allen Campbell,
tore around the corner and met head-on with Glenn Schlapp. Result: one chipped tooth on Glenn
and a slightly sore head on Helen. After winter study hours came the cold rides in the big bob-
sled behind old Belle and Daisy. The runners squeaked in the deep snow and sundogs shimmered
over the trees as Dad drove us home. Schlapps, Goudies, Garbes, all rode along; or it may have
been a Walsh or Denman, according to the year.
There was that warm fall day when Jack Cherry hurled an apple core directly in the path of the
speeding car of Robert Stewart Sr. The apple core smeared up the windshield and the driver
stopped. For a few moments the excitement was a bit tense.
Another day George Denman’s team ran away with a load of furniture and Mr. Denman was
injured.
Through all its history this school saw race tolerance in a way no other Kendall county school
experienced. For much of that time, colored folks attended: Lucases, Simmons, Tom Sims,
Queen Victoria Northcross, and others.
You will recall names of teachers: Clara Jessup, Pearl Manor (Mrs. James Goudie Sr.) among
them. There was Ed Faxon, who taught in the days when men grown and who out of school
hours courted Ida Cherry, a former Grove school pupil. Today the influence of Grove school
reaches beyond its district to the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Faxon, the present Republican
candidate for County Judge, Robert Sears.
Yes, it’s all history now, the old landmark will soon be one forever, but the old hill you used to
coast on remains and the memory of the girl you held hands with is still there.
Yes, it is progress on the march. After a hundred years we feel that the building has served its
purpose.
We bow our heads in memory and raise our eyes to the future of education with renewed hope.
We of District 41 mourn the passing of the county school. Its memory will come back many
times to us as we pass the site of the old building and gaze out over the green-tinted valley of
cultivated land which it overlooked.
Farewell, old Grove. You served us well. May we, in turn, keep your good deeds alive.
CLERK OF THE NOW-
PAST DISTRICT 41
June 15: Huntwood, the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Hunt, midway between Oswego and
Yorkville on Route 34, will be the setting Wednesday June 21 for the annual picnic of the
Kendall County Women’s Republican club.
Edward Everett Dirksen, Republican candidate for U.S. Senator, will be the speaker for the
occasion.
Men are especially invited to be present to hear this gifted speaker.
NaAuSay: Emmett McCauley donated the black walnut lumber and Henry Wheeler donated the
work and a beautiful lectern has been constructed for the junior room at the AuSable church.
Yorkville: Nearly 500 boys and girls of the Aurora area, including Kendall county, the latter
represented by schools at Newark, Oswego, and Millbrook, were rewarded for their services as
school patrol members at the annual school patrol picnic, which was held at Mooseheart
Saturday, June 3.
June 22: On Wednesday evening, June 14, at the home of the bride's grandmother, Mrs. John
Jessup, William Dean Paydon and Miss Clara May Wagner were united in marriage. Master Ted
Paydon and his sister, Dianne, nephew and niece of the bridegroom, acted as ring-bearer and
flower girl.
Merrill Cherry won a gold medal at the Decatur Rifle Shoot on June 18 in the 50 yard, and sights
competition.
Oswego voters were being asked to approve a $30,000 bond issue for the purpose of improving
village streets during a July 18 referendum.
Oswego Scoutmaster Ford Lippold and two Boy Scouts, Gene McDowell and David Rogerson,
were ready to leave for Camp Blackhawk in Buchanan, Mich. on June 23. From there, they
planned to travel to the International Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge, Pa, where 47,000 scouts
from around the world were expected to attend.
The watercolor painting of the famed Hebert Shop, one of 50 paintings comprising the "Our
Landmarks" collection of the Western United Gas and Electric Company, was presented by the
utility company to the Oswego Community High School at the regular board meeting, it was
announced this week by Superintendent. T. Loyd Traughber. The entire collection of famous
historical landmark pictures painted three years ago by John Dukes McKee, well-known Chicago
artist, is being given away to local schools, libraries and other groups for permanent display. The
Hebert Shop, like all the other northern Illinois landmarks, now preserved in watercolors by
McKee, was originally featured as a pen and ink sketch in the utility's monthly service bulletin.
Now the structure is being used as a residence. Oliver Hebert, of Quebec, went to Oswego where
in 1852 he founded his home with shop attached at the rear. Its stone walls had to be thick
enough to make window seats in every room. A wagon and carriage maker, Mr. Hebert also
invented the Hebert road cart, a two-wheeler, which was used for racing. The picture will be
hung permanently in a place of honor in the new Community high school building. [Editor's
note: The painting now hangs in the Little White School Museum.]
June 29: The season for free movies for the children will begin July 1, in the [Presbyterian
Church] annex.
The Fox Valley Amateur Radio league met from 4 p.m. June 24 until 4 p.m. Jun e 25 on the
Ernest Pfund grounds, operating steadily for 24 hours. This is part of a national meeting with
contests to determine what district can contact the most stations.
Eugene Evans of Oswego received a message from Boise City trying to reach a family in
Maywood. Mr. Evans took the message and phoned to Maywood.
The men of the league were located in tents with a refreshment stand on the ground and the affair
attracted much attention.
The Oswego 4-H boys’ softball team won their first game of inter-cub competition this summer
by beating the Little Rock Future Farmers, 22-11.
Oswego players were David King, David Nelson, Charles Ricketts, Glenn Leifheit, Jim Plocher,
Robert Nelson, Stuart Woolley, and John Bazan.
Yorkville: The Hi-Lite 30 Drive-In Theatre at U.S. Route 30 and Montgomery Road between
Montgomery and Aurora was showing “The Fighting Kentuckian” starring John Wayne, plus a
bonus five select cartoons on Friday and Saturday nights. On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday the
feature was “The Kid from Texas,” a Super Technicolor western starring Audie Murphy.
The Trustees of Schools of Township No. 37, Range No. 7 [Bristol Township] will sell at public
sale on the respective premises the following described property:
1. The school building and all other structures on the school house lot, which said school
building is commonly known as the Gorton School;
2. The school house site known as the Gorton School site;
3. The school building and all other structures on the school house lot, which said school
building is commonly known as the Raymond School;
4. The school house site known as the Raymond School site.
July -- 1950
July 6: The marriage of Miss Barbara Jane Woolley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Woolley of
Oswego to Delbert L. Woodford of Adair, Ill. took place Friday evening at the First Presbyterian
Church in Oswego. Miss Phyllis Ebinger was the organist. Christine Wheeler of NaAuSay, the
flower girl, wore a white organza gown styled like that of the candle lighter Margaret Darling. A
reception for 200 guests was held immediately following the ceremony in the church annex.
Everett McKinley Dirksen, Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate from Illinois, spoke at the
annual Kendall County Women's Republican Club picnic on Wednesday, July 21, on the estate
of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hunt, Huntwood. Referring to the national conditions at present, Mr.
Dirksen said: "We know we are headed toward socialism or communism, we know we stand for
freedom, liberty, and justice for all and we know in order to preserve our American way of life
the same spirit which prevailed in Lincoln should prevail in us."
Mrs. L.J. Weishew has been staying at her cottage in Rhinelander, Wis.
Jim Hoch is vacationing in Rhinelander, Wis.
NaAuSay: The families along the Grove road have had 15 days’ notice to take down their fences
so that work may be begun anytime on the new black-top road.
July 13: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leigh have returned from their wedding trip and are housekeeping
in the Leigh cottage on Route 31.
On Saturday evening, July 8, Mrs. Mary Bickford and Mrs. Oliver Burkhart attended the seventh
reunion in 46 years of their East High graduating class.
Orzo T. Mills, airman apprentice, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Foss of Oswego, recently
reported for duty with Fleet Aircraft Service Squadron 106 at the naval operating base in
Argentia, Newfoundland.
Mills, who entered the naval service June 7, 1949, received his recruit training at the naval
training center at Great lakes.
Before entering the navy, he attended the Oswego high school.
Stanley Peterson, Al Shuler and Ronald Smith are on a fishing trip in Canada this week.
Yorkville: One of the most unusual homes in the country has been designed by Bruce Goff Read
of the architectural school at the University of Oklahoma and is being erected at the corner of
Edgelawn Drive and Southlawn Place Aurora by Mr. and Mrs. A.G. Ford. The house, circular in
shape is practically one large room. Its unusual foundation is built of anthracite coal set in white
mortar and huge pieces of raw green glass are used to add color. The roof and sides are covered
with green cypress siding, which conceals the steel rib structure of the framework. Between the
roof and the walls, plate glass will be installed horizontally and above the glass will be a row of
fluorescent lights, which will glow through the glass. The cement floor will be painted black and
throw rugs will be used. Radiant heating is being installed, and natural lighting will be furnished
through skylights. Ventilators are installed higher in the building. Mrs. Ford, proudly clamed by
Aurora, is a world famous artist known as Ruth VanSickle Ford.
July 20: James Drake, 28, of Oswego was instantly killed Saturday night in a collision with a
Burlington Trailways bus at the corner of New York and Union streets in Aurora.
Oscar Rohr, of Madison Street, suffered a stroke last week. He is the Oswego night police. A
veteran of World War I, he expects to go to the veterans’ hospital at Dwight for treatment.
Mr. and Mrs. Finley Paydon of Annapolis, Md., are with his home folks for a few weeks this
summer. Finley is a teacher at the Annapolis Naval Academy.
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Morse had a sale of farm equipment and household goods July 15 and are
leaving soon for an extended vacation trip before they settle in a new location.
Al Shuler, Stanley Peterson, and Ronnie Smith returned from their week’s fishing trip at Kenora,
Canada Sunday night. They had a good time and good luck fishing.
There are many cases of summer colds in and about Oswego.
Mrs. William Husband had as her guest at the Oswego home bureau unit picnic July 11 her
friend, Mrs. Leonard Sherman and two children of Hinsdale, who had driven out to spend the
day with her.
July 27: Gregg Gabel, 4, of Yorkville spent last week with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs.
Oliver Burkhart.
The engagement of Miss Marilyn Gabrielson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Gabrielson of
Aurora, to Robert Constantine, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Constantine of Oswego, has been
announced. The wedding date is Aug. 19.
Oswego Cub Scout Pack 31 and their families enjoyed a most delicious pot luck supper and
wiener roast at Camp Ka-De-Ka, Friday evening, July 21.
Mrs. Hazel Avery Hart, 61, died at her home in Oswego July 17 following a lingering illness.
Surviving are her husband, William C. Hart; a sister, Mrs. Gene Blum of California; an uncle,
Cyrus Avery of Aurora; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted at the McKeown funeral home July 20, with interment in the
Wheaton cemetery.
Mrs. Hart was a member of the Oswego Presbyterian church.
The H.B. Tates of El Paso were calling on Oswego friends Saturday.
Yorkville: The Rural Woman [Katherine “Kit” Naden] in her weekly “Ordinary Things” column
observed: “A sower went forth to sow” last spring and this week he’s reaping a harvest. The seed
fell on good ground for look at the fields with their growth of yellow grain. In this mechanized
age, the whole process of harvesting is done by machinery. But who wouldn’t enjoy one of those
larruping ‘thrashing’ dinners of ye older time?”
August -- 1950
Aug. 3: The Rural Woman may have her "larruping thrashing dinners," but as for this
correspondent, after nearly 50 years of threshing, she is glad the farmers have combines. And did
she forget that we used to have threshing suppers, too, for several days--maybe a week if it
rained--and for about 20 men? Something about which the modern farmer's wife knows nothing
of--the long, hot days of preparation. But it was fun, too, if one had good health.
Kenneth Bohn underwent an appendectomy July 28 and came home the first of the week to
recuperate.
Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Cather of Oswego have a son, born July 27, their second child. The seven
pound five ounce boy has been given the name Kevin Bruce.
Dr. and Mrs. M.R. Saxon have a daughter, born July 28, named Sally Helen. There are three
older children, the twins, Kathie and Karla, and the little son, Bobby.
Aug. 10: Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Cather are the parents of a son, born in an Aurora hospital Aug. 6.
At the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. Loyd Traughber on Main Street Sunday a group of 51 gathered
for a reunion and picnic dinner. Included were two board members and their wives and the
teachers and their families who taught at Lee Center when Mr. Traughber was superintendent
there between the years 1947 and 1948.
Kenneth Bohn, who was home recuperating from a recent appendectomy, was taken seriously ill
last week and is again in St. Joseph's Hospital attended by two physicians.
Arthur W. Ode, 51, of Oswego died suddenly at his home Aug. 4. He was born in Plano Aug. 20,
1898. Funeral services were held at the McKeown funeral home with interment in the Oswego
cemetery.
Surviving are the widow, Myrtle; a daughter, Ramona; his father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Ode of Oswego; three sisters, Mrs. May Risch of Plainfield, Mrs. Edna Ransford of
Aurora, and Mrs. Genevieve Porter of Graybull, Wyo.; and a brother, Carl, of Oswego. Several
nieces and nephews also survive.
Mrs. Esther S. Cutter, formerly of Oswego, now of Los Angeles, Calif., announces the marriage
of her daughter, Louise, to Lt. Richard M. Woodard of the United States Marine corps in the
naval air station chapel in San Diego, Calif. The marriage took place July 28.
A reception was held following the ceremony at the home of the bride’s brother, Commander
Slade Cutter of the navy, who is stationed in San Diego as commander of submarine division
32The girls who were detasseling corn on the Wheeler farm finished two strenuous weeks of
work on Aug. 8. Commander Cutter gave his sister in marriage and Fred Cutter, another brother
of the bride, served Lt. Woodard as best man.
The newlyweds first met in San Francisco in 1947 where the bride has been serving at the
reservation desk in the office of the United Air Lines for the past three years.
Lt. Woodard plans to leave with his unit for Korea in the near future and during his absence Mrs.
Woodard will transfer to the Los Angeles office of the air lines company and reside with her
mother.
Mrs. Harold Tregillus of Largo, Fla., is a guest at the home of her son, Billy Tregillus and wife.
Ford Lippold gave an excellent account of the Boy Scout Jamboree held at Valley Forge at the
morning service at the Federated Church Aug. 6. He, David Rogerson and Gene McDowell of
Oswego attended the Jamboree.
Yorkville: ORDINARY THINGS
By The Rural Woman
Dear, dear, what a panning Sister Walker gave us for that innocent remark f ours on thrashing
dinners. We, too, in the dim past have helped prepare dinners and suppers for thrashers. Yea,
even breakfasts for the engineer, separator man and mebe the water boy. And we’ve gone
through rainy days when the pantry was full of food and the pork roast spoil and the pies got soft,
etc., etc.
Be that as it may, we enjoy a tilt with our Presbyterian friend who never leaves a sting in her
quips but ends on a gracious note. However, she is NOT to read the last of this paragraph for fear
of rise in temperature. Sh, sh, we have just heard that a neighborhood in the northeast corner of
the county sill serves these larruping threshing dinners. It came straight from an elder in a
meeting house whose initials are Allen McMicken.
Aug. 17: Elaine and Eileen Matile, Eleanor Fosgett and Sylvia Ebinger from La Menu Modelle
4-H Club; Catherine Gowran of the merry Maids Club, and Ada Mighell of the Modern Miss 4-
H Club went to the State Fair at Springfield Aug. 10. Eileen Matile rated with one of the three
top demonstrations of yeast breads.
Kenneth Bohn’s condition remains about the same this morning, slightly improved from ten days
ago.
Notice the change of date of the Vermont Cousins picnic and reunion. It is to be held at the Cross
Lutheran school south of Yorkville on Sept. 10.
Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Cherry, Ashley and Kathie attended a rifle match at Wheaton Aug. 13.
Merrill won a first place medal in the expert class at 50 meters.
The Earl Zentmyer family returned from a two week vacation in their cottage at Gordon, Wis.
Aug. 13.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Young are the parents of a son, David Charles, born at the Copley
Memorial Hospital Aug. 14. He weighed eight pounds five ounces.
Mr. and Mrs. Allen Woolley are enjoying a WLS tour to the west coast.
Aug. 24: At a candlelight service Saturday evening, Aug. 19, in Immanuel Lutheran church,
Aurora, Miss Marilyn Gabriel son, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Gabrielson, Aurora, became
the bride of John Robert Constantine, son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Constantine of Oswego.
Following a trip through the west, the couple will reside in Oswego where Mr. Constantine
farms.
The bride was graduated from east Aurora high school and has been employed in the office of
the Lyon Metal Products company. The bridegroom is a graduate of the Oswego high school.
The First Presbyterian church of Oswego was the scene of a beautiful wedding Saturday
afternoon when Miss Carol H. Klein, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Val M. Klein of North Aurora
was united in marriage to William W. Sleezer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Sleezer of Oswego.
After a wedding trip, Mr. and Mrs. Sleezer will reside in Aurora.
The bride is a graduate of East Aurora high school and is employed by the Illinois Bell
Telephone company. The bridegroom is a carpenter and at present is working in Oswego.
Kenneth Bohn continues to improve at the St. Joseph hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. T. Loyd Traughber and family have moved into the residence on Washington
Street owned by the school district, which has been remodeled and redecorated from the home
economics house. Their new telephone number is 4-4401.
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Tregillus have a daughter, born Aug. 19 at the Copley Memorial hospital. Mrs.
Harold Tregillus of Largo, Fla., is here caring for her three grandchildren while the mother is in
the hospital.
August weather has made a record--an unusual one for August with the thermometer going down
in the 40s for several mornings. And did you see the beautiful display of northern lights Saturday
night?
Quite some excitement in this vicinity last week when the two convicts escaped from Stateville.
Culver Cherry surprised his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Cherry, by coming home to spend
Sunday. Culver has graduated from the airplane and engine school at Sheppard field, Wichita
Falls, Tex., and has been transferred to Chanute field, Rantoul, where he will be under
instruction for the net 8 to 12 weeks. Coming from a 105 degree Texas temperature to chilly
Illinois was quite an experience, but hot or cold, Illinois looks good to him.
Edward and Melvin Lantz of Aurora are visiting their cousins at the Harvey Eichelberger home
this week.
Yorkville: The fall institute for rural school teachers will be held at the Yorkville High school
Aug. 29. The morning session will be addressed buy Lowell Kuntz, instructor in music at Illinois
State Normal university, who will speak on methods and materials used in teaching music.
The afternoon session will be under the direction of Miss Mary Arnold, assistant professor and
supervising teacher in the third grate, Metcalf school, Normal, Ill. Miss Arnold will speak on
“The Teaching of Geography.”
NaAuSay: Bill McCauley came home from the Illinois State fair with his three steers, which he
had exhibited. In the 4-H junior middleweight class, he placed fourth, fifth, and sixth; in the open
pen of three, he placed second; and in the open individual class, fourth and fifth.
Aug. 31: The Oswego Community High School and the Oswego Consolidated Grade School will
open for the fall term on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 8:30 o'clock in the morning. Oswego High School
pupils will report in the gymnasium of the old school for registration and books. Locker
assignments in the new high school will be given. Progress of installation of toilet facilities and
floor tile will determine when the new building can be occupied. At present, the contractor and
architect promise enough rooms for the skeleton program. The board feels that should four more
days be needed for completion of installations, that classes should be postponed until Monday,
Sept. 11.
The grade school will open Tuesday, Sept. 5, and classes will start regularly Wednesday. Grades
2 and 3 will occupy the little [White] school. Grades 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 will occupy the present
grade school building. When all of the classrooms in the new high school building are
completed, the seventh and eighth grades will move there. This should not take more than two
weeks. There will be two sections of each grade except the third and fifth grades. Assignments to
these sections will be made so that heterogeneous grouping will result. There will be no grouping
based upon mental achievements, pupil choice or teacher preference.
The buses will start their routes in much the same way as they ended last spring. Adjustments
will be made to accommodate pupils within the policy of the boards. They will run clockwise
from Oswego.
Rural attendance centers operating this year will be McCauley School, Marysville School, and
Willow Hill School. The first three grades will occupy the McCauley and Willow Hill schools;
grades four, five, and six will be taught at the Marysville School.
High School Faculty
The high school faculty for the ensuing year is as follows: T. Loyd Traughber, superintendent;
Donald R. Clark, principal and biological sciences; Earl Anderson, physical science and
mathematics; William Warren, social sciences and coach; David Wise, vocational agriculture
and shop; Reeve Thompson, music; Barbara Laun, English and Spanish; Elizabeth Sanders,
commerce; Charlotte Gueither, vocational home economics and girls' physical education.
Grade Faculty
Junior High
Lowell Polley, boys' physical education, science, geography, health, assistant principal; Mrs.
Helen Nesemeier, language arts; Mrs. Norma Jean Schultz, mathematics, history, girls' physical
education.
Intermediate School
Charles Schultz, building principal, sixth grade, physical education; Mrs. Leone Bartholomew,
sixth grade; Mrs. Ruth Gerry, fifth grade; Mrs. Ruth Worland, fourth grade; Mrs. Maxine Staley,
fourth grade.
Primary School
Mrs. Minnie McCoy, third grade; Mrs. Evelyn Woolley, second grade; Mrs. Gertrude
Heffelfinger, second grade; Mrs. Thelma Davis, first grade; Mrs. Cleta Schuster, Willow Hill,
grades one, two, three; Miss Mildred Vickery, Marysville, grades four, five, six; Mrs. Grace B.
Jones, McCauley, grades one, two, three.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lippincott and family are moving into their new home on Park Avenue.
W.W. Crimmin & Son were the contractors.
The Oswego Park District published their appropriation ordinance for the new fiscal year. The
district expected to spend a total of $2,500 for the year, including $1,200 for supervision of park
district programs.
Yorkville: It is announced that the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad will take two of the
daily passenger trains off its Fox River branch run effective Tuesday, Sept. 5. The Fox River
branch is the line which connects Streator and Aurora and serves the villages of Montgomery,
Oswego, Yorkville, Fox, Millbrook, and Millington in Kendall county.
Effective Sept. 5, the only morning train will be from Aurora to Streator and this train will arrive
in Yorkville at 8:03 a.m. daylight saving time. The only afternoon passenger train will be from
Streator to Aurora and this train will arrive in Yorkville at 6: 05 p.m., DST.
Taking off of these two trains has been the subject of much controversy for a long period of time,
the Burlington officials contending that the company lost large amounts of money by continuing
the trains with few passengers taking advantage of the service. The trains were removed from the
schedule in accordance with permission granted by the Illinois Commerce commission.
September -- 1950
Sept. 7: With only the immediate members of the two families present, the marriage of Patricia
Ann Campbell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allan C. Campbell of Oswego, to Howard Lee Walker,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold F. Walker of Princeton, took place at the home of the bride’s parents
Saturday afternoon.
Following a brief honeymoon trip, the couple will reside in Springfield
The bride is a graduate of the Oswego Community high school and the University of Illinois,
where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
The bridegroom is a graduate of the Princeton high school and attended the University of
Wisconsin, Rutgers university, and graduated from the University of Illinois where he was
affiliated with the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He is employed by Pillsbury mills in Springfield as
a food chemist.
John McVicker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl McVicker of Oswego and Betsy Rose Woodall of
Aurora, daughter of Wilson E. Woodall were married Saturday, Sept. 2 at the home of the bride
in Oswego.
Following a wedding trip they will reside for the present with the bridegroom’s parents. He is
employed by the Aurora Ready-mix company and the bride is with Miller-Bryant-Pierce
company.
Mr. and Mrs. Archie Price returned last week from an enjoyable trip of a month to the west
coast. Traveling on the Empire Builder, in less than two days they were in Seattle. On the way
west they saw Glacier park. They came home on the California Zephyr via Denver.
Members of the Oswego boys’ 4-H club accompanied J. George Smith and Farm Adviser
William J. Randles to Urbana Friday where they judged livestock and poultry.
Ted, 7 year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Paydon underwent a major operation for the
removal of a tumor from back of his nose at the St. Joseph Hospital at Joliet last week. At last
report he was getting along nicely.
Yorkville: Arthur L. Puklin, Edward Puklin, Jerome Nelson, and John S. Page announce the
formation of a partnership for the general practice of law under the firm name of Puklin, Puklin,
Nelson & Page, with offices in the Keystone building, 30 Island avenue, Aurora, and the
Professional building at 164 Division street, in Elgin.
Jerome Nelson is a young Kendall county attorney with residence in Oswego.
The United States Civil Service commission announces an examination for filling the position of
Postmaster at Oswego, Illinois.
The written examination will be given at Yorkville. The date for the examination will appear on
the admission cards mailed to applicants.
Sept. 14: Charles A. Davis and Mamie Rice were married in Oswego Sept. 25, 1890. They will
celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house on Sept. 24 at their home in
Amboy.
They lived in Aurora for seven years when Mr. Davis was employed by the CB&Q R.R. and for
four years was a member of the hardware firm on River street known as Dunsheath, Renner &
Davis. At that time he was a member of the Aurora Zouaves.
In the fall of ’96 they went to Decatur where Mr. Davis was employed by the Wabash railroad as
a conductor with a run between Decatur and Chicago.
In the spring of 1902 he went to the Illinois Central as a conductor running between Freeport and
Clinton until he retired in 1948.
They lived in Aurora for seven years; Decatur five years; Freeport two years, then went to
Amboy and have resided there for the 46 years since.
Asa Foster has moved from his former home on Garfield Avenue to live with his nephew Fred
Van Deventer and wife on Madison Street. The Milton Penn family moved into the home
formerly occupied by the Fosters.
Yorkville: The Vermont cousins’ reunion was held at the Cross Lutheran school near Yorkville
Sunday with 55 relatives there to enjoy the fellowship of the picnic dinner.
In the afternoon, Dr. Paul Johnson of Oak Park gave a talk on “The Rugged Live,” an interesting
history of the live of the ancestors in Vermont and on the way across the country to their new
home in Illinois.
The Kendall County Selective Service board has received a call for 25 men to be forwarded to
Chicago for pre-induction physical examinations on Sept. 18.
Seward: Friday, Sept. 15, is to be a date of cleaning up the Seward township picnic grounds,
more familiarly known as House’s grove. The work will begin in the morning and continue until
the pretty section is all cleared off and cleaned up.
Sept. 21: The 1950-1951 program theme of the Oswego Parent-Teacher association, “Looking
Forward to a Better Community,” was introduced at the association’s first meeting held Sept. 12
in the old high school gym.
John Baumgartner took his two sons, Art and Johnny, and ten men from the Anchor brush shop
at Montgomery, of which he is owner and manager, on a boat trip Sunday. They left Belmont
harbor in Chicago traveling on Mr. Baumgartner’s boat, the “Valerie,” on the Great Waterway to
the Three Rivers harbor. It took all day to make the trip.
O dear! The Rural Woman has another problem, and this time it is neither people nor pickles nor
pigs, but the making of a furnace fire.
Dar lady, don’t you know you must have some cobs with your paper to start a fire. Don’t you
raise corn in NaAuSay? We would gladly give you some nice, clean cobs, with no tax attached.
Mrs. Ralph Schmidt of Port Angeles, Wash, who came to attend the funeral of her father, Harry
Schlapp, stayed over the weekend with her mother and sister, Ethel.
Emmett McCauley has resigned his position as acting postmaster at Oswego and Jim
Bartholomew has taken over the position.
Ted Paydon, who has been a patient at the Silver Cross hospital, Joliet, for several weeks is still
there taking x-ray treatments ever second day.
Yorkville: Apparently a number of people are still unaware that it is against the law to pass a
school bus when it is loading or discharging passengers, whether the bus is going the same
direction as you are, or the opposite direction.
Harry W. Schlapp of Oswego, 78 years of age, died Sept. 10, 1950 at his home. He was born
June 28, 1872 in Wheatland Township.
He is survived by his wife, Lillie; five daughters, Mrs. Emily Jaki of Aurora, Ethel at home, Mrs.
Irene Schmitt of Port Angeles, Wash., Mrs. Esther McCarty of Aurora, and Mrs. Edith Arnold of
Pontiac, Mich.; two sons, Earl of Oswego and Allen of Aurora; two brothers, Peter and Julius
Schlapp of NaAuSay; two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Snyder of Minooka and Mrs. Emma Cooney of
NaAuSay; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
The funeral was held at the Oswego Presbyterian church Sept. 13.
A new way of recognizing scholastic achievement among students at Illinois State Normal
university has been announced by Dr. Arthur H. Larsen, dean of the university.
A list of students with grades no lower than “B” will be published each semester hereafter.
Known as “The Dean’s List,” it will emphasize the fact that there are students with good
scholastic averages other than those honored a commencement and at the annual Honors Day
convocation.
Sept. 28: Miss Ellen Mighell, who is teaching sixth grade in a Crown Point, Indiana school was
home over the weekend.
Mrs. Don Pinnow and baby daughter, Charla Luett, came home from the hospital Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Loyd Traughber gave a farewell party for their son, Tom, after the game last Friday
evening. They took Tom to Peoria Saturday where he is enrolled in Bradley University.
Mr. and Mrs. Newton Woolley motored to Ames, Ia., Sept. 25, taking their daughter Cleora to
Iowa State college.
NaAuSay: Mr. and Mrs. Dean Schlapp and family have moved to Urbana where Dean has
entered the University of Illinois department of veterinary medicine.
October -- 1950
Oct. 5: Eight autos carrying the Oswego football squad and he cheerleaders motored to Urbana
Sept. 30 and enjoyed seeing Illinois win over Iowa.
Stanley Drew and a shopmate, Ray Barnes of the Anchor Brush company, are spending ten days
vacation fishing in the lakes in the north woods
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Zentmyer and son John returned from Colorado Saturday where they had been
for several weeks for the benefit of John’s health.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Douglas, who recently moved here from Maryland to the residence on
Main street formerly occupied by the Charles Lippincotts, spent the weekend with relatives in
Detroit.
Mrs. Homer Adkins and infant daughter Teresa Ellen returned from the St. Joseph Hospital
Thursday.
Eight year-old Ted Paydon continues as a patient in the Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet taking
treatments for a serious malady a tumor in his head.
Oct. 12: On Sunday evening, Oct. 8, at the Federated Church in Oswego, Miss Nan Weishew,
daughter of Mrs. Lewis J. Weishew of Edgebrook, Oswego and Richard A. Warren Jr. son of Mr.
and Ms. Richard A. Warren of Oswego were united in Marriage.
Stanley Drew and Ray Barnes returned Oct. 7 from a fishing rip in Canadian lakes where they
caught 7 and 8 pound trout and one 24 pound specimen.
The third annual homecoming game will be played Friday evening, Oct. 13 at 7:30 with Orland
Park. The public is invited to the homecoming dance Saturday, Oct. 14 in the old high school
gym.
The Piper Players will present two plays at the Oswego gym Oct. 19.
Yorkville: The tuberculosis tax law, which will be voted on Nov. 7, provides free care and
treatment for any Kendall county resident suffering from tuberculosis. The voters of the county
will decide if this law is to be continued in Kendall county.
Since the law has been in existence in Kendall county for the past 14 years, it will not affect our
present taxes.
At the present time, there are 12 people from Kendall county receiving care and treatment in
tuberculosis sanatoria in Aurora. Without this law, these people would not have been abele to
receive this hospitalization. Ninety-sic percent of all TB patients cannot afford to pay for their
own treatment.
William Eyre, 83, prominent farmer and carpenter of NaAuSay township died in his home Oct.
2. He was born Sept. 2, 1867 in Manhattan, Ill. Later, the family came to NaAuSay township and
made their permanent residence there.
He was united in marriage on April 30, 1912 to Mabel Lourine Slater. He is survived by his
widow, Mabel of NaAuSay; three daughters, Mrs. John (Ellen) Vickery of Minooka, Mrs. Earl
(Alice) Robinson of Oswego, and Mrs. Fred (Frances) Weiss of Yorkville; and five
grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was a member of the NaAuSay church.
The funeral was held at the Healy chapel Oct. 4. Interment was in the NaAuSay cemetery.
Oct. 19: Arrangements have been made by the Nineteenth Century Club of Oswego for the
presentation of the home talent stage show, “Uncle Ezry’s Hayloft Jamboree.” It will be given
Nov. 1 and 2 in the grade school gymnasium.
The show will be cast entirely of home talent and is open to everyone from Oswego and the
surrounding area.
A professional director will arrive a week before the production and will hold tryouts for talent
two evenings at Oswego. Those selected to take part will receive special training in microphone
technique from the director. She will also select and train the speaking characters.
Tickets will be 75 cents for adults; 35 cents for children.
Ted Paydon, who has been a patient in the Silver Cross hospital at Joliet was taken to a Chicago
hospital last week where he underwent further surgery Friday. Ted came through his surgery
successfully, but results aren’t known as yet.
Mrs. George Valentine and little Chris of the Plainfield road are moving to a home in Geneva.
Oswego won 13-7 over Orland Park at the homecoming game Friday. A fine crowd gathered at
the lighted field for the big game.
On Saturday evening, Nancy Cherry, who had been chosen as queen, and Charles Ricketts as
king by the student body, were crowned at the homecoming dance. Mrs. Stella Clauser Smith,
who was an Oswego high school graduate in 1932, received the orchid and Kenneth Ricketts,
1918, was presented with a boutonniere.
Yorkville: Adopt Resolution
The following resolution, presented by Lottie Holman O’Neil at a mass meeting held in DuPage
county, was presented to the Kendall County Woman’s Republican club at its meeting Oct. 18,
and was unanimously endorsed:
WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the American people that American troops in conflict
in Korea were accompanied by the flag of the so-called United Nations instead of the flag of the
United States of American, and
WHEREAS, it is an established fact that efforts are being made to weaken the present form of
government of this American Republic by those in sympathy with foreign countries and
ideologies,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That it be the sense of this meeting of patriotic
Americans and defenders of our form of government that every effort should be turned toward
the strengthening of our principle of free government and to that end that wherever our military
forces are located they shall be accompanied by the American flag and that no other flag shall
take precedence over such flag, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That only the American flag shall be displayed or flown on the
site of any public institution of learning within the boundaries of the United States of America
and that the flag of the United Nations shall be excluded from such premises, inasmuch as it
represents the communistic nation of Russia.
Oct. 26: Mr. and Mrs. John Duy of Aurora have purchased the Herren property on Park avenue
recently vacated by Mr. and Mrs. John L. Herren when they moved to Peoria.
Andrew Carr has been a hospital patient suffering fro pneumonia. Mr. and Mrs. Carr have train
reservations to go to Arizona and expect to leave soon to spend the winter there.
Kay Eichelberger, a grade school pupil, is recovering from pneumonia at her home on the
Plainfield road.
A beautiful wedding ceremony was solemnized at the Oswego Presbyterian Church Saturday
afternoon, Oct. 21, when Miss Dorothy Calvert became the bride of Don Conklin.
Mrs. Lou Young and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Shoger attended the wedding in Aurora Saturday, Oct.
21, of Mrs. Young's daughter, Mrs. Aileen Sprague of Aurora with Clayton A. Clark of the west
coast.
All committees are hard at work on final preparations for the annual Hallowe’en fair sponsored
by the Oswego Parent-Teacher association. The fair will be held in the grammar school gym
Saturday, Oct. 28, with dinner being served from 5-7 p.m.
November -- 1950
Nov. 2: A number of Oswegoans enjoyed the homecoming game at Urbana and the perfect
October weather Saturday. Among those attending were Mr. and Mrs. J.. George Smith, who
stayed overnight and Sunday with his aunt. Mrs. Florence Hall.
Pfc. Colver Cherry was home from Rantoul over the weekend.
A cross with neon lights about four feet high has been placed on the tower of the Prairie church.
As soon as the electricity has been connected, it will be dedicated. The cross was given by Mr.
and Mrs. George D. Smith.
The Halloween Fair at the Oswego school Oct. 28 was a "howling success." There were a record
number of suppers sold. The Halloween Parade Friday afternoon of the grade scholars dressed in
costume was lots of fun both for the pupils and the spectators.
Ted Paydon has returned home after a long confinement in hospitals and is able to get about. He
still reports for x-ray treatments at intervals.
NaAuSay: The Marysville-McCauley PTA met Thursday night at the McCauley schoolhouse,
with a large crowd in attendance.
Nov. 9: Mrs. Atlee Hafenrichter of Portland, Ore. who came to attend the wedding of her niece,
Miss Elaine Smith to Paul Crane, is visiting the Ebinger relatives this week.
Mr. Hafenrichter, who has a position in the soil conservation department of the northwestern
states, is on a speaking tour and will come here soon for a visit
Little Jerry Parkhurst suffered a fracture of his left wrist last week. He was in a wagon throwing
out corn, lost his balance, and fell to the ground.
Phyllis and Warren Ebinger, seniors in North Central college, are listed in the college Who’s
Who for their outstanding scholastic activities.
Mr. and Mrs. L.C. Criss have moved to Sugar Grove.
On Nov. 2, a large crowd went to the Oswego field to see the last game of the football season
here. Oswego won over Earlville, 16-9.
Oswego Ledger coverage begins
Nov. 16: Seven motorists were arraigned in Judge Alex F. Crossman’s [Crosman] court during
the past week, four of them for speeding.
Oswego Community High School is now offering driver education and a training course, which
meets the requirements of the state department of public instruction.
Zentmyer Motor Sales has agreed to supply a ’51 Ford equipped with dual controls,
appropriately lettered and properly licensed for the course. The car will be available by Dec. 1,
1950.
The Chicago Motor Club furnishes the AAA basic dual controls, free membership in the Chicago
Motor Club, textbooks, tests, certificates, training kits, films, and other educational material for
use in the course.
The school board provides adequate insurance coverage, the instructor, users of the car, and
offers an organized program of instruction and keeps records of the progress made by the pupils.
Mr. Clark is the instructor for the course.
The offering from the Oswego Union Thanksgiving Service, held at the Federated Church
[Church of the Good Shepherd] on Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m. was to go for Korean
Relief, the Ledger reported.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Carr, our genial department store proprietors, left Thursday to spend the
winter months in Phoenix. Mr. Carr, a World War I veteran, needs to get away from the cold
northern winter. John Carr is carrying on at the store on Main Street.
O.A. Shoger, organization director of the Kendall County Farm bureau, Mrs. Harold Bower,
Mrs. Melvin Parkhurst, and Mrs. Newton Woolley were among those attending the IAA
convention in Chicago this week.
Mrs. B.T. Malmberg and baby daughter Patricia Joann came home from the hospital Nov. 9.
Miss Elaine E. Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George D. Smith of Aurora, was married Sunday
Nov. 5, at the Oswego Prairie Evangelical United Brethren church to Paul E. Crane, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Guy L. Crane of Bonsall, Calif.
The couple flew to California Monday, Nov. 6, to spend several days with Mr. Crane’s parents.
They then went to Kingston, Jamaica.
Mr. and Mrs. Crane will make their home at Lake Ronkonkoma, New York. Mr. Crane is
employed at the International airport in New York with Lockheed Aircraft service and Mrs.
Crane has been a TWA air hostess for the past seven years.
Nov. 23: One hundred and seventy young people of the Westminster Fellowship of the Ottawa
presbytery met at the Oswego Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon, Nov. 19, for the fall rally.
Allan Campbell and Howard Shoger were among those who went to the University of Illinois
Saturday for Dad’s day.
The Section VII FFA fall crop show was held at Seneca Saturday, Nov . 18. Eleven boys,
accompanied by their adviser, Mr. Wise, entered projects from the Oswego chapter., and all
received prizes in the competition with other schools. There was one entry of alfalfa hay, two
entries of eggs, three of soybeans, three of oats, four of corn, and five of poultry from the
Oswego school.
Ralph Smith and two of his sons, Ronnie and Gerald, combined a business trip and deer hunting
in Wisconsin.
Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Morse, who have spent the past weeks with their son-in-law and daughter, Dr.
and Mrs. Marvin Marquardt and little Marcia, at Goshen, Ind., are returning with the Marquardts
for Thanksgiving dinner at Mr. and Mrs. Howard Shoger’s.
Shoppers in downtown Oswego were invited to get "Your Money's Worth" with men's union
suits at $1.98; men's sport shirts, $3.98; a winter cap with earflaps, 98 cents; and children's
winter underwear, $1.09 per suit.
Oswego Fire Chief Al Shuler announced this week that blue lights are being mounted on the
front of all autos operated by members of the Oswego Volunteer Fire Department.
These lights will be in use only when firemen are proceeding to the scene of a fire. Motorists are
requested to pull over to the curb whenever they see the blue lights and give the firemen the
right-of-way.
Gus Leakakos and Peter Longsen, both of Chicago, were arrested by Game Warden Richard
Arundale on Nov. 19 and charged with carrying guns in their cars, which were not broken open.
Each was assessed a fine of $25 and costs by Police Magistrate Alex F. Crossman [Crosman].
Four boys and one girl of the local FFA will show at the international livestock Show, Chicago,
on Saturday, Nov. 25.
Rodney and David McCauley will be showing shorthorn steers; Bill McCauley will show
Herefords; Charlie Ricketts, Hereford steer; and Nancy Cherry, Angus steer.
Yorkville: The number of drunken brawls in our village seems to be on the increase, and drunken
men and women on the streets will not be tolerated.
Saturday night was punctuated by loud and profane language and one woman was confined to
the county jail to sober up overnight.
Western United Gas and Electric company and Illinois Northern Utilities company will be
merged into Public Service Company of Northern Illinois, Charles Y Freeman, chairman of the
latter company, announced Nov. 20.
Nov. 30: Motorists were on their good behavior during the past week in the village. Only two
appeared in Police Magistrate Alex Crossman’s [Crosman] court for violations.
During the past month, a total of 59 new titles were added to the shelves of the Oswego Library.
Eleanor Fosgett celebrated her birthday anniversary Nov. 24 with a party of the girls of the
senior class of Oswego high school.
Mrs. Walter Irish and baby Dorothy may, born Nov. 17, returned home from the St. Joseph
hospital last week. There are two other children, Patricia Ann and George Eugene.
Four boys and one girl of the local FFA chapter showed at the International Livestock show.
Rodney and David McCauley with shorthorn steers; Bill McCauley with Herefords; Charles
Ricketts, Harford steer; and Nancy Cherry, with an Angus took part. The ag teacher, Mr. Wise
and the remainder of the FFA boys from the Oswego high school spent Monday at the
International.
Postmaster and Mrs. “Jim” Bartholomew, David, and Sue ate Thanksgiving dinner with cousins
in Chicago.
The Oswego Lions Club honored three past presidents at their monthly meeting, including Ernest
Pfund, Everett McKeown, and Robert Cherry. The awards were presented by club president John
Luettich.
Mrs. Charlene Young gave a recital for a class of her piano pupils at the Federated church
Sunday afternoon.
December -- 1950
Dec. 7: Harry Brough, Montgomery, and Joe Keller, Oswego, were ticketed last week by Office
Harold E. Manning for parking their cars in no parking zones.
Attention is called to the fact that no cars are to be parked in the downtown areas where orange
paint is on the curbing or in front of the fire station, or in the entrance or exits to alleys and
driveways. Any motorists violating this running will be arrested and fined.
According to Supt. T. Loyd Traughber, "Many interested sportsmen and patrons are asking,
'when will the gymnasium be ready for basketball games,' and the answer is we hope to play all
of our games in the new gym after January 1, 1951.
“Those who have visited the gymnasium this past week are pleased to note that it is completely
decorated and the main court baskets installed. Anderson Brothers were to start laying floor this
week. They state that this job of floor laying will take about six days. The sanding and sealing
should not exceed an additional ten days. We only hope with you for the early completion of
these most excellent facilities."
Mrs. Fred Marklein and infant daughter, Jane Suzanne, of Aurora are staying this week with her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Rogerson. The baby was born Nov. 27.
At the meeting of Presbyterian church women Nov. 30, a vote was carried to form an association
of the women’s societies and committees were appointed to plan for the organization in January.
Allen Woolley Jr. is on a tour to Mexico sponsored by the Illinois Agricultural association and
will return via Dallas, Tex. where he will attend the American Farm Bureau federation
convention for four days. He expected to be gone for two weeks.
With seven second left to play Tuesday night, Leo Behrens dropped in a field goal from
midcourt to give Oswego “A” cagers their first win of the 1950-51 season, 42-41.
Dec. 14: The father and son banquet held in the Presbyterian church annex last week Thursday
evening was a success in spite of the blizzard raging during the night. Several who had tickets
didn’t manage to attend; some didn’t even attempt to go; some started and didn’t get there; and
some who were there didn’t get home. Some of the farmers present said they had never been out
in a storm where the visibility was so “zero.” They drove and only hoped they were on the road.
(In the old days, good team of horses would have taken them home.) Two auto loads had to cal
Gowran to come with the snow plow to clear out a track for them. One farmers left his auto in a
side road and borrowed his neighbor’s tractor with which to get home.
Mrs. Glen Panikis and son have moved into an apartment in the George Panikis home on Park
avenue. Glen is with the Marines in South Carolina on a 10-hour alert.
Dean Campbell and Robert Amen of Yorkville and Harold Bower, who have been deer hunting
in Pennsylvania, returned home Sunday. No bananas.
Fire Chief Al Shuler issued a warning this week that faulty wiring on your Christmas tree lights
and window ornaments are a real fire hazard. Chief Shuler went on to say that all electrical
equipment should be fully checked before using.
Yorkville: Circuit Judges Knoch, O’Connor, and McEwen are to be congratulated for their
choice when naming as our new Master in Chancery Attorney Jerome Nelson of Oswego.
Mr. Nelson is a member of an Aurora law firm and also serves by having a class in business law
at Aurora college.
Behind the wheel driver training is now a part of Oswego Community High School's course of
study, made possible through the courtesy of Zentmyer Motor Sales. of Oswego, and with the
cooperation of the Chicago Motor Club and the Board of Education. Left to right in the picture
are L.A. Cox, assistant district manager, Chicago Motor Club; Earl Zentmyer, owner, Zentmyer
Motor Sales, D.R. Clark, instructor and principal of Oswego Community High School; Charles
W. Schulz, president of board of education, John F. Cherry, secretary of board of education, T.
Loyd Traughber, superintendent of Oswego Community Schools; and in the background
members of the first Safety Education Class, also the Ford car used in the program.
Dec. 21: Mr. and Mrs. Koch, who recently moved into cottage near the river about a mile and a
half south of Oswego on the West River Road, had a little Christmas shopping to finish up last
Monday. When they returned from town they found their home and personal belongings a heap
of glowing embers.
The Oswego Fire Dept. was called, but it was too late to be of any help.
Mr. and Mrs. John Baumgartner entertained the 60 employees of the Anchor Brush company of
Montgomery, of which Mr. Baumgartner is the owner, at the Harmony house in Aurora. For this
annual affair, the host and the hostel had the use of one room in this pleasant restaurant. A five-
piece orchestra played and dancing was enjoyed.
The condition of Teddy Paydon became worse and he was again taken to a Chicago hospital.
Carl Hafenrichter fell in his home west of the bridge on Route 34 Saturday and suffered two
fractures of the left leg between the knee and ankle.
The snow is still piled high along the highways.
Dec. 28: According to the latest reports, there is a strong possibility that the new gymnasium will
be ready for the St. Charles-Oswego game on Saturday night, Jan. 6. Superintendent T. Loyd
Traughber stated early in the week that the floor has been put down and that the sanders
promised to be on the job Wednesday morning, Dec. 27. The sanding contractor estimated that
the smoothing job would take about four days. The bleacher contractors are ready to install the
seats just as soon as the floor is finished.
The current holiday vacation being enjoyed by the school children of the community will end on
Tuesday morning, Jan. 3, on which day the grade and high school students will trek back to the
customary classes.
Two paper drives were to be held during the next two weeks. Rural areas were to have scrap
paper collected Saturday, Jan. 6, and paper from in-town Oswego was to be collected Saturday,
Jan. 13. Proceeds were to benefit the Oswego High School Future Farmers of America chapter
and the Oswego Boy Scouts.
The deep snow of the past few weeks has robbed birds of their available food supply. If some
help is not given, and fast, a great man of our feathered songsters will starve to death. A small
handful of bread crumbs, grain, etc. placed out on some available spot will be greatly appreciated
by the hungry birds.
The fine Christmas cantata presented by the Oswego High School mixed chorus with Pat Corrick
and Beverly Bell as soloists before the PTA Wednesday evening, was recorded on tape and
broadcast over station WMRO on Christmas Day at 12:30 p.m.
Scouts of Troop 31, Oswego, will take part in a winter overnight hike at Camp KeDeKa Saturday
and Sunday, Dec. 30 and 31.
Karla, Kathy, and Bobbie Saxon entertained 14 neighborhood children at their annual Christmas
party on Sunday, Dec. 24.
Mrs. Angie K. Peshia, 60, of Oswego died Friday at the Copley Memorial hospital in Aurora.
She was born April 15, 1890 at Montgomery. She is survived by her husband, Leslie; three sons,
Harlan and Burton of Aurora and Wilbur of Oswego; one daughter, Mrs. Darlene Shaw of
Oswego; four grandchildren; and two brothers, Carl Young of Chicago and Lewis Young of
Escondido, Calif.
Funeral services were held from the McKeown funeral home in Oswego, with interment in
Riverside cemetery.
Mrs. Peshia’s death is doubly sad for her husband as he is a hospital patient, unable to go home
at the present time.
Oswegoans were saddened by the untimely death of Dr. Russell Armbruster on Friday, Dec. 22.
Dr. Armbruster was fatally injured in an auto accident and died a few hours later in a hospital to
which he had been taken.
Mrs. Alva Shuler played a Christmas carol organ concert Christmas eve, which was broadcast
from the tower system of the Presbyterian church.
1951
January
Jan. 4: The Oswego firemen were called to the Willard Blackwell home at the junction of Rts. 34
and 30 last Friday night but by the time they arrived the cottage in which the Blackwells resided,
owned by James Ayre, and the household furnishings were nothing but a pile of glowing embers.
Loss was estimated at $4,000 on the cottage and $2000 on the furnishings.
Announcement was made last week that Mr. E.C. Miller has taken over the Main Café formerly
owned and managed by Jesse Carpenter
Mr. Miller, who has been connected with Sears Roebuck Co. in Racine, Wis. for the past 25
years, has purchased a home on Douglas St. and he and his wife plan to move in some time
during this week.
On Saturday night the local basketball squads entertain St. Charles in a double bill in the newly
completed gym. Finishing touches are being put on the floor and it should be in shape by
Saturday night. The new bleachers have not arrived as yet and the football bleachers will be
moved in temporarily. Those who have seen the new gym nearing completion are of the opinion
that there will be none better in the area.
Coach Jim Warren announced this week that the first wrestling card of the season will be in the
new gym on Thursday evening, Jan. 11, at 7:30 p.m. when the local squad meets the Joliet frosh-
soph squad. Seventeen boys are out for the wrestling squad and this promises to be a real fine
show. This is the second year for matmen in the local school setup. Oswego is the only small
school in the Valley that boasts a squad of grapplers.
Jan. 11: The Kendall County Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis has
completed plans for the 1951 March of Dimes campaign to raise $5,000 for the fight against
polio and for the care and retraining of its victims.
The annual Fox Valley Conference Basketball Tournament will be played in the new Oswego
gymnasium on Jan. 17-20.
Editorial by Ford L. Lippold: A crow of over 300 Oswegoans witnessed the new gym last
Saturday evening for the first time when they attended the St. Charles-Oswego basketball game.
The comments bordered on the edge of amazement that a community the size of Oswego could
have such a beautiful gymnasium. Some could scarcely believe their eyes. It is truly a fine piece
of architecture and with the proper treatment should remain so for a good many years to come.
Jan. 18: Members of the Oswego Park Board met in the Village Hall last Monday evening, Jan.
8, with President William Anderson presiding. All members were present including Ralph
Wheeler, Arthur Davis, Mrs. O.W. Patterson, Mrs. Gerald DuSell, and secretary Mrs. Forrest
Wooley.
The Park Board decided to hire a year-round recreation director and sponsor a year around
leisure time program that would be attractive to all age groups. The report of Miss Mary Lou
Campbell, director of activities for the small playground last year, showed that a total of 151
different boys and girls took advantage of the ten week program at one time or another with a
daily average attendance of 40. The report of Mr. Lowell Polley, junior high, high school, and
adult director, showed that over 150 individuals took part in the daily activities in the play
ground and in the softball leagues that were formed for both men and women.
Jan. 25: Oswego and will have another chance to see the local basketball teams in action on the
new high school gym floor when Newark comes here Friday night, Jan. 26 for a twin bill.
In an early season contest between the two teams, Newark “A” defeated Oswego “A,” 62-49.
There will be only one more game played on the home floor during the regular season when
Oswego meets Minooka on Feb. 16.
It was reported last week at Washington by a joint congressional committee that Kendall County
has a total of 33 persons on the Federal payroll. The majority of these is made up of postal
employees.
A joint Congressional committee reported in Washington that Kendall County has a total of 33
persons on the federal payroll. The majority of them are made up of postal employees. This is
said to be the first breakdown ever compiled of the government's civilian payroll on a national
basis.
The first meeting of the Oswego Farmer's Evening School was held at the new high school at
7:30 Wednesday evening, Jan. 24, with Harry Cochran, local cattle feeder, speaking on "Grass
Feeding of Cattle." Recently an advisory committee composed of Arthur Davis, Glen Leigh,
Kenneth Ricketts and Ralph Smith met with Ag instructor Dave Wise to plan the programs,
which will continue for a series of ten Wednesdays.
The recent Fox Valley Basketball Tournament played in the new Oswego High School gym was
a success in spite of the fact that our local cagers were not able to garner one of the trophies, and
also the uncooperative spirit of the weatherman.
The interest of the estate of Elizabeth McCauley, deceased, in a 7 acre tract improved with frame
house, situated on the northerly edge of Oswego, with several river frontage lots and running
thru to Route 25, a desirable tract, will be sold at public auction on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. at
the north door of the Courthouse in Yorkville.
February -- 1951
Feb. 1: YORKVILLE PLAYS HERE FRIDAY
Games to be Played in New High School Gymnasium
The Oswego High School cage teams will play host to Yorkville on Friday, Feb. 2.
Yorkville is at present in a tie for fourth spot in Fox Valley League standings, with a record of
three wins and four losses. Oswego is still seeking its first victory in league play.
Harris of Yorkville and Dave Nelson of Oswego are separated by only five points in the race for
individual scoring in the Fox Valley circuit. Nelson, with a total of 77 points, is seventh in
scoring honors while Harris, with 72 counters is tenth.
The newly instituted drivers training course has as its primary objective the training of careful
drivers. These courses have proved so effective that the incidence of accidents among those
trained is only one-half of that of untrained drivers. The Chicago Motor Club assists in
organizing and supplying materials for instruction. The course was made possible through the
courtesy of Zentmyer Motor Sales, who furnish free to the school the 1951 dual-control Ford
used.
Approximately 30 students will be trained this year. Any adult wishing to take the course and
desiring additional information may call the high school for details.
Straight A students at Oswego High for the third quarter of the year included Katherine Gowran,
Neal Baker, Ann Shuler, Sylvia Ebinger, Janet Shoger and Charles Ricketts.
William Anderson is employing a new farm assistant. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rien and baby from
near St Charles, are moving into the tenant house from which the Falks moved.
8 below zero and a strong wind this Monday morning and much colder Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Secor have a daughter born Jan. 26 at the Copley hospital. The little one was
born on the oldest sister, Shelby Jean’s birthday anniversary, so she named the baby, the name,
Deborah Ann.
Theodore Gerry informs the editor that it certainly was a quick and easy change his mother, Mrs.
F.J. Gerry, made from Park Avenue, Oswego, to Oak Park.
NaAuSay: Mr. and Mrs. Keith Kellogg, David, Diane, and Linda and Mrs. Emmett McCauley
and Bobby left the homestead Friday for Riveria Beach, Fla. The contents of the tourists’
luggage suggests much time will be spent on the beach and deep sea fishing.
Feb. 8: At the regular meeting of the village board held Monday night, Feb. 5, Kenneth Tripp
was appointed Civilian Defense Coordinator for the Village of Oswego.
At a meeting of the township board held Saturday, the resignation of Forrest Wooley from the
position of township clerk was accepted. He recently entered the armed services. Mrs. Wooley
was duly appointed as the new clerk.
Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Burkhart boarded the California Zephyr Sunday afternoon, bound for a two
week stay in Los Angeles, Calif.
The twin daughters born to Mr. and Mrs. Ika Rowand of the Plainfield road Jan. 31 are named
Marilyn and Malinda. Mr. Rowand’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. I.W. Rowand of Fairmont, are here
to care for little Betty and the home.
Mr. and Mrs. Bud Holt and two little daughters have moved from the Woolley road to Aurora.
Kendall County Record advertisement:
THE WILLIS APPLIANCE
Introducing the WILLIS APPLIANCE for the relaxing of stiff joints and muscles, soothing tired
and aching feet, reestablishing normal circulation, and for a general toning-up of the entire
muscular system. A boon to sufferers from these afflictions. Try it for relief of arthritic pains.
Allow 15 days for delivery. Free demonstration, no obligation.
The Willis Reducing Unit removes dangerous excess overweight--no medicine, no dieting, no
effort to use. $42.50, F.O.B. Oswego.
FRED V. WILLIS
Phone 4-5821 Oswego, Illinois
Feb. 15: Ledger editorial: It isn’t every year that a community the size of Oswego is fortunate
enough to play host to the district basketball tournament. It is, in fact, a privilege that all of the
schools in the area angle for annually. As host school and host town, we Oswegoans have an
obligation to perform. We know that our facilities in the new gym are as good or better than
those in comparable communities. This, however, is not enough. We must also show that we
have a community spirit and community interest by supporting not only our own team, but the
tournament as a whole. Make it a point to attend at least one or two evenings next week. You’ll
see some fine basketball and you’ll also be giving your community a boost.
It’s a good thing to see when two organizations from adjoining towns meet for a social evening.
The Yorkville and Oswego Lion’s Clubs, by meeting together, give proof that the so-called
ancient rivalry, which frequently ended in mayhem when the two towns met in athletic contest, is
as obsolete as the horse and buggy.
The cast as been selected for the annual high school operetta, to be held in the gym on Friday
evening, March 9: Cast members are Russell Zwoyer, Beverly Bell, Bill McCauley, Carol Voss,
Frank Bower, Cynthia Traughber, Duane Herren, Sylvia Ebinger, Stuart Woolley, Eleanor
Fosgett, Duane Ode, Dean Shoger, Pat Corrick, and Bob Testin.
Scouts Dave Rogerson, Jerry Traughber, Gene McDowell, Dick Campbell and Ralph Smith of
Troop 31, Oswego, attended a dinner held for Explorer Scouts of the Aurora Area Council Feb.
14.
The Evangelical United Brethren in Oswego Prairie was the setting Saturday night, Feb. 10, for
the marriage of Miss Althea Elizabeth Hummel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur C. Hummel of
Oswego to Robert James Johnston, son of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Johnston of Big Rock.
After a short wedding trip, the couple will reside on a farm near Oswego.
John Friedlein, 73, of Oswego died Feb. 6 in the Copley Memorial hospital. He was born Aug. 9,
1877 in Germany. He is survived by his wife, Christina, and several cousins.
The funeral was held at the Oswego Federated church Friday. Interment was in the Oswego
cemetery.
Edward “Teddy” Paydon of Wheatland township, 7 years of age, passed away Feb. 5 at the
Silver Cross hospital in Joliet. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. Stephen Paydon;
three sisters, Diane, age 5, Martha Jane, age 3, and Anita, age 1; also his grandparents, Mr. and
Mrs. Jesse E. Tuttle of West York, Ill. and Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Paydon of Oswego township; also
his great grandmother, Mrs. Laura Tuttle of West York.
Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at the Luce funeral home in Plainfield,
the Rev. Ernest Brown officiating, with interment in the United Presbyterian [Scotch Church]
cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Alva Shuler, Ann and Charles, started on a two-week trip south Feb. 11. They said
they would travel until they found a warm location. Mr. Hacker, a registered pharmacist of
Champaign, has charge of the Shuler drug store and is living in the home during their absence.
Feb. 22: Ledger issue missing; news from the Kendall County Record.
Hundreds of people both in Kendall and neighboring counties were deeply grieved to learn of the
death of Miss Phyllis Ebinger, 21, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ebinger of Oswego, in the
Copley Memorial hospital Monday.
Miss Ebinger, a student at North Central college in Naperville, had been in good health, but on
Friday, Feb. 9, she found that she was running a temperature and on Sunday she became
critically ill and was taken to the hospital, where her ailment was diagnosed as acute leukemia.
Despite all the efforts of physicians, her condition continued to grow more and more critical and
she passed away at 4:40 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19.
Her fellow students at North Central had formed prayer groups to pray for her recovery, but
prayers as medical science both failed. God desired Miss Ebinger’s presence in a far better world
than this.
Phyllis Ebinger was born Dec. 21, 1929 at Effingham. Besides her parents, she is survived by a
brother, Warren; two sisters, Sylvia and Alice; and her grandmother, Mrs. Agnes Schlapp, all of
Oswego. She is also survived by several uncles and aunts and is also mourned by her fiancé, Jack
Koten, editor of the North Central College Chronicle.
Miss Ebinger was one of the most popular students at North Central, where she was a senior
majoring in English. Last October, she was chosen as the college’s homecoming queen. She
received the DAR medal given for citizenship in Kendall county. At college she was a member
of a number of various groups and societies and was highly active in various groups.
Funeral services were held from the Healy chapel in Aurora Wednesday, with interment in
Riverside cemetery.
We have had our “January thaw” in February--and a welcome change in the weather--dated Feb.
19.
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Campbell have purchased the residence on Maple avenue, the home of
Mrs. Mary Shoger, and will be located there before March 1. Mrs. Shoger has gone to visit her
son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Gray, in Tucson, Ariz., after visiting relatives in
Aurora, and expects to go to Seattle later.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nutt, Sandra, Dick, and Bobbie, have moved into their new home on Tyler
street, and Mr. and Mrs. Phil Austin, Billie and Sandra, have purchased the former Nutt home on
Washington street and moved in.
Little Nan Swanquist, the three-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.M. Swanquist of Rock
Falls, spent a few days last week with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Sleezer.
NaAuSay: There was a feeling of loss and regret in the community upon hearing of Seth
Wheeler’s death early Tuesday morning, Feb. 13, in the house his grandfather, A.K. Wheeler,
built during the Civil War.
Seth R. Wheeler was born April 25, 1876, the son of Sheldon Hiram and Mary Jane Foulson
Wheeler. He was one of seven children: Frank, Cyrus, Elizabeth, John, Fanny, and Oliver. Seth
and his brothers and sisters, with Wheeler cousins living on the same road, known as “Wool
street,” played together and went to the Union school, which in the annals of district schools was
outstanding. He and his family were attendants of the AuSable Grove Presbyterian church.
On Jan. 17, 1908 at Anoka, Minn., Mr. Wheeler married Miss Maude Dwyre, an acquaintance of
school days in NaAuSay. They began housekeeping on the Wheeler homestead in the same
house where Seth was born. In this home four sons were born to them. Seth was an indulgent
father, a kind neighbor, and a good friend. His shrewd observations and droll comments set him
apart as a homespun philosopher, a character fast disappearing in this age.
For many years he was secretary-treasurer of the AuSable Grove Cemetery association and was
an authority on the historical data of pioneer families laid to rest in this plot.
In the same home where he was born and lived his life, he passed away. He is survived by his
wife, Maude; four sons, Charles, Edward, and Virgil, all of NaAuSay, and Ralph of Oswego;
eight grandchildren; and two brothers, John Wheeler of Plainfield and Cyrus Wheeler of Omaha,
Neb.
Funeral services were held from the Healy chapel in Aurora Feb. 15. Interment was in the
AuSable Grove cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Brisbin and Jimmie have moved to the Clifford Collins farm near
Morris. This young couple will be missed from church and social activities.
The population of NaAuSay is on the gain. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond (Bud) Patterson are the
parents of a son, Dennis Allen, born in the Copley Memorial hospital Tuesday, Feb. 13. There is
another child in the Patterson family, four year-old Norman, who was waiting for a sister.
March -- 1951
March 1: Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber reports that 1,853 paid admissions were taken in
last week at the district tournament. 1,003 students passed the turnstile while 850 adult tickets
were sold. Oswego received a 40 percent share of the gross receipts for being host school and
after paying expenses of officials, etc. had a total of $107.80 in the black.
The Oswego Fire Department answered a call to the trailer camp on the northeast edge of the
village on Monday at 3:30 p.m. to extinguish a blaze in the combination trailer and residence of
O.W. Clements. A faulty stove was the cause of the fire. No estimate of the damage is available
as yet but the dwelling was almost a total loss.
Commander Slade Cutter from the naval base at San Diego, Calif., now transferred to
Washington, D.C. for land duty, stopped over last weekend with Oswego relatives. The Cutter
families met for dinner Sunday evening with Mr. and Mrs. Max Cutter. Slade, one of our
Oswego boys, is motoring to Washington to find a place for his family to live, and they, Mrs.
Cutter, Ann and Slade Jr., will fly to their new home in the east. Slade said Oswego had changed
so he would hardly know the town.
The high school basketball team went to Chicago Saturday evening to see the big game.
March 8: Members of the Oswego Lions Club enjoyed a colored sound movie presented by W.T.
Stouffer, Division Passenger Agent for the CB&Q Railroad, and showing the scenery along the
route of the crack California Zephyr.
A recent survey of the favorite recordings of all time as made recently by one of the leading
periodicals proves that what the majority of the people want is a simple melody played by a good
orchestra, preferably something with a sentimental or nostalgic flavor and with love as a
dominant theme. The survey went on to show that the tastes of popular music devotees has
varied little in the past two decades. Bing Crosby topped the list with his waxing of “White
Christmas,” which has sold over 8 million copies. Crosby also had two more recordings among
the first 25, “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells.”
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Crane (the former Elaine Smith) came to the George D. Smith home last
weekend. Mr. Crane, who is with the Lockheed Aircraft service, has been transferred from New
York to California and has gone to his new location. Mrs. Crane will visit her parents and other
relatives here for a week and then go on to their new home in Burbank.
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Leigh and two little sons have moved from the Minkler farm to a farm two
miles north of Wolf’s Crossing and the Everett Hafenrichters, who lived there, will be located in
a remodeled home on the Douglas Road.
Mr. and Mrs. William Davis are moving to Aurora and Mr. and Mrs. John Brown have
purchased the home on South Madison street and will be moving there soon.
Ronnie Smith and David King accompanied Purina Dealer Jack Hastert to St. Louis the first of
the week for several days. They visited the research farm and mills of the company.
Mrs. Valena Figge Judge, formerly of Oswego and Aurora, died Feb. 28 at the home of her son,
Cass Figge, in Twin Falls, Idaho. The body was brought to the Healy chapel in Aurora where
funeral services were held March 5, with interment in the Riverside cemetery.
Mrs. Judge is survived by two sons, Cass of Twin Falls, and Frank of Albuquerque, N.M.; four
grandsons, Dr. David Figge of Seattle, Gordon of Twin Falls, and Robert and Roger Figge of
Albuquerque; and a sister, Mrs. Harvey Levee of Plainfield.
Mrs. Judge spent many of her years on a farm on the Oswego-Plainfield road. Mr. Figge died in
1932. Later, she married Delbert Judge of Aurora. He passed away a few years ago and she went
to Idaho to live with her son and family.
Mrs. Judge would have been 80 years old on April 12. She died of a heart attack. Her sons Cass
and Frank and wife came for the funeral.
March 15: The Oswego Park Board voted to sponsor an Explorer Scout Post, which will be
organized within the next few weeks. The Explorer Post will be open to all boys in Oswego
Township between the ages of 14 and 21.
For more than five hours the local firemen joined with departments from Montgomery in an
attempt to extinguish the fire which razed one of the huge sheep barns owned by the CB&Q near
Montgomery last Sunday afternoon and evening. The force worked in two shifts with 13 of the
volunteer firefighters seeing action.
Bill Cutter is home from St. John’s Military academy at Delafield, Wis., for a ten-day vacation
with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clay Cutter.
March 22: Over 750 persons, probably the largest crowd to ever witness an indoor public event
in the village, witnessed the operetta, “Meet Arizona,” presented by the music department of the
local school last Friday evening.
Overflowing the 650 available chairs on the main floor of the gym, the balance of the spectators
were seated on the new roll-away bleachers that just arrived three days preceding the musical.
If you are interested one way or the other in the proposed bill to legalize the sale of colored
oleomargarine, now is the time to write or wire your state representative at Springfield as the bill
is before the General Assembly. Your representatives are Mrs. Maud Peffers, Lisle Laufer, and
Leon Shuler.
Fred Bower, one of the old settlers of Oswego, aged 89 years, passed away Monday, March 19,
at his home. He was born Sept. 9, 1861 in Kendall county.
Mr. Bower is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Clara Rance of Oswego; two sons, Walter G. of
Aurora, and Albert J. of Earlville; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs.
Minnie Hafenrichter of Aurora. He was preceded in death by his wife and one son.
Mr. Bower was a lifelong member of the Oswego Prairie church.
Funereal services were conducted at the McKeown funeral home in Oswego Wednesday
afternoon. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.
Mrs. M.R. Saxon gave a party for ten little folks honoring the twins, Kathy and Karla, on their
fifth birthday anniversary.
Twelve of the Oswego basketball team members and their teachers attended the state tournament
held at Urbana last week.
John Hafenrichter, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, spent a few days here recently
with relatives.
NaAuSay: The Marysville and McCauley schools will give a roller skating party at Hartong’s
hall in Plainfield Friday evening, March 30.
March 29: More than a hundred car owners in the village will lose two dollars apiece if they fail
to purchase 1951 vehicle tax stickers for their automobiles before the April 1 deadline.
April -- 1951
April 5: One of the largest votes ever recorded in a township election was cast Tuesday as 553
voters went to the polls. Kenneth Gowran won out handily over his opponent, Bert Allen, for
road commissioner of Oswego Township. Gowran received a total of 449 ballots; Allen garnered
83.
The village board met Monday evening, April 2, in the Village Hall. It was voted to permit the
American Legion to hold a carnival from May 22-27 providing fire line is kept open through the
streets and village held no liable for any damage. The board appointed William Beck as night
police office at the salary of $100 plus collection from the merchants.
“The exposure of the dealings of Rep. James J. Adduci (R-Chicago) is bringing to light a stigma
of moral barrenness on the part of many members of the Illinois State Legislature. Adduci
recently confessed to the Kefauver Committee that he took nearly $6,000 in commissions on the
sale of envelopes to the state. It is high time that the voters give an ultimatum to their
representatives that such shenanigans will not be put up with.”
The Main Café has again changed owners. Mr. and Mrs. Nick Lautwein (Helen Gregory) of
Oswego purchased the business from Ernest Miller and had their opening day on April 1. The
café will be open from 6 a.m. to late evening, except Thursdays.
Mr. and Mrs. William Leigh have a son, Mark Van Leigh, born at the Copley hospital March 27.
Mrs. Leigh and the baby came home April 1. There are two older boys in the family.
Many in this vicinity are more or less ill or are recovering this week. A new “bug” seems to have
“bitten” many, causing throat infections and much misery in general, although not the same as
flu. Many penicillin shots were given to clear up the infection.
Mr. and Mrs. Lester Johnson’s son was in the Copley several days; Mr. and Mrs. Russell
Turner’s little folks, five-year-old Sharon and three year old Charles, had “shots” for five days.
Todd Drew, Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Drew’s year old son, was under a doctor’s care. Nancy Heap and
Ray Eichelberger were others of the older children ill, and many others have been ill including
some of the mothers.
April 12: A spokesman for the village board stated early this week that the ordinance regarding
dogs running at large will be enforced beginning immediately.
The LaMenu Modelle 4-8 Club held their first meeting of the year on April 7 at the home of Mrs.
J.G. Smith. Election of officers took place. New officers are president, Audrey Fosgett; vice-
president, Elaine Matile; treasurer, Ruth Heise; reporter, Marilyn Mathers; recreation chairman,
Sara Stuart; music chairman, Gail Akerlow. The six junior leaders chosen were Janet Shoger,
Eleanor Fosgett, Eileen Matile, Nancy Cherry, and Sylvia Ebinger.
On Saturday afternoon and evening, April 7, 85 friends of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nutt Jr. attended
their “housewarming” and enjoyed looking over the new home recently finished on Tyler street.
The guests were escorted through the house to note the many conveniences, generous closets,
bath or lavatory on all three floors, fireplace in the living room and basement recreation room. A
larger mirror covering the area over the fireplace in the living room was a gift from the many
friends.
April 19: Only 123 voters went to the polls Tuesday to vote for members of the Board of
Trustees and Police Magistrate for the village. For the board of trustees, George Griffin received
114 votes, Ralph Burkhart 116, Fred Cooper 95. All were running for reelection. Wayne Denney
received 15 write-in votes. Police Magistrate Alex F. Crossman [Crosman] was reelected that
post with a total of 109 votes. Paul Zwoyer received 4 ballots.
Stephen Paydon was elected to the Oswego Community High School Board with a total of 181
votes. Write-in votes gave Ernest King 2, Betty Mae Baumgartner 2, J. George Smith 1.
The dedication of the new Oswego High School will be on Sunday afternoon, April 29, with an
open house from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. The dedication program will take place in the
gym at 3 p.m.
A mobile TB x-ray unit will visit Oswego on Monday, April 23 and Tuesday, April 24.
The Oswego Fire Department answered a call to the Leonard Seidelman home on Collins Road
April 15 to extinguish a fire that started around the chimney of the house. A good share of the
roof and three second story rooms were destroyed. The loss was estimated at $1000.
Advertisement: We invite you to our grand opening, The Furniture Shop, Route 34 at Main
Street, Oswego, Illinois. Distinctive Furnishings, Jane B. Patterson.
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hagerman of Plainfield road have a daughter born April 10. Mother and
daughter came home April 16. The little one was given the name April Jane. There is a two-year-
old sister, Terri Ann, who has been staying with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey
Eichelberger.
April 26: Among the many interesting and distinctive items on display at last Saturday’s open of
Oswego’s newest business enterprise, “The Furniture Shop,” were the rag and braided rugs that
are made by local women and distributed nationally by Jane Patterson, owner of the new store.
According to Mrs. Patterson, 15 local women are employed in the manufacture of the rugs,
which range from midget size up to huge 18.12 affairs and larger, and which are sold on order
throughout the United States.
Dedication of the new Oswego High School building will take place Sunday afternoon, April 29.
One of the regular projects of the Future Farmers of America is soil and wildlife conservation.
Last Wednesday the Oswego FFA, in conjunction with the U.S. Conservation Service, set out
1,500 multa-flora rose plants on the C.M. Schmidt farm southwest of town. This shrub grows
into a low hedge, which provides excellent cover for pheasants and rabbits and acts as a natural
fence.
Two ten-year-old school girls had birthday anniversaries last week. Karen Krug, on April 18, had
14 girls as guests after school. They played games and had a jolly time.
Mary Ann Griffin of Monroe street celebrated her tenth birthday anniversary with a party with
15 schoolmates Saturday afternoon, April 21.
If the investigating committees worked as hard and as many hours as the farmers do they would
really get somewhere. Many acres of oats and grass seeds were sown last week, those having the
most to do getting to work at 6 a.m. or earlier and some working at night with tractor lights. Do
our city friends know that farmers are sowing near 90c oats and alfalfa at $48 a bushel; red
clover at $27; and timothy seed at $9.90?
Mr. and Mrs. Roy King have moved into the cottage on the Arthur Davis farm. They came from
Princeton. Mr. King works for the Kelloggs in NaAuSay.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hafenrichter are the parents of a daughter born April 21 at the Copley
Memorial hospital. There are two other children in the family, Karen 6, and Richard, 3. Mrs.
Hafenrichter’s mother, Mrs. Flora Finley of DeKalb, is assisting in the home.
Master Sgt. Sidney Woolley of New Bern, N.C., flying north with others on a two day leave,
visited his brother, Ora Woolley and wife and his uncles, Wilton and Wilbur Woolley, and Mr.
and Mrs. Archie Price Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Sgt. Woolley has been in the
service 26 years, flying much of that time and is now trained to do helicopter work.
A furniture shop on Route 34 at Main street in Oswego was opened Saturday, April 21. The
owner and manager is Mrs. O.W. Patterson.
The Furniture Shop has distinctive furnishings, which include rugs, draperies, bedroom, dining,
living, and porch groups, lamps, mirrors, pictures, and gift items.
Mr. Patterson is western sales manager from Buffalo, N.Y., to the west coast for the Nye Watt
Carpet company of Auburn, N.Y., with offices in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.
The Pattersons own a farm in Oswego and have lived there for 12 years. They formerly lived in
Aurora.
Mr. and Mrs. Patterson also own the Martha Washington All-Wool Hand-Braided Rug company
in Oswego. The rugs are designed by Mrs. Patterson and constructed by hand by women in the
Fox valley and sold by Mr. Patterson throughout the states.
May -- 1951
May 3: Over 800 persons "Oh'd" and "Ah'd" their way along the corridors and through the
classrooms of Oswego's new high school building during open house last Sunday afternoon.
Over half of the visitors attended the formal dedication ceremonies held in the gymnasium-
auditorium at 3 p.m. A group of specially invited guests and speakers filled the huge flower-
banked stage, including the district's three representatives to the state legislature, leading state
educators, superintendents of neighboring schools, former superintendents of Oswego schools,
former board members and local organization heads. Former school administrators, H.B. Tate
and John L. Clayton, were introduced by Ernest King, board member with longest term of office.
The school's newest board member, Stephen Paydon, introduced State Representatives Maud
Peffers, Leon M. Shuler and J. Lisle Laufer.
At an impressive candlelight service at St. Paul’s Lutheran church, Aurora April 22, Miss Ina
Bornemann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto L. Bornemann of Oswego, become the bride of
Arthur Mayer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Mayer of Millington.
The bride graduated from Oswego high school and maintains her own beauty salon in Oswego.
The bridegroom attended Wheaton high school and served four fur years with the navy in World
War II. He is employed in Roalson’s barber shop in Oswego.
Mrs. L.J. Weishew has sold her beautiful home at the north edge of Oswego to Henry Smith of
Kenilworth. She will move in a few weeks to make her home with her son-in-law and daughter,
Mrs. and Mrs. Richard Warren in their new home in Aurora.
Mr. Smith has also purchased the Simons furniture company in Aurora and with his wife and our
children will move to Oswego.
Yorkville: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Fletcher of Newark announce the engagement and
approaching marriage of their only daughter, Ruth Naomi, to James W. Bell, only son of Mr. and
Mrs. James Winfred Bell, Little Rock, Ark.
Miss Fletcher is a graduate of Northwestern university school of education and at present is
teaching in Elgin. Mr. Bell is also a graduate of Northwestern University in the school of
commerce where he majored in advertising. He is now advertising manager for Bush-Cadwell
company of Little Rock.
May 10: Patrick Pierce, one of the oldest residents of the community, died at his home in
Oswego May 2, at the age of 92 years. He was born in May 1859 in County Wexford, Ireland
and had lived in Oswego since 1880. He is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at the McKeown funeral home on May 4, with burial in Mt. Olivet
cemetery.
Fifty-two singers from the Oswego Community high school went to Elgin Sunday afternoon to
practice with other participating schools for the 600-voice chorus singing at the 22nd annual Fox
Valley High School Music festival, held in the evening, Monday, May 7.
Roy Krug drove a school bus load of pupils of the Willow Hill school and their mothers to
Chicago May 1. They enjoyed a visit to the airport and the Cole Brothers’ circus.
This may not be news, but Monday morning, May 7, was a beautiful wash day and the
housewives were so busy it was practically impossible to get many news items.
May 17: More than 150 mothers and daughters enjoyed themselves Friday evening in the
Federated church parlors in Oswego at the mother and daughter banquet. While the guests
gathered, Miss Lynn Bell played several selections at the piano.
Following the torrential rains of May 10 and 11, the farmers couldn’t work in the fields until
Monday and Tuesday.
May 24: Dr. Charles A. Clark, aged 75 years, died at his home in Oswego on May 20, 1951. He
was born in NaAuSay township Feb. 16, 1876. He is survived by his wife, Clara; a daughter,
Margaret, Mrs. Leslie Morse; one granddaughter, Caryl, Mrs. Robert Brubaker; and one great-
granddaughter, Leslie Brubaker of Champaign.
Dr. Clark was a member of the Oswego Presbyterian church, of Raven Lodge No. 303, AF&AM,
and was a practicing veterinarian since 1910.
Funeral services were held at the McKeown funeral home May 22.
Many Oswegoans enjoyed viewing the Ta-Ha-La tulip garden at Big Rock the past week, where
they saw 50,000 tulips in over 50 varieties.
The concert at the high school gym Sunday afternoon was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed.
The music directed by Reeve Thompson, was excellent and the young people made a pretty
picture on their fine large stage.
The Oswego Cemetery association notifies those who have unpaid assessments that their lots
will not be cared for that year.
May 31: Thirty-two seniors of the Class of '51 will receive their diplomas Friday night, June 1, in
the High School Auditorium at 8 p.m. The class roll: Betty Jane Bower, John Albert Bazan,
Robert Wheeler Claassen, John Ralph Cormany, Nancy Carol Cherry, Patricia Ann Corrick,
Sylvia Lucille Ebinger, Eleanor Lois Fosgett, Donald Wayne Friebele, Gerald John Friedgen,
Stanley Keith Gengler, Robert Dale Hackerson, Richard Lee Isleman, David Lyle King, Don
Wallace Lull, William Emmett McCauley, Malcolm Ray Ness, Carl Duane Ode, Norma Jean
Peterson, Charles James Ricketts, Roger Russell Rink, Oscar Allen Rohr Jr., Barbara Schlapp,
Donald Allen Schomer, Janet Maryon Shoger, Robert Nelson James, Alice Mae Torkelson,
Herbert Lavern Tripp, Donna Mae Wackerline, Richard Dean Wheeler, Dorothy Ann Zielke, and
Russell Edward Zwoyer.
Harold M. Frank, Chicago, was fined $50 and costs by Police Magistrate Alex F. Crossman
[Crosman] on Friday, May 25, on charges of attempting to bribe a police officer. Frank was
riding in an automobile driven by Robert J. Burns, Chicago, who was arrested by Officer
William Hart for traveling at an excessive rate of speed past the large grade school building.
According to testimony by Officer Hart, Frank inquired whether a few dollars would help him
forget the incident.
Blazing six-guns, hard riding cowboys, and plenty of thrills and action are promised to the
youngsters of the community as the first free movie of the season is flashed across the screen in
the Presbyterian annex at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon, June 2. It will be Hopalong Cassidy in
"Heart of Arizona." The free movies are financed this year by the Oswego Park District. This is
the fourth year that the Presbyterian Church has thrown open the annex for this worthwhile
community project.
June -- 1951
June 7: It was announced following the village board meeting held on Monday that the contract
for improving the village streets in accordance with an ordinance passed in September of last
year has been let to the Advance Construction Company, Maywood. The contract for
construction of storm sewers was given to A.W. Stahl Co., Somonauk. Work on the
improvements will begin within the next two weeks. Work on the opening of Monroe Street
between Tyler and Benton by the village is also underway.
A group of 105 graduates of Oswego High School met in the cafeteria Saturday evening, June 2,
for the annual alumni banquet. The Tappin’ Dicks, Dick Oakes and Dick Balstrode of
Naperville, recently on the Morris B. Sachs Amateur Hour, entertained.
Police magistrate Alex F. Crossman’s [Crosman] court was a busy place during the past week as
a total of 20 motorists paid a total of $120 in fines for stop signs violations.
Commencement for the eighth grade students was held Thursday evening, May 31.
Officers: John Calamaras, president; Sharon Ross, vice-president; Geri Jump, secretary and
treasurer.
The class roll: Glenn Baker, Judith Behrens, Arlo Bower, Rebecca Brungart, Leonard Burkhart,
Hallie Burton, John Calamaras, Richard Campbell, Delores Cordas, Patricia Cordas, Alice
Essenpreiss, Kay Eichelberger, Earl Falk, Carl Gebauer, David Gengler, Mary Goudie, Loretta
Johnson, Geraldine Jump, Beverly Kanning, William Kellogg, Michael Kontos, Glenn Leifheit,
Sharon Lippold, Elaine Matile, David McCauley, Jerry Meetz, Louise Norris, Howard Olson,
Barbara Rohr, Sharon Ross, Harry Schlapp, Roger Schlapp, Ted Schiltz, Barbara Schultz, Gerald
Testin, James Tripp, Richard Vacca, Warren Van Etten, Duane Vickery, Janet Vinson, Jack
Walper, Sharon Walper, and Dolores Zentmyer.
June 14: The Men’s Softball League, which plays on Tuesday and Thursday nights each week
will consist of fie teams with each having a local merchant sponsor. Teams and captains are
Shuler’s Drug Store, William Denney, captain; Carr’s Department Store, Robert Johnson,
captain; Zentmyer Garage, Dale Schillinger captain; Herren & Tripp Insurance, Paul Miller
captain; Bohn’s Supermart, Kenny Bohn captain.
Editorial: It’s getting to be a regular occurrence to see the guardrail splintered and trees skinned
up at the intersection of Chicago Road and Madison Street [Five Corners]. Another truck got out
of control last week and ended up in the yard of Don Clark [future location of Olson’s Shell and
later Keith’s Car Care]. Fortunately, no one was killed or even scratched up, but the fact remains
that Lady Luck will be on a vacation one of these days when one of these large trucks comes
careening around the corner and into the trees.
What can be done about it? The question always comes up after each accident but is soon
forgotten until the screeching of tires and the crash of metal brings a reminder.
Would more signs along the highway at the outskirts of the village be of any help? Would a
concentrated patrolling of that section of the highway stop the trucks from coming into town at
an excessive rate of speed?
If you have any ideas on the subject and are interested in sharing them, the editor of the Ledger
will be glad to present them to the public. You should be interested in the matter. Your boy or
girl may be walking on that particular stretch of sidewalk at a time when one of these frequent
accidents occurs. Then it will be too late.
Officer William Hart arrested a total of 13 motorists for failing to observe stop signs in the
village in the past seven days. They were fined a total of $80 plus costs in Police Magistrate Alex
F. Crossman’s [Crosman] court.
A ten-week summer recreational program for the residents of Oswego and Oswego township
begins Monday, June 18. The program, according to Ford L. Lippold, recreational director for
the Oswego Park board, calls for leisure time activities aimed to include all age groups in the
community.
June 14: Effective Monday, June 18, Burlington passenger trains No. 134 and 133 will operate
Aurora to Streator on the following schedule: Northbound train No. 134 due Oswego at 4:22
p.m. Southbound Train No. 133 due Oswego at 8:43 a.m. All trains will operate on a daily-
except-Sunday schedule.
The Oswego depot will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 12:01 p.m. and from 1 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
daily except Saturday and Sunday. The depot is closed all day Saturday.
Nine motorists were arrested during the past week and fined in the court of Police Magistrate
Alex F. Crossman [Crosman].
Illinois will supply 2,436 men for induction into the armed forces during August it was
announced this week by Col. Paul G. Armstrong, State Selective Service Director. This figure
represents approximately 11.1 percent of the national call for the month, which totals 22,000
men, Col. Armstrong said.
According to a spokesman for the village board, police officers of the village have been
instructed to pick up any dogs found running at large in Oswego and the owners of such dogs
will be subject to fine.
June 21: Ledger issue missing; no Oswego news in Kendall County Record.
June 28: A group of local citizens met on Monday, June 18, with the Community Consolidated
Grade School Board at a special meeting to consider the possibility of establishing a
kindergarten. Following lengthy discussion, the school board retired for a private session from
which the following action emerged: A motion was made that “The Board of Education provide
additional rooms, attached to the new high school building, and addition funds for operation and
maintenance, thereby providing an expanded educational program including kindergarten
contingent upon approval of the voters of the district at an election to be called later.”
July -- 1951
July 5: A contract was awarded to the Universal Construction Co., Indianapolis, Ind. at
Monday’s village board meeting of the repairing and cleaning of the water supply tank at the
intersection of Washington and Tyler Streets in the amount of $895.
The Oswego Lion's Club is completing plans to furnish and put house numbers on each residence
and business house in the village in accordance with the new village ordinance regarding the
numbering of homes.
There will be no charge for this service by the local organization. The money was raised for the
project at the variety show staged by the club earlier in the year. This completes the third part of
a three-fold program instituted by the organization several years ago which included the
purchasing and erection of street markers for the village streets; purchase and erection of markers
at intersections of country roads in the township; and purchase and installation of house numbers
for each residence in the village"
According to the new village ordinance requiring numbers on all structures in the village,
numbers lying north and south of the line of Madison Street--Ill. Route 25; street addresses north
or south of that line were to be designated north or south. The east-west baseline was set at
Jefferson Street, with numbers lying east or west of the line designated east or west. Odd
numbers were to be on the north and west sides of village streets.
Some of the persons who were present at the Presbyterian Church several weeks ago when State
Representative Maud Peffers spoke on the Broyles Bill which would make it felony to be a
member of the Communist Party or of any "subversive" group, will be interested to note that the
bill was killed by the veto of Governor Stevenson. According to the governor he used his veto
power to kill the long-debated and controversial bill because "it jeopardized the freedom of
sincere and honest citizens." In addition to making it a felony to belong to a "subversive"
organization, the bill also would have required state, city, and county officials to take loyalty
oaths. Gov. Stevenson went on to state that "we must not burn down the house to kill the rats."
July 12: The free movie sponsored by the Oswego Civic Club and the Oswego Park Board was
"Stagecoach War" staring Hopalong Cassidy.
Oswego American Legion Auxiliary Unit 675 welcomed four new members including Jean Guy,
Irene Leppert, Maizie Marvin, and Verna Cather. Refreshments were served by Evelyn Woolley,
Minnie McCoy, and Shirley Miller.
Reports of good fishing, favorable weather, and a million and one things to see have been
received from Jim Hoch and Gene Herren, who are on a camping trip at Yellowstone National
Park.
Because of the increase in motor fuel tax there has been a rush of consumers to store up gasoline
before the raise goes into effect on Aug. 1. According to state law, no gasoline can be sold or
stored in cans other than those painted red (also naphtha, benzene, and Benzol) and no other
liquid can be placed in such cans. Violators are to be fined a minimum of $10 for each violation.
July 19: A group of 11 local Boy Scouts left for Camp Blackhawk in Michigan including
Leonard Burkhart, Richard Campbell, Larry Christian, Douglas Clark, Jimmy Lantz, Dean
Salomons, Jim Tripp, Allen Wester, Warren VanEtten, Robert Mead, and Gene McDowell.
Area residents were invited to write to U.S. Air Force Pvt. John L. Hafenrichter who was serving
with Flight 464, 3659th Training Squadron at Sampson Air Force Base, Geneva, N.Y.
July 26: The square dance and folk dance sets representing the Oswego LaMenu Modelle and
Future Stockmen both won first place at the 4-H carnival held in the Yorkville gym on July 17.
The square dance set was called by J. George Smith and dancers were Elaine Fosgett, Eleanor
Fosgett, Nancy Cherry, Janet Shoger, Stuart Wooley, Dave Nelson, Charlie Ricketts, and David
King. The folk dance set was called by Stephen Paydon and the dancers were Louise Norris,
Elaine Matile, Audrey Fosgett, Delores Boughton, Marilyn Mathers, Janice Rink, Bill Anderson,
Ronnie Akerlow, Tommy King, Bob Nelson, Dean Shoger, and David McCauley.
Opening of the Saxon Clinic was to take place Aug. 15. The clinic, which will be one of the most
complete in a community the size of Oswego, will be staffed with three doctors, part-time
laboratory and X-ray technicians, and several nurses. The clinic offices and laboratories will be
located in the building in which Dr. Saxon now has his offices. Dr. E. Lowry, of Ridgefarm, Ill.,
will be a fulltime associate of Dr. Saxon. Lowry, who is a graduate of the University of Illinois
Medical School, served two years in the Army Medical Corps. For the past two years he has had
a private practice at Ridgefarm. Dr. Lowry and his family will reside in Oswego. The other
doctor will be Dr. Harry Slobdin, also a graduate of the University of Illinois Medical School.
August -- 1951
Aug. 2: Teachers who formerly held emergency certificates can now obtain provisional teaching
certificates under the new certification law. Applicants must have thirty-five semester hours
college credit, taught one year in Illinois since July 1, 1943, and earned five semester hours
college credit within the last twelve months, and pass an examination as prescribed by the state
examining board.
Aug. 9: Oswego schools will open Tuesday, Sept. 4, with registration and class assignments. The
cafeteria, a new innovation this year, will be opened on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
Several letters have come to the editor’s desk of late from readers who think that too much space
is being devoted to sports activities in the community.
The explanation is quite obvious as to the reason why a great deal of news is printed concerning
the various leisure time activities that have to do with the summer recreation program and also
the school sports program. Almost every home in the community is represented in some phase of
sports and leisure time activities each week.
Perhaps more interest in sports on the local level would be helpful to the sorry state of affairs that
college and professional sports seem to be in, judging from the startling headlines of late.
Lightning struck the barn on the Warren Norris farm early Monday morning and it was burned to
the ground.
Aug. 16: The Oswego Community schools will open for the fall term on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at
8:30 a.m.. There will be school until noon only the first day.
Faculty of the Oswego schools for the 1951-52 year is as follows:
High School Faculty
T. Loyd Traughber, superintendent.
Earl Anderson, principal, sciences and mathematics.
Herbert Hasenyager, coach and social sciences.
No one engaged as yet for assistant coach, mathematics and sciences.
Mrs. Elizabeth Schmidt, commerce and yearbook.
Miss Charlotte Geuther, homemaking and girls’ physical education.
Miss Faye Miles, English, Spanish, and dramatics.
Joe Iftner, vocational agriculture and shop.
Reeve Thompson, band and vocal music, grades 4 through 12.
Junior High
Lowell Polley, principal, coach, and social sciences.
Mrs. Helen Nesemeier, grammar, penmanship, spelling, and dramatics.
Mrs. Frances Polley, mathematics and social sciences.
Miss Salley Patelski, reading, health, and girls’ physical education.
Grade School
Charles Schultz, principal and sixth grade.
Mrs. Leone Bartholomew, sixth grade.
Miss Mildred Vickery, fifth grade.
Mrs. Emma Houck, fifth grade.
Mrs. Ruth Worland, fourth grade.
Mrs. Maxine Staley, fourth grade.
Mrs. Minnie McCoy, third grade; a teacher remains to be hired for this grade, in addition.
Mrs. Gertrude Heffelfinger, second grade.
Mrs. Evelyn Woolley, second grade.
Mrs. Thelma Davis, first grade.
Mrs. Norma Knapp, first grade.
Mrs. Cleta Schuster, Willow Hill, grades 1, 2, and 3.
Mrs. Grace Jones, McCauley, grades 1, 2, and 3.
Custodians
Henry Schmidt, grade school buildings; Mrs. Nellie Tripp, old grade school; Mrs. Carl Ode, little
grade school; and Glenn Schlapp, high school.
High School Cafeteria
Mrs. Virginia Campbell, manager; Mrs. Patton and Mrs. Beatrice Meetz, assistants.
Bus Drivers
No. 1, West River road (Wormley district), Richard Light, assistant, William Light.
No. 2, Willow Hill and route 34, Roy Krug.
No. 3, Wolf Crossing road and North Wheatland township, James Zentmyer.
No. 4, South Wheatland and Church school area, Stanley Peterson.
No. 5, East NaAuSay township and Plainfield road, Ralph Wheeler.
No. 6, West NaAuSay township and Grove road, Orin Collins.
No. 7, McCauley school area, John Whitlock.
Substitute drivers are Carl Friebele, Homer Adkins, Kenneth Gowran, Francis Cryder, and
Forrest Woolley.
Yorkville: One of the largest farm sales in the county took place when the big south farm owned
by Col. Robert R. McCormick, worked by Louis Thurrow, was sold to R.F. Feeney of Chicago,
for $160,000. The other two farms were bought by the Dickson Insurance office of Yorkville.
DeKalb, Aug. 8.--The Lorado Taft area, a 66-acre tract located in the northwest corner of
Lowden Memorial state park at Oregon, became the property of Northern Illinois State Teachers
college yesterday when Gov. Stevenson signed a bill transferring the property from the
department of Public Works and Buildings to the college.
Aug. 23: Oswego Community High School is sponsoring a lunch program this year conforming
to the USDA specifications as outlined in accordance with an Act of the 64th Illinois General
Assembly.
The type of lunch approved for Oswego this year is designated “Type A Lunch with Milk.” It
consists of a complete lunch, hot or cold, providing one-third to one-half of the day’s nutritive
requirements. Sample menu: Baked meatloaf and gravy, choice of hot vegetable or salad, butter
and bread, one-half pint of whole milk, dipper of ice cream.
Serving will begin at 11:10 for the students of grades 1, 2, and 3. Graces 4, 5, and 6 will be
served at 11:30 a.m. Upper grade and high school students will be served when they are
dismissed at 11:55. All grade students will use the east entrance in going to and from the
cafeteria in order that the classes will not be disturbed along the lower corridor.
Omitted from last week’s listing of teachers was the name of Donald Edwards, Kendall county
speech therapist, who teaches students of both grade and high school on Tuesday and Thursday
of each week.
The board offered a contract to Gerald Bethke of Waukesha, Wis., Saturday of last week to teach
mathematics, science, and assist in coaching. Mr. Bethke is a graduate of Carrol college in the
class of 1950. He is currently employed in the research laboratory of Allis-Chalmers company,
Milwaukee.
Much concern has been shown of late about the problem of dope addiction of teenagers. A study
by truant officers in Chicago showed that there are addicts in every high school. Rumors of
addicts much closer to Oswego have been circulated. “It can’t happen here!” Who says so?
Mrs. Mary Bickford, Mrs. Charles Cherry, Mrs. Helen Richards, Mrs. Mayme Young, and Mrs.
Mae Cutter attended the annual reunion of the pupils of the Old Stone school of Oswego held at
the home of Mrs. Margaret Sierp Law in Aurora recently.
About 30 relatives came with well-filled baskets and completely surprised Mr. and Mrs. Warren
Norris in their new farm home on Douglas road Tuesday evening.
Lloyd Short, who was recently injured in an automobile accident, is slowly recuperating at his
home. He suffered several fractured ribs and a punctured lung.
Aug. 30: Starting time for the three attendance centers located in Oswego will be 8:30 a.m.,
Tuesday, Sept. 4. The starting time for the Willow Hill and McCauley schools will be 9 a.m. The
first three grades will hold classes two and one half hours with a recess period in the morning
and the afternoon. Dismissal time for grades 1, 2, and 3 will be 3 p.m. for the day at all
attendance centers. The primary grades will be dismissed at 11 a.m. and those who wish to eat
lunch at the cafeteria will be served at 11:10. Those who wish to bring their lunch may eat at the
school where they attend classes.
Grades 4, 5, and 6, will be dismissed for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and will be served at the cafeteria at
that time.
Two sections of each grade will be necessary for instruction of students this year. The grouping
will be heterogeneous and will be determined by an alphabetical list of students of that grade.
Second grade pupils with surnames A through L will be instructed by Mrs. Heffelfinger and
whose surnames being with M through Z will be instructed by Mrs. Woolley. Since this grade is
the only grade attending two different schools, the following directions are necessary. Two
sections of first grade and Mrs. Heffelfinger’s section of the second grade will report for classes
at the “Little School.” Mrs. Woolley’s section of second grade and pupils of grades 3, 4, 5, and 6
will report to the grade school building for classes. Grades 7 and 8 will again hold classes in the
new high school building.
With only the immediate members of the two families present, the marriage of Miss Shirley
Lippold, daughter of Mrs. Mabel Lippold, to Merrill I. Wolf, son of Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Wolf,
also of Oswego took place in the home of Mrs. Mabel E. Lippold Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cherry have moved into their new home on Chicago road and Mrs. and
Mrs. Charles Schultz and infant son are occupying the former Cherry home. Mr. Schultz is one
of the Oswego grade school teachers.
Word has been received of the death of Mrs. Anna Robinson Kittler of Rochelle, Saturday, Aug.
25. The funeral was held in Rochelle Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs. Kittler, as her many friends will remember, was the wife of Dr. W.E. Kittler, who practiced
medicine for many years in Oswego and who, with two daughters, survives. She was preceded in
death by one daughter.
We were all very sorry t hear of the sudden death of Leo Worland in Aurora. His wife, Mrs. Ruth
Worland, is one of our grade school teachers.
September -- 1951
Sept. 6: The Oswego Ledger reports on all cases tried in Judge Crossman’s [Crosman] court that
are under village jurisdiction except such cases as deal with domestic relations. The editor feels
that the airing of the private spats that take place in the home are of concern only to those
directly involved. If any persons are interested in sharing in the tragedy of neighborhood quarrels
and shattered homes, the docket of the police magistrate is always open to public scrutiny.
Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Staffeldt are the proud and happy parents of a son, born Monday at the
Copley Memorial hospital in Aurora.
Richard Jenkins, one of our polio victims, is still in the Copley Memorial hospital and at this
time is slightly improved.
Douglas Foster, also a victim of polio, is at home and is improving.
Sept. 13: A total of 549 pupils are enrolled in the local school system this year for the largest
enrollment in Oswego history. Grade school figures show a total of 409 pupils against 408 last
year. The high school lists add up to 140 boys and girls, while last year’s total was 130.
Sept. 20: Oswego’s Nineteenth Century Club was celebrating their 58th year anniversary.
Oswego Boy Scouts Dean Salmons and Larry Christian were elected as candidates for the Order
of the Arrow. The two boys, who were both First Class Scouts, are members of Oswego Troop
31.
The Oswego Panther varsity football team dropped their non-conference season opener 7-6 to
Lake Zurich.
Mr. and Mrs. James Zentmyer received a framed certificate from the Chicago Motor club for
their cooperation in the Midwest high school drivers’ training program. Zentmyer Motor sales
furnished a new car for use in this safety course.
A large number of town and county folks attended the Wheatland Plowing match Saturday and
were happy to see Augie Seidelman come home with his share of honors
Mr. and Mrs. Leighton Steckel are the proud and very happy parents of a daughter, born at St.
Joseph’s hospital Friday morning.
The Women’s association of the Oswego Presbyterian church is happy to present a memorial
plate under the auspices of the Circle One of the association. These plates are unique with the
artistic design of the church portrayed in black etching. A brief history is included on the plate.
October -- 1951
Oct. 4: The village board met in the village hall Monday, Oct. 1. After the usual routine business,
the resignation of Al Shuler from the office of village clerk was accepted on a motion by L.
[LeeVerne] Schultz and second by George Griffin. All members present voted aye. On motion
by Griffin and second by Ralph Burkhart that Ford L. Lippold be appointed village clerk to fill
out the unexpired term of Al Shuler all members present voted aye.
A motion was made by Griffin with a second by Schultz that Mr. Shuler be appointed village
collector at the salary of $10 per month. All members present voted aye.
A breakdown of figures on the number of persons served and the cost of servings for the
cafeteria being operated in the new high school for the first half of September shows that an
average profit of .001 per meal will result if the anticipated subsidy of 10 cents per meal is
forthcoming.
Miss Joanne Herren, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Herren of Oswego became the bride of
Robert Gilmour, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Gilmour Sr., of Plainfield, Sept. 28.
The marriage of Miss Joyce Ann Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lester C. Smith of Base Line
road to August Wiesbrook, Oswego, took place Sept. 29.
Oct. 11: Oswego High's annual Homecoming Frolic will take place Friday and Saturday, October
19-20, with parading, a football game, and dancing on schedule. The football game between
Yorkville Foxes and the Oswego Panthers is set for 7:30 p.m. The Oswego band will present a
program of music at halftime. King and queen candidates are Gerald Anderson, Frank Bower,
Duane Herren, David Nelson, Jim Fechner, Dale Kahle, Larry Shride, Bob Testin, Carol
Christian, Elaine Fosgett, Mildred Hauser, Kay Vickery, Beverly Bell, Marilyn Blome, JoAnn
Foster, and Carol Voss.
The Oswego Park Board of Commissioners announced plans to form a teen club to be held in the
township hall on Washington Street. Improvements will include a new floor on the lower level
suitable for dancing, an inside stairway, lounge room facilities on the upper level including a
Coke bar.
Oswego police reported a total of 14 traffic arrests during the previous two weeks.
Oct. 18: The new teen club met and elected its first slate of officers, including Duane Herren,
president; Ann Shuler, vice-president; Elaine Matile, secretary; and Leo Behrens, treasurer.
Reclassification of married nonfathers will be started immediately by Selective Service Local
Boards throughout the state, it was announced by Colonel Paul G. Armstrong, Illinois Selective
Service Director. The order carries out a provision of the 1951
Oct. 25: Shuler’s Toy Land will be open by appointment only from now until Nov. 10. From the
10th of November until Christmas Eve, Shuler’s Toy Land will be open every day. You will find
a fine selection of the newest and finest toys in Shuler’s complete Toy Land.
November -- 1951
Nov. 1: Preliminary reports on last week’s big Halloween Fair sponsored by the local PTA
indicate that it was one of the largest and most profitable in the history of the organization. Over
600 persons were fed during the evening.
Nov. 8: The inside of the W.J. Morse residence was almost completely gutted in a fire that broke
out early Monday morning. The fire, which broke out near the furnace in the basement, was
probably the result of a faulty piece of furnace pipe that led to the chimney. Damage to the house
was estimated at $6,000.
According to the statistics, Oswego won the championship contest last Friday. According to the
final score, Sandwich came out on top, 14-13. Final standings show Oswego in a second place tie
with Plano, each team having two losses and four wins.
Nov. 15: When the Oswego Grade and High School boards attended the Oswego PTA’s regular
monthly meeting to give an overview of some potential problems. Charles Lippincott gave a
detailed report on activities of the grade school board concerning its building program, stating
that plans now under consideration call for a proposed four room addition to the new building,
which would house junior high, or a proposed six room building to take care of junior high and
sixth grade. The latter plan would open the way for a kindergarten in one of the older school
buildings. Lippincott also discussed the problems faced in deciding just where the new addition
could be placed in conjunction to the present structure.
Nov. 22: Rev. Clinton C. Cox, pastor of the Drexel Park Presbyterian Church, Chicago, will
address members of the Oswego Civic Club Monday, Nov. 26, with his subject, “Should Sex Be
Taught Outside the Home?”
Fred “Brick” Young, sports editor of the Bloomington Daily Pantograph, will be the speaker at
the football banquet to be held in the high school community room and cafeteria on Dec. 1.
Since unfavorable weather has delayed the corn harvesting, all operators are going to be in a
hurry to harvest the crop. “As haste makes waste,” the Agriculture II Class at Oswego High
wants to warn all operators against the “dangerous monster” (the corn picker) as one of the
students called it. Also remember:
“A ride on a picker
For a child is fun.
But why risk a life
That has just begun?”
Nov. 29: Young men becoming 18 years old must register with Selective Service within five
days of their birthdays, and failure to do so makes the delinquent liable to penalty.
December -- 1951
Dec. 6: In accordance with directives from the Division of Highways, the Oswego Village Board
approved both a one year and a five year street improvement plan for the village.
For the first time in recent years the village streets will take on a festive look for the Christmas
season with gaily colored lights strung from curb to curb. The local Lions Club has undertaken
the task of decorating the business area with upwards of 500 vari-colored electric bulbs and large
three-foot tall silver stars placed at strategic spots in the downtown blocks.
Dec. 13: The new Christmas lights, installed Sunday in the downtown area by the local Lion’s
Club, glow through the courtesy of the local American Legion Post, which is footing the
electricity bill.
Announcement was made by Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber that the holiday vacation period
for Oswego schools will begin with the close of school Friday, Dec. 21, and will continue until
Wednesday morning, Jan. 3 of the New Year.
Ford Lippold editorial: The residents of the community were pleasantly surprised last Sunday
night at dusk when the switch was thrown and the newly strung Christmas lights blazed across
the downtown streets. Already compliments are coming in from people living in other
communities who, upon passing through the village, are also surprised that a place the size of
Oswego boasts such showy decorations. Much credit is due the local Lion’s Club for making the
lights possible and to the American Legion Post for supplying the electricity. Several of the
Lion’s Club members labored from dawn until dark Sunday putting up the lights.
Dec. 20: A dedication service will be held at the 10 o’clock worship service Sunday morning,
Dec. 23, at the Prairie Church for the electric organ chimes recently installed by the Ebinger
Family in memory of Phyliss Ebinger.
Dec. 27: Oswego area girl Eileen Matile was elected as the first president of the new Kendall
County 4-H Federation.
Another casualty of inflated prices is the popular penny post card. After Jan. 1, 1952, it will cost
two cents to mail a postal card anywhere in the U.S. Also, there will be no more once cent mail
locally. Letters mailed in Oswego will require a two-cent stamp, according to a statement made
by George C. Bartholomew, Oswego Postmaster.
After absorbing prices raised in paper and other materials used in publishing the Oswego Ledger
over the two years of its existence without a boost in advertising rates, the new postal rates make
it necessary to do so beginning Jan. 1, 1952. The raise will amount to a straight 10 percent on all
advertising. The only other way to absorb the advanced cost of publication of the ledger would
be to publish the paper on a subscription basis. The entire cost of publishing the Ledger is
through advertising at the present time. This method is advantageous to the advertisers in that
they get complete coverage in Oswego Township, whereas if the paper was published on a
subscription basis chances are that 75 percent coverage would be the maximum.
1952
January
Jan. 3: William Kilgore, executive of the Fox Valley Manufacturing Association, will speak on
the subject “This is Our Problem,” a discussion of the infiltration of Communism into the United
States, at the annual PTA Father’s Night Tuesday, Jan. 8, in the community room.
The Women’s Fellowship of the Federated Church will meet Thursday night Jan. 10, in the
church. A showing of the movie, “One God,” will be the feature of the evening. The movie
portrays the principal likenesses and differences of the three religions, Jewish, Catholic, and
Protestant, in a brisk, unbiased, easily understandable fashion.
The Little Missionaries Sunday School Class members and their teacher, Miss Sandra Nutt, met
at the home of Karen Krug [Heise], Thursday afternoon, for a toboggan ride.
Jan. 10: I would like to thank all the people in Oswego Township for the courtesies shown me
when I was working all hours trying to keep roads open; also for the gifts given to me and my
family. Kenneth Gowran, Oswego Township Road Commissioner
Jan. 17: None Injured in School Bus Accident During Heavy Fog
Two highway accidents occurred at the entrance to Maple Lane Riding Academy south of
Oswego [on Ill. Route 71] Monday afternoon about 4 o’clock.
One of the Oswego school buses, loaded with children and headed west, was making a right turn
into the driveway of Maple Lane when the left rear corner was struck by an eastbound car driven
by Donald Gale, 19, of Norway.
Deputy Sheriff Herman Johnson, investigating the accident, had parked his squad car on the right
shoulder of the road facing east. Flares were out and the red flashing light on the squad car
turned on while Johnson and Gale sat in the car making out a report of the accident when the
squad car was struck in the rear by a car driven east by Austin Pope of Oswego. Both machines
were damaged and the squad car was pushed into the ditch by the force of the impact.
Pope, charged with reckless driving, was taken by Sheriff Johnson and Deputy Johnson before
Police Magistrate L.R. Jeter of Yorkville, who held him to the county court.
Three candidates had filed for Kendall County State Attorney in the upcoming Republican
primary election. Candidates included Thomas J. Banbury of Plano; Robert E. Bjelland,
Millbrook; and Jerome Nelson, Oswego.
Jan. 24: Ford Lippold editorial: In a recent issue of the Beacon in the Voice of the People
column, a soldier in Korea wrote concerning election of men to public office: “If we don’t look
into the character of the men we elect to high places we might as well not vote at all. Anyone
who will vote a straight Democratic or Republican ticket desires all the trouble he gets.
Representatives in our government must be elected on their individual merits, not because of the
party which they belong to.”
If for once and for all we can break down the barrier of party lines it may be possible to elect
men to office that are worth of the positions entrusted to them.
In a letter to the editor, Austin Pope gave his side of the bus, squad car, auto accident of the week
before. According to Pope, the bus was not turning off the highway, but entering it; the squad car
was not on the shoulder but in the eastbound traffic lane; flares had been placed originally but
had all burned out; the squad car was pushed onto the shoulder, not into the ditch by the force of
the collision. “Perhaps it is time that we right here in our own county become aware of what is
taking place. Could it be that some of the county officials are not worthy or capable of
representing the people,” Pope concluded.
Jan. 31: Paced by Jack Steckel, who dropped in 12 buckets and one free throw for 25 points the
Oswego Panthers defeated Leland on the home floor Tuesday night, 66-38.
Last CB&Q Passenger Trip
Through Oswego Saturday
CB&Q trains No. 133 and 134, operating between Aurora and Streator, will make a final trip on
Saturday, Feb. 2 1952.
The Burlington Transportation Co. will provide service for the towns served by trains 133 and
134. That is, inbound and outbound shipments of express, baggage, and cream will continue
from the Burlington Depot as in the past, but will be handled by motor truck instead of rail.
Arrival and departure of times of this motor truck service will be announced by Burlington
Agent George Ross as soon as released.
February -- 1952
Feb. 7: “39 Years Old” is the program title for the meeting of the local Parent-Teacher
Association, to be held in the Community Room Tuesday night, Feb. 12. This is National
Founder’s Day, and the Oswego chapter will celebrate it with a history of the local PTA
organization, which is 39 years old.
The number of books checked out of the local library in both the adult and children’s divisions is
on the increase according to a report by Mrs. Marion Steckel, library publicity chairman. The
library, which is a project of the Nineteenth Century Club, is open every Wednesday afternoon
from 2 until 5 and in the evening from 7 until 9.
Feb. 14: The Oswego Panthers are seeking to extend what may be the longest winning streak in
recent years for a local high school quintet when they face the Foxes of Yorkville Friday night
on the Oswego hardwood. The string stands at four in a row at the present time, with successive
victories over Leland, Plainfield, Shabbona, and Newark.
The dog ordinance in the village is effective for every day in the year, not just in the spring a
summer as some folks think.
So far, Oswego hasn’t had an entry in the Soap Bo Derby, which is in its sixth year both in the
Aurora and on a National scale. Any boy between the ages of 11 and 15 who might be interested
should contact Ford L. Lippold, recreation director of the Oswego Park Board. Any boys from
Oswego who would enter the Derby would compete in the Aurora area races to be held at
Phillips Park on July 18, 19, and 20.
According to a report by Mrs. Rilla Biesemeier, returns on the 1952 polio drive are coming in
slowly.
Feb. 21: It was another one of those games Tuesday night when the fans sit on the edge of the
seat and slowly go crazy. At no less than seven times during the contest was the score tied and
with less than one minute to go, it was deadlocked at 50-50 when Jim Fechner netted a field goal
to give the local quintet a two-point advantage. Elburn came back with a single charity toss a
Fechner sewed the game up tight at the two-second ark with a free throw to give Oswego a 53-51
decision. The Panthers have now won six in a row.
Ford Lippold: Good sound criticism is healthy at any time, but petty little sniping is a deadly
disease. There are a few individuals in the community (as there are in every community) who
find fault with everything and everybody. They snipe continually at the school board, the village
board, the PTA, the women’s clubs, the Lions Club, the ministers, the school teachers, the
business men, their neighbors and so on. And yet, these same individuals never vote, never take
part in civic affairs, never are honest enough to do their vocalizing in the open. Yes, there are a
lot of things that are needed to make Oswego a better place, but let’s be constructive about it and
above all, let’s not stoop to sniping.
Coach Hasenyager’s quintet will clash with Orland Park on the local hardwood Friday night in
the last contest of the season outside of tournament play. Six seniors, Jack Steckel, Duane
Herren, Dave Nelson, Leo Behrens, Jerry Anderson, and Dick Moake, will be playing their last
regular high school game.
Feb. 28: Paced by Leo Behrens, the Oswego Panthers took the measure of Geneva’s Vikings
Tuesday night at Mooseheart and so advance to second round play over Batavia tonight,
Thursday.
March -- 1952
March 6: According to a statement issued by the chairman of the law and order committee of the
village, the existing dog ordinance will be strictly enforced on a year around basis. Any dog
unleashed and ranging outside of its own yard is to be considered a dog at large.
The Oswego Panthers won second place in the Fox Valley League and first in the district
basketball tourney at Mooseheart. Coach Bert Hasenyager's team included Gerald Anderson, Leo
Behrens, Duane Herren, Richard Moake, David Nelson, Jack Steckel, Terry DuSell, Jim
Fechner, Elnathan Claassen, and Norman Raspillar.
March 13: The basketball glory trail ended for Oswegoans when the last whistle blew in the
Wheaton-Oswego game last Thursday night. A few of the fans were disgruntled at the outcome.
The majority of the fans were satisfied that the Panther quintet had done a find job. The players,
particularly, showed that a team could constantly come from behind and win the close ones. And
so we say congratulations to a fine team.
At the Federated Church, Miss Evelyn Lucille Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence
Johnson, became the bride of John F. Ode, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Ode on Friday evening.
March 20: Ford Lippold: The consistent winning of honors by members of the local high school
music department, the consistently fine programs put on by the group, and the general
appreciation of the populace is a credit to the organization and to the man responsible, in a large
part, for the fine caliber of musical accomplishment by Oswego school pupils. It took a lot of
hard work and a lot of long range planning to build the Oswego School Music Department to
where it is at present. A lot of plans are still in the making. Oswego is fortunate to have such fine
leadership in its school system. Congratulations to Reeve Thompson for a fine job.
Three OHS students won superior ranking in the District III solo and ensemble music contest.
They were Janice Friebele (coronet), Gene McDowell (trombone), and Ruby Burton (baton
twirling).
March 27: The Oswego Grade School Board announced an open forum to discuss a proposed
addition of a junior high wing to Oswego High School. It was proposed to purchase the
necessary property (four full city lots and portions of four others) at a cost of $190,000, and build
the new wing at a cost of $115,000. The high school was originally built with the intention of
adding a junior high wing to the south.
A friend of the Oswego Library, who wishes to remain anonymous, has made it possible to
install a new lighting system in the building. Among the new books added to the shelves recently
are “The Swimming Pool” by Mary Roberts Rinehart and “The Long, Long Trailer.”
April -- 1952
April 3: At the annual town meeting held Tuesday, April 1, in the Oswego Town Hall, it was
voted to move the place of town meetings to the Village Hall beginning immediately. This also
means that all elections, including the primaries, will be held in the Village Hall.
The change was voted for several reasons. The principle ones being that the Village Hall is more
accessible for voting purposes due to better parking facilities; and, in order that the Township
Hall might be turned over to the Oswego Park Board so that additional use of the building can be
made for teenagers, Girl Scouts, 4-H clubs and other community organizations desiring to hold
meetings therein.
Vaccinations against smallpox will be given in the Oswego Community Consolidated Grade
School on Wednesday, April 9, on the consent of parents.
In the neighborhood of a hundred interested citizens attended the open forum meeting in the high
school Tuesday night to discuss the issue of the proposed grade school. Those who attended
expecting a big display of fireworks were disappointed. Those who attended seeking information
on the proposed building project were informed.
A legal notice announcing a special referendum was printed setting April 12 as the date residents
could vote to build a junior high addition to Oswego High School.
April 10: Jerome Nelson won the Republican primary for Kendall County State's Attorney by a
4-1 margin over his nearest rival, Robert Bjelland of Millbrook.
An April 10 Ledger editorial took the community to task for "the nasty little digs and pot shots
that have been taken at individuals...statements that have been slanderous in nature" over the
proposal to build a junior high wing onto the high school. Voters defeated the proposal by a 2-1
margin.
A committee of teenagers from Oswego area churches were planning an Easter sunrise service to
be held at Camp Quarryledge at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, April 13, with breakfast to follow at the
Presbyterian Church.
In the seventh and eighth grade community spelling bee, 13 year-old Larry Heckerson, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Heckerson, was the winner. The sixth grade winner was Bill Husband, 12,
son of Mr. and Mrs. William Husband.
In an ordinance printed in the Ledger, an unnamed street lying between Lots 1 and 5 in Block 8,
and Lots 6 and 7 in lock 7 of Loucks and Stafford’s Addition to the Village of Oswego was
vacated. The village board passed the ordinance on April 7, 1952.
April 17: Voters in the Oswego School District defeated a proposition to build a junior high
addition onto Oswego High School by more than 2-1 in balloting on April 12.
The Oswego Park Board met Monday night in the Panthers Den with all members present. It was
decided to hire Miss Eileen Matile to act as director for the small playground for the summer
period.
April 24: Don’t worry about the hour sleep you will lose Saturday night. It isn’t really lost. You
will get it back on Sunday Morning, Sept. 28, when the clocks will be set back to standard time
once more.
May -- 1952
May 1: A total of 56 students from Oswego High School were to take part in the Elgin Music
Festival to be held in the Elgin High School Gym Monday, May 5. It was the festival’s 28th
year.
Ford Lippold: There are many in the community who can remember back a few years when the
local cemetery boasted one of the finest growths of weeds of any plot of ground hereabouts.
Except for a small group of graves that were kept mowed and cleaned by individuals who owned
them, the cemetery was a wilderness of rank growth.
The cemetery association officers are to be congratulated for the fine showing made in the past
decade. The Oswego Cemetery is now as neat and pleasurable to the eye as any in the Fox
Valley. The question now is how to keep it that way. The problem that looms largest before the
officers is the lack of funds.
May 8: American Legion Post 675 is sponsoring a carnival, which will open Tuesday night, May
13, and continue throughout the week. The carnival will be set up in the usual spot on Main
Street between Washington and Jackson, just to the north of the library.
The Oswego Lions Club distributed house numbers to residents throughout Oswego free of
charge. The club said their project was designed to make the village safer. “If there are any
homeowners in the village who haven’t received a house number from the Lion’s Club, the
committee would appreciate information to that effect as soon as possible. If you are one of those
without a number, report the fact to Norval Tripp or Al Shuler,” editor Ford Lippold wrote.
The Oswego Village Board approved an ordinance allowing manually operated stop and go
lights at the corner of Madison and Jackson streets to provide a safe crosswalk for students at the
Red Brick School.
May 15: A 16 year-old Michigan youth who stole Ralph Johnson’s car from in front of the tavern
last Saturday afternoon was apprehended in possession of the car at Kirkwood, Mo. early Sunday
morning. The youth, identified as Charles Garrett Paddock of Kalamazoo, Mich., drove off with
Johnson’s 1949 Buick between 2 and 5 p.m. leaving a 1947 sedan in its stead. The sedan had
been taken earlier in the morning from Valparaiso, Ind. According to word received by Johnson,
his car is undamaged with the exception of a flat tire.
A villager asked last week to have the names of the volunteer firemen on the Oswego force.
Here’s a list: Al Shuler, chief; Kenneth Gowran, assistant chief; Kenneth Tripp, Ralph Burkhart,
Wayne Denney, Les Morse, Ronnie Smith, Ralph Johnson, on Ringberg, Everett McKeown,
LeeVerne Schultz, James Vinson, Henry McDowell, William Denney, and Forrest Woolley.
May 22: Grade school graduation exercises were set for Wednesday, May 28. Baccalaureate for
high school graduates with the Class of 1952 was set for Sunday, May 25.
May 29: A class of 34 seniors will don cap and gown tonight at 8 p.m. for commencement
exercises in the gym. Valedictorian Ann Shuler will speak on “Pass Our Blunders By.”
Salutatorian Carol Christian’s topic will be “Beginning of the End.” Other award winners
included Elaine Fosgett, Citizenship; Jack Steckel, sportsmanship; Cynthia Traughber,
Activities.
A total of 60 girls in Oswego are now active in Girl Scouts ranging from Brownie through
Intermediate age.
Local stores will remain open this afternoon, Thursday, May 29, until 6 p.m. so that residents of
the community will have an opportunity to prepare for the Decoration Day holiday.
June -- 1952
June 5: The Kendall County Firemen’s Association will hold a Fire School at Plattville on
Sunday, June 8.
Mrs. O.W. Patterson was named president of the Oswego Park Board Commissioners for the
year beginning May 1952 and ending May 1953. Vice-president was Mrs. Gerald DuSell;
treasurer, Norval Tripp. Other board members were Ralph Wheeler, Arthur Davis, and William
Anderson.
Leonard Hafenrichter was elected president of the Oswego Alumni Association during their
annual banquet at Oswego High School.
The resurfacing of Franklin and several other streets in the northeast corner of the village and the
south end of Madison Street in the southeast corner of the village is completed. Other streets are
earmarked for improvement in the next several years. It takes time to bring such improvements
about because the amount of funds available for such work is limited in a village the size of
Oswego. We’re sure that if everyone will be a little patient, Oswegoans will be able to boast of
as fine a set of streets as can be found in the Fox Valley.
From a letter to the editor: “If any of you were as shocked as I was to see the group of boys
scrambling for the empty shells as the firing squad was giving the salute in the Memorial Day
Service in the Oswego Cemetery, you will understand why I feel as I do.”
June 12: The 10-week summer playground program opened June 16. Eileen Matile, a recent
OHS grad, was in charge of the playground at the Little White School. Ford Lippold was in
charge of the playground at the Red Brick School.
A Ledger reader criticized the loudness of the chimes at the Presbyterian Church at Madison and
Benton streets. "Chimes of the sort they have shouldn't be played in town. I like to know when
it's noon and 6 o'clock but it isn't necessary for them to play for such a long time," the reader
wrote.
The village's total appropriation for the 1952-53 fiscal year was $42,070.
June 26: There’s been a lot of bright colored paint spread around the village by Marshall Geo.
Plum and his crew during the past week. The general idea is to observe the markings and help
make driving a little less hazardous.
A check on all dogs not having licenses will be made within the next few days. If you have an
unlicensed dog, better see Al Shuler and purchase one right away. Dog owners who do not have
a village license for their canine pets are subject to a fine.
A resolution for the resurfacing of parts of Franklin, Polk, Jackson, and Garfield streets was
passed at a special meeting of the village board held Monday night. The work will be done this
fall.
A Ledger editorial reminded residents that using and selling of fireworks, firecrackers,
torpedoes, Roman candles, skyrockets and other pyrotechnic displays within village limits had
been prohibited since June 1946.
July -- 1952
July 3: Costs more than you might think to keep a village like Oswego in good condition. The
sidewalk improvement job going on at the present time will cost in the neighborhood of $1,000.
Jim Hoch, who has been spending a 10 day leave at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest
Hoch, will leave this week for Camp Stoneham, California. Jim just completed a 20-week basic
training at Camp Roberts, Calif.
Village Marshall George Plum arrested five motorists, none from Oswego, in July for traffic
violations.
July 10: The Oswego Village Board met Monday night in the Village Hall with Mayor Andrew
Pierce presiding.
In addition to the regular village business, it was voted to hire Geo. Plum as Village Marshall.
Plum has been serving in a temporary capacity for the past month.
The board gave Marshall Plum authority to solicit funds for the purchase of a two-way radio
system to be installed in the Marshall’s car and to be hooked up with the sheriff’s office at
Yorkville. The reason for asking residents of the community for funds is simply that the village
budget does not provide for such an expenditure at this time.
Announcement of the teaching staff for the Oswego school system for 1952-53 was made by
Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber this week.
A total of 28 full-time teachers have been hired to round out the faculties of the grade and high
schools. Earl J.. Anderson will serve as principal of the high school, while Lowell Polley will be
principal of the junior high.
High school faculty: Earl J. Anderson, principal, sciences and mathematics; Charlotte
McDermand, vocational homemaking, girls’ physical education; Elizabeth Schmidt, commerce;
Doris Thompson, English, Spanish, Latin; Herbert Hasenyager, social sciences and coach;
Joseph Iftner, vocational agriculture; Kenneth Pickerill, sciences, assistant coach, football, and
baseball; William Wallbaum, English, mathematics, track coach, assistant basketball coach;
Reeve Thompson, music, grades 4-12; Donald Edwards, speech correction, grades 1-12; Jane
Fuller, office secretary.
High school board of education: John F. Cherry, president; Charles Nutt Jr., secretary; Stephen
Paydon, Ralph Smith, George Ross.
Grade school faculty: Lowell Polley Jr., junior high principal, social sciences, boy’s physical
education; Frances Polley, mathematics, seventh and eighth; Helen Nesemeier, language arts,
seventh and eighth; Charles A. Schultz, sixth grade; Leone Bartholomew, sixth grade; Mildred
Vickery, fifth grade; Emma Houch, fifth grade; Maxine Staley, fourth grade; Minnie McCoy,
third grade; Dorothy Mighell, third grade; Gertrude Heffelfinger, second grade; Evelyn Woolley,
second grade; Thelma Davis, first grade; Dorothy Anderson, first grade; Grace Jones, McCauley
Grade School; Cleta Schuster, Willow Hill School.
Grade school board of education: Ralph Schlapp, president; Charles M. Lippincott, secretary;
Russell Rink, Francis Cryder, Myron Wormley, John K. Luettich, William S. Anderson.
As an example of how much it costs to run a municipality the size of Oswego--the recent
rehabilitation of the sewer disposal plant cost over $1,800.
Kenny Bohn, home on leave for the past several weeks, leaves this week for Alaska.
If you haven’t been paying any attention to the no-parking zones in the village, it might save you
a little time and inconvenience to do so.
The proposal of Senator Hubert Humphrey, (D) Minnesota, recently that an audit be made of
campaign spending by presidential candidates and such audit be presented to the people is one
worthy of consideration. The interesting note in presidential campaigns is that candidates spend
many times the amount of money that they can ever hope to receive from a four year salary as
head of the country in an effort to be elected.
If every voter knew the source of campaign funds spent by each candidate it might well tend to
take some of the chicanery out of our political system. It certainly would prove embarrassing to
some of the candidates.
July 17: Oswego’s equivalent of a “Little League” hardball team, composed of boys between the
ages of 8 and 13, will play its initial game of the season Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. against
Mooseheart. The contest will take place on the local high school diamond.
Mound duties will probably be shared by Chuckie Shuler and Sammy McVicker, with Dick Nutt
doing the receiving.
Motorists approaching from the north on Highway 34 and Washington street shouldn’t have any
trouble seeing the new stop sign placed on the corner by Tom Dwyre’s house. It’s about twice as
big as the one replaced and real bright and shiny.
One of the latest homes started in the village is that of Bob Colwell’s just off of Tyler St. Bob is
a brother of Mrs. Ralph Jericho.
This week’s movie, “Broken Arrow, promises to be one of the best of the season. In addition to
having a star-studded cast, the picture is filmed in Technicolor.
Starring James Stewart, Jeff Chandler, and Deborah Page, the film is an account of the
negotiations that led to the treaty between the United States Government and the Indians.
With manager John Chrisse blasting out a three run homer in the third inning, the Oswego entry
in the American Division of the Aurora-Fox Valley League took a 5-1 victory over the Aurora
Tigers on the local field last Sunday.
As an aftermath of the Republican convention held in Chicago last week, it was interesting to
note the results of a poll of delegates held by a newspaper reporter. The reporter asked random
delegates what they thought of the Civil Rights plank in the platform. Forth percent of the
delegates questioned replied that they had not read the platform. Twenty percent had no opinion.
These were the people who were entrusted to nominate a presidential candidate.
Oswego scouts are spending a ten day period at the camp. Oswego boys at camp Dean Salmons,
Larry Christian, Dan Essenpreiss, Larry Christian, Larry Schultz, Doug Clark, and Bobby Mead.
Letter to the Editor of the Ledger: The Village Board finally did something right when they hired
Mr. Plum as police officer.
He looks like an officer; he acts like an officer; he is a credit to the village and we don’t have to
any longer be ashamed and listen to stories about Oswego and the way auto drivers were treated
here.
--An Auto Driver
July 24: Village Marshall George Plum reported that citizen contributions for a two-way police
radio passed the $200 mark. A total of $550 was needed for the radio. "Under the new set-up, a
call to the sheriff's office, where men are on duty almost continuously, will be relayed
immediately to the local squad car and the marshal can be at any place in the township minutes
after the call is made," the Ledger reported.
Eight persons were fined in Police Magistrate Alex F. Crossman’s [Crosman] court for traffic
violations in the past 10 days, and one person fined for disorderly conduct. All were arrested by
Village Marshall George Plum.
Everett McKeown was named treasurer of Oswego Schools by the Oswego Township Board of
School Trustees at a meeting held last week. McKeown replaces Norval Tripp, whose term
expires. Tripp has been treasurer of the township board [of school trustees] for the past 12 years.
July 31: Winners of the University of Illinois scholarships in Kendall County have been reported
to Irving A. Shears, county superintendent of schools. All three winners are seniors at Oswego
High School. Winners are Neal Herren Baker, county; Stuart Woolley, agriculture; and Cynthia
Ann Traughber, home economics.
The Oswego Fire Protection District’s annual appropriations ordinance called for an estimated
expenditure of $21,885 for the coming fiscal year.
William C. Hart, aged 66, passed away Sunday morning. He was preceded in death by his wife,
Hazel. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Edward Paxton of Evanston; two brothers, the Rev. Alva
Hart of Thorsby, Ala. and Merritt Hart of Denver, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Thursday from the McKeown Funeral home.
Mrs. Lillie Schlapp passed away at her home July 10. She was 75 years of age. She was born
March 22, 1877 in NaAuSay. She is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Emily Jaki and Mrs. Esther
McCarty of Aurora, Mrs. Irene Schmitt of Port Angeles, Wash., Mrs. Edith Arnold of Pontiac,
Mich., and Miss Ethel Schlapp of Oswego; two sons, Earl of Oswego and Allen of Aurora; 15
grandchildren; one great-grandson; and one sister, Mrs. Agnes Schlapp of Oswego.
The funeral was held at the Presbyterian church Saturday. Mrs. Schlapp was a member of that
church. Burial was in the NaAuSay cemetery.
Jimmie Ringberg spent Thursday with Jerry Parkhurst on the farm.
Billie Figgins, who underwent surgery at the St. Charles hospital last week, has returned home
and is getting along very well.
Oswego’s hard ball team won another victory Sunday when they defeated Sheridan by a score of
11-7. This keeps Oswego in the lead with six wins and only one loss.
Several people have inquired recently who the volunteers are who man our fire department, so
here is a lost of the members: Al Shuler, fire chief (also our druggist), Kenneth Gowran
(highway commissioner), Kenneth Tripp (also highway employee), Ralph Burkhart (Pontiac
garage owner), Wayne Denney (grocery), Less Morse (implement dealer), Ronnie Smith
(Christian Art house), Ralph Johnson (tavern owner), Don Ringberg (Oatman dairy), Everett
McKeown (funeral director) Lee Verne Schultz (employed in Aurora), James Vinson (employed
in Aurora), Henry McDowell (welder), William Denney (grocer), and Forrest Wooley (hardware
dealer).
Everett McKeown was named treasurer of the Oswego schools by the township board of school
trustees at a meeting held last week. He replaces Norval Tripp, whose term expired. Norval has
been treasurer of the township board for the past 12 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Miller have moved into the apartment over Bohn’s store that was recently
vacated by the Cole Smith family, who moved to the Churchill home where Mr. and Mrs. Ora
Woolley lived before moving into their new home.
August -- 1952
Aug. 7: Both the Oswego High School and the Oswego grade schools including the McCauley
and Willow Hill units, will open on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Corporal Donald A. Walper, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Walper, recently participated in
“Operation Signpost,” an exercise geared to put the air defense of the United States on an
operational basis. He is a member of the Army’s 51st anti-Aircraft Brigade, which guars the
Chicago-Detroit area.
Aug. 14: School will be in session the first day, Sept. 2, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Rural
attendance centers at Willow Hill and McCauley schools will open at 9 a.m. and will be in
session at the same times during the year as attendance centers in Oswego.
The board of education of Community Consolidated School District Number 8 is confronted
with the problem of available room space for housing of 16 sections of grade pupils. They have
established the following attendance centers for the opening of the present school term: Grade 1,
two sections, Presbyterian Church basement; grade 2, two sections, Little White School building;
Grade 3, two sections, Little White School building (Mrs. Dorothy Mighell) and Brick Building
(Mrs. Minnie McCoy Hayden); Grade 4, two sections, Brick Building; Grade 5, two sections,
Brick Building; Grade 6, two sections, Brick Building; Grade 7, Brick Building; Grade 8, two
sections, Oswego Community High School.
A communication from Vernon L. Nickell, superintendent of public instruction, was received by
Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber last week stating that certificates of recognition were awarded
to both the Oswego Grade and High Schools.
The Oswego Park District’s appropriations ordinance published in the Ledger stated the district
planned to spend $3,950 during the next fiscal year.
The Oswego Village Board approved a resolution to install a manually operated flasher-type
school traffic signal at the corner of Madison and Jackson streets to allow students to safely cross
the street. The Red Brick School was located at the northeast corner of the intersection.
Aug. 21: Local ball fans will have an opportunity to witness the first in a three game Aurora-Fox
Valley League playoff Sunday afternoon between Oswego, American Division winners, and the
Roumanian Royals, National Division champs. The contest will be played on the local high
school diamond and is scheduled for 1:30.
Oswego athletic teams have enjoyed a prosperous year. The high school football, basketball, and
baseball teams all won considerably more tames than they lost; the local hardball nine took a
division championship in its league; and attendance at all of the contests was good.
The following group of FFA boys took part in the livestock competition at Ottawa recently:
Rodney McCauley, Dean Shoger, Stuart Woolley, Ronnie Smith, Billie Betzwiser, Herbert
Behrens, and David McCauley.
Mr. Earl Schlapp has been employed as custodian for the first grade at the Presbyterian church.
He will be present at the church each morning and evening to provide safety to the children in
crossing the highway.
Forth or more grid hopefuls will begin practice Monday, Aug. 25, under the watchful eye of
Coach Herbert Hasenyager and his assistants. Thirty-four of this season’s candidates received
their physicals at Saxon clinic Monday and Tuesday of this week.
Aug. 28: Sandra Nutt has been chosen to give her 4-H Club demonstration, “Campfire
Chowder,” over Channel 4 television Thursday afternoon at 4:15.
Charles L. Towne Jr. returned last week from Camp Desmond Doss, Grand Ledge, Mich., where
he was one of 140 persons taking part in an intensive 14 day military and medical training
program.
Ann Shuler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Al Shuler, received one of the highest scores ever
recorded for a series of pharmacy background tests given to all prospective candidates for
admission to the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy. Ann, a graduate of Oswego High
School and valedictorian of the class of ’52, led the 282 candidates permitted to take the test by
compiling 595 points out of a possible 650.
Pvt. Kenneth Bohn was noted as being stationed at Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska. Inducted
into the Army on Jan. 31, he is now serving with an engineer company. His new mailing address
is Pvt. Kenneth C. Bohn, 59th Engineer Const. Co., c/o Postmaster, Seattle, Wash.
Pvt. James L. Hoch, U.S. Army, is now stationed in Korea, having arrived there on his birthday,
Aug. 11.
September -- 1952
Sept. 4: Oswego High School Football Coach Herb Hasenyager and his staff have been working
overtime trying to develop a winning combination out of the 36 candidates out for the team this
year. Hasenyager has a small nucleus of varsity lettermen from last season around which to mold
this year’s aggregation. One of the biggest problems he has to face is the problem of depth at
each position.
The Oswego Village Board will hold a special meeting Friday night, Sept. 5, to open sealed bids
for the letting of a contract to resurface the following streets: Franklin from Washington to
Garfield; Polk from Franklin to Jackson; Jackson and Garfield from Franklin to Ashland.
The cost of the project will be around $3,000.
The resignation of George Plum from the position of Village Marshall was accepted by the
Village Board at its regular meeting held Tuesday night. The board is asking for bids to fill the
vacancy.
The board also voted to gravel and grade Monroe Street from Tyler to Benton. This is the new
block of street being used by school buses and cars to reach the Presbyterian Church. By using
this one block of street, it is possible to keep school buses from unloading and loading on the
highway [Route 25] in front of the church. [The church was located at Madison and Benton. At
that time, Route 25 extended south on Madison to Douglas and then all the way to Ill. Route 71]
The largest first grade enrollment in the history of Oswego boosted the total school population to
617 on opening day Tuesday. This record first day enrollment is 39 pupils higher than last year
with a 21 pupil increase in the grade system and an 18 pupil boost in the high school classes.
According to figures released by Supt. T. Loyd Traughber, 73 pupils are registered in the first
grade with 58 of them housed in the Presbyterian Church and 15 in country units.
Total grade school pupils, 456, 21 over 1951. Total high school pupils, 162, increase of 18 over
1951.
“Now with the school bell ringing every morning, the big yellow school buses will be a familiar
sight on roads and streets in the community,” wrote Ledger Editor Ford L. Lippold. “Seven buses
service the Oswego school system. “Most motorists are aware that they are required to stop when
driving behind a school bus if that bus stops to pick up or discharge passengers, but do not
realize that they are also required to come to a stop if they are approaching a school bus from
opposite direction.”
A letter to the editor of the Ledger signed “A Taxpayer” noted community complaints about
crowded school buildings in the community. “The voters had an opportunity last spring to solve
the over-crowded school problem and what did they do? You know the answer as well as I do.
They made like an ostrich, hiding their collective heads in the sand and now they find the
problem still exists, only more so…The only way to solve the problem is to build additional
rooms, whether it be an addition to existing facilities or an entirely new building…Let’s give our
kids a break. Let’s build and now is the time to do it.”
Sept. 11: A committee of Lion’s Club members and village board members met with school
superintendent T. Loyd Traughber and a state of Illinois engineer last Monday to decide on
installation of school flasher traffic signals.
The two signals, to be installed at the corners of Rt. 34 and Jackson St., will be installed within
the next week or 10 days.
Operated manually, the flasher signals will be a warning to motorists that school children are
crossing at the corner and tend to reduce the possibility of accidents.
The signals were purchased by the Lion’s Club and that organization has undertaken the
responsibility to see that they are properly installed and are paying the installation costs. The
total cost of the project will be in the neighborhood of $700.
In a lengthy letter to the editor, Elva Saxon, wife of Dr. Michael Saxon, recapped the crowding
problems facing Oswego’s schools: “The number of children entering first grade in Oswego
schools this year is 73. The highest enrollment in our school’s history. When these same children
reach 7th grade they shall be joined by those coming from Wheatland Township. It is not
difficult to see that one grade alone could well have within the vicinity of 80 pupils…Some say
that seven country schools should not have been closed until there was adequate room in town
for them. This would seem a justifiable criticism on the surface. These schools did not have, in
the majority of cases, sufficient enrollment or not enough assessed valuation to justify their
existence. In two districts, schools were left open to accommodate grades one through three.
Section 18:11, Average Daily Requirements of the State Code of Illinois states that elementary
schools after June 30, 1949, must have at least 10 pupils in average daily attendance; after June
20, 1951, at least 12; and after June 30, 1953, at least 15 such pupils…Then what is the answer?
That again is simple in theory. Construct a building for the elementary grades….Some feel that
the rejection of the four rooms proposed last spring is the reason for our dilemma today. That
was not appealing to me and to many others simply because it was not a sufficient enough
increase to have had any lasting effect…No one wants any more taxation than he can possibly
avoid…Last spring it was rumored about that people lost their homes during the last depression
because of inability to meet taxes. I would not know what the number would be of such
circumstances because I did not investigate, but my firm belief is that it would be a very few.”
Sept. 18: The Oswego football Panthers met Lake Zurich on Sept. 12 in their first game of the
1952 season. Oswego lost the contest, 19-7.
Don Laz, one of the outstanding sports figures in the Fox Valley, entertained members of the
Lion’s Club, the local ball club and the male embers of the school faculty Tuesday night with an
intimate account of his recent trip to Europe and competition in the Olympic Games as a member
of the U.S. Team. Laz is one of the four pole-vaulters in the world to have cleared 15 feet.
Sept. 25: Ford Lippold: “The columns of the Oswego Ledger are always open to people who
wish to express opinions on any matters vital to the community. All letters must carry the
signature of the writer (the signature will be withheld from publication upon request of the
writer). Letters or telephone calls made anonymously in an attempt to influence the editorial
policy of the Ledger are a waste of time.
October -- 1952
Oct. 2: Seeking their third gridiron victory in a row, the Oswego Panthers will travel to Amboy
Friday night. The game is a non-league affair.
The Panthers displayed a versatile and effective ground attack in defeating Orland Park last
Friday.
The Oswego Grade School board accepted the resignation of John Luettich at its last meeting.
Lester Bell was appointed to fill the vacancy until the next election.
Mrs. Schmidt resigned from the high school faculty last week due to ill health. Mrs. Richard
Risser is taking over the commercial classes until a new teacher can be hired.
Several letters appeared in the Ledger during October concerning the crowded conditions in the
community's schools. "Nothing has been so encouraging in our community for a long time, as the
school discussions that are taking place thru the Oswego Ledger," wrote one resident to editor
Ford Lippold Oct. 2.
Oct. 9: Some 100 area residents met in the Oswego High School gym Oct. 1 to discuss the
problem of school overcrowding. Dr. M.R. Sumption of the University of Illinois reported
demographic studies showed that a possible school enrollment of 900 students "within the next
decade...was not impossible." [The first day enrollment in September 1962 was 1,970 students.]
“Where were the people?” Ledger Editor Ford Lippold wondered. “Barely a hundred people
showed up at the open forum meeting held in the high school gym last week to discuss the
problems existing in the community in connection with adequate housing for school pupils. This
doesn’t speak well for our community.
“Perhaps the indication by one of those persons present that the community is guilty of
slothfulness is not without merit. Certainly a situation that involves the future of Oswego’s
children and also the possible expenditure of a sizeable sum of money should receive a respectful
degree of consideration by the public. An increase from 600 to 900 pupils in 10 years is a nice
problem.”
If voter registration is any indication of the size of the vote coming up in November, Oswego
Township should be well represented, as a total of 80 persons registered at the village hall
Tuesday as new voters in the village and township.
It will be the Oswego Panthers vs the Yorkville Foxes on the downriver gridiron Friday night in
a contest that promises to be a real humdinger. Oswego is undefeated in league play, having wins
over Orland Park and Plano.
Warren R. Ebinger is currently enrolled as a Middler at the Evangelical Theological Seminary,
Naperville. He is also assistant pastor of the Congregational church, Naperville and in charge of
social action work at the Seminary.
Oct. 16: Newly elected council members of the Panthers’ Den met last Wednesday for a business
session and election of officers.
Janice Friebele was named president of the 16 member council for the year. Audrey Fosgett was
elected vice-president; Vivian Johnson, secretary’ Jim Fechner, treasurer.
The local high school student body has been buzzing with activity for the past two weeks
planning the annual homecoming event to be highlighted by the Panther-Earlville football
contest this weekend.
Audrey Fosgett will reign as queen during the three day event, with Jim Fechner as king.
Attendants will be Beverly Bell, Carole Voss, JoAnn Foster, Larry Schride, Rodney McCauley,
and Terry DuSell.
The Panthers have won three loop contests without a loss and are within striking distance of a
conference championship. Depending almost entirely on a ground attack paced by Jim Fechner,
Rog Schillinger, Larry Shride, and Ralph Smith, with Dick Campbell calling signals, Coach
Hasenyager’s eleven has defeated Plano, Orland Park, and Yorkville, in that order.
For over 30 years the annual Halloween Fair sponsored by the local Parent-Teacher Association
has been a red letter date on the community’s fall calendar, and Saturday, Oct. 25, promises to
equal, and, perhaps, surpass all previous events, offering a complete evening of fun, food, and
frolic.
Oct. 23: The Preying Panthers, hot on the trail of their first conference championship, will be
after victory number five in loop competition Friday night when they invade the hunting grounds
of the not so happy Sandwich Indians.
It was a smooth working Panther eleven that took the measure of Earlville last Friday night in a
game, which turned out to be a little more lopsided than most local fans anticipated. Oswego
won, 39-7.
The Kendall County 4-H Achievement Banquet will be held in the Minooka High School
gymnasium Saturday evening, Nov. 1, with Jesse Owens, former Olympic track champion, as
guest speaker.
Members of the Oswego Lions had an opportunity to view first hand, through the medium of
colored slides, the life and customs of present-day Japanese and Korean peoples as Jim Steckel,
recently returned from eight months in those two countries, gave an illustrated talk Tuesday
night. Keeping up a rapid fire commentary, Jim showed in the neighborhood of 100 slides taken
in Japan and on one of the four islands off the coast of Korea, where he was stationed as
commanding officer of the U.S. Marines.
Glenda Stombaugh, Vandalia, has been hired to teach commerce and physical education in the
local high school. She takes the place of Mrs. Schmidt, who recently resigned due to illness.
Miss Stombaugh has three years’ previous teaching experience.
Oct. 30: For the first time, Oswego Township was divided into two precincts for the November
general election. Precinct 1’s polling place was in the Town Hall on Washington Street, while
Precinct 2’s polling place was at the Village Hall, around the corner on Main Street.
Ledger Editor Ford Lippold urged all registered voters to cast a ballot in the election. “When you
step into the voting booth next Tuesday, Nov. 4, no one will be looking over your shoulder. Let
your conscience be your guide. Vote for the man that in your opinion will do the best job for all
concerned. Vote the man and not the party,” he urged.
The large addition being added to the Zentmyer Garage will be a welcome addition to the
business district. The addition, approximately 60x75, will be used as show room and body shop.
If the amount of voter registration is any indication, Oswego should have one of the heaviest
votes in history Tuesday. Over 1,300 voters are eligible to cast ballots in the two precincts.
Wonder what television and radio stations will use to fill in time after Tuesday’s election takes
the politicians off the air.
The Oswego Band, under the direction of Mr. Reeve Thompson, is going to put on a political
rally demonstration Friday night during halftime of the Oswego-Plainfield football game.
New formations planned by the band include “Adlai” and “Ike” dressed in their best duds.
November -- 1952
Nov. 6: In Presidential Election balloting on Nov. 4, Oswego Township voters went 3-1 for
Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower over Illinois Gov. Adali Stevenson. Total votes were 962 for
Eisenhower to Stevenson’s 307.
“This issue marks the completion of the third year of publication of the Oswego Ledger,” editor
Ford Lippold wrote. “During that three year span the Ledger has been published a total of 154
weeks and has varied from 10 to 16 pages as time and advertising have warranted.”
Complaints have been coming in to members of the village board of dogs that are running at
large about the village streets. The Law and Order Committee of the village board issued a
statement that dogs are not to be allowed to run at large in the village at any time of the year
according to the village ordinance.
The latest news from Jim Hoch now stationed in Korea with the Army, states that he is located
near White Horse Hill. He is OK and wants his friends back home to know how much their
letters mean to him. [Hoch was serving in Company D, 7th U.S. Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry
Division.]
Nov. 13: The annual Junior Frolic fundraising play produced by the junior class at Oswego High
School presented three one-act plays performed on a competitive basis. Among the cast members
of the freshman play were Lynn Bell, Butch Schillinger, Alice Shoger, Jim Turner, Loretta
Powers, and Donna Ode.
The Oswego Panthers ended their grid season with a 27-12 win over Mooseheart to finish 8-1,
with the only loss for the season to Lake Zurich in their opener. The Panthers stood atop the Fox
Valley Conference as co-champs with Plainfield.
Nov. 20: Orland Park High School dropped out of the Fox Valley Conference for the coming
1953 season. They have recently increased the size of their school district by consolidation with
Palos Park. A new conference has been formed to include six newly formed districts in their
vicinity. Elburn has been invited to become a member of the Fox Valley Football Conference to
replace Orland Park. To date, Elburn has not played 11-man football, but has had a crackerjack
six-man football aggregation in recent seasons.
Nov. 27: Over 1,200 pounds of used clothing was brought to school by the students last week in
the clothing drive.
The clothesline thief who helped himself to articles from the clothesline in Chuck Jennings’s
backyard Monday night was a specialist. Whoever it was took only unmentionables and
handkerchiefs, leaving such items as shirts and dresses intact.
A total of 166 students were enrolled at Oswego High School as of Nov. 20, 1952.
Denney's Supermart in downtown Oswego was offering free home delivery of groceries. "Open
every Wednesday night 'till 9 o'clock," said the Denney's ad in the Ledger.
"No money down; 9 months to pay for your winter coal supply," read an ad for Alexander
Lumber Company in the Nov. 27 Ledger. "Use our convenient budget payment plan."
December -- 1952
Dec. 4: Several motorists have reported that they had close calls during the past few days with
children coasting on the streets. It is hard for motorists to stop quickly even when moving at a
snail's pace on the icy streets of the village.
Members of the Oswego Lions Club will meet Sunday morning, Dec. 13, to put up the strings of
colored lights on the downtown streets. The lights, an innovation of last season, will be strung
across the streets much in the same fashion as last Christmas and will be turned on nightly to
give the business district a festive air. Electricity for the project is furnished by local
organizations and merchants.
Area residents were invited to Zentmyer Ford in downtown Oswego to "See the new '53 Ford
Thursday, Dec. 11: New Standard of the American road!"
Dec. 11: Local stores will stay open evenings until 9 o’clock beginning Monday, Dec. 15, for the
convenience of Christmas shoppers. They will also remain open on Thursday afternoons, with
the exception of the Furniture Shop, which will be open on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. only. The
above hours apply to Rucks Appliance Store, Jennings Jewelry & Dress Shop, Carr’s
Department Store, and the Furniture Shop.
Wrote Ledger editor Ford Lippold on Dec. 11: "Now comes the season of the year when gift
exchanges are all the rage. It's a fifty cent gift here, a seventy-five cent gift there, etc. Suppose
instead of a gift exchange each person in a group would toss his or her money into a common
fund and the proceeds be used to buy something for the needy...or is that too idealistic?"
Dec. 18: A pat on the back goes to Nick Lautwein for keeping the Lions supplied with hot coffee
during the Christmas light stringing project last Sunday morning.
Some misguided souls appropriated some of the bulbs from the lighted tree in front of the Legion
Home. Seems like sort of cheap thing to do.
The new flasher light signals should have a tendency to cause motorists to drive through the
village a little more slowly. There’s something about a traffic signal, even when it isn’t working,
that rings a bell in the minds of drivers.
The local baseball nine should be happy to see homes being built across the highway from the
high school ball diamond [current location of the old Oswego School District bus barn on Ill.
Route 71]. Now they won’t have to hunt for foul balls in the tall weeds and grain; they can just
pick them up off of somebody’s front room floor.
Oswego High School students earning spots on the high honor roll included Robert Testin,
Barbara Davis, Catherine Gowran, Earl Falk, Mary E. Goudie, Jerry Meetz, Barbara Schultz,
Barbara Batterson, and Lynn Bell.
1953
Jan. 1: Ledger editorial: During the past three years Oswego has progressed in a fairly
satisfactory manner. Among improvements that have benefited the community as a whole are
such thing as the new high school, a well-integrated recreation program for the children of the
community, improved streets, additional housing facilities, street signs, house markers, country
road markers, teenage club, traffic flasher lights and numerous other smaller projects. All of
these are the result of group cooperation and were financed either by taxation or by group
participation. All in all, Oswegoans can be proud of the progress made in the past three years in
spite of those who claim that Oswego is in a state of stagnation.
True, there remains much to be one: some applicable solution to the present overcrowded grade
schools, adequate police protection, additional street improvement, better downtown street
lighting, leisure time activities for adults, additional improved lots for further building, etc.
Something will have to be done about all of these things within the next year or two.
Oswego has a bright future. It’s going to cost some time and some money on the part of
everyone to really make Oswego into the fine community it has the potential to become. There’ll
be the usual slackers, bellyachers, and diehards of course, but it can be done.
Letter to the editor: Friend Ford:
This is Christmas Day 1952 and some of us are far away from home, and good old Oswego,
Illinois. I have found out that friends and good friends like I have in Oswego never leave my
memories. Christmas has proven to me what friends mean when you are so far away from home.
I have cards and lots of them, and I feel through your Ledger I can express my thanks to those
dear friends who were so faithful to me. Thanks people, I’ll be home some of these days and
back in my dad’s store where I can handshake with you and express my thanks to each and every
one of you personally.
I remain sincerely to all,
Kenneth Bohn
Jan. 8: Panthers Play Two This Week
What should prove to be one of the most interesting cage encounters of the season for local fans
will take place in the Oswego gym Friday night as the Panthers play host to the Yorkville Foxes.
The Foxes, coached by Wes Tregoning, a first year man in the Fox Valley League, are now in a
third place deadlock with Minooka in loop competition.
On Saturday night the Panthers travel to Batavia to do battle with the team that edged them out in
the initial game in the Holiday Tournament in an overtime period win.
John Carr spent a busy day last Friday passing out cigars and candy to marked the arrival of a
little girl, Sally Ann, who arrived late New Year’s Day at Copley Hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Johnson and family have moved into the house on Madison recently vacated
by the Russell Douglas family. The Douglas’ who have moved to Park Forest, will be missed in
the community.
Jan. 15: Herb Rucks, local TV dealer, set up a television set in the high school so that students
and teachers could view the inauguration proceedings. The aerial, furnished by Rucks, will
remain as a permanent fixture.
In answer to several inquires of late, the Oswego Village Board meets on the first Monday of
every month, and meetings are open to the public (as are the meetings of all municipalities unless
otherwise stated).
David King, a student enrolled in vocational agriculture at the University of Illinois, was recently
initiated into Alpha Tau Alpha. David was selected on the basis of high scholastic rating, extra
curricular activities, and interest in vocational agriculture.
Jan. 29: The Board of Education, Community Consolidated Grade School, Dist. 8, have engaged
the firm of Gregg, Briggs & Foley, Peoria and Chicago, as architects and engineers for the
proposed elementary grade school for the primary and intermediate grades to be presented to the
voters for approval this spring.
The board is considering two plans: An eight-room building plus an all-purpose room; and eight-
room building plus an all-purpose room and kindergarten.
Mr. and Mrs. William Ode Jr. of Madison Street have announced the engagement of their
daughter, BronaLu, to A2/C Oliver Pierce, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Pierce. The marriage
will take place March 6.
Corp. James Hoch wishes to thank all the many friends and also the American Legion, who
remembered him with Christmas cards and packages.
February -- 1953
Feb. 5: The terms of Village Mayor Andrew Pierce, members LeeVerne Schultz, Ed Ode, and
Les Morse, and the village clerk expire in April of this year. Several of the outgoing officers,
including Mayor Pierce, have indicated that they will not seek reelection.
Anonymous letters [to the editor] are treated with a short trip to the wastebasket. Letters
lambasting the editorial policy of the paper are welcome, but it is doubtful whether any invective
however abusive will discourage such editorials.
Each week until election time of the proposed elementary school unit, an attempt will be made to
inform voters of the board’s progress in their plans and to present such information as may seem
necessary to correct or explain the many questions which will arise as a result of this project.
The proposed elementary unit to house the primary grades is the board’s answer to the voters’
rejection of the junior high wing last spring. It is the feeling of the board that last year’s
proposition was inadequate in the eyes of the community. They have selected adequate sites that
are available and which will meet requirements of the school code as regards size and location.
An alternate plan will be submitted to the voters for the enlargement of the present educational
offerings to include kindergarten.
Feb. 12: A large group attended the Founders’ Day PTA meeting Tuesday night in the
Community Room, which featured a pageant, “Guard Well Thy Trust.”
During the business meeting, it was voted to approve of the executive committee’s
recommendation to donate $500 to the school toward the purchase of a sound movie projector
and $150 for a cafeteria cupboard.
On a motion from the floor it was also voted by the organization to support the building program
for the proposed grade school.
An honorary membership in the PTA was presented to Mrs. Mary Young, first president of the
founding group. Mrs. Young stated that the original group of eight mothers organized to assist
teachers with playground leadership during noontime so that teachers would have a chance to eat
dinner. The organization has increased from eight members to a present membership of over 300.
In the best interests of all concerned it might be well to sound a word of caution concerning the
accuracy and reliability of some of the figures being bandied about in discussions that arise about
the proposed school building, the cost of the present building, tax rates, educational rates, bonded
indebtedness, etc. All of the correct facts and figures are available if persons concerned will only
go to the proper sources for such information. School board meetings, minute books, treasurers
books, the county superintendent of school's records, all of these are open to any taxpayer who
wishes to correctly inform himself.
Letter to the editor: Our school authorities in all their planning have failed to make any adequate
provisions for our handicapped children’s education for the future. These children are entitled to
an education according to the state laws. This is one reason that it doesn’t seem right to be
considering a kindergarten at this time. Kindergarten is not required by state law.
Feb. 19: Committees have been busy for some months now preparing plans for the forthcoming
Presbyterian Church centennial to be held during the week of March 8-15.
The Oswego Volunteer Fire Department answered a call last Friday to extinguish a grass fire at
the Robert Herren residence in Plainfield Road this was the first call for the department in a
period of three months and 12 days, one of the longest period s of inactivity in a long time. Fire
Chief Al Shuler suggested that Oswegoans take special care and try to keep up the good record.
Fox Valley coaches are meeting this week with representatives of Sandwich, Plano, and several
other teams to discus changes in personnel of the Fox Valley Basketball League. Due to the
withdrawal of Orland Park at the end of the current season, it will be necessary to either add
teams or play with a five-team league.
Feb. 26: Some 225 persons, representing almost every phase of local community life, attended an
open symposium in the high school gym last Wednesday night to discuss the present problems
facing the Oswego Grade School and to share facts and information on the proposed building.
County Judge Robert Sears acted as moderator of the meeting, which was orderly and kept on a
general high level in content.
Dr. M.R. Saxon opened the meeting with a statement of purpose: To discuss whether or not there
is a present need for additional grade school building program, whether or not the community is
financially able to handle such a program, and whether or not the people of the community favor
action or not at this time.
Ralph Schlapp, president of the grade school board, led off with a resume of planning and action
already undertaken by that body. Mr. Schlapp stated that the school board has retained a firm of
architects and indicated several preliminary blueprints on display. The proposal of the board,
according to Schlapp, calls for a new building on a new site. The building under consideration to
consist of eight classrooms, plus an all-purpose room, health room and office. An alternate plan
would add kindergarten facilities. Schlapp said that such a building program would cost between
$250,000 and $275,000.
In answer to a question as to why a larger building isn’t contemplated at the present time, Mr.
Schlapp sated that the board feels that bonded indebtedness on schools should remain under 5
percent, which is the limitation for a unit school district. Under Oswego’s present dual set-up, it
would be possible to levy to 5 percent on each district or a total of 10 percent.
By taking four straight matches against some of the best grapplers in the state, Dale Kahle,
Oswego High senior, won the sectional championship in the 138 lb. division at the sectional
wrestling meet held at Morgan park Military Academy, Chicago, Feb. 20-21. By winning the
sectional, Kahle qualified to compete in the state finals to be held in Champaign Feb. 27-28.
Brad Smith, Oswego sophomore, won third place in his weight by taking three straight
opponents and losing by a narrow margin in the championship match. Brad turned out to be one
of the surprises of the tournament, just missing the championship in his class.
Oswego has come a long way in wrestling since the sport was introduced into the school
considering the fact that matches are held with schools with many, many times more enrollment
than the Oswego system’s.
Petitions of the following persons seeking election to village board positions were placed on file:
Citizen’s Party: For village president, Donnell S. Etzwiler; for trustee, William A. Crimmin,
Robert A. Schmidt, Richard E. Jenkins; for village clerk, Charles E. Bell.
Independents filing were Milton Leslie Penn for the vacancy occurring by the resignation of Fred
Cooper, and Norma Hansen for village clerk.
Ledger editorial: It appears that there is both agreement and disagreement in the grade school
dilemma. Most people are agreed that there is a need for additional classrooms. It is the method
of obtaining this space that is in disagreement…
A neat question resolves itself: Which is the most practical plan from the standpoint of need,
economy and future expansion, and, considering the democratic approach, which plan is the most
desirable to the most people?
A slow process, yes, but past experience has proved that the wheels of democracy work slowly.
In community relationships as well as international relations, no attempt to preserve harmony is
entirely futile.
March -- 1953
March 5: Petitions of the following persons seeking election to village board positions were
placed on file with the village clerk prior to Monday night’s deadline:
Citizen’s Party: For village president, Donnell S. Etzwiler; for trustees, William A. Crimmin,
Robert A. Schmidt, Richard E. Jenkins; for village clerk, Charles E. Bell.
Independents filing were Milton Leslie Penn for the vacancy occurring by the resignation of Fred
Cooper; and Norma Hansen for village clerk.
It appears that there is both agreement and disagreement in the grade school dilemma. Most
people are agreed that there is a need for additional classrooms. It is the method of obtaining this
space that is in disagreement.
Current thinking centers around two plans: A new building on a new site of eight rooms and all-
purpose room; a six room addition on the southwest side of the new high school building on
school-owned property.
Through careful projection of enrollment figures for the next five years, analysis of possible
community growth, comparison of building costs of the two plans, and other related factors, it
should be possible to come to a sensible and peaceable solution.
March 12: Ledger editorial: Oswego Suffering Attack of Growing Pains
The following figures may throw some light upon the need for additional school facilities:
US Bureau of the Census Figures ......................1940 1950 Increase
Village of Oswego population .............................978 1220 242
Township, rural population ................................1031 1213 182
Total township population .................................2009 2433 424
The rate of increase in population in the township during the decade 1940-50 was greater than
that of the previous 70 years between 1870 and 1940. The population of Oswego Township in
1870 was 1,756, or only 253 less than at the beginning of the 1940 decade.
Since the 1950 census figures were taken, a total of 33 dwelling units have been erected, or are in
the process of being erected, in Oswego Township. Eighteen of these units are within the
corporate limits of the village; 15 are in the rural area.
In view of the subdivision of 22 lots is being developed at the present time, that several
additional subdivisions are being considered, and availability of good building property in the
township, it will be possibly be some time before the growing pains subside.
The Oswego Presbyterian Church was winding up a weeklong celebration of its centennial.
According to a brief history of the church in the Ledger: “A group of eight men and women
formed the First Presbyterian Church in Oswego, meeting in the county courthouse, located at
that time in the village, on March 13, 1853. Two representatives of the Chicago Presbytery were
present at the organization meeting.
“Rev. John McKinney of Holidaysburg, Pa., accepted a call to minister to the small group and
continued in that capacity until 1857. The members secured an old structure, commonly known
as the “Stone Castle” standing on the site of the present Federated Church.
“A new building was erected in 1857 in a cluster of pine trees at the division of Madison and
Douglas Streets. Before the dedication of the building, subscription papers were passed around to
members of the congregation to raise the balance of $700 still owing so that the church could
consider itself out of debt.
“In 1909 the church was moved to its present location [at Benton and Madison streets] under the
pastorate of Rev. W.A. Montgomery, who served from 1901-1904. In 1908 Rev. J.T. Hood took
over the pastorate and enlisted the congregation in a campaign to completely remodel the
building, which lasted over a period of years until the arrival of Rev. R.V. Kearns in 1914. On
Sept. 20 of that year the remodeled building was dedicated.”
March 19: The Oswego Fire Department was called upon to extinguish one of the widest
spreading grass fires in recent years Tuesday afternoon on a portion of Warren Norris property in
Douglas Road. The blaze raged over 40 or more acres of stubble and pastureland before the last
spark was put out. A group of neighboring farmers aided the fire department in getting the fire
under control.
Jerry Rucks received a superior rating in the sectional instrumental competition held at Downers
Grove last Saturday. Rucks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herb Rucks, a freshman in the local high
school, annexed his rating in the marimba solo section and will represent Oswego in the state
finals to be held at Champaign May 1.
Bob Testin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Testin, has been named Valedictorian of the Class of
’53. Bob has a scholastic average of 93.6 for his four high school years.
Marilyn Blome was picked as Salutatorian of the ’53 graduating class. Marilyn is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Blome.
The Gilmour Award, given each year to a senior boy for sportsmanship, goes to Jim Fechner, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Fechner.
The Gilmour Sportsmanship Award was established in 1946 in memory of Eugene Gilmour, a
former Oswego High student and son of Mr. and Mrs. James Gilmour, who accidentally lost his
life. The first winner of the award was Delbert Staffeldt. Other winners: Scott Brown, ’47; Jams
Shoger, ’48; George Hettrich, ’49; Dave Campbell, ’50; Charles Ricketts, ’51; and Jack Steckel,
’52.
March 26: Glen and Laura Panikis, who have been operating the Copper Kettle Restaurant for
the past year, have sold their interest to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Dooley of Aurora. The Copper
Kettle was located in the building at the southeast corner of Main and Washington streets.
“To all our Oswego friends: On April 1, Carr’s Department Store will celebrate its 15th birthday
in Oswego, and we owe our continued growth and success to all our friends in Oswego and
surrounding territory. It has been with this thought in mind that we have tried, down through the
years, to give our customers the best value possible, and our continued growth has justified this
decision.”
April -- 1953
April 2: The Ledger reported that the combined grade school and high school boards in Oswego
met in joint session to study architectural drawings of a six room junior high addition to be
attached to the west side of the present high school. The proposed addition consisted of six
classrooms, each 24x36 feet, to be built in two stories of the same materials and design as the
high school building. Estimated cost of construction, including the site and architectural fees,
was $45,000.
Noted Ledger editor Ford Lippold: "Out of the combined thinking of the two school boards, a
group of 12 men who are quite representative of the community at large, has come the proposal
of a six room addition to the new high school. It is their thinking that this addition will take care
of grade and high school housing for at least five and perhaps more years."
April 9: In voting for township offices, Wayne Fosgett was elected assessor, and C.E. Parkhurst
was elected justice of the peace. Jeff Rogerson ran uncontested for the office of township
constable.
A group of some 40 interested citizens met in the high school Monday evening with Mr.
Samuelson, of the firm Kelly, Samuelson and Berger, architects, to view a layout perspective of
the proposed six-classroom junior high wing and to discuss building details and costs…A
brochure type of mailing is being prepared with details of the proposed building program and
will be mailed to all residents of the school district.
April 16: Petitions signed by 406 legal voters of the village of Oswego and Oswego Township
were presented to the grade school board asking that a six room addition be made to the present
high school building to be used as a junior high wing. The proposed addition will be presented to
voters of the grade school district at a special election to be held Saturday, May 2.
The proposed cost of the structure is not to exceed $145,000 and that is the amount that will be
placed on the ballot. The site for the addition now belongs to the high school district and is to be
purchased from that district for a sum not to exceed $1,000.
The proposed six room addition is a plan that has stemmed from a group of interested farm
people and townspeople meeting together in an effort to arrive at a solution to the crowded
housing condition faced in the grade school system in the most practical and economical matter.
The Oswego Park Board decided to open the ten-week summer recreation program on Monday,
June 15, and close on Friday, Aug. 21.
April 23: In an article on a community forum to be held that evening in the gym at Oswego High
School, Ledger Editor Ford Lippold wrote that "The new junior high addition will provide the
district with six additional classrooms. This will be sufficient classroom space to remove the two
sections of the first grade from the Presbyterian Church basement and house grades 1 through
eight in facilities owned by the grade school district. The two rural attendance centers located at
McCauley and Willow Hill will remain open."
Voters of Grade School District 8 will have an opportunity to cast their ballots on the proposed
six-room grade school addition Saturday, May 2. The voters will have four different propositions
to mark on the ballot: To select a site; to purchase the site; to build a new school building
(addition) to be used as a junior high school; and to issue $145,000 in bonds to build the
proposed addition.
Newly elected members of the Oswego Village Board were sworn in Monday, April 27. The new
president, Donnell S. Etzwiler, was sworn in first, followed by clerk Norma E. Hansen and
trustees William A. Crimmin, Robert Schmidt, Richard Jenkins, and Milton Penn. Holdover
board members are Ralph Burkhart and George Griffin.
April 30: Issue missing
May -- 1953
May 7: The proposal to issue $145,000 in general obligation bonds to build a six room junior
high addition to Oswego High School was approved by Elementary School District 8 voters, 480
yes to 300 no votes.
The OHS Class of 1953 took their senior class trip to Chicago, staying at the Conrad Hilton
Hotel and touring Comiskey Park and taking in a game between the White Sox and Yankees,
won by the Sox in a thrilling 9th inning rally.
Russ Collins was advertising his Sinclair Station at Route 34 and Ill. Route 71. The station was
located on Route 34 adjacent to the MilRo motel.
May 14: Ralph "Deacon" Wheeler was elected president of the Oswego Park Board for the
coming year, succeeding Mrs. Jane Patterson. Oswego Mayor Andrew Pierce was guest of honor
at a dinner held at the high school cafeteria lauding his 20 years of community service. Pierce
served as a village board member from 1929-31 and served stints as village president from 1931-
41 and 1945-53. Pierce was also serving on the Oswego Fire District Board, which he joined in
1935 when the district was established.
The Oswego town baseball team, managed by John Chrisse, beat Sheridan the previous week and
was ready to play against the Eola Butterbeans on Sunday, May 17.
Andrew Pierce was to be guest of honor at a dinner in his honor at the OHS cafeteria May 19.
Pierce began his service on the village board as a trustee serving from 1929 to 1931. He was
elected and served as village president from 1931-41 and again from 1945-53. He was
instrumental in improving Oswego’s sewage disposal facilities, improving streets and street
lighting, and other village activities.
During his term as village president, Oswego’s municipal deficit was gradually paid off. When
the Etzwiler administration took over in April 1954, the village books showed “a substantial
amount of black ink.” He also served on the Oswego Fire Protection District Board for 18 years
and was an original member of the district when it was formed in 1935. He still serves as
president of the fire district board.
Ledger editorial: That the folks of the community are getting together and giving Andy Pierce a
dinner in recognition of his long and active public service in the village is altogether fitting and
proper.
To spend 20 years at a task that has no monetary gain as an end result, that sometimes brings
abuse in large measure and calls for untold hours of time, is something out of the ordinary in the
world of materialism in which we live today.
Andy would be the first to discount the credit that is his just due. He would be the first to pooh-
pooh the idea that he has done anything unusual. It is his way.
However, the facts remain, Andy has set a fine example of unselfish service. Let us hope that
others will benefit from the example and do the same.
May 21: A total of 53 Oswego eighth graders were ready to graduate from junior high during
ceremonies set for May 28, and 27 seniors were ready to graduate from Oswego High School
during commencement exercises set for Friday, May 29. Eighth grade valedictorian was Jim
Lantz. Salutatorian was Priscilla Larson.
May 28: Oswego American Legion Post 675 donated a new flagpole at Oswego High School.
According to the Ledger, the new flagpole "adds to the appearance and gives distinction to our
community high school. Credit belongs to Commander Harry Fuller and the Legion for
leadership and to Henry McDowell for his craftsmanship in supplying this much-needed
addition."
Oswego High School’s graduation exercises were set for Friday, May 29 for the 27 members of
the senior class. Valedictorian was Bob Testin and salutatorian was Marilyn Blome.
A barn owned by Don Kanning southeast of Oswego was completely destroyed by fire Saturday
night. The blaze was beyond control when the fire department arrived. The loss was estimated at
$3,500 on the barn and an additional $1,500 on the contents.
Notice from township highway commissioner Kenneth Gowran: Please get a key to the dump
and put all rubbish in the pit where it belongs. Do not put rubbish along the private road on south
side of dump. There is more rubbish there now than I can cover. Violators of this will have to
clean up the mess.
We lease this property from the State of Illinois for your benefit so please help us keep it looking
respectable.
The gate on the dump will be open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in
the future. If you have rubbish to dispose of on other days get a key for the gate from Kenneth
Gowran residence, Lyle Shoger, or Oswego Hardware Store.
Underwood’s Standard Service Station at Route 34 and Ill. Route 71, “Oswego’s Newest & Most
Modern Service Station,” was announcing some “Let’s get acquainted” specials. Tire rotation
was 25 cents a wheel; tire repair was $1; a car wash was $1.75.
June -- 1953
June 4: A total of 43 boys were signed up for youth baseball, 30 for Little League and 13 for
Pony League.
Kendall County farmers will have an opportunity to see what their farms look like from the air
Wednesday, June 10. The Kendall County Soil Conservation group is sponsoring a series of
flights originating from the Sandwich Airport available to all persons in this area.
At a special meeting held last Thursday, Paul Dwyre was hired to serve as Oswego Village
Marshall.
A total of 33 boys and girls ranging from third through seventh grades are attending summer
school, which began Monday.
Just a week after a devastating fire destroyed the barn on his farm, Don Kanning was announcing
a farm auction of his livestock, farm equipment, shop tools, and household goods.
June 11: The Oswego American Legion will sponsor a carnival beginning Tuesday, June 16, and
running to Saturday, June 20. Saturday will be children’s day with rides at a reduced rate during
the afternoon.
The Oswego Park District’s summer playground program was ready to open on Monday, June 15
at the Little White School and the Red Brick School.
A special meeting to determine whether the Oswego Cemetery Association shall deed the
Oswego Cemetery to Oswego Township will be held at the village hall Monday evening, June 22
at 8 p.m. All stockholders, lot holders, and interested persons are invited to attend.
Quite a bit of business expansion is going on in the village with Alexander Lumber Company
starting a renovation project, Louis Russ adding another greenhouse unit, and Hank McDowell
almost ready to move into his new building on Route 71.
Don Underwood’s new Standard Station is a new addition to the local business scene on the
corner of Routes 34 and 71. Don had his grand opening last weekend.
The big blow last Friday was probably one of the strongest winds in many a year, according to
the memories of the old-timers.
Gordon Wormley is in town on leave after spending the last year in Japan.
Broyles Bills 101 and 102 Opposed by Illinois PTA
Broyles Bill 102 is the most controversial of the two measures sponsored by Sen. Broyles. One
of its aims is to bar Communists and what it terms subversives from employment in state,
county, and local government agencies. It would require loyalty oaths from all public employees.
In addition, it would set up a new state job, that of special assistant attorney general in charge of
subversive activities. On of his duties would be to collect and maintain files of information
reflecting on the loyalty of any resident of Illinois. In this way the burden would be placed on the
applicant for public office or employee to prove his loyalty, a basic departure from traditional
concepts of justice which hold a man innocent until proven guilty.
The real concern of the Illinois Congress of Parents and Teachers is the ultimate effect certain
provisions of the bill may have upon the academic freedom of our children and youth. It is
believed that teaches will fear to teach about any controversial subject since they might possibly
be open to unjust accusations of disloyalty.
Other groups beside the Illinois PTA opposing the passage of these bills are the Illinois Bar
Association, the Illinois Protestant Church Council, and the League of Women Voters of Illinois.
June 18: A meeting of all stockholders, lot holders, and interested friends of the Oswego
Cemetery Association is called for Monday night, June 22, for the purpose of determining
whether or not the Oswego Cemetery Association shall deed the Oswego Cemetery over to
Oswego Township. All persons are urged to attend this important meeting.
The Rifle Club for boys between the ages of 12 and 18 is forming for the summer and shooting is
planned for Friday evenings at 7 p.m. Boys interested are to contact Homer Durand, instructor.
June 25: the new pastor of the Oswego Federated Church will be the Rev. Leo H. Buechler. He
will come to Oswego from Prophetstown, Ill, where he has been serving the Loraine Circuit of
churches. Rev. Buechler will preach his first sermon in the local church July 5.
The Board of Education of the Community Consolidated Grade School met in special session
Friday, June 19 for the revision and approval of preliminary building plans as presented by the
architects for the junior high addition. Mr. T.E. Samuelson presented in detail the architect’s
concept of the building. Mr. Samuelson stated that his firm is proceeding as quickly as possible
and consistent with good schoolhouse planning. The firm plans to have the final plans ready by
July 15.
Forrest Wooley was elected president of the Oswego Lions Club. Other officers were Jim
Bartholomew, Ralph Smith, Floyd Parkhurst, Carl Bohn, Stanley Herren, Jack Hastert, Allan
Campbell, and Russell Rink.
July -- 1953
July 2: 30 Teachers in School System for 1953-54
With the exception of a sixth grade teacher and a speech therapist, the staff for both Oswego high
and grade schools is completed for the coming year.
High School: T. Loyd Traughber, superintendent; Earl J. Anderson, principal, science, and
mathematics; Herbert Hasenyager, coach, social sciences; Kenneth Pickerill, science; Joseph
Iftner, vocational agriculture; Mrs. Charlotte McDermand, vocational homemaking; Harriet Ann
Kuczera, commerce; Mrs. Doris Thompson, English; Reeve Thompson, music; Jacqueline
Brooks, girl’s physical education. (Miss Brooks comes from DeKalb and Miss Kuczera from
Farmington, Ill.)
Grade School: Lowell Polley, building principal and coach; Mrs. Thelma Davis, first grade; Mrs.
Dorothy Anderson, first grade; Mrs. Evelyn Woolley, second grade, Mrs. Gertrude Heffelfinger,
second grade; Mrs. Minnie McCoy Hayden, third grade; Mrs. Albert Mighell, third grade; Mrs.
Harry Smely, (substitute third grade); Mrs. Maxine Staley, fourth grade; Mrs. Ruth Worland,
fourth grade; Mildred Vickery, fifth grade; Mrs. Mae Houch, fifth grade; Mrs. Leone
Bartholomew, sixth grade; the other sixth grade teacher has not been hired yet; Mrs. Christine
Hess, seventh and eighth grade; Mrs. Frances Polley, seventh and eighth grade; Mrs. Helen
Nesemeier, seventh and eighth grade; Lowell Polley, seventh and eighth grade; Reeve
Thompson, music director; Mrs. Cleta Schuster, Willow Hill School; Mrs. Grace B. Jones,
McCauley School.
Nine Oswego Boy Scouts from Troop 31 were heading off to Camp Blackhawk at Buchanan,
Mich. Boys attending were Larry Schultz, Billy Tregillus, Doug Clark, Jerry Weidert, Jim
Seidelman, Bobby Mead, Cliff Worby, Larry Baker, and Leo Grach.
The bonds amounting to $145,000 on the new junior high wing to be added to the high school
have been sold to White Phillips Company, Chicago, at an annual interest rate of 3.25 percent
less premium through the years Jan. 1, 1955 through 1967.
July 9: A ground-breaking ceremony was held Sunday morning, June 28, on the site of the future
St. Anne's Catholic Church in Oswego.
Ground was broken by the Rev. John Savukynas, MIC, pastor of St. Mary’s Church, Plano, who
has been appointed administrator of the Oswego Mission Parish. The architects, Thomas Belli
and George Belli of Chicago and the contractor, Mr. Durkin of Elmhurst, were present for the
ceremony.
The brick and steel building will be of a modern design. The east elevation facing Washington
Street will not have any windows nor doors. There will be a large steel cross on the front of the
church. The north elevation will have two entrances. The windows will extend from the
foundation to the roof.
There will be two large sacristies. The building will be 98 feet long and 42 feet wide at the
northern elevation and 52 feet wide at the southern elevation. The church will have radiant heat.
There will be a seating capacity of 300.
Ledger editorial by Ford Lippold: The breaking of ground for the new Catholic church to be
erected on Washington Street is a noteworthy event for the Village of Oswego and a good
indication of the growth that the community is making and is capable of continuing to make in
the future. The fact that there are somewhere in the neighborhood of 80 families in the
community who embrace the Catholic faith warrants the need for such a house of worship.
Several Oswego Girl Scouts were heading off to Camp Dean near Big Rock. Scouts participating
included Nila Burkhart, Bonnie Lippold and Judy Wheeler, Troop 57; Diane Blome, Glenda
Ode, Ruth Ann Prince, Carolyn Steele, Judy Stoner, and Carol Wheeler of Troop 57. Bonnie Fay
and Janet Lippincott of Troop 30 will go to camp for the last session beginning July 26.
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hoch received a trans-oceanic telephone call from their son, Jim, from
Tokyo last Friday night. Jim, who was on his way home, had to leave ship at Tokyo, along with
others of his group in order that the vessel could be used to transport replacements Korea-bound.
July 16: Ledger Editor Ford Lippold cautioned residents not to panic about polio. "Every year
about this time stories of polio victims are rampant...An average of 30,000 people yearly become
ill with polio...Children under 10 are most susceptible...What if polio comes? Above all, stay
calm and avoid panic."
Dr. Robert Lynch has joined the Saxon Clinic. He is a graduate of Loyola University, Chicago
who served his internship at West Suburban Hospital and has just completed one year of
orthopedic surgery at West Suburban. Dr. Lynch and his wife will move into the cottage at the
rear of the Etzwiler property about the first of August.
Several new houses are going up in the village which is good news. Every new house is a sign of
progress.
Building permits were issued last week for the new Catholic church and for the junior high
school wing to be attached to the high school building. It is expected that the school project will
be ready for bids within a week for ten days.
A lot of Oswegoans have been spending time at Comiskey Park recently and for good reason,
too. The local White Sox fans are pretty hopeful at the present time.
The name of Wm. Wallbaum was omitted from the listing of this year’s school staff. Wallbaum
will teach high school math and have various coaching duties.
July 23: In their annual appropriation ordinance, the Oswego Fire Protection District was
estimating total expenditures for their upcoming fiscal year at $21,785, including $17,000 toward
their new fire house.
July 30: Ledger editorial: There has been a great deal of improvement in the driving habits of
folks driving in the village of late, both residents and those who are just passing through. That
violations still occur is not unusual as there are always those who break the law wantonly, but if
present law enforcement continues Oswego will be a safe place for youngsters and adults alike.
Nor has it been necessary to arrest a huge number of motorists in order to calm down the speedy
driving. The friendly approach and causal warning are enough in most cases. To bear down at
times is necessary and when the need is present then the stiffer penalties should be assessed.
August -- 1953
Aug. 6: The Oswego Village Board has been receiving complaints about weeds, and is calling
attention of tenants and property owners that weeds and grass should not be allowed to grow
higher than eight inches anywhere in the village. Such weeds as Jimson, Burdock, Ragweed,
Thistle, and Cockleburs are particularly objectionable and should not be allowed to reach
maturity. Areas not attended to will be taken are of by the village and the expense charged to the
property owners.
The Village of Oswego published their annual appropriation ordinance calling for total estimated
spending of $40,020 for the coming fiscal year.
Arthur Tramblie of Aurora has been hired to teach sixth grade in the Oswego School System for
the coming year. Tramblie will replace Mr. Payne, who is to be at Moecherville during the
coming year.
Pvt. Stanley K. Gengler of Oswego was graduated this week upon completion of a course in still
photography at Fort Monmouth, N.J.
Prior to entering military service in February 1953, Gengler attended Oswego High School, and
his assignment to attend school at Fort Monmouth was assured when he presented a market
aptitude in communications work during his early army training.
Aug. 13: Lawrence Hammerbacker, Chicago, has been secured to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of William Wallbaum in the Oswego High School. He will teach mathematics and
mechanical drawing. Mr. Hammerbacker has had one year’s teaching experience and four years
practical experience as a draftsman for Western Electric Company, Chicago.
Mechanical drawing is a new subject added to the program to fill the need of boys living in town
who are denied the agriculture program offered because of accompanying supervised projects,
which are a part of the program. Enrollment will be limited until the new junior high wing is
ready.
The boards of education of Oswego Schools have employed a full time physical education
teacher for girls [Jacqueline Brooks, later Pickerill; see list of new hires on July 2]. She will have
charge of this program in Grades 7 through 12. This is the recommendation of the Office of the
Superintendent of Public Instruction at the time of the visit last year.
At Oswego High School private cars used by students are required to park in the lot behind the
school and are not to be taken from there at noon except by permission from the office. The use
of cars for picking up or delivering town students before and after school is contrary to school
policy and conducive to reckless driving.
Driver training will again be offered to high school students through the courtesy of Zentmyer
Motor Sales.
Mrs. Nick Schomer is cafeteria manager. She will be assisted by Mrs. Helen Smith, Mrs. Hazel
Patton, Mrs. Dorothy Friebele, and Mrs. Evelyn Penn.
The Oswego Park District published their annual appropriation ordinance, announcing total
estimated expenditures for the coming fiscal year of $3,950.
Aug. 20: Oswego Boy Inducted
Merlin V. Hummel was inducted into the armed forces Aug. 12, 1953 according to a release by
the Kendall County Draft Board No. 148.
Aug. 27: Ragnar-Bensen Construction Company of Aurora submitted he low bid for the
construction of the junior high addition to Oswego High School. The firm's bid totaled $106,224
for the six room addition. The Aurora firm submitted a bid with no alternates included.
Alternates include installation of 202 lockers, $2,823; painting and plastering, $3,500; addition to
present toilets, $1,749. The board will decide Thursday night when the meet with representatives
of Ragnar Bensen which of the alternatives they will accept. The high school, at Franklin and
Washington Street, opened in the spring of 1951.
The transfer of the Oswego cemetery to the Township of Oswego is a move that will guarantee
maintenance of the property in years to come. The Cemetery Association has accomplished a
fine piece of work in bringing the cemetery to its present well-groomed condition on a limited
amount of funds, but it has become increasingly hard each year to make both ends met. There are
many lots in the older part of the cemetery from which no income in the way of perpetual care is
available and it is necessary to provide some way for these lots to be mowed and cared for to
keep the cemetery in good condition. Operating as a Township Cemetery will work no hardship
on anyone.
Miss Ruby Burton, daughter of Mrs. Doris Burton, and Dan Quantock, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack
Quantock, were married Friday evening at the Oswego EUB Church with Rev. LaRoy Huntley,
uncle of the bridegroom, officiating.
September -- 1953
Sept. 3: A total of 639 pupils were registered in the Oswego schools on opening day, an increase
of 32 pupils over last year's opening day figures. 470 boys and girls registered in the grade
school system with 87 of that number in the first grade. 179 high school pupils enrolled, with 56
in the freshman class. Enrollment by grades: First, in town, 73; Willow Hill, 11; McCauley, 3;
total, 87. Second, in town 53; Willow Hill, 7; McCauley, 9; total, 69. Third, in town, 39;
McCauley, 5; total, 45. Fourth, 62; Fifth, 56; Sixth, 50; Seventh, 50; Eighth, 51. Total for grade
schools, 470.
Freshmen, 56; Sophomores, 53; Juniors, 36; Seniors, 34. Total for high school, 179.
Ledger editorial: The growth of a community like Oswego is rarely a mushrooming event that
occurs overnight. Rather, it is a steady, sometimes almost unnoticeable change that continues
over a course of years. Such is the present growth of Oswego for growing it is.
At least three new homes are under construction in the past two months in the village and as
many more are being built in the township. Major improvements have been made on a number of
business establishments; local merchants are streamlining their services; new homesites are
being made available; a new Catholic church is being constructed; an addition is being made to
the school system; and other major changes are being planned by homeowners and businessmen.
All of this speaks well for Oswego and surrounding community. Growth is good.
Such growth calls for keen-sightedness, patience and understanding. The old must give way to
the new; youth and age must beet on a common ground; there must be a spirit of give and take.
Yes, Oswego is growing. We can see the bricks, the wood, the mortar being fashioned into
buildings that will stand solid against the years. But we cannot see into the hearts and minds of
the people. Let us home that growth there is also keeping pace.
Ragnar-Benson Company, general contractors for the new junior high school wing, moved in
machinery and began digging early this week. Just when the new building will be ready for use is
still problematical, with weather probably playing an important part in speedy progress.
Sept. 10: Hooked rugs made by Oswego women will be featured in the Fourth Annual Hooked
and Braided Rug Exhibit to be held in the Geneva Auditorium Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12.
The exhibit will feature two rugs made by Oswego women that were on display at the National
Hooked Rug Show in Worchester, Mass. in May. These exceptional rugs, “Dowry Needlepoint”
and “Fruit Necklace” were made by Mrs. Clifford Olson and Mrs. Robert Devereaux.
Others from Oswego with rugs in the exhibit are Mrs. Walter Manning, Mrs. Edward Weidert,
Mrs. Carl Bohn, Mrs. Marion Steckel, Mrs. Ronald Smith, Mrs. Robert Palmer, Mrs. Richard
Songer, Mrs. Homer Brown, Mrs. Harry Mundsinger, Mrs. Carl Schobert, and Mrs. George
Panikis.
Denney’s Supermart in downtown Oswego was celebrating their 10th anniversary in business.
“Everything is on special sale this weekend,” Denney’s ad in the Ledger stated. “Every purchase
from 10 cents to the full amount of your purchase, 10 percent off.”
Sept. 17: The Oswego Panthers, defending co-champions of the Fox Valley League, play a
rugged Lake Zurich 11 in the season opener Friday night on the local field. The Lake Zurich
outfit was the only team to defeat the Panthers in last season’s play.
Coach Herb Hasenyager and assistant coach Ken Pickerill have 51 boys trying out for positions
on the team with a nucleus of 12 of last year’s lettermen.
A letter from the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Springfield, received by
Superintendent. T. Loyd Traughber, states the Oswego Grade School District was awarded
recognition for the school year 1952-53 and that the certificate of recognition will be awarded.
Every farmer in Illinois who picks corn by machine this fall is being asked to cooperate with the
FFA chapter in his local high school in the 1953 safety campaign to reduce the high corn picker
accident rate.
Sept. 24: It will be an injury-riddled Panther 11 that ties into Amboy on the local gridiron Friday
night. Ralph Smith, who received a bad thigh bruise and Roger Schillinger, who suffered a back
injury, will be out of action, while Herb Behrens, with a fractured finger, will possibly see only
limited action. The Panthers dropped their season opener on the home field 13-6 to Lake Zurich.
Class officers for the 1953-54 year at Oswego High School are Seniors: President, Jerry
Traughber; vice-president, Sandra Nutt; secretary, Donna Ritter; treasurer, Barbara Davis;
student council representatives, Roger Schillinger and Janice Friebele; sponsor, Kenneth
Pickerill.
Juniors: President, Mike Kontos; vice-president, Dick Campbell; secretary, Irma Voorheis;
treasurer, Glenn Leifheit; student council representatives, Louise Norris and Gerald Testin;
sponsor, Mrs. Pickerill.
Sophomores: President, Wayne Schillinger; vice-president, Georgiann Kontos; secretary,
Beverly Parkhurst; treasurer, Nancy Rissman; student council representatives, Bob Keenan and
Joy Ann Albert; sponsor, Mrs. Reeve Thompson.
Freshmen: President, Dick Nutt; vice-president, Helen Calamaras; secretary, Priscilla Larson;
treasurer, Jean Bower; student council representatives, Leo Grach and Carol Ricketts; sponsor,
Herbert Hasenyager.
Don Tate, former resident of Oswego, won the second state award in the senior division of the
Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild.
Don attended the University of Illinois the first semester of last year and the house decoration he
designed won the sweepstakes prize for Phil Delta Theta Fraternity House at the 1952
homecoming. He then transferred to the American Academy of Arts, where he studied
commercial art. On July 21 of this year he entered the army and is now taking his basic at Ft.
Leonard Wood, Mo.
October -- 1953
Oct. 1: A total of 102 voters cast ballots in both Oswego precincts in the judicial election held
Monday.
Mr. and Mrs. James Zentmyer were among the more than 300 Illinois and Indiana automobile
dealers and their wives who received public recognition at the Conrad Hilton Hotel, Chicago, last
Saturday for distinguished service to Midwest driver training programs.
Mr. Zentmyer furnishes the local high school with a dual control training car to be used in driver
training classes.
Oct. 8: The community was getting ready to celebrate Homecoming weekend at Oswego High
School. The homecoming game was set against the Yorkville Foxes. "One of the most elaborate
parades in Oswego homecoming history will be staged at 2:30 Friday afternoon," the Ledger
reported. The traditional route was to be followed.
Ledger editorial: Several folks have mentioned of late that they have noticed a lack of applause
when the band finishes its marching and playing both before and during halftimes at the football
games.
Members of the band and its director work pretty hard to whip up the marching formations and
numbers with which to entertain spectators and handclapping is little enough to get in return.
When there is a lack of even that, well, heaven forbid.
Really now, don’t you think that the band deserves a hand? Well, give it to them Friday night.
Classes in ballet, acrobatic, and modern dancing for all children from four years and up will be
held at the Oswego Teen Club Monday and Wednesdays. The classes will be conducted by Mrs.
Kenneth Pickerill, physical education teacher in the local high school.
After two straight defeats at the hands of Lake Zurich and Amboy, the Oswego Football Panthers
took their revenge against Plano, 27-0 in Fox Valley League play.
Oct. 15: The largest parade in the Oswego High School Homecoming history took place under
perfect skies last Friday afternoon.
The Oswego Panthers were looking for their third victory in a row as they got ready to travel to
Earlville. Oswego defeated Yorkville 28-6 last Friday.
Oct. 22: The Oswego Panthers, undefeated in Fox Valley competition, will make a bid to keep
their record clean Friday night as they host the Sandwich Indians, a team that has not won a
conference game in two years.
An always-anticipated event, the PTA-sponsored annual Halloween Fair, will get under way
promptly at 5:30 Saturday evening with the serving of a cafeteria supper, with serving both in the
Community Room and the cafeteria.
Jennings Jewelry and Dress Shop in downtown Oswego was advertising their going out of
business sale.
Oct. 29: The Eighth Grade Class took first prize in the Halloween decorating contest in
downtown Oswego. Their winning decoration was displayed on the window of Rucks Appliance
Store. Second prize went to the Boy Scouts of Troop 31 for their decoration on Carr’s
Department Store window.
November -- 1953
Nov. 5: The Oswego Panthers suffered their first football loss of the season in Fox Valley
Conference play against Plainfield, 25-6. However, the Panthers were assured of at least a
second place finish in league play.
BREAK GROUND FOR NEW FIRE BARN
New Building to House Fire
Equipment and Trucks
Preliminary work on the new building to house the Oswego Fire Department trucks and
equipment was begun this week. The new building, to be situated on the west side of Main
Street, between Washington and Jackson streets, will be 40x60 and will have a basement and
ground floor. Trucks will be able to enter the building on both levels. The cost of the structure
will be in the neighborhood of $28,000.
"The issue of the Oswego Ledger you are reading marks four years of publication," editor Ford
Lippold wrote. "During that time, 206 issues of the Ledger have been printed."
Malcolm Goudie, sophomore agriculture student at Oswego High, is winner in the District
Pfister Corn Show held at Joliet last week. Of the 13 samples of shelled corn...Goudie's was
judged the best.
Nov. 12: The Oswego Panthers thumped Mooseheart, 26-0, to wind up their season with five
conference wins, one conference defeat, and two non-conference losses, which was good for
second place in the Fox Valley Conference.
The annual Junior Frolic was set for Nov. 13 in the OHS gym. As in past years, the freshman,
sophomore, and senior classes each performed a one-act play. The class winning the play was to
have their name inscribed on a plaque in the OHS trophy case. The annual event was, along with
the prom, one of the major fundraisers for the junior class.
Parents in the Oswego School District were encouraged to visit their children’s classrooms
during American Education Week, Nov. 8-14.
The office of Draft Board 148, serving Kendall County, is open daily Monday through Friday
from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The offices of the board are at 18 E. North Street, Plano.
Nov. 19: Downtown Oswego merchants were sponsoring Oswego Value Days on Friday and
Saturday, Nov. 20-21.
The Oswego Panther basketball team was ready to open their 1953-54 season against Sandwich
on Nov. 20 in the OHS gym. Coaches were Herb Hasenyager and Ken Pickerill.
There will be no school for first graders attending classes at the Presbyterian Church due to the
bazaar.
The senior class won the Junior Frolic with their presentation of “Are We Dressing?” Members
of the prize-winning cast were Sandra Nutt, Dave Rogerson, Janice Friebele, Roger Schillinger,
Herb Behrens, Wilma Penn, Ralph Smith, and Lois Risser.
Nov. 26: The Oswego 19th Century Club will hold its regular and Christmas program Thursday,
Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. in the club rooms. The program for the day, in keeping with the holiday theme,
will be presented by Pauline Eleada Esdale, Chicago, superlative whistler. The whistling
renditions of Miss Esdale are truly a unique presentation.
The Panthers were ready to travel to Naperville Friday to do battle with the Redskins. This is the
first time Oswego has played Naperville, a Little Seven member, on its regular schedule.
In weekend action, the Panthers took a lopsided victory over the Sandwich Indians by a 58-28
score.
Geneva, another Little Seven school, took the measure of Oswego Saturday night with a 66-50
win.
The Panthers’ second loss came Tuesday with Elburn on the winning end of a 59-52 contest.
December -- 1953
Dec. 3: The Oswego Panthers will taken on the Yorkville Foxes on the downriver hardwood
Friday night in a pair of encounters. To date, the Panther varsity has a record of one win and a
trio of losses, which the “B” team has an identical record. This will be the first Fox Valley
League game of the season for both quintets.
The first wrestling meet of the season will take place tonight with Oswego traveling to Reavis.
In response to many requests received over a period of many years, the Post Office Department
has authorized each local post office to accept box rents payable one year in advance beginning
Jan. 1, 1954. This new procedure will save considerable time for the patron as well as your post
office employees.
Dec. 10: Members of the local Lions club will meet at 8 a.m. Sunday morning to put up the
decorative Christmas street lights in the downtown area. Members of the club are asked to be on
hand en masse so that the job can be finished in short order.
The lighting, which has added to the general air of holiday festivity in the past, is a project of the
Oswego Lions Club with the American Legion and several merchants helping with the cost of
electric power used.
The many building projects underway in the village have been progressing rapidly due to
favorable weather conditions.
The new Catholic church in Washington Street is nearing completion. Progress on the new junior
high school wing is keeping up to specifications. Bohn’s new store is under cover and a lot of
concrete was poured for the new fire barn last week.
Ralph Johnson has refurbished the tavern with new doors and windows and inside work on the
new Alexander Lumber Company building is keeping pace.
New display units and shelves have been installed in Denney’s Supermart.
Russ Collins was advertising Christmas trees for sale at his Sinclair gasoline station at U.S.
Route 34 and Ill. Route 31 at the west end of the Oswego Bridge.
Dec. 17: Letter to the editor: You keep urging people to buy in Oswego in your paper and tell
about the ease of parking, etc. I agree to some extent that parking is better in Oswego than in
larger towns, but I have one complaint: The parking situation could be so much better if some of
the unthinking motorists would be careful of how much space they take up and if they would pull
into parking places from the right direction.
Making U-turns and parking on the opposite side of the street takes up twice as much space as
usual. It isn’t only shoppers who are guilty of this but some of the business men as well.
Jut because we live in a small town is no reason why we should drive and park in a careless
manner.
A Steady Ledger Reader
Dec. 24: Issue missing
Dec. 31: Most Oswego stores will stay open this afternoon (Thursday) instead of closing at the
usual noon hour due to the New Year holiday tomorrow. This will give Oswegoans an
opportunity to lay in supplies for New Year's Day without rushing around helter-skelter.
Many dogs are still running at large in the village limits according to Milton Penn, trustee. Mr.
Penn wishes dog owners would show more consideration for their neighbors.
The holiday vacation ends for Oswego school children Monday morning, Jan. 4, at which time
all local school units will reconvene.
The Oswego matmen will travel to Streator Tuesday, Jan. 5, for a meet. The Panther squad will
be trying to stretch its string of victories to four in a row. The season’s record now stands at three
wins, one tie, and one loss.
Coach Ken Pickerill and his grapplers are making some of the larger schools sit up and take
notice. It is unusual for a school the size of Oswego to even have a wrestling team, let alone take
victories over large schools such as the Panthers have been doing.
This is the fourth year for wrestling in Oswego and the first time that such an ambitious schedule
has been undertaken. The Panthers have 15 matches carded in all.
1954
January
Jan. 7: Father will put his best foot forward as he takes over the officers’ duties and acts as host
at the PTA meeting to be held in the high school Tuesday, Jan. 12. George Akerlow, acting
president, will call the business meeting to order.
Ledger editorial: Most folks have witnessed the so-called wrestling farces on television but a
majority of people have not seen wrestling on a high school level. There is no comparison
between the two if you are interested in seeing two contestants give and take in an honest,
sincere effort to be declared a winner. In high school wrestling there is no faking, no letting up.
When a boy is given the decision by the referee you can be sure that he actually is the winner.
True, high school wrestling may not seem as colorful as the television antics at first glance, but
chances are that after you have witnessed several matches you will be more interested and get
more satisfaction. out of seeing some little 103-pounders go at it or all they are worth than watch
500 pounds of fat, bone and gristle making monkeys out of themselves and the spectators.
"I would like to use the columns of your paper to thank the Oswego Lions Club for their
[Christmas] decorations over the streets. It is really an outstanding display for a small town and
the Lions Club should be congratulated... I understand that the local American Legion Post and
several of the business men pay for the electricity used. They also are to be congratulated for
their public spiritedness…It makes people from other towns take notice," wrote "An Oswego
Booster" in a letter to the editor.
Jan. 14: Judging from the noise and enthusiasm and size of the crowd at last Monday’s wrestling
match, the mat game has arrived in Oswego to stay.
Hardy souls those workmen who are laboring on the new school addition. Working outside in
near zero weather is no picnic.
The air is getting filled with political rumors with this being an election year and all. Several of
the county offices will be up for filling, including the county treasurer, sheriff, superintendent of
schools, etc. Jim Vinson, a local boy, is throwing his hat in the ring for the sheriff’s post. It’s
about time that Oswego had a chance at that office again.
Nick Lautwein, who is confined at St. Charles Hospital, is sorely missed by his constituents at
the Main Café. Being a radio sports fan, Nick is always a good man to have around when an
argument starts.
Kenny Bohn is at Fort Sheridan waiting his discharge. After 18 months in Alaska, he certainly
ought to feel at home during the frigid days of this week.
A recent survey showed that almost 50 percent of persons who do not go to college never read a
book after they leave school. Which brings to mind the fact that the local library has over 4,000
books on its shelves at the present time. Have you read one lately?
Jan. 21: A driver training course is being offered to Oswego High School student during the
second semester, which begins this week. A new 1954 Ford is being made available for this
course by Jim Zentmyer of Zentmyer Motor Sales, local Ford Dealer. Mr. Zentmyer has
furnished the car for driver training courses ever since they were first instituted in Oswego high
School several years ago.
The automobile is to be fitted with dual controls with the Chicago Motor Cub furnishing the
controls.
Mr. Hammerbacker will be instructor for the course.
Eight Republicans and one Democrat have filed for the county officers up for grabs this year.
Three of the aspirants are seeking the sheriff post with James C. Vinson and Ornell L. Erickson,
both of Oswego, and Franklyn Martyn, Yorkville, filing.
Other filings include Robert J. Sears (incumbent), County Judge; Edgar E. Henricksen
(Incumbent), County Clerk; Irving A. Shears (incumbent) Supt. of Schools; Frank E. Barkley
(incumbent) Senatorial Committeeman; William Hayden, County Treasurer.
The lone Democrat filing to date was Harold Kennedy of Bristol, seeking reelection as Senatorial
Committeeman.
Effective Jan. 18, the following bus schedule is for buses traveling between Somonauk and
Aurora on runs 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D:
No 9D leaves Aurora at 5:05 p.m., arrive Oswego at 5:20 p.m.; No 9B leaves Aurora at 12:05
p.m., arrives Oswego at 12:20 p.m.; No. 9A leaves Oswego at 6:58 a.m. and arrives Aurora at
7:13 a.m.; No. 9C leaves Oswego at 1:32 p.m. and arrives Aurora at 1:47 p.m.
Coach Ken Pickerill’s mat squad ran its total up to six wins, one tie, and three losses for the
season with a double victory over the weekend.
The Panthers downed Downers Grove, 43-15 on Thursday and eked out a 28-25 victory over
Bremen Township Saturday night.
Jan. 28: Oswego was participating in a Kendall County porch light drive for funds for the March
of Dimes polio cause. Area residents who wished to donate to the cause were asked to turn on
their porch lights to alert volunteers to stop and collect donations.
Oswego’s mat squad will meet Palatine in the high school gym Monday night, Feb. 1 with the
matches beginning at 7:00.
Oswego High School students on the high honor roll included Catherine Gowran, Sandra Nutt,
Donna Ritter, Barbara Schultz, Lynn Bell, Alice Shoger, Phyllis Thrall, and Herbert James
Lantz.
A total of seven Republicans and one Democrat have filed for the sheriff post to be filled in
Kendall County this year, with three of that total being Oswegoans.
James C Vinson, Ornell L. Ericksen and Robert C. Woodard are the local men filing. Others after
the sheriff spot include Frankline Martyn, Yorkville; William A. Maier, Yorkville; Oscar E.
Olsen, Plano; Miles G. Mahnke, Plano; Lloyd Payton, Yorkville. Payton is the lone Democrat in
the field.
February -- 1954
Feb. 4: Coach Ken Pickerill’s mat team defeated Bremen Township last Saturday and took the
measure of Palatine Monday night to run its string of victories to nine for the season. The
Panther’s record is 9-1-3 on the season.
It will be Foxes against Panthers in the second game of the district basketball tournament to be
played in the Oswego High School gym this year.
Ledger editorial: The Village Board is endeavoring to get the state highway department to erect a
stop sign for westbound traffic at the intersection of Routes 25 and 34, several sharp-curve signs,
and orange no-passing stripes on the Washington Street hill. It is a mighty find plan and if
successful will do much to keep Oswego accident-free.
Feb. 11: There’s a fortune in it for the person who can figure out some way to harness the energy
Ken Pickerill uses up chewing gum while his charges are in a tight spot.
The Boy Scouts of America celebrate their 42nd birthday this week. It will be 15 years this May
since the present troop in Oswego began with Bob Rogerson, Norman Besch, Bill Denney, John
Herren, Ralph Sanderson Jr., Bennett Sickler, Jack Olsen and either Glen Lippy or John Olson as
charter members. The first meeting was held in Bob Herren’s basement. Bob Roberson is now a
Cubmaster in North Aurora.
Remarks made by adult spectators at high school athletic events are often extremely abusive and
uncalled for both when directed at local players and visitors...Spectators who behave in an
unsportsmanlike manner are defeating the very purpose that underlies all high school athletics,
the development of character and citizenship training through competition.
Feb. 18: The Oswego wrestling team now boasts a 13-5-1 record for the season following a 39-6
shellacking of Downers Grove Monday night in the local gym.
A complete team will compete in the sectional meet to be held in Elgin Friday and Saturday.
Alvin Wheeler is the leading point winner for Oswego with 16 wins, one loss and one
draw…Dave McCauley has 14 wins and four losses with 10 pins…Brad Smith has 14-4.
Eight area cage teams from this are will take part in the district cage tourney beginning Tuesday,
Feb. 23, in the Oswego High School gym. The open pair of games on Tuesday night will pit
Geneva against Plano at 7:00 and Yorkville vs. Oswego at 8:30.
Feb. 25: At a meeting held in the Community Room [at Oswego High School] Monday night, the
Oswego Woman’s Civic Club voted to undertake a three-year project for the construction of a
multi-purpose play area to be placed on the large grade school [Red Brick School] grounds.
The area under consideration will be approximately 50’x100’ and will be surfaced with asphalt.
The area will be designed for use for such games as tennis, volleyball, badminton, basketball,
etc, and will be used extensively by the grade school pupils in physical education work. It will
also be used by the Oswego Park Board during the summer recreation program.
Three members of coach Ken Pickerill's Oswego Panther wrestling team sailed through the
sectional tournament at Elgin last weekend to gain admission to the state finals to be held at
Proviso High School Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26-27. The three wrestlers going on to state
competition included Alvin Wheeler, Bill Betzwiser, and Brad Smith.
Ledger editorial: The decision of the Oswego Civic Club to undertake the construction of a
multi-purpose play area on the grade school grounds fills a need that has existed for a good many
years. In the fall and spring it has been almost impossible for grade school children to enjoy pay
outdoors due to the muddy surfaces of the play areas. An asphalted surface will allow grade
schoolers to enjoy the sunny days of spring with a dry under-footing. It will also allow teenagers
and adults to enjoy tennis, badminton, and other games during the summer months. The Oswego
Park Board will be able to incorporate its use into its summer recreation program.
March -- 1954
March 4: District No. 8, Oswego Grade School, will elect two board members this year with
Myron Wormley having filed to succeed himself and Cark Mottinger having filed to fill the
vacancy left by Francis Cryder, whose term is up this year. Wormley resides on the west side of
the river while Mottinger is a resident of NaAuSay Township.
The high school board is increased from five to seven members this year in compliance with
state statute. Alva Shuler is a candidate to fill the unexpired term of one year left by George
Ross. Shuler was appointed by the board to serve until election time when Ross moved last
summer. Stephen Paydon is a candidate to succeed himself. New candidates for the newly crated
positions are Clarence Clark and Warren Norris.
Shuler is a village resident, Paydon lives in Wheatland Township, Clark lives on Baseline Road,
and Norris is a resident of Oswego Township.
Health clinics for Oswego schools will be held on March 9, April 6, and May 4. All preschoolers
who have never been immunized against diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus will have to
attend all three clinics to obtain initial 3-dose series.
The two new traffic signs designed and painted to represent traffic officers and placed on the
highway at the Red Brick Grade Building are an added safety feature.
The signs were obtained with the cooperation of the village board and policeman Paul Dwyre
and are furnished by the Coca-Cola Company.
March 11: A dinner was held for the Oswego High Wrestling Squad Saturday night, March 6, in
the community room with 15 boys receiving letters.
The program opened with Brad Smith giving a welcome toast. Alvin Wheeler and Bill Betzwiser
gave some of the state tourney highlights and Dave Gengler and Dave McCauley told of the
sectional tourney.
Letter winners: Alvin Wheeler, Bill Betzwiser, David Gengler, Leo Grach, Brad Smith, Jerry
Smith, Roger Schlapp, Dick Vacca, Duane Vickery, Glenn Leifheit, Leonard Burkhart, Butch
Schillinger, Jack Walper, David McCauley, and Ron Schlapp.
Four Oswego High School music groups received superior ratings and a recommendation for
state contest competition at the district contest held at Hinsdale last Saturday.
Oswego competed in Class C, composed of schools with populations of 125 to 250.
Superior ratings recommended for state contest: Boys’ Quartet: Mike Kontos, Jerry Meetz, Arlo
Bower, Dan Huntley; Girls’ Trio: Gail Akerlow, Devonna Ode, Karla Foster; Marimba Solo:
Jerry Rucks; Cornet Duet: Alice Shoger, Donna Ode.
With three Oswegoans in the race for sheriff (Ole Erickson, Bob Woodard, and Jim Vinson)
looks like local voters will have quite a time making up their minds.
Pack 331 Cubmaster Oliver Leppert and Den Chiefs Dan Huntley, Jimmy Seidelman, Doug
Clark, Larry Schultz and Scouts Larry Baker and Chuck Risser attended a den chief training
session in Aurora last Saturday.
The Oswego Grade School Basketball Team wound up season play last week by trouncing Sugar
Grove, 47-32. The “Panther Cubs” demonstrated fine shooting ability with Ron Silvius and
Chuck Shuler leading the pack with 18 and 16 points, respectively. This win gives the Cubs a 9-3
record for the season.
March 18: The sanctuary of the Federated Church will have a fresh, bright look come Easter
Sunday morning. A crew of volunteer members started on the painting Monday night of this
week and will continue throughout the coming weeks until the entire wall surface has been
covered with a mauve-tinted paint.
Also included in the new decoration scheme planned by Mrs. Fred Borino, interior decorator is a
new dossal to be hung behind the altar and possibly two smaller dossals on either side.
It was also decided to paint the ceiling in the basement classrooms and re-cut the old dossal
presently hanging in the sanctuary and place it in the downstairs worship center.
Any boys wishing to enter the Soap Box Derby contest to be held in Aurora may obtain details
from Ford L. Lippold, recreation director, of the Oswego Park Board.
Preliminary plans are underway for a Little League Baseball loop between four or six nearby
villages.
"Having outgrown our present location, we are building and bringing to Oswego a new,
completely modern store with each department bigger and better designed to serve your needs
including meat, groceries, produce, and frozen foods, which will open soon," reported an ad by
Bohn's Food Store.
March 25: The Civic Club Style Show played to a packed house Saturday night and reports from
the spectators give it three thunderous hurrahs.
All the folks who didn’t attend the style show had their eyes glued to their TV sets for the state
high school basketball finals.
Preliminary plans are underway for an all-out clean-up campaign for the village. How do you
like the idea?
Oswego Grade School District 8 was asking voters for permission to put several rural one-room
schools up for sale as consolidation in the district moved ahead. Included were the Marysville
School in NaAuSay Township, the Wormley School on Route 31 in Oswego Township, the
Walker School at Plainfield and Schlapp roads in Oswego Township; and the Keck School in
Bristol Township. Voters overwhelmingly approved the proposals in voting in April.
Change in Bus Schedules
Effective March 25, the American Bus Lines are taking off all local buses but through buses will
still stop at Oswego. If you are a bus rider, be sure and check at Shuler’s Drug Store for buses
still available.
Campaign ad: TO THE VOTERS OF KENDALL COUNTY
I was elected Sheriff of Kendall County in 1934 by a majority of 310 votes with six candidates in
the race and again in 1942 with two in the race.
Both of my terms were the most economical of any modern sheriff before or since my terms,
which fact can be proven from the records.
In 1935, I organized a force of 150 special deputies who patrolled the county roads, 2 men to a
car and two cars to a township. This put a stop to rural thefts that had plagued the county for a
number of years.
I broke up a gang of six men who committed thefts of hogs, calves, corn, oats, poultry, etc., over
a five county area. Fingerprints lifted from the scene of a burglary brought this case to a
successful conclusion.
Space does not permit a detailed account of my record of those terms, but they are on file at the
court house in Yorkville, and I would be proud to have you check them.
In invite your inspection of both my private life and public life, and am proud of what you will
find in both.
I ask that you elect me sheriff on my record and if elected I promise that I will devote my full
time to the job; that I will represent all of you to the very best of my ability, and for the full four
years.
Signed: William A. Maier
Candidate for the Republican Nomination for Sheriff of Kendall County
April -- 1954
April 1: Oswego Township assessor Wayne Fosgett is beginning on the quadrennial
reassessment for 1954. Each four years, all of the real property in the various townships is
reassessed and revalued.
Representatives of ten Fox Valley towns met at the Somonauk Grade School last Sunday
afternoon to form a Little League Baseball Circuit.
Towns represented were Oswego, Yorkville, Hinckley, Big Rock, and Plano to be the Eastern
Division; and Shabbona, Leland, Somonauk Sandwich, and Sheridan, to be the Western
Division.
The Oswego community was mourning the death of 17 year-old Sandra Nutt in a traffic accident.
“The Seventeen years of Sandra’s life were short when measured by the yardstick of days and
hours but long when measured by the tremendous amount of activity packed therein. Hers was
the ability to do many things and do them well. She was a leader in church, in school, in outside
activities.
Yes, Sandra’s life was brief in years but it was a full one and a happy one. She fitted more living
into seventeen short years than many people do who reach the proverbially three score and ten.”
The money raised by members of the senior class will be given to the family of Sandra Nutt to be
used however they wish.
With seven more inches of snow promised this week, chances are the baseball game and track
meet scheduled by the high school teams will have to be postponed.
Carl Bohn moves into his new store the end of this week. He will be closed on Monday and
Tuesday, April 5 and 6, in order to complete the moving. His grand opening begins Wednesday
with a lot of events taking place during the balance of the week.
Preliminary work in the form of tree removal, etc., has started on the Grove Road blacktopping
project. It is expected that road will be completed by mid-summer.
April 8: The new Bohn's Grocery Store holds its grand opening this week with special
entertainment and special sales.
The store, located in Main Street, is of cement block construction with a brick front. Has a big
well-planned interior with the latest and most modern fixtures.
Among the many opening features will be the violin playing of Jim McGlue all day Friday, the
organ music of Lorane Peshia Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and the arrival of Little Oscar
and his Wienermobile on Saturday afternoon.
Catherine Gowran, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Gowran, has been named valedictorian of
the Class of ’54 of Oswego High School.
Salutatorian honors were won by the late Sandra Nutt. The name of the person to give the
salutatorian address has not been released as yet.
Barbara Davis will receive the DAR Citizenship Award; Wilma Penn the Activities Award;
Elnathan Claassen the Athletics and Gilmour Sportsmanship awards.
Two Oswego Grade School girls will represent this community in the annual Beacon News
Spelling Contest to be held later this month.
Representing the Red Brick building (sixth and seventh grades) will be Alice Ebinger, a sixth
grader, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ebinger. Eight grade winner is Virginia Peterson,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Peterson.
One of the items on the agenda at the monthly village board meeting held last Monday night was
the setting aside of the week of April 19-24 as “Clean-Up Week” for the Village of Oswego. All
clubs and organizations are asked to join the movement. Trash stet out on the curbing during the
week will be picked up and on Saturday, April 24, several additional trucks will be used to cart
rubbish and refuse away.
A new franchise with the Illinois Bell Telephone Company was signed. This is a working
agreement in which the village is furnished five free phones, the telephone company allows the
use of their poles for fire and police wires, ask permission of the board on placement of poles.
A request of the 19th Century Woman’s Club that the building housing the library be painted
was discussed and set aside until the next meeting for action.
A request was received from Harold F. Stiefbold for a beer license for an establishment to be in
the downtown area where beer and food would be dispensed. The request was set aside for action
at the net meeting.
A request from Forrest Woolley for a building permit for a residence was approved.
The plat of a proposed Bartholomew’s First Subdivision to the village was presented to the board
for approval. Consideration of final action was postponed until the next meeting.
The subdivision in question is located on the east side of Rt. 25 extending south from the
Bartholomew residence and calls for a group of seven building lots.
April 15: Clear skies and sunny weather were no asset to primary voting in Tuesday’s election.
An unusually light vote was cast in Oswego, Kendall County, and the state as a whole in spite of
the fact that there were spirited races, both locally and statewide.
William Maier rolled up a total of 1,650 votes in the race for Republican nomination for sheriff.
His vote was more than the combined total of the other five candidates seeking the nomination.
Over 140 persons voted in the uncontested grade and high school elections last Saturday in
which four members were elected to the high school board and two members elected to the grade
school board. It was also voted to sell four rural schoolhouses and sites.
High school results, for a one year term was Al Shuler. For a full three year term was Stephen
Paydon, Warren Norris and C.W. Clark.
Grade school results for three year terms were Myron Wormley and Clark Mottinger.
In the vote to sell the four rural schools, the most negative votes were cast against selling the
Wormley and Walker schools, just four “no” votes each. Schools and sites authorized for sale
were the Marysville site and school, the Wormley site and school, the Keck School, and the
Walker school and site.
At a meeting of representatives of ten nearby towns, the Little League baseball loop planned for
this area was officially named the Corn Belt Little League and is divided into two divisions.
April 22: Issue missing.
April 29: The request of Mr. Harold Stiefbold to the Oswego Village Board for a license to sell
beer in connection with a contemplated eating place within the village limits has been denied
according to a statement issued this week.
No provision is made for such a license in the existing ordinances and the village board deemed
it unwise to create an ordinance calling for such a license.
The marriage of Miss Eleanor Fosgett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Fosgett, to Bradley
Dean Warren, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Warren Sr., took place at the First Presbyterian
Church April 17.
May -- 1954
May 6: At a regular meeting of the Oswego Village Board, the following subdivisions were
presented and approved by that body:
A plat known as Bartholomew’s First Subdivision submitted by George Bartholomew; and a plat
known as Johnston’s Third Subdivision submitted by Miss Floi Johnston.
A request from Herbert L. and Gladys Rucks for rezoning of property from residential to
business was referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals for further action.
Disposition of beer license request from Harold Stiefbold and which was denied was entered into
the record.
John Carr reported that overhanging cornices of the buildings on the east side of Main Street
owned by Andrew Carr, A.M. Shuler, Wayne Denney, Ronald Smith, and Ida Mighell would be
removed by June 1. The cornices were recently inspected by members of the village board and
building inspector Halbesma of Aurora, and found to be in need of removal.
Mr. John Raber was interviewed for the position of night watchman for the village of Oswego
and the matter was referred to Les Penn, chairman of the Law and Order Committee for further
action.
Action on a request of Vic Franz for a building permit was postponed until a future meeting.
Jerry Rucks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Rucks, was awarded a superior rating in the state
music contest finals downstate last week. Rucks, who plays the marimba, won his honors with
his rendition of Fantasie from the opera “Il Trovatore.”
May 13: NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH DEDICATED
St. Anne's Churchy, the new Catholic edifice on Washington Street, was formally dedicated
Sunday, May 9.
Following the dedication ceremony, a solemn high mass was offered by the pastor, the Reverend
John Savukynas.
The building rate in Oswego continues at an accelerated pace with building permits for nine new
houses taken out in the year dating from April 1, 1953 to April 1, 1954. These nine homes are
either completed or in the process of being built and are valued in excess of $107,000.
In addition, permits for commercial buildings and improvements to commercial buildings totaled
up to five during the past year and add up in value to over $113,740.
The figure of nine houses in one year is almost double that of the average of the ten year span
from 1940 to 1950, when the yearly average for new units was five.
Mrs. Gerald DuSell was named president of the Oswego Park Board for the current year at a
meeting held at the home of Commissioner Arthur Davis Monday night. Mrs. O.W. Patterson
was chosen as vice-president. The commissioners appointed John Carr to act as treasurer for
another year and Ford L. Lippold to serve as secretary.
The resignation of William Anderson from the post of commissioner due to the press of other
duties was accepted and Everett Hafenrichter was appointed to fill out his unexpired term.
Chieftain White Feather Bull, widely known evangelist, will present New Life Evangelistic
Mission services nightly in the federated Church during the week of May 16-21.
Legal notices posted by the school trustees of Oswego, NaAuSay, and Bristol townships
announced that bids were being accepted for four former one-room schools and their sites that
had been approved by voters in balloting in April.
Schools to be sold were the Walker School at Plainfield and Simons roads and the Wormley
School on Ill. Route 31. The legal description of the Wormley School site began: “Commencing
at a crooked maple tree on the east side of the Oswego and Aurora road…”
Bids were also being sought for the Marysville School in NaAuSay Township and the Keck
School in Bristol Township.
Students from all four schools were attending classes in town schools.
May 20: The Ledger reported that a class of 54 eighth graders, "one of the largest in the history
of Oswego Grade Schools," were set to graduate on May 27. Valedictorian was charlotte
Schlapp; salutatorian was Kathy Thompson.
Ralph Smith was the only member of the Oswego Track Team to qualify at the district meet held
last week for a trip to the state finals," the Ledger reported. "Smith took his victory in the high
hurdles, one of the events in which he has excelled throughout the season. He is the first Oswego
track man to ever represent the local school in the state finals.
May 27: Diplomas will be presented to 32 members of the Class of 1954 at the Commencement
Exercises to be held in the auditorium on Friday evening, May 28. The theme of the program
will be “youth Wants Most to Have A Useful Life.”
A vocal solo was to be sung by Elizabeth Jane Goudie while Janice Friebele and Gene
McDowell performed a cornet and trombone duet, "A Night in May."
Speeches were scheduled by class president Jerry Traughber, Citizenship Award winner Barbara
Davis; Athletic Award winner Elnathan Claassen, and Activities Award winner Wilma Penn.
Valediction was Catherine Gowran.
Ann Shuler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Al Shuler, was elected president of the student council of
the University of Illinois Pharmacy School this week. Ann is the first girl in the history of the
school to be awarded such an honor and is also the first undergraduate to hold the position. She
is a sophomore this year.
June -- 1954
June 3: Three large size trash and rubbish receptacles have been placed in the downtown area as
an aid in keeping the village streets free from gum and candy bar wrappers and other
miscellaneous refuse. The cans are furnished through the cooperation of the Oswego Lions Club
and Mr. O.W. Patterson [owner of The Furniture Store in downtown Oswego].
The Oswego Fire District had to come to the rescue on Wednesday, May 27, to provide lights for
Oswego's eighth grade graduation. A sudden storm wiped out power lines "and left Oswego in
darkness," the Ledger reported. The fire department lit the gym at Oswego High School with
their auxiliary power plant.
“A Short History of the Oswego Park Board” outlined the progress of Oswego’s recreation
program from its inception to the current year.
June 10: June 7, the Oswego Village Board unanimously passed a referendum resolution calling
for a tax levy to provide for police protection in the village limits. The rate requested is .15 cents
on each $100 of assessed valuation full cash fair value as stated by Illinois State Statutes. It is
estimated that the income from this tax would be between $2,000 and $3,000 a year and would
make it possible to keep a full-time police officer on duty as well as a night watchman, also to
provide a car for the officer.
A proposed ordinance amending the existing ordinance was given to the zoning board of appeals
for hearing and approval. The ordinance increases the board membership from five to seven
persons.
The bid on Grove Road improvements, that part which is in the village limits was awarded to
Cliff Hammond, Excavators, Joliet, in the amount of $7,963.46.
At a special meeting held May 21, the board authorized the purchase of a secondhand automobile
for use as a police car in the amount of $1,000.
The request for a building permit from Vic Franz to build a residence on Lot 6, Block 13, in the
Park Addition was denied, as the plot does not meet the minimum size requirements under the
existing building code.
June 17: Noting that during the last session of the Illinois General Assembly, fireworks were
outlawed, Kendall County State's Attorney Jerome Nelson and Sheriff William C. "Bud"
Johnson warned that the new law would be enforced over the July 4 holiday.
The Village of Oswego published an appropriations ordinance predicting they'd spend $50,570
during the upcoming 1954-55 fiscal year.
June 24: Mrs. Minnie Hayden, Oswego, has been selected as a delegate to represent Northeastern
Division of the Illinois Education Association at the 92nd annual convention of the National
Education Association, scheduled to be held in Madison Square Garden, New York City, June
27-July 2.
Ledger editorial: The special tax for providing police protection in the village, which is to come
up for a vote on Friday, July 9, is a step which should have been taken some years ago. In a
community the size of Oswego, it is almost impossible to realize enough funds by ordinary tax
allotments as governed by state statutes and the provision for a special tax for police protection is
sadly needed.
It is true that nothing of too serious a nature has happened in the village recently, but there is
always the possibility of something occurring that will make all of us sorry that we did not
provide in advance for protection.
It is hoped that folks in the community will get out and push the measure that is to be brought up
for balloting and vote favorably on the issue.
The Oswego Fire Protection District published an appropriations ordinance calling for spending
a total of $21,610 that included a line item for “Maintenance of 4 trucks, salary of one man,
$300.”
July -- 1954
July 1: Walt Irish was seriously injured last week when a truck ran into the tractor with which he
was mowing weeks in Route 71. Irish, an employee of the State of Illinois Highway Dept., was
taken to Copley Hospital. He is suffering serious internal and external injuries.
The Federated Church will have new pews before very long if everything goes according to
schedule. Sample pews are being bought in for members to try out.
(The following letter was written to the Oswego Village Board and turned over to the editor for
publication with permission of the writer)
Gentlemen:
It is encouraging to see the interest of your Board in adequate police protection for your Village
as evidenced by your recent resolution for a referendum on the question of raising tax money for
that purpose.
It has become extremely apparent to me, since holding the office of State’s Attorney of the
county that the police facilities in our villages are woefully inadequate.
A one-man sheriff’s office cannot handle the problem, and although many of the people are not
aware of the facts, we do have many police maters which are not being properly handled because
of lack of full-time police officers.
You are to be commended for your awareness of the necessity and I am hopeful that the people
of the village will follow your leadership and approve the proposal.
Very truly yours,
JEROME NELSON
State’s Attorney for Kendall County
Almost every Oswegoan must have traveled to Plano for the centennial program at least once
over last weekend.
It won’t be too many years more before Oswego is 125 years old. That event will certainly call
for a celebration.
Wonder what happened to all the Cub fans this year…
July 8: Voters living within the corporate limits of the village will have an opportunity to express
their desire to have full-time police protection when they go to the polls Friday, July 9, to vote a
special tax for that purpose.
The proposition to be voted on calls for a special police protection tax in accordance with state
statutes that would not exceed 15 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation. Such a tax would
make between $2,000 and $3,000 annually for the purpose of police protection without
becoming a burden on anyone.
The moneys realized would make it possible to keep a round the clock police protection unit on
duty in the village, also to provide and maintain a car for the police department. At the present
time, a full-time day officer is on duty and a night watchman. However, with the present amount
of funds available, it will be impossible to keep both men on duty.
Preliminary work has begun on the new home being built by Forrest Wooley on Garfield
Avenue. Work also progresses on Glen Leigh's new domicile on Main Street and on several
others in the village.
Herb Rucks will be breaking ground for his new appliance building the first part of next week.
The building, to be approximately 35x80, will be situated north of and adjacent to Zentmyer
Motor Sales.
Most everyone in Oswego must have journeyed to Phillips Park for the fireworks last Monday
night.
Several new water hydrants were installed in the village in the past few weeks.
The Herren and Tripp Real Estate office [at the southwest corner of Main and Washington] is
sporting a brand new green and white awning. Other new additions in the downtown area include
a new Frigidaire sign above Rucks Appliance Store.
The Oswego Village Board held an abbreviated session Tuesday night, being forced so suspend
deliberation at about 9:30 when a violent windstorm struck the village and put the electric power
system out of kilter.
The Board accepted and approved the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals to
rezone the property of Herbert Rucks, located in North Main St., from residential to business.
The new Zoning Board of Appeals is composed of William Shortman, chairman; Clifford A.
Olson, Louis Russ, Henry W. Smith, William W. Crimmin, James R. Zentmyer, and Theodore
Gerry.
At a congregational meeting held following last Sunday’s service, it was voted to purchase new
pews for the sanctuary of the Federated Church. The pews, to be installed as part of the new
interior refurbishing, will be designed for comfort as well as beauty.
It was decided to purchase the Cushion-Eze pews manufactured by the Endicott Furniture
Company.
In addition, the congregation is to meet at a later date, Sunday, July 18, to discuss the type of
finish on the pews and the possibility of redoing the floor at the same time the pews are installed.
The entire project is expected to cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $4,500 to $5,000.
July 15: The votes of the special election held last Friday to give the village board permission to
levy a tax for police protection were canvassed Monday night by the village board and the
official tally showed 89 votes for and 43 votes against the proposition. The board now has the
authority to levy a tax that would call for up to 15 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation in the
corporate limits of the village.
In other business, a request from R.C. Johnson for permission to erect metal awnings on the
tavern was granted.
Dalman Hafenrichter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Hafenrichter, was chosen Chief Honor
Camper at the Evangelical United Brethren Junior Camp held at Naperville last week.
July 22: Four Oswego Scouts, members of Troop 31, left Monday morning for a 10-day summer
camp experience at Buchanan, Mich. The four boys, Larry Schultz, Doug Clark, Jerry Weidert,
and Richard Way, will be part of a group of nearly 100 Scouts of the Aurora Area Council taking
part.
Camp Blackhawk is situated on the St. Joseph River and is a heavily wooded area ideally set up
for Scouting activities.
Announcement of the 1954-55 faculty for the Oswego Schools was made during the week by
Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber. A total of 30 instructors are to staff the three local units and
the three rural schools.
Earl J. Anderson will be high school principal; Lowell Polley, junior high principal; and Arthur
Tramblie, intermediate principal.
High school faculty: Earl J. Anderson, Doris Thompson, Jacqueline Pickerill, Lois Geiken, Mary
Ellen Hoisington, Herbert Hasenyager, Kenneth Pickerill, Lawrence Hammerbacker, Richard
Rockenbach, Reeve Thompson, and Wilma P. Davis.
Junior high: Lowell Polley, Jacqueline Pickerill, Helen Nesemeier, Frances Polley, Anne
Rockenbach, Reeve Thompson.
Intermediate: Leone Bartholomew, Mildred Vickery, Arthur Tramblie, Uarda Henderson, Ruth
Worland, and Maxine Staley.
Primary faculty: Dorothy Mighell, Grace Palmer, Gertrude Heffelfinger, Evelyn Woolley,
Thelma Davis, and Minnie Hayden.
Rural centers: Grace Jones, McCauley School; Dorothy Comerford, Church school; Willow Hill
School, not filled yet.
First grade will occupy the Little White School building; Grades 2, 3, 4 & 5 will occupy the
brick building, and grades 6, 7 & 8 will occupy the new junior high wing.
July 29: This week marks the beginning of a $5,000 improvement program in the Oswego
Federated Church. This program has been designed to lend beauty to the sanctuary and to
modernize the church.
The improvements will include new Cushion-Eze pews, pew screens, new chancel screening,
remodeling of the choir lofts, refinishing of the present chancel furniture, resanding of the floor,
new carpeting, and the refinishing lf all the church woodwork.
All of the furniture and the screening will be finished in a bronze-toned oak.
August -- 1954
Aug. 5: It was decided at the regular meeting of the village board Monday night to have the front
of the village hall and the front of the library building painted. Sidewalk repairs are to be made
downtown, particularly on the west side of Main St., in front of the Masonic Hall and the Main
Café. A cement step will also be made in front of Bohn’s Grocery Store. Mark Figgins is the
contractor.
Some consideration is being given to the purchase of a sewer-rodding machine for use in the
village sewer mains.
The local Pony League team annexed a loop victory last Saturday, defeating Somonauk by a 16-
6 margin. This was the second league win for Oswego as opposed to four losses. Chuck Shuler
was the winning pitcher as he allowed the visitors only 4 hits and fanned 9.
A group of 80 Oswego boys will attend Comiskey Park during the next ten days as gusts of the
White Sox management. Forty boys will see the Boston-White Sox game Thursday and 40 more
will see the game to be played on Wednesday of next week.
Aug. 12: The Oswego Community Schools will open for the school term on Wednesday, Sept. 1.
The Board of Education will have room facilities so that every child of the district will be housed
in district-owned classrooms that are well equipped and staffed. First grade pupils will report to
the Little Whit School; grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 will report to the Red Brick School; grades 6, 7, and
8 will report to the new junior high school [wing at Oswego High School]; and high school
pupils will report to the high school for registration and books on the first day of school.
Local Little League
The Hawks and Brave will tangle in a local Little League contest today, Thursday. The tigers
defeated the braves 8-3 last week to clinch first place in the local standings.
Bobby Tripp was the winning hurler for the Tigers, while Jim Johnson handled mound chores for
the Braves. Tripp struck out 12 of the Braves who faced him in five innings.
The firemen were right on hand Monday night when the alarm rang. They were right in the midst
of their monthly meeting when called to extinguish a small two-wheel trailer that caught fire in
Route 34 east of town.
The Oswegoland Park District published their annual appropriation ordinance for the 1954-55
fiscal year. It called for total spending of $4,125.
Aug. 19: In Kendall County as well as nationwide, the Polio Fund is overdrawn for the year and
a special emergency drive for funds is being put on at the present time.
More was spent last year to fight polio than ever before. Much of the money went for gamma
globulin and the Salk vaccine against the disease.
A total of 37,393 meals were served in the Oswego school cafeteria during the 1953-54 school
year, according to the annual report, with a net profit showing for year of $733.67. Mrs. Lillian
Schomer was the cafeteria manager with the following helpers” Mrs. Dorothy Friebele, Mrs.
Helen Smith, Mrs. Evelyn Penn, Mrs. Hazel Patton, and Mrs. Agnes Schultz. The cafeteria,
located in the basement of Oswego High School, drew students from all the district's elementary
buildings.
Miss Mary Louise Campbell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allan C. Campbell, became the bride of
Wilfred Owen Corrick, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Corrick Saturday evening at the Oswego
Presbyterian Church.
Just in time for the start of school, Carr's Department Store in Oswego was advertising Dickie
and Buckaroo western jeans, with double denim knees, at $2.19 to $3.79 a pair.
Aug. 26: The Oswego Park Board reported that more than 10,000 hours of supervised recreation
was offered during the summer past, with attendance up by 25 percent over the previous year. A
total of 415 boys and girls registered at the Red Brick and Little White School playgrounds
during the summer.
Playground Event Winners
At Small Playground: Treasure Hunt won by Rick Hood and Rusty Peshia; second place to Rob
Hood and Lonnie Steckel. Scavenger Hunt won by Dawn Denney, Elizabeth Rybacki, and Rick
Hood.
Croquet Tournament: Seven year-olds, Lonnie Steckel; eight year-olds, Sharon Conroy; nine
year-olds, Mike Linden; ten year-olds, Pam Prince.
Bus routes for pupils attending the Oswego schools, which open Wednesday, Sept. 1, will be
almost the same as last year. Drivers are the same with one exception, Thomas Haugh will be
driving the route that Forrest Woolley drove last year. Mr. Haugh will drive a shorter and more
direct route from Wheatland Township to Oswego in order that he may return to the Church
School area to haul students to that attendance center. Grades 1, 2, and 3 will attend this
attendance center as well as at Willow Hill and McCauley primary attendance centers. Roy Krug
will return to Willow Hill area the same as he did the past two years. School will open at 9 a.m.
and close at 3 p.m. at these centers. Jim Zentmyer has purchased a new 52-passenger bus and
will serve U.S. Rt. 30 in Wheatland Township and the Wolf’s Crossing Road. It may be
necessary to add another part to Stanley Peterson’s route in order that pupils living along Rt. 34
and Rt. 31 west of the bridge can ride without overcrowding. Pupils living on Grove Road now
being improved will have to furnish their own transportation to and from school when this road
is impassable as a result of the improvements now being made.
September -- 1954
Sept. 2: If advance registrations are any indication, enrollment figures for the Oswego schools
will surpass all former years when the final count is made available. Figures indicate that there
will be in excess of 200 pupils in the high school classes for the first time in Oswego’s history.
There has been a steady upswing in school enrollment in Oswego for the past four years with
figures as follows for first day enrollment:
Year ----------- Grade High
1951................409 140
1952................456 162
1953................470 179
A new fire alarm system and a clock network will protect and regulate students in the new junior
high school building that opens this year as an adjunct to the new high school. The clock and fire
alarm system will be coordinated with existing equipment in the high school to allow school
supervisors to run both junior and senior high school programs simultaneously.
The annual visit of the mobile x-ray unit will be on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 28-29. The
unit will be in Oswego during the hours of 10-12 and 1-5 on the 28th and between 10-12 and 2-6
on the 29th.
Every adult over 40 years of age should have an x-ray every six months, while very adult over 16
should have an x-ray every year.
Coaches Herb Hasenyager and Ken Pickerill got the 1954 football season underway with a 7
a.m. practice Monday morning and held double sessions on both that day and Tuesday. In the
neighborhood of 40 aspirants turned out for berths with places on the first 11 at a premium.
A fresh coat of white paint has perked up the local library building. Arch Runkle and his helper
who did the job also painted the trim on the village hall.
The parking lot at the rear of the new high school has been enlarged and resurfaced during the
past weeks.
Sept. 9: Figures at the end of the first week of school show an increase of 36 pupils over opening
week figures of last year, with 24 more enrolled in the grade schools and 12 additional in high
school. The total at the end of the first week for the grade school is 494, as compared with 470
last year and for the high school 191 as compared with 179 last year.
Indications are that late arrivals will push a total enrollment figure up over the 700 mark before
the net week is out.
Town grade units, 435; Willow Hill, 16; Church School, 24; McCauley School, 19, total grade
school, 494.
During the past several months, seven building permits have been issued with two of that number
for new homes.
Bruce Webster, permit for a garage; Edward J. Burgholzer, permit for new home in Morse’s
Subdivision; Dr. S.F. Bell, repairs; Ernest L. Hoch, garage; Clifford A. Olson, garage; Lawrence
J. Dodd, new home in Tyler Street; Charles Schultz, repairs.
The Oswego PTA is cooperating with Oswego Grade School District 8 in taking a pre-school
census. It has been somewhere in the neighborhood of five years since such a census was taken
and in order to plan intelligently for future educational needs of Oswego children, it is necessary
to have an advance knowledge of what to expect in school population.
Folks in the community will have an opportunity to tour the new junior high wing, which was
just completed and put into use this year. An open house will be held on Sunday, Sept. 19.
Coach Herb Hasenyager stated this week that 46 aspirants turned out for football practice this
week, which is about average in comparison with recent years. The opening contest will be
played on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, at Lake Zurich with the game set to begin at 2:30.
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Shoger announce the engagement of their daughter, Janet, to Russell E.
Zwoyer, son of Mrs. Marie Zwoyer. The wedding will take place on Oct. 2 in the Oswego
Presbyterian Church.
Mr. and Mrs. George Panikis of Oswego announced the engagement of their daughter, Sheila, to
U.S. Army Cpl. William McCauley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Emmett McCauley of NaAuSay
Township. An October wedding was planned after which the couple planned to live at Ft. Knox,
Ky., where McCauley was serving in the U.S. Army.
Sept. 16: The Oswego Panthers travel to Lake Zurich Saturday afternoon for the initial grid clash
of the season. Coaches Hasenyager and Pickerill have been drilling the Panthers in fundamentals
and it should be a well-organized eleven going into its first game.
In order to cover the increased cost of maintenance of streets due to sewer and water connection
ditch faults, the village attorney was instructed to draw up an amendment to each of the
ordinances calling for an increase in connection fees at the Oswego Village Board’s regular
meeting held Monday night. The ordinance will call for an increase to $75 from the present $50
fee for water connections and to $25 from the present $20 sewer connection fee.
A request from American Legion Post 675 for a restricted club liquor license was held over for
further consideration.
A.M. Shuler asked permission to sublet a part of the small block building at the rear of the
library to a firm of contractors for an office.
The board granted the village president authority to sign a five-year lease on the village dump.
The property is owned by the Illinois Department of Waterways. The rental is $50 per year. The
village also plans to reinstall a gate to the dump and to complete fencing around it to discourage
indiscriminate dumping. The dump, which is used jointly by the village and township residents,
is maintained by the township road commissioner.
Stop signs will be placed in Jackson St., so that all traffic will have to stop at Main Street
yielding on Main St. traffic the right of way.
The Public Service Company was given permission to extend a gas main 340 feet along North
St. and Rt. 25. The Public Service Company also is to install a better type light at the intersection
of Grove and Plainfield roads.
The rapid growth of the Girl Scout movement in Oswego to the point where it now embraces
over 100 girls and leaders is good. Girl Scouting (and Boy Scouting) is one of the greatest forces
training our youth in good character and good citizenship.
The number of pupils taking advantage of hot meals in the school cafeteria is up between 15 and
20 percent over last year in the early days of the school term. A great amount of the increase is
due to more first grade and other lower grade children taking meals this year. Serving of the first
graders begins at 11:15. Another actor in the increase of meals served is that more town pupils
are taking advantage of the cafeteria.
Sept. 23: Over 300 persons toured the new junior high wing added to the high school building
during the past summer. The new wing, at the present time housing grades 6, 7, and 8, consists of
six large, modernly equipped rooms and was built for $145,000.
Ragnar-Benson, Aurora, was the general contractor for the building, with R.L. Wagner & Son,
St. Charles, handling the plumbing contract. J.C. Electric Co., Aurora, was electrical contractor.
The building was designed by the firm of Kelley, Berger, Samuelson, the same firm that
designed the high school building.
Coach Hasenyager’s football squad showed a great deal of promise in the Lake Zurich game and
man who saw the game think that this may be Oswego’s year. Oswego won handily, 26-6. Karl
Shoger, Leonard Burkhart, and Jack Walper played a fine defensive game. The Panther passing
attack showed up to good advantage with three aerials being good for touchdowns. Brad Smith
was on the receiving end of the markers, with Dick Campbell throwing two and Joe Plaskas
tossing the third.
The Standard Service Station on Rts. 34 & 71, formerly operated by Lee Hickernell, changed
hands this week. The new operator is Ed Peterman, a local resident.
If you’ve been wondering why the school corner stop lights [at Madison and Jackson streets]
haven’t been in operation, they are being repaired. it was necessary to remove part of the vital
workings and send them to Chicago. As soon as the parts are returned, the lights will be in
operation again.
Clarence Shoger was advertising his corn shelling service. "Don't cuss; call us! You call, we
haul! You yell, we shell!" his Ledger advertisement said.
Sept. 30: The Panthers Den, local teen-age organization, will open Friday night, Oct. 1,
immediacy after the Plano-Oswego football game. Membership tickets are now on sale.
Refreshments will be free on opening night with the drinks being furnished through the courtesy
of Les Weiss and the Oatman Dairy. The new jukebox will be in operation with brand new
records of all the latest hits. A major portion of the cost of the juke box is being paid by the
Oswego Lions Club. The drapes were cleaned free of cost through the courtesy of Modern
Cleaners and Mrs. Fred Besch, local manager.
The Main Café has changed hands during the week. The former owners of the Copper Kettle are
taking over from Nick and Helen Lautwein. New hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Local high schoolers are in a ferment getting ready for the big homecoming celebration
scheduled for Oct. 15 and 16. The usual secrecy is floating around about the floats, etc.
Reeve Thompson, music instructor, has planned some new maneuvers for the opening game
Friday night with his marching band composed of some 60 members.
An oddity in the news this week: While James Hoch was serving as best man for Kenny Bohn's
marriage he was also becoming the father of a baby girl, born at Copley Hospital.
October -- 1954
Oct. 7: Oswego’s rampaging Panthers rolled up a 25-0 score against Plano last Friday night in a
Fox Valley [Conference] game in which the local eleven made 156 first downs and accounted for
311 years from scrimmage plays. Fine defensive play by the Panthers held Plano to a new gain of
11 yards on the ground and 23 yards by air.
Amendments to the water and sewer ordinances were passed at Monday night’s meeting of the
Village Board, with water connection fees increased from $50 to $75 and sewer connection fees
from $2 to $25.
It was voted to put a notice out concerning bicycles needing lights or scotch light if being ridden
at night.
Repairs on the school traffic lights [at Jackson and Madison streets] were authorized.
The village clerk was authorized to pay any bill amounting to less than $1 from the petty cash
fund.
Ledger Editorial: Local school boards have little to say about whether to annex new territory to a
school district or not. Any group of people can petition to go into a district for a number of
reasons and the decision rests with the newly formed County Board of School Trustees,
comprised of seven members elected by the voters.
It isn’t often that we recommend a TV program, but if you are in the habit of staying up till
midnight you might try “Now for Nordine,” providing, of course, that you also like poetry. It’s a
real casual, easy-to-listen-to program on four nights a week for 25 minutes beginning at
midnight.
Miss Janet Shoger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Shoger, and Russell E. Zwoyer, son of
Mrs. Marie Zwoyer, were married in the Presbyterian church Saturday evening, Oct. 2.
Following a short trip, the couple will be at home in Midwest City, Okla., where the bridegroom
is stationed with the U.S. Air Force.
Letters to the Editor
Editor:
This is to let you know that a petition has been circulated to bring into the Oswego Schools all 12
grades of the Montgomery School District east of the Fox River (south of Montgomery Road
improved) and some of the East Aurora School District in Kane County.
The petition was filed in Yorkville, but due to an error in the description it was withdrawn.
However, another corrected petition is being circulated.
Oswego will be affected since we will have to furnish the classrooms, school bus, and etc. This
annexation would be a grave injustice to all concerned.
All of these students, except a very few non-high school students, are going into Montgomery
and East Aurora Schools at the present time.
This petition takes in the trailer camp at the intersection of Route 25 and Montgomery Road.
----A TAXPAYER
Oct. 14: Flood Notes
The village board wishes to thank all the persons who helped with the work on North Adams St.
during the high water of last weekend. Their aid was greatly appreciated and greatly facilitated
the work that had to be done.
Daily tests of the drinking water in the village have been made during the high water period,
according to a statement issued by Village President Donnell Etzwiler. This daily testing will
continue until conditions return to normal.
The American Legion Home was opened to several families who were forced to evacuate from
island homes and homes located on the river bank.
There will be no skating party this month due to the fact that Electric Park [at Ill. Route 126 and
the DuPage River in Plainfield] was inundated by the rains of the weekend and will be out of
operation for several weeks.
Oswego’s Panthers are busily sharpening their claws for Friday night’s encounter with the Red
Raiders of Earlville. The contest, to be played on the local gridiron, will have undisputed first
place in Fox Valley [Conference] standings as the top prize. Both teams are now tied with a trio
of wins apiece.
Oswego has bowled over opponents by top-heavy margins in its first four contests due to a
powerful line that is especially strong from tackle to tackle. Don Peterson has shown fine form
leading the ball carriers in every game and averaging 10.1 yards per carry on 14 tries in last
Friday’s 41-7 win over Yorkville. Joe Plaskas carried the leather 7 times last week and averaged
8.9 yards. One of the bright spots of the Yorkville game was the extra point kicking of Dick
Campbell, who converted five in a row.
The annual Oswego High School Homecoming shindig will get underway Thursday night with a
gigantic snake dance scheduled to be followed by a bonfire and pep session.
The homecoming parade will be held on Friday afternoon with assembly of the units between 2
and 2:30 on the high school grounds. Each of the high school classes will have a float entered in
the judging contest.
The king and queen have been picked from the following list of junior and senior boys and girls,
as have the attendants: Glen Leifheit, Glen Baker, Richard Campbell, Brad Smith, Bob Keenan,
Karl Shoger, Wayne Schillinger, Don Peterson, Elaine Matile, Karla Foster, Sara Stewart,
Barbara Schultz, Irma Voorheis, Louise Norris, Dvonna Ode, and Georgiann Kontos.
At 8:00 on Friday night, the Panthers tangle with the Earlville Red Raiders in the Homecoming
game with both teams undefeated.
The festivities will be climaxed on Saturday night with a dance in the Community Room to the
music of Jesse Carpenter and his band.
Ledger Editorial: We assume that every able-bodied person will be out on the football field when
the referee's whistle blows for the opening kick-off Friday night. Things have been going real
good for Oswego this year and with continued enthusiasm and support from the fans, chances are
that the good work will continue.
ALL AROUND THE VILLAGE
Several new houses are under construction in Morse’s Subdivision [at Ill. Route 71 and Wilmette
Street].
If you’ve wondered what all the secrecy of the last week has been about, it was high schoolers
trying to keep mum about the whereabouts of the respective floats. Who was kidding who?
One of the disturbing notes at last week's grid game at Yorkville was the undeserved riding of
Frankie McKeever by some of the Oswego fans. McKeever is a fine performer for a high school
player and while some of his teammates were using questionable tactics there was no foundation
for the remarks directed at McKeever. There isn't a coach in the conference who wouldn't be
more than happy to have him on his squad.
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 persons registered for voting last Tuesday. According to
the turnover in population during the past year, there are going to be a lot of people unable to
vote come November.
A total of 271 persons took advantage of the chest X-Rays available in Oswego recently. The
county total was 1,417 persons taking the x-rays.
Oct. 21: Tests on village water show that it is pure and ready to drink as it comes from the faucet.
However, folks on Adams St. are advised to boil their water as a temporary connection has been
made on the water outlet in that area and it will be several days before a permanent connection
can be made. Village President Etzwiler stated that the work would be completed as soon as the
water level of the creek is sufficiently low.
Fresh from a rousing 52-6 triumph over Earlville in the homecoming melee last week, the
undefeated Panthers go to Sandwich Friday night. Oswego will be seeking its fifth league victory
and its sixth in season play. Sandwich has won one contest to date and should not present much
of a problem to the Panthers, who are hot on the championship trail.
The date for the Halloween Fair this year is Saturday evening, Oct. 30.
Oswego merchants are again planning Oswego Value Days for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5-6.
Oswego Value Days, instituted last year, are designed to give Oswegoans the benefits of real
bargains in the local stores.
Miss Sheila Panikis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Panikis and Corporal William McCauley,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Emmett McCauley, were married at the Presbyterian church Saturday night,
Oct. 16. The couple will reside at Fort Knox, Ky., where McCauley is serving with the Armed
Forces.
Oct. 28: A victory for the Oswego Panthers Friday night over Plainfield’s Wildcats will give the
local eleven an undisputed Fox Valley championship. They already have a tie clinches with last
week’s 21-0 decision over Sandwich.
The Wildcats, last year’s loop champions, have been sharpening their claws all through this
season and will be primed for Oswego despite the loss of fullback Clyde Avery who suffered an
ankle injury in practice last week that will keep him out of action for the balance of the season.
Ledger Editorial: Oswego’s Panthers will be after the Fox Valley League football championship
when they meet the Plainfield Wildcats on the home gridiron Friday night. Twice in a row,
Plainfield has wrecked Oswego’s championship hopes, two years ago with both clubs tying for
first place and last year when Oswego ended up second to the Wildcats. With a little help from
local rooters, Oswego is slated to give a good account of itself. Let’s all get out and root for a
championship
Local Republicans were urged to vote in the upcoming election and warned not to be "deceived
by the vague promises of those who want to get back in power." "Do you really wish to return to
the 'good old days' of Democratic misrule under Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman? To
continued warfare with its appalling destruction of human lives and property? Wars fought
without objectives or conclusions?" the ad asked, adding, "Before you vote, think back."
Oswego High School students earning all A’s for the recently completed six-week period were
Earl Falk, Carole Silvius, Lynn Bell, Charlotte Schlapp, and Kathy Thompson.
November -- 1954
Nov. 4: Oswego's undefeated Panthers smothered Plainfield by a 33-0 count Friday night to gain
the Fox Valley Grid Title for 1954. This was Oswego’s seventh straight victory this season and
its sixth conference win. There wasn’t much doubt about the championship caliber of the team
Friday night as it went right to work on Plainfield and rolled up a total of 20 first downs and 429
yards as compared to the losers’ 30 yards gained and four first downs.
During the season Oswego has scored a total of 211 points to opponents’ 19 points in gaining the
loop crown. Oswego gained 1,808 yards from scrimmage versus 227 for their opponents, and
gained 2,167 total yards compared to 561 for their opponents.
Following an ancient tradition, several members of the school faculty, including two coaches the
superintendent, and the principal, received their Saturday night bath a day early as the overjoyed
athletes treated them to a victory shower.
The Panthers finish out the season Friday night playing Mooseheart lightweights on the local
field.
Rarely does an election day go by without the fire department being called out and Tuesday was
no exception. The local fireos received a call from the United Wallpaper but by the time they
arrived, the fire, caused by an overheated dryer, was extinguished by the pant’s sprinkler system.
The fire department was called Monday to the trailer home of the Sam Flowers near the Cliff
Heap residence. The trailer and contents were completely burned with a loss in the neighborhood
of $300.
Ledger Editorial: This week’s issue marks the end of the fifth year of publication of the Oswego
Ledger. That the Ledger has continued for this period of time and will continue for some time to
come is due to the advertising of local merchants. As you readers know, no charge is made for
the Ledger and you receive your copy through the courtesy of the advertisers. If you like reading
the Ledger, and general reaction seems to be favorable, you can continue its life by trading with
the business men who advertise in its columns.
Almost 1,000 votes were cast in Oswego’s two precincts in Tuesday’s election, a fairly heavy
vote considering the off-year election. The voting went as anticipated in all cases with the three
constitutional amends receiving heavy favorable results.
Perhaps the one interesting item of the election was the strength of Democratic vote in both
precincts, but particularly in Precinct 1. This could indicate a possible trend in future years as the
population of the community becomes less rural with the influx of new homes and families.
ALL AROUND THE VILLAGE
Oswego’s Panthers were dined at the weekly meeting of the Aurora Quarterback Club Monday
night through the courtesy of Fred Bereman and Atty. Thomas P. O’Malley. Claire Smith and
Don Walper aided in the project.
The special policemen on duty during the Halloween weekend lost a lot of sleep but did a real
good job of keeping track of what was going on and kept local youngsters out of mischief.
Two new stop signs have been erected in the village, one at the corner by the Saxon Clinic and
the other on Jackson and Main St. by Zentmyer Motor Sales .The police officers are giving the
residents several weeks in which to get used to them after which you’d better watch out or else.
Three new houses have been started on the Pichik property about a mile south of Oswego on Rt.
34. Plans are to build quite a settlement in that area.
The fans enjoyed the halftime ceremonies at the football game Friday night with the band
performing and a group of high school girls dancing. The girls changed from the brief costumes
planned to the more practical sweatshirts and jeans for the occasion.
Nov. 11: The senior play during Oswego High School's annual Junior Frolic drama competition
featured stars Mike Kontos and Elaine Matile; while Wanda Penn and Leo Grasch starred in the
sophomore's play.
The Oswego Panthers made it eight in a row for the year and kept their record spotless by
defeating the Mooseheart JayVees by 40-0 last Friday night. There wasn’t much doubt about the
outcome of the game from the opening whistle as the local boys ran roughshod over the visitors.
Oswego rolled up 313 yards from scrimmage and added 96 more on aerials for a total of 409.
Eleven seniors played their last game for Oswego high: Arlo Bower, Leonard Burkhart, Dick
Campbell, David Gengler, Glenn Leifheit, David McCauley, Brad Smith, Harry Schlapp, Gerald
Testin, Duane Vickery, and Jack Walper.
The November skating party has been called off due to the fact that the Electric Park rink,
damaged by the flood waters of last month, is not yet ready. It is hoped the floor will be finished
in time for the December party.
Nov. 18: Several complaints have been received by Oswego Postmaster George C. Bartholomew
concerning the loss of mail from rural mail boxes in the area of Route 31 and Mill Rd. Mr.
Bartholomew urges parents of children in this area to impress upon those concerned that this
practice must be discontinued at once. If this depredation is not stopped voluntarily, it will be
necessary to report this to the Inspection Service for investigation which might be embarrassing
for any involved in this illegal practice.
Nov. 25: Eight building permits have been issued in the village during the past two months, four
of them for new houses, three for garages and one for an addition. Value of the permits was set at
an estimated $57,000.
In addition, a number of new dwellings have been started outside the corporate limits, two of
them on the Bartholomew Subdivision in Route 25, several in the Pichik Subdivision in Route
34.
ALL AROUND THE VILLAGE
All of the sports fans in the village are happy to hear that Herb Hasenyager is improving after a
bout with pneumonia that put him in the hospital for several days. In the meantime, Ken Pickerill
has taken over basketball coaching duties while Dick Rockenbach is handling Ken's wrestling
squad.
John Carr is adding a sizeable addition to the rear of Carr’s Dept. Store for the convenience of
his customers.
Herb Rucks is getting settled in his new appliance store and a nice looking addition to the
business district indeed.
If you didn’t get a chance to read the story on Mooseheart football and Johnny Williams, their
fiery little coach, in last week’s Sports Illustrated, you should borrow a copy.
The grade school basketball team defeated Yorkville last week in their season’s opener. Lowell
Polley coaches the midget cagers.
Thursday, Dec. 2, will be the first wrestling date of the season with Oswego hosting Carl
Sandburg high School.
The balance of the schedule is as follows: Dec. 6, Rich Township; Dec. 9, Wheaton Academy;
Dec. 17, Reavis; Dec. 20, Downers Grove; Jan. 6, W. Aurora; Jan. 10, DeKalb; Jan. 15, Ottawa;
Jan. 17, Joliet; Jan. 27, DeKalb; Feb. 3, Wheaton Academy; Feb. 10, West Aurora; and Feb. 10,
Palatine.
The Kopper Kettle at Main and Washington was advertising fried perch with French fires and
salad every Friday for 60 cents.
December -- 1954
Dec. 2: Jack Walper, one of the finest linemen ever turned out by Oswego High School, was
given a spot at guard on the Little All-State Grid Team picked recently by a group of the state's
outstanding coaches. David McCauley made the second team at the center spot.
Ledger editorial: Shakespeare and TV: The presentation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth last Sunday
afternoon was a most enjoyable two hours but one disturbing element raised itself to mind after
the program was over and that concerned the scene in which the murder of Lady MacDuff and
her son took place. In view of all the hullabaloo lately concerning the content of TV programs
for children’s eyes, congressional investigations, etc., it would seem that even such a scene,
although it comes in a great classic, was not exactly the sort of thing that makes for a peaceful
Sunday afternoon in living rooms all over America.
ALL AROUND THE VILLAGE
The grand opening of Herb Rucks' new appliance store is being planned for next weekend.
Hope you have mailed in your contributions for Christmas Seals. There are also containers in
downtown stores in which you can drop coins and bills for this worthy cause.
Georgiann Kontos has been chosen to be editor of the Os-We-Go, monthly paper put out by the
high school for next year. Janet Vinson is this year’s editor.
Barbara Batterson will be editor of the Reflector, the high school yearbook, for next year.
David Parkhurst, Dick Parkhurst, Dean Shoger, Larry Smith, Jerry Smith, and Ronnie Smith
were among Kendall County boys showing calves at the International Livestock Show in
Chicago this week.
This year there is a real movement on foot to put Christ back into Christmas by the use of
crèches and all the other religious symbols so long associated with the season. Even merchants
are being urged to set up window displays with a religious significance.
Some folks in the village still are not observing the two new stop signs installed by the Saxon
Clinic [Main and VanBuren Street] and Zentmyer’s Garage [Main and Jackson Street].
Dec. 9: It was decided at the village board meeting held Monday night to spend Motor Fuel Tax
funds next year for general repair of all village streets rather than construction of new streets. It
was also decided to designate several additional streets in the village as arterial so that funds can
be used for their repair and maintenance.
It was reported that the water lines have been completely restored in N. Adams St.
Local cage fans will have an opportunity see the Panthers play twice this weekend on the home
floor with Yorkville as the Friday night opponents and Bremen as the Saturday night foes. To
date, the Panther varsity has a 1-3 record and the B team has a 2-2 mark for the season. The last
setback was a 73-46 loss last Friday night at the hands of a red-hot Newark quintet for the varsity
and a 56-48 defeat for the B team.
Students on the high honor roll at Oswego High School for the second six weeks of the school
year included Earl Falk, Geri Jump, Barbara Schultz, Lynn Bell, Alice Shoger, Carol Silvius,
Herbert Lantz, and William Husband.
Between five and six hundred persons visited the home on the Washington St. hill recently
remodeled by G.C. Bartholomew and opened to the public last Sunday afternoon. The house,
completely refurbished and renewed, is a local landmark, having been erected some 114 years
ago or about six years after the founding of the village.
The home was completely furnished for the open house by Jane Patterson of The Furniture Shop
and the major appliances were set in by Rucks Appliance Store. [Locally, the limestone home is
known as “The Trolley Stop.”]
A fair-sized moving job took place downtown this week when the soda fountain formerly in
Shuler’s Drug Store was transferred across the street to the Main Café.
The moving of the soda fountain is part of a plan for increasing the facilities of the drug store.
The present plan is to use the additional room for new items that are not now available in the
community and to increase stocks of such popular items as greeting cards and gift wrapping
materials. The new and greatly enlarged stock will enable Oswegoans to obtain a wider selection
and increased service.
The grand opening of Herb Rucks’ new appliance store in N. Main Street will take place this
week. Included in the opening events will be a Necchi sewing machine demonstration and a
Sunbeam frying pan demonstration. In addition, a sewing machine will be given away free.
This is the fourth year that Rucks has been in the appliance business in Oswego.
The Oswego wrestling team defeated Carl Sandburg High School of Orland park in its opening
meet of the season last week by a 41-10 count and took the measure of Rich Township by a 30-
16 margin Monday night of this week. Both meets were held in the local gym.
Dec. 16: Some of the local stores will be open nights until 9 from now until Christmas for the
convenience of Yule shoppers. Most of the stores will also stay open all day Thursday, Dec. 23.
Gerald Testin, student at Oswego High School, received second high corn yield in the Pioneer
Hi-Yield Corn Growing Contest for voc-ag students in FFA Section 8 in Illinois. Gerald obtained
his highest yield of 162 bushels per acre with Pioneer 337 under the supervision of Mr. R.W.
Rockenbach, voc-ag teacher at Oswego, and was awarded $15 for winning second place.
Oswego’s varsity Panther cagers brought their season’s record up to the .500 mark last weekend
with a 49-44 league win over Yorkville Friday night and a 60-55 victory over Bremen Saturday
night.
Dec. 23: Most of Oswego’s stores will be open Thursday (today) during the afternoon so that
Christmas shoppers will have the advantage of the added hours.
Oswego’s mat team defeated Reavis last Friday, 37-11, and Downers Grove on Monday to run
its victory total to six for the season against no losses.
Dec. 30: Increased costs of production make it necessary to raise the rate for classified
advertising in the Oswego Ledger from 3 cents per word to 4 cents per word with a 40 cent
minimum per insertion. This increase will be effective Jan. 1, 1955
Beginning on the same day, there will also be a charge for thank you cards at the same rate of 4
cents per word with a 40 cent minimum per insertion. It has been the policy of the Ledger for the
past five years to print such cards free of charge. However we regret that it will be impossible to
do so in the future.
ALL AROUND THE VILLAGE
A press release from Kansas State College tells us that Poke Claassen is one of the 21-man
freshman cage squad. Twenty of the 21 players are over six feet tall, with 6’9” the tallest. Poke is
around seventh or eighth in height and is playing at a forward spot.
Jan. 10 is the first day for filing candidacy petitions for township offices. Up for election will be
the road commissioner, the supervisor, and one justice of the peace.
The net meet for the local undefeated mat team will be at West Aurora next Thursday.
1955
January
Jan. 6: The Oswego Village Board voted to give American Legion Post 675 a special club liquor
license at their meeting held Monday night in Village hall. The fee for this license is set at $75
yearly.
Beginning with this issue, the Oswego Ledger will be mailed to persons receiving mail on RFD 2
Yorkville, and Bristol RFD, on the first Thursday of each month. Many of the people living in
these two areas are vitally concerned with Oswego, having boys and girls attending school here
and doing their trading here. Receiving the Ledger once each month will give these folks an
opportunity to keep up with things going on in the community. The additional cost of the
external copies and mailing is being underwritten by the merchants advertising in the ledger
columns, so we urge readers to patronize local merchants. This is the one way you can keep the
Ledger coming into your homes.
The school signal lights are back from the factory and in working order again. The lights are
turned on only during the hours that boys and girls are going and coming from school in the
morning, at noon, and in the afternoon by a special timing device. This precaution was taken so
that the stop lights could not be turned on at odd hours and times.
March of Dimes folders for the 1955 Polio Fund Drive were in the mail this week.
Jan. 13. There will be vacancies to be filled this year on the township board, the village board,
the park board, and both school boards.
The Oswego High School varsity wrestlers had won eight matches in a row with their latest win
over DeKalb on Jan. 10.
“With some 14 positions to be filled on township, village, park and school boards this April it
would seem that local people would be able to find something to suit them. This would be a very
good time for those who are dissatisfied with administration of the various boards to do
something positive about it, like filing for the particular board. This is a better way to get things
done than to just continually gripe about how other people are handling things,” Ledger Editor
Ford Lippold observed.
Jan. 20: The OHS grapplers lost their first match of the season to Joliet, 23-17, but managed to
defeat the Ottawa wrestlers 31-11.
Coach Ken Pickerill anticipates that several of his grapplers will make the trip to the state finals
this year. Alvin Wheeler is still undefeated in ten matches.
If you don’t think there is a big population increase and turnover in the Oswego community, just
make it a point to see how many folks you recognize the next time you attend a PTA meeting or
some other school-wide function that draws most of the parents together. You’ll be surprised.
Cubmaster Oliver Leppert, Assistant Scoutmaster Gene Schultz and Scoutmaster Ford L.
Lippold were among the more than 200 Scout leaders in the area to attend the annual dinner and
meeting at Aurora Wednesday night.
The Holstein herd of J. George Smith recently completed a yearly herd average of 24.5 cows
producing an average of 12,741 pounds of milk and 473 pounds fat on a 2 times a day milking to
receive top honors for production in the Kendall County Dairy Herd Improvement Association.
Jan. 27: The Boy Scouts of Troop 31 will hold a waste paper drive this Saturday.
On Friday night, Feb. 4, the Oswego High Varsity cage team will play a mixed alumni and
faculty team in what should be the battle of the century. There will also be a preliminary game in
which some girls will be involved, according to reports.
February -- 1955
Feb. 3: The local PTA will meet Tuesday night, Feb. 8, in the Red Brick School gym in
observation of Founder’s Night. The local unit of the PTA had its beginning in this school
building. All past presidents will be honored and are invited to attend.
Dr. E.W. Lowry has moved into new offices at the Main Building, which used to be the Aurora
Beacon Building at 4 Main Street, Aurora. Starting Feb. 7, he will have office hours from 1-5,
except Thursday; and 1-8 p.m. Tuesday and Friday. The office telephone number is Aurora 4611.
Dr. Lowry will have an office in his home available for use in emergency attendance and for
hours by appointment mornings and evenings.
Feb. 10: Three petitions for township offices have been filed to date, Kenneth Gowran for road
commissioner; Oliver Burkhart and Wayne Fosgett for supervisor. Gowran and Burkhart are
incumbents. One petition has been filed for village offices, Alex Crossman [Crosman] for police
magistrate. Three board members are to be replace this year to fill vacancies left by Ralph
Burkhart, Geo. Griffin and Les Penn.
Dick Campbell is still leading the Fox Valley individual scoring race but by one a narrow one-
point margin. Campbell has 125 points while Frankie McKeever, Yorkville, has 124.
Several octogenarians in town celebrated birthdays last week. Mrs. Margaret Shaw was one and
the other was Mr. Traughber, father of our school superintendent.
Feb. 17: The latest addition to the juke box at the Panther’s Den is a waxing of “The Ballad of
Davy Crockett” recorded by Bill Hayes who is a nephew of Harry Mitchell. Harry donated the
record to the club. The disc sold 250,000 copies in a seven-day period.
The Oswego Varsity Wrestling Team beat West Aurora, 46-8, but lost to Palatine 30-14, to finish
their regular season. The Panthers only lost two matches all season, one to Joliet and one to
Palatine. Alvin Wheeler, wrestling at 102 lbs, had only one loss on the season. They were ready
to move on to sectional competition at Elgin High School Feb. 18-19.
A change is due for the post office with the new quarters to be in the Schultz building recently
vacated by Bohn’s Food Store. The move will take place somewhere around the first of April.
Dr. and Mrs. Walter H. Brill have moved into the house on the Washington Street hill recently
renovated by Geo. Bartholomew. Dr. Brill is associated with the Saxon Clinic.
Frankie McKeever, Yorkville cager, scored 15 points last Friday night while Oswego’s Dick
Campbell collected only 14 to throw the two boys into a tie at 139 points apiece for the Fox
Valley Conference individual scoring lead.
The fire department extinguished a fire Monday in a small building owned by Leo Grach situated
between the River Terrace Café and the river. Loss was estimated at $1,150.
Feb. 24: Two Oswego Panther wrestlers were moving on to the state finals at Champaign after
their showing at the Elgin Sectional. Alvin Wheeler, wrestling 102 lbs., was undefeated during
sectional competition. Brad Smith, wrestling 133 lbs., lost by a decision in his final match of the
competition. Three other Oswego wrestlers earned third place medals, David Gengler, Leonard
Burkhart, and Wayne Schillinger.
Oswego Girl Scouts were celebrating their organization’s eighth birthday. The first troop of 26
girls were led by Mrs. Lloyd Collins and Mrs. Charles Garrison, helped by a committee from the
American Legion Auxiliary including Mrs. Earl Zentmyer, Mrs. Ray Ness, and Mrs. Kenneth
Gowran.
Dick Campbell rounded out his Oswego High School basketball career with 19 points to lead
Oswego point makers in the Panthers’ game against Batavia. Campbell was second high in
individual scoring in the Fox Valley Conference having 135 points in eight contests for a 19.1
average per game. He was topped only by Yorkville’s Frankie McKeever, who led the loop with
139 points and a 20-plus average per game.
March -- 1955
March 3:
TWO STATE CHAMPS FOR OSWEGO
Oswego High athletics received another big boost last weekend as two Oswego grapplers
annexed state titles in the wrestling finals at Champaign. Alvin Wheeler took the 103 pound title,
while Brad Smith brought home the 127 pound championship.
The local fire department is looking for a used refrigerator, sink and kitchen cabinets for the new
fire barn kitchen. If you have any of these items, at a reasonable price, contact Chief Al Shuler.
March 10: Oswego High School will host 956 contestants from 25 high schools in the District 4
Music Competition this Saturday, March 12. Oswego will compete in Class C with Mazon,
Newark, Peotone, Plainfield, and Plano.
A Great Books discussion group will be started in Oswego early next fall.
Zentmyer Motor Sales was the recipient of an annual award made by the Ford Motor Company
to dealers who have made an outstanding record during the year.
Oswego’s junior high basketball team piled up an impressive 15-2 record this year and was
named Kendall County Junior High Conference Champion for the third time in the last four
years. The only team strong enough to beat the local quintet was Batavia and they did it twice.
Team members included Ron Silvius, Wilson Smith, Rod Anderson, Chuck Shuler, Sonny Alsip,
Eugene Boram, Dave Parkhurst, Dick Parkhurst, Jim Seidelman, Keith Haag, and Henry Cryder.
March 17: Barbara Schultz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. LeeVerne Schultz, is valedictorian of the
1955 High School Graduating Class with a four year average of 95.19. Earl Falk, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Simon Falk, is salutatorian with a four-year average of 94.53. High school graduation
exercises will be held on Friday night, May 27. Junior high graduation will be on Thursday
night, May 26.
Three nominating petitions have been filed to fill vacancies on the village board. Leslie Penn,
James Zentmyer, and Don Pinnow are the candidates and unless there is a late filing, will run
unopposed. Penn is an incumbent while Zentmyer and Pinnow will be running for the posts
being vacated by Ralph Burkhart and George Griffin.
Three persons have filed for park board commissioners, Ralph Wheeler, Everett Hafenrichter,
and Mrs. Jane Patterson. All are running unopposed.
There are races for both township posts up for election this year with O.A. Burkhart (incumbent)
and Wayne Fosgett seeking the supervisor’s spot while Kenneth Gowran (incumbent) and
Clarence Schoger are seeking the road commissioner post.
March 24: Postmaster G.C. Bartholomew states that the post office fixtures will be moved to the
new building on the northwest corner of Main and Washington Sts. (formerly occupied by
Bohn’s Supermart) this weekend. Operations in the new plant will begin Monday morning.
Postmaster Bartholomew requests that all who possibly can pick up their mail Saturday
afternoon and evening so that moving will be facilitated.
The new quarters, about a third larger in size than the present building, will be equipped to offer
post office patrons handier and more efficient service.
Representatives of 17 towns in the Fox Valley area met at Sandwich Sunday to organize the
Cornbelt Little League Baseball Organization for this year. The league this year will be divided
into four divisions, three of four teams and one of five teams. Oswego will be in the Southeastern
a Division, along with Yorkville, Montgomery, and Plattville. Other Divisions:
Southeastern B: Hinckley, Big Rock, Kaneville, and Plano.
Northwestern A: Serena, Newark, Sheridan, Somonauk, Sandwich.
Northwestern B.: Waterman, Shabbona, Paw Paw, and Leland.
The Fox Valley Pony League was also organized during the past weeks with the possibility of 14
teams playing this year from as many towns.
Teams represented for certain include Plano, Sandwich, Plainfield, Somonauk, Shabbona,
Yorkville, Hinckley, Big Rock, Oswego, and Leland. Possible other teams are Earlville,
Sheridan, Paw Paw, and Waterman.
John Carr has been working late for the past few weeks getting the store in shape for the 17th
anniversary sale beginning this week. The entire display area has been rearranged and
streamlined.
March 31: If all of the people eligible voted in next Tuesday’s election, over a thousand ballots
would be cast in the two Oswego precincts. Chances are that about fifth percent of that number
will be cast. For some reason, perhaps lack of glamour, voters do not take the interest in local
elections as they do in national elections. However, it is just as important that local governments
be headed by solid, respectable people as state and national governments. The spending of the
taxpayers’ dollars is still the prime factor.
Building permits for the past two months include one for a home and one for a filling station and
home combination.
John Ode, Shed; Been Lippy, garage; Carl Everett, home in the Les Morse Addition; R.M.
Burkhart, garage; Lawrence Dunlap, filling station and home on the south side of Washington
St., just east of River Terrace Café.
Two events going on at school this weekend include the modern dance recital given by members
of the dance club, a program which they have been working on diligently for some weeks under
the direction of P.E. teacher Jackie Pickerill.
April -- 1955
April 7: In one of the closest elections in the history of Oswego Township, Wayne Fosgett won
the supervisor’s nomination by a margin of seven votes over incumbent O.A. Burkhart. In the
one other contest, Kenneth Gowran, incumbent, won out over Clarence Schoger by a margin of
64 votes. Over 700 votes were cast for one of the biggest votes in many years for a township
election.
On recommendation of the U.S. Postal Inspector, the local post office will close at 6:00 from
now on.
April 14: A good share of the Oswego television sets were tuned in on the Peewee King show
last Saturday night when the Kendall County Square Dancers appeared on that popular country
music clambake. Led by Ray Alderson, caller, the group put on three intricate numbers with the
ease of veterans. Local viewers had no trouble picking out Beverly Parkhurst, Joy Ann Albert
and Eldon Rebhorn.
Only 89 ballots were cast in the school board elections held last Saturday. All the candidates for
the grade school and high school boards were running unopposed.
A new bulletin sign has been erected in front of the Presbyterian Church. Made of brick, it is a
solid looking structure. Marshall Young did the brick-laying.
April 21:
SALK VACCINE HERE NEXT WEEK
The Salk vaccine for prevention of polio has arrived at Yorkville for distribution in Kendall
County. First and second grade pupils of country schools will receive the vaccine provided they
have returned signed consent slips. The local doctors are donating their time to administer this
vaccine and volunteer mothers will assist. The first done will be given to Oswego pupils on
Wednesday, April 27, and the second dose on Wednesday, May 18. The third dose is to be given
next fall as recommended by Dr. Salk. The Oswego clinics will be held a the Little Grade School
and will begin at 8:30 a.m. Oswego’s three outlying schools, McCauley, Church, and Willow
Hill, will bring their pupils to Oswego.
Three members of the village board were elected Tuesday when a total of 115 votes were cast.
Those elected were Don Pinnow, 60; Milton Pen, 99; Jim Zentmyer, 97. A write-in vote
campaign for retiring member George Griffin fell short as he received 46 votes. Alex Crossman
[Crosman] received 87 votes for police magistrate.
Plans are being considered for a new educational building for the Federated Church. The new
building will be attached to the present one.
A committee has been selected to decide on the size of the all-purpose play area to be installed
on the Red Brick School grounds with representatives from the Civic Club, Lions Club, school
board, and park board. It is planned to have the work done as soon as possible after school closes
so the area can be used this summer.
Those who missed the Lion’s Show last Friday night missed an excellent two hours of
entertainment. All of the 450 persons present thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, particularly
the part played in it by local people. Bill Denney, John Jones, Pete Campbell, and Judy Detzler
came in for a Lion’s share of the applause.
Duane Ode is home for good after serving the past several years with the armed forces.
A total of 14 teams make up the Fox Valley Pony [Baseball] Loop this year with the teams
divided into three divisions. Oswego will be in the Eastern Division along with Sandwich,
Yorkville, Plainfield, and Sheridan.
April 28: At a meeting of the township board held last Friday evening, Clarence Parkhurst was
named assessor to fill the unexpired term left by the resignation of Wayne L. Fosgett, newly
elected supervisor.
Mr. and Mrs. George Mickle, a girl, born Sunday at St. Charles Hospital in Aurora.
Mrs. Anna Kruger is correspondent for the Kendall County Record.
The first done of Salk vaccine for prevention of polio was given to Oswego first and second
graders Wednesday. The second done will be given on May 18 and the third next fall.
If you like to listen to gospel singing that carries a beat and a bounce, tune in Mahalia Jackson on
Thursday and Sunday evenings. It’s a different program. Too good to last probably.
A new business in the village will be the manufacture of lamps and other knick-knacks from
driftwood. E.J. Zentmyer is the originator and work is progressing in his building on Main St.,
that recently housed Rucks Appliance Store. Lamps will be available for local outlet.
Bids for the laying of a 100x100 ft. black top area on the Red Brick Grade School grounds are
being considered by the grade school board. Work on the area will begin as soon as possible with
expectations that work will be completed by mid June. The area will be large enough for two
tennis courts and other standard area games including basketball. The project will cost
approximately $3,000 with the Civic Club furnishing about two-thirds of the amount and the
Lions Club the other one-third.
A letter to the editor from “A Recent Resident:” “The write-in vote at last week’s village election
was most interesting. The fact that an effort was made to keep Don Pinnow off the board of
trustees by such a method indicates that Mr. Pinnow must be a little too liberal in his thinking for
the “old guard.” As a newcomer to Oswego, I don’t know Mr. Pinnow but I hope that he is a
liberal thinker and that he accepts his position with a forward looking mind as should the rest of
the board members. Oswego is in a position to grow tremendously in the next decade and it is
hoped that the thinking of all elected officials grows accordingly.”
Arthur Tramblie, building principal and teacher at the Red Brick Grade School, has purchased a
lot in the Bartholomew Addition on Rt. 25 and plans on building this summer.
May -- 1955
May 5: According to the tax rate schedules for Oswego Township for 1953 and 1954 per $100 of
equalized valuation, the overall tax rate increased by less than 20 cents on each $100 of
valuation. Many owners of village property found their total tax bill much higher than in
previous years, some having as much as doubled, but this increase was due to the revaluation of
property rather than an increase in the tax rate. If your tax bill is higher, it is mostly because your
property is valued at more than it was previously, not because tax rates are higher.
One of the items discussed at the village board meeting Monday night is the sudden rash of BB
guns cropping up in the village. Milton L. Penn, chairman of the Law and Order Committee,
stated that any youngsters found shooting the BB guns inside the village limits will be dealt with
according to statute.
Permission was given to American Legion Post 675 to hold a carnival on Main Street between
Washington and Van Buren streets on June 8-11.
Kendall County doctors and their wives held a dinner meeting in the Yorkville Masonic Lodge
last week to mark the presentation of a charter to the newly organized Kendall County Medical
Society.
Building permits during the past month were issued to Carl Ode, addition to garage; Bruce
McBride, new home in Main St.; Wm. A. Burgholzer, home in Morse’s subdivision; E.L. Herget,
home in Main St.
May 12: Airman First Class Gene Herren, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Herren, was a member of
the Rhine-Main skeet squad that captured the Eastern Invitational Shoot at Rhine-Main,
Germany.
At the regular monthly meeting held Monday night in the Panther’s Den, Everett Hafenrichter
was named to serve as president of the Oswego Park Board for the current year. Arthur Davis
was named ice-president. John Carr was appointed treasurer and Ford L. Lippold, secretary.
Ralph Wheeler and Arthur Davis were placed on the finance committee and Mrs. Gerald DuSell
and Mrs. C.W. Patterson on the recreation committee.
May 26: Commencement exercises for the Oswego High School Class of ’55 will be held in the
high school auditorium Friday evening, May 27, at 8 p.m. Thirty-five seniors will receive
diplomas.
Salutatorian was Earl Falk and valedictorian was Barbara Schultz. Elaine Matile earned the
Citizenship Award, Richard Campbell won the Sportsmanship and Athletics Award, and Janet
Vinson won the Activities Award. Class President Gerald Testin presented the class gift.
Members of the class include Glenn LaVerne Baker, Judith Lou Behrens, Arlo Raymond Bower,
Leonard Fred Burkhart, Richard Cherry Campbell, Esther Lillian Cox, Harvey Milton Curley,
Kay Ann Eichelberger, Earl Lyman Falk, David Keith Gengler, Loretta Jean Johnson, Carol Ann
Jonker, Geraldine Jump, Michael Harry Kontos, Glenn William Leifheit Jr., Shaaron Kay
Lippold, Elaine Marion Matile, David Lee McCauley, Gerald David Meetz, Louise Margaret
Norris, Donald Lawrence Rissman, Barbara Ann Rohr, Ted Lee Shiltz, Harry Ellis Schlapp,
Roger Lee Schlapp, Barbara Lee Schultz, Bradford Neil Smith, Gerald Joseph Testin, James
Kenneth Tripp, Richard Lee Vacca, Janet Roberta Vinson, Walter Duane Vickery, Irma Dorothy
Voorheis, Jack Arnold Walper, and Dolores Ann Zentmyer.
The Oswego High School Panthers Baseball Team annexed the Fox Valley Baseball
Championship Monday afternoon, defeating Minooka by 3-1 and Joe Plaskas hurled a no-hitter.
June -- 1955
June 2: Eighth grade graduations sure have had the whammy on them during the past two years
due to stormy weather. This was the second year in a row that the fire department has had to fill
in as an electrical power plant so that the program could go on.
The annual Memorial Day parade sponsored by the local American Legion Post gets bigger and
better each year.
Men helping in Little League and Pony League play include Ray Linden, Herm Friebele, Bob
Walper, Chuck LaGow, and Dave Walper. Allen Rohr and Roger Schillinger are to handle the
umpiring chores.
The Main Café was broken into Sunday evening and over $100 taken from the cash register.
Sheriff William Maier is investigating.
June 9: Three Oswego boys, David Parkhurst, Larry Smith, and Jim Turner are up in McHenry
County this week taking part in a 4-H movie sponsored by the John Deere Company.
Boys and girls of the community are invited to view the exciting film, “The Jackie Robinson
Story,” this Saturday afternoon, June 11 in the community Room at 1:00. This is the first event in
a 10-week long summer recreation program sponsored by the Oswego Park Board.
Now that Western Electric has purchased the United Wallpaper Plant at Montgomery, don’t be
too surprised to see several king-size housing developments spring up both on the east and west
sides of the river south of Montgomery.
The Kopper Kettle has a new electric dishwasher installed since last Monday.
A short wave radio has been installed in the local police car and is hooked up with the
transmitting station at the sheriff’s office in Yorkville. The cost of the radio was underwritten by
the new established police protection tax voted in about a year ago.
June 16: Due to the delay in the production and distribution of the Salk vaccine by the national
authorities, the second dose of the free vaccine for the first and second grade pupils will not be
given until next fall after schools are in session.
June 23: William Kibble, manager of the Oswego branch of the Alexander Lumber Co., and his
family will be leaving the first of the month. Bill has purchased a lumberyard in DeKalb.
The Oswego Grade School Board decided at their regular meeting Monday night to proceed with
the fencing in of the new all-purpose play court on the Red Brick School grounds. The decision
was made from the standpoint of safety for youngsters, both during the summer and during the
next school year. The fencing will be 10-foot high cyclone fence of the type needed for tennis
and other asphalt court games and will be placed on the east, south, and west sides. The north
side, toward the swings, will be left open.
The all-purpose court, constructed by Stahl Construction Co., Somonauk, was completed last
week and is still in the process of setting.
The total cost of the area, 100x100 ft., was $2,630 and provided for a top-notch surface that will
be ideal for tennis, badminton, tether-ball, volley ball, basketball, and all other types of court
games.
A balance of $270 was left over from the fund provide for the play area by the Oswego Civic
Club and the Oswego Lion’s Club of $2,900. This balance will be used toward the fence and
there is a possibility that future projects of various civic organizations will go toward the rest of
the fencing and providing lights for night use of the area.
Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Morse observed their 57th wedding anniversary Wednesday, June 15.
The county officials are beginning to be a little concerned over the proposed housing
developments, particularly those in Oswego Township, and have held several meetings lately on
the possibility of designing some modern building and zoning codes.
Gene Herren, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ron Herren, was selected as the outstanding airman of his
base for the first quarter of this year. He was selected for this honor from a group of nearly 2,000
airmen including the 21st Fighter Bomber Wing and all attached units.
June 30: Wayne Fosgett, supervisor of Oswego Township, is a member of the newly formed
supervisor’s committee to develop a new zoning and building code for Oswego Township. With
all the proposed new building being planned for the county and particularly Oswego Township,
the county board of supervisors is greatly concerned with the zoning and building code, which at
the present time is outmoded.
The dairy herd owned by William Husband made top average for the State of Illinois with an
average production for 12 cows with 1,658 lbs. of milk and 61.8 lbs. of fat.
July -- 1955
July 7: Local stores are using the new sales tax schedule as released by the Illinois Retail Dealers
Association in conjunction with the new half-cent sales tax increase voted at the last session of
the Illinois legislature.
Building permits of four new homes were issued by the village clerk during the past 30 days. The
total estimated valuation of the buildings totals over $72,500. John Burkhart, residence, Morse’s
Subdivision; Fred Arterburn, residence, Park Avenue; Everett McKeown, garage, Madison
Street; Geo. VanVleet, residence and garage, Bartholomew Subdivision; M.R. Steckel, residence
and garage, Park Avenue.
Plans for Bartholomew’s Second Subdivision to the village, located on Rt. 25, was presented to
the village board for consideration at Tuesday night’s meeting. Calling for an additional 18 lots
to the seven already subdivided in Bartholomew’s First Subdivision, it would bring the total lots
available to 25. Already two houses have been built in that area and a third is under way.
It was voted to have a red telephone signal light installed on top of the street light at the corner of
Washington and Main Streets so that the night watchman will be able to determine when a call
comes in for the police without having to be in the village hall. Whenever a call does come in
during the night, the red signal light will go on and the officer will return to the village hall upon
seeing it and accept the call.
July 14: A group of 50 Oswego area boys traveled to Comiskey Park to see the Chicago White
Sox play on July 15.
The marriage of Martha Laechelt and Robert Rebhorn took place on June 25. The candlelight
service was held in the 100 year old Ivanhoe Congregational Church near Mundelein.
It was comforting to find that the Oswego Library has added three new Tom Swift books to its
shelves. What with lurid comic books, etc., the wholesome adventures of Tom Swift and his
brothers are a welcome tonic. There are those who would condemn this type of literature as
pretty juvenile and far-fetched, but Tom Swift and also the Rover Boys are a part of the
American heritage.
Herb Rucks, local appliance dealer, attended a closed-circuit telecast on Sunday, July 10, at the
Conrad Hilton Hotel, Chicago, the first to be held in the sewing machine industry.
July 21: The Oswego Village Board approved an appropriation ordinance in the amount of
$118,620 at a meeting held Monday evening, July 18. In addition to the regular items ordinarily
included in the yearly budget, a $50,000 appropriation is included to cover the cost of a new well
for the water system and possible extension of water service to new subdivisions.
In an editorial, Ford Lippold wrote:
WATER WORKS IMPROVEMENT
The proposal of the Oswego Village Board to improve and expand the water system should be
heartily supported by the community as long as the money is spent wisely and well. Priority
rights for spending money on the water system should go toward increasing the well capacity to
take care of newly developed subdivisions and future expansion; extending water mains to newly
developed subdivisions and planned subdivisions; repair and maintenance on the water supply
tank. A good deal of planning should precede final action. The fact that the village board is
becoming cognizant of the need of planning for future expansion is heartening indeed. Oswego is
a community with a future and now is the time to keep moving forward. Every new home, every
improvement is a step in the right direction. There are some in the community who would be
happy to remain as is as far as progress is concerned but, happily, these are becoming fewer
every day.
Northern Illinois Gas Company associates of Christopher Bauman, RFD 1, Oswego, honored
him recently as he observed his 25th year in the utility business. Bauman started his utility career
in Aurora as a student engineer in 1930 and held various supervisory, engineering and operating
assignments. He was operating superintendent for the utility’s Aurora District until May of this
year when he transferred to the construction department at the gas company’s operations
headquarters in Bellwood. A member of St. Anne’s Church, Bauman is also a member of the
Knights of Columbus in Aurora. His spare time is devoted to gardening and caring for his fruit
trees, and he enjoys collecting antiques, steins and old marbles.
For the second time in a six-week period, the Main Café was looted during the night. The latest
entering occurred Monday night or early Tuesday morning and over 50 cartons of cigarettes and
six or more boxes of cigars were taken.
Township Supervisor Wayne Fosgett announced this week that James Vinson has been appointed
thistle commissioner by the township board.
July 28: Announcement was made last week of the sale of the James H. Bereman Farm, located
on the east side of Route 25, East River Road, north of Oswego, to a group of individuals headed
by Orion J. Stover, a farmer of Milledgeville, Ill., and Don L. Dise, who heads the firm of Don
L. Dise, Inc., Lyons. No statement has been made as to the specific use to which the land is to be
put but the possibility of a housing development of somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,400
homes is very likely. The development would possibly be over a period of eight to ten years.
There is approximately 675 acres in the parcel of land and all of it is located in Oswego
Township.
Dise has been the builder of a number of housing developments in the Chicago area including
one at LaGrange Park and another at Homewood.
Dise stated that there will be no announcement of plans for another two months. He also said that
there was no connection between the transaction and the recent purchase of the Montgomery
plant of United Wall paper, Inc. by the Western Electric Co.
Dise stated that there will be no announcement of plans for another two months. He also said that
there was no connection between the transaction and the recent purchase of the Montgomery
plant of United Wall Paper, Inc., by the Western Electric Co.
The staff for Oswego high and grade schools is complete with the exception of two of the
teachers…With 30 regular teachers and four substitutes, the 1955-56 staff is the largest in the
history of the Oswego school system. Administration staff included Superintendent T. Loyd
Traughber and at the in-town schools Richard Rockenbach, high school; Lowell Polley, junior
high; and Arthur Tramblie, Red Brick School.
The Village Board has given some consideration to the feasibility of purchasing an electronic
timing device for control of traffic in through streets in the village. The timers are being sued to
great advantage in towns and villages, little and big, in all sections of the country and have
proved effective in cutting down speeding and, consequently, reducing the accident rate.
Certainly, a timer would prove of value on the highways running through the village, particularly
Chicago Road and Madison St. Main St. and Washington St. are also good spots for such a
device. The reasonable cost of the timer and its portability make it extremely practical for use in
small villages.
The Kendall County 4-H Federation Club held another meeting recently in the Farm Bureau
Building at Yorkville. One of the main topics of discussion was a “Corn Drive,” in which any
profit made would be donated toward camp funds.
The public speaking contest was also held with the contestants as follows: Alice Shoger, “I
Speak for Democracy;” Wanda Penn, “The True Meaning of 4-H;” John Finittey, “The Forgotten
Fertilizer.” Alice and Wanda will represent the group at the Illinois State Fair.
August -- 1955
Aug. 4: The Village of Oswego has purchased one of the Speed-Watch electronic timing devices
according to an announcement made by Milton Penn, chairman of the Law and Order
Committee. The device, widely in use in adjoining communities, is intended to help curb
speeding on village thoroughfares and increase the safety factor for both children and adult
pedestrians. Signs will be posted at entrances to the village indicating that the electrical timing
device is in use. Surveys show that these signs have tended to cut down speeding in areas where
they are in use.
The boards of education are making extensive repair and redecoration at the Red Brick School.
Gordon Wormley has completed the electrical contract as recommended by the State Supt. of
Public Instruction. All upstairs rooms in the 1926 addition will be equipped with fluorescent
lights. Womack and Applequist, Aurora, are now completing the redecoration of all the
classrooms, halls, and toilets. The color scheme is in accordance with recommendations of
lighting engineers for school buildings. Additional desks have been purchased to supplement
equipment on hand and to accommodate increasing enrollment in each grade.
One additional teacher ahs been employed by the high school board. Increasing enrollment
makes two divisions of each year necessary and extra classes.
An extra bus has been purchased to prevent overloading. The new vehicle has a 64-passenger
Oneida body mounted on an International chassis.
(Editor’s note: The name of Mrs. Jacqueline Pickerill was omitted from last week’s list of
teachers. Mrs. Pickerill will teach girl’s physical education.)
Herb Hasenyager, head football and basketball coach for the past four years at Oswego High
School handed in his resignation last week. Herb has accepted a position at Eureka High School
where he will be athletic director and head football coach. Kenneth Pickerill is to be athletic
director and head football coach for the 1955-56 year.
VILLAGE PLANNING COMMISSION NEEDED?
It is time to wake up and recognize the fact that Oswego and adjoining territory is growing and at
an accelerated pace…Many communities faced with like problems have formed a planning
committee to prepare for a systematic and orderly growth…Now is the time! Oswego is
growing! Let’s keep it growing! Tomorrow may be too late!
A request of G.C. Bartholomew to have the plat of Bartholomew’s 2nd Subdivision accepted was
approved with reservations by the village board. The subdivision will provide 18 additional
building lots.
No action was taken on a request by Henry Pierce to level off dirt and widen the channel of
Waubonsie creek west of the Adams St. bridge.
A preliminary plan of an 80-unit subdivision was presented by Stanley Herren with a request that
the village board ascertain if sewer and water facilities would be adequate for such a project.
An invitation was given by Supervisor Wayne Fosgett to attend a meeting in the community
room Wednesday, Aug. 10, to discuss extensive building in the township and the part Western
Electric will play in Oswego’s expansion.
Aug. 11: The trend toward installing safety belts in passenger cars is spreading rapidly
throughout the country. In fact, the trend has reached a point where an auto insurance company
in Louisiana is preparing to reduce its rates for passenger liability and medical payment
insurance by nearly 8 percent for cars having safety belts.
The reduction which the firm seeks was carefully calculated on the basis of certain auto accident
claim payments over a two-year span.
Folks who make a habit of watching stock car racing can certainly spot the advantages of safety
belts when an accident occurs. The average cost of a safety belt is from $5 to $9. Seems to be
cheap enough when a life or serious injury hangs in the balance.”
Mr. and Mrs. Milton Penn announce the engagement of their daughter, Wilma, to Jerry Simms,
son of Dr. and Mrs. R.E. Simms of Plano.
Aug. 18: A public meeting in the community room at Oswego High School was attended by area
civic group leaders and representatives of the school, park, and fire district boards plus Oswego
Village Board and Oswego Township Board members to discuss the incoming Western Electric
Company plant and projected new subdivisions and their impact on the community. A committee
consisting of John Carr, Dr. M.R. Saxon, Mrs. Homer Brown, Charles Lippincott, and Jerome
Nelson was appointed to talk with Western Electric personnel officers concerning the likely
needs of workers at the new plant. “It was also recommended that this same committee talk with
representatives of the building contractors who are to develop the subdivision of the Bereman
property of some 600 to 700 homes in order that preliminary planning on schools, parks, fire
protection, etc. can be discussed,” the Ledger reported.
The Oswego High School Board approved hiring Paul Johnson of Kankakee to teach mechanical
drawing, shop, and driver’s ed. Johnson will be discharged from the armed forces Aug. 18. He
and his bride will live in the Pfund apartments.
Grade school teachers employed last week to fill the vacancies included Mrs. Uarda Henderson,
Oswego, for junior high school mathematics and Mrs. Chris Bauman, Oswego, for third grade.
Earl Schlapp was hired to drive the bus route formerly covered by Jim Zentmyer.
Aug. 25: The 10 week summer recreation program of the Oswego Park Board closed last
Saturday of the end of the seventh season of directed recreation in Oswego. Well over 400 boys
and girls took par in this summer’s program and over 15,000 hours of directed recreation were
taken part in by Oswego community youngsters. This represented an increase of some 22 percent
over last year and is an indication of the growth of the community.
September -- 1955
Sept. 1: Building permits for new homes, garages and improvements were issued in the amount
of $44,000 in the past 30 days: Harry Isleman, residence; Floi Johnston, subdivision; Stanley
Herren, residence, Tyler Street; Charles LaGow, garage; Walter Hage, garage; Ronald Herren,
improvements; Federated Parsonage, improvements.
If pre-opening predictions run true to form, the enrollment in both Oswego grade and high
schools will reach the highest point in the history of the community. The schools open today
(Thursday) and will be open until noon only Full time sessions begin on Friday and the entire
operation will be in full swing when classes reconvene on Tuesday after the Labor Day weekend.
The Oswego Panther football team was getting ready for its opening game of the season against
the Geneva Vikings under the lights on the Panthers’ home field in Oswego, Sept. 16.
Sept. 8:
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT IS UP BY 90
Highest In Oswego History
First day totals show that there is an increase of 90 pupils for the 1955-56 term over the 1954-55
enrollment. There are 69 more grade school pupils and 21 additional high school pupils. Totals
show 563 pupils enrolled in the grade schools and 212 enrolled in high school as compared to
494 in grade school last year and 191 in high school.
These are first day figures and will undoubtedly be increased by latecomers in the next few days.
There has been an increase of 225 pupils [should be 226, or 41 percent] in the Oswego school
system since September of 1951, when first day enrollment was 549 students.
At their meeting Tuesday evening the Oswego Village Board accepted a petition signed by 220
Oswego registered voters requesting the formation of a plan commission “To prepare and
recommend to the corporate authorities a comprehensive plan of public improvement looking
forward to the present and future development of the municipality.”
Coach Ken Pickerill has been drilling 48 grid hopefuls in fundamentals during the past weeks in
preparation for the opening game against Geneva on Friday, Sept. 16, on the home field.
Pickerill has a nucleus of eight lettermen around which to build his 1955 eleven, which will be
seeking to keep possession of the Fox Valley championship gained last year.
As things stand at present, the starting line-up against Geneva, a member of the Little Seven
Conference and some pretty tough competition for an opener, offensively will be Jim Behrens
and Pat Tate at the ends; Butch Schillinger and Dave Garbleman at tackles; Lyle Johnson, Jerry
Smith, or Jack Curley at guards; Karl Shoger, Center; Joe Plaskas, quarterback; Louis Aug and
Don Peterson at halfbacks; Don Aug at fullback.
Defensive linemen will include Schillinger, Karl Wheaton, Garbleman, Shoger, and Malcolm
Goudie. Linebackers, Curley, Johnson, Aug, Smith, and Jim Turner. Defensive backs, Tate,
Behrens, Plaskas, and Peterson.
Sept. 15: The Oswego Panthers opened the 1955 football season against the Geneva Vikings on
Friday evening, Sept. 16 under the lights at the OHS football field. Quarterbacking the frosh-
soph team were Bill Kontos and Chuck Shuler; leading the varsity was quarterback Joe Plaskas.
Sept. 22: The Oswego Panthers were looking for their first win of the football season as they
took on Marseilles. Geneva beat the Panther varsity 26-7 the week before.
At a special meeting of the village board held last Tuesday night [Sept. 21], an ordinance was
passed (printed in full in this issue of the Ledger) forming a plan commission for the Village of
Oswego. The commission will be made up of 11 members, the president of the board, the
chairman of the zoning board of appeals, and nine other members appointed by the village
president with the approval of the village board.
The 1955-56 driver-training car for Oswego High School was a green and black 1955 Pontiac,
sponsored by Burkhart Pontiac of Oswego. The Chicago Motor Club furnished dual controls for
the vehicle along with classroom books and other materials.
The marriage of Marilyn Kublank and Eldon Rebhorn took place on the afternoon of Sept. 4 at
the Community Church, Mundelein, Ill.
After a short trip to Mammoth Cave, Ky., the couple will make their home at 929 West Lincoln
Highway, DeKalb. Eldon is an industrial arts student at Northern Illinois State Teachers College,
DeKalb.
Sept. 29: After their first win of the season, 25-13 over Marseilles, the Panther football team,
under coach Ken Pickerill, was looking forward to their Sept. 30 game on the road against Plano.
October -- 1955
Oct. 6: The annual Oswego High School Homecoming was set for the weekend of Oct. 7-8. The
Panthers were set to play the Yorkville Foxes in the homecoming contest, and were looking
forward to their fourth Fox Valley Conference win of the season.
Because village police officer Paul Dwyre suffered a slipped disc and the Oswego night
watchman resigned effective Sept. 15, the village board was trying to fill a hole in local police
protection. Constable Jeff Rogerson has been taking over some of the local law enforcement
responsibilities.
Oct. 13: The Oswego Fire Department spent more than 12 hours at a fire on the Jim Goudie
farm, McCauley Road, last Sunday. A fire of unknown origin swept through a combination hog
bar, cattle barn, and corn shed completely destroying it and burning 3,000 bales of hay and straw
and killing two head of hogs. Four adjacent farm buildings were saved by firefighters. Yorkville
firefighters assisted.
The Panther football team was rolling along after it’s 33-0 win over the Yorkville Foxes during
the Oswego homecoming game. Next up was a tough Earlville squad.
Oswegoans who attended the Isle Theater last week had an opportunity see Chuck Quantock, an
Oswego grad, in Technicolor and on the wide screen.
Chuck was head of the block “I” at the University of Illinois two years ago the group that
entertains with flash cards during halftime.
The Technicolor short, “Punts and Stunts,” showed all the glamour and background of a
Saturday afternoon grid game at Illinois and there were three or four excellent shots of Chuck in
action.
The show was still on and may still be kept until the weekend along with “The Left Hand of
God.”
Oct. 20: The Oswego PTA was putting the finishing touches on their plans for their annual
Halloween Fair at Oswego High School on Oct. 29. A full Swiss steak dinner was planned along
with an evening full of fun and games for school district youngsters.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Johnson of Oswego Township celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary
with an open house at the Masonic Hall in downtown Oswego hosted by their sons, Ralph,
Clarence, Clyde, Lester, and Howard.
Oct. 27: Jinx, the Super Circus chimp and Bubbles the Porpoise were set to appear at the Oswego
Halloween Fair on Oct. 29. New for this year’s event was a square dance for all ages.
The Panthers were ready to play Plainfield in a decisive Fox Valley Conference contest Oct. 28.
A win would clinch the conference championship for the Panthers for the second year in a row.
The Panthers were undefeated in conference play, with only a single season non-conference loss
to the Geneva Vikings. The frosh-soph team was undefeated going into the final contests of the
season.
November -- 1955
Nov. 3: After clinching their second straight conference championship in a close 19-12 win over
Plainfield the week before, the Oswego Panthers were set to close out the 1955 season with a
non-conference game with Immaculate Conception High School of Elmhurst.
In an editorial, Ledger Editor Ford L. Lippold wrote: This week’s issue of the Oswego Ledger
completes the sixth year of continuous publication. The Ledger comes to you through the
courtesy of the advertisers, who pay for the cost of publication. They are wide-awake
businessmen and realize the need for a means of communication in the Oswego area. Patronize
Ledger advertisers.”
Coffee was a nickel a cup during Value Days at the Kopper Kettle, Main at Washington Street,
in downtown Oswego on Nov. 4-5.
Nov. 13: The annual Junior Frolic was set for Oswego High School on Nov. 13, an OHS
tradition since 1932. The freshman, sophomore, and senior classes were each scheduled to give a
one-act play, while the juniors handled publicity, backstage work, and other management
activities, along with collecting admissions as a major class fundraiser.
General contractor Jim Kesslinger opened a new office in the old post office building at 106
Main Street next to the Bell Telephone office.
William Pichik announced the purchase of 80 acres of land on U.S. Route 34 about a mile west
of Oswego and opposite his present subdivision, for the purpose of subdividing 78 new
homesites. The present Pichik Subdivision has more than 40 lots, all of which have been sold.
In an editorial, Ledger Editor Ford Lippold wrote: “There are those in Oswego who would bury
their heads in the sand to the progress that is going on around them. They close their eyes to the
accelerated pace of building in the community and refuse to accept the fact that Oswego is a
growing community.
Naturally, growth is going to disturb the long and peaceful lethargy of the village. The pang of
growing pains is going to be felt. However, the fact remains that Oswego is on the move and we
might as well move along with it.
The new subdivision planned on the west side of the river will open another 80 building lots with
a potential increase of population in the neighborhood of 300 persons. It is only one of many.
Others will be coming in the near future.
It is not improbably that the population of Oswego Township will more than double in the next
10 years. In fact, it is almost certain to happen. Let’s face it!
The 19th Century Club is sponsoring “A Flag in Every Home” campaign.
U.S. Army Pvt. Rodney McCauley was graduated recently from the track vehicle maintenance
course at the Armored School, Fort Knox, Ky.
Nov. 17: Oswego Township Supervisor Wayne Fosgett presented a request for support from the
Oswego Village Board for a countywide zoning and building code, which would be enforced by
an officer appointed for the entire county.
Oswego’s newest subdivision, Brookside Manor, is now being planned by Mr. Howard Herren
and his son, Dr. Stanley Herren. At present, only ten acres is being developed. There is an
additional 20 acres in the plot, which will eventually provide home sites for approximately 75
homes. The project is so planned that it will provide a beautiful new addition to the Village of
Oswego.
Four Oswego Panthers were named to the All-Conference grid squad‘s first team, including
tackle Wayne Schillinger, guard John Curley, quarterback Joe Plaskas, and halfback Don
Peterson.
Nov 24: The Kendall County Board appointed Mr. A. Hanson as County building Officer with
specific charge of enforcing the recently passed county building code. The new building code
specifically applies to the area outside of incorporated areas. All builders in the non-incorporated
areas must have permits before construction, except on agriculture projects. The new building
code was passed Nov. 22.
An editorial by Ledger Editor Ford Lippold lauded members of the Kendall County Board for
passing a new building code. “In a fast-growing community such as the Oswego area, such a
code will protect the present property owners from being surrounded by ‘jerry-built’ areas, etc.,”
Lippold said.
Wilma Loraine Penn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Milton L. Penn of Oswego married Jerry Porter
Simms, son of Dr. and Mrs. R.E. Simms of Plano on Saturday evening, Nov. 19, at a ceremony
in the First Baptist Church of Plano. Dr. Simms presided at the ceremony.
Lottie Kesslinger and her staff at the Oswego Coffee Shop prepared the dinner served by the
Oswego Lions Club to the Oswego football team. Talking about restaurants, notice that they are
building an addition to the Standard Station at the junction of Rts. 34 and 71.
A committee is meeting to see what can be done about decorating up the town for Christmas.
The Geneva Vikings destroyed the Oswego Panther cagers 102-71 in a one-sided contest
Tuesday night. Chuck Shuler led the scoring for the victorious frosh-soph squad as they downed
Geneva 44-43.
December -- 1955
Dec. 1: The cafeteria at Oswego High School, the district’s only cafeteria, was serving an
average of 240 meals a day, according to school officials. Students from the Red Brick and Little
White grade schools walked to the building for lunch. The cafeteria staff included manager Mrs.
Lillian Schomer and staff Mrs. Evelyn Penn, Mrs. Hazel Patton, Mrs. Agnes Schultz, Mrs.
Dorothy Friebele, and Mrs. Laura Woolley.
Dec. 8: In a front page editorial, Ledger Editor Ford Lippold wondered: “Where is the plan
commission? Three months have passed since the plan commission resolution for the Village of
Oswego was passed by the village board. To date, the plan commission is not in operation. Latest
reports show that some of the proposed members have been approached and have accepted and
at the present time are marking time until the commission is completed so they can get to work.
In the meantime, valuable time is being wasted. The time is urgent. The need is urgent. Let us
hope that the plan commission is completed and in operation by the January board meeting.
James E. Kesslinger was named chairman of the Oswego Zoning Board of Appeals, replacing the
retiring William Shortman.
Douglas Dreier was appointed to the Oswego Grade School Board to replace Lester Bell, who
resigned due to the pressure of his business.
The Oswego American Legion and the Oswego Lions Club combined to help decorate
downtown Oswego by stringing colorful lights above Main Street in celebration of the holiday
season.
Songer’s Service Station at Route 34 and Route 71 was advertising their new coffee shop: “Hot
meals, sandwiches, and sundries.”
Christmas vacation for Oswego schools was to begin Dec. 21 and extend through Jan. 3.
Dec. 15: The itinerant magazine salesmen touring the village for a short time last Wednesday
were not sponsored by the local American Legion Post as they were leading people to believe.
This was a misrepresentation on the part of the salesmen and said gentlemen left town in a hurry.
Dec. 22: There were quite a few puzzled people in the village trying to figure out how the town
got turned around on the very fine card sent out by Denney’s Supermart. It’s all due to the
printers’ error of reversing the picture. It’s still a good picture.
A lot of favorable comments have come in concerning the downtown Christmas lighting. Plans
now call for it to be an annual affair.
Dec. 29: The total number of school districts in Illinois is still declining, according to facts
released recently by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The figures show a drop of 107
districts (4.5 percent) from 1954, when the state had a total of 2,349 school districts. In 1949,
Illinois had 11,955 school districts. The unit district has become increasingly prominent and, at
present, about 68 percent of the state’s area is in unit districts. Non-high districts now exist in
only 17 counties. There are five counties which have but one school district apiece.
1956
January
Jan. 5: The first house in the new Boulder Hill development in Rt. 25, formerly the Bereman
Estate, is going up. Six other building permits have been issued in the same section, which is just
north of the second railroad overpass.
This is also the area in which the proposed shopping center of the Boulder Hill development is to
be placed.
The home under construction is one in the $13,000 to $14,000 price range and is one of the
moderately priced homes planned for the development.
The entire Boulder Hill area calls for a possible 2,000 homes, a shopping center, several play
areas, and a portion has been set aside for eventual school sites.
An ordinance was passed at Tuesday night’s village board meeting permitting the village to
receive the one-half cent sales tax according to the law that went into effect at Springfield early
last year. Local merchants will now be required to add the additional one-half cent tax to the
present two and one-half cents bringing the total to three cents. The moneys derived under this
ordinance will be put into the general fund but at least half of it is to be earmarked for major
improvements in the business area with such items as new and modernized street lighting, new
sidewalks and curbings, etc., under consideration.
A baby girl, Andrea Kim, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Polley at Copley Memorial Hospital
New Year’s Day.
Fire Chief Al Shuler has announced that Jim Hoch, Roger Schillinger, and Herb Tripp have been
added to the roll of the Oswego Volunteer Fire Department.
Herb Rucks had quite a gathering in his appliance store New Years watching the Rose Bowl
Parade on the color TV. Those who saw it were well pleased with the spectacle.
Jan. 12: The Board of Education of Community Consolidated District No. 8 is faced with two
major problems of Oswego school operation, namely providing classrooms for a rapidly
expanding Oswego community and providing finances to maintain and operate these necessary
classrooms.
The board has been making a detailed study of two remedies for the problems facing it. The first
study deals with collecting data regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the unit district
for the Oswego community and second, during the past two months the board has visited several
communities that have recently constructed or are presently constructing new grade school
buildings.
It is the plan of the board of education to have at least one meeting per months for the purpose of
informing voters of the community of the progress and plans which they will be asked to support
at the spring election.
State’s Attorney Jerome Nelson, Oswego, has announced that he will be a candidate for
reelection to the office of State’s Attorney of Kendall County on the Republican Party ticket in
the primary election to be held April 10.
Jan. 19: A meeting was held in Oswego Village Hall Wednesday night to form the Oswego Plan
commission with members of the village board, members of the plan commission and attorney
John Mathews present.
Members of the Oswego Plan commission are William K. Miller, Douglas Dreier, Henry W.
Smith, Mrs. Lester Bell, Mrs. Stanley Drew, John Luettich, Rev. G. Albert Murphy, Everett
McKeown, and Stanley Herren.
Also members, ex-officio, are village president Donald S. Etzwiler and James Kessinger,
chairman of the zoning Board of Appeals.
Oswego Boy Scout Troop 31 elected new patrol leaders Monday night and formed tow new
patrols. Boys elected as leaders are Stephen Conroy and Chuck Risser. Assistant patrol leaders
elected are Bob Wienke and Barry Hafenrichter.
Jan. 26: At the regular meeting of the Oswego Grade School Board Monday night, attorney
Jerome Nelson was instructed to draw up petitions to place on the ballot at a special election the
location of a new site for a grade school unit, the authority to purchase such a site, and to provide
funds for the purchase of a site and to construct a new educational unit.
The size and scope of the new building has not been entirely determined as yet.
One of the sites under consideration is the area in the northeast corner of the village bounded by
Rts. 34 and 71 currently owned by the George Smith estate. The proximity of this area to
existing school facilities is one of the facts being considered.
Another item that was discussed at the board meeting is the possible increasing of the
educational [tax] rate for the coming year.
The school board will have an open meeting on Monday, Feb. 6, at which time all interested
citizens in the Oswego School District will be invited to come and be informed of the progress
the school board has made and also as to their recommendations for site, building, educational
rates, etc.
The Oswego High School frosh-soph team won the Fox Valley Conference Tournament. The
OHS varsity team placed second in the annual competition.
February -- 1956
Feb. 2: The additional one-half percent sales tax recently voted by the Oswego Village Board
went into effect Wednesday, Feb. 1.
The Oswego Grade School Board is holding an open meeting Monday night, Feb. 6, at 7:30 in
the high school gym to report on the progress to date of additional grade school units,
educational rates, and other current problems under consideration.
The first working session of the Oswego Plan Commission was held in the Ag Room of the high
school Tuesday night with Chairman William Miller presiding. Visitors included LaVerne
Hanson, Kendall County Supervisor of Assessments; Charles Whitfield, supervisor of Fox
Township; Russell Naden, chairman of the county board of supervisors; Jerome Nelson, State’s
Attorney; Maynard Clark, assistant highway commissioner; Wayne Fosgett, Oswego Township
Supervisor; and President Coil of the Montgomery Village Board.
Questioning of the county officers brought to light that there is no control in the county over
trailer camps except state regulations of health and sanitation. The plan commission is concerned
over this particular problem with the influx of new people expected to move into this area in the
near future.
The commission went on record that the county board of supervisors be informed of the
formation of the Oswego Plan Commission and that it would appreciate cooperation in enforcing
zoning laws within the buffer zone within one and one-half mile radius of Oswego.
Feb. 9: A petition was filed on behalf of property owners Harold and Florence VanEtten, Don
Corrick, and Nicholas Knecevich to annex the property owned by them on North Adams Street
north of the greenhouse and west of the railroad on the Fox River to the village of Oswego. A
final action was held over pending investigation.
About 80 persons attended the public meeting held in the Oswego High gym Monday night to
hear a report from the grade school board on progress made to date in building plans and to take
part in a question and answer period.
It was reported by the school board that it will be necessary to raise the educational rate of the
grade school district at the spring election in order to continue operation of the Oswego schools.
The grade school has been operating on tax anticipation warrants each year to a greater degree
and have now come to the end of this borrowing power. The proposed referendum will call for
an increase of 21 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation.
One other topic discussed was the merit of a unit district school, both high school and grade
school under one board, and a dual system, each under separate boards, which Oswego now has.
The major advantage of a unit district is greatly increased state aid. The disadvantage is limited
bonding power.
Feb. 16: Edwin L. Baron, the Chicago showman psychologist who makes a business out of
professional hypnotism, can talk people into most anything if they let him. He will be back in
Oswego Friday evening, March 9, giving a program in the school gym sponsored by the Oswego
Lion’s Club.
Feb. 23: The Oswego Panthers finished in a blaze of glory last Friday night, dumping Minooka
on the Indians’ home court, 68-56. This was the second win by the Panthers over Minooka this
season, a feat that has not been duplicated by a Valley team in some years. The Panthers finished
in fourth place in the Fox Valley Conference standings.
March -- 1956
March 1: A community group met with members of the grade school board to discuss
developments in the proposed building program, educational rates, and other problems now
facing the community. Attending were LaVerne Shoger, Paul Shoger, Robert Cherry, William
Leigh, Robert Ebinger, Mrs. M.R. Saxon, Mrs. Faye Brill, Stanley Herren, G.C. Bartholomew,
Russ Collins, Melvin Killian, John Carr, Henry Smith, Myron Wormley, Russell Rink, Jack
Cherry, and Ford L. Lippold. The committee agreed the district should seek $340,000 to build a
9-room building on the Smith property along Ill. Route 71, although some committee members
felt a larger building ought to be built due to accelerating growth.
The Oswego Grade School Board set March 31 as the date for a referendum to raise the district’s
education tax rate and to build a new elementary school building.
Disputing crowded classroom conditions, one letter to the editor of he Ledger claimed: “We are
now crowded and if we get crowded we can build within one year. After all, we just got through
building a new 6-room addition in 1954 to take care of the new growth in the community.”
March 8: Alvin Wheeler won the Illinois State Wrestling Championship at 112 lbs. for the
second year in a row. The OHS grappler compiled a mark of 25 wins against just one loss on the
season. His three year record stands at 71 wins and six defeats.
The first model home in the new Brookside Manor Subdivision, the Georgian, was set to open to
the public on March 11. “Brookside Manor is located at the corner of Tyler and Monroe streets,
one block east of Rt. 25,” the Ledger reported. “The development will have sewer, water, and
blacktop streets, according to announcements by Mr. Howard Herren and Dr. Stanley Herren, the
project developers.
At the Oswego Plan Commission’s meeting, the petition by residents living north of the village
along North Adams Street to annex to Oswego was tentatively refused for the present time.
Howard Herren presented a request for approval of the first 14 lots of the Brookside Manor
Subdivision, which were found to be in order and were accepted by the board.
The Oswego Grade School Board met and authorized a April 14 referendum seeking an increase
in the Educational Tax Rate from 50 cents to 71 cents for each $100 of assessed valuation; select
a site on which to build a new grade school; build a 9-classroom grade school; and authorize a
bond issue of $335,000 to pay for the land and building.
Ledger editorial: “Every person in the community, residential and rural, is increasingly aware of
the rapid growth and changes that are being made in Oswego Township and are specially
concerned about the problem from the standpoint of tax load increase. Certainly, as our
community progresses, property taxes, both real and personal, are bound to rise. The pinch will
be felt more by the farmer than the residential homeowner.
A sizeable industrial plant could be the answer to our problem. Oswego is in a position where it
will certainly get the full force of the influx of population. We are on the fringe of a huge
industrial area and the trend from metropolitan Chicago is in our direction. If we are going to get
the houses and the people, we might just as well have the industry and reap the tax benefits
therefrom. Industry will ease the tax load on every person in the community. It is a good thing
for our county and township officials to be thinking of, as well as our plan commission. Oswego
is going to grow. The handwriting is on the wall. Now is the time to plan.
The banishment of local Girl Scouts from meeting at the Oswego Fire Station drew the ire of
letter writers to the Ledger. “Doesn’t it seem odd that a room or rooms where gambling,
drinking, and smoking are carried on at various times is too precious a place to accommodate a
group of rarin,’ tearin’ juveniles like the Oswego Girl Scouts?” one letter-writer wondered.
In a letter to the editor, substitute teacher Faye Brill disputed a previous writer’s claim there was
no crowding in Oswego’s schools.
March 15: More than 2,500 people toured the model home in Brookside Manor last Sunday
afternoon.
Friday night, March 16, is the date set for the presentation of “Jerry of Jericho Road,” this year’s
high school operetta. Cast members include Gail Akerlow, Jim Turner, Larry Christian, Malcolm
Goudie, Georgiann Kontos, Delores Boughton, Karl Shoger, Dan Huntley, Karla Foster, Alice
Shoger, and Dick Nutt.
The proposed widening of Route 31 between Aurora and Oswego would certainly indicate
industrial plants in the immediate area are more than a wild rumor. Route 31 is not in such a poor
condition by far as Route 25, but don’t hold your breath until it is repaired.
Jim Kesslinger reports that the Ground Observer Corps membership in Oswego now numbers
over 15.
The request of George Carpenter to have property along Route 31 north of the Oswego bridge
rezoned from farming to business so that he could install six bowling alleys was denied by the
county zoning board of appeals. It was the second time the board has refused the request.
March 22: The prospect of getting a large industry to locate in Oswego Township is certainly
something to hope for although it is still farm from being a reality. It would ease the tax load all
around and it is hoped that county officials will do their utmost to make such a move possible.
April -- 1956
April 5: The village hall is to be repaired and decorated with contracts being awarded to bidders
William Crimmin for carpentry and decorating in the amount of $847 and to Alexander Lumber
Co. for material in the amount of $500.43.
The board voted to send a letter to the county board of zoning appeals urging that body to do
everything it can to induce the Caterpillar Company to build in Oswego Township.
It was voted to authorize the village attorney to develop a building code using the recently
adopted Kendall County Code as a pattern.
Fifty girl members of the Oswego High School Dance Club will present the program “Fantasy in
Dance” Friday night, April 6 in the gym. There will be 15 numbers in all with Karla Foster,
Mary Eva Risser, and Phyllis Thrall dancing in the solo spots. The dance club is instructed by
Jackie Pickerill, physical ed teacher.
The budget for the new grade school building calls for a total of $335,000, broken down as
follows: $23,000 for the site; $284,000 for construction; $13,000 for architectural and
engineering work; $10,000 for equipment; and $5,000 for contingencies.
At the annual Oswego Township meeting a motion was made and carried to contribute $400
toward a countywide survey toward rezoning providing the rest of the townships in the county
cooperate with the plan.
It was also voted to sell the town house on the corner of Tyler Street and the town house behind
the Presbyterian Church at auction and use the money derived from the sale toward adding an
additional unit on the town house on Ashland Avenue. Both of the town houses are in such poor
condition that the cost of putting them back into habitable shape would be excessive.
April 12: Both the county board of zoning appeals and the Kendall County Board of Supervisors
were 100 percent in agreement on the rezoning of the Caterpillar Company property of 352 acres
from farming to industrial.
T.R. Farley, Caterpillar vice-president, announced following the granting of the rezoning request
that Caterpillar’s decision as to whether or not it will located in the Oswego area will be made
this week.
There were no objections to the rezoning.
April 19: Voters of the Oswego Grade School District flocked to the polls last Saturday vote in a
new grade school, 458-430, a margin of 28 votes. The voters also cast favorable ballots for the
school site, 453 to 425 and to increase the educational tax rate to 71 cents by 480-438. A total of
943 votes were cast in the grade school election, the largest number of ballots in any Oswego
school election. NaAuSay voted almost as a block against the new school and the educational
increase while Wheatland voted favorably on all of the issues, as did Oswego Township.
April 26: A group of 25 Oswego business men gathered together in the Voc-Ag room at the high
school last Thursday evening to discuss the possibility of an organization of local merchants in
the interests of the entire community, and before the evening was over, the Oswego Better
Business Association came into being. Following a short discussion, Norval Tripp was elected
president; Herb Rucks, vice-president; William McNiff, secretary; John Carr, treasurer.
Oswego High School students earning all A’s for the last six weeks included Lynn Bell, Alice
Shoger, Jim Lantz, Mary Ricketts, Charlotte Schlapp, Kathy Thompson, and David Roth.
May -- 1956
May 3: Bids for enlarging the water main in Adams Street were opened and read with the low
bid of $4,364.55 being awarded to Cliff Hammond, Excavators of Joliet.
The village hall has been redecorated and repaired with a new ceiling, new fluorescent lights,
ventilating fan, gray asphalt tile on floor and the wall painted tow shades of green with
woodwork painted tan.
In spite of the fact that a certain newspaper persists in calling it the Aurora plant of Caterpillar
Tractor Company, we’re very happy they decided to settle and build in Oswego Township.
Several new houses are underway in the Herren Brookside Manor Subdivision.
Lynn Bell was named the valedictorian of the OHS Class of 1956. Alice Shoger is salutatorian.
Other award winners were Georgiann Kontos, citizenship; Karla Foster, activities; Joe Plaskas,
sportsmanship; and Beverly Parkhurst, DAR award. Graduation was set for May 29.
May 10: At the Oswego Village Board meeting, American Legion Post 675 was given
permission to hold a carnival from June 27-30 in the downtown with the stipulation that they
provide police protection, property insurance coverage, fire lanes, keep area clean, etc.
May 17: Ann Shuler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Al Shuler of Oswego, was to receive the Bristol
Award, an Ethel Health Scholarship Key, and a certificate indicating she has completed her
senior year with honors during the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy’s annual Honor’s
Day Convocation May 25 in Chicago. Ann graduated from Oswego High School with the Class
of 1952 and was valedictorian of her class.
One building permit was issued last week to Robert Hesse who is building a residence on North
Adams St. Valuation $12,000.
May 24: Eighth grade graduation in Oswego was set for Tuesday, May 29 in the OHS gym. High
school graduation exercises were to be held May 31.
The auction of the two Oswego Township houses brought in $4,550. James Kesslinger bought
the property at Tyler and Monroe for $1,750 and the Presbyterian Church bought the property at
Monroe and Benton streets for $2,800.
Approximately 50 interested citizens met at the Oswego High School at the request of the
Oswego Planning Commission and the village board to listen to Mr. William Lawrence,
associate member of Everett Kincaid, professional planner, of Chicago, tell what it means to
have a good plan for a town. During the meeting, Bud Fagerholm from the Aurora Planning
Commission recounted some of the problems they have had.
May 30: Forty-four seniors will be graduated from Oswego High School tonight (Thursday) the
largest number in the history of the school.
Six members of the Oswego eighth grade graduating class were presented with American Legion
Citizenship Awards Tuesday night at the graduating exercises. Neil Young made the
presentations to the following graduates: Alice Ebinger, first medal; Maria Calamaras and Carol
Wheeler, certificates. Dennis Hastert, first medal; Ron Murphy and Bruce Woolley, certificates.
This is a time for working together in our community. It is a time for thinking ahead and
planning. It is a time for doing. How well we plan, how well we work will decide whether
Oswego progresses or becomes a dusty spider-web covered community.
Rev. Richard Risser, pastor of the Oswego Presbyterian Church for the past four years, will
beginning development and organization of a new Presbyterian church in a new housing
development on the outskirts of Belleville, Ill. June 1.
Building goes on apace in the community. Lowell Polley is building a home in the Bartholomew
Subdivision, Skip Theiss is building adjacent to the Bartholomew Subdivision, Jack Olson is
working on a house in park Avenue, Delbert Staffeldt is building a new home in Madison Street,
two new houses are going up in Brookside Manor, the new home being built by Bob Schmidt
near 34 and 71 is nearing completion and others are on the way.
See where Jake Strukel is growing 225 acres of tomatoes for Campbell Soup Co. this year.
June -- 1956
June 7: The Oswego Village Board voted to hold a referendum on a $75,000 general obligation
bond to build a new well and pump house for the village.
A contract was prepared with Everett Kincaid and Associates for $2,500 to cover cost of drawing
up a comprehensive development plan for Oswego and Oswego Township. This program will be
paid for by tax moneys and by donations from the various organizations in the community.
The Leonard Brothers Big Three Ring Circus was in Oswego for two performances on Tuesday,
June 12. The circus set up their big top on the high school grounds. Sponsors were Oswego
American legion Post 675.
June 14: The petition of a number of landowners in part of DuPage County lying in the Oswego
High School District petitioned their property out of the Oswego district early this spring. A
hearing by the Kendall County Board of School Trustees denied the petition. According to the
law, a hearing was then held in DuPage County, where the board of school trustees upheld the
petition. There is a possibility that the case will now go to the circuit court for decision. The land
in question amounts to almost a million dollars in assessed valuation.
The fact that the Oswego Plan Commission and the Oswego Village Board is negotiating a
contract with Kincaid and Co., professional planners, to draw up a comprehensive plan is a step
in the right direction if this community is to grow in an orderly fashion. Just as a carpenter trying
to build a house without blueprints would be working under a handicap, so would Oswego be,
trying to expand without a master plan to work from.
A preliminary subdivision plat has been presented to the village board by J. George Smith calling
for 39 lots just off Route 34 adjacent to the property recently voted for purchase for the new
grade school.
Al Shuler has been streamlining the interior of his drug store and intends to modernize the entire
front early in July.
June 21: The Oswego Board of Trustees approved a contract with Everett Kincaid and
Associates, city planning consultants, Chicago at their regular meeting Monday night, which
calls for the preparation of a comprehensive plan of expansion and land use for the village of
Oswego and the township.
For some time, the committee in charge of the village water supply has been concerned about the
wells having the capacity to supply sufficient water for village usage. Last Wednesday and
Thursday, we experienced trouble with our water pumps being overworked and it was necessary
to request that we conserve on water. In the June 14 edition of the Oswego Ledger, a notice of a
special election was published concerning the issuing of bonds for a new well for Oswego. There
will be a public meeting Monday evening, June 25, in the village hall to discuss the proposed
bond issue.
Ford Lippold: There is a real need in the village for the improvements planned for the water
department including a new well. We suggest that you attend the public meeting to be held at the
village hall next Monday night and get the facts. We know that public meetings, as a rule, are
poorly attended, but if you want the information, here’s the place to get it.
After 13 years of loyal and efficient service to the community as custodian of the Oswego Grade
School, Mr. Henry Schmidt is retiring July 1.
June 28: The latest improvement in the downtown area is the work being done on the Lay-Z-Pine
Driftwood Arts building by Earl Zentmyer with a new paint job.
Chicago White Sox fans of the community had an opportunity to do a fine bit of talking Monday
morning following the big weekend sweep of the Yankee series by the Pale Hose.
July 5: In light voting, Oswegoans approved selling bonds to improve the village water system.
A total of 146 votes were cast, 119 yes and 26 voting no for the $75,000 bond issue. The bond
issue will be used to drill a new well, erect a pump house, and equip it with necessary pump,
motors, etc.
Two Oswego teenagers, Deanna Carpenter and Jim Seidelman, will appear on the Morris B.
Sach’s Amateur Hour on July 8, Channel 9, WGN-TV and radio. They will play a flashy version
of “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White” on the show, with Jim playing a cornet and his
cousin, Deanna, accompanying him on the piano.
Oswego Township has been divided into four voting precincts. The change will be effective in
the November national, state, and local elections. The township has been voting in two precincts
the past years, but a rapid rate of growth and anticipated growth have outmoded the precincts as
they were.
July 12: At the Oswego Village Board meeting on July 9, the village clerk was instructed to write
a letter to the American Legion, Post 675, stating that no more carnivals can be held on village
streets.
In addition, the clerk and village president were authorized to sign a contract with George
Bartholomew for extension of an eight inch water main on Route 25 to Bartholomew’s First
Subdivision, a distance of 1,275 feet. An agreement has been reached between Bartholomew and
the village board whereby funds for the extension of the main are to be paid by Mr.
Bartholomew, who in turn, will be repaid from assessments made on subdivided lots by the
village. A recent resolution passed by the village board states that each new lot not at present
serviced by a water main will be assessed $300 for water service, plus cost of installing water
service. All residents receiving water service outside of the village limits are required to pay
double water rates.
Mrs. Marion Steckel has been appointed justice of the peace for Oswego Township to fill out an
unexpired term.
The new maintenance man for the grade school is Percy Rebhorn. He takes over the position
held by Henry Schmidt for 13 years.
The Oswego Drag Strip is a popular place with teenagers on these days, judging by the crowds in
attendance. It’s a mighty good place for the teenagers to work off a little steam and do it in a safe
and sane manner.
July 19: James Seidelman and Deanna Carpenter, the two Oswego teenagers who appeared on
the Morris B. Sach’s Amateur Hour last Sunday received second place out of the 11 acts on the
program. James and Deanna received a cash award of $40 and a wrist watch for each for their
duet rendition of “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White.”
Chairman William Crimmin of the Village of Oswego Water Department released the following
schedule of lawn sprinkling: For the present time, residents north and east of Washington street
are asked to sprinkle lawns on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday; while residents south and west
of Washington are asked to sprinkle only on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. This
curtailment is due to increased demand on the water supply due to additional housing, more uses
for water, and local people are asked to cooperate.
Oswego received $504.73 in sales tax revenues for the month of April.
July 26: Contracts were let for the construction of the new grade school last week with Erickson
and Blanchard, Wilmington, low bidders for the general contract. Their base bid was $203,733.
Two alternates brought the total of the general contract bid down to $198,396. J.C. Electric
Company, Aurora, was awarded the electrical contract with a bid of $21,794. The plumbing,
heating and ventilating contract went to Johnson Brothers, Joliet, for $77,500.
The total of all three bids plus purchase price of the site, $22,000, and architects fee of $13,396,
brought the entire amount of $333,886, or just $1,114 under the total bond issue voted for this
spring.
A recent release from the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis states that poliomyelitis
vaccine supply in the United States as a whole now exceeds current demand.
August -- 1956
Aug. 2: The announcement of the 1956-57 teaching staff for Oswego grade and high school was
given out this week by superintendent T. Loyd Traughber. There are 38 instructors in the
Oswego school system this year including three rural units. There will be three sections of the
first grade and three sections of the fourth grade, according to present plans. Richard
Rockenbach was principal at Oswego High School, Lowell Polley was science instructor and
principal for the junior high, and James Garnett was principal and fifth grade teacher at the Red
Brick School. Rural school teachers were Mrs. Eugenia Davis at Church School; Mrs. Grace
Jones at McCauley School, and Mrs. Lucille Poss at Willow Hill School.
Aug. 9: Headline: “Village Board Meets; Very Little Happens”
Aug. 16: Oswego schools were set to open on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
Oswego Park District summer playground attendance set a new record. Attendance for this year
was over 1,000 more than last year with a total of over 8,000 taking part in the program.
Trustee Robert Schmidt announced that due to surface water being discharged into the sanitary
sewer system, a problem is being created. Sanitary sewers are backing up into the basements of
residents. Also, rain water disrupts the bacteria action and drainage at the beds and fields of the
local sewage disposal plant. He reminded residents that it was a violation of village ordinances to
allow surface water to enter the sanitary sewer system.
Three coaches were ready for duties at Oswego High School for the coming year with Ken
Pickerill as athletic director and head football and wrestling coach. John Bednarcik, in his second
year at Oswego, will be head basketball coach, varsity line coach in football, and head baseball
coach. Jim Aird, a newcomer to Oswego High School, will be head track coach and frosh-soph
coach in football and basketball.
Aug. 30: The latest local business house to undergo a facelifting is the Oswego Coffee Shop,
which is closed this week for alterations, both inside and out. A new brick front is being put on
the building, which also houses the Masonic Temple. Both sections of the building are being
faced with light-colored brick and modernization of window and door openings. The coffee shop
will also be redecorated on the inside.
Just how many additional pupils will be on hand for the opening day of Oswego schools next
Tuesday is problematical but chances are that the increase will equal or exceed that of last year
when there was an increased enrollment of 90 youngsters over the previous year.
September -- 1956
Sept. 6: In increase of 49 pupils in the Oswego Grade School first day enrollment over last year’s
figures have presented a real problem in placement. The first day enrollment figures show 615 in
the first eight grades, including the three country units as against 566 total first day enrollment
last year. An unexpected 89 pupils registered in first grade. A survey made last spring showed
somewhere in the neighborhood of 70 pupils as a possible figure, but rapid increases in new
residential dwellings brought in the 19 pupil increase.
At the Oswego Village Board meeting, an item of business was discussion of the contract
between the village and G.C. Bartholomew in regards to installation of an 8-inch water main up
Route 25 to the Bartholomew Subdivision. Several provisions of the contract were subject to
discussion and before there was agreement tempers flared and the meeting got somewhat out of
control. Left without a quorum to consider further business, the meeting was adjourned to
Thursday evening, Sept. 6.
Sept. 13: The Oswego Village Board is looking for a site for the new well. The desired size is
somewhere in the neighborhood of 250’ x 200’ and site should be somewhere close to an
existing main.
Sept. 20: The petition for detachment from the Oswego School District by some residents of the
northeastern section of the district was brought to Circuit Court last Friday. Judge Cassius
Proust, Sycamore, requested the lawyers for both sides to prepare briefs on the case. The
petitioners have been allowed 15 days to present their brief; the defendants will then have 10
days to reply. The judge will then study the briefs and give an opinion within 30 days.
The Oswego Business Men’s Association, an organization that includes almost all of the local
businesses and professions, is sponsoring a contest on “Why I Like to Live in Oswego.” It is
hoped that everyone in Oswego Township will sit down and take the time to express his or her
opinion and perhaps win a substantial cash prize for doing so.
Sept. 27: The GOP Caravan headed by Republican candidates Sen. Everett Dirksen, State Sen.
Merritt J. Little, Lt. Gov. John W. Chapman, and Elmer J. Hoffman, candidate for state treasurer,
visited Oswego last Friday afternoon.
October -- 1956
Oct. 4: At the Oswego Village Board meeting, a request from Alexander Lumber Company as to
disposal of surface water from a planned blacktop area was referred to Oliver Burkhart.
A request from the grade school board to furnish a water hydrant near the new grade school
building was held over for study.
There was discussion of possible sites for the new well, with sites under study being located on
Oswego Grain and Supply Co. property near the grain elevator and on the property of Mrs.
Charlotte Martin.
A motion was made and passed to raise the salary of the maintenance man from $175 a month to
$200 a month and the salary of the police officer from $225 per month to $300 per month.
It was voted to hire a special patrol officer with police powers to patrol traffic at the grade school
crossing at Route 34 and Jackson St. for three hours per day at $1 per hour. The cost of the
operation will be drawn from the sales tax refund to the village. The Oswego Parent-Teacher
Association, who requested the patrol officer in a meeting held with a committee of the village
board last week will be asked to provide the uniform for the officer. Milton Penn, chairman of
the law and order committee, is to handle the hiring of the officer.
Oct. 11: Oswego firemen fought for four hours Monday afternoon to put out the largest grass fire
in recent years in this area. The fire spread from the dump ground along the river for an area of
some three-quarters of a mile threatening buildings and wooded areas along the river road south
and west of Oswego.
Oswego High’s annual homecoming was set for Oct. 11-13, with a snake dance Thursday night,
the homecoming parade on Friday afternoon, the homecoming game Friday night under the
lights, and the homecoming dance in the OHS gym Saturday evening.
Oct. 25: The Oswego Panthers were getting ready to play Plainfield in football on Oct. 26
coming off a 14-13 win over Sandwich the week before. Oswego stood 2-2 in the Fox Valley
Conference on the eve of the Plainfield contest.
The Tuberculosis Tax Law, which has been in existence in Kendall County, is to be voted on
again at the Nov. 6 election. It provides the counties which do not have a sanitarium of their own
with funds so they may hospitalize their patients in public or private tuberculosis hospitals in
other counties in Illinois. At the election on Nov. 6 there will be two separate small ballots on the
question of renewing the law, which has been in effect here. Kendall County, with the help of the
Tuberculosis Tax Law has been able to provide the proper care of its TB patients and proper
treatment to cure them of this disease. Voters are protecting themselves, their families, and their
friends when they vote for the continuation of the Tuberculosis Tax Law.
November -- 1956
Nov 8: At the Oswego Village Board meeting an ordinance was passed providing for the issuing
of bonds for the water work improvements voted in earlier in the year.
A motion was made that the village president be authorized to enter into an agreement with
Stanley Herren for water connections for Unit 1 of the Brookside Manor Subdivision.
It was moved that the preliminary plat of the George Smith Subdivision on Route 34 at the
northeastern limits of the village be accepted subject to approval by the village engineer.
Dr. Walter Brill, chairman of the Kendall County Heart Association, presented a large size
working model of a heart to the Oswego High School this week.
This issue marks the beginning of the eighth consecutive year of publication for the Oswego
Ledger. As we look back over the past seven years we can only be amazed at the amount of
events that have taken place in the Oswego community and the tremendous increase, particularly
in the past two years, of population. We know that the next few years will be decisive ones in the
history of the community…
Rich Songer has announced that the Coffee Shop will be closed for three weeks beginning at
closing time on Monday, Nov. 12, for renovation.
Oswego went down for a 34-12 count at the hands of a big, rugged Batavia eleven last Friday
night to end the Panther grid season with an overall record of two wins, one tie, and five losses.
Nov. 15: After reading through almost 400 entries in the “Why I Like to Live in Oswego”
contest sponsored by the Oswego Business Men’s Association, the judges have come up with
nine winners.
First prize in the grade school class goes to Karla Saxon, second to Kathy Saxon, third to Rose
Marie Brickert.
High school: First, Jim Wormley; second, Rodney A. Henderson; third, Alice Ebinger.
Adults: First, Elva Saxon; second, Mrs. William Anderson; third, Elizabeth Nelson.
The Nineteenth Century Club announces that the TB X-ray Unit will be in Oswego Thursday,
Nov. 15.
Nov. 22: Public Service Company has reported an epidemic of shooting out street lights in the
village in recent weeks with BB guns and by rock throwing. Les Penn, chairman of the law and
order committee, announced this week that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted.
If you order your car or truck license in a county other than Kendall, please be sure that Kendall
County is listed on your application. In those cases where another county is listed on the
application, that county received the Motor Fuel Tax credit rather than Kendall County.
Dick Songer has taken over management of the Standard Service Station at the junction of Rts.
34 and 71 and plans to open a restaurant in connection with the station on or about the 3rd of
December.
If you haven’t driven up into the Boulder Hill Subdivision lately, there are now some 15 or more
homes finished with seven or eight of them occupied presently.
There is some talk about the possibility of a bank being formed in the village. This is one of the
things that will be of great benefit to everyone in the community.
The Business Men’s Association voted at their last meeting to go along with the Lion’s Club and
the American Legion in purchasing Christmas lights for the downtown area. The lights used in
previous years have been borrowed from Aurora.
Toys! We have the largest selection of toys…
You have a full floor of toys to choose from when you visit Shuler’s Toy Shop (upstairs over
drug store). Everything for the girl or boy, regardless of age. Shuler’s Toy Shop is open daily
from 1-6 and 7-9 p.m. except Tuesday when we are open from 1-6 p.m.
Nov. 29: The George Carpenter Benefit Basketball Game held last Saturday evening in the high
school gym netted $561.15. The Oswego Lion’s Club, sponsors of the game, wish to thank the
cooperating organizations, many generous individuals and members of both teams for their part
in the successful venture.
The Lion’s Club has purchased an Electro-Matic Wheelchair with the proceeds through Shuler’s
Drug Store. The chair has pushbutton controls; may be folded; and is equipped with a battery
charger. It will be presented to Mr. Carpenter as soon as delivery permits.
George Carpenter fell from a ladder on July 26 of this year, injuring his spinal cord in such a
manner that he is paralyzed from the chest down. He has partial use of his arms but no use of his
hands. At the present time, he is totally paralyzed in his legs.
Four hundred six meals were served in the Oswego school cafeteria [at the high school] last
Wednesday to students and help with the 140 lbs. of turkey they used. Most of the turkey was
roasted the day before with only a small fraction being roasted on the day it was served. While
the staff had anticipated more than the usual 280 to 300 it had not expected such a large increase.
“Why I Like to Live in Oswego” by Karla Saxon, first prize winner, grade school: I like to live
in Oswego because of its location. It is located on the beautiful Fox River and in the center of
one of the best farming communities in our country.
The people are all very friendly. They know each other very well. They share their problems and
pleasure together. One can always depend on his neighbor to lend a helping hand in time of need.
Traffic in town is seldom congested. The noise of heavy traffic is present only on the main
highway.
And that is why I like to live in Oswego.
If there are persons in the community who would like to suggest a name for the new grade school
under construction [East View School], you can send your suggestion to school board president
Russell Rink or secretary Myron Wormley or leave it off at the high school office.
December -- 1956
Dec. 6: The Oswego Village Board met Monday night with members Zentmyer, Pinnow, Penn,
and Crimmins present. In the absence of President Donnell Etzwiler, who is vacationing in
Florida for two weeks, James Zentmyer served as president pro-tem.
The building code for the village of Oswego was discussed and there will be an attempt made to
pass the code, which has been under consideration for several months, at an adjourned meeting
to be held Monday evening, Dec. 10.
A delegation of homeowners who reside outside of the village limits presented a protest against
double water rates that went into effect recently on all water users outside of the corporate limits.
This delegation, made up of persons who have been receiving water service from the village for
some years, was represented by Attorney John Plain of Aurora. No action was taken.
An ordinance is being prepared for increasing the connection fees for water and sewer inside the
village limits. The new rates being considered would boost the water connection fee from $75 to
$150 and the sewer connection fee from $25 to $75.
Some of the Oswego stores will begin staying open evenings next week and also on Thursday
afternoons.
The Oswego varsity cage team won its third game in succession Tuesday night, scoring a 44-20
win over a midget-sized Somonauk team.
Dec. 13: The terms of five members of the Oswego Village Board are up this year. The terms of
members William Crimmins, Robert Schmidt, and Richard Jenkins are ending, as is the term of
President Donnell Etzwiler and Clerk Norma Hansen. None of the above-named have indicated
they are planning to run again.
At the Oswego Village Board’s adjourned meeting Monday a preliminary plan of subdivision of
acreage on Rt. 25 was presented by Harold VanEtten and referred to the plan commission.
An ordinance was passed raising water connection fees from $75 to $150 and sewer connection
fees from $25 to $75. It was also decided to charge a fee of $25 for tapping into the village water
mains.
A discussion of the new building code was held with a decision to adopt the Pacific Coast
Uniform Building Code with a few variations. Adoption of the code will be in February or
March.
Rich Songer opens up his new restaurant Monday in connection with the Standard Service
Station he is now operating at the junctions of Routes 34 and 71. He will be open daily from 7
a.m. to 11 p.m. [the origin of Scottie’s Restaurant].
A public meeting is being planned for Jan. 14, 1957 to discuss the possibility of setting up a bank
in Oswego, a facility that really is needed.
Dec. 20: A huge crowd of Ford owners jammed into Zentmyer Ford Sales showrooms last
Saturday night for the big drawing for a 1957 Ford. The winning number was held by Herman
Friebele of Oswego, who will receive a new 1957 Ford at no additional cost to him except the
trade-in of his ’56 bought at Zentmyer’s.
The annual Christmas music program put on by the Oswego School Music Department will take
place in the gym tonight, Thursday, at 8 p.m. 130 students will take part.
Oswego Postmaster G.C. Bartholomew stated that the Oswego Post Office will be open Sunday,
Dec. 23, to accommodate Christmas mail.
From Ledger Editor Ford Lippold:
Request to Santa: Dear Santa, If you have room in your sack this year, would you please bring us
here in Oswego a small bundle of vision to distribute among those who are in positions of public
trust; a bagful of cooperation to be divided among all of us; and a heaping sleighfull of
determination and desire to make Oswego measure up to its great potential.
Mr. Ed Donnelly, who has been acting as crossing guard at the intersection of Rt. 34 and Jackson
Street for the past month is a man who certainly enjoys his job. Mr. Donnelly reports that the
youngsters are easy to get along with, extremely courteous and eager to do what is right. Ed, who
enjoys working with the youngsters, has no fear for the outcome of the present generation, and
he is a person who has experienced some of the seamier sides of life, having been a guard at
Joliet Penitentiary for over 20 years.
Dec. 27: Oswego promises to be an important year in the history of Oswego and the surrounding
community. A great growth in the population of the township is on its way. Indications of what
to expect may be had by the number of building lots that have been subdivided in the past year
and the number that are now under consideration for subdivision. Some 3,000 building lots are
now subdivided or available for subdivision in the township. Many of the lots have already been
sold and construction will start in the spring.
With growth comes the usual problems: What to do about schools; what to do about sewer, water
and other sanitary regulations; what to do about building codes and regulations; what to do about
industry; what to do about taxes.
For a good number of years now, Oswego has been bogged down in a morass of stagnation;
floundering around in a slough of indecision; and stifled in a forest of shortsightedness.
The time has come to play for the years ahead, the big years, the exciting years, the growing
years. The time has come for doing and not for dreaming. The time has come for qualified and
capable leaders in every position of responsibility. The year of 1957 holds a great challenge for
Oswego and the community. Let us hope that we are big enough to meet that challenge.
At the September meeting of the county board of supervisors, Plainfield Road was placed on the
state aid system in a unanimous vote. The Plainfield Road runs in a southeasterly direction as a
continuation of Washington Street in Oswego to the extreme southeast corner of Oswego
Township, thence straight south in NaAuSay Township to a point where it intersects with State
Highway 126. It consists of approximately 7.25 miles with NaAuSay Township receiving about
2.5 miles and Oswego Township about 4.7 miles.
To place a road on the State Aid system does not necessarily mean that it will be blacktopped or
improved appreciably. It does mean that it will no longer have to be maintained by the township
alone.
Eventually more blacktopped roads will become available in Oswego Township but at present
the county does not have the money to stand their share of the cost.
1957
January
Jan. 3: Oswegoans will have an opportunity to vote in three elections this spring to elect a total
of 11 members to township, village, and school positions. The terms of five members of the
village board end this April; the president, clerk, and three board members. Donnell Etzwiler is
the president whose term is ending. Norma Hansen, clerk, and Robert Schmidt, William
Crimmin, and Richard Jenkens, trustees.
The township will elect a clerk and one justice of the peace. Ford L. Lippold is the present clerk
and Mrs. Marion Steckel is the justice of the peace. Mrs. Steckel was appointed to fill an
unexpired term caused by a resignation.
The terms of John Cherry and Stephen Paydon are up this April on the high school board, while
Myron Wormley and Clark Mottinger will end their terms on the grade school board.
The terms of two of the five Oswego Park Board Commissioners are ending this April. Arthur
Davis and Mrs. Gerald DuSell are the two members whose terms expire. Both have indicated
they will not stand for reelection.
“Parents and Teachers Major in Industry” is the subject of a panel discussion to be presented at
the January meeting of the Oswego PTA Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the high school gym. This is also
the annual Father’s Night with males taking over the various offices. The panel will be
moderated by William Warren, personnel man for Lyon Metal Products, Montgomery. Bill is a
former Oswego High instructor and coach and has many friends in the community. The two
members of the panel will be J.W. Wilson, personnel man for Caterpillar Tractor Company and
Russell Kempiners, industrial relations man for Western Electric.
All members of the Oswego Lions Club, American Legion Post 675, and Business Men’s
Association are alerted for Operation Takedown Sunday morning, Jan. 6, at 8:30 a.m. at which
time the ornamental Christmas lights will be taken down.
Jan. 10: There will be a public meeting held in the community room Monday evening, Jan. 14, to
discuss the possible formation of a bank in Oswego.
At the Oswego Village Board’s meeting Monday the Oswego Presbyterian Church requested
permission to proceed with graveling of the property recently purchased from the township to be
used as a parking area and permission was granted. A petition of a group of adjoining property
owners against the use of the property as a parking area was denied.
Village engineer Walter Deuchler submitted an opinion on the proposed George Smith
Subdivision requesting some 20 changes in the project before approval could be made.
The board decided that no exceptions are to be made to the ordinance setting up double water
rental rates for residences outside of the corporate limits.
James Zentmyer and Milton Penn handed in resignations from the village board effective as of
the April election. Both terms have two years to run.
A total of 36 building permits were issued by the village clerk during 1956, with 16 of the
permits being for new homes with an estimated value of $166,500; six garages with an estimated
value of $9,400; and 14 other permits covering alterations, conversations, and other than
residential estimated at $31,725 for a total estimated value of all permits issues of $207,625.
Thomas Traughber, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Loyd Traughber and Miss Marjorie Ann Love,
daughter of John Joseph Love, Edwardsville, and the late Mrs. Love were married in St. John’s
Methodist Church Saturday, Dec. 29. After a wedding trip in the south the couple will make their
home in St. Charles.
Two postal vehicle drivers in Oswego will begin the New Year with a fresh look toward highway
safety, Postmaster G.C. Bartholomew announced this week. Both Oswego postal drivers have
qualified for the new U.S. Government Vehicle Operator’s Identification Card, which is required
by a law passed by Congress last spring. Earl McVicker, an Oswego postal driver for over seven
years has not been involved in even the slightest accident. Marshall Young, substitute carrier for
many years, was the only driver in this region to pass the prescribed tests with a perfect score.
He, likewise, has never been involved in any vehicle accident.
Jan. 17: A good group of Oswegoans turned out for the meeting in the Community Room
Monday night to discuss the possible formation of a bank in Oswego. There was a general
feeling in the group of a definite need for a bank in Oswego and a steering committee is being
formed to lay the groundwork for the possible organization of a bank on a community basis.
Four candidates have filed to run for Oswego Village Board in the April election. Filing were
William Crimmin, who is completing his first term on the board; William Miller; Robert
Schmidt, another incumbent; and Herb Rucks. George Griffin is running for one of the two
unexpired terms to be filled, with no candidate having filed for the other unexpired term. Jim
Zentmyer is running for president of the board and Norma Hansen is up for reelection as clerk.
All of the candidates, with the exception of Crimmin, are running on the Progressive Party ticket.
Crimmin is running as an independent.
Wenscel Bieschke has filed his petition of candidacy for Justice of the Peace of Oswego
Township.
After two months in Detroit, Mich. as a meter tester helper for the Detroit Edison Company,
Gerald Rucks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Rucks, returned to his classes at Antioch College this
week.
The Fox Valley Basketball Tournament will be held in the local gym Tuesday through Friday,
Jan. 15-18 with two games scheduled for each of the four evenings.
Jan. 24: The Oswego Plan Commission met Tuesday night in the village hall with chairman
William Miller presiding. Henry Smith, chairman of the zoning ordinance committee, went over
the proposed zoning ordinance for the Village of Oswego step by step, with all questions being
duly noted and will be referred to Mr. William Lawrence of Kincaid and Associates, the
company drawing up the plan, for clarification. Plan commission officers elected for the coming
year were William Miller, chairman; John Luettich, vice-chairman; Lois Drew, recording
secretary; Dorothy Bell, corresponding secretary.
It was also decided that the township committee, which operates in an advisory capacity, would
be retained for the coming year as problems coming up in regards to subdivisions and other
development procedures will involve areas lying outside the corporate limits of the village.
Geoffrey E. Cooper, Oswego, local agent for the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad, was
elected local chairman for the Order of Railroad Telegraphers recently.
Jan. 31: The Reverend Vincent Raitelis, MIC, assistant at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Plano
and administrator of St. Anne’s Mission, Oswego, died suddenly Friday, Jan. 25, at St. Mary’s
rectory of an apparent heart attack.
Father Raitelis was born Aug. 28, 1918 in Mahanoy City, Pa. He is survived by his mother; four
brothers, John and Joseph of Mahanoy City, Anthony of St. Clair, Pa., and Edward of Tulsa, Ok.;
and three sisters, Mrs. George Bartlett of Tucson, Ariz., Mrs. Joseph Ferchie of Alexandria, Va.,
and Mrs. Charles McKerns of Mahanoy City.
The body was moved to Chicago for burial in St. Casimir Cemetery in a section reserved for
members of the Marian Fathers Congregation.
Tonight, Thursday, is the night when the mothers of Oswego march for polio. A group of local
women will call from house to house during the late afternoon and evening to help collect funds
to help stamp out the great crippler, polio. Residents are asked to please turn on their porch
lights.
A group of hardy scouts of Troop 31 spent the weekend at Camp KeDeKa in below zero
weather. Boys attending included Ken Batterson, Steve Conroy, Bruce Borino, Don Leppert, Jim
Akerlow, Ron Peck, Jim Schoberlein, Peter Wilson, Jack Farthing, Bob Wienke, Dan Nemanich,
John Grach, and Gerry Weidert. Scoutmaster George Akerlow and committeeman Oliver
Leppert were the leaders.
February -- 1957
Feb. 7: The October refund for the Village of Oswego from the half-cent sales tax was $600.86.
This sales tax refund plan has been in effect since voted in by the village board in February of
1956. Returns for the first nine months of the sales tax refund show that the village has received
a total of $4,918.49. Projecting these figures for an additional three months shows that the village
will receive approximately $6,500 during the first year of the sales tax return.
One-half of the money received is earmarked for downtown improvements such as street lights,
sidewalks, streets, etc. The balance of the money is to be used as determined by the village board
with a small portion of it going at present toward the school crossing guard’s salary.
A group of 15 interested Oswegoans held a meeting in the Oswego Village Hall last Thursday
night to discuss the proposed Oswego bank. A representative of the Continental Illinois Bank,
Chicago, was present to meet with the group and explain the procedure.
At the Oswego Village Board meeting Monday an agreement between the village and Stanley
Herren was signed in regards to water and sewer connections and street development in the
Brookside Manor Subdivision.
Feb. 14: The overall general development plan of Oswego and Oswego Township will be
presented at a public meeting to be held in the high school gym Thursday evening, Feb. 21.
The Oswego Plan Commission, formed about a year ago, and the Oswego Village Board
engaged Kincaid and Associates, Planners, to develop this overall plan for the orderly growth of
Oswego and community. The completed plan will include zoning maps and ordinances, land use
maps, subdivision regulations, and a building code.
As the plan encompasses both village and rural areas, William Miller, president of the plan
commission, and all of its members urge that both rural and town people attend the meeting so
that there will be a general understanding of what the overall plan is and the extent of its
enforcement.
Oswego is one of the smallest, if not the smallest, town in this part of the United States to have
such an official plan prepared and ready for adoption.
Ford Lippold: A population study recently completed by the Population Research and Training
Center of the University of Chicago, shows that 50 of the 102 Illinois counties increased in
population between 1950 and 1955. Population in a group of 13 counties classed as metropolitan
increased by 9 percent during this period. Of 89 “non-metropolitan” counties, 37 gained
population, 27 were unchanged, and 25 lost population.
Six counties (Kendall, DuPage, Grundy, Lake, Massac, and Will) in both classes gained by 20
percent or more.
It is interesting to note that the six counties having the majority of increase, in excess of 20
percent, are mainly those adjacent to Chicago and studies show that this increase is due to the
decentralization of large industry.
All of this adds further evidence to the fact that our community is only undergoing the
preliminary pangs of growing pains. The real labor is yet to come.
Oswego’s Panther varsity could do no wrong last Friday night in swamping the hapless Newark
Norsemen by a 67-34 count, the largest margin of victory by the local club in any game this
season. The win gives Oswego a string of three victories, the best showing of the fast-waning
season.
Denney’s Supermart in downtown Oswego was offering free delivery, morning, and afternoon.
“Our store is as close as your telephone,” Denney’s Ledger ad stated.
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Friebele, Oswego, announce the engagement of their oldest daughter,
Janice Louise, to Dale R. Kahle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hanson of Route 3, Aurora.
Feb. 21: Ford Lippold: A year of work has gone into the overall comprehensive plan for the
Oswego community by the Oswego Plan Commission and Kincaid and Associates. This plan
will be presented to the public at tonight’s meeting in the Oswego High School gym. Every
person interested in his community should be there.
There is no doubt that Oswego is going to grow. How much and how fast is still problematical.
The only thing we can be assured of is that it will be soon and it will be big. It is necessary to
have an orderly growth, one where the interest of everyone in the community is taken into
consideration. It is with this thought in mind that the Oswego Comprehensive Plan has been
developed.
Planning is a sign that a community is growing up. It is a sign that a community is up on its toes
and ready to go forward.
The overall plan for the Oswego community will be unveiled at a mass meeting to be held in the
high school gym tonight, Thursday, at 8 p.m. The plan, the culmination of a year of hard work on
the part of the plan commission and Kincaid and Associates, Chicago, developers of the plan,
will be a blueprint for the future growth of the Oswego community.
Every person in the community is urged to attend the meeting and become acquainted firsthand
with the general development plan of the community.
Eight members of the Panther wrestling team will compete in the sectional tourney to be held at
Reavis High School, Oak Lawn, Friday and Saturday of this week. The Oswego contingent will
be headed up by Leo Grach, a senior who has a season record of 14 wins and a single loss.
Others due for sectional action include Bob Plaskas or Bill Penn, Dean Bundy, Bill Kontos,
Keith Haag, Richard Way, Eugene Boram, and Bob Challis.
It took Yorkville’s Foxes two overtime periods to subdue the Panthers from Oswego last Friday
night, but when the last buzzer had sounded, the downriver foes had eked out a 50-48 decision in
a sudden-death overtime.
Feb. 28: Over 200 enthusiastic persons attended the public meeting in the Oswego gym last
Thursday night to witness the unveiling of the comprehensive development plan for the Oswego
community.
Under this overall plan, once it is accepted and passed by the village board and recorded,
subdivisions, business expansion, and all other municipal development will proceed in an orderly
manner in accordance with the plan.
According to Mr. Lawrence’s projected population figures, the Village of Oswego has a potential
of perhaps 3,500 persons by 1965. Projected figures for the township were not given.
Three persons have filed petitions for the two openings on the Oswego Park Board, George
Hettrich, Henry Smith, and Richard Young.
Three Oswego wrestlers qualified for the state finals last Friday and Saturday in the sectional
tournament at Oak Lawn. Dean Bundy (103) and Bill Kontos (112) took sectional championships
in their weights while Leo Grach (138) took a second place. All three travel to Champaign this
Friday and Saturday for state final competition.
The Girl Scout program in Oswego has grown in the past ten years from an initial membership of
26 girls and five adults in 1946 to the present 122 registered members in the Oswego
neighborhood.
March -- 1957
March 7: Three members of the committee set up to discuss ways and means for an Oswego
bank traveled to Chicago last week to meet with the auditor of public accounts and
representatives from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Forms were obtained for
requesting an organizing permit for an Oswego bank and are ready to be filled out.
At the Oswego Village Board’s meeting Monday night a discussion was held on the merits of
spraying for Dutch Elm Disease and Robert Schmidt was delegated to find out what the cost of
such an operation would be.
The plan commission indicated that it has endorsed the Pacific Coast Building Code for Oswego
and action will be taken on accepting this code when the final plan for the village is adopted.
The board adopted a method of procedure for new subdivisions in regards to engineering and
installation of water, sewer, roads, and other utilities.
The deadline for filing for the Oswego Board has passed and a look at the list of candidates
shows one person running for each person that is open. James Zentmyer has filed for president of
the board, a position now held by Donnell Etzwiler. Members running for full terms are William
Crimmins (incumbent), William Miller, and Robert Schmidt (incumbent).
Members running for part terms of two years are Herb Rucks and George Griffin.
The Oswego District Basketball Tournament held in the Oswego gym last week was well-
attended, with over 4,000 persons crowding around the local hardwood during the four night
stand. Over $2,000 was taken in at the door. The local school retains 40 percent of the entire gate
but must pay all of the tournament expenses.
Oswego defeated Lemont easily in its first round game, but found the Plainfield jinx still holding
as the Wildcats came from behind in the last two minutes to defeat Oswego for the fourth time
this year.
March 14: the Oswego Grade School Basketball Team composed of eighth graders has finished a
season winning 15 games and losing none. Jerry Boram was the top scorer for the Oswego team,
racking up a total of 196 points in the 15 contests for an average of 13 points per game. Other
scoring leaders were Tom Stubblefield, Dick Schwanz, Jerry Murphy, and Bob Nutt. Other
members of the undefeated squad included Jim Stredde, Barry Hafenrichter, Jim Gilmour,
Salvador Rios, Norman Harvey, Roy Rogers, and Neil McCauley.
March 21: The petition of a certain portion of the 40C School District for detachment from [high
school] District 300, Oswego, and attachment to Naperville has been remanded to the Kendall
County Board of School Trustees by Judge Proust of the District Court of this area. The
rehearing of the petition will be held in the court room at Yorkville on Friday afternoon, March
22.
The original petition, which was heard by the Kendall County Board of School Trustees in the
spring of 1956, asked that a certain portion of the northern corner of the Oswego High School
District with an assessed valuation of about a million dollars be detached from Oswego District
300 and attached to the Naperville High School District. The area being petitioned out is not in
the Oswego Grade School District, but is formed into its own District 40C.
The petition in question was denied by the Kendall County Board of School Trustees, taken to
the DuPage County Board of School Trustees where it was approved, and then to the District
Court where Judge Proust ruled that the evidence given on both sides was inconclusive and he
remanded it back for rehearing.
The petition will follow the same route from Kendall to DuPage counties to the District Court.
The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that at the outset of the 1956-57 school year, there
were a total of 54,402 school governments. The present number of school districts is less than
half the total of 108,579 that was counted in 1942 and indicates a drop of 23 percent even from
the 1951-1952 total of 67,346. Most of the marked changes have resulted from consolidation and
reorganization of rural districts. The forming of unit districts has contributed greatly to the
decrease in total number of school districts in Illinois and other states.
In each of seven states, including Illinois, the number of school districts has been cut by at least
1,000 in the last five years.
Illinois Bell Telephone is holding “Telephone Community Night” in Oswego next week and a
recording machine called the “Voice Mirror” will be one of the displays. W.N. Hollister,
telephone manager for this area said, “Telephone Community Night is really a telephone
company Open House…We’re going to take all our visitors ‘behind the scenes’ and show them
how their telephone system works. There will be displays, exhibits, and demonstrations of all
kinds.”
Included in the guided tour of exhibits will be working dial equipment that shows what happens
when a local call is dialed; an Operator Toll Dialing demonstration of long distance calling; and
an ‘Electronic Brain’ which will play tic-tac-toe against visitors (and hasn’t lost a game yet!).
The Oswego Village Board purchased two lots in Madison Street last week for the site of the
new well. The lots, situated on the south side of the street where Madison and Douglas join, were
owned by Verne Flemming. The purchase price of the parcel of land was $3,500.
A $75,000 bond issue was voted on last year for construction of the new well, pump house, and
appurtenances. It is expected that bids will be advertised for as soon as the necessary
specifications are ready.
March 28: Carr’s Department Store is celebrating its 19th year in business in Oswego this week.
John Carr has had the store completely remodeled from one end to the other during the past year
and all of the new displays will be completed by this weekend when the annual anniversary sale
begins.
Members of the Panther baseball squad have already two weeks of practice under their belts.
This year’s pitching staff is being headed up by Chuck Shuler, Dave Garbleman, and Ron
Silvius. According to Coach John Bednarcik, it is probable that Shuler will be one of the front
line hurler.
Coach Bednarcik is also looking forward to a great deal of help from newcomers Tom Jarman,
John Neminich, and Bob Plaskas. Other new faces on the squad will be Jack Funkhauser, Bill
Husband, David Roth, Joel Schiltz, Ken Walper, Ron Murphy, and Norman Aug.
The Oswego Village Board continued an adjourned meeting last week with salary schedules
being considered. It was decided to raise the salary of the village clerk to $60 per month, the
salary of the treasurer to $325 per year, the corporation counsel to $250 per year. It was also
voted to allow the board members $10 per meeting, with a maximum number of meetings being
15 during the year). The present stipend of the board members if $50 per year.
The board also passed the subdivision ordinance drawn up by the Oswego Plan Commission and
Kincaid and Associates. This ordinance regulates the streets, utilities, sidewalks, gutters, curbs,
size of lots, etc. in a subsequent subdivisions to be formed within the village limits and in a mile
and one half perimeter of the village limits.
This ordinance is one of the three phases of the overall plan for the village of Oswego that must
be passed by the village board and filed with the county before the Oswego Plan is in effect. The
other two phases are the building code and the land use maps.
April -- 1957
April 4: In balloting the previous Saturday, Thomas A. Miller and Arthur E. Tramblie were
elected Oswego Township Justices of the Peace, beating Wenschel Bieschke. Jeffrey Rogerson
was uncontested in his run for township constable. Richard Young and George Hettrich were
elected to the Oswego Park District Board, beating out Henry W. Smith.
G.C. Bartholomew, chairman of the organizing committee for the new Oswego bank reports that
the number of necessary forms pertaining to the organization of the bank have been completed
by the following organizers: Homer Brown, Dr. Sheldon Bell, John Cherry, Charles Lippincott,
Myron Wormley, Earl Zentmyer and G.C. Bartholomew.
The Kendall County Board of Supervisors is sponsoring a dinner meeting for Tuesday, April 9,
at the Nick Moise restaurant at the intersection of Routes 34 and 47, Yorkville. Mr. Richard
Arms, Director of Winnebago County and City of Rockford Planning Commission, will be the
guest speaker.
Ford Lippold editorial: Gov. Stratton’s plans for a day speed limit of 65 miles per hours and a
night limit of 55 miles per hours are worthy of consideration. There are those who say that
limiting speed is not a factor in accident reduction. One has only to look at the facts and figures
published by the various agencies to give lie to that statement…Good laws and common sense
can form a worthy partnership for longer life.
At their adjourned meeting last week the Oswego Village Board approved a new salary schedule.
It was decided to raise the salary of the village clerk to $60 per month; the salary of the treasurer
to $325 per year; the corporation counsel to $250 per year. It was also voted to allow the board
members $10 per meeting, with a maximum number of meetings being 15 during the year. There
would be no reimbursement for meetings in excess of $15. The present stipend of the board
members is $50 per year.
The board also passed the subdivision ordinance drawn up by the Oswego Plan Commission and
Kincaid and Associates. This ordinance regulates the streets, utilities, sidewalks gutters, curbs,
size of lots, etc. in all subsequent subdivisions to be formed within the village limits and in a
mile and one half perimeter of the village limits.
At the annual Oswego Township meeting held last Tuesday afternoon, a quit claim deed was
offered to the township cemetery for the Cowdrey Cemetery on Route 71 by Care Parkhurst and
was accepted by the town meeting.
April 11: A public hearing has been set for Thursday night, April 25, at which time the new
zoning ordinance, land use maps etc., drawn up by Kincaid and Associates in conjunction with
the Oswego Plan Commission will be finally acted upon. An opportunity will be given to all
residents of the community to ask questions, voice objections and make statements concerning
any phase of the plan.
As soon as the hearing is held and the maps and ordinances approved, it will be possible to file
all parts of the comprehensive plan at Yorkville and get the plan into operation.
Plan commission chairman William K. Miller extends an invitation to all interested citizens to
attend.
The old grist mill is no more. Many a local old-timer is thinking back this week to the many
hours spent in debate and argument and general passing of pleasantries while they waited their
turn to get their load of corn, oats, wheat, etc., ground at the one-time old mill on Adams and
Tyler Street.
The old mill burned to the ground last week and the cause is still undetermined. The fire was
spotted first shortly before 3 a.m. and the alarm turned in but the building, which has stood on
that site for a century, was completely ablaze and was torn by an explosion shortly after the
firemen arrived on the scene.
The building has recently been used by Jack Weis as a car body shop and one car was inside the
building and two others parked alongside. All were destroyed.
The mill was operated by Roy Weber for a long term of years and finally ceased operation some
years ago when portable grinders made their appearance on the local scene.
April 18: Front page editorial: To the new village board: You are to be congratulated on your
election as members of the Oswego Village Board and commended for your interest in serving
your community…As elected officials of the village you are charged with the serious obligation
of making decisions that will reflect upon the entire community.
The Oswego overall development plan is in its final stages and soon you will have a detailed
blueprint to work from that will be a guide to orderly growth. It will be your responsibility to see
that this Oswego plan is put into effective us and adhered to without far or favor to the best
advantage of the entire community.
Oswego, to use an old cliché, is at the crossroads. The next few years will determine whether we
progress or whether we withdraw into the shell of obscurity. Every effort should be made to
increase business and service establishments, for the heart of any community prosperity lies in its
shopping area. The 36 businesses in the corporate limits are now accounting for one-fifth of the
personal property tax of the village and a good share of the real property tax. The more
businesses, the better tax base. Failure to encourage the business area to grow and expand will
only provide opportunity for competitive areas in outlying districts and loss of a potential tax
base.
Special effort should be directed toward encouraging new subdivisions to become part of the
corporate area. This works to mutual advantage. It broadens the tax base, thus affording better
and more economical services to all. It gives the new areas the advantage of public utilities they
would not otherwise have…
You have been elected to a position of trust. It is your duty to execute your duties as impartially
as possible. Friendships and petty jealousies are not valid reasons for making decisions. The only
good yardstick is “Is it good for the community?”
The Oswego Dragway was scene of a record-breaking crowd last Sunday as 4,352 persons
packed every available space of the grounds. A field of 364 cars competed on the twin
acceleration strips with a total of 1,276 runs being made during the day’s competition.
Ron Lutsch, Chicago, was top eliminator of the day, using a hot rod made of a 1940 Ford body
and a 1950 Olds engine. He turned in a top speed of 107.14.
Fastest car on the track, however, was a roadster powered by a 1949 Olds engine, which was
clocked electronically at 115.38 miles an hour, driven by Kenneth Hirata, Lowell, Ind.
Each car competing was put through a 37-point safety inspection by the Torquers of Elgin, a club
chartered by the National Hot Rod Association.
Everything from motorcycles to Jaguars took part in the daylong competition, with entries from
all of the Midwestern area including entries from Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa.
Wally and Bob Smith, owners of the drag strip, located on Route 34 about a mile south of
Oswego, are busily preparing for another large turnout next Sunday.
The seven man group of organizers for the Oswego bank will meet with chairman G.C.
Bartholomew tonight. A decision will be made as to the correspondent bank, which is a necessity
to every small bank. A discussion will also be held on the bank building and several other
matters.
A real heavy vote was cast in the village election Tuesday despite the fact there was no
opposition on the ballot. Jim Zentmyer, nominee for president of the board, led the pack with
237 votes. A write-in campaign for Dorothy Bell gave her 33 votes for village clerk with the
present clerk, Norma Hansen, receiving 197 votes. Trustees elected for full four year terms were
Robert Schmidt, William Miller, and William Crimmin. Elected to fill two year unexpired terms
were George Griffin and Herbert Rucks.
April 25: In an attempt to slow down traffic moving through town, state police, deputies from the
county sheriff’s office, the township constable, and the village police were all on duty last
Sunday to enforce speed and license laws in Oswego.
A total of 12 arrests were made resulting in nine convictions and one continuance. Justice of the
peace court was held in the village hall with justices Tom Miller and Arthur Tramblie presiding.
A policy of small fines, but many of them, was agreed to be in the best interests of all concerned.
A public hearing will be held in the Oswego Village Hall tonight to consider the proposal of
making a comprehensive amend to the zoning ordinance of the Village of Oswego, including
comprehensive changes in the zoning of all real estate situated in the corporate limits.
Theodore Gerry, chairman of the board of appeals of the Village of Oswego, will preside at the
meeting. Every property owner in the corporate limits will be given an opportunity to discus the
proposed rezoning proposals.
A preliminary plat of a new 39 lot subdivision was presented to the Oswego Plan Commission
last Monday night by Chris Herren. The proposed subdivision area lies on what is commonly
referred to as the old Cutter School Road, just off Route 71 south and west of Oswego. The area
lies between the river and the CB&Q Railroad tracks and has outlets on the river road that runs
from Route 71 toward the village and township dump area.
The organizing committee for the new Oswego bank met last Thursday night and selected Harris
Trust and Savings, Chicago, as the correspondent bank for the planned local institution. All small
banks of the type planned for Oswego find it necessary to work through larger clearing houses
for expediency and good service. The correspondent bank will outline the type of building
needed, help with furnishing qualified personnel to operate the bank and give, generally, such aid
as it can in getting the Oswego bank off to a good start.
Present plans are to have the shares of stock in the new bank sell at a low cost each so that
everyone will have an opportunity to be a part of the new organization. A limit will be placed on
the amount of stock that any one person can own.
The contractor in charge of construction of the new Oswego grade school reports that the
progress of the building is on schedule and it is expected that it will be completed by the first
week in August. The grade school board voted Monday night to have classes for the fourth, fifth,
and sixth grades in the new structure.
The grade board was organized for the year with LaVerne Shoger named as president and
Russell Rink as secretary.
Other members of the board are Carl Hafenrichter, Clarence Ringberg, Robert Boughton, Walter
Brill, and Ralph Ross.
May -- 1957
May 2: The Oswego Village Board met Monday night in the hall with all members present. The
general development plan maps and area development plan maps were presented and approved
by the action of the board. These plans will be recorded now with the county recorder at
Yorkville and with the secretary of state at Springfield and are officially a part of the Oswego
plan.
The zoning ordinance for the Oswego plan was also passed as recommend by the Zoning Board
of Appeals following a public hearing held last Thursday night. Only two changes were made on
the original plan as set out by Kincaid and Associates, Chicago, planners who are developing the
Oswego plan.
A preliminary plat of a proposed subdivision was presented by Stanley Herren. The plat calls for
laying out of 99 lots for building purposes in the area adjoining the present Brookside Manor
area. The plat was referred to the plan commission for study.
It was voted to join the township in the joint purchase of a series of aerial maps of Oswego
Township and the village of Oswego for reference work.
May 9: The last PTA meeting of the season will be held in the Community Room Tuesday
evening, May 14. Everett Hafenrichter will present a program of colored slides depicting the
school year of 1956-57 in review. He has been taking shots all year long of the various activities,
including the Halloween Fair, the Halloween parade, several dances, the Christmas music
concert, various grade and high school events, plus a series of slides on the construction progress
at the new grade school.
The Oswego Village Board met Monday night with all members present. Members of the newly
elected board were sworn in by Clerk Norma Hansen. President Donnell Etzwiler yielded the
chair to the new president, Jim Zentmyer, who conducted the balance of the meeting.
Walter Deuchler, village engineer, reported that specifications were in order for the new well and
that bids could be advertised.
It was voted to no longer furnish culverts or gravel for approaches to driveways or to furnish
gravel for parkings.
Lawrence Dunlap inquired about curbings in front of his proposed gas station on Route 34 and
was referred to the state highway department.
John Burkhart inquired about street lights and repair to streets in Morse Subdivision. The matter
is to be turned over to the village corporation counsel.
O.W. Burkhart’s resignation a corporation counsel was acted on and it was suggested that
William C. Murphy, Aurora, be appointed new corporation counsel.
In answer to many complaints filed at the county courthouse and at Springfield, state police
moved into Oswego last Sunday in an effort to curb traffic violations caused by the heavy traffic
bound for the drag strip west of town.
Over 100 arrest tickets were handed out by the officers, with the majority of the violations being
noisy and improper mufflers. Ten of the arrests were for speeding violations and several for
improper license plates. Justices Tom Miller and Art Tramblie held court in the Oswego Village
Hall during the entire day and assessed the minimum fine of $5 and costs in almost all of the
cases. The fine money goes to the county due to the fact that arrests were made by state police.
In order for the village to control fine money, arrests must be made by a village officer. The state
officers used a radar check system on the cars, radioing ahead to another squad car when they
found motorists who were proceeding at too fast a speed.
The May menus for the Oswego school cafeteria have been prepared from suggestions and
requests of the youngsters. According to a questionnaire that was filled out by each student, the
most popular foods served during the year were meat loaf, Coney islands, mock pizza pie,
Spanish rice, toasted cheese sandwiches, and cherry cobbler.
May 16: The Oswego Plan Commission met Friday night in a special session. Chairman William
Miller reported that the final report of Kincaid and Associates on the Oswego plan would be
ready for distribution in two to three weeks. These reports will be available for a nominal fee.
Don Dise, developer of the Boulder Hill Subdivision, presented a preliminary plat of proposed
Section No. 4, calling for between 450 and 500 lots for approval. The area is immediately to the
south of the present erection program.
Chairman Miller submitted his resignation from the plan commission, stating that his recent
election to the Oswego Village Board would take a great deal of his time.
Three Oswegoans were awarded first place honors in the Minooka Art Show held last week.
Winners were Jim Seidelman, Carol Shoger and Nancy Drew. Other Oswego entries included
David Dreier, third; Mrs. Fred Borino, second; Ruth Dreier, second and third.
State police officers were again on duty Sunday, May 12, to assist local law enforcement
authorities and a total of 30 arrests were made. Thirteen arrests for speeding charges, 13 on noisy
muffler charges, four for operating improperly license vehicles.
Justice of the Peach Art Tramblie said that he was impressed by the fact that the great majority of
those brought into court were honorable, respectable young citizens who merely needed a small
fine as a reminder that they must operate the automobiles in compliance with the law at all times.
Tramblie held two conferences with Walter Smith, operator of the Oswego Drag Strip, and it was
learned that every possible effort is being put forth to discourage undesirables from participating
in the races. A high code of standards has been established by the operators of the track and is
being rigidly enforced.
Dr. E.W. Lowry was appointed health officer for the village at the Oswego Village Board
meeting Monday night. Don Etzwiler was appointed chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Three members of the plan commission whose terms had expired were reappointed, Mrs. Stanley
Drew, Everett McKeown and Douglas Dreier. Ford L. Lippold was appointed a member of the
commission to fill out the unexpired term of William Miller, who resigned last weed due to his
election to the village board.
The hiring of a building inspector was discussed and a decision will be made in the next few
days as to who it will be. A request from Lawrence Dunlap to have an alley platted between
Adams and Harrison streets vacated was referred to the plan commission for study.
It was voted to have a census taken as soon as possible in order to gain additional motor fuel tax
funds.
Advertisement:
CIRCUS!
Thurs, May 30 is the Big Day
Two Big Shows: Afternoon and Evening!
There’ll be wild animals, aerialists,
clowns, animal acts, thrills and
chills. All the “Bit Top” glamour…
There will be a number of the animals in the big Memorial Day parade, and some of them will be
on display (free of charge) on the circus lot between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Circus Day on the
lot.
The Circus Will Be Held at the South Limits
of Oswego Where Main St. and Highway 25 Intersect
(The Zielke property across from the Cemetery).
Tickets are no Sale now from Legionnaires at
Adults $1; Children, 50 cents
Be sure and buy your tickets and attend the circus
Oswego American Legion Post 675
May 23: Sixty-seven eighth grade students will graduate into high school Wednesday evening,
May 29 in the high school gym. Salutatorian was Bob Nutt. Valedictorian was Rita Bell. The
class motto was “An Investment in Knowledge Pays the Best Interest.”
The famous Cole Wild Animal Circus will set up in Oswego for two performances on Memorial
Day, Thursday, May 30. This big top extravaganza features some of the finest animal acts in the
world, including the biggest elephant, rhinoceros, and dozens of other wild animals. The circus
will set up at the south end of the village at the intersection of Main Street and Route 25 across
from the cemetery on the Zielke property. This feature attraction is being presented by the
Oswego American Legion.
Everett Hafenrichter was elected president of the Oswego Park Board for the new year, replacing
Ralph Wheeler. George Hettrich was named as vice-president. The board appointed John Carr as
treasurer and Ford L. Lippold as secretary.
It was voted to hire the following personnel for the summer recreation program: Ruth Weidert
handicraft instructor for large playground; Jean Bower, playground instructor at White School;
James Seidelman, assistant playground instructor at White playground; Arthur Tramblie, part-
time playground instructor at Red Brick playground and Little League; Lois Morley, handicraft
instructor at small playground.
The competition for cheer leaders for both frosh-soph and varsity for the 1957-58 school year
was spirited, with the final results as follows: Varsity: Judy Detzler, Captain; Nila Burkhart; Jim
Seidelman; Yvonne Haag.
Frosh-Soph: Nanette Smith, captain; Diane Blome; Maria Calamaras; Carlene Collins.
Program chairman Kenneth Bohn and his committee are happy to present the “Poet-Artist” Frank
H. Keith, Chicago, to the Oswego High School Alumni at the 59th Annual Meeting, which will
be held in the gym Saturday, June 1, at 8 p.m. Mr. Keith will have his “Magic With Crayon”
program, which has thrilled thousands of Midwestern audiences and is rated foremost in his
field. Janis Essenpreiss Hoch and Roger Schillinger are on the nominating committee for 1958
officers.
May 30: Front page editorial: Voters of Kendall County will have an opportunity to vote on an
increase in the county tax rate Monday, June 3. It isn’t often that this paper urges persons to vote
for or against anything. However, after a great deal of investigation of the subject, it is apparent
that it is no longer wise to operate a jet-age county program on a horse and buggy budget.
We pour money into Washington like sand into a rat hole with nary a squawk and without
knowing where or how it is being spent (or wasted), but here, on a local level of government, we
have an opportunity to check on the expenditure of every penny.
The increase being asked for amounts to a maximum of 5.4 cents per $100 of assessed valuation
or $5.40 on a valuation of $10000.
We don’t thin the increase is unreasonable. If we are to have services, we must pay for them.
Commencement exercises for the High School Class of 1957 will be held at 8 p.m. in the gym,
Friday, May 31. A total of 40 students are to receive diplomas. Salutatorian is Priscilla Larsen;
valedictorian is James Lantz. Activity Award winner is Richard Nutt; Sportsmanship and
Athletics Award winner is David Garbleman. The class motto is “Knowledge is a Treasure, But
Practice is the Key to It.”
The final school session of the year will be on Monday morning, June 3, with classes convening
at 8:30 and letting out before the noon hour.
Chairman G.C. Bartholomew of the Oswego Community Bank organization committee reports
that two men were interviewed last week for the top management position and that several others
are to be interviewed within the next few days.
The also stated that specifications for the bank building had been received from Harris Trust and
Savings, the local group’s correspondent bank.
The Oswego Village Board met Monday night. Five bids for the construction of the new well
were opened with the contract being awarded to Layne Western Company, Aurora, in the amount
of $35,445.50.
A committee from the local American Legion Post requested that the board reconsider a decision
to ban carnivals from downtown streets. No action was taken.
A committee was appointed to meet with a committee of the Oswego Business Men’s
Association to discuss downtown street lights.
A request was received or a temporary water line to the Standard Service Station at the
intersection of Rts. 34 and 71. It was referred to committee.
Lawrence Dunlap’s request that the platted alley between Adams and Harrison Street be closed
was allowed.
The board voted to accept the final report of the Oswego Plan prepared by Kincaid & Associates
in accordance with recommendations from the Oswego Plan Commission.
It was also voted to inform Don Dise, subdivider, that Section 4 of the Boulder Hill Subdivision
submitted in preliminary plat form has 14 variations which are to be corrected before any action
can be taken.
Robert Schmidt, chairman of streets and alleys reported that the Adams Street bridge is in
hazardous condition and action will be taken to repair same.
Helen Calamaras not only received the school citizenship award given each year to a member of
the senior class, but also was given the DAR and the American Legion Citizenship awards at
commencement exercises last Friday night.
June -- 1957
June 6: The proposed county tax increase failed by a 3-1 margin.
Ledger editorial: Although we welcome progress and know that residential growth is coming to
our community we feel that an undue burden is being foisted on the present taxpayers of Oswego
Township. We also feel that the burden of the solution of this problem lies upon the shoulders of
the subdividers, the persons who stand to profit from this growth.
When a new home is built, it is jut about two years before any taxes at all are realized on it.
Therefore, existing taxpayers are footing the bill for new homeowners and subdividers for this
period. Some compensation should be forthcoming, perhaps in a lump sum payment to the
school boards before a building permit is issued, or some other like agreement that would help
equalized the tax load.
Why not have subdividers responsible for schools in their areas on a progressive basis? Each
subdivider furnish so many school rooms for each 50 or 100 homes erected in that subdivision.
Subdivider and purchaser could absorb the cost equally.
Oswego’s position is not unique. This same tax monster is being reared in other communities
which have found that they must act quickly to shackle it or be crushed in a tax vise. Negotiation
has proven to be the most successful weapon, backed up by plenty of vociferous public opinion.
The Oswego Village Board met Monday night with all members present. Five bids for the
construction of the new well were opened with the contract being awarded to Layne Western
Co., Aurora in the amount of $35,446.50.
A committee from the local American legion Post requested that the board reconsider a decision
to ban carnivals from downtown streets. No action was taken.
A committee was appointed to meet with a committee of the Oswego Business Men’s
Association to discuss downtown street lights.
Lawrence Dunlap’s request that the platted alley between Adams and Harrison Street be closed
was allowed.
The board voted to accept the final report of the Oswego Plan repaired by Kincaid & Associates.
June 13: A record 130 boys were participating in the Oswego Park District’s Little League
baseball program. Dave Dreier and Budd Wormley were playing on the Lions; Glenn Young and
Bob Saxon were playing for the Hawks; Jack Weis was on the Braves; and Dick Foster and Paul
Baumann were on the Sox.
June 20: The Oswego Village Board held a special meeting Tuesday evening to discuss several
problems, among them was mosquito fogging. A bid in the neighborhood of $600 for the balance
of the season was received from a fogging company. Due to the fact that no money was
appropriated for such a purpose, it was voted by the board to give residents a chance to make
such a program possible. Donations will received at Shuler’s Drug Store. As soon as sufficient
interest has been shown, a contract will be made with the fogging company.
The Oswego American Post presented a petition with 109 signatures requesting use of Main
Street between Washington and Van Buren for a carnival to be held the last three days of June.
The board voted to allow the Legion to hold the carnival as planned with the restriction that no
cars be parked on the north side of Van Buren Street between Main and Madison except for
clinic patients.
The hiring of a night patrolman was discussed and no action was taken.
Two Oswego boys were the only recipients of scholarships at the University of Illinois for this
year, according to word received from Irving A. Shears, county superintendent of schools.
Charles William Condon Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Condon, will receive the Kendall
County General Scholarship. Tom Wolf, another Oswego graduate this year, won the scholarship
offered to the child of a World War I veteran.
We firmly believe that it’s high time that downtown streets be marked off for proper parking.
The paint to do the job with has been sitting in the village hall for over two years now. Good
think paint doesn’t sour like milk.
Have you tried out the new outside public telephone booth at the northeast corner of Main and
Washington Street yet? Quite a few people have.
June 27: If the first two weeks are any indication, attendance at the playgrounds is due to set a
new high this year. Average attendance at the two play areas during the open weeks of the ten
week period is over 150 youngsters per day, not including the pre-schooler sessions on three
mornings each week.
Oswego is one of the very few small communities in the Middle West that offers such a wide
range of summer activities for its boy and girl population. With the exception of daily
swimming, the Oswego program is equal to or better in opportunities than those in even much
larger towns and cities.
village Collector Al Shuler reports that some donations are already in for the proposed mosquito
control fogging for Oswego. The plan set up by the Clarke Outdoor Spraying Company also
would include the built-up areas on the west side of the Fox River in order to build up an
effective control on both sides of the river.
July -- 1957
July 4: The Oswego Village Board met Monday night. It was decided to authorize two foggings
for control of mosquitoes with subsequent foggings to be determined by the amount of money
donated by residents of the community. At noon on Tuesday, July 2, $98 had been turned in to
village collector Al Shuler for mosquito control. The cost of each fogging is $160.
It was voted to hire Chicago Bridge and Iron Company to drain the water tank, inspect, and make
a report on its condition.
Herbert Lantz presented several requests: That the CB&Q Railroad be requested not to bloc
crossings for so long a period of time; information on the building of several homes on the west
side of Route 25; and the opening of a street. Referred to committee for study.
The state police came to Oswego again last Sunday morning and the radar equipment was set up
at 5:30 a.m. In cooperation with the local police, a check was made for violators of speed,
licenses, muffler, and other regulations.
The largest fine of the day assessed by Justice of the Peace Art Tramblie was $25 for permitting
a 15 year old boy to operate a motorcycle equipped with straight pipes and without a license.
David Dreier is spending the summer in Colorado with his two grandmothers.
July 11: The second annual church picnic for St. Anne’s Church will be held July 14 at the Smith
estate, directly across from the Oswego Drag Strop on Route 34 after the 9 a.m. services.
The first fogging for control of mosquitoes in the village was completed last Friday night The
next fogging will be done after inspection of mosquito breeding places indicates new swarms are
prevalent. Contributions at noon on Tuesday stood at $229 as against a total cost of $360 for the
two foggings contracted for.
Ledger editorial: One of the biggest criticisms that Little League Baseball faces is the rabid
parent. Fortunately, that situation has not reared its ugly head in Oswego in the five or six years
of Little League, but has been evident in other communities…It is easy to control a temper
tantrum or unsportsmanlike conduct when it comes from a player by benching him or banishing
him from a game, but the rabid spectator just goes on and on. Perhaps a good example by the
youngsters will wake some of them up.
The final report on the Oswego Plan has been completed and assembled…These reports, strongly
bound in spiral binding, complete with maps, will be available from the office of village clerk
Norma Hansen at cost. Two hundred and fifty copies of the report have been prepared and will
be available on a first come, first served basis.
Those who contributed to payment of the $2,500 fee for preparing the plan included the Oswego
High School District, Oswego Grade School District, Lions Club, Woman’s Civic Club,
American Legion Post 675, American Legion Auxiliary, 19th Century Club, Oswego Park
Board, and the Oswego Township and Oswego Village boards.
Jim Lantz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Lantz, entered the United States Naval Academy at
Annapolis on July 1 after spending a few days with Larry Voss in New Jersey. Jim graduated
from Oswego High School in June and was valedictorian of the class of ’57.
The village board has asked that all persons limit the sprinkling of lawns and excess use of water
during the summer months as present pumping machinery is unable to stand heavy demands.
July 18: Employees of the Layne Western Company, Kansas City, Mo., are busy drilling the new
well in Madison Street. The new well, which will have a capacity of approximately 500 gallons
per minute and the well house and other appurtenances is being financed with a $75,000 bond
issue. The combined capacity of the two present wells is approximately 180 gallons per minute.
the new well will be between 1,300 and 1,400 feet deep, compared to approximately 620 feet of
the present wells.
It is estimated that Oswego people now use an average daily gallonage of 104,250 and that with
normal population increase, a daily gallonage of 142,000 will be necessary in 1966 and 186,200
gallons daily by 1976.
Completion date for the new well is 180 days, which means that it could be in operation by late
November or early December.
Village Collector Al Shuler reports that donations to the Mosquito Abatement Fund have now
passed the $300 mark. A check on Tuesday, July 16, showed a total of $323 contributed.
July 25: Lyle Shoger, Henry Pierce, and Paul Dwyre spent several days this week painting
orange lines on the downtown streets designating parking and no-parking zone areas.
The marriage of Miss Audrey Fosgett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne L. Fosgett to James
Fechner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester W. Fechner, Aurora, took place Saturday July 20 in a
candlelight double-ring ceremony in the Oswego Presbyterian Church.
A district census supervisor from Chicago will be in the village Tuesday, July 30, to interview
persons interested in working on the new census of the village to be taken during August. It is
estimated that the 1950 census figure of 1,220 persons in the corporate limits is now somewhere
in the neighborhood of 1,360 or 1,400 persons.
August -- 1957
Aug. 1: School superintendent T. Loyd Traughber announced this week that the 1957-58
teaching staff is completed with 36 teachers ready for the Aug. 30 opening date. All three
sections of grade one will be housed in the White Grade School building; three sections each of
second and third grades will be in the Red Brick School; all three sections of fourth fifth, and
sixth grade will be in the new elementary school now under construction; seventh and eighth
grades will be in the junior high building. Richard Rockenback will be principal of the high
school; Gordon Anderson is principal of the new East View School; Lowell Polley will be
principal of the junior high; and Helen Hutton will be principal at the Red Brick School.
Through the courtesy of Mayor Paul Egan Aurora, local downtown merchants have free tickets
to Riverview Park available for Saturday, Aug. 3. These tickets are good for free admission to
the park and for six rides.
Aug. 8: The most recent special census taken in the Village of Oswego showed a population of
1,381, up from the 1950 count of 1,220 residents. The door-to-door census counted everyone
living in Oswego as of July 30, 1957.
New water rates for Oswego were approved by the village board at $4 for the first 700 cubic feet
and 40 cents for each additional 100 cubic feet. Water bills were also to be sent out quarterly
instead of semi-annually, the Ledger reported.
It was decided to have two more foggings for mosquito control this season.
It was voted that any future closing of alleys will be done only if all property owners adjoining
such area pay $50 fee for each lot.
Nine buses will be used this school term to transport the pupils to and from Oswego schools.
Drivers are Richard Light, Ronald Smith, Roy Krug, Stanley Peterson, Thomas Haugh, Earl
Schlapp, Victor May, Wayne Fosgett, and Bernice Bower.
In other school business, Mrs. Dorothy Mighell, who has taught third grade during the past three
years, resigned her position last week.
St. Anne's Mission held their annual barbecue and ice cream social on Aug. 11 at the church hall
on Washington Street.
Aug. 15: Oswego’s entry in the 20-team Cornbelt Little League defeated Sheridan in the
championship game Monday night, 12-0 to keep its record for the season spotless and win the
big trophy. Bob Tripp, hurling for Oswego, struck out 18 Sheridan batsmen and allowed only
one hit.
Oswego turned in ten hits with Mike Linden, Dale LaGow, Verlin Boram, and John Seidelman
each getting two; John Morley and Jerry Flemming added one apiece.
Bohn's Food Store in downtown Oswego offered evening hours until 9 p.m. every Friday, and
featured "A full line of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables."
Justice Tom Miller handled five arrests during August and assessed a total of $85 in fines, the
Ledger reported.
In its appropriations ordinance published Aug. 15, the Oswego Park District planned to spend
$8,700 during its 1957-58 fiscal year.
Aug. 22: The Rev. Ralph Didier was named the new pastor at the Oswego Presbyterian Church.
Aug. 29: "Oswego schools open Friday p.m." a headline in the Aug. 29 Ledger reported, adding
"New East View is not ready." According to the story, the new East View School, opening as an
intermediate building for grades 4-6, would not be ready for occupancy until Sept. 15. As a
result, students in the three grades were being sent to classrooms in the junior high addition to
Oswego High School [formerly Traughber Junior High, now the Oswego 308 Center], in the
gym and second floor classrooms at the old Red Brick School.
Scoutmaster George Akerlow has announced that regular meetings of Troop 31 will start Sept. 9.
The meeting place is not yet determined. Troop 31 is sponsored by the Oswego Parent Teacher
Association.
September -- 1957
Sept. 5: Front page Ledger editorial: "Each evening as the sun sinks slowly in the west, a gloomy
pall of darkness descends on Main Street, Oswego, like a shroud," Ledger Editor Ford Lippold
wrote on Sept. 5. "On each street corner, at four hundred foot intervals, a feeble bulb casts a dull,
murky yellow glob of indistinguishable dimness. Street curbings and sidewalks lie waiting in the
blackness to trip up unwary feet. The dark creeps in and Main Street, Oswego is smothered in a
blanket of gloom. Corny prose, yes, but just another way of pointing out that Oswego has one of
the worst, if not the worst, lighted Main Streets in the entire Fox Valley."
The Oswego Panther football teams will get off to an early start on their eight game schedule this
year with the opener set for the local gridiron with Elburn as the opposition.
Head coach Ken Pickerill will have a lot of boys to look over this year with almost 60 boys out
for football, with a good many of them being freshmen. Jim Aird will handle the Frosh-Soph
team, which will play a schedule comparable to the varsity."
The first meeting of the Grove Road Farmers Club will be held Thursday night, September 12, at
the Myron Wormley home.
Sept. 12: "New high for school enrollment," a Ledger headline reported. Enrollment was up by
79 students over the opening day in 1956. Total grade school enrollment, including the one
remaining one-room school (Church School in Wheatland Township) was 665, compared to 615
the year before. Total high school enrollment was 226 compared to 197 the year before. Total
school enrollment was 891 students "with the number being increased almost daily by new
arrivals," according to the Ledger.
The Oswego Village Board learned the new municipal well at Madison and Douglas Street was
on schedule and was currently at a depth of 700 feet, or about half way to the expected 1,400
foot final depth.
Village Clerk Norma Hansen presented her resignation from that office effective as soon as
someone is appointed to take her place.
Sept. 19: George C. Bartholomew, chair of the organization committee of the proposed Oswego
Community Bank announced that stock pledges were being taken for the new bank. A total of
1,000 shares at $50 per share were authorized to be sold, with no one person allowed to buy
more than $10,000 worth of shares.
Sept. 26: Although not completely finished, pupils of the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades will move
into the new East View School on Monday, Sept. 30. The heating unit is being connected up this
week and will be ready in time for the opening. It was necessary to sink the huge oil tank into
solid rock which took some time and effort on the part of workmen. Gordon Anderson was
serving as the school's first principal, as well as doing duty as a sixth grade teacher.
Almost $50,000 in stock in the new Oswego Community Bank has been subscribed for by people
living in the Oswego community area. The purchase of stock by any one person is limited to 200
shares or $10,000.
October -- 1957
Oct. 3: The Oswego Dragstrip is to be the scene of the season's championship races on Saturday
and Sunday, October 5 and 6. Time trials for the expected 300 or more entries will be held on
Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. Joe Martincic, Cleveland, Ohio, holder of strip record at 140 mph,
will be on hand and expects to exceed that speed. Also in the running will be Al Thompson of
North Aurora who traveled 134 mph last week."
Oct. 10: Front page Leger editorial: For the second month in a row the Oswego Village Board
has failed to have a quorum present at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting. A deplorable
situation!
Persons who had business to transact with the village board were on hand at the village hall at
the regular appointed hour of 8 p.m. Monday but an hour later filed out with nothing
accomplished when a sufficient number of board members failed to show up to form a quorum.
If an elected office holder finds that it is not possible for him to attend meetings with regularity,
he should resign the position so that it can be filled by someone who can attend and carry out the
responsibilities of the office.
The first service in the Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren will be held on
Sunday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m. Reverend Kenneth Yingst will give the sermon. The church is
located at 5 Bereman Road.
The organizing committee of the new Oswego Community Bank reported that $120,000 in stock
had been subscribed.
The fourth, fifth, and sixth graders have finally moved into the new East View School. It’s
official!
It's been a long time since there's been so much interest in anything in the community as there is
in the new Oswego Community Bank and, for a change, the comments are mostly favorable. Oh,
there are a few diehards who say it will never go, but they are the same ones who said the auto
would never replace the horse. Back to the easy chairs, boys, lay down and roll over, you're
dead.
The new well progresses and the drilling should be just about finished by the end of the month,
which will make those in the neighborhood happy.
Oct. 17: The Oswego Village Board considered a proposal to close a portion of Grant Street at
the new East View School, and to build sidewalks in the area.
Donald Sebby was hired to serve as night police officer at a salary of $325 at month. He went on
duty Oct. 6.
The new well was finished, drilled to a depth of 1,378 feet, village engineer George Griffin
reported. It was decided to build a 24x36 well house of concrete blocks and brick facing. Griffin
reported that the water tank is in need of repair and recommended that a new tank be built in the
near future.
Herb Rucks reported that the library building in Main Street owned by the village is in need of
gutters.
Bob Schmidt was authorized to take bids on repairs for the Adams Street bridge.
Property owners of Brookside Manor requested that the plat of Unit 1 be vacated and a new plat
approved to correct errors. An ordinance to that effect was drawn up.
The preliminary plat of Herren’s Brookside Manor, Unit 2, was presented and approved subject
to several minor corrections. The plat is for 97 lots.
J. George Smith presented the final plat of the George D. Smith Subdivision and requested that
the Oswego Village Board advertise for ids for installation of sewer and water. The plat was
referred to the plan commission and the village clerk was authorized to advertise for bids, which
will be opened on Nov. 12.
The preliminary plat of Christie Herren’s subdivision was approved. The final plat is of the same
subdivision was referred to the plan commission.
The preliminary plat of Clark’s subdivision, submitted by Harry Clark, was referred to the plan
commission.
Stock in the new Oswego Community Bank was oversubscribed, with more than 200 Oswegoans
promising to buy more than $130,000 in stock in the new bank.
Oct. 24: Members of the Oswego Business Association are sponsoring "Oswego Days" on Friday
and Saturday, Nov. 1-2. All of the cooperating merchants will be offering specials that will mean
real savings.
The forming of a commission to study the Fox River program is good news. The purpose of the
commission, according to Gov. Stratton, will be to make a study of the river with a view towards
making it a thoroughfare for small boats from the Chain-of-Lakes with the Illinois provide
almost unlimited recreational facilities for northern Illinois. Certainly Oswego should be
interested in this study, which could possibly provide a four foot level of water at all times in the
Fox.
Students earning spots on the high honor roll at Oswego High School were Jeannette McCorkle,
David Roth, Susan Cherry, Alice Ebinger, and Rita Bell.
The Oswego Fire Protection District listed total expenditures of $13,898.88 for their fiscal year
ending May 1, 1957 in a legal notice in the Ledger.
Oct. 31: This issue marks the completion of the eighth successive year of publication of the
Oswego Ledger," editor Ford Lippold wrote. "A lot of water has flowed over the dam in that
period of time, a new high school and a new grade school have been built. Also a new fire barn,
a new Catholic church. The Oswego Park District was created. A new bank will be built soon.
The Oswego Plan Commission was formed. Caterpillar Tractor Company came into the
community. Thousands of lots have been subdivided, hundreds of homes are already up.
Population is on the increase. There are big things coming."
November -- 1957
Nov. 7: It was planned to have an open house at the new East View School building for the
November 12 PTA meeting but contractors are still puttering around. The floor tile is still not on
in the gym and it will be ten days to two weeks before it is finished.
At the Oswego Village Board meeting Monday, the final plat of the George D. Smith subdivision
was tabled until land donations and other variations are completed with. The preliminary plat of
the Harry Clark Subdivision was not acted on due to several major variations.
A trusteeship of three men to handle the donations to the school fund by subdividers was signed
with three trustees designated as the president of the grade school board, the president of the high
school board and George Griffin, representing the village board. The money donated to this fund
by subdividers will be used by the two school boards at their discretion.
A five man trusteeship was signed to handle the 10 percent land donation set up by the Oswego
Plan for all subdividers in which every person who subdivides must donate 10 percent of the land
or a sum in cash equal to the value of 10 percent of the unimproved land to be used for park and
school sites. The trustees are made up of the presidents of the school boards, president of the
Oswego Park Board, the president of the village board, and the president of the plan commission.
This trusteeship will administer all funds and lands given by subdividers for school and park site
purposes.
A request that Grant Street by the new grade school be vacated was denied.
It was voted to have Public Service Company install street lights in the Morse Subdivision.
Don Pinnow presented an amendment to the building code changing fees that was accepted and
passed. Fees will now be based on square footage instead of valuation of building to be erected.
It was voted to employ Harold Manning as building inspector beginning as of now. Four
inspections of all new buildings will be made.
William Miller was instructed to get prices on a new police car with funds for same, if
purchased, to come from the village portion of sales tax refund money.
It was decided to have the two police officers now employed by the village rotate on day and
night shift for two weeks periods of time.
The Oswego Days figures showing that between 20 percent and 25 percent of the merchandise
sold in Oswego goes out of town points up a real need for improvements in our downtown area
for the better of our business area looks, the more out of town sales will be made.
Out of town sales are beneficial to not only the store owners but the taxpayers as well, for such
sales increase the sales tax refund revenue, cause the merchants to carry more stock thus building
the personal property tax base; cause businesses to expand and other businesses to come to town
thus building a broader real property tax. It well behooves the merchants and village officials to
get together on some improvement plan.
Shuler’s Drug Store announced in a full page ad that their popular toy shop upstairs over the
drug store would open Saturday, Nov. 9. Hours through the holiday season were 1-5 p.m. and 7-
9 p.m. weekdays and Tuesdays 1-6 p.m.
Nov. 14: The junior class of Oswego High School will present its annual Junior Frolic Friday,
Nov. 15 in the auditorium. The theme for this year’s production is “Star Dust,” and the program
will consist of three one-act plays and between acts entertainment. The plays will be given by the
freshman, sophomore, and senior classes in competition with presentation of a plaque to the
winning class.
Nov. 21: Lutheran divine services will be held regularly in Oswego beginning with a service at 9
a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24. The services will be held in the community room of the Oswego High
School.
The services have been initiated by St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Aurora, as part of its centennial
anniversary. The speaker at the opening service will be the Rev. W.G. Stallman, pastor of St.
Paul’s for over 20 years. Mr. William Bachert, veteran organist at St. Paul’s, will accompany the
singing of hymns and direct the mixed choir of St. Paul’s in a special anthem.
Residents of the village received their first billing for the $1 per month sewer use fee, which was
voted into being effective on July 1 of this year. The present condition of the local sewage
disposal plant is not at all encouraging." The plant could handle 900 residents, but nearly 1,400
were then living in the village. "It is obvious the local treatment plant will either have to be
expanded or a new one built within the next few years."
Ledger editorial: The culmination of two years of effort on the part of the Oswego Plan
Commission was achieved last week when the Chris Herren subdivision was approved in final
form. This was the first subdivision to have final approval under the overall Oswego General
Development Plan.
In addition to a 10 percent public lands donation (in this case it was a cash donation), a
substantial $200 per lot contribution is being made to the Oswego schools for use to help soften
the tax load.
The Plan Commission has received criticism because it has stuck to its guns and insisted on
subdividers complying strictly to the Oswego Plan. It is to be commended.
Although a number of subdivisions in the Oswego area are in various stages of preliminary
development, the Chris Herren Subdivision is the first to be completely approved since the
Oswego Plan Commission final overall development plan was put into effect. Herren’s plat has
been approved by the plan commission, the village board, and the county board.
He is the first to comply with the regulation calling for a donation of 10 percent of the
subdivision lands (or a sum equal to that amount of the unimproved property) to be used for
school or park sites. As the area was not large enough or properly situated for school or park
property, Herren gave the required 10 percent in cash.
He also contributed a sum of $200 per lot to the Oswego Public School boards to be used at the
discretion of a three man trusteeship composed of the grade school president, the high school
president, and a reprehensive of the plan commission. This $200 contribution is meant to help
take up the slack in taxes.
Nov. 28: Front page Ledger editorial: Some of the residents of our community have been loudly
criticizing the village board and local law enforcement officers recently, the reason being that the
residents have been called upon to pay fines for various traffic violations. This is a childish
attitude.
Surely a lifelong resident of Oswego who drives 35 to 40 miles per hour in a 25 mile zone or
who runs a stop light is just as dangerous behind the wheel of an automobile as a motorist
passing through from Maine, California, Florida or Timbuktu. Just because a car bears an
Oswego village sticker does not mean that the driver is immune to local traffic regulations. Just
because a police officer does his duty is no reason to castigate him or accuse village officials of
operating a speed trap.
By the same token, the men who are charged with the responsibility of enforcing the laws owe it
to the community and those with whom they deal to be courteous and correct. It behooves both
law enforcement officers and citizens to cooperate in keeping traffic accidents and traffic deaths
out of our community.
Several complaints have been made of late by homeowners who have had windows broken by
firing from BB guns.
Members of the Oswego American Legion Post 675, the Lions Club and the Business Men’s
Association are requested to be on hand at 8:30 Sunday morning, Dec. 1, to put up the decorative
lights on the downtown streets.
During the past two weeks the capital stock of the new Oswego Community Bank has been
raised from $125,000 to $150,000 on recommendation of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
Coach Ken Pickerill has the largest squad out for wrestling this year of any in the years that the
mat sport has been in the Oswego school curriculum. A total of 40 aspirants are trying out for the
varsity and frosh-soph starting spots.
Ledger editorial: Al Shuler, local druggist, is celebrating his 20th year in business in Oswego this
weekend. During that time, he has made innumerable friends and probably an enemy or two.
Most important, he has been an asset to the community, a real solid citizen.
He has been active in community life, having served on the village board for several terms,
served as president of the Oswego Lions Club, is now on the Oswego High School Board, and is
also chief of the Oswego Volunteer Fire Department. He has been on numerous committees,
including the original Oswego Recreation Committee, which predated the forming of the
Oswego Park District.
He has sponsored basketball and baseball teams in the past and is currently furnishing uniforms
for the local Pony League team. He has always been ready to help out in any community project.
He will probably shoot the editor on sight for printing this editorial, for he has not been
ostentatious in the things that he has done. However, it is our policy to recognize everything that
is good for our community and we think that Al Shuler has been good for Oswego.
Shuler's Drug Store was celebrating its 20th year in business with special sales and events on
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30.
The Oswego school cafeteria, located at Oswego High School, served 5,033 meals during
October under manager Lillian Schomer.
Notice that the Yorkville voters went for an $835,000 bond issue for a new high school last
Saturday. The school, which will be under construction next spring, will house up to 500
students. Present enrollment of the Yorkville school is around 270.
Stan Young made an unusual geological discovery recently while digging in his back yard, a
large piece of native copper weighing about 20 lbs. Professor Smith, geology instructor of
Aurora College, verified the find and stated it was the largest found in the Auroraland area.
There are deposits of the mineral around the Great Lakes and evidently this piece had been
carried down by one of the glaciers which covered the northern half of Illinois.
The onset of wintry weather has not stopped building in the community. Boulder Hill goes on
apace with families moving in every week. Two new homes have been started in the
Bartholomew Subdivision and another in the Chris Herren Subdivision. The two model homes
being built in Herren’s Brookside Manor inside the village limits are fast nearing completion.
Quite a few Oswegoans saw Slade Cutter being interviewed on a national TV hookup last week.
Slade, a native-born Oswegoan, is at present athletic director at the U.S. Naval Academy at
Annapolis.
How many of you know that it was just 125 years ago this fall that the first settlers came to
Oswego? There is a preliminary bit of planning going on for a 125th Anniversary celebration to
be held next spring.
December -- 1957
Dec. 5: The Oswego Village Board said they would discuss bids on street improvements for the
Morse Subdivision with its residents. No bids had yet been received on repairing the Adams
Street bridge.
Trustee William Miller was authorized to purchase a 500 gallon gasoline storage tank and
Sinclair has agreed to install an electric pump.
Henry Schmidt is to continue as night watchman until Dec. 15, at which time the night patrol
officer will take over those duties.
George Griffin presented a resolution calling for village engineer Walter Deuchler to draw up
plans and specifications for bids for 18 street lights in the downtown area, 12 on Main Street
between Jefferson and Van Buren, two on Jefferson between Main and Route 34, and four on
Jackson between Route 34 and Adams Street.
It was voted to increase the salary of Police Officer Paul Dwyre to $325 per month, effective
Dec. 1.
Miller presented a resolution on banning pinball games.
Five bids on a new police car were opened and read with the low bid being that of N.B.
Anderson Motor Sales, Newark, for a four door Ford at $1,938.44.
Oswego merchants were ready for a “Men Only” shopping evening on Tuesday night, Dec. 10,
from 7-10 p.m. “We suggest that men take advantage of this opportunity to buy the little
woman’s gift without fear that she will be peeking over his shoulder,” according to the Ledger.
A new fire truck has been added to the Oswego Fire District during the past week. The new unit,
an American-LaFrance outfit, will pump up to 750 gallons of water per minute and has a 500
gallon water tank. This is in contrast to the pumping capacities of the old trucks of 250 and 350
gallons per minute, respectively.
The new unit, which will be put into service within the next week, cost approximately $13,500.
Dec. 12: The Illinois Water Survey Department reports that the sample from Well No. 3 (the new
well in Madison street) shows: “Sample to be of moderate mineral content and harness and to
contain sufficient iron to cause staining of porcelain ware, etc. It is possible that the iron content
will decrease with further pumping.
“The hardness in this sample is sufficient to cause the formation of a moderate amount of soft
scale and sludge in boilers and hot water heaters and to consume a moderate amount of soap if
used for washing or laundry purposes.”
Erection of the new pump house will begin sometime after the first of the year.
Results of the Illinois Statewide High School Testing Program are now in and the junior class of
Oswego High School have received their individual profile cards this week, plus the composite
scores of the test results on a Unit of Evaluation under the supervision of the Bureau of
Educational Research, University of Illinois.
The test results indicate that the educational program of Oswego High School is above average
in developing abilities in every phase tested. [Overall percentage results for the junior class are
included in the story]
The Décor Paint & Wallpaper Store at 77 Main Street [west side of Main next to the post office,
which was on the corner of Main and Washington] was advertising a holiday gift idea: Oil
painting sets. “Paint By Number. Youngsters and oldsters alike enjoy creating a beautiful oil
painting this simple, inexpensive way.”
Dec. 19: The Kendall County Board passed a resolution protesting a multiplier of 1.1236 issued
by the Illinois Department of Revenue due to what the state said were inaccurate assessments.
Five separate choruses will take part in the annual Christmas program to be given by the Music
Department of Oswego schools in the gym tonight (Thursday). All will be under the direction of
Mr. Reeve Thompson. Accompanists are to be Mrs. Deanna Brown, Virginia Peterson, and
Kathy Thompson.
Santa Claus will be in Oswego Monday evening, Dec. 23, from 6:45 to 10 to talk with local boys
and girls checking on whether they have been good during the past year and on what they would
like to have for Christmas. Jolly, rotund St. Nick’s visit is being made possible by the Oswego
American Legion and the Oswego Business Men’s Association.
Coach Ken Pickerill’s varsity wrestlers, after losing the open set of matches to Naperville, have
strung together three victories in a row by overwhelming margins. The latest win was a 56-0
whitewash of West Chicago last Saturday afternoon. The visitors failed to win a single match
while Bob Plaskas, Bill Penn, John Grach, Dean Bundy, Bill Kontos, Tom Jarman, Keith Haag,
Ron McConkey, Bert Zitek, Paul Garbleman, Bob Challis, and Jim Wilkie were racking up
points for Oswego.
We would like to go on record as being appreciative to the three groups responsible for the
Christmas lighting in the business area, the Lions Club, the American Legion, and the Oswego
Business Association. They add a fine festive glow to the community and brighten up the
downtown area for at least a few short weeks.
Some of the less courteous motorists in the community still insist on parking as they wish in the
marked-off downtown area, thus taking up the space of two cars in many cases and making it
miserable for the others.
This is the year when a new sheriff will be elected for Kendall County. There are some
candidates being discussed but nothing concrete has been offered up as yet. It’s a four-year job
with only one term. It’s been a long time since an Oswegoan had a crack at the job.
Thought for the day: Civilization is just a slow process of getting rid of prejudice.
1958
January
Jan. 9: The January meeting of the Oswego Parent-Teacher Association will be in the form of an
open house at the new East View Elementary School...There will be special music. Mr. and Mrs.
Lester Bell will be greeters while Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lewis will head up the refreshment
committee.
An ordinance banning pinball machines was passed by the Oswego Village Board Jan. 6 at the
request of Kendall County State's Attorney Jerome Nelson. The board also voted to place a sign
on the front of the Oswego Village Hall identifying it as the village hall.
Bob Plaskas and John Kellogg had the two best records on the Oswego Panther Wrestling Team.
Plaskas was 5-0, while Kellogg was 4-1.
Jan. 16: The Oswego Presbyterian Church announced plans for a new church structure on a site
along Ill. Route 25 immediately north of the village limits. The land, located between Route 25
and Ashlawn Avenue, was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. G.C. Bartholomew. "At the present time,
government grain bins are located on part of this site, but they will be removed," the Ledger
reported.
Don and Barry Hafenrichter earned their God and Country awards at the Oswego Federated
Church. George Akerlow, Oswego Boy Scout Troop 31 Scoutmaster, presented the awards.
"Viewing past elections for county offices, the pattern has been pretty much the same," Ledger
Editor Ford Lippold wrote. "Not much competition except in the sheriff's job and sporadically
the treasurer's and county judge's positions. We think that this is an unhealthy situation."
Jan. 23: Building permits issued in the corporate limits of Oswego amounted to $144,275 during
1957, according to figures released by village clerk Norma Hanson. That compared to $207,625
in permits issued during 1956.
Jan. 30: The Oswego Volunteer Fire Department answered a total of 30 calls for 1957. Ten of the
fires resulted from burning grass and fields, five were automobile fires, with the balance for
causes ranging from a corn sheller on fire to a chimney fire. Two calls were made to assist the
Yorkville Fire Department. An average of 12 firefighters answered each call, with as many as 17
of the 21 on the muster rolls turning out for some of the fires, according to fire chief Al Shuler.
February -- 1958
Feb. 6: Oswego Village President Jim Zentmyer announced a meeting was set for Wednesday,
Feb. 12, starting at 8 p.m. at the Oswego Village Hall to discuss planning Oswego's 125th
anniversary celebration.
Feb. 13: A special dedication service was set by the Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the
Brethren for Sunday, Feb. 16. Buildings to be dedicated included two houses, one at Bereman
and Briarcliff roads, the other at 5 Bereman Road. "The first of these serves as a temporary
meeting house for the congregation and the second is provided as a parsonage home for the
pastor," the Ledger reported. The first service was held in the church Oct. 13, 1957. "Church
services are averaging 70 for the first 15 services," the Ledger added.
R.J. Collins Sinclair Service Station at U.S. Route 34 and Ill. Route 31 at the west end of the
Oswego bridge was offering free cigarettes with every purchase of 10 gallons of Sinclair gas as
part of local Oswego Days activities Feb. 14-15.
The Oswego Grade School District Board voted in late January to end interscholastic athletics at
the grade school level starting with the 1958-59 school year. The board unanimously directed
athletic competition be limited to intramural competition. However, the Ledger reported on Feb.
20 that "a sizeable group of parents" planned to attend the board's Feb. 24 meeting to discuss the
board's decision.
Feb. 27: "The news that the Oswego Community Bank has finally become a reality is welcomed
by most folks in the community," Ledger Editor Ford Lippold wrote. "It'll be a relief not to have
to drive around endless blocks looking for parking places, stand in long liens and the other
inconveniences that come from banking out of town. The sooner the doors swing open on the
Oswego Community Bank, the better."
A lengthy discussion was held at the Oswego Grade School District Board's meeting Monday,
Feb. 24. After the discussion, the board voted 4-3 to reconsider their action dropping
interscholastic athletic competition at the grade school level.
March 6 -- 1958
March 6: The Oswego Grade School District 8 and Oswego High School District 300 boards
were scheduled to meet with the public in joint session to discuss a variety of issues including
the possible consolidation into a unit school district. The meeting was set for Thursday, March
20 in the Community Room at Oswego High School.
Oswego High School grappler Dean Bundy headed to Arlington Heights High School to
represent the Oswego Panthers at the state wrestling competition in the 120 lb. weight class.
Going into state competition, Bundy had a 20-1 record.
Wayne Fosgett was named chairman of the 125th Anniversary of Oswego Committee. Mrs.
Dorthea Ekstrom was elected secretary and Woody Boone was named treasurer. The celebration
was set for Sept. 11-14.
At their March 2 meeting, the Oswego Village Board voted to build a new water tower at the
new Well Number 3 property on Madison Street near Douglas Street.
March 13: Contractor Richard Young broke ground for the new Oswego Community Bank on
Main Street just north of Jackson Street on March 9. It was hoped construction would be
completed in 120 days. Seven local residents were elected to the bank's first board of directors
including George. C. Bartholomew, John Cherry, Myron Wormley, Sheldon Bell, Charles
Lippincott, Earl J. Zentmyer, and Homer Brown.
March 20: "The growth of any community creates a great many problems for everyone
concerned," Ledger Editor Ford Lippold wrote. "It is good to have public meetings to discuss
and plan and share ideas and information providing such meetings are kept on a high plane of
democratic procedure."
East View School sixth grader Roger Matile reported on his class's trip to the Field Museum in
Chicago. "Our tour was short, but we got to a few of the interesting exhibits. At one exhibit they
were putting together a brontosaurus, a sight we may never see again," he wrote.
March 27: Some 150 interested area residents attended the March 20 meeting to discuss new
school buildings and the possible transition from dual grade and high school districts to a
community unit school district. Discussed at the meeting were three proposed additions at
Oswego High School, an eight room addition at East View School, and the possible construction
of a school in the fast-growing Boulder Hill Subdivision.
The Ledger reported that Boulder Hill developer Don L. Dise will give up to 36 acres of land on
up to three school sites to the Oswego school system. Dise also offered to give a cash donation of
$100 per home to be used for school building purposes in Boulder Hill. The amount was to be
donated as each house in the development was occupied and was to be retroactive to the
development's start. As of the time of the offer, there were 131 homes in Boulder Hill, meaning
Dise had agreed to donate $13,000 to the district.
In a legal notice, the Oswego High School District was seeking voter approval to sell $190,000
in bonds for additions to Oswego High School, including regular classrooms, and a science
room, plus $130,000 for additions to the heating system and an addition for industrial arts
instruction.
April -- 1958
April 3: The Oswego Grade School Board received a petition signed by 119 parents requesting
the district start kindergarten instruction for younger children. The school district board was
proposing to build a 10 room addition at East View School for a total of 19 classrooms to house
three classes per grade in grades 1-6, plus one room for special education-provided a qualified
teacher could be found. The cost of the proposed addition was estimated at $155,000.
The Oswego High School District Board reported that they were already using two rooms in the
junior high wing at Oswego High School for math and biology classes.
The Ledger reported the new 1,700 square foot Oswego Community Bank building was moving
ahead under contractor Dick Young. The building included a first floor plus a full basement. The
vault, with a capacity of 1,050 safe deposit boxes, was built with 18" thick steel reinforced
concrete.
Dennis Hastert was elected president of the Trojan 4-H Club, with Ron Silvius elected vice-
president. The meeting was held at the home of club members Durwood and Delreen
Hafenrichter.
April 12: The Oswego Village Board voted at their April 8 meeting to approve plans for 18 street
lights in the downtown area at a cost of $18,000 plus engineering fees. Bids were to be opened
April 28.
The Oswego Lutheran Mission was scheduled to dedicate a newly made altar and lectern during
a service in the community room at Oswego High School. The Rev. W.G. Stallman of St. Paul's
Lutheran Church in Aurora was scheduled to perform the dedication ceremony. The altar and
lectern were built by Emil Krahn and his sons, Paul and Don.
April 17: the Ledger reported that on March 17, 1958, the Illinois State Committee of the North
Central Association approved Oswego High School for membership in the accreditation group.
Wrote Ledger editor Ford Lippold: "It is a fine thing for the community that our high school has
been accepted for membership in the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary
Schools...To be recognized by the North Central Association is to a school what an A-1 rating
with Dun and Bradstreet is to a businessman....Having regained this recognition, which was lost
way back in 1941, we are certain that the school board and the administrative staff will not sit
back and rest on their laurels."
April 24: The steering committee of Oswego's 125th anniversary celebration announced the
celebration would center around a week-long historical pageant to be produced by the Rogers
Company, a professional firm of celebration organizers.
May -- 1958
May 8: The contract to install 18 street lights in downtown Oswego was awarded to Morfield
Electric, Inc. of Aurora for $15,644.52. Of the total, 12 lights were to be placed on Main between
Van Buren and Jefferson streets, four on Jackson between Madison Street and the CB&Q tracks,
and two on Jefferson between Main and Madison.
Voters turned down the high school district's proposal to add onto Oswego High School by 317-
580 votes and the proposal to add 10 classrooms at East View School 325-567.
May 22: In ceremonies on May 28, 67 eighth graders were scheduled to graduate from Oswego
Junior High. Valedictorian was Susan Luettich and salutatorian was Susan Thompson. The class
motto was "Set Your Sights on a Satellite."
A petition with the names of 350 Oswego area residents was presented to the county
superintendent of schools requesting Oswego's grade and high school districts be consolidated
into a single unit district. The area to be included in the new district would be everything inside
the bounds of Oswego High School District 300.
Incorporation papers for Oswegorama, the 125th anniversary celebration of Oswego, were
received during the previous week from the Illinois Secretary of State's office. Buttons were on
order for the "Brothers of the Brush" beard-growing men and "Sisters of the Swish" ladies'
group. Proceeds from the celebration were to benefit the Oswego library.
May 29: The Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren received its official charter
during a special service on May 25.
A total of 42 seniors graduated from Oswego High School on May 29. Valedictorian was
Charlotte Schlapp and salutatorian was Kathy Thompson.
The site of the new Oswego Presbyterian Church was staked out in a ceremony held Sunday,
May 25. The site, located along Ill. Route 25 just north of the Oswego village limits, was valued
at $20,000, and was donated to the church by Mr. and Mrs. George Bartholomew.
June -- 1958
June 5: In a front page Ledger proclamation, Oswego Village President Jim Zentmyer proclaims
every male citizen who grows a beard in honor of the community’s Oswegorama 125th birthday
celebration can become a member of the “Brothers of the Brush” until Sept. 13 when the
celebration was to end.
On a recommendation of the Oswego Zoning Board of Appeals, the request of William
Holzhueter to make an additional lot from existing property on Park Street was granted.
In other board business, the final plat of Unit 2 of Brookside Manor was approved.
A request for $25 monthly pay increase for village policemen was denied.
Ledger editorial: The movement to form the Oswegoland area into a unit school district has
created a sizeable amount of comment both pro and con. The unit district, which has all the
grades through the junior college under one board, is a present trend and Illinois is one of the
leading states nationwide in bringing many of its school systems under this type of control.
If the county superintendent of schools finds for the petition requesting a unit district next
Tuesday and a vote is held in September, we are sure that several public meetings will be
planned to inform the people of the Oswegoland area as to the “wheres” and "whyfores.”
Our only suggestion at the present time is to be sure that the person who is giving you
information on the unit versus the dual school system has made a study of the many
ramifications of the subjects involved. To be misinformed is worse than to have no information
at all.
A hearing of the petition filed with the county superintendent of schools Irving A. Shears, and
signed by 350 Oswegoland residents, requesting the formation of a unit school district in the
Oswegoland area will be held June 10 at 1:30 p.m. in the circuit court room at the court house in
Yorkville.
The area being requested in the unit district is all that now is the Oswego High School District.
The Oswego schools are now under a dual system, a separate board for both the high school and
grade. Under a unit district, there would be only one board and the grade and high school
territory would be co-terminus.
In a progress report, Caterpillar Tractor Company officials said the firm's new plant was in
operation on two shifts. The tool room began operations in April with machining to begin in
about 30 days. Plans called for the entire 1.2 million square foot plan to be completed by early
1959. When all construction work is done, production of No. 933 and 955 Traxcavators, along
with the D4 models will get underway.
Thanks for patronage…
I wish to thank my many friends in the Oswegoland area for their patronage during the time I
was operating Songer’s Restaurant at Rts. 34 and 71. Your support and patronage was greatly
appreciated.
Richard Songer
The new phone number at the Myron Wormley residence is 4-8122.
Work on the ornamental street lights for the downtown business area is underway this week. The
Morfield Electric Company, Aurora, is doing the work and it is expected that the project will be
completed in about 60 days, sometime the latter part of July. The program calls for 18 lights with
12 to be placed in Main Street between Van Buren and Jefferson; four on Jackson between
Madison (Route 34) and the railroad track; and two on Jefferson between Main and Madison
(Route 34).
June 12: Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Morse celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 15. The
couple came to Oswego in 1898 when Mr. Morse bought in with Ed Sodt in a general store on
Main Street. He bought out Sodt and operated alone for several years. He was in business in
Oswego for 40 years before retiring.
The Boulder Hill Playhouse opened with its first play, a production of "Teahouse of the August
Moon." Starring were Hal Armstrong and Jack Gorring of Boulder Hill and 17 year-old Rita
Lantz of Oswego. The theater, located in one of the old Bereman Boulder Hill Stock Farm barns,
seated 500 persons, with performances held Wednesdays through Sundays.
Oswego’s entry in the Fox Valley Pony League won its first two games in loop action last week
defeating Sheridan Wednesday, 4-0 on the brilliant no-hit, no-run pitching of Dick Schwanz. The
Oswego team made it two in a row Friday night with a 10-2 shellacking of Plano, Bob Tripp
hurling a three-hitter for the local nine.
June 19: A hearing on the consolidation of the two Oswego school districts into a unit district,
which opened on Tuesday, June 10, and was continued by Kendall County School
Superintendent Irving Shears until Tuesday, June 24, will convene on that date at 1:30 p.m. in
the circuit court room at Yorkville.
Shears heard three witnesses on June 10, Oswego School Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber;
John Cherry, president of High School District 300; and LaVerne Shoger, president of Grade
School District No. 8. All favored the consolidation for economy and efficiency reasons.
Attorney Samuel Saxon, Plainfield, will present witnesses from the Wheatland area who oppose
the consolidation at Tuesday’s continuation. Students in the objecting area belong to an
elementary district in Wheatland but to the Oswego High School District. The new proposed
consolidation would bring them under one school board.
A petition presented by taxpayers of the Wheatland area to disconnect from the Oswego High
School District was denied last year by Circuit Judge Cassius Proust.
Dalman Hafenrichter and Jim Seidelman, winners of scholarships presented by the Kendall
County Women’s Clubs, will spend two weeks at the Illinois Summer Youth Music Camp at
Champaign beginning June 22.
June 26: The Oswegorama committee was seeking a "snappy title" for the celebration's historical
pageant. “Remember, the winner, who will be announced in next week’s Ledger, will receive a
$25 government bond.”
July -- 1958
July 3: The Ledger reported that U.S. Sen. Paul Douglas, D-Illinois, had accepted an invitation to
speak during Oswego's Oswegorama celebration in September. Invitations were also sent to U.S.
Sen. Everett Dirksen, R-Illinois, and Illinois Gov. William G. Stratton.
Oswego resident Madeline Cain submitted the winning name for the Oswegorama pageant: "Old
Calico and New Pace."
The process of creating a unit district for Oswego's schools was proceeding over the objections
of residents of the area of Wheatland Township inside the proposed new district.
A new 1958 Ford Custom 300 Tudor was advertised for sale for $1,995 by Zentmyer Ford Sales
in Oswego.
July 10: The Oswego Village Board met Monday night. Bids for sewer and water installations in
Unit 1 of the George D. Smith subdivision were opened. T&R Construction Company, Aurora,
was low bidder at $15,553.10.
A petition of E.L. Schuyler and Dr. S.F. Bell to vacate Ashland Street from Garfield east to the
boundary line of the Park addition was read. A motion to deny the petition was voted down 4-2.
A motion to approve the petition was voted for by the same 4-2 margin.
A discussion of Dutch Elm Disease in the village was held. McFarland Tree Service was
awarded a contract to cut down some trees.
Board member Don Pinnow reported that the old fire bell that hung on top of the village hall for
a good number of years has been removed and is now in storage in the Oswego Fire Barn. Plans
are for the firemen to mount the bell as a historical marker.
Village board member Bill Miller read the police report for June showing that 1,461 miles had
been patrolled, 21 warrants and complaints serviced, seven business house doors found
unlocked, and 43 arrest tickets issued.
Morfield Electric, Aurora, reported that 75 percent of the work on the street lights has been
finished.
Mrs. Margaret Rogerson, general chairman of the Oswegorama Booster Certificate Division,
announced early this week at workers will be out this weekend on a house-to-house calling
campaign to give every resident of the Oswegoland community an opportunity to become an
Oswegorama booster.
July 17: Oswego Community Bank President G.C. Bartholomew stated early this week that the
opening date of operation of the new institution is tentatively set for the weekend of Aug. 15-16.
After a delay of over a month waiting for the floor beams, work is progressing at a rapid rate by
contractor Richard Young and his crew. The security vault has been poured, the roof is being
finished up, the brick facing is going on, and the floor will be poured this week.
President Bartholomew said that the vault door is ready for delivery, as is the other necessary
equipment such as lock boxes, office furniture, etc.
Morfield Electric, Aurora, installers of the downtown area street lights, stated that all but three or
four of the units will be ready for use by the middle of the week. The remaining units will not be
turned on until Public Service has an opportunity to remove some conflicting existing lines.
The 18 units are being paid for out of the Illinois State Sales Tax refund that amounts to one-half
of one percent of the three percent that is paid in to the state and returned to the villages.
The lights have been so installed that additional ones can be added at a future date at the least
possible cost.
The new street lights in downtown Oswego were tested and ready to use but could not be turned
on until the Public Service Company did some additional work.
July 24: The Oswego Prairie Church announced plans for a new education addition. The 32x48
foot addition to the existing building was announced by the building committee consisting of
Arthur Davis, Robert Ebinger, Lathelle Haag, Everett Hafenrichter, Robert Noggle, Glenda
Leigh, and Paul Shoger.
The woman picked to be queen of the Oswegorama celebration was to receive a free week's
vacation in Florida.
Some 50 Oswego Little Leaguers traveled to Comiskey Park to see the White Sox play the
Boston Red Sox.
July 31: Oswego’s entries in the Cornbelt Little Loop and the Fox Valley Pony Loop will take
part in the division play-offs scheduled to begin this weekend.
Downtown Oswego merchants announced they would celebrate the opening of the Oswego
Community Bank with free prizes to be given away on Friday, Aug. 22.
The Oswego Area Lutheran Mission released a statement stating they were "glad that there are
other active churches helping to make this village and its surrounding counties and better place
to live in. Furthermore, this newly formed Lutheran Church upholds the Oswego village
government as ordained by God and, at the same time, it advocates the separation of church and
state."
August -- 1958
Aug. 7: The Oswego Village Board voted on Aug. 3 to build a new 200,000 gallon water tower
adjacent to the new well at Madison and Douglas streets. The new tower, estimated to cost
$85,000, would replace the old tower on Washington Street, which had been in service since the
1890s. According to the Oswego Ledger: "This improvement, along with the adoption of the
building code, building inspector, adequate water storage and pressure, is necessary for the
village to qualify for lower fire insurance classification."
The Oswego grade and high school districts announced a staff of 39 teachers to start the 1958-59
school year.
Aug. 14: The cast of the Oswegorama pageant, "Old Calico and New Pace," was being chosen by
Gene Montefiore, described by the Ledger as "a professional producer, director fresh off
Broadway in New York." As the Ledger put it: "The whole spectacle is about ready to roll into
high gear." Fay Brill was chairman of the pageant, and the set was being constructed on the high
school football field by a committee headed by Kenneth Gowran.
The Oswegorama parade was being planned by chairman John Cherry and special events
chairman Stan Herren. The parade was set for Saturday, Sept. 13. Six float classifications were
1833, 1853, 1873, 1893, 1913, and 1933.
The Oswego Park District's annual appropriations ordinance calling for estimated spending of
$10,700 was approved by the park district board.
Aug. 21: Illinois’ Republican Senator Everett Dirksen will be in Oswego at 2 p.m. on
Wednesday, Sept. 10, during Oswegorama week, according to word received by local precinct
committeeman Harry Fuller. Wednesday is Young America Day and it is expected that Sen.
Dirksen will review part of the children’s parade as well as make a brief address on the
Oswegorama pageant stage.
A shipment of wooden nickels arrived in Oswego, and were to be accepted as legal tender. The
wooden coins' face value was guaranteed by the Oswego Community Bank. The wooden nickels
could be redeemed at the bank at any time through the end of the celebration.
A spokesman for the Oswego Village Board stated this week that upon the advice of a prominent
nurseryman, a 15 year continual spraying program would have to be maintained on village-
owned property as well as private property to combat the Dutch Elm Disease that is infecting the
entire Middlewest.
This would deter but not prevent the disease. In view of these facts, the village board will
endeavor to cut out infected trees on village property as quickly as possible but will forego any
attempt to spray.
Aug. 28: Oswegoland gets a new business Saturday, Aug. 30, when the new Oswego Community
Bank opens its doors for its first official day of operation, as announced by its president, George
Bartholomew.
Located at 25 Main St., in a new, modern building, the bank will provide complete banking
services to the Oswegoland community. Among the many features offered in this well-planned,
air conditioned building are a modern vault ample teller facilities, safety deposit boxes, drive-up
window, safety alarm system, day and night depository, and a customer parking lot. A spacious
basement area is available for employees’ comfort and for future expansion as the Oswegoland
community continues to grow.
Mr. Rex Van Alstine, cashier of the new bank comes to Oswego well qualified for his position as
managing operator of the bank, having had both rural and city banking experience.
The bank was officially organized on March 8, 1958 with a capital stock of $75,000, surplus of
$40,000 and reserves of $35,000.
Other officers in addition to president Bartholomew are Earl J. Zentmyer, vice-president; John
Cherry, Homer Brown, Charles Lippincott, Myron Wormley, and Dr. S.F. Bell.
A half day school session will be held Friday, Aug. 29, beginning at 8:30. Buses will run on the
regular scheduled routes of last year.
Ledger editorial: The opening of the doors of the new Oswego community Bank Saturday
morning, Aug. 30, is another omen of the future of the Oswegoland community. A year ago, the
bank was only an idea in a few people’s minds. Today, it is proof that 242 Oswegoland folks
have faith in their community and are willing to back up this faith with cold, hard cash.
It is also a good sign that the opening comes almost at the same time as our mammoth 125th
anniversary Oswegorama celebration. With a solid past of a century and a quarter, the future can
hold nothing but god for the people of the Oswegoland area.
Coach Ken Pickerill greeted some 40 football candidates with a two-a-day drill season on
Monday of this week These double sessions will continue through the balance of the week. The
first game of the season is scheduled for Friday afternoon, Sept. 12 as part of the big
Oswegorama 125th Anniversary Celebration. Oswego will entertain Elburn at 4 p.m.
Twenty-four representatives of Oswegoland organizations met with Mrs. Kay Jericho last
Thursday evening to organize the Sisters of the Swish. Plans were made for a promenade in old-
time dress, a style show on Ladies’ Day, Sept. 8, a rolling pin contest, baking bee, and other
activities.
Jim Vinson has issued a call for all members of the “Brothers of the Brush” to attend an
important meeting at Oswegorama headquarters on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The contestants in the
shaving contest will be registered at this time, as will those who are competing in the various
divisions in the beard growing contest. Remington Rand is giving away a flock of free electric
razors to the winners of the shaving contest.
Members of the pageant cast of “Old Calico and New Pace” are practicing nightly under the
direction of Gene Montefiore, Rodgers and Company representative. Gene, who has a long
background of stage experience, has been pleasantly pleased by the response and quickness with
which the cast members are coming through on their respective parts.
Those folks who have seen the simulated atomic explosion that will be a nightly feature of the
historical pageant say that it is a never-to-be-forgotten sight.
September -- 1958
Sept. 4: The Ledger reported a record enrollment for Oswego's schools, with 163 more students
than on opening day 1957. There were a total of 791 elementary students and 273 high school
students in the district's schools.
The Oswego Community Bank's grand opening on Aug. 29 was well-attended, according to the
Ledger, which praised the "sleek-looking" building on Main Street just north of Jackson Street.
An Oswegorama Tea was set for Monday, Sept. 8, at 2:30 p.m. The group was to gather at the
fire station on Main Street and then promenade to the Presbyterian Church at Madison and
Benton streets.
The Oswegorama pageant, "Old Calico and New Pace," was ready to open with 14 episodes
depicting the history of the Oswego area from "before the white men came up until the present
Atomic Age," according to the Ledger. Each performance was scheduled to be climaxed with a
fireworks display.
Sept. 11: A telegram was received from President Dwight D. Eisenhower congratulating Oswego
on its 125th anniversary.
The Oswegorama Parade is ready to step off Saturday afternoon, Sept. 13 with more than 100
units to participate. Parade units will begin assembling on Grove Road between 12:30 and 1 p.m.
and will start the parade route coming down Washington Street to Franklin Street, across
Franklin to the last block, turn west and continue down to Main Street, along Main Street to the
last block, left one block to Route 25, along Route 25 to Tyler and out Tyler to Grove Road.
Marlene Gengler was selected as queen of the Oswegorama celebration during a ceremony at St.
Anne's Catholic Church on Washington Street. Members of the court were Nan Otto, Wanda
Penn, Judy Weiss, Rita Lantz, Barbara Batterson, Carol Wheeler, Jackie Dodd, and Pat Weidert.
The Board of Education voted March 24 to establish an Educable Mentally Handicapped room
for the Oswego Grade School in accordance with the Illinois Plan for Exceptional Children.
Sept. 18: Between 10,000 and 12,000 people watched the Oswegorama parade, with more than
1,100 people watching the pageant on Saturday evening from the stands at Oswego High
School's football field. More than 14,000 commemorative wooden nickels were put into
circulation during the celebration.
The Oswego Panthers won their home opener, played as a part of the Oswegorama celebration,
over the Elburn Trojans, 20-0.
About 99 percent of the comments on the entire Oswegorama week program have been
favorable. Saturday’s parade receive particular praise from most of the spectators both from the
standpoint of the quality and abundance of units and the fact that the line of march was kept tight
and interest was kept at a high pitch.
Saturday night’s performance of “Old Calico and New Pace” was played to a full house. Over
1,100 persons were in attendance by the time the Big Timber Indian Dancers began the pre-
pageant entertainment at 8 p.m.
Sept. 25: A rollicking minstrel is taking shape under the direction of Lucille Goring at the
Boulder Hill Playhouse. “Minstrel Memories of 1958” will open Oct. 8 and run through Oct. 18,
playing every night except Mondays and Tuesdays.
October -- 1958
Oct. 2: Scoring 39 points in the first quarter and adding at least one marker in each of the last
three periods, Oswego’s Panthers rolled to an 85-0 victory over Plano here Sept. 26 to
accomplish the highest valley scoring total in years.
Nine Panthers made touchdowns as Coach Ken Pickerill cleared his bench by the end of the
game. John Neminich, Wilson Smith, Bob Fennell, and Norman Aug got two apiece. Tom
Jarman, Wesley Foster, Ed Wolf Bob Plaskas, and Jarman Wolf accounted for single ones.
Oct. 9: Two school districts (40-C and Bristol) and certain citizens have filed an appeal of
County Superintendent Irving A. Shears’ oral decision given July 9, and his written decision
given on Aug. 13 in regards to the establishing of a unit district for the Oswego schools.
A petition bearing the signatures of over 350 Oswego School District voters was presented to
Shears early in May of this year requesting a hearing on the formation of a unit district for the
Oswego school system.
Two separate appeals have been filed. Judge Cassius Proust will be in Yorkville Friday, Oct. 10,
and will rule on the appeals at 2 p.m.
The Oswego Panthers, running roughshod over all opposition to date, take on the strong Earlville
Red Raider eleven Friday night. Oswego, with a total of three victories in loop competition and a
win in non-league play, will be after victory number five.
The local eleven defeated Yorkville last Friday night by a 21-6 count as Wilson Smith accounted
for a pair of touchdowns and Russ Nickett added a third counter. Tom Jarman made good all
three attempts for the extra points.
Oct. 16: U.S. Sen. Paul A. Douglas, Illinois, will be in Oswego Friday afternoon, Oct. 17. There
will be a tea at the Masonic Hall at 2 p.m. and everyone in the community is invited to stop in
and meet Sen. Douglas.
Announcing the New Opening of Russ Collins’ “66” Service Station, located one-half mile west
of the Oswego bridge on highway 34, just across from the B&M Restaurant. Watch for our grand
opening on or about Oct. 4, with additional free gifts for all.
The Oswego Panthers trampled Earlville last Friday night, 26-6, in a fine display of speed and
power.
The 1958 homecoming activities will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Oct. 23-25.
There will be a snake dance on Thursday night followed by a bonfire. The big parade will be
Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. All organizations in the community are urged to enter floats or
delegations in the parade. The main theme is “Fairy Tales.”
At 8 p.m. the Panthers taken on the Plainfield Wildcats. The homecoming dance, Young at
Heart,” will be held in the high school gym Saturday night beginning at 8:30.
Oct. 23: Another new school bus arrives this week in Oswego, a 70-passenger job that will
replace an obsolete 1950 model. The districts now operate a total of nine school buses with one
extra on an emergency basis. Three of the buses are making two trips each morning and evening
for a total of 12 loads coming and 12 loads going each day. At the present time, 694 pupils are
riding Oswego school buses daily out of a total school population of 1,044 students. In other
words, just about two-thirds of Oswegoland pupils ride buses.
The average daily route covered by each bus is 32 miles. It cost the taxpayers $19,870.90 to
operate nine buses last year in addition to depreciation on the vehicles themselves.
The original cost of a 70-passenger bus is right around the $8,000 mark, plus trade-in.
Oct. 30: The village dump has been fenced off and the gate locked to try to control the dumping
of refuse by non-residents and to try to see that all refuse is dumped into the ravine. The key may
be obtained from Lyle Shoger at the village hall. It has been costing about $40 per month to level
the dump, mainly because many persons are just backing up anywhere near the ravine and letting
fly.
All residents of Oswego and Oswego Township have the privilege of using the dump facilities.
Both the Oswego High School varsity and frosh-soph teams clinched Fox Valley Conference
football championships with decisive wins over Plainfield. The varsity won 46-7 while the frosh-
soph won 52-0.
Chairman Stan Young of the Boy and Cub Scout Fund Drive reports that the local units are $180
short of their goal.
“Be different! Have your milk put in your car at just 58 cents per gallon,” read an ad from
Herren’s Sinclair Service at the corner of Ill. Route 25 and U.S. Route 34 in Oswego. “This is the
modern way to buy milk at ‘The Corner of Quality Milk.’”
November -- 1958
Nov. 6: Oswego’s varsity football team ended its season Friday night at Geneva and the best they
could manage was a 7-7 tie. The Oswegoans wound up the season with a record of seven
victories and a tie. The Panthers added another Fox Valley first place trophy to the trophy case in
the high school lobby.
Nov. 13: Judge Cassius Proust granted an appeal by opponents of the formation of a unit school
district out of the Oswego Grade School and Oswego High School districts. "The question of a
vote for or against a unit district is at a standstill," the Ledger reported.
Ever since early in the 1930s the annual Junior Frolic has been an occasion looked forward to
eagerly by students of Oswego High School and by adults in the community who enjoy amateur
dramatics.
When the house lights go down and the curtain raises at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, members of the
freshman, sophomore and senior classes will be ready to entertain. Each will present a one-act
play in competition. The winner’s name is added to a plaque in the trophy case.
Ledger editorial: This issue of the Oswego Ledger marks the beginning of our 10th year of
continuous publication. During this time, over three million sheets of paper have been used in an
attempt to keep the people of the Oswegoland community informed of local current events. It has
been an interesting experience and, on the whole, the Ledger has been well received by the
readers. We have not indulged in the gossipy little items that make up most of the reading matter
of weekly publications because we feel that only a limited amount of readers are interested in the
fact that “Minnie Jones spent the day in Chicago last week” or that “The Joe Doakes had visitors
from California last Monday.”
On the other hand, the actions of the local municipalities (school boards, village board, township,
park district, etc.) should concern every resident of the community and folks have the privilege
of knowing what is happening and where their tax money is going. News of the churches,
schools, and civic organizations also concern a wide group of readers. As long as we continue to
publish the Ledger, we will follow this policy.
In a letter to the editor of the Ledger, "An interested Oswegoan" suggested, in the wake of the
successful Oswegorama celebration: "This thing we did as people of Oswego should not
stop...We should form a committee for just this one purpose." The writer suggested year round
activities and festivals, adding: "Come on, Oswego, let's try living like no other town. Don't go
back to your homes only to shut the door and live a sheltered life....Let's keep the spirit of
Oswegoans working together alive."
A banquet in the OHS cafeteria feted the varsity and frosh-soph football teams. Varsity coach
was Ken Pickerill. Frosh-soph coach was Jim Aird. The varsity’s record was 7 wins, no losses
and one tie on the season. The frosh soph team accumulated a 7-1 season, losing only to Geneva
in the last game of the season. The young Panthers rolled up a amazing 211 points in their first
seven games, and shut out all opponents until the Geneva game.
Nov. 20: Since its inception in Oswego High School with a handful of boys some six or so years
ago, wrestling has steadily climbed in popularity until this year finds 53 boys out for positions on
three teams. Coach Ken Pickerill’s grapplers have amassed an amazing record over the past three
years with consistent victories over schools four and five times the size of Oswego. Last year’s
final tally showed ten victories, one tie and two defeats.
The newly organized Cub Pack 348 will meet as a pack for the first time tonight, Thursday, Nov.
20. The Boulder Hill Pack begins meetings with two full dens and four boys in the Webelos den.
Russ Whitmer, a new teacher at Oswego High School, was the coach of the Oswego Panther
varsity basketball team, while Jim Aird was to coach the frosh-soph squad.
Four Oswego High School football players were named to the 1958 Fox Valley All-Conference
Squad. Honored were Ron Silvius, end; Bob Condon, tackle; Wilson Smith, halfback; and Tom
Jarman, quarterback. Two players were also named to the second team, Eddie Wolf, end; and
halfback Russ Nickett.
Nov. 27: The Panther varsity wrestlers won their open match of the season, defeating Wheaton
Academy 38-11.
December -- 1958
Dec. 4: All members of the Oswego Lions Club, American Legion members, and Business
Men’s Association are asked to be on hand at about 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning, Dec. 7, at the fire
barn to help on the Christmas lights.
Beginning Saturday, Dec. 6, the local library, a project of the Oswego Nineteenth Century Club,
will be open every Saturday from 2-5 pm. in addition to the regular Wednesday hours of 2-5 and
7-9 p.m.
Carr’s Department Store on Main Street was advertising a grand opening celebration for their
new addition.
Dec. 11: Nine schools, including Oswego, are participating in the Special Milk Program. These
schools serve ½ pint cartons to their students during the school day. The object of the program is
to increase milk consumption among the children. The schools receive reimbursement from the
state for every ½ pint of milk served to the children.
Dec. 18: Total Oswego Grade School District enrollment had increased by 37 students, or
roughly two per week, since the opening of school. At the third grade level, two of the three
sections had 38 students each, while the third room had 34 students. There was a need for more
sections in some grades, although where to house the new students was up for debate. The board
appointed a committee to study possible housing facilities and prepare recommendations for the
board’s next meeting.
A lot of credit is due to the members of the Oswego Lions Club and American Legion for putting
up the Christmas lights in the downtown area. With few exceptions, the same fellows do it year
after year...Work progresses on the new water tank on Madison Street in spite of the cold
weather.
It would seem that some cinders spread on the streets, particularly along Franklin Street in front
of the high school, would be a wise safety measure. The streets are really slick in that area and
with small youngsters walking in the street every day to the cafeteria, a serious accident could be
the result.
Work progresses on the new water tank on Madison Street, in spite of the cold weather.
Dec. 25: The Oswego Panther grapplers handed a strong Elgin squad a lopsided 37-11 drubbing
last week to run its victory string to six for the season against no defeats. Winning wrestlers
included Bob Plaskas, Irwin Collins, John Kellogg, Wylie Robinson, John Grach, John Wheeler,
Keith Haag, Tom Jarman, and Jim Wilkie.
1959
January
Jan. 1: Ledger editor Ford Lippold listed a number of events that took place in Oswego in 1958
including purchase of a new police car; award bids for a new well house; dedication service for
the Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren; plans made for the celebration of the
125th anniversary of Oswego's settlement; first directors of the Oswego Community Bank
elected; construction starts on the Oswego Community Bank; village board votes to install
streetlights in the downtown area; proposed additions to schools denied by voters; 67 eighth
graders and 42 high school seniors graduate; Oswegorama committee plans community
celebration, Oswego bank chartered; Boulder Hill Playhouse opens with "Teahouse" the first
play; village board votes to build new water tower; 1,064 students on opening day sets new
enrollment record for Oswego grade and high schools; 12,000 view Oswegorama pageant and
attend parade; first Cub Scout Pack organized in Boulder Hill.
Four local municipalities will hold elections this spring, the Oswego Village Board, Oswego
Township, Oswego Park District, and the Oswego Grade School and the High School.
Oswegoland enjoyed a good year in 1958. Many things were accomplished in a growing
community. There are a good many problems to be faced in 1959:
School Building Program: A realistic approach is necessary by everyone in the Oswegoland
community to the growing need for school housing. New school rooms will be needed before
they can be built even if bond issues were voted now. The question is “where” and How many?”
Indications are that residential building will boom in ’59 and ’60. School housing is an urgent
problem.
Additional Business: The Oswego business area needs additional businesses and services to
complement its Main Street nucleus. They bolster the tax base considerably and at the same time
provide convenient shopping facilities for residents.
Off-Street parking: Oswego merchants and the Oswego Village Board should be investigating
the possibility of additional off-street parking.
More Industry: All of the municipalities should endeavor to make it possible for additional
industry in Oswego Township. Industry is needed to keep the tax rates at an even keel in an ever-
growing residential area. Caterpillar and Western Electric account for almost 25 percent of the
tax base of Oswego Township.
Property for Recreational Facilities: Now is the time to acquire property for recreational areas
such as picnic grounds, etc., before land values get out of sight and residential area have
mushroomed all out of proportion to recreational facilities. It is also time to be planning for a
community house where clubs and organizations can hold meetings, dances, etc.
Closer Cooperation Among Municipalities: In a growing community, there is need for close
cooperation between the village board, township board, school boards, park board, fire district,
plan commission and other governmental bodies.
On Sunday, Dec. 21, a special service for dedication of choir vestments was held at the Boulder
Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren.
Jan. 8: An ordinance was adopted at Monday’s village board meeting to hold a referendum at the
regular spring election to increase the Village of Oswego tax rate from .19 to .333 per hundred
dollars of assessed valuation.
Village Clerk Norma Hansen handed in her resignation from the office of Village Clerk effective
as soon as a new clerk is elected at the April election.
Officers were elected by the voters of the new Oswego area Lutheran mission. The mission was
then holding services in the community room at Oswego High School. Congregation officers
included Martin Garbleman, chairman; Robert Wegner, vice-chairman; Edward Walters, elder;
Carlton Friebele, treasurer; Kenneth Mitchell, secretary; Robert Kaetzer, deacon; Otto Bombach,
trustee; and Oliver Leppert, director of education. Pastor was the Rev. Edward F. Melchior. The
mission later became St. Luke's Lutheran Church.
Beginning this Saturday, the Oswego dump will be open from 9 to 12 every Saturday for the
convenience of residents of the Village of Oswego and Oswego Township.
Jim Zentmyer at Zentmyer Ford Sales in downtown Oswego was offering new 1959 Fords for
$55 per month.
Three Oswego High School seniors were among finalists in the Illinois State Scholarship Exam.
Students earning the academic honor were Jeannette McCorkle, David Roth, and Sarah Gates.
The Wheatland "Scotch" Presbyterian Church was ready for its annual pancake supper, set for
Thursday, Jan. 15, in the church basement. The menu featured all-you-can-eat pancakes,
homemade sausage provided by local farmers, and milk or coffee.
Jan. 15: Led by standout Bob Plaskas, the Oswego High School grapplers were looking for their
eighth win of the season at Carl Sandburg High School.
Oswego’s varsity threw the Fox Valley Conference standings into a turmoil Friday night, taking
the measure of Plainfield by a 61-59 count in a game that had the fans on the edges of their seats
from beginning to end. The loss was the first one in loop action for the Wildcats, who went into
Friday’s contest with a 3-0 record and sitting alone on top of the heap.
Oswego now finds itself with a 4-1 record for the current season, while Plainfield as a 3-1 mark
going.
FOX RIVER DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Folks have been admiring the Fox River for a century or more, and for the last quarter of that
time have been talking about improvements which would make the stream more beautiful and, at
the same time, more useful.
Nothing much has come of the plans, some of which were elaborate.
There’s a hint in the current program for the Fox that something might actually be done in the
next few years. Governor Stratton said so during a visit to St. Charles in July. The Citizens’
commission for the Development of the Fox River, which he appointed a year ago, has said so
repeatedly.
Word is now that the commission will ask the governor to get the necessary funds and
authorization to begin work immediately in a number of needed dams--perhaps as many as
seven. The governor mentioned several million dollars in his talk at St. Charles.
There’s no question that the Fox needs fixing up in one way or another, and most of us in the
Fox River Valley area will go along with the need for recreational development. All waterways
are getting crowded these days and it gets more difficult every year to find access to good
outdoor recreational areas--not only on water, but on land as well. With our increasing
population, more outdoor recreational areas are needed.
The legislature should consider carefully, and we trust favorably, the suggestions of the
commission which has worked rather diligently this past year, gathering technical data as well as
sampling the reaction of the public and property owners.
The commissioners found most people backing such a program to preserve the beauty, looking
forward to the increased amount of water involved, the improved sanitation, and an improved
recreational and sports program.
Jan. 22: The Oswego Lin’s Club met in the Masonic Dining room Tuesday evening. The
program centered around a colored movie of the Mackinac Island Bridge in Michigan.
At the annual meeting of the Oswego Community Bank, G.C. Bartholomew was reelected
president and Earl Zentmyer was named vice president. The entire slate of directors was
reelected: Myron Wormley, Charles Lippincott, John Cherry, Homer Brown, and S.F. Bell.
With ten straight team wins, the Panther varsity wrestling squad will see action twice this
weekend, hosting Ottawa on Thursday night and traveling to Hinsdale on Saturday for a
quadrangular meet with the strong Hinsdale, Morton of Cicero, and Bremen teams.
At a meeting of the Oswego Business Association in the Kopper Kettle restaurant at Main and
Washington, it was decided to hold the regular quarterly "Oswego Days" on Friday and
Saturday, Feb. 13-14, with each cooperating merchant offering special prizes. "A lengthy
discussion of off-street parking was held with a committee appointed to investigate some
possible approaches to he problem," the Ledger reported.
Jan. 29: The Ledger reported that 110 members of the Oswego Presbyterian Church met Jan. 25
to hear the church building committee's plans for a new church on Ill. Route 25 just north of
Oswego. "Plans were presented and approved for a new modernistic building to be erected on the
new site north of Oswego on Route 25 on the five-acre tract of land presented recently to the
church by the G.C. Bartholomew family....Contact price for the building will be $283,000 plus
$50,000 for interior furnishings and finishings of the sanctuary. At present, plans are being made
to conduct a building campaign in March. No date to being construction has been set.
The Panther mat team will be after its 11th dual team win of the season Thursday (tonight) in the
local gym with West Aurora furnishing the opposition.
Varsity wrestlers who will see action are Bob Plaskas, Chuck Robinson, Wylie Robinson, John
Grach, Neil McCauley, Norm Harvey, Keith Haag, Tom Jarman, Ronnie Wynne, Gene Boram,
Bob Condon, and Jim Wilkie.
Krahn Brothers Standard Station, Junction 34 & 71, Oswego was advertising that “We Steam
Clean Motors.”
Oswego’s varsity cagers turned in their finest team effort of the season Friday night to take a
resounding 76-62 win over Minooka, a team which defeated them twice before this year.
February -- 1959
Feb. 5: The Oswego Village Board voted to experiment on a Dutch Elm Disease control this
year. Cather's Landscape Service, Oswego, was hired to treat elm trees in the three block area of
Park Street with a new control method at $5 per tree. Results of this experiment will govern
further action on the part of the Village Board in the treatment of village elms.
The Ladies’ Society of the Oswego Lutheran Mission will hold a fish fry on Friday, Feb. 6, at the
Masonic Hall, Oswego. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Feb. 12: Oswego’s hopes for a share of the Fox Valley cage title took another tumble last Friday
night as Yorkville defeated the local quintet, 51-37. The loss gives the Panthers a 5-3 conference
record for the season.
Last Sunday, Feb. 8, in a final balloting after the church service, the Lutherans of the Oswego
area adopted, by a majority vote, the name "St. Luke's" for their mission and future church. St.
Paul's Lutheran Church, Aurora, a member of the Missouri Synod, has been sponsoring the
mission as a daughter congregation.
All teachers were notified the mobile unit of the Illinois State Department of Health would be in
Kendall County on Feb. 20 to administer tuberculosis X-rays to all staffers over 30 years of age.
Younger teachers were to receive the tuberculin skin test on Feb. 16. All school personnel were
required to have either a negative X-ray or skin test on file with their local school board.
Feb. 19: Carol Ekstrom, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Ekstrom, was chosen as the winner of the
Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award at Oswego High School.
Ten Oswego varsity grapplers start off on the long trail to the Illinois State Finals by taking part
in the district wrestling meet to be held at Orland Park’s Carl Sandburg High School Thursday,
Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 21.
The following varsity wrestlers from Coach Ken Pickerill’s squad are entered in the district: Bob
Plaskas, Wylie Robinson, John Grach, John Wheeler, Neil McCauley, Norman Harvey, Keith
Haag, Tom Jarman, Ronnie Wynne, Gene Boram, and Bob Condon.
Feb. 26: At their Monday, Feb. 23 meeting, the Oswego Grade School Board heard a written
report from the Superintendent of public Instruction stating that there were not enough eligible
children in Oswego to maintain a state supported room for Educable Mentally Handicapped. The
board voted to continue the instruction for slow learners in an ungraded classroom for the next
year.
Eight OHS wrestlers were headed to sectional competition Feb. 27-28 at Blue Island including
Bob Condon, Bob Plaskas, Tom Jarman, Keith Haag, Gene Boram, Ronnie Wynne, Wylie
Robinson, and John Grach.
Thirty Oswego High School students will participate in the Illinois District Music Contest at
Crete-Monee High School Saturday, Feb. 28.
Oswego’s varsity basketball team ended up with a .500 percentage for the season in league
competition, winning five and losing five. This year’s loop champs, Plainfield, evened up the
score for an early season loss Friday night as they defeated Oswego by a 70-58 count.
The recently organized young people’s society of the St. Luke’s Lutheran Mission of Oswego is
planning to adopt a constitution for its organization. Wanda Penn, Betty Wilson, Paul
Garbleman, and Rev. E.F. Melchior will meet Sunday afternoon to prepare a suitable draft for a
constitution.
Members of the Oswego High School Chorus are practicing for the minstrel show, “Alabama
Bound,” to be presented Thursday and Friday, March 12 and 13.
March -- 1959
March 5: Two OHS wrestlers were headed to the state finals after sectional competition ended.
Bob Plaskas won first in the sectional, while tom Jarman earned a second place. It was the
seventh straight year Coach Ken Pickerill sent OHS grapplers to the state finals.
Soloists winning gold medals at the District Music Competition at Crete-Monee High School
included Delreen Hafenrichter, Linda Houghtby, Noel Jensen, Dalman Hafenrichter, and Susan
Thompson. In all, Oswego musicians earned 32 medals at the contest.
The ruling on the Unit District appeal, which was to be given by Circuit Judge Solfisburg last
Friday afternoon was delayed until this Friday, March 6.
If there is no further delay in the ruling, we will try to outline the procedures to be followed by
the local school boards in setting up an election to vote for against a unit district.
March 12: The Oswego Village Board met Monday night with all members present. A resolution
was passed favoring the proposed Fox River Development plan.
Dr. B.T. Malmberg’s request for permission for an office in his home on Chicago Road was
granted.
Village engineer Walter Deuchler was authorized to make a detailed study of the existing sewage
disposal plant including analysis of present facilities, and recommend improvement program to
correct existing deficiencies to provide for future growth, also and estimate the cost and possible
methods of financing such a program.
It was moved that the property at the rear of the library building at 64 Main Street, be available
for public parking until such time as the Village has specific plans for its use.
G.C. Bartholomew and Larry Dunlap, representing the Oswego Business Association, requested
the village board to study the possibility of improving the alley between Washington Street and
the Fire Barn and developing off-street parking behind the business buildings on the west side of
main Street. Referred to committee.
In answer to a request by G.C. Bartholomew of the possibility of extending water mains to the 55
acre tract lying north of Cedar Glen Subdivision, village Engineer Deuchler stated that the
present system is capable of handling same, and the board stated that it would be agreeable to
extending mains under same conditions under which the mains were extended to Cedar Glen.
A downtown street improvement project, financed from Motor Fuel Tax funds, was approved
calling for curb, gutter, new base, and surface for streets in the block on Jackson Street from
Route 25 to Main Street; Jefferson Street from Route 25 and 34 intersection to Main Street; Main
Street from Jefferson to Jackson Street. Also, new sidewalk on east side of Main Street from
Jackson to Washington Street.
Track and field great Jesse Owens spoke to the Oswego PTA on March 10. Owens famously
won a gold medal at the Olympics held in Berlin immediately before World War II.
The ruling by Judge Solfisburg last Friday in favor of the petitioners for a unit district election
opens the way for holding an election for the voters of Oswego school districts to ballot for or
against having a unit district providing the objectors, the 40C School Board and the Bristol
School Board, do not appeal to a higher court.
Bobby Plaskas, Oswego junior, missed being State of Illinois wrestling champion in the 95 lb.
class by only two points last Saturday. Plaskas went into the state finals competition with a
record of 41 wins and 8 losses over three years of competition.
March 19; Three Oswego High School students were named as recipients of scholarship awards
in the State of Illinois by Gov. William B. Stratton last week. Oswegoans Sarah Gates, David
Roth, and Jeannette McCorkle earned the awards.
March 26: The Oswego Lion’s Club is raising money to purchase a mosquito fogging machine
for Oswego Township. This equipment will be available to every resident of the township for
mosquito control during the summer months.
The members of St. Luke’s Lutheran Mission of Oswego will commemorate the church festival
of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in their regular service this Sunday at 9:15 a.m. in the
Community Room of the Oswego High School.
Six of the Oswego school cafeteria staff attended a school lunch workshop at Joliet High last
Saturday. Those who attended from Oswego included Mrs. Laura Wooley, Mrs. Ruth Steckel,
Mrs. Dorothy Friebele, Mrs. Marcella Hundley, Mrs. Beatrice Meetz, and Mrs. Lillian Schomer.
April -- 1959
April 2: The annual “Senior Night” high jinks will take place in the gym on Friday night, April 3,
beginning at 8 p.m. The featured activity will be a basketball contest between the members of the
faculty and the senior boys.
Oswego Township voters will have an opportunity to choose between two candidates for road
commissioner at the election to be held Tuesday, April 7 in the township hall, Washington Street,
Oswego.
In the only contested position to be filled, incumbent Kenneth Gowran is being faced by Everett
Hafenrichter.
Oswego Boy Scout Troop 31 is seeking merit badge counselors among adults in the community.
Forty-three Oswego high Schoolers are out for track this year under the direction of Coach Jim
Aird.
Legal Publication
Notice is hereby given that Paul E. Krahn and Donald F. Krahn, copartners doing business as
Krahn Brothers’ Standard Service Station, Oswego, Illinois, have, as of march 16, 1959,
dissolved their partnership upon the withdrawal of Donald E. Krahn from the firm and since said
date the business will be conducted by Paul E. Krahn as an individual enterprise and said Donald
E. Krahn shall not be liable for any debts contracted since said date.
April 9: In balloting for Oswego Township offices, Kenneth Gowran was elected road
commissioner over Everett Hafenrichter, 385-138, while Wayne Fosgett ran unopposed for
township supervisor.
A special referendum was set for May 9 to ask voters to form a unit district out of Oswego Grade
School District 8 and Oswego High School District 300.
Oswego firefighters were busy over the last weekend, answering six calls, the Ledger reported.
April 16: In balloting April 11, Ralph Smith and Charles Nutt Jr. were elected to the Oswego
High School District Board, while William Leigh and Raymond Lubbs were elected to the
Oswego Grade School District Board.
In addition, school district voters approved the sale of the former home economics house at the
corner of Washington and Monroe Street.
An order was filed Monday calling for an election on Saturday, May 9, to vote on a unit district
for Oswego schools.
Also, a resolution was passed at Monday’s meeting of the high school board requesting the
County Board of School Trustees to set a date for sale of property voted on at the Saturday, April
11, election.
The property, which is located in Washington Street, will be sold at public auction on a date to
be determined by the County Board of School trustees, notice of which will be published in the
Oswego Ledger.
The Oswego Volunteer Fire protection District could possibly use more volunteer firemen for
second calls. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer fireman, send your name and address
to volunteer Firemen, Box 354, Oswego, Ill.
April 23: Voters in the Village of Oswego elected Milton L. "Les" Penn, Floyd Foss, and Edgar
Gilbert to the village board on April 21. James Vinson was elected police magistrate in an
uncontested election. A proposal to nearly double the village's property tax rate was decisively
defeated, nearly 3-1, 197-77.
Four public meetings will be held to discuss the various phases of the unit district election to be
held on Saturday, May 9.
“Belles on their Toes,” a side splitting comedy, will be presented by the senior class of Oswego
High School on May 1.
The case is as follows: Carol Ekstrom, Nancy Drew, Roxanne Wheeler, Lorna Mandel, Chuck
Shuler, Rita Lantz, Ed Wolf, Jim Wormley, Wilson Smith, Henry Cryder, Irvin Collins, Rodney
Anderson, Bonnie Hundley, Emil Pischel, Jim Seidelman, Jim Wilkie, and Keith Haag.
Oswego High School students receiving first place awards in the State Music Contest on April
17 were a clarinet quartet including Dalman Hafenrichter, Neil Mottinger, Nancy Rucks, and
David Norris; a clarinet solo by Dalman Hafenrichter; and a vocal solo by Delreen Hafenrichter.
Notice of Election
Notice is hereby given that on the 9th day of May, 1959, an election will be held at the polling
places designated for the purpose of voting for or against the proposition to establish a
community unit school district to maintain grades one to twelve, inclusive.
April 30: The second annual Fox Valley Conference Track Meet will be held on the local
grounds Tuesday, May 5, with preliminaries and field events beginning at 3:45 and the finals
beginning at 7:30.
Oswego will have a junior American Legion baseball team this year, sponsored by the local post,
675. The nine, which will be managed by Ken Pickerill, will be made up of boys from 15 to 18.
Any boy who is past Pony League age but who will not reach his 18th birthday before Sept. 1 of
this year is eligible to play.
Notice was given that the former home economics house at Washington and Monroe Street,
Oswego, would be sold at auction by the Kendall County Board of School Trustees on May 23.
May -- 1959
May 7: Irving A. Shears, county superintendent of schools, announced early this week that the
election called for this Saturday, May 9, to vote on the formation of a Unit District for Oswego
has been postponed. Mr. Shears stated that on Friday, May 1, the board of education of
Wheatland Consolidated School District No. 40C, Will and DuPage Counties, Illinois and Glen
Pearson and Ruth A. Pearson acting through their attorney Samuel Saxon f Plainfield, filed
notice of appeal to the Appellate Court for the Second District at Ottawa, from the order entered
on march 6, 1959 by Judge Roy J. Solfisburg Jr. in the circuit court of Kendall County.
Mr. Shears stated that after consultation with legal authorities he had determined that the election
should be postponed until the appeal is disposed of.
The Oswego Village Board met Monday night. Bids were opened for the downtown street
improvement program to be financed by Motor Fuel Tax funds. Charles O’Brien and Son,
Morris, was awarded the contract with a low bid of $29,616.18. The work to be done includes
curb and gutter and surfacing on Jefferson Street from Madison to main; Main Street from
Jefferson to Washington; Jackson Street from main to Madison, a total distance of 1,263 feet.
The sidewalk on the east side of main Street from Jackson to Washington will be replaced.
A discussion was held exploring the possibility of combining the Village of Oswego and
Township of Oswego offices and storage space in a new location and selling the present
locations, which would ten be available or new businesses in the downtown area. Other
municipalities such as the Oswego Park District, Fire District, and school districts are to be
considered in the exploratory meetings to be set up.
Two auction sales will be held on Saturday, May 23, to dispose of property owned by the
Oswego High School District. The first sale will be the property situated on Washington Street
currently occupied by Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber. The property was purchased some
years ago and used as a home economics unit until the present high school was built. Since then
it has been rented to the school superintendent.
The second sale will consist of the house and garage situated on the former Manning property in
Washington Street. The buildings must be removed from the premises with 60 days from the date
of the sale. The property was purchased several years ago as it adjoined the present high school
property and with a view toward future expansion.
May 14: The date of mailing Kendall County tax bills is still indefinite through no fault of local
county officials. County treasurer William Maier stated early this week that local bills could not
be made out until DeKalb County and LaSalle County complete their books and forward the
information to Kendall County so that the proper rates can be extended on the tax bills.
The Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren will celebrate its first anniversary on
Sunday, May 17. Services will include an anniversary observance at the 11 a.m. service, at which
time Dr. Galen Lehman, executive secretary of the Central Region, Church of the Brethren, will
speak on “Birthday of the Church.” Services of confirmation and the reception of new members
will be a part of the service.
An item of great importance and interest to members and friends will be the presentation and
consideration of the church building plans. Proposed plans call for four units of colonial design
including sanctuary, educational and administrative units, a fellowship hall, and small chapel.
The proposed sanctuary will have a total seating capacity of 524 with space for 282 in the nave,
40 in the choir, with overflow space to provide for 194.
The fellowship hall will seat 300 at tables. There will be a kitchen, stage and dressing rooms,
youth room with a seating capacity of 75.
The educational unit provides individual classroom space for each grade including crib, toddlers,
nursery, and kindergarten rooms. A lounge, conference and library room, and small chapel with a
seating capacity of 70 adjoin the unit.
Office space for the pastor’s study another personnel is included.
The church will be located on a five-acre tract on the corner of Boulder Hill Pass and Codorus
Street and readily accessible from all directions. There will be an outdoor recreational area and
parking space for 96 cars. The site joins the 12-acre tract set aside for future sue as a school site.
It is expected that building will get underway as soon as the streets and sewers are completed in
the area where the church is to be located.
Architect for the structure is Arthur L. Dean of Elgin, who is church building counselor for
Church of the Brethren, and who has designed churches all across the united states.
The Oswego Library Board wishes to express thanks to the Oswego Ministerial Association and
to the residents of the community for a gift of $81 for purchase of religious books for the local
library shelves. The money represents the collection taken during the Oswegorama outdoor
worship service held last September.
May 21: In a historic meeting on Wednesday evening, May 13, the voting members of St. Luke's
Lutheran Mission of Oswego, which St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Aurora started as a daughter
congregation, organized their mission into a church according to the incorporation laws of the
State of Illinois....The future building site of the church comprises eight acres of land east of
Boulder Hill and south of the new By-Pass.
72 EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATES
Eighth grade graduation exercises will be held in the Oswego high School gym Wednesday
evening, May 27 beginning at 8 p.m.
This year the salutatory and valedictory honors are being shared by Karen Hafenrichter, Julia
Garrison, and Bonnie Koukol. The faculty could not distinguish between their scholastic records
sufficiently to warrant separate distinction.
All young men are required by law to register with Selective Service within five days after
reaching their 18th birthday. A youth failing to do so may be declared a delinquent and ordered
to immediate induction into the army.
May 28: Commencement for 53 Oswego High School seniors will be held in the gym tonight,
Thursday, May 28, at 8 p.m.
Students honored during commencement exercises were David Roth, valedictorian, and
salutatorian Jeannette McCorkle. The activities award was won by James Seidelman. The
sportsmanship and Athletics award was won by Wilson Smith. The Class motto was “Too many
with to be happy before becoming wise.” Class colors were white and gold. Class flower was the
white tea rose.
Oswego Park District President Everett Hafenrichter announced this week that three playgrounds
will be in operation this year for the 10-week summer recreation program beginning on Monday,
June 8:
Playground No. 1, White Grade School. Mrs. Lois Morley, director; Joyce Miliano and Pat
Conroy, junior assistants.
Playground No. 2, Red Brick Grade School, Wayne Fosgett, outside activities director; Mrs.
Ruth Weidert, handicraft director.
Playground No. 3, Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church Annex, Mrs. Jeannette Bramley, director;
Kathie Peterson and Patty Myers, junior assistants.
In addition, Ray Linden is coaching and managing the Oswego entry in the Cornbelt Little
League, and Charles LaGow and William Lank are handling the Oswego entry in the Fox Valley
Pony League.
The overall Oswego Park District program is directed and coordinated by Ford L. Lippold,
recreation director for the district.
At a recent meeting of the Oswego Woman’s Civil Club, it was voted to spend $300 for play
equipment for the White Grade School play areas, including a jungle gym, swings, etc. This
improvement is to take place in June so that the equipment will be available for the summer
recreation program.
In addition, the Oswego Grade School Board and the Oswego Park District have approved
additional improvements on the area. The grade school board voted at a meeting held Monday
evening to rehabilitate the two slides on the grounds, providing new slide beds and lowering the
height of the slides.
The Park district voted to install a permanent concrete type sandbox area, balance rails, and
painting of equipment, as well as additional painting in the basement rooms.
The dwelling house owned by the Oswego High School District and occupied for the past years
by Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber was sold at public auction last Saturday, with Traughber
being the successful bidder at $13,000
An adjoining lot was sold to Wm. N. Probst for a high bid of $2,450.
The other piece of property to be sold at auction, the former Walter Manning home, had a high
bid of only $20, and the bid was rejected by the board. The house, when sold, is to be removed
from the property.
June -- 1959
June 4: In a letter to the Oswego Village Board, Oswego Police Officer Don Sebby, requested a
pay raise. The request was forwarded to the board's police committee. "It was recommended by
the police committee that one police officer be released from duty due to lack of funds in the
police department," the Ledger also reported. "The decision was left up to the law and order
committee to act on the recommendation." In other village board news, John Carr was appointed
to the Oswego Plan Commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Douglas Dreier
and Bob Kaetzer was appointed to assume the village treasurer's job formerly held by Carr.
Kendall County Sheriff Frank Willman offered county deputies to help with traffic control at
Madison and Washington streets on Sunday mornings during church service hours. The
intersection was clogged weekly due to traffic heading to the Oswego Dragway.
June 11: The Oswego Park District announced that the first swimming trip of the season would
be held June 11. Youngsters would be transported to the Batavia pool by bus, with all swimmers
requested to be at the Red Brick School playground by 12:30 p.m. Cost was 50 cents for grade
schoolers and 65 cents for high schoolers.
June 18: The Oswego Park District reported a new backstop and fencing had been installed at the
East View Grade School Grounds. The Oswego Lions Club footed $600 of the $1,000 cost of the
project. "The installation is of the latest design and of sturdy materials that will last over a period
of many years with little or no maintenance cost," the Ledger reported. Other community
projects sponsored by the Lions Club, according to the Ledger, were the Oswego house
numbering system, concrete street corner markers, country road markers, and in cooperation with
the Oswego Civic Club, installation of the play area on the Red Brick School grounds, Little
League uniforms, juke boxes for the Teen Club, and other projects.
June 25: Boys and girls of the Oswego Park District are invited to take part in the second annual
fishing derby to be held at ThreeDee Lake on the Everett Hafenrichter farm in Douglas Road on
Monday, June 29.
All boys and girls who are eight years old and over are eligible to take place.
A mosquito control program of the Oswegoland area is underway, spearheaded by the Oswego
Lions Cub with the aid of the Oswego Village Board and, it is hoped, by a majority of the
citizens of the community.
A $1,200 piece of equipment has been purchased and it will cost between $400 and $500 for
insecticide and manpower to take care of the four foggings that will be needed during the balance
of the year.
The Oswego Lions Club is to put all of its available money into the kitty, the Oswego Village
Board agreed to put in $400. Now it will be up to the residents of the Oswegoland community to
help out with part of the balance.
The plan is to also fog the Boulder Hill area, providing the families in that area are willing to
contribute on the same basis of $2 per home.
Delreen Hafenrichter is spending two weeks at the Illinois Summer Youth Music program at the
University of Illinois in Urbana. She is one of over 300 high school students from all over the
state of Illinois. Delreen will sing the lead role of “Pamina” in Mozart’s opera, “The Magic
Flute,” on Friday afternoon. Delreen, who is a student at Oswego High School, is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Everett Hafenrichter.
Dick Parkhurst, son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Parkhurst, recently attended the 31st annual
convention of boys who take vocational agriculture in high schools throughout Illinois. He was
awarded the Illinois State Farmer Degree that can be granted by the Illinois Association FFA.
The award is limited each year to two percent of the active membership.
July -- 1959
July 2: The Oswego high school and grade school boards of education were studying emergency
measures to house increased enrollments for the upcoming 1959-60 school year, including an
addition at Oswego High School that would include two locker rooms, a music room, and at least
one classroom. Complicating the move to add more facilities was the legal problems encountered
with creating a unit district. The proposal to unite the grade and high school districts into a single
unit district was put forward in an August 1958 petition signed by 349 voters in the two districts.
However, two other area school districts, Wheatland Grade School District 40-C and Bristol
Grade School District 12, appealed the Kendall County Superintendent of Schools' approval to
hold a referendum in the Circuit Court, which ruled the arguments insufficient. A second appeal,
however, was made to the appellate court, where it currently languished. No new buildings could
be started until the legal issues were settled.
Kendall County Sheriff Frank Willman was warning about "extremely heavy and dangerous
traffic" on county highways over the July 4 holiday, and was participating with the state in
issuing a yellow traffic alert. "The yellow alert was put into effect throughout the state last
Friday by Governor William G. Stratton to warn motorists of the critical dangers they must face
if they drive during the holiday period," the Ledger reported.
Shuler's Drug Store in downtown Oswego was advertising Myzon Swine Medicine for scours
and necro in pigs as well as Armidexan for iron deficiency in pigs. "Remedies for all farm
animals and pets," the Shuler's ad said.
The Satellite Restaurant at U.S. Route 34 and Ill. Route 71 in Oswego--later Scotties Restaurant-
-was advertising carry outs. "For a whole meal or just a bite...Come to see us at the Satellite"
their ad read.
Arthur Tramblie announced his resignation as Justice of the Peace of Oswego Township
effective June 27.
Helping defeat the Yorkville Pony League squad in a 10-1 game was Bob Tripp, leading Oswego
hitters with three hits in four trips to the plate, including a home run.
July 9: The Oswego High School Board announced that an addition of two locker rooms, a
storage-drying room, a music room, and one classroom would be made to Oswego High School.
Also, a folding partition would be installed in the high school Community Room to create two
classrooms. The estimated $70,000 for the improvements would come from existing revenues
and an increased tax levy for the district's building fund.
Five long blasts of the siren atop the Oswego Fire Station were to signal the changeover from the
old village well to the new well and water tower on July 13. The new tower and well was located
at Madison and Douglas streets. The old tower and well were located at Van Buren and
Washington streets.
Harry Iselman was hired on a 90-day trial as Oswego's night watchman.
Fay Brill of Oswego led a panel discussion on WTTW-TV, Channel 11 in Chicago on July 9 on
"The Communist Manifesto," during the station's Great Books discussion series.
56 youngsters from Oswego were set to travel to Chicago's Comiskey Park on July 11 to see the
White Sox play Kansas City. Another trip was planned to Comiskey on July 23.
July 16: The changeover to the new Oswego village well was delayed due to lack of timely
approval of the new well by the Illinois Department of Health. Village officials were planning to
complete the changeover on July 20, pending approval by state officials.
July 23: State health officials still had not issued approval for the changeover of Oswego's new
well. Oswego Water Department Chairman William Crimmin said that no official date would be
set by the village for the changeover. He said that as soon as approval is granted, the village will
signal the changeover with five long blasts of the siren on the Oswego Fire Station in downtown
Oswego.
July 30: At their meeting held on July 22, the voting members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church,
now meeting in the Community Room of the Oswego High School, decided to take the necessary
steps toward the erection of a building. The proposed site comprises a little over eight acres
parallel to Boulder Hill and touching the new By-Pass. St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Aurora,
which is sponsoring St. Luke's as its daughter congregation, is donating this land for the new
church.
August -- 1959
Aug. 6: Don L. Dise, Inc., developers of Boulder Hill, have entered into an agreement with
Oswego Community Consolidated School District 8 to lease an eight-unit apartment building to
be used as school rooms for the children residing in Boulder Hill and surrounding community.
The building is now under construction and will be completed by Sept. 1, in time for the start of
the school year. The building is to be used as temporary quarters for a school; stipulations of the
lease provide that the building will be occupied as a school for one year with an option to renew
for a second year on a month-to-month basis. The building is to be used as temporary quarters
for a school. A permanent school site of 12 acres is being donated by Don L. Dise, Inc. in Unit 7
of Boulder Hill, which has been approved by the Oswego Plan Commission and is now in the
process of being recorded. The lease, with rental cost to be provided later, provides that Dise will
provide utilities, heat, lights, water, and grounds maintenance. The apartments are being finished
with no interior partitions except for the lavatories in each room. The building firm has also
agreed to donate $100 for each house built in Boulder Hill towards the construction of the
permanent school.
The Oswego schools were set to begin the 1959-60 school year with seven attendance centers,
including Church School in Wheatland Township; and the Little White School, the Red Brick
School, East View School, the junior high wing at Oswego High School, and Oswego High
School, all in Oswego. Church School was the district's last one-room country school, and
housed students in grades 1-3 under teacher Eugenia Davis. The district planned to operate nine
buses for the year.
Oswego published its village appropriations ordinance for the coming fiscal year. Oswego
officials planned to spend $30,687.25 in property taxes, according to the ordinance, which was
signed by village president James Zentmyer and village clerk John Spang. Total village spending
was estimated at $255,101.
Oswego officials were seeking bids for the removal of the old 50,000-gallon elevated water tank,
originally built in 1894.
Oswego Plan Commissioners approved the preliminary plat of the Bil-Joy Subdivision, located
north of Oswego on Ill. Route 25. The subdivision had more than eight proposed building lots
and adjoined Bartholomew's Cedar Glen Subdivision and to the north, Boulder Hill Subdivision.
Developer was Ray Smith of Aurora. Home prices were to range from $12,000 to $20,000. "The
subdividing of this area completes the link between the Village of Oswego and the Kendall and
Kane County Line along Rt. 25 as far as residential area is concerned," the Ledger reported.
Aug. 13: The total low bid of $68,601 for the new addition to Oswego High School was accepted
by the Oswego High School District Board. The new facilities were planned to be ready for use
in December. Low bidders were Warren Brothers Construction Company, Aurora, general
contractor; Beaber Plumbing and Heating Company, Aurora, plumbing and heating; Michels
Electric, Aurora, electrical work.
The district agreed to pay a rental cost of $12,000 per year to Don L. Dise, Inc. for the use of six
classrooms in the new Boulder Hill Apartments. The cost included all utilities and maintenance
costs inside and outside the building. Lighting and chalkboards to be installed in the building
were to be used in the proposed new Boulder Hill School.
The Oswego Village Board agreed to allow John Burkhart to operate his business, Planned
Interiors, at his home on the corner of Garfield Street and Chicago Road. In other village board
news, 1,000 feet of sidewalk was approved from the end of the existing sidewalk at East View
School to Garfield Street; in front of the new high school; and along side the Little White School
on Polk Street. The school district and village were to share the costs of the new walks.
The Oswego Park District's appropriation ordinance called for spending $14,015 in property tax
dollars in its next fiscal year.
Aug. 29: Removal and renovation of the sidewalk along the east side of Main Street, from
Washington to Jackson Street, in downtown Oswego was underway. "It is hoped that the
shoppers of the area will be patient while the repairs are underway and take into consideration
the fact that the improvement program is planned for their convenience and shopping comfort as
well as to add to the looks of the downtown area," the Ledger reported. "Remember, all places of
business are open during the usual hours."
The first of 39 homes is under construction in the George D. Smith subdivision in the eastern
limits of Oswego on Route 34. Ray W. Smith Builders, Aurora are the builders. The East View
Grade School is located next to the subdivision.
A total of 31 teachers were ready to begin classes for the Oswego Grade School District, the
Ledger reported.
Oswego was seeking "Six former military policemen, shore patrolmen, air policemen, or men
with previous police experience" to serve as unpaid auxiliary officers for six to eight hours a
month.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. William Holzhueter invited community residents to a golden
wedding anniversary open house at the Holzhueters' home, 125 Chicago Road, on Aug. 23.
Aug. 27: A total of 48 instructors, 17 at the high school level and 31 on the grade school staff
were ready to open school for the 1959-60 school year.
September -- 1959
Sept. 3: A record school enrollment of 1,211 students showed up for class when school opened
Sept. 1, 305 at Oswego High School and 906 in grades 1-8. The temporary school at the Boulder
Hill Apartments opened with 156 students.
Sept. 10. The record school enrollment reported last week of 1,211 students is still growing,
according to Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber. Between 20 and 25 new students registered on
Tuesday morning following the return from Labor Day vacations, and more are registering every
day.
Officials of the Wheatland Plow Match are sponsoring a Children's Costume and Pet Parade to
be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Harley Shoger Farm. There will be $45 given in
prizes.
A record turnout of 64 boys are trying out for starting positions on the Oswego High School
Varsity and Frosh-Soph Football teams.
Sept. 17: Members of the Oswego Village Board rejected all the bids for the removal of the old
water tower. The low bidder for the project was Richard Stegman Jr., Aurora, $3,750. In other
board business, members of the 19th Century Club appeared to speak on needed improvements
for the Oswego Library at 64 Main Street. The frame building was owned by the village, with
club members operating the public library. A committee of board members was appointed to
study the problems with club members.
Due to recently enacted legislation, Kendall County Courthouse offices will be closed Saturdays,
effective Oct. 1, 1959.
At the final meeting of the Oswegorama committee, formed to help the community celebrate its
125th anniversary, treasurer Woodrow Boone reported the weeklong celebration netted $1,907.
The proceeds had been earmarked before the celebration began for use by the Oswego Library.
Sept. 24: The Oswego High School Band took part in the annual Band Day at Northwestern
University in Evanston. They were among 4,500 band students representing 55 high schools who
took part in half-time activities at Dyche Stadium.
The Jacqueline Shop in Oswego furnished fashions for the Boulder Hill Welcome Wagon
Committee's second annual style show, "Holiday Prevue," held on stage at the Boulder Hill
Playhouse.
October
Oct. 1: U.S. Sen. Paul H. Douglas, R-Illinois, was scheduled to meet constituents at the Yorkville
American Legion Post Home on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
The Oswego Volunteer Fire Department scheduled an open house to mark National Fire
Prevention Week, Oct. 4-11, at the fire barn on Main Street in downtown Oswego.
The first Oswego Community roller skating Party of the season was set for Thursday evening,
Oct. 8, at Electric Park in Plainfield.
Oct. 8: The Oswego Panther varsity football team was getting ready to play the Yorkville Foxes
Friday, Oct. 9. The game was never in doubt, with the Panthers holding the Foxes scoreless in a
42-0 Fox Valley Conference victory. Under the leadership of quarterback Tom Jarman, the
Panthers gained 402 yards on 11 first downs and six touchdowns. Yorkville gained just 66 yards
on the evening.
Oct. 15: On Oct. 12, the Second District Appellate Court at Ottawa overruled a motion to dismiss
the case relating to the formation of a unit school district for the Oswego area. Wheatland Grade
School district 40-C and Bristol Grade School District 12 had objected to a ruling by county
school superintendent Irving A. Shears in 1950 to allow the consolidation to proceed. With the
appellate ruling, the matter was returned to the circuit court to be heard on the merits of the
original 359 petitioners to form a unit district.
John Poker, Dan Cain, and Harry Ilseman, all residents of the Cedar Glen subdivision, requested
the village board investigate the high water rates in the subdivision. Village President Jim
Zentmyer appointed board members William Crimmin, Milton Penn, and Carl Smith to look into
the matter. In other board business, members voted unanimously to begin holding their meetings
at 7 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. as was the previous practice.
Oct. 29: The Oswego Panther Varsity Football Team continued their winning ways during the
OHS Homecoming Game against Sandwich on Oct. 23 with a 38-12 victory under the lights at
their home field. Russ Nickett opened the game by running the Sandwich kick-off back for an
80-yard touchdown.
The Oswego Grade School District's annual financial report revealed $168,014.31 in spending
against $166,235.73 in receipts for the previous fiscal year.
November -- 1959
Nov. 5: The Oswego High School Frosh-Soph Football Team, under the leadership of coach Jim
Aird, wrapped up a perfect season.
Nov. 12: Ledger Editor Ford Lippold, in a front page editorial, wrote that the paper had
successfully completed 10 years of publication, having starting in November 1949. "Much has
happened in the last ten years," he wrote. "he population of Oswego Township has doubled due
to the numerous subdivisions; a comprehensive development plan for village and township has
been adopted; a new high school and a new grade school have been built; a junior high wing
added; a new fire barn; new water tower and well; a new Catholic church; a Lutheran
congregation has been formed; several new business buildings have been built; ornamental street
lights have enhanced the business area; the Oswego Park District was formed; Caterpillar Tractor
came into the township with its huge new plant; Oswego celebrated its 125th anniversary with
Oswegorama; and many other events have livened up the past decade. All indications point to
much expansion during the next ten years. New schools and churches will be built. New
subdivisions will be platted. A public park and recreation area is needed. New businesses and
light industrial plants would be a boon to the community. We hope to be around to bring you
news of the things to come that will keep Oswego Township alive and growing."
The Oswego Panther varsity ended the year unbeaten with a record of seven wins and one tie,
and secured the Fox Valley Conference championship.
The Oswego Days promotion by downtown Oswego retailers was to be held Nov. 13-14. "Shop
in Oswego," the Ledger urged. "No parking meters and you do business with a friendly local
merchant who is really interested in serving you as a friend and neighbor."
Your choice of Swanson Frozen TV Dinners at Bohn's Food Store on Main Street in downtown
Oswego was 59 cents each. Also on sale was pot roast at 49 cents a pound and hills Brothers
Coffee, one pound for 59 cents.
Nov. 19: "Are you helping build Kane County roads?" a front page Ledger editorial asked.
Ledger editor Ford Lippold urged all Oswego area residents to check their automobile
registration cards to make sure their cars and trucks were registered in Kendall, and not Kane
County. "If you are a resident of Oswego Township and your registration card reads Kane or
some other county, you are contributing about $12 each year to that county's road fund through
the Motor Fuel Tax refund," Lippold said.
A refugee family who escaped East Germany to the west was living in Oswego. Mr. and Mrs.
Peter (Renate) Poltersdorf and their seven month-old daughter, were living in a home at the south
end of Main Street. The couple was sponsored by the Oswego Presbyterian Church in
cooperation with the World Council of Churches.
Nov. 26: All members of the Oswego Lions Club, the Oswego American Legion, and the
Oswego Business Association were urged to help put up Christmas lights on Main Street Sunday
morning, Nov. 29, starting at 8:30 a.m. "Coffee will be served in the Coffee shop through the
courtesy of Tona and Ethel Power," the Ledger reported.
Students at Oswego High School earning straight A's for the first nine weeks included Alice
Ebinger, Rita Bell, Julie Sands, Joanne Haddock, Susan Luettich, Susan Thompson, Ingrid
Wendt, jean Wormley, Julia Garrison, Sherry Henderson, Karen Hafenrichter, and Bonnie
Koukol.
December -- 1959
Dec. 3: Another hearing on the Oswego School Unit District formation will be held in the circuit
court at Yorkville the middle of December. A favorable decision will mean that a vote can be
held for the formation of a unit district provided that opposition does not appear again.
Progress is again underway on the high school addition after a wait for steel.
"Automobile owners have been using the downtown streets as a place to empty out their ash
trays. it is an exceedingly slovenly habit and it certainly doesn't improve the appearance of the
streets," Ledger Editor Ford Lippold observed.
Dec. 10: Many of the local stores are staying open every evening until 9:00 for the convenience
of Christmas shoppers. In addition, The Jacqueline Shop is putting on a Men's Night next
Tuesday when males will have an opportunity to pick out the wife's present without her peering
over his shoulder.
Dec. 17: Seventh grade students of Grace Palmer contributed Christmas poems to the Ledger.
Poets whose work was published included Rich Denney, Wanda Walper, Susan Dauwalder,
Roger Miliano, Boyd Wilkinson, John Stoner, and Donna Borneman.
Dec. 31: It happened in Oswego, 1959: January, St. Luke's Lutheran installs new officers;
February, two Oswego wrestlers go to state finals, Bobby Plaskas and Tom Jarman; March, OHS
musical students win 32 medals in district competition, village board authorizes sewage plant
study, OHS students Sarah Gates, David Roth, and Jenette McCorkle win Illinois State
Scholarships; April, Kenneth Gowran reelected Oswego Township Road Commissioner and
Wayne Fosgett reelected supervisor, voters defeat proposed tax rate increase; May referendum
on forming a unit school district is postponed, Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the
Brethren marks its first anniversary, 53 senior graduate from OHS with David Roth the
valedictorian, 72 eighth graders graduate with Karen Hafenrichter, Julia Garrison and Bonnie
Koukol sharing valedictorian honors, St. Luke's Lutheran Church organized; June, community
mosquito fogging program begins; July, grade and high school boards study overcrowding, new
village well and water tower go into operation, St. Luke's announced they will build a new
church in Boulder Hill; August, temporary classrooms approved for Boulder Hill students in new
apartment building, park district's summer playground program ends with an average daily
attendance of 290; September, Oswego schools open with seven attendance centers including the
district's last one-room country school; October, PTA members tour all district buildings,
Panther gridders beat Sandwich in homecoming contest, 26-0; November, varsity and frosh-soph
gridders both win Fox Valley Conference championships, Oswego Ledger beings 11th year of
publication; December, Santa Claus greets Oswego children.
1960
January
Jan. 7: After a visit to Oswego schools by Harry Bank, deputy state fire marshal, he ordered the
district to make 18 safety corrections at the Red Brick School and eight corrections at the Little
White School. Electrical work was started during the holidays by J.C. Electric Co., Aurora. The
store rooms have been cleared; wooden partitions removed in the White School; McDowell’s
Welding Service is proceeding with fire escape repairs; Wm. Crimmin & Sons are presently
working on cost estimates of carpentry work. The Board of Education has considered the
alternate use of a sprinkler system and an automatic fire alarm. The cost of such a system is
prohibitive and was not part of the recommendations of the Deputy Fire Marshal.
The Oswego Village Board has hired James Vinson to take over the duties of police officer for
the Village effective as of Feb. 1, 1960. The present officer, Paul Dwyre, is retiring on that date.
Vinson has been deputy county sheriff and is currently police magistrate in the village, from
which office he is resigning to take over his new duties.
Kendall County State’s Attorney Jerome Nelson, Republican, Oswego, has announced he will be
a candidate for reelection in the primary election on April 12. Mr. Nelson is now completing his
second term as State’s Attorney.
Jan. 14: At the Oswego Village Board meeting Mr. and Mrs. Hesse appeared with a request to
have the extension of Fourth Street closed. They were directed to present a petition signed by
parties concerned to the Oswego Plan Commission.
It was voted by the village board to rehire W.E. Deuchler & Associates as village engineer for
the current year.
Coach Ken Pickerill’s varsity wrestling squad, riding along on the crest of a winning streak,
meets and powerful Pekin team Saturday night. To date, Oswego has a record of seven wins and
one tie. Two Panther wrestlers, Wylie Robinson and John Grach, have not been defeated this
season, while Bobby Plaskas, tom Jarman, Ronnie Wynne, and Denny Hastert have each lost
only one match in eight starts this year.
The Fox Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Plant Engineers will sponsor a talk on
“Ground Water Conservation” as applied to the fast-growing industrialized Fox River Valley
area. The speaker will be Harman F. Smith, head of the engineering section of the Illinois State
Water Survey. “If our supply of available water is not conserved,” Smith states,” The time will
soon come when severe measures will need to be taken to prevent the wasteful use of water. The
supply, contrary to popular belief, is not unlimited and some water resources require expensive
treatment before they can be made fit for human use.”
Jan. 21: Plans for the building of the first units of the new Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of
the Brethren were approved in congregational meeting Jan. 12, and the target date for the ground
breaking ceremony was set for Easter Sunday, April 17. Two units, the educational building and
the fellowship hall, will be built this spring and summer.
G.C. Bartholomew, Oswego postmaster for the past decade, retired as of last week. Gordon
Wormley is acting postmaster at the present time. Bartholomew and his wife, Leone, will leave
for Lake Tahoe next week where they will reside. Their two children, David and Sue, are
currently attending college in the west.
Jan. 28: The second annual stockholders meeting of the Oswego Community Bank was held
Monday evening, Jan. 18. The meeting was conducted by President G.C. Bartholomew with
cashier Rex Van Alstine acting as secretary. Bartholomew stated the bank experienced a very
healthy growth during the past year. Bartholomew, who was extremely active in the organization
of the bank and its first president, resigned from the board of directors due to the fact that he and
his family are moving to their new home in Zephyr Cove, Nevada. Rex Van Alstine, cashier, was
elected to the board of directors to fill the vacancy left by Bartholomew’s resignation. At a
directors’ meeting held immediately following the stockholders meeting, Earl Zentmyer was
elected president, and Van Alstine was elected vice-president.
February -- 1960
Feb. 4: Oswego merchants will present another of the popular “Oswego Days” parade of
bargains on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12 and 13. Each of the cooperating merchants, in addition
to having money-saving bargains during the weekend sale, will give away a valuable free prize.
Two new members were appointed to the Oswego Plan Commission at their January meeting,
Mrs. Lorraine Peshia and Joe Otto. They replace Mrs. Dorothy Bell and John Luettich, whose
terms expired in January. Other members of the commission include John Carr, Henry Smith,
Charles Garrison, Lois Drew, Ford L. Lippold, Harley Swanquist, and Stanley Herren; Don
Etzwiler as chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals; Carl Smith representing the Oswego
Village Board; and township members Everett Hafenrichter, Wayne Fosgett, Alvin Hubbard,
Don Schroeder, Tom Serkowich and George Akerlow.
Feb. 11: Kendall County Clerk Edgar Henricksen announced this week that voter registration for
residents of the Boulder Hill Subdivision will be held on Thursday Feb. 18, and Saturday, Feb.
19, between the hours of 6 and 10 p.m. in the annex of the Boulder Hill Church.
The Oswego varsity wrestlers will compete in the district tourney to be held at Carl Sandburg
High School, Orland Park, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12 and 13. Oswego is the defending
champion in the district having captured the event last year.
Feb. 18: Coach Jim Aird’s frosh-soph basketball team nailed down the Fox Valley Conference
Championship last Friday night with a determined 55-51 win over the Norsemen of Newark. Bob
Tripp led the assault on Newark connecting for 13 field goals and a trio of free throws for 29
points. Dale LaGow, the team’s high scorer, had a previous team high of 28 points against
Yorkville the week before. LaGow added 13 points against the Norsemen and Verlin Boram had
11.
Ten members of Coach Ken Pickerill’s varsity wrestling team advanced to sectional competition.
The Panthers took the district team championship for the second year in a row, totaling 93 points
in the nine-school competition. Three Oswego grapplers, Bob Plaskas, Tom Jarman, and Ron
Wynne took first place honors. There were five second place winners, Wylie Robinson, John
Grach, Bob Ackley, John Wheeler, and Norman Harvey. Ron Peterson, and Denny Hastert were
fourth place winners.
Still no word from the courts on the unit district decision, which has been expected for some time
now. The ancient sage who remarked about the mills of the gods grind slowly might as well have
gone on and added, “And, at times appear not to grind at all.” In the meantime, the school
enrollment continues to increase daily.
For the first time in the memory of many people, the village streets in the residential area were
cleared of snow in short order. If it had not been for a mechanical breakdown, we are sure that
the snow pushed up against the curbing in the downtown area would have been trucked away by
now.
A note from ex-postmaster G.C. Bartholomew states that after 2,830 miles of traveling, he and
his wife arrived at their new home in Zephyr Cove, Nevada. Jim went on to say that they just had
17 inches of new snow. They live near Squaw Valley and plan on taking in the Olympics this
coming Saturday.
We assume that most of our readers are aware that sometime within the next two years we will
have dial free telephone service to Aurora and Plainfield, in addition to Yorkville, which we
presently have. For most of the residents of the community this will be an asset both in
convenience and money-wise. We understand that negotiations are underway for a piece of
property on which to house a new telephone building for the extra and new equipment that will
be needed.
Feb. 25: The Oswego High School wrestling team will be represented in the state finals at
Champaign next weekend by Bob Plaskas and Tom Jarman. Questionable officiating in the semi-
finals kept Wylie Robinson and John Grach from advancing to the finals, according to reaction
from many who attended.
Several Oswego Boy Scouts received their God and Country Awards at a ceremony at the
Oswego Presbyterian Church. Earning the award were Jerry Parkhurst, Ron Peck, Steve Drew,
Bob Campbell, Don Perrin, and Dave Fosgett.
March -- 1960
March 3: Circuit Court Judge Cassius Proust rendered a decision Friday, Feb. 26, favorable to
the formation of a unit district for Oswego community schools, thereby confirming the decision
of county superintendent Irving Shears given nearly two years ago. Mr. Shears, acting as
administrative officer, ordered an election to be held. Certain objectors took administrative
review of this decision to the Circuit Court. The appeal was dismissed on legal technicalities. A
further appeal was taken to the appellate court, which remanded the case to the circuit court for a
hearing on the merits. This hearing was held before Judge Proust in Yorkville on Dec. 8, 1960.
The favorable decision of Feb. 26 means that county superintendent Shears will be obligated to
call an election for the formation of a unit district as described in the original petition.
Several members of the Oswego High School Music Department received superior ratings at the
district music contest held last Saturday. These winners will attend the state music contest at
Illinois State Normal on April 22: Dalman Hafenrichter, Delreen Hafenrichter, Susan Rucks,
Nan Rucks, Susan Thompson, Steve Smith, Nan Rucks, Neil Mottinger, David Norris, Jean
Wormley, Jacquie Quantock, Shelby Mundsinger, Ingrid Wendt.
A new fire siren has been installed on the roof of the fire barn.
Congratulations to village board member William Miller who has been appointed assistant
branch manager of the Chicago sales office of Barber-Greene Company. Bill, who was chairman
of the Oswego Plan Commission for a number of years until he was elected to the village board,
will continue to reside in Oswego.
Even though two additional liquor licenses are made available by the new amend to the village
ordinance, another provision in the ordinance makes it pretty difficult to qualify for a license:
Establishments retailing liquor can only be on the east or west sides of Main Street between
Jackson and Washington. Also, to obtain a liquor license, a person must be a resident of the
village and must own or hold lease on a building in which the tavern is to be located.
In answer to several queries of late, the meetings of all public bodies are open to the public. This
includes the village board, park board, township board, school boards, fire district, etc. Any tax-
supported body must keep its books and its meetings open to any member of the community. All
of them should welcome the interest shown by people who attend.
March 10: Sheriff’s report for February: Investigation of auto accidents, 10; larceny, 3; burglary,
2; general complaints, 17; missing persons, 2; Drunkometer tests, 3; subjects fingerprinted, 4;
and criminal investigations, 5. J.P. Court writ services, 12; county court, 7; circuit court, 10,
foreign county, 2. Sheriff Frank Willman also reports that there were 10 prisoners incarcerated in
the county jail during February with a total of 122 prisoner days.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Milton “Les” Penn are holding an open house in honor of their
parents’ 25th wedding anniversary on Sunday, March 13.
March 17: At the Oswego Village Board’s March meeting, it was voted to exchange minutes of
the Oswego Village Board and the Oswego Plan Commission in order that each group would be
aware of the activities of the other. It was decided to renew the contract with E. Kincaid and
Associates, Chicago, for a one-year period providing they bring the zoning maps up to date. The
cost of the service for one year is $300.
The Oswego Village Board voted to buy a 1960 Pontiac from R.M. Burkhart Garage, Oswego, in
the amount of $1,470, plus trade-in; also to purchase $205 in additional equipment for the car,
which is to be used as a police car for the village.
During the past week, some unthinking resident dumped a large quantity of fuel oil, or oil
residue, in the village sanitary sewer system, causing a great deal of work and expense to get the
treatment plant back into shape.
Oswego High School varsity basketball team members Robert Fennell and Dick Schwanz were
selected for the Fox Valley All-Conference Cage Team this year. The two boys were also given
honors by their teammates. Fennell was selected as the team’s most valuable player for the 1959-
60 season while Schwanz was named as the most improved player.
March 24: The Oswego Plan Commission studied a preliminary plat of Unit 3 of Brookside
Manor. The plat, submitted by developer Stanley Herren, calls for an additional 32 lots in the
subdivision. Other plats that have been before the plan commission recently included Unit 2 of
the George D. Smith Subdivision and a preliminary of the proposed Bil-Joy Subdivision. The
two projects contain over 100 additional building lots.
March 31: The Oswego PTA will meet at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, in the high school gym.
“We Call To Mind,” a docudrama by Philip C. Lewis, will be presented as the program. This
unusual narrative will be given by Donald Roper, Charles Potts, Stanley Young, Mrs. Walter
Brill, and Mrs. Fred Bramley with Mrs. Robert Gray acting as program coordinator.
In a letter to the editor, Oswego resident Jane Steele wrote: “It has been a very gratifying
experience in Oswego this winter to have the streets so quickly plowed after each snow, and to
see the downtown area cleared. Car Smith and his committee are to be commended for a job well
done.”
April -- 1960
April 7: Only 14 taxpayers in addition to the township officials were interested enough to attend
the annual town meeting Tuesday. An item of $4,000 was included in the general fund levy to
augment a levy of $6,000 made last year to build a new township garage for storage of road
machinery. After lengthy discussion by those in attendance at to the advisability of building the
garage on the present site [Washington at South Adams Street] a committee of five persons was
appointed by moderator Parkhurst to investigate other possible sites. The committee includes
Myron Wormley, LaVerne Shoger, John Carr, Ralph Burkhart, and Kenneth Gowran. This
group, along with Supervisor Wayne Fosgett and town clerk Ford L. Lippold, are to investigate
possible garage sites and prepare a report. When the report is ready, a special town meeting will
be called to take final action.
April 14: Voters in the Oswego Grade School District 8 elected incumbents Walter Brill and
Ralph Ross for full four year terms to the board and elected Donald Roper to fill a one year
unexpired term. Elected in Oswego High School District 300 for full terms were incumbent C.W.
Clark, and new members Gilbert R. Jarman and Richard M. Reinhard.
The Oswego Village Board approved a request by the Oswego Lions Club that the village
support the mosquito fogging program by providing $100 toward each fogging for a total of five
foggings. The balance of the funds will be raised by the club from donations by village residents.
In other village board news, a police committee report by board member Floyd Foss showed a
little over $1,000 received to date from fines since the radar speed timer has been put into use.
Trustee Foss was authorized to have the police office enclosed to afford privacy for questioning
of offenders and for safe storage of police equipment and records. It was voted to provide police
protection at the corner of Washington and Madison Street on Sundays during the busy hours
caused by operation of the Oswego Drag Strip. Owners of the Dragway are to pay the cost of this
officer. Finally, the village clerk was authorized to purchase a used mimeograph machine at a
cost of $50.
April 21: The Oswego Village Board met in an adjourned meeting Monday to open bids for
extension of water mains in Madison Street and Avenue A. It was voted to accept the bid of
Davis Construction Company, Plano, in the amount of $5,498.50. The bid of T&R Construction
of Aurora was discarded because they failed to meet bidding specifications. In addition, a
preliminary plan for streets, curbs, and gutters in Brookside Manor Unit 3 was approved.
April 28: Members of the senior class at Oswego High School were ready to present their annual
play, “Terror in the Suburbs,” on April 29. The comedy, directed by Mrs. Doris Thompson,
included case members Carolyn Steele, Bobette Chitty, Sue Phillips, Alice Ebinger, Carol
Wheeler, Nanette Smith, Denny Hastert, Rodney Henderson, Sue Rucks, Noel Jensen, Henry
Wheeler, Ed Hohmann, Steve Conroy, Norman Aug, Tom Garrison, and Bruce Woolley.
May -- 1960
May 5: Objectors to the formation of a unit district for Oswego Schools, 40-C District
(Wheatland grade), have appealed the February 26 ruling of Circuit Judge Cassius Proust. The
appeal will be heard before the appellate court at some date not yet set, probably in late June or
July.
May 12: Wally Smith of the Oswego Dragway appeared before the board with a request that the
village pay for half the expense of maintaining a police officer to direct traffic in the village on
the days when the track is in operation. The matter was referred to the police committee. Trustee
William Crimmin reported that 3,292,000 gallons of water was pumped during the month of
April.
May 26: Final preparations are being made for the Memorial Day Parade to be held Monday at
10 a.m. in the downtown area on Main Street. Weather permitting, the speaker’s stand will be
near the fire barn. If the weather is inclement, that portion of the program will be held in the high
school auditorium.
Commencement exercises for 54 Oswego High School seniors will be held in the auditorium on
Tuesday evening, May 31. Class salutatorian was Susan Cherry. Valedictorian was Alice
Ebinger. Also speaking was Activities Award winner Dennis Hastert and Sportsmanship and
Athletics Award winner Tom Jarman.
Graduation exercises for 106 eighth grade students was set for Friday, May 27, in the Oswego
High School gym. Salutatorian was Jack Troy. Valedictorian was Pat Meyers.
June -- 1960
June 2: Break Ground for B. Hill Church
Second Anniversary of Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church
The second anniversary of the Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren will be
celebrated on Sunday, June 5. Services of confirmation will be held. Those being confirmed are
Delores Bendschneider, Dennis Melhouse, Lena Robinson, Guy Sands, Jim Savage, Marjorie
Wasson, Coral Ann Williams.
On June 12, the groundbreaking ceremony will be held for the new church to be located on
Boulder Hill Pass where Codorus and Bereman Roads converge at what will become the near
center of the Boulder Hill Subdivision.
The weatherman cooperating, the second mosquito fogging of the season will take place
Thursday evening. The mosquito fogging project is sponsored by the Oswego Lion’s Club with
the help of the Oswego Village Board.
One of the highlights of the well-attended Memorial Day service held last Monday was the
awarding of a citation of meritorious service by the local American Legion Post 675 to Al
Shuler. The award, made for the first time this year, is given for outstanding service to the
community. Shuler, owner of the drug store on Main Street, was fire chief for many years, served
several terms on the high school board of education, is a charter member of the Oswego Lion’s
Club past president, was chairman of the recreation commission which eventually developed into
the Oswego Park District.
Members of the Oswego High School Senior Class will leave Chicago Wednesday afternoon for
a five day trip to Washington, D.C…The itinerary includes a tour of Capitol Hill. [One senior,
Dennis Hastert, was fated to return to Capitol Hill as a U.S. Representative and then Speaker of
the U.S. House of Representatives.]
June 9: Mosquitoes of the Oswegoland area received bad news as members of the Oswego
Lion’s Club collected over $300 in a house-to-house fund drive last Thursday night. This money
will be added to the sum already voted by the Oswego Village Board to exterminate mosquitoes
during the summer.
The Oswego Village Board ordered two flashing caution lights and stop signs for the
intersections of Washington and Madison streets and Routes 25 and 34.
Illinois’ Republican Governor, William G. Stratton, said the state’s school building program, set
up two and one-half years ago, illustrates what can be done by a state with school building
problems if the state will work with local governments. A total of 27 school districts in
metropolitan areas have or are at the present time participating at a cost of $8.4 million. Three
hundred and ninety-three classrooms have been constructed or are in process of being
constructed under state supervision at the cost of $10.90 per square foot.
June 16: A group of citizens representing the various organizations and areas in the Oswego
school districts met with the two school boards Tuesday night in East View School to discuss
current housing problems with particular emphasis on the grade school level. The grade school
district is renting eight rooms at Boulder Hill at a yearly cost of $12,000 and will need at least
four additional rooms or more in September in that area. The grade school board voted last week
to add four rooms at East View School this summer to house the seventh grade in order that
rooms in the present junior high building can be made available for high school use. It was stated
the grade school would need about 27 additional rooms in the 1962 school year to house the
youngsters in the rental units and the new population increase expected. Some possibilities for
housing included a complete 19-room unit at Boulder hill, and adding six more rooms to East
View to complete it to a 19-room unit.
At the Oswego Village Board meeting, village attorney Murphy and village engineer Griffin
were authorized to prepare a petition in reference to establishing a sanitary sewer district for
Oswego. In other news, it was moved to pay off the balance left on the downtown street light
project and Trustee Crimmin reported that 14,206,000 gallons of water was pumped during May.
June 30: The Oswego Business Association is planning a summer festival for the weekend of
Aug. 12 and 13, with many interesting events being considered for the residents of the
Oswegoland area. Events planned included an art show, a band concert, a community auction,
and other events. The purpose of this summer festival it to promote Oswego as a shopping center
and also a thank you by the local merchants for the patronage of residents of the Oswegoland
area.
The Girl Scout Day Camp at Perrin Orchard for Oswego-Boulder Hill-Yorkville Girl Scouts had
to be cancelled due to lack of help, in as much as there were 96 girls registered for camp and
only three counselors signed up.
The first trip to Comiskey Park for Oswego Park District Little and Pony League players will be
Saturday, July 9. Two more are scheduled for later in the month.
Members of the Oswego School Board visited eight area schools last week and are visiting more
this week in order to get an idea of the types of schools being constructed by various firms of
architects, comparative costs of construction, maintenance, etc.
July -- 1960
July 7: The Oswego Grade School Board, District No. 8, met in special session Friday, July 1, to
evaluate the services of four architectural firms. From the information on hand regarding cost,
room space, functional design, and community need, the board employed the firm of Kruegel,
Healy and Moore of Joliet to plan, write specifications, and supervise construction of a 19-room
school to be located at Boulder Hill on a 12-acre school site donated by Don L. Dise, Inc.
July 14: The Oswego Village Board appointed James Vinson to serve as village marshal for
another year. In other news, a bid was received from Walter Evans, Oaklawn, who would
remove the old water storage tank for a fee of $2,000. Trustee Crimmin reported that 16,818,000
gallons of water was pumped in June.
July 21: Carl Hafenrichter of Oswego was appointed president of the parent group for the Valley
School for Exceptional Children in Batavia.
Christopher C. Baumann, Rt. 1, Oswego, recently completed his 30th year of employment with
Northern Illinois Gas Company. Baumann began his utility career in 1930, and served in various
engineering and supervisory positions in the Aurora area until 1955. He then transferred to
Bellwood, where he currently is construction engineer. He and his wife, Hellene, an Oswego
grade school instructor, have a son, Paul, who will begin his freshman year in high school this
September. Baumann is an avid fisherman. He also collects antique glass and china during
leisure hours.
July 28: The Oswego Grade School Board was set to meet with architects of the new Boulder
Hill school being planned on a 12-acre site donated to the district by Boulder Hill developer Don
L. Dise, Inc.
The Kendall County Board approved improvement of County Highway 22 (Plainfield Road)
extending from the southeast village limits of Oswego southeasterly to Ill. Route 126, a distance
of approximately six miles. Engineering surveys will be made this fall and work on the project
will get underway next summer. The project was estimated to cost nearly $100,000.
Two Oswego boys, John Morley and Verlin Boram, were named to the All-Star squad of the Fox
Valley Pony League. The two were set to play in the league’s annual all star game.
The Oswego Plan Commission received the final plat of Unit 3 of the George D. Smith
Subdivision. The subdivision consists of eight lots at the eastern village limits on the north side
of Route 34. It was voted to turn the plat over to the subdivision committee for inspection and
future action. A request was received from J. George Smith to have lots 1 to 6 in the first unit of
the George D. Smith Subdivision rezoned from R-1 single family to R-3 multiple family. A letter
is to be sent to the village board, which has final authority in zoning matters that the request is in
keeping with good orderly growth and recommending that the request be granted.
August -- 1960
Aug. 4: At a special meeting of the grade school board held last Thursday, three floor plans were
studied for the proposed Boulder Hill grade school. The floor plan was T-shaped allowing
primary grades to be located in one wing, intermediates in another wing, and music and
recreational areas in a third wing away from the classrooms.
The Oswego Summer Festival set for Aug. 12-13 was to feature sidewalk sales, an art show, a
band concert, a community auction, an ice cream social, a donkey baseball game and a style
show and street dance.
Two new courses, anatomy and advanced mathematics, will be offered in Oswego High School
this year. Ken Pickerill will teach anatomy. The course will be open to juniors and seniors. The
math course will be taught by Robert Olson and will be open to seniors only.
Aug. 11: The Oswego Park District commissioners met Monday night with President Everett
Hafenrichter, vice-president Richard Young, members Ralph Wheeler and Jane Patterson, and
treasurer John Carr present.
Also attending the meeting were Don L. Dise and Dr. Curtis Bowman to discuss the dedication
of a neighborhood park on Durango Road in the Boulder Hill Subdivision. The park,
approximately an acre and a half in size, was landscaped and planted to grass this spring. Mr.
Dise told the park commissioners that he is currently erecting fence around the area and
equipping it with swings, teeters, and other play apparatus. The equipment will be placed on
blacktopped areas. When completed, the park will be deeded to the Oswego Park District. It is
planned to hold the dedication ceremony on Thursday evening, Aug. 18, on the park site at 7:15
in conjunction with an arts and craft display by the children who are taking part in the summer
recreation program. [The park was named SuzanJohn Park after Suzan Dise and John Hyde, who
died in childhood.]
Four new teachers will be on the Oswego High School faculty this year when school opens Sept.
6. Miss Edrene Dudek, a graduate of Northern Illinois University, who has taught one year at
West Chicago, will teach girls’ physical education. Miss Judith Fell, who graduated this spring
from Illinois State Normal, has been employed to teach home economics. Mr. Herbert Reitz, a
graduate of North Central College, will teach mathematics. Another Northern Illinois graduate,
Mr. Darrell Gaar, will teach general science and biology. These four new teachers will join 14
members for a workshop on Sept. 2.
Teachers returning this year are Richard W. Rockenbach, principal; Mrs. Evelyn Aird, James
Aird, Miss Judith Clasen, Miss Rose Marie Czekala, Clarence Fluegel, Paul Johnson, Kenneth
Pickerill, Mrs. Marilyn Poole, Charles Potts, Mrs. Doris Thompson, Reeve R. Thompson,
Russell Whitmer, Terry Workman, and Robert Olson.
Aug. 18: Dedicate Boulder Hill Park Tonight
Band Concert Begins at 7:00
Dedication ceremonies for the new Boulder Hill Neighborhood Park [named SuzanJohn Park]
will be held tonight (Thursday) between 7 and 8 o’clock. The program will feature a band
concert by the Oswego Summer School Band directed by Reeve Thompson. Dedication of the
park will be at 7:30 with Mr. Don L. Dise, developer of the Boulder Hill area, presenting the
deed to the park to Oswego Park District President Everett Hafenrichter.
The park area, approximately an acre and a half in size, is located between Hampton and
Durango roads. It is being fully developed by Don L. Dise, Inc., including a variety of the latest
play equipment. The main play area will consist of a unit of six swings, two slides, merry-go-
round, jungle gym, and hobbyhorses imbedded on a blacktopped surface. Attractively modern
designed park benches will be placed around the perimeter of the area so that mothers can relax
while watching the children.
There will be an additional blacktopped area with two basketball standards, which can also be
used for shuffleboard, badminton and other general games. Several sandbox areas will add to the
play opportunities of the romper set.
It is planned to erect an open shelter house on the area in the near future in order that the park
may be more adaptable to the Oswego Park District directed recreation program.
A joint meeting of the Oswego school boards and the citizens advisory committee was held in
the community room last week. The group voted 20-4 to recommend that a building program
consisting of a 19-room school in the Boulder Hill area and an additional six rooms to be added
to East View to complete that unit be submitted to the voters at the earliest possible date. Richard
Peck and Robert Gray were elected temporary co-chairmen of the citizens group. Wensgel
Bischke was named chairman of a group to contact the various civic and fraternal organizations,
while Mrs. Richard Peck, Mrs. Stanley Herren, and Mrs. Beverly Skaggs were elected to head up
a group to develop a program of block parties and coffee-klatches for purposes of informing the
voters of details of the building program.
In a special back-to-school section from the Oswego school boards, the high school board’s new
policy on married students was listed. According to the policy: “A married, expectant mother
shall withdraw from school at a time set in consultation with the principal and before her
condition becomes obvious. She shall be permitted to reenter school not sooner than 45 days
after the birth of the child and then only upon the recommendation of her physician and the
consent of her parents or guardian, or the proper welfare agency.
“An unwed expectant mother shall report her condition to the principal and withdraw from
school when the fact is know and before it becomes obvious. She may reenter school the
following semester but now sooner than 45 days following the birth of the child. Upon reentry,
the school staff shall make every effort to help rehabilitate her toward a successful life.
“Married students shall be expected to conduct themselves in a commendable manner and refrain
from undue references to married life.”
The Oswego School District was ready to start the 1960-61 school year with five attendance
centers: The Little White School; the Red Brick School; East View School; Oswego High School
and Junior High; and Boulder Hill rooms at the Boulder Hill Apartments.
Aug. 25: At a joint meeting of the Oswego Grade School Board and the Citizens Advisory
Committee held Monday evening, it was decided to hold a referendum vote for new grade school
classrooms on Saturday, Sept. 24. The building program will consist of a complete 19-room
school building in the Boulder Hill area and completion of the East View unit in the village of
Oswego with both buildings having comparable facilities. The Boulder Hill unit will be erected
on a 12-acre site donated to the district by Don L. Dise, Inc. The site is fully improved with
blacktopped streets and all utilities. The value of the site is between $75,000 and $100,000. In
addition, Don L. Dise, Inc. is giving $100 per home for each home occupied at such time as the
referendum is successful. This amount will be approximately $50,000. It was suggested that the
cash donation be used for furnishing the new school rooms rather than deducting it from the total
amount of the bond issue for erecting the rooms.
A public hearing on organization of a proposed sanitary district to be known as the “Oswego
Sanitary District,” will be held Sept. 9 in the Kendall County Courthouse at Yorkville. A petition
has been filed in the office of the county clerk signed by more than 100 legal voters resident in
the area proposed requesting the formation of such a district.
September -- 1960
Sept. 1: All classes in Oswego schools will open Tuesday morning, Sept. 6, at 8:30 a.m. and
remain open until 11:30 a.m. Full day classes will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 7. The cafeteria [at
Oswego High School] will be open Wednesday.
Five attendance centers will be in use in the Oswego Grade and High School Districts in the
1960-61 school year.
The four new classrooms now currently under construction at East View and planned for housing
the seventh grade will not be finished by opening day and temporary arrangements will have to
be made to take care of these classes. The all-purpose room and the kitchen at East View will
probably be used.
The attendance centers are as follows:
White School, Village of Oswego, Grade 1.
Red Brick School, Village of Oswego, Grades 2 and 3.
East View School, Village of Oswego, Grades 4 through 7.
Junior High and High School, Village of Oswego, Grades 8 through 12.
Boulder Hill School, Boulder Hill Subdivision, Grades 1 through 6.
A public hearing on organization of a proposed sanitary district to be known as the “Oswego
Sanitary District,” will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, in the county courtroom in the
courthouse at Yorkville.
Kendall County Sheriff Frank Willman announced that four vehicles his department had either
seized or otherwise come into possession of would be sold during a public auction on Oct. 1. The
vehicles included a 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-door, a 1951 Studebaker 4-door, a 1950 Buick
Roadmaster, and a 1947 Chevy sedan.
The Laz-Z-Pine Gift Shop in the stone building at the corner of Main and Jackson streets was
going out of business. “Everything must go!” said the store’s ad in the Ledger.
Social Security was celebrating its 25th anniversary. According to Secretary of Health,
Education and Welfare Arthur S. Flemming: “Social Security is today an accepted part of our
culture and an essential bulwark for our economy.”
Sept. 8: Superintendent of schools T. Loyd Traughber has announced new attendance figures for
Oswego’s grade and high schools. On the first day of school, 1,040 students in grades 1-8
showed up for class, as did 359 students at Oswego High School. For the first time since it was
built in 1954, the junior high wing at the high school was given completely over to high school
classes for the coming school year. The freshman class, with 118 students, was the largest in the
district’s history.
The Grade School Board, in their Wednesday night meeting, completed the necessary details
required to present the proposed school building program to the voters of School district No 8 on
Saturday, Dept. 24.
The building program being proposed consists of a 19 room elementary school in Boulder Hill
and an addition to the East View School, which together with the four rooms now being built,
would bring East View to a 19 room unit.
The Boulder Hill school would be built on a 12-acre improved site deeded for that purpose by
the developers, Don L. Dise, Inc. The total estimated cost of this unit is $475,000 from which is
being deducted a gift of $50,000 representing $100 for each home occupied to date in Boulder
Hill.
The cost of additional rooms at East View is estimated at $160000, making the total of the bond
issue which the voters are being asked to decide $585,000.
If the bond issues is passed and the board authorized to proceed immediately following the
election, it will be a year to a year and a half before these additional facilities are available. From
the rate of growth in school enrollment, it would appear that this additional school space would
be taxed close to capacity as soon as it was ready for use.
Jessie Hesse’s Kopper Kettle at the southeast corner of Main and Washington Street was
advertising “The best spaghetti in town.”
Sept. 15: With eight temporary classrooms in use in the Boulder Hill Subdivision, the seventh
grade meeting in the activity room at East View, and the full section of third grade and some
pupils of fourth grade being transported from the Boulder Hill area to East View, and other
classrooms bulging with students, the need for additional classrooms is apparent in the Oswego
grade school system. A referendum seeking $585,000 to build a 19-room school in Boulder Hill
and add six classrooms, a music room, and buying cafeteria equipment at East View School was
on the ballot for an election Saturday, Sept. 24.
Twenty-five graduates of the 1960 class of Oswego High School are attending college this fall,
roughly half of the 54 members of the OHS Class of 1960, including Rodney Henderson, Tom
Garrison, Maria Calamaras, Judy Stoner, Bobette Chitty, Sharon Smith, Dan Griffin, Rosemary
Walper, Bonnie Davis, Sue Rucks, Bob Plaskas, Sue Cherry, Nannette Smith, Julie Sands,
Carolyn Steele, Louis Petkus, Tom Jarman, Denny Hastert, Alice Ebinger, Barbara Norbert,
Ruthanne Prince, Carol Gray, Bob Fennell, Carol Wheeler, Richard Way, Noel Jensen.
Sept. 22: Members Zentmyer, Crimmin, Foss, Gilbert, and Smith were present at the September
meeting of the Village Board.
On a recommendation by the Oswego Zoning Board of Appeals, a request to rezone lots 1-6 in
the George D. Smith Subdivision on Route 34 east of Grant Street in Oswego from single family
residential to multi-family residential was denied. I
Attorney Murphy was instructed to draw up an ordinance setting an 11 p.m. curfew for persons
under 21 years of age.
Crimmin reported that a total of 6,454,000 gallons of water was pumped during August.
It was voted to raise the salary of village treasurer R.H. [Robert] Kaetzer from $325 a year to
$445. It was also voted to raise the salary of [village maintenance superintendent] Lyle Shoger
from $240 to $300 a month.
VOTE FOR SCHOOL BOND ISSUE SATURDAY
Grade school district voters will be asked to approve a building bond issue providing for much-
needed classroom space for the students of the area on Saturday, Sept. 24. The building program
provides for a complete 19-room school building in the Boulder Hill Subdivision and completion
of the East View unit by adding six additional classrooms, a music room, and equipping the
present cafeteria.
Grade school enrolment has jumped from 487 students in 1954 to 1,040 at the beginning of the
1960 school year. Projection of figures based on growth during the past six years shows that a
total of 1,296 grade school students will be on hand for the beginning of school in 1962.
The grade school district is currently renting eight temporary classrooms in the Boulder Hill
Subdivision at a cost of $12,000 per year; transporting one section of third grade, some fourth
graders, and all seventh and eight graders from the Boulder Hill area to schools in the village at
an average cost of $60 per pupil for transportation; housing the seventh grade in the all-purpose
room at East View until completion of the new unit under construction; and will probably need
rooms for the eighth grade next September as the high school population continues to grow and
will need the rooms currently being used for eighth graders in the junior high wing attached to
the high school building.
In an editorial, Ledger Editor Ford L. Lippold called for voters to approve the Sept. 24
referendum to build a new elementary school in Boulder Hill and add on to East View School in
Oswego. “The building program will raise taxes. True. However, due to increased assessed
valuation as a result of industry, business, and residential units, the increase will be held to a
minimum…We have enough confidence in the judgment and integrity of our school board
members to know that they would not be recommending this building program to the voters of
the district if they did not think it was essential.”
Sept. 29: Voters in the Oswego Grade School District overwhelmingly approved a school bond
referendum. In voting on Sept. 24, voters cast 1,340 yes ballots to just 199 no ballots. School
board members met on Monday after the Saturday election and announced they would proceed
immediately to get the projects going. Plans called for building a 19-room school in Boulder
Hill, the big subdivision’s first school building, and adding six classrooms and a music room
plus making other improvements at East View School in Oswego.
At a meeting held Monday evening, the Oswego Grade School Board canvassed the poll books
for the special election held last Saturday and declared the election valid. The board will proceed
immediately to implement the $585,000 building program to provide a complete school unit in
the Boulder Hill Subdivision and complete the East View unit.
The board will meet with Ken Unteed, representative of the Berger-Kelley architectural firm;
Earl Hudson, assistant in the Superintendent of Public Instruction Office at Springfield and
building consultant; and County Superintendent of Schools Irving A. Shears today to discuss the
East View unit. They will meet with representatives of the Watson-Healy firm, Mr. Hudson, and
County Superintendent Irving Shears tonight to discuss survey of Boulder Hill site for elevations
and utilities and method of heating the new unit, details of classrooms, kitchen, etc.
It is hope the East View addition will be completed by the beginning of the 1961-2 term and that
a portion of the Boulder Hill unit will also be ready for partial occupancy.
October -- 1960
Oct. 6: The Oswego Grade School Board met with the architects last week, and with Earl
Hudson, Building Consultant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction,
Springfield. Mr. Hudson approved of the building plans as projected and preparations are now
being made to ready the specifications for bids. It is anticipated the advertising for bids for the
East View unit will be completed by the first of October and for the Boulder Hill unit by the first
of November.
The Oswego Panther varsity football team will meet a real roadblock on its march to the Fox
Valley Conference title when it travels to Yorkville to meet the Foxes Friday night. Yorkville is
currently riding on a three game winning streak with the latest being a 31-0 whitewashing of
Plainfield last Saturday afternoon in a conference tilt.
Kendall County Clerk Jean Brady has announced Monday, Oct. 10, will be the last day that
voters in Kendall County may register or transfer their registration to be eligible to vote in the
November elections.
Another in a series of appeals on the formation of a unit district in the Oswego area will be heard
in the Appellate Court at Ottawa on Thursday, Oct. 13. If a favorable decision is given toward
formation of a unit district, those opposing the move--the 40-C Grade School District in
Wheatland Township--will be given a period of time to file a further appeal. If the opposition
would decide not to file an appeal a date would be set to hold an election to vote for or against
formation of a unit district instead of the dual system now in effect in the Oswego School
System.
“Dew Drop In at the Little Bear Inn, located at Highways 34 & 71, Oswego. Under new
management. Open 24 Hours,” read an ad in the Ledger.
Boulder Hill residents have formed a Volunteers for Nixon-Lodge group. Robert J. Morgan was
elected chairman and Mrs. Betty Black co-chairman. Aim of the group is to gain as many
members in support of Vice President Richard M. Nixon’s campaign for president as possible,
from among the 800 eligible voters in the Oswego Township subdivision.
Oct. 13: Issue missing
Oct. 20: The Oswego varsity will travel to Sandwich Friday night for a game which may have a
decisive bearing on the 1960 Fox Valley Conference championship. Currently, Oswego and
Yorkville are undefeated in loop action, and having played to a 13-13 deadlock two weeks ago,
are expected to wind up the season as co-champions of the loop barring an upset in the remaining
games.
Oswego traveled to Morris last Friday night for a non-conference game and came out of the
melee with a 7-7 tie.
For the fifth year, the Oswego Lions Club is sponsoring the Oswegoland Community Birthday
Calendar as a fund raising project for community betterment. The calendar lists the meeting
dates of all fraternal and civic organizations, municipalities, school events, as well as the
birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates concerning Oswegoland residents. A person
may have birthdays, anniversaries, etc. listed on the calendar for himself and his family at a cost
of 25 cents per event. The cost of the calendar to those listing one or more events is 50 cents. If
someone wishes just the calendar alone, it is $1.
Boys and girls of the Oswegoland churches will share this Halloween with less fortunate children
all over the world when they go out to “Trick or Treat” for UNICEF. The local churches taking
part include Oswego Presbyterian, Church of the Good Shepherd, Boulder Hill Neighborhood
Church of the Brethren, NaAuSay Presbyterian Church, St. Luke’s Lutheran, and Oswego Prairie
EUB.
The Democratic and Republican presidential candidates agreed on at least one subject, when
both gave whole-hearted endorsement to the United Nations Children’s Fund.
In the publication of their annual financial report, Oswego Grade School District 8 reported total
expenditures of $400,891.41 for the recently completed fiscal year.
Oct. 27: Myron Wormley was appointed last Wednesday as supervisor of Oswego Township to
fill the vacancy left by the death of Wayne Fosgett, who served in this post for the past five
years. Wormley’s appointment will run until the expiration of the four-year term, which will be
in 1963.
Another of the popular Oswego Value Days will be held on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4-5.
Oswego merchants will have many fine bargains available for shoppers in a wide variety of
merchandise.
Oswego Township residents are reminded to make sure the addresses on their auto license
applications were marked for Oswego Township to assure motor fuel tax revenues are properly
returned here.
Homecoming weekend was coming up at Oswego High School. Nominees for Homecoming
queen were Pamela Fuller, Lucia Campbell, Jackie Wolf, Kathy Peterson, Inez Miller, and
Sherry Porter. Nominees for king were Ray Simmons, Roger Millhouse, Neil McCauley,
Norman Harvey, Jerry Boram, and Wylie Robinson.
“Biggest Car News of the Year!” said an ad for R.M. Burkhart Garage. “Tempest by Pontiac
here Nov 3. The hot topic is coming to town…Tempest by Pontiac. The only new/size car with
50-50 balance (the engine’s up front--the transmission’s in the rear). A gas-saving 4-cylinder
engine with horsepower choices from 110 to 155.”
“You are cordially invited to attend the Grand opening of the new Jacqueline Shop, Friday, Oct.
28 and Saturday, Oct. 29. Come in and register for free door prizes. Roses for the ladies. New
location: Next to the Bank, one door south on Main Street,” announced a full page Ledger ad.
November -- 1960
Nov. 3: Oswego Township voters, along with ballot casters all over the nation, will go to the
polls next Tuesday, Nov. 8, to elect a new president and vice-president. In addition to the
national aspect, and also state officers, local voters are taking interest in several races that are
closer to home.
Nov. 10: Winners of turkeys in last weekend’s prize drawing on Oswego Days included Loren
Davis, Boulder Hill; Doris Cain, Sylvia Matile, Cheryl Gengler, Gary Smith, Lute Larson and
Ray Saloga, all of Oswego; A.J. Wendling, Yorkville.
At its November meeting, the Oswego Nineteenth Century Club discussed the establishment of a
building fund for a new library building. It was decided that an appeal would be made to other
civic groups in the community to join in the establishing of such a fund. The amount of money
needed to construct a building of adequate size would be in the neighborhood of $16,000. There
is, at the present, almost $2,000 on deposit in a building fund as a result of the Oswegorama
celebration held two years ago.
Bids are being received by the Oswego Lions Club for repainting of street names on the existing
signs in the Village of Oswego. Signs are to be painted on fur sides with a weatherproof paint
with bids to be submitted on a per unit basis. There are approximately 73 signs.
The Oswego Frosh-Soph football team defeated Lisle by a four-touchdown margin last Saturday
afternoon to nail down its fourth successive Fox Valley Conference championship. Coach Jim
Aird’s charges won all five of their conference games this season buy lopsided scores.
“Under New Management. Stop in and get acquainted with Lyle Hett, new owner of the Phillips
66 Service Station on Route 34, ½ mile southwest of the Oswego Bridge, formerly Collins 66
Service.”
Nov. 17: A request of the Oswego Plan Commission that Supervisor Myron Wormley be
appointed to fill the vacancy left on the plan commission by the death of Wayne Fosgett was
approved by the Oswego Village Board. In other board news, a letter of resignation was read
from Don Etzwiler, chairman of the zoning board of appeals. The resignation was accepted and
an appointment will be made in the near future to fill the vacated position. In final business,
William Miller was authorized to make repairs and remodel the village hall interior in order to
facilitate the work of the justice of the peace.
Nov. 24: Bids for completion of the East View Elementary School unit will be opened on
Thursday evening, Dec. 1. Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber reports that nine general
contractors have submitted sealed bids, seven plumbing and heating contractors and five
electrical contractors. Present plans call for having specifications ready for the new Boulder Hill
unit on Dec. 15 and bids to be opened about Jan. 1.
Superintendent Traughber also stated that the four new rooms at East View are now in use with
four units of the seventh grade having transferred from the all-purpose room to the new rooms
during the week.
Coach Jim Aird’s varsity quintet will take the floor Friday night with Kaneland as the opening
opposition. Aird has named Jerry Boram and Dale LaGow guards, Ray Simmons center, and
Dick Schwanz and Jan Gordon as guards to start on Friday. Boram, Schwanz, and Simmons are
lettermen from last year. Gordon is a transfer from East Aurora, and LaGow was a regular on the
frosh-soph team last year.
Others on the squad are Tom Stubblefield, Rick Hood, Bob Nutt, John Cizek, Bob Tripp, Merrill
Faul, Bob Bower, Tom Ricketts, Keith Light (a newcomer from Manteno), Jim Leigh, Jim
Parker, and Ken Batterson.
Ten of the 12 starters on Coach Ken Pickerill’s varsity wrestling team this year will be juniors
and senior lettermen. The varsity line-up that will face J. Sterling Morton High School Friday is
Dave Eberhard (95) freshman, Ron Peterson (103) senior, Chuck Robinson (112) junior, Wylie
Robinson (120) senior, John Grach (127) senior, Roger Melhouse (133) senior, John Wheeler
(138) junior, Bob Wienke (145) senior, Neil McCauley (154) senior, Norman Harvey and Bob
Ackley (165) seniors, and Ronnie Wynne (180) senior.
December -- 1960
Dec. 1: The annual barbecue, bazaar, and bake sale sponsored by the Priscilla Guild of St. Luke’s
Lutheran Church will be held in the Masonic Hall on Friday, Dec. 2.
Dec. 8: Bids were opened last Thursday for the completion of East View Elementary School.
The low bids were under the architect’s estimate. The contract for plumbing and heating went to
Kneiper and Weigel, Aurora for $30,530. The electrical contract was awarded to Aurora Wiring
and Fixture Company at $8,820. Due to the closeness of biding on the general construction
contract, the board decided to inspect buildings erected by the two low biers before awarding the
contract. Wil-Freds Construction, Naperville, bid $90,653 and Concannon Builders, Naperville,
bid $91,800. The board will inspect buildings erected by the two firms on Wednesday and
Thursday of this week and will then make a decision.
A total bond of $160,000 was voted to complete the East View building. The total of low bidders
on the base bid is $130,003.
Dec. 15: County Judge Robert Sears last week set the election date of the organization of a
sanitary district for Oswego for Jan. 7, 1961. A Saturday was chosen according to Judge Sears to
enable the working men and women to vote without losing time.
At the Oswego Village Board meeting, an ordinance asking for the vacation of Jefferson Street
from Main Street to the east bank of the Fox River was received. After discussion, the ordinance
was denied with one yes and four no votes.
Dec. 22: The Oswego varsity basketball team is comfortably atop the Fox Valley Conference
with one-third of the season gone. The Panthers dropped Yorkville into a second place tie with
Lisle and Plainfield last Friday night, defeating the Foxes 65-61.
All schools in Kendall County are cooperating in the formation of a film library. Through this
cooperative effort, 80 educational 16 mm films have been purchased. The library will be housed
in the office of the County Superintendent of Schools. A committee of five teachers, John
Bednarcik Oswego; Sherwin Gilbertson, Yorkville; Bill Duncan, Lisbon; Mrs. Helen Shears,
Plano; and Don Babbitt, Newark, has been formed to supervise the library.
The first of two public meetings to discuss the Oswego Sanitary District election will be held in
the Oswego Village Hall Thursday, Dec. 29, at 8 p.m. The second meeting will be held Thursday
evening, Jan. 5, also at 8 p.m. The election is set for Saturday, Jan. 7.
Dec. 29: Oswego’s varsity basketball team took a firmer grip on first place in the Fox Valley
Loop last Friday night, defeating Newark easily by a 58-37 margin. The panthers, led by Dick
Schwanz, stepped out to a 16-13 edge in the opening quarter and outscored their opponents in
every period. Schwanz topped Oswego scorers with 18 points. Gordon had 16 and Jerry Boram
added 11.
1961
January
Jan. 5: Election for the formation of a sanitary district for the Village of Oswego and adjacent
areas will be held Saturday, January 7. The proposed district represents study by the Illinois
Health Department and Village Engineers Walter E. Deuchler and Company. It has been
approved by the village trustees and the village health officer. According to a spokesman for the
village trustees, the need for the sanitary district stems from several reasons: The present plant is
too small and is overloaded for the present population; overloading represents a danger to health
through typhoid, etc.; without formation of a sanitary district, there is not enough money
available to build a new plant or to remodel or enlarge the existing plant; Oswegoland cannot
have orderly growth without a sanitary district. The State has notified the village that it will give
no further permits for sanitary sewer extensions until the sanitary water board is sure that proper
and adequate sewage treatment facilities will be provided.
The Oswego Grade School Board will meet Thursday, Jan. 26, to open bids for the new
elementary school to be built in the Boulder Hill Subdivision. It is hoped that a portion of the
building will be ready for occupancy by September of 1961. Contracts were let recently for the
completion of the East View Elementary unit, which is expected to be finished in time for the
beginning of school in September of this year.
“Sex Education that Makes Sense” will provide the food for thought as the “Dining” car of the
Oswego PTA “Train of Education” pulls out for the first meeting of the 1961 [year] next
Tuesday evening.
Jan. 12: With a total of 482 votes cast in last Saturday’s election for formation of a sanitary
district, the proposal was voted down by 261 “no” votes and 214 “yes” votes. The turnout of
voters represents less than a third of the eligible residents of the proposed district.
President Earl Zentmyer of the Oswego Community Bank announced that the board of directors
have selected Clifford Maddox of Park Forest to serve as cashier and thereby filling the vacancy
left by the death of Rex Van Alstine. Mr. and Mrs. Maddox and their three children will make
their home in Oswego as soon as they dispose of their present home in Park Forest.
Tom Lewis of the Swimtime Pool Company announced the new Buster Crabbe Pool. “You can
do it yourself in a week! All materials trucked to your yard,” according to the ad.
Jan. 19: The Kendall County Sheriff’s Department announced they answered 658 complaints
during 1960. There were two robberies, 43 burglaries, 16 complaints of larceny, 223 auto
accidents, three sex offenses, and 37 miscellaneous complaints.
Reports read at the annual meeting of the Oswego Community Bank, now in its third year of
operation, showed a substantial gain in both accounts and resources during 1960. Bank president
Earl Zentmyer reported there were 815 checking accounts totaling $934,930.20 at the end of the
year compared to the previous year’s 603 accounts totaling $583,517.46.
Jan. 26: Five petitions were filed for village offices up to noon on Tuesday. For trustees (three to
be elected) William Crimmin, Carl Smith, Henry McDowell; for mayor, Vern Killian; for clerk,
Dorothy Bell. James Zentmyer is also filing for mayor but his petition was not in at the time
noted above. Crimmin, Smith, Bell and Zentmyer are incumbents. William Miller, incumbent
trustee, is not running for reelection.
February -- 1961
Feb. 2: Twelve general contractors submitted bids for the construction of a 19-room elementary
school in the Boulder Hill Subdivision at a special session of the Oswego Grade School Board
held last Thursday evening. The range of bids was from a low of $425,278 to a high of $484,050,
with Ken Olson Construction Company, Aurora, low bidders. The Olson Company was awarded
the contract with a completion date of 196 calendar days. The letting of the contract completes
the building program voted Sept. 24, 1960. It is part of the bond issue in the amount of $585,000
for the purposes of constructing an addition of six classrooms to East View Unit and the Boulder
Hill 19-room unit. The school at Boulder Hill is to be located on a site donated to the school by
Don L. Dise, Inc. An additional gift in the amount of $50,000 from the Dise company will be
used for site development and furnishings for the new building. Members of the grade school
board are LaVerne Shoger, Ralph Ross, George Akerlow, Walter Brill, William Leigh, Raymond
Lubbs, and Donald Roper.
Charles Garrison was reelected chairman of the Oswego Plan Commission for another year at the
January meeting. Other officers reelected were John Carr, assistant chairman; Mrs. Lois Drew,
secretary; Mrs. Loraine Peshia, corresponding secretary. Other members of the committee are
Joseph Otto, Richard Peck, and Carl Smith.
Members of the Oswego Business Association are sponsoring another of the popular “Oswego
Days” on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11. As usual there will be money-saving bargains in
the local stores with an opportunity for all to save.
Feb. 9: During the past several weeks, village workmen have removed from the main sewer lines
a baby’s receiving blanket, large accumulations of cotton and assorted female wearing apparel.
These things have caused the sewers to back up into a number of people’s basements. The next
time, it could be yours. Les Penn, chairman of the health committee, asks that all residents take
care as to what goes into the sewer line.
Feb. 16: The Oswego Panther wrestlers won the district championship last Saturday for the third
straight year. John Wheeler, Neil McCauley, Norman Harvey and Ron Wynne won individual
championships in their respective weight classes. Wylie Robinson and John Grach took second
place. Dave Eberhard and Bob Ackley took thirds and Tom Wheeler picked up a fourth.
Northern Illinois Gas announced plans to install gas lamps on the village hall to commemorate
the firm’s 50 years of service to Oswego.
Permission for water extension in Cedar Glen Subdivision was granted to Mr. Lucas.
A police report for the year 1960 was read by trustee Foss showing a total of 658 arrests made
for violations of state statutes and village ordinances.
A committee was appointed to meet with Oswego Township officers to explore the idea of
common office and equipment storage facilities for the two municipalities.
State officials turned down the village’s request to extend sanitary sewer service to Unit No. 3 of
Brookside Manor Subdivision, pointing out they had already told the village that without extra
treatment capacity being added, they would allow no further sanitary sewer service extensions.
“This Board will not act favorably on our application for a sanitary sewer extension in Brookside
Manor or any future sewer extension request until such time as the Village of Oswego has taken
the necessary action to assure that adequate treatment facilities will be provided,” according to
the Sanitary Water Board in Springfield.
Feb. 23: At the February meeting of the Oswego Park District Commissioners, final
arrangements were made for the purchase of 21.45 acres of natural wooded land for use as a
forest preserve-type of picnic park and nature area. The parcel of land, which lies partly on the
southern edge of Oswego Township and the northern edge of NaAuSay Township, is part of the
Waish-Kee-Shaw Indian Reservation and is rich in historic content of the early settlers in this
area. The land was purchased from R.N. Herren at a cost of $750 an acre, a total for the parcel of
$16,089, and will be acquired over a period of six years. Acquisition of the park site will not
affect the present tax structure of the Oswego Park District. The amount of funds on hand, plus
the normal budgeting over the six--year acquisition period will cover the cost of land and basic
improvements.
Three Oswego High School wrestlers qualified for the state finals. Heading to the state
championship were Wylie Robinson, Norman Harvey, and Ron Wynne. Since the start of the
school’s wrestling program, 18 wrestlers have qualified for the state finals from Oswego,
winning three state titles, one second, one fourth, and three semi-finals.
March -- 1961
March 2: The Illinois Appellate Court, Second District, Ottawa, has unanimously upheld an
appeal calling for consolidation of Oswego High and grade school districts into one unit.
Contentions of a group of objectors made up of voters and school board members of Wheatland
Consolidated District 40C, plus Glen and Ruth Pearson, owners of a 160 acre farm in the
proposed Oswego unit, were found by the appellate court “to be without merit,” the opinion
states.
Ron Silvius, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Silvius, Oswego, was signed to a contract with the
Chicago White Sox System last week. He will report to the Idaho Falls, Idaho team of the Class
C Pioneer League. Ron Played football, basketball, and baseball at Oswego High School. He
won 16 and lost 2 while fanning 138 in 69 innings for the Panthers.
Norman Harvey placed third in the 154 pound weight class at the Illinois State Wrestling Finals
at Champaign last Saturday.
Members of the Oswego High School Glee Club are busily rehearsing for this season’s minstrel
show, “Great Day,” under the direction of Reeve Thompson. Jim Aird, high school basketball
coach, will be “Mr. Interlocutor,” and will have Bob Nutt, Dick Schwanz, Dalman Hafenrichter,
Dwight Foster, Dale LaGow, and Bob Bower for end men.
A total of 75 juniors at Oswego High School were tested during the Illinois Statewide High
School testing Program. Of this number, 24 ranked in the 90th percentile or higher, meaning they
did better than 90 percent of the juniors in the State of Illinois.
The Oswego High School basketball team placed second in district competition, losing to
Geneva in the finals after beating Yorkville and Batavia.
March 9: Two candidates have filed for commissioners of the Oswego Park District for full six-
year terms, Mrs. Marguerite Chrisse, Grove Road, and Glenn McKittrick, 34 Greenbriar, Boulder
Hill. The two incumbents, Mrs. O.W. Patterson and Everett Hafenrichter, are not running for
reelection.
March 16: The advertisement for the Roalson Barber Shop in Oswego, said two barbers were on
duty, W. Boone and R. Smith.
March 23: Mr. Richard Rockenbach, principal of Oswego Community High School since 1955,
resigned his position at the last regular meeting of the board of education held Monday, March
13. Rockenbach came to Oswego in 1954 as a vocational agriculture instructor. Previously he
served two years as an assistant instructor of agriculture and physical education at Illinois State
Normal University. Rockenbach will be leaving the teaching profession to pursue a business
opportunity.
Village Engineer Walter E. Deuchler Associates, Aurora, is to prepare a map indicating the
locations and the size of all water mains and fire hydrants in the Village of Oswego and Cedar
Glen Subdivision.
March 30: The Oswego Volunteer Fire Department was called out a number of times over the
weekend to extinguish grass fires. Fire Chief Forrest Wooley has asked that all homeowners take
every precaution to eliminate his hazard.
April -- 1961
April 6: Issue missing
April 13: It was decided that the consideration of a move with the township for common
administrative and storage facilities be dropped at the present time due to existing land prices
being our of proportion to the village board’s existing needs.
Robert Plaskas, who won a second place in the Illinois State wrestling Tournament for Oswego
High School two years ago, was among 11 freshmen who earned wrestling numerals this past
season at Northwestern University. Next year, Plaskas will move up to Coach Ken Kraft’s
varsity, which is tabbed to be the strongest in Northwestern wrestling history.
April 20: Clarence W. Clark was elected president of the Oswego high School Board last week
to replace out-going president John Cherry. Charles Nutt was reelected secretary. LaVerne
Shoger was reelected President of the Oswego Grade School Board. George Akerlow was named
secretary of the board, replacing Ralph Ross
The public is invited to come and enjoy the Oswego Senior Class play, the old favorite,
“Charley’s Aunt.”
The cast includes Lynn Shoger, Jerry Boram, Bob Nutt, Neil McCauley, Ray Simmons, Jim
Gates, Kathy Stoneburner, Rita Bell, Kathy Peterson, and Kitty Giffen.
Oswego High School musicians garnered 19 gold medals and 9 silver medals in district
competition at Harvey (Thornton) High School last Saturday. Those receiving superior ratings
were Dalman Hafenrichter, Delreen Hafenrichter, Jacquie Quantock, Susan Thompson, Ingrid
Wendt, Dave Norris, Nancy Rucks Neil Mottinger, Durwood Hafenrichter, Mike Ode, Karen
Hafenrichter, and Sherry Henderson.
April 27: The boards of education, Oswego schools, announce the employment last week of a
senior high principal and a junior high principal. Howard Smucker, present principal of
Winnebago Senior and Junior High Schools was employed to replace Richard Rockenbach, who
resigned recently to enter business. Ralph Ross, Oswego, is the new junior high principal. He
replaces Lowell Polley, who requested the board to relieve him of administrative responsibilities.
Polley will continue to teach science, health and physical education. Mr. Ross resigned from the
Oswego Board of Education on Monday, April 24, to accept the new position.
May -- 1961
May 4: A record-breaking group of 196 boys signed up for the Oswego Park District’s Little and
Pony League program.
The Citizens Educational Planning Council and the two school boards met together in an
informative session on the approaching unit district election to be held Saturday, May 27. It was
pointed out that currently about 75 percent of the schools in the state of Illinois operate under the
unit district system.
The Oswego varsity baseball team took a double-header from Toluca last Saturday afternoon to
bring its season’s record to seven wins against a single loss. Bob Tripp hurled a five-hitter in the
first game for a 5=-2 decision and hit a triple. Dale LaGow, Rick hood, and Verlin Boram lashed
out doubles for the Panthers.
May 11: In this issue of the Oswego Ledger you will find a notice of the approaching unit district
election at which voters of the two Oswego school districts will decide whether or not to have a
single school district board both grade and high school, or whether to stay with the present
system of having two districts.
Oswego High music students made a fine showing in the Illinois State finals held at Bradley,
Peoria, last Saturday.
First place winners included: Dalman Hafenrichter, clarinet solo; Jacquie Quantock, voice solo;
Ingrid Wendt, piano solo; Delreen Hafenrichter, voice solo; Susan Thompson, Mike Ode,
Durwood Hafenrichter, trombone solo; David Norris, Nancy Rucks, Neil Mottinger, Dalman
Hafenrichter, clarinet solo.
The group was under the leadership of Reeve Thompson, music director for Oswego schools.
May 18: The Civil Defense Committee of the Kendall County Board of Supervisors announced
this week that W. Clyde Phillips, 66 Circle Drive, Boulder Hill, has accepted the position of
Kendall County Civil Defense Director. The supervisors on the Defense Committee are Myron
Wormley, Ernest Zeiter, and David Mahnke.
All members of the Oswego Village Board were present at the May meeting. It was voted to
underwrite two mosquito foggings at $100 each and request for additional money should be
made if needed. The Lion’s Club, in charge of the of the fogging program, will make a house-to-
house canvass for funds for the program.
The Village President was instructed to sign the final plat of the second addition to Cedar Glen,
subject to conditions suggested by the Plan Commission President Zentmyer was also instructed
to sign the land donation agreement for the dedication of a park site in the same addition.
C. Robert Ohse, Yorkville, was appointed village attorney for the fiscal year.
May 25: Residents of the two Oswego school districts will have an opportunity Saturday, May
27, to vote for or against forming a unit district, which would place operation of all Oswego area
schools under one board of education. Presently, the Oswego schools operate under a dual;
system with one board of education for high school and another board of education for grade
school. IN order for the vote to carry, the proposition must gain a majority of votes in Precinct 1
(the Village of Oswego), and a majority of the combined vote of Precincts 2, 3, 4, and 5 (outside
the Village of Oswego). If the proposition fails to carry in the village and carries outside the
village (or vice versa) the proposition fails. If the vote is favorable toward forming a unit district,
an election will be held June 24 to choose the seven-man board of education to administer the
district.
The annual Memorial Day program will be held in the new American Legion Hall this year and
will begin at 10 a.m. Following the services the parade will form near the Red Brick School and
proceed along Jefferson and Main streets to the Oswego Cemetery where fitting services there
will climax the morning’s activities.
The 10-week summer recreation program of the Oswego Park District will open on Monday,
June 12. Three areas will be under direct supervision: Playground No. 1, White School in
Oswego; Playground No. 2, Red Brick School, Oswego; Playground No. 3, Boulder Hill School.
June -- 1961
June 1: Oswego area residents voted 622-119 in favor of forming a unit school district last
Saturday, consolidating Elementary School District No. 8 and High School District No. 300. The
new unit district has the same boundaries as the overlying high school district. The new unit
district number will be assigned by the Kendall County Superintendent of Schools, and will
possibly be No. 308, since no unit district in adjacent counties bears this number.
An election will be held June 24 to select a seven-member board of education to administer the
new district. Four of the members will be elected from Oswego Township and three members
from the balance of the distinct outside of Oswego Township.
A special town meeting has been called for Tuesday, June 6, at 2 p.m. to be held in the Town
Hall on the Washington Street hill, Oswego.
The meeting was called by Town Clerk Theodore Gerry in response to a petition filed with him
by 15 legal voters of Oswego Township to consider purchase of a site for erection of a building
to store the township road machinery and any other purposes the building may be needed for in
the future.
A committee, appointed at the 1960 town meeting, and reappointed at the 1961 town meeting has
studied a number of sites in the community and is ready to make its report and recommendation.
One of the highlights of the well-attended Memorial Day service held Tuesday in the Oswego
American Legion Hall was the awarding of a citation of meritorious service by the local Legion
post posthumously to Wayne Fosgett. The award, given for the second time this year, is for
outstanding service to the community. Fosgett, a long-time resident of the Oswegoland
community, served for a number of years as township supervisor, was general chairman of the
Oswegorama celebration held on the 125th anniversary of the founding of Oswego, worked with
the Oswego Park District recreation program, and was active in civic and church organizations.
Al Shuler, local druggist, was given the award in 1960, the first year it was presented by the local
legion post.
Seventy-six high school seniors will receive their diplomas Friday evening, June 2. Salutatorian
was Linda Houghtby. Valedictorian was Rita Bell. The class motto was “We Entered to Learn;
We go Forth to Succeed.” Class flower was the white tea rose and the class colors were blue and
white.
The eighth grade graduation will begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, with 115 students
receiving diplomas. Salutatorian was Steve McBride; valedictorian was Nan Swanquist.
A committee consisting of members appointed by various community organizations has been
meeting for several months in regard to library needs for the Oswegoland community. Upon
recommendation of this committee, articles of incorporation were issued to the “Oswego
Community Library Association” on April 10. The incorporators are Earl Zentmyer, Norval
Tripp, Eleanor Herget, and Mary Leifheit.
The Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren was celebrating its third anniversary on
Sunday, June 4.
June 8: Ten candidates filed petitions with County Superintendent of Schools Irving A. Shears
for the newly formed Oswego Unit District Board of Education. Seven members are to be elected
from the ten candidates at an election to be held on Saturday, June 24.
The board will be made up of three members from outside Oswego Township (Wheatland,
Bristol, and NaAuSay), and four members from within Oswego Township.
Candidates from Oswego Township are George Akerlow, Riverview Heights; Richard Reinhard,
Boulder Hill Subdivision; Raymond Lubbs, Boulder Hill Subdivision; Donald Pinnow, Village
of Oswego; and Gilbert Jarman, Village of Oswego.
Candidates from the other three townships in the district are Gerald Conover, Bristol; C.W.
Clark, Bristol; Robert Cherry, NaAuSay; Robert Dauwalder, Wheatland; and Robert Noggle,
Wheatland.
Good Shepherd Open House
To move or not to move? This is the question the congregation of the Church of the Good
Shepherd faced three years ago. Located at the intersection of Routes 34 and 25 with inadequate
parking and cramped Sunday School rooms, they found action of some kind imperative.
The decision was not to relocate at the edge of town but to remain at the present site, scene of
over a hundred years of church tradition. To meet pressing needs, the church moved immediately
to purchase adjoining properties. The result was the acquisition of two buildings and lots west of
the church.
The first of these contains the church office and classrooms. The second, acquired just this
spring, has been redecorated to serve as the nursery and kindergarten departments.
On Sunday, June 11, an open house will be held at this new building, or Annex 2.
June 15: The Oswego High School gym made a most pleasant showcase for the hundreds of
exhibits entered in the annual flower show sponsored by the Kendall County Federation of
Woman’s Clubs last Thursday. The Outstanding Exhibit Award was presented to Mrs. Robert
Palmer of Oswego.
This Thursday evening (tonight) at 8 in the Church of the Good Shepherd there will be a
discussion concerning “Meeting the Communist Challenge.” Discussion leader will be Pro.
James Will of Evangelical Theological Seminary.
The Oswego Village Board was considering an ordinance prohibiting the parking of house
trailers anywhere in the village except in areas zoned for manufacturing.
June 22: An election will be held Saturday, June 24, to select seven members for the board of
education of the newly formed Oswego Community District No. 308. Four of the members of the
new board must be from Oswego Township and three members must be from the other
townships--Wheatland, Bristol, and NaAuSay.
Mr. George Wingert, father of Mrs. T. Loyd Traughber, died Tuesday morning at Princeton,
Illinois. The funeral will be in Princeton Thursday afternoon. Many Oswegoans will remember
Mr. Wingert, who resided with Mr. and Mrs. Traughber in their Washington Street home for a
number of years.
The dead and dying elm trees in the Village of Oswego number in the hundreds at the present
time. It is conceivable that in another few years there will be no elms at all growing in the area.
It is hoped that all residents who presently have dead or dying elms are planning on planting
some new trees to take the place of those that must be removed.
The planning council for the Second Annual Oswegoland Summer Festival met Tuesday evening
to discuss plans for the two-day celebration, which will be held on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 11-
12. Planned activities include sidewalk sale by downtown merchants on Friday; an art exhibit by
Fox Valley artists on the lawn of Planned Interiors, Chicago Road; a baking goods contest; an
arts, crafts, and hobby show at the Red Brick School Gym, a children’s costume parade; the
Lion’s Club auction on Saturday, a fire department water fight, a band concert, and a style show.
Proceeds will benefit to the Oswego Library Building Fund.
June 29: Winners in the first election of members of the Oswego Community Unit School
District 308 Board of Education were Gerald W. Dauwalder, Wheatland Township; Raymond J.
Lubbs, Oswego Township; Richard M. Reinhard, Oswego Township; George Akerlow, Bristol
Township; Gilbert R. Jarman, Oswego Township; Robert S. Cherry, NaAuSay Township; and
C.W. Clark, Oswego Township.
Members of the Oswego High School Class of 1941 held their 20th Class Reunion on June 24 at
the Country Charm Restaurant in Yorkville. Stanley Young served as toastmaster assisted by
Robert Harvey, Robert Schlapp, Paula Holdiman, and Marie Bazan.
July -- 1961
July 6: Jerry Powers is the winner of $10 in the “We Need A Name Contest” for a new business,
which will open on Main Street next to the Oswego Village Hall this weekend. The new
establishment, to be operated by Ed Gilbert, will be called the “Dari-Boat,” and will serve soft
ice cream and sandwiches.
AKERLOW IS SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT
Clark Elected Secretary
The seven newly elected school board members of Unit District No. 308 met last Thursday to
form the new board with County Superintendent of Schools Irving A. Shears presiding.
The first order of business was to draw lots for length of terms of office, with the following
results: One-year terms: George Akerlow and Gerald Dauwalder. Two-year terms: C.W. Clark
and Gilbert Jarman. Three-year terms: Robert Cherry, Richard Reinhard and Raymond Lubbs.
Members elected in succeeding elections will be for full three-year terms.
George Akerlow was unanimously elected president of the new board, and C.W. Clark was
unanimously elected secretary. Gil Jarman was elected as alternate secretary.
The new board appointed Everett McKeown as treasurer of the newly formed unit district.
The board will meet monthly on the second Monday for the purpose of paying bills and on the
fourth Monday for purposes of discussing problems and policies concerning the district.
At the last meeting of the Oswego Park District commissioners, it was voted to name the newly
acquired 22-acre picnic and nature area Waa-Kee-Sha Park. The area, lying on the south end of
the township, is part of the Waish-Kee-Shaw Indian Reservation, and the commissioners were of
the opinion that the name of the park should be in keeping with the historical background of the
area.
During the course of Kendall County history, the spelling of the name has varied on various
deeds and land grants.
The park will be what is commonly known as a low-maintenance area with emphasis on
picnicking, camping, and nature appreciation. There will be no manufactured play equipment or
other commercial aspects on the area to detract from the natural beauty.
Currently, a development plan for the area is being drawn up with consideration being given to
the approach road and parking area, fencing along the approach road, suitable picnic areas, toilet
facilities, water supply, and nature trails. It is hoped that the park will be available for limited use
in the summer of 1962 and for full use by the summer of 1963.
The overall planning for the area calls for a forest preserve picnic type park with about two-
thirds of land left in its natural state and containing marked nature trails. Picnic areas, each
suitably screened by natural growth, will be situated along the south and east sides of the park. A
tent camp area for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will be located in the southeast corner of the area.
An inventory is being made of the natural assets of the area. To date, over 40 species of wild
flowers and 65 species of birds have been catalogued in the area. The dominant tree coverage
consists of ash, maple, and oak. Other trees in the park include walnut, cherry, hawthorn,
hornbeam (blue beach), bob hornbeam (ironwood), basswood (linden), pignut hickory,
hackberry, Osage orange, and others, which have not yet been keyed out.
The elm population of the park has suffered the same fats as a good share of the elms in this part
of the country. Most of them were young trees and the ashes and maples are replacing them.
Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber reports that work on the East View Grade addition and the
new Boulder Hill Grade School is proceeding according to schedule. There have been no
unnecessary delays to date and it is anticipated that the planned completion date of each unit will
prevail.
The East View addition is planned to be ready for use when school begins in September and part
of the Boulder Hill unit will be ready for use by that time.
July 13: In addition to the regular workmen, a number of parishioners of the Boulder Hill church
now being erected have been putting in a lot of hours and effort on the new building.
The present structure under construction is the initial phase in a three-part building plan. The first
phase consists of an educational unit and a combination sanctuary-fellowship hall.
In addition to its use as the place of worship, the sanctuary will also be used as a place for
fellowship gatherings. The room has a seating capacity of approximately 336 persons. In
connection with the fellowship hall, a well-equipped kitchen has been provided.
The education unit will provide a maximum of 20 classrooms, with five additional rooms being
provided for study for the pastor, study for the associate pastor, church office, choir room, and a
church library and conference room. Six restrooms have been located throughout the building.
A spacious “Fireside Room,” with fireplace and a snack bar has been arranged to care for men’s
women’s, and youth fellowship meetings and for small dinners and banquets.
Denney’s Supermart in downtown Oswego was advertising a pound of Morton’s Salt for 9 cents
while Bohn’s Food Store, also in downtown Oswego, was advertising three cantaloupes for $1.
July 20: The Rev. Ralph H. Didier, pastor of the Oswego Presbyterian Church, will assume the
pastorate of the Presbyterian church in Michigan City, Ind. this fall.
He will be in the pulpit for the last time as pastor of the Oswego church on Sunday, July 30.
At a meeting held last week at the home of Mrs. Kenneth Pickerill, final plans were made for the
Oswego Summer Festival to be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 11-12. A variety of activities
from a baked goods contest to an art show to numerous children’s activities were planned for the
two-day event, along with downtown sidewalk sales and fire department water fights.
Larry and Ron Smith were advertising custom combining services for farm owners with their
Massey-Harris 82 combine.
July 27: Registration for Oswego High School students will be held Aug. 15-16 at the high
school. The only students required to register at this time are new students who have moved into
the district since May and students who wish to change their registration card filed last May.
Eight students from Oswego High School attended the sixth annual Camps All-American at
George Williams College. Oswego students attending were Pat Conroy, Jill Peterson, Doris
Gates, Cheryl Smith, Diane Unick, Sherry Watt, Susan Hundley, and Jinna Norberg.
August -- 1961
Aug. 3: The administration and faculty of the Oswego School District was announced. Principals
included John Bednarcik, East View School; Ralph Ross, junior high; John Godde, Boulder Hill
School; and Howard Smucker, Oswego High School.
Aug. 10: All youngsters in the Oswegoland area are invited to take part in the Children’s Parade
to be held on Friday evening, Aug. 11, at 6:30. Any age boy or girl is eligible to be in the parade.
No individual prizes will be given but all boys and girls who participate will receive a coupon
good for 10 cents in trade at Gil’s Dari-Boat on Main Street.
The Second Annual Oswego Summer Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 11-12 with
activities for all ages both days. Proceeds will benefit the Oswego Library Building Fund.
Earl J. Zentmyer, president of the Oswego Community Bank, will leave Aug. 13 for two weeks’
attendance at the School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
The faculty of Oswego Community Unit District 308 will meet Friday, Sept. 1, in the
Community Room of the high school at 9 a.m. This will be the first day of the school term.
Students will meet in all day session Tuesday, Sept. 5.
Book rentals for the unit will remain the same as last year. This amounts to $6 per pupil in all
grades.
Aug. 24: The Oswego Lions Club has sprayed the Village of Oswego for mosquitoes five times
to date. This is now one of the club’s major projects each year. So far this summer, the Lions
have borne the expense, with a supplemental grant of funds from the village board.
Next Thursday night, Aug. 31, thee will be another fogging of the village and adjoining
subdivisions so that the Labor Day weekend will be free of pests and lawn parties and other
outdoor fun can proceed pleasantly.
T. Loyd Traughber, superintendent of Oswego’s public schools, gives the following estimates for
enrollment this year: 1,295 students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Not counting the kindergarten, this year’s enrollment is 1,132 as compared to last year’s 1,040.
For the high school, total enrollment is 404. Last year the high school enrollment was 359.
Supt. Traughber states that the above statistics do not include all of the transfer students, nor
some 12-15 students who will be enrolled in special education classes of the district.
In the nine-year span dating from 1952, the Oswego Panther varsity gridders have won 51
games, lost 18, and tied five. During this time they have captured Fox Valley Conference
championships three times, 1954, 1955, and 1958. They have been co-champions twice, 1952
and 1959. They have ended up in second place on two occasions, third once, and fourth once.
A rundown of the record, season by season, shows the following:
1952: Won 7, tied 1, lost 1; tied for Fox Valley Conference championship with Plainfield;
coaches Herb Hasenyager and Ken Pickerill.
1953: Won 5, lost 3; second place in conference; coaches Herb Hasenyager and Ken Pickerill.
1954: Won 8, lost none (opponents only scored 18 points during the season); conference champs;
coaches Herb Hasenyager and Ken Pickerill.
1955: Won 6, lost 2; conference champs; coaches Ken Pickerill and John Bednarcik.
1956: Won 2, lost 5, tied 1; fourth place in conference; coaches Ken Pickerill and John
Bednarcik.
1957: Won 5, lost 3; second in conference; coaches Ken Pickerill and Jim Aird.
1958: Won 7, tied 1; conference champs; coaches Ken Pickerill and Jim Aird.
1959: Won 7, tied 1; conference co-champs; coaches Ken Pickerill and Jim Aird.
1960: Won 4, lost four, tied 1; third place in conference; coaches Ken Pickerill and Jim Aird.
At the Oswego Village Board meeting, it was learned that in lieu of land for park and school
sites, Christie Herren (Riverside Acres Subdivision) will pay the equivalent in cash to the
Subdivision Park and School Site Purchase Fund. The amount involved is $926.70.
As of now, renters of houses will have to make a $15 deposit with the Oswego Water
Department, the deposit to be refunded to them when they move out of the house provided they
have paid all water bills incurred by them. This is to safeguard the village and owners of the
property against “skippers.” This is not a new idea, because an old village ordinance called for a
similar $5 deposit, but for many years it was not enforced.
Teresa Adkins, daughter of Mr. and Ms. Homer Adkins of Seneca Drive, Boulder Hill, entered
the accordion solo contest at the Illinois State Fair last week and won fourth place with her
selection, “Graduation March.”
Aug. 31: According to John Carr, president of the Oswego Business Association, the sum of
$719.06 will be given to the Oswego Library Building Fund. This represents the profits realized
on the recent Summer Festival, sponsored and supported by many organizations in the Oswego
area.
Preliminary plans for a first unit church building, submitted by the architectural firm of Cooley
and Borre AIA and Associates, Park Ridge, were approved by the congregation of St. Luke’s
Lutheran Church, Rev. William Keturkat, pastor.
The one-story building with basement comprises a sanctuary seating 168 worshipers in the nave,
27 in the choir balcony, and 46 in the narthex overflow for a total of 241 communicants.
A fellowship hall in the basement includes six classrooms and kitchen facilities, accommodating
140 for dinner and 230 for assembly.
Other provisions in the first unit consist of working and pastor’s sacristies, minister’s office, and
a parking lot for 83 cars.
Materials include precast, pre-stressed concrete on the first level, fact brick, cathedral glass, and
a wood chancel screen with slab glass inserts.
The master plan calls for a future Christian day school, gymnasium, playground consisting of a
baseball diamond and tennis courts, parsonage, and expansion of church. Cost of the first unit is
approximately $92,500.
The Board of Education, Oswego Community Unit District 308 held a public hearing Monday
evening on the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 1961 to June 30, 1962.
The budget adopted and the tax levy made indicate an overall reduction of 1962 levy of
approximately 19 cents per $100 of assessed valuation over the 1960 levy.
September -- 1961
Sept. 7: The Oswego PTA says it’s “Time to Care…About meeting Your Faculty” at the first
meeting of the PTA on Tuesday, Sept. 12. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a potluck supper in the high
school gym.
Teachers of all four attendance centers, Boulder Hill, East View, Red Brick Junior High, and the
high school will be the special guests of the PTA and will be introduced immediately following
the supper.
A brief history of Oswego libraries was published. According to part of the history: “At the April
5, 1928 [Nineteenth Century Club] meeting, the announcement was made that there was the
possibility of moving the library to the town building left by the will of Lorenzo Rank, the first
postmaster of the village, and in which the first post office was located. The move was made and
the library has been there ever since. [Editor’s note: The Rank building was not the first post
office, it was the ninth; and Rank was not the first postmaster, he was the eighth.]
Sept. 14: Current figures released by the Superintendent of Schools, T. Loyd Traughber, shows a
total of 1,768 District 308 students enrolled at the present time, 1,371 in grade school and 397 in
the high school. This is an increase of 364 pupils over last year’s figures. This increase includes
the 167 boys and girls enrolled in kindergarten for the first time.
Each grade from one through six has five sections, three at East View and two at Boulder Hill
School.
Kindergarten shows 77 at East View and 90 at Boulder Hill.
High school enrollment is 126 freshmen, 212 sophomores, 77 juniors, and 73 seniors.
Twenty-eight sophomore students at Oswego will receive certificates for outstanding
performance on the National Educational development tests, according to James Aird, local high
school guidance counselor.
Recipients include Paul Baumann, Cathie Boehmer, Sandra Cooney, Terry Fiscus, Janet Gray,
Eileen Gross, Durwood Hafenrichter, Ramon Kohler, Zael Lutz, Roger May, John Morley, Sue
E. Musselman, Patricia Myers, Robert Nelson, Gerald Parkhurst, Diane Paydon, William
Phillips, Lonnie Precup, Marna Quantock, Gregory Sellers, Patricia Smith, Bill Swanquist,
Griselda Tilly, Sheila Thompson, Diana Wheeler, Glenn Young, and Sherry Watt.
Sept. 21: The Oswego Village Board has announced that rules governing the passing of school
buses within the village of Oswego will be strictly enforced.
The Oswego varsity opened the season with a 13-0 win over Kaneland last Saturday afternoon
after the two frosh-soph units had played to a 0-0 deadlock.
Dedication services will be held for the new church edifice of the Boulder Hill Neighborhood
Church of the Brethren on Sunday, Sept. 24.
The building to be dedicated consists of the first two units of a five unit building. The present
units include a sanctuary-fellowship hall with a seating capacity of approximately 300; and an
educational unit, which provides for 20 classrooms, a kitchen, adequate storage space, and seven
restrooms. Future plans call for three additional units, a sanctuary, administrative unit, and a
chapel.
Architect of the colonial designed structure was Arthur L. Dean, Elgin. The builder was Don L.
Dise Co., with Ralph Bada as company superintendent and Wayne Von Ehr as building
superintendent.
We are nominating for the award of “Poorest Sport of the Week” the clown who got up at the
Kaneland game and gave a shout of jubilation when one of the Kaneland players was injured. It’s
too bad the injured player’s dad wasn’t sitting near him when he put on this sporting exhibition.
Scotty’s Restaurant at Routes 34 and 71 in Oswego was advertising Mildred’s Homemade Pies
and their everyday special, sirloin steak dinners for $1.29.
Sept. 28: The Oswego varsity will travel to Plano Friday night for the first Fox Valley
Conference game of the season.
The game at Marseilles last Friday night was called midway in the opening period in a downpour
when light bulbs began to pop all over the place. The contest has been rescheduled for
November.
The Oswego High School Band has again accepted the invitation of Northwestern University to
appear in its Sixth High School Band Day on the Evanston campus, Saturday, Sept. 30. The
Oswego Band is one of 18 bands, which has attended every Northwestern Band Day.
“Holiday Preview,” this year’s version of the Boulder Hill Welcome Wagon Club Style Show,
will be presented in the Boulder Hill Playhouse Thursday and Friday evenings, Sept. 28-28. The
show will be under the direction of Lucille Goring.
A total of 31 members of the Oswego High School Graduating Class of 1961 enrolled in
colleges, universities, and nursing schools, including Dianne Koukol, Bernice Wheeler, Patrick
Reilly, James Gates, Berry Wilson, Ray Simmons, John Grach, Tom Stubblefield, Lucia
Campbell, Rita Bell, Bob Nutt, Dalman Hafenrichter, Max Johnson, Jacqueline Wolf, Sherry
Porter, Janet Lippincott, Bonnie Fay, Kathy Stoneburner, Marion Phillips, Carlene Collins,
Dianne Cannon, Ann Weber, Dwight Foster, Neil McCauley, Bob Ackley, Ron Wynne, Wylie
Robinson, Norman Harvey, Lynn Shoger, Ruth Wilkie, Judy Smith, Linda Houghtby, Kathy
Peterson, and Kitty Giffen.
October -- 1961
Oct. 5: The Panther varsity picked up a 25-6 decision at Plano last Friday, scoring a touchdown
in every quarter. Oswego rolled up a total of 285 yards, 262 on the ground, while the Plano
eleven was held to a total of 50 yards.
Oct. 12: This is Fire Prevention Week, and the local firemen are holding an open house on
Saturday evening, Oct. 14, in the fire barn on Main street from 7-9 p.m.
The Oswego Fire District includes all of Oswego Township including Boulder Hill, Pichik’s, and
other subdivisions.
The Panther Varsity dropped a 28-6 decision to the Yorkville Foxes last Friday night in a Fox
Valley Conference game.
Oct. 19: The annual Oswego High School Homecoming festivities will take place this weekend,
beginning with a snake dance and bonfire on Thursday evening. Students will gather at the high
school at 7 p.m. for the snake dance, which will wind through the downtown and end back at the
school where a bonfire and pep rally will take place. The homecoming parade is scheduled to
leave the high school at approximately 2 p.m. Friday afternoon with floats and band. The parade
route through the business area disbands at the school.
The Oswego Panther Varsity bounced back from last week’s defeat by Yorkville to take Morris
by a 19-7 count.
A progress report shows that the access road to Waa-Kee-Sha Park has been completed with the
exception of a small amount of grading near the Reservation Road entrance, which will have to
wait until a fence is moved. Currently, a marked nature trail is being laid out. The trail will be of
approximately a mile and a half in length.
The Kopper Kettle restaurant at Main and Washington in downtown Oswego was advertising
homemade donuts.
Oct. 26: The Oswego Village Board issued a reminder this week that the 10 p.m. curfew law for
minors under the age of 18 is still in effect. Curfew was 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Exceptions are regularly scheduled church, school, or public functions and on these occasions
the persons are to return directly to their homes by the most direct route.
Tuesday evening, Oct. 31, approximately 100 of the Oswego community’s boys and girls will be
among more than 2,500,000 American children who will devote their Halloween fun to save the
lives of other children in more than 100 countries aided by UNICEF, the United Nation’s
Children’s Fund.
Under the sponsorship of the Oswego Council of Churches, children from the Church of the
Good Shepherd and the Oswego Presbyterian will participate. Children of the Prairie EUB will
meet after school on the same day as will the AuSable Grove and Wheatland Church youngsters.
Children of the Boulder Hill Church will make their collection on Saturday morning, Oct. 28.
The Panthers made it a happy homecoming for a huge crowd last Friday, as the varsity ran up a
33-0 score against Sandwich.
November -- 1961
Nov. 2: The last two country school houses in the Oswego School District will be sold at public
auction Saturday, Nov. 4. The Willow Hill School and site will be sold at 10 a.m. and the
McCauley site and school at 11:30 a.m. The sale will be conducted by Auctioneer Kenny Klotz
on the front steps of each building.
The Willow Hill unit consists of a building, garage and site of 1.29 acres with frontage on U.S.
30 and adjacent to U.S. 34. five miles northeast of Oswego.
The McCauley School consists of a building and a site of .5 acres located 11 miles south of
Oswego, 1.5 miles south and one mile east of the NaAuSay Church on Grove Road.
These buildings are equipped with inside toilets connected to septic tanks. Each site has a deep
well. The buildings are services with electricity and heated by oil burning furnaces.
Nov. 9: Secretary of Sate Charles F. Carpentier, one of the state’s most popular vote getters and
leader of the Republican Party in Illinois, will be the speaker at a Republican rally in the Boulder
Hill School Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 16.
Occasion for the rally will be the election of officers for the newly formed Boulder Hill
Republican Club.
The Oswego Panthers defeated Lisle last Friday night 27-7 to gain a share in the Fox Valley
championship for 1961. Previously unbeaten Lisle, Yorkville, and Oswego all wound up with
identical 4-1 conference records.
Fish fry with carry-out orders at Johnson’s Tavern in downtown Oswego every Saturday night.
Nov. 16: The Oswego Community Bank shows an increase of 12 percent in Christmas Club
savers. The 1961 Christmas Club checks have been mailed to 191 members, totaling $17,096.50,
compared to $15,268.50 in the 1960 Christmas Club.
Nov. 23: A warning is being given to residents of Oswego that the village ordinance pertaining
to dogs will be strictly enforced.
With seven lettermen on the 1961-62 varsity basketball squad, Coach Jim Aird is hoping to
retain the Fox Valley Championship garnered last season on a record of 9-1 in loop action and an
overall record of 18-7.
Returning lettermen are Robert Bower, Merrill Faul, Dale LaGow, Jim Leigh, Keith Light, Jim
Parker, and Tom Ricketts. Other members of the squad include Renard Biltgen, Verlin Boram,
Robert Campbell, Tom Kulbartz, Robert Bell, and Bob Tripp.
The annual barbecue supper, bazaar and bake sale sponsored by he Priscilla Guild of St. Luke’s
will be held at the Masonic Hall on Friday, Dec. 1.
Nov. 30: John Godde, principal of Boulder Hill Elementary School, has announced that the room
for mentally handicapped children of Kendall County has moved from its former location in East
View to Boulder Hill.
December -- 1961
Dec. 7: The Board of Education and Administrative Staff of Oswego Unit School District 308
are currently making a study of population trends, school building needs, and financial structure
to support the maintenance, operation and curriculum demands of the present and future
educational program for the district. The community Educational Planning Council will be
assisting the board in their study. The 1961 school population of 1,768 pupils represents the
following comparative data:
(A) It triples the school population of 1951 and doubles the population of 1956.
(B) Oswego has more pupils at present than were attending all of the Kendall County Schools in
1950, and at present enrolls approximately 40% of all Kendall County school children.
(C) Kendall County ranks third of all counties in Illinois in the rate of population growth
between 1950 and 1960, according to the 1960 Census.
(D) Kendall County ranks second of all counties in Illinois in fertility ratio between 1950 and
1960 (fertility ratio is a formula which indicated a population’s ability to reproduce).
(E) The two townships of Oswego and Little Rock show the majority of the total growth of the
county between 1950 and 1960, with minor help from Bristol and Kendall townships.
(F) There are presently 1,121 pupils under the age of 16 years of age in the Boulder Hill
Subdivision. This figure represents 100 more pupils than the total school population of Oswego
in 1960. One-half of this number is of pre-school age or under five years of age.
(G) Illinois Bell has scheduled 350 more one and two party lines for Boulder Hill in the next
three years and an additional 237 more lines in the rest of Oswego Township.
(H) The school population of the Oswego School District will be 3,380 by 1970; 1,411 of which
will be enrolled in grades 7-12.
During the past 10 years of population growth the assessed valuation of the school district has
more than doubled from $16 million in 1955 to $36 million in 1961.
Panther wrestlers host Plainfield Thursday (today) with both frosh-soph and varsity action. Both
squads were defeated in their opening meets of the season at Lincoln-Way last Saturday.
In varsity matches, Dave Eberhard won on a pin. Brad Jarman, Chuck Robinson, Tom Wheeler,
John Wheeler, and Joe Wallace won on decisions Rusty Peshia, Steve Drew and Jeff Wheeler
lost on pins. Stan Shoger and John Scent lost on decisions.
Others on the two squads include Craig Johnson, Herb Stutzriem, Paul Baumann, Harold Carter,
Gregory Carroll, Gary Evans, Terry Fiscus, William Grommes, Durwood Hafenrichter, Roger
Matile, Roger May, Robert Penman, William Phillips, Stephen Smith, Lonnie Steckel, Michael
Wheeler, Michael Weiss, James Yuvan, John Clark, David Hastert, Stephen Keierleber, Gary
Poker, Michael Reilly, John Stoner, James Wallace, Gregory Wheeler, and Jimmy White.
The varsity is coached by Al Kaltofen and the frosh-soph by Ken Pickerill.
Dec. 14: SPECIAL NOTICE: There will be no Oswego Ledger on Thursday, Dec. 28.
The Oswego Business Association and the Oswego Lions Club are making it possible for Santa
Claus to pay a visit to Oswego this Saturday, Dec. 16. He will be in the downtown area from 2-5
p.m., with headquarters in the Oswego Village Hall, but he will be stopping in at the various
business houses up and down Main Street.
The Oswego varsity took the measure of Lisle last Friday, 59-50, with Keith Light making 26
points on ten baskets and six free throws. Bob Tripp added 13 points, Dale LaGow had 12, while
Jim Parker and Verlin Boram accounted for four each.
Dec. 21 and 28: A sock hop for teenagers will be held in the Boulder Hill school on Thursday,
Dec. 28, with dancing from 8-12. Harry Blair, WMRO disc jockey, will emcee the show.
Two former Oswego High School graduates, Richard and David Parkhurst, are currently in the
armed forces. Richard served his recruit training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., and is currently
stationed there as an engineer supply technician.
David, younger of the two brothers, received his naval training at Great lakes Naval Station and
then he entered the electronic schooling program where he graduated with an average of 93.
Since then he has been on duty at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base at Groton, Conn.
1962
January
Jan. 4: The terms of two members of the newly formed Oswego Community Unit School District
expire this year, George Akerlow and Charles Dauwalder.
When the new unit district was formed in June of 1961, seven members were elected to serve on
the board and drew lots to determine the length of term of each. Akerlow and Dauwalder
received one year terms; C.W. Clark and Gilbert Jarman, two year terms; Robert Cherry, Richard
Reinhard and Raymond Lubbs for three year terms.
The board of directors of the Oswego Community Bank voted at their December meeting to pay
a $1.50 dividend to stockholders of record Dec. 20, 1961. The dividend is the initial payment for
the local bank, which opened for business Aug. 29, 1958.
Directors and officers of the bank are Earl Zentmyer, president; John Cherry, vice president; Dr.
S.F. Bell, Myron Wormley, Homer Brown, Charles Lippincott, Everett McKeown, directors;
Clifford Maddux, cashier; Georgia Traughber, assistant cashier.
Dave Eberhard, Tom Wheeler, and John Wheeler won championships in the quadrangular
holiday wrestling meet hosted by Oswego last Saturday. The three Oswego boys are still
unbeaten for the season.
Jan. 11: Editorial: Too often the commendable things people do are glossed over. We think the
Oswego Village board deserves a pat on the back for the excellent job of snow removal this
winter. Not only did they engineer the job, but a umber of them spent a good many hours
working themselves.
By the same token, we think that highway commissioner Kenneth Gowran and his boys have
also done a good job in the snow removal department.
Probably we should also mention the members of the volunteer fire department at the same time.
The firemen answered three calls in less than 24 hours Tuesday in 10 degree below zero weather.
How would you like to be called out of a nice warm bed at 4:30 a.m. in 10 degree below zero
weather to fight a fire?
Highway commissioner Gowran has moved all his equipment into the new building on Route 71
across from East View.
The School district is completing a garage on the southeast corner of the high school grounds,
which will be used for bus maintenance.
After walking through several discount stores, it’s good to know that we have reliable merchants
in Oswegoland where you can make a purchase and be assured that you are getting quality
merchandise. The cheap, sleazy junk put out in these discount shops is mostly not worth carrying
home.
Jan. 18: A meeting of the Oswego Community School Planning Council has been called for
Monday, Jan. 29, at 8 p.m. at the high school. This council, composed of persons representing
municipal and civic organizations and the various areas of the Oswego School District has been
in existence for several years and is called in from time to time to meet with the school board to
help solve various school problems.
One of the immediate problems facing the Oswego School District is that of providing school
rooms for a rapidly growing student population. Recent studies show that the school population
has doubled since 1956 in the district, and that currently, the Oswego school system enrolls 40
percent of all Kendall County school children.
The study also shows that Kendall County ranks third in the State of Illinois in the rate of
population growth between 1950 and 1960.
Another fact brought out in the study shows that, at the current rate of increase, the school
population will be 3,380 by 2970, as compared to 1,768 pupils in 1961. [The actual enrollment
on Sept. 30, 1970 was 3,441.]
The annual meeting of the Oswego Community Bank was held Monday, Jan. 15, with the
number of stockholders in attendance being limited due to the inclement weather.
The election of directors was held, returning all of the former directors to office: Dr. S.F. Bell,
Homer L. Brown, John F. Cherry, Charles M. Lippincott, Everett McKeown, Myron L.
Wormley, and Earl J. Zentmyer, all of Oswego.
If this is a sample of what the old-timers talk about as an “old-fashioned” winter, they can have
it.
Jan. 25: The following report has been released by Kendall County Sheriff Frank Willman of the
year’s activities.
The sheriff’s department answered 572 complaints consisting of 29 burglaries, 31 larcenies, 194
auto accidents, two sex offenses, and 316 miscellaneous.
Twelve prisoners were transported to Illinois penitentiaries, 11 patients to Illinois state hospitals,
and two persons to the Illinois Youth Commission.
During 1961, a total of 181 prisoners were admitted to the county jail serving a total of 1,031
prisoner days.
February -- 1962
Feb. 1: Members of the Oswego School Board and the Oswegoland School Planning Council
met in the Community Room of the high school Monday night to explore some of the problems
facing the district in providing new school buildings and facilities in the immediate future in an
effort to keep pace with the rapidly expanding population.
School Board President George Akerlow stated the immediate need is for additional facilities at
the junior high school level.
Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber briefly discussed the tax position of the district, stating that
the current bonding power available is approximately $800,000. He went on to explain how the
current bonded indebtedness of the various units built is being paid off at a rate of about
$100,000 per year.
Traughber also went into some detail on studies made of school population trends over the past
decade and projecting these growth rates into the current decade reaching to 1970, during which
time the school population is expected to double.
The following recommendations were presented for study in the order of desirability:
1. A new high school, to accommodate 750-1,000 students on a new site of 25-40 acres at an
estimated cost of $1.25 million. The present high school to be used as a junior high school.
2. A new junior high school to accommodate 750 to 1,000 students located on a site of not less
than 12 acres at a cost of approximately $750,000 to $800,000.
Yearly use of building funds for additions to the present high school building.
3. A compromise between recommendations 1 and 2, a new junior high school on a new site that
can later be converted to a high school.
All of the above recommendations are based on a 6-3-3 school system. Grades 7, 8, 9 would be
in the junior high building and grades 10, 11, and 12 in the senior high.
At the Jan. 23 meeting of the Oswego Plan Commission, the following officers were elected for
the year: Ford L. Lippold, chairman; Joseph Otto, vice-chairman; Lois Drew, secretary; Larane
Peshia, corresponding secretary.
During the first three weeks of the Oswego School District’s School Savings Program, conducted
with the Oswego Community Bank, 547 students are participating out of a total enrollment of
1,352.
The Oswego Community Library Association Organization Committee met at the Oswego
Community Bank last Thursday and plans were completed for a meeting of all members of the
association to be held in the Community Room of Oswego High School Monday, March 1.
The purpose of the meeting to be held March 1 is to adopt a set of bylaws and to elect 11
trustees, who shall govern the affairs of the association for the next three years.
Community donations, including proceeds from the 1958 Oswegorama celebration, currently
total $3,502.55, a good start towards a goal of $35,000 for construction of a new library building.
Present committee members include Eleanor Herget, Mary Leifheit, Sue McBride, Fran Smith,
Jean Quant, Norval Tripp, Jesse Phillipi, James Zentmyer, and Earl Zentmyer.
Oswego junior high school high honor roll students were David Lippy and Neal Shoger.
Students who received A’s and B’s were John Cumpata, Danielle Larson, Nancy Leppert, Dan
Miller Steve Parker, Connie Sperlakis, Ronald Weilert, Carter Witt, Frank Wooley, and Jerry
Yuvan in eighth grade and Sandra Fiscus, Pat Grey, Susan Hafenrichter, Marilyn Johnson, Doris
Miller, Jenine Mitchell, Sue Morey, Donna McKittrick, Beth Nelson, Amy Randall, Shari
Seefeldt, Sherril Smith, and Gordon Walker in seventh grade.
Feb. 8: The executive Board of the Oswego Schools PTA met in special session Monday, Jan.
22, with Mrs. Melville Wright, director of PTA District 2, State of Illinois. It is the feeling of the
local board, and it has been recommended by Mrs. Wright, that the Oswego PTA be divided into
at least three, or possibly four units, in the very near future. This would provide a separate unit
for each of the attendance centers: Boulder Hill, East View, junior high, and high school. A three
unit change, the junior and senior highs would be combined in a single unit.
Plans and preparations are well underway and some rehearsing has been started for the 1962
Minstrel Show according to Delreen Hafenrichter, general business manager of the event. The
show, “Cotton Capers,” will be presented by the Oswego High School Music Department March
8-10.
End men in this year’s production will be Bob Bower, Dale LaGow, Carl Angell, Chuck
Trentham, Jerry Parkhurst, and Steve Smith. Jim Aird will be interlocutor.
At the January meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Kendall County, a county curfew
ordinance was adopted. The main provisions of the ordinance provide that all persons under 18
are not allowed to be out unless accompanied by parents, guardian, or other responsible adult
after 10 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday of each week, and after 12 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays.
Feb. 15: Department heads for Oswego High School are as follows: Robert Olson, mathematics;
Mrs. Reeve Thompson, English; Kenneth Pickerill, physical education; Charles Potts, science.
Oswego varsity grapplers will compete in the district tournament at Carl Sandburg High School
on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 16-17.
The Panther squad will be led by John Wheeler, Dave Eberhard, and Tom Wheeler.
Other boys who will see action are Brad Jarman, Chuck Robinson, Steve Drew, Stan Shoger or
Craig Johnson, Mike Wheeler, Ben Thrall, and Steve Smith.
Feb. 22: The senior class of 1962 of Oswego Community High School announces the names of
the following award winners: Susan Thompson, valedictorian; Susan Luettich, salutatorian; Sally
Neupert, Citizenship Award; Cheryl B. Smith, DAR Award; Dale LaGow, Activity Award; Dale
LaGow, Gilmour Sportsmanship Award.
Three Oswego wrestlers advanced to the sectional tournament competition due to their showing
in the district last week. The boys who will represent the Panther squad at Thornton High School,
Lansing, on Friday and Saturday of this week are Dave Eberhard, Tom Wheeler, and John
Wheeler.
The Oswego varsity basketball team moved up to a third place tie in league standings last Friday
night, defeating Plainfield by a 59-50 count with Keith Light scoring 22 markers on 10 baskets
and two free throws.
Oswego High School students earning all A’s for the second nine week period were Susan
Luettich, Susan Thompson, Ingrid Wendt, Sherry Henderson, Roger May, Pat Myers, Jill
Peterson, and Greg Sellers.
March -- 1962
March 1: The service of installation of the Rev. Woodrow Wooley as pastor of the Oswego
Presbyterian Church will be held Sunday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Wooley comes to the
Oswego church from the First Presbyterian Church of Twin Falls, Idaho. He received his B.A.
from Alma College, Alma, Mich.; bachelor of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary,
New York; master’s degree from Wayne University, Detroit, Mich. Mrs. Wooley, a trained
director of Christian education,
For the seventh year in a row, the Oswego high School Wrestling Team will be represented at the
Illinois State Finals. Dave Eberhard (l03 lbs.) is the 19th grappler to represent the Panthers over
this seven year span. Eberhard won his class championship at the sections held last weekend and
moves on to the state competition this Friday and Saturday.
Four Oswegoans have been medal winners in state competition, Brad Smith and Alvin Wheeler
took first place medals in 1955, with Wheeler repeating in 1956. Bob Plaskas placed second at
95 lbs. in 1959 and was fourth in 1960 at 103 lbs.
March 8: A meeting was held last Monday night in the Legion hall by members of the Oswego
Village Board, Oswego Plan Commission, and a number of interested persons to discuss the
forming of a sanitary district for Oswego and surrounding area to alleviate the present sewage
condition, which is under investigation by the State of Illinois.
George Griffin, representing Village Engineer Walter Deuchler, presented figures on several
plans under consideration:
A. Rebuilding the present plant to handle only the present Village of Oswego.
B. Forming a sanitary district that would include some areas outside the village as well as the
village itself and operate on a local scale.
C. Covering the same area as in “B,” but petitioning into the Aurora Sanitary District.
Milton Penn, chairman of the Sanitation Committee for the Village of Oswego, announced that a
number of public meetings would be held in the near future.
An election will be held Saturday, April 14, for two members of the Oswego Unit School District
308 for full three-year terms, and for one member for an unexpired term. George Akerlow and
Gerald Dauwalder are the two members whose full terms expire, and the unexpired term of two
years is due to the resignation of Richard Reinhard, who is moving to another community.
The Oswego High School Music Department will present its fifth annual minstrel show, “Cotton
Capers,” this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, nights.
A girls’ kick line with Nancy Bell, Sally Luettich, Annette Lewis, Linda Rusher, Janet Schrader,
and Pat Smith will be one of the features of the evening.
Due to a continued increase in enrollment in the first grade at Boulder Hill School, Miss Esther
Merkey was recently added to the teaching staff.
March 15: At the organizational meeting of the Oswego Community Library Association, held at
the Oswego High School, the following trustees were elected: Mabel Carpenter, Clarence Clark,
Dr. Arthur DeVol, Chasta Fennel, Eleanor Herget, Norval Tripp, Charlotte Herren, Mary
Leifheit, Myron Wormley, Adolph Schliwa, and Earl Zentmyer.
At a subsequent meeting held March 8, the following officers were elected: Earl Zentmyer,
president; Dr. Arthur DeVol, vice-president; Chasta Fennel, secretary; Eleanor Herget, treasurer.
Students named to the high honor roll at East View School for the fourth six weeks were Mary
Weiss, Alan LaGow, David Poker, Elisabeth, McKittrick, Susan Lutter, Linda Heap, and David
Blair.
According to Merrill Harris, Kendall County Democratic Chairman, contracts will be awarded
March 27 for the widening and resurfacing of Route 31 from the Oswego bridge north to the
four-lane portion of the highway at Caterpillar.
March 22: Oswego High School will be host to the Third Annual Kendall County Music Festival
on Wednesday, March 28, at 8 p.m. in the school gym. Selected choirs and bands from
Yorkville, Plano, Newark, and Oswego will combine to form a chorus of 250 voices and a band
of approximately 100 pieces.
The school tax rate for Oswego Community Unit District 308 will be lower on this year’s tax
bills by approximately 16.5 percent on each $100 of assessed valuation, $1.7870 on this year’s
bill per $100 as compared to $1.954 last year.
In comparison, Yorkville’s rate for 1962 is $1.92; East Aurora, $2.169; and West Aurora,
$2.203.
The lower rate this year is due partly to the formation of the unit district, which provides a
considerable increase in state aid to the local school system.
March 29: Spring comes to Oswego Friday night with the Civic Club Fashion Show taking place
in the high school gym at 8 p.m. “Pretty Paris” is the title of this year’s presentation. Fashions
will be furnished by the Jacqueline Shop, Oswego; Alshuler’s, children’s Contemporary Center,
and Janols, Inc, all of Aurora.
Tickets will be available at the door on Friday evening. All profits go to the Oswego Library
Building Fund.
Gary Lee Zoeller, son of Mr. And Mrs. Lee Zoeller, Boulder Hill, was awarded the highest rank
in scouting recently, becoming the first Eagle Scout of Troop 48.
Larry Forrer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Forrer, was awarded the Star Scout award.
April -- 1962
April 5: The Board of Education of Unit District 308 is holding an open house at the new
Boulder Hill School on Sunday, April 8, from 2-5 p.m.
The 19-room attendance center for elementary children was opened for use last September and
currently has approximately 475 boys and girls in kindergarten through sixth grades enrolled.
The school, built on a 12-acre site donated by Don L. Dise Corp., developers of the Boulder Hill
Subdivision, was built at a cost of $470,284.11. A bond issue of $425,000 and a cash gift of
$50,000 from the Dise corporation provided the funds for construction and architect’s fees.
There is a balance of $4,615.90, which is available for landscaping and general site development.
The building contains a total of 38,500 square feet and was constructed at a cost of $11 per
square foot.
A REMINDER TO POLITICAL CANDIDATES
Tuesday is the primary election! Wednesday and Thursday would be happy days for the voters if
you, providing you are one of those who felt it necessary to plaster your picture on assorted
telephone poles and trees (both illegal practices in Kendall County), would send out a crew to
tear these signs down. Believe me, fellows, a torn and tattered likeness of you fluttering in the
wind a few months hence will do nothing to endear you to the hearts of the voters.
We have been inundated in a flow of verbiage and high sounding words such as integrity,
character, efficiency, honesty, reliability, judgment…May we suggest a few more such as neat,
tidy, and a final one, considerate?
Robert Bower, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Bower, was the recipient of the District PTA
Teacher’s $1,000 Golden Jubilee Scholarship in competition held recently.
April 12: Oliver Mundwiler won the Republican nomination for sheriff of Kendall County in a
close race at Tuesday’s primary, nosing out William Maier by a few more than 100 votes.
In the race for Republican nomination for county treasurer, Frank Willman was the winner in
another close race, receiving 1,481 votes while runner-up Shorty Sandrock had 1,317.
Running unopposed included Republican candidates Jean Brady, county clerk; Irving A. Shears,
county superintendent of schools; and Robert Sears, for county judge.
Mundwiler is a newcomer to county politics and Willman is currently serving as county sheriff.
The Oswego Lion’s Club, in a safety promotion, is currently selling auto seat belts at the low
price of $7.95, with a $2 installation charge. These belts meet all existing seat belt specifications
and are simple to install and use. The National Safety Authorities state that persons using seat
belts have at least a 35% better chance to survive in a serious crash. All state police cars are
equipped with belts, and it is mandatory that they be used at all times.
Oswego High School students earning spots on the high honor roll included seniors Jerry
Dummer, Dale LaGow, Susan Thompson, and Ingrid Wendt; juniors Karen Hafenrichter, Sherry
Henderson, and Bonnie Koukol; sophomores Bob Nelson, Patricia Myers, Greg Sellers, and
Steve Smith; and freshman Nan Swanquist.
April 19: A special public meeting will be held Thursday, April 26, for the purpose of explaining
the details of the proposed new sanitary district, which will provide sewer facilities for residents
of the Village of Oswego, Cedar Glen and Pichik’s Subdivisions, as well as part of Chris
Herren’s Subdivision and Brookside Manor.
The present sewer treatment plant is overloaded and, more often than not, is discharging raw
sewage into the river. The State of Illinois issued a warning to the village over a year ago to
provide adequate facilities on its own or the state would step in and see that the work was done.
Bob Plaskas, former Oswego High School wrestler, was the outstanding sophomore on this
year’s Northwestern Varsity Wrestling Team.
Bob, son of Joseph Plaskas, 55 Adams Street, Oswego, this year reached the semifinals of the
Big Ten Meet in the 123-pound class.
April 26: A special public meeting will be held tonight (Thursday) for the purpose of explaining
the details of the proposed new sanitary district, which will provide sewer facilities for residents
of the Village of Oswego, Cedar Glen, and Pichik’s subdivisions, as well as part of Chris
Herren’s subdivision and Brookside Manor. Information as to how the district might be financed,
how much the plant will cost, what the alternatives are, etc., will be given at this meeting Les
Penn, chairman of the village sewer committee, urges all taxpayers to attend.
The Oswego Park District Commissioners announce that the first development phase of Waa-
Kee-Sha Park, the Nature trail, will be ready for use today, Thursday, by the residents of the
district. The nature trail is self-guided and will have between 50 and 60 points of interest from
early sprint to late fall. Thirty of the points of interest will be marked by numbered posts and will
be explained in a booklet picked up by the trail walker from a box at the beginning of the trail. In
addition, temporary markers will be placed along the trial from time to time identifying the
various wildflowers, shrubs, fungus, etc., as they come into season. The trail will be updated
each week.
Work is progressing on the first picnic area, which will consist of ten tables and five charcoal
grills. It is expected that this area will be ready for use by the weekend.
The Oswego Park District Commissioners point out that the 22-acre park will be in various
stages of development for the next several years.
The senior class of Oswego High School will present a three-act comedy, “January Thaw,”
Friday evening, April 27, at 8 p.m. in the high school gym.
The cast includes Shelby Mundsinger, Bob Bower, Ingrid Wendt, Jacquie Quantock, Cheryl
Smith, Pat Conroy, Neil Mottinger, Delreen Hafenrichter, Dale LaGow, Dave Keierleber, Jim
Akerlow, Jim Parker, John Condon, and Paul Larson.
May -- 1962
May 3: NOW IN BLOOM AT WAA-KEE-SHA
Spring flowers now blooming at Waa-Kee-Sha Park and expected to be in bloom over the
weekend include trillium, spring beauties, blue violets, smooth yellow violets, squirrel corn, false
rue anemone, swamp buttercup, toothwort, wild ginger, wild phlox, Virginia bluebells, may
apple, wild geranium, false Solomon’s seal, jack-in-the-pulpit, and others.
A benefit dance for the Oswego Library Building Fund will be held in the American Legion Hall
on Saturday, May 5, with dancing from 9-12 to the music of the Dempsey Band. Tickets are $1.
The May meeting of the Oswego PTA will be highlighted by a “pop” concert to be presented by
the high school band and chorus under the direction of Reeve Thompson. Among the songs to be
sung by the chorus are “Selections from May Fair Lady,” “S’ Wonderful,” “Moon River,” “The
Night is Young,” and others. The band will present the popular “Exodus,” and music from “The
King and I.”
May 10: Members of the Oswego Lions Club will be downtown Saturday, May 12, selling safety
belts for your car. National statistics show that you are at least 1/3 safer if you drive with safety
belts.
One set of belts (one person) costs only $7.98 and are easily installed. Service stations of the
Oswego area are cooperating with the club and will install the belts for $2 per seat.
The Oswego High School varsity baseball team, coached by Russ Wittmer, has won seven
contests and lost one in Fox Valley competition, and have an overall record of 8 wins, 3 losses,
and one tie. Mike Linden is the leading hurler with a record of 4-1. Ken Battterson has a 2-1
record, Keith Light 2-0, and Bruce Derksen, 0-1.
May 17: Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new St. Luke’s Lutheran Church will be held
Sunday, May 20, at 3 p.m. The site of the new church is just east of the Boulder Hill area in the
northern part of Oswego Township on what was once part of the Charles Phillips farm. A one-
story contemporary edifice, with basement, is planned by Cooley and Borre, Architects, Park
Ridge.
St. Paul’s Lutheran, Aurora, pastored by Rev. W. Stallman, donated eight acres of land for this
newly organized St. Luke’s Mission, which is largely composed of former members of St. Paul’s
residing in the Oswego-Boulder Hill area.
The structural system in the first unit is precast concrete floor joists and laminated roof frames,
both of which have been expressed in the building design. The nave is surrounded by clearstory
windows of cathedral glass. The background for the worship area is enhanced with slab glass
inserts in a cedar board and batten wall. Future expansion can be accommodated by removal of
this wall.
The sanctuary will seat 168 worshipers in the nave, 27 in the choir balcony, and 46 in the narthex
overflow, for a total of 241. Cost of the first unit is approximately $95,000. The master plan
provides for a future Christian day school, gym, playground, tennis courts, parsonage, and
church.
May 24: The circus is coming to town on Tuesday, June 5, for two performances, afternoon and
evening. Commander Harry Fuller, Post 675, announces that the Sells Brothers Three-Ring
Circus will set up at the Oswego Dragstrip on the above date and give performances at 2:30 and
8 p.m.
The circus, one of the biggest of the traveling tent units, features over 30 acts including aerial
artists, wire-walkers, jugglers, tumblers, clowns, and a wide variety of animal acts.
This is a genuine old-fashioned type of circus and Oswegoland residents are invited and urged to
set aside Tuesday, June 5, for a real entertainment treat.
Departing from the traditional, this year’s junior high school pupils will participate in a
promotion evening program under the direction of Principal Ralph D. Ross.
A program of this nature is intended to allow many students to participate and to receive
recognition for various activities in which they have taken part.
Students inducted into the National Honor Society at Oswego High School included Jean Ash,
Kathy Silvius, Janice Beck, Pat Freeman, Guy Sands, Paul Baumann, Nancy Bell, Cindy Craney,
Roger May, John Morley, Sue Musselman, Bob Nelson, Jerry Parkhurst, Jill Peterson and Gregg
Sellers.
Over 1,000 persons have visited Waa-Kee-Sha Park in the first four weeks it has been open.
Those who have been assaulted by mosquitoes during the last few days will be glad to know that
the Lions Club now has the fogger in operation.
Cheerleaders at Oswego High School for the 1962-63 school year are frosh-soph team, Susan
Hundley, captain; Danielle Larson, Jenny Hood, and Cindy Robinson. Varsity cheerleaders are
Jill Peterson, captain; Diane Paydon, Sherry Watt, and Sally Luettich.
Oswego American Legion Commander Harry Fuller reports that a Memorial Day Parade will be
held May 30, forming in front of the high school at 9:30 a.m. and ready to move out by 9:50. The
parade will move over the usual route to the Oswego Cemetery on Main Street for Memorial Day
services.
May 31: Seventy-two high school seniors of the graduating class of 1962 will receive their
diplomas at commencement exercises Thursday (tonight), May 31. Salutatorian is Susan
Luettich; Valedictorian, Susan Thompson; Sportsmanship and Activities, Dale LaGow;
Citizenship, Sally Neupert.
June 5 is the big day for young and old when the circus comes to town, and old-fashioned tent
show with 30 acts including aerial artists, wire-walkers, jugglers, clowns, tumblers, animal acts,
and all of the rest of the glamorous entertainment. Sponsored by Oswego American Legion Post
675, the Sells Brothers 3-ring circus will be in Oswego for this one day only and will set up on
the Oswego Dragstrip. Performances will be at 2:30 and 8 p.m. rain or shine.
June -- 1962
June 7: On Pentecost Sunday, June 10, the Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren
will observe its fourth anniversary with a special service including the confirmation of 11 young
people and the sacrament of Holy Communion.
LITTLE LEAGUE AND PARENTS
This is the season when, in some communities, parents become stark raving maniacs yelling
diatribes at umpires, opponents, and even their own sons and members of his team. It is the
season when, in some communities, boys between the ages of 8 and 12 become a bundle of
nerves, unable to eat or sleep properly due to pressures put on them by coaches, parents, and so-
called well-wishers to win, win, win. It is the Little League season!
The Oswego Park District commissioners have been pleased with the attitude of parents toward
the local program and the general acceptance of the “Every boy plays in every game” concept.
They know that not every boy will become adept at the game, but every boy will have an
opportunity to learn basic motor skills, function as part of a team, and have fun in the process.
Scotty’s Restaurant: Our Curb Service Window opens at 5 o’clock daily. Come out to Scotty’s
for a delicious snack, Routes 34 & 71, Oswego.
June 14: It is expected that over 1,000 children will register in the Oswego Park District
Recreation Program this year. It is the 12th consecutive year for the program, and is open to all
children living in the Oswego Park District.
Local funeral director Everett M. McKeown was elected president of the Fox Valley Funeral
Directors’ Association for 1962 at the May meeting of the group held recently in Crystal Lake.
June 21: Kendall County had the lowest dropout rate during the years 1957-61 of any county in
Illinois, the Illinois School Board Association reported. A total of 16 percent (16 of every 100
students) enrolling as freshmen dropped out of school in Kendall County before graduation.
The statewide average for the four year period was 32 percent, with some counties showing as
high as 43 percent (Massac) and 47 percent (Gallatin). Kane County showed a drop-out
percentage of 25 percent, Will County 29 percent, and DuPage 21 percent.
The Board of Education of Oswego School District 308 will meet Monday evening, June 25, to
open bids for a new shop addition to the present high school building. This area, to be financed
from the regular building fund levy, will give students an opportunity to take advantage of an
expanded four year shop course.
The school board recently let a contract for renovation and modernization of the White School to
be used as a supplemental unit for the junior high school. The contract, in the amount of $3,396,
was let to John-Henry Home Improvement Association Contractors, and calls for remodeling of
toilet rooms, firewalls around the heating unit, and renovating of the three classrooms contained
in the building.
June 28: The Oswego Township Supervisor has announced that Plainfield Road from Oswego
Ill. Route 126, a distance of 6.781 miles, will be blacktopped with preliminary work beginning in
August. The cost of the work is estimated at $164,000, with the federal government paying 50
percent, the state of Illinois paying 28.5 percent, and Kendall County paying 21.5 percent.
Not more than a mile of the present road will be torn up at a time, in order that local traffic will
not be inconvenienced any more than necessary through the winter and during construction. A
total of 144 working days will be allowed to complete the project.
The Oswego Plan Commission, at the June meeting held Tuesday night in the village hall,
approved the preliminary plat of the Marina Village Subdivision on Ill. Route 31 just south of
Caterpillar Tractor Co and about two miles north of the Oswego bridge. The 40-acre area
between Route 31 and the Fox River is being subdivided into a total of 62 one-family residential
lots of not less than 20,000 square feet and will have a central water system and sewer system.
It is expected that the homes built on these lots will be in the $20,000 to $30,000 price range.
Over 50 varieties of summer wild flowers, weeds, vines, etc. are currently labeled along the
summer nature trail at Waa-Kee-Sha Park.
July -- 1962
July 5: Whatever proceeds are realized from the Third Annual Oswego Summer Festival will be
used to establish a shelter building fund for Waa-Kee-Sha Park. The festival, which will be held
on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 17-18, will include a band concert, children’s costume parade,
Lions Club auction, home bake sale and competition, water fights by the fire department, festival
game booths, style show, art show, gala street dance and other events.
Oswego Village Board members voted to approve the final plat of the George D. Smith
Subdivision [along the south side of Chicago Road--U.S. Route 34--east of Grant Street], Unit 3,
4-2. The final plat of Oak Hill Subdivision [located south of U.S. Route 34 just east of Orchard
Road], Unit 2, was approved with all members voting aye.
It was voted to assist the Oswego Lion's Club defray the cost of mosquito fogging at the rate of
$30 per spraying for the first ten sprayings and $10 per spraying for each additional application.
July 12: The Dutch Elm Disease is playing havoc with trees in the village of Oswego this year. A
quick stop check in the area bounded by Rt. 34 to Franklin St. to Washington St. and back to Rt.
34 shows more than 100 mature elms either dead or dying on [street] parkings alone. The three
block area of Franklin St. past the high school is hardest hit at the present time with 26 elms dead
or dying. It is costing the village of Oswego thousands of dollars each year to cut down and
remove the dead trees
The total number of dead or dying elms in the village is currently between 250 and 300 trees.
Biologists have been unable to come up with a cure for the disease.
It is costing the Village of Oswego thousands of dollars each year to cut down and remove the
dead trees, but there is little alternative as the trees quickly become brittle and dangerous.
It is hoped that property owners will replace trees that die with new plantings.
Oswego American Legion Post 675 baseball team is currently leading the Kane County League
with a spotless record in loop action.
Plans are underway on the Oswego Park District playgrounds for an Indian Pow-Wow. Children
in the arts and crafts classes will be busy for the next few days making decorations and costumes
for the occasion. The pow-wow will be held on the East View playground on Thursday, July 19,
and on the Boulder Hill playground on Tuesday, July 24.
Flowers in bloom along the open summer trail at Waa-Kee-Sha Park currently include agrimony;
cinquefoil; white, blue and downy vervain; St. John’s wort, motherwort,; chicory; yarrow; daisy
fleabane; Queen Anne’s Lace; jewelweed; white avens; sleepy catchfly (campion); as well as
many of the colorful weeds and grasses.
Between 50 and 60 plants, vines, and trees, including some young pawpaw, are labeled along the
summer trail.
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Rogerson will observe their 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday, July 15.
July 19: One of the features of the Third Annual Oswego Summer Festival will be the Lion’s
Club Auction, to be held Saturday afternoon, Aug. 18, in the downtown area. Donations for the
auction are being sought now by members of the club.
It’s a little late, but we think that congratulations are due to the committee persons who were
responsible for the Boulder Hill Fourth of July celebration. From the children’s parade in the
morning to the fireworks at night, the events were exciting and well attended.
Several paint jobs are underway in the community including the new green buildings of
Alexander Lumber Company and the gray and white “last Chance” on the corner of Main and
Jackson.
Work is underway on the new addition to the high school, which will be used for a shop program
and will afford an opportunity for a broader curriculum in this area. Work is also underway in
renovating the Little White School for use as a part of the junior high program.
It is expected that contracts for the blacktopping of Plainfield Road will be let in the next couple
of weeks and that preliminary work will begin this fall, according to Supervisor Myron
Wormley.
July 26: The final plat of the new Marina Village Subdivision to be located between Rt. 31 and
the Fox Rive about two miles north of the Oswego Bridge was approved Tuesday night [July 24]
by the Oswego Plan Commission.
The Plan Commission also voted approval of the use of two parcels of property at the north end
of Main St. along the Waubonsie Creek as a proposed educational and historical park area and
site for the new Oswego Public Library.
The Oswego Village Board passed the Village of Oswego's appropriation ordinance. Total
appropriations for the 1962-63 fiscal year were capped at $282,915.
August -- 1962
Aug. 2: The program for the two-day Third Annual Oswegoland Summer Festival is being
finalized this week.
Four trips will be made to Comiskey Park, Chicago, in the next two weeks for boys taking part in
the Oswego Park District baseball program. Today, Thursday, boys from the Boulder Hill Minor
League will be watching the White Sox play.
Free tickets to the games are obtained by the Oswego Park District as a courtesy of the White
Sox management.
Aug. 9: The Oswego High School Panthers will begin grid practice Wednesday, Aug. 22, with
two works scheduled each day.
A 50-piece band will conduct an open air concert in Boulder Hill on Sunday Aug. 12, from 3:30
to 5:30 p.m. in the wooded area by the Route 25 entrance. This event is being jointly sponsored
by the Aurora musicians Local No. 181, the Boulder Hill Sports and Social Club, the Boulder
Hill Civic Association, the Hilltop Garden Club, and the Boulder Hill Welcome Wagon.
Northern Illinois University will be surveying the Oswego Community School Unit District 308
beginning Wednesday, Aug. 8. The survey is in connection with a graduate course in the College
of Education, and Oswego has been selected as a focal point for this study.
Aug. 16: The Third Annual Oswegoland Summer Festival will be held Friday and Saturday,
Aug. 17-18, with most of the events to take place in the downtown area.
The Oswego Community Unit Schools, District 308, will begin classes at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday,
Sept. 4, with all-day sessions.
There will be two sections of kindergarten and three sections of each grade from 1-6 at East
View. Two sections of kindergarten and three sections of grades 1-2, two sections of grades 3-6,
and one EMH room at Boulder Hill. There will be six sections of grades 7 and five sections of
grade 8 attending the Red Brick and Little White schools.
Aug. 23: At the August meeting of the Oswego Village Board it was voted to appoint two
members to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill vacancies created by resignations. Appointment
was made of William K. Miller and Verne Killian.
All of the figures are not complete as yet, but approximately $400 was realized during the two-
day Third Annual Oswegoland Summer Festival held last weekend. The proceeds will be used to
launch the Waa-Kee-Sha Park Shelter Fund to be erected for use by civic and church groups and
for large family reunion type picnics, the Scouts, etc.
The faculty of Oswego Community District 308 was released this week by Superintendent T.
Loyd Traughber for all buildings. A total of 78 instructors will be on staff this year.
Administration, in addition to Superintendent Traughber, includes Howard Smucker, principal of
the high school; Ralph D. Ross, principal of the junior high school; John Bednarcik, principal of
East View; and John Godde, principal of Boulder Hill.
The Kendall County Board voted in August to collect a one-half percent sales tax on items sold
in unincorporated areas of the county. The board suggested the sales tax revenues would off-set
any proposed increases in real estate taxes.
Aug. 30: The first partial results of the Federal Fallout Survey shows that 182 shelter spaces may
be available in the larger buildings of NaAuSay and Oswego Townships, Clyde Phillips, director
of the Kendall County Civil Defense Agency announced recently. Survey statistics have been
furnished to the office as a basis for interim local shelter system planning.
The Oswego Plan Commission approved the preliminary plat of the Keierleber Acres
Subdivision at their August meeting, held Tuesday evening in the village hall. The subdivision is
located on Douglas Road between Wolf’s Crossing Road and Plainfield Road, and consists of
seven lots of approximately an acre and a quarter in size.
Oswego village residents who volunteer to contribute $15 per tree--half the estimated cost--
towards removal of dead elm trees on their street parking will receive first consideration in the
removal of the trees.
September -- 1962
Sept. 6: First day registration figures for Oswego's schools totaled 1,970, with 1,505 in
elementary grades and 445 at Oswego High School. This is an increase of 202 pupils over the
opening day figures for last year. With some students still on late vacations, it is anticipated that
the 2,000 mark will be reached within the next several weeks.
The first meeting of the newly organized Oswegoland Junior-Senior High PTA will be held
Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gym. This will be a potluck supper for all
parents and teachers of students in junior high or high school.
Public response to the plan of residents and village sharing expenses of removing dead elms
from the street parkings has been excellent. Over $500 has currently been turned in to the village
by property owners and the tree cutters have been in action for the past week and are going at it
strong.
With more than half the elm trees in the area dead or dying and more of them on the way, it is
time to think about planting young trees in the yards and on the parkings. Fall is a good time of
the year to plant young stock and your nurseryman can take care of you. If you plan on planting
trees on your parking, better check with the village board for approved varieties. There are some
types of trees not suitable for planting on public rights-of-way.
In the past two weeks, the Oswegoland Volunteer Fire Department has been called out half a
dozen times or more to extinguish grass fires.
Sept. 13: The Oswego Panthers open the 1962 football season with a doubleheader against
Kaneland this Friday evening on the local gridiron. Coach Ken Pickerill has 11 lettermen on the
varsity squad: Carl Angell, John Zahnen, Bob Nelson, Ken Wheeler, Mike Linden, Jeff Wheeler,
Verlin Boram, Rick Carlson, Bruce Smith, Bob Ash, and Jim Strope.
In an effort to eliminate the vandalism that has cropped out just before the annual grid games
between Yorkville and Oswego, the student councils of the two schools met Tuesday and
approved a resolution encouraging “competitive spirit when directed in a creative manner, but
this does not include the destruction of property…We hope this marks the beginning of a better
relationship between the two schools.
Sept. 20: Oswego Park District President Ralph Wheeler has announced the purchase of two
parcels of property between Jefferson Street and the Waubonsie Creek at the north end of Main
Street for a park and library site.
The area, approximately half a village block in size, fronts on the Waubonsie Creek for about
700 feet and contains rock formations that are both picturesque and of great geological value. It
is the only place where Tentaculites oswegoensis, the fossil remains of a snail-like creature that
lived about 400 million years ago, has ever been collected. The fossil is named for Oswego.
In addition to its educational geological value, the area is rich in historical value as it is a part of
Chief Waubonsie’s camp grounds, where the Pottawatomie Indians roamed before the white man
came.
Scenically, about a third of the property is situated 20 to 25 feet above the creek ravine, and it is
here that the new Oswego library will be built overlooking the rocky ledges and the Waubonsie
in both directions and directly at the north end of Main Street.
At a recent meeting the Oswego Library Building Association unanimously approved the site as
a home for the new library building, and the Oswego Plan Commission unanimously endorsed
the area as a combination park-library site. The property was purchased from James Zentmyer at
a cost of $10,000, which will be paid over a period of five years.
The Oswego Panthers earned a 24-14 win over Kaneland in their opening football game of the
season. Scoring for the varsity were receiver Tom Hood, quarterback Mike Linden, and running
back Verlin Boram.
Sept. 27: Karen Hafenrichter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hafenrichter, was named a National
Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist.
A meeting will be held at Oswego High School at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, for the
purpose of forming a Booster Club. All men in the community, regardless of whether they have
sons participating in sports or not are invited to attend.
Dear Editor:
With the loss of elm trees in the vicinity of Park and Jefferson streets, most of us have planted
young trees to replace this great loss, but now we are faced with another problem.
One day recently when I returned home, I was amazed to find my expensive 7-foot Crimson
King Red Maple had been broken off near the base and am wondering what East View School
boy might have deliberately done such a thing…My question is, “how are we to solve this
problem of destruction of personal property by school children?” Parents, how long has it been
since you have taken time to have a talk with your children on such subjects as this?
Leonard J. Hafenrichter
October -- 1962
Oct. 4: Issue missing
Oct. 11: Issue missing
Oct. 18: Lynette Dannenberg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Dannenberg, Route 34, has been
honored for her high performance on the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test given last
spring.
The Oswego High Football teams travel to Sandwich Friday night for a double bill against the
Indians in loop competition.
Lacy H. Cook Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Lacy Cook, Oswego, entered the National College of
Chiropractic as a first year student in Chicago.
A community program to wipe out polio will be launched by the Kendall County Medical
Society on Sunday, Oct. 21. Type 1 Oral Polio Vaccine will be given at Oswego High School
from 1-7 p.m. Some 56 percent of the county's population took advantage of the vaccination
opportunity, including 3,450 at Oswego, 2,232 at Yorkville, 2,400 at Plano, and 1,594 at
Newark.
Robert Rogerson, representative of the Bell Telephone Company, spoke to the Oswego Lions
Club on the Telstar communications satellite, the latest breakthrough in communications
technology.
Oct. 25: The annual Oswego High School Homecoming weekend begins on Thursday evening,
Oct. 26, with a snake dance and bonfire. Friday, Oct. 27, the high school will be dismissed at
1:45 for the homecoming parade. The parade will precede from the high school down Jackson
Street to Main Street, to Tyler Street, and back to the parking lot at the school.
A doubleheader grid card is set for Friday night as the Panthers tangle with the Plainfield
Wildcats.
Over 56 percent of the population of Kendall County, based on the 1960 census figures, took
advantage of the opportunity to receive the Sabin Type I polio vaccine last Sunday. Actual
figures showed 3,450 persons receiving the vaccine at Oswego High School, 2,282 at Yorkville,
2,400 at Plano, and 1,594 at Newark.
A clerical staff has gone over the petitions requesting that the Oswegoland area be accepted as a
part of the Aurora Sanitary District counting names and checking the validity of each. It has been
found that additional signers are needed for the petitions to fulfill the requirements of 50 percent
of the legal age voters signing them, and the signers must also constitute 50 percent of the
landowners in the proposed district.
An informed source has stated that the Illinois State Sanitary Water Board is impatiently marking
time for the residents of the village to get moving as raw sewage is being dumped into the Fox
River. If action is not taken in the very near future, it is probable that a suit will be filed by the
Sanitary Water Board against the Village of Oswego, as has been done in a number of
communities throughout the state. Such a procedure could result in a stiff fine as well as a
directive to do what we should be doing on our own.
November -- 1962
Nov. 1: The sanitary sewer situation in the village has not improved and the state sanitary water
board is marking time, a little impatiently, to see what the village board and the residents of the
community plan on doing to solve the present problem, which includes an overflow of raw
sewage into the Fox River. The state does not take kindly to raw sewage being dumped into the
streams, and a number of suits have been instituted against cities and villages in recent years that
have cost residents a great deal of cash and concern.
A suit could cost the taxpayers a large daily fine until the situation is cleared up, as well as a
court order to build new facilities.
The local fire department responded to two calls last week, the Ledger reported on Nov. 1.
Tuesday, they extinguished a kitchen closet fire at 35 Hampton Road, Boulder Hill. Friday, at
1:15 a.m. they were called to the Larson Gravel Pit on Route 34 about a mile south of Oswego.
Fire Chief Forrest Wooley has asked that persons burning leaves, trash, grassy areas, etc., on
these windy autumn days take extra precautions.
If the size of a football score is any reliable indication of success, Oswego High School hit a new
peak in its homecoming festivities last weekend as the Panther varsity buried the Wildcats from
Plainfield under an avalanche of touchdowns, with the final score being 53-13 in favor of the
Panthers.
However, the grid contests had stiff competition in the homecoming success story from parades
and pulchritude. Carol Cherry was crowned queen of the festivities with the announcement being
made during halftime of the varsity game on Friday night. Her court included Barbra Bell, Nina
Jericho, Kathy Johnson, Pam Petkus, and Jean Walker.
Verlin Boram was chosen as king with Carl Angell, Bruce Smith, Benny Thrall, Jeff Wheeler,
and John Zahnen as court members.
Nov. 8: Nan Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. George Smith, will be among the outstanding 4-
H Club members to attend the National 4-H Congress in Chicago Nov. 24-30.
Nan is a member of LaMenu Modelle and Oswego Future Stockmen 4-H clubs. She is also
junior leader of Merry Maids 4-H.
The Oswego varsity slogged through the rain to a 32-14 win over Lisle last Saturday and finished
up in second place in the Fox Valley Conference.
Oswego ended up with a season’s record of 7 wins and 1 loss, the lone defeat being a 7-6
decision at Yorkville. The Foxes took the Fox Valley championship.
On Wednesday, Oct. 31, Merle Fullmer and Russell Rendelman of the Illinois Office of
Superintendent of Public Instruction visited the Oswego school system.
At the end of the visitation, Mr. Fullmer and Mr. Rendelman discussed their findings with the
superintendent, principals, and school board members. They informed the administrators of their
findings as follows:
Commendations were given to:
1. Administrative staff, organization of staff, and record keeping.
2. Special services including EMH Room, school nurse, full-time guidance counselor for the
high school, part-time counselor for the junior high, foreign language instruction at the
elementary level, and language laboratory in the high school.
3. General level of staff training and competence.
4. Student morale and spirit, with special praise for junior high students working under adverse
conditions.
5. General maintenance of the buildings.
Those things reported as “not so commendable”:
1. Overcrowding. A teacher’s efficiency decreases as the class enrollment increases. The state’s
goal is 25 pupils per classroom. Only four of Oswego’s elementary rooms, K-8, have less than
30 pupils and none have as few as 25 per classroom.
2. Junior high program has no facilities for orientation of students in vocational subjects as
homemaking, shop, or art.
3. Library facilities of the junior and senior highs are inadequate.
4. Physical education for the girls is understaffed.
5. The offerings of shop, agriculture, and home economics need to be enriched and expanded
through home visitation and extension to include junior high pupils.
Nov. 15: A bake sale was planned Nov. 17 to benefit the Oswego Community Library
Association Fund. Members of the committee sponsoring the sale included Dr. Arthur DeVol,
Mrs. Adolph Schliwa, Mrs. Jesse Carpenter, Mrs. Ray Leifheit, and Mrs. Stanley Herren. The
sale earned $160.
A regular meeting of the Oswego Community Library Association Board members was held last
Thursday.
A set of preliminary drawings was presented by architect William Neil and various suggestions
and changes were considered.
Dr. Arthur DeVol, Mrs. Eleanor Herget and Mrs. Charlotte Herren will soon have a brochure
outline complete and ready for the printer. Upon completion of the brochure a vigorous drive for
the funds needed to construct the building will be undertaken.
The amount needed is approximately $35,000, of which $6,000 is already on hand.
The Fox Valley Conference, of which Oswego High School was a member, voted to raise
admission prices for all events. The new admission price was $1 for adults and 50 cents for
children.
Nov. 22: The Project Committee of the Oswego Community Library Association announced that
last Saturday’s bake sale for benefit of the new Oswegoland library building netted $160.
Two members of Boy Scout Troop 48, Douglas Yingst and Ray Corlette, received the highest
rank in Scouting recently, the Eagle award.
At the Oswego Village Board meeting, a request by the Oswego Community Library Association
to erect a sign designating the future site of the new building was granted.
In increase of $15 a month was granted on the village treasurer’s salary.
Oswego High School announced its list of high honors. Named were Karen Hafenrichter, Bonnie
Koukol, Nan Swanquist, David Lippy, Steve Parker, and Frank Wooley.
Nov. 29: Kendall County Sheriff Frank Willman announced that Victor Frantz of Yorkville has
been named to the post of Deputy Sheriff.
Frantz, 32 years old, has been a resident of Kendall County for the past 15 years. He is married
and the father of two children. He is well known throughout the Middle West for his exhibitions
of strength. He has been an instructor of a bodybuilding class of 30 men for the past seven years.
December -- 1962
Dec. 6: The Ledger urged area residents to check their vehicle registrations to make sure they
were registered in the right town and county. The Ledger noted that when cars were purchased in
Aurora quite often the wrong county and municipality were listed, costing local taxing bodies
state motor fuel tax revenues.
The petition requesting annexation to the Aurora Sanitary District of the Village of Oswego and
some of the adjacent subdivisions has been completed and filed with the attorney of the district.
An acceptance or rejection of the petition will be made some time within the next 30-60 days.
Dr. Curtis Bowman, one of the original investors in the Boulder Hill subdivision, and a Boulder
Hill resident donated an extensive rock collection to Boulder Hill School. All of the rocks
donated were native to Illinois.
Dec. 13: The Oswego School Board opened bids for a four room addition to East View School
on Dec. 10. Low bidder was Coffee and Coffee of Aurora at $37,723. The pluming bid was won
by F.J. O'Neil for $11,450, and the electrical bid was won by J.C. Electric of Aurora for $2,985.
It is expected that work will begin on the addition as soon as possible in the spring and that the
rooms, to be used for first grade classes, will be in use when the 1963-64 school year begins. The
addition will be paid for out of the regular building fund levy. The bids for the addition were
considerably lower than anticipated.
The Minooka Indians stood atop the Fox Valley Conference standings with a 2-0 record in the
young season. Oswego was sharing second place with a 1-1 record with Lisle, Yorkville and
Plainfield.
Dec. 20-27: the Panther varsity defeated Yorkville last Friday, 49-46, to gain a second place tie
in the standings with Plainfield. Each team is now at 2-1 in loop action. Minooka is undefeated
with three wins to hold the lead.
Mike Linden led Panther scorers with 17, Bruce Derksen had 13, Jim Dodson 12, Verlin Boram
10, Paul Kulbartz 5, and Butch Campbell 1.
1963
January
Jan. 3: At a recent meeting of Oswego Township officers, Ernie Spiller, 8 Woodcliff Drive,
Boulder Hill, was appointed to fill a vacancy on the town board of auditors created by the
resignation of Oscar Shoger.
East Aurora High won the four-team Holiday Oswego Wrestling Tournament held last Saturday,
with 93 points. Wheaton was second with 74 points, Oswego 60, and Mooseheart 58.
First place winners for the Panthers were Dave Eberhard and Bob Penman.
Jan. 10: The second annual meeting of the Oswego Library Association was held last Thursday
to elect trustees and discuss the new building. It was voted to add four members to the board of
trustees, increasing the number from 11 to 15. C.W. Clark and Earl Zentmyer, whose terms
expired, were reelected. New members elected were William Neil, Mrs. Jerry Smith, Mrs. A.K.
Bokman, and Ernest Spiller. Spiller and Mrs. Smith are from the Boulder Hill area, Mrs. Bokman
on Route 34 east of Oswego, and Neil from Riverview Heights.
Oswego’s varsity cagers strengthened their hold on second place in the Fox Valley Conference
last Friday night with a 51-49 win over Plainfield. This makes the season record 4-1 in loop
action, topped only by Minooka’s 6-0 record.
Jan. 17: The Hilltop Gardeners will meet Thursday Jan. 24, at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room of
the Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church.
Bob Plaskas, former Oswego High School wrestler, is one of the leading contenders for Big Ten
honors this year on the northwestern University Wrestling Team. Plaskas finished fourth in the
Big Ten meet last year as a sophomore. His season’s record was a sparkling 9-5.
Among the new books purchased for the Oswego Library were "Seven Days in May" by Bailey;
"A Study in Communism" by J. Edgar Hoover; and "Ship of Fools" by Porter.
Jan. 24: The annual meeting of the Oswego Community Bank was held on Jan. 21 at the bank.
The main order of business was election of directors for the year 1963. Those elected were S.F.
Bell, Homer Brown, John Cherry, Charles Lippincott, Everett McKeown, Myron Wormley, and
Earl Zentmyer.
Dr. Howard O. Koch, DVM, and Dr. J.D. Schlapp, DVM have invited Oswegoland residents to
an open house at the new River Heights Veterinary Clinic this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 26 and
27 from 2-5 p.m. each day.
The new clinic, located on Route 34 about a mile west of Oswego is of brick construction, a
40x80 foot bi-level, the first such ever built in the area specifically for practice of veterinary
medicine. The floors are terrazzo, there are three separate heating units with electronic filters to
prevent odors and cross contamination between wards, and isolation area, and public area. The
building is completely air-conditioned.
At the January meeting of the Oswego Plan Commission, a resolution was passé asking the State
of Illinois to add a pedestrian bridge on the Route 25 span that crosses Waubonsie Creek just
north of Oswego. This action was deemed necessary due to the large amount of children walking
along the highway at this point.
Officers were elected for the year with Ford L. Lippold, chairman; Joe Otto, vice-chairman; Lois
Drew, secretary; Lorane Peshia, corresponding secretary.
Other members include Stanley Herren, John Carr, Bruce McBride, Carl Smith, Jack Weis,
Charles Garrison, Harley Swanquist, Myron Wormley, Everett Hafenrichter, George Akerlow,
C.A. Lewis, Tom Serkowich, Alvin Hubbard, and Don Schroeder.
February -- 1963
Feb. 7: Three incumbents on the Oswego Village Board whose terms expire this year have filed
for reelection, Milton Penn, Ed Gilbert, and Floyd Foss.
Petitions are being circulated at the present time for Joe Otto, Vern Killian and John Buss, who
will oppose the incumbents for the positions to be filled for full four-year terms.
About 75 citizens met with the members of the Oswego School Board in the Community Room
Monday evening to go over plans for a proposed high school site and building.
George Akerlow, board president, presented, as the number one choice of the school board, a 40-
acre plot of the Frank Gerry property facing Route 71 across from East View School and
adjacent to the township highway garage.
The board presently has a one-year option on the 40-acre site with the purchase price of $2,500
per acre.
Ken Unteed, architect connected to the firm of Kelley and Berger, outlined a basic high school
unit that would be equipped to serve 600 students and would accommodate 700 in a pinch. He
went on to explain plans for various additions to the basic unit, which would eventually convert
it into a unit that would be capable of handling 1,500 students.
The cost of the basic unit, site purchase, and other incidentals connected with a bond issue was
set at approximately $1,255,000.
It is expected that a bond issue for purchase of the site and construction of the basic unit will be
presented to the voters in the next 60-90 days.
Feb. 14: Plans for an exchange student for the Oswego High School through the American Field
Service are progressing. At the close of the 1962 school year, the senior class left $650
earmarked for the fee a local group had to furnish the AFS for an exchange student.
The Oswego Council of Churches is working with the Aurora Council in organizing a religious
census for the purpose of discovering the unchurched and to try to relate them to a church in the
community.
Census workers will make brief calls on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 17.
The Oswego Varsity Grapplers took the Fox Valley Conference championship by two points last
Saturday. Oswego ended up with 102 points, Plainfield was second with 100 points, Minooka
third with 71, Yorkville fourth with 58, and Lisle fifth with 2.
Feb. 21: The Oswegoland chapter of the JayCees met last Thursday night and elected officers for
the newly formed organization. Don Hilt is president; Vern Killian, internal vice-president;
Rodney Anderson, external vice-president; John Campbell, secretary; Jim Turner, treasurer; and
Ken Bohn, Tom Ribble, Ron Silvius, Jack Curley directors.
Robert B. May, formerly with the Naperville National Bank and recently assistant manager of
the Mercury Loan Company, Naperville, has been added to the staff of the Oswego Community
Bank.
It was announced this week that a hearing will be held on the petition by Oswegoland residents
requesting the Aurora Sanitary District to annex the Village of Oswego and certain adjacent
subdivisions and lands.
The petition, signed by over 51 percent of the proposed area’s residents, will be heard on
Wednesday, March 20, at 10 a.m. in the Kane County Courthouse, Geneva.
Conferring the Eagle award on Martin Knoll, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Knoll, 42 Circle Drive
East, was a highlight of the Court of Honor held by Troop 48 of Boulder Hill recently at the
Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church.
Feb. 28: For several years now, the Oswego Community Library Building Association has been
quietly but steadily working to accumulate an amount of money sufficient for the construction of
a new building for the Oswego Library.
The building association is planning an all-out drive to quickly obtain the balance needed. One
committee plans to have someone call at every home in the Oswegoland area on the afternoon of
Sunday, March 10. it is hoped that every family will be able and willing to contribute at this
time.
Another committee will be calling on industrial leaders in the area during the next few weeks.
The Board of Education of Oswego Community District 308 met in adjourned session Monday
night and approved a resolution calling for a special election on Saturday March 23, for the
purpose of purchasing a new 40-acre site, at a cost not to exceed $100,000, and to construct and
equip a new high school, at a cost not to exceed $1,300,000 for construction and equipment, a
total bond issue of $1,400,000 against the taxable property of the district.
Dave Eberhard will represent Oswego High School in the Illinois State wrestling finals in Huff
Gym at Champaign this Friday and Saturday. This will be the second trip to the finals for
Eberhard. The 103-pound grappler has now run up a string of 25 wins during the current season
with no losses. This will be the eighth successive year that Oswego High School has been
represented in the state finals. Eberhard is the 20th grappler to take part in this action.
March -- 1963
March 7: Karen Hafenrichter, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hafenrichter, Oswego, is the
first Oswego High School student to ever be a finalist in the national Merit Scholarship
Competition.
Residents of the Oswegoland community will have an opportunity to vote for a new high school
and site on Saturday, March 23.
The new building is designed in a rectangular shape with classrooms on both sides of corridors
around the rectangle. The classrooms will range from 745 square feet up to 1,120 square feet in
area. Each classroom will have outside lighting.
The first unit of the new building will provide a homemaking unit of three rooms (one in the
present structure), three science labs compared to the present one; three commercial rooms (now
two). The library in the new building will contain 2,520 square feet compared to the present
1,180 square feet. Music rooms will provide both band and choral space instead of the present
combination room. Three shop areas will be provided and an arts and crafts room.
Physical education in the spectator gym is increased from 7,000 to 11,000 square feet. In
addition, there will be a stage at one end with an area underneath that will provide four teaching
stations. Seating will allow for 2,200 spectators, with additional seating on the stage, more than
double the present capacity.
The basic first unit will be so constructed that the building can be expanded to house 1,00
students at a future date and at a minimum of cost. Provisions will be made for plumbing, hating,
and electrical facilities aimed at future expansion.
The fundraising campaign of the Oswego Community Library Building Association will reach a
successful conclusion very soon, if the three-part program underway this week brings expected
results.
The building fund was given a huge boost last week when an individual, who wishes to remain
anonymous, made a donation of $500.
Oswego High School Principal Howard Smucker announced the following senior class award
winners: Bonnie Koukol, valedictorian; Karen Hafenrichter, salutatorian; Renard Biltgen,
citizenship; sherry Henderson, activity; Karen Hafenrichter, DAR; Verlin Boram, Gilmour and
sportsmanship.
April -- 1963
April 4: Ten students of Oswego High School will be inducted into the Oswego Chapter of the
National Honor Society on Monday, April 8, at 8 p.m. Students to be inducted are juniors Eileen
Gross, Mike Ode, and Diane Paydon; sophomores, Arlynn Hem, Dennis Melhouse, Steve
McBride, John Mang, Barbara Miller, Nan Swanquist, Gary Zoeller.
A hearing will be held Tuesday, April 9, at the Kane Court House, Geneva, at 2:00 on the
petition asking for annexation of the Village of Oswego and certain adjoining subdivisions and
areas to the Aurora Sanitary District.
Candidates running for Oswego Village Board in the upcoming election on the Independent
Party ticket were John Buss, Verne Killian, and Joe Otto. Wrote Killian in a campaign ad for the
three: I was born in Oswego, raised in Oswego, went to school in Oswego, and now live in
Oswego with my wife and 2-1/2 children at 96 Benton Street.
Said the party’s ad: “Vote the straight Independent Party ticket for your village trustees.”
Over 350 persons voted in the township and park district elections held Tuesday providing a vote
of confidence since all offices filled were uncontested.
Myron Wormley was reelected Township supervisor with a total of 348 votes. Kenneth Gowran
received 354 votes for Township Road Commissioner. Olive Campbell received 339 votes for
cemetery trustee.
In the park district election, Richard Young received 321 votes. Robert Kautz received 300
votes. Kautz, who resides at 9 Woodridge, Boulder Hill, is the only new officer elected. All
others were incumbents.
April 11: Bob Plaskas, a former Oswego High wrestler, was one of 11 Northwestern University
grapplers to earn varsity letters during the just-completed season.
Bob, son of Joseph Plaskas, 55 Adams, turned in one of the outstanding records in the nation. He
went undefeated through the entire season and captured the Big Ten championship at 123
pounds. Bob is a junior this year.
Three members will be elected to the Oswego village board at an election to be held Tuesday,
April 16, at Oswego Village hall.
Joe Otto, Verne Killian, and John Buss are running against incumbents Ed Gilbert, Floyd Foss
and Les Penn.
Two members will be elected to the board of School District No. 308 at an election to be held
Saturday, April 13.
One member is to be elected from the areas outside of Oswego Township, with incumbent
Clarence W. Clark being opposed by Paul Cannon. Both men reside in Bristol Township.
One member is to be elected from Oswego Township and incumbent Gil Jarman is running
unopposed.
The school board, under the unit system, is made up of four members from Oswego Township
and three members from the balance of the district composed of parts of Wheatland, NaAuSay,
and Bristol townships.
Polling places will be at Oswego Village Hall, Boulder Hill School, NaAuSay Town Hall, and
Wheatland School. A resident need not be a registered voter to cast a ballot in school elections,
but must fulfill the residency requirements of one year in the state, 90 days in the county, and 30
days in the district.
April 18: A number of wild flowers are in bloom at Waa-Kee-Sha Park at the present time,
including trillium, spring beauties, hepatica, false rue anemone, blue violets, yellow violets, trout
lilies, squirrel corn, crinkleroot, marsh bittercress, and others.
The well is being drilled and parents are asked to see that their youngsters stay away from the
well drilling rig.
The Oswego School Board met Monday night to canvass the votes cast in last Saturday’s
election and to form the board for the year. George Akerlow was named as president of the
board, and C.W. Clark was selected as secretary. Both men held the same positions previously.
Canvassing of the ballots showed that Clarence Clark received 257 votes while Paul Cannon Jr.
received 151 in the race for a member from outside Owego Township. Gil Jarman received 365
votes running unopposed from Oswego Township. Robert Gray received 22 write-in votes,
Walter Brill 11, Max Gibson 2, Richard Young 1, Paul Krahn 1, and Ralph Wheeler 1.
The results of the Oswego Village Board election held Tuesday, April 16, are as follows: Milton
Penn, 120; Joe Otto, 110; John Buss, 97; Floyd Foss, 96; Ed Gilbert, 90; and Verne Killian 68.
The three winners will now join present members William Crimmin, Henry McDowell, and Carl
Smith, along with President James Zentmyer.
Oswego firemen were called five times over the weekend; Thursday, grass fire on island south of
Oswego at 1 p.m.; Friday, grass fire at Rex Tyree residence, Route 71 south of Oswego at 1:30
p.m.; Saturday, barn on Herb Tripp farm, Minkler Road, at 2:30 p.m.; faulty furnace at 12
Briarcliff Road, Boulder Hill at 5 p.m.; Sunday grass fire in Boulder Hill at 2 p.m.
April 25: Seven Oswego High seniors have been announced as winners of Illinois State
Scholarships: Lynette Dannenberg, Karen Hafenrichter, Judy Asby, Bonnie Koukol, Renard
Biltgen, Bob Zentmyer, and Steve Drew. More than 18,500 seniors participated in the
examination.
“Twelve Angry People,” this year’s senior class play, will be presented in the high school gym
Friday evening, April 26. The cast is comprised of Steve Shult, Karen Hafenrichter, Verlin
Boram, Pat Freeman, Mike Brown, Janice Beck, Donna Vickery, Carl Angell, Ann Anderson,
John Tidd, Lynette Dannenberg, Reynard Biltgen, Bruce Smith, Robert Campbell, and Tom
Kulbartz.
The Boulder Hill Civic Association, through the medium of the Oswego Ledger, presents a
weekly news service for the residents of Boulder Hill beginning this week. The Boulder Hill
Civic Association page will include information on such timely subjects as club and organization
meetings, special events, elections for school, park, and township, and all other important items
that are of general concern to all residents of the Hill.
SUZANJOHN PARK CARETAKER
Jack Gates has again been hired to act as caretaker and law enforcement officer for SuzanJohn
Park by the Oswego Park District commissioners. The park is primarily designed for boys and
girls under 10 years of age; however, older youngsters may use the basketball area. No baseball
is allowed in the park as a safety measure for the little tots. No one should be on the park area
after dark. Boulder Hillites on the Oswego Park District Board of Commissioners are Glenn
McKittrick and Robert Kautz.
May -- 1963
May 2: The Oswego Village Board voted favorably on annexing the new 40-acre high school site
at a meeting held recently.
Bids for storm sewers and street improvements in Brookside Manor were opened and read, with
the contract going to E.R. Thom Co., Aurora, at $39,914.40.
A salary ordinance increasing the annual salary of village trustees to $300 was passed.
Two hundred and thirty-three trees were planted on Arbor Day by junior high students,
according to Principal Ralph Ross. A total of 47 students took part in the program, which was
made possibly through the cooperation of the Kendall County Garden Club and nearby nurseries.
May 9: The following girls were selected to represent Oswego High School as cheerleaders for
1963-64: Varsity: Sue Hundley, Jill Peterson, Diane Unick, Sherry Watt. Freshmen-sophomore:
Jenny Hood, Sue Kohler, Danielle Larson, and Linda Smith.
One hundred Oswego High School boys will present a gym show on Friday evening, may 17, at
8 p.m. in the high school gym.
The program will open with precision calisthenics headed by student leaders Lon Steckel and
Bill Kriegelstein.
On Saturday afternoon, May 4, several children on Boulder Hill were bitten by a stray dog. One
boy, David Stowasser, age 12, was severely bitten on the shoulder and taken to the hospital for
treatment. The dog was picked up by the Kendall County dogcatcher a few hours later and will
be held for observation.
The Boulder Hill Civic Association again reminds all Boulder Hill residents to keep their dogs
tied up. The county dogcatcher is to be working on the Hill the week of May 6. Dogs running
loose will be picked up and taken to the pound.
May 16: The Oswego Park District Commissioners named officers for the current year at last
Monday’s meeting, with Ralph “Deacon” Wheeler reelected as president. Glenn McKittrick was
named as vice-president. John Carr was appointed treasurer and Ford L. Lippold was appointed
secretary. Other members on the board are Richard Young, Robert Kautz, and Marguerite
Chrisse.
The Oswego Civic Cub announced they would be donating $400 to the Oswego Community
Library Building Fund.
Two new board members have been elected to take the places of the outgoing officers. Mrs.
Ralph Burkhart and Mrs. Jack Olson will replace Mrs. John Burkhart and Mrs. Ted Gerry.
District No. 3 Boulder Hill Civic Association Representative Howard Smucker has resigned due
to press of schoolwork and will be replaced by Robert Kautz, 9 Woodridge Drive. Mr. Kautz is
also one of the Oswego Park District commissioners.
Students to participate in the Oswego High School Gymnastics Show on May 17 are finalized.
Students Lon Steckel and Bill Kriegelstein will lead the group in calisthenics. A rope climbing
demonstration will be given by Dave Eberhard, Mike Ganz, Jeff Wheeler, Scotty Garrison, and
John Clark.
A group of special-skill events will be presented by Bill Kriegelstein, Rusty Peshia, Bruce Smith,
Roger May, Brad Jarman, Jim Dodson, Bob Chada, John Morley, Steve Smith, and Paul
Baumann.
The final event will be a weight-training demonstration by a number of students.
May 23: According to Trustee Les Penn, complaints were received after our last heavy rain, of
water backing up into basements. Mr. Penn feels the cause was storm water in the sanitary sewer,
and reminds the public that it is unlawful to have rain water discharging into the village sanitary
sewer pipes.
There is small doubt that there are violations occurring in the village, since back-ups invariably
happen during or right after heavy rains. Tracking them down is a more difficult matter, and
since some cases might be without the owner’s knowledge, Mr. Penn urges each householder to
examine his premises closely, and perhaps save his neighbor down the street a helluva mess in
his cellar the next time it pours.
Baccalaureate services for the graduating Class of ’63 will be held Sunday, May 26, in the high
school gym at 8 p.m.
The Oswego American Legion Post 675 Memorial Day Parade will assemble at the high school
at 9 a.m. May 30, be able to form the parade and move to the cemetery at 10 a.m.
After about two years of persistent work, the Boulder Hill Civic Association Safety Committee,
John Wolf, chairman, has persuaded the Illinois Highway Department at Elgin to install “No
Passing Zone” signs at the By-Pass 30 entrance to Boulder Hill.
May 30: Commencement exercises for the 77 Oswego High School seniors of 1963 will be held
in the gym on Friday, May 31, at 8 p.m. Salutatorian is Karen Hafenrichter. Valedictorian is
Bonnie Koukol. Award winners are Verlin Boram, Sportsmanship; Sherry Henderson, Activities;
Renard Biltgen Citizenship.
June -- 1963
June 6: The police report submitted to the village board by Officer James Vinson shows 53
arrests for traffic violations, and 22 other miscellaneous complaints handled during the month of
May.
Traffic arrests were responsible for collection of a total of $952 for the village of Oswego and
$155 for Kendall County.
Other complaints handled included vandalism, stolen property, dog bites, break-ins, burglaries,
etc.
The Boulder Hill Civic Association was warning that Kendall County was losing auto license
fees because Boulder Hill residents were failing to make sure they were registered in the Kendall
not Kane County. "Kendall County should be spelled out clearly as the place of registration of all
license applications made by residents of Kendall County no matter where the application is
made out," the association announced.
The Joliet Diocese announced that St. Anne's Mission in Oswego was now a new parish in
Kendall County. St. Anne's had been established as a mission of St. Mary's Parish in Plano.
June 13: The annual Oswego Days festival was set for Aug. 2-3, sponsored by the Oswego Lions
Club, the Nineteenth Century Club, the Women's Civic Club, the Oswego Jaycees, the Boulder
Hill Civic Association, and local businesses.
June 20: The Oswego Village Board approved a request by the Oswego Park District for release
of funds now being held in Site Purchase Fund. The money will be released upon termination of
present certificates of deposit.
A resignation was read and accepted from Police Officer David Kennedy, who has been on night
service.
It was moved and carried that the Law and Order Committee be authorized to purchase a new
squad car.
Bob Fennell, on behalf of the Oswego Festival Committee, requested use of certain streets for
kiddie rides, concessions, parades, and street dancing. Permission was granted providing kiddie
rides are not too large so as to block more than half of the street.
Parishioners of the new St. Anne's Catholic Church in Oswego were ready to welcome the
parish's new pastor, the Rev. Clifford Brier. A June 23 reception was set for Oswego High
School.
A new Baptist congregation was being established and was to hold services at East View School
in Oswego until they located their own building. Serving on the committee were Harley
Swanquist, John Gordon, Dan Kane, and Wilbur Gramley. The new church had called the Rev.
Thomas E. Corkish, assistant pastor at the Claim Street Baptist Church in Aurora, as the new
congregation's minister.
Oswego residents were urged to use the new "ZIP" [Zone Inter-Postal] code for the village
announced by the U.S. Postal Service. Oswego's ZIP Code was 60543. "With ZIP Code, a clerk
need only to glance at the code to know immediately to what national area, state, and post office
the letter is destined and to speed it on its way cutting hours and sometimes days off the time
between deposit and delivery," the Ledger reported.
The Boulder Hill Civic Association warned parents to keep their children from walking or riding
their bikes behind and through the fog released when fogging for mosquitoes. "Motorists are also
warned not to drive in the fog for visibility is limited and a child may be injured or even killed,"
the Ledger reported.
"From time to time, a tow-headed youngster has been riding his bike in both lanes of Boulder
Hill Pass in a dangerous manner in front of oncoming cars," the Ledger's Boulder Hill Civic
Association News page reported. "This has been taking place near the apartments. We appeal to
his parents to correct the boy's bike riding habits before he becomes another statistic."
June 27: A 160 acre parcel south of Oswego along the Fox River was transferred to the Oswego
Park District by the Illinois Department of Conservation after Gov. Otto Kerner signed House
Bill 397 into law. The area was planned to be developed over the next 10 years into a forest
preserve-type park area. "The extensive river frontage will offer numerous advantages to boating
and fishing enthusiasts," the Ledger reported. "The Department of Conservation has reserved a
part of the property for development of a low-level dam, which is part of the general Fox River
Development Plan from Ottawa to McHenry."
The Oswego Library Association plans to break ground for its $35000 library in 60 to 90 days,
according to an announcement by Ernie Spiller, publicity chairman.
Spiller said a recent contribution of substantial size has swelled the fund to $23000. Previous
donations of necessary equipment and material by two firms will reduce the building cost
balance to about $7,000.
Bids for the purchase of more than half of the $1400,000 bonds needed to build the new Oswego
High School will be opened July 1, according to Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber.
The purchase is for a total of $935,000 bonds with the balance to be purchased at a later date as
needed.
The school, to be located in the northeastern section of Oswego is scheduled for a September
1964 opening. The new school will consist of 26 teaching stations, three science laboratories,
and a gym with a capacity of 1,200. Additional facilities will be a language lab, expanded
library, resource centers, an enlarged cafeteria, improved shop, arts and crafts areas, and
guidance facilities.
July -- 1963
July 4: Boulder Hill residents awoke on Saturday, June 29, to find themselves without water. A
quick check by Civic Association President John Taylor with the Montgomery Water
Department revealed that they decided to change a valve, which was worn.
As a result of this incident and others that have occurred in the past the executive committee of
the civic association ill meet with the Montgomery Village Board to discuss our water problems.
The Sports and Social Club of Boulder Hill is presenting the 3rd Annual 4th of July Celebration.
Events include a children’s parade, water fight, and fireworks.
July 11: One of the many features planned for this year’s edition of the Oswegoland Summer
Festival will be a three hour disc jockey program originating over Aurora station WKKD from
the Main Street of Oswego. The program, emceed by Rusty Tym, will feature interviews with
people on the street, highlights of the two day festival, and recorded music.
Three members of the Executive Committee of the Boulder Hill Civic Association met with the
Montgomery Village Board on Monday, July 1, to discuss the water problem. It was found out
why the water was shut off on Saturday, June 29. In future cases (other than an emergency) the
water department will notify the Civic Association ahead of time, and they will try to get work
out to the residents via the public address system on their truck.
June 18: At the July meeting of the Oswego Village Boar it was decided to purchase Lot No. 1 of
Unit 1 of the George D. Smith Subdivision, Route 34, for Well Site No. 4, at a price of $4,000.
An ordinance was passed rescinding an ordinance calling for the closing of a portion of Ashland
Street.
It was moved and seconded that the village attorney C. Robert Ohse be authorized to proceed to
take the necessary legal steps to dispose of the present library building, since the board has
determined that it no longer serves a useful purpose.
Every rural mail box served by the Oswego Post Office has been given a new box number,
according to Earl McVicker, mail carrier.
Mr. McVicker has painted the new number on each box, and asks rural people to take notice of
the change.
July 25: Oswego High School Principal Howard Smucker announced the high school's faculty
had been filled out with a total of 30 instructors to start the 1963-64 school year. Staffers ere
Carol Kofarnus, Larry LaGow, Kathleen Malone, Bernadette Brejcha, Judith Miller, Doris
Thompson, Wayne Allen, Robert Olsen, Lowell Anderson, Herbert Reitz, Lewis Hankinson,
Gerner Anderson, William Prince, Warren hull, Phyllis Taylor, Charles Potts, Daryl Thompson,
Betty Jo Suhr, Clarence Fluegel, Allen Bard, David Babcock, Kenneth Pickerill, Reeve
Thompson, William Kontos, Sidonie Hylander, Dorothy Barnhardt, William Workman, Anne
Rockenback, James Aird, and Howard Smucker, principal.
August -- 1963
Aug. 1: Six Oswego students were among those receiving Teacher Education Scholarships in
Kendall County. Oswegoans winning the scholarships are Jean Walker, Susan Stowasser, Nina
Jericho, Guy Sands, Pat Freeman, and Diane Cherry.
The Fourth Annual Oswegoland Summer Festival will be held this weekend with activities
scheduled for both Friday and Saturday, according to Clifford Maddox, general chairman.
Almost all of the events will take place on Main Street.
The Rev. Kenneth Yingst of the Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren announced
plans to leave to become director of development for McPherson College in McPherson, Kan.
Yingst had l been the church's pastor since its founding.
All children who participate in the Oswego Festival Parade on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 3, will
receive a free Dari-Cone immediately after the parade is over. These cones are compliments of
the Dari-Boat and the Festival committee. Children should be in costume, in Scout uniform, have
a decorated bike, wagon, be riding a horse, etc.
Aug. 15: The annual Oswego festival netted $1,100 for the Oswego Library after all expenses
were paid.
Principal John Bednarcik announced the entire 26-teacher staff for East View School had been
completed.
Oswego's first foreign exchange student, Abide Arman, from Diyar Bakir, Turkey, was due to
arrive in Oswego. Arman would attend Oswego High School for the 1963-64 school year while
living with the Lester Bell family.
Oswego Junior High Principal Ralph Ross was estimating 350 students would show up for
classes on the first day of school.
Students will again be housed in the two buildings (Red Brick and white) in an arrangement
similar to last year. The staff of the junior high school will be increased from 14 to 16 teaches
this year. The prediction is that the student body will be 350 as against 310 last year.
It is expected that this yearly increase will continue and Oswego residents can be proud that they
have seen fit to provide a fine new high school, which will, upon completion, provide for moving
the junior high students into the present high school building.
Contractors’ bids on the new Oswego High School will be opened on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at a
meeting of the school board.
It is expected that the new school could be ready by the fall of 1964.
The Oswego Village Board voted to advertise for bids to extend the sewer on Ashland Avenue to
the new high school.
Aug. 22: Tickets were on sale by the Kendall County Republican Central Committee for their
"Salute to Dirksen Dinner" set for Saturday, Sept. 14 at Yorkville High School. U.S. Rep.
Charlotte T. Reid was scheduled to introduce Dirksen. "The dinner and program is designed to
bring the Republican Senator and Congresswoman from Illinois to Kendall County and enable
the citizens of the area to meet and discuss issues of concern," the Ledger reported.
The Oswego Panther Varsity Football Team, coached by Kenneth Pickerill, will open its season
on Friday, Sept. 13, playing at Marseilles.
This is the first year for the Panthers in the “Little Seven.” Other members of the loop are West
Chicago, Geneva, St. Charles, Kaneland, Mooseheart, and Batavia.
Within recent days, two animals in the Oswego area one wild and one domestic, showed positive
reactions for the test for rabies conducted by the Department of Public Health laboratory in
Chicago.
Aug. 29: At their Aug. 22 meeting, the board members of the Oswego Library Building
Association made final plans for the letting of bids for the new library building.
According to Architect William F. Neil, work will begin the latter pat of September or the first of
October, and be substantially finished this year. The structure will be Contemporary and brick
face. There will be one floor with a full basement, the northwest corner of which will open onto a
patio in the back, since the building will be situated on a slope.
The library will be on Jefferson Street and will face south down main Street, sitting back from
the curb about 30 feet. This means that the new building will go up on the west side of the little
house already on the property.
A total of 95 teachers had been hired by the Oswego School District for the 1963-64 school year,
the Ledger reported.
Scotty's Café at U.S. Route 34 and Ill. Route 71 was advertising their Friday Special, all the fish
you could eat for $1.
The Jerome Kern musical "Roberta" was set to open at the Boulder Hill Playhouse on Aug. 28
for a two week run under the direction of Lucille Goring.
September -- 1963
Sept. 5: The total low bid for the construction of the new Oswego High School, to be built on a
40 acre site along Ill. Route 71 in Oswego, was $1,215,845, the Ledger reported. Voters had
approved a bond issue in March to pay for the new school. Completion was set for Aug. 15,
1964. The new building was designed to house grades 10, 11, and 12, with the old high school on
Franklin Street housing seventh through ninth graders. "The Board of Education has authorized
the architectural firm to draw the plans and place the utilities in such a way that future additions
can be effected economically and still remain functional," according to school district
superintendent T. Lloyd Traughber.
A total of 2,203 students enrolled in Oswego's schools for the 1963-64 school year. Elementary
students totaled 1,361; junior high, 310; and high school, 532. The enrollment was 11.7 percent
higher than enrollment on the first day of school in 1962, 1,971 students.
Immediately following worship this Sunday, a congregational meeting will be held at the Church
of the Good Shepherd for the purpose of voting whether to build a new educational unit on the
present church property, Rev. Frank Minton said this week.
In the last four years, the church has purchased the two properties adjoining the main building on
the west. These have been converted into annexes and are presently being used for the pastor’s
study and the nursery, kindergarten, and primary departments of the Sunday School. Annex 2 is
also used five days a week for the Valley Haven School for Exceptional Children.
The proposal is to replace these two annexes with an enlarged unit more adequate to meet the
growth of the Sunday School and to provide good teaching facilities.
Sept. 12: An official ground breaking for the new Oswego High School on a site across Ill. Route
71 from East View School was set for Saturday, Sept. 14, at 9:30 a.m.
The Village of Oswego was advertising for sealed bids for the sale of the old Oswego Library.
The library had been given to the village in the will of former postmaster Lorenzo Rank dated
Oct. 6, 1908. The Nineteenth Century Club had operated a lending library in the building since
November 1911. Proceeds from the sale were to be used to help pay for the new library planned
for a site at Main and Jefferson Street.
Sept. 19: A letter from the Oswego Plan Commission recommended that Ashland Avenue be
extended to connect with Ill. Route 71 was read at the latest Oswego Village Board meeting, but
no action was taken, the Ledger reported. The board also reported that sewer and water lines
would be extended to the site of the new high school along Ill. Route 71. The village clerk was
authorized to advertise for bids for overhead flashing signals at U.S. Route 34 and Jefferson
Street and at U.S. Route 34 and Washington Street.
Sept. 26: Oswego officials warned village residents to use water only when absolutely necessary
because their newest well was out off service as was one standby well. The water shortage was
expected to last about a week until repairs could be made.
Jim Aird, counselor at Oswego High School, announced that two students had earned National
Merit Scholarship Finalist status. Steve Smith and Zael Lutz had earned the distinction during
the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test the previous March.
In a two and a half page article by Yorkville attorney C. Robert Ohse on behalf of the Boulder
Hill Civic Association, the question of incorporating Boulder Hill was examined at length. Ohse
recommended the BHCA appoint a committee to study three courses: Annexation to Oswego,
annexation of Montgomery, and incorporation.
October -- 1963
Oct. 3: Oswego Village Board Member William Crimmin reported a new pump was being
installed and that the village's water service should get back to normal within a week's time.
"Currently, the water for the village is being pumped by the old well in Washington Street, and
just enough is available to serve the minimum needs of the residents," the Ledger reported.
Oswego High School Principal Howard Smucker reported that 57 percent of the OHS Class of
1963 was enrolled in colleges, universities, or trade schools. Of the class's 73 graduates, 52 had
gone on to higher education.
Oct. 10: The 1963 OHS Homecoming Court consisted of Jim Dodson, Bob Nelson, Bill Fennell,
Bob Ash, Tom Hood, Mike Linden, Jill Peterson, Diane Unick, Sherry Watt, Bobbie Bennett,
Dede Shult, and Carol Wolf. The Panthers were due to play St. Charles for the annual
homecoming football game.
"A new candidate may be in the contest for Republican Party nomination for state senator from
the 58th District," the Ledger reported. "Robert W. Mitchler, aggressive civic leader in the
Aurora area, has been proposed by many citizens as a candidate for the area....Mitchler, who is
43 years old would bring a youthful candidate against the other two previously announced
candidates, incumbent Senator Merritt J. Little and Representative J. Lisle Laufer of Hampshire."
The Ledger reported that in a letter to the Oswego Village Board, Oswego Fire Chief Forrest
Woolley recommended, that with a new library under construction, the existing Oswego Library
building at 64 Main Street in downtown Oswego "be torn down or that extensive improvements
be made." Lorenzo Rank had built the structure in the 1870s as a post office. Upon Rank's death,
he deeded the building to the village for use as a library. The Nineteenth Century Club had
operated a lending library in the building for many years. The building is today the home of the
Ledger-Sentinel.
In other village board business, a letter was read from Oswego Township Supervisor Myron
Wormley asking the endorsement of the board for an effort to obtain a new post office for
Oswego. The board voted unanimously to support the effort. The post office was located in a
commercial building at the southwest corner of Main and Washington streets-now the location of
the Marmalade Tree.
Oct. 31: After bids were received for the new Oswego library, the library association board
found they were still short $5,000 to complete the building as planned and furnish it. The
association was contemplating asking for more community donations.
November -- 1963
Nov. 7: The Nineteenth Century Club will meet Nov. 7. The members will celebrate the 70th
anniversary of the founding of the club. Committee for the day: Eleanor Herget, Lucille
Hafenrichter, Margaret McLaren, Blanche Walla, Kay Neumann, Dorothy Friebele, Helene
Campbell, Fern Grate, with Lessie Woolley, receptionist.
At the October meeting of the Oswego Teachers’ Association, the following members were
installed by Past President Mrs. Helen Hutton: Mrs. Betty Cain, president; Mrs. Glenda Leigh,
vice-president; Miss Carol Ricketts, secretary; Daryl Thompson, treasurer.
In regard to the old library building to be sold on sealed bids; Building Inspector John Spang has
made the following recommendations, as has Fire Chief Forrest Woolley: If the building isn’t to
be torn down, it should have water and sewer installed; complete rewiring of electric service;
replacement of present roof with an approved roof; replace chimney; install a suitable heating
system.
In the event the second floor is to be used for any purpose, a second exit should be added.
“Look Who’s Laughing,” a three-act comedy, comes to the high school Friday and Saturday,
Nov. 15-16, presented by the Junior-Senior High PTA. This is really family fun, something
everyone from the very young to the very old will enjoy.
The cast, directed by Donna Lubbs, includes Judy Miller, Helen Hutton, Rachel Anderson, Jo
Ann Miller, Paul Smith, Jim Seidelman, Everett Hafenrichter, Sylvia Matile, and Bill Pettit.
Stage manager and prompter is Louise Seefeldt.
Progress on the new high school is on schedule in all phases of construction. Installation of the
water service has been completed, tested, and water is now being used on the site by the building
contractors. The sewer connection installation is about half completed. Temporary electric
service has been provided to the site and it is anticipated that permanent installation will be made
so that heating motors and circuits may be in use by the first of February next year.
The general contractors, Warren Brothers, have a full-time construction foreman on the site.
There is a 17-man brick laying crew working at the present time and at the current rate of
progress, a roof enclosing the academic wing of the building will be finished by the middle of
December.
Grading and terracing of the site, layouts of drive and parking area are being coordinated with
the construction of the building. Heating and electrical contractors are keeping pace.
Contracts for fixed equipment in the science and vocational rooms, gym, music room, cafeteria,
and offices have been approved by the school board and orders have been placed.
By virtue of Ordinance No 63-10, passed an approved by the President and Board of Trustees of
the Village of Oswego, Kendall County, Illinois, on the 3rd day of September 1963, the
President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Oswego proposed to sell the following
described real estate owned by the Village of Oswego, namely:
Lot 3, excepting the northeast two-thirds thereof, in Block 7, in the Village of Oswego, Kendall
County, Illinois,
Commonly known as “The Oswego Library Building,” which said building is used for library
purposes. Sealed bids for the sale of said property will be considered and opened at a regular
meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Oswego, to be held on December 2, 1963 at
8:00 o’clock P.M., Central Standard Time at the Village Hall, Oswego, Illinois.
Dated this 18th Day of October, A.D. 1963
DOROTHY H. BELL
Village Clerk.
Nov. 14: The Board of Directors of the Oswegoland Community library Building Committee
agreed last Thursday evening award the general contract for the new building to Stanley Young,
local contractor. The amount of the contract, which does not include the heating unit, is for
$28,926. It is expected that work will begin on the building as soon as possible.
Pending final release of all moneys pledged to the building fund by individuals, industrial firms,
and organizations, the association must still raise an additional $5,000 to pay the general
contractor and install the heating by completion date.
The High School Men’s Athletic Booster Club is sponsoring a Men’s and Women’s Style Show
Thursday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m. in the gym of Oswego High School.
The Jacqueline Shop, Oswego, and Alshuler’s Men’s Shop, Aurora, will display the very latest in
men’s and women’s wear.
Models for the show will include Miss Marlene Schliwa, Mrs. Patricia Spang, Mrs. Karen Heise,
Mrs. Kay Dudman, Mrs. Eileen Probst, Mrs. Kay Dickey, Miss Kathy Johnson, Miss Diane
Unick, Miss Linda Rusher, and Mrs. Anne Rockenbach among the women.
Men models will include James Shoger, James Detzler, Howard Smucker, Orville Blair, and
William Kontos, along with senior students Mike Linden, Tom Hood, and Jim Dodson.
Narrations will be given by Mrs. Jacqueline Pickerill, Jacqueline Shop, and John Meggesin,
Alshulers.
Two members of the Oswego Panther Varsity Football Team were named to the 1963 Little
Seven All-Star Team picked by the conference's coaches. Quarterback Mike Linden and end
Tom Hood received the honors. Mike Wheeler was voted a member of the second team, while
honorable mentions went to Lon Steckel and Bob Ash.
Boulder Hill Civic Association News
It was felt that most of the reckless driving on the Hill was being done by teenagers, but this
turned out not to be completely the case. On Saturday morning, Nov. 9, at 9:45 a.m., your
correspondent was almost run over on Boulder Hill Pass by a well-dressed mature (?) adult in a
black car doing about 50 miles per hour. How can we expect the young people to obey the laws
when adults flout them?
Nov. 21: At the November meeting of the Oswego Village Board, bids were opened for
construction of Well No. 4 at Routes 34 and 71, with Layne Western, Aurora, the low bidder at
$43,954. The next bid was $49,436 from Wheling Well Works Beecher.
It was decided to purchase a new pump for Well No. 2 on Washington St., in the amount not to
exceed $3,100. This would serve in case of emergency.
The building inspector recommended that the old Library Building, to be disposed of by sealed
bids on Dec. 2, receive extensive repairs if it is not torn down.
The opening basketball games of the season will take place on the Oswego High hardwood
Friday night with Newark as the opposition.
The opening five for the varsity will probably be Steve Parker and Jim Dodson at the forwards,
Bruce Derksen at center, Mike Linden at one guard and either Ron Weilert or Steve Carlson at
the other guard.
Other boys on the varsity will be John Mang, Mark, Norris, Ed Williams, Charles Ashley, Ray
Speerly, and Jack Weis.
Frosh-soph boys include Daryl Davis, Ron Ervin, Roger Poole, Dave Lippy, Bruce Shoger, Rich
Silvius, John Vanderlinden, Don Waters, Frank Wooley, Greg Wegner, Gordon Walker, Mike
Wellington, Tony Fitzpatrick, and Steve Bramhall.
Russ Corneils, president; Denny Collins, service manager; Ed A. Saelens, parts department and
his wife, from Oswego Implement Company, local Oliver dealer, will attend Oliver
Corporation’s “more from the Growing O” meeting at Exposition Gardens, Peoria, Tuesday and
Wednesday, Nov. 26-27.
Oliver’s new products for the 1964 season will be presented to dealers from throughout the
Midwest.
Nov. 28: Robert Mitchler, 43 year-old sales representative for Northern Illinois Gas Company
and aggressive civil leader in the Fox Valley area, this week announced his candidacy for the
Republican Party nomination as State Senator of the 58th Senatorial District in the April 14
primary election.
Mitchler will oppose the incumbent, Sen. Merrit J. Little, 62, of Aurora and Rep. J. Lisle Laufer,
68, of Hampshire. Little has served as state senator for 20 years, and Laufer has served the same
period as a state representative.
Both Oswego High School basketball teams play this Friday night, with Plainfield’s Wildcats
coming to the local hardwood.
The Oswego Panther Wrestling teams, varsity coached by William Kontos and frosh-soph
coached by Lewis Hankenson, list 47 boys this year in action. Both teams will see action at
Lincoln Way this Saturday.
The varsity, with eight seniors, is spearheaded by Dave Eberhard, 112, a senior who has
represented Oswego High School in the Illinois State Finals for the past two years. He was
second in the state in his weight class in 1961. Others on the varsity are Wes Robinson, 95; Tom
Houghtby, 103, Mike Weiss, 120; Brad Jarman, 127; Gary Evans, 133; Roger may, 138; Bill
Pranga, 145; Lonnie Steckel, 154; Mike Wheeler, 165; Steve Smith, 180; and Bob Penman,
heavyweight.
Frosh-soph starters include Steve Mather, 103; Harley Woodhouse, 112; Dan Miller, 120; Kent
Smith, 127; Gary Dannenberg, 133; George Ackley, 138; Jim Borneman, 145; Dick Foster, 154;
Bill Austin, 165; John Van Fleet, 180; and Jim Thrall, heavyweight.
Boulder Hill Civic Association News
Before every available piece of property of the Hill is sold for a home, let us set aside a piece of
centrally-located property for a future fire station. We think this is worthy of consideration and a
part of good community planning.
A total of 39.4 percent of Oswego High School seniors were named to the honor roll. Only one
student, Paul Baumann, was named to the high honor roll. Other honor roll recipients were
Bobbie Bennett, Cathie Boehmer, Sandra Cooney, Cindy Craney, Jennifer Gable, Jo Ann Green,
Eileen Gross, Durwood Hafenrichter, Joanne Heriaud, Tom Heriaud, Pat Jurgelonis Mary Keller,
Linda Kellogg, Linda Knoll, Ramon Kohler, Helen Koons, Sally Luettich, Roger May, Shirley
Miller, Janet Murphy, Sue Musselman, Patricia Myers, Robert Nelson, Mark Norris, Jerry
Parkhurst, Diane Paydon, Jill Peterson, Marna Quantock, Roxy Schlapp, Janet Schrader, Greg
Sellers, Karen Shoger, Deidre Shult, Shirley Silich, Patricia Smith, Steve Smith, Sheila
Thompson, Kris Tilley, Diana Unick, Dan Waters, Sherry Watt, Diana Wheeler, Carol Wolf, and
Jim Yuvan.
December -- 1963
Dec. 5: The Oswego village Board members opened sealed bids for purchase of the old library
building in Main Street Monday evening ,with William Miller Oswego, as the successful bidder
with an offer of $4,285. Al Shuler was second high bidder at $4,101, and Mrs. Lenore Schiewe
bid $3,650.
The money realized from the sale of the old building will be used toward the construction cost of
the new library building to be built on Oswego Park District property at the north end of Main
Street.
The Kendall County Board informally endorsed the possible formation of a Kendall County
Forest Preserve District. Petitions were being circulated to obtain the signatures of at least 500
legal voters in the county. County board member and Oswego Township Supervisor Myron
Wormley was one of the organizers of the effort.
Saturday, Dec. 14, is the day when all of the youngsters in the Oswegoland area will have an
opportunity to discuss their Christmas lists with Santa Claus. He will be in Oswego from 2-5
p.m. in the downtown area and will have a gift for each youngster who visits him, through the
cooperation of the Oswego Business Association and the Oswegoland Lions Club.
Special Notice
The Oswego Ledger will not be published on Thursday, Dec. 26, 1963 nor on Thursday, Jan. 2,
1964.
The next Oswegoland Roller Skating Party will be held at Electric Park on Thursday, Dec. 12,
with the rink reserved by the Oswego Park District for all Oswegoland residents.
The Oswego Panther basketball teams will travel to Kaneland this Friday for a pair of games, the
first for both schools in Little Seven competition. The Oswego varsity dropped its third game of
the season to non-conference foes last Friday as Plainfield squeaked out a 60-59 victory with a
pair of free throws in the closing seconds of the game.
Dec. 12: The Oswego High School Band and Chorus will present the annual Christmas music
program in the gym on Tuesday evening, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m. Both groups will be under the
direction of Reeve Thompson.
The program will feature the 60-piece band and the chorus of 110 voices.
The student council of Oswego High School is presenting a dance, “Holiday Heaven,” on
Saturday, Dec. 21, from 8:30-11:30 p.m. The dance will be held in the high school gym. an
excellent band from Northern Illinois University will provide music for this semi-formal
occasion.
The following members were elected as officers of the Boulder Hill Civic Association for the
1964 term: Anthony Susteric, president; W.W. Tanner, vice-president; Tom Serkowich,
secretary; G.W. Argue, treasurer.
A rumor filtered down our way that a construction start will be made on installing water and
sewers for the shopping center. Included in the plans is a food store and a drug store anticipated
to be completed during the winter.
Dec. 19: The Oswego Village Board approved a resolution promising that if the Oswego School
District acquired property owned by Dr. Sheldon Bell and improve the property to meet street
requirements and if the district would then dedicate the property to the village Oswego would
improve the land and extend Ashland Street from Garfield Street to Ill. Route 71.
Claims from homeowners on Garfield and Park streets were received by the village against Davis
Construction Company and Explosion Engineers, Inc. for damage sustained "due to wrongful
and negligent use of explosives" during work extending water and sewer mains to the new
Oswego High School site. The board directed the two companies to pay the claims before the
village would give full payment for the work done.
Still after victory No. 1, the Panther varsity cagers will try their luck against West Chicago,
another Little Seven foe. Last week’s loss to Sycamore, 72-60, made it six in a row for the
Panthers.
The long holiday vacation begins with the close of school this Friday with the students not
scheduled to return until after the New Year.
ADJ3 John Seidelman, son of Mr. and Mrs. August Seidelman, has arrived home for the
holidays. He is on a 14-day leave from the Naval Air Station at Alameda, Calif.
James Seidelman, on the other hand, will start a two week tour of duty at the Great lakes Naval
Training Station on Dec. 22. Jim is a student at the University of Chicago.
1964
January
Jan 9: K-6-3-3 System Planned for Schools: The Board of Education of Community Unit District
308, is meeting with the administrative staff of the local schools for the purpose of approving
school organization, curriculum offerings, staff needs and equipment necessary to carry out the
educational program for the district in 1964-65 and subsequent years. The Board voted to follow
a K6-3-3 plan for instructional purposes in 1964. The building plans for the new senior high
school were incorporated in this educational plan for instruction. At the beginning of the 1964-65
school term, the junior high school will include grades 7, 8, and 9. These grades will occupy the
present high school building. Grades 10, 11, and 12 will occupy the new senior high school, now
under construction. Grade school organization and attendance centers will remain the same as
they are at present.
Miss Abide Arman, Oswego High exchange student from Turkey, spoke at the January meeting
of the Nineteenth Century Club.
1964 Boulder Hill vehicle stickers were to be on sale soon. The voluntary stickers were a
fundraiser for the Boulder Hill Civic Association.
Jan. 16: William Miller was granted permission to connect the old library building [at 64 Main
Street] to village water and sewer. Miller recently purchased the property from the village.
Jill Peterson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Peterson, Oak Hill Drive, Oswego, was selected
as the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens Award, sponsored
by the Aurora Chapter of the National Society of the DAR.
Attorney C. Robert Ohse, Yorkville, has announced that he will seek the Republican nomination
for the office of State's Attorney for Kendall County in the primary election on April 14.
The Boulder Hill Civic Association discussed the possibility of more adequate police protection
in Boulder Hill. "A committee was formed to discuss this with County Sheriff Oliver Mundwiler
and the Sheriff's Committee of the Kendall County Board," the Ledger reported. "Ernest Spiller,
of the Association committee, reported that the hiring of an additional deputy for the sheriff's
office has been approved. A qualified man is being sought for the post and a new patrol car has
been purchased."
Robert Morgan, an organizer of both the Boulder Hill Civic Association and the Boulder Hill
Sports and Social Club, wrote to the BHCA suggesting the sports and social club should merge
with the BHCA, and be reformed as a committee to handle social and sports activities in Boulder
Hill. The sports and social club board, however, opposed the action, and the BHCA referred the
issue to committee.
A new club is being organized on the Hill for the study of antiques. Anyone interested should
call Mrs. Bernice Clouse, TW7-0062. [The club became today's Boulder Hill and Oswego
Antique Study Group.]
Jan. 23: Bob Plaskas, son of Joe Plaskas, Oswego, is co-captain of the Northwestern University
wrestling squad this year...Bob was undefeated last year alternating in the 123-pound and 130-
pound class...Plaskas, a graduate of Oswego High School, will be remembered as one of the best
wrestlers ever turned out by Coach Ken Pickerill.
On Sunday, Jan. 26, the congregation at the Church of the Good Shepherd in downtown Oswego
were set to vote on what style education building to construct on the lot immediately west of the
landmark building. The choices were an exposed aggregate Gothic style structure or a modern
flat-roofed brick building. Either one would be detached from the church itself.
Jan. 30: Under the headline "Oswegoans spearhead Wheaton College Wrestling Team," the
Ledger reported that "Two Oswego High School products, Tom Jarman and Denny Hastert, are
wrestling this season for the Wheaton Crusaders. Captain Jarman holds down the 157 lb. spot,
and Hastert is the Wheaton heavyweight. Jarman, the 1963 NCAA College-Division champ, has
been better than ever this season. Both Jarman and Hastert earned Little All-State honors in
football during the 1959 season at Oswego. Jarman at quarterback and Hastert at tackle have
continued their grid careers at Wheaton.
February -- 1964
Feb. 6: The Oswego School District was seeking bids on a four-classroom addition to Boulder
Hill School. Construction was expected to be completed in time for the opening of school in the
fall.
Todd Drew and Mary Lou Weiss earned superior honors on the eighth grade honor roll, as did
seventh graders David Poker and Tony Riley.
Feb. 13: The OHS Panther Wrestling Team earned its first Little Seven Conference Tournament
Championship, scoring 89 points to St. Charles' 73 points. First place winners included Eave
Eberhard, Kent Smith, Roger May, Mike Wheeler, Steve Smith, and Bob Penman.
Led by senior center Bruce Derksen, the OHS Panther cagers won second place in the Little
Seven with an 82-80 win over Batavia on the OHS home court. Derksen hit 10 field goals and
one free throw to lead the Panthers' scoring.
In his monthly report, Kendall County Sheriff Oliver Mundwiler reported 19 traffic accidents
and one person committed to the state mental hospital at Elgin.
The Boulder Hill Civic Association board discussed the problem of vandalism at SuzanJohn Park
in Boulder Hill. The board also discussed the subdivision's water supply. "If future plans call for
more homes and the shopping center, we could be in trouble with our one and only 8-inch main
from Montgomery," the board noted.
Feb. 20: The Ledger announced a special election would be held during the upcoming March
primary to create a county forest preserve district. More than 500 county residents signed
petitions to get the issue on the ballot. "A forest preserve district on a county level would provide
an agency that could accept suitable lands for development as forest preserve areas as bequests
or gifts. Several good pieces of land in this county have gone into private hands because such a
legal organization was not in existence," the Ledger reported.
The Boulder Hill Neighborhood Church of the Brethren announced a series of four Sunday
evening programs titled "The Christian in Boulder Hill-In politics, race relations, juvenile
delinquency, alcoholism, and the morals of our teenagers."
A legal notice in the Ledger announced that bids were being received for the purchase of the
Church School property at Heggs and Ferguson roads in Wheatland Township. The school had
been the district's last one-room building in use until it closed approximately four years earlier.
Feb. 27: Kendall County Civil Defense Director Clyde Phillips announced that Oswego High
School had been surveyed and licensed as a public fallout shelter, and had been stocked with
food, water, medical supplies, radiological instruments, and sanitation supplies. However,
Phillips noted there was only space for 129 persons in the shelter. "Due to the limited number of
buildings in Kendall County which can provide fallout shelters, it is evident, Mr. Phillips
advises, that families must make provision to protect themselves," the Ledger reported.
March -- 1964
March 5: A public meeting was set for March 9 at Oswego High School to discuss Oswego's
requested annexation into the Aurora Sanitary District.
The Hilltop Gardeners endorsed establishing a Kendall County Forest Preserve District in the
upcoming referendum scheduled for the March primary election.
March 12: U.S. Navy Commander Slade Cutter, a decorated World War II submarine
commander and commander of the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, spoke at Oswego
American Legion Post 675's annual birthday dinner.
Some 275 area residents attended the public hearing on Oswego's annexation to the Aurora
Sanitary District.
The Boulder Hill Civic Association reported that a Boulder Hill resident, Thomas Usry, had been
hired as the newest Kendall County Sheriff's Department deputy. The county board approved the
new deputy and a new squad car, in part, to improve police protection in Boulder Hill.
County officials announced they would soon begin towing autos parked on Boulder Hill streets
with 1963 or older license plates. "Legally they are considered as abandoned cars blocking a
township road," the BHCA reported.
March 19: Oswego Township Supervisor Myron Wormley, the township's representative on the
Kendall County Board, addressed the Boulder Hill Civic Association, asking for the
organization's support for the upcoming forest preserve referendum. The board did so at their
next meeting.
March 26: Hundreds of dollars in damage was done to equipment in the gravel pit on Ill. Route
25 just north of Oswego, apparently by juveniles shooting the equipment with .22 cal. Rifles and
air guns. "Parents of youngsters owning and carrying .22 caliber rifles and air guns are urged to
check on the activities of these youngsters and to inform them of the possible consequences of
their acts," the Ledger reported.
The Oswegoland Jaycees were ready to start on construction of a covered shelter at Waa-Kee-
Sha Park. The proposed 60x20 open air building was to be ready for summer use.
April -- 1964
April 2: High honors at Oswego High School for the third nine week period went to Kris Tilley,
David Lippy, Frank Wooley, and Beth Nelson.
April 9: Contributors to the Oswegoland Community Library Building Fund were eligible to
have their names sealed in the new building's cornerstone. The new library was under
construction at Main and Jefferson streets in downtown Oswego.
Due to a lack of acceptable bids, the Oswego School District decided to ask the Will County
Board of School Trustees to set a new date, April 25, 1964, for the sale of Church School in
Wheatland Township. "It is of brick construction with a full basement, fireplace, hardwood
floors, and tile roof," the Ledger reported. "The grounds consist of one-plus acres on a lot
200x226 feet. There are shade trees and ornamental shrubbery on the grounds."
April 16: The proposition to create a Kendall County Forest Preserve District was approved by a
2-1 margin in balloting, 2,935 yes to 1,416 no votes.
The Dari-Boat on South Main Street, Oswego, was advertising their Burger Boat, completed
with hamburger, French fries, and a root beer for 50-cents.
April 23: The Oswego High School senior class play was "The Diary of Anne Frank," starring
Jennifer Gable, Greg Sellers, Cathie Boehmer, Ed Reeves, Bob Penman, Bobbi Bennett, Sue
Musselman, Bill Swanquist, Sherry Watt, and Ray Speerly.
April 30: The Ledger reported that spring wildflowers in bloom at Waa-Kee-Sha Park included
spring beauties, crinkle root, trillium, trout lilies, bellwort, swamp buttercup, hepatica, wild
ginger, Virginia bluebells, blue violets, smooth yellow violets, rue anemone, false rue anemone,
and several others.
May -- 1964
May 7: Boulder Hill resident Greg Sellers was named valedictorian of the Oswego High School
Class of 1964. Salutatorian was Paul C. Baumann of Oswego. The Class of '64 was the first class
to graduate from OHS with more than 100 members and was the last class to graduate from the
old high school [now Traughber Junior High]
Plans call for the laying of the Oswegoland Community Library cornerstone Saturday afternoon,
May 16, at 2 p.m. This ceremony will, of course, take place at the library site and any interested
persons are invited to attend.
The building committee is in hopes the new building will be ready for occupancy by June 1,
according to Earl Zentmyer, president.
“Rhapsody in Blue” is the theme of this year’s junior-senior prom, to be held Saturday evening,
May 9, in the gym. The prom court includes Jennifer Gable, Abide Arman, Dede Shult, Diane
Unick, Christine Wheeler, and Sherry Watt. Also, Bob Ash, Jim Dodson, Bill Fennell, To Hood,
Bob Nelson, and Mike Weiss.
Sophomore servers include Judy Fox Coral Williams, Peg Stone, Pam Smith, Virginia Penman,
John Vanderlinden, Rick Silvius, Neal Shoger, Danny Williams, and Mike Murphy.
On Sunday the congregation of the Church of the Good shepherd voted to accept plans for a new
educational unit. The plans have been developed by O. Kleb & Assoc., an architectural firm from
Aurora. The building, 60x52 feet is a two-story masonry structure and will be located just west
of the church on Washington Street on areas now occupied by Annexes 1 and 2. Total estimated
cost of the building is $60,000.
May 14: Rooms, apartments, and some houses are needed for single and married teachers who
will be in the Oswegoland school system net year. A number of them are needed now.
Oswego Village Board members voted to issue a temporary B-2 permit for the old library
building to William Miller is repairs are approved by the board.
A salary increase of $200 a year was voted for the village attorney, C. Robert Ohse of Yorkville.
L. Frederick Johnson was appointed thistle commissioner for the 1964 season.
A salary increase of $15 per month was voted for Police Officer James Vinson.
The people of the village of Oswego have a vital decision to make when they go to the polls on
June 1, 1964 to approve or reject a bon issue to construct a new sewage treatment plant for the
village of Oswego. State health officials deemed the current system “organically overloaded.”
This overload exceeds 200 percent. The new sewage treatment plant, if approved by the voters,
will be constructed on the same site as the old plant. The new plant is designed to serve 2,500
people at a total cost of $143,000 and is so designed that it can be enlarged at a later date if
necessary. The amount of the bond issue is set at $100,000. The remaining $43,000 needed to
complete the project may be obtained from the federal government as an outright grant.
"A number of windows have been broken out of the Little White School and at the Red Brick
School recently, with sling shots and other missiles," the Ledger reported. "Such vandalism is
costly to all taxpayers. Parents should feel a strong responsibility to see that their youngsters are
taught a regard for public property."
All residents of Oswego Township are entitled to use the dump area located south of the village
of Oswego free of charge during the hours it is open, provided they abide by the rules. Residents
may be required to identify themselves and prove residency by the man in charge.
Boulder Hill Civic Association members supported building a paved road linking the subdivision
with Douglas Road. The only roads entering Boulder Hill were off U.S. Route 30 and Ill. Route
25.
May 21: The cornerstone of the new Oswego Library in downtown Oswego, on the bluff
overlooking Waubonsie Creek, was laid Saturday, May 16.
Oswego village officials noted that since a judge objected to Oswego's annexation to the Aurora
Sanitary District earlier in the spring, Oswego needed a new sewage treatment plant. A June 1
referendum was set to ask for funds for the new plant, $100,000. An additional $43,000 was
expected to come from a federal grant. "If further delay results, the State Sanitary Water Board
has threatened suit against the Village because of the ever-increasing health and pollution
hazards," the village reported.
Scotty's Café at U.S. Route 34 and Ill. Route 71 in Oswego was advertising an all-you-can-eat
Friday fish fry for $1 per person.
Denney's Supermarket in downtown Oswego advertised pot roast for 29 cents a pound and fresh
sliced bologna at 39 cents a pound.
At the May meeting of the Boulder Hill Civic Association, based on the report of the special
projects committee headed by John R. Taylor, it was agreed that no attempt would be made this
year to spray for mosquitoes. The committee found there was a lack of interest on the part of too
many Boulder hill residents.
May 28: Monday, June 1, residents of the village of Oswego have a vital decision to make
between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. During this time, the polls are to be open and ballots
marked to either approve or reject a bond issue to construct a new sewer treatment plant for
Oswego. The village of Oswego must have adequate sewage treatment now. If further delay
results, the state of Illinois Sanitary Water Board has threatened suit against the village because
of ever increasing health and pollution hazards.
For the first time in school history, more than 100 seniors were ready to graduate from Oswego
High School during ceremonies on May 29. Speakers were to include valedictorian Greg Sellers;
salutatorian Paul Baumann, Sportsman Ship Award, Jim Dodson; Activities Award, Steve Smith;
Citizenship Award, Diane Paydon. A total of 104 seniors graduated.
The Boulder Hill Sports and Social Club was sponsoring their annual Memorial Day Celebration,
including pony rides, games, and free refreshments.
June -- 1964
June 4: Oswego residents voted "yes" on the proposal to enlarge and modernize their sewer
plant. The State of Illinois had demanded the improvements, which were to cost $100,000. The
vote was 245-12
Two Boy Scouts from Oswego Troop 31 earned their Eagle Scout badges, Gary Dannenberg, and
Jack Weis. Both boys started scouting with Cub pack 531 more than six years ago.
June 11: The Oswegoland Jaycees began erection of a 20x60 foot open air shelter at Waa-Kee-
Sha Park last Saturday. The group, under the chairmanship of Ron Silvius, intend to work on the
building each weekend until it is completed. When finished the building will be available to
Oswegoland families and organizations for picnics on a first come, reservation basis. Several
reservations have already been made.
built a shelter at Waa Kee Sha Park. Use of the 20x60 foot open building was available to all
park district residents free of charge.
Jessie Hessie’s Kopper Kettle restaurant at the southeast corner of Main and Washington streets
in downtown Oswego was advertising their weekly Friday fish fry for just $1.
June 18: School superintendent T. Loyd Traughber announced that more than 75 students are
taking classes in the 1964 summer school.
Any persons, organizations or businesses, talent of all kinds, etc., wishing to take part in the
annual Oswego Days Parade to be held Saturday, Aug. 1, at 2 p.m. should please notify Ray
Leifheit, Harry Fuller, or Clare Smith, or call the American Legion Home after 3 p.m.
June 25: Organizers announced the annual two-day Oswegoland Festival was to be held Friday
and Saturday, July 31 and Aug. 1, according to committee chair Chuck Shuler.
Books and other materials from the old library building at 64 Main Street in Oswego were
moved to the new library at Jefferson and Main. The library closed June 27 for the move and was
scheduled to reopen in early July.
July -- 1964
July 2: Oswego Village Board members let a bid of $24,490 to N.S. Abens Construction of
Aurora to build Well House No. 4 at the intersection of U.S. Route 34 and Ill. Route 71.
The new shelter building at Waa-Kee-Sha Park built by the Oswego Jaycees, is now available for
family reunions, group picnics, etc. Reservations may be made with Park Superintendent Ford L.
Lippold. There is no charge, but each group is responsible for clean-up.
The Boulder Hill Sports and Social Club is completing plans for their 4th Annual Independence
Day Celebration.
River Heights Veterinary Clinic in Oswego is among the first in this area to procure the new
portable veterinary oxygen outfit, according to Howard Koch. Principal use of the unit will be
for treating pneumonia, shipping fever, and to assist in clearing out birth congestion in newborn
pigs, calves, and lambs.
July 9: The Kendall County Sheriff's Department added a second telephone line, connected
directly to the sheriff's office in the Kendall County Courthouse. The sheriff's old phone line was
connected to the sheriff's home.
Seven graduates of Oswego High School are recipients of Teacher Education Scholarships. They
are issued to students in the upper half of their graduation classes and who plan to attend college
with intention of becoming a public school teacher. The scholarship exempts the holder from
payment of tuition for four school years.
Student winners are Sue Musselman, Shirley Silich, Cindy Craney, John Morley, Patricia Smith,
Sherry Watt, and Sally Luettich.
July 16: The interest in the tennis courts at the Red Brick School as expressed by residents was
good. The courts are now being cleaned up and the lines painted. One court at least will be ready
for play by Friday evening. The nets will be left up all of the time.
Construction on the new high school building on Ill. Route 71 in Oswego was reported on
schedule by Warren Brothers Construction. An Aug. 1 completion date was anticipated.
Douglas Moews of Greggsville, Ill., was appointed the new principal at Oswego High School,
replacing Howard Smucker, who resigned to work with Western Illinois University.
Ron Silvius, chairman of the Jaycees committee for the erection of the shelter at Waa-Kee-Sha
Park, drove home the last nail at 3:30 last Saturday afternoon to climax six weekends of work by
members of the Oswegoland organization.
July 23: The new Kendall County Forest Preserve District pronounced itself ready to receive
gifts of land. The district was formed April 14 by a voter of 2,935 to 1,416. The district's
commissioners proposed acquiring natural lands "while they are still available."
Don L. Dise announced the first businesses had signed leases for store spaces in the new Boulder
Hill Market on Boulder Hill Pass. Gromer Supermarkets, Grimm's Drug Stores, and a barbershop
called "The Yankee Clipper" were the first tenants.
July 30: All members of the little league program sponsored by the Oswego Park District were
invited to attend a trip to see the Chicago White Sox play at Comiskey Park in Chicago on Aug.
7.
August -- 1964
Aug. 6: Oswego school officials were predicting an enrollment of about 2,400 students for the
1964-65 school year. Two elementary schools were in operation for kindergarten through sixth
grade, Boulder Hill School with 23 rooms including the four new rooms under construction, and
East View School in Oswego.
The Oswego Plan Commission was reviewing a preliminary plat of Unit 14 of Boulder hill
submitted by Don L. Dise, Inc., consisting of 107 lots located south and west of the Boulder Hill
Neighborhood Church of the Brethren and Boulder hill School on an extension of Circle Drive
West and Codorus Road.
The Oswego Park District was planning a trip to Comiskey Park on Aug. 7 to see the White Sox
play.
The Oswego Plan Commission completed a report on parking in the village's downtown and
submitted it to the village board for study.
The August meeting of the Boulder Hill Welcome Wagon Club was a theatre party at the
Boulder Hill Playhouse.
A study was underway by the Chicago planning firm of Carl L. Gardiner and Associates for a
long range land use plan for Kendall County. The Ledger said the plan would be similar to the
one completed by Oswego some years previously. "Oswego's plan came into being due to the
foresightedness of many local residents who saw a rapid growth beginning in the area a decade
ago and knew that only intelligent use of the land space would govern an orderly development of
residences, business, industry, and other land uses," the Ledger noted.
Aug. 13: A new Boy Scout troop, Troop 63, was being formed in Oswego under the direction of
scoutmaster Herb Squier.
Petitions were being circulated to establish an Oswego Township Library District. The petitions
called for a special election on the issue to be held Nov. 3.
Aug. 20: A tour of the new Oswego High School under construction on Ill. Route 71 was
planned for Aug. 27. The school was due to open at the start of the 1964-65 school year and
house grades 10, 11, and 12. In other school news, starting time at all buildings was 8:30 a.m.
and dismissal time was 3:30 p.m.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Oswego Presbyterian Church's new building on Ill. Route 25
north of Oswego was set for 4 p.m. Aug. 23. Cost of the new building was estimated at
$270,000.
September -- 1964
Sept. 3: The groundbreaking for the Church of the Good Shepherd's new educational building on
the lot adjacent to the church was set for 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6. The new building was
designed to provide facilities for the church's Sunday school and office as well as Valley Haven
School for special children. Contractor for the building was Stan Young of Oswego.
Sept. 10: Oswego's schools opened with a record enrollment of 2,309, an increase of 78 students
above the previous year. The new principal at Oswego High School was Doug Moews, who
replaced Howard Smucker at the helm. School guidance counselor was Jim Aird.
A financial report on the 1964 Oswegoland Summer Festival shows net proceeds of over $1,400,
with half of that amount going to the new Oswegoland Library and the other half to the Valley
Haven School for Exceptional Children.
Any flower enthusiasts in the community who have any extra spring flowering bulbs such as
crocus, snow drops, grape hyacinth, aconite, chiondoxas, squills, daffodils, and narcissus can be
of service to the comm. Unity by donating them to the Oswego Park District for planting at the
new Oswegoland Waubonsie Park site, home of the new Oswegoland Library building.
Reverend Francis L. Filas, S.J., chairman of Loyola University's Theology Department, will
speak at an open house, to be held in the Oswego High School gym on Friday, Sept. 11, at 8:30
p.m. His subject, which should be of interest to all parents, is "Sex Education of Children for
Parents."
Lillian Fernandez, an American Field Service student from San Jose, Costa Rica, is making her
home with the Oliver Hem family on Wolf Road. Lillian may be invited to spend time in homes
in the community as well as appear and speak before any group, although the American Field
Service specifies that no speaking engagements may be made after the end of April.
Sept. 17: Mrs. Carlton Friebele, an employee of the Oswego Community Bank, was notified this
week that she is the winner of the grand prize in Nation-wide contest sponsored by the Bank of
America. Mrs. Friebele wins as her prize a two-week Pacific Holiday for Two.
The Oswego Panther Varsity and Soph teams go into action Friday evening, Sept. 18, on the
local gridiron against Marseilles.
The county chairman of the "Citizens for Goldwater," Myron Wormley, has announced that he is
being assisted by a number of citizens and that co-chairmen for Oswego Township are Dr.
DeVol, Oswego, and David Kennedy, Boulder Hill.
Residents of the Oswegoland area are reminded of the vote to be held on the new Oswegoland
Library on Election Day, Nov. 3. The dedication date for the new building is set for Sunday, Oct.
18. The library is currently open for use by the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Books are
being place on the new shelving as rapidly as possible.
Sept. 24: The Oswego High School varsity and sophomore gridders travel to Geneva on Friday
evening. Oswego lost its opening game to Marseilles last Friday, although the sophomores easily
bested their foes.
October -- 1964
Oct. 1: The Oswego Lions Club announced their annual Lions Candy Day for Saturday, Oct. 10,
to benefit the blind.
Deposits at the Oswego Community Bank reached over the three million dollar mark. "This
shows a healthy and steady growth in the Oswegoland bank in the five years it has been
organized," the Ledger suggested. "The Oswego Community Bank is unique in the fact that it
has over 200 local stock holders. It is truly a community bank in the broadest sense of the word."
John Bednarcik, principal of East View School, is attending the fall conference of the Illinois
School Principals' Association in Peoria.
Oct. 8: The new Oswegoland Senior High School will be dedicated on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 8,
the first day of American Education Week. Ray Page, State Superintendent of Public Instruction,
will be the principal speaker.
A few thoughtless people have been dumping refuse outside of the designated areas at the
Oswegoland Dump. Residents are hereby notified that persons who dump any kind of materials
anywhere but in the designated areas will not only be ordered to clean up the mess, but will be
taken to court and fined. The fine for such an offense is not less than $25 nor more than $100.
The Boulder Hill School will be flying a flag which has previously flown over our national
capitol in Washington. This flag was secured by the Civic Association through Rep. Charlotte T.
Reid, and will be dedicated in special ceremonies at the school on Sunday Afternoon, Oct. 11 by
Mrs. Reid.
Oswego High School Homecoming activities were set for Oct. 16-17. The annual parade was to
march from the Oswego Junior High parking lot down Jackson Street, Main Street, up Tyler
Street and ending back at the junior high. The Panthers were set to play the Kaneland Knights.
The homecoming dance was set for the new high school cafeteria on Saturday evening.
Admission was $1.25 for singles and $1.75 for couples.
Oct. 15: The Oswego Park District announced Waa-Kee-Sha park would be closed weekdays
starting Oct. 19 and would remain open weekends until the weather forced it to close for the
season.
The dedication ceremony schedule for the Oswegoland Library, set for Sunday, Oct. 18, was
announced. The Oswego High School Band, under the direction of James Felts, was to open the
ceremony followed by a flag dedication by Janet Bolin, Kathy Doty, Jeff Harvey, and Mike
Conover, who were representing the youth of the community. The invocation was scheduled to
be given by Woodrow Wooley, pastor of the Oswego Presbyterian Church with a welcome by
Earl Zentmyer, president of the Oswegoland Library Association. C.W. Clark, a member of the
library board, was set to introduce the speaker, Neil Hurley, head of Thor Power Tool Company,
Aurora. Zentmyer was then scheduled to present the building's keys to William Crimmin, acting
Oswego Village President. The benediction was to be given by the Rev. Clifford Brier of St.
Anne's Catholic Church.
Following a two-year study that began with a state-sponsored workshop, modern mathematics
was introduced to East View School when school began. Student and teacher response to the
program has been unusually favorable, the Ledger reported.
The old bell from the Red Brick School has been installed in the courtyard of the new high
school. The Class of 1964 dedicated it to be used as a victory bell for the high school
interscholastic games. The bell is to be rung following a victory by the Panther teams. [Editor's
note: Actually, it was the bell from the Little White School; the Red Brick School bell remained
in storage with the school district until 1980 when it replaced the OHS victory bell, which was
restored to the Little White School.]
Quarterback Steve Parker led the Oswego Panther varsity football team to their first victory of
the season, beating St. Charles, 34.13. Parker threw three touchdown passes, two of them to John
Mang.
Oct. 22: Susan Hundley was crowned queen and Larry Lakeman king of the Oswego High
School Homecoming. Attendants were Shirley Becker, Nancy Lorang, Mary Ann McKeown,
Linda McKittrick, Rita Derksen and Elise Borino. Gary Zoeller, Ed Williams, Scott Garrison,
John Mang, Brad Jarman, and Steve Carlson were members of the King's court.
"New Math" Subject of PTA: The regular October meeting of the Oswego East View PTA will
feature "New Math" by Richard Felker of Laidlaw Brothers Publishing. The Laidlaw texts are
being used in the local school system.
Oct. 29: Oswego's newest Boy Scout Troop, Troop 63, will hold its Charter Presentation and
awards tonight (Oct. 29) at the American Legion Hall at 7:30.
In addition to voting on national, state, and county officials next Tuesday, Oswegoland residents
will be asked to vote on establishing the Oswego Township Library on a permanent basis. The
new building, at the north end of Main Street, was dedicated on Sunday, Oct. 18. It was built
with the aid of almost every family residing in Oswego Township on a voluntary donation basis.
Every dollar that went into the building, $35,000, was given toward the project because the
donor believed that libraries are important to young and old alike. Currently the library is open
only 12 hours per week. When operated as a township library, it will be open a minimum of 36
hours per week. The yearly operating cost of the library will be approximately 40 cents on a
$1,0000 of assessed valuation (a home valued for tax purposes at $7,000 would be taxed $2.80
per year). The six area residents running for library board positions were Joann Dean, Boulder
Hill; Mabel Carpenter, Oswego; Ernest Spiller, Boulder Hill; Warren Norris, Oswego; Charlotte
Herren, Oswego; and Earl Zentmyer, Oswego.
November -- 1964
Nov. 5: By a large majority, the voters of Oswego Township put their seal of approval on a
township library to be supported by tax money. In balloting, 2,276 voted yes and 654 voted no,
according to unofficial totals.
An unprecedented number of voters turned out to the polls in Oswego's eight precincts this
Tuesday to vote for office seekers all the way from president down to precinct committeemen. A
total of 3,143 of the township's 3,374-68 percent-turned out for the vote. Barry Goldwater carried
the township against Lyndon Johnson, 1,856 to 1,265 votes.
The cornerstone of the new Good Shepherd Education Building will be set in place this coming
Sunday at a brief service beginning at 11:45. Following morning worship, the congregation will
assemble at the site for the ceremonies. To be sealed in the stone for posterity to review will be
several interesting documents including the membership roll and Sunday School enrollment of
the church, a history of the church, a bulletin, pictures, and names of church officials.
When the new Oswego High School is dedicated this Sunday, it will culminate the fourth
building project in this community since 1951, Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber said this
week. (1) 1951-High school to accommodate 300 students. A-1953 junior high addition of six
classrooms; B-1960 music and physical education addition of five rooms; C-1962 shop and
classroom additions, four rooms. (2) 1958 East View Elementary School of eight rooms,
cafeteria and gymnasium; A-1960 first addition of four classrooms; B-1961-1962 second
addition of seven classrooms, music room and two toilets; C-1963-1964 addition of four
classrooms. (3) 1960 Boulder Hill Elementary School of 19 classrooms and gymnasium, and the
1964 addition of four classrooms.
The Oswego High School Varsity Football Team was getting ready to close out their conference
season with a game against West Chicago. Under the leadership of quarterback Steve Parker, and
after a rocky non-conference start to the season, the Panthers had run up conference slate with
just one loss before the game.
Nov. 12: Oswego High School's Varsity Football Team tied for second place in the Little Seven
Conference with Geneva after drubbing West Chicago 31-7 in the last game of the season.
Sycamore, with an undefeated season, took first place in the conference.
Parents at Boulder Hill School heard a program on the school district's new "Modern Math
Program" by a representative of Laidlaw Brothers Publishing.
Nov. 19: The Oswego Council of Churches was set to hold their annual Union Thanksgiving
Service Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the Oswego Prairie Church. The high school choir, under the
direction of Reeve Thompson, will present special songs of praise and Thanksgiving. The Rev.
Frank Minton, Church of the Good Shepherd, will present the Thanksgiving meditation.
Nov. 26: The members of the Priscilla Guild of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Boulder Hill were
planning their annual bazaar for Thursday, Dec. 3 at the church. The bazaar featured the guild's
annual barbecue supper.
The Oswego High School Wrestling Team was set to open their season at Lincolnway High
School on Nov. 28, under varsity coach Bill Kontos.
The annual football banquet, sponsored each year by the Oswego High School Athletic Booster
Club, was set for Dec. 12 in the high school cafeteria. Guest speaker was to be Chicago Bears
Quarterback Rudy Bukich.
The new Oswegoland Township Library Board was sworn in Nov. 19 by Town Clerk Theodore
Gerry. The new directors are Mabel Carpenter, Joann Dean, Charlotte Herren, Warren Norris,
Ernest Spiller, and Earl Zentmyer. After taking office the directors elected Earl Zentmyer as
president and Mabel Carpenter as vice-president.
December -- 1964
Dec. 3: The Oswegoland Jaycees will be offering fresh cut Christmas trees for sale again this
year at two locations: In Oswego at the Milton Penn residence on Rt. 34 (Chicago Road), and in
Boulder Hill at the top of the hill. Proceeds from the sale of the trees will go towards a civic
project. One of the major projects of the 1964 years for the Jaycees was the erection of the
shelter building at Waa-Kee-Sha Park.
In answer to a number of inquiries, the dump is open to residents of the Oswegoland area on
Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sunday afternoon. Dumping is to be done only with an attendant on
duty and in a place designated by the attendant. Anyone violating the rules will be prosecuted.
Dec. 10: Mary Jill Peterson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Peterson, Oak Hill Drive,
Oswego, is one of three newly elected legislative board representatives from the Women's
College Class of 1968 at MacMurray College, Jacksonville. Miss Peterson attended Oswego
High School where she served as president of the student council and was a member of the
National Honor Society. She was a cheerleader and worked on the yearbook.
Kendall County Sheriff Oliver Mundwiler reported 34 traffic accidents in November throughout
the unincorporated areas of the county plus five investigations, one burglary, 29 summons
served, 15 writs served, 9 warrants served, and three prisoners transported.
The Boulder Hill Sports and Social Club was planning a dance to be held Dec. 11 at the Holiday
Inn in North Aurora.
Dec. 24: The new Oswegoland Library announced a story hour every Saturday starting Jan. 9 for
children age 5-8 years.
A Burger Boat with a hamburger, French fries, and root beer was 50 cents at the Dari-Boat on
Main Street.
1965
January
Jan. 14: At its January meeting, the Nineteenth Century Club voted to turn over its library
equipment and books to the new Oswegoland Township Library. The club members also voted
to continue maintenance and operation of the library until such times as tax moneys are
available--probably in June. The gift of books will provide a nucleus of more than 8,000 volumes
for the tax-supported library, books that the club has accumulated through the 65 years (1899-
1964) it provided a library for Oswegoland residents.
Jan. 21: The Oswego Community Bank was low bidder on the last portion of the high school
bond issue passed in 1963. The bank picked up $65,000 in bonds at an interest rate of 2.9
percent. The first sale of bonds for the new high school was on Aug. 5, 1963 in the amount of
$935,000 to Harris Trust and Savings, Chicago, at a rate of 2.7991 percent. The second portion
of the bonds in the amount of $400,000 was purchased by Halsey Stuart Company, Chicago on
May 11, 1964 at a rate of 3.0021 percent.
Some thoughtless resident fouled up the village sanitary sewage treatment plant last week by
dumping oil into the sewer system. The entire plant had to be shut down and renovated due to the
oil film that covered everything killing all bacteria.
Twila’s Beauty Shop (Twila Lawsha) 320 S. Madison, Oswego.
Jan. 28: Dedication services for the new educational building of the Church of the Good
Shepherd will be held Sunday afternoon, Jan. 31. The dedication service will be held at 2:30
followed by an open house from 3:30 to 5. The building will be in full use every day. On
Sundays, it will provide classroom space for nursery through senior high departments.
Throughout the week, the lower floor will be used by the Valley Haven School for Exceptional
Children. The new unit will also house the church offices.
Sunday will mark the culmination of an expansion program that began over six years ago with
the purchase of a vacant building next to the church. An additional building was purchased
several years later. These facilities were used until the congregation grew in size to the point
where the present major building program was a reality.
Most of the work has been done by local firms. The architects were O. Kleb and Associates of
Aurora. The general contractor was Stanley Young. Subcontractors included Larry Dodd,
masonry; Gordon Wormley, electrical; Homer Dickson, Yorkville, plumbing; W.H. McDowell,
structural steel; John Spang, sheet metal; Victor Cook, Aurora, heating and ventilation; Larry
Nedrow, Aurora, Painting; Chapman-Rayall, Aurora, roofing; Pittsburgh Glass Co., Aurora,
glazing. Lumber supplies were purchased through Alexander Lumber. Interior paint came from
Oswego Hardware. Cabinetry was by Dale Valbert.
February -- 1965
Feb. 4: Larry Dodd and Tom Springer, Troop 63, Oswego, are among the first Scouts in the
KeDeKa area to receive Eagle awards in 1965.
Feb. 11: Mary Ann McKeown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Everett McKeown, Oswego, has been
selected by her senior classmates and the high school faculty as the winner of the school’s DAR
Award.
A special meeting of the electors of Oswego Township will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 23, in
Town Hall, for the purpose of enacting an ordinance transferring the new library from the
Village of Oswego to the Township of Oswego. The property to be transferred is an 80x80 foot
piece of ground on which the library building is situated. The property was originally transferred
from the Oswego Park District to the Village of Oswego. The Park District owns and maintains
the balance of the two-acre site, which comprises Waubonsie Park.
The completion of the triple play--from park district to village to township--came as the result of
a successful referendum last April to create a tax-supported public library on a township basis.
Feb. 18: A petition bearing the signatures of 889 Oswego Township residents has been filed with
Town Clerk Ted Gerry asking that a local option vote be taken on Tuesday, April 6, the regular
election date, to approve or disapprove the sale of alcoholic liquor containing more than 4
percent of alcohol in the original package and not for consumption on the premises in Oswego
Township.
Feb. 25: Brad Jarman, 138-pound grappler for the Oswego Panthers, qualified for the Illinois
State Finals by taking first place in his weight in the sectional competition held last week at
Stagg High School in Palos Hills. Jarman currently has a 20-3 record for the season.
The Panther varsity cagers take part in the District tournament at Geneva this week. Opening
game for the Oswego five will be against Lisle on Wednesday evening. The Panthers wound up
the season with a rousing 73-65 win over Sycamore Saturday night to end up with an 8-6 record
in the Little Seven Conference. Oswego is 12-8 for the season.
March -- 1965
March 4: The new Boulder Hill Market is fast nearing completion, and April 1 has been
announced as the official opening date by Don L. Dise. The Market will incorporate a grocery
supermarket and bakery; a drug and variety store; a barber shop; and a dry cleaner. Negotiations
are now being carried on with prospective tenants for the balance of the space.
March 11: The Oswego High School variety show, “A Stroll through the Nineties,” is just one
week away. There will be specialty acts including ventriloquism, vocal and dance numbers, etc.
Cheryl Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. George Smith, Oswego, was recently installed as
corresponding secretary of 4-H House on the University of Illinois campus. Cheryl is a junior
majoring in home economics.
March 18: Waa Kee Sha Park will open about April 15 in order that early nature lovers will have
an opportunity to view the spring wild flowers and check on the warbler migrations.
Reservations are now being taken for the shelter on a first come, first served basis.
Improvements at Waa Kee Sha this year will include a number of pieces of playground apparatus
for children’s use. The swings, climbers, etc. will be made from wooden poles in keeping with
the naturalness of the park. This project will be undertaken by the Oswegoland Jaycees, the same
group that erected the shelter last summer.
March 25: Ledger Ownership to Change Hands
New Publishers Next Issue
Announcement is hereby made that, effective Friday, March 26, the new owners and publishers
of the Oswego Ledger will be Donald and Ann Krahn, Riverside Drive, Oswego, Illinois. The
first issue under the new ownership will be Thursday, April 1, 1965.
Fifteen Years and Five Months Later
This last issue of the Oswego Ledger under the present ownership is V. 16, No. 21, which means
that 771 issues have been printed during the past 15 years and five months. It is always a
temptation to look backward at a time Ike this, I yield to this temptation only to quote an
editorial from the second issue, Nov. 24, 1949: “The first issue of the Oswego Ledger is history.
On the whole the comments about the paper were kind and generous. There were a few,
however, who took one look, lifted a knowing eyebrow, and said, ‘It won’t last! Nothing in
Oswego ever does!’ Each comment was listened to carefully. The task of the Oswego Ledger, it
would seem, is now twofold: First, to prove to the majority that their initial enthusiasm is not
misplaced; Second, to prove to the minority that they were wrong. It will be left to time to
tabulate the results.”
I would be remiss if, at this time, I did not state publicly my appreciation to all those who
advertised in the Ledger over the years because the advertisers have underwritten the cost of the
entire operation. Many of the advertisers in this issue have advertised in every one of the 771
issues published. Without their loyal support the Ledger would have died a natural death a good
many years ago. I would sincerely hope that this support is given to the new owners in the years
ahead.
I would also be remiss if I did not say something nice about the readers of the Ledger over all
these years, both those who commented favorably and those who criticized from time to time.
The first kind of comments caused a warm glow of satisfaction and the latter proved to me that
the Ledger was being read.
I have no way of guaranteeing what the editorial policy of the new owners will be, but I am sure
that they are thinking in terms of a bigger and better Oswego ledger. I wish them every success,
and hope that 15 years and five months from now the Ledger will still be serving the
Oswegoland community.
Ford L. Lippold
Market Opening on April 1
The bustle of activity around the Boulder Hill Market has largely moved from the exterior to the
interior, with the contractor’s trucks being replaced by the delivery vans bringing fixtures and
merchandise to stock the shelves as the opening date nears.
The Gromer Super Market will occupy 10,000 square feet including its own bakery, as well as a
complete line of groceries, meats, produce, and a variety of delicatessen items prepared in
Gromer’s own kitchens. This is the fifth in the Gromer chain, three stores in Elgin and one in
Hanover Park, which opened in 1962.
Grimm’s Drug Store, well-known in Aurora for 75 years, will have a drug and variety store in
the shopping center. For several years they have served the Boulder Hill area with delivery
service from their Aurora store. They also operate a store in St. Charles. The Yankee Clipper, a
barber shop with a nautical décor, will be operated by Ken and Ellis Van Metter and Ken
Nadelhoffer. The fourth store will be another outlet for Illinois Cleaners and Launderers.
April -- 1965
April 1: For the past several months a group of interested citizens has been studying a plan
recommended by Carl Gardner & Associates planners hired by the Kendall County Board of
Supervisors, to analyze and recommend proper land use for our county. One of their suggestions
for Oswego has been to use the city block, where the vacated Red Brick School stands, for local
municipal buildings and a post office, as the proper time arrives (example: a new village hall,
police department and garage, a township office, a future fire station site, and best of all, a post
office).
To date, representatives of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Oswego, the Oswego
Township Board, and the Oswego Park District have met with the directors of the Oswego
School District regarding the purchase of this site by the township. Such a purchase would allow
the township to legally hold the property until the proper time arrives for the other municipal
interests to acquire what they need individually for their respective buildings.
Plans were for the township to acquire the site for $40,000 and to assure that it would not be sold
to private interests.
Elections will be held Tuesday, April 6, for Township, Cemetery, Library and Park District
Commissioners. Also, there will be a referendum (outside the Village) on the sale of packaged
liquor.
Voters living outside the corporate limits of the Village of Oswego will have an opportunity to
vote on a referendum on the sale of packaged liquor on Tuesday, April 6, at all eight election
precincts. The area covered in this referendum is all of Oswego Township with the exception of
the corporate Village of Oswego. Voters in favor of the sale of packaged liquor would vote “no”
on the ballot. Those opposed to the sale of packaged liquor would vote “yes.”
April 8: Know Your School Board Candidates
Mr. Harley Swanquist is director of marketing for Globe Lumber Co. He has lived in Oswego or
11 years, is trustee of the Baptist Church, and a member of the Oswego Plan Commission. He
has three children in school.
Mrs. Freda Swanson is a housewife from Boulder Hill. She is secretary of the Social and Saddle
Club, a member of the Boulder Hill PTA. She has four children in school.
Dr. Walter Brill served four and a half years on the grade school board before the unit district
was formed. He is connected with the Saxon Clinic in Oswego.
Gerald Dauwalder is an incumbent to succeed himself. He is a welder. he is master of the
Oswego Masonic Lodge. He ha two children in school.
Jack E. Brobst is now serving the unexpired term of Stuart Payne, having been appointed by the
board last fall when Mr. Payne resigned due to health. He is in market research. He has two
children in school.
Jay C. Beckley is a lawyer and accountant. He is connected with the Harris Trust Bank in
Chicago. He has two children in school.
The Progressive Party is offering a full slate of candidates on April 20 at the Village election.
Harry F. Fuller is the nominee for Village President. Candidates for Trustees are Carl L. Smith,
William H. McDowell, and Floyd Foss. Lorane Peshia is the nominee for Village Clerk.
Running on the Independent Ticket and as the only opposition on the ballot, is Woodrow P.
Boone, candidate for Village Clerk.
NOTICE TO VOTERS OF SCHOOL
DISTRICT NUMBER 308
The Oswego Community Unit School District 308 was organized in 1961 under the state law that
four school board members should be elected from Oswego Township and three from NaAuSay,
Bristol, and Wheatland townships. To insure full representation from each township, we asked
the cooperation of the voters to elect two from Boulder Hill and two from the balance of Oswego
Township and one from each of the other three townships in our district. The voters in the past
respected this request. This year, this representation could be thrown out of balance.
We urge voters to study the ballot and keep the representation where it will best serve our
schools
C.W. CLARK
Secretary
Board of Education
District 308
Fred Briggs, secretary-treasurer of the Kendall County Deputy Sheriff’s Assn., would like to
notify all members of this organization and all members of the Kendall County Auxiliary Police
(Civil Defense Unit) that due to “circumstances beyond our control,” the first class of Riot (or
Mob) Control will be held at the Yorkville High School on Tuesday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.
instead of April 6.
FIRSTS FOR BOULDER HILL
With the opening of the Boulder Hill Market last week and the huge crowds flocking to the
stores, we are reminded of a number of other “firsts” on Boulder Hill. To our newer neighbors, it
may be of interest to know:
Spring 1956: ground broken for first model house.
June 1956: first house sold.
Sept. 1956: first open house of models.
To. 1957: first worship service held in temporary church building.
July 1958: first streets oiled.
Sept. 1958: first kindergarten opened under Boulder Hill Kindergarten Assn.
December 1958: first Christmas Decorating Contest.
June 1959: first summer playground program on Boulder Hill.
Sept. 1959: first school opened on Boulder Hill.
Oct. 1959: first house to house mail delivery.
April 1960: first polling place for election.
August 1960: dedication of SuzanJohn Park.
Oct. 1960: first bus service via Boulder Hill Express.
July 1961: New entrance to Boulder Hill opened off By Pass Route 30.
Sept. 1961: first classes held in permanent school.
Sept. 1961: first services held in permanent church.
April 15: According to the official canvas of the vote from Saturday’s Oswego School Board
election, Harley M. Swanquist was elected to serve for a full three years from Oswego
Township, Gerald Dauwalder for a full three year term from outside the township, and Jack
Brobst to fill the unexpired term of two years from Oswego Township.
An election was held at the meeting at which C.W. Clark was chosen as president for the next
school year, Gilbert Jarman as vice president, and Robert Cherry as secretary.
The appointments made were T.L. Traughber corresponding secretary; E.M. McKeon as school
treasurer; and Jerome Nelson, legal advisor.
According to those present, the largest group ever to attend a town meeting was present at the
Masonic Hall on April 6.
Possibly the most important item of business was the vote to authorize the purchase of the Red
Brick School building and site by the Town of Oswego. A purchase price of $40,000 plus half
the legal transfer expense was authorized. The Town Board was also authorized to demolish the
building this year. The vote on the authorization for purchase of the school was 82 in favor, one
opposed.
The first library ordinance and budget was passed. Also passed was a levy for the library of
$15,474.74.
Delreen Hafenrichter will appear on WTTW Channel 11, Chicago, on Sunday, April 18, at 7
p.m. She will sing the role of Susanna, from Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” excerpts of which
are to be presented by the University Opera Group on the half-hour broadcast.
Beginning Saturday, April 17, Waa-Kee-Sha Park will be open daily from 9 a.m. until disk. The
first of the spring flowers will be blooming along the self-guided nature trail, which winds for a
little over a mile through the park. A guide booklet, available at the beginning of the nature trail,
describes 30 points of interest along the way.. Hikers are warned that there may be muddy spots
this early in the year.
Carr’s Department Store is marking the beginning of its 28th year in Oswego with the expansion
of their present facilities. An enlarged men’s and boy’s department is being added in the rear of
the store. The area formerly occupied by his department will be used to expand sewing and
housewares department and ladies and children wear. The new area will probably be completed
about the first of May.
The original Carr’s Department Store first opened on April 1, 1938, in the building now
occupied by the Oswego Hardware Store. In 1949, it was moved to its present location. In 1958,
the size of the store was doubled.
The Dari-Boat in downtown Oswego was advertising their Burgerboat special, a hamburger,
French fries and root beer, for 50 cents.
In the referendum for the local option on packaged liquor, 330 yes votes were cast and 477 no
votes.
April 22: Oswego Unit 675 of the American Legion Auxiliary will play hostess to the women of
Oswego and surrounding communities at an open house on April 26 at 8 p.m. Miss Lillianna
Fernandez, the foreign exchange student from Costa Rico, will be the guest speaker. Miss
Fernandez is staying at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Hemm. She is a student at the Oswego
Community High School.
With the opening of Waa-Kee-Sha Park last week, the park district superintendent, Ford L.
Lippold has sent work that the new shelter building is available to family groups by reservation.
The shelter may be reserved without cost by scouts, church groups, civil organizations, and for
family reunions, providing the gathering originates with some taxpaying resident of the Oswego
park District, which includes Boulder Hill. A minimum of 25 persons is needed to reserve the
62x22 foot shelter, which contains 16 picnic tables, has several charcoal grills, and will
accommodate 100 to 125 people.
At the meeting of the Boulder Hill Civic Association last Wednesday, it was voted to proceed
with the arrangements for spraying to control mosquitoes. The Clarke Outdoor Spraying Co. of
LaGrange will be hired to do the work.
April 29: The Oswegoland Park District has placed a display cabinet in the new Oswegoland
Library. This cabinet will be used by the park district for timely displays of educational value
and of interest in the field of parks and recreational activities. The initial display is on spring
wildflowers that are now blooming or will be blooming at Waa-Kee-Sha Park.
The theme this year for the Junior-Senior Prom is “Moonlight and Roses.” The prom will be held
on May 1, 1965 in the new Oswego High School Gymnasium. This is an annual event given by
the Juniors for the Seniors.
Adult directors at the Oswegoland Park District’s Boulder Hill School Playground will include
Mrs. Doris Regnier, Mrs. Marge Wilson, Mrs. Bonnie Robinson, John Morley and Gary Zoeller.
Junior leaders will be Linda Wilson, Donna McKittrick, and Shari Seefeldt.
Adult Directors for East View School Playground will be Mrs. Lois Morley, Dale LaGow, and
Susan Smith. Junior leaders will be Sherri Smith and Connie Weidert.
In recognition of excellence in scholarship, Judith Anne Gish, Rita Marie Bell, James H. Gates,
and Steven A. Smith, all recent graduates of Oswego Community High School will be among
those honored by the University of Illinois at the 41st annual Honors Day Convocation.
Mr. Harley Swanquist, newly elected board member, and Supt. T.L. Traughber attended the
Three Rivers Division of the Illinois School Board Association at Joliet Township High School
Thursday, April 22.
May -- 1965
May 6: James Aird, guidance director at Oswego High School, has completed a partial study of
the high school graduates of the past five years. In the past five years, OHS has graduated 386
students. At the time of graduation or by the following fall, 45 percent were in fur year colleges,
11 percent were in trade or technical schools, 4 percent were in nurse’s training, 3 percent were
in the armed forces, and 37 percent were married girls and boys either working or looking for
work.
May 27: One hundred and twenty Oswego High School seniors are looking forward to Friday
night, May 28, 1965, when they will graduate from high school. Oswego High School’s
gymnasium will be the scene of the largest graduating class in the history of the Oswego schools.
It will also mark the first class to graduate from the new Oswego Senior High School located on
Route 71.
Speakers include valedictorian Nan Swanquist, salutatorian John Mang, Arlynn Hem and Gary
Zoeller, activities, Brad Jarman, Gilmour Sportsmanship Award, and Jimmy White, citizenship.
Steve Keierleber, president of the Class of 1965, will give the welcome.
Officers of the Boulder Hill Civic Association have signed a contract with the Clarke Outdoor
Spraying Company for the control of mosquitoes on Boulder Hill this summer.
June -- 1965
June 3: Federal law requires all male citizens and most male aliens to register with the Selective
Service System within five days after their 18th birthday.
Scotty’s Drive-In at Routes 34 and 71 in Oswego was advertising their Chicken Basket for 69
cents and a 21-shrimp basket for $1.
Denney’s Grocery Store on Main Street in downtown Oswego advertised free delivery in
Oswego.
A number of flowering shrubs and evergreens have been planted at SuzanJohn Park recently by
the Oswegoland Park District including silky dogwood, Pfizer juniper, and green barberry.
June 10: Plans for the Oswegoland Festival, which will be held July 2-4, are being completed by
the communities of Oswego and Boulder Hill.
The Boulder Hill Civic Association was planning their annual Fourth of July Parade.
June 11: In a special extra edition, the Ledger reported that the Zentmyer Ford Dealership in
downtown Oswego had been destroyed by fire. “Estimates on the damage caused by the fire run
between $100000 and $200,000. There was also minor damage to the Jacqueline Shop across the
street and the building owned by Herb Rucks, which sits next to Zentmyer’s. Two of the Oswego
Volunteer Firemen, Paul Krahn and Wayne Denney, were overcome by smoke and heat but
quickly recovered and returned to fight the fire again. Wives of the firemen were on the scene
with sandwiches, coffee, and cold pop.”
June 17: In the past week or ten days, there have been new signs put up in the rural area of
Oswego. These numbers are to better identify property locations for fire and emergency vehicles
as well as other uses. The bulk of this expense is born by the local Oswego Fire Protection
District.
Please, when calling the fire department, give your complete name and number and road name as
it appears on the sign.
At the June 7 meeting of the village board, a letter was read from Myron Wormley, Oswego
Township Supervisor, regarding the old red brick school, to which they will be taking title this
week.
Mr. Wormley requested that a committee representing the village board be appointed to meet
with representatives of other municipal groups that are interested in becoming a part of the future
development of this site. The committee appointed was Trustee Foss, W.H. McDowell, and John
Buss.
In other business, a meeting will be called of the school board, village board, and Dr. Bell to
discuss the extension of Ashland Street.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. LeClercq of 193 N. Madison Street, Oswego, announce the birth of a
son, June 3. The baby was named David Preston LeClercq.
June 24: Plans were announced today by Milton Penn for the resumption of the fogging program
for mosquitoes in the village.
However, it has been the experience of the drivers in the past that children find the white fog
almost irresistible, and tend to follow the fogger despite repeated warnings from the drivers.
Mr. Penn has asked the cooperation of all parents in keeping their children from following he
fogger.
Miss Patricia Conroy of Oswego will be one of 18 area girls in competition for the title of Miss
Fox Valley. She is being sponsored by the Oswego Jaycees. She is presently employed by the
Oswego School District as a secretary.
Mrs. Janis Hoch of the Oswego Women’s Civil Club won fist prize award for the 12th District of
the Illinois Federation of Women’s Clubs for her oil painting, “Freedom,” a representation of the
old village all on the hill in Oswego.
The Boulder Hill Civic Association recently entered into a one-year contract with Clarke
Outdoor Spraying Co. to continue the mosquito control program initiated by the Civic
Association in 1961.
July -- 1965
July 1: The question of whether or not to rezone the property owned by Jim Zentmyer on Route
25 in order that he may rebuild his business in that area is one that affects the entire Village of
Oswego as well as the surrounding area.
According to Mr. Zentmyer, the facts in favor of rezoning the area are these:
Based on figures for the past five years, 80 percent of all Oswego’s municipal sales tax is from
Zentmyer Ford; 6,500 automobiles were sold, giving thousands of people cause to periodically
visit Oswego and thereby expose them to the business and residential community; 23-30 people
are employed by Zentmyer, 50 percent of whom live in Oswego with a payroll of $500,000 to
$750,000.
Rebuilding on the old site is not possible for two reasons. First, the building was leased and the
leasor is not interested in building a new structure on the site; the business outgrew the old site
long ago, hence a new site must be located; the site desired is on Route 25 and is already owned
by Jim Zentmyer; this is the only site available to Jim Zentmyer in Oswego.
The residents of the area where Mr. Zentmyer wishes to build take an entirely different outlook,
however. They feel the money and time they have invested in building up the area into the type
of residential area which it is would be greatly depreciated. They do not like the idea of neon
signs, loudspeakers, the heavy flow of traffic at all hours seven days a week.
Mrs. Joan Schoger will be the pilot of Team 76 when the 1965 “Powder Puff Derby” takes to the
air July 3 from Gillespie Field, El Cajon, Calif. Copilot with Mrs. Schoger will be Dr. Susanne
Roscoe Aurora.
Mrs. Schoger holds a commercial license with single and multi-engine ratings and has logged
over 330 hours of flying time.
Miss Pat Conroy of Oswego was selected miss Congeniality at the Miss Fox Valley Pageant on
Friday, June 25.
Russ Campbell, who has been in the livestock hauling business for the past 25 years in this area,
was recently interviewed on Channel 5’s “Town and Country” program.
Once again, a fireworks display will bring the Independence Day celebration to a close on
Boulder Hill. The Sports & Social Club is planning an evening’s entertainment beginning at 7
p.m. until it is dark enough to begin the fireworks.
July 8: At the village board meeting on Tuesday, July 6, the trustees turned over to the zoning
commission the request for rezoning made by Zentmyer Ford concerning the property owned by
Jim Zentmyer on Route 25.
The zoning commission will now call for a public hearing after which their recommendations
will be turned over to the village board of trustees for final action on the matter.
Work has begun on the new sewage treatment plant for Oswego. The contract was awarded to
the E.F Mueller Co. of Elgin. The plant is to be located alongside the old plant on Harrison
Street. Capacity of the new plant will be 450,000 gallons per day and completion is scheduled for
approximately one year from now.
Effective as of this date, the dump used by Oswegoans for the past several years between the
gravel road and the river will be closed. All future dumping will be done in the designated area
only on the southwest side of the road and only on days and during hours when an attendant is on
duty. Any person dumping any kind of refuse, including brush and tree trimmings, at any other
spot or outside of regular hours will be prosecuted as heavily as the law allows.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wolf became the parents of a daughter, Cynthia Robin, on July 5.
The Sports & Social Club of Boulder Hill has announced that within the next two to three days
committee members will canvass the Boulder Hill area to collect for mosquito spraying.
July 15: Work has begun on the new park area which lies south of Oswego. On Monday, Mr.,
Francis Kluckhohn of Hawk, Inc., began filling in the old Oswego dump and leveling the area
for the entranceway, parking area, and future picnic area of the park site.
A strip of ground approximately 1,000 feet long lying parallel with the Fox River is being
worked on at this time.
The total area of the park is 168 acres. Future plans include nature trails, some of which are now
cut, and possibly a lake being dredged out of one of the old pits.
The park area has already seen use, particularly by the Boy Scouts for the many splendid
campsites which it affords.
July 22: Al Anderson, owner of Al & Chuck Roberts’ Sinclair Station at the junction of Routes
34 and 31 at the west end of the Oswego bridge reported a burglary. Mr. Anderson stated that the
thieves took money from the cash register, the cigarette machine and candy machine for a total
loss of $200.
According to Irving A. Shears, county superintendent of schools, the following Oswego High
School graduates have been awarded Teacher Education Scholarships: Gary Lee Zoeller,
Marmae Noggle, Carol J. Thompson, Martha Paydon, Stephen J. Keierleber, Audrey Weeks,
Jane Foose, Lynne Schultz, and Larry Lakeman.
The Civic Association of Boulder Hill, which contracted for the control of mosquitoes this year
by the Clarke Outdoor Spraying Co, reports that the Hill has been completely fogged twice, plus
the buffer areas. Furthermore, the company has also treated all catch basins in the community.
The Building and Sites Committee of the Community Junior College Survey met at Oswego
High School Tuesday evening, July 13. It is the responsibility of this committee to recommend
five or more possible sites for the junior college report.
The following committees have community residents as members:
Building and Sites: Paul Kellogg, Paul Smith, Mrs. Myron Wormley, and Richard N. Young.
Publication Relations Committee: Mrs. Rachel Anderson and David Ford.
Finance Committee: Clifford Maddox, Ernest King, and jack Olson.
Surveys Committee: Larry Lakeman, Bill Curtis, and Bob Gray.
Population Committee: Mrs. Harry Fuller.
In addition to these committee members, Mr. George Akerlow is serving as a member of the
Steering Committee as a direct liaison between the survey team and the Board of Education.
July 29: Sen. Robert W. Mitchler of Oswego will be one of 32 Republican state senators who
will be honored at a $100 a plate testimonial and fundraising dinner to be held July 29 at the
Conrad Hilton Hotel, Chicago.
Physical exams will be held at the Saxon Clinic, Main Street, Oswego, for all boys who wish to
participate in interscholastic athletics at the Oswego junior and senior high schools for a reduced
fee of $1.
August -- 1965
Aug. 5: Contracts have been let and construction is underway for blacktop drives and parking
lots at East View Elementary and Oswego Senior High School. The driveways and parking area
at the high school are now being equipped with lights.
On Friday, July 30, the final sessions of the 1965 summer school at Oswego Senior High School
came to a close. During this past summer, 101 students from Oswego, Yorkville, and Plano took
part in summer school.
The opening date for the Oswego School District has been set for Tuesday, Aug. 31.
The Oswego Zoning Board Tuesday night voted 5-1 in opposition to the rezoning request
presented by Jim Zentmyer.
Their recommendation to be presented to the village board of trustees, therefore, will be that the
request be denied.
The Riverside Swim Club at Yorkville has recently opened. This club is a 70 acre wooded
stretch along the Fox River northeast of Yorkville. The club has three pools located on a ridge
overlooking a forest and the river. There is one Olympic-sized pool, a junior pool, and a wading
pool.
Aug. 12: Shuler’s Drug Store was advertising the “All New Instamatics by Kodak with flash
cubes, four flashes in each cube.”
Aug. 19: The Oswego Village Hall has recently been redecorated by George Lamps. The main
room of the hall is no painted brown and beige, the ceiling in the police office has been
repainted, and the office of the village clerk has been painted a pale lavender.
At the adjourned meeting of the village board held Aug. 9, the board voted 5-1 to reverse the
decision of the zoning board and permit the rezoning of the property owned by Jim Zentmyer on
Route 25 for use as the home of the new Zentmyer Ford Sales.
The Oswego Planning Commission has approved the final plat of Marina Terrace, a new
subdivision on the west side of Route 31. There are 75 single-family lots in Marina Terrace,
which will also have its own sewage disposal plant and water works.
Overall development of the area calls for apartment buildings in the future. There is seven acres
zoned for business. The owners expect to start construction of single-family homes this fall.
Work is progressing rapidly on the new village sewage plant. The plant will be a Walker Process
Plant, manufactured in Aurora. The concrete tank will measure 63’6” across the top in diameter
and will be 17 feet deep. There will be room for another tank of the same size in back of the one
now under construction should the village need it in the future. However, the present population
of Oswego is approximately 1,500 people, the tank which is being built will service 3,500
people.
The entire area, when complete will be landscaped and surrounded by a 6’ fence.
Aug. 26: The Red Brick School, a historic landmark, is being demolished this week. The
Oswego High School and Grade School (No. 4) had their beginnings when the old stone school
house was destroyed by fire March 2, 1885 and the board of directors, David hall, W.H.
McConnell and J.B. Hunt at once took steps to purchase the old Court House property, then
owned by the Town of Oswego, for the new school site. A newly-elected board of directors,
Adam Armstrong, Frank. O. Hawley, and David hall, paid $5,000 for the whole square (eight
city lots) and supervised the building of the new school house, which cost $10,000. The building
was completed in 1886, with Walter McFarlane as Principal, who served until 1890. This is the
older part of the Red Brick School. Following are principals who served in succession: A.W.
Merrill, L.S. Ross, Mr. Buck, C.H. Newman, F.W. Cole, B.E. Esplund, V.B. Brown, W.L. Uhl,
A.N. Barron, Mr. Manley, John Clayton, Mr. [Melvin] Attig, Mr. [C.H.] Salter, Mr. [Harold]
Kirkhus, Mr. [H.B.] Tate, and the present superintendent, T. Loyd Traughber since 1948. An
addition to the Red Brick School was added in 1926 consisting of a gymnasium and five
classrooms. The cost of the addition was $27,000. The building was repaired by being
sandblasted in 1948 and coated with a brick colored paint, striped to resemble brick, the pigeon
roost removed and part of the decorative front. The original school bell, cornerstone with the
original Board of Education member, name place, and some of the original stone have been
saved. The bell on top of the building was removed by the class of 1964 and mounted at the new
high school in the center of the inner courtyard. The bell will be used as a victory bell after
athletic contests. Pictures of the original stone school, the original and present Red Brick School
have been preserved in the present new high school under the direction of the present school
superintendent. The present Unit District Board of Education sold back to the Town of Oswego
in 1965 for $40,000 the present building and site with directive from the caucus of voters present
that it be removed in order that the site might be used by the village for up-to-date municipal
buildings, offices and such other uses as the site can be best utilized.
Rick Law of Boulder Hill won a Super Deluxe Ranger Bicycle given away at Don’s Bike Shop,
located at 273 Main Street in Oswego.
The new building of the Oswego Presbyterian Church in Cedar Glen is nearing completion. The
building is about one-half mile north of Oswego.
The new building will be an “L” in shape, with the chancel wing 121 feet long and 35 feet wide.
The side wing, containing church offices, a lounge, and classroom space will be 53 feet by 43
feet. A fellowship hall with folding partitions under the sanctuary will provide additional
classroom space. The exterior of the building will be of face brick, stone, and decorative panels
of cathedral glass.
The building was designed by Stade and Associates of Park Ridge. General Contractors are W.E.
McDuffee & Sons.
Members of the Oswegoland Jaycees have been busy the past two weekends at Waa-Kee-Sha
Park building six pieces of playground equipment from cedar logs.
The decision to use log play equipment, rather than manufactured metal products, is in keeping
with the Oswego Park District’s policy that Waa-Kee-Sha should remain as much a natural
wooded area as possible and still provide facilities that will make it a fine place to fixit.
This is the second major project at Waa-Kee-Sha by the Oswegoland Jaycees. Last year the
group erected the 62x22 foot open-air shelter which is available to organizations and family
groups on a reservation basis
September -- 1965
Sept. 2: The Oswego Community Schools opened the school term 1965-66 Tuesday Aug. 31,
with a total enrollment of 2,484. This is an increase of 173 students over the 1964-65 enrollment
of 2,311, or an increase of 7.5 percent.
The faculty workshop was held Monday, Aug. 30. It was attended by 124 certified teachers, four
building principals, one business manager, and one superintendent.
Four teachers on the staff have experience in excess of 40 years each. They are Miss Mildred
Vickery, Mr. Reeve Thompson, Mrs. Grace Jones, and Superintendent T. Loyd Traughber.
Surveys conducted by the Kane-Kendall Community College committees during the summer
months began to take form last week when the committees met at Aurora College. The reports
released at committee level covered population and community history, financial resources, the
planned educational program, speakers bureau, and statistics on area high school students. Data
on building sites and occupational survey facts are in final stages of processing.
The Oswego Plan commission held its 100th meeting last Tuesday night in the Village hall. The
main business of the evening was the approval of two preliminary subdivision plats totaling 126
lots.
The first plat approved was that of Maple Lane Estates, Robert R James, developer. The plat
calls for 56 lots to be situated on a tract of land south and west of Oswego on Route 71 and
bounded by Minkler Road. These lots will have their own wells and septic systems.
The second plat approved was for the first section of Windcrest Subdivision of 70 lots to be
situated east of Oswego on Route 34 on what has been recently known as the J. McGarry farm.
Developer of Windcrest is the Monier Sheep Co., Montgomery. These lots will be served with
village water and will have their own septic systems.
The Oswego Plan Commission also went on record as approving the rezoning of 80 acres of land
on the Monier property lying between Route 34 and the Waubonsie Creek from residential to
agriculture in order that a nine-hole golf course may be developed on the property. A spokesman
for the Monier Company indicated that grading and seeding will begin on the golf course this fall
and that it should be ready for use in 1967.
The above two subdivisions, plus the 70-lot Marina Terrace, Route 31, approved at the August
meeting provide for a potential of over 200 additional homes in Oswego Township. These, added
to the huge acreage of Boulder Hill, Brookside Manor, Riverview Heights, and others would
indicate that Oswego Township has available between 1,500 and 2,000 building lots. There are
presently about 2,000 homes in the township. A doubling of population in the next decade is not
only possible but probable.
A few youths are failing to register with the draft within five days after their 18th birthday as
required by Federal law according to John H. Hammack, State Director of Selective Services for
Illinois.
New three-bedroom homes were being advertised by Brookside Builders in Oswego’s Brookside
Manor subdivision for $23,850.
Sept. 9: The Oswego School District announced that Oswego Junior High Principal Ralph D.
Ross had earned an Advanced Certificate in Professional Education from the University of
Illinois. Enrolling thee years ago in the Advanced Placement Program at the university, Ross
majored in educational administration and as such studied under some of the nation’s leading
writers and teachers in his field of educational interest.
Ross earned his bachelor’s degree at Aurora College in 1952 with a major in biology and a minor
in chemistry. In 1954 he completed his work at Northwestern University for the Master of Arts
degree with a major in elementary education.
Previous to his coming to Oswego, he taught in the West Aurora School System in the junior
high school. Mr. Ross is entering his fifth year as the principal of the Oswego Junior High
School.
Sept. 16: Sen. Robert W. Mitchler, R-Oswego, announced that he will seek reelection as state
senator in the new 38th Senatorial District.
More than 500 people were served last Sunday at the Boulder Hill Sports and Social Club
Chicken Bar-B-Q dinner held outdoors in the oak woods across By-Pass 30 from the Briarcliff
Road entrance. At the close of the barbecue, all perishable food was donated to the Edna Smith
Home in Aurora.
Sept. 23: Work of the Kane-Kendall community College Committee moves into the final stages
when the survey reports are presented at the general meeting Sept. 28.
The college proposed for this area is to be a comprehensive Class I school. It will offer
vocational training, a two year general education with an associates degree, adult education and
retraining, I addition to the college parallel program which gives a student the first two years of a
four year degree program.
Sept. 30: The Boulder Hill Antique Study Club will sponsor a bazaar and tour of private homes
Oct. 5, 1965 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The proceeds are to go to Valley Haven School for the
Exceptional in Oswego. There will be five homes on display, those of Mr. and Mrs. John Slory,
Mr. and Mrs. R. Chamberlain, Mr. and Mrs. D.L. Dise, Mr. and Mrs. F. Clouse, and Mr. and
Mrs. Curtis Bowman.
David W. Rogerson, owner of Dave’s Standard Service in Oswego, is reported in satisfactory
condition at Copley Memorial Hospital following an auto accident Saturday morning.
At a special meeting of the Oswego School Board Monday, Sept. 27, board members and others
held a panel discussion concerning new state laws and there affect on the district’s liability
insurance coverage.
Other discussions included approval of Annual Report and Application for Recognition of the
school district; authorization to employ a second school nurse; approval of a bid to construct a
sidewalk from the entrance to the second addition at Boulder Hill Elementary School to the
existing sidewalk along Boulder Hill Pass; and awarding of insurance coverage to the lowest
bidder, Delmar Johannsen.
October -- 1965
Oct. 7: Judy Gish, former staff artist for the Ledger, has recently been accepted by Trans-World
Airlines to attend the six weeks training course for stewardesses in Kansas City, Mo.
Judy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Gish of 73 Benton Street, Oswego. She is a recent
graduate of Oswego High School and attended the University of Illinois for two years majoring
in art.
The feasibility survey reports submitted by the Kane-Kendall Community College committees
were unanimously accepted by the large group of citizens attending the meeting Sept. 28 at
Washington Junior High School in Aurora. When the reports reach final edited and bound form,
the entire report will be sent to the Junior College Board recently established by the State of
Illinois. Approval must be gained at this level before additional steps can be taken. Data from all
the reports indicates that the area far surpasses the minimal population and financial
requirements as laid down by the state. The favorable interest of the student, parents, and
business and industrial segments of the area is evident from the report.
Oct. 14: The Oswego High School Panthers are ready for action when they meet Mooseheart
Friday night on home ground. The football game will begin at 6:15 p.m. as Oswego fresh-soph
team battles Mooseheart. The varsity game will start about 8 p.m.
Nominated for homecoming king are Daryl Davis, Dick Foster, Steve Parker, Kent Smith, Jim
Thrall, John Vanderlinden, and John Van Vleet. The queen nominees are Terry Collins, Meridy
Davidson, Jenny Hood, Danielle Larson, Ginny Penman, Peggy Stone and Faye Westphal.
The Oswego Panthers scored their first shutout of the season by defeating the Kaneland Knights
last Saturday afternoon, 32-0.
Oct. 21. Effective after this Saturday and Sunday, Waa-Kee-Sha Park will be open on weekends
only for the rest of the fall as long as the weather is nice. Over 7,000 persons visited Waa-Kee-
Sha this year, the fourth season the park has been open to the public. The open air shelter
building erected last year by the Oswegoland Jaycees was used over 20 times this season by
various civic groups and family reunions.
Mr. Donald Kroening, Boulder Hill, president of the Oswego Teacher’s Association, has
announced his staff for the 1965-66 school year. Mr. Wayne Allen, Oswego, will serve as vice
president; Mrs. Dorothea Yuvan, Boulder Hill, is the secretary; and Mr. Marion Stoerker,
Aurora, will serve as treasurer. Mr. Daryl Thompson was selected as the association’s
representative to the Board of Education. Miss Marianne Becker is in charge of membership and
Mrs. Sherrilyn Bednarcik heads the legislative committee. The representatives from each of the
four buildings are Mr. Daryl Thompson, high school; Mr. Dave King, junior high; Miss Hazel
Shaffer, East View; and Mr. John Sechrest, Boulder Hill. The salary committee is composed of
Mr. Wayne Allen, Mr. Jack Simmons, Mrs. Penny May, Mr. William Prince, Mrs. Charlotte
Wadkins, Mr. Kroening, and Mr. Robert Olson.
Oct. 28: To bring the story of the junior college to the public, a Kane-Kendall community college
speakers bureau has been formed. Several persons from the Oswego area are serving on this
bureau and will be available to speak about the proposed junior college. They are Howard Sims,
Charles M. Shuler, Mrs. William Anderson, George W. Akerlow, and William Gramley.
One student at Oswego High School has been honored with a letter of commendation for
performance on the national Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
D.H. Moews, the school’s principal, has announced that the commended student is Neal G.
Shoger.
November -- 1965
Nov. 4: The Oswego Senior High School has received a list of the 1965 graduates now attending
classes at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb. They are Julie Bolin, Gloria Bomback, John
Clark, Carol Dauwalder, Richard Denney, Jane Foose, Stephen Foster, Larry Lakeman, Nancy
Lorang, Betty Phillipi, Garry Poker, Lynne Schultz, Barbara Simmons, Russell Skyles, Carol
Thompson, Wanda Walper, Audrey Weeks, Jack Weis, and Gary Zoeller.
Aurora College has enrolled the following 1965 graduates: Elise Borino, Andy Fox, Arlynn
Hem, Chester Romans, and Randy Stevens.
Dr. Michael H. Kontos, DDS, has recently opened a new office at 3 Boulder Hill Pass. Dr.
Kontos graduated from Oswego High School in 1955. He attended North Central College and
received his BA degree in 1959. In 1963 he received his DDS from the University of Illinois
College of Dentistry in Chicago.
Nov. 11: The Oswego Volunteer Fire Department unveiled their newest truck. A 1965 Super
Duty Truck with body and equipment by American LaFrance Co, with 750 gpm pump, 1,000
gallon water supply was delivered in October. In addition to this, the department has a like unit
purchased in 1961, a ford four-wheel drive grass and field fire truck purchased in 1961, a 750
gpm truck with 600 gallon water capacity purchased in 1957, and a 1,000 gallon tank truck
purchased in 1949.
Work has begun in leveling for the Fox Bend Golf Cub, which is being developed on Route 34
by Monier Co. The nine hole golf course is expected to be completed in 1967.
Dec. 1 is the opening date set for the new addition to Paramount Heights on Route 31 north of
Oswego. The Liquor Mart will be the largest in the area, with 2,000 square feet of space. The
Liquor Mart will be completely separate store from the grocery store, although it will also be
operated by John Calamaras. The parking lot is also being expanded to accommodate another
100 cars. New neon signs are planned for the front of the building.
The Ledger announced it had moved to an offset tabloid size format from the previous 10x14
single sheet format. The paper was being printed in Naperville.
Nov. 18: Omicron Nu, the home economics scholastic honorary at the University of Illinois,
initiated Cheryl Smith of Oswego into its chapter. The main purpose of Omicron Nu is to honor
second semester junior, seniors, and graduate students for high scholastic achievement.
Miss Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. George Smith, is a senior in home economics
Education. She is chaplain of Phi Upsilon Economics Student Council, Home economics Club,
and Mortar Board. She is also corresponding secretary of 4-H House, her campus home.
Jack Johnson’s Appliances is sporting a new lighted color sign on its corner of Main Street [at
Jackson, the Helle Building]. The sign, which was put up recently, has helped to lighten up this
corner.
Oliver Pierce has a new meat counter of his department in Bohn’s Food Sore. The closed case for
fresh meats and the taller open case for packaged meat have greatly increased the size of
Pearce’s Meat Market. Another new feature to be found at Bohn’s these days is the new bakery
department, which is to the right of the meat department.
The Oswego School Board announced its officers for the coming year. President is Gilbert
Jarman, vice-president Gerald Dauwalder, and secretary Raymond Lubbs. Members of the board
are Jack Brobst, Harley Swanquist, Wiley Robinson, and Miles Lutter.
December -- 1965
Dec. 2: The Oswegoland Ledger extends a hearty welcome to the Village of Montgomery,
newest of the areas being served by the Ledger. Approximately 600 papers are now being
distributed by carrier boys in the “Village of Industry.”
Jim “Rocky” Walker, owner-operator of Rocky’s Hair Studio for Men, is leaving the sixth of
December for a two week mountain lion hunt in central Utah. He hopes to bag not only a puma
but also a bear and deer. Walker will travel by horseback as far as possible, but then must track
the lion on foot in the rugged Utah mountains.
Dec. 9: The pain of war in Viet Nam came home last week. Oswego and all of Kendall County
was alerted to the realization that our nation is at war. A casket, draped with the United States
flag, contained the body of our neighbor, who paid the supreme sacrifice on the field of battle in
Viet Nam.
Fred Heriaud was brought home and laid to rest with full military honors. Fred was killed on
Nov. 17 in the Ia Drang Valley battle. He would have been 22 on Dec. 17.
Heriaud was buried with full military honors supplied by Oswego American Legion Post 675.
James K. Detzler of Zentmyer Ford Sales, Inc., 30 Main Street, Oswego, has just completed a
sales management course conducted at Ford’s Chicago Marketing Institute.
Dec. 16: The Ninth Annual Christmas Decoration Contest in Boulder Hill wishes to convey its
invitation to all residents of Boulder Hill to participate in decorating outside their homes for
Christmas. The contest will be judged in three categories: Religious Theme; General Outdoor
Lighting; and Originality.
At the Oswego Village Board’s Dec. 6 meeting, an agreement drafted by Attorney Ohse was
read giving conditions on supplying water to the Windcrest Subdivision on Route 34. The
agreement between the village and the Monier Sheep Company was unanimously approved on a
motion by Trustee Penn and seconded by Trustee McDowell.
Mr. Biertz was present to request an increase of $105 per month for scavenger service. A motion
was made by Trustee Penn, seconded by Trustee Buss that the present contract with Mr. Biertz
stand until the first of May at which time there will be an increase from $145 to $350 per month
and that cans will be included with no cost to the customer with the exception of restaurants and
business concerns.
Dec. 23: At the Oswego Township Board’s meeting on Dec. 13, township tax assessor Clarence
Parkhurst resigned citing family concerns. After the board accepted his resignation, the board
appointed Ernest Spiller of Boulder Hill as his successor for the balance of the unexpired term.
The board also appointed David Kennedy of Boulder hill to fill Spiller’s term on the township
board.
Benjamin Thrall of Oswego was among the 13 inductees who left Plano on Tuesday morning for
Chicago, according to the Selective Service Office.
There were also 26 men who went in for their physical examinations at the same time including
Charles Friebele and Michael Elliott of Oswego and James St. John and John Hodgson of
Boulder Hill.
1966
January
Jan. 6: The Boulder Hill Civic Association, in an attempt to create better attendance, has made
plans to give a $5 door prize away at each meeting starting at the Jan. 12 meeting.
Work is progressing satisfactorily on the 4,400 foot ditch improvement project on the E.M.
McCauley farm located south of Oswego. This project will involve deepening and widening the
ditch to provide an adequate channel for tile and surface water, installation of at least one
reinforced concrete erosion control structure, and repair of several tile outlets.
Scotty’s & Dave’s at U.S. Route 34 and Ill. Route 71 was advertising Friday Night Special fish
plate for 85 cents and a chicken fried steak dinner Saturday night for $1.
The Oswegoland Ledger is now hiring delivery boys for Montgomery and Bristol. There is no
collecting; the boys are paid each week directly by the Ledger.
Jan. 13: Rev. Clifford Brier, pastor of St. Anne’s Church of Oswego, announced plans this week
for construction of a new building for St. Anne’s Church.
The spiral-shaped building, designed by Dittrich, Neil, and Wennlund, architectural firm of
Chicago will be located at the corner of Rt. 71 near Washington Street in Oswego. The brick and
steel structure will be used exclusively as a church with the building now housing the church
being used as a hall for meetings.
The new church will seat over 500 people. Present facilities will seat only about 250.
Present plans call for construction to begin as soon as possible on the church, which will cost in
excess of $250,000.
The congregation of the Oswego United Presbyterian Church will hold their last services in the
old building on Sunday, Jan. 16. The old building is located at the corner of Madison and Benton
in Oswego. The congregation will make the final move to its new church home, located on Route
25 in Cedar Glen, on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 16.
At the Oswego Village Board’s Jan. 3 meeting, Dr. M.R. Saxon presented a petition to rezoning
property on Route 71 from R-1 to R-3. The petition was referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals
for action.
Ford Lippold of the park district was present and asked permission to put plantings on the
extension of Jefferson Street [from Main Street west] to the railroad tracks. Permission was
granted with the stipulation that at such time it became necessary to use this extension the
plantings would be destroyed.
The marriage of Barbara Jean Thomas to Joey Michael Seidelman took place Saturday, Jan. 8, at
St. Joseph’s Church, Aurora. The bride was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Tomas of Aurora.
The groom was the son of Mr. and Mrs. August Seidelman, Oswego.
Mr. Richard Law of Boulder Hill was appointed a commissioner of the Oswegoland Park District
at their Monday meeting. The term of office to which Mr. Law was appointed unanimously by
the board runs until April 1969. Other commissioners include Ralph Wheeler, Oswego president;
Glen McKittrick, Boulder Hill; Richard Young, Oswego; and Mrs. Marguerite Chrisse, Oswego.
John Carr, Oswego is treasurer.
The commissioners also voted to name the newly acquired riverfront property Saw-Wee-Kee.
Freely translated from the Pottawatomie Indian language, the name means “yellow rocky earth.”
The 150 acre site, obtained in a land transfer from the State of Illinois, will be developed over the
next ten years with picnic and camping sites, hiking and horseback riding trails, boating and
fishing facilities, with a portion of the area left as a natural game and wildlife preserve.
The Rev. Thomas W. Wilson will be installed as pastor of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in
Boulder Hill and of Zion Lutheran Church in Wheatland. The two churches will share Pastor
Wilson’s time and services as a dual parish.
Work is progressing rapidly on the Shoger group drainage ditch located east of Oswego. This
ditch will provide an outlet for a large tile line. Involved in this project are Howard Shoger,
Nicholas Bauman, and Robert Ebinger.
Jan. 20: The congregation of the Oswego United Presbyterian Church will meet for the first time
in their new building Sunday, Jan. 23. The new church is located on Highway 25 in Cedar Glen,
about a half mile north of Oswego.
Notice: Beginning with this issue of the Oswegoland Ledger, the residents of Oswego and
outlying subdivisions will receive their paper by carrier boy rather than through the mail.
The Oswego Baptist Church has announced that services will be held this Sunday in the church
building at 262 South Madison [the former Oswego Presbyterian Church] in Oswego. The
building is now undergoing extensive redecorating and remodeling, which will be in keeping
with the vast Christian education program which is being planned to serve the community. A
large modern kitchen and two modern restrooms will be located in the basement. A new heating
plant will be installed to adequately serve the entire basement. Remodeling in the sanctuary will
create an enlarged choir loft backed by a large baptistery, which will allow for baptism by
immersion. A new electronic organ has also been place in the sanctuary. The outside of the
building will be enhanced by a redesigned bell tower. The Oswego Baptist Church was
organized in June 1963 and has been meeting in East View School.
Jim “Rocky” Walker of Oswego recently returned from a two-week hunt in central Utah where
he bagged a mountain lion.
Jan. 27: Attorney Jerome Nelson was elected a director of the Oswego Community Bank at the
annual shareholders meeting on Monday, Jan. 17. Attorney Nelson is a member of the Puklin,
Nelson and Dunn Law Firm in Aurora. He was Kendall County State’s Attorney for 12 years.
Local Board 148, Plano, forwarded 13 boys for induction from Kendall County on Jan. 18.
Those inducted were Daniel W. Keltner and John C. McKirgan from Plano; Lawrence E. Morel,
Millington; Ralph K. Gabrielson, Newark; James R. White, Plainfield; George A. Stewart,
Bristol; Stephen C. Collins, Clarence H. Holdiman, and Wayne L. Reibel from Yorkville; Jerry
Gene Sehie, David A. Conklin, and Robert J. Leppert from Oswego; and James R. Williams
from Boulder Hill. The Plano chapter of the Red Cross furnished coffee and doughnuts for the
boys.
February -- 1966
Feb. 3: At the January meeting of the park commissioners it was voted to make a slight change in
the name of the district from Oswego Park District to Oswegoland Park District. As more than
two-thirds of the residents in the district live outside the village limits, it was felt that the
Oswegoland designation would be more representative of the geography of the district.
The Oswegoland Park District covers a 36 square mile area in the shape of a square with each
side being six miles in length.
Superintendent Ford Lippold was authorized to obtain prices on a three-quarter ton pickup truck
for use by the district in maintenance of its four parks, two-acre SuzanJohn in Boulder Hill; two-
acre Waubonsie in the village of Oswego; 23-acre Waa-Kee-Sha southeast of the village; and
150-acre Saa-Wee-Kee two miles southwest of the village.
J’s Shoe Repair, located a half mile west of the Oswego bridge on Route 34, was advertising
complete shoe repair service, as well as being Oswego’s “Red Wing Shoe Headquarters.”
Feb. 10: The Oswego High School Wrestling team completely dominated the [Little Seven]
conference wrestling meet last Saturday at Mooseheart. Pat Grach picked up a third place;
Harley Woodhouse won second place; and Dick Foster won second place. Tom Reilly, Wes
Robinson, Kent Smith, Al Chrisse, and John Foose took first places in their weight classes. Paul
Kulbartz, 180 lbs., was the victim of some careless officiating and had to settle for second place.
Feb. 17: Dr. and Mrs. Richard Dunn have moved into a home on Route 25 next to the new
church. They are formerly from the Ottawa and Marseilles area, where the doctor practiced for
18 years.
Robin Schindlbeck of Oswego was recently pledged to the Drake University chapter of Alpha
Phi social sorority.
Oswego High School will have three wrestlers in the State Wrestling Tournament at
Northwestern in Evanston. Wes Robinson, Al Chrisse, and Kent Smith qualified to go to the state
tournament.
Five Boulder Hill residents are members of the Aurora Festival Chorus. They are Sharon
Holbeck, Dorothea Yuvan, Lee Larson, Kay Peter, and Beverly Gray.
March -- 1966
March 3: Thirty-six year old Vic Franz, Chief of Police in Plano and formerly of Oswego, will
run for sheriff of Kendall County. He will be running on the Republican ticket.
The Oswego School Board held a special meeting to discuss future building programs and how
to gain support of the community for future referendums.
March 10: The Home Economics Department of Oswego High School has a new co-worker.
Pamela Rierson is joining Betty Jo Suhr, home economics teacher, at Oswego for an eight-week
student teaching experience. Mrs. Rierson is a student at Northern Illinois University.
March 17: Roger May definitely has a place in the University of Illinois’ wrestling future,
according to veteran coach B.R. “Pat” Patterson. Roger, a 1964 graduate of Oswego High
School, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Victor May of Oswego.
March 24: Waa-Kee-Sha Park on Reservation Road will be opened for the 1966 season on
Saturday, April 9, according to Ralph Wheeler, President of the Oswegoland Park District.
Two Boy Scouts of Troop 31 received their Life Awards at the Court of Awards held March 21,
Duane Anderson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Anderson; and Grant Wegner, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Wegner.
The value of strong Township support by the resident voters of Oswego Township will again be
needed at the annual Town Meeting, April 5. Last year 82 residents voted almost unanimously to
allow the township to purchase the Red Brick School block for future municipal development.
This year an important resolution is to be presented to the voters to allow an option for a post
office site to be given to the Postal Department so that they can proceed with bids for
construction of a new postal building for the Oswego area.
The meeting must, by law, start at the township hall but will adjourn to the Masonic Temple
dining room to facilitate the number of voters anticipated.
Eleven pieces of new shelving for the Oswego Township Library have been purchased and
installed. This shelving is the gift of Mr. Harry J. Beeman and is a memorial to Laura Mae and
Francis Falk, parents of Mrs. Beeman and Mrs. A.J. Hettrick.
A beautiful dark maple card catalog has been placed in the library through the generosity of the
relatives and friends of Mr. C.W. Clark. Mr. Clark was a member of the Oswego Community
Library Association and served on its board of trustees for thee years. He was chairman of the
building committee of the association and was a generous donor to the library fund.
At the regular meeting of the Board of Education of Oswego Community Unit District 308 on
March 14 the board approved preliminary plans of a circular, 12-room school at Boulder Hill.
This circular plan is expandable in cluster form around a central area for auxiliary services such
as cafeteria, Library, office, and multi-purpose room. Mr. Robert Mall, who presented the plans,
has been selected as the architect for both the Boulder Hill and the 7-classroom school to be
adjacent to the East View Elementary School.
The board has set April 30 as the date to vote on bonds for the proposed school.
At present, classroom space has been overtaxed by current enrollments. If approved on the
referendum the East View classrooms will be available in September 1966 and the Boulder Hill
school will be completed during the 1966-67 school year. [The school built on the circular plan
is today’s Long Beach School. The additional building adjacent to East View was joined to the
main building in the late 1980s and today houses the district administration center.]
At the Oswego Village Board’s March 11 meeting, action was withheld on an agreement which
had been presented between the Monier Sheep Company and the village. [The Monier property
eventually became Windcrest]
An ordinance was presented limiting parking time on Man Street to two hours during business
hours. The ordinance was referred to the committee for further study.
The plan commission recommended that the village board approve preliminary plot for Bolin
Subdivision. Approval was given.
The Zoning Board of Appeals has been requested to give further consideration to the request for
rezoning by Dr. Michael R. Saxon.
The Kendall County Recreation Association has committed itself to raise the $12,000 necessary
to purchase 15 acres of land adjacent to the new proposed Kendall County Forest Preserve
property on Route 71 south of Yorkville. Tentative plans to develop the 15 acres include a
lighted baseball diamond, show facilities for 4-H and similar youth activities, and a central
meeting building for office space.
March 31: With this issue of the Oswegoland Ledger, we celebrate an anniversary--our first one-
-for on April 1, 1965 we published our first edition of the paper.
On Nov. 17, 1949 Ford Lippold, who recognized the need for a community newspaper,
published the first edition of the Oswego Leger. The paper continued under his editorship for 15-
1/2 years until it was purchased by the Silent Secretary.
Silent Secretary first started nearly five years ago as a secretarial service in Oswego and the
surrounding area. Later, mimeographing services were added, then bookkeeping, and most
recently offset and letterpress printing facilities were included.
This has been an eventful year for the Ledger. We have grown from an 8-1/2x11 sheet to a full
tabloid size paper. The Ledger is now recognized as an accredited newspaper and is a member of
the Illinois Press Association. Our circulation has increased from 1,900 to 3,300 as we have
expanded our coverage to include not only Oswego and Boulder Hill, but also Willowbrook,
Bristol, and Montgomery.
April -- 1966
April 7: At the Oswego School Board’s meeting on April 4 a resolution was passed to submit to
the voters of the district at a special election to be held April 30, 1966 a bond issue of $625,000
to purchase a new site of ten acres in Boulder Hill and the building and equipping of a new grade
school on a site now owned by the district adjacent to East View Elementary School.
April 14: The Oswego Village Board approved five new subdivision plats at their April 4
meeting, including Kluckholm Estates, Bolin Addition, Cedar Glen Third Addition; Windcrest
Subdivision; and Marina Terrace Unit 2.
The Board of Education met on April 11 to canvass the results of the election held April 9. The
successful candidates were determined to be Jay Gosset, M. Lutter, and Lyle Huggert. The board
was organized and the following members were elected to office: President, Ray Lubbs;
Secretary, Gerald Dauwalder; vice-president, Jack Brobst; Treasurer, Everett McKeown;
Corresponding secretary, T. Loyd Traughber.
The Oswego School District responded to questions concerning the upcoming bond referendum.
The selection of a circular design for the Boulder Hill Attendance Center to be voted on
Saturday, April 30, was based on research study and recommendations made jointly by the
Educational Citizens Committee, the board, and the administrative staff. This design was chosen
by a committee of architects to be one most deserving of a place among architectural exhibits of
schools at the 1966 Convention of American School Administrators and American School Board
meeting at Atlantic City, Feb. 13-16. The building’s utilities will be sized for one additional 12
or 14 classroom unit attached in the future.
Several factors have contributed to the Board of Education decision in combining the
administration facilities with the classroom annex to East View instead of separating and
locating such facilities on two sites.
April 14: At the Oswego Village Board meeting, five subdivision plats were approved,
Kluckholm Estates, Bolin Addition, Cedar Glen 3rd addition, Windcrest Subdivision, and
Marina Terrace Unit 2.
Following the April 11 school board election, the winners were announced as J. Gossett, M.
Lutter, and L. Huggert. The board elected Ray Lubbs president; Gerald Dauwander, secrerary;
Jack Brobst, vice president; Everett McKeown, treasurer; and T.L. Traughber, secretary.
Walter Hage, Oswego Postmaster, announced increased hours at the post office, Monday through
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Previously, the post office closed
Thursday afternoons.
The new Frigiaire refrigerators at Jack Johnson Appliances in Oswego could “make ice cubes
automatically!” The refrigerators could store up to 243 ice cubes in a “Handy Door Server.”
April 28: A favorable vote on Saturday will permit construction of the East View Annex to begin
immediately and have seven additional classrooms of the building ready by September 1966.
The Boulder Hill grade school construction will begin the last part of June 1966 and will be
ready for occupancy on or before Sept. 1, 1967.
The Oswego Lions Club is sponsoring Mr. Marshall Brodien, magician and hypnotist, for an
evening presentation at the Oswego Junior High School.
Directors of a proposed state regional library system to serve Grundy, Will, Kendall, and
Kankakee counties voted to call it the Burr Oak Library System.
Car Hops Wanted: Apply at Scotty’s Drive-In, Routes 71 and 34.
May -- 1966
May 5: A blue-eyed blonde senior in home economics Saturday, April 30, was named 1966 May
Queen of the University of Illinois at Urbana and crowned in colorful ceremonies. She is Cheryl
B. Smith, a farm girl from Oswego, who lives in 4-H House at the University and currently is a
practice teacher in home economics at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park.
In 1964 she toured the state as Illinois Dairy Princess.
her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. George Smith, are university of Illinois alumni and a sister Nannette,
was graduated from the university in 1964.
The Oswego School Board met May 2 to canvass the April 30 bond referendum vote. A total of
602 yes votes were cast, 431 no votes and six defective ballots were cast. The favorable vote will
permit construction of the East View Annex to begin immediately and have seven additional
classrooms of the building ready by September. The Boulder Hill Grade School construction will
begin the last part of June.
May 12: Dedication services for the new Oswego United Presbyterian Church located on Route
25 in Cedar Glen will be held Sunday, May 15.
When Miss Mildred Vickery leaves her desk at Oswego’s East View Elementary School on June
3, it will be for the last time. She will be retiring after 42 years of elementary teaching in Kendall
County.
Another step toward making a junior community college a reality was taken this week as
representatives of industry, labor and trades, government, banking, agriculture, the area Catholic
churches joined educators and concerned citizens in expressing their enthusiastic support of the
proposed school at a public hearing conducted by the Illinois State Junior College Board.
May 19: Thursday, May 19 is moving day at the office of the Oswegoland Leger. After this date
the office will be located on Route 34 at the new Silver Wheel building about one-half mile west
of the Oswego bridge. This will be the first of two moves for the Ledger. Upon completion of the
new home and office in July, the Ledger will move again, this time to its permanent residence.
May 26: A groundbreaking service was held May 22 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church for a
parsonage to be built by Don L. Dise, Inc. The home is to be a tri-level designed by Don L. Dise,
Inc., and will be built on lots facing the church. Participating in the groundbreaking were church
members Ray Alderson, Oliver Leppert, Ray Weeks, and Carl Friebele, along with the Rev.
Thomas Wilson and Don L. Dise.
James Seidelman, son of Mr. and Mrs. August Seidelman, Oswego, was a recent finalist in the
Foreign Traveling Fellowships at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Miss Cheryl Smith, named cochairman of June Dairy Month by the American Dairy Association
of Illinois, undertakes a statewide swing during June to boost dairy products and call attention of
the variety of appetizing food buys available at the dairy counter every day.
Cheryl, 21, of Oswego is graduating in June from the University of Illinois where she is an honor
student. Her major is home economics.
The members of the Oswego High School Class of 1966 were to participate in commencement
exercises on Friday, June 3 at the school. Speakers included class president John Vanderlinden;
Salutatorian Frank Wooley, Valedictorian David Lippy, Activity Award winner Meridy
Davidson, Sportsmanship Award winner Steve Parker, Activities Award winner Kent Smith, and
Citizenship Award winner Danny Miller, while class vice president Virginia Penman was to
present the class gift.
June -- 1966
June 9: One hundred and twenty Oswego High School seniors received their diplomas from Mr.
Raymond Lubbs, president of the Oswego Board of Education on Friday evening, June 3. The
scene of the commencement exercises was the Oswego Community High School gymnasium.
Approximately 1,500 people were in attendance. One member of the class was ill and unable to
participate. Another six to eight will finish their work this summer in summer school and will
receive their diplomas before the end of the summer.
On July 9, voters in this area will go to the polls to express their feelings concerning he
establishment of a Class I junior college district and to vote support for such college.
Miss Cheryl Smith, Oswego’ enthusiastic June Dairy Month co-chairman, comes to Boulder Hill
shopping center Saturday to visit with shoppers and boost dairy products.
June 16: Two Oswegoans handily won their Republican primary races. Don Gengler got the
GOP nod for Kendall County Treasurer, while Vic Franz won the primary for Kendall County
Sheriff
The Oswego Village Board narrowly approved rezoning a portion of Block 1 of the Original
Town of Oswego firm its present classification for the permissive use for schools, parks, public
buildings, and cemeteries to B-1 Business District--Limited Retail in order to permit the erection
of a building designed to be used for occupancy by the United States Post Office Department as
a Post Office for the Village of Oswego for at least 10 years. On a motion by Trustee Hank
McDowell, the vote was a 2-2 tie with McDowell and Trustee John Buss voted aye, while
trustees Floyd Foss and Carl Smith voted no. Trustee Milton “Les” Penn, serving as village
president pro tem in the absence of Village President Harry Fuller, cast the tie-breaking vote in
favor of rezoning the lot.
In other village board news, they unanimously approved the plat for the Waubonsie Garden
Subdivision submitted by Ernie Pfund.
The petition by Dr. M.R. Saxon to rezone from R-1 to R-3 property on Ill. Route 71 was denied.
The Zoning Board of Appeals’ letter recommending denial was read. Trustees McDowell and
Foss voted yes; trustees Smith and Buss abstained. The motion to deny passed.
A motion was passed to ring every bell in the village at 1 p.m. for two minutes on July 4, 1966 as
part of a statewide observance of Independence Day.
June 23: The Oswego School Board, meeting Monday, June 13m accepted with regret, the
resignation of school district business manager Howard Sims. Sims was released from his
contract to accept a position as business manager with Elgin Community Junior College.
Oswego Postmaster Walter Hage announced June 21 that that Oswego Post Office would have
two rural routes. The new mail carrier on the route will be Walter Anderson. The expansion was
due to the increased number of patrons on the route. Geoffrey Cooper will continue to deliver the
first route.
June 30: Glen D. Palmer of Game Farm Road, Yorkville, was reelected chairman of the Kendall
County Republican Central Committee at a meeting Monday in the courthouse in Yorkville.
Palmer has held the Kendall GOP chairmanship since 1946.
Charles H. Percy, Republican candidate for U.s. Senator from Illinois, has accused Sen. Paul
Douglas of being a “Human power failure” in Washington, declaring that “no senator with
Douglas’ seniority has had so little success in passing his own legislation. Paul Douglas hasn’t
misused power--he hasn’t used it at all,” Percy said.
July -- 1966
July 7: Residents of 12 school districts in this area will have one of the 40 Class I colleges that
the State Junior College Board hopes will be established by 1968.
July 14: The referendum to establish a new local junior college on July 9 passed 4,448 to 2,643.
Board member nominating petitions are now available at the Kane County School House-Court
House Annex in Geneva. Seven members will be elected to the board, two of which shall reside
in unincorporated areas.
A severe wind and rain storm blew out windows in the old Kopper Kettle building and the
Oswego Hardware building on Monday, July 11 at about 1:30 a.m. Winds of 75 mph and more
took down electrical and telephone wires throwing most of the town into darkness. The last
pieces of the carnival and booths of the Oswegoland Festival, which had not yet been removed
from the north end of Main Street were also hit.
“11 Annoyed Families and Herb Ruck’s Washarama” signed a letter to the editor protesting the
closure of Main Street north of Jackson Street for the summer carnival, complaining it caused a
hardship on those wanting to wash their clothes at the village’s only Laundromat.
The week of June 26 at Camp Chin-Be-Gota near Wausau, Wis. was devoted to a Junior Leader
Training Course to prepare boy officers to lead their respective troops. Participating from
Oswego Troop 31 were Mike Conover and Grant Wegner.
July 21: Paul L. Kellogg of Boulder Hill announced his candidacy for the new community
college board. For the past 10 years he has been employed in the education department of
Houghton Mifflin. Kellogg served on the citizens committee for the community college since its
inception and acted as recorder for the building and sites subcommittee.
July 28: U.S. Everett M. Dirksen, R-Illinois, proposed a constitutional amendment to permit
voluntary prayer in public schools. Opponents pointed out voluntary prayer was already
permitted in public schools.
August 20 marks the date of the election of the Community Junior College, District No. 516.
Local polling places for the board election were established in the Oswego Village Hall and at
Boulder Hill School.
August -- 1966
Aug. 4: The Oswego Senior High School Cheerleading Squad won the first place grand
championship trophy at the USCA Cheerleading Camp, held July 20-23. Members of the squad
included Pat Wheeler, Sue Svob, Geri Ode, Kathy Freeman, and Sue Kohler.
Aug. 11: The opening date for Oswego Community Schools will be Thursday, Sept. 1, 1966. The
closing date of the 1966-67 term will be June 2, 1967.
Effective as of 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 1966, the area now being used for municipal dumping
purposes on Oswegoland park District property will be closed for a period of 60 days. The dump
is being closed pursuant to a hearing to be held by the State of Illinois Department of Sanitation
in Springfield the week of Aug. 22, brought about by complaints of taxpayers who live in the
area.
Two members of the Oswego Village Board submitted their resignations at the board’s August
meeting. Resigning were trustees Carl Smith and John Buss. The board voted to appoint Orville
Blair to fill Smith’s unexpired term and Jack Olson to fill the unexpired term of Buss.
In other business, the board voted to increase the salary of Police Officer Jim Vinson to $500 per
month.
B.G. Douglas presented a request to rezone property on Lots 6 and 7 in Bock 9 from R-2 to B-2
in order to build a drive-in similar to the Dairy-Boat now in operation. The request was
forwarded to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a recommendation.
Aug. 18. Beginning Sept. 1, 1966, the Oswegoland Ledger will become a subscription
newspaper. The newspaper will be mailed from the Oswego Post Office under a second-class
permit, with delivery scheduled for Thursdays.
We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to so many of you during the past few weeks due
to the fact that so many substitute paper boys had to be used during vacation time. We feel that in
consideration of all factors, it will be to the advantage of all if the paper is delivered on a
subscription basis.
Regular price of a year’s subscription is $3.
Work is near completion on the construction of the new building to house the Golfer’s Supply
Company. The new facility is being erected at the junction of Routes 34 and 71, Oswego.
George Akerlow, past president of the Oswego School Board, announced his candidacy for the
new Community Junior College Board. Also announcing his candidacy was Thomas W. Fletcher
of Lisbon Center. Fletcher and his wife have two sons, Thomas, a student at Knox College,
Galesburg; and Jack, an eighth grader at Yorkville Junior High School.
Aug. 25: Oswego Volunteer Firefighters responded to a living room fire at the Jesse Ash home
on Jay Street in Oswego. The fire was quickly extinguished but smoke damage was extensive.
A total of 4,476 ballots were cast in last Saturday’s election for Junior College Board members,
District 516, which includes Kane, DeKalb, Kendall, LaSalle, and Will counties. Board members
elected included John L. Nickels, Dale R. VonOhlen, Ruby L. Collins, Evar A. Erickson,
Thomas C. Redd, George W. Akerlow, and Lucile Gustafson.
September -- 1966
Sept. 1: The East View classroom annex and administration center will not be completed for use
when school opens. The primary delay is windows to enclose the building. This week painters
will complete decorating; floor contractors are scheduled to complete the classroom section
wood cabinets, doors, and trim are ready for placement. Frist grade students will double up in
three classrooms as will five sections of second grade until such time as rooms are ready.
ANDREW M. PIERCE
Jan. 5, 1890 -- Aug. 25, 1966
Whenever you mention H.B. Conkey Gravel Company, Oswego Fire Protection District, or
Village of Oswego you have to mention Andy Pierce.
Few people can remember when Andy didn’t work for the Conkey Company. He retired several
years ago as Superintendent of their North Aurora plant after 42 years of service.
Mr. Pierce’s life of service to the village started in 1929 when he was elected to the board. Two
years later he was elected president of the board, a position he was reelected to until 1941. After
four years he ran again, this time unopposed. He retired in 1953. He and his many able assistants
guided our town through sewer, water, and road improvement; a depression; PWA projects;
zoning; wheel tax; daylight savings time; new wells; chlorination; and garbage collection. The
village budget and appropriation in 1931 was $5,400. The bills presented to the board for
payment at a December 1951 meeting totaled $10,949.12.
Mr. Pierce was an organizer of the Oswego Fire Protection District. Fire protection for
Oswegoland progressed from one Model A Ford fire truck that couldn’t leave the city limits to
the fleet of pumpers and tankers that answer calls from a modern building on Main Street.
CLAYTON B. ROTH
Jan. 12, 1895 -- Aug. 26, 1966
The passing of Clayton Roth calls attention to an era and a disappearing breed of man--the World
War I veteran. Clayton served well for his country, church, and community. It was not his
fortune to serve overseas, but in trouble spots in Texas along the Mexican border.
American Legion Post 675 has benefited much from Clayton’s abilities.
Sept. 8: Congratulations and a very large thank you are in order to the Jaycees who are working
so had on the repainting of the Oswego street signs. They look nice, and are much easier read
and are an all around improvement. Some of the Jaycees participating included Omer Horton,
Bill Penn, and Larry Hying.
Sept. 15: Mike Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brown, Aurora, will be studying and working
with Everett McKeown at the McKeown Funeral Home in Oswego. Brown will serve a two year
apprenticeship to become a licensed embalmer and funeral director.
At the Oswego Village Board’s Sept. 8 meeting the annexation of the R. Herren property on
Route 34 and the property owned by Mr. and Mrs. Bolin were passed unanimously. Also passed
was the annexation of Fox Bend Golf Course and Windcrest Subdivision. The village attorney
was directed to obtain maps showing the new boundaries.
Jack Clark requested permission to build a car wash on B-2 property on Route 34. The matter
was referred for study.
Sharon Rae Curtis and Donald Leppert were married Sept. 11, 1966 at St. Luke’s Lutheran
Church in Boulder Hill. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald B. Curtis. The groom is the
son of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Leppert.
Sept. 22: Bids for construction of a dam in the Fox River at Montgomery will be let and
construction will be underway this year with completion of the project by early spring of 1967.
The location of the Montgomery dam will be moved approximately 1,400 feet north of the
original site. Recent engineering survey and borings taken at the new location by the state
division of waterways revealed that a savings of $137,000 would be made if the dam were
relocated. The new location is at the south end of South Island.
In addition to the $137,000 savings in construction of the dam, an improved method of handling
boats through the lock will be made.
State Sen. Robert W. Mitchler announced that construction of locks at the east side of the
Montgomery dam are included in the current plans and will be included in the construction of the
dam. Although there will be separate bids for the dam and the locks, the construction of the dam
and locks at Montgomery will be accomplished at the same time and will be completed during
the current biennium.
Agreement to construction the Montgomery dam at the new location was made after it was
agreed between John C. Guillou, chief waterway engineer for the state, and officers of the Fox
Valley Pleasure Park District to immediately progress with plans for construction of a dam at
Oswego The Oswego dam would be constructed at a site north of the Oswego bridge.
W.L. McCullough, president of the Fox River Pleasure Park District, explained that this
combination of a Montgomery dam and lock and Oswego dam would provide eight miles of
boating from the EJ&E Railroad bridge south of Aurora to the Oswego dam.
Plans call for continued development of the banks of the Fox River by the park district.
“With proper dam and lock construction, the Fox River can become a navigable stream suitable
for pleasure boating all the way south to Ottawa and the Illinois River,” Mitchler said.
Robert Nelson of Oak Hill Drive and Paul Baumann of Route 34 recently attended a fraternity
leadership training workshop at Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colo. Bob and Paul are
members of Sigma Chi Fraternity.
Sept. 29: On Sept. 15, the voters of St Luke’s Lutheran Church, Boulder Hill, held a meeting to
issue a call to Rev. Thomas Wilson, pastor of the dual parish of St. Luke’s Lutheran and Zion
Lutheran, Wheatland, to serve as pastor of St. Luke’s following the official dissolution of the
dual parish. At the voter’s meeting on July 21 it had been resolved to dissolve the dual parish
effective Jan. 1, 1967, or sooner if agreeable to both parishes.
Tragedy stuck in the early morning hours at the home of Charles H. Percy, the Republican
candidate for U.S. Senator. Valerie Percy, daughter of the candidate, was murdered without
cause, in a brutal and horrible manner.
October -- 1966
Oct. 6: About $440 in cash was taken from the Oswego High School safe last Friday night after
burglars gained entry through the northeast door of the gym. The door to the safe was destroyed
to gain entry. James Vinson, chief of police said the investigation is still proceeding. He said
there are some suspects but further results from the Illinois Crime Lab on tests run are being
awaited.
Dr. Joseph L. Daw of Aurora is now associated with the Oswego Medical Group. Dr. Daw is an
East Aurora High School graduate, and graduated from the University of Illinois Medical
School. He went into practice at the clinic in August following service in the U.S. Air Force. He
is married to the former Joyce Dano of Aurora.
Oct. 13: Our best wises to Mrs. Betty Fitzpatrick and Mr. Stanly Herren, who were married Oct.
2. They are residing at 1033 Plum Street, Aurora. Mrs. Herren is the mother of Milton Penn of
Oswego.
Waa-Kee-Sha Park will be open through Sunday, Oct. 30. Over 10,000 persons will have used
the park this season by the time it is closed down for the winter.
Oct. 20: The Oswego Village Board, at their Oct. 3 meeting, approved one recommendation and
sent another recommendation from the Oswego Plan Commission to committee for study. A plan
commission recommendation that all future water connections be made only after property has
been annexed to the village was referred to the water committee for further study. A
recommendation to approve the final plat of the Waubansee Gardens Subdivision submitted by
Mr. Pfund was approved.
A letter from the Zoning Board of Appeals that the request by B.J. Douglas to rezone property on
the corner of Madison and Van Buren streets was denied. Following a discussion, a motion was
made to meet with interested parties and Realtors on Oct. 10 to discuss the matter further.
A petition by Joe Hasnsisak to annex property at the intersection of Routes 34 and 71 was
approved, as was an application by Fox Bend Golf Club for a Class A Liquor License.
Dorothy Seidelman, her daughter Susan, and a former fellow student at the Art Institute of
Chicago, Arthur Stafford, recently returned from Norfolk, Va., where they spend a one-day
dependents’ cruise aboard the LPH 9 USS Guam to visit with Jim Seidelman, PH 3. The Guam
was the primary recovery ship for the astronauts of Gemini 11 on Sept. 15.
Oct. 27: Construction has been started in Boulder Hill on a new building for Zentmyer Ford
Sales, Inc. The company’s building in Oswego was completely destroyed by fire one year ago.
The move to new quarters in Boulder Hill with ample space for new and used car storage,
employee and customer parking, and the most modern service equipment will assure the
continued growth and success of Zentmyer Ford.
The new building, designed by architect Robert Mall of Aurora, will be built by Don L. Dise,
Inc. Construction of the 15,000 square foot building will be of clinker brick and natural timbers
with a woo shingle roof to compliment the present buildings in the Boulder Hill Market area.
Jill Peterson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Peterson of Oak Hill Drive, Oswego, is one of
seven cheerleaders selected recently at MacMurry College, Jacksonville, Ill. She is captain of the
squad.
November -- 1966
Nov. 3: Friday was moving day at East View. The long-awaited move to the new Annex began
Friday morning as the students moved some of the smaller items to the new building. Larger
items were moved over the weekend and Monday morning found the students settled in their
new school building.
Rep. Charlotte Reid, R-Aurora, representative from our district, announced today that at long last
Oswego will get a new post office. The building will be located on the corner of Madison and
Jackson streets. Preliminary plans call for a 2,364 square feet of floor space with an area of 3,000
square feet of parking and movement of postal vehicles.
A familiar grin will be missing from Main Street, Tona Powers succumbed to a heart attack last
Saturday afternoon. Tony and Ethel operated the Oswego Coffee Shop for the last eight years.
Nov. 10: In general election balloting Nov. 8, Republicans swept all county offices up for
election. Jean P. Brady of Yorkville, was elected county clerk; Don Gengler of Oswego was
elected county treasurer; and Vic Frantz of Oswego was elected county sheriff, all by margins of
more than 2-1.
Regina Dunn, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Richard F. Dunn of Oswego was killed in an accident on
Friday, Nov. 4 when a car struck her in front of the Dunn home on Ill. Route 25.
Nov. 17: The request of Bill Douglas to rezone property at Van Buren and Madison streets for
purposes of building a drive-in was denied at the last meeting of the Oswego Village Board.
A recommendation to the village board from the Oswego Plan Commission to rezone property
on Ill. Route 25 owned by Jim Zentmyer from B-2 to R-1 was referred to the Zoning Board of
Appeals.
When the early 20th Century history of Kendall County is written, Oliver Burkhart’s name will
be mentioned many times.
Sports, law, and automobiles were Oliver’s main interest in life. He excelled at East Aurora High
School in football, track, and baseball back at the turn of the century. He was an expert with a
shotgun and did a lot of trap shooting. Oliver went from high school to Lake Forest College and
received his law degree and started his long career as an attorney. He served as Kendall County
State’s Attorney in the late teens and early 1920s. Few people can remember when he became
township supervisor or when he actually retired from public service. The village of Oswego
retained him as attorney for many years.
Burkhart and Shoger was a pioneer automobile dealership in Oswego. Charley Shoger and Oliver
had an EMF Agency. Can you remember the Everett, Metzger, and Flanders automobiles? The
Studebaker Wagon Company bought out EMF and originated the Studebaker Automobile
Company. Shoger and Burkhart secured an agency in the new organization. Their first place of
business was a shed on Jackson Street, near the alley and on the property formerly occupied by
Zentmyer’s garage. About 1913 they moved to the building where Oliver’s brother, Ralph,
operates a garage.
Oswego High School Varsity Football Coach Ken Pickerill was named Little Seven Conference
Coach of the Year. Since Oswego joined the Little Seven in 1963, Pickerill’s record was 19
wins, 8 losses, and 1 tie. His teams produced 21 All-Conference players and 16 Honorable
Mentions.
Nov. 23: No news worth reporting
December -- 1966
Dec. 1: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Boulder Hill celebrated its ninth anniversary. The existing
worship and educational facilities were dedicated April 21 1963. Present plans call for the
complete remodeling and expansion of the worship facilities ad the addition of a large
educational and administrative unit. The church building committee is waiting bids for the
proposed work from O. Kleb and Associates. It is anticipated that contracts will be awarded early
in December with ground breaking for the new facilities planned shortly after. The committee
hopes to have this phase of expansion work completed by mid-summer 1967.
Oswego Boy Scout Troop 31 scouts Duane Anderson and Grant Wegner earned their Eagle
Ranks during a special ceremony at Cam KeDeKa in Sugar Grove. Scoutmaster of Troop 31 is
Howard Dannenberg.
On his first day of hunting, 12 year-old Breck Swanquist of 34 Park Street, Oswego, shot his first
deer on Thanksgiving Day. Breck and his father were hunting at Camp Barakel in Fairview,
Mich.
Daryl Davis played end for the Illinois Western freshmen this year. And Steve Parker was a
regular on the kick return team at Northern Illinois University. Bill Pranga is varsity center at
Joliet Junior College, and John Mang made the Wheaton College varsity as a halfback.
Dec. 8: James R. Zentmyer and James K. Detzler of Zentmyer Ford, Inc., Oswego, have just
completed a course in dealership management conducted by Ford’s Chicago Marketing Institute.
Dec. 15: A rezoning request from N.M. Tripp, regarding a part of Block 1, Park Addition, was
referred to the zoning Board of Appeals at the Oswego Village Board’s Dec. 5 meeting. Tripp
was requesting a zoning change from R-1 to B-2.
Dec. 22: Herbert L. Rucks, 56, of Oswego died at his home Dec. 19, 1966. He was born on July
14, 1910 in Chicago. He is survived by his wife, Gladys; one on, Gerald; and two daughters,
Susan (Mrs. Kenneth Steiner) of Chicago and Nancy (Mrs. Fred Kuechelmann) of Evanston;
three grandchildren; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L.O. Rucks of Duarte, Calif.; and one sister, Mrs.
N. H. (Heidi) Sands of Lincoln, Neb. He was preceded in death by one brother, Leonard Rucks
of Pasadena, Calif. in October 1956.
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Boulder Hill broke ground on Dec. 18 for the enlargement of their
current church facilities and the addition of an educational and administrative building.
Contracts were awarded Dec. 16 to Perkins Builders, general contractor; O. Kleb Associates,
architecture; Martin F. Runge, Inc., plumbing; Victor Swanson, Inc., heating; Jack Platt, electric;
and Hartsburg-Hawksley, church furniture.
The enlargement of the church will include complete remodeling of the nave and chancel with
five foot addition to the present edifice, addition of pews and new chancel furnishings,
conversion of present church offices into a vesting sacristy and working sacristy, and the
purchase of a new organ.
The education-administration building will include church office, pastor’s office, and library
conference room, school office, nine classrooms, and storage space.
The existing parking lot and main entrance on Pembrooke Road will be paved and a free
standing tower is to be built.
Dec. 29: Norma Adkins and John Pfund were married recently at the Church of the Good
Shepherd by the Rev. Frank Closson.
1967
January
Jan. 5: Jesse W. Ash, 38 Jay Street, Oswego, has been named quality assurance manager and
John C. Stein of Woodridge Road Boulder Hill, has been appointed superintendent of the
inspection division at Caterpillar Tractor Co.
Ash joined Caterpillar in 1936 at the East Peoria plant as a bur machine operator. He held a
variety of machine shop jobs until he became an inspector in 1941. In 1944 he was named
inspection foreman and in 1953 inspection general foreman. He came to the Aurora Plant in
December 1957 as superintendent of the Inspection division.
Ash and is wife, Ferne, have three children, Sherrilyn, Jean, and a son Robert, who is in the U.S.
Navy.
Jan. 12: Our sympathy to Oliver Hem of rural Oswego on the death of his mother, Mrs. Adelaide
Hem of Aurora, who passed away last Sunday.
Margaret Gerette Scheller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose J. Scheller, is the first baby born
in our area in 1967. She was born on Jan. 5, 1967 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Aurora. Mr.
and Mrs. Scheller are the parents of four other children, Gerard, age 5; Marianne, 4; Geralynn, 3;
and Michelle, 1-1/2. The Schellers moved to 12 Scarsdale Road in Boulder Hill a year ago from
Dubuque Ia.
Use of ZIP Code will make it easier to mail packages after Jan. 15, Postmaster Haage announced
today. Use of ZIP Code in the recipient’s address will enable the sender or a mail clerk to
quickly determine the proper zone, and thus the rate, for the package. The zones will be based on
the distance a parcel travels between the 552 sectional centers in the country.
Jan. 19: At the regular meeting of the Oswego Village Board on Jan. 9, a petition by the Oswego
Plan Commission was read asking for the rezoning of the Zentmyer property on Route 25 from
B-2 to R-1. Mr. Zentmyer, through his attorneys, requested that the property not be rezoned,
since he had expended large sums of money in beginning the contour shaping of the ground and
in plans and specifications for the improvement of the property as permitted under the zoning B-
2.
The motion to rezone the property carried, 5-1.
The request of N.M. Tripp to rezone property on the corner of Route 34 and Jefferson from R-1
to B-2 was voted on by the board and carried unanimously.
The final plat of Marina Village was approved, subject of the provision that lot 83 be brought up
to standard size.
R. Herren was present at the meeting and requested information as to the minimum size street
necessary for access to landlocked property on Tyler. Forty feet was the size determined.
A report following state inspection of the Oswego School District recommended that junior high
teachers make better use of school library facilities, that instrumental instruction staff should be
increased in the music department that that a person specifically trained in art should teach the
subject in elementary buildings.
Jan. 26: A photo of an unusual sighting of 11 Canada geese in the Fox River at Oswego made the
front page of the Ledger.
Duane Ode, president of the Oswego Jaycees, announced that, in response to a letter to the editor
in the Jan. 19 Ledger, efforts were being made to create an outdoor community ice skating rink.
At this time it does not seem probable that we will have one ready for this year, but it will be a
definite thing for next year,” Ode announced.
Dr. James H. Nelson, 37, of Cost Mesa, Calif. was named resident of area junior college district
516 Thursday by the board of the newly formed junior community college district. He will arrive
Feb. 4 and will immediately involve himself with the problems of the college site selection,
appointment of key staff members, determination of temporary school quarters, and student
recruitment. His first official appearance will be a meeting Feb. 9 wit the superintendents of the
12 area school districts and the five counties, parts of which are in District 516.
“Cold Spell Bart,” the second cold wave to chill northern Illinois this heating season arrived late
Monday night, Jan. 16. “Bart,” considerably more blustery than his predecessor, “Abner,”
planned an indefinite stay. Northern Illinois Gas Company describes a cold spell as any period of
48 hours or more in which temperatures stay below 20 degrees.
February -- 1967
Feb. 2: After a mild winter with very little snow and especially after last Tuesday’s record
temperatures in the 60s, the blizzard of Thursday and Friday really was a shock.
Watching the 23 or so inches of snow falling and blowing in one of the worst recorded
snowstorms in history, one could also imagine what it must have been like in this area back
about 100 yeas.
The snow was starting to curtail many activities early Thursday afternoon. With Friday came the
closing of almost all the factories in our area, along with many other places of business. Schools
were also closed and traffic came to a virtual standstill.
A search is underway for a name, a name for Illinois Junior College District 516, the community
college authorized last year in the Aurora area that included portions of five counties; Kane,
Kendall, DeKalb, LaSalle, and Will. Anyone may send in entries whether he be 80 or 8. First
prize is one semester’s tuition.
Feb. 9: Local young men who will be leaving shortly for service in the Armed Forces are Bob
Bell, Dick foster, and Merle Faul.
Dr. Lacy H. Cook Jr., announced his association to the Wright Health Clinic, Naperville. Dr.
Cook was a member of the Junior American Chiropractic Association and was also a member
and officer in the Delta Tau Alpha Honorary fraternity of Chiropractic. Dr. Cook completed his
internship at the Chicago General Health Service. Dr. and Mrs. Cook and their son, Douglas,
reside in Oswego where he was graduated from Oswego High School
Feb. 16: Classes at the new junior college will begin in September, according to college
president Dr. James Nelson.
Dr. Leopoldine Weissmann, a foreign exchange teacher from Austria who has been teaching in
the Oswego School District since January, will leave Oswego this week to return to Austria.
The Oswego School Board is conducting a “Name the Elementary School” contest to name the
new elementary school at the east end of Long Beach Road in Boulder Hill. The new school is
innovative in shape, design, and function.
Feb. 23: The Oswego School District will conduct a special election on Saturday, March 18,
1967 for the purpose of increasing the Educational Tax Rate from 1.60% to 2.00% on the full,
fair cash value as equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue.
The board said the referendum was necessary due to insufficient current revenue sources,
increasing enrollment, the need for new teachers, and the competition to hire qualified staff
members.
Two members of the board of Junior College District 516 will be elected Saturday, April 8,
1967. Board members whose terms expire are Dale VonOhlen, president; and Dr. Gustafson,
secretary.
Carl Friebele drove to Tucson, Ariz. with his son when Charles returned to Davis-Monathan Air
Force Base. Carl visited with Henry and Gertie Heffelfinger at Pomerene, and met vacationing
Jeff and Margaret Rogerson and Art and Myrtle Gray, former residents of Oswego who now live
in Tucson.
Lee Winckler, president of the Fox Valley Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association will be
the speaker at the Feb. 27 meeting of the Oswego Women’s Civic Club. M. Winckler has been
dressing hair for the past 20 years, 17 of which he has been owner and manager of his own salon
in Aurora.
The ninth grade Oswego wrestling team racked up a perfect 14-0-0 record in dual meets under
coach Erv Beckett.
March -- 1967
March 2: Myron Wormley of Oswego announced he is seeking reelection as Oswego Township
Supervisor. Wormley was appointed to the post following the death of township supervisor
Wayne Fosgett in 1960. As the township’s representative on the Kendall County Board,
Wormley led the effort to establish the Kendall County Forest Preserve District and was
instrumental in acquiring the district’s first 195 acres of land.
Two Oswego High School students were involved in an incident in which one boy polished the
shoes of the other with a small American flag. One of the boys was suspended for three days by
high school principal Douglas Moews. Superintendent T.L. Traughber said the matter will be
turned over to the school board for further action.
State’s Attorney Robert Ohse has stated that to his knowledge there is of state law covering
punishment for this type of offense.
Oswego High School students named Illinois State Scholars included Steven Bramhall, Charles
Dauwalder, Sandra Fiscus, Donna Gephard, Sue Kohler, Donna McKittrick, Sue Morey
Elizabeth Nelson, Amy Randall, Sherril Smith, and Bruce Wolf.
With residents still reeling from heavy snows and high winds, “Cold Spell Clyde” charged into
Northern Illinois and delivered his best sub-zero punch on Thursday, Feb. 23 in the wake of a
blinding snowstorm, sending the mercury in some areas diving to 20 degrees below zero.
Alvin Chrisse of Oswego High School went all the way to the finals in the State Wrestling Meet
at Champaign last weekend. In the finals, Chrisse lost 5-4 for runner-up position against Rich
Bobus of Addison Trail.
March 9: Word has been received that Marine Pfc. James F. Leigh is headed back to the States
and may arrive at the Great Lakes Hospital this week. A telegram was received last week
informing his wife and parents that Jim had “sustained a missile wound and compound fracture
of the upper right arm while involved in hostile enemy action” in Vietnam.
Jim is a graduate of Oswego High School and Aurora College.
The Oswego School Board voted to take no further action other than to support prior action taken
by school authorities in the recent incident concerning the polishing of one boy’s shoes by
another boy using the American flag.
March 16: Oswego Village Board members approved the plat of Shore Heights Subdivision on
Route 31 at their March 6 meeting, with a few alterations.
Also approved was a request from the owners of Windcrest Subdivision to change the plat
providing for at least a 40-foot setback as required by the county to the village’s 30-foot setback.
The Oswego High School Varsity Wrestlers had another outstanding season with a 14-1 team
record, two conference champions, five district champions, and a state tournament runner-up.
Top wrestlers included Wes Robinson, Fred Mang, Jim Cumpata, Dave Kellogg, Alvin Chrisse,
Bill Rowand, Jerry Powers, Chuck Dauwalder, Paul Kulbartz, and Bob McCauley.
March 23: In the special Oswego School District election held Saturday, voters approved an
Education tax rate increase 363-212.
A total of 194 entries were submitted in the contest to name the new elementary school in
Boulder Hill, according to school superintendent T.L. Traughber. The official name chosen for
the school is “Long Beach Elementary School.”
David Rogerson, owner of Dave’s Standard Service at the junction of Routes 71 and 34, will be
closing the station on March 22. Dave has owned the station for three years.
About May 1, Dave is panning to open the new Dave’s Service and Repair, a repair shop for cars
and trucks. It will be located in a new building to be built near McDowell’s Welding Shop on
Route 71.
Roger Schillinger of Oswego will be the new owner of the Standard Station
The 1,000th subscription to the Oswegoland Ledger has been received at the Ledger office.
Richard Chamberlain of 24 Woodcliff Drive, Boulder Hill, will receive a check for $25 this
week for being the 1,000th subscriber.
The name Waubonsee Community College was selected as the official name for Illinois Junior
College District 516 at a regular meeting of the board on March 14.
Mrs. Ruby Collins, chairman of the Name the College Contest, has announced the winners of the
contest as Patricia Anne Dillon of Batavia and Susan Miller of Aurora, whose winning entries
were postmarked at the same hour.
The name Waubonsee, the spelling agreed to by the Board, is both unique and appropriate. It is
appropriate in that Wau-bon means “dawn” or “early day.” The name itself is a forecast for the
new school, as the character of the Indian chief himself might well be, for he was a Pottawatomie
chief, notable enough to have been included in a big pow-wow of Indian leaders called by
President Jackson in 1835.
RETRACTION: Due to an error in last week’s Ledger, it was reported that Mr. Ed Price of
Yorkville had died. The article should have read that Mr. Harvey Price of Yorkville had died.
We sincerely regret the error.
March 30: A bill authorizing a feasibility study for construction of a state park in Kendall County
will be heard before the Senate appropriations committee Thursday, March 30. The bill is co-
sponsored by Sen. Robert W. Mitchler, R-Oswego, and Sen. Denis J. Collins, R-DeKalb.
Sylvia Matile sent in the “Recipe of the Week,” for “Orange Cottage Cheese Salad.”
April -- 1967
April 6: Republican Myron Wormley of Oswego easily outpaced Democrat Anthony Sustaric of
Boulder Hill in the race for Oswego Township Supervisor, 832-291.
The Illinois General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee passed a $50,000 appropriation to
study engineering feasibility for a possible lake in the area of Reservation Road. This old lake
bed bisecting the junction of the Minooka and Marseilles moraines contains some of the
headwaters of Morgan Creek, flowing northwesterly to the Fox Rive, and the Aux Sable Creek,
flowing southerly to the Illinois River.
Because of the recent increased row cropping and drainage improvements in the uplands, the
agricultural flatland in the region of the lower Aux Sable Creek has been subject to increasingly
serious flood damage. Preliminary findings here indicate a favorable potential for a lake with at
least some park lands around it. According to Richard Young, county zoning inspector who has
worked on this project, “results of this detailed engineering survey are being awaited hen and if
the bill is passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. In the meantime we are
encouraging small impoundment areas in private developments and where practical requiring it
as a condition to certain zoning changes.
Our sympathies to Mr. Eugene Schultz and sons Larry and Gary on the death of their wife and
mother, Mrs. Agnes Schultz on March 31.
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Boulder Hill held their re-dedication service Sunday, April 2. The
church has been lengthened by several feet, the office removed, and new pews carpeting, alter,
and other furniture added. Phase two of St. Luke’s building program this year calls for the
completion of the new education building.
April 13: Wesley F. Gross has been named executive vice president and cashier of the Oswego
Community Bank, replacing Richard C. Reschke, whose resignation was reluctantly accepted by
the board of directors.
Mr. Gross comes from the Bank of Lisle, where he has served in a like capacity since 1960. He is
a graduate of North Central College in Naperville. He also graduated from the Southern Illinois
School of Banking and is currently attending the Graduate School of Banking at the University
of Wisconsin.
Mr. Gross and his wife Diane and two children, Katherine Kay and Steven, will soon be moving
to the Oswegoland area.
The Oswego School System will lose another veteran teacher at the end of this school year.
Grace Burgess Jones will retire after 31 years of teaching. Nineteen of those years have been
served in the Oswego District. Mrs. Jones’ career spans 46 years.
April 20: The Post Office Department is seeking competitive bids to build and lease the new post
office at Oswego, Postmaster General Lawrence F. O’Brien announced.
Elected to full four year terms on the Oswego Village Board in the Tuesday, April 18, election
were Milton Penn and Joe Otto, both incumbents; and William Crimmin. Jack Olson, incumbent,
was elected to fill an unexpired two year term. A total of 113 voters turned out for the election,
down considerably from the 178 who voted in the 1965 election.
The bill to appropriate $50,000 for a feasibility study of a state park in Kendall County was
proceeding through the Illinois General Assembly. Plans have been in the making or some time
for a multi-purpose reservoir on the Fox River and the headwaters for Morgan and Aux Sable
creeks in Kendall County. Seward Township in Kendall County embodies many of the water
resources adaptable to construction of a large lake, which would be part of the state park
complex, if approved.
April 27: The Waubonsee Community College Board authorized employment of architects at its
meeting on April 18. The Geneva firm of Frazier, Raferty, Orr & Fairbank will be employed in
association with Caudill Rowlett and Scott of Houston, Tex. The two firms were selected from a
field of 12 interviewed.
“From the Supervisor’s Desk:” Official announcement was made last week of bid invitations
being let for the new Oswego Post Office. This makes a milestone in achievement for the
community. This office has a thick file of correspondence with pictures showing the inadequacy
of the old facilities.
After the post office is in operation, it undoubtedly would be a great benefit if the community
will attempt to meet the necessary minimum requirements to obtain door-to-door delivery of its
mail in the incorporated area and the nearby surrounding unincorporated subdivisions.
May -- 1967
May 4: Park Place Baptist Church in Montgomery will be celebrating its 110th anniversary
during the week of May 6-14
Wesley Boyd of the Billy Graham Team and his wife, Margaret, will perform as speaker and
soloist.
This school year the Oswego Community High School has been undergoing a self-study of the
evaluative criteria in preparation for a visit from the North Central Association. The North
Central Association is the Midwest regional accrediting agency for secondary schools and
colleges.
After a slow start, the spring flowers are blooming in profusion at Waa-Kee-Sha. This weekend
you will be able to see squirrel corn, marsh bittercress, trillium, hepatica, spring beauties, swamp
buttercups, Virginia bluebells, wild ginger crinkle-root, blue and yellow violets, wild phlox, and
many others.
The Oswego Village Board published “An Ordinance Regulating the Operation of Taxicabs in
the Village of Oswego.”
May 11: Word was received from Sen. Robert W. Mitchler, R-Oswego, that the Illinois State
Senate on Monday voted to grant authority to the Kendall County Board of Supervisors to issue
bonds for construction of a bridge over the Fox River south of Plano. The vote was 52-0. Lester
Cunningham, R-Belvidere, is sponsoring the bill in the House.
Mary Jill Peterson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Peterson of Oak Hill Drive, Oswego, is
one of 10 coeds at MacMurray College named to “Who’s Who Among Students in American
Universities and Colleges.” Peterson is a physical education major, is a member of Orchesis, the
modern dance club; a cheerleader; president of Jane Hall; and vice-president of the literary
society, Belles Lettres.
Mill Mary Mickle, Oswego, has been chosen to represent Oswego Unit 675 of the American
Legion Auxiliary at the 27th Annual Session of Illini Girls State, to be held June 13-20 at
MacMurray College, Jacksonville.
Mrs. William S. (Rachel) Anderson has been named to the steering committee of a citizens’
council which is supporting plans for a campus for Waubonsee Community College.
Appointment to the committee was made by the board of Waubonsee College.
At its regular meeting of May 2, the Board of Waubonsee Community College set the date and
amount of a bond referendum necessary to build a college campus. Saturday, May 27, was
designated as the day for the citizens of College District 516 to cast their ballots on the $10.13
million measure.
Waubonsee Community College will field varsity teams in both basketball and baseball in the
first year of its operation it was announced by Dr. James Nelson, college president.
An Editorial: Sen. Robert W. Mitchler has filed a bill in the Senate to expand the current laws
prohibiting the University of Illinois from extending the use of its facilities to subversive,
seditious, and un-American organizations, to include any state supported institutions of higher
learning
It scarcely seems to come within the realm of reality to sanction the use of facilities which you
and I support with out tax money, groups intent of the overthrow of our form of government.
May 18: A3C Larry P. Lakeman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Lakeman, Oswego, has finished his
basic training for the Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base Texas. He is a 1965 graduate of
Oswego High School and attended Northern Illinois University until his enlistment in the Air
Force.
Jack Johnson Appliances of Oswego has moved to their new location on Main Street from their
old location in the Helle Building at Main and Jackson. The store is now located in its much
larger quarters in the building formerly occupied by Denney’s Grocery Store.
Sally L. Luettich of Oswego is one of 23 University of Illinois students conducting an
experimental camp in outdoor living with approximately 125 Champaign-Urbana children aged
8-12 in Illini Grove on the Urbana campus.
Waubonsee Community College was unanimously accepted for membership in the Northern
Illinois Junior College Conference at a formal meeting held May 10. This membership will allow
the college to compete for conference titles in athletics beginning with the 1968-69 school year.
The Oswego High School Prom was held May 6 in the high school gym. The prom court
included Marilyn Johnson, Beth Nelson, Geri Ode, Jacquie Bolin, Sue Kohler, Queen, Al
Chrisse, King, and Eric Ebersole Gordon Walker, Steve Mathers, and Richard Johnson.
The Oswego Village Board seated members elected recently at their May 1 meeting. Joe Otto,
Milton Penn, and William Crimmin, who have been elected to four-year terms and Jack Olson,
who has been elected to a two-year term, took their seats.
A community TV antenna system was discussed. President Fuller and Attorney Ohse reported on
their meeting with representatives from the Consolidated Cable Utilities, Inc., purpose being to
install a TV antenna in the community. The matter was deferred until the June meeting.
The Clerk’s estimated budget for the fiscal year from May 1967 to April 1968 totaling $176,000
in disbursements was presented and accepted.
May 25: David F. Ford has been appointed administrative assistant to the president of
Waubonsee Community College with primary responsibility in the area of publicity and
publications. Ford began his duties on May 15, coming from North Central College in Naperville
where he had served as director of publicity and publications for the past six and a half years.
Prior to going to North Central College, he spent three and a half years as a reporter and
photographer for the Beacon News. Ford and his wife, Gail, live on Benton Street, Oswego, with
their three children, Jeffrey, Randall, and Amy.
Mrs. Grace Burgess Jones will retire from teaching on June 2. Mrs. Jones is completing 31 years
of teaching, which began in 1921. She will be honored Sunday, May 28, at an open house in the
music room of East View School.
Mrs. Jeffrey Rogerson, better known to us all as Margaret, has comfortably secured an office of
her own at the Kendall County Courthouse. Mrs. Rogerson has been juvenile probation officer
for the county for many years.
At their new home at Route 25 and Boulder Hill Pass, Zentmyer Ford received awards from Ford
Motor Company. Earl j. Zentmyer received one of the plaques from Dick Chambers,
representative of Ford Motor Company, in honor of 50 years of contribution to the success of the
automobile industry. Dr. Curtis Bowman received the other from Jim Zentmyer in honor of
taking delivery of the first Ford camper from the new Zentmyer Ford Sales.
June -- 1967
June 1: One hundred and thirty-three Oswego High School Students will receive their diplomas
at the annual graduation ceremony this Friday, June 2. Raymond Lubbs, Jay Gossett, and Gerald
Dauwalder of the board of education will present the diplomas.
Speakers for the evening will be valedictorian Elizabeth Nelson and salutatorian Amy Randall.
June 8: Doris K. Thompson, formerly of 96 Washington Street, Oswego died at her home June 4.
She was born Jan. 5, 1907 in Peoria. She is survived by her husband, Reeve; two daughters,
Katharine of Washington, D.C. and Susan of the University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago;
two brothers, Carl Whitehouse, Galva, and William Whitehouse of Champaign; and three nieces
and nephews.
Mrs. Thompson taught English and Latin in the Oswego High School for 23 years. She was a
member of the Oswego Presbyterian Church from where the funeral was held Wednesday. Burial
was at Lincoln Memorial Park.
Bob Walper of Oswego American Legion Post 675 announced the Kendall County Council has
selected Larry Dodd Jr. of Oswego to go to Boys State. The 32nd Annual Session of Boys State
will be held June 18-24 at the Illinois State Fair Grounds in Springfield.
The Oswego High School Panther baseball team wrapped up their season as co-champs of the
Little Seven Conference; winners of the District and Regional tournaments; and runner-up to
eventual sate champion LaGrange in the Sectional Tournament. The Panthers had a 21-5 record
on the season, going 8-2 in the conference.
June 15: Emmett M. McCauley, 63, of rural Oswego died Saturday at Copley Memorial Hospital
in Aurora. He was born March 10, 1904 at Rowley, Ia.
Mr. McCauley is survived by his wife, Margaret; four sons, William of Oswego, David of
Boulder Hill, Neil of Naperville, and Robert of Oswego; three grandchildren; one brother,
Francis, of NaAuSay; and one sister, Mrs. Robert Devereaux of Oswego.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rod and Eliza McCauley; and by one son, Rodney.
Mr. McCauley was a member of the AuSable Grove United Presbyterian Church, the Raven
Masonic Lodge of Oswego, and the Shrine of Aurora. He was president of the Kendall County
Board of School Trustees. Mr. McCauley was in the farming and trucking business in the
Oswego are for over 40 years.
The funeral was held Tuesday at the AuSable Grove United Presbyterian Church with interment
at the NaAuSay cemetery.
Richard B. Ogilvie, president of the Board of Cook County Commissioners, will be the featured
speaker at the June 19 picnic of the Kendall County Women’s Republican Club.
Nine students from Oswego have been accepted to ate for fall enrollment at Waubonsee
Community College. The students will comprise a portion of the first class to enroll at the new
school when classes begin on Sept. 11.
Oswego area residents who have been accepted include Kent Becker, Gregory Carlson, David
Chally, Thomas Gilmour, Wesley Robinson, Tim Rutsay, Donna Schmidt, Eric Ebersole, and
Michael Hand.
June 22: A proposed program of urban renewal for downtown Oswego was presented by Mr.
Robert May of the Businessman’s Association of Oswego at a meeting held Monday night at the
Oswego Community Bank. Mr. May suggested the project would cost approximately $1 million.
The proposed plan recommended the emergence of a new shopping center in the downtown area
with off-street parking facilities. This would, over a period of several years, require the removal
of existing structures and the development of a planned, coordinated series of buildings. By
better utilization of the space available, therefore, more store area would actually be available for
use by a much larger number of merchants.
A committee of three men, Robert May, Richard Tripp, and William Miller will contact within
the next few weeks several shopping center planning firms to determine the cost of a feasibility
study of the project.
A raging fire of undetermined origin destroyed the barn at the Myron Wormley farm on Route 31
Sunday night despite the efforts of the Oswego, Yorkville, Bristol and Montgomery fire
departments. The barn contained hay, equipment, and antiques stored in the loft owned by
Myron Wormley, Brad Smith, and the Reppy Brothers. According to Fire Chief Forrest Wooley,
the loss of the building and contest is estimated at $20,000.
Alvin Chrisse, a member of the Class of 1967, has been named the winner of the Norman Harvey
Memorial Award at Oswego High School. This award is presented annually to the outstanding
male athlete in football and wrestling. Previous winners of the award were Bill Pranga and John
Foose.
June 29: Postmaster General Lawrence F. O’Brien announced today that a contract has been
awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Montgomery of Somonauk to build the new post office in
Oswego and lease it to the Post Office Department. When fully operational, the additional space
and more modern equipment will more than offset the extra cost involved in producing more
efficient handling of the mail.
“This project is in accordance with our policy of building new post offices only where they are
urgently needed,” Mr. O’Brien said.
The new building on the northeast corner of Madison and Jackson streets will represent an
estimated total investment of $77,000 by the successful bidder. It will be leased to the
department for ten years with renewal options running through 20 years at an annual rental of
$5,700 for the basic term.
The new one-story building will be air-conditioned and will have an interior space of 2,989
square feet
The post office is expected to be completed on or about July 1, 1968.
Mr. O’Brien explained that the department’s capital investment is limited substantially to postal
equipment. The building will remain under private ownership with the owner paying local real
estate taxes.
Mary Lou Weiss, Senior Girl Scout from Oswego Troop 230, won an industrial grant to beautify
a part of the Illinois Prairie Path. Illinois Prairie Path, Inc., a non-profit organization, is turning
the right-of-way of the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railroad into a hiking, biking, and horseback
riding thoroughfare.
July -- 1967
July 6: Waubonsee Community College has relocated its administrative offices. The new
location has been announced recently as 15 South Lake Street, Aurora. The move has been made
for two primary reasons. First was the limited space available at the former location and second
was the need for a more centralized location.
Kendall County officials attended the signing of SB-688 by Gov. Otto Kerner. The bill allows
Kendall County to issue bonds to build a bridge over the Fox River at a cost of approximately
one-half million dollars.
The first girls’ softball team ever to be in existence in Aurora has been providing plenty of
excitement and fun for its spectators and participants alike. The league, which has just begun its
second round for the season, plays its games at Green Field in Aurora.
July 13: Mr. and Mrs. J. Stanley Drew, having just returned from Jamaica, will be leaving again
the end of July for Japan. Mr. Drew travels for Barber Greene Company, Aurora.
Gas lights down Jackson Street and completed landscaping will enhance the new building, which
is being added to the Jacqueline Shop, Oswego. The addition is a two story building 68x24 feet,
designed by Ken Thelan of Thelan Associates of DeKalb. The original structure was built in
1845 and Mrs. Jacqueline Pickerill, owner, says the new addition will have an old English look.
A parking lot to the rear of the store will enable customers to walk directly into the building.
A new addition going up on Route 34 Oswego, will provide additional working space for those
at Riverview Heights Veterinary Clinic.
July 20: Wesley F. Gross, executive vice president of the Oswego Community Bank, announced
today that his institution and more than 1,000 other Illinois banks have begun distributing
commemorative medals and medallions in association with the Illinois Sesquicentennial
Commission.
The Administrative Office of Oswego Community Unit District 308 is compiling a rooming and
or apartment list for teachers of the school district who will be looking for places to live during
the coming school year. Such places may be either in the school district or within commuting
distance of the schools where they will be teaching.
July 27: Gisa Kost, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wolfgang Kost, Schwablsch Hall in Southern
Germany, is spending the next year with Mr. and Mrs. Donald Pinnow, Carla, and Bryce of
Madison Avenue Oswego. Gisa arrived in Oswego July 15, and will be a senior at Oswego High
School. In 1965 she was an exchange student in France and last summer was employed in
England on a student program.
The staff of Camp Quarry ledge, Oswego is preparing for the seventh week of resident camping
for girls. The camp is located on the Fox River off Route 31.
A group of Oswego Jaycees has been working hard for the past several weeks cleaning up the
cemetery on Minkler Road. Jaycee Larry Christian and his crew have just about cleared all of the
underbrush and will soon start cutting down the dead trees. It might be interesting for those of
you that have driven by that weed patch and wondered what it was, to stop by and look around.
There is quite a bit of history there. Some of the monuments date back a hundred years and more.
August -- 1967
Aug. 3: The third meeting of the Oswegoland Park District Advisory Planning Group was held
July 27 to discuss the preliminary layout and floor plans of the proposed community building
and swimming pool to be brought up for a referendum this fall. Mr. William Neil, of Neil and
Wennlund Architects, discussed the proposed plans with the park board and members of the
advisory council and answered a number of questions.
Preliminary plans call for a swimming pool with 6,510 square feet of water surface and 16,463
square feet of deck area. The community building, which would contain the bath-house facilities
for the pool as well as one large meeting room and three smaller meeting rooms, plus auxiliary
rooms such as a small kitchen, storage, etc., would be approximately 11,850 square feet in size.
Members of the planning council suggested that the amount of the referendum be raised enough
to include the development of the west parking lot with a portion of it depressed so it could be
flooded and used of rice skating during the winter months. Part of the bath-house could be used
as a warming shelter.
The community pool and building would be placed on a 9.3 acre site located on the northerly
part of Unit 3 of Cedar Glen and the southerly part of Unit 17, Boulder Hill. It would be fronted
on Ashlawn Avenue. More than 80 percent of the total population of the district lives within a
three mile radius of the site.
Oswego Senior High cheerleaders recently returned from Cheerleaders Camp at Williams Bay,
Wis., where they won several trophies and ribbons. This year’s cheerleaders are Laurie Bieschke,
Sue Svob, Cam Toalson, Lael Valbert, and Kathy Freeman.
The Oswego Village Board approved the preliminary plat of Unit 17, Boulder Hill, following
minor changes, which included making Harold Court a through street to join with Windcrest
Subdivision. Ordinance 1967-7 was presented and passed annexing properties owned by Ernest
and Amanda Pfund and Wesley and Diane Gross.
Ordinance 1967-8 was passed rezoning from R-1 to B-2 and from R-1 to B-1 and from R-1 to M-
1 certain real estate recently annexed to the village. The properties involved include Ebert Motel,
Stonier property, Hansisak Golf Supply, McDowell Welding, and Fox Bend Golf Club.
The appropriation ordinance 1967-9 in the amount of $177,725 for the fiscal year 1967 was
adopted.
As a result of legislation signed by Governor Kerner, Illinois State University has a new name
for the second time in three years. In 1963, the legislature approved a bill changing the
institution’s name from Illinois State Normal University to Illinois State University at Normal. In
a bill signed by the governor this week, the “at Normal” was deleted and the official name of
ISU became Illinois State University.
The world Normal was originally removed from the names of all the former teacher colleges
because of its connotation of two-year teacher education programs.
Aug. 10: The Oswego Plan Commission drafted and sent to the District Office of the State of
Illinois Highway Department a letter opposing creation of a highway rest stop on Route 34 east
of Oswego, across from the Fox Bend Golf Course. The commission suggested the property
could be better developed as a site for private housing and that establishing a rest stop in an area
that was likely to be soon surrounded by residential neighborhoods was not a good use for the
land and did not comply with the village’s comprehensive plan.
LaVina and Kay Wilkening, new owners of the Oswego Greenhouse, Oswego, are in Chicago
taking a special course of instruction at the American Floral Art School.
U.S. Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr., R-Tennessee, son-in-law of Senate Minority Leader Everett
McKinley Dirksen, R-Illinois, will be the honored guest and featured speaker on Aug. 16 at the
Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
Aug. 17: An article by Oswego Township Supervisor Myron Wormley recounted the reply
received from the State of Illinois to the Oswego Plan Commission’s letter objecting to the
proposed Route 34 rest area. According to Wormley, William R. Stahl, district maintenance
engineer, wrote that “The land use as a rest area at that time seemed to have the approval of the
community leaders…A contract was awarded on July 7, 1967 to construct this rest area and the
contractor has scheduled work to start on this project on Aug. 14, 1967.”
Wormley contended the site was chosen, purchased, and development begun with no
consultation with local, township, or county officials.
“As a township officer, elected as an independent party candidate, I hesitate to implicate any
political party to this $35,000 (or more) fiasco, but I am sure that I speak for the multitude of
county, township, and community leaders who would like to join in unison and ask who are the
community leaders who gave approval of this site.”
At the Oswego Village Board meeting Aug. 7, final approval was given of the Shore Heights
plat. Approved also was the final plat of Don Dise’s Boulder Hill Unit 17. A preliminary plat of
Wormley’s Century Estates was presented and approved.
Mr. Carl Friebele requested a special use permit to repair cars at his residence. No body work
would be involved and no sign would be hung.
A second special use permit was authorized for James Zentmyer to repair and sell antiques at his
residence on Route 25. The request for a small sign was approved providing that it was of an
ornamental nature and met with specifications and that a license for same be obtained.
Aug. 24: Robert B. May, Charles Shuler, Richard Tripp, and Gerald Rucks recently spoke with
Mr. Ron Bussey of the Larry Smith Company to discuss a market survey for the redevelopment
project of downtown Oswego.
Mr. Bussey advised the committee that Oswego has many things in its favor--good population
base, large industry, and new housing. All of these things point to the need for a larger retain
business district with modern stores.
An Editorial: $35,000 for a proposed rest area would seem a great deal of money to spend for
such a project--particularly when it is spent so foolishly.
To begin with, what rest area can possibly be that costly? A beautiful home, complete with all
modern conveniences on a lovely to can be built almost anywhere in this area for that price. Why
must it cost the same amount for the state of Illinois to acquire land, put in a drive, a few picnic
tables, and possibly a source of water and toilet facilities?
Letter to the Editor: Does anyone really think that Oswego needs someplace to eat a quiet picnic
lunch under trees near a small stream? Do we really need someplace for kids to just sit in the
summer instead of being forced to join this activity or that activity? I say that they do. So far, we
have a swamp for a park and an old dump for a proposed park--both too far from Oswego to
walk. Why don’t we support this little bit of unorganized greenery? I know that no friend or
relative of a member of the village board owns the property, but just this once couldn’t we make
an exception?
Roger A. Matile
129 Polk Street
Oswego
Mrs. Esther V. Campbell, former Defense Contract Audit Agency employee, has been appointed
to a GS-14 financial manager position in the Post Office Departments’ Bureau of Finance and
Administration.
Mrs. Campbell is a younger sister of Woodrow “Woody” Boone, who barbers in Oswego and
lives with his wife and son at 4 North Main Street, Oswego. Their mother, Mrs. Jerome Perkins,
lives at 629 E. Erie Street, Spring Valley, Illinois.
September -- 1967
Sept. 7: The Oswego Community Schools’ enrollment total is up again this year 253 students, or
9.54 percent, over the 1966-67 year. Last year the increase was 167 students, or 6.72 percent
over the 1965-66 school year.
Enrollment this year by schools is as follows: East View, 879; Boulder Hill, 608; Long Beach,
332; Junior High School, 579; Senior High School, 506.
Thirty-two students from the Oswego-Boulder Hill area have been enrolled on a full-time basis
for fall semester classes at Waubonsee Community College. The students, who will be members
of the first class to enroll in the new school are:
Boulder Hill: Jeffrey Wilson, Donald Kroening, James Vogel, Robert Elliott, Daryl Davis, Jerry
Yuvan, Lawrence Smith, Rodney Robinson, Jeffrey Goodendorf, James Foreman, Michael Hand,
Eric Ebersole, Steven Jess, Richard Beebe, Elizabeth Kroening, and Susan March.
Oswego: Eugene Lamb, Richard Silvius, Ramon Kohler, Cathern Madox, Paul Kulbartz, Donna
H. Schmidt, Marlys Silvius, Roberta Watson, Timothy Rutsay, Wesley Robinson, Opal Hauser,
Michael McCort, Bruce Shoger, Thomas Gilmour, Michael Weiss, and David Chally.
Sept. 14: The Kendall County Zoning board of Appeals met Tuesday morning, Sept. 12, at the
Wolf’s Crossing Road property owned by R.N. Herren and Robert and JoAnne Gilmour to hold a
hearing on the petition filed by the owners asking for a Special Use Permit to mine gravel on
those premises.
On June 20, the Zoning Board of Appeals had denied the owners a permit to mine rock. In the
new appeal a larger buffer strip had been provided plus a smaller area of actual mining operation.
After hearing all the representing attorneys, the Zoning Board unanimously passed a motion to
deny the hearing of the petition.
Sept. 21: Two polling places have been designated for the Oswegoland Park District referendum
on Saturday, Oct. 7, 1967. The referendum is being held to determine if a community building
and swimming pool should be built. Polling places will be established at the Oswego Township
Hall on Washington Street in Oswego and at Boulder Hill School on Boulder Hill Pass in
Boulder Hill.
Letter to the Editor signed by a dozen area residents: We were newcomers to Oswego three years
ago and were much impressed with the friendliness and war acceptance that was shown to us.
It is because of this that we are very concerned and disappointed to hear of all the opposition to
the new community center.
It is certainly true that the facilities could be utilized by ALL the community, both young and
old, and the tax increase would only be $6 on a now $300 bill. It seems to us that the community
would be getting a much-needed addition for very little extra cost.
Mrs. William Musselman, 37 Hampton Road, who broke her left wrist in a household accident,
is out of the hospital now and recuperating nicely.
The Oswego Village Board decided to have Oliver Leppert attend the Sewer Plant Operators
course operated by the State of Illinois.
Ordinance 1967-15 granting authorization to Consolidated Cable Utilities, Inc., to construct and
maintain a community antenna television system in the village was adopted by a vote of 5-1.
Sept. 28: Fox Bend Golf Club, a new golf course located on Route 34 in Oswego, will hold its
first major tournament on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14-15.
Leon McNair, pro at the club, stated that the Fall Classic will be a 36-hole medal play event for
all male amateurs in the area.
Doris Elizabeth Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest S. Miller of Riverview Heights, became
the bride of Airman Second Class Thomas Earl Adkins, son of Mrs. Norma J. Adkins, on
Sunday, Sept. 23.
State Sen. Robert W. Mitchler, R-Oswego, announced that he favors repeal of the Inheritance
Tax Act amendments when the General Assembly returns to Springfield Oct. 16. The amends
were enacted in to law and signed by Governor Kerner during the recent session of the General
Assembly.
October -- 1967
Oct. 5: Oswegoland Park District voters will go to the polls on Saturday, Oct. 7, to decide on the
proposed community center building and swimming pool, which will serve all of the people of
the area.
Eligible voters are all residents of the Oswegoland Park District who are legally registered voters
and who fulfill the residency requirements of one year in the state, 90 days in the county, and 30
days in the Oswegoland Park District.
The total amount of the bond issue is $410,000, to be paid off over a 15 year time period. The
money will be used to build a “Z” shaped swimming pool with a total of 6,510 square feet of
water surface and a concrete deck area of 16,463 square feet, plus a kiddie’s spray pool; also a
community center building of 11,850 square feet, which will contain the bath house units for the
swimming pool, one large meeting room, three smaller meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, and
storage.
The site for the building is an 8.8-acre park located on a part of the 3rd Addition to Cedar Glen
and a part of Unit 17 of Boulder Hill. It is midway between the southern village limits of
Oswego and the northern limits of Boulder Hill [sic: should be northern village and southern
Boulder Hill limits].
The cost of the bond issue will be $7.50 per $10,000 of assessed valuation or about 2 percent of
the total tax bill.
This bond issue is the end result of a detailed study of the recreational and leisure-time needs of
the Oswegoland area by the park commissioners and a 50-member advisory council.
The annual election of district representatives of the Boulder Hill Civic Association will be held
Wednesday, Oct. 11. The Civic Association was formed in 1959 to provide a voluntary-type
limited government to represent the residents in contacts with the developer, the township, and
county officials on problems affecting the Boulder Hill community.
“On the first play of the game Sept. 30, the Cary Grove Trojans got a touchdown on about a 65
yard run around our left side,” wrote sports reporter Bert Gray, “But they didn’t get the extra
point.” The Panthers rebounded, however, the beat Cary Grove 46-6.
Oct. 12: PARK DISTRICT VOTE PASSES
A total of 1,235 votes were cast in the Bond Referendum held Saturday by the Oswegoland Park
District giving the park district the go-ahead for the new community building and swimming
pool, which are to be built between Upper Cedar Glen and Boulder Hill.
In Boulder Hill, there was a total of 590 votes cast, 156 “No” to 434 “Yes.” At the Township
Hall in Oswego, 645 voters turned out, 234 votes “Yes” and 404 voted “No.”
The final tally was 668 “Yes” and 560 “No.”
Some confusion occurred at the Township Hall poll when many would-be voters had to be
turned away due to the fact that they were not residents of the Oswegoland Park District. Those
who felt they had been charged taxes for the park district were asked to check their previous tax
bills. Much of the confusion stemmed from the fact that those students within the school district
are eligible to attend the Park District summer program, even though their homes are not within
the park district boundaries. This is done in return for the use of the school facilities during the
summer program.
Richard W. Brightman, 12 Lyncliff Drive, Oswego and Theodore Tilton, 501 W. Ridge
Yorkville, have co-authored a book, “Data Processing For Decision Making.” It is primarily
designed to be used as a text for introductory courses in data processing. Brightman is chairman
of the business division at Waubonsee Community College.
Oswego residents were saddened by the sudden death of Ernest Pfund on Sunday. Ernie had been
engaged in landscaping and excavating business for 30 years. He was a member of the Oswego
Presbyterian Church, a charter member and the first president of the Oswego Lions Club, and
also belonged to the Fox Bend Golf Club. Surviving are his widow, Amanda; a son, Jack; and six
sisters and one brother.
Oct. 19: David Krahn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Krahn of Oswego received his Eagle award,
the highest rank in Boy Scouting Monday night at the court of awards held by Troop 31 of
Oswego.
The homecoming court at Oswego High School is Kathy Freeman, Judy Nixon, Cam Toalson,
Teri Twait, Pam Toalson, Dawn Denney, Heidy Wagner, Jim Cumpata, Ron Gimble, Kevin Irby,
Bernie Knuth, Rich Doty, Jeff Harvey, and Rick Anderson. The homecoming game on Friday
night under the lights will be played against Geneva. The homecoming dance will be held
Saturday in the high school cafeteria. The Jim Hilliard Orchestra will play.
“Last Friday night, the Oswego Sophs invaded West Chicago and came out on the top of the pile
once again, 32-6,” reported Ledger sportswriter Dave Krahn.
Oct. 26: T. Loyd Traughber, superintendent of Oswego schools, will be among the 129 school
superintendents, principals, and teachers participating in a comparative education seminar,
“Contrasts in Education” in Yugoslavia, Greece, Russia, Poland, and East Berlin. Mrs.
Traughber will accompany her husband on the tour.
State Sen. Robert W. Mitchler, R-Oswego, sharply criticized the Board of Governors of State
Colleges and Universities for hiring Staughton Lynd to work at Chicago State College. Mitchler
said he intends to call for a full investigation.
Lynd is a controversial figure because of his anti-war statements and a trip to North Viet Nam
without government authorization. Lynd made the trip to North Viet Nam with Herbert E.
Aptheker, the chief theoretician of the Communist Party of the United States.
Jeff Harvey and Heidi Wagner were chosen to reign as king and queen of the Oswego
Community High School’s homecoming events of last weekend.
November -- 1967
Nov. 2: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Boulder Hill is celebrating its tenth anniversary as a
congregation in November.
Northern Illinois Gas Company announced plans to honor nearly 300 of its long-service
employees. They will be feted Nov. 9 at the company’s annual Service Recognition Dinner to be
held at the O’Hare Inn in Rosemont. Oswego employees invited to the affair are Christopher
Baumann, Charles Garrison, and Roy Skogler.
James Zentmyer, owner and president of Zentmyer Ford, Inc., of Boulder Hill and Owner of Z.Z.
LeaZing of Aurora, addressed the National Automobile Dealers Association meeting in
Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Oct. 24. He has been a speaker at many meetings of General Motor’s
dealers, Ford marketing institutes, and advertising and promotion outings.
Nov. 9: Earl J. Zentmyer was honored with a surprise party on Thursday evening at the
conclusion of the Oswego Township Library Board meeting. Forty guests were present. Dr.
Arthur DeVol, vice-president of the Oswego Community Library Association presented a plaque
to Mr. Zentmyer, which was inscribed: “Presented to Mr. Earl J. Zentmyer for the inspiration he
has given by his example of selfless interest in the cause of the Oswego Township Library.”
A mid-December referendum is foreseen for Waubonsee Community College. The board, in
concurrence with the college advisory council, was ready to pan for 5,000 full time equivalent
students by 1980. The referendum would provide the district’s share of capital outlay funds to
build facilities.
The Oswego High Sophomore Football Team won the co-championship of the Little Seven
Conference, the first LSC soph conference win in Oswego High history.
Nov. 16: The Rev. William A. Kucenski pastor of Immanuel Lutheran, Hinckley, will be the
guest speaker this Sunday as St. Luke’s Lutheran of Boulder Hill continues a month-long
celebration of their tenth anniversary. Rev. Kucenski serves as counselor for the circuit of which
St. Luke’s is a member.
The Waubonsee Community College Varsity Basketball Squad has been preparing for the
opening game against Kendall College of Evanston on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the East Aurora
High School gym. The Chiefs have scheduled a 22 games.
The Oswego Pet and Hobby Shop has opened on Main Street, offering a complete line of hobby
and pet supplies to area residents. Owner Ralph Ross is pictured with his son and daughter, Jeff
and Cynthia, who help in the shop.
Nov. 23: This fall, there has been a lot of activity and clean-up work going on at the Harris
Forest Preserve and the adjacent six acre parcel purchased separately by the Kendall County
Recreational Association. Last year, the forest preserve district and the association signed
contract purchase agreements with Mr. Harris for the land.
This 90 acre wooded parcel lies on the rolling summit of the Marseilles Moraine about one mile
south of Yorkville.
The area is rich in early settler history and the remains of an old maple sugar plant where maple
syrup was processed are still visible in the dense woods which covers about 2/3 of the ground.
At the Oswego Village Board meeting on Nov. 6, the request by Gene Herren and Lacy Cook to
rezone property on the corner of Main and Van Buren from R-2 to B-1 was approved. Also, the
final plat of Wormley’s Century Acres was presented and approved.
Nov. 30: Mr. and Mrs. Omer C. (Wanda Penn) Horton of Oswego announced the birth of their
second child, a girl, born Friday, Nov. 24, at Copley Memorial Hospital. She weighed in at 6
pounds, 9 uncles, and has been named Laura Suzanne.
December -- 1967
Dec. 7: No news
Dec. 14: Boulder Hill’s Festival of Lights will be observed on Christmas Night from 6-9 p.m.
The route of the festival will be the entire length of Briarcliff Road, starting at Route 30 by-pass
and Fernwood Road.
Waubonsee Community College expects an estimated 5,000 full-time students by 1980,
according to Mr. Ed Fauth chairman of the advisory council on physical facilities. At present,
1,600 are enrolled in ten rented buildings throughout the college district.
The Waubonsee College Board plans to bring a $7.5 million bond referendum before the citizens
Saturday, Dec. 16. Citizens will be asked to vote on a permanent campus for the college.
Albert G. Anderson, 79, a lifelong resident of Oswego Township, died Dec. 6, 1967 from
injuries received in an auto accident in Wheatland Township. He was a member of the
Wheatland United Presbyterian Church and the Kendall County Farm Bureau.
Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Jessie price of Oswego Township and several nieces and nephews.
Dec. 21: Kent Smith has risen to the top of the 4-H success ladder. The 19 year-old University of
Illinois sophomore from Oswego capped his 4-H career this fall when he was named a national
dairy winner at the National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago.
The son of Mr. and Mrs. J. George Smith, Kent was not the first person in his family of six to
receive the coveted award. Kent’s father beat him to the honorary by copping it in 1936. His
sister, Nanette, received the same award, the highest 4-H can bestow on a dairy project member,
in 1961.
At the Boulder Hill Civic Association’s last meeting, Ernie Spiller presented plaques to the
outgoing officers in recognition of their service, including Ray Tanner, Bob Weilert, Charles
Kemmer, and Wally Tanner.
Dec. 28: No news
1968
January
Jan. 4: Charles Heriaud, 84, of Oswego died Dec. 25 at Copley Hospital. He was born Sept. 29,
1883 in Victor Township, Ill.
He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Clifford (Ethel) Butler of Big Rock and Mrs. Ralph
(Genevieve) Ross of Oswego; two sons, Earl of Oswego and Raymond of Boulder Hill; 21
grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Kendall County Farm Bureau.
Burial was in Lincoln Memorial Park.
Allan Wilson, 19, of Oswego died Dec. 28, 1967 at St. Charles Hospital in Aurora he was born
April 8, 1948 in Aurora.
He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Helen Wilson, five brothers, Louis and Thomas of Yorkville;
Michael with the U.S. Army in Germany; and Lester and Joseph of Oswego; four sisters, Mrs.
Donald (Patricia) Mueller of Chicago and Mrs. Justin (Helen) Larson of Yorkville and Mary Jo
and Donna Wilson of Oswego.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lester Wilson in November 1965.
Burial was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
November 1967 marked the closing of Kendall Farmer’s Oil Company’s 40th fiscal year, also
marking the highest sales in company history.
Jan. 11: Heidi Wagner of Oswego has been named as Oswego Community Senior High School’s
DAR winner. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Wagner of Oswego.
The Oswego Ledger office is now open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30
a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Jan. 18: At the Oswego Village Board’s Jan. 2 meeting, a petition requesting rezoning in Bolin
Addition was referred to the Zoning Board acting as a Zoning Commission.
In other board action, due to the resignation of A.M. Shuler as village collector, a motion was
made and approved that Charles Shuler be appointed and that an increase of $10 per month be
made.
Steve Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Smith of Polk Street, who is with the Seabees in
Vietnam, is now in Leatherneck Square doing construction work for the marines. He wrote home
to tell his folks of having had dinner on Christmas Eve with Premier Ky, President of the
Republic of Vietnam. A quote from Steve, “He is a pretty good guy, but very military. Our cook
whipped up a good meal, considering.”
Second Lt. James T. Wormley, a cost analyst with the U.S. Army Material Command in
Washington, was recently promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant while serving on temporary
duty with the U.S. Army Project anger in Warren, Mich.
Lt. Wormley is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Wormley of Oswego.
Jan. 25: The Oswego Community Bank Board of Directors at their annual organization meeting
Jan. 15 reluctantly accepted the resignation of Earl J. Zentmyer as president of the bank.
Zentmyer has served the bank in this capacity since January 18, 1960. His diligent effort and
hard work played a major role in getting the Oswego Community Bank started on Aug. 28, 1958.
Prior to that time, Earl was the owner and proprietor of Zentmyer Ford Sales, a business which
he started in 1922. Zentmyer is also retiring Feb. 1 from his daily activities with the bank.
Jerome Nelson, a partner in the law firm of Puklin, Nelson and Dunn of Aurora, was elected
president to succeed Mr. Zentmyer.
On Jan. 1, 1968 after more than 30 years of service to his community, Mr. A.M. Shuler sold his
drug store to his son, Charles Shuler.
Mr. Shuler has been active in many other community groups over the years. He served several
terms on the village board, was president of the Oswego Lions Club, member of the Oswego
High School Board and the Oswego Businessmen’s Association, chief of the Oswego Volunteer
Fire Department and was a member of the original Oswego Recreation Committee, which
predated the Oswegoland Pak District. He has also sponsored local basketball, baseball, and
bowling teams.
The new owner, Chuck, was graduated from Oswego High School in 1959 and from Drake
University College of Pharmacy with a B.S. degree in pharmacy in 1963. He completed his
apprenticeship in the drug store and received his registration in August 1963.
Following a year of study, the KeDeKa Area Council and the Chief Shabbona Council of the
Boy Scouts of America have consolidated into the Two Rivers Council, Inc., Boy Scouts of
America. It consists of an area including all of Kendall and DeKalb counties, and Kane County
with the exception of the northeast five townships.
Craig Johnson, husband of the former Pat Jurgelonis, and son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Johnson of
rural Oswego, and Richard Michelson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Michelson of rural Plattville,
are next-door neighbors in Vietnam. Both boys were stationed together at Ft. Leonard Wood, and
moth left O’Hare Field together Nov. 30. They are with the 35th Engineers at Phu Cat, north of
Quin Nhon. This group maintains Route One to the DMZ. The boys live in tents close to one
another so they have a chance to discuss all the news from home. They have both been under
sniper fire. Craig works in personnel and Richard works on maintaining Route One.
It has been decided by Waubonsee Community College that $2,000 per acre is too much to pay
for the proposed college campus site.
The land which has been selected and approved for the campus is owned by the Howard
Huntoon family and is located one and one-half miles north of the intersection of Business 30
and Illinois 47.
Because of the inability to settle on what the board regarded as a fair price for the land, the
attorney has been instructed to begin condemnation proceedings to acquire the site if a lower
price per acre cannot be obtained by Feb. 1.
February -- 1968
Feb. 1: Waubonsee Community College is considering the expansion of its technology programs
to include the training of automotive technicians.
Feb. 8: Following the successful referendum on Oct. 7, the Oswegoland Park District
commissioners instructed the architectural firm of Neil and Wennlund to proceed with
preparation of blueprints and specifications on the pool and building in accordance with the
preliminary drawings.
The district is planning on holding the bid letting the latter part of February.
Oswego High School’s varsity wrestlers will compete Saturday, Feb. 10 in the varsity conference
meet at Sycamore High School. They enter the meet with a 6-0 conference record.
Miss Hattie M. Pogue, 95, of Evanston died Sunday at Memorial General Hospital in LaGrange.
Surviving are several cousins. She was a former resident of Oswego. Her parents were Mr. and
Mrs. Milton Pogue. Burial was in the Oswego Cemetery.
Feb. 15: Mr. and Mrs. Gordon “Tub” Wormley have moved from their home on Park Street
Oswego to the apartment above Carr’s Department Store. They are building a new home in
Brookside Manor, which will be ready for occupancy in the spring.
The newly established Waubonsee Community College library is using an IBM 1401 computer
to improve its services to students and staff. As new books are processed for the shelves, a shelf
list card is prepared and given to the college’s keypunch operator. She punches the information
into the card. When 250 titles have been processed a list is run by computer for students and
faculty use.
The Oswego High School Varsity Wrestling Team placed third in the Little Seven Conference
tournament held last Saturday at Sycamore.
Feb. 22: Everett McKeown of the McKeown Funeral Home, Oswego, announced the addition of
William F. Dunn to his firm. Bill is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Richard F. Dunn, Oswego. Dr. Dunn
is the plant physician for Caterpillar Tractor Company. Bill attended Marmion Military Academy
but graduated from Ottawa Township High School and from Worsham College of Mortuary
Science. He also attended Bogan Junior College in Chicago, Aurora College, and the U.S.
Armed Forces Institute.
Bill moved to Oswego in December 1965 just prior to entering the U.S. Army’s Medical Corps,
from which he was honorably discharged on Jan 18, 1968.
A member of St. Anne’s Parish, Bill is a member of the Oswego Jaycees, a deputy coroner for
Kendall County, and a licensed funeral director.
The board of Waubonsee Community College recently approved the purchase of the 183.5-acre
Huntoon Riding Academy as the permanent site of the college.
The purchase price agreed upon was $1,800 per acre with provisions that the college not pay for
any land within Route 47 which borders the future campus. This represents about seven acres
and reduced the total cost by $12,600. Agreement was also reached concerning revenue from
mineral rights on the farm. Gravel remaining in the pit will belong to the college on March 1,
pointing to another savings estimated at $30,000. The total savings reduced the purchase price
below $1,600 per acre, the professional estimate of the site’s value.
Feb. 29: At the meeting of the Board of Education of Oswego Community Unit School District
308 Monday evening, T. Loyd Traughber tendered his resignation as superintendent effective as
of June 30, 1968. Mr. Traughber is completing 20 years of service to the community and stated
that it was with a real sense of personal regret that he had reached this decision upon advice that
he somewhat curtail physical activities and tension. Traughber came to the Oswego schools from
Lee Center in 1948, with a total of 22 years of experience in the field of education as teacher,
coach, assistant principal and superintendent. At that time there were 13 country schoolhouses
still being used and the high school faculty numbered only 10. These 13 grade school districts
were consolidated into District No. 8 in 1948, and Traughber served as superintendent of both
the grade school district and the high school district with a total enrollment of 453. A major step
was accomplished in 1961 when the present Oswego Community Unit District No. 308 was
formed. School enrollment had reached 1,768 at that time. Currently, the district is providing
education for 2,965 students. To provide facilities for this vastly increased number of students,
all of the present schools have been built during Traughber’s administration.
Kendall County Coroner Everett M. McKeown has announced that he will seek the Republican
nomination for reelection to the office in the primary election to be held on June 11.
March -- 1968
March 7: ”To be or not to be” will be the theme of the hearing at Plano on March 13 when the
wild river plan for the Fox River is discussed.
A plan to retain a section of the Fox River in its natural beauty has been proposed by interested
citizens and nature groups.
Oswego Implement Company, Oliver farm equipment dealer in Oswego, was host to farm
families from the surrounding area at an Oliver Farm Fair on March 6. Twp of the new Oliver
farm machines for 1968 were featured.
At the Oswego Village Board’s meeting Feb 5, a request by the Post Office Department for steps
to be constructed in front of the new office building on the Route 34 side was agreed to by the
board.
Appointment of Dave Rogerson as patrolman was approved by the board.
March 14: Investigation is continuing in to the homicide of Richard Tripp, 28, of Oswego, who
died of gunshot wounds inflicted last Friday night, March 8 between approximately 8:55 and
9:45 p.m., when he was shot at the N.M. Tripp Insurance Company on Washington Street in
Oswego. He had worked for the family firm with his father Norval and brother Robert for the
past several years.
According to information provided by law enforcement agencies, at 8:50 p.m. on March 8, Mr.
Tripp called his father to state that he was nearly done working and would pick up his son from
his father’s home in about 20 minutes. At approximately 9:15 p.m. Mrs. Richard Tripp called the
insurance office and received no answer. AT about 10:20 the Oswego Police Department was
called to the office by Norval Tripp, who had gone to investigate his son’s continued absence,
and had found his body there.
In the meantime, the Montgomery Police Department received a call at 10:05 p.m. that a car had
been seen in the Fox River by the overpass at Bereman’s curve on Route 25. They investigated
and found the car owned by Richard Tripp abandoned at that place.
A diamond ring that Tripp was wearing was missing. The office files had been rifled, but the safe
containing money had not been opened.
Kendall County Sheriff Vic Frantz said the investigation was continuing.
A meeting of state and local officials to determine plans for construction of a dam in the Fox
River north of the Oswego bridge was held March 8 in the offices of the Fox River Valley
Pleasure Driveway and Park District in Aurora.
Engineering studies for the Oswego dam were temporarily delayed following a meeting Nov. 29
when members of the Oswego Plan Commission met with state officials to present a suggestion
for a larger dam to be constructed south of Oswego his plan was determined to be unacceptable
at this time.
Appropriations have been authorized for construction of a dam at Montgomery, now completed;
a lock at that location; a dam at Oswego; and dredging of the Fox River upstream of the
Montgomery dam to the EJ&E railroad trestle. This would turn approximately 8 miles of the Fox
River into a navigable recreational area. The Fox River would have a minimum depth of five feet
and would reach depths of 8 to 12 feet in come locations within the developed section.
The state estimated the cost of the lock at the Montgomery dam at $225,000; the Oswego dam,
$450,000; and dredging work at $80,000.
A new telephone improvement will be put into operation in Oswego on March 13. Illinois Bell
Telephone Company will switch the area to Automatic Number Identification. The telephone
number of Oswego customers will be recorded automatically when they dial outside their toll
free calling area. No longer will it be necessary for an operator to come onto the line and ask for
the caller’s number.
Private funeral services for Richard Tripp, 28, who died as the result of gunshot wounds, were
held Monday. Burial was in Lincoln Memorial Park.
He is survived by his widow, Nancy; one son, Michael; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Norval Tripp;
and a brother, Robert, all of Oswego; his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Nellie Tripp of Rockford;
three nephews; and several aunts and uncles.
March 21: The Mary Carter Paint center will hold its grand opening Thursday through Saturday,
March 21-23 in its new facilities at the junction of Routes 34 and 71 in Oswego. The store,
which operates on an exclusive franchise for the Kendall County and Aurora area, is owned and
operated by Bob and Millie Ebert, who also own the motel at the same junction.
The Oswego Community Bank, 25 Main Street, has announced the appointment of Warren H.
Vickery as assistant cashier. Vickery began his duties as a loan officer on March 4.
Steve Holley, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Holley, a ninth grade student at Oswego Junior High
School is a state champion wrestler. Steve won the 112 pound Novice Weight Class title on
March 10.
March 28: Four lie tests have been given so far in the continuing investigation into the death of
Richard Tripp of Oswego on March 8. All four were passed. According to Kendall County
Sheriff Vic Frantz, four more are scheduled to be given in the next week.
The Oswego Coffee Shop opened Monday of this week under the ownership of Robert A. Glen,
owner of Scotty’s Restaurant. Rose Lurz, manager of the Coffee Shop, has been in the restaurant
business most of her life and has worked for Scotty’s for the past eight years.
Mr. Glen has owned Scotty’s Restaurant in Oswego for eight years. Prior to that he was the chef
at the Colonial House in Naperville for eight years and a mess sergeant in the army for nine
years.
Lacy H. Cook Jr., doctor of chiropractic, has recently the opening of the Oswego Chiropractic
Center, 57 W. Van Buren.
Mrs. Mary Kathryn Bridges, 28, of rural Oswego died Sunday as the result of a horse riding
accident in Oswego Township while riding a horse borrowed from Ron Wackerlin.
The inquest into the death of Mrs. Alice H. Larson, 50, of Briarcliff Road, Boulder Hill, has been
continued by Kendall County Coroner Everett McKeown, pending an investigation by the
Sheriff’s Department. Mrs. Larson’s body was discovered Marcy 23 by her husband, Glen
Larson, in the garage of their home. The apparent cause of death was carbon monoxide
poisoning, according to the sheriff’s department.
Mr. Arthur Tramblie, 47, of Route 25, Oswego died of a gunshot wound to the head March 24.
The death was investigated by the Kendall County Sheriff’s Department. Their report showed the
death was not a homicide.
Mr. Tramblie is survived by a wife and three children.
April -- 1968
April 4: Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. James Aird (Evelyn Gepford), Oswego, on the birth of
a boy, John Gepford, born March 27 at Copley Memorial Hospital. They have a daughter, Chris,
who is 7 years old.
April 11: Waa-Kee-Sa Park will open for the season on Saturday, April 13 and remain open daily
from dusk to dawn until late in the fall.
Lute Larson, 84, of Oswego died April 2 at his home. He was born Sept. 26, 1883 in Mission
Township, LaSalle County. Surviving are Mrs. Anna Anthenat of Somonauk, his sister; Charles
Larson of Plano, a brother; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his
wife, Minnie, and one infant son.
He was a retired farmer and lived in the Oswego area for 40 years.
April 18: Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Robert LeClercq (Shirley Lantz) on the birth of their
third boy, John Patrick. He was born April 10 at Copley Memorial Hospital in Aurora.
April 25: Ground has been broken and construction is underway on the Oswegoland Park District
community building and swimming pool President Ralph Wheeler announced that the general
contract for the construction has been awarded to the lowest of four bidders, Perkins Builders,
Inc. of Yorkville.
Completion date is set for 180 days after the signing of the contracts on April 8, which will bring
it to the middle of October 1968. The building will be ready for use this fall for community
groups and organizations, and the pool will be opened next season.
At the Oswego Village Board’s meeting on April 1, the Oswego Jaycees requested permission to
hold Oswego Days on the village street July 11-13 and to close Main Street except for a fire lane
between Jackson and Jefferson Streets. The request was approved pending proof of insurance by
either the Jaycees or the carnival operator.
The board of trustees were briefed on the use of plastic pipe for drains in future construction.
After a demonstration and discussion, a motion was approved to modify the plumbing section of
the building code to allow use of plastic pipe for drains.
Trustee Otto, chairman of the Law and Order Committee, presented to the board a request that an
increase to $2.50 hourly be approved for patrolmen and an increase of $50 monthly be approved
for the chief of police, effective March 1. The motion was made and passed.
Robert C. Woodard, 65, of Cassadaga, Fla., formerly of Oswego, died at Manchester Veterans
Hospital, Manchester, N.H. on Sunday, April 14.
Surviving are his widow, Mary; a son, Robert; three grandchildren; and a brother, Charles, of
Florida. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Martha.
Mr. Woodward was a veteran of World Wars I and II and served as a Chief Petty Office in the
U.S. Navy. He was also a former sheriff of Kendall County serving from 1938-1942; was a
retired police officer; and was a former commander of Oswego American Legion post 675.
Burial was in the Oswego Township Cemetery.
Paul C. Baumann, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Baumann of Oswego was among 256 Beloit College
students recognized during the College’s 118th commencement exercises April 22.
Paul received a B.S. degree in biology. He plans to attend graduate school in the fall. While at
Beloit he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated Cum Laude.
May -- 1968
May 2: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Boulder Hill dedicated their new education-administration
building in special services on April 21. The event marked the continuation of a tradition at St.
Luke’s According to Rev. Thomas W. Wilson, pastor, every major dedication service for the
congregation’s facilities has been held on the first Sunday after Easter. The dedication of the
original church building was held on April 21, 1963. The remodeled church was dedicated April
2, 1967.
May 9: Twenty years of service to his community will be honored on Sunday, May 26, when
members of the Board of Education, School District 308, will honor superintendent T. Loyd
Traughber.
Commencing at 2 p.m., the board will hold an open house at the Oswego Community High
school.
During Superintendent Traughber’s service to the community, he has guided the school district
from one of many country school and a single grade-high school with but a few hundred students
to many improvements. He has seen to the institution of special remedial programs as well as
programs for the more talented students. He is responsible for the institution of the kindergarten
in the Oswego schools.
Mr. and Mrs. John B. Kuney Jr. of Aurora announce the engagement of their daughter, Margaret
Ann, to Robert A. Plaskas, son of Mrs. William Sargent of Texas City, ,Tex. and the late Mr.
Joseph Plaskas.
May 16: Oswego Village Board members voted to install a street light in the 400 bloc of Douglas
street at the request of residents in the area.
The board approved the annual request of the Oswego American Legion to hold a Memorial Day
parade.
The final plat for Unit 3 of Brookside Manor Subdivision was approved as was the plat of
Windcrest Unit 2.
At its May 10 meeting the Illinois Junior College Board unanimously approved the master plan
for Waubonsee Community College.
Tax bills in Kendall County will be late this year. They will also be late in Grundy County and
Will County. Every four years, all counties in the state must reassess all real property. This was
done in 1967 for taxes payable in 1968.
Most areas of Kendall County will experience a great increase in their taxes this year. In the
Oswego School District, you can expect an increase of 18 to 21 percent in this year’s bill.
May 23: A tornado swept through Oswego Township the evening of May 13, destroying
buildings, and damaging construction sites. The new community center under construction in
Boulder Hill suffered about $1,500 in damage when one wall was lost in the storm.
May 30: Dr. Robert I. Boggs, currently of Chicago Heights, was appointed superintendent of
Oswego Community School District at a board meeting Monday, May 20. Dr. Boggs will begin
his duties in Oswego July 1.
Drag racing fans will be happy to see the new $20,000 facelifting of the Oswego Drag Raceway
just in time for the big Memorial Day racing program slated for Thursday, May 30. Paving trucks
from Aurora Blacktop Company laid down the asphalt pavement both widening and resurfacing
the 3,500 foot racing facility making it the most modern as well as the safest track in the country.
Oswego Drag Raceway will continue to operate through October on a Sunday and holiday
schedule with races beginning at 1:30 p.m.
William Prince, a teacher at Oswego Junior High, was recently installed as president of the
Oswego Teachers Association. Serving with him next year will be John Thorne, vice president;
Phyllis Best, secretary; and Robert Olson, treasurer.
Richard B. Ogilvie, Republican candidate for governor, will be hosted at a “Breakfast with
Ogilvie” at the Pine Village, Routes 47 and 34, Yorkville, on Friday, June 7.
June -- 1968
June 6: One hundred and forty-one Oswego High School seniors are looking forward to Friday
night, June 7 1968 when they will graduate from high school. Oswego High School’s
gymnasium will be the scene for the largest graduating class in the history of the Oswego
schools.
Speakers for the commencement program will be the class valedictorian, Christine Frazier and
the salutatorian, Robert Wessley. Miss Dale Hornyan, president of the Class of 1968, will give
the welcome.
The Boulder Hill Civic Association will again this year sponsor a mosquito control program for
the residents of Boulder Hill.
A contract has been signed with the Clarke Outdoor Spraying Company of LaGrange, who will
spray the Hill via helicopter. This new method will permit spraying in the uninhabited areas
surrounding Boulder Hill, which should give the Hill maximum protection.
Patricia Ann Pearce and William F. Dunn were united in marriage Saturday at St. Mary’s
Church, solemnized by Rev. John Kraemer with Rev. Clifford Brier as soloist.
Patricia is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Pearce of Aurora and Bill is the son of Dr.
and Mrs. Richard F. Dunn of Oswego.
June 13: Word has just been received that Pvt. 1st Cass Michael Scott Haines, 21, son of Mrs.
Paul (Joyce) Widell of Yorkville and James C. Haines of Aurora, was killed in action in Viet
Nam on Thursday, June 6. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mitchell and great
grandson of Mrs. Libby Strothman, all of Oswego.
At the Oswego Village Board’s meeting on June 3, correspondence was received from Dr. M.R.
Saxon requesting a special use permit for property located on Route 71 for the purpose of
erecting a nursing home with 50 to 150 beds. A motion was made by Trustee Penn that the
request be referred to the Oswego Plan Commission.
William Henry Holzhueter celebrated his 80th birthday on Wednesday, June 5. He was born in
1888. At the age of 16 he started working for the Burlington Railroad as a carpenter, building
boxcars. He was married in 1909 to Mabel Lantz and they had four children, Sylvia (Mrs.
Clarence Matile), Earl (deceased) Evelyn (Mrs. Milton Penn), and Gerald.
In 1920 he began farming in Wheatland Township where he remained until his retirement in
1957 when he moved to 125 Chicago Road. He lived there until 1959 when he built his present
home at 15 Park Ave.
He has eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is still very active and doing
carpentry work.
June 20: Myron L. Wormley of Route 31, Oswego has announced that he is opening a real estate
office at his home. Mr. Wormley has been associated with Farm Investments, Inc. of Aurora for
the past eight years and has broad experience in farm, rural, and general real estate sales.
Dr. and Mrs. Lacy Cook will hold an open house at the Oswego Chiropractic Center at the corner
of Main and West Van Buren on Sunday June 23.
Milton Penn of Oswego will attend the convention of the Northern Illinois District of the
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod June 23-26 at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Mr.
Penn is attending as the voting lay delegate from St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Boulder Hill.
June 27: The first week of the Oswegoland Park District summer recreation program drew a total
of over 4,700 boys and girls for all events, a record daily average of just under 950 youngsters.
Officers and board members of the Sports and Social Club of Boulder Hill attended the Civic
Association meeting and announced the expiration of their charter. Only three residents
responded to a letter sent to all Boulder Hill residents asking for adult participation. Considering
the growth of the Hill it was decided to let the organization be dissolved. No longer registered
with the state, they will not be able to sponsor the fireworks display on the Fourth of July this
year.
U.S. Sen. Charles H. Percy, R-Ill., said today that 95 percent of his mail last week was on the
topic of gun legislation.
“Never before has a single issue ever commanded such a high proportion of the mail I receive,”
Percy said.
Percy said that 95 percent of the letterwriters favor strict gun controls and only 5 percent of the
writers opposed controls.
New officers of Oswego American Legion Auxiliary Unit 675 are president, Mrs. Herb
Schaedler; first vice president, Mrs. Walter Irish; second vice president, Mrs. Glen Panikis;
treasurer, Mrs. Larry Dodd; secretary, Mrs. Oliver Pierce; chaplain, Mrs. Clyde Johnson;
historian, Mrs. Jeff Rogerson; color bearer, Mrs. Vern Smith; Sergeant at arms, Mrs. Edgar
Gilbert.
A tentative completion date of October 1968 has been announced for the new Shuler’s Drug
Store by Chick Shuler. The brick structure will be located in the northeast corner of Main and
Jackson streets in downtown Oswego.
The building, which will be owned by Earl Zentmyer, is 80 feet long and 42 feet wide and the
rear stock area 20x40 feet.
Off-street parking will be provided on the north side of the store for 19 cars.
July -- 1968
July 4: The Oswego Jaycees have scheduled Oswego Days downtown this year for July 11-13.
There will be rides, games, and food sold by the Jayceettes and soft drinks served by the Lions
Club Thursday night from 6-9 p.m.
The summer papaw nature trail is now open at Waa-Kee-Sha Park featuring the bright colored
flowers of summer, grasses, trees, and shrubs. One of the highlights of the trail is the papaw
patch, one of the few areas in which this shrubby tree grows in this area of Northern Illinois.
The campaign for voter approval of a constitutional convention got a boost today from Chicago’s
Mayor Richard J. Daley. Daley formalized his endorsement of ConCon in a letter to the Illinois
Committee for Constitutional Convention.
July 11: The Oswego Plan Commission will have a public hearing Tuesday, July 30, in the
Village Hall at the hour of 8 p.m. on the request of the Main street Trust for a special use permit
covering nursing home facilities. The property designated in this request is south of Route 71
within the Village limits.
July 18: The Sheriff’s Committee of the Board of Supervisors recently set up regulations with
regard to the traffic problems created by the operation of the Oswego Dragway.
These regulations included the following:
1. Contestants at the Dragway are not to leave the grounds until they have finished their
competition.
2. The ticket for participating will bear the information on the back that the consumption of
alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the grounds of the Dragway.
3. All policing of the grounds shall be done by the operators of the Dragway.
4. At the time of the issuance of the first racing permit in any calendar year the licensee shall
furnish to the County Clerk the names and address of all persons and firms having concessions at
that race or event.
Mr. and Mrs. Gill Garman, the former Rita Bell, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Sheldon Bell, both law
students at the University of Iowa, recently passed the Iowa State Bar spring examination and
were admitted to the bar in June. Rita and Gill will receive their Juris Doctorate when their law
studies are completed in August.
July 25: St. Anne’s will break ground for their new church in Windcrest at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July
26. This day was chosen since it is the feast day of St. Anne, grandmother of Jesus and the
church’s patroness.
The site of the new church is near Orchard Road and the Boulder Hill Pass entrance on Route 34.
The present plans were designed by William F. Neil of Oswego. The building will seat 700
people. The general contractor for the building will be Perkins Builders of Yorkville. At the
present time there are about 500 families in the parish for a total membership if 1,883.
Jim Detzler and Jim Zentmyer opened a motor sales lot this past week at the corner of Jackson
and Madison streets in Oswego. The lot will feature “pre-driven” automobiles, according to Mr.
Detzler.
August -- 1968
Aug. 1: No news to speak of.
Aug. 8: Oswego Community Schools will open the 1968-69 school term with a faculty worship
scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29, and Friday. Aug. 30. The first day of student attendance will
be Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Aug. 15: Goeff Cooper defeated Dick Abramson 2 up for the Match Play Championship at Fox
Bend.
Aug. 22: Wednesday, Aug. 28, will mark the 10th anniversary of the Oswego Community Bank.
In commemoration of the event, the bank will hold an open house on Aug. 23-24.
The 91st Annual Wheatland Plowing Match Power Show and Fair will be held Friday and
Saturday, Aug. 30-31. The Plowing Match will be held on the Lew Tower farm three miles north
of Plainfield on Route 59.
Aug. 29: The sign and shrubbery at the corner of Routes 31 and 34, Oswego, represents the work
and efforts of many of the citizens of this community.
An Oswego Civic Club project, one of the members commented, “It appeared to many people
the project had been abandoned, but it was not It was all done by volunteers and this always
takes a little longer.”
Mr. James Little searched lumber yards for days trying to find the proper posts for erecting the
sign. Those you now see on the corner are cedar and will be allowed to weather. They had been
at the lumber yard for 50 years. Mr. Little assembled the sign and was assisted by members’
husbands in digging the holes and erecting the sign.
Mrs. Eloise Cooper of rural Oswego is a key volunteer in the campaign of State Sen. Paul Simon,
the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, in charge of Kendall County.
State Sen. Robert W. Mitchler, R-Oswego, called the Democratic National Convention to be held
in Chicago this week a disgrace.
“We criticize the Soviet Union for invading Czechoslovakia with tanks but fail to see the forest
for the trees in our own country,” Mitchler declared. “It is a national disgrace that the City of
Chicago must be turned into an armed camp in order that a national political party can conduct
its affairs in accordance with constitutional rights.”
September -- 1968
Sept. 5: Construction of the new Oswegoland Community Center and Swimming Pool complex
is on schedule, according to a progress report by Ralph Wheeler, park district president. It is
anticipated the building will be ready for use by the middle of November and an open house is
being planned for that time.
Sept. 12: Dr. Robert Boggs, superintendent of the Oswego Community School District, has
announced an enrollment increase of 7.5 percent for the district this year. Last year’s enrollment
was 2,861 students. This year’s enrollment is 3,077. The overall increase was 216 students.
At their meeting Sept. 3, the Oswego Village Board approved rezoning property on Route 71
owned by the Main Street Trust to be used for a new nursing home.
Scouts from Boulder Hill Boy Scout Troop 48 tapped out by the Order of the Arrow included
John Stein, Mike Watson, Larry Skaggs, Steve Enright, Brian Knoll, Bert Gray, Tom Wade,
Dale Rogers, and Tom Edes.
Sept. 26: Principal D.H. Moews has announced that David Poker of Oswego High School has
been named Semifinalist in the 1968-69 National Merit Scholarship Program.
October -- 1968
Oct. 3: Funeral services were held Saturday for Ernest H. Spiller, Kendall County Tax Assessor.
Mr. Spiller, who was 69, died Wednesday at Copley Memorial Hospital. He was born May 27,
1889 at Langley Green, England
Mr. Spiller was at one time co-owner of the Aurora Airport. He was a member of Aurora Moose
Lodge 400, the Aurora Bachelor Cub and the Boulder Hill Civic Association.
He is survived by his widow, Ruth; and by three sisters.
Oct. 10: Mr. and Mrs. Edward Peterson of Oswego announce the engagement of their daughter,
Mary Jill to David Christopher Burtt of Wellesley, Mass, son of Mrs. Robert E. Burtt and the late
Dr. Burtt.
Burtt is a graduate of Bates College, Lewiston, Maine and is now attending Union Theological
Seminary in New York City. His fiancée is a 1968 graduate of Mac Murray College,
Jacksonville, Ill., and is presently teaching at Cathedral School in Garden City, Long Island. A
June wedding is planned.
Mr. and Mrs. J. George Smith of rural Oswego announce the engagement of their daughter,
Cheryl Beth, to Lt. James T. Wormley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Myron L. Wormley of Oswego. A
January wedding is planned.
Oct. 17: Oswego High School’s homecoming court consisted of Lael Valbert, Judy Blackman,
Ann Fennell, Rayna Lubbs, Linda Hopper, Laurie Bieschke, and Kathy Hoff along with Mark
Leigh, Greg Stafford, Mark Pranga, Jim Becker, Joe Myers, Wade Palmer, and Steve Distler.
Oct. 24: The beautiful new sign in front of the Oswego Senior Community High School was
recently erected with the aid of funds established through the Doris Thompson Memorial Fund.
The sign adds to the beauty of the building and was designed by the building architect, Mr. Ken
Unteed. It is hoped that the sign will be an everlasting memory to one of Oswego High School’s
outstanding teachers, Mrs. Doris Thompson.
Mrs. Thompson taught for many years in the Oswego High School and because of the many
contributions made in her honor it was decided that a permanent type structure be erected in her
memory.
Dedicating the sign were her husband, Reeve R. Thompson, her daughter, Susan Thompson,
Raymond Lubbs, president of the Oswego Board of Education, and Douglas Moews, principal of
Oswego High School.
Oct. 31: John Stein and Bert Gray, members of Boulder Hill Boy Scout Troop 48, received their
Eagle badges, Boy Scouting’s highest award.
November -- 1968
Nov. 7: Illinois Bell Telephone has begun construction of a new telephone building to serve the
Oswego area. The approximately 5,500 square foot one-story structure is being built on the
southwest corner of Washington Street and Ill. Route 71. It is scheduled for completion in April
of next year when the Western Electric Company will begin installing new telephone switching
equipment. When cut into service in early 1971 the new building will replace the present
telephone central office at 108 South Main Street.
Mrs. Janis Hoch, Oswego was the recipient of the “Best of Show” award Sunday, Nov. 3, for her
watercolor, “Fred’s House,” at the Joliet Artists’ League 31st Annual fall exhibit.
Nov. 14: Chuck Shuler stands ready to fill all prescriptions at the drug counter in the new
Shuler’s Drug Store at the corner of Main and Jackson streets in Oswego. The old store closed
Sunday at 1 p.m. after 31 years. The new store opened its doors at 8:30 a.m. Monday morning.
The new store features enlarged departments for prescriptions, cosmetics, jewelry, and other
sundry items.
Nov. 21: The Oswego Ledger, which celebrated its 20th birthday just two weeks ago, will soon
be moving to new quarters The announcement was made today by its owners, Mr. and Mrs.
Donald Krahn.
For the first time in its history the Ledger will operate from offices on Main Street in downtown
Oswego The building which formerly housed Shuler’s Drug Store has been purchased by Mr.
and Mrs. Krahn and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Combs of Combs Real Estate. Tentative plans call for
enlarged office and shop space for the Ledger, Silent Secretary (it’s parent firm) and Ad Age, an
advertising agency subsidiary of Silent Secretary.
The Ledger offices have been located in the Krahn home since they bought the paper in 1965.
Originally located on Riverside Drive, the offices were moved to their present location at 306
Forest Avenue in Brookside Manor two years ago.
At their meeting Nov. 4, the Oswego Village Board voted to vacate the west end of Tyler Street
at the request of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Dodd.
December -- 1968
Dec. 12: The Aurora Kicker Soccer Club has nearly completed work on its clubhouse on an
historic piece of land on Douglas Road at Route 34. The Kickers have rebuilt and remodeled the
old schoolhouse [Squires School] on their property covering ¾ of an acre.
Dec. 19. The Oswegoland Park District Civic Center is expected to open its doors Jan. 2. To
date, 15 organizations have requested use of the Civic Center for meetings, totaling over 350
individual meeting dates for 1969.
In ice skating rink for citizens of the Oswegoland Park District is now being prepared at the new
Civic Center according to Supt. Ford L. Lippold. The blacktopped parking area is being flooded
and if the weather is cooperative, skating could possibly begin on Saturday, Dec. 21.
1969
January
Jan. 9: The regular monthly meetings of the Boulder Hill Civic Association will be held in the
new Oswegoland Park District Community building, located on the corner of Ashland and Circle
Drive West in Boulder Hill. Mr. Myron Wormley, member of the Kendall County Board of
Supervisors, will attend this meeting and explain the purpose of black-topping sidewalks in
certain areas of Boulder Hill.
David C. Young, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Young, Route 34, and a freshman at North
Central College in Naperville, will join 43 fellow members of the NCC Concert Choir Jan. 5-25
for a five-state, 3,000 mile concert tour.
Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Hood of Oswego announce the approaching marriage of their daughter,
Jenny Kay, to Stephen Scott Parker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer L. Parker of Boulder Hill.
Both Jenny and Steve are graduates of Oswego Community High School and are attending
Northern Illinois University.
Mrs. Tina E. Hafenrichter, 91, of Aurora died Jan. 1 at Copley Memorial Hospital She was born
Dec. 17, 1877 in Oswego township.
Mrs. Hafenrichter is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Sherman (Ada) Burkhart of Boulder Hill,
Mrs. Arthur (Mercedes) Davis of Oswego, Mrs. Albert (Belinda) Dittman of Antioch, and Mrs.
Robert (Fern) Noggle of Plainfield; two sisters, Mrs. Reuben (Ella) Hafenrichter of Yorkville
and Mrs. Henry (Edna) Soltau of Minneapolis, Minn.; 11 grandchildren; four great-
grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward E. Hafenrichter in 1949; one son, Owen; and
two daughters, Melicent and Eunice.
Mrs. Hafenrichter was a member of the Oswego Prairie United Methodist Church.
Funeral services were held Saturday. Interment was at Riverside Cemetery, Montgomery.
Jan. 16: Ford L. Lippold, Superintendent of the Oswegoland Park District, has announced that
the warm shelter at the community Center is not open. There may be ice skating this coming
weekend, but to check on this, call 896-2016.
Alexander A. LeCuyer, 84, of Oswego died Jan. 10 at Copley Memorial Hospital. He was born
Dec. 22, 1884 in Aurora.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. John (Grace) Carr of Oswego and Mrs. Whitfield (Anna Mae)
Campbell of Fox Lake; six grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Almada Schneider of Yorkville; and
two brothers, DeSire of Aurora and Joseph of Kankakee.
Mr. LeCuyer was a member of St. Anne’s Church of Oswego. He was formerly employed at
Stephens-Adamson Mfg. Company for 45 years. He had made his home with his daughter in
Oswego since 1962.
The funeral was held At St. Anne’s Church Monday. Burial was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
The marriage of Miss Diane Mary Kellogg and Robert Craig Stewart took place Dec. 22 at the
AuSable Grove Presbyterian Church.
Diane is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Kellogg of Yorkville and Craig is the son of Mr. and
Mrs. Robert M. Stewart, also of Yorkville.
Mr. and Mrs. John Luettich of Oswego announce the engagement of their daughter, Susan Lynn,
to Leo F. Froelich, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marshal Froelich of Piper City.
Miss Luettich was graduated from the University of Illinois and teaches at the Boulder Hill
Elementary School Froelich attended Southern Illinois University and is employed by the
Alexander Lumber Company in Oswego. A March 8 wedding at St. Anne’s Church is planned.
Mr. and Mrs. William N. Denney of Oswego announce the forthcoming marriage of their
daughter, Dawn Annette, to Steven W. Jess, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jess of Boulder Hill.
Both are graduates of Oswego High School and attend Waubonsee Community College.
A Feb. 2 wedding is planned.
Jan. 23: The schools of Kendall County filed a cooperative Title I Elementary and Secondary
Education Act project. The amounts available for Title I projects are determined by the number
of students whose parents reported less than $2,000 per year income.
A number of new programs for residents of the Oswegoland Park District are now in the
planning stages. The completion of the new Civic Center, located at the intersection of Ashland
Avenue and Circle Drive West, opens up a whole new field of possible programs and activities,
according to Park District President Ralph Wheeler He stated that the primary function of the
programming of the building facilities will be to offer recreational and leisure-time activities for
Oswegoland residents of all ages.
One of the first of the new programs will be a teenage drop-in center. Other programs being
planned include classes in arts and craft for adults and youngsters; square dance classes; a series
of activity nights for young women, which would include opportunities to learn how to play
pool, ping pong, volleyball, badminton, shuffleboard, and other semi-active and active games.
An open house is planned for Sunday afternoon, Feb. 9, at which time all persons in the
community are invited to drop by and take a look at the new Civic Center. The Fox Valley Art
Guild, an Oswegoland Park District group, will have an art exhibit on that date and coffee and
cookies will be served.
Larry Lakeman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Lakeman, is home on a 30-day leave from a year
spent in Pakistan.
Stephen Foster, a helicopter pilot, has returned from Vietnam and is spending two weeks visiting
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Schlapp and family He will then go to Fort Hunter, Ga., to be a
helicopter instructor.
Jan. 30: Route 71 southwest of Oswego is to be resurfaced! The announcement was made Friday
in Springfield. The resurfacing will cover 4.81 miles, beginning approximately three miles
southwest of Oswego and continuing northeasterly. The apparent low bidder was Geneva
Construction Company of Aurora. Their bid was submitted in the amount of $220,508.
A December 28 service at Park Place Baptist Church, Montgomery, united in marriage Patricia
E. Whitnel and James E. Yuvan.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Almas C. Whitnel of Boulder Hill. Her husband is the
son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Yuvan, also of Boulder Hill.
Rev. William Diehl, uncle of the groom, officiated.
Jerry Yuvan was his brother, s best man. Groomsmen were Glenn Young and James Williams,
Jody Shepherd and Roger Matile were ushers.
The bride was graduated from Oswego High School and is now employed at the Aurora Beacon-
News. Her husband, also a graduate of Oswego High School, is now a senior at Aurora College.
Capt. and Mrs. James Wormley were married Saturday, Jan 25, in the Oswego Prairie United
Methodist Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. George Smith of rural Oswego
and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Wormley of Oswego.
Following a two week honeymoon in the Virgin Islands, the couple will reside in Washington,
D.C. where Jim in a captain in the Army.
Homer B. Vickery, 70-, of Minooka died Jan. 16 at Copley Memorial Hospital. He was born Oct.
20, 1898 in NaAuSay Township.
He is survived by his widow, Alice E.; one son, Donald of Minooka; one brother, Clement of
Plano; two nephews; and one niece.
Mr. Vickery was a member of the NaAuSay United Presbyterian Church; Raven Lodge 303 AF
& AM of Oswego; and the Kendall County Farm Bureau.
Funeral services were held Saturday at the McKeown Funeral Home. Burial was in Riverside
Cemetery, Montgomery.
February -- 1969
Feb. 6: All residents of the Oswegoland Park District are invited to an open house to be held in
the new Civic Center Sunday, Feb. 9.
If the parking lot is still being used for ice skating, visitors are asked to park on the west side of
Ashlawn Avenue and in the auxiliary parking area directly to the south of the parking lot.
Scott Atkins, a senior at Oswego High School, died Jan. 31 at St. Charles Hospital.
Scott, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Stoner of Aurora, had been critically injured in a traffic
accident on Dec. 7, 1968.
Scott is survived by his parents; a brother, John Stoner, of Aurora; Sgt. Judy Stoner of Hawaii, a
sister; and his grandmother, Mrs. Florence Stoner of Aurora.
The funeral service was held Monday at the Claim Street Baptist Church in Aurora with burial in
Lincoln Memorial Park.
Scott was born July 15, 1951. He was a member of Claim Street Baptist Church and was a
member of the chorus and the band at Oswego High.
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sims and family from Malta were in Oswego on Sunday attending church
services at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Their daughter, Lori, had spent the weekend
visiting friends.
A report on the cause and plans or the correcting of the blacktopping of the sidewalks in areas of
Boulder Hill will be given at the Feb. 12 meeting of the Boulder Hill Civic Association. The
meeting will be held in the Civic Center on Ashlawn Avenue, Oswego.
The Oswego Chapter of the Red Cross has finally disbanded after 50 years of service. The few
remaining members decided to cease their monthly meetings and donate its remaining money to
the Aurora Chapter of the Red Cross for use with “Voices from Home” recordings and to the
Valley Haven School for Exceptional Children in Oswego for the purchase of a doll house
complete with furniture and dolls. What materials were left over were sent to the Wayside Cross
Mission.
It had been with a great deal of regret that they decided to conclude their meetings, but it had
become physically impossible for these 14 remaining members to continue. Age and places to
meet made the activities cease. The remaining 14 members are Mrs. Edith Cherry, Mrs. Mary
Bickford, Mrs. Mary Colbert, Mrs. Anna Krug, Mrs. Mabel Lippold, Mrs. Bertha Nutt, Mrs.
Emma Shoger, Mrs. Orma Shoger, Mrs. Jessie Smith, Miss Barbara Richards, Mrs. Fern Grate,
Mrs. Eva Wooldridge, Mrs. Hattie Thompson, and Mrs. Clara Walters.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Henderson of rural Plainfield announce the engagement and approaching
marriage of their daughter Mary to Bruce Benstein of St. Charles. They will be married Feb. 15
in the Bruce Henderson home.
Mary is a 1967 graduate of Oswego Community High School and Bruce is a 1961 graduate of St.
Edwards in Elgin. They are both employed by Liberty Loan Corporation in North Aurora.
Recently Miss Judy Durand became the bride of Steven Gaw. The bride’s parents are Mr. and
Mrs. Homer Durand of Oswego. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Chippewa of
Plano.
Mrs. Amelia Hummel, formerly of Oswego, died Monday at Copley Memorial Hospital. She was
born July 16, 1886 in Silver Creek, Wis.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Vernon (Loa) Ament of Bristol and Mrs. Robert (Althea)
Johnston of Plano; one son, Merlin of Oswego; and 12 grandchildren.
Mrs. Hummel was a member of the Aurora Bethany United Methodist Church, the Prairie United
Methodist WSCS, and the Wayside Cross Mission Auxiliary.
The funeral service will be held Thursday at the McKeown Funeral Home. Burial will be in
Riverside Cemetery in Montgomery.
Feb. 13: Last Saturday, Oswego walked away with the conference meet with a score of 105 to
second place West Chicago’s 76 points. Oswego had 10 wrestlers going into the semi finals.
Rick Neal, Al King, Greg Stafford, Mark Pranga, Gary Smith, and Tim Closson all received first
for Oswego.
One senior at Oswego High School has been named a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship
Program this year. David Poker is one of 15,000 seniors across the country to be so honored.
Marine Sgt. Donald C. Leppert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Leppert and husband of the former
Sharon Curtis of Parris Island, S.C., is serving with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine
Aircraft Group 12, First Marine Aircraft Wing, at Chu Lai Marine Air Base in Vietnam. The
squadron has been in Vietnam since 1966.
Elmer C. Vickery, 57, of rural Minooka, died Saturday at Copley Memorial Hospital.
He was born Aug. 16, 1911 in Seward Township. He was a member of the AuSable Grove
Presbyterian Church, Aurora Moose Loge 400, and the Italian-American Club.
He is survived by his widow, Marcella; four daughters, Mrs. Joel (Kay) Masur, Mrs. Glenn (Gal)
Renner, and Mrs. Gwen Stewart all of Aurora, and Mrs. LaVerne (Donna) Peterson of Oswego; a
sister, Mildred Vickery of Oswego; a brother, Walter of Minooka; one niece and one nephew;
and 13 grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday at the Healy Chapel. Interment was t AuSable Grove
Cemetery.
Miss Susan Speerly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond P. Speerly of Oswego, was married
Saturday, Feb. 1, to Jay Allen Stabler, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Stabler of Aurora.
The bride is a graduate of Oswego Community High School and is employed by Eagle Foods,
Inc, Aurora. The bridegroom is a graduate of Western High School, Buda, Ill. He served with the
U.S. Marines and is employed by IBM Corporation, Aurora.
Feb. 20: Purchase of videotape equipment for the Kendall County Sheriff’s department has
received federal approval. The equipment will record the actions of a motorist suspected of
driving under the influence of alcohol. The tape may be played back as evidence in court
proceedings.
Five positions in the village government are to be filled at the April 15 election this year.
The position of village clerk is being sought by Marilyn Olson and Woodrow Boone.
Floyd Foss and Jack Olson, incumbents, will seek reelection. Those seeking first terms include
James Detzler, Ralph Ross and Donald Krahn.
The Oswegoland Park District Board election will be held the same date as the village elections.
Incumbent Richard Law will be seeking reelection. Those seeking first terms include William
Penn, Walter Brill, and W.J. “Jerry” Martin.
Mr. Phillip B. Boehmer, 53, of Oswego died Feb. 11, 1969 at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.
He was born Feb. 17, 1915 in Portland, Ore.
Surviving is his widow, Marietta N.; a son, Gordon B. Boehmer of Oswego; a daughter, Mrs.
Norman (Catherine) Cuny Jr. of Aurora; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Boehmer of
Portland, Ore; four brothers, G. Robert of Portland, Kenneth E. of Fairfax, Calif., Bernard F. of
Santa Anna, Calif., and John of Foster City, Calif.; one sister, Miss Lois Ruth Boehmer of
Portland; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday from the Healy Chapel and St. Anne’s Catholic Church.
Burial was in Lincoln Memorial Park.
Last Friday night and Saturday, Oswego captured the District wrestling title by beating out West
Aurora by one point, 98-97. Rick Neal, 103; Al King, 112; Greg Stafford, 127; Mark Pranga,
133; Gary Smith, 138; and Bill Lowry, 145 all captured first place. Kipp Johannsen took second.
These seven boys will go to Joliet East Friday and Saturday for the Sectionals.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Peterson of Oswego on the birth of a girl, Angela
Jean, born Saturday, Feb. 8, at Copley Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz.
Feb. 27: Oswego placed fourth in the Sectional Wrestling Meet at Joliet East last weekend.
Rick Neal at 103 pounds and Mark Pranga at 133 pounds each placed second and will compete
in the state tournament in Champaign on Feb. 28 and March 1.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wolf had their baby son, Peter Anthony, baptized Sunday at the Church of
the Good Shepherd.
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Lakeman are now residing in Omaha, Neb. following a month’s leave, after
serving a year overseas, Larry, with his wife Karen, drove to Omaha where he will be stationed
at Offutt Air Force Base.
Clarence E. Parkhurst, 83, of Aurora, former Oswego resident, died Monday at St. Joseph
Hospital in Elgin. He was born Nov. 26, 1885 in Kendall County.
He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. John (Gladys) Lasswell of Ottawa, Mrs. Mildred
Peterson of Batavia, and Mrs. Robert (Alice) Hill of Carpentersville; two sons, Melvin of
Vienna, Ill. and Stanley of Aurora; 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and one
brother, Raymond, of Yorkville.
Mr. Parkhurst was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian; one daughter; and three sons. One son,
Stuart, was killed in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 in World War II.
Mr. Parkhurst was a member of the Oswego Presbyterian Church and served as Oswego
Township assessor for ten years before his retirement.
Funeral services were held at the McKeown Funeral Home Feb. 20. Burial took place in
Cowdrey Cemetery.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, Miss Mary Henderson became the bride of Bruce Benstein at the home of
the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Henderson. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
George Benstein of St. Charles.
Bruce is assistant manager of Liberty Loan at North Aurora and Mary’s also employed there as a
secretary.
March -- 1969
March 6: The long-awaited Oswego Post Office opened Saturday. The building is located on the
northeast corner of Madison and Jackson, at the old Red Brick School site.
Roger Miliano, a former resident of Oswego, has joined the staff of WKKD, Aurora.
Roger was born in Jersey City, N.J., and moved to Mt. Morris with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben
Miliano, in 1953. They moved to Oswego in 1956 where Roger attended Oswego Junior High
School and was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Roger’s sister, Mrs. A.J. (Joyce)
Loeffel and her husband reside in rural Plainfield. Roger’s parents have since returned to Mt.
Morris. He comes to WKKD from radio station KOWL at Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Niles Jr. and family have moved onto the Lloyd Qually farm on Woolley
Road. They moved here from Millbrook. They have three sons, Barry, Richard, and Walter, who
is married. He and his wife both attend college in Spokane, Wash. Mrs. Niles is the former
Genevieve Phelper.
Bill Miller, who owns the old post office building [Schickler Building at Main and Washington]
told the Oswego Village Board on Monday of his plans to landscape and beautify his corner of
town and had a few questions about responsibilities regarding curbing and sidewalks. The Board
happily referred him to the State.
Al Probst presented a revised plat of Unit 20 of Boulder Hill, which provides for some manmade
lakes and rearrangements of lots backing up to them The Village Engineer, George Griffin, gave
his opinion that the plan was sound and the board approved.
John Carr, representing the Planning Commission, presented a revised plan by the new
developers of Marina Terrace (and which the Planning Commission approved), in which they
desired a buffer zone of two-family residences between the single family homes already built and
the apartment buildings already on the plat. This was also approved.
Motion was made, seconded, and approved that we pay $1,000 down on the purchase of property
at the Red Brick School location. And if you don’t know where that is, friend, welcome to our
town.
Margaret Stone, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert R Stone of Boulder Hill, became the bride of
George A. Carpenter, son of Mrs. Lydia Carpenter of Oswego and the late Mr. George Carpenter
on Feb. 15 at the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Mrs. Shirley Gengler and Martin Habyan were married Feb. 8 in the chapel at the Oswego
Presbyterian Church.
March 13: The third and final phase of a three-month moving program will see its completion
this week when the offices of the Oswego Ledger are moved from their present location at 306
Forest.
The first phase of this moving program saw the letterpress shop moved between Christmas and
New Years. Phase Two was the relocation of the offset shop and darkroom, which took place
during January and February.
The office portion of the new location required extensive remodeling. A new suspended ceiling,
paneling, and carpeting have been installed as well as new wiring and entryway.
Next Monday, the Ledger will be open for business at 68 Main Street.
Saturday evening Miss Sherril Adele Smith married Thomas Giles at the Oswego United
Presbyterian Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Smith of Oswego. The
bridegroom’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Giles of Woodland Hills, Calif.
Sherril is a graduate of Oswego Community High School and attended George Williams College
in Downers Grove. She is employed by the YWCA and YMCA of Aurora. The bridegroom also
attended George Williams College and is on the staff of the Valley View Boys’ School of St.
Charles.
A ceremony was performed at St. Anne’s Church officiated y Rev. Clifford Brier of St Anne’s
and Rev. Frank Closson of the Church of the Good Shepherd, uniting Susan Lynn Luettich and
Leo F. Froelich on Saturday.
Susan is a graduate of the University of Illinois and is a teacher at Boulder Hill Elementary
School. Leo attended Southern Illinois University and is employed by Jean A. McCoy and Son,
Inc. of Pontiac. The couple will reside on Park Street Oswego.
March 20: At the Oswego Township Library, book circulation has steadily risen since 1967
when the number of books loaned out in the moth of February was 2,513. It increased to over
3,700 last month and there was a total of 197 reference questions asked.
March 27: The Oswego Business Association, downtown planning committee, called a special
meeting last Wednesday evening at the Civic Center. Those groups represented included the
Business Association, Oswego Township, Oswego Community Bank, Village of Oswego,
Planning Commission, Oswego School District, Oswego Fire Department, and the Oswego
Ledger.
The problem which the Downtown Planning Committee was faced with was the rumor that the
Oswego Community Bank was to be moved from the downtown area.
William Miller, representing the committee, opened the meeting and explained the rumors as the
association had heard them. The then turned the meeting over to Wesley Gross, representing the
bank
Mr. Gross explained that the bank now had 1,760 square feet of floor space in their present
building and needs between 5 and six thousand square feet. He stated the bank had no intention
of leaving the downtown area unless there was no other recourse. The discussed various sites
which might be available downtown and explained why each would be unsuitable.
He then displayed a sketch of a proposed bank building on the side of the Red Brick School,
explaining this would still leave room for village and township offices.
Many problems presented themselves in connection with the proposal.
First the village had sent a check for a down payment on two lots in this municipal block to the
Township The township had to return the check because the matter had to be voted upon first at a
Town meeting. Myron Wormley, township supervisor advised the village board members that
this in no way meant the village could not have their two lots (which two were not specified
when down payment was made), it only meant a delay until the entire matter could be handled
property.
The question also arose as to whether either the bank or the township had an obligation to share
the profit (cost to the bank over purchase price paid to school by township when the site was sold
a few years back) with the school district, since the two taxing bodies do not encompass quite the
same area. Dr. Boggs, superintendent of schools, stated that he felt there was no legal obligation
to do so. One board member didn’t agree with Dr. Boggs, and stated he felt the profit should be
shared.
The question of a possible fire barn on the site was also brought up, since this had been discussed
over the years.
Since this was an exploratory meeting, no commitments were made. Various groups planned
meetings of their organizations to discuss the matter further.
Jerry Powers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Oleson of Chicago, is taking his basic training at Ft.
Polk, La.
At the Oswego School Board meeting Monday night members discussed the announcement that
Oswego Township was considering the sale of much of the balance of the former Red Brick
School site to the Oswego Community Bank as a site for their new building. The bank would
very much like to build there and has offered to buy the north half of the block. Before the
representative Village Board members has apoplexy, it was pointed out to them that this would
leave room for the village hall between the bank and the post office.
One very good argument is that the township can sell that half to the bank at a profit, add the
profit to the $20,000 they have earmarked for such a building, and get to building it. This they
would offer to the village on a buyback lease type f arrangement.
If you’ll remember, after razing the Red Brick School, the school district sold the land to the
township at a very reasonable figure because it was to another taxing body and earmarked for
“public improvements and public purposes.” The board had no objection to the bank at that
location. However, they did wonder if the township id not have a moral obligation to share any
profit with the school district, not because they felt any distinction between the taxing bodies, but
that the school district did include two other townships who would not benefit from the tax
income from the bank. However if the profit were shared would there be enough money to build
the village hall?
The question was also raised as to whether the township could legally sell without a public
auction to a non-taxing body.
Paul G. Hawley, 83, of Aurora died Saturday at the St. Charles Hospital, Aurora. He was born
May 7, 1885 in Oswego.
He is survived by his son, Frank P. Hawley of Aurora; four grandchildren; and two nephews.
Funeral services were held at the Healy Chapel. Burial was in the Oswego Cemetery.
Thomas C. Collins, 84, of Oswego died March 19, 1969 at the home of his son. He was born
Nov. 2, 1884 in Oswego.
He is survived by two sons, Maxwell of Oswego and Harlan of Milwaukee, Wis.; one daughter,
Mrs. Leon (Lathelle) Haag of Aurora; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was a member of the Oswego Presbyterian Church and the Kendall County Farm Bureau. He
was a lifelong farmer in the Oswego area.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn in 1965.
Funeral services were held at the Oswego Presbyterian church. Burial was in the Oswego
Township Cemetery.
April -- 1969
April 3: A difference of 14 votes told the story on the liquor referendum at the township election
Tuesday. 285 yes votes as opposed to 271 no votes kept the liquor laws as they now stand, that
liquor may be sold only in liquor stores and not from open bottles as mixed drinks as the law
would have read had the voters decided to change it.
In the major race in the township election, Bob McMicken with 591 votes, David Hefele with
564 votes, and Dave Kennedy with 514 votes were elected town auditors. McMicken and
Kennedy were incumbents.
Howard Shoger was reelected assistant supervisor with 760 votes. Darrell Gaar was named
assessor with 749 votes, and Ted Gerry again won the seat of town clerk with 746 votes. All
were running unopposed.
Olive Campbell was named Cemetery Trustee again with 729 votes. Charlotte Herren, William
Becker, and Judith Larson were named to the library board.
A motion was passed at the town meeting Tuesday night to consider with the Oswego
Community Bank the possibility of the sale of four lots in the municipal block to the bank for a
new building. The motion , made by William Miller, a member of the Business Association
Downtown Planning committee, carried with a counted vote of 44 in favor and 14 opposed.
Spec. 4 Robert C. Rogers, 21, rural Plainfield, died March 19 in Vietnam He was born Feb. 3,
1948 in Aurora.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James W. Rogers; one sister, Linda; and his paternal
grandmother, Mrs. Neva Rogers, all from Wheatland Township; his maternal grandparents, Mr.
and Mrs. Charles Engleman of Plano; and several aunts and uncles.
Spec. 4 Rogers was active in the Wheatland United Presbyterian Church. He was a member of
Will County 4-H Club and Boots and Saddle Club of Plainfield.
He graduated from Oswego High School in 1966 and was drafted into the army on April 10,
1968. He received his basic training at Ft. Polk, La., and went overseas in September of 1968. He
was killed by mortar fire in Vietnam.
Funeral services were held Monday at the Wheatland United Presbyterian Church. Burial was in
the church cemetery.
April 10: The Oswego Township Library board held their regular monthly meeting Thursday,
April 3. This meeting was the final board meeting with their president, Mr. Earl Zentmyer. Mr.
Zentmyer has been president of the board for the three years of its existence. Previous to that, he
was the president of the Oswego Community Library Association, an organization formed to
raise money to construct the library building.
Mr. and Mrs. John Scent from Des Moines, Ia., spent a few days visiting I the home of his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scent.
Dick Foster has been released from Great Lakes Naval Hospital and on Saturday he flew from
O’Hare Field to Travis Air Force Base and on Sunday left for the Philippines to join his ship, the
Enterprise.
Bill Crimmin, son of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Crimmin, was recently named to the Dean’s List
at Southern Illinois University. Bill, who has majored in automotive technology, will graduate in
June.
Carol L. Young, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Young of Oswego, will attend North Central
College in Naperville. Miss Young, a senior at Oswego High School, and her parents will attend
one of several orientation sessions at NCC.
Mr. and Mrs. Sidney S. Simmons (Carol Flory), Oswego, have a little boy born April 6 at Copley
Memorial Hospital.
April 17: Unofficial results turned into the Oswego Ledger office Tuesday night showed the
following election results:
Village Election
Harry Fuller for president, 252. For village trustee, Jack Olson, 160; Jim Detzler, 158; Ralph
Ross, 138; Floyd Foss, 119; Don Krahn, 80. For Village Clerk, Marilyn Olson, 207; Woodrow
Boone, 51.
Park Board
Richard law, 92; Walter Brill, 177; William Penn, 181; Jerry Martin, 61.
The Citizens’ Advisory Council for the Oswego Community Unit
school District 308 held their organizational meeting at the school’s administration center
Monday evening, April 7. The council’s function was defined as being one of study to determine
the educational objectives, to project future enrollment, to survey the physical facilities available,
to consider the financial position, and then to seek solutions which are both educationally sound
and acceptable to the residents of the school district.
Miss Janet LaGow, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles LaGow of Oswego, has completed her
training course as a United Air Lines Stewardess at Mt. Prospect. She will be stationed at
Kennedy Airport, New York.
Nov. 17, 1949--an important date in the history of the Oswego Ledger. It was on that day that
Ford Lippold first published the Oswego Ledger.
On April 1, 1965, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Krahn put out their first edition of the paper after buying
it from Lippold.
Some of the other changes included a change from 8-1/2 x 11 sheet to 10x14 sheet on July 8,
1965 and from there to its present tabloid size on Nov. 11, 1965; a change to a new typeface and
size on Sept. 14, 1967; and a change from give-away to subscription newspaper on Sept. 1, 1966.
The original office for both the Oswego Ledger and the Silent Secretary (the parent firms of the
Ledger) after the Krahns first purchased the Ledger was in the basement of their home on
Riverside Drive. There the facilities consisted of a 10x14 room. After selling the home on
Riverside Drive, a new home was purchased at 306 Forest. Two rooms were designed in the new
home specifically for the Ledger, an 11x22 office and a 12x20 print shop.
Within two months, business had increased to the point where the large two-car garage was also
converted into more work area for printing. It was shortly after this that a large 14x20 graphic
arts camera was added, a Linotype machine, and another press to handle the increased workload.
In December 1968 the building which formerly housed Shuler’s Drug Store was purchased and
remodeling plans were put into effect. By the first of this year, the back portion of the building
was completely remodeled and the letterpress shop was moved to the new location. Within
another month, a new, larger darkroom and offset portion of the print shop and the camera
facilities were also moved to their new location. March 12 was designated as moving day for the
office and on March 17 the new office was officially opened for business.
Lawrence J. Dodd, mason contractor, first started in business in partnership with Roy Deane in
September 1958. The partnership continued until 1964 when Mr. Deane left and became
involved in the excavating business. Within the past few months, Mr. Dodd has completed the
construction of a new warehouse-office on Harrison Street in Oswego.
The Village of Oswego, while not to be classified as a business, can be proud of its growth.
The population of 1,500 is a far cry from the one family occupying what is now Block 20 in the
village in the year 1834.
There have been at least 60 new homes constructed in the village in the past four years. These
are to be found in Herren’s Brookside Manor and Windcrest subdivisions. Both developments
have had new property annexed to the village for future homes.
The village can boast of a new post office building, drug store, pet shop, and car wash. We also
have a golf club, our first in this locale since 1935.
Burkhart’s Garage has been in business for over 40 years. It opened on Sept. 1, 1925 and has
been owned and operated by Ralph M. Burkhart since that time. Since 1934, they have sold and
serviced the Pontiac car.
Five years ago, Shuler’s Drug Store was located at 68 Main Street, in the same location where
A.M. Shuler had started I the business in 1937. The year 1967 marked the 30th anniversary of
the drug business in Oswego for Mr. Shuler.
On Jan. 1, 1968, Mr. Shuler sold the business to his son, Charles “Chuck” Shuler, who is the
present owner.
Early in 1968 the need for expansion and better facilities was felt due to the rapid growth of the
community. Plans were begun for a new building to be erected on the northeast corner of Main
and Jackson streets in Oswego. construction was begun in the spring, and Nov. 1 the building
was completed.
On Nov. 11, 1968 the doors were opened for business for the first time. The new 40x80 foot
building is of modern design inside and out.
Chuck is assisted by two full-time pharmacists, Ron Anderson of Plattville and Bert Brown of
Aurora.
Chuck is a hometown boy. He graduated from Oswego High School in 1959 and from Drake
University, College of Pharmacy in Des Moines, Ia. He received his registration papers the year
he finished college in 1963.
Lynwood Subdivision was started in 1958 and now has 91 homes. It also has a park for children
called Clifford Heap Memorial Park, and the Lynwood Baptist Church is planning to build in the
spring of 1969 on the acreage they own on the north side of U.S. Route 34. They are now
meeting in the church building which will be converted to a manse when the church is built.
Originally, 118 lots were planned for the subdivision and less than 20 remain to be sold. Plans
include another park on the river with shelter and picnic tables for family picnics and summer
outings.
A comparatively new company is KR&G Excavating of rural Oswego. It was established in 1968
by Keith Kellogg, David Rogerson, and Paul Garbleman. John and David Kellogg are also co-
owners of the business.
In 1957, the Howard Herren property that lay inside the village of Oswego was surveyed and
Unit 1 of Brookside Manor was plotted. Since that time three units have been developed and
Unit 4 is nearing completion of the improvements and construction is ready to begin. Unit 3
included three, four-apartment townhouses that are providing much-needed rental space. Unit 4
includes a number of apartment-zoned lots and duplex-zoned lots along with 11 acres of
commercial business property.
The groundbreaking for the first church building of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Boulder Hill
was held May 20, 1962. The pastor at this time was Rev. William Keturkat, now deceased. The
first building provided for approximately 160 worshipers, an office, a working sacristy, a
kitchen, and a large basement for educational and fellowship programs.
In the fall of 1965, St. Luke’s entered into a dual-parish agreement with Zion Lutheran Church,
Wheatland Township, Plainfield.
In January of 1966, as a dual-parish, the Rev. T.W. Wilson was called, accepted, and became
pastor Jan. 16, 1966.
In May 1966, ground was broken for the parsonage, which was completed and ready or
occupancy in the fall of 1966.
In December 1966 the existing church building was remodeled and an education-administration
addition constructed. When completed, facilities seated approximately 300. The educational
addition provides nine classrooms, a youth room, an educational office, church office, and
pastor’s office.
On Jan. 1, 1967, the dual-parish agreement was terminated, and Rev. Wilson was installed as
pastor of St. Luke’s
As the congregation grows, new organizations are added. Sunday School enrollment is over 200,
as is Vacation Bible School enrollment. The eighth grade weekday school has an enrollment of
89 and a staff of 12.
Rev. William A. Kucenski was installed as pastor on March 9, 1969.
From a dream…a thanksgiving…a small beginning with 45 communicant members, St. Luke’s
has grown to approximately 300 confirmed and 475 baptized members.
April 24: Congratulations to:
Mr. and Mrs. David Breitwiser (Roxanne Schlapp), on the birth of a son born April 10 at St.
Joseph Hospital in Joliet. thy have named him Bradley Joseph. He has a four year-old sister,
Brenda.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mooney (Delores Delaney), Oswego, on the birth of Teresa Louise, born
April 15, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Aurora. She has two brothers and two sisters.
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Petkus (Valerie Kraft) are the parents of their first child, a son, James
Edward, born April 17. Mr. and Mrs. Petkus are former residents of Oswego and now reside in
Marion, Kan.
William H Holzhueter, 80, of Oswego died April 21, at his home He was born June 5, 1888 in
Aurora.
Surviving are his widow, Mabel; two daughters, Mrs. Clarence (Sylvia) Matile and Mrs. Milton
(Evelyn) Penn, both of Oswego; one son, Gerald of Plainfield; eight grandchildren; 12 great-
grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. George (Mary) Senft of Aurora.
He was preceded in death by one son, Earl.
Mr. Holzhueter was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Boulder Hill.
Funeral services were held Wednesday at St. Luke’s Church. Interment was in St. Paul’s
Lutheran Cemetery in Montgomery.
Miss Pam Petkus, Culver City, Calif., and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Petkus, Oswego, is
touring the Far East, including Hong Kong and Bangkok. Pam is a graduate of Oswego High
School and is now a stewardess for Continental Airlines.
Thomas Adkins has returned from his tour of duty with the Air Force, having served 18 months
in Panama at the Albrook Air Force Base. he and his wife Doris live in the McKeown apartment.
Tom works for Carpetville in Joliet.
May -- 1969
May 1: PFC Dave Simmons was home on a weekend pass April 12. He was between
assignments, having completed the first half of his training in guided missile electronics at
Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
Vin Chrisse, son of Mrs. Paul Porter, and David Chally, son of Mrs. Dean Smith, have enlisted in
the Army under the Buddy Plan and both are now stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C., where they are
taking their basic combat training.
Four building permits were issued with a value of $68,500 during the month of March in
Oswego.
Miss Jay Dee Bevis and Frank L. Johnson were united in marriage April 12 at the Church of the
Good shepherd in Oswego.
May 8: An election of officers for the Oswego Township Library Board was held Thursday, May
1. The following were elected: President, Richard Chamberlain; vice president, Robert Gray;
secretary, Ruth Devereaux; treasurer, Charlotte Herren.
Mrs. Fennel, the librarian, reported a circulation of 3,818 books for the month.
The Kendall County Movement to Restore Decency will show the filmstrip, “The Pied Pipers,”
on May 12-14 at the home of Janet Beck, Gastville. This 30-minute film deals with the
prevalence of drug abuse in our country today, its effects on our youth, and what can be done to
combat it.
Roger Poole, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cloyd Poole, has returned home following his tour of duty,
spending 13 months in Vietnam.
Spec. 5 Richard Carlson, son of Mrs. Frances Carlson, arrive home Monday from Vietnam
following three tours of duty, serving in Nha Trang, Saigon, and Cam Rhan Bay.
Mrs. Winifred Carlson, 82, of Oswego died April 29 at Sandhaven Nursing Home, Sandwich.
She was born April 5, 1887 in NaAuSay.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews.
She was married to Charles Carlson on Feb. 17, 1914 and he preceded her in death in 1935. She
was a member of the Oswego Presbyterian Church and Lorraine Chapter 90, Order of the Eastern
Star.
Funeral services were held at the McKeown Funeral Home Friday. Burial was in the NaAuSay
cemetery.
Scotty’s Restaurant at U.S. Route 34 and Ill. Route 71 was advertising steak, eggs, potatoes,
toast and coffee, served at any hour, for $1.39.
By the year 2000, Oswego area residents may be using the telephone to do a lot of things besides
talk. The next quarter of a century could see housewives ordering their groceries, paying family
bills, reading the news, or cooking dinner with the help of television-equipped phones. Oswego
school students may be calling computers instead of listening to teachers, and hobby buffs will
be enjoying the best of information and exhibits from the comforts of living room easy chairs.
A great deal of progress has been made since the first telephone came to Oswego on Dec. 11,
1897, when it was installed in a drug store owned by Scott Cutter on Main Street near
Washington Street. The installation joined Oswego with the newly built telephone line extending
to Sandwich in DeKalb County.
The Bell Telephone Laboratories is conducting a final trial of improved see-as-you-talk
Picturephone service, now slated for limited commercial introduction in the early 1970s.
In Oswego, a revolutionary electronic telephone switching system, which promises faster, more
reliable, more versatile telephone calling, is scheduled for introduction in 1971.
The electronic system will be installed in the new building on the northwest corner of
Washington Street and Ill. Route 71, which will serve over 1,600 subscribers.
The new building, at which cornerstone laying ceremonies will be held Thursday, May 8, is a
modified L-shaped structure, 84 feet wide and 69 feet at its deepest point. The reinforced
concrete structure, which will include a cable vault below ground level, has a face brick and
stone trim.
Miss Corliss Cutler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Cutler of Warrenville, was united in
marriage with Mr. Ronald VanEtten, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert VanEtten of Oswego.
The simple ceremony took place at the bride’s home.
The young couple will live in Aurora.
May 15: The Oswego High School chorus will present its annual spring concert on May 16,
consisting of a variety of both sacred and secular numbers.
The chorus is under the direction of Mr. Reeve Thompson. This will be Mr. Thompson’s last
concert at Oswego.
Crank calls are being made to women in this area. The male caller uses the name of the
Jacqueline Shop and requests the to model for the shop, No one is authorized to make any calls
for the Jacqueline Shop, and if you receive any calls by a male caller using the store name, hang
up immediately and notify your local police department and telephone office.
Thomas N. Usry, Kendall County Chief Deputy, was a winner of the Aurora Post “G” Travelers
Protective Association Safety Award for 1969. Ted Brattin, chairman of the group’s safety
contest, said Usry has devoted much time, both on and off duty, to the promotion of safety.
Second Lt. Charles Eberhard was a visitor of his grandparents the Fred Claassen’s, on Tuesday
He has just returned from Ft. Belvoir, Va., where he finished his basic, He will be stationed at
amp McCoy, Wis. for 10 months following his leave.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. (Marsha Morgan) McGee of rural Oswego on the
birth of a girl, Lisa Dawn, born May 10 at Copley Memorial Hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wheeler, stationed at Imperial Beach, Calif., are the proud parents of a
baby daughter, Jennifer Marie, born Jay 7 at Copley Memorial Hospital. She has a two year-old
brother, Keith. Mike, who is with the Seabees in the Navy, is here on leave for three weeks. The
proud grandparents are the John Freemans and the Ralph Wheelers.
The Oswego Village Board was told the flashing light at Route 25 and Chicago Road (U.S.
Route 34) is not working property. Village Board Member Jim Detzler said he would follow up.
Also, the old school crossing lights at the post office do not work and are confusing to strangers
coming through the community. They will be removed and the poles painted and stored for some
future use.
Ingrid Darlene Wendt of Fresno, Calif., became the bride of Ralph James Salisbury of Eugene,
Ore. on April 23. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Wendt of Oswego and his
parents are Mrs. Charles Salisbury and the late Charles Salisbury of Arlington, Iowa.
The outdoor, double-ring ceremony was held at Sahalie Falls in the Cascade Mountains of
Oregon.
The bride has a B.A. from Cornell College, Ia., and an M.F.A. from the University of Oregon
and is affiliated with Phi Beta Kappa. She is a professor of English at Fresno State College and a
published poet.
The groom has a B.A. and M.F.A. from the University of Iowa. He is co-director of Creative
Writing University of Oregon and editor in chief of Northwest Review and a published poet.
The couple will reside this summer in Eugene, Ore. where the groom will teach. In September,
they will move to Fresno, where both will teach in the English Department of Fresno State
College.
A reception for the couple given by the bride’s parents will be held in Oswego June 14.
May 22: Reeve Thompson, vocal director of Oswego Community High School, has announced is
plans to retire at the end of this school year. He has given 39 years of service to the Oswego
schools and has served the teaching profession for more than 44 years.
Mr. Thompson received his bachelor of music degree from McPhail School of Music in
Minnesota. In addition to his attendance there, he attended River Falls State Teachers College in
River Falls, Wis. Graduate credits were gained at both Illinois State University at Normal and
Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington.
At the May meeting of the Oswegoland Park District commissioners Ralph Wheeler was elected
president for the ninth consecutive year. Wheeler, who has been a member of the board of
commissioners since the district was formed in 1950, is now entering his 20th year of service on
the board.
Also reelected was Glenn McKittrick, Boulder Hill, as vice president. The board also
reappointed Ford L. Lippold as secretary and John T. Carr as treasurer. C. Robert Ohse is the
board attorney and Mrs. Joyce Stoecker is office secretary.
New board members attending their first official meeting after being successfully candidates at
the April election were Walter Brill and William Penn. The fifth member of the board is Mrs.
Marguerite Chrisse Porter, who is currently serving her second six-year term.
John Hafenrichter, with the U.S. AID Education program, with offices in Saigon, was a visitor in
this area a few days last week, visiting his brother and sisters, the Everett Hafenrichters, the
William Leighs, and the Bruce Hendersons.
Mrs. James Phillips, Delreen Hafenrichter, is appearing in the Mozart opera, “Idameneo,”
singing the soprano role of “Ilia,” being presented at the Zeller-Boch auditorium at the
University of California on the Berkeley campus this week.
Miss Marilyn Shoger will be giving her senior recital in voice at the Music Auditorium on
campus at Illinois State University May 25. She will graduate on the 7th of June with a degree in
Music Education.
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene R. Cain, Wilmington, Del., announce the engagement of their daughter,
Diane Ruth, to Warrant Officer Stephen Allen Foster, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl W. Schlapp of
Oswego. Mr. Foster attended Northern Illinois University and has recently returned from a tour
of duty in Vietnam. He is now an instructor at Ft. Stewart, Ga.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Anderson of Oswego announce the marriage of their daughter, Sandra
Louise, to David Edward Reid, which too place March 24. Parents of the bridegroom are Mr. and
Mrs. Reid of Boulder Hill.
Both Sandra and David are graduates of Oswego High School. Reid is serving with the U.S.
Navy aboard the USS Boyd. The newlyweds are living in San Diego, Calif.
Mr. and Mrs. August Seidelman are the proud grandparents of a new grandson, born May 12 to
Mr. and Mrs. Joey Seidelman of Aurora. He has been named Joey Michael Jr.
May 29: A bill authorizing a re-appropriation of $1.180 million to construct a lock at the
Montgomery Dam in Kan county and a dam in Oswego in Kendall county was approved by a
subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill is sponsored in the Senate by
Sen. Robert W. Mitchler, R-Oswego.
If approved and released by the governor, the dam and lock could be constructed during the
fiscal year 1970, thereby creating almost seven miles of navigable waterway on the Fox River
between Oswego and the EJ&E railroad bridge south of Aurora.
Mitchler explained that the new dam at Oswego and lock at the existing dam at Montgomery is
part of a long-range plan to create a navigable waterway on the Fox River from the McHenry
Dam downstream to Ottawa, where the Fox River joins the Illinois River. The recreation area to
be created will be tremendous, Mitchler said, and it is something necessary for the citizens of
Illinois.
The annual Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by the American Legion, will assemble at 9:30
a.m. and move out promptly at 10 a.m. Friday, May 30. It will proceed down Polk, turn right on
Monroe street to Jefferson, then left across Route 34 to Main street. It will then proceed down
Main street to the Oswego cemetery.
Village President Harry Fuller will be Parade Marshal. Services this year will be conducted by
the newly erected plaque and flagpole.
This will be our first occasion of flying our American flags from the light standards in downtown
Oswego.
Kim Zentmyer has been elected as the delegate to the 1969 session of Illini Girls Sate, to be held
June 17-24, in the MacMurray College campus at Jacksonville. She will represent Oswego Unit
675, American Legion Auxiliary. Kim’s mother, Mrs. Doris Olson, is a member of Unit 675.
Lt. and Mrs. Ray Kohler and baby daughter are now settled in their apartment in Colorado
Springs, Colo. Lt. Kohler was transferred from Georgia to Ft. Carson, where he is an instructor.
Paul Kulbartz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Kulbartz, is now taking his basic training in the Army
at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mos.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Leon McNair of Fox Bend Golf Club on the birth of their
second boy, James Gerald, born May 21 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He has a brother, John,
who will be two in October.
Also to Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Collins on the birth of a little girl, Dawn Michelle, born May 16, at
Sandwich Community Hospital. She has a three year-old brother, Douglas.
June -- 1969
June 5: Georgia Ann Anast, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Anast of Oswego, and David
Brian Poker, son of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Poker of Oswego, have been named as the
valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively of the Class of 1969 at Oswego High School. They
will be the featured speakers for the high school commencement exercises to be held June 6 in
the high school gymnasium.
John W. Brickert, son of Mr. and Mrs. L.V. Hall of rural Oswego, is in the Army Engineering
Corps.
Nanceylon Swanquist, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harley Swanquist of Oswego, will graduate
from the University of Illinois College of Nursing with a bachelor of science degree in nursing.
Miss Swanquist graduated from Oswego High School and attended Wheaton College before
entering the University of Illinois.
Our new policeman, Mr. Reed, put in 206 hours last month, the Oswego Village Board learned at
their meeting Monday night. He had hoped to be able to hold down another job to supplement his
salary but the hours he works makes this impossible. Motion was made and approved that we
raise his salary from $475 to $525 a month.
Raise hands every householder who has to run his home on this or less a month. But the risks? If
you don’t think our policemen have to contend with some wild stuff, you ought to listen to the
police reports. A real near thing with a gang from Aurora and our own little angels in a stand-off
at the Dairy Boat. Repeated fights there.
Dairy Boat management has requested special police supervision (reimbursing the village) and
Foxy’s, although not yet open is planning supervision too.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Gossett were married at the Boulder Hill Church of the Brethren May
10.
The bride is the former Patricia Louise Gray daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gray of Boulder
Hill. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Gossett of Boulder Hill. They are residing in
Virginia.
June 12: Eleven Oswego junior and senior high students will leave July 4 for an “Ambassadors
Abroad” tour of six European countries. Accompanying them will be Mr. Marion Stoerker, a
science teacher from the Oswego Junior High School.
Barring any unforeseen complications, the Oswegoland Park District swimming pool will open
Tuesday, June 17.
Pool manager Charles Potts has completed his staff of guards. Ted Dickerson will be serving as
head guard. Regular guards will be Barbara Freeman, Mary Lou Weiss, Allyn Lloyd, Cindi
Fowley, David Krahn, James Wessely, and David Ebersole. Fill-in guards will be John Miner
and Jerry Pranga.
Average teacher salaries in Illinois are third highest in the nation at $9,107. Average Oswego
teacher salary (on the $7,000 base) is $8,704. Average teacher salary throughout the nation is
$7,685.
St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Geneva was the setting May 31 or the marriage of Miss Jane
Diane Accario to Bradley Todd Palmer. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas E.
Accario of Geneva and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Palmer of Oswego.
After a short trip the couple is residing in Geneva.
The bride was graduated in May from Aurora College with a B.A. degree in English and
sociology. The groom is also a May graduate of Aurora College with a B.S. degree in sociology.
Mr. and Mrs. David Kellogg were recently united in marriage at AuSable Grove Presbyterian
Church. They have just returned from their honeymoon in Florida.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Nixon of Oswego and David is the son of Mr. and
Mrs. Keith Kellogg of Yorkville.
Ernest J. Songer, M Sgt. (Ret), USAF, 52, of Carleton, Mich., and a former Oswego resident,
died May 28 in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Toledo, Ohio.
Funeral services were held at the Rupp Funeral Home in Monroe, Mich. Military services were
conducted by Monroe Post 1138, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The body was taken to Arlington
National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. for burial.
The son of Al and Flora Songer, Mr. Songer was born in Cornell, Ill. Oct. 28, 1917. He entered
the Navy in January 1938 and after being discharged from the Navy entered the Air Force in
1947. He retired from the Air Force in 1960 and has been employed since that time.
Surviving are his mother of Oswego; a brother Richard of Oswego; three sisters, Mrs. Marie
Hauser of Aurora, Mrs. Cebelle LeRette of Oaklawn, and Mrs. Dorothy Krush of Oswego; and
several nieces and nephews. A brother and father preceded him in death.
James H. Bell of Main Street died June 5 at his home. He was born May 6, 1890 in Seward
Township.
Mr. Bell was a member of Raven Lodge 303 AF & AM for more than 50 years. He was past
master of the lodge, a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and a charter member of
American Legion Post 675, Oswego. Mr. Bell served with the United States Army during World
War I.
Surviving are his widow, Jessie; three daughters, Naomi Hemphill of Rochester, N.Y., Mrs.
Gene Hegland of Yorkville, and Mrs. Clay Rank of York, Pa.; six grandchildren and one great-
grandson.
Funeral services were held Saturday at the McKeown Funeral Home. Military graveside services
were conducted by American Legion Post 675. Burial was in Oswego Township Cemetery.
June 19: Town Meeting June 30
By Myron Wormley
In this issue of the Ledger is a legal notice announcing a special township meeting on Monday,
June 30 at the new community building at 8 p.m. At this meeting the township voters will
determine whether the northerly four lots of the municipal block (old Red Brick School site)
should be sold to the Oswego Community Bank. The bank is interested in erecting new, larger
facilities on the site.
A review of the background of events leading up to this meeting might be in order at this time. In
April 1965 at the annual town meeting the voters voted that the township would purchase the
school building and site for $40,000 as a location for a new post office and future municipal
buildings (i.e. Town Hall, Village hall, Fire station, Park District). To date, the township has
expended a total of approximately $48,525 for the original purchase and razing the building,
grading, seeding, and other necessary legal publication and survey fees. The Post Office
Department, as lessee on behalf of their future building owner, took an option for $6,400 for a
70x150 foot lot, which was, of course, later exercised and the new building built The park
district chose to ask for and receive from the voter a referendum to build a new community
center on the nine acres of Ashland Ave. and Circle Drive. The fire district has given a written
statement that they are not interested in using the block for a building.
If the voters approve the sale of the four lots to the bank, it will leave two full lots and adjoining
alleys (closed) measuring approximately 280.5’ x 82.5’ minus a 4’ x 150’ strip off one lot (sold
to the post office) plus a 66’ x 130.5’ lot in back of the present post office site for future building
needs the village or the township might have.
The proposed sale has the informal approval of the village, township, fire, and park authorities to
date, but must have the approval of the voters of the township.
The township has obtained appraisals of the subject site from qualified appraisers in the Fox
Valley area (contents of which are available for inspection in this office) and after discussion on
their contents with the township and village board offices, the bank has made an offer of $35,000
for the four lots in question.
The above matter is all that can be legally discussed at the special town meeting under the
statutes of township government.
Since this is one of the few remaining places in our governmental system where the individual
voter can cast his vote directly on such a mater, and considering the relative importance of the
matter to the future plans of the community, it is the hope of everyone concerned that there will
be an excellent turnout at that meeting. All eligible voters of Oswego Township are invited and
asked to participate.
The Oswego United Presbyterian Church was the setting of the wedding Saturday evening in
which Miss Sue Ann Kohler became the bride of Wilbur C. Jessee. She is the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Frederick C. Kohler of Oswego. He is the son of Mrs. Clara B. Jessee of Aurora and the
late Mr. Wilbur C. Jessee.
St. Anne’s Catholic Church was the setting for the wedding Saturday of Miss Nancy Susan
Lorang and Chester Dale Romans. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Lorang of
Oswego His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Schaffner of North Aurora.
Oswego area residents will have an opportunity to obtain a free chest X-ray when the mobile X-
ray unit of the Tuberculosis Association of Kane, DeKalb, and Kendall counties visits their
community on Wednesday, June 25.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scent attended the graduation June 1 of their son, John, from Drake
University in Des Moines, Ia. John received a B.S. in pharmacy and has accepted a job with the
May Drug Co, in Bloomington, Ill., where he and his wife will live.
June 26: The Marcley Oil Co. of Aurora has recently purchased the Norval Tripp property at the
intersection of Jefferson street and Chicago Road. Plans call for an ultra-modern Mobil service
station.
The sale was handled by cooperative brokerage through the Tripp office an the firm of Hatch and
LeCuyer. John Carr, real estate broker with the latter office, arranged for the sale.
Charles C. Friebele, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carlton H. Friebele, Oswego, ahs been promoted to
Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.
Sgt. Friebele recently spent a week with his parents enroute to McCoy AFB, Orlando, Fla.,
where he will be stationed for four months. He is with the 100th Organizational Squadron of the
Strategic Reconnaissance Wing.
He graduated from the Oswego High School in 1965 and joined the Air Force in March 1966.
Airman Jon J. Cunningham, son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond E. Cunningham, Oswego, has
completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas. He has been assigned to Kessler AFB,
Mississippi for training as a personnel specialist. He is a graduate of Oswego High School.
At a buffet supper Saturday, June 14, Linda Heller graduated from St. Joseph Mercy School of
X-ray.
Mrs. Maxine Staley and Brooks Wilson were married on Saturday, June 7, at their country home
in Sugar Grove.
Foxy’s Burger Bar on Jefferson Street between Madison and Main, announced their grand
opening celebration set for Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29.
Miss Linda Heller became the bride of Boyd L. Wilkinson of June 21. She is the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Les Weiss of Oswego. His parents are Mrs. Charles Bower and the late Stanton
Wilkinson.
The bride is a graduate of Oswego High School and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital School of X-ray.
She is now employed by Dreyer Clinic in Aurora. The groom is also an Oswego High School
graduate and is employed by Geneva Construction.
The marriage of Zan Kay Fuller and William Merrill Vanderlinden took place Saturday at the
Oswego Presbyterian Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne L. Fuller of
Oswego; the bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack E. Vanderlinden of Aurora.
Carol Jean Tramblie and David Allen Nussle exchanged wedding vows Saturday, June 14 at the
Oswego Presbyterian Church. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Arthur Tramblie of Oswego and
the bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Nussle of North Aurora.
A graduate of Oswego High School, the bride also attended Waubonsee Community Junior
College and is employed by Anchor Brush Co. Her husband, a West High School graduate,
attended Oregon State University and Waubonsee Junior College. He is employed by the Van
Dee Manufacturing Co.
The Henry Steeles and the Clarence Schraders are the proud grandparents of a grandson, Bradley
Charles, born to Mr. and Mrs. John Steele of Brownsdale, Minn.
Miss Andrea Kay Weidert became the bride of Richard Andrew Carlson during a Saturday
evening service at the Oswego Presbyterian Church. Andrea is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Weidert of Oswego. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Carlson of Batavia.
July -- 1969
July 3: At the special Oswego Township meeting June 30, voters approved selling lots on the
municipal block to the Oswego Community Bank, 56-13. The bank’s offer is $35,000. Those
opposing the sale to the bank were, for the most part, not objecting to the sale itself but the
manner in which it was being done. One or two voiced the opinion that the land should be
opened up for public bid.
Also was brought up that the Tripp property (the handsome white house at the corner of
Jefferson and Chicago Road) had been sold for $62,500. This is B2 zoned. The reason given by
the appraisers for not considering this sale in their appraisals was that oil companies are well able
and many times willing to pay three to four times market value for land they really want.
The L.W. George Realty Company announced Warren A. Hull as a member of its staff.
Mr. Hull is a graduate of Winona State College.
The Oswego-Boulder Hill area has been the home of the Hull family for the past six years.
During this time, both Mr. and Mrs. Hull have been employed by the Oswego School District as
teachers. They, and their daughter, Laurie Ellen, are presently living on Creve Court, Boulder
Hill.
Airman Michael R. Linden, son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond E. Linden, has completed his basic
training at Lackland AFB, Texas. He has been assigned to Lowry AFB, Colorado for training in
the supply field. Airman Linden is a 1964 graduate of Oswego High School and attended the
University of Iowa.
U.S. Air Force Sgt. Stanley Shoger, son of Mr. and Mrs. LaVerne H Shoger of Oswego has
arrived at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.
Sgt. Shoger, assigned as a machinist with a unit of the Pacific Air Forces, was previously
stationed at Minot AFB, N.D. Sgt. Shoger is a 1962 graduate of Oswego High School and
attended NIU. He had the honor and distinction of repairing the air conditioner on President
Nixon’s plane while on a stopover at Hickam on his way to Midway.
St. Peter and Paul Church, Waterloo, Ill. was the setting June 13 for the wedding of Miss Judy
Siegfried, daughter of Mr. and Ms. Seldon Siegfried, Waterloo, and David Eberhard, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Clarence Eberhard, Plainfield.
The bride, a June graduate of Illinois State University with a B.S. in education, will be teaching
first grade at Highland Hills School in Lombard. The groom graduated from Illinois State
University and is a teacher at Glenbard East High School.
July 10: The May-June issue of Illinois Parks, the official publication of the Illinois Association
of Park Districts, carried a three-page feature story about the new Oswegoland Park District
Civic Center and swimming pool.
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Davenport, Ia., was the setting July 5 for the wedding of
Miss Sharon Ann Barta, Davenport, to Robert Emmett Fennell, Clemson, S.C.
The bride’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Barta of Davenport and the groom’s parents are Mr.
and Mrs. Robert E. Fennell of Oswego.
The bride graduated from Assumption High School, Davenport, has a B.A. in mathematics from
Marycrest College, and attended graduate school at the university of Iowa. She is a former
director of the computer center, Marycrest College, Davenport.
The groom graduated from Oswego High School, has a B.A. from Bradley University and an
M.S. and PhD. in mathematics from the University of Iowa. He formerly taught at Grinnell
College, Iowa.
In the fall, he will be an assistant professor of mathematics at Clemson University in Clemson,
S.C., where the couple will reside after the honeymoon.
At the Oswego Village Board meeting, Bill Monier presented the proposed street lighting for
Windcrest. Motion was made to accept same, subject to the village engineer’s approval. Also,
motion made to pay $3,000 on the balance owed Mr. Monier on the difference between the 18”
and 12” water mains put into Windcrest. Request was made that the one remaining lot in
Windcrest, which has not been annexed, be taken into the village.
Frank Gengler, 91, of Sheridan, a former Oswego resident, died July 4 at Sandwich Community
Hospital. He was born July 14, 1877 in Sandwich.
He is survived by two sons, Howard of Yorkville and Donald of Oswego; four grandchildren and
11 great-grandchildren.
The funeral was held at the McKeown Funeral Home Monday. Burial was in Newark-Millington
Cemetery.
July 17: T. Loyd Traughber announces a new real estate agency for Oswego and vicinity. Warren
Norris will be an associate salesman in the Traughber agency.
From 1948 to 1968, Mr. Traughber was superintendent of Oswego Community Schools.
Warren Norris has lived in the Oswego community all his life. He formerly operated his own
farm in Oswego township, was a partner in the Oswego Implement Company, and has been
active in community and church groups. He lives at 57 Grant Street.
John E. Foose, Seaman Apprentice, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel O. Foose, Oswego, has
completed recruit training at Great Lakes, Ill, an has been assigned to Submarine School at New
London, Conn.
John graduated from Oswego High School in 1966 and attended the University of Illinois for two
and a half years.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Schor (Janet Annis), Cedar Glen, on the birth of a boy,
Eric Christopher, July 7, at Copley Hospital. His sister, Valerie is eight years old.
July 24: Someone entered the Oswegoland Park District pool manager’s office last Friday night
and made off with six of the guards’ warm-up jackets and one small transistor radio. It is
suspected that entrance was gained by use of a key that was taken from the office prior to the
break-in.
RM2 James Ode, son of Mrs. Emily Ode, is aboard the USS Hornet, the ship that will be picking
up the Apollo 11 astronauts on July 24.
July 31: Gudrun Kohn, a International Christian Youth Exchange student from Germany, arrived
July 19 and will live with her host family, the Robert Noggles, for one year. She will be a senior
at Oswego High School with her American sister, Jodeen Noggle.
Barbara Mary Davis became Mrs. Cleo Andrew Davis in a July 26 ceremony at St. Mark’s
Lutheran Church. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur C. Davis of Oswego. His parents
are Mr. and Mrs. Paul Davis of Greenview.
The bride has been employed by All-Steel Equipment, Inc. Davis is a Caterpillar Tractor Co.
employee. Following a short trip to Wisconsin, Mr. and Mrs. Davis will reside near Sugar Grove.
Hanford, Calif., is to be the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lee Foster, who were married July
26. The former La Jeania Cook is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lacy Cook Sr. of Oswego. His
parents are Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Foster of Oswego.
Mr. and Mrs. Foster are both Oswego High School graduates She is dental assistant for D. Arthur
DeVol. Foster was employed by Lyon Metal in Montgomery. He is now serving with the Navy,
stationed at LeMoore Naval Base, LeMoore, Calif.
Before moving to California, Mr. and Mrs. Foster will honeymoon in Shelby Forest State Park,
Tennessee.
August -- 1969
Aug. 7: Thirteen classmates and two former teachers were on hand to mark the 30th anniversary
of the Class of 1939 of Oswego High School. Members of the class, their spouses, and former
teachers met at the Blue Lantern Restaurant, Route 65, in Aurora on Saturday, July 26.
Classmates who came from Oswego, Bristol, Aurora, Addison, and Homewood were Mr. and
Mrs. Vernon Ament (Loa Hummel), Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Briet (Gertrude Buckley), Mr. and
Mrs. John Carr, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Gerry, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Hafenrichter (Marjorie
Woolley), and Mr. and Mrs. James Harvey. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Hubbard (June Pahaly),
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. Victor May (Leona Eberhard), Mr. and Mrs.
Russell Pierce (Esther Stephens), Mr. and Mrs. William Pearce (Maxine Herren), Albert Shoger,
Mr. and Mrs. John Young, and Mr. Bert Allen and friend Jane Sitts.
The two former teachers were Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ditman of Antioch and Dr. and Mrs. Marvin
Marquardt, Goshen, Ind.
Escorted to the altar by her uncle, Thomas Bloomer of Chicago, Terri Lynn Wagner became the
bride of Jack Clark Weis Saturday at Bethany Lutheran church, Batavia.
She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rhode of Wisconsin. His parents are Mr. and Mrs.
Jack Weis of Oswego.
The bride will graduate from the Moline Lutheran Hospital School for Nurses in August. Weis, a
graduate of Northern Illinois University, is employed by Walter E. Deuchler Engineering
Associates in Aurora.
The Church of St. Gregory the Great, Osawa, Canada, was the setting for the Saturday wedding
of Faye Marie Bieschke and Danniel George Farrow.
The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Marcella Bieschke of Oswego and the late Mr. Wenschel
Albert Bieschke. His parents are Mrs. Helen Farrow of North Aurora and Carl Farrow of Aurora.
Mr. and Mrs. Farrow are both graduates of Oswego High School. She also attended Waubonsee
Community College and will attend Toronto Teacher’s College. Farrow also attended the
University of Illinois and O’Neil Collegiate and Vocational Institute. He is employed by Robson-
Lang Leathers of Osawa.
Following a wedding trip to Barbados, Mr. and Mrs. Farrow will reside in Osawa.
Jeanette Gaworski, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Gaworski of Oswego, became the bride of
Ralph Anton in a Saturday ceremony at St. Peter’s Church, Aug. 2. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Jacob Anton of St. Louis, Mo.
Anton is recreation director at the Illinois School for the Deaf. Mrs. Anton is on the school’s
faculty.
Harold G. Bower, 62, of rural Oswego, died July 31 at Copley Memorial Hospital. He was born
Feb. 28, 1907 in Oswego Township.
He is survived by his widow, Margaret; two daughters, Mrs. Gerald (Elaine) Hix of Aurora and
Mrs. Betty Boyd of Oswego; four grandchildren; one brother, Arnold of Oswego; and one sister,
Mrs. Everett Hafenrichter of Oswego.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Bower; and one brother, Howard.
He was a member of the Oswego Prairie united Methodist Church, Batavia Moose Lodge,
Batavia Boat Club, Tiger Athletic Cub, and the Friendly Circle.
Funeral services were held Monday at the McKeown Funeral Home at 1:30 p.m. Interment was
in Riverside Cemetery.
Earl O. Heriaud, 57, of Bristol Township, died July 27 at his home. He was born Feb. 20, 1912 in
Victor Township, Somonauk.
He is survived by his widow, Loraine; five daughters, Mrs. Robert (Vernice) Beach, Mrs.
Richard (Carlotte) Jacobs, Adeline Heriaud, June Heriaud, and Nan Heriaud, all of Aurora; eight
sons, Albert, Eugene, Thomas, Lee, Neil, James, and Edward, all of Aurora and Joseph, serving
with the U.S. Army in Germany; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Ethel Butler of Big Rock and
Mrs. Genevieve Ross of Oswego; one brother, Raymond of Boulder Hill; and several nieces and
nephews.
H was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Fredrick C., who was killed in Vietnam in
1965.
Mr. Heriaud was a former member of the Kendall County Farm Bureau and was a farmer his
entire life.
Funeral services were held at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Saturday. Burial was in
Lincoln Memorial Park.
Staff Sgt. and Mrs. Jerry Sorensen from Washington, D.C. are spending a week visiting in the
home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sorensen of Riverview Heights.
Aug. 14: Schools in Oswego District 308 will open Sept. 2 at 8:30 a.m.
Football practice at Oswego High School will begin Wednesday, Aug. 20.
The 92nd annual Wheatland Plowing Match, Power Show and Fair will be held Friday and
Saturday, Aug. 29-30.
Miss Mary Ann Kulga became the bride of John C. Cumpata on July 12 at St. Raphael’s Church
in Naperville. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Kulga of Naperville and John is the
son of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Cumpata of Oswego.
The groom is a graduate of Oswego High School and Southern Illinois University and is
currently working on construction in Aurora.
The bride is a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy and Moser Secretarial School and is a private
secretary for the U.S. Gypsum Company in Chicago.
Miss Barbara Jean Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William K. Miller, Oswego, was recently
graduated from the United Air Lines stewardess training center near Chicago. Miss Miller has
been assigned to the company’s stewardess base at Denver, Colo. She graduated from Oswego
High School and the University of Colorado before starting the five week stewardess training
course.
Aug. 21: Oswego Chief of Police James Vinson today announced that his police force would
begin to wear as part of their regular police uniform the national flag of the United States.
The chief said, “The police officer today stands for law and order in this community. He is the
symbol of freedom, justice, and protection for the law abiding. It is therefore very appropriate for
us to wear and display our nation’s flag as part of our uniform to remind our citizens of the role
we play in the defense of their homes and life.
This is part of a program sponsored by the American Federation of Police, which has made these
emblems available to police departments throughout the United States. The idea started in
Macon, Ga., where it has been acclaimed a great success.
Oswego Unite 675 of the American Legion Auxiliary met Monday evening, Aug. 18, at the
Legion Home. The president, Rosemary Schaedler, conducted the meeting. Members voted to
erect a memorial to our veterans that will include a “Flame of Freedom” torch in
commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the American Legion.
The Oswegoland Jaycees will hold their second annual steak fry and corn roast on Aug. 23 at the
Route 30 Bypass entrance to Boulder Hill. Last year, the Jaycees served over 400 sandwiches
and close to 850 ears of corn in their first corn roast. Proceeds will go into a special fund for a
Civil Defense and Emergency Warning System for Boulder Hill. Kendall County authorities say
that the sirens could possibly be in operation by November of this year.
Waubonsee Community College is completing interim campus construction work for the
opening of classes on Sept. 15. The 183-acre site is located on Ill. Route 47 at Harter Road north
of Sugar Grove.
The administrative offices have already been moved to temporary quarts in the technology
center, which is the old remodeled show barn of the former Huntoon Riding Academy.
Also under construction are five interim facility buildings, which will provide classrooms and
office space.
Gov. Richard B. Oglivie’s freeze on state construction funds has been in effect since early
February. At the time, WCC had planned to go to bid for the first phase of its permanent building
construction plan.
It is expected that the interim facilities now being completed will be used for a considerable
period of time since it appears that permanent construction funds will be released very slowly.
At the Oswego School Board’s meeting Monday night, substitute teachers got a little boost in
pay. From $21 to $25. Makes us about average in the area.
The board voted to authorize a tax sheltered annuity program for teachers desirous to participate
in same. Cost to the district in time and money? None.
Department heads as such eliminated. Seemingly, our junior and senior high schools are not
really large enough to justify the titles. Savings? $2,900. Losses? Teacher prestige. Not so good,
but depends on the teacher.
Welcome to Mrs. Irma Heiser, who has moved into her home, the former Varga residence on
Park Street. Mrs. Heiser is Mrs. Dorothy Denney’s mother and is formerly from Plainfield.
Aug. 28: Barbara Simmons is the owner of the “Creation,” a new gift shop on Main Street. The
“Creation” features many unusual gift items, which were previously not available in this area, as
well as candles, records, belts, and jewelry.
The Oswegoland Park District swimming pool will be closed down for the season at 9 p.m. on
Monday, Sept. 1. Although the reports have not been completed, present figures indicate that
between 45,000 and 50,000 will be the total attendance for the season in spite of the late start at
the beginning of the season.
[The east side of] Oswego’s Main Street gets a face lifting as work progresses on the new
sidewalk. The new walk, which will soon be completed, will be considerably lower than the old
one and will hopefully eliminate the many dented bumpers which were incurred as a result of
parking at the old high walk.
Mr. and Mrs. James Burkard and family, who formerly lived on Chicago Road, having moved
here from Herscher, now reside in their new home on Locust Street in Brookside Manor.
The family of Mrs. Flora Songer of Oswego held a reunion at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lester
C. Gebauer Sugar Grove, on Aug. 17.
John and Roger Poole and Bill Crimmin spent a week at Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach, Fla.,
where they enjoyed swimming in the ocean. They also stopped at Cape Kennedy and enjoyed the
tour and lecture and seeing the pad that the Apollo 11 was on.
September -- 1969
Sept. 4: The Oswegoland Jaycees and the Parents Group for Children with Learning Disabilities
are inviting you, parents and teachers, to attend a special program about children with learning
disabilities with the need for special education teachers. Mr. Wallace Pierce, Grundy and Kendall
County Special Education Director, will speak on the subject. The meeting will be held Sept. 8 at
the Civic Center.
Sept. 11: State Sen. Robert W. Mitchler, R-Oswego, issued a statement on the death of Sen.
Dirksen: “Illinois has lost a great leader. Not only our nation, but the entire world will mourn the
death of Sen. Everett McKinley Dirksen. He was a master of politics to the extent that he cold
rise above partisan issues and become a statesman in resolving issues of national and world
concern.”
Have you noticed the lettering that proudly states “Oswego Township Library?” A big thinks to
the 19th Century Club for their 1969 community project.
A repressenatative from the Mobil Oil Company (who are going to build the new gas station on
the Tripp property) was there [at the Oswego Village Board meeting] with a request for a change
in the set-back requirements. He was referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
A European honeymoon including visits with the bridegroom’s family in Holland followed the
Saturday wedding Aug. 9 of Arlynn Marie Hem and Henri Richard Manasse. She is the daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver J. Hem of Oswego. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Henri D. Manasse of
Chicago.
The bride, a graduate of Oswego High School and the University of Illinois College of Nursing,
will be in public health nursing in Chicago. Manasse, a Lane Technical High School and
University of Illinois College of Pharmacy graduate, is employed at the College of Pharmacy at
the medical center, Chicago.
Elizabeth Ann “Betty Ann” Wilson, formerly of Oswego, was untied in marriage to Thomas D.
Blackwell of the U.S. Navy in a quiet evening ceremony on Sept 10, 1969 at Christ Lutheran
Church in San Diego, Calif.
The bride is the daughter of Mrs. William B. Wilson Aurora and the late William B. Wilson. She
is a graduate of Oswego High School and the Northwestern University School of Physical
Therapy. She is employed at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, Calif.
The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Blackwell of Reliance, Wyo. He is a
graduate of Superior (Wyoming) High School and is currently serving with the U.S. Navy in
Ground Air Control at Coronado, Calif.
Sept. 18: The Oswego Panthers made the first game on their new home field one to remember as
they outbattled St. Francis of Wheaton, 31-27.
The game was marked by a controversy concerning the last play of the game on which St.
Francis scored a touchdown as time ran out, only to have the six points nullified by a penalty.
The officials’ ruling set of the great debate of the gridiron, Spartan coach Gen Hartwich claiming
the Spartans should be given an additional play, believing the game could not end on a penalty.
The teams left the gridiron only to return ten minutes later, much to the delight of the St. Francis
fans and to the amazement of the Oswego rooters. A bewildered crowd looked on as the officials
made clear to St. Francis that the game was concluded and no additional down would be
forthcoming. The game was not protested as had been previously reported.
Principal D.H. Moews has announced that David Blair, son of Mr. and Mrs. Orville Blair of
Oswego, has been named a semifinalist in the 1969 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Shirley Jean Silich became the bride of Ronald Wayne Light at a ceremony on Saturday at St.
Anne’s Catholic Church. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bert J. Silich of Oswego. His
parents are Mr. and Mrs. Russell Light of Boulder Hill.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Light are graduates of Oswego High School. She attended Northern Illinois
University and is a secretary for Armour-Dial, Inc, Montgomery. Light served for two years with
the army in Germany and is now employed by Illinois Bell Telephone Company.
Wheatland United Presbyterian Church was the scene of the marriage of Martha Jane Paydon
and William Pranga recently. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Paydon of
Plainfield. The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Casimir Pranga of Oswego.
The Oswego School Board learned Monday evening that enrolment is up as expected. Around
260 additional pupils this year. We will be getting about $50,000 more than expected in State
Aid. By increasing the class loads all the way up the line, we are getting along with three less
staff members than last year, savings of around $20,0.
From the figures given out regarding enrollment by school, it is very easy to see that we will
soon be in a real bind for classroom space.
In a ceremony at Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 12, 1969, Sgt. R.D. Ringberg was presented with the
Naval Achievement Medal with Combat “V.” He received it for his service in Vietnam.
The citation reads in part, “Sgt. Ringberg performed his duties in an exemplary and highly
competent manner…He displayed outstanding professionalism and initiative despite extremely
adverse conditions and difficulties of a combat environment…Sgt. Ringberg’s outstanding
professional ability, untiring determination, and steadfast devotion to duty reflect great credit
upon himself, the Marine Corps and the Naval service.”
Sgt. Ringberg is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Ringberg of Oswego. Sgt. and Mrs. R.D.
Ringberg reside in Havlock, N.C.
Edward L. Walters, 81, former Oswegoan, retired 50-year veteran of Stephens-Adamson Mfg.
Co., died Sept. 8 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital While at S-A he was a foreman and safety
engineer.
He and his wife, Clara, who survives him, celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in August.
Mr. Walters was born May 5, 1888 in Detroit.
Besides his widow, he is survived by four sisters, one brother, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers.
Funeral services were held at St. Luke’s Church in Boulder hill where he was a member, Rev.
Wm. Kucenski officiating. Burial was in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Montgomery.
Former Oswegoan Grant Conklin of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Sept. 9 in Port Charlotte. He was
born June 15, 1889 in Earlville. He worked at Northern Illinois Gas C. as a leak surveyor in the
operating department for 30 years. He retired in 1954.
Funeral services were held Thursday at Kay’s Funeral Home, Port Charlotte. Burial was in
Westlawn Memorial Cemetery in Port Charlotte.
State Sent. Robert W. Mitchler, R-Oswego, reported that Gov. Richard B. Ogilvie has approved
Senate Bill 99, which is the Anatomical Gift Act. This is a bill Mitchler introduced during the
recent session of the 76th General Assembly. The bill authorizes the donation of all or part of a
human body after death for specified purposes.
Sept. 25: The dress code committee for the Oswego junior and senior high schools plans to hold
its last meeting Thursday before submitting its recommendations to the board of education for
final action.
In talking with Mr. Ralph Ross, chairman of the committee and principal of the junior high, it
was learned that at this time the only agreement reached by the committee was the
recommendation for hair styles. Acting on the clothing portion of the dress code was expected at
the Thursday meeting.
A petition circulated among parents, students, and teachers has been presented to the committee
and is being taken into consideration.
The body of Joseph C. O’Connor was found last Friday in the state rest area on Route 34 east of
Oswego. According to Kendall County Coroner E. McKeown, Mr. O’Connor was apparently
overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning.
The body was found by David Little, a truck driver from Palatine. He notified the Kendall
County Sheriff’s Department at 7:45 a.m. Mr. O’Connor resided in Orland Park. He was 48
years old.
Pvt. Craig Allen Moyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Moyer, Oswego, was awarded the military
rating of Cartographic Draftsman and received his diploma upon successfully completing the
Cartographic Drafting course in the Department of Topography at the United State Army
Engineer School.
Pvt. Moyer is a 1967 graduate of Oswego Community High School and attended Stout State
University in Menominee, Wis.
A candlelight service at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church I Joliet was the setting Saturday
evening, Sept. 6, for the wedding of Gail Caldwell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Caldwell of
Montgomery, to James Calamaras, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Calamaras of Paramount
Heights, Oswego.
After a wedding trip, the couple will reside in Albany where the bridegroom is stationed with the
U.S. Navy.
The vows of marriage were recited by Joyce May and Larry Coleman at St. Anne’s Church in
Oswego by Rev. Clifford Brier.
The bride, daughter of Mr. .and rms. Victory May, was escorted to the altar by her father. Larry
is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Coleman, Paducah, Ky.
October -- 1969
Oct. 2: A warrant for the arrest of Michael Johannsen, 18, charging him with drag racing and
driving under suspension, has been issued according to Sheriff Vic Frantz.
The warrant has been issued in connection with the accident Sept. 14, in which a car driven by
Robert Pulfer, 18, of Oswego ran into a car driven by Mary L. Bryant, 18, of Boulder Hill. The
collision occurred on Plainfield Rd., just south of Oswego.
During the past few days, one of the main topics of conversation around our town has been the
“Big Chase,” which occurred recently when a woman from Indiana drove through Oswego at a
high rate of speed, followed by squad cars from various law enforcement agencies.
The chase began at Naperville when this woman from Indiana nearly ran down a police officer
directing traffic. She was pursued by a Naperville squad car. Naperville requested assistance by
telephone in their pursuit of a green Oldsmobile with Indiana license plates.
Two more squad cars joined the chase in Oswego, one a village car, the other a state squad.
According to police reports, no squad traveled in excess of 60 mph through the village. Sirens
were used and no shots were fired.
Roadblocks were set up at the junctions of Rt. 47 & 71 and 126 and 71, both of which she drove
through.
The Oswego Teachers Association, by a 94 percent vote, rejected the salary schedule presented
to the coaching staff for the 1969-70 school year. The election was held Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Letters of Commendation honoring them for their high performance on the 1969 National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test have been awarded to six students at Oswego Senior High School.
Those names are Steve Benson, Patty Conover, Gary Dickerson, Linda Heap, Debra Law, and
Susan Lutter.
Waubonsee Community College has received the green light to go ahead with the bidding for
Phase 1A of permanent campus construction, according to Dr James H. Nelson, WCC president.
The development of permanent campus construction has been delayed since February when Gov.
Richard Ogilvie froze state funds for junior college construction projects.
Phase 1A includes the learning resources center, engineering building, central plant, utility
extensions, and related parking. The budget cost for Phase IA is $4,232,000. The state will pay
$3,174,000 and local moneys will make up the other $1,058,000.
Construction will begin as soon after the awarding of contracts as weather conditions permit.
Mrs. Julia M. Sergerson, 54, of Plainfield died Sept. 28, 1969 at Copley Memorial Hospital. She
was born May 11, 1915 in Tennessee.
Mrs. Sergerson is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Roy (Betty) Taylor of Michigan and Mrs.
Donald G. (Linda) Bealm of Plainfield; two sisters, Mrs. Wm. (Opal) Pierce of Oswego and Mrs.
J.R. (Jeannette) Stubblefield of Union City, Tenn.; and five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow, in 1965; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lesley
Brown; two sisters; and one brother.
Mrs. Sergerson lived in the Oswego area for 26 years before moving to Plainfield after her
husband’s death.
Funeral services were held Wednesday at Overman Chapel in Plainfield. Burial was in the
NaAuSay Cemetery.
Charles Martin Given took Karen Laura Hafenrichter as his bride in a Saturday ceremony at the
Church of the Good Shepherd, Oswego.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl G. Hafenrichter of Oswego. His parents are Mr.
and Mrs. Ivan Given of Carmi.
The bride has received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in music
education from the University of Illinois. Given has both a bachelor’s degree in political science
and a law degree from Illinois.
Mr. and Mrs. Given will reside in Springfield, where he has accepted appointment as a
legislative intern.
A new Pontiac ambulance purchased from Burkhart Pontiac Sales in Oswego then custom
converted by the Pinner Coach Company of Memphis, Tenn. for ambulance use, was delivered
to McKeown Funeral Home recently.
The ambulance is equipped with a resuscitator for drowning or any non-breathing cases where
forced breathing is required, an oxygen inhalation for heart or breathing difficulty cases, air
splints for fractures, and all other first aid equipment. All of these pieces of equipment are
special built-in components in the ambulance as well as an overhead linen compartment for extra
blankets, sheets, and linens.
October 1 marked the beginning of the 32nd year that McKeown Funeral Home has served the
Oswego Community with ambulance service. They now have two ambulances available for
emergencies both property equipped, fully insured, and with radio communication.
Word has just been received from Alvin Chrisse and Dave Chally that they are now stationed at
LZ Grant Camp near Tay Ninh, Vietnam, where they are connected with the First Air Cavalry
Division.
John Foose, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Foose, has returned to his duties aboard the submarine
USS Marlin following a 13-day leave. John received his basic training at Great Lakes and his
submarine training at New London, Conn. The submarine home base is at Key West, Fla.
Mary Hafenrichter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hafenrichter, is a freshman attending the U of
I majoring in home economics.
David Poker, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Poker of Cedar Glen is attending U of I majoring in
physics.
Oct. 9: At the June 12 commencement of the University of Illinois at the Medical Center in
Chicago, Gerald D. Meetz received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of
Anatomy. A former Oswego resident, Dr. Meetz, he son of Quinlen Meetz of Oswego and the
late Beatrice Meetz, was a member of the Class of 1955 of Oswego High School.
The Citizens Advisory Council for the Oswego Community School District met recently to hear
the report of the educational facilities evaluation committee.
Because the enrollment at the beginning of the 1969-70 school year this fall exceeded that
projected at the beginning of the summer by the enrollment rends subcommittee, a revised
projection of probable enrollment over the next ten years was presented to each council member.
Because the assessed valuation is a basic factor, the council voted to recommend to the
appropriate authorities that they actively seek suitable business and industry to locate in the area,
thus increasing the assessed valuation in the district.
At the Oswego Village Board’s meeting Monday night, lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 at the Red Brick School
location were awarded a B1 zoning so the bank can build there if it’s still of a mind to. It was
recommended that we apply to the state for traffic lights at that corner.
Mr. Eugene Marcley of Marcley Oil was there with Mr. Foote, his attorney. The board had
received a letter from the planning commission recommending the board refuse the variance
requested, which was to do away with the 10-foot side yard usually required if a business
property abuts on a residential. This was because two neighbors had objected. However, it
seemed best from the information brought by Mr. Foote to seek a special meeting with the
neighbors next Monday night before any definite decision be made. [The controversy involved
Lot 1 of the Park Addition, where Mobil Oil Company was proposing to build a service station
on the former Norval Tripp property.]
A study of towns comparable to Oswego in size shows that we underpay our police chief by
about $120 to $125 per month. Motion was made that we increase his salary by $50.
Oct. 16: The Citizens Advisory Committee last night, presented the Board of Education its
recommendations based on the studies made by the various subcommittees.
The recommendations as set forth by the committee include the following:
1. That the K-6-2-4 plan be implemented in the district.
2. That the board move ahead with plans for a bond referendum for construction of a K-6 school
in the Cedar Glen area and an addition to the high school.
3. That the Ag shop be moved to the high school and the present shop be converted to
classrooms.
4. That new facilities be constructed to be easily expandable and flexible for current and future
trends in education.
5. That facility needs be reviewed periodically.
6. The lunch program in the elementary schools be eliminated except for those bused to East
View and the Annex, or those living more than a mile from school.
7. The education fund tax rate limit be raised through referendum to meet our indebtedness.
8. The scope of the guidance counseling services be improved.
9. Remedial reading programs be carried through the 12 grades with priority given to the
elementary level.
10. The kindergarten aide system be retained and present personnel be given a time limit to
complete necessary certification
11. Curriculum for the non-college bound student be brought more in tune with the needs of
modern society.
12. Consideration be given by the board to the continuing use of citizens advisory groups.
Homecoming events at the high school are already well under way, with the Mr. Irrestible
contest, color day, and the auction on Tuesday. Plans for Thursday evening include the
traditional snake dance and bonfire. Friday afternoon the scene of activities will once again be
the village streets as the annual homecoming parade winds through the village. 12:30 Saturday is
game time. The sophomores will meet Plainfield first, followed by the varsity game 20 minutes
after the close of the first game.
At a recent gathering of citizens, Chief Deputy Tom N. Usry announced that he will be a
Republican candidate for Sheriff of Kendall County in the March 1970 primary election.
Rev. Frank Closson officiated Oct. 4 at the wedding of Josefa (Maria) Che and Herbert J. Lantz
Jr. at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Music was provide by Leonard Hafenrichter.
The bride is a high school graduate of Malaga, Spain, and attended the University of Madrid for
two years. She was employed by the University of Illinois. The bridegroom is a graduate of
Oswego High School, the United States Naval Academy, and the University of Illinois College
of Law. He also served three years as an Air Force officer and two years with the Army Corps of
Engineers overseas.
The Oswego School District Board at their Monday meeting was asked to sign the School
District Annual Report. Dr. Boggs said that in all honesty he could not claim in answer to one
question that our girls get nearly as much attention as boys when it comes to intramural
activities. Girls Athletic Association is about the only thing they are offered. Another instance of
that oldest of prejudices, ladies!
Mr. and Mrs. William Knuth of Oswego announce the engagement of their daughter, Deborah
Ann, to Paul L. Kulbartz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Kulbartz of Oswego.
Leslie W Morse, 68, of Oswego died Friday at his residence. He was born Oct. 22, 1900 in
Oswego.
He is survived by his widow, Margaret; one daughter, Mrs. Robert (Caryl) Brubaker of State
College, Pa.; one granddaughter and one grandson; two sisters, Mrs. Howard Shoger of Oswego
and Mrs. M.C. Marquardt of Goshen, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Morse was a member of the Oswego Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Oswego
volunteer fire department for 25 years and was associated with the Oswego Implement Company
as secretary and treasurer.
Funeral services were held at the McKeown Funeral Home on Monday, Burial was in Pearce
Cemetery.
Oct. 23: Donald R. Gengler, Kendall County Treasurer, has announced he will be a Republican
candidate for Sheriff of Kendall County.
Jacqueline Bolin and John Spenader exchanged marriage vows Sunday afternoon in the Oswego
Presbyterian Church.
Jacqueline is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Bolin of Oswego. His parents are Mr. and
Mrs. Robert Spenader of Amboy.
The bride graduated from Oswego High School and attended the University of Illinois. The
groom graduated from Amboy High School and received his B.S. degree in civil engineering
from the University of Illinois. He is employed by Penn Central Railroad.
Oct. 30: Eighth grade football players were honored Monday night at a banquet held at the
Oswego Civic Center. The team, which has an impressive record of five wins and only one loss
for the season, is coached by George Hayner and Sid Simmons.
This year, Oswego High School has added a “Student Commons” to its general curriculum
structure. The commons. Located in the cafeteria, is open at present to all students. It is
supervised by the student council and their adult sponsors.
The student commons by design is a place for students to go and relax with their friends during
their free periods.
A candlelight ceremony performed by Rev. rank Closson at the Church of the Good Shepherd
Saturday, Oct. 11, united in marriage Carol Wheaton and James Borneman.
Following a short trip to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, the couple is at home on Benton Street,
Oswego.
Staff Sgt. Don Leppert, on leave following his return from Vietnam, is visiting for a few days in
the home of his parents, the Oliver Lepperts. From here he goes on to New York to join his wife
and family and get acquainted with his baby son he has never seen. Then the family will go to
Beaufort, S.C., where Don will be stationed.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, Karen Ellwood became the bride of Michael Weiss in a candlelight service
at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Karen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Bentz of
Batavia and of Mr. Edward Elwood of Aurora. Michael’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Weiss of Oswego.
The bride was employed by Dr. Charles Roof, and the groom is employed by Paramount
Heights.
November -- 1969
Nov. 6: Oswego Fire Chief Jim Detzler presented former fire chief Forrest Wooley with a plaque
in recognition of his ten years of service prior to his retirement. The hat, mounted on the plaque,
is the one worn by Wooley during his service.
The Oswego Teachers Association, by a 64 percent vote Monday, accepted the original proposed
coaching salaries for the 1969-70 school year. There was a 10 percent “No” vote and 26 percent
abstained.
The dress code for the junior and senior high schools in Oswego has been approved by the
school board.
Navy Ensign John N. Zahnen Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. John Zahnen Sr., Boulder Hill, completed
on phase of his aviation training with Training Squadron 10 at the U.S. Naval Air Station in
Pensacola, Fla. At the completion of his training, he will be designated a naval flight officer. He
is married to the former Miss Judy Hunter of St. Elmo, Ill.
Mr. Pickerill, high school teacher and coach, has asked to be relieved of his duties as of Jan. 22
next year. The board accepted his resignation and proposed we start looking for a replacement.
Mr. Pickerill has done a fine job over the yeas and many boys will remember him with respect.
The school lost another faithful employee recently. Jeff Rogerson, who has worked on grounds
and maintenance for the last 14 or so years, has retired. He was presented last week with a plaque
and many thanks from the school district.
Some land has been purchased by a Mr. Hedrich within our school district for the purpose of
developing a trailer court to accommodate 750-800 people. Since no real estate tax will be
derived from the trailer owners, yet an average of 1-1.5 children per trailer will be added to the
school rolls, it was agreed that the school board obtain legal counsel to prevent rezoning if
possible.
The Oswego Panthers completed their 1969 football season with a thrilling 20-16 victory over
the Cary Grove Trojans. The triumph lifted the Panthers into a third place tie with Kaneland in
the final Little Seven Conference standings.
The Panthers’ win closes out the football coaching career of Ken Pickerill, who has submitted his
resignation to the school board. Pickerill has been coaching for the past 18 years.
Victor G Frantz, who is presently serving his first term as Sheriff of Kendall County, has
announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for Kendall County Treasurer in the
primary election, which will be held on March 17, 1970.
Joe Jurgelonis was named Monday night to both the offensive and defensive 1969 Little Seven
All-Conference football team.
Kurt Moyer was named as guard on the defensive team. Steve Dean tied with Tom Finn of
Sycamore for offensive guard position. All three boys are seniors at Oswego High School.
The Oswego Village Board accepted a letter from the planning commission recommending that
the village okay Unit 1 of the Commerce Industrial Park, located on 8.5 acres along Light Road
and the Burlington right of way. First to be there will be a fertilizer plan. The village gave their
okay.
The wooden floor of the Adams Street bridge is very much rotted and will have to be replaced.
Mr. Bowker got the bid to do the job for $617.
Donald H. Sebby of rural Yorkville has announced that he will be a Republican candidate for the
office of Sheriff of Kendall County.
Nov. 13: Ken Pickerill, retiring athletic director of the Oswego Community High School, was
honored Friday night by the Oswego Athletic Booster Club. Presenting Coach Pickerill with a
plaque was Chuck LaGow, first president of the club, which was founded by Pickerill. William
Knuth, the club’s 1969 president looked on as LaGow presented the plaque.
State Sen. Robert W. Mitchler announced his candidacy for the Republican party nomination as
State Senator in the 38th Senatorial District in the March 17 election.
Jo Ann Peterson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Peterson if a junior in nurses training at the
James Ward Thorne School of Nursing at Passavant Hospital in Chicago.
Jill Peterson, another daughter of the Edward Petersons, has joined the Peace Corps and is
teaching in Africa. Her address is: Jill Peterson, PCV, Women’s Teachers Training College, Port
Loko, Sierra Leone, West Africa.
From Betty Grimsaw’s “Public I” column: I got to thinking of the day’s momentous “happening”
at the high school. It was the moment of truth (Dress Code Day) when Miniskirted Minnies and
Hairy Henrys “bearded” the Establishment Dragon in his dusky den. Their protest was made and
duly noted and probably most will be back in school before too long. The rumor mill has it that
the students most incensed about the lack of respect shown their civil rights have written the
Civil Liberties Union for legal aid. Now I’m all for civic indignation over wrongs perpetrated
upon individuals or groups, but only in proportion to the greater good it will obtain. Suppose you
kids win the right to attend school attired and haired like Lady (or Lord) Godiva, what then have
you really accomplished in alleviating suffering in this good old world you are falling heir too?
And I’m not talking about narcissistic suffering. I can’t help thinking about all our boys
imprisoned in North Vietnam (and there but for the grade of God might you be), utterly isolated
from friends, family, or any hope of help. Howa bout some letters, tons of letters, floods of
letters to the North Vietnamese higher-ups, protesting the inhumane treatment of these men and
demanding publication of prisoner lists and adherence to the rules of humanity (if not the Geneva
Convention). I’ll bet the Viet Cong doesn’t care if our fellows get their hair cut or have enough
clothing to cover their wherewithal. Now that’s a protest worthy of the effort!
Nov. 20: The marriage of Constance Rose Mitchell to Chief Warrant Officer Roger Lee
Eichelberger, U.S. Army, will take place Dec. 13 at Indiana Central College. She is the daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice R. Mitchell of Beech Grove. His parents and Mr. and Mrs. Harvey L.
Eichelberger of Oswego.
The bride to be was graduated from the Indiana Central College and attended Purdue University
graduate school. The future bridegroom is a graduate of Oswego High School and is stationed
with the Airborne group at Ft. Bragg, N.C. He just recently returned from 13 months in Korea.
The first wedding ceremony performed in St. Anne’s new Catholic Church on Nov. 1, united
Debbie Phillips and Larry Theiss. Rev. Clifford Brier officiated.
Nov. 26: Mrs. Gill Garman of Danville, the former Rita Bell, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Sheldon
Bell, has been appointed an assistant state’s attorney by State’s Attorney John Unger of Danville.
Mrs. Garman will be in charge of prosecutions in county divisions of Circuit Court, including
juveniles and non-support cases. She is the second woman lawyer to hold his post in Danville;
the other was in 1967.
Mrs. Garman was a staff attorney with the Vermillion County Legal Aid Society before
accepting this position. Mr. Garman is a lawyer with a Danville firm.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Henderson are now living in Lakewood, Colo., where they will be for the
next year while Mr. Henderson attends a school for gunsmithing. Mrs. Henderson is teaching in
the school system there in Lakewood.
John L. Precup, 47, of rural Oswego passed away Nov. 19 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was
born Feb. 13, 1922 in Aurora.
He was a member of the American Legion and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He had been a
business agent of the Kane and Kendall County Electrical Workers.
He is survived by his widow, Shirley M. (Kling); two sons, George at Home and Lon, studying
for the ministry in St. Louis, Mo.; six sisters, Mrs. Ivan (Tess) Barrow of Aurora, Mrs. Walter
(Mary) Anderson of Warren, Mich., Mrs. Ever (Julia) Bollaert of St. Charles, Mrs. George
(Lillian) Gilhover of Idaho, Mrs. John (Helen) Kallan of Royal Oaks, Mich., and Mrs. Attila
(Bernice) Big of Aurora; and two brothers, Gorge and Robert of Aurora.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
Funeral services were held Friday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Burial was in St. Paul’s
Cemetery.
At the November meeting of the Boulder Hill Civic Association, Michael Uchytil was reelected
president. Robert Hanna will be vice president, with Charles Colegrove serving as secretary and
Richard Haussmann again serving as treasurer.
December -- 1969
Dec. 4: Jean P. Brady, Kendall County Clerk, has announced that she will seek reelection on the
Republican ticket at the March 17 primary.
The Adams Street bridge has been replanked. Sounds a lot better now when the car rolls over it.
In the spring the last two years, it was best to sort of creep slowly over the bridge early in the
mornings so as not to scare off the Great American bitterns. Last year there were quite a few that
nested there on the creek.
Oswego Township will pay to install a streetlight at the west end of the Oswego Bridge.
Royal C. Hettrich, 84, of Oswego died in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 28, where he was spending the
winter as he has in past years. He left Oswego on Nov. 4
He was born July 7, 1885 in Oswego Township.
He is survived by two sons, Laird and George, both of Oswego; five grandchildren; and several
nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine, in 1933; one son, Gordon in 1959; and one
sister, Verna in 1914.
He was a member of the Oswego Presbyterian Church, the Kendall County Farm Bureau, and
was engaged in farming in Oswego Township prior to his retirement.
Funeral services will be held at the McKeown Funeral Home Thursday. Burial will take place at
Spring lake Cemetery.
Dec. 11: On December 1, Owen Kane, President of Owen Kane Ford Sale, Owen Kane Auto
Center, and O.K. Leasing of Aurora, acquired the former Zentmyer Ford dealership at Zero
Boulder Hill Pass.
Hazel L. Prickett announced she is a candidate for the Republican nomination for the office of
Kendall County Treasurer in the Primary election to be held on March 17, 1970.
Newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Spencer Jr. have moved into their new home at 38 Cebold
Drive, Boulder Hill. Mrs. Spencer is the former Mary Keller, who resided with her aunt and
uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Hank McDowell of Oswego. Spencer is employed as an electrician with
Pierce Electric in Aurora.
“Public i” column: Life is full of surprises. Actually had my mind changed. I hadn’t expected to
have it swayed in the least, considering that I’m usually willing to listen to reason if it coincides
with mine.
What am I talking abut? The dress code of course. There hasn’t been this much excitement in
Oswego since Kristy knitted the candler. 65-70 students, parents and teachers attended the
meeting. Student Council VP Noel DeKing made the presentation, saying it was the Student
Council’s duty to report the sentiments of the majority of the student body.
They asked that the school board change the code to a recommended code, leaving it up to the
individuals and more importantly their parents to decide whether they would follow it or not.
They asked that a very basic, simple code be evolved which would take into consideration the
safety of the wearer (clothing around shop machinery, for instance), personal hygiene, or dress
that would drastically interfere with the educational process. All this to be controlled
administratively.
After an executive session the board replied that the code was a recommendation by an advisory
group composed of students, teachers, and parents and the board had accepted the
recommendations as being something the students could live with for a year.
Young people, may you never lose the beauty of high ideals, boundless vitality, and indignation
over wrongs.
Your behavior was adult. Your appearance good (I think I’m getting used to seeing boys in long
hair--it’s not bad if it’s clean.) Your presentation won me over. But surely the dawning of a new
age deserves more than a personalized dramatization of our constitutional process.
Dec. 18: Miss Diane Ruth Cain and Stephen Allen Foster were married Saturday, Nov. 29, in the
Marshallton United Methodist Church, Marshallton, Del.
Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Eugene R. Cain of Marshallton and Mr. and Mrs. Earl W.
Schlapp of Oswego.
The bride is a graduate of Thomas McKean High School and was employed by the DuPont
Company.
The groom attended Northern Illinois University and is an instructor pilot at Fort Stewart, Ga.
Following their wedding trip, the couple are now residing in Savannah, Ga.
Miss Kathy J. Kneller and Douglas K. Leigh were married Dec. 13 at the Oswego Prairie United
Methodist Church.
Kathy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kneller of rural Aurora and Doug is the son of
Mr. and Mrs. William Leigh of Plainfield.
The bride and groom are both graduates of Oswego High School. The bride also attended NIU
and has been employed by Norb Kornak Oldsmobile. Leigh served in the Marine Corps and is
employed by Caterpillar.
Dec. 24: Mr. and Mrs. Everett McKeown celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary and
Evelyn’s birthday Saturday evening at the Highway Lounge in Aurora.
Dec. 31: At the Oswego School Board’s last meeting, they upheld the dress code in a 4-3 vote.
That shows, I think, that the school board is a pretty good balance of the conservative and liberal.
However, I imagine this will only make the students that much more intent on showing that they
can’t be bossed around. Too bad we don’t have more of that old Chinese skill of leaving the
opponent some way to save face.
Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Eichelberger of rural Oswego will be celebrating their 50th wedding
anniversary Jan. 4 with an open house.
Recently, Northern Illinois University football coach Doc Urich announced the recipients of the
most valuable player awards for the 1969 season. Honored were Jim Patterson, a graduate of
German Valley High School in Leaf River and Steve Parker, Oswego High School.
Parker was the Huskie quarterback for 1969 and completed 85 of 181 passes for 817 yards and
five touchdowns, rushed for 281 yards and five touchdowns.
