^] 977.325 .F853f i * 1=: -LL BSS ? s -^ /s^^SS l^ al *1 : ? tri SB'&JI W$ w vi &*» ft ft 5K ^ "® A v& y\ ^ KKFQRI '.H/> x A //-// s3 .J*-Jt !*V» Residence of Levi Doty- Residence of Ebenezer Stephen -6- Residence of L. M. Clayes ~~m ^p**** ?£* ONE OF THE OLD LANDMARKS OF FRANKFORT Built in 1855 and Still Doing Business in the Same Old Place MARK'S SPOT-LITE Meats and Qroceries Wayne's Print Shop Publisher of THE FRANKFORT TIMES and All Kinds of Job Printing Phone 4711 112 Kansas Street Frankfort, Builder and Designer of Fine Homes with 47 Years of Experience Henry G* Breidert Qeneral Contractor Frankfort, 111. -9 *f Letts & Williams Hotel Kent; nevertheless, it laid the foundation for better and larger schools. Later teachers were Mrs. Hiram Wood, Mr. Knight, and Mr. Josiah Carpenter. As the village progressed and more families settled here, the little one room school be- came overcrowded. A two story frame structure, containing three classrooms, was construc- ted in 1870 at a cost of $5,000. This building was located on the site of the present school. There was an enrollment of 150 pupils. Professor O. P. Blatchley was the first principal and Miss Mattie Raver one of the first teachers. Many present day lo- cal residents received their ed- ucation in this frame building. When the state began setting higher standards for schools, the old building proved inade- quate to meet these standards and a newer, modern building became a necessity. Conse- quently 1925 saw the erection of the present school building at a cost of $35,000. It contained three mod- ern classrooms, a large auditorium, and two large playrooms. Mr. B. C. Saulman was the first principal in this building, with Miss Viola Lankenau teaching the intermediate department and Mrs. Jessie E. C. Ford the primary department. Realizing the need of facilities for recreational and physical education purposes, the community voted to build a gymnasium adjoining the school. This addi- tion was built in 1938, and is today one of the largest and finest gymnasiums found in a grade school in this county. Most of the village, school, and social events are held in this fine gymnasium. Continuous growth of the community caused in- creased enrollment of students, and the three class- rooms could not accommodate this increase. Conse- quently, the auditorium was converted into two class- Viola Lankenau — Principal of Frankfort School Old Frankfort School rooms, a principal's office was constructed, and the playrooms provid- ed three more classrooms plus a kitchen. At present the enrollment is approximately 225 students with eight teachers and a principal. Miss Viola Lankenau is principal, a position she has held for the past fourteen years. Mr. LeRoy Wright is the eighth grade teacher and athletic instructor; Mrs. Margaret Robertson, grade 5; Mrs. Charlotte Love, grade 4; Mrs. Virginia Osmus, grade 3; Mrs. Dorothy Woodman, grade 2, and Miss Isabella Harmening, grade 1. At present a 6th and a 7th grade teacher are in the process of being hired. Frankfort School has a very active P. T. A. This association has always co-operated to the fullest extent, and has been of invaluable aid to the school personnel. Mrs. Emanuel Engelmann is the present president. The school is governed by a Board of Education consisting of sev- en members of which Vernon Hansen is president and Lester Heisner secretary. Other members are Dr. Carl Marienfeld, Clarence Wald- vogel, George Tate, Richard Schoeling, and Walter Mark. Throughout the years Frankfort was part of a non-high school area. Students attended high school at Joliet Township High School or Bloom Township High School. Tuition was paid by the school dis- trict but transportation was not provided. When the educational de- partment of our state began suggesting the dissolving of non-high 10- Congratulations to Frankfort 1855 1955 by one of its youngest business houses FRANKFORT HARDWARE 1951 1955 and Best Wishes for your Future from our Personnel MR. AND MRS. EDWARD LAUFFER MR. AND MRS. JAKE HOSTERT CLARA SCHELLHASE ELEANOR BORMET We are proud to have had a small part in Frank- fort's first Century and appreciate the patronage and good will of our customers in and around this community. EDWARD LAUFFER, Prop. 11 Ml I < III It S SUPER MARKET and LOCKER SERVICE Shop in Modern Surroundings and Comfort for all Your Canned Goods, Fresh Meats, Vegetables,. and Home Freezer Beef. Fhone 3281 Frankfort Illinois - 12 Phone Frankfort 4031 Arch Inn Restaurant Fine Foods and Cocktails PHEASANT CHICKEN OUR SPECIALTY Steak Shrimp Lobster Tail Italian Spaghetti We Cater to Banquets and Small Parties Your Hosts — Tony and Jeanette Baker Frankfort Grain Company Routes 30 and 42A Frankfort, 111. Dealers in GRAIN — FEED COAL — LUMBER Building Materials Grinding and Mixing Wilbert Klier, Manager FRANKFORT 2621 Do you remember when: Debating Societies were held in the school house every Monday night and local, business, and professional people participated? Compliments of CHICAGO HEIGHTS TRADING COMPANY Chicago Heights, Illinois WAREHOUSERS AND FABRICATORS OF STEEL Congratulations From Franklin Christiansen Masonry and Concrete CONTRACTOR Frankfort, Illinois 13 Frankfort Elementary School areas, the four towns in this area, Frankfort, Manhattan, Mokena, and New Lenox, plus the sur- rounding territory, formed a new high school area and built one of the most modern and best eguipped schools of this age. Said school is located on the Lin- coln Highway at the center of this district. It has been named the Lincoln- Way Community High School, and classes were first held in September, 1954. During its first year of operation it has become widely recognized. Mr. A. Hunter Chapman is the superintendent. The first Methodist services were held as early as 1836 in the home of pioneer Ambrose Doty, but it was in 1856 that a church, the first in the town- ship, was built at a cost of $2,000. The first sermon was preached by a circuit rider, the Rev. S. R. Beggs, who was known throughout the county. The dedication ser- mon was preached by the Rev. Samuel Hawes. During the 1870's the pastor, the Rev. G. K. Hoover, published "The Christian Neighbor," a monthly. The present Methodist church was erected in 1908 and a parsonage built in 1925. Present pastor is the Rev. Benjamin Day. A Baptist church was built in 1863 on the corner of Hickory and Nebraska Streets. David Letts was the first pastor. It was in this church that the first members of St. Peter's Evangelical Church worshipped until the congrega- tion built its own church in 1867. The Rev. T. Walter was its first pastor. Pastor F. Menzel of the mother church in Green Garden, conducted the earlier services at the Baptist church. The pas- tor with the longest tenure, the late Rev. G. A. Lambrecht, who served 37 years, christened, confirmed, and married many of the older residents of the vil- lage. He was the last pastor to conduct the full term parochial school. It was during his pas- torate that the present structure was erected in 1915 at a cost of $20,000. The present pastor is Second Year Class of German School under Rev. Lambrecht, 1890 "?"**» ' . iiSS 8855 S881 35W 1SS8 Community High" School Lincoln-Way Community High School the Rev. Erich Bizer. The parsonage was built in 1926. Hand drawn hose carts were used in 1884 when Herbert McDonald was the fire chief. In 1923 a Model T Ford truck, a chemical outfit, was purchased. An American La France engine was added in 1938. Aux- iliary eguipment was added recently. Fred Kohlhagen is the present chief. Music culture was introduced into the village in 1875 with the formation of a singing society known as the Frankfort Germania Saengerbund. The first board of directors included Martin Muff, Jacob Muller, C .F. Baumann, and George Fink. The group built a two- story hall on Ash Street which served as a voting place and was the scene of lodge meet- ings, dances and athletic events until it was razed in 1940, when the present village hall was built. Brass bands were organized in 1880 and 1897. A school band was formed in 1930 and many of this group were in the band which played at the Chicago World's Fair in 1934. It was reorganized in 1938 and again in 1953. By 1870 Frankfort was a thriving communi- ty with four general stores owned by Louis and Joseph Claus, Benedict Baumgartner, Jacob Mueller, and Bernard Balchowsky. Other bus- inesses included A. B. Barker's drug store, Thomas Herschbach's hardware store, Steph- ens Brothers' agricultural implements factory, Johnson Folkers' meat market, Nettles and 14- Milton Subbert Limestone Phosphate Coal Black Dirt Building Material General Hauling Black Topping 256 South Walnut St. Frankf ort 9 Illinois Phone Frankfort 4781 15 PHILCO and SANGMEISTER ELECTRIC SALES ARE PROUD TO BE OF SERVICE TO THIS COMMUNITY 16 Congratulations and Greetings TO FRANKFORT ON ITS 100«h BIRTHDAY Compliments From FREDIN CONSTRUCTION CO Bob Fredin Al Bettenhausen - 17- Frankfort Brass Band Rapp brewery, H. P. Bock's harness shop and the wa- gon and carriage shops of Frederick Block and Phillip Klepper. Eisenbrandt and Heisner, McKeowan, Osman, and Schoenherr were the village blacksmiths and the four shops were kept busy with work brought from the entire community surrounding the village. Jacob Baumgartner was in the cheese business, Levi Doty dealt in horses and hay, William Logan had a machine shop, John McDonald and D. W. Hunter had elevators, and C. F. Baumann and John Muff were tavern owners. The Baumann Tavern, a landmark in the village, was built in 1868 and is operated by Charles Baumann, who at 89 is Frankfort's oldest businessman. The tav- ern was the scene of many a dance and masquerade ball, the entire upper floor, at that time, being devoted to a dance floor.. The earliest practicing physician was Dr. N. P. Holden, who made many of his calls on horseback. Best remembered are those that followed in later years. Dr. Emil Haass, Dr. N. D. Hamlin, and Dr. W. V. Hedg- es. The present Hedges Clinic, one of the finest in the county, was named for Dr. W. V. Hedges, who has re- cently retired. He has probably delivered the majority of the villages "babies" whose ages range from 5 or 6 to 47. Early nursing in the village and surrounding coun- tryside was done by Mattie Barker, who trained in the days before state laws required a three-year course. Mrs. Albert Dammann was a practical nurse and midwife whose presence brought comfort to hundreds of patients in her long car- eer. Mrs. Clara Leppla Krueger was the first nurse to complete a three-year course and to earn the registered nurse degree in 1905. She resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The E. J. & E. Railroad, located at the south- ern end of the village, was built in 1889. Busi- ness flourished and in 1910 a double track was built. Over this freight route much of the mer- chandise used in the village was shipped. A full time depot agent was employed, also a man to run the pumping station, as most of the steam engines took on water at Frankfort. In 1904 locomotive No. 67 and its crew had the honor to pull the train of Theodore Roosevelt from Aurora to Joliet. Distance 22 miles, time 22 minutes. Quite a record for those days! In 1949 all steam engines were taken off and new diesel engines took over. The depot and water tank has been removed, but the pumping station has been purchased by the village and has become part of the village's water system. About the year 1912 a great National Highway, to extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans, and named in honor of Abraham Lincoln, was being pro- posed. This highway, as first planned, would have en- tered the village by way of Sauk Trail and proceeded through the center of the town of Joliet. Later the route was fixed one-half mile north of town. The street car line from Frankfort to Joliet followed the Lincoln High- way on most of its route. All along this proposed route Lincoln Highway Associations were organized. An auxiliary of this National Association was organized at Joliet. C. A. Noble was president, and John J. Mack, secretary. To become a member of this group one con- tributed a quarter. Many Frankfort people joined and received certificates so stating. Many of these certifi- cates are still in the hands of the contributors. The sec- tion of the Lincoln Highway in northern Illinois was built in 1920. It is today one of the heaviest traveled highways in the country. In 1880 H. S. Barker organized the first bank, which in 1899 was robbed of $1,800 by five masked men who Frankfort Band — 1934. Roderick White, Director - 18- " i ' . -^r- M. J. BUCKLEY. M. D. 229 White Street Frankfort, Illinois 19 W. V. Hedges Office and Residence 1907 Dr. W. V. Hedges, the first in line of the present Frank- fort physicians, started practice here on July 5, 1908. After many years of faithful service Dr. Hedges sought aid and Dr. Hiroshige came to Frankfort in 1941. In 1946 Dr. Hiroshige returned to his native Hawaii. Dr. Claude Otto, University of Nebraska graduate with the aid of Dr. Hedges started the Hedges Clinic in 1946. In June of 1948 Dr. W. H. Cave, University of Vanderbilt, was added to the staff and subsequently retired in 1954 to attend the University of Pennsyl- vania. In July of 1951 Dr. J. H. Lambert, University of Illinois, joined the Clinic and served until August of 1953. Dr. Hedges 20- Hedges Clinic Building 1955 During 195 1 the Clinic building was remodeled and many facilities were added. Again in 1953 more remodeling was done and the building was doubled to the present size. Dr. J. R. Cummings, University of Cincinnati was added in June, 1953, and remained until April 25, 1955, when he left for a surgical residency at Cin- cinnati General Hospital. Dr. M. L. Otto, University of Nebraska, joined the staff in July, 1953. Dr. O. J. Novata, University of Illinois, was added to the staff as was Dr. Irving Rudman, Yale University, July of 1954. At present the Clinic maintains four full time doctors and occasionally seeks the help and wisdom of Dr. Hedges who retired in 1948. 21 Baumann Tavern — 1868 Legion was organized and named in honor of the two young men who made the supreme sacrifice, their lives — namely, Donald Swinford and Stanley Bobzin. For many years it has been the custom to honor the dead from all past wars who are buried in our local cemetery. School children decorate the graves with flowers and the Legion conducts the memorial ceremony. Frankfort's Business Enterprises — Past and Present It is interesting to follow the progress and the changes that a century of time have brought about in many varied ways. The rise and fall of many businesses can be attributed to the tied and bound the constable, William Knippel. A year later the Citizen's Bank was formed by Fred C. Hasenjaeger. One of the village's most destructive fires occurred in 1910 when the Folkers Brothers liv- ery barn burned to the ground. Many horses perished along with the dearly loved ponies of the Folkers children. The old Union Hall south of the barn was also destroyed. In 1913 the first electrical power was brought to the village. Years before, D. E. Brand and William Knippel served as the lamp- lighters. Gas mains were installed in 1927. The Joliet and Eastern traction company began services between Joliet and Chicago Heights in 1908 and discontinued it in 1928 after the building of hard roads and the in- creased use of the automobile. World War I saw most of our young men serving Uncle Sam, either here in the United States or overseas. Again in World War II the young men responded to the call of their country. This time many young women also joined the service to do their bit. Even the children formed an organiza- tion called The Victory Club to contribute their efforts. Frankfort was blessed, since at the close of the war, the majority of our young people were able to return to their homes in this community. In 1946 an American Children of Folkers Brothers Streetcar Near Wabash R.R. same changing times. The earliest enterprises estab- lished when Frankfort was first settled have already been enumerated. It should be of general interest to trace through following years the changes in types of occupations and the use of buildings, since many of the original stores are still in use today. In doing so, one can readily see how business activity continued growing to the point where it provided all the needs of the community. Then with the ad- vent of better and guicker trans- portation, local business could not compete with the larger city stores. So, as in all small towns today, Frankfort's businesses operate on a smaller scale, but still provide many of the needs of its people. The following information may be thought of as a series of conducted tours through our village business district taken at varied intervals from its early years up to the present date. Bernard Balchowsky first conducted his business with a pack on his back, selling mer- chandise to the townspeople and those on nearby farms. Later he used a horse and wagon in order to cover more 22- 1868 - 1955 THE BAUMANN TAVERN IN BUSINESS 87 YEARS C. P. BAUMANN, Proprietor 23 FRANKFORT STATE BANK FRANKFORT STATE BANK FRANKFORT, ILLINOIS Growing with the Frankfort Community Since 1913 COMPLETE BANKING SERVICE A. H. Krusemark, Jr. Herman Barlewort, Leroy Bettenhausen DIRECTORS Adam J. Heusner Alvin Bruggeman George Tate Arthur C. Bauch Leroy Mager Al Hochberger EMPLOYEES Al Hochberger Robert Schulz Marilyn McManimen Marian Hochberger 24- J~\ group of citizens saw the need for the Frankfort State Bank and pro- ceeded to organize the Bank the first part of June, 1913. The first Stockholders meeting was held June 30, 1913, and elected the fol- lowing Directors — William Lankenau, Fred Warning, Max F. Haas, Frank J. Kohlhagen, Charles H. Balchowsky, John A. Luhring, Jacob P. Bauch, Henry R. Eisenbrandt, and Edward J. Conley. The first Officers were William Lankenau, President; Fred Warning, Vice President, and John A. Luhring, Cashier. The Bank started with $25,000.00 paid in Capital and started operating in the office of Warning's Garage August 27, 1913, to the following January when the new building was completed. The Capital structure at present consists of $50,000.00 Capital, $40,000.00 Surplus, $45,000.00 Undivided Profits and $12,000.00 Reserve. The Deposits at the end of the first year were $70,000.00 and have grown steadily over the years and are now over $2,000,000.00. The Bank did not close or waive de- posits during the great depression in 1933. Mr. Luhring continued as Cashier from the beginning of the Bank until his death in 1951. Mr. Al Hochberger came here from Iowa in 1952, to take over the management of the Bank as Cashier. Mr. William Lankenau was an employee for many years and is now deceased. Other former employees and still living in the community are Mrs. Albert Krusemark, Jr., Mrs. Fred Kohl- hagen, and Miss Ruth Minger. Many changes have been made in operations over the years starting with pen posted books. Hand posting was done until 1933, when a second hand posting machine was purchased. Since then a new machine was secured and now the bookkeeping is done with machines. A Checking account customer used to leave his deposit book to be balanced and pick up his book with cancelled checks a few days later. Now the customer calls for his cancelled checks which are handed to him together with a printed statement. In recent years considerable improvements have been made on the Bank Build- ing and fixtures have been remodeled to keep up with the growth in business and render better service to the customers. 25 territory. As business increased, he was able to open a small store, which was erected where Melcher's Clover Farm store now stands. He continued to expand by building a large depart- ment store which provided the community with most of its needs. When his sons, Charles, Moses, and Harry were grown, he took them into the partnership, then known as B. Bal- chowsky Tasty Sandwiches Good Coffee and Malts 'U)& £al dlsihA Owi&sdv&A scrti Routs 45 and 30 Frankfort, Illinois 31 Trump Chevrolet Sales Frankfort, Illinois CHEVROLET FRANCHISE DEALER for FRANKFORT, MOKENA AND NEW LENOX 1902 — OUR BIRTHPLACE We are just an infant when it comes to celebrating FRANKFORT'S CENTENNIAL 32 The First Chevrolet Was Born in 1912 It was a car that did a job at that time and has continued in progress until today we are proud to present the 1955 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Although tomorrow will make this car an antique, Chevrolet will continue to engineer to the future. -33 Through the years ownership passed from the partnership of Jurz and Ratche to Borms and Kaiser, later changing to Kaiser and Stell- wagen. Then a stock company was formed, and business continued under the management of Henry Luhring for almost 40 years. Since his retirement, the manager has been Wilbur Klier. The site of the present Frankfort Barber Shop and Wayne's Print Shop, now owned by Wayne DePorto, was originally the Harness Shop of H. P. Bock. When the harness business ended, George Haass opened a barber shop there and later sold it to Charles Pfaff, Sr. The latter used the rear part of the building as a photography studio along with the barber busi- ness. His son, Walter, went into partnership with him and carried on the business after his father's death. The building which is now occupied by the Harwood family, who are remodeling it into Meat Market, Exchange Bank and Hotel Implement Shop by Fred Warning who formed a partnership with his son, Raymond and sold Dodge cars. At present the latter uses the garage in operating the Gold Star Bus Line which runs several times daily from Hammond to Joliet. The wood-work shop of Ebenezer Stephen was bought by Henry and Fred Klepper in the early 1900's. After Henry died, Fred continued the business alone until his death a few years ago. It now belongs to his widow and is not in operation. A grain elevator was built by John Mc- Donald on the E. J. & E. Railroad at the site of the former Moldit Factory. During the owner- ship of Meyers, it burned and he rebuilt it. Later the Frankfort Grain Company bought it, after which Herman Barlewort bought it for salvage. On the site of the present Grain Company an elevator was built first by D. W. Hunter. A Scene in the First Garage on Smith Street Werner's Home and Implement Shop apartments, was originally a tavern and room- ing house built by John Muff. In turn it was owned by John Bobzin, August Wischover, John Bruggeman, and Larry Diedrich. One of the first general stores, owned by Jacob Mueller, was sold to Conrad Sippel, who conducted a tavern and later a confectionery. It originally served also as a postoffice and since the turn of the century was again used for the same purpose when the building was owned by the Sippel Sisters, Katie and Maggie, and Katie Sippel Fink was postmaster for 20 years. At present Mr. and Mrs. Fink operate a novelty store and news stand. The family has had the agency for the Chicago Tribune for 59 years. The west wing of the building was at one time used for a millinery shop by Myrtle Gullickson. A man by the name of Weber built the har- ness shop now owned by George Bettenhausen. He sold the business to Philip Knater who oper- ated the shop for many, many years. At one time Miss Lena Bankow had a dress making 34- Some of the Oldest Residents of Frankfort Mrs. Anna Keliher Charles Baumann # f » * » # # Mrs. Henry Klepper Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pyle Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schellhase I Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stephen Mrs. Henry Deist Mrs. John Buck Mrs. George Minger % - YE DLDE FMMFORT TAVERN Built in the 1 8 5 0' s and getting better with age... "Ufa wouldn't dwnqsi ii $oh Ike wohLd" Owned and Operated by Gracie Blaylock -36- Compliments of S & S SINK TOP COMPANY Jerry Sager, Owner >J^ Manufacturers of Formica Cabinet and Sink Tops 114 Kansas Street FRANKFORT, ILLINOIS Phone 2752 Do you remember when: Basketball games were played in the old Woodman Hall, and the bal- cony which extended on three sides "downed" many an opposing player? WEBER'S RICH MILK "Best by Test" CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 100™ BIRTHDAY -37 shop and later Mrs. George Haass (nee Knater) had a millinery store in the room at the rear of the shop. After the dissolution of the Citizen's Bank, the buil- ding housing it was used as an electrical store by Mayor Sangmeister. Since the erection of his new building, the old bank has been occupied by the S & S Sink Top Company. The building east of the Hedges Clinic was built by the stockholders of the State Bank and has con- tinued in that capacity to the present time. Mr. John Luhring served as cashier from the beginning of the bank until his death, a period of 38 years. The present cashier is Mr. Al Hochberger. Sippel's Ice Cream Parlor Names of Families which were in the Frankfort Area around the 1900's Balchowsky Folkers Baumann Luhring Owens Ruggles Harmening Gullickson Wilson Brockman Bock McGlashen Koerner Zechlin Klepper Sippel Heisner Marti Deist Clark Weber Minger Krusemark Hasenjaeger Harnack Breidert Pfeiffer Sanders Eichenberg Logan Englemann McDonald Lapien Hellerman Hansen Staff Feil Pfaff Ebert Haass Stellwagen Kampe Weitendorf Walsh Baumgartner Kohlhagen Topp Doty Rabe Scheer Bauch Hollstein Caldwell Lambrecht Werner Oetter Block Stephen Geuther Eisenbrandt Schroeder Warning Wischover Bobzin Knater Muff Herschbach Leppla Lankenau Cleveland Rahm Weinmann Fink Mark Bettenhausen "Vfei *f %« i <9»Pfe|» « ffi, f a Harness Shop of H. P. Bock corner where the Gold Star Busses are now parked. Christ Buckspeise, then Ed Vollrath had a Barber Shop where Sangmeister Electric Sales is now located. Fred Werner had an implement shop between the Warning Garage and his home, now owned by Charles Bobzin. F. W. Michaelis, later Rudd and Heising had a photography studio in the present Bertha Nieland home. Johnson Folkers had a meat market where the Ernest Knuteson's now live. Fred Leppla had a shoe store in between the Howard Seeman and the Koerner homes. Peter Baumann had a cigar store in the west wing of the tavern. Ferdinand Kramer had a furniture store, later used as a tavern by Henry Harnack, Sr., just west of Bau- mann's Tavern. Conrad Sippel had an implement shop, then Henry Koerner a repair shop, on the corner across from the Hedges Clinic. Dr. Emil Haass, who served as a surgeon in the Civil War, had his office where the Herb Folkers home now stands. William Logan had an implement shop located Businesses Long Since Gone Charles Schroeder had an ice cream parlor where Herb Lambrecht's house now stands. Henry Baumgartner and Martin For- chau had a meat market, Mrytle Gul- lickson, a millinery story, then Herb Lambrecht an ice cream parlor on the A Friendly Group at Kohlhagen's Store 38 FRANK A. EISENBRANDT & SON Heating • Plumbing • Sheet Metal Work Air Conditioning • Frankfort, Illinois * Eisenbrandt is a name which has been in our community since 1876 when Henry came here and started a blacksmith shop. In 1924 we started in business and have served the community ever since. We are pleased to take part and help Frankfort with its Centennial Celebration. -39 Frankfort Grade School Alumni *IS81te' * w ™ w " Frankfort Public School 1915 Teachers — Edna Eisner, Howard Craig, Viola Hollstein UP A Grade School Alumni? Rather unique, isn't it? Yet the Frankfort Alumni held its 48th banquet this June. In the days before compulsory school attendance laws were in effect, some children left school before finishing 8th grade. Mr. Howard Craig, prin- cipal of the school, originated a plan whereby there might be an incentive to children to want to remain in school; so, in 1908, he had the members of the 1907 class and their parents give a banquet for the graduates of the 1908 class and their parents. From this beginning grew the Grade School Alumni. Every spring the former graduates hold a banquet at which the current graduating class and their parents are guests. It is a time of fellowship and renewing of old acquaint- ances. Graduates from the first class as well as the last are in attendance. Mr. Howard A. Craig, the originator of the plan, has been a retired teach- er for many years, but usually returns to Frankfort from his home in Winnetka, Illinois, to participate in the activities. -40- Fred L. Kohlhagen Lynn F. Kohlhagen K & K CONCRETE WORKS Ready-Mixed Concrete Frankfort, Illinois Telephone 4541 We opened our place of business on May 4, 1950 to serve this community and surrounding territory with Ready-mixed concrete. At the beginning of 1955 we expanded our business to the making of pre stressed concrete beams and roof channels for commercial buildings, this branch being known as Prestressed Concrete Structures, Inc. Since that time the hauling and sales of the ready-mixed concrete has been leased to Newkirk Transit Mix of Joliet, Illinois. We are proud to be a part of this community and happy to help in this Centennial celebration. 41 - on the lot next to his home, the present residence of Lawrence Andrews. Fred Block and Philip Klepper had a wagon shop where Lloyd Luhring's home now is. Breidert Brothers and Eisenbrandt had a Lumber and Carpentry shop where Mrs. Andrew Eisenbrandt's house now stands and employed around 25 carpenters. Dr. John McEwan, veterinarian, had his office in the garage behind his home, now owned by Al Hochberger. A Mr. Sieling had a tavern where the Elmer Batson family now lives. Nettles and Rapp had a brewery on the farm now owned by Frank Klotz, later called "The Old Wine Cellar." Jacob Baumgartner and George Geuther operated a cheese business in the old brick creamery, still standing near the intersection of Route 45 and Hickory Creek. In addition to these businesses past and present, we are proud to men- tion that progress is continuing as evidenced by the appearance of many new enterprises during recent years. Some of them are listed below : Sangmeister Electric Sales H & O Little General Store Hedges Clinic Warning Oil Company- Mrs. LaHue's Beauty Parlor H. J. Lambrecht, Insurance Brown & Lambrecht, Excavators Clarence Waldvogel, Capitol Milk Hauling Fredin Construction Company George Waldvogel, Bulk Milk Hauling Walter Bettenhausen, General Contractor Robert Schweizer, Accountant F. A. Eisenbrandt & Sons, Plumbing Pilgrims' Rest Motel & Service Station Schilling's Restaurant & Service Station Knippel's Oasis Drive In White's Service Station Tate's Kool Korner Herbert Folkers, Lawyer Wagon Wheel Cafe Milton Subbert Trucking Baumgartner & Co., Masonry Contractor Thomas Gunhouse, Veterinarian Franklin Christiansen, Masonry Contractor M. J. Buckley, M. D. B & M Lumber and Supply Old Wooden Water Tower Wesley Hollstein, Insurance K & K Concrete Works Victor Eisenbrandt, Electrician Henry G. Breidert, General Contractor Albert Krusemark, Jr., Lawyer Moldit, Inc. ^C* <4* <^» Frankfort Village Officials No record of government or personnel is available from the founding of the village in 1855 to its incor- poration in 1879. During this period the village was under township and county jurisdiction. Unfortunately, the early records after incorporation were destroyed by fire in the old village hall about 1910. Albert Baumgartner, Frankfort's First Milkman The first Municipal Code on record is dated 1905 and is a revision of the original. It contains many ordinances which seem quite humorous today, especi- ally those concerning animals and gunpowder. Officers of the Village Government of the VILLAGE OF FRANKFORT, ILLINOIS — 1905 Max F. Haas President Pro Tem. Board of Trustees Frank J. Kohlhagen Viiiage Clerk Charles F. Baumann Village Treasurer William Knippel Viiiage Marshall Dr. G. B. Hamlin Heaifh Officer Vacant Police Magistrate Members of Board of Trustees Henry C. Klepper William T. Folkers Otto B. Herschbach H. August Baumann August Werner Vacant In the next election Joseph Stephen filled the va- cancy for Police Magistrate and Fred Klepper for that of Trustee. Following are the Village Presidents and Clerks as accurately as we are able to list them : Village Presidents Village Clerks 1905 Max F. Haass (Pro Tem. for President Charles Jurz) Frank J. Kohlhagen 1906 Dr. G. B. Hamlin (Filled Vacancy Ed. J. Feil 1907 Max F. Haass William T. Folkers 1910 Max F. Haass Hermann Scheer 1920 Max F. Haass Charles Peters 1922 Max F. Haass Walter Pfaff 1927 Christian Fink Walter Pfaff 1929 George Letts Walter Pfaff 1931 George Haass Walter Pfaff 1935 George Sangmeister Walter Pfaff The last mentioned are in office at the present time. The facts listed below are as accurate as available records permit. Postmasters of Frankfort L. M. Chayes, Chelsea, 1837 — Matthew Van Horn, Chelsea, 1845 — N. A. Carpenter, Frankfort, 1855 — William B. Cleveland, Frankfort, 1858 — Louis Claus, Frankfort, 1878 — Joseph Claus, Frankfort, 1881 — 42 H. J. LAMBRECHT INSURANCE & REAL ESTATE A Frankfort Businessman From 1917 - 1955 Telephone 3301 IF IT'S INSURABLE, WE CAN INSURE IT, ♦ ♦ ♦ We Pride Ourselves with Personal Service and Satisfied Customers > ♦ ♦ Representing AETNA CASUALTY e ). NL = N.ghc Lctict ...Ion. I Tclr^rsiD Kittling tin* ihoion tltgr IB ST ABOARD TIMt i of origin T.mt „l rr«ii< ii STa.JDARDTIME II poini of Joniiadu ..SA30 3 RA410 ' R WA662 GOVT ML PD CGN=THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC Vf BURTON H BREIDERT.H ISTORICAL PROGRAM CHAIRMAN= FRANKFORT CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION FRANKFORT ILL =T0 THE CITIZENS OF FRANKFORT I SEND MY CONGRATULATIONS ON ITS ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY. I HOPE YOUR CELEBRATION WILL BE AN ENJOYUBLE ONE, AND THAT IT WILL STIMULATE THOSE WHO LIVE IN FRANKFORT TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THEIR TOWN IN THE COMING YEARS^ ; DWIGHT D EISENHOWER: THE COMPANY WILL APPRECIATE SUCGFSTIONS FFOM ITS PATRONS CONCERNING ITS SERVICE >-o« .„ G ST« k1 " , °" juiy 21 ' 1955 To the Cx« ,izeos ol exte nd nr of H^ 019 ', your Center^ As Ocvemor ^1^^^. on f yo ^„,,«> every re _ The • l ;- tw centeni' ■ nie s. ullage >**VS. » ^TAwS* ^ Ch n t0 .estern State ^ d r . e3 to T0^£'^^- «— » -* Gov ernor V!GS:JP 47- Frankfort Centennial Celebration ^cfiEauLE or c^(j£nt± Wednesday, August 10 9:00-12:30 P.M. Centennial Queen's Ball (announcement of the Queen and her Court of Honor) — Dancing to the music of Henri Buttell. Thursday, August 11 "Ladies 7 Day" 2:00-4:00 P.M. Ladies' Centennial Tea and Fashion Show, School Gym — Frankfort His- torical Window Displays. 7:00 P.M. Opening of Carnival at School Grounds. Final Judging of Centennial Belles — School Grounds. 8:15 P.M. Centennial Queen's Coronation — Pageant Field. Crowned by Sen. Lottie Hol- man O'Neil. 8:30 P.M. First Performance of the Historical Pageant "Frankfort Through the Years" — Pageant Field. Friday, August 12 "Pioneer and Homecoming Day" 7:00 P.M. Pioneer and Homecoming Recognition Ceremony — School Grounds. 8:00 P.M. Final Judging of the Brothers of the Brush— Pageant Field. 8:30 P.M. Second Performance of "Frankfort Through the Years." Saturday, August 13 "Neighbors 7 Day" 2:00 P.M. Children's Centennial Parade. 3:00 P.M. Children's Matinee at Carnival. Mayor's Milking Contest — School Grounds. 7:00 P.M. Speaker, Senator Everett Dirksen — School Grounds. 8:30 P.M. Third Performance of "Frankfort Through the Years." Sunday, August 14 Centennial Religious Dedication Day 10:30 A.M. Centennial Union Service — Frankfort Grade School Gym. Centennial Choir. 1:30 P.M. Grand Centennial and Historical Parade. 8:00 P.M. Fourth Performance of "Frankfort Through the Years." Contestants in the Frankfort Queen's Contest Emogene Anderson Pat Heisner Mary Mark Betty Lou Breymeyer Diane Hochberger Viola Mueller Janet Folkers Evonne Hossbach Inez Reiter Arlene Gudgeon Janice Johnson Wilma Schuldt Mary Ann Heisner Carol Larson Irene Wischover -48- w a FRANKFORT THROUGH THE YEARS A JOHN B. ROGERS PRODUCTION Written and Directed by Phillip R. Frable Greetings to you as we present the thrilling story of the founding, growth, and devel- opment of Frankfort. Synopsis of Scenes Prologue A brilliant scene in which the centennial queen, "Miss Frankfort," welcomes the audience to the enactment to follow. Down the avenue of flags comes Her Majesty as "Miss Columbia," the per- sonified "States," "The Nation Queens" and the other patriotic ensembles pay homage to our Queen. Episode I: THE FRANKFORT STORY An epic of a tidal wave of freedom-loving men and women sweeping on to a new world rich with natu- ral resources beyond the dreams of the ages. Episode II: THE RED MAN IN THE LAND UNKNOWN The first well known inhabitants of the plains of Illinois were the Indian tribes known as the Pianke- shaws, the Weas, the Miamis, and the great tribe of the Illini. The knowledge of these people is vague in the extreme, but the fact of their existence and their occupation of this country is beyond question. Episode III: THE FIRST SETTLER In 1828 William Rice came to our vicinity. Although he did not remain long, he was so impressed by the advantages of the region, that he returned in 1831, to establish a home. He felt that here was what he wanted, here he would set up a family altar of which future generations would be proud. Episode IV: NEW PEOPLE IN A NEW LAND Over the old "Sauk Trail" they came, lured by the promise of the region they came to establish and to tame the vast wilderness. Families and posses- sions were loaded into covered wagons and the search for a home beyond the frontier was on. Episode V: REMEMBER THE SABBATH When the pioneers came to this land, they brought with them, not only their belief in democracy and freedom of opportunity, but they came with the priceless belief in God and the freedom of worship. Episode VI: JUST ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO Episode VII: READIN', 'RITIN', AND 'RITHMETIC Many of the early settlers of Frankfort were people of limited education but the education for their children was never neglected even from the earli- est time. Episode VIII: THE COMING OF THE RAILROAD In the year 1855 the railroad came to Frankfort bringing new growth; it opened new markets and the "Iron Horse" stamped its deep and lasting trail across the land. Episode IX: A VOLUME IN BLACK As the year 1860 approached, the Frankfort area was flourishing with farms, schools and enterpris- ing citizens. God's grace seemed to be shed on the area. Soon our nation became a divided house. The peace and serenity that once was ours, was gone. . . . The boys of this area joined the Blue. Episode X: BAUMANN'S TAVERN It was in the year 1866 that the Baumann tavern, which has become a land mark in our village, was built. Many of our older residents can recall happy hours spent in the ballroom that occupied the en- tire upper floor of the establishment. Episode XI: BIKES, BUSTLES, AND MUSTACHES We take you to the park in the afternoon, circa 1900, to a picnic with the belles and beaux of the period. ... It was "twenty-three Skidoo," if you want the slang by-word in these nostalgic days of the high bike, leg-o-mutton sleeves, horseless car- riages and the surreys with the fringe on top. . . . But let's listen to the man as he introduces the "CAN CAN" dancers. Episode XII: THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM IN THE WORLD The year is now 1917 and America is going to war. Frankfort watched her volunteers enlist. We honor our fighting "doughboys," marines and sailors who participated in this first global conflict and re- member those in particular who did not return. Episode XIII: THE ROARING TWENTIES We pause briefly to re-live the days when father wore the "plus fours" and "knickers" on the minia- ture golf course, while mother in the cloche hat and short, beaded gown, joined the other flappers in mastering the intricacies of "THE CHARLES- TON" . . . Episode XIV: THE SIEGE OF DEMOCRACY We pay a heartfelt tribute to our heroes in North Africa, Italy, Anzio, the Battle of the Bulge, on Guam, the South Pacific outposts, and Mount Sura- bachi. Finale: THE GREAT WHEEL OF PROGRESS Before you, a great wheel of progress is taking form, with Frankfort as its hub, with each spoke carved from one of her past achievements. We see Frankfort serving the nations of the world. The young manhood and womanhood of our commu- nity, proudly carrying the torch of youth into the future. 49- w FRANKFORT THROUGH THE YEARS" CAST NARRATORS: Donald Freeh Clark Bennett, Jr. Marcella Morrison Ruth Wilson STATES TO COLUMBIA— June Samuel. Myrtle Klier, Sharon Landau. Judy Mulligan, Nancy Heisner, Janice Reimers. Willa Schroeder, Shirley Sievert, Esme Bell. TRUMPETEERS — Juanita Hansen. Leanne Schroeder. Jeanette Deist. Gail Hobson, Kathleen Geuther, Nancy Smith. SAILORETTES — Vivienne Eisenbrandt, Elaine Mager, Sandra Har- wood, Lorna Miller, Diane Schoen, Karen Geuther, Lita Engle- brecht, Marilyn Miller, Leona Guzik, Mary Grotewold, Eileen Smith. BOYS — Roy Bobzin, Dale Schoen, Charles Scudella, John Harwood, Thomas Breymeyer, Allen Seemann. GIRLS — Rita Schinkowski, Norma Smith, Barbara Seemann, Norma Haakinson, Sheri Nieland, Marilyn Deist, Kristal Nieland. OLD TIMER— Joseph Scott. INDIAN CHIEF— Herbert Folkers, Jr. SQUAWS— Lucile Hansen. Phyllis Harnack, Florence Ball. Euleda O'Mara, Marietta Christiansen, Frances Schroeder, Shirley Sie- vert, Tamarlee Trump. INDIAN PRINCESS— Joan Hansen. INDIAN BRAVES— David Zechlin, Ralph Eisenbrandt, Fred Weichsel- berger, Jr., Charles Mark, Jr., LeVerne Mark, Edward Zitter, Charles Miller. LaSALLE AND SOLDIER— Donald Schroeder, Glenn Nissen. FATHER LOUIS HENNEPIN— Glenn Schroeder. INDIAN BOYS— Gerald Mark, James Larson, Gary Moss, Warren Klier. INDIAN GIRLS— Milda Schroeder. Peggy Nissen, Marilyn Klier, Jo Van Rheeden, Kay Van Rheeden. PIONEER MEN— Howard Osmus, Con. Wieringa, Louis Ebert, Dick Kortanek, George Tate, Merle Otto, William Batson, Glenn Fer- rell. PIONEER WOMEN— Virginia Osmus, Ethel Wieringa, Norma Ferrell, Lois Ebert, Ruth Kortanek, Betty Tate, Geraldine Otto, Lucille Batson. PREACHER— James H. Bell. PIONEER BOYS— Gary Ebert, Larry Batson, Roger Otto, Donald Fer- rell. PIONEER GIRLS — Sandra Wieringa, Patricia Wieringa, Helen Ann Ebert, Sherri Ferrell. OLD FASHIONED MEN— Wayne DePorto, Clarence Heisner, Ralph Nieland, Eddie Belz, Carl Marienfeld, Orville Schinkowski, Ken- neth Heusing, John Anderson. OLD FASHIONED WOMEN — Henrietta DePorto, Louise Heisner, June Nieland, Evelyn Belz, Pauline Marienield, Gladys Schinkowski, Myrtle Heusing, Cora Anderson. CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS— Arlan Schram, Alan Schram, Duane Warn- ing, Randall Smith, Terry Schroeder, Leland Harwood, Robert Breidert, Ralph Eisenbrandt, Alan F in k, David Zechlin. WIDOW BROWN— Mable Fink. CIVIL WAR OFFICER— Delbert Seemann. SCHOOL BOYS — Terry Logan, William Morrison, Kenneth Marien- ield, Dennis Marienield, Richard Osmus, Kim Osmus, Richard Mark, Gary Anderson, Keith Schram, Robert Kortanek. SCHOOL GIRLS — Sandra Logan, Mary Ann Otto, Martha Otto. Judith Larson, Pamela Petnuch, Constance Morrison, Dianne Moss, Lynn Hansen. SCHOOL TEACHER— Eris Rudman. BATHING BEAUTIES— Marie Mager. Lola Schroeder, Vernette Brei- dert, Lois Hossbach, Pearl Cheney, Margaret Zitter. BALL PLAYERS— Elwood Zitter, Kenneth Zitter, Harold Ebert. LIFE GUARDS— William Breidert, Kenneth Waldvogel. LADY IN RED— Mrs. Harold Ebert. MINNIE AND ELMER— Elmer and Viola Batson. MAYOR— Clark Bennett, Sr. GAY NINETIES COP— Charles Zitter. SUFFRAGETTES — Doris Sangmeister, Vicky Lambrecht, Marie John- son, Helen Landau. PRESBYTERIAN PICNIC— Fay Harwood. Christina Bennett, Jack Zit- ter, Nancy Lambrecht, Thomas Lambrecht, Albert Hauser, Sandra Grey. MISS PRIM AND PROPER— Mary Ellen Kohlhagen. BRIDE AND GROOM— Robert and Doris Trump. MEDICINE BARKER— Lynn Kohlhagen. BICYCLE COUPLE— Janet Folkers, Wilber Hossbach. CAN-CAN GIRLS— Gail Carter, Carole Baker, Ann Edstrom. Donna Brouillette, Magie Hermanek. CHARLESTON DANCERS— Judith Hansen, Patricia Bradley, Rudolph Guzik, Arthur Mark, Jr. CENTENNIAL CHORUS ARTHUR T. LAMBRECHT, Conductor LILLIAN COLLINS, Organist Sopranos Kay Anderson Mary Pearson Viola Lankenau Dorothy Woodman Maria Dawson Frances Breidert Bernice Schroeder Charlotte Folkers Marion Haakinson Dorothy Mark Bernice Voss Altos Mary Lou Dyke Lola Schroeder Leilia Folkers Helen Landau Charlene Folkers Buelah Kohlhagen Bertha Klepper Berenice Krusemark Ada Lambrecht Virginia Osmus Tenors Fred Heisner Lewis Ebert Robert Hohenstein Roger Hedges Carl Johnson Basses George Sangmeister, Jr. Al Hochberger Alan Hedges Herbert Folkers John Dawson Herbert Lambrecht Irene Scheer Ellen Mark Janet Bauch Janet Folkers Willa Schroeder Donna Miller Joyce Schweizer Judy Hansen Patricia Bradley Patricia Heisner Elsa Bizer Eva Jean Lorenzen Virginia Kruse Bernice Voss Barbara Scheer Yvonne Piepenbrink Karen Piepenbrink Joan Hansen Vivienne Eisenbrandt Lulu Breidert Leroy Hansen Burton Breidert Rev. Ben Day Calvert Heath, Jr. Dr. C. W. Otto Vernon Hansen Frank Folkers William Wilson Rev. Erich Bizer Dr. Merle Otto 50 TATE'S KOOL KORNER Routes 30 and 45 SUNDAES • MALTS • BANANA SPLITS • SHAKES COLD DRINKS • FLOATS • CONES SODAS • FREEZES Stop for a Kool Refresher •51 - Congratulations to Frankfort on its 100th Anniversary The Standard Oil Company, a youngster of sixty- six years, congratulates the city of Frankfort on its 100th anniversary. As Frankfort has progressed the Standard Oil Company has kept pace. Today, we serve this area with modern equipment, fine quality products and dependable delivery. YOU EXPECT MORE FROM STANDARD AND YOU GET IT! STANDARD OIL COMPANY HAROLD CLARKE, Agent Mokena 4421 52 PILGRIMS REST Standard Service AND Motel ♦ ♦ ♦ NOW OPERATED BY TED AND WAYNE MASSEY "UJAeAt Quxdify and S&wiaz TTbud" ♦ ♦ ♦ Corner Route 45 and Route 30 24 HOUR SERVICE DAILY -53 Mrs. Edith Heusner, who have done the most in re- search and effort. And so, I hope that as you have turned through these pages reminiscent of local history during the past 100 years, it has recreated happy memories of events and people for many of you. Also, I trust that it has made you proud of the heritage of good, solid, Ameri- can stock from which we are descended. May the excellent example that our fore-fathers left us in cour- age, ambition, and love of industry spur us on toward the accomplishment of ever better living for all. Burton Breidert, Program Chairman. Names of Those Who Have Helped to Finance This Program Elmer Batson Family Leo Haakinson Family- Herman Reimers Family William Breidert Family Walter Zollner Family Ralph Nieland Family Merle Otto Family Earl Moss Family Joseph Petnuch Family Herbert Minger Family Lynn Kohlhagen Family Wendell Morrison Family Tony Baker Family Harold Smith Family Orval Schroeder Family Ted Massey Family Franklin Christiansen Family Emanuel Engelmann Family Orville Schinkowski Family Thomas Gunhouse Family Clarence Waldvogel Family Stanley Johnson Family Paul Lambrecht Family Robert Simpson Family Ralph Dralle Family Otto Novota Family Burlyn Eisenbrandt Family Stanley Warning Family Burton Breidert Family Charles Lewin Family Howard Osmus Family Glen Ferrell Family Families Richard Kortanek Family Al Hochberger Family Leroy Hansen Family Jack Ewing Family Oran Deist Family Wilbur Emperor Family Robert Burns Family Burnett Schram Family Fred Piepenbrink Family Marcel Halik Family Elmer Sievert Family Joe Lackner Family Walter Marti Family Richard Lambrecht Family Ida Harmening Family Fred Weichselberger Family Glenn Schroeder Family Arthur Eisenbrandt Family Alfred Zechlin Family Leroy Wright Family William Batson Family Robert Van Rheeden Family Leroy Mager Family Blanche Mitchell Family Lewis Ebert Family John Topp Family Clyde Reils Family Arthur Melcher Family Roy Stellwagen Family Walter Jacobs Family Walter Harnack Family Harold Heisner Family John Anderson Family Donald Carroll Family Lester Gay Family Augusta Wischover Family Walter Schoen Family Emil Lenhardt Family Kenneth Oetter Family Donald Melcher Family Albert Krusemark, Jr., Family Wm. C. Bettenhausen Family Edmund Ebert Family John Weitendorf Family Henry Ruhbeck Family Carl Marienfeld Family Ralph Thoresen Family Ray Hiroshige Family The Lloyd Luhrings The Donald Freehs The George Heisners The Arthur Lambrechts The Alvin Harnacks The Harold Eberts The Albert Borms' The Fred Heusners The Christian Finks The Harry Martis The Irving Rudmans The Calvert Heaths, Sr. The Frank Novaks The Erich Bizers The Herbert Lambrechts The Ervin Schellhases The Henry J. Heusners The William G. Wilsons The Herman Stelters The Fred Kohlhagens Couples The Dale Warnings The Emil Deists The William Hansens The Edwin Dralles The Conrad Oetters The Calvert Heaths, Jr. The Adam J. Heusners The Larry Harris' The Wilbur Meyers' The Charles Bells The Glenn Folkers' The Henry Breiderts The John Knights The Jacob Hosterts The Otto Cohrs The Homer Smiths The William Seemanns The Elmer Linds The Arthur Subberts The Kenneth Heusings The George Kochels The Frank Heisners The Arthur Martis The Leonard Pearsons The Elmer Grendheims The Robert Stephens The Herman Barleworts The Walter Bettenhausens The Edward Warnings The Carl Johnsons Individuals Christina Eichenberg Bertha Nieland William Kampe Fred Dalaker Alan Hedges Ttoger Hedges Bertha Klepper Lola Harnack Charlene Folkers Anna Scheer Adella Lorenzen Katherine Heisner Garland Knippel Alvin Gullickson Florence Hollstein Henry Harnack May Scheer Viola Lankenau Margaret Koerner Bertha LaHue Elizabeth Wischover Alvina Minger Euleda O'Mara Mathilda Harnack Alan Hedges, Designer of Cover Historical Program Committee at Work: (Left to right) Frances Breidert, Burton Breidert, Chairman, Ada Lambrecht and Viola Lankenau 54 ....... 1922 A. C. BAUCH Ford and Allis Chalmers Dealer 1955 We are proud to hove been a port of the Fronkfort Business Community for the post 33 years. Our orgonizotion hos grown from a smoll one cor goroge to our present building. We hove constontly strived to give the peo- ple of our area the best service and hope thot we may still serve you until the next Centennial. 55 - - .y %»:.iwtkA Tavern and Package Liquor HENNEBERRY BUICK COMPANY ♦ Joliet, Illinois Tinley, Park, Illinois -95 GOLD STAR LINE (CHICAGO OUTER BELT LINE) Intra and Interstate Permits State and Interstate Inspections THE CARRIER OF CHAMPIONS Joliet Grade School Band State and National Champions Joliet Township High School Band State and National Champions Chartered Busses for Special Occasions — Anywhere — Anytime! For Information Call Frankfort 3171 96- From "Hello-Girl" to Dial Since the Turn of the Century Frankfort's Telephones and Telephone People Have Served Well Sadie Damman Widup remembers very well the exact date that telephone service started in Frank- fort. "It was September 1, 1901," she said, "and we had six subscribers connected to the switchboard, which had been set up in the second floor corner room of the hotel." Mrs. Widup, who lives in Plainfield now, re- members that the telephone became popular very quickly around the Frankfort area. From those first six telephones in 1901, the system grew to more than 360 'phones in 1910, when Sadie left to become a full-time homemaker and raise a family. "Frank Folkers was the manager in those days, and his brother, Peter, was the "trouble-shooter," keeping the telephone equipment and miles of lines in working order. The Folker boys, as a matter of fact, were the ones who really started telephone serv- ice in Frankfort. They put up the first wires, and poles and equipment, and ran the system for years." There had been telephones in Frankfort a year earlier, when the Chicago Heights Telephone Com- pany established an "exchange" and toll-center in town. But there were never more than a half-dozen phones connected to this system. The telephone company which hired Sadie Dam- mann and made her Frankfort's first telephone op- erator was called the Northwestern. A few years after its forming, it became part of the Interstate Independent Telephone system, which served sever- al communities in northern and central Illinois. In 1905, Frank Folkers' daughter, Mabel, came to work as night operator, to help Sadie with the rapidly increasing number of subscribers. Mabel Fol- kers served Frankfort on the switchboard for sixteen years. She's Mabel Knuteson now and lives on Maple Street. As the number of telephone subscribers in Frank- fort grew, more space was needed for the enlarging switchboard equipment. The operators and their equipment moved several times — to the second floor of the meat market building next to the Folkers Ho- tel on Kansas Street, and then again to across the hall in the same building. Around 1920, Mildred Walsh joined the team of operators who manned the switchboard for Frankfort on a around - the - clock basis. She is still in the telephone busi- ness — now ser- ving as Assist- ant Chief Oper- ator at the Har- vey Exchange of Geneva Klepper Grendheim (L) and Mildred Walsh Turner, talk about the old Frankfort telephone days, at luncheon marking Geneva's 30 years as a telephone operator. Mabe Folkers and Sadie Dammann (L-R) watching the Frankfort switchboard about 1905. Sadie, now Mrs. Widup of Plainfield was our town's first "Hello-Girl." Mabel Knuteson lives in town today W& ■W\ Frankfort's first telephone exchange was located on the second floor of the Folkers Hotel, off the balcony. About 1905. Illinois Bell Telephone Company. She is Mildred Turner now, and lives in Oak Lawn. Another Frankfort operator who stayed in the telephone family is Geneva Klepper, who became a Frankfort operator in 1925, when Mildred Walsh was chief operator. Now Geneva Grendheim, she lives on Maple Street. In 1919, the Interstate Independent company was having difficulties, and sold out its holdings, includ- ing the Frankfort telephone system, to the Chicago Telephone Company, which later became Illinois Bell. In 1940, the dial telephone came to Frankfort. For thirty-nine years before that, Frankfort phones had been of the "crank" variety. When Illinois Bell established the Frankfort Community Dial exchange which stands in its neat red brick building on Ne- braska Street, they brought to the town a modern communication system equal to the best in the world. There are now over 700 telephones served by the Frankfort dial system, and it is still growing. Mildred Turner and Geneva Grendheim recent- ly lunched together, to celebrate a special occasion- Geneva's 30th year as a telephone operator. They spent most of the time talking over those days when the life threads of Frankfort were woven through their switchboard. To Mildred, Geneva, Mabel, Sadie, and the Fol- kers brothers — and all the many others who have manned the telephone lines that have helped Frank- fort grow and prosper— we can only say— well done' ********************************* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * §025387926 EARLY FRANKFORT FIRSTS FIRST RAILROAD: The Joliet & Northern Indiana In 1855 FIRST TOWN PLAT by S. W. Bowen FIJtST STORE & POSTOFFICE kept by N. A. Carpenter (the building is now Mark's Grocery.) FIRST GRAIN ELEVATOR erected by N. A. Carpenter in 1855 at the side of the Michigan Central FIRST VILLAGE PRESIDENT: John McDonald FIRST SCHOOL built in 1856, on the present site of the residence of the late Ben Mager FIRST SCHOOL TE4CHER: Lizzie Kent FIRST CHURCH: Methodist Church built in 1856 located at Hickory and Nebraska Street FIRST FIRE DEPARTMENT: 1884 FIRST FIRE CHIEF: Herb McDonald FIRST ELECTRICITY supplied in 1913 y*Wk W-^~ PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *********************************