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1871 


(^^t4TENN/4 


/- 


^^^/"FS,  ILU^^O^*^ 


1971 


/ 


nr«Kf,«,<»  U!CT^p?r«JL  SURVEY 


.CiOV 


OUR  LITTLE  TOWN 


We  like  to  live  in  a  little  town, 

Where  the  trees  meet  across  the  street; 
Where  you  wave  your  hand  and  say  "Hello" 

To  everyone  you  meet. 
We  like  to  stand  for  a  moment 

Outside  the  grocery  Store, 
And  listen  to  the  friendly  gossip 

Of  the  folks  that  live  next  door. 


For  life  is  interwoven 

With  the  friends  we  learn  to  know. 
And  we  hear  their  joys  and  sorrows 

As  we  daily  come  and  go. 
So  we  like  to  live  in  a  little  town, 

And  care  no  more  to  roam ; 
For  every  house  in  a  little  town 

Is  more  than  a  house  —  it's  home. 


LUFFS 


YESTERDAY 

and 
TODAY 


1871  -  1971 


Published  by 
JONES  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 

Ralph  J.  &  Leah  0.  jones 
Bluffs,  Illinois  62621 


Centennial  Program  -  July  10  &  11 

SATURDAY,   JULY  10, 1971 

11;00  A.  Mo  BIG  PARADE     (Cash  &  Trophy  Prizes  to  be  Awarded) 

11:00  A.  M,  BAR-B-Q  PORK  &  CHICKEN  ALL  DAY  FEED 

1:00  P.  M.  ANTIOCH  MOUNTAIN  MEN  BALL  &  MUSKET  SHOOT 

(Merton  Pond  Pasture  East  of  Bluffs) 

2:00-6:00  P.  M.       GERMAN  BAND  ENTERTAINING  DOWNTOWN 

2:00-6:00  P.  M.       BLUFFS  CENTENNIAL  HORSE  SHOW 

(Valleyview  Subdivision  south  part  of  Bluffs) 

2:00  P.  M.  Introduction  on  Stage  at  Lewis  Park  of  Dignitaries 

2:30  P.  M.  PARADE  TROPHIES  AWARDED  ON  STAGE 

3:00  P.  M.  GLASGOW  KITCHEN  BAND 

3:30  P.  M.  CENTENNIAL  DRESS  CONTEST  ON  STAGE 

4:30  P.  M.  CHILDREN'S  CONTESTS  IN  LEWIS  PARK 

(Frog,  Turtle,  Pie  Eating  Contests) 

6:00  P„  M.  GREASED  PIG  CONTEST     (Valleyview  Subdivision) 

7:00-8:30  P.  M.  PAGEANT  IN  LEWIS  PARK  (Bluffs  past  history) 

8:30  P.  M.  LOCAL  TALENT  SHOW 

9:00-12:00  P.  M,  FREE  TEEN  DANCE  at  School  Parking  Lot 

10:00  P,  M,  BEARD  CONTEST       (Trophies  &  Judges) 

SUNDAY,   JULY  11, 1971 

11:00  A.  M.  PUBLIC  WORSHIP  SERVICE  IN  LEWIS  PARK 

11:30  A.  M.  LUNCH  SERVED  AT  MEDICAL  CENTER 

1:00-3:00  P,  M.  CLOWN  BAND  &  ENTERTAINMENT  LEWIS  PARK 

2:30-4:30  P.  M.  CHILDREN'S  CONTESTS  AT  SCHOOL  GROUNDS 

(Bicycle,  Tricycle,  Potato,  Three-Legged,  Sack  Races, 
Greased  Pole,  Jumping  Rope,  Baseball  Throw,  Broad 
Jump,  Marble,  Horse  Shoe  Pitching  Contests) 

-2- 


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BLUFFS  CENTENNIAL  COMMITTEES 


GENERAL  COMMITTEE: 

John  Allen,    Ray  Schnitker,  June  Bracken,  Vema  Oakes 
Leah  Jones,  June  Nunes,   Charles  Neubauer,  M.L.Pond 

FINANCE  COMMITTEE: 

Ray  Schnitker,  Wilbur  Westermeyer,   F.J.  Muntraan, 
J ,  A  .  Knoeppel 

PUBUCITY  COMMITTEE: 

I.  D.  Mueller,   Donald  Kilver 


HORSE  SHOW  COMMITTEE: 
Oral  Woosley 

CHILDREN'S  CONTEST  COMMITTEE: 

Bernard  Goetze,   Raymond  Joe  Graves 

MISS  BLUFFS  CENTENNL^L  COMMITTEE: 

Margaret  Watson,   Joy  Schnitker,   Wilma  Westermeyer 

PARADE  COMMITTEE: 

June  Nunes,   Jeannie  Nevins,   Verlin  Rolf,  John  R. 
Brockhouse,  Oral  Woosley,  Francis  "Hank"  Gregory 

PROGRAM  COMMITTEE: 

Margaret  Freeman,   Faye  Kilver,   Ruby  Bridgman 

PAGEANT  COMMITTEE: 
June  Moorr 

TEEN-AGE  DANCE  COMMITTEE: 

Brenda  Nobis,   Larry  Christa,  Beverly  Bonham 

IvfUSKET- SHOOT: 

Francis  "Hank"  Gregory 

SOUND  SYSTEM  COMMITTEE: 
M.   L.  Pond 

ELECTRICIANS: 

Tom  Dickens,  Earl  Lovekamp,  Joe  Graves 

STAGE  COMMITTEE: 

Fran  Pond,    Bev  Neubauer,  Geraldine  Whorton 

PROGRAM  SEATING  COMMITTEE: 

Robert  Bangert,  Harold  Morris,  Jim  Welch,  Nimrod  Funk 

FOOD  COMMITTEE: 

Vema  Oakes,  June  Brackett,  Mildred  Allen,  Mary  Dunham 

MEAT   PREPARATION  COMMITTFE: 

Charles  Neubauer,    Carl  Warfel,   Harold  Kilver,   LeRoy 
J.  Vortman,  J.  W.  Freeman,   Tom  Brackett,   M.   L.   Pond, 
Harold  Frohwitter,  Harold  Bridgman,   Erwin  Weiss,   Bob 
Albers,  William  Merris,   Edward  Dunham,    Norris  Whorton, 
Jack  Moore,   Danny  Likes,   Wendell  Brackett,   Bob  Christa, 
Merle  Scott,  Clyde  Taylor,  c.O.  Mueller,  K.W.  Bridgman 

ICE  CREAM  STAND: 

Trinity  Lutheran  Church 


DINING  ROOM  COMMITTEE: 

Ronald  Gilman,   Oliver  Chambers,   Delbert  Mueller, 
Delbert  Reed,   Don  Savage,   Ralph  Sturgeon,  Carl  Burns, 
Vincent  Berry,   Don  Collison,   M.  J.   Baulos,   Bert  Cham- 
berlain,  Bill  Chambers,   Dave  Orchard,   Clyde  Baulos 

ICE  COMMITTEE: 

Wayne  Lirtig,   James  Bailey 

HAMBURGER  STAND: 

Dale  Buhlig,   Laine  Comerford,  Harold  Graves,   Leonard 
Nevins,    Robert  Engelbrecht,    David  Pond,   Earl  Tash,   Fred 
Bamett,   Carroll  Sears,   Verlin  Rolf,   Wilbur  Mathews,  Jack 
Bamett,   Glen  Leamons,Cleatus  Coates,  Tom  Goldsborough, 
Earl  Benton,   Ralph  Hubbert,   Larl  Mueller,   Norris  Mer- 
riman,  Willie  Tranbarger,   Allan  Vortman,   Keith  Prunty, 
Richard  Martin,   Charles  Berry,   Bob  Brown,  John  Nortron, 
Roy  Freesen 


COUNTRY  KITCHEN: 

Scott  County  Home  Extension 

CRAFTS: 

Mildred  Allen,  Mary  Ann  Morris 

LIBRARY  ART  SHOW: 

Geraldine  Whorton,  Frances  Lawshe 

WOOD  COMMITTEE: 

Byron  Littig,  Harvey  D.   Andres,    Russell  Collison,  Jr. 

CLEAN-UP  COMMITTEE: 

John  Brown,  Raymond  Christison,  Russell  Albers,  Paul 
Vannier,  Orville  Chapman,  Melvin  Christison,  Russell 
Vortman,  Jim  Baird 

TENTS  AND  HAULING 

Robert  Smith,   Gary  Bangert,   Virgil  Huseman,   Richard 
Hutton,   Virgil  X'ortman,   Larry  Beddingfield,   Clifford 
Hoots,   L.  J.  Kunkel,   William  Nunes 

TRAFFIC  CONTROL  COMMITTEE: 

Harold  Arnold,  Mike  Wise,  Donald  Smith,  Howard  Buhlig, 
Neil  Parker,  Lee  Buhlig,  Howard  Barrett,  Harold  Bedding- 
field,   Robert  Bailey,   Raymond  Arnold 

COMMERATIVE  SOUVENIRS: 

Betty  Gregory,   Fran  Pond,   Beverly  Neubauer,    Rev.M.D. 
Goldsborough,   Harold  Oakes 

HOSPITAUTY  COMMITTEE: 

John  Allen,  Harold  Oakes,   Fran  Baulos 

CENTENNLAL  BALL  COMMITTEE: 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  Nunes,   Mr.   and  Mrs.  Gary  Vortman, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.   Karl  Engelbrecht,   Mr.  and  Mrs.  Don  Savage 

It  is  not  possible  to  individually  recognize  everyone  who 
has  worked  toward  a  successful  Centennial  Celebration.  The 
above  Committees  are  appreciative  of  the  help  they  have 
had  from  the  many  un- listed  individuals  and  groups. 


editorial  venture, 
unlike  anything  else  the 
Centennial  group, 
has  done, 
this  booklet  represents 
hours  of  labor, 
and  the  support  of 
many, 
many  people. 
We  take  this  opportunity  to 
recognize,  with  sincere 
appreciation, 
those  who  have  answered  our  request 
for  pictures,  and  are  grateful  to 
the  individuals  and  firms  who 
have  allowed  us  the  privilege  of  using  their 
names  in  this  booklet.  We  sincerely  urge  that  as  you 
read  this  booklet,  you  will  recognize 
these  people 
and  will  patronize  them 
as  the  ones  who  have  made 
this  publication 
possible. 


Betty  Reed,   Leah  Jones,  Norma  Pmnty,   Dee  Littig 
Ralph  ].  Jones 
-:-    Centennial    Book    Staff    -:- 

Errors  of  ommission,  typgraphical  errors,   misspellings  and  oversights  will  be  rectified  and  acknowledged  in  the 
next  Centennial  booklet  to  be  published  in  the  year  2071 .  Please  contact  us  at  that  time the  PUBLISHERS 


BLUFFS  BOOSTER  DAY  JUNE  13  AT  CARDINAL  BALLPARK 


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^  1"??  BRBBB  BSFHI 


i,    ■       V'.'>  T"--a 


Sunday,  July  13th  davmed  bright  and  sun-shiny,   and  nearly  300  citizens  of  Bluffs  trekked  to  St.  Louis  to  attend  BLUFFS 
BOOSTER  DAY"  at  the  Cardinal  ballpark.  Although  the  Pittsburg  Pirates  defeated  the  Cardinals  8-4,  the  Bluffs  fans  had  an 
outstanding  day,   as  Mayor  John  Allen  pitched  the  first  three  balls  in  a  pre-game  ceremony,  to  'Miss  Centennial"  Nancy 
Whorton,  while  Ray  Schnitker,   President  of  the  Bluffs  Civic  Club  and  Manager  of  Bluffs  Faimers  Grain,  served  as  catcher. 
A  brief  resume  of  Bluffs  was  flashed  on  the  lighted  recognition  board,   as  Jack  Buck,   Cardinal  announcer,  read  the  scriot. 
and  Bluffs  was  mentioned  several  times  over  the  radio  to  thousands  of  listeners  at  different  times  during  the  afternoon.  It  was 
indeed,   a  day  to  long  remember. 


Miss  CentenniaT  Contestants  and  Escorts 


1 

i 

11            ^f 

Merle  Traw  and  Joni  Brockway      Dale  Buhlig  and  daughter 

Cathy 


Thomas  Dickens  and  daughter,   James  Hendricks  and  daughter 
Violet  Sandra 

FIRST  RUNNER-UP  SECOND  RUNNER-UP 


JP 

i  ^^HI^H    Y 

1    i 

^n^ 

_  ,        ,,  ■     J    •  »      D;f,      William  Nunes  and  daughter 

Robert  Hutton  and  sister  Rita  p     la 


Neil  Parker  and  daughter 
Suzanne 


Francis  Placke  and  daughter 
Marilyn 


LeRoy  Pond  and  daughter 
Leslie 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norris  Whorton  and  daughter   Nancy 
QUEEN 


Gerald    Schmitz  and  sister, 
Pamela 


-6- 


Bluffs  Centennial  Queen  - 1971 


"MISS  CENTENNIAL-    NANCY  WHORTON 

Daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norrls  Whorton  of  Bluffs 
Kancy  w%m  named  "Miss  CentrnnUl"  at  the  Bail  held  June  5,  1971 


Hall 


^    toa  Waml,   Wta  Kr«<T 


.7- 


1871    BLUFFS,  ILLINOIS    1971 


How  does  one  begin  to  write  a  complete  history  of  Bluffs 
with  so  many  unknowns?  Undoubtedly,  many  of  the  events 
prior  to  1871  would  be  of  significant  interest  to  the  history 
of  Bluffs. 

Where  there  are  now  no  Indians 
whatsoever,   there  once  were  Indians 
without  number,    game  without  limit, 
timber  so  dense  sunlight  barely  filter- 
ed through.  It  is  not  known  precisely 
how  long  ago  the  red  man  first  came 
to  this  area,   but    the    first    record  of 
man,   comes  with  an  ancient  and  un- 
known people  who  came  to  be  known 
as  the    "Mound    Builders"    for    great 
earth  works  of  various  kinds  were  con- 
structed with  intelligence  and  and  by  the  combined  labor  of 
a  very  large  number  of  persons  in  this  vicinity. 

.The  next  recognized  tenants  were  called  "Illinois  Indians" 
which  was  a  confederacy  composed  of  five  separate  tribes 
called  the  Kaskaskias,    Cahokias,   Tamaroas,   Peorias  and 
Mitchigamies,   and  they  ranged  from  north  to  south  in  this 
country,   although  it  was  never  proved  that  they  located  a 
permanent  type  village  in  this  area. 

The  Kickapoos,  who  were  sometimes  called  Prairie  In- 
dians,  finally  occupied  this  portion  of  the  State,   and  were 
the  last  Indians  in  possession  of  Scott  County.  These  were 
the   Indians  with  whom  the  first  settlers  here  had  to  contend 
with,   and  at  whoSe  bloody  hands  they  suffered  many  outrages. 
They  had  an  implacable  hatred  of  the  Americans,  which 
they  retained  after  they  had  been  compelled  to  cede  their 
hunting  grounds  to  the  hated  race.  When  they  were  removed 
from  Scott  County  and  Illinois  they  retained  their  animosity 
to  such  a  degree  that  they  —  or  at  least  a  portion  of  them  - 
went  to  Mexico  to  get  out  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  United 
States.     Many  artifacts  concerning  the  Indian  way  of  life 
have  been  found  by  souvenir  hunters  during  the  past  years. 

While  the  Indians  were  the  actual  occupants  of  Scott 
county,  yet  France  claimed  it  and  asserted  sovereignty  over 
it  from  June  14,    1671  to  the  time  she  yielded  her  claim  to 
Great  Britian  by  the  Treaty  of  Paris,   February    16,    1763. 
The  English  occupation  of  Illinois  country  continued  from 
1763  until  General  George  Rogers  Clark,    with  his  brave 
little  army  of  colonial  forces  took  forcible  possession  of  it 
in  1778,   acting  under  a  commission  from  Virginia,  who 
then  asserted  claim  to  it  and  Scott  County.  On  Dec.  23, 
1783  the  General  Assembly  of  Virginia  ceded  this  land  to 
the  general  government,  who  in  turn  designated  it  as  the 
State  of  Illinois  on  Feb.  3,    1809. 

Various  counties  were  then  named  by  the  existing  gov- 
ernor and  Scott  County  was,,   at  times,   a  part  of  Madison 
County,   Greene  county,   Morgan  county,   and  finally  on 
February  16,    1839  we  came  into  our  own,   and  became  of- 
ficially Scott  County. 

For  about  the  next  thirty  or  so  years,   settlers  began  to 
enter  Scott  county,   seeking  a  place  to  make  their  homes. 
Many  tales  have  been  told  regarding  old-time  families  who 


stayed  and  helped  make  our  end  of  the  county  what  it  is  to 
date,  with  decendents  still  living  here. 

John  Piper,   a  far-seeing  type  settler,   first  entered  a  plat 
of  land  at  the  county  seat  on  August  10,    1829,  intending  to 
build  a  town.     This  town  was  named  "Deerfield"  and  has 
since  disappeared  from  the  tax  books.  It  was  laid  out  by 
John  Piper  and  James  B.  Currey,   and  contained  150  lots,   75 
feet  wide  and  150  feet  long.   Numerous  streets  and  alleys 
and  a  public  square.  Elk  street  and  Buck  street,   running  the 
long  way  of  the  town,   were  each  100  feet  wide.    Other 
streets  were  66  feet  wide.   It  was  located  on  land  lying  im- 
mediately north  and  northwest  of  the  present  village  of  Bluffs, 
and  possibly  may  cover  a  portion  of  the  same  land.  It  was 
out  of  existence  long  before  the  village  of  Bluffs  was  thought 
of,   and  the  latter  is  not  in  any  sense  the  successor,   or  out- 
growth of  the  former. 

Bluffs,  which  in  the  plat  was  named  "Bluff  City,  "  was 
laid  out  by  Henry  Oakes.  It  was  surveyed  and  the  plat  was 
made  by  W.  W.  Chapman,  deputy  county  surveyor,  June 
24,    1871.   This  plat  and  the  accompanying  deed  dedicating 
the  streets  to  the  public  for  highways,   and  the  surveyor's 
explanation,  were  recorded  on  page  188,    189   and  190  of 
Book  R  of  Deeds  in  Scott  County,  July  13,    1871.   Sometime 
later,  we  can  not  state  when,   the  name  of  the  place  became 
Bluffs,  by  which  name  it  appears  in  the  official  Postal  Guide, 
The  name  had  been  changed  before  January  10,    1884,   on 
which  day  the  first  addition  was  made  thereto,  by  the  name 
of  Bluffs. 

The  original  plat  of  Bluffs,   Illinois,  contains  sixty-eight 
numbered  lots  and  two  lots  designated,   respectively  as  A  and 
B.   These  lots  are  fifty  feet  wide  and  one  hundred  and  fifty 
feet  long,   except  Lots  33,   34,   35,   36  and  A  and  B,  which 
are  irregular  in  shape  and  of  different  sizes.  This  original  plat 
is  situated  on  the  West  half  of  the  Northwest  Quarter  of  Sec- 
tion fifteen  in  Township  Fifteen  Range    Thirteen,  which  was 
entered  by  John  Piper,   August  10,    1829. 

The  first  addition  to  Bluffs  was  made  by  Charles  Oakes, 
January  10,    1884.  It  was  surveyed  and  platted  by  C.  B.Lewis, 
surveyor  and  civil  engineer.  It  is  situated  adjacent  to  and  on 
the  East  side  of  the  original  town,   and  contains  sixty-one 
numbered  lots,   and  two  lots  not  numbered.  One  of  these  was 
marked  "D.  Richards,  "  and  was  the  ground  on  which  the 
Richards  Hotel  stood.  The  other  lies  immediately  South  of 
it  and  is  marked  "Meehan's  lot"  on  the  plat.  Full  lots  are  the 
same  size  of  the  lots  in  the  original  town.  Lots  12,    13,    14, 
27,   28,   32,  56,   57  and  the  two  unnumbered  lots  are  irregu- 
lar in  shape  and  of  odd  sizes.  The  record  of  this  addition  can 
be  found  on  page  twenty-four  of  Miscellaneous  Records  A. 

The  second  addition  to  Bluffs  was  made  by  Charles  Oakes 
Nov.   12,    1889.  The  surveying  and  platting  were  done  by  the 
same  C.  B.  Lewis  who  did  the  first  addition.lt  contains  thirty- 
six  lots,   each  fifty  feet  wide  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet 
long.   There  is  nothing  about  the  plat  or  the  surveyor's  ex- 
planation,  from  which  anyone  can  tell  where  this  addition 
is  situated.  The  plat  is  recorded  on  page  130  of  Miscellan- 
eous Record  A. 


-8- 


Founder  of  Bluffs 


HENRY  OAKES,  SR. 

September  3,    1848  -  December  30,    1920 


EMELINE  RICHARDSON  OAKES 

November   14,    1848  -  October  26,    1886 


Henry  Oakes,   Sr.  was  bom  September  3,    1848  on  a  farm  situated  where  Bluffs  now  stands, 
the  son  of  Henry  and  Mary  (Green)  Oakes.  His  father  was  bom  in  Scioto  county,  Ohio,  Sept. 
3,    1817,   and  early  in  life  came  west  and  settled  in  the    present  Bluffs  neighborhood  and 
there  married  Miss  Mary  Green.  She  was  a  native  of  England  and  was  bom  March  14,  1826. 
They  were  the  parents  of  six  children,   of  which  Bluffs'  founder,   Henry  Oakes,   Sr.,  was  the 
third  child. 

Our  founder  was  educated  in  the    neighborhood  where  he  was  born  and  raised,   and  on  Sept. 
28,    1870,  was  married  to  Miss  Emeline  Richardson,  who  lived  at  the  Point  near  Jacksonville. 
To  this  union  three  children  were  bom:  Henry  Oakes,   Jr.  (Oct.    15,    1873),   Estella  Castle 
(Jan.   10,    1876),   and   Royal  Oakes  (Oct.  24,    1881).   Mrs.  Oakes  passed  away  Oct.   26,    1886. 
Mr.  Oakes  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Thompson  Dec.  28,    1887,   and  to  this  union  was 
bom  -  Emeline  (Oct.    11,    1889)  and  Helen  (Nov.  20,    1899). 

In  the  spring  of  1871  Mr.    Oakes  laid  out  the  town  of  Bluffs,   and  later  platted  an  addition  to 
the  original  tract.   In  1881,   in  company  with  his  brother,   Charles  Oakes,  he  embarked  in 
the  grain  business,   under  the  firm  name  of  H.  &  C.  Oakes.  They  had  their  principal  office 
in  Bluffs,   and  a  branch  office  at  Riggston,   Illinois.  Aside  from   his    interests    in    the  grain 
business,  he  was  a  farmer  and  stock  feeder. 

Mr.  Oakes  was  highly  respected  as  one  of  Bluffs'  leading  citizens  and    a    true    Democrat,     and 
was  noted  as  being  depended  upon  at  all  times  to  stand  manfully  by  the  town  of  his  creation. 
He  had  faith  in  the  futtue  of  the  town  at  the  time  he  set  apart  the  twenty  acres  of  his  farm 
for  town  purposes,   and  its  growth  and  development  has  fully  justified  that  faith. 


The  third  addition  to  Bluffs  was  also  made  by  C.  Oakes. 
It  was  surveyed  and  plat  made  by  James  M.  Brown,   county 
surveyor  of  Scott  County,    on  March  23,    1892.  This  addition 
contains  56  lots  and  is  situated  on  a  part  of  the  East  half  of 
the  North-west  quarter  of  said  Section  15,   immediately 
South  of  and  adjacent  to  the  second  addition.  These  lots 
are  50  feet  wide  and  150  feet  long,   except  lots  8,   9,    19, 
20,  40,   41  and  45,  which  are  not   rectangular  and  are 
various  sizes.  The  fact  the  Norfolk  &  Western  Railroad  runs 
diagonally  through  Bluffs  and  the  first  and  third  additions 
thereto  accounts  for  the    fact  that  some  of  the  lots  are  not 
regular  in  shape  and  size. 

Although  Bluffs  is  the  second  town  in  population  and  in 
volume  of  business  in  Scott  Coimty,   nevertlieless,     it  enjoys 
the  distinction  of  being  the  youngest  in  years.  The  first 
town  laid  out  in  Scott  County  was  Exeter  (June  18,    1825), 
with  the  following  towns  and  dates  thereafter: 
Columbus  -  July  12,    18?S       Williamsport  -  Aug.   1,  1825 
Naples  -  Aug.  8,  1825  Winchester  -  March  19,  1830 

Manchester  -  Nov.  1,  1831        Geneva  -  Feb.  11,  1832 
Morgantown  -  July  27,  1835     Bridgeport  -  Apr.  2,  1836 
Glasgow  -  June  22,  1836  Jefferson  -  Aug. 2,  1836 

Bloomfield  -  Sept.   14,    1836  Oxville  -  Mar.   25,  1837 
Deerfield  -  May  6,  1837  City  of  Brussels- July  15,  1837 

New  Albany  -  Apr.  2,  1838     Merritt  -  Mar.  22,  1870 
Alsey  -  Sept.  1870  Riggston  -  Feb.  2,  1871 

Bluffs  -  June  24,  1871 

Bluffs  may  be  the  youngest  town  in  Scott  county,  but  its 
history  furnishes  unquestioned  evidence  of  business    enter- 
prise and  determination  on  the  part  of  those  citizens  who 
helped  to  build  it  up  and  make  it  the  second  town  and  the 
hub  of  things  in  the  Northwest  part  of  the  county.     Henry 
Oakes,   proprietor  of  the  original  town  and  Charles  Oakes, 
proprietor  of  the  three  additions  thereto,   are  sons  of  Henry 
Oakes,   Sr. ,  who  lived  a  long  time  and  died  where  his  son 
Henry  lived.   The  80  acres  of  land  on  which  the  original 
homestead  stood  was  entered  in  two  parcels.   Cephas  Sim- 
mons entered  the  North  forty  of  it  Jan.  6,    1836,   and  Stanton 
Merris  entered  the    South  forty  July  7,    1836. 

Other  early   settlers  deserve  recognition  with  its  early 
history.   Among  these  was  David  VanGundy,  father  of  'Squire 
Adam  VanGimdy  3°d  progenitor  of  the  VanGundy  family. 
He  entered  80  acres  on  Sept.   10,    1831,   and  on  this  site  he 
built  a  home  and  a  mill,  which  was  a  useful  thing  in  those 
days.   It  was  propelled  by  water  furnished  by  the  stream 
which  comes  down  from  Neeleyville  -  one  branch  of  Wolf 
Rim  Creek.  Across  this  stream,   quite  a  distance  above  the 
mill,   a  dam  was  constructed  which  collected  the  water  and 
preserved  a  supply  to  furnish  the  motive  power  for  the  mill. 

Benjamin  Green,   on  May  27,    1833,   entered  80  acres  of 
land.   Here  Mr.  Green  lived  and  prospered  many  years  and 
reared  a  family.  He  was  the  father  of  the  late  John  W.Green 
and  grandfather  of  of  William  H.  Green,   Benjamin  Green, 
Harvey  Green  and  grandfather  of  Henry  and  Charles  Oakes. 

On  May  24,    1831,  Jacob  Bradbury  entered  the  80  acres 
on  which  Stonewall  Sawyers  and  his  father,   Jackson  Sawyers 
resided  for  about  50  years. 

On  May  26,    1840,  John  Atchinson  Jr.,  entered  80  acres 
on  which  the  late  Judge  John  Green  long  lived  and  upon 
which  he  ended  his  days. 

There  was  also  land  entered  by  Daniel  M.  Piper,   Nancy 
M,  Heath,  James  B.  Curry,  Jesse  McKee,   Debora  Bloyd 
and  Samuel  L.  Osbom  in  the  early  1800's. 


Bluffs  was  organized  as  a  town,   Dec.    17,    1883.  The  first 
board  of  officers  elected  was  Adam  VanGundy,   president; 
James  Linkins,   clerk;  Charles  Oakes,  John  H.  Pieper,  J.  E. 
Arundel,  W,  G.  Pine  and  W.   C.    Carver,   trustees;  Henry 
Oakes,   treasurer. 

April  15,    1884,   the  election  of  officers  resulted  in  the 
choice  of  Charles  Oakes,  president;  James  Linkins,   clerk; 
J.  H.  Pieper,   Daniel  Finley,   Jas.  N.   Shore,   J.  H.   Carver, 
A.   Brady,   trustees. 

1885  -  Chas.  Oakes,   president;  J. H.  Carver,  J. H. Pieper, 
Daniel  Finley,   J.  N.  Shore,  A.Bradley,  Trustees;C.  T.  Chance, 
Clerk. 

1886  -  President,  Chas.  Oakes;  trustees,  W.  C.  Carver, 
Wm.  McCullom,  Geo.  W.  Gilliland,  J.  H.  Carver,  Daniel 
Finley;  C.  T.   Chance,   clerk. 

1887  -  President,   Daniel  Finley;  trustees,  Wm.  McCul- 
lum,   Chas.  Doyle,   J.  N.  Shore,   W.  C.  Carver,   David 
Richards;  clerk,   H.   A.  Bruno. 

1888  -  President,  J.  C.  Lewis;  trustees,   C.  J.  Doyle,  J. 
N.   Shore,   Henry  Oakes,  James  Hale,  J.  D.  Rodgers,  Jas. 
Wolford;  clerk,  A.  L.  Garrison.  During  this  municipal  year, 
Jan.   15,    1889,    most  of  the  ordinances  of  the  village  were 
adopted. 

1889  -  President,   Alfred  Bloyd;  trustees,  J.   D.  Rodgers, 
James  Hale,  J.  M.  Wolford,  J.  N.   Shore,   Henry  Oakes, 
Jasper  Sawyers;  clerk,  C.   T.  Chance. 

1890  -  President,   Henry  Oakes;  trustees,   Thos.  O'Brien, 
J.  E.  Arundel,  W.   C.  Carver,   Pat  Quinlan,   J.  M.  Wolford, 
Jasper  Sawyers;  clerk,  W.  H.   Brady,  but  he  did  not  serve, 
and  on  May  21,  W-  McCulliun  filed  bond  as  clerk  and  served, 

1891  -  President,   John  Meehan;  trustees,   Wesley  Sullens, 
E.  A.  Cleveland,  John  Northcutt,  Wm.  H.  Garrison,  J.E. 
Arundel,   Pat  Quinlan;  clerk  D.   E.  Little. 

1892  -  President,  S.  F.  Shore;  trustees,  John  Northcutt, 
J.  W.  Sullens,  Geo.  Thorn,  James  Hale,  A.  F.  Masterson, 
H.  H.  Crews;  clerk,   S.  W.  Rodgers. 

1893  -  President,  Chas.  F.  Tonn;  trustees,  Alfred  Bloyd, 
J.  N.  Shore,  Geo.  Thorn,  Chas.  Bloyd,  A.  Masterson, Wm. 
Fuss;  clerk,   Wm.  McCullum. 

1894  -  President,  Henry  Oakes;  trustees,   A.  Bloyd,  Chas. 
Bloyd,  Wm.  Fuss,  Wm.  H.  Green,   Monroe  Taylor,   J.   N. 
Shore;  clerk,  Wm.  Griggs,  License  granted  to  three  saloons, 
pool  rooms,   etc. 

On  Nov.   13,    1883,   an  election  was  held  in  Bluffs  to  pass 
on  the  question  of  incorporating  under  the  general  law,   elec- 
tion resulting  in  56  votes  on  the  question  -  46  for  and  10 
against.  The  result  of  this  election  was  sanctioned  by,  and 
went  through  all  the   necessary  forms  of  law  before  County 
Judge  James  Callans,   on  Nov.    15,    1883,  but  was  never 
spread  on  the  books  of  record  of  the   village  of  Bluffs  until 
July  1894,  when  Wm.  Griggs  was  clerk.  Why  this  was  never 
done  imtil  Griggs'  administration  as  village  clerk  was  never 
known. 

1895  -  President,   D.  E.  Little;  trustees,  Wm.  Fuss,  Wm. 
Green,   Monroe  Taylor,  H.   H.  Crews,   Henry  Knoeppel,Wm. 
B.  Smith;  clerk,   Wm.  Griggs.  This  administration  marked 
the  "era  of  "battle  royal"  against  boot-leggers,  which  con- 
tinued for  some  time. 

1896  -  President,   Chas.  Oakes;  trustees,  H.  H.   Crews, 
Henry  Knoeppel,   Wm.  B.   Smith,   J.  C.  Lewis,   John  M. 
Davis,  Wm,  Griggs;  clerk,   Chas.  R.  Hale,  Under  this  ad- 
ministration no  liquors  were  sold  "xcept  under  druggist's 
permit,  but  a  club  room  was  in^    .porated  and  did  a  thriv-- 


-10- 


CONGRATULATIONS 


BLUFFS 


on  your 
100th  anniversary 


You  were  41  years  old  when  CIPS  began  providing  electric  service 
here.  That  was  in  1912.  The  Boston  Red  Sox  took   the   pennant   and   the 
world  series,  China  became  a  republic  and   the    Titantic    sank,  after 
colliding  with  an  iceberg.  William    Howard   Taft  was  president,  Charles 
S.  Deneen  was  Governor  of  Illinois  and    W^orth   won  the  Kentucky  Derby 
in  the  38th  run  for  the  roses. 

In  1912,  the  average  annual  use  of  electric  service    by   a  Bluffs 
home  was  179  kilowatt  hours.  Today,  the  average  is  more  than  35  times 
as  much. 

While  the  use  of  electricity  in  Bluffs  continues  to  increase  year 
after  year,  the  unit  cost  has  been  going  down.  In  fact,  the  average  cost 
per  kilowatt  hour  of  electricity  today  is  lower  than  ever. 

To  meet  the  growing  requirement  for  electric  service. . .  now  and 
in  the  future. . .  we  at  CIPS  are  constantly  planning  ahead  so   that   ample 
power  will  always  be  available  to  the  homes,  businesses  and  industries 
in  Bluffs  and  the  other  communities  we  serve, 

M 

CENTRAL    ILLINOIS    RUBLIC    SERVICE    CON^RANY 


-11- 


ing  business  until  it  was  conclusively  proven  that  it  was 
nothing  more  nor  less  than  a  saloon  -  on  a  "sly  or  dark 
order"  and  it  was  closed  by  the  board  of  trustees. 

1897  -  President,   Chas.   Oakes;  trustees;  J.  C.  Lewis, 
John  Davis,  James  Campbell,    D.  E.  Little,  Wm.  Griggs, 
Wm.   Smith;  clerk,   Chas.   Hale.   The  subject  of  electric 
lights  was  agitated,   but  "we  are  still  in  the  dark  '. 

1898  -  this  was  a  straight  license  and  anti-license  fight. 
President,   John  Knoeppel;  trustees,   D.  E.   Little,   James 
Campbell,   Wm.   Smith,   Wm.   McCullum,   Jas.  Wolford, 
H.  D.   Kilpatrick;  clerk,    Chas.  Hale;  police  magistrate,    F. 
C.  Shore.   Under  this  administration  the  board  levied  a  tax 
of  S16CX),   a  little  over  half  of  which  was  used  for  laying 
sewer  pipe  and  drain  tile.  This  was  the  beginning  of  a  per- 
iod of  improvement  in  Bluffs.   That  year  the  town  was  drain- 
ed and  several  blocks  of  gravel  street  put  in  where  always 
before  it  had  been  mud  holes  and  pools   of  stagnant  water, 
but  are  now  dry  and  hard  roads.  A  franchise  was  granted  to 
the  Central  Union  Telephone  Co.   to   operate  its  line  in 
Bluffs  on  May  1st  of  this  year. 

W.H.  Green  was  new  postmaster  for  the  Village. 

1899  -  President,   Chas.   Tonn;  trustees,   H.  D.  Kilpatrick, 
Jas.  Wolford,   Wm.  McCullum,  J.  E.  Arundel,  A.W.Baird, 
Wm.  Smith;  clerk,   Geo.   Thorn.   A  new  bridge  was  built 
over  Wolf  Run  and  several  blocks  more  of  gravel  streets 
put  in.   During  this  administration,  curses  were  heaped  upon 
the  heads  of  the  board  for  passing,   and  enforcing  a  long 
needed  dog  law,    and   did  succeed  in  ridding  the  town  ol  a 
pack  of  worthless  curs  that  had  always  made  life  a  burden 
both  day  and  night  for  the  whole   population.   The    new 
"Citizens  Ticket"  had  a  stormy  year.   Sherman    Edwards 
was  appointed  as  city  marshal.  He  was  sworn  in  on  Wed- 
nesday and  on  the  following  Friday  he  was  a  fugitive  from 
justice  with  a  band  of  the  better  class  of  citizens  after  him 
in  hot  pursuit.    It  had  developed  he  was  the  head  of  a  gang 
of  thieves  and  burglars,   who  had  been  committing  depreda- 
tions in  Bluffs  and  vicinity  for  several  inontlis. 

At  tlie  beginning  of  the  1900's  the  following  business 
houses  were  in  operation: 
J.  C.  Lewis,   drugs  &  general  merchandise 
W,  H.  Green,   hardware,   furniltire,    farm  implements 
Doyle  Grocery  Co.,   general  merchandise 

Burrus  G  Kilpatrick,   farm  implements 

Geo.  Quintal,   general  merchandise 

A.  W.  Baird,    general  store 

W.  J.  Doyle,    general  store 

J.   A.  Hilderbrand,   confectionery  and  restaurant 

F.  G.   Vannier,   confectioner^'  and  restaurant 

G.  A.  Muehlhausen,   bakery 
McCaleb  G  Kilpatrick,  undertakers 
J.  E.   Korty,   jeweler 

Bank  of  Bluffs,    F.  Linkins,   cashier 

Wm.  McCalcb,   grain  buyer 

Harry  Oakes,    farmer  and  stock  buyer 

J.  E,  Arundel,   livery  and  coal  dealer 

W.  G.  Mueller,   poultry-  and  eggs,  hides,    furs,    etc. 

Wallace  Parker,,   poultry  and  eggs 

H,  G  C,  Oakes,   grain  buyers 

H.  B.Sargent,   barber 
John  Patent,   shoemaker 
Robert  Hart,   meat  market 
G.   W.  Northrup,   blacksmith 


R.   T.  Brackett,  blacksmith 

Fred  Shore,   harness  G  blacksmith  shop 

Henry  Knoeppel,   lumber  yard 

Alfred  Bloyd,   grist  mill  and  wood  worker 

A.  W.  Paton,  carpenter 

Edward  Fuss,   carpenter 

Thos.   Meehan,   proprietor  Wabash  Dining  Hall 

Mrs.   B.   Richards,   proprietress  Brick  Hotel 

Frank  Shore,   manager  telephone  exchange 

Physicians  -  J.   F.   Wilson,   C.  A.  Evans 

Dentistry  -  G.   W.   Reese 

Attorney  at  Law  -  F.   C.  Funk 

Postmaster  -  W.  H.  Green 

OpevJL  Houses  -  J.   C.  Lewis  G  Geo.  Quintal 

Drayman  -  John  Chapman 

Milkmen  -  I.   Ranker  G  H.   W.   VanGundy 

Fire  Insurance  -  F.  Linds,   E.   D.    Beird,   J.  L.  Lewis,   W.D. 

Masterson  and  A.   W.  Baird 
H.  W.  Summers,   painter  and  paper  hanger 
H.   D.   Killpatrick,   auctioneer 

Ihe  Bluffs  Bank  -  Geo.   Graham,    instructor 
Justices  of  the  Peace  -  Adam  VanGundy,    W.  D.  Masterson, 
H.   D.   Killpatrick 

Constables  -  J.   A.  Hilderbrand,    D.   E.   Little 

Bluffs  was  headquarters  for  a  number  of  railroad  men  who 
served  the  great  Wabasli  system,    and  among  them  were: 
T.  J.   Magner,   roadmaster;  H.  C.   Finney,   station  agent; 
Dennis  Driscoll,    day  operator;  James  Anderson,    night  opera- 
tor; S.   R.    Clark,    master  mechanic;  Wm.   McCullum,   car 
inspector;  Thomas  O'Brien,   engineer  switch  engine;  Wm. 
McLaughlin,   fireman  switch  engine;  Arthur  Pyle,   section 
foreman.     Round  House  —  Uriah  Sellers,   machines!;  Frank 
Miller,   night  foreman;  John  Baird,    D.D.  Wolford,   William 
Borum,   Charles  Hinners,   Wm.  X'annier,    Eugene  Shore,  em- 
ployees. 

The  following  comprised  the  list  of  railroad  men  running 
on  the  Keokuk  branch  of  the  Wabash  out  of  Bluffs:  Conduct- 
ors -  Geo.  Heustes,  Geo.  Hough;  Brakemen  -O.A.Woodson, 
Edw.  Tulley;  Express  messengers  -  Clarence  Learned,  J.  E. 
Learned;  Engineers-  H.  M.  Fuson,  Al  Rulon,  C.  O.  Pease; 
Firemen-  D.    L.   Foote,   A.  W.  Blethen,   D.  D.  Ettinger. 

1900  -  President,  Wm.  McCullum;  trustees,   J.   E.   Amn- 
del,   A.   W.  Baird,  Wm.   Smith,   J.  C.  Lewis,   Chas.   Flale, 
Dr.  J.   R.  Walker;  clerk,   Victor  Knoeppel;  police  magis- 
trate, J.   M.  Davis. 

1901  -  President,    E.   D.  Beird;  trustees,   J.   C.   Lewis, 
Dr.  J.   R.  Walker,   Chas.  Hale,  W.  H.   Green,   J.   A,  Hil- 
derbrand,  Daniel  Harvey;  clerk,    Victor  Knoeppel.   This 
was  the  year  that  will  long  be  remembered  by  Uie  boot- 
leggers.  The  president  of  the  board,   E.  D.   Beird,   backed 
by  the  tnistees,   went  after  the  illicit  joints  in  earnest.  Pro- 
secution after  prosecution  followed  each  other  until  the 
"Jointists"  were  glad  to  pay  their  fines  and  quit. 

1902  -  President,    E.  D.  Beird;  tmslees,  Wm.H.   Green, 
Daniel  Harvey,  J.  A.   Hilderbrand,   James  Hale,    Corley 
Ball,   Chas.   O,  Pease;  clerk,   Wm.   McCullum;   police  ma- 
gistrate,  H.  O.   Killpatrick.     In  the   summer  of  1902  Bluffs 
was  able  to  put  in  some  long  needed  improvements.   Side- 
walks were  repaired,    new  walks  were  built  and  the  first 
concrete  walk  was  laid. 


-12- 


Election  time  rolled  around  in  1907  and  Bluffs  voted  to  go 
DRY  for  two  years,    after  a  year  of  "Saloon  Rule"  and  a  bank- 
iTipt  treasury-.  President  of  Uie  board  was  C.A.Evans,   clerk 
was  Harry  Pyle,   Police  Magistrate  -  J.  F.  Adkins  and  trustees: 
Henry  Knoeppel,    Wm.  McCummon,   Charles  Hale,   Dan  Har- 
vey; and  Bluffs  High  School  had  one  lonely  graduate  that 
year  -  John  J.  O'Brien,   who  left  tlic   si  hool  with  honors. 
In  June  1907  the  first  big  fire  in  history  of  our  village 
struck  the  W.   H.  Graham  Elevator,   with  losses  over  $15,000 
and  many  of  our  brave  volunteer  firemen  burned.  Origin  of 
the  fire  was  unknown. 

On  July  5,    1907  Fred  Shore  opened  a  Harness  House 
in  the  \  illagc  of  Bluffs. 

An  adverlisement  in  ihe  Bluffs  Weekly  Times  for  tlic 
Graham  and  Co.  Store,    advertised  sheet  music  for  sale. 

On  July  26,    1907  J.   B.  Sawyer,    owner  of  the  Berger 
Stock,   traded  his  Dry  Goods,   Groceries,   notions,   etc. 
stock  to  Wm.  Mc Caleb  for  a  farm  near  Clayton,     Illinois. 
The  store  became  known  as  Bluffs  Casli  Store. 

On  August  2,    1907,    Senator  Thomas  Meehan  announc- 
ed his  plans  to  build  a  park  in  an  area  at  the  rear  of  his 
garden.  He  planned  to  have  deer,   a  pair  of  buffalo,   etc. 
and  was  soliciting  support  of  the  project. 

County  Superintendent  for  Scott  County  in  1907  was 
John  C.   Moore.  Dr.  C.A.   Evans  was  physician  and  surgeon. 
H.D.   Kilpatrick  was  undertaker  and  doing  a  very  success- 
ful business. 

Lots  in  the  McCaleb  addition  lo  Bluffs  sold  for  S30 
cash  down  and  the  rest  in  small  monthly  payments.   (No 
record  of  the  actual  amount  of  lots). 

H.L.  Wilbur  of  .Macomb,  Illinois  was  hired  as  school 
Principal  of  Naples  School  and  was  moving  lo  the  city  in 
the  very  near  future. 

On  August  16,    1907  a  train  wreck  occured  in  the  East 
end  of  the  Bluffs  yards.  Engines  205  and  752  collided  head- 
on.   No  injuries  occured.  Engineers  were  Fred  McMurray 
of  Bluffs,   and  Henry  Si  arks,   formerly  of  Bluffs. 

Officers  for  the  Bank  of  Bluffs  were  John  Knoeppel, 
President;  Charles  Oakes,    Cashier,    Charles  Oakes,    Vice- 
President.   Directors  were  John  Knoeppel,   Charles  Condit, 
Charles  Oakes  and  Henr>-  Knoeppel. 

Bluffs  again  voted  to  remain  "dry"  for  another  two 
year<:.  The  Town  Fathers  fought  a  hard  battle  to  retain 
a  "ill  >  "  -.  illage. 

C.L.  Merris  announced  his  candidacy  lor  County 
Commissioner  on  September  13,    1907  on  the  Democratic 
part). 

On  Septi -vt.cr  27,    1907,   the  Bluffs  Weekly  Times 
office  moved  lo  new  quarters  in  their  building  just  com- 
pleted. A  brick  one  story  60  fool  long  building. 

John  Adkins  announced  he  would  open  a  new  bakery 
in  the  village  as  soon  as  the  building  was  completed. 

In  October  of  1907  Thome  and  Hilderbrand  opened  a 
new  Millinery  Store  in  the  building  formerly  occupied  by 
the  Bluffs  Weekly  Newspaper.  The  building  was  complete- 
ly remodeled,   with  paint,   paper,   etc.   for  the  new  venture. 

In  October  of  1907  another  train  wreck  occiu'ed  at 
Neelyvillc.  A  freight  train  -97  met  head  on  a  passenger 
train  b50  east  of  Neelyvillc.  Several  people  were  injured 
but  no  one  was  killed. 

Scott  County  Commissioners  were:  Richard  Vannier, 
James  Rough  and  Charles  E.  Thady. 


Reverend  N.  R.  Johnson  was  inst.illed  as  the  new  pastor 
of  the  .Methodist  Church  in  Bluffs. 

W.H.  Green,   postmaster  of  Bluffs,   received  a  letter 
from  Washington,   D.C.  stating  all  mail  matters  received 
for  one  week,    must  be  counted  and  classified  as  first, 
second,   third  or  fourth  class  mail.  He  is  really  busy  at 
this  time. 

Mrs.   E.D.   Beird  attended  the  .uuuial  meeting  in 
Peoria  of  the  Grand  Chapter,    Eastern  Star  of  Illinois.   She 
represented  the  Bluffs  Floy  Chapter  O.  E.  S.   at  the  meet- 
ing. 

C.  E.  Merris  was  successful  in  his  bid  for  county  com- 
missioner.  He  defeated  Dick  N.   \annier  for  the  position. 

The  Furniture,   Hardware  and  Implement  Company 
of  W.W.  Webster  was  purchased  by  S.S.   Terril  and  busi- 
ness was  to  continue  as  usual. 

On  December  4,    1907  officers  were  elected  for  the 
Bluffs  Lodge  /*846  A.M.  and  F.M.     They  were  as  follows: 
Dr.  Canatscy,   Worthy  Patron,   James  B.  Thompson,   S.W. 
Fred  McMurray,   J.W.,   James  Hamilton,   Treasurer,   F.C. 
Fiuik,   Secretary. 

Bluffs  has  a  new  elevator,   the  National  Grain  Com- 
pany owned  by  J.  M.   Pine.  T.E.   Burrus  was  hired  as  mana- 
ger for  tlic  elevator. 

M.W.   of  A.   Lodge  of  Bluffs  elected  officers  as 
follows:  F.C.  Funk,   V.C,   L.S.  BLick,  W.A.,   W.A. 
Thompson,   E.B.,   C.R.   Hale,   Clerk,    S.S.  Castle,   Es- 
cort,  Harmon  Johnson,    Secretary. 

In  February  of  1908  John  W.  Killam  announced  his 
candidacy  for  Circuit  Clerk  of  Scott  County  on  the  Demo- 
cratic part)-. 

J.B.  Thompson  was  appointed  Deputy  Assessor  for 
Scott  Coimty  lo  assist  the  Assessor  E.N.  Gillihan. 

A  new  Lodge  was  formed  in  April  of  1908  called  the 
Modem  Brotherhood  of  America.  The  President  elected 
was  Charles  Cassell. 

The  Bluffs  .Masonic  Lodge  conferred  Third  Degree 
on  John  Baird  and  W.H.  Henderson  on  April  18,    1908. 

On  Palm  Sunday  Reverend  Swagmeyer  confirmed 
the  following  at  the  Lutheran  Chtirch  in  Neelyville;  Albert 
Ariug,   Carl  Engelbrecht,   George  .Meier,   Dietrick  Schone, 
Marie  Schone,   Emma  Enke  and  Louise  Meier. 

Commencement  was  held  at  the  high  school  with 
the  following  young  ladies  receiving  degrees:  Miss  Clara 
Brockhouse,   Miss  Mabel  Hodgins  and  Miss  Leila  Finney. 

Jessie  Carver  who  was  famous  for  his  contributions 
to  Bluffs  in  the  beginning  of  its  history  died  in  1908.  He 
was  elected  to  the  Village  Board  of  Trustees  in  the  second 
election  ever  held  in  Bluffs  and  also  served  as  Police  Magis- 
trate for  many  year<;.   He  was  bom  in  1820  and  died  in 
.May  of  1908. 

The  Bluffs  Bakery  was  sold  to  Garret  and  Sheeran  and 
they  began  operation  immediately.   They  solicited  the 
business  of  former  patrons  and  also  new  ones. 

A  Businessmen's  meeting  was  held  to  form  a  new 
club  in  Bluffs.   The  first  officers  of  the  Businessmen's 
Club  were:  F'resident-E.  D.  Beird,   \'ice  president,   George 
Quintal,    Secretary,   F.C.  Funk,   and  Treasurer,   Victor 
Knoeppel.  They  stated  the  club  would  take  their  work 
01  assisting  the  village  very  serious  and  invited  any  other 
interested  Fathers  of  the  Village  to  attend  their  next  meet- 
ing and  offer  their  sor^'ices  also. 


-13- 


Hon.  Thomas  Meehan. 

One  of  the  most  well-known  men  of  Bluffs,  was  the  Hon- 
orable Thomas  Meehan.   He  was  of  Irish  parentage,   his  father 
and  mother  being  bom  in  Dublin,   Ireland.  Tom  was  born  at 
Valley  City,   Pike  county,   Illinois,   August  4,    1861.  He  was 
educated  there,   and  for  twenty-two  years  that  little  village 
was  his  home.  During  the  years  of  his  residence  in  Pike  County, 
he  was  a  farmer,   but  in  18S3,   April,   he  left  the  farm  and 
came  to  Bluffs,    where  he  made  hib     home  till  his  death.  He 
first  entered  the  general  merchandising  and  real  estate  busi- 
ness,  and  became  the  proprietor  of  the  Wabash  railroad  eat- 
ing house. 

In  1888  Mr.  Meehan  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Lillian  O'Brien.  She  is  also  of  Irish  parentage,   her  parents 
having  been  born  in  the  city  of  Cork,   Ireland.   To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Meehan  five  children  were  bom.  They  were:  Mary 
Margaret,   Helen  Lillian,  Frances  Doocy,   Leo  Kenneth  and 
Thomas  Bernard  Meehan. 

Mr.  Meehan,   an  uncompromising  democrat,  was  elected 
as  a  member  of  the  lower  house  of  the  Illinois  legislature  in 
1898,   and  in  1900  was  chosen  for  the  senate.  He  remained 
a  Senator  for  many  years,  serving  for  the  real  interests  of  his 

constituents  as  best  he  could. 

In  September  1903  Thomas  Meehan  was  again  a  candidate 
for  State  Senator  and  the  Wabash  Railroad  was  selling  tickets 
for  an  excursion  to  Springfield  to  take  in  the  State  Fair  for 
$1 .00  per  round  trip. 


You  could  buy  good  cotton  blankets  for  85(t  each,   unbleach- 
ed muslin  sold  for  5i  per  yard,   dress  gingham  at  104  a  yard, 
36"  taffeta  silk  $1.00  per  yard.  In  Bluffs  you  could  buy  coal 
from  Berry  and  Brackett,   pianos  from  George  Graham,   meat 
from  Pine  Bros.,   poultry  from  W.  G.  Muellei,   groceries  from 
W.  J.  Doyle,   American  fencing  from  W.  H.  Green,   Bement 
steel  ranges  from    Rockwood  and  Co.,    lumber  from  Hunter  & 
Allen,   dry  goods  of  all  kinds  from  G..A.   Sisson,  have  an 
account  at  the  Bank  of  Bluffs  and  buy  caskets  from  McCaleb 
and  Kilpatrick, 

William  Levy  was  serving  as  yardmaster  for  the  Wabash  in 
Bluffs,  and  the  town  was  having  trouble  with  sneak  thieves 
vfho  took  the  street  lamps  from  their  frames  on  the  streets. 

By  February,   1904  bread  had  advanced  in  price  to  54  a  loaf 
because  of  advancing  prices  of  flour.  Senator  Tom  Meehan 
disposed  of  tlie  Old  Commercial  Hotel  to  J.  N.  Taylor,  son 
Clark  and  son-in-law  Smith. 

New  houses  were  being  built  for  F.  Linkins,   Eli  Harshman, 
Alex  Sears,  H.  B.  Sargent,   Dr.  Reese,   Henry  Knoeppel,   M. 
P.  Parsonage,  J.  D.  Huffman,  J.  E.  Arundel,  Horace  Sap- 
pington,  August  Frohwitter,   Dave  Moss,  a  large  store  build- 
ing with  two  store  rooms  for  William  McCaleb,   large  livery 
stable  for  Taylor  &  Smith  and  a  restaurant  by  the  Shore  Bros. 

In  August,   1904  a  new  cigar  factory  opened  in  Bluffs,  with 
F.  J.  Hodgins  and  James  Merris  as  owners. 

The  local  bank  hit  the  pages  of  the  "Chicago  Banker"  in 
September  with  the  following  piece;     "The  Bank  of  Bluffs  is 
not  a  place  where  they  give  you  a  bluff  when  you  call  for 
money.  You  might  think  so  if  you  did  not  know  that  the  town 
of  Bluffs  is  in  Illinois  and  that  the  Bank  of  Bluffs  payed  10  per 
cent  to  the  stock  holders  last  year  besides  transferring  $15,000 
from  surplus  to  capital.  No  bluff  about  that  kind  of  banking 
even  in  an  Illinois  town.  " 

In  the  spring  of  1905  John  Knoeppel  was  elected  president 
of  the  village  board,  Wm.  McCullom- Clerk,   and  trustees: 
Arthur  Pyle,   Dan  H.  Smith,  G.  M.  Burrus  and  Geo.  Sisson. 

Arc  lights  appeared  on  the  scene  in  our  little  town.   Ten 
arc  lights  of  2,  000  candle  power  to  village  for  $650  per  year, 
via  a  contract  supplied  by  Fred  Brockhouse. 

Installed  a;  village  officers  in  1906  was  Walter  Amndel, 
William  Seem  an,  Fred  Brockhouse,  John  Henry  as  trustees 
and  William  Aldridge  as  clerk. 

According  to  a  population  county  of  Bluffs  completed  by 
F.  C.  Funk  of  the  School  Board,   the  following  figures: 

Children  under  21  -  356  (increase  over  last  year  -  50) 

Children  of  school  age  -  239  (increase  over  last  year  -  30) 

Population  of  district  -  890  (increase  over  last  year- 100) 

No. males  in  District  -  465 

No.  females  in  District  -  425 

Population  of  Village  -  725 

No.  males  in  Village  -  378 

No.  females  in  Village  -347 

By  1907  the  tax  rate  on  property  owners  in  Bluffs  on  $100 
was:  Corporation  tax  $1,36,  School  $2.50,   State  504  and 
County  754.     Winchester  paid  $5,39,   Exeter  $4.91  and  Naples 
(with  no  corporation  tax)  $3.72. 

A  total  of  257  divorces  had  been  granted  in  Scott  County 
from  1887  to  1906. 

In  February  1907  several  newspapers  carried  aimouncements 
of  an  invention  of  a  cotton  chopper  by  a  local  man,   William 
McCaleb.    It  was  on  display  in  several  states  and  was  manu- 
factured in  a  plant  built  at  St.  Louis,  Mo. 


■14- 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 


Gordon's     Implement 


Company 


RIGGSTON,    ILLINOIS 


YOUR  JOHN  DEERE  DEALER 

FARM  IMPLEMENTS  -  PARTS  -   SERVICE 

LAWN  &  GARDEN  EQUIPMENT 


■IS- 


jj;  .-    .      4.- 


»_  \.^^':-:Mi-*'r 


Harvest  time — 1908. 


Harry  Pyle,   owner  and  operator  of  the  Restaurant  and 
Confectionary  in  Bluffs  sold  his  enterprise  to  S.  Halpin 
who  was  lo  continue  the  bubiness  as  usual. 

Martin  Friday  announced  he  would  open  a  Blacksmith 
Shop  in  the  building  East  of  the  Bluffs  Weekly  Times  Office 
in  October,   as  soon  as  the  building  was  completed.   In  the 
meanwhile,  he  was  doing  his  work  in  the  basement  of  the 
Bluffs  Weekly  Times  Building. 

The  Floy  Chapter  O.E.S.   of  Bluffs  elected  the  follow- 
ing to  office:  Worthy  Matron-Emma  Thompson,   Worthy 
Patron,   E.   Canatsey,   A.M.   Edith  Arundel,   Secretary, 
Laura  Hamilton,    Treasurer,   Mrs.  Sally  Car\'er,    Conduc- 
tress-Effie  Burrus,   Assistant  Conductress  Mrs.   Bertha  Hardin. 

In  January  of  1909  John  Knoeppel,   prominent  figure 
in  Bluffs  history  received  a  one-half  page  obituary  on  the 
front  Page  of  the  Bluffs  Weekly  Times.   He  died  December 
25     1908.   The  whole  town  mourned  his  passing. 

The  Royal  Neighbors  elected  officers  for  the  year  of 
1909.  Oracil  was  Mrs,   Elmer  Wolford, 

James  Baren  purchased  the  Grocery  Store  north  of  the 
Bluffs  Park  from  B.L.  Hough. 

On  May  7,    1909  the  Town  Board  elected  officers  for 
the  year.  They  were:  E.D.   Beird,   President,   H.  Knoeppel, 
W.  McCullom,   D.   Harvey,   P.  C.   Burrus,   J.J.   Shaw  and 
H.M.   Fuson,   Trustees,    Clerk-G.  Graham,   Treasurer-E. 
Kendall. 

On  May  28,    1909  Peter  Kesterson  was  struck  by  a  train 
at  the  Naples  crossing  and  taken  to  Passavant  hospital  in 
Jacksonville.  He  later  died  of  injiu-ies  sustained.  This  was 
another  of  the  misfortunes  which  occured  because  of  drink 
and  the  Village  Fathers  were  more  determined  than  ever 
to  keep  the  village  "dry"  hoping  lo  avoid    such    tragedy 
as  befell  Naples. 

The  population  in  Bluffs  was  975  and  the  village 
was  to  get  a  Board  of  Education  next  year. 

Early  in  October  of  1909  Mr.   A.J.   Schroeder  of  Clay- 
ton,  Illinois  opened  a  new  modem  Drug  Store  in  the  west 
room  of  the  McCaleb  building,   selling  Drugs  and  Sundries. 
Earl  WeUel  was  elected  Clerk  to  fill  tlie  vacancy  creat- 
ed by  the  resignation  of  George  Graham.  A  special  elec- 


tion was  held  on  Tuesday  of  that  week. 

The  W.J.    Deppe  Store  in  Bluffs  was  robbed  during  the 
night.   Many  articles  were  taken,    the  most  valued  were 
two  guns. 

In  November  of  1909  the  Bluffs  Masons  Lodge  ;/846 
A,F.   and  A.M.  celebrated  their  13th  birthday  anniver- 
sary on  Saturday.   They  were  instituted  November  13, 
1896  with  13  charter  members. 

The  Town  Board  met  to  discuss  the  possibility'  of  more 
streetlighting  for  the  Village.  Presently  tlie  village  is 
paying  $720.00  a  year  for  street  lights. 

In  December  of  1909  the  Bluffs  Masons  Lodge  #846 
elected  tlie  following  officers  for  the  1910  year:  James 
Thompson-W.M.,   Fred  McMurray-S.W. ;  H,D.   Kilpat- 
rick-J.W.  ;  James  Hamilton- Treasurer  and  F.C.   Funk, 
Secretary. 

The  Order  of  Eastern  Stars- Floy  Chapter  elected  the 
following  officers:  Laura  Hamilton-W.M. ,  H.D.  Kilpat- 
rick,  W.P,,   Mrs.  Lela  Henderson,  A.M.,   Louella  Baird, 
Secretary,   Sally  Carver- Treasurer,    Mary  Burrus,   Conduc- 
tress,  Mary  Logan,  A.C. 

The  Modern  Woodsmen  of  America  elected  officers 
in  January  1910.    They  were  headed  by  G.   Burrus,   A. 
Huntington  and  W.H.  Thompson. 

In  February  of  1910  the  Wabash  Dining  Station  owned 
by  ex-Senator  Thomas  Meehan  was  sold  to  H.B.   Sargeant 
(formerly  a  barber  for  15  years.) 

George  Graham  organized  a  band  for  Bluffs  which  be- 
gan with  14  instruments. 

In  March  of  1910  Fred  Barrett  opened  a  new  Barber 
Shop  in  Bluffs  at  the  east  end  of  the  Lewis  Building. 
Laying  of  the  new  water  mains  in  Bluffs  was  scheduled  to 
begin  soon. 

In  April  of  1910  Bluffs  citizens  voted  a  $20,000  bond 
issue  for  the  purpose  of  building  a  new  school  building. 
118  voted  yes,    81  voted  no. 

In  May  of  1910  tlie  13th  annual  commencement  exer- 
cises were  held  for  Bluffs  High  School  at  the  Lewis  Opera 
House. 


-16- 


In  June  another  election  was  held  concerning  the 
$20,000  bond  issue  for  a  new  school.  The  first  election 
was  declared  invalid.   In  the  second  election  the  bond 
issue  was  defeated  by  ten  votes.    131-No,    121-Yes. 
There  will  be  no  new  school  for  Bluffs  pupils. 

On  July  19, 1910  the  Funk  Building  was  set  on  fire  by  fire 
bugs.  J.  A.  Brady  and  Co.  ran  the  general  store,  and  a  big 
investigation  was  held,   testimony  given  but  nothing  proved. 

In  September,    1910  English  Services  were  introduced  at 
the  Neelyville  Lutheran  Church  and  hereafter  would  be  heard 
on  tlie  first  and  third  Simdays  each  montli. 

During  this  time  Bluffs  was  again  without  a  bakery  -  tliis 
making  the  forty- eleventh  time  someone  has  tried  to  conduct 
a  bakery  in  Bluffe  and  failed. 

On  a  Saturday  evening  October  22,   1910  Miss  Emma  Krusa 
and  her  school  students  entertained  at  a  box  social  at  the 
Ridge  school  soutli  of  town  for  the  public  and  patrons.  There 
was  music  and  a  good  time  for  all.  Girls  were  requested  to 
bring  their  boxes  and  the  boys  their  pocket  books  and  find 
an  enjoyable  evening.     Hay  rides,  threshing  partys,   box 
socials,   etc.,   were  the  height  of  fashion  around  tliis  time, 
and  were  largely  attended. 

In  Nov.   1910,   Fire  damaged  the  Halpin  restaurant  own- 
ed by  J.  E.  Arundel.  Croney  Mills  attended  Boys  State  Fair 
School  and  reported  his  visit  there  with  120  other  youths; 
A  coal  car  went  off  the  end  of  the  coal  chute  and  broke  in 
the  middle  crushing  freight  piled  under  the  end  and  Andy 
Meyers  gave  the  Naples  Ladies  Aid  all  the  corn  they  could 
husk  and  put  on  one  wagon.  The  corn  brought  $23.40.  Fred 
Brockhouse  was  setting  poles  for  electric  light  extension  in 
Bluffs. 

Scott  County  officials  salaries  were:  Clerk  $1,  200  and 
$500  for  deputy;  Circuit  Clerk  $1,000  and  $400  for  deputy; 
Sheriff  $1,  000  and  $600  for  deputy;  and  all  must  earn  their 
pay  in  fees  or  take  less.  The  county  judge  made  $800,  As- 
sessor $1,350,    including  deputy  assessors;  Commissioners 
$3,00  per  day  and  milage;  Court  House  janitor  $30.  month. 
John  Pine  and  Dr.  Canatsey  were  heading  a  Red  &  Blue  at- 
tendance contest  at  the  M.  E,  Church,   and  Cliff  Mills  was 
helping  at  the  Biggers  and  Quintal  store;  Henry  Rogers  was 
the  local  drayman;  and' Oscar  Merriman  (a  lad  of  18)  made 
the  news  when  he  shucked  112  bushels  of  corn,   hauled  it  2 
mile  and  scooped  it  in  a  crib  in  10  hours. 

You  could  buy  front  quarters  of  young  cattle  for  7^  cents 
and  hind  quarters  for  9  cents  at  Andy  Meyers  Market. 


I'lBLIC   SCHOOI,,    Hl.UKFS,    Il.l,. 

SIDEWALKS  FLOAT  AWAY 
IN  FLOOD  ON  1899 

Citizens  in  the  west  part  of  Bluffs  were  removed  from 
their  homes  on  horseback  May  29,    1899,  when  a  torren- 
tial rain  and  hail  storm,   lasting  several  hours,    flooded  tlie 
town  and  washed  away  the  wooden  sidewalks  and  outdoor 
privies. 

All  highway  and  railway  bridges  east  of  Blulls  were 
washed  out  ,    1000  feet  of  Wabash  track  at  Neelyville  was 
taken  out  and  part  of  the  trussel  leading  to  the  X'alley  City 
bridge  was  washed  away. 

The  iron  bridge  at  Van  Cundy's,  McCaleb's,  Schuess- 
ler's,  the  local  bridge  and  all  wooden  bridges  were  swept 
away  and  it  was  impossible  to  get  out  of  Bluffs. 

Traffic  on  the  Keokuk  branch  of  the  Wabash  was  de- 
layed two  days  and  Hannibal  traffic  was  stopped  at  Valley 
City  for  a  week.     Eleven  bridges  on  the  Wabash  were  out 
between  there  and  Grigijsville. 


WaUASH    ItAII.KOAI)    YaIJIKS.    Hl.rKFS 


One  of  the  first  stores  in  Bluffs  was  run  for  lifly  years  by  A. 
W.  Baird  and  his  son  Edward,  pictured  above.  It  is  now  the 
home  of  Mrs.   Minnie  Baird  Monta. 


-17- 


Surveyors  began  work  on  surveying  for  a  water  works  in 

1915,  a  much  needed  project.    The  Village  Board  notified 
restaurants  of  Bluffs  that  the  sal  e  of  cider  was  illegal  and 
sale  of  cigarettes  and  giving  away  of  cigarette  papers  were 
taboo. 

A  Wabash  box  car  explosion  in  Bluffs  Friday,   March  17th 
resulted  in  death  for  three  Greek  laborers  who  had  resided 
in  cars  and  serious  injury  to  four  of  their  countrymen.  All 
of  the  men  of  the  village  were  out  to  fight  the  fire  result- 
ing from  the  explosion  and  to  help  the  men,  with  Drs. Evans 
and  Day  called  in  to  help.  The  men  had  been  part  of  a  work 
gang  laying  track  and  rails  in  Bluffs. 

The  "Chatauqua"  was  held  annually  over  the  4th  of  July 
holidays  -  usually  lasting  four  or  five  days  and  all  the  com- 
munity joining  in  to  make  them  big  successes. 

Fire  again  threatened  a  row  of  business  houses  in  August 

1916,  resulting  in  severe  damage  to  Likes  Store  Building 
and  minor  damage  to  others.  The  rest  of  the  fire  was  put 
out  due  to  the  quick  response  of  volunteer  firemen. 

Farmers  from  the  area  gathered  each  year  for  the 
Tarmers  Institute"  which  was  usually  held  in  the  largest 
building  available.    This  yearly  occurrence  was  held  until 
WWII,  and  was  really  a  crowning  event  of  the  farmer's 
crops  and  their  wives  cooking  and  canning.    Many  prizes 
were  awarded  at  the  final  judging,   and  many  blue,  red, 
white,  etc.,  ribbons  still  are  treasured  by  winners. 

A  bad  fire  swept  Naples  for  the  third  time  in  it's  history 
with  an  entire  section  of  town  destroyed  Thursday,  Feb. 
15th,   1917.  The  Frank  Quintal  residence.  Quintal  Store, 
Abbott  Warehouse  were  destroyed,   other  buildings  damaged. 
The  first  fire  occurred  in  the  1850's  and  the  second  fire  Jan. 
12,   1884. 

Election  was  held  for  1917  with  Dr.  H.  H.  Day  elected 
as  President,  Elmer  Wolford  as  Treasurer,   and  Henry  Knoep- 
pel,  Ernest  Vortm an,  1.  B.  Bridgman  and  George  Brown  as 
trustees. 

Following  the  election,   an  earthquake  shock  was  felt  in 
Bluffs  on  April  9th  with  such  force  citizens  thought  the 
powder  works  at  Alton  or  Haimibal  had  blown  up.  Cracks 
appeared  in  several  homes,   the  worst  ones  appeared  in  the 
Andre  and  Andre's  Furniture  Store. 

Diasaster  struck  again  when  Bluffs  was  awakened  to  the 
fact  that  the  nation  was  at  war.  Patriotic  stories,  signs  and 
banners  began  to  appear  in  town,  much  war  talk  was  made 
and  men  began  to  prepare  to  answer  their  nations'  call  to 
arms. 

The  village  was  hit  by  high  water  in  May,   1917  and  E. 
L.  Kendall  was  in  charge  of  the  Bluffs  portion  of  the  newly 
formed  Draft  Registering  Board.    For  the  next  two  years  the 
draft  board  faced  all  sorts  of  slandering  remarks,  but  credit 
was  given  to  the  brave  souls  who  served  on  the  board. 

A  rousing  patriotic  meeting  was  held  June  1st,   1917  in 
the  Meehan  Theatre  with  almost  all  of  the  citizens  of  Bluffs 
attending.  A  big  program  with  speech  making  was  held. 

Scott  Coimty  had  720  yoimg  men  registered  for  the  draft 
by  this  time. 

The  Red  Cross  organization  in  Bluffs  was  formed  in  June 
with  the  first  meeting  called  to  order  before  a  large  crowd. 
Rev.  Sorenson  evoked  the  blessing;  Winifred  Ashley  gave 
a  reading  "Red  Cross  Spirit",   Fritz  Haskell,  county  chair- 
man of  the  Red  Cross,   gave  a  speech,   Norman  Campbell 
of  Merritt,   sang  "Star  Spangled  Banner,   assisted  in  panto- 
mine  by  Mrs.  P.  H.  Green  and  the  Misses  Dorothy  Griswold, 


Ruth  Kilpatrick  and  Zoe  Fitzpatrick.  During  the  months 
that  followed  the  membership  list  grew  longer  and  longer. 
Yarn  parties,  knitting  clubs,   donations  of  bandages,   etc., 
were  the  main  stay  of  the  organization. 

Diuing  the  money  drive  that  followed  the  local  organi- 
zation went  over  the  top  in  their  quota  of  $1,  285  (they 
took  in  $1,  766.) ;  the  Bluffs  Lutheran  Church  brought  in 
over  $200  and  the  Neelyville  Lutheran  Church  brought  in 
over  $700.00 

In  the  fall  of  1918  the  Red    Cross  held  a  huge  Picnic 
and  Fall  Festival  in  Bluffs  on  Wednesday,   Sept.  18th.  Much 
publicity  was  given  the  festival  with  everyone  cooperating. 
Citizens  worked  hard  and  long  and  the  picnic  was  labeled 
a  "SUCCESS"  with  $2026.43  raised  and  net  profit  for  the 
war  efforts  of  $1665.05.  The  Junior  Red  Cross  raised  $143.54 
the  day  of  the  picnic. 

Clarence  Morris  was  the  first  Bluffs  boys  called  upon  to 
make  the  supreme  sacrifice  for  his  country.  Clarence,   the 
only  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Morris,   passed  away  Oct. 
2,   1918  of  pneumonia  at  Camp  Rairtan,   New  Jersey. 

A  double  funeral  occurred  next  as  two  more  of  the  area 
soldier  boys  were  laid  to  rest  in  the  Neelyville  church  ceme- 
tery. Bernard  A.  Lovekamp  and  Carl  F.  W.  Engelbrecht  were 
buried  at  the  same  time  from  the  church.  Lovekamp  passed 
away  of  pnexmionia  at  Camp  Taylor,  Ky.  October  9,   1918. 
He  was  the  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fred  Lovekamp.  Engelbrecht, 
son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herman  Engelbrecht,   passed  away  ot 
pneumonia  also  at  Camp  Taylor,  Ky.,   October  7,   1918. 


Charles  Wolford,    the  second  Bluffs  boy  to  give  his  life 
for  his  country,  was  killed  in  France  the  day  after  the  A  p. 
mistice  was  signed.  Mrs. Clyde  Williams  received  word  her 
brother  was  killed  by  the  Huns  November  12th,   1918  by  a 
bomb  explosion.  When  the  American  Legion  Post  was  form- 
ed in  Bliiffs  they  honored  Charles,  by  naming  the  post  after 
him,  and  it  remains  Charles  Wolford  Legion  Post  #441. 

The  Estate  of  the  late  Harry  Oakes,  made  up  ot  a  great 
deal  of  land  surrounding  Bluffs,  was  sold  at  public  auction, 
bringing  in  over  $200,000  for  the  estate. 


-18- 


BEST    WISHES    on   your 
ANNIVERSARY 

Village  of  Bluffs 

FROST'S 
DRUG   STORE 

VERNON  BAKER,  R.  Ph. 
Winchester,  Iff. 


-DIAL- 


742-5216 


IFNOANS.  742-3846 


Congr  atulations 

to  the  Village  of  Bluffs 

On  Your  One -Hundredth  Anniversary 

The  Thomas  Store 

'Toar  Friendh  Store  of  Quality" 

PHONE  liZ-55W  WINCHESTER 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 

ALVIN  MIDDENDORF  &  SONS 
AUCTION  GO.     .AUCTIONEERS. 


PHONE  CAC.  217)  243-2321 

Auction  House:     617  East  Independence 
JACKSONVILLE,  ILLINOIS  62650 


GENERAL   TYPE 

Auction  Sales 


REAL  ESTATE 

Private   or   Public   Sales 
Farm  -  City  -  Commercial 


FARM  SALES  FURNITURE 

Livestock  and   Machinery       Antiques  -  Modem 


for  a   Very  Successful  Centennial 


THE  MANAGEMENT  AND  EMPLOYEES 


OF 

COON'S  SOIL  SERVICE 


742-3324 


"The  Best  In  Personalized  Service"       I IJ}. 
Winchester,  III. 


-19- 


Engineer  I.   B.  Bridgman  and  Fireman  Ed  Mueller  had  a 
narrow  escape  when  their  engine  jumped  the  Wabash  track? 
and  plunged  off  the  trestle  on  the  east  end  of  the  Valley  City 
bridge  in  November,    1918.   They  were  backing  across  the 
bridge  into  Bluffs,  when  the  engine  lurched  and  left  the  track 
and  plunged  over  the  trestle  onto  the  ground  below.  Bridgman 
succeeded  in  jumping  and  landed  between  the  ties  on  the 
bridge,  but  Mueller  was  unable  to  get  off  so  went  over  with 
the  wreck  and  landed  some  15  to  20  feet  below.  He  crawl- 
ed out  of  the  wreckage  (shown  above)  and  was  not  seriously 
injured;  back  was  badly  scalded  from  escaping  steam,   but 
otherwise  was  shaken  up.     The  Wabash  had  been  having  a 
series  of  wrecks  of  late,   and  this  was  the  fourth  to  occurr 
within  a  week  or  so. 

The  Distinguished  Service  Cross  was  presented  to  Roy 
Beird  in  April,   1919,   by  General  Pershing  in  Coblenz,  while 
Roy  was  still  serving  in  the  U.  S.  Marines.    The  local 
Bluffs  High  School  also  became  accredited  at  this  time. 

The  new  village  board  elected  were  E.  D.  Beird,  Presi- 
dent,  Russell  Wolford  as  Clerk,   Treasvtrer  -  E.  L.  Kendall, 
and  trustees:  W.  H.  Green,  Wm.  H.   Hartnady,   William 
McCuUom  and  F.  T.  Curtis. 

Bluffs  was  hit  by  heavy  rain  and  wind  storm  during  Jime 
of  this  year,   and  many  homes  and  farms  received  severe 
damage. 


A  Gigantic  Homecoming  was 
held  by  the  town  citizens  for  their 
returning  soldiers,   sailors  and  ma- 
rines,  home  from  WWI.   A  big 
tent  was  erected,   dining  tables 
were  placed  in  them;  a  string  of 
kettles  were  filled  to  the  brim  and 
bubbling  with  burgoo  soup,     in 
charge  of  Monroe  Taylor  and  B. 
W.  Frohwitter.  The  fish  were  fried 
by  Jersey  Moon  of  Meredosia,  where 
they  grow  fish  and  ladies  by  the 
score  were  the    able  assistants. 

The  Bluffs  band,   which  was 
a  new  organization,   furnished  the 
music  and  at  12  o'clock  noon  a 
call  was  given  for  the  soldier  boys 
who  were  home  from  the  war,   to 
appear  and  partake  of  the  feast. 
About  fifty  were  there  to  be  hon  - 
ored,    and  enjoyed  complimentary 
cigars  after  the  bountiful  dinner. 

A  large  program  was  held  that 
afternoon,  with  Lt.  Ewert  telling 
a  few  of  the  things  our  boys  did 
"over  there"  and  also  of  some  of 
the  hardships  they  were  compell- 
ed to  undergo. 

The  feature  of  the  big  day 
was  the  pageant,  which  was  led 
by  Uncle  Sam  and  Columbia,  on 
two  little  ponies,   followed  by  a 
float  all  in  black,    representing 
the  beginning  of  war  with  one  of 
"our  boys"  standing  between  home 
and  war  or  between  love  and  duty. 

The  music  accompanying  this  float  was  "The  Star 
Spangled  Banner"  .  Many  floats  followed,   representing 
"Farewell  Mother",   "Over  There",   "Tenting  Tonight", 
"Keep  the  Home  Fires  Burning",   "Rose  of  No  Man's 
Land",   "The  Long,   Long  Trail"  and  "Ring  Out  Glad 
Bells  of  Peace".   Our  local  band  played  "When  Johnny 
Comes  Marching  Home"  with  eight  little  flower  girls 
strewing  flowers  along  the  street,   attended  by  two  Span- 
ish American  war  veterans,  John  Adkins  and  Frank  Stanton. 

Following  the  floats  came  the  wagon  carrying  Civil  war 
veterans.   Only  four  was  there  to  answer  roll  call  when  the 
parade  started,    namely  Clayton  Batley,    James    Branson, 
Wm.  Wildy  and  George  Peak.  The  last  in  line  of  parade  was 
"our"  soldier  boys,   led  by  Capt.  Savoie  of  Naples  and  Lt. 
Day  of  Exeter,   and  all  were  proud  of  them.  There  were  about 
80  in  line,   including  a  sprinkling  of  sailors  and  marines, 
and  all  in  uniform,   and  it  was  a  sight  that  will  long  be  re- 
membered. 

That  evening  a  grand  ball  was  given  in  Lewis'  opera  house, 
and  this  drew  the  young  folks  and  the  floor  was  so  crowded 
there  was  scarcely  room  for  the  dancers.    A  feature  of  the 
dance  was  the  solo  dancing  by  Miss  LaVerne  Ward,  daughter 
of  Conductor  and  Mrs.   Charles  Ward  of  Bluffs. 

The  next  day  more  fresh  soup  was  served,   the  picture 
house  did  a  booming  business,   and  another  parade  was  held 


-20- 


by  the  band  and  school,    arranged  by  teachers  Misses  Pfen- 
ninger,    Rockwood,    Merris,   Fuson,   Chamberlain  and  \annier. 
During  the  program  held,    G.  C.  Rockwood  of  Springfield, 
a  former  Bluffs  boy,   made  a  very  interesting  talk  on  "The 
Ideals  of  American  Citizenship"  and  his  address  was  quite  a 
surprise  to  many  of  his  old  home  friends,   as  he  had  establish- 
ed himself  quite  a  reoutation  as  an  orator  during  the  Liberty 
Loan  campaigns,    and  his  address  on  this  occasion  was  splendid 
and  appreciated  by  his  many  friends  here. 

Registration  of  Soldiers,   Sailors  and  Marines.  Pvt. 
Roy  H.  Beird,   FVt.  Henry  \V.  Sommers,   Pvi.   1st  CI. 
Clarence  Northrup,    Sgi.  Walter  C.  Northrup,   FVt.  John 
Horsey,   Corp.  Halpin  Dentin,   Pvt.   R.M.  Crews,   Wag. 
Maurice  O'Brien,   F.A.  Walters,   Pvt.   Everetie  Kopp, 
Corp.  Monroe  Reed,   Pvt.  Henry  Clark,    Pvt.  Jesse  Batley, 
Pvt.   Clarence  Castle,   Pvt.  Elmer  Seeman,   Pvt.    1st  CI. 
Oscar  P.  ^reesen,   Pvt.    1st  CI.  J.W.  Kaus,   Gunnery  Sgt. 
Harry  \'annier,   FVt.  Adolph  E.  Kuehler,  Pvt.   1st  CI. 
Louis  F.  Bosse,   FVt.  Norman  Bloyd,   Earl  Oilman,   Guy 
Grady,   Pvt.   1st  CI.  Mark  W.  Hale,   Pvt.  E.C.  Baird, 
W.A.  Wells,  Pvt.  Fred  G.  Westermeyer,   Raymond  Mor- 
ris,   Edward  Sullings,   Geo.  C.  Sommers,    Shelby  Brackett, 
M.E.  Lankford,    Geo.  E.  Berry,   Daniel  F.   Ratigan,   Leo 
P.   Comerford,   Capt.  E.A.   Savoie,    Kelley  Briggs,    Roy 
Berry,    Carl  E.  Bean,  Pvt.  Lyle  Mathews,   Lieut.  Wm.  H. 
Peters,   Corp.  Harr>'  R.  Wedeking,   Hunter  Funk,   Sgt. 
Richard  Coultas,   Sgt.   1st  CI.  VV'm.  J.  Chambers,   Corp. 
Denny  Campbell,    Corp.  John  A.  Knoeppel,   Sgt.  Wni. 
G.   Finney,   F\l.   Estell  Leib,   Arthur  Sandman,    Floyd  R. 
Hierman,  John  E.  Howell,   Rude  Albers,   Herman  Kund, 
Lee  Green,   Sgt.  Carl  M.   Ritter,   Byron  R     Torrance,    Ray- 
mond Scott,   Roy  Merriman,  Ray  Rankin,   Carl  F.Botterbush, 
Corp.  F.  Botterbush,   Corp.  Clarence  A.  Phillips,   FVt. 
1st  CI.  Edward  Meyer,   Pvt.  H.  Krusa,   Liet.  O.  Walter, 
Corp.  F.W.  Bosse,   Seaman  Walter  Hubert,   Frank  S. 
Holiday,    Russeli  Brockhouse,    Kimber  Gayhart,     2nd. 
Lt.   Robert  H.  Allen,   2nd.  Liet.  Smitli  E.  Foutch,   Wm. 
J.  Curtis,   F.   Stanton,   Henry  Kesterson,   Fred  Northcutt, 
Milton  Jackson,   and  Clayton   Batley,     letters    of   regret 
were  received  from  L.  C.   Ashley  and  Neville  Frohwitler. 
Quite  a  few  of  the  boys  neglected  to  register,    and  many 
sent  letters  of  regret  at  being  unable  to  attend  the  home 
coming  celebration. 

On  February  21,    1920  the  community  voted  to  erect  a 
new  high  school,   with  a  total  vote  -  FOR  452,   AGAINST  155; 
majority  for  the  school  proposition  297. 

Bluffs  basketball  team  placed  second  this  year  in  tlie  Dis- 
trict basketball  tournament,  with  a  good  following. 

Called  to  the  Grand  Jury  in  the  spring  were  Fred  Korty 
and  Andrew  Schullis;  Petit  jurors  were  Loran  Burbank,  Fred 
D.   Brockhouse,    R.  O.   Perry  and  John  Seeman. 

Elected  as  Village  Fathers  in  the  spring  election  were: 
Trustees-  R.  D.   Merris,   John  J.  O'Brien,   E.   C.   Gray;  and 
as  clerk  -  Russell  Wolford,   while  the  citizens  made  H.   D. 
Kilpatrick  police  magistrate  to  fight  the  lawlessness. 

Kendall  &  Knoeppel,   W.   H.  Green,   Hunter-Allen  Lum- 
ber Co.,   Ballard  and  Johnson,   Bank  of  Bluffs,   Priest  Motor 
Co.,   Dr.  G.  W.   Reese  (dentist),   E.  G.  Gray,   H.  D.   Kill- 
patrick.   Col.  J.   F.  Parker  (Auctioneer),   Strickler  and  Stick- 
ler,   Phillips  Produce  Co.,   Victor  Knoeppel,   Andre  G  Andre, 
Ranft's  Hardware  Store,   Gray's  Millinery  Store,  William  J. 
Hartnady,   Harry  Geisendorfer,  James  R.  Lucas  (Vet. ),   The 


City  Pharmacy,  .Aaron  Lewis  (Auctioneer),  all  merchants  ol 
Bluffs,  and  Myers  Bros,  of  Jacksonville  were  among  the  ad- 
vertisers in  the  Bluffs  Times. 

E.  G.  Gray  was  running  the  Bluffs  Drug  Store,   Stickler 
and  Stickler  were  advertising  women's  hose  at  25<t  a  pair 
and  R.  L.  Watson  was  selling  Gainaday  washers. 

The  ground  was  covered  with  snow  Easter  Sunday  morn- 
ing and  it  snowed  all  day.  It  was  tlie  first  heavy  snow  on  Easter 
since  1874  when  three  inches  fell. 

Carter  Brothers  were  manufacturing  Scientific  Hens  and 
selling  them  as  fast  as  they  made  them. 

In  July,    1920  Fitzsimmons  Brothers  opened  a  flour  mill 
in  Bluffs  with  every  sack  of  flour  sold,   under  a  strict  guaran- 
tee,  and  the  citizens  were  glad  to  have  a  new  business. 

John  O'Brien  received  the  first  Victory  Medal  issued  in 
this  section  of  the  cotmty  for  his  service  in  WWl.   He  was 
serving  as  adjutant  of  the  newly  formed  Charles  Wolford 
Post  «441,   with  Walter  Nortrup  as  Commander. 

Messrs.  Beerup  of  Naples  and  York  of  Bluffs  formed 
partnership  and  opened  a  barber  shop  in  the  former  Sargent 
shop  in  August  of  this  year,   and  clipped  everyone. 

In  October,    1920  the  body  of  FVt.   Austin  Simms  was 
brought  back  to  his  home  in  Naples,   and  given  full  military 
honors  and  funeral  by  Bluffs  Legion  Post.  He  departed  this 
life  October  16,    191S  on  board  a  transport  one  day  out  of 
Breast,   France. 

Nov.  15,  1920  Paul  (Jack)  Cable  of  Bluffs  met  instant 
death  while  in  the  employ  of  the  CIPS  Co.,  while  working 
on  a  high   power  line  east  of  New  Salem,   Illinois. 

Roy  H.  Bcird  of  Bluffs,   who  had  won  the  D.S.C.   and 
the  Croix  De  Guirre  in  WWI  while  serving  with  the  Marines, 
was  notified  by  the  Navy  Department  that  he  also  had  been 
awarded  the  Navy  Cross  in  appreciation  of  the  splendid  ser- 
vice he  had  rendered  his  country  during  the  war. 


J 


i 


}ii;.\KV  Oaki:.^,  Sr. 

After  a  lingering  illness  Henry  Oakes  died  Dec.  30th, 
age  72  years,  3  months  and  27  days.  Interment  was  in  the 
Greene  Cemetery.  Mr.  Oakes,  a  highly  respected  business 
man  in  Bluffs,   liad  been  the  founder  of  the  original  town. 


-21- 


Highlight  of  the  new  year  in  1921  was  tlie  American 
Legion  Minstrel  show  held  February  21st.  A  program  of 
participants  included  John  O'Brien,   Clarence  Nortrup,  Wm. 
Chambers,    O.  V.  Walters,    Neville  Frohwitter,   Roy  Beird, 
Hy  Summers,   Harry  Chambers,   Harry  Lankford,   B.   R.  Clif- 
ton,  W.  J.  Hartnady,  C.  M.  Bitter,  Kesterson,   Hale,   Com- 
erford,  Thompson,  Arundel  and  McEvers.        A   "Farce"  was 
the  highlight  of  the  entertaining  program  "The  Battle  of 
Rollin'  Bones"  .   the  Public  received  the  show  with  great  en- 
thusiasim,  with  the  "biggest  crowd"  ever  seen  in  Bluffs  at 
anything"  attending.  Over  100  people  couldn't  get  in  the 
jammed  Opera  House  so  the  Legion  boys  gave  the  show  over 
again  the  following  week  with  changes  in  the  program. 

George  J.  Middendorf  and  Roy  Botterbusch  were  call- 
ed to  Grand  Jury  duty  and  Lew  T.  Thompson  to  Petit  Jury. 


of  the  fire  was  unknown,  but  it  was  thought  to  have  started 
by  someone's  smouldering  cigarette. 

In  November,    1921  the  Bank  of  Bluffs  underwent  extensive 
remodeling.  A  new  vault  and  safe  deposit  boxes  were  install- 
ed, a  small  consultation  room  for  patrons  built,   directors 
room  upstairs,   ceiling  lowered,   complete  new  outfit  of 
banking  furniture,   counters,   desks,   etc.,   installed. 

A  warning  was  issued  by  the  local  law  to  the  parties  who 
took  the  foiu-  horse  blankets  belonging  to  Ben  Rockwood, 
John  Meier  and  Wayne  Sumpter.  He  said  -  RETURN  THEM 
OR  ELSE ! 

Wallace  Reid  in  "The  Lottery  Man"  was  showing  at  the 
local  "Photoplay"  Theatre  in  benefit  of  the  High  School 
basketball  team.  Admission  was  IScj:  and  254  including  tax. 
Coming  attractions  were  "Law  of  the  Yukon",    "Gilded  Lies", 
"Say  It  With  Flo\vers",    "The  Primal  Law",    "Third  Class 
Male",    "You  Adorable  Thing"  and  "Pinning  It  On",    "The 
Lamplighter",    "Stealing  Home"  Congressman  Guy  L.  Shaw 
was  distributing  free  garden  seed  to  his  constituents. 

The  Bank  of  Bluffs  was  broken  into  but  took  nothing  of 
value  but  a  revolver. 

Robbers  hit  again  in  January,   1922  when  the  Bluffs  Post 
Office  was  looted  to  the  tune  of  $200.00.  Investigation  was 
held  but  culprits  weren't  caught.  The  work  of  laying  the 
new  water  mains  to  the  big  water  tank  at  the  Wabash  Depot 
was  well  underway.  It  was  said  tliat  labor  and  material 
would  run  close  to  $1,000,   but  that  it  would  be  well  worth  it. 
During  the  basketball  season  Bluffs  made  quite  a  name  for 
themselves,   till  Pittsfield  finally  broke  the  spell  and  defeat- 
ed them.  Playing  on  the  team  were  Knoeppel,  Hyler,   Rolf, 
Hartnady  and  Wills. 


OLD  WABASH  RAILROAD  WRECK 

Village  election  was  held  with  the  position  of  president 
up  for  grabs.     E.  D.  Beird,   originally  on  the  ticket  had  with- 
drawn his  name  a  few  days  prior  to  election,   and  the  follow- 
ing received  votes:     E,  D.  Beird  -  63;  Maurice  O'Brien  23; 
Mrs.  John  Adkins,   8;  Mrs.   O.  A.  Woodson,    I;  Dr.    C.  A. 
Evans,    Ij  George  Beagle,    1.     Trustees  elected  were  W.J. 
Hartnady,  W.  H.   Green  and  Wm.  McCullom;  Treasurer  - 
E.  L.  Kendall  and  Police  magistrate  -  Ed  C.   Baird.  Not  long 
after  the  election  Wm.   McCullom  passed  away  and  another 
trustee  was  appointed. 

Murder  and  suicide  hit  the  village  of  Bluffs  when  O.   R. 
(Reve)  Stull  of  Galesburg,   a  railroad  man,  went  berserk  and 
killed  his  wife,   stabbed  his  mother  and  father-in-law  and 
then  killed  himself  at  the  William  Taylor  home  south-east 
of  Bluffs. 

Fire  broke  out  in  Bluffs  March  1,    1921,   and  scared 
everyone.   Damages  were  over  $15,000.  Buildings  destroyed 
on  main  street  were  the  Arundel  buildings,  small  one  story 
frames  occupied  by  P.   E.   Lankford  Cafe,   Westermeyer  Meat 
Market,   Guy  Sawyers  Pantatorium,   Geisendorfer  building 
and  meat  market  and  Likes  building  and  general  store.   There 
was  also  damage  to  Lewis  Opera  House  across  tlie  street  and 
plate  glass  windows  of  the  Knoeppel  building  cracked,   sev- 
eral glasses  in  the  bank  building  also  shattered.  The  origin 


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Tuesday,  Feb.  7th,   1921  Charles  Oakes,    one  of  Bluffs 
prominent  farmers  passed  away.  A  large  memorial  service 
was  held. 

In  February  the  Farmers  Elevator  was  offering  40<t  for 
com.  This  was  the  first  time  since  October,   1920  that  this 
price  had  been  offered.  A  few  weeks  before  com  had  been 
selling  for  $7.00  per  ton  DELIVERED. 


-22- 


BEST  WISHES 

TO  THE  CITIZENS  OF  BLUFFS 

AND  THEIR  VILLAGE 

Heirman's  Gamble  Store 

TIOYD  Z,  ETHEL 
BLUFFS,  ILLINOIS 


HAPPY  lOOTH  BIRTHDAY 
NEIGHBORS 


MEAT  PRODUCTS 

PITTSFIELD.  ILLINOIS 


Congratulations 

to  the  Village  of  Bluffs 

on  the  past  100  Years 


Central  Motor  Sales 


LUTHER  VORTMAN 
BLUFFS,   ILLINOIS 


CONGRATULATIONS 
ON  COMPLETING  YOUR 
FIRST  CENTURY! 


Bluffs  Hardware 

HAROLD  G  MARJORIE  FROHWITTER 
BLUFFS,   ILLINOIS 


CONGRATULATIONS 
ON  YOUR  CENTENNIAL! 

Hutchens  &  Mann 

ATTORNEYS  AT  LAW 
Winchester,  Illinois 


Compliments  of 

Paul  R  Smith 
Robert  L  Smith 

BLUFFS,   ILLINOIS 

Spreader  Service 
General  Trucking 


-  •••.^'•^■■^■ 


-23- 


A  car  load  of  corn  was  loaded  here  for  the  Far  East  Relief 
and  starving  children  of  the  Bible  Lands.    Bluffs  had  a  tre- 
mendous response  and  it  was  felt  that  if  everyone  else  in 
tliis  vicinity  did  as  well  as  Bluffs,   many  children  would  be 
fatter  and  healthier. 

A  shooting  match  was  held  by  Henry  Rolf  at  tlie  Bluffs 
ball  park.  Some  of   the  scores  were:  H.  Vannier,    100  birds, 
9455;  Ed  Fitzsimmons,   100  birds,   86;;;  F.  Kilver,   100  birds, 
83%;  J.  Dunham,   100  birds,   78  '.;  C.  Lawson,    100  birds, 
89";;;;  H.  Rolf,   90  birds,   84';^;  C.  Stewart,   90  birds,  77"i; 
C.  Sheets,   70  birds,    7595;  A.  Boulware,   70  birds,   90v$;  R. 
Hubbard,   50  birds,   78':-;  Dr.  Stewart,    50  birds,   74%. 

In  March  P.  E.  Lankford  purchased  the  "Photoplay" 
Theatre  and  will  devote  his  entire  time  to  the  picture  house 
and  promises  a  first  class  line  of  coming  attractions. 

A  special  meeting  was  called  in  March,  by  the  village 
board  to  purchase  property  where  the  city  hall  and  firehouse 
pres  ently  stood.  It  was  felt  that  a  great  deal  of  money  could 
be  saved  in  the  future  if  the  building  were  owned  by  the  town. 
Thomas  Meehan  and  William  Frohwitter  were  called  to  serve 
on  the  April  Grand  Jury. 

The  body  of  Charles  Wolford,  WWI  war  hero,  was  brought 
back  to  Bluffs,  where  it  was  buried  with  military  honors. 

The  Scott  Coimty  Levee  also  broke  and  flooded  10,  000 
acres  in  April,   with  the  rich  farming  land  out  of  sight.  The 
Naples  residents  were  forced  from  their  homes  and  a  great 
many  of  them  are  living  in  tents.   Many  sought  refuge  with 
relatives  in  nearby  towns. 


ILIU 


Many  of  the  washed  -out  residents  of  the  Levee  district 
had  placed  their  furniture  and  household  goods  above  the 
1913  high  water  mark,   thinking  it  would  be  safe,  but  the 
present  stage  of  water  far  exceeds  that  of  1913.  The  Wabash 
Railroad  Company  gave  every  aid  they  could  to  people  and 
furnished  sand  bags  to  help  hold  the  levee  as  well  as  furnish- 
ed men  to  help  work  on  the  levees.  The  Red  Cross  also  gave 
aid  the  stricken  people.  It  was  weeks  before  the  water 
had  all  receded. 

A  high  water  record  had  been  kept  by  the  late  Robert 
A.  Anderson:    June  1844  -  25'  17",  June  1852  -  24'  9", 
April  5,   1904  -  21';  March  6,   1908  -  20'  8",  May  25, 1908- 
22'  11"  and  April,   1913  -  24'  4". 

New  Village  Board  officials  were  John  O'Brien,  Frank 
Stanton,   C.  A.  Phillips  and  W.  H.  Vannier  to  the  position 
of  trustees,   H.  W.  Sommer,  Jr.  elected  Village  clerk  and 
Gus  Kilver  as  PoUce  Magistrate. 

E.  D.  Beird  sold  his  insurance  agency  to  Clarence  McCaleb. 
In  May,   1922  the  first  Moonlight  exclusion  of  the  season 
occurred  on  the  Steamer  "Julia  Belle  Swain",  was  largely 
attended  by  the  ladies  of  the  community  and  their  courting 
swains.  It  featured  a  trip  from  Meredosia,   Naples  and 
Griggsville  round  trip  for  50<t. 

A  measure  of  relief  from  the  dust  on  the  streets,  was 
achieved  in  June.  The  dust  had  been  cussed  and  discussed 
with  varying  emotions  by  the  entire  population,   and  was 
secured  when  the  large  oil  tank  of  the  W.  H.  Cocking  Co. 
arrived  in  Bluffs  and  distributed  10,031  gallons  of  oil  on 
the  streets.   6,  000  gallons  more 
have  been  ordered  as  some  of  the 
people  have  been  scurrying  about 
collecting  money  so  THEIR  streets 
could  be  oiled. 

A  bad  wind  storm  hit  Bluffs 
this  month,   doing  much  damage. 

It  was  decided  in  a  judge's 
court  that  hereafter  "reckless  and 
Careless"  drivers  would  be  known 
as  "fliverboobs" . 

In  July,    1922  the  BIG  WA- 
BASH STRIKE,   as  it  became 
known,   occurred  with  around  30 
local  Wabash  shopmen  going  on 
strike,   on  orders   from  their  union. 
Strike  breakers  were  hired  orbrought 
into  Bluffs,   as  our  village  was  one 
of  the  high  points  of  activity  in 
the  division.  Many,   many  offic- 
ials were  in  and  out  of  town  for 
months;  railway  police.    United 
States  deputy  marshalls,   etc., were 
also  here  for  quite  awhile;  and 
many  local  brawls  occurred  defend- 
ing the  union's  actions  vs  the  strike- 
breakers.  The  strike  lasted  until  the 
mid-part  of  1923,   and    then    just 
petered  out,  with  only  a  part  of 
their  battle  won. 

Threshing  was  in  full  swing, 
with  Royal  Oakes  reporting  his 
first  88  acres  threshed  averaged 
a  good  35  bushels  to  the  acre  and 


■->-- 


-24- 


(^<M^n^cd^i6*t4^  Ttei^M<n^  I 


I 


'^ 


We  share  your  pride  in  observing   this 
Centennial,  o »  and  point  with  equal  pride  to 
our  many  fine  employees  who  reside  in  the 
Bluffs  area  and  contribute  their  skills  and 
experience  to  its  many  community  activitieSo 


L  &  H  INSURANCE  AGENCY 

BLUFFS,  ILLINOIS 

LELAND  LITTIG 

If  its  INSURANCE  you  need  PHONE  754-3938 

"You  name  it"-"We  got  it" 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 


BLUFFS 
Farmers  Grain  Co. 

BLUFFS,   ILLINOIS 


Continued  growth  and  good  fortune 
to  the  Village  of  Bluffs 

Congressman 
Paul  Findley 

20th  Congressional  District 


Congratulations 

to  an  Enterprising  Village 


Bo-Jayne's  Cafe 

ERWIN  G  JANEWnSS 
BLUFFS,  ILLINOIS 


-25- 


the  streets.  6,  000  gallons  more  have  been  ordered  as  some 
of  tlie  people  have  been  scurrying  about  collecting  money 
so  THEIR  streets  could  be  oiled. 


GRADUATING  CLASSES 
1899  to  1922 

Class  of  1899-Royal  Oakes,  Willie  Davis,  Earl  Lewis, 
Arthur  Boulware,   Mamie  Gilson. 

Class  of  1902-conimencement  May  15  from  three  yeai 
high  school-Olive  Men-is,   Pearl  Emeline  Tewksbury,    Clar- 
ence McCaleb. 

Class  of  1903-Mabel  Quintal  Wilday. 
Class  of  1904-Lester  Christy,   Paul  McCullom, 
Nellie  Mulhem,   Clarence  Mundy. 

Class  of  1905-Thurman  Allen,   Albert  Knoeppel. 
Class  of  1906-Mary  Meehan  Harris,   Emmeline  Oakes 
Robertson,   Lena  Christy,   Squire  Arundel. 
Class  of  1907-John  O'Brien. 

Class  of  1908-Clara  Brockhouse  VanGundy,   Leila 
Finney,   Mabel  Hodgins. 

Class  of  1909-Earl  Burrus,   Berle  Carver,   Estelee 
VanHyning,    Caroline  Wolford  Williams. 

Class  of  1910-  Theo.  C.  Moore,  Principal,   Anna 
Arundel,  Eleanor  Finney,  Vita  Mueller  Chapman,   Helen 
Sears  Marsh,    Bessie  Smith. 

Class  of  1911-Ethel  McCaleb  Moore,   Lena  Vannier 
Lovekamp,   Croney  Mills. 

Class  of  1912-Stella  Morris  Korty,   Bernice  Wolford 
Fuson,   Nora  Baird,   Bessie  Allen  Haraia. 

Class  of  1913-Ora  Husband  Likes,  Mildred  Chapman, 
Charlie  Sawyer. 

Class  of  1914-Ethel  Chapman. 

Class  of  1915-Glenn  Head,   Supt.  Cathleen  Carver, 
Mabel  Green,  Cecil  Murrah,   Harvey  Sears,   Bessie  Thomp- 
son O'Brien,   Elmer  Thorne,   Russell  Woltord,  Kathryn 
Wood  Rankin. 

Class  of  1916-Floyd  Hierman,  Zeta  Merris,  Marie 
Thorne  Berry,  Belle  Vannier  Merriman. 

Class  of  1917-Pearl  Rockwood  Dunbar,   Hester  Tor- 
rance Berry,   Elizabetli  Krusa  Hamilton,  Kathryn  Smith 
Seipker,  Alice  Tash  Gray,  Margaret  Finney  Davis,  lota 
Bergner  Castle,  Esta  Kopp  Howell,  Roy  C.Beird,  Rena  Pond. 

Class  of  1918-Anna  Lane,  Zoe  Fitzpatrick  Beird,   Helen 
Oakes  Head,  Helen  Fuson  Starts,  Etliel  McMurray  Hierman, 
Coin  Mueller,  W.  Raymond  Six,  Uleta  Shaw,   Lillian 
Sommers  Rolf,   Clyde  VanHyning,   Roy  Merriman. 

Class  of  1919-Cleo  Bergner,   Harry  Chambers,  Marie 
Fuson,   Dorothy  Ray  Griswold,  Lillian  Guenther  Meier,   Ruth 
Killpatrick  Nortrup,   Hester  L.  Korty,  Beatrice  Morris  See- 
man,  Anna  Rebbe  Vortman,  Benjamin  Rockwood,  Paul  Vannier 

Class  of  1920-Matilda  Nortrup  Kaehlert,  M.  R. 
Korty,   Gertrude  Hierman,  Marie  Rolf,   Harry  Lankford, 
Russell  Arundel,  Mary  Jane  Morris,  Odgen  Sears,   Edward 
Middendorf,  Amanda  Middendorf  Tiemann,   Beulah  Green 
Coultas,    Raymond  Knoeppel. 

Class  of  1921 -Mabel  Haley,   Vera  McCaleb,  Zela 
Mueller  Hyler,   Minnie  Ranft  Chambers. 

Class  of  1922-Bernice  Chamberlain  Strubinger,   Ger- 
trude Fuson  Six,   Bessie  R.  Merriman  Reichart,  Freda 
Meyer  Smith,   Viola  Maude  Rogers  Davis,   Burton  Chamber- 
lain, ErvinH.  Rolf,   Leonard  Rolf,  Kenneth  F.  Six,   Char- 
les R.  Wills. 


Threshing  was  in  full  swing,  with  Royal  Oakes  reporting 
his  first  88  acres  threshed  averaged  35  bushels  to  the  acre  and 
tested  59  to  60  pounds;  Dave  Leonard  reported  threshing  a 
30  acre  field,   average  35  bushels  testing  61  pounds;  Clarence 
McCaleb  and  Arthur  Christianer  had  80  acres  of  hard  wheat 
which  turned  out  2,  466  bushels;  George  Hierman  reported 
average  30  bushels  to  an  acre;  Hannond  Nortrup,  reported  on 
40  acres,   averaging   30  bushel  an  acre  and  testing  58  pounds. 
On  August  24,    1922,    at  the  big  Oakes  land  sale,   E.  L.  Ken- 
dall and  ].  A.  Knoeppel  purchased  16  acres  of  land  lying  just 
south  of  the  bridge  across  town.  They  then  announced  their 
intention  to  have  the  land  surveyed  and  platted  into  town 
lots,  with  plans  wliich  will  include  the  donation  of  a  town 
park  to  the  city. 

P.  M.  Green  was  appointed  as  Postmaster  in  Bluffs  in 
February,   1923,   and  P.  C.  Burrus  checked  out  after  four 
years  in  that  position.  The  Wabash  Supply  House  just  north 
of  the  Round  House  burned,  with  loss  listed  between  $2,000 
and  $5,  000.    Also  a  minor  fire  reported  by  George  J.  Vannier, 
janitor  at  the  school  house,  who  put  out  the  fire  without 
assistance  from  the  fire  department. 

In  March  Fred  Todd  purchased  the  "Photoplay"  theatre 
from  P.  E.  Lankford.    Albert  Knoeppel  and  Leroy  Castle 
were  called  to  Petit  Jury  duty,   and  the  City  fathers  desig- 
nated the  second  week  of  April  as  "Clean  Up  Week"  and 
requested  all  citizens  to  do  their  best  on  this  annual  day, 
to  clean  their  property  and  alleys  of  all  unnecessary  debris. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  V.  H.Huffman  purchased  the  Mrs.  E.  G.  Gray 
Millinery  Shop,   and  W.  H.  Mueller  G  Co.  installed  a  new 
ice  plant  just  west  of  Bluffs. 

Elected  to  the  Town  Board  were  Dr.  J.  H.  Stewart  as 
president,   and  trustees:  W.  H.  Vannier,   P.  C.  Burrus,  Wm. 
Seeman  and  W.  A.  Hildebrand. 

A  new  City  Meat  Market  opened  up  in  May,   operated  by 
Henry  Johnessee. 

Class  of  1923-Wilmer  Botterbusch,   Elmer  Hyler, 
William  Kilver,   Leroy  Knoeppel,  Vera  Mathews  McFerren, 
Russell  Morris,   Arthur  Moss,   Leila  Parker  Glossop,  Anna 
Ratigan,   Ruth  Robinson  Main,   Lora  Seeman  Kilver,   Rus- 
sell Six,   John  Sommer,   Carl  Stegemann,   Harvey  Vortman, 
Clarence  Weiss,   Russell  Wills. 

The  Wabash  hit  the  news  again  in  June,   1923  when  they 
put  two  new  fast  passenger  trains  in  Service  the  first  of  the 
month  (Train  #9  and  Train  #8  -  both  making  daily  stops  at 
Bluffs).    People  were  told  of  the  fast,   efficient  service  they 
would  now  be  getting  from  the  Wabash. 

Plumbing  improvement  were  made  at  the  grade  school. 
The  Princess  Cafe  changed  hands  -  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  A. 
Phillips  sold  out  to  Ira  A.  Brown  of  Roodhouse;  the  Beerup 
and  Hale  Barber  Shop,   operated  '   '  Mark  Hale,  was  sold  to 


-26- 


the  Main  Brotliers,  Fred  and  Floyd,   and  the  Dedication  of 
Col.  Grant's  Camp  Ground  at  Naples  was  held  with  a  big 
program  involving  many  local  people. 


In  jime,    1924  Bluffs,   was  visited  by  a  most  diasasti-ous 
wind  storm  doing  property  damages  into  many  thousands  of 
dollars,   but  no  loss  of  life.  Farms  on  Apple  Pie  Ridge  were 
badly  hit  witli  much  damage.  The  Cyclone  struck  about 
9:  30  p.m.  and  was  very  narrow  in  width. 


A  stone  was  placed  on  the  camp  site  of  Gen.  Grant's 
over  night  camping  spot,  compliments  of  Collins  Mill. 
Grant  and  the  21st  Illinois  Volunteers  had  stayed  there 
July  6th,    1861.  A  tablet  was  placed  on  the  stone  at  a 
later  date  (1923)    by  the  Literature  and  Civic  depart- 
ment of  the  Winchester  Woman's  Club. 

In  August  1923  Charles  Sheets  purchased  the  "Photoplay" 
theatre.  An  annual  levy  of  $20,000  was  made  to  run  our 
fair  village  for  the  next  year.  The  Photoplay  again  changed 
hands  when  G.  O.  Parrish  of  Naples  purchased  same  from 
Mr.  Sheets.  Fred  Muntman  of  Chapin  purchased  the  mer- 
chandise store  of  Mrs.  j.  E. Likes  in  Bluffs,  who  then  retired. 

The  Bank  of  Bluffs  had  Capital  Stock  of  $100,000  in 
September,   1923,  with  E.  L.  Kendall   serving  as  President, 
H.  C.  Knoeppel  as  Vice  President  and  Ass't  Cashier  and 
J.  A.  Knoeppel  as  Cashier.    Bluffs  Business  Men  endorsed 
the  Farm  Bureau. 

H.  D.Kilpatrick  purchased  a  new  motor  funeral  car  for 
his  Funeral  Parlor,   the   Post  office  moved  on  Sunday  to  new 
quarters  in  the  W.  H.  Green  building.   Site  of  the  old  quart- 
ers had  been  leased  to  Kroger  Company. 

In  October  the  C.  I.P.  S.  Company  announced  7302  stock- 
holders and  were  doing  a  flourishing  business. 

George  Van  Gundy  sold  his  telephone  company  -  "The 
Home  Telephone  Co. ,   to  Messrs.  Domke  and  Tucker  of  Jack- 
sonville,  Illinois  in  January,   1924. 

At  election  time  the  new  town  trustees  were  C.  A.  Castle, 
P.  E.  Lankford  and  Henry  Hubbert,  with  J.  Harry  Beerup  as 
clerk.  President  of  the  school  board  was  Royal  Oakes  and 
new  members  were  R.  D.  Merris,  Leroy  Castle,   and  Clarence 
McCaleb. 

Class  of  1924-Edward  Bailey,  Aileen  Coultas  Ropar, 
Charles  Merris,  Vern  Mueller,  Vernon  Nortrup,  Grace  Six 
Miller,  Harvey  Six,  Rena  Sommer,  Julian  Meehan,  Kath- 
leen Six. 


The  Apple  Pie  Ridge  School  had  the  complete  east  side 
blown  out   leaving  broken  boards  and  nails  sticking  out; 
a  dictionary  was  lying  on  a  seat  in  the  east  row  after  the 
cyclone  had  passed.  The  side  of  the  building  was  found  ly- 
ing 300  feet  to  the  east  in  a  field. 

Congressman  Henry  T.  Rainey  appeared  in  Bluffs  at  the 
Annual  Burgoo  Picnic  in  August,  given  by  members  of  the 
M.  E.  Church  in  the  Old  Burbank  Grove. 

According  to  the  fisherman  of  the  area  the  year  1924 
will  go  down  in  history  as  one  of  the  poorest  fishing  seasons 
in  years. 

Through  no  fault  of  anyone  it  has  been  decided  that  the 
fire  department  lacks  effective  organization,  and  that  there 
should  be  a  new  device  for  an  alarm.    The  Ewing  Lankford 
home,  the  Ella  Sears  home  and  a  bam  on  the  George  Roberts 
farm  owned  by  Jolin  Pine    were  all  destroyed    by  fire  in  ap- 
proximately a  weeks  time.     The  Village  Board  decided  at 
their  last  meeting  to  build  a  new  concrete  walk  from  the 
Carlton  corner  south  to  the  corner  of  Mrs.  Six's  house. 

It  has  been  decided  at  this  time  that  Bluffs  should  have 
two  voting  precincts  and  the  town  was  divided  into  North 
Bluffs  and  South  Bluffs. 

C.  C.  Carter  was  highly  honored  by  die  International 
Mathematical  Congress  at  their  Annual  Convention.    It  is 
an  honor  to  have  such  a  man  in  otir  community. 


-27- 


Residents  in  this  community  were  very  pleased  to  learn 
the  roads  from  Naples  thru  Bluffs  and  Exeter  to  Ebaugh  cor- 
ner were  to  be  oiled. 

The  Andre  G  Andre  Home  Furnishing  Company  in  Bluffs 
have  closed  their  business  and  are  moving  to  Jacksonville. 
The  Wabash  Railroad  is  extensively  improving  the  stock 
yards  at  Bluffs. 


.-^i-ji^ 


One  of  the  worst  sleet  storms  in  recent  history  holds 
Bluffs  in  its  icy  grip.  All  of  the  streets  are  blocked  by  trees 
and  CIPS  lines  downed  by  ice. 

1925  Four  tickets  were  filed  for  the  Village  election. 
Four  tickets  have  been  filed  for  the  Village  election. 
Citizens  Ticket  -  President  of  Village  Board,  Dr.  H.  W. 
Sears;    Trustees  -  F.  ].  Muntman,  Wm.  Hildebrand  and 
John  R.  Green.    Peoples  Ticket  -  President,   Frank  Stanton, 
Trustees,  Maurice  O'Brien,   Geo.  H.  Middendorf  and  James 
Chance.    Independents  -  Board  Members,   E.  C.  Baird, 
Henry  Nortrup  and  Henry  Engelbrecht.  Village  Treasurer, 
E.L.Kendall  and  for  Police  Magistrate,  Jas.  B.  Thompson. 
Independent  Ticket  #2  -  President  of  Board  W.  O,  Ague, 
Board  members,  Iver  Mueller,   Raymond  Six,   and  Floyd 
Hierman.       The  Peoples  Ticket  was  elected  headed  by  Dr. 
H.  W.  Sears. 

Plans  for  a  new  high  school  building  is  being  considered. 
On  May  25,   1925  much  damage  was  done  to  the  fruit  trees 
and  gardens  in  this  area  by  frost  when  the  mercury  hit  a 
30  degree  mark. 

1925-Bemard  Brown,   Edward  Chamberlain,   Oliver 
Chambers,  Helen  Dunnaway,  Eva  Green,   Marvin  Hill, 
Lee  M.  Korty,   Opal  Lawrence  Wills,   Helen  Main,   Helen 
Masterson,  Nina  Merriman  Hamilton,   Donald  Moore, 
Melvin  Seeman,   Erwin  Weiss,  Margaret  Vannier  Chambers. 
In  June  of  this  year  our  nei  ghboring  village,   Exeter,  -was 
100  years  old,  having  been  surveyed  and    laid    out  in  June 
A.D.  1825. 

Cray's  Millinery  store  closes  shop  in  Bluffs  as  the  owners 
move  from  town. 

A  new  big  combine  Harvester  is  being  tried  out  at  the 
Oakes  wheat  field.    Hundreds  of  people  gathered  at  the  site 
to  watch  the  initial  tryout. 

The  Bluffs  Bakery  has  changed  ownership.    S.A.Ashby 
has  sold  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Kress  jr. 

Mrs.  A.  V.  Pyle  and  Miss  Fannie  Cox  have  opened  a 
new  millinery  store  in  the  Beird  building. 

The  teachers  employed  for  the  year  1926-27  are  as  fol- 
lows:   George  Main,  Superintendent:  Walter  Miller,   Ray- 


mond Knoeppel,  Mary  Branham,  Elva  Crabb,  Berniece 
Chamberlain,  Muriel  Kopp,  Cleo  Bergner,  Alice  Tash, 
Nona  Gray  and  Mrs.  Ellen  Coultas. 

The  C.  A.  Castle  Ford  Products  Co.,  is  advertizing  the 
Ford  Touring  Car  for  $310  and  a  Runabout  for  $290. 

The  Methodist  Protestant  Chiu'ch  is  observing  its  anniver- 
sary this  year.      Officers  at  the  Bank  of  Bluffs  arc  E.  L. 
Kendall,   President;    H.  C.  Knoeppel,   Vice  President  and 
J.  A.  Knoeppel,   Cashier. 

The  closing  exercises  for  the  high  school  and  grade  school 
will  be  held  in  the  gymnasium  of  the  new  school  building 
now  being  completed. 


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■     w.-?l£.«,,     ■•    ;_ 

1 

Class  of  1926-Forrest  Adkins,   Lucille  Adkins  Eye, 
Jacob  Albright,   Clora  Beerup  Nortrup,  Dorothy  Botter- 
busch,   Paul  Crum,    Ruth  Crum,  Florence  Kilver  Metter- 
nich,   Edna  Little  Engelbrecht,   Dorothy  Mains  Walker, 
Mildred  Middendorf  Taylor,  Mildred  Morris  Seeman, 
Mabel  Rockwood  Vortman,  Henrietta  Schweer,  Mildred 
Seeman  Filer,   Freida  Six  Parker,  Richard  Straham,   Eme- 
line  Torrance  Rhinaldo,   Lomse  Vannier  Walker,  Floyd 

Hart. 

In  June  the  Village  Board  voted  to  accept  the  report  from 
the  Engineering  Company  and  to  take  steps  towards  install- 
ing a  new  water  system  in  Bluffs.    A  Waterworks  Bond  issue 
is  being  considered  by  the  City  Dads. 

During  July  of  '26  the  Wabash  put  on  the  big  type, 
"2700",    locomotive  engines.  These  are  the  largest  and 
most  powerful  to  be  used  on  this  division. 

A  contract  has  been  let  to  build  a  new  bridge  across  the 
Illinois  River  at  Florence,  111. 

The  flood  situation  remains  very  serious.  The  damage 
to  crops  and  property  is  immense.  There  are  many  thous- 
ands of  acres  of  land  under  water. 

In  October  there  was  one  case  of  diptheria  reported  in 
Bluffs. 

The  year  of  1926  goes  down  as  the  wettest  in  history, 
the  rainfall  during  the  year  was  47  inches,  that  is  more 

than  11  inches  above  averace. 

Class  of  1927-Larue  Baulos,   Helen  Bentz  Nugent,   Char- 
les Comerford,   Glennial  Davis,  Melvin  Davis,   Richard 
Finney,    Ray  Funk,   James  Hamilton,   Pearl  Heidenreich, 
Marvin  Hierman,   Loren  Lawrence,   Helen  Magill,  Alfred 
Meyer,   Donald  Merris,   Lorene  Parish,   Philip  Ratigan, 
Raymon  Robinson,  Helen  Six  Miller. 

The  City  Dads  elected  in  April  were  W.  H.  Green, 
Village  President,  with  A.  V.  P-'^e,  N.  J.  Moore  and 
Floyd  Hierman  elected  to  the  \      age  Board. 


-28- 


CONGRATULATIONS 


'^His 


on  your  100th  BIRTHDAY  ANNIVERSARY 


AND    LOAN     ASSOCIATION 


299  DUNLAP  COURT 


JACKSONVILLE.  ILLINOIS 


1871     -  -     1971 

CONGRATULATIONS 

LuKeman's 

THE  QUALITY  KNOWN  STORE 

EAST  SIDE  SQUARE 

JACKSONVILLE,   ILLINOIS 


CONGRATULATIONS! 
From.  .  .  .  .  , 

Hooper  Insurance  Agcy. 

PITTSFIELD,   ILLINOIS 
PHONE    285-2186 


"HAPPY  100th  BIRTHDAY" 
from 


0 


Scott  County 
Service  Co. 


Winchester,  Illinois 


-29- 


Two  Lankford  brothers,  Melvin  and  Harry,  were  crushed 
to  death  under  a  coal  car  while  they  were  assisting  at  the 
bad  wreck  of  the  Wabash  Freight  train  near  Neelyville. 

The  Bluffs  Times  began  a  great  serial  story  written  by 
a  former  Bluffs  Boy.     "The  Eternal  Price"    by  Wm.  Bernard 
Frohwitter. 

In  July  of  1927  The  Hierman's  Dairy  purchased  a  new 
milking  machine. 

Approval  by  the  State  of  Illinois  was  given  for  a  new 
bridge  at  Florence,  Illinois  which  will  be  the  largest  in 
the  State  of  Illinois.  Span  to  be  2000  feet  long,  and  the 
approximate  cost  to  be  $775,  000.00. 

Joseph  C.  Reed  was  the  publisher  of  the  Bluffs  Weekly 
Times.  He  was  a  very  dedicated  editor. 

In  August  of  1927  Miss  Alice  Mudd  began  her  second 
term  as  County  Superintendent  of  Schools  for  Scott  Co. 
In  September  of  1927  defective  wiring  caused  serious 

damage  to  the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Victor  Knoeppel 
of  Bluffs.  The  Knoeppel' s  had  just  recently  redecorated 
their  home  and  it  was  one  of  the   show  places  of  our  area. 

Bluffs  Community  Schools  opened  for  the  fall  term. 
E.E.  Wacaser  was  Superintendent  of  the  system. 

In  October  of  1927  Fire  of  undetermined  origin  de- 
stroyed the  lOOF  Lodge,  Post  Office,  Green  Hardware 
and  Wm.  Doyle  General  Store  in  Bluffs.  This  was  the 
most  serious  fire  in  our  history. 

In  November  of  1927  F.J.  Muntman's  1925  Ford 
coupe  was  stolen  from  a  Jacksonville  parking  area  while 
they  were  attending  a  movie  in  the  same  area. 

It  was  announced  the  Odd  Fellows  would  rebuild  their 
home,  and  Joe  Mayes  store  opened  again  in  the  Charles 
Welch  building. 

In  January  of  1928  the  public  schools  re-opened  after 
the  Christmas  holidays.  The  opening  was  delayed  be- 
cause of  lack  of  fuel. 

In  February  of  1928  Clayton  Batley,     a  Civil  War 
veteran  died  in  Bluffs  at  the  age  of  82. 

In  May  twelve  students  were  graduated  from  the  Bluffs 
High  School. 

Class  of  1928-Henry  Albers,   Made  Carlton  Crowell, 
Henry  Chamberlain,   Ruth  Merris  Hart,   Elliott  Moore, 
Arthur  Seeman,   Howard  Bailey,   Russell  Carpenter,   Ros- 
coe  Fimk.  Josephine  Little  CoUison,  Louisa  Robinson, 
Ruth  Rockwood. 

Another  old  landmark  of  Bluffs  is  gone.  The  Ballard 
and  Johnson  Hotel  and  Restaurant  adjoining  the  Wabash 
Depot  (on  the  west)  was  completely  gutted  by  fire  of 
undetermined  origin. 

In  June  of  1928  Miss  Mabel  Green,   linotype  operator 
at  the  Bluffs  Weekly  Times  lost  her  index  finger  when 
her  hand  was  caught  in  the  machine. 

In  July  1928  the  State  of  Illinois- Koads  Division  an- 
nounced plans  for  a  hard  road  to  Route  36  from  Bluffs. 
(Known  as  Route  100). 

In  September  of  1928  Clyde  Williams  purchased  the 
Hullinger  Blacksmith  Shop  and  put  Earl  Brackett  in  charge. 
Horse  shoeing  was  the  specialty. 

In  October  of  1928  James  Bingham,   Herman  Vannier, 
A.E.  Thomas  and  John  Kuecher  and  O.Hayes  were  injur- 
ed in  a  train  derailment  near  New  Salem,   Illinois. 

In  March  of  1929  Kilver  Brothers  purchased  the  Princess 
Cafe  and  opened  for  business  in  Bluffs. 

Many  families  were  quarantined  for  small  pox  and 


scarlet  fever.   Many  of  our  citizens  died  and  lost  members 
of  their  families     to  these  dread  diseases. 

In  April  of  1929  Clyde  Williams  and  A.  Hullinger  were 
in  partnership   in  the  Blacksmith  Shop. 

The  Bluffs  Midway  Cafe  opened  under  new  management 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jess    Lankford  and  Mrs.  Lillie  Bentz. 

In  May  of  1929  The  Village  Board  installed  the  follow- 
ing: Frank  Staunton,   president;  F.J.  Muntman,   Floyd 
Hierman,   E.C.  Thome,   Trustees;  C.  R.  Wills-Treasurer. 

Class  of  1929- Howard  Adams,   Howard  Brown,   Henry 
Eraser,   George  Krusa,   Harvey  Krusa,   Vera  Magill,   Gladys 
Six,   Goldena  Meyers  Krusa,  Ruth  Six  Baulos,   Helen  Weiss. 

In  August  the  Projection  room  of  the  local  movie  es- 
tablishment house  caught  fire.    All  were  evacuated.  The 
fire  was  put  out  and  the  movies  resumed.  Estimated  cost 
of  damage  was  $150.00. 

October  of  1929  the  Bluffs  Weekly  Times  observed  its 
40th  anniversary.  J.  C.   Reed  was  publisher  and  editor. 

Tuscher  Brothers  new  drug  store  opened  in  the  village. 

In  December  of  1929  Bluffs  Legion  elected  the  follow- 
ing officers  to  hold  office  for  the  ensuing  year:  M.F.    O'- 
Brien,  Commander,    J. A.  Knoeppel,   V.  Commander,  W. 
Chambers  Adjutant;  H,  Geisendorfer-Fianance  Officer. 

Class  of  1930-Nina  Adams,  Marion  Atwood,   Louise 
Berry,  Kenneth  Bridgman,   Omer  Bridgman,   Glen  Brock- 
house,  Wayne  Gregory,   Feme  Kilver  Knudson,   Roxanna 
Kopp,   Bernice  Morris  Gregory,   George  Roosa;  Louise 
Stanton,  Mildred  Vannier,   Leo  Watson,  Aileen  Weiss, 
Margaret  Williams  Watson,  Moses  C.  Wood. 

In  June  of    1930  the  merchants   and  business  men  of 
Bluffs  sponsored  free  movies  every  Saturday  night  during 
the  summer  to  be  shown  at  Harry  Chambers  Hardware 
Store . 

Mrs.  F.F.  House  opened  a  "Cooked  Food"  store  in  the 
Lewis  Building.  Her  specialty  was  baked  goods.  Orders 
could  be  placed  in  advance. 

Bluffs  Community  High  School  held  a  reunion  of  the 
classes  of  1925  and  1926.  Miss  Zita  Merris  was  advisor 
for  1925  rod  Helen  Chiles  advisor  for  1926. 

In  March  of  1930  J.  Reed,   publisher  of  the  Bluffs 
Weekly  Times  was  operated  on  in  Jacksonville  at  the  hos- 
pital for  appendicitus.  His  condition  was  reported  serious. 

Mr.   Reed,   publisher  and  editor,   died  at  the  hospital 
in  Jacksonville  following  surgery.  His  funeral  was  held 
in  Bluffs.  It  was  later    announced  that  Mrs.  Reed  would 
continue  the  paper  as  usual. 

In  August  of  1930  Chrystal  Pile,   daughter  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Monroe  Pile  was  seriously  injured  when  a  bridge  she 
and  her  brother  were  crossing  in  a  wagon  collapsed.  The 
mishap  occured  on  Walnut  Creek. 

The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herman  Kund  was  caused 
considerable  damage  when  fire  broke  out.  It  wss  believed 
to  be  caused  from  defective  wiring. 

In  September  of   1930  at  a  meeting  of  the  Scott  Co. 
Bankers  Association,   E.L.  Kendall,   Bluffs  banker,  was 
elected  President  of  the  organization. 

Scott  County  schools  opened  with  an  enrollment  of 
1,  292,  602  boys  and  630  girls.  Alice  Mudd  was  County 
Superintendent  of  Schools. 

On  September  17th  Bluffs  was  hit  by  one  of  the  heav- 
iest storms  in  many  years.  Much  damage  resulted. 


-30- 


Congratulations  and  Best  Wishes 
to  the  Village  of  Bluffs 

PLA-MOR 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richard  W,  Taylor 

Dennis  and  June  Anne 
South  Side  Square  --  Winchester 


May    your    next    100    Years 
be   a   great    success! 

Edward  M.  King 
Insurance  Agency 

South  Side  Square 
Winchester,  Illinois 


1871-Congratulations-1971 


Sam  Peak 

Insurance 

Agency 

Winchester,  Illinois 


"-    Bluffs  "^ 


From  The 


Mayor  of  Winchester 

& 
The  City 
Council         ^ 


Congratulations  and  Best  Wishes 
on  Your  Centennial  Celebration 


ROOSA  CAFE 


Winchester,  Illinois 


CONGRATULATIONS 

BLUFFS 
ON  YOUR  lOOTH  BIRTHDAY 
From 

Winchester 
Bi-Rite  Foods 

Home  of 
Topmost  Quality  Food  Products 

Winchester,  Illinois 
Homer  and  Betty  Allen 


-31- 


The  E.O.W.   500  Club  had  a  picnic  at  Nichols  Park 
in  Jacksonville.  Present  were:  Mesdames  Edna  Bates,   Ruth 
Nortrup,   Nora  Gaze,   Clara  Baird,   Rutli  Placke,  Hazel 
Geisendorfer,,   Minnie  Muntnian,   Georgia  Muntman,   Effie 
Schroeder,   Anita  Thorne,   Elizabeth  Kilver  and  Miss  Nora 
Baird. 

Herbert  Taylor,    35  year  old  veteran  lineman  for  the 
Central  Illinois  Public  Service  Company  at  Beardstown 
was  killed  instantly  near  Bluffs  in  a  car  accident. 

The  Scott  County  Produce  Assoc,  started  business  in 

Bluffs. 

Many  residents  were  interested  in  reading  of  the    con- 
templated wreckage  of  the  old  showboat  'Trench's  New 
Sensation"  -  at  the  beginning  of  1931, 

The  December  and  January  that  have  just  passed  are 
the  driest  they  have  been  in  75  years. 

There  has  not  been  so  much  sickness  in  and  around 
Bluffs  for  a  long  time  as  now  exists.  The  red  measels 
signs  are  well  displayed,   and  many  are  ill  with  the  flu. 

Fire  completely  demolished  the  small  one  story  frame 
building  housing  the  V.  W.  Mueller  Shoe  Shop. 

BLUFFS  MOST  MAROONED  CITY!  —  The  following 
was  clipped  from  the  State  Register:    You  recall  our  des- 
perate efforts  to  rescue  the  beautiful  little  city  of  Bluffs 
from  isolation  because  it  is  the  hard-road  outcast  of  Illi- 
nois!   Today  we  received  this  message:     "Bluffs,   111.  - 
March  10  -  Isolated!  Marooned!  Abandoned!  How  long, 
oh,  Lord?  How  Long?    Pray  for  us,   Senator!  (signed)BayUs. 
Here's  our  prayer:    Oh  Lord,  heed  now,  our  tearful  plea 
For  Bluffs,   marooned  so  needlessly!      Arouse  road-builders 
from  their  nap  -  And  have  tliem  put  Bluffs  on  the  Map! 
-Admiral. 

Fred  Brockhouse  quit  the  Merchandise  Business  in  Bluffs. 
In  April  announcement  was  made  that  Bluffs  will  be 
connected  with  a  hard-road  this  summer  -  from  Bluffs  to 
Route  104. 

The  new  Village  officers  elected  were  Floyd  Hierman, 
Mayor;  new  Aldermen  were  F.  J.  Mimtman  and  E.  C. 
Thome. 


July  30,    1931  -  Bluffs  Street  graded  for  paving. 


The  manager  of  our  local  Kroger  Store  was  Martin 
Dorwart. 

Class  of  1931-  John  Adkins,   Edna  Albers,   Scott  Baulos, 
Robert  Bingham,  Harold  Bridgman,   Doris  Brockhouse  .' 
Stineberg,   Harry  Collins,   Lucille  Hamilton  Dorward, 
Mildred  Krusa,   Virgil  Mueller,  Evelyn  Placke,   Arthur 
Nortrup . 

It  has  been  decided  there  will  be  no  4th  of  July  Celebra- 
tion in  Bluffs  this  year,   but  hope  to  have  a  celebration  and 
a  Homecoming  when  Route  100  is  completed  to  Bluffs. 

A  new  town  bridge  will  be  constructed  by  the  state  along 
with  a  foot  bridge  for  pedestrians. 

A  new  cafe  for  Bluffs  is  the  South  Side  Cafe,  newly  con- 
structed and  owned  and  operated  by  Mrs.  Minnie  Baird. 

In  October  the  final  hearing  of  the  State  give  location 
of  Route  100,   Southwesterly  of  Bluffs  to  Route  36.    The 
new  hard  road  north  from  Bluffs  was  dedicated  Oct.  14, 
1931. 

The  first  commiuiity  sale  ever  held  in  this  neighborhood 
was  staged  by  Floyd  Heirman  and  Elmer  Middendorf  in  the 
old  livery  bam. 

On  Feb.  10,  1932  work  began  on  the  bridge  across  Wolf 
Run  Creek.  The  old  steel  bridge  is  being  moved  to  make 
a  temporary  crossing. 

In  March  the  Town  Board  appointed  an  unemployment 
Committe  for  our  Community.    Anyone  having  any  work 
they  wanted  done    could  notify  the  committee  and  they 
in  turn  would  pass  it  on  to  one  of  the  many  unemployed 
in  the  area. 

This  is  the  year  that  the  Wabash  added  two  trains  to  the 
passenger  service  here,  which  everyone  welcomed.      The 
Wabash  also  replaced  steam  with  gas-electric  motors  on 
trains  No.   3  and  12. 

Class  of  1932-John  Watson,  Harold  Oakes,  Arthur  Likes, 
Elmer  Greogry,   Allen  Balding,   C.C.  Michigan,   Charles 
Williams,   Clifford  Cox,   Burl  Merriman,  Glenn  Seeman, 
Julie  Mae  Torrence  Bauser,  Virginia  Brown  Green,   Eleanor 
Smith  McNutt,   Velma  Henard  Green,   Vera  Schroeder 

McCormick,  Mildred  Little,   Nina  Krusa 
Vortman,   Helen  Albright  Crouse,   Doiv 
ene  Brockhouse  Blackburn,  P.L.Blansett 
was  Supt. ;  Harold  Frohwitter,   Albert 
Hays,   Florence  Hopkins,    Ruth  Tnomp- 
son  Gregory,   Juanita  Tritsch  Kelley, 
Charles  Kendall,  Floyd  Little,   Miss 
Daisy  Perry  -  Adviser, 

Two  buildings,   the  Blacksmith  and  a 
Mill,   and  their  contents  were  totally  des- 
troyed by  fire  in  July  of  1932.  The  Black- 
smith shop  was  operated  by  Mr.  Hardwick 
and  the  equipment  he  had  leased  from 
Clyde  Williams.   The  fire  started  when 
Donald  Mullen  was  filling  a  tank  with 
gasoline.   The  fire  department  from  Jack- 
sonville and  Meredosia  responded  to  a 
call  for  help.  The  buildings  belonged  to 
Oakes  estate.  The  roller  milling  equip- 
ment belonged  to  Fitzsimmons  Bros,  and^ 
was  leased  to  Clyde  Williams.  It  was  such 
a  big  fire  and  the  heat  so  intense  that  it 
damaged  the  glass  in  the  windows  and 
paint  on  the  Muntman  home.     Really 
was  an  exciting  time  for  awhile. 


-32- 


In  August  a  windstorm,  bordering  on  a  tornado,   passed 
through  Bluffs  leaving  much  damage  in  its  path.     Many  up- 
rooted trees  and  downed   power  lines.      The  plate  glass  in 
the  door  of  Phillips  store  was  pulled  out  by  the  wind  and 
the  grain  elevator  was  unroofed.     The  wind  was  of  such  force 
at  the  Chambers  Hardware  Store  that  it  broke  a  second  story 
window  and  the  broken  glass  was  embedded  in  walls  and 
woodwork. 

Mr.  Jonah  Vaughn  purchased  the  old  Lewis  Opera  House 
from  Mr.   E.   L.    Kendall  and  workmen  were  busy  tearing 
down  one  of  the  oldest  landmarks  in  the  business  district. 

Our  neighboring  city  of  Naples  celebrated  its  centennial 
Aug.   10,  11,  12  and  13,  1932,  marking  an  interesting  his- 
torical period  spanning  107  years  from    1825  to  1932. 

The  South  Side  Cafe    has  changed  hands  as  Mrs.   Minnie 
Baird  has  leaded  it  to  Mrs.   Floyd  House. 

The  Chance  Garage  advertized  the  new  Ford  as  a  new 
type  of  transportation  -  smooth,   65  horsepower  V-type 
engine  -  Low  center  of  gravity  and  synchronized  gear  shift- 
ing. 

The  only  Strip  Coal  Mine  in  this  section    opened  near 
here    in  1932.     The  Rice  Bros,  opened  a  mine  on  Dr.  Foun- 
tain's place  two  miles  west  of  Bethel. 

Joe  Martin  has  purchased  the  three  cornered  tract  of 
land,   outside  the  curve  of  Route  100,  south  of  Bluffs  from 
Mrs.  Glen  Head  and  is  erecting  a  gas  station. 

The  Bluffs  Community  High  School  Gym  was  the  scene 
of  the  Farmers  Institute  held  by  the  area  farmers  Nov.  10  &  11. 

Despite  the  lull  in  general  business,    our  County  Clerk 
issued  75  marriage  license  in  1932.     The  figure  shows  an  in 
increase  of  3  mergers  over  the  record  of  72  for  1931. 

In  1933  the  lot  across  from  Cockerill  Garage  was  purchas- 
ed by  Burl  Bridgman  and  he  built  a  modem  filling  station, 
with  greasing  and  washing  accomodations,   all  modern.  Joe 
Evans  opened  a  soft  drink  parlor  in  the  Old  Brick  south  of 
the  tracks  and  the  new  large  windows  gives  this  old  build- 
ing a  changed  appearance. 

Gold  pours  into  local  bank  following  the  Presidents  plea 
to  return  gold  to  U.  S.  Treasury.  People  of  this  commun- 
ity can  be  thankful  that  the  officials  of  the  local  bank  made 
application  early  for  membership  in  the  Federal  Reserve 
system  and  that  the  State  Auditor  granted  them  an  early  li- 
cense to  reopen,  because  at  the  present  time  only  one  third 
of  the  state  banks  in  Illinois  are  open  for  business. 

The  new  Gulf  Service  Station  has  just  been  completed 
and  opened  by  Earl  Carlton. 

The  local  school  board  has  reduced  all  salaries  and  elim- 
inated one  faculty  position  and  will   make  a  savings  of   22 
in  salary  expenses  this  year.  The  faculty  is  P.  L.  Blanscti, 
Supt.,    Agriculture-  Mr.   Rich,   Math  and  Science-  Mr. 
Grote,    Commercial-Miss  Huston,    English  and  Spanish-Miss 
Perry.     Grade  School  -  Bernice  Chamberlain,   Mildred   Mor- 
ris,   Helen  Mains,   Naomi  Carnes,   Maxine  Morley,    Naomi 
Pine,    Lee  Korty,  Principal. 

The  flooding  situation  of  the  Illinois  River  seems  to 
have  no  ending  gs  the  water  continues  to  raise  each  day. 
There  are  many  thousands  of  acres  flooded. 

F.   E.   Chapman,   south  side  merchant,    was  elected  Mayor 
by  a  majority  of  some  twenty  votes.  Others  elected  were 
George  Middendorf,    Dr.   E.   C.  Thome,   and  Horace  Arnold 
for  Trustees  and  Charles  Wills  for  Treasurer. 


Otis  Hayes  has  purchased  a  new  plane  for  his  son  Albert. 
Albert,   accompanied  by  his  sister  Helen,   flew  the  plane 
back  to  Bluffs  from  Marshal,    Mo.    Upon  his  arrival  he  took 
several  people  for  rides.      A  few  days  later  Albert  had  the 
misfortune  to  run  into  a  wheat  shock  when  making  a  landing 
breaking  the  propeller  and  doing  other  damage,   and  it  was 
necesarrj-  to  take  the  plane  to  St.  Louis  for  repairs. 

The  Household  Science  Club  had  over  100  entries  in  the 
Flower  Show  which  was  held  in  the  Brockhouse  Building. 
Mrs.    P.C.Burrus,    President  and  committee  in  charge  of 
display  were  Mrs.   Rosa  Finnigsmier,  Mrs.  Leila  Six  and 
Mrs.    Minnie  Chambers. 

Two  local  boys,  Roscoe  Nortrup  and  Charles  Rolf,  Jr. 
won  prizes  with  their  entry  of  pigs  at  the  Morgan  County 
Fiar. 

Rev.    and  Mrs.  Wm.  A.    Hallen  held  an  Open  House  at 
the  St.    John's  Lutheran  Parsonage. 

The  fifth  annual  fox  hunters  meet  was  held  at  the  Bluff 
Dale  School  yard  and  attracted  a  very  large  crowd.     Jim 
Davis  of  Oxville   had  an  electric  light  plant  on  the  grounds 
and   furnished  light  for  the  evenings  entertainment. 


Years  ago  tht-   nababii  Kuuuu  I  luuic  jliLip  stood  in  the  west 
end  of  Bluffs.  The  "turn  table"  served  the  old-time  light 
and  short  engines,  but  would  not  accomodate  the  long, 
heavy  modern  engines  which  were  later  installed  on  the 
Wabash  system.  It  was  later  sold  to  Freesen  Bros,   Inc.   for 
a  work  and  storage  shed,   and  this  was  destroyed  by  fire  in 
March  of  1965.  J.  T.  Cloyd,   a  former    foreman  at  the 
round  house  is  in  picture  above. 

The  new  I.   O.   O.    F.   Building  was  dedicated    in 
September,     1933.  The  Scott  Lodge  No.    702,  I.O.O.F. 
was  founded  in  Bluffs  more  than  fifty  years  ago.  The 
charter  was  granted   Nov.  23,    1882,   with  James  F.Craw- 
ford,   H.  A.   Bruno,  John  D.  Bruno,   Dan  Fuson,   David 
Richards,    and  Arthur  Arundel  as  Charter  members.  Mem- 
bership increased  steadily  and  the  first  Odd  Fellow  build- 
ing was  built  in  1883.   This  two-story  frame  structure  was 
destroyed  by  fire,    October  19,  1927,   and  many  of  the  old 
records  were  lost.     In  1927  the  Odd  fellows  and  Rebekahs 
rented  the   Knoeppel  hall  above  the  Sheets  pool  room  and 
made   that  tlieir  quarters  until  their  new  building  was  com- 
pleted. 

Dawn  Rebekah  Lodge    169,   was  founded  in  Bluffs,    No- 
vember  18th,     1886.   Charter  members  were  A.   R.    Clark, 
C.  W.  Clark,  W,    H.  Brady,  J.  C.  Lewis,   George  Thome, 
J.  B.  Carver,   Sarah  Clark,   Fannie  Lewis,    Mary  A.   1  home, 
Isabel!  Brady  and  M.   L.   Clark. 


-33- 


Graduating  class  of  1933:  Ruth  Meier,  Marvin  Bauser, 
Margaret  Bridgman,  Allen  Carlton,  Isabelle  Hubbert,  Arthur 
E.  Grady,  Mildred  Brackett,  Dorothy  Beeley,   Louise  Rolf, 
Irvin  Albright,  Jane  Collins,   Vernon  Korty,  Marjorie  Bates, 
Winona  Bailey,   Gordon  Lemme,  Eileen  Merriman,  Oakley 
Castle,  Marcella  Taylor  and  Supt.  P.  L.  Blansett. 

P.    M.  Green,  who  has  been  Postmaster  here  since 
April   1923,   a  period  of  more   than  ten  years,   tendered  his 
resignation  to  the  Postal  Department.     Mr.   T.  Bernard 
Meehan  has  been  recommended  as  Acting  Postmaster  to 
fill  the  vacancy.     Mr.  Green,   following  the  acceptance 
of  his  resignation  will  again  enter  the  hardware  business 
with  his  father,   W.  H.  Green. 

Three  unmasked  bandits  entered  the  bank  here  Friday 
afternoon,    November  17th,   and  forced  the  employees  to- 
gether with  four  customers  into  the  vault  while  they  made 
away  with  $2,  200  in  cash.  The  three  men  parked  their 
car  in  front  of  the  bank  and  walked  in  leisurely.  One  held 
the  door,   gentlemanly,   for  Miss  Eva  Green,   a  customer, 
who  was  leaving.    Once  inside  they  commanded  the  em- 
ployees,  Albert  Knoeppel,   Charles  Wills,    and  Vera  Mc- 
Caleb  to  lie  on  the  floor.  After  all  the  guns  carried  by 
the  bank  were  gathered  up,   one  robber  took  a  position  near 
the  door  out  of  sight  from  the  street  and  commanded  the 
customers  as  they  entered  to  go  back  to  the  vault.     P.  M. 
Green,    who  entered  the  bank  to  make  his  daily  deposit  of 
post  office  funds  was  relieved  of  $196.00  in  bills.   Mrs. 
Sam  Carlton,   I.  D.    Mueller  and  Floyd  Hierman  were  the 
other  customers  to  enter.     The  bandits  left  the  bank  in 
much  the  same  leisurely  manner  as  they  entered  and 
started  south  in  their  car  at  a  slow  rate  of  speed.    The 
employees  of  the  bank  soon  found  a  key  in  the  vault  to 
open  the    iron  gate   and  rushed  to  the  street  to  give  the 
alarm.     Law  enforcing  officers  in  neighboring  counties 
were  notified  but  no  trace  of  the  robbers  could  be  found. 

In  December  our  local  Red  Cross  held  a  Christmas 
party  in  the  Town  Hall  with  gifts  of  new  toys,   etc.,   for 
some  of  the  children  of  the  community.  Those   planning 
the  affair  were  Miss  Winifred  Ashley,   Mrs.  Minnie  Baird, 
Mrs.  Albert  Knoeppel,    Mrs,  Elmer  Thome,   Mrs.   E.  L. 
Kendell. 

The  year  of  1934  started  off  with  many  citizens  of  Bluffs 
hard  hit  with  Typhoid  Fever.  The  State  Health  Department 
has  investigated  several  times  and  found  many  wells  pol- 
luted. WE  NEEDED  A  WATER  SYSTEM!    Free  typhoid  shots 
were  being  offered  to  all  citizens. 

Heavy  snows  hampered  traffic  on  local  highways  in  Feb- 
ruary, but  Clarence  Nortrup,  rural  carrier,  was  still  making 
his  roimds  with  car  and  horse  and  buggy.  Typhoid  fever  was 
still  prevalent  in  Bluffs  and  the  C.W.A.   Gravel  Projects 
were  making  progress  on  the  Fairview  Cemetery  and  Exter- 
Bluffs  roads.     South  Side  Cafe  opened  under  new  management 
of  H.  C.  Propeck. 

In  March  our  grade  school  won  the  Invitational  Tourney 
at  Jacksonville.  A  snow  storm  paralized  telephone  service 
with  many  poles  falling  to  the  ground  because  of  ice  and 
sleet.     The  Bank  of  Bluffs  had  resources  of  $379,  240.88. 

In  the  village  election  trustees  elected  were  Lafayette 
Six,  Dick  Baulos,   M,  R.  Korty  and  I.  R.  Martin;  Clerk  - 
J.  R.  Robinson.  Elected  to  school  board:    Charles  Krusa 
to  High  School  board;  Royal  Oakes  was  renamed  President 
of  grade  school  board  with  Clarence   Mc  Caleb  and  P.  M. 


Green  to  board  trustees.   Town  voted  to  remain  "damp"  on 
the  spirits  question. 

In  May  James  Monta  opened  the  Ocean  Trail  Park  Dance 
Pavilion  at  Florence.  It  became  the  "in"  place  to  go. 

Graduating  from  the  class  of  1934  were:  Bernadine  Froh- 
witter,  Byron  Koch,   Lena  Mayes,   Harland  Lankford,  Essie 
Henard,  Marcella  Phillips,  Donald  Korty,  Laura  York,  John 
E.  Schmidt,   Alma  Nortrup,  Joe  Ratigan,Julia  Cloyd,  Russell 
Hubbert,   Helen  Mayes,  Ruby  Bishop,   Bernice  Koch,  June 
Brackett,   Edna  Ranft,   Billie  Chambers,  Vincent  Castle  and 
P.  L.  Blansett  was  Supt.  and  Inez  Boardman,   adviser. 

P.  W.  Barlow  hit  the  newspapers  concerning  his  two 
trained  Marcus  monkeys  in  August.  A  story  clipped  from 
the  Peoria  Journal-Transcript  concerning  the  animals 
featured  four  large  pictures  and  a  story  concerning  his 
past  handling  of  aiumals  and  the  present  site  in  Bluffs, 
where  he  kept  the  monkeys  in  his  "monkey  house"  at 
the  rear  of  his  home.  He  became  quite  famous  and  per- 
formed many  times  with  "Prince"  and  "Emma",  the  two 
pet  monkeys. 

A  round  trip  at  this  time  to  Niagara  Falls,   a  featitte  of 
the  Wabash  Railroad,  cost  you  $5.00.  Hainsfurthers  Cloth- 
ing in  Winchester  was  having  a  gigantic  77th  Anniversary 
Sale,   and  Fred  Muntman  had  a  special  sale  on  for  a  carload 
of  Town  Crier  Flour.  You  could  piu'chase  a  24  pound  sack 
for  $1.07  or  a  48  pound  sack  for  $2.13. 

T.  Bernard  Meehan  was  serving  the  public  as  postmaster. 
In  November,   1934  the  Wabash  Railroad  began  building 
stock  yards  at  the  west  end  of  Bluffs.  These  were  repaired 
and  rebuilt  imtil  1970,   at  which  time  they  were  torn  down. 
Bluffs  also  had  a  new  cheese  factory. 

In  January  1935  the  chief  topic  of  conversation  in  our 
village  was  the  much-needed  waterworks.    A  big  Public 
Discussion  on  Waterworks  Plans  was  held  and  greatly  at- 
tended by  interested  citizens.  It  looked  as  if  we  were  to 
really  get  the  waterworks  this  time. 

Village  election  held  with  F.  J.  Mimtman  to  be  the 
new  Mayor;  trustees:  H.  P.  Wolford,  William  Campbell, 
Henry  Hubbertj  J.  R.  Robinson  as  clerk  and  Harold  Froh- 
witter  as  treasurer.  E.  C.  Thome  and  Gus  Albers  were 
elected  to  the  high  school  board  and  Royal  Oakes,  W.A. 
Frohwitter  and  M.J.  Baulos  to   the  grade  school  board. 

Benjamin  Grote  was  named  Superintendent  to  High 
and  Grade  School,   and  the  Steamer   "Idlewild"  was  mak- 
ing trips  once  again. 

In  May  five  loaded  cars  derailed  west  of  Bluffs  on  the 
Highline.  Frank  Lyons,  Frank  Stanton,   Lee  Baird  and 
Gene  Shores   were  serving  on  the  train.  Bluffs  Civic  Club 
approved  plans  for  a  new  public  park,  sites  are  still  being 
sought. 

Graduating  class  of  1935  was:  Mae  Bates,  Ruth  Hodgson, 
Nina  Davis,   Ruth  Maxine  Botterbusch,   Celia  Mains,   Velma 
Thompson,   Leslie  Brown,  Alfred  Beeley,  Rex  Evans,   Eric 
Nortrup,   George  Cannon,  Ruth  Baird,  Eleanor  Marsh,  Mabel 
Krusa,  Loma  Deterding,   Lorraine  Williams  and  EmaUne 
Collins;  Mary  Crabill,   adviser,   P.  L.  Blansett,   Supt. 

In  November,  a  contract  for  the  new  local  water- 
works was  awarded  to  Foote  Brothers  of  Jacksonville,   for 
bid  of  $50,  380.  PWA  made  a  grant  of  $23,  500  on  the 
project.    Citizens  were  thrilled  they  were  getting  some 
water  comforts  at  last. 


-34- 


BLUFFS 

On  Your  lOOth   Birthday 


f 


rom 


FREESEN  BROS.,  INC 


BLUFFS.    ILLINOIS 


-35- 


One  of  the  old  land  marks  of  the  1930s'  was  the  flag  shanty, 
pictured  above.  Standing  beside  it  is  Daniel  Harvey,   one  of 
Bluffs  old  timers,  who  carried  the  metal  "stop"  and  "go"  sign 
in  the  days  before  the  flasher  signals  were  installed  by  the 
Wabash  railroad.     It  was  considered  a  good  place  to  stop  and 
rest  and  in  winter  time,   many  a  cold  feet  warmed  themselves 
at  the  pot-bellied  stove  Mr.  Harvey  kept  inside. 

Christmas  Greetings  from  the  following  Bluffs  merchants: 
Steele's  Restaurant,  J.  E.  Wolford,   Gaither's  Welding  Shop, 
C.  F.  Cordes,   Carlton  Service  Station,  W.  H.  Green  &  Son, 
Bridgman's  Service  Station,  The  Gray  Rose  Cafe  (Mrs.  F.  A. 
House  and  B.  F.  Parker),  F.  ].  Muntman,    Placke  Service 
Station,   Cockerills'  Garage,   Dugan's  Barber  Shop,  Hiermans 
Dairy,  Lyle  Bates  Funeral  Parlor,   Green  Brothers  Garage, 
Main's  Barber  Shop,   Harold  Bridgman's  Meat  Market,   Leon- 
ard Points,   Eastern  Packer  Buyers,  Inc.,   Evans  Tavern, 
Farmers  Grain  Co.,  Harry  E.  Chambers  and  Victor  Knoeppel. 

Seventy  couples  were  married  in  Scott  County  in  1935. 

Scott  County  teachers  averaged  $807.52  for  year  1935. 

In  January,   1936  it  was  announced  that  the  local  Water 
Works  was  ready  for  it's  test  run. 

In  February  the  WPA  Recreational  rooms  were  opened  in 
the  city  hall  and  largely  attended  by  yoiuig  and  old  alike . 

Dr.  C.  L.  Johns  from  North  Dakota,   opened  his  doctor's 
office  in  Bluffs. 

In  April  election  Leroy  Castle  and  Charles  Rolf  were 
elected  to  high  school  board. 

Andrew  Schultis,  Leroy  Castle,  Raymond  Morris  and 
Ben  Placke  were  named  as  Grand  Jurors,  1.  C.Hardwick, 
Dave  Leonard,  John  EUis  and  Frank  Bosse  named  to  Petit  Jury., 

Cordes  and  Benz  opened  an  ice  business  here,   and  the 
Sperry  Rail  Testing  Cars  were  in  town  to  test  Wabash  rails. 

Class  of  1936-Roscoe  Nortrup,   Emma  Lee  Koch,  Mardell 
Beeley,  Mary  Cabill  Evans,  Adv.  Benjamin  Grote,   Supt. 
Robert  Albright,  Irene  Westermeyer,  Jane  Dunham,  Lyle 
Baumgardner,  Mary  Alice  Schmidt  Albers,   James  Thomp- 
son, Maxine  Mills,  Mildred  Andres,  Donald  Davis,  Melba 
June  Ranft  Smothers,   Bill  Bishop,   Charles  Rolf  Jr.,   Ber- 
nard Beeley,    Donald  Smith,   Vema  Cannon,  Margaret  Ro- 
binson,  Buddy  Taylor,  Byron  Berry,  lona  Lee  House, 
Henry  Warren  Oakes,  Frances  Evans  Wade. 


In  July  the  Wabash  Railroad  announced  it  had  plans  to 
build  a  new  and  modern  coal  shed  in  the  west  end  of  Bluffs, 
and  trains  were  to  stop  to  refuel  when  finished. 

In  September,   1936  citizens  of  Bluffs  caught  just  a  glimpse 
of  President  Franklin  D.  Roosevelt  as  his  special  train  went 
through.  Both  Democrats  and  Republicans  were  on  hand  to 
view  the  most   important  man  they  knew. 

"Homecoming  Day"  netted  $940.  for  the  park  fund. 

In  November,    1936  the  Bluffs  Home  Bureau  Unit  was 
organized  with  Mrs.   Ed  Albers  elected  as  it's  first  Chairman; 
Mrs.  Raymond  Morris  was  Vice  chairman  and  Mrs.  Dave 
Leonard  secretary  and  treasurer. 

Seven  Wabash  officials  were  guests  of  honor  at  the  Civic 
Club  Banquet:    C.  V.  Davidson,   Trainmaster  at  Springfield; 
George  T.  Berry,   Traveling  Freight  Agent;  L.  E.  Kennedy, 
Car  Foreman  of  Moberly,   Mo.;M.  G.   Clark,   Division 
Freight  Agent;  A.  V.Pyle,   Supervisor  out  of  Springfield; 
Arthur  Gregory,   Supterintendent,   Bluffs  and  James  Cloyd, 
General  Foreman  of  Bluffs. 

H.  H,  Arnold  was  elected  President  of  the  Civic  Club 
in  February,    1937,  with  Harry  Chambers  serving  as  vice 
president,   P.  H.   Vannier  as  Secretary  and  Clarence  Nor- 
trup -  treasurer. 

BIG  NEWS  hit  the  papers  in  April  with  headlines 

"GENEROUS  CITIZENS  GIVE  PARK  SITE" three  business 

lots  in  the  center  of  the  business  district  were  gifted  to  the 
city  by  Mrs.  Fannie  Lewis  and  Mrs.   E,  L.   Kendall,   her 
daughter,   as  a  site  for  a  Municipal  Park,   hereafter  to  be 
known  as  Lewis  Park.  At  the  time  the  lots  were  occupied 
by  the  Civic  Club  open  air  stage,  a  two-story  frame  build- 
ing and  a  garage  building,   The  latter  two  were  removed. 
The  only  restrictions  to  the  gift  were:  title  would  revert 
back  to  the  donors  or  heirs  if  town  failed  to  maintain  and 
use  for  park  purposes  only  and  Civic  Club  was  to  use  funds 
previously  raised  for  park  purposes  ($850.00)  to  develop  and 
beautify  the  site.     Lewis  Park  is  still  a  lovely,  useful  park 
in  the  center  of  Bluffs,   thanks  to  the  two  ladies  generosity. 

The  Town  Board  elected  Knoeppel,  Campbell  and 
Martin  for  four  year  terms,  Kilver,   Cockerill  and  Vannier 
for  two  year  terms.  Muntman  was  the  Mayor  of  Bluffs. 

Twenty-six  graduated  from  Bluffs  Grade  School^ 

Officers  in  1937  for  the  Bank  of  Bluffs  were:  E.L. 
Kendall,  President;  H.  C.  Knoeppel,  V.  Pres.  and  Cashier, 
J. A.  Knoeppel,  Cashier. 

Fifteen  were  graduated  in  1937  from  Bluffs  Commun- 
ity High  School. 

Class  of  1937-Marjorie  Albers,  Maynard  Anson,  Betty 
Ann  Bates,  Wm.  Baulos,   Laura  Brockhouse,   Albert  Brown, 
Alma  Mae  Fogerson,  Virginia  Lee  Green  Wilday,   Grace 
Likes  Ellison,  Wm.  Merris,  Francis  Placke,  Marvin  Sch- 
roeder,  Harold  Seeman,   Richard  Thompson. 

Scott  County  Drainage  District  bought  a  new  diesel 
motor  for  the  Scott  County  Pumping  Station. 

In  May  of  1937  Bluffs  F.F.A.  went  to  St.  Louis  for 
their  annual  trip. 

C.E.  Battefelt  was  named  Chief  of  the  local  Fire 
Department. 

Charles  Oakes,  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Royal  Oakes 
narrowly  escaped  death  when  a  tractor  he  was  driving 
through  Wolf  Run  Creek  turned  over  pinning  him  in  about 
2  inches  of  water.  Bernard  Flynn  who  was  riding  with 
him  summoned  help  by  screaming  to  nearby  farmers, 
while  he  held  Charles'  head  above  water. 


-36- 


In  June  of  1937  P.E.  Lankford,   Superintendent  of  the 
W.P.A.  was  busy  surveying  new  sidewalks  for  the  busi- 
ness area  of  town. 

In  June  of  1937  John  C.  Adkins,  Assistant  Advertise- 
ment man  of  Block  and  Khul  Store  in  Peoria,  was  pro- 
moted to  Head  Advertisement  Department  of  same. 

Bids  were  let  for  3,  000  yards  of  gravel  for  the  local 
streets  and  additional  1,  500  yards  for  the  Road  District 
No.  7.  Harvey  Thomas  was  Road  Commissioner  for  Dis- 
trict #7. 

Harry  Chambers  was  named  Civic  Club  President 
and  Dr.  E.C.  Thorne  was  named  Vice  President. 

Earl  Lovekamp  completed  training  at  the  Coyne 
Electrical  School  in  Chicago. 

C.C.  Carter  foimd  remains  of  ancient  life  in  a 
boulder  near  Exeter. 

In  July  flames  broke  out  in  an  oil  truck  at  the  site 
of  the  Pine  Oil  Company  here  and  threatened  to  destroy 
same.  It  was  extinguished  with  much  damage  to  the 
truck  and  platform  of  the  Oil  Company. 

Wind  and  heavy  rain  did  severe  damage  to  crops 
on  Tuesday  of  that  week. 

Arthur  Likes  and  Robert  Hennon  invented  and  patented 
and  electric  stock  driver  for  use  on  farms. 

In  August  of  1937  Joe  Bunch  suffered  a  broken  leg 
when  an  oil  barrel  fell  from  a  wagon  on  him. 

Thieves  broke  into  the  Muntman  Store  Sunday  p.m. 
stealing  around  $10.00.  Entry  was  made  through  the  rear 
window . 

In  September  the  annual  three-day  picnic  showed 
a  profit  of  682.33. 

In  October  A  Boy  Scout  group  was  organized  in  Bluffs. 
Sponsored  by  the  Civic  Club,   E.L.  Kendall  was  chair- 
man of  the  organization. 

Naples  celebrated  their  Centennial  year. 

Thieves  broke  into  the  local  school,   nothing  of 
importance  was  reported  missing. 

Ted  Stocks  of  Alexander  annoimced  plans  to  open 
a  Restaurant  in  the  Halpin  Building  formerly  operated 
by  Raymond  Litz. 

An  architect  from  Jacksonville  was  hired  to  super- 
vise planting  of  200  new  shrubs  and  trees  in  the  local 
park. 

In  December  of  1937  bids  were  open  for  the  New 
R.E.A.  Building  and  Station  for  this  area. 

In  January  of  1938  Maurice  O'Brien  announced  his 
candidacy  for  sheriff. 

Rebekah  Lodge  installed  officers  for  the  coming 
year,   acting  Past  N.  G.  Mrs.  Lee  Korty,   N.  G.  Mrs. 
Raymond  Robinson,   V.G.  Mrs.  Robert  Hopkins,   Sec, 
Bemiece  Seeman,   Treasxirer-EIizabeth  Six,   Warden-Ruth 
Baird,   Conductor-Margaret  Robinson. 

The  Bluffs  Bluejays,  coached  by  Cecil  McVey,  won 
the  First  Tournament  Championship  in  the  history  of  the 
school  at  Winchester  before  300  Bluffs  fans.  A  full  page 
of  Congratulations  to  the  boys  and  their  coach  was  feat- 
ured in  the  January  1938  issue. 

In  February  the  bank  officials  met  and  Dave  Leonard 
was  elected  to  Board  of  Directors  and  Charles  Wills  ap- 
pointed Assistant  Cashier. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  August  Frohwitter  celebrated  their 
50th  wedding  anniversary. 


In  March  the  Bluffs  Bluejays  won  the  District  Tour- 
nament,  another  first  in  the  school  history. 

The  Town  Board  approved  plans  for  a  $55,  000  sewer 
project. 

T.B.  Meehan,   local  postmaster  sold  twenty-two 
$387.00  in  U.  S.   Savings  Bonds  and  ranked  12th  in  the 
State  of  Illinois. 

The  home  of  Carl  Ritter,   west  of  Bluffs,   was  totally 
destroyed  by  fire. 

In  April  of  1938  Dr.  E.C.  Thorne  and  Gus  Albers 
were  elected  to  die  School  Board  and  Leroy  Castle  was 
President. 

Byron  Littig,    son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carl  Littdg  fell 
from  a  hay  loft  and  broke  both  bones  in  his  right  arm. 

Mrs.  Sally  Carver,  pioneer  of  the  village,  died  at 
the  age  of  90. 

In  May  of  1938  an  Outdoor  Stage  at  Lewis  Park  was 
being  built  by  Lankford  and  Clark. 

The  Class  of  1938-Margaret  Doyle,   Ralph  Henard, 
Norma  Adams,   Frank  Schmidt  Jr.,   Debno  Merriman, 
Alfred  Hodgson,   Elinor  Andres,   Bernadine  Little,  Wilbur 
Westemeyer,   Mildred  Thomas  FUggs,   Russell  Smith, 
Jane  Krusa,   Delmore  Myers,   Vernon  Little,   Herman 
Magelitz,   Phillip  Moore,   David  Orchard,  Norris    Six, 
Mary  Minna  Abbott,   Elmo  Morthole,   Mary  MacDorman, 
advisor,  Benjamin  Grote,   Supt. 

In  June  a  Library  and  Reading  Room  opened  in  the 
American  Legion  Hall. 

Howard  Rolf  and  Byron  Marsh  received  State  Farmer 
Awards. 

Stores  and  business  houses  closed  at  noon  on  June 
23,   1938  for  the  Dedication  of  Lewis  Park. 

The  R.E.A.  Generating  Plant  near  Winchester  was 
dedicated  in  June  of  that  year. 

James  Baird  was  seriously  injured  when  he  fell  30 
feet  into  a  rye  bin  of  the  local  elevator  and  Wm.  Kilver 
received  eye  burns  from  chemicals  while  fighting  fire 
that  threatened  the  Bluffs  Farmers  Elevator  Co. 

July-The  Legion  Auxiliary  President  was  elected- 
Mrs.  J.  Steele,   V.  Pres.Mrs.  Clyde  Arnold,   Secretary- 
Mrs.  Coin  Mueller,    Treasurer-Mrs.  Albert  Knoeppel, 
Chaplin  Mrs.  Elmer  Seeman,   Historian-Mrs.  Clarence 
Nortrup. 

Robert  Gamer  was  named  Commander  of  the  Char- 
les Wolford  Legion  Post  of  Bluffs. 

In  September  the  Coal  and  Feed  Business  formerly 
operated  by  the  late  C.E.  Cordes  sold  to  Wm.  Camp- 
bell who  planned  to  continue  operation  of  same. 

Henry  Oakes  flew  to  Honduras  as  his  first  pilot  ven- 
ture. 

Bluffs  baseball  team   coached  by  McVey  were 
Illinois  Valley  Conference  Champs. 

Gregory's  Food  Market  held  their  Grand  Opening 
October  22nd. 

In  November  of  1938  Harold  Bridgman  and  Leonard 
Points  purchased  the  Nation  Wide  Store  formerly  owned 
by  the  late  Victor  Knoeppel. 

In  December  a  new  Beauty  Shop  opened  in  Bluffs 
operated  by  Mildred  Rodger  and  Venita  Six. 

In  January  of  1939  the  Bluffs  Bluejays  won  the  Win- 
chester Tourney  for  the  2nd  year  in  a  row. 


-37- 


Bluffs  Firemen  elected  William  Kilver  President  and 
Clarence  Weiss  Secretary  for  the  coming  year. 

C.I.  P.  S.   announced  plans  for  a  new  generating  sta- 
tion at  Hutsonville. 

In  the  February  1939  issue  was  a  history  of  Scott 
County  which  was  100  years  old  that  year.  Bluffs  was 
the  youngest  town  in  the  county. 

Federal  authorities  were  investigating  a  bombing  of 
the  R.E.A.  Plant  near  Winchester  which  did  approximate- 
ly $10,  000  worth  of  damage.  The  explosion  was  set  off 
by  dynamite. 

In  March  of  1939  Duck  Pin  Alley  opened  in  the  Beird 
Building  under  the  management  of  Max  Edlen  and  Allen 
Carlton. 

Bluffs  Civics  Club  elected  Charles  Batley  President, 
J.  A.  Knoeppel,  Vice  President,  H.  Bridgman  Treasurer, 
and  Harold  Frohwitter  Secretary. 

In  April  Erwin  "Bo"  Weiss  took  over  management 
of  the  Gulf  Phillips  Station  formerly  operated  by  Edwin 
Schuessler. 

Elmer  Gregory  opened  his  Feed  and  Oil  business  in 
the  Cordes  Building. 

The  Class  of  1939-George  Dunham,  Barbara  Brown, 
Hemy  K estersoa,   Bemice  Lovekamp,   Gene  Newberry, 
Charles  Oakes,   Bess  Seeman,   Chas.  Cloyd,  Beatrice 
Lankford,  Frank  Davis,  Aljene  Mueller,   Harold  Kilver, 
Donald  Dimham,  Duenna  Brockhouse,  Elmer  Cannon, 
Marcella  Bates,   Harold  Arnold,  Imogene  Newberry,   How- 
ard Rolf,  Margaret  Baulos,   Charles  Hartman,   Robert 
Dugan,  Mary  Hatfield,   Byron  Marsh,   Leroy  Goodin,   Ce- 
cil McVey,   Adviser,  R.L.  McConnell-Supt. 

Heavy  rains  fell  in  July  flooding  streets  and  washing 
away  sections  cf  the  Wabash  R.R.  Track. 

August  Damin  was   elected  commander  of  the  Charles 
Wolford  American  Legion  Post. 

Campbell  Restaurant  and  Lankford  Restaurant  closed 
the  week  of  August  2nd.  Mrs.  Floyd  Hierman  will  open 
her  new  restaurant  in  the  building  formerly  occupied  by 
the  Campbell  Restaurant.    Her  new  venture  will  be 
known  as  "The  Barbeque  Shop." 

Mrs.  Fred  Muntman  and  Mrs.  Harold  Strublinger  be- 
came critically  ill  from  food  consumed  at  the  State  Fair. 

In  September  of  1939  an  Insurance-Electric  Appliance 
Store  opened.  Guss  Andres  was  in  charge  of  Insurance  and 
Scott  Baulos  was  in  charge  of  appliances. 

In  November  work  began  on  the  sewer  and  disposal 
plant  for  Bluffs.  Work  was  progressing  rapidly. 

The  Rebekah  Lodge  celebrated  their  40th  anniversary. 

In  December  the  Bluffs  Bluejays  captured  the  Milton 
Tournament. 

The  Town  Board  authorized  sewer  revenue  bonds  in 
the  amount  of  $5,  000. 

In  January  of  1940  the  following  were  elected  to 
office  of  the  Civics  Club-J.A,  Knoeppel,  Pres.,   David 
Leonard,  Vice  Pres.,   Harold  Bridgm en,   Treasiu'er,   Har- 
old Frohwitter,   Secretary,  F.J.  Muntman,   E.C.  Thome, 
Chalres,  Wills,   Clyde  Williams,   and  Harrv  Chambers  and 
Fred  Tuscher  were  elected  to  the  Board  of  Directors. 

The  Bluejays  of  Bluffs  High  captured  the  Tournament 
Title  for  the  3rd  straight  year.  Clyde  "Scrub"  Baulos 
scored  322  points  for  a  record  for  most  points  in  one  year 
at  B.C.FLS. 


Green  Owned  A  Tut  Put' Car 


J.   R.  Green,   for  years  the  only  one  in  Bluffs  who  could 
make  a  balky  chuck  wagon  go  "put  put",   is  pictured  in  one 
of  the  trail  blazing  Fords.  It  was  a  two  cylinder  and  had  to 
be  cranked  from  the  side.  It  would  start,   run  and  stop,   and 
was  equipped  with  pneumatic  tires.  Mr.  Green  had  a  work 
shop  in  the  background  and  it  was  located  where  the  Conoco 
Station  stood  north  of  Wolf  Run  Creek.    His  hobby  was  to 
teach  new  purchasers  of  these  wild  cars,   how  to  drive,  but 
keeping  the  early  cars  running  was  more  important  than 
driving  them,   and  he  had  quite  a  reputation  for  being  the 
"in"  mechanic  of  the  day. 

The  late  Harry  Oakes  was  the  first  owner  of  a  car  in 
Bluffs  or  Scott  County  and  when  he  went  on  dates  or  took 
his  girl  for  a  ride  in  his  one-seated,  single-cylinder  car, 
he  often  took  Mr.  Green  along  to  drive. 

Other  early  owners  of  cars  were  in  order:  Royal  Oakes, 
Dr.  C.  A.  Evans,  John  Whisman. 


According  to  the  Census  it  was  noted  that  Scott  County 
population  had  declined  with  Bluffs  undergoing  the  greatest 
decrease  by  116  persons  --■  953  to  837  for  the  village  and 
159  to  128  outside  north  Bluffs,   and  106  to  89  south  Bluffs. 

Although  the  C.  I.  P.  S.   Company  denied  reports  of  the 
building  of  a  new  generating  plant  at  Meredosia,   the  village 
was  resounding  with  rumors  to  the  contrary.   The  company 
was  clearing  about  80  acres  of  land  recently  purchased  and 
much  activitiy  was  occurring. 

M.  G.   Moore  was  hired  as  Superintendent  of  Schools 
at  this  time. 

In  July  H.   D.  Berger  advised  that  the  local  elevator 
had  shipped  32  car  loads  of  wheat  the  week  before.  Cars 
averaged  1,470  bushels  each  and  brought  a  price  of  70<t  for 
No.   1  and  69(t  for  No.  2. 

A   state  wide  floral  contest  was  held  and  the  Carl  Ritter 
home  on  Naples  Lane  was  named  Scott  County  Farm  Floral 
Winner  by  Governor  Horner  in  the  contest. 

Ruby  Siebenmann,   James  Lemons  and  Florence  Bullo 
were  new  teachers  hired  for  the  school  year  in  the  unit. 

Bluffs  has  gone  modern  in  the  last  few  years.  Water 
and  sewer  service,   something  impossible  except  for  PWA 
and  WPA,   has  outmoded  the  Saturday  night  wash  tub  (spit- 
bath)  and  two  more  business  establishments  have  followed 
the  residence  trend  which  was  fast  eliminating  the  unsightly 
privy.    Harry  Chambers,   local  plumber,    installed    rest 
rooms  in  the  Bank  and  in  the  Evans   Tavern  at  this  time; 
the  sale  of  automatic  heating  units  in  Bluffs  had  already 


-38- 


1871    1971 

CONGRATULATIONS 
from... 

BLUFFS  25'  WASH  &  WAX 


MR.    AND  MRS,    LAINE  COMERFORD 
AND  KRISTI 

MRSo    MAE  COMERFORD 
BLUFFS,  ILLINOIS 


Best  Wishes  on  your 
100  Yeor  Anniversary 

1871-1971 


Dickens 
Electric  &  Construction 


Congratulations 

to  the  Village  of  Bluffs 

on  Your  100th  Anniversary 

Jeanne  Ann  IHerring 

SCOTT  COUNTY 
CIRCUIT  CLERK 


BLUFFS,     ILLINOIS 


TOM 
HELEN 
DAN 
VIOLET 


CONGRATULATIONS! 
Sent   To   You    By.  . 


o     o     o     o 


inois  Grain 
Corp. 

Naples,  Illinois 


-39- 


skyrocketed  1000"    over  the  same  period  last  year;  eoal 
stokers  were  purchased  by  Mr.   and  Mrs.   Leo  Gregory,    the 
Harry  Chambers,    the  Clarence  Nortrups,    The  P.   M.  Greens, 
the  Royal  Oakes,   the  Ray  Ranvenscrofts,   the  Roy  Smicks, 
local  grade  and  high  schools  and  Jim  Binghams.     An    oil 
burner  has  been  purchased  for  the  furnace  at  tlie  Bank  of 
Bluffs. 

Bluffs  went  Democratic  in  the  Presidential  election  in 
November  and  cast  221  for  F.   D.   Roosevelt  and  147  for 
Willkie  in  South  Bluffs  and  North  Bluffs  went  184  for  Roose- 
velt and  154  for  Willkie. 

Dick  Comerford  and  Coin  Omer  Mueller  had  entries  in 
the  Baby  Beef  Show  at  National  Stock  Yards  and  their  fat 
steers  brought  $15.00  and  $12.00  respectively.   Wendell 
Mathis,   superintendent  of  the  Naples  school,    received  his 
Master  of  Arts    degree  October  15th  from   the  University  of 
Illinois.   He  had  had  nine   years  of  teaching  experience  - 
two  of  them  in  the  Naples  school. 

Play  for  the  the  Bluffs  basketball  team  were  tSaulos, 
Pond,   Vortman,   Little,    Lankford,   Mathews,    R.   Mueller, 
Dunham  and  C.  Mueller. 

A  mysterious  fire  destroyed  the  barn  belonging  to  Fred 
Middendorf  outside  town. 

Prizes  were  awarded  for  the  most  beautifully  decorated 
homes  at  Christmas  time  with  first  prize  going  to  P.   C. 
Burrus,   2nd  to  Mrs.  Lillian  Meier  and  third  to  Mrs.  Glen 
Brockhouse. 

In  April,    1941  the  C.  1.  P.  S.   Co.  was  granted  a  permit 
to  build  the  new  power  station  at  Meredosia,  consequently 
enabling  many  Bluffs  and  Meredosia  men  to  gain  employ- 
ment. 

The  Village  election  was  quiet  but  the  sheriff  was  call- 
ed to  Naples.  Elected  to  President  of  Bluffs  was  ].  R.Martin, 
Trustees  -  James  Steele,  Francis  Meier  and  William  Camp- 
bell. Harold  Frohwitter  became  village  clerk,  Glenn  Brock- 
house  was  named  treasurer. 

A  big  lightning    and    thimder  storm  hit  our  village, 
leaving  about  1.9  inches  of  rain  and  damaging  the  C.l.  P.  S. 
transformers.  Telephone  service  was  out,   in  some  cases  for 
four  days  and  basements  was  flooded  as  Wolf  Run  Creek 
went  out.      The  Idlewild  also  made  it's  first  run  of  the  sea- 
son about  this  time. 


St.  John's  Lutheran  Church  had  a  new  pastor  installed  - 
Rev.   Samuel  W.  Jensen. 

A  Special  Village  School  election  was  held  and  carried 
and  Bluffs  will  have  a  Farm  Shop  at  the  school,  117  for  and 
29  against.    An  Ag  shop  will  be  a  great  improvement. 

Paul  Deterding  attended  Boy's  State  this  year  and  Miss 
Gladys  Chapman  was  Bluffs  representative  at  Girl's  State. 
1941  seniors  graduating  were  Frank  Chambers,   Mary 
Caroline  Belcher,   Clyde  W.  Baulos,   Virginia  L.  Cloyd, 
Dick  Dugan,   Mary  Campbell,   Lucien  Hodges,   Virginia 
Marsh,   Mary  Francis  Morris,   Vincent  Brackett,   Bill  New- 
berry, Jime  Merriman,   Robert  Brown,   Virginia  Collins,   Al- 
gene  Belle  Botterbusch,   Dorothy  Mae  Seeman,  Beulah  Lorton, 
Coin  O.  Mueller,   Vivian  Bauser,   Francis  Little,  Wanda 
Magelitz,   Virgil  E.   Vortman,   Leah  O'Brien,   Merton  Abbott 
Jr.,   Donald  Lee  Little,   Betty  Jane  Shea,  Mary  Ida  Six,   Ernest 
Dill,    Rowena  Gilman,   Marion  L.  Martin,   Donald  Bunch  and 
Geraldine  Schmidt. 

With  a  thundering  crash  that  trembled  the  earth  and  was 
heard  for  miles,   two  Wabash  freight  trains  hit  head-on  near 
Neelyville  at  4  a.m.  Saturday,  June  28th,   killing  two  train- 
men and  injuring  two  other  crew  members.  Fireman  H.  L. 
Bailey  and  engineer  H.  L.   Schultz,   Decatur,  both  former 
residents  of  Bluffs,  were  killed  by  flying  debris  when  they 
jumped  or  were  thrown  from  the  west  bound  which  was  com- 
ing down  grade  with  97  empties  and  three  loaded  cars.  B.  G. 
Frazer  and  Richard  Dickens   were  injured  and  taken  to  Passa- 
vant  hospital  in  the  Bates  ambulance. 

Tragedy  followed  tragedy.  Leland  "Pete"  Hierman  met 
an  untimely  and  tragic  death  in  the  cab  of  a  truck  near 
Roxana  early  the  following  Monday  morning.   He  was  the 
youngest  son  of  Mr.   and  Mrs.   Floyd  Hierman  of  Bluffs. 

Ray  Green  and  James  Baird  were  hired  to  drive  the 
school  buses  for  the  following  year. 

In  July,  J.  R.  Martin,   Mayor,  made  a  public  proclama- 
tion supporting  the  U.  S.O.   and  a  severe  electrical  storm 
hit  Bluffs  with  over  2"  of  rainfall,  result  -  much  damage  to 
farms  and  a  little  water  in  the  local  basements  again. 

In  August,    1941  little  Miss  Bernita  Rahe,    10-year-old 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Earl  Rahe  was  awarded  Grand 
Championship,   four  firsts,   a  second  and  a  third  prize  at  the 
Scott  County  4-H  Club  Stock  Show. 

A  drive  occurred  to  raise  money 
for  new  band  imiforms  for  the  high 
school.  Contributors  were  :  Joseph 
Evans,   P.  H.  Vannier,  M.  G.Moore, 
Wayne  Masterson,  Floyd  Hierman, 
Scott  Baulos,  M.R.Korty,  P.M.Green, 
H. E .  Chambers,  F.J.  Main,  Harold 
Bridgman,  Ben  Placke,  Fred  Muntman, 
Clarence  Nortrup,  Henry  Berger,  Bluffs 
Farmers  Grain  Co. ,  Dave  Leonard, 
Charles  Wills,  Vera  McCaleb,  Royal 
Oakes,  T.  B.  Meehan,  Francis  Meier, 
Gerald  Sturgeon,  Hugh  Moore,  Ver- 
non Nortrup,  Gus  Andres,  Bluffs  Gar- 
age, Kenneth  Bridgman,  Jim  Dugan, 
Jim  Chance,  Dr.  E.G. Thome,   Dr. 
Mayfield,   C.C.  Klinefelter,  R.V. 


Scene  of  Neelyville  Train  Crash 


-40- 


G/)fUj'UJ(Jt^^     md  ^tit  MiAki  .  .  . 


On  Your  One  Hundredth  Anniversary 


FROM. 


o      o      o      •      •      o 


ILLINOIS  VALLEY  ASPHALT,  INC. 


1971  Contractor  of  the  year.. 


BEST  WISHES 


Every  th  ing 
For    The 
Home!! 


Fred  Evans  &  Sons 

FURNITURE  &  G.  E.  APPLIANCES 
Winchester,  111. 


Bluffs,  Illinois  62621 
Phone:    (217)  754-3396 


Asphalt  Paving 
Asphalt  Curbing 
Driveways 


Seal  Coating 
Parking  Lots 
Road  Oiling 


WITH  SINCERE  APPRECIATION 
FOR  PAST  FAVORS  I 


!«S 


!l« 


s^* 


j^<»"^^* 


y> 


Winchester  National 
Bank 

Winchester,  Illinois 


-41- 


ICE  AND  SLEET  STORM  HIT  MAIN  STREET  IN  BLUFFS  (looking  south)  IN    DECEMBER,   1924 


Hodgson,  Clyde  Williams,  George  Smith,  Lyle  Bates,  P.  T.  A.  , 
Albert  Knoeppel,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  E.L.  Kendall,   Fred  Muntman, 
J.O.  Sears,  W.J.Doyle,  M.  Alvarez,  m.  D.John  Sommer,   H.L. 
Price,   Bemice  Holnback,  Roberta  Deere,  Quentin  Jester, 
Helen  Main,  Lloyd  Bortel,  Florence  Bullo,  James  Lemons, 
Charles  Bates,  Mrs,  Don  Moore,  Clyde  Arnold,  Margaret  Rob- 
inson,  Gus  Albers,  Carl  Ritter,  Mrs.   Royal  Oakes,   Charles 
Sheets,   Clarence  McCaleb  and  Elmer  Wolford. 

Thomas  Meehan,   80,   ex-State  Legislator  and  State 
Senator,   died  at  his  home  after  an  illness  of  several  month? 
the  latter  part  of  November. 

War  was  declared  and  tension  raised  in  Bluffs,   as 
many  of  our  local  boys  were  already  serving  in  various 
parts  of  the  country  and  world.  Others  prepared  to  enlist 
and  leave  for  service. 

Bluffs  students  were  told  what  to  do  in  case  of  an  air 
raid  and  Scott  County  Tire  Board  was  formed.  Duties  to 
decide  just  who  would  receive  tires  (which    became  very 
hard  to  get)  and  when  they  would  receive  them.  Sugar  and 
gas  ration  boards  were  also  formed. 

In  January  of  1942  the    C.  I.  P.  S.   Company  began  to 
excavate  dirt  and  begin  work  on  the  new  power  plant  at 
Meredosia  and  the  Wabash  Rail  road    notified  Bluffs  that 
trains  #2  and  #3  would  continue  to  operate.  "The  Goose" 
was  better  than  nothing,  was  the  opinion  of   everyone  con- 
cerned. 

Miss  Betty  Lovekamp  won  the  "Good  Citizenship  Award" 
and  Lankford,  J.   Dunham,    R.   Campbell,   Chambers,   Math- 
ews,  C.  Hatfield  and  Pond  were  on  the  Blue  jay  basketball 
team. 

In  February  the  U.S.  Army  made  its  first  draft  call  and 
included  William  Baulos,   Charles  Lee  Hartman,    Norris  Lee 
Six,   Harry  Fred  Magelitz,   Elmer  Elliott  Cannon  and  Clarence 
Bunch. 

The  most  devastating  "Flash  Flood"  in  the  history  of 


Bluffs  hit  this  area  early  Monday  morning,   March  16th,   and 
damage  estimated  at  thousands  of  dollars  resulted  when  Wolf 
Run  creek  left  its  banks,   flooded  homes,   washed  out  the  Wa- 
bash tracks,  broke  levees  and  covered  the  yards  and  streets 
with  mud  and  debris.  Widiout  warning  and  catching  most  of 
the  populace  in  bed,   the  flood  water  started  down  the  rail- 
road track  in  the  east  part  of  town  to  a  depth  of  18"  and 
gathered  current  as  it  swept  through  basements  and  even 
homes,  on    its  way  to  lower  ground  west  of  the  Round  House. 

Sand  and  mud  silt  from  the    creek  and  nearby  hills  cov- 
ered the  town  to  a  depth  of  a  foot  or  more  in  places.  Soil 
from  the  freshly  plowed  gardens  was  picked  up  by  the  swift 
current  and  carried  to  the  yard  next  door  or  sped  on  into  old 
Dickerson  lake.  State  highway  snow  plows  were  busy  all  day 
plowing  the  mud,   logs  and  debris  from  the  concrete  road  slab. 
The  rain  fall  was  recorded  at  2.47"  by  Hugh  Moore  at  the 
pumping  plant  south  of  town  while  the  gauge  of  Royal  Oakes 
recorded  2.  97"  of  rain,   all  of  which  fell  in  about  40  minutes. 

Those  reporting  to  the  draft  in  April  were  Austin  Winzle- 
man,   George  Magelitz,    Rube  Andres,    Richard  Finney,   Robert 
H,  Boes,   Edward  Richard  Lizenby,   Bernard  Albert  Seeman, 
with  Geo,  Magelitz  in  command  of  the  group. 

Citizens  of  Bluffs  'treked'  to  the  school  house  Monday, 
May  4th  for  Sugar  rationing  registration  and  777  books  were 
issued  the  first  day.   Tuesday's  total  dropped  to  125  for  902 
registrations  for  the  first  two  days.   Registrars  taking  care  of 
the  crowd  signing  up  were  E.  L,  Kendall,    Robert  Campbell, 
Jack  Nortrup,   Caroline  Mueller,   Daphne  Register,   Vema 
Brockhouse  and  the  grade  and  high  school  faculty. 

Dave  Leonard  and  Carl  Ritter  were  added  to  the  Scott 
County  Draft  Board. 

Graduating  in  the  1942  high  school  class  were:  Jewel 
DeBusk,   Billy  Berry,   Mary  Nortrup,   Jean  Andres,   Tom  Main, 
Betty  Lovekamp,  James  Oakes,   Geraldine  Feameyhough,  Jack 
Moore,   Mary  Kaltschnee,   Geor;       '.erry,   Virginia  Little,   Al- 


-42- 


bert  Mathews,   Nina  Mueller,   Gladys  Chapman,   Vemon  Love- 
kamp,   Morris  Hatfield,   Marie  Likes,    Robert  Campbell,   Verna 
Brockhouse,  Paul  Deterding,  with  H.L.Price  as  class  adviser 
and  M.  G.  Moore  as  Superintendent. 

The  drive  for  U.  S.  O.  funds  in  the  two  Bluffs  precincts 
was  completed  for  a  total  of  $208.49,  an  over  subscription 
of  $95,49. 

In  July,  1942  the  Wabash  Railroad  announced  plans  to 
lay  rails  from  Bluffs  to  Meredosia,  with  new  110  pound  rails 
instead  of  the  formerly  used  90  pound  rails. 


WABASH  DEPOT     BLUFFS     ILL 


The  old  Wabash  Depot,   it's  outbuildings  and  Meehan  Hotel,   all 

The  first  part  of  July   an  old  Bluffs  land  mark  was 
razed  by  Otis  Baird.     It  was  the  old    Ballard    and    Johnson 
restaurant  and  Hotel  building  which  had  been  purchased  by 
Lottie  Evans.  It  was  last  operated  by  James  Steele,    and  its 
removal  obliterated  the  la;t  remaining  evidence  of  what  was 
during  the  hey-day  of  Wabash  passenger  service,   the  most 
profitable  restaurant-hotel  on  the  Moberly-Decatur  division. 
Train  schedules  were  so  arranged  that  two  trains  stopped  20 
minutes  for  breakfast,   two  for  the  evening  meal,   one  at 
noon  and  one  at  midnight,    while  all  the  Keokuk  branch 
trains  were  made  up  in  Bluffs  in  the  morning  and  terminated 
there  in  the  evening.  Local  freights  on  the  main  line  were 
terminated  at  Bluffs,   also  ,   and  business  boomed  at  the  Hotel. 
During  it's  hey-day  the  hotel  had  15  employees  and  the  waiters 
were  imiformed  at  the  lunch  counter  and  in  the  huge  dining 
room. 

The  Wabash  track  was  washed  out  west  of  Bluffs  for  the 
fourth  time  this  spring  when  heavy  rains  lodged  drift  in  front 
of  the  Wabash  bridges  and  the  dammed  water  went  over  the 
rails.   Floods  here  were  so  regular  they  used  to  tell  that  the 
track  men  brought  in  their  tools  for  fear  they  would  be  wash- 
ed away  during  the  night.  The  rain  this  past  week  washed  out 
the  high  line  track  and  flooded  the  Woodson  land  twice  in 
less  than  a  week. 

Bluffs  held  a  giant  "Scrap  Rally"  and  Burgoo  August  29th, 
with  C.   C.  Klinefelter,  chairman  of  the  event.   More  than 
50  tons  were  collected  and  175  gallons  of  soup,   82  pies  and 


a  goodly  quanitity  of  hot  dogs  and  hamburgers  sold  that  day. 
$5.00  in  war  stamps  were  awarded  to  M.  J.  Baulos  for  the 
most  scrap  turned  in  -  almost  8  tons;  Dale  Cockerill,    Bud 
Mullens  and  Neil  Parker  won  in  the  "under  16"  division. 

In  September,  1942  high  school  enrollment  was  134  with 
115  signed  up  for  grade  school,  and  retired  railroader  Daniel 
Harvey,  "Wabash  crossing  watchman"  for  many  years,  passed 
away  and  was  given  a  military  funeral  with  honors. 

Both  Bluffs  doctors,    I.  J.  Mayfield  and  C.  L.  Johns  left 
for  military  service,   and  in  October,   Allen  Metternich  was 

hired  as  Superintendent  of 
Schools.    Mileage  Rationing 
books  were  available  at  the 
high  school,   and  Lankford, 
Dunham,  Albers,  Chambers, 
Hatfield,  Reed  and  Campbell 
were  the  stars  on  the  high 
school  basketball  team. 

Il^__^^^_  In  December  P.  H.  Van- 

^BI^^^H        nier  resigned  as  President  of 
^HI^^^H        the  Volunteer  Fire  Depart- 
:'^  ^■■i^^l        ment  and  left  his  job  as  pub- 
"-^^   ^■■-^^*        lisher  of  "The  Bluffs  Times" 

and  enlisted  in  the  Navy,  while 
his  wife,   Dorothy,  volunteer- 
ed for  duty  in  the  WAACs.  . . 
Harold  Frohwitter  became  the 
Editor  of  the  local  paper  while 
the  Vatmiers  were  away  and 
business  manager  of  Meredos- 
ia Budget,   and  it  was  "busi- 
ness as  usual" .  Appointed 
president  of  the  fire  depart- 
ment in  Vannier's  place  was 
Hugh  Moore.  C.E.Battefe Id 
served  as  secretary,   Francis  Meier  was  treasurer  and  August 
Damin  was  fire  chief,  with  Fred  Cockerill  and  Floyd  Hierman 
sharing  honors  as  assistant  fire  chiefs. 

Mrs.  Frieda  Parker  was  named  Noble  Grand  of  the  Dawn 
Rebekah  Lodge,   with  Mrs.  James  Baird  named  Vice  Grand, 
Mrs.    Nell  Torrance  Secretary  and  Mrs.  Betty  Kilver,   Treas. 
The  Bluffs  Library,   a  WPA  project,  was  ordered  closed 
Jan.   15,    1943,  by  the  President,   as  WPA  went  out  of  exist-, 
ence.    Citizens  fought  to  keep  it  open. 

C.  C.  Klinefelter  was  reelected  President  of  the  Civic 
Club  and  T.  B.  Meehan,  local  postmaster,  enlisted  in  the 
U.   S.  Naval  Reserve  and  left  immediately  for  service  in 
San  Francisco,   Calif.  Mrs.  Velma  Thompson  Wendorff  was 
appointed  Acting  Postmistress,   and  was  assisted  by  Mrs.  Mary 
Ida  Six  Adams. 

Bluffs  basketball  boys  brought  home  the  P.  M.  B.  C. 
Championship  trophy,   playing  on  the  team  were  Campbell, 
Albers,   Chambers,    Hatfield,    Reed  and  Comerford. 

The  team  then  went  on  to  win  the  Regional  Tourney  at 
Jacksonville,  but  lost  the  Sectional  to  Perry  in  Quincy. 
George  Krusa  was  elected  to  the  high  school  board. 
Harold  Oakes   was  elected  president  of  the  grade  school 
board,  with  Gerald  Sturgeon  and  Floyd  Hart  to  full  terms 
and  Ben  Placke  to  a  vacancy  on  the  same  board. 

Trustees  elected  for  the  village  board  were  Arthur  Greg- 
ory, James  Dugan  and  Fred  Cockerill;  Clyde  Arnold  -  Police 
Magistrate  and  Vemon  Nortrup  -  Treasurer. 


long  gone  ,  in  Bluffs,    Illinois 


-43- 


A  downpour  of  more  than  12"  flooded  Bluffs  and  its  area 
attain,  washing  out  considerable  Wabash  railroad  tracks  (for 
the  umpteenth  time)  below  Naples.  The  school  buses  could 
not  run  and  basements  were  full.  Lots  of  country  roads  were 
impassable,   and  Wolf  Run  Creek  was  again  OUT. 

Bluffs  took  part  in  their  first  air  raid  warning  May  25th 
(practice  run)  rousing  the  citizens  at  5:30  a.m.  Defense 
workers  on  dut^'  were:  Northwest  part  of  town  -  Carl  Arnold, 
Lyle  Husband;  North  East  -  Lafayette  Six,    Charles  Bates; 
Southeast  -  Enos  Lacey;  Southwest  -  Hugh  Moore,   George 
Smith;  South  -  Charles  Merris  and  B.  H.  Placke.  Chief  of 
Police  was  August  Damin  and  P.  M.  Green  was  Air  Raid 
Warden. 

The  graduating  class  of  1943  consisted  of:  Norman  A. 
Vortman,   Helen  Price,    Robert  Freesen,  William  J,  Muel- 
ler Pauline  Schmidt,  Vernon  Rahe,  Nellie  Jackson,  Vernon 
Lankford,   Dick  Comerford,   Wendell  Moore,   Charles  Hat- 
field,  Imogene  Welch,   Frances  Pond,   Daphne  Grey  Register, 
Gulford  Collison,      George  Arnold,    Merle    Dunham    Jr., 
Mildred  Berghaus,    Ralph  Mueller,    Caroline  Mueller,   Marie 
Westermeyer,  Jack  Nortrup  and  Wilma  Bentley.      M.  G. 
Moore  was  Principal. 

The  community  was  shocked  and  saddened  Jime  19th 
when  the  U.  S.  War  Department  notified  Mr.   and  Mrs. 
Leroy  Castle  of  the  death  of  their  son,   Lt.  Vincent  "Bud" 
Castle,   age  26,   in  the  European  area.  To  date  the  Honor 
Roll  in  the  Lewis  Park  holds  three  gold  stars:  Lt.  Castle,   Lt. 
Julian  Meehan   and  Pvt.  Elva  Baird. 

J.  W,  Doyle,    who  has  been  the  oldest  and  a  prominent 
business  man  in  Bluffs  for  a  number  of  years  retired  after 
41  years  in  the  general  store  business,   Sept.   1,    1943. 
Registration  for  Rationing  Book  #4  was  held  at  the 
Bluffs  School.  Those  registering  had  to  produce  Ration 
Book  #3  and  know  the  age  of  each  member  of  their  family 
for  whom  registering.  .  .     Most  everyone  had  a  Victory  Garden 

We  thought  that  regardless  of  the  many  efforts  of  Bluffs 
citizens  that  things  would  get  so  bad,   population  decrease, 
business  go  to  pot,   that  those  of  us  left  might  just  move  out 
for  the  duration. .  .Well,    we  fell  better  now  as  Floyd  Hier- 
man  and  his  wife  have  had  enough  confidence  in  the  Fair 
Village  to  build  a  new  restaiuant.  .  .work  began  on  the  new 
restaurant  with  P.E.    Lankford  the  carpenter  in  charge. 
This  new  building  promises  to  be  a  fine  addition  to  Bluffs. 

Notice  —  Bring  your  old  discarded  jewelry  to  the  Bridg- 
man  or  Muntman  Grocery  Stores  in  Bluffs.  These  trinkets 
will  be   used  by  the  soldiers  to  barter  with  the  natives. 

Dance  at  the  Hyde  Park  Amusement  Hall  in  Bluffs  every 
evening  except  Sunday.     Square  dance  every  Wednesday 
and  Saturday.     Admission  354   per  couple  -  Spectator-25(t:. 

Bluffs  was  among  the  many  precincts  to  exceed  their 
quota  in  the  Scott  War  Drive. 

Among  the  business  houses  in  Bluffs  to  close  in  obser- 
vance of  Thanksgiving  Day  were  M.R.Korty  Produce;  Ver- 
non Nortrup  Grocery,   Chambers'   Hardware  Store;  Wm. 
Green  G  Son  Hardware;  Bluffs  Lumber  Co.;  Fay  Main  Bar- 
ber Shop;  Tuscher's  Drug  Store;  Kroger  Grocery  and  Bakery 
Co.;  Dugan's  Barber  Shop.  F.J. Muntman  Grocery. 

The  Bluffs  I.  O.  O.  F.  Lodge   sponsored  The  President's 
Birthday  Ball  at  the  Bluffs  School  Gym  on  Jan.  26,    1  944. 
This  ball  is  held  annually  for  the  benefit  of  Infantile   Pa- 
ralyisis  Fund. 


A   Post  War  Planning  Board  was  formed  at  Bluffs  con- 
sisting of  members  J.  A.  Knoeppel,    Henry  Berger,    H.L. 
Moore,    C.H.Williams,   Harold  Oakes,   C.   O.   Mueller, 
Harold  Bridgman,    Harold  Frohwitter,   F.J.  Muntman,    Jos. 
A.   Evans,   F.R.Hierman,   Fred  Cockerill  and  C.  R.  Wills. 
The  purpose  was  to  gather  facts  and  figures  pertaining  to 
the  source  and  to  what  extent  jobs  can  be  found  to  create 
a  high  level  of  post-war  employment  in  the  community. 

The  Bluffs  Bluejays  defeated  Perry  to  win  first  place 
in  the  P.M. B.C.  Tournament.  Bluffs  trailed  a  few  points 
all  during  the  first  half,    but  at  the  start  of  the  second  half 
the  Bluejays  led  by  Chambers  and  Reed  started  connecting 
with  the  basket  and  although  the  score  was  very  close 
Bluffs  maintained  their  lead.  On  the  Bluejay  team  were 
Dunham,    Comerford,  Chambers,   Campbell,   Merris,    Reed. 
They  later  defeated  Chambersburg  in  the  District  and 
moved  on  to  the  Virginia  Regional. 

All  residents  were  cautioned  about  endorsing  their  gas- 
oline ration  coupons.   They  must  endorse  their  coupons 
with  license  number  and  state  of  registration.  This  is  to 
help  wipe  out  illegal  sales  of  gasoline. 

Bluffs  will  again  have  a  locker  plant  as  Robert  Trojan 
and  George  Lytle  of  St.  Louis  have  purchased  the  Locker 
Plant  property  formerly  owned  by  V.W.  Mueller.     It  will 
be  completely  modern  and  have  400  lockers  available  when 
the  extensive  remodeling  is  finished. 

August  Damin   was  the  Village  Policeman  and  Hugh 
Moore  the  Deputy. 

J.  A.    Knoeppel  sponsored  a  contest  on  compositions 
with  Emmerson  Chambers  winning  first  prize,   $5,  with  a 
composition  on  the  glider.  Marcella  Baird  won  2nd,   $3, 
and  Betty  Hausback  3rd,   $2. 

The  Boy  Scout  Troop  was  a  very  active  group  at  this 
time  and  in  May  Scout  Master  Harry  Chambers  took  the 
.  following  scouts  to  a  Camporee  at  the  new  lake  in  Jackson- 
ville,  Charles  Weiss,  Archie  Baird,   Dale  Cockerill,   Dean 
Hart,    Ted  Parker,  Jim  Masterson  and  Neil  Parker. 

Orval  Davis  has  been  named  new  Manager  at  the 
Bluffs  Farmers  Grain  Co. 

The  new  slate  of  officers  for  the  Bluffs  Legion  Auxiliary 
are   President,  Lois  Knoeppel;  Vice  President,  Ada  Kopp; 
2nd  Vice   President,   Mae  Chambers;  Secretary,  Helen 
Bates;  Treasurer,   Rosa  Morris;  Sgt.  at  Arms,    Minnie  Baird; 
Chaplain,   Verna  Arnold;  Historian,    Ruth  Nortrup. 

Members  of  the  1944  graduating  class  were  Pauline 
Mathews,   Horace  Lloyd,  Donald  Kaehlert,  Leona  Brown, 
Bob  VanDeventer,   Emmerson  Chambers,  Bill  VanDeventer, 
Dorothy  Beltz,  Leo  Smith,  Jessie  Brown,  George  Deterding, 
June  Williamson,   Robert  Gregory,   Charles  Bosse,  Frances 
Bridgman,   Shirley  Green,   Evelyn  Stegemann,  LeRoy  Colli- 
son,  Marcella  Baird,  Katherine  Compton,    JoAnn  Comerford, 
Bleen  Six,  Wayne  Worrall,   Norma  Mains,   Nell  Lemme, 
Vera  Tash,  Madeline  Hoots,   David  Dunham,   Gordon  Camp- 
bell and  Marguerite  Cox;  Allen  Metternich  was  Principal 
and  Miss  Roberta  Deere  was  adviser. 

The  Bluffs  Community  School  started  its  44-45  year, 
with  the  following  teachers  -  Miss  Bernice  Holnback,  Earl 
Lutz,   Dorothy  Beach,   Mildred  Seeman,   Verna  Brockhouse, 
J.  Harry  Jordan,   and  Allen  Metternich,  Supt.     Grades  — 
Helen  Mains  (1st  &  2nd),   Dorothy  Cox  (3rd  G  4th),   Mrs. 
Margaret  Hatfield,   Supt.,  with  Mrs.  K.W.  Bridgman  and 
Miss  Norma  Adams  teaching  the   '  -partmental  grades. 


-44- 


•tiiiij-iiii-tr-b-ir-ir-diT-tz-t^-tr-d-ir-iririr-k-k-ti 


■&T^--fr*-ii-'i!rft*-i!ri!r-!^**-iS--fr**-i^T^T!r-!!r* 


BEST  \A/ISHES  FROM 


The  Pillsbury  Company 

Florence  Elevator 


-45- 


Memorial  services  were  held  Sunday,  July  30th,   1944 
for  James  Robert  Campbell,   son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William 
Campbell,   at  the  Bluffs  Methodist  Church.  He  was  killed  in 
action  over  France  on  May  27th. 

Rev.  and  Mrs.  De Vaughn  DeVore  and  two  children  mov- 
ed to  Bluffs,  where  he  will  serve  as  the  new  Methodist  mini- 
ster, and  deliver  his  first  sermon  August  6th. 

There  had  been  no  rain  for  several  months  for  the  com- 
munity,   and  a  full  staff  of  teachers  had  been  hired  for  the 
local  schools,   making  the  dead  line  according  to  a  new  law 
for  teachers  to  resign  by  August  1st. 

Close  to  $900  dollars  was  taken  in  during  the  day  at  the 
annual  Civic  Club  picnic,  with  a  net  profit  of  $570.  Two 
$25.00  war  bonds  were  given  away  at  the  close  of  the  eve- 
ning program  to  Mrs.  Frances  Comerford  and  C.  E.  Marshall 
of  Winchester.  Mr.  Marshall  later  presented  his  bond  to  the 
American  Red  Cross. 

Sept.  5th  the  75x50'  business  property  at  the  corner  of 
Oakes  St.  and  Wabash  avernue  in  Bluffs  was  sold  by  i\.  G. 
VanCundy  toj.  P.  Monta,  J.  A.  Knoeppel  acting  as  agent. 
Ehu-ing  the  par>t  several  years  this  property  has  been  in  the 
Van  Gundy  family,  the  rooms  in  the  two-story,   concrete 
block  building  thereon. . .  .which  had  over  6500  square  feet, 
of  floor  space. .  .have  had  various  occupants,  such  as  tele- 
phone exchange,  furniture  store,  dry  goods  store,   grocery 
store,   amusement  hall  and  living  quarters.  Mr.  Monta  intend- 
ed to  repair,  remodel  and  redecorate  the  building  so  that  it 
could  be  used  as  a  factory  by  some  desirable  manufacturer. 

A  sewer  was  installed  at  the  Bluffs  Methodist  church, 
with  21  men  working  throughout  the  day  and  evening  to  lay 
the  pipe  and  everything  was  ready  for  the  plumber,   Harry 
E.   Chambers  to  make  final  connections.  Assisting  with 
the  work  on  a  volimteer  basis  was:  Bert  Beltz,   C.  C.  Kline- 
felter,  Bill  Jones,  Fred  Tuscher,  W.  N.  Taylor,   Harold 
Oakes,   Harold  Frohwitter,    Earl  Lutz,   Leroy  Castle,   Royal 
Oakes,   E.  L.  Kendall,  Fred  Weiss,  Lee  Morris,   Raymond 
Morris,  DeVaughn  DeVore,  Roy  Smick,   Hugh  Moore,   Harry 
E.  Chambers,   Paul  Smith,   Leo  Paul  Smith,  Fred  Muntman 
and  Grover  Beeley. 

Leonard  Adams  of  Naples  was  awarded  the  Distinguished 
Flying  Cross,   a  welcome  addition  to  the  Air  Medal  with 
four  Oak  Leaf  Clusters  he  was  previously  awarded,  while 
serving  as  a  top  turret  gunner  and  engineer  in  the  Eighth  Air 
Force  B-17  Flying  Fortress  "Miss  D-Day". 

Headlines  in  the  paper  read  "Local  Soldier  Member  of 
Outstanding  Infantry  Regiment  in  Italy".  Pvt.  Ralph  Jones 
Rifleman,  was  serving  with  the  351st  Regiment  in  Italy,   one 
of  Gen.  Mark  Clark's  Fifth  Army  units  that  helped  to  drive 
the  Germans  from  the  Garigliano  River  to  the  Arno.  Except 
for  a  brief  rest  period,   the  regiment  marched  and  fought  al- 
most continously  for  more  than  five  months.  Part  of  the  88th 
Infantry  Division,  the  first  selective  service  infantry  Division, 
to  come  overseas  in  World  War  II,   the  351st  was  the  first  ele- 
ment of  that  division  to  enter  combat.  In  addition  to  being 
the  division's  first  regiment  to  enter  combat,  the  351st  was 
the  first  regiment  to  arrive  overseas,   first  to  arrive  in  Italy, 
first  to  earn  a  Distinguished  Service  Cross,   and  first  to  receive 
a  battlefield  promotion. 

The  Dawn  Rebekah  Lodge  of  Bluffs  celebrated  their 
9»rd  anniversary  of  the  founding  of  the  order,   Sept.   13th. 
Mabel  Green  read  a  paper  on  the  "founding  of  the  Rebekah 
Degree",   Norma  Smith  gave  a  Piano  solo;  Donna  Rose 


Members  of  the  1940  graduating  class  were:   Virginia 
Mae  Albers,   Florence  Albright,   Junior  Andres,   Harold  Baird, 
Albert  Beltz,   Bernard  Bishop,   Wilmont  Boes,   Charles  Collins, 
Edna  Crater,   William  Daub,  Mildred  Lee  Frohwitter,  Kenneth        J 
Hierman,   Leland  Hierman,   Pearl  Jackson,   Doris  Lovekamp,         1 
Jack  Magelitz,    Opal  Merris,   Newton  Moore,   Russell  Muel- 
ler,  Helen  Nortrup,   Armilla  Orchard,  Velma  Rahe,  Laveme 
Rolf,   Doris  Schuessler,  Velma  Schuessler  and  Raymond  Smith. 

Merris  sang  two  solos, ,   and  Mrs.  Rachel  Torrance  gave  a  1 

reading. 

Work  on  some  of  the  village  streets  of  Bluffs  got  imder- 
way  and  though  considerable  work  was  completed  there  was 
still  more  oil  and  gravel  to  be  spread.    The  Water  Works 
road  was  graded  and  graveled     and  David  Leonard  sold  more 
than  $475.00  worth  of  apples  in  one  day  at  his  orchards. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Louis  VanHyning  received  a  telegram 
Oct.  16th  from  the  War  Department  informing  them  that 
their  son,   Pvt.  Edward  VanHyning  had  been  wounded  in  act- 
ion and  was  in  a  hospital  in  France. 

The  Bluffs  Bluejay  baseball  season  ended  with  a  score 
of  two  wins  and  two  losses;  and  a  fire  struck  the  farm  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  O.  A.  Woodson. 

The  War  Department  notified  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Willie 
Jones  that  their  son,    Pvt.   Ralph  J.  Jones  had  been  v/ound- 
ed  in  action  in  Italy,  while  serving  as  a  rifleman  in  Gen. 
Mark  Clark's  Fifth  Army;  and  M.  J.  Baulos  and  the  USO 
sponsored  a  free  show  at  the  high  school. 

On  Nov.  26th,   relatives  of  Virgil  Mueller  received 
word  that  he  had  been  seriously  wounded  in  action  in  Italy 
the  11th  of  November;  and  Andy  Benz  was  reported  missing 
in  action  in  France. 

Roscoe  Funk,  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Funk,   of 
Exeter,  who  had  been  previously  reported  missing  in  action, 
was  confirmed  by  the  Navy  Department,   as  dead  in  the 
Pacific. 

The  "Gooners"  were  having  their  annual  coon  supper 
December  8th  at  the  "Shack"  on  the  Illinois  river  north  of 
Naples,  with  Jimmy  Monta;  and  the  Bluffs  Bluejays  receiv- 
ed their  first  set-back  against  Carrollton  Friday  evening. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph  Evans  reopened  their  Tavern  and 
Restaurant  in  Bluffs  Dec.  15th.  It  had  been  closed  since 
summer  due  to  ill  health. 

Two  Bluffs  men  were  burned  to  death  in  the  Host  House 
Hotel  in  Shawneetown  December  14th.  Ercil  Josiah  Baird, 
22,   son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Archie  Baird  and  Harry  Franklin 
Crow,  40  were  two  of  the  victims  of  a  fire    which   killed 
four. 

FVt.  Barry  Yeck,   29,   former  Exeter  resident,  was  kill- 
ed in  action  on  the  European  front  Nov.  30th;  and  Lt.  Leroy 
Pond  was  decorated  with  the  third  Oak  Leaf  Clus  ter  to  his 
Air  Medal,  it  was  announced  by  the  Eighth  Air  Force. 

Capt.  Richard  A.  Morrissey  of  Bluffs,  was  awarded  the 
Bronze  Star  for  meritorious  services  in  Italy.  He  was  the  son 
of  the  late  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richard  Morrissey. 

Earl  Spencer  of  the  C.  I.  P.  S.   Co.  was  at  the  village 
board  meeting,  concerning  the  service  Bluffs  was  receiving. 
He  promised  die  community  improved  service.  The  month 
previous  the  village  board  had  deducted  $10  from  the  city 
street  lighting  bill  because  the  lights  had  not  been  on  from 
dusk  to  dawn  and  certain  lights  were  out  for  more  than  a 
reasonable  length  of  time. 


-46- 


Andrew  Bentz  was  reported  at  this  time  as  being  killed 
in  action  Nov.  8th  in  Germany.  He  had  made  liis  home  in 
Bluffs  before  enlisting  for  service,  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Geo. 
Middendorf  of  the  Rural  Route. 

Mr.   and  Mrs.  James  Dugan  were  notified  by  the  war 
department  that  their  youngest  son  Richard,   had  been  killed 
in  action  December  26th  in  Belguim. 

In  January  of  1945  Bluffs  had  their  first  bad  interruption 
of  water  service  since  the  system  was  constructed  in  1935. 
Water  Supt.  Hugh  Moore  noticed  the  previous  Saturday  morn- 
ing that  the  water  pressure  in  the  system  had  dropped  and  that 
by  pumping  full  force  he  was  unable  to  keep  the  pressure  up. 
Volunteers  helped  check  the  system  for  the  leak,   a  section 
of  the  town  at  a  time.  At  about  11  that  evening  Harold  Oakes 
and  August  Damin  found  the  break  at  the  Chambers  Hardware 
Store  in  a  4  inch  main.  About  150,000  gallons  of  water  had 
been  lost  by  this  time  and  it  had  cut  out  a  cavity  in  the 
blacktop  and  road  large  enough  to  bury  a  car.   Roy  Smick, 
water  man  for  the  Wabash,   assisted  in  the  work  and  pumped 
several  thousands  gallons  of  water  from  the  Wabash  pumps  to 
the  Village  tank  in  an  effort  to  keep  pressure  in  the  lines. 

The  town  was  upset  when  several  windows  were  broken 
in  the  City  Hall  by  snow  balls  on  a  Sunday  night.  Notices 
were  posted  that  anyone  caught  throwing  snow  balls  or  any 
other  missies  at  windows,   buildings  or  street  lights  would  be 
arrested  and  punished  to  the  full  extent  of  the  law. 

Sgt.  Alfred  Enke  was  slightly  wounded  in  action  Jan. 
3rd  in  Belguim,  according  to  information  received  by  his 
wife,   Rowena  Gilroan  Enke. 

T,  B.  Meehan,   Bluffs  Postmaster,  received  a  telegram 
Feb.  7th,     telling  him  that  his  sister,  Mary  Meehan  Harries 
had  been  liberated  from  the   Santo  Tom  as  prison  camp  in 
Manila  and  that  she  was  well  and  safe.    Mrs.  Harries  had 
been  in  the  Phillipines  since  1935  with  her  husband.   Col. 
Herbert  L.  Harries,    who  died  on  Corregidor,   and  Mrs. 
Harries  and  her  brother,  Lt.  Julian  Meehan,   had  been  cap- 
tured by  the  Japanese  and  held  prisoner.  They  were  still 
imable  to  confirm  exact  welfare  of  him. 

Harold  Frohwitter,   editor  of  Times  while  P.H.Vannier 
and  wife  were  in  service,   wrote  editorial  concerning  condi- 
tion of  the  roads.  We  quote"  This  is  a  subject  that  we  do  not 
like  to  mention,  because  we  know  that  those  in  charge  are 
working  under  a  great  handicap  with  the  shortages  of  war  and 
the  weather  as  it  has  been.  But  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  a 
situation  that  should  be  remedied.  Starting  back  in  the  early 
20's  the  horse   drawn  hearse  in  many  communities  were  dis- 
carded. The  automobile  and  improved  roads  made  this 
possible.  Since  that  time  both  have  been  improved,   but  in 
Bluffs  during  certain  times  it  is  again  necessary  to  revert  back 
to  horse  drawn  conveyances.  Those  in  charge  of  our  roads, 
we  feel  should  make  it  a  point  to  see  that  highways  to  churches 
and  cemeteries  are  kept  open  so  that  traffic  other  than  horse 
drawn,   can  travel  at  all  times.    The  people  of  the  community 
have  a  right  to  expect  this  convenience  and  those  in  charge 
should  make  it  a  point  to  remedy  the  matter. 

About  $700.  damage  was  caused  by  a  fire  in  the  smoke 
room  of  the  Bluffs  Locker  Plant  Feb.  8th;  and  the  St.  Louis 
Post  Dispatch  reported  an  NBC  broadcast  from  Santo  Tom  as 
internment  camp  by  Mary  Meehan  Harries,  who  stated  her 
brother  had  died  during  the  infamous  death  march  from 
Battan,  and  that  the  internees  never  lost  hope  because  "we 
knew  Gen.  MacArthur  would  not  let  us  down.  " 


Fred  Cockerill  and  M.  J.  Baulos  started  work  on  a  new 
modem  building  to  house  the  Bluffs  Garage.  Besides  work  on 
cars  and  tractors  the  new  garage  will  serve  as  headquarters 
tor  Allis-Chalmers  farm  machinery. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Leroy  Castle  were  presented  with  an  Air 
Medal  with  an  Oak  leaf  cluster  in  behalf  of  their  son,   2nd 
Lt.  Vincent  R.  Castle  of  the  U.  S.  Air  Force,  who  had  been 
killed  in  England,   June  19,    1943  when  he  crashed  in  his 
Thunderbolt  fighter  plane,    and  the  Purple  Heart  and  Presi- 
dential citations  were  awarded  postliumously  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  James  Dugan  in  behalf  of  their  son,   Richard,  who  was 
killed  in  action  in  Belguim  Dec.  26,   1944. 

The  Meehan  family  received  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Harries 
in  February,   1945,  which  we  felt  was  so  poignant  that  we 
have  reprinted  it  in  it's  entirety: 

February  9,   1945 
Dear  Folks: 

I'm  not  going  to  write  much  except  to  tell  you  that  des- 
pite everything,  1  am  fine.  It's  been  tough  going,   and  I  only 
weigh  107;  but  I'm  really  well  and  that's  not  just  to  make  yot 
folks  feel  good. 

I  have  sent  2  letters,   but  of  course  we  are  anxious  to  get 
out  as  many  as  possible,   especially  in  the  last  day  or  so,   to 
reassure  you  all. 

I  don't  know  of  coiu'se  just  what  news,  personal  news, 
you  may  have  had,   but  judge  from  letters  from  Army  friends, 
that  you  must  know  that  Herb  and  Mickey  won't  come  back 
with  me.  Some  day  I  can  tell  it  all  to  you,   but  anyway  let 
me  tell  you  there  is  no  surcease  for  grief  like  pride,   and  I 
know  when  I  can  tell  you  that  you  all  will  be  as  proud  of  my 
two  boys  as  I  am. 

Its  been  a  long  hard  pull  and  we  have  been  in  the  power 
of  a  people  WHO  ARE  INCREDIBLE,   and  that  we  are  even 
alive  is  a  miracle.  If  I  could  only  make  you  see  and  know 
our  joy,   our  thankfulness,   for  our  deliverance,   if  I  can  some 
day  tell  you  what  it  means  to  walk  again  free.  It  has  made 
us  all  appreciate  a  thousand  fold  the  priceless  privilege  of 
being  Americans  and  I  believe  I  can  truthfully  say  that  we 
have  held  up  the  flag  too  --  these  devils  have  humiliated  us 
--  broke  us  --  never  --  and  we  have  starved  on  our  feet 
(tho  I  admit  pretty  wobbly)  --  they  never  got  us  to  our  knees. 
As  for  me,  I  want  to  get  home  to  you  all  --to  my  own  people 
who  will  make  me  forget  these  long  frightened    and    hungry 
lonely  nights  --  and  I'm  certainly  going  to  enjoy  being  a  grand 
auntie  to  all  these  new  kids. 

Now  once  again  we  are  luider  our  own  flag  --  greeting 
so  many  old  friends  who  are  in  the  Army  of  liberation.  It's 
all  been  so  dramatic  we  are  stupefied  --  really.  No  telling 
what  will  happen  yet  --its  not  over  —  the  thing  I  want  you 
all,  if  anything  should  happen  to  me,   to  remember  that  I 
BEQUEATH  YOU  A  HERITAGE  OF  UNDYING  HATE  for  the 
Japs.  Never,   never  forget  it.  I  hope  to  see  you  all,   before 
too  long,  until  then,   Adios.  j^ 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  Beckey  received  a  message  from 
the  War  Department  March  9th  stating  that  their  son,   Pvt. 
George  Richard  (Dick)  Beckey  had  been  seriously  wounded  in 
action  in  France  Feb.  23rd. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chester  V.  Newberry  were  informed  by 
the  war  department  that  tlieir  son,   Pfc.  William  Newberry 
had  been  killed  in  action  March  17th  in  Germany.  He  was 
serving  with  the  infantry  in  the  Seventh  army  at  the  time  of 
his  death. 


-47- 


Lt.  Morris  R.  Hatfield  was  awarded  the  Air  Medal  in 
Italy  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bert  Lawson,   Sr.  of  Exeter,  received 
a  telegram  from  the  War  Department,  stating  that  their  son, 
Pfc.  Bert  Lawson,  Jr.  had  been  killed  in  action  in  Germany 
March  18th.  He  was  a  member  of  the  1st  Division  of  the  1st 
Army. 

WilUam  Kilver  and  August  Damin  found  500  mushrooms, 
over  a  bushel  basket  full  Sunday,   April  8th. 

The  entire  nation  mourned  the  death  of  Franklin  D. 
Roosevelt;  and  a  vast  task  faced  Truman  as  the  new  presi- 
dent. 

Pfc.  Oscar  Robert  Freesen,  Jr.  was  wounded  April  2nd 


FVt.  Ross  Cox  of  Merritt  arrived  at  his  home  safe  and 
sound  after  two  years  and  five  months  of  internment  in  Nazi 
Concentration  Camps  in  East  Prussia;  and  Lt.  Brice  Irving  of 
Chambersburg  is  home,   having  escaped  a  German  prison  camp. 
Bluffs  citizens  were  generous  in  the  War  Loan  Drive  in  Scott 
County  -  North  Bluffs,   $4,931.25  and  South  Bluffs,   $393.75. 

Her  bright  eyes  sparkling  at  the  thought  of  rejoining  her 
iiusband.   First  Lt.  Dorothy  H.  Vannier  started  for  home  June 
27th  after  receiving  her  discharge  at  the  Training  Center  in  Ft. 
Des  Moines,   la.,   as  a  result  of  her  husband's  separation  from 
service.  P.  H.  had  been  released  from  the  Navy,   having  seen 
service  cm  the  U.S. S.Meade  in  the  South  Pacific  since  Aug. 


in  Germany  and  T-Sgt.  James  R.  Campbell  was  posthumously  ^^'*'^'  ^^"^  P^'  ^^^P''  J*  ^°^^^  "^^  "*^'^  ^V  ^"^  ^Slst  "Spear- 
awarded  the  Air  Medal,   Oak-Leaf  cluster.  He  had  been  killed  ^^^'^"  Regiment  of  the  Fifth  Army's  88th  "Blue  Devil"  Division 

and  awarded  the  Combat  Infantryman  Badge  for  proving  his 

fighting  ability  in  combat. 

Ninetey-Eight  and  the  Extra  Train  collided  head-on  at 


in  action  over  France  May  27,   1944,  the  son  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs,  William  Campbell. 

Mrs,  Raymond  Lloyd  received  word  that  her  husband,   Sgt 
Raymond  Loyd  was  missing  in  Germany.  He  was  later  de- 
clared killed  in  Action  March  29th. 

Second  Lt.  James  L.  Goodin  received  an  Oak  Leaf 
Cluster  to  his  Air  Medal  for  bombing  attacks  in  Germany; 
and  Evert  Thompson,   son  of  Everett  Thompson,   had  died 
in  Turkey  while  serving  in  the  Merchant  Marines, 

Graduating  with  the  senior  class  of  1945  were:  Eileen 

Albers,  Mary  Beth  Cox,   Betty  Merriman,  Pat  Tuscher,  Del- 
bert  Reed,   Mabel  Pond,   Robert  Smick,  June  Eloise  Baulos, 

Alta  Nortrup,  Evelyn  Chambers,  Esther  Jean  Chambers,  Her- 
bert Lovekamp,  Nona  Collins,  Tom  Comerford,  Norris  Mer- 
riman, Wilma  Brockhouse,  Doris  Stegeman,  Verla  Leib,  Ann 
Nortrup,  Lester  Huseraan  and  LeRoy  Freesen. 

Word  was  received  of  the  death  of  Vernon  Gilman,   form- 
er Bluffs  resident;  and  Germany  surrendered  to  the  Allies, 
an  all-out  effort  was  begun  to  end  the  war  with  Japan. 

Sgt.  Grant  Little  was  presented  a  Certificate  of  Merit 
"In  Recognition  of  conspiciously  meritorious  and  outstanding 
performance  of  military  duty;  and  heavy  rains  occurred  in  this 
section,   causing  much  damage. 

In  May,    1945  War  Production  board  granted  the  CIPS  co, 
permission  for  the  building  and  installation  of  the  first  50,000 
kw  turbine  engine  together  with  the  138,000  volt  transmission 
line  to  interconnect  this  new  electric  station  with  that  Com- 
pany's Hutsonville  Power  station  in  Crawford  county  on  the 
Wabash  river,   at  Meredosia,  Illinois. 

Over  150  Meredosia  Budgets  and  275  Bluffs  Times  were 
going  to  the  men  in  service  each  week. 

A  Rabies  quarantine  existed  in  Bluffs  and  Road  District 
#7  for  a  couple  of  weeks,   due  to  a  rabid  dog   biting  a  child, 
and  the  child  dying>  and  Scott  County  citizens  went  to  the 
polls  June  4th  to  vote  on  a  Tuberculosis  Tax.  The  tax  car- 
ried in  Scott  county  835  to  219. 

Radios  were  out  of  use  in  Bluffs  for  three  days  because  a 


Naples  at  8:00  a.m.  Tuesday,  July  3rd,  Both  engines  were 
badly  damaged  and  several  freight  cars  loaded  with  coal  and 
gravel  were  derailed.    Several  wrecks  have  occiured  in  the 
Bluffs  vicinity,   the   first  being  in  1897,   according  to  re- 
cords furnished  by  Gene  Shores  and  taken  from  the  Bluffe 
Times.  This  was  a  head  on  collison  between  No. 70,   local 
freight  and  No.  95,   double  header,  west  boimd,  in  which 
Anderson,  the  engineer  of  No,  95,  was  scalded  by  steam  and 
died  shortly  after  the  wreck.  The  last  big  wreck  prior  to  the 
July  3rd  wreck,   occurred    in  the    "Curve  Trestle"  and  was  a 
head  on  collision  between  No,   3  and  Extra  2259  west  bound, 
in  which  Carl  Miller,   fireman  on  No,  3  was  killed  when  he 
jumped  from  the  engine  and  struck  his  head  on  a  tie,   and 
Engineer  Bert  Blethen  was  injured  in  the  wreck, 

Pvt,  Robert  Brackett  was  killed  in  action  in  the  Pacific 
in  1945,   on  May  31st,   and  friends  and  neighbors  gathered  at 
the  farm  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Albert  Vannier  to  help  put 
up  hay.  Mr.  Vannier  had  been  ill  several  months.     Many 
soldiers  were  returning  to  Bluffs  at  this  time,   on  furlough  or 
receiving  early  discharges  from  service.  It  looked  as  if  the 
war  might  end  soon. 

Announcement  was  made  that  the  Middlebury  Electric 
Clock  Co.  would  open  a  factory  in  Bluffs,  which  would  pro- 
vide employment  for  men  and  women  of  all  ages. 

The  Farmers  Grain  Elevator  at  Bluffs  had  been  more  than 
busy  when  the  weather  had  permitted  the  combines  to  op- 
erate. Trucks  were  in  line  for  unloading  late  into  the  eve- 
ning and  it  wasn't  until  0230  that  the  switch  was  turned  off 
on  the  feed  grinder.  Harvest  always  means  long  hours  and 
tiresome  work  to  the  elevator  folks,  but  think  of  the  winter 
when  there  isn't  much  to  elevate,  but coal  and  snow! 

The  local  American  Legion  post  sponsored  a  "Welcome 
Home,   GI  JO  and  JANE"  ceremony  at  the  Bluffs  Theatre 
Oct.  10th,  under  direction  of  Comm.  T.B.  Meehan. 

Graveling  of  the  road  from  Bluffs  to  the  county  line  near 


falling  tree  had  pulled  two  CIPS  wires  together.  When  the  fire  Neelyville  was  progressing  rapidly. 


flew  all  radios  amplified  the  story.    Blooey!  !  ! 

The  following  business  houses  gave  to  the  baseball  fund: 
Bluffs  Times,  F,  J.  Muntman,  Mrs,  Orval  Davis,   Bluffs  Farm- 
ers Grain  Co.,   Harry  Giesendorfer,   Harold  Bridgm an.   Bluffs 
Garage,  Hierman's  Cafe,   Paul  Green,   Chambers'  Hardware 
Store,  Phillip  66  Service  Station,   Sheets  Pool  Room,  Paul 
Smith's  Trucking  Service,  James  Dugan's  Barber  Shop,   Bob 
Parker's  garage,  Andres  Insurance  Agency,   Charles  R.  Wills, 
Sears  Lumber  Co.,   Nortrup's  Store,   David  Leonard  and  Roy 
Smith. 


Ben  Placke  sang  his  swan  song  at  the  Muntman  grocery 
in  the  middle  of  November  when  he  retired  from  the  grocery 
business  to  open  an  electric   appliance  business  of  his  own. 
EHiring  has  19  years  at  Muntmans  he  assisted  in  training  and 
worked  in  cooperation  with  the  following:  Scott  Baulos, 
Mrs.  Lilly  Graham  Wolford,  Julia  Cloyd,  Jack  Moore,  Er- 
win  Weiss,  Bill  Merris  and  Hester  Bunch. 

According  to  information  received  fromGene  Shore's 
scrapbook  in  reference  to  Bluffs  and  its  vicitdnty  for  1945: 


-48- 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 


Farmers  and  Traders 
State  Bank  of  Meredosia 

Serving  You   Since    1889 


to^ijoiMlsiJuonA    b/'# 


Scliaefer  Funeral  Home 


Edward  Schaefer 
Meredosia,  Illinois 


i.MWA^l'''^''  ^^'"'^^' 


1871  -  1971 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 


Bud  &  Lucy's 
Cafe  &  Bar 


CONGRATULATIONS 

TO  BLUFFS  ON  THEIR  CENTENNIAL 

1871-1971 

Hunter-Allen  Lumber  Co. 

phone  584-2821 
Meredosia,  Illinois 


Meredosia,  111. 
Phone  584-6121 

Bluffs 
1871-1971 


J 


1871  Bluffs  1971 

BEST  WISHES  IN  THE  FUTURE 
FROM„ 


Lq       o       0       0 


D-X  Service  Station 

Dairy  &  Pottery 
Fruit  Market 

phone  584-6381        Meredosia,  Illinois 


-49- 


24  couples  were  united  in  marriage,   10  births,   20  deaths, 
5  sudden  deaths,  7  traffic  accidents,   13  persons  slightly 
injured,  no  fatalities;  1  seriously  injured;  3  fire  alarms,  all 
minor  damage;  3  large  picnics,  one  accident,   (Sonny 
VanHyning  hit  with  pop  bottle)>  all  in  Bluffs,  For  Naples, 
Exeter  and  Oxville:     35  deaths,   1  killed,  railroad  accident; 
1  killed,  traffic  accident,   1  suicide,     2  found  dead,   2 
couples  divorced,   1  runaway  girl  found  and  returned  and  1 
serious  accident. 

In  1946  Harold  Frohwitter  was  elected  President  of  the 
Civic  Club,   P.  H.  Vannier  -  vice  president,  Harold  Oakes 
and  Fred  Muntman  were  Secretary  and  Treasurer;  Executive 
committee  -  E.  C.  Thome,   C.  C.  Klinefelter,   H.  H.  Kil- 
ver,   B.  H.  Placke,  Harvey  Vortman  and  Charles  Williams. 

Hope  of  the  forthcoming  clock  factory,  went  glimmer- 
ing and  died  this  week,  January  23rd,   1946,  due  to  condi- 
tions beyond  the  control  of  the  Middlebmy  Clock  Co.  of 
Beardstown. 

In  February,    a  chimney  fire  destroyed  the    Fred   Korty 
home  south  of  Bluffs.  The  fire  engine,  using  water  from  the 
cistern  at  the  biuiiing  house  kept  the  flames  iinder  control  and 
saved  two  nearby  buildings)  and  interested  citizens  were  vol- 
unteering to  repair  the  Phillips  Ferry  Road  west  from  the 
Mauvaisterre  creek  at  Oxville,   putting  a  cover  of  sand  on 
the  black  mud.  Private  donors  of  time  and  equipment  were: 
John  Griffin,   Gus  Albers,  Moody  Barrett  and  son,   Howard; 
Lem  Little,   Herbert  Hale,   Albert  Coultas,  George  Krusa, 
Lyle  Husband,   Frank  Krusa,  Lee  Berry,   Charles  Krusa,   El- 
mer Atkinson,  Walter  Cumby,  John  Warren,  Charles  Com- 
merford,  J.  Young,  F.  Jones,  Bob  Jones,  Joe  Smith,  Roy 
Sawyers,  Carl  Arnold,  William  Kilver,   Harold  Kilver,   Ber- 
nard Jarvis,  Howard  Buhlig,  Emory  Gregory  and  the  Maple 
Grove  schoolboys. 

Charles  Wolford  Post  #441  purchased  the  large  stone 
building  originally  built  to  house  the  Andre   and  Andre  furni- 
ture store  and  were  raising  funds  by  public  subscriptions  to 
pay  for  and  equip  the  building  as  a  home  and  place  for  re- 
creation. 

The  voters  selected  Harold  Oakes  as  president  of  the 
grade  school  board,  with  Art  Hoots  and  Fay  Main,   members; 
George  Krusa  was  elected  as  member  of  high  school  board. 

Members  of  the  1946  graduating  class  were:  Leona  J. 
Baird,  Bob  Berry,  Charles  Berry,  Thomas  Brackett,  Maxine 
Cockerill,  Alvin  R.  Davis,  Emily  Deterding,  James  M. 
Deterding,  Edward  Dimham,  Walter  Gregory,   Henrietta  Mae 
Hart,  Louise  Ffitt,  Frances  Lee  Hoots,  Merle  E.  Korty,  Dan 
R.  Likes,  Leland  H.  Littig,  Helen  McMurray,  Robert  D. 
Merris,  Virginia  Stinebaker,    Bette  Lou  Tuscher,   Mabel  Lou 
Thompson  and  Agnes  J.  Westermeyer;    and  railroaders  in 
Bluffs  went  on  strike  the  latter  part  of  May. 

In  June  a  flash  flood  hit  Bluffs  and  more  than  3"  fell, 
flooding  the  streets  and  depositing  layers  of  sand  and  silt  on 
the  side  walks  of  the  city.  Accompanying  the  rain  ,   the 
electric  lights  dimmed  and  at  7  p.m.  electricity  ceased  for 
a  three  hoiu'  period.  The  local  theater  began  its  show  when 
the  lights  came  on  and  patrons  left  about  midnight. 

Harlan  Little  had  been  hard  at  work  for  ever  a  week, 
trimming  the  shrubbery  around  Lewis  park,   and  in  general 
approving  the  appearance  of  the  place;  and  73  housewives 
in  Bluffs  wrote  a  letter  to  U.  S.  Senator  Scott  W.  Lucas  in 
Havana,   Illinois,   asking  for  more  sugar  for  canning  purposes. 

V-J  Day  2  was  celebrated  in  Bluffs,  with  the  following 
merchants  welcoming  boys  who  had  worked  for  them:    Kroger 


Store  -  David  Dunham  and  Everett  Tankersley;  Bluffs  Times- 
P.  H.  Vannier,   Dorothy  Vannier  and  Alfred  Hodgson;  Bluffs 
Garage  -  Donald  Frye  and  Guss  'Barney'  Andres;  Central  Motor 
Sales  -  Robert  Taylor;  Bank  of  Bluffs  -  Glenn  Brockhouse; 
Texaco  Station  -  Francis  Meier;  Chambers  Hardware-Em- 
merson  Chambers;  Smith  Trucking  Service  -  Leo  Paul  Smith; 
Damin  Plumbing  -  Grant  Little;  Korty  Poultry  Co.  -  Merl 
Korty;  Mimtman's  Grocery  -    Jack  Moore  and  Sears  Lumber 
Co.  -  George  Arnold. 

In  November  com  is  being    husked  from  the  experimental 
plots  on  the  Royal  Oakes  farm.   Students  of  the  high  school 
and  various  interested  farmers  assisted  Mr.  Oakes  and  the  men 
from  the  University  of  111.  Agricultural  Research  staff  and 
Miss  Margaret  Doyle  was  serving  the  local  community  as  the 
telephone  operator. 

Merchants  advertising  in  the  Christmas  Issue  of  The  Bluffs 
Times  Dec.  25th,  1946  were  Hainsfurther's  Shoe  Store,   Emery- 
Gregory  -  Bluffs  Stock  Yards,  Lukeman  Clothing  Shop,   Gift 
Nook,   Campbell  Bros. ,  Hopper  G  Hamm,  Midwest-Order 
Buyers,   Rolf's  Store,   Sheets  Billiard  Hall,   Central  Motor  Sales, 
Bluffs  Lumber  Co.,   Polly's  Beauty  Shop,  Giesendorfer's  Market, 
Myers  Bros.,   Chambers  Hardware  Store,   Placke's  "66"  Station, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Francis  Meier,  Meier's  Texaco  Station,   Bluffs 
Locker  Plant,  Paul  B.  Smith,  Jacksonville  Novelty  Co. ,   Fay 
Main  Barber  Shop,   Mrs.  Margaret  Watson,  Hopper's  Shoe  Store, 
M.  C.  Parker,   Gustines',   Sears,   Roebuck  G  Co.,   Dr.  and  Mrs. 
E.  C.     Thome,  Bates  Funeral  Home,  Korty's  Poultry,  Muntman'; 
Grocery,   Hierman's  Restaurant,  Dr.  O.  E.  Berry,   Clyde  Hul- 
linger  Trucking  Service,   Flora's  Beauty  Shop,  Mr,  and  Mrs. 
James  Dugan,   Bank  of  Bluffs,  Marshall  Chevrolet  Co.,   Bluffs 
Garage,   Sears  Liunber  Co.,   Evans  Restaurant,   Bridgman's 
Nation-wide  Store  and  Electrical  Applicances,     American 
Legion  Post  441  and  AuxiUary,  Godfrey's  Shade  Shop,   Kroger, 
Bluffs  Farmers  Grain  Co.,  Peerless  Bread  Co.,   Bassett's 
Jewelry  Store,   Klump  Oil  &  Tire  Co.,  Walker  Implement 
Co.,  Evans  G  Patterson,   Hainsfurther's  Dress  G  Drygoods  Store, 
P.  M.  Green,  Hardware;  Kilham's  Hainsfurther's  Clothing 
Store. 

Other  highlights  of  the  year  1946  were:  Bill  Baulos 
was  assigned  to  the  Illinois  State  police  force;  the  Wabash 
handled  14  troop  trains  through  Bluffs  in  48  homs  in  January, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  P.  H.  Vannier  ptwchased  the  old  M.  E. Church 
and  stated  intention  of  converting  into  an  apartment  house. 
Preliminary  work  was  started  on  the  new  bridge  across 
Dresser  ditch,  the  high  school  board  hired  Leroy  Goodin  as 
coach,   Bluffs  suffered  a  bread  shortage  when  Jacksonville 
bakers  went  on  strike,  and  a  greater    portion  of  the  country 
was  blacked  out  due  to  a  coal  strike;  engineers  and  trainmen 
went  out  on  strike,  Placke's  Service  Station  added  a  grease 
room  and  a  display  -  room  for  their  line  of  electrical  appli- 
ances. Jack  Moore  was  named  Commander  of  the  Bluffs 
American  Legion  Post  and  "Jack",   a  German  Police  dog 
owned  by  Horace  Loyd,   joined  the  organization. 

A  Resolution  to  Build  A  Better  Community,  was  spon- 
sored by  the  following  organizations  who  earnestly  believed 
in  the  community,  and  who  pledged  their  every  effort  to 
help  make  it  a  better  place  in  which  to  live  and  do  busi- 
ness: The  ViUage  Board  Members,  Blxiffs  Methodist  Church, 
St.  Patrick's  Catholic  Chiirch,  Bluffs  Civic  Club,   Bluffs 
Household  Science  Club,   Floy  Chapter  O.  E.  S.,   Scott 
Lodge  702  lOOF,   St.  Patrick's  Catholic  Church,   Bluffs  Jr. 
Women's  Club,  Dawn  Rebekah  Lodge,   Boy  Scouts,  Mer- 
chants and  Professional  Men,   and  Every  Bluffs  Citizen. 


-50- 


CONGRATULATIONS, 


BLUFFS 

on  your 
Centennial 


>  •;> 


-1^ 


Dr.  and  Mrs.  Stefan  Hyk 
Natalia  and  Sopliia 

Griggsville  and  Meredosia 


-51- 


■/rnr/^  -^v^ 


x^/.^ 


t^oHi-aacsrs^^^**^ 


At  one-time  labeled  the  "oldest  residence  in  Bluffs"    now 
torn  down,  was  the  Henry  Oakes  home.   He  was  born  in 
this  house  Sept.  3rd,    1848. 


In  January  of  1947  Huge  Moore,  Superintendent  of 
the  Water  Works  Department  of  Bluffs,  lost  two  fingers 
while  working  near  the  village  well. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  Welch  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lee 
Green  purchased  the  Midway  Cafe  from  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Archie  Baird. 

The  Bank  of  Bluffs  became  a  member  of  the  Federal 
Reserve  System  in  1947. 

P.  H.  Vannier  was  elected  President  of  the  Bluffs 
Civics  Club. 

Scott  Lodge  #702  1.  O.  O.  F.  conferred  the  1st  degree 
to  Newton  Gregory  and  Orville  Gathard. 

In  May  Charles  Sheets  opened  a  new  billard  room  and 
tavern  in  Bluffs. 

Robert  Bingham  took  over  management  of  the  pool 
room. 

The  First  Directors  for  the  Scott  County  Soil  Conser- 
vation District  were  elected.  They  were:  Claude  Bean, 
Fred  Muntman,  Ed  Wilson,  Lloyd  Workman  and  William 
Worrell. 

Bluffs  Community  High  School  graduating  class  of 
1947-Lois  Korty,   George  Smith,   Alvin  Marsh,   Alyce  Bee- 
key,  Margie  Davis,   Bernice  Holnback,  Advisor,  Allen 
Mettemich,   Principal,   Carroll  Sears,  Janet  Robbins,   Ron- 
ald Gilman,   Norma  Jean  Gregory,  Wayne  Stanberry,   Don- 
ald Schone,  LaVerne  Baird,   Dean  Hutton,  Imogene  Beltz, 
Fred  Davis,   and  Marjorie  Merriman. 

Bemita  Rahe  was  selected  to  represent  Bluffs  at  the 
Illini  Girls  State. 

Jim  Chambers  was  selected  to  attend  Priemier 
Boys  State  as  delegate  from  our  area. 

In  July  1947  the  Civic  Club  purchased  a  bronze  plaque 
to  honOT  the  war  dead  of  W.W.II.   Names  to  date  enscrib- 
ed  on  the  plaque  were:  Andrew  Bentz,   Alvie  Baird,   Ger- 
ald Bloyd,   Paul  Hayes,  Wm.  Newberry,   Bert  Lawson, 


Vincent  Castle,  Roscoe  Funk, 
Robert  Campbell,  and  Julian 
Meehan. 

Bluffs  was  "perking  Up" 
with  buildings,   remodelings, 
and  repairs. .  .there  was  a  lot 
of  building,  remodeling  and 
repair  work  going  up  in  the 
north  part  of  town  other  than 
previously  mentioned.  The 
Middendorf  sisters,   Lottie  and 
Minnie,   had  had  a  barn  torn 
down  and  were  able  to  salvage 
considerable  good  lumber.  A 
good  portion  of  this  material 
and  some  new,  went  into 
a  new  garage,  the  concrete 
floor  of  which  had  been  laid. 
Chapin  carpenters  were  doing 
the  work.  L.C.Hayes  is  build- 
ing a  new  garage  at  his  home 
to  the  south  of  the  house  and 
facing  the  west.   The  sheeting 
now  encloses  the  building  and 
will  be  covered  with  white  shingles  to  match  the  Hays' 
home.    Lyle  Bates  has  improved  the  main  entrance  to  his 
funeral  home  by  having  a  double  width  concrete  side- 
walk laid.  It  will  serve  as  an  added  convenience  for 
funeral  processions.  Mr.  Bates  also  made  some  interior 
improvements.    Mrs.  Harold  Fitzsimmons  left  on  her  re- 
turn to  Milwaukee  last  Thursday  after  a  several  days  visit 
with  her  husband  who  is  associated  with  Robert  Bingham 
in  the  operation  of  his  pool  room.  Mrs.  Fitzsimmons  will 
return  to  Bluffs  as  soon  as  the  property  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
A.V.  Pyle  is  ready  for  occupancy.  Much  progress  has 
been  made  on  the  remodeling  of  the  house  the  past 
ten  days  and  there  is  every  indication  that  it  is  going  to 
be  a  nice  place  in  which  to  live.  Two  rooms  are  being 
thrown  in  together  by  the  archway  method  to  provide  a 
larger  living  area,   closets  are  being  built,   additional 
windows  provide  more  light,   cabinets  will  go  into  the 
kitchen  and  new  bath  equipment  will  go  into  the  house. 
A  new  green  roof,   some  foxmdation  work,  new  concrete 
steps,   etc.,   have  already  added  distinction  to  the  house 
and  it  is  an  asset  to  the  neighborhood.  Mrs.  Anna  Mid- 
dendorf is  having  extensive  concrete  work  done  at  her 
home.  Concrete  ledges  in  the  basement  have  been  re- 
moved,  dirt  dug  out  and  along  with  the  foundation  work 
some  floor  improvement  will  be  made. 

Clyde  Propeck  and  his  men  put  in  basement  steps  of 
concrete  at  the  C.C.  Kleinfelter  home  last  weekend  and 
laid  a  considerable  footage  of  cement  walks. 

In  September  of  1947  the  I.O.  O.F.  Lodge  announced 
plans  to  build  a  Theatre  on  Paul  Green's  lot  between  the 
lOOF  Building  and  Tuscher  Drug  Store. 

The  bride  of  Bernard  Beeley  arrived  here  from  the 
British  Isles.  They  were  married  in  December  of  last  year. 

The  Scott  County  Marketing  Association  expected  to 
open  the  Wabash  Stock  Yards  in  Bluffs  in  the  near  future. 

Work  is  progessing  rapidly  in  the  Farmers  Grain  Com- 
pany's new  elevator.  Sixty  or  more  men  are  engaged  in 
the  work  on  a  twenty-foiu  hour  a  day  basis. 


-52- 


1871 


1971 


CONGRATULATIONS 

On    Your 
lOOTH    ANNIVERSARY! 

BLUFFS 


Meredosia  Farm  Supply 

Roy   Simmons   & 
George    Thayer 

Meredosia,  Illinois 


^^r? 


CONGRATULATIONS  BLUFFS 
ON  YOUR  lOOTH  BIRTHDAY 
1871-1971 

W.  R.  Grace  &  Co. 

AMMONIA  TERMINAL 

Theodore  Parker,  Mgr, 
Meredosia,  HI.  584-6461 


BEST  WISHES  FOR  A 
SUCCESSFUL  ANNIVERSARY  ! 

Steinberg  Motors 

-:-  CHEVROLET  -:- 

Gilbert  Steinberg 
Meredosia,  Illinois 

1871      Bluffs       1971 


Congratulations  and  Best  Wishes 
on  Your  Centennial  Celebration  I 
1871-1971 

Harry's 
'66'  Service  Station 

517  Main  St.  Meredosia,  Illinois 

Harry  &  Margaret  Gerecke  &  Sons 


Happy  Centennial  Time 

Ann^s  Sandwich  Shop 

Meredosia,  Illinois  584-2401 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 


Mike's  Barber  Shop 

Meredosia,  Illinois 


CONGRATULATIONS 


1871      BLUFFS      1971 


Lovekamp's  Garage 

Delmar    Lovekamp,    owner 
Truck  Testing  Station,  Class  B 

Meredosia,  Illinois 
phone  584-2161 


J 


-S3- 


October  of  1947-Mrs.  Margaret  Watson  and  Mrs. 
Donald  Merris  will  present  their  piano  recital  students 
at  the  Bluffs  Methodist  Church.  The  public  invited. 

Two  of  the  Smith  Trucking  Firms  trucks  were  totally- 
demolished  on  the  Florence  Hill.  Both  drivers  escaped 
without  serious  injury. 

The  bridge  over  Mauvaisterre  creek  on  the  Naples 
mail  and  Bluffs  school  routes,   fell  into  the  creek  under 
the  weight  of  a  heavy  tree  which  was  being  moved  from 
Dist.  7  by  Commissioner  George  Mageitz.  The  cost  of 
replacing  the  same  will  have  to  come  from  County  Road 
funds. 

Freesen's  bulldozer  broke  ground  for  the  lOOF  Theatre 
building  October  4. 

In  November  of  1947  Harold  Bentley  of  Naples  nar- 
rowly escaped  drowning  in  the  Illinois  River  near  Naples 
when  the  boat  he  was  riding  in  struck  a  hidden  log  and 
collapsed. 

Steel  beams  were  erected  for  the  new  I.O.  O.  F. 
Theatre  building  being  constructed  between  the  Kroger's 
Store  and  Tuscher  pharmacy. 

Open  House  was  held  at  the  Bluffs  Parsonage  of  the 
Bluffs  Methodist  Church  Sunday.  Extensive  improvement 
was  done  to  the  home  during  the  past  summer. 

The  Eastern  Stars  of  Bluffs  held  Installation  of  Of- 
ficers in  Bluffs. 

Earl  Bennett,   formerly  of  Naples  now  playing  with 
the  Spike  Jones  Band,   enjoyed  visiting  with  home  town 
folks  recently  while  the  band  was  playing  an  engagement 
in  Kansas  City. 

1. 1.  Westermeyer  was  named  Scott  County  Com 
Grower  for  the  year    with  a  field  producing  84.52  bushels 
per  acre  in  a  five  acre  plot. 

Ralph  Comerford  died  of  bums  received  last  week 
when  the  papers  he  was  reading  caught  fire  in  his  lap  and 
burned  his  clothing  as  he  carried  the  newspapers  outside. 
He  died  two  days  later  at  Our  Saviour's  hospital. 

Miss  Catherine  Anderson,  manager  of  the  Bluffs 
office  of  the  Illinois  Telephone  Company  resigned  her 
position  and  was  to  leave  the  office  Dec.  22nd. 

In  January  of  1948  a  new  Ford  truck  was  purchased 
and  delivered  to  the  Bluffs  Fire  Department.  M.J.  Baulos 
to<^  the  chassis  to  St.  Louis  the  first  of  the  week  to  have 
the  pump  installed  which  takes  about  six  weeks. 

City  water  Superintendent  Hugh  Moore  announced 
that  the  water  in  Bluffs  will  be  softer  now  due  to  the 
new  pump  which  shoots  the  water  at  a  rate  of  200  gallons 
per  minute. 

The  P.  T.A.  sponsored  a  well  attended  Mother- 
Daughter  banquet. 

Mrs.  Harold  Frohwitter  was  chairman  of  the  Red 
Cross  Drive  for  Bluffs  and  netted  $274.25  for  the  cause. 

Vernon  Lankford,  ?on  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  P.  E.  Lank- 
ford  was  seriously  burned  and  a  patient  at  UHni  hospital 
in  Pittsfield  resulting  from  an  accident  in  the  basement 
of  his  home . 

A  cob  bxuTier  is  being  erected  at  the  site  of  the 
Bluffs  Farmers  Elevator.  It  will  be  a  much  needed  im- 
provement for  the  company. 

The  Bluffs  Oddfellows  presented  the  2nd  annual 
Dixie  Minstrel  on  May  14,  1948.  All  local  talent,  which 
was  greatly  enjoyed  by  the  large  crowd  attending.  Mel- 
vin  Dalhaus  and  the  Orchestra  of  Bluffs  were  also  support- 


ing the  cast.    The  event  was  held  at  the  Bluffs  Gym . 

Members  of  the  graduating  class  of  Bluffs  High 
School  for  1948  were:  Harvey  D.  Andres,  Alice  Jane 
Albright,  Richard  M.  Brackett,  Florence  Jane  Brackett, 
Jean  BuhUg,   Donna  Marie  Boes,   Mary  Patricia  Berry, 
Martha  Campbell,  James  H.  Chambers,  William  O. 
Chambers,  Dale  Cockerill,  Rose  Compton,  Orval  D. 
Davis,   Betty  Deterding,   Margaret  Lucille  Fletcher,  Elda 
Hutton,   Eileen  LiOdg,    William  Merris,   Patricia  Ann 
Merriman,   Betty  Mullen  ,   Bernita  Rahe,  Joyce  Rebbe, 
Edna  Mae  Rowe,  Harold  Six,   and  Melba  Jime  Vortman. 

Miss  Doris  Stegemann  and  Miss  Wilma  Qrockhouse 
were  graduated  from  Carthage  College  during  commence 
ment  exercises  held  June,   1948. 

The  new  "Od-Re"  Theatre  owned  by  the  lOOF 
and  Rebekah  Lodge  will  open  Wednesday  June  16,   1948. 

The  new  Meredosia  CIPS  electric  plant  now  supply^ 
ing  "Reddy  Kilowatts"  to  lines  in  Jime. 

Severe  damage  resulted  from  a  hail  stMm  in  June, 
crops  were  ruined,  hogs,  chickens  were  killed  and  it 
was  recorded  to  be  the  heaviest  hail  storm  in  our  history. 

The  wooden  platform  of  the  outdoor  stage  in  Lewis 
Park  was  receiving  a  stone-faced  concrete  block  wall 
with  a  concrete  floor. 

A  page  one  banner  across  the  Jime  30,   1948  issue 
of  the  Times  stated;  "Oddfellow  and  Rebekah  Picnic 
and  Burgoo  Saturday,  July  3,   Bluffs,  Illinois — All  day 
and  night".    They  were  featuring  500  gallons  of  Burgoo 
and  $500  worth  of  fireworks  displays. 

The  town  board  met  and  approved  money  for  the 
oiling  of  the  Bluffs  city  streets. 

Earl  Pond,  48,  of  Beardstown,  the  local  represen- 
tative of  the  CIPS  Co.  was  electrocuted  when  checking 
a  transformer  south  of  Mt.  Sterling. 

Frank  Chambers  was  elected  Commander  of  the 
Bluffs  American  Legion  Charles  Wolford  Post. 

In  the  July  28th  issue  of  the  Times  headlines  were 
Flood  water,  mud  and  wind  damage  heavy  in  the  Bluffs 
and  Neelyville  area. 

A  dynamite  explosion  at  Meredosia  claimed  the 
lives  of  Russell  Owens,  V.G.  Perry,   35,  and  Carl  Beau- 
champ.  Two  other  men  were  seriously  injured  in  the 
explosion.  The  men  were  returning  riding  in  the  back  of 
a  truck,   when  the  dynamite  which  was  left  over  from  a 
sewer  opening  job  they  had  been  on,  exploded  in  the 
truck. 

Lt.  Vincent  Castle  was  killed  in  air  action  in  the 
European  theatre  of  operations  during  world  war  II,  his 
body  was  returned  to  Bluffs  for  re-burial  in  August  of  1948. 

Highway  patrolman  Charles  Batley  was  seriously 
injured  and  moved  to  Barnes  hospital  in  St.  Louis  when 
the  patrol  car  in  which  he  was  riding  was  in  pursuit  of  a 
stolen  vehicle  and  a  truck  pulled  into   the    path   of   the 
patrol  car. 

Paul  'Wuz'  Johnson  was  killed  at  work  September 
of  1948.    He  was  working  on  a  car  and  was  killed  ^y 
110  volts  of  electricity. 

James  Baird  received  serious  injuries  when  he  fell 
from  a  ladder  while  painting  at  the  E.L.  Kendall  home 
in  Bluffs  October  12th.  He  fell  some  sixteen  feet  and  was 
taken  to  the  Passavant  hospital  where  he  remains  a  patient 
for  treatment  of  the  injuries. 


-54- 


BEST  WISHES  FOR  A 
SUCCESSFUL  ANNIVERSARY  ! 

Woodcock 
Funeral  Home 

Winchester,  Illinois 


CONGRATULATIONS 
TO  BLUFFS  ON  THEIR  CENTENNIAL 
From 

REPUBLICAN 
CENTRAL  COMMITTEE 

SCOTT    COUNTY 


1871    -    1971 
Congratulations  and  Best  Wishes! 

Anders  Gulf 

24  HOUR  WRECKER  SERVICE 


Cherry  & 
Main  Street 


Winchester, 
Illinois 


Gulf 

Phone:742-3213  -  Night  Phone:742-3545 


CONGRATULATIONS ! 

XX  KJiIIq   o    »    o    o   •   o 


Moss  Trucking 


Winchester,  Illinois 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 


Frost's 

Clothing 
Store 


East 
Side 
Square 


Winchester, 
Illinois 


CONGRATULATIONS 

On    Your 
100TH    ANNIVERSARY! 


WE  WISH  YOU  A  SUCCESSFUL 
CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION! 


THE 
FIRST  STATE  BANK 


WINCHESTER,  ILL. 
Since  1867 


FDI€ 


A  FULL 

SERVICE 

BANK 


-55- 


The  1949  Frazer  was  on  sale 
at  the  Bluffs  Garage. 

Mr.  and  Mrs,  E.   L.   Kendall 
donated  the  former  property  of 
the  Bluffs  Telephone  Exchange 
to  the  village  of  Bluffs  to  be 
used  as  a  library. 

Order  of  the  Eastern  Star  of 
Floy  Chapter  elected  \'irginia 
Lemme  as  Worthy  Matron  and 
Earl  Albers  as  Worthy  Patron 
for  the  upcoming  year.     Mrs. 
John  Korty  only  charter  mem- 
ber of  the  O.  E.  S.   present  at 
the  installation  of  officers. 

Dawn  Rebekah  Lodge  elect- 
ed officers  for  the  year.  Mrs. 
Wm.   Lemme  elected  Noble 
Grand,   while  Mrs.  Orville 
Gathard  elected  Vice  Grand,   Mrs.  James  Baird,    Sec., 
and  Staff  Chaplain  and  Mrs.  Donald  Mullens,   Treasurer. 
Heavy  damage  from  ice  and  sleet  did  considerable 
damage  in  January  of  1949  to  homes,  power,   light  ser- 
vice. 

Harold  Bridgman  elected  as  President  of  the  Bluffs 
Civics  Club  and  C.C,  Kleinfelter,   Sec.  Donald  Sloan, 
Vice.  Pres.,   and  Fred  Mimtman  Treasurer. 

The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arthur  HulHnger  at  the 
east  edge  of  Bluffs  was  destroyed  by  fire  Sunday  Feb.  13, 
1949.  Mr.  Marion  HuUinger  was  asleep  in  the  bedroom 
and  escaped  without  serious  damage. 

St.  John's  Lutheran  Church  was  to  dedicate  the 
new  organ  at  services  Sunday. 

Bluffs  Junior  Woman's  Club  was  to  sponsor  a  card 
party  to  benefit  the  proposed  Youth  Center  for  the  Village. 

The  Student  Council  of  Bluffs  High  School  made  a 
visit  to  the  Office  of  the  Secretary  of  State  in  Springfield 
the  last  week  of  March,   1949. 

Harold  Oakes  was  elected  to  the  County  School 
Board  in  April. 

A  fire  of  xinknown  origin  damaged  the  St,  Patricks' 
Catholic  Church  here.  Damage  was  estimated  at  about 
$100.00  . 

Mrs,  Guss  Andres  was  elected  President  of  the 
W.S.C.S.  in  April. 

Little  Lee  Frederick  narrowly  escaped  drowning 
in  a  gold  fish  pool  at  the  home  of   Mrs.  Mamie  Knoeppel 
Water  was  considerably  deeper  than    he    could   wade.  He 
waded  in  over  his  head  trying  to  retrieve  an  arrow  he 
shot  from  his  miniature  bow  and  arrow.  Grant  Little 
rescued  the  child  from  a  sure  death. 

Betty  Tuscher,  Evelyn  Chambers  and  Patricia  Tuscher 
graduated  from  Nurses  Training  in  May  of  1949. 

The  Bluffs  Farmers  Grain  Company  poured  the  con- 
crete for  a  new  scale  pit. 

Richard  King,    33,   Bluffs,  has  been  appointed  a  pa- 
trolman for  the  State  Police  force  of  Illinois. 

The  1949  graduating  class  of  Bluffs  High  School 
consisted  of  the  following:  Harry  Brown,   Raymond  Camp- 
bell,  Roy  Griffin,  Kenneth  Hutton,   Lorene  Kaehlert, 
Berkley  Little,  Joan  Lau,    Neil  Parker,   Erma  Jean  Parks, 
Howard  Six,   Harlan  Schone,   Leo  Smith,   Jr.,   and  Robert 
Lee  Smith. 


Once  a  bustling  railroad  depot,  the  local  depot  now  sports 
but  one  building.  In  former  days.  Bluffs  served  as  one  of 
the  hubs  of  much  activity,  and  sported  a  big  railroad  yard. 
Many  employees  worked  out  of  here,  and  officials  visited 
daily.  An  era  gone  by,  even  though  about  eighteen  trains 
now  pass  through  Bluffs  daily. 

Thousands  of  pounds  of  fish  were  killed  in  the  drain- 
age ditches  leading  to  the  Scott  Coimty  pumping  station 
last  week  when  liquid,  sprayed  from  the  air  to  kill  cut 
worms,  posioned  the  water. 

The  annual  Oakes  Wheat  Day  was  to  be  held  June 
17th  on  the  Naples-Bluffs  road. 

A  faulty  journal  on  a  freight  car  caused  it  to  leave 
the  track  east  of  Bluffs  Saturday  morning  and  1,  600  rail- 
road ties  were  damaged  along  with  one  switch  and  a  frog. 

The  Neelyville  Church  was  to  receive  a  full  base- 
ment with  kitchen,   dining  room,  rest  rooms  and  a  new 
heating  system  in  the  near  future. 

Trudy  Hierman,   daughter  of  Mrs.  Blanche  Collins 
of  Jacksonville  formerly  of  Bluffs  died  of  bums  sustained 
that  morning  when  her  clothing  caught  fire  while  she  was 
playing  with  matches. 

Harry  Brown  was  awarded  the  Farm  Degree  at  the 
21st  Annual  Convention  of  Future  Farmers  of  America. 

Much  remodeling  was  being  done  on  the  Bluffs 
School  in  preparation  for  the  opening  of  school  in  the 
faU. 

Charles  Wolford  Post  elected  the  following  officers: 
Commander  George  Krog,  First  Vice  Commander  David 
Dunham,   Second  vice  commander  Robert  Priest. 

The  Bank  of  Bluffs  was  making  preparations  for  the 
observance  of  their  56th  year  of  business. 

Harold  "Tweed"  Baird  was  seriously  injured  Sunday 
afternoon  August  13  when  the  motorcycle  he  was  riding 
plimged  thru  a  ditch  and  board  fence  at  the  Leroy  Pond 
home  on  State  Route  100. 

Mrs.  Roy  Vortman  was  seriously  injured  at  the 
home  of  the  Leo  Nwtrup's  when  a  tree  they  were  felling, 
fell  on  her  and  broke  her  leg  in  two  places. 

O.  E.  S.  Installed  officers  in  November  for  the  com- 
ing year.  Mrs.  M.C.  Parker  as  Worthy  Matron,   Mrs. 
Cynthia  Newberry  and  Chaplin  and  Mrs.  Glen  Brockhouse 
as  Marshal. 


-56- 


1871 


1971 


Best  Wishes 

BLUFFS 


From.  .  .  .  . 


Placke's  '66'  Service 

and 

Soft  Creme 


Francis  and  Fern 
Susan  &  Marilyn 


1871  BEST  WISHES 

Don's  Barber  Shop 

Don  Savage  -  Bluffs,  111, 


1971 


Bluffs 


1871-1971 


BANK  OF  BLUFFS 


btablished  1S93 


Good  fortune  and  continued  Success 

Dorothy^  Flowers  &  Gifts 

107  We  Washington 
Pittsfield,  Illinois 


Congratulations,  Bluffs 

Cunningham  Funeral  Home 

DENTON  &  MARJORIE  COONROD 
Winchester,  Illinois 


^^^^  BLUFFS 

BEST    WISHES    from.  . 


1971 


o      e      o      o 


Bridgman's 
Nationwide  Store 

Harold  and  Bernice 


Best  Wishes    From 


o      o      o 


Cox  Plumbing  &  Heating 

Wiring  &  Cooling 
Winchester,  Illinois 


May  your  next  100  Years  be  Successful  I 

Western  Auto  Dealer 

OF  WINCHESTER 


Compliments  of 

Mille's  Fashion  Store 
Nick^s  Shoe  Store 

Red  Wing  Shoes  -  Winchester,  IlL 


-57- 


lidl 


n 


BROCKHOUSE  POWER  PLANT  was  owned  and  operated  by 
Fred  Brockhouse,  pictured  above  on  left  (2nd  man  unknown), 
who  furnished  the  power  that  was    available  for  the  street 
lights  and  homes.    As  electricity  was  just  coming  into 
"being",  Mr.  Brockhouse  became  one  of  the  most  import- 
ant men  in  Bluffs. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Floyd  Hierman  announced  in  Decem- 
ber of  1949  their  cafe,  which  has  been  in  operation  imder 
their  management  for  the  past  ten  years  would  close  its 
doors  to  business  December  10th. 

Bluffs  Masons  installed  officers  for  1950.  Arthur 
Hoots  was  Worshipful  W .  M . 

Frank  Chambers  was  enacted  in  January  of  1950  to 
head  the  Bluffs  Civics  Club. 

The  W.H.  Green  G  Son  Hardware  Store  will  close 
within  the  next  few  weeks,   and  in  its  place  two  new  • 
businesses  will  be  established.  Miss  Vera  Chambers  will 
open  a  beauty  shop  in  one  portion  of  the  building  and  Mrs. 
P.M.   Green  will  have  a  "Ready  to  Wear"  shop  in  the  other 
portion. 

The  Bluffs  Kroger  Store  was  broken  into  over  the 
weekend.  Over  100  cartons  of  cigarettes  and  bacon  were 
reported  missing. 

Contracts  were  let  in  February  of  1950  fw  the  Muni- 
cipal Water  Plant  at  Meredosia. 

The  Od-Re  Theatre  is  under  new  management  as 
of  March  of  1950.  It  is  now  being  managed  by  ],  Ogden 
Sears. 

Mrs.  Clarence  Mueller  was  named  President  of  the 
Bluffs  P.T.A.  at  their  final  meeting  of  the  year.  She  will 
assume  her  duties  in  the  fall. 

The  homes  of  the  following  were  receiving  remodeling 
work  during  June-The  Bruce  Hutton  home,  the  Gus  Albers 
home.   The  Harry  Geisendorfer  home  and  the  home  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Dick  Comerford.  The  home  of  CO.  Mueller  is 
receiving  a  face-lifting  by  way  of  a  new  paint  job. 

The  graduating  class  of  1950  consisted  of  the  follow- 
ing: Doris  Albers,   Stanley  Baulos,   Russell  Collison,  Wal- 
ter Deterding,   Joyce  Fletcher,  Harold  Meier,   Cynthia 
Sailer,   Edith  Angel,  Wayne  Buhlig,   Betty  Crum,   Roger 


Mit 


'J^. 


Emerick,  Reva  Hearold, 
Dorothy  Merris,  Billy  Joe 
Smitii,  Howard  Hullinger, 
Carol  Arnold,  Vernon  Cock- 
erill,  Wanda  Davis,  Rita 
Evans,  Wilbur  Mathews, 
Irma  Dean  Mueller,  LeRoy 
Vortmai:^   George  Richard 
Beckey  and  Harold  Adams. 

The  operator  of  the 
Bluffs  Depot  a  few  years 
ago,   C.  C.   Klinefelter, 
visited  H.H.  Arnold  in 
Meredosia  and  also  the 
Bluffs  Depot  on  a  recent 
visit  to  this  area.  Mr. 
Tewkesberry  was  the  agent 
at  Bluffs  when  he  was  the 
night  operator. 

The  new  Filling  Station 
and  Cafe  nearing  comple- 


tion at  the  Junction  of  Routes  100  and  36  will  be  operated 
by  Joseph  Evans  and  his  brother  Gerald,   according  to  reports 
received  here. 

Coming  events  listed  in  June  of  1950  were:  Legion 
Picnic  July  15,   Exeter  Burgoo  July  27,   lOOF  Picnic  July 
29th  and  Civic  Club  Picnic  August  5th. 

Harold  Oakes  was  elected  President  of  the  school  board, 
Hierman's  Gamble  store  opened  with  row  after  gleaming  row 
of  all  kinds  of  items  for  sale,   and  the   C.  I.  P.  S.   Co.  was 
using  50  to  60  car  loads  of  coal  daily  via  the  Wabash  Railroad. 

Frank  Chambers  was  elected  t-resident  of  the  Bluffs  Civic 
Club,  George  Krusa  was  vice  president,  F.  J.  Muntman  was 
treasurer  and  C.  C.   Klinefelter  was  secretary. 

Raymond  Arnold,   John  Arnold,   and  Mrs.   Clyde  Propeck 
was  called  to  jury  duty. 

The  old  Arundel  Livery  Barn  was  razed  next  to  Central 
Motor  Garage,   and  the  Bluffs  Locker  Plant  was  sold  to  T.  B, 
Meehan,   then  took  over  by  Central  Motor  Sales,  who  were 
DeSota-Plymouth  dealers. 

The  Bluffs  City  Hall  collapsed  Thursday,   August  10th, 
amid  a  shower  of  flying  boards  and  debris,   and  Robert  Long, 
CIPS  Service  man  for  Bluffs  and   Meredosia,  was  killed  when 
he  came  in  contact  with  a  hot  wire  as  he  was  trying  to  shut 
off  electricity  to  the  building.   Five  others  narrowly  escaped 
death  under  the  tons  of  brick  and  mortar.   Citizens  rushed  to 
the  scene  following  the  thundering  crash,  but  it  was  five 
minutes  or  more  before  the  cloud  of  dust  cleared  away  and 
it  was  known  that  all  workmen  were  alive. Cliff  Jones,  Clyde 
Vanhyning  and  Moxie  Crews,   had  been  working  at  the  site, 
as  had  Donald  Korty,  who  had  just  entered  his  station  wagon 
when  the  building  fell  on  his  car,   crushing  the  car  roof  in, 
as  Korty  dived  to  the  floor  uninjured.  Long  had  been  eating 
lunch  when  called  to  the  scene  of  the  building  cave  in.  Dis- 
pite  artificial  respiration  by  Jake  Dunham,   P.  H.  Vannier 
Leroy  Pond,   Charles  Bates  and  others.   Long  was  believed  to 
have  been  dead  when  he  fell  backwards  and  hung  from  the 
pole,   : according  to  Dr.  O.  H.  Berry. 

Officers  were  elected  in  August  for  the  Charles  Wol- 
ford  American  Legion  Post.  They  are:  Leroy  Pond-Comman- 
der,  1st  Vice  Commander-Henry  '  ikes,   2nd  Vice  Comman- 
der Richard  King,   Adjutant  Frai       Ihambers,  Finance  Of- 


-58- 


1871     Bluffs     1971 
Compliments  of 

Koffee  Kup  Kafe 

June  &  Bill  Nunes 
Bluffs,  Illinois 


COMPLIMENTS 
TO  THE  VILLAGE  OF  BLUFFS 
Byo., 

DEMOCRAT 
CENTRAL  COMMITTEE 

SCOTT    COUNTY 


Compliments  of 


Illinois  Rural  Electric  Co. 

WINCHESTER,   ILLINOIS 


--^0-    ^S$2^ 


Congratulations  on  your 
100th  Anniversary 

Winchester  Farmers 
Elevator  Ca 

Winchester,  Illinois 

MURPHY'S    &    HUBBARD 
FEEDS 


1871    --  "    1971 

ONE  HUNDRED  YEARS 

Frances  Crabtree 

COUNTY  CLERK 

OF 
SCOTT  COUNTY 

Dolores  T.  Johnson 

DEPUTY  COUNTY  CLERK 


Congratulations  and  Best  Wishes 
On  Your  Centennial 

James  A.  Cockerill 

County  Treasurer  &  Collector 
Of   Scott   County 

Donna  Cockerill  Burns 

Deputy 


-59- 


ficer  Wm.  Chambers  and  Chaplain  J.  A.  Knoeppel. 

Land  was  secured  by  the  Scott  County  Cooperative  Mar- 
keting Association  from  John  Pine  on  Route  100  just  south  of 
Bluffs  to  construct  a  stock  yards.  The  Marketing  Association 
had  been  using  the  Wasbash  yards  west  of  the  depot. 

Spectators  saw  their  first  football  game  in  Bluffs  the  21st 
of  September,    1950  when  Meredosia  ran  up  a  basketball  score 
and  held  the  Bluffs  team  to  a  zero.  .  .  .football  was  all  new  to 
Bluffs.   They  have  a  band  that  had  a  lot  of  practice  and  as  one 
proud  loser  said  after  the  game,  "The  Bluffs  Band  out-marched 
Uie  Meredosia  Football  team!" 

Fire  of  unknown  origin  damaged  the  apartjnent  over 
the  Post  Office  last  Thursday  Morning.    Considerable  dam- 
age was  done  to  the  apartment.  The  mail,   ready  for  dis- 
tribution below  the  apartment  was  moved  into  the  street 
for  safety  precautions. 

In  September  Harry  Rueter  of  Winchester  had  been  rais- 
ing the  old  wooden  metal  covered  grain  elevator  in  Bluffs 
and  about  all  that  remains  now  is  the  shed  covering  the 
east  driveway  into  the  concrete  elevator. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lewis  VanHyning  of  Bluffs,   received  a 
telegram  from  the  Government  in  September  that  their  son 
William  had  been  wounded  September  7th  in  Korea. He  is 
nnw  in  a  Veteran's  hospital  for  treatment. 

Samuel  L,  Mtu-dock  was  hired  to  serve  as  superintendent 
of  the  Bluffs  schools,   coming  here  from  Boring,   Mo.  . 

The  Methodist  Church  exterior  was  undergoing  a  "face 
lifting"  in  the  form  of  pointing,   and  Freesen  Bros,  were  com- 
pleting a  metal  machine  and  equipment  building  on  one  of 
the  lots  purchased  from  the  Emma  Batley  estate. 

Funeral  services  were  held  for  Harold  Crum  who  was 
injured  in  a  football  game  and  hospitalized  for  a  head  in- 
jury. His  immediate  cause  of  death  was  listed  as  pneumonia. 
The  lad  was  17  years  of  age. 

December,    1950  "Best  Wishes"  at  Christmas  Times 
in  The  Times  came  from  the  following  Bluffs  merchants: 
Bank  of  Bluffs,   Bluffs  Garage,    Robert  Bingham,   Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Fay  Main,  Central  Motor  Sales,   Paul  B.   Smith,   Mr. 
and  Mrs. Hugh  Moore,   Meiers  Texaco,   Bluffs  Hardware  Co., 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  Dugan,   Margaret  Watson,   Bluffs  Farm- 
ers Grain  Co.,   as  well  as  other  well  known  merchants  out- 
side the  Bluffs  area. 

Harold  Frohwitter  was  the  only  Justice  of  Peace  in  Scott 
County  and  William  Kilve''  was  installed  as  Worshipful  Mas- 
ter of  the  Masonic  Lodge  in  Bluffs. 

In  January  1951  Raymond  Arnold,   Mary  Damin,   M.J. 
Baulos,   Bernice  Bridgman  were  ordered  to  report  for  jury 
duty;  and  George  Kursa  was  elected   president  of  the 
Civic  Club;  Jack  Moore,  Vice  President;  F.J.  Mtmtman 
treasurer;  C.  C.   Klinefelter,   secretary  and  Harvey  Vortman, 
Clyde  Williams,   J.   O.  Chambers,   Charles  Krusa,  James 
Parker  and  Henry  Kilver,   members  of  the  board  of  directors. 

One  tank  car  and  a  box  car  were  thrown  off  the  main 
line  January  9th  and  two  other  cars  were  telescoped  near  the 
city  waterworks  when  a  train  was  being  made   up.  Traffic 
was  at  a  halt  until  a  wrecker  arrived  from  Decatxir. 

Playing  on  the  Bluejay  team  at  the  high  school  was 
Watson,   Little,   Deterding,   Bamett,   H.Edlen,   and  Evans. 
On  Thursday,   Feb.  2nd  nineteen  freight  cars  piled  up 
in  the  Wabash  railroad  yards  in  Bluffs,  when  a  car  left  the 
track  and  plunged  into  the  steel  coal  chute  just  west  of  the 
depot.  Section  men  nearby  narrowly  escaped  injury  in  the 


accident  which  destroyed  an  estimated  $100,000  in  property 
and  tied  up  the  main  line  until  Saturday. 


Pictiu«d  to  the 
left  is  coal  chute  that 
was  wrecked.    Prior 
to  the  building  of  this 
one,   Dan  Harvey  used 
to  tell  how  he  went  to 
work  in  the  OLD  coal 
chutes  in  1892.  It  was 
situated  near  the  pre- 
sent hard  road  cross- 
ing.  On  March  10, 
1896  opened  the  shed, 
scooped  and  dumped 
the  first  ton  of  coal  to 
the  late  Thomas 
O'Brien  who  was  on 
engine  No.  47.     Mr. 
O'Brien's  fireman  was 
Jack  Mains.   The  old 
chute  was  torn  down 
and  replaced  by  an 
automatic  chute,  des- 
troyed   with  a  bang! 


A  burned  out  journal  was  credited  with  causing  the 
wreck.  The  truck  on  one  of  the  cars,  in  the  diesel  drawn 
freight  going  west,   left  the  rail  near  NeelyAdlle  and  damag- 
ed the  track  and  switches  into  Bluffs.  It  was  noticed  by  Clyde 
Goodin,  crossing  watchman,  but  too  late  to  warn  engineer 
Bernard  "Young  Fizz"  Vannier.   Automobile  carburators, 
wheel  bearings,  radiator  grills,  coal,   soy  bean  flour  and 
other  merchandise  were  scattered  over  the  snow  when  the 
steel  cars  split  -ivide  open  by  the  impact  which  toppled 
the  steel  coal  tower  onto  another  freight  car  and  carried  it 
a  distance  from  its  concrete  moorings.  Hundreds  of  specta- 
tors visited  the  wreck  but  the  sub-zero  temperatme  kept 
them  moving. 


When  train  knocked  the  c        shed  down  at  Bluffs. 


-60- 


In  November  1950  the  Gulf  Station  changed  hands. 
Jeiry  Hatfield  sold  his  interest  to  Don  Moore,  who  took 
over  the  business  Saturday  morning. 

Margaret  Watson  was  installed  as  Worthy  Matron  and 
Artlrur  Hoots  as  Worthy  Patron  of  the  Eastern  Star. 

Mr.    and  Mrs.  Louis  VanHyning  again  received  word 
that  their  son  William  was  wounded  a  second  time  inKorea. 
The  wounds  this  time  were  not  believed  to  be  serious.  He 
was  awarded  the  purple  heart  for  his  endeavors  in  the 
Korean  conflict. 

WilUam  Kilver  was  installed  as  Worshipful  Master  of 
the  Masonic  Lodge  No.  846  of  Bluffs  on  December  20th. 

Double  funeral  rites  were  held  Monday  afternoon  for 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  Burrus  of  Bluffs  who  were   found 
dead  in  their  home  Friday  morning  as  a  result  of  bullet 
wounds.   Mr.  Burrus  shot  his  wife  and  then  committed 
suicide. 

In  April  C.R.  Wills,  cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Bluffs,  was 
elected  president  of  the  Illinois  Bankers  Association,  Dis- 
trict 5,   at  a  meeting  held  in  Quincy. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.   Bernard  Flynn  have  taken  over  the  Gulf 
Service  Station  in  Bluffs.   Mr.  Flynn  was  formerly  employ- 
ed at  the  Wabash  Round  House. 

The  graduating  class  of  1951  consisted  of  the  following: 
June  Albers,   Helen  Barfield,   Paul  Boehs,    Franklin  Camp- 
bell,  Roland  Deterding,   Harold  Edlen  ,    Shirley  Gathard, 
June  Kesterson,   Johnnie  Merriman,   Gerald  Hoots,    Lucy 
Jackson,   Darlene  Mueller,    Shirley  Parker,    Lorene  Rebbe, 


■i^H'IBf^"  HM 


The  Mueller  homestead  about  two  miles  northeast 
of  Bluffs  is  still  owned  and  operated  by  Bernard  ("Barn- 
ey") Mueller's  granddaughter,   Henrietta  Schweer. 
(May  31,   1971) 

Center:    Bernard  Rudolph  Mueller  with  his  wife 
Marie  Elizabeth  Brokamp  Mueller  and  their  four  small 
children,  Ed.  Fred,   Oscar  and  Lewis.    (Annie  Marie  Ade- 
line Nortrup  died  in  Childbirth  when  their  daughter  Lena 
Christine  was  bom.)  At  the  well:  Dietrick  J,  Mueller. 
Standing:  Lena  Christine  Mueller  (later  Hallowell) 
Holding  horse:  John  Mueller.    In  the  buggy:  Aima  Mar- 
gretha  Mueller  (later  Schweer)  and  Barbara  Vortman  who 
became  Mrs.  Wm.  G.  Mueller  in  tlie  fall  of  1891. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  estimate  the  monetary 
value  of  the  farm  products,  such  as  butter,   eggs,   poultry, 
meats,  vegetables,   fruits  and  nuts  furnished  to  Bluffs  resi- 
dents from  this  farm  dviring  this  century,  but  by  legend 
Rudolf  sold  his  first  bushel  of  peaches  to  John  Onken  of 
Chapin. 


Emily  Schone,     Barbara  Tuscher  and  Jack  Welch. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  O.  A.   Woodson  celebrated  their  50th 
wedding  anniversary  in  June  of  1951. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.   Dick  Brockhouse  are  grandparents  of  a 
sixteen  pound  baby  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wm.  Brockhouse 
near  Winchester. 

William  VanDeventer  and  Paul  Albers,   both  of  Bluffs, 
and  Terrance  Marz,   age  4,   of  Chicago,   are  dead  as  a  re- 
sult of  a  head-on  collision  of  two  cars  early   Sunday  morn- 
ing August  3  near  the  Wm.    Ash  home  on  State  Route  36 
east  of  Jacksonville.   Burl  Hart,   also  a  passenger  was  hurl- 
ed thru  the  windshield.  Others  in  the  crash  were  not  badly 
hurt.   There  were  three  others  involved  in  the  tradegy. 

Joyce  Rebbe,   daughter  of  Mr.   and  Mrs.  Wm.   Rebbe 
graduated  from  Nurses  Training. 

Eddie  James  lost  the  sight  of  his  left  eye  recently  when 
driving  hogs  at  the  Arthur  Likes  farm.  His  eye  was  pierced 
with  a  thorn. 


-61- 


Officers  were  elected  for  the  Bluffs  Legion  Post  #441 
for  1952,  Commander  was  William  Kendall. 

Bluffa  A.l.  G  A.  M.   installed  officers  for  the  year. 
Worshipful  Master  was  Trank  Chambers. 

Bluffs  Civic  Club  elected  officers  with  Jack  Moore  as 
president,  Harold  Kilver  Vice  president,  F.J.  Muntman 
Treasurer  and  C.C.  Kleinfelter  Secretary. 

In  January  of  1952  Dr.  Harold  Oliver  opened  his  gene- 
ral practice  in  the  office  of    Dr.  Berry  and  has  made   his 
home  with  them  for  the  present  time. 

Dr.  O.  H.   Berry  died  in  February  leaving  our  town  with- 
out a  doctor.    Dr.    Oliver  who  came  here   a  few  weeks  ago 
left  due  to  technical  difficulties  with  the  Illinois  Medical 
Association.  Dr.   Berry  had  been  in  business  in  Bluffs 
since  1943. 

Dick  Flynn,   son  of  Mr.   and  Mrs.   Bernard  Flynn  escaped 
drowning  in  the  Mauvaisterre  Creek  when  a  tree  he  was 
leaning  against  gave  away  and  plimged  him  into  the 
water.    His  father  rescued  him. 

Pemell  Hutton  took  over  management  of  the  Gulf  Ser- 
vice Station  in  April.  Mr.   and  Mrs.  Bernard  Flynn  sold 
him  their  interest  in  the  business. 

Bluffs  secured  the  services  of  Dr,  Albert  A.  Kuehn  of 
Michigan.  He  will  begin  his  practice  soon. 

Bluffs  graduating  class  of  1952  consisted  of  the  follow- 
ing: Jack  Barnett,   Joseph  Evans,   Harold  Beddingfield, 
Vivian  Rowe,  Wanda  Hutton,  Wanda  Stegeman,   Susie 
Collison,    Walt  Schmitz,   Donald  Collison,    Betty  Jo  Gre- 
gory, Janiece  Smith  Littig,   Loraine  Watson,   Margaret 
Berry,     Doris    EUerman,     Barbara    Andres,    Karrie    Albers, 
Vera  Lovekamp. 

Bluffs  Odd  Fellows  elected  Horace  Grimes  Noble 
Grand  and  Clyde   Propeck  Vice  Grand. 

Harold  Arnold,   Bluffs  youth,  was  promoted  to  the  rank 
of  First  Lieutenant  at  Columbus,   Ohio. 

Work  of  re-building,  re-sanding  and  re-graveling  the 
filters  at  the  Bluffs  water  plant  were  completed  in  August 
of  1952  according  to  Huge   Moore,  water  superintendent. 

Bluffs  Elevator  Man,  Orval  Davis  was  honored  for  25 
years  of  service  in  October. 

The  Gulf  Service  Station  was  sold  by  Pernell  Hutton 
to  Kenneth  Boes  who  took  over  management. 

A  large  corn  crib  and  lean-to  machine  shed  were  con- 
sumed by  a  fire  of  mysterious  origin  at  the  Leroy  Castle 
farm  north  of  Bluffs.  Approximately  2,  700  bushels  of  corn 
were  still  burning  three  days  later. 

Central  Motor  Sales  were  showing  the  '53  Hudson  at 
their  showroom. 


The  two  story  frame  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Raymond 
Mueller  north  of  Bluffs  was  destroyed  by  fire  Friday  morn- 
ing when  an  oil  heating  stove  went  out  of  control.  Heat 
and  smoke  prevented  volunteers  from  saving  any  of  the 
contents  of  the  home. 

Bluffs  residents  were  without  water  for  a  seven  hour 
period  Tuesday  night.  A  6-inch  spur  which  leads  from  the 
water  main  to  the  Paul  B.   Smith  Trucking  Co.  broke. 

Harold  Kilver  was  named  President  of  the  Bluffs  Civic 
Club  and  Robert  Freesen  vice  president  in  January  1953. 

Ed  Kearney  was  badly  shaken  up  and  Tom  Bemis'  knees 
were  injured  when  a  caboose  and  engine  side  swiped 
at  a  switch  near  the  round  house  in  Bluffs  yards  Sunday 
morning. 

The  worst  snow  blizzard  of  the  year  arrived  with  the 
beginning  of  March,   snow  drifts  halted  traffic  on  state 
highways  Sunday  night  and  there  was  no  school  Monday 
or  Tuesday  in  Bluffs  because  of  snow  on  county  roads. 
John  Enke  was  crushed  to  death  Wednesday  morning 
when  his  tractor  turned  turtle  as  he  was  dragging  a  tree 
up  the  bank  of  a  wide  and  deep  roadside  ditch.  He  was 
killed  instantly. 

Dick  and  Albert  Coultas  are  in  the  process  of  building 
a  Grain  Elevator  at  Florence.  The  Coultas  brothers  are 
Winchester  residents. 

Donna    Jane  Smith,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Paul  B. 
Smith  was  chosen  by  the  Bluffs  School  faculty  to  be  the 
recipient  of  a  scholarship  for  one  week  at  the  summer's 
Egyptian  Music  Camp. 

Mrs.   Leroy  Pond  was  installed  as  President  of  the  Bluffs 
Junior  Woman's  Club. 

Charlotte  Evans,   daughter  of  Mr.   and  Mrs.  Joe  Evans 
was  elected  to  attend  Girl's  State  for  1953. 

The  CIPS  walk  out  of  power  generating  employees  con- 
tinued into  the  second  week  without  any  change  in  nego- 
tiable problems  and  without  interruption  of  service  to  the 
customers  served  by  the  utility  in  May  of  1953. 

The  1953  graduating  class  of  Bluffs  High  School  con- 
sisted of:  Earl  "ash,   Fran  Oakes,   Clarence  Huseman, 
Barbara  Hutton,   Gary  Fearneyhough,   Norman  Little,   Frank 
Grimes,   Donna  Hamman,   Cecil  Campbell,   Leo  Watson, 
Donald  Merriman,  Barbara  McDaniel,  Virginia  Master- 
son,   Imogene  Lovekamp,  James  Davis  and  Shirley  Kester- 
son. 

In  July  the  Bluffs  Hardware  Companywas  busy  installing 
a  foot  operated  water  fountain  in  Lewis  Park. 

The  Bates  ambulance  assisted  in  moving  about  fifty 
patients  from  the  old  Passavant  hospital  to  the  new  struc- 
~~~~    ture  last  week. 

The  Bank  of  Bluffs,  the  oldest  business  establish- 
ment in  Bluffs  with  continued  service,  will  celebrate 
its  60th  anniversary  in  August. 


Pictured  to  the  left  is  H.  D.  Kilpatrick  and  his  pair 
of  matched  black  horses  used  only  with  the  hearse  for 
funeral  processions.  Mr.   Kilpatrick  was  famous  for 
this  pair  of  "blacks"  and  when  he  later  purchased  a 
brand  spanking  new  motor  coach,   his  horses  remain- 

I ed  a  favorite  of  the  community.  The  picture  was  taken 

aJ«H  in  the  early  1900's,   and  S.  J.  Sawyer  is  on  left,  Mr. 
Kilpatrick  on  right  in  seat  of  hearse. 


-62. 


G/)fUjwJ(d(iiilofii  md  "Zcit  WUki  On  ^ou  lOOtk  Amummf! 


1S65 


€lt^  prst  ^jitiixttjil  Jfwtk  ^l  f  tttsfi^lit 


FI>li 


PITTSFIELD.  ILLINOIS 

IN  OUR  2nci  CENTURY 


197f 


"^FVLL^ 


tofujfujii^^ 


On    Your 
100TH    ANNIVERSARY! 


( .A_  \ 

iking] 

i         -» 

Pittsfield 

BlandinsvJIle  -  Griggsi^jlle 

Illinois 


BEST   WISHES   from 

Dainty   Dress  Shop 

(Bea  &  Cotton  McKenna) 

North  Side  Square  ^wf 

Pittsfield,  Illinois 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 

Lowry  Music  Company 


Pittsfield,     Illinois 


HAPPY  lOOTH  BIRTHDAY 

Sandidge  Studio 

Pittsfield,  Illinois 


-63- 


The  "Spot  Cafe"   reopened  Saturday  under  the  manage- 
ment of  Mrs,   Charles  Batley.   It  was  formerly  operated  by 
Mrs.  Myrtle  Williams. 

Hail  stones  as  large  as  quarters  did  much  damage  in  the 
northern  part  of  Scott  county  where  the  area  bordered  the 
old  Phillips  Ferry  road  and  went  east.  This  occured  in  late 
August. 

Baird  Brothers  are  busy  razing  the  old  metal  covered 
truck  entrance  to  the  Bluffs  Farmers  Elevator  and  a  new 
concrete  block  driveway  with  concrete  floor  will  be  in- 
stalled. 

Jess  Batley's  left  arm  was  badly  lacerated  Saturday 
afternoon  when  his  outboard  motor  backfired  and  the  wood- 
en handhold  on  the  pull  cord,   which  caught  on  the  fly 
wheel,   cut,  tore  and  bruised  his  forearm. 

Hubbert  Gregory  and  Howard  Savoie  have  formed  a 
business  partnership  in  radio,  TV,  electric  stoves,  gas 
ranges,  furnaces,  and  other  household  equipment  as  of 
September  1953. 

Hildegarde  Schaeffer  was  named  Queen  of  the  Bluffs 
Civic  Club  Homecoming  for  1953. 

Leroy  Freesen  of  Bluffs  and  Miss  Bonnie  Blair  of  Win- 
chester were  victims  of  an  accident  on  Route  104  east  of 
Jacksonville  Thursday  evening  when  the  1953    Freesen  Ford 
crashed  into  the  side  of  a  freight  car  on  the  Burlington 
switch  leading  into  Mrs.  Tucker's  Plant.  Miss  Blair  will 
be  hospitalized  for  some  time. 

Huge  Moore  resigned  his  position  as  water  superinten- 
dent at  Bluffs  and  will  move  to  Indiana  in  the  near  future. 
Retha  Phillips  was  named  Homecoming  Queen  of  the 
Bluffs  High  School  in  1953. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lee  Morris  were  celebrating  their  49th  year 
of  married  life,   and  Mrs.  Wendell  Brackett  and  Mrs.  Cliff 
Hatch  were  returned  home  from  a  three  week  vacation  thru 
New  York  State  and  Niagara  Falls. 

Jesse  Batley  leased  the  Gulf  Service  Station,  Elmer  Vort- 
man  was  re-elected  to  office  of  Scott  County  Commissioner, 
and  Erwin  Weiss  purchased  the  Barlow  property  sold  at  public 
auction  and  planned  to  open  a  restaurant  in  the  near  future. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  C.  Klinefelter  started  a  moving  trend 
in  Bluffs  when  he  transferred  to  Wabash  duty  at  Mt.  Sterling, 
and  sold  his  home  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ralph  Jones,  who  sold 
their  home  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Woodrow  Swisher.  The  Jones' 
were  glad  to  purchase  the  Klinefelter  home,  for  it  had  been 
built  by  Mrs.  Jones'  grandfather,   Thomas  O'Brien  for  his  wife 
and  two  sons,  John  and  Maurice,   and  sold  to  the  Klinefelters 
upon  the  death  of  Mrs.  Julia  O'Brien.  It  was  like  going  home ! 

Freesen  Bros,  of  Bluffs  and  Vic  Callendar  of  Pittsfield 
moved  40,  000  yards  of  earth  in  23  days  for  the  new  Pitts- 
field  high  school  football  field,  parking  area,   etc.,   and  Bea 
Dick,  George  Beckey  and  James  Monta  arrived  home  from 
southern  Illinois  with  two  large  geese  apiece  for  a  couple 
of  hours  effort;  and  Katherine  Gathard  was  installed  as  Worthy 
Marton  and  Oliver  Chambers  as  Worthy  Patron  in  early  Nov. 

Mrs.  Charlotte  Evans  celebrated  her  80th  birthday  on 
Thanksgiving  Day  and  good  neighbors  cut  wood  at  the  Arch 
Taylor  home,   as  Mr,  Taylor  had  been  quite  ill  with  pneu- 
monia in  Our  Saviour's  Hospital  for  three  weeks. 

Graves,   Edlen,  Likes,  Merris,   G.  Barnett,   F.  Barnett, 
Jackson  and  Kesterson  were  playing  on  the  Bluejay  team. 

Christmas  Advertisers  in  Bluffs  Times  Dec.  23,   1953  were: 
The  Bluffs  Garage,  Charles  Wills  -  Ins.,  Freesen  Brothers, 


J.  M.  Pine,   Bluffs  Hardware  Co.,  Paul  B.  Smith  Trucking, 
Bluffs  Farmers'  Grain  Co.,   Guss  Andres,  Ins.,   Fay  Main, 
F.  R.  Hierman  Gamble  Store,  Muntm an' s  Grocery,  Bates 
Funeral  Home,   Bridgman  Nation-wide   Store,   The  D  G  M 
Tavern,  Hutton's  Texaco  Station,  Drs.  Albert  and  Louise 
Kuehn,   Freddie  G  Hildegarde,     H.  Gregory  Gas  &  Applicances, 
Donald  Korty,   Contractor;  Hullinger  Trucking  Service, 
Howard  Six,   Trucking;  Korty  Produce  Co.,  Bank  of  Bluffs, 
Central  Motors  Sales,   Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  Dugan,  Margaret 
Watson,  The  Bojayne  Cafe  and  Placke  "66"  Service  Station. 

Many  traveled  to  see  the  Nativity  Scene  in  Lewis  Park 
in  Bluffs  with  a  Santa  Claus  and  eight  reindeer  added  this 
year  thru  the  generosity  of  Edward  J.  Lonergan  and  his  artist, 
Danny.  Capitol  Press  Service  provided  the  talent  and  paint, 
the  Bluffe  Civic  Club  the  board  and  Charles  Merris  transpca- 
tation. . 

The  homes  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Guss  Andres  and  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  William  Rolf,  plus  the  Placke  Service  Station  won 
$10.00  prizes  in  the  Christmas  decoration  contest. 

In  January,   1954  the  Superway  market,   owned  jointly  by 
F.  J,  Mxmtman  and  Jack  Moore,   changed  hands  and  Mr. 
Moore  became  the  sole  operator;  and  the  D  &  M  Tavern, 
operated  as  a  partnership  by  George  Dunham  and  Donald 
Moore  changed  to  single  ownership  when  Mr.  Moore  bought 
out  Dunham's  interest  prior  to  January  1st. 

The  R.  E.  A.  annoimced  that  it  had  established  a  service 
crew  at  Bluffs,  with  Allen  Dale  Coultas  is  lineman  in  charge 
and  John  Sandman  as  assistant. 

George  Krusa  piu-chased  a  pressure  irrigation  system  for 
agriculture  use,  which  included  a  150  hp  Cummings  diesel 
motor  with  centrifugal  pump,  valves  and  clutch  together  with 
"i,  000  feet  of  6  inch  aluminum  pipe  with  automatic  ccwp- 
lings  and  headers. 

The  Bluffs  Library  Board  announced  that  the  library  would 
be  moved  from  their  present  place  to  the  site  of  the  former 
Illinois  Telephone  Exchange. 

Lt.  James  Royal  Oakes  received  the  Bronze  Star  Medal 
in  Tokyo  and  Mrs.  Wendell  Brackett  was  chosen  president 
of  the  Bluffs  Woman's  Club  for  the  coming  year. 

Donna  Smith  and  Laine  Comerford  were  crowned  King 
and  Queen  of  the  Bluffs  Band-Booster  Carnival  the  last  of 
February,   and  Mrs.  Glenn  Sievers  was  re-elected  president 
of  the  local  P.  T.  A.  in  March. 

First  Lt.  Charles  F.  Hatfield,  son  of  Mrs.  Margaret  Hat- 
field and  the  late  Mr.  Hatfield,  was  awarded  Silver  Wings 
of  an  Air  Force  pilot  at  Reese  Air  Force  Base,  Texas. 

A  "closed"  sign  hung  on  the  Tuscher  Drug  Store  after 
more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  as  a  business  in  this  com- 
munity. It's  owner,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fred  Tuscher,  moved' 
their  stock  of  drugs  and  other  merchandise  to  Pana,  where 
they  have  established  a  partnership.      Mrs.  E.  J.  Kearney 
received  deep  bums  when  she  was  burned  from  ignited  cloth- 
ing which  had  caught  from  a  discarded  match  thrown  into  a 
steel  container  as  she  cooked  at  her  gas  stove.    Before  the 
fire  could  be  put  out  the  kitchen,   dining  room  and  bedroom 
of  the  Kearney  home  had  been  severly  burned. 

William  Campbell  received  a  cash  award  of  $175  for 
the  boiler  unit  improvement  suggestion  at  the  C.  1.  P.  S.   Co. 
plant  at  Meredosia,   and  was  looking  forward  to  a  Current 
River  fishing  trip  in  June. 

David  Orchard  was  elected  to  the  school  board  in  Bluffs, 
and  Mrs.  Donald  Merris  was  re-elected  president  of  the  WSCS. 


-64- 


VILLAGE  OF 
BLUFFS 

'Bat  WUka  ^m  .  .  . 
Jacksonville  Savings 

and  Loan  Association 

Telephone  245-4111  Area  Code  217 

211  West  State  Street,  Jacksonville,  III. 

In  '71  Make  Jacksonville  Savings  Your 

Thrift  Headquarters 


CONGRATULATIONS 

Cnanen  Auto  Supply 

\Vinchester,  Illinois 


Happy  100th  Birthday 

Hoots  Jewelry  &  Gifts 

Winchester,  Illinois 


BEST  WISHES 

Dahman  Equipment  Inc. 

Winchester,  Illinois 


HAPPY  lOOTH  BIRTHDAY 


Eddingers 


Service  Station 


Winchester,  Illinois 


BluHs 

1871-1971 

CEITSIIIU 


MARSHAll 


eiKISIIillT! 


Quality  Service  Since  1931 

24  Factory  Trained  Employees 
To  Provide  the  Best  of  Service. 


Ipp'-SS 


Telephone:  742-3123         Winchester 


CONGRATULATIONS 

ON  YOUR  CENTENNIAL! 

Herman  Evans  --sheriff 
David  King    -deputy 

OF  SCOTT  COUNTY 


Happy  Centennial,   Bluffs! 

Rose's  Tavern 


ARVIN  ROSE 
BLUFFS,   ILLINOIS 


Happy  Centennial,   Bluffs! 

Marnetta^s  Beauty  Shop 


Marnetta  Gregory 
BLUFFS,   ILLINOIS 


-65- 


The  old  Lewis  Hall  was  gaily  decorated  with  stage  decora- 
tions for  the  1916  graduating  class  of  Bluffs  High  School. 
Graduates  were  Zeta  Merris,   Marie  Thome  Beny,   Floyd 
Hierman  and  LaBelle  Vannier  Merriman. 

Mrs.  J.  M.  Pine  was  elected  first  vice  president  of  the 
20th  District  of  Illinois  Federation  of  Women's  Clubs  at  the 
annual  convention  in  Jerseyville.  Mrs.  Pine  has  been  quite 
active  in  Women's  Clubs  for  a  long  while. 

Gerald  Pahlman,   Roger  Hurrelbrink,   Ronald  Ehlert,   Carol 
Boehs,  Judith  Hurrelbrink  and  Janet  Hurrelbrink,  were  con- 
firmed by  Rev.  John  Deterding,   Pastor  of  the  Trinity  Luth- 
eran Church  Palm  Sunday. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arvin  Rose  and  two  children  of  New  Berlin 
moved  into  the  Arthur  Sandman  liouse  the  first  part  of  May, 
1954  and  have  purchased  the  Ringham  Tavern,   and  Rev.  Irl 
Schahrer,  pastor  of  St.  John's  Lutheran  church  accepted  a 
call  to  Rockport,  Indiana. 

Two  com  cribs  on  the  "Vannier  80"  opposite  the  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Paul  Miller  home  on  Naples  Lane  were  blown  down  in 
a  violent  wind  storm  April  30th;  and  Mrs.  Newton  Gregory 
had  been  hired  by  the  City  Coimcil  as  collector  for  the  water 
and  sewerage  department. 

The  Bluffs  Grade  School  Band,  which  started  practicing 
as  a  unit  January  1st  of  this  year,  won  second  place  under 
the  direction  of  Melvin  DaLhaus  at  the  State  Contest  in 
Herrin  May  8th,   five  months  later.  While  the  band  took 
second  place  in  keen  competition,   the  soloists  and  quartet, 
which  also  won  the  district  meet  top  honors,  were  all  rated 
first  or  second  in  the  state  contest,  and  Miss  Yvonne  Fargo, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Russell  Fargo,  was  chosen  this 
year's  recipient  of  the  Egyptian  Music  Camp  award  offered 
by  the  local  woman's  club. 

According  to  the  local  paper  everyone  was  raising  "hob" 
about  the  dogs  running  loose  in  Bluffs,   and  im-tagged  dogs 
and  "unclaimed"  dogs  when  the  assessor  comes  round.  We 
UkedPrank  Patterson's  answer  to  a  'disinterested  Winchesterite' 

who  lu^ed  vaccination.  It  was  very  pointed,  we  thought 

"What  they  ought  to  do  is  vaccinate  40  or  SO  V.'inchester 
men  -  they  do  more  running  around  nights  than  our  dog.  " 

Graduates  of  the  1954  class  were:  Floyd  Angle,  David 
Arnold,  Gary  Bamett,  Mary  Lou  Beckey,  Shirley  Booker, 
Dale  Buhlig,  Pat  Christison,  Dorothy  Cumby,  Bob  Davis, 
Max  Edlen,  Berniece  Ellerman,   Charlotte  Evans,  Arlene  Hart, 


Darrell  Hart,    Ralph  Jackson,  Ray  Jackson,  Maureen  Kroen- 
cke,  Wayne  Littig,   Harold  Merris,  Ray  Leon  Mueller,   Retha 
Phillips,   Shirley  Six  and  Marjorie  West. 

Bluffs  Civic  Club  joined  the  HI.  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

Guss  Andres  purchased  the  Tuscher  Drug  building  and  was 
remodeling  it,   in  preparation  ioc  occupancy  by  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Art  Schuessler,   his  daughter  and  son-in  -law  of  Los  Angeles. 

It  was  announced  in  Jime  that  the  Closs-Marshall  Chevro- 
let Co.  had  leased  the  parking  lot  from  J.  A.  Knoeppel  east 
of  the  Clarence  Weiss  residence  on  Oakes  street  and  would 
open  a  used  car  lot. 

A  jury  composed  of  Clyde  Hullinger,  Paul  Welch,  Melvin 
Christison,   Howard  Six,  L.  J.  Kunkel  and  Marjcaie  Frohwitter 
served  at  a  coroner's  inquest  which  was  investigating  the  slay- 
ing of  Edward  R.  VanHyning,  who  had  been  killed  by  a  shot- 
gun blast  by  Wes'  Walker.  Military  rites  were  conducted  for 
VanHyning  in  Fairview  Cemetery. 

In  a  story  concerning  the  deceased  in  1945  ,  it  in  part  read: 
"He  was  woimded  in  action  in  France  on  Sept.  30,   1944,  and 
besides  the  Purple  Heart  awarded  for  his  injury  he  wears  the 
Combat  Infantryman  Badge,  the  American  Defense  Service 
Ribbon,  the  European  African  Middle  Eastern  Theatre  Ribbon 
with  1  Silver  battle  star  and  2  bronze  stars  (indicating  7  major 
engagements),   the  Bronze  Service  Arrowhead  and  a  Bronze 
Oak  Leaf  Cluster.  His  5  service  bars  worn  on  the  sleeve  above 
the  cuff  indicate  2|  years  service  overseas.  He  also  received 
a  Croix  DeGuerre  with  palm  decoration  awarded  by  the  French 
government  for  valorous  service.  •' 

Erwin  Weiss  was  named  President  of  the  first  organization  of 
The  Bluffs  Business  and  Professional  Associarion,  which  will 
help  promote  Bluffs,   and    a  more  cooperative  understanding 
among  merchants  and  a  more  friendly  relationship  with  pa- 
trons in  the  trading  area.    Vernon  Nortrup,  secretary;  Harold 
Bridgman,   Tre as. ;  and  P. H.  Vannier,   Vice  President.     Mrs. 
Kearney  arrived  home  after  15  weeks  treatment  in  Our  Sav- 
iour's Hospital  for  bums  and  Miss  Donna  Smith  was  named 
delegate  to  Illini  Girl's  State. 

Economy  Dmgs  opened  in  Bluffs    under  the  ownership  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Art  Schoessler. 

The  Scott  County  Grand  Jury  returned  a  Trae  Bill  against 
"Wes"  Walker,   charging  him  with  the  murder  of  Edward 
VanHyning,   and  Shirley  Parker  Launer,   daughter  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  James  F.  Parker  of  Bluffs,  was  one  among  those  grad- 
uating from  Passavant  Memorial  Hospital  School  of  Nursing. 

The  Kroger  Store  closed  Saturday,  July  31st,  imder  the 
management  of  Ralph  Sturgeon,   and  will  reopen  as  I.G.A. 
Thel.O.  O.  F. ,  the  Legion,   Civic  Club,   Gregory-Savoie 
Appliance  Co.,  the  TV  Committee,   and  patrons  on  the 
mral  route,   and  many  other  friends  in  Bluffs,  joined  togeth- 
er and  pm'chased  a  TV  set  for  Clarence  "Dutch"  Nortmp,  who 
was  in  the  hospital  seriously  ill,  and  for  the  first  time  in 
years,  the  taxpayer  of  Bluffs  has  a  complete  public  account- 
ing of  the  town's  finances.  The  Treasurer,   Earl  Lovekamp, 
says  his  books  are  open  for  inspection. 

Bluffs  was  stmck  by  a  heavy  windstorm  August  18th  short- 
ly after  the  supper  hour,  with  much  damage  to  trees,  roofs, 
and  TV  aerials  were  completely  torn  down  or  leaning; 
electric  service  disrupted  until  the  following  morning,   and 
the  street  and  highway  cleaning  details  busy  until  the  latter 
part  of  the  week. 

A  Court  Jury  found  "Wes"  Walker  guilty  of  Manslaughter. 


-66- 


Mr.   and  Mrs.   Clyde  Propeck  will 
assume  operation  of  their  diner,   "Dots" 
Diner"  two  miles  south  of  Bluffs  Mon- 
day,  Nov.  22,    19S4,   which  they  had 
leased  from  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilbur  Kauf- 
fman. 

The  large  bam  and  its  contents  on 
the  Virgil  Roberston  place,   occupied  by 
Mr.  and  Mrs,  Wendell  Freeman  in  Bluffs, 
was  destroyed  by  fire  early  Friday  morn- 
ing in  what  was  termed  the   hottest  fire 
in  many  years. 

In  January  of  1955  automatic  elec- 
tric installations  were  being  put  into  the 
local  telephone  station  . 

Robert  Freesen  was  named  President 
of  the  Bluffs  Civic  Club  for  the  coming 
year. 

In  February  of  1955  Donna  Smith  was 
named  Betty   Crocker  Homemaker  of 
Tomorrow. 

The  last  steam  engine   operated  on  the  highline  out 
of  Bluffs  was  to  be  discontinued  here  in  the  first  part  of 
the  week  but  was  out  of  service  only  one  day.   Reason: 
the  small  diesel  sent  to  replace  it  was  too  light  for  the 
job. 

Bluffs  lOOF  members  have  been  busy  volunteering 
their  time  in  finishing  the    inside  of  their  lodge  room 
over  the  ODRE  Theatre  with  new  ceiling  and  hardwood 
floor. 

In  February  1955  the  Allen  Lumber  Company  was 
continuing  to  add  more  lumber  and  building  materials 
to  the  yard  and  offer  a  few  specials  on  another  page  of 
this  paper  in  way  of  advertisement  in  advance  of  their 
opening  date  which  will  be  soon. 

Owners  oi  the  Damin  and  Frohwitter  Hardware  pur- 
chased a  ditch  digging  outfit  to  use  in  conjunction  with 
their  plumbing  business. 

The  advent  of  spring  brought  the  worst  snow  and  bliz- 
zard of  the  year  to  Illinois  as  schools  and  other  public 
affairs  were  cancelled  because  of  closed  highways. 

Sunday  March  27,   marked  the  Dedication  of  the 
new  Fellowship  Hall  addition  to  the  Bluffs  Methodist 
Church  and  the  Dedication  of  Memorial  pulpit  furniture 
and  cross  and  candlesticks, 

Donald  Bunch,  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Otis  Bunch  was 
struck  by  lightening  Monday  afternoon  while  plowing  in 
a  field  south  of  his  home  adjoining  state  route  100  south 
of  Bluffs,  He  is  in  serious  condition  at  Passavant  hospital, 

Donald  Korty  was  low  in  the  four  sealed  bids  by  con- 
tractors   offered  for  the  new  house  to  be  built  by  the   Bluffs 
Civic  Club. 

The  Enterprise  Committee  met  in  April  and  are  mak- 
ing plans  to  secure  ground  for  the  construction  of  a  con- 
crete block  building  40  x  60  to  house  the  Bluffs  Screw 
Machine  Products  Company. 

Thieves  forced  the  front  door  of  the  D  and  M  Tavern 
in  Bluffs  sometime  Sunday  night  and  made  away  with 
approximately  450  to  500  dollars  worth  of  cigarettes  and 
whiskey  and  emptied  the  two  cash  registers. 

In  May  the  Economy  Store  operated  by  Mrs.  Arthur 
Schoessler  had  been  sold  to  Mr.   and  Mrs.   Ralph  Jones 
who  will  take  possession  June  1  following  inventory. 


DANCE  TO  THE  MUSIC  OF  THE  BLUFFS  ORCHESTRA 

For  your  dancing  pleasure  —  left  to  right:  standing  -  Frank 
Benz,   Harlin  Redshaw,   Edward  Sullens,  William  Morthole, 
Grant  Hyler;  sitting  -  Edward  Morthole,   George  Graham, 
Claud  Taylor  and  Earl  Wetzel. 

Members  of  the  graduating  class  of  1955  were:  Judith 
Albers,   Charlene  Bailey,   Dick  Bartholomew,   Greg  Camp- 
bell,  Helen  Dowson,   Yvonne  Fargo,   Harold  Graves,   Jim 
Gregory,   Mary  Hart,   Betty  Hoots,    Richard  Kesterson, 
Raymond  Likes,   James  Merriman,    Roberta  Mueller,   Kath- 
ryn  Shonkwiler,   Donna  Smith  and  Janice  Buhlig. 

In  June  of  1955  the  Placke  Frozen  Custard  equipment 
arrived  and  their  business  is  open.    The  Placke  66  Service 
Station  was  remodeled  with  the  west  end  changed  into 
a  custard  shop  and  the  drive-in  space  changed  to"  provide 
for  parking. 

"Janet  Lee  Crafts"  is  the  name  for  the  new  hobby  shop 
to  open  Saturday  noon  July  23,   at  the  home  of  Mrs.  Ver- 
non Haggard.  The  porch  of  the  northeast  side  of  the  house 
has  been  equipped  with  shelves  which  provide  for  the  dis- 
playing of  the  many  plaques,   figurines,  pictures,   trivits, 
etc.  available  for  the  first  time  in  this  vicinity. 

Dr.  Albert  Kuehn,    37,  Bluffs  physician  and  his  sister- 
in-law  Miss  Hildegarde  Schaefer,    19,  were  killed  late 
Sunday  night  in  an  automobile  collision  near  Curran, 
Illinois.   He  had  practiced  in  Bluffs  for  five  years.    He 
leaves  his  wife.   Dr.   Louise  Kuehn  and  two  small  sons. 
Reckless  homicide  charges  were  made  against  Kenneth  D. 
Hayes,   driver  of  the  second  vehicle  involved  in  the  tragedy. 

In  August  Julian  Ranft,   son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs,  Edward 
Ranft,   formerly  of  Bluffs  was  critically  injured  when  he 
was  run  over  and  dragged  by  a  hay  baler  on  a  farm  near 
Detroit,   Illinois. 

In  September  of  1955  Harold  Graves,   Bluffs  High 
School  star  and  foster  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.   Kenneth 
Bridgman  signed  a  contract  with  the  St.  Louis  Cardinals 
and  will  report  for  spring  practice  with  Ardmore,   Okla. 
in  the  "Sooner  State  League". 

Mrs.   Ralph  Jones  was  named  Commander  of  the 
Wolford  Post  of  the  Bluffs  American  Legion. 

The  local  I.G.A.   store  owned  by  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Ralph  Sturgeon  is  this  week  celebrating  its  First  Anniver- 


-67- 


The  Main  Stem  of  Bluffs  in  1910,   showing  the  Lewis  Build- 
ing, Williamson  Hardware  Store,   Sargent  Barber  Shop  and 
Halpin  Restaurant,  Two  meat  market  signs  can  be  seen  in 
the  distance  with  the  Likes  store  on  the  comer.  What  was 
the  McCaleb    Insurance  office  was  at  that  time  the  office 
of  G.  W.   Reese,    Dentist.  The  office  building  of  Vet  Allan 
was  moved  by  Thomas  Meehan  and  a  picture  theater  was 
built  on  the  lot.  Later  all  the  frame  buildings  were  destroy- 
ed by  fire. 

sary  by  sharing  with  its  customers  store  wide  bargains. 

In  September  the  Clyde  Hullinger  hog  and  cattle 
trucks  were  sold  to  Paul  Huddleston  and  will  be  operated 
by  him  and  his  sons. 

The  first  of  November  Dr.   Joseph  Sklenar  opened 
his  practice  in  Bluffs. 

Four  automobiles  were  demolished  and  seven  injured 
Thursday  night  on  the  south  approach  of  the  Walnut  Creek 
Bridge  on  state  route  100  north  of  the  Junction  36. 
Occupants  were  Wayne  and  Byron  Littig  and  Eugene 
Kroencke,   Gary  Kaltschnee,   Byron  Bunch  and  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Gus  Albers  ,   a  car  following  driven  by  Vincent  Berry 
escaped  the  wreckage. 

The  Bluffs  Town  Board  met  Thursday  night  and  vot- 
ed 5  to  1  to  issue  a  liquor  license  to  Claude  Davis  of 
Pearl  who  has  rented  the  Lottie  Evans  hotel  and  cafe 
near  the  Wabash  railroad  on  State  Route  100  in  Bluffs. 

Geraldine  Whorton  was  elected  as  Worthy  Matron 
and  Norris  Whorton  elected  as  Worthy  Patron  of  the  Order 
of  the  Eastern  Star. 

Paul  Miller  was  elected  Worshipful  Master  of  the 
Bluffs  Lodge  A.F.   and  A.M.  in  December. 

William  Kilver  was  elected  President  of  the  Bluffs 
Civic  Club  in  January  of  1956. 

A  Peoria  pilot  was  killed  May  13  when  two  Illinois 
air  national  guard  planes  collided  in  the  air  near  Mere- 
dosia. 

The  Graduating  Class  of  1956  was:  Peggy  Likes, 
Wanda  Cumby,   Marjorie  Buhlig,   Nancy  Mains,   Roberta 
Ellison,   Fred  Barnett,    Roger  Long,   Raymond  Davis, 
Donald  Hannel,    Francis  Gregory,   Kenneth  Atkinson, 
Eugene  Beddingfield,   Martin  Lovekamp,    Robert  Mueller, 
Vincent  Berry,    Carl  Jarvis,   Lainc  Comerford,    Lonnie  Mc- 
Daniel,  Joan  Kroencke,    Virgil  Huseman,  John  William- 
son, Janis  Meier. 

In  June  of  1956  the  town  board  met  in  special  ses- 
sion and  ordered  about  $2,  800  worth  of  materials  to  be 
installed  for  15  mercury  vapor  street  lights.  Twelve  of 


the  15  lights  are  to  be  along  route  100  and  three  are  on 
Oakes  Street.   Four  ornamental  lights  bordering  Lewis 
Park  and  mounted  on  metal  posts  are  to  be  eliminated 
in  the  new  lighting  plan. 

The  partnership  of  Savoie  and  Gregory  was  dissolved 
in  August  of  1956.   Savoie  will  continue  operation  in 
Naples  and  Gregory  in  Bluffs. 

Lyle  W.  Bates  of  Bluffs  has  been  appointed  coroner 
of  Scott  County  to  fill  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the 
death  of  Kenneth  Cunningham, 

Insurance  men  were  at  Florence  August  21st  to  esti- 
mate and  make  adjustments  for  the  destruction  caused 
when  the  Coultas  Bros.  6,000  gallon  propane  gas  tank 
exploded  and  all  but  blew  the  town  off  the  map  Friday 
morning  about  6;30  a.m. 

Carl  Arnold  retired  the  last  of  August  from  his  posi- 
tion as  petroleum  and  oil  truck  salesman  after  21  years 
for  Standard  Oil.  Russell  Vortman  has  accepted  the 
position  and  will  begin  duties  in  September. 

Miss  Betty  Hannel  was  crowned  Homecoming  Queen 
for  1956. 

M.  C.  Parker  has  purchased  the  Lena  Hyler  property, 
the  two  lots  east  of  his  Screw  Machine  Shop  and  will 
enlarge  his  floor  space  to  accomodate  business  expansion. 

Memorial  services  were  held  Monday  afternoon  at 
the  Bluffs  school  gymnasium  for  Darrell  "Mickey"  Grady 
whose  death  occurred  Saturday  evening  at  Passavant 
hospital  following  a  Wednesday  evening  motor  accident 
on  the  east-west  gravel  road  from  the  Ebaugh  corner  to 
Oxville.    He  was  a  student  at  Bluffs  High  school. 

Margaret  Chambers  was  elected  Worthy  Matron 
of  the  O.  E.  S.   at  Blufffs. 

The  five  room  home  of  Mr.   and  Mrs.  Frank  Hub- 
bert,   east  of  Bluffs,  burned  to  the  ground  Thanksgiving 
afternoon  and  all  contents  of  the  house  were  lost. 

Jimmy  Littig,  youngest  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Leland 
Littig  fell  January  5,    1957  and  received  a  skull  fracture. 

John  Allen  was  named  President  of  the  Bluffs  Civic 
Club  for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  fire  truck  answered  a  call  to  the  Gilbert  Rebbe 
place  south  of  Exeter  early  Sunday  morning  where  a  barn 
and  hay  content  was  destroyed  by  fire  supposedly  started 
by  defective  wiring. 

News  of  the  death  of  two  prominent  Bluffs  residents 
CO.  Mueller,   59,   and  Wilmont  Boes,   35,   and  the  ser- 
ious injury  of  the  elder  man's  son  Coin  O,  Mueller  was 
a  tragic  shock  to  this  area  Thursday  morning.  Their  pick- 
up truck  was  struck  by  a  Sperry  rail  detector  car  on  the 
Burlington  tracks  at  a  crossing  near  the  Farmers'  Elevator 
in  Chapin.   The  younger  Mueller  suffered  a  fractured 
pelvis  and  other  injuries  but  is  recuperating, 

Mrs,   Oliver  Chambers  is  Worthy  Matron  of  the 
OES  at  Bluffs. 

At  a  recent  meeting  of  the  Directors  of  the  Bank 
of  Bluffs,   the  rate  of  interest  paid  on  Time  Certificates 
of  Deposit  was  increased  to  two  percent  per  annum. 
Such  increase  became  effective  as  of  February  18,    1957. 

Bluffs  American  Legion  Post  observed  their  38th 
birthday  with  a  pot  luck  carry  in  dinner. 

The  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Howard  O.  Lovekamp  of 
Stronghurst  was  fatally  burned  when  their  home  was 
destroyed  by  fire.    Their  daughter  Glenda  Lee  died  later 
from  bums  sustained  in  the  blaze. 


-68- 


Congratulations 
on  the  next 

one-hundred  years  of  progress 

Woods  Tropical  Fish 

phone  584-9761 
Meredosia,  Illinois 


Congratulations, 

Citizens   of    Bluffs 
on  Your    Anniversary 

A.  B.  Chrisman 
Fertilizer  Co. 


Meredosia,  Illinois 


Best  Wishes  to  All. 


o    •    •    o 


Rita's  Salon  of  Beauty 

Meredosia,  Illinois  584-4001 


Happy  Birthday,   Bluffs. .... 

Meredosia  Gas  Co. 

584-2811 


CONGRATULATIONS 
to  our  next  door  neighbor 
on  your  Centennial  Year! 


South  Side  Tavern 

Meredosia,  Illinois 


A  Salute  to  My  Home  Community. . . 
the  Village  of  Bluffs 


Smitty's  Body  Shop 

Meredosia,  Illinois 


CONGRAT  ULATIONS 

to  Our  Friends  in  Bluffs  Township 


Surratt's  Garage 

584-4001 
Meredosia,  Illinois 


Our  Sincere  Hope 


is  that  You 
4^*SEi2S^^S'      ^^y  ^^^^  Many 
Happy  and  Prosperous  Years  Ahead! 

Meredosia  Motel 

phone  594-9061 


We  Salute  Bluffs  Village, 
its  Citizens  and  wish  them 
many  more  prosperous  years 


Central  Soya  Co. 

Meredosia,  Illinois 


-69- 


Ethel  Hierman  was  Postmaster  in  Bluffs. 
In  May  "Hap"  Vortman  took  over  management  of 
the  Bluffs  Texaco  Station  from  Pernell  Hutton. 

The  graduating  class  of  1957  was:  Ronald  Albers, 
Edith  H,  Collison,   Betty  Mae  Hannel,   Gary  Kaltschnee, 
Carl  Krusa,   Donna  Merris,   Erma  Norton,   Ronald  Atkin- 
son,  Gerald  Gregory  Ila  Marie  Hutton,   Charles  Kester- 
son,   Richard  Jackson,   Lee  Nave  and  Glenn  Sandman. 

Heavy  rain  and  wind  disrupted  telephone  and  light 
service  in  our  area  June  19th. 

Vernon  Cockerill  of  Bluffs  has  been  awarded  his 
degree  of  Dr.  of  Veterinary  Medicine  from  the  Univer- 
sity of  Illinois  during  commencement  held  there. 

The  D  and  M  Tavern  opened  Saturday  morning  as 
usual  but  closed  its  doors  that  night  June  29th  for  the 
last  time.  The  proprietors  have  no  immediate  plans  for 
the  future, 

Joe    Wood  has  opened  a  garage  and  repair  shop 
at  his  home  on  Peiper  Street  and  will  do  general  repair- 
ing and  welding.  Mr.  Wood  has  been  an  employee  of 
the  Bluffs  Garage  for  the  past  two  years  and  has  gone 
into  business  for  himself. 

William  Merris  was  named  Commander  of  the 
Bluffs  Legion  Post  for  the  coming  year. 

Bud's  Tavern  in  the  old  Richard's  Hotel  building 
has  closed  and  will  re-open  soon  under  the  management 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.   Charles  Comerford. 

In  September  extra  precaution  has  been  taken  by 
the  Wabash  to  avoid  accidents.  Gates  are  closed  in  ad- 
dition to  the  flashers  while  trains  are  being  switched 
in  an  east-west  direction. 

Dr.  Kizlauskas  of  Fox  Lake,   111,,  will  soon  be  open- 
ing for  business  in  Bluffs.  He  will  be  located  where  Dr. 
Sklenar  was  previously. 

Freesen  Brothers  of  Bluffs  were  issued  a  charter  and 
are  now  incorporated. 

Mrs.   Ralph  Jones  and  son  Brien  Lee  were  featured 
in  pencil  sketch  in  "Our  Own  Oddities"  of  the  Sunday 
Jan.  5,  1958  St.  Louis  Post  Dispatch  with  the  note  that 
Mrs.  Jones  (Leah  O'Brien  Jones)  was  the  first  Legion 
Commander  to  have  a  baby  in  time  of  office-and-on 
Memorial  Day.   Mrs.  Jones  is  a  member  of  the  Charles 
Wolford  Post  441. 

Burl  Merriman   was  installed  as  Worthy  Patron 
of  the  Bluffs  Masons  for  the  coming  year. 

Citizens  of  the  Bluffs  community  will  have  an 
opportunity  to  bring  cheer  to  local  folks  on  Tuesday 
evening  Jan.   14,   as  they  "come  bearing  gifts"  for  the 
Aldo  Enke's  who  lost  all  their  possessions  in  a  New 
Year's  Day  fire  which  destroyed  their  home  and  con- 
'ents. 

Leroy  Freesen  was  named  President  of  the  Bluffs 
Civic  Club. 

Betty  Neese  installed  officers  for  the  Rebekah  Lodge. 
Norman  Little  of  Jacksonville,   grandson  of  Mrs. 
Myrtle  Little  of  Bluffs,   is  among  the  new  members  of 
the  Jacksonville  Fire  Department  who  assumed  their 
duties  January  1st. 

Freesen  Bros,  have  purchased  the  old  Wabash  water 
tank  near  the  Bluffs  depot  and  the  soda-ash  house  which 
is  close  to  the  tank.  Both  will  be  moved  from   the  pre- 


The  Bluffs  Jaycees  made  plans  to  gravel  the  roadway 
to  the  Fairview  cemetery. 

A  contract  was  awarded  in  March  to  Donald  Korty  for 
a  sum  of  $51,467.00  for  the  construction  of  the  new  school 
addition  as  drawn  by  Charles  Macklin,  Architect  of  Spring- 
field.  The  new  building  will  consist  of  four  class  rooms, 
and  a  cafeteria. 

Bluffs  grade  school  team  was  honored  for  an  undefeated 
season  with  a  Banquet  held  at  the  school.  Letters  were 
awarded  to  Mark  Blake,   Burl  Fargo,  Audrey  Gregory,  Lee 
Frederick,  Jim  Cox  and  Jerry  Atkinson. 

Patti  Likes  attended  Girl's  State  as  a  representative  of 
the  Bluffs  American  Legion. 

The  graduating  class  of  1958  consisted  of  Gerald  Ad- 
kins,   Bonnie  Andres,   Shirley  Barfield,   Carol  Boehs,   Vesta 
Comerford,   Tom  Dowson,   Tom  Hart,   Robert  Meier,   Carole 
Taylor,   Connie  Albers,  Janet  Bailey,   Barbara  Beddingfield, 
Art  Campbell,   Jack  Cox,   Robert  Green,   Andrew  Long,   Iva 
Wilkins,   Ralph  vortman  and  Janice  Walker. 

Mrs.  Cora  Parks  was  named  president  of  the  Bluffs 
American  Legion  Auxiliary  for  the  year. 

Freesen  Bros.  Construction  Co,  were  low  bidders  at 
$73,  616  for  the  2.  88  mile  of  black  topped  road  from   the 
Bluffs  village  limits  toward  Exeter  to  join  the  existing 
"black  top". 

Wilbur  Mathews  was  elected  Commander  of  Bluffs 
Charles  Wolford  American  Legion  Post  441  for  the  coming 
year  July  11th  at  their  meeting. 

Heavy  rains  hit  central  Illinois  and  Wolf  Run  thru 
Bluffs  and  Coon  Run  between  Meredosia  and  Bluffs  were 
over  flowing  their  banks  as  a  result. 

Karen  Lee  McClauchlin,    15,   of  Naples  was  fatally 
injured  at  4  o'clock    Sunday  morning  in  an  automobile 
accident  south  of  Bluffs  on  State  Route  100.   The  auto 
she  was  riding  in  veered  off  the  road  and  jumped  a  ditch. 

Paul  Evans,   R.R.   1,  Winchester  has  reported  a  loss 
of  34  head  of  baby  pigs  from  attack  by  dogs. 

Bluffs  merchants  and  citizens  of  the  community  are 
proud  to  welcome  a  new  business  which  will  be  open  for 
operation  at  the  beginning  of  September.  "Speedwash" 
will  be  located  in  the  Lottie  Evans  building  which  formerly 
housed  the  Dugan  Barber  Shop  south  of  the  Wabash  R.R. 
tracks--its  owners:  Tom  Dickens  of  Neelyville  and  Wilbur 
Moore  of  Winchester. 

Louis  VanHyning  and  sons  have  just  closed  a  success- 
ful short  season  of  blackberry  picking.  From  a  dozen  or  so 
patches  scattered  over  a  wide  range  of  territory  they  picked 
160  gallons  which  they  sold  at  $1.00  per  gallon.   The  last 
berries  went  to  Mrs.  Ed  Albers. 

Mrs.   Cora  Parks  was  installed  as  President  Of  the  Amer- 
ican Legion  Auxiliary  with  Mrs.  William  Chambers  the 
installing  officer. 

Dr.  Luise  Kuehn  who  resides  in  Bluffs  with  her  two 
sons  plans  to  offer  her  services  to  the  public  of  this  area 
as  a  physician  beginning  November  17, 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Francis  Meier  of  Meiers  Trading  Center 
at  Bethel  celebrated  their  20th  anniversary  with  Texaco 
Products  Saturday,   Dec.  6th  at  an  all  day  "open  house" 
to  more  than  500  visitors  at  their  place  of  business. 

Dr.  Kizlauskas  of  Bluffs  announced  his  intentions  of 
moving  his  medical  practice  to  the  Winchester  community. 


-70- 


Congratulations 
Bluffs  On  Your 
Centennial   Anniversary 

Ira  &  Lucille  Taylor 

Supervisor  of  Assessments 
Scott  County 

Our  Wishes 

for  a  continued  success  to 
the  Village  of  Bluffs,  Illinois 
1871-1971 

The  Winchester  Times 

Winchester,  Illinois 

To  our  neighboring  village,  Good  luck! 

Lair  Hardware 

Winchester,  Illinois 

BEST  WISHES 

FOR  A  SUCCESSFUL 

CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION! 

L  Allen  Watt 

STATES  ATTORNEY 
Winchester,  Illinois 

Compliments  of 

Sauer  Agr.  Service 

Winchester,  Illinois 

Good  Luck,  Bluffs 

Jack  and  Jill  Shop 

Pittsfield,  Illinois 
Emma  Petty 

Best  of  Luck  for  the  next  100  Years        j 

Coats   1 

Service 

WILBUR 
Winchester,  Illir 

^'*'^^    COATS 

lois  —  Phone  742-5718 

Much  good  fortune  in  the  Future 

Winchester  Federated 
Woman's  Club 

CONGRATULATIONS 

Sunset  Motel 

Routes  36-54,  Winchester,  EL 
Mr.  &  Mrs.  W.   H.   McDaniel 

Our  Congratulations,  Bluffs 

P  and  Q  Antiques  &  Gifts 

PISTOL  &  QUEENIE 

BEST  WISHES  FROM.  ...... 

Taylor  Motor  Imp. 

Winchester,  Illinois 

Best  of  Luck,  Bluffs 

Margaret  Ann's  Beauty  Shoppe 

Margaret  Ann  Little 
BLUFFS,  ILLINOIS 

CONGRATULATIONS 

Slagles  Insurance  Agency 

Winchester,  Illinois 

-71- 


Paul  Welch,   veteran  employee  ol  Freesen  Bros.,     Inc. 
escaped  serious  injury  Saturday  at  near  noon  when  the 
heavy  earth  moving  machine  he  was  operating  struck  soft 
dirt  and  was  "turned   turtle"  .  Welch  was  thrown  clear  of  the 
equipment  into  the  water  and  ice  of  the  creek.   He  was 
taken  to  Passavant  hospital  where  he  remained  until  Mon- 
day, 

Roy  Barrett  was  installed  as  Worshipful  Master  and 
Senior  Warden  was  Henry  Likes,  they  were  installed  at 
the  regular  meeting  of  the  Bluffs  Lodge  A.F.  &  A.  M. 

In  January  of  1959  Donald  W.  Allen,  employed  at  the 
CIPS  plant  was  seriously  injured  about  noon  Tuesday  when 
his  car  crashed  into  one  driven  by  Pat  Berry  of  Bluffs. 

A  barn  containing  about  700  bushels  of  beans  and  a 
quantity  of  hay  was  completely  destroyed  by  fire  shortly 
after  2  o'clock  Thursday  afternoon  on  the  Anna  Midden- 
dorf  farm,  2l  miles  north  of  Bluffs.  Roy  Barrett  lives  on 
the  farm . 

Hubert  Gregory  was  named  President  of  the  Bluffs  Civic 
Club  for  the  year. 

Dr.  Luise  Kuehn  has  joined  the  staff  at  the  Baumann 
Clinic  in  Springfield  and  will  be  moving  there  with  her 
family  in  the  near  future. 

Rev.  John  Deterding,   pastor  of  the  Nellyville  Lutheran 
church  delivered  his  last  sermon  February  2,    1959.  He  is 
retiring  due  to  health  reasons. 

In  February  a  ^o  inch  rain  fell  and  together  with 
melting  ice  and  snow  forced  creeks  and  branches  out  of 
their  banks  and  water  unable  to  run  off,   closed  state 
roads  and  school  bus  routes. 

Russell  Pence,  26  of  R.R.  1,  Naples,  was  killed  in 
a  fall  from  the  outside  of  the  Coultas  Brothers  Grain  Ele- 
vator at  Florence  about  10  p.m.  Monday. 

In  March-the  prospects  for  a  large  terminal  elevator 
porth  of  Naples  looks  brighter  as  heirs  of  the  Abbott  Es- 
tate signed  an  agreement  for  the  location  adjacent  to  the 
Illinois  river  north  of  the  General  Grant  marker  and  south 
of  the  Jacksonville  water  works  plant. 

Last  rites  were   held  for  Rev.  Deterding  Sunday  March 
15th. 


JUNIOR  CLASS  OF  1916-17,  BLUFFS  HIGH  SCHOOL: 
Merriman,   3  -  I.  D.  Mueller,  4  -  Addie  Batley,  5 


6-Ethel  McMurray,  7-  Hattde  Dolbeare,  (Science  and  Math  teacher),  8  -  LiUian  Som- 
mer,  9  -  Glenn  Newenham,  (Supt.  ),  10  -  Helen  Oakes,  U  -  Uleta  Shaw,  12  -  Helen 
Fuson,  13  -  Joe  Fitzpatrick,  14  -  Lewis  Cox,  IS  -  Raymond  Six. 


Representative  Paul  Simon  of  Troy  was  the  speaker 
for  the  semi-annual  Husband  and  Wife  Civic  Club  banquet. 

The  Bluffs  lOOF  Lodge  held  Open  House  Thursday 
evening  and  membership  pins  were  awarded. 

The  Fire  department  was  called  to  the  home  of  Rev. 
and  Mrs.  Holmes  northeast  of  Bluffs  (owner  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Harvey  Vortman)  early  Satvu'day  afternoon  by  a  fire 
which  started  while   Rev.  Holmes  was  biuning  garden  de- 
bris in  preparation  for  spring  work.  Cross  currents  of  air 
caused  the  fire  to  get  out  of  control  and  spread  in  all 
directions. 

Rev.  James  O'Hara  was  named  pastor  of  St.   Mark's 
Church  in  Bluffs.  He  comes  to  us  from  Quincy,  HI. 

Mr.   and  Mrs.  Wm.   Enke  held  open  house  in  obser- 
vance of  their  50th  wedding  anniversary. 

In  April  the  lOOF  Scott  Lodge  702  members  went  to 
the  home  of  Dr.  E.  C.  Thome  after  the  regular  lodge  ses- 
sion to  present  a  25  year  membership  pin  to  him. 

The  Odre  Theatre  was  advertising  the  coming  of  the 
movie  "The  Ten  Commandments"  in  the  near  future. 

Keith  Prunty,  Wabash  station  agent  at  the  Bluffs  de- 
pot for  several  years  resigned  his  position  as  of  last  Satur- 
day. He  will  become  office  manager  of  Freesen  Brothers. 

Louie  Vanhyning  and  two  sons  found  approximately 
242  pounds  of  mushrooms  this  season.   They  sold  most  of 
them  in  Havana. 

The  graduating  class  of  1959  consisted  of  Judy 
Brockhouse,   Kenneth  Carpenter,   Janice  Dobson,   Marilyn 
Fargo,  Janet  Fredericks,   Clifford  Hoots,  John  Hutton, 
Doris  Keith,   Patti  Likes,  June  Lisenbee,  Donna  Love- 
kamp,   Shirley  Marsh,   Sandra  Oakes,   Shirley  Pahlmann, 
Kaye  Stmbbe,   and  James  Welsh. 

The  29th  annual  Wheat  Day  will  be  June  9th  at 
Oakes  Farm. 

The  two  "Lecies"  in  Bluffs  Mrs.   Lecie  Cox  and  Mrs. 
Lecie  (Earl)  Gilman  unlocked  the  door  of  the  L  and  R 
Economy  Store  Wednesday  morning  for  business.  They 
purchased  the  enterprise  from  Mr.  and  Mrs.   Ralph  Jones. 

The  Naples  Boatel  was  opened  Sunday.  Some   270 
people  registered  and  many  were  there  who  didn't  register. 

Glenn  Williams  was  nam- 
ed Commander  of  the  Bluffs 
Legion  Post. 

August  Damin,  prominent 
business  man,  died  suddenly 
while  at  work  threading  pipe 
outside  The  Bluffs  Hardware 
Co.  store  of  which  he  was  co- 
owner. 

"Butch"  Robert  Green  and 
his  Plymouth  Fiery  red  con- 
vertible met  with  an  accident 
Friday  evening  on  Rte.  100 
north  of  Bluffs  when  he  (go- 
ing north)  and  a  cow  and  calf 
(proceeding  south)  met  head 
on.  The  demolished  car  is 
Exhibit  A  at  Central  Motor 
Sales  and  Butch  is  lucky  to 
be  only  nursing  bruises.  The 
livestock  were  killed, 

:  In  July  Mrs.  Leroy  Free- 
sen  of  Bluffs  was  featured  in 


1  -  Clyde  VanHyning,  2  -  Roy 
-  Edna  Robison  (English  teacher). 


-72- 


a  CIPS  advertisement  on  Medallion  Homes  which  will 
appear  in  160  newspapers  this  week.  The  Freesen  family 
moved  into  their  new  8  room  brick  and  frame  home 
the  last  of  April. 

Bluffs  and  Naples  welcomed  Rev.  and  Mrs.  M.D. 
Goldsborough  and  children  of  Rushville  to  the  pastorate 
of  the  Methodist  Church  in  these  neighboring  communities. 
They  moved  into  the  parsonage  last  week  and  are  getting 
acquainted  with  home  town  folks. 

Sue  Bridgman  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harold 
Bridgman  and  Sandra,   daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harold 
Oakes  were  second  and  fourth  place  winners  in  the  Criggs- 
ville  Fair  Queen  Contest. 

Royal  Oakes  and  George  Krusa  prominent  Scott 
County  farmers  will  be  a  part  of  a    group  of  17  farmers 
who  will  leave  Monday  for  a  three  week  tour  of  Russian 
farms. 

The  Wabash  railroad  plans  to  remove  all  the  switch 
tracks  in  Bluffs  and  close  the  round  house  where   as  many 
as  125  men  were  once  employed. 

The  Wabash  Railroad  company  ran  into  bad  luck  in 
Bluffs  in  the  early  hours  of  last  Saturday  morning  and 
had  a  derailment  of  cars.  One  car  was  toppled  over  onto 
its  side  at  the  main  road  crossing  on  route  100.  The  other 
cars  were  off  the  track  but  stood  upright  after  climbing 
a  stub  track  metal  stop.   Electrical  service  was  disrupted 
and  Freesen  brothers  sent  bulldozers  to  help  clear  the 
highway  for  use . 

An  adult  typing  class  was  being  held  at  the  Bluffs 
High  School  on  Monday  evenings. 

Bluffs  citizens  are  invited  to  be  spectators  for  the 
Parade  scheduled  for  3  o'clock  Friday  afternoon  which 
will  open  the  Bluffs  School  Home  Coming  activities. 

The  Wabash  tried  out  its  new  and  costly  (more 
than  four  million  dollar)  bridge  at  Valley  City.  Trains 
operated  safely  to  the  east  and  the  west. 

It  will  cost  3(t  to  mail  a    Christmas  card  in  1959. 

October- 1959- The  Bluffs  Times  starts  its  70th 
year  with  this  issue. 

Paula  June  Welch,   S{  year  old  daughter  of  Mr.   and 
Mrs.  Paul  Welch  was  rushed  to  Passavant  hospital  for 
emergency  treatment  and  later  transferred  to  St.  John's' 
hospital  in  Springfield  after  being  struck  Monday  after- 
noon by  a  car  driven  by  Mrs.  Margaret  Sanderson. 

A  barn  on  the  farm  of  Gene  Evans  south  of  Bluffs 
burned  with  4,000  bales  of  hay  while  firemen  tried 
in  vain  to  save  it. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clyde  Propeck  have  returned  to  man- 
agement of  "Dot's  Diner"  on  Highway  100  south  of  Bluffs. 

In  December  School  Speed  Zone  signs  calling  for 
"20  mph  on  school  days  when  children  are  present"  have 
been  erected  on  State  Route   100  north  and  south  of  the 
school  in  Bluffs. 

Harold  Baird  was  elected  Noble  Giand  for  the  lOOF 
Lodge  in  Bluffs. 

The  Naples-Bluffs  road  is  open  to  limited  traffic, 
county  commissioner  Jack  Moore  announced  recently. 

Mrs.  W.  Westermeyer  was  installed  ULCW  Presi- 
dent for  the  coming  year. 

Dr.   Manuel  Alvarez  a  resident  from  this  area  since 
1914  died  at  Jacksonville's     Passavant  hospital. 

Mr,  and  Mrs.  H.  H.  Kilver  were  guests  to  an 
open  house  Siuiday  in  honor  of  their  53rd  anniversary. 


Santa  Claus  arrived  at  Lewis  Park  in  Bluffs  Satur- 
day afternoon  at  1:30  p.m.  courtesy  of  the  Bluffs  Jay- 
cees. 

Clyde  W.  Baulos  of  Bluffs  was  in  the  20th  Congres- 
sional Race  and  the  town  was  wishing  him  success. 

Henry  Likes  was  installed  as  Worshipful  Master  of 
the  Bluffs  Lodge  A.M.   and  F.M.    No.   846  in  January  of 
1960. 

Bids  were  being  accepted  for  a  new  post  office  in 
Bluffs  according  to  announcement  from  Postmaster  Gene- 
ral Arthur  Summerfield. 

Rev.  James  Hawley  was  to  be  installed  pastor  of 
the  Neelyvillc  Church  February  14. 

Coach  Danhaus'  Bluejays  outclasses  East  Pike  Fri- 
day night  to  win  the  district  tourney. 

Some  ten  inches  of  snow  fell  .March  8,    1960  on  top 
of  what  had  accumulated  during  the  past  two  weeks  to 
give  central    Illinois  a  snow-bound  look. 

Mrs.  Margaret  Watson  was  named  President  of  the 
Bluffs  WSCS  and  Mrs.   Floyd  Hart  \ice-President. 

The  Robert  O'Connor  barrel  stave  saw  mill  is  mov- 
ing equipment  from  Palmyra,   Mo.,   to  Bluffs  and  are 
setting  up  the  mill  between  the  Wabash  railroad  and 
Wolf  rim  creek  just  west  of  the  Exeter- Bluffs  road  east 
of  Bluffs. 

Harvey    \ortman  was  named  President  of  the  Board 
of  Education. 

It  was  announced  in  May  that  the  Illinois  Grain 
Corporation  expects  to  have  their  $400,000  elevator  at 
Naples  ready  for  300,  000  bushels  of  grain  by  October. 
Fred  J.  Watts,  Jr.,   general  manager  of  the  business. 

Janet  Cox  was  named  Jr.-Sr.  Prom  Queen  and 
Ronald  Hoots  was  king. 

Lynn  Hoots  was  selected  for  Illini  Girl  's  State 
by  the  Bluffs  American  Legion. 

Those  graduating  in  1960  from  Bluffs  High  School 
were  Dennis  Albers,    Larry  Beddingfield,   Barbara  Blake, 
Karolyn  Sue  Bridgman,   Stephen  Bruce,   Ralph  Clements, 
Kenneth  Collison,  Janet  Cox,   Sharon  Dunham,  Paul 
Evans,   Wayne  Gregory,   Ronald  Hoots,  Larry  Hutton, 
Linda  Jackson,    Sharon  Kesterson,   Harold  Kund,   Henry 
Likes,    Robert  Lisenbee,    Karen  Morthole,  Judith  Orchard, 
Gary  Priest,    Ronald  Pulling,    Ralph  David  Sturgeon, 
Henry  Ray  Suter,   Barbara  Swisher,    Beverly  Welsh,   Don- 
ald Westermeyer,   John  Woods. 

The  30th  annual  Wheat  Day  at  Bluffs  was  set  for 
June  14. 

Carl  Arnold  is  asking  the  citizens  of  this  commun- 
ity to  help  him  find  a  camel.   He  isn't  versed  in  camel 
know-how  so  he  doesn't  know  if  he  wants  a  one  or  two 
hump  animal!  The  reason  is  that  his  son,   Capt.  Har- 
old Arnold  on  duty  in  Turkey  has  sent  him  a  camel 
saddle.   Harold  will  complete  22  years  of  military  ser- 
vice this  fall  when  he  will  return  stateside. 

June  29th  left  Bluffs,   Meredosia,    Winchester  and  Naples 
and  other  towns  in  this  area  without  lights  and  telephone 
service  due  to  severe  storm.  The  streets  were  tree-littered 
and  much  clean  up  scheduled  the  next  day. 

A  new  "leg"  with  6,000  bushel  capacity  per  hour  is 
now  in  operation  at  the  Bluffs  Farmers  Grain  Elevator  in 
Bluffs  replacing  the  slower  2,  500  bushel  per  hour  elevator 
installed  when  the  structure  was  build. 


-73- 


"0^ 


This  one-horse  lumber  delivery  wagon  was  driven  by- 
Dave  Kilpatrick  and  passengers  include  his  daughter  Ruth, 
wife  of  the  late  Clarence  Nortrup,   a  rural  mail  carrier, 
Helen  Rockwood  Hierman  and  Bemice  Wolford  Fuson. 
Harmon  Nortrup  stand  to  the  right  of  the  fly-netted  and 
bald  faced  horse.    He  was  the  father  of  Mrs.  Julius  West- 
ermeyer,  Erich  Nortrup  and  Mrs.  Adolph  (Matilda)  Kah- 
lert.    Mrs.  Kahlert,   Erwin  Rolf  and  Paul  Vannier  were 
the  first  confirmation  class  in  the  English  language  at 
Neelyville  Lutheran  Church,  John  Deterding  Pastor. 
I^lmer  Wolford  stand  to  the  right  and  to  his  right  is  an 
early  Venetian  blind  display  rack.    Lumber  yard  photos 
coxu-tesy  of  Mrs.  Bemice  Wolford  Fuson  with  an  approxi- 
mate dating  for  this  photo  1909.    Dave  Kilpatrick  and  Wm. 
McCaleb  were  in  the  undertaking  business  later.    (Kil- 
patrick also  auctioneered  and  passed  away  late  in  life  a 
few  hundred  yards  south  of  the  wagon  picture. ) 

Merle  Traw  was  elected  commander  for  the  next  year 
at  the  Bluffs  Legion. 

The  Kilver  FS  tank  truck  dropped  into  a  muck  hole  at 
the  side  of  the  road  at  the  Fred  Albers  home  south  west  of 
Bluffs  and  was  stuck  for  eleven  hours. 

A  new  200,  000  kilowatt  generating  unit  at  Meredosia 
Power  Station  of  CIPS  began  operation  in  July  of  1960. 

Last  rites  for  Thomas  B.   Meehan,   57  year  old  insurance 
broker  and  former  Bluffs  postmaster  who  passed  away  sudden- 
ly this  a.m.  (Wednesday  Aug.   3)  will  be  held  at  9:30 
Friday  at  St.  Patrick's  Church  in  Bluffs. 

Harold  (Pop  Eye)  Bentley  of  Naples  was  seriously  in- 
jured Sunday  evening  when  a  hunk  of  concrete  fell  on  his 
head  and  shoulder  while  on  construction  work  at  the  new 
Illinois  Grain  Co.   at  Naples. 

The  T.B.  Meehan  Insurance  Company  has  been  sold 
to  Clyde  Baulos  according  to  information  released. 

Charles  Wolford  Post  No.  441  of  Bluffs  has  announced 
plans  for  their  annual  picnic  and  a  crowning  of  a  "Mrs. 
Bluffs  of  1960." 


The  Bluffs  Legion  Post 
held  a  special  meeting 
Tuesday,  Aug.  30th  at 
the  Legion  Hall  for  the  pur- 
pose of  looking  over  bids 
for  the  tearing  down  of  the 
%rf   present  building  in  making 
preparation  for  construc- 
tion of  a  new  modern  build- 
ing.  Demolition  will  be- 
gin October  10th. 

From  the  office  of  the 
Bluffs  School  came  a  re- 
port of  1960-61  enrollment 
to  date.  High  school  reports 
Freshman- 34;  Sophomores- 
28;Juniors-23;Seniors-14, 
Total  enrollment  -  97. 
The  new  Bluffs  Post 
Office  being  built  by  Don 
Korty  was  nearing  comple- 
tion.  Minor  jobs  and  then 
it  was  ready  for  occupancy. 

Henry  Kelly,   33,   of  Bluffs  was  discovered  along  the 
side  of  the  road  just  north  of  the  junction  on  route  100 
about  2:30  a.m.  Monday.   Kelly  had  been  walking  to  Bluffs 
when  he  was  struck  by  a  hit  and  run  vehicle.  He  remains 
a  patient  at  Passavant  hospital  in  Jacksonville. 

Thomas  Dickens  has  just  announced  the  opening  of 
his  new  Electrical  Service  Shop. 

Bluffs  Post  office  patrons  changed  their  habits  of  mail 
getting  Monday  morning  when  the  new  post  office  was 
open  for  business. 

Bluffs  has  two  empty  buildings  at  present--one  vacat- 
ed early  in  November  with  the  moving  of  the  Bluffs  Post 
Office,   the  other  this  week  with  the  closing  of  the  Nortrup 
Grocery  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.   Vernon  NortTup.  The  former 
Post  Office  building  is  owned  by  Mrs.  Lottie  Evans,   the 
other  by  Mrs.  Etta  Brockhouse.  The  ODRE  Theatre  operat- 
ed by  Odgen  Sears,   also  closed  Monday  evening  for  at 
least  the  month  of  December  . 

Construction  work  at  the  Illinois  Farmers  Grain  Com- 
pany north  of  Naples  was  halted  Monday  when  high  winds 
tore  away  scaffolding  and  steel  beams. 

Formal  dedication  for  the  Bluffs  Post  Office  was  held 
Sunday,   December  11,    1960  with  Postmaster  Ethel  Hier- 
man Chairman  of  the  Ceremonies. 

Margaret  Hatfield  was  installed  as  worthy  matron  of 
the  Bluffs  O.E.  S.   for  the  coming  year. 

C.L.   Batley  of  Bluffs  was  awarded  a  diploma  for  Safe 
Driving  from  the  National  Safety  Council  for  ten  years 
as  a  state  trooper  without  an  accident. 

Hap's  Texaco  Station  Open  House  Friday  all  day  was 
well  attended. 

Irene's  Cafe  which  has  been  in  operation  in  the 

Geisendorfer  building  in  Bluffs  since  early  fall  has  hung 

up  a  "Closed"  sign.  We  regret  to  have  another  business 

close  its  doors. 

In  January  of  1961  Clyde  Baulos  was  named  President 

of  the  Bluffs  Civic  Club,   Russell  Vortman,    Secretary, 

Vice  President  Harvey  Vortman,      nd  Treasurer,   Fred 

Muntman. 


-74- 


Village  of  Bluffs 

We    Proudly    Salute   A 
GREAT  and  GROWING  COMMUNITY, 

Its   people...  Its   Churches, 
School,    and   Organizations. 

GLISSON 


FORD 


I 


1312  WIST  MORTON 
Jacksonville,  111. 


CONGRATULATIONS 
ON   YOUR   ONE-HUNDRED 
YEARS  OF   PROGRESS 
1871-1971 


Vandalia  & 
Lakeview  Ten. 


Jacksonville,    111. 


Best  of  Wishes 

from  your  Neighboring  County 


Beach  Road  Bait  Shop 


Meredosia,  Illinois 


1871  Bluffs 

COMPLIMENTS  OF 


1971 


Tom  Rose 

Your  State  Representative 
SOtli  District 


1871  1971 

HAPPY  BIRTHDAY 

TO  OUR  HOME  TOWN 
From,  o . 

Sturgeon's    AG    Store 

Ralph  and  Vivian 
and  Family 


BEST  WISHES 


Dr.  J.  R.  Griebler 

Meredosia,  Illinois 


CONGRATULATIONS 

Meredosia  Furniture  Co. 

Meredosia,  Illinois 


Have  a  Happy  Time ! 

West  Central  Illinois  Insurance  Agency 

584-3161  Meredosia,  Illinois 


Compliments  of 

lllico  Oil  Company 

Bob  Jenkins  &  Harlan  Fox 


-75- 


The  Bluffs  F.H.A.    is  sponsoring  an  old  clothes  drive 
for  the  World  Clothing  Drive  next  week. 

Marshall  Kennedy  was  injured  at  2  a.m.    Tuesday 
while  at  work  on  the  George  Lindsay  tow  on  the  Illinois 
River.    His  injuries  were  not  considered  serious. 

The  Bluffs  Legion  Post  was  being  razed  by  Tom  Dic- 
kens Construction.  The  building  was  constructed  by  the 
late  Goerge  VanGundy  to  house   the  Andre   &  Andre 
Furniture  store  with  an  upstairs  room   for  the  VanGundy 
telephone  exchange.  Other  occupants  thru  the  years  were 
Castle  Motor  Company,   Phillips  Hardware  and  Grocery, 
A  Pinball  Alley  and  Nortrup's  Grocery.    The  late  J.  P. 
Monta  operated  a  dance  hall  there  prior  to  his  sale  to 
the  legion. 

The  Bluffs  town  board  voted  to  make  the  block  be- 
tween the  Bank  Corner  and   Rte.   100  to  the  Bluffs  Hard- 
ware Store  a  one-way  street  and  directive  signs  have 
been  posted. 

The  Bank  of  Bluffs  began  its  48th  year  of  operation 
January  18th.  Directors  were  H.H.   Kilver,  J.  A.  Knoep- 
pel,   F.J.  Muntman,    Royal  Oakes  and  C.R.  Wills. 
Melvin  Christison  last  Monday  took  over  the  state 
job  of  highway  maintenance  in  this  area. 

A  truck  load  of  furniture  enroute  to  Phoenix,  Ariz., 
from  Macomb  burst  into  flames  in  front  of  the  Central 
Motor  Sales  in  Bluffs  Saturday,    February  17.   The   fire 
department  extinguished  the  blaze  but  loss  was  consider- 
able. 

The  Bluffs  Civic  Club  Monday  night  in  regular  session 
voted  to  build  a  modern  office  with  necessary  facilities 
and  clinical  rooms  to    attract  a  doctor  to  Bluffs  to  serve 
this  area.  The  project  will  be  financed   through  the 
sale   of  $50  bonds. 

Legion  Post  No.  441  met  in  special  session  March 
1,   at  the  Bluffs  Odd  Fellow  Hall  and  Commander  Merle 
Traw  presided.    Purpose  of  the  meeting  was  to  continue 
discussion  of  the  proposed  Legion  building  and  the  effect 
further  action.  It  was  voted  to  plan  the  building. 
Mrs.  D.  Mullen  was  named  President  of  the  Bluffs 

Woman's  Club. 

Mrs.    Thomas  Dickens  was  named  president  of  the 

P.T.A. 

The  Bluffs  Civic  Club,   its  board  of  directors  and  of- 
ficers authorized  the  sale  of  $19,000  in  bonds  for  the 
construction  of  a  medical  center  Monday  night.  The 
distribution  of  pledge  cards  to  members  and  the  signing 
thereof  was  started  following  the  meeting. 

CIPS  was  planning  a  press  tour  of  the  dedication  of 
the  new  224,000  kilowatt  generating  unit  Saturday  at 
Meredosia  power  station. 

The  Bluffs  Jaycees  announced  their  annual  Easter  Egg 
Hunt  for  Easter  Sunday  April  2. 

A  tornado  struck  Winchester  Monday  night  and  four 
were  injured  with  property  damage  running  into  the 
thousands. 

The  Graduating  Class    of  1961  included  Robert  Gary 
Bangert,   Clifford  Carpenter,   Kenneth  E.   Hannel,  Wanda 
McDade  Huddleston,  Janet  Kay  HuUinger,   Bonnie  Kay 
Mains,   Lari  O.   Mueller,   Danny  M.  Parker,    Richard 
Loreme  Pulling,  John  R.  Smith,   Donald  R.  Sturgeon, 
Lynn  Evans  Hoots  and  Sharon  Nave  Phillips. 

Harvey  Bartholomew  for  years  well  known  Bluffs  resi- 
dent who  has  been  in  Uncle  Sam's  mail  carrier  service 


for  more  than  41  years  is  retiring  as  of  May  31. 

Miss  Vera   Chambers  Saturday  closed  a  business  in 
Bluffs  of  more  than  eleven  years-" Mi- Lady's  Beauty 
Shop"    to  return  to  the  Quincy  Beauty  College.   She  is 
to  become  an  instructor  at  Quincy. 

Lari  Mueller  received  the  State  Farmers  Degree  in 
June. 

The  Tom   Dickens  Construction  Co.  bid  of  $14,270. 
for  the  Bluffs  Civic  Club  medical  center  was  accepted 
by  the  committee. 

The  annual  Royal  Oakes  Wheat  Day  was  June  13. 
Roger  Mefford,   son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Walter  Mefford 
drowned  in  the  Illinois  River  at  Naples.  He  was  14  years 
old. 

Russell  Albers  was  elected  Commander  for  the  Legion 
Post  in  Bluffs. 

Twenty-six  blood  doners  for  Betty  Hutton,   14  year 
old  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Hutton  treked  to 
St.    Louis  Wednesday.   Betty  was  to  have  open  heart 
surgery. 

There's  a  new  groceryman  in  Bluffs  in  the  person  of 
Coin  Omer  Mueller  who  has  purchased  the  Jack  Moore 
business.   The  new  proprietor  took  over  August  1. 

Lecie  Cox  became  sole  owner  of  the  L.   and  L.  Eco- 
nomy Store  when  Lecie  Oilman  sold  out  her  portion. 

A  new  300,  000  bushel  concrete  grain  elevator  with 
modern  dumping,   drying  and  dock  loading  facilities 
were  added  to  the  Naples  Elevator.  They  held  open 
house  Saturday. 

Indications  are  that  a  new  business,   a  restaurant  will 
open  in  Bluffs  in  the  Geisendorfer  building  on  Bluffs  St. 
Mrs.  Mae  Long  and  her  daughter,   Clara  Kitner  will 
manage  the  new  business.  They  are  from  Jacksonville. 
Last  Saturday  an  old  fashioned  Apple  Butter  making 
was  held  at  the  country  home  of  Mr.   and  Mrs.   Harvey 
Vortman.     Twenty  two  gallons  of  apple  butter  were 
made  from  great  grandmother's  recipe. 

Dawn  Rebekah's  met  and  elected  Opal  Gregory  Noble 
Grand  and  Alta  Atkinson  Vice  Noble  Grand  for  the 
coming  year. 

Francis  Placke  and  Clyde  Hullinger  (who  has  been 
bulk  truck  operator  for  some   time)  took  over  the  Bluffs 
"66"  Station  upon  the  retirement  of  Ben  Placke. 

This  bob-sled  group  bundled  up  for  cold  cannot  be 
distingviished  but  it's  a  typical  picture  of  winter  trans- 
portation to  Grandfather's  house  for  Christmas. 


-76- 


1871 


1971 


Bluffs 
Hazels,  Inc. 

Groceries    -    Housewares    -    Hardware 
Clothing  for   the    Entire    Family 


MEREDOSIA,  ILLINOIS 


phone    584-2311 


We  are  proud  of  our  part  in  the 
progress  and  development  of  this 
great  area  and  thankful  to  all 
for  the  privilege  of  rendering  our 
services  to  the  Village  of  Bluffs ! 


Bates  Funeral  Home 


4^ 


^' 


i^ 


.>^^ 


K""' 


1871 


1971 


BEST    WISHES 


Vick's  Shoe  Store 

DENNIS  BUGG,   Prop. 

16  West  Side  Square 

Jacksonville,   Illinois 

Phone  245-6215 

Home    of    Red    Cross    Shoes 


Congratulations 
to  the  Village  of  Bluffs 
on  your  One-Hundredth  Anniversary 
1871-1971 

Murray  Studio,  Inc. 

15  West  Side  Square  Jacksonville,   Illinois 

Ph:  217-243-2717 

A.  G.   DAMRAU  MERLE  T.   FOX 


-77- 


L.  to  R.:    Mary  Belle  Lane  (  a  sister  of  Ben  Lane 
who  ran  the  book  store  now  operated  by  his  son).    She 
married  Fred  Vannier  and  died  when  their  son,  the  late 
Frank  Vannier  of  Washington,  D.  C.  was  born.    Standing 
is  Annie  Vannier  Sommers,   Grandma  Vannier,  Louise 
Vannier  Budke,  August  Budke  and  H.  J.  Vannier  in  the 
cart. 

In  January  of  1962  the  Bluffs  Civic  Club  elected  Keith 
Prunty  as  President,  Robert  Albers,  Vice  President,  Har- 
vey Vortman,   Secretary  and  F.J.   Muntman,   Treasurer. 

The  "Koffee  Kup"  to  be  operated  by  June  Nunes 
(Mrs.    Wm.  Nunes)  will  open  for  business  Saturday  Feb. 
3,   subleased  from  Mrs.  Harry  Kitner  and  Mrs.   Mae  Long 
of  Jacksonville.    The  previous  restaurant  in  the  Geisen- 
dorfer  building  was  known  as  "The  Friendly  Cafe"'  in 
Bluffs. 

Bluffs  American  Legion  Post  chose  Mary  Claire 
Meehan  as  Girl's  State  Delegate  for  the  year  1962. 

The  Monday  night  70  mile  per  hour  wind  and  rain 
storm  did  considerable   damage  in  the  Bluffs  area. 

Graduating  from  High  School  in  1962  were:  Gerald 

D,  Atkinson,   Esther  Lovena  Barnett,   Gerald   R.  Bedding- 
field,  James  R.   Brown,  Janice  Kay  Engelbrecht,  James 
Bailey,   Linda  Lou  Berry,   Barbara  Kay  Chapman,   Larry 

E.  Clements,   Roberta  Alene  CoUison,  Jlmmie  E.   Cox, 
Frances  Louise  Cumby,   Burl  Fargo,   Lee  Frederick,  Aud- 
rey Gregory,   Harvey  Kesteison,   Delores  Ann  Kroencke, 
Cheryl  Kaye  Lisenbee,    Martha   Kathrine    McGlasson, 
Phyllis  Ann  Pahlmann,  Marnetta  Sapp. 

Dr.    Ctaar  Panella  has  accepted  the  position  as  phy- 
sician in  Bluffs  and  will  occupy  the  newly  constructed 
Medical  Center.  It  is  a  great  day  for  Bluffs  to  finally 
have  secured  a  physician  for  our  community.    Open 
House  was  held  and  the  public  invited  to  tour  the  new 
building  and  become  acquainted  with  our  new  physician. 

Edwin  Predmore  of  Barry  will  become   one  of  the 
Bluffs  business  and  professional  men  Tuesday,  July  17, 
when  he  opens  his  barber  shop,  the  former  Main  Barber 
Shop  on  Oak  Street. 

The  new  foundation  for  the  Bluffs  Legion  Building 
was  being  prepared  by  members  of  the  Post. 

The  Bluffs  Kindergarten  Day  School  operated  by  Mrs. 
Tom  Wyatt  in  the  home  will  open  September  4,    1962 
at  9:00  a.m.  the  sessions  scheduled  to  11:30  a.m.  each 
week  Monday  thru  Friday. 

Freesen  Brothers  of  Bluffs  were  low  bidders  Monday 
for  a  3.6  mile  of  road  improvement  from  111.   Route 
100  to  the  city  limits  of  Naples. 


Russell  Albers,  Legion  Com- 
mander, was  injured  in  a  fall  at 
the  site  of  the  new  Legion  build- 
ing. He  was  not  seriously  injured. 
Com  dr.  Albers  was  hospitalized 
and  in  much  pain  for  quite  awhile . 

The  Brick  Tavern,   located  off 
the  right  of  way  of  the  Wabash 
railroad  will  re-open  soon  under 
the  management  of  Dale  Bettds. 

Bluffs  school  yard  is  being 
covered  with  a  form  of  blacktop 
in  order  to  have  an  "all  weather" 
groiuid  for  the  school      children. 

Several  members  of  the  local  Legion  Post  and  other 
volunteers  worked  hard  and  long  hours  on  Sunday  to 
finish  the  roof  of  the  new  Legion  Home. 

Twenty  year  old  Denny  Albers  of  Bluffs  had  accumulat- 
ed enough  trophies  in  the  past  two  years  to  cause  short- 
age in  the  Nation.    Denny  raced  Go-carts  in  areas  around 
here. 

Open  House  was  held  at  Christmas  by  the  publisher 
of  the  Times,   Mr.  and  Mrs.   Ron  Dragoset. 

January  3,    1963  Mrs.  Patricia  Little  and  son  Robert 
came  close  to  death  in  an  auto- train  crash  at  the  Rte, 
100  crossing.    The  eastbound  train  struck  the  right  front 
of  the  1957  Chevrolet  and  slammed  it  backward  into  a 
parked  freight  car.    The  auto  was  totally  demolished  in 
the  crash. 

The  Bluffs  Times  listed  Publisher-R.  and  L.   Dragoset 
and  Editor-Mrs.  Ralph  Jones. 

Bluffs  Local  Firemen  met  at  the  Civic  Club  building 
and  elected  Earl  Lovekamp  as  President  for  the  coming 
year. 

Thomas  Bentley  of  Bluffs  died  of  shotgun  wounds  at 
Passavant  hospital  Wednesday  night.  He  was  in  failing 
health  for  some  time.  The  deceased  was  68  years  of  age. 

Bluffs  suffered  a  drought  last  week  as  the  bitter  cold 
winter  weath'  r  caused  a  pipe  line  in  town  to  break. 

Hog  rustlers  made  off  with  74  hogs  from  the  Wendell 
Freeman  farm  the  last  of  January. 

Carol  Carpenter,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Russell 
Carpenter  was  named  Queen  of  the  Sweetheart  Ball  at 
Bluffs. 

John  Gregory,   51,  was  found  dead  near  Oxville  Drain- 
age Ditch.   He  was  an  employee  of  the  Scott  County 
Drainage  District  and  was  digging  groundhogs  out  of  the 
levee  when  he  was  buried  in  three  feet  of  dirt. 

From  this  day  forth  and  "for  every  after"  Bluffs  will 
rank  with  other  large  and  modern  cities.  Beginning  April 
4,    1963  Bluffs  had  an  official  dog  catcher  (the  most  un- 
popular man  around  in  most  towns.)  C.E.   Battefeld,  vil- 
lage constable  will  be  on  the  lookout  for  strays. 

A  large  crowd  turned  out  to  the  public  meeting  held  at 
the  Bluffs  high  school  to  discuss  the  possibility  of  a  new  gym 
for  Scott  Dist.  Unit  2.  Election  time  came  round  and  the 
local  voters  approved  the  $75, 000  bond  issue  for  the  building 
of  the  new  gym  by  a  vote  of  316  to  87.  Bids  were  let  at  a 
later  date  to  Tom  Dickens  Electric  C  Construction  Co. 
Mary  Ann  Brockhouse  has  been  selected  for  Girl's  State 
to  be  held  on  the   MacMurray  College  campus  in  Jack- 
sonville this  summer. 


■78. 


Fairway  Cafe 

North  Main  &  Walnut 
Jacksonville,   Illinois 

Norman    and    Eileen    How  land,  Owners 


With  Best  Wishes 
Milburn-LaRossJewelers 


9  West  Side  Square 
Jacksonville,    Illinois 


Ph:    243- 1 1 10 


We  Salute  Bluffs 

and  all  the 

villages  nearby 

on  this  ?*' 

Anniversary  Occasion! 


Jim's  Arco 
Service  Station 

360  West  State 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 

phone   243-352  3 


1871 


19V 


CONGRATULATIONS 
ON  A 

CENTURY  OF  PROGRESS 


*9 

St 


.^ATE    BANK  &    ^ 

-4 

illk0k  ft 


i  FSB 


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w 

RnniuERSHRy^ 

MEMBER:  F.D.I.C. 
Jacksonville,   Illinois 


-79- 


Early  Town  Board  records  reveal  that  the  late  ]ohn  Knoeppel  and  his  son  Henry,  father  of  Albert  Knoeppel,  sold  lumber 
before  the  present  Allen  Lumber  Yard  was  known  as  one  of  the  chain  of  Hunter-Allen  Company.  Pictured  above  is  the  late 
Elmer  Wolford  at  his  manageria,  roll  top  desk  with  the  huge  safe  door  open  under  the  wall-crank  phone.  The  calendar  sets 
the.  date  as  May  1920  and  large  poster  top  left,   shows  an  ugly  rat  which  "Destroys  property,   kills  stock  and  breeds  disease. " 

Mr.  Wolford  purchased  the  lumber  yard  in  1935  and  sold  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Allen,   the  present  owners,   in  1955.  John 
Allen's  grandfather  purchased  the  Bluffs  business  at  the  start  of  the  1900's,   and  part  of  the  time  Mr.   Wolford  served  as  Mgr. 


A  Notice  in  the  Times  May  2,    1963  edition  stated: 
Having  rented  the  shop  at  the  Cockerill  Standard  Service 
at  Bluffs  (formerly  the  Bluffs  Garage)  we  will  open  for 
business  on  Saturday  May  4,    1963.  General  repairing, 
welding,  tune-up,   truck,   tractor  and  farm  equip.  Propriet- 
ors  Laine  Comerford  and  Donald  Mullen. 

The  Vortman  Texaco  Station  was  burglarized  and  an 
undetermined  amount  of  change  taken  from  the  four  vend- 
ing machines. 

A  young  Bluffs  couple,   Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robert  Carmean 
were  rushed  to  Passavant  hospital  after  being  discovered 
suffering  from  gas  fume  inhalation.    Mrs.   Carmean 
was  reported  in  poor  condition.   Her  husband  was  released 
from  the  hospital  after  a  few   days. 

The  graduating  Class  of  1963  were:  Ruth  E.   Seivers, 
Allen  L.   Vortman,   Mary  C.  Meehan,   Warren  Merriman, 
Berna  J,  Parker,  William  D.  Merris  Jr.    Sharon  L.  Rolf, 
Harold  E.   Morthole,   Kaye  Rose  Albers,   Richard  L.   Muel- 
ler,  Patricia  A.  Hall,   John  R.  Ctu'tis,    Donna  Lee  Hutton, 
Milburn  Elgelbrecht,   Connie  Pulling  Gregory,   Ronald 
Engelbrecht,    Martha  Long,   Thomas  Goldsborough,    Richard 
L.  Hutton,    Donald  L.  Kilver  and  David  E.  Lovekamp. 


The  1963  Wheat  Day  will  be  held  on  the  Royal  Oakes 
farm  Monday  June    10, 

It  was  announced  July  1st  that  Mrs.  Ralph  Jones  had 
been  named  Managing  Editor  of  the  Bluffs  Times. 

June  Nunes,    owner  of  the  Koffee  Kup  Kafe  in  Bluffs 
sold  her  business  Monday  to  Mrs.  Betty  Wyatt,   also  of 
Bluffs,  who  opened  for  business  July  20th. 

Wm.   Merris  was  elected  Commander  of  the  Bluffs 
Charles  Wolford  Legion  Post. 

The  Junior  College  was  defeated  in  a  bid  for  a  college 
for  this  area,   due  to  legal  technicalities.  However,   they 
contend  they  will  begin  work  again  to  try  one  more  time 
to  have  a  Junior  College  in  our  vicinity. 

Work  was  continuing  on  the  new  Legion  Building  being 
built  in  Bluffs. 

A  new  electric  sign  was  installed  on  the  lawn  of  the 
Bluffs  Methodist  Church  site  and  new  sidewalk  was  poured 
to  improve  the  grounds. 

Bluffs  "Bone"  of  contention  causes  dissension.  This 
was  the  headline  of  the  August  15,    1963  paper.   The  story 
follows:  Shades  of  the  'Big  City"  childhood.  The  dogcatch- 
er  is  in  town.   Rather  the  term  should  be  plural  as  of  last 


-80- 


Saturday's  opening  day  of  'Dog  Season'    in  Bluffs,   there 
were  three  large  size  men  trying  to  corner  (with  limited 
success)  the  canine   population.   Constable  "Curly"  Batte- 
feld  who  we  understand  is  an  unwilling  dog  warden,   Mayor 
Albert  Knoeppel  and  chief  Ass't.  Bob  VanHyning  played 
the  villan  roll  and  the  fur  flew.  Although  we  were  given 
to  understand  the  Bluffs  prison  contained  nine  dogs,  by 
the  time  the  press  arrived,    the  prison  was  empty.  " 

Another  Bluffs  Landmark  was  torn  down  at  this  time.  The 
old  post  office  building  which  was  vacated  when  the  new 
post  office  was  built,  was  razed  with  many  onlookers. 

Miss  Dixie  Lee  Frohwitter,   daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Harold  Frohwitter  was  named  "Miss  American  Legion" 
at  the  annual  Legion  Picnic. 

St.  John's  Lutheran  Church     Celebrated    their    50th 
anniversary  November  10th. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  Chambers  headed  the  Eastern 
Star  Order  of  the  Bluffs  Chapter  for  the  coming  year. 
Fire  completely  destroyed  the  farm  home  west  of 
Bluffs  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.   Donald  Collison  Wednesday  after- 
noon,  Dec.    18th. 

Beginning  January  1,    1964  the  Bluffs  Machine  Products 
situated  in  Bluffs  and  owned  by  Mrs.  Freda  Parker,   will 
be  leased  to  Charles  Oakes,   also  from  Bluffs.  Mr.  Oakes 
will  continue  to  operate  the  shop  as  it  has  been  in  the 
past  and  Neil  Parker,   son  of  Mrs.  Parker  will  continue 
to  be  Bluffs  operator. 

The  annual  meeting  of  the  stockholders  of  the  Bank 
of  Bluffs  was  held  January  15,  1964.  At  the  close  of 
business  Dec.  21,  1963,  total  resources,  demand  deposits, 
time  deposits,  and  loans  were  at  a  record  year-end  high. 
Scott  County  Housing  Authority  was  granted  $785,  390 
for  construction  of  57  low-rent  homes  in  Bluffs,  Manches- 
ter and  Winchester. 

Mayor  J.  A.  Knoeppel  purchased  and  presented  a  Blue 
and  Gold  Post  Flag  to  the  Charles  Wolford  Post  441.   He 
has  been   a  member  since  World  War  I  ended  in   1919. 

Bluffs  Bluejays  won  the  District  Tournament  with  a 
win  over  the  Prairie  Pioneers  of  Perry. 

Mrs.  Ralph  Jones  began  her  duties  as  proprietor  of  the 
Bluffs  Times,  her  and  her  husband  having  purchased  same 
from  Ron  Dragoset  as  of  March  1,    1964. 

The  Board  of  Education  of  Community  Unit  School  Dis- 
trict   reorganized  April  16th  with  Harvey  L.   Vortman 
elected  president  and  Clyde  Taylor,   secretary.    Other 
members  are  William  Kleinschmidt,   Carl  H.  Leib,    Har- 
old Bridgman,   and  newly  elected  members  were  Thomas 
Brackett  and  Glen  Seivers. 

Bluffs  was  shocked  by  the  death  of   Richard  'Dick'  Mil- 
ler who  died  of  injuries  sustained  in  a  tractor  accident 
south  of  Naples   while     helping  his  son-in-law,  Wendell 
Freeman,    with  his  farming. 

Work  on  the  Bluffs  waterworks  plant  is  progressing  sat- 
isfactorily.   The  new   plant  will  be   put  into  use  within 
the  next  week,    the  first  part  of  May. 

Miss  Betty  Hutton  and  Mike  Gregory  were  crowned  king 
and  queen  of  the  1964  Junior-Senior  Prom. 

Reverend   Lyle  Sucher  conducted  his  last  service  here 
Sunday,    May  3rd.  He  moved  to  Murphysboro  where  he  is 
to  have  a  much  larger  congregation. 

The  members  of  the  Bluffs  Band  G  Chorus  went  to  three 
contests  this  year  and  came  home  with  100  medals. 


JohnW.  Allen,    owner  of  Allen  Lumber  Co. ,  was  a 
member  of  the  1964  Illinois  Lumber  Dealers  Goodwill 
People -to- People  Delegation  visiting  Denmark,    Belgium, 
Czechoslovakia,    Poland,   Germany  and  the  Soviet  Union. 

The    Reverend   Kenneth    Lein   was    chosen   by  St. 
John's  Lutheran  Council  as  Pastor  of  the  local  church. 

Mrs.   Dorothy  Vannier  was   installed  as  president  of  the 
local  P.T.A. 

Friends  and  neighbors  lent  a  helping  hand  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Ed  Meier  and  Mrs.  Harold  Meier  with  their  spring 
planting. 

Bluffs  has  a  most  wonderful  group  of  people  living  in 
and  around  it,  but  it  sometimes  takes  a  time  of  need  to 
realize  just  how  wonderful  people  can  be. 

Students  graduating  from  Bluffs  High  School  in  1964 
were  Marvin  C.  Barrett,    Mary  Lee  Batley,    John  Brock- 
house,    Mary  Ann  Brockhouse,    Karen  Brown,  Marilyn 
Jeanne  Clements,   Dixie  Lee  Frohwitter,   Dennis  Gregory 
Doris  K.Hartm an,   Sharon  Kay  Hendricks,    Larry  G.  Hoots, 
Betty  Joan  Hutton,    Marjorie  Viola  Kroencke,    Linda  Lu- 
cille Lisenbee,   Shirley  Marie  Magelitz,   Richard  McDade, 
Thelma  M.Mueller,    Gerald  D.  Sapp,  James  Gordon  Traw, 
Carol  Ann  Carpenter,   Terry  Buhlig,   Patricia  Ann  Nave, 
James  LeRoy  Bettis. 

The  'Bluffs  Times  Newspaper'  office  had  moved  to  their 
new  building.  As  of  June  1st  the  "Times"  opened  for  busi- 
ness in  a  new  building  purchased  from  Ray  Bettis,  and  built 
on  the  site  of  the  old  Dug  an  Barber  Shop. 

Top  student  awards  went  to  Mary  Lee  Batley,   Valedic- 
torian and  Mary  Anne  Brockhouse,   Salutatorian. 

Hodges  Cemetery  was  a  vital  issue  with  many  local 
residents  this  year.  Many  of  the  descendants  of  those  long 
departed  from  this  world  had  the  determination  to  have 
the  Hodges  cemetery  put  into  good  condition. 

Dr.   and  Mrs.    Omar  Panella  were  granted  their  United 
States    Citizenship  June  29th.  Doctor  Panella  for  years 
lived  in  Cuba  and  his  wife  Maria,  was  bom  and  reared  in 
Spain. 

Brenda  Williams,  Linda  Lovekamp  and  Marjorie  Rolf 
were   the  three  Bluffs  High  School  students  to  attend  West- 
ern Illinois   University  Music  Camp. 

J.  A.   Knoeppel,    President  of  the  Village  Board,   is- 
sued a  proclamation  requesting  that  all  bells  in  Bluffs, 
Illinois  be   rung  for  two  minutes  beginning  at  one  o'clock 
p.m.    on  July  4th. 

Mr.   and  Mrs.    Harry  Geisendorfer,   dwellers  in  one  of 
the  largest  white  houses  in  Bluffs  for  many  years,   quietly 
passed  their  45th  Wedding  Anniversary,   Monday  June  29. 
Bluffs  City  Dads  were  forced  to  close  the  'City  Dump' 
except  for  certain  times.   This  was  unfortunate  but  neces- 
sary. 

The  Bluffs  Village  Board  met  at  a  meeting  and  granted 
a  franchise  to  the  CIPS  Co.  to  provide  gas  for  all  would-be 
customers  locally. 

Violet  Dickens  placed  sixth  in  the  National  Baton 
Twirling  Event  (solo)  at  the  Illinois  State  Fair  in  Springfield. 

Miss  G-'>tchen  Vannier  and  her  aunt,   Mrs.  Harry  Mer- 
riman  left  Saturday  to  tour  New  York  and  the  World's  Fair. 
Bernard  Goetze  was  named  Assistant  Principal  of  the 
Bluffs  School  system. 

Commander  William  Merris  announced  a  new  air- 
conditioning  system  was  being  installed  in  the  Legion  Hall. 


-SI- 


An  Indian  burial  mound  was  discovered  bv  four  Bluffs 
youths  at  this  time  on  the  farm  land  of  Raymond  Arnold, 
who  resides  north  of  Bluffs.  The  Illinois  State  Museum 
will  continue  study  of  the  find.  The  boys  were  Galen 
Lovekamp,   Raymond  Graves,  Jim  Wyatt  and  Roger 
Craves. 

Burglars  broke  into  the  Economy  Store  and  Rose's 
Pool  Room.  Cigarettes,  watches,  money,   etc.  were  re- 
ported missing. 

wew  telephone  cable  was  being  laid  in  Bluffs. 
"The  Warren  Report"  was  presented  to  Librarian.  Dr. 
E.G.  Thome,    for  the  Bluffs  Public  Library  use,   from 
Congressman  Paul  Findley. 

Charles  B.  Oakes  who  has  operated  the  Bluffs  Machine 
Shop  the  past  ten  months  sold  his  interest  to  Neil  Parker 
as  of  November  1,   1964. 

A  water  tank  heater  was  reported  stolen  from  the 
Hierman's  Gamble  Store. 

In  January  of  1965  Tom  Dickens  was  elected  President 
of  the  Bluffs  Civic  Club. 

The  WSCS  of  the  Methodist  Church  announced  plans 
to  remodel  the  church  basement. 

Dr.  E.G.  Thome,   Bluffs  dentist,   died  unexpectedlv 
at  his  home  Saturday,  January  30th,   1965. 

Rene  Barnett  and  Keith  Chapman  were  crowned  at 
the  Sweetheart  Ball  in  the  Bluffs  gym  in  Febmary. 

Miss  Mametta  Sapp  entered  into  the  beauty  business 
with  Mrs.  Betty  Weiss  in  Bluffs  in  February. 

Senator  Paul  Simon  was  the  scheduled  speaker  at  the 
Bluffs  Methodist  Church    Banquet  March  4th. 

Dale  Adams  of  Adams  Service  and  Sales,   Jacksonville, 
donated  a  Garbage  Disposal  and  Dishwasher  to  the  Bluffs 
Legion  Hall. 

Everyone  thought  war  was  declar- 
ed again,  when  the  Freesen  Brothers, 
Inc.  Repair  shop  burned  to  the  ground 
in  March,    1965.   Fire  of  undetermin- 
ed origin  leveled  the  old  Wabash 
round  house  on  a  cold,   cold  night, 
and  volunteers'  fought  the  blaze  and 
exploding  barrels  for  hours,  before 
bringing  the  blaze  under  control. 

John  Allen  was  the  candidate  for 
Mayor  of  our  village,  and  was  elect- 
ed in  the  forthcoming  contest,  de- 
feating J.  A.  Knoeppel,  who  had 
held  that  position  for  many  years. 
Robert  Albers,   Howard  Buhlig, 
Oliver  Chamberss,   Harold  Kilver, 
George  Krusa,   Charles  Merris  and 
Carl  Stegemann  were  named  to  the 
Board  of  Directors  for  the  Elevator. 
Mrs.  Clarence  Weiss,   active  in 
the  beauty  shop  business  for  thirty 
years,   retired  April  1st.   Mametta 
Gregory  opened  her  shop  in  the  Weiss 
building,   and  still  operates  there  un- 
der the  name  of  Mametta' s  Beauty 
Shop. 

Treesen  Brothers,   in  business  for 
several  years  in  Bluffs,   who  recently 
sustained  a  great  loss  by  fire  at  their 


warehouse  and  repair  shop  at  the  old  Wabash  roundhouse  have 
plans  for  the  future.  They,   the  company,  will  have  a 
new  building  to  replace  the  one  destroyed,  which  will 
provide  ample  space  for  their  needs.  They  have  purchas- 
ed land  of  Mrs.  Helen  Oakes  Head  of  Springfield. 

Leland  Kesterson  Of  Oxville  escaped  serious  injury  , 
March  24th,   is  a  car-Wabash  freight  train  wreck,   and 
Geoi^e  Krusa,  Robert  Freesen  and  Leroy  Freesen  met  with 
the  village  board  to  discuss  plans  for  a  housing  development. 

Little  Tonya  Berry,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.   Vincent 
Berry,  was  injured  Tuesday,  April  13th,  when  she  fell 
from  the  back  of  a  truck  and  fractured  her  skull. 

John  Allen  was  elected  Mayor  of  Bluffs  at  the  election 
held  in  April. 

Clifford  Hoots  of  Bluffs,   recently  was  made  plant 
manager  of  the  new  SCHROCK  plant  situated  a  |  mile 
south  of  Bluffs  on  the  blacktop.    The  plant    handled 
liquid  Economy  fertilizer  and  Anhydrous  Ammonia. 

"King  and  Queen"  of  the  Bluffs  Senior  Prom  were 
Dennis  Engelbrecht  and  Miss  Connie  Likes. 

Loren  H.    Engelbrecht  was  seriously  injured  in  a  col- 
lision about  a  mile  east  of  Meredosia  Sunday  night. 

Graduating  Class  of  1965  consisted  of:  Robert  Jeffrey 
Albers,   Barbara  LeAnn  Arnold,   JoAnn  Atkinson,   Linda 
Kay  Barrett,  E,  Ilene  Barnett,   Francis  Beddingfield,  Jesse 
Brown,  Jeffrey  Thomas  Bruce,   Charles  Keith  Chapman, 
Joyce  Hoots  Cooney,    Roger  O.    Davis,   Dennis  A.  Engel- 
brecht,  Michael  John  Cockerill,   Linda  E.  Gregory,  James 
E,  Hutton,  Linda  Sue  Hurst,   Leland  Kesterson,   Connie 
Ora  Likes,    Lila  L.  Lisenbee,   Nancy  LeAnn  Lovekamp, 
Regmald  E.  Magelitz,   Alan  M.  Merriman,   Neil  Jared 
Mueller,   Louis  M.  McDade,   John  D.  Oakes,   Lora  Sue 
Pond,   Brenda  May  Sandman,   Hazel  Marie  Serrelta,  Wil- 


This  1905  picture  of  Oak  Dale,  School  District  34,  with  19  students  in  grades 
two  to  eight  was  contributed  by  Mrs.  Harry  Merriman,  smallest  student  in  the 
school.    This  picture  and  others  were  found  in  one  of  her  late  mother,  Mrs. 
George  H.  Vannier's,   album. 

Fropt  row  -  Mabel  Merriman  Likes,  Edith  Mueller  Schuessler.  Fred  Schroeder, 
LaBelle  Vannier  Merriman,    Clara  Vannier,   Clarence  Seeman,   Elmer  Seeman. 

2nd  row  -  Herman  Vannier,   Charles  Wolford,   Oscar  Mueller,  Oscar  Merriman, 
Lena  Vannier  Lovekamp,  Ina  Vannier  Krusa,  Lottie  Middendorf,  Emma  Vortman 
Owens,   Clarence  Sentney. 

3rd  row  -  Fred  Schultis,  Richard  Nortmp,   Ollie  Flynn,  teacher. 


-82. 


ongt'atulations  .  . 


On  Your  One  Hundredth  Anniversary 

to  the  citizens  of  Blufjs 

Eeeu>(t-St5tR  Bank 

Boula  Dotfif"  Get  MtudU  SettsJi 


JACKSONVILLE,   ILLINOIS 


CONGRATULATIONS 
TO  THE  VILLAGE  OF  BLUFFS 
ON  YOUR  ONE-HUNDREDTH 
ANNIVERSARY       1871-1971 

IT/S  M  rfV^~l       63   E    SIDE   SQUARE 
lir.V[_|_^'^'_^J        JACKSONVILLE     ILL 

[E[g[5[Rl[MiH[ciH  /.^"'rfe 


Much  good  fortune  in  the  future, 
is  our  earnest  wish  for  the 
Village  of  Bluffs 

Walker  Hardware 

West  Side  Square 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 

Phone:  243-1117 


1871 


1971 


Congratulations  on  your  100th  Birthday 

May  Music  Co. 


Jacksonville,    Illinois 
Music    of    all    Kinds 


Best  Wishes  to  Bluffs. , . . . 


ILLINOIS  THEATRE 


Jacksonville,    Illinois 


CONGRATULATIONS 

ON  YOUR  CENTENNIAL! 


1871 
1971 


Brown's  Shoe  Fit  Co. 

17  West  Side  Square  Jacksonville,   Illinois 

Phone:  24S-2534 
Karl    Wagner    -    Co-ovirner 


-83- 


liam  Ellsworth  Vannier,  Janice  Pearle  Vortman,  Leon- 
ard G.  Woodrum,  Kenneth  Leon  Westermeyer,  Teresa 
Ann  Whited,   Cynthia  Ann  Whorton,   Jack  Lee  Sturgeon. 

Severe  wind  and  rain  from  Sunday's  storm  brought 
about  a  short  in  the  Noon  whistle   of  the  Bluffs  Fire   Depart- 
ment June  21.    The  whistle  rang  as  usual  at  Noon,  but 
then  continued  to  ring  at  intervals  of  six  minutes.    The 
first  ring  brought  out  the  usual  dependable  workers,   the 
next  ring  brought  them  back  again,   and  while  they  were 
discussing  the  reason  for  the  false  alarms,   and  checking 
with  the  reporting  stations,   the  little  gadget  clicked, 
the  clock  responded,   and  it  blew  again.  Cause  had  been 
determined  as  a  short  in  the  clock,   and  a   new  one  had 
been  ordered. 

The  new  Bluffs  addition  was  formally  named  Valley- 
view  Addition  to  the  Village  of  Bluffs.    It  is  owned  by 
the  Bluffs  Development  Corporation. 

The  Scott  County  Housing  Authority  has  accepted  the 
bid  of  a  Fenton  Mo.   contractor  for  construction  of  57  low 
rent  housing  units  in  Scott  County  at  three  locations, 
Manchester,   Winchester  and  Bluffs. 

According  to  information  received  from  Mayor  John 
Allen,  A  CIPS  survey  was  made  house  to  house  Fri- 
day,  September  3rd  to  determine  what  potential  gas  users 
there  are  in  Bluffs. 

Miss  Christina  Stegemann  was  named  Queen  of  the 
Bluffs  American  Legion  at  their  annual  picnic  Saturday. 

Rev.  Staudacher,   pastor  of  the  Bluffs  Lutheran  Church 
at  Neelyville  died  unexpectedly  at  his  home  Sept.  17th. 

Bluffs  is  undergoing  a  business  boom.     The  Allen  Lum- 
ber Company   purchased    a  new    concrete  mixer,  Colli-Hi- 
son   Construction  Co.  started  pouring  concrete  for  the 
basement  foundation  for  the  new  three-bedroom   home  of 
Mr.   and  Mrs.   Clyde  Baulos,   The  Bluffs  Baptist  Church  was 
planning  to  build  a  new  church,   Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wm.  New- 
man were  doing  extensive  remodeling  on  their  home,   the 
foundation  was  being  dug  tor  the  new  home  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Francis  Placke,   Mr.  and  Mrs.  CO.    Mueller  were 
doing  remodeling  on  their  home.     The  Federal  Housing 
Project  is  underway,  work  is  progressing  nicely  on  the 
second  warehouse  and  filling  station  on  the  Freesen  Bros. 
Inc.,   on  Rte.    100,   and  John  and  Mildred  Allen  are  build- 
ing a  two  family  garage  with  upstairs  apartment  in  the 
northwest  of  town. 

Mr.   and  Mrs.  Merle  Scott  of  Naples  announced  they 
had  purchased  a  lot  from  Fred  Cockerill  and  would  begin 
construction  on  a  new  Coin  Wash  for  Bluffs. 

Patty  Coughlin  was  named  queen  of  the  Bluffs  Home- 
coming at  festivities  Friday  evening. 

According  to  information  received  from  Clyde  Hullin- 
ger,   manager  of  the  newly  constructed  Shell  Service  Sta- 
tion,  the  station  will  be  open  for  business  Monday,   January 
17,    1966. 

Brenda  Williams  and  David  Vortman  were  crowned  King 
and  Oueen  at  the  Bluffs   Band  Boosters  Carnival  in  March. 

Jerry  Rife  resigned  as  manager  of  the  Bluffs  Grain  Co. 

Nita  Thome  resigned  as  librarian  of  the  Bluffs  PuLlic 
Library.  Applications  were  being  taken  for  the  position. 

Mr.  Ray  Schnitker,   Arenzville,   had  been  hired  to  posi- 
tion of  Manager  of  the  Bluffs  Farmers  Grain  Elevator. 

Fourteen  year  old  Joan  Buhlig,  daughter  of  Mr.   and 
Mrs.  Lee  Buhlig  died  Friday    Feb.    10,   at  Passavant  hospi- 
tal following  an  extended  illness. 


Postmaster  Wm.   Kilver  of  Bluffs  announced  that  the 
Bluffs  Post  Office  was  providing  patrons  of  Bluffs  with 
full  service,   Monday  through  Saturday. 

On  February  16th  fire  struck  the  Arvin  Rose  home  in 
Bluffs  and  destroyed  their  kitchen  as  well  as  damaging 
much  of  the  interior  of  the  home. 

The  CIPS  Co.  announced  their  plans  to  begin  the  laying 
of  natural  gas  lines  for  their  customers  in  the  Meredosia- 
Bluffs  area. 

Rodger  Olen  Davis,    18  year  old  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Claude  Davis  of  Bluffs  died   Monday,  March  14th  at  St. 
John's  hospital,   Springfield  where  he  had  been  a  patient 
several  months. 

Applications  for  rental  of  public  housing  units  in  Scott 
County  were  being  taken. 

Mrs.  Gwelidolyn  Cumby,  44,  was  killed  insUntly  when 
her  auto  struck  head  on  with  a  tractor  trailor  at  the  Bluffs 
Exeter  turn  off  of  route  36-54  five  miles  north  of  Winchester. 

In  a  recent  contest,    Donal  Gene  Enke  was  presented 
with  a  year's  subscription  to  the  Bluffs  Times  upon  being 
the  500th  new  subscriber.  Donal  Gene  is  serving  in  the 
U.  S.  Navy  and  his  mother  subscribed  for  him. 

Linda  Lovekamp  and  Albert  Hoots  were  chosen  as  "King 
and  Queen  of  the  Bluffs  Prom. 

The  graduating  class  of  1966  consisted  of:  Bonnie  Jean 
Bangert,   Ellen  Louis  Baulos,   Terrence  Beeley,   Gerald 
Bruce,   Bonnie  Buhlig,  Bonnie  Kay  Collison,   Patricia  Ann 
Coughlin,  James  Lawrence  Curtis,   Ruth  Ann  Davis,    Rose- 
mary Jo  Grimes,  William  Walter  Hart,  Albert  Keith  Hoots, 
Pamela  Sue  Hullinger,   Steven  Ralph  Jones,   Linda  Jean 
Lovekamp,   Carol  Sue  Murphy,    Carolyn  Eileen  Nave, 
Connie  Jo  Nunes,   Margery  Ann  Rolf,  Judith  Kay  Sandman, 
Wendell  E.  Sapp,  Ted  Adair  Vortman  and  Brenda  Carol 
Williams. 

Sherman  Huffman,   40,   of  Pittsfield,   employed  by 
Freesen  Brothers  Construction  was  electrocuted  Tuesday 
while  at  work  on  US  67  at  the  Littleton  junction  north  of 
Rushville. 

John  Allen,   Bluffs  Mayor,  participated  in  ceremonies  at 
Bluffs,   in  which  quite  a  few  Roodhouse  citizens  came  to  our 
village  in  observance  of  their  Centennial  Year,  and  named 
Mr.  Allen  an  honorary  member  of  their  "Brothers  of  the  Brush" 

A   two-page  scroll  signed  by  all  Bluffs  merchants  and 
well  wishers  was  taken  via  "Pony  Express"  by  "Bo"  Woosley 
to  Roodhouse  in  observance  of  their  100th  year. 

The  new  Bluffs  Coin  Laundry  held  their  grand  opening 
July  29  and  30th. 

Reverend  Donald  Kroll  was  ordained  and  installed  as 
pastor  of  the  Trinity  Lutheran  Church. 

Miss  Janet  Scott  was  named  "Miss  American  Legion 
for  1966  at  the  annual  Picnic  Saturday  evening. 

Robert  Lovekamp  has  been  appointed  by  the  Bluffs 
Village  Mayor  and  Board  members  to  the  position  of  Vil- 
lage Policeman. 

A  proposed  new  library  for  Bluffs  would  be  voted  on 
in  the  November  election. 

The  issuance  of  $23,000  in  bonds  to  finance  the  build- 
ing of  the  new  Bluffs  Public  Library  was  passed  in  a  special 
election  held  at  the  Village  Hall. 

Vicki  Morris  was  named  Home-Coming  Queen  at 
Bluffs  High  School. 


-84- 


Our  Best  Wishes 
to  a  Good  Community 

1871  -         1971 

Meredosia  Roller  Rink 

MR.    AND  MRS.    MC  KUNE 

Meredosia,   Illinois 


BLUFFS 

May   your    next    100   Years 
be   a   great    success! 

QUICK  SERVICE 

GREGORY  APPLIANCE  STORE 
Bud  Hayes,    Routeman 
Laundry    &    Dry    Cleaning 


Good   Luck,     Bluffs  ! 

Jacksonville 
Walgreen  Agency  Drug  Stores 


BEST  WISHES 

for  continued  progress  &  growth 


F.  W.  Woolworfh 


Jacksonville,   111. 


ph:  245-6609 


1871 


BEST  WISHES 
TO  THE  VILLAGE  OF  BLUFFS 

Sent  Your  Way  By. . . . 

NEWMANS 

SHOES    FOR    THE    FAMILY 

Ph:  245-4222 
Jacksonville,   Illinois 

-:-  13th  Pair  Always  FREE    -:- 


1971 


1871  -:-  BLUFFS  -:-  1971 

Mueller  Real  Estate  Service 

I.    D,    Mueller,   Licensed  Broker 
Bluffs,   Illinois 


IS'^l         CONGRATULATIONS 


Marcross  Cycle  Center 


Bluffs,   Illinois 


1971 


BEST  WISHES  FROM 

Margaret   Watson 

Bluffs,  Illinois 


CONGRATULATIONS  BLUFFS! 

Meredosia  Cafe 

Meredosia,  Illinois 


We  Salute 

Bluffs 

on  this  Occasion 

marking 

the  progress 


'SW^ 


\(':  \^^^^' 
'^^C^^' 


of  their  commanity ! 


V.I.  P.  SHOP 

specializing  in  knits 

24  NORTH  SIDE  SQUARE 

JACKSONVILLE,  ILL.   62650 

Phone  217-243-4412 


VIRGINIA  PILCHER 
Owner 


Authorized 

VIKING  SEVi/ING  MACHINE 

Dealer 


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Robert  D.   Merris,   fomierly  of  Bluffs  was  named  editor 
of  the  Herald  and  Review  in  Decatur. 

One  of  the  worst  ice  and  snow  storms  in  years  hit 
Bluffs  Wednesday  evening  Janury  27th.   School  was  can- 
celled and  telephone  and  lights  were  out  of  service  for 
some  time. 

The  site  for  the  new  Lutheran  church  near  Neelyville 
will  be  across  from  the  present  church  buildiuE.  Construc- 
tion for  the  new  structure  will  begin  this  spring. 

Bluffs  grade  school  won  the  PMSC  heavy  weight  tour- 
nament in  February. 

The  Bluffs  Band  Boosters  Carnival  was  a  great  success. 
The  "Great  Ole  Opera"  show  was  one  of  the  best  in  years. 
Ruth  Fargo  was  named    Queen  and  Gerald  Schmitz  King. 

Military  authorities  Sunday  visited  the  home  of  Army 
Specialist  Fourth  Class  James  E.  Hutton  at  Bluffs  to  inform 
his  family  that  the  previously  reported  missing- in-action 
serviceman  has  been  officially  declared  a  victim  of  the 
hostile  attack  on  March  11th  at  his  base  camp  in  Vietnam. 

April  14— Terry  and  Kerry  Littig  and  Bradley  Littig 
went  mushrooming  Sunday  afternoon.  They  returned  with 
2-2   pounds  of  mushrooms  and  a  very  live  water  moccasin 
Needless  to  say,   the  mushrooms  were  kept,   and  much  to 
the  dismay  of  the  boys,   the  water  moccasin  was  returned 
to  the  water.  Terry  and  Kerry  are  the  sons  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Wayne  Littig  and  Bradley  is  the  son  of  Mr.   and  Mrs.   Le- 
land  Littig. 

The  graduating  class  of  1967  consisted  of:  Mark  E. 
Albers,   Mary  Ann  Bailey,   Carolyn  Sue  Beddingfield, 
Bonita  K.  Clements,    Kaye  Cockerill,   Raymond  Cumby, 
Robert  D.  Engelbrecht,   Betty  L.  Fargo,   Virginia  Sue 
Goldsborough,   Sandra  Hartman,  William  A.   Heck,   Carol 


Sue  Hoots,   Robert  Hutton,  Phillip  Kilver,  David  Long, 
Verlin  Magelitz,   Leonard  McDade,   Cheryl  Lee  Merris, 
MelvinW.  Miller,   Murray  J.   Moore,  Vicki  M.  Morris 
Marc  C.  Mueller,   Constance  Joanne  Neese,   Darrel  L. 
Nobis,   Daivid  Lee  Pond,   Carolyn  Sue  Potter,   Gary  A. 
Rahe,   Roger  Shireman,  James  Vannier,  David  Alan 
Vortman  and  Steve  Williams. 

Royal  Oakes,   86,   respected  and  well-known  Bluffs 
Bluffs  farmer,   passed  away  at  8:00  p.m.  Tuesday,   May 
30th  at  Passavant  hospital  in  Jacksonville  where  he  had 
been  a  patient  many  times  recently.   Mr.  Oakes  was  bom 
in  Bluffs  October  24,    1881  the  son  of  Henry  and  Emaline 
Richardson  Oakes.  Three  sons  survive,   Harold  and  Charles, 
both  of  Bluffs  and  James  of  St.  Louis,   in  addition  to  his 
wife,   Margaret. 

Mrs.  Byron  Littig  of  Bluffs  received  word  that  her 
brother  Dermis  Fairfield  had  been  killed  in  Vietnam, 

Another  dismembered  arm,   the  second  located  with- 
in a  two  week  period,  was  found  floating  in  the  Illinois 
River  last  Tuesday  about  three  miles  below  Naples,   near 
the  Mauvaisteere  Creek  entrance  into  the  river. 

Robert  Lovekamp  was  elected  1967-68  Legion  Com- 
mander and  Mrs.  Lecie  Oilman  re-elected  Bluffs  Legion 
Auxiliary  President  for  the  year  1967-68. 

Awards  of  the  Bronze  Star  and  Purple  Heart  were  award- 
ed to  the  parents  of  the  late  SP/4  James  Hutton,   Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Donald  Hutton  at  ceremonies  recently. 

New  homes  were  featured  in  June  1967  edition  of  the 
BluffsTimes-Mr.   and  Mrs.  Robert  Long  and  family  moved 
into  their  new  home  in  the  south  part  of  town.  The  home 
was  constructed  by  Dickens  Construction  Co.,  Bluffs. 


DO  YOU  REMEMBER  when  the  Wabash  Depot  and  the  Coal  Chute  looked  like  this  in  Bluffs  ?  If  so  -  you  are  one  of  the 
"old-timers"  !  Fred  Northcutt,  who  brought  the  picture  in,  says  it  was  torn  down  in  October,  1936.  The  "Hotel"  shown 
in  the  below  picture  was  burned  May  27,  1928.  The  building  at  west  end  of  platform  is  "Wm.  McCullom's  Car  Shanty". 
When  you  look  at  the  picture  you  are  looking  west,  and  it  surely  brings  back  a  great  many  memories! 


','y^<»'"^*i^  .*»(^«;>'i 


'■'"J!??^ 


-86- 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clyde  Vanhyning  and  family  were  in 
the  process  of  having  a  new  home  built.  Allen  Lumber 
Co.  of  Bluffs  doing  the  construction.  The  newly  construc- 
ted split-level  home  of  Mr.   and  Mrs.  Vivian  Bentley  in 
Valley  View  Addition  was  now  inhabited  by  the  Bentleys. 
Ground  work  on  the  new  Bluffs  Library  was  begun,  vrith 
Donald  Korty  Construction  was  doing  the  building. 

The  Bluffs  5-Minute  Wash  and  Wax,  owned  by  Laine, 
Joanne  and  Mae  Comerford  opened  Saturday  to  Bluffs  resi- 
dents, with  Mayor,   John  Allen  as  the  first  customer. 

Plans  were  under  way  for  the  annual  American  Legion 
Picnic  featuring  the  Queen  contest  and  "Great  Ole  Opery". 
and  Parade. 

Miss  Colleen  Prunty  was  named  Queen  of  the  Bluffs 
American  Legion  Picnic. 

Larry  Hutton,   employee  of  the  CIPS  Company  in 
Meredosia  was  taken  to  Passavant  hospital  September  30th 
where    he    remains    a    patient    being    treated    for    gas 
inhalation,   the  result  of  working  near  a  faulty  gas  pipe 
at  the  Meredosia  Plant. 

The  Bluffs  Civic  Club  Picnic  September  2,   featured 
the  Possum  Holler  Opry  Cast  of  Quincy,  Illinois. 

Freesen  Brothers  were  awarded  the  contract  to  repair 
Bluffs  Main  Street.   The  old  street  will  be  torn  out,   and 
a  new  permanent  black  top  street,   complete  with  storm 
sewers,  concrete   curbing  and  guttering  will  be  installed. 

Miss  Veronica  Rahe  was  named  Home  coming  Queen 
Friday  evening  at  the  Bluffs  School  Dance. 

A  new  Pumping  Fire  Engine  will  be  delivered  to  the 
village  of  Bluffs  around  October  15th  according  to  informa- 
tion received  from  American  LaFrance,   a  company  in 
Elmira,   N.  Y.  which  makes  these  fire  engines. 

Pearl  Matthews,  was  elected  Noble  Grand  of  the  Dawn 
Rebekah  Lodge. 

"Street  Festival"  was  held  in  Bluffs  Saturday.   Features 
were:  Open  House  of  the  New  Library,   Ribbon-cutting 
ceremonies  of  new  Main  Street,   supper  at  the  Civic 
Club  building,   christening  of  the  new  fire  truck,   and  a 
street  dance. 

Ground  breaking  ceremonies  were  held  at  the  Lutheran 
Church  near  Neelyville  October  29th. 

Mrs.  Opal  Hullinger,  well-known  Bluffs  resident,    has 
purchased  the  L  &  L  Economy  Store  from  Mrs,   Lecie  Cox, 
effective  November  11th.   The  store  will  be  known  as  "The 
Economy  Store." 

Howard  E.   Buhlig,   56  year  old  Bluffs  fanner,   is  still 
reported  in  serious  condition  at  Passavant  hospital  follow- 
ing a  two-truck  collision  about  12:30  p.m.  November  24th 
five    miles    south    of    Bluffs    on  State    Route    100,  just  in 
front  of  the  Henry  Likes  farm. 

Freesen  Brothers  hosted  their  annual  Christmas  Party 
for  150  employees  at  the  Blackhawk  in  Jacksonville. 

In  January  of  1968  the  Scott  County  Health  Improve- 
ment Association,  who  sponsor  Blue  Cross  and  Blue  Shield 
in  Scott  County,   recently  donated  a  model  of  the  respira- 
tory system  to  the  Bluffs  High  School. 

Edwin  Predraore  has  sold  his  place  of  business  to    Don 
Savage  of  Winchester,  who  took  over  the  Barber  shop  as 
of  Monday,  January  15,   1968. 

Keith  Prunty  was  elected  to  head  the  Bluffs  Civic 
Club. 

Jerry  Schmitz  was  picked  for  the  All  PMSC  Conference 
Team  at  the  tournament  held  recently. 


OLD  TIME  BLUFFS  RESIDENTS Mr.   and  Mrs.  Wm, 

Dimmitt  and  Mrs.    Dimmitt's    sister,   Mary    Jefferson. 
The  Dimmitts  were  parents  of  Mrs.  Jesse  (Mabel)  Batley. 


The  Proposal  of  the  Junior  College  will  be  up  for  vote 
February  3rd. 

The  Bluffs  Public  Library  is  now  open  for  business. 

The  residence  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Albert  Bray  of  Naples 
was  gutted  by  fire  believed  started  from  an  oil  furnace 
explosion.  Bluffs  and  Naples  firemen  answered  the  alarm 
but  were  unable  to  save  the  home. 

Craig  Brown  and  Rhonda  Orchard  were  crowned  King 
and  Queen  of  the  Bluffs  Band  Booster's  Carnival. 

Yearley  Winder,   21,   of  Route  Bluffs,  was  killed  instant- 
ly in  a  three  vehicle  accident  north  of  Bluffs  on  Route  100. 
A   passenger,   Buddy  Tapscott,    19,   also  of  Bluffs  was  list- 
ed in  good  condition  at  Passavant  hospital.  A  Jerseyville 
young  man,  James  Gorman,  was  also  killed  instantly.  A 
passenger  in  his  car,   Pamela  Jean  Collins,  was  reported 
in  good  condition.   The  car  and  truck  collided  head-on. 

Word  was  received  that  Sgt.  Michael  Magill  was  in- 
jured in  Vietnam.     His  wife,   Ilene  Bamett  Magill  received 
the  news  March  27th. 

Dedication  and  Open  House  were  held  at  the  Bluffs 
Library  Sunday  from  2  to  4  p.m.     Mrs.  Bernard  Beeley 
is  librarian. 

It  was  announced  that    Dr.  Joseph  Panella  would 
close  his  practice  in  Meredosia.  They  will  be  nioving  to 
Florida  where  he  will  further  his  education  and  plans  to 
teach. 

Mr.   and  Mrs.   Vernon  Rahe  of  R.R.   Bluffs  were  named 
Parents  of  the  Year  at   Robert  Morris  College  based  on  an 
essay  written  by  their  son,   Gary. 

State   Senator  Paul  Simon  was  scheduled  to  address 
the  Bluffs  Commencement  Class. 

The  graduating  class  of  1968  were:  Jona  Albers,  Daryle 
Bangert,   Deborah  Brackett,   Craig  Brown,  Berkley  Buhlig, 
David  Curtis,   Phil  Davis,    Terry  Dougherty,   Sandra  Evans, 
Linda  Hutton,   Ross  Kunkel,    a-enda    Likes,     Marlys    Ann 
Little,   Beverly  Martin,  Jane  Ann  Merriman,  William  Mc- 
Dade,   Steven  Oakes,    Rhonda  Orchard,   Susan  Placke,  Janet 
Scott,    Mary  Ann  Sievers,    Veronica  Rahe,   Bradley  Shire- 
man,   Christina  Stegeman,   Gretchen  Vannier. 


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Richard  Freeman,   son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wendell  Free- 
man,  entered  Passavant  hospital   on  a  Thursday  morning 
after  being  severely  bitten  and  mauled  by  a  gilt  sow  on 
the  Freeman  farm. 

Children's  films  are  being  shown  weekly  at  the  Bluffs 
Public  Library. 

David  Carpenter,   22,   son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Russell 
Carpenter  of  Bluffs,  was  killed  Thursday,  July  10th  in  a 
motorcycle- truck  accident  in  McHenry  County,  near  the 
Illinois-Wisconsin  border.   State  police  said  Carpenter  was 
killed  when  his  cycle  collided  with  a  cattle  truck  on  Illi- 
nois 47.  He  was  employed  in  Woodstock. 

Brenda  Gilliland  was  crowned  "Miss  American  Legion 
of  1968"  at  the  annual  Legion  Picnic  Saturday  evening. 

The  Bank  of  Bluffs  celebrated  their  75th  year  of  busi- 
ness with  Open  House  Sunday,  August  4th. 

John  Allen,  Mayor,   and  members  of  the  Bluffs  Village 
Board,  contributed  to  the  happiness  of  the  Bluffs  boys  in 
service  this  past  Christmas,  when  they  sent  nearly  40  Christ- 
mas cards  to  service  men  from  this  area. 

According  to  the  Illinois  Agricultural  Statistics  report- 
ed 321  acres  in  average  Scott  County  farm. 

Louis  McDade  received  an  advancement  in  the  U.S. 
Navy  to  Aviation  Maintenance  Third  Class. 

Richard  Nixon  became  the  37th  President  of  the  United 
States. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Byron  Berry  of  rural  Bluffs  celebrated 
their  25th  Wedding  Anniversary  January  23rd. 

Virgil  Coughlin  was  employed  as  Unit  Superintendent 
for  Bluffs  school  year  1969-70.  The  ungraded  program  in  the 
third  and  fourth  grades  were  summarized  by  Mr.  Coughlin. 

The  new  Trinity  Lutheran  Church  at  Neelyville  was  dedi- 
cated Sunday,  January  26,   1969.  Rev.  Donald  Kroll,  pastor. 

Newly  elected  officers  for  the  Bluffs  Civic  Club  are  - 
Harold  D.  Arnold,  President;  James  W. Freeman,  Vice  Presi- 
dent; Clyde  Taylor,   Secretary;  and  Norman  Vortman,  Treas- 
ure. Their   primary  object  for  the  year  1969  -  to  procture  a 
doctor  for  the  Village  of  Bluffs. 

Miss  Jo  Jean  Morris,   daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harold 
Morris,  has  been  named  DAR  "Good  Citizen  Award  Winner". 
William  J.  Chambers  retired  from  the  Farm  Bureau  Board 
of  Directors  in  January  after  serving  14  years  on  the  board. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dick  Brackett  moved  from  Bluffs  to  a  farm 
near  Jerseyville,  111.    Fred  Korty,   78-year-old  rural  Bluffs 
resident  was  injured  in  a  one-car  accident  on  the  Exeter  road. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fi^ank  Schmidt  moved  back  to  Bluffs  after 
having  lived  in  Springfield,  where  Frank  was  employed  by 
the  Springfield  Police  Force.  He  is  also  a  retired  Norfolk 
and  Western  Railroad  employee. 

Rev.  Fr.  James  O'Hara  has  been  appointed  the  new 
pastor  of  Our    Lady  of  Lourdes  Church  in  Decatur.    Definite 
word  on  Fr.   O'Hara's  successor  for  here  has  not  been  re- 
ceived. 

Mr.  Charles  Neubauer  has  been  named  manager  of  Illi- 
nois Grain  Corporation's  river  elevator  at  Naples,  Illinois  and 
Glenn  Nichols  of  Butler,  Illinois  has  been  named  branch 
manager  to  the  Interstate  producers  Livestock  Association 
Market  at  Bluffs.  He  replaced  John  Brockhouse. 

The  Bluffs  American  Legion  Post  #441    hosted  the  20th 
District  meeting  with  36  Commanders,  Past  Commanders 
and  District  Officers  welcomed  by  Bluffs  Commander  Del- 
bert  Reed.  —    The  first  Confirmation  Rites  were  held  at 


This  unique  setting  pictures  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry 
Middendorf  at  their  Rockaway  Beach,   N.  Y.  sinnmer 
resort.    Mr.  Middendorf  was  the  brother  of  the  late  Geo. 
H.  Vannier's  mother.    Mr.  Middendorf  left  a  huge  estate 
to  relatives  in  Illinois.  He  was  the  supplier  for  boats  and 
ships  plying  the  New  York  Harbor. 


the  new  Trinity  Lutheran  Church  with  Rev.  Donald  Kroll 
officiating.  The  six  confirmands  were  Violet  Dickens,  daugh- 
ter of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tom  Dickens,   Cheryl  Gillis,   daughter 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bill  Gillis,  Jim  Littig,   son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Leland  Littig,  Alice  Lovekamp,  daughter  of  Mr,  and  Mrs. 
Earl  Lovekamp,   Debbie  Meier,   daughter  of  Mrs.  Harold 
Meier,   and  Dianne  Wardell,   daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cy- 
ril Warden.  Youths  becoming  members  of  the  United 
Methodist  Church  of  Bluffs  were  John  Mark  Goldsborough, 
son  of  Rev.  and  Mrs.  M.D. Goldsborough;    Randy  Kim  Har- 
nett, son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gary  Barnett;  Teresa  Gail  Colli- 
son,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Donald  Collison;  Beverly  Dea 
and  Barbara  Lea  Freesen,  twin  daughters  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Leroy  Freesen,   and   Kathy  Marie  Vannier,   daughter  of 
Bernard  Vannier;  and  Cathy  Lynn  Buhlig,  daughter  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Dale  Buhlig. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arthur  Russwinkel  of  Bluffs  observed  thexr 
50th  Wedding  anniversary  Wednesday,  April  9th.  Mrs.  Russ- 
winkel was  formerly  Miss  Henrietta  Rolfs. 

Joe  R.  Martin  was  honored  when  a  50-year  Masonic  pin 


-88- 


^A<1 


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100 -" 


Dunham's  Big  Value  in  Meredosia,has  strived  always  to  better  serve 
the  people  of  the  Meredosia  and  Bluffs  Area„  We  take  this  means  to 
express  our  thanks  for  your  loyal   patronage,  and   to   wish   you    a 
prosperous  future » 


Dunham's  Big  Value 


MEREDOSIA,   ILLINOIS 


-89- 


was  presented  to  him  by  William  Chambers,  Henry  Likes, 
Erwin  Weiss,  Max  Edlen  and  Don  Smith,  brother  members 
of  the  Bluffe  Masonic  Lodge  846. 

Vandals  destroyed  and  damaged  over  two  dozen  rural 
mail  boxes  between  Chapin  and  Bluffs,   and  Merritt  and 
Bluffs. 

The  Rev.  James  Lee  Bailey  and  family,  new  pastor  for 
the  Bluffs  Baptist  Church  have  moved  to  Bluffs  from  Plain- 
field,  111.  They  are  living  in  Carroll  Sears'  house  just  back 
of  the  Lumber  Yard. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Albert  Long  celebrated  their  31st  Wedding 
Anniversary  April  20th. 

Voting  was  light  at  Bluffs  for  the  Town's  election 

all  candidates  were  elected  without  opposition  and  no  organ- 
ized write-in  campaigns  were  reported.  John  W.  Allen  was 
returned  to  office  as  president  of  the  Village  Board;  Harold 
Frohwitter  as  Village  Clerk  and  Clyde  L,  Taylor  for  treasurer. 
Four  year  terms  as  trustees    -  Luther  Vortman,   Robert  Smith 
and  Harold  Arnold.  James  W.  Freeman  was  elected  to  fill 
an  unexpired  term  on  the  board.    Bernard  Goetze  and  Gerald- 
ine  Whorton  were  elected  to  the  Bluffs  Library  Board. . 

A  Bluffs  High  School  student.  Miss  Brenda  Lou  Nobis,  is 
among  15  students  receiving  honor  awards  in  the  1968-69 
Illinois  Society  for  Medical  Research  High  School  Essay  Con- 
test. 

Miss  Bonnie  Nave  was  crowned  the  1968-69  Junior-Sen- 
ior Prom  Queen.  Miss  Linda  Pond,   daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Leroy  Pond  was  chosen  to  attend  Illinois  Girlls  State  as 
a  representative  of  the  Bluffs  High  School. 

L/Cpl.  Glenn  S.  Williams  and  PFC  Charles  Ray  Cumby 
recently  enjoyed  a  visit  together  in  Viet  Nam.    Both 
boys  enlisted  in  the  U.S. Marines  in  1968. Steven  Jones, 
son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ralph  Jones  was  promoted  to  the  rank 
of  Sergeant. 

Miss  Ellen  Baulos,   daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clyde  W. 
Baulos  of  Bluffs  was  named  'Miss  Jacksonville  of  1969"  and 
will  compete  in  the  'Miss  Illinois'  contest  in  July. 

The  Historical  Society  of  Springfield  follows  the  route  of 
march  of  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant  and  his  21st  Illinois  Regiment 
from  Springfield  to  Naples  and  will  take  the  route  of  Apple 
Pie  Ridge. 

Byron  Berry,  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Byron  Berry  Sr.,was 
named  Valedictorian  and  Miss  Connie  Bunch,   daughter  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Donald  Bunch  has  been  named  Salutatorian 
of  the  1969  Graduating  Class.    The  1969  Graduates  are 
Fred  Beddingfield,   Byron  Berry,  Danny  Berry,  Diane  Eirown, 
Connie  Bunch,  Vey  Ann  Coultas,   Dan  Dickens,  Jim  Engel- 
brecht,   Robert  Evans,  Vicki  Hendricks,   Sam  Hoots,   Vicki 
Hoots,   Steve  James,  John  Krueger,  Larry  Lovekamp,  Karen 
McDade,  Jo  Jean  Morris,   Bonnie  Nave,   Rita  Nobis,   Craig 
Prunty,  James  Rahe,   Mary  Rolf,   Konrad  Sapp,  Jim  Settles, 
Vickie  Smith,   Dan  Vannier,   Glenn  Vortman. 

Illinois  Valley  Asphalt,  Inc.  performed  their  good-deed 
for  the  day  the  past  week,  when  they  black-topped  a  drive- 
way in  front  of  the  newly  constructed  Bluffs  Library,   at  no 
cost  to  the  taxpayers. 

Five  area  girls  competed  in  the  Morgan  County  'Miss 
July  4th'  contest,  they  were  Mary  Ann  Traw,  Cindy  Six, 
Linda  Merriman,  Janet  Scott  and  Brenda  Gilliland. 

Mrs.  Margaret  Oakes,   76,  widow  of  Royal  Oakes,   died 
unexpectedly  July  23,    1969  at  her  home  in  Bluffs. 


The  work  on  the  TV  Tower  north  east  of  Bluffs  has  been 
completed  and  if  you  are  within  a  radius  of  15  miles  or 
more  on  a  clear  night  you  will  see  five  beacon  lights  and  ; 
six  yardarm  lights  locating  the  1610  foot  TV  tower  which 
is  located  2  miles  north  east  of  Bluffs.  The  first  pattern  of 
this  26  ton  118  ft.  long  antenna  was  broadcast  over  Channel 
14  July  22nd  and  was  approved. 


f  '^H-:^ 


Looking  east  from  Fai.       w  Cemetery 


-90- 


Compliments  of 


Stratman 
Olds-Cadillac  Co. 

1600  West  Morton  Road 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 

Did  You  Know?    Oldsmobile  is  the 
Oldest  Car  Manufacturer  in  America? 


BLUFFS 
1871    -:-    1971 


Adam's 

Quick  Clean 

Centers 


600  East  College 


704  North  Main 


lacksonville,    Illinois 


1871  1971 

HAPPY  ANNIVERSARY 

FROM. . . 


Myers  Bros. 


20  N.  W.  Side  Square  Jacksonville,   Hlinois 

24S-9681 


Bluffs 
1871-1971 


EMPORIUM 
DOWNTOWN 


Jacksonville,  Illinois 


Ph:  243-2021 


-91. 


Miss  Judy  Martin,   daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Junior  Mart- 
in, was  crowned  'Miss  American  Legion  of  1969'  at  the  an- 
nual Legion  Picnic  and  Bmgoo.    Other  contestants  were 
Lasondra  Kunkel,   Cheryl  Gillis,  Alice  Lovekamp,   Rita 
Brown,  Mary  Ann  Traw,  Judy  Graves,  Judy  Christa,   Kathy 
Vannier,   Terry  Nevins,  Paula  Nimes  and  Debbie  Meier. 

Mrs.  Cornelia  Leonhard,   bom  April  28,   1885,   in  Bluffs, 
daughter  of  C.  W.  and  Mary  Hale  Hide,   died  Augixst  3, 1969. 
Thieves  broke  into  Sturgeon's  AG  Store  in  Bluffs  in  the 
early  morning  hours  gaining  entrance  by  using  a  crow-bar 
to  force  the  lock  on  the  front  door.  Much  damage  had 
been  done  to  various  articles  in  the  store  and  several  things 
missing. 

Motorists  using  the  blacktop  road  East  from   Bluffs    to 
Neelyville  were  yelling  their  heads  off  concerning  the  con- 
dition of  the  road,  but  County  Commissioners  Ben  Placke, 
Del  Yelm  and  Harold  Feameyhough  were  doing  their  best. 


^^i(4gMHF    1 

^ 

1 

^^S 

■■i 

fi-  n 

WARNING 

1  f 

■     ■»-; 

■* 


ADVISE    USING 

PACK  MULE  FOR  NEXT 

3VHLES!!    OUR  TAX 

<«  BOUGHT  US  MULE 


They  got  out-of-sorts  a  little  over  the  joke  sign  that  went  up 
north  of  Bluffs,  but  it  was  good  for  laughs,   anyway!  It 
was  placed  on  the  road  leading  oil  Koute  100,  about  2^ 
miles  north  of  Bluffs  on  the  "Castle  Road".    When  word 
of  the  sign  went  round,   the  dust  really  got  stirred  up,   as 
the  sight-see'ers  started  driving  the  road  JUST  to  read  the 
sign,  which  was  quickly  taken  down.   Culprits  unknown! 

The  ladies  of  the  churches  in  the  Bluffs  area  have  been 
busy  making  and  assembling  articles  to  place  in  "Ditty  Bags" 
to  be  sent  to  US  Servicemen  in  Vietnam. 

The  enrollment  for  the  Bluffs  school  year  1969-70  was 
309  in  grade  school  and  121  in  high  school. 

Real  Estate  transfers  listed  in  August  were  Delia  Sears 
Albers  to  CIPS  Company;  Robert  Albers  et  al  to  CIPS  Co; 
Roy  and  Margaret  Bettis  to  Claud  and  Clara  Davis;  Richard 
T.  Hatfield  et  al  to  WilUam  Campbell;  Amos  and  Marie 
Panella  to  Clarence  E.  and  Edna  Streete. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robert  Bangert  celebrated  their  29th 
Wedding  Anniversary  Sept.  21st. 

Members  of  the  Advisory  Committee  for  the  proposed 
Scott  Coimty  Nursing  Home    from  this  area  are  Harold  Oakes 
and  John  Allen. 

Bluffs  was  saddened  Saturday  by  the  news  of  the  death  of 
little  Roy  Johnson,  7  years  old  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William 
R.  Johnson.  He  was  pronounced  dead  on  arrival  at  Passavant 


Hospital  in  Jacksonville  after  being  pulled  from  a  cistern  by 
his  father  on  a  farm  east  of  Oxville. 

Scott  County,  along  with  other  coimties  in  the  state,  is 
now  charging  $10  for  wedding  license.  The  license  fee  had 
been  $5. 

Ethel  Hierman  received  her  50-year-pin  from  the  Eastern 
Star,  Floy  Chapter. 

On  November  2,  1969  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jess  (Cut)  Batley 
observed  their  SOth  Wedding  Anniversary. 

Three  tracts  of  property  in  the  David  Leonard  estate 
were  sold  at  auction  Friday  morning  at  the  Scott  County 
Courthouse.  Eighty  acres  in  Morgan  coimty  was  sold  to 
Harold  Schroeder  for  $364  an  acre;  Wilbur  Matthews  -  191 
acres  a  mile  west  of  Exeter  for  $250  per  acre.  75  acre  farm, 
5  mile  east  of  State  rte.  100  to  Dean  Meniman  for  $180 
per  acre. 

The  Edward  Ranfts  celebrated  their  58th  Wedding  Anni- 
versary November  SOth. 

Deer  hunters  has  good  weekend  in  this  area  with  8  per- 
sons bagging  a  deer.    Stories  are  coming  to  the  Times  Of- 
fice concerning  the  killing  of  household  pets  and  caged 
animals  recently  in  Bluffs,  and  that  the  injured  parties  are 
getting  sick  and  tired  of  this,   and  means  will  be  resorted  to, 
to  stop  this  outrage.  This  can't  go  on,  and  obviously  the 
owners  are  not  aware  of  the  fact  that  their  dogs  are  out  on  a 
killing  and  maiming  spree. 

The  Frank  Clayton  house  has  been  sold  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Dewey  Morrison,  who  formerly  lived  in  the  Vannier  Apts. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Glenn  Sievers  of  Bluffs  celebrated  their 
25th  Wedding  Anniversary  December  28th. 

The  property  of  the  late  Ms.    Cornelia  Leonhard  was 
sold  at  public  auction  with  the  large  house  being  purchased 
by  Francis  Gregory  and  the  second  house  by^Mike  Gregory. 
The  laying  of  the  corner  stone  for  the  Lutheran  Church 
was  well  attended   Sunday  September  8th. 

Bluffs  High  School  had  15  returning  Lettermen  for 
the  coming  football  season. 

Floyd  Rolf,  Scott  County  farmer,  was  killed  instantly 
about  10:45  a.m.  Wendesday  when  the  tractor  on  which 
he  was  riding  was  struck  by  a  CB  &  Q  train  at  the  south 
railroad  crossing  at  Merritt. 

The  Times  was  pleased  to  welcome  Pvt.  Harry  H. 
Gerecke  Jr.  as  the  lOOOth  new  subscriber  to  the  Times- 
Budget.  He  received  a  five  year  free  subscription. 

The  Sesquicentennial  paper,    150  pages  of  history  of 
Scott,   and  Morgan  Counties  were  on  sale  at  the  Times 
Office,  The  paper  was  compiled  in  observance  of  the  150th 
Anniversary  of  the  Statehood  of  Illinois. 

VeyAnn  Coultas  was  named  Queen  of  the  Bluffs  Home- 
coming Dance. 

Dr.  Omar  Panella  announced  plans  to  move  his  prac- 
tice to  Jacksonville.  He  will  be  affiliated  with  the  Medical 
Center  of  Walnut  in  Jacksonville. 

St.  John's  Lutheran  Church  held  a  "get  together"  for 
the  elderly  and  shut-ins  in  Bluffs  community  for  a  Christ- 
mas celebration. 

In  January  of  1970  Bluffs  Civic  Club  was  seeking  im- 
provements on  Route  100;  Corbett  files  petition  for  improve- 
ment. 

Mary  Ann  Traw  was  named  Homemaker  of  Tomorrow 
Award  winner  at  Bluffs  High  School,  presented  by  the  Betty 
Crocker  Foundation. 


-92- 


1871 


Bluffs 


1971 


CEHIENNIU 


CHAPIN  LOCKER 


CHAPIN,   ILLINOIS 


BLUFFS 
1871    -    1971 


Meier's 
Trading  Center 


Bethel,    Illinois 


Ph:  472-5853 


CONGRATULATIONS  TO 
OUR  FRIENDS  IN  BLUFFS 


Chapin  State  Bank 


THE  PEOPLE  OF  BLUFFS 
CAN  BE  JUSTLY  PROUD 
OF  THEIR  TOWN. 


John  Onken  &  Bro. 

CHAPIN,   ILLINOIS  62628 
General    Merchants    for    94    Years 
lohn  Onken's  Son  -  Harry  K.   Onken,   Present  Owner 


Congratulations  To  Bluffs 
On  This  Anniversary  Occasion 

Water's 
Standard  Station 

Ph:  472-5171 

Chapin,   Illinois 

Harry    and    Bob 


-93- 


Danny.  Littig  was  named  to  the  PMSC  All  Conference 
Team,  and  Mike  Williams  was  named  to  honorable  men- 
tion. 

George  Henderson,    60,  of  Decatur,  a  brakeman  for 
the  Norfolk  and  Western  Railroad,   died  at  2:35  p.m.  Thurs- 
day, January  22nd  in  the  invensive  care   unit  at  Passavant 
hospital  in  Jacksonville,  from  injiu'ies  sustained  when  he 
slipped  or  fell  from  the  ladder  of  a  freight  train  at  7:03 
a.m.  Thursday  in  Bluffs. 

Masked  gunmen  robbed  the  Meredosia  Farmers  &  Trad- 
ers State  Bank  and  made  off  with  an  undetermined  amount 
of  cash. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Floyd  Hierman  were  presented  a  pin 
for  twenty  years  of  service  as  proprietors  of  Gamble's  Store. 

Virgil  Coughlin  submitted  his  resignation  to  the  School 
Board  of  Bluffs. 

Hierman's  Gamble  Store  was  broken  into  for  the  second 
time  in  Feb.  Merchandise  valued  at  $426  was  taken.  Entry 
was  made  by  forcing  a  latch  on  a  side  door. 

Scott  County  received  the  OK  for  the  Nursing  Center. 
Bids  were  to  be  submitted  soon. 

CO.  Mueller  closed  his  grocery  store  in  Bluffs.   He 
will  be  farming  full  time  now. 

The  Bluffs  FFA  Chapter  held  a  Father-Son  Banuqet 
at  the  Blackhawk  in  Jacksonville. 

Laine  Comerford  and  Don  Westermeyer  were  elected 
to  the  School  Board. 

Oral  Woosley,  R.R.  Bluffs,  was  named  Trail  Boss 
of  the  annual  Findley  Trail  Ride,  schedueld  to  be  held 
in  Winchester  this  year. 

Clifford  Hoots  discovered  seven  60-pound  pigs  slashed 
and  killed  by  dogs  last  Thursday  evening  on  the  Howard 
Hurrelbrink  farm  on  the  north  side  of  the  road  across  from 
tiie  Raymond  Morris  home. 

Five  and  one-half  inches  of  rainfall  during  a   36-hour 
period  ending  Friday  caused  two  breaks  in  a  levee  on  the 
north  side  of  the  Mauvaisterre  Creek  in  the  bottom  land 
just  south  of  Naples.  Fields  and  roads  were  flooded. 

Miss  Linda  Merriman  was  named  Queen  of  the  Bluffs 
High  School  Prom. 

The  senior  class  of  1970  consisted  of:  Huth  Hutton 
Albers,   Curt  Baulos,   Rita  Brown,   Phyllis  Bruce,   Lucinda 
Dunnaway,  Roger  Evans,   Ruth  Fargo,  Bill  Gillis,  Joe  Grav- 
es, Toni  Brackett  Graves,  Hubert  Gregory,  Linda  Hod  s, 
Tom  Kilver,  Dan  Littig,  Marlon  Magelitz,  Linda  Merri- 
man,  Mary  Lou  Morthole,   Brenda  Nave,   Kenneth  Parker, 
Linda  Pond,   Ronnie  Rose,   Robert  Sandman,  Jerry  Schmitz, 
Charles  Shireman,   Ruth  Ann  Six,  Mary  Ann  Traw,  Doris 
Vannier  and  Gary  Williams. 

At  a  regular  meeting  held  May  13,    1970,   Mr.  T, 
Edward  Albertin  of  Havana,  111.,    was  employed  as  High 
School  Principal  for  1970-71. 

Jeffrey  Albers  received  the  Bronze  Star  Medal  for  ser- 
vice in  Vietnam. 

Congressman  Findley  visited  Naples  and  surrounding 
area  to  view  the  damage  of  the  recent  flooding.  He  will 
ask  for  Federal  Aid  for  the  damaged  area. 

The  Trinity  Lutheran  Church  began  their  Centennial 
Celebration  Sunday  June  14,   1970. 

An  eight  year  old  Bluffs  youth  was  critically  injured 
at  3:40  p.m.  Thursday,  June  11,  when  he  was  struck 
while  riding  a  bicycle  on  Route  100.  Reported  in  cricital 


condition  at  the  intensive  care  unit  of  Passavant  hospital 
was  Billy  Odam,   son  of  Mrs.  Betty  Spicer  of  Bluffs. 
State  police  reported  the  boy  rode  his  bicycle  from  a  drive- 
way onto  Route  100  at  the  north  edge  of  Bluffs. 

Progress  was  well  underway  for  the  Scott  Cotmty  Nurs- 
ing Center  at  Winchester. 

CO.   Mueller  was  named  Commander  of  the  Bluffs 
American  Legion  Post. 

Word  was    received    fromH.  W.  Monroney,   Dis- 
trict Engineer  of  the  Division  of  Highways  in  Springfield, 
that  Route  100  running    through    Bluffs,  would    be  widened 
and  resurfaced  soon. 

Mrs.  Judy  Mueller  and  her  four  year  old  son  were 
hospitalized  with  injuries  sustained  in  an  accident  at  the 
Naples  Road  Junction  on  Route  100  at  5:15  p.m.  Tues- 
day June  30th.   State   police  reported  a  semi- truck  from 
Literberry,  was  entering  Route  100  from  the  Naples  Road 
when  it  pulled  into  the  path  of  the  southbound  Mueller 
car.  Damage  was  estimated  at  $1500. 

Lee  Frederick,   son  of  Mrs.  Jesse  Haggard  of  Bluffs 
was  named  to  the  coaching  staff  at  Michigan  University, 
Marquette,  Michigan. 

A  vrind  and  rain  storm  hit  the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mis. 
Laine  Comerford  located  southwest  ot  iSlutts  near  the 
Valley  City  Bridge,  was  struck  by  a  falling  tree  ai  d  great- 
ly damaged. 

The  Bluffs  Village  streets  are   imdergoing  a  coat  of 
oil  and  gravel  the  past  week. 

Trinity  Lutheran  Church  held  a  timber  picnic  at  the 
Leland  Littig  farm  timber  Wednesday  evening,   one  of  the 
many  events  in  celebration  of  the  100th  year  of  the  Church. 

The  Methodist  Church  Parsonage  has  undergone  re- 
modeling and  open  house    was  held  Sunday.  The  Golds- 
borough's  invited  the  public  to  attend. 

The  Bluffs  Legion  Picnic  was  a  success.  All  the  Burgoo 
was  sold  early  in  the  evening. 

Mrs.  Betty  Reed  was  recipient  of  25  long  stemmed 
roses  that  were  presented  to  her  from  the  local  flower 
dealer  Mrs.  Margaret  Watson,   from  Betty's  husband,   Del- 
bert,   in  observance  of  their  25th  wedding  anniversary. 

A  fire  gutted  the  interior  of  the  home  of  Mrs.   Madelyn 
Enke  and  family  last  Friday  evening  July  24th.  The  Bluffs 
Fire  Department  answered  the  alarm,  but  were  unable  to 
save  any  of  the  Enke  furniture  or  the  home. 

Wendell  W.  Mathis  is  the  new  Superintendent  of  the 
Bluffs  Community  High  School. 

Hubert  (Buzz)  Gregory,    18,  was  fatally  injured  about 
7:45  a.m.  Tuesday  morning,  August  11th  on  the  Wendell 
Freeman  farm  at  the  south-east  edge  of  Bluffs,  when  he 
lost  control  of  the  end-loader  he  was  driving  and  it  over- 
turned. He  was  rushed  to  Passavant  hospital  by  Bates  Ambu- 
lance and  pronounced  dead  on  arrival.  Gregory  was  work- 
ing for  Illinois  Valley  Asphalt  Inc.,  of  Bluffs  at  the  time 
of  the  accident.   He  was  taking  the  end-loader  to  a  sand 
pit  which  is  leased  from  Freeman,   and  located  on  the  Free- 
man farm,  when  the  tragedy  occured. 

Miss  Suzanne  Parker  was  named  Miss  Scott  County  4-H 
at  their  meeting  at  Winchester.  She  is  the  daughter  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Neil  Parker  of  Bluffs. 

The  annual  Civic  Club  Homecoming  and  Picnic  was 
scheduled  for  September  5th. 

Two  hundred  and  eighty  people  registered  at  the 


-94- 


CONGRATULATIONS 
to  all  the  folks  of 
the  Village  of  Bluffs  on  their 
Centennial  Anniversary  Occasion 


©m 


725  EaM  College  Avenue        •        Jackaonville,  Illinois 
Telephone  245-5167 


CONGRATULATIONS 
to  Bluffs  on  this  Anniversary  Occasion 


IP  GAS  COA1PANy,Me. 


1100  EAST  STATE  STREET 

JACKSONVILLE 

PHONE  245-4127 


eNcmtttto  setr/cf  f^iM  momi  ■  coMMfKui 


105   NORTH  MAIN  STREET 

WHITE  HALL 

PHONE  374-2184 


Dealer  -  GREGORY  APPLIANCE,   Bluffs,  HI. 


1871 


CENTENNIAL 


1971 


Village  of  Bluffs 


■95- 


"Grand  Opening"  of  the  Koffee  Kup  Kafe  in  Bluffs  last 
Sunday.  It  was  standing  room  only  during  the  dinner  hour, 
with  everyone  commenting   on  the  beautifully  decorated 
dining  room. 

Freesen  Bros.  Inc.  employees  began  setting  piling  and 
preparing  to  pour  concrete  on  the  new  boat  dock  being  ; 
built  at  Naples.   The  $25,228.35  project  is  funded  through 
the  Sute  of  Illinois  Conservation  Department  through 
Scott  County. 

Bluffs  schools  opened  the  year  with  400  students  re- 
gistered. 

Rev.  Paul  Day  began  his  duties  as  pastor  of  the  Bluffs 
Baptist  Church  on  Sunday,    September  13th. 

IPLA  Hog  Market  at  Bluffs  was  closed.  Plans  were 
not  announced  for  the  future  of  the  business. 

Cindi  Six  was  named  Home-coming  Queen  at  the 
Bluffs  Homecoming.  Bluffs  Bluejays  defeated  Waverly  at 
their  home-coming  game. 

A  broken  water  main  in  front  of  Hierman's  Gamble 
Store  Saturday  p.m.,   Sept.  26th,   caused  much  concern  to 
citizens  as  all  homes,  as  well  as  business  houses  were  with- 
out water  about  two  hours.  The  hydrant  in  front  of  Hier- 
man's was  hit  by  a  car  which  broke  the  pipe  five  feet  down, 

Robert  Lovekamp,  village  policeman,  was  driving 
a  new  car  purchased    by  the  village  board. 

William   R.  Johnson,  40,   of  Bluffs,  was  fatally  shot 
at  a  construction  site  Thursday,  Oct.  1,  at  aroimd  3:  p.m. 
after  he  led  law  enforcement  authorities  on  a  two-hour  or- 
deal that  started  at  the  Winchester  Court  House  and  ended 
at  the  south  Junction  of  Routes  104-67  and  100  at  the  foot 
of  the  Meredosia  hill  in  Morgan  County.  Johnson  was  shot 
and  killed  by  a  state  trooper,  who  was  one  of  the  many 
state  officers  from  District  14- A  in  Pittsfield  and  District 
9  in  the  Jacksonville  and  Beardstown  area  who  converged 
on  Bluffs  along  with  Sheriff  Lloyd  Martin  and  several 
deputies  from  Scott  and  Morgan  counties  that  afternoon. 
Authorities  said  Johnson  advanced  on  the  state  trooper  with 
a  loaded  shotgun  and  pistol  saying  "You'll  have  to  kill 
me".     The  trooper  fired  his  shotgun  once  and  Johnson 
dropped  to  the  ground,  shot  in  the  face  and  chest. 

It  was  with  great  sadness  that  the  community  learned 
of  the  tragic  death  of  young  David  Nevels,    10,   of  Mere- 
dosia, who  was  killed  instantly   Wednesday,   Sept.   30 
when  he  was  run  over  by  a  backing  construction  truck  in 
front  of  the  Meredosia  Grade  School  on  Route  104  about 
8:20  a.m.  He  was  the  son  of  Mr.   and  Mrs.  Herbert  Nevels 
of  Meredosia  and  was  serving  as  a  Patrol  Boy  at  the  School. 

A  thief  or  thieves  broke  into  the  Hullinsjer  Texaco 
Station  and  June's  Koffee  Kup  Kafe  Wednesday,  Sept.  30th, 
Cigarettes   were    found  missing  from  Texaco  and  a  card 
of  pipes  and  two  boxes  of  candy  from  the  restaurant. 

Representative  Jerry  Corbett  presented  an  Illinois 
State  Flag  to   the  Bluffs  School  in  special  asssembly  held 
Monday  morning,   October  24th. 

Mike  Magill  was  seriously  wounded  in  Vietnam.    He 
was  in  a  hospital  in  Cam  Ram  Bay  for  treatment,  and  Nolan 
Dale  Shireman,  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jesse  Shireman,  receiV' 
ed  a  bronze  star  in  Vietnam  for  Heroism  in  action, 
with   400    students. 

Word  was  received  October  29th  of  the  death  in  Viet- 
nam of  Sgt.  Phillip  Kilver,  21,  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Har- 
old Kilver,   R.R.  Bluffs,  Sgt.   Kilver  was  reported  killed 


on  a  military  mission  while  driving  a  military  vehicle, 
which  was  struck  by  another  vehicle  in  a  heavy  rain  storm 
near  Cam  Rahm  Bay  in  Vietnam. 

Staff  Sergeant  Michael  Magill  received  a  second  purple 
heart  in  Vietnam  for  additional  wounds  received. 

The  Bluffs  IPLA  buying  point  opened  again  November 
2,    1970.   Carl  Warfel  has  been  employed  as  manager  of 
the  station. 

Robert  Merris,   formerly  of  Bluffs,   and  son  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.   Donald  Merris,   R.R.  Bluffs,  was  named  editor 
of  the  New  York  "Daily  Argus"  in  Decatur 

A  beautiful  new  Random  House  dictionary  was  pre- 
sented to  the  Bluffs  Public  Library  on  November  13th  by 
the  Bluffs  Woman's  Club. 

A  bond  issue  for  the  improvement  of  the  Bluffs  Village 
Sewer  facilities  passed  Tuesday  Nov,   17,    1970  by  a  vote 
of  77  for  and  19  against.  The  bond  issue,  totaling  $94, 
000  is  for  payment  of  the  cost  of  improving  the  village 
sewer  system,  including  improvements  to  the  sewage 
treatment  plant. 

Robert  Lovekamp  village  policeman,   found  a  pipe 
in  the  old  John  Korty  Jewelry  Shop  building  which  Love- 
kamp and  Charles  Batley  have  razed. 

Nov.  17th  Mrs.  Margaret  Watson  was  installed  as  Worthy 
Matron  of  Floy  Chapter  #566  with  Mrs.  Mildred  Little  as 
Associate  Matron  and  Oliver  Chambers,  Associate  Patron. 
Wayne  Masterson,   66,   of  Bluffs,  died  after  arrival  at 
mini  hospital  in  Pittsfield,   after  he  stepped  from  a  plat- 
form on  the  Florence  Bridge  four  miles  west  of  Winchester 
on  Route  36-54,   into  the  path  of  an  auto  driven  by  Ray 
Steinheimer  of  Jacksonville.   Mr.  Masterson  was  employed 
as  a  tender  at  the  Florence  Bridge. 

In  December,  workmen  tore  the  old  leaking  roof  off 
the  Bluffs  Legion  Home,   and  installed  a  new  roof  the  same 
day.   On  Wednesday  the  men  returned  to  put  the  finishing 
touches  of  tar,    gravel  and  metal  trim  on  the  roof. 

Employees  of  the  Norfolk  and  Western  Railroad  h»'— - 
working  in  December,   on  the  Main  Railroad  Crossing  oa 
Route  100  in  Bluffs.  They  are  making  repairs  prior  to  the 
blacktopping  of  the  Highway,  being  done  by  Illinois  Valley 
Asphalt  Co.   of  Bluffs. 

The  Bluffs  FFA  Chapter  is  selling  Christmas  trees  as  a 
money  making  project. 

Ray  Schnitker  was  elected  to  serve  as  1971  Civic  Club 
President;  Carl  Krusa,  Vice-President;  John  AUen,  Secre- 
tary; Charles  Neubauer,   Treasurer, 

1971  dawned  with  a  glorious  future  of  bright  promise, 
high  hopes  and  much  activity,  beginning  with  plans  for  the 
Bluffs  Centennial,  which  was  held  July  10  and  11.     The 
citizens  of  Bluffs  hope  that  the  next  one-hundred  years  will 
be  as  progressive  as  the  last  one-hundred  years. 

A  group  of  interested  citizens  met  at  the  city  hall  in 
Bluffs  and  made  plans  to  celebrate  the  coming  birthday  of 
our  village.  The  date  was  set  for  July  10th  and  11th,   and 
everyone  was  invited  to  participate  in  the  event.  ^_ 

A  regular  feature  in  the  months  to  come  had  "Brothers 
■     of  the  Brush  pictured  each  week  in  the  local  paper,  and  many 
plans  were  finalized  to  make  the  forthcoming  events  a  success, 

According  to  Illinois  Agricultural  Statistics  Assessors 
Amiual  Farm  Census  for  1970  (as  of  April  1,   1970)  there  were 
1,501  persons  living  on  farms  in  Scott  County,  with  the  ave- 
erage  size  of  each  farm  319  acres,   and  total  acreage  of  152, 


-96- 


Se^t    U/iJne^  and  a  J4app^   Centennial 

TO  THE 

Village  of  Bluffs 

FROM  .  .  . 

Carole  Jean  I.G.A. 


JACKSONVILLE  -:-  WINCHESTER 


1871  1972. 

Congratulations,   Bluffs 


JlJianxanAii/ 


E.   State  Street 
acksonville,    Illinois 


Ph:  245-4718 


Welcome  to  all  friends 
who  are  here  to  visit  during  the 
CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 
See  us  at 


Floyd's  Gulf  Station 


Chapin,    Illinois 


Ph:  472-6221 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 


Chapin 
Farmers  Elevator 


Chapin,    Illinois 


Ph:  472-5771 


■97- 


330.    A  total  of  389  farms  reported  a  com  acreage  of  40,078 
in  1970;  366  reported  34,439  acres  of  soybeans  harvested;  31 
farms  harvested  356    acres  in  oats;  9,  656  acres  of  wheat  har- 
vested on  281  farms.  Four  farms  harvested  51  acres  of  barley; 
14  farms  harvested  171  acres  of  rye.  Acres  of  alfalfa  cut  for 
hay  on  134  farms  totaled  2,416  with  other  mixtures  of  hay 
reaching  781  acres  on  50  farms.  One  Scott  County  farm  report- 
ed an  orchard,   consisting  of  50  apple  trees.  Thirty-eight  farms 
reported  12,  088  hens  and  pullets  of  laying  age. 

A  total  of  23  farms  reported  103  milk  cows  and  heifers; 
there  were  3,989  head  of  grain  fed  cattle  two  years  old  and 
over;  and  229  farms  reported  3,  819  beef  cows  and  heifers; 
and  2,426  head  of  other  cattle  and  calves    marketed  from 
143  farms.  As  of  Jan.   1,  1970,   730  head  of  breeding  ewes 
were  reported  on  42  farms.  A  total  of  219  farms  reported 
4,475  head  of  sows,   farrowing  June  1,   1969  to  Dec.   1,  1969, 
while  231  farms  reported  4,448  head,   farrowings  Dec.   1, 
1969  to  June  1,    1970.  49  farms  reported  8,  336  head  of  feed- 
er pigs  purchased  in  1969. 

Illinois  Valley  Asphalt,   Inc.  won  the  award  for  the  best 
bituminous  paving  for  a  resurfacing  project  on  U.S. 67  south 
of  Jacksonville,   at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Associated 
General  Contractors  of  Illinois  in  Springfield. 

Miss  Suzanne  Parker,   daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Neil 
Parker,  received  the  Good  Citizen  Award    from    the    DAR. 

A  formal  Dedication  and  Memorial  Service  was  held 
at  the  schoolyard  in  Bluffs,   March  12th,  In  memory  of  Sgt. 
Kilver,  who  was  killed  on  a  military  mission  in  Vietnam 
in  October,   1970.  A  forty  foot  flag  pole,  erected  with  funds 
contributed  in  Phil's  memory  by  his  class  mates  and  former 
boy  scout  buddies,   complete  with  bronze  plaque  attached  to 
the  base  of  the  pole,  was  erected,   and  U.  S.  Army  repre- 
sentatives were  present  to  present  a  flag  to  the  school  to  be 
used  on  the  pole,  in  Phil's  memory.     Posthumous  medals 
were  also  presented  at  that  time  to  his  parents,   Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Harold  Kilver  of  RR,   Bluffs. 

"Open  House"  was  held  at  the  new  Scott  County  Nurs- 
ing Home  in  Winchester  Sunday,  April  18th,  with  Harold 
Oakes  and  John  Allen  serving  as  board  members  of  the  home. 

Lyle  Bates,   long  time  Blulls  Mineral  Director,  passed 
away  at  the  age  of  78  at  Passavant  hospital  Sunday,  April 
11,   1971,  and  was  buried  in  the  Versailles  cemetery. 
William  Kleinschmidt  was  re-elected  to  head  the 
Bluffs  School  board,  with  Jack  Bamett,   Laine  Comerford 
and  Danny  Likes  elected  to  serve  a  full  term  and  Harold 
Morris  elected    to  serve  an  unexpired  term. 

Miss  Marilyn  F.  Hoots,   daughter  of  Mr.  and  Ivlrs.  Paul 
Hoots  was  sent  to  Girl's  State  by  the  Bluffs  American  Legion 
Auxiliary,   and  made  a   report  back  to  the  organization. 

LeRoy  Vortman  Jr.,   Neil  Parker  and  James  W.  Freeman 
were  re-elected  as  village  trustees  for  four  year  terms;  and 
Mrs.  Mary  Ann  Bailey  and  David  Orchard  were  elected  to 
the  local  Library  board. 

Miss  Nancy  Whorton,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.   Norris 
Whorton,  was  crowned  "Miss  Centennial"  at  the  Centennial 
Ball  held  Saturday,  June  5th  in  the  Bluffs  grade  gym.  Miss 
Violet  Dickens,   daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tom  Dickens  was 
1st  runner-up,   and  Miss  Sandy  Hendricks,  daughter  of  Mrs. 
Wanda  Hendricks  and  James  Hendricks  was  2nd  runner-up. 
Other  candidates  were  Miss  Joni  Brockway,   daughter  of  Mrs. 
Martha  Szostak;   Miss  Cathy  Buhlig,  daughter  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Dale  Buhlig;  Miss  Kita  Hutton,   daughter  of  Mrs.  Letha 


Hutton  and  the  late  Donald  Hutton;  Miss  Paula  Nunes,  daugh- 
ter  of  Mr.   and  Mrs.  William  Nunes;  Miss  Suzanne  Parker, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Neil  Parker;  Miss  Marilyn  Placke, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Francis  Placke;  Miss  Leslie  Pond, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Leroy  Pond;  Miss  Pamela  Schmitz, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gerald  Schmitz. 

Mayor  John  Allen  purchased  the  first  copy  of  the  re- 
produced 1903  Atlas  of  Scott  County,  which  was  printed 
by  Jones  Publishing  Co.  of  Bluffs,  in  honor  of  the  Centen- 
nial Year. 

Floyd  R.  Hierman,   owner  of  the  Gambles  Store  in 
Bluffs,   and  well-known  respected  business   man,   passed 
away  Thursday,  June  3rd  at  Passavant  Hospital  in  Jackson- 
ville. He  was  a  50-year  member  of  Charles   Wolford  Post 
441,  50-year  member  of  the  Bluffs  Masonic  Lodge  and  the 
Ansar  Shrine  and  Consistory,   and  the  Shriner's  Club  of 
Jacksonville,  and  a  past  president  of  the  Village  Board 
of  Bluffs,   niinois. 

Bluffs  residents  attended  "Bluffs"  Booster  Day"  in  St, 
Louis,   Sunday,  June  12th  at  which  time  the  Cardinals 
played  the  Pittsburg  Pirates.  Mayor  John  Allen  threw  the 
first  ball  of  the  day  to  Ray  Schnitker,   President  of  the 
Bluffs  Civic  Club  in  a  pre-game  ceremony,   and  "Miss 
Centennial",   Nancy  Whorton,  also  took  part  in  the  cere- 
monies. 

CONGRATULATIONS,     BLUFFS 
May   your    next    100   Years 
be   as    Interesting! 


CONGRATULATIONS 

to  Our  Friends  in  the  Bluffs  Village 


Don  Irving,  Insurance 

-feV^^^T*^-         Chamber  sburg, 
■   ^:^^^Vs|J^  niinois 


BEST  WISHES 

ON  THIS 

lOOTH  ANNIVERSARY 


Pierson  Auto  Body 


150  Walnut 
Jacksonville,    Illinois 


-98- 


With  the  celebration  of  Bluffs 
Centennial,  we  offer  our 
heartiest  congratulations! 

Mid's  Casual  Wear 
&  Beauty  Salon 

19  South  Side  Square 
Jacksonville,   111.  Ph:  245-8315 


1871  ^  1971 

CONGRATULATIONS 

ON  100  YEARS  OF  PROGRESS 


66  E.   Side  Square 


Jacksonville,    Illinois 


Compliments  of 


The  Hobby  Shop 


310  E.   State 


Jacksonville,   niinois 

ED  TOBIN,  Owner 

Hobby    Crafts, 

Wall    Placques 

Bluffs 
1871-1971 


COMPLIMENTS 
OF 


SCHMITT 


CHEVROLET 


JACKSONVIUC 


We  Salute 

A 

Progressive  Community 

George's 
Auction  &  Furniture  Co 

Ph:  243-2533 
1852  South  Main  Jacksonville,   Illinois 

Large  Auction  Sales  every  Friday  Night! 
New  &  Used  Furniture  &  Appliances  For  Sale  Daily! 

Open  Every  Day  and  Nights  - 
Monday,    Fri.  &  Sat.  until  9:00  P.  M. 


-99- 


THE  VILLAGE  FATHERS  1971 


1971  OFFICERS  OF  VILLAGE  OF  BLUFFS:  seated  1-r:  Clyde  L.  Taylor, 
Treasurer;  John  Allen,  Mayor;  Neil  Parker,  Trustee:  Harold  Frohwitter, 
Clerk;  standing  -  Harold  Arnold,  J.  Wendell  Freeman,  Robert  Smith,  LeRoy 
Vortman  and  Luther  Vortman,  all  Trustees. 


Bluffs  Business  Houses  -  1971 

(Photos  by  Steven  R.  Jones) 


HERMAN'S  GAMBLE  STORE 
Floyd  and  Ethel  Hierman 


BLUFFS  FARMERS  GRAIN  CO. 
Ray  Schnitker,   Mgr. 


-100- 


Stj%RS  LUMBER  CO. 
J.   O,  Sears  and  Carroll  Sears 


ALLEN  LUN-IBER  COMPANY 
John  &  IVlildred  Allen 


OPAL'S  ECONOMY  STORE 
Mrs.  Clyde  (Opal)  Hullinger 


BOJAYNE'S  CAFE 
Erwin  G  Jayne  Weiss 


STURGEON'S  AG 
Ralph  &  Vivian  Sturgeon 


KOFFEE  KUP  KAFE 
William  G  June  Nunes 


BLUFFS  HARDWARE  CO. 
Harold  G  Marjorie  Frohwitter 


•101- 


FREESEN  BROTHERS,   INC. 


ILLINOIS  VALLEY  ASPHALT,   INC. 


CENTRAL  MOTOR  SALES         Luther  &  Nina  Vortman 


HUTTON'S  WELDING  SHOP 
Richard  Hutton 


HULLINGER'S  TEXACO  SERVICE 


Clyde  HuUinger  KORTY  POULTRY  HOUSE 


Merle  Korty 


BLUFFS  COIN  LAUNDRY 


Merle  &  Rose  Scott  THE  BLUFFS  TIMES 


Ralph  G  Leah  Jones 


•  102- 


Compliments  of 


Don  Alters 
Buick-Olds-Opel 

West  8th  &  Grand 
Beardstown,  Illinois     Ph:  217/323-2322 


Welborn  Electric 

234   W.    Court    St. 
Jacksonville,    Illinois 
Ph:  245-5173 


Happy  Centennial 
Birthday 


Jones  Rexall  Drugs 

118  West  2nd 
Beardstown,  Illinois 

Ph:  323-3002 


F.  J .  Andr6ws 
Lumber  Co. 

Jacksonville,  Illinois 


■  103- 


25*  CAR  WASH  &  WAX 
Laine  &  Joanne  Comerford  and  Mrs.   Mae  Comerford 


BATES  FUNERAL  HOME 
Mrs.  Lyle  (Helen)  Bates 


ROSE'S  TAVERN 
Arvin  G  Irene  Rose 


BRIDGMAN  NATIONWIDE 
Harold  G  Bemice  Bridgman 


MUELLER'S  HOTEL 
Emma  G  Dorothy  Mueller 

Other  Bluffs  Business  Houses  and  Agents: 
BAIRD  G  EVANS  CONSTRUCTION  CO. 
BONNIE'S  BEAUTY  SHOP  -  Miss  Bonnie  Collison 
COUNTRY  COMPANIES  INS.  -  Ron  Oilman,  Agent 
DICKENS  ELECTRIC  G  CONSTRUCTION  CO. 
PS  SERVICE  -  Verlin  Rolf 
JAN'S  BEAUTY  SHOP  -  Mrs.  Jan  Buhlig 
LENORA'S  BEAUTY  SHOP  -   Mrs.   Lenor.a  Stevens 


THE  BRICK  TAVERN 
Claude  G  Clara  Davis 

MARGARET  ANN'S  BEAUTY  SHOP  -  Mrs.  Margaret  Little 

MARNETTA'S  BEAUTY  SHOP  -  Mrs.  Mametta  Gregory 

PHILLIP  66  BULK  SERVICE  -  Donald  Mullen 

REAL  ESTATE  DEALERS  -  I.  D.  Mueller  G  Jack  Moore 

RUSSELL  COLLISON  G  SONS  CONSTRUCTION  CO. 

STANDARD  OIL  AGEIvHT  -  Russell  Vortman 

STANDARD  OIL  DIV.AMERICAN  OIL  CO.  -Earl  Benton,  Mgr. 


-104- 


.a»Ti//4,, 


Mutual  of  Omaha  Ins.  Co. 


W.  Murel  Cumby 
245-8818 


201  South  Sandy 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 

Bernard  Balke 
245-6616 


Clarence  Grouse,  Jr. 
243-2055 


CONGRATULATIONS  ON 
100  YEARS  OF  PROGRESS 


1871 


BLUFFS 


Bader 


1971 


Agricultural  Service 

Fertilizers  &  LP  Gas 


Meredosia,  Illinois 
Ph:  584-2001 


Compliments  of 

Arrow 
Restaurant  &  Bar 


Beardstown,  Illinois  VV 


Bluffs 
1871  -  1971 


-105- 


L.    &H.   INSURANCE  AGENCY,   INC. 
Leland  Littig  and  Herbert  Hinners 


PAUL  B.   SMITH  TRUCKING  CO. 
Paul  B.  Smith  &  Robert  L.  Smith 


i 


MARCROSS  CYCLE  SHOP 
L.  J.,   Aljean  G  Ross  Kunkel,   Marc  Mueller 


W| 


"'!! 

^1% 

-t. 

r      '!                      ^^-n 

-1  1  '5^.„ 

111 

11....*,!? 

m 

INTERSTATE  PRODUCERS  LIVESTOCK  ASSN. 
Carl  Warfel,   Inc. 


GREGORY  APPLIANCE 
Hubert  &  Opal  Gregory 


SAVAGE  BARBER  SHOP 
Don  Savage 


BLUpr'  "OST  OFFICE 


■  106- 


BLUFFS  COMMUNITY  SCHOOL 
DISTRICT  NO.  2 


PLACKE'S  SOFT  CREAM 
Francis  and  Fern  Placke 


BLUFFS  MEDICAL  CENTER 


1871  1971 

BLUFFS,     ILLINOIS 


emiQiii 


The    values    are    here    every    day 
Lincoln  Square  Shopping  Center 
Jacksonville,    Illinois 


The  present  Bluffs  School  was  built  in  1914,   follow- 
ed by  the  addition  of  the  old  gym  in  1926.   The  next 
improvement  to  the  school  was  the  addition  of  a  band 
and  vocal  music  room  to  the  west  of  the  gym  in  1941; 
then  an  addition  was  built  onto  the  east  side  of  the  school, 
with  first  and  second  grade  rooms  and  a  lunch  room  and 
kitchen  built  in  1954.    An  Ag  shop  was  built  in  back  of 
the  school  to  the  north  and  in  1963  a  new  gym  was  con- 
structed next  to  it. 

The  present  school  board  consists  of  the  following: 
William  Kleinschmidt,   president;  Danny  Likes,   Secre- 
tary; Members  -  Harold  Morris,  Jack  Barnett,   Clyde  W. 
Baulos,   Laine  Comerford,  Don  Westermeyer. 

Mr.  Wendell  Mathis    serves    as    Superintendent  of 
Bluffs  Community  Schools,   Mr.   T.  Edward  Albertin 
serves  as  Principal  of  the  High  School  and  Mr.   Robert 
Lawson  serves  as  Principal  of  the  Grade  School. Mrs. Helen 
Smith  serves  as  secretary  to  the  Superintendent  and  also 
serves  as  school  board  secretary,  while  Mrs.   Sharon  Priest 
serves  as  Mr.  Albertin's  secretary. 


Congratulations.  „ 


White  Appliance  Center 


Jacksonville,    111. 


Ph:  245-9921 


-107- 


Bank  of  Bluffs 


ORIGINAL   BANK    OF    BLUFFS ...  da  te    unknown. 
1-r:  Connie  Linldn,  John  Linkin,  Frank  Linkin,  John  Knoeppel. 

The  Bank  of  Bluffs,   organized  almost  a  century  ago, 
started  business  in  what  is  now  the  Gregory  Appliance 
Store.    The  old  building  was  remodeled  to  conform  with 
needs  of  a  modem  bakery  with  living  quarters  above  and 
was  owned  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harrison  Corbridge,  who 
later  moved  to  Champaign  in  the  early  20's.    Following 
a  fire  which  destroyed  the  W.H.Green  Hardware  and  the 
W.J.Doyle  Grocery  store  the  old  bank  building  became 
the  Green  Hardware,  became  a  bake  shop  again  when  sold 
to  James  Wolford,   son  of  the  late  Charles  Wolford.  The 
W.H.Green  and  Son  moved  across  the  street  to  the  Fred 
Brockhouse  building  now  Dicken's  Electric  Shop.    When 
the  Wolford  Bakery  closed  the  Hardware  store  recrossed  the 
street  to  the  one  time  bank  building. 

The  stockholders  on  August  3,   1893  were:  WilUam  Neat, 
C.  H.  Condit,  Frank  Linkins,  William  McCaleb,   Herman 
Hobrock,   Charles  Crisp,   George  E.  Husband,   Henry  Dresser, 
John  Knoeppel  and  Henry  Knoeppel.      F.  W.  Korty  joined 
the  partnership  on  August  5,   1893,   and  Charles  Oakes  on 
September  29,   1893.    On  organization  date,  John  Knoeppel 
was  elected  president,   and  Frank  Linkins,  cashier. 

In  1907  the  bank  erected  a  new  building  of  Bedford  stone 
at  the  Southeast  comer  of  Bluffs  and  Oakes  Streets.    This 
building  with  improvements  has  since  been  the  home  of  the 
iiank. 

On  November  1,   1920,  the  Bank  of  Bluffs  was  incorpor- 
ated as  a  State  Bank.    At  that  time  G.W.  WoodaU,   S.  G. 
Smith,   Charles  Oakes,    Royal  Oakes,   George  H.  Vannier, 
Clarence  McCaleb  and  H.  C.  Knoeppel  were  the  board  of 
directors.    Charles  Oakes,   President,   H.  C.  Knoeppel, 
Vice  President,   E.  L.  Kendall,   Cashier,  J.  A.  Knoeppel, 
Assistant  Cashier,   Florence  Lashmet,   Bookkeeper,  were 
the  officers  and  employees  of  the  bank. 


The  bank's  present  board  of  directors  are  Henry  H.  Kilver, 
J.  A.  Knoeppel,   F.  J.  Muntman,   Harold  Oakes  and  Clyde 
L.  Taylor.      The  present  officers  and  employees  are: 
President,  J.  A.  Knoeppel,    Vice  President,   F.  J.  Munt- 
man,    Cashier,   Clyde  L.  Taylor,    Assistant  Cashier,  Jack 
C.  Moore,     Assistant  Cashier,  Vera  H.  Korty,  Bookkeeper 
and  Teller,   Corrine  M.  Orchard,     Bookkeeper  and  Teller, 
Orma  Meier,     Bookkeeper  and  Teller,  Donald  L.  Kilver, 
and  Julia  A.  Huddleston,   Building  Custodian. 


This  postcard  pictures  four  officials.    L  to  R:  Henry 
Knoeppel,  E.  L.  Kendall,  Albert  Knoeppel  and  Charles 
Hale.    They  with  Charles  Oakes,   early  founder  of  Bluffs, 
shaped  its  destiny.    All  were  natives  of  the  area  except 
Mr.  Kendall   who  came  to  Bluffs  on  a  bicycle.    He  mar- 
ried the  daughter  of  J.  C.  Lewis,  druggist  and  Opera 
House  owner,  Mrs.  Ray  Griswold.    Mr.  Kendall  was  the 
first  president  of  the  Civic  Club.    The  present  Lewis  Park 
and  Library  site  are  generous  gifts  honoring  the  Kendalls 
and  Mrs.  Lewis. 

The  Lewis  building  housing  a  drug  store,  the  office  of 
Dr.  Harvey  Sears  (later  the  Kopp  Barber  Shop)  and  the 
Kilpatrick  Undertaking  Room  have  been  raised. 

The  make-shift  Civic  Club  platform  for  free  Saturday 
night  programs  grew  into  the  present  outdoor  stage, 
complete  with  dressing  rooms  and  landscaped  grounds. 
A  croquet  court,  project  of  the  WPA  days  had  been  re- 
moved for  more  picnic  and  playground  area.    A  stone 
marks  the  Park  donor  and  the  American  Legion  places 
a  wreath  on  the  marker  dedicated  to  those  who  lost  their 
Hfe  in  War  II . 


•  108- 


Happy  Anniversary 

to  all  the  People  of  Bluffs  Township 
on  this  Happy  Occasion 


NAPLES  BOATEL 


0^' 


Naples,  Illinois 
Ph:  754-3994 


Congratulations 

BLUFFS 

1871-1971 

National  Starch 
Chemical  Corp      ^^ 


Meredosia,  Illinois 


.  .  .  Wishing  the  next  100  years 

will  be  a  MIRROR 

of  your  progress. 

wioN  yi\m  mn  \m  vh 


Jack's  Discount 

West    Morton  Road 
JACKSONVILLE,     ILLINOIS 

Open  8:30  A.  M.    to  9:30  P.  M.   Monday  thru  Saturday 
Sunday  9:30:  A.  M.    to  8:30  P.  M. 


-109- 


History  of  Bluffs  Public  Library 


Many  changes  have  taken  place  since  Bluffs  first  had  a 
library,  but  each  change  has  been  a  step  forward. 

As  nearly  as  can  be  determined,  the  first  type  of  li- 
brary in  Bluffs  was  started  in  1932  as  part  of  either  a  WPA 
or  NYA  project  for  the  commimity  and  was  located  on  the 
second  floor    of  the  old  City  Hall  with  Vita  Chapman  as 
director.    Lending  books  obtained  from  the  Illinois  State 
Library  was  only  part  of  this  project.    The  first  major  step 
toward  a  permanent  Library  was  taken  in  1937  when  the 
American  Legion  helped  start  a    Public  Library  with  books 
borrowed  from  the  WPA  with  Mrs.  Augiist  Damin  as  Li- 
brarian.   This  was  located  on  the  second  floor  of  the  Bridg- 
man  Building  where  the  American  Legion  had  their  head- 
quarters and  the  Legion  assisted  with  both  volunteer  labor 
and  money  to  get  this  started.    This  arrangement  continued 
until  1943    when  the  American  Legion  decided  it  would 
continue  this  on  a  limited  schedule  for  three  months,  with 
a  member  from  each  other  organization  on  an  Advisory 
Board.    As  an  outcome  of  this,  on  July  20,  1943,  a  special 
election  was  held  to  levy  a  tax  of  2  mills  on  the  dollar  for 
the  purpose  of  maintaining  a  Public  Library  in  the  Village 
of  Bluffs;  thus  the  first  tax-supported  Library  was  establish- 
ed in  Bluffs    twenty-eight  years  ago.    In  this  special  elec- 
tion, 42  people  voted  for  the  proposal,  1  against,   and  1 
ballot  was  spoiled.    The  newly  elected  Library  Trustees 
were  E.  L.  Kendall,  Dr.  E.  C.  Thome,   C.  M.  Ritter, 
C.  O.  Mueller,  August  Damin,   and  Mrs.  O.  A.  Woodson. 
Dr.  E.  C.  Thorne  was  elected  President  of  the  Library 
Board  and  remained  in  that  position  until  his  death. 

In  1947,  the  American  Legion  moved  from  the  Bridg- 
man  Building,   thus  leaving  the  Library  on  their  own,  but 
to  help  the  Library  over  a  bad  financial  time,  the  Legion 
voted  to  help  pay  the  rent  and  utilities  for  several  months 
for  the  Library  to  remain  in  the  building.    In  October, 
1948,  Mrs.  E.  L.  Kendall  gave  the  property  formerly  occu- 
pied by  the  telephone  office  adjacent  to  the  Park  to  the 
Library.    In  1954,  the  Bluffs  Library  was  moved  to  this  lo- 
cation.   Mrs.  E.  C.  Thorne  became  the  second  Librarian 
in  September,   1955. 

In  1966,  plans  were  drawn  for  a  new  Library  bmlding 
and  submitted  to  the  Village  Board  for  discussion  relative 
to  an  election  for  a  bond  issue  to  build  a  new  building.  An 
election  was    held  on  November  1,   1966,   and  the  bond 
issue  was  approved.    Since  it  had  been  decided  to  build 


the  new  building  on  the  property  donated  by  Mrs.  Kendall, 
it  was  necessary  to  pack  and  store  the  books  and  raze  the 
old  Library.    The  new  Library  was  opened  for  the  public 
on  February  5,   1968.    In  the  meantime,  Mrs.  Wilmont 
Boes,   the  third  Librarian,   had  been  succeeded  by  Mrs. 
Bernard  Beeley,   our  present  Librarian. 

Since  its  inception  in  1937,   one  of  the  major  improve- 
ments has  been  to  become  a  member  of  the  Great  River 
Library  System,   enabling  the  public  to  have  at  their  dis- 
posal a  large  and  varied  selection  of  good  books,  records, 
and  films.    Over  the  years,  the  Library  has  often  experi- 
enced some  lean  years,  but  siu'vived  and  thrived  due  to 
the  efforts  of  the  past  Board  members  and  the  citizens  of 
the  commimity.    Among  those  who  have  served  as  Library 
Board  members,   in  addition  to  those  already  listed,   are 
Mrs.  Paul  Vannier,   Royal  Oakes,  John  Allen,  M.  Leroy 
Pond,   and  Mrs.  E.  L.  Kendall,   Honorary  Board  Chairman, 
Mrs.  Amelia  Mueller,   Rev.  M.  D.  Goldsbcsough,  Mrs. 
Jack  Moore. 

The  present  board  is  as  follows;    Mrs.  John  Allen,  Pres., 
Mrs.  J.  W.  Freeman,   Secretary;  Mrs.  David  Orchard, 
Treasurer;  Mrs.  Norris  Whorton,  Mr.  Bernard  Goetze,  Mrs. 
James  Bailey, 


Exeter  Lodge  No.  424 
Organized  in  1865 


Charter  Exeter  Lodge  #424  -  Oct.  4,   1865  by  Grandmast- 
er H.P.H.    Bromwell,    Oct.    4,    1865. 

Lodge  was  originally  started  in  1863  but  not  enough  mem- 
bers to  get  a  charter. 

In  1863  John   McKomey,  Elihu  Armitage  and  John  Gannon 
got  together  to  organize  and  was  called  (jaimon  Loage  ,    no 
number. 

In  1865  the  required  number  of  members  got  a  charter 
as  Exeter  Lod.;e  No.   424  from  Grandmaster   H.  P.  H.    Brom- 
well. 

Elihu  Armitage   Master,    John  McKamey  S.W. ,    John  Gan- 
nonJ.W.,    D.O.Gillette,  Treas.,    J.  B.Mayes  Secy. ,    R.T. 
Thompson  Tyler,  J.H.    Brackett,  Dr.   A.   Long,    Tom  Mc- 
Cherry,  Wm.   Mason,    E.S.Gillham,    Alex  Berry,    Peter 
Slagle,    James  Neeley,  Luke  Bonsteel,    J.B.A.  Mayes  Jr. 
These  members  bought  the  east  part  of  the  Brick  Building  on 
the  north  side  of  the  street  and  later  the  other  adjacent 
building  on  the  west  of  the  lodge,    which  is  the  present 
Masonic  building.     The  store  on  east  is  run  by  Marie  Berry 
and  on  the  west  by  the  Hubbard  sisters  as  an  antique  shop. 
At  one  time  we   had  117  membersj  when  Naples  Lodge  was 
arrested  about  40  masons  came  to  Exeter  Lodge  424  making 
a  total  of  117  members,   sometime  in  the  1890s.    At  the 
present  time  we  only  have  a  membership  of  30.    (1971) 

The  present  officers  are  Everett  Morris,W.M. ,    Nimrod 
Funk,   S.W.,     Clarence   Korty.J.W.,    Wilbur  Mathews, 
Treas. ,    Homer  Grady,    Secy. ,    Art  Grady,  Tyler.     We  have 
three  50  year  members.    Homer  Grady,  Lawrence  and  Ralph 
Gillham.     Raymond  Morris  will  be  a  50- year  member  in 
October  1971  making  a  total  of  4-50  year  members. 

Some  of  the  records  are  not  legible,  the  ink  has  faded 
and  can  not  be  read.       —  Homer  Grady,  Sec'y.,  June  1971. 


-110- 


Southern  Aire  Cafe 

Ph:  323-9885 
Beardstown,  Illinois 

Open  24  Hours  -  7  Days  a  Week 

Owner  -  Howard  Means 


1871 


BLUFFS 


1971 


Morgan  &  Scott  County 
Beer  Wholesalers 


A.    GAUDIO  &  SON 
J.    PIERSON 

STARR  BROTHERS 

C.    GAUDIO 

DISTRIBUTING  CO. 


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lVAUETONK 

AuTONE 

CLEANERS 


Lincoln  Square  Shopping  Center 
JacksonviUe,   Illinois  Ph:  245-9040 


BEST  WISHES 

FOR  YOUR  CONTINUED 

GROWTH  AND  PROSPERITY 


Park  Hotel  &  Lounge 


Beardstown,  Illinois 


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Oiip  Chupcles 

(Photos  by  Steven  R.  Jones) 

United  Methodist  Church  St.  Patricli's  Catholic  Church 


The  first  organization  of  the  M.  P.   church  in  Bluffs  was 
affected  in   1844  when  a  group  of  citizens  met  in  a  log 
school  house  in  the  northeast  part  of  town.   Thomas  Green 
Sr.,  was  the  main  pillar  of  the  church  then,   and  for  many 
years  later. 

A  frame  church  was  erected  one-half  mile  north  of 
Bluffs  in  1858.  Twenty  years  later  the  church  house  was 
moved  to  the  present  location  and  in  1895  it  was  remodel- 
ed to  the  extent  of  $1600  and  the  organization  became  de- 
tached from  the  Chapin  circuit  whom  they  had  been  af- 
filiated with  previously. 

Saturday,  August  9,   1913  a  meeting  was  held  and  bids 
opened  for  the  building  of  a  new  church.  Contract  was 
awarded  to  Harry  Branch  of  Pittsfield  and  the  building  was 
to  cost  approximately  $7,  500.00. 

On  Saturday,  August  23,    1913  work  began  on  the  new 
building,   a  short  service  of  song  and  prayer  was  held  and 
the  first  shovel  of  dirt  was  turned  by  Mrs.  Anna  Chance, 
who  had  been  a  member  of  the  church  over  42  years. 

The  new  chiu'ch  was  completed  and  the  dedication  pro- 
gram was  held  on  February  14,    1914  with  an  all-day  ser- 
vice. 

The  Reverend  M.  C.  Goldsborough  is  the  present  pastor 
of  the  Bluffs  Methodist  Church.  He  has  served  Bluffs  and 
Naples  for  the  past  several  years  and  is  well  liked  and  re- 
spected by  the  parishioners  and  townspeople. 


St.  Patrick's  Catholic  Church  has  reason  to  celebrate 
a  Centennial.  It  is  100  years  old  this  year.   It  was  built 
in  1871  and  has  stood  the  ravages  of  time  well.   It  is  still 
a  pretty  good  building  though  it  has  had  much  work  and 
improvements  made  on  it  in  the  last  29  years.   The  Con- 
gregation making  up  the  parish  today  expect  to  be  going 
there  to  Mass  for  years  to  come. 

Before  the  building  of  the  church  the  old  timers  had 
Mass  in  the  homes  of  John  O'Brien  and  William  Quintan. 
Many  catholics  lived  in  Naples,   at  the  time,   for  it  was 
quite  a  hamlet  with  much  river  activity.  Boats  plied  the 
river  daily  and  business  in  the  little  town  was  brisk.  A 
letter  from  Mrs.  Margaret  Evans  Hirth,   Pekin,  daughter 
of  the  late  Mrs.  Charlotte  Evans  tells  more  than  the  ave- 
rage person  knows  about  the  catholic  faith  practice  in 
those  days. 

Paragraphs  in  her  letter  to  Mrs.  E.J.  Kearney,  who 
has  lived  here  only  two  score  years,   has  this  to  say  about 
what  mother  Evans  said  regarding  the  early  days.  "Sorry 
I  cannot  tell  you  more  of  mama's  version  of  the  days  of 
long  ago.  Regarding  the  building  of  St.  Patrick's  Church 
I  remember  that  she  said  her  grandfather  John  Meehan 
drove  horse  and  wagon  to  Griggsville  for  rocks  for  the 
church  foundation.  Great  grandfather  Meehan  and  his  sons, 
John,   Michael  and  Thomas  (grandfather  of  Mary  Claire 
Meehan  Hagood,   and  his  hired  men  and  many  good  men 
of  that  day  built  the  church.   Being  a  Meehan,   of  course, 
great-grandfather  was  foreman  of  the  crew."  Of  course, 
the  ancestors,   Thomas  O'Brien  and  his  wife  also  did  their 
best  and  helped  build  the  church.  A    Mrs.    Morgan    and 
other  women,   it  is  said,  "gathered  in  the  money"  to  equip 
the  chiu'ch,   etc. 

Edward  Kearney's  own  mother,   a  native  of  Ireland 
who  with  her  husband,   Patrick  Kearney  often  related  the 
fact  that  they  once  attended  Mass  at  a  Mrs.  Doyle's  home 
in  Naples,  Evidently  she  was  the  mother  of  the  late  Billie 
Doyle,   Mrs.  Katie  Anderson  and  Mrs.  Ella  Merris. 


.112- 


Mrs.  Hirth  adds  to  her  letter  the  following  of  interest. 
"Another  interesting  story,  was  before  the  church  was 
built  Sunday  Mass  was  said  at  the  home  of  Mrs.   Char- 
lotte Evans'  grandparents.  The  chest  that  was  used  as  an 
altar  was  given  to  the  former  Charlotte  Evans,   daughter 
of  Joe  Evans,   it  being  a  gift  from  Mrs.  Charlotte  Evans 
remembered  here  yet  today  for  all  the  good  deeds  she 
did.  Young  Charlotte  has  it  rubbed  down,  and  it  is  lovlier 
than  ever.   She  and  her  husband  are  proud  of  it." 

So  much  for  the  old  days  of  St.  Patrick's  Church.  At 
one  time  it  is  said  125  people  attended  Mass  there  and 
that  would  have  made  for  a  crowded  church.  The  first 
Mass  was  said  by  Father  D.J.  Cogan  in  1872.  In  1893 
some  rear  rooms  were  added  to  the  Church.   It  was  thought 
the  priest  could  sleep  there  and  eat  elsewhere.   Little 
tised  then,   they  have  come  in  handy  in  recent  years  by 
the  students  in  the  Christian  Doctrine  classes. 

A  good  many  years  after  the  church  was  built.   Father 
Lydon,   pastor  of  the  church  in  Mt.   Sterling,  came  here 
and  said  Sunday  Mass.  He  came  on  Saturday  and  stayed 
overnight  at  the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.    Thomas  O'Brien. 
Connections  on  the  high  line  were  poor  and  he  had  to  wait 
for  the  Monday  morning   train  to  get  back  to  Mt.  Sterling. 

At  the  present  the  church  has  for  its  pastor  Rev.  A.D. 
LeBreton.  Father  LeBreton  lives  in  Winchester  and  serves 
St.  Mark's  Church  in  that  town.  He  travels  to  Bluffs  seve- 
ral times  during  the  week  to  fulfill  his  duties  at  our  mis- 
sion chiuch. 

Much  has  been  done  in  the  past  two  years  to  redecor- 
ate the  inside  of  the  church.  When  work  needs  to  be  done. 
Father  LeBreton  can  depend  on  his  parishioners  to  work  with 
great  zeal  because  their  mission  church  means  very  much 
to  them. 

The   experience  of  the  Second  Vatican  council  has 
given  Catholic ;  in  the  United  States  a  fresh  outlook  and 
new  horizons.  St.  Patrick's  Church  in  Bluffs  is  in  harmony 
with  the  intentions  of  the  council  and  feels  that  ours  is 
not  completely  a  church  of  the  past.  Ours  is  always  a 
church  of  the  present   moment,   thus,  v/e  move  with  an 
awareness  of  the  times,  


Our  Best  Wishes 

to  a  Good  Community. 


Walker  Motor  Co. 


1 1 10  West  Morton 


Jacksonville,    Illinois 


1871 


:-  1971 


Congratulations 


Kaiser  Supply 

Janitor    &    Restaurant    Supplies 


324  E.  State  . 
Jacksonville,   Illinois 

Ph:  243-4357   -   245-5210 


St.  Jolin's 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Church 


In  November  1912  a  group  of  people  met  with  the  Rev. 
P.  A.  Soerenson  who  was  the  Pastor  of  St.  John's  Lutheran 
Church,   Meredosia,   Trinity  and  Oxville  Lutheran  Chitfches, 
for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  Lutheran  Church  in  Bluffs. 
Soon  after  this  meeting,   on  December  15th,   they  began 
holding  services  in  the  Lewis  Opera  House  in  Bluffs  and  a 
short  time  later  they  purchased  the  land  where  the  church 
is  now  located. 

Construction  of  the  new  church  began  immediately  and 
was  soon  completed.  On  November  2nd,  1913,  the  comer 
stone  was  laid  at  a  service  at  10:00  A.M.  after  which  the 
congregation  received  the  keys  to  the  church  and  immed- 
iately entered  the  sanctuary  for  the  dedication  of  the 
building  to  the  glory  of  Cod. 

We  have  not  been  able  to  find  an  exact  list  of  the 
charter  members  but  among  the  first  members  were  the 
family  names  of  Albers,   Bern,   Botterbusch,   Brockhouse. 
Conrady,   Engelbrecht,  Finnigsmeier,   Gilman,   Guenther, 
Hubbert,   Huseman,   Knoeppel,   Krusa,   Middendorf,  Mueller, 
Nortrup,   Puis,   Ranft,   Schroeder,   Schuessler,   Tholen, 
Vannier,  Vortman  and  Weiss.    Other  names  were  soon 
added  to  v  .e  list.    Because  many  of  the  members  were  of 
German  background  services  were  held  in  both  the  German 
and  English  languages. 

In  1914  the  congregation  decided  to  purchase  a  parson- 
age in  Bluffs  located  on  a-anch  Street  and  Rev.  Sorenson 
and  his  family  moved  to  Bluffs  while  continuing  to  serve 


•113- 


the  Meredosia,   Trinity  and  Oxville  Congregations  along 
with  St.  John's  which  he  continued  to  serve  until  November 
1st,   1915.    From  then  until  1920  he  served  only  the  Bluffs 
and  Oxville  Congregations. 

Follcwing  the  resignation  of  Rev.  Sorenson  in  1920,   the 
Meredosia  and  Trinity  Congregations  again  united  with 
the  Bluffs  and  Oxville  Congregations  in  calling  a  Pastor 
and  in  November  of  1920  the  Rev.  W.  C.  Heidenreich 
came  to  serve  the  four  congregations.  At  his  suggestion, 
the  four  congregations  at  their  Annual  Meetings  in  January 
voted  to  affiliate  with  the  new  Illinois  Synod  of  the  United 
Lutheran  Church  in  America.    During  his  pastorate,  regu- 
lar services  in  the  German  Language  were  discontinued 
but  special  services  and  Holy  Communion  were  Admin- 
istered in  the  German  language  fca:  some  time.    In  1925 
the  church  building  was  raised  from  its  foundation  and 
the  basement  was  excavated  to  provide  for  a  large  room 
for  the  Sunday  School  and  a  social  room  and  on  the  north 
a  kitchen  and  boiler  room  for  the  new  heating  system .    A 
change  was  also  made  at  the  front  which  was  extended 
to  provide  a  basement  entrance  on  the  west  side  of  the 
main  entrance  and  also  provided  for  a  cloak  room  on  the 
east.    The  nave  was  replastered  and  rededicated  on 
November  8th,  1925.    Rev.  Heidemeich  resigned  in 
April  1927  after  almost  seven  years  as  pastor. 

In  June  1928,  The  Rev.  J.S.Utesch  came  to  serve  the 
four  churches  and  continued  to  do  so  until  December  31st, 
1932,  when  he  resigned  from  active  pastorial  wak  and 
moved  to  Chicago. 

In  1932  oiir  congregation  sent  its  first  and  only  man 
into  fulltime  work  for  God.    Marteen  Kilver  graduated 
from  Carthage  College  in  1929,  then  after  attending  the 
Seminary  at  Maywood  was  ordained  in  the  spring  of  1932. 
In  June  1933,  the  Rev.  W.  A.  HaUen,   a  young  pastw, 
came  and  served  the  four  churches  until  May  26,   1938, 
when  he  resigned  from  Bluffs  and  Oxville  and  moved  to 
Meredosia. 

In  April  1939  a  call  was  extended  to  the  Rev.  L.  C. 
Ogan  who  came  in  May  to  serve  St.  John's  and  Oxville. 
During  his  ministry  the  Oxville  Church  voted  to  discon- 
tinue services  and  disband  as  many  member  s  had  trans- 
ferred to  St.  John's  until  December  31st,  1940,  when  he 
wa  s  called  to  Advent  Church  in  St.  Louis  where  he  is 
still  serving. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  W.  Jensen  was  called  in  February 
1941  and  began  serving  in  June  after  his  ordination  into 
the  lUinois  Synod.    He  resigned  on  January  31st,  1943. 

The  Rev.  E>wight  A.  Filkins,  a  graduate  of  the  Chicago 
Lutheran  Theological  Seminary  was  called  May  1943  and 
installed  on  June  29th  of  that  year.    E>uring  his  ministry 
the  property  of  the  Oxville  Congregation  was  disposed 
of  with  Rev.  Filkins  representing  the  Illinois  Synod.    He 
resigned  in  1947. 

After  several  months  with  a  resident  pastor  a  call  was 
given  to  the  Rev.  Johann  Rodvik  of  Fort  Madison,  Iowa, 
and  he  began  his  pastorate  November  1st,  1947.    During 
his  ministry,   a  new  Hammond  Electric  Organ  and  Chimes 
with  Out-do<w  Amplification  System  was  purchased  and 
installed  with  dedication  taking  place  on  March  13,   1949. 
Rev.  Rodvik  resigned  on  August  31st,  1950. 

For  several  months  the  pulpit  was  again  filled  with 
supply  pastors  from  Carthage  College  and  in  April  1951 


another  newly  OTdained  pastor,  the  Rev.  Irl  C.  Schahrer 
was  called  and  began  serving  in  July.     The  interior  of 
the  chmch  was  redecorated  during    his    ministry.    He 
continued  his  wcrk  until  July  15,  1954,  when  he  sub- 
mitted his  resignation. 

Supply  pastors  again  filled  the  pulpit  until  June  7th, 
1955,  when  the  Rev.  Karlis  T.  Kuskevics  came  and 
began  his  pastorate.    Soon  after  his  arrival  the  congregation 
voted  to  sell  the  parsonage  on  Branch  Street  and  build  a  new 
parsonage  on  the  lot  back  of  the  church.    This  parsonage 
was  ready  for  occupancy  by  January  1st,  1956,  and  was 
dedicated  by  the  late  Rev.  Harmon  J.McGuire,  fwesident 
of  the  Illinois  Synod  on  June  3rd,  1956.  Later  that  year  the 
Young  People's  Sunday  School  Class  purchased  the  beautiful 
stained  glass  windows  which  we  have,  from  Trinity  Lutheran 
Church  in  Golden,  Illinois.    They  were  installed  in 
February  and  dedicated  September  22,  1957.    On  January 
6,  1960,  Rev.  Kuskevics  resigned  after  serving  here  almost 
five  years  to  go  to  St.  Peter's  Church  in  Chicago . 

In  March  1960  a  call  was  extended  to  the  Rev.  Lyle  E. 
Sucher  who  was  wdained  in  May  and  installed  as  pastor  of 
St.  John's  June  19th,  1960.  In  May  1961  the  two  lots  east 
of  the  church  were  purchased  from  the  Doyle  estate,  the 
gift  of  Mrs.  Delia  Albers.    In  July  1963  the  congregation 
voted  to  purchase  the  Charles  Wills  property  east  of  the 
church  for  a  parsonage,  with  funds  received  from  the 
Lyle  Husband  estate.    This  parsonage  was  dedicated 
September  22,  1963.    Rev.  Sucher  left  Bluffs  in  the 
spring  of  1964, 

In  1965  the  Rev.  Kenneth  Lein  served  as  pastor  of 
St.  John's  until  1966. 

Since  that  time  the  Rev.  George  Bischoff  has  served 
as  vice-pastor. 

Trinity  Lutheran  Church 

Trinity  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  of  Neelyville 
was  organized  in  the  year  1870,  after  preaching  services 
or  Sunday  School  had  been  held  for  sometime  previous, 
at  first  in  the  homes  of  some  of  the  members. 

On  August  20,   1868,  a  piece  of  property  was  acquired 
as  a  cemetery,   and  on  the  north-west  comer  of  this  pro- 
perty, the  congregation  built  its  first  house  of  worship. 
The  exact  date  of  the  building  and  dedication  of  this  first 
church  can  no  longer  be  ascertained.  The  church  records 
contain  no  account  of  the  erection  or  dedication  of  this 
first  church  building.  It  is  believed  that  the  year  1870  was 
the  year  of  dedication  as  the  Trinity  dates  her  history  as 
an  organization  from  that  time. 

Trinity's  first  pastor  after  the  congregation  was  orga- 
nized was  the  Rev.  F.W.  Wamke.  R^.  Wamke  served  as 
pastor  for  St.  Paul's  Evangelical  Lutheran   Congregation 
near  Chapin,  also.  He  continued  in  that  capacity  until 
1881.  On  February  6,   1881,   Rev.  Wamke  died.  On  the 
second  Sunday  after  Easter,   1881,   Rev.  J.H.  Haake  was 
installed.  Rev.  Haake  served  both  Trinity  and  St.  Paul's 
congregations  for  ten  years  from  1881  to  1891.  In  1891 
he  accepted  a  call  to  the  Lutheran  Church  at  Mt.  Prospect 
Cook  County,   Illinois.  On  the  eleventh  Sunday  after  Tri- 
nity,  1891,   Rev.  Ed.  Tappenback,  who  came  to  Illinois 
from  Nebraska,  was  installed  as  pastor  of  both  congrega- 
tions. 


-114- 


In  a  few  years,  the  desire  was  expressed  by  both  con- 
gregations to  have  church  services  in  both  churches  every 
Sunday  morning.   In  a  meeting  held  on  June  24,    1894, 
Trinity  decided  to  build  a  parsonage  and  call  its  own  pas- 
tor. A  call  was  sent  to  Rev.  H.G.  Schwagmeyer  of  Butler, 
Pennsylvania,  Rev.  Schwagmeyer  accepted  the  call  and 
he  was  installed  as  Trinity's  first  resident  pastor  on  the 
13th  Sunday  after  Trinity  1894,   by  Rev.   Tappenback.  A 
short  time  later,   he  moved  into  the  newly  erected  par- 
sonage build  on  a  three  acre   plot  of  ground  west  of  the 
original  church  property,   upon  the  hill  where  the  congre- 
gation held  its  first  services  many  years  before. 

On  May  27,    1901,   the  congregation  decided  the  old 
church  building  was  no  longer  adequate  to  accommodate 
the  growing  congregation  and  decided  to  gather  funds  for 
the  purpose  of  building  a  new  church.  A  committee  was 
chosen  together  with  the  pastor  and  work  began.  Since  it 
had  been  decided  to    put    the  new    building    on  the  same 
spot  as  the  old  one  was  standing  it  was  necessary  first  to 
move  the  old  church  across  the  road. 

The  comerstore  for  the  new  church  was  laid  on  No- 
vember 10,  1901,  the  birthday  of  Dr.  Martin  Luther.  On 
May  25,    1902  the  building  was  dedicated. 

Two  years  after  the  dedication  of  the  church  it  was 
decided  to  tear  down  the  old  church  building  and  erect  a 
school  out  of  the  salvaged  material.  On  November  20, 
1904  this  building  was  dedicated. 

Trinity  has  never  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  a  full  time 
church  school.  A  number  of  attempts  have  been  made  to 
start  such  a  school,  but  always  with  rather  disheartening 
results. 

On  September  30,   1915,  Pastor  Schwagmeyer  accept- 
ed a  call  to  become  pastor  of  St.  Paul's  Congregation  at 
Vandalia,   111.  The  Rev.  John  Deterding,   stationed  at 
Mattoon,   Wisconsin,  was  called.  He  accepted  the  call 
and  was  installed  as  Trinity's  second  resident  pastor  on 
November  7,    1915, 

In  July,    1917,   a  Ladies'  Aid  Society  was  organized, 
which  chose  as  its  name  "The  Willing  Workers,"  This 
organization  remains  active  to  this  date. 

Although  Trinity  was  served  by  pastors  of  the  Mis- 
souri Synod  almost  since  the  beginning,   it  was  not  a  mem- 


ber of  this  synod.  In  the  year  1920,  Mr.  Ed  Northrup  made 
the  motion  that  they  became  a  voting  member  of  the  Mis- 
souri Synod,  The  motion  was  passed. 

Sometime  after  1922  a  young  people's  society  was 
organized  and  is  presently  one  of  the  most  active  organiza- 
tions within  our  church. 

The  old  cemetery  having  become  almost  filled,   nec- 
essitated that  Trinity  congregation  purchase  more  land.  A 
two-acre  plot  of  ground  about  \  mile  northeast  of  the 
church  was  purchased  in  the  year  1924  and  laid  out  for 
burial  lots. 

In  1940,   only  one  service  each  month  was  preached 
in  the  German  language;  the  other  services  were  preached 
in  the  English  language.   The  congregation  decided  in 
1943  that  all  services  were  to  be  preached  in  the  English 
language  and  this  practice  remains  to  date. 

In  1946  the  Men's  Club  was  organized,  and  remains 
active  today. 

In  February  of  the  year  1959,  Pastor  Deterding  died. 
Pastor  Matzke  of  St,  Paul's  Lutheran  Chvux:h,  Chapin,  be- 
came our  vacancy  pastor.  During  the  vacancy  period,  five 
calls  were  extended  and  returned.  On  December  9,    1959, 
a  call  was  extended  to  Pastor  Hawley.  He  accepted  much 
to  the  gratitude  of  the  congregation. 

In  the  year  1960,   the  month  of  February,  Pastor  James 
Hawley  became  the  third  resident  pastor  in  the  history  of 
Trinity  Lutheran  Church,   In  July  or  August  of  1964  Pastor 
Hawley  accepted  a  call  to  Concordia  Lutheran  Church, 
Decatur,    111.  From  August  1964  to  January  1965  the  church 
was  served  by  a  vacancy  pastor  from  Jacksonville;  Rev. 
Otto  Borchelt.   In  January  1965,   Rev.   R.C.  Staudacher 
came  to  Trinity.  He  died  in  September  1965,  From  Sep- 
tember 1965  to  August  1966,   Rev,  Otto  Borchelt  was  a- 
gain  vacancy  pastor  of  Trinity. 

On  August  7,    1966,   Rev.  Donald  KroU  was  ordained 
and  installed  pastor  of  Trinity  Lutheran  Church,  He,  is, 
to  date,  still  pastor  at  Trinity,  and  pastor  at  Christ  Luth- 
eran Church,   Winchester,   Illinois. 

Plans  for  a  new  church  were  brought  forth  by  ground 
breaking  ceremonies  October  29,    1967.   The  cornerstone 
was  laid  in  ceremonies  on  September  8,    1968.  The  Con- 
gregation's new  church  was  dedicated  on  January  26th, 
1969.    The  Trinity  Lutheran  Church  celebrated  its  cen- 
tennial year  in  1970. 


■  115- 


Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
(now  consolidated) 


The  Bluffs  ME  Church  ground  was  deeded  to  William 
McCaleb,   Cora  Bagby,  Wm.  Griggs,   Hiram  Vangundy,   D, 
M.  Forney,   Charles  Pease  and  Frank  Linkins  (The  name 
"Linion"  was  crossed  out  with  red  ink).  Trustees:    for  the 
use  and  benefit  of  the  Ministry  and  membership  subject  to 
the  discipline,  iisage  and  ministerial  appointment  of  said 
church  to  wit  described  lots  55  and  56  in  Charles  Oakes 
third  addition  to  town  of  Bluffs,  Illinois  bounded  on  North 
by  Oakes  Street,   for  the  sum  of  $200.    Dated  August  24, 
1895.    Signed  Charles  Oakes  and  his  wife  Anna  Oakes. The 
church  was  built  by  Rev.  T.  B.  Smith  the  same  year,   cost- 
$4,  500;  seating  capacity  500  and  dedicated  September  22, 
1895  by  Rev.  W.F.Gilmore  D.D. 

James  C.  Lewis  was  on  the  Notary  Seal  and  J.L.Johnson 
recorded  the  deed  March  21,   1896  for  a  75(t  fee.    We  are 
thankful  to  Mrs.  Vera  McCaleb  Korty  for  a  34  page  illustra- 
ted program  of  the  three  great  days  of  rejoicing  Augiist  25, 
A  Great  Lecture;  Aug.  26  Annual  Burgoo  Premium  Picnic 
and  Concert  in  Jas.  Biu'bank's  grove  Ij  miles  due  south  of 
Bluffs.  James  Scott  of  Markham  was  the  Burgoo  maker. 

The  advertisements  in  the  program  were  a  who's  who 
of  the  Times  of  Rejoicing.    W.S.Dennis,   Gen.  Mdse.  and 
Silk;  J.A.Hilderbrand  restaurant  with  "Exclusive  Stand 
Privilege  on  Grounds";  John  Korty,  Wabash  Time  Inspector; 
Chas.  Six,   Tonsorial  Artist,   Exeter  and  H.B.Sargent  Bluffs; 
J. A. Arundel,   Livery  Feed  Wood  G  Coal;  M.E.Hawkins, 


lunch,   ice  cream  sodas  and  Lemonade  soda  pop;  Knoeppel 
and  Son,  Limiber,    Sash,   Doors,  Lime,   Hair  and  Cement; 
Doyle,  grocery;  James  Campbell,  the  poor  man's  friendly 
groceries  G  nuts;  Thompson  Bros.  Butchers,  roasts  G  cutlets; 
A. Ping,  poultry,  eggs,   hides,  pelts,  wool  and  jiuik;  F.C. 
Funk,   atty  at  Law,  real  estate  G  loans;  McCaleb  G  Kilpatrick 
Embalm ers  with  latest  style  funerals,  goods  always  on  hand 
and  hearse  in  attendance;  Lewis  Opera  House  seats  400  with 
chairs  and  Emmerson  pianos,   drugs  and  notions  ,   all  that 
and  30  or  mace  Jacksonville  ads.    John  Kenison  sold  watches 
and  Schroll's  Dept.  Store  were  in  Meredosia. 

The  first  M  E  Church  meeting  was  in  Qmntals  Hall  (later 
Wagoner  Opera  House)  by  Rev.  T.B.Smith  of  Naples  and 
the  continuous  four  week  meetings  resulted  in  conversion 
and  accession  to  the  society  of  121  persons.    The  church 
eventually  became  a  part  of  the  United  Methodist  and  the 
M.E.  G  M.  P.  members  all  attended  the  present  Methodist 
Church. 

A  deed  dated  March  2,   1946  conveyed  the  property  to 
Paul  H.  Vannier  and  Dorothy  H.  Vannier  and  was  signed  by 
E.  L.  Kendall,   President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  and  Mrs. 
Ray  L.  Kendall,   Secretary.     The  recording  fee  was  $1.10 
and  N.  J.  Moore,  the  recorder. 

The  Vanniers  converted  the  1895  building  into  five 
five-room  apartments  in  1946  with  outside  control  hotwater 
heating.    They  were  able  to  obtain  materials  only  by  pri- 
ority of  Military  service  and  the  apartments  could  be  rented 
only  to  War  II  Veterans.    They  were  Virgil  CoughUn,  Mel- 
vin  Dalhaus,   Leroy  Goodin  and  William  Kendall. 

Bluffs  Baptist  Church 


The  Bluffs  Baptist  Church  was  first  organized  about  the 
year  1941.  Mr.   and  Mrs.  Arthur  HuUinger  were  two  of  the 
first  members.  When  their  home  burned  in  1952  all  of  the 
previous  records  were  lost  in  the  fire. 

In  1955  when  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kenneth  Bruce  moved  to 
this  community  there  were  nine  members.  At  the  present 
there  are  approximately  70  members  and  the  average  Sun- 
day School  attendance  over  the  last  few  months  is  72. 

Some  former  pastors  of  the  Church  are:  Bro.  Clarence 
Lister,   Bro.  Jimmie  Beck,   Bro.  Bruce  B.  Holmes,   Bro.  John 
Acree,   Bro.  James  A.  Wesbecker,   Bro.  John  Helenthal, 
Bro.  James  Bailey. 

Bro.    Paul  Day  is  the  present  Pastor.  He  and  Mrs.  Day 
have  two  children,   Paul  Jr.,   and  Cindy.  This  is  his  first 


-116- 


pastorate  and  he  is  very  dedicated  to  the  Lord's  work. 

Two  from  the  church  have  answered  the  call  to  Christian 
Service  as  preachers.    Brother  Larry  Childers,   pastor  of 
Rushville  Baptist  Church  and  Brother  Wendy  Sapp,   student 
at  college,    studying  for  his  work  in  the  ministry. 

The  former  Church  building  was  erected  in  1904  and  was 
at  the  time  Free  Methodist.  In  1942,   the  building  was  pur- 
chased and  thereafter  known  as  the  Bluffs  Baptist  Church. 
The  Church  was  razed  during  the  summer  of  1967.   On 
March  10,    1965,   the  Church,  with  Rev.  J. A.  Wesbecker 
as  pastor  voted  to  elect  a  Building  Committee  which  was 
composed  of  LeRoy  \ortman,   Jack  Barnett  and  Bob  Little. 
Plans  for  the  structure  were  drawn  by  John  W.  Allen.  Ground- 
breaking ceremonies  were  held  in  April, 

The  building  is  30  x  50  of  brick  veneer.  The  auditorium 
is  constructed  of  lamenated  wood  beams  with  nursery  pro- 
visions and  a  pastor's  study.   The  picture  of  the  Head  of 
Christ,  which  hangs  at  the  front  of  the  Church,  was  given 
by  "Grandma"  Kate  Barnett,   now  deceased.  The  Church 
has  a  full  basement,  with  two  rest  rooms,   a  kitchen  and 
classrooms  with  paneling  and  petitions.  The  first  services 
in  the  new  building  were  held  on  January  8,    1967.  All  of 
the  labor  was  volunteer  except  the  laying  of  the  bricks  and 
the  installation  of  the  glass  doors. 

Many  difficulties  had  to  be  overcome,   and  the  few  faith- 
ful members  are  to  be  commended  for  the  many  months  of 
hard  labor.  God  bless  each  one  and  those  who  had  a  finan- 
cial part,  which  also  included  individuals  in  the  commun- 
ity that  are  not  members  of  the  Church. 

Officers  for  1971:  Pastor  Reverend  Paul  Day.   Clerk- Bess 
Bruce,   Treasurer-\irgil  Huseman,  W.M.  U.   Leader-Mrs. 
Paul  Day,   Church  Song  Leader-Jack  Barnett,   Building  Com- 
mittee: Jack  Barnett  LeRoy  'Hap'  Vortman,  and  Bob  Little. 
Sunday  School  Superintendent-Kenneth  Bruce.  Training 
Union  Director- Madge  Bentley.  Deacons- Kenneth  Bruce, 
Jack  Barnett  and  Virgil  Huseman. 


Henry  H.  and  Anna  Hobrock  Kilver.  Mr.   Kilver  will  be 
90  years  old  in  August,   and  Mrs.  Kilver  was  89  last  Jan- 
uary. 

They  are  parents  of  Mrs.   Florence  Metternich,   and  Mrs. 
Feme  Knudsen  and  Harold  Kilver  and  have  loui  living 
grandchildren  and  one  deceased,   and  five  great-grand- 
children. 


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Henry  Price  and  Ada  Cox,   husband  and  wife,  taken 
December  1895.    William  Henry  Price  was  born  Dec.  5, 
1871;  Ada  Annis  Cox  was  bom  January  7,    1874. 
Three  children  were  bom  of  their  marriage:    A  baby 
girl,  bora  Dec.  23,   1897,  who  died  at  birth;  Etta  Mae, 
born  Dec.  1,   1899  and  George  Henry,    bom  Nov.  6 
1901. 


If' 


Flag  drill  "For  God  and  Coimtry"  at  a  Children's 
Day  program  at  St.  John's  Lutheran  Church  of  Bluffs, 
about  1916.    From  L  to  R:    Marteen  Kilver,  Elmer  Hyler, 
Vem  Mueller,   Clarence  Weiss,  Freda  Tholen,   Gladys 
Thomas,   Thelma  Bosse  and  Rena  Sommers. 


•  117- 


History  of  the  Bluffs  Organizations 


Bluffs  Lodge  No.  A.F.  &  A.M. 

Bluffs  Lodge  No.  846  A.F.  G  A.M.  was  instituted  on 
Wednesday  evening,  March  11th,   1896  A.L.  5896  with 
eleven  members  present.  Charles  A.  House  and  E.D. 
Beird  were  raised  while  the  Lodge  was  working  imder  dis- 
pensation from  Brother  Owen  Scott,  Most  Worshipful  Grand 
Master  of  the  State  of  Illinois. 

On  October  7th,  1896,  thirteen  Brother  Masons  met 
in  the  hall  of  Scott  Lodge  No.  702  I.O.O.F.  and  originat- 
ed Bluffs  Lodge  No.  846.  Present  were:  Bros.  Frank  Lin- 
kens,  JohnM.  Davis,  H.C.  Finney,  McClelland  Miley, 
S.R.  Clark,  H.M.  Fuson,  W.W.  Carver,  J.E.  Arundal, 
F.C.  Funk,  S.M.  Borum,  James  Hamilton,  E.D.  Beird, 
and  Chas.  A.  House.  Officers  elected  were:  F.C.  Funk, 
W.M. ,  Frank  Linkens,  S.W.,  JohnM.  Davis,  J.W., 
and  H.C.  Finney,   Secretary. 

In  1909  Bluffs  Lodge  No.  846  with  a  membership  of 
thirty  nine,  celebrated  its  thirteenth  anniversary,  with 
visiting  brethem  and  their  families  as  their  guests.  After 
the  rendition  of  the  program,  the  members  and  their 
guests  spend  the  time  in  social  enjoyment  until  the  an- 
noimcement  of  the  banquet  prepared  by  the  committee  in 
the  store  room  below  the  hall,  where  all  repaired  and 
replenished  and  refreshed  the  inner  man  and  departed 
for  their  homes  convinced  that  the  thirteenth  anniversary 
was  a  success. 

On  August  1,   1934,  Bluffs  Lodge  No.  846  moved  from 
the  City  Hall  to  the  Victor  Knoeppel  building,  its  present 
location. 

On  November  13,    1934  Bluffs  Lodge  No.    846  cele- 
brated its  thirty  ninth  anniversary.  Brother  F.D.  Funk, 
the  first  master  of  the  Lodge  gave  a  very  interesting  talk 
on  the  founding  and  past  history  of  the  Lodge. 

On  March  8,   1938,   Brother  Everett  L.  Lawrence, 
Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master  of  the  State  of  Illinois 
along  with  the  Quincy  Grand  Lectures  Club,   visited  Bluffs 
Lodge  846  and  conferred  the  Master  Mason  Degree  on 
Brother  Kenneth  Rex  Evans. 

Dinring  the  seventy-five  years  of  the  existence  of 
Bluffs  Lodge  No.  846  the  following  have  served  as  Masters: 
F.C.  Funk,   S.M.  Borum,  Geo.  W.  Walker,   E.D.  Beird, 
J.F.  Wilson,  James  F.  Crawford,   P.C.  Burrus,  Edw.  W. 
Canatsey,  James  Hamilton,  James  B.  Thompson,    H.D. 
Killpatrick,   O.A.  Woodson,   Geo.  W.  Burckholter,   S.E. 
Arundal,  Monroe  Taylor,  Charles  H.   Collins,  John  H. 
Strickler,   Henry  Hubbert,   Chas.   R.  Wills,    Herman  Munds, 
Charles  Bates,  F.J.  Mimtman,   Clyde  H.  Williams,  Elmer 
Thome,   Earl  Battefeld,   C.C.  Klinefelter,   H.H.  Arnold, 
Harold  Bridgm an,  Melvin  Parker,   Henry  Filers,  Wm.  J. 
Chambers,  Fred  Korty,  Gus  Albers,  Charles  Williams,  Earl 
Albers,  Arthur  Hoots,  Wm.  Kilver,  Frank  H.  Chambers, 
Donald  L.  Smith,   Richard  W.  Albers,  H.  Paul  MiUer, 
Burl  Merriman,  Roy  Barrett,   Henry  C.  Likes,  Norris 
Merriman  and  Oliver  Chambers. 

The  present  officers  of  the  Lodge  for  the  centennial 
year  of  1971  in  Bluffs  are:  Norris  Merriman,  W.M.,  Max 
Edlen,   S.W.,  Donald  L.  Smith,  J.W.,   Oliver  Chambers, 
Treasurer,  Wm.  J.  Chambers,   Secretary.  Present  mem- 
bership is  Seventy  (70), 


The  following  Brethem  have  received  their  fifty 
year  pins:  Merton  H.  Abbott,   Squire  E.  Arundal,  Floyd 
R.  Ffierman,  F.J.  Muntman  and  Wm.  J.  Chambers. 

Scott  Lodge  702  Founded  in  1882 

Scott  Lodge  702  records  were  destroyed  by  fire  October 
26,   1927  but  a  duplicate  charter  was  issued  the  following 
day,   October  27th  and  some  of  the  early  records  have  been 
reproduced  by  the  Grand  Lodge  for  Frank  Schmidt,   present 
Noble  Grand  of  the  Bluffs  Chapter.  Other  1971  officers 
include  Dick  Baulos,   Vice  Grand;  Donald  Mullen,   Secretary 
and  Fred  Cockerill,  Treasurer. 

According  to  the  Special  Deputy  report  signed  by  Rufus 
Funk  of  Exeter,  Illinois,  January  31, 1882,  the  Warrant  or 
Dispensation  he  instituted  with  the  Books  of  Charges  and 
Degrees  he  installed  the  first  officers  including  Jas.  F. 
Crawford,   Noble  Grand;  David  Richard,  Vice  Grand;  H.A. 
Brunow,  Secretary;  Arthur  Arundel,  Per.  Sev;  and  Daniel 
Fuson,  Treasurer,   and  admitted  12  petitioners  for  member- 
ships. The  Lodge  expected,  according  to  Mr.  Funk,  to 
meet  Thursday  evening  of  each  week. 

The  fiscal  report  of  702  for  the  year  ending  December 
31,   1882  showed  receipts  totaling  $427.25  and  a  cash 
balance  of  $146.  30  after  expenses.  The  total  membership 
was  37  and  the  number  of  Ladies  of  Rebekah  Degree  seven. 

With  the  election  of  J.  E.  Arundel  to  the  post  of  Noble 
Grand,  J.  F.  Crawford  became  the  fii5t  Past  Grand  with  a 
long  list  of  pioneer  citizens  of  Bluffs.  The  names  of  the 
third  degree  ranking  members  included  J.  E.  Anmdel,  A. 
Arundel,  A.Bloyd,  J. D. Brunow,  J. W. Brunow,  H.A, Bru- 
now, A.W.Baird,  W.C.Carver,   G.W.Chase,  D.D. Fuson, 
I.  Fuss,  W.L.Griggs,  W.W.Hart,   C.W.Hyde,  O.H.Miley, 
W.J.MUey,   G.W.Merris,  W.D.Moss,   Chas.  Oakes,  D. 
Richards,  J.N.Shores,  F.C. Shores,   E.Sapington. 

A  brick  building  replaced  the  lOOF  Lodge  room  and  W, 
J.  Doyle  store  and  the  Bluffs  Times  occupied  the  ground 
floor  jjrior  to  moving  across  the  street  into  what  had  been 
built  for  the  Halpin  Restaurant. 

Dawn  Rebekah  Lodge 
Instituted  in  August,  1886 

The  Dawn  Rebekah  Lodge  No.  169  was  established 
August  19,   1886  four  years  after  Scott  Lodge  702  was  char- 
tered and  by  the  first  Noble  Grand  of  702   ,  J.  F.  Craw- 
ford. 

The  original  petitioners  were  S.  R.  Clark,  W.  H. 
Brady,  J.  C.  Lewis,   C.  W.  Clark,   George  Thorn,   Sarah 
Clark,  Isabel  Brady,  Fannie  Lewis,  Mary  L.  Clark  and 
Mary  A.  Thorn. 

First  officers  were  J.  B.  Carver,  Noble  Grand;  Mary 
Clark,  vice  Grand;  Fannie    Lewis  Secretary  and  Sarah  A, 
Clark,   Treas. 

The  meetings  held  every  Thursday  85  years  ago  have 
been  changed  to  the  second  and  fourth  Wednesday  every 
month. 

The  first  report  to  the  State  Assembly  lOOF  of  Illinois 
which  was  organized  the  previous  year  Jime  30,  1885, 


-118- 


COMPLIMENTS 
TO  THE  VILLAGE  OF  BLUFFS 
FROM 


DON  IRVING 

Chamber sburg,  Illinois 


Happy    Birthday,    Bluffs! 

Jacksonville 
Implement  Co. 


1125  West  Walnut  Street 
Jacksonville,   Illinois 


1871 


1971 


BEST  WISHES 

Village  of  Bluffs 


Russ  Cab  Company 

Beardstown,  Illinois 
Ph:  323-4414  '""' 


Radio  Dispatched   / 
24  Hour  Service 


Congratulations  to  Bluffs 
on  the  last  one-hundred  years  of 
progress. , . .  May  their  next  century 
be  as  wonderful! 


Fred  L  Cline  Co. 

120  East  Second 
Beardstown,  Illinois 


Ph:  323-3103 


Our  Compliments  to  a 
Progressive  Community 

Jacksonville  Chiropractic  Association 


Anniversary  Greetings  from  Us  to  You 

The  Darwin  Co. 

Aluminum  Combination  Windows  G  Doors-Awnings 
Patios-Home  Insulation-Aluminum  G  Vinyl  Siding 
727  North  Main    -    Jacksonville,  Illinois 


1871  1971 

Best  Wishes  To  Bluffs 


P.  N.  Hirsch  &  Co 

200  Washington 
Beardstown,  111. 
Phone  323-3566 


•119- 


showed  a  membership  of  14  and  a  treasury  balance  of 
$7.10. 

All  local  records  were  lost  in  the  1927  fire.    Early  his- 
tory was  obtained  by  Mrs.  James  Baird  from  the  State 
Assembly  office ,   E.  St.   Louis,   ni.,  but  the  chartef  mem- 
bers were  not  listed. 

Meetings  were  held  in  the  Masonic  Hall  until  the  new 
building  was  completed  in  1933  by  George  Brown  and 
Charles  Dugan. 

Naples  Rebekah  Lodge  824  with  12  members  was  con- 
solidated with  Bluffs  169  on  June  22,   1938.      The  chairs 
from  Naples  were  moved  to  the  Bluffs  Lodge.  * 

The  lOOF  702  and  Rebekah  169  memberships  aid  in 
the  maintenance  of  the  Home  of  Elder  Citizens  at  Mattoon 
and  the  Children's  Home  at  Lincoln.    There  is  also  an  ed- 
ucational fund  and  an  eye  bank. 

Present  Rebekah  officers  are:    N. C. ,  Bertha  Schmidt; 
V.G.,  Mildred  Little;  Sec'y«)  Minnie  Baird;  Treas., 
Helen  Bates;  R.S.  toN.G. ,  Frank  Schmidt;  R.S.  to  V.G., 
Opal  Gregory;  L.S.  to  V.G.,   Rosemary  Brown;  Warden, 
Pearl  Mathew;  Conductor,   Lena  Morthole;  Chaplain,  Beu- 
lah  Sears;  I.G.,   Donald  Mullen;  O.G.,  J.  O,  Sears. 

The  secretaries  of  both  Lodges  have  expressed  advance 
"thank  yous"  to  the  Jones  for  publication  of  the  stories  so 
that  their  membership  may  have  the  gap  in  history  in 
printed  word. 

0.  E.  S.  Floy  Chapter  Organized  in  1906 

On  Wednesday  evening,  January  31,  1906,  twenty- 
five  people  assembled  at  the  Bluffs  Masonic  Lodge  room. 
The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  the  Rev.  J.  J.  Dugan, 
pastor  of  the  M.E.   church,  who  stated  that  the  object  of 
the  meeting  was  to  organize  an  order  of  the  Eastern  Star 
Chapter.    Mr.  W.  H.  Graham  was  appointed  chairman  of 
the  evening  and  the  late  Laura  M.  Hamilton  was  appoint- 
ed secretary. 

The  following  officers  were  nominated:    Worthy  Mat- 
ron, Mrs.  J.  J.  Dugan;  Worthy  Patron,  Mr.  W.  H.  Graham 
and  associate  Matron,  Mrs.  E.  D.  Beird.    Since  the  first 
Worthy  Matron's  name  was  Floy  Dugan,  Floy  was  the  name 
chosen  for  the  Chapter,  which  was  to  hold  its  regular 
meetings  on  Friday  night  on  or  before  the  full  moon  of 
each  month.    Later  this  was  changed  to  the  first  and  third 
Friday  of  each  month  and  now  meets  the  first  and  third 
Tuesdays  of  each  month. 

May  1,   1906,  Deputy  Worthy  Patron,  Mr.  Keiffer  of 
Quincy,   came  and  read  the  dispensation  which  was 
granted  April  17,   1906;  and  which  was  signed  by  the  fol- 
lowing persons:    Mrs.  Floy  Dugan,  Mrs.  M.  E.  Hamilton, 
Mrs.  Cora  M.  Funk,  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Biurus,  Mrs.  Ella  B. 
McMurray,  Miss  Laura  M.  Hamilton,  Mrs.  Myrtle  M. 
Sawyers,   Mrs.  Mary  Sargent,  Mrs.  Phoebe  Graham,  Mrs. 
Anna  Arundel,  Mrs.  Etta  M.  Clark,  Mrs.  Louellen  Beird, 
J.  Jay  Dugan,  P.  C.  Burrus,  W.  H.  Graham,  Mrs.  Emma 
Thompson,  Mrs.  Novazembla  Thompson,  Mr.  Jas.  B. 
Thompson  and  Mrs.  Lena  Korty. 

The  charter  was  granted  by  the  Grand  Chapter  Oct. 
23,   1906,   and  the  following  officers  were  installed: 
Worthy  Matron,  Mrs.  J.  J.  Dugan;  Worthy  Patron,  Mr. 
W,  H.  Graham;  Associate  Matron,  Mrs.  E.  D.  Beird; 
Secretary,  Miss  Laura  M.  Hamilton;  Treasiuer,  Mrs.  Jas. 


Hamilton,  Conductress,  Mis.  Anna  Arundel;  Associate 
Conductress,  Mrs.  Myrtle  Sawyers;  Chaplain,  J.  J.  Dugan; 
Marshall,     Mrs.  Emma  Thompson;  Ada,  Mrs.  Frank  Clark; 
Ruth,  Mrs.  P.  C.  Burrus;  Esther,  Mrs.  Cora  Funk;  Martha, 
Mrs.  Ella  McMurray;  Electa,  Mrs.  Mary  Sargent;  Warden, 
P.  C.  Burrus;  Sentinel,  Mr.  Jas.  B.  Thompson.    This  or- 
ganization is  still  growing  and  at  present  has  seventy-six 
membew. 

The  present  members  are:    Worthy  Matron,  Margaret 
Watson;  Worthy  Patron,  Norris  Merriman;  Associate  Mat- 
ron, Mrs.  Mildred  Little;  Associate  Patron,   Oliver  Cham- 
bers; Secretary,  Kate  Gathard;  Treasurer,  Orville  Gathard; 
Conductress,  Mary  McDannald;  Associate  Conductress, 
Martha  Ridgway;  Chaplain,  Margaret  Chambers,  Marshal, 
Mae  Chambers,  Organist,  Ethel  Hierman;  Ada,  Wibna 
Williams;  Ruth,   Annis  Grady;  Esther,  Freda  Potter;  Mar- 
tha,  Charlene  Merriman;  Electa,  Josephine  Albers;  War- 
den, Wm.  Chambers;  Sentinel,  Junior  Martin. 

At  the  present  time  there  are  two  fifty-year  members, 
Mrs.  Ethel  Ffierman  and  Fred  J.  Muntman. 

Past  Matron  and  Patrons  of  Floy  Chapter  are  as  follows: 
1906  -  Mrs.  J.  J.  Dugan  (Floy),  W  .  H.  Graham;  1907  - 
Louellen  Beird,  F.  C.  Funk;  1908  -  Cora  Funk,  E.  D. 
Beird;  1909  -  Emma  Thompson,  E.  D.  Canatsey;  1910- 
Laura  Hamilton,  H.  D.  Kilpatrick;  1911  Laura  Hamilton, 
E.  D.  Canatsey;  1912  -  Inez  Canatsey,  Clifford  Mills; 
1913  -  Louellen  Beird,   Clifford  MiUs;  1914  -  Sarah  Car- 
ver, E.  D.  Canatsey;  1915  -  Lena  Korty,  H.  D.  Kilpat- 
rick; 1916  -  Mary  Logan,  H.  D.  Kilpatrick;  1917  -  Mary 
E.  Burrus,  H.  D.  Kilpatrick;  1918  -  Anna  Arundel,  H.  D. 
Kilpatrick;  1919  -  Nina  Likes,  H.  D.  Kilpatrick;  1920  - 
Nina  Likes,  S.  E.  Arundel;  1921  -  Irene  Martin,  Charles 
Collins;  1922  -  Irene  Martin,  Floyd  House;  1923  -  Ethel 
House,  H.  D.  Kilpatrick;  1924  -  Ethel  House,  S.  A.  Ashby; 
1925  -  Lena  Korty,  S.A.  Ashby;  1926  -  Nina  Likes,  Chas. 
ColUns;  1927  -  Anna  Lawrence,  H.  D.  Kilpatrick;  1928  - 
Wilson  Collins,  S.  E.  Arundel;  1929  -  Mae  Lyons,  H.  D. 
Kilpatrick;  1930  -  Edna  Bates,  E.  C.  Thome;  1931  -  Effie 
Schroeder,  Earl  Battefeld;  1932  -  Gladys  Battefeld,  Chas. 
Bates;  1933  -  Minnie  Muntman,  Charles  Collins;    1934  - 
Caroline  Williams,  Charles  Collins;  1935  -  Caroline  Wil- 
liams, Charles  Collins;  1936  -  Anita  Thome,  Charles 
Bates;  1937,  Minnie  Chambers,  Chas.  Bates;  1938  -  Etta 
Brockhouse,  Chas.  Bates;  1939  -  Cynthia  Newberry,  Ches- 
ter Newberry;  1940  -  Gladys  Arnold,  Horace  Amold,  1941- 
Cynthia  Newberry,   C.  C.  Klinefelter;  1942  -  Margaret 
Burrus,  Chester  Newberry;  1943,  Mildred  Filers,  James  O. 
Chambers;  1944  -  Minnie  Klinefelter,   Chester  Newberry; 
1945  -  Callie  Amold,  Roy  Smick;  1946  -  Rachel  Torrance, 
Roy  Smick;  1947  -  Lenora  Grigsby,  Glenn  Grigsby;  1948- 
Freda  Parker,  Fred  Korty;  1949  -  Virginia  Gray,  Earl  Al- 
bers; 1950  -  Josephine  Albers,  Newton  Gregory;  1951  - 
Margaret  Watson,  Arthm  Hoots;  1952  -  Mae  Brockhouse, 
Stanley  Shonkwiler;  1953  -  Lola  Lemme,  Stanley  Shonk- 
wiler;  1954  -  Catherine  Gathard,   Oliver  Chambers;  1955  - 
Florine  Gregory,  Newton  Gregory;  1956  -  Geraldine  Whor- 
ton,  Norris  Whorton;  1957  -  Margaret  Chambers,   Oliver 
Chambers;  1958  -  Mae  Chambers,  Wm.  Chambers;  1959  - 
Josephine  Albers,  Earl  Albers;  1960  -  Mildred  Little, 
Charles  Williams;  1961  -  Margaret  Hatfield,  Wm.  Cham- 
bers; 1961  -  Catherine  Gathard,  Oliver  Chambers;  1963  - 
Margaret  Chambers,  Oliver  Chambers;  1964  -  Mae  Cham- 


-120- 


The  print  may  be  small  -- 
but  our  "Big  Voice"  says, 
"Congratulations"   to    Bluffs 


TV  ♦  APPLIANCES 

314  West  Walnut,  Jacksonville,  Illinois 
Telephone  245-6169 


BLUFFS 

1871    -:-    1971 

OSCAR  MATTHEWS 

Furniture  -  Carpeting  -  Bedding 

Auctioneer  Appraiser 

Carpet  &  Upholstery  Cleaning 

Phone  323-1516  -  116  E.   2nd  St. 
Beardstown,  Illinois 


465  S.  MAIN 

Jacksonville,  Illinois 


Alsey  Lumber  Co. 

All  Your  Building  Needs 
Farm  -  Home  -  Commercial 


Congratulations  To 
All  The  Folks  In  Bluffs 


Jim's  Big  Value 

329  EAST  MORTON  AVE. 
JACKSONVILLE,  ILLINOIS  62650 


CONGRATULATIONS 

WOODY  SUDBRINK  AGENCY,  INC. 

210A  Washington  St. 

Beardstown,  Illinois  62618 

Telephone:   323-3018 


We    Salute    Bluffs 

on  their    100th   birthday! 

Senior  Citizens  of  The 
Golden  Age  Center 


beardstown,   Illinois 


-121- 


bers,  Wm.  Chambers;  1965  -  Margaret  Watson,  Clyde 
Arnold;  1966  -  Margaret  Hatfield,  Wm.  Chambers;  1967  - 
Mary  McDannald,   Norris  Merriman;  1968  -  Mildred  Little, 
Norris  Merriman;  1969  -  Margaret  Chambers,   OUver  Cham- 
bers; 1970  -  Margaret  Chambers,   Oliver  Chambers;  1971  - 
Margaret  Watson,   Norris  Merriman. 

Bluffs  Lodges  Formed  in  1896 

BLUFFS  CAMP,  NO  1996,   M.W.A.     This  branch  of 
the  Woodmen    order  was  organized  May  26,   1893,  with 
the  following  charter  officers,  James  Hogan,   V.  C. ;  C.F. 
Tonn,  W.A,;  Wm.  H.  Thompson,   E.B.;  Ceo.  Thome,  Jr., 
clerk;  J.  E.  Anderson,   escort;    H.  Wolford,  watchman; 
W.  W.  Wilson,   sentry;  C.  M.  Weems  and  D.  D.  Brengle, 
physicians;  James  Hogan,   D.  D.  Brengle,   H.  F.  Hazelrigg, 
managers. 

BLUFFS  MUTUAL  PROTECTIVE  LEAGUE  NO  216.  This 
was  another  insurance  order  that  bid  fair  to  aid  the  poor 
man  in  placing  about  his  family  the  protection  so  much 
needed,   at  a  low  cost,   and  no  man,  who  was  not  overly 
burdened  with  the  world's  goods,   should  have  done  without 
it.    This  order  was  instituted  at  Bluffs  on  Dec.  27,    1899, 
with  the  following  charter  members:  president,   Samuel 
White;  vice  president,   E.  D.  Beird;  secretary,  H.  F.  Van- 
nier;  treasurer,  J.   C.  Lewis;  Chaplain,   Hallie  White; 
usher,   Chas.  Thompson;  inner  guard,   Mrs.  O.  G.  PuUiam; 
outer  guard,  A.  W.  Patton;  and  advisor,   Mrs.  P.  C.  Burrus. 
Directors  were  Henry  Hazelrigg,  John  Merriman  and  Allen 
Parker. 

BLUFFS  DISTRICT  COURT  OF  HONOR,   No.  818,  was 
organized  March  8,   1902,  and  was  the  youngest   assess- 
ment order  in  Bluffs.      Its  charter  officers  were:    Wm. 
Griggs,  chancellor;  Susie  Pyle,  vice  chancellor;  Lew 
Thompson,   past  chancellor;  Victor  Knoepple  ,  recorder; 
Mary  Games,  treasurer;  Bele  R.   Learned,  chaplain,  Nel- 
lie Fuson,   conductor;  Wm.   Six,   guard;  John  Gregory,   sen- 
tinel; Clarence  H.  Learned,  Henry  B.   Nortrup  and  Annie 
Griggs,  directors. 

DOSL\  ENCAMPMENT  was  instituted  at  Meredosia, 
June  25,   1875,  by  A.  J.  Thompson,  P.  C.P. ;  of  Even- 
ing Star,   No.   116.    It  was  moved  from  Meredosia  to 
Bluffs  and  reorganized  on  Monday,   July  21,    1890  by 
John  A.   Bush,  G.P,,   and  John  C.   Smith,   general  supt. 

w.  s.  c.  s. 

The  following  were  organizations  in  each  of  the  Metho- 
dist Churches  —  The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Ladies 
Aid,   Social  Club  and  the  PoUayannas;  and  the  Methodist 
Protestant  had  the  Ladies  Aid,  Young  Ladies  Aid,  Woman's 
Home  Missionary  Society  and  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary 
Society  and  The  Martha's. 

After  the  uniting  of  the  two  churches  the  church  women 
were  organized  as  a  Woman's  Society  of  Christian  Service. 
The  first  officers  were  President,  Mrs.  Bessie  Wilson;  \^ce- 
President,  Mrs.  C.E.    Battefeld;  Recording  Secretary,   Mrs. 
Floyd  Hart;  Cwresponding  Secretary,  Mrs.  O.A.Woodson, 
and  Treasurer,  Mrs.  Margaret  Watson.  Living  Charter  Mem- 
bers of  this  organization  include  Mrs.  Donald  Merris,  Mrs. 
John  Pine,  Mrs.  Floyd  Hart,  Mrs.  Clyde  Arnold,  Mrs.  Mert- 
onPond,  Mrs.  Paul  Vannier,  Mrs.  Harold  Oakes,  Mrs.  Carl 


Arnold,  Mrs.  Guss  Andres,  Miss  Orban  Atkins  and  Mrs. Marg- 
aret Watson. 

Past-Presidents  who  have  served  this  group  include  Mrs. 
Paul  Vannier,   Mrs.  Floyd  Hart,  Mrs.  Guss  Andres,  Mrs. 
Harold  Oakes,  Mrs.  Paul  B.Smith,  Mrs.  Margaret  Watson, 
and  Mrs.  Donald  Merris. 

Through  the  years  the  women  have  been  active  in  all 
phases  of  the  church  life.  There  have  been  District  Officers 
from  the  group.  Of  recent  years  the  annual  Bazaar  has  been 
a  successful  event.  The  apple-butter  making  is  an  import- 
ant "social"  part  of  oiu-  church  life. 

The  young  women  are  responsible  for  the  success  of  the 
Vacation  Bible  School,  UNICEF  and  Christmas  parties  to 
name  a  few  of  their  activities. 

The  officers  for  this  Centennial  Year  are  President,  Mrs. 
Margaret  Watson;  Vice-President,  Mrs.  M.D.Goldsborough; 
Secretary,  Mrs.  Guss  Andres;  Treasurer,  Mrs.  John  Pine; 
Christian  Social  Relations,  Mrs.  Paul  Vannier;  Missionary 
Education,  Mrs.  Donald  Merris;  Spiritual  Growth,  Mrs. Paul 
B.  Smith;  Local  Church  Responsibilities,  Mrs.  Harold  Oakes; 
Membership,  Mrs.  Howard  Buhlig  and  Program  Materials, 
Mrs.  Guss  Andres. 

History  of  Bluffs  Home  Bureau 

On  November  12,  1936,  the  Bluffs  Home  Bureau  held 
its  first  meeting  at  the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  David  Leon- 
ard for  the  pvupose  of  organizing  and  electing  officers. 
Mrs.  Agnes  Doherty  was  the  Morgan-Scott  County  Home 
Advisor,  and  assisted  at  the  meeting.    Officers  elected 
were  :    Mrs.  Edw.  Albers,  Chrm.;  Mrs.  Raymond  Morris, 
vice-Chrm.;  and  Mrs.  David  Leonard,  Secretary  and-Treas. 
The  charter  members  were  Mrs.  Edward  Albers,  Mrs.  Ray- 
mond Morris,  Mrs.  Elmer  Vortman,  Mrs.  Paul  Vannier, 
Mrs.  James  Chambers,  Mrs.  Lee  Morris,  Mrs.  Margaret 
Berry,  Mrs.  Chas.  Krusa,  Miss  Virgie  Buchanan,  Mrs.  Har- 
ry Koch,  Mrs.  Carl  Cox,  Mrs.  Benjamin  Grote,  Mrs.  O.  A. 
Woodson  and  Mrs.  David  Leonard. 

The  Home  Advisor  explained  the  educational  advan- 
tages for  the  homemaker  in  this  organization.    Meeting 
dates  and  local  leaders  for  lessons  were  selected. 

This  unit  continued  with  a  good  number  of  members  and 
attendance  and  in  November  of  1953  a  new  night  unit  for 
Bluffs  was  started.    The  present  Bluffs  Day  Unit  lias  23 
members. 

Of  the  original  or  charter  members,  the  only  one  still 
an  active  member  of  Homemaker's  Extension  in  this  area 
is  Mrs.  Paul  Vannier.    Mrs.  Charles  Krusa,  deceased,  has 
a  daughter,  daughter-in-law  and  a  gr^nddaughter-in-law 
active  in  Homemaker's  units  in  Bluffs.    Other  charter  mem- 
bers have  relatives  active  in  Bluffs  units  also. 

In  July  of  1968  Scott  County  separated  from  Morgan 
County  and  organized  their  own  Scott  County  Homemaker's 
Extension  Units  with  a  Bluffs  native,  Florence  Mettemick, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry  Kilver,  as  Home  Advisor. 
At  this  time  two  more  units  were  organized  at  Bluffs, 
another  night  unit  and  a  morning  unit.    Mrs.  Mettemick 
very  ably  served  as  Home  Advisor  until  her  retirement  in 
January  of  1970.    Mrs.  Wayne  Etuns,  Winchester,  is  the 
present  Home  Advisor. 


.122- 


Good  Luck,  Bluffs! 


TEMPO 


Lincoln   Square   Shopping   Center 


JACKSONVILLE,     ILLINOIS 


CONGRATULATIONS 

ON     A 
CENTURY  OF  PROGRESS 


Lynn's 
Standard  Service 

North  Main  and  Walnut 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 

Ph:  243-9833 


Congratulations 
Bluffs 


Cully  Implement  Co 

222  West  Court 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 


^-  ^      Ph:  245-8412 


^-0^,) 


-123- 


History  of  Bluffs  Woman's  Club 

On  the  afternoon  of  November  17,   1913  a  group  of 
women  met  at  the  home  of  Mrs.  E.  D.  Beird  for  the  pur- 
pose of  organizing  a  club. 

Thus  was  bom  the  Bluffs  Hoijsehold  Science  Club,  whose 
object  was  the  "Study  of  Household  Science"  on  any  sub- 
ject,  for  the  betterment  of  the  home  and  the  community. 

At  this  meeting  Mrs.  J.  C.  Lewis  was  elected  president, 
Mrs.  E.  D.  Canatsey,  vice  president,  Mrs.  E.  D.  Beird, 
secretary  and  Mrs.  John  Korty,  treasurer. 

Other  charter  members  were  Mrs.  Leonard  Black,  Mrs. 
Sawyers,  Mrs.  Wm.  Vannier,  Mrs.  P.  C.  Burrus,  Mrs. 
George  H.  Vannier,   Mrs.  Sam  Rockwood,  Mrs.  Corbridge, 
Mrs.  A.  J.  Green,  Mrs.  Henry  Knoeppel,  Mrs.  Herman 
Finnery,  Mrs.  Anna  Arundel,  Mrs.  Kinson,  Mrs.  Frank 
Ashley,  Mrs.  Henry  Oakes,  Mrs.  Reese,  Mrs.  Montague, 
Mrs.  Collins,   Mrs.  Emma  Thompson,  Mrs.  Hunt  Sargent, 
Mrs.  Tewksberry.    Charter  members  still  living  are  Mrs. 
S.  D.  Rockwood  of  Springfield  and  Mrs.  E.  D.  Canatsey 
of  Jacksonville . 

The  motto  selected  for  the  newly  formed  club  was  "La- 
bor Conquers  Everything.  "  In  later  years  this  was  thanged 
to  "Not  for  Ourselves  Alone.  " 

A  certificate  of  membership  in  the  Illinois  Federation 
of  Women's  Clubs  was  issued  to  the  club  in  March,   1934. 
During  the  year  of  1953-54  the  name  was  changed  to  the 
Bluffs  Woman's  Club. 

Some  of  the  various  projects  sponsored  by  the  club  over 
the  58  years  are:  the  foot  bridge  over  Wolf-run  Creek,  Hot 
lunches  at  the  school,  playground  equipment  fw  the  school 
yard,  street  signs,   trash  cans  fear  the  town,   club  signs, 
drapes  for  the  Civic  Club  rooms  and  medical  building, 
large  globe,  dictionary  and  books  for  the  Library,  music 
camp  scholarships  for  students  from  the  High  School.  Spon- 
sorship of  the  Girl  Scouts,   donations  for  Little  League, 
Christmas  parties  for  Veterans  at  State  Hospital  and  for- 
gotten people  there. 

This  is  only  a  very  small  part  of  the  work  done  by  the 
Club  over  the  years  for  the  community,  and  in  addition  to 
support  of  the  State  and  General  Federation  projects  and 
program .    An  interesting  program  on  current  topics  and  on 
interesting  subjects  is  planned  for  each  afternoon's  program 
during  the  year. 

Past  presidents  of  the  Bluffs  Woman's  Club  are  as  fol- 
lows:   Mrs.  J.  C.  Lewis  (deceased)  1913-14;  Mrs.  Henry 
Oakes  (deceased)  1914-15;  Mrs.  H.  C.  Finney  (deceased) 
1915-16;  Mrs.  J.  C.  Lewis  (deceased)  1916-17,  Mrs. 
Henry  Oakes  (deceased)  1917-18;  Mrs.  Sarah  Carver  (de- 
ceased) 1918-19;  Mrs.  George  H.  Vannier  (deceased) 
1919-20;  Mrs.  O.  A.  Woodson  (deceased)  1920-21;  Mrs. 
Geo.  H.  Vannier  (deceased)  1921-22;  Mrs.  Albert  Knoep- 
pel,  1922-23;  Mrs.  John  Korty  (deceased)  1923-24;  Mrs. 
Wm.  Hildebrand,   1924-25;  Mrs.  Rosa  Finnigsmier  (de- 
ceased) 1925-26;  Mrs.  George  H.  Vannier  (deceased)  1926- 
1927;  Mrs.  Ella  Merris  (deceased)  1927-28;  Mrs.  Clara 
Bird  (deceased)  1928-29;  Mrs.  Maurice  O'Brien,   1929-30; 
Mrs.  Tom  Muntman  1930-31;  Mrs.  Emma  Thompson  (de- 
ceased) 1931-32;  Mrs.  P.  C.  Burrus  (deceased)  1932-33; 
Mrs.  P.  H.  Vannier  1933-34;  Mrs.  Benjamin  Grote  1934- 
35;.  Mrs.  P.  H.  Vannier  1935-36;  Mrs.  Charles  Krusa  (de- 
ceased) 1936-37;  Mrs.  Lee  Korty  1937-38;  Mrs.  T.  B. 


Meehan  1938-39;  Mrs.  R.  L.  McConnell  1939-40;  Mrs. 
M.  C.  Parker  1940-41;  Mrs.  Floyd  Hart  1941-42;  Mrs. 
Edward  Albers  1942-43;  Mrs.  J.  A.  Knoeppel  1943-44;  Mrs. 
James  Baird  1944-45;  Mrs.  Gus  Andres  1945-46;  Mrs.  P.  H. 
Vannier    1946-47;  Mrs.  Wm.  Kilver  1947-48;  Mrs.  Ed- 
ward Albers  1948-49;  Mrs.  John  Pine  1949-51;  Mrs.  James 
Baird  1951-53;  Mrs.  Harvey  Vortman  1953-54;  Mrs.  Wen- 
deU  Brackett  1954-56;  Mrs.  OUver  Chambers  1956-57;  Mrs. 
Paul  B.  Smith  1957-59;  Mrs.  Floyd  Hart  1959-61;  Mrs.  Don- 
ald Mullen  1961  -63;  Mrs.  Wm.  Chambers  1963-65;  Mrs. 
I.  D.  Mueller  1965-66;  Mrs.  Oliver  Chamber  1966-67; 
Mrs.  Lillian  Meier  1967-68;  Mrs.  Joe  Evans  1968-70;  Mrs. 
Donald  Merris  1970-71. 

Girl  Scout  Troops  of  Bluffs 

"On  my  honor,  1  will  try; 

To  do  my  duty  to  God  and  my  country. 

To  help  other  people  at  all  times, 

To  obey  the  Girl  Scout  Laws.  " 

Approximately  150  girls  between  the  ages  of  nine  and 
fourteen  Living  in  the  Bluffs  area  have  said,   and  tried  to 
live,   this  promise  as  a  member  of  a  Bluffs  Girl  Scout  Troop. 

The  first  charter  was  granted  to  the  Bluffs  community  in 
the  fall  of  1951  for  a  troop  of  Intermediate  Girl  Scouts. 
Troop  66  was  sponsored  by  the  local  Junior  Woman's  Club 
with  Jerri  Whorton  (Mrs.  Norris)  acting  as  co-ordinator. 
Two  women.  Marge  Freeman  (Mrs.  J.  W.),   and  Alice 
Freesen  (Mrs.  Robert),  welcomed  seven  girls  into  girl 
scouting;    Connie  Albers,  Janet  Fredrick,  Nancy  Jo  Mains, 
Shirley  Marsh,   Sandy  Oakes,   Sheila  Smothers,   and  Posie 
Tuescher.    Troop  66  continued  under  the  leadership  of 
Marge  Freeman  and  assistants  Alice  Freesen  and  Rachel 
Likes  (Mrs.  Arthur)  from  1951  through  the  spring  of  1955, 
During  this  period  Sue  Bridgman,  Judy  Eirockhouse,  Sharon 
Dunham,   Carolyn  Likes,  Karen  Morthole,  Judy  Orchard, 
Norma  Six  and  Kaye  Strubbe  joined  the  activities  of  the 
troop. 

In  the  fall  of  1955  Mary  Sears  (Mrs.  Carroll)  became  the 
troop  leader  with  Bonnie  Mains  and  Janet  Hullinger  joining 
Troop  66.  During  Girl  Scout  Week  of  1956 ,  a;i  the  Girl 
Scouts  of  Scott  County  were  invited  to  visit  the  Executive 
Mansion  in  Springfield.     William  G.  Stratton  was  governor 
at  this  time.    This  was  one  time  the  girls  were  happy  to  be 
living  in  the  smallest  county  in  the  state. 

A  period  of  two  years  lapsed  in  Bluffs  without  a  Girl 
Scout  troop.    Then  on  April  16,   1958,   a  charter  was  again 
granted  for  a  troop  of  Intermediate  Girl  Scouts.    Troop  85 
was  sponsored  by  the  local  PTA  organization.    Four  women: 
Betty  Alexander  (Mrs.  William);  Fran  Pond  (Mrs.  M.  Leroy) 
welcomed  thirty  girls  into  girl  scouting.    A  troop  commit- 
tee responsible  for  transportation,    chaperoning,   and  re- 
freshments consisted  of  Mrs.  Hubert  Gregory,  Mrs.  Virgil 
Coughlin,  Mrs.  Clyde  Hullinger,   and  Mrs.  Glenn  Brock- 
house.    Because  of  the  large  nimiber  of  girls  in  the  troop, 
two  patrols  were  formed,  the  Evergreen  Patrol  and  the 
Rainbow  Patrol. 

Mary  Ann  Morris  (Mrs.  Harold)  joined  the  troop  as  a 
new  leader  1960,  along  with  Mrs.  Harvey    (Mable)  Vortman 
as  a  new  troop  committee  member  with  19  girls  returning. 

The  growing  demand  of  girls  wanting  to  become  Girl 
Scouts  brought  the  formation  of       oop  22  for  Intermediate 


.124- 


Girl  Scouts  in  November  1960.    Mildred  Allen  and  Mae 
Brockhouse  (Mrs.  Glenn)  were  the  troop  leaders  with  Mrs. 
Paul  Vannier,  Mrs.  Harvey  Vortman  and  Mrs.  Tom  Brack- 
ett  as  members  of  the  troop  committee. 

Troops  85  and  22  consolidated  and  registered  with  the 
Illinois    Prairie  Girl  Scout  Coimcil  as  Troop  85  in  the  fall 
of  1961,  with  Marge  Freeman  and  Fran  Pond  as  leaders. 
Mrs.  Norris  Whorton  and  Mrs.  Harvey  Vortman  took  on  the 
duties  of  the  troop  committee. 

Bluffs  Intermediate  Girl  Scout  Troop  85  was  privileged 
to  be  a  part  of  the  "Girl  Scout  Birthday  Years"  from  1960 
through  1963.    The  slogan  of  this  celebration  was  "Honor 
the  Past  -  Serve  the  Future".    The  girls  started  the  cele- 
bration on  November  3,   1960,  by  presenting  a  skit  called 
"A  Scout's  C>wn"  to  their  sponsor,  the  PTA,   in  honor  of 
Founders  Day  and  the  100th  birthday  of  J.  Low.    On  April 
19,   1961,   Troop  85  celebrated  its  birthday  with  a  tea 
served  by  the  leaders.      '  Troop  members  " .  . . .  started 
hiking  from  Brackett's  farm  southwest  of  Exeter  and  hiked 
out  to  a  cabin  which  was  built  in  1827,  by  a  Haskell  fam- 
ily.     In  March  1962,   the  girls  planted  marigold  seeds  in 
individual  pots  and  each  girl  cared  for  the  plant  at  home 
until  April.    In  April  the  girls  transplanted  the  small  plants 
and  additional  seeds  in  front  of  the  newly  constructed  medi- 
cal bulding  in  Bluffs.    On  March  12,   1962,  the  50th  birthday 
of  Girl  Scouts  of  America  was  celebrated  with  a  pizza  party 
at  the  Civic  Club. 

1964  saw  a  great  change  in  cirl  Scouting  nationally. 
Up  imtil  this  time  Girl  Scouts  were  divided  into  three 
levels:  Ei'ownies,  ages  8  and  9;  Intermediates,  ages  10, 
11,  12  and  13;  and  Seniors,  ages  14,  15,  16  and  17.  As 
of  1964  the  levels  of  Girl  Scouting  became  Brownies,  ages 
7  and  8;  Juniors,  ages  9,  10,  11;  Cadettes,  ages  12,  13, 
14;  and  Seniors,   ages  15,   16,   and  17. 

Bluffs  Troop  85  waTrewganizeci  with  the  advent  of  the 
change  from  Intermediate  to  Junior  Scouts.    The  troop 
number  was  changed  to  90  and  Mary  Sears  (Mrs.  Carroll) 
took  over  its  leadership  with  Mrs.  LeRoy  Freesen,   Mrs. 
Thomas  Dickens,  and  Mrs.  Earl  Lovekamp  as  Troop  com- 
mittee members. 

For  a  second  time  since  the  first  troop  was  formed, 
Bluffs  was  without  a  Girl  Scout  troop  in  the  1966-67 
school  year.    However,  in  September,   1967,  it  was 
started  up  again  under  the  same  Troop  number,   90,  with 
Mary  Ann  Bailey  (Mrs.  James),  Linda  Mueller  (Mrs. 
Lari),   and  Jean  Bums  (Mrs.  Carl)  as  leaders. 

Mary  Dunahm  took  over  the  leaderhip  of  Troop  90 
in  1970  with  Faye  Kilver,   Betty  Hoots  (Mrs.  Gerald) 
and  Jean  Bums  for  assistants  and  Mrs.  Robert  Smith  on 
the  troop  committee. 

1970  also  saw  an  additional  level  of  scouting  started 
in  the  Bluffs  Community.    Mildred  Allen  took  on  the  lead- 
ership of  a  Cadette  Troop,   assigned  troop  munber  35.  Their 
main  interest  was  in  Emergency  Preparedness.    Troop  35 
sponsored  a  first  aid  course  for  anyone  in  the  Bluffs  commu- 
nity interested  in  attending  as  a  part  of  their  Challenge  work. 

The  first  Brownie  Scout  Troop  was  established  in  Bluffs 
in  the  fall  of  1958  under  the  leadership  of  June  Brackett  and 
Bernita  Likes  (Mrs.   Danny). 

In  the  fall  of  1S)61  the  Brownies  received    a  new  troop 
number,   54,  and  three  new  leaders:    Mary  Sears  (Mrs.  Car- 
roll) with  Norma  Prunty  (Mrs.  Keith)  as  assistant,  Mrs.  Mar- 
vin Hierman,   and  Mrs.  Dean  Merriman.    The  troop  com- 


mittee consisted  of  Mesdames  Gerald  Schmitz,   Verlin  Rolf 
and  John  Pollock. 

Mary  Sears  returned  to  troop  54  in  1962  with  Mrs.  Al- 
len Coultas  and  Mrs.  Bernard  Beeley  as  assistant  leaders. 

1963  saw  a  change  in  leadership  for  Troop  54.  Freda 
Beeley  (Mrs.  Bernard)  and  her  assistant  Melba  June  Welch 
(Mrs.  Paul)  welcomed  nine  new  Brownies. 

Leadership  of  Brownie  Troop  54  again  changed  in  1964 
with  Shirley  Cox  (Mrs.  Kenneth)  taking  on  the  duties  with 
Mrs.  Welch  as  assistant  and  Louise  Collison  as  troop  com- 
mittee chairman. 

Brownie  Troop  54  welcomed  Mildred  Allen  (Mrs.  John) 
as  their  leader  in  the  fall  of  1966,  with  Betty  Gregory  staying 
on  as  assistant.    Mrs.  Allen  has  been  with  scouts  since  that 
time. 

Marilyn  Norton  (Mrs.  John)  joined  the  troop  as    an 
assistant  leader  in  1969  along  with  17  new  Brownies.    In 
the  spring  of  1970,   the  mothers  and  leaders  of  Brownie 
Troop  54  joined  with  those  of  Junior  Troop  90  and  planned 
and  held  a  benefit  smorgasbord  at  the  Bluffs  School  Cafe- 
teria.   The  proceeds  from  this  undertaking  were  used  to 
pay  the  entire  fee  for  27  Brownies  and  26  Juniors  to  attend 
Camp  Shagbark  during  the  summer. 

Brownie  Troop  54  welcomed  Jan  Krusa  (Mrs.  Carl)  as 
an  assistant  leader  with  Mildred  Allen  retaining  the  leader- 
ship and  Pat  Mueller  staying  on  as  assistant.    Again  the 
mothers  and  leaders  of  Junior  Troop  90  joined  with  Troop 
54  to  hold  the  annual  benefit  smorgasbord  in  the  Bluffs 
School  Cafeteria  with  the  proceeds  again  being  used  to 
send  26  Brownies  and  30  Junior  Scouts  to  camp  during  the 
siunmer  of  1971. 


With  Pride  in  the  Past  and  Faith 

in  the  Future  of  Bluffs, 

we  Salute  their  100th  Anniversary! 


1871 


1971 


Riggston  Grain  Corp. 


Riggston,  Illinois 


-125- 


Bluffs  Legion  Post 
Named  for  Charles  Wolford 


First  officers  of  the  Bluffs  Legion  Post  #441  named  for 
Charles  Wolford  were  Roy  H.  Beird,   Commander;  Clar- 
ence Nortrup,   Vice  Comm.;  Carl  Ritter,   Chaplain;  ].A. 
Knoeppel,   Treasurer  and  Frank  Krusa,  Sgt.At  Arms.  Beird, 
son  of  former  Times  publisher,  E.D. Beird,  was  awarded 
the  Distinguished  Service  Cross  by  General  Pershing  in 
France  and  the  Croixde  Guerre  from  the  French  govern- 
ment.   The  citation  was  for  bravery,  volunteering  with 
two  others  to  rout  a  German  machine  gim  nest  while  under 
fire  and  capturing  25  prisoners.    Mr.  Beird  was  a  ranking 
officer  with  the  U.S. Marines  and  served  in  the  South  Pa- 
cific in  War  II.    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Beird,  both  retired  from 
Bell  Telephone  Company,  live  on  the  Bluffs-Naples  road. 


mander-Allan  Vortman,  Adjutant-Glen  Leamons,  Trea- 
surer-Ronald Gilman,   Sergeant-at-arms-Robert  Lovekamp, 
Chaplain-Bill  Chambers. 

The  Auxiliary  Officers  for  1971  are:  President- Mrs. 
CO.  (Aliene)  Mueller,    1st  Vice  President-Mrs.    Vera 
Meier,  Second-\'ice  President-Mrs.  J.  A.  (Lois)  Knoeppel, 
Secretary- Mrs.  Neil  (Connie)  Mueller,   Treasurer-Mrs. 
Margaret  Watson,  Historian-Mrs.  Mary  Damin,  Chaplain- 
Mrs.  Russell  (Berniece)  Albers,   Sergeant-at-arms-Mrs. 
Delbert  (Betty)  Reed. 


BLUFFS    CIVIC    CLUB 


This  picture  of  Charles  Wolford  and  his  son  Charles 
James,  age  five,  was  taken  when  home  on  leave  during 
World  War  I.    He  became  a  member  of  the  Geo.  H.  Van- 
nier  family  when  his  parents  died.    He  was  killed  in  France 
Nov.  12,  1919,  the  day  after  the  Armistice  was  signed 
and  the  Bluffs  American  Legion  Post  #441  has  his  name. 
Mr.  Vannier  was  court  appointed  guardian  of  son  James, 
who  lives  in  CaUfomia  with  his  family. 

Officers  for  the  Charles  Wolford  Post  #441  for  the 
Centennial  year  of  1971  are:  Commander-C.O,  Mueller, 
Vice-Commander-Ronald  Engelbrecht,  Jr.  Vice-Com- 


LEWIS   PARK 


-126- 


1871 


BLUFFS 


1971 


Knights 
Implement  Co. 

Owners:  Mr,  &  Mrs.  Leon  Knight 

Largest  Jobber  of  Small  Engines  in  Midwest 

MEREDOSIA,   ILLINOIS  62665 

Telephone  584-4721 


Bluffs 

Anniversary 

Congratulations 


Sent   To   You    By 


Baugher  Pharmacy 

D.  R.   Baugher   R.  Ph. 

113  West  Third  St. 
Beardstown,  Illinois 

Ph:  323-4422 


100    YEARS 

1871      Bluffs      1971 


Wareco 
Service  Stations 

Top  Quality  Petroleum  Products 
Jacksonville  -  Roodhouse  -  Beardstown 


'^Hi& 


La  Cross  Lumber  Co. 

Dealers  iih 
Building  Materials,  Paints, 
Varnishes,  Glass, 

Builders  Hardware, 
Special  Plan  Service 

Jacksonville,  Illinois 


-127- 


friends  and  neighbors  of  the 
full  line  list  if  one  wanted 
to  listen  in  on  aU  tingles. 
If  too  many  receivers  were 
raised  when  you  called  a 
party  you  might  have  to  yell: 
"Will  half  of  you  people 
please  hang  up!  My  dry  cell 
batteries  are  not  strong 
enough  to  get  Mary.  She's 
probably  out  on  the  porch.  " 


NyjcvOs-o.t'^'J'   O^t-'Tov  n-o^**^ 


There's  been  a  lot  of  picture  post  cards  displayed  in 
former  issues  but_  none    have    revealed    other    than 
"THE  THIEF"  showing  of  a  picture.  The  Wagner  Opera 
House  with  side  door,  but  no  fire  exit,  was  the  scene   of 
the  first  moving  picture  of  a  world  series  or  prize  fight 
sponsored  by  Dick  Nortrup,   son  of  the  man  featured  at  the 
front  of  W.  J,  Doyle  Grocery  Store  in  this  magazine.  Dick, 
Junior  might  have  sponsored  what  was  termed  the  Nickel- 
odiun  of  that  era.  The  movie  moved  to  "The  Loop"  when 
the  late  Senator  Meehan  built  a  movie  house  at  the  dead 
end  of  main  street,   now  a  supply  room  for  the  Farmer's 
Grain  Elevator.  The  floor,  built  to  raise  or  lower  was 
jacked  up  and  down  through  the  movie  exit  and  D  &  M 
Tavern  approach  in  the  passing  bootleg  era  with  Sheets, 
Monta,   Dunham,   Meehan  and  Moore  open  doors.     The 
Wagner  opened  the  Opera  House  with  the  Biggers  and 
Quintal  sell  out  of  department  store  and  the   youths  of 
towns  were  all  charged  up  by  the  Wagner  daughter,   the 
high  school  charm,   according  to  young  Wolford,   Castle 
and  Nortrup.    The  building  to  the  left  was  once  a  bakery, 
now  a  barber  shop,   and  the  one  on  the  corner  was  a  meat 
market  operated  for  years  by  George  J.  Vannier,   father 
of  Herman  Vannier,   and  later  by  Henry  Rolf  and  Andy 
Meyers  of  the  Oxville  community. 

The  buildings  to  the  right  contained  at  one  time  or 
another  the  telephone  office  and  the  Hildebrand  Rest- 
aurant and  the  H.  J.  Vannier  Restaurant.    The  site 
eventually  became  the  VanGundy  block  building  for  Andre 
&  Andre  Furniture  Store  witli  an  upstairs  room  for  the  two 
telephone  companies  combined  by  George  VanGundy, 
father  of  Ray,  into  one  switchboard  with  24  hour  service. 
Prior  to  that  switchboard  service  ended  at  10  p.m.    The 
plugs  were  pulled  and  all  gossip  stopped,   except  on  the 
party  lines  which  had  as  many  as  25  patrons  with  differ- 
ent bell  combinations.    Example:    two  longs  and  a  short; 
1  long,   2  shorts;  and  as  many  as  four  shorts  plus  and  plus. 
Each  customer  had  a  cardboard  with  names  in  alphabeti- 
cal sequence  and  opposite  that:  _ ^  _„ .  — — 

the  length  of  the  ting-a-lings.        The  cardboard  was 
owner  designed  and  would  contain  the  special  calls  of 


2^ 


Telephone  Office  of  60  years  ago  -  an  upstairs 
room.    Etta  Middendorf  Brockhouse  at  the  switchboard. 
Marie  Middendorf  Westermeyer  standing.  There  is  a 
story  of  Marie's  bravery  in  staying  at  the  switchboard 
during  a  fire. 


-128- 


[■ 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 


Warehouse  Furniture 

Quality    Furniture 
Bedding   -    Floor    Covering 
2nd  Avenue 
Beardstown,  Illinois 

Bluffs 
1871  -  1971 


We're  Looking  Forward  to  the 

New  100  Years  -- 

Let's  Grow  Old  Together  ! 


Cox 
Buick  Pontiac  Inc. 

331  North  Main 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 


Ph:  245-4154 


Heinold  Hog  Markets 

Lee   Kesterman,    Manager 
Bethel,  Illinois 
Ph:  Chapin  472-6411 


Buying  Hogs  Monday  through  Friday, 
7a.m.  to  1   p.m. 


P.  N.  Hirsch  &  Co. 

67  East  Side  Square 

Jacksonville,  Illinois 

Ph:  245-2014 


-129- 


Mauvaisterre  Drainage  District  Had  Many  Years  of  Roods 

as  told  by  Charles  Krusa 


Landowners  between  Bluffs  and  Naples  and  north  of  the 
Mauvaisterre  were  losing  crops  when  creeks  flooded  their 
land  and  organized  what  is  now  known  as  Mauvaisterre  Drain- 
age District  composed  of  approximately  2000  acres  in  1902. 

Those  interested  were  Cyrus  Faulkner,  J.  O.  Chambers, 
Wm.  Albers,   H.  C.  Krusa,  M.  B.  Moore,   Carrie  Albers, 
John  M.  Ritter,  Wallace  and  John  Fred  Albers.    The  last 
three  were  named  commissioners  by  the  court  and  James 
Warren,  Winchester's  leading  attorney,  was  their  legal 
representative. 

The  District  first  started  at  the  south  end  of  the  Carrie 
Albers  farm  now  owned  by  Helen  Marsh  and  farmed  by  Nor- 
man Engelbrecht  and  followed  the  Mauvaisterre  west  and 
took  in  land  north  to  the  Wabash  railroad,  east  out  of  Nap- 
les. The  R.  R.  was  the  north  boundary  and  the  east  boun- 
dary was  the  west  edge  of  Margaret  Unger  farm  now  owned 
by  Orban  Atkins  and  farmed  by  Floyd  Hart. 

The  piupose  was  to  build  a  large  levee  to  replace  the 
small  ones  built  by  local  land  owners  and  to  give  year 
round  protection  from  the  Mauvaisterre.    The  project  was 
to  drain  Bug  Island  Lake  and  adjacent  land  which  at  that 
time  had  only  a  small  outlet  with  a  flood  gate  on  the  Fred 
Albers  land  now  farmed  by  Russell  Albers.     The  gate  could 
be  raised  and  lowered  to  let  flood  water  out,  but  the  ditch 
wasn't  deep  enough. 

Work  was  completed  within  a  few  years  with  the  new 
outlet  between  the  Faulkner  and  Chambers    and  through 
land  now  owned  by  Mrs.  Leo  Smith.    The  ditch  went  under 
the  railroad  about  the  present  pumping  plant  to  protect  the 
District  when  the  Illinois  River  was  at  flood  stage. 

The  lUinois  hit  a    high  in  1908  with  none  other  higher 
except  in  1844.    Water  came  into  the  District  again  in 
1913.    Lands  were  flooded  again  in  1916.   The  water  was 
back  again  with  a  new  high  in  1922,  flooding  not  only 
the  low  land  but  the  Town  of  Naples.    The  Wabash  tracks 
were  covered  and  land  as  far  north  as  the  Morgan  County 
line  east  of  Smith  Lake. 

Frank  Faulkner,   H.  C.  Krusa  and  J.  O.  Chambers  were 
commissioners  at  the  time.    The  only  remedy  was  to  ex- 
tend the  District  north  to  Dresser  Ditch  and  east  for  the 
protection  of  acres  flooded  by  1922  water.    The  petition 
was  circulated  and  sufficient  signatures  were  secured  to  get 
approval. 

Mathew  Etos.  of  Chicago  started  levee  protection 
against  the  River.    It  started  near  Chambers  north  from 
where  Oliver  Chambers  lives  and  to    the    Wabash    R.  R. 
where  a  pumping  plant  was  installed.      Incidentally  that 
same  two  cylinder  Fairbanks-Morse  Diesel  is  still  running 
and  pumped  more  surface  and  seepwater  the  past  year  than 
in  any  prior  year.     The  levee  was  built  north  to  Naples 
where  money  was  provided  by  the  State  Legislature  to  de- 
fray part  of  the  town's  share  of  the  protective  work.    The 
levee  continued  to  the  Abbott  house  and  along  the  edge  of 
Smith  Lake  east  to  Chas.  Krusa  place,   north  to  Dresser.  Ditch, 
and  east  to  the  brick  home  of  the  late  Bradshaw  Mayes. 

NAPLES  FLOODED  AGAIN.  It  was  in  August  when  work 
started  on  the  big  main  ditch.   The  next  month,    Sept.  8th, 
a  flash  flood  broke  a  dam  at  Jacksonville  and  the  water  pour- 
ed into  Mauvaisterre  Creek  and  broke  into  both  Mauvaisterre 


Both  District  and  Naples  were  flooded  again  and  a  large  hole 
was  washed  out  of  the  Marsh  farm . 

After  the  water  receded  the  commissioners  were  grant- 
ed permission  by  the  court  to  use  part  of  the  $83, 000 
drainage  assessment  to  repair  the  damage.    A  second  assess- 
ment of  $18,000  was  necessary  however,   to  complete  the 
ditch  work  and  the  drainage  system   functioned  satisfactorily 
in  the  1933  and  the  1935  high  water. 

GOVERNMENT  HELP.     More  and  higher  protective 
levees  were  being  built  all  along  the  Illinois  River  and  in 
the  early  30's  the  Federal  Gov't,  began  to  help  build  lev- 
ees.   The  commissioners  then,   Gus    Albers    and    Charles 
Krusa,   and  J.  O.  Chambers,   applied  for  aid  and  the  levee 
building  project  began;  but  all  the  right  of  way  had  to  be 
furnished.    The  problem  at  Naples  was  how  to  raise  the 
$4, 000  needed  for  the  work  in  town.    The  treasury  was 
broke,  Front  Street  was  all  but  burned  out  and  assessed 
valuation  was  too  low  for  that  bonding  value. 

The  District  had  an  additional  assessment  of  $45, 000 
for  needed  right  of  way.    It  was  either  go  east  of  Naples 
with  a  new  levee  or  buy  the    property  fronting  on  Water 
street.    The  commissioners  got  permission  to  use  enough 
District  money  to  provide  roughly  $2, 000  for  the  town  in 
turn  for  abandonment  of  Front  St.  and  all  crossings  except 
the  present  one  over  the  levee  to  the    property    formerly 
owned  by  Continental  Grain  Co.    Dirt  was  borrowed,  some 
had  to  be  moved  twice,    from  the  small  strip  between  Water 
St.  and  the  river  (reserved  by  the  proprietors  when  Naples 
was  plotted  in  August  1825)  and  from  Water  St,  to  fill  any 
basements  and  to  make  the  present  levee  which  had  its 
east   rim    at  the  v/est  edge  of  the  alley.    Some  owners  sold 
their  buildings,  some  houses  were  moved  but  Naples  can 
be  proud  of  a  levee  which  is  some  three  feet  higher  than 
outside  the  town  limits,   for  just-in-case. 

The  main  ditch  and  laterals  have  been  cleaned  at 
different  times,   first  by  Federal  WPA  and  CCC  Boys  and 
other  times  by  Leo  Smith's  drag  line.    The  original  annual 
maintenance  cost  of  $3,000  is  far  from  today's  figure  but 
dvu'ing  dry  years  and  during  the  depression  there  was  no 
assessment  for  that  purpose. 

THE  DRY  FLOOD.     In  1943  the  water  hit  30.  1  feet, 
the  highest  ever,   and  flooded  the  District  going  around  the 
end  of  the  levee  near    Burrus  school  lane  and  through  Nap- 
les Cemetery  where  there  wasn't  any  levee.     It  was  an 
early  and  dry  crop  year  with  most  of  the  com  and  beans 
planted.    It  was  called  a  "Dry  Flood"  because  river  folks 
in  this  area  didn't  know  the  source  of  the  water.    Next 
year,  1944,  was  a  year  too  wet  for  all  the  crops  until  late 
June  and  the  river  stage  at  Naples  was  only  27  ft. ,  the 
wettest  year  ever  locally  until  1970. 

Since  1943  and  '44  the  river  level  has  been  more  nor- 
mal except  1970.     Then  it  remained  out  of  its  banks  for  a 
long  period,    seep  water  kept  drainage  pimips  nmning  night 
and  day  for  several  months.    Some  farmers  lost  a  part  of 
their  crop  land,   but    checking  a  balance  sheet  against  the 
years  from  the  first  commissioners  in  1902  to  the  present 
Oliver  Chambers,  Wendell  Brackett,   and  Earl  Albers,  the 
extra,  special    and  regular  assessments  have  been  worth  the 


,  _         „  _     .  ^,  J  ,   .J  „  „,  r'u,,,:!!.^  hundreds  of  thousands  of  bushels  of  crop  produced. 

and  Scott  County  Drainage  near  the  covered  bndge  at  Oxville .  ^  ^ 


.130- 


Bluffs  Times  '83'  Years  Old;  Preceded 
by  'Recorder'  and  'Advertiser' 

To  the  late  Dr.  Carver  and  James  Linkins  belong  the 
honors  for  starting  the  first  paper,   The  Bluffs  Recorder, 
here  in  1878,   seven  years  after  Bluffs  was  incorporated. 

That  paper  was  of  short  life  and  in  1883,   H.  H.  Meier 
and  W.  H.  D.  Meier  established  the  second  paper,   the 
Bluffs  Advertiser,     The  partnership  was  discontinued  when 
W.H.D.  Meier  wanted  to  continue  his  education  and  the 
paper  was  sold  to  F.  H.   Shores. 

The  building  housing  the  Shores  printing  equipment 
was  destroyed  by  fire  in  August,    1890,   and  Bluffs  was 
without  a  paper  until  the  present  newspaper  was  started  82 
years  ago. 

The  Bluffs  Weekly  Times  was  established  November  9, 
1889,  by  P.   R.  Nelson,  who  had  purchased  the  Winchester 
Times  October  15,    1887. 

The  Times  was  conducted  by  Mr.  Nelson  for  about  7 
and  one-half  years,  being  printed  as  an  edition  of  The 
Winchester  Times.     For  several  years,   the  Bluffs  depart- 
ment was  under  the  management  of  E.  D.  Beird.     A  small 
job  plant  was  maintained  here,   and  Mr.  Beird  spent  a  few 
days  here  each  week,   gathering  the  local  news  and  doing 
the  commercial  printing  that  came  to  the  office.     He 
made  his  trips  between  Bluffs  and  Winchester  on  a  bicycle, 
which  was  in  that  day  the  speediest  mode  of  travel    in 
common  use. 

In  May  1897,   Mr.  Beird  became  the  sole  owner  and 
publisher  of  The  Times  and  from  that  date  to  the  present, 
it  has  been  published  as  an  exclusive  Bluffs  paper.     The 
new  owner  purchased  a  new  outfit  of  type  and  material, 
and  his  first  issue  was  dated  May  14,    1897,  being  well 
fitted  with  spicy  local  news  and  advertisements.     From 
the  start,   it  proved  a  success,   so  much  so  that  the  size  of 
the  paper  was  enlarged  to  a  five  column  quarto  and  a 
cylinder  press  installed.     Some  years  later  it  was  enlarged 
to  a  six-column  quarto,  which  required  the  installation 
of  a  still  larger  press. 

NEW  PUBUSHERS 

September  12,    1921,   Beird  sold  the  newspaper  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Joe  Reed  of  Pittsfield. 

It  was  under  the  Reed  management  that  the  Bluffs 
Weekly  Times  became  an  "eight-page-all- local  print" 
paper,   a  decided  improvement  over  the  four  pages 
"patented  inside." 

The  paper  was  edited  by  Reed  until  his  death  April  20, 
1930.    At  that  time  his  widow  Mrs.  E.  L.  Reed  took  up 
the  editorial  pen  and  continued  as  publisher  until  Sept- 
ember 12,   1931,  when  it  was  taken  over  by  H.  C.  Mer- 
riman  of  Virden  and  Paul  H.  Vannier. 

That  partnership  continued  until  the  following  spring 
when  Merriman  returned  to  the  automobile  business  and 
moved  to  Taylorville  where  he  became  Sales  Manager 
for  the  Gilbert-Large  Automobile  agency.  Mr.  Vannier 
then  became  the  sole  owner. 

The  Times  moved  into  its  own  building  which  was 
purchased  from  the  Bank  of  Bluffs  November  1,    1939. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Vannier  operated  The  Times  until 
October  1,    1962,   at  which  time  they  sold  the  paper  to 


Ronald  H.  Dragoset  of  Woodbridge,   N.  J. 

On  March  1,    1964,    Mr.   and  Mrs.  Dragoset  sold  out 
to  the  present  owners,   Mr.  and  Mrs.   Ralph  Jones. 

In  November  1962,   the  paper  was  switched  from  hot 
metal  to  offset  and  new  equipment  was  purchased. 

In  May  Mr.   and  Mrs.  Jones  purchased  the  Ray  Bettis 
building,   built  in  1963  on  the  site  of  the  old  Jim  Dugan 
barber  shop  just  soudi  of  the  railroad  tracks  and  moved 
The  Times  office  into  it  June  1,   1964  and  continue  their 
business  there. 

'T*T^ -^ 'T*  T' 

James  Hamilton  Recalled  Year 
Without  a  Summer 

James  Hamilton,  when  he  was  one  of  the  oldest  residents 

in  the  Bluffs  vicinity,   now  deceased,  said  he  well  remem- 
bered the  year  1846,  which  went  down  in  history  as  the  year 
without  a  summer.    Mr.  Hamilton  did  not  believe  the 
Springs  of  his  times  so  bad  when  compared  with  that  year 
of  long  ago.    He  furnished  the  Bluffs  Times  the  following 
clipping  from  the  "Blue  Mound  Leader,  "  which  had  been 
printed  over  40  years  before  and  told  of  the  cold  spring  of 
1846  as  follows: 

"The  year  of  1846  was  vrithout  a  summer.    The 
weather  was  so  cold  that  ice  was  frozen  every  day  in  June 
and  every  month  experienced  frost  and  freezing  weather. 
Jtme  17  was  the  memorable  date,   as  a  big  snow  fell,  to 
the  depth  of  10  inches  and  many  people  were  frozen  to 
death.    The  mean  temperature  of  the  summer  months  was 
45  degrees,   and  the  crops  were  failures,   the  weather  being 
too  cold  for  vegetation  of  any  kind.    July  and  August  were 
colder  than  June,   and  ice  an  inch  thick  or  more.    On 
August  30,   another  heavy  snow  fell  and  the  entire  summer 
was  as  bleak  and  dreary  as  November.    There  was  very 
little  rain  the  entire  season;  farm  work  was  done  with 
heavy  wraps  and  mittens  on,   and  it  was  necessary  to  con- 
sume a  lot  of  fuel  for  heating  purposes.    In  Septertiber  the 
thermometer  reached  70  degrees  and  for  a  time  the  cold 
was  dispelled,  but  for  a  few  days  only,  when  real  winter 
set  in  again.    The  wind  blew  a  gale  from  the  north  most 
of  the  time  and  it  was  fierce  and  cold. 


One  of  the  first  com  planters  was  used  by  Bille  Peak  and' 
sold  at  his  sale.     Year  and  make  of  the  one  above  is  un- 
known. It  took  two  persons  to  operate  it,  one  to  drive,  the 
other  to  puU  the  lever  to  check  the  kernels  in  the  hills. 
The  wheels  were   fovir  feet  apart  for  the  com  row. 


■  131- 


Undertaking,  Embalming 
By  McCaleb  &  Linkins 


The  Big  Fire  At  Bluffs 


The  first  issues  of  The  Bluffs  Times  advertised  the  stock 
of  McCaleb  and  Liokins-from  the  cheapest  hospital  coffins 
to  the  finest  meuUic  caskets.  They  had  an  elegant  hearse 
equipage  and  a  full  line  of  burial  robes  and  shrouds.  "They 
were  both  affable  and  courteous  gentlemen  and  as  funeral 
instructors  they  had  no  superior  in  the  county." 

Funeral  rigs  changed  but  little  during  the  horse  and 
buggy  era  except  that  they  became  lighter  in  weight  and 
more  decorative. 


H.   D.  Kilpatrick,  undertaker  in  Bluffs  for  years,  had 
his  office  in  the  McCaleb  block  for  years.   Following  its 
destruction  by  fire  he  re-opened  in  the  J.  C.   Lewis  build- 
ing. 

S.J.   Sawyers,  always  supplied  black  horses  for  the  rig 
and  kept  the  horses  out  of  the  hot  summer  sun  so  their  coats 
would  not  tan  or  sunburn. 

Mud  roads  often  made  it  necessary  to  use  four  horses 
and  often  times  a  wagon  or  sled  played  its  part  in  the  fune- 
ral procession.    The  motorized  hearse  made  its  appearance 
here  in  the  early  1920's. 

Following  H.  D.  Kilpatrick's  death,  Bluffs  was  with- 
out an  undertaken  until  Lyle  Bates  entered  the  profession 
in  1934. 

Following  Mr.  Bates  death,   Mrs.  Helen  Bates  has  taken 
over  management  of  the  Funeral  Home,  The  funeral  home 
is  an  up-to-date  funeral  home  and  keeps  improving  ser- 
vice. 


n^ ,ii,iiii^^».».^-.=.^.»»,^fr-^""'v~ 

The  above  engarving  was  used  on  the  letterheads  for 
early  undertakers  in  Bluffs.  The  church  spire  in  the  back- 
ground and  the  draperies  around  the  "one  way  hack"  add- 
ed a  saintly  air. 


On  August  7,    1914  a  disastrous  fire  struck  Bluffs,   and 
for  a  time  threatened  to  wipe  out  the  entire  town.  Only  a 
hard  fought  battle  by  the  citizens,   aided  by  the  fire  depart- 
ment of  Jacksonville,   succeeded  in  subduing  the  flames  and 
stopped  the  progress  of  the  fire. 

The  fire,  which  started  in  the  McCaleb  block,  was  sup- 
posed to  have  been  caused  by  the  explosion  of  a  gasoline 
stove  in  the  rooms  above  the  Curtis  Drug  Store  which  was 
occupied  by  the  Matthews  family.  Early  in  the  progress  of 
the  fire  the  town  authorities  realized  the  seriousness  of  the 
situation  and  sent  a  Wabash  special  to  Jacksonville  for  the 
fire  department,  who  responded  promptly.   Meredosia  citi- 
zens,   upon  receiving  word  of  the  terrible  fire,   also  respond- 
ed quickly,   driving  to  the  scene  in  a  line  of  automobiles. 

The  buildings  destroyed  included  the  block  owned  by 
Clarence  McCaleb,  in  which  was  located  three  stores,  the 
drug  store  of  F.   C.  Curtis,   the  Ranft  Hardware   and  Harvest 
store  with  the  Illinois  Telephone  office,   H.   D.   Kilpatrick 
undertaking  parlors  and  rooms  occupied  by  the  three  or  four 
families  on  the  second  floor. 

Across  the  street  from  the  McCaleb  block  the  large 
general  store  of  Tewksbury  &  Black  which  occupied  the  opera 
house  building  was  a  total  loss.  In  the  second  story  of  the 
building  the  moving  picture  show  suffered  a  total  loss  of 
its  property.  The  restaurant  of  Ina  Summers  was  a  total  loss, 
and  the  Farmer's  Telephone  Exchange  and  the  building  of 
Geo.  VanGundy  suffered  a  loss  of  $1,  200  or  $1,  500. 

The  S.  Halpin  building,   a  frame  structore  in  which  one 
store  room  was  empty  and  the  other  occupied  by  Black's 
meat  market  was  destroyed.  George  J.  Vannier  lost  his  resi- 
dence and  bam,  value  probably   $3,000.   Two  barns  owned 
by  J.  C.   Lewis  and  one  barn  belonging  to  Henry  Brockhouse 
were  also  burned.  The  bakery  of  H.  Corbridge  suffered 
damage. 

The  fire  was  brought  under  control  by  the  use  of  a 
Babcock  fire  extinguisher  containing  forty  gallons  of  chemi- 
cal.   A   temporary  telephone  exchange  was  established  in 
the  Bluffs  Times  office,  E.  D.  Beird  placing , the  facilities 
at  the  disposal  of  the  companies. 
***** 


A  Bridge  near  Bluffs  -  February  4,   1922 


•132- 


George's  Pizza 

13  Varieties  of  Pizza 

SPAGHETTI  -  SANDWICHES  -  CHICKEN 

Jacksonville,   Illinois 

Phone  245-7191  221  South  Main 

Best    Pizza    In    Town 


Ye  Olde  Regulator 
Lounge 

-:-    Where    Old    Friends    Meet   -:- 

213  South  Main 

Jacksonville,   Illinois 


Walk  In 
Restaurant  &  Diner 

1818  West  Morton 

Jacksonville,  Illinois 

Ph:  243-2512 

Best  in  Home  Cooked  Food  &  Friendly  Service 


MORGAN  COUNTY 
SERVICE  CO. 


FUEL  OILS 

CITY  &  RURAL  -  METERED  DELIVERIES 

GAS  -  LUBRICATING  OIL  -  GREASES 

FS  TIRES  -  FARM  SUPPLIES  -  SOYOIL  PAINT 

FARM  CHEMICALS  -  FEED  &  FERTILIZER 

L-P  GAS  &  SEEDS 

CALL 

245-7177 

701  Henry     Jacksonville,  Illinois 


100th! 


International  "Auto-Wagon 


Byers  Bros. 

INTERNATIONAL  TRUCKS 

1314  W.  Morton 
Jacksonville,   Illinois 


-133- 


W.  J.  Doyle  Store 


The  W.  J.  Doyle's  Stxwe  under  the  lOOF  Lodge  Hall  was 
the  gathering  spot  for  fanner  families  and  the  place  to  cut 
a  hunk  of  long  horn  cheese,   get  a  couple  crackers  from  the 
barrel  and  a  place  to  spit  tobacco  juice  into  the  sand  box 
under  the  pot  beUied  stove.    It  was  a  place  of  honest  count. 
"Billy"  Doyle  had  a  mixed  clientele.  He  had  the  carriage 
trade  because  of  honest  weight  and  a  trust-worthy  counting 
system.    He  also  had  a  round-the-stove-back-door  credit 
for  the  family  head  out  of  work  and  no  future  prospects. 
These  creditors  and  farmers  brought  in  garden  produce,  eggs, 
and  rabbits  along  with  head  cheese,   blood  sausage,  spare 
ribs,  backbone,  beef  organs  of  Uver,  hearts,   and  even  hide 
for  trading.    It  wasn't  uncommon  for  10-30  rabbits  frozen 
to  a  zero-blue  by  nature  to  hang  out  front  and  sell  for  10<i: 
each  -  less  when  the  thermometer  started  snow  to  melt  and 
the  color  of  the  fresh  meat  unfringed.    The  fellow  with  the 
five-button  sweater  is  Dick  Nortrup,  brother  of  Louis  Nortrup 
and  father-in-law  of  Ruth  Kilpatrick  Nortrup.    He  worked 
for  the  Wabash  Raihoad  and  after  retirement  for  the  Sears 
Lumber  Co. 

W.J.Doyle  opened  his  second  store  on  what  is  now  a 
restaurant  on  Rte.  100  south  of  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Min- 
nie Baird  Monte.  (Her  residence  is  the  former  site  of  the 
A.W.Baird  store,  where  a  grocery  store  supplied  farmer 
needs  and  salt,  shipped  to  Naples  and  hauled  to  Bluffs  and 
was  sold  by  the  barrel.    It,  the  salt,  was  for  meat,  kraut, 
pickle  and  farm  cow-lick. 


Across  the  street  was  the  Arundel  Livery  Bam.  Single  or 
double  team  rigs  or  carriages  with  fringe  on  top  for  sched- 
ule to  drummers  or  groups  of  young    coming    to    Bluffs    on 
passenger  train  No.  6  or  7  (East  or  West)  and  wanting  to 
dance  at  Exeter's  floating  dance  floor  or  picnic  in  the 
Chance  or  Oakes  woods. 

The  Doyle  Grocery  took  a  10-20  or  even  more  thousand 
dollar  credit  loss  heading  into  the  depression.  The  store 
was  purchased  by  Miss  Nora  Baird,   daughter  of  the  A.W. 
and  she  too  took  too  much  paper  from  friends  too  accomo- 
dating.   After  thousands  of  dollars  loss  the  venture  ended. 


Dan  Charles'  Barber  Shop] 


The  picture  of  the  Dan  Charles  barber  shop.  Dan  Char- 
les was  a  negro  barber,   third  from  the  left.     The  citizens 
in  the  picture  are:  in  the  buggy,  unknown;  left,  to  right- 
Elmer  Anderson,   Mahlon  Chapman,   Dan  Charles,   next 
two  unknown,  another  barber,  Wm.  Busch,  and  Stonewall 
Sawyers.  This  building  was  located  at  the  scene  of  the 
old  post  office. 

It  is  said  that  this  was  the  only  Negro  family  that  ever 
lived  in  Bluffs.  Their  home  was  where  Mrs.  Margaret 
Hatfield  lived,   and  the  family  was  held  in  high  esteem. 
Mr.  Charles'  funeral  was  said  to  have  been  one  of  the  larg- 
est ever  held  in  Bluffs.  They  had  a  son,   Danny,  who  later 
moved  to  Jacksonville,   Illinois. 

***** 


-HOUSE.  II  ii 


Wagner  Opera  House,  which  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1914. 


.134- 


First  Happenings  in  Scott  County 


FIRST  CIRCUIT  COURT  —  The  first  term  of  circuit 
court  in  Scott  county  convened  on  May  27,    1839,    Hon. 
William  Thomas,   of  Jacksonville,  was  judge,     Robert  H. 
McDow  was  sheriff,   and  Levi  Harlan,  circuit  clerk.     The 
record  recites  that,  "The  court  opened  after  the  usual 
proclamation  was  made." 

THE  FIRST  INDICTMENT  returned  into  this  court  was 
against  James  Combs  for  gaming, 

FIRST  CASE  —  The  first  common-law  suit  was  the  case 
of  Jacob  Pennager  against  Martin  Eickelbumer  and    John 
Morrison,   in  which  the  plaintiff  recovered  a  judgment  for 
two  hundred  and  twenty-three  dollars  and  costs  of  suit. 

FIRST  JURY  TRIAL  —  The  first  jury  trial  occurred 
May  27,    1839,   in  the  case  of  Daniel  Roberts  and  Wm,  H 
Wilson  against  Joseph  Gates.  This  first  jury  was  composed 
of  James  Clanton,  William  Summers,   John  Fry,   Bennett 
Gray,   Sylvester  Moss,    Micajah  Cox,  James  M.  Wilson, 
Robert  Morrison,    Bird  Peek,  William  Clark,  George  Gray, 
and  Theron  Brownson.     They  rendered  a  verdict  in  favor  of 
the  plaintiffs  for  twenty-two  dollars  and  seventy-five  cents 
on  which  judgment  was  entered. 

FIRST  NATURALIZATION  —   Benjamin  Pierson,   a 
British  subject,  was  the  first  man  to  declare  his  intentions 
in  Scott  county  circuit  court  to  become  a  citizen  of  the 
United  States.    This  he  did  on  May  28,    1839.    His  declar- 
ation of  record  is  as  follows: 
"State  of  Illinois  )  SS 
Scott  County  ) 

I,   Benjamin  Pierson,   do  hereby  declare  that  it  is  my 
intention,   in  good  faith,   to  become  a  citizen  of  the  United 
States  and  to  renounce  forever  all  allegiance  and  fidelity 
to  every  foreign  price,   potentate,   state  or  sovereignty 
whatever,   and  particularly  do  I  renounce  all  allegiance 
and  fidelity  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain,   my  native  coun- 
try, which  declaration  I  hereunto  subscribe  with  my  hand, 
and  confirm  with  my  oath,   this  the  28th  day  of  May,   A,D. 
1839.  Benjamin  Pierson" 

THE  FIRST  CHANCERY  SUIT  on  the  chancery  docket 
of  this  county  was  the  case  of  John  Carter  against  Levi 
Harlan  and  Edward  G.  Miner.     The  judge  of  the  court  hav- 
ing been  employed  or  consulted,  by  one  of  the  parties  be- 
fore he  was  elected  judge,   the  venue  was  changed  and  the 
case  was  sent  to  Sangamon  County. 

THE  FIRST  DIVORCE  CASE  on  the  Scott  County  docket 
was  James  Ray  against  Elizabeth  Ray.    The  case  was  dis- 
missed by  the  complainant. 

THE  FIRST  DIVORCE  ACTUALLY  GRANTED    was  in 
the  case  of  Sally  Ann  Hopper  against  Solomon  C.  Hopper. 

THE  FIRST  PARTITION  SUIT  was  between  the  heirs 
of  John  Moore. 

FIRST  CRIMINAL  TRL^L  —  The  first  criminal  case 
tried  in  the  county  was    the  People  against  S.  R.  Powell, 
on  a  charge  of  gaming.     The  jury  was  composed  of  John 
McLaughlin,   Samuel  Peek,  Hiram  Walker,   Larkin  Sullens, 
Joseph  Leighton,   George  Camp,  John  Moore,  James  Saw- 
yers,  Thomas  Bell,  John  Leggert,  John  Joslyn  and  Major 
Herron,   This  jury  found  the  defendant  not  guilty, 

FIRST  INDICTMENT  FOR  MURDER  —  The  first  in- 
dictment for  murder  was  returned  into  court  by  the  grand 


jury  May  11,    1841,   against  George  Gardner,   Thomas 
Crew  and  Jonathan  Crew,   for  the  unlawful  killing  of  Phil- 
lip W.   Nash  In  Exeter.     This  was  a  noted  event  in  that 
village,   and  venue  was  changed  and  the  case  was  sent  to 
Morgan  County  for  trial.    John  S.  Greathouse  was  prose- 
cuting attorney  and  John  P.  Jordan  conducted  the  defense. 
Stephen  A.  Douglas  presided  as  judge.     The  defendant, 
George  Gardner,  was  found  guilty  and  sentenced  to  be 
hung  on  July  23,    1841.    He  escaped  from  jail  a  few  days 
before  the  time  for  his  execution  arrived,   and  has  never 
been  heard  of  again. 

FIRST  DEED  —  The  first  deed  recorded  in  the  county 
was  made  by  John  Mikel  and  Sally  Mikel,   his  wife,   to 
William  Jones.    It  was  dated  March  19,   1839,   and  ack- 
nowledged before  Samuel  Peek,   justice  of  the  peace 
March  21,    1839.    It  conveyed  the  southwest  quarter  of 
the  northeast  quarter  and  the  northwest  quarter  of  the 
southeast  quarter  of  section  fifteen,   in  township  thirteen, 
range  twelve,  which  was  owned  by  John  Hepworth  in  1903. 

FIRST  MORTGAGE  —  The  first  mortgage  recorded  in 
this  county  was  made  by  Perkin  Thompson  to  Edward  Ray 
upon  the  northwest  quarter  of  the  southwest  quarter  of 
seciton  eight,   township  thirteen,   range  eleven,   to  secure 
the  payment  of  fifty  dollars.     It  was  dated  April  5,    1839, 
and  was  acknowledged  on  the  same  day  before  Joel  Sugg, 
justice  of  the  peace.     Satisfaction  of  this  mortgage  was 
entered  on  the  record  by  the  mortgagee  January  12,    1843, 
This  forty  acres  was  owned  by  Mrs.  John  L.  Robinson  in 
1903. 

FIRST  MARRIAGE  —  The  first  marriage  in  the  county 
was  Josiah  Canady  to  Julia  Scott  on  March  28,  1839;  Wm. 
H.  Strong  officiated. 

FIRST  ESTATE  REPORT  —  The  first  financial  report 
made  in  an  estate  was  made  by  Nimrod  Funk  in  the  es- 
tate of  Robert  Gray,   Sept.  4,    1841. 

FIRST  RAILROAD  --  The  first  railroad  in  the  county 
was  a  wooden- track  affair  built  by  Charles  Collins  from 
Naples  east  across,  or  partly  across,  the  bottom  in  1836 
and  1837.  The  first  iron-track  railroad  in  the  county  was 
the  old  Northern  Cross  road  from  Jacksonville  to  Mere- 
dosia  upon  the  roadbed  now  occupied  by  the  Wabash.  It 
was  built  in  1837-1839. 

FIRST  TOWN  —  Exeter  was  the  first  town  laid  out 
within  the  present  limits  of  the  county.     It  was  laid  out 
by  Enoch    C.  March,  June  18,    1825. 

FIRST  CITY  —  Winchester  is  the  first  (  and  only  ) 
city  in  the  county.     It  organized  as  a  city  under  the  gen- 
eral law  of  the  state  November  18,    1876. 

THE  FIRST  LAND  —  The  first  land  entered  in  this 
county  was  the  east  half  of  the  S.E.   1/4,    Sec.  8,  T.   13, 
R.   12,   entered  by  Joel  Meacham,   August  IS,    1822. 

FIRST  HANGING  --   The  first  j*dicial  execution  in 
the  county  was  the  hanging  of  Benjamin  Smith  upon  a 
gallows  erected  by  the  side  of  the  road  leading  northeast 
from  Winchester  near  the  present  residence  of  the  late 
William  Obermeyer,   October,    1852. 

FIRST  SCHOOL  —  Judge  Henderson,  who  more  than 
one  hundred  years  ago,  began  and  industriously  pursued 
the  collection  of  facts  relative  to  the    early  history  of 
this  region,   says  the  first  school  taught  within  the  limits 
of  this  county  was  taught  by  Miss  Jeanette  Wheeler  in  a 
log  cabin  a  little  southeast  of  where  Exeter  now  stands. 


.135- 


He  did  not  state,   and  probably  did  not  know,   the  date. 

THE  FIRST  GRAVE  —  Mrs.  Spencer,  who  died  in 
childbirth,   and  her  new  bom  babe,  were  buried  on  the 
ridge  in  the  south  part  of  Winchester,  where  "the  oW 
graveyard"  is  located  in  1821.     This  is  the  first  known 
white  burial  within  the  limits  of  the  county. 

FIRST  HOUSE  ~  The  first  white  man's  habitation 
erected  within  the  limits  of  the  county  was  a  log  cabin 
built  in  January  and  February  1820,  in  the  Gordon  neigh- 
borhood southeast  of  Winchester  by  Thomas  Allen, 
called  "Tommy  Allen,  "  by  early  settlers. 

FIRST  COURT  HOUSE  —  The  first  court  house  was 
built  on  the  public  square  in  Winchester  and  was  paid 
for  by  the  city  of  Winchester. 

FIRST  JAIL  ~  The  first  county  jail  was  built  of  hewed 
logs  upon  the  site  of  the  present  jail.  It  was  also  paid  for 
by  the  city  of  Winchester. 

Cyrus  6.  Carter 

(Father  of  C.C.  Carter) 
Bom  Brainstown,  Pennsylvania  August  12,   1824, 
died  Exeter,  111.,  April  10,   1911.  Early  settler,  inven- 
tcw  of  the  Ruimer  Grain  Drill, 

C.C.  Carter,   former  States  Attorney  of  Scott  County 
and  prominent  mathematician,   died  late  Monday  night 
Apjril  10,   1911  at  Passavant  hospital  in  Jacksonville  of 
injuries  received  that  afternoon  when  a  team  of  horses 
he  was  working  with  ran  away.  Mr.  Carter  was  plowing 
the  garden  when  the  accident  occurred  and  he  was  driv- 
ing the  same  team  that  injured  him   several  years  before 
when  they  ran  away  while  he  was  hauling  bales. 

He  graduated  from  Illinois  College  and  studied  law 
at  the  University  of  Michigan.  He  practiced  law  and 
was  recognized  for  his  scientific  work  and  his  study  of 
higher  mathematics  being  a  member  of  the  National 
Association  and  having  attended  many  conventions  here 
and  in  Canada. 

He  was  survived  by  his  wife, Mrs.   Cora  Briggs  Carter, 
one  brother  Jess  Carter  and  several  nieces  and  nephews. 

Funeral  services  were  conducted  at  the  Bates  Funeral 
Home  May  8th,   1911  with  Rev.  Kenneth  Douglas  of- 
ficiating. Burial  was  in  Exeter  Cemetery. 

Hyram  L.  Tippit 

Maker  of  a  liniment  called  'Sure  Shot' 

Hyram  L.  Tippit,  son  of  William  and  Elizabeth  Tip- 
pit  was  bom  in  Morgan  Coimty  near  Chapin,  111.,  Aug. 
6,   1849.  At  10:  30  Friday  a.m.  August  4th  he  was  struck 
by  an  automobile  at  Decatur  which  resulted  in  his  death 
at  5:57  p.m.  of  the  same  day.  Mr. Tippit  was  72  years, 
11  months  28  days  old  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  had 
six  brothers  and  sisters. 

On  February  15,   1847  he  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Caroline  Harvey  of  Spencer,  Indiana.  To  this 
union  five  children  were  born.  He  was  survived  by  his  wife, 
three  daughters,   and  one  son.  One  son  preceded  him  in 
death. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Free  Methodist  Church.  He 
Spent  the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  this  vicinity. 

Funeral  services  were  held  at  the  residence  August 
17,    1922,  bxuial  in  McCaleb  cemetery. 


Mrs.  Margaret  Snow  Cross  Plains  Three 
Times  In   The  Covered  Wagon 


Mrs.  Snow  was  bom  in  Muscatine,   Iowa  on  December 
21,   1844,   a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.    Thompson,  who  im- 
migrated to  Oregon  in  1850,    at  which  time  Mrs.  Snow  was 
six  years  of  age  and  of  this  journey  through  the  wild  and 
unbroken  west  she  retains  vivid  memories  of  the  trials  and 
hardships  encountered  on  that  journey  which  was  made  by 
covered  wagon  drawn  with  oxen,   in  company  with  many 
other  wagons,  with  their  band  of  sturdy  pioneers  seeking  the 
far  flung  boundary  of  the  frontier,  with  a  determination  to 
carve  a  home  out  of  the  wilderness-the  real  empire  build- 
ers of  the  great  west. 

In   1859  romance  entered  the  life  of  Miss  Margaret 
Thompson  and  she  became  the  bride  of  Joseph  Sisson. 
They  continued  to  reside  in  Oregon  until  1865,  when  they 
came  to  New  York  by  way  of  vessel,   and  then  by  rail  from 
New  York  to  the  farthest  point  west  which  was  at  that 
time  reached  by  rail,   and  located  on  a  farm  three  and  a 
half  mile  from  Naples,    known  as  the  Sisson  ridge. 

They  were   of  hardy  pioneer  stock  and  soon  were  seized 
with  a  longing  for  the  west  and  its  lure  of  wealth  and  pro- 
mise of  great  happiness,  and  in  1868  they  sold  their  hold- 
ings at  Naples  and  returned  to  Oregon  by  covered  wagon 
once  more.   This  time  the  trip  was  made   in  about  four 
months,   and  they  spent  the  winter  in  Portland  with  her  par- 
ents.  Then  in  1869   they  made  the    trip    across  the    plains 
again  by  way  of  covered  wagon,    and  bought  their  old  home 
place  at  Naples  back. 

Joseph  Sisson  died  October  2,   1872,   and  two  years  later 
she  was  married  to  Thomas  Sisson,  who  died  on  August 
10,    1880. 

She  was  again  married  on  February  28,  1883  to  Martin 
Snow,  a  Civil  War  veteran  who  died  September  16,  1923 
leaving  her  a  widow  at  the  age  of  79. 

Mrs.  Snow  was  the  mother  of  six  children:  Mrs.   Mary 
Vaughn,   Mr.  James  Sisson,  Mr.  George  Sisson,   Mrs.    Ida 
Hamey,   Mrs.  Addie  Jamison  and  Mrs.  Margaret  Haley,   all 
now  deceased  except  Mrs.  Margaret  Haley,  who  resides 
in  Springfield,   Illinois. 

One  daughter,   Mrs.  Addie  Jamison  was  bom  on  the  trail, 
in  a  covered  wagon. 

Four  step-children  were  raised  in  the  Snow  home.  Mr. 
Sam  Snow,   Mr,  Wm.  Snow,  Mrs.  Ann  Harvey  and  Mrs. 
Millie  Bagby,   also  three  grandchildren. 

Mrs.  Snow  passed  away  in  November  of  1925. 


-136- 


^Ni^ 


THOMAS  O'BRIEN  JULIA  O'CONNOR  O'BRIEN 

Mr.  O'Brien,  son  of  John  and  Bridget  O'Brien,  was  bom  in 
Stanton,  Va.,  August  1,   1855,  the  family  moving  to  Iowa 
when  he  was  one  years  old.  He  moved  to  Versailles  in  1870, 
and  the  same  year  he  began  his  railroad  career  with  the  Wa- 
bash railroad.  He  married  Julia  ©'Conner  of  Mt.  Sterling  in 
1882,  and  two  sons,  John  and  Maurice,   both  of  whom  follow- 
ed the  Wabash  railroad  careers,  were  born  to  them.  The  elder 
Mr.  O'Brien  had  fifty-four  years'  continuous  service  as  an  em- 
ployee of  the  Wabash,  retiring  before  his  death.  During  Mr. 
O'Brien's  long  career  as  engineer  he  had  many  men  as  fire- 
men that  were  promoted  to  engineers  on  the  Springfield  divi- 
sion of  the  Wabash:  Mack  Fuson  (serving  44  years  of  continu- 
ous service);  Nelson  Lock,   Henry  Starks,   Henry  Klockson, 
William  and  Herman  Vannier,   John  Kennedy,  William  Froh- 
witter,  Frank  Stanton,  William  Borum,   James  Bingham,   Eu- 
gene Carpenter  and  many  others.     The  O'Briens'  were  the 
grandparents  of  Mrs.  Ralph  (Leah)  Jones  and  Mrs.  Jean  Hart 
Evans  (deceased),   and  John  P.  (Jack)  O'Brien;  great-grandpar- 
ents of  Steven,   Brien  and  Michael  Jones;  Thomas  L.  Hart  and 
Mrs.  Clifford  (Lynn)  Hoots,   and  great-great-grandparents  of 
Kim  and  Sandy  Hart  and  Guy,  Lorrie  and  Kristi  Hoots. 


MRS.  J.  B.  THOMPSON 


J.  B.   THOMPSON 

Father  and  mother  of  Mrs.  Maurice  (Bess)  O'Brien,  and  the 
late  Mrs.  Ed  (Grace)  Merris,   Dale  Thompson  land  Everett 
Thomspon. 


Above  is  picture  of  "Regal"  automobile  with  Mr. 
Fred  D.  Brockhouse  standing  by  side. 


Minnie  Lee  Reigart  on  her  98th  birthday  in  front  of 
the  lounge  at  Ross  Garden  Village,   and  her  son  Richard. 

Mrs.  Frank  (T  iinnie)  Reigart  was  bom  1  year  after 
Bluffs  came  into  I  -ing.    Aunt  Minnie  was  a  sister  of  the 
late  Mrs.  N.J,   Moore.     She  was  born  July  23,   1872,   at 
Naples,  111,  the  oldest  of  Charles  Keener  Lee  and  Frances 
Critzer  Lee's  two  children.    Her  parents  were  married  from 
what  was  then  the  home  of  P.  D.  Critzer,   now  the  Abbott 
Place.  This  united  two  of  Naples'  oldest  and  better  known 
families. 

Her  son  Richard  is  a  retired  Methodist  minister  at 
Riverside,   Calif.    Mrs.  Reigart  lives  alone  in  an  apart- 
ment at  the  Rose  Garden  Village,   Riverside.    She  is  the 
last  known  decendant  of  either  the  Keener  of  Critzer 
families. 


-137- 


The  above  picture  was  taken  in  1925  on  the  Royal  Oakes  farm  north  of  Bluffs,  and  featured  a  Massey-Harris 
Combine.  The  Oakes  field  was  the  first  field  of  wheat  cut  by  combine  in  the  State  of  Illinois.  Of  those  known 
in  the  above  picture  were  Fred  Northcutt,   Royal  Oakes,  Herman  Muns,  Clarence  Castle,   Harold  Oakes,   Orville 
Masterson.  Jesse  Batley  and  Francis  Winzelman  were  standing  on  the  combine. 


Another  picture  of  the  combine,  the  first  used  in  Illinois  in  1925:  Francis  "Beebe"  Winzelman  seated  on  tractor, 
Jesse  Batley,  seated  on  combine  and  Orville  Masterson,  standing  in  wagon. 


-138- 


United  Transit  Mix,  Inc. 


905  North  Amos 


Ph:  546-5543 


710  Brooklyn  Avenue 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 
Ph:  245-2179 


Springfield,  Illinois 


Growing  together  for  Over  One-Hundred 
Years.  Our  Success  has  in  many  ways 
depended  on  the  Bluffs  Area. 
We  Thank  You ! 


Ace  Hardware 

900  West  Morton 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 


t 


1 


Ph:  245-9563 


Congratulations 


Gustine  Furniture  Co. 


For  Fine  Furniture 
229-233  SoulK  Main  Street 

Jacksonville.  Illinois 


-139- 


FRED  BROCKHOUSE  GENERAL  MERCHANDISE  STORE  -  1918  to  1932.  FrcJ  and  Etta  Bio^KIk aiic  are  pictured 
above  and  their  customer  is  believed  to  be  Frank  Faulkner.  This  is  now  the  Dickens  building. 


HALPINS  RESTAURANT  in  Bluffs,  served  many  a  good  meal  to  the  public  and  was  a  fa- 
for  the  local  citizens.  Pictured  above  are  George  Beagle,   Ruth  Green  and  Sam  Halpin.  . 


ite  meeting  place 
member  When??? 


-140- 


BLUFFS  BASEBALL  TEAM  of  1916  and  1917:  Seated  1-r:  Jesse  Laukford,   Maurice  O'Brien,   Clarke  and  Haram;  standing: 
William  "Pop"  Dimmitt,   Jesse  Batley,   Kenneth  Meehan,   Leroy  Castle,   Bradbury,   Omer  Doyle  and  Dale  Thompson. 


REMEMBER  THESE  TEACHERS Seated  1-r:  Lulu  Casteen  and  Amy  Martin;  standing 

Helen  Meehan  and  T.  C.  Moore. 


Daisy  Hale,   Miss  Bradbury, 


-141- 


BLUFFS  HIGH  SCHOOL  GRADUATING  CLASS  OF  1913 


Pictured  along  side  Wabash  steam  engine  are  F.  A. 
Denton,  Engineer  and  Fred  W.  Walgren,  Fireman.    Pic- 
ture property  of  Mrs.  Clarence  Pumphrey,  daughter  of 
F,  W.  Walgren. 


Mrs.  Margaret  Snow  and  grandson,  James  "Pete" 
Sisson.    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Snow  raised  three  grandchildren  in 
their  home,   Pete,  Mrs.  Mary  Gregory  and  Mrs.  Pearl 
Mathews. 


•142- 


A  Newspaper  History 


by  P.  H.  Vannier 


The  Bluffs  Times  isn't  as  old  as  the  first  primitive  one 
printed  in  Germany  in  1609  or  the  first  in  England  in  1621 
and  it  isn't  as  old  as  the  first  American  PUBLICK 
OCCURRENCES,   dated  Sept.  25,   1690.       The  Bluffs 
Times  is ,   however,  83  years  old,   and  it  is  the  only  one 
interested  in  the  Bluffs  community  and  its  100  years  of 
history  making. 

The  more  than  280  years  the  newspapers  have  chronic- 
led everything  from  an  essay  by  Benjamin  Franklin  as  a 
newspaper  subscriber  to  the  New  England  Courant  in  1722, 
"Silent  Dogood"  letter  submitted  anonymously  to  his  half 
brother,   or  you  could  go  the  files  on  the  Essex  Gazette  of 
Salem,  April  25,   1775  and  read  about  the  battles  of  Lex- 
ington and  Concord.    Read  about  Robert  Fulton's  steamboat 
on  the  Hudson  River  in  the  New  York  American  Citizen 
and  about  the  trial  of  Aaron  Burr  for  treason,   both  in  col- 
irmn  four,  August  22,    1807. 

The  December  16,   1799  issue  of  The  Times  District 
of  Columbia  had  the  column  rules  upside  down  for  the 
news  of  George  Washington's  death.   Column  rules  had 
been  up  "full  black"  before  when  the  October  31,   1965 
announced  the  final  issue  of  the  Penn  Courier  because  of 
opposition  to  the  Stamp  Act.    A  fellow  named  Paul  Revere 
made  engravings  of  coffins  for  funeral  stories  in  1770  for 
the  Boston  Gazette  for  the  Boston  Massacre.    The  same 
patriotic  paper  published  the  Tea  Party  story,   Dec.  20, 
1773,    written  by  "an  impartial  observer"  who  turned  out 
to  be  Samuel  Adams. 

History  would  never  have  known  without  a  newspaper 
record  that  Thomas  Paine  said,    "These  are  the  times  that 
try  men's  sovils,  "  but  that  brilliant  exhortation  was  printed 
in  the  Pennsylvania  Packet  and  read  to  Washington's  troops 
before  they  crossed  the  Delaware  to  Christmas  victory  at 
Trenton.    His  plea  for  cattle  for  hungry  troops  at  Valley 
Forge  made  the  front  center  page  of  the  Connecticut 
Courant.  March  17,   1778  ,   and  that  paper  is  kno\vn  as  the 
Hartford  Courant,   oldest  newspaper  in  the  States. 

The  Washington  hand  press  made  by  Hoe  &  Co.  ad- 
vanced printing    but  a  cylinder  for  the  platen  and  a  bed  of 
type  moving  back  and  forth  printed  thousands  of  papers 
per  hour.    One  operated  by  hand  continued  to  operate  in 
Milton,  111.  in  the  late  20's  but  E.  D.  Beird,   first  local 
publisher  of  The  Times    had  a  gas  engine  and  a  raft  of 
shafting  and  pulleys  installed  by  the  late  Johnny  Green  to 
do  the  work  in  what  is  now  the  East  Civic  Club  Bldg. 

Ffigh  speed  printing  brought  the  "penny  paper"  to  the 
New  York  Sun   and  it  won  more  readers  in  a  few  years  than 
a  near  dozen  rivals  had  combined.    The  Baltimore  Sun  was 
another  famous  penny  paper  founded  a  few  years  later  in 
1837.    A  year  later  the  Boston  Liberator    built  up  press 
when  it  called  the  murder  of  Elijah  P.  Lovejoy  ,   another 
abolitionist  editor  at  Alton,  HI.,   a  "horrid  tragedy. " 

In  1845  woodcuts  illustrated  a  full  page  of  Andrew 
Jackson's  funeral  procession  in  the  New  York  Herald  and 
the  press  went  forward  again. 

Newspapers  covered  the  Civil  War  and  headlines  were 
bold  in  the  North  with  more  than  100  correspondents  in 


the  field  witli  the  Union  Army.    The  South's  presses  were 
short  of  newsprint.    It  was  in  1863  that  the  web  press  made 
printing  from  rolls  of  newsprint  possible  and  the  "prayer 
of  twenty  millions"  by  Horace  Greeley  written  in  letter 
from  to  President   Lincoln  and  published  in  the  New  York 
Tribime     asked  for  a  proclamation  to  free  slaves  immedi- 
ately.   That  was  August  20,    1862  and  the  proclamation 
was  issued  Sept.  22  to  become  effective  the  following 
Jan.  1.    Horace  Greeley's  Tribime      was  a  penny  paper 
noted  for  influential  editorials  .    The  Cincinnati  Commer- 
cial    printed  the  full  proclamation  text. 

Newspapers  recorded  the  Atlantic  Cable,   1866,  the 
first  transcontinental  railroad  and  gold  spike  celebrated 
100  years  later  in  1969,  the  telephone  and  phonograph  and 
electric  light  in  the  lS70's.    The  Brooklyn  Bridge  was 
"first  sold"  in  the  late  80's  via  a  hoax  advertisement  and 
Joseph  F^ulitzer,   an  immigrant  who    founded    tlie    St.    Louis 
Post  Dispatch     added  dignity,   honesty  and  fairness  to  a  new 
era  of  Journalism. 

Newspapers  hit  a  new  high  mth  more  than  800  in 
1880.    That  number  of  dailies  increased  to  1400  in  10 
years  with  weekly  papers  numbering  more  than  10,000  a 
few  years  later,   and  the  Bluffs  Times  was  one  of  them. 

The  increase  was  partially  due  to  tlie  advent  of  the 
line  casting  machine  by  Ottman  Mergenthaler  in  1886. 
That  machine  eliminated  setting  type,  which  also  had  to 
be  returned  to  the  case  by  hand  for  reuse.    Ottman's 
machine  cast  a  solid  slug  from  hot  molten  metal  over  a 
line  of  type  matrices  which  were  then  automatically  re- 
distributed over  individual  cominations  to  the  magazine 
for  reuse. 

The  use  of  illustrations  and  cartoons  were  on  their 

way  when  the  New  York  Morning  Jouranl  pictured  the  3- 

ft.  snow  in  March  that  caused  a  "Horse-Car  Waterloo"  in 

1888  and  little  orphan  Annie,  Mutt  and  Jeff  swelled  the 

syndicated  reader  circulation  following  the  turn  of  the 
century. 

The  linotypes  and  hot  metal  are  fast  giving  way  to 
progress  in  all  except  the  largest  dailies  and  modem  off- 
set picture  plate  presses  are  being  made  by  the  same  Hoe 
family  that  made  the  old  Washington  Hand  press. 

The  Bluffs  Times  readers  are  fortunate  that  it  has 
adopted  the  offset  process  and  himdreds  of  historical  photos 
can  be  reproduced  to  tell  the  100  year  story  of  Bluffs. 

Order  an  extra  copy  of  this  Centennial  Issue  to  pass  on 
to  your  children's  children  in  years  to  come  and  they  will 
take  more  pride  in  their  history. 


CONGRATULATIONS 


PEPSI 


Cola 


of  Jacksonville,   Illinois 


■143- 


Mr.    and   Mrs.    Hkr!vi.a.n  Middendorf 


.I(i)iN    H.    Fii.i'i  i: 


Emory  D.  Beird 


NiMROD  Funk 


■144- 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  F.  Rockwood. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  H.  H.  Brockhouse. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wm.  F.  Freesen. 


f 

Mr.  and   Mrs.  S.  J.  Sawyers. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  M.  B.  Moore. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  F.  Green. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harvey  Green. 


-14S- 


^^^■.  '^^ 

^^^HV 

iHi 

^KfjppiK 

^HmM 

^^^^Ki<IM^^I 

W^^aSL/-'         '^'i4 

fHB'Vtf^P 

^^Hfe\  ■  v^;5l 

wk  i 

Henry  Abbott 


Henry  Rolf 


William  Middendorf 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  H.  H.  Finnigsmier 


Residence  of  the  late  F.  W.  Korty. 


James  Hamilton. 


JOHN  L.  ROBINSON.  JOHN  KNOEPPEL  AND  JAMES  COULTAS, 
COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS  AT  THE  TIME  THE  NEW  COURT 
HOUSE  WAS  ERECTED. 


-146- 


GREEN  HARDWARE  STORE  AND  POST  OFFICE:    stending  l-r:  Paul  M.  Green,   his  father,  William  Green, 
and  two  customers,  Lawrence  McCullom  and  Maurice  O'Brien. 


Robert  Lovekamp,  age  2j  years. 
Bob  is  present  Village  Policeman. 


■  147- 


-  Vannier  History  - 


Since  Mr.  and  Mrs.  P.  H.  Vannier  were  publishers  of 
The  Bluffs  Times  for  more  than  30  years,  and  volunteered 
for  World  War  II,   a  Vannier  history  might  be  befitting. 

The  records  show  that  P.  H. 's  grandfather  left  Alsace, 
Lcwraine,  then  under  German  rule,  before  draft  age  to  a- 
void  compulsory  military  service.    He  and  a  cousin  landed 
at  New  Orleans  broke  and  signed  up  10  dollars  a  month  job 
driving  horses. 

The  horses  turned  out  to  be  part  mule  teams  hitched 
to  wagons  in  trains  hauling  ammunition  and  war  provisions 
through  territory  inhabited  by  belligerent  Indians.  On 
their  second  trip  in  to  the  Mexican  border  their  train  mas- 
ter traded  his  Irish  drinking  drivers  for  German  drivers  who 
did  a  little  drinkin'  but  kept  their  horses  well  fed  and  their 
harness  in  good  condition. 

Vannier's  great  grandpa  in  Germany  received  word 
that  his  son  Henry  was  killed  by  Indians  who  massacred  all 
the  drivers,   drove  off  the  horses,  stole  the  war  provisions 
and  burned  the  wagons  in  the  train  to  which  he  was  regis- 
tered and  from  which  he  was  traded  to  the  train  returning 
back  to  New  Orleans.    His  mule  train  service  was  an  aid 
in  securing  160  acres  of  land  later  in  the  Oak  Dale  neigh- 
borhood where  he  married  and  lived  until  his  oldest  son, 
George,  was  in  the  7th  grade.    George  H.  had  to  quit  school 
to  help  his  mother  raise  the  family  pictured  below. 

His  first  schooling  was  where  John  Brown's  trailer  is 
now  at  the  north  edge  of  Bluffs  on  Rt.   100.     Curtis  Unger 
was  the  teacher  and  it  was  from  him  he  learned  to  read,  to 
remember  and  keep  a  mental  picture  of  everything  he  saw, 
plus  a  knowledge  of  spelling  and  arithmetic  that  always 
amazed  his  children.    The  school  was  family  supported  and 
the  teacher  took  ham,   chicken,  grist  mill  products,  etc. 
in  Ueu  of  money.    That  school  building  was  the  center  of 
the  population  area. 

The  North  Scott  area  became  more  thickly  children- 
ized  and  a  second  building  was  built  where  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Virgil  Vortman  and  Mrs.  Anna  Lovekamp  now  Uve.    The 
school  population  center  changed  again.    Vanniers  donated 
land  for  the  new  Oak  Dale    site  which  reverted  back  to 
the  farm  now  owned  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  ^^Ivin  Nobis  when 
it  ceased  to  be  a  school  following  consolidation. 

Like  early  pioneers,  George  H.  continued  his  study  of 
Ray's  Higher  Arithmetic,  history  and  the  dictionary.    He 
could  add  three  columns  of  figures  without  a  pencil  and 
could  give  the  answer  to  problems  in  Algebra  but  not  by 
equations. 

He  organized  the  first  telephone  company  with  Henry 
T.  Rainey,   20th  Dist.  Congressman  and  later  Speaker  of 
the  House,  layed  out  the  first  rural  mail  route  out  of  Bluffs. 
Orval  Masterson,   father  of  the  late  Wayne,  was  first  car- 
rier.   His  was  the  first  field  of  Alfalfa.    He  helped  organ- 
ize the  community  school  district,  tlie  Farm  Bureau,  sold 
one  of  the  first  Country  Life  Insurance  policies  in  Scott 
County,  sponsored  co-op  livestock  marketing,  rural  elec- 
tricity,  good  roads,  successful  in  locating  Pikes  Peak  Ocean 
to  Ocean  Trail  through  Chapin  and  Bluffs.    Received  high 
recognition  from  Governor  Len  Small  for  aid  in  passing 
the  60  million  dollar  bond  issue  for  hard  roads.    He  passed 
an  examination  and  was  named  County  Supt.  of  Kghways 
in  Scott  County,   the  only  one  in  the  State  of  Illinois  with- 


out a  high  school  education.    Bridges  across  creeks  at 
Exeter  and  Glasgow  are  evidence  of  his  knowledge  of  con- 
crete -  no  cracks  or  faults  over  a  half  century  of  use. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Vannier  were  the  parents  of  eight  chil- 
dren ,  three  of  who  died  in  infancy.    This  pictures  the  fam- 
ilv  on  the  front  porch  of  their  farm  home  about  1910. 


Back  Row,  L  to  R:    Ina,   Cora  and  Lena. 
Front  Row,   L  to  R:  LaBeUe  and  Paul. 


The  People  of  Bluffs 
can  be  justly  proud  of  the  rich 
historical  tradition  of  the  past.  It  has 
been  a  great  and  eventful  century. 

Jerry  Corbett 

Your  Representative 
of   the 

GENERAL   ASSEMBLY 

STATE    OF    ILLINOIS 
HOUSE    OF    REPRESENTATIVES 


-148- 


Signs  were  placed  on  both  State  Route  100    entering 
Bluffs,  designating  the  Bluffs  Centennial  July  10  and  11th. 
These  signs  were  put  up  early  in  the  Spring. 


A  portion  of  the  Bluffs  Boy  Scouts  as  they  were  in  the 
Pilgrimage  to  Lincoln's  Tomb  and  Home  in  Springfield, 
Illinois  in  1971.   Back  row,   1.  to  r.  Leader-Jack  Bamett, 
Mark  Bamett,   Sam  Spears,    Ricky  Bamett,  Robert  Bamett, 
Don  Smith.  First  row,   1.  to  r.  Mark  Williams,    Randy  Bland, 
Tim  Welch,   Terry  Littig,    Kerry  Littig,   Kelly  Sears,   Steve 
Graves,    Jeff  Six,   Steve  Littig,   Mark  Bentley,   Kevin  Smith, 
David  Freesen,  Jody  Gregory. 


(^(UjictJldciJtiofU  md  ^eU  Muka 


Booth  &  Thomas  Inc. 

Wholesale  Distributors 

Plumbing,  Heating,  Cooling,  Electrical 

458  South  Main 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 


James  Mains,  a  veteran  of  tlie  Civil  War,  holding  his 
twin  sons,  Clayton  and  Leighton.  He  was  the  grandfather 
of  the  five  Lawson  boys  who  were  in  World  War  1 . 

Mr.  Mains  lived  southeast  of  Bluffs  on  a  farm  with  a 
family  of  nine  children.  He  was  in  the  Civil  War  when 
Malissa  was  a  baby,   she,   Mrs.  John  Lawson  was  the  mother 
of  the  boys  who  were  all  in  the  World  War  One,  Six  of 
the  boys  enlisted,   but  one,  Jesse  was  returned  home,  the 
other  five  were  taken.  Their  two  daughters  Mrs.  Annas 
Grady  and  Mrs.  Daisy  Brown. 


Pictured  in    front  of  the  Brockhouse  Power  Plant:  Earl 
Burrus,  Fred  Brockhouse,   and  Louis  Bentz. 


.149- 


THE  FAMILY  OF  ALBERT  LITTIG  SR.  who  came  to  this  country  from  Germany,   and  settled  in  Scott  County.  Pictured  above 
are:  front  row:  1.  to  r.  Marie  Littig,  Mrs.  Albert  (Bosse)  Littig  Sr.,  Carl  Littig,  Albert  Liddg  Sr.,   Emma  Littig.  2nd  row:  Al- 
bert Littig  Jr.,   Minnie  Littig,   Bertha  Littig  Nortrup,  Kathryn  Littig  Alhorn,  Anna  Littig  Walker  and  Herman  Littig. 
-    Two  of  the  members  of  the  family  are  still  living,  Minnie  and  Kathryn,  who  both  reside  at  R.R.  Meredosia,  Illinois. 


BLUFFS  CIVIL  WAR  &  SPANISH  WAR  VETERANS,  photo  was 
taken  on  Memorial  Day  in  1913.  L-R:Wes  Finney,  Dave 
Thompson,  Milt  Jackson,  Cool  Stanton,    ?  Wilday,  Curt  Unger. 


Maurice  F.  O'Brien  and  Bess  Thompson  O'Brien 

on  their  wedding  day  at  Camp  Sherman,  Ohio 

-:-    1918    -:- 


CONGRATULATIONS 
FROM  OUR  FAMILY 
TO  OUR  HOME  TOWN 


Jack  Moore 

REAL  ESTATE  SERVICE 
Bluffs,   Illinois 

Ph:  754-3548  at  Home  or  754-3712  at  Office 


-ISO- 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 


u^mmmup 


BARTLOW 
BROS.,  Inc. 

MEAT  PACKERS 

P.  0.  Box  307 
Rushville,  III.  62681 

Phone:   AC   217     322-3365 


Centennial 
Celebration 
Congratulation 

We  Carry  A  Complete  Line  for 
YOUR  Landscaping  &  Garden  Needs. 


Wholesale 
and   Retail 
Christmas  Trees 


LANDSCAPE   AND 
GARDEN    CENTER 


ILLINOIS  FOREST  PRODUCTS  CO. 

ARENZVILLE     ROAD 
BEARDSTOWN,      ILLINOIS 


COMPLIMENTS  OF 

Rogers  Cartage 

TANK    TRUCKS 

MEREDOSIA 
ILLINOIS 


CONGRATULATIONS  TO  A 
FINE  NEIGHBOR  FOR  HAVING 
STOOD  THE  TEST  OF  TIME 

Wolkers 
Foodliner 

4th  &  Edwards 
Beardstown,  Illinois 


■151- 


Railroading  Differences  1888  and  1971 


Raiboads  in  Illinois  started  at  Meredosia  with  a  spur 
to  Naples  in  the  wood-burning  steam  train  days.  And-with 
a  round  house,   Bluffs  boomed  with  train  crews,   machinesU, 
repairmen  and  other  Wabash  employees  taking  a  vital  place 
in  the  town's  economy. 

"All  that  was  years  ago"  a  retired  railroader  told  us. 
When  the  last  train  crew  out  of  Bluffs  was  called  January 
31,    1960,   it  marked  the  end  of  a  golden  era  of  employment 
and  sizeable  payroll. 

In  comparison  of  railroading  at  the  turn  of  the  century, 
and  1960,   Herman  Vannier,   retired  engineer,   found  interest- 
ing reading  in  a  23  page  schedule  for  workers.  The  1909 
pay  for  engineers  on  the  Pittsfield-Maysville  branch  was 
$75  per  month  and  fireman  $62.50.  They  got  a  raise  of 
30  cents  per  day  for  a  total  pay  of  $2.38  per  day.   (the  pay 
per  month  in  1960  ran  into  four  figures  instead  of  two).   The 
pay  schedule  of  1909  was  based  on  the  size  of  the  cylinders 
of  the  engine. 

The  scheduleof  rules  and  working  conditions  in  1960 
contained  178  pages.  Tonnage  in  1909  up  the  Griggsville 
hill  was  a  limit  of  50  cars  and  650  tons. 

-1924  Senority  list^ — The  eight  hour  law  caused  a  need 
for  double  crews  and  there  were  36  train  crews  out  of  Spring- 
field. The  1924  senority  list  contained  95  engineers  with 
73  holding  regular  jobs  with  133  on  the  fireman  list. 

The  January  1960  list  included  31  engineers  on  the  divi- 
sion with  19  regular  jobs-four  more  than  the  number  of  re- 
gular assigned  engine  crews  working  out  of  Bluffs  in  in   1914. 

A  large  number  of  crews  were  needed-take  the  Pitts- 
field-Maysville,   6  miles  of  track  had  train  No.  30  east 
bound  at  6:40  am  (except  Sunday)  in  1897,   No.  32   (Daily) 
8:45  a.m.  No.     38   (except  Sunday)  8  p.m.  Those  trains 
were  15  minutes  arriving  at  the  junction  and  returned  to 
Pittsfield  approximately  an  hour  later. 

The  1897  train  schedule  pictured  the  Union  Station  in 
St.  Louis,   largest,  handsomest,   and  most  magnificient 
passenger  station  in  the  world-costing  $5, 000,  000  with  Mr. 
Fred  Harvey  managing  the  restaurant  meals  served  a  la  carte, 
plan,  except  noon  lunch,    for  35  cents. 

Sleeping  buffet  cars  had  high-cushioned  backs  with 
electric  bells  to  summon  the  porter  at  all  hours.  A  full  page 
told  of  arrangements  with  the  New  York  Central  and  Hudson 
River  and  West  Shore  R.  R.  for  round  trip  to  Niagara  Falls. 

The  total  mileage  of  the  Wabash  line  was  2, 124.6 
miles  as  of  May  1,    1897  and  pictured  in  two  colors  on  the 
cover  was  Wabash  Engine  144  with  the  old  fashioned  rod 
and  pin  coupler.  Pintsch  gas  was  used  to  cook,  light  and 
provide  steam  heat  on  the  cafe  and  buffet  cars. 

Newspaper  and  magazine  publishers  and  agencies  were 
well  advertised  in  the  time  table  and  News  "Butches"  sold 
reading  material,  candy  bars,   etc.  Sleeping  car  rates  betwe- 
en St.  Louis  and  Chicago  were  $2.00;  drawing  room  $7.00; 
Chicago  and  New  York  $5  and  $18;  St.  Louis  and  Los  Ange- 
les $14.50  and  $36. 

Fausts  famous  Oyster  House  in  St.  Louis  also  advertised 

clam,  fish,  lobster,  terrapin  together  with  foreign  delicacies. 

Special  rates  could  be  had  by  Stock  men  and  theatrical 

people  at  the  Atlantic  Hotel  in  Chicago  then  at  Sherman 

and  VanBuren  Streets  $2.00  per  day.  The  Arlington  was  the 


only  hotel  on  the  United  States  Reservation  at  Hot  Springs, 
Ark.  Steel  bridges  connected  each  floor  with  the  mountain 
in  the  rear  for  easy  wheeling  of  invalids  to  the  mountain 
and  for  escape  in  case  of  fire. 

The  1888  train  schedules  had  three  trains  east  thru 
Bluffs  arriving  3:19  a.m.,   and  7:08  a.m.  and  6:55  p.m. 
Going  west  trains  arrived  at  12:10  a.m.  7:15  p.m.  and 
8:18  a.m.  There  were  two  passenger  trains  thru  Meredosia 
from  Quincy  to  Keokuk  to    Bluffs  6:53  a.m.  and  6:36  p.m. 
going  east  and  7:39  p.m.  and  8:40  a.m.  going  west. 

-Coupon  Stations- Coupon  stations  were  listed  in  1897 
along  with  population- Bluffs  in  1897-421;  Barry- 1,354; 
Chapin-500,   Chicago- 1,  099,  850,    Decatur  16,  841,  Jack- 
sonville 12,   935,   and  Springfield  24,963. 

The  scheduled  time  from  Decatur  to  Hannibal  was  4 
hours  50  minutes  in  1888  and  there  was  little  difference  in 
1897.   The  passenger  trains  were  even  numbered  going  east 
thru  Bluffs- No.    6  daily.   No.  44  daily  except  Sunday  and 
No.  42  daily.  Going  west.   No.    1,   No.  5  and  No.  3  daily 
except  No.  5,  The  numbers  changed  somewhat  for  the 
'97  timetable  but  were  even  or  odds  by  direction. 

The  Wabash  ran  9  suburban  trains  from  St.  Charles  into 
St.   Louis  Union  Station-six  in  the  a.m.  and  4  in  the  after- 
noon-six daily,   3  daily  except  Sunday  and  one  Sunday  morn- 
ing only.  An  equal  number  also  served  St.   Charles  via 
Ferguson  to  Olive  Street,   St.   Louis.  The  time  for  the  run 
averaged  40  and  50  minutes  for  the  23.3  miles  to  Union 
Station  and  about  the  same  for  the  22.5  miles  to  Olive  St. 

In  1888  the  Wabash  agent  at  Chapin  was  E.L.  Riggs; 
Bluffs-H.C.  Finney;  Meredosia,  M.F.  Anderson;  Naples- 
John  Quinlan;  Neelys,  F.  L.  Winesburg;  Valley  City-D".  L, 
McCartney,  Versailles-E.  B,  Owen;  Markham-G.W.  Sar- 
geant,   Griggsville- C.  C.  Wilson;  Baylis-T.  F.McPherson. 

Bluffs  and  Jacksonville  were  the  only  stations  in  this 
area  with  day  and  night  telegraph  and  coupon  service. 


Pictured  in  1914  at  the  Griggsville  Fair  are  Lecie 
Cox  and  Earl  Gibnan,   now  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Earl  Gilman  of 
Bluffs. 


■  152- 


This  photograph  reproduced  with  the  following  article, 
page  78,   Railway  Age,   August  14,    1948: 

ILLINOIS'  FIRST  LOCOMOTIVE  REPRESENTED  AT 
FAIR-On  exhibition  by  the  Wabash  at  the  Railroad  Fair  in 
Chicago  is  a  replica  of  the  "Rogers",   first  steam  locomo- 
tive to  operate  in  Illinois  and  the  West.  The  locomotive  was 
the  fourth  built  by  Rogers,   Ketchum  &  Crosvenor,   of  Pater- 
son,   N.J.,   and  was  listed  on  the  books  of  that  company  as 
"Experiment"  when  completed  on  June  12,    1838.  After  a 
long  sea  and  river  voyage  via  New  Orleans,  the  machine 
reached  Meredosia,   on  the  Illinois  River,   on  November  8, 
1838,   and  was  placed  in  service  two  days  later  on  the  North- 
em  Cross  (now  Wabash).  This  was  only  a  little  more  than 
eight  years  after  common  carrier  railroading  started  in  the 
United  States. 

Actual  dimensions  of  the  "Rogers"  are  not  known,  but 
it  is  believed  to  have  been  somewhat  smaller  than  Rogers' 
first  product,   the  famous  "Sandusky".  Historians  estimate 
it  weighed  about  seven  tons. 

(First  four  locomotives  of  Rogers,   Ketchum  G  Crosvenor 
of  similar  design  except  for  smaller  dimensions  of  the 
"Rogers". 


-:-  One  Hundred  Years  of  Progress  -:- 

Bonnie's  Beauty  Shop 

Bluffs,   Illinois 

BONNIE  COLLISON 

Southtown  Motors  ^0 

1789  South  Main  Street  D 

Quality  Used  Cars  V 

Buy  -  Sell  -  Trade  ^ 

Ph:  245-2682  \ 


Larry  Schmaljohn, 
Owner 
Jacksonville,  niinois 

Stereo  Village 

116  West  Morton 

Finest    in    Stereo 

Auto    -    Home    -    Boat 

Ph:  245-9222 

Jacksonville,    niinois 


.153- 


iiZ' 


^?>p»-^ 


Two  different  views  of  the  Bluffs  Community  Band  taken  in  the  late  1890's.  Do  you  know  anyone? 


.154- 


BLUFFS  WATER  &  SEWER  DEPARTMENTS 


■*-Story  by  John  Brown,  Water  Superintendent- *- 


Bluffs  is  located  in  the  northwest  comer  of  Scott  Co- 
It  is  approximately  fifty  miles  west  of  Springfield,    HI., 
the  Capitol  of  Illinois  and  is  served  by  Illinois  Route  100 
and  the  Norfolk  and  Western  Railroad.   The  first  settlers 
arrived  in  1829  when  the  town  was  named  Deerfield  and 
then  changed  to  Bluffs,   and  became  incorporated  in  1871. 
1936—1953 

The  Village  operates  its  own  water  works  and  was  com- 
pleted by  the  P.W.  A.   November  20,  1936  at  a  toul  cost 
of  nearly  $60,000.  The  well  No.   1,   is  56  feet  deep  (which 
is  not  in  use),   and  pumping  at  the  rate  of  100  gallon  per 
minute.  Water  rates  were   minimum  charge  of  $1.50,  first 
2,000  gallons  or  less,   then  .604  per  thousand  with  the   rates 
decreasing  with  the  more  used.  Starting  with  less  than 
100  service  taps  the  number  of  users  has  grown  by  1939  to 
160  connections.  The  tapping  fee  cost  $1.50.  Hugh  Moore 
was  Water  Superintendent  since  the  system  was  placed  in 
operation. 

Existing  equipment  consists  of  dry  feeders  for  feeding 
lirae  and  alum,   a  mixing  basin,   settling  tank,   and  recar- 
bonation  equipment.   In  1942  No.  2  well  was  installed 
which  is  still  used  only  as  a  standby.  The  present  capa- 
city is  approximately  50  gallons  per  minute  with  the  depth 
of  61  feet. 

1953—1956 

The  years  meters  were  installed  of  approximately  280 
and  the  well  No.  2  was  down  with  a  broken  shaft.  And  a 
new  chlorinator  was  installed,  feeding  a  hypo-chlorite 
solution  into  the  water.  The  Plant  itself  was  in  need  of 
repair. 

1956—1965 

By  1958  well  No.  3  was  constructed,  located  north- 
east of  the  building  and  is  used  almost  exclusively.  And 
was  designed  to  deliver  150  gallons  per  minute  with  a 
depth  of  59  feet. 

In  1963  was  the  big  turning  point  in  the  water  treat- 
ment plant  improvement.  The  rebuilding  of  the  plant, 
is  capable  of  removing  the  iron  and  manganese  from  the 
raw  water,  operating  at  the  rate  of  150  gallons  per  minute. 


The  finished  water  having  an  iron  and  magnasese  content 
of  0.2  parts  per  million.  And  water  carrying  a  clorine 
residual  of  at  least  0.2  parts  per  million  as  it  leaves  the 
plant.    The  plant  was  operated  by  Harold  Baird  at  this 
time. 

1965—1971 
Through  this  time  more   homes  were  built.   The  addi- 
sion  of  Valley  View  was  added  to  the  water  system.  Out- 
side meters  were  put  on  for  better  reading,  valves  were  re- 
placed.  Flouridation  was  installed  June  11,    1968,   in  order 
to  protect  the  dental  health  of  the  children.    There  are 
presently  331  water  customers,  which  use  approximately 
75,000  gallons  per  day,   pumping  at  the  rate  of  150  gal- 
lon per  minute.  Water  rates  were  raised,   December  1, 
1970  to  $3.00  for  the  first  2,  500  gallons  per  month  with 
the  next  7,  500  at  .50(t   per  1000  gallons  and  the  rate  de- 
creasing with  the  more  used. 

The  cost  for  the  installing  was  $23,491. 18.  The  water 
rates  were  raised  to  $2.  25  for  the  first  2,  500  gallons  per 
month  or  less  with  the  next  7,  500  gallons  at  504  per 
1000  and  with  the  rates  decreasing  with  the  more  used. 
At  die  present  time  the  Plant  consists  of  two  drilled 
wells,   one  of  which  is  No.  3  well  which  is  59  feet  deep 
and  the  other  No.  2  well,  which  is  61  feet  deep.  The 
Village  of  Bluffs  has  two  storage  tanks.  One  at  the  Plant 
which  holds  approximately  25,000  gallons,   and  one  locat- 
ed on  North  Street,   east  ot  State  Route  100.,  which  has 
a  capacity  of  80,  000  gallons.  The  wells  deliver  water 
through  a  forced  air,   aerator,   into  the  storage  tank  at  the 
plant.   Then  its  picked  up  by  a  HS-Service  pump,   taking 
the  water  through  the  plant  for  processing  and  to  the  water 
tower  and  on  to  the  consumer. 

Pumping  increased  from  1967  to  1971  to  5.3  million 
gallons.  Averaging  75,  000  gallons  per  day.   The  pipe 
lines  running  through  the  village  pipe  are  mostly  4  inchs 
and  6  inch  mains,   and  approximately  7  miles  of  pipe. 
John  Brown  in  Bluffs  Water  Superintendent  at  the  present 
time. 


The  Villagt  oi  Bluffs  Sanitary  Sewer  System  and  Sewage 
Treatment  Plant  was  completed  by  the  W.P.  A.  by  1940, 
with  approximately  5.6  miles  of  pipe.  There  are  presently 
317  connected  onto  the  system.  Sewer  mains  running  through 


■155- 


the  Village  are  mostly  8  inch  versified  clay  tile,  with  sixty 
manholes. 

The  treatment  was  designed  for  a  population  of  1,000  to 
75,  000  gallons  per  day,  with  the  plant  average  flow  per  day 
approximately  40,000  gallons  (dry  weather  flow). 

The  plant  was  designed  as  a  trickling  filter  plant,  consist- 
ing primarily  of  a  preliminary,  primary  and  secondary  treat- 
ment. Preliminary  treatment  consists  of  two  submerged  cen- 
trifugal sewage  pimnping  units  and  bar  screen;  primary  is 
settling  tank  of  the  Imhoff  type,  which  settles  out  the  heavy 
material;  secondary  treatment  is  the  last  stage  of  treatment, 
where  sewage  runs  through  the  trickling  filter  for  aeriation 
and  then  to  the  final  settling  tank. 

The  pumps  have  a  capacity  of  140  gallon  per  minute. 

BOND  ISSUE  PASSED  IN  BLUFFS— A  Bond  Issue  for  the  im- 
provement of  the  Bluffs  Village  Sewer  facilities  passed  Tues- 
day,  November  17,   1970  by  a  vote  of  77  for  and  19  against. 

The  bond  issue,  totaling  $94, 000,  was  for  payment  of  the 
cost  of  improving  the  village  sewer  system,  including  im- 
provements to  the  sewerage  treatment  plant. 

The  bonds  were  to  bear  interest  at  a  rate  not  exceeding 
7  percent. 

The  bond  issue  was  passed  primarily  to  be  used  at  water 
plant  located  west  of  Bluffs  in  the  purchase  of  six  acres  of 
land  from  Glenn  Head  of  Springfield,  to  build  a  lagoon,  and 
completely  renovate  the  water  works.    Plans  are  to  rehabili- 
tate and  enlarge  the  existing  sewage  treatment  facility  to 
increase  its  capacity  and  enable  the  same  to  meet  the  needs 
of  the  Village,  such  improvements  consisted  of  the  construc- 
tion and  installation  of  waste  stabilization  lagoons,   construc- 
tion and  installation  of  a  new  lift  station,  repairing  and  en- 
larging sludge  drying  beds,   constructing  and  equipping  a 
chlorination  treatment  plant,  rehabilitating  and  making  ad- 
ditions to  the  existing  sewage  treatment  plant  and  included 
all  piping,   equipment,   valves,  controls,  wiring  and  appiut- 
enances  incident  thereto. 

Work  was  to  begin  in  the  late  summer  of  1971. 


BLUFFS  VILLAGE  HALL 


BEST  WISHES 

Lenoras  Beauty  Shop 


LENORA  STEVENS 
Bluffs,    Illinois 


The  North  Scott  Fire  Protection  District  is  made  up  of 
volunteer  firemen.  The  Fire  Chief  during  our  Centennial 
year  is  John  Brown,  pictured  above. 


CONGRATULATIONS 
FROM 


Schuyler  Laboratories 

MACOMB   ROAD 

P.  O.    BOX  107 

RUSHVILLE,    ILLINOIS 

Laboratory  Diagnostic  Service 
Swine  Pharmaceutical  Specialties 

VERNON  L.    COCKERILL,  DVM 
CLINTON  R.    HILLS,  DVM 


■  156- 


Happy   Anniversary,    Bluffs 

Jan's  Beauty  Salon 

Bluffs,    Illinois 
DALE  GJANBUHLIG 


Happy  Centennial  Days. , . . 

Wafts  D-X 


South  Main  &  Morton 
Jacksonville,    Illinois 
Phone  243-9932 


It's  a  Great  Village,  and  We're  Proud 
to  be  a  Part  of  it!    Congratulations! 

Collison's 
Construction  Co. 

Russell  Collison 
Bluffs,  Illinois 


1871-1971 

"Happy   Anniversary   To   All, 
And  Best  Wishes  For  The  Future" 

SPORTSWEAR  G  DRESS  APPAREL 
Junior    -     Missy     and     Half    Sizes 
COME     IN   AND    BROWSE 

Cinderella   Shop 

231  West  State  St.    -    Jacksonville,   Illinois 


Best  Wishes  for  the  Future. . 
1871      -:-      1971 


Wade  awd  IDowland 

OFFICE  EQUIPMENT  AND  SUPPLIES 

221   WEST   STATE  PHONE   243-201S 

JACKSONVILLE.  ILLINOIS 


dd  feshioned 


BI-RITE 


Superway  m  Beardstown 


TOMAHAWK  PRICES 


Schwinn  Bicycles  .  Hobby  Corner  .  Accessories 
Parts  .   Factory  Trained  Repair  Service 

JOHNGOTSCHAll 
NEW  &  USED  Own,, 

ONf  Of  JMt  lAKGfSr  STOCKS  245-5227 
Of  PA«rs  4  ncPAies  in  cihtsai  iii/nois 

VILLAGE  CYCLERY 

^  ,.  1407  S    Villoge  Lane  South  Jocksonville 

Prit^tf  C»Jinl»r  of  Bicftlti.  ^ 


.157- 


LaBelle  Vannier  Merriman, 
Zita   M.  Merris,   Minnie 
Chamberlain  Muntman  and 
Pearl  Rockwood  Dunbar. 


A  picture  of  the  Ladies  Aid  of  the  M.P.  Church  in  1924 
or  1925, 


Mrs,  John  E.  Learned  ('Aunt 
Bell'),    who  was  the  sister  of 
Elizabeth  Ann  Hatfield  Shore, 
the  wife  of  James  N.  Shore  and 
Aunt  of  Rena  Shore  Walgren. 


Pictured  are 
the  'Shore  Bro- 
thers'; James  N, 
Shore,   Fred  C. 
Shore  and  Frank 
Shore. 


-158- 


Center:  Bernard  Rudolph  Muller;  on  his  lap,  Wilhebn 
Gerhart  Muller,  his  oldest  child;  to  his  right,  his  wife, 
Anna  Mary  Adeline  Nortrup  Muller,  holding  Anna  and 
Margretha  Muller.    Standing:    Bernard's  sister  and  mother. 

According  to  the  wedding  certificate,  still  legible, 
Bernard  Rudolph  Muller  and  Anna  Mary  Adeline  Nortrup 
were  married  April  14,  1865,  the  day  Alraham  Lincoln 
was  shot.  (Legend  has  it  that  the  marriage  was  on  ship- 
board as  they  arrived  from  Germany,  but  research  has 
not  yet  proved  or  disproved  this. ) 

Bernard  Mueller  and  his  wife  settled  on  a  farm  about 
two  miles  from  Bluffs  a  century  ago  which  is  still  owned 
and  operated  by  his  granddaughter,   Henrietta  Schweer, 
the  daughter  of  Annie  Marie  Muller. 


Picture  taken  September  9,   1916  on  the  2Sth  wed- 
ding anniversary  of  Wm.  G.  Mueller  (Bernard  Rudolph 
Muller's  oldest  child)  and  Barbara  Vortman  Mueller. 
First  Row:  Olin     Second  Row:    Vem,  I.D.,   Vita 
Back  Row:  jZela,   Coin,  William  and  Barbara.    (May  31, 
1971  —  Wm.  G.,  Barbara  and  Coin  O.  ,   deceased) 


Muller  Family  Well  Reoresented 
in  Bluffs  History 

There  are  now  six  generations  of  Muellers  beginning 
with  Bernard  Rudolph   Mueller  who  brought  his  bride  to  a 
farm  so  near  to  Bluffs  a  century  ago.    There  were  12  chil- 
dren,  two  of  whom  died  in  infancy.    Only  one  child  is 
living  (May  31,  1971)  --Edith  Mueller  Seeman.  (Mrs. 
Clarence).    She  has  lived  within  the  city  of  Bluffs  for 
more  than  fifty  years.    Many  other  descendents  still  live 
in  Bluffs  or  nearby.    Others  may  be  found  from  California 
to  New  Jersey.    Allied  last  names  are  Berry,  Busch,   Chap- 
man,  Coltrin,   Edwards,   Filer,  Fiene,   Graushrick,   Graus- 
man,  Fowler,  Fargo,   Hutton,   Havlin,   Hyler,  Kunkel, 
Krause,  Kuhn,   Kahle,   Loyd,   Loesch,  Langford,   Nepel, 
Goodal,   Paddock,   Sappington,   Spurbeck,   Roe,   Thomas, 
McCormick,  Morris,   Sonntag,   Sweetman,  Wilson,   Ed- 
wards. 

Since  the  turn  of  the  century,  the  town  of  Bluffs  has 
always  had  one  or  more  of  his  descendents  in  business-- 
poultry,   egg,   restaurant    ice,  coal,  general  store,  real 
estate,   feed  and  motor  cycle  and  machinery.    Many 
others  have  chosen  teaching,   farming  and  railroading 
(when  it  was  at  its  peak).    A  large  percent  have  college 
training.    As  a  family,  most  members,  have  been  and 
still  are  consistant  Lutherans,  serving  in  church  offices 
and  in  Bible  School. 

Rudolph  Mueller's  name  appears  among  the  charter 
voting  members  ot  the  Trinity  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church  at  Neelyville  in  1870.    William  Mueller  was  on 
the  building  committee  and  was  the  first  Church  secretary 
of    St.  John's  Lutheran  Church  in  Bluffs  in  1913. 

The  members  of  the  family  have  been  loyal  citizens 
of  USA,  serving  and  sacrificing  for  their  country 

The  Bluffs  Centejmial  is  thus  richer,   in  business, 
professions,  in  civil  and  religious  life  for  the  contribu- 
tions of  such  families  as  the  Muellers. 


Emma  Weiss  Mueller  hanging  the  U.S.  Mail  at  Neely- 
ville, 111.,   in  the  years  of  1911-12,   and  13. 


-159- 


Anna  Vannier  Sommers,  mother  of 
Henry  and  John  Sommers  of  Jackson- 
ville and  the  late  Lillian  Sommers  Rolf 


Fred  G.  Vannier  and  sisters,  Katie 
Vannier  O'Hair  and  Caroline  Vannier 
Merriman  _  date  unknown- 


Louise  Vannier  Budke  with  a  son  Harry, 
living  in  Witchita,  Kansas,   and  a 
daughter,  Florence  Budke  Lacy,  living 
in  Califomia. 


Old  Methodist  Church  group 


•  160- 


Congratulations  and  Best  Wishes 

Donald  Mulkns 


Phillips  66  Tank  Truck  Service 
Bluffs,   Illinois 


Happy    Birthday,     Bluffs! 

The  Brick  Tavern 


Claude  "Bud"  and  Clara  Davis 
Bluffs,  Illinois 


1871 


1971 


The   Drexel 

301  West  State    -    Jacksonville,    Illinois 


RESTAURANT 

& 

BILLARDS 

PIPES    &    TOBACCO 


All  Good  Wishes  For  the  Future 

COLOR  MART 

DECORATORS  SUPPLIES    •    PAINT 
WALLPAPER     .     FABRICS 

'YOUR  ONE  STOP  DECORATING  SHOP' 

1724  SOUTH  MAIN.  JACKSONVILLE.   ILLINOIS  62650 


Happy   Anniversary 
to  Our  Friends  in  Bluffs  I 


Zinn's  Dairy 

PHONE    323-2484 
1212    WALL    STREET 
BEARDSTOWN,      ILLINOIS 


'B?'\ 


Congratulations  From 


Oscar  Mayer  and  Co. 


Beardstown,  Illinois 


•161- 


George  H.  Vannier,  pictured  when  in  New  York,   as 
joint  administrator  of  the  estate  of  Henry  Middendorf,  with 
Henry  Olson. 


El 

m 

^^^^^Ki£jcx^^^ 

" 

■F^ 

1 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edward 
H.    Ranft,   Bluffs,   Illinois. 
(June  1968) 


ZILLA  PRICE  ADAMS 
Mrs.   Adams  was  the  wife  of 
W.  G.   "Doc"  Adams. 


Paid  H.  Vannier 


Gretchen  Vannier,   daughter  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Paul  H.  Vannier. 


Mrs.  Paul  (Dorothy)  Vannier, 

when  she  served  in  WWII  in  WAACS. 


W  E  ARE  PROUD  TO  BE 
A  PART  OF  THIS  GREAT 
TOWN  OF  BLUFFS 

Hullinger  Texaco 

& 

OpaTs  Economy 

Store 

CLYDE  and  OPAL  HULLINGER 

Bluffs,    Illinois 

■  162- 


L.  to  R.  Standing:  Elmer  Anderson,   Harry  Sears,   C.W. 
Hyde,  Dan  Harvry,  W.N.  Osborne,   George  Thome.  Seated- 
John  Piefer,  Dave  Richards,  Was  Finney,   R.D.  Mentz. 


John  H.  Mueller,   Raymond  Mueller,  Alvie  Inskip  on 
butchering  day  long  ago. 


Mrs.  Louisa  Conrady,   mother  of 
Katie  Englebrect*  and  John  Conrady  and 
Ella  Tomhave.  Bom  1860,  died  1944.  Lived 
in  Bluffs  and  Ncelyville  area  all  her  life.  Was 
and  aunt  of  Senator  Everett  Dirksen  of  Illinois. 


-163- 


This  picture  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harmon  Schuessler    taken 
in  1919  at  Bluffs,   Illinois. 


Mary  Ellen  Whipple  Cox,  'Grandmother  Cox' 
with  grandchildren,  Mary  Price  Chambers 
and  George  Price.  (ISXDS) 


LaBelle,  youngest  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Geo.  H. 
Vannier.    She  taught  school  in  Bluffs,  West  Frankford, 
Riverside,  Virden,   Roanoke,   Chapin  ,  Jacksonville  and 
retired  from  Winchester  last  year  to  become  a  world  trav- 
eler.   Sh«-  Jnd  her  husband,   the  late  Harry  Merriman  of 
Virden,  resided  in  Jacksonville  and  raised  two  adopted 
children. 


R.  D.  MERRIS 


■  164- 


Congratulations 


to  aU  the  People  of  BLUFFS  TOWNSHIP 


of  your  100  Years  of  Progress 


A-MART 

(DISCOUNT  FOODS) 

LINCOLN    SQUARE 

SHOPPING    CENTER 

JACKSONVILLE,    ILL 


-:-    1871    - 


1971    -:- 


BEST   WISHES    ON    THIS 
lOOTH    ANNIVERSARY! 


Fox's  Lounge 

George  L.   Fox,  Owner 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 


1871 


1971 


Bea/idiiaoui 

BEARDSTOWN.  ILLINOIS 

PHONE 

217/323-3649 


1871    -:-    1971 
BLUFFS 


V 


Myers 
^    Nursing   Home 


m 


'A    SKILLED    NURSING    FACILITY" 

15th  &  Canal  Street 
Beardstown,    Illinois 


.LE   ^AO 

Telephone~323-3302V/    /u 
Our  30   Year  Guaranty  of  Satisfaction 


s^ 


-165- 


Left  to  Right:  Floyd  Hierman,   Cecil  Murrah,   Dr.  Harvey 
Sears,   Roy  Beird,   Glen  Head,   Dr.  E.C.  Thome,  Jennings 
Thompson,   Leroy  Castle,   Russell  Wolford — Basketball 
Class  of  1915  at  Bluffs  High  School. 


Mary  Vannier  Boesch, 
mother  of  May  Schulty,  lived 
most  of  her  life  in  Nebraska 
and  Kansas. 


Willing  Workers  Aid  Society  of 
Trinity  Lutheran  Church 

In  July  1917  a  Ladies  Aid  Society  was  organized 
which  chose  as  its  name  "The  Willing  Workers  Aid 
Society". 

The  members  meet  regularly  twice  a  month  and 
spend  much  time  in  quilting  and  serving  dinners  to  local 
organizations.  Lunch  has  been  provided  at  many  'Sales' 
throughout  the  community. 

Since  its  existence  this  Society  has  donated  generous- 
ly to  benevolent  and  charitable  piuposes  and  provided  for 
some  of  the  interior  furnishing  of  the  church.  It  has  given 
generously  to  the  Building  Fund  of  the  new  church. 

At  tlie  present  time  it  numbers  42  members.  We 
have  one  charter  member  and  10  honorary  members. 

The  Officers  during  1971  are:  Mrs.  Aldo  Engelbrecht, 
President,  Mrs.  Carl  PahLman,  Vice-President;  Mrs. 
Paul  Ellerman,   Secretary  and  Mrs.  Henry  Pahlman, 
Treasurer. 

The  Organization  became  affiliated  with  the  Luth- 
eran Women's  Missionary  League  or  in  short  L.W.M.L. 
in  1941.  The  L.W.M.L.  edits  a  Quarterly  Publication 
which  includes  three  lessons.  These  topics  are  used, 
studied  and  discussed  at  the  Business  Meeting,    the  first 
Thursday  of  every  month.  The  Mite  Box  Service  of  which 
Mrs.  Clarence  Pahlman  is  chairman  is  also  conducted 
quarterly.  This  money  flows  into  the  Treasury  of  the 
L.W.M.L.   and  is  used  for  projects,  needing  assistance, 
at  Home  or  Abroad.  Just  last  year  Bethesda  Lutheran 
Home  received  a  check  for  $7,777.50. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harrison  Corbridge  in  baker  uniform  dress 
in  front  of  their  first  bakery  in  Bluffs.   (There  was  an  earlier 
baKery  with  gas  engine  powered  dough  mixing  machine  on 
the  present  site  of  the  Don  Savage  Barbershop. )  The  con- 
crete base  for  the  machine  is  between  the  rear  of  the  bar- 
bershop and  the  two  bedroom  trailer  occupied  by  Mrs. 
Kixkbride,   daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Martin  Magelitz. 


■  166- 


Ida  Frohwitter  Schuessler,   Harriett  Frohwitter  Eagan, 
Anna  Frohwitter  Gaus,  Carl  Richardson  and  Bill  Glaze. 


Mrs.  Florence  Frohwitter  Glaze 
in  1908.  She  is  the  mother  of  Mrs. 
Ida  B.  Schuessler. 


1871 


Bluffs 

YERLIN  ROLF 

Your  FS  Truck  Agent 
Bluffs,   Illinois 


1971 


1871  -Bluffs-  1971 

RONALD    OILMAN 

Your  Country  Companies  Insurance  Agent 
Bluffs,    Illinois 


-167- 


OLD-TIME  HUNTER-ALLEN  LUMBER  CO.  Pictured 
above  are  Andrew  Allen,  Elmer  Wolford,   Russell 
Wolford  and  Dave  Kilpatrick, 


Compliments  of. 


000*0000 


Lanes  Book  Store 

SCHOOL    G    OFFICE    SUPPLIES 
JACKSONVILLE,     ILLINOIS 


Fred  G.  and  Sarah  Burrus  Vannier 
on  their  wedding  day,  1904 


HAPPY  ANNIVERSARY  TO  ALL ! 


LINDSEY'S 


Phone  225-3200 
VERSAILLES,   ILLINOIS 


APPLIANCES 


John  and  Caroline  Vannier  Merriman,  parents 
of  seven  children,   Oscar,  Mabel,   Helen,  Roy, 
Archie,   Bess  and  Nina,  (early  1900's). 


Good  Luck  in  the  Future 

Thrift  Travel  Service 

Jacksonville,  Illinois       ,  Ph:  245-6712 


-168- 


HAPPY  ANNIVERSARY, 
CITIZENS  OF  BLUFFS 


Vince's 
Lounge   &   Pizza 


304  So.  Main 

Jacksonville,    Illinois 

Ph:  243-4811  or  243-9911 

Pizzas,   Barbeque,   Poor  Boys, 
all  food  available  for  carry-out. 


n-.-^ 


% 


T    I 


CONGRATULATIONS 

Iva  &   Rudy's 
Antiques 

615  Edwards    -     Beardstown,    Illinois 
PHONE  217    323-4344 

1871-1971 


Bluffs 


BEST   WISHES  for 
Continued  Progress  &  Growth 


AC.  Frields 

REUPHOLSTERING 
Jacksonville,  Illinois 


328  S.  Main 


Phone  245-9776 


Congratulations  to  Village  of  Bluffs 


Tire$fone 


High  Performance  Tire  Center 


923  South  Main,  Jacksonville     Ph.  245-2139 


■  169- 


Power  Tractor  Trucks 


One  of  the  first  power  tractor  trucks  being  demonstrated  on 
the  late  James  Hamilton  farm  west  of  Bluffs.  John  and  Grant 
Pine  were  in  the  Avery  Implement  business    in  1910. 


FRED  D.   BROCK  HOUSE  GARAGE  AND  MACHINE  SHOP 


In  1912  or  1913  Fred  D.  Brockhouse  sold  his  light 
plant  to  the  CIPS  Co.  He  then  started  a  garage  and  mach- 
ine shop  in  the  building  next  door  to  die  light  plant.  These 
buildings  were  located  next  to  the  bridge  where  Cockerill's 
Garage  was  located,  now  leased  by  Illinois  Valley  as  a 
machine  shop. 

During  the  time  Mr.  Brockhouse  operated  the  garage, 
he  had  the  first  car  dealership  in  Bluffs.    The  cars  were 
"Regal"  make,   and  had  a  right  hand  drive.    They  were 
made  in  Detroit  with  Mrs.  Brockhouse's  cars  coming  from 
St.  Louis  and  were  shipped  by  boat  to  Naples.    He  ran  the 
garage  until  the  WW  I  started.    He  then  sold  the  business. 


Another  view  of  the  "Regal' 


WHICH  WHEAT  FOR  ILLINOIS? 

So  read  the  headlines  in  August,  1951 ! 

Aroimd  the  turn  of  the  century,   a  yoimg  Scott  county  farm- 
er named  Royal  Oakes  began  raising  wheat  as  his  father  and 
grandfather  had  done  before  him.  Some  years,  his  yields  were 
disappointingly  low.  The  wheat  froze  out.  This  set  Oakes  to 
thinking  that  perhaps  there  were  better  varieties  of  the  crop 
that  might  put  up  a  stiffer   fight  against  winter  killing. 

He  decided  to  test  them  himself.  He  sowed  the  new  seed 
in  1907  and  thus  were  bom  the  Oakes  wheat  test  plots.  They 
are  now  famous  for  the  fact  that  in  each  of  the  past  64  years 
a  part  of  the  Oakes  farm  has  been  devoted  to  testing  differ- 
ent varieties  of  the  grain.  These  years  have  meant  for  him 
and  his  sons,   a  long  search  to  find  the  best  types  for  his  home 
state.  Farmers  came  each  year  from  miles  and  miles  aroimd 
to  watch  the  tests  with  a  careful  eye  for  information  about 
yield,  weight,  moisture   content,  quality  of  straw,  height, 
standir^  ability  and  resistance  to  disease. 

Oakes,  a  charter  member  of  his  county  Farm  Bureau,  ran 
his  own  test  plots  for  23  years.  Then,  in  1930,  University  of 
Illinois  crop  scientists  asked  him  to  test  some  varieties  for 
them  to  find  out  what  their  milling  qualities  might  be.  He 
cooperated  with  the  imiversity  up  until  the  time  of  his  death 
in  1967,  and  his  son,  Harold,  has  carried  on  the  Oakes  tradi- 
tion in  his  place. 

On  the  next  page,  is  the  front  cover  of  the  lAA  RECORD, 
a  Farm  Bureau  magazine,  published  in  August,   1951,  which 
featured  Mr.  Oakes  on  it's  cover,  with  story  inside. 

Mr.  Oakes,   86,  passed  away  at  8:00  p.m.  Tuesday,  May 
30,   1967  at  Passavant  Hospital  in  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  where 
he  had  been  a  patient  many  times  prior  to  his  death. 

Mr.  Oakes  was  bom  in  Bluffs  October  24,   1881,  the  son 
of  Henry  and  Emaline  Richardson  Oakes.  He  married  Miss 
Margaret  Payne  October  5,    1913.  She  died  in  1969.  Surviv- 
ing are  three  sons,   Harold  of  Bluffs,   Charles  of  Equador, 
and  James  of  St.  Louis,   and  these  grandchildren:  John  and 
Steven  Oakes,   Mrs.  Frances  Goetze,   Mrs.  Sandra  Coon, 
Jacqueline  and  Alfred  Oakes,   and  these  great-grandchild- 
ren,  Melissa  and  Dicky  Coon  and  Rae-ann  and  Rodney  Goetze 
One  sister,  Mrs.  Glenn  Head  of  Springfield  also  survives. 

He  was  preceded  in  death  by  one  son,  Henry  Warren  and 
two  sisters  and  a  brother. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Scott  County  Farm  Bureau  and 
served  on  the  Board  of  Directors  at  the  Bank  of  Bluffs.  He 
was  active  in  the  Bluffs  Methodist  Church. 

Mr.  Oakes,   in  his  past  career,  besides  being  a  very 
successful  and  respected  farmer  in  the    Bluffs  community, 
has  been  quite  active  with  the  College  of  Agriculture  in 
the  Department  of  Agronomy  at  the  University  of  Illinois, 
and  has  raised  a  great  many  test  plots  of  grain  and  nut  trees 
during  his  lifetime. 

Private  Services  were  held  at  the  Oakes  home  with  Rev. 
M.D.  Goldsborough  officiating.  Interment  was  in  Fairview 
cemetery.   Bluffs. 

Besides  his  activitiy  with  the  College  of  Agriculture  in  the 
Department  of  Agronomy  at  the  University  of  Illinois,  he  was 
a  very  successful  and  respected  farmer  in  our  community, 
and  in  later  life  also  gained  fame  for  experiments  with  nut 
trees. 

It  is  indeed  a  great  privilege  to  list  Mr.  Oakes  in  our  Cen- 
tennial Magazine.  He  was  a  fine  man! 


-170- 


AUGUST  •  1951 


c-a» 


Which  Wheat  for  Illinois?^*. 


.171- 


Seated  1-r:  Mrs.  Belle  Wright,  Mrs.  Joseph  Moore,  Mrs,  Hattie  Middendorf,   Mrs.  Joseph  Moore,  Mrs.  Gony  Cordell 
Moore  and  George  Moore;  standing  1-r:  Ira  Moore,  Mrs.  William  Moore,  Mrs.  Sadie  Hart  (mother  of  Mrs.  Beulah 
Sears),  Mrs.  Charles  Moore,  Mrs.  Estella  Middendorf  (only  one  living),  John  Moore  and  Mrs.  Einma  Huddleston. 


Scott  Lodge  #708I.O.O.F.  Bluffs,  Illinois 


-172- 


Our  Government  Representatives 


w 


PAUL  FINDLEY 

Congressman  of  Twentieth  District  (R) 


JERRY  CORBETT 

Representative,  Democrat 


THOMAS  C.  ROSE 

Representative,  Republican 

76th 
GENERAL  ASSEMBLY    FIFTIETH  DISTRICT 


ELMO  (MAC)  McLAIN 

Representative,  Democrat 


WITH  SINCERE  GOOD  WISHES 
FOR  A  SUCCESSFUL  FUTURE  I 


Voelkel  Glass  Service 

528  South  Main  -  Jacksonville,  Illinois 
Pittsburg  Paints  -  Mirrors  -  Fumilnare  Tops 
Store  Fronts 


1871 


1971 


"^  HI 

m 

Sears  Lumber  Co. 


OGDEN  &  CARROLL  SEARS 
Bluffs,  niinois 


-173- 


LETTERS  OF  CONGRATULATIONS 


STATE  OF  ILLINOIS 
OFFICE  OF  THE  GOVERNOR 

I  am  delighted  to  have  this  opportunity  of  extending 
my  hearty  congratulations  to  Bluffs,   its  officers  and  friends, 
and  to  every  resident. 

Representing  so  much  of  what    is    the    bedrock    of 
America  and  our  state, Bluffs  should  look  forward  with  con- 
fidence to  the  second  century  of  thrift,   industry,   and  good 
citizenship  for  its  families  and  children. 

Your  consciousness  of  your  past  can  be  heightened 
by  your  confidence  in  the  future. 
Sincerely, 

/s/  Richard  B.   Ogilvie 
Governor 
State  of  Illinois 

Dear  Friends:     My  sincere  congratulations  on  your  100th 
birthday. 

It  has  been  my  privilege  to  visit  Bluffs  on  many 
occasions,   one  time  to  speak  at  your  high  school  commen- 
cement and  another  time  to  speak  to  a  civic  meeting,   and 
one  time  to  speak  to  a  Methodist's  men's  group. 
I  have  also  visited  there  on  other  occasions. 
I've  always  liked  your  community  and  congratulate 
you  on  this  milestone  in  its  history. 

I  hope  the  future  of  yoirr  community  will  be  a  bright 
one  and  if  I  can  ever  be  of  assistance,  please  let  me  know. 

Cordially, 
/s/       Paul  Simon 

Lt.  Governor, 
State  of  Illinois 


The  Citizens  of  Bluffs 

%  Jones  Publishing  Company 

Box  335 

Bluffs,   Illinois 

Dear  Friends: 

With  heartiest  congratulations  I  salute  the  Bluffs  com- 
munity on  the  occasion  of  the  Centennial  Celebration. 

All  my  life  I  have  known  of  Bluffs.  First,   during  my 
boyhood  days  in  nearby  Jacksonville,   then  later  as  a  busi- 
nessman, newspaper  publisher,   in  Pittsfield,   and  finally, 
as  the  Representative  in  Congress  for  this  fine  community. 

I  congratulate  the  citizens  of  the  community  especially 
on  their  good  fortune  to  live  in  a  fine  rural  area  such  as 
Bluffs  where  there  is  a  bit  of  elbow-room,   plenty  fo  fresh 
air  and  friendly,  helpful  neighbors. 

May  the  leaders  of  tomorrow  be    as  farsighted  as 
those  of  the  past  and  present  so  that  future  generations 
may  also  enjoy  the  blessings  of  niral  community  living. 

Sincerely  yours, 

/s/  Paul  Findley 

Representative  in  Congress 

Washington,   D.  C. 


Office  of  the  Secretary  of  State 

Springfield,   Illinois 

The  Citizens  of  Bluffs 

%  Jones  Publishing  Company 

Box  335 

Bluffs,   Illinois  62621 

Dear  Friends: 

It  is  a  real  pleasure  to  add  my  congratulations  to 
the  many  others  you  have  received  on  the  one-hundredth 
anniversary  of  the  founding  of  the  Village  of  Bluffs. 

I  am  sure  the  observances  you  have  planned  for  this 
year,   climaxing  with  your  Centennial  Celebration  on 
July  10  and  11,  will  be  interesting  and  informative,   and 
it  is  most  appropriate  that  you  mark  this  occasion  in  a 
special  manner. 

In  these  days  when  everything  seems  to  move  at  jet 
speed,   it  is  well  that  we  pause  and  look  back  to  a  time 
when  life's  pace  was  less  hectic  and  recognize  that  the 
towns  and  villages  then  being  established  are  really  the 
foundation  stones  on  which  the  development  and  progress 
of  our  State  still  rests.  We  will  always  need  that  solid 
foundation  to  meet  the  challenges  of  today  and  tomorrow. 

Again,   my  congratulations,   and  all  best  wishes  for 
the  next  one  hundred  years. 
Sincerely, 
/s/  John  W.   Lewis 
Secretary  of  State 
State  of  Illinois 

The  Citizens  of  Bluffs:    Dear  Friends,    My  heartiest  con- 
gratulations on  the  occasion  of  Bluffs  Centennial  Celebra- 
tion.   I  want  you  to  know  that  I  share  in  the  pride  that  I 
am  sure  you  feel  today  --  and  I  send  my  personal  thanks 
to  each  individual  for  his  contribution  to  the  community 
of  Bluffs,    '."our  concern  and  efforts  has  made  Bluffs  the 
thriving  village  that  it  is  today,   and  I  commend  your 
spirit  of  citizenship. 

With  best  wishes  for  your  continued  success. 

Sincerely, 
/s/      Adlai  E.  Stevenson  III 

The  Citizens  of  Bluffs 

%  Jones  Publishing  Company 

Box  335 

Bluffs,   Illinois 

Dear  Citizens  of  Bluffs: 

Congratulations  on  your  Centennial ! 
I  am  sure  that  you  feel  a  deep  sense  of  pride  and 
achievement  for  the  resurrection  of  your  village  out  of 
nothing  in  the  last  100  years. 

I  also  glow  in  your  achievements  and  look  forward 
to  spending  one  day  in  Bluffs  contratulating  you  person- 
ally on  Bluffs  contribution  to  Scott  County  and  to  the 
Nation  as  well. 

Sincerely  yours, 

/s/  Elmo  F.  McClain 

State  Representative  50th  District 

State  of  Illinois 


-174- 


Mrs.  Leah  O.  Jones,   Editor 
Jones  Publishing  Company 
Bluffs,    niinois  62621 
Dear  Mrs.  Jones: 

Thank  you  for  your  letter  regarding  Bluffs'  Centennial 
Celebration.  1  am  sure  that  you  know  that  I  am  prepar- 
ing to  introduce  a  resolution  tor  adoption  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  Illinois  commending  Bluffs  for  the  occasion. 
Thanks  agains. 

Yours  truly, 

/s/  Tomas  C.  Rose 

State  Representative 

State  of  Illinois 

***** 
Jones  Publishing  Co. 

Bluffs,   Illinois 
Dear  Friends: 

My  sincere  congratulations  to  all  the  citizens  of  Bluffs 
on  your  July  10,    1971  Centennial  celebration. 

The  proud  history  of  Bluffs  is    a  bright  spot  in  the  color- 
ful story  of  Illinois  and  its  growth  and  progress.   It  is  fine 
communities  such  as  yours  that  makes  Illinois  a  great  state. 
You  can  look  back  with  pride  upon  your  heritage  and  tra- 
ditions and  look  with  equal  pride  toward  your  progress  and 
accomplishments.    Your  fine  library  is  an  example  of  pro- 
gress made  in  your  community,  just  to  cite  one  example. 

May  I  comttiend  all  of  you  who  have  helped  to  build 
your  community  into  the  fine  place  that  it  is  to  rear  a 
family  and  enjoy  life. 

On  this  very  special  occasion,   1  want  to  extend  my  very 
best  wishes  for  a  successful  event,   and  my  hopes  for  con- 
tinued growth  and  success  go  with  your  community  for 
yourselves  and  for  generations  yet  to  come. 
Sincerely, 
l%l  Jerry  Corbett 
State  Representative 

***** 

The  Citizens  of  Bluffs 

%  Jones  Publishing  Company 

Box  335 

Bluffs,   Illinois 

Dear  Citizens  of  Bluffs, 

Congratulations  to  the  citizens  of  Bluffs  on  the  100th 
anniversary  of  your  village. 

More  than  one-half  of  the  1,250  municipalities  in 
Illinois  have  fewer  than  1,000  population.   Villages  like 
yours  are  the  backbone  of  our  Great  State. 

For  100  years  the  village  government  has  served  the 
people  of  Bluffs.  You  have  your  own  library,  your  own 
water  and  sewer  system  and  your  municipal  facilities 
for  recreation.  Like  municipalities  everywhere  you  are 
solving  the  problem  of  matching  ser'ices  to  revenue. 

A  world  of  luck  to  you  as  you  begin  the  second  100 
years  of  your  existence  as  a  village. 
Sincerely, 

l%l  Michael  J.  Howlett 
Auditor  of  Public  Accounts 
State  of  Illinois 

****:fe* 


The  Citizens  of  Bluffs:    The  City  of  Winchester  extends 
to  you  its  most  hearty  congratulations.    Only  once  in  our 
lives  do  we  have  the  opportunity  to  celebrate  a  Centenni- 
al; and  you  are  to  be  commended  for  a  manifestly  suc- 
cessful effort  to  make  your  celebration  one  to  be  enjoyed, 
remembered,   and  emulated. 

The  City  of  Winchester 
Wm.  Moss,  Mayor 

***** 
Citizens  of  Bluffs,  Illinois:       It  gives  me  great  pleasure 
to  write  this  congratulatory  letter  to  the  citizens  of  Bluffs. 
In  the  past  years  1  have  had  many  friends  and  relatives  in 
Bluffs. 

Bluffs  and  Meredosia  are  drawn  close  together  by  the 
geographical  location,   and  have  had  good  relationships 
over  the  past  years.    In  many  ways  our  villages  are  alike. 
Small  in  size,  much  great  history  and  many  historical 
events  as  we  look  back,   and  many  wonderful  people. 

We  have  always  been  great  rivals  in  sports,   but 
friendly  tctward  each  other  community  vrise.    Since  I 
have  been  Mayor  of  Meredosia  I  have  foimd  the  people 
of  Bluffs  always  ready  to  cooperate.    I  have  called  on 
your  Mayor  for  help  and  always  got  it;  our  water  and  po- 
lice departments  have  worked  together  when  necessary. 
Your  library  board  has  cooperated  in  getting  our  library 
started,   and  in  recent  years  our  schools  are  bound  closer 
together  by  having  combined  building  and  trades  classes. 
Our  churches  and  lodges  have  been  very  close  and  co- 
operative.   We  cannot  leave  out  the  fact  tliat  our  weekly 
newspaper  is  printed  in  Bluffs  and  has  been  for  many  years. 

The  people  of  Meredosia  will  be  interested  in  the 
events  to  take  place  in  Bluffs  this  year.  And  I  am  sure 
the  people  of  Meredosia  are  with  me  when  i  say  congrat- 
ulations on  your  first  100  years,   and  we  hope  Bluffs  will 
continue  to  prosper  and  grow  for  many,   many  years  to 
come,   and  that  in  the  years  ahead  our  two  commiuiities 
may  grow  even  closer  together. 

May  you  have  a  wonderful  centennial  celebration. 

Sincerely  yours, 
/s/       James  W.  Boyd 

Pres.,  Village  Board 
Meredosia,  Illinois 

The  Citizens  of  Bluffs 
Bluffs,   Illinois 
Dear  Friends: 

The  President  and  Village  Board  of  Trustees  of  Alsey, 
Illinois  extend  Congratulations  to  you  in  honor  of  Bluffs' 
100th  birthday. 

We  wish  you  a  successful  Centennial  Celebration  and 
hope  that  your  village  will  continue  to  grow  and  prosper. 
Sincerely, 
/s/  Clarence  Dobson,   President 

W.S.    Bowman,    Trustee 
Kenneth  Barnett,    Trustee 
Lee  Wells,    Trustee 
Mancel  Wilson,   Trustee 
Donald  Nicholson,   Trustee 
(S^L)  Harold  Jefferson,   Trustee 

Kenneth  Leitze,   Clerk 
Village  of  Alsey,   Illinois 


■175- 


The  Citizens  of  Bluffs 

%  Jones  Publishing  Company 

Box  335 

Bluffs,   niinois 

Gentlemen: 

On  behalf  of  the  citizens  of  Beardstown,   our  City 
Council  and  myself  as  Mayor  of  the  City  of  Beardstown, 
I  want  to  express  to  the  citizens  of  Bluffs  our  sincerest 
and  heartiest  congratulations  on  the  occasion  of  the  100th 
birthday  celebration  of  your  municipality.  We  are  proud 
to  be  your  neighbor  and  look  forward  to  another  100  years 
of  cordial  and  friendly  relationship  between  the  citizens 
of  our  two  communities.   If  at  all  possible,   either  1  or  a 
representative  of  our  city  will  be  on  hand  on  July  10,    1971 
to  represent  our  community  at  your  Centennial  Celebration. 

Sincerely, 

The  City  of  Beardstown 

/s/  Robert  E.  Summey 

Its  Mayor 

The  Citizens  of  Bluffs 

%  Jones  Publishing  Company 

Box  335 

Bluffs,   Illinois 

On  behalf  of  the  citizens  of  the  Village  of  Versailles, 
the  Village  Board,   and  myself,   I  would  like  to  take  this 
opportunity  to  congratulate  the  Village  of  Bluffs  on  its  one- 
hundredth  birthday.  This  is  indeed  a  milestone  in  history 
and  I  will  be  looking  forward  to  the  "Centennial  Celebra- 
tion" and  the  "Centennial  Book"  of  the  Bluffs  Times. 
Respectfully  yours, 
/s/  Robert  E.  Walsh,   Mayor 
Versailles,   Illinois 
***** 

The  Citizens  of  Bluffs 

%  Jones  Publishing  Company 

Box  335 

Bluffs,   Illinois  62621 

Dear  Citizens: 

Congratulations  to  an  outstanding  village  on  its  one- 
hundredth  birthday  I    It  is  with  pride  that  the  Office  of 
Educational  Service  Region,   Scott   County,   pays  tribute 
to  the  many  contributions  made  by  the  members  of  the 
community,   especially  in  educational  matters. 

The  quality  of  education  offered  to  the  children  of 
Bluffs  today  represents  a  drastic  change  from  that  of  one 
hundred  years  ago.   This  development  is  due  in  no  small 
part  to  the  interested  citizens  who  have  been  alert  to  the 
needs  of  their  area. 

I  am  pleased  to  offer  my  best  wishes  for  the  future. 
Yours  truly, 
/s/  Dale  V.   Pittenger 
Superintendent 
Educational  Service  Region 
Scott  County-Winchester,   Illinois 
***** 

Congratulations  to  the  fine  Village  of  Bluffs,   and  the 
very  fine  citizens  of  Bluffs  on  your  one-hundredth  birthday. 
/s/  Ira  Taylor 

County  Supervisor  of  Assessments 
Winchester,   Illinois  62694 


The  Citizens  of  Bluffs:    Friends  as  fine    as  Bluffs  folks 
don't  often  come  one's  way. 

And  special  times  like  Centennial's  don't  happen  every 
day, 
And  so  this  greeting  is  coming  to  extend  A  Happy  Centen- 
nial 

Celebration  to  my  very  special  friends. 

Sincerely, 
/s/       Frances  Crabtree 

Coimty  Clerk  and  Recorder 

June  14,   1971 

On  behalf  of  the  citizens  of  Scott  County.  Congratula- 
tions and  continued  success  to  the  Village  of  Bluffs  in  its' 
Centennial  Year. 

Board  of  County  Commissioners 

for  Scott  Coimty. 

Harold  J .  Fearneyhough 

Carl  L.  Woodcock 

Kay  Smith 

Bluffs  Recognized 
as  Centennial  Village 
by  House  of 
Representatives 

STATE  OF  ILLINOIS 

SEVENTY-SEVENTH  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY 

HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES 

HOUSE  RESOLUTION  NO.   205 

Offered  by 

Representatives  Rose,  McClain,   Corbett 

WHEREAS,   The  members  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
wish  to  congratulate  the  Village  of  Bluffs,  Illinois  on 
.the  Celebration  of  its  lOOth  Anniversary;  and 
WHEREAS,   Bluffs  was  founded  in  1871  by  Henry  Oakes 
and  has  grown  to  a  population  of  over  800;  and 
WHEREAS,  Although  Bluffs  is  the  second  town  in  popu- 
lation and  in  volume  of  business  in  Scott  County,  it 
enjoys  the  distinction  of  being  the  youngest  in  years; 
therefore,   be  it 

RESOLVED,   By  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the 
Seventy-seventh  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Illi- 
nois, that  we  commend  the  Village  of  Bluffs  on  the 
Centennial  year  of  its  founding;  that  we  extend  to  the 
citizens  of  Bluffs  an  invitation  to  carry  on  the  good  work 
of  their  founding  fathers;  and  that  a  suitable  copy  of  this 
preamble  in  resolution  be  forwarded  to  Mayor  John  Allen 
on  behalf  of  the  citizens  of  the  Village  of  Bluffs,  Illinois. 

/s/  W.  Robert  Blair 
Speaker  of  the  House 

/s/  Fredrick  B.  Selcke 

Clerk  of  the  House 


•  176- 


wo  years  ofProgress 
1871  ™^^  1971 


Gold  Coast  Mobile  Home  Sales 

1124  West  Walnut        Jacksonville,  Illinois 
Phone  245-4511 


Frank  Clancy 
302  Laurel  Dr. 
Ph:  245-4345 


Ed  Thompson 
405  W.  Greenwood 
Ph:  245-2645 


"Don't   make    a   deal    'til   you   visit 
Gold   Coast    Mobile   Home    Sales" 


May  the  Next  100  Years 

Be  as  Successful  to  the  Citizens 

of  the  VUlage  of  Bluffs 

Your  Friendly  Prudential  Agent 

Bill  R.  Williams 

1724  South  Main 
Jacksonville,   Illinois 
Ph:  245-2813 


1871 


Happy  Anniversary 


1971 


iJIarquarftfi 


RefrigeratioD,  Heating  &  Air  Conditioning 
Sales  and  Service 
1236  South  Main  Street 
Jackgonville,  Illinois  62650 


CONGRATULATIONS  to  Our  Friends 
in  the  Bluffs  Village 


\»%' 


CLUNDK  S(lr(f 


925    Bibbs 

308    E.    State 

Phone:    245-4412 
245-2715 
Jacksonville,    Illinois 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 


3  0112  031892265 


^'— >.  3  0112  031 

^^^  ongmtiilations^ .  .  BIUliS 

and  Success  On  Your  Centennial 


1550 


■1 

FARM 
RADIO 


Glenn  Nichols  is  WJIL's  full-time  Farm  Director. 
A  former  livestock  order  buyer.  Glenn  farms 
part-time  with  his  father-in-law.    He  is  a  true 
farm,   Farm  Director. 

ABC  Network  News. .  Local  News. .  U.  S.  Weather  Bureau  Reports. .  Local  Sports 

HEAR  IT  ALL  ON.  .  .  BIG    COUNTRY.  ..  1550  RADIO.  .  .  WJIL 


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