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THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER 'Serving The Chais-O-Lakes Region Since 187HP / Volume 87 -- No. 9 -- 3 Sections McHENRY, ILLINOIS. THURSDAY, JULY 6, 1961 22 Pages -- 10c Per Copf FIESTA DAY ACTIVITIES OPEN JULY 9 Maybe it's just a coinci^ dence, but it seems like our big anniversary years bring an abundance of really hot weather. Last week's ninety-plus days bring memories of Mc- /^Henry's centennial in 1936, when the temperatures soared to 100-plus. parching with the band in the big parade of the day, covering at least a mile and a half bundled in one of those heavy, uncomfortable uniforms, we remember feeling some pride in reaching the end when husky, young fellow players were falling by the wayside. Recollections also come to mind of the unfortunate ox barbecue roast in the city park . onP old-timers' day. The chef employed to watch the roaming process through the night Is said to have found distrac- ' tions which prevented him from doing the best job possible. The story tells us that the fire went out, and in the extreme heat of July the meat spoiled. Appetites failed to be appeased, but the incident coyldn't help but give the old tuners who gathered the next day an added topic for conversation, and perhaps a chuckle or two. Some of the folks who helped make the centennial celebration a success will be on hand twenty-five years later at an equally memorable anniversary. The 1936 queen. Miriam Sayler Altman, descendgjit Of Mcfreriry's first white sCTtler, is looking forward to her trip from Dearborn, Mich., and if we remember correctly from our last meeting, she retains a^ood many of the qualities which made her such a lovely ruler twenty-five years ago. Ray McGee was general chairman of the 1936 parade; Supt. C. H. Duker was in clferge of assisting with the pfigeant, and George Johnson headed another section of the celebration. They will be present also to recall briefly memories of the centennial. There aren't many things as interesting to residents of a small community as the history of their home town. A loyalty usually exists which makes each of ug extremely pWud that we -- and our family before us -- have had a small part in making this history. SUSPECT ARSON IN THREE FIRES Blazes Break Out East Of City Within Hours We found that the few folks who followed the advice to drive with headlights on through the weekend provided a glare to oncoming drivers which was hardly conducive to ss^ty. Another matter in connection with driving which might help eliminate accidents would be greater use of the horn. In jecent years, the horn blower has become more unpopular than the plague, and many times, rightly so. However, the many near accidents we encountered because two cars attempted to pass without either gftirig any indication to the ofner, prompts us to believe lhat the horn still has a very definite use on a car. Three fires which may well have been the work of arson ists destroyed an old car and a truck body which was used for storage last Sunday night. Loss which might have been considerably more costly was averted in one case by flames which evidently became extinguished in some manner and were not detected until many houx-s later. Because of the strong suspicion of arson, the state fire marshal and an arson squad from Chicago office were summoned to investigate. A neighbor turned in the alarm which informed members of Company I that a fire had started in a garage in the rear of Frett Construction Co., on Rt. 120, east of McHenry, t he same building where another conflagration took place about three weeks ago. In addition to the garage, forms near the structure were afire. Vandalism was also noted when firemen found the back wall of the garage pushed out. It was evident that someone had backed out one of the company trucks and then driven it against the wall with considerable force. Truclts Hush to^cene* At the Tsame time that two fire trucks were enroute to the scene, another fire was detected in back of the Community Auto Supply structure. One-of the trucks and several firemen stopped there while the other truck continued to the Frett establishment. However, the flames had gained such headway it was impossible to save the truck body with material stored in it, and an old car. Monday morning, discovery of a third fire was made in a stack of shingles at the Kleinhans Lumber company yard. The fire evidently became extinguished before detection, and damage was avoided. The fires occurred about 9-30 Sunday night, all within one block. A large crowd of parishioners and friends were present last week at the farewell party for Fr. Harold Nilges, held in the school hall. There was a variety of entertainment designed to please the beloved aftstant pastor at St. Mary's church who has been transferred to Aurora. Memories of the priest's successful muiscal shows were recalled, and it was with, regret that his singers reviewed bits of the various performances for the last time in his presence. Fr. Nilges' service has ended in McHenry. but the many fiends he made will not soon fOT^et his contribution to the church and the community. For the folks who have absolutely no genius in the mathematics field, like ourselves, the hike in sales tax is a problem from another standpoint beside the expenditure of more Ciyy Band To Open Season The first band concert of the season will be held on the Legion lawn this Friday night, July 7, at 7:30 o'clock. About forty members make up the 1961 band, directed for the second year by Stanley Vycital. The conductor announced on Monday that the eight weekly programs will feature both modern music and old favorites, as well as the famous Sousa marches. This week will be included "Operatic Favorites," consisting of excerpts from "Faust and "William Tell". Last year, the band changed the location of each concert in order to givfe more music lovers an epportunity to hear the programs. For this reason, too. Friday night was chosen so that shoppers might enjoy the music. The concert at the anniversary pageant on July 9 will be the second in the series, to be followed by the third in the Buss parking lot on Main street and the fourth on Riverside Drive. CARNIVAL WORKER HELD ON CHARGE OF SHOPLIFTING (Continued on Page 8) A carnival worker in McHenry to assist with the Fourth of July festivities on the Legion grounds was due to come before the police magistrate Wednesday night on charges of shoplifting. The man, from Bent Powell. Wyoming, was being held in jail until time of the hearing. He is accused of taking a pound of bologna, frankfurters four bars of soap, butter and other items totalling $3.54. BOAT CAPSIZES, ALL PASSENGERS THROWN IN WATER A n i n b o a r d m o t o r b o a t owned by Frank Krajic of Chicago capsized in- the wake of another boat at Pistakee Bay about 3:50 o'clock on the holiday afternoon. The accident occurred near the Norsemen's resort. Minor injuries were .sustained by only one of the passengers. who were Art Anderson of Chicago, Don Mevers. Dick Meyers and Irene Meyers of Spring Grove. The latter was brought to McHenry hospital. The Johnsburg rescue squad and the sheriff's patrol boat were summoned to assist the boat's occupants, all of whom were thrown into the water. CHICAGO YOUTH IMPROVES FROM FIRECRACKER BURN Gerald Trinski, 16, of 6501 N. Palatine, Chicago, was reported much improved in McHenry hospital' after suffering burns and lacerations of the hand when a firecracker exploded last Saturday. It was expected that he might be released by the end of the week. The accident occurred in Lake county, near the McHenry- Lake line. The sheriff's offices of both counties were called to investigate. RINGWO? mm piNCiss Patricia Hogan Carries On Royal Family Tradition The John Hogan family of Ringwood has seen their third and last daughter accepted into royalty. Last Thursday evening, pretty 17-year-old Patricia Hogan was crowned McHenry County Dairy princess at a banquet held in Huntley, attended by 315 persons. Local folks will remember that Patricia's oldest sister, Charlotte, now Mrs. Richard Thompson of Greenwood township, was the county's first 4-H queen. Another sister, Mary Linn, now Mrs. Earl Sonnemaker of Waco, Texas, was dairy princess in 1956 and later runner-up in the state contest. Since the other four members of the Hogan family are !>oys, this will be the last ruler. Runner-up in the contest was Miss Joyce Lembcke, 17, (laughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lembcke of Harvard. Judges were Dave Davis, news director for Radio Station WKRS; and Dick Battles of WGSZ, Beloit, and Mrs. Battles. Patricia, a 1960 graduate of the McHenry Community high school, has long been active in 4-H work and has won for Thefts Occur Within City McHenry police have been attempting to find the person who stole a purse containing $J.2 and identification papers, and also a transistor radio from the car of Shirley Christensen of Woodstock last Saturday evening. The vehicle was parked in the lot back of the local theatre. The following morning, Peter Gies found the empty purse pushed inside the outer door of his shoe store on Riverside Drive, and he immediately informed local officials. Three tires were reported stolen from a car parked at the Skelly service station on Waukegan street sometime between closing time at 9 o'clock Friday night and the opening of the station Saturday morning. Two of the tires were taken from the trunk of the car and the other from the wheel. RECEIVE RTDJS TWIS MONTH ON SEWER EXTENSION The McHenry City Council will receive bids at the regular meeting, July 17, for construction of sanitary sewer extension in the Millstream - Maple avenue area. » A --resolution ww-passed Monday night to enter into agreement with the McHenry Township Fire Protection district to provide twenty-four hour service for answering calls. The written agreement has been presented to the fire district for final approval. A reouest for ,_a walkway across Elm street, between Front street a rtffl Richmond road, has been referred to the State Highway department. A request from the IMcHenry Pony League to hold a tag day Saturday, July 8, was approved. The police drive on delinquent vehicle license purchasers has been very successful and will continue. Penalties cause some objections, but objectors are reminded that they are less costly than court appearances. %ALES TAX CARDS The new 4 per cent sales tax rate cards are now available at the Plaindealer office to local business establishments. HOLD FUN FAIR The public is reminded of the third annual Fun Fair to be held at McHenry Shores on Saturday, July 8. Features of the day will include games; baseball and the famous "meal on a loaf". Plaindealer Moves To New Elm Street Location Yuly ^12 Next Wednesday, July 12, all of the printing and office equipment at the McHenry Plaindealer will be moved from our present location on north Green street to our new home at 3812 W. Elm street, which is the former Seibel Motors building, next to the National Tea store. The new office will be open for business Thursday morning, July 13; however, the dispenser with next week's Plaindealers will remain for the week at the Green street address, where papers may be purchased, as well as at our new office. A new press will be installed about the first of August, at which time we will resume printing the papers in McHenry each week. Grand opening is planned for sometime in August, when the public will be invited to visit us in our new and modern office. RICHARD BURMANN JOINS McHENRY POLICE FORCE New to McHenry's city police force is Richard Burmann. 26, of *1409 W. Prairie, Lake- INVESTIGATION CONTINUES BONE RICHARD Bl'RMANN land Park. He took over his new duties as night officer Saturday, July 1, replacing Kenneth F.'spey, who resigned last month. Mr. Burmann has just completed six months with the Arlington Heights police system, during which period he spent extra time taking an eightyeight- hour police training program in Evanston and an e i g h t - w e e k F . B . I , t r a i n i n g course. A native of Stanton Point, Fox Lake, Burmann now resides locally with his wife. Joan, and two sons, 4 years and 18 months of age. TOOLS STOLEN A box of tools was reported to have been stolen from the trunk of a Wonder Lake man's car as it was parked in the lot of McGraw-Edison Co., in Elgin this past week. The car belonged to David Walitzer, who is an employee of the company. (Continued on Page 8) Anniversary Week Will Prove Memorable Event In McHenry Fiesta day comes to McHenry only once a year, and the observance of the city's 125th anniversary will be only a memory after the week long celebration planned for the two events from July 9 through 16. Untold numbers of residents have put forth every effort to make the celebration a success; hundreds of others will be participating in some way, if only by their attendance at the various events. But even with the cooperation and enthusiasm of these people there remain many more for whom the week's activities will have come and gone before they realize they have missed events which will be an important part of Mc- Henry's future history. Because of the scope of the celebration this anniversary year, many more organizations will be working on the undertaking than ever before. The ideas of all of them are being incorporated to bring to local folks, former residents and visitors a variety of events of interest to everyone. The city's natural asset, the Fox river, will be used for the enjoyment of considerable activity, while other events are planned for daytime and evening enjoyment in other locations where spaciousness should provide maximum pleasure and relaxation. Old timers should be especially anxious to review the "good old days" through the pageant -- extending their memories to recollections as told by their grandparents. The combined Fiesta Anniversary week program this year of 1961 is an ideal time to reminisce, and at the same time to look ahead to the McHenry of the future. Both can be done, together with real enjoyment, by taking part in McHenry's Fiesta Week. Seek Items In Area Of Skulls Found By Girls Mrs. John Sojka of Schaefer's North Shore subdivision told a Plaindealer reporter on Monday that a return visit was expected sometime this week from Allan Liss, official with the Chicago Museum of •ft-Natural HistOTyrwhormiLrome "-i here with university experts to investigate the discovery of skulls in the area and attempt to find other material which would identify them with a particular period. Interest developed after the Sjokas' daughter, Carol, 14, and a friend, Colleen Callender, also 14 and the daughter of the Robert Callenders of Pistakee Highlands, came upon the bones as they were preparing to enjoy a picnic. Carol said they were in a former gravel pit in Oeffling's subdivision and had selected a picnic spot nearby when she walked up a small cliff to put away her watch. As she climbed, she noticed what appeared to be a piece of bone sticking through the ground. When she found the skull, she became frightened, threw it away and hurried to tell Colleen. Return To Spot The girls went back to the spot together and after some probing found three skulls which they took home. Mrs. Sojka thought it might be a cow's head, but Mrs. Callender decided to notify the sheriff's office, who, in turn, called the Chicago Museum of Natural History. After investigation of the three skulls found by the girls, and two more located the next day. Mr. Liss said they seemed to have been those of Indian women between 20 and 30 years of age, and were very small. They are believed to be between 200 and 500 years old. Discovery of the skulls gives credence to fhe stories which have gained in interest concerning the early Indian tribes in this area, recalled especially with the observance of the city's 125th anniversary. Name Community Head? For Boy Scout Drive In preparation for the fall Boy Scout drive, a number of community chairmen have been named in addition to Donald Weingart for the McHenry area, who will be assisted by Ray McGee. William Nielsen and Francis J. Palmer will head the Pistakee Highlands drive; Richard j Dehn and Ralph Johnson, | Johnsburg; Otis Baaker, Sunnyside; Ernie Vogt and Wilbur | Haak. Wonder Lake. | William Burfeindt of Mc- ; Henry is Kishwaukee district ! chairman, with Jerome Kalk as vice-chairman. Remember the antique show July 14 -16 at the high school. Colorful Parade And Drum Corps Magk Are Highlights Of Event Only final details need to be completed b^r fore the start Of McHenry's biggest week of the year. Festivities will begin Sunday, July 9, and will continue through July 16, which is Fiesta Day. The queen who will reign over the week's activities will be selected at 6 o'clock on the ninth at the McHenry high school. The annual contest; which is sponsored by the V.F.W. auxiliary, this year has seventeen entries. Judging will be done by three members of the Chicago Press Photog-i raphy association, Miss Chicago Photoflash ctf 1961 and Mrs. Van Sells, county radio personality. PAGEANT RECALLS MANY HIGHLIGHTS OF CITY HISTORY Opening evening festivities in connection with Fiesta Week and the 125th anniver- Patricia Walsh shown at site of the old millstream. sary of the city of McHenry will be held on McCracken field at 8:30 o'clock Sunday. July 9, starting with a brief band concert and the crowning of the new Fiesta Week queen. An historical resume of the community from the arrival of the first settler and his family to the present day will be included in the pageant which follows at 9 o clock. In case of rain, the entire program will be held the following night, July 10. Admission is free. The first of ten scenes will portray the area in 1836, when Dr. Christy Wheeler settled here with his family. His awareness of another settler in the area will be portrayed with the sound of a musket from across the Fox river, heard one cold night as he attempted to (Continued on Page 8) C OF C PLANS FOE PLAY DAY IN MID-AUGUST At the regular meeting of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, held Monday noon, plans were discussed for Play Day at the McHenry Country club on Aug. 16. This is the first such day of the C. of C. and if successful, it will be made an annual event. Ladies guests are also invited to x present for the social day. which will include golf at 12:30 o'clock and dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets will be sold separately for the two events, and combination tickets will also l>e available. President Frank Low announced that the new city flag has been received and is beautiful, featuring two hands in greeting, with a representation of industry in the background and the words. "City, of Progress". Presentation of the flags will be made to local organizations during Fiesta Week. Recently printed postal address guide booklets are now on sale at a number of business establishments in the city and may also be purchased from the Chamber of Commerce. The evening program oh July 9 will be a pageant of the complete 125-year history of1 McHenry, starting at 8:30 on. McCracken field. During the evening the new queen and her court will be introduced. ^ Tuesday night at 7 p.m* marks water fight contests bek tween a number of local OPT ganizations. The competition will bring the Kiwaniantf against the Rotarians; the Legion versus the V.F.W.; and the J a y c e e s challenging thjfc Chamber of Commerce. This will be followed by six professional water fighting groups and Fire Chief Ed. Justen says it will be a wet evening for all contestants. p.m. is one of the most important events of the week --McHenry County Night. Thert will be fun in the park that night, featuring booths, refreshments and an old time dance. Thursday and Friday, July 13 and 14. are being held open for County Night in case of rain on Wednesday. Big Boat Auction Saturday morning, Julv 1$ at 9 a.m., a large crowd is expected at the boat auction at McHenry beach. Anyone is welcome to bid on about one hundred boats to be auctioned. Many dealers from the Greater Chicago Boat Dealers Asso; ciation Chamber of Commerce are participating. The auction is expected to last until 4 p.m. Further information regarding ihe auction and show may be obtained by calling Verii Thompson at EVergreen 5- 3360. The auction will be followed by a boat parade at 6 p.m. This spectacular line of march will be on the river, ending at the McHenry Country club, where the judges will present ttophies for the most beautifully decorated boats. Saturday night, July 15, will feature two bie events for young and old alike. The first , is a Teen-age record hop featuring Eddie Hubbard at the McHenry athletic field outdoor ice skating rink. It will start at 8:30 p.m. and provide refreshments and a good time for 'teens until 11:30 p.m. The second big event starting at 7:30 p.m. is the 125tJJ anniversary dinner dance at McHenry Country club, where a 150-pound cake will be auctioned piece by piece. Award Beard Prises Sunday morning. July 1$. the women will be pleased when their men eo back to the razor nfter the beard contest, to be held at 11 a.m. at the American Legion hall. There will also be an award for the best barber--with good reaso^! A city flag has been de* signed bv the art class of McHenry Community high school which will be presented at 1:45 p.m. at the Legion home. The flag presentation will be followed by the annual Fiesta Day parade at 2 pjtt. The Illinois Water Ski association will present a water sld show at 4:15 p.m. at McHenry beach. This group is well known throughout the country for some of the finest water ski members in the United , States. Cloainf Event The last event of the week and one of the most spectacu- (Continued om Page 8)