9 77.. ^2 5 P39p PEOTONE, ILI . , CENTENMTAL GENERAL COri'^ITTEE PEOTONE ON PARADE, 1B56- 1956: CENTENNIAL CELE- BRATION, AUGUST 2-3-4-5, 1956 '4^_ ^•t; "^^■^ FROM CRANK" TO DIAL TELEPHONES SINCE 1900 Peotonc Served Well By Its Own Citizens On an early summer day in 1900 Miss Rose Schlauder became Peotone's first "hello" girl. At that time the Chi- cago Telephone Company installed a switchboard in the home of Rose's brother, Peter, who served as manager and who lived in the house now occupied by Mrs. Emma Hauert. Two years later the Interstate Independent Telephone Company established a competitive switchboard on the second floor of the Pearson Building, now known as This is Rose Stewart Jardin receiving calls on a 1905 telephone switchboard. Elmer Meyer's Appliance Store. Frank DuBois was the first manager and Nellie Haywood the first operator. October, 1902, Chicago company subscribers began to hear the new "hello" voice of A. B. Hodges when the switchboard was moved to the furniture store of John H. Stassen, Sr. The Schroeder & Cast Tavern now stands on the same spot. Interstate provided Peotone its only pay station in 1904. The 'phone was located in Foster's Drug Store, where Valentine's Cafe is today. Manager DuBois supervised four Interstate operators. Rose Motzar, Agatha Schmid Grabe and Rose Stewart Jardin were the daytime operators. From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Mabel Kurtz Gross worked the night shift. A full crew of linemen and repairmen kept Interstate telephones in constant working condition. Among them were Dewitt Clinton and his son, Harvey, William Ahlborn, Noah Goodrich, Bert Baird and Fred W. Meyer, all of Peotone. In the winter of 1905-06 a severe sleet storm toppled telephone poles and lines. Despite bad weather and often impassable roads, the crew soon restored service. In 1907 the Chicago moved to John Stassen's home on Lincoln St., where Dr. F. B. Daugherty now resides. One telephone for long distance calls remained in the store. Shortly before World War I Etta Schmid Deininger, Agatha Schmid's younger sister, began work as an opera- tor for Interstate. This was the first time one family pro- vided two operators. At this same time more new girls came to work at the Interstate office. Among them were Charlotte McMahon Kruger, Sarah Rust Gast, Ruth Heusner, Lena Jacobs and Emma Nickel. And another team of sisters, Olive and Ruby Croxen, were at the switchboard. In 1918 the Chicago company moved to the Pearson Building where it began sharing quarters and personnel with Interstate. Edwin P. "Ted" Cowing, longtime lineman and repairman for the Chicago company, became manager for both companies. Operators moved back and forth in the room, answering calls on both switchboards. Telephone crew, along Cemetery Road, repairing damage from sleet storm in winter of 1905-06. Peotone telephone personnel in 1905. At door are Mabel Kurtz Gross, Rose Stewart Jardin, Rose Motzer and Agatha Schmid Grabe, all operators. Left foreground with cable over right shoulder is Fred W. Meyer. With head in front of white blouse is Dewitt Clinton. Seated in right wagon are Noah Goodrich and Frank DuBois, manager. Standing behind them are Bert Baird and Harvey Clinton. To the right of the wagon, standing, is William Ahlborn. Other men did not live in Peotone. By 1920 the Interstate franchise was purchased by the Chicago Telephone Company which later became the Illinois Bell Telephone Company. Dorothy Brashears, now Mrs. Robert Mann of LaGrange, was Illinois Bell's first manager. When Dorothy left in 1924 she was succeeded by her sister, Maxine, today Mrs. M. R. Higgins of Chicago. While the Brashears sisters managed the oflSce two more members of the Cowing family entered the telephone business. Mrs. Sadie Cowing was a night operator and her daughter, Cath- erine, took calls during the day. Also, in the 1920's, Elfrieda Gross Littledale, Bessie Bate Williams and Francis Stelling were among the operators. By 1927 the company had moved to the second floor of the Agnes Diedrich Building. That fall Frank Schlauder's garage (where the St. Paul's Catholic Church is now loca- ted) caught fire. The flames spread to the telephone office next door. But the blaze was extinguished soon enough to prevent interruption of service. Until 1938 the Illinois Bell Telephone office remained in the Diedrich Building. Then the magneto, or "crank," telephones were replaced by the dial telephones now in use. WELCOME . . . The Citizens of Peotone welcome you to join with us in celebrating our one hundredth anniversary. It is our earnest desire that all of you acquire the gala spirit that goes w^ith an occasion of this kind. We of Peotone are proud of our past and present accom- plishments and w^e are sure that Peotone w^as and is truly "a good place to come to." PREFACE The purpose of this book is to give brief information regarding people, places, and events during the last century. Our obligations of gratitude in the preparation of this book are many. Without the help and kindness of friends supplying information and pictures, the assembling of this book would have been impossible. In a "centennial" book of this nature it has not been thought necessary to prove every statement, but the reader may be assured that the information here given is as near correct as the writers have been able to ascertain. As for the handling of each entry, every effort has been made to provide information most likely to be of interest to the average reader of today. The names and data have been selected as objectively as possible. The selections have been made from former files, histories, newspapers and general periodicals. These records contain many times the number of names that could be included. Any errors or omissions in the selection of material we hope will be overlooked. To all the people who furnished any material, the writers wish to express their grateful appreciation. The members of the centennial committee also wish to express their thanks to everyone who worked on any committee, and were concerned in any way in making our centennial celebration a success. Centennial General Committee Historical Program Committee LIBKAKY UNIVERSITY OF UlfNOIS « URBANA-tJHAMPAIGN VILLAGE BOARD Seated, left to right: Stacey Baird, Trustee, Geo. Lindeman, Trustee; Louis Schroeder, Village President; Elmer Meyer, Village Clerk; Vernon Radigk, Trustee. Standing, left to right: Vibert Booth, Police Magistrate; Howard Scrivens, Trustee; Wayne Baird, Trustee; Ervel Pattengale, Trustee; Thomas Ivanhoft, Chief ot Police; Chester Conrad, Street Superintendent and Water Commissioner. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE V DIVISION CHAIRMEN 'm Left to right: Chester Conrad, Vice Chairman; Tom Ivanoff, Fire- works Chairman; Lyie Cann, General Chairman; Ralph Cann, Decorating Chairman; Gladys Schroeder, Underwriting Chairman; Louis Schroeder, Treasurer; Mary "Mickey" Younker, Secretary. PROMOTION DIVISION Front row, seated: V. Schroeder, M. Regan and D. Buhr. Standing, left to right: W. Warren, L. Werner, Chairman, F. Regan, and H. Clark. SPECTACLE DIVISION Back row, left to right: M. Regan, Promotion Div.; M. Rathje, Spectacle Div.; L. Russell, Publicity Div.; A. Schannen, E. Rehberg, and G. Curtis, Spectacle Ticket Div.; L. Werner, Promotion Div.; H. Honsbruch, Special Events Div.; H. Scrivens, Revenue Div.; and not in photo, R. Meyer, Hos- pitality Div. and W. Albers, Special Events Div. REVENUE DIVISION Standing, left to right: H. Scrivens, H. Pattengale, T. Clinton, C. Ritzman, R. Arnold, D. Minger, and J. Rossi. Absent is R. Hartman. HOSPITALITY DIVISION Top row, left to right: C. Rehberg, M. Matthews, and L. Schroeder. Bottom row, left to right: E. Rehberg, J. Gall, M. Rathje, and A. Schan- Left to right: T. Ivanoff, L. Schroeder, R. Meyer, M. Knowiton, jnd E. Overman. PUBLICITY DIVISION SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE Lett to right: Thomas Ivanhoft, Pat Murray, Robert Ernst, and Lee Russell. Lett to right: Calvin Younker, Ivan Honsbruch, Walter Albers, Frances Fedde, and Dorothy Barbour. HISTORICAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE I H Fl o Standing, left to right: T. Clinton, R. Hartman, H. Scrivens, and C. Conrad. Seated, left to right: R. Arnold, C. Kruger, K. Beutien, G. Ginter, and M. Rathje. Not included are J. Peters and P. Heltrich. SPECTACLE TICKET DIVISION Back row, left to right: G. W. McFadden, G. Curtis, and C. F. Arnold. Front row, left to right: G. Zornow and H. Heyerman. THE HISTORY OF PEOTONE The Village of Peotone, in the County of Will, State of Illinois, was, until the year 1855, simply a part of that great western wilderness spoken of in the eastern section of the United States as the "Grand Prairie." In tracing the history of any locality, it is always well to go back to the beginning of things, and to learn who first trod its soil and voyaged upon its streams. In 1673, Louis Joliet, a French trader, and James Marquette, a Jesuit missionary, started out from Green Bay, Wisconsin, on their voyage for the discovery of the Mississippi River, which the Indians informed them, flowed to the Great West. Coming to the mouth of the Illinois, they returned by way of the Illinois to Chicago, having learned from the Indians that it was a shorter route, passing up the Des Plaines. Tradition says that they camped upon the mound below Joliet. This was probably the first time that the region, now known as Will County, was trodden by a white man. A few years later, two other early French explorers, LaSalle, a trader and explorer, and Father Hennepin, another Jesuit missionary, passed from the St. Joseph River into the Kankakee, and down it into the Illinois. Twelve-Mile Grove, now a part of Wilton, was ori- ginally an Indian Reservation consisting of two sections of land, reserved by treaty, and was known as the "Se- Natch-E-Wine Reservation." One section was reserved to Joseph Laughton, an Indian who borrowed a white man's name, and the other to Se-Natch-E-Wine, which was com- monly called Snatchwine. The man who bore this name seems to have been a chief. The name often occurred in the Indian history of the region. It was also found in the treaties of 1815-1816 with the Pattowatomies, spelled Sou-nou-che-wome. In this grove was once an Indian Village, of which Se-natch-e-wine was chief. An old chief's grave was still conspicuous when the white settlers came. He was buried in a pen of saplings, in a sitting posture, with his gun, pipe, kettles, etc., all ready for use in the happy hunting grounds. The plows turned up many Indian relics. Laughton and Snatchwine, with other Indians, visited the grove after it had become settled and enclosed. Coming to the fences which had been built, they cut a passage through them until they reached the site of their old village, where they camped for some days. "Old Put" was a noted character in the settlement. His notoriety was of a kind not likely to attract new- comers, and some of the settlers determined to rid the grove of his presence. The means resorted to was a coat of tar and feathers and shaving his head, then he was let go. The grove knew him no more. The Indian name of this grove was Na-be-ne-ka-nong. The translation of the word is "Twelve miles from any other place," hence the name by which it used to be known. By the Revolution of 1776 and the treaty with Eng- land, the country passed into the domain of the United States, and, by the treaty of 1833, at Chicago, with the Pottawatomies, the red man surrendered his domain, also. In 1835, the Indians to the number of 5,000, were as- sembled at Chicago, received their annuity, danced their last war dance in Illinois, and took up their march for new hunting grounds on the far Missouri. About the time that Abraham Lincoln was urging land-grant aid for the proposed Illinois Central Railroad in the Illinois legislature, Stephen A. Douglas introduced a bill in the United States Senate in behalf of the rail- road. I.e. STATION OF AN EARLIER DATE Quoting from "Main Line of Mid-America" — "Whigs and Democrats who had been engaged in heated debates on slavery and other questions temporarily forgot their party labels and approached the land-grant question as an independent matter; Henry Clay, the 'Great Whig' in a speech ■'.trongly supporting the bill, said, "I happen to know something personally of the interior of the State of Illinois — Now, this road will pass directly through the Grand Prairie lengthwise, and there is nobody who knows anything of that Grand Prairie who does not know that the land is utterly worthless for any present purpose — not because it is not fertile, but for want of wood and water and from the fact that it is inaccessible, wanting all facilities for reaching a market or for transporting timber, so that nobody will go there and settle while it is so desti- tute of all of the advantages of society and the conven- iences which arise from a social state. And now, by constructing this road through the prairie, through the center of Illinois, you bring millions of acres of land im- mediately into the market which will otherwise remain for years and years entirely unsalable." Henry Clay had given a perfect description of the six-mile square area now known as Peotone Township, CENTENNIAL GREETINGS SOUND PLANNING AND GOOD JUDGMENT RESULTS IN A COMMUNITY WITH A BRILLIANT FUTURE. THE BORDEN COMPANY AND SOUTHSIDE DAIRY ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY SOUTHSIDE DAIRY Distributor of Borden Products which hes in the southeast part of Will County, with the village of Peotone at the eastern edge of the township. This area was timberless and had only a stream of water (a branch of "Forked Creek") flowing through it though several smaller creeks meandered through the farm lands on their way to the Kankakee river. For this reason, and because of the lack of timber for building log houses, it did not attract settlers quickly, the earliest ones selecting sites along the creek just mentioned. In fact, before completion of the railroad the few people who had settled in this township came through Wilton by way of Joliet, which had been settled as early as 1831, due to its accessi- bility on a water-way. The first actual settlers here were Daniel Booth and James Allen, from Massachusetts, who came here in 1849. They made the first improvements in the township but stayed only a few years. In 1855 the actual settlement and prosperity of the township began. Ralph Crawford, Samuel Goodspeed and James and John Cowing were the first permanent settlers. The next year, 1856, Patrick Armstrong, and the Fahs brothers, Arnold, Tobias and Cornelius came. The next year, 1857, George Reynolds, Thomas Lock- ey. Smith Shaw and William P. Benn arrived. The wes- tern part of the township was rapidly becoming settled and since Wilton Center and Wallingford were then in the height of their prosperity, all Peotone township people went there to trade. When the township of Wilton was formed in 1850, there were only two men of voting age in Township 33, Range 12, or what is now known as Peotone. So it was in- cluded with Wilton, which lying closer to Joliet, the county seat, was already well settled. Will County was so named in honor of Dr. Conrad Will of Joliet, a member of the first Illinois State legis- lature, when that body formed it from the lower part of Cook County in January 1836. At that time it included the present county of Kankakee, which was later set off by itself. In 1851, the Illinois Central Railroad was incorpor- ated. The Act of Congress gave alternate sections of land six miles wide on each side of the road, to aid in the building of it. The company agreed to give seven percent of its gross earnings to the state for the benefit of schools. By the time the road was completed in 1856, the eastern portion of the township had begun to fill up with settlers and there was a demand for a village at the railroad station. The present site of the village was bought from the railroad company and laid out by David Goodwille in 1856. Though legend has it that the town was named for an Indian Chief who formerly roamed about this region, another source claims that it was named by an official of the railroad who created the names for many of the stations along the line by combining consonant and vowels chosen at random, as he made his first trip of in- spection down the line. The popular translation of the " M) U VIEW TAKEN ABOUT 1900 WHEN SOME BUSINESS HOUSES FACED TOWARD RAILROAD 7 riTSt to design and manufacture 5 gallon steel pails First to pioneer a complete line of • PAILS • DRUMS UTILITY CANS BENNEH INDUSTRIES INC. CONTAINER DIVISION First in QUALITY . . . DESIGNERS and FABRICATORS of STRUCTURAL STEEL and PLATEWORK in HOT ROLLED STEEL - ALUMINUM and STAINLESS BENNETT INDUSTRIES INC STRUCTURAL DIVISION Centennial Good Wishes From one Old-Timer to Another . . . BENNETT INDUSTRIES PEOTONE, ILLINOIS f INC S. A. BENNETT President IRA FLATT Vice-President A. J. GASBARRA Vice-President and General Manager LARRY ISTEL Assistant General Manager J. BRUCE DREVER Controller JOSEPH HITCHINGS Superintendent of Maintenance DON SMITH Director of Purchasing CHRIS WARNING Steel Purchasing Agent GEORGE CURTIS Assistant Purchasing Agent NORBERT ESSIG Director of Personnel CONTAINER DIVISION Harry LePan Vice-President Robei-t Ernst Ass't Sales Manager Roy Sorenson Technical Sales Len Cummings Salesman Robert Sherwood Sales Order Dept. Eugene Easly Sales Order Dept. Fred Mascitti Superintendent Phil Imholz Ass't Superintendent Bruno Zaffino General Foreman Stan Kay Production Control Mgr. Foremen: James Bakhaus Painting Robt. Cassady Chief Inspector Wilfred Florence Steel Storage and Shear Earl Gonderman Barrel Line Don Lecuyer Utility and Machinist Norbert Rehberg Shipping Paul Schwandt Night Supervisor Eric Streubel Hi-Bake Lining Specialist STRUCTURAL DIVISION K. F. Hauert Vice-President W. R. Parsons Chief Engineer Wm. Chapman Sales Engineer Henry Miller Engineer Leon Jankowsky Engineer Edwin Bosak Engineer Edwin Paige Plant Manager H. Carstens Ass't to Plant Manager Walter E. Mueller Superintendent Harry Moseley Ass't to Superintendent Frank Koehn General Foreman Foremen: Alfred Ahlborn Detail Marking Franklin Klenz Bridges Richard Lidberg Night Supervisor Walter Nickel Loading and Unloading Harold Tompkins Blacksmith Ernest Wendelsdorf Templet Shop Ken Younker Layout MACHINE SHOP Russell Seligman Chief Master Mechanic Walter Spivey Assistant Foreman MAINTENANCE Leo Stender Ass't to Maintenance Supervisor Walter Rehberg Chief Electrician VIEW LOOKING WEST FROM WATER TOWER ABOUT 1900 name — "a good place to live in" — is borne out by the following description of the township from a history of Will County published in 1907, which states "there is hardly an acre of poor land in the whole of Peotone township, nor one that is not now occupied and in use. The farms are all thrifty and well-to-do with neat and comfortable farm buildings and all parts of the township have the appearance of prosperity and abundance." By 1858, all land not held by the railroad, was occu- pied by settlers or bought by speculators. The population was now about 125 — twenty-five of these being voters. A petition was presented to the County Board for the organization of the eastern half of Wilton Precinct into a separate township. The petition was granted and the first township meeting was held April 6, 1858. That year John F. Pickering (the maternal grand- father of E. P. Cowing) built the first house in the village, using one of the rooms as a general store. This house was on Crawford street, where the Stacey Barton residence now stands. Later he built a house to the east of the first one, which is still standing and now occupied by Everett Munger. In 1859, Mr. Pickering erected a store building facing the east about where the frozen food locker now stands. In fact, most of the first business places were on this street, facing the railroad. The new store attracted sev- eral families who came and built homes. A post office was then established in the Pickering store and the next year the first school, located at the corner west of the Henry Lindeman home (near the Fahs farm) was taught by W. W. Clark. In 1860 the first physician, Dr. Charles Stedman, located here. The railroad built a warehouse for grain, which was not much used. Then in 1868 two others were built by local residents and from that time the village began to put on good, solid growth. Several elevators were built later, the original one on the site of the present Farmers' Elevator, having been burned down in the 1890's. In the early days these were operated by mule or horsepower, later by steam, then gasoline and now electricity. The first cemetery in Peotone was located on land bought from Samuel Goodspeed December 24, 1867. The officers were L. Tobias, President, Henry Gates, Treasurer, Erasmus Morey, Robert Rains, and C. A. West- gate, Trustees. The first lot, it being Lot No. 1, was sold to Samuel Goodspeed. This land and organization is now known as the Peotone Cemetery. During the ten-year period to 1869, many new homes and business buildings were erected and the new village prospered greatly. It was incorporated in 1869, the first election was held, and C. A. Westgate was elected village president. Two of the three trustees were Mr. Pickering and Joseph Imholz (great-grandfather of Phillip Imholz) . He lived where the Walter Rehbergs now live. Mr. West- gate had a nursery in the northeast part of town (what is now the Barbour property) and planted the little grove later bought by Mr. Small and called "Small's Grove," 10 Compliments of TURK FURNITURE 126 N. Schuyler Ave. KANKAKEE, ILL. Do You Remember When: The Anti-Horse Thief Association was founded in 1885? Congratulations Peotone CHRIS' PLUMBING & HEATING SHOP 11 MAIN STREET BETWEEN HUPE AND MEYERS BEFORE 1912 where picnics and later the early fairs were held. Many farmers also planted groves of soft maple, elm and poplar on their lands. During this period the township also was settling rapidly though the farms were much larger than now. The Siever farm in West Peotone consisted of 1,200 acres. The McCormicks of Chicago owned a large tract in Will township which later was sold as smaller farms. Since so much of the land was not tiled and unfit for any crop except hay, much stock was raised. It was a common sight to see droves of cattle and hogs driven through our streets to the stock yards at the north end of town, to be shipped away. Often an animal would break away and roam about the town for days before being caught by the owners. Of course, most of the homes in the village had their large yards enclosed by wooden picket fences at that time. Nearly every family in town had a barn, kept a cow and pigs and many had a horse and carriage. Ill The first farmers had only a hand plow, drag, and cultivator so that he was not able to work more than 80 to 120 acres. Then came the riding plow, the check-by- hand corn planter, disc pulverizer, rake, reaper, mower, etc. Today all these are replaced by the tractor, combine, baler, husker, milking machine and cooler, and the electric pump replaces the wind mill. There are few horses left on the farms. In the early days farmers raised horses for their own use and to sell in Chicago for draying and for the street cars. Often when these horses got sore feet from the city streets, they were sent back to the town fairs and bought by the farmers again. When gas power re- placed horses many people predicted ruin for farmers because of the surplus of hay and grain. However, what was formerly raised for stock is now needed for human consumption. For some years much hay, both timothy and native prairie hay, was cut and shipped away. One of the earliest JOHN CONRAD HOME — NOW HARRY VOIGT RATHJE MILL — A PEOTONE LANDMARK industries employing men in the village was a hay-press built in 1869 on the corner north of the Charles Schroeder home (which at that time was the home of Ted Cowing's parents) , for preparing hay for city and southern markets, but as the prairie was gradually fenced up and tiled, and more cattle and sheep were being fed here, the business of hay pressing fell off. Among the first staple crops, as more land came under cultivation, were wheat and rye. So in 1872 H. A. Rathje brought mill-wrights from Holland to construct a mill on the Holland plan for the purpose of grinding wheat and rye into flour and other grains for feed. This mill, which is still standing at the west side of the village, cost nearly ^12,000 and was said to be one of the finest of 12 WILL COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION WILL COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS PEOTONE, ILLINOIS August 24-25-26 TRACTOR PULL AND RODEO Friday CANADIAN HELL DRIVERS Friday and Saturday Evenings cKINLEY WILD WEST AND RODEO SHOW Sunday Evening 13 CHEE5E FACTORY AT WEST END OF CORNING — 1878 its kind in this country. It had four large fans, fifty feet in length, covered with canvas sails, which furnished power equal to 40 horses. The framework is of huge solid hand cut timbers, put together with wooden pegs. As the production of wheat later gave way in this section to corn and oats, it was shipped in from Minnesota by railroad and ground here, then delivered by team and wagon to stores in Joliet, Wilmington, Kankakee, Momence, and the smaller neighboring towns. Graham flour, white and yellow corn meal, white, rye and buckwheat flour were packaged in ten-pound sacks. The cornmeal we get now is like saw-dust compared with the stone-ground from which the oil was not removed. Oats and corn were ground for stock feed. In 1883 the fans were removed from the mill and a steam engine installed to furnish the power for grinding. The reasons for this change were the in- creased volume of business, which the wind power could not be depended upon to take care of, and the difficulty of making necessary repairs on the fans. Later, when the large flour mills began shipping in their products, grinding was discontinued but the old mill remains as a picturesque reminder of the early period of Peotone. Not many towns have such an interesting landmark. Watch- ing the fans go round from the school windows used to be a favorite distraction of the school days in years gone by, for which many a paddling was meted out. An amus- ing fact not generally known is that the steam engine which ran the mill in later years, was sold to the local bridge factory where it was used for blowing the whistle. In 1878 a cheese factory was built a half mile west of town on Corning avenue by Peter Conrad and Son, which was planned to use 14,000 pounds of milk per day, dairying having become one of the important branches of farming. The business was discontinued after a few years and the building converted into a residence. At the present time the building is owned by the Asbrand estate and has been used as a tenant house for many years. Previous to 1858 there were no schools of any kind in Peotone township. A few children were sent to school in Wilton, but the distance was so great that they were able to attend only in the finest weather. In February 1859, the voters met at the home of J. F. Johnson and elected school trustees, who divided the township into four school districts. Within three years each of these districts had built a school house (Schrier or Piper school south of town was one of these) . In 1866 two new districts were created. By that time there were 248 of the 301 between the ages of 6 and 21 who were attending school. The school report of 1877 gives ^70 per month as the highest wage paid any teacher and ^10,000 as the value of the property belonging to the nine districts at that time. The school building erected in '59 was now too small and out-of-date. A new two-story frame building was PEOTONE SCHOOL PRIOR TO 1927 The first school house on the corner of First and Main streets. It was later used as the Presbyterian church. G. LEE RUSSELL Editor and Publisher TmC PEOTONE VEDETTE ^^3 W. North Street, Peotone, III. - Phone 2761 Publishing and Commercial Printing A Weekly Newspaper serving the Peo+one community since Feb. 4, 1894 We have been pleased to be able to cooperate with the Centennial Committee in making our files available for much of the historical data which appears in this book. A News Item Sent to the Vedette Is Always Appreciated Do You Remember When: During the three day blizzard of 1885 the temperature most of the time was 20 to 30 degrees below zero? COTTAGE BAKERY & SNACK SHOP (AIR CONDITIONED) COKES AND SNACKS FOR EVERY OCCASION Borden's Ice Cream RUSSELL C. KRUGER, Owner DIAL 4601 PEOTONE, ILLINOIS DIAL 3041 15 PEOTONE GRADE SCHOOL UNIT DISTRICT 207 U erected on the site of the present grade school at a cost of ^7,000. In 1901 this building was sold, part of it being moved across the street where it was used as a barn until torn down, the other part moved to the Rathje farm and torn down in 1941. This part had an attractive hall with a wide stairway leading to the second floor, which had a handsome walnut stair rail. This stair rail was lavishly decorated with carved initials of many native sons still living here. A brick building was then put up, to which the pres- ent gym was added in 1927. Just when this addition was completed a fire occurred in the old part so a new section was added to replace it. In 1941, Community High School District 207 was established. Then in 1950 Community Unit District ffwm J 207-U was formed. This included the south one-third of Manhattan township, all of Green Garden, all of Wilton, the west two-thirds of Will, and all of Peotone. This area was 144 square miles. The equalized assessed valuation was ^22,000,000. When 207-U was formed, there were 26 one-room schools. These were all closed. The units Green Garden, Wilton, and Will were formed into three schools. Now we are operating only the Green Garden and Wilton units. One school board composed of seven members then managed all twelve grades. The construc- tion of a fine high school building was started in 1954 after residents of the district approved a ^730,000 bond issued for the purpose. During the construction of the new building, Mr. C. L. Walters was Superintendent of Schools and the board members were Irwin Loitz, Leo Schroeder, William C. Bettenhausen, Harris Frahm, Alvin PEOTONE COMMUNITY UNIT HIGH SCHOOL IG 80 Years . . . of Masonry Work By the Daum Family Adam Daum was born May 6, 1856, just 100 years ago, in Langen, Germany. He came to the United States at the age of twenty and settled in Joliet, Illinois. He lived with a friend by the name of Lewis Werner, who formerly lived in his home town. Adam Daum learned the mason trade in Germany and worked at this trade with his friend Mr. Werner who was a general contractor. Since this work was at a standstill during the winter months, Adam worked on a farm near Manhattan for his room and board for a man named Gus Thiel. As Mr. Thiel was planning to erect a new barn in the spring and was looking for a mason, Mr. Daum convinced him that he was able to do the job. After he completed this job he was called upon by many others to do the work of masonry in the surrounding communities. On January 21, 1886, he married Mary Roed- ger. Of this marriage the following children were born: Carrie, now Mrs. Otto Ebsen of Peotone, Illinois; Lizzie, now Mrs. W. Smith of California, and Henry, George and Fred of Peotone, Illinois. They lived in Manhattan, Illinois for seven years and then came to Peotone as the building started to boom. His wife's younger brother Fred Roed- ger quit farming and joined Adam as an appren- tice and in a few years they were operating under the name of "Daum & Roedger." Some of the buildings they worked on in Peotone at that time were John Conrad & Sons Hardware, now Hupe Hardware, Schroeder Bros. Store, now the B & O Super Mkt., The Grain Elevators, The Fell Home, J. P. Conrad Home, The Old Stone Bridge Foun- dations, and many other buildings. As years went on his poor health forced him to give up the mason trade, and he took a job as janitor of the Peotone School, which he held for many years. The mason trade was continued by his brother-in-law, Fred Roedger. Later, Adam's two sons, Henry and George Daum, joined Fred Roedger, who continued the business after Fred retired. Then Henry and George were joined by another brother, Fred Daum. Fred Roedger had two sons, Milton and Walter, who also took up the mason work and worked with the Daum Bros. At the present time Henry and Fred Daum and Walter Roedger are still active in this work. After World War II Gerald Daum, a son of Henry Daum, joined the firm and it is now known as "Henry Daum & Son," Mason & Plastering Contractors. HENRY DAUM & SON Mason and Plastering Contractor PEOTONE. ILLINOIS 17 GREEN GARDEN ATTENDANCE UNIT Bruggeman, Milton Curran, and Harvey Crawford. The school is located on Garfield Street, two blocks west of the old building and directly north of the recently acquired city park. The school may be approached from Corning Avenue on the newly constructed Mill Street. The building is so constructed that it will allow for con- siderable increase in enrollment and additions to the WILTON CENTER ATTENDANCE UNIT building if necessary. In September 1956, all high school pupils and teachers moved into the new high school build- METHODIST CHURCH 18 LIVESTOCK MOVING LARRY DIEDRICH GENERAL TRUCKING PHONE 8-3441 or 8-3713 MANTENO. ILLINOIS For Better Quality and Finest Grind Phosphate TRY RUHM'S PHOSPHATE Fronn My Bulk Plant in Manteno Do You Remember When: The first "horseless carriage" that came to Peotone had to be assisted over the railroad crossings? FRED WEISE TONY APRILE WEISE SANITARY SERVICE We Clean Septic Tanks and Cess Pools Install — Sewers - Water Lines - Septic Tanks TRENCHING PHONE LOGAN 3-2161 MONEE, ILLINOIS 19 FIRST EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH ing. The old building is used for grades one through eight. Before there was a church in the town, people met for services in homes or school houses. Folks from town often walking down the I. C. tracks in the coldest weather to the Schrier school 1 A> miles south of town. The Methodist Church, built in 1867 at a cost of ^3,000 and the parson- age costing ^1,000 are said to be the first built in the village. The present brick building was erected on the same site in 1906. The Evangelical Association also built a church on the east side of town about 1867, later selling this build- ing and merging with the United Evangelical, now the Evangelical United Brethren Church, whose first church was built in 1891, later sold to the township and moved to Corning avenue where it is still in use as the town hall. The present church was built on the site of the first one in 1899. When the second school building was built in 1871, the old school was bought by the Presbyterian Society con- sisting of 17 members and refitted for religious services. It was first moved from the Fahs corner west of town to the site now occupied by the Ford Garage on Main street. When the present church was built on Crawford street the old one was sold to John Conrad who moved it to the south side of Main street for a hardware store, after the fire of 1883, had destroyed all the buildings on that side of the street except the Harken residence, which was on the present site of Meyer Bros. Garage. The Presbyterian Manse, later the home of Frank Adams, was said to be the best parsonage in the village at that time. A new one was built about 1900 just west of the first one. The first Immanuel Evangelical Church was built in 1875. In 1904 it was replaced with the beautiful brick church now in use, the old frame building having been moved to East Crawford street and converted into a two- family dwelling. In 1934 the Evangelical Church merged 20 Ship Your Cattle, Hogs and Sheep to McCAUSLAND, HOAG & YAUGHAN UNION STOCK YARDS. CHICAGO FOR CAREFUL AND INTELLIGENT SERVICE WE ASK FOR BUSINESS STRICTLY ON MERIT HOMER WHITE Cattle Our Salesmen: GLENN R. (Chalk) WORK, Partner and Head Steer Salesman LOUIS P. ARMBRECHT JAMES A. BELL THOMAS McHUGH Cattle Cattle Hogs HENRY S. QUINN, Partner and Office Manager JAMES ENRIGHT Sheep Do You Remember When: The Lamplighter, William Hanover, made his rounds to light and care for the kerosene street lamps? S-j::: SCHROCK FERTILIZER SERVICE is proud to be a part of the Peotone Centennial Celebration and happy to be of service to the community as a supplier of fertilizers and soil building materials. Bulk Plant at Andres Station, Peotone, Illinois Phone 5601 21 with the Reformed Church and the name became the Im- manuel EvangeUcal and Reformed Church. In 1950 the church property was improved by the addition of a new parsonage, new Sunday School rooms, and new kitchen faciUties. A home for elderly parishioners was completed in 1955; this home is located at the corner of West Street and Main Street. In Wilton Center, the first church, a Methodist, was built in 1866. In 1868, a second church was built, it being a Baptist. The Baptist Church was later torn down and moved to Chicago where it was again used as a church. The public school now owns the property former- ly owned by the Baptists. Then the two denominations formed the Wilton Center Federated Church and used the Methodist building. This building has now been torn down and a new, modern church is under construction. The Reverend David W. Butler is serving as minister for this church at the present time. The Green Garden Methodist Church is a lovely little country church located on Route 45 in Green Garden township. The first quarterly conference of Hickory Creek was held November 11, 1854, in the home of Mr. H. J. Karch. Reverend Fredrick Kopp of Blue Island served as pastor of Hickory Creek. A suitable church was erected in 1857. In 1870, a new church was erected farther to the west in Green Garden township, later known as the "First Church." IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH 22 GREEN GARDEN METHODIST CHURCH The present church was erected in 1885, at a cost of approximately ^1,800.00. Enough ground had been pur- chased for a building lot, buggy shed, and a larger lot for a cemetery. After the tornado of May 26, 1917, extensive improvements were made to the church. A new parsonage was erected in 1955. The first minister to serve the present church was F. F. R. Klenzky. He served from 1884-1887. The pres- ent minister is Reverend John Vautrin. The newest church in our community is the St. Paul's Catholic, which was organized in 1949. In 1951 they purchased the theatre building and refitted it for services. There were three other churches in the township out- side the village. The United Presbyterian Church in West Peotone was organized in 1860. Among the eighteen origi- nal members were the Gilkerson Brothers. In 1867 a building was erected costing ^3,000. This building was sold when most of the members joined the town church or moved away from the community. METHODIST CHURCH WEST PEOTONE The Wesley M. E. Church of West Peotone was organized in 1868, the church being built in 1870 at a cost of ^3,000. This church as well as St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church in the north part of the township still have flourishing congregations. The latter church was organized in '66 with sixteen families. The parsonage was built first, then the church, and later a school house which was kept open for part of the year, the children attending the public school the remainder of the term. ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL AND REFORMED CHURCH ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH By the late eighties Peotone had grown and prospered greatly. There were many stores and shops of various kinds on both sides of the railroad. On the west side, facing the railroad, from Main street north, were the I. C. depot, Jerry Beard's clothing store, Lydia Weaver's Millinery Shop, Ed Cowing's Hotel, which was the first place in Peotone to make and sell ice cream, SoUitt's Drug Store, Gate's Grocery, Braden's Clothing and Mrs. Ryan's Hotel and Saloon, where meals and rooms were 20 cents each. A block south of Main street was Mr. Pickering's General Merchandise Store (later Harken's) popularly called the "nimble nickel." Across the track in the build- ing now housing the library was Rehkopf's Hotel, called the "New York House." BENSENVILLE HOME 24 Congratulations From RICHARD P. OETTER GARAGE STANDARD OIL PRODUCTS — JACUZZI WELL PUMPS SALES AND SERVICE PHONE MANHATTAN 297-L P.O. PEOTONE, ILLINOIS Chicago Motor Club Service Do You Remember When: Free peanuts were given on election night? Compliments of NATIONAL BANK OF JOLIET 27 E. Van Buren Street Joliet, Illinois MEMBER OF F. D. I. C. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VIEW OF MAIN AND THIRD STREETS TAKEN FROM WATER TOWER ABOUT 1900 For All Your Insurance Needs WM. NAGEL INSURANCE AGENCY Phone 5751 PEOTONE. ILLINOIS HUGH & PAT GORMAN GENERAL AUCTIONEERS No Sale Too Big and No Sale Too Smal AUCTION SERVICE IS OUR BUSINESS PHONES: Peotone, Illinois, 3411 or 682! Do You Remember When: You could buy the weekly Inferocean and the Vedette for $1.00 a year, cash? JOHNSON'S CLOVER FARM STORE ANDRES, ILLINOIS Groceries, Vegetables, Meats and Fruits FROZEN FOODS MEADOW GOLD ICE CREAM PHONE: PEOTONE 3781 Compliments of CARMEN PARADISO of MIDWAY CITY — Fine Food and Liquor ROUTES 45 and 52 The first newspaper, "The Eagle" was printed in April 1876 with the second issue coming out the following October. From then on it was a monthly publication, later becoming weekly. It was discontinued, as far as is known, in 1889. Five years later, February 4, 1894, the Vedette was started by the late J. C. Adams. He con- tinued publication until his death in July, 1931 and then Mrs. Adams took charge. The paper was bought bv Lee Russell, the present publisher, in September of 1942. With few exceptions, there are copies of all the issues, including the first "Eagle" on file at the Vedette office now. During the late '70's the village voted dry, but of course did not remain so for too many years. In 1906, the Chicago 8C Southern Traction Company ran a line from Chicago to Kankakee by way of Blue Island, Chicago Heights, Monee, to Peotone, and then to Kankakee. The first car ran October 1907, with a sched- ule of twelve cars each way daily. The round trip to Chi- cago was 95c, and a round trip ticket to either Monee or Manteno from Peotone was 15c. On April 23, 1927, permission was granted to disband this service. However, a freight car made a round-trip, daily, from 63rd and Halsted Street in Chicago to Kankakee, so that shipments of chickens and eggs could be sent to Chicago markets. At that time, 63rd and Halsted was quite a produce cen- ter. The hne ran parallel to the I. C. from Monee, to Kankakee, entering Peotone on Fourth Street, running south to South Street, then west to the I. C. R. R. tracks, and then south to Kankakee. Depot and freight station was located at Fourth and Crawford Streets. The Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan Railroad was built through Peotone in 1905, a little south of the south- west corner of town, and served the towns of Rockford, Joliet, Manhattan, Peotone, and Momence, joining with the Walsh Railroad at Momence. Ted Cowing was the first agent and telegraph operator at the Peotone station, which in 1922, was destroyed by fire. A new depot was moved here from Vamland. A few years later, the depot was abandoned, and all business was done through the Andres depot. Mr. Henry Heck is now the agent at Andres, having been connected with the railroad for over 40 years. Besides serving the towns with freight, the rail- road also handles most of the freight consigned to the United States Government plant at Elwood. In 1922, the road was taken over by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific, known as the Milwau- kee Route. They still operate under full capacity, the Andres- Wilton Elevator Company at Andres being one of VIEW OF EAST CORNING STREET TAKEN ABOUT 1900 28 Compliments of H. C. LINDEMAN PEOTONE, ILLINOIS THE CRAFT SHOP WAYNE LEHNERT, Prop. Phones: Shop -4311 Res. -6352 Route 54 — Peotone, Illinois Cabinets - Millwork - Silos Monuments - Sign Painting Saw Sharpening Do You Remember When: Mrs. Ed Cowing had homemade ice cream for sale? CROOKS DRUG STORE PEOTONE. ILLINOIS PHONE 3161 Compliments of DR. F. B, DAUGHERTY D. D. S. PEOTONE, ILLINOIS their big shippers. Coal is also hauled to the E. J. Si E. at Joliet for shipment to the Northwest. Between the railroad tracks and the stores facing them on the west was a pond on which the children skated in the winter but which made this much-used street very dirty and often muddy at all other times of the year. In the late eighties the village board passed a resolution to pave this street and ordered stone slabs from Kankakee which were to be broken up and crushed for this purpose. Since this street was adjacent to the Illinois Central right of way, the board sent a letter to the railroad asking them to bring the stone to Peotone free of charge to the town. The railroad's response was to bring legal proceedings against the village, which finally ended after about eleven years litigation, when the Supreme Court decided in favor of the village. The court, which lasted a week, was held in the "Peotone Opera House" and about fifty local people were called as witnesses. As a result of this trouble the business places one after another, turned their build- ings around to face on Second street. The railroad then moved its depot to the east side of the track. Up to 1887 the I. C. had only a single track, now there are three plus a switch track. In the 1890's the village board established the 100 foot street at the same time passing an ordinance to re- place the wooden sidewalks with cement walks. In 1921 the first paved streets were laid, others in 1929. In the early eighties the village board passed an ordi- nance for a water works system, which was annulled in court because of the objections of the taxpayers. In 1894 a group of eight families on Crawford street near Second, built their own private water system, using a windmill and tank, which furnished the first running water in the homes in Peotone. At the very next meeting of the board an ORIGINAL WOODEN WATER TOWER ordinance was again passed, which resulted in our present water system which cost about ^7,000 and would cost many times that much now. It is said that there has not been a case of typhoid fever in the village since this water system was built. In 1915 the wooden tank on the tower burst and was replaced with a steel tank. In cooperation with Bennett Industries, a new water tank with 150,000 gallon capacity, was added to our water system in 1955. We now, also, have a modern sewer system built in 1915 costing about ^65,000, considered exceptional for a town of this size. In 1894 the Peotone Electric Light Company was organized by fifteen private citizens, later it was sold to Fedde and Yung who later sold it to the Public Service Company. Peotone was the first town of its size in the state to have an electric light plant. The first telephone in town was a crude affair made by Dr. Lyon, the dentist, for use between his home and office. The Gross family also had one between their home and the shoe shop. In 1898 Frank H. Conrad, who was Mayor then, signed a franchise with the Northwes- tern Telephone Company for service in the village. Only local calls could be made on these phones. Later the Chicago Telephone Company came in and those who also wished long distance service had another box placed on the wall, usually beside the other one. The first postmaster was Mr. Pickering, the next J. Earnhardt, who had the office in his wall paper and sta- tionery store on Railroad street (where the Harm's Plumbing Shop is now) . In the 80's William Yung was postmaster in a building on the corner near the Cottage Snack Shop, followed by A. B. Hallock in the building now occupied by Frank Hinrichs' Real Estate Office. In the 90's August Harken was postmaster in the old bank building on the east side; then J. C. Adams where the Koch barber shop is now located, followed by B. R. Croxen. Next was Wallace Harsh who moved the office to the Jurres building where it is now with Hugh Gorman as postmaster. The old building now housing the library was the first bank in Peotone. It was founded in 1887 by a Mr. L. H. Linebarger, of Elwood, as president with L. H. Linebarger as cashier. This was called the Citizens Bank, and the building and bank was at that time one of the finest in the county. The vault and time lock were of the latest design. This bank was purchased in 1892 by Michael Collins, and with his son, Paul, they continued to operate it until 1921. The Bank of Peotone was established in 1902 by William Yung and Edward Fedde and Elijah Esson. In 1921 these two banks merged with a capital of ^30,000. The following officers were elected: Paul Collins, Presi- dent, E. H. Fedde, Vice-President, H. P. Yung, Cashier, F. H. Hinrichs, Assistant Cashier. Deposits at that time were ^400,000. This bank was liquidated in the early thirties with no losses to depositors. On June 10, 1916, James J. Brady, Auditor of Public Accounts, State of Illinois, Springfield, Illinois, granted permission to organize a State Bank in Peotone, Illinois to Fred Carstens, Frank A. Schlauder, Henry Eisenbrandt, Henry Westenfeld, Otto Asbrand, Adolph Mankus, H. C. Schwiesow, and George Berry. On October 13, 1916, 30 ORIGINAL PLACE OF BUSINESS FEDDE'S HOME STORE FUNERAL DIRECTORS — HOME FURNISHERS HARRY FEDDE PAUL HELFRICH Serving This Community for Four Generations PEOTONE. ILLINOIS James J. Brady, Auditor of Public Accounts, State of Illinois, granted a charter to the Peotone State Bank, loca- ted at Peotone, Illinois. This bank is now serving the community. The Jostam Manufacturing Company was founded in 1914 by Standard, A. H. Ammann, and W. R. Jorgenson, for the purpose of manufacturing gun recoil pads for shotguns and rifles. These pads were shipped all over the world. James Kruger, who started with the firm when founded, made the first pads in his garage at his home. They later moved to the Ammann Building, now owned by the Sportsmen Club, where they remained for approx- imately 41 years. They operated all that time with the exception of two years during World War II when mat- erial was impossible to be had. The business was sold April 14, 1955 and moved to Dallas, Texas, where it is being operated by Buddy Schohllkopf Production Com- pany. Many of the first shops and business places in Peo- tone produced their own goods, such as shoes, hats, furni- ture and coffins, harness and wagons and carriages. There were several blacksmiths and implement shops. In the '80's there was a flourishing tile factory /2 mile north of town — the old pits are now used for fishing and recrea- tion. Back in 1895, a fledgling salesman for Massilon Bridge Company, John Darst had begun fabricating steel into bridges as a subcontractor. He and his foreman, George Eichenlaub of Peotone, operated out of a small frame shack with a punch and drill as their sole machinery. These men, later joined by other steelmen, H. E. Hughes, George Hoag, J. M. Hitchings, L. Fountain, and others, built from these meager beginnings an ever ex- panding industry. Through lean years, wars, good '/ears, and finally prosperous years, these men fought for a share of the ever increasing demand of steel. Steel bridges, barges, ship parts, buildings, signal and radar towers, dams, dirigible hangars, conveyors, and sew- age equipment have all played an important part in the growth of Bennett Industries. Federal, state, and local projects have been part of the contracts filled by their manufacturing and fabricating plants. Early historv re- veals the construction crews on the job, living in tents, cooking their own meals — a breed of strapping men in a generation of strong men! These men linked highways, harnessed rivers, fought wars, and promoted peace through the great products they helped make. Steel drums were first manufactured by Wilson and Bennett Company in 1910. In 1914 a request for five gallon capacity paint pails came from Sears, Roebuck & Co. Drawing on his past experience throughout the plant, S. A. Bennett helped Mr. Wilson design such a container. In 1939, Wilson & Bennett was sold to Inland Steel. Mr. Bennett then organized the Bennett Manufacturing Company, which manufactured pails and barrels, with plants in Harvey and New Orleans. This company he sold to the U. S. Steel Corporation in 1944. In 1946 he left U. S. Steel and purchased Continental Bridge Company. Only 39 people were on the payroll when the Bennett Interests bought the Continental Bridge Companv of Peotone. Bennett Industries, Inc., as we know it today, employs approximately 200 men and women. The first "District Fair" held in 1903, in Small's Grove was nicknamed "The Little Big Fair." There has been a fair every year since that time. It is now incor- porated as the "Will County Fair Association" and since 1920 has been held at the fair grounds south of town. In the 1870's, and '80's, there was a track for horse racing (which was very popular here at that time) at the corner of the cemetery road where it crosses what is now Rt. 54. Some very fine horses were owned by local people and the boys of the village enjoyed riding and exercising these horses. Picnics were held at this race grounds, espe- cially on the 4th of July. AMMANN'S HARDWARE 1830 For many years Memorial Day services were held in the little grove adjoining the Presbyterian Church grounds where planks were placed on tile for seats. The veterans of the Civil War marched over the dusty, rutted, or muddy roads to the cemetery, led by the band and followed by as many people of the community who were able to walk or could get a ride in carriages. There were two bands in those days — the "Old Ger- man Band" and the "Peotone Cornet Band." At 6 o'clock on the morning of July 4, 1876, the "Old German Band" climbed up on the wind mill tower on the roof of the Fedde Furniture Shop and surprised the community with the strains of "The Morning Light is Breaking" and "The Star Spangled Banner." This was in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In the early days there were not many destructive fires in the village. Two times, first in 1883, then in 1913, 30 years later, the entire block on the south side of Main 32 street, from the bank corner to Meyer Bros, building, was Durned down. The first fire engine was so heavy it re- quired about twenty men to move it through the muddy streets. The second was Hghter but the water supply was so inadequate that until the water system was put in it was practically useless. CIVIL WAR DAYS IN PEOTONE In 1864, with only 34 pioneer settlers here, each town was expected to send 6 volunteers for the army. While the resentment was against the draft, it appeared that this would be necessary. Although it was generally thought around here that the North was bound to win, the fact remained that the most of the battles were fought in the South, which meant shorter lines for the South to bring supplies. As most of the volunteers had already left for service, they did not know where to find six more to volunteer. They then decided to bond the town for ^4,000 to raise money to pay a bounty for anyone who would volunteer. It was too late for an election, so they just raised the money through subscription, with the under- standing that a vote would be taken later to bond the town and repay the loan. This was a lot of money to be raised by only 34 settlers. The money was raised, and Ralph Crawford, then appointed Commissioner, was to find men to go. He would then pay them in cash, and take them to Joliet where they were mustered into the army. This is a copy of the form then used: Office Provost Marshall Sixth Dist., Illinois Joliet, Illinois February 6, 1865 I hereby certify that John Fish has this day enlisted and mustered into the service of the United States, and credited to the town of Peotone, Will County, Illinois Abel Longworth Provost Marshall 6th Dist., 111. Altogether, 12 men were mustered in this way, and thus Peotone furnished twice as many men as was needed from here. A list of the 12 men are as follows: John Fish, Thomas Cooper, J. H. Peterson, C. C. Gross, John Wain- wright, Samuel S. Beal, Albert Andre, Henry Goodspeed, John H. Shufelt, Joe Brown, Lyman Brodler, and John Simmonds. Henry Goodspeed was the son of Samuel Goodspeed, one of the first settlers to arrive here. In the records of these transactions, there were found to be those who would be called Bounty Jumpers. They would collect the bounty, be enlisted, then desert, and get a bounty again in another territory. As there was no posi- tive identification of the army as is had today, the records show that very few were caught and punished for doing this. MAJOR FIRES OF PEOTONE The first major fire occurred August 15, 1880. It destroyed the I.C.R.R. depot and severely damaged many buildings. In 1881, another fire completely burned Wahls and Ammann Hardware store. A fire which started in the M. Collins elevator Sep- tember 23, 1883, spread across the railroad tracks to Main Street and raged West throughout the entire block. Brandt and Sons Grain Elevator was a complete loss from a fire in 1908. May 8, 1913, the headlines in many papers read, "Worst Fire In Peotone History: Block On Main Street Wiped Out." Eleven firms suffered losses of over ^80,- 000.00. Neighboring fire departments rendered valuable assistance. Work was immediately started in clearing away the debris and shortly the new buildings were under construction. In the course of the summer, the entire block of the south side of Main Street was rebuilt as it appears today. On February 26, 1924, a building on the corner of Main and Second Street next to the Cottage Snack Shop was completely destroyed by fire. The American Legion club-rooms were located on the second floor of the build- ing. The F. A. Schlauder and Son garage fire occurred in 1927. In 1928, Peotone had just completed a new annex to the school, a large two story building. The first floor area was a gymnasium and auditorium. The upper story was destroyed as well as the entire old building. The loss was estimated at ^95,000.00 All school records and personal belongings of students and faculty were lost. The new school was rebuilt and is located on the corner of Wilson and West Streets. D. V. Knowlton's Drug Store was damaged bv fire in 1932. 34 GRAIN FEEDS SEEDS PEOTONE FARMERS ELEVATOR ASS'N "Where Quality Counts " LUMBER FENCING ROOFING PAINT BUILDING HARDWARE COAL Telephone: Dial Peotone 2511 GRAIN FEEDS SEEDS 35 TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS Some of the early Supervisors of Peotone Township serving from 1850 tlirii 1873 were: M. Wright C S. Guion S. Goodspeed F. Gilkerson J. P. Dean R. Crawford T. Fahs D. L. Christian Some of the later ones were: J. P. F. Conrad, Frank Conrad, Henry Deininger, Axel Johnson, Harry Lehnert, and James Ernst. Our present Supervisor is Leroy Croxen. Lyle Cartsens is the present Peotone Township Road Com- missioner. He is the son of the late Fred Cartsens who served in the same capacity for a number of years. Wayne Lehnert is present Township Clerk. Fred Zornow and Gerald Daum are Justices of the Peace. BASEBALL IN PEOTONE Peotone had a number of very good baseball teams, in the 1890's. Some of the later teams were Peotone Grays, Peotone Rivals, and Peotone Athletics. The Peotone Rivals were active in the early 1920's. They played before a full grandstand of people many times at the Peotone Fairgrounds. They played and won from some of the best teams in the area. Some of the players were: Happy Frahm, Bill Frahm, Herman Dein- inger, Leo Deininger, Bill Cosgrove, Gib Jurres, Clarence Meyer, and some from other towns. Small fry baseball was organized in 1951. It is now in its sixth year of operation. In the year 1952 the Peo- tone sportsmen took over the sponsorship of the team. Several of the boys' fathers, and even mothers, too many to mention, have helped to keep the program active over the years. A League was formed in 1952 with towns in the near- by areas participating. It was known as the Wilco League until 1956. This year the name of the league has been changed to the Tri County League, in which twelve towns participate. In Peotone approximately fifty boys have taken part in the program each year. A lot of credit should be given to Bud Baker for managing and carrying out the small fry baseball program. Also the Peotone Junior American Legion Baseball has been very well organized, having turned out a number of good teams. George Raguse has been active in manag- ing these teams. PEOTONE'S ENTERPRISES PAST AND PRESENT Included with this present list of merchants of today, there are a few that have been in continuous operation for three generations; handed down from the pioneer mer- chants who helped make this "A Good Place To Live." The oldest of these is the Fedde family. Henry Fedde, a cabinet maker, founded the Fedde Furniture and Undertaking Establishments in 1867. Mr. Fedde was an expert cabinet maker in his day and besides making cabinets, also made most of the caskets for his own under- taking establishment, which he conducted. He took his oldest son, John, into partnership, under the trade name of Henry Fedde & Son. A few years later, Edward H. Fedde, joined the firm and they operated under the name of Fedde Bros., until 1900, when Edward was the sole owner. In 1913, his son, Harry, was made a partner, and the firm was then known as Edward H. Fedde & Son; operating one of the most up-to-date furniture and undertaking establishments in this part of the state. In 1936, upon the death of his father, Harry took over the firm with his son-in-law, Paul Helfrich. It is operating today under the trade name of Fedde & Helfrich. They have added a new modern chapel as an addition to their building, and they also engage in ambulance service. Another of the pioneer enterprises in Peotone, is that of the Gross family. They have operated a shoe store in Peotone since 1880. The business was founded by Jacob Gross, who served as our Justice of the Peace, for a great length of time; handling most all legal cases in the early days of Peotone. When a young man, Alfred Gross, his son, joined in the firm, and they have successfully served the people of this area with their footwear for over 76 years. The third of the pioneer families still in business, is that of the Baird family; which also dates back to the 1880's. S. D. Baird first became known in the business area of Peotone when he was associated with Mr. Rains in the pressed hay business. Rains & Baird had a hay press on the spot where the Gerald Croxen residence now stands. They rented thousands of acres and hired men to cut, stack, and assist in pressing the hay, which was sent to Chicago and southern markets for sale. Mr. Baird also became associated with Baird and Elliott, and acquired the Peotone Tile Factory. They purchased the business of the John Tobias Lumber and Coal business, and Mr. Col- lins became associated with the firm, then known as Baird & Collins. Mr. Baird later bought out Collins and took his two sons, Wilbur and Stacey, into the business, which operated under the trade name of S. D. Baird & Sons. Wilbur and Stacey are still at the old lumber store, which served the community for over a period of 70 years. Henry Daum & Son was founded in 1893, by the father, Adam Daum, who had been a mason contractor around Manhattan, Illinois, for many years before coming to Peotone, where he and his brother-in-law, Fred Roedgers, went into the masonry business together. His oldest son, Henry, took over the business, and with his brother, 36 To you ! ...from ihe land of sky blue waters f crisp and clean-cut . . . with smoothness aged in! 1:7//. J^^ j(m^ ''f^w.\y.M, Then. Hamm Tireivinp Co.y St. Paul, Minnesota and San Francisco, Calif. KEY CITY BEVERAGE COMPANY GILBERT H. JURRES KANKAKEE, ILLINOIS JAMES A. GLADE Do You Remember When: The "High Court" sessions took place around the pot-bellied stove in Gate's store? THE FRIENDLY BANK UNION NATIONAL BANK & TRUST CO. OF JOLIET Jefferson & Ottawa Streets Joliet, Illinois THE FIRST AUTO BANK IN JOLIET MEMBER OF F. D. I. C George, continued with the help of the younger brother, Fred, and Mr. Roedger's son, Walter. Both are still work- ing for the firm. After World War II, Henry took his elder son, Gerald, into the firm. In the building now occupied by Schroeder Motor Sales, was organized the Arnold Harken & Co. General Merchandise firm back in 1872. This firm, too, belongs to a pioneer family of merchants, which at that time oper- ated under the trade name of Rathje Bros. & Arnold. Mr. Louis Arnold, who at that time worked for the firm, bought an interest in the firm in the year 1874, and they operated under the trade name of Rathje, Harken & Ar- nold. In 1876, Mr. Rathje sold his interest and the firm was then known as Harken & Arnold until 1887, when George Arnold bought an interest in the firm and the name changed to Harken & Arnold Bros. In 1902, Clyde Arnold acquired an interest by buying out George Arnold, and the firm name again changed to Arnold Harken & Company, the name under which it continued to operate until the business was sold in 1946. In the year 1910, Stanley Arnold became a partner in the firm, and in 1912, the firm purchased the large brick building known as the Schroeder Building, from J. Brandt and the stock was moved to the new location. Clyde Arnold passed away in 1938, and his interest was carried on by his son, C. Franklin Arnold, who with Stanley Arnold, continued the firm until the death of Stanley, which occurred in 1946. The building was sold to Chester R. Kruger, who carried on the business as a self-service supermart. C. Franklin Arnold remained with him for a short time. The business since then has changed hands several times, and is now- occupied by the B. & O. Supermart. In the building now occupied by The Village Shop, the career of another family enterprise ended in 1955. This business began back in 1886, when Harry F. Conrad was associated with John Stocker in the grocery and meat business. In 1888, Mr. Conrad entered into business for himself. In 1892, Mr. Fred Carstens bought half interest in the firm, and they then operated under the trade name of Conrad & Carstens until 1906, when Mr. Conrad bought out Mr. Carstens. In 1914, Mr. Conrad's sons, Earle H. and Chester S. became partners, and operated under the trade name of Harry F. Conrad & Sons until the death of Earle H. Conrad in 1947, at which time Ches- ter S. Conrad took over the interest of his father and brother's partnership. He took his two sons, Chester S. Jr. and Dale D., into partnership with him and operated under the trade name of Conrad's Groceries & Market, until 1955, when Mr. Conrad retired from the business and disposed of the stock. The following are some of the other firms of pioneer families who have retired from the business world: First of these was known as John Conrad's Sons. This business was founded in 1869, by John Conrad, as a hardware and implement business. Mr. Conrad took his son-in-law, August Schugman, into the firm, then known as Conrad & Schugman. A few years later, his three sons, John P. F., Frank H., and Fred P. Conrad, were taken into partner- ship, and from that day on the business operated under the trade name of John Conrad's Sons. Later, Fred P. Conrad took over the interests of the brothers, John and Frank, and with his son, Paul F., continued to operate under the name of Fred P. Conrad & Son. After the death of Fred, Sr., the business was sold, and at present the site is occupied by the Hupe Hardware Store. Another pioneer family in the business world origina- ted back in 1894, when Mr. Herman Frahm became asso- ciated with Mr. Renkert's Grocery, and the firm was known as Renkert & Frahm. Mr. Renkert had bought out the interest of Hugh Smith, an early pioneer, and they combined the two businesses into one. In 1903, Mr. Frahm bought out his partner's interest and took Allison Fletcher into partnership with him. The store became known as Frahm & Fletcher. In 1916, Mr. Frahm bought out Mr. Fletcher's interest, and took his son, Willard, into business with him. They then operated under the trade name of H. A. Frahm & Son, until the death of Mr. Frahm, when Willard carried on alone for a short time. The business was disposed of in 1947. Henry Deininger entered into the grain business in 1900, and in 1901, Mr. John Wilson bought a partnership, and they began doing business as Deininger & Wilson. They were the leading grain buyers for many years as well as large buyers of cattle and hogs, shipping from the large stock yards at the north end of town. The farmers would bring their stock to the yards, and they would be kept in pens until a carload was ready to ship. In 1927, Deininger took his son, Fred, into the business and they bought the south elevator and operated under Henry Dein- inger & Son, until the elevator was sold to the farmers, which still continues to be operated by the Farmers Eleva- tor Company. Schroeder Bros, founded by their father, Frederick Schroeder, came to Peotone in 1854, and was a blacksmith by trade. He bought an interest in the Rathje Mercantile Store and operated under the name of Rathje & Schroeder and later as Schroeder, Smith & Collins. They bought out the site of R. K. Reynolds, and in 1893, built the large brick building which is now being used by the B. & O. Supermart, owned by Chester R. Kruger. In 1894, the business continued to operate as Schroeder Brothers, name- ly, Fred, Henry, William and August. The business was sold later to Brandt's who continued operating the store until it was sold to Harken, Arnold & Co. as described in another paragraph. In 1895, William Koepke, bought out an interest in the Rathje and Wahls Mercantile Store, and they operated for many years under the name of Wahls & Koepke. Mr. William Schroeder and George Duwe became interested in the firm and later bought out the Koepke interest and operated as Duwe & Schroeder for years. William Schroe- der continued for a few years alone, and later sold the 38 SUPER B ^ O MARKET The Modern Supermarket with the Old Fashioned Butcher Shop' AIR CONDITIONED FOR YOUR SUMMER SHOPPING COMFORT BOB WALLACE — Owners — OZZIE PIUNTI PEOTONE. ILL 39 stock but remained in the building buying farm produce. He later retired, and the building was acquired by the village and is now used as a Village Hall and Fire Station. DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS Honorable Michael Collins was born October 15, 1845 in Ireland. He was very active in both local and county affairs having served with the county board for 20 years. In 1880 he was elected from this district to the 32nd General Assembly. He died in 1912. Honorable Addison B. Hallock was born at Lake Zurich in 1854. He came to Peotone in 1884: Served as Postmaster many times, being appointed under Presidents Harrison and McKinley. Also he served locally as Justice of the Peace and Police Magistrate, and the Village Coun- cil. Was elected from this senatorial district, to the 39th General Assembly in 1895. SOME EARLY SETTLERS IN PEOTONE TOWNSHIP Adams, J. Antcliff, John Antcliff, Charles Anderson, John Angus, N. Arnold, L. M. Beard, David Earnhardt, James Bravton, .J. H. Bell", William Borms, Engelhardt Baird, Issae Y. Baird, E. E. Beedy, N. S. Beutien, W. Bodin, D. C. Barton, James Brockway, D. H. Croxen, William Collins, F. Collins, Michael Conrad, Peter Conrad, John Crawford William Crawford, Ralph Cowing, J. C. Cushman, Jonas Coutes, M. J. Christian, D. L. 1865 Ireland Cosad, J. 1865 New York Lockie, T. 1858 Scotland 1852 England Croxen, B. 1851 England Lyon, W. C. 1852 New York 1855 England Calkins, F. W. 1854 Iowa Gross, J. 1882 Maryland 1857 Ireland Carstens, John 18.52 Germany Myer, D. M. 1868 Maryland 1870 Dornbush, William 1856 Germany Melville, A. 1870 1872 Illinois Dennis, Jonathan 1857 New York Perry, W. C. 1855 New York 1877 Dewitz, J. 1857 Germany Pearson, H. 1854 England 1866 Elder, F. 1856 Pennsylvania Patton, A. 1865 Ireland 1876 England, Claus 1868 Germany Piper, J. 1868 England 1852 England Fletcher, Allison 1867 Virginia Rathie, F. 1861 Scotland 1862 Germany Fahs, Tobias 1855 Maryland Rice, J. 1871 1853 New York Fedde, Henry 1864 Germany Riddle, C. B. 1865 N. Hampshire 1853 New York Folke, Henry 1851 Germany Ross, D. 1855 Scotland 1865 New York French, R. W. 1861 New York Rains, R. 1869 England 1859 Germany Gates, H. 1871 New York Robertson, A. G. 1867 Canada 1868 New York Goodspeed, Sam 183.". New York Sultzbaugh, P. 1872 Pennsylvania 1855 England Gowland, George 1851 England Schmidt. L. 1866 1854 Pennsylvania Gildanzolpf, J. M. 1851 Germany Smith, H. 1872 1849 England Guion, C. S. 1860 New York Schumway, E. 1875 1866 Ginter, Henry 1852 Germany Schlauder, P. 1866 New York 1864 Ireland Ginter, August 1852 Germany Schnider, William 1860 Germany 1866 Germany Gilkerson, Thomas 1854 Vermont Schroeder, F. 1857 Germany 1869 Germany Gilkerson, C. H. 1871 Vermont Sampson, M. 1851 England 1857 Ireland Harken, A. 1857 Germany Warden, H. 1855 Vermont 1854 Ireland Hauert, John 1857 Ohio Wilson, C. B. 1868 Virginia 18.50 N. Hampshire Harsh, Joshua 1854 Ohio Westgate, C. A. 1867 New York 1864 New York Jurres, Fred 1867 Mass. Wilson, D. 1858 Scotland 1867 England Loomis, A. A. 1867 Vermont Yung, William 1874 1858 New York Luce, J. W. 1849 Mass. Young, N. 1852 Indiana BUSINESS DIRECTORY — PEOTONE 1 878 Angus & Fell: Dry Goods, groceries. Brayton, J. H.: Dealer in clothing. Board and Shumway: Dealers in pure drugs, medicines, books, stationery, toilet and fancy articles. Barnhart, James: Job printer, also editor and jjiopiietor of the Peotone Eagle. Collins and Schroeder: Dealers in grain and coal. Conrad and Schugman : Hardware and stoves. Coni-ad, John: Police magistrate, notary public and general collecting agent. Conrad, Peter and Son: Proprietors of the Peotone cheese factory. Dewitz, Jacob: Manufacturer of wagons and buggies, and dealer in pumps, etc. Fedde, Henry: Cabinet maker and undertaker, and manufacturer and Arnold, Louis: Merchant Folke, Henry: Physician Gilkerson, Curtis: Grain Merchant Gross, Jacob: Shoemaker Gralphs, A. : Butcher Harken, August: Merchant Hinrichs, C. D. : Blacksmith Hunter, William: Carpenter Lesch, John: Plasterer Lindenmeyer, Andrew: Harness maker Mutzer, John : Carpenter Markham, Benjamin: Butcher Rainer, Robert: Hay press Rathje, Henry: Miller Rathje, Louis: Merchant Rehkopf, H. : Hotel Riddle, Charles B.: Trader Riddle, A.: Engineer Robertson, Alex G. : Wagon-maker 40 dealer in all kinds of furniture and burial caskets. Hearses furnished upon application. Gates, Henry: Notary public, also dealer in groceries, clothing, hats, caps and gloves. Highest prices paid for produce. Harsh and Beedy: Dealers in general hardware and farming implements. Melville, Andrew, M.D. : Surgeon. Rains and Sultzbaugh : Dealers in heavy pressed hay and straw, by the car-load. Shumway, E. B., M.D.: Physician and Surgeon. Schmid, Louis: Proprietor of Peotone Hotel. Best hotel in town. East of depot. Schroeder, Smith and Collins: Dealers in dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes and groceries. Waiden and Gilkerson: Dealers in grain, lumber, lime, coal, cement, stone, drain tile, etc. Yung. William: Photographer and dealer in albums and frames. Faded pictures copied and enlarged. Schneider, John : Harness-maker Schneider, William: Blacksmith Schockley, H. W. : Wagon-maker Smith, Hugh: Merchant Stassen, Deidrich: Carpenter Storch, John : Barber Steinert, Frank : Shoemaker Fedde, H.: Mechanic Westgate, C. A.: Nurseryman This is the homelike office of Bate Realty, located on 208 North Second Street, across from the Bowling Alley. One of the older brick buildings, built about 1900 by the late E. B. Cowing, for Harry Tobias, who operated a steam laundry here for a short time, was succeeded by the late George Reh- kopf, who also operated the steam laundry. See "BATE" for REAL ESTATE Insurance and Farm Loans Phone Peotone 3762 LLOYD E. BATE, Broker Do You Remember When: Basketball games were played in the hail above Schmidt's saloon? Compliments of THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MANHATTAN CAPITAL $75,000.00 SURPLUS $75,000.00 TOTAL RESOURCES EXCEED $3,400,000.00 Telephone 52 Manhattan. III. 41 OFFNER HOME AND MUSEUM OFFNER MUSEUM The museum is located in the southwest section of the village and was built in 1897. Among his collections are: Indian relics, bottles, antiques, pieces of china and silver, early day flatirons, and old guns. PEOTONE PARK The approximate fifteen acres of land adjoining the High School grounds on the south and the Peotone Fair Association land on the north has taken on more and more the appearance of a park in the past year. This land as all of us know, was given to the Village of Peotone by the Bennett Manufacturing Company in exchange for certain village property adjoining their factory, with the suggestion that the land be used as a park. The Community Service League started the ball roll- ing by appointing a Park Committee to take steps to im- prove the plot of ground for a park. Much time and labor was put in on the part of this committee. It was necessary to have a master plan drawn up, level the ground, tile it, and install water and sewer facilities. Two baseball diamonds with back stops have been installed. The small one is used for little league and the larger one for High School games, Junior American Legion and others. About a year ago trees were planted and last fall the grounds were seeded down. This spring the Village and Park Committee purchased the grass mow- ers and the district 207 school board has been cutting the grass. It is hoped that possibly a tennis court, swings, slides, and fireplaces can be installed in the near future. Any profit realized from the Centennial celebration is to be used for improvement of grounds and park equipment. CURRENT VIEW OF BUSINESS AREA TAKEN FROM ELEVATOR LOOKING NORTH 42 BUTLER'S DEPT. STORE Clothing - Shoes - Notions FURNITURE AND APPLIANCES Manteno, Illinois Phone 8-2271 RUDER BROS. FARM STORE New Idea - Myers Elevators FERTILIZER SPREADERS Dunham Culti-Line ALLIS-CHALMERS STORE AT Manteno, Illinois Phone 8-3621 Do You Remember When: Peotone had wooden sidewalks? Compliments of YOUR MOTEL & RESTAURANT 24 DELUXE UNITS Restaurant Featuring the Finest in Broiled Steaks and Chops U.S. 54 - 1 MILE NORTH OF PEOTONE Phone: Peotone 632! 3-L BODY SHOP Body and Fender Work Wheel Balancing — Alignment AUTO PAINTING FRAME STRAIGHTENING 3rd Street North — Phone 8-7531 MANTENO. ILLINOIS 43 During the years 1948 and 1949, Paul C. Rathje was operating his personal plane from his father's farm loca- ted within the western limits of the Village of Peotone. Other private fliers indicated such an interest in a landing strip in the area that Paul proceeded to acquire a charter and the necessary permits for a permanent landing strip. From this humble beginning through the efforts of Paul and his father, Paul W. Rathje, the airport has grown into an operation with two hangars, repair facilities and tie-up area. There are several planes housed perma- nently at the airport and many planes use the airport regularly in their flying activities. By the end of 1954, the airport became so well established that the Department of Commerce has listed the Airport on numerous aero- nautical charts. T^r" ?'»#*-'*^ ." RATHJE AIRPORT DOCTORS Dr. F. A. Holzhauer, practiced his profession in Peotone for over 40 years. He has recently retired and moved to Tennessee. Dr. J. W. Turner, M.D., established his practice at Peotone in 1911, coming from Steger where he was en- gaged in private practice. He has been a successful phy- sician, withstanding the rigors of pioneer traveling. He is on the staff of St. Mary's Hospital, Kankakee, and is a member of A.M.A. Dr. Lloyd Jessen came to Peotone in 1948. He is on the staff of Silver Cross Hospital at Joliet. He is affi- liated with the American Medical Society. He was instru- mental in establishing a Medical Center in Peotone, where he has his office. There also is the office of a dentist. Dr. March, who came to Peotone in 1954. Dr. Ignelzi, an optometrist, has an office also in this building. The Medi- cal Center is a new building, built and owned by Elmer Meyer. It is located on the corner of North and Railroad Streets. Dr. Daugherty, a dentist, started his practice in Peotone in 1917. Dr. Lynn, a chiropractor, came to Peotone in 1950. In this brief history of our village and its people, it has been possible to recount only some of the highlights and items of most general interest to all. Research in the form of stories and pictures was conducted by many of our citizens. We are indebted to Jack Jacobsen for his splendid design of the front cover of this program. We want to thank the many people who have helped in com- piling the material for this program. We hope that as you read these pages, you found many happy memories of people and events. May the accomplishments of our an- cestors spur us on toward the accomplishment of better living for all. '^;. ""■J>" - ?_>--■--■ "i" .- - .'^iftl;^ 44 'TEOTONE ON PARADE" A JOHN B. ROGERS PRODUCTION Directed by Edmund Nejaimey Accompanist, Clarence Rehberg Produced by Mabel Matthews Greetings to you as we present the thrilling story of the founding, growth and development of Peotone. SYNOPSIS OF SCENES PROLOGUE A colorful introduction in which the Centen- nial Queen, "Miss Peotone," welcomes the audience. Down the avenue of flags comes "Columbia" and her "States," "The Nation Queens" and other patriotic ensembles. Peotone High School Band in attendance. EPISODE I: THE PEOTONE STORY EPISODE II: INDIAN ERA The Kankakee tribe of the Pottawatomi called our town Peotone — meaning "A good place to come to." Indian ceremonies, games and dances. EPISODE VIII: OUR FIRST FIRE DISASTER EPISODE IX: THE TINTYPE ERA "Those were the good old days!" Can-Can, Cavorting and Courting. EPISODE X: "IN FLANDER'S FIELD THE POPPIES GROW." EPISODE XI: PROHIBITION AND PROSPERITY Charleston dancers. EPISODE III: OUR PIONEERS — EARLY AMERICANA EPISODE IV: THE BIRTH OF OUR FINE MODERN SCHOOLS EPISODE V: REMEMBER THE SABBATH EPISODE VI: THE LINCOLN ERA "A thunderbolt in the dark, our nation be- came divided." EPISODE VII: OUR FIRST VILLAGE ELECTION EPISODE XII: "LEST WE FORGET" A tribute to our boys who came home and those who did not. EPISODE XIII: "THE ATOMIC AGE" The Beginning or the End? EPISODE XIV: SALUTE TO EARLY CITIZENS We salute our early citizens, both great and small, whose contributions to Peotone have given our town so rich a heritage. EPISODE XV: "THE GREAT WHEEL OF PROGRESS" We lift our hearts in proud salute to the future years. 45 "PEOTONE ON PARADE" Mrs. Henry Rosenbrock Pat Gorman CAST NARRATORS: Mrs. Norman Riegel Richard J. Van Iten Agnes G. March Sheldon W. Williams QUEEN OF THE CENTENNIAL Two Pages Attendants PEOTONE CENTENNIAL RIDERS TRUMPETEERS — Marie Krapf, Judy Osmus, Barbara Scheer, Beverly Torok, Bonnie Torek, Marianne Wieland. STATES TO COLUMBIA— Veraldine Honsbruch, Marlys Murray, Mary Wall, Jeanette Peters, Margaret Fick, Kathleen Koehn, Mildred Taylor, Phyllis Heusner, Mrs. Marvin Becker, Marian Becker, Loretta Ruhbeck, Del- ores Jane Mundt, Marian Wichtendahl. SAILORETTES — Beverly Sutton, Gladys Lohrbach, Betty Leighty, Barbara Oehlerking, Myrtle Schroeder, Peggy Schwiesow, Jeanette Walliser, Judy Klusken, .•Vnne Lehnert, Luella Denby, Paula Christiansen, Ellen Wall- iser, Norma Krumwicde, Mary Meyer, Carolyn Millar, Phyllis Jean Bisping. CADETS — Carol Cann, Joyce Cassidy, Shirley Cann, Patri- cia Montpetit, Karen Joy Carstens, Doris Schuetz, Mary Lou Werner, Linda Boden, Patsy Schwiesow, Barbara Werner. INDIAN CHIEF— Pat Muriay. SQUAWS — Mrs. A. Lindeman, Julia Cann, Annita Harms, Bertha Hasenheyer, Ann Ernst, Mary Carstens, Ruth Streubel, Mrs. Emil ."Vndres, Emma Andres, Lydia T. Jacobs, Mrs. Arthur Jurres, Angie Brower. INDIAN PRINCESS— Joy Townsend. INDIAN BRAVES— Robert Ernst, Melvyn Marshall, Gilbert Fo.x, Keith Burmeister, Robert Lewis, Kenneth Lewis, Ed Gall, Arthur Jurres, Tom Morrison, Roy Kneisler, Dennis Gribbons, Dennis Siemsen, Ronnie Struhbar. PIONEER MEN — Clarence Meyer, Vibert Boothe, Charles Hall, Edward Nickel, Vernon Werner, Ray Dubbert, Clifford Oliver, Francis Regan, Lloyd Bate, Alvin Mausehund, Homer Clark, Alex Hawryluk. PIONEER WOMEN— Hattie Meyer, Esther Krapf, Lillian Pare, Hattie Thiesfeld, Joyce Ruetz, Hazel Lewis, Jennie Werner, Ella Lawrence, Mrs. George Weich- brodt, Mabel Burmaster, Ivy Dick, Marge Darby. OLD FASHIONED MEN— Robert Ebsen, Gerald Benoit, Lloyd Munger, George Ebsen, Wilfred Lohrbach, El- mer Denby, James Taylor, LaVerne Croxen, Henry Rosenbrock, Marvin Subbert. OLD FASHIONED WOMEN — Mrs. Ed. Bohl, Mrs. Ed. Koop, Mavaline Rehberg, Miriam Cann, Lillian Miller, Virginia Schluntz, Bertha Rosenbrock, Clara Bate, Justine Gall, Edna Sovet, Shirley Clark. WIDOW BROWN— Grace Loitz. ABRAHAM LINCOLN— Kenneth Warnecke. BATHING BEAUTIES — Delores Lindeman, Mary Bisping, Mildred Knowlton, Adeline Cann, Marjorie Thiesfeld, Anna Carstens. LADY IN RED— Ruth Denby. GAY NINETIES MEN— Robert Loitz, Leo Lewis, Robert Burmaster, Robert Dubbert, Ralph Lindeman, Clifford Vallow, August Lohrbach, LaVerne Croxen, Harris Frahm, Dick Albers, Homer Clausing, Arthur Bisping, Dale Conrad, Raymond Bisping, Ed. Radtke. GAY NINETIES WOMEN— Sylvia Nickel, Shirley Meyer, Mrs. August Lohrbach, Joyce Mausehund, Viola Al- bers, Mrs. Robert Burmaster, Velma Marshall, Chloe Conrad, Laura Lewis, Violet Ernst, Alice Pooley, Mrs. LaVerne Croxen, Hazel Johnson, Norma Vallow, Ruth Denby. CHARLESTON DANCERS— Dixie and Ray Butz, Madonna and W. P. Dubbert, Veraldine and Ivan Honsbruch, Jo Schroeder, Frank Lohrbach, Frannie Didier, Eugene Leighty, Betty Leighty, Ronnie Strubhar, Maribele Van Iten, George Lohrbach. CAN CAN DANCERS — Shirley Ivanoff, Donna Hafele, Georgia Broadrick, Carolyn Broadrick, Dixie Butz, Madonna Dubbert, Shirley Strubhar. SQUARE DANCERS — John Fahs, Eugene Leighty, Don Hoffman, Roger Ullrich, Kathrine Ullrich, Carol Ull- rich, Virginia Wesoloski, Vickie Baird, Madonna and W. P. Dubbert, Veraldine and Ivan Honsbruch, Dixie and Ray Butz, Joyce and Alvin Mausehund. INDIAN DANCERS — Ronnie Strubhar, George Lohrbach, Frank Lohrbach, Eugene Leighty, Jo Schroeder, Fran- nie Didier, Maribele Van Iten, Jean Tong. Numerous boys and girls in each group. CENTENNIAL CHORUS Sopranos Marilyn Barr Hazel Lewis Carol Ponton Marjorie Ammann Lydia Borms Cecile Baird Hilda Daugherty Julia Cann Vickie Baird Bernice Meyer Eleanor Riegel Sandra Anderson Mary Ann Frahm Corrien Frahm Anna Singer Jean Fodor Altos Joyce Arnstrom Muriel Fox Judy Arnstrom Ellen Reils Beverly Riegel Sherry Lindeman Shirley Strubhar Jean Brunner Patty Ingerson Elenora Meyer Mildred Knowlton Lois Benoit Carolyn Singer Tenor* Darwyn Pattengale Carol Jean Knickrehm Mabel Matthews Albert Pigguish Eleanor Thiesfeld Basses Paul Arnstrom Fred R. Meyer Kenneth Pigguish Everett Munger SPECTACLE DIVISION CHAIRMAN— Mrs. Otto Rathje SCENARIO AND TITLE CHAIRMAN — Chester Conrad CAST CHAIRMAN— Mrs. Mabel Matthews MUSIC CHAIRMAN— Clarence Rehberg PROPERTIES CHAIRMAN— Howard Croxen CO-CHAIRMEN — Robert Hagenow and Paul Rathje, Jr. CONSTRUCTION CHAIRMAN— Louis Schroeder COSTUMES AND MAKE-UP — Mrs. Walter Rehberg, Chr. 46 ''SCHEDULE OF EVENTS" SUNDAY. JULY 29. 1956 - 8:00 P. M. — Combined Church Service, High School Gym. WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 1. 1956 - 9:30 p. M. — Presentation Ball, High School Gym. THURSDAY. AUGUST 2. 1956- GOVERNORS DAY 10:00 A. M. — Bomb. Good Morning. 10:00 A. M. — 4-H Exhibition at the Fairgrounds. 10:00 A.M. — Registration at the Headquarters. 1 1 :30 A. M. — Lunch to 1 :00 — Carnival opens uptown. 2:30 P. M. — Babe Ruth league Baseball game at the park. 3:00 P. M. — Musical Program uptow^n. 4:00 P. M. — Kangaroo Kourt Uptow^n. 5:00 P. M.— Dinner 5:30 P. M. — Parade Lineup, High School. 6:30 P. M. — Centennial Parade. 8:30 p. M. — First Showing of Historical Pageant (Peotone on Parade) at the Fairgrounds preceded by Crowning of the Centennial Queen 8:30 P.M. — Program. Carnival Stage Uptown. 10:15 P.M. — Fireworks following Pageant. Fairgrounds. We hope that you enjoy this first day with us. FRIDAY. AUGUST 3. 1956 - YOUTH DAY 10:00 A. M. — Bomb. Good Morning. 10:00 A.M. — Registration. Headquarters. 10:00 A. M. — 4-H Exhibition at the Fairgrounds. 2:30 P. M. — Little League Baseball. Park. 3:00 P. M. — Pie Eating Contest. Uptown Stage. 4:00 P. M. — Kangaroo Kourt Uptown. 5:00 P. M. — Dinner. 47 7:00 P.M. — Carnival Uptown. 8:30 P.M. — Program. Carnival Stage Uptow^n. 8:30 P. M. — Second showing of Historical Pageant "Peotone on Parade" at the Fairgrounds. 10:15 P.M. — Fireworks following Pageant. We hope that you enjoy this second day with us. SATURDAY. AUGUST 4, 1956 - LADIES DAY 10:00 A. M. — Bomb. Good Morning. 10:00 A.M. — Registration. Headquarters. 10:00 A. M. to 1 :00 P. M. — Sidewalk Cafe. 2:00 P. M. to 4:00 P. M. — Style Show. 5:30 P. M. —Girls' Baseball Game. 8:30 P. M. — Musical Program Uptown. 8:30 P. M. — Third Showing of Historical Pageant "Peotone on Parade" at the Fairgrounds. 10:15 P.M. — Fireworks following the Pageant. We hope that you enjoy this third day with us. SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 1956 - HOMECOMING DAY A. M. — Attend Church of Your Faith. - Old Fashioned Picnic at the Park. -Registration. Headquarters. - Registration of High School Alumni at Park. - Alumni Recognition Program. - Baseball. (Kankakee SSAC vs. Manteno Sportsman's Club) at Park. 3:00 P. M. — Musical Program Uptown. 4:30 P. M. — Time Capsule Ceremony Uptown. Burial at Park. 7:00 P. M. — Judging of Beards Uptown. 8:30 P. M. — Fourth Showing of Historical Pageant "Peotone on Parade" 10:15 P.M. — Fireworks follow^ing Pageant. 10:30 P. M. — Beard Shaving Contest Uptown. We hope that you enjoy this fourth and final day with us. 48 1 00 P. M. 1 00 P. M. 1 00 P. M. 2 00 P. M. 2 30 P. M. ELMER P. MEYER PEOTONE. ILLINOIS PHONE 3761 HOT-POINT APPLIANCES AMANA FREEZERS R. C. A. Victor - Zenith Radios and Television WALL PAPER B. P. S. PAINTS AND VARNISHES started business in 1920, in the same location for 36 years. In 1952 a new 36 x 90 addition was completed with modern, up to date offices known as the Peo- tone Medical Center, which is occupied by a Phy- sician, Dentist and Optometrist. Located in the same building is a complete Radio and Television repair shop. 49 The present business of Hinrichs and Clinton had an unusual beginning:. Following the Bank Moratorium by President Roosevelt in 1933, the directors of the Citizens State Bank of Peotone, of which Ed Fedde was President and Frank J. Hinrichs was Cashier, decided to liquidate the bank. (It is worthy of note that all depositors received 100 7r on deposits). Frank J. Hinrichs carried out the work of liquidation and at the same time took over Paul Collins Insurance Agency and wrote insurance and sold real estate. The business continued to grow and warranted Frank continuing the business on a full time basis after the bank had been liquidated. Through the years the Insurance Agencies of Yung and Hoenk, Albert Ammann, and William Conrad were assumed by this organization. On January 1, 1948 Thomas L. Clinton associated himself with the business. Sylvia Schroeder returned from California to become a member of the firm in May, 1954. The newest member, Gloria Thiesfeld, joined the group in January, 1956. 50 NORTHERN ILLINOIS COMPANY PENNY FLAME says Sincerest Best Wishes PEOTONE On Your 100th Anniversary Yours is an enviable heritage, one hundred years of active, fruitful growth — and still going strong. Congratulations! Through the years, together with predecessor companies Northern Illinois Gas Company has progressed along with the communities it serves . . . constantly expanding and improving to give even better service. Now, more modern than ever, GAS continues to ease household drudgery, performing tasks automatically to give carefree comfort to the daily living of over a half-million northern Illinois families. Whatever the job — cooking, refrigeration, water heating, incin- eration, clothes drying, or home heating . . . GAS does it Better . . . for LESS! ^Trademark Copyright 1956.. Northern Illinois Gas Company Do You Remember When: You used to meet your best gal or boy friend at Wednesday night prayer meetings? Com plim e n + s of THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF JOLIET 78 N. Clinton St.. Joliet. Illinois JOLIET 4371 MEMBER OF F. D. I. C. .51 ROYAL NEIGHBORS First row, left to right: Minnie Depperman, Ida Wilke, Anna Jacobs, Emma Smith, Elizabeth Anderson, Ida Hinrichs, Maggie Mundt, Anna Felten, and Ida Pfeil. Second row, left to right: Dorothy Doolin, Gladys Schroeder, Elda Dubbert, Mary Pries, Clara Krapf, Hattie Meyer, Anna Schannen, Gladys Doolin, and Elsie Rehberg. Third row, left to right: Helen Smith, Ruth Lalumendre, Dorothy Struhbar, Vernette Pattengale, Martha Williams, Arline Croxen, Bertha Nylen, and Minnie Pries. Marguarite Camp 4968 Royal Neighbors of America was chartered on August 26, 1907. With 26 members Mrs. Sarah Neil was our first Oracle, and Ida Krueger was the recorder. The first meeting was held on October 4 in the Woodman Hall, which was the Cowing Building on Second Street. Three of our charter members are still with us. The first officers were appointed by the District Deputy Dillon. On April 11, 1927, the first Juvenile Certificate was issued to Clarence A. Rehberg, and on November 22, 1927, the Juvenile Camp was organized by District Deputy Stella Daly and Juvenile Director Susan Warnecke. The officers for 1956 are: Elsie Rehberg Oracle Anna Schannen V. Oracle Dorothy Doolin P. Oracle Bertha Schultz Chancellor Vernette Pattengale Recorder Helen Smith Receiver Bertha Nylen Marshal Martha Williams Assistant Marshal Carolyn Osborne Inner Sentina! Minnie Depperman Outer Sentinal Elsie Heck Faith Hattie Meyer Courage Ruth Lalumendre Modesty Dorothy Strubhar Unselfishness Helen Burge Endurance Clara Krapf Musician Mary Van Iten Flag Bearer Gladys Schroeder Juvenile Director 52 Congratulations Peotone WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF THIS FINE COMMUNITY DAUM ELECTRICAL SERVICE 110 AAAIN STREET Peotone's Complete Electrical Service AUTHORIZED GENERAL ELECTRIC DEALER COMPLETE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING SERVICE PUBLIC ADDRESS SERVICE * * ECLIPSE LAWN MOWERS LIGHT FIXTURES * * ADMIRAL APPLIANCES & TELEVISION SUNBEAM PRODUCTS * * WHIRLPOOL APPLIANCES * RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL AIR CONDITIONING ALL TYPES OF APPLIANCE REPAIRING * HOUSEWARES What We Sell - - ■ • We Service EASTERN STAR NO. 5 Front row, left to right: C. Conrad, A. Lingner, C. Bate, G. Frederick, E. Frederick, G. Loitz, F. Fox, R. Morris, M. Bunch, and M. Fox. Middle row, left to right; M. Knowlton, L. Pfeil, M. E. Ross, K. Beutien, P. Harmon, S. Meyer, and M. lllgen. Back row: H. Johnson and R. Bunch. This is a brief synopsis of Dorcas Chapter No. 5 Order of the Eastern Star of Illinois which was founded in 1870 and granted its charter in 1882. The late Mrs. Lucy Tobias and Mr. John B. Tollitt served as the first Worthy Matron and Patron in the year 1870. Mrs. Agnes Amman and the late Mr. Gilbert Imholz served in 1915 and were the first to serve in the Masonic Temple in which we still meet. We are proud to acknowledge these 50-year members: Mrs. Lillian Davis Mrs. Agnes Amman Miss Elizabeth Adams Mrs. Ida Kruger Mrs. Jennie Reset Mrs. Estelle Foster From the seed sown by the Pioneer Band, the present members continue on with praise due to all who so strongly laid the foundation and to those who keep adding laurels. We cheer the fair people of Peotone, who for 100 years have given of willing hand their aid to lend, to make happy hearts, and to share burdens by the giving of kindly words from friend to friend. Mrs. Ester Fredricks, Worthy Matron 1956 Mr. George Fredricks, Worthy Patron Mrs. Annette Linger, Secretary Mrs. Chloe Conrad, Treasurer Do You Remember When: The town pump was located on the street between what is now the drug store and Elmer Meyer's building? 54 Compliments of SHELTON SINCLAIR CARDINAL FOOD STORE SERVICE STATION 1. L STELLING BEECHER ILLINOIS * RUGE'S INSURANCE PEOTONE AGENCY ILLINOIS BEECHER ILLINOIS Compliments of Congratulations Peotone A FRIEND from SIS & BILL'S H. G. SINGER COZY CORNER PAINTING DECORATING COLORCR ETI N G Peo+one, Illinois COMMUNITY SERVICE LEAGUE Standing, left to right: Fred Meyer, Past President, and Clarence Warning, President. Seated, left to right: A. Brader, Treasurer; C. Pattengale, Secretary; and Mrs. Fox, Vice President This organization is quite unique and the only known one of its kind in this area. It is composed of delegates from the various civic and community organizations in the vicinity. Two delegates are appointed from each or- ganization and are supposed to act for their parent organi- zation. The League conducts most of the drives for charitable organizations, conducts an annual summer recreational program for the community children, cooper- ates with health organizations for the Polio program, the Cancer program, the Mobile Chest X-Ray Unit and simi- lar efforts. It is the governing body for the Peotone Park and works in conjunction with a special Park Committee and the Village Board in an effort to provide a park and Recreational Area for the community. The following fifteen organizations are at present represented in the League: American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Band Mother's Club, Fire Department, Rotary Club, Sportsmen's Club, Village Board, Senior Women's Club, Junior Women's Club, Chamber of Com- merce, P.T.A., Ministerial Alliance, Wilton Center P.T.O., Green Garden P.T.A. and the Fireman's Auxiliary. Back in 1942 the League was born. In the middle of World War II, all communities were being constantly asked to run drives for the U.S.O., War Bonds, Red Cross and other similar war time activities. Without a governing body the various clubs and organizations were conflicting in their efforts and the Rotary Club was being asked to run the majority of the programs. It was generally felt in the Rotary Club that the efforts should be spread over all the various organizations instead of just one and should become truly community affairs. G. Lee Russel, Editor of the local paper, Francis Bunker, at that time the Public Service representative in this area. Dr. F. B. Daugherty, Peotone Dentist and others conceived the idea of an all encompassing organization. The idea was crystallized and some time in 1942, with Dr. Daugherty as moderator, the first meeting was held and the League came to life. It has functioned from that time to the present date. In the fourteen years of its existence, almost everyone who belongs to a local organization has served at some time or other in the League. The present officers for 1956 are: Clarence C. Warning, Chairman; Mrs. Gilbert Fox, Vice Chairman; Mr. Anneus Brader, Treasurer; and Mrs. Ervel Pattengale, Secretary. 56 GRAIN COAL FEED FERTILIZERS BUILDING MATERIALS — FARM SUPPLIES ANDRES & WILTON FARMER'S GRAIN & SUPPLY CO. Yards at Andres, IIL and Wilton, IN. P.O. PEOTONE, ILLINOIS PHONES Peotone 4681- Frankfort "0" Enterprise 1058-Manhattan 293-L SPORTSMEN'S CLUB Seated, left to right: H. Pattengale, Vice Pres; M. Siemsen, Sec; W. Nickel, Pres.; and J. Earl Smith, Treas. Standing, left to right: E. Pattengale, G Raguse, Directors. Not included in photo are G. Becker and L. Cann. Directors. The Peotone Sportsmen's Club was organized approx- imately in November 1935. The President was James Kruger, Secretary-Treasurer, Julius Koenning. Some of the early activities of the club were to raise and distribute pheasants and hold fox hunts, ever since the club has carried on these two projects. In the past five years an average of 12 foxes per year were killed on organized hunts. In the same number of years over 5,000 pheasants were released. For several years we purchased and released approximately 600 rabbits. Within the last two years, 20,000 multi-flora rose plants have been available for farmers, at no cost. In 1943 the club with the permission of the Village Board started cleaning up a portion of the lake property at the Tile Factory. Soon afterward a restocking and dredging program was carried on. In 1951 with the co- operation of the State Conservation Department, a survey was conducted to determine the population of fish. It was found that the lake was over populated with stunted fish. In the same year all the fish in the lake were killed and 2 months later the lake was restocked with fingerling large mouth bass and blue gills. In the last two years many nice size fish were caught. Over ^3,000.00 was donated to the Peotone Park Project in the past years. We have 2 hospital beds available to the residents of Peotone and vicinity. The club sponsors the Brownies, purchases suits, bats and supplies for the Little League Ball Club, sends 2 youths to Conservation School formerly held at Lake Villa now being held at Springfield, Illinois. Each year they participate in a poultry raffle with the Peotone Fire Department, also the Peotone Street Carnival and have taken over the concessions at the Will County Fair for the past several years. We have given sums of money to the Community Service League and any person deserving of same. Each year delegates are sent to the Northern Zone meetings and Illinois Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs State Convention which is held at Springfield, Illinois. In October 1955, the Peotone Sportsmen's Club pur- chased the Jostan Manufacturing Company building on East Main Street. A complete remodeling project is now in progress and is being done by members volunteering their services. 58 Wishing You A SUCCESSFUL CENTENNIAL From SCHLITZ The World^s Largest Selling Beer RADAKOVICH LIQUOR & BEVERAGE CO. WHOLESALERS 501 Scott Street Joliet, Illinois 59 VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT In the early days of Peotone, fires were fought main- ly through bucket brigades; everyone pitching in to help. Water had to be carried quite some distance, and conse- quently when the pail arrived at the fire, most of the water was spilled. In the year 1881, the village purchased their first fire engine. A beauty in those days, manned by approxi- mately 10 men who would pump the handles up and down, from each side of the engine. The first drill was held on April 15, 1881, and was under the command of Captain John Fedde. Other Captains appointed were Fred Con- rad, Gus Gibson, and Frank Conrad. In 1895, the water tower and mains were installed, and the engine was in use until 1900. There is no record as to its disposition. Hose carts were then used, and lad- ders were hauled on a two-wheeled cart. A 30 gallon tank extinguisher, mounted on two large wheels, was also in use. In 1924, the first fire truck was purchased; this being a Model T Ford equipped with two large chemical tanks, 500 feet of hose, ladders, etc. Henry Kurtz was Chief, and Elmer Kurtz was Assistant Chief. In 1935, the first pumper was bought. In 1940, the Rural District was or- ganized and another 500 G.P.M. truck bought. In 1953, a new tanker, capable of transporting 1,000 gallons of water to a fire, was purchased. This was also equipped with a 300 G.P.M. high pressure pump. An emergency truck was also purchased in which it transported the mha- lator, portable power and light plant, extra hose, coats, boots, and minor fire equipment, such as cots, blankets, ropes, nozzles, etc. The personnel of the fire department today is: Ches- ter Conrad, Chief, member for approximately 41 years, Joe Hitchings, President, Osmer Knickrehm, Treasurer, Orville Ahlborn, Secretary, Leslie Jacobs, Wayne Baird, Allen Harms, H. Pattengale, Albert Lindeman, Charles Anderson, Walter Nickel, James Ernst, Homer Conrad, Emil Brunner, member for 41 years, Nick Hauert, Ralph Daum, Howard Croxen, Lee Johnson, Julius Koenning, James Stevensen, Lyle Cann, Maurice Margworth, and Philip Imholz. Honorary members are Henry Daum, Paul Conrad, Chester R. Kruger, Alvin Harms, and Harris Frahm. LONG IN OUR SERVICE MR. LOUIS SCHROEDER Village President, with 32 years of serv- ice; First elected to the Village Board as Trustee in 1924, 10 years later was elect- ed Village President, and has served con- tinuously in that capacity ever since. Mr. Schroeder is a native ot this com- munity, born on a nearby farm and came to Peotone as a young man, following the carpenter and building contractor trade for 51 years, and still active in this line of work. Harry Reser served as Chief of Police from 1898 to 1941, or a span sight of him standing on the corner of Second and Main Streets every alike. MR, ELMER P. MEYER Village Clerk, with 42 years of service; Elected to office of Village Clerk in 1914 and has served continuously as Village Clerk since that time. He has served under six Village Presidents, including Mr, Schroeder, the present Village Presi- dent, and took part in many activities which brought about our village improve- ments. Mr. Meyer was also born on a nearby farm, and came to town as a young man becoming engaged in the carpenter trade until 1920 when he entered the paint and electrical appliance business, which he still conducts. of 43 years. We are sure that a lot of our present citizens remember the familiar Wednesday and Saturday nights. He was respected and admired by young and old 60 PEOTONE FIREMEN V # % f »- iu t .:^- Standing, rear, left to right: L. Cann, L. Johnson, H. Frahm, P. Imholz, H. Koenning, E. Brunner, L. Jacobs, A. Ginter, and J. Stevenson. W. Nickel, A. Harms, M. Margwarth, H. Ginter, N. Hauert, J. Ernst, A. Lindeman. R. Daum, and C. Anderson. 0. Ahlborn, C. Knickrehm, Geo. Lindeman, C. Conrad, E. Koen- ecke, W. Baird, and J. Hitchins. BENNETT FIREMEN Back row, left to right: E. Ruhbeck, W. Nickel, F. Koehn, J. Bak- haus, P. Rathje, Sr., L. Waldvogel, and W. Rehberg. Front row, left to right: P. Imholtz, L. Stender, H. Carstens, E. Off- ner, and B. Zaffino. FIRE DEPARTMENT AUXILIARY On November 17, 1953, the Peotone Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary was organized with ten women present. Mrs. Arthur Siemsen was elected Presi- dent; Mrs. Charles Anderson, Vice-Presi- dent; Mrs. James Stevensen, Secretary; Mrs. Lyl; Cann, Treasurer; and Mrs. Wayne Baird, Historian. The purpose of the Auxiliary is to help support the Fire Department in its activities to purchase fire equipment and to assist in b^ing of service to the community. The membership is composed of the women having a family member in the Peo- tone Volunteer Fire Department, including Bennett Industries Volunteer Fire Depart- ment. The present membership totals thirty. Top row, left to right; C. Krapf, I. Nickel, M. Carstens, C. Koehn, A. Brunner. Center row, left to right: M. Cann, D. Anderson, V. Pattengale, E. Koenecke, B. Ginter, B. Stevenson. First row, left to right: G. Imliolz, L. Siemsen, C. Ahlborn, F. Koenning, P. Knickrehm. Do You Remember When: Husking Bees and Box Socials were held in Pearson's Hall? 61 SENIOR WOMEN'S CLUB Standing, left to right: R. Arnold, C. Smith, G. Gorman, V. Arnold, Z. Hameister, A. Diedrich, H. Daugherty, C. Walters, R. Kirke, G. Loitz, F. Fedde, and L. Koch. Second row, left to right: E. Ahlborn, D. Hagenow, E. Norman, M. Curtis, S. Borms, S. Pfeil, M. Rathje, I. Freedman, M. Gross, R. Shippy, P. Stassen, F. Stassen, B. Siemsen. First row, left to right: E. Adams, G. Piper, G. Work, B. Bursa, E. Dowell, A. Mansell, S. Christiansen, and C. Meyer. The Peotone Senior Women's Club was organized in 1915, as a local literary organization. It was called Peotone Literary and Study Club. The first president was Mrs. Genevieve Holzhauer, vice-president, Miss Nevah Prior; secretary, Miss Jennie Fell; treasurer, Mrs. Margaret Wahls. The same year the club joined the Eleventh District Federation. In 1924 it becsme affiliated with Will County Federation and in 1925 the State Federation. Then in 1929 it was affiliated with the General Federation. In 1924 the club changed its name to "Peotone Women's Club." Outstanding achievements of the club were many. In 1928 a junior club was formed, through the efforts of the Senior Club. In 1917 a Woman's Chorus was very active in Com- munity affairs. A sum of ^200 was spent on landscaping the school grounds. Three hundred dollars was given to help pay for the seats in the school gymnasium. The Peotone Senior Women's Club has been and still is an uplifting force in the community. The Peotone Township Library was started in 1934 by the Junior and Senior Woman's Clubs. Do You Remember When: The local doctors were Dr. Charles Sfedman, Dr. Henry Foike, Dr. Simington, Dr. J. D. Curl, Dr. W. H. Kline, Dr. Hoike, Dr. Shumway, Dr. Howe, Dr. Elliott, Dr. Foster, Dr. Willman, Dr. Lyon, Dr. Melville, Dr. Kirkpatrick, and Dr. Cox? 62 NATIONAL STONE COMPANY JOLIET, ILLINOIS Phone Joliet 5-285 AGRICULTURAL LIMESTONE CRUSHED STONE FOR ROADS - CONCRETE - BLACKTOP - SEPTIC SYSTEMS RAILROAD BALLAST JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB The Pcotone Junior Woman's Club was organized on December 13, 1928 and the first meeting was held Janu- ary 3, 1929, with Mrs. Francis Fedde presiding. The club's first sponsor was Miss Emma Rathje and the club had thirty-five charter members. Standing, left to right: L. Munger, S. Benoit, M. Ammann, M. Barr, J. Oliver, (present officersl and A. Diedrich, F. Fedde, H. Weipert, (first officers). One, among many, of their accomplishments was working with the Peotone Senior Woman's Club in or- ganizing a library in the Village in the spring of 1934. There are now fifty members in the organization with Mrs. Carlyle Ammann, president. Congratulations Peotone on Your 1 00th Anniversary FARMERS STATE BANK OF BEECHER MEMBER F. D. I. C. BEECHER, ILLINOIS PHONE 2521 (•.4 R. L REISING SALES INC. Dixie Highway BEECHER. ILLINOIS Phone 3521 — OLDSMOBI LE — Congratulations Peotone BEECHER GRAIN CO. BEECHER, ILLINOIS Phone 2891 Congratulations to the Peotone Centennial WEHLING WELL WORKS E. C. WEHLING, Owner Phone Beecher 3482 Do You Remember When: We had "runaways" in the horse and buggy days? HOLDT IRON WORKS Ornamental Railings and Columns 642 GOULD STREET Phone 4211 Beecher, Hi. J. WM. TUCKER Television and Radio Service Phone 3681 PEOTONE. ILLINOIS ROTARY CLUB Back row Ictt to nijht G Shippy R Hjrrm.in, P Htlliich, L MuyL-r, Ivl PutLib, j.ul b K,i,,. , ^, ...ad row, leftto right: L. Rubscll G. Vallow, 0. March, C. Kruger, D. Hauert, H. Gorman, T. Clinton, E. Holt, and V. Jones. Front row, seated, left to right: H. Colehower, G. Curtis, H. Fedde, W. Tucker, Mrs. M. Knowlton, F, Arnold, W. Meyer, G. McFadden, and K. Hauert. The Peotone Rotary Club No. 4701 was organized April 18, 1938 with 26 members present. The Manteno Rotary Club was the sponsor. The first regular meeting was held April 25, 1938 at Wiechen's cafe, with the fol- lowing officers: President Secretary Treasurer - Harry Fedde - John Campbell - Fred Emde Of the 26 charter members, 6 are still with us; they are the following: H. C. Colehower Harry Fedde Hugh Gorm.an Pat Hauert E. G. Holt C. R. Kruger The following 7 members have passed on: Fred Emde Fred C. Jurres Dan Knowlton Charles Gitersonke Roy Piper Henry Schwiesow Lester Meyer The past presidents are the following; H. Fedde Pat Hauert C. Walters W. Schuetz J. Campbell T. L. Clinton F. Daugherty J. Smith C. Singer Glen Vallow E. Holt Paul Helfrich L. Russell W. Roy Hartman H. Colehower Geo. Curtis L. Meyer Geo. McFadden, President Elect Approximately 865 meetings have been held. Do You Remember When: We played such games as Run Sheep Run, Statue, Hide and Seek, and Drop the Handkerchief? 66 MANTENO LIMESTONE CO MANTENO. ILLINOIS Phone 8-4141 AGRICULTURAL LIMESTONE State Approved Crushed Stone for STREETS — ROADS — DRIVEWAYS — SEPTIC TANKS LIBRARY BOARD Left to right: G. Koenning, R Arnold, M. Fodor, R. Morrison, L Koch, E Dowell, Librarian, and G. Curtis. The inspiration and desire for a public library began at a Senior Woman's Club luncheon in October, 1933. Nothing definite was done until January 26, 1934 when the Club voted to start a library. Mrs. Otto Rathje was then president and she appointed Miss Julia Cann, Mrs. James Barbour and Mrs. Stanley Arnold to promote the project. The co-operation of the Junior Woman's Club was secured and a civic committee was appointed to work with the Senior committee, the personnel of which was Ruth Tucker, Grace Ginter, Leone Beutien, Genevieve Warnecke, Ora Harness, Zephrine Werner and their pres- ident, Lorena Hinrichs. The efforts in securing a place in which to house the library was not encouraging. Through the kindly interest of E. H. Fedde a room in the Citizens State Bank was finally secured and two new open double book cases were made to order. The combined library fund of the two clubs amounted to a little over ^100. Each member of the two Clubs was requested to donate one volume to the library and the first consignment of new books was purchased in June 1935, the selection and purchase was made by Mrs. Stanley Ar- nold and Mrs. Ora Harness. Miss Catheryn Mallory had since been added to the committee to select and purchase books. The library board members appointed were Mrs. Stanley Arnold, Mrs. Ora Harness, Mrs. Ethel Russell. Miss Grace Ginter was appointed as publicity chairman and Mrs. Wayne Baird as secretary-treasurer. The library was open everyday during August from 2 to 3 o'clock and the charge for books was 2c per day. During September it was open two days each week — Wed- nesday and Saturday and the charge for books was 5c from Wednesday to Saturday or Saturday to Wednesday. The Senior and Junior Club members alternated taking care of the library. The fees received from books plus the donations given were not sufficient to pay expenses and purchase books, so in January 1937, it was decided to find a way to increase the funds of library. A special meeting of the Woman's Clubs was called January 26, 1937 where a motion was made and carried to take the necessary steps to vote a tax of .3 mill at the spring election. This elec- tion took place April 6, 1937. The following were on the election ticket: Ruth Arnold, 2 years; Agnes Diedrich, 2 years; Kenneth Hauert, 4 years: Ed Stauffenberg, 4 years; Mildred Werner, 6 years; and Beulah Yung, 6 years. The first meeting of the township Library Board was held in May 1937, and the elected officers were President, Mrs. H. P. Yung; Vice President, E. A. Stauffenberg; Secretary, Miss Agnes Diedrich; and Treasurer, Miss Mildred Werner. The library quarters were moved to Harry Fedde's Furniture store on February 1, 1937. While here Mrs. Orville Ahlborn, Miss Gail Ahlborn and Mrs. Walter Koch served as Librarians. By June 1941 these quarters were beginning to become somewhat crowded so it was decided to find a new location. In August the library moved into the old Bank Building where it is still located. Mrs. Kenneth Hauert served as librarian from October 1943 to October 1952. Mrs. Nathan Dowell is the present librarian and she states there are 3500 books in the library and subscriptions for ten periodicals. Present board officers and trustees are President, George Curtis; Vice President, Mrs. Lloyd Koenning: Sec- retary, Mrs. Walter Koch; and Treasurer, Mrs. Stanley Arnold; Trustees, Mrs. Gilbert Morrison, and Mr. A. M. Fodor. 68 MEYER BROS. & SON PEOTONE. ILL CHEVROLET, BUICK FRANCHISE DEALER 69 AMERICAN LEGION Left to right: L. Munger, T. Ivanotf, H, Singer, C. Ginter, J. Ernst, R. Albers, K. Barclay, C. Ritzman, J. Jacobsen, V. Dubbert, J. Stevenson, V. Englehardt, R. Daum, F. Regan, K. Jacobs, L Carstens, E Nickel. On December 31st, 1919, the newly formed American Legion Post No. 392 of Peotone was granted a charter. This charter lists 42 original or charter members as follows: Stanley Arnold, Alvin Harms, Gilbert H. Jurres, Chester A. Kruger, Otto J. Ebsen, Walter Klenz, Farris Meyer, Chester S. Conrad, George A. Daum, Per. M. Dahl, Milton J. Ycunker, Fred A. Hauert, Frank Storch, George E. Margwarth, Charles C. Schlauder, Travis L. Perry, Fred A. Deininger, Merle S. Gilkerson, Charles Mech, Alesander Hauryluk, E. W. Schaadt, Fred J. Car- stens, Harvey A. Hauert, Hjalmer Harstedt, Adam E. Mankus, Custer Renchen, Erich F. Nickel, Roy M. Lin- nard, Henry A. Daum, Emil H. Brunner, A. T. Schuene- man, Ray H. Stewart, Walter Thiesfeld, George C. Lohr- bach, Elmer W. Linnard, Loyd E. Perry, James D. Tabbit, Richard E. Cann, Harry Engelhardt, Clifford H. Meyer, Clifford Younker, Leslie Howlett. The first Commander of the newly organized and chartered post was Lloyd Perry, now deceased. Old records of post activities were destroyed by fire. During World War II the following Peotone area veterans died in the defense of this nation: Robert Bough- ton, Chester Giles, Warren Morrison, John Onken, Glenn Templin and Lowell Werner. In 1950 property was purchased for the future site of a legion home. On Feb. 18, 1953 the Legion and Auxiliary voted to proceed with the erection of this long dreamed of home. Through the combined efforts of the Legion, Auxili- ary, Business men and citizens, the building was constructed and dedicated between April 1953 and June 1954. The present membership is an all time high of 156 members. Officers for 1956 are as follows: Vernon Englehardt, Cmdr.; Ralph Daum, Sr., Vice Cmdr.; Francis Regan, Jr. Vice Cmdr.; Clarence Ginter, Jr., Adjutant; Kenneth Jacobs, Chaplain; and Lyle Carstens, Sgt.-at-Arms. One outstanding achievement for 1956 is the organiza- tion of a Drill Team, headed by James Stevenson, Sgt. of the Guard. It is intended and hoped that our service to the com- munity, state and nation shall continue to make us stronger in mind and spirit. Do You Remember When: Traffic on the Illinois Central was completely tied up from Friday evening until Monday morning during the blizzard of 1918? PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS SINCE 1906 BEECHER HERALD Commercial Job Printing Phone 3251 C. H. LETTERER BEECHER, ILL SHADY LAWN GOLF CLUB Under New Management BEECHER, ILLINOIS M. HAYDEN, Mgr. SNOWITE Laundry & Dry Cleaning Co. Rug Cleaning Fur Storage WALL TO WALL CARPETING Linen Rental Diaper Service Kankakee 3-5504 430 S. Schuyler KANKAKEE. ILLINOIS Do You Remember When: Carnations were given with our first ice-cream sundaes on Memorial Day? MANSELL-FOX MOTORS SALES SERVICE Welcomes You To the Peotone Centennial Phone 327! Peo+one, III. Congratulations FARMERS GRAIN CO. BEECHER, ILL PHONE 2421 Congratulations Peotone CROXEN PRODUCE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY Standing, left to right: F. Tribe, L. Becker, V. Albers, B. Hasenheyer, M. Regan, and M Neild. Seated, left to right: B. Dubbert, M. Ernst, and P. Baker. On April 9, 1925, 10 women met in the home of Mrs. Alfred L. Gross for the purpose of organizing a Women's Auxiliary to Peotone Post 392, American Legion. Mrs. Mary Perry was elected the first president of the new Unit. Installation of officers was held on April 28th in the Odd Fellows Hall. The Unit charter was issued by the Nation- al Department on September 1, 1925 and signed by the Department of Illinois on Sept. 11, 1925. The charter carries the following names: Mary Perry, Sadye Cowing, Etta Deininger, Mabel Gross, Helen Jurres, Elsie Barton, Elizabeth Kurtz, Frances Finlce, Hattie Schlauder, Carrie Gehrke, Anna Schlauder, Estelle Schueneman, Minnie Daum, Mary Daum, Julia Deininger, Mary Meyer, Elizabeth Anderson, Mary Cherry, Margaret Rooney, Ethel Blomberg, Mildred Knowlton, Tillie Lohrbach, Viola Cann, Amelia Brown, Arline Deininger, Elenora Meyer, Corrien Meyer, Bertha Schroeder, Linda Schroedet, Bertha Nickel, Dorothy Kru- ger and Julia Cann. Of these charter members 17 are still members of the Unit with 10 having 31 years of continuous service. The Unit participates in all the programs of the Department of Illinois. Poppy Day is one of the big days of the year. The poppies are purchased from the veterans making them and all the profit is used only for rehabilitation work. This year 1700 poppies and 1000 seals were sold with ^194.33 being realized. During the past year the Unit received over ^1900 credit from the Department for used clothing taken to the State hospital at Manteno. Each year the Unit has a Veterans' Craft Shop booth at the Will County Fair held at Peotone. Articles sold are purchased from the Veterans' Craft Shop in Chicago. They are made by disabled veter- ans. All the profit from the sale of these articles goes to the members who do volunteer work in hospitals. Peotone Unit has 4 Gold Star Mothers: Mrs. Anna Cuti, Mrs. May Boughton, Mrs. Jennie Werner and Mrs. Mabel Matthew. The Past Presidents' Parley, with 21 members, plays an active part in the working of the Unit. The Unit meets the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month. The Parley meets the 4th Thursday evening of each month. During the first year of its existence Peotone Unit had a membership of 35. The Unit's present member- ship is 140. The Unit is the largest in Will County. Mrs. Vernon Dubbert is the present president. 72 HUPE HARDWARE 109 W. Main Street Peotone, Illinois TELEPHONE PEOTONE 3241 Appliances Shellane Bottle Gas Paints General Hardware GARDEN CLUB The Peotone Garden Forum was organized March 9, 1953 to promote interest in gardens and better understanding of garden culture. The organization has sponsored two garden shows in September 1954 and also in 1955. Past Presidents are: Mr. David Hughes, 1953-54; Miss Katherine Beutien, 1954-56. The elected officers for the en- suing year are: President, Mrs. Wayne Baird; Vice President, Mr. Lloyd Koenning; Rec. Sec, Mrs. Sylvia Wright; Cor. Sec, Mrs. Charles Gerentz; Treas., Miss Laura Borms. Front row, left to right: A. Harms, B. Nylen, J. Gernentz, L. Baird, S. Wright, C. Conrad, and L. Rich. Second row, left to right: V. Baird, J. Peters, I. Hitirichs, J. Cann, L. Boden, E. Lawrence, and H. Hinrichs. Third row, left to right: W. Boden, C. Gernentz, E. Peters, W. Baird, F. Hinrichs, F. Boden, and J. Rich. Do You Remember When: First horseless carriage in town was driven through town with interior lights on? CLIFF MIKUCE INVITES PEOTONE CENTENNIAL PATRONS To Visit His Res+auran+ and Tavern On U. S. 54 at Monee, Illinois Serving meals continuously from 1 1 :30 a.m. CLIFF MIKUCE TAVERN - MONEE. ILLINOIS PORTER & ERNST GROCERY AND MARKET WE DELIVER Peo+one, III. Ph. 2251 LEWIS WERNER SPECIAL AGENT Farm Bureau Insurance Service Country Mutual Insurances lone 5471 Peotone, Illinois PEOTONE MOTEL U. S. Route 54 THREE MILES NORTH OF PEOTONE Owned and Operated by Dial 3154 Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Cochran r>i-^-i-^k. 1 1- ■■ ■ and Sons PEOTONE, ILL. Do You Remember When: We wore long underwear? BILL'S STANDARD SERVICE U. S. Route 54 Lubrication - Washing - Wheel Balancing Peotone, III. Dial 2071 PEOTONE BOWLING CENTER WALLY STUENKEL, Prop. Peotone, III. Dial 3941 Compliments of DR. J. W. TURNER. M. D. PEOTONE, ILL MODERN BEAUTY SHOP IRENE CLARK 110 North Second Street DIAL 5141 PEOTONE, ILL. P.T.A. Although the Peotone Parent- Teacher's Association is one of the younger organizations in the community it has taken its place as one of the worthwhile groups for the greater understanding of school problems and assistance in student and community endeav- ors. The association was organ- ized on March 9, 1949, with Mrs. Lloyd Koenning as acting chair- man. Mrs. Charles Schroeder was elected as first president and Mrs. Calvin Younker is the cur- rent president. Left to right: R. Ernst, C. Walliser, C. Schroeder, F. Zornow, L. Koch, M. Younker, and Mrs. Van Iten. Do You Remember When: We walked down the tracks to pick violets and bird bills after school? WILKE - REHN (Incorporated) LUMBER - PAINT - BUILDING MATERIAL Power Farm Equipment Bulk Coolers BEECHER, ILLINOIS PHONE 342 Compliments of WILL COUNTY TITLE COMPANY TITLE GUARANTEE POLICIES ABSTRACTS OF TITLE Issuing Chicago Title and Trust Company Guarantee Policies 110 N. Ottawa St. Joliet, Illinois Phone Joliet 4744 HAROLD HEYERMAN JEWELER Watch Repairing Diamonds and Watches Peo+one, III. Phone 491 1 Do You Remember When: The roller rink was above Lindeman's garage? VALENTINE'S CAFE IN UPTOWN PEOTONE Southern Fried Chicken Sizzling Steaks TED & GLADYS VALENTINE, Owners Peotone, III. Dial 40! JOHNNY'S TEXACO SERVICE JOHN MAUSEHUND, Jr., Owner Dial 2031 Peotone, Illinois CLEM RITZMAN Cement and Block Work of All Kinds Peotone, Illinois YOUTH ACTIVITIES HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL LITTLE LEAGUE 1955 Front row, seated, left to right: R. Schoonover, M. Van Iten, Cheer Leaders; P. Hott, Coach; V. Hupe, N. Ponton, Cheer Leaders. Second row, left to right: R. Struhbar, K. Koch, W. Albers, R. Hel- frich, and G. Russell. Third row, left to right: D. Fox, M. McFadden, W. Knickrehm, W. Kopman, and T. Siemsen. Back row, left to right: T. Morrison, T. Stone, M, Marshall and D. Younker. T*V^ FT T. i^T- ^■t^'^tjl First row, left to right: David Meyer, Fred Van Iten, Allen Meyer, and Stuart Cann. Second row, left to right: Jon Ruge, Dennis Singleman, Darrel Rich- mond, Claude Werner, and James Flatt. Third row, left to right: Alfred Van Iten, David Jacobs, William Meyer, Jerry Baker, and Brian Cann. Top row; Warren Baker and Donald Flatt, Managers. BOY SCOUTS Front row, left to right: K. Lewjs, J. Scrivcns, K Schwicsow, D. Lalumendre, B. Seabright, R. Lewis, D. Seimsen, and B. Turner. Middle row, left to right: D. Giles, S. Anderson, T. Lalumendre, J. Ruge, D. Singleman, and R. Lalumendre. Back row, left to right: Scoutmaster R. Neild, C. Anderson, J. Stassen, D. Singleman, B. Stone, E. Hunter, and D. Gribbins. GIRL SCOUTS -p%^' ^.«a» -■W ^ Front row, left to right: J. Zornow, N. Johnson, D. Schuetz, S. Link, and K. Pattengale. Back row, left to right: J. Baker, Mrs. Harold Pattengale, Leader, J. Christenson, M. Depperman, S. Hoffman, J. Weller, F. Van Iten, B, Hunter, C. Hupe, and G. Zornow, Leader. Green Garden Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Company Monee, Illinois We do business anywhere in the State of Illinois at the lowest possible rate. Call Peotone 5751 or 4151 Eleven years from now we will celebrate our Centennial and we are proud to say that we have never made an Assessment. This company was organized for business in 1867, incorporated by the State of Illinois in 1869, and has been growing steadily to the present time. Henry R. Stassen, Jr., the originator of the organization, came to this country with his parents from Germany and settled in Monee Township, Will County, Illinois. He and Henry Stassen, Sr., the former president, immediately applied themselves to the plan of insurance and organized the company with eight other farmers from the Green Garden area. They began business the year of 1869, and named the corporation "Green Garden Farmers' Fire Insurance Company." Without any cash reserve on hand, officers had to advance the money until such time as money came in from agents. The report of the first year of business in 1869 showed cash on hand of $25.29. Total as.sets of December 31, 1955, were $313,002.57. Business was conducted in the German lan- guage until 1917 when the English language re- placed it. In 1949, the charter was amended to include extended coverage, excluding wind. Insurance is taken on city property as well as farms. y^^^ THE VILLAGE SHOP PEOTONE, ILLINOIS Do You Remember When: Chautauquas were held in a tent where the Ford garage is now located? KRUGERS FROZ-N-FOOD LOCKERS Freezer and Locker Supplies Custom Slaughtering Curing and Smoking Dial 252! Peo+one, SCHROEDER-GAST TAVERN Schlitz Beer on Tap Package Liquors PEOTONE, ILLINOIS Compliments of WALT'S TAP PEOTONE, ILLINOIS 80 Gas — Oil — Greasing Tires — Tubes — Accessories R & H SHELL SERVICE TOWING SERVICE Peotone, 111. Phone 3031 MANTENO STATE BANK A Bank Where You Are Always Welcome Telephone 8-2051 MANTENO, ILLINOIS Do You Remember When: The tile factory was our source of supply of ice for use in the summer time? GLEN'S BARBER SHOP no Second St. PEOTONE, ILLINOIS GLEN YOST, Prop. RADIGK MACHINE SHOP Electric and Acetylene Welding Dial 2834 Peotone, III. Best Wishes Peotone on Your Centennial FIRST STATE BANK OF BEECHER F. D. I.e. Insured Phone 3551 81 PEOTONE TASTEE FREEZ RTE. 54 S. SAMUEL, Mgr. Sundaes - Malts - Banana Splits - Shakes - Cold Drinks - Floats - Cones - Sodas - Freezes Do You Remember When: The old swimming hole was located at the tile factory? Compliments f DR. J. L. LYNN PEOTONE. ILLINOIS PEOTONE SALES & SERVICE Massey-Harris & Mercury Compliments of CURVE INN Route 54 Peotone, Illinois Congratulations DR. JAMES NADLER VETERINARIAN Do You Remember When: We wore the assafetida bag around our necks? Compliments of A. H. HARMS PLUMBING & HEATING ALFRED GROSS Shoes for the Family Compliments of S. D. BAIRD & SONS 83 SOME OF THE OLDEST RESIDENTS OF PEOTONE OVER 85 YEARS; Louis Pries, Ferinand Nickel, Charles Koehn, Herman Paulsen, Mary Wolla, John Ross, Mrs. John Ross, and Mrs. Dora Remus OVER 90: Frank Conrad and Richard Bate. 84 The following Republican office holders of Will County, who are seeking re-election on the Republican ticket wish the community of Peotone success in their centennial program and continued progress through their second century. FRANK H. MASTERS, JR STATES ATTORNEY PAUL V. WUNDER, JR. CIRCUIT CLERK ROBERT L SPREITZER RECORDER MARTIN LUNDQUIST AUDITOR WILLARD G. BLOOD CORONER SOME BROTHERS OF THE BRUSH Top row, left to right: F. Regan, G. Becker, M. Becker, H. Meier, R. Albers, E. Pattengale, C. Oliver, H. Clark, and L. Werner. Front row, left to right: V. Dubbert, A. Lindeman, M. Margwarth, C. Buhr, L. Munger, and K. Munger. SOME SISTERS OF THE SWISH I ^ ' J Top row, left to right: B. Hasenheyer, F. Tribe, M. Neild, B. Dub- Front row, left to right: J. Yero, Marie Christiansen, J. Brunner, bert, G. Schroeder, M. Van Iten, S. Christensen, M. Taylor, M. Rathje, M. Reagan, M. Barr, J. Oliver, and V. Schroeder. B. Carstens, D. Buhr, and M. Buhr. 86 WILL COUNTY COOPERATIVES, INC. FOR BETTER FARMING Do You Remember When: The snowbanks, after fhe blizzard of 1885, were so hard teams could be driven over them for a month? soun d FROM AN INVESTMENT ANGLE! Oranites ALL POLISHED THEODORE JOHNSON & SONS, INC. ESTABLISHED 1893 EDWIN OHLENDORF, Representative Telephone Beecher 2161 SCHROEDER MOTOR SALES THE HOME OF TRADER SCHROEDER USED CARS Do You Remember When: Dances, local plays, and medicine shows were held in the Old Opera House? DRALLE IMPLEMENT CO. PEOTONE. ILL Phone 6251 .ss CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO THE PEOTONE CENTENNIAL COMPLIMENTS OF THE WILL - DUPAGE SERVICE COMPANY 59 WEST CLINTON STREET JOLIET. ILLINOIS PHONES: Joliet 4249 - Plainfield 7-3491 - Peotone 2181 - WHeaton 8-0316 — Distributors of — PETROLEUM PRODUCTS SOY-OIL REV SATIN PAINTS AUTOMOBILE - TRUCK - TRACTOR - IMPLEMENT TIRES AND TUBES AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS AND OTHER FARM SUPPLIES 89 Congratulations and Best Wishes on your CENTENNIAL OBSERVANCE WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY AND EXTEND OUR SINCERE APPRECIATION CARDOX CORP. BEST WISHES TO THE PEOTONE CENTENNIAL ARMOUR'S Big Crop Fertilizer (Bulk or Bags) GOELKE'S Liquid Fertilizer (Hauled or Spread) WILLIAM H. MEYER Peotone 2294 This Book . . . A Product of THE FREMOUW PRESS 15424 Broadway HARVEY, ILLINOIS For Quality and Economy on All Your Printing Needs Call EDison 3-0175 A UNION LABEL SHOP, OF COURSE! Do You Remember When: Peotone had a number of very good baseball teams in the 1890's? TRUCKING LIVESTOCK— GRAIN— FEED— COAL CRUSHED STONE — GRAVEL — SAND SPRAYING DAIRY BARNS KNICKREHM TRUCKING Dial Peotone 6401 PEOTONE. ILLINOIS DIXIE DAIRY CO. Your Favorite Milk CHICAGO HEIGHTS. ILL Telephone SKyline 5-0544 91 DON'T YOU AGREE? A & P believes the only way you con really cut your food bills is to save on the many necessary items of food — instead of on just a few specials. THIS IS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE! A & P saves you more by offering you scores and scores of low prices in every department every day — instead of just a handful of specials now and then. THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA CO. y2 Early Peotone Firsts FIRST SETTLERS — Daniel Booth and James Allen - 1849 FIRST PERMANENT SETTLERS - Ra'P*' Crawford, Samuel Good- speed, James & John Cowmg 1855 FIRST RAILROAD - Illinois Central - 1853 FIRST DEPOT - built in 1856 FIRST GRAIN WAREHOUSE - erected by Harding & Comstock - 1 857 FIRST MERCHANT & POSTMASTER - J F Pickering FIRST PERMANENT HOUSE & STORE - built by J F. Picker- ing in 1858 FIRST CHURCH — ^^e M. E. Church - 1358, Reverend John Hitchens, the minister FIRST SCHOOL - taught by W. W. Clarke in 1859 FIRST PRACTICING PHYSICIAN - Dr Charles Stedman 1860 FIRST HOTEL - kept by W. W. Kelly FIRST HAY PRESS — built in 1869 by Oliver Lippencott FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL - built in 1869 at a cost of $6,500 FIRST NEWSPAPER - The Eagle 1876 FIRST BAND - 1876 FIRST BANK — private, owned by L H. Linebarger - 1887 FIRST ELECTRIC COMPANY - organized in 1894 by 15 private citizens, then sold to Messrs. Fedde & Yung and later to the Public Service Company v' uvi itmiiT^ Public Service Company PEOTONE 1856 - 1956 PEOTONE STATE BANK 1916 - 1956 Growing With Peotone This year as the Village of Peotone celebrates its 1 00th anniversary, the PEOTONE STATE BANK celebrates its 40th anniversary. The PEOTONE STATE BANK received its charter authorizing it to do business October 13, 1916. TOTAL ASSETS — December 31, 1916 — $ 99,946.73 TOTAL ASSETS — December 31, 1926 — $ 301,465.81 TOTAL ASSETS — December 31, 1936 — $ 601,579.78 TOTAL ASSETS — December 31, 1946 — $2,670,728.80 TOTAL ASSETS — May 31, 1956 — $4,582,485.36 We are proud and happy that we have been able to play a vital role in the growth and financial history of Peotone. PEOTONE STATE BANK "77ie Bank of Friendly Service*' C. T. Singer, President G. W. McFadden, Vice-President C. F. Arnold, Cashier Phone Peotone 2771 •i- -r UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBAN/I 977 325P39P com PEOTONE ON PARADE. 1856-1956 PEOTONE? I «i 3 0112 025388015