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*' n? *< / w1 -" ? u , / ».* I g t* ^ ^ 4 * v.- " *C "Serving The Chain-O-Lakes Region Since 1875" '".-'-fi?- -. _ i; Volume 82 -- No. 51 -- 2 Sections McHENRY, ILLINOIS, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1957 16 Pages -- 10c Per Copy Barn iiiliiS# Fire GOVERNOR STRATTON INDICATES GREAT INTEREST AND OFFER OF SUPPORT M OBTAINING LOCKS FOR McHENRY DAM Motorists are having an eas* ier time lulling themselves into a peaceful state while driving since extensive work has been done on the repair of local black* top roads. Some roads in the community-- and we especially refer to the one which extends south of Green street, known as old Ulglfr toad--was hit hard by 40 winter weather conditions this yetfr and the results made pretty fobfttpy riding during the eaffly-spring. ' A bit of patching has worked wonders and drivers are wearing their best smiles again. Just recently, at the laying of a cornerstone of a new building in a nearby metropolis, the fa- ^miliar capsule was sealed con- - itainlng information on present times and predictions for the future, to be opened a century from nofa. We have often wondered at the many interesting items which might have been included in such a container should a summary of local history been filed away even fifty years ago. Newspaper files Reveal a, wealth of information, Vfjbut a cohdensed story of McHenry in 1907 would better give a comparison of life today and yesterday. For instance, just having shopped for Easter finery for the family, it only results in a wry smile to read that fifty years ago mother could outfit the youngsters with sell-outs of coats for only $1.98. Today, such a buy j^ould hardly be expected to re- ®TnaIn presentable past the, holiday. 'v" . With the advent of the spring season and increased driving; there is a special lament over the . increasing number of accidents on the highway. An opened capsule container might well reveal a different type of hazard in the "good old days"--occasioned by falls when -a frightened or j^iighly nervous horse became unmanageable. Oh yes, it happened quite often! For every speed boat rider who finds himself taking an extra bath in the Fox river because of inexpertness of the driver behind the controls, the, ^carelessness of the more daring sail boat riders often provided an extra drink years ago. It was even worse then, for modern young ladies ^pften ride appropriately attired in swim suits, while accounts of 1907, accidents left one with the feeling that injured pride and a three-hour drying period for a floor length dress and an abundance of petticoats provided considerable suffering. Looking ahead to the days of completely push button living and regular trips to the moon, wo can't conceive of anyone in 1907 -^vith very accurate predictions of the many progressive movements which have been realized. Fifty years ago, the Chicago Telephone company was advertising in the Plaindealer, extolling the benefits of their product in these, words: "Every housewife has the right to demand a telephone in her house. It eases the drudgery of housework, gives her ^ feeling of protection end should 'fliot be considered a luxury." As the telephone has come to pass as an everyday item necessary to daily living, so will the many predictions locked away today, dreams of today's forosighted folks for their progeny. • Last week was a rough one- not ^ only for local politicians but for the Plaindealer staff as well. After a ful* evening of dispensing information on final election figures Tuesday, followed by writing election stories the following morning, vye were deep in thought \^riting our Ust lines on winners when a co-worker expressed surprise to read in a nearby paper that a former resident was confined to the' fihsjiltaL rtearing only the name but jjjfwishing to show an interest, we carried our election thoughts through with the absent-minded remark, "Oh, did he get elected?" Ther& must have been quite. a number of folks with red faces as they apologized to the weatherman for recent uncomplimentary remarks regarding the quality (Continued mi Page 8X BURGLARS TAKE $86 FROM DRAWER AT MARTICKE ft NIXON This picture shows members of the committee from the Fox valley who travelled to Springfield this week to discuss with Governor William G. Stratton a proposal for obtaining locks at the McHenry dam. Left to right are Senator Robert McClory, who headed the committee presenting the project for consideration; Rep. W. J. Murphy of Round Lake; Charles J. Miller and Joseph Frett of McHenry; J. P. Molinaro; Rep. A. B., McConnell of Woodstock; and William Carroll of Park Ridge. Sitting is Governor Stratton, looking over the plans, which he studied with great interest. Another member of the committee who made the trip was William Burfeindt <Jf the McHenry Plaindealer, who took ,the picture. A committee of men from the Fox river valley was most gratiffied with the results of their trip to Springfield on Tuesday of this week to seek assistance from Governor William G. Stratton on obtaining locks for dams in the valley. The governor showed a very. sincere, interest in^ the project and indicated that" an appropriation 'would be made this year. It will be remembered that this project has been in the discussion stage for almost five years. Those most interested in its accomplishment have worked on the program to the point of securing dredging between the McHenry dam and Algonquin, which is completed. ' The furtherance of the program -- obtaining locks -- will allow boats to continue between the two points, and in the future, Governor Stratton indicated work will be extended as appropriations are able to be made until the long distance to the Illinois river has been opened. The committee from the Fox valley went to Springfield for the purpose of hastftiing the project in this area, which seems a certainty with such favorable acceptance of the plan by the chief executive. He agreed that the McHenry dam was'"tfiiTTogicaT. jpiace to install the first locks since the preliminary work had been laid in the way of dredging^ The governor further expressed his enthusiasm with his realization of the growth Of the Fox valley as a leading recreational area. He told committee members he knew more and more boat owners were using the Fox river each year and looks ahead to this as one of the finest -boating areas in the state. Governor Stratton said that if at all possible, work on, .the locks would be started at McHenry as soon as detail^ can be worked out. MEDICAL SURVEY IS UNDERTAKEN FOR HANDICAPPED Results To Help Pinpoint Need In Use Of Funds Starting on Tuesday of this week, the McHenry county chapter of the Illinois Association for Crippled Children and Adults, Inc. (Easter Seal society) is conducting a medical survey of the county to study the needs of the physically handicapped. Miss Mary Britton, occupational therapist with the association's state society, is conducting the survey work and Mrs. Elizabeth Jameson, program consultant from the state staff, is supervising the study. Results will assist the local chapter to better pinpoint the needs and plan the most efficient use of funds now being collected through the Easter Seal drive. Tag Day Successful Despite a cold, windy day, the tag day throughout the county was described as successful. All results should be tabulated very soon and an announcement on collections will be published. Those who have not yet sent in their money for the seals are urged to do so at once, proving the society's 1957 motto, "In McHenry county, everybody helps the crippled child." 4-H SPklNG RALLY The 4-H spring rally will be held at Woodstock high school auditorium at 8 p.m. on April 26. All 4-H members, parents,-leaders and friends are invited to the 4-H rally. The program will include ten Share-the-Fun acts, presentation of window display awards, recreation and refreshments, planned by County 4-H Federation. COMEDY PRESENTATION Ann Varese will give her interpretation of a Broadway musical comedy presentation at a benefit sponsored by the cultural guild of the women's auxiliary to McHenry hospital on Friday, May 10, at 8:15 o'clock in the high school auditorium. • A burglary was reported"' at Marticke & Nixon, Inc., at 311 Elm street sometime between 11 p.m. Tuesday night and 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. It was discovered when the owners opened for business. A window in the rear of the building had been broken and $86.21 was taken from a drawer McHenry police believe the breakin must have been made by someone well acquainted with the Surroundings who knew where the money was "kept. Jim Pearson Wins In State Contest James Pearson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Pearson of flingwood, a senior in the local high school, was awarded first place in the state for his poster on teacher recruitment, submitted at the annual convention of the Future Teachers association. James and ten other students from IMcHenry attended the convention, held at the university at Normal, 111. They were among 800 young men and women from high schools in the state who attended, all with the desire to become informed before continuing their studies for the purpose of adding to the number of teachers so badly needed. Mrs. John Bolger and Miss Rita Wolbert accompanied the students to the convention. SINGERS RECALL FAVORITES THROUGH. THE YEARS MAY 45 x Tickets are now on sale by' members of the McHenry Choral club fOf"their annual spring pro-' gram, which will take place in the high school auditorium two nights, Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, at 8:15 o'clock. Following several numbers in the classical vein, the singers will transform the stage into a scene reminiscent of the decade preceding the turn of the century. Against a carnival background in old New York, the singers will recall favorites of another era in a special portion called "Through the Years, in Song." Other periods from which music will be taken, with chorus members appearing in appropriate costumes of the times, will be the 1910 to 1920 period, the 1920 to 1930 decade and will conclude with numbers popular in the last twenty years. Dan Justen will be featured in the role of carnival barker. AUDIENCE WITH POPE Mrs. Waiter Carey of McHenry iji white, is shown directly in front of the Holy Father, Pope Pius XII, in an audience with him in Rome during the recent trip to Europe enjoyed by Mr. and Mrs. Carey. KIWANIS PLANS AUCTION. OTHER FUTURE PROJECTS Mrs. John McDonald and son Carey have been visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Carey. OPEM PINK LADY SHOP One of the community's newest organizations, and one whose service is widespread, is the McHenry Kiwanis club, now in its second year. Although still in its infancy, members are justly proud of some of the club's accomplishments. Three of the most important projects, undertaken annually, are scheduled for the near future. The first is the annual auction, which will be held this year on May 5 at the McHenry garage, cosponsorship of the post-prom igance and entertainment and the ityerit award dinner. ^ In order that the fifstof these be successful, it is necessary that enough articles are donated and that enough people attend and support the sale. Most folks have some "white elephants" or other articles which are no fonger useful to them. They could put these to work for A worthy cause in this community by just- phoning the chairman, Edward Guettler, and making arrangements to provide them for the sale. Most folks enjoy an auction and the Kiwanis invites everyone to bring the family and spend an enjoyable afternoon on May 5. Among the other accomplishments of the club are included either sponsorship or co-sponsorship of the annual football banquet, the junior bowling league, Christmas baskets to the needy, providing an eye testing machine for schools, school lunches for several needy children, medical care for needy children and other youth activities. McHEMBY WOMAN ELECTED OFFICER IN COUNTY CLUB \ At the last meeting of the McHenry County Woman's club, Mrs. Carroll Dietle of McHenry was elected vice-president and Mrs. Vaughn Jones received an important county chairmanship. Mrs. Jones will woi^k to set up a fund to make surgery available to children whose parents are unable to finance completely such work. The three hospitals of the county, McHenry, Woodstock Memorial and Harvard, will cooperate in this program. The McHenry Woman's club will hold its last meeting of the season at a luncheon at the Legion home at 1 o'clock Friday, May 10. Reservations may be mailed or phoned to Mrs. Wallace Dobyns, Mrs. Lester Bacon, Mrs. R. M. Fleming or Mrs. Art Schaettgen The chairman, Mrs George Stilling, asks that reservations be in by May 3 in order to complete arrangements for the luncheon meeting, which will include an interesting program. Members may bring guests. Opening day of the new Pink Lady shop shows its treasurer, Mrs. Norman Eggert and manager, Mrs. Fred Bond, working on the gift tree. The shop was started under the direction of the ways and means committee of the woman's auxiliary to the McHenry hospital. Volunteer groups have been set up to operate the shop daily. There is a chairwoman for each day of the week. HEADS COUNTY BOARD Harley H. Mackeben of Grafton township was unanimously elected to serve a second term as chairman of the county board of supervisors at the organizational session held Tuesday of this week. It is the first time in many years that members re-elected an outgoing chairman for a second year. Ralph Patzke returned to Champaign, Sunday, after a weekend visit with his mother, Mrs. Pearl Patzke. Ho-Hum! It's That Time Of Year Again Folks who have, forgotten to catch up on sleep had better do so within the next few days for on -Saturday night, April 27, clocks will be turned ahead one hour with the start of daylight saving time. The "fast" time will remain in effect until the last weekend in Ofctober, allowing an extra hour of daylight time in the evening for a six-month period. Three Hurt In Auto Accidents An accident within the city caused severe facial cuts to Mrs. Rosemary Schmtll.'n of 15 Orchard Beach, who was injured in an accident at 50ft N. Riverside Drive about 1:30 Sunday morn-, ing. A tire blew out and the car went out of control, hitting a telephone pole and three mail boxes before coming to a stop. Shattered glass from the windshield was reported to have caused lacerations on the face. She was taken to McHenry hospital for treatment. Frank Holt of McHenry suffered a broken right arm and badly injured leg when his car went out of control on the Johnsburg blacktop road about 9:30 Saturday evening. He told sheriff's deputies he was crowded off the road by another car on a curve, after which his station wagon rolled over. He was treated at the local hospital. Lyden Dueschler of Johnsburg received cuts and bruises and suffered shock one night last week when he swerved his car to avoid hitting an oppossum which strayed onto Rt. 31, at Terra Cotta. "He" lost control of the auto and It overturned. The driver was treated at McHenry hospital. LARGEST BILL! HISTORY REACHES LOCAL TAXPAYERS 72.3 Per Cent Of Total Goes To County Schools Tuesday of this week was an unhappy one for most county residents who received bills for their share of the largest tax bill in history. Announcement of the mailing on April 22 was made by Treasurer Vernon W. Kays. The bill amounts to $6,832,- 989.74 and was sent out after completion of tjie statements last week to thousands of county taxpayers. It required fifty-two sacks to transport the large amount of mail to the post office, Containing 38,342 parcels. It required $1,475.44 in postage. In all, there were 79,090 assessments for the year 1956. The bill represents $6,487,060.93 in personal property and real estate assessments; $181,749.11 in utility assessments and $164,- 179.70 in railroad assessments. Schools wil get the biggest share of the taxes, 72.3 per cent or a total of $4,984,983.52. The lowest share is for miscellaneous--representing fire protection, park districts, hospital, cemetery districts and dog tax -- 2.2 per cent or $185,857.06. Various Shares Township road and bridge will ta"ke 8.9 per cent and the county will receive 6.5 per cent. Townships will come in for a share of 3.4 per cent and corporatipns, 6.7 per cent. Personal property taxes are due upon receipt of bill and are subject to a penalty of 1 per cent until paid. They will be advertised for non-payment the first week in August. Real estate current taxes may be paid in two installments. The first is due June 1 and the second Sept. 1. The first installment draws interest after June 1 and the second after Sept. 1 and will be advertised for non-payment. Both installments may be paid at the same time. Information may be obtained by writing or contacting in person the supervisor of assessments in the county court house. FUMES OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN LEVEL STRUCTURE IN FH LOSS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN S5MOO Far into the afternoon hours of Monday, controlled flames consumed the last bit of wood which had been part of the large, 120-ft. barn on the Arthur Hoppe farm that burned to the ground Sunday evening. The farm is located just south of Rt. 120 on a blacktop road. The fire, of unknown origin, resulted in an estimated loss of more than $50,000. Six cows and six calves were burned to death, as well as a registered Holstein bull. Although two employees on the farm crawled to stanchions in the northeast passersby were working to drive the cows away from the building. Save Nearby Buildings Although the roof on the maj chine shed and garage started to burn, firemen were able to confine the flames" to that portion of the buildings and little damage was reported. The milk house and bulk tank were also saved. In addition to the cattle, 1,600 bushels of sealed corn and eight tons of feed valued at $7,000 were razed. A tractor and other machinery near the barn were also destroyed. The family was at a loss to ex- Photo by Kolin The above picture shows the large barn on the Arthur Hoppe farm, located just squth of Rt. 120, four miles west of McHenry, as it was destroyed by flames Sunday evening. The loss of the barn and some cattle, grain and machinery, was estimated at more than $50,000. corner of the barn, where the flames started, they were unable to free all the animals before the fire became so intense that they were driven back. However, more than fifty cows and several calves were saved. Youth Detects Flames Young Jim Wright of Wonder Lake, passing the farm just before 9 o'clock, noticed flames rising from the northeast corner of the barn. He stopped at the house immediately to notify the family. Mr. and Mrs. Hoppe were visiting in McHenry at the time, but two employees on the farm, Werner Barleworth and John Cowan, rushed to the barn, after notifying the fire department, and began the tremendous task of getting the animals out. By the time the Hoppes were reached and rushed to their home, the barn roof was falling in and it was evident that efforts of the firemen could only hope to keep other nearby structures from being destroyed. In the meantime, neighbors and plain any possible cause of the fire since there was only airmail amount of hay in that section of the barn and no wiring in the part where the fire started. The barn had recently been rewired with a new electrical system. According to Mr.-Hoppe, everything seemed in order when he completed his work at 7 o'clock. The barn was constructed in 1916 and extensive improvements had been made in 1941. Because of the direction of the wind, firemen were aided in keeping nearby buildings from complete destruction. Six pieces of equipment from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District and also from Wonder Lake were employed in successful efforts of members to keep the flames under control. In spite of their shock over the great loss suffered, the Hoppes were overwhelmed by the firemen's efficiency and by the great spirit of neighborliness shown them. They plan to rebuild the barn in the near future. At Fort Sheridan Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Schaettgen have returned from a few weeks sight seeing in Florida. TWO FROM McHENRY AREA HONORED AT STATE UNIVERSITY For outstanding scholarship at the University of Illinois, James T. Martin and Peggy A. Stamer of the McHenry community are named among those to be honored next week. They will be cited Friday, May 3, in the annual Honors Day convocation. Special honors will go to ninety seniors-frith i sustained high scholarship for two years. I Director Robbin W. Fleming of the Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations will deliver the address. "Scholarship in a Democracy." | Class honors will be accorded i the class's upper 10 per cent. * DAVID G. YOUNG Pvt. David G. Young, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Young of McHenry, who completed his basic training at Fort Carson, Colo, is now stationed .with the 78th AAA Guided Missile Battalion at Fort Sheridan. He is a graduate of the McHenry high school with the class of 1956. GRASS FIRE Firemen were called to the Some Day farm, about two miles south of McHenry on Rt. 31, last Friday to extinguish a grass fire. No damage was reported. Country Store Bazaar Benefits Church Building April 27 is the date if the country store bazaar at the1") Spring Grove town hall, sponsored by th«» W.S.C.S. of the Methodist church of that community- From noon until 8 pJh. there will be fun for all. including a snack booth selling refreshments and barbecues and a bakery booth. Those who like antiques will be interested in the aU'c booth, and other departments will feature needlework, as well as movies for the youngsters. Proceeds will be used foe church building fund. f|>