'•T l377-3a7S B74i» BREESE CENTENNIAL 1856-1956 BREESE, ILL. ILLIW0I8 HTftTOHTCAL SVBTVT -#• MRS. HARRY E. PRATT 1821 S. Seventh St. SPRINGFIELD. ILL. W]f l^' *^ i^li(^ HE 9 lflI?l&o BREESE CE]\TENi:VIi%L CELEBRATIOIV tS56 - 1956 Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 29#^ 30 and July 1 Parades - Rides - Entertainment 1856 - 100 YEARS OF PROGRESS -1956 J^EaiaatL Lcanon " Jliu£.i. of cjXeat niEU alL rsniind ui ^114 can maks. oux Lius-i. subUmz, c:/fnJ, dstiartLnq, Uuce hdhind ui \}ootb.rinii on ths. i.andi oj- tuns.. LO PARAPHRASE the words of Henry Wadsworth I.on.urfellow from his immortal "Psalm of Life" we dedicate this history of P.reese ; its be- ginning and growth to the early pioneer families who sacrificed so much to give us the better way of life we enjoy today. - ^T REMOTE STORAGE Historical Committee TilK HISTORICAL LOMMJ i i LL ^lcU lu ng:htj : AJrs. F. J. Messig. Miss Gretchen Hofsommer, Mrs. Charles T. Casey, Mrs. John Niebruegge, Mrs. Lloyd Worley, Mrs. Louis Heyer and Mrs. E. J. Mahlandt. y Th HE HISTORY OF BREESE as you will read in the pages follo.wing is far from being complete. No committee, however efficient, could record within a limited time, and in so short a space, a complete account of the progress of Breese over a century. We have tried to check the material very carefully, but it is almost impossible to present the book without a few errors and some omissions. The reader of this book can understand and appreciate the problems that faced the committee in compiling the facts contained herein. This was made possible only by many strenuous hours that the Historical Committee devoted to its compilation, and by the cooperatioji of many Breese citizens who helped supply the required material. We thank all of you, sincerely. MRS. CHAS. T. CASEY, C-airman. MRS. LLOYD A. WORLEY, Asst. Chairman. MRS. JOHN NIEBRUEGGE. Secretary. MISS GRETCHEN HOFSOMMER. MRS. FELIX MESSIG. MRS. LOUIS HEYER. MRS. E. J. MAHLANDT. AUGUST J. HOFSOMMER. JOHN H. MAUE. E. J. MAHLANDT. A. C. KOCH (Deceased). Chief Justice Sidney Breese Biography of Chief Justice Sidney Breese The township, vilhigc and nmv city of Breese was named after Sidney Breese, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois. This was done in recognition of his standing in the county and state and because at that time he was an attorney for the Mississippi and ( Jhio Railroad. He was born in central New York July 15, 1800. On the 24th of December, the day before Christmas, in 1818, Sidney Breese, a youth of 18 years, arrived in Kaskaskia, then the capital of the state. He was ad- mitted to the bar. not vet of age, in 1820 and started the practice of law in Jackson Count}'. In Decemljer. 1820, Assistant Secretary of State Sidney Breese re- moved the archives of the Secretary of State to \'andalia, the new seat of government, in a small road wagon having to cut a way through the timber land at several points. At the next session of the General Assembly in 1821, he was allowed the sum of $25 for the removal of the books, papers and contents of the office. He was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Morrison, daughter of William Morrison of Kaskaskia, in 1823. They removed to Carlyle in 1835 and located on the l\Iound Farm north of Carlyle. In 1845 the}- removed to Carlvle to the family home, the two story colonial style house on West Franklin Street. Sidne)^ Breese had a record of high honors which is outstanding in Clinton County and the state. He served as United States Senator, member of the Illinois Genera! Assembly, was speaker of the House, and later Chief Justice as stated above. As a volunteer in the Black Hawk War, in 1832. he rose from the ranks to he Lieutenant Colonel. In 1831, the volume of Breese's Re])orts (tre first volume of law re])orts ever compiled in this state), was the first book ever printed in Illinois. An outstanding achiexement in the career of Judge Breese was his promotion of the Imilding of the Illinois Central Railroad. In 1850 he made this request: "When my last resting place shall lie marked by cold marble, which gratitude or affection may erect, I desire for it no other inscription than this. That he who sleeps beneath it projected the Illinois Central Railroad." This appears on the granite monument in the cemetery- center of the family lot. Judge Breese died the evening of June 27, 1878, at the family home in Carlyle. His body lav in state in the court house in Carlyle, and the services were held there. The Rev. J. P. T. Ingram, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church officiated. Those in attendance included Governor Collum and other men of prominence in the state. The cortege to the Carlyle cemeter}' was led by the Brass Band. Grave side services were conducted with Masonic honors. Grand Master Robbins, of Chicago conducting the ceremonies. A part of the old Mound Farm, having been appropriated to the Carlyle Cemetery, his remains were returned to mingle with their con- natural dust, in full view of a quiet place near the old home, around which clustered so many precious memories- ^tt 1R.ct%a^^ct "Not without thy wondrous story, Illinois, Illinois. Could be writ the nation's glory, Illinois, Illinois." Three flags have flown over Illinois Territory, what is now the great state of Illinois. Recorded history tells that the French dominated Illinois Country in 1673. The British wi-ested the terri- tory from them in 1765 and the Americans followed in 1778. Father Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit priest, and Louis Joliet, a French fur trader, with a few white men and three Indian guides were the first to set foot on Illinois soil. Fleating down the Mississippi, Father Marquette discovered human footprints in the mud. Calling out in the Algonquin tongue, "Who are you?" he was given the reply, 'We are the lUini," the Indian word meaning "real men." The French explorers added the adjective ending "ois", hence the name — Illinois. In 1678, the king of France commissioned Henri Tonti, Robert LaSalle, and Father Hennapin to explore and colonize the territory. Following the same course as the explorers before them, they built forts and founded settlements, among which today are Chicago, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Prairie du Rocher, Cahokia, and Fort Chartres. In 1765, Capt. Sterling, with a hundred Highlanders of the 42nd Regiment left Fort Pitt, now Pittsburgh, and descending the Ohio, appeared at Fort Chartres, taking possession of the fort. On that day the ensign of France came down on the flag standard and the Union Jack of Great Britain was unfurled. During the trying time of the Revolutionary War in 1778, George Rogers Clark pondered on the bold pro- ject of taking Illinois Country for America. Patrick Henry, then governor of Virginia, reacted favorably f.o the idea, and commissioned Clark a Lieutenant Colonel with orders to organize seven companies of fifty men each and prepare to capture the British post at Kaskaskia. After a perilous journey and six days march, they cap- tured Kaskaskia. Thus Illinois Territory was claimed for America and the Stars and Stripes was hoisted above the land. On April 8, 1818, Congress passed what was known as the Enabling Act. This law provided and established the boundaries of Illinois. It meant also that there were 40,000 inhabitants in the territory and the people were authorized to form a state constitution. Nathaniel Pope was our territorial delegate to Congress. On December 4, 1818, Illinois became a State and President Monroe signed the bill. Shadrach Bond was the first governor and served from 1818 to 1822. Kaskaskia became the first capital. In 1819 the capital was moved to Vandalia, and in 1839, Abraham Lincoln advocated moving the capital to Springfield. Of the immortal Lincoln, history relates: "When an assassin's bullet struck down the beloved Lincoln, the nation and the world at large, and particularly soi-- rowing Illinois, knew that a great oak had fallen — an oak whose roots were deeply secured in pure Americanism whose branches reached high above the dim forests into the clear skies of heaven itself. Another of the great lUini had come and gone, like the great trees which had once felt the keen edge of the rail-splitting ax." "Lest We Forget" , The quarter of a century immediately preceding, and for some time following the admission of Illinois as a state (1818) can properly be termed "Pioneer Days." The spirit of adventure lured many pioneers to the vast expanse of this area, which in olden times was often called "Shoal Creek Prairie." The abundance of wild game, the fishing streams, and the rolling prairie en- abled the early pioneers, with the help of Divine Provi- dence, to supply their needs. The complete story of how they braved the wilderness and their hardships will never be written. Recorded history relates that the first two land entries w ere in 181 6. In April of that year, George Green entered the southwest quarter of section 13, and Joseph Johnson the northeast quarter of section 13. When the Englishmen, the Frenchmen, and the Irish- men left the "old country" and journeyed to this area, their modes of travel were in keeping with the time. Some arrived in covered wagons drawn by oxen, some by horse-drawn wagons, others by horseback, and a few on foot. Southern Illinois for the most part w'as settled by those w' o came from the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennes- see and Kentucky. The Germans began to settle in this area in 1835. According to the record Frank Haukap, in 1835, purchased the Steele farm in the south part of the township. Ger- hart Henry Otke located on the Bankson place in 1839. What is now known as the State Road was the old St. Louis-Vincennes Road. This was the stage coach route. Many of the German people were given employment on this road; thus more of them began to settle here. Here in this area the pioneers were surrounded by the Indians, subtle and wary. These prairies had been their hunting grounds from time immemorial. Here the redmen hunted, fished, and dreamed. Here under their chosen chiefs, in bands and in tribes, the Kaskaskias, the Cahokias and the Shawnees came to hunt game. During this time forts were established among fron- tier settlements, and used for protection against the Indians. In 1811 a fort was built on the site about six blocks east of the court house square in Carlyle, near the Kaskaskia River. It was a block house made of logs about sixteen feet square. Another, iust a short distance northwest of Aviston, was built in 1812. Companies of men were organized at these two forts, known as "rangers." When settlers were molested a call for help v;as answered and t' e attackers quelled. Tradition delineates that only one person, the wife of Jesse i3ayles, was killed by the Indians in this area. The ruthlessness and atrocities committed by the Indians on the white settlers will remain unwritten chapters of pioneer life. "Alas for them, their days are o'er, Their fires are out from shore to shore; No more for them the wild deer bounds The plow is on their hunting grounds." Thus we, of the present generation owe a debt of gratitude to our pioneers for the hardships they en- dured to gi\ e us a better way of life. Early History of Breese Township and of the City of Breese BREESE TOWNSHIP In 1818, the Maxey brothers came from Kentucky. BREESE TOWNSHIP Breese Township was named in honor of Judge Sid ney Breese, Justice of the Supreme Court of Illinois. The township comprises thirty-six sections, all of which is prairie except about nine sections east of Shoal Creek. Some of the writings of bygone days refer to our area as Shoal Creek Prairie. Over one hundred forty-five years ago in 1811, white people termed "Squatters" settled here, but during the war of 1812 they left. There is ref- erence in the Eaynolds history of a wagon road in 1808 known as the "Goshen Road," built by the people of that settlement. This road passed through the north part of the township. Recorded history states that the first two land entries were those of George Green (April 30, 1816) in the southwest quarter of section 13, and that of Joseph Johnson (October of the same year). That entry was in the northeast quarter of the same section. An interesting and outstanding character was found in the person of Andrew Bankson. He settled in the southern part of the township in 1816. On January 13, 1817, he entered a quarter of land in section 34. He served as captain of a company of men from this county in the Black Hawk War. Also as a colonel of the mil- itia and represented the county in the State Senate. Records relate ". . . in 1820 the question of removing the capital of the state from Kaskaskia," Bankson as a member of the committee cast the wanting vote that lost Carlyle the location for the State Capital by one vote to Vandalia. Names such as Thompson in 1816, with a man named Fulton, built a toll bridge over Shoal Creek in 1820. In 1817, Elijah Bale, and Caleb and David Pierce arrived. The Pierces built a water mill in section 11. Caleb was drowned trying to dislodge drift wood. Daniel Swearingen came in 1816 and erected a water mill west of Shoal Creek in section 11. This was a saw mill and a grist mill. In 1820 two free Negro families (Pendergrass and Curtiss) settled in the northeast part of the township. Seemingly these two families were people of some means. Curtiss bought the toll bridge but experienced consider- able trouble more than once, when pioneers from Tenn- essee, Kentucky and Virginia objected to paying a negro. The Old Toll Bridge On The State Road Near Frogtown In 1818, the Maxey brothers came from Kentucky. Albert, Emmit, Nathan, Perry and Peter. The first thi-ee named built and opened a store at the toll bridge in 1828. They also established a post office here and it was called Shoal Creek Post Office. Then there came the English and the Quakers, William Speechly, James Carr, and Matthew Barker. In 1835 a Baptist congregation was organized, and a frame church was built on the west side of Shoal Creek near the toll bridge. This was the first church house built in the township. After the death of Rev. Taylor, a new church replaced the old one. Names such as Taylor, Casey, Garrison, Huey, Maxey, and Ford, were associ- ated with this church. There was a church built at Lake Branch in the western part of the township. These churches were united wath the surrounding districts and eventually moved away. The Germans came to this area in 1835. Recorded are: Frank Haukap, 1835; Gerhart Henry Otke, 1839; Theodore Vornhalt, 1836; Theodore Huelsman, 1838, the first blacksmith. Also Henry Altepeter settled in the south part of the township with Theodore Heideman, Tobias Brueggeman, Joe and Henry Niemann, H. Henry Schulte, Benedict Haar, J. Henry Budde, Henry Holt- house, and Frank Morhenners. The building of the State Road gave employment to many of these Germans and was responsible for more of them coming to the community. Time passes all too swiftly. The old gives way to the new. Scattered over the township in a few places are the grim reminders of the old burial grounds of the early settlers, many of them now almost forgotten. Many pioneers of this township and the northern and western part of the county are resting in the Lake Branch ceme- tery, located on the State Road in section 18. Here amid almost a thicket, blooms a few old-fashioned perennial flowers, cedar trees and the grave stones that have weathered the elements. Here, a church once stood, all evidence of a devoted group of people. Data taken from records reveal many of our soldiers are buried in these old burying grounds. Included are Revolutionary soldiers whose graves are unmarked in the county. From treasured clippings we learned John King of the South Carolina regiment came here in 1817 and is said to have settled in Shoal Creek precinct. The first German settlement in the county was the incidental work of two German adventurers, Ferdinand Boehne and Friederich Hemann, who were strolling through Illinois on a hunting expedition. Their intention, however, was to explore the West for a home. They came to Clinton County and located permanently in the vicinity of Germantown and went to farming in earnest. There were no better farmers than the North Ger- man peasants, but the prairie land chosen was flat and badly drained, which was a continuous cause of malarial diseases. Presumably, this was one cause of the cholera epidemic which took many lives in 1849-50. In memory of this occasion, a stone cross was erected by the Altepeter family, living in the southeastern part of the township (which was the cholera district). A vow had been made by t' e Altepeters to Almighty God to erect a cross and have it maintained forever, if He, in His mercy, would spare the Altepeter family from the dread- ful plague. There are other crosses erected in the township, but these are customs of the fatherland. The naturalization of Germans in this vicinity began in 1841 with Ferdinand Boehne. In 1842 he was elected a member of the county commissioner's court after hav- ing served as assessor of the "Dutch" district where his friend, Hemann, was officiating as Justice of the Peace. The largest portion of the German immigrants se- lected the Boehne settlement for their home. They were the Huelsmann, Altepeter, Niemann, Gramann, Haar, and Heidemann families. The North German was an energetic, though con- servative man; his endurance and perseverance had be- come proverbial and whatever he couldn't accomplish others would not try. Simultaneously with building habitations for them- selves, they set to work to erect a church and school house. Immigration assumed larger proportions in 1850 to 1862. While the overwhelming numbers of German pio- neers were drawn from the peasantry and the trades there was also among them teachers, clergjmen, some merchants, skillful mechanics, and wealthy agricultur- ists. They came from the Rhine and were also protestants. The teacher and preacher took care to remain in cor- respondence with their people in the fatherland, and to perpetuate its language on this side of the ocean. Until World War I, German was the prevailing lan- guage spoken in this community. It is important to remember that while a majority of the settlers were poor, that poverty carried with it no crushing sense of degradation like that felt by the very poor of our age. They lived in cabins, it is true, but they were their very own and had been reared by their hands. While the pioneer families had many hardships, they also had their recreations in the form of log-rolling. When the men gathered for these occasions, the women would bring their spinning wheels and the hum was music to their ears. The women manufactured nearly all the clothing worn by the family. The men and boys wore pantaloons made of the dressed skin of the deer. The young man who desired to look captivating to the eye of a maiden he loved had his bucks fringed. Meal sacks were also made of buck skins. Caps were made of the skin of the wolf, fox, wildcat and muskrat tanned with the fur on; the tail of the fox or wolf often hung down the top of the cap. Moccasins or wooden clods were a substitute for shoes. There were no shoe makers and each family made its own shoes. Wild meat was plentiful; small patches of Indian corn were raised which, in the earliest days of the settle- ment was beaten in a mortar. The bread used was johnny or journey cakes, baked before an open fire. Coffee and tea were used sparingly as t' e hardy pioneer thought they would not stick to the ribs and were only good for the women and children. Maple sugar was used and honey was only five cents a pound, butter was the same price, while eggs were three cents. All neighbors shared in the products of hog killing. Chickens were to be seen in great numbers around every doorway; the gobble of the turkey and the quack of the duck were heard all over the land. Wild grapes and plums were to be found in their season, along the streams. There are many interesting tales to relate, but time would not permit us to do so. The object of this history has been to perpetuate the heroic deeds of the men who, for over a century, have reclaimed the country with all the blessings of civilized life, from a wilderness infested with wild beasts and hos- tile savages. Palatial residences have taken the place of the pio- neer cabins; spacious school buildings with all their con- venient equipment, beautiful church edifices have super- ceded the rude structures of the early days; the self binding reaper has laid to rest the ancient cradle; the threshing machine has destroyed the demand for the old-fashioned flail; ingenious machinery has driven from the field the crude implements of our forefathers. Prior to the completion of the Mississippi and Ohio Railroad in 1855, progress was slow. This marked the beginning of a new and better era for Clinton County. However, the prairie grass was still high as far as Lebanon; the deer and wolves roamed through the coun- try. Transportation by the railroad, instead of stage coach or wagon, appealed to the pioneers and they began to think of doing business under the laws of the State of Illinois. Sanger, Camp & Co. from Chicago bought lands along the M. & O. Railroad as far as Flora. Their trustee, John Brown, bought 80 acres from Herman Henry Reil- mann, and laid out the town of Breese. Feb. 3, 1855. There has been some controversy on this date but as a matter of record, February 3, 1855 is correct. The original town consisted of twenty-four blocks, north and south of the M. & O. (now the B. & O.) Railroad. C. H. Kaune, Koch and Marks, C. F. Stark and Bene- dict Haar afterwards laid out additions. The first house was built by Robert S. Donne, who was the first railroad agent, first merchant and first postmaster. The Shoal Creek Post Office was moved into his house, but retained that name until 1881, when it became Breese Post Office. However, in 1871 Breese was incorporated as a town and in 1876 as a village. Frank Morhenners built the second house, in which he kept a hotel. After this, the town improved rapidly. The Breese Flour Mill, called the Eagle Star, was built in 1865 by C. H. Kaune. In 1866 Bernard Sommers, Robert Donne and Bernard Buehne built the "White Mill" in Haar's addition. The Catholic church, built of limestone in gothic architecture, was completed in 1867. The clock in the tower is an ingenious work of a St. Louis boy. The lime- 8 stone used was quarried from the Timmermann farm noith of Breese. The Evangelical church, built of red brick, was com- pleted in 1871 but the parish was organized prior to this date. There were two parish schools and one public school; six general stores: B. Hagen and Co., Mrs. Frank Marks, Fritz Burmann, William Hofsommer, Fred Goell- ner and Frank Bentler. Drug Store, Charles E. Gissy. Hotels: Henry Kruep and Theodore Kollme. Lumber Yards: Theodore Klutho and George Peek. Blacksmith Shops: H. Winke, H. Freund and Henry Dorries. Wagon Maker: Conrad Ruemenschneider and Joseph Schmidt. Saddler and Harness: Abraham Zimmermann. Our forefathers, then in 1871, were organized and determined to succeed. Almighty God has been bene- ficient in His blessings to the people of this community. TOWN OF BREESE The town of Breese was incorporated on the 11th day of April, 1871, at the house of Joseph Klutho, with Bernard Dumstorff as president and L. M. Reynolds, clerk. A meeting was held April 19th, 1871, for the purpose of electing five trustees of said town of Breese. Fred Lipps was nominated clerk and Frank Marks and D. Morhenners the judges. There were 29 legal voters present — 22 for incor- porating and 7 against. The following trustees were elected: Frank Marks, president; R. Dumstorff, Theo. Klutho, John Koch and Fritz Dorries. Following are the names of some of the early voters: L. Green, W. Burhorn. C. Schroeder, L. Lepper, Chas. Kaune, C. Helwig, G. Peek, G. Schwarz, F. Goelner, C. Dorries, Louis Meissner, John Schroeder, Henry Freund, T. Lanwehr, H. Speekmann, R. Meyer, J. Klier, Henry Winker, Henry Lantwerth, Fred Schmith, C. Ball, R. Albers, G. Bentler, G. Feldmnn, R. Spieler, B. Dieker, L. Pluyra, Joseph Klutho, C. Vorholt. The first treasurer was B. Buehne; the first notary public, Gerhart Rebel, and first constable of the town, Henry Miller. Fritz Dorries was the sheriff of Clinton County from 1870 to 1872. To these early settlers of Breese we owe a debt of gratitude for their foresight into the future to establish a better way of life. They were united in faith as well as effort and Divine Providence has blessed this community a thousand-fold. In short, the enjoyments now realized by this gener- ation, the well-to-do farmer, the merchant, the lawyer, the doctor, the banker, and the tradesman of every craft, reflect the efforts of the pioneers whether of country or community. Fi-om 1872 to 1876 the following officials represented the town: Frank Marks, president; Theodore Klutho, treasurer, P. Kauling, first street commissioner, Henry Kruep, constable. Probably the most important agency in the business development and prosperity of any city is its railroad communication. The Mississippi and Ohio Railroad, now the B. & 0., was completed through the town in 1855. This resulted in the transportation of more people to this area and better facilities for shipping their products to the East- ern and Western localities. In 1857 the M. & O. Railroad was extended from St. Louis, Mo., to Cincinnati, Ohio. After this Breese progressed more rapidly, because of the railroad's convenience, both to the east and west. From 1855 to 1876 two churches with their respec- tive schools had been erected. Also two mills, the Eagle Star Mill and the White Mill. There were lumber yards, drug store, general stores, hotels, blacksmith shops, sad- dlers and harness makers. We do not wish to lose sight of the early picture for the prairie grass was still high in many places; there were wooden sidewalks and a few kerosene lamps at the street corners. Horses, sheep, hogs, goats, geese and chickens had full sway over the country side and curfew time was un- heard of. The ambitions of our forefathers grew stronger and they decreed to have a more abiding place to live in, according to the laws of the State of Illinois. Prior to this time, meetings were held in the home of Joseph Klutho, after which the meeting place or so-called "office" was moved to the house of Fred Lipps, at the corner of Hanover and Brown Sts., now North Third and Walnut Streets. VILLAGE OF BREESE The Village of Breese was incorporated on the 23rd day of September, 1876. Elected to the board of trustees were: B. Hagen, president; Henry Freund, Louis Meissner, William Bur- horn, Frank Funke, William G. Kaune, treasurer, and Fred Lipps, clerk. The object of these early meetings was to form ordinances under the laws of the State of Illinois. Specifications for the laying of the wooden side- walks was done in great detail. The trustees were honest and economy-minded, which made for success. Mr. Bernard Hugenberg was street commissioner for 27 years and well he tended the kerosene lamps, and constructing the wooden plank walks of the village. Familiar names of people in the period 1876-1880 who, besides the officers, took an active part in the village af- fairs were: Theo. Klutho, Jos. Klutho, G. Schwartz, Hy. Freund, F. Koch, John Schaffner, Ferd Goellner, Frank Bentler, H. J. Fasnacht, C. Helwig, Theo. Bruegge, Fred Burhorn, B. Albers, Carl Dorries, Joseph Niemann, Jr. and Chas. E. Eulberg. In 1880 Frank Funke was elected president and H. G. Fasnacht, clerk. In 1884 Carl Dorries was elected presi- dent and Frank Funke again in 1885. In 1885 the village hall was erected at a cost of $3,000. It is a substantial red brick, two-story structure, with an auditorium on the second floor. Prior to this time the meeting place had been transferred from the home of Fred Lipps to the so-called office. This office became a small frame school building in which most of the early settlers had learned their 3 R's. The school had been situated in district 3, section 32, Breese Township, and after serving its purpose it was brought into town on the ground where the City Hall now stands. From 1886 to 1888 Chas. E. Eulberg served as clerk and the first night watchman was appointed at $20.00 a month. Bernard Meyer held the clerkship 1891 to 1893. In 1888 a new board of trustees was elected : Wm. G. Kaune, president; A. J. Klutho, Frank Funke, Theodore Bruegge, and Fred Burhorn. H. G. Fasnacht was clerk, J. H. Donne, police magistrate and Fred Schoenfeld, eon- stable. During these years the first ordinances were made. Under Ordinance No. XI it was considered a nuisance to let hogs, geese or ducks run at large, and a fine of 50c was assessed. Ordinance No. V required a license to carry about the street a hand organ or other musical instru- ments for the purpose of performing thereon, either on any street, alley or in any home for gain. The cost of a license was $1.00 per day. Like ghosts of yesteryears, this paints a picture of the past when the old melodies brought a smile or tear, such as " Ben Bolt," "In The Gloaming", "Listen to the Mocking Bird," "Darling Nellie Gray," and "When You and I Were Young Maggie." Another picture at this time of the 19th century was the scissors grinder man, faithfully trudging block after block, bell in hand, grinder on back, for a small recom- pense. At this time, 1892, the Breese Volunteer Fire Depart- ment was organized. In 1894 the ordinances were revised with Hy. Hum- mert as president, B. H. Donne, treasurer and G. A. Hoff- mann, clerk. Members of the board were: G. A. Hoff- mann, B. H. Donne, Ben Ess, Sr., Henry Werth, August J. Klutho, Louis Meissner, Henry Pille, Fritz Dorries, Sr. In 1895 a Committee on Improvements was formed as follows: Hy. Werth, Fritz Dorries, Sr., August J. Klutho. Trustees were Theo. Bruegge, Aug. J. Klutho and George Hagen. As a result Bi-eese claimed its fii-st water works system, a 39,000-gallon tank with a 63-foot iron column tower. The water tower was purchased July 1, 1895, at an initial cost of $1,054.00. The Hooker Patent Duplex Plunge Pump cost $610.00 After the cost of erecting, by W. E. Caldwell of Louisville, Ky., freight charges and painting, the total amount was $2,239.00. This water tower was erected southeast of the village hall. Money to pay for same was loaned from Mrs. Anna Peek and Gerhard Timmermann at 5'', interest. August J. Klutho furnished the lumber and Anton Deutsch did the painting of the water tower. In 1895 a new board of trustees was appointed, name- ly, Henry Hummert, president, Theo. Bruegge, August J. Klutho, Geo. Hagen, B. H. Donne, treasui-er, and G. A. Hoffmann, clerk. The Committee on Improvements was Hy. Werth, Fritz Dorries, Sr., Aug. J. Klutho. Henry 10 Scheer served as constable from 1892 to 1898. The first watchman was appointed in 1896 at $20.00 a month. In 1897 the hall was rented to the Philharmonic Band at $2.50 per month and to the U. M. W. A. at $14 a year. At this time the foUoviing highway commissioners were appointed: Anton Voss, Gerh. Holtgrave and Hy. Kruep, Jr. Record is made of $6.49 paid to Dr. W. G. Bechtold for blood hounds. That incident, no doubt, created some excitement in an othei-wise peaceful village. In 1898 a franchise was granted to the Clinton County Telephone Co., called the Union Telephone Co. The board of trustees were: Fritz Dorries, president, Fred Burhorn, John Hagen, Ben Ess, Sr., John Kleier, treasurer, Aug. Fangmeyer, clerk, Aug. Grunz, police magistrate, and Hy. Scheer, marshall. The year 1900 marked the adoption of an ordinance for the levy and assessment of taxes, and a contract was made for the laying of stone sidewalks, property owners to pay one-third of total cost. At this time Daniel Need- ham was elected president of the board of trustees; other members were Anton Deutsch, Hy. Werth, Fritz Burhorn, Ben Ess, Sr., John Hagen, Hy. Bruening and August Fangmeyer, clerk. In 1902 a Water Improvement Co. was organized for the purpose of constructing a water works plant. Im- provements were made in the water works system and an agreement entered into with the B. & O. Railroad for fur- nishing water at $40.00 a month. The first water meters were installed July, 1903. Old Water Tower and Fire Engine Station Trustees in 1903 were Fred Schmidt, Ferd Krebs, John Kleier, Jr., Fritz Schmidt and Jos. Cross. Under Ordinance No. 98, taxes were to be levied, as- sessed and collected upon the real and personal property of Breese. CITY OFFICIALS THE CITY OFFICIALS OF BREESE^Seated (left to right): James H. Donnewald. City Attorney; Henry C. Hummert, Treasurer; A. J. Appel, Mayor; Ferd H. Foppe, Clerk; Louis B. Heyer, Fire Chief; Frank A. Kuhl, Superintendent of Utilities. Standing (left to right): Herman Warnecke, Night Police Officer; Alfred Von Alst, Commissioner of Streets and Alleys; Vincent Niemann, Alderman Ward 1; Raymond Kuper, Alderman Ward 1; Henry Pollmann, Alderman Ward 2; Emmet Hostmeyer, Alderman Ward 3; Raymond Schlueter, Alderman Ward 3; Anton Voss, Alderman \^'ard 2; A, S. Holtgrave, Chief of Police. 11 City of Breese The City of Breese was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois January 19, 1S)05. The City Coun- cil was organized April 20, 1905. At a special meeting June 19th the ordinances of the Village of Breese were adopted and later revised. The first mayor of the new administration was Henry Hummert, with John Kleier, Jr. as treasurer and Chas. E. Eulberg, clerk; the fire chief was Aug. W. Grunz; mar- shall, Ben Deien; police magistrate, Aug. Grunz and the street superintendent, B. Hugenberg. Hugh V. Murray was corporation counsel at a salary of $60.00 a year. The first aldermen to be elected were: Hy. Knies, Fred Schmidt, Alois Funke, Hy. Werth, Hy. Koch and Ferd Krebs. A franchise was granted October 14, 1905 to J. Otto Koch, August J. Klutho and their successors, the right of installing and operating an electric light and power plant in the said city of Breese. They were authorized to pur- chase the water works system from the Breese Water & Improvement Co. of the Village of Breese. Bids were accepted Nov. 14, 1905, to erect the build- ing for a sum of $21,365; Victor J. Klutho of St. Louis was the architect. Hy. Schroeder of Breese, constructed the building. On the Board of Health were: Fred Schmidt, Alois F. Funke, Theo. Rieke. At that time August J. Klutho was supervisor, and William H. Mahlandt was assessor of Breese township. Mr. Mahlandt served in that ofl"ice 31 consecutive years, and until his death in 1933. The electric light plant was completed in 1906, and Chas. Williams was appointed electrician at a salary of $75.00 a month. The light rate was 9c per kilowatt hour, lowered in 1908 to 5c per kilowatt. In that year George Carr became superintendent of the plant at $50.00 a month. In 1907 H. W. Koch was elected mayor. Chas. Eulberg was city clerk and Aug. Grunz, police magistrate. In January, 1909 Frank Wieter was appointed chief of police. The Breese Ice and Cold Storage plant was built and a contract drawn up for power with the Breese Light & Power Co. July 6, 1909. The Breese Driving & Fair Asso- ciation was in progress as the city furnished water to the fair grounds for fire protection. In 1909 the city annexed the new addition of Clem Niebur, and in that same year the old pumping station was wrecked, and the following year a new station was erected at a cost of $489.35. , The salary of Geo. Carr was increased to $75.00 with appointments of first and second assistants — Edw. Schmidt and Geo. Abeln. In 1912 Ben H. Frank was appointed third assistant at $25.00 a month. Happy to say the salaries grew with the years. Tungsten street lamps were still being used. Cement sidewalks were being considered, also improvements in the water works system. In 1911 Daniel Needhani was elected mayor; Mr. Needham and Mr. Eulberg served the community many years. A. Plack Carr replaced Hugh V. Murray as counsellor for the city. In the short absence of George Carr, Ed. W. Schmidt was appointed the superintendent of the Power & Light 12 Co. Wm. J. Schroeder, Louis B. Fritz, B. H. Frank and Hy. Wehlage were assistants for many years. The city continued to furnish water to the Breese Coal Mining Co. for $150.00 a year. In 1911 the Hy. Lappe Heirs Third Addition was annexed to the city. The city streets were first sprinkled with road oil in 1911, and the Power & Light Co. was given a monthly in- stallment of $195.00 for operating purposes. In 1912 the City Council voted for improvement and extension of the water works with the installation of a clarifying system of water works, for repairs and im- provements therein. In 1913 the following annexations were in order: Al- bert Strakes 2nd and 3rd Additions to the Village, Ber- nard J. Strake's 1st and 2nd Subdivisions to the Village, Catherine Haar's Addition, Wieter's Addition and a I'ec- tangular parcel of land in Section 22. The City was making improvement slowly but truly. The old road grader was sold for $75.00 as macadamizing the streets seemed to be the next point in progress. It may be interesting to many people to recall some of the names of those active in our community affairs in the preceding years; most are gone, but not forgotten: Aug. Vogelsang, Theo. Bruegge, Hy. Burhorn, Hy. Dicker, P. H. Habich, A. H. Timmermann. Leo A. Krebs, Fred Schmidt, Eugene Gissy, Geo. Vander Fluym, Anton Knies, J. C. Coers, Geo. Abeln, Ben J. Schwarz, Hy. Werth, John Holtkamp, Frank Voss, Ferd Flader, Geo. Hagen, B. H. Kellermann, Ben Kruep, Geo. Buehler, Wm. Fischer, Wm. Gerfen, B. C. Meyer, Gust Foppe, Fred Geissert, Louis Boehm, Aloys F. Funke. In August, 1913, a franchise was granted to the Citi- zen's Telephone Co. There was a scarlet fever epidemic In March, 1914. All schools and nickleodeons were closed.. In that year a new oil sprinkler was purchased, and a heating system was installed in the city hall and fire station. In 1915 a macadam road was made to the City Ceme- tery. The City paid $200.00 toward the cost. Cleanup days began in 1915. Six blocks of water mains were extended in 1915. Again in May, 1915, all schools were closed, due to an epidemic of diphtheria. Children under 15 years were not allowed to attend religious services. At this time Aloys B. Lager was appointed Corpora- tion Counsel for the City. Rates were made for the elec- tric cooking stoves in 1916. In 1918, during World War I, the flu epidemic left sad memories of several untimely deaths. The hospital was closed and no county nurses available. It was a de- plorable situation. Daniel Needham, mayor, continued in office until 1922, a period of eleven years of faithful performance to duty. The treasurer in 1917 was Frank Ahrens and tTie aldermen were Anton Voss, Jos. F. Cross, Wm. Fischer, with active council members, Wm. Fischer and Hy. Stuever. Band concerts were held on the city hall lawn and the City donated $25.00 toward the cost. Forty years ago money had a greater value than today. Salaries of all city officials and employees at the Lig' t & Power Co. were increased. Police Magistrate Frank Wieter received $80.00 per month. For a short time in 1920, electric current was fur- nished to A\^ston. In 1922, Wm. Fischer was elected mayor, Alfred J. Appel, treasurer, John Strubhart, clerk, and Aug. Grunz, police magistrate. Aldermen and active council members were Fred Schmidt, Sr., Geo. Buehler, Chas. Harter, Herm. Feltrop, Anton Voss, Wm. J. Lager, Jos. Berndsen, Hy. Holtkanip, Hy. Stuever, Louis Meissner, Conrad Wieter, Jos. Winter, Carl Gerfen and Harry Glaub. In 1924 the City purchased workmen's compensation and employer's liability and public liability insurance. In October, 1924, street lights were extended to the outskirts of the city, and the City also purchased a one- man Wehr grader. During this time improvements were made at the water and light plant at a cost of $.3,26.5.00. In 1925 Herman Deien was chief of police and Fred Hostmeyer was street commissioner. A tractor and oil wagon were purchased to oil the streets. A flag and pole were purchased for the Fire Department, as well as a chemical truck. The Bell Telephone Co. received a franchise from the aldermen at this time, namely, Frank Nordmann, Gus Meissner, Julius Dorries, Hy. Reilmann, Hy. Freund, and Ferd Hundmann. Other names in community service were Louis Dieker, Wm. Kueneke, Jos. Winter, B. Coller, Paul Schaffner and Anton Weh. In 1927 a resolution was adopted to assist at fires outside the city limits. Among the aldermen then were Fred A. Schoeneberg, Leo Krebs and Ray Perkes. In April, 1927, Chief of Police Frank Wieter, met an untimely death when he was murdered near the city hall. Fred Parker was then appointed chief of police. George Carr resigned as superintendent of the water and light plant June 7, 1927, and Frank Kuhl was appoint- ed in his place, who continues in the position today. The motor vehicle tax was passed in 1924. Andrew O. Niehoff was appointed City Attorney. In 1929 William Fischer was elected mayor, with A. B. Fangmeyer, treasurer, and John Strubhart, clerk. The aldermen elected were Fred Schoeneberg, Edward Foppe and Charles Casey. Rock was purchased for street improvements and the iron horse racks removed in 1929. In 1930 Maurice B. Johnston was corporation counsel for the city. An ordinance was made for licensing of motor vehicles. In 1931 a Board of Local Improvements was formed with A. J. Appel as mayor; aldermen were Fred Schoene- berg, Anton Knies, Hy. Hagen, Louis Meissner, Edward Foppe and Charles Casey. E. J. Venhaus was city clerk and Fred Parker, chief of police. An improvement in 1931 made at the power plant was the installation of an electric generating unit consisting of a Corliss engine, at a cost of $15,336.00. In 1932 the City expended $25,000 to furnish the Mexican American Hat Co. with sufficient power, and in anticipation of any future industry. With expenditures in 1931 and 1932, the Light & Water Co. became a munici- pally-owned company by the City of Breese. Electric refrigerators were placed on a heat rate. Streets were graded and filled in with crushed rock. In 1933 the City created a sinking fund in which would be deposited 5'', of the monthly income from all electricity and water used in said city, the same fund to be permitted to accumulate and be used for replacements, repairs and improvements to the power plant and water works system, and for no other purposes. In May, 1934, under ordinance No. 173, a new Board of Local Improvements was formed in view of a sewer project; members were A. J. Appel, chairman; Ben J. Schwarz, secretary and Anton Knies, member. In November, 1934, application was made to the U. S. Government for a federal grant in financing the con- struction of a sanitary sewer system. A direct grant of $46,000.00 was received for same. Bonds of the city were issued in the amount of $83,600.00. In April, 1935, August W. Grunz, was elected mayor; the aldermen were, Chas. Harter, Edw. Wade, J. Huels- kamp, Frank Nordmann, Jos. Winter and F. Schoeneberg. A motor vehicle tax ordinance was passed in 1934. In 1935 a curfew ordinance was passed, and in the same year, under the motor fuel tax law, $3,978.00 was appropriated for improvements of streets; this allotment was used in giving the streets an asphalt surface. A new pump was purchased for the Water & Light Co. at a cost of $484.00. The Municipal Council of Breese is a member of the Illinois Municipal League since 1935. At this time the Board of Local Improvements con- sisted of Frank Nordman, Fred Schoeneberg and Floyd Keel. The Chief of Police was Fred Parker; James Perkea was fourth assistant at the power plant. Special assessments were established in April, 1935, to meet the requisition of the Light & Water Co. In April, 1936, the city purchased the generating unit of the capaci- ty of 300 K. W. at a cost of $14,583.00, and two stokers for $4,820.00. For the city streets a new tractor and scarifier was purchased at a cost of $1,395.00. The wheel tax was made in 1936 and a fire alarm sys- tem installed, with streets first illuminated during the holiday season of 1936. In July of that year the sewer project was completed and approved by the Federal Emer- gency Administi-ation of Public Works. Around this time Frank Polony was chief of police with William Broeckling as special police. In 1936, $7,500.00 was allotted for improvements under the motor fuel tax law, which was used on the regular stieets and arterial streets of the south side of Breese. The job was done by W. P. A. labor. In 1937 the charge for electric power was 7c per kilowatt hour; the domestic rate 30c per kw. h., with a minimum charge of 85c per month. In April, 1937, the City Council was re-organized, with A. J. Appel as mayor, and the aldermen were Frank Nordmann, Louis Vander Pluym, Jos. Winter, Edw. H. V/ade, Fred Schoenebeig and J. Huelskamp. E. J. Ven- haus was flerk, Arnold Koch, treasurer, Louis Heyer, fire chief; A. S. Holtgrave, chief of police; Andrew O. Niehoff, city attorney; Frank A. Kuhl, supt. of water and 13 light, and Aug. Von Bokel, police magistrate. Sylvester Schwarz was appointed Collector of As- sessments for the sewer project. In 1937 wheel tax stickers were issued. An ordinance •was made for regulating traffic. A Breese Building Cor- poration was formed with the appointment of John Strub- hart, T. H. Werth, Hy. Hagen, A. J. Schmidt, A. C. Koch. In 1937 a tax of one mill was levied on all taxable property for the purpose of a municipal band, revenue from same to be expended for musical purposes. Joseph Varel was appointed band master. In 1938 electric service was extended to Kruep's Ad- dition. Ordinances were revised in March, 1938, and a com- bination of curb and gutter construction project was begun at the same time. A resolution was adopted in July, 1938, for improve- ments to the presently owned water works system, includ- ing additions to the purification plant, roof on clear-well, elevated tank and meters — cost of improvements $83,833.97. A grant of $46,125.00 was received from the Federal Government in financing the construction and extensions to the existing waterworks system. The construction was by the Public Works Administration. A water purification plant with elevated storage tank was included. In 1939 a transformer station was added to the elec- tric power plant, in conjunction with the filtration plant for $1,075.00. In 1940 fire hydrants and water mains were extended at an estimated cost of $50,000.00, paid from a grant of the P. W. Administration and water revenue bonds; also an extension of pavements with curbing and construction of "The White Way" on North Fourth Street, at a cost of $76,000.00. Further improvements in 1940 to the water and light plant were two 250 H. P. horizontal return tubular boilers at a cost of $6,143.00, one forced draft chain grate or spreader-type stoker, $2,729.00, and a cost of boiler setting, $1,878.00. In 1942 the City Council consisted of A. J. Appel as mayor; Arnold Koch, treasurer; Melvin Reilmann, clerk, and the aldermen were J. Huelskamp, A. Lager, J. Voss, F. Schoeneberg, EMw. Wade and L. Vander Pluym. Louis Heyer was fire chief and A. S. Holtgrave, chief of police. In 1943 an agreement was made with neighboring communities to assist one another at fires. A sum of $50 was donated to St. Dominic parish for maintenance of the tower clock. In 1944 George H. Barton directed the municipal band, after a brief appointment with L. C. Schuster in 1943. A new fire alarm system was inaugurated. Cal- cium chloride was added to the water works system. A. B. Niebur was appointed treasurer in 1944. In 1945 salaries were increased for the following em- ployees at the power plant: B. H. Frank, Hy. Wehlage, Hy. G. Marcus, Louis Fritz, Leo Heyer and Leo Goewert. At this time the Breese Ice and Cold Storage plant •was disbanded. Electric refrigerators were taking the place of the old ice boxes. In March, 1946, the City Council organized a Park Board to operate the city park. Certain real estate, for- merly the fair grounds, was donated by the Chamber of Commerce to the city for its maintenance thereafter. In 1946 improvements at the power plant consisted of a 750 K. W. steam turbine generator unit, surface con- denser and a cooling tower. Power was provided the Tuberculosis X-ray Mobile Unit. A resolution was pre- sented to adopt daylight saving time. The city pur- chased an 8-foot self-feeding material spreader at a cost of $337.50 and fire equipment for $2,826.56. Melvin Reilmann was elected city clerk and retained the office until 1953. In 1947 Erwin C. Hostmeyer became night police officer at a salary of $100.00 per month. Frank Ribbing was maintenance man at the park. A resolution was passed by the City Council that $20,000.00 be transferred from the electric operating fund to the electric construction fund of February, 1948. The original estimate of the new equipment at the power plant was placed at $75,000.00, of which $42,000 was provided by the sale of electric revenue bonds. In 1948 A. B. Niebur was acting treasurer and Edw. Heidel was added to the list of aldermen. The following item might be interesting. A representative from the B. & O. Railroad reported to the city council that the rail- road had spent approximately $700,000.00 in Breese dur- ing the past five years and paid out a payroll of $68,- 000.00 during 1947 to people residing in Breese working for the Railroad Co. A new IH-4 Tractor for $2,025.87 was bought by the city. In 1948 the city completed installation of a 750 KVA Turbine Unit said cost of construction, $67,793.54, The city furnished free transportation for boys and girls to attend a free ball game at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. This treat sponsored by the city is repeated every year since 1948. In December 1948 an agreement was made between the Breese Fire Department and the Breese Rural Fire District to unite their efforts to assist at fires in the Rural district. Breese Water and Light purchased a new truck for $2,451.00 with $250.00 allowed on the old truck. In 1949 an appropriation of $5,000.00 was made for arterial street maintenance. Also in 1949 a franchise was granted to the Bell Telephone Co. Francis B. Fields was elected al- derman; Joseph Knies, Police Magistrate; Joseph Hitpas, Street Commissioner. In 1950 bids were let for a Water Softener. Mrs. Eagan's salary as municipal teen-age band leader was increased to $50.00 per month. In November 1950 par- allel parking was installed. The Fire Department pur- chased a new hose for $425.00 in 1950 and a Chevrolet Panel truck with extras for $1,903.00. In 1949 the city purchased a new Ford truck from Breese Motor Sales for $1,627.56. Free electric current was given city patrons for out- door decorative Christmas lighting, also free lights furn- ished for the soft-ball courts in the city park. Mr. Fred Deutsch was Fire Chief at this time. Koch's 1st Sub- Division was incorporated into the city of Breese in 1951. Ordinance 102-A provided for the immediate construc- tion of sanitary sewers for Koch's sub-division.. The cost of painting the city's steel water tank was $1,690.00. The tank holds 200,000 gallons of water. In 1951, through the efforts of the Breese Lions Club, warning flash sig- 14 rials were provided by the State of Illinois on Route 50, for the protection of the school children. The city appro- priated $6,500.00 from the Motor Fuel Tax funds for ar- terial street maintenance. A new smoke stack was con- structed at the water and light plant for $3,155.00. The alderman for 1951 were F. B. Fields, Vincent Fonke, Em- mett Hostmeyer, Leo Venhaus, Jerome Lager and Alvin Elling. The city entered into an agreement this year with the Breese Rural Fire District for the rental of emergency fire equipment. In 1952, $12,000 Motor Fuel Tax funds were appropri- ated for the construction of concrete curb and gutters. $6,500.00 was also appropriated for maintenance of the arterial streets in 1952. The White-Way was also pro- moted in 1952. Improvements in the Municipal Electric Plant to meet the need of additional current required for the White-Way were made at a cost of $250,000.00— $200,000.0(1 in bonds accepted and payable in 1972. In January 195", the Mercury street light system Counsel September 6, 1955, following the death of Andrew O. Niehoff, previous city attorney. Charles Bedard was appointed city band master. In 1955 the city also ap- proved a system permitting the fluoridation of the public water system in the early part of 1956. Aldermen elected in 1955 were: Henry Pollmann, Raymond Kuper, Anton Voss and Emmet Hostmeyer; the other two members are Raymond Schlueter and Vincent Niemann, who, with Mayor A. J. Appel, make up the City Council of Breese in the Centennial year. Parallel parking of cars in certain areas of the com- munity was required, replacing the habit of angle parking. A motor-driven siren was installed for the fire de- partment. The Fire Department consists of 29 volun- teer members. A sum of $6500.00 was appropriated for maintenance of arterial streets in 1956. The City of Breese, a member of the Illinois Municipal Utilities Association, has a population of 2200 according The City Hall at Nortli Clinton was installed. Improvements were made at the Water and Light plant at a cost of $54,350.00. A. O. Niehoff, city counsellor and Ferd H. Nordmann was clerk. Aldermen for 1953 were Alvin Elling, V. Niemann, V. Fonke, E. Hostmeyer, R. Schlueter and Chas. Thomas. Alfred Von Alst was street maintenance man. At a special meeting in June, 1953. Ferd H. Foppe was appointed city clerk. In February, 1954, additional improvements were made to No. 2 boiler at the power plant at a cost of $29,998.00. A sum of $650.00 was spent for having the old concrete chimney dropped at the power plant. In 1955 Erwin Koch's second subdivision was annexed to the Ctiy. A request was made by A. C. Koch that a subdivision, northeast of Breese, be annexed. James Donnewald was appointed City Corporation anRUG STORES: Dr. Af holder. Dr. Charles Gissy, Aloys Funke, Eugene Gissy. DENTISTS: Dr. Robert Offil, Dr. Raymond Kyle. DOCTORS: Dr. Af holder. Dr. Charles Gissv, Dr. Charles Ball, Dr. William Bechthold, Dr. Pace, Dr." A. H. Flader, Dr. J. J. Morony, Dr. W. D. Drake, Dr. John Klutho, Dr. E. 0. Schreiner, Dr. Fuller, Dr. Kuhl, Dr. Archibald. DRESSMAKERS: Theresa Voss, Mary Voss, Millie Lips, Hugenberg Sisters, Meissner Sisters, Mrs. Lips- comb, Lottie Seel. FURNITURE DEALERS: Theodore Bruegge, Chris Burhorn, Buchholz & Reusing, Henry Bruegge. GENERAL STORES: Henry Buirgier, Phillip Bear- hus, Frank Marks, Fred Burmann, Dillmann Brothers, B. Hagan & Co., Mrs. Theresa Marks, Fred Goellner, Frank Bentler, Hofsommer & Company, William J. Hof- sommer, Fred Koch, Ben H. Donne, G. A. Hoff- mann & A. J. Helwig, William Burhorn, Coller & Immethun, A. R. C. Jasper, Dorries & Anton Schmidt, C. J. Schlarmann, Dave Tober, R. Blumenstein. E. J. Schroeder, Fred Ratemann, Cantwell Variety Store, Fried- mann & Hockmann, Henry Werth & Sons, B. J. Koppers, Henry Bernsden. HARDWARE STORES: John Schroeder, Fred Schaef- fner, Louis Vander Plujin, Sr., JEWELRY STORES: Gerhart Berbers, William Schulte, P. W. Welsch, Eugene Wick, H. B. Robben, Frank Eschmann. 18 HOTELS: Frank Morhenners, Henry Kruep, Theodore Kolme, Charles Balsiger, Mrs. W. Sneddon, Mrs. James Doyle, Charles Rickher and August Vogelsang. LIVERY ST.\BLES: C. C. Hofsommer, Immethun & Voss. August Buehne, LawTence Schroeder, Frank Grave, Henry Heithaus, Pete H. Habich, Joseph Niemeyer, Conrad Korte, Theodore Timmermann, Ben Kruep & Henry Immethun, Ben Kruep. LUMBER YARDS: Frank Marks, Theodore Klut'o. August J. Klutho, George Peek, Henry W. Schaoeder & Emil Hofsommer, Joseph Petermeyer, Henry W. Schroeder, John Hagen. MEAT MARKETS: John Koch, Theodore Deeben, Clem Coers, J. C. Coers, Deeben & Schwierjohn, Dressier, Ferd Seger, Charles Huber, Ben Strake, Strake & Kuhl, Emil Fritz, Dominic Coers, George Musenbrock, Jack Kohrs, Leo Meier. MILLINERY: Catherine Goellner, Funke Sisters, Rose Zinschlag, Hilda Dorries, Annie Scheer, Mary En- dres & Lottie Seel, Rose Timmermann, Mrs. Arthur Lager. SADDLERY AND HARNESS SHOPS: Abraham Zimmermann, R. Blumenstein, Herman Dorries, Herman Schroeder, H. Haury. SHOE STORES: William Burhorn, William G. Kaune, A. H. Timmermann, Henry Balke, Meissner. SODA MANUFACTURERS: Henry Buierger, Karl Dorries, Charles Dorries. STONE .MASONS AND PLASTERERS: John Schae- fer, Fred Burhorn, Henry Burhorn, Hinkamp & Huels- kamp. STONE, MARBLE AND GRANITE WORKS: Christ Eulberg, Eulberg & Dicker, Henry Dicker, Brown, Arthur Lager. TAILORS: Ben H. Dicker, Louis Schroeder, Ernest Hebener, Frank Huelskamp, Joseph Wirsching. TIN SHOPS: H. D. Koop, John Schaeffner, John Schwartz. CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDERS: William Brink, .August Klutho, Ben C. Meyer, B. H. Kellermann H^nry Schroeder, B. H. Hallermann, Hagen Brothers, Frank Hagen, George Kues, August Rocklage. Breese Volunteer Fire Department The Breese Volunteer Fire Department was organized January 12, 1892 with M. J. Myers as President and E. N. Barkman as Secretary. On January 13th a meeting was called by Mr. Henry Hummert, for the purpose of organizing a fire depart- ment for the village of Breese. The following officers were elected; Charles Emery, president; Henry Scheer, Vice-president; James E. Newton, secretary and John Schroeder, treasurer. The first to sign for volunteer firemen were the fol- lowing: James Ward, Hy. Holtmann, Hy. Scheer, W. Brinkmann, Fritz Dorries, Jr., Wm. Geers, Lawrence Deien, Daniel Needham, John Schwartz, Adolph Hoffman, Herman Deien, John Schroeder, Fritz Breitenbach, Henry Dieker, George Deien, Wm. Perkes and George Kapp. The fire department held a warm spot, like Charity, in the hearts of the people and in active participation the names of two are foremost, namely, Mr. Henry E. Schmidt, serving as secretary for twenty-five years and Mr. E. J. Gissy, secretary for fourteen years. The very first fire equipment was a cart with pump, both manually operated; then a hose-cart, pulled by hand; later, horses and a wagon were used to haul the hose-cart. August Schmittel, who owned a Livery Stable about this time, was given the order to have two horses ready to pull the hose-cart, at the tap of the fire-bell. One time Mr. Schmittel did not hear the bell, but the horses did; they left the stable alone and stood ready at the Engine House. The first Engine House was a frame building with a tower and bell, built west of the first water tower. All meetings were held r.t the village hall and any member absent from the meeting was fined 10c; absent from drill, 25c; from call of fire, 25c. In this way there was a good attendance or money in the treasury. The fire department was financed by the village board and by picnics and dances given at the Concordia Hall. The first Decoration Day exercises were held May 30, 1892 and the first firemen's picnic and dance was held in the Concordia Hall, July 4, 1892. It was customary for the neighboring fire depart- ments to join in the Fourth of July celebrations. The Masquerade Ball and Dance was an event of the year for the members and their families. We feel it is no more than fitting we mention the names of the active volunteer firemen to 1894; they were the people who lived here then and took an interest in the community: 1892 — Geo. Dumbeck, Arthur Heldt, Wm. Ahrens, John Perkes, Jr., John E. Lear, Wm. Engelhard, Louis Dieker, Conrad Schussel, Henry Diekmann, J. H. Groto, Wm. Perkes, Ben Schlueter, Henry W. Yeager, Henry W. Koch, Ben H. Donne, Theo. Deehen, Wm. Dumbeck, Frank Funke, Charles Dorries, F. Haberberger and Charles Kunze. 1893 — Henry Felderwert, Felix Smith, George Hagen, Henry Deien, Clem Kohrs, Theo. Timmermann, John Schroeder. Joseph W. Voland, Ed. Geist, Ben Buehne, Jr., Theo. Klutho, Sr., August J. Helwig, Robert Flader, Charles Eulberg and Joseph BuUer. 1894 — Henry W. Yeager was president and Henry E. Schmidt secretary. From 1895 to 1899, Edward Geist and Wm. Geers respectively were presidents of the village board. The Fire Chief in 1896 was Daniel Needham and his assistants were Herman Niemann and F. W. Breitenbach. A memorable event of March 17, 1899 was the spec- tacular fire of the Breese Mill and Grain Company's Roll- er Mill, formerly Eagle Star Mill. Lightning struck the building which was a four-story frame building. The fire spread so rapidly from t' e combustion of the flour dust that it was impossible to save the mill. Another fire eventful in the early days w^as the coal chutes fire of 1901. In appreciation of the firemen's efforts the Breese Coal Co. sent a check of $75.00. The presidents from 1900 to 1902 were Wm. Geers and George Deien; Treasurers, Daniel Needham and Adolph Holtmann. Three hundred feet of new hose was purchased in 1915 and in 1918 the fire department re-imbursed the city council for $1500.00 toward a Republic truck, purchased at that time. During the intervening years the city council had been organized and new ordinances were made for the department. Eugene J. Gissy was appointed secretary and continued in service until 1931. The Volunteer Fireman is always 'On Call', day or night to serve his community. We would like to honor our faithful servants to duty with mention of the names of those active members and presidents from the years 1911 to 1946: Henry Freund, J. Crause, T. Partington, F. Schoeneberg, A. Weh, F. Deutsch, G. Mueller, L. Heyer, F. Kuhl, Ollie Coers, Hy. Knies, Paul Schaffner, Ferd Flader, Geo. Hagen, B. C. Meyer, Gust. Foppe, Geo. Poelker, B. H. Feldmann, E. J. Gissy, F. Breidenbach, H. Hoffmann, Gus Glancy, John Perks, Wm. Gerfen, Geo. Buehler, Anton Knies, Geo. Feldmann, F. Wehlage, Hy. Schmidt, F. Boenhoff, J. Strubhardt, Urban Schwarz and B. H. Kellermann. The presidents were Jake Herbst, Fred Deutsch, Louis Heyer, Gus Meissner, Anton Weh, Rich- ard Meissner and Paul Schmidt. The w'riter was unable to make a complete record of the fire chiefs as time was limited to complete the Centennial book; suffice it to say. we of the community appreciate your efforts in the protection of our homes and business places. Special tribute is given to the mem- ory of Hy. E. Schmidt, who was a volunteer fireman for fifty-four years and secretai-y for thirty-four years. The code of all fire-fighters is "Semper Paratus". The present fire department brick building was con- structed in 1941. In this same year rural fire equipment was purchased and an agreement made between the city 19 and the township for aid, with the understanding that the rural fire district maintain all expenses of its fires. In 1946, the city purchased an International Truck with a 500-gal. per min. capacity and carrying 1500-ft. of hose. Prior to this equipment the fire truck was a light Chevrolet type with a BOO-gal. capacity. From 1947 to 1950 Ralph Kruse served as President; Fred Schoeneberg, Treasurer; and Fred Deutsch, Fire Chief. Active members at this time were: Tom Parting- ton, Wm. Deien, Joseph Snyder, Henry C. Hummert, Her- bert Knies, Wallace Fonke, Andrew Weh, John McGee, Paul J. Richter and Robert Hummert. Secretary of the Rural Fire District is Joseph F. Ratermann. In 1951 Edward Berndsen was appointed President. The fire chief is now appointed by the city council. At the present time, March 1956, Louis Heyer is Fire Chief with George Mueller as assistant chief. Jerome C. Lager has succeeded Hy. E. Schmidt as secretary. On December 15, 1952 twelve members of the Vol- unteer Fire Department offered their services in the Breese Post Ground Observation Corps, with Melvin Reilman as Chief Observer. Since 1953 a Memorial Wreath has taken the place of crepe in the death of a member. The city as of now, March 1956, owns the following fire department equipment: 1 International Truck, with a 500-gal. per min. pumping capacity and carrying ap- proximately 1000-ft. of hose, 1 Emergency truck with a 75-gal. per min. capacity and an aerial ladder truck with a 35-ft. mounted ladder. First Fire Department in Breese It is said the above group formed the first Fire Department in Breese. Taken in 1895, the photo shows the firemen after receivingf new uniforms. The building- in the background was the old fire engine house, and stood where the present fire station is located. According to The Breese Journal that carried the picture in its issue of July 28, 1955, only one of the group is still living, namely, John Perkes, who is seated in the front row. second from right. The man (without uniform) to the extreme left is Henry E. Schmidt who died in 1954 at the age of 94 years. Among the others who appear in the picture are, George Deien, Charles Kuntz, Lawrence Deien, Wm. Engelhardt, Wm. Perkes, August Grunz, James Ward, Dan Needham, George Dumbeck. Adolph Holtraann, Frank Hackelberger and "Butch" Coers. 20 The Eagle Star Mill Built in 1865 £agl£ star mills th€ property or KAUNE BRQs Breesh Clinton CoJll. The Eagle Star Mill was built by Charles H. Kaune in 1865, the same year in which he made an addition to Breese. He operated a store in Jamestown, 111. before coming to Breese. In 1876 he transferred the milling business to his three sons, William G. Kaune, Henry S. Kaune and Charles Kaune. Henry S. Kaune moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Charles died at an early age, leaving the entire business to the oldest brother, William. Wm. G. Kaune was born at Jamestown, 111., in 1851 and came to Breese in 1865. He obtained his education at McKendree College, Lebanon, 111., and at Teutopolis, 111., and Christian Bros., St. Louis, Mo. At various times he served as president of the vil- lage board, making the first ordinances of the Village of Breese. He also served in offices of clerk and treasurer of Breese, was supervisor of the township, and was State Treasurer of the Catholic Knights of Illinois. In 1887 he was elected to the House of Representa- tives, serving in the 35th General Assembly of the State of Illinois, at Springfield. In 1891 he sold the mill to Koch Brothers. Mr. Kaune died July 4, 1906. 21 The B. H. Donne Mercantile Company The B. H. Donne Mercantile Co. was for 36 years, the leading grocery and dry goods store in Breese. It is now owned by George and Henry Niebur, formerly owned by Christ Niebur. B. H. Donne was the first baby born in Breese in 18.58, and was christened in Germantown, before the Catholic Church here was completed. ROBERT S. M. DONNE His father, Robert S. M. Donne emigrated from Plymouth, England, landing in St. Louis in 1830. He en- gaged in the traffic of merchandise on the river, and located in Breese in 1855. Robert Donne was the first merchant, first railroad agent, first postmaster, sheriff and justice of the peace. He was public spirited and progressive in all measures. He died in 1869, leaving his wife, Gertrude, with seven children. She liked to relate two particular incidents: one, her first trip to Breese with the engineer in the cab on the M. & O. train that only went as far as Shoal Creek; the other, Prince Edward, later King of England, as guest in the Donne home. Prince Edward visited Clinton County on a hunting expedition and upon his departure, left his rifle, which Mrs. Donne always treasured as a souvenir of the dis- tinguished guest. The O. & M. Railroad, Now the B. & O. The railroad, of course, was an important link in the development of Breese. What is now the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, was originally the Ohio & Mississippi. Robert S. M. Donne was the first station agent in Breese. The present agent is Felix Messig, having been 22 assigned this office January 26, 1955. He succeeded Alfred J. Appel, who had served since 1917, retiring in January, 1955. The late E. G. Castle had also served as railroad agent here a number of years. The Ohio & Mississippi Railroad was planned to ex- tend westward from Cincinnati to a point on the great river directly opposite St. Louis, with a branch from North Vernon, Ind. to Louisville, Ky. Although a railroad between the then two most important cities of the West was dimly projected as early as 1832, the railroad was not chartered until February 14, 1848, in Indiana; March 15, 1849, in Ohio, and February 12, 1851, in Illinois. Pre- liminary surveys were commenced on November 1, 1848, but actual construction on the west end was not started until February, 1852. By terms of the charter granted by the legislature of Indiana, the company was author- ized to locate and survey a railroad on "the most direct and practical route between Lawrenceburg, on the Ohio River, and Vincennes, on the Wabash River." The organization of the Ohio and Indiana portions of the new line was completed in 1850, and Abner T. Ellis, of Vincennes, was elected president. A number of substantial citizens of Vincennes and Cincinnati and the intermediate towns between were chosen as directors. The contract was let in January, 1851, for the building of the road between the Ohio and the Wabash. Actual construction was started in April, 1852. The charter of the State of Illinois provided that the building of the western division should be begun before February 12, 1852, and the actual construction was started on February 7. The western division was the first to be completed and the City of Vincennes had to wait nearly two years for the eastern division to be completed. But on April 15, 1857, the city of Vincennes witnessed the joining of the rails which completed a railroad all the way from Cincinnati to St. Louis. By connection at Cincinnati with the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, which, in turn, connected at Parkersburg, Va., with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, this completed a rail route that ran all the way from the eastern seaboard to the Mississippi River. The Ohio and Mississippi was originally built as a six-foot guage line. This made interchange with standard guage railroads a bit difficult, as through ears had to be jacked up and the trucks changed. To overcome this, it was decided to change the entire railroad to standard guage in one day. This was done on Sunday, July 13, 1871. At daylight, three gangs of men began work on each section of about three miles in length, the first gang drawing spikes and throwing rails, the second gang spiking and the third gang setting rails to guage and lining up the track. The change on the entire 340 miles of track was made in about eight hours. Changing engines and cars had begun about eight months previously and there was no interruption to business. The 0. & M. was formally taken into the Baltimore & Ohio family on November 1, 1893, and merged with the M. & C. to form the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railway Co. and is one of the wholly-owned subsidi- aries of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. B. & 0. Locomotive Built In the Year 1856 ^Jnouqkh of ^y/diUxdau Way back in the gay old nineties Those horse and bugg^y days Times were all so different In many, many ways Children all wore high-top shoes .... Stockings o\er their knees One sure thing in those days ..... They did not let us freeze The ladies' skirts were extra long They reached down to their toes The men folks wore derby hats . • . . . Their bow ties were a flash .... What they were extra proud of ... . \\ as the little black mustache The old cedar water bucket • . . . . ^^'ith rims of solid brass The corner pump with dipper and chain Had often quenched our thirst. Horses and mules wore straw hats A wet sponge under the crown To keep them from keeling over ^\llen summer sun shone down. .... W'ay back in the gay old nineties Old Dobbin pulled the shay. Years rolled on and times have changed Horses are gone . • . . . With motor cars to sub- stitute \\'ith lamp lights burning low — Our memories like to linger With the days of long ago. The "horse and buggy" days are gone, Considered by the world too slow. And millions now are speeding on, Ji-st where, nobody seems to know. «^^'** >*i^ EaxLij ^EttUzi of JBt££1£ The early history of Breese has been given to you in the preceding- pages more of it is to follow in subsequent pages .... pages containing some interest- ing facts relating to the early settlers of Breese, and of their families. In the brief sketches of various early settlers, there is much learned of the hardships and the sacrifices and the pleasures, too, of these pioneers. They are the people whom we honor and glorify in this observance of the one-hundredth anniversary of Breese. It is deeply and sincerely regretted, that more families could not be included. The Historical Com- mittee obtained some material on a few of the families who settled here they would like to have told more of those who were hnked with the founding and develop- ment of Breese. After considerable effort, the Historical Com- mittee has compiled a collection of data to give you a history of some of Breese' early settlers, and proudly, and conscious of their contributions to our city, we pre- sent "The Early Settlers of Breese." 24 First Families of Breese Frank Marks Family Among the early inhabitants of Breese of Grcrmanic origin is found the family of Frank Marks. At the present time, several of his descendants reside in Breese. Frank Marks, the son of Stephan and Mary Marks, was born in Prussia on February 2, 1821. He was edu- cated in that country. As a youth in his late teens, he emigrated to the United States. He disembarked at New Orleans, after a voyage of thirteen weeks in crossing the Atlantic on a sailing vessel. Departing from New Orleans, Frank Marks journeyed up the Mississippi to his destination, St. Louis, Mo. He obtained employment in this locale at Schottens Coffee Company. While re- siding in St. Louis, he met and married Maiia Theresa Knuewe. As a young woman. Miss Knuewe also came to this country. She was born and educated in Westen- holz, Westphalia, Germany. On two occasions, previous to their final settlement, Frank Marks and his wife located in the vicinity of Breese. Once, they established a home near Aviston and subsequently, they located in Little Prairie. A few years prior to the Civil War, Mr. Marks purchased land in Breese and made a permanent settlement here. He built a home west of the present St. Dominic's Church. In this location, he established a general store, and operated a lumber yard on the present site of the church. In addition, he cultivated land in the vicinity of Breese. Frank Marks and Maria Theresa Marks were blessed with fourteen children. However, only four of these children lived to become adults, Mary, Catherine, Francis and Henry. Mary Marks married Theodore Klutho. She died in 1S64 with the birth of her first child. Catherine Marks became the wife of Frank Funke in 1870. They were the parents of nine children. Cath- erine Marks Funke died August 2, 1905. Francis Marks was ordained to the priesthood May 20, 1 883. He became the first boy from Breese to become a priest. Rev. Francis Marks celebrated his Golden Jubilee in the priesthood in May, 1933 and died in July of the same year. Henry Marks became a physician and surgeon. He practiced medicine in St. Louis until his death in 189:-!. Dr. Henry Marks was married to Catherine Klutho, the daughter of Joseph and Josephine Klutho. Mr. Frank Marks took an active interest in Breese and its development. In 1867, Mr. Marks was made supervisor of Road District No. 10. He served as presi- dent of the village of Breese in 1871. Mr. Marks laid out lots known as the Koch and Marks addition to Breese. He was a member of St. Dominic's Church, and actively participated in the construction of that edifice. Until his death, Mr. Marks was engaged in the operation of his store and the cultivation of farm land. He died October 10, 1874. Following the death of Frank Marks, his widow, Mrs. Theresa Marks maintained an ardent interest in this community. She laid out additional lots to Breese, known as the Marks addition. Mrs. Marks assumed the oireration of the general store until her death. She re- sided with her daughter, Catherine Marks Funke. Maria Theresa Marks died February 24, 1902 at the age of 82. Frank Phillip Funke, the son-in-law of Frank Marks, was born in Delbruck, Germany February 2, 1846. Frank Funke was the son of Stephan and Mary Funke. The Funke family left Germany when Frank was a young lad. His father died aboard ship enroute to the United States. Mrs. Mary Funke and her young sons settled in St. Louis, Mo. Frank Funke received his education at St. Joseph's School in St. Louis. In the 1860's, Frank Funke settled in Breese. He operated a cigar shop in the Marks building. Mr. Funke was a cigar maker by trade. He was engaged in this business for a number of years. On November 24, 1870, Frank Funke married Catherine Marks. They were the parents of nine children, namely; Frank, Alois, Joseph, Theresa (Mrs. Ben Buehne), Cecilia, Gertrude (Mrs. Herman Pottmeier), Catherine, Elizabeth, and Rev. Henry J. Funke. Today, there are two of these children living — Misses Catherine and Elizabeth Funke. They reside in the original building built by Mr. Marks. Upon the death of Mr. Marks, Frank Funke helped in the management of the Marks store. In addition, Mr. Funke was an insurance agent. For many years Frank Funke served as Justice of the Peace. He was a mem- ber of the school board in 1902, when the present public school was erected. Until his death, Mr. Funke took an active interest in his church and community. He died January 4, 1922 at the age of 76. John Koch John Koch was born at Westheim, Rhein Pfalz, Ger- many, September 12, 1835. His parents were John Koch and Margareta Zuber. He was the youngest of three children; was raised in Westheim, and had ordinary advantages for obtaining an education. After leaving school, he worked on a farm two years, and then learned the trade of a butcher. In August 1853, then not quite eighteen years of age, he left his native country to make his home in America. He made the voyage across the Atlantic by himself, and reached New York in September. From New York he went to Chillicothe, Ohio, and from there to Portsmouth, Ohio, where for a time he worked at anything he could do, and then at the butcher busi- ness. In 1855, he and anot' er young man bought out their employer, and began business on their own account, and the same year Mr. Koch moved to St. Louis. He remained in St. Louis, working at his trade, until 1858. That year he went back to the old country, having promised his parents that he would visit them at the expiration of five years. He returned to St. Louis in the fall of 1858. On the 26th of March, 1859, he married Fredericka Gies- elmann. daughter of Bernard Giesclmann. She was born in Westphalia, and came to America in 1853. In the spring of 1859, they came to Breese, which was then a town of small size and importance. He began business as a butcher, and also dealt in stock and grain. He followed trading in cattle and was very successful in that business. In 1863 he established the Koch Grain Company, which became one of the largest grain com- panies in the county. In the spring of 1881, he engaged in the brick business in Breese. He also had an interest in the Breese Mining Company, which was sold to the 25 Consolidated Coal Company in 1886. Mr. and Mrs. John Koch had ten children, five having died in infancy. Fred, who married Catherine Hof- sommer, had a general merchandise store in Breese. He passed away January 23, 1901. They had four children, Walter J. Koch, who died December 25, 1925; Alvin C. Koch, who recently passed away, Hulda (Mrs. John C. Reeves) of Denver Colo., and Alma (Mrs. A. A. Gamble) of Denver, Colo. J. Otto Koch, who married Georgina Hofsonimer, managed the Koch Grain Co. from 1888 until his death, November 9, 1917. He was elected to the State Senate in 1900, and served four years. He made an excellent record. Previous to this he was county treasurer and served in that capacity four years. They had two children, Almeda (Mrs. Arthur Bush) of Denver, Colo., and Fa-win, of St. Louis, Mo. Bertha, who married Gus Schoenberg, left Breese and lived in St. Louis. They had one son, Eugene, who was engaged in the Schoenberg Screening Co. with his father, until his death a few years ago. Anna, who married Dr. Robert Flader, lived in St. Louis. They had one daughter, Alvera. Henry married Bertha Lappe. He was in business with his father and also was greatly interested in civic affairs. He was mayor of Breese at the time of his death. Hugenberg Family Bernard Hugenberg came to this country from Ger- many in 1873. The family first settled on a farm, then moved to town. Bernard Hugenberg was street commissioner for the village of Breese for 27 years. The Misses Catherine, Margaret, and Helen have been residents of Breese for 83 years and at their trade as seamstresses for 72 years. Two older sisters, Minnie and Mary married a Rater- mann and Kellermann respectively. Miss Bernadine died earlier. All six sisters were seamstresses. Conrad Schroeder Conrad Schroeder came to this country with his parents in 1852, landing at New York, where he remained a little over a year. He then came to Breese, where he resided until his death. He was born at Leiterote, Kurhessen, Germany, July 15, 1835. In 1860 he married Christina Wiese. While assisting in delivering the smokestacks to Sommer's Mill, he met with an accident which was almost fatal, and which crippled him for the balance of his life. He learned the trade of wagon maker in Breese, located where the former E. J. Schroeder residence now stands. He was engaged in that occupation and in the implement business at the time of his death August 12, 1902. His daughter relates that the first well dug in Breese was on his property and that the O. & M. Railroad would stop their trains and get water from this well. Of their eight children, four sons and four daughters, three died in infancy. Henry W. Schroeder (now deceased) married Lillie Hofsommer. At first he operated a lumber yard with his brother-in-law, Emil G. Hofsommer, where the present REA building now stands, and later went in the business for himself, just north of the Breese Power and Light plant. They had four children. Melva passed away December 29, 1943; Erma lives in St. Louis; Margaret (Mrs. Peter Quader) lives in Fenton, Mo., and Carl lives in Breese. Emil J. Schroeder married Nellie Dorries and lives in Springfield, 111. They have one daughter, Cornelia (Mrs. Bob Hodges) of Springfield, 111; one son, Wesley Schroeder of Denver, Colo., and another son, Wallace who died while in the service during World War II. Carrie, who for many years worked in the E. J. Schroeder Store in Breese, passed away April 30, 1948. Louisa married Emil G. Hofsommer (now deceased) and she is still living in Breese. They have two sons, Dr. Armin Hofsommer, M. D. of Webster Groves, Mo., and Theodore W. Hofsommer, a lawyer living in Chicago, 111. Lydia married August J. Hofsommer and they are living in Breese. They have one daughter, Valentina (Mrs. Ed Weiland) of Decatur, 111. Frederick Dorries Frederick Dorries was born in Brunswick, Germany, and when (|uite young he came to America with his parents. He married Sophia Wulze, March 19, 1868. Mrs. Dorries was born in Hanover, Germany, June 20, 1848, coming to America with her parents when 5 years of age. They had ten children: Ida, Fritz, Julius, Bertha, August, Bernard, Pauline, Rosa, Harry, and Louis. They all made Breese and vicinity their residence. Bertha, Mrs. Walter Sehaffner, now of St. Louis, Mo., and Bernard (Ben) Dorries, Breese, III., are the only living children. At first they lived on the old Biggie farm northeast of Breese and after four years of farming, they moved to Breese on North Second and Walnut Streets, where Mrs. Joe Tewes lives at the present time. Mr. Dorries was a grain dealer for a number of years, served one term as sheriff of Clinton County, and was a member of the village council a number of years. He served as president (now mayor) of the \illage council for two years. He was postmaster of Breese for about seven years, or until his death December 25, 1910. His son, Bernard, completed the second term and served as postmaster of Breese for many years. Rlrs. Dorries died May 1, 1924. They were among the early members of St. John's Evangelical & Reformed Church and con- tributed much to the welfare and growth of Breese. William and Fritz Burhorn In the year of 1858 the Burhorn brothers, William and Fritz, of Borghalzhausen, Germany, emigrated to America. They came by sail boat to New Orleans and up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. Fritz Burhorn had forty cents in money and not knowing the language of the country, they slept in straw stacks for a few nights, seeking employment by day. In Germany they had served as apprentices to trades- men. Fritz, a stone mason and cooper and William, a shoe maker. However, when arriving in this country, they accepted the first jobs available, those of farm hands. They settled near Washington, Mo. Having served three 26 and one-half years with Co. E, Fii-st Regiment, Missouri State Militia Infantry, Fritz located in Breese as did his brother, William. William was married and built a home on the cor- ner of North Main and Fourth Streets. Here he conducted his shoe store and reared a family. Several children died in infancy. The two surviving were the late Mrs. Anton Koch and Fred, of Denver, who passed away several years ago. Fritz Burhorn married Willamine Freise. He built a home at 628 North Fifth Street, now occupied by Mrs. Ina Schmidt. Here he followed the trade of a stone mason and cooper and reared the family. Ten children were born to this union. Some of them passed away when quite young, but the late C. J. Burhorn, Mrs. Emma Rogalla, Fred Burhorn, Jr., and Henry Burhorn, passed away as the years went by. One daughter re- mains, Mrs. Otto Von Gerichten of Carlyle, HI. Both of these brothers were active in the early village and city government. Their names appear on the roster of the first membership of St. John's Church of Breese. Their burial plots are side by side in St. John's cemetery. Theodore Bruegge Theodore Bruegge was one of the pioneer business men of Breese. He was born in the year 1842, in West- phalia, Germany, and came to the United States early in life. He first settled in Germantown, where he was united in marriage to Louise Barth of St. Rose Town- ship in 1865, who was the daughter of Peter Barth, one of the first settlers of that township. To this union three children were born, two sons and a daughter. Only the daughter is living today. She is Mrs. Jule Schmidt, formerly of Breese, but is presently living in Kansas City. A short time after their marriage they moved to Breese and Mr. Bruegge, being a cabinet maker by trade, started a furniture stoi'e and undertaking establishment here as early as 1874. He manufactured nearly all of the furniture that he sold in those days. This establish- ment was located on the corner of North First and Cherry Streets. The family lived in the small home adjoining the store. Henry, the oldest son, was born March 28, 1882. He received his education in St. Dominic Parochial School Early in life he began work at the East Mine and also assisted his father in the store in the evenings. He at- tended Embalmers College in Quincy, 111., in 1902 and received his certificate as a licensed embalmer. In 1912 he became a partner in business with his father and the firm was known as Theodore Bruegge and Son. On June 21, 1904, he was married to Josephine Goell- ner, who with her mother, Mrs. Ferd Goellner, operated a millinery store in Breese for many years. To this union five children were born, three daughters and two sons. Henry Bruegge continued to serve the people of Breese until his death in 1954. The business is still in oreration, being bought in 1952 by Ferd Bruegge, the youngest son of Henry Bruegge and Louis Heyer, his son-in-law. It is now known as Bruegge and Co. and the store is located at 560 North Second Street. The Funreal Home is located at 620 North Second Street. Henry B. Hummert The coal mining industry had a major part in the development of Breese, and a man who promoted that industry was Henry B. Hummert. He was born in Breese in 1859, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hummert, who had lived here but a short time previous to his birth. Henry B. Hummert began his mining career in 1881 with the Consolidated Coal Co., which operated the West Mine here. He later became associated with the Breese Mining Company as foreman, advancing to superintendent in 1892. A consolidation brought about the Breese-Tren- ton Mining Co., and he became general manager and vice- president of this company, serving as same until his death March 28, 1937. He was the principal organizer of the State Bank of Breese, in 1910, and was president of that banking insti- tution until his death. He had also served as mayor of the city of Breese for several terms as well as treasurer for the local school district and assessor for the township. He was married to Miss Mary Klutho in 1882. Six children were born to them, one preceding the parents in death in infancy. A daughter. Sister Ruth, died in the year 1944, and a son, August, died in 1954. A daughter, Sister M. Mechtildes, survives, living at New Orleans, Louisiana, and two sons surviving are Victor of Breese, and Robert of Dayton, Ohio. William G. Kaune The Kaune family originated in Jamestown, Illinois. William G. was born there in 1851, the son of Charles H. and Ernestine Kaune. His father was a native of Hanover, Germany and came to this country in 1844. He first set- tled in Greenville, 111., later in Jamestown. There he married Ernestine Weidner of Highland, Illinois. At that time, emigrants from Switzerland had settled in the Highland district and the Weidners were a family of them. Charles H. Kaune conducted a general store in James- town until 1865 when he located in Breese and built the Eagle Star Flour Mill; also two brick homesteads, which are landmarks here of 91 years ago. On locating in Breese, Charles H. Kaune laid out an addition to the town of Breese, called the Kaune addition. In 1876 Charles H. Kaune retired from the milling business, transferring same to his three sons: William G., Henry Spencer, and Charles A. Henry Spencer left the partnership and went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for his health; he died at the age of 72 years. Charles A. died early in life. William G. was left sole proprietor of the mill; until 1891 when he retired, upon selling the mill to Koch Bros. In 1874 he had married Sarah A. Donne, a daughter of Robert and Gertrude Donne, pioneers of Breese. Old settlers will remember other members of the Donne family besides Sarah A., namely; Robert, Benjamin H., Henry, Mary (Mrs. Koch), Elizabeth (Mrs. Hesse), and Miss Katie, who died in 1951 at the age of 84 years. After 1891, William G. Kaune was connected with the Kerens & Donnewald Coal Co. at Edwardsville, 111. He died, after a short illness, July 4, 1906, at the age 27 of 52 years. During his lifetime, he held a number of responsible positions. He was President of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Breese, Treasurer, Clerk, and Supervisor of the Township; State Treasurer of the Catholic Knights of Illinois, member of the Catholic Knights of America and the Merchants Exchange of St. Louis. In 1887 he was elected to the House of Repre- sentatives, 35th General Assembly, at Springfield, 111. William G. Kaune attended McKendree College at Leb- anon, 111., St. Joseph's at Teutopolis, 111., and Christian Brothers College at St. Louis. At his death, he left his wife, Sarah A. (nee Donne) and four children: W. C, Robert, Cecilia (Sister Cecilia Marie) and Olivia (Mrs. Charles Casey). Mrs. Sarah A. Kaune died in 1924; W. C. Kaune died in 1935 at Glendale, California, and Robert Kaune died in 1952 at Carmel, California. Sister Cecilia Marie entered the Loretto Or- der at Nerinx, Kentucky, in 1900. She is a resident at the Loretto Academy, Englewood (suburb of Denver), Colorado. Mrs. Casey resides in t' e old Kaune homestead at North Third and Chestnut Streets, with her husband, Charles Casey. They have three daughters, Mary Vir- ginia, Cecilia (Mrs. John Hebenstreit) and Kathryn, and a son, Charles B. Casey. Andreas John Vander Pluym Andreas John Vander Pluym came to this country from Holland in 1852. He settled in Breese, where he built his home and earned his living as a shoemaker. Shoes in those days were hand-made, held together by square wood pegs and hand stitching. He often told of the deer and prairie chickens which were seen quite often in what is now Breese proper. His home, built in 1853, was the third home built in what is now the City of Breese and is still occupied. This home is the first house located east of the William Zinschlag tavern. Andreas John Vander Pluym had five children: Mary, Louis, Lizzie, John and Cornelius. Since Breese had no Catholic church at that time, they attended church serv- ices in Germantown, getting there by box wagon drawn by horses or oxen. One son, Louis, later opened a hardware store in Breese. After some years he built a new building (1899) for business. This building is now occupied by the P. M. A. offices. Louis had six children; they were Louis Jr., Alphonse, Gertrude, Olivia, Florence and George. Louis Jr., a lifelong resident of Breese until a few years ago, had eleven children: Richard and Robert are the only members of the Vander Pluym family still living in Breese. Both are sons of Louis Vander Pluym Jr. George Schwarz George Schwarz was bom in 1836 in Altenberg, Germany, and came to Breese in 1859. He was united in marriage to Christina Wolf, born in 1841 in Alsace Lor- raine, Germany. Their first home here was in one room of the Old Hotel on North Broadway in Breese. Living quarters were very scarce at that time. A few years later they moved to a large frame building on the corner of North Chestnut and Broadway until the year, 1870, when they moved into their new home at 841 North Second Street. Mr. Schwarz was engaged in the painting business, his work keeping him busy only in the summer; in the winter months he would work in the coal mine and do some work in the timber, cutting wood for lumber. To them seven children were born, George, Cather- ine, Ben J., Carolina Thien, all deceased, and Catherine Vander Pluym, living at Aviston, Elizabeth Hallermann, of St. Louis, and Frank Schwarz, living at East St. Louis. The faf-er died in January, 1907, and his wife died in December, 1909. The son, Ben Schwarz, who died in 1953, continued in the painting business here until his death. His sons, Sylvester and Frank, also continue with the business. Mr. Schwarz's wife, the former Miss Catherine Ben- hoff, is still living, occupying the Schwarz homestead. Theodore Niemann The family of Theodore Niemann, consisting of two sons, Henry and Joseph, and a daughter, Mary, lived at Koppeln Kloppenburg in Oldenburg, Germany. The mother died at an early age. When the time came for Joseph to serve in the army, he, together with three other young men, left for Ameri- ca; t' e other boys were Henry Lampen, Henry Holthaus and Wenceslaus Hagen. They landed in New York in May, 1835. Joseph went to Pennsylvania and worked on farms there. In the fall of 1836, the father, Theodore Niemann, and the other two children, immigrated to this country, and came to St. Louis by way of New Orleans. In the meantime Joseph had hired out on a steamboat, on the Ohio River, bound for Cairo, 111., and from there he worked his way on a boat to St. Louis, where he joined his father, brother and sister. In the spring of 1837 the family came to Clinton County. 111., and bought 40 acres of land in section 27, town 2, range 4w. One of the boys, Henry, worked for Bohne & Heman who had the contract to build bridges across Shoal and Beaver Creeks, along t' e Old State Road. The father and Joseph worked on the farm and Mary kept house for the family. In the fall of 1837 they all became ill with typhoid fever, and it was during this time that the father died. He is buried in the Germantown Ceme- tery. Joseph and Mary never married and continued to work on the farm until t' e spring of 1855 when they sold the farm to Fritz Huelsmann. Mary went to St. Louis and shortly after entered the Ursaline Convent and was sent to New York. She died in the fall of 1872 in East Morrison, N. Y. at age 56. Joseph worked among the farmers. He died in 1892 at the age of 78. The other son, Henry, married Mary Schroer in 1842 and lived a half mile south of Breese until 1849 when he sold this farm and bought the present Niemann farm a half mile west of Breese. They had three chil- dren, Joseph, Mary and Anna. The mother died in 1851 at age 38. The two girls died of typhoid fever in 1854. 28 In 1853 the father married Mary Beckermann; they had three boys and a girl. The father died in 1863 at age 52. The son, Joseph, stayed with his step mother until 1864 and then worked two years for Theodore Huelsmann. In the fall of 1866 he purchased his stepmother's interest in the fann. His stepmother, with her children, later moved to Piqua, Kansas, where she died in 1892. Joseph Niemann, who has since died, the last of the Henry Niemann family, was born in 1843 on the farm a half mile south of Breese. He often told the story that his parents bought their first stove and their first clock about the time he made his first communion. He was married to Miss Anna Schroer in 1869. To this union eig' t children were born. The living are: Mrs. Martin Altepeter, Frank Niemann, Mrs. Henry Knies and Miss Catherine Niemann. The father died in 1935 at the age of 92, and the mother passed away in 1938 at age 87. Dr. Charles E. Gissy Dr. Charles E. Gissy, father of Eugene J. Gissy of Breese, was perhaps the first doctor in Breese. He came to the city in 1875, and after practicing his pro- fession here a few years, purchased a drug store from Louis Hobie. Dr. Gissy was born in Alsace Lorraine, Germany and came to America when a young man. He studied for the profession of medical doctor in Philadelphia, Penn., and came to this area, as his father, Dr. Chas. E. V. Gis.sy was located in Germantown. He was married to Miss Christina Albers in Breese. Five children were born to them. Eugene resides in Breese, and Miss Ro- salie lives in St. Louis; three other children are deceased; they are. Sister Regina, Adolph and Alphonse. His first wife died in 1889. In 1891 he was married to Miss Clara Schlarmann, and they became the parents of a daughter, Eulalia, the late wife of V. J. Hummert, and Dr. Carl Gissy, re- siding in St. Louis. Dr. Gissy passed away in 1901, and his wife died in 193.5. After his death, his son, Eugene, was the local drug- gist; he sold the business to Richard Hummert in 1948; in the early part of 1956, Mr. Kummei't sold the business, known as the Gissy Rexal! Drug Store, to Dan Krech- nyak, of Staunton, 111. Caspar Hofsommer Caspar Hofsommer, Sr. was born in Kirchhosbach, Kurhessen, Germany, June 21, 1820, and was orphaned by his father's death when a boy of twelve. He served in the German army for five years. He came to America June 10, 1847, and settled in St. Louis, Mo., where he drove a wagon for the William Lemp Brewery Company. Afterward, he engaged in driving a produce and supply wagon between St. Louis and Carlyle, but changed his occupation ag^'in in 1854, when he settled in Beaver Prairie, near Frogtown. On June 10, 1854, he married Catherine Dunkel. Mrs. Hofsommer was born June 4, 1836, in Allmutshausen, Kreis, Hamburg, Hesen Nassau, Germany. When only seventeen years of age, in company with friends, she bravely set out for America on a small wooden sailing vessel, and after a weary, tempestuous voyage of several months duration, she landed safely at the port of New Orleans in 1853. From this point she sailed up the Mis- sissippi to St. Louis, where old friends greeted her and took her to Illinois, there to live with her uncle, Jacob Lappe, on a farm near Breese. Mr. and Mrs. Caspar Hofsommer, Sr. made their home on a farm near Frogtown. Their home was a pioneer log cabin and the land was unimproved. They lived a simple life and endured the privations of the early pio- neer. In 1858, they moved to Breese Township, a mile north of Breese, where they lived for over thirty years. The land was all wild prairie and neighbors were com- paratively few. Mr. Hofsommer, however, was very ener- getic and persevering, and soon succeeded in placing the land under excellent cultivation. In 1888 he opened a general store on North Second and North Main Streets, the former site of the T. H. Partington store. Later his son, William, operated the store and he did farming and stock raising. In 1892, they moved to Breese on North Main and North Seventh Streets, where their son, August J. Hof- sommer is living at the present time. Mr. Hofsommer passed away July 1, 1897 and Mrs. Hofsommer died August 22, 1917. Eleven children were born to them, seven boys and four girls, four of which died in infancy. The other seven children grew to adulthood in Breese and have been closely associated with its history. William J. Hofsommer (now deceased) married Fred- ericka Helwig. He was a successful farmer and dairyman in Breese Township, building up a large farm on the western outskirts of Breese. He will be remembered as one of the first milkmen (Clover Leaf Dairy) in Breese, delivering from house to house with a horse and wagon, ringing a bell to let the people know when he was in their neighborhood. The people would then go to the wagon to get the milk. They had five children, two dying in infancy, and Olga (Mrs. August Glancy) passed away in 1936. Lillie (Mrs. Henry W. Schroeder) lives in Breese and Charles, who lives in Pasadena, California. Catherine (now deceased) married Fred Koch, a for- mer merchant of Ereese.They had two sons and two daughters. Walter J. Koch, who died December 25, 1925; Alvin C. Koch, who died March 15, 1956; Hulda (Mrs. John C. Reeves of Denver Colo., and Alma (Mrs. A. A. Gamble) of Denver, Colo. Georgine (now deceased) married John Otto Koch, who was manager of the Koch Grain Co., treasurer of Clinton County from 1894^1898, and who was elected State Senator from this district in 1900. Their daughter, Almeda (Mrs. Arthur Bush) lives in Denver, Colo., and a son, Erwin, lives in St. Louis, Mo. Caspar C. (now deceased) married Catherine Eilts, of Minonk, Illinois. He was a successful farmer, dairy- man, and fruit grower. He also was the founder of Pi'airie View Dairy. He was active in civic affairs and an en- thusiastic worker in anything and everything that was for the good and advancement of the city of Bi-eese, the farrer, "nd Clinton County. They had eight children, two dying in infancy and Caspar Jr. passing away November 29 7, 1918. Annette, Gretchen, Harry C, and Hugo W. live in Breese and Catherine lives in Glendale, California. Emil G. (now deceased) married Louisa Schroeder, and she is still living in Breese. Mr. Hofsommer was in the lumber business -with his brother-in-law, Henry W. Schroeder, for many years, and also was a prosperous farmer. They have two sons, Dr. Armin Hofsommer, M. D., of Webster Groves, Mo., and Theodore W. Hofsommer, a lawyer in Chicago, 111. August J. married Lydia Schroeder and they are living in Breese. He was a successful farmer, engaged in raising livestock and large crops of grain, until his retirement a number of years ago. They have one daugh- ter, Mrs. Ed Weiland, who lives in Decatur, 111. Reinhardt married Trienchen Gintz. He operated a lumber yard in Belleville, 111., and passed away January 25, 1917. They have one daughter, Mrs. Rosalie Owens, of St. Louis. The Hofsommers have all been members of St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church and have taken an ac- tive part in church affairs. They have contributed much to the welfare and gro^A'th of Breese, and many of the descendants still live in and near Breese. Henry E. Schmidt Henry E. Schmidt was born in Breese Januarj' 19, 1861, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Schmidt. He was bom in the building at North Main and Second Sts., which is now occupied as a shoe repair shop, and at that time by Emest Heberer, a tailor. Mr. Schmidt re- ceived his education in the Breese Public School located in a log building east of the present fire station. In the summer he attended St. Dominic's School, as school was in session almost t' e year round. He also attended St. John's Parochial School for two years. His mother passed away in 1877, and six weeks after her death his father passed away, leaving Mr. Schmidt an orphan. At the age of seventeen he started working for Carl Dorries, who was in the soda, beer, and ice busi- ness, remaining with him until he was 21 years of age. He then entered Southern Illinois University at Carbon- dale, taking a course in teaching there for two years. His books and tuition were paid by the school with the pledge that he would teach for a period of 25 years. In October, 1884, he started teaching in the one-room public school in Breese and had an enrollment of 70 pupils. He taught seven years, resigning November 23, 1891. He then accepted an offer at the mill here, working there as a clerk from 1891 to 1899. The mill burned down and he found employment at Hoffman and Helwig, general merchants of Breese. In September, 1909, he returned to teaching, retiring May 30, 1930, at the age of 70 years. In public offices, Mr. Schmidt held three different positions, ser\-ing two years as township collector, was elected township clerk for two years, and served as city treasurer, following the first city treasurer, John Kliec. He was a member of the Breese Volunteer Fire De- partment for almost 60 years, serving as its secretary for more than 35 years. He also was secretary of the Concordia Saengerchor for over 55 years and a member of the organization for 74 years. He married Emelia Gerdes in 1886. Ten children were born to this union, two dying in infancy and Harold and Alfred dying in early manhood. Conrad Helwig Conrad Helwig was born in Relbehausen, Bez. Kassel, Germany, November 8, 1835. He and his sister came to America and settled in St. Louis, leaving one brother in Germany. He married Wilhelmina Gieselmann, daughter of Bernard Gieselmann. She was born Mach 14, 1837, in Westphalia, Germany. They came to Breese after they were married and built a home west of the office of Drs. Ketterer and Ket- terer. where Mr. Helwig also carried on his business, in another building, as a cooper, making barrels. He was one of the first citizens mentioned in the town of Breese, and took an active part in the village during the period of 1876 to 1880. Twelve children were bom to them, six boys dying in infancy. One son survived to be a progressive and active business man in Breese, being .August J. Helwig, who died in 1930. There were five daughters, namely, Mrs. Wm. Hofsommer, Mrs. Herman Fasnacht, Mrs. Fred Bus- ley, Mrs. Wm. Dorries and Mrs. Charles Dorries, the lat- ter being the only one who survives. Theodore Klutho Theodore was a native of Prussia, and was born at Stormede, in Westphalia, on the 12th of February, 1830. His father was Henry Klutho and his mother's name befoie marriage was Theresia Butz. Theodore was the youngest of four children. He was raised in his native town. He went to school from the time he was seven till fourteen, and then worked on a farm until his 21st year, when he went into the Prussian army. He served three years in the 1st Prussian regiment, which had the honor to be the special bodyguard to the king. He was stationed at Potsdam and Berlin. After the e.xpiration of his term of service in the army, he emigrated to Amer- ica. He landed at New Orleans on the 21st of December, 1854. From New Orleans he went to Louisville, Ky., and thence to Frankfort, in the same state, where he learned the trade of carpenter. In September, 1856, he came to St. Louis, and was working at his trade in that city until the latter part of the summer of 1858, when he came to Breese, where he resided the remainder of his life. When he settled in Breese t' e town was composed of only four or five buildings. He formed a partnership with Henry Dillmann and Fritz Schulte, and the firm carried on the carpentering and building business for several years. Most of the houses in the town of Breese were built by this firm. In 1862, Mr. Klutho went into the lumber business. He married in October, 1863, to Maria Marks, who was born in Sugar Creek Township, Clinton County. She died in December, 1864. His second marriage took place in January, 1866, to Anna Molitor, who was born in Germantown Township, Clinton County. He had four children by his last marriage, whose names were Henry, John, August and Regina. Esquire Klutho was one of the oldest business men in Breese. He came to the place when it was in its infancy, and was closely associated with its growth and prosperity. He filled the office of postmaster at Breese from 1863 to 1865. He was elected justice of the peace in 1872. He also represented Breese Township on the Board of Supervisors from the spring of 1879 to the spring of 1880. 30 OLD BREESE SETTLERS FROM 1838 TO 1868 WHO STILL HAVE RELATIVES LIVING IN THIS COMMUNITY: Theodore Huelsmann 1838 Benedict Haar 1838 Henry Altepeter 1838 Henry Budde 1838 Gerhard H. Otke 1838 Clemens Maue 1841 Anna M. Molitor 1842 John B. Albers. 1843 Christian Schroeder 184.^ Bernard Voss 1845 H. C. Schroeder 1846 G. Henry Peters 1846 Theodore Timmermann 1846 Clemens Foppe 1847 Henry Hagen 1 847 Gerhard Richter . 1847 William Timmermann 1847 Henry J. Usselmann .1849 Henry Holtgrave 1850 J. Herman Korte 1850 Charles E. Gissy 1851 Theodore H. Lager 1852 Henrv Dorries 1852 William l>:ichter 1855 Eliza Schoenefeld . 1856 Gerhard J. Immethun 1856 Fritz Dorries 1857 Theodore Khitho, Sr 1857 Jdhn W. Schaffner 1857 Anna Kriiep 1857 Henry Freund 1859 Jodocns Petermeier 1861 Gerhard Huelskamp . 1861 Louis Meissner . 1862 Mary Niemeier 1862 Anna P.oenhoff 1862 Henry Richter 1866 Theo. Deehen 1868 SOURCE OF AUTHORITIES • Golden Jubilee Book of St. Dominic's. • Early History of Illinois, By Sidney Breese. • History of Marion and Clinton Counties, By Brink, McDonough and Co. • The Illinois Citizen, By Brown and Pearson. • Records of City of Breese, Illinois. • Commercial History of Clinton County, By East St. Louis Gazette. (1913). • Ideals Magazine, By Ideals Publishing Co. • Waller's Brief History of Illinois, By Elbert Waller. • Records of H. C. Norcross, Carlyle, 111. 31 Postal Service in Breese The postal service in Breese has "come a long way", like many other services that are enjoyed in Breese today. First there was the general delivery, then call and lock boxes — then delivery service came, and up to a few years ago all patrons had two deliveries each day. Now two deliveries are limited to business places, which is the practice throughout the nation. This curtailment became effective a few years ago in a move towards economy. The photo above shows the post office when it was located at North Main and Second Streets. The men in front are Postmaster Fritz Dorries (left) and Frank Burmeister. The picture was taken in 1909. The post office was located there as early as 1893. In 1914 it was moved to the building, what is now the warehouse of Niebur Hardware Store. Then it was moved, in 1922, to what is now the Kozy Korner. and in 1929 was moved to the present location. Postmasters who served in Breese, and the dates of their appointments are as follows: Robert S. M. Donne October 30, 1857 James L. Hoffman - June 12, 1862 Emile Bandelier - - March 12, 1864 Theodore Klutho February 7, 1865 Gottlieb Blattner - February 20, 1867 Frederich Lipps -._ - - November 17, 1870 Lewis Hobie _ - August 14, 1877 Henry Freund - ■- August 5, 1881 Berniiard Hagen — - October 26, 1885 Henry Freund -... - April 29, 1889 Herman Niemann.._ _ May 17, 1893 Fritz Dorries _ - - July 21, 1897 Ben A. Dorries _... December 26, 1910 John 0. Koch _ January 27, 1911 Henry Wertk... September 1, 1913 Bernard A. Dorries March 31, 1922 John H. Knies June 18, 1934 Frwin J. Mahlandt _ - July 27, 1937 Robert A. Hummert August 31, 1953 Robert Hummert is serving as postmaster at the present time. The post office of Preese is of first class with annual receipts of over $50,000.00. The post office is present' y operated in a building on North Second Street, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Robben, which was built in the early thirties by F. C. 32 Niemeyer for post office quarters. In 1938 the Federal Government purchased a site at North Clinton and Second Streets from E. J. Gissy for a federal building. However, World War II brought about a deferrment of such con- struction; when the government had made a supplemental allocation in 1949, and consideration was again given to proceed with the new post office building in Breese, the Korean conflict developed, and postponement was again ordered. At this time no definite date has been announced as to when work will begin on the new building. The records of the Post Office Department now in the National Archives, show that the post office in Breese was established as Shoal Creek Station on October 30, 1857. Its name was changed to Breese on January 21, 1881. Telephone Service in Breese When the first telephone came to Breese, HI., it came, like another historic event, from the east, and a small exchange was placed in the retail shop of Schmidt Bros. Bakery. The approximate year was 1898. A Clinton County Company was formed with headquarters in Carlyle 111. Lines were built to the esat and west of that city, and the first manager was a certain Mr. Knapp. Dr. William Bechtold and Ben Donne were some of the local people financially interested in the company and were among the very few who had telephones in their homes. Public acceptance of this new gadget was extremely slow and so was the company's income. There seemed to be a lot of magic in this new contrivance which folks mistrusted. And it made you feel foolish to talk to a box. In the beginning the principal duties of an exchange operator was receiving or sending one or two calls a day. A messenger had to be sent out to bring in the party wanted. Communication between people in Breese who had phones was, indeed, a rare occurrence. With the advent of time and growth of the town the telephone became a more important feature. In 1913 a Citizens Telephone Company came into the picture — and in 1925, the Bell Telephone Company. One company, connected to the Kinloch Telephone Company in St. Louis, presumably the Citizens, and the Bell Co. connected with its line in St. Louis. In 1938 an agreement was made between the city and the telephone company. In 1949 the Bell Telephone Company received a 50- year franchise to operate in the City of Breese. Since 1955 the dial system has been introduced. With t' e in- stallation of the dial system, the crank type bell boxes were eliminated, and a revolutionary change made in the telephone service. The telephone office on North Main Street was discontinued, and the operators relieved of their duties. There were 826 telephones in use in Breese as of January 31, 1956. This is quite an increase from 1924, when there were only 223 telephones in the community. In 193C there were only 219 and in 1935, 211; the increase was very small up to 1940, as in that year only 254 tele- phones were in operation here. Figures of 1955 show a tremendous increase, as 822 were in service then. The Churches of Breese In the history of the churches of Breese there are rcany things doubtless intensely interesting that we should like to record. However, to give all the related incidents and events would require a good size volume of itself. We shall therefore have to be content with giv- ing- a brief sketch of the churches in Breese. St. Dominic's Church This sketch is based on information gained from a German Souvenir book of the Golden Jubilee celebration in the parish in 1908 and supplemented by a typewritten history of the parish presumably written about 193.5 by an unknown writer but v.'hich is in great part a trans- lation of the German souvenir book and was among church records. The writer also has recollection of many events in the parish and of narrations by gr.nuipaients, parents and elderly people. Tnform"tion on the more re- cent activities and events v.-ere gi' en by Rev. Father Aydt, present pastor of St. Dominic parish. The histor/ of St. Dominic parish strictlv sneahin.a: begins only with the erection of the first church in 1858, the parish records begin in that year. But the circum- stances and developments that led to its foundation date back farther and these belong to the history of its begin- ning. These earlier facts and conditions must be known to appreciate the significance of the founding and growth of the parish under the circumstances which prevailed. However these are recorded in the history of Breese and it will suffice to mention here that when St. Dominic par- ish was founded s.n the site of what is now known as Breese. there was not then a populous town wherein a new parish was to be established but instead wild prairie. It remained wild prairie land for many years after the arrival of the settlers. It was first broken for cultivation by Henry Alte- peter. Herman Henry Reilmann bought this land and sold eighty acres of it to Sanger Camp & Co. of Chicago, who laid out the first twenty-four blocks of Breese. The plat thereof w^as recorded February 1855. The first build- ing erected thereon was the residence and store of Robert S. M. Donne, northwest of the railroad depot. The lots included in the original plat lay partly north and partly south of the track of the Ohio and Miss- issippi R. R., which had just been constructed through this territory the year previous. This settlement of Breese, was according to a narrative by Father Reineke, first incorporated in 1871, officially designated as a vill- age in 1876 and finally chartered as a city in 1905. Shortly after the platting of this townsite in 1855 some forty of the catholic settlers residing in the north- ern part of the entire Shoal Creek settlement (which was the area from where the Old State Road crosses Shoal Creek, 2^2 miles northeast of Breese and in a gen- eral wav the entire area along the creek as far south as Germantown) after having attended Sunday afternoon ser ices in Hanover (Germantown), met in Breese for the purpose of considering the erection of a church of their own. The meeting was held in the open, on the founda- tion of the Donne building, which was in the course of construction at the time. This building still stands and is now owned by Edward Meier. The building- of a church in Breese was then decided upon and arrangements immediately made for raising the needed funds. Robert Donne pledged one-thousand dollars thereto. The committee placed in charge of the arrangements were: Robei-t Donne, Frank Morhenners, Henry Holthaus. Joseph Ostermann, Fred Ratermann and F. Willi«m Richter, duly placed the matter before Bishop Van deVelde of Chicago, to whose diocese this territory then belonged, for the purpose of obtaining the Bishop's approval. The Bishop, however, requested the people of Preese to wait two years, so that the completion of the new church at Germantown could be assured. This re- quest was complied with and the Breese peoole who were niembers of the Germantown parish faithfully supported that parish until that time. Sanger Camp & Co. of Chicago, who had acquired own- ership of and plntted the original portion of Breese, do- nated a half-block to the proijosed new Catholic parish, the company h^d also donated building sites to a few other denominations, on the condition that the construc- tion of a church thereon be begun pi-omptly. This is the ha'f-Mock which is now occupied by the present St. Dom- inic hall, school and convent. The site occupied by the present new church and rectory was acquired later. Preparations for the building of a church were then promptly made. At this time the lower part of Illinois was separated from the Diocese of Chicago and made a diocese of its own, with the seat at Alton. Bishop Henry Damian Juncl-er, first Bi?hop of Alton (now Springfield) Diocese confirmed in Germantown in 1857 shortly after his consecration. Having mside preparations for a visit to Rome, the BishoD appointed Father Fortmann, then at Germantov.n, to lay the cornerstone in his stead. Ac- cordingly Father Fortmann came to Breese on August 33 2 1857 and laid the cornerstone of the first St. Dommic church. The church which was of Roman style and measured 40x60 feet, was completed early m October 1858 and was blessed on October 18th by Bishop Juncker of Alton. The Bishop was accompanied on that oc- casion by Rev. Father August Reineke, whom he had brought from Germany as a student, whom he had ordained and who had arrived at Germantowm a few days previous with the appointment to be the first pastor at Breese. The primitiveness of conditions at the time of the completion of the church are apparent from remarks of Father Reineke in his narrative in the Golden Jubilee souvenir book. These remarks are to the effect that a bare altar stood in the church, that the Bishop tore up pieces of linen for altar cloths, that a plain bucket was used for the holy water and a bundle of weeds for the sprinkler and that there was no choir. A small two-room frame building, with one room annexed to it, owmed by Herman Kruep and located where the present school play-grounds are, served as a tempo- raiT rectory. The pastor first took his meals with Gerhard Taphorn, who lived where the city hall now stands— until the following spring when his sister ar- rived and thenceforth kept house for him. In the fall of 1859 a new four room brick rectory was completed on the site of the present St. Dominic school; after the completion of the present rectory, it was used as a teach- er's residence for years. Provisions for a cemetery were also soon made. Two acres of land northwest of Breese, were donated by Theo- dore H. Niemann, for that purpose. Some burials had been made there previously, at the time when the cholera pre- vailed in Germantown. James Croak, native of Ireland, and great-great grandfather of the WTiter, was accord- ing to narratives of relatives, the first one to be buried there, his grave is at the southeast corner of the cemetery with the old tombstone still standing. The rapid growth of the settlement around Breese and of the parish itself will be seen from that shortly after the completion of the church, there were seven Catholic families living in Breese proper, namely those of Robert Donne, Frank Morhenners, Gerhard Taphorn, Peter Werner, Thomas Brown and John Vander Pluym; and nearly seventy other families belonging to the new parish resided on newly acquired and broken farm tracts in the surrounding prairie. These latter were those of, Joseph Ostermann, Conrad Vornholt, Frederick Huels- niann, Theodore Huelsmann, Henry Kruep, Stephen Bax, Bernard Buchholt, Wenceslous Hagen, Gerhard Niemey- er, Joseph Niemann, Bernard Rausch, Herman Kruep, Henrv Kruep Jr., Gerhard Otke, Henry Reilmann, Casper Schavisdick, John Voss, the widow Altepeter, Bernard Somniers, Gerhard Heidemann, Bernard Kauling, Michael Goldschmidt, Clemens Niebur, Herman Schulte, Theodore Heidemann, Gerhard Holtgrave, Henry Altepeter, Bern- ard Voss. Bernard Schoenefeld, Henry Alberternst, Ger- hard Geers, Wilhelm Richter, Bernard Richter, Gerhard Richter, Clemens Richter, John Wieberg, the widow Tell- kamp, Theodore Lager, John B. Lager, Gerhard Voss- holler, Theodore Overbeck, Patrick Archer, Owen Mulli- gan, Frederick Ratermann, Bernard Diesel, S. N. Buehne, Bernard Middeke, Joseph Dierkes, Henry Gerbersniann, Herman Heitmann, Henry Wilke, Henry Schurmann, Hen- ry Fiedler, Henry Buehne, Frederick Eckelmann, Ger- hard Fouke, Bernard Hummert, Henry Pelzering, Joseph Nadermann and Ernst Niebur. Frederick Ratermann and Gerhard Richter served as the first church trustees. The above names were the first Catholic families of Breese. The parish was coming to be quite well established. Missions to be attended to from Breese by Father Reineke at that time were: Trenton, Summerfield, Lebanon, O'- Fallon and also Carlyle at first, until it became a sep- arate parish in 1859. It is recorded in the O'Fallon Cen- tennial book that the first Holy Mass in O'Fallon was said in 1858 by Father Reineke of Breese, in the residence of Thomas Mackin. At the time of the first Holy Mission conducted by Franciscan Fathers in the fall of 1S58. Parish societies were founded as follows; Men's Society, Altar Society foi Women, Young Men's and a Young Women's Society. The matter of education of the children was not neglected. In the first years after the founding of the parish, the children attended public schools or pri\ai;e schools conducted by individual teachers. In 1861 the parish built its first parochial school, a two-story brick building measuring 25x40-ft., having school rooms on the lower floor and living rooms or a convent for the sisters above. At first no Sisters being available a Miss Mary Mueller taught in the school; in 1865 Notre Dame Sisters arrived and have continued in charge of the school evei since. For ninety-one years Notre Dame Sisters have been teaching in Breese. All of the more essential par- ish buildings were now scarcely completed, a church, a rectory, school and convent. When the constant and rapid increase in parishioners, largely through immigratior from Germany, soon made it apparent that the church was too small. Plans were therefore considered of en- larging the church, but in 1864 before these plans were completed, Aviston was separated from Breese and built a church of their own; thus temporarily the church at Breese was amply large. However, the influx of immi- grants continued and in 1866 the need of a larger church again appeared. A meeting was held under the chair- manship of Most Rev. Bishop Juncker, to consider the advisability of constructing a new church. The church was erected on newly acquired land; a lumber yard stood there previously. The ground was donated by Frank Marks. The new church is of Gothic design, it was com- pleted about December 1869. The cost of same at that time was about $65,000. Upon completion of the new church, (the present St. Dominic Church), the old church was converted into a school building and the other build- ing which had until then served as both school and con- vent and which stood just south of the present convent, was reserved exclusively for a convent. In 1870 St. Rose (formerly called Blue Mound) was separated from Breese and became a parish of its own. The village of Breese at that time had a population of 489. About twelve years after the completion of the new church, the construction of the present rectory was begun in 1881 and completed in 1882. Joseph Petermeyer Sr., was the contractor. Soon thereafter the old church build- ing became too small as a school. Four large rooms were therefore built in 1889, in front of and adjoining the old church building, which, later, was converted, in 1892 into a parish hall thus combining school and hall into one building. August Klutho was the contractor. About this time the parish became part of the newl" established Diocese of Belleville. In 1890 Mrs. Elizabeth Speckmann died and in her will bequeathed to the parish nine lots to be used for the purpose of building a hospital. The building of St. Joseph's Hospital began 1898 and completed in 1899. Only a few years after the hospital was completed, a still larger school had to be built, name- ly the present St. Dominic school. Construction of this 8-room structure was begun in 1901 and completed in 1902 at a cost of $25,000. The building which included the first church school and hall was then remodeled and the entire building made into a parish hall. The stage was enlarged and also a gallery. A history could be written about all the fine celebrations, socials meetings etc., held therein. Two years after completion of the new school, con- struction of the present Sister's convent was begun in 1904, and it was completed in 1905. Henry Werth Sr. was a teacher and the organist in the parish for many years. There were two or three successors to Mr. Werth "as teacher and organist. Mr. George Hentschel cme to St. Doninic's in 1923 as organist and teacher of the 7th and 8th grade boys in the school. Mr. Hentschel retired from teaching in 1952. He is still organist and choir director. In 1905 Beckemeyer, (formerly called Buxton) was separated from Breese and made a separate parish. Tn the same year a severe hailrtorm did prreat danrG;e to windows in the several buildings of St. Dominic parish. 34 The celebration of a Triple Golden Jubilee namely that of the founding of the parish, that of Father Rein- cKe's ordination and that of his pastorate was an out- standing event in the history of the parish. The celebra- tion proper was held on October 15, 1908. Father Rein- €ke lived but a little more than a year after the great Jubilee celebration. His death occurred November 26, 1909. The beloved pastor was laid to rest in St. Dominic cemetery. In the Golden Jubilee book which is largely a nar- ration by Father Reineke but which contains other in- formation and illustrations there is a summary of parish statistics and it reveals that the parish had in spite of the separation of the Aviston, St. Rose and Beckemeyer parishes increased from the original 75 to 425 families in those fifty years. Rev. Father John F. Meifuss was appointed to suc- ceed Father Reineke as pastor by the Most Rev. Bishop J. J. Janssen. Father Meifuss assumed charge of St. Dominic's early in 1910. The continued growth of the parish which had characterized the more than 50 years pastorate of Father Reineke, extended into the pastorate of Father Meifuss. In 1911 the organ loft in the church was enlarged in- to a gallery for the school children and a new organ loft was constructed above it for the choir. Thereby the seat- ing capacity of the church was increased from 676 to 976, making it amply large for the needs of the parish. Within a year or so thereafter, followed what will be regarded as a development of great importance in the history of the parish. After some preparation and agi- tation in its behalf the southern portion of the parish was formed into a separate parish, namely, St. Augustine's. The Bishop approved of the proposal and the boundaries of St. Dominic's were then restricted to the B. & 0. tracks on the south, Shoal Creek on the east, the township line between Breese and St. Rose township on the north and the second mile road on the west. In the fall of 1922 a high school was organized in St. Dominic school \\-ith about fifteen students. In the same year a central heating plant was built. Father Meifuss, who remained pastor until his death in 1926 was laid to rest in the cemgtery of the Fathers of the Divine Word at Techny, 111. His obsequies took place in St. Dominic church on March 9, 1926. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Kaup, Vicar General of Belleville Diocese, was then appointed pastor of St. Dominic's by Rt. Rev. Bishop Henry Althoff. In 1926 two acres of land were purchased as an ad- dition to the cemetery. A concrete drive was built on the cemetery in 1927 and on the addition in 1928. The cemetery is used by the two Catholic parishes of Breese. In 1931 a lot was purchased_ north of the school for ad- ditional playgrounds for the school. The year 1933 marked the 75th anniversary of the founding: of St. Dominic's parish. On account of the' unusually hard times the Rev. Kaup considered it an in- opportune time to celebi'ate the anniversary. Therefore he made arrangements for a two-week Holy Mission, which was held from October 20th to November 13th and was conducted by two Franciscan Fathers, Rev. Hon- oratus Bon7elet O. F. M. and Rev. Mark Schludecker, 0. F. M. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Kaup died November 10, 1941. Solemn funeral services were held in St. Dominic church and then he was laid to rest in St. Mary's cemetery at Re- nault, Illinois. Rev. Father Henry H. Aydt was appointed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Althoff to succeed as pastor of St. Dominic's parish. Father Aydt was solemnly installed as pastor in the church on January 15, 1942. Many very important improvements were made in the parish during Father Aydt's pastorate. One of the first of these was in the church, namely, the lowering of the Communion rail and the old pulpit was removed and a new microphone and stand installed. Next a new floor in the church and then the Tower clock was electrified and bells made automatic. In 1953 the entire church was re- decorated and altars etc. remodeled. A fine new Wick or- gan was also built in. Necessary tuck-pointing of the rec- tory was done and some redecoration and remodeling was alto necessary therein. The Sister's convent also needed many repairs and improvements and refurnishing. In 1955 the school was tuck-pointed and new floors laid in same, also entire interior redecorated. A new boil- er for the central heating system also was installed. The parish bought the Joseph Petermeyer house and six lots next to the highway between Clinton and Cherry streets and two lots fiom Antoinette Bernsden at North Third and Cherry streets. These properties were bought for the purpose of building thereon any necessary parish buildings and also partly for school playgrounds. The parish hall was also improved. The St. Dominic Cemetery Corp. had a new Crucifixion group erected on the ceme- tery. Marble statues replaced the old ones which were of Terra Cotta. Father Aydt was instrumental in the purchasing of forty acres of land for the purpose of building thereon the proposed Mater Dei High School. It is expected that work of erecting same will begin in the near future. Another noteworthy achievement by Father Aydt was the institution of the Knights of Columbus Council in 1942 and of the Daughters of Isabella Circle in 1945. He has been Chaplain of both of these organizations since they were established here. The Fatima Club was also or- ganized in St. Dominic's for the purpose of assistance ai.d co-operation of parents, teachers and students. A joyous occasion was the Silver Jubilee celebration of Or- dination to the priesthood of Rev. Father Aydt, which took place June 13, 1945. Other very memorable joyous events were the first Solemn Holy Mass celebrations of Priests-Sons of the parish namely: Rev. Francis Marl:s in 1883, Rev. Henry FunKe in 1924, Rev. Victor Feltrop in 1927, Rev. Leonard Goewert in 1945, Rev. Cletus Hentschel in 1951 and Rev. Robert Foppe in 1954. There were also vocations to Brotherhoods in the parish namely: Brother Hyacinth Bentler O. F. M.; Brother Francis Heidemann in 1912; anl Brother Henry Heidemann in 1916, Brothers of Mary and Brother Thomas Ratermann O. M. I. 1955. There are also some candidates for the Holy Priesthood from the parish namely, Edward Hustedde and Jerome Rater- mann, who are nearing the time of ordination. There were numerous vocations also to Sisterhoods as follows with years of reception or profession given, Mary Buchholt (died as a Novice); Sister M. Herman Voss, 1875; Sister M. Thareisia Weingartner, 1883; Sister M. Pieta Scharffenburger; Sister M. Ludgeria Ostermann 1877; Sister M. Aloysia Ostermann; Sister M. Villanova Meirink, 1901; Sister M. Euphrasia Gissy, 1901; Sister M. Aegidia Budde, 1904; Sister M. Lucina Heidemann, 1917, Sister M. Ruth Hummert, 1919; Sister M. Vanora Vander Pluym, 1930; Sister M. George Anne Hentschel, 1954; Sister M. Bernard Clara Horstmann, 1954; and Sister M. Marie Raymond Loddeke, 1954. All the above mentioned are Sisters of the Order of School Sisters of Notre Dame. Sister M. Caecilia Kaune, Sisters of Loretto, 1900; Sister M. Hilaria Bentler, Sisters of St. Francis; Sister M. Salesia Holtmann, 1901; Sister M. Tharcilla Thien, 1895; Sister M. Facunda Weber, 1900; Sister M. Hidulph'i Hinkamp, 1905; Sister M. Prosperia Holtgrave, 1905. These Sisters are of the Order of Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. Sister M. Seraphine Kaulig, 1916, Sis- ters of Mercy; Sister M. Mechtildis Hummert, 1930, Sis- ters of the Blessed Sacrament: Sister Frances Marie Ratermann, 1954, Sister of the Most Precious Blood. Rev. Father Aydt, present pastor of St. Dominic parish has been very instrumental and interested in the proposed new Mater Dei High School building and also very interested in the betterment of St. Dominic school ever since he assumed administration of the parish. This abridged history gives evidence that the fore- fathers had deep faith and made great sacrifices there- for, also that there was co-operation by nriests and peo- ple thru the years and God has bestowed His blessings. 35 St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church St. John's congregation was organized during the beginning of 1858. In May 1858 the M. & O. Railroad, now the B. & O. Railroad, deeded the lots, which make up the present church property on the corner of North Sec- ond and North Main streets, to the first trustees. The names on the deed are: J. Lappe, F. Wente, and J. Schroe- der. The first church building, a frame structure, was erected during the summer of 1S58, with all the work done by the members. Although no charter membership list can Ije found, the following are some of the early mem- bers: Jacob Lappe, George Lappe, Fritz Wente, Louis Bigge, Johann Schroeder, Gottlieb Blattner, August Moel- ler, Jacob Riemenschneider, H. H. Koop, Rudolph Strot- heide, William Strotheide, Conrad Barnhard, Henry Jas- per, William Burhorn, Fritz Burhorn, Henry Dorries, Ernst Hoeppner, Louis Meissner, and Ernest Maibaum. Many of these have descendants who are members of St. John's at the present time. The church was first served by various pastors from neighboring churches. Rev. S. Spiess, the founder and first pastor of St. John's Evangelical church, Mascou- tah, Illinois. Rev. J. Will, pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical church, St. Louis, Mo., and the pastor from Highland, 111., took turns coming here to conduct services and to perform 36 other pastorate work. A pastor came at least once a month and sometimes oftener. Some twenty-five fam- ilies composed the church in 1859. More people came to Breese and in the spring of ]8"i'^ the congregation secured Rev. C. F. Starck, as the first resident pastor; he was 25 years old, unmarried and had completed his theological studies at the Basel Mission Institute, Switzerland. Rev. Starck made his home in the second story of Robert Donne's Store building, which was the first building erected in Breese. In 1861 the first parsonage, a four room frame building was built. Rev. Starck also preached in Trenton, 111., Carlyle, 111., Central City, 111., and other places, riding horses bare-back like many other pioneer preachers. Rev. Starck accepted a call to become pastor of St. Peter's church near Nor- mandy, Missouri in 1865, and Rev. George Maul of Okaw- ville, Illinois, who was a member of the first graduating class of Eden Theological Seminary, which was then lo- cated at Marthasville, Missouri, came to St. John's. Dur- ing his pastorate in 1867 the church bell was dedicated. This bell remains in use in the present church. In 1871 the present church building was erected at a cost of $6000.00. From June 4th to 8th, 1874 the annual dis- trict conference was held in Breese with 125 delegates present. For the size of the congregation this was a great undertaking, but it was gladly done. In 1898 the church tower was rebuilt and made 20- feet higher. In 1905 the frame parsonage was sold to William Winker, who moved it to the northeastern part of the city. He later sold it to William Bloemker, the present owner, and it is still used as a residence at this time. The new brick parsonage was erected during Rev. Theo. Haas' pastorate, at a cost of $6500.00. Up to this time St. John's had a very small organ. In 1907 a small pipe organ, that was pumped by hand, was installed in the balcony of the church. This was a great improvement and contributed immeasurably to the worship services. On October 11, 1908 the Golden Jubilee of the church was celebrated. Three services were held and all the former pastors were present, except Rev. George Maul. He was no longer among the living then. The services were very impressive and inspiring and two charter members, J. Riemenschneider and R. Strotheide were still living. The remaining debt of $1700.00 on the parsonage was paid. The St. John's Congregation conducted a parochial school from 1871 to 1918. The first frame church build- ing was moved back and used for the parochial school. V. Streckelsen, Mr. Stiegel, Mr. Weber, Fred Karbach and the pastors were the first teachers. The school was in session nine months of the year with the German lang- uage used in the morning session and the English lang- uage used in the afternoon. After the enrollment in- creased the church employed teachers who taught school and also were organists in the church. Beginning with September 1902 the following teachers served at various times until 1918: H. Wicht, D. Schlundt, D. Koenig, A. C. Roth, H. Fesenfelt, Christian Mohr, and Theo. Hosto. The average attendance was about 45 pupils, including boys and girls. When the present brick school building was built, the old building was sold to Ben Schleper. Henry Heithaus moved it to a lot west of the hospital, and it is still owned by Mr. Schleper's daughters, Mrs. Mary Grawe and Mrs. Rosie Ribbing. The new building was started in 1899 at a cost of ?3000.00, and on Janu- ary 1, 1900 it was dedicated. In 1918 the parochial school was discontinued. The Sunday school, an intricate part of St. John's Congregation, was organized in 1859. At first thev had Sunday school at 1 :30 in the afternoon in the church auditorium. In 1917 this was changed to nine o'clock in the morning, or one hour before church services. During the pastorate of Rev. C. Krickhahn of Waterleit, Michi- gan the Sunday school was rorganized into sixteen graded cbsses, which was held in the tvo story brick Fchool building. The instruction now was in the English instead of the German language. During Rev. Krickhahn's pastorate in 1916 English evening services were introduced. Although morning services were still held in tl.e German language, they gradually changed to English. During 1918 an addilion was built to the church building, and an all-electric two- manual Wicks pipe organ was installed. Beautiful memor- ial art-glass windows and a steam heating plant for the church and the school building were also installed. Tne whole interior of the church building was redecorated and a new choir loft was built. A new pulpit and altar wei'e installed and a beautiful christening fountain was given as a memorial. The total cost of these improve- ments was $17,000.00, besides $1,500.00 received from the Carnegie Fund for the organ. During the next few years large sums were raised for debt reduction and Duplex envelopes were introduced. On October 14, 1928 the 70th anniversary of the congre- gation was appropriately celebrated. The church was beautifully redecorated for this occasion. In 1929 the kitchen was built on the school hall and many necessary minor improvements were made on the church property. During the pastorate of Rev. A. J. Engelbrecht in 1933, the Diamond Jubilee was observed, and the same year during May the congregation enter- tained the 44th conference of the South Illinois District. There were 150 delegates and visitors present and rooms for all were arranged at the homes of the church mem- bers. In 1940 The Evangelical and The Reformed churches united. Thus in June 1942 the county clerk was asked to change the name of The St. John's Evangelical Church to The St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church of Breese, Illinois. Then in July 1942 a new con- stitution was adopted. In 1947 the Women's Guild made major improvements in the parish hall kitchen. Cabinets and two new stoves were installed and the entire kitchen was redecorated. In October 1948 the building connecting the school hall with the church property was completed. Rest rooms with modern facilities were installed. The church was redec- orated, floors refinished, new carpeting placed in front and down the center aisle, indirect lighting installed in the choir loft, and an outside entrance made to the boil- er room. Then on November 21, 1948 St. John's celebrated the 90th anniversary with divine worship in the morning, a musical program at 7:00 p. m., and divine worship at 8:00 P. M. Rev. E. J. Westerbeck, executive secretary of the Churchmen's Brotherhood of St. Louis, Mo., de- livered the morning address and Rev. Elmer Hoefer, of St. Peter's church, St. Louis, Mo., a son of Rev. John Hoefer, who served St. John's parish from 1919-1924, de- livered the evening address. "The Ladies Guild served a noon-day meal and also an evening meal which were largely attended. In December in time for Christmas the Aeolian Company of St. Louis, Mo., representatives of the Mass Electronic Carillon Co., of Los Angeles, California, in- stalled the Maas amplified cathedral chimes system^ in St. John's church, which works automatically with a time clock. On Sunday, January 16, 1949 special dedication services were held. The chimes were given as a memorial by two of the church families and have added beauty to the worship services and an inspiration to the commun- ity. Rev. T. E. Beier accepted a call to St. Andrew's church, St. Louis, Mo., in August 1949 and St. John's was served by students from Eden Theological Seminary, Webster Groves, Mo. In December 1949 a call was ex- tended to Rev. J. J. Kalkbi'enner of Penntown, Ind. He has ser ed St. John's since February 14, 1950 and is pas- tor at the present time. In April 1950 the monthly "News Letter" was started bringing the church news into the home of every mem- ber of St. John's. Mrs. Evelyn Koch donated her serv- ices and worked faithfully until January 1955, when Mrs. Glennis Zurick took over. In the annual meeting, January 1951, the repair of the organ was thoroughly discussed and on February 27, 1951 a committee of seven were selected to study the condition of the old organ and cost of repairs, and the cost of a new organ. They met with a number of organ representatives and repairmen at various times during the year. On December 14 a contract was let with Edward B. Sieckmann, St. Louis, Mo., for repairs of the present organ at a cost of $3285.00 During the repair job St. John's had the Hammond Electric Organ, made a\ ailable through the generosity of Mr. Louis Heyer. His consideration proved a great help to the church. On November 2.'i, 1952 the repaired organ was dedicated at the regular ten o'clock Sunday morning services. Then on December 14th St. John's had an organ recital fol- lowing a pot-luck supper. Mr. Edward Sieckmann, Mr. Elmer Schuette, and Dr. Moreland Emerson took part in the program. The congregation was well pleased and en- joyed the outstanding music produced by the repah-ed and rebuilt organ. On November 25, 1953 St. John's observed its 95th anniversary. On September 19, 1954 a severe hail storm damaged all of the church properties in excess of $6000.00. The greatest damage being inflicted to the church roof and the art-glass windows. Through the foresight of the church members, this was covered by insurance and all damage was repaired in time. At a special meeting, July 10, 1955 the members of St. John's were privileged to help Rev. and Mrs. J. J. Kalkbrenner celebrate the pastors 25 years of service in the ministry. May God bless them and strengthen them so they can continue to serve many more years. Besides the beautiful church property, debt free, the church has a fine cemetery near the city. The original piece of land was bought from Theodore Niebur, Novem- ber 19, 1881. In 1929 an addition was added from Charles Hofsommer and the cemetery was greatly im- proved through voluntary labor and donations amounting to nearly $1000.00. On December 29, 1945 Mr. Ed. Bloemker deeded an additional piece of land just south of the original plot of ground. This has been improved and a road built, connecting the old part with the new section, and a new entrance was made to the new sec- tion. In 1955 it was landscaped and in the fall trees and shrubbery were planted. But St. John's history is not complete without men- tioning the present organist. Mr. Elmer Schuette has been organist of St. John's for quite a number of years. At first he helped the parochial teachers, who were also organists of the church. Then in 1914 he joined the choir and helped the organist with cantatas, and soon after became the organist and choir director. He has been a faithful organist since then, with exception of a short time while in the service of his country. At pres- ent he directs three choirs. The Junior-Junior Choir, The Junior Choir, and The Senior Choir. For the past year, Dr. Moreland Emerson has served as assistant organist. The organizations besides the previously mentioned ones, are the Women's Guild, organized March 31, 1895 (Frauen Verein).; The Brotherhood, organized October 1930; The Youth Fellowship, organized February _ 26, 1888 (Yungling and Yungfrauen Verein); and the A'dult Bible class, organized April 16, 1955. The first choir was organized in March 1864, Joseph Navei-mann being the first director. Plans are in progress for the 100th anniversary to be celebrated in 1958, with Mr. Lloyd Worley as gen- eral chairman. Committees are already at work to make it an outstanding event in the history of the church. Pastors who have served St. John's are as follows: Rev. Christopher Frederick Starck, spring 1859 to March 1S65; Rev. George Maul, March 1865 to June 1869; Rev. E. Jacob Hosto, July 1869 to September 1871; Rev. C. H. Viehe, October 1871 to January 1876; Rev. H. Wulfmamt February 1876 to April 1886; Rev. E. H. Eilts, May 18S6 to October 1894; Rev. C. F. Knicker, March 1895 to De- cember 1899; Rev. Theo. L. Haas, December 1899 to No- vember 1916; Rev. C. Krickhahn, November 1916 to April 1919; Rev. John Hoefer, July 1919 to October 1924; Rev. J. E. Schneider, October 1924 to October 1929; Rev. A. J. Engelbrecht, January 1930 to June 1934; Rev. T. E. Beier, October 1934 to August 1949; Rev. J. J. Kalkbren- ner, Februaiy 1950 to present time. St. Augustine Church Prior to July 1, 1912 St. Augustine Congregation formed part of St. Dominic's. Therefore the early history of St. Dominic's is also part of the history of St. August- ine's. Breese as a town had developed steadily. St. Domi- nic Parish resulted in a constant and rapid increase. Although spacious buildings had been erected, and were already enlarged and improved, they were by 1910 considered inadequate for the 425 families of the con- gregation. Confronted with this problem, the idea of forming another parish was conceived. After much deliberation His Excellency, The Rt. Rev. J. J. Janssen, Bishop of Belleville, decided in 1912 to establish another parish in Breese. There were 168 Catholic families living 38 south of the B. & O. Railroad. It was decided, therefore',, that the railroad would be the logical dividing line. Rev. Father Vincent Hartung was appointed as pastor, and arrived in Breese July 1, 1912. He resided with Henry Knies family for a short time, until the congregation rented the George Lampe house on South Main and Fifth St. as a temporary rectory. The first meeting of the congregation was held on July 5, 1912 in St. Dominic Hall. St. Augustine was chosen as patron of the new parish, in memory of Rev. August Reineke, first pastor of St. Dominie Church. The first trustees of St. Augustine's parish were: Bernard Voss and Henry Knies. Other committees werer Building Committee: Joseph Niebur, Herman Ahlers, William B. Richter, and Chas. J. Schlarmann. Finance Committee: Henry Knies, Bernard Voss, Henry Werth Sr. and Bernard Huelsmann. The Men's Sodality was established July 16, 1912.. Other parish societies were soon organized, namely: Ladies Altar Sodality, Young Men's and Young Ladies Sodalities. The Men's Choir was organized in 1912, with Henry Werth Sr. as the organist and director. A temporary frame church was built in 1912, at the southeast corner of Main and South Third St. The pfans for this building were drawn by Bernard Meyer, con- tractor and builder, and he also directed and worked with the many men of the parish, who constructed the building with much effort and zeal. This work was all done gratis. The first Mass in that building was cele- brated on the Feast of St. Augustine, August 28, 1912. This temporary church also served as a parochial school until a brick building was erected in 1913, at the northeast corner of South Main and Third St. The second floor of the new school building was made the residence for the Sisters teaching in the school. Much of the work of constructing the school building was done by the men of the congregation. It was amazing how they labored, after their regular day's work, far into the night. During the time of erection of the school and Sisters convent, three Sisters of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, lived in the William Fischer home one block east of the church. They taught under great difficulties and hardships, in the rear section of the temporary church. The 155 pupils also experienced unpleasant con- ditions in attending school. After completion of the school building, the members of St. Augustine parish did not rest long. Already in September 1913, they began building a fine brick rectory. Rev. Father Hartung remained as pastor until 1916, when he was appointed pastor of St. Luke's parish in Belleville by the Most Rev. Bishop Henry Althoff, and Rev. Father Albert Kaercher was appointed pastor of St. Augustine's. The congregation resolved to erect an appropriate church, as soon as possible. In 1925, their dream became a reality, and the cornerstone was laid for the new building. The beautiful brick edifice, St. Augustine's Church, at the northwest corner of South Main and Third St., was completed in 1926, and the dedication of the church was held on April 5, 1926. (Easter Monday). The temporary church was thereafter used as a parish hall. Many fine parish picnic suppers were pre- pared and served by the women of the parish who worked tirelessly for every such affair. Many card parties and bingo games were held there throughout the years. After a stage was built in the hall, many fine dramatic plays were presented by the young people of the parish. In 1927, the Venerable Sisters of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, who had served the parish since ^ its establishment, were compelled to give up their mission, because of circumstances beyond their control, or of the parish. In August 1927, five School Sisters of Notre Dame took charge of this mission, with Sister Rose de Lima as Superior and Principal of the school. Sisters of this Order have taught in the school since that time. A very sad occurrence was the sudden death of Father Kaercher, on July 10, 1928. It was the Feast of Corpus Christi, and also First Holy Communion Day. During the Exposition Mass on Sunday, Father addressed his parishioners for the last time. He looked very pale and sick during the entire Mass, but being accustomed to his ghost-like and worn appearance, we all thought he would pull through as usual. But our pastor's final hour was approaching. After Mass he intoned the "Pange T.ingua" in a clear loud voice. The procession started and Father with the Blessed Sacrament descended the last step of the communion railing, and fell, face for- ward, stretching out into the aisle, his right hand firmly gripping the ostensorium. Mr. Hilmes removed the ostensorium from Father's hand and placed it on the altar. Then several other men carried him very gently to the rectory. Meanwhile, others were hastening with their cars to "get Msgr. Kaup from St. Dominic's, and also Dr. Warren. Shortly after Msgr. Kaup announced to the weeping parishioners, the death of their pastor. Father Kaercher went to his eternal reward June 10, 1928. He was laid to rest in St. Dominic's cemetery in Breese, after solemn funeral services. By appointment of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Henry Althoff, the Rev. Father Aloys Eckert arrived on July 5, 1928, as pastor. He found the parish in good condition, both materially and spiritually, taking much interest in parish affairs, and making great efforts to reduce the parish debts. Working together harmoniously and fervently, the pastor and the people accomplished amaz- ing results. Necessary improvements and repairs followed. New floor covering in the aisles of the church and a new Wick organ were installed. Church walls were re-decorated. A very happy occasion in the parish was when Rev. Father Joseph Immethun read his First Solemn Mass on Ascension Thursday, May 29, 1930. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Immethun. Mr. Henry Werth Sr., who was organist and choir director, died Feb. 15, 1934. Had he lived four months longer, he could have celebrated his golden jubilee as church organist in Breese. He was organist at St. Dominic's before St. Augustine's was founded. After the death of Mr. Werth, Miss Henrietta Von Hatten (now Mrs. John Ozella) of St. Rose, 111., was the organist until a few years ago. Since then Miss Shirley Furtwengler and Miss Margaret Hummert act as alter- nating organists. Sister Margaret Mary S. S. N. D. is organist on week days, and directs the school children in singing. Another very joyous event in St. Augustine's Church was the First Holy Mass Celebration of Rev. Cyril Foppe 0. M. I., son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Foppe Sr. of the parish. He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood June 7, 1949, and read his First Solemn Mass June 12 of the same year. There were also other vocations from the parish, namely: Order of the Most Precious Blood: Sister M. Bernice and Sister M. Coletta, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Weltering. Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Victory: Sister Mary Anne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Richter. Sister M. Regina, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Foppe. School Sisters of Notre Dame: Sister M. Roselma, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Huelsmann Sr.; Sister M. Margaret, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Meirink Sr. (deceased); Sister M. Villanova, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Meirink Sr.; Sister M. Myles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Woltering, and Sister Monica Marie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Eil"rs. Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ: Sister M. Erwin, Sister M. Lawrence, Sister M. David and Sister M. Lorine, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Huelskamp; Sister M. Eleanora and Sis- ter M. Josepha, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Huels- kamp. Religious of the Cenacle: Sister Mary Lalande, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Niemann Sr. At the present time there are five students in St. Henry's Preparatory Seminary, Belleville, 111.; one Postu- lant and one Aspirant at Ancilla Domini Convent, Don- aldson, Ind., and one Aspirant at Notre Dame Aspiran- ture, St. Louis, Mo. Another very happy occasion occurred in June 19.53, when Father Eckert celebrated his Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee, and Silver Anniversary as pastor of St. August- ine congregation. The congregation showed their great esteem and admiration for him at this time in a very appropriate manner. Because of his advanced age, Father Eckert resigned as pastor in September 1955, and now resides at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese. By invitation of His Excellency, Most Rev. Albert R. Zuroweste, Bishop of Belleville, the care of St. Augustine parish was then entrusted to the Franciscan Fathers of the Sacred Heart Province, St. Louis, Mo. Rev. Father Humilus Soland 0. F. M. was appointed and solemnly installed as pastor in St. Augustine's Church Sept. 15, 1955. A Sisters' Chapel was completed in the living quar- ters of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Holy Mass was offered there for the first time in December, 1955. The Holy Name Society was canonically erected in the parish, and its members include both young and married men. A Holy Mission was preached Feb. 12 to 19, 1956, by Rev. Manfred Jochem, O. F. M. Many untold facts and stories are written solely in the annals of eternity. These few facts prove in time — past, present and future — the eagerness of St. Augustine's people for greater progress in the service of God and Country. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH In 1901 a group of Methodists united and organized a church in the Henry Dorries building located at North Fourth and Walnut streets. Rev. Farmer of Trenton, 111., was the installing officer. The first pastor, was Rev. C. N. Duncan, a student pastor, who was attending Mc- Kendree college at Lebanon, Illinois. Although no charter membership can be found, the following are some of the early members: Mr. and Mrs. John Partington, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bridgewater, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Vincent, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Helms, Mr. and Mrs. Abe Smith, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Castle, Mrs. Frank Guy, Mrs. Sarah Sterner, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Knapp, Mrs. Len Sellers, Mr. and Mrs. John Patton, Mr. and Mrs. John Walker, Mrs. Fronie Seegraves and Mr. and Mrs. George Low. A Sunday school, a bible class. Junior and Epworth League, Ladies Aid and a weekly prayer meeting were also organized. In 1904 the congregation decided to have a church of their own. A committee of Abe Smith, Charles Bridgewater, and Marion Helms were appointed and purchased two lots from Mr. and Mrs. Otto Rumpf at the corner of North Sixth and Walnut streets. The Lake Branch church was purchased and moved to Breese and a belfry was added to the church building. A bell was donated by Fred Schaffner, who then was a dealer in hardware and had a tin shop. The church was dedi- cated by Rev. Philip R. Clodfelty, now retired and living in Lebanon, Illinois. The first communion set was donated by May Paul and Mary Olive, evangelistic workers. The first trustees were Charles Bridgewater, John Partington and E. G. Castle. Some of the pastors who served the congregation were: Reverends C. N. Duncan, P. R. Glodfelty, Buchanan, Brom, Mr. Knight, Harper, Maxey, Hollis, Myers, Harlan, Watson, Warren, Crawly, Calvert, Hanbaum", Willis, and Sister Hanon. The Methodist Episcopal church of Breese belonged to the Lebanon district at first, but later was changed to the East St. Louis district. The church was active and served the community until 1932. In 1936 the conference sold the building and lots and the congregation was dis- banded. 39 ST. JOHN'S CHURCH Shortly after it was built in 1871 at cost of $6,iXXt.OO. Tower was made twenty feet higher in 1898. ST. DOMINIC'S HALL, Built in 1858, used as first place of worship of St. Dominic's parish. An addition was built to the front in 1899. ST. JOHN'S HALL Built in 1899 for $3,000, was first used as school, now only as Sunday School, and as a hall for meetings and banquets. 40 St. Joseph's Hospital St. Joseph's Hospital owes its inception, more than three score years ago, to Mrs. Elizabeth Specknian, who willed nine acres of land together v>-ith the sum of $1,500 to be used for a hospital to be built in Breese. This was in 1890. The people of St. Dominic's parish accepted the challenge and immediately began to raise funds sufficient to build the hospital. It was, however, not until eight years later and after continued efforts, that their hopes were realized. The original building, erected at a cost of $18,000, was completed in 1898 and dedicated in honor of St. Joseph by the Most Rev. John Janssen, first bishop of the Diocese of Belleville. Operation of the new hospital was in the hands of the Sisters, Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ until the year 1917. During this period, St. Joseph's cared for 1,409 patients, approximately 70 per year. Then, for about three years, the hospital was closed. In the fall of 1918, during the Flu epidemic, the hospital was opened by the Breese branch of the Clinton County chapter of the American Red Cross. The following Red Cross members of the Breese branch, with the help of two nurses from East St. Louis, opened the hospital at that time and cared for the patients: Mrs. Dan Needham, Mrs. August Helwig, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Freund, Mrs. Mary Eusley, I\Ir. Mike Eisel and ^liss Gretchen Hofsommer. The nurses were discharged and then several of the St. Dominic school Sisters of Notre Dame helped take cars of the patients. In the spring of 1921 and at the invitation of Rev. F. Meifuss, pastor of St. Dominic's, the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross arrived in Breese to make pr-^para- tions for the reopening of St. Joseph's Hospital. 'The first to arrive were Sister Adeodata as Superior, Sister Wen- ceslaus. Sister Leopoldina, and Miss Theresia Nagel from North Dakota, now Sister Clare. Sister Theodorine cam? about a week later. A warm welcome awaited the Sisters upon their arrival. The entire hospital had been cleaned by the women of Breese v\ho also took home the linen in smrill bundles for laundering. Jlen-.bers of the various sodalities and orgi.nirations had given a goodly amount of food while the Notre Dame Sisters from St. Dominic's parish had prepared the first meal for the newly-arrived Sisters. St. Joseph's Hospital, in the minds of the Sisters, should be a general hospital prepared for medical, sur- gical, and obstetrical cases. However, many improve- ments would have to be made before this dream would be realized. Hospital beds would have to replace the low iron beds; the meagerly-equipped operating room would need improvements; a separate sterilizing unit should be installed. There were no x-ray and laboratory facilities, so these, too, would have to come. There was a lavatory on each floor, each with a septic tank as there were no sewers. Running water was piped into the building, but all drinking water had to be carried from the pump which stood in front of the hospital. The south end of the basement housed the boiler and coal bin. Nearby, in a separate building were the laun- dry and morgue. (At this time, there was neither ambul- ance nor mortuary services in Breese.) At this time the hospital consisted of a basement, first and second floors, and a high gabled roof which was later built up to a complete third floor. The wooden flooring, darkened as a result of repeated oilings, was in places somewhat airy, even permitting a glimpse of the machinery below. Externally, too, the appearance differed somewhat from that of the mid-twentieth century hospital. In addition to a vineyard and ample garden space, there were also a chicken house and a barn for the hospital cow! A big task faced the Sisters — the initial steps to- ward modernizing St. Joseph's Hospital. But they were not alone in their work. The people of Clinton County rallied to their assistance and contributed about $10,000. This amount, supplemented by the timely generosity of their many friends in Breese. helped the Sisters to proceed with essential improvements. Among the fore- most was the renovation of the operating room and the installation of new equipment. Shortly after followed 41 ST. JOHN'S CHURCH Shortly after it was built in 1871 at cost of $6,000.00. Tower was made twenty feet higher in 1898. ST. DOMINIC'S HALL, Built in 1858. used as first place of worship of St. Dominic's parish. An addition was built to the front in 1899. ST. JOHN'S HALL Built in 1899 for $3,000, was first used as school, now only as Sunday School, and as a hall for meetings and banquets. 40 St. Joseph's Hospital St. Joseph's Hospital owes its inception, more than three score years ago, to Mrs. Elizabeth Speckman, who willed nine acres of land together with the sum of $1,500 to be used for a hospital to be built in Breese. This was in 1890. The people of St. Dominic's parish accepted the challenge and immediately began to raise funds sufficient to build the hospital. It was, however, not until eight years later and after continued efforts, that their hopes were realized. The original building, erected at a cost of $18,000, was completed in 1898 and dedicated in honor of St. Joseph by the Most Rev. John Janssen, first bishop of the Diocese of Belleville. Operation of the new hospital was in the hands of the Sisters, Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ until the year 1917. During this period, St. Joseph's cared for 1,409 patients, approximately 70 per yeai-. Then, for about three years, the hospital was closed. In the fall of 1918, during the Flu epidemic, the hospital was opened by the Breese branch of the Clinton County chapter of the American Red Cross. The following Red Cross members of the Breese branch, with the help of two nurses from East St. Louis, opened the hospital at that time and cared for the patients: Mrs. Dan Needham, Mrs. August Helwig, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Freund, Mrs. Mary Eusley, Mr. Mike Eisel and Jliss Gretchen Hofsommer. The nurses were discharged and then several of the St. Dominic school Sisters of Notre Dame helped take car? of the patients. In the spring of 1921 and at the invitation of Rev. F. Meifuss, pastor of St. Dominic's, the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross arrived in Breese to make pr?para- tions for the reopening of St. Joseph's Hospital. 'The first to arrive were Sister Adeodata as Superior, Sister Wen- ceslaus. Sister Leoi:oldinn, and Miss Theresia Nagel from North Dakota, now Sister Clare. Sister Theodorine came about a week later. A warm welcome awaited the Sisters upon their arrival. The entire hospital had been cleaned by the women of Breese who also took home the linen in sm.M bundles for laundering. J.Iembers of the various sodalities and organisations had given a goodly amount of food while the Notre Dame Sisters from St. Dominic's parish had prepared the first meal for the newly-arrived Sisters. St. Joseph's Hospital, in the minds of the Sisters, should be a general hospital prepared for medical, sur- gical, and obstetrical cases. However, many improve- ments would have to be made before this dream would be realized. Hospital beds would have to replace the low iron beds; the meagerly-equipped operating room would need improvements; a separate sterilizing unit should be installed. There were no x-ray and laboratory facilities, so these, too, would have to come. There was a lavatory on each floor, each with a septic tank as there were no sewers. Running water was piped into the building, but all drinking water had to be carried from the pump which stood in front of the hospital. The south end of the basement housed the boiler and coal bin. Nearby, in a separate building were the laun- dry and morgue. (At this time, there was neither ambul- ance nor mortuary services in Breese.) At this time the hospital consisted of a basement, first and second floors, and a high gabled roof which was later built up to a complete third floor. The wooden flooring, darkened as a result of repeated oilings, was in places somewhat airy, even permitting a glimpse of the machinery below. Externally, too, the appearance differed somewhat from that of the mid-twentieth century hospital. In addition to a vineyard and ample garden space, there were also a chicken house and a barn for the hospital cow! A big task faced the Sisters — the initial steps to- ward modernizing St. Joseph's Hospital. But they were not alone in their work. The people of Clinton County rallied to their assistance and contributed about $10,000. This amount, supplemented by the timely generosity of their many friends in Breese, helped the Sisters to proceed with essential improvements. Among the fore- most was the renovation of the operating room and the installation of new equipment. Shortly after followed 41 October, 1846, Section 16, comprising 640 acres, was sold at an auction for $400.80. This was divided into three districts. Later another district was organized at Frog- town. The first school house for District 2 was built in Section 7 in 1848. Then in 1851, in District 1, a log school house with a clapboard roof was built in Hickory Ridge, NE, SE, Section 27, and in 1853, District 3 built a school house in Section 32. Also in 1853 the school house for District 1 was moved from Section 27 to the south- west corner of Section 22, and in 1859 it was moved to Breese, east of the fire station and water tower on Lot 82, Block 8. This lot was sold in 1869 and a new frame school building was built on lots 10,11, and 12, Block 5, Koch and Marks addition. At a meeting in 1865, Fred Huelsman, John W. Schroeder and C. H. Kaune were elected to the board of directors and served three years. Each board member would make periodic visits to the school during the year. On March 9, 1867, an election was held to vote on a new school building, but it was voted down, 49 votes against and 31 for the new school building. It was not until 1869 that the new school was built, Tom Theodore Klutho receiving the contract. In 1878 they needed more room and they built an addition to this building. After the school was moved to Breese in 1859, Joseph Nadermann was the first teacher. He had about 25 pupils. Some of the earlier teachers were: Miss S. B. Tuttle, Jennie Schuermann, D. H. Logan, Jess R. Ford, Jr. Miss Anne Beattie, Miss Sarah E. Beattie, M. R. Rey- nolds, Joseph Stark, F. M. Entrekin, and Joseph Hotz. In 1881, Joseph Hotz taught one month and then went to St. Dominic's School to teach and John A. Rose took his place. At Vns time it was also necessary to hire an additional teacher because of the increase in enrollment, and Miss Libbie A. Murray was hired for the latter part of the term. W. F. Miller followed Mr. Rose and in October, 1884, Henry E. Schmidt was hired. After teaching six years, he resigned on Nevember 23, 1891. In the early days the school term was from October 1 to March 31, or six months. Many children helped on farms to put in crops in the spring and harvest them in the fall. In 1880 they lengthened the term to seven months; in 1902 it was changed to eight months, and it was not until September, 1909, that the school term was changed to nine months. On January 25, 1902 an election was held for the purpose of building a new grade school building on the old site, the cost of t' e building not to exceed $6,000. Mr. V. J. Klutho was asked to draw up the plans according to specifications. This was approved by the voters. Then on March 31, 1902, the township board of trustees was ordered to have the old building removed. Mr. George Kues, Jr. received the contract for the new brick school, which was completed and accepted November 10, 1902. Bertha Ackermann and Anna Deutsch were t' e first teachers in the new four room brick build- in. In 1903 another room was equipped and three teachers were hired. A steam heating system was instaPed in the building in the summer of 1907 by Fred Schaffner. At first the principal, Edwin Berry, had to take care of the furnace because the janitor did not know how to operate it. But before the end of the school term they were able to hire George Hustedde to take care of the furnace. In September, 1909, Henry E. Sc' midt again became principal of the Breese Grade School. He taught until May, 1930, when he retired at the age of 70. completing 27 years of teaching service. He spent his life in educa- tional work in this community, taking an active part in all educational and civic affairs up to the time of bis death on September 18, 1954, reaching the age of 93 years. Another familiar teac'er was Miss Anna Deutsch. She started teaching in 1897, teaching at the Taylor School and at Lake Branch before teaching in Room I at the Breese Grade School in Sentember, 1900. She always taught grades 1 and 2 until May, 1919, when she i-etired, after completing- 22 years of teaching service. 44 As the enrollment increased another room was equip- ped and in September, 1909, four teachers were liired. Extensive repairs took place in the next few years and in 1913 the basement rooms were improved by the con- tractor, John Schmuck, at a cost of approximately $350. Up to this time pupils going to high school paid their own tuition, but after September, 1913, the school dis- trict paid it, as there was no High School in the district. The Clinton County Fair was held in Breese at the Fairgrounds Park in September of eac'\ year and the school board would proclaim Friday afternoon on Chil- dren's Day a holiday, so the children could attend the Fair. This was educational and also a treat. On July 18, 1921, lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 5, Koch and Marks addition to the city of Breese, were added to the school property at a cost of $1,750. This was an old orchard at that time, later a playground for the children, and now the gymnasium, industrial arts and music addi- tion are built on it. On August 14, 1924, a special meeting was called to discuss a three-year l.igh school. A high school was adopted and the second floor of the building belonging to Mrs. Annie Fischer was leased for a two-year period, with the option to renew the lease for another term of two years. Julian Neil was the first principal and Evelyn He'.wig and Maurice Pyat were the teachers. Mr. Pyat taught two months and then Paul S. Reed took his place. Other teachers who taught in the Fisc' er building were: A. L. Dinges, Lorraine Pierron, Harry J. Dearworth, Clifford Roberts, Elsie Von Gerichten, Mervin Noe, Or- ville Geiger, Edwin Garlich, Adele Von Gerichten, Mary Sartory, Elver Schroeder, H. A. Hoffman, Gladys Brad- ford, Richard Gerfen, and Gretchen Hofsommer. On September 27, 1937, a petition was filed for an addition to the public school on North Main and Sixth Streets, to be used for a four year high school. A special election was held May 7, 193S, for tl e purpose of issuing bonds for the amount of $30,000, which was approved by the voters. The architects were Knoebel and Pabst of East St. Louis, 111. On October 19, 1938, the bid of E. A. Crippen of Chester, 111. for $28,600 was accepted. The board members were: Fred Schoenberg, president; William Fischer, secretary; Edward Wade, Fred Schmidt Sr., Henry H. Pollmann, Anton Voss, and Sylvester W. Schwarz. The new addition was completed in time for the 1939-40 school term. The first teachers in t'-e four- year high school were: Dr. A. A. Vail, superintendent; W. J. Ksycki, coach; Gladys Bradford and Gretchen Hofsommer, teachers. The first class to graduate from the four-year high school in May, 1940, were Burkett War- ren, Ennis McGee, George Laubner, Betty Zoe Rogers, Marcella Barth, Rufina Mueller, Dorothy Schroeder and Colette Sherwood. On April 15, 1940, the sc' ool board acted on a peti- tion calling for a special election April 27, 1940, for the purpose of issuing bonds to the amount of $25,000 for a gymnasium. The architect was Kai-1 Odenwald. On August 2, 1940, the bid of August Bacialli, St. Louis, for $23,744 was accepted. The first game played in the new gymnasium was in January, 1941, against St. Paul of Highland. In 1942, Mr. W. J. Ksycki joined the U. S. Air Force during World War II and was gone until March, 1946, when he resumed coaching and teaching. In 1944, the lunchroom service was inaugurated in the basement of the Breese school. T' e ladies of the PTA helped furn- ish the kitchen utensils and dishes by giving a kitchen shower. They also helped prepare the hot lunches. In September, 1947, Mr. W. J. Ksycki replaced L. P. Babcock as superintendent. Up to this time Breese schools were in District 24. In August of 1948 a special e'ection was held to organize Clinton County Community Unit District No. 2, which was carried by a majority in each school district. T! is included 80 square miles of territory, including Breese, Beckenieyer, Little Prairie, Jamestown, Jenne, Upper and Lower Ford, Hull, Miller and Frogtown schools. After reorganizing, Unit II in- cluded Breese High School, Breese Grade, Beckemeyer, Jamestown, Upper Ford and Jenne. Bus transportation was instituted and all high school pupils were brought to Breese, besides t" e grade school children from Little Prairie, Frogtown and Miller schools. In July and August of 1949, the high school basement was completely remodeled. Glazed tile and glass blocks were used to build walls to divide the basement into three rooms and a hallway. There was a cafeteria, home economics room and vocational agriculture room. Two complete kitchens were equipped in t' e new home econ- omics department. In September, 1940, new courses were offered for the first time — vocational home economics and vocational agriculture. Miss Velma Greer was the first home economics teacher and Mr. Frank Hinton was vocational agriculture teacher. Adult agriculture classes were conducted for veterans under the government pro- gram. The cafeteria was equipped with tables, counters and cupboards, and modern equipment was installed. Mrs. Stella Gerfen was put in charge of the cafeteria with volunteer students to help with the serving. They serve from 75 to 110 a day. State and federal aid has helped to bring hot lunches within the reach of all the pupils. In the summer of 1951 more territory was added to the district as Lake Branch school district was dis- solved and part of that ten-itory was added to Community Unit District No. 2. In August, 1951, Breese and Becke- meyer schoo's were redecorated and painted in the in- terior, and in the summer of 1952 the Breese High School building was completely painted in light pastel colors in the interior for the first time. More territory was added to the district in the summer of 1953 when the Linden Grove school district was dissolved and part of it was added to Community District No. II. In Sep- tember 1953, Jamestown Grade School was closed and the children were transported to Breese Grade School. In March and again in September of 1954, there was ex- tensive hail damage to all school buildings in Breese, especially roofs and windows. In September. 1954, Miss Gretchen Hofsommer retired from teaching in the high school after 18 years of superior service to the community as a teacher. In May, 1954, a bond issue for $40,000 for a new Ford School building and §35,000 for a band room and industrial arts shop in Breese was approved by the voters. In September, 1954, industrial arts was added to the curriculum in the Breese Community High School. Tem- porary headquarters were established in the basement o* the high school building. In July, 1954, the old Upper Ford building was torn down and construction of the new Ford School building started. In September, the 7th and 8th grades from Ford School were transferred to Beckemeyer, grades 1 to 3 in Jenne School and grades 4 to 6 in temporary ouarters in St. Felicitas Church school building. In April, '955, grades 1 to 6 moved to the New Ford School building even though not entirely completed. In May, 1955, construction was started on the new addition in Breese, and in December, 1955, this addition was completed and accepted by the board. The band and industrial arts department moved into the new quarters, which also included a drafting room, shower room, and rest rooms. In the summer of 1955 the Beckemeyer and Breese Grade Schools were completely redecorated. During the summer the Jamestown and Jenne school buildings were sold. In the spring of 1956, the Industrial Arts Shop was equipped with excellent power tools and the Home Economics department was given additional classroom. The cafeteria received a new look — a beautiful paint job. In September, 1955, an additional classroom was provided in Beckemeyer Grade School and another teacher added. There now are four teachers, each having two grades to a room. In September, 1954, vocational home economics and industrial arts were provided for seventh and eighth grades for the first time. The Music Department of B. C. H. S. was first organ- ized in September, 1949. The school board hired Mr. Harry G. Schmidt to set up a complete music program in the entire unit. With a bachelor of music education degree and a state teacher's certificate, Mr. Schmidt was well qualified to start the music program at Breese. The school board purchased the necessary equipment for a beginning band and a program was set up. The students themselves purchased band jackets and hats with funds that had been earned at the Hoo Doo. Mr. Sc' midt taught tonette in the 3rd and 4th grades, instrumental classes in the 5th and 6th grades, grade school band in the 7th and 8th grades, junior band for the first 2 years of high school, and senior band for the last two years of high school. Along with this, community song books were used for singing to fill out the program. Mr. Sc' midt divided his time between Jamestown, Beckemeyer, Ford, Breese, and Jenne. The music department had taken the first big step forward. After a year and a half of steady progress, Mr. Schmidt was forced to leave the music department to serve with the Armed Forces. He had been reactivated with a reserve band and served for a period in Texas. Mr. Schmidt was officer in charge of the band. On Feb- ruary 19, 1951, Mr. Clarence Massey was hired to finish the school year. The following school term, September, 1951, a new graduate of Ludwig College of Music was ' ired to continue the music program. The new instructor, Mr. Richard Krajcovic, had been a fellow student at Ludwig with Mr. Schmidt. Mr. Kraicovic had been working as a private teacher for Ludwig after his graduation and also held a position as music director for St. Lucias Evange'ical Lutheran Church in St. Louis. In this capacity he directed the choir and played organ and arranged music for the general church service. Along wit'' these two positions, Mr. Krajcovic also played professionally in St. Louis and surrounding area. Although only 23 years old, Mr. Krajcovic had completed his military duty, finished col- lege, picked up professional experience, earned a bache- lor's degree in music education and held an Illinois state teacher's certificate. Realizing the efficiency of the pro- gram set up by Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Krajcovic made few changes in the basic structure of the music program. After a few months t' e senior band began to make public appearances. First at basketball games, then teach- ers meetings and parades. As a result of the public ao- pearances at DuQuoin, Centralia, Springfield, Carlyle, Germantown and Breese, the band became known and was accepted as an available group for centennials, parades and concerts. Invitations came in from music festivals in Carbondale, c'inics in Champaign, state fairs in Du- Quoin and Springfield, and parades all over southern Tllinois. As a result, the community showed its confidence and backed the band in various ways. The students them- selves bought band trousers with magazine money that thev had earned. The PTA elected Mrs. Rautenstrauch as chairman of the newly-organ'zed PTA Band Committee and from time to time the PTA donated money and sponsored bake sales for the band fund. The school board 45 bought more instruments and more music orchestrations. Students became active in advertising the growing abil- ity of the individual music student by making personal appearances in trios, duets and solos at PTA's Women's Cubs, Lions Clubs, American Legion Auxiliary, and other meetings. Stories started to come in from weary-eyed parents who complained that they couldn't watch television with Junior tooting his horn all night. Students t emselves solved the problem by practicing in the garage, in the park, in the family car, even in the bathroom. Where there was a will there was a way. Parents shovved their appreciation by constantly voicing their gratitude to the new band director. Some proud fathers even helped the music department by making equipment for band use and helping with minor repairs. The music program was well under way. It became apparent that the gym stage was no longer big enough for the music department and in 1954, a bond issue was passed by the community to build an addition to the gym. Part of the new addition was for a new band room. In the winter of 1955 the music department moved into its new quarters. The new quarters contained a large main rehearsal room, band instrument room, and 2 private practice rooms. The PTA, with assistance of Band Chair- man Mrs. Orville Troutt, continued with donations and bake sales and a band school flag for parade use was ordered. Meanwhile the music program became more intense, especially for the senior band. In 1954 the music department entered the band in t' e District Music Con- test. In 1955 several soloists entered t' e District Solo Contests. In 1956 several ensembles entered the District Ensemble Contest. In 1954 a summer program was in- itiated so that the band now functions continually through- out the year. A typical year includes about 6 parades, 6 concerts, 6 basketball games, solo contests, ensemble contests, band contests, festivals, teacher meetings, PTA's and community functions. Projects now under way are the addition of instruments to the band to bring it up to full instrumentation, the addition of baton twirlers, the addition of a flag carrier, and imnrovements in the course of study materials, equipment, and the music room itself. Mr. Krajeovic will have completed his fifth year with the music department by t' e tivne this story is in print. Breese has been fortunate to have a number of home teachers to serve the community in educational work. Besides Henry E. Schmidt and Anna Deutsch mentioned ear'ier. Miss Rosa Russell will be remembered by many as she has taught in Breese 32 years. She started teach- ing at the Russell School in 1911 and taught there two years. Her next school was at Frogtown, where she taught from 1913 to 1916 and again from 1933 to 1941. For almost a half century, she taught in the schools of Breese and vicinity and still is active in school work in Community District No. 2. She has made a wonderful contribution to the youth of Breese by whom she is much loved. Miss Viola Pitt is a familiar teacher in Room I and has taught the beginners since February, 1930. Miss Pitt started teaching at Lake Branch in September, 1922, teaching there two years and then teaching at Frogtown until 1929. She started teaching in Breese when she took her sister Elsie's place as primary teacher. She is one of the best loved teachers in Breese and already has made a valuable contribution to the community and is still active in school work in Community District No. 2. Miss Sylvia Meyer has taught in Breese since 1948, although she has been teaching in the vicinity of Breese for 27 years. In fact she has been teaching in what is now Community Unit District No. 2 all this time. She graduated from Breese Grade School in 1924, attended Breese and Carlvle High Schools and graduated in 1928. She attended McKendree Colleere, Lebanon. 111., and South- ern Illinois University at Carbondale. She started teach- 46 ing at the Jenne School in 1929 and taught there three years; taught Lower Ford three years; Miller School three years; Little Prairie four years; Becl;emeyer Grade School six years, and Breese Grade School eight years. Miss Meyer has contributed greatly to the education of the youth of Breese and is loved by all. She is still active in school work in Community Unit District No. 2. Miss Gretchen Hofsommer started teaching in 19ia at the Joliff School near Centralia, where she taught 5ne year. She then taught grades 3 and 4 in Breese for one year, one year at the Volmer School near New Baden, and one year in New Baden City schools. During the summer months she attended summer school at Illinois Normal University, Normal, 111., and Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. From 1919 to 1922 she taught grade 5 at the Bunsen School in Belleville. Getting a year's leave of absence, she attended the University of Illinois for a year and then decided to get an A. B. de- gree, graduating from the University of Illinois in 1925. She then taught mathematics in Junior High at Naper- ville, 111., for five years. After her mother's death she was out of the teaching profession for seven years. Dur- ing this time she worked as a case aid worker for the Illinois Emergency Relief Commission in Clinton County for over two years. In September, 1937, she accepted a position as rnathematics and science teacher in the Breese High School and taught here seventeen years until her retirement in 1954. St. Augustine's School Classes of St. Augustine's School were first held in the frame building at South Third and Main Streets, what is now St. Augustine's Hall. This building was erected in 1912, to serve as a temporary church. A new brick build- ing was erected in 1913 at the northeast corner of South Main and Third Streets for a parochial school. The second floor of the new building was made into living quarters for the nuns teaching in the school. While the school building was being erected, three Sisters of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, lived in the William Fischer home a block east of the church. They taught under great difficulties in the rear section of the temporary church, with an enrollment of 155 students. In 1927 the School Sisters of Notre Dame took charge with Sister Rose de Lima as teacher of the 7th and 8th grades and principal of the school. Sister Dolorita was teacher of the fifth and sixth grades. Sister Antonia the first and second grades and Candidate Odilia Belker, the third and fourth grades. Sisters M. Marca took charge of the household. The enrollment then was 167. At the end of this first year, there were seven boys and six girls in the graduating class, but on account of the sudden death of the pastor, the graduation was post- poned and Msgr. Kaup distributed the certificates. The enrollment continued to increase and in 1930 there were 165 children. That same year Miss Josephine Huelsmann and Miss Josephine Meirink entered the Notre Dame Convent. In September, 1933, the enrollment reached 175 but since then it has been on a decline. Sister Antonia, who was a member of the first group who went to St. Augustine's, was suddenly thrown into th" rvfsence of re'lentleFS death July 17, 104S, vhen she was found in her shroud, as it were, for fully dressed, her soul had already gone to God. She had labored untiringly in her work for sixteen years. The children of St. Augustines' have always been mission minded. Among the Mission Activities which they sponsored annually are the dues for the Holy Childhood, the Christmas Seals and the Ransom of Heathen Babies and Bishop's Relief Fund. Another mission activity was a Valentine Party, the proceeds going for missions. Another major affair the children sponsor is the May Festival. The proceeds have been used for improvements to the school. The last amount was used to help black- top the school yard. In 1946 the Breese Council Knights of Columbus con- ducted their first annual Spelling Bee. That year St. Augustine School won the travelling trophy. So far they were fortunate enough to win three times. Present teachers are: 7th and 8th grades. Sister Su- perior Mary Bernadette; 5th and (5th grades. Sister Mary Annuneiata; ord and 4th grades. Sister Margaret Mary, and 1st and 2nd grades. Sister Robert Marie. The en- rollment in 1956 is 116. The household work is largely done by Sister Mary Rosamund. Sports In Breese Public High School Breese High School sports centered around basket- ball since the three year high school opened in the fall of 1924 in the Fischer building on North Second St., although they played baseball, softball, and tennis and actively engaged in track. The enrollment was small at first and the girls basketball team often practiced with the boys in oraer to give the boys a workout. They prac- ticed in Concordia Hall, South Side Hall, and in St. At' thony's Hall at Beckemeyer. Each player had to pay 10 cents a week in order to play, so they could pay the hall rent. They also bought their own suits; how different from the present time when everything is furnished. Home games were played in the Carlyle gym and St. Anthony's Hall at Beckemeyer. Concordia Hall was not on- ly small but many a player remembers f e "branding iron" — a large pot-bellied heating stove too near the foul line. Paul S. Reed was the first high school coach and the boys on the 1924 squad were: Wilson Dorries (captain), Emanuel Payne, Ray Schlueter, Leonard Burborn, Gene Wehrmann, Milton Von Gerichten, Harrison Hoffman, Jr., Orville Pitt, Walter Brockmann, and Elver Schroeder. They played teams from neighboring schools, some of which were: Carlyle, Beckemeyer, Trenton, Troy, Odin, Sandoval, Patoka, and DuQuoin. One game in particular will be remembered, when Breese shut out Beckemeyer in the Carlyle gym in 1929, winning by a score of 37 to 0. ■They took part in district tournaments at Centralia and had to go prepared to stay for the entire tournament because of poor train connections between Breese and Centralia. Some of the coaches besides Paul Reed were: A. L. Dinges, Harry J. Dearworth, Clifford Roberts, Mervin Noe, Orville Geiger, Edwin Garlich and H. A. Hoffmann. In September, 1939, when the high school became a four-year high, Walter J. Ksycki became the coach. Concordia Hall was rented and basketball prac- tice and games were played there. In the season of 1940- 41 and in the following seasons Breese High School sched- uled games with the "A" teams of other foui-year high schools such as Nashville, Sandoval, Carlyle and Odin. James Bonney captained and led the outstanding Breese High team of the 1940-41 season to a 19 won and 6 loss season and into the State Regional Tourna- ment at Madison. Other outstanding players of that team were Joe Peppenhorst and Alex Morrison of Beckemeyer and Maurice Grider, Raymond Lete and Bobby Schmidt of Breese. The 1940-41 athletic squad also excelled in track meets, played softball, baseball and tennis. A $25,000 bond issue was approved in the summer of 1940 and the new gymnasium was built that fall. The first game was played in the new gym in January of 1941 against St. Paul of Highland. In 1942 W. J. Ksycki joined the U. S. Air Force and Breese High School was without a regular coach for the next four seasons, as the superintendents, Dr. A. A. Vail and later L. P. Babcock filled the additional duty of coach when time permitted. In March of 1946, Mr. Ksycki resumed the coaching duties at Breese High School. The 1947-48 basketball team gained a tremendous amount of publicity for the school and for the city of Breese by going through the season with a perfect record of 28 victories, finally losing in the State Tournament semi-finals of the Regional to Centralia. The starting five played in every game of the season. The regular starting five was composed of Jack Castillo at center, Lloyd Pulver and Cyril "Mickev" Becker at the forwards, and Gerald Gerfen and Julio Perez at the guards. The team averaged 5 ft. 10 in. in height, but each and every member possessed tremendous competitive spirit; each was fast, dependable and an ac- curate shooter. Dale Wade and Virgil Grawe proved invalu- able as "firemen" substitutes. The following season, led by one of the greatest athletes in Breese High School history, Jack "Cos" Cas- tillo, the team again won the District Tournament and lost to the vaunted Centralia team by a score of 32-31, after having a lead of 31-30 with 30 seconds remaining in the game. Other players of the team were Mick Becker, Dale Wade, Charles Lane, Virgil Grawe, Bob Wetzel and Bob Foehner. The 1949-50 team again won the District Tournament — for the third successive year. The team was composed of Bernell Warnecke, Bob Foehner, Mickey Becker, Bob Wetzel, and Charles Lane. The 1951-52 team was led by another outstanding athlete — Sophomore Lloyd Castillo. A tremendous upset was scored as the team won the District Tournament by defeating a highly favored Patoka team in the District finals. The only other loss suffered by Patoka during the season was to powerful Pinckneyville. The team ad- vanced to the semi-finals of the Regional played in the new Salem gym and lost to Salem in a thriller. Other players on the team were mighty Gerald "Boo" Siefker, Joe PIcGee, Joe Perez, Harry Lane, and Martin Herbst. The teams of the following three years compiled winning records and won many Clinton Conference and Tri- County Conference trophies. Some of the outstanding players of the past four vears, in addition to those men- tioned earlier were: Alfred Hostmeyer, Bob Frazier, James Timmermann, Bob Schlufter, Marvin Holzhauer, and Leonard Gross. Mr. Ksycki has given a great deal of his time and ability toward sports in Breese High School and has built up a wonderful record as coach the past 14 years. He has won the respect of all the pupils and teachers who have worked with him as coach and superintendont of Breese High School. He has been highly praised for the splendid work he has performed in t' e community. 47 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS 1948 B. C. H. S. Front row (left to right) : Charles Lane, Marvin Von Gerichten, Milford Schulte, Robert Wetzel, Virgil Grawe and Dale Wade. Back row: W'. J. Ksycki, coach, Julio Perez, Lloyd Pulver, Jack Castillo, Mickey Becker and Gerald Gerfen. WINNERS OF DISTRICT TOURNAMENT 1951 - 1952 B. C. H. S. Front row (left to right): Robert Schlueter, David Jar- gon, Martin Herbst, Donald Hardekopf, Leonard Gross. Back row: W. J. Ksycki, coach, Gerald "Boo" Siefker, Jos. Perez, Lloyd Castillo, Charles Lane, Jos. McGee, Kenneth Knopp, assistant coach. 48 MATER DEI VARSITY TEAM fl RF.RSK will probably in this, its Centennial year, see the breaking of ground for the new Mater Dei High School, which will be the largest Catho- lic high school in Clinton County. At the present, and in the future, it does and will receive for educa- tion, students from Car- lyle, Beckenieyer, Trenton and Breese. As witnesses of this, the basketball squads of Mater Dei number ten boys from Breese, four from Beckemeyer and ten from Carlyle on the Junior Var- sity squad. On the Var- sity squad, four are from Breese, five are from Car- lyle and one from Becke- meyer — altogether making up the basketball team of Mater Dei Catholic High School. In 1956 Mater Dei won second place in Carlyle Christmas Tournament. Standing (left to right) are: Richard Almassy, the manager, then Pat Sautman (Wake up, Pat), Jim Lampen, Tom Timmerman. Jerry Jansen, Rich Lampe. Down front are Stan Niebur, Bill Vandeloo, Jim Peters Bill Kolmer and Leroy Seiffert. MATER DEI JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM Back row (left to right): Mike Farrell, Dan Lampe, John Gehrs, Jerry Hodapp, Marvin Neumann, Burnell Laux, Tom Kuhl, Jerry Abernathy, Jerry Peppenhorst, Dick Frerker, Richard Jansen. In kneeling position (left to right), are Jim Hollenkamp, Howard Boeckmann, Jerry Lampen, Jack Christ, Jim Etter, Rob Berndsen, Jack Luebbers, Tony Westerman. Tom Markus, Henry Garcia, Ronny Beiss, Jerry Holzinger. 49 First Basketball Team of Breese High School 1924 - 1925 F>ont row (left to right); Walter Brockman and Elver Schroeder. Second row : Emanuel Payne^ Milton Von Gerichten, Wil- son Dorries (captain, Ray Schlneter, Leonard Burhorn. Back row (left to right) : Orville Pitt (General Chair- man of Breese C'entennial)^ (lene Wehrmann, Harrison Hoffmann. Jr. and Paul Reid. ooach^ One of Fii-st Baseball Teams of Breese ONE OF THE BREESE BASEBALL TEAMS OF MANY YEARS AGO— Top row (left to right): Henry Bub, Charles Patton, James Patton, Wm. Glover, Wm. Wallis, Bert Wallis and Mr. Moog. Bottom row: Bob Wallis, .Mr. Henrichs, August W. Grunz, Henry Rentier and John AppeL 50 Business and Industry of Breese Citizen's Coal Company In the year 1886 a group of Breese Citizens organized the Bieese Future Coal & Mining Co., and sank the shaft of the East Mine at Breese, 111. Operations began dur- ing the year 1887 and continued as the Breese Future Coal & Mining Co., until 1892, when other outside inter- ests and capital joined the original group and formed the Breese Coal & Mining Co. This outside interest was composed chiefly of men who had an interest in the Bal- timore & Ohio R. R. Co., and after forming the new com- pany entered into a contract with the B. & 0. R. R.. Co to erect coal chutes at the Mine and to supply coal to all of their locomotives there. It was at this time that the late Henry B. Hummert, took over as General Man- ager and Superintendent and under his guidance this mine b'-came and continued for many years the principle in- dustry and mainstay of the City of Breese. At the turn of the century this group purchased the mine at Beckemeyer, 111., and also the mine at Trenton, 111., and re-organized and incorporated under the name of Breese-Trenton Mining Co., and continued to operate the East Mine until April, 1930, when due to economic, and market conditions, as well as the mechanization of the North Mine, the East Mine was closed for an indef- inite period. Early in June of 1932, during the heart of the de- pression, at the invitation and encouragement of the late Henry B. Hummert, a group of twenty-eight former employees of the Breese-Trenton Mining Co., banded to- gether and leased the East Mine from the Breese-Trenton Mining Co., and began operations under the name of Citizens Coal Co., on July 1, 1932. Through the close co-operation of these men and the men later becoming associated with them this operation has continued to the present time. The fortunes of this company rose and fell with the times throughout this period and is reflected in the number of men employed at various times which vary from the original twenty-eight to a high of 130; at the present time ninety men are employed. Of the orig- inal twenty-eight men only seven are still employed at the present time. During the past twenty-four years this company has produced more than two million tons of coal, and have a payroll of nearly six million dollars. This mine is at present the second oldest mine in the State of Illinois in operation, and has produced nearly 11 million tons of coal in its 70 years of operation. A major disaster in the mining history of Breese, oc- curred December 22, 1906, in the East Mine. On that date six men plunged to their death, when the cage fell a dis- tance of 300 feet, as they were entering the mine to begin the day's work. The nan-ies of the victims were: Walter Schaffner, Herman Holtmann, Herman Schleper, Frank Zehier, August Foppe and Henry Iiiiddeke. Consolidated Coal Company Prior to 1860, the first settlers of the township often thought of some treasure that might be hidden under- ground. They tried to find this treasure but with no results. It was not until 1860 when the actual venture was made. Bernard Sommers, owner of Sommer's Mill, hired two shaft diggers, Martin Martin and John Schulz from St. Clair County, to dig a shaft near his mill. On reaching 350 feet below surface, they found the vein of coal too thin so the project was abandoned. In 1881 a group of men organized The Breese Mining Company with a capital of $12,000.00 and an option on 200 acres of land, at $10.00 an acre. Shares at $100.00 each were sold to the people of the tow^nship. Members of the committee were: Henry Dorries, Gerhard Peek, Bernard Hagen, Theo. Klutho, John Koch, John B. Albers and Fritz Dorries. In 1886 the mine was sold to the Consolidated Coal Co., of St. Louis for $36,000.00. This mine was the first in Breese and was known as the "West Mine." It gave employment to a large number of men. but with a declin- ing market for coal, fewer men were employed, and eventually it discontinued operation. Breese Coal Company The Breese Coal Company operates, v.'hat is generally known as the North Mine, formerly known as "Koch's Mine", once the Co-operative Coal and Mining Co. It was organized December 31, 1904, and the charter was received March 9, 1905, with a capital investment of $100,000.00. An underground acreage of 1600 acres was purchased and the mine was begun in 1906. Included in the company were Otto J. Koch as superintendent, Scottie Smith as mine manager, August W. Grunz as assistant mine manager, A. C. Koch as clerk, and Otto Koch as as- sistant clerk. In 1909 Schroeder Brothers of St. Louis purchased the mine and it was then known as the North Breese Coal and Mining Co., with Jack Taylor as super- intendent, Harry Taylor as mine manager and A. C. Koch as clerk. In 1911 Frank Lewin was the superintendent, with Ed Eubanks as mine manager and Wm. Meyer, too boss. At this time the mine produced from 2700 to 3000 tons a day. ^"""^IP' Around 1915, Wm. Dawkins and John Burke were su- perintendents for short periods. In 1916 Frank Terry be- came superintendent with Jim Brown as mine manager. Wm. Zager v.as assistant mine manager and Walter Zager was the clerk. Charles Casey was the electrician from 1912 to 1949. In 1920 the Breese-Trenton Mining Co. purchased the North Mine and discharged all but Jim Brown. The mine was mechanized in 1928, but closed in 19."2. A short time later it was re-opened under a lease to a Mr. Horner, and later to Bob White. The mine was sold in 1949 to a group of men who formed The Breese Coal Company, whose president now is Kenneth Beckemeyer. George Gouy is the mine manager. ."51 Clinton County Electric Coop., Inc. Clinton County Electric Cooperative, Inc., was or- ganized on April 1, 1939 as a cooperative corporation under the laws of the State of Illinois. The purpose of the organization was to borrow funds from the Rural Electrification Administration with which to construct rural electric distribution lines together with all the necessarv equipment to furnish electric service to t' e rural residents of Clinton and neighboring counties. On June 20, 1939 a request was made to the Rural Elec- trification Administration for funds to construct Imes to serve approximatelv 630 signed consumers. July 11, 1J39 the request for funds was allocated and the construction of lines began in October, 1939. On March 16, 1940 electric service was made available to eight rural resi- dences. SLx hundred sixty three (663) members were re- ceiving service on June 1, 1940. The cooperative has been progressing steadily so that on January 1, 1956, 2137 consumers were receiving service on 745.26 miles of line. In August, 1951 the organization constructed a mod- ern office and warehouse building at 475 North Main, Breese, Illinois. The organization has total assets in excess of a million dollars and has helped to make farming and dairying more -efficient and farm living more attractive to rural residents of Clinton and parts of the surrounding coun- ties. The Cooperative has ten full time employees to main- tain the electric service to the members. Two way rad- io communications between the office and trucks help maintain continuity of good electric service. The farm homes today are as modern as the home in the city. Electricity made this possible and increased the standard of living on the farm to an all time high. Southern Illinois Breeding Assn. The Southern Illinois Breeding .\ssociation was in- corporated in June 1945 under the Illinois Agricultural Cooperative Act. In the beginning, Holstein service was the only breed available with service being rendered only in Clinton, Madison, Washington, Bond and St. Clair Counties. The first cow was inseminated on September 23, 1945. The incorporating board consisted of John B. Hei- man, Trenton; August F. Cieckmann, Lebanon; Clarence Smith, Mulberry Grove; Kermit Landolt, Highland; Oli- ver Spitze, Edwardsville; Alfred L. Stein, Shattuc; and Martin H. Schaeffer, Hoyleton. This group with County Farm Advisers, University of Illinois Dairy Extension and Manager, F. G. Stevenson did most of the early or- ganizational work. The Association is a farmer owned, operated and con- trolled cooperative. No stock was sold. In order to have operating funds in the beginning, 290 members furnished an advance payment of one half of their breeding fees. 52 Litchfield, the first branch unit was added January 4, 1946. Today the southern sixty counties in Illinois re- ceive services from the Central plant at Breese. Besides Holstein service, Guernsey, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn, Blown Swiss and Angus are available. The Association is presently managed by W. K. Boyd. Clinton County Service Co. This corporation established as an association was founded on August 21, 1946, by the Board of Directors of the Clinton County Farm Bureau. It was founded to serve the Farm Bureau Members and the general public. The association is a non-profit organization with capital stock, under the provisions of "The .Agricultural Cooperative Act," enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Illinois in 1923. The purpose of the association for which it was founded is to engage in any cooperative activity for the mutual benefit of it's members and patrons in connection wth the purchasing of distribution of farm supplies useful in farming operations. Pi-ior to the establishment of the Clinton County Service Company the Farm Bureau carried on coopera- tive distribution" of petroleum products under various means. The most commonly known was the local coun- tv's affiliation with the St. Clair County Service Com- pany. In these early days Mr. Louis Vander Pluym, and Tony Gebke were petroleum tank wagon salesmen. Lat- er on Arnold Richter, Gus Meyer and Clifford Wiedle. As stated before in 1946 the Clinton County farm people established their own company with it's office in the present day Farm Bureau Building and its petroleum fuel storage tanks and warehouse on North Broadway between Walnut and Main Street along the B. & O. Rail- road tracks. The first officers of the association were Albert E. Debatin, President; Ben Heiman, Vice-President; Frank Korte. Treasurer; Edw. A. Netemeyer. Secretary, Will- iam Hermsmever, Lewis Wiedle, and William Pigg mem- bers of the Board of Directors and John Niebruegge, company manager. The employees of the association at the time of es- tablishment were petroleum tank wagon salesmen, An- thony "Tonv" Gebke, August "Gus" Me-er, Clifford Wie- dle, "Virgil "Richter. In the office besides the company manager, John Niebruegge, were Ruth Wolf and Mrs. Bernadette Filing (nee Foppe). The present officers and directors are Albert E. Debatin, President; Lewis Keister. Vice President; Ger- hard Timniermann, Treasurer; Edw. A. Netemeyer, Sec- retary; and John Diekemper, Edward Korte and Erwin Kalmer members of the Board. The association throughout the t°n years of estab- lishment has made continuous progress and has expanded to the extent that in 1955 the total sales volume was $675,000 or more. The firm is distributor of petroleum products, feed, fertilizer, plant food elements, seed, fenc- ing, wire, metal roofing, baler twine, paint, tires, poulu-y equipment, feeder equipment, agricukur d chemicals, and many other items useful in farming operation. Perkes-Knies Printing In May of 1948 the firm of Perkes -pe of system. In August of 1942 Mr. Hellige moved to the present location on the corner of N. First and Clinton Streets. Here was opened a complete food locker service, grocery and meat market. In 1947 the building was purchased and he has continued to expand. Additions were made in 1945, 1947 and in 1950 a store room. Last year a complete over-all change was made and it is now known as "Hellige's Super Mar- ket". A brother, Mr. Ben Hellige assists in the market. Bokel Truck Service This service began in 1931 with the hauling of live- stock and poultrv to the stock yards. A year later, the owner, August A. Von Bokel, bought O'Dell's Trucking Service, and entered the general hauling business, to and from St. Louis. Mr. Von Bokel built a garage and termi- nal at 466 North Fifth Street, in 1946. J. M. Crause Paint Store Mr. J. M. Crause, a native of Carlyle came to Breese •when a very young man. His first place of business was the Dorries building. In 1907 he built his own store, where wallpaper and paints were sold along with the decorating and contracting business. Later the building was moved to its present location on North Fourth Street along Route 50. Mr. Crause passed away in 1949. Since then the store has been conducted by his wife, Mrs. Rieka Crause. American Arts & Crafts Harry Geissert, owner and operator of this firm, started working as a steeple jack in 1935 for the Com- mercial Arts and Crafts of Chicago, 111. After working for this company for three years, in 1938 he decided to go in business for himself. At the present time he em- ployes from five to twelve men. They have worked on some of the largest churches, banks and school buildings in the State of Illinois. Mr. Geissert and his men special- ize in steeple repairing and tuck-pointing. Breese News Agency This business is now under the ownership of Sebas- tian J. Grimmer. He purchased it from Shelby M. Woods in 1945. It had previously been owned and operated by Fred Schoeneberg. Hi-Way Cafe Back in the 1920's, what is now the Hi-Way CaTe, was once a shoe store, facing west, and operated by Henry and August Timmermann, brothers. Later it was moved to face Route 50 and converted into a restaurant and bar, under the name of the Hi-Way Cafe. In July of 1947, the Hi-Way Cafe was purchased from Sylvester Timmermann by Henry H. Fonke and sons. At the present time it is owned and operated by Clarence B. Fonke, since 1954. It has been the Greyhound ticket office since the days of the Midland Trail. E. J. Raeber Company The E. J. Raeber Company was started by Erwin J. Raeber in March, 1935. The first place of business was in a location known as the George Fechtel building at the corner of Clinton and South Broadway. Operations were continued at that location until November, 1938, when the E. A. East Sheet Metal Shop was purchased and con- solidated into the Company, and the present location was occupied. In February, 1946, the Company was taken over by L. H. Raeber, the present manager. 58 Vic's Shoe Repair Shop Locating on Route 50, Victor Von Gerichten opened his shoe store where he engages in the repair and sale of shoes. His place of business is across the street from the Hi-Way Cafe. Becker Jewelers Upon graduation from Polytechnic Institute of Brad- ley University in Peoria, Illinois, Forrest C. Becker be- came established in Breese, purchasing the jewelry busi- ness from Frank Eschmann in May of 1949. Mr. Eschmanii was the founder of the business operating it a number of years before he and his family moved to Topeka, Kansas. The store was located on the west side of The Journal building, until in July of 1955, Mr. Becker moved to a new location on North Main Street, where he erected a mod- ern, air-conditioned place of business. Bruegge & Company The Bruegge i- Company Furniture Store and Funeral Home was started in Breese in the year 1874, by Theodore Bruegge and Fritz Brandt. In 1875 Mr. Brandt sold his share of the business to Theodore Bruegge, who was a cabinet maker by trade, and at that time manufactured his own furniture and coffins. His son, Henry Bruegge, was employed in the East Mine and helped in the store after quitting time. In 1901 Henry Bruegge obtained his em- balmer's license and entered in partnership with his father. This partnership continued until the death of the elder member in 1918, after which Henry Bruegge became the sole owner. He operated the business unti' 1952, when, due to ill health, he sold the business to his son. Ferd Bruegge, and son-in-law, T.ouis B. Heyer. who present,;;,- operate the firm on a partnership basis. Wally's Malt Shop Walter Knue owns and operates Wally's Malt Shop, located on Route 50. Purchased in 1951 from Warren II- ges, it has served the community and many visitors pass- ing through. He is assisted by his sister. Miss Rosemary Knue. Western Auto Associate Store The Western Auto Associate Store on Main Street was originally opened by Norbert Wieter. He sold out to Alvin E. Thomas August 3, 1953, who is the present owner and operator of the store. Railway Express Agency Harry C. Wieter is agent for the Railway E.xpress Agency, Inc., appointed February 15, 1939. He started in the draying business in 1923. He operated a wholesale beer distributing agency from 1935 to 1951. The Fashion House The Fashion House on North Second Street is owned and operated by Mrs. Ruth Garlich, who opened the busi- ness in the former Gissy Drug Store, February 21, 1947. The present Icoation of her store is in a building joining the first location, which had been remodeled, moving into same July 27, 1952. Robben & Niemeyer The firm of Robben & Niemeyer is among the older stores of Breese, giving the community a service of sales in wearing apparel and dry goods for 39 years. In the year 1917, B. Henry Robben and Ferd C. Niemeyer pur- chased the Jack Dubinsky Store, known as "The Model Clothing Store", which had operated here ten or more years. Mr. Niemeyer had been an employee of The Model Store and Mr. Robben had been in the jewelry business next door. Together they formed a partnership, naming; it Robben & Niemeyer, staying in the same place of busi- ness for ten years. In the year 1927 they bought out the August Vogelsang stock. Consolidating the two stores, they moved into their present location on Main Street. Clinton County Farm Bureau In 1917, after several fann bureaus had been organ- ized in Illinois, Clinton County farmers became interested in starting- a bureau in Clinton County and securing the services of a farm adviser for the county. Part of the salary of the farm adviser would be paid by the state but before a county could qualify, a sponsoring organiza- tion of at least 400 persons had to be formed in the county. On October 6, 1917, the first meeting was held to discuss wavs and means of starting a bureau. Some of the first persons attending this first meeting were Hugh Murray, Carlyle; George and Fred Dillman, Avis- ton; Jos. H.' Niebur, Breese; Anton Jenne and Robert Burnside, Wheatfield, and Tony Harpstrite, New Baden. Mr. Harpstrite was appointed temporary chairman. Short- ly after some 1.50 persons attended the second meeting in which a definite decision was made to organize, and plans were discussed for a membership drive to secure the necessary number of members. In only 35 days, 410 Clinton County farmers signed farm bureau member- ship agreements, and the actual organizational meeting was held November 24, 1917. The first officers to be elected were Gerhard Holtgrave, president; Tony Harp- strite, vice president, and Paul Hubert, secretary. Shortly after each of the members was given an oppor- tunity" to vote on the office location, and as a result of this election it was determined on January 25, 1918, that the farm bureau office would be located in Breese. On March 1, 1918, Charles E. Rehling began work as Clinton County's first farm adviser, and in a few years many new farming practices were started in the county. The " use of sweet clover and liming became a more common practice, although some limestone had been ap- plied as early as 1912 when records show Herman Hei- mann of Albers purchased SO tons of limestone from the Southern Illinois Penitentiary on April 22, 1912. Mr. Rehling continued to work in Clinton County until 1927 when W. A. Cope was employed as adviser to succeed Mr. Rehling, who had resigned. Mr. Cope was in turn replaced by Charles E. Twigg in 1935. Mr. Twigg resigned after ten years and in 1945 Floyd M. Smith was employed until 1952 when Bert Sinclair, the present farm adviser, accepted the responsibility of this work in Clinton County. During this time, after a good begin- ning in 1918 when there were more than 900 members, membership declined to some 275 members in 1923, but then graduallv increased to the present all-time high of 1650 members. In 1935 the first person to have charge of membership was employed as county organization di- rector. This person was Herman H. Bruns, who continued in this work until his death in 194(3, when he was suc- ceeded by James Lager, the present county organization director." Also during the years subsidiary insurance organizations were set up and general agents thi-ough the years were: W. G. Ackmann, R. J. Foehner, E. G. Kirchhoefer, and Lloyd C. Smith, the present general agent. From the time of the first president, Gerhard Holtgrave, A. Wringe, C. C. Hofsommer, Henry Renschen, A. A. Krausz, George W. Koch, Jos. M. Mueller, and AV. G. Ackmann have served as president until the present time when Lewis Wiedle of Shattuc is president. Mr. Wiedle has served on the farm bureau board since May 3, 1934, and has been president since November 30, 1942. Other officers at present are John Rehhemper, vice president; Edgar Allison, secretary; and John Bernard Korte, treasurer. Other members of the board are A. B. Fangmeyer, Ralph Litteken, Henr'- Schmitt, Chas. Boeker, Wm. Varel, J. Ogle Hughes, Albert Debatin, Abe Ed- wards and Alphonse Langhauser. Breese Farmers Milk Cojnpany The Breese Farmers Milk Company was incorporated in Se;!tember A. D., 1920, by William J. Sehroeder, John C. Peek, Casper C. Hofsommer, A. J. Schmidt and Aug- ust J. Helwig. They were the incorporators and served as the first board of directors of the company. The stock of fSO.OO par value was subscribed to by 86 farmers and business men. The plant has been, and still is, a great help to the dairy farmers, and has been in continuous operation since its establishment, and in recent months handled over one million pounds of milk. Its equipment is modern and up to the standards of the St. Louis Milk ordinance. All the milk goes direct to the St. Louis Dairy- Co. after it is properly cooled. The present officers and directors are: John H. Markus, president; George J. Ratermann, vice-president; V. J. Hummert, secretary; Raymond B. Sehroeder, treas- urer and Henry G. Wessel, director. Agricultural Stabilizatioji And Conservation Program The Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Pro- gram is a farm program designed primarily to assist farmers with needed conservation work and other ac- tivities regarding- farm problems. It is responsible for administering programs relating to many aspects of the nation's agriculture. These programs inc'ude conservation, production adjustments, price support and stabilization and many other activities which affect the farmer. The farm program was started in the early 1930's and was known at that time as the Corn-Hog Program. As the years passed, additional activities and responsibil- ities were added to the farm program and c?!anged the name to the .Agricultural Adjustment .Agency and then to Agricultural Conservation Association and then to the Production and Marketing Administration and then to the present time as the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Program. To administer its variety of programs, the ASC uses several types of field offices. At the county level the office uses elected farmers to administer all ASC pro- gi-ams dealing directly with the farmer under a system of office management and trained office personnel. With- in the area of their responsibilities each county and community committee adapts ASC farm programs to local needs, administers the program, keeps the farmers and ot" ers informed of program objectives, provisions and progress. It also conducts meetings, holds committee elections and carries on other activities which make ASC programs work. Besides the Agricultural Conservation Program, the office administers loan and purchase agree- ment operations, acreage allotment and quota programs, and other activities so directed to them under the direc- tion and supervision of state committees. The present County Committee elected for the 1956 term consists of Thomas Quick of Boulder as chairman; Edward A. Netemeyer of Car'yle as vice chairman, and August Litteken of" Aviston as regular member. Joseph V. Hustedde is serving in the capacity of office manager in the Clinton County office, whic' has five local girls, trained in ASC operations, in its employment at the present time. The county program deals with approximately 2,000 fai-ms affecting between 2 and 3 thousand producers. The office at the present time is located in the old REA building in Breese, at North First and Cherry Streets. V. & H. Recreation The V. & H. Building, owned by V. J. Hummert, was commenced in June, 1940. and leased to Thomas A. Hum- mert and Orville Von Alst. They equipped the building with six new bowling alleys, and modern bar fixtures. It was in readiness for the bowling season that began in September, 1940. Ben Temborius became a later owner, who placed it under the management of a sister-in-law. Miss Julie Lorenz. He later sold the business to Robert Hummert, and September 1, 1952, the present owner, Fremont Wobbe purchased f e alleys and fixtures, and is now in his fourth season as manager and owner. 59 Joseph Zehrer, Florist The construction of the Greenhouse began in Septem- ber 1952 and was completed in February of the following year. Open House was held on ,\larch 13th and 14th. The general public was invited and was given the opportunity to view the plants, flowers, planters and the operation of the floral shop on an overall picture. On September 19. 19.54 they suffered a severe loss of about 90^. of all glass in the Greenhouse, also the flo%y- ers were destroyed by the teiTific hail storm. In six weeks they were" restored to normal business. The florist shop is op'erated by Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Zehrer. Mexican-American Hat Company The Mexican American Hat Company, with offices in the Silk Exchange Building, St. Louis, Mo., operates a hat factorv in Breese. Situated in a large, modern, spa- cious factorv building, joining the eastern city limits of Breese, along Route 50, the industry manufactures har- vest straw hats and caps, and semi-dress hats. Thf .Mtxiiaii American Hat Co. produced hats in St. Louis for a number of years before moving their factory to Breese. This came about as a result of activity by the Breese Chamber of Commerce, from which the Breese Building Corporation was born, the latter in turn, erecting the factory building. Among a few families that became established in Breese, accompanying the industry, was the Springmeyer family, also the Nic Lete and Jack Castillo families, and Mrs. Allejandro Dalgatto, moving to Breese in 1932, fol- lowing the arrival of the factory equipment here in January of that year. Mr. Springmeyer had been employed in a supervisory position, and in June, 1944, was named plant manager, under which position he now serves there. Prior to that time. Glen E. Holmes was manager, but upon his election to the vice-presidency of the firm, he gave his full time in the St. Louis office. Frank 0. Ostolaza is president of the company and L. F. Hoffman, secretary. Meissner Brothers Meissner Brothers, a partnership, was organized in 1932, being first located in the Simon Kocher building on North Main Street. It was first operated as a feed store, but in 1937 hardware was added. The partnership con- sists of Richard A. Meissner as general manager, and Rob- ert A. Meissner, as manager in charge of sales and ser- vice. As this business progressed, a need arose for much larger facilities, and a new building, 288 feet long and two stories high, was erected; it is located on South Broadway, between Clinton and Cherry Streets. It has a railroad siding to conveniently handle carload merchandise. In 1950 the firm started the first Federal-State Egg Grading Plant in Southern Illinois. Present employees include, Earl Guttersohn, Surge dairy equipment specialist; Stan- ley Feldman, Surge service and field man; Wayne Boeker, Surge service and sales; Wilbert Haar. building foreman and distribution; Leo Schmidt, St. Louis egg distributor; Walter Zobrist, federal egg inspector and Gertrude Wurms, 60 Marjorie Coers, Marie Loddeke and Adele Pitt, federal- state egg candlers and packers. Wieter Truck Service The Wieter Truck Service has been owned and oper- ated by Conrad Wieter since 1923. At that time he be- gan doing general hauling with a wagon and team of horses. In 1925 he purchased a truck and has added more from time to time. In 1931 he also contracted to do ail the hauling for Mexican-American Hat Co., for which firm he continues to be of service. Maue Market George Maue acquired the Maue Meat Market and Grocery business on February 24, 1953 from Orley and Gene Fritz. Located at 110 Norf Main Street, he is assisted by his wife, Mrs. Carolyn Maue in the operation of their efficient store. King's Beauty Shop Miss Leone King came to Breese June 9, 1933, and was employed eight years in the Breese Beauty Shoppe. In October, 1941, she entered business for herself in the Kyle Building, under the name of King's Beauty Shop. She moved to the Gissy building in September, 1952. A. A. Holtgrave Implement Co. The A. A. Holtgrave Implement Co. is owned and operated by .Alvin A. Holtgrave. It was begun in 1925 in a building where the present Mo'itor Motor & Equip- ment Co. is now located. In 1938 Mr. Holtgrave moved his business to North Fourth Street, along Route 50, where he is still located. Previous to Mr. Holtgrave locating there, George B. Schwarz operated a bowling alley on the west side of the building and Joseph Winter had a garage on the east side. In 1946 Mr. Holtgrave took over the Plymouth and DeSoto agency, which he added to his sales of International Harvester Implements. The Breese Journal Seeing the need for a newspaper to contribute to the deve'opment of a community, and realizing its importance and necessity to chronicle the events that take place, the Chamber of Commerce of Breese became active towards this end in 1920 .... The Breese Journal was the result. The Chamber of Commerce, local business men, and other progressive citizens, pledging their support to a newspaper. The Breese Journal had its birth in 1921, the first issue appearing in February of that year. Guy C. Stearns, well educated and trained in the newspaper field, agreed to set up a publication in Breese. He had neces- sary equipment installed in the bui'.ding where The Journal is presently located, and publi?' ed a six-column newspaper that was well accepted in the community. His stay was of short duration. In 1923 the paper was taken over by Frank Dexter and Ross Harle, who came from Missouri. The partnership lasted only a few months, Mr. Harle taking over Dexter's interests. During this time, Erwin J. Mahlandt, a young man of Breese, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. H. Mahlandt, was employed by Harle. Mahlandt purchased the business in May, 1925, and continues as publisher. His son, Jerry, entered the newspaper field with his father, following his completion of a course in journalism at Missouri Univer- sity, Columbia, Mo., in 1950. Jerry is a partner in the establishment w;th his father, and together they are active in publishing The Journal where it was begun 35 years ago. Taverns of Breese Service Stations of Breese At the time this book was prepared, records of the City of Breese show liquor licenses issued to the following p'aees in the city: V. & H. Recreation 732 N. Fourth Street Fremont M. Wobbe, Proprietor William A. Zinschlag 50 N. Main Street Wm. A. Zinschlag, Proprietor Filer's Tavern - 150 N. Clinton Street Norbert Filers and Leona Filers, Proprietors Esther's Place 501 S. Broadway Esther Von Gerichten, Proprietor Club De Marco - 348 N. Main Street Henry G. Marcus, Proprietor South Side Tavern 501 S. Fourth Street August Benhoff, Proprietor Friendly Tavern 345 N. Walnut Street Myrtle Lochridge, Proprietor Zirkel's Sales Co — - 259 N. Main Street R. A. Zirkel, Proprietor Don's Place 390 N. Main Street Donald Hemann, Proprietor Red's Tavern 610 S. Broadway William and Dorothy Lynn, Proprietors Dick's Tavern ,- 120 N. First Street Theo. Goestenkors, Proprietor Kozy Korner .- 189 N. Main Street F. Virgil Buller, Proprietor Hi-Way Cafe 619 N. Fourth Street Clarence Fonke, Proprietor Vee-Bee Lounge 466 N. Fifth Street A. A. Von Bokel, Proprietor Breese Cafe The Breese Cafe, located along Route 50, is operated by Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Schierschwitz, who purchased the business from Orville Von Alst and Glenrow Zinsch- lag April 1, 1947. It had previously been operated for many years by Mrs. Jack Furtwengler. The building is owned by Mrs. Charles Dorries. Route 50, running east and west through Breese, is a busy thoroughfare, and t! ere are a number of gasoline ser- vice stations along the route in Breese. In the year 1956 the names of the stations and their operators are as follows : Foppe's Standard Service Station Edward Foppe Pollmann Shell Service Station Alvin PoUmann Ray's Mobil Service Station Raymond Haselhorst Ray's & Chuck's Texaco Service Raymond Schlueter and Charles Bedard Seller's "66" Service Station _ Ralph Sellers Tony's Cities Service Station Anthony Schulte Deep Rock Service Station Kreider Bros. Dairy Products Service Dairy products are supi lied by the following Breese men, who make daily routes throughout the city: Richard Vander Pluym Qua'.ity Dairy Wilbert Voss Prairie Farms Theodore Warnecke Quality Dairy Dairy King The Dairy King is a frozen custard center, built in the early pan of i9o5, at the corner of North Walnut and Route 50, which was the location of the old soda factory that had been operated years ago by Charles Dorries. A modern drive-in Daii->' King building was built there by Mr. and Mrs. Orville Von Alst, who opened the place for business April 15, 1955. Handicraft for the Handicapped A place where hand-made jewelry may be purchased is the new enterprise begun here March 24, 1956. It is known as "Handicraft for the Handicapped", owned by Gene Jantzen of Bartelso, who helps handicapped persons at his resort in Bartelso. Miss Valeria Markus of Breese operates the store that carries a small stock of jewelry made by handicapped persons of this area. Other items, such as dolls and crocheted material may be obtained at the store which is located on Route 50, next to the A. A. Holtgrave Implement Store. Reviewing Business and Industry A directory of the business places of Breese was first considered to be printed in the Centennial book, Riving the names of the establishments only. It was felt, however, that a brief statement of each would add more value to the book, and therefore a few details were included with the naming of the many business places and industries located here. We hope we have not omitted anyone— if we have failed to include any Breese firm, it was not intentional. We would like to have gone into more detail on each of the more than one hundred places listed, but time and space did not permit. 61 State Bank of Breese The State Bank of Breese was organized by Henry B. Hummert, J. O. Koch, B. H. Donne, August J. Helwig Christ Niebur, L. Vander Pluym on October 16, 1910 A state charter was issued under date of January 10, 1»11, with capital stock of $25,000.00. The institution officially opened for business Febru- ary 1, 1911, in the G. Donne building. Officers were: H. B. Hummert, President; J. O. Koch, Vice-President; Henry Werth, Sr., Cashier and B. H. Donne, Secretary. The bank was moved to the new and present location in 1912. Henry B. Hummert served as president from its or- ganization until his death March 28, 1937. Henry Werth was cashier from February 1, 1911 to February 5. 1912. J O Koch served as vice-president from 1911 until his death November 9, 1917. V. J. Hummert serve4 as cashier from July 5, 1911 to April 22, 1937, on which date he was made president to succeed his father, the late Henry B. Hummert. E. T. Rickher was made Assistant Cashier June 17, 1912, and served in this capacity until April 1, 1937, when he was elected Cashier, which he held until his retirement January 18, 1950. E. G. Hustedde was named Assistant Cashier April 1, 1921, and was elected Cashier Januasj' 18, 1960, and is serving in this capacity at present. H. C. Hummert was named Assistant Cashier August 15, 1933, and is serving in this capacity at present. August J. Helwig was elected Vice-President January 18, 1918, and served as Vice-President until his death in October of 1930. Christ Niebur was elected Vipe- President January 18, 1931, to fill the vacancy following the death of Mr. Helwig, and is serving as such at the present time. B. H. Donne served as secretary from its organiza- tion until January 18, 1919, and was succeeded by E. J. Gissy until January 18, 1955, at which time E. J. Mahlandt was elected secretary, and he is serving as such at the present time. The bank's present capital is $50,000.00, with surplus and undivided profits reaching a sum of $134,000.00. First National Bank The First National Bank of Breese was a prominent banking institution in the history of Breese, ajid operated until the bank moratorium in 1933. It was organized by Schlafly Brothers of St. Louis in 1910. Before its organi- zation as a National bank, it was a private institution .since 1892. It was one of the first modem buildings in the city, and is now ovraed and occupied by the Clinton County Farm Bureau. Among the early officers were Fred Schlafly, president August ScMafly, vice-president; Ferd Krebs, cashier and Leo A. Krebs, assistant cashier; in- cluded with the above, August Klutho was a director. The building, located at the corner of North Clinton and Main Streets, was built in 1898 at a cost of $10,000. 62 A Few Street Scenes of the Business Section of Breese It LOOKING SOUTHWARD, one has a fine view of the wide paved Main Street of Breese, showing- the modern office of Dr. Walter Ketterer and Dr. F. H. Ketterer, to the right. The church you see is St. John's, the congre- gation of which will observe its Centennial in 1958. LOOKING WESTWARD from the corner of North Second and Main Streets, a busy business block is seen, being North Second Street, between Main and Clinton. The church in center is St. Dominic's, a congregation almost 100 years old, whose members will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its organization in 1958. NOUTH SECOND STREET AGAIN looking eastward. The frame building to the left is the former Gissy Drug Store and residence, the lower part now occupied by Leone King as a beauty parlor, fears new barns were added for the live stock, with additional space in large tents put up for the overflow. C. C. Hofsommer was Superintendent of registered beef and dairy cattle, grade dairy cattle, horses, jacks, jennets, mules, sheep and swine. Ben J. Schv.-arz was Superinten- dent of poultry, ducks, geese and turkeys; John Maue was Superintendent of agriculture products; A. J. Hof- sommer was Superintendent of horticultui'e; Irene Dor- ries was Superintendent of fine arts, educational and mis- cellaneous; Mrs. A. W. Grunz and Mrs. Mary Busley were Superintendents of domestic arts; Mrs.Lydia Rumpf, was Superintendent of dairy, apiary, culinary and cakes; and Chas. E. Twigg, then Farm Adviser of Clinton County, in charge of 4-H Department. In 1938 the last fair was held in Breese. Breese Building Corporation The Breese Building Corporation is an organization that was formed in 1931 as a result of activity of the Breese Chamber of Commerce. The latter organization was interested in providing employment for the citizens of Breese. The principal business in the City of Breese, up to 1931, was coal mining, but due to a general depres- sion in the business world, and particularly in the coal industry, two of the Breese mines were shut down and an- other was operated only part time. As a result many of the miners were unemployed. The Breese Chamber of Commerce, with a view of re- lieving the situation, determined to induce other indus- tries to locate in Breese and to that end, in the summer of 1931, they began to circulate subscription lists with which to purchase sites, which could be furnished free to manu- facturers or any other businesses that would give employ- ment to Breese residents. It was understood that title of land would be held by the Breese Chamber of Commerce until such time that it could be used to advantage for any purpose in the interest of the City of Breese and its in- habitants. The citizens of Breese responded promptly and in a short time a sufficient amount was donated by 178 progressive citizens, to make possible the purchase of si.x acres of ground from the Gerdes Estate, upon which a factory building was later erected. In the latter part of July, 1931, the Chamber of Com- merce entered into an agreement with the Mexican Amer- ican Hat Co. of St. Louis, Mo., to erect a factory building at an approximate cost of $25,000.00, same to be leased by the company. To carry out such a plan, the Breese Building Corporation was formed. Stock subscrintion lists were prepared and in a short time there were 254 subscribers for over $25,000.00 worth of capital stock in the proposed company, each share being valued at $50.00. The first meeting of the stockholders was held Jul- 24, 1931, at which time the following directors were elected: August J. Hummert, A. C. Koch, A. J. Schmidt, E. T. Rickher, John Strubhart, A. W. Glunz and August Glancy. Daughters of Isabella The history of Breese Precious Blood Circle No. 718, Daughters of Isabella, began June 10, 1945, when Mrs. Betty Feltrop, now past Regent of the Circle, with her husband, attended a Knights of Columbus banquet at Trenton, 111. While in conversation with several K. of C. and D. of I. members from Highland, 111., she received information about the society and became very interested. On June 18, 1945, several of the officers of Sacred Heart Circle, C of I. of Highland, came to Breese to meet with Mrs. Feltrop and several other interested Breese women, for the purpose of explaining the origin and purpose of the National Circle, Daughters of Isabella. A short time later they met with Father Aydt, pastor of St. Dominic parish, who graciously agreed to hav." a circle instituted in Breese. On July 16,1945, an organization meeting was held in St. Dominic Hall. Thirty-two ladies signed applications for membership at this meeting, but by August 10, 1945, applications were signed by 107 applicants from Breese and the surrounding cities. Institution and initiation was held in the Breese High School gymnasium on August 12, 1945. Mrs. Mayme McGloon, at that time State Regent of Illinois and the degree team of the Sacred Heart Circle of Highland exemplified the ritualistic degrees to the 107 charter members. Mrs. Betty Feltrop was in- stalled as first Regent of Precious Blood Circle and Father Aydt was appointed by His Excellency Bishop Albert R. Zuroweste of Belleville to serve as the Circle's first chaplain. Father Aydt has guided the Circle spirit- ually through the years and is still serving as chaplain at the present time. The National Circle, Daughters of Isabella was in- stituted as an auxiliary to the Knights of Columbus. T' e main object of its inception is to unite within the bonds of a great fraternal beneficient society all Catholic women of proper age and standing so that they may become better acquainted, widen their circle of friends, combine their resources and energies for mutual assist- ance, promote the social and religious upbuilding of their sex, aid their intellectual growth, and thus become a united force for the advancement of good in the world. Their motto is "Unity, Friendship, and Charity." Through the years Precious Blood Circle has en- deavored to carry out these principles, especially that of charity. Among the various charitable activities are included: Sending large quantities of clothing to the needy, in our own country and also to foreign countries. To Catholic Charities in the Belleville Diocese, to St. John's Orphanage, etc. Money and toys are sent to the Indian missions each year at Christmas. A party or wiener roast is given for the children at St. John's Or- phanage eac'i year, usually at Easter time. Cash dona- tions have been sent to the Sacred Heart program. Little Flower Crusade, to Rev. William Jenks project for aid in teaching the blind and partially blind children, to the Classical Students Aid Fund for the Priesthood, to the Most Rev. Bishop Fulton Sheen for World Missions. They have helped to complete the furnishing of the new baby house at St. John's Orphanage, which was the Diocesan project assigned by the Bishop, and are now contributing toward the new project also assigned by the Bishop, which is furnishing of the interior of the new chapel that will be built soon at St. John's Orphanage. A particularly worthy project has been undertaken re- cently, which is the education of a missionary priest to be paid solely by Precious Blood Circle. Spiritually they sponsor retreats at Kings House, Pilgrimages, Days of Recollection, Annual Corporate Communions and perpetual prayer on the first Saturday of every month, in St. Dominic's C urch, in honor of Our Lady of Fatima. The Circle has a rhythm band made up of se\ eral members of the Circle and directed by Mrs. Katherine Niemeyer, chairman of the entertainment com- mittee. The Circle also has shown interest in civic affairs by having floats in parades, sponsoring Easter Seal col- lection for the Crippled Childrens Fund, assisting with the March of Dimes, Red Cross, and polio drives, etc. The Circle is also affiliated with the National Council of Catholic Women, the Catholic Women's Union of Illinois, the National Catholic Welfare Council, The Lea- gue of Our Lady of Snows, the Miraculous Medal Associa- tion, and promotes the Purity Crusade of Mary Immacu- late of Bartelso, III. In October, 1952, the Circle was host to a joint in- stallation of officers of the various Circles from the Belleville and Springfield Dioceses. The present member- ship totals 350 members. Mrs. Nora Meissner is the Regent at the present time. Past Regents of the Circle are: Mrs. Betty Feltrop, 1945-48; Mrs. Marie Heyer, 1948-52; Mrs. Frances Im- ming, Aviston, 1952-53; Mrs. Lucille Krebs, 1953-55. Two of the members of the Circle have held offices in the Illinois State Circle. Mrs. Betty Feltrop was State First Guide from 1947 to 1949. Mrs. Marie Heyer was State Second Guide in 1949, State Vice Regent from 1951 to 1955, and is at present the Regent of the Illinois State Circle. There are many more members who have done outstanding work and much more could be written, but space does not permit. The meetings of the Circle are held every first and third Wednesday of each month in the Knights of Colum- bus Home in Breese. The Home Bureau The Home Bureau in the Breese community had its beginning as early as 1936, when Mr. Charles E. Twigg, who was Farm Adviser at that time in the Breese district, attended the St. Clair County Home Bureau meetings. Mrs. Ed. Netemeyer, Mrs. Frank Warnecke, Mrs. John Voss, Mrs. John Huelsmann, and other interested home makers in the Breese area also attended the meetmgs. The Breese unit was affiliated with the St. Clair County Home Bureau until 1945, when the Clinton County Home Bureau was organized. The organization meeting of the Clinton County Home Bureau was held on May 17, 1945, at 8:30 p. m. in St. Mary's Hall, Carlyle, 111. Mrs. Frank Warnecke was the organizational chairman and Mrs. Frances Von t9 Bokel was acting secretary. Some of the first Honi" Bureau members from Breese were: Mrs. Raymond B. Schroeder, Mrs. Ed Netemeyer, Mrs. Charles Twigg, and Mrs. F. J. Warnecke. The first Home Adviser em- ployed by the Clinton County Home Bureau was Miss Harriett Meyer of Urbana, 111. The Clinton County Home Bureau is associated with the Illinois Home Bureau Federation, American Farm Women of America and the Associated Country Women of the World. The object of the Home Bureau is to promote the development of home making, to the end that every home may be economically sound, mechanically convenient, morally wholesome, mentally stimulating, artistically sat- isfying, physically healthful, socially responsible, spirit- ually inspiring, founded upon mutual affection and re- spect. On July 12, 1945, a meeting of the Breese Home Bureau was held in St. Augustine's Hall. At this meet- ing the organization was divided into three separate units, namely; East Breese, Breese Neighborhood, and South Breese. The Home Bureau has a program of adult education, such as the study of legal matters. It keeps informed on current events. It covers the cultural side, literature, art and music. Also the practical side, which deals with foods, clothing, handicraft, etc. The Home Bureau works to the advantage of both town and rural women. In February, 1948, Mrs. Frank Warnecke a member of the Neighborhood Unit, was honored by being named director of Home Bureau in the southwest district of Illi- nois.This position on the state board gave Mrs. War- necke jurisdiction of 14 southern Illinois counties. Miss Margaret Jones is the present Clinton County Home Adviser. The president of the East Breese unit is Mrs Hazel Zinschlag. The president of Neighborhood Breese is Mrs. Cora Warnecke and the president of South Breese is Miss Rosina Markus. Meetings of the Breese Home Bureau units are held in the homes of the members. Breese Women's Club On Wednesday evening, November 7, 1934, a group of women met in the Pocahontas Lodge Hall, which at that time was located in the Koch building on North Main St., in the city of Breese, for the purpose of or- ganizing a Womans' Club. Mrs. Cora B. Kohl of Cen- tralia, at that time district vice president, was present at this meeting to explain the purpose and ideals of Feder- ated Womans Clubs. She spoke of the club as a civic organization and of the good it could accomplish in that capacity. American Home Department Chairman Mrs. J. Paul Carter of Nashville, Mrs. McFarland, Centralia, garden chairman, and Mrs. Roy Jordan, at that time president of Marion County Womans Club, were present at that first meeting. Mrs. Irene Poos of Trenton, chairman of Clinton County Federation of Women's Clubs, presided as the official organization officer at this meeting. Mrs. Amanda McAllister, was elected the first president of the club; Mrs. Evelyn Mahlandt, vice president; Miss Viola Pitt, recording secretary. Miss Rose Russell, corresponding secretary and Mrs. Henrietta Musenbrock, treasui'er. A committee consisting of Mrs. Harry Emerson, Mrs. Leona Frank, and Mrs. Betty Koppers w'ere named to draw up the constitution and by-laws. There were 32 charter members. They were as follows: Mrs. Betty Koppers, Miss Gretchen Hofsommer, Miss Annette Hofsommer, Mrs. Eugenia Appel, Mrs. William Jasper, Mrs. Ada Koch, Mrs. Amanda McAllister, Mrs. Florence Springmeyer, Mrs. Mildred Schlueter, Mrs. Harrison Hoffman, Sr., Mrs. Henrietta Musenbrock, Mrs. Dorothy Mullican, Miss Mary Werth, Mrs. Felix Messig, Miss "Wilma Schmidt, Miss Evelyn Buehler, Miss Mary Magdalen Appel, Mrs. Wilhelmina Haag, Miss Lou Warren, Mrs. Ann Kohrs, Miss Sylvia Meyer, Miss Alma Meyer, Mrs. Laura Beier, Mrs. Olivia Casey, Mrs. Elizabeth Knies, Mrs. Grace 70 Hoffman, Mrs. Harry Emerson, Miss Rose Russell, Miss Virginia Munie, Miss Clementine Foppe, Mrs. Georgina Koch, Miss Viola Pitt and Mrs. Evelyn Mahlandt. The ob- ject of the club is intellectual and civic improvement, social enjoyment, and united effort for the welfare of the community. The Breese Womans Club is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, the Illinois State Federa- tion, the 23rd District and the Clinton County Federation of Women's Clubs. Since September 4, 1935, the club has sponsored the Breese Girl Scouts. On that date a Girl Scout committee was appointed by the club president. The members ap- pointed were: Mrs. George Mueller, Mrs. Olinda Bonney, and Mrs. Bertha Hoffman. Miss Gretchen Hofsommer was the first leader of the scouts. In 1935 they purchased a flag and standard for the scouts and have also made contributions toward the Girl Scout Camp Fund. Some of the activities of the club include the decor- ating of a rest booth at the county fair when it was held here in Breese, bake sales, presenting gifts to the Soldiers Hospital at Scott Field during the war, quilting bees at which members donated hours of their time quilting for the hospital picnics that were held for the benefit of St. Joseph's Hospital, assisting the Red Cross with inoculation programs, assisting with the Chest X-ray Mobile Unit, help solicit in Red Cross, polio, and cancer drives, sponsoring health, dental and art poster contests for students, and many more too numerous to mention. On April 25, 1935, many will recall the garden party and flower festival, sponsored by the club and the musical talent amateur night sponsored by the music department, the book reviews by the literature department and the food and cooking demonstrations and fashion shows by the Ameiican home department. On December 5, 1934, the American home department was organized with Mrs. Lucy Cain as first president. At that same meeting the literature department was organized with Mrs. Evelyn Emerson as chairman. This department still meets every second Friday of the month in the homes of the members. The music department was organized January 2, 1935. Mrs. Olivia Casey was the first chairman of that de- partment. Among the civic projects are: planting of shrubbery on the lawn of the City Hall and in front of the public school, erection of a flag pole at the City Park, donation to the Breese Lions Club for street markers, entering floats in parades, donations to the Breese Lions Club to aid with the Christmas lighting contest, etc. In addition to the many services rendered in its own community, the club has contributed to nearly all projects suggested by the general and State Federations. Meetings of the club are held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p. m. in St. John's Hall. The pres- ent officers are: President, Mrs. Ida Zinschlag; vice president, Mrs. Henrietta Venhaus; recording secretary. Miss Gretchen Hofsommer; corresponding secretary. Fay Raymond, and treasurer, Marie Heyer. Department chair- men are as follows: American citizenship, Mrs. Olivia Worley; American home, Mrs. Frances Wade; Education, Miss Rose Russell; Finance, Mrs. Opal Woods; Gardens and Conservation, Mrs. Emma Garlich; Girl Scouts, Miss Wilamine Dorries; Health, Mrs. Ina Schmidt; Literature and Art, Mrs. Lydia Knaus; Music, Olivia Casey; Press and Publicity, Mrs. Ruth Ratermann, and Program, Mrs. Clara Schmeder. Breese Council, Knights of CoJumbus Breese Council No. 2869 of the Knights of Columbus was instituted on April 4, 1943. The institution of the council was first spoken about by Rev. H. H. Aydt, pastor of St. Dommic's parish, and a group of men consisting of A. J. Appel, Edward H. Feltrop, and Robert Meissner. These men, after conferring with Father Aydt, called a meeting in February, 1943, inviting men of St. Dominic's and St. Augustine's parishes. At this meeting, enough ■men signed applications for membership to assure those in charge to proceed with necessary arrangements for the institution of the council. On Sunday, April 4, 1943, the first and second de- gree was exemplified by the staff of Carlyle Council, and the third degree by the staff of Dr. John T. Murphy of East St. Louis, then serving in the office of district deputy. The charter class consisted of 50 insurance can- didates and 50 associate candidates. Robert Meissner, now serving as Master of the Fourth Degree of Southern Illinois District, was elected the first Grand Knight. Since its institution, the council has carried out pro- grams for Catholic Action, always bearing in mind work- ing for the honor and glory of God and for the good of our country. It has cooperated in various civic activities. One of its first activities was during World War II; it was the first group of any organization that made a mass •donation of blood to the Red Cross blood bank in St. Louis on July 3, 1943, at which time 80 men of the council motored to St. Louis to give blood. It sponsored the first blood mobile bank in Breese. The council participated in War Bond drives, co- operated in fund drives for the Boy Scouts of America, sponsored a Catholic Boy Scout Troop, cooperated with Father Gregory Kunkel in his Indian Mission of Nebraska, aided in the purchase of new equipment for St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese and many other activities too numerous to mention. The council formed its own First and Second Degree staff and conferred the degrees not only on its own new members but visited other councils and conferred the degrees on their new members. The council was honored to have its chaplain. Father Aydt, chosen to he a delegate to the Supreme Convention held in Canada in the early years of the council's existence. The council holds its own commemorative services annually for its departed brothers and each Memorial Day, their graves are marked with a white cross. They sponsor a spelling bee for grade school pupils of the schools in the district, and give Christmas rememhrances to the good Sisters in the schools and hospitals each year. In 1945 plans were begun for raising funds for a building. It was the hope of the council to own their own building and this ambition began to be realized when in 1950 the Columbian Association of Breese was chartered by the State of Illinois. Harry Schumacher, who was heading the Knights of Columbus of Breese, as Deputy Grand Knight, due to the illness of Grand Knight Henry Fonke, made arrange- ments for the purchasing of lots from William Jasper, for location of the building. Ground was broken in August, 1952 and the construction of the building was begun. Today the council is proud of its home, which is located on the southeast corner of North Walnut and North Fifth Streets. The building, besides being a meeting place for the Knights, is used by the Daughters of Isabella and by various civic groups from time to time. The building was opened April 12, 1953, and dedicated by Bishop Zuro- weste November 29, 1953. The first Grand Knight of the council, Robert Meis- sner, served the council as Grand Knight from 1943 to 1947; Albert J. Niemann served from 1947 to 1948; Joseph Huelskamp from 1948 to 1949; Henry Fonke from 1949 to 1950; A. J. Appel served from July 1950 until his resignation in September, 1950; Victor L. Henrichs served from September, 1950 to 1951; Edward Feltrop from 1951 to 1953; August Huelsman from 1953 to 1955; and the present Grand Knight is Ferd Foppe. Other officers of the council at the present time are Chaplain, Rev. H. H. Aydt; Deputy Grand Knight. Leander Moss; Chan- cellor, Robert Vander Pluym; Warden, Leo Venhaus; Fin- ancial Secretary, Cornelius Kniepmann; Recorder, Joseph B. Kuper; Treasurer, Donald Krebs; Lecturer, A. J. Appel; Advocate, Edwin J. Venhaus; Trustees, Maurice Schurmann, Paul Schurmann, and August Huelsman; Inside Guards, Edward Foppe and Edwin Tebbe; Outside Guard, Bernard Nordmann. By giving the members a diversified program the Breese Council has shown a steady growth, having at present 384 members. The program is planned by the Six Point Program committee, at the present time con- sisting of General Program Chairman A. J. Appel; Cath- olic Activity, Cornelius Warnecke; Council Activity, Theo- dore Warnecke; Fraternal Activity, Leander Moss; Mem- bership Insurance, E. J. Venhaus; Publicity, Donald J. Krebs; Youth Activity, Edward H. Feltrop. A large number of the members have availed them- selves of the insurance feature of the order. The meetings are well attended and the members are receiving both spiritual and temporal good out of their membership. As the years roll on, this organization, with the help of God, will be one that will help make Breese a better place in which to live. !> _-. A View of the K. of C. Hall. Looking Northeast. 71 Breese Bands of Days Gone By ST. DOMINICS BAND IN 1915. These men gave much of their time to provide a well-organized band for the parish and community. In the front row (left to right) are: Anton Voss, Louis Boehm,. Boniface MoHtor, John Knies, Henry Reilman, Henry Schlueter, Charles Boehm and George Daniels. In the back row (left to right) are: Jack Buehne, Rudy Wagner, Hy. Knies, Jos. Meyer, Geo. Reilman. A GROUP OK HKKKSK Ml Sl( lANS many years ago. The .xact time i> not known, hut the.\ were very popular in their days, playing at numerous occasions. We were able to get all the names but one- In the first row (left to right) are: Aug. Helwig, Herman Schroeder, Fritz Dorries and Chas. Wagner. Back row (left to right) shows Gus Dorries, Fred Dorries, Hy. Dorries, Wm. Dorries, Harry Lappe. Jule Dorries, Wm. Freund, Wnu Nollenkcmper^ (next unknowa), George Buehler and Herman, Dorcies, n Representative Edwin R. Haag Edwin R. Haag, a reresentative in the General As- sembly of the State of Illinois, was born at Carlyle, July 5, 1895, where he received his elementary education, and graduated from Carlyle Township High School in 1914. He taught in the elementay and high schools of Clinton County for nine years. He served in World War 1, and is Past Commander of the American Legion Post, No. 252, at Breese. He married the former Miss Wilamine Spaeth of Car- lyle; they have two children, Mrs. Emil Garcia and E. Rob- ert Haag, both of Breese. Representative Haag served eight years as chief in- spector of the Division of Poultry Husbandry in Illinois. He is a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Colum- bus, Breese Lions Club, Breese Business Men's Associa- tion, Order of Elks, Moose Lodge, and Clinton County Farm Bureau. He operates a baby chick hatchery and a poultry processing plant, and is active in civic affairs. He has served three terms in the Illinois State Legis- lature, and in the recent primary election, was nominated on the Democratic ticket for the general election to be held November 6, 1956. The Old Swinging Bridge There aren't many in existence any more, but Breese Township still has a swinging bridge — quite a relic and an antique too large to cart off. The bridge crosses Shoal Creek two miles northeast of Breese, and is maintained by the farmers who use it. It is still in use in a very limited way, serving only as a means for farmers to gain access to farm gi-ound that they wish to till. A. B. Niebur A. B. Niebur, a life- time resident of Breese, is a representative of the Prudential Insurance Company of America, giving his full time to the agency. He began his career 31 years ago, serving Breese and Breese Town- ship. He succeeded Joseph Klutho, who had the agency in this community for about a year; he was preceded by Louis Dieker, who held the position about 16 years, hav- ing started in 1908. Edward C. Maue Edward C. Maue, residing on South Fourth Street, a life-time resident of Breese, gives his full time to the sale of stocks and bonds, and writes various forms of insurance also, which work h"^ has been doing the past eight years. Prior to that time he had been employed by the Mexican American Hat Co. First House in Breese Per'.aps there were houses built in Breese before the one you see above, but this is the only one remaining. It is said to be the first house in Breese, and is no doubt the oldest. Of brick structure, it has been well preserved and extensive improvements have been made to it since its ownership by Edward J. Meier. He purchased the residence eight years ago, and has had a cement glass coating put on it. The home is tenanted by Mr. and Mrs. James Poelker, residing downstaii-s, and by Mr. and Mrs. William Bohn in the upstairs rooms. The house has nine rooms with bath room facilities on both floors. Paul Berns, D. C. Paul Berns, D. C, began his chiropractic service in Breese in January, 1950. His first location was in the former Otto Rumpf residence at North Main and Third Streets. In May, 1953, he moved into a new home and office that he built on North Plum Street, where he is presently serving his patients. Bus Transportation Through Breese With the advent of paved roads, and a general im- provement of roads throughout the nation, there came the bus lines. This service was a welcomed means of transportation, and Breese was among the first commun- ities to be given this service. In 1918, the Wanura Bakery, then established in the Hofsommer Building on North Main Street, operated the first bus station. The Community Bus was the first to be put in oper- ation through Breese, followed by the Purple Swan. In 1936 the Greyhound Co. instituted a service between St. Louis and Cincinnati, which is the present line running through Breese. This bus line affords the people of Breese and surrounding communities convenient highway trans- portation. The present bus station is at the Hi-Way Cafe, where several busses stop daily, going in both directions — east or west on Route 50. There are also special school busses going in and out of Breese, used for school children only. A city cab is also operated in Breese daily by Robert Clark and Mrs. lone Clark. 73 TOP CREW OF EAST MINE in 1920 when company had the Frisco contract. Seated in front is Charles "Tossy" Perkes. First row (seated, left to right), Anton Voss, August Middeke, Wm. Davis, Frank Nieman, Anton Niemeyer, Hugo Schlueter, John Wehlage, August Ratermann and Phillip Maue. Second row (standing), John Wehrmann, Hy. Boeckmann, George Kues, Joseph Tewes, Dan Needham, Boniface Molitor, Joseph Schmidt, Herman Brandt, Alphonse Hinkamp, and Ben Ahlers. Third row, Henry Hagen, Frank Winter, Alvin Lager and Arthur Schroeder. b- FIRST SCOUT TROOP IN BREESE, Known as "Lone Scouts" was active forty years ago. Pictured above are: First row (left to right), Robert Bechtold, George Deien, E. J. Mahlandt, Leo Kellermann, Wm. Sneddon, Wilford Freund, (rso. Hartmann, Earl McAllister, Harry Geissert, Harry Lappe. Second row, Charles Bub, Lester Watkins, Ellsworth Lewis, Ben Lappe, Louis Meissner, Herman Chesney, Theo- phil Hofsomm*r, Ed Geissert, Geo. Hagen. Back row, Harold Dorries, James Cox, August Lappe, Wal- ter Herrin, Alvin Schlueter, Henry Rhode, Alfred Schmidt. Mascot in front is Ralph Sellers. 74 Drs. Ketterer and Ketterer Francis H. Ketterer, M. D. Francis H. Ketterer, M. D., was born August 28, 1908, in Jewett, Texas'. He was reared at Springfield, 111., where he received his primary education. He entered St. Louis University, at St. Louis, Mo., in 1926, and re- ceived his M. D. Degree in 1932. He spent his internship at St. John's Hospital in St. Louis from 1932 to 1934. In August, 1934, Dr. Ketterer opened an office in the Kvle building in Breese, at N. Fourth and Main Streets. His brother, Dr. Walter R. Ketterer, joined him in partnership in 1940, at w' ich time Dr. Francis built the present modern doctor's office at North Third and Main Streets. Dr. Ketterer entered military service with the U. S. Air Force in 1942 and served two years (1944 and 1945) with the 9th Air Force in the E. T. 0. He married Miss Marguerite M. Warrell of Greens- boro, N. C. in 1944. They have three children, Joan, 9, Bobby, 7, and Barbara, 5. Walter R. Ketterer, M. D. Dr. Walter R. Ketterer was born at Springfield, 111. February 21, 1905. He took a premedical course at Georgetown, University, Washington, D. C. in the years 1923 to 1925, and received his M. D. Degree from St. Louis University in 1931. He interned at Lutheran Hospital in St. Louis" 1931-1932, after which he spent two years as a medical officer for the U. S. Army on duty with C. C. C.'s in upper Michigan. He located at Greenville, Illinois in 1935, following the death of Dr. Louis Cordonnier. In August of 1940, he formed a partnership in Breese, with his brother, Francis, but had to "solo" again when the latter sei-ved in the Air Force four years during World War II. Dr. Ketterer was niamed to Miss Ruth Carter of Freeburg, Illinois September 16, 1933. They have three children: Mary, 20, Charles, 18, and Nancy, 13. Dr. William H. Sauer Dr. Wm. H. Sauer was born in Dusseldorf, Germany in 1890. Upon graduating from college there he studied medicine at Bonn University along the Rhine. During World War I, his studies were interrupted and for two years he was held in English captivity. After the war he resumed his studies at Bonn University, and upon graduating there, he interned at the University clinics, Dusseldorf City Hospital and Deaconess Hospital, the latter a special ear, nose and throat clinic, where he received certificates both for surgery and E. N. T. work. He received his M. D. Degree on the work of uric acid diathesis and special work in dermatology and ophthal- mology. After coming to America he practiced for throe years in Waterloo, 111., and in 1927 located in Breese where he continues active in his profession. Dr. Sauer married Marie Jacobs, a registered nurse from Dusseldorf, Germany. They have three children, Ernst, Walter and Mary Louise. Dr. H. B. Warren Halleck Burkett Warren, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born in Orchardville, Illinois, a son of John and Mary Warren. He secured his elementary education in the schools of Orchardville. Upon graduation from high scTiool In Fairfield, he entered Southern Illinois University at Carbondale for pre-medical preparatory. Having completed this course he taught school in fhe public schools of Wayne County for four years. In l9l0 he enrolled in St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo., for one ye'r of academic work. In 1911 he was admitted to the School of Medicine at St. Louis U. and graduated in 1915 with the degree of M. D- After graduation. Dr. Warren spent one year as an interne at City Hospital, in St. Louis. In 1916 he became associated with Dr. W. D. DraKe in Breese and has since practiced his profession here. March 16, 1916, he was married to Miss Lola Kuehne of St. Louis. Two sons were born to this uinon, Halleck Burkett, Jr. and William. When the boys were quite young, Mrs. Warren passed away, being in 1928. The doctor reared his boys in a christian and unpretentious manner with principles of good discipline. Halleck, with a Ph. D. Degree, is a bacteriologist, living at Waukegan, m., and William is practicing law at Carlyle, also con- ducting an abstract of title service there. Dr. Warren is a member of the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, Breese, the Clinton County Medical Association, the Illinois Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He is presently located in his residence at North Main and Fourth Streets, recently remodeled. Drs. Emerson and Emerson Dr. Harry Emerson, the elder partner, was reared in Southern Illinois, near Carmi. He received his early edu- cation from a country school and after teaching school for three terms, he entered Marion Sims School of Dentistry in 1901. He was married June 7, 1899 to Miss Evelyn Moreland, who was reared in the same community. They moved to St. Louis and lived there during the time that he spent in school. He received his D. D. S. Degree April 26, 1904, and located in Enfield. He practiced there and at Norris City for ten years, after which he and his wife moved to Cairo, 111., where he spent two years in partnership with his brother-in-law. Dr. Howard A. Moreland. In October of 1915, t' ey came to Breese, having bought the office of Dr. Robert Offil. At this time. Dr. Moreland Emerson, their son, reach- ed the age of 3 years. He received his early education at the public schools of Breese and Carlyle, and entered Washington University in the autumn of 1928. He received his D. D. S. Degree in June, 1934. After graduation, he worked one year in Detroit, em- ployed by the Cousins Fund, which pi-ovided dental care for school children. He also practiced a short time in Greenville, 111. He then entered Illinois Public Health Service, mostly working in the northern part of the state. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in May, 1944, and was stationed at the destroyer base at San Diego, Cal. for the duration of the war. After separation from the Navy, he entered general practice in partnership with his father until October, 1950, when he again entered the Nav>', spending most of his time aboard the Jason in Korean waters. Relepsed in March, 1952, he resumed his prac- tice with his father in Breese. James H. Donnewald James H. Donnewald, Attorney at Law, was bom in Carlyle, 111. January 29, 1925. He attended St. Mary's parochial school at Carlyle until the sixth grade, and then transferred to St. John's School at Joliet, 111. The first three years of his high school studies were spent at the Joliet Bovs Catholic High School, Joliet, 111., and the last year at St. Mary's Central Catholic High School, Carlyle, graduating in May of 1942. Mr. Donnewald entered St. Louis University in Sep- tember of 1942 and in the fall of 1944 transferred to Lin- coln College of Law at Springfield, Illinois, where he com- pleted his legal education, taking place in January of 1949. He entered the armed sei-vices of the United States in 1050 and was discharged in 1951. He began practicing law in November of 1952 in the Kyle building in Breese, later moving his ofTice to rooms on the second floor of the State Bank building. The young attorney married Miss Ruth Holtgrave of Breese, June 24, 1953. They have one child. 75 76 77 Friday, June 29, 1956 7:00 P. M. Procession from Down Town to City Park. 7:30 P. M. Pontifical Field Mass. Most Rev. Albert R. Zuroweste, D. D., Bishop of Belleville, presiding. 7:45 P. M. Centennial Church Service, at the St. John's E. and R. Church. Rev. J. J. Kalkbrenner, Pastor. Centennial Dress Welcome. 9:00 P. M. Exhibition Square Dancing. 10:30 P. M. Crowning of Centennial Queen. 11 :00 P. M. Judging of Beards and Mustaches. Saturday, June 30, 1956 7:00 P. M. Colossal Parade. Theme: "Then and Now." Floats, Bands, Flags, Bugle Corps, Antique Cars. Fun for Everyone. 8:30 P. M. Square Dancing. Hoedown. Sunday, July 1, 1956 5:30 A. M. Low Mass at St. Dominic's Church. Rev. H. H. Aydt, Pastor. 7:30 A. M. Low Mass at St. Dominic's Church. 8:00 A. M. Low Mass, St. Augustine's Church. Rev.Humilus Soland, Pastor. 9:30 A. M. High Mass at St. Dominic's Church. 10:00 A. M. High Mass at St. Augustine's Church. Centennial Church Service at the St. John's E. and R. Church. Rev. J. J. Kalkbrenner, Pastor. Centennial Dress Welcome. 7:00 P. M. Super Colossal Parade. New Bands, Drill Teams, Bugle and Drum Corps, Floats, Clowns, etc. Everything for a Bigger and Better Parade. 9:00 P. M. Public Dancing. Music by "The Modernnaires." 11 :30 P. M. Drawing for Raif le Prizes. (Above Schedule is According to Central Daylight Saving Time) 78 Centennial Executive Committee Fremont Wobbe ADVISORY K. J. Mahlandt ADVISORY 79 (^e^te*uU€il (^(^^mittec ^^[^%vKC(t Committee for Sale of Centennial Books . Mrs. \\"m. A. Zinschla.s; r.ar Committee W'm. A. Zinschlas Committee on Rides Fremont Wobbe Publicity Committee Jerry A. Mahlandt Committee on Parades Harry C. Wieter Mustache and Beard Committee. .. .Ed Berndsen Belle and Bonnet Committee Mrs. Geo. ^Mueller Policing-. Lighting and Parking Committee.. Anton \'oss, \'incent Xiemann. Emmet Hostmeyer and A. J. Appel. Car Rafifle Committee Marcellus Tewes Hope Chest Committee Mrs. Cecil Raymond, Mrs. Albert Willi, Mrs. Robert .\ppel. Mrs. Edw. \\'ade and Mrs. Ed Berndsen Historical Committee.. Mrs. Charles Casey Grounds Committee Maurice Schurmann and Ralph Kruse St. John's Food Committee Mrs. Harold Bonney and Mrs. Ada Koch First Aid Committee Mrs. F. H. Ketterer St. .Vugustine's Food Committee. . Mrs. Paul Foppe and Mrs. Edw. C. Maue St. Dominic's Food Committee . . • Mrs. Ben .~\. Xiemeyer, Mrs. Harriet Enkelman Field Mass Committee Robert .\. Meissner Fish Stand Committee Lawrence Raterman Cash P>ingo Committee .Mrs. .\nton Weh Peddler's License Committee. .. Fred Schoeneberg Concessions Stands Committee .Arthur Hellige Dance Committee Harry Xiemann Queen Contest Committee Charles Xiemeyer Coal Raffle Committee George Mueller Ice Cream Stands Cunimittee. Girl Scouts Centennial Plates ?ilrs. Richard Meissner Wooden Xickles Ferd H. Foppe Soda Stands Boy Scouts Auiliting Committee Syhester W. Schwarz Ponv Raffle Committee Conrad Wieter Clean-Up Committee Harry Buller Contributions Committee A. J. Appel ^fianfz ^Ijoui I XN UMEROUS COMMITTEES must be appointed and function with harmony and cooperation, to successfully arrange and carry out a Centennial Celebration, such as will be held in Breese June 29, 30 and July 1. 1956. The spirit of willingness and interest that has been demonstrated by the many committee chairmen and members, is exemplary c.f the community pride citizens of Breese possess and this spirit serves as a tribute of recognition and appreciation to those whose names are recorded in the pre- ceding pages of this book .... those who have contributed to the development and progress of Breese over a centrry. To. all of you who have helped towards the Centennial Celebration, a glowing tribute must be paid. The chairmen and members of committees, and all who have helped, and who will help in any way, are deserving of much praise and thanks. We regret that all the names could not be included on this page ; efforts were made to obtain the names, but a complete list was not available, and therefo.re only the names of chairmen could be given. A hearty invitation is extended to everyone to be present at the Cen- tennial Celebration in Breese. In expressing thanks to those who have made a celebration po.ssible, let words of appreciation and gratitude also be passed on to you folks who will help make the Centennial Celebration a grand success by your attendance. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 80 — a B e c« 3 '-' .s = ■-; e •=f « ?^ 5 bt lit < e.E • > '^ g S;2 "2 2 ^ o . >■ £ ^ - a Ji tf N* "^ = So o -g t . 'X '■ t- . E Q' -M •? < a. a. on 9 4)6 I £ t^ » £ s " e ^ u ** •o «i E jc tf j: ^ ■£ 2; < I " 4< e « 2 j as c .Sf 41 I*' "a; £ 1.^ S * = 4) ,• a w 5 § «S c ^ . 4< «> u ^ «£ O i- -" o J5 en -^ o c •= z o < ._ — -. -" 4( o S * ^ 2 ® ■*^ h. 85 I I ^ — « u. K 'S e _ tS ^ 41 ^-5 I-! a s e X i 4, OS 6C Q.JC ;5 . w * 4> »% 4> E 41 •- Z 81 WOODEN NICKELS A NOVELTY AT CENTENNIAL \\'OODE\ XICKELS are quite a novelty and create much interest in the Centennial Celebration. Members of the Breese Council of the Kniphts of Columbus took a lead in the distribution and sale of the "nickels." The picture above shows a group of members of the Knights of Columbus at work in the office of City Clerk Ferd Foppe. preparing the "nickels" in rolls. Left to right are: Edward Feltrop, Theo. F. Warnecke, Albert Nie- mann, Grand Knight Ferd Foppe, Charles Warnecke. Gerald Huelskamp and Ray Deiters. • Lettering on Cover Drawn by Orville C. Pitt, Breese, 111. • Photo .Above, and Numerous Others in Book, Taken by Schwarz-Krebs Studio, Breese. • Illustrations on Cover Arranged by Breese Journal From Special Centennial Service. 82 Printed by Breese Journal, Breese, 111. J <5, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA • 9773875B74B COIll BREESE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, 1856-1956 3 0112 025399285