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Plaindealer Marks 100th Anniversary ' i it Planning and research that started more than a year ago reaches its fulfillment today with the publishing of the Plaindealer's centennial edition. It is big -- 136 pages in all - largest newspaper printed in its 100-year history. And this is as it should be, devoted to the influence not only of the newspaper, but of schools, churches, governmental units, organizations and individuals on that history. Compiling such an extensive amount of material has been a tremendous effort. Research consisted of requesting, cajoling, insisting - yes, and sometimes even pleading-so that each section truly reflected a particular segment of history for which it was in­ tended. There were times, many of them, when there was doubt whether the results would warrant the fatigue and discouragement encountered along the way. Only the cooperation of many employees made the accomplishment possible. The relentless pushing by Foreman Dick Sagers for an immediate deadline for a new section; the efficiency of Helen Seborg and JoAnn Hutchinson in completing the setting of long columns of type long before more copy was for­ thcoming from our desk; the tedious and meticulous job of Bob Frett in preparing faded, old prints for publication, assisted by Brian Lund; the careful makeup work of Kathy Winters, Holly Arnold, Wileen Sluga and Lynn Gomoll -- all of these kept the news room constantly pushing toward one goal - the publication date of Aug. 6. The true artistry of Lori Wilhelm in preparing cover pages; the know-how of ad­ vertising men, Tom Miller, Sam Zito and Keith Leman, in setting up ads; and the talent of Photographer Wayne Gaylord in capturing modern scenes, were all necessary parts of the total project. The research and writing of Girl Friday, Barb Gilpin, and the eye-straining proof reading of Marie Yegge, along with their encouragement, were sometimes all that kept a weary mind and body moving. Contributors of information and pictures are too numerous to mention, but their offerings were invaluable. We hope their compensation will come in this issue, for which they may very well share pride. Now we are faced with quieter moments to recall the massive collection of material necessary to make this edition possible. There is time also to reflect on personal memories as they will recur to many while they peruse the pages of * this issue. One of our earliest memories was of the old Christie house on Waukegan street (more recently known as the white house kindergarten) where we lived as a tot of 3 and 4. On the other side of the house lived the Martin Conway family. It was a source of no little amazement to us two years later when we moved two blocks away to find that the Conways were neighbors again. And we remained neighbors through the years. The old Landmark school library on the second floor is another treasured memory. There, stately, 6-ft. 4-inch music director, Walter Sears, looked down on us one day as we appeared before him with a trumpet too large for our 7 years. The instrument had been our choice as noisiest of those Mother and Dad suggested from a Sears Roebuck catalog. It remained with us through high school, and was respon­ sible for trips to state and national music contests which literally shook our young world with their wonders. There was the day at the age of 5 when several of us became thirsty while playing in the vicinity of the home of Mrs. Patsy Cleary, who lived down the street. She was known throughout the town as an immaculate housekeeper. When Mrs. Cleary kindly of­ fered us a drink, we asked if the glass was clean. It was a remark she carried with her the rest of her life, always explaining that "you certainly can tell her father is a doctor". We remember so well how Bob Peterson instilled envy in the boys and put stars in the eyes of girls who heard him sing at every high school function. When you added a handsome face and personality plus, it all added up to a small town idol. Pearl Claxton and Nellie Doherty were favorite teachers of our early years at Land­ mark, and later we learned to appreciate the firmness but kindness of Mary Kinney. M L. Schoenholtz began his teaching career when we were in seventh grade. We liked his frankness and eagerness to help. After graduation there was that special night when Duke Ellington came to the pavilion on Rt. 31, later to become the roller rink. Everybody turned out for this master of music, who was special even then. We recall returning to school to direct the chorus at East campus when it included all MCHS. The keys of Prof. Duker jingled just as they had done when we were a student there a few years previous. And he had the same quiet manner -- the sly smile that occasionally broke into a grin when he heard something that particularly amused him, and a frown that was an ominous warning this was an inopportune moment to initiate something unpleasant into the conversation. Countless hours of pleasure on the old East campus tennis courts flood our memory. We remember how they ended abruptly one day when we watched the heavy, sure death knell of the concrete mallet as (Continued on page 14) McHenry Area Entries Rate Tops In Fair Competition Local entrants in the McHenry County Fair com­ petition last weekend earned high honors in several our ^categories. Kim Kantlehner entered the champion Suffolk ram, and reserve champion ram in the junior class sheep show. She also had the champion Suffolk ewe. Diana and Tim Morehead of Cherry Valley club exhibited the champion ram of other breeds and the champion ewe, other breeds. Among open class sheep winners were Kim Kantlehner with her champion Suffolk ram, Diana and Tim Morehead, champion Suffolk ewe, and Karen Kantlehner,. reserve champion Suffolk ram. Diana Morehead entered the champion ram of other breeds and she and Tim Morehead had the champion ewe, other breeds. Both entered the reserve champion ewe also and Kim Kantlehner had the grand champion ram. In addition, Diana and Tim entered the champion flock and champion pen of purebred lambs. The junior and open class home economics winners in­ cluded Robert Teuber of McHenry for photography in the Arts and Crafts depart­ ment. Martha Finkbeiner of McHenry was declared best of show winner in the open show, Sewing department. 4-H classes attracted many from this area. Terese Olsen of Wonder Lake had the grand champion female; Laurie Jacobs Wonder Lake, cham­ pion Hereford steer; Laurie Jacobs, Wonder Lake, showmanship winner 9-14 age class; and Ben Jacobs, showmanship, 15-19 age class. In the 4-H cat show, Missy Mitterling of Wonder Lake showed her tortoise-shell cat which was judged best un- spaved female. In the 4-H sheep show, Karen Kantlehner of the Busy Three club again made her mark in keen competition.She entered the grand champion ewe and grand champion ram and also had the grand champion market lamb. Karen entered the champion Suffolk ram and champion Suffolk ewe. Kim Kantlehner had the reserve champion Suffolk ram and ewe. Clothing delegate winners to represent the county 4-H clubs at the Illinois State Fair include (Continued on page 14) Residential Use Sought For Farm Property A hearing on a petition filed before the McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals by Petitioners, Stewart Bauer and Veronica Bauer will be held Thursday, Aug. 7, at the (Continued on page 14) 4-H King, Runner-Up Represent McHenry Area New royalty began its reign over activities in McHenry county last week, climaxing 4- 100 TEARS • D O H Night at the McHenry County Fair with the selection of Sue Borhart, Huntley, and Ben Jacobs. Jr., Ringwood, as 4-H Queen and King, respectively. An evening honoring 4-H members with a presentation 'of projects, talent and programs reached its highlight with the crowning of the new royalty by out-going King and Queen, Tom Lagerhausen, Woodstock, and Sue Kuhlman, Hebron. Chosen first runner-up were Jim Harrer, McHenry, and Jean Slater, Cary. Other candidates were Ed Vogts, j Woodstock ; David Ainger, Hebron; David Gieseke, Crystal Lake; and Jack Hardt, Woodstock, Kings; and Deb Utech, Crystal Lake; Donna Swanson, Woodstock; and Diane Kuhlman, Hebron, Queens. Miss Borhart, the new Queen, is a ten-year 4-H member with nine years oKdairy projects; three years of photography and six years of poultry. Sue, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Borhart, is a member of the 4-H Cloverleaf Boosters. She attended the state 4-H week at Urbana this summer and she has taken the Citizens' Short course, (Continued on page 14) $4,000 Loss In Boat Fire This 21-foot inboard-oatboard boat was destroyed when an explosion occurred early Monday afternoon as the drover, Carol Hudek of Barrington, was attempting to start passenger in the craft suffered minor burns. motor. Centennial issues of the Plaindealer will reach subscribers as usual, at no extra cost. News stands will offer them at the usual fifteen cents as long as supplies last. When they are depleted, all issues sold in the Plaindealer office will be fifty cents. Copies will be mailed for a charge of one dollar. Fire Chief Glenn Peterson estimated a $4,000 loss by fire to a 21-foot inboard-outboard Mark Twain boat that exploded in the Fox river early Monday afternoon Carol Hudek of 567 Cove court, Barrington,. had just filled the family craft with gas at the Riviera Yacht Basin. Ms. Hudek started the mot6r, it died, and then the Oboat ex­ ploded. she told Peterson. Flames rose high as they engulfed the boat Although it '(Continued on page 14) a When Jay Van Slyke launched an odd-looking journal with the front page covered with advertisements in August oT 1^75, his most fantastic dreams could never have envisioned the changes that would take place in the next 100 years. In fact, the gaunt editor and publisher who had his first look at the inside of a newspaper office at the age of 12, could.hardly have been sure his efforts would be carried forth by others over such a long period of time. It was starting the last half quarter of the 19th century that the ambitious, talented writer came to McHenry and established the Plaindealer. Doubtless, he named his new newspaper after the St. Lawrence Plaindealer in Canton, Ohio, where he was employed as foreman from 1858 to 1861. According to the custom of the day his interest extended beyond the newspaper to serve the community in other capacities. He was appointed postmaster by President Harrison. Also, at different times, he held the offices of town clerk, village clerk and village president. Much of the first section of this centennial issue is devoted to Van Slyke's years with the Plaindealer, including some of his early columns called "Splinters". It also carries the history of the newspaper from the days of Van Slyke through other publishers and editors, up to the present time. One of the highlights of the Plaindealer section carries a pictorial story of how the newspaper reaches its readers. Pictures also recall employees who served through the years. Recollections of the discontinuance of carrier boy service; the move from Green to Elm street; the important decision to print twice weekly; the change from hot metal to offset printing -- all these are recorded. "A city is not builded in a day; our little town cannot complete her soul till countless generations pass away". That quote from Vachel Lindsay introduces the second section devoted to a history of the city of McHenry from the year of its founding in 1836. Included is the history as told by George Gage in compliance with the request of the Governor of the state and President of the United States to be placed on file as the centennial report for July 4, 1876 "and be perpetuated among the archives of the State and Nation". This city section portrays views of business districts from as early as 1883, along with comparison pictures of the same districts in 1975. Former mayors - nine in all since the city was incorporated in 1923-are recalled in pictures. Historic old homes and other landmarks also come in for attention through words and photos. This section, largest of the eight, has twenty pages. Education has always been important to McHenry residents. Just as the Plaindealer has concurred in this belief and followed school development on a regular basis over the years, the newspaper has devoted a complete section to McHenry's many schools, public and parochial. The humble beginning of the public schools in a log house near the river in 1840; the story of how Landmark school was saved; a tribute to administrators; and memories expressed by teachers -- all these are included. Religion is a great force in the lives of many people, and from its beginning McHenry attracted strong, God-fearing men and women who brought with them the strength of faith to carry them through trying times. The McHenry area's nineteen churches and two chapels are shown in story and photos in the fourth section of the centennial issue. Plans for the future unfold as pastors tell of goals to serve growing numbers of worshippers. McHenry has been the growing, progressive city it is today not only through the efforts of those who live within the restricted confines of the municipality. Surrounding areas, both incorporated and not, have contributed substantially through the interest of individuals and organizations and their cooperation with the business areas of McHenry. These villages and developments have added immeasurably to the attractiveness of McHenry as a community in which to settle through progressive movements in their own areas. Some have remained small and rural, while others have assumed characteristics of more urban living. They have given newcomers a choice and in doing so have left a mark on the overall development of McHenry. These several villages and communities have been featured in the fifth section of this issue. "Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man". These heartwarming words, spoken for the first time many years ago, introduce the sixth section devoted to ^pse institutions and organizations that offer a variety of services to the growing population. McHenry hospiba^and its auxiliary unit, and their plans for future expansion; Family Service and Mental Health; excellent fire departments and rescue squads; the (Continued on page 14) VOLUME 100 NUMBER 1 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 1975 - 136 PAGES 9 SECTIONS 490 Miles Of History In bringing this centennial issue to readers, ° several 1 interesting facts came to light: The 136 pages, of which 10,000 copies are being printed, means a total of 1,360,000 pages; 19,000 pounds, or 9V2 tons, of n e w s p r i n t w e r e used; If the pages were placed end on end, the papers would stretch a distance of 490 miles; This was the McHenry Plaindealer office on Green street, where*4he weekly issues of the city ^ tota I Of 226 newspaper were published from about 1926 until moving to the present location at 3812 W. Elm pOUndS Of ink Were street, in July of 1961. This building housed the Plaindealer more years than any other. * USed * no mis * THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKtS REGION SINCE 1875" Governor Extends Congratulations Governor Dan Walker has written his congratulations to the McHenry Plaindealer on the occasion of its 100th year: "Dear Friends: "My congratulations to the staff and management of the McHenry Plaindealer on the 100th anniversary of your first publication. "Newspapers, such as yours, play an important role in communities throughout Illinois as a forum for community affairs and an organ for commerce and trade. Success or failure, depends largely on how well the newspaper serves its readers and advertisers. In this 100th year publication, it's apparent the McHenry Plaindealer has been a great success. "Best wishes to you as you begin your 101st year. "Sincerely, ' Dan Walker" GOVERNOR DAN WALKER