977,361 D964d GULF MOBILE & OHIO R.R. DEPOT 1 J "I n m f i f THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DWIGHT DWIGHT, ILLINOIS IN THE EARLY PART of the year 1905 Col. Frank L. Smith, an enterprising and successful townsman, became interested in the establishment of a National Rank in Dwight. He secured the services of Frank Lloyd Wright, the well-known architect, and arranged for the erection of a hand- some stone building, including furniture and fixtures. Mr. Wright, now recognized as the dean of architects in this country and abroad, created a structure that stands as an example of lasting functional plan- ning. The general structure of the building has never been changed since it was origin- ally built, however interior changes were made in order to keep abreast with modern banking conditions and the growth of the institution. The stock was all purchased by local people and the bank started with a $50,000 capital and $5000 surplus. Col. Smith, the president, was the leading spirit in the institution. Other local people who were also interested in the establishment and contributed to the early success of the bank were John R. Oughton, President of the Leslie E. Keeley Company; Major Curtis J. Judd, Treasurer of the Leslie E. Keeley Company; Charles L. Romberger, also an officer of the Leslie E. Keeley Company and a practicing attorney; Joe Miller, a leading merchant and R. S. Ludington, who had just moved to Dwight and also an attorney. According to the records, the Comptrol- ler of the Currency of the Treasury Depart- ment of the United States of America reserved the title of "The First National Rank of Dwight" on June 7, 1905 for the persons mentioned above. Shortly after the notice was received from the Comptroller of the Currency, the bank received its charter number, 8044 and was authorized to commence the business of banking as provided in Section fifty-one hundred and sixty-nine of the revised statutes of the United States. The bank has been operating under this charter since the date of organi- zation. The first meeting of the stockholders was held on the 10th day of January, 1906 at which time directors were elected as fol- lows: Frank L. Smith, Charles L. Rom- berger, Curtis J. Judd, R. S. Ludington and Joe Miller. Immediately following the election of the directors, they held a meeting for the pur- pose of electing their officers which were as follows: Frank L. Smith, President; Curtis J. Judd, Vice President; John R. Oughton, Vice President and John J. Doherty, Cashier. E. M. Hoffman, the first bookkeeper, is still employed by the bank and now holds the office of president. PRESENT OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES OFFICERS E. M. Hoffman, President James H. Oughton, Jr., Vice President C. J. Ahern, Jr., Vice President Ralph F. Sodini, Cashier R. W. Dempster, Assistant Cashier DIRECTORS C. J. Ahern, Jr. E. M. Hoffman Clare R. Mc Namara Martin N. Nelson James H. Oughton, Jr. Richard C. Oughton EMPLOYEES — Velda T. Erickson, Velda Paulsen, Beverly Weller, Regina Neville, Phyllis Pedersen ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE a ine ncatclkecL (ML2IS) Ifi&sm J FAT April 14. VSl] the Bank of I) wight y Dwight's first "perma- nent business place", and the State of ' Illinois' fifth ^^^5 oldest bank — will have com- f pleled One Hundred Solid 1 Years of Service. ^^^^^ We are proud of the fact that these one hundred years are years of continuous service — unmarred by recessions, depressions, and failures — service made possible lis forward-look- ing, yet conservative hanking practices. \ good example of the workability of these practices is the fact that the Rank of Dwight was one of the first to open its doors after the ••Hank Holiday" of 1933. The success of any hanking venture depends, of course, on the support received from the bank's customers. The officers and directors of the Bank of Dwight express their humble appreciation for the support given the bank b) the people of the area . . since 1855. n: WITH tongue in cheek, it ma\ be said that, thanks to his Scotch ancestry, the banking profession came quite naturally to David McWilliams. The fact of the matter is that, in April of 1855, 22 year old David McWilliams opened a "bank" in the white building pictured on the Dwight Centennial Seal — the D. McWilliams Store, which also functioned as a shelter for newcomers, and even as a place of wor- ship. At that time, the bank had no charter and no capital structure. All banking transactions were based on faith in the character of McWilliams. and consisted of deposits against which Mc- Williams would issue his personal check upon request I not unlike the present-day bank drafts). The first regular depositor, inci- dentally, was Hugh Thompson ; his grand- son: today, is one of the bank's officers. Until its incorporation in 1006, the Bank of Dwight was a private bank: even today, the capital stock remains in the McWilliams family, with the exception of shares held by the bank's officers and directors. John P. McWilliams, Charles D. McWilliams, Jr., J. Alex- ander McWilliams. Harold J. West, Angus S. Lower. Earl N. Hager are di- rectors. Bank of Dwight MEMBER. F.D.I.C. JOHN P. McWHAIAMS President HAROLD J. WEST Executive LP & Cashier ANCI'S S. LOWER Vice President HUGH THOMPSON Asst. Cashier [1] DWIC.HT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 This page is dedicated to the memory of . . . PAUL C. PAULSEN To have an ambition in life is one thing. To accomplish the goal set by that ambition is quite another. Too often in business the sight of the goal is lost in the eagerness to make profits. Paul C. Paulsen started in business in Dwight in 1917 with an ambition to give this community the best equipped automo- bile sales and service garage it is possible to maintain. He set the mark high and then started out with a determination to accomp- lish his end whatever the cost in effort. Mr. Paulsen attained his goal by always having the best equipped shop and turning out every job as near mechanically perfect as possible. Mr. Paulsen came to Dwight 37 years ago from Chicago and started in business in a space rented in the rear of Christopher Brothers, operating a repair shop. In Janu- ary, 1924, he purchased the business and equipment of George Brumbach's garage in the Kepplinger building, where he in- herited the sales agency for the Oakland Automobile; to this was added the Pontiac in 1926. This business was conducted until 1929 when fire destroyed the building and caused Mr. Paulsen considerable loss. The fire occured Saturday morning and Monday morning, Mr. Paulsen was ready for busi- ness in space secured in Zappa's garage, through the courtesy of B. Hamilton, who was operating this garage. Back in 1925 Mr. Paulsen bought the building now occupied by Howard Paulsen, his son, but did not move into it until June, 1930. With this he acquired the sales agency of the Chevrolet Automobile and Trucks. He immediately built a new front to the building, the following year built the south wing, where the repair shop is lo- cated; in 1942 built the modern service station on the corner of Chippewa and Prairie Streets, and in 1952 set up Dwight's first Used Car lot on the south side of Chippewa Street. Mr. Paulsen always kept abreast of the times in building and re- modeling. In 1945 Mr. Paulsen took his son Howard into the business continuing thus as a part- nership until his untimely death on Decem- ber 29, 1953. The business that Mr. Paulsen started in 1917, continues to be operated by his son Howard as Paulsen Chevrolet who will give the community the best in Automobile Service. PAULSEN SYMBOLIC OF SAVINGS EMBLEM OF EXCELLENCE [2] A GREAT PAST -A GREATER FUTURE AUGUST 15 TO 22, 1954 Dwight Centennial Association Edw. C. Dickler, Chairman Herbert C. Boyer, Vice Chairman Hugh Thompson, Secretary Maurice Nelson, Treasurer Pictured above are the members of the Dwight Centennial Committee. Left to right, they are: First row — James Oughton; Miss Ruth Brendley, Recording Secretary; Edw. Dickler; Hugh Thompson; Maurice Nelson; Back Row: Chester D. Pierce; Jim Baker; Rev. Paul F. Hartmann; Warren D. Kuster; C. J. Ahem, Jr.; Dr. J. L. Campbell; Herbert Boyer; George Hager; Harold West. @o*pu*Uttee4 . Centennial Book Ilistorir.il Committee— Tuesday Night Literary Club Centennial Book Advertising Committee— Rotary Club Pageant Committee— Senior Woman's Club Centennial Ball Committee— Lion's Club Centennial Banquet Committee— Junior Woman's Club Parade Committee— Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Alumni Reunion— DTHS Alumni Association Safety and Police Committee— Dwight Fire Dept. Special Events— Gen. Centennial Committee Food Concessions, Homemakers Exhibits— Home Bureaus American Legion Hospital Day— American Legion Industrial Exhibits— Dwight Auto Dealers' Association Queen Contest— American Legion Auxiliary Window and Hobby Displays— Order of Eastern Star Womens' Painters Club and Pale Face Club— VFW Auxiliary Bearded Brotherhood and Little Shavers Club— Veterans of Fori ign Wars Kiddie Parade— Sunday Schools of Dwight Churches Centennial Seal and other Artistic Designing— Louis Groll Lighting Committee— Public Service Employees and Dwight Electricians Grounds Committees— Dwight School Boards Collection of Properties for Pageant— Dwight Truckers Asso. Religious Observances— Dwight Ministerial Association [3] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 At the left, Edward C. Dickler, Centennial Chairman, has just announced that Julaine Short will reign as queen of the Dwight Centennial. Sunny Christian- sen, in the background, will be a member of the Queen's court. In the photo above, Queen Julaine Short poses with Governor William G. Stratton and Mrs. Barbara Christman. Gov. Stratton gave the centennial address and Mrs. Christman is Dwight's oldest resident. She will celebrate her 100th birthday October 9. The bottom photo shows most of the 580 people present for the banquet, seated at tables prior to the opening of the evening's festivities. [4] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE These people shown at the left were the honored ones at Dwight's Centennial Banquet. Seated are Mrs. Minnie Connor, 92; Mrs. Bar- bara C hristman, 99; and Mrs. Rebecca Hoffman, 93. Standing are Jane Ann Scott, Joyce Spangler, Honorable William G. Stratton Gov* ernor of Illinois; Queen Julaine Short, Thelma Schaefer and Sunny Joan Christiansen. The four young ladies will form the Queen's court during Centennial Week. The photo above shov/s part of the Banquet crowd from a different angle. This picture was taken at the conclusion of the dinner and just before the main program got underway. The photo at the right shows Dwight residents pouring in- to the main section of DTHS gym for the Banquet. Oldtime dresses and beards were prominent among those attending the banquet. [5] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 80th Anniversary of Lumber Yard — 1874-1954 40th Anniversary of The Hager Lumber Co. 1914-1954 George Z. Flagler moved to Dwight from New York in 1855. The first year he worked as a farm-hand, but with the prospects of the Village growing, he quit farm work and started as a carpenter and contractor. He continued this line of work until 1874, when he started the lumber business at its present site. In 1877 he sold an interest to Thomas Sims, and for three years they operated the business as Flagler and Sims. In 1880 Mr. Sims sold his interest to Zed Johnson, and the partnership of Flagler and Johnson, continued for the next three and one-half years. At this time Mr. Flagler bought out Mr. Johnson's interest and continued the busi- ness alone, with the help of his son, George N. Flagler. In 1S97 George N. Flagler succeeded his father as sole owner, and continued the business with the help of his son Edward Flagler. In the late fall of 1909 Edward con- tracted pneumonia and died at the age of 31 years. On December 5, 1909, Earl N. Hager started work as office clerk and yard man, and continued as such, for the next four years. On January 14, 1914 he bought the busi- ness from Mr. Flagler. For the next 15 years, the business was conducted with the original office and warehouses. In 1929 Mr. Hager came into possession of the real estate, and a program of permanent improvements was started. During that vear the present office was erected. In 1937, two adjoining lots were purchased from the McWilliams family, a new warehouse erected and the yard further en- larged. In 1952 a new lumber shed, with a capacity of 500,000 feet of lumber was erected, and the building program completed. In 1949, George B. Hager joined his father as a partner, now doing business as the Hager Lumber Company. The yard now stands completely modern in every respect, well stocked with everything in the building ma- terial l.'ne, for the farm or home. [6] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER F U TURE 'DovtgAt &e*? Mr. Chester D. Pierce Village President Dwight Illinois [yj D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 L. C. ARENDS. M. C. COMMITTEE ON 17th DirrnicT. Illinois Armed Service* MAJORITY WHIP WILLIAM R. PITTS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Congress of tfje Winittb States $ouse of ftepre£entatiueg JHasijington, 33. C. My heartiest congratulations to my friends and constituents of Dwight upon their 100th Anniversary! I am sure I speak for all the people of our 17th Congressional District in expressing our great pride in the progressive Village of Dwight and its 100 years of accomplishments. The history of Dwight is the history of America. It was founded and built over the years by humble, courageous, self-reliant folks who loved freedom and feared God. To the people of Dwight, what is past is prologue to what will be achieved as a community for an even more rewarding tomorrow for your children and theirs. That is the unconquerable spirit of Dwight which has enriched its past and gives great promise for its future. Again, my congratulations and very best wishes I [10] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE H. ALEXANDER SMITH, N. J.. CHAIRMAN IRVING M. IVES. N. Y. JAMES E. MURRAY. MONT. DWIGHT GRISWOLD. NEBR. LISTER HILL, ALA. WILLIAM A. PURTELL. CONN. MATTHEW M. NEELY. W. VA. BARRY GOLDWATER. ARIZ. PAUL H. DOUGLAS. ILL. JOHN SHERMAN COOPER. KY. HERBERT H. LEHMAN. N. Y. ROBERT W. UPTON, N. H. JOHN F. KENNEDY, MASS. IHCraieb $>i/■<>/*, Dwight Greenhouses, Egon Frandsen, and Hetzke Blacksmith The congregation continued to grow and to warrant a resident pastor so in 1868 Rev. Law- rence Dunn was appointed pastor by the Arch- bishop of Chicago. Father Dunn immediately built a rectory opposite the church. He remained here until December, 1869, when he was succeed- ed by the Rev. M. J. Hanly, who served till Sep- tember 1877. In October, 1877, the Rev. James Halpin came and was the first pastor to serve in St. Pat- rick's after its inclusion in the new Diocese of Peoria, under the leadership of the Most Rev. John Lancaster Spalding, D. D. Father Halpin labored zealously among his parishioners and was active in civic affairs of those early days until his transfer to Odell in 1882. During his pastorate at Odell, he was called to his reward and is bur- ied in St. Paul's cemetery, Odell. The next six years the parish was served by Father Recouvier, 1882-1884; Father Alfred Be- langer, C.S.V., 1884-85; Father J. B. Hedges, 1885-1888. Rev. F. B. Moore came in 1888 and the attendance had steadily increased until "The Little White Church" could no longer accomo- date the congregation. It was decided to erect a new church and work was started in 1895 on the present site, during the pastorate of Father Moore who worked diligently for its completion. In July, 1896, Rev. M. P. O'Brien was ap- pointed pastor and the church was completed and dedicated. During Fr. O'Brien's residence in Dwight, he built St. Bernard's Church at Sun- bury, 10 miles west of Dwight, which was an out- mission to Dwight. Both churches were cleared of debt and in 1901 Fr. O'Brien was transferred to Sunbury when it was made a separate parish. He later died there and is buried in Mt. Olivet cemetery, Dwight. Rev. James J. Egan was pastor from 1901- 1907 and during his pastorate, the present rec- tory was built and a pipe organ was installed in the church. The Rev. John F. Power came to Dwight in October, 1907. During his pastorate, an addition was made to the east side of the church afford- This picture shows the Ohlendorf Bakery in 1911 when it was located on West Main Street. Seated on the step is Herman Ohlendorf, standing are John Ehlan, John Telfer, Mrs. Gus Ohlendorf, Mr. Gus Ohlendorf, Charley (last name unknown), Mrs. Dixie Sorensen (Lillie Andersen) and Hertha Ehlan, now Mrs. Joost of California. I 28 I A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE This page donated by James Candies and Tobacco, McCord Siding and Roofing. McMarnara's Trucking, and Marchetti's Electric Shop ing more room for the ever increasing congrega- tion. While in Chicago on a business trip, he was stricken and died at Mercy Hospital, March 15, 1916. The Rev. J. P. Parker was then assigned to Dwight and remained until August, 1923 when he was appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception church in Streator, where he died suddenly in March, 1931. While in Dwight, he endeared him- self to his congregation and was active in com- munity affairs. The aged and sick were sorry to see him leave for they missed his friendly calls. The Rev. John W. Cummings, D.D., succeed- ed Fr. Parker. He supervised improvements in the church and rectory. His untimely death, May 15, 1928 ended a pastorate that brought great spiritual growth to the parish. Rev. Thomas J. Timmons was appointed pas- tor, May 17, 1928, coming from Watseka, where he had served for many years. During his resi- dence here Fr. Timmons endeared himself not only to his congregation but to the entire com- munity by his friendliness, his sociability and his keen interest in civic affairs. When his sudden death occurred May 15, 1940, young and old alike mourned the passing of a really true friend. During his pastorate the Catholic Youth Or- ganization was organized. He was chaplain of the Veterans Administration Hospital and of the Illinois State Reformatory for Women. Funeral services were held for Fr. Timmons at St. Pat- rick's with Right Reverend J. H. Schlarman, Bishop of Peoria, officiating. Burial was in the family lot in the Catholic cemetery at Seneca. Rev. M. A. Tracy, our present pastor, came to Dwight on June 20, 1940 following the death of Fr. Timmons, and has made many improve- ments in our church and rectory. Among the early Dwight settlers of the Catholic faith were: Mr. and Mrs. William Kel- agher, Mr. and Mrs. John Ahern, Mrs. Jacob Christman, James West, Sr., John Little, John Dennehee, Patrick Byrnes, Austin Gibbons, Peter Heinen, the Perry, Doherty, Hurley, Fay, Sands, Hagerty and Dixon families, Mrs. Margaret Longe, Mrs. Kane, Nickolas Morrissey and the Tom Kelly family. Organizations affiliated with the church: Altar and Rosary Society, whose special duty is care of the Sanctuary and church. It dates back to the founding of the parish. Ancient Order of Hibernians, was organized in Dwight in 1894. Officers were John Dennehee, James West, Thomas Dennehee, Lawrence Fay, William West, David Coughlin and Daniel Hurley, Sr. Catholic Ladies Aid, was an organization whose main objective was care of the needy, sick and aged, regardless of religious views. Their annual bazaar and supper was looked forward to each year. Mount Olivet Cemetery Guild, was organized during the pastorate of Father Powers. This was a group of ladies whose object was to care for and beautify God's acre. Knights of Columbus, is an organization of Catholic men with many varied objectives and promoting good will among neighbors. Senior Catholic Daughters of America, a National Catholic Woman's organization, was or- ganized in Dwight, April 8, 1945 with fifty char- ter members. The goals of this organization are for spiritual and intellectual improvements of its members and giving aid to charitable, religious and benevolent purposes. Junior Catholic Daughters of America, a youth organization, sponsored by the Senior CD A, was organized on February 1, 1948. The program followed is to give Catholic girls a well rounded youth program under Catholic leader- ship. The Catholic Church down through the years has had many of their sons serve their country during the wars. The writer can give no record of those who served during the Civil War. In World War I, there were about 45 and in World War II, there were more than 100. In this year of 1954, our boys are still being called. Presbyterian Church A church society was organized in 1856, three men, and 5 women constituted the member- ship. Their first meeting place of worship, was in the little school house, 16x24, which stood about fifteen rods from the David McWilliams home and continued meeting there until the next year, when their church was erected on lots do- nated by James C. Spencer and R. P. Morgan, and cost $2,620. The pulpit was filled by various ministers ir- I 29] DWICHT CENTENNIAL 1854-1954 This page donated by Kaisers 5e and $1.00 Store regularly until 1869 when Rev. L. F. Walker was called to take charge. In the fall of 1871 he was succeeded by Rev. W. L. Boyd, who filled the pul- pit until 1873. Elders of the church were: Hugh Thompson, Robert Thompson, James George, James Paul, and John G. George. The church was progressive and many his- torical events took place. One of the high lights was on September 23, 1860 the morning after the arrival of the Prince of Wales, he and his entire party accompanied their host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. James C. Spencer to church. To the surprise of all, the pastor, Rev. Young, prayed for the Queen of England and the royal family, which was considered Christian and hospitable, and no doubt, gave the Prince a pleasant home feeling. In no other way was the presence of royalty and high nobility noticed in that simple "meeting house," on the edge of the great prairie. After service all passed out of the church quietly, no staring, no delay. Mr. Spencer was always proud of the behavior of his neighbors on that occasion, so unlike that of fashionable New York a short time later, the worshippers almost mobbed the young Prince in Old Trinity. A part of the choir on that memorable day, was Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge, Mr. and Mrs. Case and daughter and Dr. Haggerty. The Prince was much pleased with the ser- vice and in consequence, made a donation to the church of 50 pounds. Reports from some of the older folks say, that he also gave a beautiful chandelier which was later hung in the church. Although there has been some antique dealers making inquiries, there doesn't seem to be any known record of it. In 1883 the ladies society was organized. Mrs. S. T. K. Prime, president, Mrs. James Paul, secretary, and Mrs. J. C. Lewis, treasurer. Many entertainments were given through the years. On the fourth of July 1880, the church members gave a festival entitled, "Pina- fore," seemingly it was a big success as they were invited to come to Odell and Pontiac and put on the play. Some time later they gave a Gypsy operetta. Also an entertainment, the principle feature was the "Broom Brigade." The Presbyterian Church also served other purposes. At one time the Keeley League held their religious services there. In 1880 when the town was growing so rapid- ly, the school board of directors was obliged to rent a room in the Methodist Church, for one pri- mary grade, up to the fall of 1886, when a larger and more commodious, better lighted room was secured in the Presbyterian Church. From 1873 until 1892 the following minis- ters served: Rev. Hargraves, Hill, Walker, Scott, Leenhouse, and Rev. Dr. Rabe became a resident of Dwight in 1875 and took charge of the Union Presbyterian Church. In 1880 it was he who in- stalled Rev. Hill as pastor and delivered the charge. In 1892 the property was sold through S. T. K. Prime to Rev. R. Wilheluisen, a progressive Danish minister, who organized the Danish Meth- odist Church and which was active until Decem- ber 1924, when it was sold to the Christian Science Church. First Methodist Church of Dwight The early settlers in this community (our forefathers) were men of foresight, serious minded and progressive. The first Sunday School was organized in 1855. The first gathering for worship was in the house of Nelson Cornell. Later worship was held either in a log school-house on Mazon Creek or in the barn of Eber Steven's farm which was near the village. The first public religious services in this town were in a building occupied by J. J. Gore. It was used before the building was really finish- ed and thirty-seven (37) persons attended this first Sunday School May 15, 1855. The following are all the names of those present that we are able to ascertain : David McWilliams, Sec'y., John Conant, Mrs. Conant, Samuel Cutler, Mrs. Cutler, Henry Conant, Miss Meltina Earl, Henry and George Cutler, Robert Thompson and several members of his family, Simon Lutz, J. Travis, Augustus West, N. E. Lyman, Ashley Bentley. The first sermon actually preached in the town was preached in a room over the store of David McWilliams on the second Sunday in June, 10th, 1855. In this room took place a formal or- ganization composed of six people as follows: [30] A CHEAT PAST A CHEATER FUTURE This pniip donated by Alexander McWilliams, Warcinko Implement, and Marigold Beauty Shop ■■■■^^^^^^^■■■■■■^^■■■■■B • Vrar Dwight the a new circuit with a pait time resident minister, the new circuit being struck off from the Mazon circuit, and Rev. 0. W. Pollard appointed to the charge of Dwight, Odell and Pontiac. Rev. Pol- lard was a well beloved pastor. Under his pas- torate the church progressed and expanded. After nine years of worship in their first church it was decided to build a new one and in October 1867 a handsome, imposing church was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Eddy, then of Chicago. It was a handsomely finished edifice capable of seating 500 persons and the society numbered 260 members. The Sunday School of this Society organiz- ed at an earlier date was at this time in a flour- ishing condition. Mr. David McWilliams was the first superintendent, a position he held for thir- teen years. In 1870 we note the departure of Rev. James Haney and the arrival of Rev. G. M. Irwin. Also at this period we find a notation of a great Sunday School picnic at Round Grove par- ticipated in by all the Sunday Schools of the Townships, Dwight, Broughton, Round Grove and Union. In 1873 Rev. R. G. Pearce was appointed to the pastorate of the Dwight M. E. Church. In 1874 Rev. Pearce moved to Fairbury and Rev. M. V. B. White succeeded him. In 1875 and '76 the M. E. Church made con- siderable repairs to their church at a cost of $1800.00 and reopened with impressive services, Rev. Briggs, D. D. of Evanston, delivering the morning and evening services, assisted by Solo- mon Thatcher of Chicago. In 1876 Rev. Havermale became pastor of the M. E. Church. The churches all joined in Union meetings under the direction of C. M. Morton, Sec'y- of the Y.M.C.A. of Illinois. Rev. Longley, Havermale and DeLong, the regular pastors, protracted the meetings some nine weeks and as a result all the churches received valuable additions in mem- bership. At this period the temperance wave appear- ed. R. W. Crampton was engaged to deliver sev- eral temperance lectures. George Woodward of Pontiac visited our community and by his public appeals and personal efforts, succeeded in in- ducing 75 drinking men to reform. An early picture of the Dwight Methodist church when transportation was still being provided by four-footed means. Simon Lutz, John Routzeng, Isaac Baker, Isabella Baker, David McWilliams and Jeremiah Travis. Thus was the Methodist Episcopal denomin- ation of religious worship established in Dwight. The first sermon was preached by Rev. A. D. Field. This circuit was known as the Mazon circuit and embraced all that tract of country south of the Illinois River and extended from Morris to Avoca Township. Rev. Field preached a few times during the summer and at the next meeting of conference two ministers were ap- pointed to the Mazon circuit and Dwight became one of the regular preaching places, having ser- vices every alternate Sunday in the schoolhouse, then just built. In 1858 the first church building was dedi- cated and Dwight became a regular preaching point on what was then the Mazon Circuit. This church was located at Prairie Ave. and Wau- pansie streets. By 1862 the church membership had grown to 188 members and had outgrown its house of worship and the original building was now leng- thened twenty feet. I 31 ] D WIGHT CKN'TENNIAL L 8 5 4 - ] 9 5 4 This page donated by Metroz Tavern, A\ Mortensen, and The Pro Shop 1878-1882 Rev. B. F. Tallman became pastor of the M. E. Church. 1881-1882 the M. E. Church built a new- parsonage opposite Rev. Pollard's residence on Prairie Avenue. David McWilliams was appointed delegate to represent the M. E. Church at the World Con- ference of churches in London, England, 1884-85. 1893 Rev. C. W. Ayling came to the Dwight pastorate. 1901 — It was decided by the officials of the Methodist Church that a new edifice was needed, more modern in construction and equipment, to care for the ever increasing membership and the many other societies connected with the church. The old church was torn down and construction of the present handsome building commenced. On Sunday, April 6, 1902, a memorable one not only for the adherents of the Methodist Episco- pal faith, but all Dwight people as well, this splendid building was dedicated to the worship of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Rev. W. R. Wiley, assisted by former pastors of the church took part in the dedication. The late Rev. A. R. Morgan was the resident pastor and it was due to his earnest untiring work that the new church was constructed. A beautiful pipe organ was installed in the church a few years later, a gift from one of the devoted members of the church. Connected with the church is the large Sunday School of which Mr. Roy Baker was superintendent for sixteen years. In 1889 the Women's Foreign Missionary Society was organized. In 1890 Epworth League was organized. In 1920 the Methodist Church entertained the Central Illinois Conference. With the Union of Methodism in 1939 the work cai-ried on by the Ladies Social Union and the Women's Foreign Missionary Society was merged in the Woman's Society of Christian Ser- vice. The former Epworth League became the Methodist Youth Fellowship. The former Meth- odist Episcopal Church became the Methodist Church. A Methodist Men's Fellowship was organized in 1943. Rev. George Davies who was pastor of this church for ten years and still makes his home in Dwight is highly regarded by everyone in the community and is the Pastor Emeritus of the Church. Among the ministers since 1898 are: Will- iam Wooley, 1898; A. R. Morgan, 1900; R. B. Sea- man, 1903; A. W. Lowther, 1905; W. A. Brown, 1910; George H. McClung, 1912; Joseph B. Chap- man, 1917; John H. Ryan, 1920; George R. Davies, 1921; E. E. Atherton, 1931; C. F. W. Smith, 1935; V. H. Roberts, 1939; Robert C. Cal- derwood, 1944 and the present pastor, F. Roy Doland, 1949. Nazarene Church The Nazarene Church was organized August 1947 at a tent on Prairie Avenue. The meeting was held by Rev. Dean Star and Rev. Udell Moss. The first pastor was Rev. George Psanti. The church was built in the Spring of 1949 and was dedicated on August 8, 1949. When organized there were eleven members. At present there are 18 members. Christian Science Society In 1857 the first church in Dwight was con- structed for the people of the Presbyterian faith. About the year 1892 the Danish Norwegian Methodist organization bought the church and in 1924 it was sold to the Christian Science Society, the present owner. Christian Science Society, Dwight, was for- mally organized in May, 1923, with seven char- ter members. However, persons interested in Christian Science had been meeting and holding services in private homes for many years prior to that date. Sunday School was conducted for many years, but as families moved from Dwight, the Sunday School was eventually discontinued. The bell originally installed in the church steeple was sold to Mr. William McMeans, who presented it to the Congregational Church, where it is at present. Although its membership is small, the Chris- tian Science Society continues to hold regular Sunday services in the first church built in Dwight, located at the corner of Franklin and Seminole streets. St. Peter's Evangelical Church Danish The first Danes arrived in Dwierht around [32] A GREAT PAST A GREATER FUTURE This page donated by E. Moyemonl and Sons, and John Nelson's Tavern 1860. They early united with a group of Nor- wegians of the same faith for religious services held by traveling missionaries and these were first he'd in Emmanuel Lutheran Church on East Mazon Avenue. Rev. J. A. Hejberg came from Trinity Luth- eran Church, Chicago to hold services on Certain '/jndays. On March 22, 1876 the Danish mem- bers decided to have their own meeting room, which was over Jake Smith's blacksmith shop, located near where Christopher's garage now stands. In this meeting St. Peter's Danish Evan- gelical Lutheran Church was organized. The first board was Peter J. Smith, president; Edlef Christensen, secretary ; and S. A. Petersen, treas- urer. Members were Hans Jessen Hansen, and Andrew Lydigsen. On April 22, Rev. Hejberg again visited the congregation and after this service a constitution was adopted. The board was also given authority to buy a building lot. Rev. Rosenstand of Manis- tee, Mich., was invited to preach here when pos- sible. The two lots where the present church stands were soon purchased, and on June 3rd, it was decided to build a church 28x50 feet. Christ Scott and Mads Nielsen promised to erect the building for $180 with the congregation buying the material. On July 28th, Rev. Rosenstand held the first services in the new church although it was not fully completed. Rev. Rosenstand was called as pastor on a salary basis of $580 per year. He came on April 22, 1877 and remained for one year. The next pastor was the Rev. Jacob Holm who accepted the call on a salary basis of $400 yearly. He was to serve Dwight two Sundays of the month and one week day. The other two Sundays he was to serve St. Stephan's in Chicago. The first Danish Summer School was established in 1879 between Dwight and Gardner. Mr. K. C. Bodholdt was one of the teachers, and he later became a pastor here. When Rev. Holm left, he advised the con- gregation to secure the services of Rev. Th. Lyngby who was also to serve the congregation in Rankin and Gibson and this arrangement was continued until 1903. Rev. and Mrs. Lyngby started a Saturday school for the children. In those days confir- mands came for instructions two whole days each week for six months out of two successive years. Rev. Lyngby left Dwight in 1882 in October and the congregation was without a pastor for more than a year. During this time Rev. Mortensen of Sheffield and Rev. P. C. Tranberg of Chicago filled the pulpit. In October 1883 Rev. L. Hansen accepted a call here. In 1887 Rev. Hansen left and Rev. N. P. Simonson came. He organized the Ladies Aid in the parsonage which was at that time located at 220 W. Chippewa Street. Early in 1892 Rev. A. Becker came to the congregation. Under his pastorate the Sunday School was organized, and also the Young Peo- ples' Society. When it was decided to build a parsonage, Mr. S. A. Petersen promised a build- ing lot, and $440 toward the parsonage was soon subscribed. This is the residence at 316 W. Chip- pewa St. Following Rev. Becker came Rev. P. Lil- leso, who remained until 1902. During his years of service a school house was built north of the church. When Rev. Lilleso left, Rev. Dan of Chi- cago and Rev. A. C. Kildegaard, a summer school teacher at Gardner, and in Dwight on Saturdays, conducted Sunday services. In April 1904 it was decided to build a steeple to the church and the Young Peoples' Society gave the church bell. Rev. A. Bodjerg came in 1903 but remained less than a year and he was followed by Rev. K. C. Bodholdt in 1905. In 1904 the church members living in Highland Township, Grundy County, formed a school association for the purpose of keeping up the Danish language and religious education for the younger generation. Rev. Bod- holdt left in 1909 and in July Rev. N. V. Holm came. At this time it was decided that the con- gregation needed a larger parsonage. Two lots were purchased opposite the church for $600. Mr. Peter Sondergaard was given the contract at a cost of $4500. During this time the school house north of the church was enlarged and a teacher was hired. In 1912 Rev. Holm left and in September Rev. J. C. Aaberg came. The new church was built in 1917 by Carl Clausen, at a cost of $13,000. In 1923 Bishop Ostenfeld and his wife from Denmark visited the congregation. An English division was started in the Sun- day School in 1918. There was one English ser- vice a month and confirmation instruction was alternately given in Danish and English every other year. Rev. Aaberg left in 1926 and Rev. Svend Kjaer came and served until 1937. During his ministry the Willing Workers Society and the [33] DWIGHT CENTENNIAL 1854-1954 This page donated by Murphy-ISeville Contractors Lutheran Brotherhood, which has since disband- ed, was organized. Rev. F. 0. Lund arrived in June 1938 and remained until April 4, 1943 when he left for duty as chaplain in the United States Army. Rev. Holger Strandskov accepted the call to the church and was installed on August 8, 1943 and served until October 1949. The congre- gation of St. Jacob's Evan. Lutheran Church of Gardner, which was served by the local pastors, discontinued service in January, 1945, and the members transferred here in 1946. One son of the congregation, Rev. Harold Riber, is serving as a missionary in India. The Rev. Marvin Ny- gaard, the present pastor, accepted a call to the congregation and was installed by Rev. Alfred Sorensen, District President, on January 22, 1950. Emmanuel Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) In 1851 a group of German Lutheran immi- grants from the province of Franconia, Bavaria, Germany, came to Chicago presumably to join four previous groups from Franconia who had gone to settle in the "thumb" area around Sagi- naw, Mich., in 1844. This group in 1851 coming to Chicago met the young pastor of First St. Paul Lutheran Church, the Rev. Henry Wunder. Rev. Wunder had just come from St. Louis evi- dently by way of the Michigan-Illinois canal opened in 1847. Probably impressed with the good land around Morris, he told these Francon- ian immigrants "Why go to grub stumps in the hills of Michigan. Go to Grundy county in Illi- nois, and have a crop the first year." This group listened to Pastor Wunder, and started southwestward into Illinois instead of in- to Michigan. They had friends near Oswego and spent the first winter there. John Racher and George Stephan Burger made a trip that fall to Grundy county and each bought a farm in Good- farm township. Next spring the entire group mi- grated southward to Morris and across the Illi- nois river into what is now known as Goodfarm township. This became the "Goodfarm settle- ment." Here more bought land for $1.50 per acre; or worked for the new Chicago and Mississi- ppi raih-oad which was being built. When they had money they bought land. George Simantel bought eighty acres in 1852. Prominent names a- mong this whole group were, John Racher, George Stephan Burger, George Kepplinger, Mathias The Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Mazon Ave. as it looked in 189S. Liebig, Henry Burk, Leonard Hahn, John Chris- topher Krug, George Simantel, Lawrence Kon- rad, Jacob Fillman, Friedrich Fruehwirth, and Johann Fuchs. The courthouse records in Morris show that Racher and Burger purchased land in 1851, Simantel in 1852. These Lutherans had no pastor, so they ap- pealed to Pastor Wunder in Chicago to serve them. Under him in 1854 they organized the Evangelical Lutheran Franconian Church. Their first resident pastor came in 1856, the Rev. Lor- enz E. Kaehler. Gradually some of these German Lutherans began to move to Dwight. By 1865 Rev. Franz Schmitt was resident pastor of the Goodfarm Lutheran church, and was also serving the Lutherans in Dwight. Early in 1867 Rev. Schmitt helped to organize Emman- uel Lutheran Church at Dwight, and helped to erect the first church building. Late in 1867 Rev. Schmitt was succeeded at Goodfarm by the Rev. C. H. G. Schliepsiek, and now he continued to serve Dwight. He gradually also started new congregations, Chenoa, Union township, east of Pontiac, and Pilot Knob, now Bonfield. Serving four congregations was too much for him, and so in 1872 Pastor Schliepsiek resigned at Trinity, Goodfarm, gave his largest congregation and [34] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE This page donated by Dtvight and Marx Garage, Stitzer parsonage to his successor, Rev. C. Wuench, and Rev. Schliepsiek moved to Cayuga where he rent- ed a house and continued to serve Dwight, Union Twp. and Chenoa. In 1883 he moved to a different parish, and by that time the Rev. Carl W. R. Frederking was serving Trinity, Goodfarm, and he took over the congregation at Dwight as a joint parish with his own, serving until 1893. By this time Em- manuel, Dwight, had grown to over 100 mem- bers, and Prof. Reinhold Pieper, and Prof. W. Streckfuss of Concordia Seminary in Springfield, 111., began to serve Emmanuel. On March 19, 1893 Prof. Pieper presided at a meeting of Em- manuel in which a call was extended to a grad- uate ministerial student of Springfield, the Rev. G. F. W. Westerkamp, who was ordained and in- stalled as Emmanuel's first resident pastor on September 3, 1893. On April 15, 1895, it was de- cided in a congregational meeting to build a new church. Mr. G. M. Hahn offered $1,000. Mr. Fred Steffan was hired as builder, ground breaking ceremonies were held on July 3rd, and the cor- ner stone was laid on July 21st. The building was dedicated in the fall of the same year. This building is still serving as the church, while the old church building began to be used as a Chi'is- tian Day School taught by the pastor. In January, 1898, the Rev. G. Westerkamp accepted a call to Cleveland, Ohio and was suc- ceeded by the Rev. Gustav Ernest Wockerfuss in 1898, who served until June, 1907. The same month the next pastor, the Rev. W. O. J. Kis- termann came from Pingree Grove, 111., and was installed as the next resident pastor. In 1911, the Rev. J. A. Leimer, who was serving Trinity Goodfarm, induced his congregation, and Em- manuel to begin services in the English lang- uage. In June 1914 Rev. Kistermann accepted a call to Hamler, O. Emmanuel's fourth resident pastor was the Rev. M. H. Mueller of Marena, Okla., who was installed on August 23, 1914, and served until August 30, 1952. Under Rev. Mueller the day school was closed, and a Sunday School begun. Dec. 1, 1952 Emmanuel congregation extended a call to the Rev. Paul F. Hartmann, of Messiah Congregation, Carlyle, Illinois, and he was instal- led on February 1, 1953. The Congregation now has the following or- ganizations: A Sunday School with a staff of 13 Cold Storage Locker, Adams Shoe Store, Gamble Store teachers, a mixed choir directed by Mrs. Lila Beier, a young peoples' organization which is af- filiated with the International Walther League, a Mens' Club affiliated with the Lutheran Lay- mens' League, a Ladies Aid, and a Mary-Martha Society affiliated with the Lutheran Womens' Missionary League. The congregation is at the present time in the process of planning a new $160,000 church and parish hall. Trinity Lutheran Church (Goodfarm) (Missouri Synod) The pioneers who settled Goodfarm Town- ship over 100 years ago came from different Lutheran lands of Germany, but most of them hailed from a province of Bavaria named Fran- conia. Thus came into being the first organized church in this vicinity in 1854, organized by the Rev. Henry Wunder of Chicago, although there were circuit riders who had visited homes as early as 1852. Pastor Wunder had been a stu- dent at the Missionhouse in Neuendettelsau, Ba- varia, in 1845, and thus was personally acquaint- ed with at least some of these first settlers. The building of the Chicago and Mississippi railroad, finished in 1854, made possible several things: the establishment of the town of Dwight, the organ- ization of what was first known as the Evangeli- cal Lutheran Franconian Church, and the oppor- tunity for the settlers to earn some money in order to be able to purchase some land as farms. Rev. Lorenz E. Kaehler came in 1856 as the first resident pastor. Just when he left is not clear, but a graduate Seminary student from St. Louis by the name of the Rev. Franz Schmitt took over the joint parish of Pilot (now Bon- field) and Goodfarm townships in 1863, and in 1865 he moved to Goodfarm. His stay here was but two years, but it was long enough to estab- lish a daughter church in Dwight (now Emman- uel Lutheran Church). Later in 1867 the Rev. C. H. G. Schliepsiek took over the joint parish of Goodfarm and Dwight. By 1872 he had a par- ish of five congregations. Goodfarm, considered the most important and the only one with a par- sonage, he turned over to his successor, the Rev. C. W. R. Wuench, while he moved to Cayuga, serv- ing from there Dwight, Chenoa and Union Town- ship (now Pontiac). He in turn was succeeded by the Rev. C. W. R. Frederking who enjoys the dis- tinction of the longest pastorate at Goodfarm, L 35 ] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL 1 S 5 4 - 1 9 5 4 This page donated by Olson Tire and Hardware from 1878 to 1896. Ill health caused his resigna- tion late in 1896 or early in 1897, and he spent his last years in Dwight, where he died in 1902. The next pastor was the Rev. A. Vogt, who served at Goodfarm from 1897 to 1902. In the latter year came the Rev. H. Grefe, who served until 1906, and in turn he was succeeded by the Rev. G. Schaaf, from 1907-1910. 1911 saw the arrival of the Rev. J. A. Leimer. During his pastorate a precedent was set in introducing, even though it was on a modified basis, the Eng- lish language. He also did the same for Dwight Emmanuel. Rev. Leimer served here until Jan- uary 1917. From Jefferson City, Mo., now came the Rev. P. J. Danker, whose service at Goodfarm was the longest next to the Rev. Frederking, from 1917 to January 1935. In 1936 came the Rev. D. J. Kramer, who served until April, 1944, and late in 1944 came the Rev. E. W. Schwartz, the present pastor. Old time residents may still remember the summer kitchen on the Fruehwirth farm, now Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lasse. This served as the first chapel for services somewhere along what is now Highway 47. In 1861 the then Lutheran Franconian Church, since about 1870 called Trin- ity, acquired a two acre plot of land, the pres- ent property. Here was built a chapel along the lines of the present school, and parish hall. To this was added in 1875 the forementioned build- ing, serving as church and school, and in 1889 an additional half acre was purchased for the pur- pose of serving not people, but horses. The old parsonage burned to the ground in 1884, and with it the records available prior to that time. The old church was replaced in 1899 with the building still serving Trinity as a house of worship. All buildings, parish hall, and parsonage underwent a process of rehabilitation and modernization from 1944 to 1952. First Congregational Church 1865 — 1954 Dwight, Illinois On December 1, 1865, the first sermon was preached for the new Congregational church in this faith, of Dwight, Illinois, b,y the Rev. J. A. Montgomery, a student from the Congregational Seminary in Chicago. This meeting was held in Gerson's Hall. On the 12th of January, 1866, a council of del- egates from the neighboring churches was con- vened, and invited to give advice regarding the permanent organization of a church, and 11 per- sons identified themselves with the congregation. Those recorded were Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Brewer, Mr. and Mrs. H. Eldredge, Mrs. S. M. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Cutler, Miss S. Alden, Miss S. A. Snyder, Miss Mary Armstrong, and on profession of Faith, Mrs. Rebecca Snyder. In 1867 an effort was made to build up a church, with lots procured and building commenced. In January 1868, an elegant church was dedi- cated, free from debt. The total cost of the build- ing, grounds, etc., was $5,425. The Rev. J. A. Montgomery was pastor from the first organiza- tion of the church until 1873, when he accepted a call to Morris, 111., and the Dwight pulpit was afterwards filled by Rev. W. C. Rogers, with about 150 members. It had a flourishing Sunday School with an attendance of 150, of which Mr. A. Brubaker was Superintendent. In this year — 1873 — , the Presbyterian church merged with the Congregational church. 1879. Rev. Dr. Hartley accepted a call to pastor- ate here. Ladies' Benevolent Society The Ladies Benevolent Society of the Congre- gational church was organized Feb. 2, 1880, at the home of Mrs. J. C. Hetzel, with 15 ladies present, to do what they could to help the cause of mis- sions, as they believed it to be God's work, and more could be done together than separately. The charter members were Mesdames Adams, Bru- baker, Cornell, Cadwallader, Cary, Eldredge, S. Eldredge, Estes, Hartley, McClure, Newell, Jor- dan, Pool and Parsons. The officers now (1954) are: Pres., Mrs. Judy Anderson; Vice Pres., Mrs. Mildred Koch; Secy., Mrs. Selma Mortensen; Treas., Mrs. Victoria Scott. The annual Chicken Pie Supper dates back al- most to the beginning of the group. The idea was brought back from the east by Mrs. Adams and has been making a hit with Dwight people ever since. The Ladies Benevolent Society has a member- ship of 58 at present — the first meeting boasted of 15 present. It has an honorary list of mem- bers over 70 years old, who are still remembered at birthday time and holidays with cards. In the Congregational church today are many improve- ments which have been the work of the ladies of the church. The kitchen has been remodeled, the dining room improved with new tables, drap- [36] A GREAT PAST A GREATER FUTURE eries, folding chairs, etc. This means a lot in the serving of suppers in the church, as now it can serve 300 or more at chicken pie suppers. 1881. Rev. Albert Lee became our pastor. 1883. Rev. G. A. Jameson was our next pastor. 1885. Rev. J. R. Barnes was called to be our pastor. 1886. Rev. William Wilson was chosen to suc- ceed Rev. Barnes. 1887. On Feb. 12 of this year the Young Peoples Society of Christian Endeavor of our church was organized. The late Prof. H. D. Fisk was the first President. The Endeavor had for its motto, "For Christ and the Church." It's object was to help young people to live nearer to Christ, to assist the pastor of the church in his work in every way possible and to promote the principles of good citizenship, also to cultivate the spirit of friend- liness and kindness to strangers. The officers were: Pres., Mrs. J. A. Spencer; Vice Pres., Mary Nelson; Treas., Mrs. J. L. Van Eman; Sec, Bessie Baker; Recording Sec, Alida A. Martin. In later years, the name was changed to Pilgrim Fellow- ship. Officers now are: Pres., Elmer Stevens; Vice Pres., Tommy Spivey; Sec, Mary Elaine Morehart ; Treas., Tom Wilson. 1888. Rev. P. M. France became our next pas- tor. 1889. On Jan. 11 nine ladies of the Congega- tional church met at the home of Mrs. France to organize a Missionary Society. The officers were: Pres., Mrs. France ; Vice Pres., Mrs. Milton Palm, Sec, Mrs. Ella Bell ; Treas., Mrs. Calwallader. The Missionary Society is now merged with the Ladies Benevelont Society. 1892. Rev. H. M. Cole was chosen to succeed Rev. France. At this time a pipe organ was pur- chased for the church at a cost of $900. 1893. Rev. J. A. Fisher was our next pastor. 1894. Due to poor health, Rev. Fisher resigned as pastor of the church and was succeeded by Rev. E. F. Wright. 1900. Rev. Sheldon A. Harris was next called to be our pastor. 1902. Rev. William J. Drew, of Elmira, 111., ac- cepted a call to our church here, and in 1909, dur- ing his pastorate, our present handsome church was erected at a cost of $25,000, with a new pipe organ, fine Sunday School rooms, well equipped kitchen for use in serving suppers and dinners, also a platform for use in giving various enter- tainments. This new church was dedicated Dec. 19, 1909, by Rev. W. E. Barton, D.D., of Whea- ton, 111. Solos were sung by Josephine Goodman and Hazel Fisk. This church belongs to the Fox River Association. 1911. Rev. Drew resigned as pastor and was succeeded by Rev. F. F. Farrington. On March 9 of this year about 20 ladies gathered at the home of Mrs. A. E. Adams and her daughter Cora, for the purpose of organizing a ladies class in connection with the Sunday School of the church. A Constitution was adopted and the fol- lowing officers elected : Teacher, Miss Clara A. Wright ; Pres., Mrs. Maud Dunlap ; Vice Pres., Miss Elsie Buehler; Sec-Treas., Miss Mattie Hayes. It was called the "Philathea Class." In the latter part of 1949 the name was changed to the "Philathea Circle," as it was no longer a Sunday School class. The present officers are as follows: Pres., Mrs. Lola Brady; Vice Pres., Mrs. Mildred Koch; Sec, Mrs. Ethel Wolcott; Treas., Miss Martha Johnson ; Chairman of Sunshine Committee, Mrs. Mary Bunderson. 1914. Rev. George H. Wilson was called to succeed Rev. Farrington, the latter resigning be- cause of Mrs. Farrington's poor health. 1916. Rev. Claude E. Sayre was our next pas- tor. 1918. Rev. Harold D. Lamb was called to suc- ceed Rev. Sayre. 1920. Rev. Lamb resigned because of poor health and Rev. Robert James Watson, a student, became our next pastor; he was ordained here, and married a young lady of our congregation — Miss Ida Schroeder, in August 1922. 1924. Rev. J. H. Schmidt was called to be our next pastor. 1927. Rev. Martin L. Gable was accepted as our pastor. He was quite musical and a singer. During his pastorate William McMeans, a former member of the Presbyterian church, but now a member of the Congregational church, purchased the bell from the Christian Science church (which was formerly the old Presbyterian church) that his father had given to the Presbyterian church many years ago, and had it installed in the tower of the Congregational church, where it is still in use. In 1928 the Flower Fund of the Ladies Benev- olent Society, (the purpose being to send flowers to sick and shut-ins) was organized. Mrs. Ida Rabe has been chairman of the Flower Fund for 25 years. 1929. Rev. William Grubb became our pastor and served for ten years. [37] DWICIIT CENTENNIAL I s "> 1 - ] 9 5 4 1989. Rev. Nevin Banner was called as our past (ii- and during his pastorate the Young Woman's Guild was organized in September, 1940. Young Woman's Guild The Young Woman's Guild of the Congrega- tional Church was organized in September, 1940, with a membership of 31. The object of the or- ganization is to enlist the women of the parish in a closer fellowship, the purpose of which shall be to undergird the program of the Congrega- tional church as it serves the cause of Christ in the community and throughout the world. Dur- ing the years the following have been officers: Mrs. Philip Tock; Mrs. Evelyn McConnell, Selma Drew Howell, Mrs. Russell Vermillion, Mrs. Earl Dippon, Mrs. Harry Clausen, Mrs. Myron Osth, Phyllis Mower, Madora Zappa, Mrs. Harold Brown, Mrs. Frank Clausen, Mrs. Kathryn Parks, Mrs. William Grubb, Mrs. Robert Anderson, Mrs. Donald Anderson, Mrs. George McVicars, Mrs. Leo Ehman, Lucile Kuerth, Mrs. Tony Branz, Mrs. Clarence Wright, Mrs. Raymond Hopp, Mrs.' Lawrence Sovad, Mrs. Carl Butzirus, Mrs. Mer- lin Legner, Mrs. Louis Groll, Mrs. Hans Brorsen, Miss Dorothy Peterson, Mrs. Philip Ricolo, Mrs' Milton Beyer, Mrs. Jack Costello, Miss Jean Strufe, Mrs. Harold Von Qualen, Mrs. Earl Adair. The membership of the organization is now 52 with the following as officers: Mrs. Harold Von Qualen, Pres. ; Mrs. Earl Dippon, Vice Pres. ; Mrs. Earl Adair, Treas.; Mrs. Tony Branz, Sec. During his pastorate Rev. Danner also organ- ized the Junior Choir, ranging in age from 9 to 11 years. 1942. Rev. Rev. J. Kent Sanderson became our next pastor. 1946. Rev. Richard L. Ford was next called. He was a student from a theological seminary and served two years. 1948. Rev. Clarence B. Gould, from Warsaw, N. Y., became our next pastor. He organized the Intermediate Choir, which ranged in age from 11 years through 13 years. Mrs. Augusta Branz gave a Hymn Board to our church in memory of her husband, E. J. Branz, and Mrs. Jennie John- son and her daughter Martha gave two beautiful silk flags to the church — an American flag and a Christian flag — in memory of their daughter and sister, Mabel J. Young. 1949. December 1, 1949, the Congregational Club was organized with the following officers: Pres., Harry Clausen; Vice Pres., Helen Dippon; Secy., Mildred Grubb. Their meetings are held the second Sunday evening in the church par- lors. The object of this Congregational Club is to demonstrate that the family type of relation- ship is the keynote of spiritual growth and one of the life-lines of Congregationalism. The free exchange of thought and ideas in an atmosphere of good fellowship, is the manner by which this Club endeavors to foster the increasing strength of our church. On October 1, 1949, Mrs. Sigurd Jensen became our church organist and choir director. 1950. A beautiful brass cross and two lovely brass candlesticks were given to our church by friends, in memory of Mrs. Mary Jane Gould, wife of our pastor, and Miss Lidella Thompson. During this year two handsome brass offering plates were given by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Dick- ler, in memory of their mohter, Mrs. Clara Dick- Ier. 1952. The Young Woman's Guild gave two beautiful tall brass candelabras to the church. Rev. Gould gave the electric clock that is in the auditorium of the church, on which are the words, "Think" on it. Rev. Gould resigned this year and Rev. Howard J. Preston was called as our next pastor, and is still with us. The Cradle Roll The Cradle Roll of the Congregational Church was started more than 50 years ago by Mrs. Georgiana Cook. The first name on this Roll was Ida Schroeder, who in 1922 became the wife of Rev. Robert J. Watson pastor of our church at that time. Mrs. Cook is still in charge of the Cradle Roll. Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church Salem Church and the beginning of Evangeli- cal work in Goodfarm Township started in 1852- 1853, when Rev. Elias Musselman and Rev. G. Vetter made an appointment in the home of Peter Haag, in Goodfarm Township and met with the family. We have the baptismal record of Mary Pfeifer, the daughter of George and Mary Pfeifer, who was born August 18, 1852 and was baptized in Goodfarm township, Grundy County, in October 1852 by Rev. Elias Mussel- man. Therefore we believe that this was the first recorded and earliest act of one of our Ministers in this township. In the summer of 1852 they went from house to house to hold prayer-meetings each week. They had gotten enough enthusiasm at the prayer [38] A GREAT PAST A GREATER FUTURE First Evangelical Association Church, 1872-1912 meetings to ask Rev. Musselman and Rev. Vetter to preach for them during that fall. These brethren were stationed on the Naperville circuit which was made up of Oswego Prairie, Plainfield, Wheatland, Aurora, Naperville, Kankakee, Sa- lina (Bonfield), Grand Prairie and Salem. They preached at Salem every fifth Sunday. Peter Haag's home was open to the Evangeli- cal preachers and the family's interest brought the Preachers back time and again, to preach to them and to the families who were neighbors and friends. When this family came to Good- farm township and bought land they were ac- companied by other friends from the Oswego community, where they had formerly been mem- bers of the Evangelical Church. Consequently these people drew together under the ministry of Rev. Musselman and Rev. Vetter and formed a class, with Peter Haag as the first class leader. The first members were Peter Haag, Christian Burkhart, George Pfeifer, Leonard Fisher, and John Klughart. They and their families made up the beginning of the Evangelical congrega- tion which later came to be known as the "Mazon Church." Until 1856 preaching was done in the homes, also the prayer meeting was carried on under the direction of Peter Haag. In 1856 under Rev. Schreiber a church was built on the land of Peter Haag, (this location is on route 47, just about 90 rods north of the east and west road, on the east side of the road, on land belonging to Wayne Hoffman.) It was a modest building and plain, 18 x 28, without tower or bell and cost $500.00. There were eleven families belonging to the church at that time — Peter Haag, John Meier, George Pfeifer, Leonard Fisher, Michael Sindal, John Klughart, Fred Burkhart, John Schrotber- ger, George Haag, Martin Hoffman and Philip Gantzert. A Sunday School was organized dur- ing this time and Leonard Fisher was the first superintendent, followed by J. G. Schrotberger. In 1865 six more families were added — Andrew Burkhart, Peter Ricke, Christian Ricke, John Hanne, Sr., George Zingebe, Jacob Constantine and William Constine. Peter Rieke was licensed as a local minister to hold services. An attempt was made to build a parsonage but it did not succeed. Civil war soldiers from Salem Church were John Phillip Gantzert. William Constan- tine, George Hornberger and Lewis Seeger. The first marriage of our congregation was held in 1866 for William Constantine and Mary Klughart. The minister was Rev. Bernhard Ruh. The same year a parsonage was built in Dwight for the ministers of the Grand Prairie Circuit. One of the three ministers assigned to this Cir- cuit lived in Dwight. In 1877 a meeting was held to discuss the prop- osition of a new church building. They decided to relocate on the present site, on route 47, about 90 rods north of the old location, on the west side, on land donated by George Pfeifer. A frame church 32 x 46, with a 70 foot steeple and a bell was built for $2419.00. The name was changed from Mazon congregation to the beautiful name "Salem Church of the Evangelical Association," syice the congregation did not live in Mazon. Rev. Goessele, presiding elder, from Naperville, was to purchase the stone for the foundation in Joliet and have it sent to Dwight by freight; from Dwight it was hauled by wagon to the site. In May the following trustees were elected: George Pfeifer, three years; Fred Pfeifer two years; Andrew Burkhart one year. The church was dedicated October 1, 1877 free of debt. One of the earliest records of the Sunday School is given in an old treasurer's book. The first officers were: George Schrotberger, superin- tendent; George Zingrebe, assistant; George Hoffman, librarian; Martin Hoffman, treasurer; and William Constantine, secretary. In 1882 the two ministers appointed by the Illinois Conference to serve the Grand Prairie circuit had eight places to preach — Dwight, Salem, Zoar (Reddick), Grand Prairie, Salina, Mazon, Gardner and Braceville. [39 D \Y I G I IT CENTENNIAL 1854-1954 On June 13, 1886 the first Children's Day pro- gram was given to observe the day. This has been continued every year thereafter. On Satur- day, one or two hours during the summer, a school was held. This school lasted for a few years only, due to several families moving away and their children withdrawing from the school. In 1896 a Young People's Society was organ- ized in German by Rev. Fred Schwartz, called "Jugend Bund." Carrie Burkhart was its first president. Because it was in German, this was quite a handicap to the young folks, who spoke English in the community. In 1903 the Y.P.A. (Young People's Associa- tion) was organized under Rev. Storkman. This organization carried on all its meetings in Eng- lish and was well received. It prospered and has been carried on ever since. In 1907 the Dwight and Salem Churches were formed into the Dwight Mission, consisting of the two churches Dwight and Salem, thus sever- ing their relations with the Grand Prairie Cir- cuit. Rev. John Marth was the pastor. In 1911 one of the first catechetical classes was graduated from the three year course. Ten young people were graduated. A Women's Missionary Society was organized during the pastorate of Rev. Ebert. Charter members were: Mrs: George Hoffman, president; Mrs. Leonard Bower, vice president ; Mrs. Frank Gantzert, secretary ; Mrs. William Pfeifer, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. William Hoffman, treasurer. In 1914 this field became self-supporting. Thus it became the Dwight-Salem charge and the des- ignation mission was dropped. Soldiers who served in World War I were Aaron Hoffman, Harold Hoffman and John Halterman. In 1919 eighty-one members were added to the two churches; three classes graduated from cat- echism. On November 29, 1925, the Salem Church was rededicated after being remodeled at a cost of $12,000.00. The church was raised so that a com- pletely equipped basement could be constructed. Fourteen feet were added to the east end; the steeple was taken down and a tower built, and the outside was covered with brick veneer. Bishop Dunlap dedicated the newly remodeled church; Rev. K. J. Bauerle was the pastor. The first vacation Bible School was organized by Rev. Paul Giese in 1926 and was one of the first held in this community. It was received with such favor, that it has been carried on each year as a community project. Other union pro- jects were carried on from this time with the Protestant church cooperating in Passion Week services. In 1946 the Evangelical Church and the United Brethren Church merged on a national basis, therefore the name of the church was changed to "The Evangelical United Brethren Church." The young people's group took the name of Youth Fellowship, and the woman's organization took the name "Woman's Society of World Service." In 1950 a men's organization, "The Brother- hood" was organized with Everett Gantzert as president. This included all the men of the Dwight and Salem congregations. In the fall of 1953 a new Hammond Electric Organ was purchased by the congregation and used for the first time at the Advent services. Also an Organ lamp and Baptismal Bowl were presented as memorials to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Weikum, by the Weikum children. At present there are 78 members at Salem Church, with good prospects for growth. The present board of trustees include: Frank Gantzert as president, William Hoffman as treas- urer, Herman Haacke as secretary, also Melvin Burkhart and Clyde Burkhart. Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church The year 1862 marks the beginning of our church in Dwight. Rev. Gagstetter served the large Grand Prairie circuit at the time. One year before Dwight was surveyed by Nelson Buck and marked out as a town, our Church in Goodfarm township had already been founded. This was in the year 1853— Dwight was founded in the year 1854. The first sign of a town as the records show, was an inverted tin can nailed to the top of a telegraph pole. The first appointment for a religious meeting in Dwight by this church, was in the home of Simon Winkler. The meeting was conducted in the German language. Several German families had been invited to this first German religious service in Dwight. The charter members were: the Simon Winklers, the Buehlers, Conrads, Klugharts, Burgers and Brunners. The Winkler home was located about where the present par- sonage stands at 209 W. Mazon Ave. In 1872 after ten years of holding services in the homes the growing group built a little frame church. The pastor lived in Dwight, where a [40] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE parsonage had been built in 1866 for $700. The pastors of the Grand Prairie circuit lived here and served Salem, Dwight, Grand Prairie, Zoar and Bonfield. In 1900 the present parsonage was built, while Rev. Groenwald was the pastor. A Sunday School was organized in the early 1900's and meetings were mostly held on Sunday afternoons. Some of the early superintendents were Aaron Good, William Kelch and Mrs. Mary Dippon. The Sunday School when Rev. George Schwartz was pastor, had an attendance of about forty children. A Ladies Aid was organized during the pas- torate of Rev. Storkman and did very good work, helping with the church finances, by making quilts, tying comforters and later on holding bake sales. In 1907 Rev. John Marth became the first min- ister of the Dwight Mission. The Mission consist- ed of the congregations of Dwight and Salem, thus severing their relations with the Grand Prairie Circuit and having one pastor to serve both churches. In 1908 a tent meeting was held on the farm of Fred Pfeifer, which was led by Rev. W. B. Billing, presiding elder. The Dwight congregation took part in these meetings and it was carried on for several years, with considerable success and blessing to the people. In 1911 it was decided that the congregation needed more room and a new church was con- tracted for. The old church building was sold and moved south of the Village Hall, where it was remodeled into a stucco house. The impressive ceremonies of the laying of the corner stone of the new Zion Evangelical Church, which was built on West Delaware Street were held on Fri- day afternoon, November 29, 1912. The church was built for an outlay of $8,000. Contributions came from neighboring Evangeli- cal Churches and from those on the Grand Prairie circuit and from a few business men of Dwight. The congregation only numbered around thirty at the time. After the dedication of the new Zion Church, the English language was used en- tirely for all services. In 1914 the charge became self-supporting and the name Dwight Mission was dropped, in favor of Dwight-Salem charge. The Young Peoples Alliance was formed about this time, meeting on Sunday evenings for devotional meetings and once a month for business meetings in the homes of the members. Laura Kelch was the first presi- dent. In 1916 the district Y.P.A. convention was held in the month of June. In November both streets were paved by the church. In February 1917 the Church purchased a new organ for $137.50. Rev. Dagenkolb organized the first class in catechism. On Easter Day 1919 the first class of the three year Teachers Training Course graduated. Members were Ruth Kelch, Mrs. Alice Dagenkolb, Edward Gantzert, Fred Gantzert and John Klein. In 1918 the first mar- riage took place in the present church — when Edwin Kelch and Helen L. Jensen were married by Rev. Dagenkolb. In 1926 Rev. Paul Geise, pastor, the first daily Vacation Bible School was held and the first White Gift Christmas service was put on by the Young People. It attracted the interest of the whole community and over three hundred people packed into the church. A Kimball piano was purchased in 1927. During the term of the following pastor, Rev. C. J. Krell, the young people were particularly active in putting on religious and missionary plays each year, and received a good reputation for their fine efforts from the community at large. The pastor carried on a Leadership Train- ing course, from which five young people gradu- ated — completing twelve units each ; other young people took the course so that 110 units of credit were earned. During the pastorate of Rev. Fred Stroebel 1940-1950 Zion Church was twice redecorated and improvements were made on the basement of the church. The divided chancel was intro- duced, new cathedral lamps were put in by Miss Caroline Korner, the brass cross and candlesticks were presented by Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Gantzert. A bulletin board was presented to the church by the Will Burkhart children in honor of their parents' fiftieth wedding anniversary. In 1950, Rev. E. E. Schaefer, pastor, the base- ment of the church was improved and redecorat- ed. An Organ fund was begun which led to the purchase of a Consonata Organ in 1953. A Bap- tismal Font was added to the chancel furniture by the Will Burkhart children in memory of their parents and eight grandchildren were baptized at the dedication service. The name of the church was changed when the merger of the Evangelical Church and the Unit- ed Brethren Church took place in 1946, to the Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church of Dwight. [41] DWICIIT CKXTKNNIAL • IS 54 -1954 HISTORY OF DWIGHT'S SCHOOLS The early settlers of Dwight, realizing the im- portance of their children's learning the "three R's," built the first schoolhouse in 1855, at a cost of $275. The size of the schoolhouse was 16 x 24 feet. This building served as a schoolhouse for three years and was also used as a church and public hall. The first school directors were David McWilliams, Jeremiah Travis, and Nelson Cor- nell. Miss Sarah Snyder was Dwight's first school teacher. It was not long before an increase in population made it nceessary to build a larger school. Much agitation was manifested over the location of the new building, with the "East Side" location win- ning by three votes. In 1857, a school was built on the site of the present East Side School on land donated by James Spencer. Children going from the main part of town to the new school had to wade through slough grass as high as a man's head. There was no bridge over the creek, except the railroad bridge some distance up the track. Later a foot bridge was built. In 1861, a bell weighing 300 pounds and costing $122 was pur- chased for the building. By 1864, additional space was needed and an addition 26 x 28 feet was built at a cost of $1,500. As the years went by, still more room was needed, for Dwight was a growing village, and in 1870 a new two-story brick building was erected at a cost of $5,000 on land donated by James Strong, with the provision that the land should always be used for school purposes. This build- ing was later to be known as the Dwight High School. On this same ground, the present Rich- ard P. Morgan school stands. In the early "Nineties," additions were built to the West Side brick building to provide additional grade room on the first floor and classrooms for the high school. The first high school graduating class was that of 1880, when Jesse Hubbard was superintendent. This class had three graduates — Allie Eldredge, Charles Fallis and Charles Rhodes. The school election of 1894 was a hotly contest- ed one. Five-hundred and twenty-two votes were cast in three hours. Mrs. C. M. Baker, who was one of the board members elected, was the first woman to be elected to the school board in Dwight. It is interesting to note that the prevail- ing teachers' salaries were $40 to $45 per month at that time. By 1896, Dwight had a population of 2,255. The crowded and unsanitary conditions of the schools were proof that a new school building was again necessary. With the decision made to build, came the decision to rearrange the entire system. The cornerstone of the present East Side building (old part) was laid by the Board of Education on October 19, 1896. The building was complet- ed in 1898 at a cost of $18,000. This building was one of the finest for that time and served ade- quately to accommodate the grades and high school for many years. Under the new arrange- ment, the West Side building was maintained as a primary grade school, and the children living west of Prairie Avenue were required to attend the West Side School. The Dwight High School was fully accredited by the University of Illinois as early as 1898. At that time, a vote was taken on the question of setting up a township high school, but the elec- tion was not successful. In 1902, funds were con- tributed by the citizens of the community to make the third floor of the East Side building into a gymnasium. In 1911, it was voted to build a new grade school on the West Side ground. This school was completed at a cost of $11,000 and was called the Richard Price Morgan School in honor of the late Colonel R. P. Morgan. An addition was built in 1914, and the building is still in use, housing the first, second, third, and fourth grades of the West Side pupils. In 1912, C. A. Brothers became superintendent of the Dwight Schools, and much of the expan- sion and curriculum improvement — particularly in the high school — came as a result of his ex- cellent leadership. Mr. Brothers served as head of the Dwight Schools until the fall of 1948, a period of thirty-six years. In 1915, the territory adjacent to Dwight was embraced by vote with that of the Village of Dwight and a township high school district was organized, with an area of 72 square miles. The formation of the Dwight Township High School was an important step forward, because — with increased revenue from the rural area and the increase in enrollment — more courses could be offered. The size of the high school district was increased from time to time by additional terri- tory voting into the district, until, by 1953, the district contained 141 square miles. By 1924, Dwight had again outgrown its school facilities, with an enrollment of 401 grade school and 189 high school students. The rooms were [42] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE The East Sid* School, 1900, with Miss Emma Baker as teacher, comprised the above picture. Another photo of the East Side School group, quite in contrast to the top photo, showing the students in everyday wear. We imagine those bare feet were a lot more at ease than they were in those "Sunday-go-to-meerin' " shoes shown in the top picture. 43] DWIGHT CENTENNIAL 18 5 4-1954 badly overcrowded. The high school was in dan- ger of losing its State recognition. It was pro- posed to build a new township high school at a cost of $180,000; but the propositon was defeated ed by the voters of Dwight in a close election. To quote from the Dwight Star and Herald of Dec- ember 5, 1924 — "Much as we regret to state in this article, the project for a new building was rejected this fall. In glancing over this article, it would seem that our forefathers were more progressive and had the interest of educational facilities of our boys and girls more at heart than we of this generation." Because the crowded condition of the schools continued to get more acute, in 1926 the people voted to build an annex for high school use. It was completed in February, 1927. This annex contained eight classrooms in which were hous- ed the commercial department, the home eco- nomics department, a chemistry and physics laboratory, a biology and general science labora- tory, and two recitation rooms used for the lang- uages and history. These rooms have been used for essentially the same purposes down to the present date. In 1928, the community voted in favor of building another annex. This annex included two large recitation rooms used for English, a shop, and a mechanical drawing room. The main part of this annex, however, was the large combina- tion gymnasium-auditorium, a greatly needed addition to the school. When used as a gymnas- ium, it will seat 1,200 people, and when used as an auditorium, will seat 1,700 people. The build- ing of the gymnasium made it possible for a full-time physical education program, as well as providing adequate facilities for basketball games, tournaments, plays, and community fun- ctions. In 1931, at the request of many of the farmers of the community, the Board of Education pro- vided an agriculture department. Since that time, Dwight has provided three years of agri- culture for the farm boys, as well as farmer's short courses and classes for veterans of World War II. As early as 1857, the school board felt the need of a superintendent and engaged their first one, Edwin Lathrop, at a salary of $40 per month. Dwight has had twenty-four superintendents since 1857. C. A. Brothers, who served for 36 years, has the record for length of service. The list of superintendents and their years of service are listed below: 1857-1858— Edwin Lathrop. 1858-1859— L. P. Wilmot and wife. 1859-1860— S. G. Glenn. 1860-1861— D. S. Eyer. 1861-1863—0. F. Pearre. 1863-1865— L. P. Wilmot. 1865-1868— W. H. Gurney. 1868-1870— B. M. Moore. 1870-1871— L. F. Walker. 1871-1872— C. F. Gruey. 1872-1874— W. S. Wilson. 1874-1878— C. F. Diehl. 1878-1883— Jesse Hubbard. 1883-1890— H. D. Fisk 1890-1892— C. E. Schlabach. 1892-1894— W. T. Wilson. 1894-1895— J. H. Meneely. 1895-1901— George Horton. 1901-1905— R. C. Rennick. 1905-1908— Anthony Middleton. 1908-1911— H. B. Dickey. 1911-1912— Miss Huff. 1912-1948— C. A. Brothers. 1948- —Warren D. Kuster. Dwight has always maintained a fine corps of teachers and many men and women of today owe much of their success to the splendid training re- ceived in the Dwight Schools. Teachers of the past meriting special comment by the Dwight Star and Herald in their edition of January 26, 1934, were Robert Mclllduff, Lizzie Weagley, Fanny Ketcham, Mate McClure, Franc McClure, Laura Rodman, Agnes Mclllduff, Mrs. T. M. Wright, Lucy Banks, Emma Baker, Belle Mc- Ginnis, Martha Paul, Erminie Ahern, Lillie Con- rad, John Smith, Alice Perry, and Lillian Fisk. Marie Bissell, Cecelia Chewning, Marie Hutchi- son, Margaret Hubbard, and Maurine Ketcham were outstanding teachers in the Dwight Schools for many years. Three teachers who have recently retired gave unusually long periods of faithful service to the Dwight Schools. Lena Hatting retired in 1950, after teaching for 39 years in the primary grades. Miss Hatting also served as building principal of the West Side School for many years. Eulah Lynn retired in 1953, after teaching home eco- nomics in the high school for 31 years. Ruth Murray became incapacitated by illness early in 1954, after serving as first grade teacher for more than 34 years. Frank Miller, who retired in 1953, served as [44] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE school custodian for over 30 years. Teachers on the present staff who have been in the system twelve years or more are Irma Hewitt, Emma Siedentop, Alma Eyer Krudup, Fred Van Dyke, Lennie Ellis, Wilfred Coe, and John Haegele. A study of the minutes of the school board meetings down through the years supplies very interesting information. The records of the min- utes are complete since 1892, with the exception of four years (1898-1902), which the secretary of 1902 says were burned in the Leslie E. Keeley Co. fire. Since 1892, the school boards of Dwight have had twelve presidents. Since 1915, when the Dwight Township High School was formed, there have been two boards, but the same presi- dent served both until 1952. The following men have served in the capacity of president : A. Bru- backer; John Leach; Dr. C. L. Hamilton, 1906- 1909; Thomas E. Barry, 1909-1913; R. W. Bos- ton, 1913-1923; J. E. Ferguson, 1923-1929; Carl Christopher, 1929-1937; Laurie Stitzer, 1937- 1940; James Oughton, 1940-1945; Martin Nel- son, 1945-1947; James Oughton, 1947-1952; Hugh Thompson, President of District 232, since 1952; Herbert Boyer, President of District 230, since 1952. Seven secretaries have served the boards of education since 1892. From 1892-1905, E. T. Miller, J. W. Baker, and F. A. Haise served. George Baker was secretary 1905-1917; Martin Nelson 1917-1928; Mary Chappie 1928-1934; Mary Smith since 1934. Martin Nelson served on the school boards from 1910-1947. His tenure of 37 years was the longest in the history of the Dwight Schools. Mr. Nelson served as board member, as secretary for many years, and as president for two years. James Seabert had the second largest period of service, 27 years. Edward Hoffman and Louis Weicker served for 24 years. Other members with long periods of service were C. J. Ahern, Henry Siedentop, C. D. McWilliams, A. S. Hol- brook, Dr. J. H. Oughton, Paul Paulsen, Elmer Gantzert, O. W. Finnegan, John Doherty, James McConnell, P. H. Von Qualen, and C. J. Ahern, Jr. An important change was made in school or- ganization when the Dwight Township High School was formed in 1915. The men who were members of the board were as follows : R. W. Boston, President; George Baker, Secretary; C. J. Ahern ; Andrew Hansen ; James Seabert ; Dr. J. H. Oughton; and R. E. Davis. The history of the Dwight schools would be incomplete without a brief statement of their 1954 status. There are two districts, as has been true since 1915. The Dwight Elementary School District 232 has grown from 8 square miles un- til 1951, to 44 square miles, with an assessed valuation of $15,000,000 (1953). Nine common school districts were attached to the Dwight district when these districts no longer had enough pupils to operate. Dwight has never had a consolidation, so this enlarged district is still operated as a common school district. The West Side School is operated to take care of the chil- dren of the first four grades who live west of Prairie Avenue. The enrollment is 124 (1953- 1954). Except for some internal improvements, the West Side School is the same as it was when built in 1911 and added to in 1914. The East Side School houses the children of grades five, six, seven and eight. The grade school enroll- ment at the East Side School is 340 (1953-1954). The grade school children are all housed in the old part of the building, which was built in 1896. The rooms have been considerably improved by the addition of new lights, floors, and desks dur- ing the last few years. At the present time, all rooms are crowded. The educational program has advanced with the years, but the fundamentals of reading, writing, and arithmetic are strongly emphasized. Teachers are conscious of the fact that they are teaching boys and girls and must accept them at the educational, emotional, and social level that they find them and proceed to help them with their development. To aid this development, health and safety, physical educa- tion, social studies, science, music, art, and spell- ing are taught to all pupils. In the upper grades, home economics and shop work are offered to enrich the program. All pupils who live in rural areas are transported. The school operates a hot lunch program and a rental book system. Each student is offered the opportunity to have an insurance policy which covers accidents. Each classroom has a library to which books are added each year. There is no central library. Many films and film strips are now used in teaching. In 1953-1954, there were four full-time teachers in the West Side School and ten teachers at the East Side School. In addition to these fourteen teachers, there are special teachers of music, physical education, shop, and home economics. The Dwight Township High School has an area [45] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL 18 5 4-1954 of 141 square miles and an assessed valuation of approximately $30,000,000 (1953-1954). The to- tal enrollment is 210. There are sixteen teachers, although five of them teach classes in the grade school. The high school has never owned a build- ing. They rent from the grade school. The high school occupies the second floor of the old build- ing, the classroom annex, and the gym wing. The gym itself is shared with the grade school, which seriously limits the physical education program of both schools. The gymnasium is also used as an auditorium for all school events. Since there is no other auditorium in the village, the school gymnasium is often used for community functions. The dressing rooms are inadequate for physical education and the shop is housed in one room on the second floor in the gym wing. The cafeteria is well equipped and is an asset to the school and the community. The classroom annex is fairly adequate for the classes taught there, although the home economics quarters need remodeling and the commercial department has become too small. The agriculture depart- ment is in the basement of the old building, and there is no farm shop, the library is on the third floor. Its location seriously limits its use. In spite of building difficulties, the high school maintains high standards. It has been a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools since 1916. The teachers are well trained (eleven of the sixteen have their master's degree), teacher turnover is small, and the salary schedule is good. The same salary schedule is also used in the elementary school. Twenty-nine different courses are available to students. Several of these courses are two, three, or four years in length. In addition to the regu- lar academic courses, vocational courses are of- fered in agriculture, home economics, commerce and shop. Instruction is offered in two lang- uages, Latin and Spanish. A full high school program of pre-engineering is available. There is a club program to take care of various student interests and many students belong to two or three clubs. The student Council directs the stu- dent activities. Extra-curricular activities in- clude the band, glee club, speech, dramatics, and athletics. Major sports are football, basketball, and track. The girls have their G.A.A. program. Dwight High School has its own chapters of the National Honor Society and the Thespian So- ciety. All rural students are transported. The hot lunch program, rental book system, and in- surance are available to all students. During the present school year, a citizens' com- mittee of twenty people, not directly connected with the school, is making a study of the Dwight Schools under the leadership of the Office of Field Services of the University of Illinois. The facts they uncover and the conclusions they reach should be of great benefit in helping the school boards in planning for the future. In conclusion, it would seem appropriate to list the membership of the Boards of Education and the school personnel who are at present di- recting the education of the future citizens of Dwight. Board of Education, Dwight Elementary School, District 232: Hugh Thompson, President; John McWilliams, Elmer Christopher, James Baker, Merlin Ogg, Vernon Voigts, (One position vacant due to death of Paul Paulsen) ; Mary G. Smith, Secretary. Board of Education, Dwight Township High School, District 230: Herbert Boyer, President; C. J. Ahern, Jr., Herman Ohlendorf, Harold Von Qualen, William Steichen, Albert Klehm, Albert Mortensen, Mary G. Smith, Secretary. School Faculty: Warren D. Kuster, Superin- tendent. West Side School: Esther Stout, First grade; Agatha Hagerty, second grade; Mary Abry, Third Grade; Alma Krudup, Fourth grade. East Side School: Ruth Murray, Esther Boundy, First grade; Jean Thompson, Second grade; Nelle Maher, Third grade; Emma Siedentop, Fourth grade; Lennie Ellis, Fifth and sixth grades; Catherine Wiegman, Fifth and Sixth grades; Josephine Wiegman, Fifth and Sixth grades; Verna Wepprecht, Seventh and Eighth grades ; Irma Hewitt, Seventh and Eighth grades; Mary Ellen Krum, Seventh and Eighth grades. High School Faculty: Mildred Ayers, Girls' Physical Education ; Lorene Bratt, General Science, Biology; Mary Lou Carter, Mathematics; Joseph Ciontea, Music; Wilfred Coe, Mathe- matics, History ; Myrtle Frueh, English ; John Haegele, Commerce ; Lucille Kresl, Social Science ; Leila Mudge, English, Speech; Leona Munzen- maier. Commerce ; Donald Rose, Shop ; Charles Vickers, Chemistry, Physics, Driver Education; Jean Voigts, Home Economics ; Margaret Wig- gins, Languages ; Bennie Wilhelm, Boys' Physi- cal Education, Coach; Fred Van Dyke, Agricul- ture; Dorothy Dixon, substitute teacher. [46] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE DWIGHT VA HOSPITAL The Veterans Administration Hospital is lo- cated practically in the center of Dwight. The cite comprises a total of 3 and three-tenths acres of space with seventeen buildings. The hospital is of a general medical and surgical type with an operating bed capacity of 228 beds. One hund- red twenty-eight of these beds are presently al- located to the Medical Service with the remain- ing one-hundred to the surgical service. The hos- pital year around has maintained a maximum patient load. The staff consists of a well organ- ized professional group including specialists in major branches of medicine and surgery. In ad- dition, the hospital has as consultants a number of specialists in various fields in medicine and surgery from the medical schools in Chicago and from surrounding cities. Augmenting the pro- fessional staff are other well qualified employees. In 1953 a total of 2,360 veterans were admit- ted for treatment. Dwight got its Veterans Hospital in the year 1919 when the buildings were leased from the Keeley Institute for a period of five years. The hospital operated under the Public Health Ser- vice until 1922 when the Veterans Bureau was established to absorb all of the old National homes. The buildings were sold to the govern ment in 1923. In 1930 the Veterans Administration was created and has operated the hospital since. After the government had purchased the buildings, the hospital was closed for just a very brief per- iod of time and then reopened. Again in 1933 the hospital was closed. However, it reopened in 1935. On May 11, 1947, a new four floor addi- tion was officially opened. The cost of this new addition was $418,000.00. At the time the addi- tion was dedicated it accommodated patients on floors 2 and 3. The Dental and Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Clinics were located on the ground floor along with Physiotherapy, Laboratory, Pharmacy and X- Ray. The entire fourth floor was devoted to the Surgical Suite. In the basement was a large recreation room fully equipped with three pool and billiard tables, ping-pong tables, two-way bowling alley, shuffle- board games, dart games, red ball games, and several pieces of leather and chrome furniture. This area was under the surveillance of the Rec- reation Section of the Special Services Division. Another large room on the basement floor was utilized by the Physical Medicine and Rehabilita- Dwight High School graduating Class of 1892, showing from left to right in the caps and gowns; Chas. Simmons, Fannie Connor, Bessie Baker, Etta Calder, Clay Parker. [47] DWIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 tion Division as a corrective therapy clinic. An- other room in the basement was utilized as an autopsy room. Building No. 8, as the addition is now known, is completely modern and is furnish- ed with all of the very latest equipment. The Ad- ministration Building, formerly known as the Livingston Hotel, was converted entirely into wards and is known as Building No. 1. The Kee- ley Laboratory, which is now Building No. 2, was and still is the Administration Building and the main entrance to the hospital. In 1944 the Gov- ernment purchased what now are known as the Nurses' Quarters and the three buildings which are west of it on Mazon Avenue. The largest of these three buildings was formerly the Cottage Hotel. At the time of purchase original plans called for constructing brand new quarters for the nursing and other key medical personnel. Since adequate funds were not available to build such quarters, the buildings since that time have been remodeled and are presently utilized as quarters for the nurses, the Manager and other staff doctors and their families. The area served by the Dwight VA Hospital at that time was bounded by two diagonal lines drawn across Illinois. One extended from Du- buque, Iowa, southeast across the State to Mo- mence, Illinois, and the Indiana line; the other extended from Ft. Madison, Iowa, across to just above Robinson, Illinois, and the Indiana line. Over a period of years many changes in man- agerships and renovations have taken place. Since 1935 a total of six capable managers have served this hospital; namely, Dr. R. W. Browne, Dr. W. E. Kendall, Dr. Septimus Taylor, Dr. Peter A. Volpe, Dr. M. Herbert Fineberg, and Manager at the present time, Dr. Joseph L. Campbell. Since the government acquired ownership of the buildings many alterations have been made, and are still in the process, for converting the former Livingston Hotel rooms into efficient and modern hospital rooms. The area in the new building formerly supervised by the Special Ser- vices Division as a recreation game room is now accommodating an ultra modern Central Sterile Service Supply and Occupational Therapy work shop. An important renovating job took place in September of 1950 when the connecting cor- ridors between Buildings 1 and 2 were completed. On March 26, 1953, the hospital had installed a new oil burner which eliminated to a great extent the smoke pollution of the air in Dwight. A Veterans Canteen Service has been added as an integral part of the Special Services Program. The Canteen is located in the southeast corner of the basement of Building No. 1. This service was instituted in June, 1947. The following services comprise the hospital "medical team :" Office of Manager, Office of As- sistant Manager, Communications and Records Division, Finance Division, Personnel Division, Special Services Division, Supply Division, En- gineering Division, Registrar and Contact. Under the Professional Services are Medical Service, Surgical Service, Dental Service, Physical Medi- cine and Rehabilitation Service, Nursing Service, Radiological Service, Laboratory Service, Phar- macy Service, Social Service and Dietetic Ser- vice. Voluntary Services Story On April 8, 1946, representatives of several voluntary service organizations met in Wash- ington, D. C, with the Assistant Administrator for Special Services. This meeting resulted in the formulating by the VA of regulations and procedures to be guided by the use of volunteer assistance in the VA Special Services Program for hospitalized veterans and in the establish- ment of VAVS Advisory Committees. It is noteworthy to mention that as far back as 1922 a group of about fifteen to twenty women from Dwight were organized by Mrs. Georgianna Cook, a lifelong resident of Dwight. This group was organized under the auspices of the American Red Cross. Some of the duties which they performed were assisting with the folding and making of bandages, writing of let- ters for the patients, and assisting with other tasks. In the Fall of 1935 the first Orientation and Indoctrination School was held for volunteer hospital workers. At that time there was a to- tal of eight women that took the course. Of that number there still are three women who are very active to this day in volunteer work; namely, Mrs. Lilas Telford, Miss Goldie Hamilton and Mrs. Nicoline Sondergaard. In May, 1947, the first group of volunteers serving under the auspices of the American Le- gion Auxiliary were organized to serve as vol- unteers or "Gold Ladies" as they are so common- ly referred to in connection with their hospital work. Mrs. Savilla McPheeters served as the hos- pital chairman and later was suceeded by Mrs. Lilas Telford. On November 7, 1947, the first VA Voluntary [48] A GREAT PAST A GREATER FUTURE Services Hospital Advisory Committee meeting at the Dwight Veterans Hospital was conducted with six organizations represented. The mem- bership of this committee has steadily grown ever since. At the present time twenty-eight civic, service, regilious and welfare organizations are represented on this committee. The names of these organizations and the present representa- tives of what is commonly referred to as the Veterans Administration Voluntary Services Hos- pital Advisory Committee are as follows: Organizations and representatives are: American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Mrs. Mil- dred Spence ; American Legion, Mr. William Beck- helm ; American Legion Auxiliary, Mrs. Telford; American Red Cross, Mrs. Margaret Fouser; American War Mothers, Mrs. Mary At- kinson; Auvets, Mr. Andy Brix; Amvets Auxil- iary, Mrs. Otto Mackert; B'nai B'rith, Mrs. Fred Hefter; B'nai B'rith Women's Supreme Council, Mrs. Irving Gollub; Catholic War Veterans Aux- iliary, Mra. Mary Sobkowiak; Daughters of Un- ion Veterans of the Civil War, Mrs. Lillian Pom- bert; Disabled American Veterans, Mrs. William Faletti; Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Mrs. Margaret Wegner; Elks, Mr. William Klein; General Federation of Women's Clubs, Mrs. Nic- oline Sondergaard ; Jewish War Veterans Auxil- iary, Mrs. Elsie Cohen; Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Mrs. Loretta Eft ; Masonic Service As- sociation, Mr. Adam Oesterle; Military Order of the Cootie, Mr. Dale Bennett; Mothers of World War II, Mrs. Genevieve Young; National Cath- olic Community Service, Mr. C. J. Ahern; Na- tional Woman's Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, Mrs. Marie Allen ; Navy Mothers Club of America, Mrs. Mildred Chappie; Supreme Cootiette Club of Illinois, Mrs. Alice M. Neal United Spanish War Veterans, Mr. John Sutherland; United Spanish War Veterans Auxiliary, Mrs. Bertha Fay; Veterans of Fore- ign Wars, Mr. Kenneth Moore ; Veterans of Fore- ign Wars Auxiliary, Mrs. Lena Veronda. The object of the VA Voluntary Services Pro- gram at Dwight is to provide a coordination of volunteer aides to assist the staff which is charged with the responsibility of caring for the welfare of the patients and in aiding and motivat- ing the patient to early recovery and purposeful living. Under this coordinated program the en- tire VA Hospital staff desiring to make use of the volunteers' aid in supplementing its present The Old Opera House was a popular spot in Dwight's younger days, standing on Chippewa Street on the ground now occupied by the S. O. Nelson Implement Co. It was destroyed in a fire that took place in June of 1900. [49] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 program for patients or in order to provide an additional program does so through the VA Vol- untary Services Hospital Advisory Committee. This committee offers the participating organi- zations the opportunity for proper coordination and integration of their service in the overall hospital treatment program. At this hospital volunteer assistance is utilized in the Nursing Service, Central Sterile Service Supply, Personal Services, Sewing Room, Library, Registrar Of- fice, Recreation and Chaplaincy Service. Last year volunteers expended at this hospital a grand total of 21,624 hours — an incredible contribution of time and invaluable assistance to the hospital "team" through the medium of individualized and personalized service to the patients. The VA Voluntary Service Program is a very important member of the hospital "team" playing a dual role: First, providing planned service and help to the patients in the hospital; second, pro- viding the hospital the opportunity of interpret- ing the hospital program to the public through the committee representatives. This committee convenes on a bi-monthly basis with Marvin J. Potthoff, Chief of Special Services and Chairman of the committee. THE GREAT PASTTIME IN DWIGHT The first notice that we have of Baseball in Dwight was the organization of the Dwight Ren- frews in 1871. In 1882 the Dwight Renfrews play- ed the Streator Reds. Again in 1892, a . female ball team from Cincinnati played the Dwight Mens' Team, and Dwight lost. Around 1900 the players were Charles McWill- iams, F. L. Smith, Amos Orr, Robert Orr, Char- les Durphey, Charles Thole, Ed. Reeb, James Van Emman, Clarence Rabe, Wm. Rabe, Bones Thomp- son, Frank Snyder, Everett Lewis, Tony Kern, Carl Reumiller, and Charles Reel. The 1902 team was George Kern, James Burns, James Seabert, Manager, Frank L. Smith, Wm. Smith, Otto Mickelson, Deak Morgan, James Ketcham, Eddie Higgins, Ray Brown, and Mose Brown. On August 4, 1907, there was a game between Dwight and Pontiac at Pontiac. A large crowd from Dwight attended the game going on the new electric linp. Coming home that evening after the game in two separate interurban cars, these cars collided below the Cayuga hill. Robert Orr was killed, as was the motorman of the sec- ond car, and a Mr. Geary of Odell. James Mc- Connell and Frank Geis were injured. The ball team at that time consisted of Albert Metzke, Otto Mickelson, James Seabert, Manager, George Kern, William Smith, James Burns, Deak Mor- gan, James Ketcham, Charles Reel, Mose Brown, Ray Brown, Mr. Orr was acting Manager at that time. On the 1907 team was Sam Lannon, Jack Lan- non, James Burns, Abe Boyer, Eddie Higgins, Spike Gutel, Otto Mickelson, Louis Weicker, Res- sie Perdina, Alfred Gleghorn, Frank Flood, James Flood, Jody Knight, and Arthur Kern, Jim Sea- bert, Manager. About this time the Detroit American League Team had won the American League Championship. On their way to their farm club at Springfield, they played a game here. This was one of the biggest games ever played here. Our pitcher, Eddie Higgins, struck out Ty Cobb in his first time at bat. It was soon after that Eddie Higgins joined the St. Louis Cardinals. Around this time, also Wm. Sullivan, Manager of the Chicago White Sox, was in Dwight for a short time, and played with and coached the local team. Soon after this Mike Donlin of the New York Giants also was in Dwight for a short period, and he played with the Dwight team when they played Detroit. Soon after this, Mr. Frank L. Smith was run- ning for Lt. Gov. of Illinois, and the Dwight team, known as the "Frank L. Smith's" were gone about ten days playing every day in towns like Wenona, Lacon, Peoria, Bushnell, Morris, and elsewhere. Mr. Smith sponsored the team for many years, and the game between Morris and Dwight at the Mazon Fair was always a big at- traction. Some of the Dwight players who went into organized baseball were: Abe Boyer and Art Kern to the I-M League; Otto Mickelson to the Springfield Three-I League ; Eddie Higgins to the St. Louis Cardinals, and George Cutschau to the Brooklyn National League team. Bud Clancy of Odell also played for a time with the Dwight teams, and later went to the Chicago White Sox. Jody Knight went to Bloomington to the Three-I League. In 1935-36-37 Dwight had two teams: The Steichen Deeres, and the Farmalls, managed by Thomas "Red" Neville. In 1938-39-40 there were two teams: Plymouth Boosters, and the Dwight Merchants. In 1941, the Boosters and the Merchants con- solidated. This team went to the State finals at Rockford in the American Baseball Congress, and was defeated in the final game by the Springfield [50] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE Pictured above are some of the early members of the local Frank L. Smith baseball team. Left to right, they are: Back row: fielder, Geo. Kern; 2nd base, James P. Burns; manager, James Seabert; Owner, Frank L. Smith; short stop, William Smith; pitcher, Otto Mickelson. Center row: catcher, Deak Morgan; 1st base, James Ketcham; pitcher and fielder, Eddie Higgins. Front row: fielder, Roy Brown; mascot, Kenneth Seabert; 3rd base, Mose Brown. The picture was taken about 1912. Lumberjacks. In 1946, the Dwight Merchants team won the Northern Illinois League Cham- pionship, undefeated in league play. In 1947, the Dwight team took second place in the Livingston County League, and in 1948 this team won the Livingston Co. Championship, and then won the State Tournament sponsored by the American Baseball Congress, held at Havanna, 111. It rep- resented Illinois in the National Tournament at Battle Creek, Mich. This team consisted of Jude Landon, Oliver Zappa, Philip Wright, John Wel- ler, Lavern Weller, Bob Drew, Dean McNamara, Doug Christiansen, Andy Battrell, Leroy Hou- berg, Joe Corrigan, Seth Langhoff, Floyd "Bob" Michaels, Don Mortensen, and Leo Pedersen, Coach. DWIGHT CHAPTER S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. (BARBERSHOPPERS) After much practicing under the leadership of Wilfred Coe and the support of the group, an ap- plication was made for a charter in the national organization of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Sing- ing in America. This Charter was issued Dec. 4, 1948 and the Chapter was started under the sponsorship of the Chapter from Streator. The following were Charter Members: Louis Weicker, Edward Sterritt, Morgan Tam- bling, Paul Caywood, John Tock, Wallace Patten, Frank Mills, Frank Andrews, Bob Perschnick, Joe Tweedt, Francis McNamara, Earl Dippon, Wilfred Coe, Lyle Tambling, Frank Weber, Dr. A. E. Mantle, Glen Mathison. The first president of the group was Wallace Patten and secretary W. C. Coe. The first direc- tor was Wilfred Coe, who was later followed by Lyle Tambling, who is still the director. The chapter affiliated with the Corn Belt Chorus under the expert leadership of John Hanson, one of America's great barbershop chorus directors. The Dwight Chapter has held five Annual Bar- bershop Parades and has presented in these par- ades many of the greatest Male Quartets in the World. THE KEELEY INSTITUTE Twenty-five years after the establishment of [51] txjtt '» > -1 D WIGHT GE ME \\ I A I, 18 5 4-1954 the Village of Dwight, a medical organization was formed that was to grow in size and influence. At the end of the Civil War, Leslie E. Keeley, M. 1)., who had been a combat surgeon in the late rebellion, selected the young and virile vil- lage of Dwight as a promising community to start his civilian practice of medicine. During his Army service, he had occasion to care for many soldiers suffering from acute and chronic alcoholism — and even then was developing his now famous rationale for alcoholism therapy. Scarcely had young Dr. Keeley established his practice when patients from a wide area sought him out for help for their illness of alcoholism — or as it was called then "inebriety." Word of his skill, his understanding and his knowledge of tho disease demonstrated during his service as an Army Surgeon had been carried throughout the country by the returning soldiers. To meet the overwhelming demand for his uni- que skills, Dr. Keeley, together with John R. Oughton, a young Irish chemist and Major Curtis J. Judd, a retired army officer, established the now famous Keeley Institute. This sanitarium The above picture, 57 years old, depicts some of the members of the early Keeley Institute staff. Left to right, they are: Jessie Cruise, Dr. Jim Oughton, Mrs. Bill Baker, Artie Pollard, Frank Snyder. was established and functioning in 1879 al- though the original company was not formally established until April 10, 1880, under the firm name "Leslie E. Keeley, M.D." Articles of part- nership were executed June 1, 1881 and then in- corporated under the laws of the State of Illinois on April 21, 1886 for twenty-five years under the name of "The Leslie E. Keeley Co." with Leslie E. Keeley, President; John R. Oughton, Vice President and Curtis J. Judd, Secretary and Treasurer. These same three men made up the board cf directors — and served together in those capacities for the first twenty years of the or- ganizations existance. Dr. Keeley died after a brief illness at his sum- mer home in Los Angeles, Calif., on February 21, 1900. The Institute continued under the guid- ance of John R. Oughton and Major Judd. Judd retired some years later and Mr. Oughton became the sole head of the institution until his death in 1925. He was succeeded by his son, James H. Oughton, M.D., who had been a member of the medical staff since his graduation from Physi- cians and. Surgeons medical school (now known as the medical school of the University of Illi- nois.) Dr. Oughton died in 1935. The direction of the Institute today is in the hands of James and Richard Oughton, sons of Dr. Oughton, and a trained staff, some of whom worked under Dr. Keeley and Mr. Oughton. Martin Nelson, the secretary-treasurer of the corporation was orig- inally employed in 1893. Dr. Keeley's methods are now used universally and his theories are the basis of the modern understanding of the alcoholic. His "drunkeness is a disease," has been paraphrased into "alco- holism is an illness" and is the starting premise for all modern medical care. His "Keeley Lea- gue," a militant organization of thousands of "reformed drunkards" has its modern counter- part in Alcoholics Anonymous. For Dwight, The Leslie E. Keeley Company, its founders and its principals have been the means of making a little country town into an interna- tionally known progressive community. By out- right gift, concerted action or strong encourage- ment they have developed such things as the water systems, streets, cemeteries, school prop- erties and other community assets. Patients come regularly from all of North America to Dwight for help. [54] A GREAT PAST -A GREATER FUTURE An excellent old photo of the Keeley Institute on West Main street has the following identified people standing on the steps of the insti- tution. Standing, left to right: Marths Paul; Spencer Eldredge; Martin Nelson. The next five women are unknown. Next man, Frank Haise; Judge Arnold; an unknown individual; and then Dr. Russell Broughton. The above gathering took place for the purpose of planting a tree (in front of the American Flag) in commemoration of the tree that had been planted here years earlier by the Prince of Wales. Several in the picture that have been identified are: 1st man on left end. Bill Cook; 4lh man standing from left end, William West; 1st man standingon right end, front row, Dr. C. L. Hamilton; next to him, Dr. J. H. Oughton; on his right, Thomas E. Barry; to his right, J. R. Oughton; 1st man from right squatting on ground, John W. Koehler; man reclining on ground on right front of picture. Major C. J. Judd. This is "Renfrew Lodge", house where the Prince of Wales stayed on his visit to Dwight. It burned down about thirty years ago and was replaced by a new house where Sherman Brown now lives. [55] DWIGHT CENTENNIAL 18 5 4-1954 UNITED STATES POST OFFICE According to the records of the Post Office De- partment now in our custody, a post office was established at Dwight, Livingston County, on December 22, 1854. The first Post Office was located on East Main Street, in 1898 it was moved to West Main in the building which is now the Dwight News Stand. It remained there until the new brick building was completed. The corner stone laying of the new Post Office took place January 2, 1937, and the dedication was on April 10, 1937. Mr. Kruetgen, Postmaster of Chicago, was the guest speaker. Names of Postmasters and dates of their ap- pointment were: John Conant, December 22, 1854; David Mc- Williams, November 21, 1855; John A. Palmer, January 23, 1857; H. Hagerty, May 11, 1857; Manning Smith, March 30, 1866; James Mcllduff, October 8, 1866; Homer A. Kenyon, April 5, 1869 ; John C. George, February 10, 1886; James B. Parsons, January 28, 1890; James Kelagher, March 6, 1894; William G. Dustin, March 16, 1898; Anson I. Graves, April 24, 1914; James E. Seabert, December 13 ,1922; John E. Garrett, March 5, 1935; Hugh Thompson, October 31, 1943; Clarence D. Sorensen (acting), March 15, 1953 (still serving). The first two rural routes, 1 and 2 were inaug- urated August 1, 1902. Joe Tavares served Route 1 and Henry Wood served Route 2, he re- signed and William O. Cook began carrying Dec- ember 1, 1903. On February 1, 1904, two addi- tional rural routes were added, Routes 3 and 4. Charles Graham served Route 3 and Harvey Boyer Route 4. On December 15, 1901 another route was added, namely Route 5, and was car- ried by Eugene Thompson. The first city delivery service was inaugurated December 1, 1902. Charles Bower serving City Route 1, and Irwin H. Baker serving City Route 2, Otto Mickelsen substitute. STATE REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN The State Reformatory for Women, like it's sister institutions in other states was made pos- sible through the united efforts of Women's groups in Illinois who — "disregarding differences of race, creed and political preference, united to materialize a vision of correction and education for women convicted of offences against the law and heretofore, confined in county and city jails without hope or possibility of rehabilitation." Es- tablishment of the reformatory at Dwight marks the culmination of a long legislative struggle on the part of women of the state. Beginning in 1916, women's welfare organizations and other groups worked for the passage of necessary leg- islation, which finally was adopted in 1927. It is significant to note, as an Italian visitor once remarked — no state or country could have such an institution until it first had a woman's movement. Although the women in this state marshalled under the able leadership of the late Mrs. John T. Mason, the late Mrs. Charlotte But- ler and Mrs. William E. Lewis worked for years to effect the establishment of this Institution, no actual progress toward the attainment of this goal was achieved until 1929, when at the outset of Governor Emmerson's administration the act passed in 1927 under Governor Small's administration was reinforced by an appropria- tion of a million dollars for the construction of a modern Reformatory. Other provisions of the bill presented at this time called for the appoint- ment of an Advisory Board whose immediate objectives were the selection of a site and a qual- ified woman Superintendent. By late spring in 1929, the first objective was achieved when one hundred and sixty acres of land located two miles west of Dwight on highway 17 were purchased. By late January of 1930 the Board had their choice of a Superintendent confirmed by Gover- nor Emmerson. Until July of 1953 the Reforma- tory was a division in the Department of Public Welfare. The first commitments to the Reformatory un- officially called Oakdale due to the magnificent burr oak trees on the premises, were received November 24, 1930. As of July 1, 1953, we have received 2906 commitments. Aside from county jails and the city institutions in Chicago, there are no other institutions which may receive fe- male offenders who have reached the age of eighteen. Under certian conditions girls between the age of sixteen and eighteen may be received here. As a result of legislative action, Oakdale be- came a division under the Department of Public Safety as of July 1, 1953. Regardless of this change however the purpose of penal institutions remain unchanged i.e. [56] A GREAT PAST A GREATER FUTURE 1. Protection of the public. 2. The rehabilitation of the offenders. In the achievement of the second purpose, the first automatically is attained. We are socially and morally obligated to an all out effort to re- store these women to society as more useful and law abiding citizens. The founders of Oakdale held the hope that it would become a laboratory in which the intri- cate problems of anti-social behavior would ap- proach solution. Aided by the Social and Medi- cal sciences and reinforced by the power of Posi- tive religion, they believed the high percentage of recidivists which they noted in their constant attendance at the Chicago courts would definitely be reduced. They were not unmindful of the enormity of the task which confronted the per- sonnel. Traumatic experiences in early life, injustices in our social system, inequities in our courts of law, political manipulation as well as unfair treatment of minority groups, all conspire to de- feat the main objective. However careful research would reveal two facts : 1. A relatively small number of women have been re-committed to the Reformatory. 2. The record of parole violators is an enviable one. The original plan of small cottage units has been sound and has contributed largely to the high morale which has characterized the insti- tition. Since the opening of this Institution there have been ten Superintendents, both permanent and acting. Miss Helen H. Hazard was the first Su- perintendent and enjoyed the longest tenure of duty. Miss Hazard was Superintendent from 1930 to 1944 when she left for a tour of duty as an Officer in the WAVE Corps. In the last ten years this Institution has had nine Superintend- ents, they are as follows: Mrs. Elizabeth Mann, Miss Helen H. Hazai'd, Mrs. O. H. Lewis, Mr. Clarence Farber, Miss Doris S. Whitney, Mr. Cyril Winking, Miss Helen H. Hazard, Miss Veronica Daniher, Mrs. Mary Powers. DWIGHT AMERICAN RED CROSS While records of the Dwight branch of the Red Cross up to 1924 have been lost, it is known that it was organized in 1917 under the sponsorship of the Dwight Woman's Club. Mrs. E. B. Lewis was elected president, Mrs. Harry Adams, secretary, and Mrs. Maud Seabert, treasurer. Officers and directors of the local branch at the present time are: Chairman, Mrs. Orville Gillett; Vice Chairman, Mrs. Elmer Christopher; Secretary, Mrs. Edgar Mathiesen ; Treasurer, Mrs. James Telford ; Di- rectors, Mrs. James Oughton, Sr., Mrs. Grace Baker, Mrs. Georgiana Cook, Mrs. Anna Drew, Mrs. Margaret Wheatley, James Baker, Edward Hoffman, Harold West. From 1939 - 1949 with headquarters in Dwight and under the direction of Mrs. Georgiana Cook, the Red Cross did a great deal of foreign relief work, for which she received a citation of 5000 hrs. from the Womans Division of the Illinois War council. DWIGHT BAND PARENTS CLUB In the early 1930's when the Dwight High School Band was started under the direction of Tucker Drew, a Band Parents' Club was organiz- ed. It was active for several years. On Friday, February 1, 1946 the fathers and mothers of the members of the Dwight High school Band met in the High School gymnasium and reorganized the club known as "The Dwight Band Parents' Club." The following officers were elected to serve the newly formed organization : President, Mrs. An- drew Peterson; Vice President, Mrs. Elmer Chris- topher; Secretary-Treasurer, Albert Jorgensen. Committee chairman were appointed : Member- ship, Mrs. Richard Foesterling; Uniform, Mrs. H. 0. Meier; Finance, Jacob Streubing; Instru- ments, Mrs. Elmer Christopher; Publicity, Mrs. Arthur Christiansen. Since its organization the Dwight Band Par- ents' Club has purchased uniforms, instruments, pins, emblems, music and music stands for the band and has given emblems and pins to the band members. In 1946, with the generous donation by the businessmen of Dwight and tag day receipts, enough money was raised to purchase attractive uniforms for the band. The officers for 1954 Dwight's Centennial Year are : President, Mrs. Earl Jacobsgaard ; Vice President, Mrs. George Stevens; Secretary-Treas- urer, Mrs. P. E. Weaver. Committees were ap- pointed: Uniform, Mrs. Catherine Stubbs, Mrs. [57] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL 1854-1954 David Morehart ; Publicity, Mrs. A. J. Kiesewet- ter and Mrs. S. 0. Nelson. THE DWIGHT HOME BUREAU On November 10, 1927 at the home of Mrs. Al- vin Sondergaard on East Chippewa St., the Dwight Home Bureau was organized. Mrs. Irma Vogel a Livingston County Home Bureau Chair- man was in charge. The following officers of the Dwight Home Bureau were elected. President, Mrs. Vera Olsen; Vice President, Mrs. Ernest Kelch; Secretary, Mrs. Abram Lower; Treasurer, Mrs. N. W. Mamer; Local Leaders, Mrs. Clarence Brownsey and Mrs. Alvin Sondergaard. The officers of the Dwight Home Bureau in 1954 are as follows: President, Mrs. Thomas Mc- Namara; Vice President, Mrs. E. L. Amidon; Secretary, Mrs. Elmer W. Smith, Treasurer, Mrs. Robert Tambling; Recreation Chairman, Mrs. John Perschnick; 4-H Club Chairman, Mrs. Les- ter Lydigsen; Health and Safety Chairman, Mrs. Orland Bossert. HISTORY OF GIRL SCOUTING In tracing the history of Girl Scouting in Dwight we find a large group of girls under the leadership of Mrs. Lester Reeb after World War I. There is a lapse until 1937 when they met in the home of Mrs. James Metta. There are 25 to 30 girls of varying ages all very anxious to be- come Girl Scouts. In due time the troop was reg- istered and launched into the thrilling activities of Girl Scouting. Later Miss Riber guided the troop and in 1942 Mrs. Frank Beiswanger be- came their leader. Mrs. McGee to save the troop from disbanding filled in very ably until 1947. In 1947 Mrs. Kiesewetter volunteered and while under her leadership the troop was sponsored by the Dwight Woman's Club. Mrs. Bovelle, the assistant leader, took over the troop and due to the large number of girls two new troops were formed. In 1951, the Junior Woman's Club sponsored Brownie Scouts and from one troop, Mrs. Spreng being the original leader, they have grown to three very large, active troops. Others who have aided these girls with their time and effort are: Mrs. James Oughton Jr., Mrs. Mae Bush, Miss McNamara, Miss Shingel, Mrs. June Seabert, Miss Eymann, Mrs. Taylor Moyemont, Mrs. James Scott, Mrs. John Metzke, Mrs. Judy Anderson, Mrs. Grace Feddersen, Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Hurwich, Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Rich- ard Oughton, Mrs. Riegel, Miss Jane Constantine, Mrs. Morehart, Mrs. Blakeman, Mrs. Harold Von- Qualen, Miss Janet Rearick, Miss Sharon Olson, Miss Jenny Sproull, Mrs. Chianakas, Mrs. Ed- dington, Mrs. Beatty, Mrs. Arnold Hahn, Mrs. Fred Sproull and Miss Morehart. HISTORY OF DWIGHT BOY SCOUTS The movement was organized in the fall of 1923 and the meetings were held in the basement of the Methodist Church. The first group of boys consisted of Lone Scouts and received all mater- ial from the W. D. Boyce Company of Chicago. "Many of these boys later became Scouts" and their names are listed as follows : Irwin Baker, James Baker, Robert Boston, William Boston, George Davies, Joseph Dodd, J. Doepke, John Graves, Stewart Gordon, Louis Groll, William Hobbs, Leonard McKinney, Alexander McWil- liams, Alvin Mickelson, Rex Monroe, Wray Mon- roe, James Norris, George Orr, Harold Orr, James Oughton, Louis Paaske, Louis Rabe, James Rey- nolds, George Rosendall, Carlyle Seabert, Roy Slattery, Hazer Smith, Hugh Thompson, Harold Von Qualen, William Weldon, Louis Weicker, Richard Weicker and Robert Wilson. The Scouts were inactive until about April, 1939, when a troop was organized under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club through the Corn Belt Conference at Bloomington. The troop com- mittee consisted of Harold Von Qualen, Scout Master: James Lynch, Assistant Scout Master; L. W. Bush, chairman; Clement Steichen, J. F. Zeigler, C. A. Brothers and F. 0. Lund, commit- tee members. The following boys were members of this troop: Doten and Marshall Bush, Wilfred Christiansen, Roger Cooke, John Costello, Bob DeTrempe, Herbert Drew, Bobby Fortner, George Hager, Harold Hampson, Robert Henderson, Ralph Jensen, Walter Komorowski, Oluf Lund, John Metzke, Bobby Nelson, Clarence Sorensen, Laurie Stitzer, John Turner, Donald Van Dyke, Frank Weber, Jack Welch, Billy Ziegler and Dick Zschau. Scout Masters since that time have been : 1939 to 1941, Harold Von Qualen; 1942 and 1944- 45, Kent Sanderson; 1943, Sam D. Lyon; 1946- 47, William Grubb; 1948-49, Meredith C. Ey- mann ; 1950-52, Elmer Smith ; 1952 to July, 1953, Andrew Battrell; July 1953 to the present time, Sherman C. Brown. The troop was sponsored by the Odd Fellows from 1946 through 1950 and by the Lions to the present. [58] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE A Cub Pack was formed in March, 1941, with a troop of 30 members. The original committee was B:-uce Rearick, Cub Master; Nevin E. Dan- ner, committee chairman ; committeemen, Harold J. West, and Dr. J. J. Burns; and Denmothers, Mrs. C. D. Pierce, Mrs. Alvin Sondergaard, Mrs. O'Brien, and Mrs. Ruth Christiansen. This pack was dropped but reorganized in December, 1946, and has been registered ever since. The original sponsoring institution was the Odd Fellows and the Methodist Church took over the sponsorship in November of 1953. The original Cubs of the 1941 troop were: Joseph Burns, James Chandler, Howard Christiansen, Lansing Hodgman, Harold Jensen, Richard Mathiesen, John O'Brien, Rich- ard Pierce, Alvin Sondergaard, Paul Schou and Harold West. The Cub Masters have been: 1941, Bruce Rearick ; 1946-48, Donald E. Nelson ; 1949, Donald Chase; 1950-52, Kenneth Beiswanger; 1953, Ralph Weber; 1954, Louis J. Groll. Today there is an active pack with 50 members. DWIGHT JUNIOR FARMERS 4-H CLUB Two and a half decades ago, a group of boys and girls met in the Dwight City Hall to organ- ize an agricultural 4-H club in the Dwight com- munity. Eleven boys and girls were present when the business session began. The officers selected were Charles Masching, president ; Gilbert Laur- itzen, vice president ; Harold Ogg, secretary ; and John Hahn, Reporter. Other members of the club were Merlin Ogg, Annette Hahn, Rudolph Kraft Jr., Bernice Gantzert, Dale Chappie, Ray Chappie, and Marie Masching. This was an unusual club, in that all members carried only the Dairy Pro- ject, and each member had a Holstein Calf. The leader chosen by the group was George Chappie, who now resides east of Dwight. At this time, the Assistant Farm Adviser was Sidney Caughey who now is a farmer and a local 4-H leader in the Pleasant Ridge community. The group chose "Dwight Junior Farmers 4-H Club" as the name of their club. Leaders following Mr. Chappie were Gilbert Lauritzen, John Weller, Merlin Ogg, Glen Thomas, Earl Jacobsgaard, and the present lead- er. Walter Zabel. Today the club has an enrollment of 20 mem- bers. HISTORY OF DWIGHT CAMERA CLUB The Dwight Camera Club is just a new organ- ization being started in 1952 through the com- bined efforts of Clarence Smith, Gordon Fenner, Arthur Clausen, and other photography enthus- iasts. The first meeting was held at the Dwight Library on November 10, 1952 electing the fol- lowing officers: President, Clarence Smith; Vice President, Arnold Kepplinger; Secretary-Treas- urer, Norma J. Beiswanger; and Program Chair- man, Gordon Fenner. The club year runs from September through May and consists of approximately 20 members at the present time. The purpose of the club is to aid and benefit by educational programs, dem- onstrations, field trips, and contests, those inter- ested in photography. DWIGHT GUN CLUBS Dwight's first gun club was organized in 1894 with a membership of thirty, with J. R. Oughton President, and C. V. Bower Secy, and Treas. Later a club was formed with Charles McWilliams, President and Fred Kepplinger, Secy, and Treas. On January 6, 1934 a few sportsmen met and organized a Dwight Gun Club with a closed membership of twenty. R. A. McClelland was the first secretary-treasurer. Joe Tavares was secretary-treasurer for several years. In 1944, Les Jepsen, one of the charter members, won the Grand American Handicap at Vandalia, Ohio, and two other members won the state handicap shoot at Chillicothe, Illinois, Orville Gillett and T. T. Tostesen. In January, 1945, the state took their shooting grounds for the by-pass around Dwight and they sold out and disbanded. On December 21, 1945, a new Dwight Gun Club was organized. They met at L. G. Smith's place of business. The meeting was called to order by Pete Branz and they decided to organize a non- profit club with a 10 year charter. Their first secretary-treasurer was Elmer Bundersen. They have three traps and have held some big shoots. E. C. Scott and Delo Flint have been president and secretary and treasurer for the past three years. THE DWIGHT PUBLIC LIBRARY The Dwight Public Library was formally ded- icated on October 12, 1926. Due to rain, the ex- ercises were held in the Blackstone Theatre, in- stead of on the lawn in front of the Library. Mrs. Dr. Dondanville, the president of the [59] DWIGHT CENTENNIAL 1854-1954 Dwighl Woman's Club was the presiding officer. She told of the club's activities and efforts in obtaining the money to build the beautiful build- ing. There were musical numbers, a pageant and the speaker of the day was Mr. George Utley, Librarian of Newberry Library, Chicago. The cost of the building was $9,000.00. On January 31, 1927, the Library was opened to the public with Mrs. Litta Haise Martin as librarian and Miss Clara Hobbs as assistant. There were 1800 volumes with more to be added. Dwight C. Morgan donated "The Early History of Illinois" in memory of his father the late Col. Richard Price Morgan. Mr. E. O. Welch donated a set of the Agricultural Year Books. The M. E. Sunday School donated their complete library. The library board expended $500.00 for new books. Now in 1954 there are about 6000 volumes. Mrs. Martin remained Librarian until May of 1946, almost 20 years, when Mrs. Effie Duffy took over the duties. Following her was Mrs. Grace West and for the past five years, Mrs. Lenore Hahn has been the Librarian. THE DWIGHT COUNTRY CLUB A charter was issued by the Department of State at Springfield, 111., through the Secretary of State Harry Woods on November 24, 1913 to the Dwight Country Club. On the 26th of December 1913 an organization meeting was held at the I.O.O.F. hall and attend- ed by the following persons ; Edward McWill- iams, C. J. Ahern, Dr. F. M. Dondanville, S. Fred Cummings, F. J. Vickery, J. L. Van Eman, Rev. F. F. Farrington, Roy V. Seymour, Jos. A. Dief- enbach, James E. Seabert, Frank L. Smith and John J. Doherty. The acting chairman was appointed and Ed- ward McWilliams was appointed and the follow- ing officers were elected : Frank L. Smith, President; Edward McWill- iams, Vice President ; John J. Doherty, Secretary- Treasurer. Charles D. McWilliams, Edward McWilliams, F. J. Vickery, C. J. Ahern, Frank L. Smith, Dr. James H. Oughton, R. A. McClelland and John J. Doherty were elected as a board of directors. The following were charter members: An early photo of the Dwight militia formed during 1891-1892. It would seem that little attention was paid at that time to the age or size of the volunteers, as the two young fellows on the right are rather dwarfed by the length of their muskets. [60] A GREAT PAST A GREATER FUTURE John P. McWilliams, C. H. Thompson, W. G. Dustin, Edward McWilliams, Charles D. McWil- liams, Frank L. Smith, C. J. Ahern, J. R. Ough- ton, Dr. F. M. Dondanville, F. J. Vickery, Dr. James H. Oughton, J. J. Doherty, James L. Van Eman, S. H. Sondergaard, E. H. Wey, R. A. Mc- Clelland and Roy V. Seymour. On July 9, 1951 the Women of the Club form- ed what is called the Dwight Country Club Women's Organization, for the purpose of rais- ing funds for the conditioning of the Club House and the plans of Women's golf. The following officers were elected. President, Mrs. Kathryn Milbauer; Vice President, Elizabeth Von Qualen, Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. Edna Boyer; Corres- ponding Secretary, Mrs. Nedra Haegele. The Board of Directors: Ruth Legner, Eva Nelson, Etta McGee, Jackie Gibbons, Peg Marcacci, Mary Jean Cox and Julia Potthoff. DWIGHT WOMAN'S CLUB The Dwight Woman's Club held its first meet- ing on October 6, 1914, in the home of Mrs. Frank L. Smith, who was the first President. The first year book names the following officers: Mrs. Frank L. Smith, President ; Mrs. C. L. Hamilton, First Vice President ; Mrs. T. E. Barry, Second Vice President; Miss Cora Adams, Recording Secretary ; Mrs. C. J. Ahern, Corresponding Sec- retary; Mrs. C. W. Myers, Treasurer. The Di- rectors: Mrs. C. H. Barr, Mrs. James Oughton, Mrs. J. W. Baker, Mrs. P. J. Reynolds, Mrs. Charles D. McWilliams. In the last war, our members sewed for Belgium and French war orphans, supported a war orphan and a Furlough House for American boys in France. Christmas boxes were sent to our boys overseas. On March 18, 1922, Mary G. Harris, President of the Club, and Chairman of the Library Board, announced that during her tenure of office a Li- brary fund of $2,000.00 had been raised. This was the beginning of the Dwight Public Library, which is the favorite project of the Club and its finest achievement. Land-scaping of our parks, planting the highways and beautifying the Vil- lage of Dwight were successfully undertaken. In Alton Park a group of memorial trees were planted in memory of the nurse and soldiers from Dwight who lost their lives in the World War. Through the years wreaths have been placed in their memory on Decoration Day. The bronze markers bear the following names: Pearl Ely, Albert Tunberg, Everett Davis, Chris Beck, and Frank Sopher. On Tuesday evening, February 21, 1939, the Woman's Club celebrated its 25th anniversary, with a program dedicated to the Founders of the Club. Since 1947, the Woman's Club has sponsored the Girl Scouts. Also in 1947 kits were given to Dwight boys when they entered service. In December 1950, toys were sent to the Chris- tian Training School for Indian children. In 1950, Mrs. Max Miller, President, appointed Mrs. Peter Sondergaard to represent the Gen. Fed. of Woman's Clubs on the Veterans Adminis- tration Volunteer Service Com. at the Dwight Vets. Hospital. In 1951, layettes were made and materials pur- chased for children's clothes and sent to Ger- many. On October 6, 1953, a beautiful water color painting was purchased and hung in the club room of the Library. This the work of a talented young artist, Marian Martin Dickes. On March 18, 1952, the club decided to sponsor two Dwight High School girls — chosen for then- musical talent — to attend summer school at the Egyptian Music Camp at DuQuoin, 111. This is a project of many of the federated clubs. The Board of Managers of the Woman's Club for 1953-54 are as follows: Mrs. Howard W. Kelly, Jr., President; Mrs. J. Frank Ziegler, First Vice President; Mrs. Richard C. Oughton, Second Vice President ; Mrs. Victor Sondergaard, Record- ing Secretary; Mrs. Earl Dippon, Corresponding Secretary; and Mrs. Isaac H. Fisher, Treasurer. The Directors are: Mrs. Max J. Miller, Mrs. James H. Oughton, Mrs. C. J. Ahern, Jr., Mrs. Anthony Baima, Mrs. Herman Ohlendorf. TUESDAY NIGHT LITERARY CLUB At the invitation of the Ladies Literary Circle a number of young ladies met at the home of Mrs. F. B. Chester on September 30, 1898 and decided to form an organization for young un- married women. Miss Bessie Baker was chosen to act as temporary chairman and appointed a committee to write a constitution and by-laws for the new organization. The members of that committee were Miss Mary A. Conrad, Miss Florence Trunell and Miss Emma Barr. On October 7, 1898, the group was organized [61 D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 18 5 4-1954 under the name of the Girls Literary Club of Dwight. The objectives of the new club were to familiarize its members with standard authors and to encourage mental and social improvement. The constitution and by-laws were adopted and those present affixed their signatures, thereby becoming charter members. Following is the list of charter members : Fannie W. Conner, Florence E. Trunntll, Lydia L. Seabert, Florence E. Wright, Mary A. Conrad, Addie B. Fenn, Lydia L. Fox, Iva Martin, Ger- trude B. Plank, Bessie S. Baker, Pauline E. Fox, Ada Vaughn Weldon, Agnes B. Buck, Susie E. Leach, Susie M. Fox, Myrtle 0. Martin, Adaline H. Baker, S. Adelaide Barr, Lilly B. Conrad, Minnie E. Barr, L. Emma Barr, Margaret Men- eely, Cora E. Adams. The first officers were: President, Gertrude B. Plank; Vice President, Lydia Fox; Secretary, Bessie S. Baker; Treasurer, Minnie E. Barr; Pro- gram Leader, Lilly B. Conrad. Miss Fox and Miss Meneely served on the program committee with Miss Conrad. On November 22, 1898 the name of the organ- ization was changed to the Tuesday Night Liter- ary Club. During the first World War the club adopted a French war orphan and provided her with clothing for two years. They raised money to help build the Dwight Public Library and con- tributed a large table for the reading room. In October 1948 the club celebrated the fiftieth year with a dinner and program. Nearly eighty members, past and present, were in attendance at the dinner given in the dining room of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Beda Sondergaard, the President, introduced the past presidents and a gift was presented to the oldest guest and only charter member present, Miss Cora Adams. PYTHIAN SISTERS Golden Keys Temple, No. 59, Pythian Sisters, was instituted April 8, 1908, with the following officers : Most Excellent Chief, Alice Thompson, Excel- lent Senior, Ida Rabe; Excellent Junior, Gertrude Dieter; Manager, Mary Roeder; Mistress of Rec- ords and Correspondence, Anna Goodman ; Mis- tress of Finance, Gertrude Wright; Protector, Jennie Miller; Guard of the Outer Temple, Mar- garet Hornberger; Past Chief, Nelle Flagler; Pianist, Libbie Kirkendall. Our motto is "Onward and Upward" and the emblems of our temple are Love, Purity, Equal- ity and Fidelity, which we strive to practice in our daily lives. April 8 this year (1954) we will observe our 46th anniversary with the following officers: Most Excellent Chief, Lena Epstein; Excellent Senior, Hazel Cowan; Excellent Junior, Laura Pratt; Manager, Cora Perschnick; Secretary, Sarah Klein; Treasurer, Minnie Wilson; Protec- tee Louise Zebell; Guard of the Outer Temple, Ruth Lewis; Past Chief, Emma Carpenter; Pian- ist, Gladys Gillespie. MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA One of the earliest organizations in Dwight is local Camp No. 1777, Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica, which was chartered September 24, 1892. The Dwight unit is one of the earliest local camps to be instituted in this area, having been charter- ed but nine years after the founding of the par- ent society. It's charter was issued from Fulton, 111., where the home office was then located. Dwight Lodge Modern Woodmen of America Camp No. 1777 was duly instituted in the hall over the Keeley Treatment room. The following names appear on the charter list : Charles M. Beck, Axel Bovik, Charles V. Bow- er, John Burns, J. D. Bevans, Dwight W. Eno, Christian Eyer, Joseph France, Henry Goss, Hans P. Jacobson, James Kelagher, Jens J. Knudsen, Simon P. Klitz, John Leach, Fred Mowbray, A. Mullen, Mervin McMaines, James C. Oakshett, Charles A. Ogden, Ingever M. Peterson, Albert Revell, Charles T. Richards, Frank Reeb, Edward Reeb, Chris Skafgaard, Edward A. Smith, G. L. Smith, William H. Thornton, James L. Ubellar, James West, A. R. Zimmerman and William G. Dustin. DWIGHT LODGE 513 I.O.O.F. This Lodge was established in Dwight on May 22, 1873. In October, the same year, a charter was issued by the Grand Master to the following charter members: C. C. Gilbert, W. Simms, M. W. Tambling, John L. Clark, Thomas Weldon, Hugh Stevens, and E. P. Utley. The Lodge helps to maintain an orphans' home at Lincoln, 111., and an Odd Fellows old folks' home at Mattoon, Illinois. The present officers are N. G., Albert Morten- sen; V. G., Richard Foersterling; Secretary, How- ard Burkhart ; Treasurer, Frank Perschnick ; [62] A GREAT PAST A GREATER FUTURE This page donated by Stitzer Drug Store Chaplain, John Dornbierer; R.S.N.G., Delo Flint; L.S.N.G., James E. McConnell ; R.S.V.G., Percy Weaver; L.S.V.G., Sanford Ferguson; Warden, Donald Anderson. Conductor, Carl Paulson; In- side G., Ingman Christensen, 0. G., Leo Pedersen; R.S.S., Walter Paulsen; L.S.S., Edward DeLong; Lodge Deputy, C. M. Clausen, and Trustees are; Delo Flint, Harvey Kime, George Fredensborg. Elmer Jacobsgaard and Ingman Christensen. ROUND GROVE TOWNSHIP CEMETERY In 1863 A. Z. Taylor, Cyrus Thomas, and Ed- win Lathrope were appointed as a committee to select a place for a cemetery in Round Grove Township. This was set up with the provision that any taxpayer in that township would be eligible to have a plot of ground there for his family. In 1864 the Township of Round Grove borrowed $300 from the school fund for cemetery purposes. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Dwight Council No. 1282 Knights of Columbus was organized and issued it's Charter on Decem- ber 29, 1907. Thomas E. Barry was the first Grand Knight of the Council and Martin Cornale is the present Grand Knight. HISTORY OF DWIGHT ROTARY CLUB In 1938 a Rotary Club was organized in Dwight sponsored by the Rotary Club of Streator, with the following charter members: C. J. Ahern, Roy M. Baker, C. E. Boyer, C. A. Brothers, Dr. R. W. Browne, L. W. Bush, Elmer Christopher, Francis L. Duffy, J. E. Garrett, Frank Gibbons, Dr. S. E. Graham, Earl N. Hager, Dr. E. F. Joss, R. W. Karras, Charles Lauritzen, Robert W. Lutz, R. A. McClelland, Nick Nelson, Gus Ohlendorf, Paul ('. Paulsen, C. D. Pierce, Rev. C. F. W. Smith. Clement Steichen, Laurie L. Stitzer, Floyd Stucky, Father T. J. Timmons, Arthur Tock, Louis A. Weicker and Frank Ziegler. The first meeting was held in the then resi- dence property located on the southeast corner i if Waupansie and Prairie Avenue April 25, 1938. At this meeting the following officers were elect- ed: President, Laurie L. Stitzer; Vice President, Llovd W. Bush; Secretray and Treasurer, Dr. S. E. Graham ; Board of Directors, Laurie L. Stit- zer, Roy M. Baker, Lloyd W. Bush, C. A. Brothers, Frank Gibbons, R. A. McCelland and C. D. Pierce. The Club received its charter at a meeting held September 21, 1938, at the Dwight High School gymnasium. The charter was presented by Dave Walker, Governor of the 147th District. About 300 Rotarians from 20 towns in the District par- ticipated in this meeting. The Rotary Club sponsored the organization of the Dwight Community Chest, for which there was an urgent necessity at that time; took an active part in equipping Renfrew Park with rec- reational facilities; cooperated with the Village Board in erecting name plates of streets at the intersection of all streets ; and the establishment of the off-the-street parking place on both sides of the railroad right-of-way. In addition the Club placed in front of the post office a curbstone mail box; revived the Boy Scout movement in Dwight; and sponsored the organization for years until it was a sound foundation. The following members have acted as President of the Club since its organization : L. L. Stitzer, L. W. Bush, C. A. Brothers ,Dr. R. W. Browne, Dr. S. E. Graham, C. D. Pierce, H. J. West, C. J. Steichen, L. A. Weicker, C. J. Ahern, Paul Paul- sen, Frank Ziegler, E. M. Hoffman, E. C. Dickler, Charles Lauritzen, J. R. Baker and Warren Kus- ter. The following is a list of the present officers of the Club : President, Warren Kuster ; Vice Presi- dent, Dr. Gerald Sullivan ; Secretary, Howard Paulsen ; Treasurer, William Zschau ; and Ser- geant at Arms, Harold Ohlendorf. DWIGHT AMATEUR MUSICAL CLUB The Dwight Amateur Musical Club was organ- ized June 18, 1905 through the instrumentality of Mrs. David McWilliams and the late Miss Nellie McWilliams, who, musicians themselves, had a desire to promote a Club to which music lovers of our community who wished could belong. The first meeting was held June 18, when the following officers were elected: President, Mrs. David McWilliams; Vice Pres., John J. Doherty; Secretary-Treasurer, Miss Bessie Baker. This second meeting was held July 27, same year and the by-laws were drafted and read. Because of [63] D W IGHT CENTENNIAL 1854-1954 meetings to be held in homes, the membership was first limited to 30 members, but later the club membership limit was greatly increased. The object of the Club was for mutual improvement ami meetings were held once a month. Many delightful programs were given at these club meetings, but not content with programs which only members could enjoy, the club decid- ed to undertake more ambitious projects, and with the late 0. Gordon Erickson as the capable director, gave the oratorio "The Swan and the Skylark," on June 8, 1909. Fifteen members of the Chicago Symphony Orch., with Mrs. Harriet Brown Seymour as piano accompanist, played the instrumental music score of the oratorio, with the vocal parts being taken by four Chicago art- ists. The entertainment met with great success, which spurred the club members on to greater efforts. Because of his musical affiliations in Chicago, Mr. Erickson had given up the direction of the club, and Mr. Charles Sindlinger of the Chicago Musical College, directed "The Mikado" which with its colorful costumes, comical dialogue and tuneful music, was a great success. Mr. Bar- adell of Chicago, was the stage director, and also took the part of "Ko-Ko" in the opera. Other members of the main cast were George Hood and Alexander Robb of Streator; Mary Thompson McGregor of Pontiac; and Theodore Hayes, John J. Doherty, May Hayes, Litta Haise Martin and Elsie Bartholic. Other members of the Club sang the choruses. DWIGHT JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB The Dwight Junior Woman's Club was formally organized in October of 1926. The officers of the newly formed club were: President, Miss Harriet Haise; Vice Pres., Miss Frances Ketcham ; Secretary, Miss Lucile Smith ; Treasurer, Mrs. Arthur Tock; Corr. Sec'y., Miss Avilda Smith. On December 19, 1926 the club held their first social event at the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Thompson on East North street. There were 20 members and guests present. The Dwight club was the first club to be organized in this district (17th). The purpose of all Junior clubs is to have a definite community project. For many years the Dwight club gave money to the Milk Fund in Dwight. In 1935 they purchased juvenile books for the Public Library and furnished eye glasses to a needy school pupil along with the contribu- tion to the Milk Fund which was a fund set up for the purchasing of milk to be given to under- nourished school children. During the Second World War, money was sent to the Servicemen's Centers and at Christmas time gifts were sent to Chanute Air Base at Rantoul, 111. In the past few years the projects have been centered around buying fine playground equipment for Renfrew Park. Last year the Safety Lights at the East Side School were given by the Juniors. Another beneficial note to the community was the organ- ization of three Brownie Scout troops which has been active since it was started in 1950 and the club is the official Brownie Scout sponsor. The present officers for the 1953-1954 year are: President, Mrs. G. M. Chianakas; Vice Pres., Mrs. Richard Wagner; Recording Sec, Mrs. Don- ald Rose; Corr. Sec, Mrs. David Constantine; Treasurer, Mrs. Donald Call; Press Agent, Mrs. Arthur Kern; Scrapbook, Mrs. Frank Brust. PRAIRIE QUEEN REBEKAH LODGE In December of 1894 several meetings were called for the purpose of forming a "Rebekah Degree Lodge" in the village of Dwight. The name of Prairie Queen was decided upon and then the chairman was instructed to send for the Charter. On January 29th 1895, the officers of Unity Rebekah Lodge of Gardner were invited to in- stitute Prairie Queen Rebekah Lodge. Ten mem- bers were initiated and twelve were received by card. The lodge was then instituted and the of- ficers were elected and installed, as follows: Noble Grand, Miss Nora Goodman; Vice Grand, Miss Matilda Pettett; Secretary, Mrs. F. F. Ster- ritt; Treasurer, Mrs. Nora A. Ketcham; Deputy for the Grand Master, Mrs. H. A. Fox; Warden, Miss M. E. Reader; Conductor, Miss Nelle C. Tay- lor; Chaplain, John Geis; R.S.N.G., John Pet- tett ; L.S.N.G., Mrs. Emma Chamberlin ; R.S.V.G., Miss Pauline Fox; L.S.V.G., Miss Emma Baker; Outside Guardian, J. K Buff ham; Inside Guard- ian, W. J. Taylor; and Past Noble Grand, Henry Fox. Of the 22 charter members, three are still members — Mrs. Nora A. Ketcham, Mrs. Estella Baker Wilkinson, and Mrs. Florence Shearer Kern. The officers of 1954 are: Noble Grand, Nona Flint; Vice Grand, Isal Struebing; Secretary, Ethel Perschnick; Financial Secretary, Mabel [64] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE Weaver; Treasurer, John Tock; R.S.N.G., Ger- trude Metta; L.S.N.G., Esther Stout; Musician, Esther Houck ; Warden, Elsie Nelson ; Conductor, Genevieve Perschnick; Chaplain, Mabel Seymour; Jr. P.N.G., Emma Siedentop; Outside Guardian, Jake Stubeling; Inside Guardian Margaret Branz ; R.S.V.G., Lola Brady; L.S.V.G., Mabel Nelson. DWIGHT LION'S CLUB Dwight Lions Club — Organized Dec. 23, 1947 1947 First Officers: President Clarence Boeder Secretary Frank L. Beiswanger Treasurer Ralph Sodini 1st. V.P. Elmer L. Davis; 2nd. Frank S. Andrews; 3rd. C. J. Ahem, Jr. Lion Tamer LeRoy Hansen ; Tail Twister M. C. Eymann Directors George Rosendall, Herbert Boyer, Taylor Moyemont and Floyd Covill Charter Members: C. J. Ahern, Jr. ; Frank S. Andrews ; Tony Bai- ma; Frank L. Beiswanger; Herbert Boyer; Floyd D. Covill ; James DeLong ; Earl Dippon ; Harvey Gantzert; Ray Goley; John Heagele; George B. Hager ; LeRoy Hansen ; Reuel Hoffman ; James Marcacci ; Paul Moyemont ; Taylor Moyemont ; Alexander McWilliams ; Herman Ohlendorf ; Glenn Partridge; Clarence Roeder; George G. Rosen- dall ; Robert Sampson ; Ralph F. Sodini ; Vernon Von Qualen ; Russell Tambling. January 1948 Organization of Club by Representative Twy- man. Election of Officers and appointment of Ad- ministrative and activities Committees. June 1948 Baseball league and summer recreation pro- gram was started and has been very successful. December 1949 On New Year's Eve, the Dwight Lions club pre- sented a new Hammond organ to the Dwight Schools, a project that had been in mind for sev- eral weeks, and finally was realized thanks to a popularity contest staged by the club. Details of this "Miss or Mrs. Mardi Gras" contest were enumerated in November's report. "Miss Mardi Gras" was crowned at the Lions' New Year's Eve dance, which was attended by over 800 people in the high school gym. She was given two tickets for New Orleans, with the Berry Tours, and $50 in cash for her personal expense in the Gulf city. The winning contestant received over 38,000 votes which meant that $38,000 spent by her friends in Dwight from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The total vote cast for all 34 contestants was just a bit more than 311 thousand, which represented the same amount of dollars spent. Not only did the Lions club make it possible for a young lady from Dwight to attend the festivities of the Mar- di Gras, and purchase an electric organ for the local schools, it also provided a method by which money was spent with the local merchants during the Christmas shopping period. A total of $2200 plus was garnered from the contest and the Lions put in $311 to make up the difference of the organ so that instrument might be at the dance Dec. 31. The contest was highly publicized in the local newspaper and surrounding towns also. The Lions in Dwight definitely put over a big project in Dec. and each Lion member jumped into the project full blast. Probably never before has any project received the support that the Lions gave to this contest so that a Hammond organ could be given to the local school. MASONS The Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brothers of Livingston Lodge under dispensation of An- cient Free and Accepted Masons met in special communication at Masonic Hall in the Town of Dwight upon the call of the Worshipful Master, March 1st A.D. 1862 A.L. 5862 at 7 o'clock P.M. and opened upon the Third Degree of Masonry in form : Present : W. Brother E. J. Jenks — Worshipful Master Brother W. L. Gross — Senior Warder Brother J. W. Rockwell — Junior Warder Brother C. S. Newell Charter issued October 8, 1862 to Livingston Lodge No. 371. DWIGHT PRIME HOME BUREAU An organization meeting for a Home Bureau Unit was held at the home of Mrs. Claytus R. Watters on May 27th, 1947 with 19 ladies pres- ent. After the purpose of Home Bureau was ex- plained the following officers were elected : Pres- ident, Mrs. John Drechsel; Vice President, Mrs. Ivan Watters; Treasurer, Mrs. Ray Goley; Secre- tary, Mrs. Charles Watters. Meetings were held in member's homes on the fourth Thursday of each month with the Home Advisor and Local Leaders giving the lessons on alternate meetings. [65] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 18 54-1954 The Dwight Prime Unit derived its name from S. K. T. Prime, one of the earliest settlers in the community. Officers at the present time are: President, Mrs. La Vera Feddersen; Vice President, Mrs. Paul Marx; Treasurer, Mrs. George Perry and Secretary, Mrs. Frank Perschnick. We now have a membership of thirty-six. McDOWWELL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION The McDowell Cemetery Association was or- ganized in May 7, 1883, and the following Board of Directors was named in the Articles of In- corporation: A. B. Dunlop, Daniel Gallup, and John Stewart. The signers of the certificate for the organization and incorporation of this Asso- ciation were: A. E. Dunlop, John Buff ham, Hugh Thompson, A. Marshall, E. F. Bell, C. T. In- graham, Daniel Gallup and John Stewart. MT. OLIVET CEMETERY Mt. Olivet Cemetery at Dwight was the only Catholic cemetery in this vicinity for many years. In 1860 people from Odell, Saunemin, Blackstone, Pontiac, Wilmington and Gardner were buried in this cemetery. In 1915, a group of ladies organized the Mt. Olivet Cemetery Guild to help finance the nec- essary work to be done at the cemetery. Mrs. Elizabeth Salzer was elected as President of the Guild and served from April 15, 1915 to April 2, 1946, when she resigned. Mrs. Frank L. Smith was elected Treasurer and served from April 15, 1915 to April 2, 1930, when she resigned. The present officers of Mt. Olivet Cemetery Guild are: President, Rev. M. A. Tracy; Vice President, Miss Helena Hatting; Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. Dorothy Smith. GOODFARM CEMETERY ASSOCIATION In the year of 1854, fifteen men, mentioned in a deed, chose the plot now known as the Good- farm Cemetery. In the very beginning space for burial was taken side by side as needed, a custom brought with these settlers from Germany. But this did not continue very long for in the records of 1865 it states that part of the cemetery grounds was divided into lots and numbered and that the charter members obtained by chance or choice a family lot. At first lots sold for $5.00 and adult single graves for $1.00 and children single graves for 50c, and by a gradual increase the lots sold for $20.00 by 1898. From the records beginning in 1865, we find the following men have served as trustees of the association : G. B. Krug, Martin Hoffman, George Simantel, John L. Meier, Leonard Fisher. S. M. Sindell, Fred Burkhart, Leonard Hoffman, George Burger, Martin Burger Sr., John Schrotberger, William Pfeifer, William Hoffman, Elmer Gant- zert, Martin Burger Jr., The last three are the trustees of the present day, 1954. DWIGHT CEMETERY ASSOCIATION (Oak Lawn Cemetery) The first meeting for organization purposes was held en August 18, 1877 and the records of the minutes for the first meeting were as follows. "Eugene Baker, John C. Hetzel, Homer A. Kenyon, Austin E. Gould, James B. Parsons. Charles M. Baker and Henry T. Newell met this day at the office of Henry T. Newell, Dwight, 111., for the purpose of forming a cemetery associa- tion. A. E. Gould was elected temporary chair- man, H. T. Newell, temporary secretary. Eugene Baker, H. A. Kenyon and H. T. Newell were ap- pointed a committee to draft by-laws for the or- ganization. J. B. Parsons, Charles M. Baker and H. T. Newell were appointed a committee to se- cure grounds for cemetery purposes." The present officers of the Association are as follows: James H. Oughton, Jr., President; L. Burton Orr, Vice President; E. M. Hoffman, Sec- retary-Treasurer; Elmer Christopher, Trustee; Hans P. Rosendall, Trustee; Lester W. Reeb, Trustee. SONE OF UNION VETERANS OF CIVIL WAR The Dwight Camp No. 270, Sons of Union Vet- erans of the Civil War, was organized July 16, 1889, in what was known as Grand Army Hall. Sixteen candidates constituted the charter list. The first Captain, as the head officer was then called, was Joseph K. Buffham. The camp flour- ished and soon had a fine membership. Some of the members of 50 years ago were Orville Brown, A. A. Boyer, S. H. Boyer, W. G. Dustin, James E. Seabert, Ernest and Roy Sey- mour, John Snyder, John Spencer, W. T. Scott, T. W. Davis, H. F. Boyer, Roy Wheatley, William Buffham, Charles Koehnlein and others of that time. The principles and objects of the Sons of Vet- erans, as the organization was first known, was to perpetuate the memory of the services and sacrifices of the veterans of the Civil War in their efforts to preserve the union. Since then [66] A GREAT PAST ■■ A GREATER FUTURE the principles and objects of the organization has broadened considerably. Only lineal descendants of a poldier or sailor of the Civil War, however, is eligible to join the organization. A recent project of the Sons of Union Veter- ans of the Civil War, nationally, was the secur- ing by legislative enactment by fourteen north- ern states of the naming of Route 6 as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. This Highway, some 3600 miles long, runs east and west from Provincetown, Mass., to Long Beach, Calif. DWIGHT SERVICE MOTHERS' CLUB On Thursday evening, November 5, 1942, forty four mothers met at the village hall of Dwight to discuss the forming of an organized group for the mutual welfare of their sons and daughters in the service. The following officers were un- animously elected: President, Mrs. James Ough- ton, Sr. : Vice President, Mrs. Edward Cleary ; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Otto Mickelson. With the newly-elected officers presiding, definite steps were taken to send birthday cards or let- ters to the Dwight men and women in the service. Further discussions were held on the feasibility of conducting some sort of canteen service for the transcient service men and also any Red Cross work that might be necessary. The organization thought it wise not to join the chartered War Mother's Club, and was strict- ly kept a local organization. The purpose of the Club was for the mothers and relatives of the boys in the service to get together to do what- ever work necessary to help the boys. The work the Dwight women did in the can- teen in Streator at the railway station feeding so many boys returning from the Pacific was a most worthwhile service. The organization continued to function until the war ended and then disbanded. The officers elected at the first meeting continued to serve during all the years the club functioned. AUXILIARY TO SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR Auxiliary No. 2 to Dwight Camp No. 270, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, was organ- ized October 26, 1901, the meeting being held in Sons of Veterans Hall, over Van Eman & Sond- ergaard's Dry Goods Store, the rooms now be- ing occupied by the Milady Beauty Shoppe. The name of the Auxiliary then was the Ladies Aid Society No. 2. The following officers were installed as the first officers of the newly organized society: Past President, Mrs. Catherine Dustin ; President, Miss Lydia L. Seabert ; Vice President, Miss Ella Chester; Secretary, Miss Ada Weldon; Treasur- er, Miss Maud Brown ; Guide, Mrs. Troia Calvert ; Assistant Guide, Miss Leda Brown ; Inner Guard, Miss Laura Wheatley; Outer Guard, Mrs. Mabel Lehr; Trustees: Miss Ilda Brown, Miss Louise Tambling, Mrs. Emma Mason; Chaplain, Miss Florence Harris; Judge Advocate, W. G. Dustin. Advisory Board: C. D. Parker, T. W. Davis, J. E. Seabert, A. A. Boyer and 0. W. Brown. The charter members were: Lydia L. Seabert, Leda Brown, Florence Harris, Marie Harris! Catherine Dustin, Maud Lee Brown, Lura Wheat- ley, Louise Tambling, Nellie Boyer, Georgiana McClary, Troja Calvert, Ilda Brown, Ella Ches- ter, Carrie Spencer, Emma Mason, Jennie Boyer and Mabel Lehr. Of these charter members only one remains on our membership roll— that one is Mrs. Georgiana McClary Cook. Several of the charter members have died, others have moved away and still others are no longer connected with the order. The present officers of our Auxiliary are: President, Mrs. Chloe Kelch ; Vice President, Mrs. Beatrice Spandet ; Chaplain, Mrs. Ida Rabe; Treasurer, Mrs. Olive M. Haynes ; Secretary, Miss Jean M. Thole ; Patriotic Instructor, Miss Mable Thompson; Guide, Miss Anna Houck; Assistant Guide, Mrs. Georgiana Cook; Color Guards; Miss Jessie Davis, Mrs. Gertrude Kelch; Guard, Mrs. Emma Perschnick ; Counselor, Allan S. Holbrook ; Trustees: Mrs. Elizabeth Vermillion, Mrs. Kath- ryn Parks, Mrs. Letty Connor. Musician, Mrs. Letty Connor. HISTORY OF DWIGHT CHAPTER O.E.S. ^ Dwight Chapter, No. 166, Order of the Eastern Star of Illinois, organized by Mrs. John Pettett of Dwight, was instituted on October 31, 1890, by Mr. John Simpson, Special Deputy and hus- band of Mrs. Sue Simpson, Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Illinois. The charter members were: Mr. John Pettett, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Romberger, Mr. Charles Crandall. Sr., Mrs. Sam C. Wilkinson, Miss Matilda Pettett, Mr. and Mrs. John Leach, Mr. and Mrs. Millard Bell, Miss Jo- anna Crandall, Miss Lucy Crandall. The first meeting was held in the I.O.O.F. Hall which was over the old Opera House on West [67] DWIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 Main Street where the movie theater, the Black- stone, now stands. Later the meeting place was changed to the Larsen building and in 1932, was again moved to the Odd Fellows Hall on East Main Street, its present location. The first officers of Dwight Chapter were: Mrs. Rosa Miller, Worthy Matron; Mr. John Pettett, Worthy Patron; Mrs. Maude Wilkinson, Asso- ciate Matron; Miss Matilda Pettett, Secretary; Miss Joanna Crandall, Treasurer; Miss Lucy Crandall, Conductress; Mrs. Nellie Romberger, Associate Conductress; Mr. John Leach, Chap- plain; Mrs. Carl Miller, Organist; Mrs. Maggie Leach, Adah; Mrs. Emma Taylor, Ruth; Mrs. Alice Oakshett, Esther; Miss Estella Baker, (Wilkinson), Martha; Mrs. B. A. Buck, Electa; Mr. B. A. Buck, Warder; Mr. George Peterson, Sentinel. The present officers are: Mrs. Annette Mowat, Worthy Matron; Mr. Howard Hume, Worthy Pa- tron; Mrs. Hazel Jensen, Associate Matron; Mr. Ralph Jensen, Associate Patron; Mrs. Norma Butzirus, Secretary ; Mrs. Gertrude Metta, Treas- urer; Mrs. Lois Mc Vicar, Conductress; Mrs. Sarah Kline, Associate Conductress; Mrs. Bar- bara Scoville, Chaplain; Mrs. Edna Turner, Mar- shall; Mrs. Esther Houck, Organist; Mrs. Jose- phine Burkhart, Adah; Mrs. Esther Boundy, Ruth; Mrs. June Seabert, Esther; Mrs. Irene Hume, Martha; Miss Dorothy Petersen, Electa; Mrs. Zola Hodgman, Warder; Mr. Gabriel Price, Sentinel. Mrs. Blanche Luther of Wilmington, Illinois is the grand lecturer of the local chapter. AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY TO POST NO. 486 A meeting to organize an Auxiliary to the American Legion Post 486 was held by Jens Spandet, Commander, at the home of Mrs. E. B. Lewis, on November 10, 1920. Fifteen signatures were secured for the appli- cation for the Charter which was later increased to 25 members. Mrs. Lewis and Rebecca Kaye were elected temporary chairman and secretary. On December 8, 1921, at their regular meeting, they elected the following officers: President, Lilas Pierce; 1st Vice President, Rachel Telford; 2nd Vice President, Rebecca Kaye; Treasurer, Elizabeth Telford. On January 9, 1935, a meeting was called for the purpose of re-organizing an Auxiliary to the American Legion Post No. 486, by the Command- er, Alvin Sondergaard. Miss Rita Pierce of El Paso, Illinois, presented the facts of the organi- zation of the Auxiliary, after which 25 signified their intention of joining. A temporary chair- man, Mrs. Ruth Carlin, and a temporary secre- tary, Mrs. Pearl Tock, were appointed. A nomin- ating committee was appointed by the chairman to report at the next meeting. The following officers were elected : President, Ruth Carlin; 1st Vice President, Lilas Telford ; 2nd Vice President, Beatrice Sond- ergaard; Secretary, Pearl Tock; Treasurer, Edna Boyer. Nineteen presidents have served the local Aux- iliary to date. The officers at present are: President, Martha Spreng; Secretary, Lilas Tel- ford ; Treasurer, Mary Lewis ; 1st Vice President, Gladys McNamara; 2nd Vice President, Helen L. Call; Jr. Past President, Alta Yasen ; Chaplain, Margaret Chiovatero; Historian, Helen G. Call; Sgt. at Arms, Dorothy Dixon. At present the Auxiliary has 114 members, four of whom are members of the first Charter, namely: Hazel Allen; Florence Reeb, Gladys Carty and Lilas Telford. ROYAL NEIGHBORS HISTORY The Royal Neighbors of America, a fraternal benefit society, was chartered March 21, 1895 with supreme offices at Rock Island, III. The Dwight Lodge No. 575 was organized with 20 members on the 16th day of April, 1897. Chartered members were: Mrs. Al Fisk, Mrs. James Kelagher, Mrs. Pat Leach, Mrs. Nellie Jenkins, Mrs. Kate Dustin, Mrs. Charles Mickel- son, Mrs. Sam McDonald, Mrs. Mary Lawler, Mrs. Charles Bowers, Mrs. Sam Thompson, Mr. James Kelagher, Mr. Sam Thompson, Mr. Pat Leach, Mr. Charles Mickelson, Mr. Sam McDonald, Mr. Will Cook, Mr. W. G. Dustin, Mr. John Lawler, Mrs. Emma Leach and Dr. C. H. Barr. The 59th birthday of the Royal Neighbors and 36th birthday of the Juveniles was cele- brated by the Dwight Lodge with a dinner on March 24, 1954. The present officers of the Dwight Royal Neighbors are: Oracle, Nellie Meiers; Past Oracle, Ruth Lewis; Vice Oracle, Sarah Klein; Recorder, Lee Epstein; Receiver, Gladys Gillis- pie; Chancellor, Cora Perschnick; Marshall, Hazel Cowan ; Assistant Marshall, Anna Larsen ; Inner Sentinel, Christine Jensen; Outer Sentinel, Louise [68] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE Gossreau ; Musician, Gladys Gillispie ; Flag Bear- er, Margaret Gorr. V.F.W. AUXILIARY 2608 The V.F.W. Auxiliary was founded in June, 1937. The charter members, including the officers are: Margaret Gorr, President; Helen G. Call, Sr. Vice Pres. ; Gladys Carty, Jr. Vice Pres. ; Esther Hafland, Secretary; Nora Welch, Treasurer; Anna Larsen, Guard ; Minnie Hansen, Trustee ; Lydia Fortin, Conductress; Freida Zschau, Pa- triotic Inst. ; Dora Schmidt, Color Bearer No. 1 ; Rose Zappa, Color Bearer No. 2 ; Louise Gossrau, Color Bearer No. 3 ; Pearl King, Historian ; Flor- ence Wiemken, Musician ; Grace T. Dailey ; Ter- esa Faletti; Vera Haire; Susie Hoegger, Trustee; Carolina Koerner, Trustee; Julia Nolan, Chap- lain ; Helen Schook ; Augusta Stamm ; Hattie Stevenson, Color Bearer No. 4; Wilma B. Wo- mack. DWIGHT POST NO. 486, AMERICAN LEGION The charter for Dwight Post No. 486 was signed on the 20th day of August, 1920. The first official meeting was held in the I.O.- O.F. building basement. Les Chase was elected post commander and Harold West appointed post adjutant. Several years ago the Dwight Post had a very capable initiation team consisting of Alvin Son- dergaard, Earl McPheeters, Edward Dickler, Lester Beiswanger, Harold West and Lloyd Gutel who traveled many miles and initiated many new members into the American Legion. ALBERT TUNBERG POST NO. 2608 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE U.S. Charter was issued June 29, 1932. Frank Grif- fin a patient at the Veterans Hospital was the First Commander and Sr. Vice Commander was Frank A. Larsen and Richard (Dick) Wiemken, Jr. Vice Commander; with William L. "Bill" Faletti, Adjutant and Service Officer; Ollie Cran- dall, Quartermaster; Majhon Klughart, Chaplain; and Edward Schmidt, Officer of the Day. Trustees were Chester Pierce, Fred Horn and James Tur- ner. Charter Members: Guy P. Bordelon, Frank Larsen, Steve Zappa, James Turner, Elmer Han- sen, Wm. L. Faletti, Chester Pierce, Floyd Grif- fin, Ed Schmidt, Richard Wiemkin, Ollie Crandall, James Smarjesse, Fred Haire, George Greco, John Daly, James Donaghy, Celio Ortenzie, Albert Rus- sell, Daniel Holcomb, Malhan Klughart. The 1953 and present Commander is Donald Rohlfs ; Sr. Vice Comm., Egon Frandsen ; Jr. Vice Comm., Walter Houck; Adj. Kenneth Olsen; QM, Kenneth J. Hoffman; Post Advocate, Dr. W. L. Westling; Chaplain, Wm. T. Schweick- ert; Surgeon, Dr. L. Neff; Patriotic Instructor, Gerald Rohlfs; Officer of the Day, Richard Wie- mkin; Service Officer, Wm. L. Faletti; Post His- torian, Marvin Potthoff; Legislative Officer, Wray Call; Trustee, 3 years, Kenneth Olsen, 2 years, La Verne Seeman, 1 year, Kenneth Chris- tensen; Asst. Adjutant, Dr. W. L. Westling, Asst. Quratermaster, LaVern Federsen ; Guard, Paul Schook; Color Bearer, National, Arthur Rohlfs; Color bearer, post, Rinehard Wick; Buddy Poppy Chairman, Calvin Wiemken; Membership Chair- man, Kenneth Moore; Civil Defense Chairman, Anthony Zappa, and Publicity Chairman, Olin Amidon. HEBRON LODGE NO. 175 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS Instituted January 18, 1888 with twenty-five charter members. Officers were as follows: Chancellor Commander, Dr. C. H. Barr; Past Chancellor, Eugene Flagler; Vice - Chancellor, John Geis; Prelate, John Leach; Keeper of Rec- ords and Seals, L. H. Plummer; Master of Fin- ance, George L. Kern; Master of Exchequer, Adam Denelach ; Master at Arms, T. J. Graham ; Inner Guard, George N. Flagler; Outer Guard, Henry Groll. Trustees, Frank Reeb, A. W. Kern, I. L. Perry. Charter Members: James S. Good- man, B. O. Goodman, A. W. Kern, 0. C. Jensen, John Matzen, W. T. Prime, T. J. Graham, Wm. C. Bartholic, John Pettitt, Frank Reeb, G. B. Goodman, J. T. Buck, Dwight P. Mills. 50 year members, Robert E. Davis, L. F. Horn- berger. 42 year member, Nathan Epstein. Our living Past Chancellors: L. F. Hornberger, 39th; Martin Swanson, 47th ; Nathan Epstein, 49th ; Harry E. Giles, 60th; Jesse H. Carpenter, 72nd; Mark L. Lewis, 74th. The present Officers are, Chancellor Command- er, Mark L. Lewis ; Vice Chancellor, Martin Swan- son ; Secretary-Treasurer and Regional Deputy, Nathan Epstein; Prelate, L. F. Hornberger, and Master at Arms, Jesse H. Carpenter. GIRL'S 4-H CLUB In 1931 Mrs. Ethel Walker and Mrs. Ed. Sterrit served as leaders for the first Girls' 4-H Club. It [69] DWIGHT CENTENNIAL 1854-1954 was caled the W.S.B.C. club. Leaders in the fol- lowing years were: 1933-34: Miss Esther Amidon (Mrs. Cottrell) and Mrs. Herman Ohlendorf. 1935: Miss Esther Amidon, and Miss Velma Wat- tors. 1936: Mrs. S. Dixon Sorensen and Miss Louise Morris. 1937-39: no club active. In 1940 it was started up again as "The Dwight Builder Uppers." Leaders were: 1940: Mrs. H. 0. Jorgenson, and Mrs. Delmar Davis. 1941 : Mrs. H. 0. Jorgenson, and Mrs. A. Christensen and Mrs. Harold Rhode. 1942 : Mrs. Walter Smith, and Mrs. Oscar Schultz. 1943: Mrs. Oscar Schultz and Miss Velma Watters. In 1944 the club was named "The Dwight Home Economics Club." Leaders have been: 1944: Miss Velma Watters. 1945: Miss Velma Watters and Mrs. Harold Morse. 1946: Miss Velma Watters and Miss Thelma Thomas. 1947 : Mrs. John Drech- sel and Miss Rita Smith. 1948: Mrs. Elmer Davis and Mrs. Ernest Perschnick. 1949: Mrs. Elmer Davis and Mrs. Ernest Perschnick and Miss Char- lotte McConnell. 1950: Mrs. Elmer Davis, Mrs. Clem Steichen. 1951: Miss Charlotte McConnell. 1952: Mrs. John Drechsel and Mrs. Orland Bos- sert. 1954: Mrs. John Drechsel, Mrs. Lester Lyd- igsen, and Mrs. Orland Bossert. 1954: Mrs. John Drechsel, Mrs. Lester Lydigsen, Mrs. Orville Landreth, and Mrs. Orland Bossert. Congratulations TO DWIGHT -fr HOTEL FRANCES EAST MAIN STREET DWIGHT ILLINOIS Charles Mc Williams, Sr., young Charles Jr., and Mrs. Mc Williams are shown above in the family car (1908 Stoddard-Dayton), a model reminiscent of the "get out and get under days." [70] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE Lumber KITCHEN CABINETS ROOFING MILL WORK WALLBOARD PRODUCTS INSULATION BUILDERS HARDWARE STORM SASH LADDERS SCREENS FLOOR TILE ALL TYPES FENCING CREOSOTED LUMBER DU PONT PAINTS CREOSOTED FENCE POSTS ALL TYPES GLASS CREOSOTED POLES CLEARY LUMBER CO VINCE CLEARY, Prop. THE LUMBER NUMBER PHONE 500 DWIGHT, ILLINOIS [71] DWICHT CENTENNIAL • IS54-1954 FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE ELEVATOR COMPANY OF DWIGHT Incorporated 1912 A co-operative conceived from necessity Sustained because of it's integrity A realistic example of results of co-operation. a DWIGHT, ILLINOIS GARDNER, ILLINOIS [72] A GREAT P A S T - A GREATER FUTURE McCormick { m PARTS Farm Implements Tractors International Trucks, Freezers, Refrigerators Used Equipment On Hand At All Times S.O.NELSON IMPLEMENT CO 113 EAST CHIPPEWA STREET :T3] DW'ICHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 Best Wishes To Dwight On Its Centennial FLUYERAS FORD SALES Nick Fluyeras, Owner DWIGHT — PHONE 95 [74 ] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE 1S54 - DWIGHT CENTENNIAL - 1954 THE HISTORY OF DWIGHT, with its narrative of events and trib- utes to those citizens who contributed their efforts to its making, would not be complete without a fitting tribute to Colonel Frank L. Smith. Colonel Smith was born in Dwight on November 24, 1867, and passed away on August 30, 1950, having spent his entire life in Dwight. At an earlv age he became a worker and was activelv engaged in his life's work until almost the very moment that his long and fruitful life came to an end. He was always a vital force and exerted a great and wholesome influence in this community in which he lived, in the state and in the nation. For over fifty vears he was the outstanding leader in the com- munity. Colonel Smith not only led, but cooperated in the development of Dwight. He was just as eager to cooperate with someone else's plan for civic betterment as he was eager to push his own plans to a suc- cessful conclusion. The citizens of Dwight are still mindful of the achievements of Colonel Smith, in many of which they participated and in many of which they were the personal beneficiaries. It is fitting that in the History of Dwight the efforts of Colonel Frank L. Smith should be given a place along with those pioneers and their successors who also devoted their best efforts to the betterment of our community. FRANK L SMITH AGENCY C. J. AHERN, JR. CLARE R. McNAMARA Insurance • Property Management • Real Estate FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING • PHONE 8 • DWIGHT, ILL. [75] DWIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 Hudson DUONG'S GARAGE & MACHINE SHOP 212 E. DELAWARE • DWIGHT, ILLINOIS Established In 1912 CLAUDE C. DeLONG EDWARD DeLONG JAMES DeLONG CLAUDE J. DeLONG [76] \ G R E AT V A ST- A G H E AT E H F 111 R E Art Hinch, Clarence E. Boyer, Ralph H. Boyer and Elwood A. Boyer The success and the continuation of our business, and the security ol our employment depend upon the number of satisfied customers. None of us should ever forget that the person we all work for is the CUSTOMER. Community Relationships It is important that our company he known as a "Good Citizen" of Dwight. Such a reputation can be earned only if every employee, as well as the company, accepts his full share of community responsibilities. Facts About Our Company This business was established in 1911 by George Brumbach, Clarence and Elwood Boyer. It was known as Brumbach and Boyers Garage. In 1912 and 1913 the present building was built and one of the first modern garages in this section of the State was opened for busi- ness. A Buick Contract was secured in 1912 and they were sold along with other makes of cars as follows; Chandler, Chalmers, Paige and Oakland. On 1 March 1914 George Brumbach sold out his share oi the business to Clarence and Elwood. and the business was renamed Boyer Bros, which it has carried through to the present time. In 1916 they lost the Buick Contract and took on Studcbaker. R. M. Boyer worked for Boyer Bros, from 1912 to 1918 at which time he entered the service. Upon his return in 1919 he bought ' :: interest in the business. In 1919 Boyer Bros, secured a contract to sell the Maxwell Car m addition to the others. From 192'! to 1933 they sold tin' Dodge ear as an associate dealer under Parrish and Rennigal of Pontiac, Illinois. In 1921 a Chrys- ler Franchise was obtained which lasted until 1925 when Christopher Co., who held the Buick Contract, anil Bover Bros, agreed to switch contracts. This was done and both have held these contracts without interruption to the pres- ent time. Elwood Boyer sold his h. interest to Clarence and Ralph in September 192S, and moved to California to open and operate Bover's Garage in Pasadena. Buyer Bros, secured the Pontiac Contract in 1933 and dropped all cars with the exception of Buick thus operating as a dual dealership until 1941 at which time the Pontiac Contract was dropped. Clarence Boyer died on May 23, 1942 and left his share of the business to his son Herbert C. Boyer. On June 1, 1942 Herbert was installed as a full partner and he and Ralph have operated the business to tin- present time. A major addition of a new shop was added to the Original building in tin- tall of L946, and with the purchase ol new tools, machinery and extensive remodeling of the original building we have the plant we work in at the present time. All of our employees have helped us to build a fine reputation in this community. We would not base suc- ceeded without such fine cooperation. We will do every- thing we can to maintain these line relationships. In Conclusion We waul \oii to remember that ever) relation you have with mil customers, you arc the company. The Customer's impression and his estimate oi the company may depend exclusively upon you. Also remember that always we want the company operated under the highest ol business standards. BOYER BROTHERS GARAGE Buick Motor Cars DWIGHT ILLINOIS [77] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 CARL TOCK LUMBER CO. • Lumber Coal Building Materials Window Glass PHONE 46 DWIGHT, ILLINOIS [78] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE STEVE ZAPPA TAVERN AND LIQUOR STORE Schlitz On Tap ICE COLD BEER BY THE CASE Complete Line of Whiskey and Wine By the Bottle FREE DELIVERY • PHONE 454 LEWIS JEWELERS Gifts for All Occasions WATC H REPAIRING Serving Dwight Since 1898 HAROLD F. LEWIS, OWNER EAST STREET • DWIGHT, ILLINOIS [79] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 VON QUALEN FUNERAL HOME ESTABLISHED IN DWIGHT 1912 An ultra-modern funeral home located at the corner of Washington and Mazon Avenues VERNON VON QUALEN, MORTICIAN DWIGHT CLEANERS ESTABLISHED 1932 COMPLETE CLEANING SERVICE A. W. ERICKSON-J. R. PERSCHNICK 1854-DWIGHT'S 100th BIRTHDAY -1 954 ! 80 | A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE FARBERS Cy/7/j for S^rtl VJccaiionS COSTUME JEWELRY • BERKSHIRE NYLONS BARBIZON AND GOLD STRIPE LINGERIE MRS. STEVENS CANDY IMPERIAL CANDLEWICK BLUE RIDGE POTTERY WHITE AND WYCKOFF STATIONERY Compliments CHRISTOPHER CO. CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH DEALER [81] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 Van Eman & Sondergaard DRY GOODS-FURNISHINGS-SHOES In Dwight Since 1902 AL S TAVERN 152 EAST STREET BEER-WINES-LIQUOR Pabst On Tap [82] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE Centennial Congratulations ALBERT TUNBERG POST 2608 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS and The Beachead, Inc. ON OLD ROUTE 66-DWIGHT J. A. MILBAUER GENERAL CONTRACTOR Phone 216 [83] DWICIIT CENTENNIAL • 1S54-1954 BOWES a DWIGHT IU. "AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS OF OUTSTANDING QUALITY" Congratulations to the community of Dwight in their Centennial Year BOWES BOWES Dependable tffttf \uto Prodi* Is SAFE TIRE REPAIRS BOWES "SEAL FAST" CORP. INDIANAPOLIS, IND. Since J9J9 RAYMOND E. HOPP AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR Since 7936 Seabert Electrical & Radio Shop SYLVANIA, EMERSON, MOTOROLA DUMONT AND ADMIRAL Radio, Television Sales & Service DWIGHT PHONE 30 ILLINOIS [84] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE STUDEBAKER The Oldest Automobile Manufacturer In America Today 1852-1954 SALUTES Dwight and community on their 100th year of progress BAIMA MOTOR SALES GRATULATIONS! To the citizens of Dwight on marking this 100th anniversary in your history of progress. An- drews "Your Home Grocer" are proud to be a part of this history. ANDREWS "Your Home Grocer >J 104 SOUTH FRANKLIN STREET -DWIGHT, ILL. MIDWEST STORES SERVE THEIR CUSTOMERS WITH QUALITY FOODS AT LOW PRICES. [85] DWICIIT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 MOBIL HEAT FUEL OIL by the makers of MOBIL OIL AND MOBIL GAS Call William E. Call PHONE 696 George C. Peterson Co. Leo A. Becker BUILDER AND CONTRACTOR Phone 268W [86] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE ERICKSON Shell Super Service • SHELL UBRIC AT ION • CAR WAS H ING • VULCANIZING • BRAKE SERVICE • SHELL PRODUCTS • ACCESSORIES • TIRES-TUBES • BATTERI ES MAZON AND FRANKLIN PHONE 499 DWIGHT, ILLINOIS STETSON HATS ARROW SHIRTS s i M P S o N C L O T H E S FAIRCHILD'S MEN'S WEAR HARRIE J. FAIRCHILD F R E E M A N S H O E S WILSON BROS. SWANK JEWELRY [87 D W IC1IT C E N T E N N I A L • 1854-1954 1953 and 1954 PIERCE S KILROYS Bowling Team TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS - SPORTSMAN LEAGUE R. H. BOYER-M. T. NELSON - JAMES P. BURNS - J. D. ANDERSON - C. D. PIERCE CAPTAIN L. M. BEISWANGER - CHRIS CHRISTENSON - FRED HOUBERG R&M PLUMBING & HEATING CO 219 EAST MAZON AVENUE CARUSO RICCOLO ELMER METZKE [ 88 A GREAT PAST - A CHI. ATE R FUTURE CHRIS' LOUNGE 118 South Franklin St.- Dwight ENTERTAINMENT Air Conditioned for you.' Comfort Knudsen Concrete Products Ready-Mix Concrete 415 SO. WASHINGTON PHONE 11 JOHN KNUDSEN, Owner [89] D W ICHT CENTENNIAL • 1 S 5 4 - 1 9 5 4 COMPLIMENTS OF Wheatley Grocery MARGARET WHEATLEY, PROP. Thompson Appliance Co T. THOMPSON, Proprietor SKELGAS & PAINTS TELEVISION SALES AND SERVICE PHONE 35 DWIGHT, ILL. [90] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE RIBER & SON Contractors CONCRETE DREDGING BULLDOZING E. J. Beier STANDARD SERVICE STATION Phone 488 — Dwight GASOLINE • OIL • TIRES BATTERIES ACCESSORIES [91] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 WE TIP OUR HAT TO THE CITY OF DWICHT The Standard Oil Company, serving Dwight since 1892, congratulates the City of Dwight on its 100th anniversary. As Dwight has progressed, the Standard Oil Company has kept pace. Today, we serve this area with the finest quality products that continuing research makes available. R. E. "Bob" Sampson Agent STANDARD OIL COMPANY DWIGHT ILLINOIS IF YOU LIKE IT in the showroom "ROCKET" ENGINE OLDSMOBILE -You'll Love i+ FEDDERSEN SALES & SERVICE DWIGHT, ILLINOIS [92] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE G. W. Stacy & SONS Livestock, Grain and General Hauling * PHONE 481W DWIGHT, ILLINOIS C&B Market WEST STREET PHONE 306 AUGIE CHIOVATERO JAMES BALLOU Coffee Sold for $1.29 Contractors CEMENT MASONS Phone 77\ OR 395W Riccolo SHOE REPAIR SHOP WEST STREET DWIGHT ALPHONSE RICCOLO, PROP. L93] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 THE EPSTEIN STORE OUR 45th ANNIVERSARY j 909 -1954 Abraham B. and Nathan Epstein from 1909 to 1921 Nate and Lee Epstein from 1922 to 1954 DRY GOODS -CLOTHING & SHOES LADIES & GENTS FURNISHINGS SHOES & FURNISHINGS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY FLORSHEIM SHOES FOR THE MEN Quality Merchandise at Reasonable Prices MOST OF OUR MERCHANDISE NATIONALLY ADVERTISED BRANDS Dwighf's Only HOME-OWNED DAIRY 42 Years of Continuous Service KELCH'S SANITARY DAIRY If YOU WANT THE KING OF HYBRIDS Buy CROWS FILM-COTED DEEPROOT SEED CORN FRED ZABEL- DEALER AMIDON S Feeds — Poultry Supplies BUYER OF Quality Eggs and Poultry PHONE 26 DWIGHT, ILL. [94] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE Leonard tula t l 9 lond TO DWIGHT CENTENNIAL SONDERGAARD BROS Contractors and Builders DEPENDABLE SERVICE TO THIS COMMUNITY FOR HALF A CENTURY APPLIANCES HARDWARE PAINTS HOUSEWARES SPORTING GOODS L R. FRY HARDWARE Dwight 36 108 S. FRANKLIN ST. DWIGHT, ILLINOIS Congratulations, Dwight . . on your 100th birthday. The progress of time has brought many improve- merits and changes. We are celebrating your birthday by bringing to Dwight a new modern and up-to-date custom feed mill. A new addition to our grain business, thus furthering your march of prog- ress. SCOn GRAIN CO. S. C. SCOTT J. C. SCOTT Lloyd H. Beyer CONTRACTOR Phone 187R- Dwight [95] DWIGIIT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 HARVEY & EARL KIME S-D FERTILIZER SPOTTED POLAND CHINA HOGS HARRY CARTY Lennox Heating Established in Dwight 1920 FRANK ZAPPA, SR. Groceries Dan Wolcott & SON Mason Contractor PHONE 342W I 96 j A G R E AT P AST - A C R E AT E R FUTl' R E CLEM STEICHEN & SONS John Deere Farm Machinery 207 E.DELAWARE For complete information, plans, estimates and financing of Pease homes, call, write or visit me. WM. Z. AHRENDS General Contractor GRAYMONT ILL. Clarence Smith ELECTRICAL WIRING AND REPAIRS iladi t BEAUTY SHOP PHONE 425 Agnes L. Ferguson [97] DWIGHT CENTENNIAL • L854-1954 WRIGHT BROTHERS Contractors — Builders Phone 448R 311 E. MAZON AVE. DWIGHT is our home, and we're proud of it! 29 Years . . . MUTUAL INSURANCE SERVICE Farm & Town CHARLES LAURITZEN 222 POLLARD AVE. DWIGHT, ILLINOIS NIESEN BROS. TRUCKING PHONE 526W LIMESTONE & PHOSPHATE Hauling & Spreading COAL, SAND, GRAVEL HAULING GROLL DECORATORS ROBERT GROLL/LOU GROLL Serving Dwight and Community for the Past 20 Years [98] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE COMPLIMENTS OF PIONEER HI-BRED CORN CO of Illinois PRINCETON, ILL W. HAROLD KELLY COMPLIMENTS OF DIPPON'S DWIGHT PRODUCE CO. Produce — Feeds and Supplies PHONE 16 DWIGHT Landers Service Used cars and mechanical work RT. 47 PHONE 508R Successful Next WO Years CHIANAKAS STANDARD SERVICE Mike & Andy [99] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-1954 Complete Auto Body • GLASS REPLACEMENT • STRAIGHTENING • PAINTING • WELDING Free Estimates WEBER'S BODY SHOP PHONE 116 fmchked Dealer fot _ ANSCO • ARGUS • REVERE BELL HOWELL • TDC • POLAROID • WOLLENSAK CAMERAS AND PROJECTORS ACCESSORIES AND FILM L. C. SMITH . . . CORONA ADDING MACHINES AND TYPEWRITERS DWIGHT NEWS AGENCY United Cigar Store Sales Agent 114 W. JAMES ST. DWIGHT, ILLINOIS PHONE 296 DWIGHT, ILLINOIS COUNTY CLERK COUNTY JUDGE COUNTY TREASURER IRA L. BOYER CO. SUPT. OF SCHOOLS J. H. McFADDEN CHARLES P. YOUNG SHERIFF CONGRATULATIONS! LIVINGSTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES 1954 LUCILE GOODRICH WILLIS R. HARMS [100 A GREAT PAST A GREATER FUTURE ^5£e Se&t <^ *£uc& fo . . . DWIGHT Tony Anselment Haley's Pool and Lunch CahilVs Service Station Daniel's Auto Supply Hollytvoofl Beauty Shop Dwight Repair Service Clarence Kline Knudsen Tailor Shop Earl Koehler Transfer London Service Station Steichen Sinclair Service Turner's Barber Shop Walt Houck Bessey Auto Body Shop Prairie Queen Rebecca Lodge No. 370 Order of Eastern Star No. 166 V. F. W. Auxiliary No. 2608 Duight Prime Home Bureau R. H. Rein, D.C. F. H. Sterrenberg, O.D. A. J. McGee, M.D. E. F. Joss, M.D. Aage Steiniche, M.D. J. J. Burns, D.D.S. F. H. Riegel, D.D.S. W. A. Weldon, D.V.M. R. K. Gay, D.V.M. Illinois Bell Telephone Co. Charles D. McWilliams, Jr. Public Service Co. of N. Illinois [101] DWIGHT CENTENNIAL 1854-1954 Members of the Dwight Woman's Club assisted by other Dwight people have been hard at work building and painting scenery to be used in the Centennial Pageant. All the work was done in the old Blitstein Barn on East Delaware St. Mrs. Phyllis Groll was general supervisor of the work. [102] A GREAT PAST - A GREATER FUTURE T, he pages of the Divight Centennial Book are closed. It is filled with stories of the past, pictures of people and places which were long gone and almost forgotten, together with articles of present day interest. The Historical Com- mittee, to whom this assignment was given, presents this book to the residents and friends of the community of Dtvight, hopeful that in it they will find a source of much interest. The Divight Centennial Committee appreciates the help and co-operation which has come from the civic, fraternal, patriotic and religious organizations in the Village as uell as the untiring ivork which has been done by individuals. Without this united endeavor the Centennial could not have been undertaken and without this spirit it could not be brought to a successful close. The Committee thanks you. That pleasant memories of the Dwight Centennial stay with you, is the wish of your Committee. [103] D WIGHT CENTENNIAL • 1854-19 5 4 PHONE 84 llllil INSURANCE lit 128 East Main Street DWIGHT, ILLINOIS CONGRATULATIONS AND SUCCESS, DWIGHT, IN THE CELEBRATION OF OUR 100th ANNIVERSARY FROM THE DICKLER INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE AGENCY. I AM GRATEFUL IN HAVING HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING THE PEOPLE OF OUR TOWN IN THEIR INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE NEEDS FOR THE PAST 21 YEARS. MAY WE ALL CONTINUE TO GO FORWARD IN GROWTH AND PROSPERITY IN OUR NEXT 100 YEARS. I 104 j WE'RE PUSHING ONE HUNDRED Although we won't be celebrating our centennial for another few years, we think we've got quite a bit of history behind us — history which reaches back over four generations ! It all started with Isaac H. Baker, the present owner's father's father's father, who settled in Dwight in 1855. A master of many trades, Isaac Baker, during his life- time, built railroads, operated a hotel, farmed two sections of land in Nebraska, and was an expert carpenter, builder, fur- niture- and casket-maker. In 1866 — although he had been acting in these capacities before — Isaac Baker formally established a furniture and undertaking business, in a brick building of his own construc- tion, occupying the same site as the present Baker & Son store, illustrated at left. Charles M. Baker followed in his father's footsteps. Then came Roy M. Baker, the son of Charles; he was followed by the present owner, James R. Baker, to bring the four-generation father-to-son cycle up to date. In 1946, the Baker & Son Funeral Home was moved from the store location on Main Street to its present residential site at the corner of Prairie Avenue and Waupansie Street (be- low). The Experienced Baker & Son Staff: James R. Baker — Funeral Director and Embalmer James P. Burns — ivho, as Funeral Direc- tor and Embalmer, has been with the firm for 45 years — working with three generations of Bakers! Roswell Sloan — Embalmer Mrs. Walter Smith — Secretary Miss Margaret Moloney — Bookkeeper .<#£**. FURNITURE • FUNERAL HOME • AMBULANCE SERVICE BAKER & SON Since 1%66 DWIGHT A GLANCE IN THE PAST... A LOOK IN THE FUTURE Dwight has completed a century of living, and we are now celebrating that milestone. However, we must look ahead and pledge equal progress for the years to come. he Bush Hatchery is marking its Silver Anniversary. During the past 25 years we have kept pace with the ever-increas- ng demands of our customers, and in return, you have sought our products in greater numbers each year. DWIGHT We have been working "hand in hand" with progress, thanks to your wonderful patronage conferred upon us since 1929. MORRIS KANKAKEE