,amO.S HISTORICAI SURVW
OFALLON. ILLINOIS
lUIKSIS HISIGRIGAL %mil
IS54 CENTEMHIAt CEtElfellA^^riOM -'?•?* AUGUST 25 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29
Fealuring
THE DRAMATIC HISTORICAL PAGEANT
''^^cd ^d Our ^acun"
THURSDAY and FRIDAY _ 8 P. M.
Parades - Rides - Dances - Entertainment
5 DAYS OF GALA EVENTS AND FUN
SOUVENIR PROGRAM
AND
HISTORV of O'FALLON PRICE — 50c
1854 - 100 YEARS OF PROGRESS - 1954
/4 ^^ttteMncal t<M^t 7* 0"PaUxm
The charm of O'Fallon, keeps calling me home, It calls to me sweetly, wherever I roam. On highways and byways, or out on the sea The charm of O'Fallon, keeps calling to me. You're only a town, with an Old Irish name. You have your faults, but you're great just the same. There k^nd hearts and true friends, I meet every day. That's why I miss you, when I am aWay. Just one hundred yeais, have now come and gone, Since you as a village. Were cradled and born. The charm of O'Fallon, with each passing year. Grows ever more precious, and ever more dear.
Wm. Gash WillarrJ
Feb. 13, 1954
Delbert C. Corbier ADVISORY
Executive Committee
JOHN L. ANHEUSER
GENERAL CHAIRMAN
Mayor Henry M. Hesse ADVISORY
^lerle C. Hesse
TREASURER
J. i:. Hiiuheliffe, Sr. SECRETARY
Col John OTallon
Biography of John OTallon
John OTallon. from whom the city of O' Fallon derived cal characters. He was a soldier, a business man. a real estate
His father, James O'Fallon, was a physician who came served as a surgeon in Washington's army. After the war he Frances Clark, a sister of George Rogers Clark and William ment of the Mississippi Valley.
John O' Fallon's father died when John was but a child With this army background it was only natural that he, too, rose to the rank of Captain.
After the war ended he came to St. Louis and became and Clark Expedition fame. Later John O'Fallon was a conl a profitable business and he accumulated a considerable ber of very lucrative enterprises, among them railroads. He Missouri Pacific) as well as the North Missouri Railroad more and Ohio) and was the first president of each of these of land now part of north St. Louis which he subdivided a large country home which he named Athlone for the town later acquired by the city of St. Louis and is now O'Fallon
John O'Fallon is remembered for his many charitable St. Louis University, Washington University, and particular institution was the forerunner of the St. Louis high schools of which he was a member and built the Methodist Church Louis of which is wife was a member.
John O'Fallon died December 17, 1865 at his home, 1125
its name, was one uf St. Louis' most interesting and histori- owner. and public minded citizen.
to this country shortly before the Revolutiona -y V ar and went to Louisville. Kentucky, where he met and mirried
Clark, Army officers, who became famous in the develop-
and be was reared and educated by his mother and uncles, became a soldier. He fought in the War of 1812 where he
assistant Indian Agent to his Uncle William Clark of Lewis ractor, buying and selling supplies to the Amriy. This proved fortune. He invested his newly acquired wealth in a num-
was one of the promoters of the Pacific Railroad mow (now the Wabash) and the Ohio and Mississippi (now Balti-
railroads. His most gainful investment was two large tracts into building lots. On a part of one of these tracts he built
in Ireland from which his father had come. This estate was Park.
and educational benefactions. Among these were gifts to ly a large gift to O'Fallon Polytechnic Institute. This latter
and public library. He also assisted the Episcopal Church at the corner of Fourth Street and Washington Avenue in St.
Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.
(^aCe^dci% a^ S^e^e^
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25
7:00 p.m. Silver Harvest drawing First Street and Lincoln Avenue.
7:30 p.m. Old Timers Parade. Ancient vehicles, sponsored by Kiwanis Club.
Parade to be followed by crowning of Centennial Queen and awarding of prizes to
best beards and old fashioned dress costumes.
Downtown stores to cooperate by remaining open for open house.
Dancing in the streets. Refreshments for remainder of evening.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26
12:00 Noon Refreshment stands, Woman's Club Inform.ation Booth and Friendship Tent open. 12:00 Noon Industrial and Scott Air Force Base exhibits open.
5:30 p.m. Buckeye Four Jamboree. Second show at 10:30 p.m. Free.
8 :00 p.m. Historical pageant on baseball field. Admission is free. 10:15 p.m. Exhibition of folk dancing by the Cosmopolitans.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 27
10:00 a.m. Industrial tours until noon.
10:00 a.m. Mine Rescue display truck on exhibit throughout day.
10-00 am Scott Air Force Base and Industry displays.
12:00 Noon Refreshment stands, Woman's Club Information Booth and Friendship Tent open.
2:30 p.m. Buckeye Four Jamboree. Shows also at 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Free.
8:00 p.m. Historical pageant on baseball field. Admission is free.
10:00 p.m. Free square dancing. Callers Joan and Frank Keeser.
10:30 p.m. Exhibition of round dancing by R. H. Rounders.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28
9:00 a.m. Live Stock display by Friendly Farmers, 4-H Club and Soil Conservation group.
9:00 a.m. Industrial and Scott Air Force Base exhibits open.
10:00 a.m. Woman's Club Information Booth and Friendship Tent open.
12:00 Noon Refreshment stands open.
1 :00 p.m. Western Parade.
1:30 p.m. Children's Parade, sponsored by Rotary Club.
2:30 p.m. Wild West Rodeo.
7:00 p.m. First Mardi Gras Parade. Giant float parade. All organizations to participate.
8:30 p.m. Centennial Hoedown on Tennis Courts, Harold Mainor, caller, until 11:30 p.m.
9:00 p.m. Dancing until 1:00 a.m. to Walter Schlemmer's orchestra.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 Attend church in the morning. Centennial dress welcome.
9:00 a.m. Live Stock display by Friendly Farmers, 4-H Club and Soil Conservation group.
9:00 a.m. Scott Air Force Base displays until 4:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. Refreshment stands, AVoman's Club Information Booth and Friendship Tent open.
1:00 p.m. Western Parade.
2:30 p.m. Wild West Rodeo.
6:00 p.m. Second big Mardi Gras Parade.
8:00 p.m. Dancing until midnight to Freddie Fischer's orchestra.
8:00 p.m. Centennial Hoedown. Square Dancing until 11:00 p.m. on Tennis Court. Joan and Frank Keeser, callers.
9:30 p.m. Exhibition of square dancing (intermission) by R. H. Rounders.
6
City Officials
Aldermen: Charles Miller, Charles Heitman, G. G. Budiiiu; City Clerk Edwin H. Hesse; City At- torney P. K. Johnson, Sr. ; Mayor Henry M. Hesse; City Treasurer J. Emmett Hinchcliffe; Alder- men: Edward R. Hemmer, John Fuchs, and Arnold Dickinson
Police Department
At left. Chief of Police James Tiley At rijrht. Patrolman Eugene Ferguson
Candidates for Centennial Queen
At the time this booklet went to press the Queen Contest had not yet ended. O'Fallon Centennial, Inc., owes these young ladies a debt of gratitude for their efforts in advertising the Centennial. First row, from left: Claudette Napier, Virginia Armstrong, Norma Lee Warma, Patsy Eck. Sec- ond row, from left: Dorothy Scott, Darlene Moore, Barbara Little, and Joan Shea.
Wedding Dresses "Thru the Years"
Naomi Poser, Roberta Ruth, Carrie Peers, Edna Songer and Kuth Warma.
Theodora Zinkgraf, Lucille Barrow, Ann Thomas, Alma Hesse and Vera McGuire.
Audrey Klein, Marlene Lautz, Theodora Zinkgraf and Naomi Poser.
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Early History of OTallon and Surrounding Area
JAMES DI3TLER, ok., lirst boy born in O'Fallon standing in front of the first school house located on South Lincoln Avenue. The house was removed from the site in May 1935. (Pic- ture taken in 1927)
The first surveys of land under the supervision of the government of the United States were made in this section oi the country in 1808. The surveying of Congressional Townships was not completed until 1814. Later the town- ships were divided for political purposes into precincts. O'Fallcn Precinct situated in the northern part of St. Clair County was irregular in form and contained 40 sec- tions or about 25,600 acres of rich productive land. The greater part of the precinct was contained within the area known as Ridge Prairie. The land in Ridge Prairie had sufficient timber and water to make it desirable for set- tlement and agricultural purposes.
The first settlement in the O'Fallon area was made in Ridge Prairie in 1802 by Captain Joseph Ogle. In 1809, James Lemen with other members of his family settled in the precinct and constituted Bethel Baptist Church.
These two settlements. Ridge Prairie and Bethel, had a profound influence on the establishment and development of O'Fallon.
The city of O'Fallon received its name in honor of John O'Fallon, a prominent and wealthy gentlemen of St. Louis, and who was at that time interested in the promotion of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad which is now known as the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
In 1854 the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad built a depot and water tank on the present site of the city and named the location O'Fallon Station in honor of Mr. John O'Fallon. Town lots were platted by Ernest Tiedemann under the direction of Frederick A. Carpenter and Hugo O. Sheerbarth. On May 13, 1854, under the big elm on the commons located south and east of the present depot, lots were sold at public auction. The top price paid for a lot was $10.00.
The first residence erected in O'Fallon was that of John and Sarah Distler which was built in 1851. This house, built of logs, was located about half way 1..:- voen the mill and the present IlUnois Terminal tracks. Later this house was moved to the east end of town and was made part of a dwelling built by George Slater. John Distler drove a team of oxen and assisted in the grading and preparation of the road bed for the O&M Railroad. Their son, James Distler, was the first boy born in O'Fal- lon.
The first building erected after the town was platted was a small frame dwelling built by Anderson Umbarger in 1855 at the corner of State and Cherry streets. This house is presently owned by Doctor Edward Trippel.
The second building was a residence and store erected by Henry S. Gordon of Randolph County in the fall of 1856. Mr. Gordon soon sold out the store to his son-in-law, S. Mace, who continued to operate it. This building was n the site of the building presently occupied by Ralph Thomas at 112 West State street.
In 1857, Peach and Simmons built a two story brick building which was used for a general store. On June 3, 1863, the building was destroyed by fire and Levi Sim- mon's built another brick building on the same site. Th'i building, at the corner of State and Lincoln, is the present bus station.
Anderson Umbarger was the first postmaster when the post office was estabUshed in 1855. The first restau- rant was operated by Mrs. Clarissa Knowlton in one side of the depot, and she served meals to the railroad men. In July, 1859, Dr. Columbus Hixon became the first -!si- dent physician of O'Fallon.
In 1859, the following families were residents: ...ider- son Umbarger, Williaiu Peach, Mrs. C. Knowlton, John Daily, John Salter, Dr. C. Hixson, Henry Stocker, Philip Schildknecht, Cornelius Neville, Henry Farr, John Distler, C. Powell, Benjamin Orcutt, Henry Mace, and G. W. Rawson.
O'Fallon was incorporated as a village on January 27, 1874 and the first election of village officials was held on April 21st of the same year. The following officials were elected: President, Frank Poignee; Trustees, Charles Tiedemann, Daniel Schaefer, Thomas Mackin, John Feder. and John Powell.
On March 14, 1905, at a special election called for that purpose, the citizens by a vote of 175 to 63 signified their desire to change to the city form of government. At the first city election, April 18, 1905, the following city officials were selected: Mayor, John Seddon; Aldermen, William Hampton; Charles Ahrens, and Jacob Bernhardt; City Clerk, W. R. Lawrence; City Treasurer, Joseph Tay- lor; City Marshall, Horace Evans; and Superintendent of Streets, D. Zitzmann.
Following is a list of Presidents of the Village Board and the years they were elected:
1874 Frank Poignee 1882 Charles Tiedemann
1875 Charles Tiedemann 1884 Ernst Tiedemann
1876 Ernest Tiedemann 1885 Louis Landwehr
1877 Charles Tiedemann 188o Peter Weil
1878 Frank Poignee 1888 Levi Simmons
1879 Charles Tiedemann 1889 James E. Owen
1880 Ernst Tiedemann 1890 Levi Simmons
1891 John Lawrence 1899 Wilford Ward
1893 C. H. Darrow 1900 John Seddon
1896 Philip Heyde 1902 William Housam
1897 William Lehman
Following is a list of the Mayors of the City of O'Fal- lon and the years they were elected:
1905 John Seddon 1919 John Seddon
1909 Joseph Taylor 1921 Ralph Kampmeyer
1911 D. L. Thomas 1935 John Budina
1913 John Seddon 1937 Reginald Smith
1915 C. E. Tiedemann 1945 Henry M. Hesse
The present City officials are as follows: Mayor Henry M. Hesse City Clerk Edwin H. Hesse City Treasurer J. Emmett Hinchcliffe, Sr. Aldermen First Ward— G. G. Budina and Edward R. Hemmer Second Ward— Charles Heitman and Charles Miller Third Ward— John Fuchs and Arnold Dickinson Stories of the weather are always topics of conversa- tion. Stories of the weather of today are much less inter- esting than those of the past. Today scientific instruments furnish information which is undebatable. but of earlier times the information came from the older residents who had lived during that time and remembered the days that were colder, the rains that were heavier, and the summers that were hotter.
On June 30, 1877, a tornado struck O'Fallon. Much damage was done to homes and business places. The Catholic Church, school house, and parish home were badly damaged. The upper part of the Methodist Church steeple was blown away.
Blizzards during the winters of 1856, 1890, and 1912 piled snow in tremendous drifts and paralyzed the area for many days.
On April 16, 1918, a severe hailstorm struck the St. Clair County area and did great damage to vehicles, roofs, and window panes.
Many residents remember the tornado of March 15, 1938 that struck and did much damage in the Glenview area to the west and in the rural areas north of O'Fallon. The cloud burst of August 15, 1946 is still remembered. After a night of torrential rain, streets and basements were flooded: roads and railroads were blocked by flood waters. The rain storm was the worst in the 109 year his- tory of the weather bureau. During the week of August 15th, 14.7 inches of rain fell and the rainfall for the month of August amounted to 20.25 inches.
The altitude of O'Fallon is 550 feet above sea level. The average yearly temperature is 56,3 degrees fahrenheit. The seasonal range in temperature is from a January mean of 31.9 to a July mean of 89.3 degrees fahrenheit. The growing season extends from April 4th to October 27th or about 190 days. The annual rainfall is about 39.7 inches (the past two years have been below normal), while the average humidity is 70 per cent.
O'Fallon now represents the result of 100 years of growth. It has never been a boom town, but has reached its population and size through a steady unaltering advance which has given it stability. The official census of 1950 credited the city with a population of 3232.
Much of the steady growth of O'Fallon has been due
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to the operation of the coal mines, the manufacturing of the Willard Stove Foundi-y and Tiedemann Milling Coni- pan>, ana the rich faiw land which surrounds it.
The nearness of the city to S . Louis has influenced many people to move to O' Fa lion and commute to their work in St. Lx>ui.;. Many subdivisions have been devel- oped and the modern homes I lus built have added much to the charm and beauty of the city.
Within a few rruies of the city of O'Fallon are several settlements and places of historical interest which merit discussion.
Shiloh as a village does not seem to be older than 1845, but the immediate vicinity was the site of some of the very early settlements in St. Clair County. Among the first people to locate in this region were several families of Scotts. James Scott settled south of Shiloh in 180Z and in 1805 Joseph Scoti came to the same area. In 1809, Jos- eph Scott built a grist mill and powder mill on a branch of Silver Creek which ran thiough his land. Other early settlers were: Joseph Dixon. Hugh and William Alexander, the Jourdon family, Silas bankson. Matthew Cox, John Middlecoff. Joseph Gritfin, the Michel family, and the Knoebel family.
The village of Shiloh liad its origin in 1845 when the first house was built by Edwin Pierce. A store, post office, and blacksmith shop were soon established and in 1847 a steam sawmill was erected by Edwin Pierce, Philip Scott, and Charles Alexander. The village was platted by Mar- tin Stites and James Atkins. Most of the village stiU lies on a single street which has several business establish- ments to supply the needs of the inhabitants.
Pernaps the most important thing in Shiloh is its old Methodist Chuich. The site of the church was early sel- ected for a camp meeting ground because of the three abundant springs at the foot of the hill. The place was then called "Three Springs." A Methodist Church was established here in 1807 and its continuous existence makes it without question the oldest Methodist Church in the state of Illinois.
Still standing today on Route 50 about two miles east of O'Fallon is a historic landmark — the site of the Rock Springs Theology Seminary and High School and the home of the late Rev. John W. Peck, its founder. Directly across the road was located the old stage coach barn where horses were changed on the route from St. Louis, Missouri to Vincennes, IndianjL
In the spring of 1822. Rev. Peck settled at Rock Springs and built his first double log house. In 1827 he completed and opened the Rock Springs Seminary with the follow- ing faculty: Joshua Bradley, Principal, John M. Peck, Professor of Theology, and John Messinger, Professor of Mathematics. Soon there were 100 students in attendance. In 1831 the school was transferred to Alton and became Shurtleff CoUege.
In 1827 a post office was established at Rock Springs with John M. Peck as postmaster. In the lobby of the
O'Fallon Post Office may bo found a mural depicting John Mason Peck distributing mail to the early residents.
In the winter of 1828-29 Rev. Peck established a print- ing office and published a religious paper called, "The Pioneer."
Alma, or Carbon as it is known at the present, was a coal mining village of considerable size in the 1850's. It was located about a mile and a half west of O'Fallon on the O. & M. R. R. and on St. Louis Road, now Route No. .50. The village consisted of about one hundred resi- dences, all built and looking very much alike. The houses were arranged in five double rows, with ten houses on each side of the street, and each house numbered. There was a post office, general store kept by Joseph Taylor, a saloon, and a boarding house. The coal-mining company had a machine shop, blacksmith shop, and carpenter shop.
There were several mines located here at different times. The first shaft was sunk at Alma by the Gartside Coal Company about 1851. This company sank three mine shafts here. The average depth of these mines was a little over 200 feet and the vein of coal full seven feet thick. The coal was of excellent quality. About 200 men were employed in the operation of the mines. Besides the Gart- side mines, there were Alma 1. Alma 2, Cross Roads, Hen- ry Taylor, Great Western Taylor, and Carbon mines all located in the same vicinity.
The village was probably named after the Battle of Alma which occurred during the Crimean War in 1854. Most of the residents of Alma were formerly from Eng- land, or descendants of English immigrants. To mention a few of these early settlers: Joseph Gartside who sank the first shaft in 1851; Joseph Taylor, merchant and saloon keeper and afterward mine owner and operator; Dan D. Gartside and his wife. Helen Taylor; William Skinner, engineer at Gartside mine; John Bell, pit boss; Thomas Millet, Superintendent at the mine; James Ward, his father and brothers, who later in 1873 became County Inspector of Mines.
Alma had a public school and employed two teachers. The school building was a two story frame building. Charles A. Thompson was the principal at Alma in 1880. On the night of February 21, 1881, the school building was entirely destroyed by fire. It was replaced by a better building. Alma school was one of two schools in the dis- trict, the other being Franklin school located in tlie south- eastern part of the district. In recent years the two schools were consolidated and became Central SchooL
Alma residents held religious services in their own community and visited churches in other communities. They attended services at Unity and BcUiel Baptist churches and also came to O'Fallon to church. At a very early date the Latter Day Saints of St. Louis formed a branch for religious services in the village.
The earliest mention of Alma is that there was a block-house in the chain of forts for Indian protection erected there in 1811.
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Growth of the City
City Hall built in 1890.
In 1859 there were less than twenty families in O'Fal- lon. The population soon began to increase, and with this increase, the people soon discovered they had no hall ade- quate to meet the needs for entertainments, pubUc meet- ings, and the Ulte. There was considerable opposition to the proposed new Town Hall, but it finaUy carried and the present Town Hall was constructed at the comer of Lincoln Avenue and Washington Street in the fall of 1890. On Wednesday, December 31, 1890, the new Town HaU was formally dedicated with a program suitable for the occasion. The village officers listed on the programme in- cluded Levi Simmons, President; Wilfred Ward, Joseph Landgraf, Daniel Schaefer, Joseph P. Isch, August Behrens, Jacob Bernhardt, trustees; J. A. Schalter, clerk. The fol- lowing "Programme" was presented:
MUSIC
Serenade - Pleasant Dreams Band
ADDRESS Benefits of Public Improvements - Hon. Jehu Baker
MUSIC Waltz Best of All Band
The New O'Fallon
Quiclcstep
ADDRESS
Hon. L. D. Turner
MUSIC
"Capiscolus" Band
"TURN HIM OUT"
G. W. Lienesch
L. M. Scott
. G. E. Remick
Kicodemus
Eglatine Roseleaf
Mackintosh Moke - —
Julia Moke -..._ Jessie Umbarger
Susan .- -- - Mariana Fischer
Two Porters
In 1900 O'Fallon had a population of 1267. By May of 1904, the Village Board was considering applying for a city charter and taking O'Fallon out of the village class. With continued growth the population had reached a total of 2018 by April 1911— an increase of 751 over the 1900 census. In June of 1920, O'Fallon's population was 2,379 according to the census figures from Washington — it was now considered the third largest city in St. Clair County. (The 1920 census gave St. Clair County a population of 136,411). A marked increase was again noticeable by 1936
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when the population reached 2500. New Building sites were opened, subdivisions added to the still giuwinK community whose population in 1950 numbered 3232.
The growth and expansion of the city is not ques- tioned when we consider the subdivisions that have been added within its boundaries since the first addition May 12, 1854 to the latest' subdivision opened on October tj, 19.53.
SUBDIVISIONS
May 12, 1854— O'Fallon Station— Hugo O. Scheerbarth. Frederick A. Carpenter.
September 2, 1854 — North O'Fallon — John Mace.
May 18, 1863— Bond's First Addition to North O'Fallon —Joshua S. Bond.
October 8, 1863 — Bond's Second Addition to town of North O'Fallon— Joshua S. Bond.
March 17, 1866— Deppe Addition to O'Fallon Station- Henry S. Deppe.
March 18. 1866 — Fcldmann's and Hoffmann's Addition to O'Fallon- J. M. Feldman, Chas. D. Hoffmann.
May 4, 1867— Mace's First Addition to North O'Fallon — John Mace.
June 13. 1873 — Tiedemanns Addition to Town of O'Fallon Station — Chas. A. Tiedemann.
January 3U, 1874 — Mace's Second Addition to North U'Fallon— John Alace.
Febiuary 23, 1878— Mace's Third Addition to North O'Fallon— Rebecca W. Mace, widow of John Mace, de- ceased.
September 12, 1891— Penn's Addition to O'Fallon— Joseph Penn.
May 3, 1898— Joseph Penn's Second Addition to the Village of O'Fallon — Joseph Penn.
January 12. 1901 — Atkinson's Addition to the Village of O'Fallon — James H. Atkinson.
April 2, 1902— Michael Wachters AddiUon to the Vil- lage of O'Fallon — Michael Wachter.
May 9, 1903— Atkinson's Second Addition to the Vil- lage 01 O'Fallon — James H. Atkinson.
June 7, 1904 — Penn's third Addition to the Village of
O'Fallon— John Penn, W. C. Ponn. Georgia McNulty.
August 4, 1904— Wachter's Second Addition to the Vil- lage of O'Fallon — Michael Wachter.
April 5, 190.5— Smiley's Addition to the City of O'Fal- lon— Andrew B. Smiley, E. H. Smiley.
January 10, 1907 — Begolc's Subdivision— Heirs of Eliza- beth Begole.
October 15, 1907— Tiedemann's Subdivision of Pt. SE^i Sec. 30 T2 Nr7W— Jennie Tiedemann, Geo. W. Tiedemann, Helene Tiedemann, Louise Tiedemann, Ernestine Tiede- mann.
February 8, 1908— Penn's Fourth Addition to O'Fallon — John Penn.
September 9, 1912 — Schwarz Place, An Addition to the City of O'Fallon — Michael Schwaiz and Leonhard Schwarz.
September 17. 1921— East Park Place— Edward N. Thomas.
April 19, 1922 — Joseph Subdivision, A Subdivision of Part NWVi Sec. 29 T2 NR7W— B. Joseph.
October 21, 1924— Lincoln Heights- Edward N. Thom- as
October 14. 1927— Sunset Terrace— Edward N. Thomas and Anne Thomas.
December 29, 1931 — Tiedemann's Second Addition
Helene, Louise, George, Ernestine, Charles, and Catherine Tiedemann.
.August 5, 1936 — Thomas Acres— Edward N. Thomas and .^nne Thoma&
July 19, 1937 — Thomas Park Gardens — Edward N. Thomas and Anne Thomas.
July 30, 1946— Fitzgerald Place— Archie Fitzgerald and Oma Fitzgerald.
February 27. 1950— Ait Fauss Homesites — Arthur J. lauss and Evelyn B. Fauss.
August 30, 1950— Parkview Gardens— William Gash Willard.
April 12, 1951— Budina Place — Gustave G. Budina and Julia E. Budina.
October 6. 1953— Asbiu'y Park— E. C. Asbury, M. D., and Josephine L. Asbury.
RAILROADS
Most cities of any size or importance attained that import- ance and continued to thrive as a city because of location. That was and is true of O'Fallon. Lo- cated about twenty miles east of St. Louis, it began as a station on the Ohio and Mississippi Rail- road.
1 lu uliin ;i ii't .vii.-.-i.ssippi was planned to extend west- ward from Cincinnati to a point on the yrcat river directly opposite St. Louis, with a branch from North Vernon, Indiana to Louisville, Kentucky. Although a railroad be- tween the most important cities of th» then known West was dimly projected as early as 1832, the railroad was not chartered in Indiana until February 14, 1848; in Ohio, March 15, 1849; and in Illinois, February 12, 1851. Prelim- inary surveys were commenced on November 1, 1849, but
actual construction on the west end and was not started until February 1852. By the terms of the charter granted by the Legislature of Indiana, the company was author- ized to locate and survey a railroad on "the most direct and practical route between Laurenceburg. on the Ohio River, and Vincennes. on the Wabash River.'
The organization of the Ohio and Indiana portions of the new line was completed in 18.50, and Abner T. Ellis, of Vincennes. was elected president. A number of promi- nent citizens of Vincennes and Cincinnati and the towns between were chosen as directors. The contract was let in January 1851 for the building uf the road between the Ohio and the Wabash. Actual construction was started In April of 1852.
In 1850, the Ohio and Mi.ssissippi Railroad was char- tered to build a line from lllinoistown (East St. Louis) to Cincinnati to connect with the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- road. Col. John O'Fallon of St. Louis was president of the western division of the line. Through his influence
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the i-oi'te was laid out via Ciii^yville and Lebanon, rather than via Belleville.
Ground was broken January 7, 1852 at a point near Main Street and Brady Avenue, East St. Louis. Charles D. Drake of St. Louis served as master of ceremonies. Col O'Fallon tm-ned the first spadeful of earth, then handed the spade to Judge Ellis of Vincennes, president of the eastern division. The contractor, Seymour, completed filling the first wheelbarrow, and Mayor Luther Kennett of St. Louis wheeled it to the dump. The whole party and a throng of onlookers spent a hilarious evening— later re- ferred to as the -Birthday of East St. Louis."
The construction of the line was marked by financial difficulties. Of $9,000,000 estimated for the whole project, $3 000 000 was to be used for the western division. It was financed bv Page and Bacon of St. Louis. The eastern division experienced losses, and Page and tacon icok that over also. They pushed the construction until, January 1855, when they were forced into suspension However. they raised $500,000 and completed the line to Vincennes, June 1, 1855, in time to meet the charter requirements.
This struggle was not without its humorous .side. An interesting incident has been preserved to prove that fact— "Railroad builder kidnaps sheriff- All but seven miles of the brand-new railroad laid— and no more rails! That was the situation which confronted Daniel R. Garrison, contractor for the Ohio and Missis- sippi Raih-oad, the first through line into East St. Louis from the east, in 1855.
A shipment of rails from England had been made, but it might be months before it arrived at the construction site. The Terre Haute, Alton, and St. Louis Railroad was also under construction, and had a large supply of good strong steel rails just arrived by packet, and lying on the St. Louis levee. Garrison looked over his resources, but the bank account of the O and M was too low to pay for
any rails.
The Terre Haute's rails were shipped to the East St. Louis side by ferry. On the way, by some means never satisfactorily explained, sufficient rails to lay seven miles of track became separated from the rest of the consign- ment, and landed at the O and M construction camp, where they were promptly put to use.
The Terre Haute missed their rails when the shipment was checked and immediately started the sheriff of St. Clair County with a writ of replevin and a posse, to bring
back their rails.
The sheriff found Garrison on board his private car, and demanded the rails. "Why, of course, we'll send them back," Garrison assured him. -'They just came to us by mistake. But you aren't in any hurry are you. Sheriff? I thought while you're here, you might enjoy a little trip on the railroad."
"Well, yes, I would. I've never ridden on one before."
Garrison ordered the engine headed eastward, and gave the sheriff a fascinating explanation of the workings of a railroad. After 45 minutes or so, the sheriff said, "Well, to get back to business, I have a writ of replevin to get back those railroad rails, and I'm going to have to take them."
"I'm sorry, sheriff," Garrison replied, "but we're in CUnton County now. I have to go East on business but I'll see that you get home safely!"
By the time the sheriff reached home, the last seven miles of track had been laid with the borrowed rails.
At the completion of the hne from Vincennes to Illi- noistown (now known as East St. Louis), invitations were sent out by the president of the line. H. D. Bacon. The following was received by Benjamin F. Van Court, who made his home in O'Fallon for a number of years:
Office Ohio and Mississippi Railroad St. Louis, June 30. 1855 Dear Sir:
On the opening of the Ohio and Mississippi and Wa- bash rivers in Iron Bonds, and forming a direct route to the East by rail, the Directors have decided that the oc- casion is one calling for a public demonstration, and have determined to run a train through from lUinoistown to Vincennes.
I have the pleasure to inclose you an Excursion Ticket.
The train will leave the Depot at lUinoistown on Wednesday Morning, July 4th, at 7 o'clock.
The Ferry Boat will leave the Wiggins Ferry Landing, foot of Spruce street, at 6% o'clock A.M. You will please show your Ticket to the Collector on the Ferry Boat and the Conductor before taking a seat in the cars. It is de- sirable that those who cannot participate notify me of the fact at once.
H. D. Bacon, President
The charter of the State of Illinois provided that the building of the western division should be begun before February 12, 1852, and actual construction was started on January 7, 1852. The western division was the first to be completed and the city of Vincennes had to wait nearly two years for the eastern division to be completed. A group of New York capitalists came to the rescue and furnished funds to complete the Cincinnati-Vincennes line. The final cost of the whole line was nearly $20,000,000. On April 15, 1857. the city of Vincennes witnessed the join- ing of the rails whiih completed a railroad all the way from Cincinnati to St. Louis. By connection at Cincinnati with the Mariette and Cincinnati Railroad, which in turn connected at Parkersburg, Virginia, with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad completed a rail route that ran all the way from the eastern seaboard to the Mississippi River. The route was the old "Great Western Mail Route." and has given rise to the common saying that "The boundary of Egypt lies south of the B & O." At the time of its dedication it was called the "American Centi-al Route."
The first through train from the East arrived at lUi- noistown on June 4, 1857. bearing a large group of dis- tinguished guests, reporters, and special writers, artists, etc., including such persons as George Bau croft, the his- torian.
The first parlor car built was attached to this train. and was reserved for the families of the directors. It included four compartments fitted with richly upholstered sofas and chairs, a washroom., and a patent heating furn- ace, "with the faculty of keeping out the dust and cooling the air." This apparently made it also the first air-con- ditioned railroad car.
The trip from Cincinnati to lUinoistown was made in 18 hours, from 6:00 A. M. to midnight. Extra locomotives were stationed at convenient points along the line, ready to take the place of any that should be disabled.
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Refreshments were served all day long on the train, with a stop for dinner at Vinccnnes at 3:00 P. M. Loco- motives were changed there. As the party crossed the VVahash River, former Governor Reynolds welcomed them to Illinois.
As the train passed across Illinois in the twilight, the right of way was lined with men, women, and children, even babies in arms. Houses in the towns along the way were bright with candles. Tar barrels were burned for illumination where no other means was available.
On either side was a prairie waving emerald blades, soon to ripen into marketable golden grain, where five years earlier hardly a plow could have been seen.
The special train dropped out of the bluffs at Casey- ville to the thunder of a battery of cannon, and pulled into Illinoistown station. It was nearly midnight, but the track was lined for several hundred yards with a brilliant fence of pine torches. A great crowd of people stood at the station, awaiting the arrival of the train Four Mississippi river steamboats were lined up at the East St Louis wharf to accomodate the distinguished visitors overnight, but few of them slept, for all night long a succession of fan- tastic fireworks displays was kept up for their entertain- ment.
The Ohio and Mis.'sissippi was originally built as a six-foot gauge line. This made interchange with standard gauge railroads a bit difficult, as through cars had to be jacked up and the trucks changed. To overcome this, it was decided to change the pntire railroad to standard gauge in one day. This was done on Sunday, July 13. 1871. At daylight three gangs of men began work on each sec- tion of about three miles in length, the first gang drawing spikes and throwing rails, the second gang spiking, and the third sang setting rails to gauge and lining up the track. The change in the entire 340 miles of track was made in about eight hours. Changing engines and cars had begun about eight months previously and there was no interruption to business.
The O & M was formally taken into the Baltimore and Ohio family on November 1. 1893 and merged with the M & C to form the Baltimore and Ohio Southwestern Railway Company. This company was reorganized in 1899 as the Baltimore and Ohio Southwestern Railroad Com- pany and is one of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
The first station was named after John J. O'Fallon. a resident of St. Louis and an officer of the O and M rail- road. This building was located on the north side of the
tracks directly opposite the present station. To the west of this, at the rear of the former location of Biltlcs' drug store, stood the tank. Here, they remained until the station was destroyed by fire; after which the station, located on the south of the tracks, was erected and the tank moved to its present location in the western part of the city.
Shortly after the steam road came into being a large loading platform for shipping wheat was erected on the present site of the depot. This, in rainy seasons, was practically in the center of a lake.
Traffic on this road continued and flourished. By 1910, Ordinance No. 62 pertaining to the protection of the public on Vine, Depot, and Cherry streets was introduced at the council meeting. This ordinance demanded from the B & O railroad to station a watchman at each of the crossings. For a number of years, the watchman was a familiar figure. Gates were provided and operated by a watchman from a tower located in the 200 block between State and First Street. These were later replaced by automatically controlled gates.
A branch of the Louisville and Nashville furnished transportation from Tiedemann Mill to Belleville. Two trains daily, morning and evening, made it possible to haul flour, and express between O'Fallon and Belleville. Pass- engers on the B & O traveling from the east — Carlyle, Rreese, Trenton. Lebanon — frequently got off the "Ac- commodation" at the L & N crossing and boarded the train to be taken to Belleville direct rather than going into East St. Louis. The service offered the mill by the L & N was discontinued when trucks came into promi- nence. On January 1, 1941, the L & N was granted per- mission by the Interstate Commerce Commission, Wash- ington, D. C. to abandon its line in this city. The old L & N depot was a familiar landmark for many years serving passengers desiring transportation to and from BelleviUe.
Due to a decrease in passengers using the trains to commute from points east through O'Fallon to St. Louis, services offered by the local "Accommodation" were dis- continued September 23. 1939. Boarding a train in O'Fallon for a trip to St. Louis ceased to be a reality — the service, too. became a record in the annals of the past.
Beginning in 1940. the streamlined enainos began to replace the familiar steam engine with its bell and smoke stack. At present, the Diesel seems to have priority — the puffing train attempting to make the grade from the east has almost ceased to be a community sound.
TROLLEY CAR
First Street Car to enter city - Dec. 19, 1903
The new interurban line between O' Fallon and Leb- anon was formally opened December 19, 1903. It served the communities between Lebanon, O' Fallon. Edgemont, and East St. Louis to St. Louis. Tracks were laid down the Main Street of Lebanon, turning south at the Methodist Church, and westward passing WiUard's Foundry (now- Independent Engineering). The track turned and came through O'Fallon on Second Street. The troUey stopped at Apple, Vine, Depot, (now Lincoln), Cherry, and Oak Streets to pick up or discharge passengers after which it turned following a road bed a number of miles west, about a mile south of the present Route 50. but parallel to it.
Every morning at 5:00 A. M. the trolley left O'Fallon for St. Louis so as to enable residents of this community to get a morning paper. Hourly service continued for many years.
Diu-ing the time of the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, bargain prices to the Fair were offered by the East St. Louis and Suburban Railway. The round trip including transportation to and from the Fair grounds cost 60c. Many of the O'Fallonites took advantage of this offer. The services afforded by this convenient means of transporta- tion were made pleasant by the friendliness and coopera- tive spirit of its employees. A number of residents of this community served in the capacity of motorman or con- ductor for many years. Among them were L. R. Friend, a motorman on the line for twenty-five years, Charles 'White, Shorty Reiss, A. B. Young, Otis and Sidney Yar- brough, L. E. Coffman, Dan Van Houten, Jacob Middleton, George Campe, Charles Buckles, Walter Yearwood, Roy Alexander, Charles Heman, Otto Rainey, Art Schachner, and Frank Thorp.
The Interm-ban line continued to operate between Lebanon, O'FaUon, and St. Louis until 1925. The service was discontinued when other means of transportation had leplaced the troUey.
On February 21, 1929 the job of tearing up the troUey tracks on Second Street was completed.
BUS LINE
The third step in transportation in O'FaUon, the Bus Line, was started in 1920. Several young men, WilUam Harris, George Warma, and Hugo Rule, organized under the name of the Superior Bus Company for the operation of buses between O'Fallon, Shiloh, Belleville, and Edge- mont. The terminals for this line were the Belleville Hotel and Rothkegel's Confectionery in O'Fallon. stopping en- route at Shiloh.
The first bus purchased from a dealer in St. Louis had all the appearances of a patrol wagon including screened sides and back step, with seats arranged along the sides, accommodating eight or ten passengers. You entered and alighted from this vehicle by means of a step attached to the rear. The body of this bus had been placed on a Dodge truck chassis.
The "P & G" line operated for a short time from O'Fallon to BeUeville along with the Superior lines. The former was soon abandoned. Warma and Rule, of the Superior Company, sold out to Harris who ran the bus to Belleville for some time.
In 1925, the bus was changed from an eight passenger into a sixteen passenger station wagon with lengthwise seats. A twenty passenger sedan was also purchased in 1925. In 1926, two new buses, also sedans, were purchased.
In 1934, the present bus line was started by Loved Cavins, with Katy's Motor Coach, a seven passenger car, in operation between O'FaUon and BelleviUe via Shiloh. This proved to be a service deluxe — passengers were picked up and dropped off at their own homes.
The first Greyhound Super-Coach to be placed in service between Cincinnati and St. Louis stopped in O'Fal- lon July 29, 1936 to give visitors an opportunity to in- spect the coach enroute to St. Louis. It was parked in front of the Greyhound terminal, Rothkegel's Confection- ery (the present Woods' Confectionery i .
In 1939, the bus Une operated by "Katy" was incor- porated and became known as the O'Fallon-BelleviUe Coach Company. In 1941. the company acquired the Belle- viUe to Carlyle Une. The Industrial Bus Line between Lebanon and Edgemont was acquired in 1943. This opera- tion between O'FaUon and Lebanon was discontinued in 1950. Since Loyed Cavins purchased the lines in 1934, the citizens of O'FaUon have enjoyed the excellent services of this company. Schools, organizations, and civic groups are privileged to charter Katy's buses for a nominal fee at any time.
WATER SUPPLY
Prior to 1929, the city of O'FaUon was furnished water from a well, frequently referred to as underground lake, located near the present old water tank. Originally an attempt was made to sink a mine shaft on this site. The idea was abandoned when it proved impossible to pump out the water. This, then, proved to be the source of the city's water supply for a number of years. The water was pumped to the consumers after a franchise was granted to the O'Fallon Light Power Heat and Water Company.
It was necessary for the B & O to furnish its o\vn pumper previous to the construction of the Power Plant.
George Deischer served in this capacity for many years.
In September 1911. the city engaged G. A. Stookey to superintend the laying of 2300 feet of 4 inch and 600 feet of 8 inch water mains.
On January 17. 1929 officials of the East St. Louis Water Company went over plans with the city for the purpose of furnishing water from the Mississippi. By a unanimous vote the city council on May 23, 1929 favored a proposal for piping Mississippi river water to O'Fallon to alleviate the water shortage experienced from the well system then in use
An ordinance dated Sentember 5. 1929 states that water would be provided from East St. Louis Water Company at an estimated cost of $130,000. This proposed water pro- ject passed over the mayor's veto on September 19, 1929.
O'Fallon's present waterworks system was established and constructed in 1929. the bonds bein;; dated February 1. 1930 and running for twenty years. The first of this series were not due until 1932. the last bonds to mature in 1949. At the time some difficulty was experienced in financing due to the uncertainty of the revenue, but after operating for just six years, the records showed that the plant was netting a good return on the investment, far better than other municipalities of similar size. Mainte- nance of the system is more than self-sustaining according to the city clerk's records.
The city retired nine $1,000 bonds with interest in less than three years, although only $3,000 was due — bringing the water department indebtedness from $119,000 to $110,000. By February of 1935. the city supplied 470 con- sumers in O'Fallon and the territory along the line between here and French Village, the source of supply.
At a city council meeting in May of 193.5, a new position in appointive offices was created with the appoint- ment of William Remelius to be in charge of the water department. His duties included making taps, repairing leaks, and supervising construction work on the water lines. Heretofore this office was included with that of superintendent of streets.
The city has recently expended more than $160,000 for improvements which consist of a second water main of twelve inches in diameter running from the source of supply at French Village to a point of connection with the old line at Bunkum Road and U. S. Route 50, installa- tion of pressure pumps and construction of a large 500,000 gallon tank located near the site of the old tank. As a result of these improvements, the city is able to provide all customers with a sufficient supply of water under adequate pressure. The present facilities are sufficient for proper service to 30,000 people.
The city has a contract with East St. Louis and the Interurban Water Company to purchase all water rctjuired in the entire territory for thirty years commencing in 1953. This contract was approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission. The agreement cannot be broken either by the city or the company except with mutual consent.
The city of O'Fallon owns all water mains, fire hy- drants, all meters, and appurtenances of the O'Fallon Water Department. The city has continued to use all earnings of the water system for maintenance and improvements to the water system.
New 500,000 gallon Water Storage Tank and Water Tower.
LIGHTS
Between the years 1894 and 1896, Samuel Smiley, Jos- eph Porter, Philip Heyde, and Ernest Tiedemann, con- structed a light, power, heat, and water plant near the present site of the B. & O. water tank. This building housed a dynamo, water pump and other machinery necessary for operation.
Oliver Darrow served as the first electrician in this olant
In October 1904, Ordinance No. 87 granted a franchise to O'Fallon Light Power and Water Company, the suc- cessor of the original operators of the plant. The fran- chise was accepted by George W. Tiedemann, President, and Chas. T. Smiley, Secretary of the Company.
The stockholders of the company m January 1910 elected the following officers: George W. Tiedemann, president: H. E. Tiedemann. vice-president: E. H. Smiley, seci-etary: and C. E. Tiedemann. treasurer.
O'Fallon Light Power and Water Comoany served the residents of O'Fallon until the early 1920s when electrical service was supplied by the Illinois Lit-ht and Power Company.
The number of homes being serviced was increasing: electric lights replacing kerosene lamps.
By December 1933, during the depression years, the city council was seeking a P.W.A. loan of $145,000 to build a municipal light and power plant. An election was held November 29 1933 with an approved vote of 621 for and 427 against
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This plan was not realized. Records show that thp members of the city council at a meeting on Februpary 4. 1935 were advised by Engineer W. A. Fuller of St. Louis, that they could still entertain hopes for the erection of a municipal electric plant. In the event the city intended to build the plant. Engineer Fuller stated he had con- tacted a party who would negotiate with the city to take the bonds. Later the Pubhc Works Administration advised that no government loan on a steam plant could be enter- tained but that consideration for a loan on Deisel engines would be given. Deisel engines could be installed for approximately $20,000 less than steam and was far more economical in operation. With this information no further progress was made by the administration, which con- tended that O'Fallon is in a coal mining district and as such would be interested in consuming fuel produced in this locality.
For five weeks O'Fallon was affected more or less by the strike of the Illinois Power Light Company in the spring of 1935. Three weeks of this period, the town was in complete darkness, being affected along with some other 50 cities. When it was officially learned that the
strike was over and oower would be restored, at midnight, June 12. 1935.announcement was immediately made by the Perry Coal Company that St. Ellen mine would re- open the morning of June 14, with several hundred miners returning to their work that morning. Arrange- ments were hurriedly completed for resumption of work at the plant of the Eureka Steel Range Company which experienced a shut down of five weeks resulting from low voltage and complete suspension of power. At the time of the forced .shut-down the range company had 535 people on its payroll and was operating steady.
The council in July 1938 rejected a P.WA. grant of $76,000 because of inability to raise an additional $100,000 necessary to build a light and power plant. N"o other attempt has been made to revive the project for a muni- cipal plant.
In June of 1950. the city council granted a 50 years lighting franchise to the Illinois Power Company. Since that time, the company has erected "a white way" on the main thoroughfares of the city of O'Fallon and has furn- ished more adequate street lighting for the entire com- munity.
Plant of O'Fallon Light Power and Water Company. Located opposite present water tank.
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TELEPHONE
Telephone Building, housing dial equipment for O'Fallon.
In 1902. Ernest H. Smiley, and Charles C. Smiley de- veloped and started the Smiley Brothers Telephone Com- pany in O'Fallon. The first office was located in the former Bittlcs' Drugstore building at the southeast corner of Lincoln and State. The company occupied offices in this location for several years, later moving across the street to the second floor of the First National Bank building. Smiley Bros, continued to operate and provide service to the communit.v until they sold to Southwestern Bell who assumed ownership December 26, 1947.
On April 13. 1949 land for a new and modern telephone building was acquired from Dr. E. C. Asbury of New Baden. It has a frontage of 120 feet on Lincoln Avenue and 179 feet on .ith Street Construction on the new build- ing and dial equipment was started in January of 1952— the cost estimated at $170,000.
The building, located at 410 South Lincoln Avenue houses plant equipment and serves as traffic office for the company. The business office is still maintained on the second floor of the First National Bank building.
By July 25, 1952 there were 1166 subscriber.^ of O'Fal- lon scheduled to use dial phones in October or November. This conversion to dial officially began October 7, 1952.
On May 15, 1954, all O'Fallon subscribers were given telephone numbers: a Mercury 2 prefix followed by four figures. This change over was made for two reason.": — In help pave the way for O'Fsdlon to join the nationwide long distance dialing network and to tie in O'Fallon's telephone numbering system with those of its Illinois and St Louis neighbors.
As of June 1954, there are. in O'Fallon, 1,371 sub- scribers to the communication services offered by South- western Bell Telephone Company.
SEWERS
Before 1926. the cily was undermined with a number of small sewers serving as cellar-drains, which, in turn, emptied into an open branch in the western part of the city.
The assessment roll for O'Fallon Sanitary Sewer System was confirmed by Judge W. R. Weber in the county court in December 1926. The estimated cost of the proposed improvement was $101,644. A septic tank was constructed in the northwest city limits at the time the sewer lines were laid.
Improvement of the sewage disposal plant was neces-
sary in 1935 as the city had been instructed by the State Department of Heallli to conform with the Slate require- ments regarding the disposal of sewerage into a creek. This stream runs along the Mace land, the owner of which complained of the contamination of the water. The sec- ondary system as proposed eliminated this condition, accordmg to engineers of the State Department of Health.
Russell & Axon, of St. Louis, consulting engineers were engaged to make a preliminary survey for the pro- posed secondary treatment plant on the sanitary sewer system estimated to cost from $18,000 to $20,000.
In October 1936. the council voted for the improvement to the sewerage plant, according to the plans and specifi- cations, providing for the construction of what is known as a secondary treatment system to the Imhoff tank as a sanitation measure. Russell & Axon, a St. Louis engineer- ing firm prepared the plans and specifications providing sufficient tanks and equipment for future growth in popu- lation for years to come, being based on 3500 inhabitants, a.s against the city's 2500.
Additional ground was purchased in 1952 so as to en- large the septic tank and add new lines.
POST OFFICE
The first post office was established in 1655 at O'Fallon with Anderson Umbarger as postmaster. Since that time O'Fallon has had many postmasters, changes being made in accordance with political shifting of powers between the "ins" and the "outs".
In the early days, the location of the post office did not remain static very long for it was moved from time to time. The first post office was located in the home of Anderson Umbarger; in the 1870's in the general store at the corner of State and Lincoln (now present bus sta- tion) ; in 1880's in the Allen Building on West First Street; in the early 1900's several locations on West State Street; then the Bechtold building 'present library) "ontil April 1938 when the present post office building was completed.
House to house delivery of mail was inaugurated in O'Fallon on August I, 1925. Julius Schalter, Jr. was ap- pointed carrier for the north side and Wilbur Scott carrier on the south side of the city. Mr. Schalter still serves as carrier on the north side and Mr. Scott is employed as a clerk in the post office. Two deliveries were made daily. John Lawrence was postmaaster at that time.
Two rural carriers service the lural community from the O'Fallon Post Office. Charles Schildknccht. carrier on Route No. 1. has served as a carrier since November 1920. Chester Mayberry. carrier on Route No. 2. has served as such since November 1923.
The present post office, which cost $70,000. was form- ally dedicated on Saturday. April 9. 1938. Due to the cold weather the dedication ceremonies were carried out in the State Theater which had been donated by the man- agement. About 450 persons, including 30 postmasters from other cities, were in attendance.
Adolph Ohlendorf, Jr., president of the Civic Club, sponsors of the dedication, served as chairman while Post- master John L. Anheuser officiated as master of cere- monies.
Postmaster Anheuser introduced those on the speakers' platform as follows; Frank J. Buckley. Deputy Fourth
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Assistant Postmaster-General of Washington, D. C: E. P. Kline, president of the Association of Postmasters, 22nd District; Melvin Price, secretai-y to Congressman Edwin M. Schaefer; Mayor Ridge Smith of OFallon; Sheriff H. E. Siekmann; and E. H. Runkwitz, County Superintendent of Schools.
After the exercises in the theater, the crowd moved to the post office where the H. Edward Fischer Post Ko. 137, Americon Legion, officiated in the flag raising cere- mony. John Sapp and E. C. Schobert led their comrades in a salute as the colors reached the top of the staff while the WPA band played. "Stars and Stripes Forever." After this the building was opened for inspection. About 1200 persons visited the building during the inspection period.
Efforts to secure the post office for O' Fallon were begun in May 1935 and with the assistance of Congressman Edwin M. Schaefer the project became a reality in less than three years. In June 1936. the proposal was approved by Congress and |70,000 appropriated for the project.
The site for the post office was purchased in October 1936 from OUver C. Joseph for $6,675.00. On June 24. 1937 the general contract to build the building was awarded tc the Langlois Construction Company of Berwyn. Illinois on their bid of $46,160.00.
The sealing of the cornerstone was accomplished on January 17. 1938, at which time a nimnber of records,
brief history of O'Fallon. .inu several copies of The Progress were placed in a copper compartment.
The building has a frontage of 60 feet on Lincoln Avenue and extends 58 feet on East Third Street. In addition there is a canopied loading platform 22 feet long and six feet in width. The structure is of buff-colored brick and stone trim.
In the lobby of the post office may be found an ex- cellent mural (oil on canvas) drawn by Merlin F. Pollack of Chicago, Illinois. The mural shows John Mason Peck, who in 1827 became the first postmaster of the Rock Springs Post Office (located about two miles east oi O'Fallon on Route No. 50), distributing mail to residents of the area. The mural was executed under the program of the Section of Fine Ai'ts. Federal Works Agency, Public Buildings Administration, which decorated federal build- ings with murals and sciUpture.
The present personnel of the post office is as follows: Postmaster, Earl Thompson (a postal employee since Oc- tober 1926) ; City Carriers: Julius Schalter, Jr., Wihner Anheuser, and Substitutes Ralph Carson, Kenneth Schwarz, and Benjamin Hamm; Rural Carriers: Charles SchUd- knecht, and Chester Mayberry; Clerks: Dorothy McArdle. Wilbur Scott, Helen Perry, Evelyn Brasher, and Substitute Margaret Vest; Janitor, Robert Berens.
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Present Post Office. Inset mteriur view ul po^t office taken ia 1'J(.'4, ,. u^tmn.-lei■ '. , . ... .v-^..- igstein and Clerk Elizabeth Fischer. Located on West State Street in National Bank Building.
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PUBLIC LIBRARY
The present public library was established by the O'Fallon Woman's Club in April 1930. It was supported by club funds and some financial aid from private indi- viduals and organizations over a period of years
During the period from 1939 to 1942. the W.P.A. gave aid to the library. After the discontinuance of W.P.A. the Woman's Club again assumed the responsibili.y for the operation of the library for a short period
The Woman's Club was instrumental in placing a plan before the voters of the rommuniiy to assume the main' tensince of the library by public taxation. On April 22, 1943, the voters approved the proposition and on July 1. 1943 the city assumed the management of the library.
The library is managed by a library board of nine members who are appointed by the Mayor with the ap' proval of the City Council.
From 1930 to 1945 the liorary occupied quarters on the second floor of the First National Bank building. On March 1. 1945. it was moved to larger quarters at 119 East First Street. iU present location.
At the present time the library has 5.000 books on its shelves; has an average monthly circulation in excess of 900; and ha.<: 1.039 registrants. Library cards are free to all persons residing in the city and are issued to non-resi- dents for a fee of $1.00 per year. Mrs. Edna Ayres has served as librarian since 1945.
The O'Fallon Public Library is now a permanent in- stitution of which the City of O'Fallon may well be proud. Its existence in the community is due largely to the efforts and financial support given it by the O'Fallon Woman .s Club through its humble beginning and struggling yp=\rs
SCOUTING MOVEMENT
The Boy Scouts were organ' zed in O'Fallon in De- cember 1930. The sponsor was the O'Fallon Community Boy Scout Council. This council, a group of loal cil zens mterested in Scouting, chose Thomas Gordon as President of the Council
Walter C. Hartman was named first Scoutmaster with Albert Hartman as his assistant. The committee members were: Nat Isenberg. Dr. E. J. Pecaut, John S.hneider. Ben A. Schmidt, and G. B. Gieser.
The first charter issued contained the names of twenty O'Fallon boys. Since that first charter m 1930, the Troop has had a varied existence — sometimes prospering and sometimes inactive.
Under the leadership of Robert Munier in the mid and late 1930's. Troop 35 became the outstanding troop in \he area, producing several Eagle Scouts and winning a number of high awards in the field of First Aid.
In 1938, the First Aid team of Don Willard, Don Jos- eph, Paul Keller, and Don Bevirt won first place honors in the district, Kaskaskia Council, and Southwestern Illi- nois. They placed second in the meef at Chicago which included teams from Illinois. Indiana. Wisconsin, and Michigan.
In 1939. a team consisting of Don Joseph. Paul Keller, Don Bevirt. Dale Willard, and William Bechtold duplicated the feat of the team of the previous year.
Another earlier first aid team won all the local meets and went to Chicago to the finals
At present the Troop is under the sponsorship of the
Parent-Teachers Association and has approximately 15 members. The troop is presently being reorganized with the view of increasing its activity. Leslie Canterbury, native son and formerly active in scouting, who has re- turned to O'Fallon to teach in the high school, is slated to be the new scoutmaster.
The charter was granted to Cub Scouts, Pack 35, on May 31. 1948. The sponsoring organization was the Ameri- can Legion. The first Cubmaster was Willford Eckert.
In succeeding years the following have served as Cubmasters: Howard Davison, Lawrence E. Lord, Vernon Scheibel, Lowell Maggine and Carl Motchan. The pres.-n*. sponsor is the Rotary Club.
At the present time Pack 35 has p membership of 32 boys divided into five dens.
The present Den Mothers are: Mesdames Wilbur Thompson, Clarence Eberhardt, Fred Schrameck, Albert Diekroetger, Clarence Lurtz, and Wilmer Mannz. The current committeemen are: Wilbur Thompson. Herbert Lurtz. Clarence Eberhardt, Albert Diekroetger. Roy Hall. Don Sartor, and Harry Frievogel.
Weekly den meetings are held in the homes of the Den Mothers and pack meetings are held monthly. During the summer, campfirc meetings with group singing and refreshments are featured.
Some of the activities of the Cub Scouts are: study and practice of conservation: serving as Color Guards in civic parades, music shows, Indian Pow-Wow; construc- tive hobbies, and games.
Good sportsmanship, brotherly love, and reverence to God and country form the foundation for all Cub Scout activities.
The O'Fallon Girl Scouts were registered in May 1938 by Miss Mary Margaret Carson, one of the grade school teachers at that time. There were 75 girls registered in three troops: Troop I — Senior Scouts led by Miss Carson: Troop 2 — Intermediates. Miss Lee Pierce, leader; and Troop 3 — Miss Sophie Coupin, leader.
A Girl Scout Council was organized in September 1938 under the direction of Mrs. P. C. Otwell, District Commissioner from Belleville. The members were: Mrs. E. A .Grodeon. commissioner; Mrs. C. G. Herzberger, secretary-treasurer: and Mesdames C. O. Schenk, Cecil Lienesch, Theodore Sollis, Bertha Lawrence. William Bech- told, Fred C Bevirt. M. Kuehn, Jacob Mueller, members.
The Girl Scouts have had camp experience at Camp Wangelin. Waterloo; Camp Joy, Carlyle; Camp Ouatago. Grafton; and this year at the Collinsville Girl Scout camp on Route 1.59. The present troop is sponsored by the Wo- m.an's Club and holds its meetings in the Methodist Church basement each Thursday afternoon during the school year.
O'Fallon now has only one troop of Girl Scouts, Troop 2, with 45 active members between the ages of 10 and 14 years. It is now registered as a home troop with Miss Lee Pierce as leader and Me.sdames Helen Distler, Virginia Morgan, Ruth Moore, and Mi.ss Velma Pitt as assistant leaders.
The Brownie Scout Troop of 25 girls between th-; ."ps of 7 and 10 years was registered in September 1951 with Mrs. Robert Beren.« a.v leader. Subsequent leaders were: Mrs. Cyril Wolfersberger and Mrs. Victor Rein- hardt. The Brownies now have 37 active members. They are sponsored by the V.F.W. Auxiliary
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Business and Industry
Weisbrod Barber Shop, West First Street Bar- bers, from left: Henry Weisbrod and Julius Weisbrod. In chairs, from left: John Weisbrod and George Bender.
Landgraf Millinery Store, East State Street. From left: Lola Krause, Marie Schildknecht, Katie Landgraf, Bernetta Joseph, and Marshall Horace Evans.
Interior Tiedemann Store, West State Street. From left: Louise Tiedemann, Henry Tiede- mann. and Oscar Krause.
Roseberry Saloon (now Friendly Tavern). From left: John Knerrer, Medley Guest, Emil Cook, Ben Amann, Sam Taylor, John Erwin, Robert Wessel, George Keck, Arthur Kimes, William Guest. Behind bar, Edvi'ard Roseberry.
Richland Hotel, William Quinn, proprietor. Corner of West First and Oak Street.
OLD BUSINESS PLACES OF O'FALLON 22
EARLY BUSINESS PEOPLE OF O'FALLON — 1860-1S9U
Early stores in O'Fallon were: Peach and Simmons in the building now occupied by the bus station; Salter Brothers in building now occupied by George Thomas; Rudolph Kampmeyer in a building east of building now occupied by Pitt's Tavern, he sold the first Deermg binders in this locality; Richard Remelius had a hai'dware store in the building known as the Remelius building; and Gor- don and Mace operated in a building on the site now occupied by the Thomas Tavern.
Early druggists were Horace "Holly" Hyde. B. Krause and Lynn Hibbard. Then in the 1890's George Remick and E. H. Smiley.
Horace Hyde operated a drug store in the building now occupied by Taylor's Market. Before that L. Hoering had a furnitui'e store in the building. Later in the 1880's. Dan Gartside operated a grocery store in the building.
East of the Gartside store was the St. Clair Hotel and Saloon operated by Michael Bernhardt. Other hotels were the "O'Fallon House" operated by Charles Fischer (corner First and Lincoln Avenue); and the "Farmei's' Home" operated by Charles Link on the corner of State and 'Vine. One of the early saloons and boarding houses was operated by Joseph Landgraf.
There were two brick yards, Michael Wachter and Jacob Brewer, the former where the B. & O. and the Illi- nois Terminal intersect and the latter on the corner of West Fifth and South Hickory.
Early postmasters and postmistresses were Eliza Ruth- erford. Mrs. John Schachner, Phillip Schildknecht. B. Muehlhausen. Brice McGeehon, Nellie McGeehon. and James Owens.
Early bakers of O'Fallon were Frederick Kuntzman. and Jacob Hammer.
Early blacksmiths were: Levi Ladd, Simon Kirgan, Achille Bequeret. Christ Jacob. Christ Hellman, Herman Gross, and August Behrens.
Some of the early doctors were: Columbus Hixon. James McGeehon, O. C. Bates, Ed. Moore, James Lemen, Ed and Charles Oatman, B. Krause, and D. C. Dunn.
Dr. Russell H. Mac© early practiced dentistry in O'Fallon.
Early barbers were Reinhardt Strub, Jake and Arnold Simon, John Hoffmann, and later Jule Schalter and William Lehman.
The shoemakers of the early times were Christian Obst, John Drozda, and Philip Jungblut.
Early harness makers were Philip and Henry Schild- knecht, Nick Thomas, and D. C. McFarland. The early wagon makers were Andrew Molles, John Bernum. and Louis Landwehr.
of Bernett Joseph; the grocery store of Henry E. Tiedc- mann; the livery and storage business of George Schobert and his sons, A. A.. Eli'win, Oscar, and George; the wagon- maker Andrew Molles; the meat market of George Britsch; the recreation business of Frank Harlman and Fred Reaka; the Charles Tiedemaiin Milling Company; the harness business of Henry Scbildknecht: the Central Hotel operated by William Bertram: the First National Bank of O'Fallon; M. Schwarz and Sons, funeral directors and dealers in fuiniture; the firm of Behrens and Thomas, dealers in horses and mules ;the City Bakery operated by Ernst Budina; Allen's Department Store; Stauffer's Restaurant; The Eureka Stetl Range Co.. operated by William G. Will- ard; the harness and horse furnishings business of Nick Thomas; the Ohlendorf and Thomas Hardware Store; the jewelry store of John Schneider; the contracting business of James W. Asbury and Sons.
BUSLNESS PEOPLE OF O'FALLON IN THE EARLY 1900's
other early established business and those operating in the early 1900's were ihe butcher shop of Charles D. Schafer; the general merchandise store of S. E. McGeehon; the Schuetz Steam Bakery of Charles J. Schuetz; the O'Fal- lon Creamery owned by John Munier; the hardware store
BARROW PEONY FARM
The Barrow Peony Farm, one of the largest in ths nation, was established in 1928 by Dr. Edward Trippel. Four years later he was joined by his son-in-law, James E. Barrow, who now actively manages the extensive opera- tion.
Dr. Edward Trippel was bom in New Baden, Illinois on August 30, 1888. After graduation from the Medical Institute in St. Louis, Missouri in 1912. he started his medi- cal piactice in O'Fallon. He has continued from that time to faithfully administer to tht- medical needs of the people of O'Fallon.
The idea of growing peonies sprang from a kindly thought as the doctor has many times explained: "I used to keep a little present to give my little patients. Usually some candy for the kiddies — to take the pain out of the earaches. Then I figured it might be nice to have some- thing for the mothers too- -so I started growing peonies.'
"Pinies" the patients called them, and looked forward to the parting gift of the doctor's gay blossoms, grown then on five acres of what is now his present farm. Dr. Trippel learned that the blossoms had commercial possi- bilities when wholesale florists began to ask him to sell the flowers.
When the doctor decided to go into the business in 1928, ho went about it in a systematic manner, traveling to famous farms throughout the country, observing stock and sturdiness of various types of plants, and consulting with successful growers on the multitude of problems con- fronting a peony grower.
Today the Barrow Peony Farm has under cultivation 4.'i acres of peonies, harvests over 50,000 dozen flowers a season, and affords employment to over 100 persons during the harvesting period.
The gorgeous peony blossom, traditional floral decora- tion of Memorial Day. is the reward of four years painstak- ing culture. The plant is propagated from cuttings.
Early in March cultivation begins A coating of com- mercial fertilizer insures large, perfect blossoms. Then before the blooming .reason begins, the sniall buds are clipped from stem branches, so the "strength" of the plant goes to one big blossom at the top of each stem. When the cutting sea."!on begins, usually about the first week in May. workers with long curved knives cut the un-
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opened bud;, leaving about a lOui-ch to blossom in order that the plant may not be weakened by too much cutting. At this stage the flower develops at a breaktaking clip and a delay of as little as two hours can ruin the product. Starting early in the morning and working until night- fall, the pickers carefully comb each field at least four times a day. Hauled in from the fields in special wagons, the peony stalk.<! are first machine stripped of their lower leaves and then laid on long tables where they are graded and sorted into dozens of each variety. To arre.st develop- ment of the harvested peonies, the graded and bunched buds are put into cold storage until they can be packed for shipment to the flower markets of St. Louis. Chicago, Detroit, and New York City. At low temperatures, the buds can be preserved for several months.
Perhaps the order best remembered by the owner of the peony farm was the rush order from Detroit for 250 dozens of special variety peonies for the funeral of Edsel Ford.
Although Dr. Trippel may insist he now grows peonies as a commercial enterprise and that the days of giving them away are over, many festive occasions in O'Fallon are made more decorative by large vases of beautiful peonies sent over by "Doc' Trippel.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF O'FALLON
In 1903 a number of citizens felt that one of the chief needs of the city of O'Fallon was a financial institution. There had been a private bank, owned and managed by outside persons, in the late 90's which had failed rather disastrously. "While its deposits were not large the bank's closing had seriously affected the community and its citi- zens. The primary purpose of the organization of the First National Bank was to give the people of O'Fallon and vicinity a safe and sound banking institution and to pro vide for its patrons every convenience and favor that con- servative banking would permit.
That their efforts have been appreciated is evidenced by the steady growth of its resources and deposits through the years as shown by comparaU^e operating statements. The following is a list of the original stockholders: A. B. Smiley, S. C. Smiley, George W. Tiedemann, C. E. Tiede- mann, E. H. Smiley, Charles T. Smiley, Dr. H. T. Bech- told, Joseph Taylor, H. E. Tiedemann, Julius A. Schalter, C. F. Behrens, "W. R. Dorris, Charles Reiss, Sr., William Reiss, Mathias Schwarz, Sr., W. A. Darrow, John Munier, John Peach, George Reiss, and John Koch, Sr. Of these, seventeen are deceased. It is interesting to note that the majority of the shares issued to the above are still held by the original owners or their heirs.
The Bank was opened for business September 1, 1903 with the following officers:
President E. H. Smiley
Cashier. W. R. Dorris
Vice President George W. Tiedemann
Vice President Dr. H. T. Bechtold
Mr. E. H. Smiley owned and operated a drug store after he started the bank. The first telephone office, bank, and light and power office were in the building with the drug store during the time Mr. Smiley owned the store.
In 1905 the bank moved to the corner of Lincoln Avenue and State Street. The exterior of the building was remodeled in 1921 and the interior in 1945.
The First National Hank observed its Fiftieth Anni- versary on September 1. 1953. Mr. E. H. Smiley, Chairman of the Board for eleven years and President of the bank for thirty-nine years, died December 25, 1953. At the present time Mr. W. R. Dorris is President of the bank, a position he has held for the past eleven years.
INDEPENDENT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.
Prior to 1937 the foundations of the Independent En- gineering Company were laid in the C & R Engineering Company and the Puritied Gas Company both of which had developed a small business devoted to general gas engineering. In 1937 the Independent Engineering Com- pany was organized and incorporated witli the following officers:
Mr. L. R. Cartier President
Mr. B. R. Christopher Vice-President
Mrs. E. M. Cartier , Secretary
Miss FeUcita Streck Asst. Secretary
The normal peace time business of the Company was the manufacturing of Acetylene Cylinders. Through 1937 and 1938 the Company manufactured these Acetylene Cyl- inders. During this time the President had conceived the idea of manufacturing Mobile Gas Generators to avoid shipping and reshipping empty gas cylinders.
During World War II the Company manufactured Mobile Oxygen generators in addition to the other products mentioned. These Mobile Oxygen generators were sent to every fighting front in the World War and along with them went trained operators, who were trained by the Company for this special service. In all, 1,007 men were trained for this special service.
Following the close of World War II. the Company began to devote more lime to the production of stationary gas generators and research in the production of Argon.
On June 29. 1948, President L. R. Cartier died and on March 19, 1951, his wife, Mrs. Effie Mae Cartier, who had served as Secretary of the Company, also passed away. Following the death of these two original officers, the Corporation elected the present officers who are as fol- lows:
Mr. B. R. Christopher ...President
Mr. Raymond R. Richardson Vice-President
Mr. O. M. Randel _ _ Vice-President,Sales
Miss Margaret Egger.. Secretary
Mj-. H. T. Glenn Comptroller
Research was continued on the production of Argon, and at present, the Company is one of a very small number of firms in the United States producing Argon. In addi- tion to the industrial aas generators mentioned and the industrial gases, both of which are produced by the Com- pany, other products are a full line of accessory materials for the industrial gas business, such as various types of cylinders, rechargers. valving machines, test boards, and other types of testing equipment.
The products of the Independent Engineering Com- pany, Inc., today, are not only distri'outed through out the United States, but to many points in South America, Europt- and Asia.
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O'FALLON Bl^ILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION
The O'Fallon Building and Loan Association received its charter from the state of Illinois in May 1891. On May 8. 1891. in the drug store of George E. Remick. the follow- ing stockholders met for the purpose of organizing and electing the first officers: E. Tiedemann. S. C. Smiley. Philip Heyde. George E. Remick, Dr. J. W. Scott, Julius A. Schalter. James E. Owen. Henry Kuntzmann, John G. Mar- tin, Chas. Basshard. H. C. Begole, Joseph Taylor, Chas. T. Smiley. R. I Collins, and A. B. Young. The officers elected at this time were: H. C. Begole. president. Ernest Tiede- mann. vice-president; Dr. J. W. Scott, secretary, and George E. Remick. treasurer.
E. F. Staats received the first loan amounting to $800.00 at a rate of 11'.' jntere.<:t After one month's business the receipts of the Association amounted to $!S8.25 in stocs payments compared to approximately $7,000 per month at the present time. Joseph Taylor. S. C. Smiley, and Philip Heyde were the first appraisal committee.
In the first year the organization borrowed $1,000 from Ernst Tiedemann at 3'; to meet the demand for loans on property. Meetings of the board were held the first Mond.ay of the month in Beaumont Hall 'now the bus station at the corner of State and Lincoln Avenue). In September of the first year, the meeting date was changed to the third Monday of the month, the same as the present time.
During the first year loans were made to John Den- nerlein, Sr., William Lehmann, and Christ Schachner.
At the end of the first year the association had 346 shares of stock in for:e with total receipts amounting to $2,644.58. At the end of the fiscal year (May 31. 19.53t the association had 8,681 shares of stock in force and had as- sets of approximately $233,000.
The practice during the first two years was to sell the money to the applicant making the highest interest offer which often ran to 21'"- premium. However, this practice was discontinued in the third year whon the directors decided to make loans to borrowers indiscriminately.
The following have records of long service as officers of the association:
John Seddon 28 years
John Schneider - - - - 41 years Edward N. Thomas - - - 30 years George B. Gieser - - - - 35 years E. H. Smiley ----- 52 years
The present officers and directors are: Dr. Edward Trippel, president; Joseph P. Keck, vice-president; Mose K. E;kert. secretary; John Lawrence, treasurer; and direc- tors, Charles Heitman, Clarence Distler, G. B. Gieser, William P. Lehman, Harvey Klingel, Arthur J. HuUer, and William K. Schmidt.
A good Building and Loan Association is a valuable asset to a community. It provides source of funds for many citizens from which to secure money to finance the pur- chase of homes. It provides for investors a safe investment for their funds. Through the years of its existence the O'Fallon Building and Loan Association has efficiently provided these services. Its record for sound business operation is second to none. It has done much to promote the growth and welfare of O'Fallon.
THE O'FALLON PROGRESS
It is understood that the first newspaper in O'Fallon was printed by Sebastian Mace. Later his brothers. Harry and Eugene Mace, printed a little paper known as the "O'Fallon Advance."
About 1890, Adolph Bunsen and the McGeehon Broth- ers iBrice and Sam> had a store where Allen's Clothing Store was formerly located on First Street. They printed a little monthly bulletin called the "Rustler" which carried a set line of church, Sunday School, and lodge notices, and other items of interest.
In 1895, two young men, John Hanley and John Wag- ner, came to O'Fallon upon the encouragement of several of the business men to start a newspaper. Bunsen and the McGeehons helped in securing about 150 subscribers for the paper in and around O'Fallon, Ridge Prairie, and Shiloh and solicited seme advertising from the local mer- chants and other business men of the county. The paper was then given the name "O'Fallon Progress" and is still known by that name. The first issue of the O'Fallon Progress was printed on February 7. 1895. Irwin A. 'Yare, the present owner of the paper, has a copy cf this paper on display in his office. The Progress office was located in the Keil Building on Ea^t First Street, the building now occupied by the George Thomas Electric Shop.
Messrs. Hanley and Wagner operated the paper for a short time when they sold it to H. P. Gibbs. In March 1902, Mr. Gibbs sold the paper to A. H. Doran and moved to Oklahoma. Mr. Doran, principal of the Millstadt schools and editor of the Millstadt Enterprise, took possession in June when his contract with the school board expired. He located in the Alex Thomas Building east of where the O'Fallon Locker Company is now located".
In 1902 the paper was changed from four to eight pages. Ml-. Doran sold the paper in 1915 to R. A. Everett of Boston. Massachusetts, who published it until February 23, 1917 when he sold it to Marcel F. Kuehn. The Progress was located in the Wachter Building on West Statu Street before being moved by Mr. Kuehn to the location at HI West State Street.
Mr. Iiwin A. Yare bought the Progress from Mr Kuehn on September 1. 1950. Mr. Yare has been connected with the newspaper business for 25 years. In addition to publishing the Progress he also publishes "The Reporter," a legal publi:alion, which he started nine yeprs ago. Since Mr. Yare has owned the Progress the capacity of the print- ing plant has been doubled. A second linotype machine, a folding machine, and two automatic presses have bei-n added to the shop equipment. On April 5, 1954 the Prog- ress moved to its new location at 119 West Slate Street, the former site of the Star Bakery.
O'FALLON QUALITY DAIRY
In 1922 George Schwarz purchased the O'Fallon Creamery from Mr. John Munior. The previous operations of Hie plant were the making of ice cream and butter There were also facilities for ice making. All of these operations had been discontinued for some time when the olant was purchased by Mr. Schwarz.
The plant was located on West Second Street. At that time the loc.ition was advantageous because of the Inter-
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urban car line which had a switch into the creamery plant. Coal lor tne plant and a great deal of the coal used by the people of O'Fallon was delivered from this switch out of railroad cars brought in from St. Ellen and the Prairie mines. The mines at that time did not have truck load- ing facilities.
Because of the available refrigeration a milk receiving station was started for the Illinois-Missouri Co-Op. The Co-Op after a few years went into bankruptcy. This pre- sented a problem for the milk producers in this locality and they asked Mr. Schwarz to go into the milk business. In 1923, the first milk route was pui'chased with a list of 150 customers.
Of the first three producers (Joseph Thoman, Sr., George Munier, Sr., and Mike Obernuefemann) from whom Mr. Schwarz started buying milk. Mike Obernuefemann is still a shipper today.
From that time on expansion in the milk business con- tinued making it necessary to build new and larger quarters.
Construction work was started after World War II on the new building located on the corner of Oak Street and Route 50 and the building had its formal opening on May 1, 1948. The new plant of the O'Fallon Quality Dairy is recognized by the industry as one of the finest processing plants in the State of Illinois.
At the close of the war after returning from service with the Armed Forces, Mr. Schwarz's three sons. Robert, Jack, and William came into the business. The present corporation officers are: George Schwarz. president; Robert and William Schwarz, vice - presidents; Jack Schwarz treasurer; and Sue Schwarz, secretary. This makes the O'Fallon Quality Dairy a family corporation.
Today the O'Fallon Quality Dairy distributes its pro- ducts in most of the cities of St. Clair, Madison, Clinton, and Bond counties. The plant employs 36 persons, has 37 distributors and drivers, and collects milk from 303 pro- ducers.
O'FALLON TOOL & DIE COMPANY
The O'Fallon Tool & Die Company is owned by a part- nership consisting of James J. Lautz, Ivan S. Meyer, and Maurice H. Helen. The business began in 1945 at 127 West First Street, and at that time business was on a very mode- rate scale with the three partners actually performing the work in the shop. One apprentice was hired and as work
increased more men were Viiied until a total of ten men were on the payroll.
By October, 1950, the company had outgrown t.ie quart- ers at 127 West First Street and purchased ihe Independent Engineering Company building at 111 West Second Street, their present location. At the present time the company employs thirty-five persons. The company has the neces- sary machinery for t'ne manufacture of dies, jigs, tools, fixtures, gages, and special machinery.
The O'Fallon Tool & Die Company is now considered one of the best equipped in the St. Louis area.
SEL-MOR GARMENT CO., INC.
On February 6. 1953, the O'Fallon plant of the Sel-Mor Garment Co.. Inc., began operation ,n ihe hall at Com- munity Park with about 50 women employed.
Sel-Mor Garment Company is a manufacturer of all types of ladies' and children's lingerie. Lingerie in its broadest terms as it is used by the firm, includes such items as ladies' and children's slips, half-slips, petticoats, gowns, pajamas Un long or short lengths), bed jackets, dusters, and robes.
Under its trade style of "Miss Elaine," Sel-Mor Gar- ment Company distributes its products in each of the 48 states and the Territory of Hawaii. A permanent sales force covers the country from one end to the other, and many years ago the company added a permanent New York show room which it still maintains.
Its diversified products consisting of fabrics ranging from plain cotton and quilted materials through all the synthetic fibres of acetate, rayons, and nylon, and now the most recent of them all — Dacron. are manufactured in five different pla^its of which the O'Fallon location is very important in the company's present structure.
The firm was organized some 29 years ago and continues at this time under the leadership of the founder. Mi'. Her- man C. Seldtn, president.
The O'Fallon plant, only a little over a year old, has already grown to 2'''2 times its original size and there are plans in the discussion stage to make it an even larger unit. The main operation and headquarters are at 1136 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. There besides a main sewing and sampling plant, general offices, show-room and designing offices are maintained. All purchasin"^ xr..'. designing is done in the St. Louis plant and then di"- tributed to the various locations.
Amusements
Moonlight Recreation, 104 South
Cherry State Theatre, 122 East State
Architect William G. Potter. 315 East Third Auto Repair, Sales and Service, Parts Corbier & Scheibel, 304 South 'Vine Arthur J. Huller Garage, 615 South
Lincoln M. & S. Auto Body, 403 South Walnut Munie Garage, 502 South Lincoln
Business Directory
O'Fallon Motor Co., 510 South Lincoln Schmidt Motor Co., 201 East State Western Auto Store, 135 West First
Ranking and Loans The First National Bank, 101 West
State O'Fallon Building and Loan Associa- tion, 110 West State Bakery St.-^r Bakery, 113 West First
Barber and Beauty Shops Beckman's Barber Shop, 123 West First
Edith's Beauty Shop. 103 West Wash- ington
Lehman's Barber Shop. 117 East State
Lil's Beauty Shop, 1st Natl. Bank Bldg.
State Beauty Shop, 108 West State
Vi's Beauty Shop, 214 East State Building Materials
O'Fallon Concrete Block Co., 608 East State
O'Fallon Lumber Sz Material Co., Route 50 and I.T. R.R.
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Chinchilla Ranch
K & A Chinchilla Ranch. R F D No. 2 Clothing, Dry Goods, and Variety
Ben Franklin Store, 109 West First Keek's Dept. Store, 133 West First Jack Louppe's. 107 West First Nold's Variety Store. 117 East First Bertha Schmidt. 115 East State Tiny Tot Shop. 116 East State
Confectionery Wood's Confectionery, 108 South Lin- coln Contractors, Millwork, Cabinets Elmer Asbury. 511 Parkview Drive Ed. Bohnenstiehl. R F D No. 2 Budina Construction Co.. 213 No. Oak Archie Fitzgerald. 425 West Fifth. T. E. Greiner. 110 East Third Harry E. Morton & Sons. R F D No. 2 Robert Morton. R F D No. 1 Clarence & Les Rieckenberg. 401 East
Jefferson Everett Truttman. 505 South Walnut
Dairy Products O'Fallon Quality Dairy, Oak & Rt. .50 Willford J. Eckert. Distr.. 302 East 4th
Dentists Dr. Jon Orwig. 311 South Lincoln Dr. A. J. Rehberger. 121A East First Dr. Paul J. Feder. in Armed Services Dr. Charles M. Zeigler. in Armed Services.
Drngs Bittles' Drug Store. 101 West First Electrical Contractors and Appliances O'Fallon Electric Co.. 106 West State Rays' Radio and Appliances. 125 West
First Schaefer Radio and Electric Co., 306 South Lincoln
Thomas Electric and Gift Shop. 109 East First
Farm Equipment SoUis Hardware and Equipment, 105 East Second.
Funeral Homes Schildknecht Funeral Home, 301 South
Lincoln Wolfersberger-Meyer Funeral Home, 102 West Washington Furniture Schwarz Furniture. 225 West First
Florists
Dressel's Friendly Gardens. RFD No. 1
Fitch Florist. 119 East State
Gas and Appliances
Purified Gas Co.. 210 South Lincoln
Grain and Feed Oberbeck Feed Co.. 320 West State
Grocery and Meat Markets Clover Farm Store, 129 West First Economy Food Mart. 105 East First First Street Market. 123 East First Friend's Market, 103 East First
Ben Schmidt & Son, 118 East State Seipps Market, 125 East State Taylor's Market, 102 East State
Hardware Thomas Hardware. 113 East First
Hatchery O'Fallon Hatchery Co., 226 West State
Ice Wieinann Ice & Fuel, 118 East Second
Jewelry and Watch Repair John Schneider, 109 West State Bob Williams Jewelry, 104 So. Lincoln
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Hinchcliff Wash House, 115 No. Cherry Lil's Cleaners, 227 West First O'Fallon City Cleaners. 313 No. Lincoln Quality Cleaners, 121 West First Retting Cleaners. 203 South Lincoln Wiskamp Cleaning. 106 West State
Lawyers Johnson & Johnson. 1st National Bank
Building Jones. Ottesen and Fleming, 1st Na- tional Bank Building Locker Service O'Fallon Locker Co.. 216-22 East State
Manufacturers Independent Engineering Co.. Inc.,
R F D No. 1 O'Fallon Tool & Die Co.. 115 West
Second Sel-Mor Garment Co.. Community Park
Newspaper and Printing O'Fallon Progress, 119 West State
Nursing Home Loretto Haven Nursing Home, 308 West State
Painters and Decorators Charles C. Korinek. 406 East Fourth Oscar Meyer, 312 East Washington Scheibel and Warner. 116 No. Lincoln
Physicians Dr. I. S. Hiebert. 311 South Lincoln Dr. Edward Trippcl. 118 West State
Photographer William F. Morton Studio, 202 East
State Plumbing, Heating, and Sheet Metal Birkner Sheet Metal. 105 South Vine O'Fallon Sheet Metal Works, 117 West
Second Dhlendorf & Son Plumbing, 111 East
Second Warma Plumbing and Heating, 114 East State
Public Service Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, East
First and B. & O. R.R. Illinois Power Co., 115 East First O'Fallon-Belleville Coach Co., 102
West State O'Fallon City Water, 200 No. Uncoln O'Fallon Fire Department. 200 North
Lincoln O'Fallon Police Department, 200 North
Lincoln Southwestern Bell Telephone Co., 408
South Lincoln
Real Estate and Initurance Mose R Eckert Agency, 110 W. State G. B. Gicser Insurance Agency, 1st
National Bank Bldg. Waller Meiners, 121 West First Lucy Parmenter Agency. 200 E. Third Ray L. Schmidt, 125 West First E. N. Thomas. 305 Alma Earl J. Thompson, R F D No. 1
Restaurants Shamrock Cafe. 113 West State Two Sisters Cafe, South Lincoln and
Route 50 IVaiting Room Cafe. 102 West State
ScraD Iron J. Middleton and Son, RFD No. 2
Service Stations Hildebrand Service Station. 110 East
Eighth Hilles Service Station, West Fifth and
Route 50 Kampmeyer Service Station, 716 S.iuth
Lincoln O'Fallon Gas and Oil Supply, 102
South Vine Plab Service Station, 204 So. Lincoln Rutledge Service Station, South Lin- coln and Route 50
Shoe Repair Loyet Shoe Store, 121 East State
Signs McManemy Signs, 304 West Second
Taverns Corral Inn, RFD No. 2, Route .50 Chick's Tavern, 125 East State Foy's Tavern, 220 West State Friendly Tavern, 108 East State Jim's Tavern, 224 West State Pitt's Tavern, 101 East First Ralph and Blanche's Tavern, 127 East
First Swope's Tavern, 113 North Lincoln Thomas' Tavern. 112 West State
Trailer Conrts L & M Trailer Court. 505 East State OFC Trailer Court, 313 North Lincoln Prather's Trailer Court. Route 50 Schmidt's Trailer Court. 419 East
Washington Truck Service and Hauling Charles Distlcr and Sons. 114 West
Fourth Cleon Drcssel. 121 West Sixth Frjcdcrlch Truck Service. P.O. Box 86 H & H Truck Service. 227 West First Ferd Lampe. 424 West Fourth Ed. Schwaegel. RFD No. 2
Welding and Blarksmithing Leo Lickenbrock. 328 West State
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Coal Mines of the Area
Van Court's Mine
Governor Reynolds, one of the early governors of Illi- nois, in a sketch written in 1857, says coal was discovered in St. Clair County in the following manner: "A citizen of the American Bottoms discovered smoke issuing from the ground for weeks together, which attracted his atten- tion. He saw the coal in the bluff outcroppings on fire, and supposed it had caught from the dry roots of a tree ignited by a prairie fire. The fire had communicated to the coal from the burning." It is of interest to note that in early times coal was always referred to as "stone-coal."
Under three-fourths of the surface of St. Clair County, especially in the central and eastern parts, coal is found. Several seams have been developed, the thickest of which measures 11 feet. The coal around O'Fallon was usuall.v found from 150 to 200 feet below the surface with a vein about 7 feet thick on the average. The first mines sunk around the O'Fallon area were shaft mines.
The first shaft was sunk at Alma (Carbon) by the Gartside Coal Company about 1851. This company sank a number of mines in this same area: Alm.a No. 1 and No. 2: Cross Roads, Henry Taylor, Great Western Taylor, and Carbon. The Carbon Mine was sunk in 1856 and aband- oned in the late 1930's. At the time of its abandonment it was the oldest operating mine in the state. In August 1935, the Carbon Mine had a record of operating 24 years v.'ithout a single fatal accident during which time it had hoisted 2.304,172 tons of coal.
B. J. Van Court, who owned the property now occupied by the Independent Engineering Company, and erected
Carbon Mine
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the large home there, sunk a n-ine north of the O & M tracks anc! east cf the present overhead bridge in 1863. The mine was operated by Sharp and Thompson for many years and later by the Savitz Brothers.
About 1370 the Nichols or Morriss Mine was sunk further east o^ O'Fallon along the O & M Railroad. This mine onerated for a short period of time.
Ecnnett's Coal Mine located about three miles east of O'Fallon on the old Lebanon road was sunk in 1871 by Jeremiah Pennett. He came to St. Clair County in 1835 and settlec. >ii the Silver Creek area. He very early be- came one uf the largest wheat growers in the county. Mr. Bennett struck coal at a depth of 180 feet. The vein was about 5'2 feet thick and of excellent quality. The mine operated for about 30 years.
The Darrow Mine about 2 '2 miles east of O'Fallon on the O & M Railroad was sunk about 1892. The mine operated about 20 years.
Joshua Bond, a descendant of Shadrock Bond, the first governor of Illinois, owned land north of the O & M Rail- road and east of Lincoln Avenue. In December 1868, Mr. Bond granted a 16 year lease to Cyrus O. Godfrey. Edward Price, and Martin W. Willis to sink a coal mine. The mine called "Bond Mine" was sunk in 1869 at the then eastern edge cf the village (present soutliwest corner of East State and Orange streets on the- propei ly commonly known as the Herman Gross property J. The air shaft for this mine was located directly north in the 300 block of East Adams street. The mine was operated by the Bartlett Coal and Mining Company. The mine was in operation for only a comparative short period of time.
'I'he Consolidated Coal Company sank two mines west of Carbon in the 1890's, namely: the "Menter" and "Ridge Proirie" mines.
The Taylor Miiie, located about ^k. mile north of the Carbon Mine, was sunk m 1883. This mine operated for over 50 years.
In 1902 the "Prairie" or "Angel" Mine was sunk west of O'Fallon along the old interurban car line. H. Angell, J. Siddall. J. Daniels. C. G. Brechnitz, and J. Herzler were instrumental in the development of the mine. In pros- perous days the mine hoisted between 2,200 and 2,400 tons of coal daily and employed between 200 and 300 men. Prairie Mine was never mechanized, being operated as a "hand" mine until it closed. The mine was abandoned and dismantling operations begun in October 1942.
On July 15, 1903. James F. Thomas. Isabella T. and Moses Stafford granted a 25 year lease to Joseph Taylor to sink a coal mine. The shaft was sunk and St. Ellen Mine was in operation before the end of the year. The mine is still in operr-ticn and has been one of the better producing mines in this area.
C-\ November 13, 1916, St. Ellen Mine was sold at auction to Henderson and Fischer of St. Louis for a sum of $46,100.00. On April 13. 1931. the tipple was destroyed by fire at a loss of $100,000.00. On June 19, 1931. work was resumed, a new tipple having replaced the wooden struc- ture destroyed by fire. Again on February 27, 1939, fire destroyed the engine room with a resulting loss of $7.S.- 000.00. On March 4. 1938. work wns completed on a $200. 000.00 coal washer.
During the last six years the St. Ellen Mine has been modernized so that today it is producing coal at efficien-
cies comparable to the best underground mines in the State. The improvcmcnl program includes a new slope in u hich coal is brought to surface by a 42" conveyor belt instead of being hoisted up the shaft in small mine cars. A new wash house has been constructed, the shop has been enlarged and modernized, and all underground equipment has been put in first class condition. Timberim; has been largely discontinued with the installation of four roof bolting machines. Ventilation is improved by the .'limina- tion of timbers and the mine is a safer place for men to work.
During the present year prepartion facilities; on the surface are being niodernized by the inst.->llation of a Roberts and Schaefer air cleaning plant to handle "k." minus coal. This unit, which is nearing completion at the present time, will enable the St. Ellen Mine to produce the best quality coal possible. The whole proeram has been designed to improve coal quality and to reduce production costs.
At present the mine employs 300 Progressive Mine Workers and 26 supervisory and clerical personnel. It operates two shifts per day. producing on the average of 2 630 tons per shift
About 1900 Nigger Hollow Mines No. 1 and No. 2 were sunk west of O'Fallon on the St. Louis, Belleville, and O'Fallon Railroad. It is interesting to note several early state hoisting records established by Nigger Hollow No. 2: On March 17. 1905 the mine established a new record by hoisting 2,039 tons of coal in 7>4 hours. The coal was moved to the shaft by 16 mules and the cars were dumped on top by hand. The mine employed about 250 men ai that time. Officers of the company at that time were: Edward L. Thomas. David O. Thomas, and John Taylor. On November 6. 1913 the mine established a new state record by hoisting 4,400 tons of coal in seven hours and 15 minutes.
Nigger Hollow No. 1 has been worked out. but Nigger Hollow No. 2. now known as the Black Eagle Mine, is still working.
In August 1867, Mine Operators Booth .ind Atchinson in an effort to sink a mine shaft near the western ed^je of O'Fallon struck a subteranean lake and the shaft was flooded. Many years later this source was utilized as a water supply when the cit> established its first water dis- tribution system.
On September 20, 1918, the Penn Heirs granted a lea.^e to Samuel Meister. representing a group of business men from Bay City, Michigan, on 80 acres to carry on mining operations. The O'Fallon Coal Company was to begin operations within one year from the date of the lease. The mine sunk by this company on East State Street was locally known as the "Tin-can Mine " This mine operated for intermittent intervals for about ten years brfore it was abandoned.
St. Clair County coal is being used less today tii.in it was in the past. The principal reason for the loss of con- sumers market seems to be the introduction of natunil gas and oil from Louisiana. Oklahoma and Texas.
On March 12. 1954. J. J. Forbes. Director of the U. S. Bureau of Mines in a report on the coal industry made the following comments: The ever-increasing trend on the part of industrial and residential consumers to depend more and more on natural gas and oil and less and less
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upon coal as a source of energy; coal which supplied 70 per cent of the total fuel requirements in 1926 dropped to 34 per cent in 1952; meanwhile, natural gas and oil in- creased their contribution from 25.8 per cent to almost 62 per cent; the dieselization of the railroads has drastically reduced the amount of coal used; that the answer to the problems of the coal industry lies in research leading toward the perfecting of new synthetic liquid fuels thus opening new markets, better marketing metliods, and more efficient mining methods.
The coal mines and coal miners have played an im- portant role in the development of O'Fallon. Old King Coal has, indeed, left his impress on O'Fallon, one which shall always remain.
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St. Ellen Mine
Miners at Taylor's Mine 30
Present School Buildings
ST. CLARES
CAFETERIA
EAST GRADE
GYMNASIUM
llU.ll .SLlllHJL
WEST GRADE
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History of Schools
A small frame house on Lincoln Avenue, across from the present Methodist parsonage, was used as a school before the city of O'Fallon was platted. This building was originally a residence and then turned into a school. It was a subscription school. Miss Louise Ahly being the first teacher.
The first school building, erected in 1861 after the town was laid out. was a two room brick structure located in the middle of town, on the site of the present post- office. At first, only the lower room was used as a school- room, the upper room serving as a lodge room, and, at times, as a meeting place for church services. However, as the school population grew, additional rooms were needed, and in 1875 two rooms were added. This building was torn down in 1918 to make room for the garage building now occupied bj' John L. Anheuser. Close to the school was a shallow pond to which the pupils were at- tracted, especially in the winter, when it became a natural skating rink.
AMELIA V. CARRIEL
One of the best-loved teachers at this time was Amelia V. Carriel. She was born near Trenton on January 31, 1856 her parents having moved to that place from Pennsyl- vania. When her parents died in 1858 she went to live with her Grandmother Scott on a farm a short distance south of 0"Fallon. She was educated in the schools of O'Fallon and later took a course at McKendree College at Lebanon. She left college in her Sophomore year, how- ever, to become a teacher.
Miss Carriel taught in the public schools of O'Fallon for fifty-one years. She began her teaching in the O'Fal- lon schools in 1874. in the old brick building where the post office now stands. Although she taught in a number of grades, she specialized in primary grade work. At the close of her fortieth year in the schools of O'Fallon, a homecoming of former pupils was held. She continued to teach until a few months before her death. January 16, 1926.
By the middle 90's, to accomodate the pupils then enrolled, an additional room was rented a few blocks away, on West Second street near the present Schwarz
Furniture warehouse. This one room building was used until 1899 when a frame structure on East State street that had been used as a Turner Hall was converted into a two-room school, housing the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. By this time the number of teachers had increased to six.
It was at this time, 1899, that Mr. W. R. Dorris, now President of the First National Bank, became principal of the O'Fallon Public Schools. He had previously held a similar position at Okawville.
Gradually additional studies were added to the curri- culum, students remained in school longer, and another school building became a necessity. The first of the present group of buildings was erected in 1901-1902. The old school, on East Third street having been vacated, was sold September 13. 1902. The new building, the present West grade building, had eight rooms, and soon a two-year high school was added. On May 22, 1903, the first com- mencement of O'Fallon High School was held at Wachter's Hall. Diplomas were awarded to Edna Thurston, Ethel Ev- ans, Henry Poignee. Thomas Gordon, and Ralph Evans. The commencement address was given by Dr. H. W. Shyrock of Southern Illinois Normal, who was considered a very learned and effective speaker. The principal. W. R. Dorris. was presented with a gift, a rocking chair, by the grad- uating class.
By 1904 the public schools had an enrollment of 343 and the Board of Education changed the two-year High School to a three-year school. Once more the schools were faced with over crowding, and, September 19C4, the Board of Education voted to rent the German Evangelical school building for the remainder of the term for the sum of $100. During the period 1903-1910 Mr. C. M. Wilton and Mr. J. H. Yarbrough were the superintendents.
In May of this year, 1904, O'Fallon was astir with visitors who came to attend the first High School Athletic and Intellectual meet of surrounding towns. A half holi- day was declared and business houses closed. Pingree Reeble won the pole vault and John Budina won the ham- mer throw. Elsa Schilling was awarded first in declama- tion. However, Trenton carried off first honors and Maris- sa second in the meet.
By 1911 another school buildiiig was needed. In June 1911. the Board of Education, District No. 92, sold bonds for a new building to Holtz and Company of Chicago on their bid of $18,869.00. The issue was for $18,000, the dis- trict receiving a premium of $869.00. This building, be- sides housing the upper grades, also served as a high school. In the 1920's the rooms became so crowded that classes were held in the basement and cloak rooms. In 1920 the High School became a Township High School.
O'Fallon continued to participate in Athletic and Intellectual meets through the years. In the 192C's. meets were held at McKendree. and schools from all southern Illinois attended. Soon colleges were not permitted to hold Intellectuals, and a County Association was formed. At the time the County Association died out, a State As- sociation was formed. O'Fallon often won high honors at these contests. O'Fallon contestants at times won the right to participate in the National Association contests. At the National Contest held at Anderson. Indiana in 1939. O'Fal-
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Ion was represented by the boys' chorus, the boys' quartette, and a soloist, Stanley Kimes. who won first place in the men's vocal division: in 1540. at Springfield. Illinois, the girls' chorus and mixed chorus competed: and in 1941, at Flint. Michigan. Shirley Greene. Marion Redd. Vivian Payne and the mixed chorus represented O'Fallon. Be- cause of their consistent winning the National High School Association selected O'Fallon as one cf the schools for special mention for training and practice methods.
During the period of 1911 to 1921, Mr. John Arras and Mr. L. A. Sehafer were superintendents. At this time Mr. Erwin Runkwitz was active in school affairs. He spent his life in education work in the vicinit.v of his own home which was between Lebanon and O'Fallon. For over a quarter of a century, he taught in the schools of O'Fallon retiring from teaching in 1938. He was County Superin- tendent of Schools for eight years. In his lifetime, he taught over 1.000 children. He made a wonderful contri- bution to O'Fallon's youth by whom he was much loved.
An account of the schools during this period would be incomplete without mentioning George Deischer. whom the school children loved so much and called "Grampa." As janitor he worked conscientiously for many years. He didn't limit his duties to the janitorial service alone. He cared for the children as if they were his own.
At school there was a pump with a pipe about 10 to 15 feet long connected to it. At lunch time he would pump, and the water would come cut of approximately 40 holes in the pipe. This way he could "water" about 40 children at a time.
William. < Bill I Whitehead has served as janitor of the high school since the building was opened in 1925 and Richard <Dicki Titter has served equally as long as jani- tor at the grade school.
By 1924. there was much discussion concerning an ad- ditional building. On March 22. 1924. a special election to decide the question of a new high school was called, the voters being asked to vote on the propositions. The result of the vote was as follows:
For Against Proposition 1 — To purchase site 651 308
Proposition 2— Build school 670 307
Proposition 3 — Location iMary Atkinson
tract selected I Proposition 4— Issued SIOO.OCO bonds 635 303
The people having approved thf? erection of a new building, the present hish school was built, and was used for the first time in September 1925.
Mr. J. E. Hinchcliffe. Sr. became superintendent of the O'Fallon Schools in 1921 and remained until July 1943 when he submitted his resignation to the school boards and started to work for Independent Engineering Com- pany, where he is employed at present. It was largely through his efforts that our playgrounds were equipped with proper playground equipment for the children. At the time Mr. Hinchcliffe came to O'Fallon there were 65 students in the High School. Enrollment rose rapidly as students from the rural districts, although attending rural grade schools, attended high school in O'Fallon.
In 1938 the present gymnasium was added to the group of school buildings. In August 1938. a special referendum vote was held on a $44,000 bond issue for an S80.000 addi- tion of a gymnasium and auditorium ithe school received
a grant of money from the Fedcial government*. The vote to build was 409 for and 241 against; the vote to issue bonds was 400 for and 248 against. In October 1938, the Safe-T Construction Company of Collinsville was awarded the contract for building the new addition. With the addition of the new gynin.isium. the old pym was con- verted into an industrial Art.s Department, thus once more permitting an expansion of the curriculum.
Mr. R. H. Braun was superintendent from 1943 to 1948. Mr. John F. Miller was superintendent from 1943 to 1950. It was at this time. April 22, 1949, that the O'Fallon High School became a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Mr. Elmer D. Murray served as superintendent from 1950 until the end of this school year. He resigned as head of the O'Fallon school system to accept a position as superintendent of elementary schools on the islands of Japan.
Since 1950 a Drivers' Training Course has been added to the curriculum. The course is sponsored by the Ameri- can Automobile Association. Mr. A. Huller, Ford dealer, and Mr. Wayne McKinley. Chevrolet dealer, furnish the cars. The cour.se. in the past year, was taught by Mr. Murray and Mr. Hammonds.
One of the innovations in our present school system is the provision of bus service for studen'^ in outlying districts. Nearly 6.300 miles are covered monthly in trans- porting O'Fallon students to and from school. Almost 300 grade, parochial, and high school students ride the buses daily. The buses are also used for purposes other than bringing students to school each day. The service is utilized in taking basketball, baseball, track personnel, and fans to and from games. For a minimum fee. buses may be used for field trips and other educational purposes. The nine buses at the school system's disposal are owned and operated by the O'Fallon-Bellevillc Coach Company.
In I9.i3 the much-needed cafeteria was built, the cost of which was $160,000. It seats 160 children and employs five adult workers and 22 student workers. The building itself contains four classrooms, an all-purpose room, a kitchen, two rest rooms, and a superintendent's office. It is a very attractive building and a very nice addition to the communit.v.
In regard to the size of the teaching staffs in our public schools, at the present, there arc 21 grade school teachers and 14 high school teachei-s. The enrollment is 435 in the grade school and 243 in the high sihool.
The history of our schools would be incomplete with- out a statement of future plans. The Board of Education has asked an architect for preliminary plans for adding six class rooms on the northwest corner of the Main build- ing cf the High School to take care of the enrollment which is expected to be over 3fO by 1959. This addition would require about two years to build and should be started scon in order to be ready for the increased en- rollment.
This increased enrollment will mean larger band, dramatics, and athletic activities. Therefore, the Improve- ment plans will call for a stage in our present high school auditorium. Additional facilities for metal and electric shops adjacent to our present shop will be added. Also these extra rooms will make it possible to enlarge the business department to accomodate the increased number
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of pupils who want business education.
This history has recorded the forward strides our schools have made since their inception one hundred years ago. The citizens of OTallon, no doubt, will continue
to give their utmost support to the advancement of edu- cation in OTallon, so that the schools will continue to forge ahead in the second century of their growth.
Churches
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
The first meeting place of record looking toward the organization was held July 30, 1866, place of meeting not recorded. At this meeting Elder D. D. Roach was chosen moderator and J. G. Scott secretary pro-tem. A resolution was adopted to invite the CoUinsville. Bethel, Unity, Belle- ville, Lebanon and Oak Hill churches to send delegates to sit with the brethern in council at the school house in OTallon the lUh day of August, 1866, at 2:C0 P. M. to advise as to the propriety of organizing a Baptist Church
at this place.
Pursuant to call, as noted above, a meeting was held August 11, 1866 and all the invited churches were repre- sented by delegations. Elder D. D. Roach serving as mod- erator and J. G. Scott, secretary. The council voted unanimously to recommend that the local Baptists proceed to organize a church in OTallon.
On January 12, 1867 interested parties met at the home of William S. Scott, near OTallon, to further con- sider the matter of organizing a church. J. G. Scott was chosen moderator and G. W. Darrow, secretary. Some sixteen persons registered as desiring to go into an organi- zation. Adjournment was taken to meet in the German School House on January 26, 1867.
Pursuant to call and vote as above, the interested parties met in the German School House, OTallon, on January 26, 1867 and proceeded to organize a church to be known as "The Baptist Church of OTallon." Elder J. W. Swift was chosen moderator and William S. Scott, clerk pro-tem.
The following named persons presented letters from their respective churches and were registered as charter members of the new church: Elder D. D. Roach, Delpha Roach, A. I. Roach, C. A. Roach, G. W. Darrow, Druzilla Darrow, Lois Simmons, Jane Smiley, Elzina Enda, William S. Scott, Mary E. Scott, Micha A. Scott, John G. Scott, Sallie B. Scott and Edwin Swift.
On June 23, 1867 the newly-built house of worship was duly dedicated. Rev. Dr. Reed preaching the dedicatory sermon from the text found in Ephesians 2:20.
The cost of the church building was $4,050.50 and was built by Contractor Charles Bailey.
The first pastor. Elder J. W. Swift, served about two years; the second pastor serving was Rev. T. W. Green.
During the winter of 1930-1931 a basement was built under the church, and Sunday, April 12, 1931 was set apart for the dedication. Dr. G. M. Potter, President of Shurt- leff College. Alton, Illinois, made an appropriate address at the morning hour of worship. After a fellowship dinner in the new basement, enjoyed by a large gathering of people, the basement with other improvements to the house of worship, amounting all told to some $4,000 in value, was dedicated at 2:30 P. M. Rev. N. J. Hilton, our District
Superintendent, Alton, Illinois, delivered the dedicatory sermon. Pastor Rev. A. J. Rendleman presided at the service and conducted the dedicatory exercises.
On January 2. 1946 the church became incorporated as a Baptist Church. On February 27, 1946 the church members decided on the corporate name of "First Baptist Church of OTallon."
On April 6, 1946 a fire of undetermined origin was discovered in the basement of the church which caused considerable damage to the interior of the building. On April 14, 1946 a special meeting of the church was called and members decided to raze the old church and replace the frame building with a modern brick structure.
Special ceremonials in conjunction with the laying of the cornerstone for the new church building, then under construction, were held in the City Hall on Sunday, Jan- uary 26, 1947 at 2:30 P. M. Laying of the cornerstone wa.= made by Rev. A. L. Kirkwood of Granite City, Illinois. It was eighty years ago on this same date, January 26th. that the church was organized.
On October 19. 1947 the new $31,000 church building was dedicated. The morning message was delivered by Rev. Percy Ray, CoUinsville, Illinois. The dedicatory ad- dress was by Dr. Noel M. Taylor. The services were large- ly attended by local citizens, members of the church, and friends from surrounding towns.
EVANGELICAL & REFORMED CHURCH
As early as in the 1860's German Evangelical people settled in OTallon and vicinity. While their number was not sufficient to warrant the organization of a congrega- tion, their spiritual needs and desires were satisfied by neighboring Evangelical pastors. These pastors came oc- casionally on Sunday afternoons and conducted services. In the middle of the seventies the desire for regular ser- vices was met by the Rev. Hanff, the teacher of the Ger- man School Association, volunteering to conduct .'lervices. This he did for about two years.
Finally under the leadership of Rev. J. H. Maul, located at Ridge Prairie, definite steps were made towards or- ganizing a congregation. On October 29, 1876, a number of Evangelical people met in the old German school house, and completed the organization of the congregation. The charter members were: Daniel Schaefer, Ernst Tiedemann, John Eckert, John Graf, John G. Schwarz. Karl Fischer, William Ahring, Christopher Obst, Jacob Schmidt, Karl Deri, Peter Reitz, Charles Mueller, George Eckert, F. O. Tiedemann, Karl Tiedemann, John Koch, Charles Hoff- mann, Karl Link, Karl Ruedlin, August Behrens, Michael Bernhardt, Leonard Schwarz, and Peter Gieser. When the permanent organization had been accomplished, the fol- lov>?ing were selected as members of the church council: Daniel Schaefer. John G. Schwarz, John Graf, and John Eckert
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The first church building was erected in 1878. The architncture was Gothic style, the size 35 feet by 69 feet, and the rost $7,500 Shortly after the completion of the church buildine. a parsonage was erected.
On March 2i>. 1D05 a fire of unknown origin partly destroyed the church. Fixtures and furnishings were saved. The congregation immediately set forth to rebuild the church, increasing the size by 20 feet. The rededica- tion was on November 26, 1905.
In 1924 the church was remodeled and a large base- ment added. Work was begun in August 1924 and on September 21st the new cornerstone was laid with appro- priate services. The entire cost of remodeling was be- tween $31,000 and $32,000.
The 25th Anniversary of the congregation was ob- served in 1901. The 50th Anniversary was celebrated on November 14, 1926. The 75th Anniversary was observed during the entire month of October 1951.
During the 78 years the O'Fallon Evangelical and Re- formfd Church has had 14 pastors. The present pastor. Rev. A. E Xlemme, has served since 1927.
Organizations nf the church were instituted as follows:
The Ladies' Aid April 6, 1877
Mary and Martha Society Jan. 24, 1907
The Sunday School 1876
The Church Choir March 20, 1889
Young People's i Youth Fellowship) .. . Dec. 1, 1904 Churchmen's Brotherhood - June, 1919
Through a sound system located in the church tower a concert of sacred music is played each Saturday evening. This sound system with organ and record attachm.ents was a gift of the Schwarz fan^ily in memory of their par- entc, Mathias and Caroline Schv/arz.
This church with its organizations has been an intri- cate part of the life of this community It has contributed greatly to the spiritual welfare of many of the citizens of O'Fallon for 78 years of the city's existence.
METHODIST CHURCH
The following early history of the church was v.'rillen by Miss Amelia V. Carriel before her death in 1926
"The historic old Mother of Methodism in Illinois — the church of Shilch is also the mother of the church at O'Fallon. The pastors there, fired by true missionary spirit, were constantly reaching out to points where people might be gathered together to hear the gospel. The first Methodist Class in this vicinity was organized by "Grand Daddy Redman" as he was universally called. The meet- ings were held in his home and then at Mr. Ogle's and later at the Old Vernon School, all being located just west and north of O'Fallon near what is now known as Peters- burg.
"Class meetings were held on week day afierrioons the school being dismissed for that purpose. Preachint? services were also held in the evening at early candle lighting. The good old Methodists would load Iheir fami- lies and neighbors into farm wagons and drive to meetings, not forgetting to take with them a candle or two to aid in furnishing a dim religious light for the congregation. After listening to a soul stirring sermon by one of the old time circuit riders the return trip was made and the ride home was frequently enlivened by the singing of in-
spiring hymns and the fervor which had been aroused during the service was often fanned into a warmer glow in this manner. This class belonged to the Shiloh Circuit as did the church here in O'Fallon in after years.
"Quarterly meeting was a day looked forward to by all with joyful anticipation. People for miles around came flocking to the place of worship. Those from a distance went home for dinner with those living nearby and the ."social features of the occasion often rivaled the spiritual. In the early si.xtics, after the first brick school house was built in O'Fallon, all the various religious denominations used it for Sunday services. Memorial services were held in the building for the martyred President Abraham Lin- coln, the sermon being preached by Rev. C. M. HoUiday. then pastor.
"In this room the first Methodist Sunday School was organized. Friends from Shiloh came over and assisted. A young man named Marion Mansfield was the first Superintendent.
"The church was built in 1865 largely through the eenerosity of a few of the more prosperous members at 3 total cost of about $5,000. The church was dedicated by Rev. T. F. Houts, the pastor being Rev. E. Joy. Early pastors were A. Ran.som, W. F. Davis, Wm. Van Cleave. J Copcland. Samuel Walker, J. Mcintosh, R. H. Massey, and David Caughlon. The church was partially destroyed by a tornado in 1877 but soon repaired.
A parsonage was built from funds furnished by Mrs Rebecca Forman who also was responsible for the base- ment in the church. This was done in 1894."
The matter of the remodeling and enlargement of the church was made a matter of special business at a meeting of the Church Board held April 28, 1948, when E. H. Smiley (now deceased) made known his desire to do jomething to relieve the crowded quarters used for the Sunday School and offered a cash donation of $25,000 to Yo used in the construction of an Educational Building. The offer was accepted and steps taken immediately to secure the services of an architect. This was done and Charles Thurston, a prominent architect of St. Louis and a former O'Fallon boy, was engaged. Thomas E. Greiner. a contractor of O'Fallon, was chosen to do the work. As the work progressed, quite a number of changes and ad- ditions to the original plans were made from time to time necessarily resulting in greatly increased costs. With the approval of the Church Board and the membership, and the financial backing of Mr. Smiley, the expenditures wore authorized and the work went on to completion. Dedica- tion of the Education Building was made on December II, 1949, with a sermon by Dr. H. G. Hurley. District Super- intendent, at the morning service and the Dedicatory Ad- dress by Dr. Rockwell Smith of Chlcego In the afternoon. The Education Building was dedicated to Mr. Smiley in appreciation of his interest in the building program.
The total cost of the building program was over $90,000. Through generous conations from Mr. Smiley, donations from the general church membership, and un- tiring assistance from the various church organizations the entire debt was cleared.
Formal Rededicatory Services of the church were held Sunday, June 8, 1952 with Bishop Ivan Lee Holt delivering the dedication sermon.
The church has always been proud of its fine Sunday School. The average attendance in Sunday School is 2C0
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pupils. Miss Amelia V. Carriel served as Superintendent of the Sunday School for over 40 years; Mr. William Ried- elberger. Jr., for 13 years prior to his death in 1937; and Mr.s. Edna Ayres from 1937 to the present.
The church has a membership of 380 persons at this time. The present pastor is Rev. Mayo Bowles.
ST. CLARE'S CHURCH AND SCHOOL
The first Mass was said in 18.58 in the residence of Thomas Mackin by Fr. August Reineke, who resided in Breese. Illinois. Later Fr. Clement Sieghardt came once a month from Carlyle. About the middle of the year 1866, St. Clare's was taken care of by Fr. Anton Rustige from Lebanon who came twice a month. In the beginning of 1867 four lots were bought for the price of $700 from John Mersinger. The cornerstone of the new Church was laid on the first Sunday of September of that year. It was dedicated by the Most Reverand Bishop Junker of Alton, Illinois on December 17, 1867, and the first Mass in the church was on December 29, 1867. The cost of the new church was $5,000 and the dimensions were 56 feet by 36 feet. Membership of the parish was 40 persons.
In the early part of 1868 the residence of the pastor was transferred from Lebanon to Q-Fallon. From then services were held in Lebanon every third Sunday and one day during each week by the new pastor of O'Fallon. Both places were served by Fr. Theodore Kamann from the year 1868. The first Catholic school was begun by Fr. Kamann in the year 1868. He himself was the first teacher. Some time later a man by the name of Baumann taught thp school for a year.
St. Clare's Cemetery was begun in 1870. .St. Clare's Parish was without a pastor from the middle of August 1870 until December 1st of the same year, when Fr. Wil- liam Drube became the permanent pastor.
In 1870 a new school was built for the sum of $1600. The teacher for one year in this new school was John Goel7, grandfather of the present pastor.
A new rectory was built in 1872. Foundation for a new, the present church, was begun in March of 1890. The cornerstone was laid on June 6, 1892. Its dedication was on October 23, 1895. The tower of the present church was built in 1899. The completed church and tower cost $35,000. Membership of the parish at this time was 70 families.
The first Baptism was recorded on May 21, 1868, that of Caroline Bishof, by Fr, Theodore Karnann.
The first death recorded was that of Elizabeth Rieget on January 21, 1870.
The first Marriage on September 24, 1868 was that of James Bumueller and Catherine Clemens.
Fr. William Drube died on June 19, 1915. Fr. Henry Muenster was pastor from the time of Fr. Drube's illness and death until August 20, 1919. Fr. Muenster was suc- ceeded by Fr. Anthony Powell in 1919. His pastorate ex- tended until his death on December 8, 1930. During Fr. Powell's illness and after his death the parish was admin- istered by Fr. Bernard Loepker, until the appointment of the present pastor, Fr. John Goelz, which became effec- tive February 4, 1931.
During Fr. Powell's administration the present convent was built in 1920, the new Mt. Calvary Cemetery in 1923, and the present St. Clare's School in 1925. A new rectory was erected in 1950.
The number of families at the present time is about 325 with an enrollment in St. Clare's School of 196 chil- dren taught by five Sisters of the Most Precious Blood Order. The first Order of Sisters represented at St. Clare's were the Poor Handmaids of Christ from Fort Wayne, Indiana. In October 1876 four Sisters arrived, two to nurse the sick in their homes and two to teach school. A con- vent was erected prior to this, which, located south of the church, was destroyed by fire in 1944. In September 1883, three Sisters from the Order of the Most Precious Blood in Ruma, Illinois, began teaching St. Clare's School with 65 pupils. The Order has been represented here contin- uously since that time.
BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH
The deed to this church ground dates back to a land patent by President John Qiiincy Adams. The valuable old church record books began in 1806.
An event leading up to the founding of Bethel Church occurred in 1787 when James Lemen, Sr., and a few of his Baptist friends, who wei'e seeking homes in this re- gion, camped for the Lord's Day in a grove of trees near the present city of Belleville. They held a religious ser- vice which was probably the first act of associated worship performed by Baptists in what is now St. Clair County. James Lemen with his wife, six sons and two daughters comprised one of the first families to form the settlement of New Design, and in 1796, he, with other early settlers in Monroe County, organized the New Design Baptist Church which was the first Protestant church in Illinois. A number of years later, this same James Lemen, Sr. wivh others, founded a church known as "The Richland Arm of the Church of Christ at New Design." The first record of its proceeding is dated June 14, 1806 and these minutes became the first recorded in the record book of Bevhc-i Church.
On July 8, 1809, James Lemen arose in church session U the Richland Creek Church and denounced slavery as a practice in which he could not fellowship. This caused a division of opinion among the members. After two con- ferences the church agreed to an amicable separation and on December 9, 18C9, Lemen, with four others, withdrew from the Richland Creek Church, and these five, with two others, composed Bethel Church, which was consti- tuted on December 10, 1809, by Elders James Lemen, Jr. and John Baugh. under the name of "The Baptized Church of Christ Friends to Humanity."
The constituent members were: Jame.s Lemen, Sr., Catherine Lemen, Robert Lemen, Hetty Lemen, Joseph Lemen, Polly K. Lemen, and Benjamin Ogle. James Lem- en, Jr., joined the evening after the constitution. At this time James Lemen, Sr., Joseph Lemen and Benjamin Ogle were licensed preachers and James Lemen, Jr., was an ordained minister.
The first five years of the church was a time of Indian alarms and war; many families removed froni the cujntiy .thfc population that remained war, scattered, and for six years or mere itW immigrants came into the area. The membership of the church at the end of this period numbered 38.
In 1824 the church erected their house of worship at a cost of $500. It was a fran-.e building 30 by 40 feet in size, which they occupied in an unfinished state for sev-
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eral years. The first meeting in the new building, was held in July 1825. After the opening of the new church a x-evival was held which continued for several months, ro suiting in twenty converts. At this time the church re- pjrted 86 members.
In 1838 the congregation adopted measures to erect i. new building. One acre of ground was procured from James Lawrence for the purpose and the church was con- structed. A large part of the money needed was raised and the building erected at a cost of $1,100. The whole country experienced a sudden and unexpected financial leversal and the members had to nwke many sacrifices >L (.idti t.. iui> tht xcmaining debt nf Sl.'iOO. which was not entirely liquidated until 1846. The building was dedi- cated on September 5, 1840. John Mason Peck preached the dedicatory sermon. A revival continued for ten days during which 18 members were added by baptism, four by letters, one by experience.
In 1851 Rev. Peck became pastor of Bethel and served until 1853 when he was forced by ill health and infirmi- ties to resign. In 1854 the church bought from James Lawrence nine adjoining acres of land. A parsonage was erected and about three acres of land were set aside as a burying ground with about one acre laid out in lots. A small section on the north side of the burying ground was designated as a Potters Field.
A Sunday School was started in 1866. The church con- tinued regular services until 1927. Then followed a time of darkness and spiritual dearth for the doors of the church
were closed for eleven years. The doors were re-opened by Rev. Percy Ray on August 7, 1938. and he served as pastor and advisor for two years. The church is an active church at the present time.
OAK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH
Through the tntitulies and pursuasicns of Madison Ely and W. D. Ross, Elder R. C. Keele visited the Oak Hill settlement several times regarding the organization of a church. During the month of February, 1851, he visited again, held a protracted meeting and constituted the. church called "The Baptist Church of Oak Hill". The church was located two and one-half miles east of O' Fal- lon. Elder R. C. Keele was aided by Deacons Martin and Luther Badgley in the organization.
The first officers were: Pastor, Elder R. C. Keele, Dea- con. W. D. Ross, and Clerk, G. W. Darrow. The meetings- were held in the Oak Hill school house until November 12. 1854 when a chuich house, ccsliiig $1.2(:0 was com- pleted and formally opened for wo>-ship by the Rev. John Mason Peck, assisted by Elder Keele.
On January 25, 1867 a number of the most active mem- bers withdrew by letter to join the O'Fallon Baptist Church which was organized at that time. Many historical asso- ciations cluster around the vicinity where it was located as being the place where the illustrious Dr. John Mason Peck resided for a good portion of his life, and by reason of this an influence for good in the Baptist cause radiated which was felt throughout Illinois and the West.
The church building was razed in 1953.
Organizations
AMERICAN LEGION
The charter members of H, Edward Fischer Post No. 137 of the American Legion. Department of Illinois were: Emmett Hess. Christ Zinkgraf, Harry Carriel, Wilbur Scott, F. L. Minor. William Bechtold. George P. Zinkgraf. Melvin Sturman. Jerome Munie, Fred Suever, C. W. Bertram. Joe A. Schobert, H. L. Siekmann, Charles J. Ochs, A. G. Moergen, Sam Metcalf. and Charles F. Lienesch.
The original post was named after H. Edward Fischer, who was the first casualty of O'Fallon in World War I. After World War II, the name of Fischer was combined with SoUis, to form the present name of Fischer-Sollis Post No. 137. Vernell SolUs was the first casualty of O- Fallon in World War II.
The Post members first met in 1919 at the City Kail. Later meetings were held at the Masoric Hal). KcClana- han's Garage (now O'Fallon Bus Station), Shamrock Hotel, and in members' homes until 1935. In that year the Legion Home was built on the northv.'est corner of Washington and Vine Streets. This hut is built of old telephone poles. The major part of the labor was done by the Legion mem- bers and citizens of O'Fallon.
The present membership of the Post is 234. The Com- mander at present is Raymond F. Keller and the Adjutant is Robert L. Lillie.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
H. Edward Fischer Unit of the American Legion / ujf- iliary was organized in 1926. The American Legion Post at that lime was named for H. Edward Fischer, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Fischer, who lost his life in France during World War I. His mother and five sisters were charter members of the auxiliary. The first officers were: Elizabeth Gordon, President; May me Schobert, Secretary: and Kate Tiedcmann, Treasurer. There were 38 charter members.
After World War II, another name was added to the Unit title to form the present name. Fischer-Sollis Unit. Vpi-nell Sollis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Sollis, lost at sea was O'Fallon's first casualty in World War II.
The Unit has been active through the years in all local activities, worked on all drives ir the community provided parties and sponsored contests for the children of the area, aided families in the community who have suffered fire losses (financial as-'-istance was given to the families and men who suffered losses in the Shamrock Hotel fire>. The Unit has regularly visited patients at the Alton, Pleasant View, and Scott Air Base Hospitals, sup- pUed yearly eleven hospitals with magazines, and given 100 per cent support to all the Ueparlmcnt welfare pro- grams for the benefit of the serviceman and his family. The Unit held the first Tag Day in O'Fallon with the street Poppy Sale in 1927. During World War II the ITnit «...V,.H
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constantly in sending gift packages to the boys in the service and in the hospitals.
The Unit presently has a membership of 103. The p-esent officers are: Betty Klingelhoefer, President; Dor- othy Seipp. Secretary; and Virginia Monken. Treasurer
PAST PRESIDENTS AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
The Past Presidents Parley of the American Legion Auxiliary of the Fischer-SoUis Post was organized in 1942 with Mrs. Inez Rea serving as the first president.
The members of the parley are Past Presidents of the Fischer-Sollis Unit or another unit. Each year anotiier member is added to the group when the retiring presiden', is eligible for membership.
There have been 26 Past Presidents who have been members. Thi-ee mem.bers have passed away: Anna Wilk- ening, Rae Thompson, and Florence Schobert.
The group has raised funds in many ways. These funds have been used to further relief in the community and to remember thirty veteran nurses who are patients at Norbury Cottage, Jacksonville, with gifts at holiday time. The group has brought cheer to the patients through visits to Scott Air Force Base Hospital. It has assisted in all local charity drives and supported all auxiliary pro- grams- Mrs. Carrie Mayhill is the centennial year President, with Mrs. Marie Thoman, serving as Secretary-treasurer.
EASTERN STAR
O'Fallon Chapter No. 487, Order of the Eastern Star, was instituted under a dispensation issued by Alex G. Hug, Worthy Grand Patron, on January 20, 1902. The Chapter continued to work under dispensation until the next ses- sion of the Grand Chapter at which time, October 8, 1902, the charter was issued. The sixteen charter members were: Elizabeth Moore Enos, E. H. Smiley, NelUe Behrens James, Alice Dorris, Ferd Reiss, Carrie Smiley, Carrie Peach, Cora Begole Darrow, Delia Smiley, Louisa Moore, Tillie Stephani, Clarrisa Behrens, George Moore, Andrew Moore. Emily Reiss, and Cora Behrens. Three charter members are living at this date, namely: Elizabeth Moore Enos. Nellie Behrens James, and Emily Reiss. The first officers of the Chapter were installed by members of Rob Morris Chapter 98, of East St. Louis, Illinois.
The first class of candidates initiated on April 19, 1902. was made up of: Jeannette M. Reiss, W. E. Peach, Hartley Scanland, and Charles Behrens. A second class of candi- dates initiated on November 1.'', 1902 wa.= comprised of- J. C. Louden, C. T. Smiley, W. R. Dorris, and Minnie Koenigstein.
The Chapter meetings during the period from January. 1902, to June. 1908, were held in the Masonic Hall then located on the second floor of the building commonly known as the L. Allen and Sons store which was destroyed by fire on May 23, 1953. From July, 1908, to the present time the Chapter has occupied quarters in the Masonic Hall located on the second floor over Joseph Keek's store at 123 East First Street.
Prior to the institution of an Eastern Star Chapter at Lebanon, Illinois a number of Lebanon residents were members of O'Fallon Chapter. In 1912 fourteen of these
mem)3ers demitted from O'Fallon Chapter and became Charter members of Lebanon Chapter.
O'Fallon Chapter has shown steady growth. The six- teen charter members built a chapter on a firm founda- tion. Today the chapter has a membership of 253.
. O'Fallon Chapter No. 487, observed its golden anni- versary on May 3, 1952 with a banquet and program at the Evangelical and Reformed Church. Seven 50-year members, including five charter members, were the guests of honor. One hundred eighty-two members of the order were in attendance. Charter members present were: Eliza- beth Moore Enos, now of Chicago, the first Worthy Matron in 1902; E. H. Smiley, the first Worthy Patron in 1903. Nellie Behrens James, now of Belleville and a member of LaHarpe Chapter, LaHarpe, Illinois, the first Associate Matron; Alice Dorris, the first Secretary, and Erniiy Reiss. the first Organist. Also present were Jeannette Reiss, a Past Matron, and W. R. Dorris, a Past Patron, who became members during the first year of the Chapter's organiza- tion.
The Chapter has had the good fortune of having had the services of officers v/ho filled their positions with honor and distinction. This history would not be complete without paying tribute to the many years of faithful ser- vice contributed by: Sylvia Joseph, Louise Koch, Viola Moore, Florence Asbury, Elsie Schaefer, Effie Meehan, the Gordon family. (Mary, A. B., Agnes, Elizabeth and Thomas). Frances and Xellie Eckert, B. J. Joseph, William Reidelberger, and Irving M. Baker. In 1953, Eve Schuetz bought great honor to our chapter and herself by being commissioned a Grand Lecturer by the Grand Chapter. She presently is serving as Inslructress of the chapter.
The principal officers of the Chapter for Lhe year 1954 are: WortJiy Matron, Inez Vitale; Worthj' Palrcn, O. Man- ley Eike; Associate Matron, Nina Lee Pfeifer; Associate Patron, Robert Brown; Secretary, Katherine O'Brien; Treasurer, Bertha Distler; Conductress, Shirley Greene, and Associate Conductress, Gertrude Beary.
O'Fallon Chapter looks back retrospectively with pride upon the past history of the chapter and is proceeding to plan for a great future.
KIWANIS CLUB
The Kiwanis Club of O'Fallon was chartered the even- ing of June 12, 1950 with a charter roster of 29 members. Twelve of the original charter members are still active in club affairs. At this date there are 27 active members.
The club was organized with the following corps of officers: President, William K. Schmidt; Vice-Piesident, L. B. Sample; Secretary, Arnold D. Dickinson; and Treas- urer. Bernard Taylor. The succeeding presidents were: Arnold Dickinson. Phillip Schildknecht, Jr., and Earl Perschbacher. Arnold Dickinson is now serving as Lieu- tenant-Governor of Division 14 of the Illinois-Iowa District.
The Kiwanis Club is a civic organization. The club has given expression to its civic-mindedness by donating the stop-light at the Lincoln Avenue-State Stieel intersec- tion and refreshment stand at the Community Park; aid- ing in procuring the welcome signs at either end of the cit.v. sponsoring many worth while projects for under- privileged children, and assisting in the organization of ibe Key Club for boys of the Junior and Senior Classes
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E*. the O' Fallon Township High School.
The O'Fallon Club is also the paieiit of the Fairview Kiwanis riuh which was oreanizod in January 1953.
MASONIC LODGE
O'Fallon Lodge No. 576. Ancient F'ree and Accepted Masons, was instituted under a dispensation issued by Jerome R. Gorin. Most Worshipful Grand Master of the State of Illinois, on June 19, 1867. The dispensation was issued to Benjamin J. Van Court, Worshipful Master: John Mace, Senior Warden; and George Crosby, Junior Warden The lodge worked under dispensation until October 6 1868 when the charter was issued. The thirty charter members were B. J. Van Court, John Mace, George Crosb.v. J. W. Swift. W. Peach. Jr.. George Smith. Jos. Palfreyman. M. D. Knowlton. A. J. Roach. Lewis Williams. W. S. Scott, J. Mills. S. Smiley. H. Simmons, A. B. Smiley. C. T. I ang- ford. W. B. Powell, Levi Simmons, O. C. Bates. J. H. At- kinson, J. S. Bond. L. P. Bowler, E. Joy. R. H. Mace. J. Whaley. P. Schildknocht, George D. Thnir,!i.=. W S, Nor- cross. Joab Elliott, and J. W. Scott.
The lodge first met in a building owned by Joseph Penn. The location of this building has not been determ- ined. In April 1875, the lodge moved to the Treu Bund Building located in the 2C0 block of West Second Street (commonly known as the German School building). In December 1879. the lodge dedicated a new hall in the building commonly known as the L. Allen & Sons building on West First Street (destroyed by fire May 23, 1953). In July 1908 the lodge moved into the second floor of the new Bechtold Building at 123 East First Street (now Jos- eph Keek's Food Market) and hps occupied these quarters to the present time.
The original by-laws set the date and time of the regular meeting as follows: "The regular communication of this lodge shall be held on Wednesday on or before the full moon of every month. The hours for working shall be from 7 o'clock until 10 o'clock in the evening between the 25th of March and the 25th of September and from 6% o'clock until 10 o'clock in the evening from the 25th of September to the 25th of March." In August 1908 the regular meeting date was changed to the second Wednes- day of the month. At the present time the lodge holds its regular meeting on the second Wednesday and such other special meetings as required.
In 1872, O'Fallon Lodge indorsed the petition of a group of brethern from Collinsville who were seeking to form a lodge there. Several members of O'Fallon Lodge dimitted to become charter members of Collinsville Lodge No. 712 chartered on October 8, 1873.
During its 86 years O'Fallon Lodge has been presided over by .50 Worshipful Masters of whom 22 are living at this time. Benjamin J. Van Court, our first Worshipful Master, served as Master for the first six years and at other intervals numbering 13 years in total. He also served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 27th Masonic District (St. Clair, Monroe, and Randolph Counties" from 1872 to 1874 inclusive. John Schneider, Worshipful Master in 1919, 1931 and 1942, was commissioned a Grand Lecturer in 1923 and also served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 90th Masonic District from 1933 to 1941 inclusive, Alfred E. Tiedemann served as Treasurer of O'Fallon Lodge from 1921 to 1951 inclusive.
At the present time O'Fallon Lodge has two members who have been Masons for over 50 years: William R. Dorris and George A. Rciss. Mr. Dorris and Mr. Reiss became members of the lodge on May 31, 1902.
The lodge at the present time has 227 members.
The principal officers for the year 1954 are: Robert Brown, Worshipful Master; John Bcary. Senior Warden: Delbert Corbier, Junior Warden: Clarence Distler, Treas- urer: and Charles Schuet?. Secretary.
O'FALLON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The O'Fallon Chamber <>f Commer:c was organized on April 4. 1946. The first officers of the organization were as follows:
President L. R. Cartier
Vice-President George N. Schwarz
Secretary George M. Thomas
Treasurer Felicita Streck
By-laws for the organization were approved and adopted at the meeting of May 27, 1946. The original membership was 44 members.
On June 4, 1946 a charter was applied for under the general not for profit corporation act of Illinois. The purposes for which the corporation was organized were stated as follows:
1. To advance the civic, commercial, industrial business, and commerce interests of the City of O'Fallon and its vicinity.
2. To educate, and disseminate information to persons interested in the civic, commercial, in- dustrial, and business advancement of the City of O'Fallon and it environ.
The Chamber of Commerce was preceded by several business men's organizations, such as: Business Men's League, Commercial Club, Business Men's Association, and O'Fallon Civic Club. The following is taken from the files of the O'Fallon Progress, issue of September 18, 1898: "E. H. Smiley, J. A. Schalter and a number of other busi- ness men have organized a Business Men's League and are working up the eight o'clock closing hour for business places here, and are meeting considerable encouragement." The Chamber of Commerce has ever been active in civic affairs and interested in retail business and other trade developments. The present membership is 70 mem- bers. Officers at the present time are:
President Clarence Lurtz Vice-President Irwin A. Yare Secretary John Hunter
Treasurer ..„ Ray Schmidt
O'FALLON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI
The O'Fallon High School Alumni Associaliun was organized in 1908 at a meeting held by the graduates in the O'Fallon Methodist Church. There were twenty-nine of the forty graduates present at that time.
Thomas Gordon of the Class of 1903 presided and the following officers were elected: President, Thomas Gor- don; 1st Vice President, Edith Housam; 2nd Vice Presi- dent, Eleanor Deischer; Secretary-Treasurer, John Zapf. and Alumni Speaker. Jessie Harper.
From the inception of the High School to the present time 1560 students have graduated from the school. The
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Alumni Association, therefore, now has a large potential membership. The annual reunion is always well attended.
In 1953 the Alumni at the annual reunion observed the Golden Anniversary of the founding of the high school. The honored guests were members of the Class of 1903.
In 1927 the Association erected a granite Memorial Drinking Fountain on the school grounds honoring Miss
HOMECOMING ASSOCIATION
In 1919, a group of interested citizens met and or- ganized the Welcome Home and Memorial Association, the purpose of which was to sponsor a celebration to welcome home the service men of Wo«-ld War I. The celebration was held in August 1919. The streets were beautifully decorated, a large arch was constructed on South Lincoln Avenue, the parade drew very favorable comment, in short, the celebration was a huge success.
In September, 1920. The O'Fallon Progress editorially advocated an annual Homecoming and Fall Festival but nothing was done about it. In 1922, the O'Fallon Home- coming and Fall Festival Association was formed and sponsored a homecoming for that year and subsequent years until 1942. The profit from these affairs over the years has been utilized in the development of beautiful Community Park. In addition to the expenditure of money by the Association, time and money has been generously donated by various organizations and individuals of the city to promote and develop the park.
On September 24, 1924, the trustees of O'Fallon Home- coming and Fall Festival bought from Mrs. Mai\y E. At- kinson 20 acres of land for a consideration of $10,000.00. This land composes the original portion of the present park. On August 28, 1926, the association purchased from James T. and Elizabeth A. Holliday sufficient land to make the north entrance into the park from Fourth street by way of Apple street. The consideration paid was $100.00.
In July 1925, a colored drawing, 61/2 by SVz feet, showing the proposed plan for the O'Fallon Community Park was prominently displayed in the window of W. W. Thomas Hardware. For a time, these plans had to be set aside for lack of funds. In recent years, funds again being available, many improvements have been made to the park. Perhaps, some time in the near future, our Com- munity Park will possess all those improvements shown in the original plan.
The first carload of structural steel for the building of the hall at Community Park arrived on May 27, 1926. The building 80 by 120 feet was estimated to cost between $12,000 and $15,000. Much of the labor on the building was donated by interested citizens.
In 1926, the Homecoming was held in the new park. Prior to that time the celebrations had been held in City Park.
In 1942. the Homecoming were suspended as it was deemed advisable to discontinue the celebration with so many of the community's men away from home serving in the Armed Forces. However, the spirit was kept alive during the war period by a group known as the O'Fallon Welcome Home Association which made plans for a wel- come home to the returning service men. On August 24 and 25, 1946 this celebration was held after which the
Amelia V. Carriel. a veteran teacher of the school system. The Association has maintained for over 25 years a Stu- dent Loan Fund which has made loans to graduates seek- ing a higher education.
As a group the Association has always been ready to sponsor any movement for the good of our schools and the community.
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.^•fct^
First Homecoming — August 1919
homecoming was reestablished under the sponsorship of the O'Fallon Homecoming and Fall Festival.
During the period 1942 to 1946 the hall at Community Park was leased to the Independent Engineering Company for use as a warehouse.
On November 1, 1945, Walter W. Thomas, treasurer of
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the association, paid off the remaining bonds totaling $2,300 and the Community Park for the first time was debt free. The association on March 15, 1946 voted to deed to the City of O'Fallon the park which was then debt free. At an election held May 28. 1946. the citizens of O'Fallon by a vote of 163 to 40 sanctioned the transfer of the park to city ownership. Accordingly, on November 1. 1946 the association conveyed to the City of O'Fallon title to the park.
The first Park Hoard named by Mayor Henry M. Hesse on September 12. 1946 to govern the park was com- posed of the following: I,, R. Cartier. John L. Anheuser, Harry Klingelhoefer. L. E. Schwarz. and Delbert Corbier.
On August I. 1950, the association bought 15.7 acres of .land from William G. Willard for $1,000.00 an acre. This land joins the original park on the east. Some of the funds necessary to make this purchase were raised by the sale of bonds to citizens of O'Fallon. These bonds have now been retired through payments from current earnings. The land was immediately conveyed by deed to the City of O'Fallon.
The current droam of the association is the construc-
tion of a swimming pool. In September 1953, the associa- tion set aside $1,000.00 as the first funds toward such a project.
In May 1954, a permanent concession building was built in the park. This building complete with fine facili- ties for the serving of food and drinks will be available for use by all organizations using the park for picnics O'Fallon is proud of its community park — built and paid
for by the labor of the citizens of the eity Here may be found playground equipment, modern barbecue pits and picnic tables, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, baseball dia- m.onds, outdoor basketball court, beautiful shade trees, clean surroundings, and convenienrp.c which make for an excellent park. During the past .several years the Park Board has sponsored a supervised play program during the summer months Many children of O'Fallon have taken advantage of this program.
The funds earned by the association at the annual homecoming celebrations have been, indeed, invested wisely and well as evidenced by beautiful Community Park.
O'FALLON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.
1
O'Fallon Volunteer Fire Department. riiUUL takv ii alx.ul IS'.).'., li,;^.;.;, .1...... i.-daie.
Seated from left: .Julius Bernum, Frank Kerijran, John Schachner, Otto Weisbrod. George Brock- hahn, Willif Weichert, Charles Dressel, Chri.st Schachner, William Coupin. Standing, from left: Julius Schalter, Sani McGeehon. William Quinn, Harry Daniels, John Seddon. George Feder, Fred Schau, Joe Spry, and William Lehman.
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The recorded history of the Vohinteer Fire Depart- ment dates from the year 1891 when a definite organiza- t'on was made under a charter granted by the state. Prior to this, the organization had existed as a group of volunteers that was an outgrowth of the old "bucket brigades." Their equipment, such as it was, was housed in a frame building in the first block of East First Street.
In 1890, O'Fallon built a town hall and. along with it, quarters for the fire depart- ment. In February, 1891 the department composed of 15 mem- bers, occupied their new quarters.
For equipment the early fire department possessed a hand pump, hose reels, and ladders all housed in the town hall. Of the original members of the department, only one is still surviving. Charles Dressel. He is the father of Elton
Dressel who has just completed eight years Chief of the Fire Department (1946 to 1954K
In 1904 the department was reorganized, added new
CHARLES DRESSEL
service as
members, and secured the charter under which they now operate. Among the new members added at this time was
He3-man Hemmen who owns the longest ser- vice record of anyone to the department. He joined the department in 1905 and was ap- pointed Chief in 1909 by Mayor Joseph Tay- lor. He acted in that capacity until 1946 ex- cept for the year 1941 in which he did not seek office and Fred B u d i n a served as Chief.
In 1919 the de- partment purchased i t s first motorized HERMAN HEMMEN equipment, a 1919 Re-
public purchased from the Ohlendorf Hardware Co. It was equipped by the Central Fire Equipment Company and delivered on July 4, 1920. One-half the purchase price of $4750.00 was provided by the department and the bal- ance was raised by public subscription.
In subsequent years additional equipment was added: In 1929 a Chevrolet truck, and in 1949 the Disaster Unit and Mack truck
The disaster unit. GMC panel truck, is equipped with inhaltor. rescusitator. cutting tools. 2-way radio, and an
Architect's drawing of new Fire Station now under construction.
emergency light plant. It has answered many local calls to administer oxygen and assist in time of disaster and has, on numerous occasions, answered calls to nearby communities. All members of the department are required to be graduates of the Red Cross First Aid Course.
O'Fallon has many times been reminded quite graphi- cally of the importance of being adequately protected against fire. Early in the history of the town, before the town had a water supply, the Tiedemann Ice House fire —
with a temperature of six degrees below zero and a six- inch coating of ice over the pond that had to furnish the water supply — etched itself into the memory of the towns- people. Then the O&M Depot fire, the Ohlendorf Hard- ware, and the Thomas Hardware fires are all vivid mem- ories to those who witnessed them. The most disastrous fire of recent times took place on May 23. 1953 when the Shamrock Hotel and Allen's Store were destroyed.
In 1950, a group of rural residents petitioned County
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Judge Dreman to form the O'Fallon. Shiloh Valley, Casey- ville Rural Fire Protection District. The district received the approval of the rural residents and a board of three trustees. Erwin Hartman, Cyril Pfoiffor. and Walter Sei- bert. was appointed. The district purchased a fire truck which is housed in O'Fallon and manned by the same 25 volunteers that compose the O'Fallon Fire Department.
With the acquiring of this additional equipment, the department had outgrown the quarters provided in 1890 In 1953 the citizens of O'Fallon approved a bond issue to build a new fire department building. The building is now under construction and it is hoped to be completed in time to be dedicated as part of th^ O'Fallon Centennial. This observance will mark the growth of the department from a "bucket brigade" beginning to a department equal in equipment and building to any department that can be found in a community of our size.
POCAHONTAS LODGE
Illinois Council No. 51, Degree of Pocahontas Lodge of O'Fallon was organized on March 4, 1904 when a group met, elected officers and took necessary steps toward the instituting of a degree. The following officers were elected:
Pocahontas Mae Creed
Wenonah Victoria Ahrens
Powhatan John Koch
Prophetess Mrs. Usher
Keeper of Records Edna Thurston
Keeper of Wampum Louise Koch
Collector of Wampum Clara Kimes
Trustees Elva Able
Gertrude Guest Mary Neville On March !9, 1904, Mrs. Lizzie Moseley of East St. Louis with a degree team from St. Louis instituted the local council. The following were charter members; Vic- toria Ahrens, Charles Ahrens, Arnold Ahrens, Elva Able, Fanny Alexander, Walter Alexander, Annie Brewer. Jima Brockhahn, Susie Boyce, Nettie Bittles, Ed Begole, Hilda Eegole. Bessie Begole, Bena Beckmann, Mae Creed. Kelsa Cartwright, Alex Campbell, Lou Campbell, Nellie Daniels. Mina Eckert. George Eckert. Jessie Guest, Gertrude Guest, Mary Hermann, Clara A. Kimes, Clara M. Kimes, May Kimes, Maggie Kimes. Louise Koch. John Koch. Laurine Kampmeyer, Celly Killefer. Gertie Lasater. William La- quet. Mary Neville. Elizabeth Stauffer. Edna M. Thurston, and Mary Thurston.
At the present time the lodge has a membership of 4G and meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Clara A. Kimes is the only living charter member still belonging to the lodge.
At this time the principal officers are:
Pocahontas Mary Taylor
Wenonah Tennye Andricks
Pov'hatan Stella Mackey
^lophetess Jenny Baker
Odd Fellows with 45 charter members who were; Brothers Louis Allen. Daniel Murphy. Christ Schempp. Thomas 'litter, Philip Schildknecht, William R. Sanspeur. Wright Bail. J. R. Thomson. Adolph Schilling. Sam Metcalf. G. H. Locfflcr. William Winter. Arthur Kunze. Delbert Shaw. John R. Rock. George Kuhn, Harry Daniels, Emil Herman, William Agles and Sisters Anna Winter, Anna Loeffler, Martha Mayer, Lucy Sanspeur, Martha Sihildknechl, Mabel Walters, Gabriella Titter, Edna Metcalf. Kate Alberts. Sessie Kunze, Charlotta Murphy. Agnes Herman. Carrie fthring, Emma Ahring. Jeanette Bittles. Mary Greiner. I'ressa Metcalf. Nellie Harper, Bertha C. Schilling, Fannie Kemp, Mary Huhn, Nellie Daniels, Carrie Schau, Jessie vJuest. and Kate O'Brien.
In 1924-1926 the O'Fallon Rebekah Lodge was quite active in lodge work with a degree staff and drum and fugle corps. The lodge has a membership of 29 members at the present time including six charter members who are: Mary Greiner. Gabriella Titter. Carrie Ahring. Emma .^hring. Kate Alberts, and Bertha C Schilling. O'Fallon Hebekah Lodge contributes to the Old Folks Home at Mattoon. Illinois, to the Children's Home at Lincoln. Illi- nois, and to the Community Christmas Party here in O'Fallon. Delegates are sent each year to the Rebekah State Assembly meetings.
The principal officers for the year of 1954 are: Doro- thy Cavins. Noble Grand; Elsa Gro<:>. Vice Grand; Gladys Hallam. Secretary; Edna Monken. Financial Secretary; and Sarah Feicht. Treasurer.
ROTARY CLUB
REBEKAH LODGE
O'Failoi. Rebekah Lodge No. 806 was instituted May ■<i, 1917 by A.. Otis Arnold. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois of the Independent Order of
The O'Fallon Rotary Club was organized April 29. 1925. The club membership consists of a cross-section representation of the business, professional, and agricul- tural interests of our community.
The club meets each week on Monday noon. The objectives of the club arc the development of friendship and acquaintance among its members, high ethical stand- ards among business and professional people, service to o;ir city and community, and the fostering of a better understanding among the nations of the world.
The members of the O'Fallon Rotary Club have served as citizens in .various capacities in the administration of our schools, our churches, our city, township, and county governments. Particular emphasis has been placed on our youth program through aid to our school band, scouts, the recreational program of our Community Park, the student loan fund of our club, and the conduct of the children's parade each year on Home Coming Day.
The Charter members were; James Bittles. George B. Gieser. Marcel F. Kuehn, Walter Mcincrs, Jerome Munic. Julius E. Nold. John F. Rock. Charles Schuclz. M. K. Schwarz. Edward N. Thomas. George M. Thomas. Walter W. Thomas. Victor Trares. Dr. Edward Trippi-1. and Geort-'e Willard.
ROYAL NEIGHBORS
St. Elmo Camp No. 865. Royal Neighbors of America was organized on March 3. 1898. Twenty-one of O'Fallon's most prominent citizens assembled at Odd Fellow.^ Hall I hall above the present Thomas Electric Shop at 109 East First Street I where Mrs. Mary Adams. Deputy Supreme
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Oracle proceeded to initiate them in the beautiful work of the order.
The following officers were elected and installed:
Past Oracle Mary E. Housam
Oracle Amelia Lehmann'
Vice Oracle - Lillie M. Loeffler
Chancellor Lutie L. Wade
Maishal Gertrude Seddon
Recorder Cora Reidelberger Twiss
Receiver Hannah E. Gibbs
Inner Sentinel Annie Behrens
Organist Anna Davison
Managers- Jessie B. Darrow
Mary E, Housam Anna Davison Other charter members initiated at that time were: Katie M. Weil, Carolina Weil, Alice Whitehead, Mary Reidelberger, Mary Behrens, Katie Bolbach, Minnie Keck, Anna Hocher, Louisa Hocher, Augusta H. Gardner, and Adolph E. Loeffler.
The following charter members are still living: Lillie M. Loeffler, Lutie L. Wade, Cora L. Twiss, and Katie Bolbach.
The Order of the Royal Neighbors of America— a fraternal order with life insurance benefits was organized nationally in 1895.
At the present time the lodge consists of 67 adult members, 13 juveniles and 30 members holding paid-up policies. Mrs. Mary Ball Beedle (mother of William Holden, OTallon's contribution to the movie industry) is a member of this order.
At this time the principal officers of the lodge are: Oracle, Agnes Fuchs; Vice Oracle, Caroline Ki-amer; Past Oracle, Matilda Wood.
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
At a meeting held on June 6, 1946 at the City Hall arrangements were made for the establishing of a V.F.W. Post in O'Fallon. The meeting was attended by 40 veterans of whom 27 signed the initial membership roll. Roger Batty was named temporary chairman. Another meeting was planned for June 12th.
At an organization meet held June 12, 1946 at the Luhning Hotel the following officers were elected:
*ConMnander -- Roger Batty
Senior Vice Commander Virgil Scheibel
Junior Vice Commander __ Ralph Niederecker
Quartermaster -- Jack Foy
Advocate Robert Lurtz
Chaplain.-- -- William P. Riley
Trustees ----- Matthew Polites,
Robert Lillie, and LaVergne Seipp *Roger Batty was unable to complete his full term of office and the Senior Vice Commander Virgil Scheibel finished the year. On June 26, 1946 O'Fallon Post No. 3468 received its charter and the officers were formally installed. There were 46 charter members. One of the charter members, Elwood Lunsford, was a veteran of the Spanish-American War.
The Post during its first several years of existence had a number of meeting places. The first meetings were
held at Riley Hall, City Hall, and Legion Hut. On Feb- ruary 15, 1950 the present V.F.W. Home at 223 West First Street was purchased. It was necessary for the post to borrow money to complete the transaction. Immediately a building committee was appointed and the job of re- modeling was begun. The first project was to dig out and complete a basement which is now used for the bar and recreation room. Each passing year has seen new im- provements in the building so that now the Post has a building of which it can, indeed, be proud.
The Annual Picnic and Fish Fry has proved success- ful and profitable. Accordingly, the Post paid off the mortgage on the original purchase by September 20, 1952.
The present membership of the Post is 100 members.
The principal officers at the present are:
Commander Maurice Reaka
Senior Vice Commander Robert Gribler
Junior Vice Commander Joe Lapka
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS AUXILIARY
The O'Fallon Auxiliary was formed on April 22, 1948 at the T-egion Hut and the first officers were elected on May 6. 1948. At a special meeting with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the auxiliary was instituted on May 17, 1948. There were 30 charter members as follows: Jennie Baker, Daisy Bertram, Evelyn Bertam, Violet Bunge, Alice Distler, Laura Feltman, Beatrice Graham, Rose Guenther, Gladys Hallam, Colleen Hangsleben, Stella Hangsleben, Elizabeth Hemmer, Mary Ann Hemmer, Mary F. Hemmer, Theresa Lampe, Anna Jorn, lone Mannz, Anna Nail, Mon- ica Nail, Nancy Nail, Kathryn Roach, Jacqueline .Rogers, Adella Scheibel, Blanche Scheibel, Lena Scheibel, Margaret Scheibel, May Scheibel, Virginia Scheibel, Marie L. War- ma, and Emma Wessel.
The Auxiliary has been active since its formation in many activities. It sponsors the "Buddy" poppy sales, the annual Salvation Army Drive, and the "Brownies" (girl scouts). The unit has also been active in hospital work for veterans.
The Auxiliary has 70 members at the present time. The principal officers at the present time are: Dorothy Clark, President; Lucille Gross, Secretary; and Betty Nail, Treasurer.
WOMAN'S CLUB
The O'Fallon Woman's Club, one of the outstanding organizations in the civic life of the community was or- ganized in 1910 when twelve local ladies met at the home of Mrs. Jacob Yoch to organize a Darning Club. The ladies were: Mesdames C. M. Porter, W. R. Dorris, W. H. Bassett, J. B. Yoch, Cora Darrow, William Crosby, Olyve Van Houten, Walter Beedle, G. H. Doane, Carrie Smiley, Jane Willhite, and Miss Gertrude Beedle. At the first meeting a resolution was offered to do something for the young people of the town and the suggestion was made to start a reading room.
A short time later twelve more members were accepted and in June 1911, the name was changed to the O'Fallon Woman's Club. The new members were: Mesdames Louis Fink, A. B. Gordon, William Reidelberger, Charles Schaefer, Albert Pierce, B. Joseph, and the Misses Helene
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and Louise Tiedemann. Jeanette Roiss, Annie Simmons, Lee Pier.e and Winnie Reidelberger.
The first officers of the chib were: Helene Tiedemann, President; Cora Lee Porter, Vice-President; Jeannettc Reiss. Secretary; and Mary Gordon, Treasurer.
The first big project of the club was the establishment of a library. At the beginning the library was operated by members of the club and then later the W.P.A. was in charge. After W.P.A. the club again maintained the library and paid the salary of a librarian. Finally the club was instrumental in placing a plan before the voters of the community to assume the responsibility of maintaining the library by taxation. On April 22, 1943 the voters ap- proved the proposition and on July 1, 1943 the City as- sumed the management of the library. From that date the library has been managed by a library board, the members of which are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.
The club establi.ihed a park along the B. & O. Railroad property which eliminated an eyesore and created a beauty spot in the middle of the city. Several years ago
the city converted this area into needed parking space.
Through the years the club hiJs worked to benefit the community by sponsoring many things, such as: Red Cross sewing room during World War I; Lyceum Courses; Home Talent shows; cooking schools, fly swatting contest (97 pints of flies swatted in 3 weeks) ; Bird House and Window Box contests; and Girl Scout troop. The club provided benches for the Community and City Parks, shrubbery and playground equipment for the schools. The members have contributed their services in War Fund Drives, the Mothers' March on Polio, and other chari- table drives.
The latest project of the club is a collection being made for funds to be used for the restoration of rooms at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
The club presently has a membership of 96. The pres- ent officers are: Mrs. Harold Yaeger. President; Mrs. C. W. Marxer, Vice-President; Mrs. Ray Schmidt, Treas- urer; Mrs. Benjamin Hamm. Secretary; and Mrs. William Schmidt, Corresponding Secretary.
OTallon's Participation in the Major Wars
CIVIL WAR VETERANS. Members of Col. Raith Po.st No. 587, G.A.R. fVom tht^ left: William Reidelberjrer. Sr., Loui.s Fi.'^cher, Peter Rietz, Bernhard Scheibel. Krnst Sewald, Steve Gossett, (unknown), Andrew MoUes. Richard Remeliu.s.
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CIVIL WAR
O'FaJJon men took an active part in ihe Civil War. Company -'I", 17th Illinois Volunteer IrJantry was organiz- ed at OTallon on August 12, 1862. The group had informal- ly organized as early as May, 1862 and drilled evenings and Saturdays on the commons south of the railroad track and east of the present railroad station. The ladies of O'Fal- lon. Ridge Prairie, and Shiloh presented a silk flag to the company. The company left O' Fallon and marched 114 miles to Camp Butler arriving there on August 26. 1862. On September 19, 1862 the company was officially called into the service of the United States. The company was chiefly engaged in campaigns in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisia- na. It was mustered out at Camp Butler on August 5. 1865. The following were members of the company: Cap- tains: David McFarland, and John R. Thomas; First Lieu- tenants: Samuel M. Stites, Edward C. Lemen; Second Lieu- tenant: Jasper Messinger; Sergeants: Robert Salter, Philip Davis, Harvey Umbarger; Corporals: D. C. McFarland, Samuel Smiley. George R. Scott, William Richmond, James Knowlton, Thomas Whiteside, Samuel Beedle. Delos Knowlton: Musicians: Albert McFarland, Benjamin Orcutt; Wagoner: George Smith; Privates: C. E. Alexander. Wil- liam Arnold. Alex Altman. Frank Abend, .John Altman. Robert Brooks, LaFayette Bowler. H. B. Bevirt, H. H. Be- virt, William Badgley, John Boynton, Kaspar Bornberg, LaFayette Bridges, August Byer, Wesley B. Dorey. Joseph Evans, Simon Evans, Felix Falkner. August Godfrey, J. S. Hughes, Thomas Harris. Robert Hankins, George Bar- ber, William Hamilton, Theodore Hart, George Hilt, I. Hirsihberger, W. A. Isascs, Thomas Kenedy, Fred Linson, James Moore, Samuel McGuire, William Million, James C. Moore, R. H. Mace, Monroe Miller, Wayde McCom- mons, G. S. Pomeroy. William Powell, Daniel Phillips, Mames Philips. George Prentice, James Rankin, W. H. Rutherford, G. D. Rettinghouse. F. M. Rettinghouse, John Scott. William D. Smith, Louis Shatlain, Jacob Snider, Ed- ward Scott. Elmer Shaner, Samuel Tuttell, John Umbar- ger, Michael Waris. William Williamson, James Wilder- man, William Yates, William Abbott, John Black, John Higgins. Andrew Melvin. E. J. Owens, H. Richardson. Wil- liam Woods. John Tuttell.
Captain David McFarland died May 10, 1864 at Ale- xandria. Louisana while engaged in the Red River Expedi- tion.
There were several other men of O'Fallon who served with distinction but were not members of Company "I". Colonel Julius Raith. who originally operated the Richland Mill with Charles Tiedemann, organized the 43rd Infanti-y Regiment at the beginning of the war and served as its commanding officer. He was wounded at the battle of Shiloh and died at Pittsbm-gh Landing on April 11, 1862.
Louis L. Fischer, bookkeeper and secretary of the Charles Tiedemann Milling Company, was a Lieutenant in Co. "B", 9th Illinois Infantry Regiment which was organized within a week after President Lincoln's call for troops in April, 1861. The 9th Regiment engaged in over 110 battles and skirmishes.
Dietrich Tiedemann was Captain and Commanding Officer of Co. "C", 9th Illinois Infantry Regiment.
WilUam Reidelberger enlisted at the age of 19 in the 22nd Illinois Regiment and afterwards in the 154th Illinois
Infantry. He served from 1861 to 1865. He was Ihe com- mander of the Raith Post. G.A.R. for many years. He died in 1926. .,
Sebastian Mace, son of John Mace, was a member of Co. "D", 22nd Illinois Infantry organized at Belleville on May 11, 1861.
Chris Schalter was a veteran of Co. "B", 43rd Illinois Infantry Regiment. He was mustered out November 30, 1865 as a First Sergeant, Commanding.
Bernhard Scheibel, August Henry, and Isacs C. Houser were other Civil War veterans.
On Tuesday. September 11, 1906 the annual reunion of the 117th lUinois Volunteer Infantry was held in O'Fal- lon. A number of old veterans arrived the day before and gathered on the S. C. Smiley lawn in campfire fashior with members of the local Raith Post. G.A.R. The meet- ings were held in the Baptist Church. The O'Fallon Male Quartette of Rev. R. Morris, W. A. Koenigstein, O. A Darrow, and W. E. Peach fm-nished music for the occasion The ladies of the city served dinner at the City Hall to 150 guests. The meeting adjoui-ned in the afternoon to accompany the Governor of Illinois, C. S. Deneen. to the City Park where he addressed an audience of more than 1,000 persons.
The Colonel Julius Raith Post. G.A.R. and its auxil- iary. Ladies Relief Corps, were active until the late 1920's. The G.A.R. for many years planned and had charge of the Memorial Day programs in O'Fallon.
Samuel H. Beedle. the last surviving Civil War veteran of the O'Fallon area, died on May 20, 1933 at the age of 92 years. He was the last survivor of the Colonel Raith Post Ko. 587, G.A.R., and of Co. "I", 117th IlUnois Volun- teer Infantry.
WORLD WAR I
On June 28. 1914, World War I burst forth in Europe. When the United States entered the war on April 6, 1917, O'Fallon men played a part in the conflict as they served On the far-flung battle fronts. On June 16, 1917 more than 14,000 men from St Clair County registered for the draft. The O'Fallon area provided 208 men for service in the vaious units and the honor roll of war dead lists 8 names as follows:
Killed in action — H. Edward Fischer, Samuel Scruggs, Henry Love. Alva O. Neely. Died in service — Arthur S. Meyer, Frank Titter, Philip W. Fritz, Alfred Spargo.
H. Edward Fischer, Marine Corps, was the first World War I casualty from O'Fallon. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Fischer. He enlisted in the Marines on May 2B, 1917 and was killed in action on June 15. 1918 being 2D years of age at the time of his death. The American Lejion Post was originally named H. Edward Fischer Post until the term.ination of World War II when the name was chang- ed to Fischer-Sollis Post to further commemorate O'Fallon's first casualty in World War II, Milton VerneU SoUis.
Manv of the men called into service from this area were inducted at Camp Taylor. Kentucky.
War brings many hardships to the people at home and World War I was no exception in this respect. Food ration- ing was started very early. In February, 1918 the Food Conservation Program called for "wheatless" and "meat- less" days. In August. 1918 a program was advanced to
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L> "^JuLioii (Ldntd/i/iLuL, Lhic.
Presents
THE DRAMATIC HISTORICAL PAGEANT
AUGUST 26 and 27, 1954
8:00 P. M.
STAFF
Chairman
Director and Stage Manager
Script J.
Music
Director: J. E. Hinchcliffe, Sr. Accompanist: Carrie Warma
Narrators
Casting Nancy Nail
Lucille Randel, Stanley Feist
Scenery
Art Work-Designs Carl McManemy
Velma Hartman, Edna Avers
Properties Procurement
Howard Glenn Josephine Shaw
Wardrobe Erna Scheibel
Virginia Gruchalla, Mabel Hobbs, Cecil Lienesch, Elva Uhles
Electricians Ray Richardson
Richard Richardson, Raymond Scheibel
Vernon Scheibel, Arthur Stein
John Donovan, L. E. Nail
Stage and Set Construction
Sound and
Lighting Supervisor
F. J. Hangsleben L. B. Sample
Howard Glenn
Stage Property
Wiimer Mann'/, Erwin Schmidt, Lucille Randel, Josephine Shaw
Liaison to Scott Air
Force Base Capt. Robert J. McDougall
Liaison to
Executive Committee Delbert Corbier
James M. Segraves
Velma Hartman
E. Ilinchcliffe, Sr., Velma Hartman, Joan Bevirt
O'Fallon Choral Singers
James M. Segraves, Irene Segraves
Synopsis of Scenes 'THIS IS OUR TOWN"
EPISODE I.
OUT OF THE PAST
Grand Opening 'This is My Country" (Jacobs)
Choral Singers
The Spirit of O'Fallon, assisted by Father Time, takes us back, through the years, to the Highlights in the His- tory of our City and its surrounding Communities. The Dance of Hours brings back the past for us.
Dance — "Waltz of the Flowers" Tchaikowsky
Dance created by Mrs. Selma Heinemann Kissel — School of Dancing, Belleville, lU.
Accompanist — Mrs. Warren Werner
EPISODK II.
DRUSILLA AND THE INDIANS — 1786-1820
The history of O'Fallon goes back to the late 1700's, to the Indian raids on the pioneer homesteads. Wc see such a massacre of the Andrews family near what is now (.ailed Mace's Grove.
Indians Spoyie Clan Indians. St. Clair County
Music — "Home Sweet Home" tBishop> Choral Singers
(Continued from preceeding page) EPISODE ni.
EPISODE vni.
SCOTT FIELD AND O'FALLON
1900-1920
OLD KING COAL
1820-1854
The migrations Westward brought to the pra'ri elands the staunch English, Scotch, and Welsh who settled and later opened the vast mineral resources of this area. Coal mining was one of the eai-liest and most important of O'Fallon's industries. The Gartsides and Taylors were among the first to develop coal mining here.
Music— "Men of Harlech" (Welsh Airs) Choral Singers
"All Through the Night"
EPISODE rv.
THE IRON HORSE COMES TO TOWN — 1854
The actual settlement of O'Fallon as a village was the direct result of the Mines and the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad which was built through the efforts of Col. John J. O'Fallon. The City was named, lots were sold and O'Fallon became a reaUty.
Music — I've Been Working on the Railroad" (Old Plantation Ditty) Choral Singers
EPISODE V.
ON THE ROAD TO FREEDOM — 1854-1862
The O'Fallon area played an important part in the history of the War between the States. Bethel Church in the Community North of O'Fallon was a link on the Underground Railroad.
Music— "Abide With Me" (Monk^ Choral Singers
Spirituals— Medley from the Sunny South (Harris)
EPISODE VI.
O'FALLON DURING THE CIVIL WAR — 1862-1865
In 1862 Gen. Grant himself recruited Co. I. 117th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in the basement of Shiloh Church Many pioneer family names appear on the Roster of those who marched away to War. There was a gay celebration when the War was over.
Music — "Battle Hymn of the Republic" (Wilhousky) Choral Singers
"Tenting on the Old Camp Ground" (Kittredge)
Gettysburg Address— Lincoln (Mueller) Narrator — Clarence Distler
"Johnny Comes Marching Home" (Wilhousky)
EPISODE VII.
THE GAY NINETIES— WE GROW — 1865-1900
We recall inventions and events of the period. Many businesses were born in this period.
The O'Fallon Volunteer Fire Laddies put out a fire and rescue an imperiled and frightened female. Music— "Scotland's Burning" (Anon) Choral Singers
"There'll Be A Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight" (Anon)
Of great economic interest to O'Fallon and the sur- rounding area, was llie bviilding of Scolt l''ield. The field trained many fliers who saw duty in Fian-.e daring the first World War. The Armistice was greeted wildly by O'Fallonites.
Music — "Over 1'here" (Cohan) _ Choral Singers
"Keep the Home Fires Burning (Nobello)
EPISODE IX.
SCOTT AIR BASE AND O'FALLON — 1920-1954
The "Roaring 2U's" followed, 'i'lit v uild lliought it had been made safe for Democracy, but Pearl Harbor proved how false the hope was. The people of America again had to prove that their country was as strong as any aggressor. Again Scott Air Force Base played an important part in winning a war. O'Fallon is proud of its herci: warriors and citizens who helped in the War effort. A Memorial Service pays tribute to all O'Fallon citizens who have died.
Music — "Air Corps Song" Lord's Prayer (Malotte)
Choral Singers
The Committee requests that there be no applause following the rendition of the Lord's Prayer.
Dance — Charleston Air Corps Drill Team
High School Students Scott Air Force Base
EPISODE X.
FINALE
The Spirit of O'Fallon and Father Time have led us through the years, along the paths of history and have shown us our glorious heritage. The hope for our future lies within each of us -- if v.'e remember to hold dear the traditions and heritage.' that have been handed down to us through our past by those who so zealously guarded them for us. May we be able to hand them on to those coming after us, is our prayer for the future.
Music— "America the Beautiful" (Bates-Ward) Choral
Singers and Cast
FIREWORKS
NOTES
The Pageant Committees wish to express their appre- ciation to Mrs. Selma Heinemann Kissel for so graciously donating her time and efforts to help with the Dance of the Hours and the Lord's Prayer interpretations.
The Chairmen of the various committees wish to thank each and everyone for his cooperation. It was due to the splendid spirit of cooperation that the pageant is a success.
The oxen and covered wagon was made available to us by the State of Illinois Salem Park Service. Thanks are due to Scott Air Force Base for the Drum and Bugle Corps, Drill Team, large balloon, and section of bleachers.
O'FALLON CHORAL SINGERS
Lois Andricks Ruth Barth Robert Bittles Imelda Berens Joan Bevirt Robert Buck Delbert Corbier Bob Fitzgerald Oma Fitzgerald Bernice Gindler Carolyn Glenn LaDoris Glenn Kathryn Hall Roy Hall Dorothy Hartman Clayton Henry Dixie Hertenstein Hope Heuman Ross Heusler Dolores Hillesheim Joan Hillesheim J. E. Hinchcliffe. Jr. Sara Mae Hinchcliffe
Violinists Marie Schaefer. Vera Neiman
Lyman Ketchuni William Koch William Lehman Christine Linhorst Mary Lugge Velma Marvel Dean Marxer Gloria Miller Martha Ogden Vivian Payne Mildred Richardson Gloria Schunimer John Schutzenhofer Josephine Shaw Carol Souza Ruth Thompson Mildred TrammeU Charles Volrain Verna Votrain Norma Lee Warma Theodore Warma John Zielinski Ronald Zinkgraf
Trumpeters
Ralph Keek and
Jerry Schumacher
Air Force Trumpeters
Spoyies Clan Indian Dancers: William Bach Dale Anna Don Hcnnings Ed. Richards Don Richards Jim Gathers Carl Bostick
Norman Friese Earl Compton Richard Hodges Bob Dintleman Dick Dmtlcman Carl Rickells.
EPISODE III.
Mr. Gartside Mrs. Gartside Gartside children
Mr. Joseph Taylor
Mrs. Taylor
Side Saddle Rider
Pioneer Women: Lucille Rasp Bea Von Hatten Laura Plab Verna Schmidt Rose Ann Thoman
Edgar Brockhahn
Lizzie Scheurer
Donna Taylor.
Kenneth Taylor, Jimmie Nail
Bernard Taylor
Sally Taylor
Lena Gindler
Loretta Louis M. Songer Tillie Retting Helen Schilling Lena Gindler
CAST
EPISODE I.
Scott Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps and Drill Team
Spirit of O'Fallon Anna Lee Hesse
Father Time Fred Han«sleben
Herald O. M. Randel
Dancers:
Rita Davis Pat Simon Pat Trame Ruth HuUer Saline Busch Shirley Huller Carol Mayer Jean Mitchell Jean Tiley Frances Armstrong Carol Koehler Joan Meinkoth
Dolores Donato Donna Hornberger Jean Brauer Jo Ann Richichi Jean Hamm Ruth Bernreuter Sandy Glenn Carol Noland Kay Glenn lanza French Bobbie Ruth Joan Glenn
Mrs. Andrews Mr. Andrews Andrews children
Men visitors Government Agent Squaws
Indian children
Mr. and Mrs. Henry French Fur Traders British Soldiers Pioneer
EPISODE II.
Martha Bode
Fred Andricks
Andrea Randel,
Michele Randel, Pat Davis
Cletus Schau. Jr.. August Neff
Edwin Hesse
lone Mannz. Dorothy Clark,
Gene Thomas, Lucille Gross
Ronnie Mannz, Mark Diekroetger,
Garry Retting, Bob Brauer
Mace Wilbur and June Retting
Bob Gray. W'lliam Sharp
Vic Logan, Glenn Loyet
Albert Louis
Pioneer Men and Miners: Lee Voland Edward Hemmer David Carson, Jr. Syl Elliott Henry Baumgartner Carl Owens Lyman Dainton Stanley Feist
Bernard Taylor Lawrence Foy Gary Mackey Edward Nail Henry Seipp Robert Sharp Charles Heitman John Fuchs
EPISODE IV
Col. John O'Fallon
Surveyor
Auctioneer
Deed Recorder
Engineer
Speaker
Populace: Harry Keys. Pearl Keys.
and Daughters Ray Christopher Mildred Christopher Vera McGuire LaVerna Evans Blanche Schmidt Jane Morrison Christopher children Frances Mueller George Mueller Katherine Keck Joo Keck, Sr. Evelyn Schaller Gene Thomas Bob Morrison Al ivieckfessel Irma Meckfessel
Charles Schuetz
Edward N. Thomas
Harold Evans
Philip Bell
.Allison McGuire
Elmer Hartman
Ed Hasemann Anita Hasemann Edith Stein Arthur Stein Ann Thomas Estelie Kampincycr A Ida Mayer Pat .Mannz Hazel Schwarz Lavinia Schwarz Joyce Greene Joan Keck Sue Schwarz Gary Mueller Jerry Bailey L. M. Wolfersberger Marian Schmidt
EPISODE V
Minister James Lemen Negro men , Negro women Wagon drivers
Church attendants:
Fern Lemen Carolyn Lemen Ljrace Ketchrem Albert Ketchrem Edna Hunter and Sons Lillian Stebbs Lee Stebbs
John Hunter
Frederxk Lehn (descendant)
Harold Cavins, Ronald Stein
_ Marian Bevirt, Anna Nail
Joseph Louis and Fred Bevirt
Kathryn Roach Kenneth Brauer Elton Rothkegel Cleola Rothkegel and
Daughter Theodora Zinkgraf Meredith Brown and Children
EPISODE VI
Soldiers :
John Schanherr Harold White Virgil Scheibel Page Coleman Joe Lapka Maurice Reaka Robert Lillie Earl Thompson Bob Gribler Bob Berens Eddie Nail Charles Bevirt Dave Carson
Walter Hartman Ronald Zinkgraf Ray Distler Leland Johannes John Chester Wilbui- Scott Paul Gutsgel Bob Williams Tim Feltman Lewis Adair Arthur Schroeder Ravmond Keller
Drummer — Norman Horenkamp Boys of Cub Scout Troop No. 35 play soldier
Musicians - Walter Gindler
Wilmer Knewitz, J. H. VanBuren
Populace:
Frieda Schmidt Laurene Anheuser Dorothy Roth Doris Schwarz Mary Ruth Betty Suever Maxine Brockhahn Gladys Fritz Ruth Ann Schwarz Elvera Schmidt Alice Rasp Edna Wright Hazel Nave Ruby Keller Mildred Schrameck Leona Warma
Lena Gindler Carrie Tichenor Lee Pierce Gloria Knewitz Margaret Thompson Marian Ellis Nina Lee Pfeifer Betty Lehman Mildred Zimmerman Lola Taylor Eileen Hearne Francis Hearne Hearne children Eve Schuetz Florence Johannes and Children
Squaredancers
Doris and La Verne Sturman Nina and James Pfeifer Dorothy and Mike Schwarz A-deline and Russell Hauch Kathryn and Roy Hall Marie and Louis Voruz Louella and Harold Moore Billie and Lee Neal Elaine and Vincent Maibes
Doris and Dan Hertenstein Lavonne and Alan Bott Dorothy and Walter
Moellman lone and Lester Richter Marion and Ben Hamm Gladys and Ray Besse Katherine and Victor
Reinhardt
Caller: Frank Keeser
EPISODE VU
Firemen:
William Suever Cletus Schau Benjamin Hamm Fred Budina Herman Hemmen Jack Taylor
Fred Andricks Forrest Schroeder William Remelius Earl Friederich Bernard Henry Ferd Lampe
Inventions .. . Virginia Scheibel,
Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Hangsleben Street Car:
Nidra Lurtz Luci:ida Glenn
Dorothy Oulvey Steven Lurtz
Helen Glenn Meredith Brown and
Suzie Lurtz children
Old Car Louise and Ray Scheibel,
Leona and LaVergne Diefenbach
Miller - - Wilbur Retting
Bank Teller and Two Women John Hunter.
Thora Quinn. Vera McGuire Louis Allen and Customer —- Mr. and Mrs. Elton Rothkegel
Bicyclists Betty and Joe Hubbard
Model - Edith Depping
EPISODE vin.
Airmen World War I Bill Sharp, Glen Loyet
Victor Logan, Don Kirsch, Bob Grau
Gold Star Mother - - - Eleanor Franke
Senators Gerald Poser, Joe Keck, Jr.,
Walter Zinkgraf, Richard Hartman, Dean Heitman
Girls Janet Munie, Joyce Anheuser,
Pat Cruse, Juanita Woods. Jean Bernreuter
Messenger Wesley Hangsleben
Draft Scene Dean Heitman, Joe Keck.
Richard Hartman
EPISODE IX.
Harry and Helen Freivogel and Sons
. Willford Eckert and Class
La Veda Benish Nell Rose Waters Anna Nail Betty Maibes Betty Suever Ruth Greene
Scott Air Force Drill Team
At Altar _ . Carol Braun, Gloria Lautz, Edith Depping
Shirley Roberts, Delores Clover, Monetta Smith
Family —
First Aid . Bill Nave Hazel Nave Julia Hays Kathleen Green Frances Eckert Margaret Thompson
Men in Blue
Lord's Prayer:
Selma Heinemann Kissel Pat Trame Betty Thomas Kay Glenn
Jean Brauer Jo Ann Richichi Jean Tiley Joan Meinkoth
Service men at attention:
Preston Gross Marine
Wayne Jung Navy
Bill Meinkoth ^ - Air Force
Bob Seipp -.- Army
Nurses Delores Kuehn. Arvey Brockman
Charleston Dancers:
Bill Sharp Glen Loyet Victor Logan Don Kirsch Bob Grau
Janet Munie Joyce Anheuser Pat Cruse Juanita Woods Jean Bernreuter
conserve on fuel and lights. Stores closed at an earlier no'.ir and householders were urged to save fuel. Women and children entered enthusiastically into Red Cross work, preparing bandaijos and dressintjs. knitting sweaters, pack- ing gift packages, etc. Many persons still rcmciiibcr the influenza epidemic with its resulting sickness, deaths, and quarantines. Public institutions were closed for a number of weeks in the fall winter of 1918.
The people at home also gave their financial support to the war effort. Red Cross drives wei'e oversubscribed and O'Fallon in all instances exceeded the quota set for the sale of Liberty Bonds in the various drives. In May. 1918 O'Fallon citizens oversubscribed by 205'; their quota in the 3rd Liberty Loan Drive. The quota set for the city was S63.300 and the subscriptions amounted to $133,150.
News of the armistice came on Monday morning. November Uth, at 3 A. M. announced by mine whistles and passing trains. People began to flock into the streets, many partly dressed. Shouts, yells, clanging bells, whistles, drums, dish-p?.ns, and every conceivable noise maker added to the din. By 4 A. M. a parade was under way and it mov- ed from street to street through the town people falling into line This was continued to daybreak. Miners ready to gc lo work, shfd their work clothes to join in the re- joicing. Mayor Tiedemann issued a proclamation setting forth that all business houses should close. A courier read the proclamation to the merchants and stores, which had already opened, closed. Sobriety began to v;ane and the Mayor ordered the saloons to close for the rest of the day.
Gloom for awhile was spread over the celebration wncn an automobile oc:upied by Irvin Cox. George Koch, Ed. Knoebel. William Hardy, W i 1 li a m Hornberger, John Schneider, Albert Hawes and his daughter, Helen Hawes 2H years old, crashed into the interurban express car at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Second Street. No one was seriously injured.
An effigy of the Kai.«:er was swung from a telephone pole at the corner of Lincoln and State bearing a sign. "Good-By Boys, I'm going to Hell."
At a late hour celebrants returned to their homes mark- ing a full day of wild celebration.
World War I was fought, we were told, to save the world for democrac-y. History dictated this not to be so and about twenty years later the world was plunged into a greater struggle in World War II.
WORLD WAR II
In 1940 when World War II was looming on the hori- zon, draft boards were created to arrange for the induction of men into the Armed Services. The Burke-Wadsworth Selective Service Act required all men between the ages of 21 and 35 years to register for army service on October 16. 1940. Again on July 1, 1941, boys who had attained the age of 21 since October 16, 1940 were required to reg- ister. On February 16, 1942. men between 20 and 45 registered, and on April 27, 1942 those men from 21 to 6fi years of age were required to do so.
The first group to leave the O'Fallon area for one year's service under the Selective Service Act included: Eugene Browning. Robert Simon, Harvey Kreutzer, Lloyd
Geiger, George Hangsleben, Louis Rasp, George Jung, and Lyman Dainlon. This group left on February 27, 1941.
World War II had been raging for two years and three months or some 828 days when the United States was precipitated into the conflict by the attack on Pearl Har- bor, December 7. 1941. The United States declared war against Japan on December 8, 1941 and against Germany and Italy on December 11, 1941.
The first O'Fallon man wounded in action was Robert Mertz injured in action at Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked that naval installation.
The first man from O'Fallon to lose his life in World War II was Seaman Second Class Milton Vernell Sollis of the U. S. Navy. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Sollis. He enlisted in the Navy on January 8, 1941 at the age of 17 years and was reported missing in acti'c.ii on April 25, 1942.
During World War II, 521 men and women from the O'Fallon area were called into service of which the 11 men listed below gave their all for their country. The following were casualties in World War II;
Vernell Sollis iNavy^
Leroy Franke i Air Corps)
Glendle Miller iNavy)
Russell Kuehn i Marines*
Fred Schempp (Navy)
John Schneider (Army)
J..averne Bernhardt (Army)
Elsworth Gartside (Army)
Dale Willard (Air Corps"
Harry L. Camp (Army
Pat H. Lewis (Army)
Delbert Schaperkoetler (Marines) When a nation is in an "all-out" war the united efforts of the military and civilian population are required. O'Fallon was not a laggard, she gave at once unstintingly of her resources and stoically accepted the worry, sorrov/. hardships and deprivations of war.
The rationing of sugar, meat, canned foods, shoes, cloth- ing, tires, gasoline, etc., were accepted as a necessary contribution to the war effort. In 1945 the "brown-out" program to conserve fuel and power by curtailing use of imnecessary lights was agreeably accepted. Plasma came into wide usage in World War II and the citizens gave blood as the Red Cross collection units came to the city. Bond drives, U.S.O.. Red Cross, and other drives were given genero".is support.
The school children participated in scrap drives and countless number of tons of paper and metal were col- lected. The high school organized the Junior Commandos to collect scrap. One of the Commandos, Dick Richardson, fell from a truck and fractured his right arm. The coal miners at St. Ellen, on their own time and after duty hours, gathered scrap down in the mine and thus salvaged over 100 tons of valuable material needed to feed the machines of war. The industrial plants in the area did excellent jobs as shown by the Army-Navy "E's" awarded them for quality and quantity of production.
The following chart shows how O'Fallon supported the war effort by the purchase of bonds:
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Drive
First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Seventh Victory Bond In November organized. Their
Quota Total Sales
Not recorded Not recorded
$113,700.00 $499,366.00
$350,000.00 $503,471.25
$350,000.00 $1,504,787.30
$400,000.00 $646,855.00
$395,000.00 $484,818.28
$471,950.00 $565,800.00
$202,840.00 $310,000.00
1942 the Service Men's Mothers' Club first project was to lease the Eechtold Building (old Post Office) on East First Street and furn- ish it as a club for service men— particularly men from the Bertram School of Gases at the Independent Engineer- ing plant and Scott Field. The club continued to operate until August 1944. In July, 1943 the club erected at the corner of State and Lincoln Avenue a large outdoor honor roll with the names inscribed of all men serving in the Armed Forces and this sign was kept current by adding names as the men left for service. The sign was 20 feet long and eight feet wide.
In 1942 the High School Manual Training classes built hundreds of model airplanes for the Navy. These planes were used for instructional purposes and in airplane recognition classes.
Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies on May 7, 1945. In O'Fallon the glad tidings telling that tRe day had come at last — one for which the peoples of the Allied world had prayed for — was received with restrained rejoicing, the citizens being fully aware that while half the battle was over, we still had the task of subduing another foe — Japan. The next day. President Truman officially announced the surrender of Germany. By the terms of a proclamation issued by the Mayor of the city
the schools, business houses, and mines closed. Many citizens visited their churches to offer thanks and prayers for an early cessation of all hostilities.
Japan accepted unconditional sui^render terms on August 14, 1945. On Tuesday evening, August 14, 1945 at 7 p.m., the people of O'Fallon received the word from President Harry S. Truman via radio that Japan had sur- rendered. Citizens at first took the news with reserved calm, but when church bells, whistles, and automobile horns began to sound it was a signal for celebration. People started to gather in the downtown section and in a short time the streets were crowded with tooting cars and trucks and the sidewalks were lined with hundreds of people.
A parade formed at the Methodist Church corner with cheering youths and older folks and started the march through the business section. It was not long until another parade came on the scene, this time headed by members of the school band who marched to the corner of State and Lincoln Avenue. Bedlam raged, and the noise of re- joicing reached its height amid showers of confetti and scraps of paper.
The old Homecoming lights on State Street which had been dark since the advent of the war were turned on. The city officials assisted by others provided a place for dancing on the corner of State and Lincoln. A "juke" box was carried from the bus station and placed on the sidewalk, and old and young danced to its strains.
With all the excitement and the immense crowd, not a single accident or incident occurred to mar the happiness of the occasion. Well after the midnigtt hour the crowd dispersed to go quietly to their homes with all thankful for this momentous August 14, 1945.
Entertainment and Sports
ENTERTAINMENT
For the first twenty years or so of its existence O'Fal- lon had very little in the way of professional theatricals or entertainment. There was not a suitable place in town that had a stage or scenery.
Sometime in the 1870's, Jack Shinton located here and began the operation of a saloon at the corner of State and Lincoln Avenue. At that time the hall on the second floor of the building was used for dances, dancing schools, public meetings, lodge room, and various other purposes. Mr. Shinton made improvements to the building, en- larged the hall, and put in a stage of about 10 by 12 feet. At the southeast corner of the building he built a ticket office and a stairway which gave entrance to the hall from the porch above. Traveling show companies then began t. take notice of O'Fallon and gave performances here. In the fall of 1877, posters appeared all over town announc- ing that J. A. Simon's Star Comedy Company would play a week's season at Shinton's Opera House. Their reper- toire consisted of six popular plays, each one given one night only, as follows: "The Hidden Hand," "Rip 'Van Winkle," "Gilded Age," "Oliver Twist,' "Fanchon the Cricket." and "Uncle Tom's Cabin." They were accom- panied by the "Superb Silver Cornet Band."
The O'Fallon City Hall was built in 1890— dedicated on December 31, 1890. When the hall was built, a small stage was provided. There were no curtains, wings or scenery of any kind. Nevertheless, the dramatic organizations were duly appreciative of having some place to give their plays. In January, 1891, a dramatic gi'oup, called the Crescent Club, was organized and gave the first play after the dedi- cation of the city hall. The play was "Fielding Manor" by Edgar Fawcett.
In the absence of scenery at the Town Hall, the Cres- cent Club sent to New York for a wood land scene print- ed on heavy paper which was to be pasted on cloth. George Remick was then operating the drug store which was the club's headquarters. He sold wall papar and he and E. H. Smiley volunteered to paste the paper on the cloth. After they had finished they pronounced it the toughest job they had ever tackled. Their work didn't look very good as it was unusually rough and wrinkled, but that prov- ed an advantage after it was put up because it looked like the real thing.
With the building of Wachter's Building the dramatic clubs found a new home. At this time there were several active clubs which gave very fine plays In April, 1904, the play "Down in Dixie" was presented by the following
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O' Fallon Dramatic Club. Front. row, from left: Harry Carriel, Clara Zitzmann, Edna Thurston, Bessie Carriel, Adam Young. Back row, from left: Ben Amann, Henry Hartman, Fred Land-
wehr, Arthur Schlinger, Frank Evans, Dan Thomas, James Bradley.
company: H. J. Martin, A. F. Brewer, George and Oscar Schobert, Joe Mackin, George Schmidt. William and Ben Amann, Minnie Streck, TiUie Coupin, Bessie Carriel, and Clara Zitzman. In April, 1905. "Lady Darrel" was given by another club composed of: George Brockhahn, Joe Mac- kin, W. R. Lawrence, Walter Alexander, Ralph Kamp- meyer, Louis Proffitt. William Lacquet, George Eckert, Edna Thurston, Grace Burkhart. Flora Ahrens, and Rose Alexander.
From time to time home talent plays have been given and have been the means of raising funds for worthy projects and giving opportunity for expression of latent talents. The high school has presented a number of excel- lent operettas and class plays.
The old silent motion pictures were presented m the Wachter Hall until in August, 1910, the Lyric Theater moved its operations to the new Taylor Opera House. In the period 1910 to 192C, silent motion pictures were pre- sented by the Moonlight Theater — open air under the stars- four times weekly during the summer season. This open air theater was located on the site of the present State Thea- ter.
The Opera House built by Joseph Taylor was com- pleted December 27. 1908. It was formally dedicated and opened for use in 1909. This building, when completed, was the wonder of the area as it far surpassed in equipment and appointments any theater in any of the surrounding towns The Opera House at first presented "live shows" during a portion of the year-opening in the fall and clos- ing with the coming of hot weather. Professional troupes usually brought their own scenery and actors. Admission was 10c for adults and 5c for children. Later under the management of Henry Schwarz. Sam Taylor, and Leroy Hiles the Opera House was devoted almost entirely to the showing of motion pictures Patrons of the Opera House, perhaps, can recall the piano accompaniment of Meta Dist-
O Falion Stock Co. Front row, from left: E. C. Asbury, Walter Ayers, Edward Thomas, Helen Zinkgraf, Edgar Schalter, Walter Ale.\ander. Back row, from left: Harry Carriel, Thomas Gordon, Elizabeth Fischer, Peter Galloway, Elsie Schilling, J. T. Lilly, Be.ssie Carriel, Jack Blackett.
ler and the solo.' of Sam Taylor.
In the late 1930"s the Taylor Opera House ceased as a theater and stood idle for some time until 1945 when Wilbert H. Tschudy purchased the building and converted it into a modern food locker plant.
On November 9, 1937. the State Theater was formally opened by Leroy Hiles and Sam Taylor. The theater today i.o owned by Goldman and Tobcn from St. Louis. The pre- sent manager is Francis Berry.
Street fairs and carnivals, tent shows, medicine shows, masque balls, the circus, lyceum courses, and chautau^ua brought entertainment — good and bad — to O'Fallon.
In September. 1920, O'Fallon had its lirst chautauquas season. Officers of the Chautauqua association were: Rev.
F. J. Langhorst, president: S. E. McGcehon. vice-president;
G. B Gieser, secretary, and George W. Tiedemann, tre.isur- er. The United Chautauqua System gave a series of en- tertainment under a big tent in City Park. In later years the Redpath Chautauqua was engaged and their tent was
49-
Stars and Stripes Band, iibuut l'JU5. Sealed from lelt : Frank .Mai'tiii, Frank Evans, John Koch, George Brockhahn, Fred Landwehr, Henry Martin. Standing, from left: William Amman, Emil Cook, Medley Guest, Edward Tiedemann, Horace Evans, Henry Hartman, Fred Morgenstern, L. J. Bridges, Director.
set up on the grade schoo) gi-ounds. The last chaiitauqua series was presented in 1S25.
Through the years O'Fallon has had a number of or- ganizations that have done fine work in vocal music; the Liederkranz Society; the Harmony Club; the Abholt Sing- ing Society, church choirs, O'Fallon Community Chorus, and as of today, the O'Fallon Choral Club. ,T. Emmett Hinch- cliffe has done much to promote vocal music in our com- munity since he came to O'Fallon in 1921.
Lyceum courses have been sponsored over the years by the Woman's Club, Alumni Association, and classes at the High School. Many fine artists have appeared in O'Fallon as a result of the Lyceum Courses.
The first operetta presented was "The Mikado" given on April 2. 1889 by the Harmony Club. It was given in the old brick warehouse at the Tiedemann Mill as it was the only place in O'Fallon large enough to accommodate the production. Flour barrels were placed in the south end of the warehouse and planks placed upon them to make a stage. Tarpaulins were borrowed from farmers and im- plement dealers to fix curtains, chairs were obtained from churches and lodge halls, hanging lamps were borrowed for lighting, and planks were placed on nail kegs to make seats for the unreserved section. The following took part in the production: John Lienesch. D. W. Caughlan, George Caughlan. Charles Peach, George Darrow, Nellie Bates,
Je.ssie Umbarger, Fannie Umbarger, Ada McFarland, Master Walter Lienesch; in the chorus, Henry Tiedemann, Alonzo Bridges, William Lehman, Don Parker, George Lienesch. John Dunnivan, Andy Entrekin, Oliver Darrow, Leila Scott. Julia Shaw, Lutie Wade, Annie Simmons, Lizzie Powell, Fannie Darrow, Louise and Marianna Fisch- er, Irene Parker, Daisy Bates; accompanists, Emma Scott, Alf and Oscar Ginzel of Trenton; prompter, Amelia Car- riel; carpenters, Emil Wittig, L. M. Scott, and James T. HoUiday.
Among the vanished glories of the "olden tyme" are the torchlight processions. Torchlight processions in the middle west date back to the 1830's— the days of hard cider, "Old Tippecanoe and Tyler Too," the Lincoln cam- paign and others. O'Fallon had a number of these parades in the 1880's and 1890's.
The young men of the various communities formed marching clubs, drilled faithfully to perfect themselves in marching techniques, wore striking, brilliant uniforms, and carried torches. One of the companies in O'Fallon wore black military slouch hats with white plumes, red, white and blue sashes, and carried tin swing torches. These clubs were the means of arousing great interest in the politi(;al compaigns.
One time when the Belleville clubs were expected in full force at a political rally at O'Fallon, the O'Fallon Clubs
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gathered at the Belleville and O'Fallon Railroad Depot to act as a reception committee. They waited for some time for the train to pull into the station, although they could hear it down the track. When the train finally arrived, the OTallon people were told that when the train struck the grade at McFarland's timber about 2 '2 miles southwest of town, it was discovered that someone had greased the rails. The engine ran out of sand, and the crew and pass-
engers had to carry water from the creek to wash the grease off the rails before the train could proceed.
Today, our entertainment comes into our living rooms via our radio and television sets. I wonder if it has the same value and gives as much satisfaction as entertain- ment gave to our fathers? Our fathers made their enter- tainment, they did not believe in spectator sports.
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Gun clubs were very popular around the turn of the century. The Shiloh Valley Gun Club was organized in 1881. The first officers were: George Crosby, president; Col. Adolph Engelmann, vice-president; and Albert C. Reuss, secretary. Their grounds were in the pasture at the Ferd L. Reuss farm, about half a mile east of Shiloh. Among their members were the best shots in the country: George, Will, Tom and Ned Crosby, Albert and Ferd Reuss. Col. Engelmann, Fred Herbst. Carl Jaeger. John Haase, Adolph Schott, William Bug. Rudolph 0;hs. James Curry, Charles Glaser. Guy and John Fierce. Herman Bergfeld. Adolph Weil, Herman Hoppe, Thrift Quick, and Charles Herbst.
V/illiam R. Crosby won na- tional and international cham- pionships in trap-shooting. Old issues of the Belleville Daily Advocate give details of the various championships as fol- lows: In 1899, he won a state championship at a m.eet in Peoria and also won a S200 pm-se at Kansas City, Mo. The 1902 files show that the pro- fessional star carried off cham- pionships in Atlanta. Georgia Asheville, Korth Carolina, an Vicksburg, Mississippi, captui- ed a $1,000 purse at Blue Rive: Park. Kansas City. Missouri. and was second in the Omaha. Nebraska meet.
Shortly before Crosby lef; for the 1901 meet in England, he won the DuPont trophy and a world's championship event in the shoot-off of a tie of three perfect lOO's at the an- nual tournainent of the Illinois Sportsmen's Association in Springfield, Illinois.
In July 1905, he took top honors in the first days pre liminary of the Grand Ameri- can Handicap in Indianapolis. He broke 199 out of a possible 200, missing his first target.
Until 1924 the American Trapshooting Association, now known as the Amateur Trap- shooting Association, was controlled by manufacturers of guns and ammunition, and Crosby was in the employ of such manufacturers as a professional trapshooter.
Following are some of the stories on Crosby which appeared in the Belleville Daily Advocate concerning his participation in international competition in 1901 in Eng- land and Scotland: Friday, May 31, 1901— William R.
Crosby, of O'Fallon. and other members of the American trapshooting team, selected to represent the United States in the match with British experts for $2500 a side at the Middlesex Gun Club near London on June 11th. and following days, sailed from New York for Liverpool on Sunday, on board the steamship. Canadian. The match will be at 5.000 inaminate targets a side, the Englishmen to have the use of both barrels and the Americans to use but one barrel.
Friday, June 14, 1901 — In the Anglo-American trap- shooting meet, the Americans defeated the Britons in the leading events. As usual, William R. Crosby, of O'FaHrin, made a record for himself and was ranked well
up among the very best shots of the contest. In the team shoot, Crosby took 19 out of the first 20. and 17 out of the second 20. In a preliminary sweepstake. Crosby tied for second with 22 out of 25.
Friday, June 21, 1901— In the individual championship event between the members of the American and British teams of trapshooters which took place at Hendon, London, last Monday, William R. Cros- by was the most successful contestant, taking the world's championship event and win- ning a gold cup valued at S500.
Friday, June 28, 1901— The match held Saturday at Glas- gow, Scotland, between Wil- liam R. Cros'oy and the Scotch champion, Faulds, for 100 pounds, resulted in a victory for the American. The con- ditions were 100 pigeons from ground traps and 50 pigeons from tower traps. At the ground traps. Crosby scored 97, while Faulds had 93; at the tower traps Crosby got 42 birds, Faulds 41. The world's record: as held by Crosby: 345 straight at inamimate targets, 193 straight at live birds, and 110 William R. Crosby from the 31 yard line.
The O'Fallon Gun Club was organized in 1904 with Ned Crosby as president. The club continued to meet and sponsor shoots until the late 1930's when it disbanded. At various times the club had shooting grounds on the John Louis farm, Schwaegel farm, Christ Porter farm, and the Klein farm on Route 50. east of O'Fallon. Persons who were members at various times were as follows: Ernst
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Linde. Ben Amann, John Schneider, Ned Crosby, Adolph OhlenUorf. Sr., Louis Plab, Walter Thomas, Charles Buck- les, Alfred Tiedemann, George, Edward, Joe. Nap, and Ted Willard, S. E. McGeehon. Robert Ruth, George Scheibel, Ben Schmidt, L. Ernst Tiedemann, and Lyman Joseph.
^eiiiitaxHeil S^aitA
The first baseball club in O'Fallon was the "Comets" organized in the 1860's. Their grounds were north and opposite the present Methodist Church. Later the diamond was located where the Schildknecht Funeral Home is now located after which it was moved across the street. Some of the early ball players were: Henry and Andrew Rutherford. Anderson Umbarger, Henry Needles. Henry Simmons. Charles Neville, James Distler, Albert and George Ogle, "Win" Bowler, Johnny Cormack, and Wil- liam Bowler.
Ball diamonds were later located at Koch's Crossing east of town on the old interurban line, then on Willard land on East Second Street <East End Park), and finally at Community Park.
O'Fallon until the past few years has ahvays shown great interest in the "town team." The O'Fallon Mer- chants in the 1920-30 period and the Legion team of 1946-48 period were fine teams and had a large following of fans.
Names such as: Yaegers, Ladd, Harters, Bender. Prof- fitt. Corbier. Schoberts, Andricks, Barlh, Meyer. Schmidt, Bell, Siekmann, Schachner, Wheatley. Kampmeyer, Dunn, Landgraf, Mayer, Boyce. Reeble, McKjnley. Pannier, Gart- sides, Schneider, Taylors, Warma, Million and Busch should bring back many memories to baseball fans.
In the 1930's, O'Fallon was very tennis-minded. .A.t various times during the period there were a half dozen tennis courts located in different sections of the city. City tournaments were annually held and drew a fine field of entries. In the early 1930's, the O'Fallon Ramblers, an independent tennis team played scheduled matches with Lebanon, Carlyle, Greenville. Trenton, Fairview. Belle- ville, Waterloo, and Breese. The mainstays of the Ramb- lers were: Edward Boyce, Walter Batty, Edward Creed, and Clarence Distler. Other players during this period were: Harry Schneider. Robert Munier. Elmer Yanda, Edwin Schilling, Gustave Budina. Melvin Allen, Edgar Kiederecker, L. E. Morris, Frank Rea, the Clow Brothers, and Herman Miller. Martha (Mickey) Schlinger was the outstanding woman player in the city.
Interest has been ai-oused again in tennis since the construction of two all-weather courts, soon to be lighted, in the Community Park.
O'Fallon has been a city always interested in bowling. During the bowling season the Moonlight and Central idestroj'ed by fire in 1953) were always busy. Our bowlers have been quite successful in intercity match play and have always made a creditable showing at the ABC Tournament. Names which bring back memories to bowling fans are such as: Hartman, Ladd, Yanda, Schnei- der. Schuetz. Evans, Titter. Dressel. Ledford. Elliott, Kuehn, and Proffitt.
During the 1930's. the American Legion sponsored a marble tournament. The winner of the local toiu-ney went on to further tournaments in the St. Louis area which
led up to the selection of the national marbles champ. A news item of May 23, 1935 tells us that Kenneth Pfeif- fer, age 10 years, won the city marbles championship for the second straight year. Francis Titter. Jr.. age 12 years, was the runner-up.
O'Fallon also in the 1930's had a ping-pong league. Chief paddle wielders were: Elmer Yanda, Henry Hesse, Herman Miller. Jake Mueller, .\rthur Ladd, and Ray Schmidt.
If you remember the miniature golf ci'aze of 1929-30, you, perhaps, will al.so remember that "Les" Proffitt operated a course on South Lincoln Avenue.
Several leagues of softball teams (men and women) were in action during the 1932-40 period. Lighting equip- ment, bleachers, and diamonds wei-e prepared and installed in Community Park. League and exhibition play was scheduled four or more times a week. This, however, slowly faded away.
At the present time, chief interest in sports centers around the high school and the summer youth baseball league. Articles which follow will give fuller discussion of these programs.
Sfrart^ ^K O'pa.UaK "^c^^ School
The Historical Committee is indebted to Mr. Ernest Bigge'-staff, present baseball coach at the high school, for much of the basic information contained in the following account.
The sports calendar really started on May 15. 1903. The first recorded sports event was an Athletic Field and Track Meet. Prof W. R. Dorris was clerk and scorer for the meet. The list of contestants included: Henry Poignee. John Budina. Walter Schachner. Gustav Budina, Louis Lorenz, and Ralph Evans.
In May 1904. the first High School Athletic and In- tellectual Meet was held in O'Fallon. Trenton carried off first place honors, and Marissa placed second in the meet. In a similar meet held at Marissa in 1910. William Beedle had a field day winning seven gold medals in various athletic events.
During the early years of the high school the girls had successful basketball teains. They played teams from neighboring schools and St. Louis. Members of a
1904 tilKLS' B.ASKl rn.VI.I. TK A.M. Front row, from left: Helen Zinkgraf, Lenora Stites, Eleanor Deischer. Anna Neville, Mary Hautrow, Annice Corbridge.
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1954 Basketball Team. Front row, from left: Don Kirsch, Don Schmidt, Bill Wessel, Dave Warner, Bill Sharp, Jerry Schumacher. Back row, from left: Coach Harley Culberson, Har- old Cavins, Paul Ping, Ronnie Stein, Art Hin- richs, John Richardson, Don Dzengolewski.
"BILL" WHITEHEAD always root- ing for the team. Janitor at high school since 1925, (Picture taken in 1925)
1940 Basketball Team. Kneeling, from left Roger Clayton and Le- on Harter, manager. Seated, from left: Ralph Hall, Jack Taylor, Floyd Tiedemann, Francis Titter, Floyd Rogers. Ralph Niedereck- er, Stanley Kuehn, John Schnei- der, William Gribler, Benjamin Ham,m. Back row, from left: Coach Curtis L. Smith, Edward Woods, Dale Rea, Jack Schwarz, Bill McGrath, Walter Wilkening, Howard McCandless, Rodney Jung, Carl Barth, Charles Mein- koth, Donald Heitman, Laverne Anderson.
1935 Basketball Team. Seated, from left: Harry Schneider, John Budina, Delmar Warma, Bill Willard, Robert Million, Leslie Schneider, Melyin Allen, Barnett Clow. Standing, from left: Del- bert Corbier, Harold Canterbury, Wil- bur Wiemann, Coach Conrad O. Schenk, George Bender, Paul Greene, Lee Keck.
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school team in 1904 were: Helen Zinkgraf, Lenora Stites, Eleanor Deischer, Anna Neville, Mary Hautrow, and An- nice Corbridge. Their big game was playing the famous Indian Girls from the World's Fair at St. Louis. The game was played at the Fairgrounds in Belleville. The girls wore uniforms of red flannel blouses, full bloomers, and long stockings.
During the year 1915 an Athletic Association was organized by the members of the High School. The pur- pose of the organization was to create interest in all school activities. The first meeting was held en October 12, 1915 and the following officers were elected: President, Walter H. Trippel; Vice-President, James S. Bittles; Secretary. Lucynthia A. Herzing.
The basketball team of 1916 composed of Wilbur Widicus, Walter Harlman, George Bernreuter, Ernest Tiedemann, R. G. Davidson, L. G. Keck and R. F. Mueller enjoyed a successful season. They played Marissa, Leb- anon, Granite City, Shurtleff, Belleville, Trenton, East St. Louis, Alton, and Rankin Trade School.
At the beginning of the 1922 season Walter (Happy) Hartman agreed to act as coach for the school with Prof. J. E. Hinchcliffe serving as manager. The team was out- fitted with new suits and proceeded to have a successful year. The team was composed of: Robert Munier (Capt.>. right forward; Edwin Schilling, left forward; Elmer Yan- da. center; Adolph Ohlendorf, right guard; Melvin Brewer, left guard; Albert Zimmerman and George Darrow sub- stitutes. The individual scoring, a far cry from the fire- house playing and scoring of today, was as follows: Yanda. 135; Munier, 74; Schilling, 38; Ohlendorf. 16; Brewer, 2; Zimmerman. 3; and Darrow, 2 points respective- ly.
In 1922 there was great agitation on the part of the students, principal, and faculty to secure a good gymnas- ium for the school. Dr. Bechtold pledged $2,000 if the balance required to build a .?ym could be raised but the campaign to solicit funds did not prove successful. With the opening of the present high school building in 192.'5, the basketball team for the first time had its own gym in which to practice and play its games. The first game played in the new high school (October 23, 1925) resulted in a High School victory over an Alumni team by a score of 20-11.
In 1922 the baseball team finished second in the Mascoutah-Trenton-Lebanon-O'Fallon League. The players were: E. Yanda, E. Reider, R. Munier, G. Darrow, E. Schilling, A. Ohlendorf, C. Corbier, M. Brewer, E. Schmidt, H. Proffitt, J. Borkievicz, A. Zimmerman, and H. Willhite.
In 1925, O' Fallon became a member of the South- western Conference which was then made up of Collins- ville. Belleville, Granite City, Wood River, Alton, Edwards- ville, Mascoutah, Madison, Jerseyville. and O'Fallon. In 1926. O'Fallon, Mascoutah, and Madison dropped out, but East St. Louis joined the conference.
In 1927, at O'Fallon, the Cahokia Conference was in- stituted. The original members of the conference were: Madison, Lebanon. New Baden, Mascoutah, Dupo, Free- burg and O'Fallon. Later Madison dropped out and wa." replaced by Marissa. Waterloo then took Marissa's place which gives us the present membership of the conference.
In 1929. tennis was organized for the first time as a conference sport and two singles and one doubles match
were played with each school in the conference. Edward Creed and Clarence Distler represented the school in ten- nis in 1929. In 1932 the team of Harry Schneider, Edgar Niederecker and Gustave Budina were Co-Champions of the Cahokia Conference— the first tennis championship for the school.
The 1935 basketball team coached by Conrad O. Schenk won the school's first Cahokia Conference basketball championship, co-champs with Lebanon. The team lost one conference game and finished with a record of 26 wins and five defeats for the season against strong opposi- tion. The thundering triumvirate of "Monk" Million, "Del" Warnia, and "Bill" Willard scored 811 of the 1093 points scored by the team. The Panthers held their opponents to 739 points. The conference game lost was to Lebanon, 25-23 in an overtime. Members of the squad were: Del Warma, Leslie Schneider, Bill Willard, Robert Million. Harry Schneider. Melvin Allen, Barnett Clow, Wilbur Wiemann, George Bender. I^e Keck, John Budina, Paul Greene, Harold Canterbury. Charles Rubin, and Delbert Corbier.
In 1939. the present gymnasium was dedicated and the school had a basketball team (1939-40 season i, coached by Curtis L. Smith, which went to the semi-finals of the sectional tournament at Highland before being defeated in state tournament eliminations.
The team won 23 and losi three during the season. Marissa defeated OFallon twice (35-17 the first game played in the new gymnasium) and again later in the season at Marissa and the loss to Wood River in the sec- tional. O'Fallon defeated Dupo, Belleville, and CoUins- ville to win the championship of the Regional Tourna- ment held at Belleville. The Panthers defeated Green- ville in the first round of the sectional and then lost to Wood River in a double overtime. O'Fallon led 30-28 in the Wood River game with only seconds remaining in the regulation game. Astroth. Wood River's star, intercepted a pass thrown in by O'Fallon. he was fouled and then coolly made the two free throws. This tied the game at 30 all and sent the contest into overtime. Neither team scored in the first overtime. The final score was 32-31 with Wood River the winner. The next night Wood River was defeated by Granite City who then went on to win the state championship at Champaign. Members of the squad were: Floyd Rogers, Ralph Niederecker, Francis Titter, William Gribler, Ralph Hall, John Schneider. Ben- jamin Hamm, Stanley Kuehn. Floyd Tiedemann, and Jack Taylor. Individual scoring was as follows: Rogers, 230; Niederecker, 220; Titter, 213: Gribler, 202; Hall, 33; Schnei- der, 26, and Hamm. 26 points respectively.
In 1950 the baseball team coached by Ernest Bigger- staff made school history by becoming the first baseball team to go through a conference schedule undefeated.
In 1952, the Panther track team, coached by Harley Culberson, won the first Cahokia Conference track cham- pionship for the school.
O'Fallon High School over the years has actively engaged in track. An endeavor was made to compile track records for the school, but a lack of recorded in- formation made an authoritative listing impossible. The following are offered as records which have been re- corded. They are listed according to Event, Individual setting Record, the Record, and the Year set.
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50-yard dash — William Beedle. 6.0 sec, 1910; L. Owns- by 6.0 sec, 1954.
100-yard dash — William Beedle, 10.4 sec, 1910; B- Rowan, 10.4 sec, 1952.
220-yard dash — L. Ownsby, 22.7 sec, 1954.
440-yard dash — B. Rowan, 53.4 sec, 1952.
880-yard run — D. Beckman, 2 min., 12.8 sec. 1952.
Mile run — G. Kieter, 4 min., 59.9 sec, 1954.
120yard Low Hurdles — J. Schumacher, 14.9 sec, 1953.
120-yard High Hurdles — W. Meinkoth, 16.2 sec, 1953.
180-yard Low Hurdles — W. Meinkoth, 21.8 sec, 1953.
220-yard Low Hurdles — Clarence Crosby, 33 sec, 1910.
Running High Jump — George Ladd, 6 ft., 61/2 in., 1916.
Standing High Jump — John Zapf, 4 ft., SVz in., 1908.
Running Broad Jump — George Bernreuter, 21 ft., 8Vi in., 1916.
Standing Broad Jump — John Zapf, 9 ft., 9 in., 1908.
Hammer Throw (12 lb.) — John Coupin, 111 ft., 4 in., 1908.
Shot Put (12 lb.) — William Beedle, 45 ft.. 11 in., 1910.
Discus — H. Klein, 117 ft., 3 in., 1951.
Javelin Throw — Howard Taylor. 151 ft., 2 in , 1925.
880-yard Relay — Berton Sperry, Klbert Begole, Elmer Asbury, William Beedle, 1 min., 35 sec, 1910.
Mile Relay — Rowan, Marshall, Conklin, HuUer, 3 min., 48.8 sec, 1952.
Cahokia Conference Championships in basketball, base- ball, track and tennis were won as follows: Year Sport Finish Coach
1932 . Tennis Co-champs Schenk
1932 Baseball Champs Schenk
1934 Tennis Champs Schenk
1935 Basketball Co-champs Schenk
1935 Tennis Champs — Schenk
1936 - - Basketball Champs Schenk
1936 Baseball Champs - Schenk
1939 - Basketball Co-champs Schenk
1940 Basketball Champs - Smith
1942 Basketball Champs Smith
1945 Baseball Champs Biggerstaff
1950 __ ... Baseball - ___. Champs Biggerstaff
1951 -- Baseball ..- Champs Biggerstaff
2952 Track Champs Culberson
1953 ...„ Basketball Co-champs Culberson
1953 Track Champs Culberson
1953 .. Baseball Co-champs Biggerstaff
1954 Basketball Champs .._ Culberson
The 1954 baskeball team had a wonderful year win- ning 29 (28 straight) and losing two games. The team lost the first conference game to Waterloo and then continued undefeated in conference play to win the title. They won the Cahokia Conference Tournament held at Dupo, the O'Fallon Christmas Tournament, and at Mascoutah were crowned District Champions by defeating Freeburg, 70-57 in the finals. In regional play at East St. Louis the Pan- thers defeated Lincoln High of East St. Louis before losing to Belleville, 72-54 in the semi-finals. The team set a new conference scoring record tallying 1028 points in leauge play. Art Hinrichs who established a new school scoring record of 493 points, and Ronnie Stein who scored 425 points during the sea.son, were given honorable men- tion on several all-state teams. The members of the team were: Don Kirsch, Bill Wessel, Dave Warner, Jerry Schu-
macher, Don Schmidt, Bill Sharp, Ronnie Stein, Art Hinrichs, Paul Ping, John Richardson, Don Dzengolewski, and Harold Cavins.
Around the hot stove league, discussion often centers about the question, "What basketball team of the high school was the best?" This question is hard to answer because many factors must be taken into consideration such as, the type of basketball played at a particular time, playing conditions, strength of opposition, etc. The teams most often nominated for the honor of being the "best" are the teams of 1922. 1935, 1940, or 19.54. What is your choice?
In 1947, Charles Niblock, then basketball coach, in- stituted the eight-team Christmas Tournament which has proved so popular and has been continued to the present time. The winners of the tournament are as follows:
1947 Troy
1948 . -..- New Athens
1949 Marissa
1950 to 1953 O'Fallon
The Lettermen's Club, or "O" Club, as it is often called, is made up of students who have earned a letter in one of the major sports at O'Fallon High School. The present sponsors of the Club are Basketball and Track Coach, Harley Culberson, and Baseball Coach, Ernest Biggerstaff.
The G.A.A., Girls' Athletic Association, under the sponsorship of Miss Irma Veath, is one of the many active clubs at O'Fallon High School. Its membership of 59 girls is made up of those girls interested in athletics, sportsmanship, and health. Each year, during the summer vacation, two members of the club are sent to the Southern Illinois G.A.A. Camp. They learn new sports and games to bring back to their club to further the improvement of their own group.
The O'Fallon Youth Baseball Program was begun in the summer of 1944 and has been in operation ever since.
The origin of the program is quite interesting. Two young lads, Robert Seipp and James Rohr, now living in Carlyle, appealed to Ardell (Buck) 'Vogel to help them with their baseball team. After several evenings with the boys, 'Vogel realized the necessity of forming additional teams so that more boys might be accommodated. Ac- cordingly, he organized the O'Fallon Junior City Twilight League which consisted of four teams comprised of boys from 12 to 17 years of age. At the outspet the boys them- selves financed the program by paying 15 cents each week to the Treasurer, Jack White. From this small fund a few bats and balls were purchased.
During the winter of 1944-45 an appeal was made to the people of the town for financial help and enough money was secured to buy softball shirts and caps for the boys in the Twilight League and baseball uniforms for the All-Star team entered in the American Youth Baseball League in which teams from East St. Louis, Belleville, Collinsville, Cahokia, and O'Fallon participated.
In 1946 a second playing field was made available in the Community Park. In 1947 enough money was raised to buy 60 complete baseball uniforms and all play-
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ing equipment necessary for the season.
In 1949 the progi-am expanded to include Girls" sofi- ball and to form another league known as the Junior "B" League for boys between 10 and 14 years of age. In 1949 the original "A" League was supervised by Charles Nib- lock, then basketball coach at the High School and recrea- tion supervisor employed during the summer months by the Community Park Board.
In 1950 the "A" League disbanded and the "B" League expanded to six teams to take in the Fairview Phils and the Fairview Cubs and the league name was changed to O'Fallon-Fairview Community Junior Baseball League. In 1952 the league again expanded to permit the entry of a Trenton team — the Trenton Giants who proceeded to win the championship. The League name was changed to the Twin-Counties Junior Baseball League.
In 1953 complete uniforms were purchased for CO players. In October the Rotary Club sponsored a baseball banquet at which trophies provided by the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club and an anonymous donor were presented to the teams finishing first, second, and third for the season.
Championship teams for the various years together with their managers and captains were as follows: "A" League
1944 — O'Fallon Tigers — Robert Poignee and Sam
Carroll.
1945 — O'Fallon Blue Jays — James Higgins and Her-
bert ( Sonny ) Whitehead.
1946 — O'Fallon Tigers — Rogers Meyers and Walter
Woods.
1947 — O'Fallon Dodgers — Jack White.
1948 — O'Fallon Cubs — Russell Elliott.
1949 — O'Fallon Tigers — Walter Schmidt.
"B" League
1949 — O'Fallon Cardinals — Ardell (Bucki 'Vogel.
1950 — O'Fallon Indians — Jack Goodman.
1951 — O'Fallon Tigers — Sam Kaxzm, Clem W. Har-
ris, and Victor Logan. Sr.
1952 — Trcntcn Giants — Charles (Jeff) Davis and
Bill Winkler.
1953 — Cross Roads Cardinals — Ednar Patton, Adam
Becherer, Jr., and Herbert Hood. Several boys and one girl have gone from this pro- gram to professional baseball: Roy Hawes reported in 1954 to the Washington Senators of the American League; Jack Feltman to play in 1954 with Borger, Texas in the West
Texas-New Mexico League and William Barth, Rogers Meyers, Don Donato, Jr.. and Wayne Beckman went from minor league ball into the Armed Services. Barbara Hoff- man who played on the 1948 O'Fallon Girls' softball team has been playing proiessional baseball several years with Sounth Bend. Indiana in the Ail-American Girls' League. This program has also been instrumental in giving early valuable training to boys who later became the main stay of the fine High School baseball teams we have had at O'Fallon Township High School. It is estimated that approximately 1.000 boys and girls have taken part in this program over the span of years the program has been in existence.
At the present time the Community Park provides four playing fields. The Girls' softball team known as the O'Fallon Jets, managed by Clarence Klucker, has been provided with regular baseball uniforms and a playing field of its own.
The following persons have throughout the years given generously of their time, ability and money to keep the baseball program going: John Seipp, Roland Strat- man, Billie Warma, Dick Diekroetger, Clifford Becherer. Jack Thompson, Don Donato. Sr.. Howard White. John Miller. Ernest Biggerstaff, R. P. Hinkle, Lee Cavins, Maurice Cocker. Dave Vogel. Mayor Henry Hesse. Don Bastendorf, Oscar Cox, Don Kirsch, Ronnie Hillen, Burt Maxfield, Wilmer Knewitz, Don Schiindt. Ralph Trinckel. Laverne Anderson. Arthur Stein. Orin Wessel. Leroy Howser, James Lautz. Delbert Corbier. Adolph Ohlendorf. Wally Schmidt. Clifford Corbier. Francis Swope. Ardell Smith. Robert Sharp. Ralph Battoe. Pete Neff. Gus Neff. Barney Maibes. Maurice Heien. Dr. Charles Zeigler. Her- bert Whitehead. Sr.. Leroy White. Billy Magec. Don Don- ato. Jr., Bill Feltman, the late Arthur Funcke, Bill Votrain the late Clifford Corbier. Sr.. Merle Hesse, Bob Miller and the late L. R. Cartier.
Much credit is due "Buck" Vogel who has worked unceasingly and untiringly to promote this program. He has given unstintingly of his time and ability to continue this successful project. That his efforts have been ap- preciated is evidenced by awards given to him by the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs and a radio given by parents cf the boys participating in the baseball program. On behalf of the people of O'Fallon in appreciation of a fine job we say. "Well done. Buck, you have provided a healthful outlet for youthful energy. Thanks a million."
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OTALLON THEN
, '^»L
IN THr BUSINCaS SCCTION o'nLtON lU.
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. . AND NOW
Scott Air Force Base
DIRIGIBLE HANGAR
Scott Air Force Base (the name officially changed from Sr-ott Field on February 4, 1948^ had its inception in the s'lmmer of 1917 when the government opened one of its first schools for training pilots to fly planes, the newest weapon of war. It was appropriately named for Corporal Frank S- Scott who lost his life in an aircrpft accident at College Park, Maryland in 1912.
Actual construction work was begun June 27, 1917. Congress appropriated $10,€OO.000 for its construction and 2,000 laborers and carpenters were immediately put to v-ork. Work was pushed with such feverish haste that the project, a maze of frame buildings on approximately a square mile of land, v/as completed by September 1917. In September, four of the 72 airplanes ordered for the field arrived and soon the actual training of airplane pilots began. Wartime "crates," a far cry from the sleek, fast planes of today, became a familiar sight to O'Fallon people.
In 1920, the government decided that the field should be turned over to the ligl>ter-than-air branch of the Air Corps. The field became the only inland airship port in the nation. Here the lighter-than-air development was carried on, balloon observers and airship pilots trained. It was the day of the blimps, sausage balloons, and round free balloons.
In March. 1920, the government purchased outright the land on which Scott Field was located. The purchase price for the 640 acres was $119,28.5.00. about $170.00 per acre.
The center of the lighter-than-air developn-.ent was the gigantic hangar which was completed in 1922 at a cost of $1,360,000. The inside measurements of the building were 810 feet long, 200 feet wide and 172 feet high. Its floor had space enough for 100,COO men to stand in forma- tion. The two doors at its entrance v.-eighed almost 2.000.- OCO pounds each and it took electrically driven motors 71/2 minutes to open them. The old hangar dominated the countryside for miles. It was a greater attraction than the dirigibles themselves.
On May 14, 1937. the lighter-than-aircrafts were dis- continued at the field and the War Department changed Scott to a heavier-than-air field.
On June 2. 1938 the field was designated a.s the new home of the General Headquarters of the Air Forces of the entire United States Army, making the field the nerve center of the entire Army Air Corps. In preparation for this new role, down went the old Scott Field. Demolition of the old building.s began July 18, 1938. The huge hangar, now useless to the army, was sold to the wreckers for $20,051.00. The mooring mast, the old wooden barracks and administration buildings were all wrecked. Colonial style administration buildings, family quarters, barracks, to- gether with nev/ hangars and othe,- buildin.gs (in all 73 major buildings) were erected through a $7,500,000.00 build- ing program.
On June 1. 1939, Scott was designated as the Scott Field branch of the Army Air Corps Technical Schools, and the basic section of the school which was located at Chanute Field, Rantoul, Illinois, was transferred to Scutt Fjpld.
In August, 1941 an allotment of $l,71O.15C.O0 was made fo- the construction of 160 new buildings for with the designation of Scott as the communications training center of the Air Force more housing was needed for students. Cantonment areas were constructed in the southeast and northeast sections of the field. A short time later the Army built an induction center across the Southern Rail- road tracks. This area was later annexed to Scott Air Force Base.
In 1952, two additional housing areas were added: Paeglcw Apartments, 80 units for officers, and a 1,000 unit "city" north of the base under the provisions of the Wher- ry Housing Act. Also in 1952 a modernization program was begun to provide quarters for bachelor officers and bachelor non-commissioned officers, training areas, and warehouse space at a cost in excess of $14,000,000.00.
Scott today, as Headquarters for Air Training Com- mand, a vital link in the Military Air Transport Services air evacuation program, a training center for Air Force reservists in this area, as well as a great communication center, is undoubtedly downstate Illinois' largest "indus- try."
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\lamdisi of O'\fa[[on
Woven into the fabiic of the century-old community life of O'Fallon have been an untold number of families who chose to make it their home. To this place came hardy pioneers of the mid-nineteenth century, and here their number grew as there were born and reared the members of each new generation across one hundred years of time.
The O'Fallon Centennial is proud to present the stories of some of the families whose names are linked with OTallon s history — earlv and late — though it is regretted that many other worthy family stories could not be included in this book.
Proudly, and conscious of the honor to our city which all of these families have contributed to the life of our community through the century, we present "Families of O'Fallon."
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LOUIS ALLEN
When Louis Allen came to this country as a poor immigrant in the 1890's he was about 23 years old. He left his wife in the old country, and while he was here in the United States, his son, Harry, was born. Harry was four years old when Mr. Allen saw him for the first time. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have four children: Harry, Al, Ben, and Bessie (Mrs. Ben Sterneck of Salem, 111.).
Mr. Allen began his career as a peddler of household goods and wearing apparel.
On the first day, after stocking up with merchandise at the St. Louis wholesale houses and walking across the Eads Bridge. Mr. Allen found himself in the Relay Depot in East St. Louis. His net cash on hand amounted to 50c. Where the best market lay was a mystery to this new- comer to the area. Approaching the ticket window, he laid down the 50c piece and asked for 50c worth of trans- portation.
O'Fallon was exactly 50c away from East St. Louis, so Mr. Allen arrived hero by train and began what was to prove an unusually successful business career.
However, the start was not easy. For one thing, Mr. Allen was met at the train by the village marshall who demanded that he buy a peddler's license. The cost was $L75, but the train ride had exhausted Mr. Allen's resources.
The Town clerk and the marshall knew that to put Mr. Allen in jail would not put money in the village treasury, so they released him to sell his goods so that the license could be paid.
The first day's business was successful and Mr. Allen returned that night and bought a license for three months.
For the first four years he walked from farmhouse to farmhouse throughout the area, going to Shiloh, Lebanon, Summerfield, and other places in the vicinity. However, after four years he was able to buy a horse and wagon and started his business career in earnest.
In 1901, Mr. Allen was able to take the plunge and start a store of his own. The store was opened where Beckman's Barbershop is now located. It was a general store which stocked everything from stoves to beans. In 1904 be moved to the familiar location on First Street using only one-half the downstairs space. He later used the complete store by including a line of clothing. The three sons assisted their father in the store.
In the early 1940' s the family started in the wholesale food business. The business was started in O'Fallon and moved to St. Louis in 1949.
On May 23, 1953 the clothing store on First Street was destroyed by fire. Mr. Allen and his sons decided against opening another dry goods store, and Harry went to work with Al and Ben in Allen Foods, Inc.
During the early part of his business career, Mr. Allen also operated Stop and Shop Markets in Breese, Trenton. Belleville, East St. Louis, and O'Fallon.
In the year 1929, the Aliens operated a clothing store in Chicago. This store was later sold.
The Aliens are now operating two places of business in St. Louis located on South Seventh and Palm Streets.
JOHN L. ANHEUSER
John L. Anheuser. general chairman of the O'Fallon Centennial, and an active worker in civic, charity and church work in O'Fallon, was born in Summerfield on December 19, 1893, th" son of .Jacob and Elizabeth Steuber Anheuser. Jacob Anheuser. a coal miner, was killed in pn accident in Taylors Mine in 1922.
John Anheuser married Miss Lsurene Daniel of O'Fal- lon on September 14, 1922. They have two children: Dor- othy (Mrs. Jon McArdle) now assistant postmaster; a son, Ronald; and one granddaughter, Kathleen Ann McArdle.
After graduation from high school, Mr. Anheuser at- tended Rahe's Automobile School in Kansas City where he received his diploma. He came to O'Fallon in the spring of 1917 and accepted a position as chauffeur for the late K. H. Smiley. He later entered the employ of Oliver C. Joseph as an automobile mechanic. On February 12, 1919, he entered the automobile sales and service business in partnership with Robert Ruth. In 1938 this partnership was terminated and Mr. Anheuser has continued in the auto business selling Dodge and Plyn.outh automobiles until the present time. In 1940, he entered the bottle gas and appliance business in O'Fallon. and in 1948 opened a simi- lar store in East St. Louis.
He is past president and secretary of the O'Fallon Civic Club, and has served as president of the Rotary Club and the Business Men's Association. Mr. Anheuser served as Postmaster of O'Fallon for 19 years being commissioned for that office by the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was separated from the postal service on January 23, 1954. He was instrumental in the organization of the O'Fallon Playground League, and at present is the presi- dent of the O'Fallon Park Board. He is active in all civic affairs and takes a great interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the community.
ASBURY FAMILY
The Asbury family has been one of the prominent civic minded families of O'Fallon for many years.
James W. Asbury was born in Philisty, Ohio on May 26. 1862, the son of William P. and Catherine (Steele) Asbury. He came from a well educated, prominent fam- ily whose ancestor was Bishop Francis Asbury. James was educated in Salem and Southern Illinois Normal at Carbondale. While at Salem, he attended school with William Jennings Bryan and his brother, Charlie Bryan. His son, Ernest, today has many of Bryan's school books which were left to him by his father.
James Asbury taught school for 23 years, 18 years in the O'Fallon Community at Rock Springs, Oak Hill and Enterprise schools. In 1908 he retired from teaching and went into the real estate and insui'ance business. He was elected Justice of the Peace in O'Fallon which position he held for almost 20 years.
On February 4, 1886 at Salem, Illinois he married Nellie G. Evans, the daughter of a prominent Salem fam- ily. Her father had received honors in the Civil War and her ancestors had fought in the Revolutionary War. They had six children: Cecil H.. Ernest C. Elmer E., Earl E., Lieu T., and Lillian. In 1889, the family moved from Summerfield to O'Fallon.
In 1909, James and his sons started a contracting busi-
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ness. They built many buildings anrt bonnes in O'Fallon Their own home was one of the show places in O'Fallon for many years.
Elmer is carrying on the building tradition of the family in O'Fallon today. He married Florence Keck.
Cecil is in the building business in Miami, Florida He married Olive Swoffoi-d of DuQuoin. Illinois, a des- cendant of Button Gwinnett and President James Polk. To this union was born Evelyn (Mrs. Russell Gansmani of Carterville: Helen (Mrs. Howard Glenn': and Velma, (Mrs. Elmer Hartman"' of O'Fallon.
Dr. Ernest C Asbury married Nellie Smith of St. Louis. Their children are: Virginia (Mrs. Frank Deniing of Alliance. Ohio>: and Ruth Ellen (Mrs. Robert Bann of New Jersey).
Earl married Josephine Lienesch of O'Fallon. They hi.d three children. Earl and Mar> who now live in Colo- rado, and James who lives in Nebraska.
Lieu married Margaret Glaeser of Belleville. Their children. Charles and Lois, live in Belleville.
Lillian married Leslie Bailey of DuQuoin. Their chil- dren are: Ernest of Mascoutah. Illinois: Dale of DuQuoin; and LucUle (Mrs. Ralph Bann) of New Baden, Illinois.
James Vf. Asbury died in 1926 and his wife in 1928. They had 14 grandchildren, two of whom still live in O'Fallon: Helen Glenn and Velma Hartman, daughters of Cecil. Velma has followed in her grandfather's steps as a teacher. She has taught school in and near O'Fallon for 15 years. She has also been quite active in the produc- tion of our Centennial Pageant, "This is Our Town," as stage director and manager, script writer, and scenic artist. Both granddaughters further carry on the tradition of being greatly interested in the civic welfare of the community and working in the Methodist Church.
JAMES H. ATKINSON
James H. Atkinson, born in ia32, was the son of Wil- liam Atkinson, who settled the old homestead just south of O'Fallon city limits in 1828. At present this property belongs to Richard Schaeffer. Jan:es Atkinson was a prominent man in the community. He was one of the organizers and president of the St. Clair County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He was also president of the St. Clair County Aericul'.ural Board. He held the office of supervisor cf O'Fallon Township for twenty-six years. He died in 1906.
MRS. EDNA AYERS
Mrs. Edna Thurston Ayers is a true citizen of O'Fal- lon. She has worked faithfully throughout the years for the community and has always been willing to give gen- erously of her time and talonts toward the promotion of any worthwhile civic project.
While she was born in Lebancn, her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Tharstcn. brcught her to live in this city in early infancy. She received her early education here, graduating in the firs', class of the O'Fallon High School in 1903. She has always taken active part in the affairs of the O'Fallon High School Alumni Association. She has appeared in many home talent plays over the span of years. She has worked closely with the Homecoming Association and for a number of years has been responsi-
ble for some of the very fine floats which grace our Home- coming Mardi Gras parade. For 22 years she has been the Superintendent of the Sunday School of the Methodist Church.
In 1943 the city took charge of the library which the O'Fallon Woman's Club had organized and sponsored. Mrs. Ayers was appointed Librarian in 1945, a position she has held since that time.
Her son, Orville, grew to adulthood in O'Fallon but is now living in St. Louis where he is employed in governmental work. Her daughter. Mildred Ayers Zim- merman, is an O'Fallon resident.
Mrs. Ayers has made a great contribution to our Centennial Program through her work with the Centen- nial Pageant Committee and in designing and decorating a number of floats for the Mardi Gras parade.
BADGLEY FAMILY
The Badgley Settlement southwest of O'Fallon was composed of a group of people who helped shape the future of O'Fallon. The Badgleys, who were among the early settlers of St. Clair County, are the descendants of Anthony Badgley, of New Jersey, who later settled in Virginia and died there about 1800.
Rev. David Badgley. a Baptist preacher, visited Illinois in 1796. He preached in the New Design settlement and found there the first Baptist church in Illinois. He also visited Missouri, and on liis return from there he preached a sermon from a rock in the Mississippi River, the people gathering to hear him from either shore. This was a most imique way of dispensing the gospel. Returning to Virginia, he gave such a favorable account of the country that his sons and a number of other people decided to emigrate to Illinois. The colony which came to Illinois at that time included a large number of families, among whom were the Teters, Carrs, Millers, Strouds, and Ey- mans. They floated down the Ohio River from Browns- ville, Pennsylvania, to Shawneetown, and thence made their way across the country to Kaskaskia, where they arrived on July 4. 1797. Their journey across .Southern Illinois was full of difficulties. Nothing but an Indian trail at that time led from Shawneetown to Kaskaskia. They were compelled to sivini streams swollen with recent rains Their household goods, with the women and children, were ferried over on temporary rafts. David Bad^icy settled in the American Bottom, west of Moredock Lake. in present Monroe County, in the year 1797. but after a few years, he moved in I8P4 to a place t few miles south- west of O'Fallon, where he improved the farm on which he spent the remainder of his life. He died December 16, 1824, at the age of seventy-six years.
Anthony Badgley. a youn.eer brother of David, cann- with him from Virginia and settled first at New Design, but later moved with his brother to a farm near O'Fallon.
At that time he built a log house which was for many years a well-known land mark in the country. One of his sons, Hiram, was a soldier in the War of 1812. His son. Simeon, lived on the same farm where his father settled until his death, near the close of the nineteenth century.
Aaron Badgley. one of the sons of David, came with the original colony to Illinois in 1797 and settled in Horse Prairie, west of Red Bud. There his wife and two children died. In 1800 he married Catherine Stroud and settled
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on the bluff south of Waterloo. But in 1804 he moved to th« neiPhbcrhood of the other Badgleys. near O'FaUon. He served in the War of 1812. In 1830 he was chosen Jus- tice of the Peace, and afterwards reelected. He and his son. Adam, hauled the first soods from Belleville tc Springfield for Governor Edwards. It was in winter and they were oblieed to sleep out on the prairie and came near aerishinS with cold and exposure. He died in 18d8 at the age of eighty-five. Kis three sons, Elijah. Adam, and Strander all lived to a good old age in St. Clair
County.
Aaron Badgleys four brothers. Ichabod, David, Job, and Abraham, all sons of Rev. David Badaley, were among the early pioneers of the Illinois countrv. Ichabod lived on a farm and served as Justice of the Peace; David was killed bv accident while riding horse back: Job built an ox mill near Unity Church; and Abraham repeatedly hela the office of Assessor. Treasurer, and County Commis
sioner. .
Mr. Lee Badgiey, a great great grandson of David Badgley, is now a resident of O'Fallon. In his youth he Uved in the original home of his ancest-r. although it had been remodeled and changed- to modernize it. He married Miss Christine Schachner and they have two daughters, Virginia and JUldred who reside with their parents in O'Fallon.
DR. O. C BATES
Dr. O. C. Bates, a native of Belleville, v/as born in 1844. He attended the pubUc schools in that city and later was a student at Antioch College in Ohio, and a medical student in Ohio. Later he entered the St. Louis College of Medicine and upon graduation began the practice of his profession in O'Fallon in 1865. He achieved great success as a pnysician. He was one of the organizers of the St. Clair County Medical Society. He gave much at- tention to scientific research and surgical procedure and was recognized as one of the foremost physicians in St. Clair Coimty. He opened the first prescripUon drug store in O'Fallon.
DR. H. T. BECHTOLD
Dr. Herman T. Bechtold was born in Belleville on November 10, 1853. His parents. Fred and Eugenia Bech- told, came from Germany to the United States in 1849. The family Uved for a short time in New York, then came to Illinois and located in Belleville. Dr. Bechtold received his preliminary education in the public schools of Belle- ville and his professional training in St. Louis. He grad- uated from the St. Louis School of Pharmacy in 1875 and was in the drug business until 1877. In 1880 he graduated from the Missouri Medical College and began the practice of medicine in O'Fallon that same year.
Dr. Bechtold was a man of great personal worth and was highly esteemed in the community. His forceful per- sonality, his knowledge of the theory and practice of medicine, his practical ideas regarding education, and his capacity for financial matters secured for liim a place among the foremost citizens of the city. He was Vice President and Director of the First National Bank: served a number of years as a member of the Board of Educa- tion, three terms as President; and for four years was a
Trustee of McKendree College at Lebanon. He was a valued member of the St. Clair County Medical Society.
Dr. Bechtold was twice married. On September 3. 1883, he married Miss Kate Pfeffer of Lebanon who died in 1904. In 1910 he married his brother Adolph's widow. Mrs. Ella Merck Bechtold.
Dr. Bechtold's step-son, William, is an O'Fallon resi- dent. He married Dosia Men^ of Belleville. Their daugh- ter. Doris, and her husband, William Schwarz, are also O'Fallon residents. Their son. Dr. W. G. Bechtold. grew to adulthood in O'Fallon but now lives in Decatur where he practices Dentistry. Dr. H. T. Bechtold's step-daugh- ter, Margaret, married Clarence Crosby and lives in Festus, Missouri.
WALTER BEEDLE
For many years, a familiar and pleasant figure on the streets of O'Fallon was that of Walter Beedle. He endeared himself to the people by his many kind and helpful acts of friendship. Many were the jokes he tcld and pr.inks he participated in at the Schalter Barber Shop.
Mr. Beedle was born in 1857 on a farm about four miles west of O'Fallon. His ancestors were early settlers in this vicinity. His grandfather. Joseph Beedle, came from Ohio to Ridge Prairie about 1812 and settled on a fann on the old Vincennes and St. Louis Road (now Route 50>. Walter Beedle was the son of Franklin and Rebecca Wastfield Beedle. He spent his boyhood days on the farm but came to O'Fallon early in life.
Walter Beedle in lf!34 married Cynthia Begole, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Porter Begole, a great granddaughter of Captain Joseph Ogle.
Mr. and Mrs. Beedle had three children. Their son, Ralph, resides in Kansas City. Their daughter, Mary Gertrude, married Joseph Snodgrass who later became Superintendent of Schools of Collinsville. Another .son, William, married Mary Ball of Litchfield and are the parents of William Holden of motion picture fame. Mr. Beedle died in 1942. His wife preceded him in death many years earlier.
WARREN BEEDLE
Warren Beedle came from Ohio to Ridge Prairie pre- cinct in 1818 and bought a large tract of land. He was well educated, liberal, wealthy and highly esteemed by all who knew him. Mr. Beedle was one of the group who helped maintain the Bethel Church. His wife was Mary Hunter. They had several children. Their daughter. Katherine, married Oliver Look of Collinsville; a son. Lycm-gus, married Susan Begole. daughter of William Begole; another son. Samuel, married Ellen Bowler and continued to live on his father's farm. His son, Samuel II. is still farming in that vicinity. Samuel II's son, Loring. a great grandson of Warren Beedle. is presently a teacher in the O'Fallon Grade Schools.
WILLIAM BEGOLE
William Rivers Begole was born in Ridge Prairie in 1824. He was the son of Joshua and Mary Begole. All his life was spent in Ridge Prairie. He was engaged in farm- ing and was among the best known farmers of this county. He was thrifty, prosperous, and bought much land that
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each of his children might have a farm. For a period of about forty years, he was an active member of the Bethel Baptist Church and by his earnest and Christian life proved himself to be a consistent member of that faith. He held various public offices. At the time of his death he was a member of the County Board of Supervisors, a position he had held from the time of the adoption of township oruanization.
In 1848, William Begole married Elizabeth Porter, great, granddaughter of Ridge Prairie's first settler, Cap- tain Joseph Ogle. They had eleven children, one child died in infancy. The other ten children have been closely associated with the history of O'Fallon. Mary, married Horace Simmons and lived in O'Fallon the remaining years of her life as did. Cynthia, who married Walter Beedle, and Laura, who became the wife of Dr. John B. Scruggs. The other daughters married men of this vicinity and lived near O'Fallon.
A son, Henry, left O'Fallon and located in Belleville in 1891. He was prominent in politics. He served as County Treasurer and was elected to the State Senate.
Some years after Mr. Begole's death in 1887, Mrs. Begole and her daughter, Cora, left the farm and made their home in O'Falloh. Later Cora Bcgolc married Oliver Darrow. All are now deceased.
Mrs. Ines Scruggs Rea, wife of Elsworth Rea, is the only member of this prominent family now living in O'Fallon. She may well feel pride in her ancestry and has in her possession the Coat of Arms of her great-great- great-grandfather, Captain Joseph Ogle.
AUGUST BEHRENS
No village ever grew or prospered without a village blacksmith shop. The smith of the story is usually a man of great strength, good humor, and tireless energy. Such a man was August Behrens who came to O'Fallon in 1874 to open a blacksmith shop. Mr. Behrens was born at Old- enburg. Germany on February 19. 1848 and came to this country in 1869. His parents were Johann and Elizabeth Behrens. He received a good education in the public schools of Oldenburg and spent three years learning the blacksmith trade. When he came to this country, he went to Milwaukee where he lived for a short time before moving to St. Louis. He soon became tired of working for other people and looked around for a good location to open a shop of his own and decided that O'Fallon of- fered good opportunities. His work was good and his shop prospered. The shop was well patronized by the farmers and townspeople.
Mr. Behrens was twice married, first to Louise Kloess, and after her demise to Mary Eadel. He had five chil- dren, William, Gustav, Otto. Anna, and Mary Behrens. Miss Mary Behrens is the only living member of the family. She still resides in O'Fallon. Also residents of O'Fallon are two grandchildren, Charles Schuetz and Margaret Schuetz Yaeger. children of Anna Behrens Schuetz.
MICHAEL BERNHARDT
Michael and Mary Bernhardt, natives of Germany, were among the early settlers of O'Fallon. For a number of years they conducted one of the best hotels in this
locality, the St. Clair House. The St. Clair House, hotel and tavern, was located at 108 East State Street. Mr. Bernhardt ran the O'Fallon and Belleville hack and car- ried the mail for O'Fallon and Shiloh to and from Belle- ville. Two sons, Jacob and Henry, were born in O'Fallon. Jacob Bernhardt was born in 1865. Jacob found early employment in the mines but later was employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. In 1889 he purchased the Richland Hotel (corner First and Oak Streets) which he operated for a tuimber of years. Mr. Bernhardt was the first president of the Coal Miners' Local Union, No. 705. In 1899 he was married to Miss Anna Greiner of Alma and to this union four children were born: Mattie, Peter, Ern- est, and William.
Henry Bernhardt was born in 1871. Henry early es- tablished a business for himself opening a livery stable which was very popular and well patronized. He conducted this business for about twenty years and then became express agent for the Interurban Railway and distributor for the Central Brewing Company. Mr. Bernhardt mar- ried in 1896 Miss Julia Roberts of O'Fallon. The Bern- hardts had seven children: Minnie. Maude, Hazel, Mayme. Henry, Paul, and Allen. Of their seven children, Mayme (Mrs. Albert Schobcrt) and Allen, live in O'Fallon. Mrs. Julia Bernhardt still resides in the old homeplace on East Washington.
GUSTAV BUDINA
Three generations of building contractors are found in the Budina family. Gustav Budina, born in Saxony, came to this country when he was seven years of age, and located in O'Fallon with his family. He entered the lumber business with F. O. Tiedemann, brother-in-law of Charles A. Tiedemann, and married Sophie, sister of F. O. Tiedemann. After the death of Mr. Tiedemann, he car- ried on the lumber business for a time and later entered into the general contracting business.
Three of his sons, all born in O'Fallon and life long residents, learned the carpenter's trade from their father. Fred, wjio married Corinno Berry, continued the carpenter trade until retirement a few years ago. Ernest followed the trade of carpentry until 1907 when he engaged in the bakery business for a time after which he returned to his trade. Ernest married Katherine Bender (now de- ceased! and their daughter, Ernestine, is a teacher in the CoUinsville schools. Gustav followed his father in the contracting business. He has erected many homes and numerous commercial buildings which are a credit to his workmanship. He has been a city alderman since 1947 to the present. Ih- married Julia Hemmer (now deceased) and they have three children. Lulrene. Jenvicve, and Gustave. Gustave is following the vocation of his father and grandfather and is carrying on his contracting business in the efficient Irndilion of the Budina family. He married Evelyn Muck and they reside in O'Fallon.
The Budina family a.s contiactors have ever striven to prove their efficiency by giving high quality workman- ship.
LIONEL R. CARTIER
The story of the life of Lionel R. Cartier is of interest to the world, but of special interest to O'Fallon since "it
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happened here." He was born in Adams, Massachusetts in 1899 of French Canadian parentage. His parents. Ed- ward and Pamelia Cartier, moved from Montreal, Canada to the United States in 1890.
Young Lionel Cartier graduated from the High School at Willimantic, Connecticut. He took special training in chemical engineering, devoting intense study to the field of industrial gas production, particularly the production of oxygen and acetylene.
At age nineteen, he entered military service with World War I. After the war, he entered government service in the capacity of gas engineer at Scott Field (now Scott Air Force Base) and served for seventeen years as chief engineer at the gas plant there. During this time Mr. Cartier showed amazing aptitude in mastering the details of gas production and started a small business in O" Fallon which at that time was known as the C&R Engineering Co. He was the inventor of a number of im- provements in the manufacturing and processing of acety- lene cylinders. His work soon attracted nation wide at- tention and the business expanded until in March 1937 the present corporation. The Independent Engineering Company (of which he became president), was formed.
In 1939, Mr. Cartier served as chief engineer in the designing and building of the first portable helium puri- fication unit ever made. This proved to be so successful that the Army Air Corps immediately ,placed orders for a number of these units. In June 1941, prior to the onset of World War II, Mr. Cartier was requested to design and build a portable generator. Other large industrial gas companies in the U. S. said such a unit was impossible to build. In January 1942, immediately after Pearl Harbor, the first portable oxygen generator was delivered. So successful did this prove that the government immediately called for many more of these plants and the company, in order to meet the demands of the government, expanded their facilities greatly, taking over and improving the entire plant formerly occupied by the Eureka Products Corporation.
In addition to the manufacturing of oxygen a tre- mendous demand was made on the company for acetylene cylinders during the war and in every case the government requirements were met. A school for the training of soldiers was established at the company plant and soon trained personnel were going from the Independent En- gineering Company to every fighting front. Four times the government recognized the outstanding work of the company by awarding the Army-Navy "E" to the company and its employees. A special citation was given to the Bertram School of Gases for their marked contribution to the war effort. Mr. Cartier's achievements were further recognized by the government when he was selected as one of twelve American industrialists to assist the Navy on its special mission "Operations Frostbite" in March 1946. Mr. Cartier was frequently called as a consultant by the U. S. Government.
Mr. Cartier was a member of the Board of Directors of the following companies: Trinity Oxygen Co. of Fort Worth, Texas, Bird Gas Corporation of Detroit. Michigan, Steele Gases, Inc., of Chicago, Illinois, Cia Production ele Oxigeno, Monterey, Mexico, and International Acety- lene Association. In addition he was secretary of the American Carbide and Chemical Corporation of Arkansas
City. Kansas.
Mr. Cartier did not permit his numerous business duties to prevent him frcm taking an active part in the civic life of the community. He was a past president of the Rotary Club which he represented at the International Convention in Rio dc Janeiro in May 1948. He was a past adjutant of Post No. 137 of the American Legion and was the first president of the Chamber of Commerce and re- mained active in its work until his death. He was the first president of the City Park Board. He made numerous contributions to the Community Park and the creation and maintenance of the park became one of his most cherished projects.
Mr. Cartier died in 1948. His wife, Mi-s. Effie Mae Cartier, died in 19.51. Through Mrs. Cartier's will, a trust fund was created for O'Fallon Township High School graduates and a recreation fund for Community Park.
META OCHS CROSBY
Mrs. Meta Ochs Crosby represents two much esteemed families of this vicinity. Her father, Rudolph Ochs, was supervisor of O'Fallon Township from about 1906 until his death in 1925. He married Emily Blanck of Lebanon. Rudolph Ochs' father, Johann Ochs, born in 1804 in Alsace, came with his wife and son, George, to this community about 1835. Because of his artistic tendencies, he chose a scenic farm with hills, valleys, and winding stream. He was an artist, musician, and lover of French literature. He was known to have walked to St. Louis to sell some of his pictures. He painted a portrait of Rev. John M. Peck for which he received a shot gun and some other articles in payment. He made a self portrait by sitting in front of a mirror. This portrait and one of his wife are now in possession of Mrs. Crosby. He died in 1879. Mrs. Crosby is the only living member of the Rudolph Ochs' immediate family. She with his granddaughter, Mrs. Lucille Braun, and great granddaughter. Miss Carol Koeh- ler, are residents of O'Fallon.
Mrs. Crosby's husband, "Ned," was the grandson of Thomas Crosby who came to this country from England in 1844 and to this community in 1852. Thomas Crosby started a nursery on the old Vincennes and St. Louis Road (now Route No. 50) about two miles east of O'Fallon. His farm adjoined the Ochs farm. When Mr. Crosby died in 1880, his son, George, operated the business. George Crosby continued the business until an advanced age when he retired and moved to O'Fallon.
Mr. Crosby was fond of debating and often took part in this form of entertaininent in the literary societies of Ehiloh, Rock Springs and O'Fallon. He was also a noted shot as were his sons, Will, Ned, and Tom. Mr. Crosby was instrumental in the organizing of the Shiloh 'Valley Gun Club and became the first president of that body, an office held later by his sons, Ned and Tom. Will be- came champion shot of the United States and later of the world by defeating all contestants. Mr. Crosby's old- est daughter, Sarah, (Mrs. Ed. Redhan) and his youngest daughter, Viola, (Mrs. George Moore) are the only living members of his family. Mrs. Viola Moore is a resident of O'Fallon.
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REV. ZADOC DARROW
Rev. Zadoc Darrow, a Daplisl minisli-r. came from Connecticut at an early date and settled about two miles east of O'Fallon in 1817. He and his sons obtained land through government grants.
Besides farming and preaching he followed his trade as a carpenter. He was zealously devoted to the interests of the Baptist Church and preached somewhere every Sabbath. He frequently held services at Rock Springs Seminary founded by Rev. John M. Peck in 1827. His grandsons helped to organize the Oak Hill Baptist Church. He died in lfA9 at the home of his daughter. Mrs. Horace Look, in CoUinsville, Illinois. ■
Rev. Darrow had two ."^ons. Lemuel and Charles, who farmed this land cast of O'Fallon. Lemuel died in 18.58. Lemuel was the father of C. H. Darrow. a business man of O'Fallon, and Julia who married George C. Magee. Rev. Darrow's second son, Charles, married Sarah Peach and they had six children. Lucinda, George Washington, William Augustus, Lucy, Mary, and Charles Brown Dar- row.
Lucinda Darrow married Charles Bridges. Their son. Leonard, was conductor of the O'Fallon Band for many years. George Washington Darrow was engaged in farm- ing near Van Court's mine. He devoted much time and energy to church work and was one of the founders of the O'Fallon Baptist Church. His daughter, Alice, married Sherman Miller and lived in O'Fallon until her death at the ajc of ninety-one years. Another daughter, Lutie, married Frank Wade, a teacher in the O'Fallon Schools. William Augustus Darrow was a successful farmer and liberal contributor to the Oak Hill Baptist Church. He married Melvina Simmons. They had three children. Elijah, George, and Lora Darrow. Charles Brown Darrow continued to live on the old homestead and upon retiring moved to East St. Louis. His son, Oliver, spent most of his life in O'Fallon. Oliver was an electrical worker. He married Maude Umbarger and their daughter, Olive, was a teacher in the local schools. Oliver's second marriage was to Cora Begolo. daughter of William Begole. They were ardent workers in the Baptist Church.
Parts of the original Darrow land are now owned by three of Zadoc Darrow's great grandchildren. George, son of Elijah Darrow, Arthur Magee, and Carrie Magee Tiche- nor, children of Julia Darrow Magee. The original home site is owned by Mr. Eugene Reno.
JOHN AND SARAH DISTLER
In the year 1849 John Distler and several young men from Germany emigrated to America. They came by sail-boat to New Orleans, and up the Mississippi River to lUinoistown (now known as East St. Louis). Mr. Distler first located in the High Prairie Settlement just south of Belleville. There he met and married Sarah Powell, daughter of Constance and Mary Lyons Powell. The Powell family had come from Montgomery County, Ten- nessee in 1839.
Soon after the Distler marriage they and the Powell family moved to Ridge Prairie and settled in the Badgley Settlement. After the birth of their first child in 1851. John and Sarah Distler along with several other German
families settled in O'Fallon. Mr. Distler came to 0'F"allon to do teaming in connection with preparing the road bed for the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad which was being conjtructed through O Tallon Precinit. Mr. Powell owned an ox team. He joined his son-in-law in O'Fallon and he and Mr. Distler hauled material and supplies for the railroad. Whe;i the railroad was completed, Mrs. Distler was one of the passengers on the first train to take the trip to the terminal at lUinoistown.
Later John Distler and his sons hauled for the Ticde- mann Milling Company and the Wachter Brick Cpmpany. Much of the hauling was to transport materials to and from St. Louis. The Mississippi River was crossed over by ferry boats. Often the river was filled with floating ice and this caused long and tiresome delays. Mr. Distler was known to have driven his team across the river on the ice.
The Distlers lived in the first house built in O'Fallon. It was built of logs and was located half way beUveen the site of the present mill and the Illinois Terminal tracks. In this house on August 24, 1855 their first son. James, was born. James Distler was the first boy born in the village of O'Fallon. In 1868, the Distlers built a home just west of the Methodist Church. This home at 115 West Fourth Street is still occupied by descendants of the fam- ly. Mrs. Sarah Distler, the last original settler of O'Fallon, passed away December 29, 1908. The last of her eight children, Frank Distler, passed away on June 21, 1946. There are numerous Distler descendants still living in or near O'Fallon.
The Distler's eldest daughter. Mary, married William Boggy. Their only child, Nellie, became the wife of Harry Alexander. Their son. V. Ray Alexander, lives in St. Louis. Missouri.
James and Caroline Mertcns Distler had thirteen children and twelve of these children lived to help cele- brate their parent's golden wedding anniversary in 1928. Six daughters and three sons are still living. They are Maud, Elizabeth, and James Distler of O'Fallon, Lutie Streck, Elsie Mojcr. and Ralph Distler of Belleville. Inez Plassmann of Centralia, Margaret Gassmann of Affton, Missouri, and Peter Distler of St. Louis. Missouri.
Sella Distler first married Henry Owens. The only living survivor of that union is a grandson. Carl Owens. Sella later married Henderson Albert. Mrs. Maymc Bent- ley, a daughter survives. Carl Owens and Mayme BitiIIcv are both residents of O'Fallon.
Emma Distler married Henry Schildknecht. Seven of their eight children are still living. The eldest daughter. Essie, recently passed away. Philip, Charles. Maud. Kate, and Olivia SchiUlkiucht live in O'Fallon; Claude Schild- knecht lives in CoUinsville. and Mary Bertram in Sparta, Illinois.
Nora Distler married John Carroll of Vandalia. Illi- nois. Their eldest son. John, pa.ssed away a few years ago. Chailcs C. and Nellie M. Carroll, and Frances V. Mcinkoth live in O'Fallon. and Florence A. Seppi resides in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Charles Distler married Mabel Parker. Their children are Clarence. Charles, Glenn. Raymond. Donald, and Russ- ell Distler of O'Fallon. Nellie May Gauss of Shiloh. and Florence Lee Waters of Phoenix. Arizona.
Two sons. Frank and John Distler. left no d..scin,I.Tn;>;
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WILLIAM R. DORRIS
LOUIS F. FISCHER
Alter holding a number of responsible positions in the teaching profession including the superintendency of the schools at Okawville, William R. Dorris came to O'Fallon as superintendent of the local schools in 1899. In 1903 he gave lAp the teaching profession and became assocjated with the First National Bank of O'Fallon, serv- ing as cashier and director of that institution at its found- ing. He is now president of the bank, a position he has held lor fifteen years.
Mr. Dorris was born on a farm near Greencastle, Missouri in 1873, a son of August and Harriet Dorris. His father died in 1874 and the family returned to Okawville, Illinois, their former home. After receiving his early education in Okawville, his mother moved to Lebanon where William attended McKendree College graduating from that institution in 1S94. He also attended the Uni- versity of Illinois.
In 1898 he was married to Alice Louden at Lebanon. Mrs. Dorris passed away in 1954.
Since coming to O'Fallon, Mr. Dorris has always been prominent in civic affairs. He helped to organize the Commercial Club (forerunner of the Chamber of Com- merce) and was its first president. He served as director and secretary of the Building and Loan Association for many years. He also served as president and member of the Board of Education.
He has also been prominent in banking circles. He was president and treasurer of the Illinois Bankers' Asso- ciation and served two terms as president of tlie St. Clair County Bankers' Federation. He is a member of the St. Louis Chapter of the American Institute of Banking.
ECKERT FAMILY
Two of our most enterpris'ng young business men of O'Fallon are Mose and Willford Eckert. Mose is engaged in the insurance and real estate business. His accommo- dating and Irelpful attitude has made for him many friends.
Willford is the local distributor for O'Fallon Quality Dairy. His cheerfulness and amiable manner has found for him a warm place in the hearts of liis customers and many friends. Both of these men Irave a keen interest in the progress of O'Fallon.
Their grandfather, George Eckert, came from Columbia, Illinois and for awhile lived on a fann south of O'Fallon where their father, William, was born. George Eckert worked at the Tiedemann mill for many years. William Eckert also worked at the mill and for fifty years was engaged in mining. He is now retired and lives in O'Fal- lon.
William Eckert's two daughters have also made a place for themselves in the community. Frances is a graduate of McKendree College and a teacher in the Belleville Grade Schools. Nellie, a familiar figure in Allen's Store, held a position there as booklveeper until the store was destroyed by fire. She is now employed in Belleville. Both she and Frances are O'Fallon residents living at home with their father.
Louis F. Fischer came to O'Fallon in 1869. He was born in Groessen Schoenen near Hanover in Germany in 1839. His father was a botanist and his grandfather a doctor. He received a good education and was conversant in four languages. He came to this country shortly before the Civil War and lived near Turkey Hill with an uncle by the name of Fiedler. He enlisted very early in the Civil War in the 9th Illinois Regiment. He served under Sherman and took part in the battle of Shiloh, the siege of "Vicksburg, and other engagements in the west. He had attained the rank of Lieutenant when he was discharged at the end of the war. He then got a job working in the Planters Hotel in St. Louis. One of his Civil War friends from southeast Missouri persuaded him to take a job in a grocery store. While in Bloomfield. Missouri, he mar- ried in 1867 Miss Laura Owen, daughter of Judge R. P. Owen. The climate in southeast Missouri caused Mr. Fischer to suffer with malaria, so he and his bride settled in St. Louis and he returned to work at the Planters Hotel. There a friend from O'Fallon, Mr. Ernst Tiede- mann. induced him to come to O'Fallon and work in his grocery store. Mr. Fischer worked in the Tiedemann store until 1884, at which time he accepted the position of Secretar.y of the Charles Tiedemann Milling Co., which he continued to hold until his retirement in 1914. Mr. Fisch- er's wife. Laura, died in 1872 leaving two small children, Charles Owen and Louise Mary Fischer. In November 1873, he married Miss Josephine Engelmann of Shiloh Valley and two children were born to this union, Louis E. and Marianna Fischer.
Mr. Fischer was a highly respected citizen of O'Fallon. He was a member of the Evangelical Church, Masonic Lodge, and G.A.R. He died in 1918 and was buried in the Engelmann Cemetery south of Shiloh. His two daughters still stirvive. Louise married George W. Lienesch and has been a life long resident of O'Fallon and the vicinity. Marianna married Stanley Black and has lived in Bryon City, North Carolina for more than fifty years.
GEORGE B. GIESER
Mr. and Mi-s. George B. Gieser have been residents of O'Fallon for thirty-six years. For more than fifty-two years, Mr. Gieser has been engaged in the banking busi- ness. He served as Assistant Cashier in the First National Bank at Pinckneyville, Illinois and Cashier at the First TCational Bank at Percy, Illinois before coming to O'Fal- lon. He came to the First National Bank at O'Fallon as Assistant Cashier in 1918. He was elected Cashier in 1939 and 'Vice-President and Cashier in 1944.
Mr. Gieser has been prominent in many of the activi- ties of O'Fallon and the surrounding area. He is a charter member of the O'Fallon Rotary Club and attended every meeting of the club for twenty-eight years. He served as President of the Rotary Club in 1927-28 and ten years later became the District Governor of Rotary in this area. He has been a director of the O'Fallon Building and Loan Association for thirty-five years and was the secretary for more than twenty years. He served as president of the High School Board for three terms. He served one term as president of the Chamber of Commerce. For fifteen years he was a member of the Executive Board
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of the Kaskaskia Area of Boy Scouts. He is an active member of the Baptist Church and serves as Treasurer of the church.
Mr. and Mrs. Gieser are the parents of two daughters. Gertrude (now deceased) married George Darrow. and Flcrene married Dr. Herbert Glenn and now lives in Troy, Illinois.
Mr. Gieser has contributed much to the welfare and growth of O'Fallon.
THOMAS E. GREINER
Thomas E. Groiner is a well known contractor in O'Fallon. He has built a number of fine homes and num- erous commercial buildings in O'Fallon. All display good workmanship and have earned for him an enviable repu- tation in the construction business. He is the son of Tom and Mary Titter Greiner, also life long residents of O'Fallon. His grandfather. Pete Greiner, was a native of Alsace-Lorraine and came here at an early age.
Thomas married Miss Iva Puffer in 1911. Three of their children are residents cf O'Fallon: Maurice, a cabi- net maker; Mary, wife of Vernon Scheibcl: and Tommie at present in the Armed Service serving in Germany.
FRANK J. HARTMAN
Frank J. Harlman. born in Pilot Grove, Missouri in 1873, came to O'Fallon in 1890, and took employment in the mines for ten years. In 1900 he became engaged in the liciuor business at Carbon and in 1904 with his brother. John, as a partner, opened a similar establishment in O'Fallon. In 1909, Mr. Fred W. Reaka bought a half interest in the business and continued in the business for a num- ber of years. In 1908 the building at the corner of First and Oak Streets was enlarged and a large hall was ar- ranged on the second floor (Moonlight HalU. This hall besides being used as a ball room was used for public meetings, carnivals, poultry shows, ba.skotball games, and many other social events. Other facilities for entertain- ment offered were the bowling alleys, pool tables, and fine restaurant.
In 1896. Mr. Hartman married Katherinc Reaka and they had six children, Charles, Albert, Walter, Arthur, Raymond, and Clara.
Mr. Hartman turned over the O'Fallon establishment in 1929 to his son, Albert, and opened a similar business in Troy. Illinois. Mr. Hartman is now retired, but his son, Arthur, and daughter. Clara, still operate a cottage camp and skating rink in Troy.
Albert Hartman assumed the O'Fallon business in 1929. and with the growing popularity of bowling. Hart- man's Bowling Alleys have become a most popular gather- ing place. He is a past president of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Rotary Club. In IG.W he moved to Hot Springs. Arkansas, but still is owner of the local business operating through a manager. His moving to another city has not lessened his interest in O'Fallon and his many friends here. His wife is the former Florence Scheibcl and they have one son, Donald Hartman.
J. E. HINCHCLIFFE. SR.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Emnietl Hinchcliffe, Sr.. have been residents of O'Fallon for thirty-three years. They came to O'Fallon in 1921 when Mr. Hinchcliffe was appointed Superintendent of the O'Fallon Schools. He held this position until 1943 when he retired from teaching and entered the business world. At that time he became the Personnel Dire; tor of the Independent Engineering Co., a position he still holds.
Mr. Hinchcliffe has always been active in civic af- fairs. At the present time he is a member of the Rotary Club, Secretary of the Homecoming Association. Secretary of the O'Fallon Centennial. Inc., and Treasurer of the City of O'Fallon.
Mr. Hinchcliffe has done much to promote the culture of music in O' Fallen. He is an excellent voice teacher and has trained many of the fine voices of O'Fallon. A number of his students have gained great honors in the music world. Ho organized the O'Fallon Choral Club and serves as the director. The O'Fallon Choral Club is one of the outstanding choral groups in the State of Illi- nois.
Mrs. Hinchcliffe has also made a great contribution to O'Fallon by her participation in many civic activities. She is an active member and Past President of the 'Wo- man's Club, and the vice-president of the Woman's Society of Christian Service of the Methodist Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Hinchcliffe have three children: J. E., Jr.. Alice, and Jane. Their son. J. E., Jr.. has chosen O'Fallon as his place of residence. He is employed by the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as an ecjuipmcnt engineer. He is a member of the Fire Department and the Grade School Board of Education. He married Miss Sara Mae Bolbach and they have two daughters. Jean and Janet.
WILLIAM (BILL) HOLDEN
O'Fallon is proud of its native son. Bill Holden, winner of the best actor award at the 26th Academy Award cere- monies held on March 25, 19.'54 in Hollywood. Ho received the "Oscar" as the best actor in 19'i3 for his work in "Stalag 17".
Bill, a son of William Franklin and Mary Ball Beedle, was born in O'Fallon on April 17, 1918 at 319 North Cherry Street. At that time the home was owned by his grandfather, Walter Beedle, and is now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Victor Logan.
Bill Holden's father, William Franklin Beedle (quite an athlete in his school days and a 1910 graduate of O'Fal- lon High School! is a retired chemist, and his mother, the former Mary Ball of Litchfield, is a former school teacher. His parents met while b«th were students at McKcndrec College and were married in the Walter Beedle family residence here. They presently are living in Los Angeles. California. His grandfather. Walter Beedle. was h mining engineer at the Taylor Mine.
Bill Holden is a direct descendant of the late Captain Joseph Ogle, pioneer St. Clair County settler, who came to the area in the early 1800's and acquired a large tract of land in the Ridge Prairie area.
Bill is the oldest of the Beedle children. A brother, Bobby, also was born in O'Fallon. The family moved to
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California when Bill was about four years old. Bobby was killed during World War II while serving as a Kavy Pilot.
Another brother, Richard, resides in California.
Bill Holden has two sons by his wife, Brenda Mar- shall, who has a daughter by a previous marriage. They are S:ott Porter and Peter Wakefield— both named after prominent O'Fallon pioneer families.
Bill made his debut 16 years ago when he was just 20 years old. Fresh from a job as a parking lot attendant, a talent scout spotted him in a small production at the Pasadena Playhouse. He was playing the part of an 80- year-old man. Paramount promptly signed him and be- cause his name, William Beedle, wasn't glamorous enough, it was changed to William Holden. Loaned out to Colum- bia Studios, Bill made his big splash as the prize fighter in, "Golden Boy", his first major film.
Unlike most of his contemporaries. Bill has had only one wife. He married actress Brenda Marshall and she is now retired from the movies. Today Bill, his wife, and their three children live in a fine home in San Fernando Valley.
resides in O'Fallon. They were the parents of Russell and Hortense, neither of whom live in O'Fallon at the present time.
WILLIAM HOUSAM
William Housam was born near O'Fallon in 1859, a son of Jacob and Margaret Penn Housam. After receiv- ing his early education in the public schools, he turned his attention to the business of engineering and was employed for a number of years at the Taylor mines as hoisting engineer.
Mr. Housam took an active part in civic affairs of the city and served as alderman for eight years. He was elected President of the 'Village Board in 1902 and served for two terms. He was also a member of the Board of Education. He died in 1929.
In 1881, Mr. Housam married Mary Ellen Dunkerly, a native of England. They had three children, Mrs. Jessie M. Behrens, Oscar W. Housam, and Mrs. Edith M. Pierce. Mrs. Jessie M. Behrens, and a granddaughter, Mrs. Dean M. Carson, are residents of O'Fallon at the present time.
BERNETT JOSEPH
When Bernett Joseph first came to live in O'Fallon he worked in the store of Ernst Tiedemann. In 1893, he bought a half interest in the hardware business of John Gaenteur. When Mr. Gaenteur died in 1904, Mr. Joseph bought his interest in the store from the estate. In 1911, he erected a modern commercial building on East State street and conducted his business in that building until the time of his death.
Mr. Joseph was born near O'Fallon in 1867, the son of Sebastian and Anna Stark Joseph. He worked on the farm with his father until he was 25 years of age when he be- gan his business career in O'Fallon. He served as City Treasurer for two years and was also a member of the school board for several terms. He twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Landgraf whom he married in 1890. Their daughter, Bernetta, married Emil Bode and their sons are both residents of O'Fallon. Robert Bode m.arried Martha Schildknecht and Howard Bode married Lois Schaefer.
Mr. Joseph's second wife was Sylvia Bode who still
OLIVER C. JOSEPH
Born in St. Clair County in 1890, Oliver C. Joseph is the son of Frank and Elizabeth ('Voisoni Joseph, both also natives of the county. His father was a farmer. Mr. Joseph was an outstanding athlete in his school days. He began his education in the rural schools of St. Clair County and was graduated from the O'Fallon High School in 1909. He inajored in science at McKendree College, Lebanon, Illinois, and studied biology and public speaking at the University of Illinois at Urbana. For six years he was an educator, four of them as principal in the schools at Summerfield, Illinois.
In 1914, Mr. Joseph married Irma M. Seger, a native of St. Clair County and daughter of Fred and Mary Seger. Three children were born to their marriage; Oliver Dee, Elmo Louis, and Norma (now Mrs. Julius Brown). The younger, Oliver Dee Joseph, is a talented flutist. Four times he has won the Gold Medal in the Illinois State Sectional Music Contest. In the United States Merchant Marine in World War II. he now aids his father in the automobile business. Elmo L. Joseph, who is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. Mo., was an aide to General Rutledge in the Italian Campaign in World War II, and is now associated with the Chrysler Corporation as Regional Manager for the State of Florida with head- quarters at Jacksonville, Florida. Mrs. Norma Brown is associated with her father in the automobile business.
In 1914, Oliver C. Joseph entered the automobile business. Having begun with Dodge Brothers automobiles, he is today the oldest Dodge Brothers dealer in point of service in the state of Illinois, with offices, salesrooms, and service shops in Belleville.
In 19.'52, Mr. Joseph was honored by being elected chairman of the Dodge Dealer Advisory Conference for the St. Louis area. He is also vice-president of the St. Clair National Bank in Belleville. At the present time he is president and chairman of the Belleville Memorial Hospital Organization that is raising $2,000,000 for the erection of a new hospital in Belleville. A persuasive public speaker, Mr. Joseph is in constant demand at lunch- eons, banquets and other sessions.
In addition to his many activities, he owns and op- erates several farms. He figured prominently in estab- lishing the first soil conservation district in the state. At the present time he is developing a wild life refuge on one of his farms and has recently received four buffalo from Clark's Buffalo Ranch of Independence, Kansas.
RUDOLPH C. KAMPMEYER
Rudolph C. Kampmeyer was born April 16, 1844 in St. Louis. He received a public school and commercial college education. He then learned the trade of tinner, working with his father in St. Louis. In 1865 he came to O'Fallon and opened a tin shop. In 1868 he added a line of farm implements and other merchandise to his stock, and con- ducted this store until 1887. At this time he became a traveling salesman for the Deering Harvester Machinery Co. and introduced this line of machinery to this area.
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He retired from business in 1904. In 1907 he was elected City Clerk and served until 1914. He also served as Villase Clerk from 1876 to 1879. Mr. Kampmeyer was married to Laura Ogle on May 10, 1870 and liiey had four children — Ralph R., George C Nellie N., and Bertha N. Kampmeyer. George Kampmeyer continues to mako O Fa!U>n h's home.
Ralph Kampmeyer. now deceased, served as City Al- derman from 1908 to 1916 and as Mayor from 1921 to 1935. As Mayor he was credited with a number of much needed improvements for the city. He also served as a member of the Board of Education for several years. He had two daughters, Vera, who married Ralph Brown and now lives in Caseyville. and Estc-Ue. who teaches in the 0"Fal- lon Public School.
George Kampmeyer worked in the mines for some time before opening a service station on South Lincoln Avenue which he has operated for a number of years.
DR. B. KRAUSE
KRAUSE DRUG STORE
1873
Dr. B. Krause, one of the first physicians in O'Fallon, was born in Germany in 1834. His education in Germany was thorough and of high quality After attending the public schools he was a student in the gymnasium of Gmuend from 1847 to 185). From 1851 '.u .S'A. he was an apprentice in the pharmacy at Lorch. He later studied medicine and pharmacy in the University of Tuebingen and graduated in August 1859. He came to this country in 1859 and located in Lebanon where in 1861 he married Henrietta Elanck. In 1863 he located in OFallcn. At first he followed his profession as a physician but had to keep a supply of medicines to make his own prescriptions. The town was growing so fast a drug store was a necessity and he accordingly started one. In 1873, he visited Europe and upon his return quit country practice and spent most of his time in the drug store. His first place of business was located in the 300 block of West First Street, but as more space was needed he had a new building erected in 1873 at the corner of State and Lincoln Avenue. This building has been used as a drug store for the past 81 years. Dr. Krause was a member of the St. Clair County Medical Society and the Pharmaceutical Association of Illinois.
His first wife having died. Dr. Krause in 1880 mar- ried Miss Mary Henkel at St. Louis. Dr. Krause had
three children, Oscar and Estella by the first marriage and Lola by his second marriage. Mrs. Estella Munier and Miss Lola Krause are residents of O'Fallon. Miss Lola Krausi- livi?; in the old homestead.
MARCEL F. KUEHN
Marcel F. Kcuhn was born August 3, 1887, the son of Frank and Margaret Kuehn. He married Miss Mary Meyer in New Baden, Illinois on February 1. 1910. They had three childien; Marine PFC Russell Kuehn. killed Jan- uary 28, 1943 on Guadalcanal; Stanley, now employed by The Journal. East St. Louis: and Kathryn (Mrs. Cyril R. Wolf ersberger) .
A native of Mascoutah, Mr. Kuehn came to O'Fallon in 1915 and became the publisher of the O'Fallon Progress on February 10, 1917. He sold the newspaper and printing plant on August 31, 19.50 to Irwin A. Yare. Mr. Kuehn continued with the newspaper as mechanical superintend- ent of the plant until his death August 20, 1952. He was stricken while on duty at the newspaper plant
Mr. Kuehn was a printer for many years, beginning his apprenticeship at the age of 13 years with the Mas- coutah HersH. Later he worked for the Con. P. Currant Printing Co. in St. Louis.
When Mr. Kuehn purchased the O'Fallon Progress the type was set by hand. He soon installed a linotype machine and made other improvements which resulted in the production of a fine newspaper which truly was representative of the community.
He was a c.iarter member and first president of the O'Fallon Rotary C.uh and maintained a perfect attendance record since the local club started on May 19, 1925. For n-.any years he was a member of the Board of Directors of the O'Fallon Building and Loan Association. Mr. Kuehn was intensely interested in anything that would benefit our community and often took an editorial stand which resulted in the adoption of propositions leading to civic betterment.
LEHMAN FAMILY
The Lehman family through three generations has operated a barber shop in O'Fallon.
William H. Lehman, born in Terre Haute. Indiana, learned the harboring trade in St. Louis at the age of 14 years. Before opening a shop in O'Fallon in 1880. he operated shop.-^ in Caseyville and Troy. Illinois. His first shop was located on West State street (now a residence between Foy's and McCaw's taverns).
Mr. Lehman's son, Gordon, began his trade with his father in 1906. They moved their shop to its present location at 117 East State Street in 1926. William H. Lehman worked at his trade until a few years before his "^teath in November 1934.
William H. Lehman took an active interest In civic affairs. He served as a member of the village board in 1894-1895 and presided as president of the board in 1897- 1898.
Mr. Lehman's sons, Gordon, Darwin, and Everett, as well as their families, are residents of O'Fallon. A daugh- ter Willa (Mrs. Jacob Middleton) died in 1924.
Gordon Lehman and his son, William P., are operating the shop at the present time. William P. Lehman started
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barbering in 1941 and has followed the trade continuously with the exception of a three-year period spent in military service.
LEMEN FAMILY
Among the early settlers in Ridge Prairie were Rob- ert, Joseph, and James Lemen, sons of Rev. James Lemen, one of the pioneer Baptist preachers of Illinois.
James Leraen, Sr., was born in Berkley County, Vir- ginia, in the year 1760. He served two years in the war of the Revolution, after which he went to the vicinity of Wheeling, West Virginia, where he married Catherine Ogle, an older daughter of Captain Joseph Ogle. He came to Illinois in 1786, the year after his father-in-law. The family arrived at Kaskaskia, July 10, 1786 and shortly af- terward settled at New Design, in the present county of Monroe. He was a prominent religious leader among the Baptists.
Robert Lemen, the oldest son of James, '.vas reared at New Design. In 1805 he married Hester Tohn, and settled in Ridge Prairie, about four miles north of O'Fal- lon. Under the administration of John Quincy Adams he scted as Marshall for the State of Illinois. He also served as Justice of the Peace. In early times he acted as clerk of the Richland Baptist Church, and he was an original member of the Bethel Church, organized in 1809, of which h9 was clerk until 1845. He died in 1860.
Rev. Joseph Lemen was born in September, 1785, and v/as less than a year old when the family came to Illinois. He became a minister of the Baptist Church and settled in Ridge Prairie, north of O'Fallon and near the home •d his brother, Robert. His wife was Mary Kinney, the youngest daughter of Joseph Kinney and a sister of Wil- liam Kinney, who was once Lieutenant-Governor of Illi- nois. He traveled over this part of the country extensively, and organized a number of Baptist churches. He died in 1861.
Rev. James Lemen, Jr., was born in the New Design settlement, in 1787, and received a good education for that time under the guidance of Rev. John Clark, who was one of the most active and useful of the pioneer preachers of Illinois. Mr. Lemen v/as said to be the first ordained preacher in Illinois, born in the territory. He married Mary PuUiam in 1813. and settled in Ridge Prairie. He was a member of the Territorial Legislature at Kaskaskia, and also filled the sam.e office after the organization of the state government. Twice he was a member of the state senate. He was also a m^ember of the convention which framed the first constitution of the state. He died in February, 1870.
It should be mentioned that one cause of the removal of the Ogle and Lemen families to Illinois was their oppo- sition to slavery. This was also the case with a number of other prominent families of the county who came at a later date. At that early day, half a century before there was any general agitation of the ciuestion. they became opposed to the system, liberated their slaves, and moved to a place where they believed they would be forever free from the curse of slavery.
JOHN T. LIENESCH
Although never residing within the city liinits of O'Fallon John T. Lienesch was. perhaps, more loyal and interested in the city than many of its actual residents. He wrote a series of articles called, " My Early Memories" which were published in the O'Fallon Progress from July 11, 1935 to February 21, 1936. The Historical Committee has found these articles full of useful, interesting informa- tion, truly a somxe of material of great use. It is, indeed, wonderful that Mr. Lienesch saw fit to put down in written form his "Early Memories" and thus permit us to share them with him.
John T. Lienesch was born at Locust Grove Farm (now the home of his son, Ralph Lienesch) in Shiloh Valley Township in 1859 where he lived all of his life except for the fifteen years from 1892 to 1907 which were spent living on his uncle's farm not far away in O'Fallon Township
He was the son of George P. Lienesch who emigrated to this country from Ankum, Germany in 1839 arriving in St. Clair County about 1840. His mother, Mary Ann Thomas Lienesch. was t'ne daughter of Colonel John and Isabella Kenny Thomas. Colonel Thomas came to St. Clair County with his parents in 1818.
In 1890, John Lienesch was married to Miss Ada R, McFarland of O'Fallon. daughter of David C. and Betty Ann Rayhill McFarland.
John Lienesch had many associations and connections with the people of O'Fallon and many of his fondest re- membrances in the late years of his life were of events and people connected with O'Fallon. He died February 22, 1944 and is buried in Shiloh Cemetery.
John and Ada Lienesch had four children: John lives in Massachusetts, Charles in California, Ruth Lienesch Neill is a member of the East St. Louis Schools teaching staff, and Ralph resides on the old homestead.
HENRY MACE
Henry Mace was a well known pioneer in this vicinity. He was born in Virginia in 1776 and came to Illinois at a very early date. He was a tailor, and followed that trade at Kaskaskia where he first located. He married Drusilla Andrews, a daughter of James Andrews, who. with all his family, except Drusilla. v/ere killed by the Indians, She was taken captive, and remained with them for over two years, when she v/as ransomed by the French at Kaskaskia. Later her uncle, Joseph Ogle, purchased her freedom and brought her to his home near O'Fallon. In retribution for her treatment by the Indians, the government gave her a large tract of land north of O'Fallon. She and her hus- band came to live on this land in 1810.
Henry and Drusilla Mace had one child, Elizabeth, who married James Tolley. Drusilla Mace died in early womanhood.
Henry Mace married a second time and had nine children, seven of whom grew to maturity. The daughters all married men of this vicinity, whose names are familiar to the older residents of O'Fallon — Hilt, Stites, Umbarger, Hart and Needles.
Mr. Mace's son. John, married Rebecca Wait and they made their home on the old homestead. John and Re-
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becca Mace had two sons. Eugene and Harry. The boys grew to manhood on the old Mace farm. Eugene married Fannie Simmons, a daughter of Levi Simmons and to them two children were born; Clarence, and Alice mow Mrs. Cecil Nowland of East St. Louis >. Eugene Mace died in 1951. the last grandson of Henry Mace.
John and Rebecca Mace during the period 1867 to 1878 subdivided some of their land and added three subdivi- sion's to O'Fallon, namely; Mace's First. Second, and Third Additions to North O'Fallon.
THOMAS MACKIN
The "Mackin House", still a landmark in O'Fallon I corner First and Lincoln Avenue>, was operated by Thomas Ma:kin for forty years. Mr. Mackin was born in Blan Castle. Ireland. When he came to O'Fallon in 1859 he worked for the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. He married Catherine Linskey in Massachusetts in 1857 and they were the parents of eleven children. He served six years as a member of the Village Board.
Joseph Mackin, son of Thomas Mackin, was born in O'Fallon in 1875. He was a leader in the Democratic Party in O'Fallon. His political career made him known throughout the county as he was elected to various offices. At the age of 21 he was elected Collector of O'Fallon Township, an office he held for nine years. For 22 years he served as Deputy Recorder of Deeds and Deputy County Clerk of St. Clair County. He was Co.unty Central Com- mitteeman of the Democratic Party for 12 years. In 1908, he assumed management of Mackin House and continued to operate the saloon until 1919 when he moved to East St. Louis. He married Miss Anna Reuter of Lebjinon on March 2, 1908. He died April 23, 1954 survived by his widow and two sons, Jerome and Leo, of East St. Louis.
Thomas Ma:kin's daughter. Nan. married Lawrence Phillips, lived in O'Fallon for awhile but later moved to East St. Louis. His daughter. Loretto, inow deceased) married William Crowson. Miss Lucille Crowson lives with her aunt, Miss Rose Mackin. Miss Rose Mackin resided in the old family residence on East First Street until 195) when she moved into a smaller house next door.
JAMES P. McGEEHON
James P. McGeehon. a native of Tennsylvania, came to this country in 1846. He married Rebecca Scott, a daughter of Winfield Scott and followed the carpenter's trade for some time. Later he practiced medicine for forty years.
His son. Brice, was born in 1855 and lived near and in O'Fallon all his life. He was a respected citizen and active in the affairs of the town. He was employed as a clerk in a store for 13 years and then engaged in the merchandise business with S. E. McGeehon for 10 years before retiring on account of health. He was appointed postmaster under President Harrison and again under President McKinley. Later he conducted a retail shoe business. His daughter. Oral, (Mrs. Clarence Bell) is a resident of O'Fallon.
Another son, Samuel E., was bom in O'Fallon in 1869. He received his education in the local schools and was employed by the Terminal Railroad for six years. He
BUKK .MiGtl IIO.V .NllDl. >ll)KE
then returned to O'Fallon and worked for the E. Tiede- mann Grocery Company until 1893 when he opened a grocery store of his own. He operated a store for many years in the building now occupied by the First Street Market. Mr. McGeehon was a member of the City Coun- cil for six years He served as City Clerk of O'Fallon for eight years. He married Louisa Wittig in 1899 and they had three children: Els\vorth. Evelyn 'Mrs. Julius Schal- ter. Jr.), and Elizabeth (Mrs Eugene Oulvey). Elsworth and Evelyn are residents of O'Fallon.
ANDREW MOLLES
MOLLES WAGON SHOP
Andrew Molles. a wagon ir.aker, came to O'FalJon in 1868 and started a business on East State Street which he conducted for many years He was born in Flums, Canton St. Gall, Switzerland on February 25, 1840 and came with his parents. Ambrosius and Mary Molles to this country in 1848. The public schools of Belleville furnished his education. After leaving school he learned the wagon making trade and worked at this employment until he enlisted in 1860 in the Civil War — Company B, 12th Mis- souri Infantry. He served until 1864 when ho was Kiven his honorable discharge. He returned to Belleville and worked there until 1868 when he came to O'Fallon. He continued in his trade in O'Fallon until 1923 when he retired.
Mr. Molles married Barbara Pfiffner in 1873. He had
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four sons and two daughters. His oldest sons, Henry. John, and Edward became Pnarmacists. They are now deceased. His daughters. Kary and Arnelia (Mrs. John F. Becker) live at the present lirne near Cross Roads, west of O'Fal- lon Mi, Molies died at the age of 86 years.
JOHN MUNIER
John Munier was born near O' Fallon on June 2, 1862, the son of H. P. and Anna Hesse Munier. After finishing his education in the public and parochial schools and the Belleville Commercial College he worked on his lath- er's farm just east of O'Fallon until he was 24 years of age, operating a threshing machine for the neighboring farmers. In 1892. he came to O'Fallon having purchased a half interest in the creamery, located on North Cherry Street opposite the EvangeUcal Church, and owned at that time by Parker and Darrow. 'fhe name of the cream- ery was changed to Parker and Munier and later to Mun- ier Brothers. At a later date the business was moved to West Second and Westwood Streets, and was known as the O'Fallon Creamery. Mr. Munier made butter, ice cream and other creamery products. In connection with the creamery he made ice and supplied most of O'Fallon. He sold the OFallon Creamery in 1922 to Mr. George Scbwarz.
He served as a member of the village board from 1896 to 1902; tax collector for one year, and township clerk for five yecirs.
On February 19, 1900, he married Miss Estella Ki-ause, daughter of Dr. B. and Henrietta Blanck Krause. They had one son, Robert Munier. Robert Munier married Miss Helen Baum and they make their home in O'Fallon as does Mrs. Estella Munier, Mr. Munier's widow.
OGLE FAMILY
The first known settlement in Ridge Prairio, a few miles west of O'Fallon, was made by the Ogles in 1802. Captain Joseph Ogle was born in 'Virginia in 1741. He commanded a company of 'Virginia troops during the Revolutionary War, holding his commission from Govern- or Patrick Henry. He came to Illinois in 1785 and first settled in what is now Monroe County. In 1802 he moved to Ridge Prairie and located a short distance west of O'Fallon. He is said to have been the first Methodist in Illinois. During the early years of hi:- residence he took part in several Indian fights. Captain Ogle was twice married. His first wife, Drusilla. had five children, and his second wife, Jemima Meiggs had four children. All the children were born in 'Virginia. They came to Illi- nois where they married and lived in the vicinity of O'Fallon. They reared large families and many of their descendants became prominent people of the area. Captain Ogle died on his farm in Ridge Prairie in 1821 at the age of eighty.
Ben.iamin Ogle, the oldest son, took part in several of the early Indian contests, in one of which he was wounded. He lived on a farm northwest of O'Fallon.
Another son, Joseph, married Lucinda Pulliam, daugh- ter of John Pulliam, in 1804. They lived on a farm east of O'Fallon. He served in the Blackhawk War. He died in 1846.
Still another sen, Jacob, m-rritci Elizabeth Teter and settled west of O'Fallon. He was a man of considerable intelligence and popularity and served for a number of years as Justice cf the Peace. He and the Rev. .Tames Lemen built a mill for grinding wheat and corn. This mill was situated on Ogle's creek, three miles north ol O'Fallon. and was run by water power. Owing to vhe
OS'-Vw.r^^lt.W'
■m
RESIDENCE OF CAPT. JOSEPH OGLE
scant supply of water, the milling business was carried on for only a short time. Later he had a mill on his farm which was run by horse power. For many years this mill was patronized by the farmers of the community.
Of the daughters of Captain Ogle, Nancy married Larkin Rutherford, Prudence was the wife of Peter Cast- erline, Drusilla man-ied William Porter, Polly became the wife of General James Moore, and Jemima married Rev. Charles Mathey. a resident of St. Clair County and a member of the Methodist ministry.
ADOLPH OHLENDORF, SR.
Adolph Ohlendorf, Sr., was born near MiUstadt on February 28, 1870. He was the son of Henry and Matilda Shuck Ohlendorf. He was married on February 28, 1899 at Belleville to Miss Matilda Tecklenburg. They had two children: a daughter, Arta (Mrs. Theodore Sollis), and a son. Adolph, Jr.
In his young manhood he was employed by C. A. Monk of Belleville who was then in the implement business. He was much interested in this type of business and in 1904 came to C Fallon to open a hardware store and implement business in partnership with John A. Thomas. About 1920, he bought Mr. Thomas' interest in the business and was the sole owner. In 1926, he sold the hardware business to Walter Thomas and moved froin East First Street to East Second Street. At this time he took his son, Adolph, Jr., into a partnership. Adolph, Jr.. conducted the plumb- ing department of the business.
In 1946, Adolph, Jr. went into business for himself and is thus engaged at the present time. He carries a full line of plumbing, heating, and electrical appliances. He married Miss Susan Evanka of Collinsville, Illinois. They have one son. Robert, a law student at Washington
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University in St. Louis.
After his son left the firm. Mr. Ohlendorf found an- other partner, this time his son-in-law. Theodore SolUs. Mr. Ohlendorf maintained an interest in this partnership until his death in 1951.
Theodore and Arta SoUis. now operating the business as Sollis Hardware and Equipment, carry a full line of farm implements, hardware, electrical appliances and sporting goods. They have two daughters, Jacqueline, and Jo Ann.
MR. AND MRS. LOUIS PLAB
Mr. and Mrs. Plab came to O'Fallon in 1916. Mr. Plab conducts a well equipped service station on South Lincoln Avenue. He has been chairman of the Civilian Police since the end of World War IL
Mrs. Plab is a member of a family of early settlers in this vicinity. Her grandfather. Peter Weil, came from Germany about 1840 and settled on a farm of 40 acres of unimproved land about two miles southeast of O'Fallon. He cleared the timberland at night, as he worked for a neighbor farmer through the day. Throughout the years he acquired more land until he was the owner of six farms. In 1845, Peter Weil married Anna Pausch. They had twelve children, all of whom grew to adulthood and lived in the immediate area. One daughter, Susan, mar- ried Brice McGeehon and lived in O'Fallon. A son. Adolph. born in 1860, lived on the home farm until he retired from farming and came to live in O'Fallon. Ad- olph married Miss Anna Vitt from Iowa.
All of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Weil grew to adulthood on the farm of their grandfather. Three of the daughters live in O'Fallon, namely: Bertha (Mrs. Adolph Schillingi; Erna (Mrs. Emil Scheibel). and Laura I Mrs. Louis Plab).
Mrs. Louis Plab has been very active in civic affairs of O'Fallon. She will be remembered for her work in decorating floats for the annual Homecoming Mardi Gras parades. She began this work for the first "Welcome Home" parade given in honor of the soldiers of World War I, and has continued to do this throughout the years with the exception of three years when it was turned over to a professional decorator. Mrs. Plab has served twice as president of the Woman's Club and has been chairman of many important committees. For eight years .she has been chairman of the Home Service of the Red Cross.
FRANK POIGNEE
Frank Poignee was an important man in O'Fallon in the late 1860's and 70's. In 1865 he was appointed Dep- uty Assessor and was reappointed every year until he was elected Constable and chosen Justice of the Peace in 1871. When O'Fallon was incorporated as a village in 1874. Mr. Poignee became the first President of the Vil- lage Board and served two terms in that office. In 1875 and again in 1879 he was elected County Commissioner of St. Clair County.
Mr. Poignee was born in Bavaria in 1831 of German and French ancestry. When he was sixteen years of age he came with the family to America. They arrived in
New Orleans in April 1847, came by boat to St. Louis, and settled in the vicinity of O'Fallon where his father, Frank, bought a farm. He lived on his father's farm until his marriage to Salome Daehn in 1854. After a few years of farming for himself, he became a resident of O'Fallon where he lived until his death.
Mr. and Mrs. Poignee had eight children. Two sons, John and George, were employed at the Tiedemann Mill for many years. A daughter, Mary. (Mrs. John Martini is the only living member of his family. She is ninety-two years of age and resides in O'Fallon with her daughter, Marie, (Mrs. Herbert Whitehead*. Besides Mrs. White- head, two other grandchildren of Mr. Poignee living in O'Fallon are, Carl Poignee and Mrs. Mamie Schmidt, children of George Poignee.
PORTER FAMILY
Five generations of the Porter family have lived in the O'Fallon community. John Porter came from Ireland before 1800. He settled first at Cahokia and afterward located in the Ogle Settlement where he resided until his death. His son, William Porter, married Captain Ogle's daughter, Drusilla. James Porter, son of William and Drusilla Porter, married Mary Christy who had come from Ohio in 1830. Miss Christy was a sister of Andrew Christy, a member of the Wiggins Ferry Company, whose boats plied the Mississippi River for so many years.
Joseph Porter, son of James and Mary Christy Porter, was born in 1833 on a farm two miles northwest of O'Fal- lon. In 1863 he married Minerva Scott, a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Penn Scott and they had two sons, Christy and Scott, who grew to adulthood on their father's farm. Joseph Porter was one of O'Fallon's most highly respected citizens and a good man in every respect. He resided on the farm for more than seventy years after which he re- tired and moved to O'Fallon. Mrs. Porter's mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, had built the residence in which the Wolfersberger-Meyer Funeral Home is now housed and lived there until her death. It was in this house that Jos- eph Porter and his wife lived when they moved to O'Fal- lon.
Scott Porter engaged in business in St. Louis and left O'Fallon in early manhood.
Christy Porter was connected with the Pullman Car Company for more than seventeen years when he left the service there and returned to O'Fallon to devote his time to the management of the Porters land interests in O'Fal- lon and southeast Missouri.
In 1897 Christy Porter married Cora Lee Barnes of Minneapolis. Mrs. Porter became a leading member of the activities of women in the city. She is a charter mem- ber of the O'Fallon Woman's Club and gave much time and energy in promoting the establishment of the library. After Mr. Porter's death in 1933 she has continued to remain a resident of O'Fallon.
JEANNETTEE REISS
Miss Jeannette Reiss, treasurer of the Library Board and one time librarian comes from a family of old settlers in this vicinity. Her grandfather settled near FloraviUe on a land grant. Her father, Charles J. Reiss. came to Ridge Prairie Precinct at an early date and worked on
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several different farms in that vicinity. In 1866 he mar- ried Eva Dintelman and rented the Koch farm (near In- dependent Engineering) east of O'Fallon. Later he rented the Penn farm where he lived for many years. Part of the Penn farm was some of the land grant given to Dra- silla Andrews Mace. Through marriage and purchase the land had been acquired by Joseph Penn. Mr. Reiss and his sons farmed the land owned by Joseph Penn. Mr. Reiss- son, William, now 86 years of age and livmg m Lebanon, remembers plowing and cultivating land up to what is now the outer portion of East State Street.
The Penn family during the period 1891 to 1908 sub- divided some of their land and added four subdivisions to O'Fallon. Accordingly, with much of the acreage taKen away from the farm, Mr. Reiss bought a farm northwest of O'Fallon from Andrew Begole and lived there until his retirement in 1910. when he moved to O'Fallon. Later, his son Ferd Reiss. bought the remainder of the old Penn farm and farmed it until his death. Mrs. Ferd Reiss now lives at the location of the old Joshua Bond homestead at Vine and Madison streets.
RICHARD REMELIUS
Richard Remelius, son of Jacob and Abina RemeUus. nee Stark, was born October 16. 1843 on the family farm five miles northeast of O'Fallon.
On October 19. 1861. at the age of 18 years, he enrolled as a private in Company -A", 22nd Regiment, Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry at St. Louis, Missouri. On August 9, 1864 he was transferred to Company '■H" which was mustered out of service on November 18, 1864 at Victoria, Missouri.^
Upon his return from the army, he farmed his father's land until 1874. On August 1. 1874, he entered the imple- ment business in O'Fallon at the present site of the Re- melius Building. He built the present building in 1878 which then became the R. Remelius Hardware and Farm Implement Store. He also served as constable of O'Fallon
REMELIUS HARDWARE STORE
Township from 1874 to 1894 and was well known as an auctioneer. He retired from business in 1907. Two sons, Charles E. and Martin, operated the hardware store until it was closed in 1912. They were one of the first local firms to operate a motor truck.
Mr. Richard Remelius Vv-as married to Bertha W. Loef- ter in 1878. Mrs. Remelius died November 14. 1907 at the age of 57 years. Mr. Remelius died December 12. 1915 at the age of 72 years and is buried in the family private cemetery on his home site.
William Remelius operated a sheet metal and heating business at the above location (223 West First Street) from 1928 until his retirement in Augvist 1949. This location has been in the Remelius family for the past 80 years and at present is owned by William RemeUus.
William Remelius married Bertha Gaston and they have one son, Elton Remelius. Elton Remelius married Virginia Mantle and they as well as their daughter, Mrs. Nina Lee Pfeifer, her husband. James, and two daughters are residents of O'Fallon.
CHRIST SCHACHNER
Christ Schachner, born in St. Louis in 1859, came as a youth to O'Fallon and was employed by the Tiedemann Milling Company. He was an employee of that company for fifty-five years. At one time he left his work at the mill to operate the Commercial Hotel at the corner of Lincoln and State. His management made this a popular place and many of the older residents can recall the pleasant hours spent there. He operated the hotel for approximately three years and then returned to his work at the mill.
In 1882, he married Sophia Lucksinger in O'Fallon. Before Mrs. Schachner died in 1944. they had celebrated their sixty-second wedding anniversary. Although Mr. Schachner was 92 years of age when he died, he seemed never to grow old always being young in spirit and heart. His birthday celebrations were always happy occasions for a crowd of relatives and friends.
Mr. and Mrs Schachner had four children. All grew to adulthood in O'Fallon. Amelia married Fred Landwehr and moved to Lebanon. Walter L. is located in Los Angeles. California. Ann (Mrs. Edward Thomas) is an O'Fallon resident, as is Irma (Mrs. Al. Meckfessel), as- sistant cashier at the First National Bank.
He was one of the very early members of the O'Fallon Volunteer Fire Department and took an active part in all cf its activities.
CHARLES SCHAEFER
Charles Schaefer was born in St. Clair County on October 15, 1875, the son of Henry and Elizabeth Walter Schaefer. Between the time of leaving school and at- taining his majority, he worked for his father. After his 21st birthday he farmed on his own accord until 1910. At that time he left the farm and came to O'Fallon to work for the firm of Ohlendorf and Thomas. In 1913. when the firm was incorporated he was taken in and made an officer of the corporation. Later he operated a grocery store with Arthur Schlinger. At a still later time he en- gaged in the painting business.
Mr. Schaefer married Miss Elizabeth Reno on October 28, 1896. They have three daughters: Irene, who married Leshe Bevirt; Elsie, an employee of the First National Bank: and Marie, a teacher in the local public schools. All are residents of O'Fallon. Mr, Schaefer has been seriously ill for an extended period of time.
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DANIEL SCHAFER
JULIUS A. SCHALTER
The oldest established business in the history of O'Fallon was the Schafcr Meat Market. It was in exis- tence for 94 years and operated by four generations of the Schafer family, each occupying the same building which is still in good condition and occupied at the pres- ent time by Morton Studios. During the early times the Schafers did their own slaughtering, cut ice in the winter, and stored it for use in the meat market.
The first Mr. Schafer. Daniel, was a native of Ger- many and came to the United States in 1856. His wife followed him the next year. He opened the meat market in 1858 and combined butchering and farming as his vocations.
In 1888 Charles D. Schafer bought the meat market and grocery store from his father. Charles D. Schafer was born in O'Fallon Township on December 18, 1858.
ir
^^^ ^1 n u fTEf
SCHAFER MEAT MARKET
He was married on October 3, 1883 to Miss Emelie Schroe- der at Summerfield, Illinois. They had two children, Dan A. and Wanda A. Schafer. He served his home town well. He was a member of the Republican County Central Committee, served as Assessor, Village Treasurer, Town- ship Supervisor, member of the school board, and for ten years was chief of the volunteer fire department. He served as president of the fire department for many years and might be called "The Father of the Fire Department" for through his efforts and untiring work the department was held together during periods of discouragement.
Dan A. Schafer was born on November 27, 1885 and educated in the public schools of O'Fallon and Belleville Commercial College. He entered business with his father and finally took over complete management of it. He died in 1949 leaving the business to his son, Kenneth. Kenneth operated the store for three years after his father's death. He then closed the business and sold the building which had housed his family for so many years
Kenneth Schafer still continues the family heritage of working in the meat business. He was a meat cutter during his 15 months service in the U. S. Army during World War II, and now has a similar position at Scott Air Force Base. His wife is the former Aurelia Knerrer. He is an active member of the American Legion and a good worker in the Evangelical Church.
Julius A. Schalter, proprietor of a barber shop in O'Fallon for many years, was born in this city in 1866. He was the son of Adam and Rosa Simon Schalter, na- tives of Germany who came to O'Fallon at an early period. Adam Schalter followed the occupation of a cooper. Julius learned the barber trade and for years conducted a popular shop — a gathering place for the men of the community. As a young man Mr. Schalter was keenly interested in sports, especially baseball, and played on the O'Fallon town team. Later he took an active part in politics and all of the town activities. He held the office of City Clerk for six years and served as City Treasurer for three years. He also served as a member of the Board of Education for three years. He married Catherine Landwehr in 1890 and they had three sons, Raymond, Edgar and Julius, Jr. Julius, Jr. is the only son presently living in O'Fallon and is employed as a city mail carrier. Julius. Jr. married Evelyn McGeehon, daughter of S. E. McGeehon, and they have one son. Robert Schalter.
PHILIP SCHILDKNECHT
Philip and Katherine Schildknecht came from Ger- many to this country in 1853. They came to O'Fallon in 1859 and Mr. Schildknecht engaged in the harness business. Their son, Henry, learned this trade from his father after which he traveled extensively over the country working at his trade in larger cities. In 1879, he assumed his father's business in O'Fallon. His shop was a popular meeting place for the men of the community. Mr. Schild- knecht was a good citizen and took an active interest in local projects. He served as City Clerk for two terms, Township Collector for eleven years. Township Clerk foi four years, a member of the Board of Education for two years, besides acting as County Coroner and Postmaster. He also conducted an insurance agency and was a notary public. In 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Distler, daughter of John and Sarah Distler. To this union eight children were born: Philip, Charles, Claude, Essie, OUvia. Kate, Maud, and Mary. All except two of these children chose OFallon as a permanent residence.
Philip conducted a grocery store for many years and retired in 1945. He married Martha Whitehead and they have three children: Charles, Martha and Philip. Charles married Alma Thomas, daughter of George and Julia Thomas, and they live in Worthington, Ohio. Martha mar- ried Robert Bode and they live in O'Fallon. Phihp has operated a mortuary in the former home of Dr. H. T. Bechtold since 1949. He married Miss Frances Battoe in 1944.
Charles has a position in the postal service. He has served as rural mail carrier on Route Ko. 1 from the O'Fallon Post Office since November 1920.
Claude has employment with the Illinois Power Com- pany and lives in CoUinsville. Illinois.
Olivia, Kate, and Maud live in O'Fallon in the old homestead. Olivia teaches art in the Maplewood Schools, and Maud is employed in St. Louis. Mary (Mrs. Mary Bertram) live.s in Sparta. Illinois. Essie (deceased) passed away in 1954.
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GUSTAVE A. SCHILLING
Gustave A. Schilling came to St. Clair County in 1868. He was born in Germany in 1848, the son of William Schilling, a professor in a Boys' School. In 1875, he mar- ried Christine Trefzer who lived in Shiloh Valley. After living on several farms in St. Clair County, they moved to the Smiley farm near O'Fallon. Mr. Schilling was a successful farmer, practicing scientific farming methods ahead of his time. He loved the land and good horses. He was a well informed person and served on the O'Fallon School Board for a number of years. He died in 1923 and his wife followed him in death in 1935 Of their eight children, three became O'Fallon residents, namely: Theo- dore, Carolina, and Adolph.
Theodore (now deceased) married Elizabeth Thomas. He was employed at the Eureka Range Company, and Tiedemann Milling Company. Their daughter, Theodora (Mrs. Chris Zinkgraf), is active in club and church work. Their son, Edwin, is District Supervisor of the South- western Bell Telephone Company, St. Louis.
Carolina (now deceased) married William Behrens. Their two daugliters. Willia and Jessie (Mrs. Jessie Nold) operate Nold's Variety Shop in O'Fallon.
Adolph married Bertha Weil and is now retired. Their daughter, Helen, is employed by the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in O'Fallon.
JOHN SCHNEIDER
John Schneider was born at Harrisonville, Illinois on February 9, 1883, the son of Nicholas and Maggie Bick- elhauot Schneider. He secured his early education in the schools of Waterloo, Illinois. After leaving school he took employment in a- jewelry store and learned the jeweler's trade. Later he moved to Breese, Illinois and there worked at the same trade.
In 1903 he decided to make O'Fallon his home, came to this city, and opened a store which he is still conduct- ing.
Mr. Schneider was married twice and both wives are now deceased. He first married Miss Flora Ahrens and they had two children, Anita and Flora. His second wife was Miss Helen Zinkgraf and they were the parents of three boys: Harry, John, and Carl. Their son, John, was killed in World War II and is buried in England. Harry is presently res-ding in Belleville, and Carl, who married Miss Faye Brasel, is an O'Fallon resident.
Mr. Schneider stands high in the estimate of the people of O'Fallon and has many friends. He served on the High School Board of Education for many years and was an officer and director of the O'Fallon Building and Loan Association for 41 years prior to his retirement from the board several years ago. For thirty-one years he has been commissioned as a Grand Lecturer by the Grand Masonic Lodge of Illinois. In his earlier years, Mr. Schneider took an active Interest in athletics, pa'rticularly baseball and bowling. In past years he also was active in trap-shooting and was interested in the sport of hunting.
GEORGE SCHOBERT
beth Strube.
In 1913, he, with his four sons as partners, opened a business which included livery service, moving, storage, and the sale of coal, brick, and lime. The business satis- fied a wide range of interests and was a decided success. They made a specialty of hauling and moving, serving well an area with a radius of 20 miles or more around O'Fallon. In 1917 the business was sold.
Albert and Erwin Schobert are the only sons now living in O'Fallon. George is deceased and Oscar Schobert moved to Belleville. Albert and Erwin served in World War I, returning to make O'Fallon their home.
Albert takes a prominent part in politics. He has served as Precinct Committeeman of the Republican Party for a number of years and is Deputy Fire Marshall for the State of Illinois. He married Mayme Bernhardt, daughter of Henry Bernhardt who was a long time resi- dent of O'Fallon. They have one daughter, Jean, who makes her home in O'Fallon.
Erwin worked for some time at the Special Products Laboratory in O'Fallon and later conducted a service station. He is affiliated with the Democratic Party and has held several county offices among them Chief Deputy Probate Clerk. He is now the Clerk of O'Fallon Township. He married Florence Bohannon in 1919. Mrs. Schobert died in 1943. Their daughter, Ines (Mrs. Alex Clabia) re- sides in O'Fallon with her family.
CHARLES J. SCHUETZ
Charles J. Schuetz was born January 7, 1871 in Hun- gary. Early in life he came to this country and learned the trade of baker in St. Louis. He traveled over the country, working at his trade in many cities, and finally decided that O'Fallon would be the right place to locate permanently. He came to O'Fallon in 1898 and worked in a bakery for a few years, until in 1901 he opened a shop of his own. He knew his business thoroughly, he was well liked by his neighbors and friends, and his venture proved successful. He took an active part in the town's
SCHUETZ BAKERY
George Schobert, who came to O'Fallon in 1912, was born in Trenton, Illinois in 1860. He married Mis Eliza-
activities, especially the Homecoming. He served as City Treasurer of O'Fallon.
In 1903 he married Anna Behrens, daughter of August Behrens, and they had three children, Wanda, Margaret,
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and Charles. Charles holds the position of Purchasing Agent for the Independent Engineering Co. He married Eve Smissoman of St. Louis and they have one child. Margaret was employed for many years by the Eureka Range Company and now holds a clerical position with the Board of Education. She married Lercy Yaeger, now deceased, and has two children. Wanda, now living in Chicago, married William Pickham and they have three children.
In February 1929, Mr. Schuetz retired after being in business for 28 years and leased the bakery and confec- tionery to Tony Machetta and Tony Banchi.
DR. JOHN B. SCRUGGS
Dr. John B. Scruggs was born in Cornishville. Ken- tucky in 1867. He received his early education in Corn- ishville and later at a college in Lexington, Kentucky. His medical training was received in The College of Physicians and Surgeons in St. Louis. Missouri. Upon graduating from that institution in 1898 he came to O' Fallon to begin his practice. His genial manner and friendliness soon won for him a place in the hearts of the people of O'Fallon and he established a large practice both in the town and the surrounding area. In 1899 he was married to Laura Begole, a direct descendant of Capt. Joseph Ogle and a member of a prominent family of this area. To this mar- riage one child was born, Ines. who is now Mrs. Elsworth Rea of O'Fallon. Several years after the death of his first wife, Dr. Scruggs moved to Belleville, where in 1925 he married Virginia Winkleman. He died in 1938.
JOHN SEDDON
John Seddon was born at Reeb Station in 1862 and attended the public schools there. He was the son of Isaiah and Lucy Davis Seddon, natives, respectively of England and Wales.
Mr Seddon followed farming for ten years and after- ward was engaged in the coal mining business. He learned the trade of hoisting engineer and in 1891 came to O'Fallon to work as an engineer in the Ridge Prairie Mine owned by Joseph Taylor. He served as president of the Village Board in 1900-02. He was elected as the first Mayor of O'Fallon in 190.5 serving until 1909; and served in the same position from 1913 to 191.5. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the O'Fallon Building and Loan Association for 28 years and served as president many of those years. He was active in the Baptist Church.
In 1887. he married Gertrude Eisloffel at Mascoutah. Their one daughter. Irene, married Carl Herzberger and lived in O'Fallon for a number of years. At the present time Mr. and Mrs. Herzberger are living in Alton lUino-s.
a grocery store at the corner of State and Lincoln. He erected the present building now housing the bus station. The post office alrfo occupied the building for a time.
Mr. Simmons became Police Magistrate in 1874 when the Village of O'Fallon was incorporated. He held this position for forty years. In 1861 he was elected Justice of the Peace. Later he served as Assessor and Supervisor. He was a member of the village board from 1886 to 1890 and was president of the board when the Town Hall was built. Mr. Simmons died in 1902.
Mr. Simmons married Sarah Houser ,a member of the pioneer Isaac Houser family. Their daughter, Fannie, married Eugene Mace. Another daughter, "Miss Annie" spent all of her life in O'Fallon.
ERNEST H. SMILEY
LEVI SIMMONS
Levi Simmons came to O'Fallon in 1858 and opened
Ernest H. Smiley, son of Samuel and Jennie Simmons Smiley, was born in O'Fallon Township on May 25. 1865. He attended grade school at Ogle Creek, and later Smith Academy of St. Louis and the St. Louis School of Phar- macy from which he was graduated. For a niuiiber of years he conducted a drug store on the corner of State and Lincoln Avenue. In 1903 he organized the First Na- tional Bank and became its first president, an office he held until 1939. In 1939. he was elected Chairman of the Board and retained that position until his death in 1953.
Mr. Smiley was a leader in many business projects in O'Fallon. He was one of the organizers of the O'Fallon Electric Light Co. and an officer and director of that company until it was sold to the Southern Illinois Light and Power Company. He served as Director and Treas- urer of the O'Fallon Building and Loan Association for over 50 years. He and his brother, Charles T. Smiley, were owners of the Smiley Brothers Telephone Company until it was sold to the Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in 1947.
An extensive landowner, Mr. Smiley took an active interest in farming and was a pioneer in farm conserva- tion practices. He was one of the leaders instrumental in the establishment of the Shiloh-O'Fallon Soil Conserva- tion District, now a county-wide organization but original- ly the first such organization in Illinois.
Mr. Smiley was interested in politics. He served as Central Committeeman of St. Clair County for the Re- publican party, was a delegate to the 1920 Republican nominating convention, attended a number of national conventions, and served as treasurer for many years of the St. Clair Republican Committee. He served as treas- urer of the O'Fallon Township school district from 1901 to the date of his death.
Mr. Smiley took an active part in the affairs of the First Methodist Church in O'Fallon. He was a trustee for many years. He contributed generously to the remodeling and enlarging of the church in.stitution several years ago. The Education Building was dedicated in his honor.
Mr. Smiley was never married. Hi- died December 25, 1953 at the age of 88 years.
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All members of the Schwarz Family appear on this picture. From left: Leonhard E., Matt K., George N., Rose (Mrs. Al Larson), Karolene (Mrs. Elsworth McGeehon), Henry, Mathias. Sr., and Caroline Schwarz.
80
MATHIAS SCHWARZ
The oldest existing business in O'Fallon is that of the Schwarz Furniture. They have operated in the same building for sixty years. The third generation of the Schwarz family is now in charge.
Mathias Schwarz was born in Wuertemberg, Germany, on May 13. 1860. His parents were John George and Rose Moessner Schwarz. He came to this country in 1873, to O'Fallon, where he finished his public school education. He was a pupil of Miss Amelia Carriel and was the oldest pupil participating in the parade given in her honor upon coir.pletion of 40 years of teaching in the O'Fallon Schools.
In 1883, Mr. Schwarz opened a saloon in O'Fallon and engaged in th=s business until 1890 when he sold his business and with his family took a trip to Germany, where he spent the year visiting friends and boyhood acquaintances In the following year he returned to the United States and opened a retail shoe business at Anna, Illinois. He conducted this business until 1894, when he sold out, returned to O'Fallon, and bought the undertaking and furniture business of Charles Ruedlin.
Mr. Schwarz was particularly interested in sports. He organized the O'Fallon Turner Society, the main center of gymnastic sports in O'Fallon for over twenty years. He instructed the members in boxing, horizontal bars, weight lifting, trapeze, and rings. He was ever alive to the progressive interests of the city. He platted the Schwarz Addition to Glenview, served on the school boa,rd for several terms, was a director of the O'Fallon Build- ing and Loan Association for 10 years, and was active in all civic enterprises.
He married Miss Caroline Huber on January 30. 1883. They had six children: Henry, Leonhard, Mathias, Jr., George. Rose, and Karolene.
Henry Schwarz passed the state examination at Peoria in 1902 and received a license as embalmer at the age of 14, the youngest person to be so licensed. He later left the business and operated the motion picture theater in O'Fallon for a number of years. George, selling his in- terest in the business (the sons had bought the business in 19191, bought the O'Fallon Creamery from John Munier. Leonhard and Mathias, Jr., continued in the furniture and undertaking business. Their manner of conducting fun- erals was most impressive and their ability as directors was recognized throughout the area. They carried on the business according to their father's high ideals.
In 1946, the undertaking business was sold to Wolf- ersberger and Meyer who conduct the business at the present time.
Leonhard continued in the furniture business until 1950 when the third generation took over. Leonhard and wife. Hazel Verbeek Schwarz, have two daughters. Nidra married Clarence Lurtz and LaDoris married Clyde Glenn. Mr. Lurtz and Mr. Glenn are now conducting the business of Schwarz Furniture.
Leonhard Schwarz's retirement from business has not lessened his vital interest in O'Fallon's growth. He has been associated with the Park Board since its organization and is now vice-president of that body. He has taken a prominent part in the projects of the Homecoming Asso- ciation. He is chairman of the program committee of the O'Fallon Centennial.
Mathias, Jr.. will always be remembered as a most
competent director of funerals. When the mortuary es- tablishment was sold. Mat turned his attention to selling automobiles for a short tin.e, but is now the Treasurer of the Southern Illinois Synod and Benevolent Corporation of the Evangelical and Reformed Church, a responsible and important position. He is chairman iif the special events committee of the O'Fallon CenLennial and has been instrumental in raising funds to linance the Centennial.
George Schwarz from a small beginning has expanded into one of the largest dairy processing firms in this part of the country. Farming is his hobby and he operates a stock farm and raises muih of his own feed. He inariied Sue McFarland. Their three sons: Robert .Jaclc, and Wil- liam are corporate officers of Quality Dairy. The building in which they operate their business is a show place of the city and a credit to the industry and the community.
Henry married Louisa Schmidt and they have three children: Helen, Henry, Jr., and Edith. Helen married Raymond Schilling and is a resident of O'Fallon. Henry, Jr., is interested in the operation of the M & S Body Shop in O'Fallon and lives in New Baden. Edith married Mike Politis and now lives in Belleville.
Rose Schwarz married Al Larson and now lives in St. Louis. Karolene, who married Elsworth McGeehon, is a resident of O'Fallon. They have one son, William.
All the children of Mathias Schwarz have always taken a deep interest in all things tending to make O'Fallon a better city in which to live.
SAMUEL C. SMILEY
SAM SMILEY KESIDENCE
Samuel C. Smiley was born in Ridge Prairie in 1841. He was the son of Mathew and Mary Christy Smiley.
Mr. Smiley was engaged in farming until 1884, when he moved to O'Fallon and was interested in the Tiede- mann Milling Company for several years. He soon retired but remained prominent in civic affairs. He was one of the promoters of the O'Fallon Electric Light Co. and was the manager for eight years. During the Civil War he served in the Union Army and afterward was a Repre- sentative for one term in the state legislature. He was twice married. His first wife, Jennie Simmons Smiley, was the mother of his four children. Ernest, Charles. Josephine (Mrs. George Remick) and Jennie (Mrs. W. T. Lee). Mr. Smiley "s second wife was Miss Dehlia McGulre. He died in 1916.
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JOSEPH TAYLOR
The history of O'Fallon would not be complete with- out a story of Joseph Taylor. He played an important role in the development of the city.
Mr. Taylor was born in Lancashire, England on Feb- ruary 8, 1840. His parents, Samuel and Allen (Spencer) Taylor, were also of English birth, and came to this country in 1865, being sent for by their son, Joseph.
Joseph Taylor worked in the coal mines in England and upon coming to the United States in 1860 worked for a time in the mines around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He came to O'Fallon in 1866 and worked in the mines tmtil 1874 when he bought the general store and saloon operated by Charles Gartside at Alma. In 1877, he purchased the Alma mine, in 1888 the Taylor mine; and in 1898, the Ridge Prairie mine. In August, 1903, Mr. Taylor opened St. EUen mine which continues in active operation today These mines were operated under the firm name of Joseph Taylor Coal Co.
Mr. Taylor always took a great interest in his adopted city and did everything in his power to benefit O'FaUon. He was a stockholder and director of the First NaUonal Bank, director and treasurer of the OFallon Building and Loan Association; and one of the promoters and strong advocate of the light and power plant for O'FaUon. He served as Mayor for one term, 1909-1910, as City Treasurer for ten years, and was always interested in the welfare of the city. He operated a store selling general merchan- dise and a private bank operated by Mr. Henry Seiter of Lebanon occupied part of the store premises. He erected more than one hundred dweUing houses for his employees as weU as building the Taylor Opera House.
Mr. Taylor married Mary Gartside in 1872. They had no childi-en. He died in 1925. His nieces and nephew living in O'FaUon are: Sam Taylor, Mrs. A. B. Gordon, Miss Mai-y Taylor, and Mrs. Jessie Behrens.
JOHN A. THOMAS
John A. Thomas was a son of Anthony and Mary Kauffmann Thomas, and was born near Shiloh, September 8, 1877. He worked on the farm until 1904 when he came to O'FaUon and went into the farm implement business. For sixteen years he was associated with Adolph Ohlen- dorf, Sr., in the hardware and implement business under the firm name of Ohlendorf-Thomas & Co. In 1923 the firm dissolved the partnership and Mr. Thomas entered the heating and plumbing business which he conducted until his death in 1935.
Mr. Thomas was united in marriage on October 28, 1916 to Miss Edna Rhein of BeUeville. They had three children, LuciUe, (Mrs. Leroy Kruse of Mascoutah); Har- old, who married Mildred Joseph, is a machinist at the O'Fallon Tool and Die Co.; and Gene, who Uves at home with her mother, is saleslady and bookkeeper at Schwarz Furniture store.
Mr. Thomas died September 25, 1935 as a result of injuries received when struck by a car on Route 50 west of O'Fallon.
NICK THOMAS
Nick Thomas conducted a harness shop in O'Fallon
for many years. He was born in Germany in 1850 and came with his parents to this country in 1855. After re- ceiving his education in the BeUeviUe pubUc schools, he learned the harness making business and opened a saddlery and harness shop in O'FaUon in 1894. His work was superior and he was weU patronized by the community. In 1877 he married Louisa Huber of Casey vUle Township. They have five children and four have become prominent residents of O'Fallon.
■Walter Thomas owns and operates a weU equipped hardware store. He married Frieda W/M who is deceased. Their son. Jack, is a partner in his father's business.
George Thomas operates an Electric and Gift Shop. He married Julia Braun. Their daughter, MarUyn, is a teacher of Home Economics in the Evanston Schools. Another daughter. Alma, married Charles ScMldknecht and resides in 'Worthington, Ohio.
Edward Thomas conducts a real estate business. Per- haps his gi-eatest contribution to O'Fallon lies in the subdivisions he has developed which have been a great incentive to the growth of O'Fallon. He married Ann Schachner. They have no children.
All the sons of Nick Thomas are pubUc spirited and participate in aU the activities of the city. They are members of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and the Homecoming Association. George is a leader in the March of Dimes, both locally and in the St. Clair County chapter.
Mr. Thomas' daughters are Sophia (Mrs. 'VViUiam Hughes of Webster Groves, Missouri), and Elizabeth, widow of Theodore Schilling. Mrs. Schilling and her daughter, Theodora (Mrs. Chris Zinkgraf) are residents of O'Fal- lon.
CHARLES A. TIEDEMANN
Charles A. Tiedemann was born in Germany in 1833. He was a member of a highly educated and prominent
COOPER SHOP — TIEDEMANN MILL
family in Hanover. His grandfather was a Professor of Anatomy in Heidelburg University. His father was an officer in the army of Jerome Bonaparte and received from
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Napoleon I the Cress o( the Legion of Honor.
Charles came to America in 184y and apprenticed himself to Capt Julius Raith of Belleville as a wheel- wright and later went into partnership with him. In 1860, Mr. Tiedemann and his partner began work on the con- struction of a flour mill at O' Fallon. The mill was com- pleted in 1861.
After President Lincoln's call for volunteers, Col. Raith responded and was killed in the battle of Shiloh. Mr. Tiedemann then bought out the interest of Col. Raith and tock into partnership Philip H. Postel. This partner- ship then conducted the business until 1876. when Mr. Tiedemann bougiit Mr. Postel's share of the business and continued to run the business as his own property until the time of his death in 1890.
After the death of the founder the business was in- corporated in 1891 under the firm name of Charles Tiede- mann Milling Company. The paid up capital was $50,000 and the following officers were elected: Jennie Tiedemann, president; Samuel C. Smiley, vice-president; and Louis F. Fischer, secretary-treasurer.
In 1883, Mr. Tiedemann established a modern mill In CoUinsville which was known as the Valley Mills. The mill at O'Fallon was known as the Richland Mills. The leading brands of flour produced by the mills were: Rich- land Lily; Richland Mills and Shiloh Valley.
On June 18. 1942, the mill property was sold to the Obcrbeck Feed Co. of Highland. Illinois. The Oberbeck Feed Co. has continued to operate the property as a grain elevator and outlet for the sale of feed.
In 1867, Mr. Tiedemann was married to Miss Jennie Tiedemann. Of this union five children were bom: Helene, Lou'sa. George W., Charles Edwin, and Ernestine. After their father's death, George and Edwin engaged in the milling business. They were prominent citizens of the town. George acted as president of the Milling Co., was a director of the First National Bank, and served as a member of the Board of Education. He was never mar- ried. He died in 1951.
Edwin was also a director of the bank, secretary and treasurer of the milling Co.. Mayor of O'Fallon from 1915 to 1919, and an active member of the Evangelical Church. He died in 1950. In 1918. he married Mrs. Catherine Gruetzemacher. Their daughter, Ruth, married Russell Warma who conducts a plumbing business in O'Fallon. Their son. Charles, lives on the Tiedemann farm in Shiloh Valley. This farm has been in the possession of the Tiede- mann family for many years.
The daughters of Charles A. Tiedemann have also gained prominence in O'Fallon. Miss Helene was instru- mental in the organization of the Woman's Club and served three times as president of the organization. She was especially interested in establishing a library for O'Fallon and gave much time and energy to this work. She was chairman of the library board from the time of its organization until the library was taken over as the responsibility of the city.
Miss Louisa was mo.st active in church work, especially in the Sunday School. Misses Helene and Louisa continue to live in O'Fallon where their family has played such a big part in the growth and development of the com- munity.
ERNST J. TIEDEMANN
Ernst J. Tiedemann was born in Germany in 1831. His family background has been outlined in the biographi- cal sketch of his brother. Charles A. Tiedemann. Ernst J. Tiedemann lived in Germany until he was 21 years of age. His education included a thorough preparation for a business career. He came to America in 1852 and settled in St. Clair County. He made his home in Belleville and served as a surveyor for the county. He surveyed the original town of O'Fallon when it was platted in 1854. He did surveying for the government in Nebraska and for several years lived in Nebraska and then Colorado.
In 1865 Mr. Tiedemann returned to O'Fallon to live and engaged in the mercantile business. His general store which handled groceries, dry goods, glassware, and hardware was popular with all the country side for miles around. It was the largest retail store in O'Fallon at that time.
He was married to Marie Bauman of Nebraska in 1862. Their sons, Charles F., Henry E., and Louis as well as their daughters assisted their father in the store vintil the elder Mr. Tiedemann's death in 'i902. The family continued to carry on the business until the death of Mrs. Tiedemann in 1916 when the estate was settled. Charles F. Tiedemann bought the interests of the heirs, but later sold the store.
For a few years Louis conducted a grocery store of his own and later sold out to his brother, Henry E., who operated the store for a number of years. Henry E. Tiedemann died in 1929.
Four of the children of Ernst J. Tiedemann are still residents of O'Fallon: Lena, Louis, Sophie, and Martha Tiedemann. They live in the imposing residence at 218 West Washington which was built by their father in 1884.
A grandson, Alfred, son of Henry Tiedemann, is also an O'Fallon resident. He is an assistant cashier at the First National Bank.
B. J. VAN COURT
Benjamin J. Van Court was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, December 19. 1820. The ancestors of his father, Benjamin Van Court, came from Holland. His mother, Mary Lindsey, belonged to an Irish family.
When 19 years old he left McVeytown. Pennsylvania and started west with his brother, Alexander. The boys built a boat, the "A and B J Van Court" and floated down the Ohio River. At the mouth of the Ohio they fastened their boat to the tug "Smelter" and had just started the tow when the boat sank takmg all the goods of the two brothers with it. The brothers then went to Rock Island, Illinois where they managed the "Rock Island House." In 1841 they moved to Portsmouth, Ohio where they con- tinued the hotel business running the "Ann House." Af- ter two years, Benjamin returned to St. Louis and with T. V. Cannon, leased the National Hotel on the corner of Third and Market, which they operated until July. 1848. when he leased the Missouri Hotel, on the corner of Main and Morgan streets. This was the hotel where the state government of Missouri was organized in August 1821.
Mr. Van Court operated the Missouri Hotel until 1850. after which he engaged in the real estate business. On
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January 17, 1853 he married Miss Amelia Mittnacht of Baltimore. Their wedding journey was a trip to California where they remained until the spring of 1854. They re- turned to St. Louis and in 1856 came to O'Fallon where he purchased a farm east of town and opened a coal mine, Van Courts, which was operated for a number of years.
In 1883 the family returned to St. Louis and lived at 1801 Kennett Place. Mr. Van Court died July 23, 1899, sur- vived by his widow and three daughters; Hallie (Mrs. Edwin Poindexteri; Carrie Virginia (Mrs. H. G. Finley) : and AmeUa M. (Mrs. D. K. Reinhold).
MICHAEL WACHTER
Michael Wachter was a prominent business man in the early years of OFallon. He was born in Germany in 1831 and came to O'Fallon in 1867 after having lived in Lebanon for a few years. In OFallon he operated a bakery, a saloon, and a brickyard. The brickyard was located near the intersection of the B. & O. and lUinois Terminal Railroads. He was a member of the village board in 1876 and 1877. He was married in 1854. He had ten children, four of whom grew to maturity and remained as citizens of O'Fallon. His son, Henry, carried on his fath- er's business and Uved to be 88 years of age. He died in 1951. Mr. Wachter has a number of grandchildren living in O'Fallon. Four children of Katherine Wachter Ober- nuefemann are: Mrs. Jcsie Schmidt. Mrs. Alice Mantle. Mi-s. Louise Huller. and Mike Obernuefemann. Another grandson is Ervin Schmitt. son of Josephine Wachter Schmitt.
WILLIAM G. WILLARD
In 1896 William G. Willard entered the range manu- facturing business at his plant east of O'Fallon on the old Van Court property. He put up a smaU range works, designed by himself, and made from five to six ranges per day. From time to time he added to his factory until the
plant turned out as many as two hundred and fifty ranges per day. He employed several hundred workers, as weU as his seven sons.
Mr. Willard built twenty-three residences for his em- ployees. He was loved by all his employees for they knew he had their interests at heart. He believed and lived up to thp theory that a man should not devote his life to makinsi money alone, but it should be his duty and his pleasure to be good to his workers and look after t'neir comfort and welfare.
Mr. Willard' s life story is more like fiction than fact. Ke was born m New Jersey on June 7, 1852. At the age of eleven he was hired out to a farmer. This work v.'as hard and irksome. He ran away from his home and em- ployer and made his way to the Jersey Canal v/here he worked as a mule driver. Later he did the same kind of work on the Erie Canal, driving mules from Syracuse to New York City. He worked in New York until he was fifteen and then came west to McLean County, Illinois, where he worked on a farm until he was eighteen years of age. He then came to St. Louis and was employed on the Eads Bridge then in the course of construction. Ths gave him his first experience in structural iron work. He later worked on the St. Charles. Missouri and the Reck Island. Illinois bridges.
In Rock Island, he and a young partner built a flat boat and started on a cruise down the Mississippi Rivegr. Their boat was equipped as a work shop and on the way down to St. Louis they did various kinds of work such as tinning, etc.
Upon their arrival in St. Louis the two young men began the manufacturing of wash wringers. After a year, Mr. Willard bought the intere.'^t of his partner and con- tinued the business by himself. He did business on the installment plan and carried a stock of wringers, bed springs ,rugs, clocks, etc. In 1904 he bought a building at 219 Chestnut Street in St. Lolu.<! which was later used as a warehouse for ranges. At first, Mr. Willard sent out men with wagons to sell his ranges throughout the country side. Later he shipped ranges all over the country. In the O'Fallon Progress, issue of April 7. 1905. the following advertisement was noted: "W. G. Willard Steel Raiiges, complete range with Japanned trimming $15.00; nickel front $16.00; full nickel trimming $17.00. Send $1.00 and I will ship a range to your freight office wherever you are for your examination. If you are satisfied remit the balance due."
Mr. Willard died in February 1919. His sons continued to operate the business for several years after his death. The business was discontinued in the late 1930's.
In 1869 Mr. Willard married Augusta Weber of St. Louis. They had nine children. Four sons. Wm. G., Joe, Nap. Ted and their families are residents of O'Fallon at ' the present time as is one daughter. Miss Albertina Willard. Another daughter. Dora, (now deceased > married Bernard Funk and their children reside in O'Fallon.
O'Fallon is a better city because of the Willard enter- prise.
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Centennial Committees
EXECUTIVE .COMMITTEE
JOHN L. ANHEUSER, General Chairman
Born: Summerfield, Illinois, December 19, 1899. Parents: Jacob and Elizabeth Steuber Anheuser. Education: Grade and High School, Rahe's Automobile
School, Kansas City, Mo. Occupation: Merchant— Auto dealer, bottle gas and ap- pliances. Presently serving as President O'Fallon Park Board. Past Activities: Pcstmasier of O'Fallon for 19 years.
President and Secretary O'Fallon Civic Club
President Rotary Club
President O'Fallon Business Men's Assn.
President St. Clare's Holy Name Society
HENRY M. HESSE, Advisory Born: Lebanon, Illinois, January 31, 1910 Parents; Christ J. and Minnie Dressel Hesse. Education: Graduate O'Fallon Township High School in 1928, Missouri Institute of Accountancy and Law, St. Louis, Mo. Occupation: Comptroller, The G. S. Suppiger Co. Presently serving as Mayor of O'Fallon. Has held this
office since 1945. Past activities: President Homecoming Assn.— 1941 and 1942 President High School Board of Education,
1937 to 1945 and member, 1945 to 1949 President Church Coimcil of Evangelical
and Reformed Church Past Master O'Fallon Lodge A. F. & A. M.
DELBERT C. CORBIER, Advisory
Born: O'FaUon, Illinois, May 24, 1918
Parents: Robert and Lillie Kendall Corbier
Education: Graduated O'Fallon Township High School in
1936 Occupation: Carload Sales and Procm-ement Manager,
Hunter Packing Company, East St. Louis, Illinois
Presently serving as President O'Fallon Homecoming As- sociation, President O'Fallon Choral Singers, member O'Fallon Park Board, Junior Warden, O'Fallon Lodge. A. F. & A. M. Past activities: Commander Fischer-SoUis Post No. 137, American Legion President O'Fallon High School Alumni Association
J. E. HINCHCLIFFE, SR., Secretary
Born: Williamson County, Illinois, October 29. 1892. Parents: William and Lucretia Mitchell Hinchcliffe Education: Graduated Southern Illinois University, Car-
bondale, Illinois; McKendree College. Lebanon, Illinois;
advanced study at University of Illinois, Champaign,
Illinois and University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. Taught in the public schools for 32 years. Superintendent
of O'Fallon City Schools and Principal of the High
School for 22 years, 1921-1943. Occupation: Personnel Director. Independent Engineering
Company, Inc. Presently serving as Secretary of the O'Fallon Homecoming
Association, Director of O'Fallon Choral Singers, and
O'Fallon City Treasurer. Past Activities: President Rotary Club
President Homecoming Association Past Master O'Fallon Lodge A. F. & A. M.
MERLE C. HESSE, Treasurer
Born: O'Fallon, Illinois, September 3, 1926
Parents: Barney and Agnes Hesse
Education: Graduated O'Fallon Township High School in 1944, Washington University in 1949.
Occupation: Accountant, St. Louis Chevrolet Division of General Motors, St. Louis, Mo.
Presently serving as treasurer of the O'Fallon Homecom- ing Association, vice president Churchmen's Brother- hood of Evangelical and Reformed Church.
Program Committee
Leonard E. Schwarz, Chairman John Hunter Priscilla Gribler Arthur Stein Margaret Busch Howard VanBuren Jack Louppe Melvin Rogers Maurice Helen
Advertising and Promotions Committee Irwin Yare, Chairman Warren Dale Thomas Adam Becherer Lucille Randel Walter W. Meiners William Morton Carl McManemy Bernard Fuchs
Special Events Committee
M. K. Schwarz, Chairman W. R. Dorris James Bittles George M. Thomas Wayne McKinley Adolph Ohlendorf Ray Christopher C. W. Marxer George N. Schwarz Edward Hasemann John Haukapp Harvey Klingel Al. Wolfe Ai-thur J. Huller
Annice Willard
Historical Committee
Clarence Distler. Chairman Philip W. Schildknecht Frances Eckert Nellie Carroll Carrie McGee Tichenor Edward Hemmer
86
Pageant Committee
James E. Segraves, Chairman J. E. Hinchcliffe, Sr. Velma Hartinan Lucille Randel Edna Ayers F. J. Hangsleben L. B. Sample Carl McManemy Joan Bevirt Erna Scheibel Virginia Gruchalla Cecil Lienesch Elva Uhles Mabel Hobbs Josephine Shaw Carrie Warraa Delbert Corbier Nancy Nail Wilmer Mannz Erwin Schmitt
O. M. Randel Howard Glenn
Bushleaguer Committee
(Sponsored by O'Fallon Fire Dept.) Wilbur Retting, Chairman Orville Friend Forrest Schroeder James Schroeder Fred Andricks Cletus Schau Bernard Henry
Bonnetted Belles Committee
(Sponsored by P.T.A.) Eve Schuetz, Chairman Mildred Schrameck Maxine Brockhahn Betty Suever Edna Hunter Doris Hertenstein Elaine Maibes Gladys FriU Nidra Lurtz Pearl Keys Hazel Nave Albertine Dressel Ruby Keller Marjorie Johannes Nina Lee Pfeifer Louise Scheibel Ruth Warma Margaret Thompson Lois Andricks
Information, Registration, and Sale of Brochure
'Sponsored by Woman's Club) Marcella Yaegcr, Chairman
Francis Hesse
Loretta Trippel
Lucille Heien
Alice Marxer
Laura Plab
Irene Segraves
Betty Schmidt
Marian Hamm
Verna Schmidt
Eloise Bittles
Old Timers Parade
(Sponsored by Kiwanis Club) William Schmidt, Chairman Carl McManemy Wayne McKinley Clyde Glenn Truman Bailey Joe Bittles L. B. Sample
Grounds Committee
Leonard VoUmer, Chairman
0
stand Erection and Locations
Oscar Busch, Chairman Harry Klingelhoefer Louis Fritz Harold Wilt Leonard VoUmer Stanley Mullett Fred Hangsleben Cletus Schau
Arthur Stein Ray Scheibel Leroy Hiles Vernon Scheibel
Parking Streets and Park
A'elvin KoKers, Chairman Otto Jung Edward Funk
Policing City and Park
James Tiley. Chairman Louis Plab Ralph Lee Titter Otis Hertzler Clcon Dressel Ruben Cavins Ei'gene Ferguson
Maintenance, Repairs and Clean-Up
John Keller, Chairman
Concessionss Committees
Earl Thompson, Chairman
Purchasing and Storekeeping
Joseph Kock and Les Proffit, Co-Chairmen
John Haukapp
Joe Mayer
Philip BeU
Ralph Thomas
Ben Schmidt
Bernard Taylor
o
Local Concessions Clyde Glenn, Chairman
J. S. HiU
Harry Keys
C. J. Lurtz
Ray Keller
Stanley Feist
Fred Hangsleben
Dorothy Clark
Russell Warma
Bernard Taylor
Helen Munier
Gene Thomas
Don Donate
Adolph Panz
Ollio B. Fink
William Sharp
Hap Bossier
Marcella Yaeger
Charles Kauffmann
Outside Concessions
Walter W. Thomas, Chairman
Special Concessions Committees
Ervin C. Schobert, Chairman
Lighting Streets and Park Ray Richardson, Chairman Richard Richardson
Auto Raffle
Wayne McKinley and Arthur J. Huller, Co-Chairmen John L. Anheuser Laurent Anheuser Dorothy McArdle Ronald Anheuser Kathryn Sidel Joyce Anheuser Agnes Bccherer Lucille Schmidt Russell Nail Mildred Huller Betty Peter Darwin Huller
87
Shirley Huller Jack Lehman Jerry Wise Kdwin Pfeiffer Oscar Munie L. R. McKinley Gloria McKinley Dean McKinley Leland McKinley Leroy Hamm Raymond Brockman Dorothy Scott Harry Klingelhoefer Elmer Gauch Wendell Thompson Helen Freivogel Victor Thoman Eleanor Thoman
Hope Chest Raffle
Priscilla Griblcr. Chairman Erna Scheibel Alma Hesse Lavinia Schwarz Viola Lautz Clara Obcrnuefemann Naomi Dressel Leola Titter Pearl Gribler Edna Hesse Thora Quinn Alma Heitman
Jacqueline Rogers Helen Distler Daisy Bertram Clara Hartman Emma Mallard Grace Heck Dorothy Clark Aurelia Schafer Velma Marvel Ella Keller Gladys Fritz Gladys Hallam Margaret Heitman Florence Busch Margaret Transano Mary Ellen McCandless Edna Hunter Agnes Fuchs Opal Wessel Mljllic Heien Naomi Poser Anna Nesbit bhirley Sibcrt LaDori:: Adair Shirlej Coleman Marjorie Johannes Vera McGuire Julia Thomas Rose Hughes Bertha Tiedemann Dorothy Hartman Linda Lehman Dorothy Cavins Irene Dunbar
Coal Raffle
Edward Hasemann, Chairman Anita Hasemann Velma Porter James Porter Willard Nail Robert Haukapp Clarence Huller Viola Hauptman Walter Hauptman Benjamin Klamm
Queen Contest
Maurice Reaka, Chairman Barbara Little Patsy Eck Joan Shea •Claudette Napier Dorothy Scott Virginia Armstrong Norma Lee Warma Darlene Moore
0
Bingo
Milton Hillesheim, Chairman Jacob Mueller Leroy White Albert Louis Leo Lickenbrock Joe Louis Walter Hesse Ferd Lampe
o
Games Charles Lowe, Chairman — o
Dancing
(Sponsored by O'Fallon MoonUghi- er Square Dancing Group) Kathryn Reinhardt, Chairman Elaine Maibes Vincent Maibes Doris Hertenstein Dan Hertenstein Dorothy Schwarz Mike Schwarz Victor Reinhardt Ray Scheibel
Wild Life Exhibit Committee (Sponsored by Sportsmen Club) Clifton Joseph, Chairman
Committee
Howard VanBuren, Chairman Walter Gindler George Kurtz Kenneth Johnson William Bergmann Julius Runkwitz
Industry, Displays and Tours Committee Maurice Helen, Chairman Ray Richardson Jack Schwarz Elmer Keck
Childrens Parade Committee
(Sponsored by Rotary Club) Clarence J. Lurtz. Chairman John L. Anheuser Robert Morrison Jack Louppe Irwin A. Yare Maurice Helen
Western Parade Committee T. W. Trammel and Ray K. Frailey, Co-Chairmen F. K. Dzengolewskl Kenneth C. Bevirt Robert Schwarz Walter Gindler Dr. L. W. Roth Douglas Metz Donald Frailey Floyd Metz Tom Boldt Orrin Joseph J. H. VanBuren
Leland Reimann Burrell Hoehner Charles J. Schuetz Hawley Canterbury Harold Yaeger O. M. Randel
Mardi Gras Parade
Committee
Clarence J. Lurtz and George Fritz, Co-Chairmen Elmer Keck Warren D. Thomas Milton Hillesheim Arthur Huller Edward Hasemann Ray Richardson Gerald Poser L. M. Wolfersberger
First Aid and Safety Committee
W. J. Eckert^ Chairman Fred Budina Dorothy Canterbury J. E. HinchcUffe, Jr. Melville Mayhill Robert Notz Ray Scheibel Henry Seipp. Sr. Virginia Smith
Live Stock Exhibit, Four-H Clubs, Soil Conservation
Rodeo Committee:
Walter Gindler. Chairman
Finance and Auditing Committee
Russell Thoman. Chairman John Hunter Alfred Tiedemann Charles Etherton. Jr. G. B. Gieser Frances Bell J. E. HinchcUffe, Si. Margaret Egger Merle Hesse
-88
FINAIdEq
r\
J*-
This historical booklet represents the combined work of many people of OTalion. Its contents were compiled, evaluated, and writ- ten by the committee which also supplied ma- terial for the historical pageant to be staged here during the Centennial Celebration.
Feeling that much of the data would be lost unless preserved in some permanent form, the Program Committee very early suggested that information obtained by the Historical Committee be published in printed form.
The Historical Committee feels that this history is far from complete. Nb committee, however efficient, could record in so short time and in so short space, a complete account of O'Fallon's progress over the last century. The Committee has tried to check the material as closely as possible, but we know it would be almost impossible to present a book without some errors. Errors of omission and commission, misspellings, and oversights will be recti- fied and acknowledged in the next Centennial Booklet to be published in 2054. So if you feel slighted about anything, just make a note of it and contact the committee at that time.
We wish to thank the many people who so kindly offered assistance, and furnished information and pictures that we might present, "The History of O'Fallon."
THE CENTENNIAL HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
CLARPLNCE DISTLER. Chairman NELLIE CARROLL CARRIE TICHENOR FRANCES ECKERT PHILIP SCHILUKXECHT ANNICE WILLARD EDWARD HEMMER
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