$ppg?i :, A ' •' ' WcJr&k't- An%'] "Serving The Chain-O-Lakes Region Since 1875" Volume 83 -- No. 42 -- 2 Sections McHENRY, ILLINOIS, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1958 16 Page* -- 10c Per Copj d! We have, been amusing ourselves-- but not the punctual Individuals--with a humorous little display of words we gathered from someone with a quicker mind than burs. It ; jran something like this, "I'm "riot late I only took my coffee bi&k before I came to "Mtek." It has just occurred to us that coffee breaks, which have long borne the brunt of Jokes, are making the news more and more these days. Just last week, a well known doctor who writes for va leading metropolitan newspaper questioned the value of a couple of coffee breaks as compared to a half hour sleep for a refresher. We agree. We were a little slow to adopt the coffee habit here at the Plaindealer. It took a few new employees from the big city, where such breaks are sometimes laughingly said to be interrupted at regular intervals by work, to introduce them to us. Since then we have become mornipg coffee addicts, jqjping the thousands of folks throughout our country who find they need this in addition to a cold, wet washcloth in the face as a real "waker-upper." Now if we can somehow manage to work in the half hour period of sleep In addition to the coffee break, we think it won't be too hard waiting for the promised four-day week. We are Just waJd „ however, that the stimulant coffee might have an adverse effect on sleep for the more nervous folks. For ourselves, we intend to fool the whole system by taking our sleep first. If a strong hand ran stir ns at the end of a half hour, the "coffee may rouse us to the point where we may possibly be able to finish out the work W> day. We've read a lot about conditions in the South these days. We've also done a lot of complaining about the weather up North, since it was something we were . experiencing ourselves. Tbis week news from the southland came, as the old sAjng gpes. "right from the horse's lfiduth." Actually, it came from one of our local residents who has plenty of reason to complain. We in Mc- Henry nriav continue to grumble. but think of the poor fellow who waits a whole year for a vacation, then travels 2,000 miles to spend his money soakinjr up rain, snow and wind in Florida. Actually, the situation as reported to us has absolutely no humor to it. In times when business is definitely not on the upward trend, the tremendous losses experienced in the South because of weather conditions is serious. Our local traveller, Frank Gans, reports seeing in one place 32,000 acres of tomatoes all. destroyed bv the freezing temperatures. In other places, whole orange groves have been hurt, some believed to be permanently, with entire trees turning brown and the fruit falling to the ground. . In one place, Florida game ftsh by the thousands could be picked up with the hand, so i)umb were they as they floated on top of the ice. ;<l^isiting a friend at one of the old hotels equipped only with fireplaces, Frank said it was almost without customers and the few' who remained were preparing to leave. Today's genius is the man who has caught up with his Christmas bills before vacation time arrives. t®ge Early Reservation For Mayslake Retreat As the annual retreat at Mayslake, Hinsdale, will be over the weekend of March 21- 23, all men interested in attending are urged to contact LeRoy Welter as soon as possible in order that their reservations may be given prompt atftmtion. These retreats are sponsored by the McHenry council, Knights of Columbus and are open to' all men of McHenry and surrounding communities. Seventy-one members of the Chamber of Commerce attended the annual dinner meeting of the organization, held at the McHenry Country club last Tuesday evening. . In .the absence of Harry Dean, president in 1957, William Burfeindt read a letter written by {Jr. Dean, in which he thanked directors and members for their cooperation, and also Mayor P. Freund and the City Council. The newly elected president, Dan Creamer, spoke briefly on plans for the year ahead. He especially mentioned homecoming, which had been discussed last month, and said that organizations are being contacted and urged to sponsor programs to add to the day's festivities. Thus far, the Rotary Rodeo and the Kiwanis Pancake Day will be held in conjunction with homecoming. Other projects, Mr. Creamer said, will be discussed as the need arises thrpugh the year. Donald Doherty, who was in charge of the evening's program, announced that the retail merchants' committee, of which he is chairman, would meet in the very near future. E. J. Gausden,' representing the industrial committee as its chairman, announced that a 12,000-foot square building was being erected in McHenry, to be used for industry. . He also expressed regret in the closing of the Admiral plant here, adding that the building is now for sale. Eighty-Five Members Harold Steffan, as membership chairman, reported that there are now eighty-five members of the C. of C. and that others eligible for membership would be contacted soon.- "Hie treasurer's report was given by the secretary, Mrs. Eleanor Pliner, indicating a bank balance of $1,700. Dan Justen, who is in charge of the park district project, said he believed the . issue would be brought up for a vote soon. Mr. Justen then summarized what had been accomplished thus far in preparation for a vote and things still needed to be done before the public could express an opinion on it. The guest speaker, Ross E. Anderson, executive secretary of the Oak Park Chamber of Commerce proved most interesting, cfioosing as his topic, "One of Two". In his talk he expressed the need for every business and professional establishment in the community regardless of size, being represented in the Chamber of Commerce, which is a major organization in any city. He continued by stressing the necessity for every person to contribute toward the success of the group. During the evening, Mr. Creamer introduced the mayor, members of the City Council who were present and the board of directors. x Caught Napping Dead proof of the wisdom of the old admonition, "Don't be Caught Napping," are these two red foxes found sleeping in the open on farm land located four miles south of McHenry on Rt. 31. They were shot by Richard Kollenkark, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Kollenkark. World Day Of Prayer In City World Day of Prayer will be observed Friday, Feb. 21, in an hour long service starting at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary of the McHenry Community Methodist church. This is an open service to which all interested persons are invited to attend. The theme of the rite is "The Bread of Life" and has been prepared by a group of women who are members of churches within the Australian council for the World Council of Churches. Some of the prayers in the service have been written by women who are Australian aborigines. PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURE OF PTA MEETING FEB. 27 On Thursday, ifeb. 27, at 8:15 p.m., the McHenry Community P.T.A. will hold its meeting at the high school eafeteria. Carl Buckner will act as moderator for the symposium which will deal with parents and teachers working together. Panel members will be Clarence Anglese and Miss Myrtle Proctor, representing the faculty; Ralph Bennett and Mrs. Frank Gregory, representing the parents. Tribute will be paid during the evening to the founders of the P.TA Also, the past pres- C. H. DUKER RESIGNS C. H. Duker, superintendent in the McHenry schools for thirty-six years, announced his resignation to the two boards he serves on Tuesday of this week, to become effective at the ^close of the school year. Thirty-Eight Students Win Places On Highest Honor Roll Thirty-eight students, in the local high school received straight "A" ratings on the honor roll released this week. A number of others ranked on the. "B" plus and "B" rolls. The "A" students are as follows: Seniors Linda Anderson, Doris Berkley. Vincent Cina, Joanne Hays Judi Kolar, Janice Mikota, George Peterson, Ronald Swanson and Mary Lou Watkins. juniors Richard Antonson, Albert Cajthaml, Janice Hettermann, Eileen Huff, Rosemary Mercure, Diane Rietesel. Ron Smith and Carol Weingart. Sophomores Karen Bailey. Jean Borchardt, Mary Carr, Carol Diedrich, Judy Hans. • Joyce Eckstein, Lambert Freund, Carol Vanthournot, Karen Thompson, Nancy Weber and Barbara Krickl. Freshmen Dorothy Adams, Anita Barger, Nancy Chadwick, Kathryn Curran, Sherry Evans. Nana Oonk, Alan Rietesel, Marlene Schroeder. Patricia Walsh and Nancy Whiting. Placed on the "B" plus roll are the following: Seniors Leona Arndt, Zelinda Bennett, Roger Benson, Frank Colomer, Dave Fantus, Maryann Granger, Ann Marie Groh, Pauline Kalemba. Andre Larson, Dorothy Miller, Nancy Thornton. Girard Toussaint, Carl Walker and Wayne Wirfs. Juniors Joan Blake, Terrence Brady, Tom Claybaugh, Mary Etheridge, Charlene Freund, Grace Hiller, Kay Hiller, James Jones. Eileen Knox, Judy Kbch, Liz Kosup, Pat McCracken. Bette Miller, Tom Olsen. Dorothy Schaefer, Joyce Schimke, Richard Smith, Maryann Swenski. Mark Vycital and Lynn Wilkinson. Sophomores Barbara Skrentny, Daniel Sompel; Arthur Sternickle, (Continued on page 8) M1ERSTMG PUNS FOR COMMUNITY Freshmen Night PROGRESS REVEALED AT ANNUAL Tu"dav'F*b' DINNER METIN6 OF C. OF C. Freshmen Night, usually held in May, has been moved ahead this year Tuesday evening, Feb. 25, from 7 to* 9 p.m. in the high school \ gymnasium. ^ The evening is held annually to register all incoming freshmen in the subjects fear which they have shown an && titude. Tests were given to'lSS) eighth graders in this district by Clarence Anglese, guidance director, on Feb. 4, 5 and 6 and results of those tests will aid faculty members in recohh mending a course of study $ keeping with the ability of tfite individual student. " Freshmen Night has been held for a number of years, and school authorities have found that assistance given at this time is of great help in preventing some students from entering a course of study to which they are not fitted and may later fail, and also to encourage others to take subjects for which they are shown to be apt. v On the day of the tests, each incoming freshman was given a handbook showing the course of study in the high school. Students and parents are asked to read this before reporting for registration next Tuesday. In addition to the main course of study, the young people will also register for extracurricular activities Which they may care to join. If there is any question concerning the individual course of study, the principal, Marvin Martin, or Mr. Anglese may be contacted in advance of Tuesday evening. Mrs. John Bolger is in charge of Freshmen Night. WINS PROMOTION Duluth Motorist Hurt In Accident Near City > Joseph Gilson, 52, of Duluth, Minn., was treated at McHenry hospital this week as the result of injuries received Frf* day afternoon when his car left the road, plunged through a fence and into a ditch and field, coming to a stop about 350 feet from the highway. Gilson told state police that he lost control of his car on the icy pavement near McHenry. Friday's snow resulted in numerous accidents in this part of the state. sssfsss Promoted to Marine private first class recently, Henry D. Weber, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Weber of Route 5, McHenry, is presented a warrant of promotion by Col. S. L. Stephan, commanding officer of the Marine Barracks at Great Lakes. Weber is a prisoner guard with the Marine barracks at the Great Lakes Naval Training center. Before enlisting in April, 1956, he attended McHenry Community high school. BABCOCK INFANT DIED THURSDAY AFTER SURGERY The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Babcock of Washington street, who was born Feb. 10 in Memorial hospital, Woodstock, died last Thursday, Feb. 13, in Children Memorial hospital following surgery. The infant, who had been named Arthur Phillip, is survived by his parents, three sisters and one brother, Cindy, Jean, Terry and Cal, Jr., and the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Stilling, of Richmond. The body was taken to the George Justen & Son funeral home, where it remained until Saturday at 2 o'clock, when Rev. Fr. Collins officiated at rites at St. Patrick's cemetery. ""NOTICE On Saturday, Feb. 22, the McHenry post office and station will have no window service and there will be no city or rural deliveries. Mail will be dispatched at 6 p.m. Miss Donna Dowe is vacationing in Pompano Beach, FIdrida. The Delinquency Problem Delinquency has become increasingly important as a public problem, and at the same time is distasteful to everyone it touches. While it is not new, at least until very recent years it occupied a more or less obscure place in each day's news. During the war years, the public attributed the rise of delinquency to the tensions and uncertainties of the times. It was only when it continued into peacetime that it was generally conceded to be a permanent problem of a fast growing nation. Most folks have come to accept front page daily delinquency stories in metropolitan communities, but within the last few weeks, it has come to our attention that real difficulties are being experienced in our own county high schools. One concerned truancy in after-school detention periods and the other reached more serious proportions. Reading of these problems prompts us to give a serious look at our own local situation. The over-all picture is not too unpleasant, but certainly one which demands constant vigilance in quelling small incidents. It is generally conceded that McHenry, simply By merit of its fast growth, is not liable to be free of problems. Until the opening of the new addition very, recently, the shortage of adequate space only added to potential difficulties. No one could pretend to say that our high school has not presented problems for faculty and administration. The fact that they have been kept within bounds is to a great extent due to these same people, who we believe have the most difficult jobs in the community. A new hard-working and sincere principal came last September into an overcrowded school which had grown considerably over the previous year. His position was made more difficult by the task of presenting an entirely new class schedule to an age group not always happy to accept changes. He has firmly carried out his belief in the need for a restriction of liberties possible only when the school was smaller. His persistence has not always been popular. A number of students have realized the growing need for strict adherence to regulations, while others have been reluctant to put the school pride they claim to possess ahead .of a desire to keep any personal liberties which might have existed. The parent who honestly admits difficulties in the discipline of one or two 'teen-agers of his own might well give active support to those who must discipline 850. In the interest of maintaining our schools as the community's most important undertaking and avoiding the serious situations^ of many other cities, this would seem to be^a very simple but important contribution for any mother and father. EXTRA CHARGES ELIMINATED ON PHONE SERVICE f 228 Subscribers To Be Affected By Bell Abtfon Illinois Bell Telephone company has filed a tariff revision with the Illinois Commerce Commission in Sprinfield which, when effective, will eliminate extra charges now being paid by a group of telephone subscribers near the perimeter of McHenry. The tariff revision will also permit others to have urbantype service without the payment of extra charges. ^ Manager R. CL-Zahn-'said ..the change will be made effective Feb. 25. About 228 subscribers will be affected. Zahn said that forty-nine subscribers who have been outside the company's base rate area and have been paying extra mileage charges to get urban-type service will have the extra charges dropped. Another two customers will have their extra charges reduced because extension of the base rate area will reduce the mileage involved. Convert Service Zahn also said that 178 residence customers in the area who have had rural-type service have ordered urban-type service, now that the mileage charges will be eliminated by the tariff revision. The subscribers are general- McHENRY ADMRAL PLANT WIL STOP OPERATIONS MARCH 15; OFFER 200 WORKBS OTHER EMPLOYMENT McHENRY AGAIN HIGH IN SALES TAX COLLECTIONS The coffers of thirteen municipalities in the county were $28,566.12 richer as the result of that amount distributed from city sales tax collections during December, it has been announced by the state department of revenue. The December collections • represent the one-half cent tax on business transactions during November. Crystal Lake again this month topped the county cities with $7,054.17. It was followed by Woodstock with $6, 522.04; McHenry, $5,260.74; Harvard, $3,134.44; Fox River Grove, $552.86; Algonquin, $1,- 085.25; Cary, $1,037.97; Hebron, $386.88; Island Lake, $143.83; Marengo, $2,019.28; Richmond, $578.11; Huntley, $721.65; and Lakemoor, $68.81. Plan Appeal For Easter Seal Sale Volunteers interested in the McHenry County Easter Seal society have been devoting many hours ir. getting the Easter Seal appeal letters ready for mailing March 1. Over 20,- 000 letters will be sent to McHenry county residents. Contributors to the Easter Seal society have maintained the physical therapy center that treated 435 persons from McHenry county and the summer speech clinic that treated ninety-two children and adults last year. PUBLISHING PLANT IS DESTROYED IN $1,000,000 BLAZE (Continued on page 8) An estimated million dollars in damages was reported when fire destroyed the Dixon Publishing company Sunday following a series of explosions from butane gas stored in the one-story structure. Firemen from the city and rural departments brought the blaze under control as temperatures dipped below zero. The area was cleared of several hundred spectators before the explosions sent flames leaping hundreds of feet into the air. The plant, which employed about eighty people, was built in 1947 and was unoccupied at the time of the fire. Although no cause was officially determined, fire officials said they believed the blaze originated in the plant's heating system. CHAIRMAN NAMED TO CONDUCT ANNUAL HEART CAMPAIGN NEXT SUNDAY M McHENRY COMMUNITY On Sunday, Feb. 23, which has been designated as Heart Sunday, volunteer workers frpm this area will be calling at the various homes to secure funds in the annual drive. Two organizations are band^ ing together to conduct the house-to-house drive in the residential section, the American Legion auxiliary and the Women of the Moose. Heading the drive are Lauretta Homo, auxiliary president, and Nancy Bowman, senior regent of the Moose organization. Dr. Frank Sek is chairman of the McHenry Kiwanis group which has volunteered to canvass the business sections. In neighboring areas, chairmen include Mrs. Joseph Levesque, McCullom Lake; Mrs. Nick Tabor, Lakewood subdivision; _ Mrs. Gene Johnson, West Shore Beach; Mrs. Dorothy Uttich, Lakeland Park; Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Fossum, Ringwood; Mrs. Albert Janz and Mrs. Ethel Van Kanegan, Wonder Lake; Ben May, Spring Grove; and Theron Ehorn and Luanne Duncan, Richmond. Drives in the Lakemoor, Johnsburg and Island Lake areas may be conducted earlier than (Continued on page 8) LONG MARRIED PAIRS OBSERVE ANNIVERSARIES Three Couples In Area Wed 50 Years And Over Three couples well known in this community observed fifty years or more of married life this month. On Tuesday of this week; Mr. and Mrs. Edd Peet of 513 Park street marked the occasion of their fifty-fifth anniversary. Because their health has not been the best in recent weeks, the day was spent quietly. Edd Peet, native of Mapleton, Minn., and Miss Maude Slawson of Harvard were married in the bride's home city Feb. 18, 1903. They resided in this community all of their married life, forty-one years at Ringwood and the past eight years on Park street. The Peets have three daughters, Mrs. Ben Fout of Spring The Plaindealer received no* tification on Monday of this week from Chicago that the McHenry Admiral plant would close its doors on March 15. Local workers * have been informed by the Union that employment is being offered at the Harvard or Chicago factories. The reason g}ven for closing is an endeavor to consolidate production. In the future, radio and high fidelity sets, now made in McHenry, will be made and shipped at the Chicago plant, The size of the McHenry factory is not large enough, officials said, for both production and shipping. The Harvard plant manufactures mainly television sets. Closing of the McHenry factory, largest in the community, will send 200 employees either to other work in this area or to the other Admiral plants. Peak employment came in the years. 1953, '54 and '55, when about 450 was the average number working at the local factory. The building was purchased on Oct. 12, 1947 and actual operations began the following January. In addition to radios and hi-fi sets, record changers are also made here. Steve Zriny has been plant manager since the factory was opened ,in McHenry. It is with deep regret that McHenry notes the closing of Admiral. Employment of 200 persons has been a boost to the economy of the community and it is certain that at least a fair percentage will now seek employment elsewhere. PASTOR OF NEW CHURCH TO HOLD FIRST SERVICE Rev. Mclntyre^ Speaks SuH^ To Presbyterians Rev. Jack Mclntyre, minister of the newly formed Presbyterian church of McHenry, will conduct services for the first time Sunday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. in the congregation's temporary home, the community barn, in Eastwood Manor, Johnsburg road and Route 120. He has chosen as his sermon topic, "An Ancient Cospel in a Modern World." The new pastor comes to McHenry after serving three years as minister of the First Presbyterian church In Gray- (Continued on page 8) ville, 111. He accepted the call by the National Missions committee of the Freeport Presbytery to head the organizational campaign fos the McHenry church. It has been demonstrated that the rapid growth of the McHenry area created a need for a Presbyterian church in the community. Immediately upon his installation as spiritual leader of the young congregation, Rev. Mclntyre will begin formation of a church school for young people of all ages. At present, nursery facilities are provided for infants and small children. : Rev. Mclntyre, who is 33, brings with him his wife, Amolee. and two daughters, Priscilla, 3, and Marissa, 10 months. A home in Eastwood Manor, is being built for the family. uonauct ncail Pfjvg Sunday, P©b. *