a • *4:.'rk.iv<» if/i.'-c "V 4- " :=-=..• • • -- The Chain-O-Lakef Region Since 1875" Volume 86 -- No. 43 -- 2 Sections McHENRY. ILLINOIS. THURSDAY. MARCH 2. 1961 16 Pages -- 10c Per Copy CRASH KILLS AREA SUMMER RESIDENT Fith regret we found it necessary to forego the pleasure of attending an interesting meeting of the Creative Artists League last week. This is a comparatively new group, formed as the name indicates, to pursue the study of art through an organized group of interested persons. The fact that approximately seventy pysons have joined in the srort time since it was organized testifies to the success enjoyed by .the group. Last week's session included a most interesting workshop idea in which four classes were carried on in one large room, one devoted to still life oil painting, another to figure sketching, a third to beginning drawing and a fourth to plastic hyiinations. The young artists choose for themselves the class they feel is of most interest to them personally, and receive the advice and criticism of a leader. The league, which is always happy to welcome interested persons, meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at 8 p.m. at the Ridgefield school. jfo date, the group includes members from McHenry, Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Cary and Barrington. There are many folks who realize that the Main street business section will never be quite the same with the IOSF of its druggist, Glenn Wattles. His store was one of the few aritteh -feas --remained, through aflP of McHenry's growth, a homey place where people enjoyed gathering for a good chat. Always present was the popular proprietor and druggist, who contributed his own particular type of humor to keep conversation lively and interesting. It it always gratifying to Sttb a community pay tribute ta one who has contributed greatly in service, time anr interest. That very thing happened last Saturday night at the Legion home in Woodstock when George Sullivan, editor of the Woodstock Sentinel and a friend of long standing, was honored for his service to the Legion and to the community with particular attention to work in the writing field over a period of forty years. It was shortly after World War I that George was instrumental in forming the Peter Umathum post. It wa? most appropriate that David Joslyn, who served as its first commander, should be main (Continued on Page 8) Three-Way Mayor Race Develops With Filing Of Joseph Gausden; Other Politics Also Of Interest A three-way race for mayor of McHenry developed last weekend with the filing of E. Joseph Gausden of Allen avenue for the city's top post. He has filed on the United party ticket and will be the only candidate under that party name. Other new filings within the past week include Dominic Volpendesta of Cooney Heights for alderman in the second ward on the People's tickei and Peter Thelen of Washington street for alderman in the third ward on the same ticket. Previously, Edward Thennes. of Green street had filed for mayor and Joseph Etten for alderman in the first ward as members of the People's party. The third ticket, and first to file, included Donald Doherty for mayor; Earl R. Walsh for city clerk; Thomas F. Bolger for treasurer; Donald Howard for police magistrate; Donald Schaefer of Broad street for alderman in the first ward; Theodore Pitzen for alderman in the second ward and Raymond Smith for alderman in the third ward. Glenn D. Dixon is running for alderman in the second ward on the Independent ticket. The filing deadline was Feb. 27. School pilings . att' mm&i m&m. tn area is not for city and township posts, as might be thought with the abundance of news in regard to filing for these offices in recent weeks. In the last week, it has become evident that contests for school board membership in local districts will also occupy the at tention of voters. In Grade School District 15, the first two petitions received were those of Dr. Peter Griesbach of Clover avenue and Thomas Lawson of John street. Both are seeking their first terms of three years. Three vacancies exist on the board this year and two of the present members will not seek re-election. One is Harold Vaupell, who has^ served three terms ind is now board president. The other is the secretary, Hubert Smith, who has served many years. A contest became evident this week with further filings from Mrs. Charles Peterson of when the hospital opens about May 1." "They can be proud that they have given so generously (Continued on Page 8) PLAN REPORT HIGHLIGHTS Plan Implementation SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS ARE SUGGESTED ib (The following facts are taken from information contained in the recently released Plan Report for the city of McHenry). The s u g g e s t e d s u b d i v i s i o n provisions in the Plan Report of Stanton & Rockwell are based'on model subdivision regulations prepared by various tjublic administrative agencies Jffi modified or supplemented by the experience of this firm, and on experience with the local McHenry area. The provisions, as suggested, provide for the application of the regulations within the city as well as within the contiguous one and one-half mile extra-territorial plat approval jurisdiction as established by Rlinois state statutju* These jreijfulations will apply to the division of land into two or more tracts for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership or building development including all changes in street or lot lines. However, there' are a number of exceptions provided in the report. Basically, the procedure for subdivision plat approval, as provided by the regulations, requires that a pre-application conference be held with the Plan Commission prior to the submittal of the preliminary plat. The preparation of this plat follows this proc&lure. It must contain a layout of the subdivision to meet all of the requirements set forth, and there must also be submitted at the same time a complete plan for the engineering improvements to be constructed as required. The ordinance also provides for a filing fee to be paid at the time of the preliminary plat submittal. The second step, an integral part of the preliminary plat, is the design of the subdivision i m p r o v e m e n t s a s s h o w n on plans and specifications prepared by an engineer. The preliminary plat application would be considered incomplete without the engineering drawings. Upon approval of the plat, both as to layout and improvements to be constructed, the subdivider would complete the improvements as required or post a surety bond covering the construction of the improvements and a guaranty for a one-year period that the im- (Continued on Page 8) Barn Burns Near Ringwood The large barn on the Robert J. Poblocki farm, two miles north of Ringwood, on Rt. 31, was entirely destroyed by fire about 6 o'clock Tuesday evening. Most of the stock was removed from the building, but the family believes a few hogs were lost which were in a separate part of the building where the flames were too intense to reach. One of the Poblocki children was watering the stock just before 6 o'clock when he aw smoke escaping from the north end of the structure. His mother called the Richmond fire department at once, but the flames had gained such headway that they found it necessary to confine their efforts to saving other, nearby buildings. Between 2,000 and 2,500 bales of hay were destroyed, but the family and firemen managed to lead thirty-five sheep, twenty-one lambs and a number of hogs to safety. Mr. Poblocki was in Mississippi on a business trip at the time of the fire; and so no real estimate of the loss could be Wade tiy ttie family." The barn was about 60x50 feet in size. Richmond's fire chief said it is believed the flames may have been caused from electrical wiring. In all, four fire departments were called to assist in fighting the conflagration, Richmond, McHenry's Company I, Wonder Lake and Spring Grove. They were able to save a small barn only 15 feet away, which contained a considerable amount of farm machinery. Other Fires Damage to the ceiling of a Lakemoor home last Thursday morning resulted in about $500 damage. The residence, unoccupied at the time but ready for new tenants to move in that evening, is owned by Mrs. Florence Schmidt and is located at Willow and Sunnyside. A neighbor turned in the < alarm about 7 o'clock. It was answered by Lakemoor members of Company 3, who were joined later by members of Company I in McHenry. Firemen said the flames occurred because of an overheated oil stove, which was started in anticipation of the arrival ofnhe new occupants. An unoccupied house which was a landmark In Shore Hills, Wonder Lake, burned to the ground about 11:30 Saturday evening. Firemen were uncertain of the owner, but said the man who formerly made his home there died several years ago. The cause of the fire was unknown. There was no electricity in the home, but children were known to have been playing there. No damage was reported as result of a grass fire about 11 a.m. on the Piotrowski property on Crystal Lake blacktop, just south of Cooney Heights. GOP WOMEN WILL HOLD PROGRAM OF PUBLIC INTEREST A program of vital interest to everyone in the county is being planned for the April meeting of the McHenry Township Republican Women's club. The subject matter will be nonpartisan and will be open to the public. The date is Tuesday, April 25, at V.F.W. hall, McHenry. More details will be forthcoming at a later date. Renewed interest in the Republican women's organization was indicated by the large number of members and guests attending the meeting held on Tuesday, Feb.'28, at the V.F.W. Mrs. Thomas Davis and Miss Lorraine Henschel reported on the first brochures received from the Illinois Federation and the National Federation, which the local group has joined, and the charters received. Mrs. Davis briefly mentioned each candidate and the function of his office pertaining to the slate which will be offered by the Republicans iii the April 4 township election. The crux of Miss Henschel's report was Lincoln's famous quotation "where there is unity --there is strength" and the need for renewed vigorjon the part "every TlepuTSIffifaiT Final arrangements were made for the candidates' meeting which will be held at the American Legion home on Thursday, March 23, at 8 p.m. This forum will be open to the public and all the candidate* will be on hand to present their platforms. Mrs. John Boehm introduced Richard Marshall, Sigurd Jacobsen, Albert Blake, Fred Rogers, "Gus" Freund, Foster Glorch and Fred Haubold, who appeared briefly to greet the w o m e n . " B u d " E l b e r s e n was unable to attend but will be present in March. Mrs. Dorothy Miller is president of the organization and handled the gavel. 3M EXPECTED TO REGISTER OH FRESHMAN MIGHT Recommendations Follow Recent ' School Tests The excitement of their first experience with high school life awaits approximately 366 yoking eighth graders when they take part in pre-registration on Freshman Night at the McHenry high school gymnasium on Monday eve ning. March 6, between 7 and 9 o'clock in the evening in the school gymnasium. Freshman Night registration last year totalled about 300, of whom 280 enrolled in the fall. There is a two-fold purpose in-the special program, first to acquaint parents and children with the school and teachers, and secondly, to plan their program and register for next fall. In addition to signing up for regular subjects, the young folks will also signify tljieir desires in regard to extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, etc. On Friday of last week, letters were sent to parents, stating recommendations concerning subjects for which their children have been found to be best suited. These were based on recent tests conducted at the high school for all eighth graders who intend to enroll at MCHS in the fall. The «jighth graders have also been given freshman registration bulletins intended to make them more familiar with the s&ibo). - Parents who may have questions regarding the recommendations for their children may contact Mrs. John Bolger by calling her at the high school between 9:30 and 11 a.m. or from 2 to 3:30 p.m. through March 3. The program has been planned and is being carriea out by Mrs. Bolger, assisted by Clarence Anglese. STATION BREAK-IN Thieves broke into the Hester service station, west of the railroad tracks on Rt. 120, sometime late Monday night or early Tuesday, and took several cartons of cigarettes and some change. Entrance was made by breaking a rear window. Four Named To Head Local Red Cross Drive Four McHenry residents have been selected to head the annual Red Cross drive in this area. They include Jerome Kalk, business sections; Mrs. Verona Kent and Mrs. Gertrude Barbian. residential; and Mrs. Don Doherty. rural. John F. Hoehn. area manager of the Illinois Bell Telephone company, is the countv 'und drive chairman. He made tT»e announcement of the local chairmen this week. BENEFIT PARTY The next bridge party for the swimming pool fund wiil be held Sunday. March 5. at the Lejioa home at 7:30 p.m. The "Fable-ous" Post Prom (An Editorial) After several years in which proms and post-prom parties came and went with little more fanfare than the enthusiastic excitement of 'teen-agers, the 1961 event suddenly zoomed into prominence last week. The furor centers over the post-prom celebration and where it will be held, with the young folks speaking strongly in favor of a restaurant several miles farther than the out-of-town club which was the setting for the event the past two years. The final decision is probably not so important, from the standpoint of difference in distance between the two places. The important fact is that the post-prom party is no longer serving the main purpose for which it was intended. The parties came into general popularity sometime about a decade ago for the expressed purpose of keeping prom-goers from travelling long distances in search of a good time after the midnight hour, sponsored many times by civic organizations in search of a worthwhile project. The plain truth is that the parties provided the answer for parents who refused to say that little word "no" and mean it when their young folks demanded to make the prom an all-night event. Interest in this spring's post-prom party in McHenry came into prominence last week when senior class officers sent home for parents' approval a letter stating reasons for desiring a change in location. The letter contained a number of reasons for the change, which will sound just as valid when repeated by another class of seniors another year. Surprisingly, only five out of the first 175 letters returned found parents opposed to the change. This overwhelming approval might well have meant that the matter was settled except that a few young folks made known, in no uncertain terms, that any objection was unwelcome. For the most part, they were paying the bill and they saw no reason for not going to the place of their choice. Actually, it is debatable whether travel on the highways throughout the night is any more dangerous than the all-day picnic which follows, where many of the drivers have had no sleep for thirty-two hours. Both events have been tacked on as "appendages" to proms which once, so long ago, ended at the midnight hour. No one, least of all parents, would dare make the suggestion today. The whole situation reminds us of nothing more than the old fable in which the master was pushed out of his tent, inch by inch, by the camel. It's time mom and dad realized the push is on! Rites Today For Glenn Wattles The community was saddened Monday, Feb. 27, with the untimely death of Glenn T. Wattles, 58, of 419 Main street, which occurred at 11:15 a.m. at Memorial hospital, Woodstock where he had been a patient since the third off t h e m o n t h . Although his condition was known to be serious, h i s passing came as a shock to the many friends he had made during his many years in business. He was born in McHenry July 26, 1902, son of Frank and Etta Thomas Wattles, and had always made this community his home. As as young man, he worked for the late Walter Vogt in the drug store he later was to own. When the Vogt family moved to Geneva in 1927, Glenn and his brother, Howard Wattles, purchased the store and operated it together for eight years, after which the former took over its management alone. The deceased was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army in the African campaign. He belonged to the local Legion post, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Masonic lodge. Survivors include the one brother, Howard; two nephews and three nieces. A sister, Myrtle Wattles Harrison, preceded him in death in 1956. A Masonic service will be held at 2 o'clock this (Thursday) afternoon from the Peter M. Justen & Son funeral home, with interntelrtt in Woodland cemetery. POLICE WARN OF ACTION AGAINST HUB CAP THIEVES McHenry police recordo*' several case.-; of thefts of sma.il items, as well as malicious mis- I'hief, wiihin the cit" in .recent days. On Saturday, at 11:40 p.m., authorities were notified that four hub caps had been stolen from the Legion park_.ig lot, fwo were also taken the same night from the parking lot near the h'gh school. Police v am that theiv is a possible fine of from $10 to $200 for first offenders. Siigns at various intersections in the city, as well as several near the schools, have been bent or pulled out of the ground, according to officers, TWO BURGLARY SUSPECTS ARE OUT ON BOND William Welter, 23, of Franklin Park, who surrendered to police two weeks ago, has been charged with burglary and larceny in connection with the Wahl Jewelry store burglary on Jan. 8 and the Heinz Fur store break-in later in the month. It will be remem bered that Welter, suffering pangs of conscience, notified his family of his intention to give himself up, after which county authorities went to Lake Geneva, where he was waiting for them in a motel The case has been continued for four weeks. In the meantime, Welter is out on bond Anthony Fritch of Northbrook, charged in the Heinz break-lh, is also at liberty on bond. Democratic Slate Out Amid Loud Protests A hearing on an objection to the filing of a petition for township offices turned into a free-for-all among Democrats of McHenry township late Monday afternoon in the county court house. However, before the meeting had become more than verbal fisticuffs, the electoral board ruled in favor of the second of three counts against the petition of six local Democrats who sought to have their name placed on the ballot. The objections were as follows: 1, That the filing took place after the midnight hour on deadline day; 2, That all precinct committeemen in the township had not been notified of the intention to caucus; 3, That the ten days stated necessary by law did not elapse between the date of publication and the caucus day. The hearing had its beginning the previous Saturday morning when about sixty members of the Democratic organization from throughout the county, most of them central committeemen and precinct captains, gathered with interest to.learn the outcome. The two-hour hearing found neither side represented by legal counsel. The candidates were John McCafferty, Jesse Secman, Eugene Piotrowski, James Mclnerney, James Lennon and Henry Olszewski, and the objecting committeemen were Lynn C. Stuart and Lawrence J. Huck, and Precinct Captain William Bolger. Allows Disqualification At the request of Bolger, J. Walter Anderson was disqualified from acting on the board, as set by law, because he was a candidate himself. This request was allowed by Judge James Cooney, who found It necessary to act himself as the third member. Thomas Hanahan, who was spokesman for the candidates, objected to LeRoy Smith as a member of the board, charging prejudice, but the latter overruled the objection. A 1 b i e Adams, as assistant supervisor, was the other member. A considerable amount of CAROL STRITAR TO BE CAPPED AT NURSING SCHOOL Carol Stritar of Rt. 6, McHenry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Stritar, will be among fifty-two students at St. Francis hospital school of nursing to be capped in a traditional ceremony on Sunday, March 5, at 2:30 p.m. The exercises will be held in the auditorium of St. Scholastica high school, Chicago. A feature of the program will be a pageant, "Nursing Through the Ages, presented by the senior students. Mary Ann Granger of McHenry will take the part of "Hygeia". BOOKMOBILE TO VISIT AREA EAST OF CITY MARCH 11 Residents east of McHenry should be interested in the bookmobile which will make its first visit to the area on Saturday, March 11. It , will be located at the Eastwood Manor barn bet.veen 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., and at the service station on Rt. 120 in Kent Acres between 10:45 a d 11:45 a.m. If there is sufficient interest and residents of the communities take advantage of the service, the bookmobile will maite regular visits to these two, locations every two weeks until June 30. The li ivary servic? is intended for residen of the Eastwood Manor, Kent Acres, Lilymoor and Lakemoor communities. SHOPLIFTING CHARGE As the Plaindealer prepared to go to press, a hearing was scheduled for a Crystal Lake man accused of shoplifting in the Ben Franklin store on Green street. Nylon stockings, wash cloths and other items were reported taken. McHenry police say it is the man's first offense recorded locally. (Continued on Page 8) Support the Red Cross. JAMES ALICOATE DIES SUNDAY AS CAR OVERTURNS Wonder Lake Youth Escapes Serious Injury James Alicoate, 19, a summer resident of Wonder Lake for many years, was killed last Sunday morning, Feb. 26, when the car he was driving skidded on ice and crashed on U.S. Rt. 30, in the Sterling-Rock Falls community.' Two passengers, Dick Lundborg of Wonder Lake, son of Mrs. Joseph Lundborg, and Bob Wolfe of Chicago, escaped unhurt. The three were enroute to Clinton, Iowa, to visit Wolfe's fiancee, who attends college there. They were almost across a bridge over the Rock river when the car skidded on an icy piece of road and crossed the center line. Just at that time, another car was entering the bridge and caught the sliding vehicle, spinning it around completely. The car driven by Alicoate, and owned by Wolfe, then travelled over an embankment and came to a stop more than 17 feet away. Alicoate died within minutes of the crash, but his friends escaped with only scratches and shock. The accident victim was a student at Wright Junior college in Chicago. In addition to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Alicoate, of Chicago and Wonder Lake, the youth is survived by two sisters, Diane and Rosemary, both at home; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Alicoate and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Reidenbach. The body rested at the Dunlap- Goldrick funeral home until Wednesday morning at 9:30, when services were held in Our Lady of Mercy church, with Interment in All Saints cemetery. Minor Crashes A car driven by Charles Jones of Spring Grove went out of control on a curve on Martin road, one-half , mile north of Rt. 120, on Tuesday evening at 10 p.m., and the car was entirely destroyed. Larry Hovseth, a passenger, and Jones were taken to Memorial hospital, Woodstock, for treatment and then released. Sheriff's deputies charged Jones with driving too fast for conditions. Two minor accidents occurred within the city this past week. On Fri lay, at the corner of Elm and Green streets, cars driven by Arlene Lehr of Wonder Lake and Hartv F. Peteit of Woodstock collided. The Lehr auto stopped to let a car in front make a left turn. Police say the Peteit vehicle, travelling too closely, was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. Both cars were damaged. The other accident occurred the same day on Elm street, in front of the Jewel Tea store. Eleazar Mont em ay or of Lakeland Shores told police his car and another were involved in a minor accident, but the other driver failed to stop. Theodore Emerson of Fox Lake was treated by a McHenry physician early last Saturday for injuries sustained when his car went out of control on the Solon Mills road and struck a post. MAYOR LOOKS TO COMPLETION OF HOSPITAL MAY 1 Mayor George P. Freund, general chairman of McHenry hospital building fund, stated. The many public spirited people and organizations in the McHenry area, who unselfishly devoted many hours of their time and who contributed funds from the time McHenry hospital was organized in the spring of 1956 to the present time, will receive much satisfaction and gratification when they see the results qf their plans, work and donations (Continned on Pare 8)