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W9*M;0t •is^;' •.. • '• •*:•:•;/.•"$ $ow •: -" 'A% 4jr,' 4IL/'v^%*' y: ;:"r-::-:^S.^|sP^"f'v'1' 1'••" 'vy-)i,!/ 1.^* V;, ;- •"' ^rC-hi ;^ ••£•••• • * -.-I**" "i -ii.p'Si.v •;$ J..? / »•>•#;.>-; 7 "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 187$ Volume £2 -- No, 35 -- 2 Sections McHENRY, ILLINOIS, THURSDAY. JANUARY 3. 1957 . . ^ 12 Pages WINNING HOME DISPLAY Plans are being made by members of, the Women's Catholic ', Order of Foresters, St. Clara's court, No. 659, to celebrate the fifty-first anniversary of the organization. A meeting will be held at 8 o'clock in St. Mary's hall Jan. 10, after which a special tribute virill be made to members f years old and over. 'Martha: Freund and Lillian cmOffel; co-chairmah, invite all members to observe this noteworthy occasion. With the start of the new year, youthful musicians throughout the ctiunty will begin work on the annual festival which will be* held Feb. 18 in Crystal Lake's field House. ^ ^Outstanding guest directors mive been chosen to lead select and massed vocal and instrumental organizations in a variety of numbers which range from marches and overtures for the band to sacred numbers and musical show selections for the chorus. The number of students taking part has been limited this year to 500. Betty Wright of Wonder Lake, a student at Northern Illinois State college, is one of approximately 350 persons who attended the five-day study conference sponsored by the United Student Christian Council on the college campus. The meeting, one of seven regional conferences, was organized ground the theme, "Our United •fitness on the Campus," and attracted students from eleven upper midwestern states. Bet-y is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Wright. In a short time now dad will discover who it was that did most ox tne Christmas giving. JANUARY TEfeM jfiT JURIES OPENS IN COUNTY JAN. 14 The January term of the grand jury and petit' jury will convene in the circuit court Monday, Jan. 14, and notices have been sent to members of both panels from the sheriff's office. Members of the grand jury irtcl, ude William Rothermel and arvey Briggs of McHenry. On the petit jury are Anton Blake, Elizabeth Selsdprf, Helen Reuter, I^rank Blaskis, Laura Weber and Violet Benson. ONLY ACCIDENTS OF MINOR NATURE ARE RECORDED IN AREA Photo bj^ Kolin - This-^icture--shows--the--beautiful--scene in front of the George Biggs residence at 306 Clover avenue, Edgebrook Heights, which won first place in the annual home decorating contest sponsored by the McHenry Chamber of Commerce. The bright, silver bells pealed appropriate carols as changes in lighting emphasized the beauty of the nativity setting beneath the. simulated stained glass window. Mr. and Mrs. V. J. Knox and family of Crystal Lake, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Gitzke and family of Cary and Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Laures and family of Wheaton spent Christmas day with Mr. jf nd Mrs. William Heimer. $250,000 ESTIMATED FIRE DAMAGE IN ELGIN ON SUNDAY Fire damage to the Rialto theater building and adjacent stores in Elgin's business district Sunday afternoon was estimated at $250,- 000. Patrons were just preparing to enter the theater when the flames there were discovered, preventing what might have been a maj<>r tragedy. For a time, the fire threatened to wipe out the entire block. Two firemen were injured but saved their lives by leaping a fourfoot opening to an adjacent roof during the height of the fire. DAIRY INCOME HIGH According to Farm Adviser Gene Brown, the marketing specialist, R. E. Jacobson, has listed McHenry on top of the list in income derived from the dairy enterprise. Recently, a county to the west claimed the largest dairy cow population, but according to the dairy income, they are three million below McHenry. Memorial Hospital Says "Thcmk You" To Public For Assistance In li§8 "The spirit .of the hplidays has 1 troops have made attractive tray lived all year in the unselfish ! decorations. Many choral groups deeds of citizens toward their fel- i have visited the hospital during owmen, by the many kindnesses j the holidays. \5hey have expressed through the hospital-," William Tittle, Memorial Hospital for McHenry County president, said Wednesday. In a Npw Year message, Tittle cited a few of the instances where many hundreds of people regularly contributed toward making life a little better for those who are hospitalized sometime during the year. m The Gift and Thrift shop may seem only a convenience to many but the ladies of the woman's auxiliary spend countless hours operating it and keeping it attractive, Tittle continued. Gift Shop Great Aid "The shop has helped make possible the contribution of over $100,000 over the last ten years by the woman's .auxiliary. They have done this task with voluntary help, sponsoring a series of regular projects which will be continued in 1957." The women have contributed even more than the $75,000 which they pledged toward the building. Beautiful holiday decorations are * the work of ladies of the three area Garden clubs, Christmas decorations which .have helped " bring cheer and a feelirtg of being '•Remembered to those hospitalized ^>ver Christmas. " "Many persons "in the community regularly bring gifts of food, flowers and magazines to the sick and ailing--and they accompany them with cheerful words and a friendly smile," Tittle added, •ftert Hanson, administrator, said the holiday dinners have been special and Brownie and Girl Scout A special thank-you goes out to the patients who, he added, have been most tolerant and cooperative. "We have attempted to render the best service possible in spite of often limited working facilities," declared Mr. Hanson. Many Have Donated "Thanks, too, at this joyous season are due many others--those who have donated equipment*, services and materials; those who have offered advice and constructive criticism; the suppliers and service organizations whose efforts enable the staff to do a better job; and the medical staff for its cooperation and generosity." Tittle called the start of the construction of the new addition to the hospital one of the year's big developments. Soon we will have a complete new hospital for the people of the county. New pledges have been coming in and payments on previous pledges have been made regularly. We are very appreciative that the people of the community have continued their interest in the hospital. "We express our appreciation to those who helped in this drive. We see the de.eds of all those who have helped in so many ways during the year and know that Christmas does live every day in the hearts of the generous people of McHenry county. "That's why we know a hospital is more than stone and brick," concluded Tittle. "That's why hospital work is a labor of love." SERVICE NEWS Pvt. Martin Foley of the Marines left for Oceanside, Calif., Friday after spending the Christmas holidays with his mother. Mrs. Eleanor Foley. He has just completed his boot training at San Diego, . No fatalities were reported or. the highway in McHenry county on either the Christmas or Newi Year weekend, according to the sheriff's office in a report on Wednesday. a I Edith Uelman of Rt. 3, McHen| ry, escaped injuries in an accidenf which occurred about 1:20 a.m. Jan. 1 on the Griswold Lake blacktop road, about two miles southeast of the city. She was driving north when her car left the road and struck a utility pole, causing homes in that area to be without lights for a; short period of time. ) Just prior to the new year,; about 9:15 Monday night, an accident occurred on the Pistakee Bay blacktop road at the "Y," resulting only in property damage. John Olson of Riverside Drive, McHeru-y, told sheriffs deputies that He was approaching the turn when he was forced off the road. His car struck one of the gate posts, causing considerable dam* age to the aClto. The driver escaped unhurt. Four youths were treated at McHenry hospital for cuts, bruises and shock suffered when their car went out of control on a curve and overturned in a ditch on Rt. 31, four miles north of McHenry, last weekend. They were James Loftue, 16, the driver, Herbert Gierke, 17, John Nichols, 18, and William Wrifke, 16, all of Chicago. POLISH FAMILY BEGINS NEW YEAR COMMUNITY JAN. 12 DEADLINE SET FOR REPORTING A. C. P. PRACTICES Conservation practices which were approved under the Agricultural Conservation program during the past year and which were completed by December 31, must be reported to the county ASC office by Jan. 12, 1957. This reminder was issued by John L. Slavin, office manager of the McHenry county A.S.C. office. Farmers who haven't met this requirement will lose the costsharing payments set up for their farms unless they take immediate Refugees Welcomed To Lakeland Park To Start New Life Three new residents have travelled many thousands of miles to make their home in the Mc-" Henry community in the new year. They are Otto Schmelcher, 36, of Poland, his wife, Leokadia, and their child, Diet mar, 4 years old. The family will make their home, at least temporarily, with Mrs. Schmelcher's brother, Henry Maier, his wife and two children in Lakeland Park. Mr. Maier came to this country about five years ago and has been a local resident for about three years. Local Sponsor Sponsor for the refugees is Raymond T. Grote, also of Lakeland Park, a' neighbor of the Maiers. The Schmelchers arrived in New York last Thursday aboard the Navy transport General Taylor in one of the latest efforts to help move refugees and pre- Hungarian revolt escapees from Europe. The vessel: was under charter to the intergovernmental committee f^r European migration, making its second crossing ,with persons who have been issued visas under the refugee relief program. It is in service to supplement the transportation afforded by the Langfitt, which crosses regularly from Bremerhaven to the United States. 1,141 Aboard Aboard were 1,141 persons, 1,- 137 of which have refugee relief program visas. The four others come under the basic immigration law. Included among the 1,- 137 were eighty-four escapees from behind the Iron Curtain (pre-Hungarian revolt) who were assisted by the U. S. escapee program. Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia received passengers from the Taylor. The sjhip left Bremerhaven, Germany, Kevin Carey spent the holidays with his parents, the Walter Careys, while on leave from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. action to furnish the required on Dec. 16 and Christmas Pvt. Gerald R. Grasser, son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Grasser of Volo, has been advanced to private first class in the Marine corps. He is. now stationed at Kaneohe Bay Air station Hawaii. port, he continued. In the event approved practices were not fully performed by the Dec. 31 deadline, it is suggested the A.S.S. office be contacted without delay, so that the individual situation can be reviewed. In some instances additional time can be granted. Since arriving at Midway airport from Fort Lewis, Wash., Pvt. 2 Thomas E. Thompson has been enjoying a fifteen-day lehve with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George P. Thompson, north of McHenry. On his return, he will continue his Army administration course in communications and other duties of the 42nd field artillery. FOUR DEATHS MOURNED IN CITY DURING PAST WEEK Mr. and Mrs. Carl Weber were greeted by a welcome new year message telling that their son, Bill, would be coming home on leave from the Navy. He arrived in the States last weekend, having flown from Japan. He expects to be stationed in California for the next two yfears. Melvin D. Tushkowski, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin C. Tushkowski of 220 N. Maple Leaf Drive, Lakemoor and Richard G. Nowak, son of Mr. and Mrs. George R. Nowak of Route 1, McHenry, completed recruit training Dec. 27 at the Marine Corps Recruit depot, San Diego, Calif. The 12-week course included instruction in all basic military subjects and the firing of all basic infantry weapons. \ Upon completion of training. • he new Marines are assigned to Camp Pendletqn. Calif., for further infantry training, or to one of the many Marine corps schools. KILLED IN ACCIDENT Mrs. Robert Collins, 42, of Chemung, died Sunday morning at Harvard hospital of injuries sustained in an accident east of Walworth, Wis., six hours earlier. Her daughter, Mrs. Gene Vest, of Harvard was bruised and suffered shock in the accident. She gave birth to a son several Hours after the crash. Three other children of Mrs. Collins were injured. She is survived also by her husband and two other children. The driver of the other car was arreted on a charge of reckless driving. FIRST BABY The first baby of the new year born at Memorial hospital, Woodstock, was a girl, who majle her appearance at 1:35 o'clock Tuesday, Jan. 1, born to Mr. and Mrs. Lester Weichman of Woodstock. A lifelong resident of McHenry, Mrs. Maude Rothermel, died Wednesday evening, Dec. 26, in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Audrey Glosson, on Grand avenue. Her passing followed by only two days the death of her sister, Mrs. Kate Kelleher of Elmhurst, who died Christmas eve. Always uncomplaining, her family was not sure just how long she had been ill, but is was not until a month ago that she was forced to give up her work at Barbian Bros. grocery store, where she had been employed for fourteen years. Mrs. Rothermel was born Aug. 9, 1890, in McHenry, a daughter of Peter and Christina Schreiner. Her kindness and concern for others, to the exclusion of her own interests, could not help but make for her a host of friends who mourn her passing. Although active in a number of organizations, her greatest interest was in her grandchildren, for whom she often chose to give up other commitments. She belonged to the Women's Catholic Order of Foresters, the Christian Mothers and Riverview camp, R.N.A. Surviving are two daughters. Mrs. John Glosson and Mrs. Fred J. Meyer, both of McHenry; two sisters, Mrs. Albert Krause of McHenry and Mrs. Emil Froeming of Elmhurst; and five grandchildren. Her husband, Joseph, died fifteen years ago. The body rested at the Peter M. Justen funeral home until Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, when last rites were conducted from St. Mary's church, with interment in the church cemetery. Marie Laun The community was shocked to learn of the death of Mrs. Marie Johnson Laun, 34, of Elkhart Lake, Wis., who passed away early Christmas morning at St. Nicholas hospital following a short illness. Services were held Friday,' with burial in Rockford. Mrs. Laun was born June 1. 1922, in McHenry, the daughter of the late Rudolph and Hilda Johnson. She was a graduate of (Continued on Page 8) spent aboard the ship. Clerk's Office Earnings Increase During the past week, County Treasurer Vernon W. Kays received from Circuit Clerk Lester Edinger the sum of $50,657.70, the net earnings of his office for the past three years. This according to Mr./Edinger, is above salaries and otner expenses of running the office. The earnings came from fees collected for court cases, recording of deeds and other such items, Mr. Edinger said this is a tremendous increase in business in the three-year period. For the first half of 1954, his office earned $4,132.16 and for the last half, $7,091.32. The year 1955 found $4,079.90 collected for the first six months and $11,142.67 the last half. In 1956, a total of $11,434.95 was collected through June and $12,776.69 from that time through December. The sum turned over to Mr. Kays is placed in the general fund. In announcing business concerned with his office, Mr. Edinger also stated that Judge William M. Carroll had appointed Russell Reimer of Woodstock as probation officer of the circuit court. He succeeds Thomas P. Bolger of McHenry, who is retiring from that position after a number of years of service. SINGERS CHOOSE "MEMORY LANE" THEME FOR SPRING Post Office Sets Holiday Record Business was booming at the McHenry post office and station during the holiday season just past, showing a big increase over the previous year. The heaviest day for business came on Monday, Dec. 17, a full week before Christmas. This was indication that the general-public had answered the appeal of the postal department to mail early and assure delivery well in advance of the holiday . The 64,239 pieces of mail handled that day compared with 52,000 on the heaviest mailing day in 1955. During the holiday mailing period, designated by the local office between Dec. 8 and Dec. 27, twenty- eight extra employees were hired to take care of the large volume, both in the office and on city and rural routes. In that time, 402,175 cancellations were recorded, whereas in 1955 the figure totalled 340,542. The number of three - centf stamps purchased has risen steadiiy, indicating that holiday messages are included with many cards and that patrons generally are . anxious to have their mail handled as quickly as possible. There were 181,000 two - cent stamps purchased during the same period. Postmaster Ray McGee and employees of both the main office and station are grateful to the public for the very fine cooperation extended, both in mailing early and in sorting cards for local and1 out-of-town delivery. 10c Per Copy MUCH PROGRESS AND GROWTH NOTED IN McHENRY WITH REVIEW OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING 7?f *1 *1 ii w . ' i " ••• TWO GRASS FIRES ADDED JO YEAR'S TOTAL DEC. 31 Two more grass fires were added to the year's toll on the last day of 1956. * , Local firemen were called to extinguish a grass fire caused by a garbage burner along Idyll Dell road Monday afternoon, and later the same day they were summoned to Huemann's subdivision,- where a grass fire caused a garage to burn. About a quarter of one wall was destroyed. Firemen were unable to learn the owners of the through 12. Looking back through 1956, there are few who do not feeiy that the year has seemed ex* tremely short. Yet, in taking note?; of the accomplishments made •. within the city of McHenry during just twelve months, it is most satisfying to realize the great;. „ progress made. *:4. One of the first innovations^ : was the introduction of the nevj^® speed control device, which harf -" 1 done much to alleviate reckless,' , driving in the city. Also in the interest of halting law violations was the formation of Crime Stop* pers for youngsters from 7 " structure. About 10:30 Tuesday night. A new sewage plant addition I was started during the year to JToonhnnssbbuur«igx vvoolluunntteeeerrss wweerree ccaa"lleedd i| mu]eaetito nt>h ew nheicehd s n°ufm bae «rerodw in2&,74 P8° Pin* to . Woodland Drive, Pistakee Highlands, where a short had a special census taken in Februr- • * ary. Other indications of growth caused a fire in the Ulterior of a an(J the necessit for keeping par rnnfsinArnhlP namftffp was ..... YOUTH PLEADS INNOCENT OF BANK ROBBERY IN COUNTY Eighteen-year-old John Robert Wagner, a former high school honor student, pleaded innocent late Thursday afternoon to a charge of robbing the Richmond bank of $19,960 to finance his college career, which he later gave up. This report came from Chicago last week. The youth was captured in Oklahoma City Dec. 8 after a cross country spending spree. According to prosecutors, he admitted robbing the State Bank at Richmond Aug. 29 to pay for study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A warrant to federal authorities in Chicago, charging Wagner with robbing the bank, was said to be forwarded by Sheriff Harry Herendeen on Friday. After enrolling at the Institute, Wagner began his spending spree and soon afterward left school. Police reported that only $4,000 remained when they seized him in Oklahoma City hotel room early last month. Federal charges accused him of an aggravated offense since the bank was held up with the aid of a revolver. It is said that the youth's lawyers will challenge that point since the lives of the bank employees were not endangered because one of the revolver chambers was unloaded. His trial was set for Feb. 13. Simple bank robbery is punishable by a maximum of ten years in prison, whereas aggravated offense would make him liable to a possible penalty of twenty-five years. Remember the March of Dimes! car. Considerable damage re ported. Humor Highlight Of Club Meeting Dorothy Christman will be guesr: entertainer at the next scheduled meeting of the Woman's club on Friday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Legion home. Mrs. Carroll Dietle, program chairman, believes her humorous characterizations will be well received by the group. Miss Christman has a talent 'for portraying the sparkling humor of awkward incidents and her interpretations of common folks will provide relaxing entertainment. Q She is very versatile and her experience of over 1,000 appearances before clubs and conventions make her outstancfing in her field. She received her training at Northwestern university school <pf speech, at the Chicago School of Dramatic Art and with the Uptown Players. Patricia McCracken will add to the enjoyment of the afternoon with a piano solo. The committee in charge of arrangements is' headed by Mrs. Frank Gans. Mrs. C. W. Goodell, president, urges all members to attend this interesting program. ATTORNEY KELL NAMED PRESIDENT BAR ASSOCIATION Atty. V. E. Kell of Woodstock was elected president of the McHenry County Bar association at a meeting held last week. Others elected to office for the ensuing year were Atty. Henry L. Cowlin, Jr., of Crystal Lake, vice-president; and Atty. Richard Cross of Woodstock, secretary - treasurer. Trustees named were Atty. Joe C.onerty and Atty. James H. Cooney of Woodstock. A resolution was adopted in appreciation of the work of the retiring officers, headed by Atty. William M. Carroll of Woodstock. pace were noted with work start- . ed on an addition to the local high school and the near completion of the junior high structure. City Hospital The year also saw the erection of the city's first hospital, which opened in the early fall. Also assuring added hospital facilities in the ' county was the decision to start an $850,000 addition to Memorial hospital in Woodstock, aided by a $25,500 gift as its share of the Ford Foundation grant. The widening of Elm street, an all-summer project was completed this fall. < Prospects of future progress came with word that Illinois Bell -• had purchased a site for a dial telephone building. Youth Activities J McHenry individuals • proved? leadership in various lines. Tbej?- "t| were king and queen winners.in > local and county competition, and*, - | the community expressed pride irjti .' the accomplishments of youth Boys State and 4-H in state com! ,-- petition. A summer resident wasv' honored by being named a mem- '-A her of the Olympic team and one of the city's own 'teen-agers bef '..".'jj gan a career in the movies. In the line of fine arts, individuals displayed enthusiasnf : for the newly formed Civic Arta. group in the county. Also, the? |v city held its first art exhibit^ showing the works of local palnt^.^ ers, and student musicians wor|^ :vl a state sweeps $ CLEANER'S MEETING The Associated Cleaners of Northern Illinois will hold their jn history when 5,508 voles were for themselves stakes award. A new,church St. Paul's Epis^v copal, became a part of McHenry during the year and one new orr< ganization, the Kiwanis club, hek| charter night activities. A number of new businesses opened their doors during th^ ^|| year, including one, the Nelson L. :;i Davis company, of w6ridwid$ scope. ' Something absolutely new to J1 McHenry and just one more proof x j of the tremendous growth of the *. outlying community was the open- - house of model homes held in eight local subdivisions last summer. There is little doubt but that ^ progress will continue, for the ^ facts indicate that growth will -, make it necessary. McHenry pre- "i cincts registered the largest vote. | Jan. 15 dinner meeting in Crystal Lake. WED FIFTY-FIVE YEARS Anyone „ desiring to enter into the spring season of rehearsals' of the McHenry Choral club is asked to attend the first meeting, to be held in the high school , music room Monday evening, Jan 7, at 8 p.m. I Afte? a month's rest following; their annual holiday program, s i n g e r s w i l l b e g i n p r a c t i c i n g f o r , the next presentation during the • last part of April. In addition to the formal portion of the concert, they have selected a "Memory Lane" theme which will consist of a review of songs which were favorites in the 'nineties and continue down to the .present time. These will include ballads, comedy, musical show and operetta numbers. ^Because rehearsals "are held only once a week and less than four months remain until program time, officers are setting an early deadline of Feb. 4 for membership. W>; , ,\i i < v \ ^ " MR. AND MRS. JOHN GRASSER On Monday, Jan. 7, Mr. and Mrs. John Grasser of Broad street will observe their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary'. However. they will celebrate the day the previous Sunday, when members of their family will enjoy a gathering at the Grasser residence. Both Mr. and Mrs. Grasser are in good health and able to remain active about their home and attend church services regularly. Their seven children are Mrs. • John (Mary) Suhling of Gurnee, John Joseph of Franklinville, Edward of North Chicago. Mrs. James (Lena) Curran of McHenry, Mrs. Tony (Rose) Walczak of Warrenville, Isadore of Opa Lock^, Fla.. and Francis of Wonder Lake; also twenty-eight grandchildren and t-iKiit K't-vit-irnindehildren. cast in nine McHenry precincts Nov. 6, making the creation of at least three more precincts nets essary before the next general election. Even more conclusive proof' lies in the very steady and fast growth of McHenry's schools, in which 3,617 pupils were, enroll, ed last fall. S Reach Relief Fund Quoia Wilh Three-Cent Donation A total of $495.15 was collected in McHenry county for the Hungarian relief fund by last weekend, against a quota requested of $1,415. In the county, with approximately 50,000 persons, a. gift of three cents from each person would have met this quota easily. The possibility of societies and groups undertaking a drivel on this basis has been mentioned; with the total amount collected to be sent to the Red Cross of-i fice in Woodstock. According to the volunteer, chairman in Huntley. Mrs. Waltei|^d| Carroll, seventy dollars was colv j lected there by the 'school chUd$.|?^ mas presents. NO ACCIDENTS IN CITY -1 Although the national traffic 1| death toll ran high both thes] ;v| Christmas and New Year weeks ends. McHenry had an enviable :'<j record of no accidents. Local police were happy with the co- * operation of the driving public during the entire holiday season, j when congestion Was at its height within the city. • J r ) , r