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THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "Serving The Chain-O-L&kes Region Since 1875" vSomi 85 -- No. 18 -- 3 Sections McHENRY. ILLINOIS. THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 3. 1959 --V 20 Pages -- 10c Per Copy CITY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT TOPS 3,700 wmmmm We liked this poetic tribute to the opening of the school -year, first uttered back in 1931 by Ray Medland of Lakeland Pwk and just as fitting today wmi the start of the 1959 fall semester. These are just a few lines from "The Big Parade": No rattle of muskets nor blaring of bands; no brave martial music, nor rasping commands; no cannon or gun can be seen on display, for it's old Colonel Knowledge who's marching today. Without flying banner or t*0idering drum; with only the conquering spirit they come. They're marching again and they march unafraid -- the small, sturdy troops of the school's "big parade". Jeppe Jepsen recently returned from a month's trip through the West and Northwest. Most unusual part of the whole journey was the thunlightning and rain encountered while crossing the Mohave desert, after carrying a raincoat throughout the rest of the trip and never seeing a drop. We had several drops back home and could give him a day by day description of how it felt to be saturated. Nothing pleases us more tnfti pleasing the folks with whom we have contact each week. We were especially happy with a note this week telling us -that an ad placed in a recent issue of the Plaindealer drew forty-two applicants for positions and three openings were filled before the ad appeared in another nearby paper the following day. ^.abor Day has been defined In many ways -- as the end of summer; as the beginning of a school year; as a national traffic jam; or simply an excuse for a long weekend away from work. None of these was exactly the way the founder of Labor Day planned it. He was Peter J. McGuire, who conceived it a^a tribute to "the industrial s^it, the great vital force of every nation". Jt was back in 1882 when he proposed that a day be set aside to honor the working man. He suggested the first "Monday in September since it came almost midway between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. It was in 1884, after several ^tes followed Oregon in maki ™ it a legal holiday, that Congress made Labor Day a national holiday. We joined with the many friends of Mrs. Minnie Block in mourning her death this past week, less than a year before she would have observed her 100th birthday. The last centenarian we remember McHenry was Mrs. Samantna Button, also a resident of Waukegan road, who lived past the 100 mark by more than two years and died with distinction of being the on'y living mother of a Civil War veteran. Our memories of Mrs. Block were pleasant ones. We especially recall visiting with her on two of her anniversaries, 10b first when she was 86 and the second after shie had well passed the ninety mark. Hers was a simple philosophy, combining memories of the past, the pleasures of the present and anticipated joys of' the future, to make her life a happy one long after many others her age had resigned themselves to "just living". "We^especially enjoyed her collection of her early experiences as a girl of 14, just after- her arrival in a huge country in which people and customs were new. She spent these first days working for a family on their farm in Bull Valley, spending every spare minute learning a language which was equally new. Her memories of the tiny pillage of those early days ^R-ere interesting, including the inconveniences of no oenjent sidewalks except directly in front of business houses, and the old fashioned mode of transportation which made the hard winters seem even longer. Her recipe for a long life in NEW MCHS FACULTY MEMBERS to# ^ POLICE REPORT SHOPLIFTING BY TWO JUVENILES Above are ten of the thirteen new teachers who will instruct in the McHenry high school this fall. Bottom row, left to right, Miss JoAtrn Miller, home economics; Eugene Rosio, agriculture and science; Miss Audrey Lange, English and social studies; Miss Loraine Frantz, physical education; Mrs. Nancy Anderson, mathematics and English. Top row: Richard Swantz, American history and social studies; Miss Etta Irene Bishop, physical education; Mrs. Jacqueline Dean, English; Edward Falck, commercial subjects; Miss Nancy Scott, English. BOAT SPINS OUT OF CONTROL; DAMAGES PIEE AND CRAFT When steering aparatus became faulty on a motorboat about 6:40 o'clock one recent evening, the craft spun around until eight of nine passengers were thrown into the Fox river at Miller's subdivision, near Johnsburg. No one was injured. The boat was being driven by Robert Radius of Crystal Lake when it went out of control and tipped over. The craft then struck a pier in front of the home of Rose Kaeser at Johnsburg, located on the east side of the river, then crossed to. the. west side and ran up into the yard on the Henry Bergman property. Occupants managed fo reach shore safely. Damage to the pier was estimated by the sheriff's office at $250 and to the boat at $200. HOLD SUMMER ROUND-UP AT WEST SHORE BEACH The West Shore Beach association of McCullom Lake and its auxiliary will sponsor their second annual Summer Round-up on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5 and 6, opening at 3 p.m. at the beach. The public is invited to attend. There will be pony rides for the children and games and prizes for everyone. A delicious plate lunch will be served. HOLD RITES FOR MINNIE BLOCK, 99, OLDEST RESIDENT Mrs. Wilhelmina Block, at 99 McHenry's oldest resident and also believed to be the oldest county resident, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Martha Feltz, at 407 W. Waumm • * • :« (Continued on page 8) kegan road on Aug. 26. Of her almost 100 years, eighty-six were spent in this area; thus, her passing removes a memorable link between the McHenry of today and yesterday. The deceased was born in Germany and came to this country in 1874. Young Minnie Pomrening and her brother stayed for a time on a farm in Bull Valley, where she assisted a family and at the same time became acquainted with the English language. Her husband died many c or C MES APPROVAL OF TWO PROJECTS Members Await Results Of City Consumer Survey A Chamber of Commerce board meeting was hield on Tuesday noon of this week, at which time important plans for the future were discussed. It was announced that the quarterly meeting on Sept. 22 at 7:30 o'clock at the McHenry Country Club would be known as "Carbaret Night", featuring a comedian and a dance band, Husbands and wives will be invited. This meeting also will honor past presidents, who will be special guests, along with ^heir wives. At the request of Supervisor LeRoy Smith, the C of C has voted to sponsor a petition, asking help from the state Department of Public Highways in alleviating hazardous driving conditions on Rt. 120, at the intersection of the highway and East River Road. Dangerous Corner This has been a particularlydangerous corner for motorists through the years, and with, the increase of traffic, the situation becomes more serious. It is hoped that the state may be able to offer some help. The local organization has also voted to sponsor the swimming pool project, and at present, thought is being given to ssible means of raising funds >ut resorting to a special tax. The consumer attitude survey sponsored as a cooperative effort of the city and the Chamber of Commerce, wis completed on Mondny. and the C of C is anxiously awaiting a report from Stanton & Rockwell, planning consultants, w h o s e r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s h a v e been assisting in an advisory capacity. Participate In Survey Between 450 and 500 persons were interviewed by eight McHenry women stationed in various parts of the business sections last Friday, Saturday and Monday. The purpose was to learn the attitude of the shopping public so that plans may be made for future improvement. The survey sought to learn the distance travelled by shoppers coming from outlying areas; whether or not they, were year 'round or summer residents; and what was their p r i n c i p a l d e s t i n a t i o n w h e n going into the business district. It further revealed which parts of the city attracted the most shoppers, and asked how each individual regarded the services given by local places of business. Recommendations for shopping improvement, including parking and meter questions, a t t i t u d e r e g a r d i n g e v e n i n g shopping, new stores and other related items were included in the questionnaires. (Continued on page 8) 150 YOUNGSTERS HAVE BIG DAY AT FISHING RODEO Dick Thennes won first prize in the fishing rodeo sponsored by the McHenry police department last week Wednesday. His was the first fish caught. About 150 youngsters participated and accounted for fifty fine fish being caught. T w e n t y - f i v e p r i z e s w e r e awarded. At noon, the large group enjoyed hot dogs and pop which had been furnished by local businessmen. By 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the youthful laughter had subsided and the children started wending their way home, leaving as the only -reminder of the rodeo, a gray jacket with plaid lining which the police hope to return to the owner if he can be found. Post Ofiice Cautions On Mail Receptacle Use FrornTjhe Post Office department comes a reminder that every letter box or other receptacle intended or used for the receipt or delivery of mail on any ci ty delivery, rural or other mail route is designated as an authorized depository for mail. These receptacles are to be used for the use of mail only. f Any mailable matter such as circulars, statements of accounts, sale bills or other similar pieces deposited must bear postage at applicable rate and proper address. Shoplifting by juveniles has been reported in McHenry again this week, with two youngsters picked up on Monday, They bring the total for the last two months to six, all between 9 and 12 years old. Business men are tiring of the close watch which must be kept on their merchandise and action, other than a warning, is expected if the practice continues. The Plaindealer has made it a policy to refrain from printing names of first offenders in the above age bracket; however, the names of those apprehended the second time will be published. ELAINE GODINA BREAKS LEG IN FALL FROM HORSE Elaine, 13-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Godina of McCullom Lake, suffered a brain concussion and a fractured left leg when she fell from a horse while riding on the bridle path of the R and L Stables, south of McHenry on the Crystal Lake blacktop, early this week. Elaine and her sister, Mrs. Carol Frett, were riding together along the path when they approached a low hanging branch where the road curves. Elaine leaned to the left to avoid being hit and the horse swerved to the right. The young girl was taken to McHenry hospital, where she underwent surgery on her leg Wedhesday morning. TWO FITZGERALD CHILDREN ENTER RELIGIOUS LIFE McHenry friends of the George Fitzgerald family of Marycrest, Kankakee, fOfftlErly of this community, will be interested to learn that their daughter and son, Suzanne and Raymond, have entered religious life. Mrs. Fitzgerald is the former Adelaide Rodenkirch of McHenry. Suzanne has entered the School Sisters of St. Francis in Milwaukee and her brother, St. Jude's seminary. Mommence. 111., with the intention of becoming a sister And priest, respectively. The children, both high school age, are grandchildren of Mrs. Ann Rodenkirch of McHenry. NOTICE The McHenry State Bank will close Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day and will remain open • on Wednesday. Sept. 9. SCHOOL REGISTRATION Registration for high school students w-ho have not registered will begin at 10 ajn. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Remember The Rules Everyone who enters a business of any kind learns, first of all, a few fundamental rules which are basic to carrying out his work. We can hardly deny that similar rules are not of even more value to every motorist as he pursues the very exacting task of remaining alive while driving, especially on special holiday weekends such as Labor Day. In the newspaper business, the important rules for the writer to remember in his story are the "who, where, why, how and when". Could it be less important that the man or woman behind ihe wheel remember the same rules in the rather serious and hazardous business of staying alive on the road? The WHO of safe driving, of course, is the driver, and it is a foolhardy individual who thinks the category includes just himself or just the other fellow, It's a joint effort--this keeping alive while driving. The WHERE is on any state highway, country road or city street. In 1958, 207,234 accidents occurred in Illinois, 1,601 fatal, because somebody forgot the rules. Of these fatal crashes, 36.2 per cent were in urban areas and 63.8 per cent in the country. The WHY concerns a number of reasons which all add up to the same thing human error. Last year alone, the greatest contributing circumstances were, in this order, too fast speed and failing to yield the right-of-way. The HOW was just as varied, involving collisions of motor vehicles with pedestrians, other cars, trains, street cars, animal drawn vehicles, bicycles, animals, fixed objects, etc. The WHEN also varied, proving" that death strikes at all hours. However, the highest frequency was between midnight and 1 a.m. on Saturday. Forty-three persons met death on Illinois streets and highways at this hour in 1958. The next highest frequency, with thirty-three fatalities, was between midnight and 1 a.m. on Sunday. The greatest number of fatalities occurred in December, and the age bracket with the highest percentage was between 25 and 34 (23 per cent). 'Teen-agers in the 16, 17, 18 and 19-year-old age bracket were responsible for over 10 per cent. Traffic trends in Illinois for a ten-year period indicated motor vehicle registrations were up 47 per cent, licensed drivers up 18 per cent, miles travelled up 51 per cent, accidents up 61 per cent, injuries up 58 per cent and deaths up 5 per cent. In the newspaper business we find ourselves in trouble when we forget the rules. Keeping in mind the results when drivers forgot them should be a constant reminder to every person who sits behind the wheel. Gail Marquart Polio Victim Gail Marquart, 15, daughter of ftjrs. Jean Marquart of Hunterville Park, is reported quite comfortable in Sherman hospital, Elgin, where she was taken the last of the week, suffering. from polio. Tests are still being made to determine the type of polio from which she is suffering. Gail had just recovered from a cold when she experienced difficulty standing last Thursday evening. She was taken to' the hospital at once, where the diagnosis was made. She still has a tingling sensation in her feet and some pain in her legs, but otherwise feels very good and is in fine spirits. The young lady, who will be a junior in the local school when she returns, has had three of the Salk shots, which they believe may have prevented her condition from being more serious. There are two other children in the Marquart family, both younger than Gail. MINOR INJURIES SUFFERED IN ONE AREA ACCIDENT Two 'teen-agers, Karen Quaadman, 17, of Chicago and Carol Justen, 17, of McHenry escaped with minor injuries when the car driven by Karen went out of control on the Griswold Lake ' road last Sunday. It tore down two posts and a mail box before coming to a stop. The driver was thrown from the car. Both girls were taken to McHenry hospital for treatment and then released. The sheriff's office investigated. Phyllis Ochwat, 20, of Pistakee Highlands escaped injuries when her car was struck in the rear by another driven by John Wagner of Chicago. Both cars were reported travelling south on Rt. 12 when the Ochwat auto stopped. Wagner, following dole behind, struck the vehicle. S t a te pol ice - investigated. IMPOSE FINE FOR NEGLIGENT OPERATION OF BOAT Warrants charging reckless and negligent operation of a motorboat brought a fine of $105.90 for Emil Husak, 45, of Berwvn, who was assessed the penalty by a Woodstock justice of the peace. Complainants were Richard Kartel, Peter Kartel and Hugh McCauley, who were fishing near Burton's Bridge, two from a boat and the other off the shoreline. Husak was charged with travelling so close to their boat and to the shore that he clipped the fishing lines and proved a hazard for swimmers. New Dance And Baton Studio Opens In City Mrs. Nancy Gardiner is opening a new studio in McHenry this month, to be known as Nancy's Studio of Dance & Baton. Registration is being held Sept. 4 and 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. in St. Mary's hall. Mrs. Gardiner, who is the wife of Merle Gardiner, new high school faculty instructor, has been a winner numerous times in national and state baton contests. SCHOOL GROWTH EVIDENT AS REGISTRATIONS ARE COMPLETED; EXPECT 100 INCREASE OVER '58 GROUND BROKEN FOB MEW NATIVITY LUTHERAN CHURCH A ground-breaking service | for the $118,000 Nativity Lu- I theran church to be, built in i Wonder Lake was conducted i Sunday afternoon on the site | in Parker's Highlands pur- . chased by the congregation in '1956. wAssisting the Rev. Burton Schroeder, pastor, were the Rev. A. Howard Weeg, who made the address, and Rev. Royal E. Lesher. Dr. Weeg is president of the Illinois Synod of the United Lutheran Church in America, and Dr. Lesher is secretary for Missions of the Illinois Synod. Present also were Rev. Carl Eklof of Decatur and Rev. Milton Whitney of Pearl City. Rev. Robert Hooker, pastor of (Trace Lutheran church in Woodstock and mission organizer for Nativity, was unable While the figure cannot be figured accurately until after the first week of school, a total enrollment of about 3,780 is expected this year in the six McHenry schools, compared with 3,202 last year. The biggest increases, of course, are noted in the grade schools, At Edgebrook public school an enrollment of 940 is expected in comparison with 690 last year. Landmark school on Waukegan street will have about 300 compared to 210 last spring. Both of these totals inc l u d e k i n d e r g a r t e n c l a s s e s which are housed in the buildings. Junior high school expects an increase of about eighty students, bringing the figure to an all-time high of 500 from 420 last year. Parochial Enrollment The parochial schools, too, are expecting more pupils than have ever needed to be accommodated before. At St. Patrick's school, there will be about 390 .compared to 332 last year, and at St. Mary's school, registration was 650 this fall. Last year's total was 550. For the first time this year, the increase at the high school was not as great as usual, due to many students transferring, or in the case of freshmen, enrolling for the first time at Marian Central high school in Woodstock. By spring of 1959, the high school had almost 1,000 students. Registration on Monday and Tuesday of this week totalled 1,000 and it is expected that more will enroll in the week ahead. The public schools have scheduled a general meeting of all faculty members Tuesday morning. Sept. 8 at 8:30 in the hi^h school auditorium. Following, there will be separate meetings conducted by the building principals at 9 o'clock. Bus Routes Busses will make their routes to get all grade and all freshman high school students to school for afternoon sessions on the eighth. The high school session will start at 12:30 and the grade school at 1 p m. All students will be in school for full sessions in the afternoon. They will report for a full day on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The cafeterias will open on Sept. 9. Bus schedules have ®Been arranged for opening days, at which time students will acquaint themselves with the approximate time of arrival in their area each morning; also what time they may expect to arrive home in the evening. Bus drivers include James Wegener, George Worts, James Thompson, Glenn Draper. Joseph Diedrich, Ray Stilling, Cecil Ballowe, Alfred Tonyan, Richard Frett, Herman Dowe, Herman Steffes, Ed. Mars, Ernest Winters, Frank Schafer, Al. Phannenstill and Tom Morgan. Holiday Week Deadlines Plaindealer deadlines will remain the same on the Labor Day weekend for general news and advertising, but contributors a re urgfcd to turn in copy as early as possible because of office being closed on the holiday. Correspondents' copy is due Thursday and Friday. NOTICE On Monday, Sept. 7, (Labor Day) the McHenry Savings & Loan will be closed, but will remain open Wednesday, Sept, 9. A warning was issued this week by Sheriff Melvin Griebel to be cautious while driving over the Labor Day holiday DIAL CALL PLACED (Continued on page 8) Kotalik Studio Photo MISSION ACCOMPLISHED McHenry's Mayor George P. Freund helped inaugurate McHenry's new dial telephone system which went into operation at 2 a.m. Sunday. He dialed the first call from the new telephone building at 111 N. Court street. Interested observers during the ceremony was telephone manager, Robert C. Zahn and assistant manager Del Noble. To try out1 the new nation-wide direct distance dialing service, he called a brother-in-law, Elmer "Biff" Meyer, in Chicago. He commented on the speed and ease with which the calls went through. The changeover to dial, which involved more than 6,500 telephones in McHenry, marked the culmination of a ser* vice improvement program for the area which included construction of a new telephone building and the additioa of large amounts of new? cable, equipment and other facilities. "This new telephone system is as modern as any in the world today," Zahn said. "It was tailor-made' to meet the calling needs of McHenry. And we're already planning to meet this area's future growth--growth we know will come"