MIWIS HSTDRKIU SOSVEY 977,3875 P442n New Baden Centennial 1855 ~ 1955 JUNE 24, 25, and 26, 1955 NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS 1855-1955 Friday, June 24, 1955 OLD TIMERS PARADE BEARD and COSTUME JUDGING SQUARE DANCING Address: Sen. Dwight Friederich Saturday, June 25, 1955 FLOAT PARADE Sunday, June 26, 1955 TALENT SHOW FLOAT PARADE Souvenir Copy . . . $1.00 1 CITY OFFICIALS — 1955 From left to right: Robert Roth, Trustee; Franklin Kennett, Sec retary; Donald Junior Ilges, Treasurer; Richard Stempel, Trustee; Charles Cook, Trustee; Leonard Berberich, Street Commissioner and Village Marshal; Robert Croumlich, President of Village Board of Trustees; Robert Thoeming, Trustee; Oscar Poos, Trustee; Orville Hemann, Retiring Board Member; Carl Heim,berger, Retiring Board Member; Ralph Bann, Trustee. Stanford Fritz, Police Magistrate, (absent when picture was taken) . 1 Page TWO Xl NEW BADEN CENTENNIAL Sponsored By CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE Seated left to right: Joseph Huelsmann, Mrs. Agnes Macke, (alternate for Marcella Heinzmann) ; Eileen Hoffmann, Lorene Brede, Frank Bux. Standing: Oscar Poos, Robert Roth, Charles Cook, William E. Renth, Alfred Brown, Ray Bruns, Richard Rakers, Theodore Medcalf, LeRoy Brede, Gilbert Noll, H. C. Largent, Chairman. Page Three Foreword History, that has been one hundred years in the making, cannot possi' bly be recreated or retold in a mere twenty 'five or one hundred page book. The committee has worked with a mixed feeling of pride, humility, and at times, sheer exhaustion and frustration. The people and events mentioned through the years are, of course, net the only ones responsible for oui town but are those about whom we could find accurate accounts and records to help formulate a running story of development. Behind the growth oi every village, city, state, or nation, are those tireless and willing workers who receive no honor or mention. New Baden would never have existed or progressed without a combination of leaders and followers. Special thanks must be given the Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the Centennial Celebration. Through this club, the committees met and plans were made and carried out. It is an effort of which they can be very proud. Our thanks goes to every individual who has in any way given infor- mation or pictures to the history'' committee to make our story. We hope it will bring to you a picture and many pleasant memories of our towu from 1855 to 1955. Compiled and 'Written by Charlene Peters Mildred Large nt HISTORICAL COMMITTEE Florence Mueller, Oscar Poos, Chairman, Mildred Largent, Charlene Peters Page Four EARLY SETTLERS INFLUENTIAL IN THE SETTLEMENT AND GROWTH OF NEW BADEN Anton Griesbaum — Came from Germany in 1846 at the age of 19. Wife, Elizabeth Yost. He was a farmer and laid out the Anton Griesbaum Addition in 1899. William Griesbaum— Came from Germany in 1857. Wife, Louisa Wink- ler. Farmer, businessman. Laid out William Griesbaum Addition in 1890. Valentine Heinzmann — Settled in 1852, from Baden, Germany. Wile, Caroline Carl. Served as Postmaster and Township Treasurer, opei- ated a saloon, served as Street Commissioner of the Village, Village President, and Village Treasurer. Bernard Singler — Came from Baden, Germany in 1853. Wife, Barbara Morlock. He was a farmer and Highway Commissioner. Rudolph Hertenstein, Sr. — Born in Baden, Germany in 1850. Emi- grated to New Baden in 1854. Wife, Ida Monken. He worked as a farm hand until 1872, when he started a peddler business. In a shon time he opened a store. John Weber— Born in Clinton County, Illinois in 1855. Wife, Lizzie Koob. He was a school teacher in the first school house. Was the first Village Clerk and wrote the first Village Ordinances. He procured the Village Seal and Village Law at the time of incorporation. Conrad Woerner — Came from Baden, Germany in 1855. Wife, Barbara Ganz. Mr. Woerner operated a wagon shop. His was the first inter- ment in the Catholic Cemetery. Adolph Harpstreith— Came in 1855 from Germany. Wife, Ida Hartwig. He was a farmer and Justice of the Peace. Christian Schumacher — Came from Germany in 1867. Wife, Louisa Wittmer. Established a general store in New Baden in the late 1 860 s. The building in which he had his business and living quarters still stands and has always been a general merchandise store. John Monken — Came to New Baden from Columbia, Illinois in 1869. Mr. Monken was a teacher. Henry Hummel — Came from Baden, Germany in 1872. Wife, Caroline Griesbaum. Mr. Hummel operated a saloon, a general store, a bowlim, alley, and a dance hall in the establishment he built in 1880. The building and its contents were completely destroyed by fire in 188V It was rebuilt a year later. The building has also housed the post office and bank in time past and was owned by the Hummel family for 75 years. This building is still standing. William Probst — Came from Green County, Wisconsin and settled in 1875. Wife, Sophia Meyer. He was a farmer and stock raiser. William E. Kruger — Came from Holstein, Germany in 1878. Dr. Krugei was a physician and surgeon. He also operated a drug store. Fn c:p Five COPY — PLAT of the TOWN of BADEN Dated November 28, 1855 "Be it known that I surveyed and established the town of Baden for Frederick A. Carpenter this fifteenth day of August in the year one thou- sand eight hundred and fifty-five, which is situated in the North West quarter of Section Eighteen, Town One North Range Five (5) West of the Third Principal Meridian, in Clinton County, State of Illinois, com- mencing at the South West corner of the North West Quarter of sai'a Section 18; planted a stone for the center of Hanover Street; thence N. 7° 30' W. 33 feet; thence N. 82^4° E. 15 feet across Lawrence Street, set a stone; thence N. 82]/2° E. setting stakes alternately 300 feet and 30 feet to the South East corner of Lot No. one; thence lVi° West 150 feet; thence 82J/2° West setting stakes alternately 300 feet and 30 feet apart to the North West corner of Lot 36; thence S. 7^2° E. 150 feet to the S. W. corner of Lot 36, making 6 blocks and 5 streets; each block is divided into 6 lots 50 feet by 150 feet, commencing again at the stone in the center of Hanover Street; thence S.7|^° E. 33 feet; thence 82^° E. 33 feet set a stone for the N. W. corner of Lot 37; thence 82|/2° E. 99 feet to the N. E. corner of Lot 37; thence N. KlVi° 2376 feet setting stakes consecutively 132 feet apart to the N. E. corner of Lot 36; thence S. 7/ 2 ° E. 330 feet; thence S. 82^° W. setting consecutive stakes as before 132 feet to the N. E. corner of Lot 37 same course 99 feet to N. W. corner of Lot 37, same v. 33 feet to a point in the township line 5.50 chains South of the stone in the center of Hanover Street: thence S. lVi° E. 957 feet to the S. W. corner of said quarter Section 18, planted a stone; thence N. 82j/2° E. 2640 feet to the S. E. corner of said quarter Section; thence N. lVi° W. 957 feet to the S. E. corner of Lot 56; thence 82° 30 W. 2640 feet to the N. W. corner of Lot 64, which area is divided into eight lots 330 feet by 957 feet (each lot containing seven acres and a quarter). W. G. Burnside, Surveyor of Clinton County, Illinois. It was also established at this time that "Hanover Street is 66 feet wide. The center of Hanover Street is the center of the County Road leading from Carlyle to Belleville. " Page Six ADDITIONS and SUBDIVISIONS Town of New Baden 1. Friess and Teichmann's Addition — September, 1886. John P. Friess and Henry Teichmann. No accurate price shown. 2. Anton Griesbaum Addition — July, 1899. First lots sold at $50 each. 3. William Griesbaum Railroad Addition — September, 1890. William Griesbaum. First lots sold for $37.50 each. 4. Martin Heinzmann Subdivision — July, 1908. Martin Heinzmann. First lots sold at $75 each. 5. Koch Subdivision — April, 1905. Fred J. Koch. First lots sold at $137.50 each. 6. Rakers Subdivision— May, 1952. Richard Rakers and Marcella Rakers 7. Singler Subdivision— May, 1905. Bernard Singler. No price shown. 8. Joseph Spaeth Addition— April, 1903. Joseph Spaeth. First lots sold at $100 each. 9. Toennies Addition — July, 1901. Reverend Gerard Toennies. First lots sold for $72.50 each. CELEBRANTS IN CENTENNIAL GARB Page Seven A HISTORY OF NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS 1855 - 1955 Clinton County was erected and organized December '27, 1824 from Washington, Bond, and Fayette Counties. It was named in honor of the distinguished statesman, DeWitt Clinton, of New York. The first land en- tries were made in 1814. The population of the county in 1824 was about 1,000. The land on which New Baden was founded was granted by the United States Government to Walter Sawyer on September 11, 1838. The original grant contained 155.14 acres. It is supposed that the first settlers of New Baden were probably traders and farmers of Yankee descent who were a part of the great westward movement. From the year 1840 to the time New Baden was classed as a village, most of the emigrants were from Baden, Germany. Hence, the name of our town. Henry Pool, a German, and blacksmith by trade, put up the first house here and began working at his trade. The second house was built of log» by Lawrence Spicer and the third was built of brick by August Spicer and housed his grocery store. These houses were built before the town was laid out. From a warranty deed dated April 27, 1844, the original 155.14 acres of land, and other lands currently undefined, were sold by Walter Sawyer to Frederick A. Carpenter for the consideration of $450. These lands were laid out by Carpenter as the town of Baden on August 15, 1855. Early records give interesting but sparse accounts of early settlements and developments. In 1866, a large, first-class flouring mill was 'built by John P. Friess, Henry Teichmann, and C. Scheurer; it burned in 1869. Within the next few years the town boasted 52 residences,, a population of about 200, and the following businesses: a small grist and saw mill run by M. Miller; two stores kept by Henry Hummel and Christ Schumacher; four saloons; two shoemakers; and one tailor. Provisions were made for organized townships in Illinois in 1875. New Baden was made part of Lookingglass Township. The township derives its name from the Looking Glass prairie, of which about twenty-five sections are within the boundaries of the township. A small portion of Shoal Creek prairie is on the west side. The township is in the extreme southwest part of the county, and contains about 48 sections, mostly fine farming land. An election for trustees for the purpose of serving in the town seeking incorporation as the village of New Baden was held December 16, 1882. (Up to the time of incorporation, the town was known as Baden). The village was officially incorporated in 1884 and the Village Seal and Village Page Eight Law were adopted. John Weber, the first Village Clerk, who actually served before the village incorporation, was paid $5.00 for writing ordinances foi the village. The first Treasurer was Xavier Griesbaum. On April '23, 1883, Dr. William E. Kruger was paid $1.50 for swearing in six trustees; Village Clerk, John Weber: Street Commissioner, Valentine Heinzmann, and Con- stable. John Harpstreith. Village records were kept from 1883 until April 5, 1896 when no entries were made until April 27, 1897. The Louisville, Evansville, and St. Louis Consolidated Railway pur- chased land in 1889 for the purpose of building a railroad which was conv pleted about 1890. It was known as the "Air Line.'" Shortly thereafter the line became part of the Southern Railway System. In 1889, the village purchased one and 25/100 acres of land for $100 from William Griesbaum for the railway depot. In the same year the village purchased land from Rudolph Hertenstein, Sr. to build Railway Avenue from the Belleville and Carlyle Road to the depot site. The sidewalk along Railway Avenue was laid in 1890. The first railway depot agent was Joseph Watschinger. J. W. Bann is the present agent and has served in this position since 1927. The first post office was located in the Hummel building; it was a fourth class post office and the Postmaster was Laurence Geiger. The mail was brought to New Baden by horse and wagon from Trenton. With the coming of the railroad in 1890, the mail was brought by train. At one time the Southern brought four mail exchanges a day. Train delivery con- tinued until the Federal Government inaugurated the Highway Post Office on November 1, 1952. The route is from Louisville, Kentucky to St. Louis, Missouri. The Post Office is now third class and is located in the City Hall building. Bert Baird serves as Postmaster. Wedneday, May 27, 1896 stands out in the memory of the elder citi' ~ens of New Baden and there are few of the younger generation who have not heard stories of the terrible cyclone which struck the village that day. There were about sixty houses with a population of 200 in New Baden at this time and after the fury of the storm had passed, thirty-one buildings were completely demolished, many were slightly wrecked, and the dead and suffering lay without shelter until help could come. The loss exceeded $50,000. Neighboring towns lent a strong and willing hand and the injured were taken to the old school house, St. George's School, and Nagele's Hall. Those killed or who died from injuries were: Peter Kraus Pits Meyer William Rust Mrs. Peter Kraus Charles Lee Mrs. William Rust Emma Kraus John Bassler Willie Rust Hazel Ethington Hattie Bassler Adam Peter Edna Ferguson Jacob Fehmel Ida Born Mrs. Bachmann Page Nine An emergency fund was set up for the cyclone victims and contribu- tions were received from many Illinois communities and one California community. Mr. Louis Butzow was serving as president of the village at SCENE FOLLOWING TORNADO OF 1896 this time and a hoard was appointed to apportion the relief funds which amounted to $6,836.97. Probably the most important development in the rebuilding and growth of the community was the opening of a coal mine in 1897. The mine was known as the Muren Mine and employed several hundred men. Coal was hoisted from the air shaft until a main shaft was sunk. The name was changed to the Southern Coal and Mining Co. in 1906; to Southern Coal, Coke and Mining Co. in 1913. Mining operations continued until 1936 and the mine was officially closed April 9, 1938. Prior to the opening of the mine the village income had been obtained mainly from tavern licenses which cost $25.00 to $37.50, bridge and road tax, and rent for the village hall. With the new industry and increased population new sources of income became available. Many fines were col- lected, apparently on pay days when people celebrated a little too much; liquor licenses were increased; dog tax was assessed; piqnic tax was charged; village tax was recorded; and all merchants and peddlers bought village licenses. There was, however, a need for the extra funds. Street lamps were installed and a lamp-lighter was employed. A fire engine was pur- chased for the city for the sum of $535.00. Jail cells were purchased which Page Ten cost $140.00, and $25.5 5 was expended for balls and chains. Prior to the 1920's, the most frequent village expense was for blacksmith work. Around the year 1900 the daily wage for farm labor was 75 cents a day from "sun up to sun down." Farm hands were paid $10 to $15 a month and board. Corn sold at about 11 cents a bushel. On salaried jobs, you could pay room and board and have about 70% of your salary left. The average salary for a coal miner in New Baden around 1900 was $1.00 per day for bottom men; $2.00 for top men. The following were Village Appropriations for 1904-1905: Streets and Grades $1,000.00 Bridges, Culverts and Gutters , 500.00 Lighting 500.00 Fire Apparatus Fund * 50.00 Sidewalks 2,000.00 By the year 1905 the oil lights of the village were replaced by gas lights and payments are recorded to the Vapor Light Co. The old lights were sold by the village to Shiloh. In 1912 the New Baden Light and Power Co. came into being. It was built at a cost of $13,500. Mr. Fred J. Koch was the organizer of the plant and power was first generated on No- vember 28, 1912. There were forty street lights controlled from the main office which was located immediately west of the mill near the Southern Rail Line. There are those who remember when there was power service from daylight to 11:00 A. M. on Monday and Tuesday, because house- wives washed and ironed on those days. The power was usually off until the evening hours, beginning at dusk, and would again be turned off at 1 1 :00 P. M. until the next morning. A company was organized to erect the plant and it was then leased to the city for a period of ten years, after which time it was to become the property of the city as a municipal plant. The street lights were of the Tungsten variety. The officers of the company were: Fred J. Koch, president; F. A. Billhartz, secretary; John F. Engelke, treasurer. The directors were: L. A. Schumacher, William Linck, and the officers. The company discontinued operation in 1923. The Southern Illi- nois Power Company obtained the franchise to supply power at this time— this company became the Illinois Power Company which serves the com- munity at the present. A commercial history on Clinton County was compiled and published in 1913. A glowing and thorough account of New Baden was presented. The population was approximately 1,400 and great strides had been made in the advancement of the community. The City Administration of 1913 was as follows: George J. Monken, mayor; William Georger, city clerk; A. F. Ackerman, city treasurer; Pa- trick J. Bann, city marshall; Peter Mauk, superintendent of streets and Page Eleven alleys; Dr. E. G. Schmitt, police magistrate; Wm. Stoeckel, J. W. Duffner, Henry Peter, Adam Vick, Joe Poelker, and Wm. Beine, aldermen. The following businesses were listed at this time : One mill, one mine, one bank, four general stores, three groceries, one bakery, eight saloons, three gents' furnishing shops, two barber shops, one lumber yard, one hard' ware concern, one tin shop, one saddlery shop, one hotel, one undertaker, one livery stable, one implement house, one drug store, one picture show, one real estate firm, one confectionery, one jeweler, two butchers, one res' taurant, two doctors, one dentist, one veterinary surgeon, and several smaller places of business. This was one of the most progressive eras in New Baden's history. The coal mine had brought a new economic growth to the town which promoted prosperity in all phases of business. Some of the highlights in the businesses and in the lives of the residents are listed below: The Hertenstein Mercantile Co. did an average business of over $50,000 a year. Fred J. Koch of the Koch Lumber Co. was serving his second term in the State Legislature. There were eight passenger trains daily through New Baden. An average of 1'2,000 cars a year were sent from New Baden and about four'fifths of these were coal, the rest being produce, grain and merchandise. One of the first things to meet a person's gase when he stepped from the train in New Baden was the tall and stately figure of Mr. Patrick Bann, village marshall, in a full policeman's uniform. He was the first marshall to wear a full policeman's uniform in the city. Martin Rensing operated two saloons and served as agent for the Star Brewery. William Stoeckel operated the livery stable, conducted a sales stable and had an automobile for the use of traveling men who wished to make fast drives when the roads were in good condition. Charles Woerner ran a saloon and bowling alley. The bowling alley was well known all over the Southern tournaments. Chris Meinkoth operated the only restaurant in the city and the Francis Hotel was one of the finest hotel buildings in the county. The icigar factory was owned by Mr. Charles Kassebaum and their output was 14,000 cigars a month. J. W. Duffner ran a large and well'equipped meat market. He did his own killing and manufactured sausages of all kinds. Mr. F. H. Stroot had the only undertaking establishment in the city. He was a licensed embalmer and carried a full line of caskets Page Twelve and shrouds, artificial flowers, also dealt in monuments and sup- plied wagonettes and surreys for weddings. The mill was rated as one of the largest of its kind in Southern Illinois. Its capacity was 4>(» barrels of grist and meal per day. The company manufa tured two well-known brands of meal and grist — "Imperial Grits" and "Imperial Meal." William Georger was a manufacturer of cement blocks and the contractor who layed the greater part of the city's streets and sidewalks. Mr. Henry Schumacher manufactured hand-made shoes and did all kinds of shoe repair. F. A. Billhartz ran the Gents' Emporium. He had also been tax collector for the district for fifteen years. So New Baden lived and grew through the early 1900"s and moved into World War I. Many of her sons saw military service and some never returned. Jobs were plentiful and she had her fling in the "roaring twen- ties." This was the era of prohibition when "moonshine" and "home brew" appeared in most communities; New Baden was no exception. After the depression which lasted through the early 30's, New Baden was synonymous with the nation and experienced a stabilizing period which lasted until economic aid was provided by the Federal Government, notably in New Baden through the WPA. There was a WPA Library and a WPA Recreation Center. Laboring wages for WPA workers ranged from $38 to $56 per month. Surplus government food was given out in ratio to family size in 1 to 3 -months periods. Occasionally clothing was also given. Another important aid in the growth of New Baden was the construc- tion of State Highway 161 through the community. This project was begun in 1935 and completed in 1936. That wages were still low and prices cheap at this time is evidenced by the fact that plate lunches sold in a local restaurant for 25 cents. Lack of employment remained a problem due to the slowed down op- eration and eventual closing of the mine in 1938. However, with the ex- pansion of nearby Scott Air Force Base (nine miles west of New Baden on Highway 161), the local employment problem was somewhat alleviated. In 1938, the field became General Headquarters of the Air Force of the United States Army. In 1939, it became an Army Air Corps Technical School. It was during this period that New Baden people found new em- ployment, for with the stepped-up program at the Air Base, there was a need for civilian personnel in many areas. The Air Base has been steadily growing — building programs having been carried on in 1938. 1941. 1952. and 1955. So it continues to be a source of employment for New Baden as well as much of its surrounding area. The period of World War II again brought prosperity to the nation Page Thirteen and locally with the defense program. New Baden men were drafted into military service and served in many battle areas and the Korean conflict. The present population of New Baden exceeds 1,600. Its growth may be said to have been moderate, but steady. To indicate the growth, the numerous new residences that have been built in the 1950 period can be cited. The town's only supermarket was built in 1951. A drive-in dessen stand was also built. A new parochial school, modern in every respect was completed in 1953. A fine new addition to the public school is near com- pletion. In 1954 the old crank-type telephone, in use for over 40 years, was replaced with the dial system. New Baden is served by the Looking glass Prairie Telephone Co. A Legion Home was built in 1954. The newest community project is a Community Park, initiated in 1953 by the Lions' Club, and carried on by the civic organizations of New Bade:*. The increasing population brought a water shortage to New Baden, so, the evolution of the water system from private wells to city wells, and finally to the present system. It was completed in 1952 and brings watei to the community from a deep well located near Highway 15, about 7 miles southeast of New Baden, near the Kaskaskia River. On December 14, 1954, the citizens of New Baden voted a Sanitary District for the community, thus paving the way for a sewerage system. The bond issue for this new system was voted and passed at this election. At the present time construction is underway for the Capitol Highwa> , that part which extends from New Baden to Trenton, over the old Trenton Road. It is with pleasure that this can be included in the first 100 years of New Baden's history, for the realization of the project is the culmination of 3 years' effort to secure the highway. The entire Capitol Highway will extend, when completed, from Litchfield to Coulterville. New Baden is an alert and fast growing community, active in country and state government, having a county judge and a state representative. New Baden is the largest town in the township and is represented by the following township officials: Road Commissioner Raymond Reinhardt who succeeds Frank Zirkel, who served in this position for 31 years; Supervisoi August Zimmerman who has served since 1941; Clerk Arthur E. Billhartz who succeeds the late Fred H. Billhartz: Tax Assessor Harold Rensing, and Justices of the Peace Fred Toennies and August Krausz. In its first 100 years New Baden may be said to have had its "growing pains." The history recorded here is evidence that these "pains" have not all disappeared, nor will they ever disappear if there is to be continued growth. New Baden can look back with pride on its first century. Let us hope that we may in the time allotted to us on this earth, do as much to further the growth and encourage the goodness of the home, the church, the schools, business, and the social and cultural heritage which is ours. Page Fourteen A DESCRIPTION OF NEW BADEN BEFORE 1896 This is an excerpt from a letter written by Mrs. Helena Gricsbaum, a senior citizen and long time resident of New Baden, describing the town of New Baden prior to the cyclone. Her memory is excellent and she gave a clear picture of New Baden as she remembered it. She was born in New Baden in 1876. She told of her father Peter Johnson, an early settler of New Baden who came from Copenhagen, Denmark. He was a peddler, she said, and he went about the country selling groceries and dry goods and buying poultry and eggs. Every three or four weeks he would drive to St. Louis with horses and covered wagon to sell the poultry and eggs and bring more groceries and dry goods home. The Description.- There were houses and businesses on both sides of Hanover Street. There was only one street north of Hanover Street. A goodly portion of what is the south side of Hanover Street was farm land up to the 190CTS. Starting at County Line and going along J\[orth Side of the Hanover streei. There was an ice house in which they stored ice which had been cut from ponds in big blocks. It supplied ice to all the taverns. This 'burned down when I was about six. It was operated by Ben Speiser. Then came the old Bachmann home and the Melchoir Kiefer home. These homes are no longer standing. The Speiser Dance Hall was next and then Old Lady Speiser's saloon. Conrad Woerner then had a wagon shop, his home, and an old frame house all in one yard. My parent's home, Peter Johnson, came next; next was the Golden' berger home and blacksmith shop; then the Duggenburger or Jonas home; the William Rust home — he was a tailor. The Hettersheimer home was at the corner of Nagele's. (Where Manwaring Garage is now). There was a bridge to walk over the Hog River — then the Monken home. He was a school teacher. Then there was the City Hall. The Blaetz building was next. (In its place is the Hempen Hardware Store) . Then Old Lady Wanger had a saloon and her residence. (Where Hertenstein Garage is now). Where there is now a hotel there was a mill and the block in which it was located was referred to as "the mill block." There were no houses in this block. The Stempcl house — I think Hoggs lived in it then. Dr. Krugers drug store was where Lillic Griesbaum had her living Page Fifteen rooms. Next was Valentine Heinzmann's saloon and home. He suffered the loss of part of an arm during the Civil War. Then the Laurence Speiser place. He was a butcher. Just before tht graveyard was the dear old schoolhouse. George EbeFs home was where Rathmann's Park and Tavern are now. K[ow for the South Side of the Street, again starting at the County Line: Fritz Kram's home at corner — (brick) still standing. Then the Chrfsi Schlosser home. Henry Hummel home — they had a well and I believe it is there yet. Then the Hurst home and then the Oswald home Where Hill's Bakery is John Bassler lived. He was the mailman and had to go to Trenton for the mail. Then Uncle Rudolph Hertenstein's store and living rooms. Grandpa Hertenstein's house was next. William Griesbaum's farm was all the way to the corner of Hanover Street. The Striegel home was where old Wangler later lived. Next was the Stahler home and blacksmith shop. This is one of the oldest residences in the town. Christ Schumacher store and living rooms (where Goe'bers Store la now) . Henry Hummel store, implement shop, living rooms, and the park where picnics were held. Then the old Schrag house. Then the Grasholz home. The son, Ferdi- nand Grasholz was the painter and band leader. Tony Griesbaum farm was just across from the school and we went skating and sleighing there at recess time. The Kuhner house was where Wilken's home is now. J^ow for the ba:\ Street just K[orth of Hanover Street: Just behind the Peter Johnson home was the Pius Meyer home and across the street from the Meyer house was the Georger home, which is still there. In back of the Georger home was the brick yard which is now the city dump. Then Grandpa Butzow's home — he was the carpenter boss. The Birkley home — parents of Mrs. Krumreyer (then Mrs. Moriti Haas) . Mr. Krumreyer was the tinner. Mueller's house was where Wuebbels live now. Then the old Andrew Mueller house which I think is the oldest in town. Heinzmann Park was behind the Andrew Mueller place. Town picnics were held there. There was the Butzow lumber yard where the Hempen and Baehr resi- dences are now. Page Sixteen Looking NORTH on HANOVER STREET about the turn of the Century ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC CHURCH Page Seventeen ST. GEORGE PARISH Prior to 1894, the Catholic families of New Baden attended church at Germantown, Highland, or other nearby towns. In the year 1894 plans were made to organize a parish in New Baden. Joseph Griesbaum and Henry Stempel represented the people of New Baden and a parcel of ground was purchased. Reverend Gerard Tocnnies was appointed to or' ganize the new parish and build a church. The men who served on the first building committee were Xavier Griesbaum, Sr., Leopold Kiefer, and Felix Zinck. The first Holy Mass was celebrated in the old Town Hall on November 11, 1894. About this time an acre of ground was purchased for a cemetery. The same cemetery still serves the parish. The congregation at this time numbered 40 families. The church was erected at a cost of $7,500. It was dedicated in De- cember of 1895. It was a two story brick structure with the upper floor serving as the church, with a seating capacity of 200. The church and school were not damaged in the cyclone of 1896; and in the same year a rectory was built by the parish. Father Toennies became the resident pastor. In 1906, the building of a larger church was undertaken and it was dedi- cated in 1908. In 192'2 the present rectory was built and the former rec- tory was renovated and enlarged to accommodate the Sisters, who had occupied a small four-room frame house across from the school. Reverend Francis Hodapp now serves the parish and the following church societies are active: St. Agnes Young Ladies Sodality, Holy Name Sodality, Christian Mothers and Altar Society, which is affiliated with the National Council of Catholic Women and Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers. Trustees of the church are John H. Billhart:. Jr. and Herman H. Hcmann. Directors are John Peters and Herman Mueller. Pago Eighteen ZION EVANGELICAL and REFORMED CHURCH The origin oi Zion Church goes back to 1895, when Mr. Christ Trosv, a member of a neighboring church .it Trenton, organised an Evangelical Sunday School in New Baden. This Sunday School grew and prospered and soon led to thoughts of organising a church. The first meeting place of the Sunday Sch(X)l was in a room oi the Public School. Prior to this the families had attended church in neighboring towns. During the summer oi 1895 a Sunday School picnic was held. The interest continued and in 1898 the church was organized. It was known as the German Evangelical Zion Church. Those serving on the first church board were: Andrea.-. Mueller, president; William Stolz, secretary; Rudolph Hcrtenstein, treas* urer, and Louis Butzow, member. A plot of ground was purchased and the erection of the church began in August, 1898 and was dedicated December 11th. The Reverend Fritz, pastor of the Summerfield church, was in charge of the dedication. In 1899 the church officially joined the Evangelical Synod of North America, which later became the present Evangelical and Reformed Church. Reverend Fritz and student pastors from the church seminary at Wellston, Missouri, supplied the pulpit until July 16, 1899, when the first full-time pastor was installed, Reverend H. F. Grotefendt. A parsonage was built at this time and still serves as the home for the pastor. The oldest organization of the church is the Women's Guild, which originated on October 11, 1898. It was known as the Ladies Aid and had 4') church members. This group has contributed much to the building of the church. In 1922 the organization became affiliated with the Ladies Aid Federation and in 1941 became a part of the Women's Guild. The church choir has been active for more than 50 years; at present there are 12 mem hers. The Adult Fellowship Club of the church was founded in 1947. The church was redecorated and services were held on the Fiftieth anniversary. On March 2, 1950 fire broke out in the church hall and spread throughout the church, causing complete ruin to the re-decorated church. The congregation, together with Reverend Harold Bchle, began a complete rebuilding program immediately. The rebuilt church was dedicated June 3, 1951. The present pastor is Reverend G. F. Brink, who has served since 1953. The church council members arc: President Gustav Bassler; Vice- President Harry Krausz; Recording Secretary Raymond Brede; Financial Secretary Raymond Ullrich; Treasurer Oscar J. Mallrich, and Membei William Bitterberg. Nineteen ''*"*""*"a*r< ZION REFORMED and EVANGELICAL CHURCH OLD M. E. CHURCH Twenty METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH The Methodist Church was organized July 21, 1902. The first tru I were Rudolph Hertenstein, Charles Harpstnte, Oscar Mitzel. (War Harper. Mrs. Barbara Singler, Philip Weiss. Joseph Arbegg, Charles Engelhardt, and Oscar Carney. The name adopted was the Methodist Episcopal Church of New Baden, Illinois. This was set forth in an affidavit by Z. J. Farmer. a minister from Trenton, and notarized hy George J. Monken, Notary Public, on August 25, 1902: it was recorded with the County Reorder oi Deeds August 26. In the same year Rudolph Hertenstein deeded the ground on which the first church stood to the chur;,h. It was located direct' ly across the street to the east of George Hertenstein's present home. The first minister was Reverend Matthews. The organizations of the church were: Ladies Aid — now the Gleaners 1 Class, Epworth League now Methodist Youth Fellowship, and the Men's Class. The present church was built in 1922 and the minister is Reverend Guy Watson. The church board is made up of the trustees and the stewards. The trustees are Dr. E. C. Asbury, Orville Phillips, Ed Dagit. Earl Gildig, John Dagit, Oscar Poos, and George Hertenstein. The stewards are Charles Cook, Gus Laux, Matt Berberich, Josephine Asbury, Hilda Kennedy. Lily Watson, Vivian Hertenstein, Margaret Poos, Amanda Dagit. John Weatherford, and Robbie Odom. NEW M. E. CHURCH rnKc Twenl PUBLIC SCHOOL The subject df popular education, within the territory which now comprises the State of Illinois, was discussed twentytwo years before the State was made into a territory. The famous Ordinance of 1787 recognized the importance of education for everyone. To encourage this principle, educational provisions were made by this National Ordinance and were later incorporated in an Act of Congress, adopted April 18, 1818 to enable the State of Illinois to be created. These provisions provided that section 16 in every township should be used for school purposes, that 3% of the sale of public lands should go for education and that one entire township should be appropriated to the use of a "seminary of learning. -11 Since that time the permanent school fund has been increased in various ways. The first Governor, Mr. Bond, recommended that certain steps be taken in education. It was not until the second session in January, 1819. that the Legislature followed his suggestion and provided for the appoint- ment, by the County Commissioners in each County, of three trustees in each township. These men were to lay out section 16 in lots of not more than 160 acres nor less than 40 acres. These lots were to be leased for 10'year terms for the purpose of creating revenue for school purposes. In 182') a law was passed which provided for a system of free schools. This law was only the first of many and it contained only general pro- visions. Some of these were: (1) Schools to be open to white citizens between ages 5 and 21 years. (2) Gave County Commissioners court power to organize districts which should contain not less than fifteen fami- lies each. (3) The affairs of each district were to be managed by the board of trustees who could levy a tax for school support. In 1828 the sale of the 16th section and the seminary township was authorized. The law was expanded in 1837; but it was not completely revised until 1841. The office of State Superintendent of Public Instruc- tion was made a separate office in 1853. This bill also directed the State- Superintendent to frame a bill for the unification of the school system of the state. Mr. Ninnian Edwards was the first Superintendent and his recom- mendations were incorporated in a law passed in IS')'). This law embraced all of the essential principles now in force. Sinqe the school laws prior to the 1840's were in a chaotic condition, education in Clinton County, as well as over the State, was a matter of private enterprise. Schooling was provided by tutors, private schools, oi the grouping of families to secure an education for their children. The first legal action taken to establish the common school system in our county was in 1825. James Outhouse was appointed County School Commissioner to dispose of section 16 as provided under the Act of 1828. He resigned without performing this duty and in 1832, Zophar Case. Sr. Page Twenty-1 wo was appointed to this office. He executed the duties of his office compe- tently, and the present system of education in the county i- said to have grown from his capable efforts. Mr. James Wightman was the first County School Commissioner elected and O. B. Nichols was the first County Superintendent of Schools. The residents of Lookingglass Township built a small log building near the center of the Township in 18*29. The Township erected a log school house on Section 24 and established a school in 1X44 which was taught by Joseph Ostendorf. The first school in New Baden was a frame building located on the site where Mrs. Martha Graminskfs home now stands. This building was torn down and a brick structure was erected. The first teacher was Mr. Chinn. Early teachers in the first school were: John Weber, John Morlock, and John Monken. After the mine opened in 1897, this school building was turned into a residence and a new s.hool was built which is known as Washington School. The Washington School was built near the turn of the century. The original building was two rooms. Within a few years two rooms were added above these. The next addition called for the building of the two north rooms, one on the lower floor and one on the upper floor. After the fire in 1926, the old gym and the rooms above it were added. Construction was begun in 19^4 on a new addition consisting of a gymnasium, two shower rooms, cafeteria, additional furnace room, first aid room, two rest rooms, and a lobby; the cost, $126,000. It will be ready for occupancy at the beginning of the fall term in 195T. The first school records available are from 1909. The following Board of Education was serving at this time: President, F. A. Billhartz, Secretary, Fred Heithaus; Members, Henry Wangler, Louis Goldbeck, Henry Bassler, Henry Singler, and Ed Harpstreith. The teachers employed were: W T illiam Ullrich, principal; Henry Griesbaum, assistant principal; Joseph Kiefer, Room 3; Millie Gaffner, Room 2, and Francis Meiner, Room 1. The present board members of New Baden Elementary School Dis- trict 68 arc: LeRoy Brede, president; J. W. Bann, secretary; George Rath- mann, Bernard Hempen, Alfred Brown, George Hertenstein, and David Riding. Present faculty members are: Herall C. Largent, principal; Fcrd Kaufman, Room 4; Miss Marion Morgan, Room 3; Mrs. Charlenc Peters. Room 2; Mrs. Frances Thorpe, Room 1. and George Barton, music. In minutes of a board meeting held June 4, 1909, the Board of Edu- cation voted to pay all bills against the school for the graduation of the High School Class; the first recorded graduate was Golda Haskins. A mo- tion was made and carried to award her a High School Diploma, May 31. Pag'' Twini j -three 1912, in a ceremony befitting the occasion: this diploma was from a two year high school. The school burned on April 19, 1926. The renovated building with its additions was dedicated Wednesday, December 29, 1926. Elementary and high school classes resumed here shortly thereafter. The Certificate of Recognition for a four-year course was in 192S. The members of the first High School Board of Education for District 72 were: Tony Gildig, presi- dent; Henry Hempen, vice-president; John Dagit, secretary'treasurer; Bert Baird. and Dr. J. W. Hardy. Present members of High School Board of District 72 are: William Beine, Jr., president: Theodore Medcalf, Leonard Fiedler, Earl Gildig, Edward Krausz, Charles Cook, Robert Schomaker, and Herall C. Largent, secretary. Present faculty members are: Fred Widicus, Curtis Kinney, William Daters, Miss Chrystal Maddex, George Bartcn, and Herall C. Largent, principal. Mr. Largent is Superintendent of Schools and has served since 1950. Custodians for the grade and high school building are Arthur Nagele and Oliver Baehr. The New Baden Community High School offers an excellent academic curriculum. At the present time, the only vocational field offered is in business education. Science General Science Biology Chemistry Physics English Mathematics English I General Mathematics English II Algebra I English III Geometry English IV Advanced Algebra Trigonometry Music Social Studies Business Education Band — 4 years World History General Business Boys Chorus — 4 years United States History Typewriting Girls Chorus — 4 years International Gov't. Shorthand Mixed Chorus — 4 years Sociology Office Practice State and Local Gov't Bookkeeping Advanced Shorthand Physical Education — 4 years. Competitive Sports — Baseball, Basketball. Track. Tennis. Extra-Curricular -- Student Council, National Honor Society, Year- book, Newspaper, Girls Athletic. Association, Drama, Class Organi- sations. In 1819, the County Commissioner was empowered to appoint three trustees in each township to obtain financial support for the schools as provided by law. These trustees appointed the Township Treasurer to Page Twenty-four FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL IN NEW BADEN handle the funds of the sehools. In 19^2, a seven-member County Board of Trustees was eleeted and in 1954, the office of Township Trustee was abolished. The school boards now appoint a treasurer. Mr. O. W. Bill- hart:; serves as the treasurer for the elementary and high schools. A Parent'Teachers Association was organized January 19, 192S under the superintendency oi Mr. Krug. This organization was disbanded Janu- ary 30, 1934. A new P.T.A. was organized in the 1953-1954 school year tor the Washington School. Mrs. Imogene Cook was the first president of this group and Frank Towell is serving as president at the present time. PRESENT DAY PUBLIC SCHOOL Pagu Twenty-five PUBLIC SCHOOL PRIOR TO ADDITIONS OLD ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Page Twenty -six ST. GEORGE SCHOOL The first school ol St. George Parish was held on the lower floor of the church. It was opened in September, 1895, under the direction of the Sisters Adorers of the Most Precious Blood of Ruma, Illinois. The two large rooms to the front of the building were used as class rooms, while the three rooms in the rear served as a Sisters' residence. Two nuns were engaged a- teachers, Sister Rosina and Sister Thecla. In 1908, there were L25 children attending the parochial school, which had by this time been enlarged by transforming the Sisters' quarters into a class room. Shortly after 1 922 two more ekiss rooms were added to the school by building partitions through the parish hall, situated on the second floor of the school building, and two more teachers were added to the staff. During the years, 19301943, St. George School became a district school. It is one of the few public parochial schools in the state. Now in the year 1955, the former church and school stand no more. It has been razed and a beautiful new school for the children of St. George Parish was completed in 1953. There are approximately 170 students enrolled and five Sisters serve as teachers. The faculty includes Sister Hcnrica, principal: Sister Mary Richard, Sister Alphonsa, Sister Winifred, and Sister Huberta. Herman Kuhn is the custodian of the school. • mt 4 «M NEW ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Page Twenty-seven SPORTS and RECREATION From the earliest days of New Baden, the sports which created the greatest interest were baseball and bowling. New Baden had many hall clubs through the years, the names of a few hcre-in mentioned: New Baden Vietors of 1910, Machine Runners Team, Shufflers Ball Team, and the New Baden Ball Team of 1916. At the present time the New Baden Base- ball Club plays a regular schedule and is in the Greater St. Clair County League. The team is managed by William Beine. Jr. About 194S a Booster Club was formed to raise funds for the ball elub and to further baseball in the eommunity. This dub ineluded Alfred Brown. George Rath- mann, the Ameriean Legion and the baseball team. A girls' softball team was organized in 19^4. In 1955 they joined the Girls" Twilight League and are playing a regular season sehedule. The team is managed by James Swinney. There were many men's softball teams, among these: Holy Name. Players Guild. Drugstore Cowboys, and the WPA team. At one time the Wcerner Bowling Alleys, ence loeated in the rear of Kiefer's tavern, were famous for their bowling matches and New Baden had many excellent bowlers. Bowling alleys were also located in the building which now houses Welling's store. There are no bowling alleys in New Baden at the present. However, there are locally sponsored teams in other towns. In the early days very little ready-made entertainment was available. Church affairs, local picnics, and family gatherings provided the major entertainment. One lady recalled that it was a Sunday ritual when she was young for the girls to go down to the depot to watch the passenger train arrive at the station. New Baden was actively interested in music, for many hands and orchestras were in existence from time to time. The earliest orchestra that can be recalled was the Gnesbaum Orchestra begun in 1894. and continued for about 2^ years. Members of the group were the Griesbaums — Emil. Xavier, Louis, Phillip, Henry and the Hummel brothers. Julius and Grover. Mr. Julius Hummel also recalled the Star Band of New Baden with Xavier Griesbaum as the first leader. Mr. Hummel then became the leader And also instructed new members. The band gave concerts in the City Park: the band stand was behind the old City Hall. Members of the Star Band included Leader Julius Hummel, Xavier Griesbaum. Henry Griesbaum, Oscar Mallrich, John Koch, Adolph Reuter. Louis Bassler. Lawrence Kal- tenbrenn, Herman Hemann, Henry Kuhn. Fred Beine. Emil Strotheide, John Strotheide, Cecil Duffner, and William Lehrter. The old Nagele Hall was the most popular spot in New Baden. Roller Page Twenty-eighl skating was enjoyed there during the week and dancing on the weekends. The Hummel Orchestra played tor many of the dances. Movies were occasionally shown here, also. Many activities were held at Hummel Park including dancing, picnics, and outings. Heinzmann Park, behind the old Andrew Mueller house, was also a picnic and outing area. In later years popular dance orchestras in New Baden and surround- ing towns were Tom Fortune and his Silver Moon Orchestra, Oscar Mall- rich Orchestra, and William Lehrter Orchestra. At present there are three orchestras in New Baden who play for dancing. They are the Jack Peters Orchestra, Boh Goebel Orchestra, and Richard Rakers Orchestra. The first two may be called modern dance orchestras and the latter plays "oldtime" music. They are members of Local 175 of the American Federation of Musicians. At present the annual fund-raising picnics of the various organiza- tions are held in the City Park. These include the Chamber of Commerce Homecoming, Firemen's Picnic and American Legion Picnic. The annual school picnic is held at Rathmann's Park, where family outings, dances, and picnics are held. Dances are also held in the new Legion Home. The town has had two movie theatres; one no longer stands and the other is not operating. Before the music program was brought into the school, there was a community band (in the 1930's) which played concerts and marched in parades. This band was discontinued. The schools of the community have presented plays and operettas throughout the years and there have also been home talent shows for the amusement of the townspeople from time to time. The oldtimers can relate some types of recreation, quite nostalgically, which we are seldom privileged to enjoy in these days. What could com- pare, even today, with a buggy ride in the moonlight, a sleigh ride on a cold winter night ("in the old days they REALLY had snow") , a husking bee, or a taffy pull?. Perhaps the generation of today will recall 195 5 as "the good ole days" of television and jet planes. Page Twonty-nino NEW BADEN VICTORS— 1910 OLD TIME NEW BADEN BAND WOERNER'S KY. KERNELS BOWLING TEAM Page Thirty CHAMBER of COMMERCE The Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1904 as the Commer- cial Club. First records are not available, so the first officers cannot be listed. The date of organization of the club was verified by Herman Focht- tnann, the only living charter member. For many years the club's interest was in repairing and securing streets and roads. They sponsored street repairs in the town, oiling of the county line road and the building of a levee on the road to the Kalmer School. The first town picnics were called "Good Roads Picnics" and wore begun in 1915. Later they were called Homecomings and are still sponsored annually by the Chamber of Commerce. The club has been instrumental in bringing the following industries to New Baden: Plastic Doll 5? Toy Co. in 1946, to which it gave financial aid and promoted the sale of shares; Ace Metal Products, Inc. in 1946, to which it gave 9 acres of land for the factory site and invested in its stock; and sold to the Roth Dairy Co. of Mt. Vernon in 1947, the old creamery building. The club keeps up the City Park playground and purchased the perma- nent playground equipment. In 1954, they put permanent lighting in the City Park. Up to the year 1949 the club sponsored the Boy Scouts. At the present time the Chamber sponsors the School Boy Safety Patrol financially, having purchased rain coats for the boys and two portable, blinking caution signals for the street crossings. In 1947 the village financed the drilling of a new well for the village. In 1949 they also financed repairs to the city well. In 1952 they financed the insulation on the standpipe of the water tower. In 1950, at I.C.C. hearings, the club fought the impending removal of passenger train service. When this failed, they aided the routing of the Highway Post OSice through the town. In this year they also negoti- ated the contract with Illinois Power Co. to install the "white way" lighting system along Hanover Street. Since 1945 a Capitol Highway committee from the club has been lobbying for the approval of the highway. The state approved its construc- tion in 1946. but material shortages and politics delayed its beginning until 1955. In November 1951, the club moved that Herman Fochtmann and William Stoeckel be honored as charter members of the club. At the annual banquet the following January these men were presented with Page Thirty-one plaques for their many years of service. In 1953 the club granted a 99-year lease on property owned, to estab- lish a community park. The 1954 Homecoming was a community project and one-half the proceeds went to the Community Park Board. The club voted to allow Chamber of Commerce lands to be annexed into the village limits in 1954. During this year they also dug a trench for a new city dump on a portion of their property north of the Ace Metal plant. They purchased a tractor and attachments for maintenance of streets and secured a public telephone booth in the City Park after installa- tion of the dial system. The Chamber of Commerce has, throughout the years, assisted the various organizations, industries, and civic projects through loans and direct gifts. Annual events which the club sponsors are the Christmas Lighting Contest, Clean-Up Week, and the yearly banquet. The club is sponsoring the Centennial Celebration in conjunction with the annual Homecoming Celebration, and one-half the net proceeds will be used for repair and rebuilding of sidewalks. Present officers of the Chamber of Commerce are Charles Cook, presi- dent; J. V. Mueller, vice-president, and Robert Thoeming, secretary-treas- urer. The membership is 51. HERMAN FOCHTMANN ONLY LIVING CHARTER MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Page Thirty-two SOCIAL, CIVIC and FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS Through the years the social and cultural growth of New Baden lias been aided through the existence and work of numerous organizations. Some of these have been discontinued; many are still active in helping to build better citizens and a better community. Concerted efforts have been made to give accurate accounts of the organisations past and present. However, it is regretted that many records were not available and only mention can be made. GIRL SCOUTS A Girl Scout Troop was organized in May, 1946. Mrs. Lucille Swart- zcll was the leader and Lucille Bailey Bann was her assistant. This troop continued until May, 1951. The troop was reorganized in January, 1953, with Mrs. Bette Thoeming as leader. Mrs. Walter Robinson is assistant leader. The New Baden Woman's Club sponsors the Girl Scouts. BROWNIE SCOUTS A Brownie Troop was organized in January, 1952, under the leader- ship of Mrs. Ann Bieden'bach, nee Heimberger. Mrs. Jean Manwaring Sinkler served as assistant. The present leader is Mrs. Jean Sinkler. Mrs. Carl Obermeier is assistant leader. The Woman's Club is the sponsoring organization. LIONS CLUB An organizational meeting to form the New Baden Lions Club was held at the City Hall, November 21, 1951. The club was sponsored by the Lebanon Lions Club and the Charter Night meeting was held Janu- ary 9, 1952. There were 31 charter members and Herall C. Largent served as the first president. The present membership is 40 members and Carl Heimberger is serving as president. Lionism embraces local, national, and international service. The New Baden club organized the Beekemeyer Lions Club April 12, 1955. CUB SCOUTS The Cub Scouts, Pack 34 Council, sponsored by the American Legion, was organized in February, 1954. Cubmastcr is David Riding and As- sistant Cubmastcrs are Walter Robinson and Oscar Mallrich. There are Page Thirty- Urn, 30 Cub Scouts .it present, divided into 5 dens. Den mothers meet with these dens weekly to carry on cub scouting projects. Den mothers are Imogene Cook, Georgia Phillips, Evelyn Mallrich, Mildred Sinkler. and Leona Friess. Once monthly a pack meeting is held to observe and evaluate the projects carried on by the dens during their weekly meetings. BOY SCOUTS Through the efforts of the American Legion the Boy Scouts were re- activated in December, 1953, with 32 boys as scouts. The Troop Com- mittee appointed was Stanford Fritz,chairman; Eugene Berberich, treasurer and assistant chairman: Nate Sinkler, Joseph Huelsmann, William Flan- agan, and Ralph Bann. Scoutmaster is Floyd Peachey and Assistant Scout- master is Clarence Deutschmann. Troop 34 is a member of the Kaskaskia Council and the St. Clair District. At present the troop has 2 Star Scouts and 1 Life Scout, marking the first time New Baden has advanced this far in the scouting program. There is also an organization of "Scouters,"' men of the community who may be called on to aid the troop in various ways. EXPLORER SCOUTS The Explorer Scouts, Post 34, sponsored by the American Legion, were organized in 1954 and chartered in 1955. The leader is La Verne Pollmann. There are 12 boys in the post. DADS' CLUB The New Baden Dad's Club was organized in September, 1954, and chartered December 13, 1954. There were 19 charter members and at present there are 21 members. The slogan of the club is "Be a Dad to Every Lad." The main purpose of the club is to provide wholesome enter- tainment for the youth of the community. Several teen age dances have been held, sporting equipment has been purchased, and the club arranges for a hall for all scouts to hold meetings. Ray Bruns is president. WOMAN'S CLUB In 1933 a group of New Baden ladies met and formed the Household Science Club. It was a civic, social, and cultural club. Mrs. Mattic Gildig served as the first president. The club had ten charter members. The club became a member of the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs in April, 1935. It is also a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. Mrs. Gussie Hempen served as the first president. The Page Thirty-four present membership of the club is . ;, ». Mrs. Norma Manwaring is president. The club sponsors the local Girl Scout and Brownie troops and ac tivcly participates m national charity fund drive-. ROYAL NEIGHBORS The Royal Neighbor Lodge in New Baden was organized in 1902. Although they no longer meet, Mrs. Naomi Manwaring receives the dues oi the members oi the local lodge. HOD CARRIERS" AND LABORERS" UNION The International Hod Carriers* Building and Common Laborers' Union of America, Local 638, was chartered August 3, 1936. There were 13 charter members. Officers were: Lewein Kennett, president; Jarvis Swinney, vice-president; John Vavrinek, recording secretary; Emery Smith, financial secretary; Charles Davis, corresponding secretary; George Hillen, treasurer: Herman Dust, sergeant at arms, and John Billhartz, Jr., guardian. Present membership is 71. The officers are Conrad Bachmann, president: Richard Rensing, vice-president; George Hillen, recording secretary; John Billhartz, Jr., financial secretary; Arnold Walthes, business agent, and Henry Macke, sergeant ai arms. CEMETERY ASSOCIATION On August 28, 1893, the village bought land from Anton Griesbaum for the sum of $200 for a city cemetery. The town took care of the cemetery and received revenue from it. Ditches were dug, a fence built and painted to enclose it, and a Cemetery Record purchased in 1894. Graves were scld for $1.00 and lots for $8.00 at this time. January 30, 1905, a charter was granted by the State of Illinois to the New Baden Cemetery Association. The charter members were: Mrs. Laura Metzel, Mrs. Ida Hertenstein, Mrs. Selma Iten, Louise Monken, Mrs. Christina Schmidt, Mrs. Emma Jonas, Miss Emma F. Hertenstein. secretary. April 24, 1905, the village deeded the cemetery to the Asso- ciation, which still serves the community and now has charge of Green Mount Cemetery as well. This new cemetery is located on the old Trenton Road on the east side of the future Capitol Highway, about one mile north of New Baden. The present officers are: Mrs. Catherine Friederich, presi- dent; Mrs. John Baehr, secretary, and Mrs. Minnie Stoeckel, treasurer. COMMUNITY PARK BOARD The organizational meeting of the New Baden Community Park Board was held October 16, 195 3. Civic organizations and their representa- Page Thirty-five NEW BADEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT- 1910 NEW BADEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT— 1955 From left to right, Alfred Brown, Asst. Chief; Ted Ahner, Asst. Chief; LeRoy Brede, Fire Chief. Page Thirtj -i Ight FIRE DEPARTMENT The early citizens of New Baden were organized to fight tires even though they had no equipment other than buckets and no system hut the old "bucket brigade.'"' After the community had a water system, hand drawn reels were used. In 1901 the first fire engine was purchased for $550. This was a hand pumper and was hand drawn. J. J. Bachmann purchased the first fire bell. The New Baden Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 was organized in 1903 with the following officers: President, Dr. F. M. Edwards; Secretary, John J. Bachmann, Jr.; Treasurer, William Georger; Fire Chief, William Stocckel. The department is believed to be one of the oldest in this area and became a member of the Illinois Fire Association in 1905. In 1922 the first motorized equipment was purchased — a Republic truck with hose and chemical tank. In 1936 the first pumper was bought; another was added in 1939. In 1952, a pumper was bought and the last two purchased serve the department at the present. An inhalator was added to the equipment in 1954. Bernard Hempen is trained in its use. The New Baden department serves the taxable fire district which was established through popular election in 1952. The district includes Looking- glass Township in Clinton County and part of Mascoutah Township in St. Clair County. Through the efforts of the New Baden department, the Clinton-St. Clair Bi'County Firemen's Association was recently organized. The present officers of the department are: LeRoy Brede, president and Fire Chief; Ted Ahner and Alfred Brown, vice-presidents and assistant chiefs; Wilmer Dreher, recording secretary; Richard Stempel, treasurer. Mr. Brede has been Fire Chief since 1935. There is a limited membership of 25 firemen. Page Thirty-nine NEW BADEN BUIL1 >IN< ! & L( KAN ASSOCIATION Organization was chartered July 7, 1915. The first Board of Directors included A. F. Ackermann, president: L. A. Schumacher, vice-president; B. H. Hertenstein, secretary: Eugene Mueller, treasurer, and members F. A. Billhartz, J. W. Duffner, Herman Fochtmann, G. O. Hertenstein, and B. C. Schnell. The present Board of Directors includes E. C. Asbury. pres- ident; J. W. Bann. vice-president: John Mallrich, vice-president: Clarence Mueller, treasurer, and members Theodore Ahner, Warren Billhartz. Her- man Fochtmann, Orville Hemann, and Elmer Zimmermann. O. W. Bill- hart; is secretary for the organization and W. E. Renth is assistant sec- retary. Herman Fochtmann is a charter member of the organization, was on the first board of directors, and is serving on the present board. NEW BADEN MILLING COMPANY Was organized in 1890. Records were lost, but sometime between 1890 and 1921 the name was changed to the Ernst-Engelke Milling Co. The concern again became the New Baden Milling Co. in 1921 and officers were Francis Aid, president and treasurer: Ben J. Theiss, vice-president, and Harry E. Theiss, secretary. As of January 1, 1954, new officers are B. J. Holtgreve, president and manager; W. O. Billhartz, vice-president, and O. W. Billhartz, secretary-treasurer. Mr. Holtgreve has been manager of the mill since 1938. The mill has a custom grinding and mixing system. It was electrified in 1935 and the steam equipment was removed at that time. NEW BADEN MILLING COMPANY A new office building has replaced, old one at right in picture Tagc Forty FARMERS AND MERCHANTS STATE BANK The Farmers and Merchants State Bank of New Baden is a suc- cessor organization to the Bank of New Baden, which was organized as a private hank by August Schlafly and Fred Schlafly of Carlyle in 1900. The first location of the hank was in the J. W. B.inn Building, formerly the J. W. Hummel Building, next to GoebeTs store. Construction on the present building began in 1901 and was completed in 1902. The bank remained a private hank until January 25, 1914. when it was incorporated as a state hank. H. J. Schlafly was the first president of the newly organized state hank and served as such until January, 1929, at which time his father Fred Schlafly was named to that office, serving until he resigned on August 21. 1933. F. M. Edwards, succeeded him as president and served until June 16, 1943, being succeeded by O. W. Billhartz. who served until January, 19^4, at which time he was named Chairman of the Board and was succeeded as president by his son, Warren O. Billhartz. The bank was completely remodeled and redecorated in April, 19^4. The present officers of the bank are Chairman of the Board, O. W. Billhartz, who began work at the hank as a bookkeeper on January 16, 1918: Warren O. Billhartz, president: E. C. Ashury. M. D., Joseph H. Goebel, and W. E. Renth, vice-presidents; John H. Dagit, secretary, and Kate M. Nagele, cashier. Miss Nagele began work at the hank as an employee in September, 192^. Other cashiers have been John Aekermann, the first cashier: August Aekermann, who served from 1910 until his death in 1932, and O. W. Billhartz who served from 1932 to 1943. Page Porty-one PRESENT DAY BUSINESSES BROWY BARBER SHOP — Mike Browy, proprietor, started business in 1928 in what is now Val's Restaurant. He has been in present location since 1936. Others who have carried on the barbering trade in this building were George Jonas, Ed Theobold, and William Lehrter. SPECIALTY BUILDING SUPPLY — Started in 1954 and operated by Wilburn F. Fochtmann. It was originated to supply lumber dealers in the area with specialty building supplies. The company has whole- sale distribution and employs a field representative. The building was built in 1907 by Joe Glaetz. It has previously housed the following businesses: New Baden News office; Public Library; Brede Meat Mar- ket; Koebel Meat Market; a Boy Scout meeting place, and warehouse for Fochtmann Lumber Co. A large, new warehouse has been erected in the rear of this building for the Specialty Building Supply Co. W. F. FOCHTMANN BUILDING MATERIAL - Lumber yard in business 3 years under present owner. The business was started by Herman and Emil Fochtmann in 1914 and moved to the present loca- tion in 1917. The original property was purchased from Oscar Liese. Later, the adjoining properties of Robert Schmidt and Henry Bassler were bought to enlarge the lumber yard. MUELLER'S GROCERY — Owned and operated by Clarence Mueller, who assumed the business in 194^ upon the death of his father Eugene Mueller, who operated the store from 1903. Previous proprietors of the store were Anderson Grocery and Gus Fritz Grocery. The store sells general merchandise, dry goods, and meats, and was remodeled in 1 9 "> 1 as a self -service store. The building also contains living quarters. MANWARING SERVICE STATION — Phillips 66 station and garage operated by Lewis Manwaring since April 1930. The station was previously operated by Charles Mueller. Mr. Manwaring has en- larged the garage and does general auto repair. He has the only wrecker service in the community. KRUEP'S TAVERN - - Owned and operated by Francis Kruep. This building was built in 1S96 by Louis Butzow for Hugo Nagele, who operated it as a tavern. Tavern keepers who have been in business in this building includes Otto Roberts, Jess Eiscnhauer, James Stanhaus, Alfred Haas, and Marcel Singler, Mr. Kruep bought the business and building in 1954 and remodeled. The building contains living quarters. Pagre Forty-two MINNIE'S DRESS SHOP -■ Mrs. Minnie Stoeckel has operated a dress shop located in her home for 19 years. This building was built about 1897 by Conrad Woerncr. SCHOMAKER SHOE REPAIR SHOP — Operated by Henry Schomaker, who does general shoe repair, and has followed the same trade for 46 years. At one time Mr. Schomaker manufactured hand-made shoes. The building in which he is located was built by Charles Kassebaum and was formerly a cigar factory. HEMPEN HARDWARE - - Henry Hempen has operated a hardware store since 1915. In present location since 1942. The original build- ing formerly housed a butcher shop and a tavern. Mr. Hempen greatly enlarged the building to accommodate his hardware, appliance, bottle gas,, and plumbing business. His son, Bernard, is associated with him in the business. HEMPEN UNDERTAKING & AMBULANCE SERVICE - - Henry Hempen has been a mortician since 1915. The present mortuary be- longed to the Henry Peters estate and was purchased from the heirs and remodeled. Bernard Hempen attended morticians' school and became associated with his father in 1945. Robert Imming also assists in embalming. HERTENSTEIN GARAGE — George Hertenstein has been in business since 1931. He started business in the old Stempel building (now City Hall). He moved to present location in 1934. This building was built by Mr. Niebur. The garage does general auto repair, sells Shell products, and has the Plymouth dealership. HOTEL FRANCIS — Owned and operated by Ray Bruns, the hotel con- tains sleeping rooms, apartments, and an insurance office. Mr. Bruns has been in the business since 1947. The hotel was previously operated by Mary Griesbaum. The building was built for Henry Griesbaum about 1909, by Jacob Meiner. KOLAR MEAT MARKET - - Rudolph Kolar began business in New Baden in 1945. He bought present building in 1947 from Henry Rensing. It houses his store and residence. Mr. Kolar specializes in home-killed meats and also sells groceries. PETER DISTRIBUTING tf TRUCKING — The business was begun 75 years ago by Henry Peter. The next owner, son, Eugene Peter. The present owner is Robert, son of Eugene Peter. He is the Stag Beer distributor and his trucks do ice and coal hauling. Page Forty-three FRIEDERICH BARBER SHOP Earl Friederich operates a barber shop in the Kiefer building. He has been a barber in New Baden since 192 7 in various locations. KIEFER'S TAVERN - - Owned and operated by Francis Kiefer since January 1954. Previous proprietors were Fred H. Billhartz. William Spicer. William Collignon, and Charles Woerner. The building was built about 1905 with living quarters to one side and a meeting hall upstairs. This meeting hall was used by the American Legion and is now used by the Labor Union, Dad's Club, and Scout Troops. The Woerner Bowling Alleys once adjoined the building on the rear. MEDCALF CLEANERS -- Operated by Theodore Medealf who owns the building and has been in business in New Baden since 19^1. The building was built by Xavier Griesbaum who operated a tavern. Other tavern keepers in this building have been Ervin Spaeth, George Lodes, and Edward Strake. Medcalfs first business location was the Hum- mel building, now owned by J. W. Bann. HEM ANN BROTHERS CHEVROLET — Garage built in 1926 by William Hemann. Mr. Hemann died in 1943 and Orville and Robert Hemann, his sons, became associated as Hemann Brothers. They en- larged the building in 1946. The garage does general auto repair, sells Standard Oil products, and has the Chevrolet dealership (the latter since 1931). MUGELE GARAGE - - Fred A. Mugele has been in business in New Baden since 1937. In 1939, he built the present location. This garage does general auto repair, sells Conoco products, has the Ford dealer- ship, and sells Kelvinator and Sunbeam Appliances and Shapleigh mowers. RATHMANN'S PARK — Tavern and dance hall owned and operated by George Rathmann, in business since 1943. The dance pavilion was built by Everett Sprague. The adjoining building was built by Arthur Billhartz, Sr. in 1934. Mr. Rathmann will remove a portion of the building to the east, to aid the Capitol Highway project recently begun, and he will remodel. KENNETT BARBER SHOP — Franklin Kennett has been a barber in New Baden 7 years. The location of his shop is just west of his home. POOS ELECTRIC SHOP — Oscar Poos is a self-employed electrician do- ing general electrical work in New Baden for 16 years. He does home and commercial wiring and "trouble shooting" rnpre Forty-four HOME CAFE A restaurant built by Kate Hodel; it was opened May 29, 1947. Mrs. Hodel serves home-cooked meals and short orders and has a successful business; supplied both by local patrons and truckers. FALTUS I.G.A. MARKI T Robert Faltus opened an I.G.A. market in 1947. In 1951, he built a -elf service supermarket. Mr. Faltus started in the meat and grocery business with his father, Frank Faltus. and after his death m 1940 Robert operated this store until he opened an I. G. A. market. FROSTY WHIP FREEZETTE A frozen dessert drive-in built in 1951 by J. W. Bann. The business is owned by Ralph Bann. Frozen dessert, soft dnnk-. and sandwiches are sold during the warm months. GOEBELS A. G. MARKET F. A. Goebel bought this store from L. A. Schumacher in 1922. It was built by C. L. Schumacher about 1873. After the death of his father, F. A. Goebel. in 1934. Joseph Goebel took over the operation of the store. They carry a large stock of groceries, notions, and dry goods. The store became the self-service type in 1950 and also is affiliated with the Associated Grocers. REINHARDT BLACKSMITH SHOP — Owned and operated by Leo H. Reinhardt since 1945. Mr. Reinhardt does machinery and general re pair work. The building in which he is located is thought to be over 100 year- old. Businesses formerly in this building were Diekempei Blacksmith. Charles Mueller, blacksmith, and Stahlcr blacksmith shop. BROWN'S CAFE & TAVERN — Owned and operated bv Alfred Brown since 1950. Formerly operated by Frank Defilippi from whom Mr. Brown purchased. Former tavern operator- in this building were Louis Barker and Otto Teichmann. Mrs. Millie Hamann operated a con- fectionery here. The building also has living quarters.. VAL'S CAFE - Val Harpstrite has been in business in his present loca- tion for five and a half years. He sells sandwiches and short order-. The building formerly housed the post office, a barber shop, a fruit store, and a shoe shop. DR. CHARLES S. THORPE Veterinarian who began practice in New Baden in February 1954. The practice was built up quickly because of the need for veterinary service n the area. The building where Dr. Thorpe is located was built by Enno Dick and housed his jewelry store. Two dentists. Dr. J. W. Hardy and Dr. Roy Kolb had offices in this building. Beauty shops operated by Geraldine Fiedler Scho- maker and Betty Kuhn were also located here. Page Ftorty-five NEW BADEN DRUG STORE Owned and operated by Arthur E. Billhartz. He has been in business since August 1952 and carries a nice Stock of drugs, notions, jewelry, etc. Previous proprietors of busi' nesses located in this building were Martin Hoefken Drugs in L910, Duffner Novelty, Sisney Druses, Henry Brede Meat Market, GrieS' baum Bros agency tor Whippit Autos. ( rerhardt Drug's, Paul Drugs, and Bann Drugs. Monthly city water payments are collected at the drug store. HEIMBERGER MEAT MARKET -- Carl Heimberger started in busi- ness February 1", 1925 in the Jaskc building. Mr. Heimberger built his present building in 1937.. He sells meat and groceries. NEW BADEN NEWS — Owned and edited by Arthur D. Jenkins. The paper has served New Baden since the late thirties. Mrs. Valerie Zrinsky of New Baden is associate editor and correspondent. CHETS TAVERN - - Owned and operated by Chester Majeski who has operated a tavern in New Baden since 1949, when he was located in the old Linek building. In 1952 he bought the present location, which had previously been operated as a tavern and later as a soda bottling company. kk Chet" completely remodeled the tavern and adjoining liv ing quarters in 1952. TED AHNER, WHOLESALE FLORIST Mr. Ahner has been in busi- ness in New Baden since March 5, 1940. The original greenhouses of their plant were built by Lawrence Kaltenbronn for the purpose of growing cucumbers for pickling factories. Ahners have added three greenhouses and discontinued their retail florist business in 1954. At the present they engage in wholesale trade only. CLUB FLAMINGO — A tavern and night club built in 195? by William Kueneke on the outskirts of New Baden in St. Clair County. Mr. Kueneke formerly operated the Blue Moon Tavern from 1951. ROTH DAIRY CO., INC. - The local plant is a branch of the Roth Dairy of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, in business since l n 27. Superintendent of the New Baden plant is Robert Roth, who resides in New Baden. The plant has been in operation since July 1947. There are two dis- tributors from this plant — one for New Baden and one for Maseoutah. They serve surrounding towns including Albers, Okawville. New Memphis, Lebanon, Shiloh, Fayetteville and Freeburg. Seven men are employed in the local plant, which bottles milk in quart and half- gallon containers. Building was purchased from the Chamber of Com- merce. It was formerly a Farmer's Co-operative Dairy. Page Forty -six HILL'S BAKERY -- Owned and operated by William Hill since 1939. The building is a two-story brick strueture and in addition to the bakery has living quarters on both floors. They have a complete line of bakery goods and operate bakery delivery routes. The building was built about 1903 by Ferdinand Reiss, who also operated a bakery. NOLL'S SALVAGE STORE A general merchandise store dealing in merchandise at reduced prices operated by Gilbert Noll, who opened the store in April 1954. Previous businesses in the building were: Zwiek Dry Goods; taverns run by Emil Knipp, Alfred Haas, Cornelius tCaltenbronn, Herman Hemann, Robert Schmidt, Walter Garbs; gro- cery store: dance hall; Plastic Doll and Toy Co., Inc., and a butcher shop. The building now contains apartments along with the store and is owned by John Jaske. NOLL'S TRUCKING SERVICE — General hauling and contract hauling business using six trucks. Owned by Gilbert Noll and doing business since 1947. ALBER'S TRUCKING SERVICE -- Operated by Erwin Albers. Mr. Albers is a self-employed trucker and does general hauling. He has been in business since 1953. NAGELE'S STUDIO -- Owned and operated by X. O. Nagele. Mr. Nagele does fine portraits and pictures of all kinds. He has been in business in New Baden for over 45 years. NOWLEN COOK, CONTRACTOR — Started in 1946 as Nowlen Cook and Son — with the recall of his son, Charles, into military service in 1951, became Nowlen Cook, Contractor. Mr. Cook does general con- tracting. The first house built by him in New Baden is the LeRoy Brede residence. WELLING'S STORE -- Owned and operated by Theodore J. Welling. It is a retail store for hardware, groceries, dry goods, and a dealer for bottle gas. Forty-seven History of Ace Metal Products, Inc. In the F.ill of 1946, .it the suggestion of Curtis Odom, Edward H. Pratt of Belleville contacted the New Baden Chamber of Commerce with regard to occupying the factory building that had been ercetcd on the old Southern Coal & Coke Company mine property by the New Baden Build- ing Association. In due time a deal was consummated and Ace Metal Products, Inc. became a New Baden industry. The eertificate of incorpora- tion was issued on February 10, 1947. Share holders attending the first meeting of this new corporation were Edward H. Pratt, Alfred Zachary, Howard Plumb, Joe Malina and Curtis Odom all of whom were employees. Pratt and Malina arc still with the corporation. The first product produced was bar hangers, a product used in home and industrial electrical wiring. The first truck load of steel came in before any unloading facilities had been installed and only through the help of Lewis Manwaring with his auto wrecker was it possible to get this 20,000 pounds of steel bars inside the building. ACE METAL PRODUCTS, Inc. Soon heavy machinery began arriving and within the first year pro- duction of switch boxes was added to the now full production of bar hangers. The number of employees has increased from the initial five men to -eventeen. The building, originally 60 feet by 120 feet, became crowded and too small for the ever increasing operations so a 60 toot by 60 foot addition was started in August of 1951 and completed in December, when an anniversary party was held to celebrate five years of successful operations. With these expanded facilities, a broadening of operations was in- Page Fortj eighl stituted. Several new customers were added and products now manu- factured included precision machine tools, die making and products from small washers to heater stove oil tanks. The Ace 3-Way Awning was invented, which contains an original principal of design for which a patent was issued February 26, 1954. This awning line lias now been expanded to include door Inxxls and another style of window awning which arc all being enthusiastically received by the buying public. In March 194S, Robert Imming joined the company as office manager and became secretary of the corporation in November 1952. The Board of Directors and Officers of the corporation now consists of Edward H. Pratt, president and treasurer; Alfred A. Switter, vice-president; Robert E. Imming, secretary; Dr. E. C. Asbury, director and O. W. Billhartz, director. Under this able management, Ace Metal Products, Inc. expects to continue its successful operation and aid in the industrial development of New Baden. William J. Lehrter William J. Lehrter is serving his fourth term as County Judge of Clinton County. He was elected for his first term of office in 1942. "The Judge" is 59 years old and was born in Germantown, Illinois on July 30, 1896. He came to New Baden in 1912 and remained until 1921. During this time he worked as a barber in the shops of Otto Meyer and Fred Jonas. He resided in St. Louis, Missouri until 1929 when he returned to New Baden and opened his own barber shop. Mr. Lehrter's hobby is music and he has been active in musical or- ganisations from 1914 to 1953. He served as mayor of New Baden in 1931-1932. E. C. Asbury, M. D. Dr. Asbury was born in OTallon Township January 25, 1889, the second son of James W. and Nellie Grant Asbury. He graduated from St. Louis University in 1915 and interned in St. Louis City Hospital two years. In 1917, during the construction of Scott Field, Dr. Asbury treated patients for the Unit Construction Co. and the government. On May 4, 1918, he opened his office in New Baden and has practiced here for 37 years. Dr. Asbury is a member of the American Medical Society, Illinois Medical Society, Clinton County Medical Association. He has served as president of the County Medical Association and during the process of organizing the staff of St. Joseph Hospital in Breese, Illinois he was presi- dent for three years. We are proud to have the opportunity in this centennial year to say "Thank you. Doctor"' for your many years of professional service. Page Forty-nine INSURANCE AGENCIES LOOKINGGLASS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO. - The only local insurance company in the New Baden area, it was financially ruined by the heavy losses suffered in the cyclone. It was reorganized in 1897. The Board of Directors and Officers were Poos and Santel, Trippel and Hcinzmann, Krausz and Gaertner, Tony Harpstrite, G. H. Santel, W. F. Poos, and Charles Harpstrite, secretary. The late Frank Rensing served as secretary for 22 years and his wife, Anna, assumed his duties after his death. Present officers and directors are William Schmidt, president; Otto Richter, vice-president; Carl Mann, treas- urer, Edward Billhartz, Joe Ziegler, Fred Lohmann, Oscar Krausz. Henry Peters, and Ben Rensing, Sr. The secretary is Anna Rensing. The following are insurance agents located in New Baden and the insurance companies which they represent: EDWARD HEMANN — Insurance broker, agent for Northwestern Mu- tual Life Insurance Co., office in Hotel Francis. W. F. RENTH — Insurance agent in New Baden for 30 years, now reprc senting the following companies: Aetna Life & Casualty Co.; Royal Liverpool Group; Hartford Fire Insurance Co.; American Central Insurance Co.; Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Co.; Insurance Company of North America; Fred Rapp 6? Son and W. A. Schicke- danz Insurance Agency. LEONARD PETERS — Agent for Prudential Insurance Co. HENRY HEMPEN — Agent for U. S. Fire Insurance Co.; Newark Fire Insurance Co., and London, Liverpool, and Globe Insurance Co. WALTER HARPSTRITE — Agent for Sugar Creek Township Mutual Fire Insurance Co. and Pana-Hillsboro District Cyclone Mutual In' surancc Co. Also dealer in DeKalb Seed Corn and Baby Ohix. Page Fifty Warren O. Billhartz Warren O. Billhartz was born in Centralia, Illinois on January 3, 927, the sun of O. W. and Marie (Engelhart) Billhartz. He has been a ife-long resident of New Baden: attended grade and hi'i^h school in New 5aden and graduated from high school in May 1944. During World War II. he served for twenty-two months in the U. S. Merchant Marine aboard Army Transport ships in the North Atlantic rca. He attended Shurtlerr College and Illinois College, gtaduating with inal honors from Illinois College in 1949. In 1951, he graduated from Washington University Law School. While attending law school, he worked in the law offices of Johnson 6? Johnson in Belleville. He became .ssociated with the New Baden bank in 1953. Mr. Billhartz is actively engaged in the practice of law and maintains aw office-; in Now Baden. He was named president of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of New Baden in January 19^4: is vice-president tnd member of the board of directors of the New Baden Milling Company tnd a member of the board of directors of the New Baden Building and Loan Association. He has been active in local and state governmental service. In Febru- try 1953, he was named Assistant Attorney General of the State of Illi- nois; was elected to the Clinton County Board of School Trustees and became the first president of that board for a two-year term which expired July 1, 1954; is now serving his second term as Republican Precinct Com- nitteeman in Lookingglass Township Precinct No. 1. He is a third gen- rration precinct committeeman in Clinton County, his grandfather Fred A. Billhartz and his uncle Fred H. Billhartz having also served in that capacity. In November 1954, he was elected to the General Assembly as Repre- sentative from the 42nd Senatorial District (Clay, Clinton, Effingham and Marion Counties). He received the highest number of votes cast of the three successful candidates from the 42nd District. Lucy Linck Lucy Linck Mrs. Linck is the oldest native-born resident who has lived her entire lifetime in New Baden. She was born March 10, 1877, the daughter of William and Louisa Griesbaum. Her father, Wil- liam Griesbaum, came from Germany in 18')2. He laid out the Griesbaum Addition to New Baden in 1890. Mrs. Linck's husband, William Linck, was a schoolteacher, served as village president, and later operated a tavern. Mrs. Linck is the eldest member of four generations in her family. Fifty-one CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT CHARLES COOK and FAMILY IN CENTENNIAL GARB CENTENNIAL CELEBRANTS VISIT GOVERNOR— APRIL. 1955 From left to right: Oscar Poos, Bernard Hempen. Gilbert Noll. J. V Mueller, Ralph Bann. H. P. Baehr. Earl Gildig, Rep. Warren Bill- hart;. Governor William G. Stratton, Sen. Dwight Friederidi, O. W. Billhartz. Robert Roth. Charles Cook, George Hertenstein and Francis Kiefer Fifty-two Compliments of HEMPEN FUNERAL HOME Ambulance Service — JUstice 8-2703 If no Answer — Call — JUstice 8-2741 BEN HEMPEN HENRY B. HEMPEN Embalmer and Funeral Director Embalmer and Funeral Director HEMPEN HARDWARE Hardware — Furniture — Plumbing Heating — Sheet — Guttering JUstice 8-2501 New Baden, 111. Page Fifty-three FARMERS and MERCHANTS STATE BANK of NEW BADEN O. W. BILLHARTZ, Chairman of the Board WARREN O. BILLHARTZ, President E. C. ASBURY, Vice-President JOS. H. GOEBEL, Vice-President W. E. RENTH, Vice-President JOHN H. DAGIT, Secretary KATE M. NAGELE, Cashier Serving New Baden and Surrounding Area ACE METAL PRODUCTS, Inc. NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS Metal Fabricators — Tool & Die Makers Contract Manufacturing Shearing — Stamping — Forming — Welding Products ACE DeLUXE DOOR HOODS ACE 3-WAY AWNINGS ACE CANOPIES ACE UTILITY STOOLS sV ACE 3-WAY BOTTLE OPENERS J, We Produce Many Items . . . From Washers to Tanks Phone: JUstice 8-2281 Page Fifty-four HEMANN BROS. CHEVROLET sales xanSfcHf ; s e r v ■ c e Factory Trained Mechanics JUstice 8-2471 New Baden, 111. WALTER HARPSTRITE Agent For Sugar Creek Township Mutual Fire Insurance Company Pana-Hillsboro District Mutual Insurance Company Dealer For DeKALB Seed Corn and Baby Chix Kilt:- -fiV( MODERN MAIL SERVICE FOR NEW BADEN GROUP OF SQUARE DANCERS Page Fifty-six Shell Products Firestone Tires GEO. HERTENSTEIN JUstice 8-2181 New Baden, Illinois A. G. Store . . . F. A. GOEBEL and SON Quality Merchandise JUstice 8-2381 New Baden, Illinois Beer Wines Liquors RATHMANN'S PARK Route 161 at Junction 156 JUstice 8-2671 New Baden, Illinois T. J. WELLING Hardware and General Merchandise JUstice 8-2431 New Baden, Illinois rage Fifty-seven Compliments of C. S. THORPE Veterinarian JUstice 8-2651 New Baden, Illinois Try Our HOME-STYLE TWIN LOAF Baked By HILL'S BAKERY JUstice 8-2451 New Baden, Illinois PHONES: — Store: JUstice 8-2841 Res.: JUstice 8-3521 NOLL'S SALVAGE STORE Groceries — Hardware — Furniture Clothing — Electric Appliances NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS Store: JUstice 8-2841 PHONES Res.: JUstice 8-3521 NOLL'S TRUCK SERVICE Coal — Rock — Sand — Dirt Hauling Limestone Spreading Page Fifty -eight Ford Sales RCA Radio & TV Sales MUGELE'S GARAGE & APPLIANCE Firestone Tires — Kelvinator Line JUstice 8-2371 New Baden, Illinois LEO. H. REINHARDT Blacksmithing — Repairing — Welding Farm Seeds and Cleaning NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS Sandwiches of All Kinds Inside Rest Rooms BROWN'S TAVERN and CAFE BEER — WINES — LIQUORS JUstice 8-2601 New Baden, Illinois For the BEST in Home-Killed Meats It's . KOLAR'S MEAT MARKET Since 1945 "Where You Get More QUANTITY as Well as QUALITY For YOUR Money JUstice 8-2511 New Baden, Illinois Page Fifty-nine THIS WELL SUPPLIES AN EXCELLENT WATER SUPPLY FOR NEW BADEN FILTER PLANT— MUNICIPAL WATER PLANT NEW BADEN'S FIRST SUPER MARKET Tagre Sixty Stop and Refresh at . . . FROSTY WHIP DELICIOUS MALTS — SUNDAES — CONES COKE and ROOT BEER HOT DOG, BEEF and HAM SANDWICHES RALPH BANN, Proprielor New Baden, Illinois NEW BADEN CLEANERS TED MEDCALF, Proprietor JUstice 8-2161 New Baden, Illinois HEIMBERGER MEAT MARKET For Better FOODS JUstice 8-2681 New Baden, Illinois ERWIN ALBERS TRUCK SERVICE Coal and General Hauling JUstice 8-3532 New Baden, Illinois Page Sixty-one HERBERT F. LILL MERYL T. SCHROEDER LILL and SCHROEDER Attorneys at law PHONE: LOgan 6-3351 219 East Main Street Mascoutoh, Illinois ELECTRICAL MATERIAL STOKER and OIL APPLIANCE REPAIRING Burner Controls MOTOR REPAIRING HOUSE WIRING POOS ELECTRIC SHOP NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS JUstice 8-2721 OSCAR POOS, Manager GARDEN-ALL Lawn and Garden Tractor PLATE LUNCHES ICE CREAM SANDWICHES SOFT DRINKS HOME CAFE KATE HODEL, Proprietress JUstice 8-2391 New Baden, Illinois W. F. RENTH General Insurance JUstice 8-2042 New Baden, Illinois Page Sixty-two "Quality and Service is Our Motto" SPECIALTY BUILDING SUPPLY Wholesale Distributors JUstice 8-4171 New Baden, Illinois W. F. FOCHTMANN Building Materials "THE BEST FOR LESS" Lumber — Building Materials — Paint Hardware JUstice 8-2421 New Baden, Illinois TED AHNER Florist Wholesale Grower JUstice 8-2661 New Baden, Illinois "Here's Where Service Counts" MANWARING SERVICE STATION GAS — OILS — GREASES JUstice 8-2521 New Baden, Illinois Sixty-three SOUTHERN RAILWAY DEPOT — 192? OLD CITY HALL and FIRE DEPARTMENT OLD NAGELE SALOON and DANCE HALL Page Sixty-four DELICIOUS SANDWICHES TABLES FOR LADIES ( HET'S MODERN TAVERN Beers — Wines — Liquors — Pool JUstice 8-2781 New Baden, Illinois NEW BADEN DRUG SUNDRIES ART. BILLHARTZ, Proprietor Fountain Service — Baby Needs Photo Developing Compliments of BROWY BARBER SHOP NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS VAN WINKLE TRUCK SERVICE MASCOUTAH, ILLINOIS Freight — Hauling and Moving LOgan 6-1401 Slxtj -five FRANCIS and ALICE'S TAVERN FRANCIS KIEFER, Prop. Sandwiches — Pool Table — Television JUstice 8-2401 NEW BADEN, ILL. FALTUS I. G. A. SUPER MARKET "Low Prices Every Day" New Baden, Illinois On Route 161 ... The FLAMINGO CLUB BILL and MARG. KUENEKE, Props. Beer and Mixed Drinks — Entertainment JUstice 8-2581 NEW BADEN, ILL. NAGELE'S STUDIO MAKER OF FINE PROTRAITS AND PICTURES OF ALL KINDS FOR OVER 45 YEARS Photos Enlarged — Tinting — Frames JUstice 8-3342 NEW BADEN ILL. Page Sixty-six LOOKING-GLASS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO. — SINCE 1897 — Serving New Baden and Surrounding Area Hot Sadwiches Pool Tables KRUEP'S TAVERN Beer — Wine — Liquor (ACROSS FROM THE BANK) JUstice 8-2271 NEW BADEN, ILL. MUELLERS STORE West End Grocer JUstice 8-2171 NEW BADEN, ILL. ROTH'S ' For Better Dairy Products" JUstice 8-2771 NEW BADEN, ILL. Page Sixty-seven FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL PICNIC PARADE -1911 c*o EARLY NEW BADEN COAL MINERS Page Sixty-eight NOWLEN COOK General Contractor JUstice 8-2811 NEW BADEN, ILL. JACK PETERS' ORCHESTRA Dances — Parties — Weddings JUstice 8-3761 NEW BADEN, ILL. FOR THE FINEST IN WEDDING INVITATIONS Jl? BROWN ^ PRINTING SERVICE Commercial Printing 707 EAST CHURCH ST. — MASCOUTAH, ILL. Phone: LOgan 6-2911 SERVING THE NEW BADEN AND MASCOUTAH AREA SINCE 1933 Page Sixty -nine GRAIN — FEED — FERTILIZERS SEED — CUSTOM GRINDING NEW BADEN MILLING CO. fSSSSI MASTER MIX JUstice 8-2261 COMFLCTC CONCENTRATfS AND STRAIGHT FEEOS W. M. BACKUS and ASSOCIATES CIVIL and SANITARY ENGINEERS Highland National Bank Bldg. HIGHLAND, ILLINOIS Page Seventy OLD ANDREW MUELLER HOME One of the oldest in the Community OLD HUMMEL BUILDING OLD SCHUMACHER BUILDING Seven t 3 -one PETER DISTRIBUTING CO. NEW BADEN'S OLDEST GOING CONCERN SALUTES NEW BADEN ON ITS lOOfh YEAR We are celebrating our 75th year in New Baden as distributors for STAG Beer (1880- 1955) "Stop for a Stag" Our first year as distributor for PABST Blue Ribbon Beer 'What'll You Have?' AUGUSTA M. PETER — ROBERT PETER — GERALDINE PETER PETER DISTRIBUTING CO. DISTRIBUTORS STAG Beer PABST Blue Ribbon Coal & Ice - Campbell Soups JUstice 8-2991 New Baden, 111. Brown Printing Service — Mascoutah, III.