Full text of "The centennial history of Litchfield, Illinois; one hundred years"

The

CENTENNIAL HISTOEY

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THE Centennial History of Litchfield is presented proudly as
a record of people founding a community and finding that
in their dependence upon one another for their livelihood and
happiness, the spirit of a small mid-American city came into be-
ing and grew with the years.

In the first century of the Christian era, Tacitus (perhaps the
greatest of Roman historians) wrote that the object of history
is to "rescue virtuous acts from the oblivion to which the want
of records would consign them."

So it has become one of the prime objects of observing Litch-
field's Centennial, to recall in words and in pictures some of the
things that have transpired within the span of one hundred
years, that have made Litchfield what it is today . . . the sum-
mer of 1953.

This Centennial Book is not, nor could it be made, the com-
plete story of Litchfield. But it is representative, and its com-
pilers sincerely hope that the devoted efforts that have gone
into its preparation, by many individuals and organizations of
Litchfield, have succeeded in reviving many "nostalgic days of
Yesterday."

We, ourselves in this year of 1953, are Tomorrow's past. As
those who have lived before us, we would not be forgotten. We
might even wish to be remembered as more heroic and better
than we are. We join memory with hope that the new century
into which Litchfield is entering may fulfill the aspirations of
the founding pioneers and all who have followed in their train
during our community's first one hundred years.

May this Centennial Book of Litchfield prove worthy of its
purpose!

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HARRY SATTERLEE

Co-Chairman

Board of Directors

Litchfield Centennial, Inc.

Satterlee Brothers

MRS. CHARLES M. DAVIS

Executive Secretary

Litchfield Centennial, Inc.

Assistants

Delores Kruse, Stenographer

Mary Ellen Heise. Bookkeeper

GARTH HENRICHS

Co-Chairman

Board of Directors

Litchfield Centennial, Inc.

The House of Sunshine

The Litchfield Centennial Board of Directors

SEVERAL years prior to 1953 — the Centennial Year of Litchfield, Illinois —
there were informal discussions of plans that would be made for the observ-
ance of Litchfield's One Hundredth Anniversary. More than a year before Janu-
ary, 1953, group conferences were initiated by the Litchfield Chamber of Com-
merce, which led to the selection of twelve citizens in whose hands was placed
the responsibility of preparing for the celebration of Litchfield's Centennial.

The Centennial Board of Directors was granted a charter by the State of
Illinois as a nonprofit corporation, and immediately inaugurated plans for the
observance of the Centennial during the spring and summer, to climax with a
three-day celebration, August 6, 7, and 8. The Board formed ten divisions, with
one of its members as the head of each division. To these men Litchfield owes
special appreciation for the time and effort they gave unstintingly to the Centen-
nial preparations.

And to each of the persons who accepted committee responsibilities and
shared enthusiastically in making the Centennial an unprecedented success, this
portion of the book is dedicated.

The Board was pleased to recognize, as the first noteworthy portrayal of the
development of Litchfield through the century, a panoramic program, "One
Hundred Candles for Litchfield," presented by the Litchfield Woman's Club in
early March. In early May the annual high school May Fete was presented in
a beautiful Centennial setting and Centennial costumes before a packed house
in the new community high school gymnasium.

The Board of Directors of Litchfield Centennial, Inc., express their
deep appreciation to every person in Litchfield who helped in any
way to make the Centennial an extraordinary achievement. It has
been a truly wonderful demonstration of the spirit of neighborly
goodwill and cooperation which is characteristic of Litchfield.

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FINANCE DIVISION COMMITTEES

Harry W. Butler
Member, Board of Directors
Chairman, Finance Division

Litchfield Bank and Trust Co.

UNDERWRITING

Harold W. Fleming, Chairman

Douglas McPherson

George Westhoff

Wilbert Ross

Roy Prange

Chris Stamer

Ned Granger

Homer Saegesser

Dr. Roy Guyan

Mary Broeg

Daisy Demkey

ADVANCE TICKET SALES

Chris Zuber, Chairman
Murray Shrader
Ed Buske

NOVELTIES

Jack Workinger, Chairman

Arnold Birkenkamp

William Cassidy

Martin Mix

Bryan Curry

Jack Kopitke

Steve Szczepanski

Tom Fox

Charles Aikman

Arthur Large

Virginia Winkleback

Isabelle Prather

BUMPER SIGNS

Edwin Ross, Chairman
Homer Haycraft
Lewis McPherson

Arthur Heath, Chairman
Gladys Dey
Edith Koval
Margaret Roberts

GATES AND USHERS

Maynard Moore, Chairman
Willis Cox

George D. Worley
Member, Board of Directors
Chairman, Publicity Division

Worley Wear, Inc.

PUBLICITY DIVISION COMMITTEES

PHOTOGRAPHY

Herman Hageidorn, Chairman

Robert Hermsmeyer

Leo Hough

Leonard Mazenko

George Todt

Millard Gordon

PROMOTIONAL

Clark Whitman, Chairman
Lee Carroll
Glen D. Riley
Bismarck Fite
Orin Coddington

SPEAKERS

William Blaeuer, Chairman
Kathryn Bishop
Willard V. Adams

HISTORICAL WINDOWS

Erma V. Nelson, Chairman

Regina Davis

Marie Heise

Mabel Beeman

Gus Kleinbeck

Martha Worley

DECORATIONS

Harold Simpson, Chairman
Harold Goodpasture
Ben Kellenberger
Verne Mahlandt

PRESS

Jack Hanafin, Chairman

RADIO

Jack Funk, Chairman

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SPECIAL EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEES

J. Marvin Larkin

Member, Board of Directors

Chairman, Special Events

and Entertainment

Litchfield "News-Herald"

Co-Chairmen

HIGH SCHOOL CLASS REUNIONS
Michael Godfrey, Chairman
Evelyn Russell
Russell Roberts
Greta Caspers
Mabel Striegel

AIRPORT DEDICATION
Lester Luehrs \
Albert Sallee \
Frank Swank
Myrle Stinnett
Wayne Barringer
William Hoolihan
Olind McPherson

CHURCHES
Rev. D. J. Brigham,
Sidney Cohen
Faye Travis
Rev. E. P. Baker
Lorraine Wiegreffe
Leo Heise
Rachel Thorp
Leland Rea
Dorothea Perry
Wilmer Bultman
Harold Repp
Audrey Nobbe
Rev. John Miller
Don Mix
Elizabeth McBrain

FREE ACTS

Claude Anderson, Chairman
Leonard Berleman
Fred Bissett
Russell Heyen

FREE GIFTS
Sylvester Holmer, Chairman
Ralph Prange
Omer Thomsen
Aaron Ridenhower
Ray Hittmeier
Ned Granger
Clifford Quarton
William Foehrkalb
Robert E. Schwabe

CIRCUS

^ har , d p He lh e ! Co-Chairmen
Gilbert Prat her \

Ross Billiter

Maynard Lovely

STREET PAVING DEDICATION

Max Ash, Chairman
Willard Peterson
Maurice Macy
John Moss
Lewis Yaeger
Dwight Kinder

OLD TIMERS DIVISION COMMITTEES

Logan Fearn

Member, Board of Directors

Chairman, Old Timers Division

Superintendent, City Schools

BEARD

Rex Culberson, Chairman
Earl Symmes
Clarence Burkhart
Otto Bierbaum
Duaine Sackett
Dr. Vernon Becker

SHAVING PERMIT
Al Russell, Chairman
Henry Henske
James Driskell
Ray Bramel
Charles Fleming
Harvey Lehnen
Francis T. Fellers
Henry Evans

LADIES' DRESS

Christine Wilson, Chairman

Ida Allen

Gladys Carter

Virginia Green

Mildred Kuene

Henrietta Mahlandt

Mabel Sihler

Ellen Wey

Doris Zuber

Jody Brubaker

Gladys Archer

Ileen Atteberry

HOSPITALITY

Marian Shrader, Chairman

Sally McClurg

Ethel Schoen

Mildred Ryan

John Fizzell

Joe Walker

REGISTRATION

Greta Fleming, Chairman

Arthur Prange

Carl Johnston

Mabel Wilhite

Rocele Shero

Herman Miller

Velma Fudoli

HOMECOMING

Helen Paden, Chairman

Mittie Markos

Grace Boyd

Selma White

Mabel Hull

Marie Loew

Eula Munn

OFFICIAL HAT

Russell Hogue, Chairman

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PAGEANT DIVISION COMMITTEES

Harry W. Ruecking
Member, Board of Directors
Chairman, Pageant Division

Satterlee Brothers

Director, Jack Funk

Assistants, Dale Traylor,

Virginia Funk

Scenario, Dorothy Lee

Pantomimists, Betty Kayser,

Helene Ruecking

Choreography, Ruth Hesterberg

Music, B. J. Ellis

Sound, William Cassens

Lighting, Clifford Prosser

STAGE MANAGERS

Jess Putnam, Chairman
Harold Rolf, Stage 1
Leo Hough, Stage 2
Chalmer Pierce, Stage 3
John Bowles
Gerald Trimble
Hobart Weatherfoid
Maynard Lovely

Harriet Phillips, Chairman

Ruth Holderread, Stage 1

Irene Blatter

Mary Granger

Helen Satterlee, Stage 2

Nadine Walker

Jean McCance

Leighton Brawley, Stage 3

Vernon Easterly

Clarence Tilley

Bernice Heath, Chairman
Mayme Fleming Gladys Carter
Evelyn Bridges Kathryn Carleton

Charles Richards Fern Richards
Fern Clarkson Deris Scheffel

Rose Marie Johnson

STAGE CONSTRUCTION AND
PROPERTIES

Vernon Green, Chairman
Elbert Eyman Oliver Schneider

Patricia Allen Marie Miller

Melbourne Odem Harold Ellis

COSTUMES

Sidney Cohen j Co . Chairmen
Ann Richards )

Nigal Dittus Alice Saunders

Betty Curry Kathryn Patton

Mildred Keune

STAGE SCENERY

Clarence Tschannen, Chairman
Clarence Hardt William Ray

Byron Kirby Tallman Whitler

Lester Hicks Curtis Davidson

Victor Paden Clarence Gilpin

USHERS, GATES, SEATING
Wayne Batty, Chairman
Robert Parrish Learner Corn

William Wolfe William Gerl

Harold Lehnert Henry Strothman

Arthur Handegan John Majeski
Lewis Bandy Harfleld Cory

James Millburg W. Mose Burdell

Henry Vasel Lester Batty

Lynn Batty Carl Johnston

Clyde L. Osborne Paul Kniery
Lyman Towling Robert Fraser
Louis Fouts Allen Lounsbury

Earl Johnson David Flack

Harold Riemenschneider

PARADE DIVISION COMMITTEES

John E. Schoen, Jr.
Member, Board of Directors
Chairman, Parade Division

Schoen Grocery

SPECTACLE PARADE

Victor Hauser, Chairman
Walter Anderson
Leland Boyd
Roy Prange
William Pearce
James Shinn

BANDS COMMITTEE

Harry Reinhold, Chairman
Edna Ebeling
Neil Browning

PRIZE JUDGES

William McCance, Chairman
Al Guymon
John Patton
Douglas McPherson

OLD AND NEW PARADE

Orval Hittmeier, Chairman

Clifford Green

Dr. Phillip McNamara

Tom Clark

Ralph Green

KIDDIES PARADE

Charles Grigg, Chairman
John Ritchie
Bertie Yates
Harold Repp
Juanita Penman
William Kasich
William Sielschott, Jr.

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QUEEN'S CONTEST DIVISION COMMITTEES

Don L. Brubaker
Member, Board of Directors
Chairman, Queen's Contest

Brubaker Motor Co.

REGISTRATION AND PROMOTION

Victor Henderson, Chairman

Louise Berleman

Arthur Young

Faye Musgrave

Tom Williams

David Canady

SALE OF CENTENNIAL BOOK

Jerry Johnston, Chairman

Irene Painter

Barbara Bitter

Dorothy Dittus

Orva Ernst

Evelyn Gruber

Joanne Heise

Dona Hermsmeyer

Juanita Markos

Esther Niemann

Margaret Nimmons

Barbara Robinson

Joycelyn Symmes

Jean Vasel

Mary Louise Williams

RULES AND JUDGES

Arnold Kiburz, Chairman
Clare Droste
Bert McWilliams
Paul Uhlenhop
Wanda Hogue

CORONATION

Marvella Moore, Chairman

Mary Anderson

Betty Bishop

Jackie Blevins

Virginia Busby

Margaret Ann Erio

Grace Jones

Ruth Hesterberg

Jerry Mazenko

Betty Mae Monke

Jackie Roach

Wilna Fearn

Bernice Frerichs

Reba Brown

Marge Westhoff

Virginia Funk

Gloria Valerio

Juanita Bitter

Jo Ann Braschear

Letha Goodpasture

QUEEN'S BALL

Rex Brawley, Chairman
George Hantla
Margery Hantla
June Brawley
LeRoy Buske
Tom Keene
Lee Bryant

W. F. Allen

Member, Board of Directors

Chairman, Concessions Division

Barnstable Supply Co.

CONCESSION DIVISION COMMITTEES

STREET LAYOUT
Elmer Frerichs, Chairman
Herbert Burwell
Kelley Saunders
William Vogelsang

SPACE SALE

Ida Allen, Chairman
Clarence Thornton
Alfred Wilson

CONSTRUCTION

Leonard Gunn, Chairman
Walter Osterman
Chris Stamer

LIGHTING

Robert Deans, Chairman
Clifford Prosser
Kenneth Fath
Robert Schweppe

CASHIER

Bert Arnold

Paul Armstrong

Member, Board of Directors

Advisor

District Rotary Governor

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SPECAL POLICE AND TRAFFIC CONTROL COMMITTEES

Frank W. Cooper

Member, Board of Directors

Chairman, Special Police and

Traffic Control

Kinder and Dey

PARADE POLICE

LeRoy Buske, Chairman
John Bridges
Rolland Flinn
Joe Schmuck
John Rambo

TRAFFIC CONTROL

Bernard Schoen, Chairman
Mike Millick
Glenn Martin
George Wandling
Alvin Mueller

SAFETY AND WELFARE

Robert Huffman, Chairman
Harold Stokes
James Leitschuh
Truman Lay
Andy Herman
Ralph Stiefel

Nick Biebel, Chairman
Clyde Brubaker, Jr.
George L. Dukas
Bernard May
Harold Westhoff

TRANSPORTATION

Randolph Stuttle, Chairman
John Richards
William H. Vasel
Max Robinson
Robert Henderson

FIRST AID AND RELIEF

Ted Meier, Chairman
Emma Vasel
Mary Cavanaugh

CENTENNIAL BOOK DIVISION COMMITTEES

Walter R. Sanders

Chairman, Centennial Book

High School Faculty

Editorial Chairman
Lee Carroll

Photography
Kenyon F. Montgomery

SPACE RESERVATION
Glen D. Riley, Chairman

Reba Graham
Jody Brubaker
David Canaday
Estella Blankley
Zelda Carroll
Mary Granger
Bea Henderson
Bertha Hittmeier
Sally McClurg
Ralph Hermsmeyer
John Meckles
Ruth Swank

Wayne Kayser
Irene Settlemire
Janie Irvin
Richard Crane
Irene Hauser
Paul Busby
Leroy Buske
Henry Peters
Glen Douglas
Wilna Fearn
Fred Dively
Mary Kleinbeck

FAMILY HISTORY EDITORS

Mary Stuttle
Winifred Henrichs
Esther Goeke
Blanche Dodds
Frances Kniery
Maisie O'Brien
Faith Bost
Mae Ash
Abbie Morgan

f Co-Chairmen

Merle Butler
Stella Bryant
Claire Bennett
Virginia Bartman
Winifred McNamara
Nelle Judd
Harriet McManus

Ota May Hushing Edith Andres

BUSINESS HISTORY EDITORS

Kathryn Bishop, Chairman
Donald Jones Helen Sanders
E. W. Koertge Martha Guyan
Joan Sihler Beryl Mansfield
Mary Gerlt Marie Saegesser
Eunice Paullis Dorothy McPherson
Anna Todt Rachel Thorp

ORGANIZATION HISTORY EDITORS

Helen Whitler ) „ „. .

Doris Moss j Co-Chairmen

Monta Crane

Gertrude Dey Elizabeth Dey

Edith Baker Celeste Alexander

STENOGRAPHIC DIVISION

Helen Ash, Chairman
Joyce Hermsmeyer Verna Wilson
Estella Blankley Susan Skelton

Joycelyn Symmes Ruth Anderson

ASSISTANT PROOFREADERS

Sylvia Smith Claire Roeslein

PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSISTANT

Jeanne Davis

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Facsimile of certificate issued to those underwriters who have contributed financial assistance to the Litch-
field Centennial, Inc., in order to make our celebration one to be remembered for years to come. In a great
part the work of such a centennial is dependent upon the people, the business firms, and the organizations of
a community in so many and in so diverse ways that this particular assistance should be given prominence.
With this guarantee of funds the organization was able to make definite plans for the entire celebration.

LIST OF UNDERWRITERS

As of June 1G, 1953

A and H Supply Co.

Harry M. Abraham

Hattie Abraham

Pete Adam

Allan's Market

A. M. Alexander

A. M. Alexander, Pres.,

Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Celeste Alexander
Dr. Lee George Allen
Margaret Jane Allen
Almetta Rebekah Lodge No. 156
American Legion

Kniery-Knagg Post No. 436
C. Anderson Insurance
Audrey Armstrong
Don Armstrong

Paul Armstrong
Vivian Armstrong
Clyde Austill, Mgr.,

Great A & P Tea Co.
Austin-Shrader Bros.
Arthur Bachstein
Barenholtz Furniture
Ed Bargfield
Arlene Lucille Barnes
Barbara Sue Barnes
Polly Jane Barnes
Wm. P. Barnes, Jr.
Fred A. Barringer
Richard A. Barringer
Verna L. Barringer
Beck Cleaners
Leonard R. Beck

Lydia Beck
C. J. Berleman, Mgr.
J. J. Newberry Co.
C. D. Berry

Beta Sigma Phi Sorority
Biebel Roofing Co.
Billiter's Standard Service
Arnold Birkenkamp
Leonard Birkenkamp
Bissett Dairy Bar
Barbara Bitter
J. Lynn Bitter
Blackwelder's
F. C. Blackwelder
Blaeuer Office Equipment
Blatter Motor Sales

(List of Underwriters, continued )

B. R. Blazer, Mgr.

Alexander Lumber Co.
Bruce Blevins
Neil Blevins
Boot & Shoe Workers Union

Local No. 658
The Bootery
The Bowl
Leland C. Boyd
B. P. O. of Elks
John Bray
J. C. Bremer
Hulda Brockman
Mary E. Broeg
Martin E. Brown
Brown Shoe Co., Ltfd. Mgr.
Brown Shoe Co., Employees'

Welfare Association
Brubaker Motor Co.
Edith M. Bryant
Lee Bryant

Builders Supply & Rental
Busby's Drive-in
J. Paul Buscher
Buske Lines, Inc.
Buske Service Station
Henry Buskohl
Harry W. Butler
Merle S. Butler
C and P Auto Supply
Eva T. Carroll
Carter's Beauty Shop

John Roger Clark
Linda Sue Clark
M. Gladys Cline
Sidney and Anita Cohen
John Cooper
Larry Cooper
Thomas Cooper
Co-Operative Savings & Loan
L. A. Copeland, Mgr.

Site Oil Station
Walter Craig

Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Crouch
Rex Culberson, Mgr., Krogers'
Charles E. Davis
Charles M. Davis
C. Kenneth Davis
David L. Davis
Emily Davis
Muriel F. Davis
Regina Davis
L. H. Deming
Edwin Demkey
Dey Pharmacy
Carl E. Diehl, Mgr.,

Standard Oil Bulk Plant
Dixie Market

Doll's Self Service Laundry
William Lee Douglas
Fred A. Droste
Duchess Beauty Shop
Mike Dukas
Eades Dairy Queen

Eagle Products Co.

Kathryn Ebeling

Lynne Ebeling

Charles V. Faris

Guy Farquhar

Keith Fath

Kenneth Fath

Truman Felts

Truman L. Felts, Sugar Bowl

Wilma Felts

First National Bank

Frances Fiscor

Helen J. Fiscor

James J. Fiscor

Steve Fiscor

John and Ruth Fizzell

Mayme G. Fleming

Dr. N. K. Floreth

Louis Fouts

Elmer A. Frerichs

Mrs. Raymond Friend

James Fudoli

Funk's Motel

Alfred C. Gerlt

Gilly Sales Co.

C. E. Gilpin

Illinois Belle Gilpin

Douglas Gorsage

Gretzer Grocery

Henry Grosenheider

Otto Grosenheider

Leonard Gunn

Dr. R. W. Guyan

Herman Hagerdorn

Herman F. Hagerdorn
George Hall

R. C. Hall

Ray Harlow

Dave Hart

Hart's Market

Ralph L. and Clara M. Hart

Harvey's Poultry & Feeds

Cynthia Hauser

Marilyn Hauser

Martin Hauser, Jr.

Mary Ellen Heise

Carroll and Mary Heitzman

Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Henderson

Carolann Henrichs

Garth Henrichs

Madge Henrichs

Donna Lou Henry

Henry and Mary Henske

Hermsmeyer Bros.

Hilger Bros.

Theresa S. Hinton

Hittmeier Bros., Inc.

Walter Holderread

Holmer's Superway

The House of Sunshine

Hribar & Sons

Vernon Lee Hribar

(List of Underwriters, continued )

Harold E. Hussey

Illinois Power Co.

I.O.O.F. #724

Irvine Dairy

Wm. Jacob

William T. Janssen

Johnson Hardware, Inc.

Max H. Jones

K & L Farm Supply, Inc.

K & O Tractor Sales & Service

Albert L. Kane

Victor Karlovic

Homer G. Keese

Victoria M. Keese

Bernard Kellenberger

Edward H. Klekamp

Lydia Klekamp

Eugene A. Kozuk

Lester L. Kranich

Kriege Hatchery

Kruse Auto Salvage

Dolores Kruse

L & M Market

Arthur Large

T. W. Lay Grocery

Winifred LeMay

Litchfield Auto Parts, Inc.

Litchfield Bank & Trust Co.

Litchfield Candy Co.

Litchfield Chamber of Commerce

Litchfield Jr., Chamber of

Commerce
Litchfield Creamery Co.
Litchfield Farmers Grain &

Livestock Co.
Litchfield Food Lockers
Litchfield Fruit-Produce Co.
Litchfield Grocer Co.
Litchfield Jayettes
Litchfield Lumber Co.
Litchfield National Bank
Litchfield News-Herald
Litchfield Rotary Club
Litchfield Woman's Club
Litchfield Volunteer Fire Dept.
Maynard Lovely
Loyal Order of Moose
Doris L. Luenemann
Richard H. Luenemann
Maderite Block Works
Dr. F. S. Mansfield
Ralph's Marathon Service
Norman Marburger
Dr. Ira Maupin
Mazenko Dri-Gas Service
J. T. McBride
McCance Bros.
McCulley's Barber Shop
Harriet E. McManus
McPherson Barber Shop
McWilliams and McWilliams
James Millburg
H. G. Miller Music Store

Herman G. Miller

Herman G. Miller, Jr.

Jeanette Marie Miller

Marie E. Miller

Mix Grocery

Martin R. Mix

Arthur Monke

Montgomery County Motor Co.

Montgomery's Camera Corner

Mueller Shell Service

Charles A. Napier, III

Nathanson's Clothing Store

Erma V. Nelson

Robbie Newport

Henry A. Niehaus

Louis Niemann

The Overhead

Owen Mfg. Co., Inc.

Vic Paden

Park Tavern

Paul's Ice Cream

William Pearce, Mgr.

Metropolitan Insurance Agents
Peck Upholstery

Darold E. Peet

Charlotte Peterson

Phi Sigma Nu, Beta Chapter

Plopper Hatchery

A. F. Prange

A. E. Price

Jess and Thelma Putnam

John M. Rambo, Jr.

Ranch Inn

Retail Clerks International
Ass'n, Local 666

Elizabeth Celeste Richards

Fern S. Richards

John Alexander Richards

A. Ridenhower, Mgr.
Fair Department Store

Maynard Ritchie

Ritchie's Service Station

Ritter Cleaners

Russell C. Roberts

Robinson Gas & Grocery

Ross & Becker Funeral Home

Ross & Curry Home Appliances

Harry W. Ruecking

S & L Motor Parts

Albert H. Sallee

Barbara Mae Sallee

Carol Lou Sallee

Margaret Jean Sallee

Patricia Ann Sallee

Mrs. Winifred Sallee

Sargent Market

Satterlee Brothers

Cynthia Marie Satterlee

Gwen Jean Satterlee

Harry M. Satterlee

Helen W. Satterlee

Lawrence Albert Satterlee

Mary Ann Satterlee

Mr. and Mrs. Leo Schalk

Harm Schmidt

Paul Schmidt

Schmidt Truck Service, Inc.

John B. Schoen

Scotty's Pontiac, Inc.

Henry L. Sewing

Walter Sewing

Raymond Sharp

Shero Plumbing & Heating

Dr. A. E. Sihler

Dr. C. H. Sihler

Maynard Simmons

Harold M. Simpson

C. A. Sinclair, Jr., Texas Co.
Stamer Implement Co.
Michael Stehlin

Joseph C. Stolle

D. H. Storer, Mgr., Sherman
Bros. Dry Goods Store

Otto G. Striegel

Mary E. Stuttle

Subway 66 Cafe

Sweney Gasoline & Oil Co.

W. H. Todt & Co.

Towell Coal Co.

Charlotte Tschannen

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Tschannen

H. B. Tunnell

Uhlenhop Market

Varner Motel

V.F.W. McAllister-Pollard

Post No. 777
Wagon Wheel
Wilbur Lee Watkins
Alta Weatherford
Margaret Weber
Betty Weller, Mgr.

F. W. Woolworth Co.
Westhoff Sheet Metal
Bruce Christian Wilson
Women of the Moose
Women's Relief Corps
Emmett Woods
Jack Workinger
Worley Wear, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Wright
Yaeger's

Dr. Harry Yaeger
Yates Motor Co.
Fred E. Young

Zimmerman Equipment Co., Inc.
Dr. C. H. Zoller
Chris F. Zuber

'^W 7

The Story of a Midwest Town

Litchfield (1853-1953)

By Walter R. Sanders

THE history of a community is a history of a family seek-
ing a new farm, a site for a business, a way to make a
living or a fortune; it is the privations of travel over a tree-
spotted prairie unmarked by roads, rutted and bottomless in the
spring rains. It is the story of a community living with a hope
that their community would become large and prosperous.

A history of its first years would tell of the individual families,
a noting of the time when various stores, churches, schools, mills,
hotels, and blacksmith shops were first opened to the public.

The history of Litchfield is that of a typical central Illinois
town: it began with the movement of men westward to new
farm lands, the development of a railroad, and the formation of
a land speculation group. There is nothing unusual about this;
it is the story of a thousand communities in this country, re-
peated many times before and many times after the founding
of Litchfield. It is merely a phase marking the growth of our
County, Illinois, then to Montgomery County, and here in 1849
was a need for communities to be formed along the right of way
to provide revenue for the railroads ; land companies took up this
responsibility.

Before the time that Litchfield was actually thought of, there
were settlements made within the corporate bounds of the pres-
ent city. Early histories note that one Isaac Weaver had built
a cabin on the present site of the library square; that is true,
but he was not the first to settle there. John Norman, who lived
in the Shoal Creek bottoms, had built a cabin on about the same
spot before 1840 and had tried to farm the land. Unsuccessful
in his new location he went back to the bottom land.

Alfred Blackwelder came from North Carolina to Union
County, Illinois, then to Montgomery County, and here in 1849

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This is a photograph of the oldest plat of Litchfield in existence. It is the property of Mrs. H. C. Stuttle and
was drawn by her grandfather, William E. Bacon in 1856. You will notice that the public square (now Library
Park) is block Number 13 and that block was given to the city expressly to be used as a park. The marker from
which the original surveyings of Litchfield started is marked "x," at the northwest corner of State and Edwards Streets.

took out 240 acres of land in the northeast part
of the present town. The locations of these set-
tlers, of course, means that their land was the site
where the town would later be laid out.

George B. Yenowine in 1853 owned land south
of the present Big Four Railroad and west of State
Street ; this he sold in 1857 to Philander C. Huggins.
John S. Hayward, a land speculator from Boston,
moved to Hillsboro and became the owner of much
land within and around the present city during
1849 and the following years. Jefferson Brown
came from Virginia and bought land before 1850
in the west part of the city south of the Big Four
Railroad; this he sold in 1854 to Jacob Beeler. John
Waldroop from Kentucky owned land in the south-
east part of the city in 1853.

Ralph Scherer with his brother moved to this
area from the Hillsboro neighborhood; Ralph had
a cabin in the north part, Jacob lived just west of
his brother. Ezra Tyler, Ahart Pierce, and Caleb
W. Sapp settled on land in 1849 which became the
nucleus of the town.

Caleb W. Sapp became the owner of the part
which extended from the present Wabash Railroad
half a mile east along the Big Four Railroad with
a width of half a mile. Ezra Tyler had the east
half of this tract; in May, 1861, this passed to
J. Y. McManus who also bought the west half
which belonged to Sapp.

In April, 1850, Nelson Cline, who came from
North Carolina, bought the east forty acres of the
Sapp purchase, and a year later he sold the west
six acres to Younger S. Etter who also purchased
the forty acres lying immediately west of them. In
the same year George F. Pretlow bought out Etter
and when the initial survey of Huntsville was made

in the fall of 1853 it covered only Pretlow's forty-
six acres and the thirty-four acres which had been
purchased by Cline.

Others who lived within the city limits before
1853 were O. M. Roach, James W. Andrews from
Kentucky, Josiah Kessinger from Kentucky, and
Benjamin H. Hartgrove.

Talk was heard of a new railroad being built in
the county which would extend westward from
Hillsboro. This railroad was the ancestor of the
"Big Four," namely the Terre Haute and Alton
Railroad; it was incorporated in 1851 and plans
were made to extend the railroad from Hillsboro
westward making a wide curve and entering Alton.
It was only a rumor that people heard until the
day the syndicate representatives talked to Pretlow
and Cline. Simeon Ryder, Robert Smith of Alton,
Joseph Gillespie of Edwardsville, Philander C. Hug-
gins of Bunker Hill, Josiah Hunt, Chief Engineer
of the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad, and John
B. Kirkham had formed a syndicate to purchase
the sites of prospective stations along the line of
the road then in process of construction.

On August 2nd, 1853, John B. Kirkham, acting
as trustee for the syndicate, paid $240 to George
F. Pretlow of Hardinsburg for land described as
the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of
section thirty-three, and also the six acres off of
the west side of the southeast quarter of the south-
west quarter of section thirty-three. In this con-
veyance the syndicate stated it would lay out on
the land conveyed village lots, and for a consid-
eration of six dollars, reconvey to Pretlow "every
alternate lot which may be formed out of land
conveyed."

The syndicate on August 4, 1853, paid to Nelson
Cline and his wife Lydia, the sum of $408 for the

Zion English Evangelical Lutheran Church

1857-1865

1866-1889

southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of sec-
tion thirty-three. Thus did the syndicate acquire
eighty acres of land from Pretlow and Cline and
after reserving the land needed for streets, public
squares, and railroad uses, reconveyed to Pretlow
one half the lots and blocks on his original forty-
six acres.

Mr. Kirkham, who was made agent for the syn-
dicate, was soon replaced by P. C. Huggins, who
retained his position through successful purchases
of additional land to be laid out in village lots.
When E. B. Litchfield became the sole owner of the
company's interest in the city, Huggins was him-
self replaced.

The railroad was completed no farther than
Bunker Hill from the western end when Thomas A.
Gray, county surveyor, in October, 1953, laid out
the original plat of the town in "the cornfield then
recently the property of Younger Smith Etter, but
at that time belonging to the 'Litchfield Town Com-
pany.' " The cornfield was converted into 236 lots
and this tract of 80 acres was the beginning of
Huntsville, today called Litchfield.*

About this same time Gillespie was also sur-
veyed. A group of men who wished to invest in
new lands drew straws to decide whether to move
to Gillespie or to the proposed town of Litchfield;
Litchfield won. This group of men who came from
Ridgely, Madison County, were Richard W. O'Ban-
non, W. T. Elliott, Henry E. Appleton, James W.
Jefferis, John P. Bayless, and Winfield Scott
Palmer.

In January, 1854, Mr. O'Bannon bought the east
half of the block facing on State Street and lying

*This land in the southwest quarter had gone
through the original grantors of Caleb W. Sapp and
Ahart Pierce to Ezra Tyler to James Y. McManus, to
Nelson Cline, to Younger S. Etter, and to George F.
Pretlow. The following documentary evidence offers
an interesting problem. The evidence indicates that
Philander C. Huggins as a member of the syndicate
had Thomas A. Gray survey and lay out the community,
bought the land from the syndicate or was acting as its
agent yet was not named as such, and had named the
town as LITCHFIELD by November 19th, 1853.

The various members of the Litchfield family did
not come to this county before 1855. Therefore, it
could be supposed that members of the Litchfield fam-
ily, who had interests in the Michigan and New York
railroads, also held much stock in this new syndicate.
Early historians state that the village was first called
Huntsville. There has been no record found to show
that this name was ever recorded. The following items
show a documentary record of this phase of land trans-
actions leading to the establishment of Litchfield.

"This indenture made this twenty-fourth day of
August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and fifty-three between John B. Kirkham
and Betsy Kirkham his wife and John B. Kirkham,
trustee for Simeon Ryder, Joseph Gillespie, Robert
Smith, P. C. Huggins, and Josiah Hunt of the first
part and Philander C. Huggins of Bunker Hill in the
county of Macoupin ... of the second part . . . the
party of the first part for and in consideration of
sum of six hundred and sixty dollars to them paid
by said party of second part . . . have transferred
to party of second part . . . certain parcel of land
situated ... in Montgomery county . . . described

between Ryder and Kirkham Streets for $120. He
at once began building a store on the southeast
corner of his purchase (the present site of the
Litchfield Bank and Trust Company) ; this was
completed and occupied before April of that year.
Mr. Jefferis made the second purchase and Apple-
ton and Palmer secured lots soon after this. Ap-
pleton and Jefferis built a blacksmith shop on the
southeast corner of the intersection of State and
Ryder Streets and a wagon shop on east Ryder.
Mr. Palmer built his store on the site of Austin and
Shrader's store. Mr. Elliott erected his store in the
same block as the O'Bannon store, brought his
house from Ridgely and had it ready for his family
by May 5, 1854. The fourth building was a rude
blacksmith shop, the next was another store. A
grain elevator was built by Ezra Tyler. In the
same year Miss Sue Ellsberry and Charles M. Davis
came to Litchfield.

A description of the village as seen by an un-
known writer who came here April 1, 1854 will
locate the first settlers.

". . . There was no railroad, no indication of
laid-out streets; the road, as it crossed the
prairie, from southwest to northeast, left what
is now the business part of the city considerably
to the right. The embankment, thrown up for
the expected railroad, bisected a lake which
stood where the L. and St. L. depots and the car
shops now stand. Mr. O'Bannon's new store
stood where the Beach, Davis & Company Bank
now stands. The ground was a cornfield and by
special effort the corn was gathered from the
site of the proposed building to permit of its
erection.

as follows, to wit: South one half of the southwest
one quarter of section number thirty-three, township
number nine north and range number five west.

John B. Kirkham
Betsy Kirkham
(Deed Record, Book L, p. 165) John B. Kirkham"
************
"LITCHFIELD PLAN OF GRANT FOR STREETS:

"I hereby certify that the above plan of the town
of Litchfield was laid out by me upon the south half
of the southwest one quarter of section 33 . . .
lying and situated in the county of Montgomery and
state of Illinois, the lots and streets to be the size
and width as represented upon the foregoing plat,
the stone as a beginning point situated at the south-
east corner of Lot seven in Block Number 28 in
said plat.

Thomas A. Gray, County Surveyor"
(Deed Record, Book L, p. 168)
************

"Know all men by these presents that I, P. C.
Huggins, have laid out and surveyed and established
this foregoing plat of the town of Litchfield in the
county of Montgomery and state of Illinois. I also
hereby give, grant, and forever quit claims with the
county court of Montgomery county for the use of
said county the streets and alleys described in said
plan as map above laid out to be and remain forever
as public streets or highways to be and remain for-
ever subject to all the regulations of public streets.

"In testimony whereby, I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this 19th day of November, a.d., 1853

P. C. Huggins."
(Deed Record, Book L, p. 168)

If,

View of ruins of first
high school burned
April 1, 1872. For pic-
ture of what it looked
like before the fire, see
page 162.

View looking from
Kirkham Street to the
northwest past the
church toward ruins of
the school.

This house was moved from the northeast corner of Madison and Kirkham Streets to

its present location on the northwest corner of Van Buren and Union. Miss Fanny Hood

was born in this house. The church in the background is the Methodist Church.

"From this point could be seen and counted all
the houses within the present corporate limits
of the city of Litchfield. Looking north and a
little west was the farm house of Ahart Pierce.
A little further, northwest, was the Lutheran
church with the cemetery in the rear . . . Fur-
ther north and east and just within the present
corporation line was the farmhouse of Ralph
Scherer, then just erected. It is now at the north
end of State Street. A half mile or more west of
that was the farmhouse of Jacob Scherer. . . .

"Changing the direction to northeast, there
was a log cabin then occupied by Major Cline,
afterward by Louis D. Palmer. . . . Southeast
loomed the farmhouse of Ezra Tyler, now the
dwelling of E. C. Thorpe; Southwest, where the
I. and St. L. and the Jacksonville railroads now
intersect was a small building and a smaller
store building, the latter owned and occupied by
John M. McWilliams. These nine buildings, with
the attendant stables, were, with the possible
exception of one or two log cabins, the only ones

on that first day of April, 1854 to be seen within

what is now the city of Litchfield."
While a trickle of families was moving into the
new village another village was being moved.
More than a mile southwest of Litchfield lay Har-
dinsburg, a community founded about 1850 which
by 1854 had grown to a population of about fifty
persons. It had a postoffice and a public house run
by James Cummings, a village store owned by
J. M. McWilliams, a wagonmaker and carpenter in
the person of Robert H. Peall, a physician, Dr.
H. H. Hood; Jabez Blackburn was the blacksmith;
a widow, Mrs. Ogle, and her son lived there. Also
living in the community were three farmers,
namely, Horatio Nelson, James Eddings, and Wil-
liam Millian and families. This was the only town
and postoffice within an area bounded by Hillsboro,
Walshville, Staunton, and Zanesville.

When the proposed railroad failed to connect
with Hardinsburg, the villagers for the most part
moved to the new site. Within two years of the
coming of the railroad to Litchfield the community

of Hardinsburg went out of existence forever.

J. M. McWilliams moved a small storehouse from
Hardinsburg to Litchfield in January, 1854; Dr.
H. H. Hood moved his office to Litchfield in Au-
gust of 1855. Mr. Appleton built a wagon shop
just in the rear of Jefferis' blacksmith shop dur-
ing the fall and used the rear portion as his home.
Mr. Palmer and Mr. May put in a stock of mer-
chandise in the store built by the former, and the
east end was his residence. John P. Bayless
brought here on rollers one half of what had been
the blacksmith shop at Hardinsburg. It had no
door (only an opening), no window, no floor. He
placed it on one of the corners and made it do for
a home for several years. He became the village's
first railroad and express agent; he was also the
first appointed postmaster.

To help travel between other towns and Litch-
field a road from Hillsboro to Bunker Hill was
made; a similar road to connect Edwardsville,
Staunton, and Taylorville entered Litchfield at the

southwest corner and ran diagonally across the vil-
lage. These roads consisted of striking a furrow
on one side for several miles and then returning
with a furrow on the other side. The road lay
between these shallow ditches and marked the way
well enough for the few people who used them.
Help in maintaining the early roads was secured
by assigning men in the county to work on them.

By October, 1955, the railroad was opened as
far east as Clyde (Hornsby). In January, 1856,
the Pretlow estate of lots was sold by his executor ;
this sale was held in the store of W. T. Elliott and
history relates that this day was remembered for
the heavy rain that fell. The embankment for the
railroad had formed a dike across State Street
and had interrupted its drainage. A lake had
formed and it was the policy of the parties owning
land just west of the town to have the dike main-
tained in order to force the location of the pas-
senger station to their vicinity. The dike was cut
and the lake was drained, thus averting the loca-
tion of the station a quarter-mile further on west.

After the Hood house was moved in the early 1870's, Dr. R. F. Bennett built on that loca-
tion. The office of the "Monitor," east of the house, was one of Litchfield's earliest news-
papers. The post office was at one time in the building just east of the "Monitor" office.

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"Blunderstone" was the unusual name given this residence by its builder, Palmer, in 1860. In 1870

it was sold to Mr. Elizur Southworth, a prominent Litchfield attorney. The next owner was Frank

Cummings, who soon sold it to Dr. R. F. Bennett. It is now the site of a Mobil gas station located on

the corner of Union Avenue and Jackson Street. (Lithograph from an atlas of 1874).

The site of Litchfield had been bought in the
summer of 1853 for eight to ten dollars per acre;
then after the town was laid out lots sold for $30
per sixty-six feet front. In May of 1854 the price
was increased to $50 and by 1857 the lots sold as
high as $200, but also as low as $17.

In the spring of 1855 at least four of Elisha
Litchfield's sons came to the new site, namely:
Egbert S., Electus Bachus*, Elisha Cleveland, and
Edward Everett. With them from central and
western New York came the three Dix brothers
and C. F. How. About the same time Elisha W.
Litchfield took up his residence here; he served as
the city's second mayor. The Litchfield family
bought much land here and elsewhere; E. C. Litch-
field, who was a director in the Michigan and
Southern Railroad, brought out William Enos
Bacon to the new village to become his business
manager. Mr. Bacon also joined in partnership
with a group to deal in lumber and in operating a
planing mill.

The railroad was looking for a location for its
shops and a terminal and had selected land at the
present site of Hornsby, but Doctor Hornsby of
Bunker Hill was not willing to donate land to the
road. E. C. Litchfield was willing to donate much
land and thus convinced the road that the shops
should be located and erected here. By November

•The town was named for him.

24, 1855, the railroad was opened to Litchfield
and sale of lots again increased. James Cummings
removed his store from Hardinsburg to the village;
James Eddings, who also moved his house from
Hardinsburg, established a hotel here.

The coming of the railroad and the breaking of
ground for the shops brought in more business
firms and the year 1856 saw Litchfield begin an
era of industry to supplement its farming element.
The passenger station was completed, a roundhouse
with thirteen stalls was enclosed, and the founda-
tions for the machine shops were laid. Tilman
Shore built the first two-story brick store. Hood
and Brothers and Dr. Grinstead had drug stores.
Four "hotels" found catering to visitors were "The
Montgomery House" (built by Thomas Daniels),
"The Litchfield House" (built by Andrew Johnson),
the "Central Hotel" (opened by James Eddings),
and the "Palace Hotel" (built by Jeremiah Tin-
dell). The Brewer and Grubb Bank was now open
for business. John McGinnis sold clothing and
groceries. There was no lawyer and no resident
preacher, but there was one schoolmaster. The
Odd Fellow's Lodge Number 202 was created.
General stories dealing principally with food were
now operated by Bagby and Corrington, O'Bannon
and Elliott, Palmer and Jefferis, Henderson, Hull,
Hawkins, James Cummings, and B. C. Beardsley.

There was also one saloon, open part of the time.

In May of 1857 H. H. Eeach, a young and skilled
mechanic, came to Litchfield from Wisconsin; he
brought engines and equipment for a machine shop
and foundry. Within two months a barn-like
structure was erected and his furnaces were in full
blast. This was the only shop of its kind between
Alton and Terre Haute. Here 150 to 200 skilled
mechanics were employed. In the same year H. A.
Coolidge came from Cazenovia, New York, and
started the first issue of the Journal, Litchfield's
first newspaper.

The people who settled here had not forgotten
their churches and by 1856 there were several
established. Prior to the laying out of Litchfield,
the Lutherans had a small wooden church building
and a burying ground on what is now Scherer's
addition. Until 1855 this was the only place of
public worship in Litchfield, but in that year the
Hardinsburg Methodist chapel was removed to this
town. A year thereafter it was purchased by the
Christian church group and removed to the south-
east corner of Third and Madison Streets. About
the same time the old Lutheran church and ceme-
tery grounds were sold to Ralph Scherer ; the build-
ing was removed by him to the north side of

Ryder Street where it was used as a grocery store
and drug store. The graves were removed to the
new Lutheran cemetery in 1859. The old Lutheran
church had also served as a school; it was a small
frame building, furnished with trestles across
which rough sawed oak planks were laid as seats
and over these trestles the worshippers stepped or
clambered as they passed to or from their seats.

The First Baptist and the Presbyterian congre-
gations organized churches in 1856. St. Agnes
Roman Catholic Church was organized in 1857.
On July 31, 1856, the members of the Christian
Church organized and began services in a frame
structure located on the corner of Madison and
Third Streets.

The population had now increased to a place
where some of the citizens asked for the right to
incorporate the village, but the measure was de-
feated in 1855 by a vote of 3 to 1. In 1856 the
effort was successful by a vote of 54 for and 13
votes against. A board of trustees was elected on
April 11, namely: James Cummings, Tilman
Shore, Jacob Beeler, Joseph A. Eddings,* and Ed-
win C. Dix, who was chosen president of the board.

•Joseph A. Eddings and John W. Keller received the same
number of votes and in drawing lots Joseph A. Eddings won.

D -D4V|

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-3

Lithograph of D. Davis & Company taken from an atlas map of Montgomery County
of 1874, store situated at northeast corner of State and Edwards Streets.

121

This fountain stood in
the Library Park before
the present building
was built in 1904. Alli-
gators were often kept
in this pool. The house
in the background is the
old William H. Fisher
home.

The trustees fixed by ordinance the limits of the
town:

"Beginning one half mile south from the
south-east corner of State and Edwards streets,
thence running one-half mile east ; thence one
mile north; thence, one mile west; thence, one
mile south, and thence one-half mile east, to the
place of beginning."

In the workings of the first and second board of
trustees the matter of incorporation was never
completed; therefore, the board met on January
22, 1858, to wind up the affairs of the village.
Bills presented amounted to $76.66 and the treas-
urer's account showed the sum of $51.85. On mo-
tion, each of the board was assessed the amount
of five dollars which was collected, the bills ordered
to be paid and the balance of nineteen cents held
in reserve for future use!

The village charter was thus dissolved in the fall
of 1857; again a petition was formed and a bill was
put through the state legislature granting Litch-
field a charter on February 16, 1859. On March
7 the first general election was held at which
time William E. Bacon was elected as the city's
first mayor.

Under the new government an entire new code
of ordinances had to be framed and adopted, the
public had to be educated to the knowledge of and
obedience to municipal regulations. The council
served with no compensation, but the city clerk
received sixty dollars a year. All other officers ac-

cepted their fees in lieu of salaries. Plank side-
walks were laid for the first time. The council
had plats of the original town and additions printed
and distributed. The city council was declared
"ex-officio trustees and directors of schools"; they
wielded the power of selecting teachers, offered
contracts a month at a time, and established three
ungraded schools.

Public enterprise was shown with the organiza-
tion of a society of ladies who raised sufficient
funds in the winter of 1859-60 to enclose the pub-
lic square with a plain board fence and set out
shade trees.

A second indication of the desire to improve the
community is shown in the great number of private
schools found here in the period before 1859. One
of the earliest "school buildings" was located on
the lot north of the Universalist Church and just
to the east; the other was located on the lot on
north Jackson Street where Dr. Ira Maupin has
his home or on the lot next to his home.

One of the first teachers was a Miss Charles
whose sole reminder of her contribution to educa-
tion here is the newspaper item that "the pupils
of Miss Charles' School gave a pleasant entertain-
ment to its patrons and a select number of guests
last Wednesday" (July 8, 1857). The next school
teacher to be noted was a Mr. H. A. Wells who
opened "a fall and winter term of the Free School
. . . Monday Next (September 7, 1857) at Cummins'
Hall." Mr. Wells taught for a number of years in

the village. In April, 1858, Mr. Wells advertised
that he was opening a summer term; in the same
month Mrs. Edgar opened "a school in Whitaker's
new building adjoining the Ambrotype Gallery."
Parents were requested to send their children
"without further notice" and those entrusting chil-
dren to her charge were "warranted satisfaction."

The following notices were found concerning
schools of the year 1859. "Mrs. Edgar's third
quarter commences on Monday, January 31st at
her residence on Kirkham Street, opposite the
Presbyterian Church. Bills collected before the
close of the term. Tuition $5.00."

Mr. Wells taught a fall term and held an ex-
hibition which was "witnessed by an audience
which filled every inch of the room, occupied the
stairs of the Empire Hall, and stood on ladders
looking through the windows. . . ." He also taught
a summer term, beginning the school on April 11.

In the year 1859 a most unusual advertisement
concerning a girls' school was published.

"The undersigned has opened a high school
for young ladies, occupying for the present, a
pleasant room over Mr. Durr's dry goods store.
Is prepared to receive additions to the present
number of students. The school, until assistant
teachers are employed, will be strictly limited to
thirty pupils.

"Terms: Common and High English Branches,
$5.00 per term. Juvenile Classes, $3.00.

"Drawing and Painting classes receive instruc-
tion Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week. . . .

Drawing, twenty lessons $2.50. Water colors,
$4.00. Oil painting, $8.00. Having had charge
of this department in Jacksonville Seminary and
since in other parts of the state, the principal
hopes to give satisfaction both in the ornamental
and thorough branches.

September 28, 1859.

Sarah Barton."

Who were these people who came to a prairie
village, supported by a struggling railroad? In
many areas of the county the neighborhood was
settled entirely by people from North Carolina,
other areas were settled entirely by settlers from
Kentucky and Tennessee. Here we do not find any
one nationality, nor do we find them coming from
any one state. Instead we find people born in North
Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, New York; we find peo-
ple of English, Irish, and German birth; we find
settlers poor in worldly goods and some with
considerable wealth.

Many of these early settlers from the east had
come from fine homes; when they came to the
prairies they brought with them their books, their
desire for culture and schools, their customs and
manners. Many had attended schools on the col-
lege, academy, and university level. We find the
first settlers interested in farming, then came the
storekeepers, the blacksmiths, a doctor or two, a
lawyer. With the railroad came the Irish laborer,
with the railroad and machine shops came the
skilled craftsmen and new laborers . . . these show
a typical cross section of what we today call the
American people; this is America!

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State Street taken in the 1860's. Beach, Davis & Co., Bankers, is present site of Litchfield Bank and Trust Company.

The Litchfields opened a general store here in 18S5 and continued business for four years. This

is a picture of the inside of the early Davis store located at present site of Illinois Power

and Light Company. The first post office was established here.

1860-1865: A WAR— A SCHOOL— A CITY HALL
This period in the history of Litchfield is marked
by the Civil War ; it was a period of bitterness as
the community was settled by families whose views
differed according to their background and origin.
There were slaves in the county, there were free
Negroes in the county. The Knights of the Golden
Circle, an anti-war group, was strong in this area,
yet they were opposed through the newspapers by
the Union League Council Number 60, the patriotic
homeguard during these difficult days. Many com-
panies found Litchfield men enrolled during the
war between the states; perhaps the best known
was the group organized here by Delos VanDeusen
which went into the Sixth Missouri Infantry as
Company H.

In 1860 the city council established a graded
school system ; in 1861 a grammar school was built
on Jackson Street; in 1864 plans for a two-story
brick building were laid, but it was not completed
until 1867. St. Mary's B. V. M. Church was built
in 1860.

Private schools still were in existence for in the
year 1861 George C. Mack opened a select school;
Miss Palmer moved her school into the lower floor
of the Grammar School; Andrew Waters also
opened a school in the Grammar School during the
summer in which he taught Common English
Branches for $5.00. Miss Gilham opened a pri-
vate school in the Cummings Building.

W. B. Schoen, dealer in furnishings, hats,

caps, and boots; in 1878 he occupied the

building where the Park Tavern is now

located.

Interior of Beach, Davis & Company about 1886. In the cage are David Davis, Mr. Lovejoy, and Delos
Van Deusen. Out of cage are Alexander Seymour, L. F. Wood.

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Levy's Cheap Corner in 1881; can you locate this store today?

The "Daily News" was
founded in 1887; this picture
was taken in the 1890's when
James Cox was the proprie-
tor. The "Daily News" was
consolidated with the "Moni-
tor" to form the "News-Her-
ald" by E. E. Burson. This
office was located at present
site of McPherson's Barber
shop.

In 1862 H. A. Wells continued his teaching and
had "a private school in the Empire Hall" which
was "well patronized." Also teaching private
schools this year were Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson,
Miss Berry, Miss Jackson, Miss Julia Palmer, Miss
Georgiana Skillman, and Miss Carrie Clark. Dur-
ing the month of May, a month when most of the
schools were in session, Mr. Wells' school had 70
pupils, Mrs. Stevenson's school about 60 pupils,
and Miss Skillman's not less than 30. The other
schools had fewer scholars.

In 1861 the first publication of the Campaigner,
the Union, and the Litchfield Monitor came off
the presses, but the first two did not have a very
long life.

Also in 1861 Haskell, Davis and Company formed
a new bank, which in the years to come passed
through the successive partnerships of Haskell,
Seymour & Company, Brewer, Seymour & Com-
pany, Brewer & Grubbs, and S. M. Grubbs & Com-
pany to become the First National Bank in 1889.

In 1864 Wesley Best and David R. Sparks built
what was considered the best mill in the area, a
four-story brick mill located between Railroad and
Edwards Streets. In 1865 a two-story brick build-
ing to be called the City Hall was constructed at a
cost of about $5,000. In this year the congrega-
tion of the Christian Church took steps to erect a
new building opposite the Library Park on the
north side of the street. The population had in-
creased to 4,300.

1866-1870: COAL 10<f PER BUSHEL

Industry began to boom once more as a result
of the war; Wiegreffe's sash, door and blind fac-
tory was organized (1867); coal mining became
a vital part of our industries. This year of 1867
saw the first coal shaft sunk on Rocky Branch.
The Litchfield Mining Company was organized and
on February 27, 1869 first struck coal. The main
vein worked was over five feet in thickness and
about 527 feet below the surface. The period of

This house was built by a
man named Jefferis in about
the 1300 block of East Ryder
Street; it was sometimes
called "Jefferis" Folly." It was
purchased by Dr. C. W. John-
son and made into an infir-
mary; the building stood
empty for years during the
last period of its existence.
House was built about 1870.

Snell Opera House. Here was found the Wells Fargo Express office, post office, laundry,

tobacco shop, and the opera house. The Masonic Lodge had its rooms here. H. A. Snell

bought the building from Thomas Rhodes in the early 1890's. The building burned

on October 31, 1922. The present Masonic Temple is located on this site.

"The ads on this curtain are good until Mar. 1901" — so reads the curtain
at the Rhodes or Snell Opera House.

1867-1873 is marked by a number of fires which
created financial problems for many. In April,
1867, a fire in the rear of the hardware store near
the southwest corner of the public square burned
three stores. In 1870 the old McPherson mill
burned. In the fall of 1871 five more buildings in
the business district were destroyed by fire. In
1873 the car works had a serious fire, and the Box-
berger mill erected in 1868 was burned this year.
The new school was completely burned on April
1, 1872.

In 1866 Elmwood cemetery was "laid out"; in
1868 the New York Store opened its doors for
business. In the same year Peter Boxberger built
a large flouring mill east of State Street and D. O.
Settlemire erected the OK Mill. The Litchfield
Fair Association first met in 1868.

In the same year Nathan Kenyon opened a pri-
vate bank which was later bought out by Beach,
Davis and Company, and this bank passed through
the partnerships of Beach, Martin & Company,
M. M. Martin & Company, and was incorporated
in 1902 as The Litchfield Bank & Trust Company.

The Wabash railroad ran its lines through Litch-
field in 1870.

1871-1875: "CALL FOR YOUR MAIL AT THE

POSTOFFICE"

The year 1871 was marked by the removal of
the railroad shops to Mattoon, a serious loss of
revenue for the city. A local company was or-
ganized and successfully operated a railroad and
machine shop. The first class was graduated
from the high school. The Ursuline Sisters estab-
lished a convent in Litchfield in 1871 and in con-
nection with it maintained a day and boarding
school for young ladies and a parochial school for
smaller children of both sexes.

On March 7, 1872, the Free Public Library Law
was enacted by the Illinois legislature and within
a month a small library was planned by Litchfield.
A new industry, brickmaking, was introduced in
1872; in the same year the Union Avenue Baptist
Church was organized.

In 1872 in compliance with a petition presented
them, the city council purchased a hook and ladder
apparatus for $1,000. A volunteer company was
formed to use it. In the early days of the volun-
teer firemen here the members were exempt from
jury service, street labor, and the highway poll
tax. The panic of 1873 nearly paralyzed industry
in the country and for the next five years Litch-
field, as well as the nation, had difficulty in keeping
its industries and businesses going. Yet men in
those years of heavy taxes — men of vision — con-
tinued to invest capital in new projects.

Public demand finally resulted in the construc-
tion in the year 1874 of a dam across Long Branch.
Here a lake was formed and thus the city found
itself with a new water system. In the same year
the postoffice was removed to Number 48 North
State Street; in September, 1875, it was moved to

the rear of Beach, Davis and Company. It was
the custom in this and an earlier day to run a
notice in the papers asking people to call at the
postoffice for letters which had not been picked up.

In April, 1875, the "Ladies Park Improvement
Society" acquired a fund of about a hundred dol-
lars to be used for public improvement, but they
seemed to have lost their enthusiasm for a few
years as it was not until August, 1880, that they
erected a fountain in the center of the city park.
The fountain had a circular iron railing and four
street lamps around it; at one time two baby alli-
gators were kept in the pool. In 1881 the society
raised funds for a pagoda for the use of bands and
speakers and this was erected also in the park.

On November 13, 1875, three nuns of the Order
of St. Francis came to Litchfield; their work was
to do nursing in the homes of the people until funds
could be raised to build a hospital. Their first hos-
pital soon came into existence and they moved into
a frame building at the corner of Columbia and
Jackson Streets.

1876-1880: LITCHFIELD HAS ONE OF THE

FIRST NATURAL GAS SYSTEMS IN THE

STATE

In 1876-77 the Litchfield Car and Machine Com-
pany was formed. This company was a reorgan-
ization of the Litchfield Car Manufacturing Com-
pany and the machine shops and foundry of the
H. H. Beach and Company which had consolidated
in 1875. The new organization manufactured
coaches, cars, locomotives, and steam engines of
all kinds. Six freight cars were made in a day. It
was especially noted for its engines used in mines,
flouring mills, and sawmills.

In 1878 a second coal shaft was sunk. At the
foot of the shaft a boring rod was put down to a
depth of one hundred fifty feet and oil rose and
covered the floor of the mine. This led to a mild
flurry in staking out claims in all the surrounding
vicinity. In a very short while the Van Veck
Brothers of Buffalo, New York, secured control
of the oil regions and sank several wells. The out-

One of the cars made by the Car Works.

put was large and sold for five dollars a barrel.
During operations in the area east of Litchfield
gas was found in the wells (1885) and the Van
Vecks laid their gas mains into the city and for
two years Litchfield had natural gas. As pressure
fell the use of natural gas was discontinued.

In 1876 the Holy Cross cemetery was located just
east of the Elmwood cemetery; this replaced an
older cemetery which was located about a mile to
the southeast. In 1879 the Free Methodist Church
congregation was able to organize as a result of a
successful tent-meeting conducted in 1878. At the
same time (1879) the African Methodist Church
members erected a frame building. On Memorial
Day in 1880 (May 30) the Soldier's Monument
was dedicated at the Elmwood cemetery. This
year John Eagon, the carriage maker, employed
nine men and made and disposed of fifty-six bug-
gies and spring wagons.

******
1881-1885: LARGEST MILL IN THE WORLD

The new Planet Mill with a capacity of six hun-
dred barrels of flour a day was opened in 1881;
by the spring of 1883 the mill was changed to the
roller system and the capacity jumped to two
thousand barrels a day. With this production it
claimed to be the largest and best equipped steam-
mill in the world. In 1893 a terrific explosion
occurred which broke windows all over town and
fire completely destroyed the mill.

A third railroad, the "Jacksonville Railroad"
(C. B. & Q.), was extended to Litchfield in 1881.

Oil rig in operation in the 1880's located just
south of the present Radiator Company; some
believe it to be one of Van Veck's crews who
brought in one of the earliest gas wells in
this area.

Litchfield firemen of 1886: SEATED: Left to Right: William Wiegreffe, Sr., August Reese, Henry Wingert,
William Ellemire, Julius Machler, Edward Moses, William Krumerich. STANDING: August Roth, Fred Ear-
hart Edward Hiller, E. Hoog, Adolph Neuber, Lew Weber (or Grossman), Fred Windels, Sam
Wald, Joseph Berger (or Bergman). STANDING ON TRUCK: Jacob Beopple, Otto Schalk, Fred Schalk, Arthur

Neuber, Charles Meyer (or Meiers).

Dr. James with his horse in front of Lee & Company on State Street in 1875. Lee & Company handled
groceries, crockery, tobacco; it was situated where Allen's Market is located today.

Car Works as seen from the mill at the corner of Jackson and Edwards Streets. The view is looking
toward the southwest across town. Date about 1890. Planet Mill seen in background.

- a - Q aTTTTW 5

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Above: The Planet Mill as
an artist saw it. This mill
was built by D. L. Wing and
was located north of Colum-
bia Street between the Illi-
nois Central and Wabash
Railroads. It began operat-
ing in the fall of 1881. The
mill produced 2,000 barrels of
flour daily and was claimed
at that time to be the largest
and best equipped exclusive
steammill in the world. It
exploded and burned on
March 21, 1893.

To the right: As the mill
actually looked.

V--

' .U " "ST"*

The New York Store was founded by D. W. Taylor in 1888. It was a department store handling ladies'
ready-to-wear and yard goods. It was located where Austin and Shrader's store is now. Left to right:
Bernard Rahmeyer, Hugh Bishop, Mabel Schumaker, Emma Seiglock, Harriet Smith, D. P. Taylor, Rufus

Ramsey, D. W. Taylor, Mrs. Reed.

By this time the population had risen to about
five thousand.

In 1883 St. Aloysius Church was established.
The Oil City Building and Loan Association was
organized the same year; the name was gained
from the oil wells which were in production at the
edge of town. The second ward school of four
rooms was erected in 1884.

******
1886: The Daily News established. Zion Lutheran

Church organized and the new St. Mary's Church

completed.

1887: Present Methodist Church completed. Elec-
tric lights introduced to the town.

1888: Litchfield Marble and Granite Company
organized. The Opera House built by Thomas
Rhodes made it possible for the people of Litch-
field to have a new type of entertainment. Citi-
zens voted to erect a school at Madison Park.

1889: In June the cornerstone of the Presbyterian
Church was put in place; in July the cornerstone
of the Zion English Evangelical Lutheran Church
was laid. First National Bank organized.

1890: Brick street laid. Litchfield Homestead and
Loan Association incorporated (changed to Co-
operative Savings and Loan Company in 1913).
Plans for the construction of the Litchfield Hotel

made in April. A newspaper notice for the
month of August stated that Hauser and Tolle,
located at Edwards and Monroe Streets, operated
a soda water and vinegar factory and manufac-
tured cider, ginger ale and apple butter. Popula-
tion: 5,811.

1891: Cigar industry opened in the community
specializing in "Zuber's Favorite" and the "Blue
Bonnet." The first wing of the present hospital
was erected; it could now accommodate twenty
patients at one time.

1892: The Daily Herald was established; name
changed in 1913 to News-Herald. Dominican
Sisters from Springfield took charge of the pa-
rochial school.

1893: Planet Mill exploded.

1896: North Litchfield Township High School
organized.

1898: April 26 — Spanish American War started.
Company K left for Springfield.

1899

1900

1902

Colt School opened.
Population: 5,918.
Litchfield Bank and Trust Company incor-

porated.

1903: Carnegie Public Library: The need for a
larger library was met in 1903 by a gift of $15,-
000 from Andrew Carnegie; the city council
passed an ordinance granting permission to build
in the city park; the library was completed in
1904.

1904: The Christian Church moved from the north
side of square to its present location. The Amer-
ican Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corpora-
tion came to Litchfield and in February, 1905
began producing cast iron heating radiators.

1905: The first Litchfield Chautauqua was held at
the old reservoir park. When the electric inter-
urban connected Litchfield and Hillsboro, resi-
dents of both communities selected a wooded
tract of land halfway between the towns for a
combined Litchfield-Hillsboro Chautauqua. Here
families built as many as sixty cottages where
they vacationed in the summer. Speakers such
as William Jennings Bryan, concert artists, magi-
cians, musicians, jugglers, bands, etc., appeared
on the programs. Church and Sunday School
services were held regularly during the sessions.

The Litchfield Grocer Company (wholesale)
incorporated.

1907: Articles of incorporation for the Decatur-
Taylorville-Litchfield Traction Company, to par-
allel the Wabash tracks talked of. Litchfield
National Bank incorporated as a state bank and
later changed to a national institution. Inter-
urban train lines built into Litchfield.

1910: Street Gate Company began operations.
Litchfield Grocer Company moved to present
site on West Ryder Street. Cornerstone of new
postoffice laid. Population: 5,971.

1912: Litchfield Creamery opened in an old black-
smith shop located south of Bartling's store; in
1913 it was incorporated, in 1915 it moved to
the present site.

1914: Masonic organization purchased the old
opera house building at the corner of Madison
and Ryder Streets.

1916: Brown Shoe Company established here. On
October 7 "Dairy Day" was held; on the streets
appeared so many people and cars that the pag-
eant and other ceremonies were maneuvered
with difficulty.

1917: Creamery enlarged to include manufacture
of evaporated and condensed milk.

The Litchfield Hotel was one of the finest in this part of the state. It was built in 1890 and had 85
rooms. Most of the traveling salesmen stopped here. They would open their display cases and invite the
buyers to come and inspect their products. Remember the way Joseph Claypool could handle those huge
trunks? He holds what must be a world's record of fifty years of service as a porter. In 1923 Premier
Clemenceau of France and a party of fifty or sixty people were in Springfield en route to St. Louis,
and, on hearing a rumor that their train was to be dynamited, stopped here. The hotel burned

December 30, 1943.

Decoration Day, 1894. View of State Street.

1919: Litchfield Community High School District,
Number 150, first established.

1920: Population: 6,215.

1922: The high school opened the fall session in
rooms of the Masonic building and in three rooms
of the Litchfield Hotel; the domestic science
classes were held in the Russell school; Carroll
and Sons donated space for dressing rooms for
boys taking part in athletics. On October 31
fire destroyed the Masonic building which housed
the lodge rooms of that organization, the offices
of the American Express Company, and the
greater part of the high school. The fire was
disastrous to the high school further in that
desks and seats, a cabinet of trophies of the old
Philo and Plato societies, accumulated rewards
such as cups for athletics and speaking, the ex-
tensive library of Dr. J. D. Colt, and the new
football suits were all lost. In addition to these
losses the schoolbooks of the students were also
burned.

1923: The new Elks building was opened to the
public; it was furnished with a swimming pool,
bowling alleys, a public dining room, and club
rooms for members.

1924 : New Masonic Temple erected. The new high
school was completed, and the city bought new
fire-fighting equipment. Sunshine Magazine es-
tablished.

1925: Dedication of new Union Avenue Christian
Church. An addition to the hospital was begun ;
this included a chapel, a girls' home, a convent,
and a central heating plant. Modern impound-
ing reservoir and filtration plant constructed.

1926: Junior High School constructed. Master
Manufacturing & Equipment Company moved to
Litchfield, specialized in the making of oil dis-
pensers.

1927: Walton Park swimming pool with its bath-
house, sand pool, tower, and playgrounds opened
to the public.

1928: Merger of Daily Union with the News-
Herald. New church built by congregation of
St. Aloysius Church. Assembly of God Church
established.

1929: Schutt Manufacturing Company, maker of
basketball and other athletic equipment and me-
tallic specialities began operations. Litchfield
Floral Gardens established. Plans were made
for another addition to St. Francis Hospital.

This is the first Chautauqua held at the lake south of Litchfield, August 3-13, 1905.

0C^*C^n(^<^nC^<^nC^«l^<c4k>

City Council of 1903. FRONT Row, left to right: Harold Hood, Dave Blackwelder,
George Winkelblack, Fred Windels, Adolphus Neuber, Lee Hussey. BACK Row:
Joe R. Paisley, William Acree, William King (mayor), Zeno Rives, John Reeves.

This picture shows the north side of Union Avenue across from the Library Park; here a livery
stable occupied the site for many years. Biebel Roofing Company is there now. Picture taken about

1900.

1930: Population: 6,612.

1934: Litchfield Creamery built a $30,000 annex.

1935: Creamery built a new warehouse. State
Street paved with concrete.

1936: Sihler School built. Sewage disposal plant
opened.

1938: Chautauqua Association dissolved and the
grounds sold.

1940: The House of Sunshine erected.

1941: Cornerstone laid for new Zion Lutheran
Church.

1944: American Radiator Company converted to
magnesium castings.

1946: F. W. Means & Company, industrial & com-
mercial laundry moved into the Reese Laundry.

1948: New Zion Lutheran parochial school dedi-
cated.

1949: Owen Manufacturing Company established,
turned out small precision parts.

1950: Hoffman Forge Company organized. New
drive-in theatre opened in June.

1951: Citizens brought to town the Roll-Away
Skate Factory. Wikomi Manufacturing Com-
pany made different types of seeders and farm
elevators.

1952: New addition to high school included gym-
nasium, shop rooms, rooms for homemaking
classes, band instruction, and agricultural
classes. Fall classes opened in the new Madison
Park School.

* * # ->:• * *

(Acknowledgment for data must be given to
many who contributed their help, including the
Montgomery News and the News-Herald, county
officials, and the Chamber of Commerce. Credit
must be given to the early historians of the county

who in documents, pamphlets, and histories wrote
their stories; assistance was found in county his-
tories published in 1882 and 1918.— W. R. S.)

This is the Beveridge Restaurant taken
about 1904; Pfolsgrofs' Jewelry Store is
here today. Pictured from left to right
are Matilda Bockewitz Keene, Bertha
Beck McPherson, and "Mom" Beveridge.

One of the highlights of the summers of the earlier days of Litchfield was the
Litchfield-Hillsboro Chautauqua. The grounds were located midway between
the two towns. In the hesvily wooded hills a dam was built across a small
stream creating a fine lake for boating and swimming. The trestle is that of
the Illinois Traction line which connected the two cities and made regular runs
many times a day and evening. At this area during the summers, programs
were held in the big tent; the finest talent in the country appeared here, in-
cluding Billy Sunday, William Jennings Bryan, Colonel Bain, and John Bocke-
witz, one of Litchfield's finest chalk-talk artists. In the first days of the Chau-
tauqua, tents were used by the families in camping out, but it was not many
years until fine cottages were built and families spent the entire summer here.

At the time this picture was taken in 1900 this was one of the most beautiful parks in the state. There

was a fountain in the middle of the park; the band stand stood to the south side of the pool. There were

many trees here, all of which created a pleasant atmosphere in the evening. Band concerts were quite

the vogue with the various Litchfield and Mt. Olive bands trying to surpass each other.

This was one of the worst train disasters ever to take place here. It happened July 3, 1904, just north

of town; you can see the old mine at the left of the picture. Many were killed and many more were

seriously injured and burned when the wooden coaches splintered and burned. The picture shows

many of the freight cars as they were burning; the passenger cars are in the distance.

The east side of State Street looking

south. It is one of the few old pictures

of Litchfield showing the old traction car.

Picture taken Decoration Day, 1907.

View of one of the early photographer's

studios, located where the Sihler offices

stand today at the southeast corner of

Madison and West Kirkham Streets.

Perry Commodore Oiler

(Copied directly from the Litchfield Monitor Souve-
nir Edition of December 31, 1901. S. W. Kessinger,
editor.)

"Perry Commodore Oiler, the oldest living pioneer
Indian scout in the world, was born in Bourbon County,
Kentucky, Feb. 4, 1820, and came to Illinois at the age
of 12 years. His father's family was attacked by In-
dians near Swan Lake and he carried a message sev-
enty miles through an unknown wilderness seeking
assistance.

-When a boy, he won a $500 wager by riding erect
on a wild colt, bareback, carrying a horse pistol in one
hand, and a rifle in the other, and killing on the wing,
two pigeons thrown from a cage simultaneously, one
with the pistol and the other with the rifle. He won
$1,000 and a championship of St. Louis, by killing ten
pigeons on the wing, in nine shots, two thrown from
a trap at a time.

"He married Elizabeth Snook, a daughter of Amos
Snook who was a grandson of one of George Washing-
ton's body guards. She died in 1862, leaving three
sons, Amos, Thomas, and Jacob.

"Leaving his children with their grandmother, he
conducted a wagon train across the plains. He was
engaged in the most perilous duties of scouting and
carrying an important message from Portland, Oregon,
to St. Louis through 2,000 miles of country inhabited
with hostile Indians.

"He was captured by Indians, a fire built to burn
him alive, and when they came to untie him from the
tree he slipped his hand through the noose, jerked a
knife from an Indian's belt, thrust it into the Indian's
body, picked up pistols dropped by his foe, and quicker
than thought, started a dozen braves on their way
to the happy hunting grounds, and escaped.

"The bravest, and only act for which he claims any
credit was that of dashing into a band of Indians,
single handed, and rescuing two children, destined to
burn at the stake.

"Another time he found two babies scalped . . .
their mother with their father had been killed several
hours before. He followed the trail of the savages,
and brought back the scalps of the children and their
parents, and also those of the five demons who had
done the bloody deed.

"He is now living with his oldest son, Judge Amos
Oiler, on West Kirkham Street. The picture was taken
on the day he was 81, and he is still as good a shot as
any man of 40."

A lot of the old-time Irishmen that came to our
city in the early days must have been characters.
They have been described as always having the in-
evitable clay pipe or "dudeen" as they called it, and
flat-topped black felt hats. They never wore belts
so their trousers were always sagging down on their
hips. They never cut off the legs — just rolled them up.

The ice plant, located at the old reservoir, was built in 1883 and burned in 1903. It hired
between 75 and 100 men, and had a capacity of 40,000 tons of ice in a season.

The Windmill Factory was
located along the traction
lines, two blocks north of
Tyler Avenue; it was in ex-
istence from 1898 to 1929.
John and William E. Mc-
Daniel operated this plant;
their display in the 1904
World's Fair in St. Louis won
first place.

Firemen of 1911: TOP Rows: Wes Duncan, W. A. Kinder, L. O. Kinder, William Gangwish, Tom Butts,
Frank Bachstein, Chancy Berry, Charles Rinker, Henry Heise, John Meckles, Alf Johnson, Ace Hurlston.
Earl Shelton, Joe Lacky, Tom Newton, Ralph Skinner, William Elledge, Herman Hagerdorn, Edward
Haley, Charles Heise, Wilbur Saxby, Roy Price, Robert Saxby, Rut Brawley. Paul Blatter, William Uhlen-
hop, J. Bergdorff, George Gretzer, William Corzine, George Schutt, Walter Scheffel, H. W. Niemann, Au-
gust Tiemann, Ed. Bailey, W. O. White, Joe Uhlenhop, Charles Barnett, Ike Randle, Dan Taulbee.
FIRST Row, standing: Edward Butts, Charles Morris, Joe Strehle, Art Neuber, William Brell, Fred Rah-
meyer, Herman Windway, Henry Eischenbaum, John Beck, Herman Caspers. Small boys, seated, left to
right: William Brell, Jr., Paul Blatter, Jr., George Strehle, Joe Strehle, Jr.

Litchfield Concert Band of 1911. BOTTOM Row: left to right: A. T. Strange, Herman Detmer, Max Sal-
lee, H. F. Henrichs, Roy Clifton, Ed. Gasaway, Burt L. Parker, Vivian Sallee. MIDDLE Row: Mr. Vincent,
Edward Vincent, Burney Jett, Frank Paden, Clyde Walcher. TOP Row: Orley Hearn, Dean Gasaway,
Charles Busick, Walter Bateman, Victor Neighbors, Paul Gasaway, Charles LaPIant. The Band was or-
ganized by H. F. Henrichs in 1911, and he was the director for several years.

Hats of the fashion for 1903 or 1904 as seen in the millinery department of the New York Store.

Wells Fargo Express office, located in the Snell Opera House.

Old Wooden Indian (to the right) in front

of Brell's' Cigar Store on the west side of

the square. No one has been able to

identify the man in this picture.

Interior of the Litchfield Hotel. The
bellboy on the right is said to be identi-
fied as Harry Ferguson, "Prince Roman-
off" of Hollywood Restaurant fame.

Decoration Day, 1910. All the cars in Litchfield were lined up on North State Street. Do you re-
member the island boulevard down the middle, complete with zinnias, cannas, caladium, and other
flowers? For a number of years they were planted and cared for by Mr. C. E. "Charley" Morgan.

John Tuscher

John M. Ferguson

The early policemen of Litchfield had a tough job. Free and liberal use of the billy club

was necessary to quiet the numerous disturbances in "battle row" and elsewhere. Here

are pictured two of our earliest policemen, taken about 1890.

This was the last of the horse-drawn fire wagons. Picture was taken about 1916. Martin
Heise is the driver, with Ralph Skinner.

LITCHFIELD

IN THE

1920'S

This picture was taken about 1905
of the Tile Works, owned by David
Davis, and located between the
Radiator and the Big 4 tracks. Left
to Right: Phil Sawyer, George
Butts, Jeff Faulkner, William Wil-
son, Ed. Butts, George Britton, Otto
Reents, Lou Emmons, and William
Brewington.

Mr. James Mahondu, one of Litch-
field's best remembered characters,
was born in slavery, and at the
time of his death was reported to
be over one hundred years old.

***%

This building had one of the most interesting
histories of any building in Litchfield. It was
located where the Schwabe Jewelry Store now
stands. According to some records it is be-
lieved to have been built in Hardinsburg, and
moved in 1855 by the Methodist Church group
to the southwest corner of Hayward (now
Union Avenue) and Madison Street. It was
sold to the Christian Church in 1856, and
moved to the southeast corner of Madison and
Third Streets. It was moved to its present
location just east of the Library, and used by
the Baptist Church from 1859 until 1875. In
1865-1866 it was also used as a school for the
fifth and sixth grades, and later by the Seventh-
Day Adventist Church. In 1888-1889 it was
again used by the Methodist Church, along
with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, while
the present Methodist Church was being built.
It then became the Litchfield Marble and
Granite Works.

£-*?S, £ S? 4 A. 4 *." i. > i />• > * k nil i v v

Interior View of the Opera House

The OK Mill which was located on the

corner west of the Litchfield Lumber

Company

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f *'"~~^ **"# w AAA

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View of 1919 from Library Park. Note the iron horse rail.

I ^p I I i •

L. Nathan's Clothing Store, taken in the

1880's; Blackwelder's is located here

today.

This is one of the Wells

Fargo Express wagons. The

driver is Victor Neighbors;

picture taken about 1912.

This is a picture of the best mine hoist

in the world. It was made in the local

foundry and machine shops.

Ug- K£-> "> i ' vL^*W )

Families of Litchfield

TTT OVEN into the fabric of the century-old community life of the city of
" Litchfield have been an untold number of families who chose to make it
their home. To this place came hardy pioneers of the mid-nineteenth century,
and here their number grew as there were born and reared the members of each
new generation across one hundred years.

The editors of the Centennial Book are proud to present the stories of some
of the families whose names are linked with Litchfield's history — both early and
late — though it is regretted that many other worthy family stories could not
be included in this volume.

Proudly, and conscious of the honor to our city which all of these families
have contributed to the life of our community through the century, we give you
"Families of Litchfield" in the Centennial Book of 1953.

6^£

Winfield Scott Palmer

AT THE age of thirty-five, in 1853, Winfield Scott
, Palmer came with his wife and two small
children, to make their home in the new town of
Litchfield. He was born near Hopkinsville, Ken-
tucky, but the family were Virginians, being de-
scended from the early British families. In coming
to Illinois they followed the usual plan and route,
by way of Kentucky.

Arriving in Illinois by covered wagon in 1831,
they settled at Moro. There Mr. Palmer married
Miss Rebecca Belasche. During their first year in
Litchfield, she and their two children died. In
1860 Mr. Palmer married Miss Sarah Catherine
Burnet. Their children were Elizabeth (deceased)
who married H. G. Tuttle; Louis (deceased);
Catherine (deceased) who married Dr. O. T. Strat-
ton, and Albert B. Palmer, of North Litchfield
Township.

Scott Palmer was a schoolmaster until coming
to Litchfield, but gave up teaching then to engage
in business. In partnership with his brother-in-
law, S. T. Mayo of Carlinville, he owned and op-
erated a general store, beginning in 1854.

Mr. Palmer was greatly interested in all civic
enterprises. He was especially interested in
schools, and served on the early school boards, and
was mayor of the city. He was a graduate of
Shurtleff College, and a Republican.

After many years in business, Mr. Palmer re-
tired and spent his last years in writing, and in the
management of his farm, which he named "Hill
Top." Here he died on April 4, 1904, aged 86.

Richard W. O'Bannon

RICHARD W. O'BANNON, the first settler in
the city of Litchfield, was born November 1,
1808, in Fauquier County, Virginia. In 1816 he
moved with his father, Isham O'Bannon, to Shelby
County, Kentucky, where his father became a suc-
cessful farmer. At the age of nineteen Richard
began his lifelong employment as a merchant in
Shelbyville, Kentucky. In 1830 he married Matilda
Dorsey.

About September, 1842, Richard came to Illinois,
settling near Ridgely, Madison County. Here he
lived until 1854. In January of that year, he came
to Montgomery County on a tour of inspection and
purchased ground where he built the first store on
the site of Litchfield, stocking it with $6,000 worth
of merchandise. This firm sold $42,000 worth of
merchandise the first year. In 1866 the O'Bannon
sons, Samuel and Johnsa, replaced W. T. Elliott,
an original partner in the firm. Mr. O'Bannon con-
tributed greatly in time, effort, and money to bring
the present Wabash Railroad to the town. For
seven years the firm of O'Bannon & Sons prospered.
Richard O'Bannon was closely identified with every

stage of the history of early Litchfield. On No-
vember 14, 1883, he died, and his wife, Matilda,
died January 23, 1893.

Samuel E. O'Bannon started working in his fa-
ther's store at the age of fourteen, continuing in
this line for twenty-five years, when he retired to
his farm in Zanesville Township. In 1866 he mar-
ried Helen Quisenberry of Columbia, Missouri. Of
their six children, William, Edward, Eula, Mattie,
Bessie, and Nelle, only the latter two are living.
Bessie (Ament) resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and
Nelle (Judd) in Litchfield.

In 1874 Mr. O'Bannon re-entered mercantile life
and was a prominent factor in the trade circles of
Litchfield for ten years. At this time, due to ill
health he retired to his farm. After farming for
some twenty-eight years, Mr. O'Bannon moved
with his family into Litchfield, where he built a
new home on one piece of the original O'Bannon
property at 615 North State. He served as Justice
of the Peace until his death in 1920. Mrs. Helen
O'Bannon died in 1932. Mrs. Nelle Judd still owns
the original property bought by her grandfather,
Richard O'Bannon, when the town was laid out.

Nelle O'Bannon married William Judd in 1908;
he died in 1922. Having been associated with
the Corporation Department of the State of Illinois
for the past twenty years, Mrs. Judd has now re-
tired and is residing with her daughter, Martha,
and son-in-law, George Worley, and their children,
Judd and Pamela, of Litchfield.

Mr. & Mrs. James M. Towey

MR. JAMES M. TOWEY was born in New York
City and came, at the age of seven, to make
his home with the S. T. Mayo family of Carlinville.
He grew to manhood and was educated there. In
1866 he came to Litchfield and became associated
in business with W. S. Palmer.

In 1873 Mr. Towey married Miss Florence Mayo.
Their children were Samuel (deceased) and James.
Mrs. Towey passed away early in life. In 1892
Mr. Towey married Miss Mamie Charles. He was
treasurer of the Methodist Church for many years.
His death occurred in February, 1923.

The musical history of Litchfield would be in-
complete without a sketch of the life of Mamie
Charles Towey, a name almost synonomous with
music, for she was a vocalist, pianist, organist, vio-
linist, and a teacher of music. Her music studio
was the social setting for many musical events at
which times she entertained her friends with selec-
tions. For many years she was organist at the
Methodist Church and later at the Presbyterian
Church. Mrs. Towey played the Commencement
grand march from the time of her graduation from
music school until her death, in 1943. She was the
only child of Willis and Phoebe Charles, pioneer
residents of Litchfield.

Bacon — Stuttle — Goeke Families

WILLIAM ENOS BACON, son of Enos and
Lucy Savage Bacon, was born March 19,
1821 in Onondaga County, New York. Before Wil-
liam was two months old, his father, a physician
and surgeon, died. Seven years later, his mother
married Elisha Litchfield, a widower, who had four
sons: Elisha Cleveland, Electus Bachus, Edwin
Clark, and Erasmus Darwin.

Elisha and Lucy Bacon Litchfield became par-
ents of Eliza Adeline, Emma Lucy, Edward
Everett, and Egbert Savage.

William Enos Bacon was educated at the Uni-
versity of Michigan and joined Elisha Cleveland
Litchfield in mercantile business in Fabius, New
York. Upon dissolving this partnership, William
Bacon went to Adrain, Michigan, where for five
years he was paymaster for the then Michigan
Southern Railroad. He then became chief clerk
in the office of Samuel Brown, the General Super-
intendent; he resigned this position to come to
Litchfield in 1856.

In Litchfield William Bacon established the first
lumber yards and planing mills which business he
conducted two years. He then represented the
Litchfields as agent, disposing of property here,
in Gillespie and Pana. From 1872-1880 he was
Secretary of the Litchfield Car Manufacturing
Company. From 1880 until his death September
18, 1903, he devoted his attention to real estate.
He took active interest in all city affairs ; he was
elected the first mayor in 1859 and re-elected to a
second term. He prepared the first abstracts of title
for Litchfield. When the business district was
formed, he insisted on State Street being one
hundred feet wide. His was the original idea for
damming Long Branch south of town to form the
first city water works.

William Bacon married Jane Elizabeth Ely Jan-
uary 16, 1850. She was born September 13, 1826
in Fabius, New York, and educated at Mt. Holyoke.
They had seven children: Lucy Jane, Emma Litch-
field, Anna Ely, Esther, Henry, Laura and Wil-
liam Enos, Jr. ; the younger three died in infancy.

Lucy and Esther Bacon never married; Lucy
died in 1902, and Esther in 1923. Emma Bacon
married Thomas Keithley in 1878 and moved to
Dixon in 1890.

On February 11, 1880, Anna Bacon married
Harry R. Bringhurst, who operated a monument
works at the present Post Office corner. He was a
son of Dr. James and Mary Ryan Bringhurst of
Alton, Illinois. James Bringhurst, physician and
surgeon, was born of Quaker parentage in Phila-
delphia where he was educated. Harry and Anna
Bringhurst had two children: Mary Elizabeth
and William Enos. Harry Bringhurst died early
in life; Anna Bacon Bringhurst died in 1920.

William Enos Bringhurst married Edna Nooney
in Indianapolis in 1909. They had one daughter,
Elizabeth Ann. Enos served in the Navy in World
War I. He died in Indianapolis in 1937.

Mary Elizabeth Bringhurst was graduated from
Litchfield High School in 1899 and taught in Oak
Grove School on Route sixteen one year and in the
Litchfield grade schools for eight years.

On August 20, 1909, Mary Elizabeth Bringhurst
married Harry Conrad Stuttle, son of Joseph and
Hannah Beeler Stuttle. Hannah was the daughter
of Jacob and Lavina Beeler.

Jacob Beeler came from Pennsylvania early in
the eighteen fifties and bought land west of Litch-
field, part of which became Beeler's Addition to
Litchfield. He was a trustee on the first Village
Board in 1856 and served on the first City Council
in 1859.

Joseph Stuttle, son of Peter and Anna Distel
Stuttle, was born December 12, 1848, in Bohemia.
His parents brought him to St. Louis before he
was a year old. Later the family lived south of
Litchfield. Joseph followed his father's copper
trade in the Planet Mill shop. After marriage,
Joseph and Hannah Beeler Stuttle lived on a farm
adjoining Litchfield to the north. They had three
sons: Harry Conrad, who died July 14, 1947;
Joseph Stratton, who died in 1922 ; and Dr. Charles
Peter Stuttle who practices dentistry in Staunton,
Illinois.

Hannah Stuttle died in 1884. Joseph Stuttle
operated his farm and dairy until 1908 when he
retired to live in Litchfield. He died in 1935.

Harry Conrad Stuttle was graduated from the
Litchfield High School in 1898. He attended Dixon
College, Dixon, Illinois, University of Illinois and
completed his legal education at the University of
Chicago. Admitted to the Illinois State Bar in
1904 he opened his law office on the corner of State
and Ryder Streets. From 1904 to 1908 he served
as Assistant State's Attorney of Montgomery
County under L. V. Hill. He was State's Attorney
from 1908 to 1912.

From 1918 to 1930 he was Judge of the Litchfield
City Court. During these years he held court in
the Superior Court of Chicago. He was a highly
respected jurist.

From 1932 to 1940 he served as Senator from
the 38th District in the Illinois General Assembly.
As chairman of the newly formed Education Com-
mission, backed by Governor Henry Horner, to
study conditions in Illinois schools and to make rec-
ommendations, Harry Stuttle continued his inter-
est in educational affairs which stemmed from his
efforts as legal advisor for the Litchfield Commu-
nity High School board in the creation of the pres-
ent Community High District.

Harry and Mary Bringhurst Stuttle had one
daughter, Hannah Esther, who was graduated from
University of Illinois, B.S., M.S. Education.

Like her husband, Mary Bringhurst Stuttle al-
ways has taken active part in civic and educational
affairs, and she continues to do so.

Hannah Esther Stuttle married Harold Everett
Goeke, sales engineer, Aluminum Company of

America, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office, in 1939.

Harold Goeke, son of Otto and Ada Sarafield
Goeke, then of Dixon, Illinois, was graduated from
University of Illinois, B.S. Engineering. An Army
Engineer Corps officer during World War II, he
was stationed in France and Germany. Alcoa sent
him to offices in Dayton, Cleveland, and New York
City.

Harold and Esther Goeke are parents of Mary
Isabel born in 1943 and Joseph Conrad born in
1948. The Goekes moved in 1950 to Zanesville
Township where they operate a grain and dairy
farm. Their FRIENDLY FARM is the home of
SUNNY Registered Jerseys.

Mr. Brewington was employed by many of the
old business firms of the town; the Weber Bottling
Works, the Munday Elevator and the Mathew Cy-
rus Cider Mill. Later he was employed at the
American Radiator. He also engaged in farming,
and the clearing of timber land. Mrs. Brewing-
ton was employed in many of the homes of the
early residents.

Mr. Brewington was fond of hunting and fishing,
especially hunting, and was familiar with the
woods, the creeks, and the farms of all the sur-
rounding country.

(Editorial Note? — On May 13, 1953, Mr. Brewing-
ton, who had helped to prepare this story of his
family, died at the age of 88.)

William Brewington

EXCEPT for two short periods, Mr. and Mrs.
William Brewington lived for sixty years
in their home at the corner of Brown and Ferdon
Streets. Mr. Brewington was born in 1865, the
son of Jeffery and Frances Brewington. His

William Brewington

grandfather Brewington was one of the very early
settlers in the vicinity of Litchfield.

Mrs. Brewington was Olive Jackson, daughter of
John and Tersy Ann Jackson, and was born in
Greenville, Illinois, in 1867.

They were the parents of one son, Lloyd, born
January 16, 1895. He is not living, having passed
on in 1936. He served his country in the Infantry
in World War I.

John W. & Martin A. Ritchie
Families

JOHN W. RITCHIE was born in North Carolina
in 1834, a son of John and Sela (Blackwelder)
Ritchie. He came to this vicinity in 1855 where he
and his brother, Martin A., bought a quarter sec-
tion of land which they farmed. John W. mar-
ried Rachel S. Cress in 1856. She was the daugh-
ter of G. Henry and Elizabeth (Fogleman) Cress.
John and Rachel were the parents of eleven chil-
dren. Four died in infancy. James M., Mary E.,
Sarah E., Charles A., Flora R., Alice A., Albert L.
Flora R. is the only living child. She married
William Bowles in 1898. They were the parents
of two children: Ruth R. Bowles, born 1899, J.
Stanley Bowles, born 1903, who married Opal Mil-
ler in 1937.

Charles A. Ritchie was born in 1868 and mar-
ried M. Margaret Taulbee in 1894, the daughter
of Daniel and Josephine Taulbee. They were the
parents of one son, John W., born in 1910. Charles
A. died in 1936. His wife survives. John W.
married Maude I. White in 1931, the daughter of
J. Wesley and Iona White. John and Maude are
the parents of two children, John W. born in 1939
and Suzanne born in 1947.

Albert L. Ritchie was born in 1877. married
Anna Waldrop in 1899, the daughter of Samuel
and Huldah Waldrop. Albert died in 1938 and
Anna in 1952. Albert and Anna were the parents
of three children: Maurice G., born in 1900, J.
Maynard, born in 1903, and Velma Lee, born in
1910. Maurice G. married Florence Keplinger in
1924, the daughter of John and Laura Keplinger.
Maurice and Florence are the parents of one child,
Marian, born in 1925. She was married to Drexel
Mey in 1950. J. Maynard married Ruth McDaniel
in 1923, the daughter of Ed. and Myrtle McDaniel.
Maynard and Ruth are the parents of one son, Mac
Lee Ritchie, born in 1925. He married Patricia
Ahem in 1947 and they are the parents of two
children, Andrew, born in 1949 and Thomas, born
in 1952. Velma Lee Ritchie married Vincent Hoog
in 1929 and they are the parents of three children:
Marilyn, born in 1930, Vincent Lee, born in 1932,

and Deana, born in 1942. Marilyn married Richard
Weller in 1949.

Martin A. Ritchie, born in 1829. married Martha
Cress in 1854; she was the sister of the wife of
John W. Ritchie. Martin and Martha Ritchie were
the parents of 12 children, eight dying in infancy.
J. Henry, born in 1855, married Ella Dugan in 1880.
He died in 1932. Ida O., born in 1880, William F.
Ritchie born in 1872, Ira W. Ritchie, born in 1875.
Ida O. married Elmer Irwin who died in 1910. They
were the parents of four children, Ray, Ross, Roy,
and Ralph who is deceased. William F. Ritchie
married Cora Ash in 1894. He died in 1918. They
were the parents of three children: Russell, born
in 1898; Pearl, born in 1903; and Lavella, born in
1910. Russell married Vera Parsons in 1920.
They were the parents of one child, William L.
Ritchie, born in 1921. He married Marjorie Boe-
decker in 1946. They have two children, Glen,
born in 1947, Ray, born in 1950. Pearl Ritchie
married Rowena Stephenson in 1937. Lavella and
her mother, Cora, live in Litchfield.

Ira W. Ritchie married Lillian Saxby in 1895.
She died in 1949. They were the parents of one
child, Roscoe, who died in infancy.

Tyler-Thorp Families

EVEN before the streets of Litchfield had been
marked off, Ezra Tyler was a landowner here.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, he came to Illinois
in 1848 with his wife, the former Maria Lynn.
Their home, built on what is now the corner of
Buchanan and Clay Streets, served for several
years as an inn for stagecoach passengers.

A member of the first city council, Ezra Tyler
donated land to the Terre Haute, Alton and St.
Louis Railroad for their car shops, Litchfield's first
major industry.

Of Ezra and Maria Tyler's twelve children only
one has descendants living in Litchfield. A daugh-
ter, Rachel Tyler, married Edwin Cornelius Thorp,
a native of Upper Alton, who came to Litchfield
in 1865 after serving with the Eighteenth Volun-
teer Infantry in the Civil War.

To this union were born: Addison, William,
Frances and Edwin, all deceased, and Bertha. The
history of the Thorp family is closely linked with
that of the local post office. From 1892 when
Edwin C. Thorp was appointed postmaster, until
the retirement of his son Edwin G. Thorp as assist-
ant postmaster in 1935, there were forty-three
years of continuous service by some member of
that family, including the terms during which Wil-
liam Thorp and Bertha Thorp served as post-
master.

Edith Blades, daughter of Addison Thorp ; Eliza-
beth Pekala, daughter of William and Elizabeth
Edwards Thorp; Kathryn Armstrong and Rachel
Thorp, daughters of Edwin and Bertha Butler
Thorp, are the only members of the third genera-
tion of the Thorp family.

Peter Kane Family

PETER KANE, born in County Mayo, Ireland,
in 1841, and Bridget Fox, born in County Mon-
aghan in 1849, came to the United States when
very young. They were married in Rushville,
Illinois, and they came to Litchfield in 1866.

Mr. Kane was a traveling salesman. With his
team of horses and wagon he journeyed through
the country in Montgomery, Macoupin, Christian,
and Madison Counties. Wherever Peter Kane went,
little children loved him. He sold notions and
imported Irish linens and laces.

Mr. and Mrs. Kane had eight children: John H.,
born in Rushville; Martin J. (died in 1899), Mary
Josephine, Thomas (died in 1910), Albert L. were
all born in Litchfield. Three died in infancy.

John was a freight rate expert and worked for
C. B. & Q., Rock Island, Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul, and Great Western Railroads. He was mar-
ried to Catherine Jones of Davenport, Iowa. One
son, John Hugh, died at fourteen. John died in
1940. Mary Josephine was graduated from the
Litchfield High School in 1893. She died in 1947.

Albert L. Kane is the only surviving member of
his family. He was graduated from the Litchfield
High School in 1902. For many years he worked
for the Illinois Central Railroad. He sold Metropoli-
tan Life Insurance from 1910 to 1913. In 1925
he started an insurance business with J. C. Stolle.
The firm is still operating at 222 North State
Street. Al is a fourth degree Knight of Columbus
and until this year he served as district deputy.
He belongs to the Elks and Moose Lodges. He was
a 100 r c attendance member of the Rotary Club for
nineteen years.

He still owns the oldest piece of property in the
business district held in the name of the original
purchaser.

John Motherway Family

JOHN MOTHERWAY, born in Hartford, Con-
necticut, August 31, 1856, came to Litchfield in
1859 with parents Roger and Mary O'Brien Moth-
erway, natives of County Cork, Ireland ; there were
two other children, Mary and Nicholas, born in
Litchfield. John, who was educated in the private
schools in Litchfield, became a lifelong employee
of the New York Central Railroad ; he married Ella
Kniery who operated a dressmaking establishment
at 307 North State Street. Both were active in
church, social, and civic affairs. They were the
parents of nine children: John and William died
in infancy; the remaining seven received early edu-
cation in St. Mary's School and the Litchfield High
School.

Rev. Thomas Motherway, S. J., Litchfield High
School, 1904; St. Mary's College; St. Louis Uni-
versity; seven years in European universities;

ordained in Barcelona, Spain; now Doctor of Sa-
cred Theology at Mundelein.

Margaret, Litchfield High School, salutatorian
class 1907; nun in Dominican order; known as Sr.
Mary Henrica; died 1933.

Mary, Litchfield High School 1912; with Litch-
field Creamery Company since organization.

Joseph, Litchfield High School; St. Mary's Col-
lege; accountant in St. Louis.

A. F. (Tony), manufacturer and distributor of
fine cigars.

Frank P., St. Mary's College; St. Louis Univer-
sity; attorney at law; married and has four chil-
dren; Assistant to Attorney-General of Missouri.

Rev. Aloysius Motherway, S. J., Litchfield High
School; St. Mary's College; St. Louis University;
ordained in 1938; University of California; Chap-
lain in World War II; now Professor of English at
St. Louis University.

John Motherway died in 1941.

Mrs. Ella Motherway, aged 90, is still residing
in the home at 303 Warren Street to which she
came as a bride.

A lithograph of the farm of John P. Davis.
Picture drawn in 1874.

Davis and Company Bank and he was active in its
management until he retired in 1892.

Mr. Davis was also interested in the Illinois
Brick & Tile Company and the Litchfield Mining
and Mercantile Company.

Mr. Davis served several terms as Mayor and
also as President of the School Board and several
terms as Alderman.

In 1867 he married Miss Blanche Keating of
Rockbridge, Illinois. There are three living chil-
dren: Captain David Davis, Litchfield; Colonel Ed-
ward Davis, Santa Barbara, California; and Miss
Regina Davis, Litchfield. Mrs. Blanche Crabb died
in November, 1952, and two children, Earle and
Eva, died in 1876.

/ ...... p "

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David Davis

DAVID DAVIS, Sr., was born in Madison
County, Illinois, and in 1856, at the age of
sixteen, came to Litchfield with his father, David
Davis, and embarked in the grocery business on
East Edwards Street. He was one of the first
grocers in the city and built the three-story build-
ing at the corner of State and Edwards Streets,
where he conducted both a wholesale and a retail
grocery business.

In 1870 he became a stockholder in the Litch-
field Bank and became its President. Shortly
afterward the bank was reorganized as Beach,

John P. Davis Family

OHN P. DAVIS, a native of Crawford County,
Pennsylvania, was born on March 10, 1825, and
came to Litchfield around 1855. He purchased 260
acres in North Litchfield and built the home shown
at the left in 1868.

He was the father of six chil-
dren; three of them, George, Wes-
ley, and William, have descendants
residing in or around Litchfield.

George married Angelina Cruze
and they were parents of three
children, two surviving. Grace,
married Robert Nimmons and they
reside at 1715 North Monroe
Street. They have one daughter,
Evelyn, wife of Clarence Senn.
They live in Staunton. Perl, with
his wife, the former Lela Roberts,
resides on a farm five miles north
of Litchfield.

Wesley married Annetta Briggs,
and to this union were born three
children; only one survives, Frank.
He married Alice Potts, and they
reside six miles north of Litch-
field. They are the parents of six
children, five surviving. Glenn,
wife of Frank Kean, lives five
miles north of Litchfield. They
have two children, Betty and Gilbert. Gertrude,
wife of Arthur Priddle, resides at 1812 North Van
Buren. They have one daughter, Artrude. John
married Carolyn Funke, and has two sons, Mike
and Pat. They reside on a farm five miles north
of Litchfield. Shirley married Hazel Wilson, and
they live four and one-half miles north of Litch-
field. They have two children, Lee and Marie.
Jeanne resides at home with her parents. Harold,
deceased, married Loraine Duff, and they had three
children, Edward, Robert, and Eugene.

William married Matilda Godown. They had
one son, Walter. He married Dorothy Drawbaugh,
and they reside at 322 North Jackson Street. They
have one son, Bill.

I ft *~

Mark M. Martin

MARK M. MARTIN was born in Sussex, Eng-
land in 1831. Married Matilda Orchard, born
in London, England, in 1838, and moved to Litch-
field in 1858. Mr. Martin became Master Car
Builder for Indianapolis & St. Louis Railway;
later was Vice-President of Litchfield Car & Ma-
chine Company. In 1885, he became Master Car
Builder and General Superintendent of the Car De-
partment of the Wabash Railway. In 1895, he be-
came owner of M. M. Martin & Co. Bank, now
known as the Litchfield Bank and Trust Company.
He also owned the Litchfield Foundry. He died in
1901 and Mrs. Martin died in 1905.

They had five children, two of whom are still
living: Mattie and Mabel. One deceased son, Wil-
liam had two children and six grandchildren all
living in New Orleans, La. Mabel married Seldon
Wadlington. Mattie married Charles E. Morgan
who was cashier of M. M. Martin Bank for twenty-
five years, later associated with the Morgan Drug
Store. Mr. Morgan died in 1941.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Morgan had two children:
Harold and Mabel. Harold attended Culver Mili-
tary Academy and served during World War I as
1st Lt., U. S. Army with overseas duty in France
and Luxemburg. He married Abbie Snell. They
are the parents of four children: Martin, Marjorie
(Mrs. Donald Miller), Dorothy (Mrs. John Hig-
gins), and Virginia. Martin and Mary Morgan are
parents of Martin, Jr., Lucy Ann, and Stephen.
Dorothy and John Higgins have one daughter,
Margaret Jane. Harold Morgan was proprietor of
Morgan Drug Store and is now Inspection Fore-
man of the American Radiator. Mabel Morgan
graduated from Litchfield High School and Monti-
cello Seminary. She married Dr. C. Harold Sihler ;
they have two children, Edward and Dorothy.

Stiefel-Scherer Family

GODFREY STIEFEL born in Altdorf , Germany,
in 1805, came to America in the early forties
and settled near Hillsboro, Illinois. In 1848, he
received a land grant of 25 acres from President
Polk, and this is still owned by the Stiefel heirs.
In 1849 he purchased 160 acres of land one mile
southwest of the present city of Litchfield, where
he engaged in farming and blacksmithing. Early
pioneer settlers said that he manufactured the best
prairie plow ever used in the county.

In 1851 he married Talitha Scherer Harkey,
widow of Levi Harkey, and daughter of Fredrick
and Margaret Scherer. Of the children born to
this union, three grew to maturity.

A daughter, Sarah Ida, married Isaac Brokaw.
They were the parents of seven children.

Two sons, Jacob and Thomas, were prominent
farmers of the Litchfield community. Both were
elders in the Litchfield Presbyterian Church.

Thomas married Carrie Brokaw. They had one
child, Ira, who is assistant to the vice-president of
the Westinghouse Electric Company of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.

Jacob's first wife was Anna Grubbs. After her
death he married Martha Clement. Three of the
four children by the first marriage are living and
reside in Litchfield. They are Myra, who is active
in church and civic affairs; Elsie, who recently re-
tired after many years of teaching in the Litch-
field elementary schools; and Ralph (Jake), a
World War I veteran and an active participant in
community affairs. He is married to the former
Elinor Ostermueller ; they have one child, Carol.

Michael Kelly Family

MICHAEL AND MARY KELLY left their home
at Woodford in County Galway, Ireland, on
November 12, 1848, and with their two children,
John, aged two years, and James, just six weeks
old, sailed from Dublin on a sailing vessel, the
SARAH, landing at New Orleans after nine weeks
of a stormy crossing. They came by river boat to
Alton where Mr. Kelly found employment at the
Dorsey farm near Bunker Hill. After five years
he had sufficient cash to purchase a Land Grant
from a Mexican War veteran and this they entered
for 80 acres of land east of Rising Sun, afterward
called Drummond, and now known as Mt. Olive.
There the Kellys built a log house and, with oxen,
broke the prairie for farming and in a few years
were able to add 80 more acres to their farm. They
came to Litchfield to sell grain, make needed pur-
chases, and to attend church at St. Mary's. Wood
was the fuel used in those early days and as there
was no timber on their farm they looked about for
a place that would have woods as well as tillable
ground. This condition they found on the Tennis
Farm of 400 acres at Shop Creek eight miles north
of Litchfield, and there they moved in 1863. Shop
Creek was a village consisting of a blacksmith
shop, a grist mill, a post office, and several log
cabins and was located on a bend of the West
Branch of Shoal Creek on this farm. The trail
from Vandalia to Jacksonville extended through
the farm and over it passed the stage coaches and
much of the travel of the early days. Older resi-
dents often told of some of the Mormons going
through Shop Creek on their exodus from Nauvoo.
Mr. Kelly died in 1887 and Mrs. Kelly's death oc-
curred in 1909. They were the parents of eight
children, all of whom are now dead. They were
John, James, Michael, Tobias, Brigit, who married
John Creane of New Douglas, Elizabeth, wife of
Michael Kniery of Litchfield, Mary, whose husband
was James Kehoe of Philadelphia, and Patrick, who
was a physician and surgeon of Litchfield from
1891 to 1913 when he was appointed by Governor
Dunne as Superintendent of the State Hospital at
Kankakee. He was a Grand Exalted Ruler of the
Litchfield Elks Lodge, the first Grand Knight of

the Litchfield Council Knights of Columbus, a long-
time member of the Litchfield Library Board, al-
ways active in Democratic politics and many so-
cial and civic organizations. John Kelly purchased
a farm south of Raymond and it was there he took
his bride after their marriage in 1888. Mrs. Kelly,
the former Ellen O'Connor, was born near Cause-
way in County Kerry, Ireland, and came to the
United States in 1875, locating at Pana, then com-
ing to Litchfield in 1882 to assist her brother-in-law
and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Richard McElligott, in the
operation of a grocery store at State and Edwards
Streets. In 1911 Mr. Kelly retired from farming
and moved to Litchfield. He died in February,
1912, less than a year after leaving his farm home.
Mrs. Kelly, now 96 years of age, and in very
frail health, makes her home with her daughter
and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Leo A. Heise on North
Street. Marie Kelly was married to Leo A. Heise
on June 9, 1926. They had one son, Joseph Pat-
rick, who lost his life at the Litchfield City Lake
in August, 1941.

Mr. & Mrs. Martin M. Heise

MARTIN M. HEISE, former Chief of the Litch-
field Fire Department and born in East St.
Louis on October 8, 1864, was a son of the late
Carl and Fredricka (Freiner) Heise, both natives
of Baden-Baden in the Grand Duchy of Baden,
Germany. They had emigrated to this country
when both were young and had lived in the Caron-
dolet section of South St. Louis. Here they were
married, but moved later to East St. Louis where
their nine children were born and where Carl Heise
died. In 1870 Mrs. Heise moved to Litchfield
so her children could easily find employment.

The sons began working for the Litchfield Car
Company as apprentice painters, and two of them,
Henry and Lawrence, made that trade their life-
work. The other children were Fred, Martin,
Charles, Otto, Augusta Ballweg, Wilhelmina Doll,
and Meta Crane. Martin Heise became a member
of the Eagle Hook and Ladder Company of the
Litchfield Fire Department in 1885 and served as
Chief of the Department from 1901 until 1916.

On January 28, 1891, he was united in marriage
with Mary Callahan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Austin Callahan, early Litchfield settlers who were
natives of Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Ireland.

Martin and Mary Heise were the parents of five
children, three of whom preceded their parents in
death. Mrs. Heise died in June, 1927, in the resi-
dence at 715 East Edwards Street, the house in
which she was born and where she had lived her
entire life, and Mr. Heise's death occurred in April,
1942. A son, Leo, and a daughter, Stella, still
make Litchfield their home. Charles Heise, aged
83, of Woodriver, is the sole survivor of the chil-
dren of Carl and Fredricka Heise.

Richard McElligott Family

RICHARD MCELLIGOTT, long identified with
the early history of Litchfield, was born near
Tralee in County Kerry, Ireland, July 13, 1842.
After completing his education at the Christian
Brothers' School in Tralee he went to London
where he was employed for eight years as account-
ant for the London Gas Company. In the early
1870s he came to America and worked for many
years for the Big Four Railway Company at Mat-
toon and Paris. In 1879 he was united in marriage
with Mary O'Connor, a sister of Mrs. John F. Kelly.

In April, 1882, they came to Litchfield, operating
a grocery store at the southwest corner of State
and Edwards Streets, later moving it to 108 West
Edwards. They retired from business in 1904 and
spent their declining years at their home, 619
North Harrison Street.

For nearly 50 years Mr. and Mrs. McElligott
were outstanding citizens of Litchfield. Their
early lives took inspiration from the beautiful Irish
countryside, and the religion and culture of their
race. They had a decided taste for the best litera-
ture, and a scholarly understanding of the poetry
and prose, and the art and music of the great mas-
ters. They were devout members of St. Mary's
Church, which Mr. McElligott served for many
years as Trustee. He was a charter member of the
Litchfield Council Knights of Columbus and was
Grand Knight of the Council in 1910-11. He had
a keen knowledge of political and economic issues
and for two terms, at the turn of the century,
served on the Litchfield City Council as Republican
Alderman from the Third Ward. His death at 86
occurred in July, 1928, and Mrs. McElligott died
in September, 1934, in her 81st year. They had no
children.

Brewington-Price Family

HENRY BREWINGTON, a farmer east of Litch-
field, came here with his family from Ten-
nessee before the town began. He had six chil-
dren, Taylor, James, Jeffry, Joseph, Elizabeth and
Melissa. He gave the lots for the A. M. E. Church
on North Harrison Street.

His son, Taylor Brewington, also a farmer, was
well known throughout the community. A judge
said of him, "If all people were as upright as
Taylor Brewington, we wouldn't need any laws."
His seven children were Frank, Minnie, John, Jen-
nie, William, Ollie, and Pearl.

The daughter Ollie married Vernie Price in 1893.
For many years Mr. Price was a faithful custodian
at the Post Office. Mr. and Mrs. Price were the
parents of ten children, Richard, Amanda, Anna,
Minnie, Emma, Delia, Nora, Taylor, Ola, Ida. In
1900 they went to Indian Territory and four of
their children were born there before statehood in
1908. Amanda Price Vanderburg is the only child
remaining in Litchfield.

Amanda's two children are Virgil and Vera
Vanderburg. Both were graduated from the Litch-
field Community High School, Virgil in 1934 and
Vera in 1936. Virgil attended Illinois College,
Jacksonville, for four years. Vera attended a busi-
ness school in Detroit, Michigan, and is employed
as secretary for the United Auto Workers Union
in Detroit.

Virgil is assistant pastor of the Hartford Baptist
Church in Detroit. He was married to Maudice
Franklin August 13, 1950. Maudice is a graduate
of a Detroit high school, also of Howard Univer-
sity in Washington, D. C. They have one child,
a son Manuel, born August 12, 1952.

Peter Mangers

PETER MANGERS, born March 16, 1833, in
Luxemburg, and Anna Oestrick, born June 17,
1836, in Germany, were married in St. Louis Jan.
2, 1863. They came to Litchfield from Mt. Olive
in 1863. They first lived at the Litchfield House.

Peter Mangers

In 1867, they bought a home which had formerly
been a store, at 1117 North State Street.

Mr. Mangers was a cobbler and had his first shop
on State Street where Simpson's Store is now lo-
cated. At the time of the fire, which destroyed a
large part of the block, his shop was burned. He
moved to a place just east of Dey's Pharmacy.
Here he worked until 1912. Then he moved to a

building just east of the Capitol Theater, where
he followed his trade until his death in 1927 at the
age of 94.

Mr. and Mrs. Mangers had seven children:
Theresa, Louise, Alphonsia, Pauline (Knetzer),
John, Evelyn, and Ottillia who married Edward
Boehme. All are deceased except Mrs. Boehme,
who still lives in the old home.

Beach-Gage Families

MR. HENRY HARRISON BEACH, the father of
Mrs. Estelle Beach Davis, was born in Coop-
erstown, New York, August 4, 1827. He came to
Litchfield May 17, 1857, from Wisconsin, bringing
engines and equipment for a machine shop and
foundry. He purchased property from Mr. E. B.
Litchfield on what is now South Jackson Street,
and erected a "Foundry & Machine Shop." Thus
began a career of usefulness and prosperity, this
being the only foundry and machine shop between
Alton and Terre Haute. By 1894, between 150 and
200 skilled mechanics were employed making the
Beach Twin Hoisting Engines.

Because of his energy and enterprise, Mr. Beach
soon became one of Litchfield's foremost citizens.
He was a member of the City Council when the
first waterworks were built. He advanced money
for a survey for a railroad to Springfield in 1887.
Cheaper fuel was needed, so Mr. Beach joined in
the movement to sink a coal mine which became
very productive. He was active in the movement
to secure the coming of the Wabash Railway
through Litchfield, and was a director in the
Terre Haute, Alton & St. Louis Railway. In 1871 he
purchased a one-third interest in the Litchfield
Bank at which time the bank became known as
Beach, Davis & Company. That same year he con-
ceived the idea of establishing a car works here.
The company employed about 800 men, and paid
over a million dollars annually in wages. He pat-
ented a double hoisting engine for mines which was
used by most mines in the country.

The need for a good hotel became apparent, and
he was one of the first subscribers to it. He was
also active in securing the land for a cemetery,
which is now Elmwood Cemetery. For almost
forty years Mr. Beach was foremost in promoting
the welfare of the city. By friends who knew him,
he was called the "Peerless Prince of Men," whom
to know was but to love him.

On August 11, 1866, he was married, to Elizabeth
Gage, and brought his bride to the home at 321
North Jackson Street, where the daughter, Mrs.
Estelle Beach Davis, still lives. The Beach family
were active members of the Universalist church.

Mr. J. Gage, grandfather of Mrs. Estelle Beach
Davis, came to Litchfield just before the Civil War.
The Gage home still stands, the double house on
Union Avenue in the 600 block. An interesting

story is that of how Union Avenue got its name.
Mr. Gage was a very strong believer in the cause
of the North, or the Union, and there being many
homes on the street which was first called "Hay-
ward," Mr. Gage suggested that it be named Union
Avenue, which today is one of the most important
streets of the city. He owned a large flour mill,
which burned down, after which Mr. Gage moved
to Greencastle, Indiana. Four children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Gage, the youngest being Elizabeth,
who married Mr. H. H. Beach, and lived in the
home at 321 North Jackson until her death in
1935. Mr. Beach died in 1907.

Hood Family

THE Hood family consisting of five brothers and
two sisters came from Philadelphia to this
vicinity in the early 1850's. They were Humphrey,
Benjamin, Joseph, John, Griffith, Ann, and Mary.

Humphrey H. Hood, the oldest, came first and
taught school in Jersey County. He moved to
Hardinsburg where he started practicing medicine
as he was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College.

years on the school board. In 1884 he was elected
representative to the Illinois General Assembly.
Children were Frances, Annie, George, Louise Rah-
meyer, and Harold. Frances (Miss Fanny), a
former schoolteacher, is his only living descendant.

Benjamin S. Hood was editor of one of Litch-
field's first newspapers, Litchfield Monitor. He was
town and city clerk, and active in civic affairs.

When Joseph Hood established Hood Brothers'
Drug Store, Benjamin S. Hood was his partner
until he moved to Jerseyville. Herbert S. Hood
then became his father's partner and the store be-
came Hood and Son. For 75 years this store was
a landmark in Litchfield.

John was killed in the Civil War and Griffith was
drowned in the Mississippi River en route to Litch-
field. Ann was a schoolteacher. She never mar-
ried but helped to rear her brother's children as
well as one great-niece, Edith Gaby, daughter of
Sally Hood. Mary died at an early age.

Herbert S. Hood married Minerva Pearce. They
had two daughters, Nell, wife of Leo Schalk and
Josephine, wife of William Schutt. Mrs. Leo
Schalk and Florence Hood, daughter of George
Hood, are the only other members of the Hood
family living in Litchfield.

The Hood family came to Illinois from Philadelphia

in 1856. Upper row, left to right: John L. Hood,

Jos. L. Hood, H. H. Hood. Lower row: J. G. Hood,

Ann H. Hood, Mary J. Hood, B. L. Hood.

He came to Litchfield in 1854. In 1862 he entered
the Union Army and was surgeon to the 117th
Illinois Volunteers. After a year he was assigned
to the Third United States Heavy Artillery with
quarters at Fort Pickering, Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Hood served as city alderman, supervisor of
North Litchfield Township and was for many

Kinder Family

THE Kinder families originally came from Hol-
land and settled in Pennsylvania. Later mi-
grating to Illinois, they settled in Macoupin County
north of Hornsby in the early 1800s.

Jacob Kinder, born in 1815, died 1882, married
Jane Huddleston. They had six children. One of
his daughters, Emily, married James Wilton and
settled in Litchfield. A son, Abram, married
Adelia Chapman and lived on a farm four miles
west of Litchfield. They became the parents of
three children, Nora, David, and one child who
died in infancy.

Nora Kinder was graduated from the Litchfield
High School in 1885. She taught school one year
in Mt. Olive and taught seventh grade in Litch-
field for nine years. In 1894, she married Frank
Blackwelder, son of Monroe and Helena Cress
Blackwelder, early settlers from North Carolina.
Nora died in March, 1948, and Frank passed
away on June 20, 1953, following a year's illness.

David R. Kinder was graduated from the Litch-
field High School in 1885 and from the University
of Illinois in 1889. He practiced law with George
L. Zink. After the death of Mr. Zink, he became
a partner with the late Thomas M. Jett, maintain-
ing offices in Hillsboro and Litchfield. In 1903,
he married Eva M. Martin, daughter of the late
Elbert and Eliza (Groner) Martin. They had four
children, one dying in infancy: Dwight R. and
Paul M. of Litchfield, and John F. of East Chicago,
Indiana. Dwight R. Kinder is following his fa-
ther's profession in the firm of Kinder and Dey.

David R. Sparks— Frank R. Milnor

DAVID R. SPARKS joined the United States
Army in 1847 and went to fight in the war
with Mexico, serving in the New Mexico area until
the end of the war. In 1850 Sparks, Best and oth-
ers joined the California "Gold Rush" and made
the journey from Staunton to California with a
covered wagon and three yoke of oxen. They fer-
ried across the Mississippi at Alton in April and
finally reached Placerville, California, in August of
that year. The mining operation was unsuccessful
and Sparks, Best and others returned via San Fran-
cisco in a sailing vessel. At Panama they crossed
the Isthmus on foot and came home via Havana,
Cuba, New Orleans and the Mississippi River.

In 1852 they made the trip by steamboat and
wagon to the Colorado gold mines, near the present
town of Central City, where they established the
first stamping mill in that locality. In the Civil
War, at the first call for three-year troops, Sparks
organized a troop of cavalry of which he was cap-
tain, with recruits mostly from around Litchfield.
They furnished their own horses and served in
many campaigns, including the seige of Vicksburg.

On his return in 1863 from two and one-half
years' service in the Union Army as Captain,
Company "L," 3rd Illinois Cavalry, David Sparks
moved his family from Staunton, Illinois, to Litch-
field. With his partner, Mr. Wesley Best, they pur-
chased property near what is now the northeast
corner of the crossing of the Big Four and Wabash
Railroads. In that year the construction of a stone
and brick flour mill was begun. The installation of
machinery and equipment was completed and the
mill started in the summer of 1864 with a daily
capacity of 350 barrels of flour. At that time the
mill was believed to have been the largest mill in
Illinois. Captain Sparks and family continued to
reside in Litchfield until 1869, at which time the
partnership purchased a mill in Alton, Illinois.
Sparks moved his family to Alton and became the
manager of the mill there. Wesley Best continued
to operate the Litchfield mill until it was destroyed
by fire in 1879. In the meantime, Best and Sparks
had purchased what was known as "The Old Gage
Mill" in Litchfield, which they operated until it, too,
was destroyed by fire.

Captain Sparks continued in the milling busi-
ness at Alton until his death in 1907. In 1877 he
and other flour millers formed the Millers Mutual
Fire Insurance Company of Illinois with principal
office at Alton. He served as President of the
company from 1877 until his death in 1907. Sparks
married Anna Davenport Chapman in 1849. They
had nine children, one of whom, Mary Ann Sparks,
the oldest, became the wife of Frank R. Milnor in
1874. One of the children, William Lincoln Sparks,
was born in Litchfield in 1867.

Captain Sparks was a Unitarian and a Mason.
A staunch Republican, he was a representative in
the 36th Illinois General Assembly and a Senator
in the 40th Illinois General Assembly.

FRANK RICHMOND MILNOR was born in
Alton, Illinois, on December 15, 1846; the son
of Joshua Milnor and Henrietta Platts Milnor; he
attended Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois,
and later the School of Pharmacy in Cincinnati.

In 1865 he came to Litchfield, to work in a drug
store owned by Dr. Grinstead; later he purchased
it and continued in business for many years.

In 1874 he married Mary Sparks, of Alton,
daughter of David Sparks and Anna Davenport
Sparks, former residents of Litchfield.

In 1902 he became Vice-President of the Litch-
field Bank & Trust Company; was made President
in 1905, which position he held until a short time
before his death, which occurred in June of 1938,
in Alton. His was an eventful life — in 1858 he
heard one of the debates of Lincoln and Douglas,
in Alton, was deeply impressed by Mr. Lincoln's
policies, and became a life-long Republican.

He held many public and other offices — first that
of Alderman in 1879, and of Mayor, first in 1885
and again in 1892. In 1900 he was elected to the
General Assembly. He served two years as Presi-
dent of the Litchfield Merchants' Association, dur-
ing which time occurred many events noteworthy
in Litchfield's history. Mr. Milnor also served in
office as a Commander of St. Omar's Commandery,
Knights Templar, as Treasurer of the Command-
ery, of Litchfield Lodge A. F. & A. M., and of Eliot
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, as Presidential
elector, alternate to the National Republican Con-
vention in June, 1898, and as Elector to the con-
vention in 1908.

Mrs. Milnor took an active interest in affairs of
the Litchfield community by helping found the
Litchfield Woman's Club, of which she was the first
President, serving as a member of the Library
Board for many years, taking an active part in the
work of the Universalist Church. She was largely
instrumental in establishing a visiting nurse in the
city, and also participated prominently in the so-
cial life of the city. She attended Monticello Semi-
nary and was graduated from Lombard College.

There were two children, Mabel Sparks, who
married Mathew A. Reasoner, a regular Army of-
ficer in the Medical Corps; and George Sparks,
who married Alice Bowman of Alton, after whose
death he married Alice Ryrie of Alton.

George Sparks and Alice Bowman Milnor had
one son, George Bowman, who married Jeanne
Betty Johnson of Enid, Oklahoma; they have a
daughter, Marilyn, and a son, George Johnson.

George Sparks and Alice Ryrie Milnor have two
sons, Magnus Ryrie, who married Dorothy Gaines;
they have one daughter, Alice Gaines; and one son,
George Sparks, II; the other son is Frank Rich-
mond, II, who married Florence Jacobsen of Bos-
ton, Mass. They have two daughters, Anne and
Susan.

Alice Milnor Reasoner, daughter of Mabel Sparks
Milnor and Mathew A. Reasoner, married Curtis
J. Herrick an officer in the regular United States
Army. They have four children: Curtis J., Jr.,
Robert Milnor, Alice Anabel, and Mary Reasoner.

George Albert Sihler, Sr.

GEORGE ALBERT SIHLER, born in Simcoe,
Ontario, Canada, in 1862, was educated in pub-
lic schools in Simcoe, and graduated from McGill
University, Montreal, Canada, at the age of twenty.
He studied one year in Germany, and married
Bertha Ohnsorg of St. Louis, in 1884. He moved to
Litchfield to establish his medical practice. He was
President of the grade school board for twenty
years; became Vice-President of the First National
Bank in 1907. Dr. Sihler played an important part

Dr. George A. Sihler, Sr.

in the development of the business, social and pro-
fessional life of the city. One of his biggest con-
tributions to the community was the establish-
ment of a reforestation area on the shores of the
new waterworks lake. He practiced medicine for
sixty years. After his death in 1945, Lincoln School
was renamed Sihler School. Dr. and Mrs. Sihler
had three sons: George Albert, Jr., Arthur Ed-
ward, Charles Harold, and one daughter who died
in infancy.

George A. Sihler, Jr. (1886-1949). Graduated
from McGill University, 1910. Practiced medicine
in Litchfield 37 years. Rotary President, 1927-28.
Board Member L. C. H. S., 1926-1930. Board Presi-
dent, 1930, resigning 1944. Married Lois E. Mil-
ler, 1914. Two daughters: Mrs. James A. Branch
(Mary Elizabeth), Atlanta, Georgia. Mrs. Robert
C. Crowe (Helen Virginia), Coral Gables, Florida.
Grandchildren: James A., Ill, Mary Elizabeth,
George Sihler, and Sarah Branch. Susan Sihler,
Ann Miller, and Robert Emmett Crowe, III.

Arthur E. Sihler, born in Litchfield, 1891. Grad-
uated St. Louis University Dental School, 1916.

Began practice of Dentistry in Litchfield. Presi-
dent Central Illinois Dental Society, 1936. Mar-
ried Julia C. Hill, 1923. Two daughters: Mrs. Bert
Fitzpatrick (Margaret Marie), Aurora, Colorado.
Mrs. Orville F. Stoddard (Ruth Louise), Overland.
Missouri. Granddaughter: Nancy Kay Stoddard.
Charles Harold Sihler, born in Litchfield, 1895.
Graduated from McGill University, 1920. Began
practice of medicine in Litchfield, 1921. Held of-
fice of Mayor, one term beginning 1935. Also
President of Rotary Club. Married Mabel Morgan,
1919. Dr. and Mrs. Sihler have two children: Ed-
ward, Lieutenant — U.S. Air Force, stationed in
Okinawa, married Joan Wilson, 1952. Dorothy, a
junior at DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana.

Potts Family

THE first member of the Potts family to be as-
sociated with the formative years of the city of
Litchfield was William Baty Potts (born June 9,
1814). He came with his parents Richard F. Potts
(born July 4, 1776) and Betsy Cummings Potts
from Daviess County, Kentucky, to Illinois in 1829
and settled in Macoupin County where he married
Rhoda Ann Richards. In 1856 he acquired large
tracts of land in Montgomery County adjacent to
Litchfield, to which village he moved in the latter
part of his life and engaged in mercantile business,
and where he died Jan. 11, 1885.

Of the eight children of William Baty and Rhoda
Potts, only two are identified with Litchfield his-
tory; Edmund Jasper and Amanda.

Jasper was born May 24, 1837 and married
Agnes Ann Allen Nov. 8, 1856. Amanda married
William Lee Allen, brother of Agnes Ann. These
marriages produced a group of "double cousins"
who treasure the fusion of the Potts-Allen families
to this day.

Edmund Jasper and Agnes Ann conducted ex-
tensive farming operations north of Litchfield un-
til 1884 when they moved to Litchfield in order
that their children might attend school. Three
sons, Albert, Joseph and Walter were graduated
from the Litchfield High School with honors in
1888, 1889 and 1890 respectively and held posi-
tions of trust in Litchfield's business life, until they
moved to Mt. Vernon in 1891. Effie was society
editor of the Litchfield Daily News and taught a
Sunday School class in the old brick Christian
Church on Union Avenue near State Street pre-
vious to her marriage in 1900 to Dr. Simeon Ryer-
son Johnson who opened an office in Divernon.

For a few years Jasper Potts conducted a gro-
cery store on State Street. He died in 1910. Agnes
Ann died in 1936. Both are buried in Elmwood
cemetery. Their eldest son, William Baty, II,
married Olive Rushton. Two of their eight chil-
dren are connected with the present life of Litch-
field, Maye and Alice.

Maye Potts married Charles Ash, now assistant
supervisor of North Litchfield Township. They
reside at 315 East Ryder Street and are prominent

in their church and civic life. The eldest daugh-
ter, Dorothy, graduated from the Washington Uni-
versity School of Nursing and married Dr. Robert
Rebillot who has offices on Monroe Street. They
have one daughter, Patricia.

Milton, the oldest son, married Hattie Mae
Moomey of Harvel, and he has his own office sup-
ply business in Springfield. Jesse married Ferae
Burris of Butler and they, with their three chil-
dren, Sherrilyn, Jean, and Bobby, live in Washing-
ton, Illinois.

The second daughter, Marian, married Murray
Shrader of the firm of Austin and Shrader Brothers
Hardware and Furniture. They have two children,
Larry and Ann.

Mildred, the youngest daughter, married Charles
Lawrence and is now residing in Chicago.

Alice Potts married Frank Davis. They reside
on a farm but participate in the civic life of Litch-
field. Their eldest daughter Glenn Davis married
Frank Kean, who has been connected with the
Litchfield Creamery for 25 years. Glenn is con-
nected with the Woolworth store. Their daughter
Gertrude married Arthur Priddle. Jeanne Davis,
youngest daughter, is on the bookkeeping staff of
the Litchfield Grocer Company.

Roberts Family

JOSIAH AND SUSAN HART ROBERTS came to
Montgomery County in 1828 from Maury
County, Tennessee. He had served in the war of
1812 and was a Methodist. They settled southeast
of the site of Honey Bend. They were the par-
ents of John and James C. Roberts.

James C. Roberts, born in 1822, married Nancy
Jane Hughes in 1844. They lived in the Roberts
settlement and owned land in that section. He
donated land for the Roberts Cemetery. They were
parents of 12 children: Virgil, Louisa, wife of
Jesse Covington, Basil, Mary, wife of Pleasant
Briggs, Henry, Susan, wife of Morgan Corlew,
Josiah, Edwin and Zelotes. William, Naomi and
Milton died at an early age.

Edwin served in the Spanish-American War with
Co. K, 4th HI. Vol. Infantry. He died in 1904.

Virgil served in the Civil War in 1864-65 with
Co. C, 17th 111. Cavalry. Virgil, born in 1845, mar-
ried Mary Ash in 1868. They were the parents of
9 children: Estella, wife of Charles Arnold, Jesse,
Mary Ann, wife of Dr. I. A. Kerley, Virgil, Walter
and Edward. Lily, Frank and Bessie died in in-
fancy. His wife, Mary, died in 1890.

In 1893 he married Julia McGown of Raymond.
They were parents of three children, Lela, wife of
Perl Davis, Avery, and Earl who died in infancy.
His wife Julia died in 1945. In 1892 he bought the
Woods farm northeast of Honey Bend. There he
farmed and was a livestock dealer. Later he served
as Highway Commissioner of North Litchfield
Township, which office his son, Walter, now holds.

He was a member of Phillips Chapel Methodist
Church. He died in April, 1923 at the age of 77.

Bost-Barry Families

WR. BOST of Fillmore vicinity came to
. Litchfield just one-half a century ago. In
the winters of 1903 and 1904, he taught Hickory
Grove School, 1905 and 1906 in Fillmore School;
married Alma Simpson, daughter of A. D. and
Alice (Corlew) Simpson, moved into Litchfield;
embarked in the implement and buggy business
at 604 North State, specializing in buggies, as
those were "The Good Old Buggy Days."

Blue Boy — Fastest Horse in Town

After Mrs. Bost's death, Mr. Bost married Faith
Barry, teacher in the Junior High School of this
city, and daughter of W. N. Barry and Nellie
McFarland Barry.

Mr. Barry, retired farmer, moved into Litchfield
in 1910. He clerked for many years in the Bald-
win and Wier Lumber Co. He is a member of
the Presbyterian Church and has served as elder.
He served two years as Worshipful Master of the
Masonic Lodge of this city.

Mrs. Barry, daughter of Richard McFarland and
Mary Blackwood McFarland, is a member of the
Presbyterian Church and has served as Worthy
Matron of Lavonne Chapter, Eastern Star.

Among the achievements of Mr. Bost: he drove
the first tractor ever in Litchfield in the Dairy
Day parade, 1916 ; sold the first tractors ; built one
of the first modern dairy barns; among first to
produce Grade "A" milk ; bred a large herd of regis-
tered Holstein cows; supplied Litchfield with bot-
tled Grade "A" milk for ten years.

In 1947 the Bosts bought the Dr. Link prop-
erty, Ryder and Monroe; removed the old land-
mark, a 17-room, 3-story house, and built a large
modern grocery store now occupied by Kroger.

D. W. Taylor Family

DANIEL W. TAYLOR arrived in Litchfield on
July 2, 1865. He often said his first night he
had slept with a 15-year-old boy who nearly kicked
him out of bed. The boy was Johnny Gaby, later
for many years a clothing merchant in Litchfield.

Mr. Taylor had been told of a business for sale
and he purchased it. The town looked like a comer
to him. This store was located in a room near the
present Ritz Theatre.

About a year later S. Dexter Ludden, who owned
a business in what was known as the Masonic
Block, the three-story building on the corner of
State and Kirkham, proposed that they form a
partnership and occupy his room. Mr. Ludden had
purchased a store in Decatur and wished to devote
his time to it. The firm of Ludden & Taylor lasted
until 1887 when Ludden's interest was bought by
Mr. Taylor. It was always known by the name of
"The New York Store." About 1878 they moved to
a larger room across the street, two doors north
of Summerfield's clothing store which had been
established in 1856. The store remained there un-
til 1888 and moved again to the room now occu-
pied by the Austin & Shrader Hardware Store.

This room was a three-story building built by
Fred C. Beeman to Mr. Taylor's specifications. It
was leased for ten years and at the end of that time
was purchased by Mr. Taylor. In 1866 D. W.
Taylor was married to Mary Belle Post of Alton,
Illinois, who was visiting her sister, the wife of
H. Clay Watson, an official of the railroad shops.
They were married in Alton on May 15, 1866, and
to this union were born two sons, Perry Post
Taylor on April 29, 1867, and Dexter Perley on
January 21, 1869.

Perry Post Taylor graduated from the Litchfield
High School in May, 1883, the only boy in a class
of seven. After one year in the store of his fa-
ther, he entered Smith Academy in St. Louis, took
his first year of college in Washington University,
then transferred to Cornell in Ithaca, New York.
He graduated there in 1890, studied law in Chicago
and was admitted to the bar both in Illinois and
Missouri. He later opened an office in St. Louis
and about two years later was appointed City At-
torney of St. Louis. In June, 1892, he married
Alice Dudley of Newfield, New York, whom he had
met while at Cornell. To this union there was
born a son, Dudley Post, who died at the age of
eleven months. In 1897 a daughter, Lucy, was
born. She lived all her early life in St. Louis and
after graduating from high school and attending
Cornell she married Mark Neville, a former Cornell
student. To this union there were born Alice Ann,
and Mark Taylor Neville. Mr. Neville was with
the John Burroughs School for many years, then
transferred to a boys' school in Chicago where they
now live. Alice Ann married a member of the
family making the Seeburg Wall-O-Matic and many
other musical machines. Perry Post Taylor passed
away in St. Louis on December 1, 1947.

Dexter P. Taylor left high school in 1885 and
started to work for his father that fall. In 1888
he attended Eastman Business College, graduat-
ing in September of that year. He returned to
again enter business with his father. On February
4 he was married to Ina Tinklepaugh, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Tinklepaugh. To this
union were born three children, Daniel Henry, John
(Jack) Perry, and Josephine Belle. Josephine died
July 17, 1901, aged two years, eleven months.

Daniel H. Taylor, after graduating from Litch-
field High School in 1911, worked in the store one
year and then entered Northwestern University,
but after his grandfather's death returned to the
store with his father. The business of D. W. and
D. P. Taylor was liquidated in 1913 and in March,
1916, D. P. Taylor and family moved to Junction
City, Kansas. Shortly after he went to Junction
City Mr. Taylor bought a dry goods business in
September, 1916. He was joined by his son, Daniel.
They operated this store for seven years, then sold
out to Cole Brothers, whose store had burned out.
Later D. P. Taylor bought a bankrupt clothing
stock in Abilene; this was sold in 1929. He then
bought an old established clothing business that
had pretty well run down, which, with his son
Jack, they have built up to one of the nicest stores
in Junction City in the best location in the city.
D. P. Taylor plans to retire this year from active
work, turning the business over to his son, Jack.

Daniel Taylor joined the J. C. Penney Company
in August, 1923, as assistant manager in Abilene,
Kansas, Ike Eisenhower's boyhood home. In April,
1928, they opened a new Penney store in Junction
City, in the same room that Dan and his father
had been in. Dan was made manager and has con-
tinued with this same store ever since. He will
reach the age of 60 this year and retired from
the company July 1, this being the retirement age
with this company. Dan went to New York in
April for his final settlement with the company.
He has been quite successful in his work and will
retire in very comfortable circumstances. Dan
was married in June, 1924, to Miss Mae Trueblood
of Yates Center, Kansas. They have an adopted
daughter, Mary Alice, about six years old.

Jack Taylor, after graduating from Junction
City High School in 1925, went to work for the
J. C. Penney Company. In June, 1929, he was
married to Sarah Johnstone. To this union was
born Sarah (Sally) Elizabeth on January 5, 1933,
but the mother died at that time. In August, 1937,
Jack married Miss Ruth Kean. They have one
daughter, Mary Kay, born November 1, 1939. Jack
joined his father in Junction City in 1944.

D. W. Taylor was mayor of Litchfield about 1904
and 1905 and turned the first shovel of dirt to
start the building of the American Radiator Plant.
Mr. Taylor and family were all members of the
First Presbyterian Church and he was an Elder of
the church for many years.

In 1902 Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Taylor adopted a
two-year-old girl, Helen. She lived with her
adopted father and mother until Mr. Taylor died.
Later she and Mrs. Taylor moved to St. Louis
where they lived until Mrs. Taylor died January
15, 1943, at the age of 94 years and 11 months.
Helen has never married and now lives in Chicago,
and is a secretary for a large insurance company.

Crane-Fitzsimmons-
Atchison-Skelton

THE John and Margaret Gleason Crane family,
immigrants of Tralee and Kinmare, County
Kerry, Ireland, settled in Litchfield in 1880. Their
children were Ellen, John, Michael, Edward, Agnes,
and Daniel. Mr. Crane was employed at the Planet
Mill. The sons were machinists, toolmakers, and
moulders in the early industries. Margaret Atchi-
son, a daughter of Agnes and George Atchison, was
reared by an aunt and uncles, her parents having
died when she was a child. Miss Atchison, a regis-
tered nurse, is on the staff of St. Francis Hospital.
John and Eliza Tighe Fitzsimmons, immigrants
of Counties Cavin and Galway, Ireland, settled in
Litchfield in 1860. Mr. Fitzsimmons supervised
the laying of an early railroad here. They were
parents of nine sons and a daughter, Mary Ann,
who married John Crane. They were the parents
of seven children: Frank of St. Paul, Minnesota,
Catherine Johnson, Philadelphia, Pa., Marie, Mar-
garet, and Ann of Litchfield. James and Joseph
are deceased. Margaret is employed in the State
Finance Department. Marie is the wife of Roy
Skelton, an operator on the Wabash Railroad, who
came to Litchfield thirty years ago. They are par-
ents of three children: John, who is serving in
the Navy in Korean waters, Susan Ann and Fran-
cis Crane. Their great-grandfathers served in the
Civil War. The Skelton children are the third
generation who received their early education in
St. Mary's School.

Bennett Family

DR. RICHARD FRANKLIN BENNETT, physi-
cian and surgeon, was born in Shelby County,
October 2, 1839. He married Elizabeth Storm in
1861, and came to Litchfield the same year. He
was Mayor of Litchfield in 1880, and served four
terms. He was a Methodist, Knight Templar, Re-
publican, and Superintendent of the State Hospital
in Anna, Illinois. They had two children, Harry
Franklin Bennett, born June 12, 1871, and Mary
Eloria Bennett, born May 10, 1876.

Harry F. Bennett, physician and surgeon, prac-
ticed medicine over fifty years. He was a captain
in the Medical Corps in World War I, member of
the American Medical Association, State and
County Medical Societies, Rotary, Elks, Antlers,
Chicago Athletic Club and Missouri Athletic Club.
He organized Litchfield's first Red Cross Chapter.

He was secretary of the Montgomery County Medi-
cal Society until his death May 18, 1945. He was
Chief of the Medical Staff of Fort Dearborn Ath-
letic Club, Chicago, and established the first code
of physical examinations for boxers before enter-
ing the ring and his code is still used by State Box-
ing Commissions. He married Claire May Porter-
field, Marinette, Wisconsin, October 19, 1909.

They had two children, Richard Franklin Ben-
nett, born September 15, 1913, sports writer for
the Illinois State Journal and the Litchfield News-
Herald, and Claire Helene Ruecking, born June 12,
1917, wife of Harry Walker Ruecking, former news-
paper editor, now owner of the Litchfield Transit
Company. They were married June 14, 1939,
and have four children, Claire Helene, born May
12, 1941, Katherine Jean and Richard Bennett,
born August 15, 1947, and William Christian, born
March 31, 1950.

Mary Bennett married Leon E. Denison, Cairo,
Illinois, June 14, 1905, and had two children, Rich-
ard Charles Denison, Cairo, and Leon E. Denison,
Jr., Louisville, Kentucky. Richard and Ruth Lemon
Denison have one son, Lee Bennett Denison, and
Leon and Camilla Cullinane Denison have one
daughter, Anne.

McGinnis-Machler Families

JOHN McGINNIS of County Clare, Ireland, came
to Litchfield in 1854. He had a grocery store,
was the first alderman of first ward in 1859 and
married Hannah Mahoney, also from County Clare,
Ireland, who came to Litchfield from Casenovia,
New York, in 1856. They lived in one of the first
brick houses. Their oldest daughter, Mary (Mollie),
was born May 9, 1859, and was educated at the
Ursuline Academy. She married Julius C. Machler,
who came to Litchfield in 1871.

He was born in New York City, April 11, 1848.
His parents were Peter and Julia Maurer Machler,
natives of Germany. He enlisted as a drummer
boy and interpreter in the Union Army at the age
of thirteen. He was a charter member of the
Litchfield Fire Department, served as mayor, alder-
man, supervisor, and as a member of the School
Board. They were parents of eight children; Julia,
wife of George Badenhausen, whose son, George, is
Hospital Administrator of Harriman Jones Clinic,
Long Beach, California; Harry, deceased, Spanish
American War Veteran; Dr. F. Patrick, Spanish-
American War Veteran, Captain World War I,
physician and surgeon, graduate of George Wash-
ington University, Washington, D. C, married
Ruth Steele of Chicago, is buried in Arlington Na-
tional Cemetery; Otto, deceased; Katherine, grad-
uate nurse, deceased ; Frances, teacher in the Litch-
field public schools, widow of Joseph Kniery,
former assistant Postmaster; Apalona, associated
with Dr. Machler for 30 years; Cyril died in infancy.

The family home, the ground for which was pur-
chased from Litchfield and deeded to Mary McGin-
nis in 1863, was recently moved to make room for
the erection of the new Madison Park School.

Sinclair Family

JAMES CLARK SINCLAIR was the fifth son of
James and Rebecca (Parks) Sinclair. He was
born in Greene County in 1833. At the age of
thirteen he moved with his parents to Macoupin
County. When he was twenty he moved to Mont-
gomery County and settled 10 miles north of Litch-
field on a farm now occupied by his grandson,
John Spires Sinclair, and accumulated a great deal
of land in Montgomery County. The twenty-acre
Maple Grove which he set out at the home place

Charles Abram, Jr., is now residing at 721 North
Jackson Street in Litchfield and has been bulk
distributor for Texaco petroleum products for the
past 23 years.

James Clark Sinclair

has become a landmark. He was engaged in farm-
ing and raising livestock in that vicinity until
about 1883, when he retired from farming and
moved into the city of Litchfield and built a home
at 623 North State Street. He acquired consider-
able property in the city of Litchfield and con-
ducted a business of livestock trading and farm
management on the east side of the 500 block of
North State Street.

In September, 1863, James Clark Sinclair mar-
ried Elizabeth Jones. They had four children:
James C. A. (1865-1890), Eva May (Sinclair)
Baker (1869- ), Charles Abram (1867-1940),
and Vesta Rhea (Sinclair) Brandon (1879-1931).

Eva Sinclair married Dr. T. T. Baker in 1893.
They had three children: Sinclair (1894-1910),
Elizabeth and Evelyn.

Charles Abram married Anna Susan Spires in
1893 and had five children: James Clark, Eva
Rea (1897-1899), Mary Jane, Charles Abram, Jr.,
and John Spires.

Strehle Family

JOSEPH C. STREHLE was born in Litchfield in
October, 1868, son of J. A. and Minnie Weipert
Strehle. His father, born in Germany in 1835, came
to the United States in 1854; after a few years in
Alton he came to Litchfield in 1866. As a pioneer
baker, he established a bakery in a wooden struc-
ture replaced in 1871 by a brick building still the
property of the Strehles. Minnie Strehle died in
1903; Joseph A. Strehle in 1907.

Joseph C. Strehle was active from his youth in
the business life of Litchfield; he left school to
work in Beardsley's Jewelry Store. In 1892 he
bought the shoe store of Constantine Hoog, con-
tinued in the shoe business until 1913, then bought
the Hood Insurance Agency and was elected Sec-
retary of the Cooperative Savings and Loan Co.

He was one of the organizers of the Board of
Trade, now the Chamber of Commerce, serving
as its Secretary for over thirty years. He was a
member of the Masonic fraternity, Fire Depart-
ment, Elks and Rotary Clubs. In November, 1902,
he married Estella Whaley, daughter of Jonas and
Mary Judge Whaley; two sons were born to them.
Mr. Strehle died in April, 1948.

George, Jr., married Edith Weller of Tuscola,
in 1937; a son Richard Weller Strehler is their only
child. George was associated with his father in
the insurance business, and was his successor as
Secretary of the Loan Company. He carried on
the work of his father until he died suddenly on
September 19, 1952.

Joseph C. Strehle, in the employ of the Bell
Telephone Company, St. Louis, married Delphino
Galloway of East St. Louis in 1936. They have
two daughters, Sue Ann and Jo Ellen.

Milnor Family

THE John K. Milnor family came to Litchfield,
from Alton, Illinois, in July, 1866. This fam-
ily included John K. Milnor, his wife Elcenia, son
Mara M., and daughter Henrietta. Harry H.,
Claude G., and Charles R. were born here.

John K. Milnor was born in Bristol, Pa., Decem-
ber, 1828, and came to Alton as a small boy. He
was a plasterer and worked at his trade in Litch-
field for many years. His wife, Elcenia Jones, was
born in Baltimore, Md., September, 1832, and
came to Alton in 1836. They were married in
Alton November, 1856. Mr. Milnor died in Litch-
field, February, 1908, while Mrs. Milnor survived
until June, 1920.

Harry H. Milnor was a printer and after work-
ing on papers in Litchfield and Hillsboro, went to

Chicago where he worked on the Chicago Herald.
He married Isabelle Cresswell, and they resided
in Chicago until their deaths in 1932 and 1941.

Claude G. went to Chicago as a young man and
married Grace Jamison, in 1903. He died in 1906.

Charles R. worked in his brother's drug store
until 1900 when he went to Chicago. There he
married Delia Beyer, and after a number of years
they moved to Los Angeles, California, where they
resided until their deaths. Mr. Milnor died in
1928, and Mrs. Milnor in 1943.

Mara M. attended high school and worked in the
drug store of Frank R. Milnor. In 1887 he bought
a drug store and continued in that business until
he sold it to Roy Colby in 1905. He was a direc-
tor of the First National Bank, and was active in
the Masonic Lodges, holding the high office in
each one. He was a member of the original com-
mittee for the new Water Works, and continued
on that committee until it was in operation. He
was president of the Cemetery Association for
twenty years. He was elected president of the
Co-operative Building and Loan Association in
1890, one year after it was organized, and con-
tinued in that office for forty-nine years, until his
death in August, 1939. He was married to Hattie
A. Morrison, a daughter of Rev. A. B. Morrison,
then pastor of the First M. E. Church, in April,
1884. She died February, 1914. In October, 1916,
he married her sister, Adah Morrison. She died
July, 1940.

Henrietta Milnor married John McManus Janu-
ary, 1895. To this union was born one daughter,
Harriet Elcenia, who resides in Litchfield.

John Henry McManus was born in Girard De-
cember, 1843, and came to Litchfield, September,
1866 or 1867. He worked in the photo gallery of
D. C. Bacon, for a number of years, later going
into business for himself on the corner where the
Dr. Sihler office is now located. Mr. McManus
was an active member of the Zion English Lu-
theran Church, and a member of the Church Coun-
cil. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and
Commandery. Mr. McManus died December, 1907,
and Mrs. McManus January, 1909.

Wiegreffe Family

WILLIAM WIEGREFFE was born in Han-
over, Germany, February 13, 1828, and came
to this country in 1850. Buying a farm near Zanes-
ville, Illinois, he lived there until 1868, when he
came to Litchfield and embarked in the lumber
business which he conducted until his death in
1904. He also served as Alderman for some years.
He married Eva Sinn from Saskamp, Germany, in
1861. They had six children; William, the only one
living, whose wife was Margaret Loescher of
Litchfield, now deceased, resides here at the Elks
Club; Charlotte, wife of George Hood, both de-
ceased, one daughter, Florence, now residing in

Litchfield; Emma, wife of William Cotter, both
deceased, had seven children; Augusta, wife of
Alfred Aldous, both deceased, had three children;
Miss Maetie, deceased; and Fred, a former mayor
of Litchfield around 1900, whose wife was Delia
Lynch, a member of a pioneer family here, both
deceased. There were four children, two of them
residing in Litchfield — Lorraine, a music instructor
and organist at St. Mary's Church, and Mildred.
Berenice is the wife of O. E. Schuch of Detroit, one
of the executives in the U. S. Radiator office there,
and has two daughters, Eva Marie and Mary Lee,
who being married are residing with their families
in Michigan. William is in St. Louis, holding
a responsible position in the office of the St. Louis
South-Western Railway, and is married, with one
daughter, Barbara Jane, who is also married and
lives with her family in Berkeley, Missouri.

Zuber Family

THE name of Zuber has been known in Litch-
field since the year 1859, when Christian Zuber,
Sr., arrived here from St. Louis. He was born in
Germany and came to this country at the age of
14, living in St. Louis until he was 20. He became
a citizen of the United States in 1866.

Christian Zuber, Sr., married Amelia Warnebolt
May 16. 1869, and they had five children: Henry,
Christian D., Emma, Anna, and Hattie.

Henry J. Zuber was born June 17, 1870, in Litch-
field. He was in the Spanish-American War, en-
listing May 20, 1898, with Litchfield's Company K
of the 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry which served
in Cuba. He served two terms in the City Council
as alderman of the First Ward.

He married Miss Amelia Young at Jerseyville,
Illinois, on Sept. 12, 1904. Mrs. Zuber died March
7, 1952, and Mr. Zuber died Dec. 12, 1952.

They were the parents of six children: Chris F.
Zuber, Assistant Cashier, First National Bank,
Litchfield; Emma K., wife of Charles Hand of
Litchfield; Herman F., employed by the State Di-
vision of Highways; Carrie E., wife of Ross Cress
of Bethalto; Elizabeth A., wife of Alva Grauer of
Nokomis; Henry W., who died in 1934.

Christian D. Zuber was born March 17, 1872, in
Litchfield and after completing his schooling, be-
gan his own cigar manufacturing business. He
took an active interest in civic affairs.

He was united in marriage to Dorothea E. Balke,
daughter of Henry and Eleanor Balke of Mt.
Olive, Illinois, on May 3, 1899. Two sons, Carl
H. and Arthur J., were born to them. Mr. Zuber
passed away Sept. 25, 1945.

One son, Carl, now resides in Detroit, Michigan,
and is engaged in the investment banking business.
Arthur, the other son, is also in the investment
banking business in Tucson, Arizona, as a partner
in the firm of Woodward and Zuber. Mrs. Chris-
tian D. Zuber lives in Litchfield.

Mrs. Emma Zuber Kipping was born in Litch-
field on Nov. 16, 1874. She was married to Fred
Kipping on April 27, 1910. They resided in Cam-
bridge, Illinois, where Mr. Kipping was engaged
in the poultry business. Mr. Kipping died Feb. 24,
1934. For the past two years Mrs. Kipping has
resided at 616 North Jackson Street in Litchfield.

Mrs. Anna Zuber Windway was born in Litch-
field on Dec. 14, 1876. She married Herman Wind-
way on Aug. 26, 1895. Mr. Windway conducted
a meat market with his stepfather and mother,
Mike and Minnie Kunz. They built the Kunz Hall
at the corner of Edwards and Madison Streets,
now the home of McAllister Pollard Post No. 777,
Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mr. Windway died
June 13, 1943, and Mrs. Windway died March 21,
1949. They were the parents of three children:
Hattie, wife of Harry Gasen of St. Louis; Herman
Frederick, who died in infancy; Amelia, wife of
David Hogan of St. Louis.

Mrs. Hattie Zuber Hippler was born in Litchfield
on Nov. 7, 1883. She was married to Frank C.
Hippler on August 15, 1903. Mrs. Hippie died
May 27, 1940. They were the parents of two chil-
dren: Thelma, wife of W. E. Fieting of Tomah,
Wisconsin; Franklin, of Davenport, Iowa.

Stahl-Pappmeier Families

FREDERICK WILLIAM STAHL was born in
Prussia on August 3, 1833, and came to this
country, setting in Bloomington, Illinois, in 1855.
On March 3, 1856, he was married to Margaret
Jane Waldron of Albany County, New York. They
resided in Bloomington until 1860, when they came
to Litchfield. Mr. Stahl, who was a coppersmith
by trade, entered into the hardware and farm
implement business. Some years later, he sold his
business and became a stockholder in the Litch-
field Car and Machine Company. In 1881 he was
elected Secretary and Treasurer, and he held this
position until his death on May 22, 1887. Mr. and
Mrs. Stahl were the parents of four children:
Rosalie, who died in infancy; Louis, who married
Mary Shoemaker of Litchfield; Amelia, who mar-
ried Louis Goodell of Beardstown ; and Jennie, who
married John A. Pappmeier of Beardstown.

Mr. Pappmeier, who was associated with his fa-
ther and brother in the jewelry and optical busi-
ness, moved his family to Litchfield in 1896. He
was a practicing optometrist for more than sixty
years, forty-five of them in Litchfield. Dr. R. W.
Guyan, who had been his assistant for fifteen
years, bought the practice a year after Mr. Papp-
meier's death on February 18, 1941. Mrs. Papp-
meier died on February 9, 1943. They were the
parents of four children; Frederick, whose wife
was Helen Mclntyre of Oklahoma City; Louis,
whose wife was Mary Miller of Hillsboro; Waldron,
who married Julia Tolle of Litchfield; and Mar-
garet, wife of Arthur F. Heath of Litchfield.

Weber-Heath Families

FREDERICK WEBER was born in Germany,
January 1, 1838, and settled in St. Louis, Mis-
souri, in 1856. He married Miss Elizabeth Enders
in 1863 and after he served as a baker with the
Union Forces during the Civil War, they lived in
Cairo, Illinois, for a year. In 1866 they moved to
Litchfield where he was a baker for William
Roth. A few years later he established a soda
water factory at the corner of Edwards and Mon-
roe Streets, which he operated until 1890, when
he sold the business to C. A. Tolle and moved to
Hillsboro.

The Webers had eight children, two of whom are
now living — Mrs. Kathryn Uhl of St. Louis and
Fred W. Weber of Momence, Illinois. The names of
the deceased are: Augusta, Mrs. Elizabeth Heath,
Mrs. Louise Sies, Mrs. Anna Kelley, Mrs. Rose
Phillips, and Mrs. Mary Atkinson. Mr. Weber died
in 1909 and his wife in 1927.

Elizabeth Weber married Walter Heath of Litch-
field on June 2, 1892. Mr. Heath came to Litch-
field from Salamanca, New York, in 1884, and was
employed as a miller at the "O.K." mill at Edwards
and Jackson Streets. In 1911 he entered the em-
ployment of the Illinois Traction System and was
a station agent until a few months before his death
in 1937. Mrs. Heath died in 1945.

They had four children; a daughter died in in-
fancy, David R. died in 1942, and Walter H. in
1950. Arthur F. lives in Litchfield and in 1944 he
married Miss Margaret Pappmeier.

George A. Hall

GEORGE H. HALL was born June 4, 1900, at
509 North State Street. Father and Mother:
Hugh Hall, born Fremont, Ohio, 1865, son of John
and Bridget Hall. He came to Litchfield in 1886.
He served as clerk of the City Courts ; on the School
Board; was Circuit Clerk of Montgomery County;
Postmaster; and Cashier of the Litchfield National
Bank.

Lulah Mae Finley, born 1879, Marion, Indiana,
daughter of James and Elizabeth Finley. Father
died 1880. Came here with mother and older sis-
ter, Elizabeth, in 1881. Her mother married George
W. Amsden in 1883 after which the two girls were
adopted by Mr. Amsden. Two children born to the
Amsdens; Helen and Bert, both deceased. Lulah
Mae married Hugh Hall in Litchfield June 14, 1899.
They lived at 509 North State until he died in 1938,
and she passed away in 1950.

Maternal Grandfather (by adoption) George W.
Amsden, born 1842, Gowanda, N. Y. Came here
with parents in early 50's. Homestead on North
State Street built by his father, Daniel C. Amsden,
shortly after coming here. He served in both Army
and Navy during Civil War, and died in 1903.

George A. Hall married Rosa Laverne Funk,
daughter of Prof, and Mrs. Otto Funk of Hillsboro,

in 1922. Children born: Delia Lu Falls, Mont-
gomery, Alabama; Rosemary, killed with her
mother in automobile accident, 1948; Georgia, jun-
ior in the University of Illinois. He married the
former Zenda Frew in 1949, childhood sweetheart,
daughter of William and Irene Frew. Mr. Hall is
an attorney; President and Manager of the Litch-
field Poster Advertising Co. He is a former City
Attorney, serving two terms; was State's Attorney
of Montgomery County for two terms; was presi-
dent of the Illinois State Attorney's Association;
and a member of the school board.

Christian H. Zoller

DR. CHRISTIAN H. ZOLLER, who celebrates
his 50th year in the practice of medicine this
centennial year, came to Litchfield in 1914, moving
from Granite City with his wife, the former Philip-
pine Hoffman, and daughter, Sarah Margaret. Be-
fore her marriage Mrs. Zoller was superintendent
of nurses at the Granite City Lutheran Hospital.

During World War I, Dr. Zoller served as a cap-
tain in the Medical Corps, Base Hospital 103, Dijon,
France. He holds the rank of Lt. Colonel in the
Reserve Army Medical Corps.

Both daughters of Dr. Zoller are Litchfield resi-
dents. Sarah Margaret, wife of M. Merritte Mc-
Clurg, sales representative for McKesson-Robbins
Wholesale Drug Company, St. Louis, Missouri, has
two sons, William Christian and Patrick Michael
McClurg. Christine, who lives with her parents, is
the widow of William T. Wilson, killed in action
in World War II. Lt. Wilson served as a para-
trooper with the 82nd Airborne Division in major
combat jumps in Sicily, Italy, France, and Holland.
Before his death he was awarded the Purple Heart,
Bronze Star Medal, and the Silver Star with Oak
Leaf Cluster for gallantry in action. A son, Bruce
Christian Wilson, shares the Zoller home with his
mother and grandparents.

Uhlenhop Family

CHRISTIAN UHLENHOP, born in Germany,
1848, married Martha Volck, born 1852. Mr.
Uhlenhop homesteaded in Kansas and came to
Litchfield about 1870. They resided on a farm at
the north edge of Litchfield. Both are deceased.
Their children are Martha, William, Joseph, Henry,
and Margaret.

Margaret, now deceased, married Howard
Gurick. Their daughter, Rachael Gurick, lives
here. Paul Gurick, son, married Cecelia Schwab.
Their children are: Lamoine, married Margaret
Schmidt, one daughter Susan Mary, and lives in
New York. Audrey, married Harold Pence, has two
sons, Michael and Patrick. Patricia married Robert
Walker and has two daughters, Mary and Alice.

William married Lena Davis, and has two sons,

Bernard of Washington, D. C, and Gerald, who
married Joan Kniery. They, with their daughters,
Germaine, Barbara, and Jackie, live in Los Angeles.

Joseph and Cornelia Brokaw Uhlenhop, both
deceased, had four children: Henry, married to
Dena Johnson and residing in La Salle, had two
sons, Robert, deceased, and Henry, Jr. The latter
married Donna Larson; they have one son, David,
and live in Chicago. Reba married Peter Graham.
Marie married Ross Billiter, and they have one son,
Dennis. Isabel married James Burgoyne, has one
son, and lives in Alton.

Henry married Lola Sammons. Their son, Paul,
married Betty Buscher. Their children are Paul,
Michael, Robert Lolabeth, and Mary Michele.

Margaret married Manuel Eberly. Their son,
William, lost his life in World War II. Daughters
are Angela, Martha, and Betty Jean. Angela mar-
ried John Kosuda, son Donald. Martha married
Alfred Darte, sons are Thomas, David, William.
Betty Jean is married to James Taylor, children
James, and Pamela. They reside in Los Angeles.

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph
Weatherford

RALPH WEATHERFORD, youngest of the
twelve children of William and Claudia
Kinder Weatherford, came to Litchfield at the age
of three months. William Weatherford was born
in Carlinville in 1856 and is one of Litchfield's
oldest residents. Mrs. Weatherford died in 1924.
In 1920 Ralph married Blanche Hefly, daughter
of Turner and Anna Conly Hefly of Hillsboro.
Blanche Weatherford came to Litchfield in 1917
to work for the Brown Shoe Company. They
have three children: Elizabeth (Betty Ann) born
1921; Dorris, born 1923, and Jack, born 1933.

Betty Ann was graduated from L. C. H. S. in
1939, and the same year married Albert Kenz of
Chicago, where they now reside. They have two
children, Richard and Janice.

Dorris was graduated from L. C. H. S. in 1942,
and married the same year to Earl Ruth. They
live in Kansas City, Kansas, and have two chil-
dren, Barbara and Donna.

Jack left high school in 1951 to join the Navy.
He is a baker on the U. S. S. Wheater. He was mar-
ried in 1952 to Frances Wade of Winter Haven,
Florida. Frances resides in Charleston, S. C.

Ralph has worked at the Sears store in Hills-
boro for the past six and one-half years and
Blanche is employed at the Yates Bakery here.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Weatherford are members
of the Odd Fellows, the Moose and the Royal
Neighbor lodges. Mrs. Weatherford belongs to
the Rebeccas and the Home Bureau. They are
active members of the Methodist Church; Ralph
in the Wesleyan Class and Men's Brotherhood, and
Blanche in the Ruthean Class and Women's So-
ciety of Christian Service.

Baker Family

WILLIAM T. BAKER, born
in 1837, and Mary Minerva
Hough Baker, born in 1838, came
to Litchfield from Elizabethtown,
Kentucky in the early 1860's. Mr.
Baker, a blacksmith, established
one of the first blacksmith shops.
He died in 1867. Two of the four
children died in infancy. The fam-
ily was affiliated with the First
Methodist Church.

In 1871 Mrs. Mary Baker mar-
ried Eli Anderson. A son, Robert
Anderson, practiced dentistry in
California, and is now deceased.
The mother, Mrs. Anderson, died in
1913.

Martha Jane Baker, born in
1860, spent her entire life in Litch-
field and died in 1931.

Thomas T. Baker, born in 1866, graduated from
the Litchfield High School in 1885. He apprenticed
with the late Dr. William Barefoot and graduated
in 1890 from Missouri Dental College, now Wash-
ington University. In 1890 he and Dr. William
Alexander opened a dental office, and Dr. Baker
went out to serve neighboring towns several days
each week. Two years later they dissolved part-
nership.

In October, 1893, Dr. Baker married Miss Eva

Dr. Baker as a young man

Dr. Baker later in life

Sinclair, and to this union were born Thomas Sin-
clair Baker, deceased, Elizabeth and Evelyn Baker.
Dr. Baker participated in various civic affairs.
He was a member of the Litchfield Bands, Charter
member of the Antlers' Club, member of the Elks
Club, served on the Board of Education, and Li-
brary Board, and was an enthusiastic promoter of
the First Dairy Day. He held membership in the
Illinois Dental Society, and practiced dentistry for
almost half a centurv in Litchfield. He died in
1939.

William Lewis Nelson

WILLIAM LEWIS NELSON was born in
Litchfield on October 1, 1872, at 230 South
Harrison Street. Here he lived all of his life and
in that same house he died on August 4, 1951. He
was the son of Lewis Nelson who was born in Den-
mark and came to America in 1851, and who served
in the Civil War in 1863 in the Illinois Infantry.
Lewis Nelson married Lydia McKnight, a native of
County Cork, Ireland; they settled in Litchfield
around 1870, and had three children: Anna Nelson
Heise, William Lewis Nelson, and Mary Nelson
Powers, all now deceased.

William Lewis Nelson, a coal miner, went to
work at a very early age, on the death of his fa-
ther. He worked in the old Davis coal mine east of
Litchfield, and later in the Litchfield Coal Company
and in the Hoosier Mine near Mt. Olive. He was
married on July 22, 1896, to Sarah Essie Duncan,
the daughter of Andrew and Viletta Duncan of
Litchfield. Their four children are: Hazel Nelson
Kurz of St. Louis, Missouri; Kenneth Nelson, who
has operated a neighborhood grocery store on
South Harrison Street in Litchfield for over 30
years; Erma V. Nelson, who is Trust Officer of
the Litchfield Bank and Trust Company, and Eve-

lyn Nelson Butts of Joliet, Illinois. Hazel Nelson
Kurz has two children: Mary June Farmer and
Daniel H. Kurz, Jr., and one grandchild, James
Farmer; Kenneth Nelson has two sons: Gary Nel-
son, serving with the U. S. Navy, and Glenn Nelson
in high school in Litchfield; Evelyn Nelson Butts
has one daughter, Carol Ann Engelhardt. The Nel-
sons are all members of the English Lutheran
Church.

William F. Brell

Harness and Saddlery Merchant
1857-1938

HE WAS the eldest in a family of five children
whose parents came from Germany and even-
tually settled in Raymond. After Mr. Brell served
his apprenticeship as a harness maker at Nokomis,
he came to Litchfield in 1885 and started business
where the Piggly-Wiggly store now stands. He
was a successful merchant in that one location for
35 years. When Cline's Store next door burned,
his store was ruined and he had to change loca-
tions. Soon the auto replaced the horse and buggy
and he was forced to retire.

He was married to Emma VanDyke of Taylor-

ville in 1883. They built their home at 1013 North
State. Children were Selma, born in 1884, and
William in 1901. Selma now is the wife of Dr.
S. B. Nunnelley of Burlington, Kentucky, and Wil-
liam and family live at Kirkwood, Missouri.

After the death of his first wife, he married
Mary Rhoads Carlisle of Medora in 1905. She sur-
vives him and celebrated her 90th birthday March
27, 1953. She still lives in the family home.

Mr. Brell was a trustee of the Union Avenue
Christian Church for many years, a charter mem-
ber of the Volunteer Fire Department, a school
board member for two years, a director of the
Chamber of Commerce for nine years, and because
of his ardent civic-mindedness was instrumental
in helping secure the Creamery and Brown Shoe
Company for Litchfield. His epitaph could read,
"He was a true friend to Litchfield."

Charles Hauser Family

MR AND MRS. CHARLES HAUSER, who are
among our town's prominent families, came
to Litchfield in 1918, when Mr. Hauser became as-
sociated with the Litchfield Creamery. Mr. Hauser
was born in High Ridge, Missouri, and Mrs. Hauser,
the former Wilhelmine Kahle, in Montgomery

Charles Hauser

County, Illinois, near Walshville. They were mar-
ried in 1909 at Newkirk, Oklahoma, in the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Kahle. The Reverend Mr. Karstensen,
Lutheran pastor, performed the ceremony.

Five children were born to them, four sons and

one daughter. The oldest son, Melvin, who mar-
ried Miss Maxine Roberts, resides at 625 North
Franklin Avenue. They are the parents of three
children: two sons, Charles Robert and Richard
Allen, and one daughter, Marcia Jane. The second
son, Karl, is not living, having passed on, August
25, 1936. His wife was the former Dorothy Hiller,
and they were the parents of one daughter, Carol
May. Carol is now Mrs. Richard Voyles, and the
mother of a daughter, Vickie Lee, the first great-
grandchild.

The third son, Martin, whose wife was the for-
mer Lenna Eastin, resides at 917 East Union Ave-
nue. Their children are two daughters and one
son, Marilyn Ann, Cynthia Louise, and Martin
Frederick, Jr.

The youngest son, Victor, resides at 333 North
Van Buren Street. His wife was formerly Miss
Irene Stewart.

The daughter, Irene, is Mrs. Donald Crenshaw.
Their children are Andrew H. and Donna Lee.

The Hausers have always been interested in all
projects for civic betterment, giving freely of time
and money. Mr. Hauser served eight years on the
grade school board.

Butler-Brokaw Families

DANIEL P. and Caroline Turner Brokaw came
to South Litchfield in March, 1852. Here
they reared eight children. In 1863 Lemuel and
Mary Butler began farming south of Litchfield.

On Christmas Day, 1871, Joseph, oldest son of
the Butlers, and Ellen, daughter of the Brokaws,
were married. To this couple seven children were
born: Emma who married Howard Hayes, Bertha
who married Edwin Thorp, Mabel, Lillian who
married Samuel Towey, Ethel who married Harry
Grassell, Edward, and Harry who married Merle
Stansifer.

Joseph Butler was a pioneer in the field of farm
machinery. He and his brothers invented and built
a threshing machine and this began a machinery
career that Mr. Butler followed for over 30 years.

Ellen Butler's interests were her home and her
church. She was a faithful member of the Pres-
byterian Church and of its Missionary Society.

The Butler couple had the following grandchil-
dren: Elma, Evelyn, Hazel and Howard Butler
Hayes, Ruth Kempton, Josephine Dodd, Kathryn
Armstrong, Rachel Thorp, Ellen Grassell, Thomas
and Robert Brokaw Butler.

Their great grandchildren are: Marilyn, Sally
and Matthew Dodd, in Columbus, Ohio; and Caro-
line, Robert, and William Butler, in Taylorville.

Miss Mabel Butler was active in Litchfield's re-
tail business for 35 years, managing Towey's store
from 1934 to 1952.

Edward Butler held county offices for 26 years
and is now bookkeeper at Yates Garage.

Harry W. Butler was engaged in his own retail
business for 30 years and is now Cashier of the
Litchfield Bank and Trust Co.

Hushing Family

MICHAEL HUSHING, an orphan thrown in his
own resources at an early age, came to Litch-
field and worked on a farm. He married Sarah
Purdy, daughter of William Collins and Susan Best
Purdy. He died February 27, 1896; his wife died
August 17, 1943. At the time of his death he had
a real estate and insurance agency and was police
magistrate. They were the parents of five children.
Ota May Hushing retired March, 1953, from her
insurance business, and as secretary of the Oil City
Building and Savings Association which she served
for thirty-five years. William Collins Hushing of
Washington, D. C, now chairman of the National
Legislative Committee of the American Federa-
tion of Labor, has received international honors in
the labor field. John Earl Hushing of Aucon, Pan-
ama, served for eighteen years as United States
Marshal of the Panama Canal Zone, but resigned
March, 1953. Sumner Kinney Hushing lived in
Alexandria, Virginia and had charge of the Pat-
tern Department, U. S. Navy. He died December
2, 1944. He had two sons: William Collins Hush-
ing II, graduate of Annapolis Naval Academy and
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is at
present a Navy Commander stationed at Hono-
lulu. He has a daughter, Druscilla, three years old.
Sumner Kinney Hushing, Jr., of Levittown, New
York, is a graduate of Columbia, and a reserve
pilot in the U.S.N., now flying for six years. He
has a daughter, Ota May, six years old and a son,
Sumner Kinney, Jr., two years old. Irene Vera
Hushing died in infancy.

Mumme Family

THE Mumme family came to Litchfield about
1878 from Edwardsville. The grandfather,
J. L. Mumme, father of the late Emma and Chris,
George, now of Mt. Olive, and Edna of Litchfield,
built the house which is now the McDonald Nurs-
ing Home. The grandmother, Agnes McHugh
Mumme was a native of Ireland. Emma and Chris
were born in Edwardsville; George and Edna were
born here.

When J. L. arrived in Litchfield he worked at
the old Planet Mill and later operated a grocery
store at the corner of Columbia and Jackson
Streets. He died in 1923.

All the children grew up here. Emma taught
in the Public Schools for forty-five years. She was
the first Principal of Sihler School after serving as
Principal of Lincoln School for twenty years. She
died in 1946.

Chris began work at the American Radiator
Company as a young man and became Maintenance
Superintendent, a job he held for over thirty years.
In 1901 he married Hermena Danklef of Mt. Olive.
To this union three children were born: Agnes,
Chief Warrant Officer, Woman's Army Corps;
Henry J., Sr., Maintenance Superintendent Ameri-

can Radiator Company, Buffalo, New York; and
Matthew F., who died in 1928 at the age of eight.
Chris died in 1950 at 321 North Chestnut Street,
the family home for over thirty years. His widow,
daughter Agnes, and sister Edna will move to a
newly constructed home at 609 Ryder Court this
summer. Four grandchildren, Mary 11, Maureen
10, Chris 9, and Henry J., Jr., 8, live in Buffalo with
their parents. Their mother is the former Helen
Daugherty of Dunkirk, New York.

McWilliams Family

MAJOR ROBERT McWILLIAMS was engaged
in the practice of law in Hillsboro at the
start of the Civil War. At the close of the war,
Major McWilliams returned to Montgomery County
and established his practice in Litchfield. He and
Miss Mary Allen of Hillsboro were married in 1866
and to their union were born three children. Their
oldest son, Benjamin, practiced law in Litchfield
with his father until 1898 when he moved to Chi-
cago where he died in 1932. The second child,
Grace, an accomplished musician, died in 1897.
Their third child, Paul, was born in 1873 and lived
in Litchfield until his death in 1952. Major Mc-
Williams died in 1910 and his wife in 1913.

Paul McWilliams was engaged in the active prac-
tice of law from 1896 until his death, during which
period he was City Judge for 34 years. Judge Mc-
Williams was married in 1915 to Miss Rena Jamie-
son, who died in 1917. In 1921 he was married to
Mrs. Lillian McFarland, who survives. Besides
his widow, Judge McWilliams is survived by two
sons, Bert and Paul, Jr., who are associated in the
practice of law in the office built by their grand-
father in 1881. Both sons served overseas in the
armed forces during World War II. Paul McWil-
liams, Jr., was a Civil Engineer for five years be-
fore taking up the study of law. In 1941 Bert
McWilliams was married to Miss Jane White of
Hillsboro and they are the parents of five daugh-
ters, Sarajane, Suzanne, Marcy, Patrice, and Julie.

Hugh J. Hughes

HUGH JOSEPH HUGHES, born in Airdria,
Scotland, October 10, 1842, was educated at
St. Joseph School in Glasgow. June 1, 1866, he
came to the United States, locating at Lewistown,
Illinois. He moved to Litchfield from Bethalto in
1868. He became an American citizen at Edwards-
ville, October 11, 1870.

He married Jane Dowd, a native of Cavan,
County Cavan, Ireland, in 1866 at Alton. They
had ten children. Four are deceased. Mrs.
Hughes died in 1884. Mr. Hughes died Jan. 23,
1929.

Five daughters and a son survive: Mrs. Mary
Sheean, Detroit, Michigan; Mrs. L. M. Kinstle,
Brunswick, Georgia; Mrs. J. P. Burns, St. Louis,

now residing in Litchfield. Charles and Nellie
Hughes have lived in the Hughes home, 419 South
State, for seventy-five years. There are 8 grand-
children, 16 great grandchildren, and one great-
great-grandchild.

Mr. Hughes was identified with many activities
of Litchfield. He was a member of the City Council
when the first waterworks were built, a member
of the first Library Board, and was on the School
Board that issued diplomas to the first High School
graduates.

Mr. Hughes followed the mining business, man-
aging the old mine east of town, also the north
mine. Governor John P. Altgeld appointed him
State Mine Inspector for this district in 1895. He
was also the first Mine Inspector of Montgomery
County. He was the first steamship agent in cen-
tral Illinois, representing the Anchor Inman Lines.

His son, Charles, has been a tailor at 401 North
State for 31 years.

Schalk Family

HERMAN SCHALK and wife were both born in
Germany and came to America when he was
twenty-three and she only six years old.

They were married in Harvel, Illinois, November
20, 1881, and moved to Litchfield in 1898. He was
the custodian of the Elks Club for many years.

Their children are: Leo C. Schalk, former presi-
dent of the Litchfield Bank and Trust Co.; Miss
Minnie Schalk at home; Mrs. Theresa Hinton, em-
ployed at the City Clerk's office; Walter H. Schalk,
a machinist with Illinois Terminal R. R. at Alton,
Illinois; Ray W. Schalk, formerly with the White
Sox ball club, now an instructor of baseball at
Purdue University; and Clarence Schalk, manager
of the Evergreen Tower Bowling Alleys in Chicago,
which is one of Ray Schalk's interests in Chicago.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bishop

JESSE F. BISHOP (Frank Bishop) was born in
Montgomery County, Illinois, January 12, 1872.
He was the son of Joel B. and Martha (Moss)
Bishop. His grandfather, William Bishop, came
to this county from North Carolina in 1845, and
his grandmother, Johannah (Gunther) Bishop was
a native of Montgomery County.

Frank Bishop spent his early boyhood in New
Douglas, Illinois. At the age of 16, he and his
parents moved to Litchfield, and he has since spent
practically his entire life in this city.

On June 5, 1895, he married Norma Canaday,
born November 18, 1869. She was a daughter of
James and Mary Canaday, another pioneer family.
Her father was brought to Montgomery County
when 3 years old, by his parents, John and Mildred
(Sapp) Canaday, both of whom were born and
reared in Kentucky. Mrs. Canaday was a sister

of Caleb Warren Sapp who, with Ahart Pierce,
entered the land which became the nucleus of
Litchfield.

During Mr. Bishop's early life he was employed
by Litchfield Car Works, Adams & Pacific Express
Company, Bartling & Hussey, and L. W. Cline.
In 1913 Mr. Bishop and his wife opened a grocery
store in this city, operating it until 1936 when it
was purchased by their daughter and her husband,
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Mix. From 1929 until his
retirement in 1949, Mr. Bishop was employed by
the Litchfield Grocer Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Bishop are the parents of four
children: Ross of St. Paul, Minnesota, Allen of
Taylorville, Mrs. Mildred Mix and Kathryn Bishop,
both of Litchfield.

Sanders Family

RAY E. SANDERS was born near Pawnee, Oc-
tober 1, 1888, the son of John C. and Cary
Alice (Plummer) Sanders. John C. Sanders came
to Litchfield from Pawnee about 1890 and followed
his trade as a contractor and builder of homes.
Through the years he also became known for the
handling of concessions at most of the Illinois
celebrations, fairs, and picnics; he traveled as far
away as Atlanta, Georgia. His son, Ray, after
graduation from the Litchfield High School, helped
his father for some years, then began railroading
for the Wabash road and today has completed
thirty-seven years of service. On September 16,
1908, he married Blanche Miller; their two sons
are Walter R. and John E.

Walter R. Sanders attended the Litchfield High
School, received his A.B. and M.A. degrees from
the University of Illinois and for the past twelve
years has been a member of the Litchfield High
School faculty. His wife is the former Helen E.
Sturdy, a graduate of Illinois College; they have
two sons, Richard R. and John A.

John E. Sanders was graduated from the Litch-
field High School, attended Illinois College, saw
service in the European theatre in World War II
and at present is owner of Sanders Flowers at
Salem, Illinois. He married Elsie Poppenhouse;
they have two children, Janis D. and David.

Charles Lee Whitlock

CHARLES LEE WHITLOCK, farmer, was born
in North Litchfield Township, July 23, 1874,
and received his education in Litchfield High
School and Brown's Business College, Jacksonville,
Illinois. In 1902 he married Miss Mary E. Barry,
daughter of the late Isaac U. and Margaret (Mc-
Adams) Barry, and in 1907 he moved his family
to South Litchfield Township and continued farm-
ing.

He took active part in community affairs. He
helped organize the Farm Bureau in Montgomery

County, was first 4H chairman on the Farm Bureau
board; helped with the organization of the Produc-
tion Credit Association of Carlinville, and was field
man for seven and one-half years. He helped form
Prairie Farms Creamery of Carlinville and was
president and director for ten years.

His grandfather, Samuel Whitlock and family
of North Carolina came to Illinois in 1845 and
bought 40 acres near the village of Hardinsburg.
When the I.C.C. & St. L. R.R. was surveyed and
work begun, Calvin, the father of Charles L., and
his brothers helped on the grading by working
teams of horses and yoke oxen. His father carried
mail on horseback from Walshville to Hornsby
(Clyde) to Zanesville making two round trips a
week.

The children of Charles L. and Mary E. Whit-
lock are: Harold B., Myron C, Charles L.. Jr.,
Mary Hope, Ruth Holderread, and Dorothy
Schneider. They have been members of First
Methodist Church of Litchfield more than 50 years.

Macy Family

MAURICE T. MACY, his wife, Ha Glee, and
their one-month-old daughter, Maureen Tre-
cia, came to Litchfield in June, 1927. He became
athletic coach and commercial teacher in the Litch-
field Community High School and served 15%
years. Mr. and Mrs. Macy were both born and
reared in Morgan County, Indiana.

Daughters Carol Lee and Janet LaVerne were
born here and graduated from the local schools.

Mr. Macy received his education in Mooresville,
Indiana schools, Indiana University, A.B., and Lin-
coln College of Law, LL.B. Admitted to Illinois
Bar 1942. Volunteered in U. S. Army 1942 and
served 43 months in World War II. Discharged
with rank of Major in Artillery. Elected County
Judge of Mongtomery County in 1946, for 4-year
term, now practicing attorney in Litchfield. Past
President Rotary Club ; member Kniery-Knagg Post
American Legion; Litchfield Lodge No. 236 A. F.
and A. M., Litchfield Chamber of Commerce, and
Farm Bureau.

Ha Glee Macy was educated at Indiana State
College and Indiana University. Taught in schools
of Indiana, Florida, and Montgomery County, and
in Litchfield Elementary Schools since 1951. She
is a member of the English Lutheran Church.

Maureen was graduated from Florida State Uni-
versity A.B. and Lincoln College of Law LL.B.;
taught languages in local high school 4 years; ad-
mitted to Illinois Bar 1952. Married Arlyn Lober,
one child, Rebecca Glee, born 1953; associated
with the law firm of Macy and Godfrey.

Carol Lee, Earlham College, A.B. married Allen
Neave; one child, Maurice Richard, born 1950.
They live in Hughesville, Md.

Janet LaVerne, sophomore MacMurray College.

Gorin-Myers Families

HARRY C, son of George W. and Carrie R.
Gorin, was born on a farm six miles west of
Girard, Illinois. The family moved to Litchfield
in 1889 and opened up the subdivision known as
the Gorin Addition to the City of Litchfield. In
addition to his real estate activities, Mr. Gorin
established a retail flour and feed store under the
name of Gorin & Winston in a building on the
corner where the Post Office now stands. In
1900, the family moved to a farm two and one-
half miles northeast of Litchfield, and in 1911,
moved back to town. Mr. Gorin died in 1938, and
Mrs. Gorin died in 1949. Mr. and Mrs. Gorin were
the parents of three children; Harry C. and Glad-
din, of Litchfield; and J. A. Gorin, Sr., of St. Louis.

Mrs. Gorin, formerly Ina Myers, daughter of
Frederick and Melissa Myers, was born in Litch-
field. Her father was a veteran of the Civil War,
and in 1886, opened a grocery store and bakery
in Litchfield in the building where Austin &
Shrader Brothers have their furniture store. This
business was operated until about 1902, when Mr.
Myer's health compelled him to sell. Mr. Myers
passed away in 1905, and Mrs. Myers in 1930. In
addition to Mrs. Gorin, Mr. and Mrs. Myers had
two sons; George and Tom, both of whom passed
away — George living in California, and Tom in
New Mexico.

Harry C. and Ina Gorin are the parents of two
daughters, Ina Marie, wife of Lt. Col. Carl W.
Bartling, in the Regular Army, now stationed in
Korea ; and Harriet Jane Gorin, located in Chicago.

L.W. Cline

WILLIAM CLINE (1780-1830) and his wife,
Jane Bryant Cline, came to this community
from North Carolina in 1819, their son Reuben
(1815-1859) being four years of age at that time.
Reuben Cline married Nellie Smith, to which mar-
riage was born James Wesley Cline (1837-1904),
who married Mary Elizabeth Thompson in 1862.
Leighton Wesley Cline, son of James Wesley and
Mary Elizabeth Cline, was born near Litchfield
July 31, 1866.

Leighton Wesley Cline married Delima Cooper,
daughter of Henry and Mary Murphy Cooper. Two
children were born of this marriage, Mary Gladys
Cline now living in Litchfield, and Leighton Wesley
Cline, Jr., who died in 1911. Mr. Cline, Sr., at-
tended Southern Illinois State Teachers' College,
Illinois Wesleyan, and Blackburn University. In
May of 1887 he purchased a grocery store on North
State Street. This store grew into a general mer-
cantile business which he operated until 1939.

Leighton Wesley Cline, Sr., was active in the
civic and religious affairs of Litchfield. He was a
32nd degree Mason and a member of the Elks. He
served as President of the Board of Education of

the Public Schools, President of Chamber of Com-
merce, and Trustee of the Presbyterian Church.
He served upon many civic committees, numerous
times as chairman, including the committee which
brought the Brown Shoe Company to Litchfield.
For many years he was a director of the Litchfield
Creamery Company, and in 1935 was elected Presi-
dent of the Litchfield National Bank, which position
he occupied until his death, April 17, 1945.

Bargfield Family

IN 1893 Ed Bargfield came to Litchfield from a
farm north of Worden to learn the barber trade
under his brother, Henry, at 220 North State. In
1902 Ed purchased this shop from his brother. In
1896 he was united in marriage with Ida L. Knight
of Litchfield. She died in 1943. They had six
children. Three daughters died in very early youth.
His only son, Edward, managed various J. J. New-
berry stores until his death in 1944 when he was
manager of a store in St. Louis. Two daughters
are living. Mrs. Mildred B. Ryan and her husband,
Maynard, reside with Mr. Bargfield. Mrs. Ryan
is teacher and principal of J. D. Colt School where
her mother was the first president of the J. D. Colt
P.T.A. Miss Edna Bargfield of Boston, Massachu-
setts, is secretary to the commanding general of
the Cambridge Research Laboratory (U.S.A.F.).
A grandson, Edward Hite Bargfield of Madrid,
Iowa, spends his summers with his grandfather.

For 35 years Mr. Bargfield ran a three-chair bar-
ber shop at 220 North State. He barbered for 16
years at 106 East Ryder. In 1944 he sold his shop
to Mr. Paulding who later sold it to L. O. McPher-
son. Since then, Ed has been doing barber work at
his home, 802 South Jackson, where he has lived
for fifty years. Altogether Ed Bargfield has bar-
bered 60 years in Litchfield.

Siegel Wilhite Family

SIEGEL AUSTIN WILHITE was born in
Hornsby, Illinois, on December 16, 1898, a son
of Peter Austin and Mary Lu Tibbetts Wilhite.
They were the parents of two other children:
Myrtle, wife of Stephen Grimes, Jr., and Selma,
who died at the age of three.

His family moved to Litchfield in 1899, where
his father studied law and served two terms as
City Attorney. He died March 20, 1904, while
running for a third term.

After graduating from Litchfield High School in
1916, he learned the electrical trade at the Ameri-
can Radiator Company. Except for one year of
teaching at Beacon School, and a short time with
the Bureau of Standards in Washington, D. C, he
has been all these years with the Radiator Com-
pany. He is at present Chief Electrician and
Power Plant Engineer.

On June 4, 1923, he married Mabel White, a
daughter of John Edwin White, the son of James
and Martha Smith White, early residents of Litch-
field, and Lillie Anderson White. Mrs. Wilhite's
parents had four other children: Winifred, Lewis,
Lavonne, and Frank.

Mrs. Wilhite, a graduate of Litchfield High
School with the class of 1916, taught in the Litch-
field City School previous to her marriage, and
later resumed teaching. She is now teaching at
Madison Park School.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilhite are the parents of a daugh-
ter, Carol Joann, born in Litchfield April 12, 1937.

The Wilhites reside at 315 North Walnut Street.

William H. Todt, Sr., Family

WILLIAM H. TODT was born on a farm in
Harvel Township, Montgomery County, July
21, 1885. His parents, Herman Joseph Todt and
Mary Langen Todt, were both natives of Illinois.
Parents of his father were from Prussia and West-
phalia, Germany. They came to America in 1851
and settled in Montgomery County in 1865. The
mother's parents were from Bavaria, Germany.
They came to this country in 1850 and settled near
Morrisonville in 1863.

"Bill," as he is familiarly known, graduated from
Quincy College at Quincy, Illinois, in 1907.
Shortly thereafter, he came to Litchfield and be-
gan his business career in the employ of the late
C. B. Munday, who had extensive grain, milling
and banking interests in this area. He spent four
years working in grain offices and banks in small
country towns. In 1911 he was sent by his em-
ployer to the LaSalle Street National Bank in the
heart of Chicago's financial district. After spend-
ing four years in this bank and one year with the
Chicago Title & Trust Company, he returned to
Litchfield in 1916 and engaged in the grain busi-
ness. In 1925 he discontinued that business and
purchased the real estate and insurance agency lo-
cated at 114 West Ryder Street, which he has oper-
ated under the name of W. H. Todt & Co. He has
handled extensive appraisal assignments from vari-
ous government agencies and the Illinois State High-
way Department. He was on the appraisal staff
of the Federal Housing Administration from 1937
to 1944. He is an Elk, a Fourth Degree Knight of
Columbus, a member of the Springfield Board of
Realtors and the Illinois Chapter of the American
Institute of Real Estate Appraisers. During the
past 9 years he has served as Democratic Precinct
Committeeman.

Anna McElligott Todt, born in Litchfield, Sep-
tember 25, 1885, is a daughter of John Nolan Mc-
Elligott and Honorah O'Connor McElligott. Her
parents came to Illinois from County Kerry, Ire-
land, about 1870, and settled in Litchfield in 1883.

Mrs. Todt graduated from Litchfield High School
in 1904, then worked in the St. Louis office of the
Mutual Protective League. In 1908 she returned

to Litchfield and became a reporter and society
editor for the Litchfield News-Herald. For some
years she was an officer of St. Ann's Society. Dur-
ing World War II she was local chairman of the
War Mothers' Committee.

William H. Todt and Anna McElligott were mar-
ried in Litchfield on February 6, 1918. Their home
since 1919 has been at 918 East Union Avenue.

William H. Todt, Jr., Family

WILLIAM HERMAN TODT, Jr., is a native
Litchfieldian, and was born January 28, 1919
son of William H. and Mary McElligott Todt.

Bill, Jr., graduated from Litchfield Community
High School in 1937. A short time later he started
working for C. C. Fischer, of Alton, Illinois, deal-
ing in real estate loans. Inducted into military
service in January, 1941, and assigned to the Air
Corps, after 16 months he was given a medical
discharge. He then was employed by the Trans-
World Airlines at Lambert Field, St. Louis, and
spent five years as a passenger agent and super-
visor. For the last several years, he has served as
sales representative in the Litchfield area for the
St. Louis Independent Packing Company.

He is an Elk and Fourth Degree Knight of Co-
lumbus. In 1949, he served as chairman of the
Community Chest Drive and is now President of
the Holy Name Society Men's Organization of St.
Mary's Church.

On November 15, 1941, he was married to Mary
Margaret Cronin, a daughter of Joseph F. Cronin
and Bertha Arnold Cronin, both natives of In-
diana. She is a graduate of Litchfield Community
High School and St. Louis Business College, and
for several years worked for The Home Insurance
Company and the Pine Lawn Bank and Trust Com-
pany, St. Louis.

Their family consists of one daughter, Mary
Kathleen, aged 8; and a son, William Daniel, aged 4.

George Todt Family

GEORGE LANGEN TODT, manager of the
Litchfield Loan Company, is a native of Litch-
field, born November 11, 1924, the second son of
William H. and Anna McElligott Todt.

After graduating from Litchfield Community
High School in 1942, and spending one year at
Springfield Junior College, he was inducted in
military service in 1943; he was assigned to the
air corps and spent about three years at the Eighth
Air Force Base at Norwich, England. In December,
1948, he established the Litchfield Loan Company
and has since been manager. He is a Fourth De-
gree Knight of Columbus, and is a Past President
of the Litchfield Junior Chamber of Commerce.

He was married on September 6, 1947, to Kath-
ryn Marie Cashen, a daughter of Peter J. and
Kathryn Flynn Cashen, both of Irish ancestry.
Her mother, born in Litchfield, was a daughter of
William T. and Kathryn McNamara Flynn. Her
father, Peter J. Cashen, is a native of Morrisonville.
He came to Litchfield about 1925 and started work
in the plant of the American Radiator and Stand-
ard Sanitary Corporation. In 1950, after having
been superintendent of the local plant for many
years, he was transferred to the company's largest
plant at Bayonne, New Jersey, where he is now
superintendent.

Mrs. Todt graduated from Sacred Heart Acad-
emy in Springfield in 1946. Their family consists
of Catherine Ann, aged 4, and George William
aged 2.

Mr. & Mrs. Bert J. Myers, Jr.

BERT MYERS, Jr., born at 624 North Harrison
Street, Litchfield, March 30, 1907, is the son
of Bert and Anna Sendig Myers, and grandson of
the late Jess Myers.

Bert Myers, Sr., was a baker at Bartling-Hus-
sey's from 1900 to 1918. He owned the Home
Bakery located in the A and H Building from 1918
to 1927. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Myers, Sr., and family
then moved to St. Louis.

Bert Myers, Jr., started to work for the Master
Manufacturing Company in St. Louis. When the
Company moved to Litchfield he continued in its
service until 1933. Bert, Jr., helped to organize
Blatter Motor Sales in 1934, and is now manager.

He married Lucille Fellis of Hillsboro in 1936.
They have one son, James. He served in World
War II for twenty-eight months, 18 months of
which were spent in Europe. He was in the Field
Artillery. Bert, Jr., is a member of Elks, Moose,
and Masonic Lodges, the Shrine, and the Ameri-
can Legion.

Mr. and Mrs. Bert Myers, Jr., live at 119 Tilson
Place, Hillsboro, Illinois.

Mr. & Mrs. John F. Weir

MR. AND MRS. JOHN F. WEIR and daughter,
Cyrena, came to Litchfield from Galesburg,
Illinois, in 1902. Mr. Weir established the Bald-
win-Weir Lumber Co. at the corner of Union Ave-
nue and Madison Streets. They built a large home
at 910 East Union Avenue, where Mrs. Weir is
still living. She was the youngest of twelve chil-
dren born to William C. and Cyrena Dalton Bald-
win at White Hall, Illinois. Mr. Weir was born in
Galesburg.

After retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Weir traveled ex-
tensively, and later spent many winters in Bur-
bank, California. Mr. Weir died November 16,

7-1

1931. Cyrena was graduated from Knox College,
Galesburg. In 1908, she married George R. Cor-
win, a native of Fredonia, N. Y., then manager of
the American Radiator Plant. Mr. and Mrs. Cor-
win left here in 1908, going to Buffalo, N. Y.,
where Mr. Corwin was manager of the American
Radiator Plant until his retirement in 1928. Later
they lived in Burbank, California, until Mrs. Cor-
win's death, April 11, 1937. Mrs. Weir and Mr.
Corwin returned to Mrs. Weir's home in Litchfield.
Cyrena Weir Corwin will long be remembered be-
cause Mr. Corwin, at his death April 21, 1952, left,
as a memorial to her, a Trust Fund, the income of
which is to be used for charitable and educational
purposes. It is called the "Cyrena Weir Corwin
and George R. Corwin Charitable and Educational
Memorial Trust," and to quote Mr. Corwin, was
given "in sincere appreciation of all that our asso-
ciation with the good people of Litchfield has
meant to us."

Alfred Blackwelder

ALFRED BLACKWELDER, grandfather of
. Pearl W. Blackwelder, came from North Caro-
lina to Hillsboro in 1835. In 1837 he married
Joanna Scherer and they settled the next year on

Alfred Blackwelder

a spot which is now within the city limits of Litch-
field. In 1846 he bought 240 acres of land, and
some years later, when the Alton and Terre Haute
was built through to Hillsboro, he sold the property
to E. B. Litchfield.

David Blackwelder, son of Alfred and Joanna,
was born September 1, 1848, less than a mile south-

east of where Litchfield now stands. He was mar-
ried to Martha H. Fogleman December 2, 1868. She
died March 29, 1890, and he passed away May 22,
1939.

To this union were born six boys and one girl
who grew to manhood and womanhood. They
were: Mrs. George L. Good, Joel T., Benjamin A.,
Edward O., Alfred Monroe, Ernest S., and Pearl W.
The only two surviving are Alfred Monroe at
Balko, Oklahoma, and Pearl W. of this city.

Pearl W. was born August 4, 1882, on a farm just
north of town. When 18 years old he began sell-
ing clothing for Alex Nathan. Later, he clerked in
the Union Clothing Company for John Coddington.
He stayed with this firm until January, 1913, when
he purchased the store where he had first started
to work for Alex Nathan. This was over 40 years
ago, and the name, Blackwelder Clothier, is still
the firm name. This is probably longer than any
other clothing store in this community has run
under the same name.

On June 30, 1912, Pearl W. was married to Hazel
G. Farquhar of this city and to this union two
daughters were born: Alice Rosemond and Wanda
Jane, both of whom are married. Alice married
Omer W. Thomsen, who is now manager of the
Blackwelder Clothier store. They are the parents
of a son, Terry Wayne, now 10 years of age.
Wanda Jane married Nelson Hoffman, and they
make their home in Springfield, where Nelson is
employed by the Hahn-Rodenburg Co.

In politics, Pearl W. is a Democrat. In 1933 he
was appointed Postmaster in Litchfield, which po-
sition he held for thirteen years. He is a member
of the Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge,
Arco Country Club, and the Antler's Club.

Mr. Blackwelder's grandfather on his maternal
side was Joel M. Fogleman, who was born April 7,
1826, southeast of Litchfield. He married Nancy
Jane Crabtree in 1847 and bought a farm north of
town which he owned until his death.

Constantine Hoog Family

A NAME that distinguished State Street's re-
tail section for ninety-two years stemmed from
Constantine Hoog, who migrated from Germany
to Litchfield in 1856. A shoemaker by trade, he
set up a store for custom-made boots and shoes at
the southeast corner of State and Edwards Streets
three years after Litchfield was laid out in town
lots. He later ran a hide house and sack depot at
the corner. He served as alderman from the sec-
ond ward in 1869. Mr. Hoog married Charlotte
Niemann of Mt. Olive. Five children were born:
Edward, Anna, Lena, wife of E. M. Austin, Ida and
Charlotte. The Hoog name became best known
and will longest be remembered through the serv-
ices of Miss Ida Hoog, a teacher in the Litchfield
schools for nearly fifty years.

In 1867, Constantine Hoog was succeeded in busi-

ness by his son, Edward. As this business waned,
the lines of flour, feed and coal were added. Ed-
ward married Minnie Johnson of Carlinville, and
they became the parents of Arthur V. Hoog.

In 1920, Arthur took over his father's store, and
likewise found changing times demanded business
changes. The store finally housed a line of home
appliances and radios, and continued until 1949
when the Hoog name disappeared from State Street.

The Hoog family continues through Arthur's son,
Edward D., and his two daughters, Deborah and
Patricia of Phoenix, Arizona.

Updike-Cratty Families

PIERSON B. UPDIKE was born in Trenton, New
Jersey, July 14, 1836. As a young man, he came
West and in Woodburn, Illinois, married Miss
Estella Kipp on October 23, 1856. Mr. and Mrs.
Updike moved with their two small daughters to
Litchfield in 1866. One daughter, Ellen Elizabeth,
married G. L. Settlemire, and the other daughter,
Cora Mary, married S. L. Cratty. Both families
made their homes in Litchfield. Mr. Updike was
in partnership with Temple Elliott (father of E. R.
Elliott) until the latter's death when the hardware
firm of Updike & Cratty was formed.

Samuel L. Cratty was born near Walshville, Illi-
nois, April 17, 1858. He came to Litchfield in 1881
and lived here until his death in 1899.

Mr. Updike's entire life was one of activity. Be-
sides being an energetic and successful business-
man, he was president of the Board of Education,
a prominent member of the Masonic Order, an ac-
tive worker in the Presbyterian Church, mayor of
the city for two terms, and a member of the State
Legislature in 1891-93.

Mrs. Updike died on Christmas Day in 1910 and
after her death the family home located at the cor-
ner of Union Avenue and Franklin Street was used
as one of the city schools for several years.

Woodman-Miller Families

DANIEL PERLEY WOODMAN who was born
in Massachusetts in 1834, and died in 1898,
came to Litchfield in 1861. He enaged in the lum-
ber business with his uncle, Rodney Perley, and
later became the sole owner. In 1869 he married
Sarah M. Knowlton of Bunker Hill, Illinois, the
stepdaughter of Judge P. C. Huggins, who laid out
the original town of Litchfield and gave its two
parks. Daniel and Sarah were the parents of three
children, Mary being the only survivor. She was
born in Litchfield, graduated from Litchfield High
School, and taught in the city's public schools. In
1907 she was married to Joseph Roy Miller, to
whom one son was born, Joseph Woodman Miller.
He is a graduate of Culver Military Academy and
attended Oberlin College in Ohio. In 1949 he mar-
ried Joan Ferguson of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania.
The father, Joseph Roy Miller, was born in Hills-
boro and was educated in Litchfield schools. He is
president of the First National Bank.

Eli Miller, father of Joseph Roy, was born in
Ohio in 1848, and died in 1928. He came to Litch-
field in 1888, and organized the First National Bank
which purchased the banking business of S. M.
Grubbs & Co. In 1874 he married Alice W. Roberts
of Iowa City, Iowa, to whom two children were
born, Anna Isabel and Joseph Roy. Anna studied
music in Knox College, Galesburg. In 1907 she
married Myron W. Snell, who died in 1927. To
them one son was born, Guy Miller, who is a musi-
cian, being a graduate of Juilliard School of Music,
New York. Anna Miller Snell, who died unex-
pectedly in 1935, gave unstintingly of her talent to
the community.

The Updike-Cratty Home which stood on the site
of the White House Service Station.

Dr. John D. Colt

JOHN DENNISON COLT, physician and surgeon,
was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1839.
At the age of seventeen he began the study of
medicine at what is now Western Reserve Univer-
sity; he left in 1861 to serve in the navy under the
command of Admiral Porter. He returned to West-
ern Reserve University and was graduated in 1864,
then immediately came to Litchfield. On Septem-
ber 15 of that year he married Susan McAllister.
They were the parents of two children: Archibald,
who died early in childhood, and Charlotte, wife of
Joseph Paden.

Coming to this new town as a young doctor, Dr.
Colt grew as Litchfield grew. With the families of
his first patients he built lifelong friendships. He
was on the staff of St. Francis Hospital from its
very beginning. He served in the City Council
and on the Board of Education. The First Ward
School bears his name.

When a young doctor named Lee Gilbert Allen
returned from medical school to begin practice in
Litchfield, Dr. Colt took the same fatherly interest
in him which he would have taken in his own son.

Throughout his life Dr. Colt displayed a love of
nature and many were the trips he made to the

John D. Colt

Dr. Lee G. Allen

woods to watch the beauties of the springtime un-
fold. His deep concern for human needs was equal
to his continual search for knowledge.

In the history of Litchfield, both medical and
civic, Dr. Colt stands as an institution in himself.
For sixty-six years he gave to the community the
special services he had to offer.

Dr. Lee G. Allen

LEE GILBERT ALLEN, a lifelong resident of
the Litchfield Community, was a physician
and surgeon for half a century. Born November
30, 1876, died June 10, 1952, he was the son of
William Lee and Amanda Potts Allen.

Dr. Allen, educated at Marion Sims-Beaumont
Medical College, now St. Louis University, was
graduated in 1902. He returned to Litchfield to
practice medicine and formed a deep friendship
with Dr. J. D. Colt. Dr. Colt loved Lee Allen as
if he were his own son and took interest and pride
in the professional development of the younger
physician.

On April 26, 1905, Dr. Allen married Effie R.
Felts. They are the parents of three children:
Dorothy Lee, Elizabeth Colt, and Lee George.
Their grandchildren are Dorothy Lee White,
Jeanette Wright, Tommie McDonald, Dan Danahy,
Timothy Pfahler, Jen and Patrick Colt Hittmeier,
Nelle, Amy, and Matthew Allen. Their two great
grandchildren are Roi White and Lee Allen Wright.

Dr. Allen served on the staff of St. Francis Hos-

pital during his entire practicing career. It was
here for many years he assumed the role of Santa
Claus for the Christmas festivities.

In March, 1952, Dr. Allen was honored by the
Macoupin-Montgomery County Medical Association
for his fifty years as a practicing physician.

Music played an important part in the life of
Dr. Allen. As a hobby, he played the violin, and
his folk music, including his own composition,
"Honey Bend Waltz," brought pleasure to many,
many people.

Dr. Lee George Allen is practicing medicine in
the offices, corner Monroe and Kirkham Streets,
which he shared for six years with his father.

Ronen Family

THE family of Jeremiah Ronen came from Ire-
land, and after a short stay in Albany, New
York, came to Montgomery County. They settled
two and a half miles northeast of Litchfield in 1861.

The older children attended Oak Grove School
for several years before they moved to Litchfield
in 1868. They purchased a home at the corner of
East St. John Street and Illinois Avenue, which
was then in a new addition to the city of Litchfield.
This property is still in the Ronen family.

Jeremiah Ronen died in 1873 and his wife in
1912 and both are buried in the family plot in Holy
Cross Cemetery.

Michael Ronen, the oldest son of Jeremiah and

Ellen Lynch Ronen, married Anna Farley in 1885
and they were parents of Mary, Dan, Nell, James,
Catherine, Patrick, Julia, and Michael. The four
living children still reside in Litchfield.

In 1913, Dan Ronen married Mae Unterbrink;
they have two children, Nell and Dan V. Nell
Ronen married J. M. Cox in 1944; their children
are Anne, Dan, and Jim. Dan V. Ronen married
Rachel Hill in 1942 ; their children are Dan H. and
Dennis.

Jim Ronen and Maunette Welliver were married
in 1921 ; they have two sons, William J. and Harold.
William J. married Barbara Norvell in 1949; their
children are James and Patricia. Harold is now
serving in the U. S. Navy.

Shore Family

PETER SHORE, a direct descendant of General
Marion of Revolutionary fame known as "The
Swamp Fox," and Elizabeth Tilman-Shore were
born in Surry County, North Carolina, in 1791 and
1794 respectively. Peter and Elizabeth married at
an early age and settled on a plantation near Lex-
ington, Kentucky, where Tilman was born, Decem-
ber 17, 1820, the eldest of twelve children, some
born on the plantation and the others in Illinois.
Peter was persuaded by a family friend named
Litchfield, to sell out in Kentucky, come north, and
settle in the town of Litchfield, Illinois. Here he
bought lots from the Pretlow estate, established a
home on North State Street and with Tilman, be-
gan a hardware and farm implement business which
proved very successful for three generations. After
the deaths of his mother and father, Tilman, hav-
ing a flair for farming, purchased considerable
acreage away out on East Union Avenue where he
proceeded to plant thirty-eight acres in orchards
and shade trees and there he built a pretentious
home for his bride, Jane Settlemire, of Cape Gi-
rardeau, Missouri. She was a sister of David Orr
Settlemire, in those days a cabinetmaker. It
took her two years to spin the flax, weave the cloth
and make her entire trousseau for her marriage in
1850. Three children were born to this union:
George Marion born on December 28, 1852 ; Charles
Francis in 1858 and Ida May in 1863. George, to
the horror of some, and to the amusement of other
old settlers, rode a high-wheel bicycle at night
across a narrow rustic wooden bridge which his
father had built over a deep ravine just west of the
home. His mother often told how she, with the
help of one servant, Martha Taylor, baked twenty-
five pies, two dozen hams, several dozen chickens,
many loaves of bread, roasts, vegetables, etc., when
they would receive notice that Civil War soldiers
would be passing through, and being well fed, they
did not destroy any of the property or drive away
any of the stock.

After a time, Tilman Shore desired more land for
his stock so he sold the place, later to become the
home of David Davis, Sr. He bought a large tract
of land just north or on the outskirts of Litchfield

where he built another pretentious home which
was given to much entertaining. The Shore Farm
was then quite a show place, with its white build-
ings, fences, great avenue of trees and vast rose
and vegetable gardens. As there were no side-
walks so far out, he laid double planks all of the
way to North State Street so his small grand-
daughter, Vera Shore, could walk to Sunday School
without muddy or dusty shoes when the roads
were too bad to drive the two miles.

Tilman Shore, with his brother-in-law, D. O. Set-
tlemire, and Henry Beach, organized the Litchfield
Car & Foundry Company, but severed his connec-
tion with same before it was moved to Bingham-
ton, Tennessee.

He died of a heart attack shortly after on March
7, 1887, and is buried in Litchfield. His wife sur-
vived him by several years, and his sister, Mary
Elizabeth Shore, who married Lewis Whitaker,
also an early settler, died in Los Angeles at the age
of ninety-two years, in 1931.

George Marion Shore married Miss Alice Ann
Jones, daughter of the Reverend Thomas William
Jones, a Baptist minister, November 3, 1875. The
Jones home occupied a square block on North
State Street, later to become the Colonel Van
Deusen home, when Reverend Jones was called to
a pastorate at Danville, Illinois, where he died.
Mr. Jones, a friend of Abraham Lincoln, had sold
his plantation where he was born and reared, near
Brownsville, Tennessee, had freed his slaves, and
come north to St. Louis where he was appointed
by Missouri's Governor, Hamilton R. Gamble, as
Chaplain of the First Regiment, Missouri Cavalry,
Volunteeers, September 6, 1861, for the duration of
the war. After the war he located in Litchfield
and besides having the Baptist Church pastorate
engaged in real estate for a time. His daugh-
ter, Elizabeth Preston Jones, taught in the Litch-
field Public Schools. His first wife was Ann Pres-
ton, daughter of Joshua Preston of Hillsboro, Illi-
nois, formerly of Frederick, Maryland. Five years
after her death he married her sister, Elizabeth A.
Preston.

George Marion and Alice Ann Shore had four
children, Vera Elizabeth, now living in St. Louis;
Georgine Marion who married Henry Brown
Graham of St. Louis ; Herbert Roy and Helen Alice
who died at the ages of two and three years.

Charles Francis Shore was married to Emma
Dees in 1886. Ida May Shore married Jacob Terry
who was in the undertaking and livery business
in Litchfield for many years. They located in Cali-
fornia and were the parents of five children, two
of whom survive: Grace Terry-Aston of Glendale,
her two daughters and three grandchildren, and
Alma Terry-Pennington of Stockton, California, and
her three daughters and two grandchildren. Francis
(Frank) Terry who was born in Litchfield, died in
December, 1952, at Van Nuys, California; Earle
died at the Mare Island Navy Yard, World War I,
and Paul Terry died two weeks later at college.

The Shore children all received their early edu-
cation in the Litchfield public schools before going

elsewhere. George M. was sent to the Christian
Brothers College in St. Louis where he received
honors in Latin, Greek and calculus, and then on
to college in Boston. For a time he clerked in his
father's hardware store during vacations; then
worked at the Car Company in Litchfield and in
Binghamton, Tennessee. Later he worked for the
American Car and Foundry Company of St. Louis;
then in Canada on the Canadian Pacific Railroad
for a time before leaving for California to enter
the real estate business. Finally he returned to
St. Louis where he built a handsome home at 5555
Lindell Boulevard but he died just before it was
completed ; he is buried at Litchfield.

His daughter, Georgine Marion Shore, a Latin
and Greek scholar, taught German and French in
the University before her marriage to Henry Brown
Graham. Vera Elizabeth Shore, speaking German,
French and Spanish, has done public speaking in
St. Louis and was president of an International
Literary Group, receiving the highest honors and
the Award of Merit from the De'phians.

Dale Graham

DALE GRAHAM was the only child of George
H. Graham, native of Farmersville, Illinois,
and Alice McPeak Graham of Girard, Illinois. His
parents came to Litchfield about 1898 and are now
both deceased and buried in Elmwood Cemetery.
Dale was born August 2, 1900, at 1404 North
Jackson Street, Litchfield, which home he still
owns. His first work was at the Glenn Brubaker
garage doing odd jobs in the repair shop.

In 1915 he went to work in the Litchfield Na-
tional Bank and in 1917 left Litchfield to work in
the Mississippi Valley Trust Company, St. Louis,
where he stayed for eleven years, becoming As-
sistant Vice-President. He was graduated from
Benton College of Law, St. Louis, and admitted to
the Missouri Bar in 1926. He left St. Louis in May,
1928, to become Assistant Vice-President of Na-
tional Park Bank, New York, which bank soon
merged with the Chase National Bank of New York
and he became Second Vice-President of the bank.

In May, 1931, he went to New Orleans as Cashier
of the Canal Bank and Trust Company, which re-
organized in 1933 as the National Bank of Com-
merce in New Orleans. Mr. Graham served as
Senior Vice-President and in 1950 was elected Pres-
ident of the bank, which position he now holds.

He was married to Dorothy A. Gahre, of Rock-
ville Centre, New York, December 6, 1929, and they
have two children, Marilyn Louise, born October
25, 1930, and Irene Ivel, born October 5, 1933.
Their home is No. 1 Farnham Place New Orleans.

Mr. Graham is a director of the Southern Cotton
Oil Company, and of Wesson Oil and Snowdrift
Company, Inc. He is a member of the Boston Club,
New Orleans Country Club, International House,
Petroleum Club, Stratford Club, Lake Shore Club,
Recess Club, Round Table Club and is listed in
"Who's Who in America."

Chris F. Zuber Family

CHRIS F. ZUBER, son of Henry J. and Amelia
Young Zuber, was born in Jersey County,
Illinois, on February 21, 1906. He attended the
Litchfield schools and graduated in the 1924 class
of the Litchfield Community High School. He be-
came City Clerk of Litchfield in May, 1930, and
served continuously until August, 1944, when he
resigned to accept a position with the First Na-
tional Bank of Litchfield, where he is now an as-
sistant cashier. He was married June 19, 1940, to
Miss Lucille Bandy, daughter of Elmer E. and
Mamie Hoog Bandy. Mrs. Zuber was born Sept.
8, 1912, near Litchfield, and is a graduate of the
class of 1930 of the Litchfield Community High
School.

They are the parents of seven children: Mar-
garet Ann, Mary Louise, Christine A., John David,
Kathryn L., and Jane Patrice. A son, Charles
Edward died in infancy.

Mr. Zuber is serving his ninth year as member
and secretary of the Board of Education of the
Litchfield Community High School, and his ninth
year as Secretary of Litchfield Park Board.

Buscher Family

MICHAEL JAMES BUSCHER, born April 13,
1874, and John Francis Buscher, born Octo-
ber 26, 1878, in Atlanta, Indiana, moved to Litch-
field with their parents, John Buscher and Margaret
Shield Buscher in 1887. They both attended St.
Mary's Parochial School. Michael J. Buscher then
returned to Atlanta, Indiana, where he taught
school for two years. He then returned to Litch-
field and was employed with his brother, John F.
Buscher, in the company of Munday and Settlemire
in the grain business. They then worked at the
Litchfield Bank and Trust Company and M. J.
Buscher was also employed by the Mercantile Trust
Bank in St. Louis. He returned to Litchfield and
set up a coal, ice, and grain business with the help
of his brother, John F., who retired in 1948.

On July 15, 1903, M. J. Buscher married Bessie
McElligott, daughter of John and Honore McEl-
ligott. Mrs. Buscher was born June 12, 1879, in
Nameoki, Illinois, and her family moved here when
she was three years old. She attended St. Mary's
School and was graduated from the Litchfield High
School. She died in 1941. M. J. Buscher has been
a member of B. P. O. Elks, Moose, Knights of Co-
lumbus, Committee of 25 Civic Organization for
Town Development, and is a member of St. Alo-
ysius Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Buscher had
two children, J. Paul Buscher and Betty Buscher
Uhlenhop, and eight grandchildren.

Mr. John F. Buscher married Theresa Munday,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Munday in 1900.
They had six children: Clement, Colorado Springs,

Colorado; Charles, Springfield; Joseph, Granite
City; Genevieve Buscher Heise, Litchfield; Mary
Agnes Buscher McLean, Granite City; James, now
Rev. Adelbert Buscher, OSB, St. Meinard Abbey,
St. Meinard, Indiana. They have 25 grandchildren.
Mrs. Buscher died in 1940. Mr. Buscher has been
a member of the Moose and is a 25-year member
of the Knights of Columbus, also of the Holy Name
Society of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Fisher- Wooster-Gragg-
Montgomery

WILLIAM H. FISHER was born in 1829 in
Middlesex County, New Jersey, came to Jer-
sey County, Illinois, in 1845, and in 1865 came to
Litchfield, where he became an extensive land
owner. He married Elizabeth Ivins in 1853. Their
children were Charles, who died in infancy, George
and Mary. He retired from farming and built a
home at 821 North Madison Street. He planted
most of the trees in Library and Madison Parks.
Elizabeth Fisher died in 1875 and he married
Sarah Cooper Ivins, whose daughter, Maria, mar-
ried Fred C. Beeman. Their daughter, Mabel,
lives at 905 North Madison Street. Mr. Fisher died
in 1900.

George William Fisher, born on a farm south-
west of Litchfield in 1855, was educated at the Uni-
versity of Illinois. He married Emma Louise
Savage of Olivet, Michigan, in 1881. They lived in
Michigan twelve years, where Roy Savage, Ruth
Louise, and George were born. After returning
to Litchfield, Mr. Fisher engaged in the grocery
business. They were active in the Universalist
Church from the time of its organization, and
were interested in the Litchfield-Hillsboro Chau-
tauqua. Mrs. Fisher was president of the
Woman's Club in 1903-1904, and was also a mem-
ber of the Library Board for many years. Mr.
Fisher died in May, 1926, and Mrs. Fisher in Janu-
ary of the same year.

Roy Savage Fisher married Kathryn Eilert in
Chicago in 1939. They resided in that city until
his death in 1953.

Ruth Louise married Alfred C. Gragg in 1915.
They have one daughter, Kathryn Louise, who at-
tended school in Litchfield and was graduated from
Millikin University. She was married to Fritz Le-
Roy Washburn of Decatur in 1940. They have two
sons, Steven Bruce and Mark Fisher and now live
in LaGrange, Illinois.

George Fisher was born in 1890 at Saginaw,
Michigan, and died in 1911.

Mary Fisher married William L. Wooster in
1883. Mr. Wooster was born in Connecticut in
1861. He came to Litchfield in 1880 and worked
for the C.C.C. and St. L. Railroad until he started
in the furniture business, located in the same build-
ing Barenholz now occupies. Mr. and Mrs. Wooster
were active in the Presbyterian Church, the Litch-
field-Hillsboro Chautauqua, and Library. The early

married life of this couple was spent in a cottage
on the corner where the Elks Lodge now stands.
Lawrence Fisher and Grace were born there. In
1889, they built a home on the corner of Madison
and Second Streets where Russell was born.

Lawrence married Veva Magers of Portland,
Oregon. He taught electrical engineering in Ore-
gon State College for forty years, until his death
in 1950. Veva Wooster died in 1952.

Grace married Kenyon Montgomery of Carroll-
ton, Illinois. Kenyon came to Litchfield in 1905,
and was secretary and treasurer of the Litchfield
Grocer Company for twenty-five years. Later he
had charge of the Commissary Department of the
Brown Shoe Factory. He died in 1953. They had
two sons, Wooster and Kenyon Fisher. Wooster
married Ann Galbraith of Vancouver, British Co-
lumbia; they have one daughter, Carolyn Ann.
They live in Van Wert, Ohio. Kenyon Fisher
served three years in World War II. He married
Irlene Rhea of Brentwood, Missouri. They have
two sons, David Kenyon and William Rhea. Mrs.
Grace Montgomery and son, Kenyon, own and op-
erate a photo finishing plant and camera supply
store in the Moose Building on West Ryder Street.

Russell Wooster served two years in World War
I; he married Geneva Harvey in 1928. They are
now living in Normandy, Missouri, where he has a
television and radio repair service. They have one
son, William Donald, recently in military service.

Settlemire Family

DAVID O. SETTLEMIRE was born in Cape
Girardeau County, Missouri, in 1827 and the
following year his parents emigrated to Greene
County, Illinois, settling ten miles from Alton. Mr.
Settlemire was reared on a farm at Brighton. His
education was limited to six months' attendance
in a log schoolhouse. In his 17th year he left home
to serve an apprenticeship to a cabinetmaker at
Carlinville where he spent three years. He then
became a carpenter, working at Brighton, Bunker
Hill and Gillespie as a contractor; one of his jobs
was a large flouring mill at Gillespie which he ran
until 1861. He then engaged in the grain business
in connection with merchandising until the fall of
1866. Then he purchased property in Litchfield
and the following year built his home and the grain
elevator, then known as the OK Mill and Elevator.
In 1870 he sold the mill to J. B. L. Keating.
He then built the Wabash elevator, furnishing the
first "dump" to handle unloading, cleaning and
shelling of corn. In 1871 he built the Harvel ele-
vator; in 1873 he rebuilt the Mt. Olive elevator,
and six years later bought and remodeled the Mor-
risonville elevator. On March 20, 1876, he was
elected president of Litchfield Car Manufacturing
Company. In August, 1877, he purchased the
property of the car company and then organized
the Litchfield Car and Machine Company. On
August 14, 1878, he was elected president of the
company and continued to serve in this capacity.

Mr. Settlemire's marriage occurred November 29,
1849, to Sarah J. Adams, a native of Massachusetts.
Their children were George L. and Iola E. (wife of
Walter Arthur).

George L. was married October 8, 1878, to Ellen
E. Updike; their children were David P. and Wil-
bur L. George L. worked in his father's elevators
in Litchfield, then became the owner. In 1902 he
became director of the Litchfield Bank and Trust
Company and in 1938 he became president of the
bank. He died in March, 1940.

George's children were educated in Litchfield
Public Schools and the University of Illinois. The
son, David P., went to Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to work
in the Car and Machine Shop that had been moved
from Litchfield, later he became the Secretary-
Treasurer. He married Eleanor Smith of Boston
and had two children, Walter Lynn and Betty
Elizabeth, and two grandchildren.

Wilbur L. settled in Litchfield in the plumbing
business as partner with P. Odem. In December,
1919, he married Irene Goodall of Litchfield. They
had one daughter, Patricia G., wife of Lt. Robert
Newport (at present stationed at Okinawa), and
one grandson, Robbie A. Newport.

Masters-Henrichs Families

THIS family's association with Litchfield began
in 1855 when James E. Masters arrived with
his father's family from Kentucky and settled on a
farm a few miles east of town. James, 19 years
old, had a longing to be a preacher, and in 1864
preached his first sermon in the "Brush Creek"
schoolhouse southeast of Litchfield. In 1865 he
married Isabelle Hayden of Dorchester, and they
reared a family of two sons and a daughter on a
small farm at Dorchester. One daughter died in in-
fancy and a son, Charles, died in 1900 at the age
of thirty. Surviving at this time are a son, Frank,
in Washington, D. C, and the daughter, Mrs. H. F.
Henrichs, in Litchfield. Mr. and Mrs. Masters spent
51 years in the Dorchester home, and after cele-
brating their "golden anniversary," they moved to
Litchfield in 1916. Mrs. Masters died January 7,
1924, at the age of 81, and Mr. Masters died Feb-
ruary 15, 1930, at the age of 93. Both were active
in the Christian Church during their lifetime, Mr.
Masters preaching for many of the rural churches
in this area.

On April 15, 1900, Miss Winifred Masters was
married to Henry F. Henrichs, also of Dorchester.
They began their married life in Bunker Hill,
where H. F. was editor and publisher of the Bunker
Hill News. After a few years of publishing weekly
and daily newspapers, they settled in Litchfield in
May, 1906. Here H. F. was manager of the Daily
Herald, resigning later to devote all his time to sell-
ing newspaper plants throughout the country. In
1924 came the establishing of the Sunshine Maga-
zine, which in the twenty-nine years has become
world-wide. Children born to H. F. and Winifred:
Garth, March 27, 1903, in Bunker Hill; Carol Isabel,

June 24, 1909, in Litchfield (died March 24, 1910) ;
Monta Mildred, March 30, 1911, in Litchfield.

Garth married Madge Coleman of Peoria, June 7,
1928, and they have lived here since, Garth hav-
ing been associated with the Henrichs Publications
since the founding. Both graduated from Eureka
College in 1925. Their two children are: Larry,
a student in Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma;
and Carolann, a student in Eureka College. Monta
married Richard T. Crane of Modesto, December
22, 1934, and they lived for seventeen years in
Mount Sterling, where Mr. Crane was superintend-
ent of schools. They are both graduates of Eureka
College. Their two children are: Richard Thomas,
Jr., a senior next year in high school; and Judith
Ann, now in junior high school. They moved to
Litchfield in September, 1952, to become associated
with the Henrichs Publications. H. F. Henrichs
lives at 821 North State Street ; Garth lives at 1004
North State Street, and Richard Crane lives at 822
North State Street.

Yaeger Family

IRVING AND HATTIE BURGDORFF YAEGER,
HAZEL MARIE, AND BEN I. came to Litchfield
in 1896. Irving Yaeger was born in St. Louis,
December 25, 1868. Hattie Caroline Burgdorff was
born in Carlinville, on June 17, 1869. Hazel Marie
Yaeger Sheetz was born in Carlinville on April 9,
1893. Ben I. Yaeger was born in Carlinville on
September 7, 1895. Lewis D. Yaeger was born in
Litchfield on October 3, 1897. Harry A. Yaeger
was born in Litchfield on April 28, 1910.

In 1895 W. F. Burgdorff and C. H. Burgdorff of
Carlinville, operating a clothing store in that city,
moved a clothing business which they were also
operating in Greenfield to Litchfield, in those days
a rather young city with industrial and growing
possibilities. The store had lost money during the
first year and the owners felt this was due to man-
agement. Irving Yaeger was a millwright and in
the mill building business. Mr. Burgdorff, his fa-
ther-in-law, offered Mr. Yaeger the management of
the Litchfield store and the family moved here in
1896. The business grew and in 1918 with his two
sons, Ben and Lewis, Irving Yaeger effected the
purchase of the Burgdorff firm. Irving Yaeger
passed away in 1946 following the passing of Mrs.
Yaeger in 1935. The firm of Yaegers was then
organized with Ben I. Yaeger, Lewis D. Yaeger, and
Ralph Hermsmeyer as owners. Lewis Yaeger sold
his interest in 1948 to Ben Yaeger, Ralph Herms-
meyer, and E. R. Granger, who carried on the Yaeger
name and business. In 1950 Ben Yaeger passed on
and the re-arrangement of the firm operates under
the ownership of Mrs. B. I. Yaeger, Ralph Herms-
meyer, and E. R. Granger.

Hazel Marie Yaeger married John A. Sheetz,
now living in Cleveland. They have a son and a
daughter, John Irving Sheetz and Helen Lucille
Sheetz Exton. Ben I. Yaeger married Louise Davis

of Chicago and they had a daughter, Mary Yaeger
Granger, living in Litchfield. Dr. Harry A. Yaeger
married Dolores Becker of Mt. Olive. They have
three children: Deanna, Linda, and Harry Ed-
ward (Neddy) Yaeger.

Mr. and Mrs. Irving Yaeger were active in Uni-
versalis! Church circles. Irving Yaeger, Ben I. and
Lewis D. were past Exalted Rulers of the B.P.O.E.

Irving Yaeger was active in school circles for
over forty years; was very active in business and
Chamber of Commerce activities; Lewis D. is now
the city's mayor. Dr. Harry Yaeger is serving
as a school board member, carrying on his father's
interests in that field. Mrs. Irving Yaeger was
president of the Litchfield Woman's Club for sev-
eral years.

Goodall Family

CHARLES GOODALL was born in Yorkshire,
County of Durham, England, January 7, 1854.
On June 14, 1880, he married Sarah Eleanor Park
at Wheatley, England. In 1881 they came to the
United States to reside at Springfield, Illinois.
There four daughters were born to them.

In 1888 they came to Litchfield where Mr. Good-
all was first employed as a mechanic for the Litch-
field Foundry and Machine Company, and later
worked for the Wabash Railroad shops at Decatur.

Two sons and a daughter were born in Litchfield.
Mr. Goodall died in April, 1931. The children all
attended the public schools in Litchfield and three
of them, Jane, Gordon, and Irene, still live here.

Lillian taught in the Lincoln and Ida J. Russell
schools for some years before going east to become
affiliated with the Boston Housing Authority.

One great-grandson, Lt. Coleman, was with the
armed forces in Korea. A granddaughter with her
husband, Lt. Newport, and small son are with the
armed forces in Okinawa. Both sons and grand-
sons have previous war records. There are six
children, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grand-
children still living.

The entire family has been active in fraternal
orders, American Legion, and church work.

Stansifer Family

JAMES T. AND ABIGAIL BARNETT STANSI-
FER came to Litchfield in 1892 where Mr. Stan-
sifer became an insurance and real estate agent.
In 1893 their youngest son, Albert R., married
Delia Holbrook, a daughter of James L., born in
Montgomery County in 1836, and Glaphira Spill-
man of Kentucky.

The Stansifers had two daughters, Merle, now
Mrs. Harry W. Butler, and Mary, now Mrs. C. C.
Ligon. Mary is on the Home Economics Extension
staff of the University of Illinois. The Stansifers
had two grandsons, Thomas Stansifer Butler and
Robert Brokaw Butler; Robert died in infancy.

They have three great-grandchildren, Caroline
Virginia, Robert Brian, and William Stansifer, chil-
dren of Thomas and Virginia Kuhl Butler.

At the death of his father in 1897, Albert took
charge of the business and from that time his in-
terests in a business way had to do with the finan-
cial life of the community. He was always civic
minded and had a large part in bringing to Litch-
field the Brown Shoe Company and the American
Radiator Company. During World War I he served
as Y.M.C.A. Secretary, stationed in England.

Albert and Delia Stansifer were active members
of the Union Avenue Christian Church through
the years, Mrs. Stansifer a Bible teacher, and Mr.
Stansifer serving as superintendent of the Sunday
school, elder, and chairman of the official board.
He also was a member of the Illinois State Board
of Disciples of Christ for many years. Albert
Stansifer died in 1947. Delia Stansifer is still liv-
ing and active at the age of eighty.

Ray W. Schalk

RAY W. SCHALK, "The Cracker," Litchfield's
most famous athlete, was born in Harvel, Illi-
nois, August 12, 1892, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Her-
man Schalk. The family moved to Litchfield when
Ray was a small boy.

Ray Schalk and son

As a youth in 1909, he caught for the Litchfield
Arcos, which was managed by Jesse Orr. In 1910
he played with Taylorville in the Illinois-Missouri
League and was sold to Milwaukee in the Ameri-
can Association. The Chicago White Sox bought
his contract in 1912.

While with the Sox, he caught 1719 baseball
games over a 17-year period, setting several rec-
ords. He played in the World Series in 1917 and
1919.

He managed the Sox in 1927. Other teams he
managed were Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Buffa-
lo. Schalk also coached baseball at Wisconsin and
Purdue Universities. During his playing days he
caught five no-hitters. He played on the Litch-
field high school basketball team in 1909.

In October, 1916, Schalk was married to Lavina
Graham of Farmersville. He has a son and daugh-
ter. The late Babe Ruth and Billy Evans named
him the greatest catcher baseball has ever known.

At present Schalk operates a large bowling es-
tablishment in Chicago and helps coach Purdue's
squad each spring.

Charles M. Davis Family

CHARLES M. DAVIS and Emily G. McReynolds
were married in Granite City, Illinois, Sep-
tember 20, 1930, and two years later came to Litch-
field to make their home. Their present residence
is 513 East Edwards Street.

On December 17, 1932, their first son, David
Lee, was born. Another son, Charles Kenneth, was
born June 29, 1939, and a daughter, Muriel Frances,
on September 21, 1940. David Lee graduated
from Litchfield Community High School with the
class of 1952 and is now serving in the Air Corps.

For the past twenty years Mr. Davis has been
employed as metallurgist at the American Radia-
tor and Standard Sanitary Corporation. Mrs. Da-
vis is Secretary of the Litchfield Chamber of Com-
merce, Community Chest, and Litchfield Centen-
nial. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are Past Patron and Ma-
tron of Lavonne Chapter, O.E.S. and Mr. Davis is
a Past Master of Litchfield Lodge No. 236, Past
High Priest of Elliot Chapter, Past Commander
of St. Omar Commandery and served as District
Deputy Grand Master of 79th District, A.F. & A.M.

All members of the family belong to the First
Baptist Church in Litchfield.

Snell Family

GUY ASA SNELL and Abbie (Voorhees) Snell,
his wife, were born in Jerseyville, March 14,
1839 and February 5, 1846. They came to Litchfield
in 1900, retiring from their farm in Macoupin
County. They had four children: Hugh, Myron,
Truman and Reba.

Hugh, born March 9, 1864, died August 29, 1925,
in Litchfield. He came to Litchfield in 1884 to
clerk in the hardware store of Thomas Rhodes.
Later he became the proprietor of the Litchfield
Steam Laundry, manager of Snell's Opera House,
president of Litchfield Grocer Company, served as
Past Master of Charter Oak Lodge, Chairman of
the Board of Grand Examiners of Illinois, charter
member of Elks Lodge, County Food Administrator

in Montgomery County in World War I. In 1891 he
married Mae Smith of Litchfield. Their daughters
are Abbie (Mrs. Harold Morgan) of Litchfield and
Mary (Mrs. John Wakeman) of St. Louis.

Abbie Snell Morgan graduated from Litchfield
High School in 1910, from the National Park Sem-
inary, Forest Glen, Maryland, in 1912. She served
as president of the Litchfield Woman's Club, the
American Legion Auxiliary, and the Women's As-
sociation of the Presbyterian Church. Abbie and
Harold Morgan have four children. Martin gradu-
ated from the Litchfield High School in 1934, at-
tended University of Illinois, was graduated from
the Kent College of Law in 1940. He is a practic-
ing attorney in Chicago, associated with the Social
Security Department of the Federal government.
Married Mary Beasley, St. Louis, Missouri. He
has three children: Martin, Jr., Lucy Ann,
Stephen. Marjorie (Mrs. Donald Miller) gradu-
ated Litchfield High School 1939, and attended Uni-
versity of Illinois. Dorothy (Mrs. John Higgins)
graduated Litchfield High School 1943. Has daugh-
ter, Margaret Jane. Virginia graduated Litch-
field High School, 1948, attended University of
Illinois and Washington University School of Nurs-
ing, St. Louis, Missouri.

Mary Snell Wakeman graduated from Litchfield
High School 1915, attended National Park Semi-
nary, Forest Glen, Maryland, and Northwestern
University, Evanston, Illinois. She served as Presi-
dent of Litchfield Woman's Club, as chairman of
Volunteer Services of Red Cross. Mary and John
Wakeman have one daughter, Marianna (Mrs. An-
thony Melendez), New York City. Marianna grad-
uated 1946 from high school in St. Louis, and
studied at the Russian School of Ballet in New
York City.

Dr. Myron Snell born November 23, 1871, died
January 5, 1927. Came to Litchfield early 1900's
to practice medicine. Served as Exalted Ruler
Elks. State President of the Elks. Lt. Col. Medi-
cal Corps, World War I, head of National Military
Hospital, Milwaukee, Wis. Chief Medical Exami-
ner American Bankers Insurance Co., Jacksonville,
Illinois. Married Anna Miller, Litchfield, 1907.
One son, Guy Miller Snell, graduated Jacksonville
High School, attended Illinois College, Juilliard
School of Music, New York City, concert pianist,
taught Blind Institute, Jacksonville and Monticello
College, Godfrey, Illinois.

Truman, born September 22, 1876, now prac-
ticing attorney, Carlinville, Illinois. Been member
State Legislature, Assistant Attorney General of
Illinois. Married Emma Schmidt of Gillespie. Had
two daughters: Margaret (Mrs. James Cassner),
who has two sons, and Reba (Mrs. John Bur-
roughs), who has a son and a daughter.

Reba, born February 5, 1885, married Harry
White, lived in Litchfield, operated White Jewelry
Art Co., had two children, Elizabeth (Mrs. Clel-
land Friddle), Kenosha, Wis., who has Donald,
Abbie, David and grandson Robert Earl; and
Shirley, proprietor of a store in Springfield, Illi-
nois who has two children.

Samuel Moody Grubbs

SAMUEL MOODY GRUBBS came to Litchfield in
1865. He was a member of the firm of Brewer,
Seymour & Company, Bankers, which later became
Brewer & Grubbs, then S. M. Grubbs & Com-
pany. In January, 1889, it was organized as the
First National Bank of Litchfield. Here he served
as president until he retired in 1914. He built the
brick house at 805 East Union Avenue, was elected
mayor in 1879, served two terms as City Treasurer.
He married Mary Brewer in 1857 and to them were
born seven children, the four sons dying in infancy;
his wife died in 1888. His second wife was Mrs.
Elizabeth White who died in 1916. Children by his
first wife were Ella, Mary and Lila.

Ella married George Atterbury and has a daugh-
ter, Hazel (Mrs. James R. Spraker). Lila had a
son, Col. Allen R. Elliott, who married Margaret
Andrews.

Mary (Mrs. Edward Richard Davis) has seven
children. William Warren Moody married Bess
Canedy. Ella Feme married William Bernard
Lewis. Frances Mary married Raymond Gage
Talcott. Edward Paul died in infancy. Vice Ad-
miral Ralph Otis married Anita Cresop and sec-
ondly, Dorothy Benson. Mary Louise married Ben-
jamin Irving Yaeger. Edward Richard married
Frances Dixon.

Descendants living in Litchfield are Mrs. B. I.
Yaeger, granddaughter; Mrs. Edward R. Granger,
great-granddaughter; Molly and John Granger,
great-great-grandchildren.

Kitch-Fleming Families

HIRAM A. KITCH married Laura Alice Stark
at Macon, Illinois, on June 24, 1885, and
taught school there for a while, moved to Olney
for a time, and came to Litchfield in 1900. He was
one of ten sons born to Rev. and Mrs. E. H. Kitch.
who served Lutheran pastorates at DeSoto and
other points in southern Illinois and adjoining
states. He traveled for the Meyer Schmidt Grocer
Company for many years and taught the men's
class in the English Lutheran Sunday School. Po-
litically a Republican, he served as precinct com-
mitteeman for several years, and one term as city
treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Kitch passed away in
1941 and 1943 respectively. Children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Kitch: Edna, now wife of John Busch
of Decatur. She was a local school teacher and
later supervising nurse in government hospitals;
Ernest H. of Indianapolis, working for a branch
of the American Radiator Company; Clara Mabel,
a teacher of art in Lanphier High School, Spring-
field; John Raymond, attorney, president of Secur-
ity Mutual Casualty Company in Chicago; Alice
Grace, wife of City Judge Charles Fleming, em-
ployed in the office of the Litchfield Creamery
Company. The grandchildren are: William, son

of Ernest, Indianapolis insurance salesman; Dar-
win, John Robert, and Frederick, sons of Raymond,
all in military service; Mary Alice Taylor, Rich-
mond, Indiana, whose husband is a recruiting of-
ficer for the U. S. Marine Corps; and Carolyn
Grace, a senior in the Litchfield Community High
School, both daughters of the Flemings.

Bryant-Green Families

LEE T. BRYANT was born at Salem, Illinois,
January 14, 1906. In June he came to Litch-
field with his parents, Thomas L. and Stella Smith
Bryant, and his sister Verda. His father was a
railroad foreman, high school custodian, and oper-
ated Bryant's Service Station.

His grandparents, Asbury and Evelyn Swisher
Smith, came here in April, 1888. John Swisher,
his great-grandfather, came to Nokomis in 1840,
obtained land from the government still known as
the Swisher section. The Swishers came to this
country from Switzerland in 1672.

Lee graduated from Litchfield High School in
1925, attended the University of Illinois and
Quincy, was City Treasurer in 1932-33, operated
the service station, served in the Signal Corps in
World War II, and is now City Clerk.

On June 20, 1933, he married Edith Greene, a
daughter of Charles and Mary Orso Greene. Her
father was born near Butler, Nov. 29, 1867, a son
of Daniel and Mary McCoy Greene who came here
from Ohio in 1866. Her mother was born near Gil-
lespie, a daughter of Dominic and Frances Orso.
Edith's parents had three other children; Blanche.
James, and Milburn.

Edith was born in Kansas, January 15, 1909, was
graduated from the Litchfield High School in 1926,
was employed in the office of the Brown Shoe Com-
pany and is now at The House of Sunshine.

The Bryants have a son, Bobby, born in Denver,
Colorado, April 1, 1943. They are members of the
Christian Church; Lee is a member of the Litch-
field Lodge 236 AF & AM and the American Le-
gion. Edith belongs to the Lavonne Chapter 55.

A. M. Alexander Family

AUGUSTUS MAXWELL ALEXANDER and
. Celeste Roberts Alexander came to Litchfield
from Hickman, Kentucky, in 1921. Mr. Alexander
bought the Coca-Cola franchise of three counties
and established the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

Mr. Alexander served for fourteen years on the
Grade School Board and was President for one
year. He was President of the Rotary Club 1932-
33; also President of the Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are the parents of one
daughter, Anna Lynne, born in Litchfield in 1924.
She was graduated from Litchfield High School
in 1941, attended the National Park College, Wash-
ington, D. C. in 1941-42, and the University of Illi-
nois in 1942-43.

She was married to John Smith Richards June
25, 1943, in the Chapel of the United States Naval
Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, where Mr. Rich-
ards was attending Communications School for
Naval Reserve Officers.

Prior to his Naval Service, during which he
served with the Fleet in the Mediterranean and
Pacific Areas, he was graduated from St. Lawrence
University, Canton, New York.

After the war Mr. and Mrs. Richards returned
to make their home in Litchfield. They have two
children, John Alexander, born October 9, 1945,
and Elizabeth Celeste, born June 28, 1951. Mr.
Richards is Sales and Advertising Manager of the
Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

John W. Grummon Family

EMSLEY GRUMMON, born near O'Fallon, Illi-
nois, and Emily Grummon, born in Brown
County, Ohio, were the parents of four children:
John W. (Bill), Lewis, Dollie, and Harvilla. With
his brother, Mr. Emsley Grummon operated a
livery barn north of the Public Library where the
Biebel Roofing Company is now located. Mr.
Grummon followed the threshing machine busi-
ness, beginning with horse power, until his death
in 1923.

John W. (Bill) was born in Harvel and has lived
in or near Litchfield since 1910. He married lone
Harvey of Coffeen June 4, 1931. They have one
son, Paul Gail, born in 1938, now a freshman in
the Litchfield Community High School. The
family resides at 1005 North Montgomery Avenue.

Bill began working with steam threshing en-
gines at the age of seven. He is now a boiler op-
erator, but he still owns four steam engines. Be-
sides owning early models of threshing machines,
he is interested in collecting pictures and news-
paper clippings of everything pertaining to thresh-
ing machinery. Recently the Montgomery News
published some of the articles and the Journal
printed several of his pictures. He and his son,
Paul Gail, are the last two of the Grummon family
now living.

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Koval

THE parents of Edith Faeth Koval resided on a
farm in South Litchfield Township for about
10 years, moving there from Farmersville, Illinois,
where Edith was born. They moved to the city of
Litchfield in the year 1914. They were Andrew
and Anna Faeth and were the parents of eight chil-
dren, six of whom are still living.

These six sons and daughters reside in five dif-
ferent states, and held a family reunion in Litch-
field October 26, 1952, it being the first time in
forty years that all of them had been together at
the same time. They are Mayme, wife of Earl
Saxby, Kansas City, Missouri; Arthur of Peever,

South Dakota; Carl of Aurora, Illinois; John Earl
of Long Beach, California; Golden, wife of C. D.
Satterlee, Little Rock, Arkansas; and Edith, wife
of Stephen P. Koval, the only member still resid-
ing in Litchfield.

Stephen P. Koval is the son of Elizabeth and the
late John Koval, of Mount Olive, Illinois, and was
born in Mount Olive. Stephen and Edith were
married in September, 1938, and reside at 614 East
Union Avenue. She began her duties as book-
keeper and stenographer at the Litchfield National
Bank in March, 1921, and was elected cashier in
May, 1945, which position she still maintains.
Stephen P. is an operating engineer, and operates
large machinery for building and construction com-
panies. They are both actively interested in bowl-
ing, golfing, and fishing.

Litchfield Family .

ELISHA LITCHFIELD was born in Canterbury,
Connecticut, July 12, 1785, served in the War
of 1812 with the rank of Major, was elected to
the New York State Legislature several times, and
served two terms in Congress. He married Percy
Tiffany in 1808 and after the birth of their first
son moved to Onondaga County, New York. To
them were born Elisha Cleveland, Electus Bachus,
Edwin Clark, Erasmus Darwin, and Egbert Delos.
In 1827 his wife died and Elisha Litchfield married
the relict of Enos Bacon, Lucy Savage Bacon.
Lucy Bacon had one son by her first marriage,
William Enos Bacon.

By this second marriage there were Eliza Ade-
line (who married Calvin F. How), Emma Lucy
(who married J. D. L. Childs), Edward Everett,
and Egbert S. Litchfield. It is interesting to note
that of the ten children of the three marriages
eight of them came to this new town of Litchfield
in the period of 1855 to 1857. Some stayed for a
short while and then moved back to New York or
to a new location. Erasmus D. and Egbert D. did
not come here.

Elisha C, Electus B., and Edwin C. worked
closely together in much of their business life. By
1845 they had left Casenovia, New York, and had
gone to New York City to become wholesale gro-
cers and commission merchants. They also became
interested in law and in railroad construction.

By 1846 Edwin C. Litchfield was a member of
a group which bought the Michigan Southern Rail-
road and united it with the Northern Indiana Rail-
road which when completed made a through route
from Lake Erie to Chicago. Electus B. Litchfield
at the same time was treasurer and later president
of the Toledo and Cleveland Railroad, and under
his directorship helped to build the Toledo-Detroit
line, which aided in forming a well-knit system of
railroads throughout Indiana.

The brothers further allied themselves with the
Chicago and Rock Island Road, then building west

to the Mississippi River and here Elisha C. Litch-
field served as a director.

East of Cleveland an understanding was reached
with the new roads along the south shore of the
lake to Buffalo, thence across New York State, and
this resulted in connecting interests from New
York City to Chicago. The Litchfield men con-
tributed much to bring into existence this remark-
able network of railroads which was the most use-
ful of all the combinations before the Civil War.

With the formation of the Terre Haute and Alton
Railroad which eventually came through our city
of Litchfield, Edwin C. and Electus B. Litchfield
served as two of the early directors. In 1855
Electus B. served as treasurer of this line.

Edward E. and his brother Egbert S. Litchfield
came to our infant city in 1855 and entered into
the mercantile business. They bought the Tyler
grain warehouse and removed it to the site of the
present Power and Light Company Building, con-
verted it into a store and after a year or two sold
it. Within a few years they returned to New York.

Elisha W. Litchfield, who is believed to be a
cousin to the other Litchfield men, came to this city
in 1856, and entered into the wholesale grocery
business and the making of lace. He served as
trustee of the city in 1857, as mayor in 1861 and
late in life died at his home in Litchfield.

Truly, in the formative years of our community
the Litchfield family was well represented here.

George W. Taylor

GEORGE W. TAYLOR, son of William and Su-
sanna Groves Taylor, was born on September
12, 1886, in Huron, South Dakota. When he was
two years old his parents moved to Shelby County,
Illinois. George came to Litchfield in 1908. On
February 22, 1918 he joined the army and saw
action in central Europe and in the army of oc-
cupation. In 1921 he began serving as night po-
liceman in Litchfield and from 1925 to 1943 he
was Chief of Police. He was graduated from the
Institute of Applied Science, Chicago, as a finger-
print expert. He was a charter member of the
Moose Lodge and Post 3912 V.F.W. George W.
Taylor died June 18, 1945 ; his family resides at 916
West Sargent Street.

He married Helena Langheim at Virden, April
18, 1923. Their children are George, John, Wil-
liam, Robert, Mary Marjory, and Ruth. George,
Lieutenant junior grade in the Navy Air service,
served from 1944 to 1946. John, in the Navy from
1945 to 1946, re-enlisted in 1951 and is now a
radioman aboard the U.S.S. Kirkpatrick. Sergeants
Marjory and Ruth are with the Women's Marine
Corps in San Francisco. William was a sergeant
in the Illinois National Guard and served from
1948 to 1951. Robert enlisted in the Army Air
Force on May 19, 1953, and is at Parks Air Base,
Pleasanton, California.

Bert C. Arnold Sr., Family

BERT C. ARNOLD, Sr., was born in Mont-
gomery County, November 9, 1890. He came
to Litchfield in 1911, buying a half-interest with
Louis Hauser, in the Litchfield Bottling Works.
In the early part of 1916, he sold his interest in
the bottling works and became associated with the
Litchfield Grocer Company, and has been Secre-
tary-Treasurer of the Company since 1930.

He was married to Adala Hauser, daughter of
the late Louis and Anna W. Hauser, on November
12, 1911. To this marriage were born four chil-
dren: Maynard, Virginia, Marian, and Bert C,
Jr. ; Maynard died at the age of nineteen. Virginia
is now Mrs. J. C. Driskell of Litchfield; Marian is
Mrs. Harlow A. Yaeger of Scottsdale, Arizona ; and
Bert C. married Annette Shroeder of Chicago, and
is now living in Litchfield. Virginia has one
daughter, Sue; Marian has one daughter, Karen;
and Bert, Jr., has one daughter, Patricia Cay.

Mrs. Arnold has always been active in the
ladies' organizations of the Presbyterian Church;
a member of the Litchfield Woman's Club; also,
active in the Eastern Star, serving this organiza-
tion as Matron several years ago.

B. C. Arnold, Sr., has belonged to the Elks Club
for 41 years, serving as Exalted Ruler immedi-
ately after completion of the Elks building. He
has been active in the Masonic Lodge, being Past
Master of Charter Oak Lodge and Past Commander
of St. Omar Commandery. He served on the Litch-
field High School Board for six years, as a member
and also, as president. He is also active in Cham-
ber of Commerce work, serving as Chairman of the
Board of Directors for the past several years.

Samuel W. Stratton

SAMUEL W. STRATTON spent his early life on
a farm south of Litchfield where his father was
interested in the importation of fine cattle to this
country. At an early age Samuel attended the Uni-
versity of Illinois and his outstanding ability made
him a prominent student.

He was a captain of the student military unit;
later he became a professor of the School of Scien-
tific Research. There he accomplished notable re-
sults in his development of data regarding weights
and measures.

He then spent some years as a professor at the
University of Chicago, but was soon called by the
government to Washington, D. C, where he estab-
lished and directed for our government the Bureau
of Standards.

During his work there he served on an advisory
board in connection with the academic system of
the United States Naval Academy. He later be-
came the president of the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology. Dr. Stratton's standing in the
scientific world was of the highest.

McNamara-Hanrahan

PATRICK McNAMARA, son of Michael and
Bridget McNamara, came to America on the
White Star Line from County Clare, Ireland, in the
year 1884. He resided for a short time in Elmira
and Waverly, New York, before coming to Litch-
field to make his home. In October, 1886, he married
Mary Catherine Hanrahan in St. Mary's Church,
then located on the northwest corner of Columbia
and Jackson Streets. Records show they were the
last couple married in "Old St. Mary's." She was
daughter of James and Margaret Ann Hanrahan.

Mr. McNamara's first employment in Litchfield
was at the Litchfield Car Shops. In 1900, he was
appointed foreman in the maintenance department
of the Wabash Railroad, which position he held
at the time of his death in May, 1936.

Patrick and Mary McNamara were the parents of
ten children: James, Winifred, and Mrs. Alice
Campbell, who reside in Litchfield; John, of Spring-
field, Illinois; Mrs. Margaret Harmon of Jackson-
ville, Illinois; Mrs. Mary Edna McNamara, Mrs.
Frances McNamara and Paul McNamara, who re-
side in Chicago; Robert Emmet died in September,
1926 ; and Joseph died in March, 1937.

Mr. McNamara was a charter member of the
Litchfield Council, Knights of Columbus, and Mrs.
McNamara is a charter member of the Forresters.

James and Margaret Ann Hanrahan came to New
Jersey from County Clare, Ireland, and in 1869
moved to Litchfield to make their home. They were
the parents of three children: John, Michael, and
Mrs. Mary McNamara.

Glen D. Riley

GLEN D. RILEY was born on the Illinois River
in the small village of Liverpool. He attended
Canton High School, where he was a member of
the basketball team which went to the State finals
twice, winning second place on one of the trips.
He attended the University of California at Los
Angeles (UCLA), where he was elected captain of
the freshman football team. He continued at
UCLA until a knee injury at the end of his junior
year ended his football playing career.

He returned to Canton, and as the doctors ad-
vised against any more football, he enrolled at the

University of Illinois, graduating from there in
1941. From there he went to Cissna Park as
coach for three years, then to Areola for two years.

He came to Litchfield as coach in 1946. After
spending three successful seasons here, during
which time football was resumed, he decided to
enter the life insurance business, and has done an
outstanding job with the Equitable Life Assurance
Society. He is a charter member and past presi-
dent of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and life
underwriters.

Mrs. Ruth (Kraft) Riley was reared in Gilman,
Illinois. She has been active in Girl Scout and
church work in Litchfield.

The Rileys are proud indeed of their four sons,
Donald, Rickey, James, and Jeffrey.

Ahart Pierce Family

Ahart Pierce was born in Wythe County, Vir-
ginia, came to this vicinity from Indiana in 1842,
and in 1848 entered 160 acres of land on which the
city of Litchfield now stands. In 1849 he built a
log cabin on Madison Street and here he farmed
the land until the laying out of the town. Fifteen
acres were sold and the remainder laid out by
Mr. Pierce was formed into five additions to the
town. The first coal shaft was sunk on part of
this land. Mr. Pierce gave several lots to various
benevolent enterprises, including land for a school-
house. He served as the first assessor elected
after the city's organization.

Mr. Pierce married Polly Brown in Indiana and
she bore him one child, Granville, who was born
in October, 1845. Granville Pierce operated a
grocery store and was a stock buyer for a number
of years. He died in 1930.

Granville Pierce married Dora Ware of Butler
in 1877 and their eight children were: Essie,
Grace, Earl, Harry, Estella, Hazelle, Fred, and
Polly. One daughter Estella, now deceased, mar-
ried Chancy Berry and to them three children
were born. Chancy Berry, now of Springfield,
married Helen Wilson and they have a son Rex.
John Berry of San Diego, California, married
Gwenneth Whitworth. Jennie Berry married
John Meckles and they have a son, John David.
Mrs. John Meckles and son John David are the only
descendants of Ahart Pierce residing in Litchfield.

"Knights of the Golden Circle" and "The Union League"

In the early stages of the war between the States,
pro-slavery men of our town organized "The Knights
of the Golden Circle." These men, most of Southern
ancestry, and birth, were otherwise very good citizens
and defined their purpose as that of home protection.
They believed their homes were in danger from anti-
slavery advocates. It was a time of intense feeling
and the questions of slavery and secession were so ab-
sorbing as to overshadow every other question and
create suspicion and animosity toward everyone who
did not agree with the views of those opposed. They
had headquarters in the third story of Gay's Wagon
Shop which stood at the southeast corner of Madison
and Ryder Streets.

The Union League was organized in 1863 by Union
sympathizers of our city. Ic had two objects in view:
to carry the 1864 election, and to protect our city.
History states that they accomplished the first by hav-
ing ballots printed in Alton, and casting them election
day after the opposition thought the battle won. They
met in their lodge room on the second floor of Empire
Hall at the northeast corner of State and Ryder. At
a meeting one night they let it be known to a spy for
the Knights, who sat in a tree outside an open window,
that they possessed 500 Sharps and Spencer rifles, and
a cannon in their lodge room, and could create great
havoc on State Street. The Knights caused no trouble.
The League and the Knights disbanded after the war.

Dodds Family

J CARL DODDS, probably the only representative of
. this family now residing in Montgomery County, was
born in Virden, Illinois, February 28, 1884, the son of
John Franklin and Illinois Humphrey Dodds. His
father, J. F. Dodds, was born on a farm near Cotton
Hill, Illinois, December 15, 1862, and came to Litchfield
in 1903 from Girard. Here he bought a one-half in-
terest in the undertaking business of Ed Voorhees,
located on West Ryder Street, just south of the old
Litchfield Hotel where the Barnstable Implement Com-
pany is now.

Early in 1904 Mr. Dodds acquired the remaining half
interest in the business and his son, J. Carl Dodds,
joined him in the company, then known as Dodds
Undertaking Company. This was at the time of the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, and it was
at this location that sixteen of the persons killed in
the Wabash wreck of July 3, 1904, when a Fair train
ran into an open switch, were cared for.

This same year, as the business expanded, larger
and better quarters were needed, and the building at
108 West Edwards Street was bought from Richard
McElligott, where the company, later incorporated,
prospered for the next forty years. Mr. Dodds, Senior,
died January 7, 1917, and J. Carl Dodds continued as
president and manager until his retirement in 1945.

The Dodds Undertaking Company was a progressive
institution. It was the first advertiser in the Litchfield
Telephone Directory. Litchfield's first ambulance serv-
ice was inaugurated by them with a horsedrawn ve-
hicle in 1904, and the first motor ambulance in the
county was introduced by them in 1913 with a $4,000
white Cunningham car.

Notable among the thousands of funerals conducted
by the company was that of John Crabtree in 1914,
when his famous race horses, Lady Maud C. and
Hedgewood Boy, pulled the hearse to convey him to
his last resting place in Crabtree Cemetery. This was
the most expensive team ever hitched to a hearse,
valued by some as high as S100.000, and the news item
with pictures was carried all over the country in news-
papers and trade journals.

J. F. Dodds was the son of Joseph Craig and Eliza-
beth Levi Dodds, Sangamon County farmers. He was
married March 29, 1883, at Auburn to Illinois Hum-
phrey, the daughter of William and Sarah Stocker
Humphrey. Mrs. Dodds was a member of the D. A. R.,
her great-grandfather having commanded a Rhode
Island battalion during the Revolutionary War. They
had one son, J. Carl Dodds. Although reared on a
farm, Mr. Dodds engaged in business early in life. He
established a furniture and undertaking business in
Divernon in 1893, and subsequently acquired similar
establishments in Pawnee, Chatham, Girard, Litchfield,
Mattoon, and Springfield, and was held in high esteem
by contemporary funeral directors. Mrs. Dodds was
among the first licensed lady embalmers in the state.
She was also Past Worthy Matron of Lavonne Chapter
of the Order of the Eastern Star. She died at the
home of her son in Litchfield July 22, 1944, aged 84.

J. Carl Dodds graduated from the Auburn High
School in 1901 and later from the Athenaeum Business
College in Chicago and Embalmers College in St. Louis.
Before coming to Litchfield he was employed in the
office of the Chief Engineer of the Chicago & Rock
Island Railroad Company in Chicago. He was married
in Litchfield August 16, 1913. to Blanche Olive White,
only daughter of John C. and Alice Wilson White, and
granddaughter of Goshen and Mary Jane Mclntire Wil-
son, and James and Susan Cromwell White, the latter
a descendant of Sir Oliver Cromwell of English his-
tory. Blanche Dodds' parents were Litchfield residents
for some thirty years before their deaths. Mr. White
was a well-known stock man, contractor and real
estate dealer, and came to Litchfield from the Wag-
goner-Farmersville community.

The Dodds history dates from the Revolutionary
period, the grandfather, three times great, of J. Carl
Dodds, Francis Dodds, having been a patriot in that
war in which he lost a leg. During the war his family
resided in Spartanburg District, South Carolina, where
the first Declaration of Independence was signed. He
died in 1795 while emigrating with his family to Ken-
tucky. His widow, Margaret Craig Dodds, continued
on with her five sons and settled in Caldwell County,
Kentucky, reaching there in 1797. One son, Joseph
Dodds, later moved to Wood River, Illinois, and in
1818 rode horseback north to Ball Township, Sanga-
mon County, three miles west of Glenarm, where he
settled, being one of the first three settlers of Sanga-
mon County. His father-in-law, William Drennan II,
another of the first three settlers, was appointed by
the first Governor of Illinois on a commission of three
men to select and name a site for the county seat.
A site on Spring Creek was chosen and called Spring-
field. Joseph's mother, Margaret, later came to Illinois
to live with her son where she remained until her
death, January 17, 1846, at the age of 97. Her grave
in Old Cumberland Cemetery is the oldest marked
grave in Sangamon County.

J. Carl Dodds now resides with his wife at 715 North
State Street in Litchfield, and has just been reelected
to a third term as Justice of the Peace for North Litch-
field Township.

Simon Kniery Family

C IMON and Margaret (Quinlan) Kniery were natives of
^ County Clare, Ireland. They were married in Mont-
gomery County and came to Litchfield in 1866. He
was foreman of construction on the Wabash Railroad;
they were parents of eight children; only Ella is living.

Ella (Mrs. John Motherway) is 90 years old, lives
in Litchfield and is the mother of seven children:
Agnes, Mary (Mrs. Joseph Tuohey), Margaret (Mrs.
Dan Brennan), and James, foreman at the Radiator,
married Elizabeth Corrigan, and they have a son, Paul,
who married Mildren Deaton.

Josephine (Mrs. James Doran), mother of Marga-
ret, wife of Russell Roberts and assistant cashier at
First National Bank; and Helen (Mrs. O. Martin),
mother of James and Peggy (Mrs. Don Funderbrunk).

Joseph served as assistant postmaster in Litchfield,
was Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus, and married
Frances Machler; father of Joan, wife of J. G. Uhlen-
hop, and mother of Germaine, Barbara, and Jackie.

Michael, former supervisor of the New York Central
Railroad; a trustee of St. Mary's Church for 43 years;
member of school board; Chief Ranger, Catholic Order
of Foresters; married Elizabeth Kelly; father of Ed-
ward who lost his life in World War I, for whom
American Legion Post is named. His daughter, Rosalie,
wife of Gerry Wand, mother of Mary (Mrs. O. J. Hent-
rich), Lawrence, Theresann (Mrs. John Murphy), Fa-
ther William Wand, Geraldine and Johnny. His son,
Joseph, married Anna Jordan, and is the father of Ed-
ward, Jerome, Anna (Mrs. Charles Koch), Michael, Mar-
jorie (Mrs. William Quinn), Rita (Sister Clarice. Do-
minican Order), James, student at St. Meinrad. In-
diana, and Joseph. His daughter, Mary, wife of Wil-
liam Houlihan, member of Airport Commission, is the
mother of William Joseph.

Seventy-five years ago Litchfield coal was selling
(delivered) in the city at 10 cents per bushel. The
mine was located at the northwest edge of town. Or-
ders for the coal were taken by Geo. S. Webb, who
was the local agent of the U. S. Express Agency. Some
people bought their coal at the pit or from cars "at
the foot of State Street," for only 9 cents per bushel.

The Business, Industrial,

Professional and Organizational

Life of Litchfield

~ f" X UMAN enterprise takes myriad forms, and it is characteristic of community
life that men and women employ their time and their talents in diverse
ways in meeting the needs not only of themselves, but of their fellow men.

So it is that in Litchfield throughout the first century of its existence there
has been a great variety of undertakings which together have formed its eco-
nomic, social, educational, cultural, fraternal, and religious history. It is the
story of people living, working, and sharing in their common purpose to provide
not only for their material needs, but for their social and spiritual needs as well.

The editors of the Centennial Book are proud to present, by both word and
picture, the record of the business, professional and industrial life of Litchfield
throughout one hundred years. No less important are the accounts of a large
number of the organizations of Litchfield. Together they tell an absorbing,
century-long story of the life of our community.

American Radiator and Standard Sanitary
Corporation

FOR almost half of the hundred-year history of
the City of Litchfield, the American Radiator &
Standard Sanitary Corporation has been a citizen
of the community.

The cornerstone of the firm's Litchfield Plant
was laid in 1904 on a 28-acre tract of land border-
ing on what is now McKinley Avenue. Soon a core
room, foundry, finishing room, warehouse, power
house, office and laboratory with a total of 78,000
square feet of floor space, were erected for the
production of cast iron radiators.

By the next year the plant was the largest em-
ployer in the community. Over 200 were at work
and the annual payroll was $175,000.

Between 1905 and 1944 the plant produced only
cast iron radiation and, in that period more than
150,000,000 square feet of this product was cast.
Rococo, Peerless, Corto, and Arco radiators were
shipped from Litchfield to all parts of the United
States and South America. In the early years be-
fore the American Radiator Company built its
European plants, large quantities were also ex-
ported to Europe.

Improvements in manufacturing processes and
increased demand for the plant's products resulted

in its doubling in size during this period. The
plant was one of the first in this country to install
a continuous automatic molding unit. This im-
provement, developed by American Radiator engi-
neers, was completed in 1907.

During World War II the American-Standard
Litchfield Plant was converted for the manufacture
of sand-molded magnesium castings. The conver-
sion meant practically rebuilding the interior of
the plant and resulted in an additional 40,000
square feet under roof. A new melt room, office,
laboratory and new locker rooms were added. The
entire output of the plant was used by the Govern-
ment for military aircraft. Peak employment of
535 was reached in 1945.

The plant was re-converted to the manufacture
of radiators late in 1945. Production of sheet
metal floor furnaces was added in 1947 and a 40,-
000 square foot warehouse was added in 1949. The
plant was closed for about 20 months during 1949
and 1950 because of excess inventories.

After the outbreak of the Korean conflict, Ameri-
can-Standard again converted the plant to mag-
nesium production for defense purposes. The first
casting was poured on January 30, 1952.

#*,

While the original organization of the plant is
much the same, the manufacturing space has more
than tripled and the plant now occupies double its
1904 acreage. At the present time over 450 are
employed and the annual payroll is now around
$2,000,000. In 1953 as in 1905, the plant is the
community's largest employer.

It is interesting to note that the average hourly
wage today is approximately 15 times that paid in
1905. At the same time the work week has de-
creased from 60 to 40 hours.

The plant has remained under the same owner-
ship since it began production. Originally built
by the American Radiator Company, it became a
part of the American-Standard organization in
1929. At that time American Radiator merged
with the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Com-
pany, a leading producer of plumbing fixtures, to
form the American Radiator & Standard Sanitary
Corporation.

Litchfield Plant has had eight managers, many
of them prominent in the life of the community.
They are L. A. LeClercq, 1904-1906; George R.
Corwin, 1906-1909 ; Henry L. Bergman, 1909-1914 ;
Thomas Potts, 1915-1931; Walter I. Gross, 1931-
1933; E. M. Benedict, 1933-1938; E. L. Grenagle,
1938-1953; and John R. Sieber, present manager.

Long-service records are the rule. Almost half
of the present employees have ten or more years
of company service. Included are V. R. Fellers,
Herman Detmer and Henrv Bockewitz with 40

years' service. Fifty-eight others have been with
the company more than 25 years. They are:

Clinton Fenton
Wm. J. Davis
Harry Yates
Harry Unterbrink
William Houlihan
Willard V. Eyman
Adolphus Bryant
James Barry
James Driscoll
Earl E. Ewing
H. E. Elledge
Albert Bohlen
James E. Badman
Mike Funk
Otto Harms
Joe Jolley
Wesley Cress
Raleigh Rundle
Aubrey Barrow
Ira K. Gonterman
Frank Beck
Walter L. Wilson
Wm. Cavanaugh
Ralph Cayce
Marvin Graham
Charles Hull
Charles Kinder
Siegel Wilhite
Wm. Borror

Arthur Dietrich
Joe Vanderburg
Ed Riemenschneider
Thomas Campell
Dane L. Murphy
Norman Schuette
Cecil Jett
Phillip Davis
Henry Kindler
Homer Stephenson
Ira E. Wilson
Earl White
Marion Basso
Orville Pilkerton
William Arends
Adolph Mehlberg
Edgar Bishop
Clifford McCracken
Fred Andres
Lester Batty
Al Brandt
Leslie Carnahan
James Moore
John B. Reeder
Frank J. Sacha
James Thornton
Ammor Trunk
Leo Wilson
John Bowles

Twenty-six former employees now receive com-
pany pensions.

More than fifty Litchfield Plant employees served
in the first World War and 11 saw service in
World War II. Since Korea, three have been called

to military service. Paul Fuchs, Willis Gates, and
Wm. E. Haller gave their lives for their country.

Present employees participate in the company's
non-contributory pension plan and a comprehen-
sive group insurance, hospitalization, and medical
care program. The employees also sponsor an ap-
proved credit union. Present officers are: Charles
Kinder, president; James Moore, vice-president;
Thomas Campbell, secretary, and G. M. Richards,
treasurer. The credit union's board of directors in-
cludes: R. H. Finke, Raleigh Rundle, Marion
Basso, Thomas Tibbs, and Arthur Dietrich.

Litchfield Plant employees are represented by
an affiliate of the United Steel Workers of Amer-
ica, CIO. Roland Sawyer is local president and
Dane Murphy and H. E. Elledge are recording and
financial secretaries, respectively.

Plant employees also have a long record of par-
ticipation in the civic and charitable activities of
the community. At the present time Charles Hull
is serving his third term as alderman and H. E.
Elledge, his second.

The Litchfield Plant is a long-time member of a
world-wide organization. American-Standard op-
erates a total of 46 plants here and abroad.
Twenty-seven of them are located in this country.
The parent company operates eighteen plants

which produce a full line of heating equipment and
plumbing fixtures, as well as plumbing fittings, air
conditioning units, steel kitchen cabinets and sand-
molded magnesium castings.

In addition eleven plants are operated by the
four American-Standard subsidiaries in this coun-
try, American Blower Corporation, C. F. Church
Manufacturing Company, Detroit Controls Corpo-
ration and Kewanee-Ross Corporation. These com-
panies manufacture a wide variety of products
ranging from air handling equipment and gyrol
fluid drives through plastics and temperature con-
trols to commercial boilers. There are thirteen
affiliated companies in ten foreign countries.

American-Standard maintains 28 sales offices in
principal United States cities. Its products are
distributed through a network of 1200 plumbing
and heating wholesalers, who, in turn carry them
to some 65,000 retailers. The company also has
58 branch houses, company owned and operated
wholesale outlets. Research facilities are head-
quartered in modern and extensive laboratories in
Louisville, Kentucky.

World-wide the Corporation has over 30.000 em-
ployees. The firm is proud of its long membership
in the community and extends its best wishes to
the City of Litchfield in this its hundredth birth-
day celebration.

Scene from core room

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Laying of the cornerstone of the American Radiator Company plant in 1904

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Molding Machine Line in Foundry

New Creamery

History and Development of Litchfield
Creamery Company

THE Litchfield Creamery Company was founded
in 1912 and was located in the 2nd block of
West Sargent Street. The Company operated in
this building on a small scale as evidenced by the
picture of the original plant.

In 1915 Mr. Charles Hauser became associated
with the Litchfield Creamery Company, and in the
early part of 1916 a new plant was completed at
the present location. During the early years about
29 or 30 people were employed. A complete line
of dairy products was developed for sale in the
local area.

World War I created a tremendous demand for
dairy products for export to Allied countries. To
meet this demand the Company encouraged more
milk production and in 1919 processed more than
23 million pounds of milk. Most of the milk was
sold as sweetened, condensed and evaporated milk.
After 1919 the demand for dairy products for
export was gone. The dairy industry suffered
greatly through most of the twenties.

During the twenties the Company grew gradu-
ally and about 1930 began manufacturing Milnut.
Milnut was a new product to consumers and for
several years the sales were slow. In 1932 the
Company processed over 18 million pounds of milk.
Under the direction of Charles Hauser the Milnut
operations started a rapid expansion. In 1934 the
offices were enlarged, the plant operations were ex-
panded and new equipment was installed. Most
important was the construction of a new receiv-
ing room.

In 1936 the Company purchased a milk plant
at Warsaw, Indiana. The plant was converted im-
mediately to the manufacturing of Milnut.

In 1936 a warehouse was constructed adjoining
the local plant on the east. With the building of

this warehouse the original plant lost all of its
identity. The sale of Milnut continued to expand
and during this year more than 54 million pounds
of milk was processed.

In March, 1938, the offices were moved to the
present location and another receiving line was in-
stalled to handle the increasing volume of milk.

Late in 1939 cottonseed fat replaced cocoanut
fat in Milnut and the name was changed to Milnot
for identification purposes.

World War II created a greater demand for
dairy products and the dairy farmers increased
their herds to meet this demand. In 1941 a new
warehouse was constructed and is located on the
north side of West St. John Street. During this
year the milk received and processed amounted to
more than 117 million pounds. During the war
the Company packed many thousands of cases of
evaporated milk for the Government.

In 1947 a new plant was constructed at Warsaw,
Indiana and it is considered one of the most mod-
ern milk evaporating plants in the country.

In 1950 the offices were enlarged and new equip-
ment was installed in the Litchfield plant.

At the present time the volume of milk processed
amounts to about 84 million pounds a year from
approximately 2500 dairy farmers. Most of the
milk is sold in the form of cream or butter and
Milnot. Milnot presents one of the most efficient
methods known for utilizing skimmed milk which
is rapidly being recognized as the most important
part of the cow's milk. The Litchfield Creamery
Company employs 120 people.

In the local area, the Company continues to
market Litchfield ice cream, milk products, cheese
and Sunshine Butter.

Early Bank

Remodeled Building

Litchfield Bank & Trust Company

THE history of this bank goes back to 1868,
when a man by the name of Nathan Kenyon
came here from Brockfort, New York, and opened
a bank with a capital of $20,000 in the place now
occupied by Farquhar's Clothing Store. Part of
the stock was held by local people and part by
Eastern capitalists. A Mr. Wells of Massachusetts
was the Cashier. In 1869 local businessmen pur-
chased the Eastern holdings at the Litchfield Bank,
as it was called. It was reorganized under the
title of Beach, Davis and Company and moved to
the present location of the Litchfield Bank and
Trust Company, corner of State and Ryder Streets,
with the late David Davis, Sr., as Manager; Col.
Delos Van Deusen, Cashier, H. H. Beach and
George M. Pomeroy as members of the firm.
Those associated in the bank at the time were Dan

C. Amsden, P. B. Updike, George Raymond, and
Mrs. Elvira Brock of Jacksonville, the latter be-
ing an aunt of Mrs. Estelle B. Davis. In 1873, the
late M. M. Martin became identified with the bank,
and in 1890, Mr. Davis disposed of his holdings and
the bank was reorganized under the title of Beach,
Martin & Company, with Col. Van Deusen as Cash-
ier. In 1895, Mr. Beach retired and the bank was
again reorganized under the name of M. M. Martin
and Company, with M. M. Martin as Manager, and
Col. Van Deusen as Cashier.

On September 3, 1902, the bank was reorganized
— this time as a State Bank, under the present
name of the LITCHFIELD BANK AND TRUST
COMPANY, with a capital of $100,000, and with

D. O. Settlemire as President, Frank R. Milnor,
Vice-President, and Charles E. Morgan, Cashier.

When Mr. Settlemire died in 1908, Mr. Frank
R. Milnor became President, and served until his
death on June 7, 1938. Upon this reorganization
in 1902, the first savings department in Mont-
gomery County was installed, and the original
bank building was remodeled. The present build-
ing is a result of another remodeling in 1926.

Among the men who have served as Presidents
of the Litchfield Bank and Trust Company since its
incorporation in 1902, have been: D. O. Settle-
mire, Frank R. Milnor, E. B. Appleton, George L.
Settlemire, Walter Holderread, W. W. M. Davis,
and Leo C. Schalk.

The Litchfield Bank and Trust Company cele-
brated its 50th anniversary last year — 1952. Mr.
Leo C. Schalk retired as President in February of
1953, after having served more than 50 years with
the bank. The bank has a capital account, in 1953,
of $223,000, deposits of $3,313,000, with totals of
three and one-half million. It operates a savings
department, safe deposit box department, and all
phases of banking, together with the only Trust
Department in Montgomery County.

The present officers of the bank are Walter
Holderread, President; Homer R. Saegesser, Execu-
tive Vice-President; Clyde M. Brubaker, Vice-
President; Harry W. Butler, Cashier; Arnold R.
Birkenkamp, Assistant Cashier; Gladys L. Dey,
Secretary; and Erma V. Nelson, Trust Officer;
with Betty Farrar Nail and Marilene Eickmeyer
as bookkeepers. Directors are Dr. F. C. Black-
welder, Edwin Buske, Clyde M. Brubaker, Harry
W. Butler, Frank P. Hanafin, Walter Holderread,
D. R. Kinder, and Leo C. Schalk.

Former Towey Store before remodeling

Simpson's Shoes — 1953

Simpson's Shoes

SIMPSON'S Shoe Store at 307 North State Street
was established by Harold M. Simpson in June
of 1952. Predecessor in this location was Towey's
Dry Goods Store, established in 1866. The store
was completely remodeled in August, 1952 with the
grand opening of the shoe store that same month.

Simpson's Shoes features: Red Cross, Velvet
Step, Dr. Scholls, Weatherbird, City Club, and
Peters Diamond Brand shoes for men, women, and
children.

Harold and his wife, Ida, came to Litchfield in
1950 from Hillsboro, Illinois, to establish the Dairy
Bar on West Union Avenue. They sold the Dairy
Bar just prior to going into the shoe business.

Both Harold and Ida are active in church work
and the Scouting movements. Harold is a member
of various community organizations and is head of
the Retail Division of the Litchfield Chamber of
Commerce for 1953.

During World War II Harold served in the 78th
Infantry Division with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
His overseas duty included the Battle of the Bulge.
He was wounded and was the recipient of the
Purple Heart award. He returned to the States for
his discharge in the fall of 1945.

The Simpsons are parents of a daughter, Sue,
and two sons, David and Harold, Jr.

John B. Schoen

THIS firm, located at 208 East Clark Street, is
among the old established groceries in this city.
In 1923, John B. Schoen and the late Herman
Buske purchased the business from Mrs. Luella
Owings. For six years it was operated under the
firm name of Schoen and Buske. In 1929, Mr.
Schoen purchased the Buske interest and since then
has continued the operation of the grocery at the
original location. In 1931 this firm became a
charter member of the Red and White group.

Mr. Schoen has two sons, John E. and Bernard,
who are also active in the operation of the business.
They began their training by working part time
while attending high school. After graduation,
each became full-time employees and have con-
tinued, except for interruption during World War
II. John E. served three and one-half years with
the Air Force in the Pacific, while Bernard was in
defense work in Detroit, Michigan. At the close of
the war, both returned to again assist their father
in his business. Miss Anna Schoen, sister of John
B. Schoen, assists in the store.

John B. Schoen is married to the former Marie
Keiser. Besides the two sons, the Schoens have a
daughter, Geralene, wife of Leonard Mazenko.

Vernon Green

VERNON GREEN, General Contractor, started
his business in 1945 after he returned from
serving in the United States Coast Guard for two
years. At this time he was given a medical dis-
charge from this branch of the service.

Upon returning home he went into business with
his brother and two brothers-in-law as partners,
doing general contracting, until 1948 when he
went into business for himself, starting with just
one employee. The business has continued to ex-
pand until at the present time, this centennial year
1953, Vernon employs four or more helpers who
are engaged for the most part in the construction
of houses, garages, barns, and other farm build-
ings. His office is at 615 North Illinois Avenue.

Vernon Green was born in Walshville, Illinois,
and attended the Pleasant Hill grade school and
the Litchfield High School. Soon after his school-
ing he was a partner with Harry Satterlee selling
Nash cars. Because war had been declared and
cars became scarce Vernon went to work in the
maintenance department at the Small Arms Plant
in St. Louis. It was while there that he became
interested in the building business.

Vernon married Virginia Watkins and they have
one son, Steven.

Blatter Motor Sales Building on the northeast corner of
West Union Avenue and North Jefferson Street

the 5th Anti-Aircraft located in Paris,
France. Before entering business for
himself, Mr. Blatter was employed by
the American Radiator Company as
electrical engineer from 1924 to 1931.

Mr. Myers is a veteran of World
War II with the 1st, 3rd and 9th
Armies. He had eighteen months of
overseas service in Europe as Field
Artillery Motor sergeant.

Mr. and Mrs. Blatter have two sons,
Arthur and Richard. Arthur had
four years in the Navy as radio tech-
nician and is at present employed by
Vic's Radio and Television Service.
Richard, the younger son, is a student
in the Litchfield elementary schools.

Mrs. Blatter before her marriage
was Miss Irene Pettijohn, a native of
Litchfield.

Blatter Motor Sales

BLATTER MOTOR SALES was established in
1933 in the brick building located at the cor-
ner of Ryder and Jefferson Streets. This is the
building that at one time was occupied by the
Litchfield Lamp Manufacturing Company and later
by the Willis-Overland Automobile Agency, oper-
ated by Mr. C. D. Zuber. This was followed by
the Chrysler-Plymouth Agency, operated by Mr.
Monty Striegel.

Mr. Paul Blatter, the present owner, purchased
the agency in December of 1933, and established the
firm of Blatter Motor Sales. The business was
continued at the Ryder Street location until 1939.
A new building was built at 219 West Union Ave-
nue in 1939 and moved into on July 4 that same
year. This new building was of one-story, modern
design, and constructed of light-colored brick. The
entire front of the building is enclosed with plate
glass. This area is used for the showroom and
office. At the rear of the showroom is the parts
and service department.

The service department is well equipped with
modern motor testing, brake testing, wheel align-
ing and balancing equipment. An overhead ex-
haust system carries out the exhaust gases from
motors being tested.

In 1952, the building was enlarged by adding a
new body repair shop and paint room. Mr. Bert
Myers has been the firm manager since 1934. Other
personnel include: Kenneth Titcomb, mechanic;
Alvin Riemann, assistant mechanic; Byron Billiter,
body repair; Cleo Brewington, washing and polish-
ing; and Miss Ramona Ross, secretary.

Mr. Blatter and Mr. Myers are natives of Litch-
field, and both received their education in the local
schools. Mr. Blatter also was graduated from
Rankin Trade School of St. Louis, Missouri, in 1922.
He is a veteran of World War I having served with

Kriege Hatchery

THE KRIEGE HATCHERY CO., one of the more
recent business firms in Litchfield, is part of
a long established business dating back to 1925.
The local branch is an important addition to the
diversified interests of Litchfield and its environs.

The Hatchery Company, located at 111 West
Edwards Street since 1951, has other branches in
Edwardsville, Belleville, and Berryville, Arkansas.
The one at Edwardsville was established in 1925;
the one in Belleville, in 1940; the one in Litchfield
in 1951 when the company purchased the Major-
Ash Hatchery; and the one in Berryville in 1951.

The firm specializes in hatching and producing
Hi-Sired Baby Chicks. Its sales department is
devoted to the sale of poultry supplies and feed.
For the convenience and benefit of poultry raisers,
the staff is able to advise on matters of modern
equipment, feeding, and sanitation.

The Kriege Hatchery Co. is a partnership com-
posed of A. G., H. E., and D. L. Kriege, T. G., and
G. E. Niemeier. The latter is manager at Litchfield.

The company has in its employ 28 persons in all
of the locations. Four of these are in the Litch-
field plant, namely: Earl Farrar, Kenneth Hall,
Wayne Law, and Gilbert Niemeier.

The history of poultry raising presents many
noteworthy phases. In early days the hatching
was done for only a few weeks each year, but now
the work is carried on throughout the entire year.
Modern ways of handling the little chicks and the
demand for frying chickens during the whole year
make continuous operations possible and necessary.

During the infancy of the Kriege business, the
eggs were obtained from poultry raisers. Today
they come from special flocks examined to guaran-
tee high-grade chicks, and are hatched by the most
modern scientific methods. These include auto-
matic controls to provide proper humidity, exact

temperature, and proper air circulation.

A breeding farm is operated in connection with
the hatcheries where constant efforts are being
made toward flock improvement.

Marked growth of the company is evidenced by
the following record:

Edwardsville: 1925 incubator capacity, 50,000
eggs; 1953 incubator capacity, 300,000 eggs. New
hatchery building erected in 1948.

Belleville: 1940 incubator capacity, 65,000 eggs;
1953 incubator capacity, 200,000 eggs. New hatch-
ery building additions in 1944 and 1948.

Litchfield: Present established incubator capac-
ity, 100,000 eggs.

Berryville, Ark.: Incubator capacity, 62,000 eggs.

Because the increased business has justified the
faith of the promoters in Litchfield as a good busi-
ness location, the firm plans eventually to build a
new plant for increased production.

\kJ7tLlODT & CO.

c/2.ca£{oz±. -Jini.ui-z.ox-i- -Loans.

114. WEST CYDER STREET

LITCHFIELD. ILLINOIS
phone ag

THIS business was established as a real estate
and insurance agency by the late LeRoy F.
Wood in 1905. It has been housed at its present
location, 114 West Ryder Street, continuously since
that time. Mr. Woods was later joined in the busi-
ness by Joseph Potts and the agency was operated
under the name of the Wood & Potts Agency for a
few years, until it was sold to John S. Wood, son
of LeRoy F. Wood. In 1910 it was purchased by
the late John W. Rea, formerly County Treasurer
of Montgomery County and Mayor of Litchfield. He
took George Tester into partnership and the busi-
ness was operated under the firm name of Rea &
Tester until 1918, when Tester's interest was sold
to Rea. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Rea's son, Leland
B. Rea, Litchfield's present assistant postmaster,
joined his father in the business and it was oper-
ated under the firm name of Rea & Son.

In August, 1925, the business was sold to W. H.
Todt & Company, an Illinois corporation. The busi-
ness specializes in the sale and appraisal of all
kinds of real estate; writes insurance of all kinds
except life, health and accident; income tax re-
ports and loans. The present officers of the corpo-
ration are: W. H. Todt, President; George L. Todt,
Vice-President; Miss Kathryn Bishop, Secretary;
and Anna R. Todt, Treasurer.

All sales and appraisals of real estate are han-
dled by W. H. Todt, who is a member of the Spring-
field Board of Realtors and the American Institute

of Real Estate Appraisers. Miss Kathryn Bishop,
who has been associated with the business since
1926, is in charge of all records, the writing of all
insurance policies, and payment of claims and all
matters pertaining to income tax. George L. Todt,
who came into the business in 1948, is manager of
the Litchfield Loan Company, an affiliate, and he
handles all matters pertaining to loans and assists
in the selling of real estate and insurance.

The business of the Litchfield Loan Company was
established in December, 1948, by George L. Todt
and his father, W. H. Todt. The company is li-
censed under the small loan act of the State of Illi-
nois to make loans not exceeding $500.00. It
specializes in loans on furniture, automobiles, live-
stock and farm equipment. The business is housed
at 112 West Ryder Street, and is under the man-
agement of George L. Todt.

Prosser Electric Company

PROSSER ELECTRIC COMPANY, owned and
operated by C. E. "Bing" Prosser, was estab-
lished in September of 1947, having been purchased
from Mr. A. F. Prange, a pioneer in the electric
business of Litchfield.

"Bing" Prosser has had seventeen years' ex-
perience in the electrical wiring and repair busi-
ness in Litchfield and vicinity, five years of which
was given to work as a "trouble-shooter" for a
large steel mill located in Granite City, Illinois.
Mr. Prosser was a student of electrical engineering
at the University of Illinois and while a member
of the Industrial Division of St. Louis Electrical
Board of Trade in St. Louis, Missouri, much study
was given to application of electronics in industry.
With the experience and formal training of this
firm as a background, competent and trustworthy
service is given in the electrical wiring of old and
new homes, on commercial building and equipment,
and in the repairing of electrical appliances such
as toasters, irons, mixers, coffeemakers, etc., parts
for which are kept in stock to insure prompt serv-
ice on these appliances.

Schutt Manufacturing
Company

IN 1930 this company was established by William
A. Schutt at 424 West Union Avenue, Litch-
field, Illinois. It has been operated by him continu-
ously since that time.

Approximately ten people are employed.

The company manufactures athletic goods.
Among its products are ten different kinds of
basketball goals, football face guards, Softball
masks, and inflators for basketballs and footballs.

Products of the Schutt Manufacturing Co. are
sold to jobbers only, all over the United States.

Yates Bakery

YATES BAKERY, located at 109 West Kirkham,
is owned by Alton Yates, who spent two years
in the military service with fourteen months over-
seas duty. After returning to his home in Harris-
burg, Illinois, he represented the Metropolitan Life
Insurance Company and was transferred to Shel-
byville, Illinois, where, after eleven years, he ter-
minated his position with that company to go back
into the bakery business.

On March 1, 1950, Mr. Yates originally started
his bakery business at 109 South Jefferson Street
in Litchfield. October 15, 1952, he moved to the
present location where he can better offer fresh
bakery goods. He specializes in sweet yeast goods,
pies, and orders for special occasions. The store
includes a sales room and shop combination.

His family moved to Litchfield July 4, 1950. Mrs.
Yates is the former Bertie Brooks of Carbondale,
Illinois. At present she is teaching the fourth
grade at the Ida J. Russell School. They have two
sons. Robert, who attended Greeley State College
in Greeley, Colorado for three years, is now serv-
ing with the Army in Korea. Jim is attending
Carbondale University, but expects to be called into
the service this summer.

The working personnel of the bakery includes
Alton Yates, who does all the baking, Blanche
Weatherford, sales lady, and Tom Cory.

Claude Anderson — Insurance

WHILE working at the Farmers Exchange in
1940, I had the opportunity of purchasing a
small insurance agency from Mr. Frank O'Donnell.
This agency being small, I felt that I could handle
it on a part-time basis and also do justice to my
job as a meat cutter at the Farmers Exchange.
Our agency was established primarily as a fire
and automobile insurance agency, and continued
in that way on a part-time basis until the early
part of 1944. At that time I became a full-time
Life Insurance Underwriter, continuing my general
insurance business, with my office in my home at
1421 North Van Buren Street. In April, 1945, I
rented space in the Dearduff building at 111 West
Kirkham and opened a general insurance office to
be known as the C. Anderson Insurance Agency.
Our office has been located at this address ever
since, writing all forms of insurance coverages. In
1946 I attended a Life Insurance School in Hart-
ford, Connecticut and continued specializing in Life
underwriting until 1949. Since early 1949 my time
has been spent chiefly in the building of my gen-
eral insurance business.

Mrs. Anderson and I have spent most of our
lives in Litchfield, both graduating from Litchfield
Community High School. We have two sons, Gary,
at the University of Illinois and Bob, in the fifth
grade at Madison Park.

Nold Drug Store

NOLD DRUG STORE, situated at 303 North
State Street, Litchfield, is proudly numbered
among the very earliest businesses of the city. In
1856, it was established by Dr. Humphrey Hood
and his brother, Joseph L. Hood. The business
was then operated under the name of Hood Broth-
ers. Shortly thereafter, Herbert S. Hood, son of
Joseph L. Hood, became associated with the firm
and the name was changed to Hood & Son. After
the death of his father, Herbert S. Hood took over
the business and operated it continuously until
1927 when it was sold to William H. Behrens.
Thus, this business remained in the Hood family
for 71 years.

In 1930, E. A. Nold purchased the store and has
conducted it since that time. It is worthy of note
that this is one of the few businesses which has
been housed continuously at the same location for
97 years.

In 1936 Mr. Nold completely remodeled the in-
terior of the store and in 1938 installed a new and
modern front.

Assisting the owner in the conduct of the busi-
ness are George L. Bridgewater, Edna C. Ehret,
Catherine Meicenheimer, Joyce Ann Logsdon,
Charlotte Day Smith, and Jo Frances Hunsaker.

Sackett's Barber Shop

AT AN early age Duaine R. Sackett became fas-
L cinated by a barber's shears. Soon he had
a burning desire to make barbering his career.
He began his apprenticeship at the age of 12, in
a shop at Highland, Illinois. In February, 1918,
at the age of 16 years, he passed his state exami-
nation at East St. Louis, Illinois; thus becoming
the youngest registered barber at that time.

On January 19, 1919, Mr. Sackett came to Litch-
field and entered the employ of Edward Hilliard,
who then conducted a shop at 207 North State
Street. After remaining there for seven years,
he realized one of his greatest aspirations could
become a reality — he could have his own shop. It
was February 13, 1926, that Mr. Sackett purchased
the Charles Fearno barber shop, located at 110
West Ryder Street, Litchfield, Illinois. Mr. Fearno
had succeeded H. H. Guy who, in 1912, had moved
a shop from Pinckneyville, Illinois, to Litchfield.
By reason of the fact that Mr. Sackett has oper-
ated this business at 110 West Ryder Street con-
tinuously since 1926, it may be considered among
the oldest barber shops at a single location, under
the same management.

Robinson Gas & Grocery

ROBINSON Gas and Grocery, located at 216 W.
Union Avenue, was established in 1934 by
Herbert Robinson, a native son of Litchfield, born
in 1898. Death claimed his parents when he was
18 months old, and he was reared by his grand-
mother. In his early youth he went to Alton, Il-
linois, then returned to Litchfield to work at the
American Radiator.

In 1923 he married Edna Schmidt. They moved
to Pontiac, Michigan, in 1928. While there, in
1929, a son Max was born. Later in 1936 a daugh-
ter, Charlean, was born after they had returned to
Litchfield and purchased a location for a gas sta-
tion from John Anderson. October 4, 1934, was
the opening date for this business which later ex-
panded into Robinson Gas and Grocery. It is in-
teresting to note that on the first day 11 gallons of
gasoline were sold, and that was considered a good
day.

On March 15, 1935, a grocery stock of $87 was
added to the business. From that time on the gas
and grocery business kept growing, package liq-
uors were added, and by 1952 the business had out-
grown its floor space. The remodeling and expan-
sion that took place necessitated more help, and
on January 1, 1953, Max Robinson joined his fa-
ther in the business.

Robinson Gas and Grocery Store is not only a
Self-Service Market, but has a special Drive-In
Service. The working personnel consists of: Her-
bert and Max Robinson, owners; Edna, Barbara,
and Charlean Robinson, Ivan Weathers, and Dar-
rell Savage.

In 1952, Thomas B. Shinn, the President of Mas-
ter Mfg. & Equipment Co., Inc., was commissioned
by the Sherwin-Williams Paint Company to de-
velop a machine for applying a new coating to
concrete blocks. This machine, The Krete Koater,
was officially introduced to the concrete industry
at Cleveland, Ohio, in January, 1953. Several
leading publications suggested in news stories that
The Krete Koater machine would "revolutionize
the concrete block industry."

The Silver Fogger, another item manufactured
by Master Mfg. & Equipment Co., Inc., was also
developed by this company in 1952. The Fogger is
an attachment which fits on power lawn mowers
and garden tractors and is used for spreading in-
secticides to kill flies and mosquitoes.

This company was founded by Max Kruger, in
Hannibal, Missouri, in 1924, under the name of
Master Manufacturing Company. In 1926 Mr.
Kruger moved his original plant from Hannibal
to Litchfield. After the death of Max Kruger,
the business remained in the Kruger family, under
the management and ownership of Frank M.
Kruger, until 1947, when it was purchased by its
present owner, Thomas B. Shinn.

Present officers of the corporation are Thomas
B. Shinn, President; Mrs. Juddie W. Mc Williams,
Secretary-Treasurer; and Mrs. Juanita Shinn,
Vice-President. Approximately 10 people enjoy
employment with this firm.

Additional business has necessitated building ex-
pansion. In 1951, a reception room and two of-
fices were added to the main building. In 1952
an addition 30' • 60' was added.

Master
Mfg. & Equipment Co., Inc.

MASTER MANUFACTURING AND EQUIP-
MENT COMPANY, INC., located on the cor-
ner of Harrison and Edwards Streets, Litchfield.
Illinois, has manufactured oil dispensers since 1926.
Master metal spouts are known to most service
station operators throughout the United States.
When service stations were relatively new, Mas-
ter's dispensers and display stands were standard
equipment. "Serve your oil in glass" was a fa-
miliar slogan to every service station operator.
In the late 30's and prior to World War II, canned
oil became popular; and for a while it looked as if
Master dispensers might be replaced by cans.
However, this did not prove to be the outcome,
and today Master continues to ship large quantities
of its dispensers to all parts of the country. In
addition to their use in service stations, Master
dispensers are used by motorists who change their
own oil, and they are especially popular on farms
and with large trucking companies.

A & H Supply Co.

ORVAL AND RAY HITTMEIER, owners, estab-
lished their store of Electric Appliances and
Televisions on November 1, 1945. Major products
handled are Philco radios, televisions, refrigerators,
and electric stoves. They also maintain a com-
plete service department.

The business is under the management of Ray
Hittmeier, assisted by his brother, Orval. Other
personnel includes Ivan Roach, Wayne Culp, David
Miller, and Jim Heatherly.

In addition to this business, Orval and Ray are
owners of the Hittmeier Brothers Garage on old
U. S. 66, west of Litchfield.

Natives of Mt. Olive, Illinois, Hittmeier Brothers
formerly owned and operated the Mt. Olive Oil
Company in that city before coming to Litchfield.

In 1943, Ray Hittmeier enlisted in the Army,
serving four and one-half years, where he attained
the rank of Captain. Upon his discharge in Janu-
ary, 1946, he returned to Litchfield to assume the
management of the A & H Supply Company lo-
cated at 209 North State Street.

100

Interior of store taken about 1903

Worley Wanderings

IN GILLESPIE, one rainy Sunday afternoon,
many, many moons ago Mamma brought out
the browned-with-age record, showing that on
Papa's side of the family we were descendants of
Betsy Ross. After much discussion, we decided
that Betsy must have been a good dressmaker,
plus having a lot of designing ability, in making
our Old Glory. Little did we think then, that some
day, several years hence, brother George and sis-
ter Stella would embark on a career of merchan-
dising Ready-to-Wear.

One year previous to the new business venture,
George made a marriage contract, with Martha
Judd, who is a direct decendant of one of the origi-
nal settlers and merchants, Richard O'Bannon, of
Litchfield.

The sun was shining on Opening Day, Saturday,
April 14, 1934, and is continuing to shine these
many years. Our slogan, "The World Wears
Worley Wear," becomes more realistic each day.
We have shipped evening wraps to Africa — foun-
dation garments to Germany, blouses to England,
and so on, around the World.

We remained in the John Coddington building
until Sept. 1, 1948, when we purchased the Ben
Springgate store, across the street. After exten-
sive alterations, WORLEY WEAR CO. was changed
to WORLEY WEAR, INC.

It is our fondest desire that you good people let
us continue to serve you, with Litchfield's best se-
lection of Ladies' Apparel.

Modernized version of same store

101

Fizzell Hardware Co.

THE Fizzell Hardware Co., at 112-122
West Union is one of the few Litch-
field businesses operated continuously by
one family since its founding by Robert
Fizzell in 1886. The present owner, John
Fizzell, has been with the firm since 1920.
In 1880 Robert Fizzell came to the United
States from Canada, and after working
in Taylorville and Stonington, settled in
the booming town of Litchfield. Here he
worked for the Lockmiller Blacksmith
Shop at 112 West Hayward Street (now
Union Avenue). In 1886 he bought the
shop and put a brick front on it. This
building still stands.

He then acquired the adjoining Bur-
dette Woodworking Shop on the corner
and erected the first unit of the Fizzell
Building, the two-story brick at 120-122
West Union. On the first floor was his farm imple-
ment business, and on the second floor, a dance hall
and skating rink. This is the building now occu-
pied by the hardware store.

The second unit was erected at 116-118 West
Union in 1907. A hardware line was added and a
garage where he had the first Studebaker agency
in connection with his wagon and carriage business.

irofii ii¥ffli

SIIR9
■ Hi

Fizzell's store as it looked in 1902

He operated these projects until 1920 when he
closed the blacksmith shop. He discontinued the
garage about 1925 and the implement business in
1931. In that year he sold the hardware line to
his son, John, who operates the store with the as-
sistance of his wife, the former Ruth Wood of
Waggoner, Illinois.

Kenneth Bandy Barber Shop

THE Bandy Barber Shop, now situated at 108
West Union Avenue, was first located in a room
at the rear of the Odd Fellows Building on West
Kirkham Street, and was then owned and operated
by H. H. Guy, a veteran barber of this city. L. L.
Johnson purchased Mr. Guy's interests and he con-
tinued the operation of the business at the original
location until he joined the Armed Forces during
World War II. At that time Pete Paulding bought
the shop and shortly thereafter moved it to its
present location. After the close of the war, Mr.
Johnson returned to Litchfield and again purchased
his former business, which he continued to operate
until February 1, 1951, when he sold it to Kenneth
Bandy, the present owner.

Mr. Bandy served in the 86th Infantry of the
Army for two and one-half years, being in both
the European and Pacific Theaters. After his dis-
charge he attended Tipps Barber College, Spring-
field, Illinois. Later he was employed at the Osa
Delaney Shop in Gillespie, Illinois, and the Curley
Burton Shop in East St. Louis.

Mr. Bandy is assisted in the operation of his
business by Howard Moreland, who has been with
him since he bought the business in 1951.

The building in which this business is housed is
owned by John H. Taylor, who has recently in-
stalled a new front in the building, making it one
of the most modern in the city.

J. J. Newberry Company

THE J. J. NEWBERRY Company, with J. J.
Newberry as president, operates 488 retail va-
riety stores throughout the nation, distributing low-
priced goods directly to the public. The first store
was opened in 1911.

The local store is located at 415 North State
Street in the building built and owned by the late
L. W. Cline. The first building was destroyed by
Are and rebuilt in 1909. In 1930 it was remodeled
and the Newberry Company established their busi-
ness here. In 1938 it was enlarged to its present
size. New fluorescent lights and ceiling fans were
installed; it was completely redecorated in 1952.

The store has operated under different manage-
ments since it opened here. The present man-
ager, L. J. Berleman, came here from Cincinnati,
Ohio, four years ago. He has been with the com-
pany for fourteen years. He served in the armed
forces as sergeant in charge of a post exchange;
he is married and has one daughter.

At present there are twenty employees in the
store. They are as follows: Mrs. Frances Dean,
Mrs. Gloria Martin, Mrs. June Mitchell, Mrs. Helen
Jones, Mrs. Velma Alshouse, Mrs. Loretta Ryan,
Mrs. Emma White, Mrs. Gwen Arnold, Mrs. Edith
Cayce, Mrs. Ethyl Crowell, Charles Young, Misses
Doris Odle, Ruby Crawford, Dorothy Davis, Shirley
Slightom, Martha Rea, Verna Williams, Dorothy
Kellenberger, Shirley Kahl, and Joan McNew.

102

Hribar's Market

THE firm of Hribar's Market was established
at 107 West Ryder Street when John Hribar
and his father-in-law, Fred W. Schneider, pur-
chased the business from Virgil Dickerson on Oc-
tober 30, 1927, the day his second son, Vernon, was
born. Vernon is now associated with his father in
the operation of the store.

John was born at Zabava, Slovenia, Yugoslavia,
August 3, 1894, the son of John and Mary Zyce
Hribar. Mr. Hribar's father lived in this country
during the 90's and returned to his native land in
1902.

John came to America in 1914 at the age of 19.
He followed the trade of coal mining for a number
of years, working in Colorado, Kansas, Montana,
and the state of Washington.

In 1918 he came to Nokomis and established a
meat market with a former friend from Montana,
Frank Snyder. The business was operated until
he came to Litchfield.

Mr. Hribar married Miss Minnie F. Schneider, a
native of Staunton, March 25, 1921. They have
two sons, John F. of West Palm Beach, Florida,
and Vernon.

The store joined the Progressive Associated Gro-
cers organization of Staunton five years ago and
now handles the nationally known "Shurfine"
products, together with a full line of quality meats.

Mr. Hribar is a member of the Litchfield Cham-
ber of Commerce and the Elks Club. Vernon is a
member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce,
American Legion, Taylorville Drum and Bugle
Corps, Litchfield Volunteer Firemen, and the Elks
Club. The family are members of Zion Evangeli-
cal English Lutheran Church.

Buske Lines, Inc.

THE BUSKE LINES, Inc., located at 123 West
Tyler Avenue, has been operating trucks for
30 years. The company was started in 1923 by
Mr. Herman Buske. At that time one trip per
week was made to St. Louis, livestock being hauled
into the National Stock Yards and freight back to
Litchfield. The equipment used was a Model T
Ford truck and 4000 pounds, or 2 tons, was a large
load. Today they operate a minimum of 4 trucks
daily into St. Louis and they have a carrying ca-
pacity of 11 to 18 tons.

About 1930 the company started a run into Chi-
cago and very shortly thereafter started hauling
into various other states. It was also at that early
stage that the company was incorporated and
became the Buske Lines, Inc. Mr. Herman Buske
served as president from the time of its incorpora-
tion until his death in 1941.

In 1935 trucking became regulated by the In-
terstate Commerce Commission and at that time
Buske Lines, Inc., was granted a common carrier
certificate to haul general freight between Litch-

field, Hillsboro and various intermediate points
and St. Louis, Mo. At the same time they were
granted a contract carrier permit to haul certain
freight between Litchfield, Illinois, and points and
places in the states of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio,
Wisconsin, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, and Ne-
braska. At the present time the Interstate au-
thority is in effect and this firm now has an intra-
state permit in the States of Illinois, Indiana, Mis-
souri, and Oklahoma.

During the past 15 years, several rather large
expansion programs have taken place. In 1938
a branch was established in Warsaw, Indiana. In
1947, Buske Lines, Inc., built their own terminal
in St. Louis, and in 1948 they established a branch
in Seneca, Mo.

At the present time they have 44 employees.
They own 2 pickup trucks, 1 straight truck, 27
tractors and 34 semi-trailers.

In 1952 their trucks travelled approximately
1,229,700 miles; used 214,031 gallons of gasoline
and hauled 53,674 tons, or 107,348,000 pounds, of
freight.

Present officers of the company are Edwin
Buske, Ella Buske, and Roy Prange.

Uhlenhop Store

THE firm of Uhlenhop Brothers was established
in 1906, the original partners being Henry and
Joseph Uhlenhop. The first location was north
of Library Park, in what is now a cafe. Nothing
but meat was handled until 1928. The first beef
bought for the opening of the business cost 3*4^
per pound, which at that time was considered ex-
pensive. All the meat was butchered by Henry
and Joseph Uhlenhop, either before or after store
hours. In 1911 the firm moved to the 300 block
on South State Street. In 1919 the business was
moved to the present location. William Uhlenhop,
another brother, joined the firm in 1915 and re-
mained until 1929. In 1942 Joseph Uhlenhop died.
Four years later Paul Uhlenhop, son of Henry,
took over the business, although Henry Uhlenhop
is still very active in the firm. In 1926 a full line
of groceries was added and in 1927 fruits and
vegetables.

The first customer the firm had on opening its
doors was Mr. Chris Randle of East Ryder Street
and they are very proud to say he has continued to
trade with them all through the years. They have
many families now trading with them who are into
the third and fourth generations.

Originally all deliveries were made by carrying
the orders in a basket and walking from customer
to customer. As the business progressed a sec-
ondhand bicycle was purchased, then a horse and
wagon, which was used until 1919 when Model T
Ford trucks made their appearance as delivery
"wagons" for the firm.

In comparing operations of many years ago, the
firm was open from 6:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m. and on

103

Saturday until 11:00 p.m.; on Sunday from 6:00
a.m. to 10:00 a.m. In the summer, during thresh-
ing season, the day began at 3:00 a.m. to start de-
livering roasts to the farmers within a radius of
five or six miles of Litchfield.

Some of the early prices were: round steak, 2
pounds for 250; pork steak, 3 pounds for 250; beef
roast, 10^ per pound; and bologna, 3 pounds for
250.

Mr. Virgil Coss started with the firm in 1919,
and with the exception of a few brief periods, has
been with them since that time. Employees at
the present are Henry Uhlenhop, Paul C. Uhlen-
hop, Virgil Coss, Teno Michele, Margaret Lewey,
Paul B. Uhlenhop, Michael Uhlenhop, Fred Haber-
lin, and Patricia Meyer.

Otto G. Striegel

Real Estate Loans Insurance

IN TERMS of years, the Otto G. Striegel real
estate, loans and insurance agency is not one
of the older businesses of Litchfield, having been
established during the last quarter of a century.
However, Mr. Striegel has spent most of his life
here, and when he made his decision to establish a
business for himself in 1933, he chose to stay in
Litchfield.

For a number of years Mr. Striegel was an auto-
mobile salesman for the Ford agency owned and
operated by Glenn E. Brubaker. In 1929 he was
appointed postmaster by President Hoover, serv-
ing in that office for four and one-half years.

It was in 1933, following his term as postmaster,
that he first opened his agency for real estate,
loans and insurance at 109 East Ryder Street. His
daughter, Mabel Striegel, joined him in 1935, and
that same year the office was moved across the
street. The business continued in that location
until 1940 when Mr. Striegel returned to his origi-
nal location and has continued there until the pres-
ent time.

Sidney's

THE history of Sidney's Women's Wear and Sid-
ney's Tot and Teen Shop is closely associated
with the development of a family organization.
M. M. and Lillian Hess took over the management
of the store on a partnership basis with H. Brauf-
man, who had purchased the store from Mrs. Berg-
dorff. On the death of Mr. Braufman, who was a
brother-in-law to the Hess', the latter bought out
the Braufman interests from Mr. Hess's sister,
Mrs. Braufman, in 1939.

A program of expansion was inaugurated with
intensive promotion of what was considered the
Litchfield Trade Area, which resulted in an in-
crease in the volume of business which today

amounts to nine times what it was in 1933. In
1942 the Hess Tot & Teen Annex was established
in the Stuttle Building, next door to the Women's
Wear unit. In 1946 Anita Hess was united in
marriage to Sidney Cohen of Chicago, who had
just completed five years of military service. The
following year Sidney and Anita Cohen took over
the management of the Tot & Teen Annex and be-
came sole owners of that unit in 1948. The name
was changed to Sidney's Tot & Teen Shop and in
1950 the Hess' relinquished active participation
in the enterprise and active control was turned
over to Mr. and Mrs. Cohen who completely mod-
ernized the store formerly known as Hess Style
Shop, and changed the firm name to Sidney's
Women's Wear.

The progressive trend of the management led to
the establishment of buying office connections in
New York, guaranteeing the constant flow of new
and seasonable merchandise to meet the demand
of an ever increasing clientele. Nationally adver-
tised quality merchandise is featured in the com-
bination of units which is now the oldest estab-
lished store of its kind in Litchfield.

Maynard Ritchie

Plumbing & Heating

THE Maynard Ritchie Plumbing and Heating
Company, owned and operated by Maynard
Ritchie, is located at 123 West Buchanan Street.

Mr. Ritchie, a lifelong resident of the Litchfield
community, was graduated from the Litchfield
High School in 1921. In 1923 he became asso-
ciated with the J. H. McDaniel & Son firm, who in-
vented, patented and manufactured the New Era
Windmills. J. H. McDaniel and G. E. McDaniel
were the grandfather and father of Mrs. Maynard
Ritchie. Their manufacturing plant was located
in the 500 block on South Clinton Street. The
windmills made in Litchfield were exhibited at the
World's Fair in St. Louis and were sent to many
parts of the world. Some of them are still in exist-
ence in the Litchfield area. Later the patent was
sold and the plant on Clinton Street closed.

McDaniel and Son then established a plumbing
and heating shop at 110 East Kirkham Street and
later moved to West Ryder Street. There it re-
mained until the death of Mr. G. E. McDaniel.

During this time Maynard Ritchie served his
apprenticeship with the McDaniel firm and in 1928
was licensed as a journeyman plumber. In 1936
he received his master plumber's license.

In 1939 Mr. Ritchie established his own business
of plumbing and heating service. In connection
with this he sells American Radiator and Stand-
ard Sanitary equipment. At present he has work-
ing with him an apprentice, William Heise. His
wife, the former Ruth McDaniel, is in charge of all
office work connected with the business.

104

The First National Bank of Litchfield

THE First National Bank of Litchfield and its
predecessors have been rendering banking serv-
ice to the Litchfield community for over 93 years.
During the year 1860 the bank was established as
Brewer, Seymour & Company. In 1868 S. M.
Grubbs, who came to Litchfield in 1865, joined this
firm, and the name was changed to Brewer, Grubbs
& Co. A few years later Mr. Brewer retired; the
name was changed again, this time to The Bank-
ing House of S. M. Grubbs & Co., and in 1884 the
location of the bank was moved from 320 to 324
North State Street, the present site of The First
National Bank.

In 1889 The First National Bank of Litchfield
was organized with the following officers: R. J.
Whitney, President; S. M. Grubbs, Vice-President;
Eli Miller, Cashier; and E. R. Davis, Assistant
Cashier. The directors were R. J. Whitney, S. M.
Grubbs, Amos Miller, D. O. Settlemire, T. C. Kirk-
land, E. Lane and John J. McLean. As soon as the
charter was issued they purchased the bank build-
ing, fixtures and business of The Banking House of
S. M. Grubbs & Co. During that year the build-
ing was remodeled by constructing a new front of
stone and pressed brick, and this building served
as the home of The First National Bank for the
next 34 years.

In January, 1890, S. M. Grubbs succeeded R. J.
Whitney as President, T. C. Kirkland was elected
Vice-President, and G. A. Sihler was named a di-
rector to replace R. J. Whitney.

Twenty-three years later S. M. Grubbs retired
and Eli Miller, who had been Cashier since the
organization of the bank and a director since Jan-
uary 1, 1897, was elected President. J. R. Miller,
who started to work in the bank in 1891, and who
had been elected a director and Assistant Cashier
in 1906, was elected Cashier.

In 1923, the deposits to the bank having in-
creased to over one million dollars, and the direc-
tors realizing the need of a better bank building,

decided to erect a complete new home with the
latest and best vault equipment available. In
June of that year, the old structure was razed, and
the present brick and limestone building was con-
structed. During this time the bank had tempo-
rary quarters at 411 North State Street, and moved
into its new home February 23, 1924.

On July 25, 1928, Mr. Eli Miller, who had been
with the bank since its organization, passed away,
and on August 25, 1928, J. R. Miller was elected
President. A. F. Heath, who has been with the
bank since 1913, was named a director and Cashier,
having been Assistant Cashier since January 14,
1919. On October 24, 1945, Dr. G. A. Sihler, Sr.,
who had been Vice-President of the bank since
1906, passed away, and on January 26, 1946, A. F.
Heath was elected Vice-President and Cashier.

In addition to J. R. Miller, President; and A. F.
Heath, Vice-President and Cashier; the present of-
ficers and employees are: Chris F. Zuber, who
came to the bank August 1, 1944; Mrs. Margaret
A. Roberts, Assistant Cashier, who started as a
temporary employee April 10, 1922, and who has
been with the bank ever since; Miss Betty Laird
and Miss Joyce Sturgeon, bookkeepers; and L. P.
Etter, custodian. The directors are: J. R. Miller,
W. H. Hartke, Ralf Hauck, A. F. Heath, and C. H.
Sihler.

Besides the directors previously mentioned, the
following men of this community have also served
as directors since the organization of the bank:
E. Southworth, E. R. Elliott, H. S. Hood, Edward
Hoog, C. W. Bliss, R. H. Isaacs, J. H. Ritchie, M.
M. Milnor, Rice Miller, Dr. Geo. A. Sihler, Jr., and
Guy M. Snell.

During its sixty-four years' existence as a na-
tional bank, The First National Bank has shown a
steady growth. The resources are in excess of
$5,000,000 and the Capital, Surplus, Reserves and
Undivided Profits exceed $240,000.

105

Strehle Agency

THE STREHLE Agency engaged in the Insur-
ance and Real Estate Business, now owned and
operated by Russell C. Roberts, has the distinction
of being the oldest Insurance Agency in Litchfield.
The Strehle Agency was started by Dr. Hum-
phrey H. Hood in the year 1858. Later his son,
Harold Hood, joined his father in the business,
which they operated until Dr. Hood's death in
1903. Harold Hood continued the operation of the
agency until 1913 when it was purchased by the
late Joseph C. Strehle. In 1929 George W. Strehle
joined his father in the business, which they oper-
ated together until the death of Joseph C. Strehle
in 1948. After his father's death George Strehle
continued the active management of the agency
for the family, assisted by Mrs. Virginia Winkle-
black who started her employment with them in
1946. After the untimely death of George Strehle
on September 19, 1952, the business was sold to
Russell C. Roberts, who was born and reared in
this community. Before purchasing the Agency,
Russell Roberts was employed as Secretary and
Manager of Litchfield Lodge No. 654 B. P. O. Elks
for the past twenty-one years. During its ninety-
five years of existence this agency has maintained
a steady growth and takes pride in the fact that
it still represents three companies with whom
Dr. Hood began business in 1858, namely: The
Home Insurance Co., The St. Paul Fire & Marine
Insurance Co., and the Pennsylvania Fire Insurance
Co. Other Old Line Companies have been added
from time to time.

Fair Department Store

FAIR DEPARTMENT STORE, owned and oper-
ated by P. N. Hirsch and Company of St. Louis,
is one of forty chain stores located in Illinois, Mis-
souri, Indiana, and Alabama retailing ready-to-
wear, shoes, home furnishings and general mer-
chandise. The first store was opened at Anna,
Illinois, in 1930 under the management of Phil
Hirsch, now general manager of the chain.

After purchasing the merchandise of M. Wolf in
1940, the Litchfield store was opened in what is
known as the Pappmeier building at 322 North
State Street. It was managed by Jerry Hirsch,
Harold Hirsch, Danny Webster, and Willard Peter-
son. On August 8, 1945, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron
Ridenhower took over the management. Before
coming here they had owned a grocery business in
Metropolis, later moving to Anna, Illinois, where
Mr. Ridenhower was employed for some time by
the Hirsch Company. At the time he came here
there were three clerks employed. This number
has since been increased to twelve. The building
was remodeled in 1950, a new balcony added, and
in 1953 it was air conditioned.

The executive officers are P. N. Hirsch, President;
Ralph Hirsch, Vice-President; M. J. Hirsch, direc-
tor; Jerry Hirsch, buyer; Irvin Gettleman, buyer;
Ollie Garolnik, buyer; Aaron Ridenhower, man-
ager; Hester Ridenhower, manager of Ladies
Ready-to-Wear Department; Florence Bonnington,
cashier; Betty Bray, manager of Home Furnish-
ings; Dorothy Roberts, assistant to Mrs. Riden-
hower; Joseph Brabec, student manager. Clerks
are Gertrude Miller, Mabel Dey, Marie Sprigg,
Audrey Woodman, Lula Simmons, Grace Wallis,
and Tressie Koertge.

Hermsmeyer Brothers

HERMSMEYER BROTHERS is owned and op-
erated by Carl A. and Robert L. Herms-
meyer. Its principal business is dry cleaning,
with the plant located at 103 East Edwards Street.
The business was purchased in October of 1949
from James Ramey, who operated it approximately
four years before they purchased the business.
Kenneth and Clara Moroney assist them in the
running of the plant.

A branch office is maintained in Raymond, at the
Al Podshadley Barber Shop. Hermsmeyer Broth-
ers are also the Litchfield agent for the Superior
Laundry of St. Louis.

Carl A. Hermsmeyer is married to the former
Joyce Satterlee and they have two children, Kay,
aged four, and David Carl, aged three.

Robert L. Hermsmeyer is married to the former
Dona Brookman and they have one daughter,
Christy Lynn, aged two.

Carl and Robert are both active in the Junior
Chamber of Commerce. Carl has held office in
the past and Robert is now serving on the Board
of Directors of that organization. Both men are
also interested in working with the Boy Scouts.

Ronen's Market

THE principal business of Ronen's Market is
groceries and meats. It is located at 714 West
Columbia Street. Mr. Dan Ronen purchased the
business from the estate of the late Louis Tram on
June 21, 1952, and opened for business 2 days later.

Mr. Tram had operated the business for 23 years
specializing in home-killed meats. During that
time a number of changes had been made. The
building was enlarged and now consists of three
apartments and the market.

Mr. Ronen is not entirely new in the business
world as he has been in various types of businesses
in and around Litchfield since 1908.

106

Dearduff Roller Rink

H) EARDUFF ROLLER RINK and Snack Room
"^-^ is located on Route No. 16 near Junction 66.
The building was designed and built by Virgil A.
Dearduff in 1946 and opened in 1947. During the
remodeling in 1950, the front of the snack room
was redecorated. In the snack room sandwiches,
soft drinks, and ice cream are served. Curb serv-
ice is available during the summer. In 1951, the
stage was removed from the rink side, making it
longer and giving more space for the skaters.

Virgil Dearduff is the son of John and Myrtle
Dearduff, who moved from Indiana to Litchfield
in 1905. Virgil followed the trade of his father,
becoming a builder and general contractor. He

was in this type of business for thirty years in
Litchfield before starting the roller rink.

Mr. and Mrs. Dearduff, who own and operate the
business, have two children who are attending
Litchfield High School. Joan graduated with the
class of 1953. Jim is a sophomore.

Anniversary Penny Night, April 1, 1953, at-
tracted 500 skaters, the largest attendance at the
rink. A 1947 penny was the price of admission.

The youngest skater is Linda Irvine, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Irvine of Litchfield. She be-
gan skating at the age of fourteen months. The
oldest skater was "Pop" Carter, the world's oldest
skater, who skated here two years ago at the age
of ninety-two.

Kane & Stolle

Westhoff Sheet Metal

ALBERT L. KANE and J. Clifford Stolle formed
a partnership November 1, 1925 and started
in the general insurance business with offices at
223A North State Street, which is the oldest brick
building now in Litchfield.

On May 1, 1926, they bought the A. R. Stansifer
Agency, and moved to 222 N. State Street, where
they have maintained their offices to the present
time.

Misses Frances Reeder and Sandra Hoffman are
employed in the office. Mrs. Reba Uhlenhop
Graham, who has been connected with the agency
for 22 years, is on leave of absence.

A. L, Kane started with the Metropolitan Life
Insurance Company in April, 1910; later he joined
the Aetna Life Insurance Company force in Feb-
ruary, 1913.

J. C. Stolle started in the insurance business with
the Prudential Life Insurance Company in October,
1909.

THE Westhoff Sheet Metal Company is owned
and operated by George A. Westhoff and
Harold Westhoff, both veterans of World War II.

Business at the present location — 113 East
Union Avenue — was begun in 1929. It was oper-
ated by Maura K. Phillips as a sheet metal shop
until January, 1946. At that time, Harold West-
hoff, who had served as an apprentice under Mr.
Phillips, and his brother George, took over the
business and formed a partnership. The name was
changed from Maura K. Phillips Sheet Metal Com-
pany to Westhoff Sheet Metal. This firm does all
types of sheet metal work, as well as sells, serv-
ices, and installs heating equipment, oil burners,
metal awnings and air conditioning. They special-
ize in Timken Silent Automatic Oil Burners, Amer-
ican Radiator Sunbeam Furnaces, and McDermott
Tension Sealed Storm Windows.

Assisting the owners are Mark Leitschuh and
Arthur Grassel.

107

3 "^Pl

Roll-Away Skate Company — Aeroflyte Shoe Company

The Roll- A way Skate Company

THE credit for being the first recorded man in
history to make a pair of roller skates belongs
to Joseph Merlin, born in Huys, Belgium, September
17, 1735. He was a musical instrument maker by
trade; however, he made his first pair of roller
skates in 1760.

The first pair of roller skates to carry a patent
was designed by Mr. M. Petitbled, Paris, France,
November 12, 1819. The patent described the
skates as "a sole made of wood, fitted with two.
three or four, copper, wooden or ivory rollers ar-
ranged in a straight line." This of course made it
impossible for the skate to move on a curved line.

Many changes have been made through the
years, thus bringing us up to the present.

Roll-Away Skate Company will be twenty-one
years old this year. It was just an idea at first,
without plans for a big future, and started by two
men who were machinists by trade but enjoyed the
sport of indoor roller skating. Their idea was to
build something different from the type of skate
then on the market, so they set up a small machine
shop in the basement of one of their homes.

Very little progress or improvement had been
made, at this time, as there was very little compe-
tition in the manufacture of skates.

About this time a young roller skating brother
and sister team, known as Jimmie and Joan Lind-
stone from England, visited the United States pri-
marily to further the interest of roller skaters be-
tween the two countries. They were very fine
skaters and were eager to talk to anyone interested
in the sport of roller skating. Their skates, being
foreign-made, were of great interest to the men
just starting to build a new model, therefore a new
idea was formed and the first precision skate to be
manufactured in the United States was built by
Roll-Away Skate Company.

The original starters of the Company soon lost
interest and sold their small amount of equipment
to new persons who carried on with a small ex-
pansion program. The demand for better skates
was started; therefore from time to time, the com-
pany expanded to supply the new demand.

A few years later Roller Derby joined Roll-
Away and became the sales organization taking
all the merchandise manufactured by Roll-Away.

The move to Litchfield in March, 1950, was their
latest expansion program. Present executive offi-
cers of the organization are:

Earl Friedlander, President, Chicago.

V. P. Swanson, Vice-President, Litchfield.

N. O. Swanson, Treasurer, Litchfield.

James Welsh and place of business, on the site of

the present Roll-Away Skate Company and the

Aeroflyte Shoe Company

108

Aerflyte Shoe Company

A ERFLYTE Shoe Company, owned by Leo and
Jr\. Oscar Seltzer and managed by V. P. Swanson,
is among the most recent industries in the city.
Approximately 76 people are employed here in the
manufacture of high-grade athletic footwear, spe-
cializing in shoes for indoor roller skates.

In July, 1951, they located their plant in Litch-
field at 307 West Edwards Street. This building,
one of the early landmarks of the city, was erected
in 1864 by John Wiegers, who came here from Al-
ton, Illinois. At that time the small building was
used as a home for the Wiegers family and the
main building as a cooper shop to serve the Best
and Sparks Mill which was located near by. At
that early day operations were limited, but the
cooper shop produced approximately 300 barrels
per day. Business progressed until 1879 when the
Best and Sparks Mill was destroyed by fire, thus
forcing the cooper shop out of business. Un-
daunted, Mr. Wiegers then opened a grocery store
in the former cooper shop and continued that op-
eration for a number of years.

With the passing of time
the occupancies of these
^ two buildings have varied.

Jl 3 Coca-Cola Company, the

1: 3 Street Gate Company, and

% * the Litchfield Precision

| Products were all in turn

located in the main build-
ing. The smaller
structure was sold
to James Welsh,
who conducted a
coal and scrap
business there un-
til about 1934
when he was sue-
In 1944 the small building,
as well as the main building, was purchased by
Litchfield Precision Company. Since 1951 this
location has been the home of the Aerflyte Shoe
Company, an industry which is an asset to the City
of Litchfield.

ceeded by Sam Arsht.

From the Litchfield Daily Monitor, Vol. I, No. 7, is-
sued on October 28, 1876, are the following extracts
from advertisements:

"Remember! I stay behind my counters, and per-
sonally superintend all sales. There are no old goods
of former stocks, but everything is new, fresh, and of
the latest style, at the well known One-Price Clothing
House, No. 44, State Street, Litchfield, 111. E. Summer-
field."

"J. H. Ennigar, State Street, opposite the public
square, where can at all times be found a select as-
sortment of the Staple Articles usually kept in such
a place. By fair dealing and selling a good article at
a reasonable price, he hopes to gain a liberal patron-
age. Coffins always on hand, or made to order. Pic-
ture frames and repairing punctually attended to."

"Fresh Oysters! received daily and served in all
styles, at lowest St. Louis prices, by M. Freiner, 27
State St., Litchfield, 111. Sandwiches and warm meals
at all hours. Bouillon every morning at 10 o'clock."

McCance Brothers

THE printing firm of McCance Brothers was
established in January of 1948 to fill the need
of the Litchfield community for a printing plant
devoted exclusively to the production of job and
commercial printing. A concrete block building
was erected at Fourth and Van Buren Streets to
house the plant. Equipment was secured by buy-
ing the Matlick-Bennett shop in Kirksville, Mis-
souri. The business is operated as a partnership
by William B. McCance and H. Cecil McCance.
Both are natives of the County of Down, Northern
Ireland.

William is married to the former Jean Laurence
and they have two sons, William G, Jr., and John
C; they reside at 617 Van Buren Street. Cecil
lives with his sister, Mrs. Susan Graham, and niece,
Sheila Graham, at 904 Van Buren Street.

William learned the printing trade in Chicago
and came to Litchfield in 1938, to work for the
Henrichs Publications. He was employed as shop
foreman there until 1948, with the exception of
three years spent with the United States Navy as
carpenter's mate from 1942 to 1945.

Cecil was engaged in the automobile brake serv-
ice business in Chicago, doing business under the
name of Illinois Brake Service Company, until the
summer of 1950 when he came to Litchfield to be-
come active in this concern.

Holmer's Superway

SYLVESTER HOLMER, more familiarly known
as "Dick," acquired his knowledge of the gro-
cery and meat business, in the eleven years he was
with the Kroger organization. He worked in their
stores in Hillsboro, Virden, Pana, Mattoon, Charles-
ton, Alton, Raymond and Edwardsville. In 1944
he resigned as manager of the Kroger Store in Ed-
wardsville, came to Litchfield and purchased the
Piggly-Wiggly Store at 411 North State Street.
This business had been established in 1921 by the
Fisher Grocery Company of Springfield and was
managed by the late George Dasher until his death
in 1936. At that time the stock and franchise was
sold to Meno Bros, of Carlinville, who operated it
until it was taken over by Mr. Holmer in 1944.

"Dick" continued the business under the Piggly-
Wiggly system until 1952, when he surrendered
that franchise. He then joined with the Bunn Cap-
itol Company organization of Bloomington and it
has since been known as Holmer's Superway. It
numbers among its personnel, two of "Dick's" five
sons, Ronald, a student at St. Louis University
High School, and Donald, who attends Litchfield
Community High School.

Other personnel are: Donald Parnell, grocery
department; Roberta Requarth, checker; Velma
Koonce, meat department ; Jerry Wallis and Robert
Rogers, grocery stockers.

The Holmer family, including Dick, Mary, and
their five boys, reside at 602 North Harrison Street.

109

Interior of bank before remodeling

The Litchfield National Bank

THE LITCHFIELD NATIONAL BANK was organized
in 1907 as a state bank under the name of First State
& Savings Bank. Its officers were M. Morrison, Presi-
dent; J. W. Kidd, Vice-President; and M. W. Snell,
Cashier. Its original capital stock was 500 shares, and
the number has never changed.

It continued as a state bank until September 19,
1911, when it converted to a "National Banking Asso-
ciation" and a charter was issued by the United States
Government. The Directors at that time were M. Mor-
rison (president), J. W. Kidd, Edson Pound, Herb B.
Herrick (cashier), Chas. A. Tolle, Thomas T. Lackey,
William Wilton, and Paul McWilliams. Later Mr. T. T.
Lackey became president, Charles E. Morgan, vice-
president and Hugh Hall, cashier. Upon the resigna-
tion of Mr. Lackey, Mr. Morrison was elected presi-
dent, who served until his death in 1928, at which
time Mr. H. B. Herrick became president,
he being followed by Chas. J. McBride.
In January, 1935, Mr. L. W. Cline was
elected president, occupying this posi-
tion until his death in 1945, at which
time Mr. Harold Fleming was elected
president and continues in that capacity.

The bank has maintained a steady
and continuous growth through the
years. In 1947 it became necessary to
enlarge the working quarters. The in-
terior of the bank was remodeled, a new
director's room was built in the base-
ment, and the entire building was air-
conditioned, this bank being the first
bank in our city to have this conven-
ience. In 1949 more remodeling was
done, modernizing the fixtures and in-
creasing the tellers' windows from three
to five. A new modern lighting system
was installed. In 1952 a new 24-hour
depository was installed for the con-
venience of its many customers. It has
also increased the number of its safety
deposit boxes from 250 to 498.

The present officers of this bank are
Harold Fleming, president, who has been
associated with the bank since April 1,

1931. Mr. Murray L. Shrader is vice-president, his
association starting in 1933. Mrs. Edith F. Koval is
the cashier, who began her duties as bookkeeper and
stenographer in March, 1920; Mr. Maynard F. Moore
is assistant cashier, having started as bookkeeper on
March 1, 1937. Others are William M. Cassity, teller;
Erma L. Watts, bookkeeper; Orva W. Ernst, book-
keeper; Dorothy Dittus, stenographer, and Arthur
Johnson, janitor.

This bank does a general banking business, handles
loans on real estate, having enabled many G.I.'s to
purchase their own homes, in addition to all other
kinds of loans.

Since the organization of the bank there has been
a total of $100,250 cash dividends paid to the stock-
holders on the 500 shares of capital stock.

As a comparison, on December 31, 1912, the total
assets of this bank were $291,520.55, and on December
31, 1952, the total assets were $4,375,676.75. On De-
cember 31, 1912, the total deposits were $176,634.43,
and on December 31, 1952, they were $4,158,735.16,
which shows the growth of this institution through
the years. The surplus, undivided profits and reserve
accounts were increased during the period mentioned
above from $10,143.45 to $166,941.59.

Special mention should be made of Mr. Dale Graham
who commenced his banking career in this bank, leav-
ing here in 1916. He is now president of the National
Bank of Commerce, New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr.
Frank G. Paden also served this institution as assistant
cashier for a number of years, leaving here in 1919
to become a National Bank Examiner. He is now
located at Rosedale, Mississippi. Mr. Geo. A. Hall and
C. A. Sinclair, prominent local citizens, were former
employees of this bank.

Members of the present Board of Directors are
Harold Fleming, Murray L. Shrader, Maynard F. Moore,
F. E. Bailey, and Henry L. Schmidt.

It is, and has been the earnest desire of the officers,
directors, and employees of this bank to serve each
and every customer faithfully and well, thereby earn-
ing and deserving its slogan, "The friendly bank in the
middle of the block."

Remodeled interior of bank

110

This picture was taken before the construction of the four-story wing
on the northeast corner of the original building

Brown Shoe Company

LITCHFIELD has for many years been the
stronghold of men's footwear in Brown Shoe
Company. In 1916 first arrangements were made
between progressive citizens of the community and
officials of the company regarding the possibility
of locating a Brown Plant in Litchfield. The com-
munity agreed to raise some $70,000 and a person-
to-person canvass was made of the community.

Among Litchfield's leaders, A. R. Stansifer, R. L.
Hurt, and J. C. Strehle were three of the very
active local men to whom much credit and praise
are still due for securing the Brown Shoe Company
for Litchfield. Mr. Hurt was chairman of the
drive in the raising of funds for the bonus, Mr.
Strehle was secretary of the Chamber of Com-
merce, and Mr. Stansifer was the one selected to
go to the heads of the Big Four Railroad in Cin-
cinnati to secure the lease on the present site of
the Brown Shoe Factory. Other Litchfield men
playing an important part were Eli Miller, F. R.
Milnor, M. M. Morrison, David Davis, and Harry
C. Gorin.

A large clock was erected in the library park
across from the First National Bank and each
time another $1,000 of the bonus required was
raised, the clock hand was moved up. A systematic
canvass of all business houses and citizens was
made by different wards for this bonus. Many
business houses gave as high as $1,000. The Ameri-
can Radiator Company started the list off with
their donation of $2,500. When the bonus was
raised, the fire bell and church bells rang, and
people celebrated in the streets.

The new factory was opened the week of March
31, 1917. A reception to the public was held on
the evening of April 13, 1917, with a band concert
by the Moose Band in the downtown district.
Proceedings were interrupted at 7:00 by the first
sounding of the new factory whistle, at which time
the entire assemblage moved to the factory area
where the band was established on the roof garden

for another concert. During the evening additional
music was supplied by the Crescendo Orchestra
and the Factory Booster Quartet. To prove to the
world that Litchfield was a live town, the entire
business district was kept lighted for the duration
of the evening. More than 7,000 visitors trooped
through the factory to marvel at the magnitude of
the community's accomplishment.

The first payroll was dated 11/25/16. The cut-
ting and fitting departments were started in what
is now known as the Carroll Building, corner of
Ryder and Madison Streets.

A one-story addition was made to the factory
in 1922 and the remaining three floors added to
this new addition a year or two later.

By June 30, 1917, there were 323 employees work-
ing at the factory producing 5,500 pairs of shoes
per week. Seven of these employees are still with
the Brown Shoe Plant at Litchfield. They are: Her-
man Gronewald, Matilda Keene, Fidelis Heise, Ethel
Pruitt, Robert Smith, Leo King, and Ada Simpson.
At the present time there is an average of 450
employees making 15,000 pairs of shoes per week
with an average weekly payroll of $24,000.

In 1939 the factory started making a line of top
grade men's dress shoes. At the present writing
the factory produces 3,000 pairs of shoes daily sold
under the nationally advertised name of "Roblee."
Shoes are shipped to towns and cities in every state
of the union, also to many foreign countries.

Former Superintendents in order of service are:
Wm. Kincade, Mr. Skillings, J. A. McDonald, Luke
Sawmiller, and Raymond Higgins. Mr. Higgins
started at the factory as an operator when it
opened, and is now a General Superintendent.

The present supervisory staff includes: Supt. E.
B. Meyers; Ass't Supt. E. N. Woods; Office Man-
ager, Miss LeVella Ritchie; Engineer Estel Sights;
Foremen Alfred Hinz, Harley Logsdon, G. L. Rich-
ardson, John Welsh, Melvin Evans, Fred L. Dively,
Francis Cawthon, Elmer Frey.

Ill

Brawley Brothers

BRAWLEY BROTHERS WHOLESALE DIS-
TRIBUTORS is located at 201 South Jeffer-
son Street. Brawley Brothers first started as a
cigar manufacturing business at 1326 North
Jackson Street in 1910. A barn was purchased
at that time to house the new cigar factory. As
business multiplied, the barn gave way to a
larger building purchased in 1913 at the corner
of Clark and Jackson Streets. The firm oper-
ated here from 1913 to 1917 as a growing enter-
prise in Litchfield.

A third move was made in 1917 to 109 West
Union Avenue where the property was pur-
chased from Dr. Barcroft. On this site a one-
story building was erected to house the firm.
With business gradually expanding, a second
story was added to the building in 1925. Also
in this year a new line of candy and confections
was added for distribution.

In 1925 the distribution of confections became
the main business of Brawley Brothers and the
cigar manufacturing was discontinued. With
the ending of prohibition in 1933 the firm fore-
saw opportunities for the distribution of beer
and liquor. Thus, these were added to the con-
fection line in that year.

In the same year, the Brawley business again
had growing pains. The Bartling property lo-
cated at 201 South Jefferson Street was pur-

Brawley Brothers Cigar Factory

chased as a business site. It is here in the year
1953 that we find a still expanding business of
Brawley Brothers Wholesalers and Distributors.
The firm is operated by Ted Brawley with the
help of his sons, Leighton and Rex. Norman
Marburger and Merle Scherer and also full-time
employees of the firm.

Oldest Business in Litchfield Still Operated By Founder

112

Busby Cleaners

THIS firm was established in April, 1924, as a
combination cleaning-tailoring store and car-
ried a small stock of haberdashery. The cleaning
was done first in Mattoon at the Paris and Para-
mount plants and later by White and Nail at Hills-
boro.

In 1927 the present plant building was con-
structed on the residence site at 1421 Madison
Street. The pressing was still done at the down-
town location, which was first at the present barber
shop of McPherson & Son, then at the Striegel
agency building and finally in the building now oc-
cupied by the Capitol Cafe.

In 1935 an addition was built to the original
plant to house the pressing equipment and the es-
tablishment was then one unit. Take-in stations
were maintained for short times in the Robert
Angle barber shop, Johnny Johnson's barber shop,
and Herbert Kahl's Clothing Store.

Besides Mr. and Mrs. Busby there are four others
who assist in operating this business. They are
namely: Christina Schoen, Gertrude True, Ray-
mond Boston, and Larry Evans.

June of this year brought the installation of
complete new cleaning equipment of the latest
type, completely automatic and of much greater
capacity.

Eades Dairy Queen

EADES DAIRY QUEEN is a more recent busi-
ness in Litchfield which is located on Route
16 on West Union Avenue, near old Route 66.

Walter Eades is the owner of this business and
came to Litchfield from Bushnell, Illinois, with his

Steve Eades, Charles Marit, Walter Eades

News Center

THIS business was established June 1, 1950, by
Elmer Gotsch and Leonard Birkenkamp. Mr.
Gotsch is agent for metropolitan newspapers and
Mr. Birkenkamp is in charge of the retail division
of the business. Twenty-three newspaper carrier
boys work from this center each day. Newspa-
pers, magazines, sundries, records, sheet music,
and hobbycraft are the principal items offered for
sale. The music department and hobbycraft are
the newest additions to the merchandise handled.

Mr. Gotsch was born and reared in St. Louis,
Missouri, coming to Litchfield in 1949 when he pur-
chased the newspaper agency from Philip Mc-
Namara. From 1938 to 1941, Mr. Gotsch was in
a wholesale electric appliance business in St. Louis,
dealing only with contractors. The next two years,
1941 to 1943, he spent in the United States Army.
After his discharge he worked three years, or until
coming to Litchfield, with the Grain Market in the
Merchant's Exchange Building in St. Louis.

Mr. Birkenkamp was employed at the Park Drug
Store in this city, but went into the Army in 1948.
After one year of service, he was discharged in
1949, but inducted again in 1950 and served an-
other fourteen months.

This is a progressive business and is a big fac-
tor in the growth and development of Litchfield.

family in 1951. Since that time they have been
serving Dairy Queen cones, sundaes, shakes, and
malts with increasing popularity to local and tran-
sient customers.

Charles Marit and Steve Eades help with this
business. Jerry Eades also helped until called to
the Army in 1951.

Leonard's Market

THIS business, located at 213 North State Street,
Litchfield, was established there on September
17, 1931, by Bahn Bros., Inc. In May, 1939, Wm.
Vogelsang, who had been associated with the firm
for a number of years, bought the business and
continued the operation thereof until November 1,
1946, when he leased it to Leonard Beck, the pres-
ent owner. Just three years later, on November 1,
1949, Mr. Beck purchased the business and shortly
thereafter became a member of the Progressive
Associated Grocers.

Mr. Beck first became associated with this store
in 1939, when he was employed as a clerk. He con-
tinued in that capacity until he joined the Armed
Forces during World War II. He spent three years
in the Pacific Theater. It was upon his return
home that he leased this business and later pur-
chased it, thus becoming one of the responsible
and reliable merchants of Litchfield.

113

El
pi

*r r I

■ i j

Napier's in 1930's

Napier's as seen in 1953

Napier Plumbing and Heating Company

NAPIER PLUMBING AND HEATING COM-
PANY, 202 East Ryder, represents a second
generation in the Litchfield business world. The
original business had its initial start in March,
1920, under the name of Prange and Napier Plumb-
ing, Heating, Electric, located in the Pappmeier
Building. This partnership was dissolved in 1924.
C. A. Napier, Sr., purchased the King property at
218 Monroe. An insurance office on the property
became the home of C. A. Napier Plumbing and
Heating.

In December, 1948, Charles A. Napier, Jr., and
Charliene M. Napier purchased the inventory of
C. A. Napier, Sr., and registered the firm as the
Napier Plumbing and Heating Company.

The location of the office at that time was 218
Monroe — a sheet-metal building 11' x 20', which
barely allowed room for the small coal heating
stove, a desk, chair, and glass case containing
minor repair items for the trade.

In a few months the new home of Napier Plumb-
ing and Heating Company was under construc-
tion next door at the corner of Ryder and Monroe
Streets. In April, 1949, the company moved to
their new location. The two-story tile building,
52' x 26', includes a showroom, office, and store-
room, and a six-room apartment on the second floor.
The use of a gas-fired, hot-water boiler for heating
the building made it possible to illustrate various
types of heating equipment — radiant floor panels,
baseboard, convectors, and radiators. At last

there was space to display complete plumbing
and heating equipment, and the employees and
owners felt they had joined the march of progress
in their thriving community.

The following employees of the firm, many of
whom were in the employ of the former owner,
have been active in the progress of the company:
Carl Schroeder, journeyman plumber, 12 years'
service; Aldo Paris, journeyman plumber, 6*4
years; Dale Quinn, advanced apprentice, 5*2 years;
Theodore Crocks, laborer, 11 years; Elmer Collen-
berger, laborer, 5V-> years; Robert Taylor, laborer,
2 years; Colleen Lewis, office manager, 2 years.

Carl Schroeder, Aldo Paris, and Charles Napier,
Jr., are graduates of David Ranken, Jr., Trade
School in St. Louis. Charles Napier, Jr., qualified
for his apprentice license in April, 1937, and re-
ceived his Master Plumbers' License in June, 1947.

The firm is equipped to handle all types of jobs
from minor repairs to new construction, both resi-
dential and industrial. There would not be space
to list all of the jobs of which we are proud but
some of the high lights have been the Madison Park
School, and the Litchfield High School addition.

To date the name of "Napier" has been con-
nected with the plumbing and heating business in
Litchfield for thirty-three years. Now a third
generation has entered the picture — Charles A.
Napier, III — and it is hoped that the family name
will continue in this firm for the next half century
or more.

114

Ross & Becker Funeral Home

THE Ross and Becker Funeral Home was origi-
nated in Litchfield, Illinois, August 30, 1940, by
W. E. Ross and M. C. Becker.

The property located at 404 East Union Avenue
was purchased from the Herbert Hood Estate and
remodeled especially for funeral directing purposes.
A new casket showroom and a three-car garage
were constructed to give the necessary room and
adequately enhance the entire structure for a com-
plete homelike atmosphere for this particular type
of profession. An organ reproduction system was
installed in 1952 and just recently the entire estab-
lishment, inside and outside, has been redecorated.

In February, 1949, W. E. Ross purchased the
half interest of M. C. Becker and sold a part of this
interest to Albert H. Sandner.

Mr. Ross, a son of Mrs. Anna Uchtman and the
late John Ross, was born in Mt. Olive, Illinois. He
attended the Zion Lutheran Grade School and was
graduated from the Mt. Olive High School. He
attended and was graduated from the American
School of Embalming in 1929 and that same year
passed the Missouri State Board of Embalming, re-
ceiving his license in that state. He also took ex-

tensive training under Albert H. Hoppe of St.
Louis, Missouri. Later he attended Worsham Col-
lege of Embalming in Chicago, Illinois, from which
he was graduated in 1931 and that year received
his Illinois state license. He was employed by the
A. G. Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Illinois,
and later by the E. R. Stocker Funeral Home in
Vincennes, Indiana. Mr. Ross married Miss Esther
Berg, a schoolteacher of Mt. Olive.

Mr. A. H. Sandner is a son of Mrs. Sophia Wohl-
ers Sandner and the late A. E. Sandner. He was
born in Mt. Olive, where he received his schooling,
graduating from high school in 1931. He en-
tered the Hohenschuh-Carpenter College of Em-
balming and was graduated from it in 1934, and
in the same year passed the Illinois State Board,
receiving his Embalming and Funeral Directors
Licenses. Before coming to Litchfield he was em-
ployed by the Vancil Funeral Home in Springfield,
Illinois, and the Becker & Son Funeral Home in
Mt. Olive. Mr. Sandner married Miss Velma Fearn
of Pana, Illinois, who had been a teacher in the
Taylorville Schools.

-v "" r 'S'>3 i iji

Cities Service

THE Cities Service filling station located at 303
South State Street is owned by Mr. and Mrs.
William L. Niehaus and son, William, Jr., natives
of the Litchfield area. The business was purchased
by the Niehaus family on January 21, 1949.

Mr. Niehaus is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William
H. Niehaus, who lived on a farm near Litchfield
and later moved to another farm near New Doug-
las. Mrs. Niehaus before her marriage was Miss
Mathilda Buske, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph
Buske.

Mr. Niehaus drives for the Buske Lines, having
been in their employ since 1929. Mrs. Niehaus is
employed in the fitting department of the Brown

Shoe Factory. The son, William, Jr., graduated
from the local high school with the class of 1952.
At the present time he is a student at Ranken
Trade School in St. Louis. He is taking a trades
course in auto mechanics. He is also a member of
the Naval Reserve and is taking the Navy course
in airplane mechanics.

The filling station is leased and operated by the
Cities Service organization. Recent improvements
include black-topping the drives and repainting.
The station is well equipped to give complete lubri-
cation and wash service. The stock consists of a
complete line of Cities Service Products.

115

Schmidt Truck Service, Inc.

THE Schmidt Truck Service has its terminals on
Highway 66 in Litchfield and in the Merchants
Truck Terminal, 827 South Broadway, St. Louis.
Its officers are A. G. Schmidt, Jr., president; Roy
L. Schmidt, vice-president; Alma Schmidt, secre-
tary-treasurer. Roy Schmidt became a member of
the firm in 1953.

Fifteen persons are employed by the company in-
cluding Clarence Hayes, bookkeeper and office man-
ager, Delmar Prange, Harry Purdy, Elmer Meier,
Don Kates, Henry Kahl, Francis Farrar, Earl
Schmidt, Martha Evans, Harold Flitz, Henry Wil-
son, LeRoy Niehaus, Lee Street, Ira Marko, and
Charles Wilson.

The business began in 1927 with one straight

truck; in 1953 it has 10 trailers, 8 tractors, 3
straight trucks, and 1 pick-up truck. The trucks
operate daily between Litchfield and East St. Louis
and St. Louis with freight and livestock. They
return daily with freight for Staunton, Mt. Olive,
Hillsboro, and Litchfield. The firm also serves any
town in Illinois from the home terminal.

To keep pace with the expanding business the
Litchfield plant has been enlarged to include an
eighty-foot terminal built in 1937; office space in
1941 ; new loading dock, additional dock room,
and mechanics' room in 1949 ; water system in 1952 ;
and a new parking lot for trailers in 1953. One of
the highlights in the business was the change to a
corporation in January, 1949.

Thiessen's Market

THIESSEN'S Market, located at 416 West Kirk-
ham Street, specializes in groceries and meats.

On June 1, 1949, this business was purchased by
Henry Thiessen from John (Jack) Bray who had
been operating the same type of business for eight
years.

Mr. Thiessen is assisted in carrying on his busi-
ness by his wife, Ruby, and his three sons: Ron-
ald, Jerry, and Billy.

A daily delivery service is maintained through
the able help of Ellis (Cotton) Hess, a regular em-
ployee for the past two years. Erma Franklin has
part-time employment to help during rush periods.

A former location of business was the Farmer's
Exchange, corner of State and Union, which was
purchased from John L. Bitter and was later sold
to Charles Hires who dissolved the business.

Litchfield has been the home of the Thiessen
family for 22 years during which time Mr. Thies-
sen has been employed by the Brown Shoe Com-
pany fourteen years, Litchfield Creamery six years,
American Radiator three years.

Their home is located at 423 East First Street.

Johnson Hardware Company

THE Johnson Hardware Company, 409 N. State
St., was purchasd on Nov. 5, 1933, by Mr. and
Mrs. Edward A. Johnson from John Cartwright and
Rex Gilly doing business under the name of Cart-
wright and Gilly. It was first established in 1908
by W. A. Schutt who operated it for 22 years as
the Schutt Hardware Co. He sold it in 1930 to
Cartwright and Gilly.

Mr. Johnson operated the business until his death
in November of 1945. Mrs. Johnson has continued
the business under the management of Harold E.
Johnson, David A. Canaday, and Clifton C.
Quarton.

The major products sold are Frigidaire appli-
ances, Sentinel and Stromberg Carlson Television,
Phelan's Paints, Scotsman's Oil Heaters, Jacobsen
Power Mowers, Permutit Water Softeners, and
general hardware.

The personnel consists of: Mr. Clifton C. Quar-
ton, Manager; Mr. J. Robert Huffman, Service
Man; Mr. Melvin R. Billiter, Salesman; Mrs. Bar-
bara Morgan Odle, Secretary; Mrs. Betty Johnson
Quarton, Bookkeeper.

116

The Oil City Building
& Savings Association

THE Oil City Building and Savings Association,
one of the oldest businesses in the city was
chartered March 27, 1883— now 70 years old. The
incorporators were: H. H. Hood, Wm. Wiegreffe,
Richard F. Bennett, Philip Kelly, Samuel M.
Grubbs, John Lange, Sam E. O'Bannon and Wm.
E. Bacon, with them holding 736 shares.

The object of the association is to assist share-
holders to own their own homes. The present offi-
cers are: President, Harry C. Gorin; Vice-Presi-
dent, Arthur F. Prange; Secretary, J. Lynn Bitter;
Treasurer, J. R. Miller; Directors, A. M. Alexander,
Charles E. Owens, Ota May Hushing, Charles
Hauser and V. R. Fellers.

The executive officers longest in service were
Henry W. Bartling, President for 40 years, and Ota
May Hushing, who resigned last year after 35
years' service.

The following have served as officers or direc-
tors: Eli Miller, Elmer Eichelroth, C. A. Tolle,
R. L. Hurt, Irving Yaeger, John W. Rea, Thomas
Potts, Hugh Hall, C. J. McBride, C. W. Bartling and
C. W. Grafton.

The Association owns its own building at 122
West Ryder Street where it loans money to people
to buy homes and pays a dividend to savers.

R & C Home Appliances

IN MAY, 1948, this business was established by
E. G. Ross and B. R. Curry. It was first located
in the Fizzell Building at 116 West Union Avenue,
but within a few months moved to its present lo-
cation at the southwest corner of State Street and
Union Avenue. Previously, Mr. J. Lynn Bitter had
occupied this building for many years and had op-
erated a grocery store, known as "The Farmer's
Exchange."

The R & C Home Appliance Store carries a com-
plete line of Crosley products — televisions, radios,
refrigerators, deep-freezes, and complete kitchens.
They also have a complete service department.

Mr. Ross, a native of Mt. Olive, Illinois, came to
Litchfield in 1947. Previously, he had attended
the P & S School of Medicine in St. Louis, after
which he did research work for a number of years.
Prior to coming to Litchfield he was employed as
a drug salesman.

Mr. Curry, the junior member of the firm, served
in the Army Air Corps for three and one-half
years. Following his discharge, he enrolled in the
Coyne Trades School in Chicago and studied radio
and electronics. Upon completion of the course,
he was employed in the service department of the
Montgomery Ward Company in Decatur, Illinois.
He came to Litchfield in 1948 and joined Mr. Ross
in the business.

The Ariston Cafe

THE ARISTON Cafe, located at the junction of
Routes 16 and 66, is owned and operated by
Pete Adam. Mr. Adam came to Litchfield from
Carlinville, Illinois, and established his business in
1930 across the street from his present location.
In 1935 he moved to the present site. Since 1925
Mr. Adam has been in the restaurant business.
Prior to that he was in the confectionary business.

A personnel of fourteen is employed by the
Ariston to serve fine foods to visitors passing
through Litchfield, as well as to local patrons.

Rambo's
Wallpaper & Paint Store

IT HAD always been my desire to own and oper-
ate a retail wallpaper and paint store, as my
interests were always along the line of interior and
exterior decoration.

After World War II and my discharge from the
Army, I knew that my desires were even stronger
to begin — but where? After discussing my prob-
lem with various companies, it was decided that
Litchfield would be the town.

My partner and I came to Litchfield from
Princeton, Illinois in February of 1949 and began
operation on April 7. On June 20, 1952, I pur-
chased the interest of my partner and the business
is now operated under my own name.

I have continued to operate the business with
merchandise from the country's foremost paint and
wallpaper manufacturers.

H. L. Burwell

Glass Products

HL. BURWELL GLASS PRODUCTS is located
. at 412 North Jefferson Street. This Litch-
field business was started in 1948 in a frame garage
building at the present location. In 1949, as the
business became firmly established, a new tile and
glass building was erected which houses the pres-
ent operations.

The idea which developed into the starting of
the business was a result of experience by Mr.
Burwell in the automotive field, and the trouble
and delay occasioned in obtaining replacement
glass, usually resulting in a large stock of glass
which would finally become broken or damaged in
handling and if not ruined, would in time be ob-
solete due to changes in models of cars and trucks.

H. L. Burwell Glass Products is operated with
the help of two employees. In addition to special-
izing in auto glass at wholesale, the firm also
makes desk and furniture tops and shelves which
are retailed and wholesaled to the community.

Prompt delivery is assured on packaged auto

117

glass in both flat and curved, clear and tinted num-
bers, which are popular on cars and trucks in this
territory.

The location of Litchfield, which has resulted
in its being such a wonderful trade center in many
lines, applies equally well to automotive service
and supply parts, and H. L. Burwell Glass Products
enables automotive dealers and repair shops in
Litchfield and surounding towns to get prompt de-
livery service on glass parts without their carry-
ing a heavy inventory.

Litchfield News-Herald

THE Litchfield Neves-Herald prides itself in be-
ing the community's oldest institution, founded
in 1856 as the Litchfield Journal. A file of the news-
paper is still in the News-Herald's upstairs vault,
printed on rag content paper, which, by the way,
is whiter than the newsprint we use today in spite
of all these years.

The first editor was H. A. Coolidge, who came to
Litchfield from Cazenovia, N. Y. Editor Coolidge
found after a short time that newspapering didn't
pay as well as teaching, and established one of the
first schools in his home on West Kirkham Street
near what is now the Illinois Central tracks.

Litchfield's first newspaper was Democratic in
politics and soon ran into competition from the
Whigs, who established the Illinois Free Press. The
Free Press later folded in a Whig factional dispute
over the formation of the Republican party. Its
place was taken in later years by the Litchfield
News, but not before the Union League's Union
Monitor, a widely read Civil War newspaper, had
been published here on the same press.

The News eventually became the News-Herald.
The Herald was born when H. A. Coolidge was
lured back to the editorial chair in the campaign
of 1872 by his admiration for Horace Greeley, the
Democratic candidate opposing Gen. U. S. Grant.
It later became the Democrat, Prairie City Advo-
cate and then went back to Herald under the owner-
ship of Fred C. Beeman.

Mr. Coolidge, in his history of Litchfield written
in 1881, said on several occasions the total cash
taken in "from Monday morning until Saturday
night would not exceed the sum of fifty cents" and
he was "downcast, sick and tired of the whole
thing" and if it wasn't for feeling that he had a
mission of spreading the truth, he would have given
up again.

The News was the first daily newspaper in Litch-
field, going from semi-weekly to tri-weekly and
then finally to daily in January, 1887. The Herald
became a daily in 1890.

The two were combined as the News-Herald in
1890. The last paper to enter the field was the
Daily Union which made its bow to the public on
Nov. 4, 1913. It was consolidated with the News-
Herald in 1928.

Litchfield has had scores of newspaper editors
during the 96 years since the press settled here.
One of the greatest, besides Coolidge, was James
Stanley, editor of the Monitor. Stanley and Dr.
William Barefoot, alderman from the third ward,
became embroiled over Dr. Barefoot's ordering the
trees in Library Park topped. Dr. Barefoot was
peeved about Stanley's criticism and challenged
the editor to a duel, "choose your weapons." Stan-
ley editorially chose brickbats at 200 yards and
the duel was averted.

The News-Herald travels to every state in the
union, three Canadian provinces and to all terri-
tories, plus the troops in Korea and Europe. It
centers its circulation to 5000 homes within 20
miles of Litchfield, outside of the loyal readers by
mail. It has received telegraph news from the UP
since 1913. The wire service comes in the office
24 hours per day, every day with the newspaper
using the ticker from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. most
days. It has been the "official newspaper" of the
State of Illinois for several years. Frank Hanafin
has been publisher since 1928.

Hittmeier Brothers

IN 1934, Orval Hittmeier left the employ of B. F.
Goodrich Co. in St. Louis, and his brother, Ray
Hittmeier, left Medart Electric Company in St.
Louis, and established the partnership of Hittmeier
Brothers, going into business as Mobilgas distribu-
tors and dealers for B. F. Goodrich Company in Mt.
Olive, their home town. In 1938 they acquired an
interest in the A & H Auto Supply Company and
opened their store in Litchfield.

After the start of World War II Ray, in 1943,
joined the Army and served four and one-half
years, attaining the rank of captain.

Orval Hittmeier continued to operate the busi-
ness, expanding in 1945 to include the Dodge-
Plymouth Agency for automobiles and Dodge
trucks. The Cox Building on old U.S. 66 was then
purchased as the garage for the agency. After
remodeling the structure, the agency moved into
the present building in early 1946. The business
continued to grow, and in 1947 an addition housing
the office was constructed.

In July of 1946 they were incorporated as Hitt-
meier Brothers, Inc., with Orval Hittmeier as presi-
dent, and Ray Hittmeier secretary-treasurer.

At the present time the firm employs sixteen peo-
ple. Orval Hittmeier conducts the business at the
garage with assistance from Ray Hittmeier. The
large, well-stocked parts department is operated by
Frank Roach. Through the years, Hittmeier Broth-
ers have remained dealers for B. F. Goodrich Co.
and are now area distributors for their tires, tubes,
batteries, and all types of automotive accessories.

Victor Brakenhoff is service manager, supervis-
ing the following automobile mechanics and tire
men: Darwin Rosenthal, Daniel Mancini, William

118

Harmon, Melvin Bounds, Vernon Duff, Curtis
Yemm.

Walter Roach acts as sales manager, and has
Perry Sneed and William Shivers in his department.

Lamar Hagen, in charge of the body shop, has
built up a fine reputation for this department.

Dorothy Hailstone heads the office force as sec-
retary, with Ruth Whitlock as bookkeeper.

This organization has done everything in its
power to please its customers and hopes to continue
to do so for the next 100 years.

Gerlt Funeral Home

GERLT Funeral Home, 623 North State Street,
was established in 1935 by Alfred and Mary
Gerlt, when the home of Dr. and Mrs. T. T. Baker
was purchased and moved into in April, 1935. It
was remodeled, carpeted and furnished, and was the
first FUNERAL HOME in Litchfield. A new four-
car garage was built in 1939 after their garage
burned with two cars, a new LaSalle Funeral Car
and a family car.

Personnel at the present time include Alfred and
Mary Gerlt, Opal Howard, Richard Roller, and
Leonard Birkenkamp.

Mr. and Mrs. Gerlt are natives of Staunton, Illi-
nois and are both licensed Funeral Directors. Mr.
Gerlt is a licensed embalmer, graduating from
Worsham College of Embalming in Chicago, Illi-

nois in June, 1922. At that time he was employed
by the Huntman Furniture and Undertaking Com-
pany in Staunton, where he started working, after
school and on Saturdays, at the age of 16.

Many fine families have been served at the Gerlt
Funeral Home and some families for three gen-
erations.

Walter Holderread Drug Store

THE Corner Drug Store, 223 North State Street,
which has been owned and operated by Walter
Holderread since he purchased it from Mr. Frank
Milnor in 1906, was first established by Dr. John
Grinstead, a practicing physician of Litchfield, in
1856. Frank R. Milnor became a clerk in the store
in 1865 and worked as a clerk there until 1871, at
which time he bought the store from Dr. Grin-
stead. Walter Holderread, a young Litchfield
man, started working for Mr. Milnor in 1893, and
has spent his entire life in Litchfield with the ex-
ception of five years, 1901-1906, when he had a
store in Divernon, Illinois.

On his return to Litchfield in 1906 he purchased
the Corner Drugstore from Mr. Milnor. In 1912
new fixtures were installed.

Mr. Holderread graduated from the University
of Illinois College of Pharmacy in Chicago in 1900.
He is assisted by his daughter, Florence, who is
Mrs. Maurice Nimmons.

Austin & Shrader Brothers

AUSTIN & SHRADER BROTHERS was started
. in 1860 by Mr. Benny, in the building now
occupied by Workinger's Jewelry Store. Five
years later the stock was sold to Tilman Shore, who
operated the business until 1874 when it was pur-
chased by Condry & Rhodes. In 1880 Mr. Condry
sold his interest to Thomas Rhodes, who continued
the business until May 27, 1887, when Ramsey &
Austin purchased the stock and moved it to 213
North State Street. In September, 1895, Mr. Ram-
sey sold his interest to E. M. Austin.

The first new line to be added was harness, bug-
gies and surreys. Next a paint department and a
tin shop were added. In 1903, Ed Shrader, who for
years had been an employee of the store, became a
partner. Another building was leased to add furni-
ture, floor coverings and draperies. Bert Shrader
joined the partnership in 1911, at which time the
buildings occupied by the New York Department
Store, at 214-216 North State Street were pur-
chased and the name was changed to Austin &
Shrader Brothers. Arthur Shrader joined the part-
nership in 1925, Homer Haycraft in 1931, Murray
Shrader in 1933, and Al Russell in 1935.

Miss Jennie Karnes was employed as bookkeeper
for approximately 47 years ; Uly Hawkins, as clerk
for 35 years; Joe Knight, as tinner for 43 years;
George Rushton, 39 years, and Wm. Judd, 19 years.

In addition to the executive officers, present per-
sonnel includes: Clifford George, Herman Stamer,
Esther Wolfe, Earl Blackburn, Eugene McClughen
and Elmer Anderson.

As store looked in 1904. L. to R.: Grace Parks, Ed.

Shrader, E. M. Austin, Bert Shrader, Emil Schumaker,

George Ramsey, Milton Davis, Frank Ghayua, Ray

Hobson, J. H. Jones

119

Street scene in front of Burgdorff's (about 1910)

Yaeger's in 1953

Yaeger's

YAEGER'S men's and boy's wear, located at 321-
323 North State Street, was established in 1896
as L. H. Bergdorff and Company. In 1918 it
became known as Irving Yaeger and Sons. The
father, Irving Yaeger, and his two sons, Ben I.
and Lewis D. Yaeger, owned and operated the
store under that name until 1946, when the store
took the name of Yaeger's.

At present the officers and owners of the firm
are Mrs. B. I. Yaeger, widow of the former owner;
Ralph Hermsmeyer, who joined the firm in 1934;
and Ned Granger, a son-in-law of the former
owner, B. I. Yaeger. Granger became affiliated
with the Yaegers April 1, 1946. A partnership
of these three was formed in January, 1951.

The working personnel of the store includes two
of the three owners, Ralph Hermsmeyer and Ned

Granger, Elvis Groves, Tom Dooley, who at pres-
ent is serving with the National Guard in Korea,
Richard Voyles, Mrs. Amelia Stoneburner, altera-
tions lady, Larry Mitchell, student in the high
school, and Lois Thacker, bookkeeper.

It is interesting to note that Yaegers are still
doing business with three firms that are original
with the opening of business in 1896 namely,
Hart, Schaffner and Marx Clothes of Chicago;
Lewis Meier and Company, Auto Brand work
clothing, manufacturers of Indianapolis, Indiana;
and Cluett, Peabody and Company, makers of
Arrow Shirts.

Some of the recent remodelings include installa-
tion of air conditioning in June, 1942, and the
change of wood shelving to glass in the north side
of the store in 1948.

120

* V

rES MOTOB_ SALES

■ 'iiiiilB

Yates Motor Sales

DURING the year 1937 Mr. E. R. Baker realized
the advantage in locating a business of this
type on one of the busiest highways in the country.
Therefore, he erected a building and established an
automobile garage and farm equipment agency on
U. S. Highway 66. Shortly thereafter, both the
building and business were purchased by Kelley
Dirbin. It was during the time of this ownership
that the right-of-way for U. S. 66 was moved;
hence, the present location of the firm on old 66.

On January 26, 1949, William A. Yates purchased
this automobile garage and farm equipment busi-
ness from Mr. Dirbin and since that time has op-
erated it under the name of Yates Motor Sales.

During the years, business has progressed and
at the present time this firm has the agency for
Oldsmobile and Cadillac automobiles, GMC Trucks,
Allis Chalmers Farm Machinery, New Idea and
Kewanee Farm Implements. Their parts depart-
ment is completely stocked and they are fully

equipped to service all makes of automobiles,
trucks, and farm machinery at all times.

The present personnel of the organization in-
cludes the owner, Mr. William Yates, and Hans
Schmidt, Cecil Stockstill, Edward Butler, Joe
Vignos, Everett Jones, Thomas Carter, Harold
Uchtman, Eldon Requarth, William Boehler, Gor-
don Goodall, Ralph Nimmons, Franklin Bell,
Eugene Fogle, Lyle Harmon and Cecil Johnson.

Mr. Yates is not a native of Litchfield, but of our
capital city, Springfield. He was born and reared
there and has had various business interests. He
was one of the owners of the Y. B. Super Market
in Springfield, until buying his present business
here. For eight years he was Chairman of the
Sangamon County Republican Central Committee.

Mr. Yates married the former Geraldine Wolover
and they are the parents of two children, Sandra
and Billy. The Yates family reside at Sycamore
Lane on Lake Springfield.

Dr. Harold J. Henderson

DR. HAROLD J. HENDERSON moved to Litch-
field from Raymond, September 20, 1937, and
was associated with Scott's Optometrists who had
established their office in Litchfield in 1932. Scott's
Optometrist office was located in a portion of the
building now occupied by the Newberry Store.

In 1938 the office was moved to 108 East Kirk-
ham Street, where the rooms had been completely
remodeled to accommodate an optometrist's office.
On September 15, 1942, Dr. Henderson purchased
the practice and equipment from Dr. Scott.

Dr. Henderson has two sons who are optome-
trists, Dr. Harold V. Henderson, who is a graduate

of The Chicago College of Optometry of Chicago,
in June, 1950, and Dr. Robert H. Henderson, a
graduate of the same school in September, 1950.
Upon graduation Dr. Robert served in the Army
and Dr. Harold V. in the Air Force. After their
discharge they both returned to Litchfield to be-
come associated with their father in his practice.
Dr. Henderson then enlarged his office, increasing
the size of the reception room and adding fully
equipped and completely modern refracting rooms.
Dr. Henderson is married to Beatrice Custer
Henderson. The Hendersons have another son,
Carroll, who received his degree in music from
James Millikin University in May. They also have
two daughters, Virginia, and Marilyn, the wife of
Sergeant Robert Garrels serving in Korea.

121

Montgomery County Motor Co.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY MOTOR COMPANY
was founded in April, 1928, and opened its
business of handling Pontiac automobilies in the
old Ed. Wright Building at the northeast corner
of State and Division Streets. By April of 1931
it had outgrown these small quarters and a move
was made into the building now occupied as the
Illinois National Guard Armory, and it was here
that the business was operated until January 1,
1938. During the year 1931 Buick automobiles
and GMC trucks were added to the business and
this combination was continued until May of 1937
when the line of Ford automobiles and trucks was
taken on exclusively. Our Sales and Service or-
ganizations along with Ford have enjoyed serv-
ing our community since that time.

One of the highlights of our growth and success
in Litchfield was the erection of our new building
at the corner of Union Avenue and Jackson Street

in the fall of 1937, and moving into it on January
1, 1938. It will be recalled that ours was the first
business building built on East Union Avenue, in
the residential section, having replaced the Arthur
K. Leak residence, which had stood on this corner
for many years. The building which we built to
serve the automotive and truck needs of our people
was of the most modern type, and proved a few
years later to be too small, so an addition was built
in 1947.

At first Montgomery County Motor Company
was made up of a very small group of employees,
but it has grown to be an organization of from
twelve to fourteen people, ranging in years of serv-
ice up to fifteen years. The business is owned and
operated by John W. Moss, who feels that the suc-
cess which his organization has enjoyed has been
made possible by the help and progress of this fine
community.

Kroger's

THE growth from one small store on Cincin-
nati's busy river front to more than 2200 mod-
ern stores, is the story of the development of Kro-
ger. Founded by the late B. H. Kroger in 1882,
the company's growth during the early years was
relatively slow. By 1903, there were 58 Kroger
stores in Ohio and Kentucky. Also, Kroger was
manufacturing many products sold. As the num-
ber of stores increased, the manufacturing division
was expanded. Today there are 15 modern bak-
eries, 5 dairies, a milk evaporation plant, 2 coffee
roasting plants, 2 beverage bottling operations, a
peanut processing plant and a general factory.

More than 25,000 men and women work full time
for Kroger and y 3 as many part time. From its
early days, Kroger has followed the policy of pro-

moting men within the organization. Many of its
branch managers and other executives started as
clerks. Kroger gives more than $200,000 a year
in support of Community Chests, Red Cross and
other civic and charitable enterprises, in the 1500
communities in which stores are located.

The local store, at the corner of Monroe and
Ryder Streets, is Kroger's third location in Litch-
field. Each move has been progressively toward a
more complete modern food market. The first store
was opened in March, 1923 at 110 East Kirkham
Street. In October 15, 1929, they moved to 308
North State Street where they remained until Oc-
tober 12, 1948, when they moved to their present
location.

The local store has been managed by Rex Cul-
berson since 1942 and Lester Hewkin has been
head meat cutter since 1944. In addition there are
ten regular and five part-time employees.

122

Litchfield Food Lockers

ONE hundred years ago, no thought would have
been given a business such as this. Today it
is among the city's most thriving establishments.

In 1942 Rex Dirbin and Kelley Dirbin, brothers,
realized the growing need for a locker plant in
Litchfield. Kelley owned a building on old U. S.
66 which housed his Oldsmobile Automobile Agency
and his farm implement business, but this was not
sufficiently large to accommodate another busi-
ness. So Mr. Dirbin enlarged the building and
a complete locker plant was installed. A partner-
ship was formed, but Kelley continued to devote his
time to the automobile and farm equipment busi-
ness, and Rex assumed management of the Litch-
field Food Lockers.

When this business opened they had 342 lockers
and one employee in addition to the manager. To-
day, they have five employees: Osmond Langford,
William Heck, Eugene Walden, Charles Cranford,
and Joyce Ann Roach. To accommodate this grow-
ing business, the building has twice been enlarged.

Litchfield Food Lockers retail and wholesale
meat and do complete processing for lockers and
home freezers. They specialize in home-cured hams
and bacon and homemade barbeque. During 1952
they felt they could better serve their patrons and
added a complete line of groceries to their stock.

The Corner Liquor Store

THE Corner Liquor Store is located at 126 West
Ryder Street at the corner of Ryder and Madi-
son. If we look into Litchfield's pages of history,
we find that also, on this same corner stood the
old Nickelodeon Theatre.

The Corner Liquor Store is owned and operated
by Steve V. Szczepanski. The building which houses
the business was erected in 1948 by Henry J. Kas-
kutas, who at that time initiated and placed into
operation retail sale of package liquor; engaged in
this business for three years, then sold the build-
ing and business to its present owner in 1951.

Steve V. Szczepanski has been one of Litchfield's
enterprising young businessmen. Before engaging
in retail liquor, he owned and successfully operated
the Sugar Bowl Confectionery from 1948 to 1950.
The years 1950-1951 found him engaged with Met-
ropolitan Insurance Company in Decatur. He was
born and reared in the city of Chicago and came
to Litchfield for the first time with the N.Y.A.
program in 1940. He liked the city of Litchfield
and made plans to spend his future here.

In 1942 Mr. Szczepanski entered the U. S. Army
during World War II and served from 1942 to 1943.

The Corner Liquor Store offers completely
stocked, retail package liquor products. It is the
only exclusive package liquor store in Litchfield.

Barnstable Supply Company

WILLIAM FLOYD ALLEN, general manager
for Barnstable Supply Company, 206 West
Ryder Street, is a son of the late George N. and
Zelphia Wilson Allen, for many years farmers in
the Donnellson, Illinois, community.

Mr. Allen was born January 22, 1891, one of a
family of four boys and three girls. Oren Kirk and
Cullen Festus died several years ago. A brother,
Robert Wilson Allen, a retired army officer, resides
in Omaha, Nebraska. One sister, Mrs. Charlotte
McAliney lives at Greenville, Illinois, and Mrs.
Denver Dunn in Greeley Colorado. Another sister,
Dorothy, died in 1924.

Mr. Allen started his business career in Donnell-
son in 1915 and continued there until 1929, with in-
terests in drug, sundries, automobile, farm ma-
chinery, and motor fuels.

On October 6, 1929, Frank Ware of Hillsboro and
C. W. Barnstable of Nokomis purchased from the
late Elmer Eichelroth, his farm machinery busi-
ness which was then at this location, 206 West Ry-
der Street. The new firm was organized under the
name of Barnstable Supply Company, Inc.

Allen joined the firm as general manager on
February 1, 1930. At that time the concern was
the local dealer for International farm operating
equipment.

When the firm was organized only one other
farm machinery dealership was doing business in
Litchfield. Mr. Allen was partially responsible for
the encouragement of other farm machinery out-
lets here, and has seen Litchfield become one of the
outstanding farm machinery centers in Illinois.

In 1944 the firm became franchise dealers for
the Ford-Ferguson line and is now dealer for Ford
Tractors, Dearborn farm operating equipment, and
Honnegger Feeds. A subsidiary organization at
Union Avenue and the I. C. tracks in Litchfield
handles Minneapolis-Moline equipment. Until 1951
Barnstable Supply Company operated a branch at
Hillsboro, and in the late 1930's had a branch in
Virden. They own and operate 320 acres of farm
land in Hillsboro and Butler Grove Townships.

Mr. Allen, or "Bill" as he is known to his many
friends throughout the Litchfield neighborhood, is
a past president of the Litchfield Chamber of Com-
merce, holds membership in the Elks Club, the
Masonic Lodge at Donnellson, the Antlers Club in
Litchfield, and is a past officer of the Mississippi
Valley Farm Implement Dealers Association.

He has three children, Joel, manager of the
Minneapolis-Moline Store here, Mrs. William Cooper
of Detroit, Michigan, and Miss Betty Allen of Chi-
cago. Their mother, the former Hazel Boone, died
in the summer of 1949.

Mr. and Mrs. Allen, the former Ida Calcott Steh-
lin, reside at 320 North Chestnut Street. Mrs. Al-
len's children are Mrs. William Blevins, of Litch-
field, and Rollin Stehlin of Springfield. There are
Margaret Allen, Neil and Bruce Blevins, and
seven grandchildren, Larry, Tom and John Cooper;
and Michael Stehlin.

123

Nathanson's

NATHANSON'S CLOTHING STORE, a store
for men and boys, was first established in
1909 at Waverly, Illinois, by David Nathanson. In
August, 1919, he and his family came to Litchfield
and purchased the store owned by Nathan and
Rose Sterneck located at 318 North State Street,
the site of the present establishment.

Ben Kellenberger began his employment here in
1924 at the age of seventeen and continued with
them until he was called into the Navy in 1943.
Max Ash, son-in-law of David Nathanson, became

Nathanson's Store in 1920's

an employee in 1945 after having served for three
and one-half years with the First Armored Di-
vision in North Africa and Italy. After the death
of David Nathanson on July 13, 1947, in Idaho
Falls, Idaho, while on vacation, the business was
operated by his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Nathanson.
In 1948 it was sold to Max and Helen Ash (the
former Helen Nathanson). Mr. and Mrs. Ash are
the parents of one son, David.

Some of the lines which were carried at the time
the business was first opened in 1909 are still car-
ried at the present time, such as Lee work clothes,
Nelson clothes, Master-Bilt pants, Friedman-Shelby
Shoes, and Endicott Johnson shoes. Other well-
known brands that have been added and carried
exclusively in the store for a number of years are
Florsheim shoes, Cooper underwear, Adam hats,
Tru Val shirts, and Swank jewelry.

Mr. Ash is assisted by his wife, Helen, and Mike
McBride, a student at the Litchfield Community
High School.

Doll's Self-Service Laundry

DOLL'S SELF-SERVICE LAUNDRY, located
at 226 South Harrison Street, is owned and
operated by Mr. and Mrs. Martin Doll. In 1945,
Mr. Paul Hertineaux came here from Greenville,
Illinois, built and established this laundry business.
After his death in November, 1948, it was pur-
chased by Mr. and Mrs. Warren Behl. They oper-
ated it for thirteen months before selling it to the
present owners on July 15, 1950.

Their present equipment consists of eleven
square-tub conventional Maytags. During the past
year two new modern gas dryers have been in-
stalled in their establishment.

They do custom laundering and finishing; also
have self-service.

There are three others employed here besides
the owners: Mrs. Bernice Osborne, Mrs. Evelyn
Seamen, and Mrs. Frieda Beaman.

Before purchasing the laundry business, Mr. and
Mrs. Doll owned and operated their own wholesale
and retail poultry business in Litchfield. He
served in World War I and they have a son,
Charles, now serving in the Navy.

Katherine Grace Beauty Shop

THE Katherine Grace Beauty Shop, owned and
operated by Katherine Carleton, is located at
313 South State Street.

The shop was opened in May, 1930, by the present
owner after she purchased it from Mrs. Eva Gram.
This was Litchfield's first beauty shop and Mrs.
Gram was the first operator in town.

Katherine Carleton, the owner of the shop, was
graduated from the Edith Heller School of Beauty
Culture in Decatur in 1929. Following her gradu-
ation, she worked for a time in a Jacksonville shop.

After buying her own business, she established
her shop in a building belonging to the Martin
Lauber estate, now owned and occupied by the
Striegel Insurance Agency.

Later she moved to State Street over what is
now the Niemann Electric Co. In 1933 she moved
to the Moose building on Ryder Street where she
continued for fifteen years until the Moose Club
began its remodeling program in 1948. In that year
she took her business to its present location. This
building she bought from Mildred Bruce, who had
operated a beauty shop in it.

In 1947 Katherine Carleton won a certificate of
merit for hair styling in a contest conducted by the
State Association of Hairdressers. She won an-
other certificate of merit for artistic work in a con-
test held in Peoria by the State Style Body.

During her years in business, Miss Carleton has
seen many changes in methods of permanent wav-
ing, hair styling, and other aids to good grooming.

124

Litchfield Farmers Grain and
Livestock Company

LITCHFIELD FARMERS GRAIN AND LIVE-
STOCK COMPANY is located at 503-505 West
Tyler Avenue.

The company has as its executive officer, William
H. Hartke. Other officers are William H. Monke,
vice-president; E. H. Niemann, secretary; W. D.
Watkins, treasurer. Serving on the company's
board are Herman Thompson, Warren Rull, P. L.
Davis, and Henry Hartke.

Litchfield Farmers Grain and Livestock has six
employees: John Saathoff is employed in the ca-
pacity of manager for the firm, a position which
he has held since 1938. Other employees are
Howard Christen, George Gretzer, Melvin Husman,
Sherman Suits, and Glenn Holliday.

This Litchfield company was organized as a
stockholders enterprise in 1909 with the purpose
of buying livestock, grain, and feed. B. B. Cassedy
was the main organizer and promoter at its incep-
tion. After the company was organized, Henry

Prange became the first president with B. B.
Cassedy taking over the duties as the first secre-
tary. John Murphy served as its first manager
from 1909 to 1912, and then Harry Saathoff served
as manager for one year, 1912-1913. He was suc-
ceeded by Henry Saathoff who in the capacity of
manager served the company long and well until
1938. At that time Mr. Saathoff was succeeded as
manager by his brother, John Saathoff.

The site of Litchfield Farmers Grain was origi-
nally vacant lots until an elevator was erected in
1909. In 1917, that elevator was torn down and a
larger elevator was built which still serves the
needs of the Litchfield community.

In 1920, livestock buying was discontinued and
the firm began to specialize in feed and grain.

Today, Litchfield Farmers Grain and Livestock
handles grain, seeds of all kinds, coal, commercial
fertilizer, and mixed feeds for livestock, as well as
the custom grinding of grain.

125

Dooley Shoe Repair Shop

CLAUDE DOOLEY, owner of this business, is a
native of Gillespie and came to Litchfield in
January, 1900. As a young man he was employed
for many years at the American Radiator and the
Brown Shoe Company. His grandfather was a
shoe cobbler, and from the time Dooley was a small
child he was interested in this work, feeling the
thrill of taking something practically worn out and
rebuilding it.

In May, 1930, he started a shoe repair shop in
the rear of Joe Gomberg's Bargain Store, 219 North
State Street. In September, 1935, he bought the
brick building at 103 North State Street and estab-
lished his business and residence there. Only a few
minor changes have been made to the exterior of
the building since it was erected in 1886 by the late
John McElligott, who was in business there until
his death in 1900. Other occupants through the
years were Charles Norris, "Bill" McCann, Wm.
Streavy, John Bederman, a Mr. Towell, James
Blakey, and Kate Lewis.

After World War II, when his son Thomas was
called into service, his wife, Irene, assisted him.

In 1938 their daughter, now Mrs. Juanita Harris
of Oakland, California, received special recognition
in the "Shoe Service" Magazine as the first woman
in the United States who could perform every op-
eration in a shoe repair shop and completely re-
build a shoe.

Workinger's

THIS is not a recently established business,
though it is new under the present ownership
and firm name. January 1, 1952, Jack Workinger.
former resident of Columbus, Indiana, bought the

Paul Armstrong Jewelry Store located at 219 North
State Street, and has since continued operation at
that location.

This business was established in the early '30's
by L. A. Beatty, father of Mrs. Paul Armstrong.

It was then located at 220 North State Street.
After the death of Mr. Beatty, Mr. and Mrs. Arm-
strong purchased the business. In 1947, they
bought the building at 219 North State and com-
pletely remodeled it, making it one of the most
modern and attractive jewelry stores in this part
of Illinois.

Workinger's carry a complete line of beautiful
jewelry, as well as Fostoria and Cambridge Crystal
and a large selection of sterling. This is one of the
few stores in Central Illinois that has a display
board for sterling silver, where a place setting of
every pattern in Towle, Gorham and International
Sterling is completely exhibited. They also have
the exclusive dealership in Litchfield for Haviland
China.

In addition to Mr. Workinger, other employees
include Paula Bridges, Joyce Boedecker, Evelyn
Hudson and Hester Giosta.

September 3, 1952, Mr. Workinger opened the
Capitol Gift Shop at 114 East Ryder Street, with
Mrs. Evelyn Senn in charge. Costume jewelry,
gifts for all occasions and suitable greeting cards
are always available.

Dr. R. W. Guyan, Optometrist

DR. R. W. GUYAN, optometrist, came to Litch-
field July 4, 1926, and began his practice of
optometry in association with the late Dr. J. A.
Pappmeier.

About the same time that Custer was making
his famous "Last Stand" in the year 1876 the
late J. A. Pappmeier was taking his first interest
in the optical field — first conducting his practice
in his home at 409 North Jackson. At the turn
of the century he established the office at 409
North State, where Dr. Guyan now conducts his
practice. Dr. Guyan was associated with the late
Dr. Pappmeier from 1926 until Dr. Pappmeier's
death at which time he purchased the practice,
records, and equipment from the Pappmeier fam-
ily. In the intervening years Dr. Guyan has re-
furnished, redecorated, and modernized the office,
adding new instruments and equipment from time
to time. The upstairs office consists of reception
room, two refracting rooms, and a laboratory.
Dr. Guyan's present receptionist and assistant is
Miss Carole Whitlock.

Dr. Guyan brought his bride, Martha Nichols
Guyan, to Litchfield from Iowa, in June, 1927.
Their son, Richard, was born in May, 1931.

Dr. Guyan, was born in Iowa and graduated
from high school in Rock Rapids, attended the
University of Iowa, and Northern Illinois College
of Optometry in Chicago, graduating in 1925. He
took the Illinois State Board and became licensed
in Illinois that same year.

Richard, son of Dr. and Mrs. Guyan, is now a
student in the same college of optometry, just com-
pleting his Junior year.

126

KNEELING: Left to Right: Harold Lehnert, Robert Parrish, Wayne Batty, Russell Roach. SEATED: Clyde M.
Brubaker, Jr., Bernice Frerichs, Clyde M. Brubaker, Sr., Irene Painter, Don L. Brubaker. STANDING: Arthur
Young, Lenos Diamond, Gerald Trimble, John Mejaski, Hobart Weatherford, Harold Rolf, Floyd Smith, Jess Putnam

Brubaker Motor Company

BRUBAKER MOTOR COMPANY, located at 607
North State Street, is the direct factory dealer
for Chevrolet and Buick automobiles in the Litch-
field area. We take pride in the fact that we are
the oldest established automobile dealership in
Litchfield and one of the oldest in this part of the
state under the same management. Our officers
are Clyde M. Brubaker, Sr., president; Clyde M.
Brubaker, Jr., vice-president; and Don L. Brubaker,
secretary-treasurer.

The business was started in June of 1915, when
a contract was signed with the Buick Motor Com-
pany to handle the new Buick Six. The first sale
was made to Mr. Walter Holderread of this city
and was delivered from the Ford Garage operated
by Glenn E. Brubaker. In 1916 the business was
moved to what is now known as the Brandon Build-
ing at 510 North State Street and for many years
the business was conducted under the trade name
of Brubaker-Buick Company. In 1918 Clyde, Sr.,
was called into the service in the Infantry during
World War I, and resumed the automobile business
in early 1919 after his release from active duty.
While in the service the business was under the
management of the late Edward A. Johnson. On
August 1, 1919, the firm moved to the present loca-
tion formerly occupied by the Spence Garage.

As automobiles became more popular and busi-

ness increased, an addition to the building was
deemed necessary, and this was made in 1923 when
the building was extended west to its present
length. In February of 1926, a contract was signed
with the Chevrolet Motor Division of the General
Motors Corporation to handle Chevrolet automo-
biles and trucks. The business was purchased from
Mr. Albert Niemann of Litchfield, and Litchfield
Motor Company became the authorized Chevrolet
dealership for sales and service in Litchfield at 201
North State Street. On January 1, 1929, the busi-
nesses of Brubaker Buick Company and Litchfield
Motor Company were consolidated at the 607 North
State Street location under the trade name of Bru-
baker Motor Company, and has continued under
that name and at that location ever since.

In 1941 another building addition was con-
structed to the south increasing the floor space by
approximately 50 per cent and providing an en-
trance on Division Street. The next major change
of operation came in 1946 when Clyde, Jr., and Don
actively entered the business after their return
from service in World War II. In the immediate
post-war period the personnel was expanded, and
important shop equipment added to increase the
service facilities. We believe that we now have the
most complete automobile facilities in this area, and
we are very proud of the products we represent.

127

Harvey's Poultry & Feed Co.

MR. AND MRS. HARVEY LEHNEN came to
Litchfield, September 1, 1935, and managed
the Lone Elm Hatchery until January 15, 1945.
At this time Mr. Lehnen went on the road as a
salesman for the National Oats Company of East
St. Louis, Illinois, selling Corno Feeds. He con-
tinued as a salesman until August 1, 1948, when
he purchased the present business at 314 West
Sargent from Martin Doll and renamed it Harvey's
Poultry and Feeds. Harvey's business consists of
custom dressing of poultry, selling live as well as
dressed poultry, both wholesale and retail. He
also sells a complete line of Gainer Feeds as well
as poultry equipment and Reo power lawn mowers.
Mr. Lehnen was born in Nokomis, Illinois, the
son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Lehnen. He married
Jessie Hartline Lehnen, formerly of Witt, who as-
sists her husband with the business. Their resi-
dence is at 1415 North Harrison Street.

Litchfield Lumber Company

THE Litchfield Lumber Company, corner of
Jackson and Edwards Streets, was established
eighty-five years ago, in 1868, by Wm. Wiegreffe.
When first organized the firm was known as Per-
ley, Wiegreffe & Co., dealers in lumber and manu-
facturers of sash and doors. In 1872 Mr. Wiegreffe
and his brother, Theodore, purchased Mr. Perley's
interest. In 1877 Wm. Wiegreffe became sole own-
er and was joined later by his two sons, Fred J. and
William, Jr., forming the firm known as Wm. Wie-
greffe & Sons.

Other concerns have succeeded the Wiegreffe
firm, which at one time was the only business of
its kind in the city of Litchfield. However, a lum-
ber yard has been conducted continuously at this
same location, but the real estate remained in the
possession of the Wiegreffe estate until purchased
by the present owners in 1939.

Predecessor to present owners was the Baker in-
terests of Pawnee, Illinois. Under this ownership
the business was managed for several years by
Albert B. "Al" Blevins and then later by J. R.
"Abe" Dawson. Later "Abe" moved his family to
Raymond where he became partner-manager of
the Raymond Lumber and Hardware Company, un-
til his death on April 14, 1947.

On February 1, 1937, the following local business-
men purchased and organized the present company:
W. H. Hartke, Edgar Hartke, Arthur Heath, Fred
"Casey" Jones, and Earl Anderson, manager of the
company. Mr. Anderson started in the lumber
business thirty-five years ago, ten of which were
spent as manager of the local Alexander Lumber
yard. Clyde Clotfelter, with twenty-four years'
experience in the lumber business, purchased the
interest of Fred Jones on September 16, 1944, and
is an active partner.

Miss Stella Heise, well-known businesswoman of
Litchfield, was associated with the new firm until

her illness in 1950. "Stell" had charge of the
bookkeeping and office work. Her position is being
filled by Miss Virginia Carrico, formerly active in
advertising and graphic arts in St. Louis. Landon
Rupert, former carpenter and painter, is yardman.

The present owners have completely rebuilt the
old yard and have added new buildings. The new
two-story offices and display rooms, nearing com-
pletion, add distinction to this modern place of busi-
ness. The firm has kept pace with the progress
and latest trends in the building industry, stocking
not only a full line of high grade lumber but all
kinds of builders, supplies including hardware,
paints, roofing, millwork, and insulation.

The Litchfield Lumber Company, 100% home
owned and home operated, is proud to participate
in the celebration of one hundred years of progress
of the city of Litchfield.

Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.

AS EARLY as 1906 the Metropolitan Life In-
. surance Company recognized the possibility
of growth in Litchfield and established an office in
the Doran Building, now known as the Carroll
Building, at the corner of West Ryder and Madison
Streets. After a few years the company trans-
ferred this office to Carlinville, and still later to
Gillespie, but in 1938 the office was reopened in
Litchfield in its present location at 400 Monroe
Street with Merle Anderson as assistant manager.
Mr. Anderson was succeeded by William Brum-
mett, and when he left the organization in 1949
William Pearce became assistant manager.

At the present time the office serves a territory
covering parts of four counties — Montgomery,
Macoupin, Bond, and Christian. In addition to Mr.
Pearce, the personnel of the office includes: Michael
F. Ahern, William E. Blevins, James O. Hunsaker,
and A. Wayne Kayser as local agents.

Harlow's Shell Service Station

HARLOW'S SHELL SERVICE STATION is lo-
cated on State Highway 16 and U. S. High-
way 66. Ray Harlow is the owner and operator of
this station.

On October 26, 1926, Mr. Harlow opened a Shell
Service Station at the northwest corner of North
State Street and Union Avenue. This building was
small and made of steel and glass. In 1941 it was
rebuilt of glass and brick and had two large bays.
This location was leased to Al Mueller and Mr.
Harlow moved to old Route 66 in 1945 and operated
a Shell Service Station there until 1952, when he
built a new two bay station on new Highway 66.

The Harlow Service Station was the first station
in Litchfield starting in 1926 to give windshield
service to patrons.

128

Blackwelder's
Clothing Store

Pearl Blackwelder

BLACKWELDER'S CLOTHING STORE at 305
North State Street, was established under the
present ownership of Pearl W. Blackwelder on Jan-
uary 8, 1913. Mr. Blackwelder was born August
4, 1882, the son of David A. Blackwelder, one of
the pioneers of the Litchfield community. Mr.
Blackwelder is one of a family of seven children
consisting of six boys and one girl.

His father, David A. Blackwelder was a farmer
in North Litchfield township and was born in that
area in a log cabin on September 1, 1848. On his
mother's side of the family was a great uncle, John
Gogleman, who was the first white child born in
Walshville township.

Mr. Blackwelder began work in Litchfield at the
Alex Nathan store at the present location, at the
age of seventeen. Shortly after that he became a
member of the sales staff of the Coddington store,
where he worked until he purchased the Nathan
store in 1913.

Mr. Blackwelder has been closely associated with
the business development of Litchfield through the
forty years he has been owner of the store. From
1933 to 1947 he served as postmaster of the city,
and is at present a member of the Elks Club, Ma-
sons, Country Club, Moose Club, Antlers Club, and
the Chamber of Commerce.

Through the years many young men have been
associated with the store who are now in business
for themselves. These include Russell Roberts,
Guy L. Farquhar and John W. Ritchie.

Mr. and Mrs. Blackwelder, the former Hazel
Farquhar, reside at 1313 North Monroe Street.
They have two children, Alice, wife of Omer W.
Thomsen, now associated with the store as man-
ager, and Mrs. Wanda Hoffman, a resident of
Springfield.

The picture at the lower right shows the pres-
ent staff of the store with the two principals,
Blackwelder and Thomsen. The members are Carl
Johnston, Paul Watson, Rex Webb, and little Terry
Thomsen, son of Omer. The picture at the left
shows the inside of the store. Some of the leading
brand names in the clothing industry for men and
boys have been familiar names to residents of the
Litchfield neighborhood for many years. They are
Clippercraft, Michaels-Stern, Mirror Test and Som-
merset, Wolverine, Nunn-Bush, Edgerton, Haynes,
Campus, Alligator, Wembley, Van Heusen, Shapely,
Samsonite, Interwoven and others.

When asked by the Centennial committee to give
some review of his career in Litchfield during the
past fifty-four years, he made the observations
quoted just below:

"Highlights of m y
business life have been
the pleasure of serving
a community of fine
people who by their
continuous patronage
have been an expres-
sion of confidence in us
and our desire to treat
this great group as we
would like to be
treated. A lot of water
has gone over the dam
since I started selling
clothing for Mr. A.
Nathan over a half cen-
tury ago in the room
where I have now been
in business over forty
years. At that time I
had only one em-
ployee."

129

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19S3 — Montgomery's Camera Corner

The same location in 1903

Montgomery's Camera Corner

MORE than a half century ago Mr. Sol Schiller
established this business, in 1901 to be exact.
Mr. Schiller was one of the early photographers of
Litchfield. He specialized in roll-film photo finish-
ing, and he took a great many pictures himself for
use on post cards — many of these pictures in this
book are his work — recopied by the very same studio
he established 50 years ago. Mr. Schiller sold out
to Mr. Stanley Cline, who owned the business only
a short time before selling to Mr. Claude Wilson in
1926. The business was located above the present
Johnson's Hardware Store, and in the rear of
Dr. Guyan's optometry office. Mr. Wilson built up
a large mail order photo finishing business before

selling to the present owners, Mrs. Grace Wooster
Montgomery and her son, Kenyon Fisher Mont-
gomery, on November 1, 1940. Under the present
management the photo-finishing department has
been converted to mechanical, photo-electric equip-
ment. The business moved to its present loca-
tion in the Moose Building, 117 West Ryder, on
November 1, 1944. In 1949 the camera depart-
ment was added which included all types of still
and movie cameras, projectors, and other photo-
graphic supplies.

The Moose Lodge remodeled the front of the
building in 1952, making it one of the most modern
and attractive in the city.

McPherson Tire Service

McPHERSON TIRE SERVICE is a by-product
of a business established some years ago by
Donald Schultz, formerly of Litchfield. The busi-
ness, including Douglas McPherson and John
Ritchie as partners, was begun in 1946 as the Home
Oil Co. with a Sinclair Service Station, a tire re-
capping, vulcanizing, and repairing service, and
a general car repairing and service. Mr. Ritchie
withdrew from the Home Oil Co. in 1948. The
business was renamed McPherson Tire & Auto
Service, and McPherson became the Litchfield
dealer for Kaiser-Frazer Corp. With the trend back
to tire recapping and repair, he relinquished the
agency to concentrate on tires under Kelly Spring-
field and O.K. Rubber Welders franchises.

The store is equipped with a complete tire stock
of new and used tires and includes a department
of recapping, vulcanizing, and the general repair
of tires of all sizes, including the largest truck and
tractor tires. Doug still maintains the Sinclair
Service Station and also does some car servicing.

Douglas McPherson was born in Alberta, Canada.
In early life he moved to Wisconsin, and just prior
to coming to Litchfield, lived in Chicago. Doug
is one of the few people who has been able to se-

lect his town from a wide choice of places to live.
He traveled, selling auto accessories and decided
to move his family to a home more centrally lo-
cated in his territory. During the summer of 1937
Mrs. McPherson traveled with her husband trying
to locate a place to live. They traveled through
Litchfield several times and were attracted by
the city's beautiful trees, its wide streets, and
lovely homes, as well as the friendly manner of its
people. So it was Litchfield Doug and Dorothy
selected for their home, and the town in which to
rear their two daughters, Alice and Leah.

Doug was called into service in the army in
1944. He became a member of the 2nd Infantry
Division and was awarded the Bronze Star medal
for meritorious service. He was wounded and re-
cipient of the Purple Heart soon after having
fought through the Battle of the Bulge. After be-
ing separated from service in October, 1945, he
was employed for a time as parts man at Mont-
gomery County Motor Company.

Employees at McPherson Tire Service are Clinton
Rupe, with twelve years' experience, as manager of
the tire repair shop, and Edwin Boehme as his
assistant. O. D. Poulton is the bookkeeper. Wil-
bert Mahnke is a part-time employee.

130

Coca-Cola Bottling Company

THE Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Litchfield
is located at the junction of U. S. 66 and Route
16. The business was established January 4, 1922,
at a site on West Edwards Street.

The construction of the building on the present
location was completed in January, 1931, and the
firm moved from Edwards Street to the present
place of business on January 10, 1931. However,
two additions have been added to the building, one
in April, 1948, and the other in May, 1952. A re-
modeling of the building took place in 1948.

Executive officers are A. M. Alexander, Presi-
and Treasurer; W. R. Cox, Vice-President; and
C. R. Alexander, Secretary.

The number of personnel is nine, namely: Miss
Helen Bray, Miss Joan Crawford, John S. Rich-
ards, Eugene Black, William Crawford, Orville
Brakenhoff, Ross Slightom, Alan Greenwalt, and
Robert Bourke.

In 31 years this company has not missed a pay-
roll or had a shut down. More cases of Coca-Cola
are bottled in two weeks now than were bottled in
the entire year of 1922. Nine routes are operated
out of Litchfield and serve most of Montgomery
and Macoupin counties. Parts of Bond and Chris-
tian counties are also served.

were Wayne Batty, Joe Jolley, Lawrence Vincent,
Gerald Trimble, Cecil Millburg, Wayne Frame,
Wayne Culp, William Ewing, Vernon Odle, and
William Whitley.

Litchfield Transit Company

THE Litchfield Transit Company "idea" was
born one hot summer afternoon as I was bounc-
ing along in a city bus in the sponge town of Tar-
pon Springs, Florida. Somehow, don't ask me
why, that bus impressed me so that I could hardly
wait to start one in my adopted town. Immedi-
ately upon being discharged from the Army, I be-
gan planning. It was incorporated August 6, 1946.
Illinois Commerce Commission gave its approval;
service was inaugurated Sept. 23, 1946, with one
old yellow school bus. Pre-war, I had been an edi-
tor but now I would wash grease instead of print-
ers' ink from my hands. I also had the dubious
distinction of being the only Litchfield president of
a Litchfield public utility. (See "Who's Who in Illi-
nois, volume 9.") I added routes, reduced head-
ways, ran night and day, bought buses, until we
had three routes with three buses. On Feb. 4, 1953,
telephone supervisor, Lillian Meadows, was our
500,000th passenger, and it was 169,910 miles away
and seven years since the first rider, American
Radiator worker, Aubrey Parrish, swung aboard
that first chilly September morn. Officers are my
wife, Helene C. Ruecking ; brother, Richard F. Ben-
nett; and myself, Harry W. Ruecking. Drivers

Mazenko Dri-Gas Service

MAZENKO DRI-GAS SERVICE, located at 107
North State Street, was established in 1932
by Frank Mazenko who owned and operated the
business for eighteen years. He was born at Bak-
ersfield, Pennsylvania. In 1921 he married Sue
Thomas and they moved to Litchfield in 1932.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mazenko had six children.
Edward, who served with the Navy Air Corps in
the last war, was recently recalled to duty as a
pilot. He married Viola Rector in 1945. They
have three children — Mark, Max, and Cathy Sue.
Leonard, who served three years in the Army Air
Corps is managing the business. In 1948 he mar-
ried Geralene Schoen and they have a son, Thomas.
Florence Mazenko Hopper is now residing in Ohio.

Francis graduated from the Litchfield High
School with the class of 1953. Judith is attending
St. Mary's School and Michael will start school
there next year. After Mr. Mazenko's death in
1950, his wife assumed the ownership of the busi-
ness.

The remodeling of the store in 1938 made major
improvements. Due to growing demands for serv-
ice, it was necessary to buy a truck for gas de-
livery only. At present 1,250 customers in Mont-
gomery and Macoupin Counties receive Dri-Gas
Service and delivery from this establishment.

The working personnel includes Mrs. Frank
Mazenko, owner; Leonard, manager; and Ross
Moehle, who served with paratroopers, is in charge
of the gas delivery.

Fred P. Jones Tile Company

AFTER being associated with the Litchfield
. Lumber Company as a stockholder and yard-
man for several years, I decided in 1945 to go into
business for myself.

My first business was to sell and apply roofing,
siding and insulation, but I later eliminated these
lines, and in 1946 I began to specialize in tiling,
where we could work inside the year round.

I sell and apply Dura-Tile and Plastic Wall Tile,
and also rubber, plastic, and asphalt floor tile, and
Formica cabinet tops, covering a territory within a
radius of 25 miles of Litchfield.

Since going into this business, I have had as my
helper, Mr. Ira Bridges, of this city, a veteran of
World War II. My son, Donald, also worked with
me for a time before enlisting in the Air Force.

131

•---

The House of Sunshine

THE HOUSE OF SUNSHINE is a symbol of
goodwill.

It was in the early 1920' s that a small publish-
ing business was started in Litchfield, based on
the theory that goodwill is more surely the basis
of success for the business and professional man
today than it was two thousand years ago, when
the Man of Galilee went about spreading sunshine.

This idea resulted in the issuing, in January,
1924, of the initial number of a publication which
shortly after was named "Sunshine Magazine." At
the same time an auxiliary business publication,
called Rays of Sunshine, was issued, intended for
distribution by business and professional men as a
means of manifesting goodwill to patrons and pros-
pects. This was the result of a study by H. F.
Henrichs, who had for a number of years been a
newspaper editor and publisher, and also a news-
paper business broker.

The idea clicked, and the circulation of Rays of
Sunshine grew so rapidly that before long four ad-
ditional monthly publications were launched.

The mechanical production of these publications
proved to be a problem. Various places in Litch-
field helped in this capacity. While the editorial
office was first located over Walter Holderread's
drug store, corner of State and Ryder Streets, the
forms for printing the publications were imposed

in a small printing plant owned by Max Sallee, lo-
cated in the rear of his father's optometry office
on West Kirkham Street. The actual printing was
done in the News-Herald plant.

Later, printing equipment was acquired and in-
stalled in a rear room of the old Litchfield Hotel,
formerly occupied by Mrs. Ellen (Heise) Roberts
as a restaurant. But after a few months the shop
was moved to a small room in the Holderread
Building, near Dr. Blackwelder's office.

Finding this arrangement inadequate, the shop
was sold, and the printing of the Sunshine publi-
cations was let to a large publishing house in St.
Louis, Missouri. The editorial office was moved to
the Allen Building, opposite the Post Office, and
later to the Pappmeier Building, on the south side
of the Carnegie Library square.

The publications had grown to proportions of
national aspect, with sponsors in various parts of
the country. It became evident that new quarters
were necessary to give the business more room
and the needed atmosphere. This led to the con-
struction, in 1940, of the House of Sunshine, which
immediately attracted wide attention. But the
business soon outgrew what at first appeared to be
spacious quarters.

In 1948 the owners acquired the 10-acre park

132

area in the eastern section of Litchfield from the
Davis estate, and later purchased additional acre-
age from Charles Sammons, for the purpose of
providing larger quarters for the enterprise.

Early in its history the publishing business was
divided into two partnerships, viz., The Sunshine
Press, publishing Sunshine Magazine, and The
Henry F. Henrichs Publications, producing a line
of goodwill business "magazets," a word coined by
the owners. Members of the Henrichs family con-
stituted the two co-partnerships.

The House of Sunshine was designed in the
motif of the Norman-Early American classics.
Its architecture is authentic, and unusual in Ameri-
can building construction. Many of its appoint-
ments and decorations, both exterior and interior,
are of original design. The second floor studio in-
cludes an amplifying sound system, electric organ,
piano, antique music boxes, and tape recording
equipment. The public entertainment features are
offered solely for civic and patriotic reasons, in-
tended to contribute to the welfare and goodwill of
the community.

Price's Cafe

THE firm of Price's Cafe has been a familiar
landmark of Litchfield for over thirty-three
years, twenty-six of which the present owner,
Arthur, has been established with the business.
Located at 206 North State Street, it was formerly
owned and operated by Mrs. Liz Jones.

The present Price business was started in the
year 1920 by Mrs. Mary L. Price and her son Her-
bert G. Price. They operated the business together
until 1927 when Arthur E. Price became a partner
with his brother, Herbert.

The two brothers operated the restaurant in
partnership until the death of Herbert which oc-
curred in 1945. After his death, Herbert's son,
William, took over his father's interest in the busi-
ness for a short time and eventually sold out his
interest to Arthur. Arthur, with his wife, Ruby
J. Price, and his son, Arthur, Jr., has since owne 1
and operated the restaurant in its original loca-
tion, but Price's, in keeping with the time and
expansion of business, have made several improve-
ments in their establishment.

In the year of 1938 a private dining room was
added to the restaurant. This dining room is now
regularly used by the Kiwanis Service Club and
the Lions Club as well as being used for many spe-
cial occasions by different groups and organiza-
tions of the Litchfield community, and for private
dinners. In that same year of 1938 a new and
modern front was put on the outside "face" of the
building to give it a more attractive appearance.

In 1950 Price's had an air conditioner installed
for the comfort of their patrons during the sum-
mer months. Then in 1952 the old counter and
stools were replaced with a new counter and stools,
and a new back-bar with new and modern shelves
for display of foods and serving equipment.

Many times during these years the restaurant
has been completely redecorated, and new and
more modern conveniences installed in the kitchen.

Price's employ ten people regularly. Some of
the employees are familiar faces of many years'
service — others have been employed more recently.
They include Ida Hart, Amelia Watkins, Girlie
Stockstill, Lee Hicks, and Charles Gretzer. In the
dining room are Virginia Reed, Nellie Angle,
Goldie Clark, Fern Bosen, and Ross Painter.

Art and Ruby Price, one or the other, are ever
present in their restaurant establishment. The other
member of the partnership, Arthur, Jr., is now a
student in the University of Illinois in Urbana.

W. J. Niehaus Truck Service

BECAUSE Litchfield is located in the midst of
an agricultural area, trucking is a very essen-
tial business in this community. In 1929 Walter J.
Niehaus realized the need and it was then that he
started the W. J. Niehaus Truck Service. For a
time, only one truck was operated, but as the years
passed the demand for this service increased and
today three trucks are being operated. Assisting
Mr. Niehaus is Jesse Marburger. Mr. Niehaus op-
erates from his residence and his office and head-
quarters are at 506 South State Street.

This company gives complete trucking service.
However, their principal operations are hauling
livestock for farmers to East St. Louis; hauling
feed back to the Litchfield Farmers Grain & Live-
stock Company. A very important part of their
business is the hauling of rock and sand and spread-
ing of limestone and phosphate. Most of the lime-
stone is purchased at Columbia, Illinois, and prac-
tically all of the phosphate at Hamel or Jerseyville,
transported to Litchfield and then to the farms.

Mr. Niehaus was born and reared on a farm a
only a few miles from Litchfield. However, he
has lived at his present address for the past 31
years. For some time prior to starting this truck-
ing service, he was employed at the B. R. Neel
Grocery in this city.

Sargent Market

THE Sargent Market, situated at Sargent and
Lincoln Streets, was originally located where
the Litchfield Creamery office now stands and was
owned by Charles Kinder. Later it was moved to
the 200 block on South Lincoln Street, Charles
Eckhart being the proprietor. Then it was moved
to the present location by Mr. Garwood. Mr.
Brady operated it until 1924. It was then sold to
R. S. Rupe, who sold it in 1949 to Stewart and
Kuman. They in turn sold it in 1950 to Bernard
Tabaka. In September, 1952, Thelma and Joseph
Bernot purchased it and have operated it since
that time.

133

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Litchfield Bituminous
Company

JC. BREMER, of Hillsboro, a widely known con-
. tractor and road builder for the past thirty
years, and Truman L. Flatt and Sons of Springfield,
road oil and asphalt contractors for the past thirty
years, formed the Litchfield Bituminous Corpora-
tion, July 26, 1952, with the following officers:

Truman L. Flatt, Sr., President
Truman L. Flatt, Jr., Vice-President
C. B. Flatt, 2nd Vice-President
J. C. Bremer, Secretary-Treasurer

Road oiling and asphalt equipment and contracts
of Taylor and Leigh were purchased. A new mod-
ern Barber-Greene Portable Bituminous Mixing
Plant with a capacity of 60 tons per hour produc-
tion was set up adjacent to the Litchfield Concrete
Plant at 400 West Tyler Street.

Our first contract was for the resurfacing of
portions of State Routes 48, 112, 127, and US Route
66, situated in Madison, Macoupin, and Montgom-
ery Counties. August 28 was the first day of
actual production of blacktop, and though pro-
duction was completed October 21, the total pay-
roll amounted to $81,316, with an average weekly
employment of 79 men drawing an average weekly
wage of $87.58.

Distribution of the material is accomplished with
our own five trucks and rental of another fifteen
trucks from local firms and individuals.

A recent contract is the resurfacing of State
Street, a long-needed project.

Litchfield Concrete
Company

THE plant for Litchfield Concrete Company,
owned by J. C. Bremer and managed by Charles
Boyles, was erected in 1948. At that time it was
merely a plant, with no office or shelter, set in the
midst of a lake during the rainy season and a weed
patch during the other seasons. But Litchfield
Concrete Company located in this city because of
three railroads and two highways, as well as avail-
ability of labor. Litchfield is centrally located in
the midst of a territory where there is a demand
for ready-mix concrete. Also, due to the amount
of highway construction and road repair in the vi-
cinity, Litchfield Concrete Company felt justified in
locating here.

When the plant opened in 1948, three mix trucks
were sufficient to handle the operations. Today a
crane and five trucks operate regularly and plans
are being made to secure two more trucks. At
present nine people are employed.

Recently a huge building, with two modern up-
to-date offices on the second floor, has been erected.
The plant is now servicing an area within a thirty-
mile radius of Litchfield. It is well to note that all
gravel, sand, and cement that go into the mix are
government inspected.

A few of the present contracts for which this
company will furnish the concrete are the State
Street resurfacing job, the Housing Project, and
road repair at Gillespie.

134

Pfolsgrofs' Jewelers

PFOLSGROFS' Jewelers, the oldest jewelry store
in the city under the same name, was established
in Litchfield on November 15, 1947, under partner-
ship of Willard E. Pfolsgrof and his wife, Doris M.
Pfolsgrof. The location at the time was a small
building at 112 West Ryder Street.

In September of 1950, in order to have space for
china, dinnerware, glassware, sterling, and a gen-
eral gift line, the location of the store was changed
to 218 North State Street. The Pfolsgrofs pur-
chased this building and did extensive remodeling
to accommodate their expansion and to provide an
apartment for themselves above the store.

Willard Pfolsgrof served four and one-half years
with the 7th Infantry Division of the Army during
World War II. His service was in the Pacific
theater where he participated in the invasion of
Attu, the Marshalls, and Leyte. An injury while
on Leyte Island sent Pfolsgrof back to the Army
hospital in Hawaii. It was while he was at this
hospital he received a discharge from service in
July, 1945.

Following his discharge from service he was
employed for a time at precision work in the train
room of the Elgin National Watch Factory in El-
gin, Illinois. He enrolled at the Elgin Watch-
makers College in Elgin and graduated from there
early in 1947. He was employed for a time in a
jewelry store in Urbana, Illinois, before establish-
ing his own store here in Litchfield.

Doris M. Pfolsgrof holds an A.B. degree from
Carthage College, Carthage, Illinois, and a B.S. de-
gree in library science received in 1943 from the
University of Illinois. Doris has been a high school
teacher in various locations, a librarian in high
school, junior college, and public libraries.

For a time "Tony," as he's known to his friends,
and Doris operated their store and did all the watch

and jewelry repair work themselves, but with the
expansion of the store and business they now em-
ploy Paul F. Meyer as watchmaker and Ruth Jubelt
and Ruth Kalaher as salesladies.

Mr. Meyer served in Navy Communications in
the Pacific theater during World War II. He was
formerly employed as watchmaker in a Belleville
jewelry store.

The ladies, Ruth and Ruth, are both Litchfield
people. Ruth Jubelt is the wife of Marvin Jubelt
and Ruth Kalaher is the wife of Edward Kalaher.

Lay's Grocery

LAY'S GROCERY, situated at 915 North Har-
rison Street, is owned and operated by Mr. and
Mrs. Truman Lay. A full line of groceries, meats,
fruits, vegetables, and sundries is carried.

Mr. and Mrs. Lay purchased the grocery in 1938
from the Grimm Brothers and have continued to
operate it since that time. This is one of the
familiar landmarks in Litchfield, having been op-
erated for many years by James Ball. In 1896 he
purchased the building, stocked, and opened a store.
That being about the time of the great gold rush,
Mr. Ball very appropriately named his store "The
Klondike Grocery & General Store." At that time
it was located on the outskirts of the city, and was
operated by Mr. Ball for approximately 28 years.

Mr. Lay, the present owner, was born in Zanes-
ville Township and came to Litchfield at the age
of six years. Mrs. Lay is a native of Litchfield.
For eleven years prior to purchasing this business,
Mr. Lay was manager of the Standard Oil Service
Station located at the corner of State Street and
Union Avenue, in this city.

The Lays' daughter, Mrs. Delores Butts, assists
them in the store; their other daughter, Ellen Mc-
Kimmey, lives in Taylorville, Illinois.

Carroll Funeral Home

MR. AND MRS. R. V. CARROLL,
Mr. and Mrs. Albert T. Carroll and
family, Harley, Lee, and Isabel, came to
Litchfield from Farmersville, Illinois, in
August, 1915, and located in the Hughes
Building which is now Workingers'
Jewelry Store. In 1918 they moved to
the building east of the News-Herald,
where the Gift Shop and Gib's Flower
Shop is now located. In 1920 they moved
to the Doran Building, Corner of Madi-
son and Ryder Streets, then in Decem-
ber of 1940 they moved to their pres-
ent location, 819 East Union Avenue.
Personnel includes Mrs. Albert T. Car-
roll, F. Harley and Lee Carroll. "We
are proud of our business, our people,
and our city."

135

Gib's Flower Shop

GIB'S Flower Shop, located at 116 East Ryder
Street, is among the more recent business firms
in the city. It was established by Mr. and Mrs.
Gilbert Prather in July, 1952. This firm carries a
complete floral line, specializing in funeral flowers,
wedding arrangements, corsages, and bouquets.

Mr. Prather has lived in the Litchfield commu-
nity for the past 37 years. He has been associated

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Prather

with florists in this city for 27 years, starting when
he was sixteen years of age. Mrs. Prather, a na-
tive of Gillespie, has also had seven years' experi-
ence in the same line of work.

The building which houses this business is one of
Litchfield's early land marks. It was built in 1865
by Henry Appleton and remained in his family un-
til 1946 when it was sold to Jesse Orr. For a
time, during the early history, the building was
occupied by Fred Schalk. This occupancy was fol-
lowed by a blacksmith shop and later a Chinese
laundry. From 1883 to 1906 it was the print shop
for the Litchfield Daily News and Daily Reveille.
Looking into the past, we further find that the late
Ben Beardsley, who had the old Overland Agency,
used this building as a garage, one of the first in
the city. R. V. and A. T. Carroll at one time oc-
cupied it as part of their mortuary. For many
years, Jesse "Heide" Orr occupied it as a barber
shop. When he discontinued business in 1952, he
sold the building to F. P. Hanafin. Soon thereafter,
Mr. and Mrs. Prather opened their flower shop at
this location.

Alexander Lumber Company

THE Alexander Lumber Company, which is lo-
cated at 201 West Union Avenue, has been a
Litchfield firm for the past twenty-seven years. In
1904 the first building was constructed by Baldwin
and Weir. The founders of this firm retained own-
ership for eleven years. Mr. Charles Johnson, the
first teamster employed, is a Litchfield resident.
About 1915 Baldwin and Weir sold their firm to

Mr. Tom Taylor, who operated as Taylor Lumber
Company until 1926. The present owner, Alex-
ander Lumber Company, purchased the firm in
April, 1926. With this change of ownership Mr.
Earl Anderson became manager. He was with the
firm until 1937.

Mr. Nauman was in charge for about one year.
He was followed by Mr. O. H. Paddock who took
charge in June, 1938. On November 1, 1942, the
present manager, B. R. Blazer, was transferred
here from Beardstown, Illinois.

Over the years only small changes were made in
additions or remodeling. In 1949 an extensive re-
modeling program was carried out. The front was
torn down and replaced with brick; a new modern
display room and office was constructed. This
work was completed in November. 1949.

Present employees are: Walter George, Frank
Fraley, Mrs. Mary Vignos, and James Slightom.

Niemann Electric Company

NIEMANN ELECTRIC COMPANY, owned and
operated by Edgar Niemann, is located at 217
North State Street.

Mr. Niemann was born near Farmersville, Illi-
nois, but at the age of 6 months his parents moved

to Litchfield. He was graduated from the Litch-
field Community High School with the class of 1935.
This business was established by Mr. Niemann in
April, 1939. He was first located at 108 W. Ryder
Street and in 1941 moved to 204 North State Street.

136

Because of the shortage of electric appliances dur-
ing World War II, Mr. Niemann found it advisable
to discontinue the business until appliances were
again available. The war ended and Mr. Niemann
purchased from Morris Silbergeld the building lo-
cated at 217 North State Street. He installed a
new and modern front and remodeled the interior
of the building. He then re-opened his appliance
business at that location and has been there since.

At the present time, in addition to Mr. Niemann,
the organization is comprised of Kenneth Sander-
son, Burrell Wernsing, Ralph Campbell, Chester G.
Huff, and Miss Barbara Baker.

At all times the newest and most modern elec-
tric appliances are displayed in this store. Prin-
cipal lines carried are General Electric and Kelvi-
nator appliances, Maytag washers and gas ranges,
Ironrite ironers, Magic Chef, Universal, Detroit
Jewel and Hardwick gas ranges, Zenith radios and
televisions, Eureka vacuum cleaners, Winkler,
Coleman, and Quaker oil burners.

The Bootery

MORRIS SILBERGELD, owner of the Bootery,
dealer in men's, women's and children's shoes
at 221 North State Street, was born in Wengrow,
Province of Siedlitz, Poland, the son of Hyman and
Freda Orenstein Silbergeld.

He attended school in his native land and came
to the United States in May, 1921, at which time he
joined his father in the shoe business at Auburn,
Illinois. He went into partnership with his father
in 1924 and remained in Auburn until 1930 when
he bought a shoe store at Gillespie which had been
opened six months previously by his father.

He was married on October 5, 1930, to Miss Sarah
Potashnick of St. Louis. They have two children,
Irving, 22, a liberal arts graduate of Washington
University in 1953, and Jean, 19, a junior at Wash-
ington University. The family resides at 201 North
Brentwood in Clayton, Missouri.

In 1931 Mr. Silbergeld opened the Sample Shoe
Store in Litchfield, at the location which is now
Niemann Electric at 217 North State. He opened
a store at Jerseyville in 1936 and in 1940 opened
the Bootery at its present location. The building
which housed the Sample Shoe Store was pur-
chased from Jack Lager in 1933 and sold to Mr.
Niemann in 1945. At that time the two stores were
combined and the Sample Store closed.

Mr. Silbergeld and his family resided in Litch-
field from 1936 to 1947, moving then to St. Louis.

Don Hamblin is manager of the local unit, as-
sisted by Mrs. Everett Jones. The store handles
an extensive line of shoes for all ages and price
ranges. Manufacturers include: The Brown Shoe
Company, International Shoe Company, Wohl Shoe
Company, Fashion-Bilt, and Crosby Square.

Mr. Silbergeld is a member of the Litchfield Ma-
sonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite and Shrine in St.
Louis, the Meadowbrook Country Club in St. Louis,

the National Shoe Retailers Association, and the
Litchfield Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to his interests here, he owns and
operates a 15-family apartment building at 7532
South Kingshighway, St. Louis.

In making observations as to the changes in the
styles and fashions of shoes over the past twenty-
two years since he came to Litchfield, Mr. Silber-
geld points out that the shoe of today is more com-
fortable, easier for growing children, and a more
economical buy than at any other time in the his-
tory of the business.

He is particularly proud of the fine brands such
as Air-Step, Teen Age, Buster Brown, Pedwin, Star
Brand, Rand, Fashion-Bilt, Connie, Natural Poise,
Paris Fashion, and the LaCross line of rubber foot-
wear, which the store features.

He also observes that throughout the history of
the store he has always made it a point to keep up
with trends in the industry, so that when better
shoes are available they will always be ready for
his customers here in Litchfield.

Beck's Cleaners

BECK'S Cleaners was established at 300 South
State Street as a dry cleaning business in
March, 1952. Owners of the business are Harold
R. Beck and his wife, Almyra F. Beck.

The cleaning business was purchased from Vic
Karlovic. The building was completely remodeled
and redecorated, and a 16 feet by 18 feet addition
put on to house a complete new cleaning plant at
the time of the opening, as Beck Cleaners. At the
present time the Becks are in the process of hav-
ing the outside of the building renovated and dec-
orated to make a more attractive establishment.

Ownership and management of this dry cleaning
business were preceded by six years' experience on
the part of Mrs. Beck at Ramey's and later, Herms-
meyer's Cleaners. For a time Mrs. Beck, assisted
by her daughter, managed the business herself.
As the plants' volume increased, Mr. Beck decided
to leave his employment at the Atomic Oil Co. and
join his wife in their cleaning establishment.

Previous to three years' occupation at Atomic Oil
Co., in Litchfield, Harold worked seven years at
Western Cartridge in East Alton. Previous to that
time he was a Brown Shoe Co. employee in the
Litchfield factory.

Both Harold and Almyra are of Litchfield origin
and have spent their lives here. Their daughter,
Mrs. Mary Hickerson, is their assistant in their
cleaning establishment. Other employees are Bill
Claxon and Eugene Koonce.

Litchfield, at one time, had three breweries. The
entrance to an old cave used by one southeast of
town near the northwest corner of the Country Club,
is still to be located. These businesses were unable
to compete with the large breweries of St. Louis and
Belleville.

137

K & L Farm Supply

K& L FARM SUPPLY, INC., was organized in
October, 1943, by Harry E. Kennedy and Els-
worth E. Lively, Jr., to handle a line of builders'
hardware, plumbing supplies, electrical supplies,
fixtures, and other items incident to home and
farm construction. At the same time a franchise
was signed with the Oliver Corporation and a sep-
arate part of the building was remodeled to handle
the sales and service of Oliver Farm Machinery.

In 1948 this firm was incorporated, naming
Harry E. Kennedy as president and Elsworth E.
Lively, Jr., as secretary and treasurer. A one-
story addition was constructed at this time, a com-
plete new front was built, and modern fixtures were
installed to accommodate additional lines of mer-
chandise. Since that time, K L Farm Supply has
been one of the leading outlets in the Litchfield
neighborhood for Louden barn equipment, Youngs-
town cabinets, DeLaval milking equipment, home
freezers, power and hand tools, a complete line of
water systems, and paint for the home and farm.

Elsworth E. Lively, Jr., was born April 24, 1906,
the son of Elsworth E. Lively, Sr., and Grace
Carmony Lively, who now reside on a farm near
Girard, Illinois. He is married to the former Ber-
nice Jennings, daughter of Roy and Lillie Craw-
ford Jennings of Palmyra, 111. They have one son,
Boyd E., a member of the staff of K L Farm Sup-
ply. Boyd is married to the former Phyllis Foster,
daughter of John and Mattie Cox Foster of Chat-
ham ; they have one son, John Elsworth.

The service station dealing in Texaco products is
operated by Willis Sturgeon and Thomas Telfer.
It is planned and conducted to give the best possi-
ble service to the traveling public.

The Annex Cafe

THE Annex Cafe, Motel, and Service Station is
located on Route 66 in South Litchfield and
may be entered from old 66 as well as from the
new highway. The Annex, formerly known as
Rut's Corner, was purchased from William Bahr
who had operated the business from 1947 to 1951.

It was remodeled and opened in May, 1951, by
Joseph Roseman and Estell R. Felts with Eugene
A. Kozuk as manager. In April, 1952, Eugene A.
Kozuk purchased the Felts interest and the Rose-
man-Kozuk partnership has continued since then.

At the Annex is an efficient staff composed of
Lillian Kreevich, Barbara Birkenkamp, Opal John-
son, Lois Cooper, Jane Purdy, Emma Booher, Ruth
Lowe, Helen Harmon, and Margaret Kaufman.

Remodeling done by the firm has been extensive.
A completely modern ten-unit motel moved from
the site of the present service station has been en-
tirely remodeled. The restaurant has been made
to accommodate 125 people. A new two-stall serv-
ice station was erected in May, 1951.

A major expansion has been a new ultra-modern
five-unit motel which was opened in June, 1953 for
operation. It is of the latest design with a large
lobby complete with television and lounge facilities.
Each unit is air conditioned and has a garage for
each car.

Blaeuer Office Equipment Co.

BLAEUER Office Equipment Company is oper-
ated and owned by Wm. H. (Bill) Blaeuer and
his wife, Velma, who reside at 704 North Walnut
Street with their two children, Bill, Jr., and Mary
Kathryn.

Although they have been in business here only
seven years, Bill and Velma are no strangers to
this community. Velma is the daughter of Henry
and Louise Niehaus and was born and reared on
a farm between Raymond and Nokomis. Her fa-
ther (Hank) was state cornhusking champion. Bill
was born in Carlinville, where he was graduated
from the public schools and Blackburn College.
After a number of years with a bank in that city,
he became associated with Sears Roebuck and
served as credit manager for five years in Duluth,
Minnesota. He was then transferred to Encyclo-
pedia Britannica where he served as office man-
ager in their Chicago headquarters for four years.
While serving in this capacity he became acquainted
with some of the personnel of Remington Rand,
through whom he later obtained the franchise for
the downstate territory that brought him and his
family to Litchfield.

On July 1, 1946, the Blaeuers opened their of-
fice at 108 East Kirkham Street. In June, 1950,
they moved to their present location, 419 North
State Street. This business has grown from a "one-
man" operation to five full-time workers. Present
personnel, in addition to the owners, includes Wil-
lard Adams, Edith Adams and Mike Polovich.

M. J. Buscher & Son

ONE of the oldest businesses in Montgomery
County being operated by the original own-
ers, was established in 1904 by M. J. Buscher, son
of John and Margaret Buscher, who at one time
lived in a house located on the present site of the
Community High School Gymnasium.

Mr. Buscher came here to finish his schooling.
He later went to St. Louis and was employed in
the foreign exchange department of the Mercantile
Trust Company, and upon returning to Litchfield
was employed at the Litchfield Bank & Trust Com-
pany as assistant cashier. In 1904 he purchased
an ice house on the old Litchfield Reservoir site
and cut and stored ice to be sold during the sum-
mer months. This ice house burned, and Mr.
Buscher built one of the first ice plants in this
community and added coal service to his business.

In 1924 Mr. Buscher was joined by his son, J.
Paul Buscher. Gradually flour and feed were
added to the business. In the meantime the ice

138

plant was sold, the Buschers retaining the rest of
the business. In 1940 building supplies were added.

Present personnel are M. J. Buscher, Roy D.
Price, Rita Dively, Jesse Hoyt, and J. Paul Buscher.
Office and warehouse are located at 304-06-08 West
St. John Street.

Next year, 1954, this firm will celebrate its 50th
year in business, making it the oldest or one of the
oldest businesses in this community still operating
under original management.

Jim Fudoli

Heating & Sheet Metal

Contractors

JAMES FUDOLI, better known as Jim, came to
Litchfield in May, 1942. Because he expected
to be called into service, Jim moved his wife, Velma
Bouillon Fudoli, daughter Rosemary, and son
Jimmy, to Litchfield from Peoria. While waiting
for his call, Jim started his heating and sheet metal
business on a very small scale. However, the war
ended before he was called and he gradually built
it up to the business it is today.

Jim was born in Schram City, attended grade
school there and was graduated from the Hills-
boro High School. Two years after his graduation
he went to work in Peoria and while there started
working for A. Anderson, who owned and operated
a sheet metal shop. While Jim served his sheet
metal apprenticeship he attended night school at
Bradley University, taking a sheet metal course.
Jim and his family spent seven years in Peoria be-
fore coming to Litchfield.

At the present time Jim employs two men, Dick
Weiss and Norman Hartman, who are now working
on the seventy-five-unit heating job on the Litch-
field Housing Project and the sheet metal work on
the fifty-unit Hillsboro Housing Project. Jim just
completed the sheet metal work on the new Litch-
field Gymnasium and the Madison Park School.

Jim's business consists mainly of heating homes
and buildings with coal, gas or oil furnaces, stok-
ers and blowers, and also flashing, ventilating and
guttering work, plus service work of all kinds.

William Jacob

WILLIAM JACOB, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Jacob, farmers in Cahokia Township of Ma-
coupin County, was born February 14, 1911, at
East Peoria. He moved with his parents to the
Litchfield neighborhood at the age of six. He at-
tended the Sunny Side School near his home and
was engaged in farming with his father until 1930.
In the fall of that year he established the trucking
business which he has been conducting without in-
terruption until the present time.

Mr. Jacob's principal business has been coal haul-
ing. He has served a large number of residents of

Litchfield from mines throughout this area, and is
now one of the many trucking customers of the
new mine at Farmersville. In addition to coal he
deals in gravel, sand, and earth hauling.

In 1948 William erected a new building at 1204
North Van Buren which houses the business. His
home is at the same address.

William was married to Miss Thelma Anderson,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Anderson of Gil-
lespie, on December 15, 1936. They have one son,
William, who is a junior in the Litchfield Commu-
nity High School and a carrier boy for the Litch-
field News-Herald.

A nephew, Vernon Jacob, is employed as a driver
for the firm. A brother, Henry Jacob, Jr., father
of Vernon, farms near his father's home.

William recalls that his first rolling stock was a
model "T" Ford truck. He now has 3 GMC's, two
of which are in constant operation.

Shero Plumbing
& Heating Contractors

SHERO Plumbing & Heating Contractors, owned
and operated by Carter Shero, is located at 111
West Union Avenue.

Mr. Shero was born in St. Louis, Missouri, Jan-
uary 9, 1906. With the exception of a few months
spent in Centralia, Illinois, he lived in St. Louis his
entire life, prior to coming to Litchfield. In 1926,
he graduated from the David Rankin School of
Mechanical Trades as a Sanitary Engineer. He
served his apprenticeship with Joseph T. Tumulty
Plumbing & Heating Company of St. Louis. Dur-
ing the year 1935, he became construction super-
intendent and estimator for the Fowler Plumbing
and Heating Company. He continued in their em-
ploy until May, 1950, when he established this busi-
ness in Litchfield.

Upon coming to this city, Mr. Shero purchased
the building which houses his business at the pres-
ent time. He remodeled it, enlarged the office and
display room, and installed a complete new heating
system. At all times, the latest design in plumb-
ing and heating equipment may be seen and in-
spected in his showroom. Principal lines carried
are American Radiator & Standard Sanitary
Equipment, Kohler & Crane, and Youngstown
Kitchen Equipment and Kitchen Planning Service.
They also have the franchise for Iron Fireman
Heating Equipment. One of their popular services
is the "roto-rooter" for opening sewers.

Assisting Mr. Shero are M. E. Odem, superintend-
ent, John Ingle and Bob Albertine as plumbers, and
Miss Marvella Moore as bookkeeper.

"A new departure has been taken in sidewalks and
crossings. Wood is to give way to stone in the busi-
ness part of State Street and to stone and brick else-
where Another Fourth of July will probably see no
planking on State Street." (This refers to Litchfield.
From Wellington, Kansas, Monitor, of July 19, 1889).

139

"■■ateS** 1

Sweeney Gas and Oil Company— White House
Service Station

JUST before the turn of the century, in the 1890's,
two local merchants, C. F. Bartling and L. A.
Hussey, were dissatisfied with the quality of the
"coal oil" they had to offer their customers. There
was only one local source of supply so they decided
to do something about it.

They were able to find a good quality kerosene
in Indiana. This was shipped in wooden barrels
and stored in the building which is now Harvey's
Poultry House. That was the start of the Inde-
pendent Oil Company. They soon began "ped-
dling" their product in competition with the other
company, which brought on a few "price wars."

Bartling and Hussey operated the company for
several years and later sold to the Torch Oil Com-
pany. By this time the company had expanded
with bulk plants in Litchfield and Hillsboro.

In March, 1931, the plants at Litchfield and Hills-
boro were sold to the Sweney Gasoline and Oil
Company of Peoria. The Sweney company was
also one of the older independent companies, be-
ing established in 1909. It was started under con-
ditions similar to the Independent Oil Company
with the desire to have a better product to offer
their customers. That has been their policy all
through the years. In 1948 the Hillsboro and
Litchfield plants were combined at Litchfield. Two
of the older agents who started with Bartling and
Hussey, with horse-drawn tank wagons, are Wil-
liam Elledge and Fred Britton of Litchfield.
Agents of later years are Walter Sewing, Joe
Walker, Fred Brandt, and Carl Brandt.

The present agent, Maurice Joyce of Hillsboro,
has been with the company since 1930, starting un-

140

der the old Independent Oil Company. He has been
the Litchfield agent since 1948.

In 1929 W. A. Elledge bought the old Updike
property on Union Avenue which was a large brick
house and at one time was used as one of Litch-
field's early schools. He tore this building down
and built the White House Service Station which
sold Torch products until it too was sold to Sweney
in 1931.

The first manager of the White House was Fred
(Casey) Jones. Later operators were J. E. Coffee
and Fred Brandt. The present manager, William
(Bud) Green, took over in 1950 from Fred Brandt.
Bud, too, is a veteran in the oil business as he
worked several years for J. E. Coffee.

Down through the years the Independent Oil
Company, The Sweney Oil Company, and the
White House Service Station have always brought
their customers the finest of petroleum products
and service.

W. A. Elledge, driver, and Fred Britton

Howard Schweppe & Son

IN 1923 Howard D. Schweppe was an electrician
apprentice in the Burlington Shops at Hanni-
bal, Missouri, and later a signal maintenance man
on the C. B. & Q. Railroad.

In 1946 Howard was employed by the Litchfield
Fire Department. He began doing small electrical
repairs for friends and neighbors at his home, then
at 234 South Illinois Avenue. A motor bike was
his first means of transportation in this work.

Soon the jobs were so numerous that Howard de-
cided to make it a full-time business. The job at
the Fire Department was given up. In addition to
hard work, a great deal of time was devoted to
study. In 1948 he moved his family to their pres-
ent location, 612 East Edwards Street. The busi-
ness grew and a shop was opened in the basement.

Howard's son, Ross, became interested and
started learning the business while still a student
in high school. He worked after school and during
vacations, and in 1950 the name of the business was
changed to Howard Schweppe and Son. This part-
nership was interrupted when Ross was called into
service in November, 1951, as a member of the 44th
Division of the National Guard. His discharge in
April, 1953, allowed him to again join the business.

Howard Schweppe & Son are now using a 1953
station wagon as a means of transportation for
their rapidly growing business, with the slogan
"Let Us Do Your LIGHT Work."

Skinny's Cafe

SKINNY'S CAFE was established in Litchfield in
1935 by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Large. The first
location was on old route 66 in the building known
as the "Dash Inn," which recently burned.

In 1939 they erected a new frame building north
of route 16 on old U. S. 66. The same year the
restaurant was moved into this new building.
Gasoline pumps were installed and a filling station
was operated along with the restaurant. It was a
regular truck stop for drivers of many large truck
lines.

A tavern was built on the north side of the
restaurant in 1947. The new addition and the
original frame building were then covered with
attractive blue and white glazed tile.

In 1949 the business was again expanded and
another building was erected west of the restau-
rant. This building contained a large show room
enclosed with plate glass and space for an automo-
tive service department.

The gas pumps were moved to this building and
a Nash Sales and Service Agency was operated
here until 1953. After the removal of the Nash
Agency it was operated as a general sales and auc-
tion room. This business grew rapidly and the
place is now well known as the "Bargain Barn."
The shelves and counters are well stocked with a
wide selection of new merchandise. Mr. Harold
Covili is associated with "Skinny" in the operation
of the Bargain Barn.

Sharp's Market

ALTHOUGH the present owners,
k Mr. and Mrs. Ray Sharp, are com-
parative newcomers, this is not a
newly established business. Looking
into Litchfield's history, we find Ja-
cob Ross erected this building and
opened a grocery store here in 1875.
He later sold it to a Mr. Kilpatrick,
who in turn sold to Jacob Mumme.
In 1895 B. R. Neel, who is still a
resident of this community, bought
and operated the business for seven
years. During that time he started
a delivery service, using a horse and
wagon. It was Mr. Neel who had a
hitching rack installed on the east
side of the building. The old rack
still stands today and as the years
have passed it has been kept bright
and shining by the passing children who still en-
joy that hilarious sport of "skin the cat."

In 1902 Sam Blades purchased and remodeled the
building, and installed the present front. During
the past 50 years this store has had numerous own-
ers, among whom were J. A. McClain, John Mercer,
Charles Mercer, William Devinney, and Walter
Anderson. Perhaps Charles Mercer operated the
business longer than any of his predecessors, from

1919 to 1939. It was in 1931, during Mr. Mercer's
ownership, that this firm became a charter mem-
ber of the Red and White Organization.

In 1949 Mr. and Mrs. Sharp, with their three
children, Kenneth, Carolyne, and Roger Bruce,
moved here from Hammond, Indiana. Upon com-
ing to Litchfield, they purchased this business from
Walter Anderson and have since continued its
operation. Assisting them is Mr. Harry Wagner.

141

Satterlee Brothers

THE automobile dealership known as Satterlee
Brothers was established on January 1, 1938, when
Harry M. Satterlee, who had been associated with the
Archer-Mann Motor Company of St. Louis, returned to
Litchfield and entered into a partnership with his
brother C. Dal Satterlee. Dealing in Nash and Graham
automobiles they located in a garage building on West
Union Avenue near State Street, where they operated
for three years.

First location on West Union Avenue

On January 1, 1941, the firm, requiring larger quar-
ters, moved into a garage building on North State
Street which was completely remodeled and modern-
ized to provide adequate service for a growing clien-
tele.

In 1942 after World War II was declared and the
government had frozen all new cars, Dal left the or-
ganization to return to the Tom Fuller Agency with
whom he had been employed prior to entering the
automobile business. This agency later formed a
new company in Arkansas and Dal has since that time
been the Secretary and General Manager of the Fi-
delity Reserve Insurance Company with offices in
Little Rock.

Harry Satterlee, with a reduced staff, stayed in the
business still under the same trade name, Satterlee
Brothers, to help with the problem of keeping Amer-
ica's vital transportation facilities in repair through-
out the war. Early in 1946, after new cars were again
available, he started negotiations with architects and
contractors for a new building, at which time land was
purchased at the southwest corner of Routes 66 and 16.
Plans were completed, government permits to build
were granted, materials were allocated, and construc-
tion was started in September, 1946. Government con-
trol of steel and other vital materials, and a general
shortage of labor and material, caused delay after de-

lay but Satterlee Brothers was able to make another
move on January 1, this time the year was 1948.

This new garage building was the first of its kind
in Central Illinois, with a circular showroom and a
circular service area utilizing a completely depart-
mentalized layout to offer every needed service to the
car owner. Glass was used liberally in the showroom
area and the service department to provide an abun-
dance of light and ventilation. The radiant heating
system was the first of its kind to be used in this
vicinity and possibly one of the first of its size in the
country. Hot water, pumped through over 9,000 feet
of copper pipe installed in the concrete floor, provides
a constant and uniform heat through the building.
The water is heated by a gas-fired boiler with com-
pletely automatic and safety controls.

In July, 1948, Harry Satterlee cancelled his contract
with Nash Motors and signed a franchise for Mont-
gomery and Macoupin counties with the Lincoln-Mer-
cury Division of Ford Motor Company. On July 31,
1948, Satterlee Brothers announced the change in deal-
ership and formally opened the new building for public
inspection.

Satterlee Brothers has provided employment for 12
to 15 people since 1946. Steve Fiscor, now General
Manager, has been with Harry for over thirteen years.
His wife is the former Frances Elvidge and they have
three children, James, 14; Helen Jane, 10; and Paula,
2 months. W. L. Watkins, salesman for over 6 years,
suddenly passed away in April of this year. Richard
Luenemann, employed for over 5 years, is Service
Manager. Mary Ellen Heise, employed over 4 years, is
Bookkeeper and Office Manager. Dolores Kruse is clerk
and stenographer. Harry Ruecking is Sales Manager.
Louis Fouts, Wm. Lee Douglas, and Richard Brachear
are Lincoln-Mercury Registered Mechanics. Joe Sikor-
ski, mechanic, and Melvin Parsons, parts department,
are both with the U. S. Army in Germany at the pres-
ent time. Earl Johnson is in the lubrication depart-
ment, and David Flack handles car washing and polish-
ing.

Harry Satterlee is married to the former Helen
Watkins, daughter of the late W. L. and Alice Watkins,
and has five children: Gwen Jean, a graduate of the
University of Illinois; Mary Ann, a graduate of Mac-
Murray College, both employed in Chicago; Donna Lou
Henry, age 10; Cynthia Marie, age 3; and Lawrence
Albert, age 3 months, at home at 119 West Second
Street.

<«fes*»

142

Builders' Supply and Rental Co.

HARRY E. KENNEDY, owner of Builders' Sup-
ply and Rental Company, St. John and Jack-
son Streets, was born in Litchfield, November 17,
1889, when his parents lived in a home where the
home of the late Dr. Lee G. Allen now stands.

His father, David G. Kennedy, was a native of
Bellamania, Ireland, and came to this country in
about 1860. As a young man he engaged in farm-
ing and came to Litchfield to work for the New
York Store, where the Austin and Shrader busi-
ness is now located. He worked for Austin and
Shrader Brothers for a time and was also a clerk
in the stores of L. W. Cline and Leopold Levy at
the site of the present Woolworth Store.

His mother was Martha Jane Green. They were
married April 28, 1886. In addition to Harry there
were two children, Frank Kennedy of Independ-
ence, Oregon, and Mrs. H. H. Chambers of Mus-
kegon, Michigan. Mr. Kennedy had two half sis-
ters, Mrs. Bertha McDonald who died in 1952, Miss
May Kennedy who died in 1934, and a third half-
sister, Mrs. Effie Jenkins who lives at Portland, Ore.

Harry was married to Miss Bessie Kelly on Sep-
tember 11, 1909.

He attended schools in Litchfield, and after sev-

eral years in the machinist trade with the old
Nicholson and Beindorf machine shop, a short
time at Western Cartridge Co. during World War I,
and an apprenticeship in the brick laying trade,
he became a brick mason contractor in 1922. He
specialized in school buildings and churches
throughout central Illinois, and in 1935 started the
Kennedy General Contracting business. Local
projects have included the Litchfield Creamery,
The House of Sunshine, the Zion Lutheran Church,
the Charles Hauser home, the new Satterlee Broth-
ers Garage, and many others.

In 1943, with E. E. Lively, Jr., he organized the
K-L Farm Supply Company, and in 1948, the Anti-
mite Company, termite extermination contractors.

It was in 1946 that he purchased the grounds
and buildings of the old Litchfield Foundry and
Machine Company and began the operations which
have resulted in one of the leading building sup-
ply companies in the city.

The property includes a building for the Illinois
State Employment Service, the Kennedy Storage
and Warehouses organized in June, 1951, a num-
ber of apartments, and an extensive building and
home consultation service.

H. G. Miller Radio and Music Store

IN October, 1939, Herman G. Miller came from
Chicago, Illinois, where he had worked in various
radio factories for ten years, and located in Litch-
field in a store shared with Keith Lipe on East
Ryder Street. In 1940 he bought Mr. Turley's
Music Store and combined his radio and repair
business with the music line at the store on 113
West Union Avenue.

Due to the war he closed his store in April, 1942,
and worked in Chicago for A. B. Dick Company.
He returned to Litchfield in November, 1944, and
a month later located and reopened his Radio and
Music Store at its present location, 115 West Ryder
Street.

In the month of April, 1947, Mr. Miller was in-
strumental in opening up the field of television in
the Litchfield community by adding television sets

to his stock and expanding his service with a tele-
vision repair department.

In August, 1952, the store front was completely
remodeled by the Moose lodge, owners of the build-
ing, and Mr. Miller put in new store fixtures, floor-
ing, and enlarged his radio, television, and repair
departments.

Mrs. Miller is bookkeeper for the firm. Other
members of the business are George W. Lefler,
television technician, Glenn A. Brachear, and Sam-
my L. Hamilton. Their line of merchandise is
made up of RCA Victor radios and televisions,
Spartan televisions, musical instruments, Domestic
sewing machines, and Hotpoint electric appliances.

Herman G. Miller married Marie Napier in Oc-
tober, 1941 ; they have two children, Jeannette and
Herman, Junior.

143

Litchfield
Grocer Company

Wholesale Grocers

CASH & CARRY WHOLESALE
BRANCHES

Hillsboro
Greenville
Shelbyville

Harry C. Gorin

THE Company was incorporated in 1905. Origi-
nal stockholders were: H. A. Snell, W. M.
Jageman, A. C. Stevens, W. T. Thorpe, and H. H.
Montgomery. The majority of stock has always
been owned by Litchfield people.

Harry C. Gorin, President, came with the com-
pany in 1911; and B. C. Arnold, Secretary-Treas-
urer, in 1916.

Arnold

Twenty-seven people are employed by the com-
pany. The present building was erected in 1910.
The company serves some 45 Red & White Stores
and several hundred independent retail grocers,
located in communities within an average radius of
45 miles from Litchfield.

Merchandise is delivered to the customers by the
firm's own tractor-trailer outfits.

Guy Farquhar's Men's Store

ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1947, Guy L. Farquhar
opened the Guy Farquhar Men's Store at 222
North State Street selling men's wear exclusively.
The building which had been previously occupied
by the Armstrong Jewelry Store was then com-
pletely remodeled to accommodate the Men's Store.

Mr. Farquhar was born in Litchfield, the son of
Lewis W. and Lena James Farquhar. He attended
the Litchfield schools. As a young man he worked
for C. B. Munday and Company and the First Na-
tional Bank.

In 1917 he entered the service of his country
and spent the next two years, first in the artillery
and later transferring to the Army Air Force, as
a pilot.

After Mr. Farquhar was discharged from the Air
Force he worked in Blackwelder's Clothing Store
for a number of years before opening his present
establishment.

Mr. Farquhar is married to Helen Shrader Far-
quhar, a daughter of Arthur Shrader and the late
Mrs. Myrtle Conner Shrader, of Litchfield.

Mr. Bernard Kellenberger assists Mr. Farquhar
in the operation of the store, in which a complete
line of men's and boys' furnishings is stocked, in-
cluding some of the best known clothing brands.

Ralph's
Marathon Service Station

RALPH'S Marathon Filling Station Service is
located at 616 North State Street. The busi-
ness is owned and operated by Ralph J. Prange.

At this same location, the Weatherford Pontiac
Garage was in operation from 1937 to 1940. Then,
the Greyhound Bus Lines operated a terminal on
this location from 1940 to 1946. In 1946 the Atomic
Oil Company bought and occupied the building
from the year 1946 to 1952.

Ralph Prange, present owner of Marathon Serv-
ice, was a member of the Atomic Oil Corporation.
In 1952 Mr. Prange leased the present building
and business from the Ohio Oil Company and initi-
ated the services of Marathon Petroleum Products
to Litchfield and surrounding area.

Ralph J. Prange was born in Michigan City, In-
diana, but at an early age moved with his parents
to Oak Lawn, Illinois. Here he spent his early
youth. Mr. Prange came to Litchfield in 1938 as
an employee of the Buske Lines, Inc.

Ralph's Marathon Service offers to the public
Marathon Petroleum Products as well as a guaran-
teed tire recapping service.

Plans are being made in 1953 for extensive re-
modeling of the building which houses the present
business.

144

Wabash Railroad

THE history of the Wabash Railroad Company
dates back to the time when the state of Illinois
was still virgin prairie. Few towns or settlements
had been made and the towns which had sprung up
were, for the most part, along the banks of the
Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

Pioneers who settled away from the rivers soon
realized the need for better transportation facilities
to move crops, furs, and goods to markets along
the river.

When the Illinois legislature met at Springfield in
the early 1830's the legislators divided into two
partisan groups. One group favored an extensive
canal system of transportation for Illinois, since
there was a network of rivers available; the other
group favored a railroad. The latter group was
met with public ridicule and jeers from the "canal-
ers." Financiers could see no gain in investing
money in a railroad that would span an unpopu-
lated forest.

However, under Governor Duncan's term in office
in 1834, the approval of a steam engine railroad to
be built with state funds was obtained. Scarce
materials, such as iron for rails, had to be brought
by boat up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to a
tiny settlement called Meredosia, which was later
designated as the starting point for the new road.

On Nov. 8, 1838, the first railroad locomotive
ever operated in Illinois, or in the entire Mississippi
Valley, was placed on a track at Meredosia, Illinois,
on the east bank of the Illinois River. River travel
was easier than land travel so it was not absurd
to find the beginning of the first railroad making
its origin at this river point. A locomotive called
the "Rogers" which had been made in Newark,
New Jersey, by the firm of Rogers, Grosvenor, and
Ketchum, was shipped knocked-down to Meredosia
by a long, arduous river trip. The railroad track
was laid from Meredosia east and south to Morgan
City, a distance of 12 miles. This small railroad
was known as the Northern Cross Railroad, since
it paralleled the well-worn trail known as the
Northern Crossing of Illinois. This early railroad,
the Northern Cross, formed the nucleus of the
Wabash Railroad system.

In 1841 a line between Jacksonville and Spring-
field was completed, and by February, 1842, serv-
ice between Meredosia and Springfield, Illinois, was
made available. Since the first locomotives soon
wore out from travel on the rough rails, for a time
animal power had to be used to maintain service
on this line. By 1847 new locomotives were pur-
chased. At this time the railway was known as
the Sangamon and Morgan Railroad.

Rails were extended and connected to this origi-
nal track, and by 1865 a corporation formed under
the name of the Toledo, Wabash, and Western
Railway Company.

The Decatur and East St. Louis Railroad Com-
pany was incorporated February 26, 1867. On
June 9, 1869, work was begun at Decatur, Illinois,
on the Decatur, East St. Louis track and rightaway.
This line approached Litchfield in the northeast
by southwest axis, and by August 1, 1870, a double
track was completed, 109.14 miles in length. Litch-
field was made a division point and many trains
terminated here. On August 10, 1870, this track
and rightaway was absorbed by the Toledo, Wa-
bash and Western Railway.

This line pushed northward from Decatur, and
this northern section was known as the Decatur
and State Line Railroad. This formed one of the
first direct routes between Chicago and St. Louis.

During the business depression of 1877, the To-
ledo, Wabash, and Western Railroad which included
some 678 miles of operating track was reorganized,
and the new name of the railroad became the Wa-
bash Railway Company.

The Wabash tapped the great coal area of south-
ern Illinois, and the railroad became a large coal
carrier. In Litchfield, a round house was con-
structed by the Wabash Company on the south
side of the Litchfield mine. All local trains and
mine crews operated in and out of Litchfield.

When the coal mine was abandoned and the
Karnes yard was built, Litchfield ceased to be of
much importance as a railroad yard. The round
house was torn down and the local runs moved
their terminal to Karnes.

Due to the four railroads in Litchfield, a good
freight and passenger business was derived, with
a volume almost incredible for a town of this size.

During the World's Fair in St. Louis in 1904 the
Wabash did a tremendous passenger business. Sta-
tions were built all along the line to accommodate
the crowds of travelers who came from rural areas.
The Wabash Railway has always been noted for
its freight and passenger service.

The present subsidiaries of the Wabash Railroad
are: the Ann Arbor Railroad Company; the New
Jersey, Indiana, and Illinois Railroad Company;
the Manistique & Lake Superior Railroad Com-
pany; and the Lake Erie & Fort Wayne Railroad.
Executive officers are A. K. Atkinson, president,
who has been with the company since 1922 ; G. H.
Sido, vice-president, in charge of operations, who
has been with the company since 1905; and L. E.
Clarahan, vice-president in charge of traffic, who
has been with the company since 1912.

Local Wabash personnel include the following:

George Gregory, agent
David Napier, first trick operator
Fred Humphrey, second trick operator
Victor McCracken, swing man

145

New Saratoga Club

THE New Saratoga Club, often referred to as
the most beautiful restaurant between St. Louis
and Chicago, was built by Lowell "Hydie" Orr in
1946 following the dismantling of the Old Sara-
toga Cafe which was built in 1937 by Charles and
Harold Morgan. They called the restaurant the
Sunset Inn and sold it to Lowell Orr in 1939.

When the Saratoga Club was rebuilt in 1946,
which required nine months to complete, the front
of the exterior was done in vitrolite. All the fix-
tures in the interior are of chrome and leather.
The walls are of tufted dark green and pleated
buff leather. Interior illumination is accomplished
by lighting individual side panels, with the focal
points being nine large oil murals which depict
hunting scenes. The paintings were done by Sandy
Schultz, former art student, Washington University,
St. Louis. The kitchen, heating, and air condition-
ing equipment is of the most modern design and
the dining room was enlarged to seat 175 people
comfortably. A smaller dining room, paneled in
Philippine mahogany, is for private dinner parties.

"Hydie" as he is known to his friends through-
out Illinois, was born in Litchfield, the son of Jess
and Carrie Butler Orr. His father was a barber
in Litchfield for 48 years, before his retirement in
1951. "Hydie" has one sister, Mrs. Grace Camp-
bell, Pekin, Illinois.

He graduated from the Litchfield Community
High School in 1925 and was a member of the
basketball, baseball, and football teams. As a coin-
cidence, "Hydie" was a member of the basketball

team which played the first game on the court in
the old high school auditorium. This floor is no
longer used for games. His son, Richard, was a
member of the squad which played the first game
of basketball in the recently completed field house.

"Hydie" passed papers for the old Litchfield
Union as a boy, shined shoes in his father's shop,
and during vacations worked at the Brown Shoe
Company. Following graduation, he worked at
the American Radiator Company from 1925 to
1927 and at the Union Avenue and State Street
Shell Service Station during part of 1927 and 1928.
He opened a billiard hall in 1928 in the building
now occupied by the Strehle (Roberts) Insurance
Agency. This business was relocated in 1929 to
the building on West Ryder Street which now
houses the Midway Tavern.

In addition to the New Saratoga Club, he also
operates a company known as Hi-Lo Sales, which
specializes in novelties. This firm is found at 109
West Union Avenue. The New Saratoga Club has,
in recent years, sponsored many nationally known
entertainers and dance bands. The Johnny Engro
Orchestra played a sixteen-month engagement,
which ended in 1947.

Lowell Orr was married to Ann Whitley, daugh-
ter of the late Daniel and Martha Wright Whitley,
on June 2, 1932. They now reside at 903 North
Monroe Street. They have two children, Phyllis
Suzanne, student at Washington University, St.
Louis, and Richard Lee, a senior in the Litchfield
High School. Richard also helps his father at the
New Saratoga Club.

146

Billiter's
Standard Service Station

ROSS BILLITER, born and reared in Mont-
gomery County, graduated from Litchfield
Community High School in the year 1930. From
1932 to 1938 he was employed by Montgomery
County Motor Company, this city. During the
year 1938 he leased the Standard Service Station,
located at the Northeast Corner of State Street
and Union Avenue, and continued the operation
thereof until January, 1944. From that time un-
til December, 1945, he served in the U. S. Navy,
during which period the station was leased to
Alvin Mueller. Upon Mr. Billiter's discharge from
the Navy, he again took over his former business
and has since continued its operation.

At the present, Mr. Billiter is assisted by his son,
Dennis Billiter; Kennon Daugherty, Paul Kinder,
James McConathy, and Wilbur Daugherty.

During the year 1924, Standard Oil Company
purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sinclair, the
ground on which this service station is located.
By August of the following year, the station was
completed and ready for operation. At that time
it was considered one of the most modern and up-
to-date stations in this area. However, over a pe-
riod of 26 years architecture changed, the station
had become obsolete, and Standard Oil Company
realized the need of a new building. During 1950
a large Super Service Station was built on the
site replacing the small structure built a quarter
of a century before.

Their home is in Litchfield and they have one
daughter, Margaret, who married Bernard May.
They also have one grandson, Thomas Allen May,
born July 10, 1952.

Ranch Inn

ALTHOUGH the Ranch Inn is a comparatively
. new business venture in the Litchfield com-
munity, its owner, Tom Cokinos, brought years of
experience to it.

Tom Cokinos came to Litchfield from Chicago
in 1921 to go into business with his uncle, the late
John Cokinos, in the Smoke House, located where
Workinger's Jewelry Store now stands. In 1934
Mr. Cokinos, with Pete Adam, built the Ariston, but
sold his interest to Mr. Adam in 1936. The Blue
Danube was his next undertaking, located on old
Route 66, and he continued at that location until
the business was sold in 1945.

When the New Saratoga Club opened in 1946,
Mr. Cokinos was a partner with Lowell Orr, but
the partnership was dissolved in November, 1948-

It was in May of 1949 that ground was broken
for the present Ranch Inn on Route 16 three miles
west of Litchfield, with Tom Cokinos and George
Dasher as partners. July 4 of that year was open-
ing day and the business continued until the spring
of 1951, when a wing was added to the building to
provide a room for private parties. In April, 1952,
Mr. Cokinos bought the entire interest and he and
his wife, the former Frieda Hensley, now operate
it together.

Dixie Market

AT a very early age, Elbert Moore became in-
L terested in the work of a baker and was par-
ticularly fascinated by the results of the finished
product. At the age of twelve he began work in
the Bartling and Hussey Bakery, under the direc-
tion of William Schroeder and William Papke. As
Mr. Moore relates his early training, he recalls that
conditions were rather different from present-day
methods. He learned to use the old wood-fired
hearth oven and most doughs were hand mixed.
Times progressed and the old type ovens were re-
placed by coke fired. Today practically all are
either gas or electrically operated, and doughs are
never touched with the hands, but are all machine
mixed.

After completing his training, Mr. Moore went
to work as a baker at the Home Bakery, then
owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Bert Myers.
A few years later he joined the force of the Sani-
tary Bakery, later renamed the B. & B.

In 1947 Mr. and Mrs. Moore opened a neighbor-
hood grocery at 1001 South Jackson Street, under
the name of The Dixie Market. Mrs. Moore man-
aged the store and Mr. Moore continued his em-
ployment at the B. & B. Bakery until 1950, when he
decided to devote his entire time to The Dixie
Market. At that time he enlarged the building to
provide space for ovens and machinery. Since
then, Mr. and Mrs. Moore have operated a bakery
in conjunction with their neighborhood grocery.

Denton Cafe

WHILE the present owners, Mr. and Mrs. Har-
old Denton, are comparative newcomers,
they are not new in the restaurant business. At a
very early age, Mr. Denton become interested in
this line of work. During the time he was attend-
ing high school he had part-time work in restau-
rants, and six weeks after graduating from Hills-
boro Community High School— about thirty years
ago — he purchased a restaurant business in Hills-
boro, which he continued to operate for several
years. He then moved to St. Louis, spending about
twenty-four years there. During that period he
devoted a large portion of his time to office work.
In 1948, he returned to Hillsboro and was employed
by the R. P. Keele Clothing Company. In 1951 Mr.
and Mrs. Denton purchased this business. A son,
Jim, is also associated with the firm.

This location at 115 East Union Avenue has had
various occupancies during Litchfield's history.
However, it is a restaurant location. Among the
Denton's most recent predecessors are Charles
Wagner and Opal Felts (now Mrs. C. C. Simpson).

147

Air view of Owen Mfg., Inc.

IN 1937 the D. E. Owen Company moved to Litch-
field and was located on the square next to the
Elks Club. In 1940 Mr. Owen purchased the Street
Gate Company which had been operating in Litch-
field for some thirty years. The name of the com-
pany was changed to Litchfield Precision Products
Company and in 1940 Mr. Owen and his associates
moved to the old Windway Building, located at 311
West Edwards Street, remodeling and adding an
additional 11,000 square feet of floor space. Dur-
ing the war the facilities were greatly expanded
and the company specialized in the manufacture
of small precision parts, having made some 39 mil-
lion parts for the 30-M1 Carbine, millions of bomb
fuse parts as well as precision parts used in the
time mechanism of the atomic bomb. The Gill-
Owen Company was formed in 1945 as a sales or-
ganization selling carburetor and magneto parts.
In 1948 the Gill-Owen Company purchased the ma-
jority of the assets of the Litchfield Precision Prod-
ucts Company. In 1946 Mr. Owen and associates
purchased half interest in the Rego Metal Special-
ties Company and moved this company from Chi-
cago, Illinois, to Litchfield. This company oper-
ated in the N Y A Buildings until it was dissolved

and the assets bought by Mr. Owen and associates.

One of Mr. Owen's patents was a Tractor Tire
Pump of which approximately 100,000 were made.
Several thousand were made by the Litchfield
Pump Company located at the N Y A Buildings.
Another item was an out-door Stove which was
manufactured for the Out-O'-Door Stove Company
of Litchfield, and later several thousand were made
and sold directly by the Owen Mfg., Inc.

In August, 1949, Mr. Owen sold his holdings in
the Gill-Owen Company and purchased all of the
precision equipment, trademarks, etc., of the Litch-
field Precision Products Company and moved them
to the N Y A Buildings. At this time the Owen
Mfg., Inc. was formed by Mr. D. E. Owen, Mrs.
Joan Owen and Mr. J. W. Owen, Sr.

The outgrowth of the original purchase of the
Street Gate Company which had one employee has
put approximately $2,000,000 worth of payroll into
the City of Litchfield and at the present time is
employing approximately 100 people with a payroll
of $4,000 per week. This company in the past has
produced millions of ball point pens and a good
majority of all electronic phonograph needles
used by RCA, Magnavox, Fidelitone, Jensen, Web-

Owen Mfg., Inc., precision parts held to .005 inch tolerance

Owen Mfg., Inc.

148

ster-Chicago and many others. Since 1949 the
Owen Mfg., Inc. has added approximately $100,000
worth of new equipment, some domestic and others
imported from Switzerland. At the present time
it is engaged in the manufacture of small pre-
cision parts for civilian and defense use as well as
a farm sprayer for weed and pest control.

In March, 1953, in order to take care of addi-
tional production needed for the Armed Services,
Mr. W. H. Owen, Mr. F. B. Miller, Mr. D. E. Owen,
Mrs. Joan Owen and Mr. J. W. Owen, Sr., formed
Omeco, Inc., leasing the Ware Building at Butler,
Illinois. All new equipment is being installed and
about thirty people will be working each shift.

Street Gate Company — 1940

Windway Building, 311 West Edwards Street, when
taken over in 1941

Windway Building after remodeling

10 Swiss automatics out of a total of 30 in the plant

New Swiss automatic from Moutier, Switzerland

One type of over twenty special machines designed
by and manufactured by Owen Mfg., Inc.

Owen Mfg., Inc.

149

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«* "~ J- < *%fc.^ l S«k.

4»1 % ''

Varner Brothers Motel

WHEN the Varner Brothers Motel was started
on Route 66, three miles north of Litchfield
in 1950, it was an entirely new business venture.

The two brothers, Shirley and Ellis Varner, had
lived most of their lives in the Litchfield commu-
nity, but they were first machinists by trade and
then farmers.

Recognizing the need for motel accommodations
on one of the busiest highways in the country, they
purchased farm land adjacent to Route 66 and
erected one of the most modern motels to be found

between Springfield and St. Louis. Most of the
construction was done by the two brothers them-
selves, and the result is eighteen modern brick
units, beautifully furnished throughout, and
equipped with radiant electric heat. Soon after its
erection it received AAA approval.

The two Varner brothers also realized the need
for a cafe and a filling station in connection with
their motel. These were built on adjacent land
and the cafe was leased to C. C. Simpson and the
Standard Service Station leased to Victor Karlovic.

Ritchie's Service Station

RITCHIE'S Service Station is one of the newer
businesses of Litchfield. The station was origi-
nally erected by the Sinclair Oil Company at the
corner of Monroe and Kirkham Streets opposite
the post office on a site which had not been used for
many years. It was leased to Glenn D. Holladay
in 1951 and continued under his management for
four months when it was taken over by Lawrence
Ritchie, who continues as manager.

Mr. Ritchie has always been a resident of Litch-
field. After his graduation from the local high
school he was employed by Western Electric in
St. Louis until his induction into the army. He
served with the armed forces for forty months, of
which twenty-four months were spent in the Euro-
pean Theater.

After his return from the Army Mr. Ritchie and
his wife, the former Marjorie Boedecker, established
their home in Litchfield, and he was again affiliated
with Busby Cleaners until 1951 when he began his
present business with the Sinclair Oil Company.

Working with Mr. Ritchie are John Hammond
and Reuben Flack, and together they have suc-
ceeded in making one of Litchfield's newest service
stations also one of Litchfield's finest.

Max Jones

MAX H. JONES, General Contractor, with his
office at 510 East Ryder Street, has spent the
last twenty-four years in the contracting business.
Max was born in Litchfield, the son of Mr. and Mrs.
J. H. Jones. He attended the Litchfield grade and
high schools. As a young man he went into busi-
ness with his father, Jess Jones, who was also in
general contracting business and worked with him
until 1941 when he entered business for himself.
In 1942 he was called into the service of his country
and spent the next three years in the United States
Navy serving in the Construction Battalion which
gave him added experience in his business.

On receiving his discharge from the Navy in
October, 1945, he returned to Litchfield and began
his construction business again in November of
that year.

At the present time Max employs several men
to help him. He specializes in modernizing kitch-
ens and bathrooms, the designing and the building
both accomplished within the firm. Just recently
Max, with his employees, completely remodeled the
Knights of Columbus Building and St. Mary's Hall.

Mr. Jones is married to the former Margaret
McNamara and they have five children, four girls
and one boy.

150

Sallee Refrigeration Service K & O Tractor Sales & Service

THE Sallee Refrigeration Service, located at
South Jefferson and West Sargent Streets, has
been serving the Litchfield community since the
Sallee brothers, Raymond and Albert, purchased
the business from B. F. Vancil, on October 1, 1937.
This partnership installed and maintained refrig-
eration equipment of all makes, and also rendered
a motor repair service until Raymond died in De-
cember of 1942 while serving in the Air Force dur-
ing World War II.

Since Albert acquired the business, he has
bought the property and remodeled it. The first
improvement was the erection of an addition which
has been used as the Sallee Piano Store. Then the
front of the original building was replaced, a parts
department constructed, and the office enlarged.

In 1945 a Frigidaire franchise for commercial
equipment was awarded the firm. This line in-
cludes a wide variety of refrigeration and air-con-
ditioning equipment for use on farms, in homes,
stores, restaurants, and hospitals. All sizes and
types of air-conditioning from single room to com-
plete building size are being sold. Refrigeration
equipment from low-temperature freezers to water
coolers is available.

At the present, Mr. Sallee installs and services all
types of commercial refrigeration equipment, and
maintains a motor repair service.

K& O Tractor Sales and Service was established
in Litchfield in May, 1949, by T. W. Klekamp
and Walter Osterman. Temporary headquarters
for the business were in the backyard of the Kle-
kamp home on East Columbia Street. A new
building was erected at 812 South Sherman Street,
and occupied by the business in September, 1949.

K & O Tractor Sales and Service are authorized
dealers for Ferguson Tractors and Implements.
They are also dealers for Kelly-Ryan, Baughman-
Oster and Soiline farm tools, Wizzer motor bikes
and Excello lawn mowers. Henry Hesterberg is
the serviceman.

Mr. Klekamp was born in South Litchfield, mar-
ried Amanda Sewing and they are the parents of
two daughters and one son.

For fifteen years "Ted" was in the wholesale and
retail gas and oil business. He was also in partner-
ship operating a set of bowling alleys on North
State Street for a period of eight years, and in
1945 left that partnership for four years of farm-
ing previous to his present business.

Mr. Osterman was born in Cahokia Township
near Mt. Olive, Illinois. Walter married the former
Bernice Klekamp; they are the parents of one
daughter. Walter was always active in 4H Clubs
and rural youth organizations. At the present
time he is active as a volunteer fireman.

Faris Cab Company

A taxi service was started in Litchfield by Wm.
(Bill) Mueller in about the year 1931. This
business was purchased from Mueller by a com-
pany formed by four Faris brothers, Charles, Al-
den, Ralph, and George, in 1946. Eventually three
of the brothers acquired jobs with other concerns
until Charles became sole operator of the cab busi-
ness in May, 1952.

Faris Cab Co. was first located in the one hun-
dred block on West Edwards Street. In February,
1951, to give customers better service, the com-
pany installed a two-way radio system with a re-
ceiver and speaker for receiving and transmitting
messages between each cab and the cab headquar-
ters. In April of that same year, Faris Cab moved
to the present address, 203 North State Street.

Mrs. Dorothy Faris, wife of Charles, is the head
dispatcher taking calls and operating the radio
system in the office. She is assisted by Shirley Is-
ley. Assisting Charles as drivers are two steady
employees, Bill Watkins and Vernon Dutton. The
company has five cabs with six other drivers as
part-time employees.

There are many interesting phases to the serv-
ices rendered by Faris Cab Co., such as taking
emergency confinement cases to the hospital, phon-
ing people at intervals to remind them to take
their medicine, and calling others to waken them
so they will arrive at their employment on time.

North End Service

THE North End Service, located next to the high
school, was built by Mr. Charles E. Owens in
1924 and opened the same year.

It was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Bryant
in December, 1926. In 1927 it was remodeled.
Gasoline pumps, a grease rack, and other facilities
for automobile service were installed in 1931.

It was sold in October of 1946 to Mr. and Mrs.
Harry Livingston, who in turn sold it to Mr. and
Mrs. Maynard Simmons, the present owners. "Sim-
mie" is a World War II veteran, having served two
and one-half years in the Navy, nineteen months of
which were overseas. "Simmie" and Ann are as-
sisted by Shirley Slightom, Edna Funk, and Larry
Simmons, students in the local high school.

"Simmie" is a graduate of the Litchfield Com-
munity High School with the class of 1933. His
wife, the former Ann Pavlik, is a Gillespie girl and
attended the Gillespie schools. Before her mar-
riage she was employed for several years at St.
Francis Hospital. "Simmie" was employed for
many years at the Litchfield Grocer Company. He
is now employed at the American Radiator and
Standard Sanitary Corporation plant. He is inter-
ested in sports and civic affairs and is constable of
North Litchfield Township. He was born in Litch-
field and has lived practically his entire life here.
His parents and younger brother are also residents
of Litchfield.

151

Irvine Dairy

THE Irvine Dairy Company located at 900 South
State Street was established in 1946 by Stuart
Irvine and his two sons, Wayne and Melvin. The
father was formerly in Gillespie where he engaged
in mining until he moved his family to Detroit in
1922, and there he resided for 25 years. For
twenty-two of those years he was employed by the
Borden Creamery Company; there he acquired his
knowledge of the dairy business.

In 1946 he moved to Litchfield and had com-
pleted construction of the present building by July.

The business expanded to such an extent that new
equipment was added and a five-car garage was
erected in 1952. Products sold by this enterprise
at the present time include pasteurized milk, cottage
cheese, butter, chocolate milk, orange drink, and
cream. Mr. Irvine is assisted in the business by
his wife, the former Helen Rinker of Litchfield,
whom he married in 1921, and his son Melvin. The
other son, Wayne, works for the state government
in Detroit. Both young men were members of the
Air Force in World War II with overseas duty.

Frisina Amusement Company

Capitol, Ritz, and
Sky View Drive-In Theatres

THE Frisina Amusement Company, whose home
office is in Springfield, Illinois, operates the
Capitol, Ritz, and Sky View Drive-In Theatres in
Litchfield. It is owned and operated by Domenic
Frisina, J. B. Giachetto, Domenic Giachetto and
Ciro Pedrucci. Mr. Russell Hogue is the resident
manager of the three Frisina properties in Litch-
field. The Frisina Amusement Company owns and
operates 60 theatres, including eight drive-in's in
Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.

The Capitol Theatre was built in 1918 by W. D.
Kneedler who operated it for a number of years,
then sold it to Mr. John Spalding. The Frisina
Amusement Company leased the Capitol Theatre
in 1931 and at that time did an extensive remodel-
ing job. In 1941 a new marquee was installed and
since then a number of improvements have been

made. The Capitol was among the first theatres
owned by the Frisina Amusement Company.

In 1938 the Frisina Amusement Company built
the Ritz Theatre, a 400 seat house on State Street.
It has been the policy of the Ritz Theatre to run
only the finest in motion pictures, each picture
playing a week's engagement.

The Sky View Drive-In was constructed in the
fall of 1949 and the spring of 1950 and was opened
in June of 1950. It is one of central Illinois' most
modern Drive-in's and is located on old Route 66
west of Litchfield. The Frisina Sky View Drive-In
has a capacity of 750 cars. It offers its patrons
many conveniences including a snack bar, play-
ground for the kiddies, and dancing on the patio lo-
cated in front of the snack bar. The policy of the
Drive-In has always been entertainment for the
entire family.

Our patrons can always be assured of the finest
in motion picture entertainment, since all produc-
tions from all major motion picture studios are
under contract for showing at one of the three fine
theatres in Litchfield.

Sherman's Department Store

SHERMAN'S DEPARTMENT STORE, retailers
of men's and children's clothing, ladies' ready-
to-wear, home furnishings and general merchan-
dise, is located at 401-403 North State Street in the
building now owned by J. H. Jones and members

Interior of Sherman's when it was the Golden Rule
Store. The picture was taken about 1905. Left to right:
Myra Stiefel, Odess Wandling Taylor, Guy Scott, Mar-
garet Wiegers, Mr. Derringer, Ed. Schindler, Dr. L. R. Gray.

of the Odd Fellows Lodge. The first and second
floors were built several years ago by H. H. Hood,
later the third floor was added. A portion of the
building was occupied at one time by D. D. Tenny-
son, one of the leading photographers of Mont-
gomery County. A number of pictures in this cen-
tennial book have been taken from his plates.

152

In 1938 Sherman's established their business here
under the management of C. E. Markham. The
front and interior of the building were remodeled
and it was air conditioned in 1948. Clyde Keefer
preceded the present manager, Delbert Storer,
who came here from Olney, Illinois, four years ago.
He began employment with this company following
his graduation from high school and remained
with them fourteen years. He served in the Armed
Forces four years.

This business has expanded through the years,
increasing the number of its employees during its
expansion. A number of them have been with the
company since it opened here and at present
there are twelve employees: Jennie Waggoner,
piece goods; Jean Atteberry, cashier; Florence
Mercer, ready-to-wear; Willa Barrow, lingerie;
Gertrude Roach, men's and boys' clothing; Mildred
Cress, shoes; and clerks: Pete Zangriles, Gladys
Archer, Lois Hunt, Edna Billiter, Hester Williams,
Evelyn Weathers.

Mueller's Shell Service

MUELLER'S SHELL SERVICE STATION is
located on the northwest corner of State
Street and Union Avenue. Prior to 1946 this sta-
tion was operated for 19 years by Ray Harlow. At
that date Al Mueller obtained the lease for this
location and Mr. Harlow moved to Highway 66.

Mr. Mueller was born in Litchfield and during
the years from 1939 to 1943 he worked for Russell
Brawley at Rut's Corner Service Station. He took
over the Standard Service Station on the north-
east corner of State Street and Union Avenue, in
the years of 1943 and 1944, at the time when Ross
Billiter, present operator, was serving in the United
States Navy.

Since 1946 several changes have taken place. A
new driveway was made and a new pump island
was installed in 1950. In 1952 the station was
remodeled. The exterior of the building was cov-
ered with porcelain on steel.

Mr. Mueller obtained the Shell Franchise at this
location after more than ten years' experience of
station work.

The following assist Mr. Mueller in conducting
this business: Russell Heyen, Eugene Niehaus,
and Ronald Billiter.

Verne & Gene's

THIS store, which has been a member of the
IGA group since 1940, originated in the build-
ing at 209 North State Street, now occupied by
A & H Supply Company.

Verne Mahlandt and Gene Phillips had been
grocery and meat managers at the Tri-City Store
in the building now occupied by Bahrenholtz Fur-
niture Company, at 319 North State Street, until
it was gutted by fire in September, 1941.

On October 8 of that year, they started in busi-
ness for themselves as Verne & Gene's Food Mart.

On March 1, 1943, they moved to 306 North State
Street. In the fall of 1948, the Kroger Store va-
cated 308 North State Street, and at that time plans
were made to increase the size of Verne & Gene's
Store into a self-service supermarket. Floor space
was doubled, and partitions were removed so that
the two became one unit.

Mr. Mahlandt was reared in Carlinville and has
spent the past eighteen years in the grocery busi-
ness, first in Carlinville and later in Litchfield. He
entered the army in 1944 and served until 1946.
He was in the corps of engineers and transferred
to the adjutant general's office. He saw service in
France and Germany. While away from his busi-
ness, Mrs. Mahlandt was in charge of the grocery
department.

Mr. Phillips is a native of Granite City where he
worked for Tri-City Grocery Company before be-
ing transferred to Litchfield.

Litchfield fairs were held for several years in the
1870's and early 80's, on the present site of the Arco
Country Club. Traces of the old track are still dis-
cernable.

Edwards Street was not only a busy place, but soon
gained the reputation as a tough thoroughfare as well.
It gained, deserved and retained for many years, the
title of "Battle Row." Anyone seeking trouble could
always find it there.

Biebel Roofing Company

THE Biebel Roofing Co. was organized in 1912
by John P. Biebel and Michael Biebel at Belle-
ville. From time to time other members of the
Biebel family joined the company until in 1926
there were five brothers and two cousins, who are
in addition to the two founders, M. N. Biebel,
H. J. Biebel, and Nicholas H. Biebel, all brothers,
and Al. B. Biebel and A. M. Biebel, cousins.

They opened branches in St. Louis, East St.
Louis, Benton, and Springfield, Missouri, and con-
tinued to operate as one company until 1929 when
the St. Louis branch was sold to Al. M. and A. M.
Biebel. In 1939 the Litchfield branch was opened
with N. H. Biebel as manager. In 1943 the com-
pany was reorganized with the original founders
retaining the Belleville office, and Nicholas H. Bie-
bel retaining the Litchfield office, which was in-
corporated under the name of Litchfield Biebel
Roofing Company, with Nicholas H. Biebel as
President, and Lena Biebel as Secretary-Treasurer,
with an office at 109 East Union Avenue.

Biebel's sell and apply roofing of all types, sid-
ing, insulation, storm windows, and doors, awn-
ings, and floor and wall tile of all types. Miss
Norma Watts is employed as bookkeeper and
Howard Eckhoff and Henry Sewing the only two
permanent employees at the present time, with
roofers being called in from other Biebel offices in
rush periods or times of emergency.

153

iil llili

The Overhead

THE business known as "The Overhead" was
established by Charles A. Aikman and Truman
L. Felts in the summer of 1948. They opened the
business on July 1 in a completely remodeled build-
ing which was purchased that spring from Robert
"Bob" Kelley.

Located just north of the Chicago, Burlington,
and Quincy overhead bridge, on old route 66
north of Litchfield, it was a landmark for many
years and had been an old downtown grocery
store, moved to the location.

The restaurant, one of the busiest on Highway
66, introduced the specialty, "Chicken in the Bas-
ket," shortly after their opening and have served
over 40,000 chickens since that time.

Mr. Felts sold his interest in the business to
Francis "Lum" Fleming July 19, 1950, but since
that time no changes have been made in the origi-
nal policy of fine foods and drinks at popular prices.
Another interesting phase of the business is an
extensive souvenir department, one of the first on
Route 66 in Litchfield.

Mr. Aikman is the son of the late Arl E. Aikman
and Jane Park Goodall Aikman. He was born
within one block of the home where the family
now resides at 1124 North Monroe. His mother
makes her home with them.

Mrs. Aikman is the former Geneva Heltsley,
daughter of Richard and Margaret Mansfield Helts-
ley. Mr. Aikman's father was born in Alto Pass in
Southern Illinois. His mother is a member of one
of the pioneer families of Litchfield which have
resided here for the past 68 years.

The Aikmans have one son, Ralph, nine years of
age. After attending school in Litchfield, Charles
worked for the Brown Shoe Co. for eighteen years
and for two years immediately preceding open-
ing The Overhead was in the manufacturing busi-
ness with the Litchfield Pump Company. He served

in the Army during World War II and for eighteen
months, was a member of the staff of the Depart-
ment of Public Works and Buildings.

Mr. Fleming is the son of the late William and
Mary Pickering Fleming. His father was City
Treasurer for four years and Street Commissioner
of Litchfield for twenty years. Francis was born
and reared in Litchfield. After completing school
he worked for the Henley-Alden Company, and
for the American Radiator Company, for twenty-
one years. He operated the Park Drug Store two
years and just before he bought Mr. Felt's interest
in The Overhead worked for the State of Illinois.

Mrs. Fleming is the former Mayme Jones, daugh-
ter of Robert L. and Estella Clark Jones. They
have two children, Harold Lee and Mrs. Wanda
Randle. There are three grandchildren, Janie
Fleming, Eddie and Lee Ann Randle. Mrs. Flem-
ing has been operator of Mayme's Beauty Shop
since 1936 in their home at 704 Monroe Street.

"Chalkie" Aikman (on left) and "Lum" Fleming

154

Litchfield Candy Kitchen

THIS thriving business was established by John
and Steve Cokinos, brothers, who migrated
to this country from Sparta, Greece. They came
to Litchfield in 1905 and opened a confectionery
at 314 North State Street under the name of the
Litchfield Candy Kitchen, which they operated un-
til 1913. In that year Mr. and Mrs. Gus Skeadas,
the latter a niece of the Cokinos brothers, and
from the same city in Greece, came to Litchfield
and purchased the business. With Gus Vapos, also
a native of Greece, who came to Litchfield the
same year, a partnership was formed and the busi-
ness was operated by Vapos and Skeadas.

Early in 1939 the Vapos interest was sold to
Gus Skeadas. Later in the same year Mr. Skeadas
died unexpectedly. His wife, with the assistance
of her two sons, James and Arthur, operated the
business thereafter. James, the older son, was en-
listed into military service in 1941, and served in
the Medical Corps until 1944.

In 1950 James purchased the interests of his
mother and brother and with the assistance of his
wife, Dena, has since been the executive head of
the business. New fixtures were added in 1946 and
the interior of the building completely remodeled.

The personnel includes George Kruse (now in
service), Dena Skeadas, Arthur Skeadas, Mrs. Gus
Skeadas, Leroy Clark and Steve Cokinos.

Mix Grocery

THIS firm, located at 622 North Montgomery
Avenue, is one of the long established busi-
nesses in the city. It is among the few that have
remained in the same family, at the original loca-
tion, for nearly a half century.

Looking into the past, we find Charles Pullen
purchased this property from Robert and Mary
McWilliams in 1879. At that time it was only a
small four-room cottage surrounded by vacant land.
Mr. Pullen soon erected a two-story dwelling and
about 1910 he built a one-story addition thereto.
It was the intent that his daughter, Martha, would
open a dressmaking shop in the new addition.
However, in 1911, about the time the building was
completed and before opening her business, Miss
Pullen married Thomas W. Kinzer and moved to
Sorento, Illinois. It was then that James, son of
Charles Pullen, opened a grocery store in this
building and operated it a short while.

In September, 1913, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bishop
leased the property, including the store building,
dwelling and eight lots for the fabulous sum of
$10.00 per month. They purchased their opening
stock of groceries for less than $300.00. Mrs.

Arminda Kimbro, mother of J. C. Stolle, was their
first patron and she continued as a customer until
her death. This being before the day of packaged
merchandise, the sugar barrel and pickle keg oc-
cupied prominent places in the store. Sugar sold
for 4! 2 ^ per pound and the most popular brand
of coffee, 2 pounds for 25^. Bread was delivered
(unwrapped) from Litchfield's only bakery, by bi-
cycle, the boy making several trips each day. Busi-
ness progressed but it was not until December 7,
1921, that Mr. and Mrs. Bishop purchased the prop-
erty and rebuilt the structure. Even then, it was
a single building with seven vacant lots surround-
ing it. In 1931 this firm became one of the charter
members of The Red & White, a grocers' organiza-
tion newly introduced in this section. Mr. and Mrs.
Bishop continued the operation of their store until
January, 1936, at which time it, but not the real
estate, was purchased by their daughter and her
husband, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Mix. Thus, the busi-
ness has remained in the same family for 40 years.

Prior to coming to Litchfield, Mr. Mix was em-
ployed in St. Louis, moving to this city in Decem-
ber, 1935. Shortly thereafter, he and his wife pur-
chased this business and have conducted it con-
tinuously since that time. During World War II,
Mr. Mix spent two years in the European Theatre
and Mrs. Mix managed the business during his ab-
sence. Present personnel, in addition to the own-
ers, are Mrs. Eva Wolfe, Richard and Stephen
Grimes. During the past few years, the interior of
the store has been modernized and a complete line
of meats, frozen foods, and ice cream has been
added.

During the many years the business has been in
this family, the owners have enjoyed serving the
public and have made many acquaintances and
very dear friends.

Hagerdorn Studio

HAGERDORN STUDIO, located at 401 M> North
State Street, is owned and operated by Her-
man H. Hagerdorn. The original business was
started in 1908 by D. D. Tennyson in the Yaeger
Building and moved to the Odd Fellows Building in
1918. John T. Murray purchased the studio in 1927
and operated it for eighteen years.

In 1938 Mr. Hagerdorn started to work for Mr.
Murray and in 1940, he attended Winona School
of Photography after which he managed the
studio. In 1942 Herman joined the U. S. Naval
Air Corps and after being commissioned, he mar-
ried Betty Link of Gillespie. During the war, he
instructed at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola,
Florida and served several months overseas, flying
transports in the South Pacific. After his separa-
tion from active duty, he purchased the studio
from Mr. Murray in 1946. Mr. Hagerdorn is still
in the Naval Reserve program and flies once a
month with a squadron in St. Louis, in addition to

155

spending two weeks every year on active duty.

Mr. and Mrs. Hagerdorn have two daughters:
Judy, who is in the first grade, and Janey, two
years old.

In 1946 and in 1952 the studio was completely
remodeled and redecorated. It is equipped with
electronic speed lights, and is fully air conditioned.

The working personnel includes: Mr. Hager-
dorn, owner; Mrs. Hagerdorn, colorist; and Mrs.
Edward Sihler, receptionist.

Chancy D. Berry
Insurance Agency

CHANCY BERRY was a resident of Litchfield
for thirty-two years before he established his
general insurance business.

After coming to this city from Taylorville, in
1900, he was employed as a cigar maker for Chris
D. Zuber until that cigar factory was closed in
1924. At that time Mr. Berry decided upon a busi-
ness venture of his own, and he opened his agency
for general insurance at 218 Monroe Street. A
year later he moved to 114y 2 East Ryder Street
and has operated continuously at that location
from 1925 to the present time.

Busby's Drive-In

PAUL BUSBY, JR., was born in Illinois, south-
east of Litchfield, and graduated from Litch-
field Community High School with the class of
1939. He was employed in Buffalo, New York, for
ten years, during which time he married Ginny
Jarrell of that city.

In August, 1950, Mr. and Mrs. Busby, along with
their two sons, George and Paul, moved from New
York state to Litchfield to operate the Sugar Bowl.
In August, 1952, they sold the Sugar Bowl to de-
vote their time to Busby's Drive-In.

Busby's Drive-In was planned and constructed
entirely by Paul Busby, Sr., and Paul Busby, Jr.,
in the spring of 1952. The Drive-In was opened
for business on Memorial Day of that year, serving
to the public sandwiches, frozen custard, and soft
drinks. Since the Drive-in is open only in the
spring and summer, Mr. and Mrs. Busby operate
a candy factory in their home during the winter
months. The homemade candy is distributed to
various establishments in this area.

Early in 1953, a screened-in lunch room was
added, furnished with booths and a lunch counter.
The business is owned and operated by Paul and
Ginny Busby. It is located one mile east of Litch-
field on State Route 16 in the Edgewood Addition.

Scotty's Pontiac

JOHN GRACIE, president and general manager of
Scotty's Pontiac, Inc., was born in Glasgow,
Scotland, son of John and Sarah Gracie. He spent
the first 22 years of his life in his native country
and in 1919, following service with the British
Navy, during World War I, he came to America.

Mr. Gracie lived at Raton, New Mexico, for a
number of years, where he worked for Von Dyke
Motor Co., and in 1929 came to Litchfield. He
worked for a number of years with the Brubaker
organization in Litchfield and Hillsboro ; for a time
with Montgomery County Motor Company, and in
1943 he took the dealership for Pontiac and Pack-
ard automobiles.

Mrs. Gracie is the former Iris Tritt, daughter
of Rev. and Mrs. C. S. Tritt of Litchfield, and she
is vice-president of the corporation. Their son,
John C. Gracie, assistant manager, is secretary and
treasurer; and their daughter, Mrs. Dewey M. Lowe,
is office secretary. Mr. Lowe is a second lieutenant
in service with the United States Army in Korea.

The Gracies have two grandchildren, John Scott
and Kristen Leigh Gracie. Their mother was the
former Marjorie Karrick.

In addition to the sale of new cars, Scotty's
Pontiac also does an extensive repair and used car
business. William V. Allen is salesman for the
company. Carl Veit is shop foreman and Wayne
E. Bain is shop mechanic.

156

Zelda Carroll demonstrating new "kitchen stove"

Out-O'-Door Stoves, Inc.

'"P HE Out-O'-Door Stoves, Inc., was incorporated in
■*• 1947 to make and sell park equipment. It is owned
and operated by Frank and Paul Carter. The prin-
cipal product manufactured is the famous Out-O'-Door
Round Stove. This has been given wide acceptance
in the park trade throughout the country. The need
for a charcoal burning stove in the park trade has
brought about the development of the Out-O'-Door
"Wayne" Long Stove. This product was developed
upon the suggestion of and with the cooperation of
engineers and park executives of Wayne County (De-
troit). Michigan. Five years of experimentation and
development has resulted in a perfected stove, which
is being offered in 1953. A natural variation of this
stove is the Out-O'-Door Kitchen Stove, shown in the
picture. The "Wayne" Long Stove has been placed on
a galvanized iron post, making it 36 inches high and
rotating to adjust to the wind. This stove is the same
height as kitchen fixtures and is large enough to cook
a complete meal at one time. Hence, the name "Out-
O'-Door Kitchen Stove."

A national franchise for rustic park furniture,
manufactured in Milan, Michigan, and a sales agency
for playground equipment, complete the line.

Through national advertising in two large park
trade magazines and through sales in department
stoves, the local product has been sold in 46 states,
to Federal, State and local governments and to private
parks. Many people throughout the country use this
stove in parks and then write for literature and prices,
as they wish to use the stove in their yards, due to the
trend to backyard living.

Victor O. Paden

VICTOR O. PADEN, operator of Vic Paden,
Signs, 1338 East Ryder Street, was born near
Honey Bend, the son of Lester O. and Lulu Billiter
Paden. His mother died in 1918.

Vic attended the Honey Bend schools for one
year, and in 1919 went to Oklahoma with his
father, who for the past number of years has been
county tax assessor of Comanche County, Okla-
homa. Victor was graduated from the Faxon
(Oklahoma) high school and Wichita (Kansas)
Business College. He served his apprenticeship in
the sign trade at Clinton, Oklahoma. During
World War II he spent two years in the Navy and
one year in civil service with the Army.

December 28, 1931, he married the former Helen
Davina, daughter of George and Ethel McElroy
Davina, of Colony, Oklahoma. The Padens have
one daughter, Beverly, wife of Corporal Carl Bier-
baum, now in Korea.

In 1935, Mr. and Mrs. Paden moved from Okla-
homa to Litchfield, where Victor has since been
engaged in the sign business. He specializes in
highway bulletins, window, wall and truck signs,
as well as display cards. He is also a licensee user
of "Day-Glo," a patented fluorescent paint for
screen process painting. Vic is a member of the
Litchfield Lodge of Elks, the American Legion, and
is recording secretary of Local 858, Painters,
Decorators and Paper Hangers of America.

Stamer Implement Company

THIS firm, dealers for the Massey-Harris line of
farm equipment, was established in January,
1946, by Chris G. Stamer.

For several years prior to coming to Litchfield,
Mr. Stamer was engaged in farming operations in
the Mt. Olive community. In 1934 he came to
Litchfield and was employed by Buske Truck Lines
as a mechanic, a position which he held until he
established his own business, the Stamer Imple-
ment Company. At that time the building now lo-
cated at 510 West Union Avenue was built and
especially equipped to house the implement dealer-
ship. For many years this site had been the loca-
tion of the old Wabash Restaurant. Since opening
his business, Mr. Stamer has specialized in the re-
pair of all kinds of farm machinery. An efficient
shop is in daily operation for convenience of cus-
tomers and a floor stock of Massey-Harris products
and parts has been available almost constantly
since the business was started.

Mr. Stamer holds membership in the Litchfield
Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi Valley
Farm Implement Dealers Association.

November 1, 1931, Mr. Stamer married the
former Miss Alva Stowe. They are the parents of
three children, Dwane and Jack, who are associated
with their father in the business, and Carol, aged
eight years. A brother-in-law, Almus Stowe, also
works at the Company shop.

157

Litchfield Auto Parts

LITCHFIELD AUTO PARTS, INC., located at
117 West Edwards Street in Litchfield, is a
fairly new business in the city under that particu-
lar name. Previous to this incorporation, Gris-
wold Auto Supply Store was in this location. In
1951 the business was purchased by Harwood Auto
Supply of Springfield. Mr. Harwood sold the busi-
ness in January, 1953, and the company reorgan-
ized under the name of Litchfield Auto Parts, Inc.

Harold Goodpasture, vice-president of the cor-
poration, is manager of the store which deals in
wholesale auto parts, general garage supplies, and
equipment. Under the management of Mr. Good-
pasture the store has been restocked and rearranged
for the convenience of customers.

Harold Goodpasture is a native of Virden, Illi-
nois. He was an employee of the Springfield Auto
Supply during the years of 1940 and 1941. In 1942
he entered the army and served in the vehicle main-
tenance of the Quartermaster Corps with the rank
of Staff Sergeant. He received his discharge from
service in February of 1946.

After being separated from the army, Harold
managed the Clinton Auto Supply in Clinton, Illi-
nois, for six years, and spent one year with Hacka-
day and Phillips, parts wholesalers in Santa Ana,
California, before coming to Litchfield.

Harold is married and has one daughter.

Bob McAlister is employed by Litchfield Auto
Parts as salesman for Litchfield and the surround-
ing communities.

Hope Camp Number 9959

THE Royal Neighbors of America, Hope Camp
No. 9959, Charter was granted on January 13,
1926. There were 33 charter members and at the
present time there are 142. The purpose of this
society is Family Insurance, Protection, Fraternal-
ism, and Patriotism. The Supreme office is in Rock
Island, Illinois. A home for the aged is main-
tained at Davenport, Iowa.

The meetings are held in the I.O.O.F. Hall as
they were originally. The offices are managed by
women. To date there are over 6,000 Camps. This
society stresses Patriotism and Principles. Patriot-
ism emphasizes loyalty to our nation and to the
homes of America. Principles emphasize the
Bible and the Five Graces of the Order, which
teach us abundant faith, true courage, humility,
modesty, charity and unselfishness.

The insurance protection of this society offers
Whole Life, 20 Year Payment, 24 Year Endowment,
or 65 Year Endowment.

"The Litchfield Tile and Brick Company had a ca-
pacity of 20,000 bricks per day, employed forty hands."
(Wellington, Kansas, Monitor, of July 19, 1889).

Doug's Service Station

DOUG'S SUPER SERVICE Mobilgas Station
was built in 1951 by Mobilgas and opened by
Richard and Ray Pederson. They operated it un-
til it was purchased by Douglas D. Gorsage on No-
vember 10, 1952. Mr. Gorsage was previously en-
gaged as a partner in the Hillsboro-Edwardsville
Transit Company for two years. After selling
his interest in this company he operated
the Annex Cafe on old U. S. 66 for
one year.

This modern super-service station, lo-
cated at Jackson Street and Union Ave-
nue, handles Mobilgas, oil, and tires.

Union Avenue was originally known
as Hayworth Street, named for John
Shaw Hayworth who came to Mont-
gomery County in 1834. Mr. Hayworth
represented a Massachusetts land syndi-
cate. Most of his holdings extended
from the business district of Litchfield,
east four miles and amounted to ap-
proximately 60,000 acres in Montgomery
County at one time.

"Blunderstone" was the name given
the home built on this site in 1860 by
Winfield Scott Palmer. To this home
Mr. Palmer brought Sarah Catherine

Burnet, of Zanesville Community, as a bride. In
1870 it was sold to Elizur Southworth, prominent
Litchfield attorney, who sold to Frank Cummings.
Dr. R. F. Bennett, early Litchfield physician, pur-
chased this home from Mr. Cummings and lived in
it for years. It then passed to his son, Dr. Harry
Bennett, also a prominent physician. In 1909, Dr.
Harry Bennett married Miss Claire Porterfield, of
Marinette, Wisconsin. They, too, lived there for
many years and were its last owners.

158

l&M

Tim

JZL 5L

Russell School

Junior High School

Litchfield Public School System

'THE centennial period for Litchfield is a remarkable
■*- one in the beginning, development, organization and
forward-looking outreach of the Litchfield Public
School System.

Under a special charter from the Legislature, Litch-
field became a city in 1859, and, at the same time,
the Litchfield school district was created with the
mayor and aldermen as members of the school board.

The first official act of the newly created school
board was to create, by ordinance, the office of city
superintendent of schools. Minutes of the meeting of
August 12, 1859, show that H. A. Wells was appointed
city superintendent and Andrew Miller school agent.
These two officers were given the power to secure
buildings and seats for the same, for Litchfield's first
•'free school."

These schools were located as follows: No. 1, in the
Cummings Building, immediately south of the present
Masonic Temple; No. 2, in the log cabin which stood
north and just east of the residence of Dr. John D. Colt;
No. 3, a frame building at 221 North Jackson Street.

At a meeting August 17, 1860, the public schools of
Litchfield took on some manner of order and form:
(1) Provision was made for the establishment of one
grammar school, admitting pupils, of both sexes, hav-
ing the usual qualifications for such schools. (2) The
establishment in each ward (at that time, three) of one
primary school admitting all children of the proper
age, living within the ward, and not eligible to ad-
mission in the grammar school. (3) The appointment

of three persons, one from each ward, who, with three
aldermen, one from each ward, constituting a board
of school inspectors of which the mayor was chair-
man. The board's duties were to examine and to
recommend teachers to the council and to exercise
a general supervision over the schools of the city.

On August 20, 1860, Samuel Taylor was chosen prin-
cipal of the Litchfield grammar school; Miss H. K.
Skillman, for the First Ward school; Miss Julia Palmer,
for the Second Ward school; and Miss Mary Gillham,
for the Third Ward school. Aldermen Savage and
Hood were appointed to serve as a committee to secure
suitable houses for schoolrooms.

Third Ward school was held in the Christian Church,
located at the southeast corner of Third and Madison
Streets; First Ward school was in a building located at
the southeast corner of Sargent and State Streets.

The school board, in August, 1865, appointed W. S.
Palmer, David R. Sparks and Thomas G. Kessinger to
select a site for a new public school large enough to
accommodate District 83. They selected the block,
known as Pierce Mound, the location of the present
Ida J. Russell School.

In spite of public protest, these educational found-
ing fathers remained firm in their purpose to meet
the educational need by providing suitable and ade-
quate school housing and facilities. Accordingly, in
1865, the erection of a handsome three-story, ten-room
brick building, with an assembly on third floor and the
superstructure erected over a suitable basement, was
begun. Finished and ready for occupancy in Septem-

Sihler School

Colt School

159

New Madison Park School

ber, 1867, this was Litchfield's first graded school, large
enough to accommodate primary, grammar and high
school pupils. To Professor Blanchard, the superin-
tendent, is given the credit of organizing the graded
system. On April 1, 1872, fire destroyed this school.

By the fall of 1873, the new Third Ward building,
similar to the first, had risen on the same site. Using
the same basement, a three-story building was erected
to house grades one through twelve, with an assembly
and study hall on third floor. On September 24, 1873,
this building opened for school. Years later this school
was named in honor of Miss Ida J. Russell who taught
here fifty years.

After the removal of the third floor in 1926, only
grades one through six were housed in Russell School.
Today, the superintendent's office, the band, music and
art departments are centered in this building, the
oldest school in Litchfield. One room has been sound-
proofed for the band room.

Present faculty: Mildred Davis, Principal, Elizabeth
White, Elizabeth Baker, Frances Kniery, Bertie Yates,
Ethel Schoen.

By 1882, the new building was not large enough to
accommodate all the pupils who were eligible to at-
tend. Accordingly, the Baptist Church, east of City
Park, at that time, was used for classes in the fifth
and sixth grades. In 1899 the Kunz building, corner
of Madison and Edwards Streets, was used for an
eighth grade. Later this grade was moved to the
Lange building on West Union Avenue. From there
it was moved to the Sinclair-Baker building and,
eventually, to the Updike residence, both on East
Union Avenue. In 1917, several classes of eighth grad-
ers attended school in the Masonic Temple, old build-
ing, lower floor, until the third floor, Russell School

and part of the second floor became the departmental
school for seventh and eighth grades, where it re-
mained until the Junior High School was erected on the
same lot and north of Russell School.

In September, 1926, the Junior High School moved
into its present quarters, a two-story brick building
with eight classrooms, principal's office on second floor
and study hall and auditorium combined, seating more
than two hundred, with stage and dressing rooms at
the east end. Manual arts workshop, home economics
department and physical education classes meet in the
basement rooms. One classroom is set aside as a
library with more than 2,000 books for circulation
and reference volumes for study. A faculty of ten,
one of whom is the principal, takes care of required
and elective subjects. Two band divisions permit pu-
pils to carry instrumental music as part of their regu-
lar schedule. Present faculty: Charles D. Grigg, prin-
cipal, Mural P. Watkins, Greta Caspers, Doris Bantel,
Oneia Gahr. Robert Hall, Omer Tobias, Gilbert Rags-
dale, and Edward Dahler, Jr.

Madison Park School, erected in 1888, served Fifth
Ward with the first six grades until it was razed in
1952, to make way for the west wing of a most modern
and adequately equipped school completed in 1953.

The portion of the new building already completed
was in operation for school, September, 1952. This
modern plant eventually will accommodate and house
comfortably, a kindergarten, four self-contained pri-
mary classrooms, eight intermediate classrooms, an
auditorium-playroom combined, and an office. Pres-
ent faculty: Frances A. Keese, principal, Faye Brandt,
Lola M. Smithson, Camilla Singler, Ruth Bishop, Mabel
Wilhite, and William G. Sielschott.

Lincoln School, serving Second Ward, located at the

Lincoln School

Old Madison Park School

160

corner of State and Buchanan Streets, was built in
1884 with only four rooms for the first four grades.

The new school, built on the same site, after the old
one was razed in 1936, took care of the first six grades.
It was re-named in honor of the late Dr. G. A. Sihler,
a member and president of Litchfield Board of Edu-
cation, District 83, for many years. Present faculty:
Leone Bergfield, principal, Dorothy Goesman, Ruth
Hussey, Ila Glee Macy, Irma Obertino, Esther Hussey.

The J. D. Colt School, located at the corner of Tyler
and Chestnut Streets, was built in 1890. It is a six-
room building, serving the First Ward and taking care
of the first six grades. Originally called Tyler Avenue
School, it was re-named in honor of Dr. J. D. Colt, a
prominent, pioneer doctor here. In 1900 an addition
was built to care for increased enrollment. Present
faculty: Mildred Ryan, principal, Kathleen Youell,
Bertha Vann, Kathryn Frame, Maxine Nimmons, Wil-
liam Kasich.

Litchfield has, at the present time, a dual school
system. In District 83, Grade School System, there are

780 pupils enrolled. The administrative office per-
sonnel: Logan W. Fearn, superintendent, Grace M.
Boyd, truant officer, May Penman, secretary, Flor-
ence Keethler, music, Lee R. Sullivan, art, Harry J.
Reinhold, band. The Junior High and Grade School Band
numbers 60. Competitive athletics in basketball, base-
ball, and track, as well as intramural contests, are
annually held. Music, instrumental and vocal, receives
splendid recognition. Art has its place in poster con-
tests and timely seasonal work, as well as an annual
exhibit of students' work.

Board of Education members include:

1952-1953
John W. Moss, president
J. Lynn Bitter, secretary
Maynard Richards
Lee Carroll
Al Russell
Wm. McCance
Arthur Bachstein

1953-1954
Al Russell, president
J. Lynn Bitter, secretary
Maynard Richards
Lee Carroll
Wm. McCance
Arthur Bachstein
Wm. M. Pearce

Cahokia Trinity Lutheran
Church

ON MAY 27, 1893, Mr. H. Niehaus, Wm. Klocke, F. W.
Marburger, and F. W. Hartke met to discuss the pos-
sibility of building a church, a school, and a parsonage,
since they felt that the Mt. Olive Zion Lutheran
Church was too far away for their children to attend
school there. They received permission from the Zion

Church in Cahokia township, Macoupin County, State
of Illinois: H. Niehaus, Wm. Klocke, F. W. Marburger,
F. W. Hartke, Herman Niehaus, August Buske, John
H. Meier, Martin Hauser, Margretha Niehaus, Henry G.
Niehaus, H. J. Prange, W. H. Niehaus, August Kruse,
Fred Ebeling, Henry Stoecker, Edward Meier, August
Jung and H. Kahe. Only one charter member is liv-
ing, Mrs. Henry J. Niehaus.

The subscription guaranteed amounted to $1,045.
Henry J. Prange, August Kruse, F. W. Marburger,
Henry Niehaus and F. W. Hartke were appointed as
a building committee. F. W. Hartke, who was Wm.
Hartke's father, donated the five acres needed. One
acre was used for the cemetary.

Mr. W. H. Hartke is still organist of the church
after 60 years of service. The following pastors have
served the congregation: Rev. Telthorster, Rev. Bierkle,
Rev. Klindworth, Rev. Spieler, Rev. Hestermann.

Present officers are: Charles Hartke, Frank Niehaus,
Warner Rull, Herman Niehaus.

Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church, built in 1893
L. to R.: William Roth, Edgar Hartke

Lutheran Church to have their names cancelled as
members, and any members who lived close to where
the church would be built, could also have their names
cancelled from the Zion Lutheran. They also received
permission for a collection to be granted to help build
a church.

The following families signed their names to be-
come members of the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity

Woman's Relief Corps

AUXILIARY to the 21st Congressional District
k Grand Army of the Republic was chartered
in Litchfield, December 4, 1891, and is known as
the Sidney B. Phillips Post No. 192. The following
were charter members: Mrs. Ellen Lay, Mrs.
Mary Milnor, Mrs. Mary Grassel, Mrs. Minnie
Hood, Mrs. Mollie Machler, Mrs. Abigail Hood, Miss
Frances Johnson, Mrs. Elizabeth Beach, Mrs. Jesse
Kirby, Mrs. Amila Zuber, Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett,
Mrs. Carrie Sieger, Mrs. Martha Hoffman, Mrs.
Lula Richmond, Mrs. Lucy Tuscher, Mrs. Mary
Parrish, Mrs. Theresa Neuber, Mrs. Martha Weath-
erford, Mrs. Mattie Ehrhart, Mrs. Ella Bartling,
Mrs. Ollie Ferguson, Mrs. Louise Schmidt, Mrs.
Letiecia Bilyew, Mrs. John Edwards.

The present officers are: President, Mrs. Lucy
Simmons, 842 Short Street; Secretary, Mrs. Delia
Pence, 702 East Tyler Avenue; Treasurer, Mrs.
Cora Mumbower, 511 West Kirkham Street; Pat.
Inst., Ethel Holman, 417 Clay Street. The Aux-
iliary meets on the third Friday at 7:30 p.m. in
the Chaney Hall, 816 Short Street. There are 31
members.

161

First brick school building which burned April 1,
1872. Located where Russell School is today

Community High School

THE history of the Litchfield Schools goes back
many years, but perhaps we should begin the
history of the Litchfield High School with the year
1896, for it was in June of that year that Litchfield
saw the formation of a new type of school: The
North Litchfield Township School which officially
began its term in September. The school occupied
the third floor of what is now the Russell School,
and had a faculty of four teachers. In the follow-
ing year, the first commencement of the newly
organized high school was held at the Rhodes
Opera House.

In the years following its establishment, the
Township High School expanded and developed
until disaster struck the school in 1922. Fire de-
stroyed the Masonic Building which housed the
majority of the classrooms. The fire was dis-
astrous to the school since desks, accumulated
awards for merits in athletics and speaking, the
extensive library and antiques of Dr. J. D. Colt,
a case of valuable trophies, schoolbooks, and
newly purchased football uniforms were lost. The
greatest losses, however, were records of the stu-
dents up to this year, and a place to hold classes,
since the Masonic Building had been the only place
available for school use.

A forced vacation from school was created until
new equipment could be purchased, and during
this emergency a plan was formed to erect a

Litchfield Community High School

162

building which would permanently house a high
school.

School resumed on November 15th in the Moose
Lodge located at the corner of Madison and Ed-
wards Streets, and in the lobby of the old Wessel
Hotel, which was apart from the rest of the build-
ing with a separate outside entrance.

In 1923 the contract for the new school was let;
in November of that same year, the cornerstone
was laid and the new Litchfield Community High
School was dedicated.

The building was so near completion in the
spring of 1924 that the senior class held its class
play and graduation exercises in the auditorium.
The school was ready to receive its student body
for the fall session of 1924.

Seventeen classrooms, an auditorium, a well-
equipped gym and a library were found within the
new building. The campus was landscaped and
behind the school was located a football field with
a quarter mile track around it.

An addition in the southwest corner of the build-
ing was built in 1936 which included rooms and
equipment for an industrial shop, a drafting room
and a typing room.

Another addition was built onto the northwest
corner of the main structure in 1942 resulting in
a farm mechanics shop, an extra room for general
science, and a new library.

Finally, in 1952, work was completed on another
addition to the high school which included a gym-
nasium, shops, homemaking rooms, band rooms,
and agricultural class rooms.

Russell School before third floor was removed

New Addition opened to clas

1952-1953 school term

163

Universalist Church

THE Essential Principles of the Universalist
Faith :
The Universal Fatherhood of God.
The Spiritual Authority and Leadership of His
Son, Jesus Christ.

The trustworthiness of the Bible as containing a
revelation from God. The certainty of just retri-
bution for sin.

The final harmony of all souls with God.

Statement of Faith: We avow our faith in God
as Eternal and All-Conquering Love, in the spir-
itual leadership of Jesus, in the supreme worth of
every human personality, in the authority of truth
known or to be known, and in the power of men
of good will and sacrificial spirit to overcome all
evil and progressively establish the kingdom of
God. Neither this nor any other statement shall
be imposed as a creedal test, provided that the
faith thus indicated be professed.

Dr. Colt's residence, now the Universalist
Church (picture taken about 1913)

THE Litchfield Universalist Church has a rich
heritage of public service. The city's first
mayor, W. E. Bacon, was a Universalist. Interest-
ingly enough after 100 years, Litchfield's mayor,
Lewis D. Yaeger, is a Universalist. In the interim,
the people of Litchfield have many times placed a
Universalist in their highest elective office.

Universalists had strong roots in this community
since the beginning of the town. The men and
women who came from the East to push the ad-
vancement of the city brought with them their
religion. The first minister to preach Universal-
ism in Litchfield was the Rev. Thaddeus Manford
who was persuaded by Wesley Best and D. R.
Sparks of the Best and Sparks Milling Company
to come here. During the early days, Mary E.
Livermore, who was nationally known for her

work in founding the Women's Nursing Corps dur-
ing the Civil War, spoke on Universalism. Through
these visits, the families of Amsden, Beach, Bacon,
Davis, Milnor, Tuttle, Paullis, Stoddard and others
formed the first Litchfield Universalist Church on
September 2, 1883. It was incorporated Septem-
ber 13, 1883.

Other families who were members included the
Richmonds, Southworths, Keithleys, Suddeths,
James, Wyckoffs, Straffords, Bringhursts, Kathans,
Mummes, Gages, Tildens, Arnolds, Beemans, Pres-
sons, Whites, Beardsleys, Barringers, Beverlys,
Tinklepaughs, Higginsons, Hughes, Evans, and
Lanes. Services were held in the City Hall at first,
later in the Saxby Building on Monroe Street.

The Church was reorganized in 1902 with serv-
ices held in the Knights of Pythias Hall on State
Street, later in the Litchfield Carnegie Public Li-
brary building. Other Litchfield families now af-
filiated with the Church were the Fennessys, Palm-
ers, Friedlunds, Blankleys, Webers, Rhodes, Van
Deusens, Russells, Fishers, Stuttles, Yaegers,
Eichelroths, Husbands, Crabbs, Randies, Buels,
Halls, Atterburys, Harlans, Kinsmans, Richards,
Gradys, Farquhars, Gills, Warrens, Ludewicks,
Frains, Potts, Thompsons, and Holloways. In
later years, we find the names of Bennett, Wilson,
Ruecking, Burke, Landholt, and Wilhite.

A permanent church structure was purchased
September 18, 1921, when the estate of Dr. John
Colt was settled. This is the present church and
it is located at 303 East Union Avenue.

If it is possible for any church to give particu-
lar mention to just a few, the following are note-
worthy: Miss Lucy Bacon, Mrs. Blanche Keating
Davis, Mr. W. B. Fennessy, Mrs. Estelle Beach
Davis, Mr. Irving Yaeger, and Mrs. Olivia Tuttle
Palmer. Universalism has been taught almost
since the founding of the Christian Church. This
year the Universalist and Unitarian Churches have
voted to federate.

Beta Sigma Phi

ILLINOIS Epsilon Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi
Sorority was established May 12, 1946, with 11
charter members and one director, by representa-
tives from Beta Sigma Phi International Offices,
Kansas City, Missouri. Beta Sigma Phi was
founded for the purpose of giving young women in
search of further cultural advantages and expanded
social contacts an opportunity to unite in fellow-
ship with other young women who also desire to
develop their cultural natures by definite courses
of study with the ultimate aim of making an Art
of Living.

At the present time there are 19 active members
with one director. There are 9 with the Ritual of
Jewels Degree and 10 Exemplars. Since being
founded the chapter has had 37 members.

The group meets in the members' homes twice
monthly for nine months of the year for business

164

and cultural programs, and one social is planned
each month. Each year on the anniversary of the
chapter a six-member Executive Board is elected.

Some chapter highlights during the past seven
years are: Formal pledge Ritual, Ritual of Jewels,
Exemplar Degree and Installation of Officers;
Rushing in the spring and fall; Founder's Day;
Mother's Day; Area Convention; Cooking School
Sponsorship; Publicity Contest; Queen Coronation-
Centennial Committee.

Achievements: Founding Nu Phi Mu Chapter in
Litchfield; work with Montgomery County Tuber-
culosis Association; Beta Sigma Phi Cancer Re-
search Funds; Dairy Day Activities; Baby Contest
and Fashion Show; Community Chest Drive each
year; "Shine for a Dime" Infantile Paralysis
Drive; Fashion Show.

St. Aloysius Church

IN THE year 1883 ten men, who desired to have
sermons given in the German language, estab-
lished the St. Aloysius Church in Litchfield. These
men were: Bernard Melvis, John Markel, Constan-
tine Hoog, Joseph Bartman, Sr., John Wiegers,

St. Aloysius Church built in 1883. School in
background (early 1880's picture)

Peter Mangers, George Hilger, Sr., Joseph Hoog,
Sr., Casper Hoog, and Chris Uhlenhop. Twenty-
five families made up the parish.

It will be recalled that the late Miss Etta Bart-
man was organist of the church for twenty-five
years, giving much of her time and talent. She

was also a teacher in the parochial school main-
tained by the parish at that time.

The ten pastors who have served the church
and parish are: Rev. Joseph De-Shane, Geo.
Pesch, F. X. Schonlau, J. Kopp, J. A. Telken, A. J.
Stengel, F. C. Schlepphorst, Wm. Pietch, and
Arthur Thies.

During the pastorate of the late Rev. A. J.
Stengel, a new brick building was erected. This
was in the year 1928. The original location of the
church was the same as the present location, the
corner of Franklin and Taylor Streets.

Henry Uhlenhop was the first child to be bap-
tized after the church was founded, in the year
1883. The first wedding to be solemnized in the
church united Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stratman.
Mrs. Theo. Troetlein's funeral was the first held
in the church. She was a daughter of one of the
founders, Bernard Melvis. The first trustees were
Bernard Melvis and Constantine Hoog. The pres-
ent trustees are Bernard Kellenberger and Andrew
Schwab. Today the church has a membership of
two hundred twenty-five.

Women of the Moose

LITCHFIELD Chapter 581, Women of Moose-
heart Legion, an Auxiliary of the Loyal Or-
der of Moose, was organized October 25, 1921.
Some years later the name was changed to its
present name, Women of the Moose. There were
some forty charter members. Only two of those
are still members, Mrs. Florence Henties and Mrs.
Lillie Vaughn.

Mrs. Laura Fife was the first Senior Regent and
Mrs. Mabel Coffey was the first Recorder. Meet-
ings were held in the Hall on Edwards and Madi-
son Streets, later the meeting place was changed
to the Pappmeier Building and then to the Moose
Building on West Ryder Street where the meetings
are now held.

The purpose of the organization is to aid and
support Mooseheart, "The Child City," and Moose-
haven, a model community for older folks, by con-
tributing toward the same. The Chapter con-
tributes regularly to various scholarship funds to
assist graduates from Mooseheart to further their
education in colleges and universities in special
fields.

Local projects are carried on through various
committees. The Chapter co-operates with other
groups in community affairs and contributes to
the various community funds and assists in chari-
table ways when needed.

From time to time some recreation or enter-
tainment for the sons and daughters of the mem-
bers is provided, such as picnics, roller skating,
and gifts or parties at Christmas. In November
the Chapter has a gift shower for the children at
Mooseheart and the men and women at Moose-
haven. The members bring suitable gifts for the
children and gifts that older folks can use and

165

enjoy. Each year books selected from a list sent
out by Mooseheart are purchased for the Library
used by the boys and girls at Mooseheart.

The Chapter has one member who is now a
member of the College of Regents, one member
who is a member of the Star Recorders, and
twenty-two members of the Academy of Friend-
ship, all degrees of the Women of the Moose.

The present officers are: Senior Regent, Mrs.
Gladys Elledge; Junior Graduate Regent, Mrs.
Daisy Demkey ; Junior Regent, Mrs. Ethel Pruitt ;
Chaplain, Mrs. Lota Davis; Treasurer, Mrs. Lucille
Rundle; Recorder, Mrs. Mary Broeg; Sentinel, Mrs.
Mabel Fletcher; Argus, Mrs. Irene King; Guide,
Mrs. Ellen Wey; Assistant Guide, Mrs. Mildred
Deming; Pianist, Mrs. Kathryn Doolin.

There are 114 members on the Chapter roll at
the present time.

The local Chapter entertains the different group
meetings when they are held in Litchfield, and
are represented at the meetings when held in other
cities.

Free Methodist Church

THE Free Church springs from a spirit of re-
vival and a desire to "spread scriptural holiness
over these lands." For the past three-quarters of a
century, the Free Methodist Church in Litchfield
has remained true to her calling.

Under the leadership of Rev. W. B. M. Colt and
Rev. Frank Ashcraft, known as the Colt-Ashcraft
band, a tent meeting was held in 1878, financed by
W. S. Dann, a Greenville, Illinois, businessman.

Free Methodist Church

Out of this tent meeting the Litchfield Free Meth-
odist Church was organized. The church has kept
the Faith under the able leadership of such pas-
tors as Rev. W. D. Corkran, later District Super-
intendent, the Rev. S. K. Wheatlake, author of
"The Touch of Fire," and Rev. G. W. Griffith, later
Bishop of the church.

This church also sent out into the church out-
standing men as pastors and District Superin-
tendents, namely, Rev. Homer Tanner, now de-
ceased, and Rev. Thomas E. Bailey.

The church is located on the corner of Van
Buren and East First Streets, with the Rev. Clar-
ence Nobbe as its present pastor. Originally the
church was in the south part of town on Water
Street and was purchased by the Free Methodists
from the "Dunkards." It was then moved to North
Harrison Street, and later to its present location.
In 1948 the church was completely remodeled, in-
cluding raising and putting a basement under the
entire building. New pews were bought, a hardwood
floor was laid, a new vestibule was added with
entrance from the south, instead of the west.

Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post No. 3912 & Auxiliary

LITCHFIELD Post No. 3912, located at 215 West Ryder
Street, was organized May 28, 1944, with a charter
membership of 98 veterans. This membership repre-
sents honorably discharged men of Army, Navy, Ma-
rine Corps, and Coast Guard who have had foreign
service in time o£ war.

The Ladies' Auxiliary, located at 318 Sherman
Street, represents the wives, mothers, sisters, and
daughters of the men eligible to the Veterans of For-
eign Wars. This Auxiliary was organized on January
6, 1945, with 120 charter members.

Both observe a fraternal, patriotic, historical, and
educational objective. They assist members of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars and their own members
wherever and whenever possible. They maintain true
allegiance to the government of the United States and
fidelity to its Constitution and laws. They foster true
patriotism, maintain and extend the institutions of
American freedom, equal rights and justice to all men
and women. They work to preserve and defend the
United States of America from all her enemies whom-
soever.

Activities of these organizations consist of:
Aid in maintaining National Home for Orphans of
Veterans. Hospital work by supporting, with ample
funds, materials and assistance, those who work within
the hospital walls. Rehabilitation: giving assistance to
the needy outside the hospitals. Community Welfare:
Relief projects as Red Cross, Infantile Paralysis, and
Community Chest. Legislative Work: Because any-
thing which benefits the Veterans benefits his family
and the community. Americanism: Every activity of
these organizations builds and works to make a better
America.

Officers in charge for 1953:

Post

Commander — Marion Voyles
Adjutant — Clinton Fenton
Quartermaster — John Welsh

Auxiliary

President — Helen Hopper
Secretary — Bernice Slightom
Treasurer — Sue Welsh

166

Zion English Evangelical Lutheran Church

ZION ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH, Litchfield's oldest church, ante-
dates by one year the founding of Litchfield. The
first Lutheran families came to this section of
Illinois somewhat over 100 years ago. Occasional
services were held for them and those who fol-
lowed, in the homes, beginning about 1845. In
1851 a small frame church was erected on land
west of State Street and north of Ferdon Street,
which was then only a country road, and all land
north of it was prairie.

On April 25, 1852, Mount Zion Lutheran Church,
as it was first named, was organized by Rev. Elias
Schwartz of Hillsboro. with a charter member-
ship of 14 known members: Mr. and Mrs. Alfred
Blackwelder, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Blackwelder, Mr.
and Mrs. Ralph Scherer, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob
Scherer, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Cline, Mr. and Mrs.
Martin Cress, John Walcher, and Miss Mary Emily
Blackwelder. Soon after, Mr. and Mrs Godfrey
Stiefel became members.

In 1855, together with the Presbyterians, a brick
church was erected on a site just east of the pres-
ent post office. Interest in the church declined
subsequently to such an extent, that in the spring
of 1865 Zion sold its interest in the joint church
building to the Presbyterians and almost dis-
banded. In January, 1866, fifteen members de-
cided on vigorous action and on July 8, 1866, an-
other church building on the site of the present
church, Second and Monroe, was dedicated. This

Church and Parsonage — Second and Monroe Streets

building was sold in 1889 and moved elsewhere,
making room for the present church building
which was dedicated July 21, 1889. Additions
and changes have been made to it since. Growth
has been slow but steady. Up to the present, 23
pastors have served our congregation.

Our oldest organizations include: The Ladies'
Aid, organized in 1886; The Women's Home and
Foreign Missionary Society, June, 1903; The Uhl
Mission Band, January 10, 1916; The Lydia Mis-
sionary Society, March 11, 1926.

The Rev. John Miller, B.A., B.D., S.T.M., the
present pastor, was called by our congregation in
1948. In January, 1950, after a quite extensive
renovating and remodeling program, a new chancel,
beautifully lighted and furnished with all the
meaningful and dignified traditional Lutheran
furnishings and appointments, was dedicated.
In 1951 a very adequate parsonage was built be-
side the church, and dedicated. This is the splendid
first unit of new buildings which the congregation
plans to erect in the future. The next building
will be an educational unit which will follow soon.
A long-range program is anticipated, which will
ultimately provide new buildings of brick.

Zion celebrated its Centennial in 1952 from Sep-
tember 14 to October 21.

In the last five years there has been a resurgence
of growth, 37 per cent in membership, 130 per
cent in income, and in attendance. Four new or-
ganizations have been added, vestments, movie and
filmstrip projectors, a filmstrip
library of 170 filmstrips, and a
tape recorder. The church has
435 baptized members.

Present officers are: Rev.
John Miller, President; Henry
Schroeder, V i c e-President ;
John Ritchie, Secretary; Elmer
Meyers, Corresponding Secre-
tary; Chris Stamer, Financial
Secretary ; Homer Saegesser,
Treasurer ; Wayne Barringer
and Arthur Roth.

Our congregation is noted
for its fine worship services,
its outstanding educational
program, its strong Mission-
ary and Brotherhood organi-
zations, and its exceptional
record in the practice of Stew-
ardship. Whoever desires a
church with both a beautiful
and devotional service, led by
a well-trained and educated
church leader, will find here a
warm welcome sincerely ex-
tended.

167

First Baptist Church

BEGINNING in 1830 a group of Baptists met in
various homes of the community for worship.
This practice was continued until the year 1856
when the church was fully organized; Rev. John-
son was called to be their first pastor.

This congregation met in a hall from 1856 to
1859, when a church was built east of the present
Library at the site Mrs. W. R. Saxby now owns.

In October, 1874, Mr. Wilson Meicenheimer, a
farmer living south of town, gave the church two lots
at the corner of Division and Van Buren Streets.
The present building was completed on that site
in 1875. The first building was sold to Mr. Mad-
dox of Hillsboro for $2,000 ; a lot on Union Avenue
where the Universalist Church now stands was
also sold and the proceeds from the two sales were
used to offset the cost of the new building.

In 1912 Dr. Sihler, Sr., gave the church a build-
ing which was moved to the north lot and used
for a parsonage. Then in 1927 the members felt
the need for a larger place of worship and for
Sunday School rooms. The next year work was
started on the remodeling and enlargement, which
was completed in 1929. At this time William
Sielschott was Sunday School Superintendent and
he served for 21 years. The pastor was Rev. R. J.
Anderson, who designed the present building,
which was erected under the leadership of a build-

Present First Baptist Church, cor-
ner of Van Buren and Division
Streets.

ing committee composed of William
Sielschott, Sr., Ed Gore, and Ed
Shrader.

In the fall of 1951, the church
again felt the need of additional
Sunday School rooms and an ad-
dition costing $20,000 was built
just east of the church extending to
the east line of the property. The
church was without a pastor and
the addition was designed by the
Sunday School Superintendent,
Frank Randle. The building com-
mittee included the following trus-
tees: Dewey Bierbaum, Forrest

Wright, Myron Mitchell and Les

Sanderson.
The parsonage was completely remodeled in
the inside in the summer of 1952 and in the early
part of 1953 the basement of the old building was
remodeled, including the Installation of a modern
kitchen. The present pastor, Rev. William A. Gray,
began his ministry on June 1, 1952.

On May 3, 1953, there were 890 on the church
roll and 823 on the Sunday School roll.

Present plans include the building of another
addition north of the new part and also the use
of the present parsonage for Sunday School rooms.
The parsonage will soon be located at 315 North
Harrison Street as this home was recently given
to the church by Mrs. Ed Shrader.

The pastors of the church: Rev. Joseph
Beaven, 1883; Rev. W. B. Lile, 1885-86; Rev.
Justus Buckley, 1887-92; Rev. H. L. Derr, 1893-
94; Rev. J. V. Hopper, 1895-96; Rev. F. W. Car-
stens, 1898-99; Rev. W. C. Webb, 1900-02; Rev.
D. C. Blunt, 1902-03; Rev. R. W. Moon, 1904-05;
Rev. G. E. Milford, 1905-08; Rev. J. F. Howard,
1909-11; Rev. H. R. Otto, 1912-15; Rev. D. H.
Toomey, 1916-20; Rev. R. J. Anderson, 1920-32;
Rev. J. F. Daugherty, 1933-38; Rev. H. P. Lovik,
1938-42; Rev. W. Reppenhagen, 1942-46; Rev. A.
P. Sengpiehl, 1947-51 ; Rev. W. A. Gray, 1952-.

168

Frame Church at Union Avenue and Harrison Street
1902-1925

Brick Church— 1865-1901

Union Avenue Christian Church

THE Christian Church of Litchfield, Illinois, was
organized July 21, 1856, and has stood the test
for 97 years. With God's help and through the
tireless efforts of its consecrated members it became
one of the largest Protestant churches in the city.

The first meetinghouse was an old frame struc-
ture located at the corner of Madison and Third
Streets. In this unpretentious building the few
Disciples met, praised and prayed. No musical in-
strument for their singing, but the Christian melo-
dies burst forth from hearts afire with love for
Him whose power gave them being.

The first regular minister was a young Mr. Sims,
a student of Eureka College who began his min-
istry in the spring of 1861. There were 42 charter
members. The available names are
as follows: J. W. Keeler and wife,
W. C. Henderson and wife, Matilda
O'Bannon, Susan Ellsbury, David
Forehand and wife, John P. Bayless
and wife, John Waldrop and wife.

In 1865 the congregation had out-
grown the old frame building and a
substantial brick church was erected
just north of Library Square at a
cost of $4,000.

In 1902 the east part of the church
which was located on Union Avenue
and Harrison Street was built, the
west auditorium being added in 1906
and this served for eighteen years.
These were years of great growth;
many were added to the church and
the Sunday School was one of the

largest in the state. The Crescendo Orchestra pro-
vided inspirational music for the Sunday School
during this period.

Possessing a vision that reached far into the fu-
ture the leaders of the church planned and built
the present educational building and dedicated it
in 1925.

From a charter list of 42 members the member-
ship of the church has grown to 1036 resident
members and 150 non-resident members.

Now many years after the dedication of the
educational unit, and under the able leadership of
Rev. and Mrs. Ernest P. Baker and a host of con-
secrated members, the church goes forward in
plans to complete the vision of those earlier lead-
ers by building the sanctuary.

The complete church as shown by architect's drawing,
construction of which is planned for the near future.

169

— First Presbyterian Church

ON FEBRUARY 9, 1856, the pastor of the Pres-
byterian Church of Hillsboro, Rev. R. M.
Roberts, and two of his elders organized the First
Presbyterian Church of Litchfield. There were ten
charter members, five of the Paden family, Mr.
and Mrs. Daniel P. Brokaw, two of the McElvain
family, and Mrs. Lydia Jane Crawford.

Descendants of these charter members are still
active in the church today.

The first pastor was the Rev. Peter Hassinger,
born in New Jersey and educated at Princeton!
Later the Rev. Roberts who organized the church
was pastor for nine years.

The church had no regular meeting place at first.
In 1856 or 1857 the Lutheran congregation united
with the Presbyterian to build a brick church on
Kirkham Street on the east part of what is now
the Post Office property. This church cost $3,000,
a considerable sum for those days.

The women of the two congregations were deter-
mined to get a bell for the new church and to get
a good one. The sum of $200 was accumulated,
partly by holding "sociables" and in many small
ways, but this was not enough. Mrs. Sarah Good-
win, an aunt of Mr. R. N. Paden, then offered to
give the women a land warrant for 160 acres
which the government had given her as the widow
of a Revolutionary soldier. This was sold for $165
and the bell was bought in West Troy, New York.
Thus we have the unique distinction of having 160
acres of land invested in our bell.

The Lutheran congregation sold its interest in
the building in 1865, but the two churches con-
tinued to co-operate in many ways.

In 1889 the present church building and manse
at the corner of Kirkham and Jackson Streets were
planned and the cornerstone of the church laid.
It was not dedicated, however, until ten years later

when most of the $15,000 which
the buildings cost, had been paid.
In 1952 extensive improvements
were made, enlarging and rear-
ranging the basement into a more
attractive social room and equally
efficient classrooms for the church
school, kindergarten, and primary
departments.

The church school has been an
active part of the church organ-
ization since the early days. The
oldest member of the church, Miss
Frances Hood, was secretary for
some seventy years, until she was
retired as secretary emerita a few
years ago.

Various women's groups have
existed over the years. The Lad-
ies' Auxiliary, later known as
Ladies' Aid, was organized early;
the Women's Missionary Society
was organized in 1879, The Glean-
er's Class in the winter of 1913-14, and the J.O.Y.
class in 1940. All these were combined in Oc-
tober, 1952, into the Woman's Association of which
Mrs. Harold Morgan, Mrs. A. V. Hoog, and Mrs.
Harry Gorin are the officers. The women's or-
ganizations have always assisted in the financial
work of the church and even more in the spiritual
life and outreach in our own and other countries.

The men have had various organizations. The
present Presbyterian Men's Club was organized
about 1940 and has been quite active in promot-
ing worthwhile projects. Present officers are:
E. R. Granger, H. C. McCance, and D. E. Paullis.
Pastor of the church is Dr. David John Brigham,
who began his ministry here in October, 1948.

Of those who have ministered to the church
down the long march of time, one has said "Each
did his best in his own way and the Lord shall
bless the labors of each hand."

PASTORS OF THE CHURCH:

P. S. Hassinger, 1857-1858

B. H. Charles, 1858- a few months

D. R. Todd, 1859- one year

R. M. Roberts, 1859-1868

A. S. Foster, 1869-1873

S. I. McKee, 1873-1875

A. J. Clark, 1875-1877

D. W. Evans, 1878-1881

W. B. Minton, 1881-1885

Theodore Hunter, 18S5-1886

D. W. Campbell, 1886-1890
Frank P. Miller, 1890-1896
J. A. Gerhard, 1899-1902

E. W. F. Holler, 1902-1906
Allen D. Baillev, 1906-1907
D. K. Miller, 1907-1911
W. F. Gibson, 1911-1913
W. S. Dando, 1919-1920
W. S. Dands. 1919-1920
John A. Spvker, 1920-1921
William V. McAdoo. 1922-1926
N. C. Griffin, 1927-1930
J. E. Agans, 1931-1939
Herbert M. Lohr. 1940-1948
D. J. Brigham, 1948-

170

THE history of Litchfield
could not be completely
written without mention of
the Methodist Church. The
first Methodist Church in the
vicinity was constructed at
Hardinsburg, which was lo-
cated two miles southwest of
the present site of the city of
Litchfield. In 1855, four
years before Litchfield was
incorporated, probably two
dozen families were located
here, and the Methodists be-
gan looking for a place to
worship. In 1857, the little
Hardinsburg Chapel was put
on wheels and moved into the
town. It was placed at the

southwest corner of West Union Avenue and Madi-
son Street. It was used as a house of worship un-
til 1862. By that time the town had grown to a
considerable size and the Methodists, always pro-
gressive, decided to erect a new church. The old
structure was sold to the Christian congregation
and moved to the southeast corner of Third and
Madison Streets, where it was used by both the
Christian and Methodist bodies until the new Meth-
odist Church was ready for occupancy.

The new church, a small brick edifice of the
prevalent style of architecture of that day, was
erected on the old site, at a cost of $8,000 or $9,000,
and for several years was the finest church in the
city. The parsonage was located two blocks north
of the church, where the home of Miss Mabel
Butler now stands.

In 1875, the present site of the church and par-
sonage was purchased. Eleven years later, in 1886,
after much deliberation, it was decided to sell the
old church to the German Lutheran congregation.
For two years following, services were conducted
in the old Seventh Day Adventist Church, the build-
ing on North Monroe Street now occupied by the
Schwabe Jewelry Store.

The work of erecting a new church on the pres-
ent site was commenced in April, 1887. On May
15 of that year, the cornerstone was laid. Late
in the fall the new church was completed at a cost
of $11,300, but the first service was not held until
March 18, 1888, and the church was formally dedi-
cated April 22 of that year. The new church with
its tall spire, surmounted by a cross which could
be seen for miles, was considered a beautiful struc-
ture. Need for repairs and alterations became ap-
parent very shortly but they were out of the ques-
tion. There was an indebtedness of $2,000 which

First Methodist Church

had to be cancelled before repairs could be con-
sidered. By 1901 the debt had been completely
liquidated and there was sufficient money to make
the necessary improvements, including the elimina-
tion of the spire, which was said to be unsafe.

A new parsonage was built in 1907 which, with
but few changes and alterations, is in use today.

The next big structural change in the church
was begun in 1922 and was completed in 1927 at a
cost of $45,000. In addition to the building cost,
the "Ladies' Guild" of the church had a new pipe
organ installed at a cost of $5,000. August 21,
1927, the remodeled edifice was dedicated by Bishop
A. W. Leonard.

For more than 40 years, many of the members
yearned for a church bell, and in 1929 the present
bell was purchased. During 1941 the church was
re-carpeted and in 1946 new pews were purchased
and installed.

From time to time various organizations have
been formed throughout the church. The church
school has been ever active through the years.
From the early days to the present, people have
been faithful in their work and stand ready and
willing at all times to do their part in any and all
undertakings. The true work cannot be put in
this record. The influence of spiritual uplift and
moral force cannot be estimated. The good ac-
complished can only be known at that last great
day when our Master Himself will open the
"Books" and pronounce the final judgment. God
has blessed us in many ways. May we remain ever
faithful!

171

:■:# I

Zion Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod

MEMBER of the Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod, Zion Lutheran Church at 1301 North
State Street (The Rev. C. I. Klewer, present pas-
tor), was organized in 1886. From a small be-
ginning it has grown to one of the largest congre-
gations in the city. It numbers 570 communicant
members and over 800 baptized members. The
present church was built in 1942.

Zion Lutheran Church was organized here by
the late Pastor Claus Schroeder, at that time pas-
tor of St. John's Lutheran Church, South Litch-
field. The congregation has been served by five
resident pastors:

Rev. Fred Bergen, 1888-1904
Rev. George Stiegemeyer, 1905-1911
Rev. Theodore Iben, 1911-1922
Rev. J. L. Strelow, 1924-1952
Rev. C. I. Klewer, 1952—

An active Sunday School is under the direc-
tion of Mr. Walter Tiemann with an enrollment of
160 children. Mr. Harold Repp and the pastor

conduct the junior and senior Bible classes. These
classes meet at 9:30 a.m.

Two services are held every Sunday morning at
8:30 and 10:30. Holy Communion is celebrated
in the second service on the first Sunday of every
month.

The Men's Club meets on the fourth Thursday
of every month ; the Ladies' Aid on the first Thurs-
day ; the Senior Walther League on the first Thurs-
day; and the Junior Walther League on the sec-
ond Thursday. Those who wish to acquaint them-
selves with the teachings and practices of the
church are invited to attend the adult membership
classes which are held by convenient appointment.
Zion Lutheran Church maintains a Christian Day
School. It has existed since 1888 and offers the
first to eighth grade State courses which are cou-
pled with Christian guidance and Bible instruc-
tion. Mr. Harold Repp, who is the principal, has
been an instructor since 1932. The new modern
structure includes three classrooms with up-to-
date equipment. The present enrollment of 88
children is served by three teachers.

172

Installation of Max Sherman Lodge Number 1096, Independent Order of B'nai B'rith, April 15, 1928.

Max Sherman Lodge Number 1096

Original Officers

L. Cohn, President

Nathan Sterneck, Vice-President

Sam Barney, Secretary

Mike Sherman, Treasurer

M. Rosenfeld, Monitor

I. Faintich, Assistant Monitor

Dr. P. J. Wolf, Inside Guard

Abe Katz, Outside Guard

Present Officers

Max Ash, President

Mel Heselov, Vice-President

Joe Foreman, Secretary-Treasurer

Sam Rifkin, Monitor

Sam Rich, Assistant Monitor

Nathan Seltzer, Inside Guard

Stewart Baker, Outside Guard

IT IS with the utmost of pleasure and pride that
we of B'nai B'rith share in Litchfield's Centen-
nial of progress. Share, indeed, for we too have
an anniversary — our 25th.

Twenty-five years ago a small group of Jewish
families representing Carlinville, Gillespie, Benld,
Staunton, Mt. Olive, Greenville, Litchfield, and
Hillsboro, felt the need of a "getting together."
B'nai B'rith was the answer, for the very diversity
that makes up B'nai B'rith endows it with the
power to be a unifying force in Jewish organiza-
tional life. Thus, the Max Sherman Lodge had its
beginning.

Since there was no permanent meeting place,
meetings were rotated among the homes of the
members. Soon, thereafter, the demand for
larger and permanent quarters was fulfilled by
renting a hall in the Litchfield Hotel.

With the loss of all our records and our meeting
place, caused by the hotel fire, the B'nai B'rith was
once again without a home. This was of short
duration, for in May, of 1947, the purchase of a
residence at 1103 North Madison Street in Litch-
field made our dreams of our own home a reality.

After extensive remodeling, we now have com-
plete facilities for all our activities, which include
monthly socials, and meetings of the B'nai B'rith
Lodge, and Sunday School each Sunday for the
children of Jewish families from the surrounding
towns.

It is our hope that our fraternity, with its nu-
merous philanthropic agencies, welfare organiza-
tions and religious and cultural departments, will
always contribute greatly to the democratic herit-
age of America.

173

Lithograph of Ursuline Convent, established in 1871 (from "Atlas" of 1874)

•Assumption B. V. M. Church

THE first Catholic settlers in Litchfield were
immigrants from Ireland who were employed
by the Indianapolis and St. Louis Railroad, the
first railroad through this part of Illinois. A con-
siderable number of these worthy people made
Litchfield their home. Their spiritual needs were
looked after by priests who traveled through, from
town to town celebrating mass in the homes of the
people and administering baptism to the infants
and otherwise caring for them as best they might.

Rev. P. Cody from Paris, Illinois, performed
such services. The first mass celebrated here was
in the home of John Timmons on North Jackson
Street in 1857. Later a priest from Alton came
occasionally.

In 1859, Rev. Michael Colton was appointed
pastor and went to work to build a brick church on
the corner of Jackson and Columbia Streets.

In January, 1870, Father Gonant was succeeded
by Rev. Leopold Moczygemba, O. M. C, who,
seeing a large number of children throng into the
church on Sundays for catechism and instructions,
set about building a school. He moved out from
the rectory erected by his predecessor and made
it the central part of a new building, placing an
addition on each end, one for the school and the
other for the convent. The school and convent
formed quite an imposing building for that time
and held the honor, for many years, as one of the

best buildings in Litchfield. The Ursuline Sisters
from Alton were teachers and conducted a very
successful parish school, as well as an academy for
young ladies. The school and academy were pa-
tronized by a number of non-Catholics.

On June 21, 1882, Rev. Patrick F. Carroll was
appointed pastor. He began very soon to collect
funds for the erection of a new church. Two
years were devoted to collecting funds and pro-
viding material for the building. Six lots, facing
on State Street, where the present church now
stands, were purchased at a cost of $1,800.

On Christmas morning in 1886, the first mass
was celebrated in the new church in the presence
of a great throng of people, happy and joyous to
see their dream of a new church realized.

The cost of the church without any furnishings
was $26,700. In 1890 a new pastoral residence
costing $8,700 was erected beside the church and
facing State Street.

In 1892, the Dominican Sisters from Springfield
took charge of St. Mary's School. Mother Thom-
asina was Superior and with her were Sister Mary
Lawrence and Sister Regina. They were indus-
trious, devout religious who took up their work
with a sympathetic interest in their previous
charges. The work of the Dominican Sisters in
the school has been eminently successful.

A beautiful parish hall and auditorium were
erected in 1927. The school and convent were also

174

veneered with Alton buff brick to harmonize with
the new building and together they present a very
fine appearance. In 1930 the steeple of the church
was completed.

On September 16, 1931, Father Carroll suffered
a stroke which permanently paralyzed him. He
spent four years in his bed following this stroke
and he died September 13, 1935.

Following the first illness of Monsignor Carroll,
Monsignor Edward Cahill was appointed adminis-
trator of the parish. After the death of Mon-
signor Carroll, he was appointed pastor. He re-
signed because of ill health and was succeeded
by Rev. William B. Whalen on September 21, 1939.
In 1943, Rev. Frank J. Lawler, the present pastor,
was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Church.

History of Litchfield Dentists

DR. WILLIAM BAREFOOT came to Litchfield
in 1863 and began practicing in an office on
the second floor of the Masonic Building, which
was located on the present site of Sherman's Store.
Here he practiced until his retirement in 1904.

Dr. S. H. Gerog entered the Dental Department
of the University of Michigan and received his de-
gree in 1881. He came directly to Litchfield to
practice, but there is no record as to how long he
remained here.

Dr. T. T. Baker served his apprenticeship with
William Barefoot and then attended and was grad-
uated from the Missouri Dental School in 1890. He
opened an office with William Alexander in what is
now the Yaeger Building. After several years Dr.
Alexander went to Carlinville to practice. Dr.
Baker practiced here until his death in 1939.

Dr. Coddington had an office in the middle of the
block on State Street west of the Library square.
Here he practiced until 1906 at which time he
moved to Chicago.

Dr. L. R. Grey was born near Butler, Illinois, was
graduated from the Litchfield High School, and
later received his degree from Central College of
Dentistry at Indianapolis, Indiana. He first prac-
ticed in Pawnee, then came to Litchfield in 1906
and opened an office in the building at the south-
west corner of State Street and Union Avenue.
Here he retained his office for many tears, then
moved into 107A West Ryder Street.

Dr. Charles W. Grafton was a graduate of the
University of Iowa, School of Dentistry, class of
1898. For six years he practiced at Rock Island,
Illinois, then in 1904 he came to Litchfield and
established his office in the Holderread Building.
Here he remained for forty-eight years. Dr.
Grafton retired in 1951 after spending fifty-four
years in his profession.

Dr. A. E. Sihler has his office at 312 North Madi-
son Street. He is a graduate of the St. Louis Uni-
versity, School of Dentistry, in the class of 1916.
He began his practice January, 1917, in the Mc-
Manus Building which stood on the present site of

the Sihler Building at the corner of Kirkham and
Madison Streets. In May, 1922, Dr. Sihler moved
to his present location.

Dr. Frank S. Mansfield has his offices at 407A
North State Street. He is a graduate of the Uni-
versity of St. Louis, School of Dentistry. He came
to Litchfield in 1926 and has practiced here con-
tinuously with the exception of time served in
World War II.

Dr. John M. Patton has his office in the Allen
Building at 400A North Monroe Street. Dr. Patton
is a graduate of Northwestern University, School
of Dentistry, class of 1935. After graduation he
came to Litchfield and entered the office of Dr.
Grey at 107A West Ryder Street. He entered
military service in 1943 and served until 1946, then
returned to Litchfield.

Dr. Ira T. Maupin, Jr., has his office at 215 North
Jackson Street. He is a graduate of Washington
University with the class of 1935. He practiced at
White Hall, Illinois, for seven years, served in
World War II for three years, then came to Litch-
field in 1945.

Dr. Vernon G. Becker has his office at 204 North
State Street. He is a graduate of Washington Uni-
versity, class of 1944. He served three years in
World War II, then came to Litchfield in 1947.

Sportsman's Club

THE Litchfield Sportsman's Club was founded
in 1937. At that time Leo Wilson served as
President and Chris Zuber as Secretary. The pur-
pose of the club was to appropriate game for the
vicinity of Litchfield. The first project was rais-
ing pheasants, and 1,000 pheasants were raised
and released during 1937 and 1938. The pheas-
ants were raised at the Litchfield Disposal Plant.

Another project of the club was raising bass
at the old reservoir swimming pool for stocking
lakes of this area.

In 1939 and 1940 a quail project was started.
The quail were raised by Blake Lowry at the
Chautauqua grounds. The same year field trials
were started in this area.

During the beginning of World War II, in 1941,
the club was inactive. In 1945 the club was re-
organized with Robert Huffman serving as Presi-
dent and Clyde Osborne as Secretary. Since the
reorganization, the club has been incorporated.

The club has sponsored various activities such
as fishing rodeos, two Sports Carnivals, two recog-
nized field trials per year, breeding, raising and
releasing 500 quail per year, annual fish frys for
members and families, and trap shoots.

In the near future the club plans to sponsor an
obedience training class for dogs of all breeds,
without charge to owners. They also hope to ob-
tain new field trial grounds at Lake Ramsey,
which would enable them to hold bigger and better
field trials.

Present officers of the club are: President,
Henry Strothman, and Secretary, Ralph J. Green.

175

St. Francis Hospital in 1891

St. Francis Hospital in 1953

St Francis Hospital

A God to love,
Souls to save,
A life to sacrifice for
God and country.
What a privilege!

SUCH is the sentiment of every true Hospital
Sister of St. Francis. Such was the sentiment
which filled the hearts of five Sisters who estab-
lished the Motherhouse of the Hospital Sisters of
Saint Francis in Muenster, Germany, in 1844.
Thirty years later, aflame with this same zeal, an
intrepid band of missionary Sisters left the Mother-
house and came to Illinois to found the American
Province of this Congregation. Due to differences
between the rulers of Germany and the Vatican,
the scope of their work of more than two decades
was struck a stunning blow by the passage of re-
strictive laws against Catholic Communities.

During this time of peril, there came an invita-
tion from the Bishop of Alton, Illinois. He desper-
ately needed nursing Sisters in his diocese, and
wanted the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of
St. Francis to found a community there. On Oc-
tober 15, 1875, twenty Hospital Sisters said their
goodbyes as they left their Motherhouse in Muen-
ster. The following day they boarded the ship
MAAS in Rotterdam and sailed for the United
States. By November 3, the MAAS was standing
in New York harbor, and by nightfall of November
6, the Sisters were in Alton, as they were eager to
get to their new field of service. Imagine a group
of twenty Sisters riding through the streets of Alton
in a huge open wagon! Villagers stared in candid
surprise as the wagon rumbled through the town.
They were welcomed kindly by Bishop Baltes, who
on the following day presented his plans to them.
They were to separate into groups, going to vari-
ous Illinois towns to start their work.

Three Sisters were appointed to go to Litchfield,
Illinois. They were Sisters Fridolina, Rosa, and
Augustina. They arrived here on November 13,
1875, and started the first foundation of their nurs-

ing career. These three Sisters were given living
accommodations in the upper story of the John
Weigers home on West Edwards Street, at which
place they remained for three months.

The first hospital was a frame building on the
southeast corner of the intersection of Columbia
and Jackson Streets, which was used until 1891.
In this year the first wing of the present hospital
was erected on South State Street, which accom-
modated twenty patients. This building was of
brick, 60 x 45 x 30 feet.

In 1906 a suite of operating rooms was added
and a new elevator installed. This addition was
built to the northeast of the original building at a
cost of $20,000. The third story of the hospital
was added in 1911, and at the same time additional
rooms for the patients were built to the south.
Two years later, in 1913, the present operating
rooms and more patients' rooms, to the east, were
built. The chapel, Girls' Home and Convent were
added in 1923 at a cost of $112,543. The last
addition was made in 1931, a 40 foot building,
which consists of the lobby, offices, and a new ele-
vator, erected at a cost of $34,000.

New equipment has been placed in the various
departments through the years to meet the de-
mands of the medical field in aiding the sick and
dying. The Blood Bank was started in October,
1948, and is completely equipped to meet its re-
quirments. Records show that Mayor Henry L.
Shroeder gave the first pint of blood. A new $17,-
000 X-ray table, Maxicon, was installed in 1951,
making this department, headed by a full-time
radiologist, Dr. Harry A. Olin, complete in service
and equipment. At present the hospital has a ca-
pacity of 157 adult beds and 18 bassinets. In 1891,
37 patients were cared for; in 1952, a total of 4,500
persons received care as bed patients.

These changes and additions through the years
were accomplished by the prayers and sacrifices
of our pioneer Sisters, and the cooperation of our

176

doctors and the people of Litchfield and surround-
ing areas. As we glance back through the years,
we find that many of the people who assisted the
hospital in its growth, are still remembered and
revered by the citizens of Litchfield and will be
thought of in years to come. Prominent among
the early physicians of this city was Dr. J. D. Colt,
who was interested in the progress of our hospital,
and who actively assisted in the fund-raising cam-
paign for the first electric elevator installed in the
hospital in 1906. The names of many others are
closely linked with the history of St. Francis,
namely, Doctors Harry A. Bennett, Myron Snell,
and Kelly. More recently called from our midst
were Doctors George A. Sihler, Sr., George A. Sihler,
Jr., and Lee G. Allen. To these dear departed we
owe a debt of gratitude for their service and loyal-
ty. To our present Litchfield medical staff we owe
a like debt: Doctors C. H. Zoller, Ross W. Gris-
wold, C. H. Sihler, J. R. Rebillot, H. A. Yaeger,
N. K. Floreth, and L. George Allen.

It is interesting to note that one of the patients
who entered the old hospital on Jackson and Co-
lumbia Streets, was transferred to the new hospital
in 1891, and is still with us. Bridget McGrath,
familiar to many in Litchfield, now 81 years of age,
was injured as a young girl and has been with the
hospital ever since in an employee-patient capacity,
and to this very day continues to attend daily Mass
in our Hospital Chapel. More than this, she is not
able to do, but needless to say, she has grown dear
to all at St. Francis.

Especially are we indebted to our dear pioneer
Sisters, whose sacrifices and labors will never be
known, except to God, and whose devotion and love
for the sick can never be equaled. Still living in
the memories of our Litchfield people are our Sis-
ter Jerome, one of the hospital's early superiors,
Sister Beda, Sister Celestine, and many others who
have gone to their eternal reward. Still living is
Sister Lawrence, who loves to recall her days of
service spent at St. Francis Hospital years ago, and
who now is happy to spend the evening of her life

after her long years of faithful toil for the Lord,
"back home" at the Motherhouse in Springfield.

To these dear Sisters and to all the friends of
St. Francis Hospital — may God's choicest blessings
abound. By the power and grace of the provident
Master of all, The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis
will go on to greater accomplishments. Cherish-
ing always the ideals of the "Little Poor Man of
Assisi," may we carry on as faithfully as ever, in-
spired and encouraged and strengthed by the stir-
ring truth of our motto:

"Caritas Christi Omnia Vincit."

"The Charity of Christ conquers all!"

COAT OF ARMS

HOSPITAL SISTERS OF THE

THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS

MOTHERHOUSE, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

Future Farmers of America

THE Future Farmers of America, an organiza-
tion of the Litchfield Community High School,
was first established in September, 1929, by Irving
Olson, high school agriculture teacher.

There were thirteen charter members: Jesse
Ash (vice-president), Ross Billiter, Victor Monke
(secretary), Arthur Priddle (president), John
Suits, Fred Thornton (treasurer), Dale Bandy, Mel-
vin Boedecker, John H. Bruce, John DeBarr, Gay-
lord Elliott, Walter Elliott, and Cledis Wyman.

There are thirty-four members at present and
their officers are: Walter Bishop, president; Gil-
bert Kean, vice-president; Leon Bierbaum, secre-
tary ; Ross Lay, treasurer ; Richard Rupe, reporter ;
Phillip Williams, sentinel ; Glenn Douglas, adviser.

The F.F.A., as it is commonly known, is a na-

tional organization of boys studying vocational ag-
riculture in secondary schools. Striving for the
development of leadership, the building of a more
permanent agriculture, and the improvement of
country life, members learn through active partici-
pation how to conduct and take part in public
meetings, to speak in public, to buy and sell co-
operatively, to solve their own problems, to finance
themselves, and to assume civic responsibility.

The four degrees of voluntary membership —
"Greenhand," "Chapter Farmer," "State Farmer,"
and "American Farmer" — are the result of the in-
dividual's own advancement, the first two at the
local level and the third and fourth at the state
and national levels.

Activities included in the organization's program
are judging, public speaking, and parliamentary
procedure contests, and many cooperative services.

177

Nu Phi Mu

THE Illinois Beta Beta Chapter of Nu Phi Mu
in Litchfield was founded in May, 1950. There
were thirteen original charter members and pres-
ent membership is a total of seventeen, with one
member-at-large. We have two sponsors from
Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Mrs. Grace Jones and
Miss Betty Bishop. The officers are Alice Parrish,
President ; Donna Brachear, Vice-President ; Bar-
bara Pilkerton, Recording Secretary ; Doris Dooley,
Corresponding Secretary; and Mary Gorman,
Treasurer. Members at present are Barbara
Baker, Wilma Bierbaum, Donna Brachear, Joan
Dearduff, Doris Dooley, Rosemary Godfrey, Carolyn
Gorin, Mary Gorman, Margaret Lewey, Shirley
Niehaus, Helen Ohren, Alice Parrish, Barbara
Pilkerton, Jean Ryals, Patricia Sieber, Marilyn
Slightom. Cora Wolfe, and Barbara Arnold, Corpus
Christi, Texas, member-at-large.

The purpose of Nu Phi Mu is to have a friend
and to be one. We prepare ourselves through our
business meetings and cultural programs to be of
service to our community, country and homes.
Our civic activities have been ushering for the
Jay-Cee Minstrel, a Dairy Day booth, donating
to the Red Cross and donating to the Cancer Fund.
Our social activities have consisted of several
formal dances, teas, swim parties, trips to the Ice
Capades and the Empress Playhouse in St. Louis.

Ira T. Maupin, Jr., D. D. S.

DR. IRA T. MAUPIN, Jr., who is engaged in
the general practice of dentistry at 215 North
Jackson, came to Litchfield with Mrs. Maupin
February, 1945, after he had served three years in
the United States Army which included a tour of
the Solomon Islands of the South Pacific.

Dr. Maupin opened his practice at 400A North
Monroe. In October, 1945, he purchased their
present building which was known as the "Old
Sweeney Place." This house was remodeled into
their home and office.

Dr. Maupin was born in Springfield, Illinois. His
parents later moved to Marine, Illinois, where his
father is still engaged in the practice of dentistry.
He attended his first two years of high school
at Marine, the last two at Highland, Illinois. Three
years of university work were done at the Univer-
sity of Illinois and four years at Washington Uni-
versity School of Dentistry at St. Louis. Upon
graduation he began practice at White Hall, Illinois.

Mrs. Frances Maupin, who assists her husband,
received her education at the University of Georgia
and the Robin Adair School of Oral Hygiene. Prior
to going with the Red Cross as a hygienist for
the Army in 1941, she had been associated with a
specialized children's dental practice for twelve
years. She has been a member of the National
Dental Hygienists Association since 1949.

Knights of Columbus

THE Litchfield Council No. 699 of the Knights
of Columbus was organized February 18, 1904,
with 58 charter members. Under the leadership of
its first Grand Knight, Dr. P. M. Kelly, the Council
grew until the membership included many from
nearby towns. As time went on several new Coun-
cils were started from Litchfield. Among them
were Councils at Morrisonville, Farmersville,
Staunton, Gillespie and Nokomis.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's
fraternal organization, formed for the purpose of
serving God and the nation.

The Council had its clubroom for many years
above the L. W. Cline Store on State Street, but
in the early twenties it purchased the Wiegreffe
property at 326 North Harrison Street for its home.
The clubrooms were located at this address for
many years, but it was finally sold to the George
Worley family.

In 1949 the Council purchased the property on
the southwest corner of Union Avenue and Madi-
son Street, and after extensive remodeling is now
occupying the second floor. The first floor is rented
to the Bissett Dairy Bar, and the west side of the
property is operated as a used car lot. Just re-
cently the Council purchased the property south of
its building known as the Blackwelder Feed Barn.

The Knights of Columbus will long be remem-
bered for their fine work during the first and sec-
ond World Wars at which time the Litchfield Coun-
cil made a great contribution.

Many athletic events were sponsored by this
group. The most outstanding one was the Anchor
Ball Club which played at the old Anchor Park
located on West Water Street. Several big league
players started on their road to fame here in this
place. The first Schalk Day game was one of the
high lights of Litchfield's sport history.

The Council also sponsored many plays and min-
strels to raise money for worthy causes.

At present the roll numbers 250 members and
includes men from Hillsboro, Taylor Springs, Cof-
feen, Panama, and Mt. Olive.

Richard Roller is the present Grand Knight, and
other officers include: Rev. Frank Lawler. Chap-
lain; Jack Funk, Deputy Grand Knight; George
Flynn, financial secretary; Ted Simmons, recording
secretary; Raphael Spinner, chancellor; Michael
Godfrey, advocate; Carl Lehnert, warden; Max
Jones, treasurer; James Volmer, inside guard;
William F. Heise, outside guard; Louis Huber,
lecturer; Louis Harmon, A. B. Herman and Victor
Vogt, trustees.

In the 1870's, Edwards Street was a busy mart.
Starting at the Illinois Central tracks going east was
the Best & Sparks Mill, a grist mill, Wiegers' Cooper
Shop, a grocery store, a saloon, a blacksmith shop,
and Woodman's Lumberyard. The next block, an ele-
vator, the Boxberger Mill, the Montgomery House, and
Palace Hotel. Between Madison and State, Peter Kane
and James Collins were prominent businessmen.

178

UHlUlim!

City Hall and home of the Fire Department. In the early days the firemen's quarters were upstairs
and stalls for the horses were downstairs. The firemen slid down a greased pole to get to the first floor
fast. A harness was tied above each horse so that in a moment's notice the harness could be dropped

right on the horse.

■ Litchfield Fire Department

THE Litchfield Fire Department was established
in 1874. Later it was made up of three units —
The Eagle Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, May
19, 1883; Eldorado Hose Company No. 2, August
13, 1895; and the Rescue Hose Company No. 3,
August 19, 1889.

The first fire chief was John Lance in August,
1874. The original location was 125 East Ryder
Street which is across the street north from the
present fire house.

The Fire Department started with a hand-oper-
ated hose cart. The next piece of equipment was
a ladder wagon also hand operated. Then a horse-
drawn wagon with chemical tank and hand pumper
was used. This was followed by a Model T Ford

and in 1925 a 750 gallon La France pumper was
bought. In 1946 another 750 gallon La France
pumper was put in use.

The Fire Department is a corporation now,
known as the Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department.
There are 75 members with their meeting place at
either the Fire Department, 120 East Ryder Street,
or The Firemen's Club House at Walton Park. The
present officers are:

Glenn Martin, Captain
Paul Kniery, First Lieutenant
Bernard Schoen, Secretary
Truman W. Lay, Treasurer
Lyman Towling, Trustee

Litchfield Woman's Club

THE Woman's Club of Litchfield dates from
April 12, 1890. For the first six years it was
called "The Reading Circle." During those six
years, there were four Presidents: Mary Sparks
Milnor, Abigail Torrey Hood, Elizabeth Gage
Beach, and Ella Updike Settlemire. The first
President after the name was changed to "The
Litchfield Woman's Club" was Blanche Keating
Davis, who served one year, and was followed by
Estella Beach Davis, who served from 1897 to
1900. Abigail Torrey Hood served a second term,
1900 to 1903, and she was followed by Emma
Savage Fisher, 1903 to 1904; Estella Beach Davis
served a second term, 1904 to 1906; and Emma
Savage Fisher a second term, 1906 to 1907. From
1907 to 1909, Maud Miller Baldwin served; Mar-
garet Middleton Paisley, 1909 to 1911 ; Bessie Cald-
well Kessinger, 1911 to 1914; Ethel Paisley Mc-
David, 1914 to 1915; Anna Tuttle Kniery, who died
a few months after her election; Bessie Caldwell
Kessinger, a second term, 1915 to 1917; Hattie
Burgdorff Yaeger, 1917 to 1920; Anna Brown
Galbraith, 1920 to 1921; Frances Holbrook Keese,
1921 to 1924; Bessie Caldwell Kessinger, a third
term, 1924 to 1925; Frances Machler Kniery, 1925
to 1926; Claire Porterfield Bennett, 1926 to 1928;
Anna Cummings, 1928 to 1929; Louise Hood Rah-
meyer, 1929 to 1931; Regina Davis, 1931 to 1933;
Mary McElligott Burson, a few months in 1933,
with Regina Davis filling out her year, 1933 to
1934 ; Mary Bringhurst Stuttle, 1934 to 1936 ; Mary
Snell Wakeman, 1936 to 1937; Eunice Beane
Paullis, 1937 to 1939; Nelle Hood Schalk, 1939 to
1941; Winifred Masters Henrichs, 1941 to 1943;
Lucille Dammann Hoog, 1943 to 1945; Beatrice
Custer Henderson, 1945 to 1947; Rosa Funk Hall,
1947 to 1948; Christine Zoller Wilson, 1948 to
1949; Abbie Snell Morgan, 1949 to 1951; Marian
Ash Shrader, 1951 to 1953.

The "golden" anniversary of the Club was ob-
served in 1940 with a brilliant program that will
long be remembered, using the theme: "Women
of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," and the
spirit of the pioneer women who have made pos-
sible this splendid civic and cultural institution
lived again in the hearts of all who attended.

Through the years the Club has striven to pro-
mote the highest type of programs in literature,
music, art and homemaking. Two musical groups
within the Club were worthy of note: the Ladies'
Orchestra, composed of Mrs. Nell Brawley, cello;
Mrs. Ella Bartling, cornet; Mrs. Emma Hyndman,
piano; Miss Isabel Kaveney, cello; Miss Anna
Louise Kaveney, violin, and Mrs. Stella Beach
Davis, violin; and the Woman's Club chorus, di-
rected by Anna Miller Snell, and who, after her
death in 1935, were known as the "Anna Snell
Singers." An outstanding feature was the presen-
tation of "The Shepherd's Star" at Christmas time,
1941, in which the entire Club united to give to

the community of Litchfield a beautiful production
in the High School auditorium.

The Club constitution states that "The object of
the Club shall be mutual helpfulness, broader and
better culture, and organized service to the com-
munity." The annual dues are $2.50. The man-
agement is vested in a Board of Directors com-
posed of the Club officers and the department of-
ficers. For the past 25 years the Club has worked
through four departments — Literature, Music and
Art, American Homes and Gardens, and Book Re-
view. This year the Department of Drama was
added. With the fine "home talent" programs put
on by each of the departments, through the years
gone by, a great deal of marvelous talent has been
developed. The Club has been affiliated with the
State Federation since 1898 and with the General
Federation since 1944.

The Club has enjoyed the privilege of meeting
on the third floor of the Elks Building, free of
charge, since its erection in 1923. Previous to
that, meetings were held in the Appleton Building
and the Pappmeier Building.

The Club has always endeavored to give service
to the community. In 1915 it began to sustain the
Rest Room in the basement of the Carnegie Li-
brary building, which it continues to do. The
teaching of "Household Science" in the High
School was promoted about 50 years ago by the
Woman's Club, with Club members doing the
demonstrating. For a number of years, the Club
sponsored a visiting nurse, who gave care to the
needy families of Litchfield. In 1921 the Par-
ent-Teacher Association Council was formed by
efforts and assistance of the Woman's Club, which
was followed by the organization of P.T.A.'s in
each of the six schools. A later project sponsored
by the Club is the Cub Scouts. The Club furnishes
the Chairman of Cub Scouts and assists financially.
State projects of the Illinois Federation are sup-
ported, and recently Art and Music scholarships
have been provided for local students.

Provision is made in the Constitution for active,
associate, non-resident and complimentary mem-
bers. The last named are the ministers' wives and
the public librarian. The total paid membership
at this time is 174.

Mrs. Estella Beach Davis is the only living char-
ter member. For 63 years she has been a vital and
efficient force in our community for the best in
music, art, and literature. There are at present
17 living past-presidents.

The Club officers for 1953-1954 are: President,
Miss Geraldine Forehand; first vice-president, Mrs.
Vernon Hauser; second vice-president, Mrs. Ralph
Keune; recording secretary, Mrs. Aaron Ridenhow-
er; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Francis Flem-
ing; treasurer, Mrs. Mabel Dey; historian, Mrs.
Mary Stuttle.

180

Sigma Sigma

The Sigma Sigma was a social organization of the "Gav Nineties." FRONT Row: left to right:
Alice Belle Warner, Effye Potts Johnson, Lavonne Hoy Jefferies, Bertha Barefoot Richards, Blanche
Davis Crabb Feme Davis Lewis. MIDDLE Row: Winifred Allen Rose, Regina Davis, Bessie O'Ban-
non Ament,' Nellie Miller Zink, Louise Hood Rahmeyer, Anna Miller Snell, Bessie Griswold Bocke-
witz TOP Row: Mayme Nail Smith, Elizabeth Johnson Knight, Elizabeth Foulk Snell, Mane
Bennett Dennison, Bertha Lee Kinsman, Mary Woodman Miller, Mabel Milnor Reasoner. (Pic-
ture was taken in August, 1897).

P. E. O. Sisterhood

CHAPTER H K, P. E. O. Sisterhood, was or-
ganized in Litchfield May 18, 1951, by Mrs.
Sara Minear, state organizer, of Quincy, Illinois.
The organization meeting was held in the foyer of
the Elks Club, following a dinner attended by
neighboring P. E. O. Chapters, including Chapter
A B, of Carlinville, the sponsoring chapter.

The Charter members of Chapter H K were:

Eunice Larkin (Mrs. J. M.), President

Martha Guyan (Mrs. Roy), Vice-President

Eunice Paullis (Mrs. Esper), Recording Secretary

Margaret Heath (Mrs. A. F.), Treasurer

Lois Blazer (Mrs. B. R.), Corresponding Secretary

Merle Butler (Mrs. Harry), Chaplain

Frances Sinclair (Mrs. C. A., Jr.), Guard

Rachel Thorp (Miss)

Kathryn Patton (Mrs. J. M.)

Maxine Hauser (Mrs. Melvin)

Henrietta Mahlandt (Mrs. Verne)

Abbie Morgan (Mrs. Harold)

Doris Moss (Mrs. John)

Margaret Ann Sinclair (Mrs. Leonard Wilson)

Evelyn Russell (Mrs. Al)

Jane Floreth (Mrs. Nelson)

The P. E. O. Sisterhood was organized at Iowa
Wesleyan College, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1860 by
seven young women. It is now the largest organi-
zation of its kind in the world, with over 3,000

chapters in all states of the union, Canada, Alaska,
and Hawaii.

The P. E. O. Sisterhood owns and operates Cot-
tey College, a two-year girls' school at Nevada,
Missouri, the Educational Loan Fund for the aid
of worthy young women in colleges of their choice,
a memorial library at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and
a number of state homes, including the Illinois
P. E. O. home at Knoxville.

Kiwanis

THE Litchfield Kiwanis Club was organized in
1941 and was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club
of Jacksonville, Illinois, along with the able assist-
ance of Charles Fleming of Litchfield. Its purpose
was to serve the community by assisting with
worth-while projects.

The charter officers of the club were: Charles
Fleming, President; John Taylor, Vice-President;
Harold Henderson, Secretary-Treasurer.

The present officers are: Russell Pence, Presi-
dent; Willis Cox, Vice-President; Clyde Clotfelter,
Secretary-Treasurer.

There were 25 charter members and the pres-
ent membership numbers 35. The original meet-
ing place of the club was Price's Cafe, 206 North
State Street, which is also the meeting place now.

The Club observes National Kids Day every year.

181

In the year 1948 several bus loads of boys were
taken to St. Louis to see a major league baseball
game. This Club has several times sponsored boys
to Boys' State, as well as boys and girls to the
Egyptian Music Camp at DuQuoin, Illinois.

Three times it has financed sending a Boy
Scout to some National Camp. It is the custom to
entertain the Junior High basketball team every
year. Members of the Club assist the school bands
by selling tickets to concerts.

The Club holds a pancake day every year. They
also put on "Kiwanis Kapers," a play in which
every member participates, for the purpose of
raising funds to help carry on these projects.

Starting in the fall of 1952, to date, June, 1953,
the Club has raised $1,200 to be used for the build-
ing of a wading pool at Walton Park. The pool is
to be completed by July of this year.

International Machinists of
America

Local 878

MONTGOMERY County Local 878 International
Machinists of America was established Sep-
tember 21, 1951, for the purpose of promoting a
better understanding between management and la-
bor. The first regular meeting was held November
26 with the following officers: President — W. W.
Wilson; Vice-President — Harry Roach; Financial
Secretary — Cecelia Rill; Recording Secretary —
Marian Barry; Treasurer — Walter Webb; Conduc-
tor — Ralph Davis; Sentinel — Ernest Long; Trus-
tees — Wanda Garrett, Leslie Sanderson and Nilda
Blatnick. There were twenty-five charter mem-
bers. At present there are thirty-six members who
meet twice a month in the I.O.O.F. Hall. Our pres-
ent officers are:

President — Walter Webb
Vice-President — Violet Felkel
Financial Secretary — Marian Barry
Recording Secretary — Helen Porter
Treasurer — Harry Roach
Conductor — Ruby Bridgewater
Sentinel — Lillie Roach

Trustees — Gracia Curto, Wanda Garrett, and Ray
Harkey.

Elementary Teachers

THE Litchfield Elementary Teachers' Associa-
tion was organized September 28, 1939. Dur-
ing a "get acquainted" party at Walton Park on
that date, the teachers decided to form an organi-
zation for the purpose of "promoting professional
growth and good fellowship among teachers of
the elementary schools of Litchfield." Mr. Chellis
Young, Principal of J. D. Colt School was elected
President, Miss Emma Mumme, Principal of Lin-
coln School, Vice-President, and Miss Frances
Keese, Principal of Madison Park School, Secre-
tary-Treasurer. Mr. Oscar Chute, Superintendent
of Schools, Miss Mildred Davis, Principal of Ida J.

Russell School, and Mr. Robert Burton, science
teacher in Junior High, were appointed by the
President to draft a constitution and by-laws. The
founders were Mrs. Mildred Ryan, Miss Mildred
Davis, Miss Betty Ford, and Miss Frances Keese.
There were thirty charter members.

Down through the years, regular professional
and social meetings have been held. Some of the
best known educators in Illinois and Missouri have
met with the group.

The L.E.T.A. is affiliated with The National and
State Classroom Teachers organizations.

The organization has brought about a closer
working relationship with the Board of Education.
A salary schedule was adopted, report cards re-
vised, and textbook adoptions have been made
from time to time.

At the present time the officers are William Siel-
schott, President; Irma Obertino, Vice-President;
and Mrs. Bernard Schoen, Secretary.

Eastern Star

AN EASTERN STAR CHAPTER was instituted
. in Masonic Temple, February 17, 1881, with
the following officers: Lavonne Hildreth, Worthy
Matron; Samuel Grubbs, Worthy Patron; Mary
Ashlock, Associate Matron; Jennie Lane, Secre-
tary; Lulu Sampson, Treasurer; Julia Whipple,
Conductress; Lulu Richmond, Associate Conduc-
tress; Mary Collins, Warder.

On May 9, 1881, the chapter was named "La-
vonne" in honor of the first Worthy Matron, and
in October, 1881, was presented a charter from
The Grand Chapter and then known as "Lavonne
Chapter No. 55, Order of Eastern Star." The first
year ended with fifty members. February 16,
1931, the Chapter celebrated its Golden Anni-
versary with Ruby Price as Worthy Matron and
Arthur Price as Worthy Patron, in a befitting
manner.

The present officers are: Bertha Carll, Worthy
Matron; Fred Carll, Worthy Patron; Mabel Hull,
Associate Matron; Chas. Hull, Associate Patron;
Helen Rea, Conductress; Betty Bishop, Associate
Conductress; Estella Blankley, Secretary; Ota May
Hushing, Treasurer; Flora Baker, Chaplain; Ida
Allen, Marshal; Velma Alshouse, Organist; Mabel
Crouch, Adah; Elizabeth Jones, Ruth; Rocele
Shero, Esther; Virginia Ann Gates, Martha; Mil-
dred Strothman, Electa; Ruby Dively, Warder,
Guiles Personnette, Sentinel; Gus Kleinbeck, Color
Bearer.

Much has been accomplished. Only eight mem-
bers organized the Chapter and present member-
ship is 258.

The Chapter was organized in the old three-
story Masonic Hall at the corner of State and
Kirkham Streets, and moved to the present Ma-
sonic Building on Ryder St.

The Chapter was honored in 1920 by the ap-
pointment of Elizabeth Heath as Grand Ruth and
in 1945 by a commission given to Estella Blankley
as Grand Lecturer.

182

Carnegie Public Library

AN ACT of the General Assembly of Illinois,
. March 7, 1872, was the first free public li-
brary law enacted by any state in the Union. On
June 27, 1872, the city council levied a tax for city
library and reading room purposes. Winfield Scott
Palmer was the mayor. The money collected was
permitted to lie in the city treasury until it
amounted to $2,259.79.

When E. Southworth was mayor, he appointed
Hugh Hughes, D. B. Fleming, Thomas Charles,
D. M. Grubbs, George L. Zink, John D. Colt, D. W.
Taylor, George W. Jones, and D. P. Woodman as the
first library board of trustees in November, 1881.
The library was first located in the upstairs rooms
of the Cline Building, 421 North State Street. On
April 27, 1882, a formal opening was held.

By 1889, more room was needed and in August
the library was moved to rooms over the First Na-
tional Bank at State and Kirkham Streets.

The need for a library building became apparent
by 1903. A special citizens' committee was ap-

pointed by the mayor, W. J. King, to obtain funds
from Andrew Carnegie. The committee was D. O.
Settlemire, chairman, M. Morrison, Eli Miller, and
W. L. Wooster, secretary. The regular library
board members were Mesdames George W. Fisher,
Mary Glynn, M. M. Milnor, Charles F. Bartling,
Frank R. Milnor, Dr. P. M. Kelly, W. L. Wooster;
and two other members not recorded.

The building was completed at a cost of $15,-
646.55 plus $614.80 for the walks. It was first oc-
cupied on September 19, 1905. The building is lo-
cated in block 13 of the original town. Conform-
ing to the grant made by P. C. Huggins, November
19, 1853, the city council has retained control of
the Public Park of the original plot of the city of
Litchfield. The first librarian was Miss Mary Wal-
lace who served for forty years; the present libra-
rian is Mrs. Winifred LeMay. The present library
board consists of Mesdames Harry C. Stuttle, Jo-
seph Kniery, P. G. Keese, J. Lynn Bitter, Wm. T.
Wilson, Miss Ota May Hushing, David Davis, Har-
old Fleming, and C. D. Berry.

183

Seated: Left to Right: Aaron Ridenhower (Secretary), Rev. David Brigham, Logan Fearn, Ned Granger
(Vice-president-elect), Bill McCance (President), Elmer Meyers (President-elect), Don Brubaker, James Shinn,
Dr. Roy Guyan.

Middle Row: Russell Blazer, Verne Mahlandt, L. J. Hill, Bert Arnold, Sr., Albert Sallee, Garth Henrichs,
Herman Miller, John P. Hanafin, B. J. Ellis, Harold Fleming, Ray Hittmeier, Clyde Brubaker, Sr., Maurice Macy,
Lester Luehrs, Eugene Stewart, Harry Gorin, J. C. Kopitke, Charles Hauser, Nick Biebel, William Blaeuer, Fay
DeBarr, Harold Goeke, Eldon Anderson.

Back Row: Harold Simpson, Rev. A. L. Jones, Hiram Gooch, R. E. Deans, Walter Zimmerman, Dr. C.
H. Sihler, Rudolph Monke, Roy Miller, Dick Holmer, Clifford Prosser, Dick Crane, Leland Boyd, Charles Napier,
Jr., Charles Napier, Sr., John Meckles, Homer Saegesser, George Worley, Carroll Heitzman, Jack Workinger. (Ab-
sent: M. M. McClurg, Rev. William Gray, Lee Carroll, Paul Armstrong, A. M. Alexander.)

Litchfield Rotary Club

THE charter for the Litchfield Club was issued
March 23, 1925. The Charter Night Banquet
and Program were held on April 24, 1925. There
were twenty-four charter members. Two of these
charter members, Harry Gorin and Roy Miller, are
still active members of the club. Present club
membership is fifty-six.

The first Board of Directors was: Pearl Black-
welder, Glenn Brubaker, Harry Gorin, Charles
Grafton, Herbert Herrick, Everett Lewey, Roy Mil-
ler, Leo Schalk, and Harry Stuttle. The Board
immediately organized and the following officers
were selected: Harry Gorin, President; Harry
Stuttle, Vice-President; Albert Stansifer, Secre-
tary; Roy Miller, Treasurer; and Glenn Brubaker,
Sergeant-at-Arms.

Thus did Rotary in Litchfield begin under the
leadership and guidance of its most able citizens.

The real story of Rotary in Litchfield has been
written not only in the lives of its members, but
even more in- their influence in the affairs of the
community. Though the membership has changed
greatly through the years, the objectives of Rotary
through vocational, club, community, and interna-
tional service have continued to be for the better-
ment of all whom its influence has reached.

Litchfield Rotary, through its organization as
well as its individual members, has contributed in
time and money to every worth-while cause in the

community. It has stood back of every movement
that would promote a happier, cleaner, more pros-
perous Litchfield.

Litchfield Rotary is dedicated to even greater ac-
complishments during the next 100 years.

Past Presidents

Harry Gorin
Harry Stuttle
Geo. Sihler, Jr.
John Pappmeier
Jim McDonald
Harold Sihler
Charles Hauser
Gus Alexander
Lloyd Hill
Bryce Kennedy
Maurice Macy
Clyde Brubaker
Frank Hanafin
Pat McClurg

1925-26
1926-27
1927-28
1928-29
1929-30
1930-31
1931-32
1932-33
1933-34
1934-35
1935-36
1936-37
1937-38
1938-39

Oscar Chute
Claude Curtis
Oscar Paddock
Will Whalen
Will Davis
Ben Yaeger
Garth Henrichs
Hiram Gooch
Denson Sprouse
Les Luehrs
Bill Blaeuer
Paul Armstrong
Logan Fearn
Bill McCance

1939-40
1940-41
1941-42
1942-43
1943-44
1944-45
1945-46
1946-47
1947-48
1948-49
1949-50
1950-51
1951-52
1952-53

Past Secretaries

Kenyon Montgomery 1925-44

Russell Blazer 1944-45

Earl Anderson 1945-46

Aaron Ridenhower 1946-47

Les Luehrs 1947-48

Aaron Ridenhower 1948-53

New Club Officers— 1953-54

Elmer Meyers
Ned Granger
Aaron Ridenhower
Harold Simpson
B. J. Ellis
Al Jones

President

Vice-President

Secretary -Treasurer

Sergeant-at-Arms

Musician

Song Leader

Directors
Logan Fearn Ned Granger

Russell Blazer Jim Shinn

Jack Brigham Bill McCance

Employes Welfare Association
Brown Shoe Company

EMPLOYEES of the Brown Shoe Company met
at the Elks Club Friday night, November 10,
1933, to organize a Welfare Association. The of-
ficers elected at that meeting were: Ralph Orr,
President; Myron Mitchell, Vice-President; and
Maybell Canady, Secretary and Treasurer.

The purpose of this organization is to foster and
perpetuate friendly relations between the em-
ployees of the Brown Shoe Company and to pro-
vide partial payment of doctor and hospital bills
for all members.

This organization was responsible for the open-
ing of the recreation park on June 2, 1934. Pro-
visions were made for tennis, Softball, croquet,
basketball, horse shoes, and baseball. The equip-
ment was furnished by the Welfare Association and
made available to employees and their families.
Later this was changed to the Community Park and
opened to the public.

In 1934 Frank Randle conceived the idea of a
newspaper to improve the feeling throughout the
organization. On February 28, 1935, the first issue
was published. The staff of this paper was: John
Rea, editor; Frank Randle, "Shuey-Huey" ; Ted
Simmons, sports; and the late Udell DeWerff, sec-
retary's report. A contest to choose a name for
this paper was won by Faye Gonterman and Elmer
Frey, who submitted the name "Shu Horn."

During 1936 a most important project was be-
gun. This was the organization of a credit union,
the purpose of which was to set up a savings pro-
gram for the employees of the Company. Mr.
Long and Mr. Arnold, organizers of the credit
union of Decatur, were invited to speak at the
March meeting that year. Plans were made to
form the union and on April 2, 1936, Mr. Murphy
of Decatur organized the present Credit Union.
In the summer of 1936 the association decided to
improve the lighting system in the park. By the
fall of the year the new lights were up. The ball
park had become the home of the Brown Shoe base-
ball team, the girls' Air Stepper Softball team, the
girls' Red and White Softball team, and the de-

partment teams. It had also become the center of
recreation for fans of the Litchfield community.

By 1937 plans were being considered for the pur-
chase of a public address system to be used at Wel-
fare Park as well as at the entertainment and busi-
ness meetings. This set was purchased and in-
stalled by October of that same year.

The welfare plan which provides partial pay-
ment of doctor bills and hospital bills has proved
very successful through the years. For a small
weekly charge in the form of dues the members
enjoy protection for their families and themselves.
During the year of 1952 alone $9,210.21 were paid
in claims. The number of members to date is 375.

Every three months meetings are held in the
Moose Lodge. The last three years lavish enter-
tainment for the December meetings has been en-
gaged from St. Louis. The election of officers is
also a part of the December meetings.

The present officers are: William Bates, Jr.,
President; Lloyd Sheppard, Vice-President; Arline
DeMonbron, Secretary and Treasurer; and Leo
King, Sergeant-at-arms.

American Legion
Kniery-Knagg Post 436

"For God and Country, we associate ourselves
together for the following purposes: To Up-
hold and defend the Constitution of the United
States of America; To maintain law and or-
der; To foster and perpetuate a one hundred
per cent Americanism; To preserve the mem-
ories and incidents of our association in the
great wars; To inculcate a sense of individual
obligation to the community, state and nation;
To combat the autocracy of both the classes
and the masses; To make Right the master of
Might; To promote peace and good will on
earth; To safeguard and transmit to posterity
the principles of justice, freedom and democ-
racy; To consecrate and sanctify our Comrade-
ship by our devotion to Mutual Helpfulness."

THE national organization of the American Le-
gion was founded in Paris, France, in Novem-
ber, 1919. The Litchfield Post was founded on Jan-
uary 17, 1920. Charles Lang was Commander; the
post was organized by Joe Dort.

The name was changed to Kniery-Knagg Post
No. 436 in 1922 in memory of Corporal Edward
Kniery, Co. I, 129th Infantry, wounded in the
Meuse-Argonne, and Private Edward Knagg, Co.
F, 127th Infantry, killed in the Verdun drive; they
being the first two Litchfield boys who gave their
lives in World War I.

The meeting places have included the rear room
of the present News Stand, above the Armory,
above The Park, the K.P. Hall, above Ross and
Curry, and the Elks Club. The present home was
purchased in 1938, and a new kitchen was installed
recently. This home is at 221 y 2 North State Street.

Charter members numbered fifty; there are now
180 members made up of honorably discharged
veterans of World War I, World War n, and the
Korean conflict.

185

The Litchfield Post owns its post home and is
self-supporting. It always participates in Memorial
Day services and is active in many ways, such as
child welfare programs, Boys' State programs, Jun-
ior Legion baseball, in civic and war efforts, Christ-
mas gifts to "Yanks Who Gave," and they will con-
duct military funerals when requested. Outstand-
ing Fourth of July celebrations were conducted
during the late 1920's and early 1930's. A twenty-
five-member Drum and Bugle Corps was organized,
and it won second place rating in the 1932 fair.
The annual Turkey Shoot is held each year on the
Sunday before Armistice Day.

PAST

COMMANDERS

1920

Charles I. Lang

1937

B. J. Ellis

1921

Herman Gronewald

1938

Charles A. Napier

1922

William Brazil

1939

A. E. Price

1923

Clarence Winkleblack

1940

Harold Tunnell

1924

William Q. Setliffe

1941

Elza Cline

1925

Clarence Winkleblack

1942

Leo A. Heise

1926

Clarence Winkleblack

1943

George A. Hall

1927

(No Officers list on file) 19

H. C. Schroeder

1928

Gordon D. Goodall

1945

Fred P. Jones

1929

Howard L. Christen

1946

Harold A. Stout

1930

William E. Anderson

1947

Ross W. Griswold, Jr.

1931

John Lynn Bitter

1948

M. M. Hess

1932

Walter Bishop

1949

Ralph Hermsmeyer

1933

Maynard Kinder

1950

Max Ash

1934

Truman Sexton

1951

A. L. Guymon

1935

Herbert G. Price

1952

Maynard Lovely

1936

William Calcott

1953

George Wolfe

Boot and Shoe Worker's Union

Local No. 658

THE Boot and Shoe Workers' Union was or-
ganized in Litchfield on August 18, 1941 as Lo-
cal Number 658, with an initial charter member-
ship of 250. It is affiliated with the Illinois State
Federation of Labor.

Its charter officers were:
President — Robert Hutton
Vice-President — William Howard
Recording Secretary — Minnie Edrington
Financial Secretary — Henry Saathoff
Treasurer — Benny Saathoff
Sentinel — Oscar Vincent

Trustees — Roy Koonce, Oscar Bockewitz, Udell
DeWerff
Members of the charter Executive Board were:
Henry Zenner, Loeva Bundy, Thomas Sim-
mons, Ray Harkey, Vane Edwards, Bea
Wright, William Lambert
Business Agent — Richard Roller
Auditing Committee: John Rea, James
Elvidge, Wynter Rogers
Special members are Mike Dukas, Oscar Bocke-
witz, and Henry Saathoff. Mike Dukas has a un-
ion shoe repair shop card from this union.
The present officers of the local are:
President — Mike Goldasich
Vice-President — William Howard
Recording Secretary — Loeva Melchert
Financial Secretary and Business Agent —
Clarence Wey

Treasurer — Early Symmes

Sentinel — Lawrence Bishop

Trustees and Auditing Committee — William
Howard, Everett Billiter, Robert Edring-
ton.

The present Executive Board consists of Leroy
Koonce as Chairman, Pearl Elledge as Secretary
and Wynter Rogers, Richard Heise, Wilmer Hus-
man, Tabitha Bishop and George Saathoff, members.

At the present time there are four hundred mem-
bers of Local No. 658. This union originally met
in Newberry Hall, but now meets in the Moose
Hall.

The purpose of organization is set forth in its
constitution and is as follows:

"The purpose of this organization is to organ-
ize all shoe workers in North America into one
trade union affiiliated with the legitimate and
recognized trade union movement of the United
States and Canada, as an affiliate of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor. We declare against
all divided or opposition organizations of wage-
earners of the same craft as opposed to the
true interests of labor and destructive of suc-
cess to the labor cause.

"We invite all shoe workers to unite with
us to the end that we may more effectively
regulate wages and conditions of employment;
control apprentices; reduce the hours of labor;
prohibit the employment of children under the
age of sixteen; promote the use of the Union
Stamp and all other union labels; assist and
support all other legitimate trade unions to
the full extent of our power; and to take such
further action in promoting the interests of
shoe workers or other wage-earners as may
seem desirable from time to time, keeping pace
with industrial development."

Painters, Decorators and
Paper Hangers Union

THIS organization was established in Litchfield
on June 23, 1937. Adopting as its slogan, "In
union there is strength and cooperation," this
group was organized to establish and maintain fair
wage scales and working conditions. The original
members of this group were: E. E. Keele, Clar-
ence Winkleblack, Ted Meier, Guiles Personett, Ar-
thur Crowell, William Hamilton, Charles Martin,
C. E. Gilpin, James Farris, R. P. Cline, Eugene
Childers, Edward Heise, Ernie Jones, Fred Carll,
Elmer Schoenewies, G. W. Winkleblack, George
Detamore, and Clifford Turner.

The present officers are:
Clarence Meier, President
Clarence Tilley, Vice-President
John Suits, Financial Secretary-Treasurer
Vic Paden, Secretary

At this time there are fifteen members, including
one honorary member, C. E. Gilpin. Two of the
members are in service, Dean and Teddy Meier.
Meetings are in the South Litchfield Town Hall.

By investigation and careful screening of appli-
cants for membership, this union can insure the
employer of high-quality workmanship.

186

Carpenters and Joiners Union

Local No. 505

A CHAPTER of the United Brotherhood of Car-
penters and Joiners of America was estab-
lished in Litchfield on March 7, 1900. It carries
Local Union No. 505. Its purposes and objects as
set out in its by-laws are:

First: To maintain and promote their inter-
ests, and protect them from the depressing
effect of piecework, and sub-contracting,
and encourage a system of apprenticeship
which will elevate the moral, intellectual and
social interest of our craft. Second: To as-
sist carpenters in obtaining employment.
Third: To cultivate a feeling of friendship
and brotherhood. Fourth: To encourage
carpenters in the pursuit of their business.
Fifth: To secure an honest day's wages for
honest toil. Sixth: To establish funeral benefits.

The original charter and some of the records of
this union were destroyed in the fire which burned
the Litchfield City Hotel a few years ago, so there
is now no known record of the original founders of
this chapter or its first officers. However, some
of the charter members of the Local are known and
they are: Emory Small, George Fellner, Charles
Helmick, Dave Clark, James Caulk, John Gester,
William Christy, William Lent, Charles Roberts,
Fred Heise, Billy Mock, Job James. Will James,
and Frank Lant.

The present officers of this Local are: President,
Beuford Smith; Vice-President, Roy Logsdon;
Recording Secretary, Lee Koonce: Financial Sec-
retary, Gene Eskew; Treasurer, Russell Hemkin;
Conductor, John Koniak; Warden, Howard Ogden:
Trustees, Wilfred Loew, Mayo Meyers and Robert
Johnson.

The Local has a present membership of 54. It
has an honorary member in Clarence McCart and
it has four apprentices, who are Richard Hantla,
Thomas Keene, Jr., Richard Hasheider, and Dar-

rell Morgan. At the present time Darrell Morgan
is in the Armed Services.

The present meeting place of Local 505 is at
Memorial Hall, 318 Sherman Street. The original
meeting place was Emory Small's Carpenter Shop,
which was just west and across from the present
Post Office.

The oldest member of this Local at the present
time is S. W. Travis, who is 83 years old. James
Lipe has been a member since 1903 and is now 74
years old and is still working at his trade. Another
member for nearly fifty years and still active is
C. F. Loew. John Gordon, who passed away on
April 7, 1953, and Joe Fite, who died suddenly
while "on the job" on May 28, 1953, were members
for nearly 50 years.

The Motto of our organization is "Our Organiza-
tion — help it right, when wrong; when right, help
it on." The essential principle which our Local
tries to follow is embodied in this provision:

"We, as a body, thoroughly approve of the
objects of the American Federation of Labor,
and pledge ourselves to give it our most
earnest and hearty support.

"Believing the Union Label the brightest
gem of the diadem of honest production, we
further pledge ourselves to its support, there-
by holding up our fellow wage earners who
like ourselves, 'Earn their bread by the sweat
of their brow.'

"We furthermore pledge support and best
efforts to defeat any individual, firm or cor-
poration who should strike a blow at organ-
ized labor, whether it be at our own craft,
or that of our sister orders, and we sincerely
believe, as the battle is not always with the
strong but victory with those who arm in a
noble and righteous cause, that, with a united
effort upon the part of the wage earners, we
will succeed in gaining for ourselves and our
posterity, that freedom from industrial slav-
ery, which our forefathers intended we should
enjoy when they penned the Constitution of
our United States."

Almetta Rebekah Lodge

Number 156

THE Almetta Rebekah Lodge No. 156. a fra-
ternal order, was founded November 17, 1886,
with the following charter members: L. J. Mur-
phy, G. J. Hamilton, Joseph Heaton, Marion W.
Ament, J. C. Emmons, John Tuscher, Mary J.
Murphy, N. A. Hunter, Ada Cassaday, Emma A.
Ament, Rose Edwards. Lucy Tuscher, Lizzie Bocke-
witz, and Louise Bockewitz.

There are sixty-seven members at present with
two honorary members. Mrs. Elizabeth Jones of
Clay Street and Mrs. Birdie Dalton. Old Folks
Home, Mattoon, Illinois.

The original meeting place was Wilton Hall. The
present meeting place is the Odd Fellows' Hall with
the following officers presiding:

Noble Grand — Cora Mumbower; Vice Grand
— Lucy Simmons; Recording secretary — Fern
Sheppard; Financial — Erma Hill: Treasurer —
Clara Drosselmier; Chaplain — Eula Munn; De-
gree Staff — Capt. Leslie Kinder: Warden — Lula
Smith; Conductor — Blanche Weatherford; In-
side Guardian — Bernice Osborne; Outside
Guardian — Florence Mercer; Right Supporter
of Noble Grand — Matilda Keene: Left Sup-
porter of Noble Grand — Martha Drosselmier;
Right Supporter of Vice Grand — Tillie Smith-
son; Left Supporter of Vice Grand — Ethel
White; Musician — Hazel McCulley; Junior Past
Noble Grand — Elizabeth Green.

The Lodge helps maintain the Children's Home
at Lincoln, Illinois, the Old Folks' Home at Mattoon,
Illinois, and also contributes to civic enterprises.

The oldest member is W. T. Weatherford. who
will be 97 years of age in August of 1953. Until
the last year he was an active member, attending
most meetings.

187

Radiator and Furnace Workers — Local 1770

THE Litchfield Radiator and Furnace Workers
Local 1770, United Steel Workers of America,
C. I. O., was originally organized May 6, 1937,
with the charter being issued on May 20, 1937, by
the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel, and
Tin Workers of America, Steel Workers Organiz-
ing Committee, C. I. O. After several changes of
affiliation the local was again affiliated with the
Steel Workers in January, 1950.

The founders of this local were: Harry Puckett,
Dane Murphy, Edwin Gorman, Herman Detmer,
Chet Lebetter, Mona Kennedy, and Gilbert Par-
nell. The charter officers were: Harry Puckett,
president (deceased) ; John Boyd, vice-president
(deceased) ; Clifford McCracken, financial secre-
tary; Dane Murphy, recording secretary; Frank
Roach, treasurer; Gilbert Parnell, inner guard;
Fred Arends, outer guard; Chet Lebetter, guide.
The purpose of this local was to organize all em-
ployees (Production and Maintenance) of the
American Radiator Corporation, Litchfield Plant,
into a bonafide labor organization.

There were approximately 250 charter members
while at the present time there are 391 members
on production and maintenance. The original lo-
cation for meetings was the old Woodman Hall
now known as the VFW 777 Building. Now the
meetings are held in the Moose Hall on the second
Saturday of each month at 2 p.m.

The organization strives for better working con-
ditions, better wages, higher living standards, the
right to collective bargaining and closer harmony
between company and employees. A pension plan,
paid vacations up to three weeks, bonafide hospital-
ization and sick benefits are achievements of the
local, as well as the right to settle all disputes be-
tween the company and the employees in a busi-
ness-like manner without resorting to strikes or
work stoppages, all of which we feel has con-
tributed greatly to obtain a higher standard of liv-
ing for our members and their families and added
to the general economy of Litchfield. Last, but
not least, our organization has achieved close har-

mony among all of our members by giving them
greater job security in their work.
The present officers are:

Roland Sawyer, President
Clarence Burkhart, Vice-President
H. E. "Tubby" Elledge, Financial Secretary
Dane Murphy, Recording Secretary
Fields Jolley, Treasurer
William Borror, Trustee
Earl Ewing, Trustee
Paul Kniery, Trustee
Marion Basso, Inner Guard
Herman Detmer, Outer Guard
Joe Boucher, Guide
To date, there have been 24 employees of Local
1770 pensioned at the age of 65, namely:

English Chaplin

Dale Timmons

C. C. Thacker

N. E. Laird

Roy Hendrickson

Jesse Edrington

George Mumme

Mike Boehm

Martin Kahle (deceased)

Addison Tinsman

George Butts

Herb Hutson (deceased)

William Bailey

Joe Tabaka, Sr.

Harvey Clark

Fred Evans

Chas. Smithson (deceased)

Oliver Smith

John Kindler

Walter Roach, Sr.

William Schmuck

Paul DeMarco

William Conlon

Lee Deming
Company employees on pension are:

Martin Furlong

J. P. Vaughn

John Easterly (deceased)

Typographical Union

THE Litchfield Typographical Union No. 368
was affiliated with The International Typo-
graphical Union on April 14, 1900. There were 15
chapter members, namely: F. C. Buck, C. O. Rich-
ards, P. E. Low, C. Adreae, W. M. Coddington, H.
E. Richards, Wm. Duncan, W. H. Barton, W. P.
Hagthrop, M. H. Myers, H. C. Painter, P. A. Randle,
B. A. Greer, Harry Fields, and Emma Beck.

At the present time there are twenty-two mem-

bers from Litchfield, Hillsboro, Mt. Olive and
Staunton. These members are: Wm. Bandor, Wm.
J. Beer, J. Fred Brown (I. T. U. Pensioner), Wilmer
F. Bultmann (President), Miss Marguerite Dunn
(I. T. U. Pensioner), Wm. I. Fansler, M. Max Field,
Wm. M. Gage, D. E. Galer, W. F. Haase, Kenneth
E. Kellerman, Jas. E. Kenney, Chas. A. Knisley, C.
E. Mausehund (Vice-President), Chas. L. Menzer,
W. C. Moser, Donald C. Neff (Secretary-Treasurer),
Albert A. Reed, L. E. Troeger, Ralph R. Thacker,
Thomas A. Bliss and H. Lyle Mayfield.

In the month of August, 1950, Miss Marguerite
Dunn was honored by the presentation of a fifty-
year button. She also served as secretary-treasurer
of the local for forty years.

188

Teamsters, Chauffeurs,
Warehousemen Union

Local No. 286

LOCAL UNION 286 of the International Broth-
erhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehouse-
men, and Helpers of America, A. F. of L., was
granted a charter on April 6, 1937. The purpose
of the Union is to create a thorough organization
of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen, and
Helpers eligible for membership in the Interna-
tional Brotherhood, and to establish a more per-
fect unity of those employed.

Of the ten charter members when the Union
was activated, C. W. Furness of Irving, Illinois,
is still a member of the local.

The original location of the Union was in Hills-
boro, but on April 13, 1945, the International
amalgamated all the Unions in Macoupin and
Montgomery counties, and eventually had the of-
fice moved to Litchfield since it was the focal point
of activities for the two counties. At the time of
the amalgamation, John Hardin was made Presi-
dent and Business Representative of Local No.
286 and has continued to serve in that capacity.

The Union holds meetings the second Monday
of each month at the Moose Hall in Litchfield, and
the office is located at 226A North State Street.
The current officers of Local No. 286 are: John W.
Hardin, President and Business Representative;
Henry Strothman, Vice-President; Leslie Holland,
Secretary-Treasurer; Ernest Rolando, Recording
Secretary; and three Trustees, William Dustman,
Russell Stottler, and Verner Crouch. There are
about four hundred active members in the local.

Woman's Christian
Temperance Union

THE Woman's Christian Temperance Union of
Litchfield was first organized in 1881. A list
of charter members is not available, but an early
list included the names of Maggie Carson, Mary
Wallace, Mary Coddington, Hattie Cave, Mrs.
George Zink, Mrs. Austin, Mrs. Howell, Mrs. Stahl,
Mrs. Bickett, Leatha Boss, Lucie Stucky, Mrs.
Keaggy, Mary Bost, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Shoemaker,
Mrs. Wing and many others.

The object of the organization was then, as it is
now: to enlist and unite the women of the com-
munity in temperance work; to promote the prin-
ciple of total abstinence from all alcoholic liquors;
to abolish the legalized traffic in beverage alcohol;
to educate for purity, good citizenship and peace.

During the early years meetings were held in a
hall called "The Temple." This was sub-rented to
the Y.M.C.A. for $1.00 per month. One summer,
all meetings were held in the English Lutheran
Church.

A children's organization was the Band of Hope,

which today is called the Loyal Temperance Legion.

From 1911 to 1931 there was no organization,
but the work was revived in 1931 and has grown
constantly in the past 22 years. The presidents
since 1931 have been Mrs. E. M. Baker, Mrs. W. W.
Rainey, both deceased, Mrs. H. F. Henrichs, Mrs.
Effie File, and Mrs. J. C. Brown, now serving. The
membership now is 140 women and 29 men. The
requirements for membership are: signing the to-
tal abstinence pledge and paying one dollar per
year. Affiliation is maintained with the county,
state, national and world organizations, and many
activities are promoted.

The Litchfield W.C.T.U. holds meetings regularly,
featured by reports of progress in educating the
American people regarding the harmful effects of
intoxicating liquor.

Steelworkers Union

Local No. 4737

THE Local Union No. 4737 United Steelworkers
of America C.I.O. was established on the sec-
ond of January in 1952. The purpose of the Union
was to obtain better working conditions and wages
and to promote mutual understanding between
employer and employees.

The following were chartered officers: Presi-
dent, Opal Johnson ; Vice-President, Clarence Mier-
kowski; Recording Secretary, Shirley Lowe; Fi-
nancial Secretary, Lona Bockewitz; Treasurer,
Shirley King; Guide, Juanita Whitley; Guard,
Homer King; Trustees: Dorothy Sveglich, Helen
Slifka, Ralph Campbell; Grievance Committee:
Opal Johnson, Clarence Mierkowski, Ralph Camp-
bell.

The present officers are: President, Buel Martin;
Vice-President, Mary Campbell; Recording Secre-
tary, Josephine Benjamin; Financial Secretary,
Lona Bockewitz; Treasurer, Shirley King; Guide,
Helen Lynn; Guard, Homer King; Trustees: Mar-
vin Carver, Cletus Cline, Fred Sies ; Grievance Com-
mittee: Mary Campbell, Fred Sies, Barbara
Spudick.

Twenty-eight members comprised the Union in
1952 and at first their meetings were held at
Price's Cafe. The present membership numbers
eighty-five and the meetings are held in the
I.O.O.F. Hall on the third Saturday of each month
at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

Since the beginning of a union shop there has
been an increase of 33%% in wages for the lowest
paid worker. An incentive plan has been set up
whereby the employees receive a bonus of not less
than five cents per hour per month, and increases
in proportion to the amount of work done each day.

The union members receive a vacation of one
week after one year's service, and those who have
been employees since January 10, 1950, will re-
ceive an additional one-half week vacation with
pay. Each employee now has seniority rights.

189

Boy Scouts of America

ABRAHAM LINCOLN COUNCIL

RAILSPLITTER DISTRICT— LITCHFIELD—

RALPH HERMSMEYER, DISTRICT CHAIRMAN

THE first Boy Scout Troop was organized in
Litchfield in 1911, one year after the Boy
Scouts of America were organized. The first troop
was sponsored by the Christian Church. Truman
Lay was one of the first Litchfield Boy Scouts.

The Cub Scouting program was organized in
Litchfield in March, 1937. Mrs. Leo Heise, Mrs.
Clyde Brubaker, Sr., Mrs. A. V. Hauser, and Mrs.
B. C. Hauser were registered as the first Den
Mothers. The Litchfield Woman's Club has spon-
sored the Cubbing program since its inception in

Litchfield.

The Abraham Lincoln Council was organized in
1919. Soon after that time, the citizens of Litch-
field petitioned for membership and were admitted.
Mr. Ralph Hermsmeyer, Mr. M. M. McClurg, and
Mr. W. Harold Fleming represent Litchfield on the
Executive Board of the Abraham Lincoln Council
and Mr. McClurg is serving as Vice-President of
the Council. Mr. R. L. Thompson, Scout Execu-
tive, and Mr. Berkeley P. Duncan, Field Scout Ex-
ecutive, serve Scouting in Litchfield.

PRESENT UNITS IN LITCHFIELD

SPONSORING INSTITUTION LEADER

Troop 80 Loyal Order of Moose

Troop 81 Zion Lutheran Men's Brotherhood

Troop 83 First Baptist Church

Troop 84 Methodist Church Men's Club

Pack 87 Litchfield Woman's Club

Pack 88 Litchfield Woman's Club

Post 85 Litchfield Elks Club

Tom Keene
Bernard Schoen
Warren Lee Roach
Robert Hermsmeyer
Neil Browning
Alva Guymon
Harold Simpson

ASSISTANT LEADER

Kenneth Snow
Bill Meyer
Luther J. Piatt
Bill Heise
John Richards
Everett Able
Victor McCracken

Loyal Order of Moose

THE local Lodge of Moose was or-
ganized in the fall of 1915. The
charter from the Grand Lodge was is-
sued in 1916.

First meetings were held in the
Baker Building on the north side of
Library Park. Then quarters were
rented in the Koonce Building, the
Pappmeier Building and the Reisch
Building, their present location, which
was purchased in 1928.

The institution of the lodge was
held on September 3, 1915, in the
U.T.C. Hall of the Baker Building.
Records of the period show that Dr.
A. Travis was the first governor, Wil-
liam May, vice-governor, William
Hickman, past governor, William
Hendrickson, prelate, and John Bitter,
secretary. Wilton McPheron was
treasurer, William Calcott, outer
guard, John Skelton, inner guard and
Vallee R. Fellers, sergeant at arms.
John Bitter resigned as secretary and Vallee Fel-
lers was elected in his place.

The lodge has always been in the forefront of
all civic movements in the city. It has taken part
in many community drives throughout its history

Moose clubrooms on second and third floors

and has a long list of veteran members in both
World Wars I and II.

The lodge began in 1915 with sixteen applica-
tions and now has a roster of 547 members. Gov-
ernors of the lodge since its beginning have been:

190

Dr. A. Travis— 1916

Joe Fite— 1916-17-18

William May— 1918-19

A. H. Johns— 1919-20

C. J. Long— 1920-21

J. Bert Meyers— 1921-22

George Mumme— 1922-23

Joe Fite— 1923-24

C. Willard Peterson— 1924-25

Joe Fite— 1925-26

George A. Coffey— 1926-27

Mike Godfrey— 1927-28

A. H. Johns— 1928 (resigned)

Chancy Berry filled unexpired term 1928

H. L. Perkins— 1929-30

Harry Griffith— 1930-31

Forrest Hess— 1931-32

Oscar Bockewitz— 1932-33

J. P. Vaughn— 1933-34

Oscar Bockewitz— 1934-35

Terrance O'Connell— 1936

(died during term)
Harold Graham filled unexpired term also

elected for 1938-39
Joe Basso — 1939-42
C. D. Berry— 1942-43
H. R. Saathoff— 1943-44 (resigned)
W. E. Ross (completed term) 1944-46
Joe Basso— 1946-49
Olin L. Baker— 1949-51
A. M. Gordon— 1951-53

Members of the Litchfield lodge, No. 1634 Loyal
Order of Moose, dedicated their new club rooms at
117 West Ryder Street, September 3, 4, and 5, in
1949. Invitations were sent to neighboring towns
to attend the open house programs throughout the
three days.

In the early days the lodge was co-sponsor of
three children who were sent from Gillespie to
the Mooseheart home for dependent children. Later
they sponsored three families of children.

There are five of the original charter members
in the local lodge at present: Ray E. Sanders, Dr.
R. W. Griswold, Arthur Fogleman, V. R. Fellers,
and John Bederman, oldest in membership.

Salvation Army

THE Salvation Army was established in East
End, London in 1865 by William and Catherine
Booth. From the humble beginning, the Army
has advanced marvellously in size, in the scope of
its activities, and in usefulness until now 95 coun-
tries and colonies are "occupied" and the good
news of the Gospel is preached in one hundred
languages.

Originally the Army was an evangelical organi-
zation solely designed to bring men and women
into a better relationship with God. With this aim
still dominant, The Salvation Army's many and

varied present-day activities are a practical ap-
plication of that spiritual motive.

Divisional Headquarters: The Divisional Head-
quarters offices for central and northern Illi-
nois are located at 331 North Adams Street, Peoria,
Illinois, administered by Lt. Col. T. H. Martin, di-
visional commander; the Rural and Extension
Service is directed by Brigadier T. F. Samsel.
These Headquarters embrace a territory of 65
counties with 26 corps located in strategic points
and 370 Service Units.

In Montgomery County there are 15 Service
Units in operation.

The local committee is recognized as a liaison be-
tween the rural public, community chest, welfare
clients, and interested friends supporting the pro-
gram. In addition, the committee controls the lo-
cal Welfare Fund, rules on all applications for aid
and indicates to the Salvation Army the most effec-
tive areas of service.

In Litchfield, the local committee is headed by
Claude L. Anderson, Chairman, Maynard F. Moore,
Treasurer, and Grace Boyd, committee member.

Arco Country Club

THE Arco Country Club was established in 1922.
Its purpose was to serve as a golf club, and for
its charter officers the following men were chosen:
Thomas Potts, president; William Schutt, vice-
president; and Roy Miller, secretary.

Fifty-two charter members were enrolled in the
organization and their names were as follows:

Roy Miller, Eli Miller, L. W. Cline, William Schutt,
Hugh Hall J. A. Pappmeier, William Chamberlin, Ray
Schalk, Leo Schalk, Carl Zuber, Arthur Heath, William
LaForce H. S. Shorter, Paul McWilliams, Thomas Bryce,
Harry Gorin, Lee Allen, A. T. Carroll, G. A. Sihler, Sr.,
G A. Sihler, Jr., C. W. Grafton, John Coddington,
Thomas Taylor, M. J. Buscher, Tom Baker, Joseph
Strehle, Harry Bennett, Arthur Sihler, G. L. Settlemire,
Bovd Neighbors, Clyde Brubaker, Hugh Snell, B. C.
Arnold, Charles Morgan, Lee Richards, Frank Cooper,
Guy Farquhar, Kenyon Montgomery, Pearl Black-
welder, Thomas Potts, Glenn Brubaker, C. H. Zoller,
Guy Reese, William Kneedler, Carl Dodds, Lynn Settle-
mire, C. M. Ridgely, G. W. Paisley, J. E. Hewitt, D. E.
Finley, John Carroll, John Bitter.

At the present time the club roster bears one
hundred names. The officers for this year are:
Victor Hauser, president; John B. Schoen, vice-
president ; and Gladdin Gorin, secretary.

The clubhouse was built in 1923 of log construc-
tion at an approximate cost of five thousand dol-
lars. It is located on an improved road one-quarter
of a mile east of the American Radiator and Stand-
ard Sanitary Corporation at the southeast edge of
the city limits.

During the year various social activities are
scheduled for the members and their families.

When our city was first laid out as Hardinsburg,
Main Street was the main street. It now parallels the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

191

Litchfield Council of P.T. A.'s

THE Litchfield Parent-Teacher Council was or-
ganized in April, 1921. In the spring of 1921,
Mr. S. W. Kessinger of Litchfield, with the State
Board of Health at that time, made an address be-
fore the Litchfield Woman's Club. He stressed
the need of a parent-teacher association in Litch-
field and urged its immediate organization.

The matter was left with the Educational Com-
mittee of the Club. Members of this committee
were Mrs. Ethel McDavid, Mrs. Blanche Crabb, and
Mrs. Mabel Pound. These women set to work to
accomplish the task to which they were called. In-
stead of organizing the local associations first and
then forming the council from these groups, as
was the usual procedure, the first thing they did
was to organize the Council. This was in April
and the following were the first officers: Presi-
dent, Mrs. Frank (Blanche) Crabb; Vice-President,
Mrs. E. D. Walker; and Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs.
Roscoe (Mae) Bartling.

Immediately following the organization of the
Council, a committee of ladies was sent to each of
the five schools to form local parent-teacher asso-
ciations, each named for the school in which they
were formed. Following are the results.

Lincoln School (now Sihler), Organizer, Mrs.
I. Yaeger with 12 charter members. Officers were:
President, Mrs. Fern Bosen, who immediately re-
signed and Mrs. Roscoe Bartling was elected Presi-
dent; Vice-President, Mrs. Carl Broeg; Secretary,
Miss Mary O'Brien; Treasurer, Miss Emma
Mumme.

J. D. Colt School, Organizer, Mrs. Frances Keese
with 14 members. President, Mrs. Ed. Bargfield;
Vice-President, Mrs. Purdy; Secretary, Miss Har-
riet Murphy; Treasurer, Mrs. Robert Lee.

Madison Park School, Organizer, Mrs. Leo Rob-
bins with 32 members. President, Mrs. I. Yaeger,
Vice-President, Mrs. Leo Robbins; Secretary, Miss
Faith Barry; and Treasurer, Mrs. Leo Schalk.

Ida J. Russell School, Organizer, Mrs. Frank
Crabb with 18 members. President, Mrs. Nell
Judd; Vice-President, Mrs. Pearl Blackwelder;
Secretary, Miss Mildred Davis ; and Treasurer, Miss
Virginia Harrington.

The Departmental School, which was later
changed to the Junior High School, Organizer,
Mrs. E. D. Walker with 25 members. President,
Mrs. Anna Miller Snell; Vice-President, Mrs. Eva
Kinder; Secretary, Miss Mabel Kitch; and Treas-
urer, Mrs. Ed. McDaniel.

The purpose of Parent-Teacher Associations is
to promote the welfare of children and youth in
home, school, church, and community; to raise the
standards of home life; to secure adequate laws
for the care and protection of children and youth;
to bring into closer relationship the home and the
school, that parents and teachers may cooperate
intelligently in the training of the child; to de-
velop between educators and the general public
such united efforts as will secure for every child

the highest advantages in physical, mental, social
and spiritual education.

By the fall of 1924, there was a new Litchfield
Community High School, so it was deemed timely
to start a high school Parent-Teacher Association.
The committee appointed by the Council for the
organization were Mrs. Eva Kinder, Mrs. Lee Nor-
vell and Mrs. Leo Schalk. The first officers of the
Litchfield Community High Parent-Teacher Asso-
ciation were: President, Mrs. Nell Judd; First
Vice-President, Mrs. Eva Kinder; Second Vice-
President, Miss Turner; Secretary, Mrs. Govaia;
Treasurer, Mrs. Ed. Thorp. It had 52 members.

The name of the Council was changed to the
Litchfield Council of Parent-Teacher Associations.
The Executive Board of the Council meets once a
month in the basement of the Litchfield Public Li-
brary. The meetings of the various associations
are held in the schools once a month during the
school year, except in February and in May when
joint meetings of all the Parent-Teacher Associa-
tions are held. All members are also members of
the Illinois Congress of Parents and Teachers and
the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.
The joint meeting in February, known as Found-
ers' Day, honors the founding of the National Con-
gress in February, 1897.

The P.T.A. cooperates with other groups in com-
munity affairs, especially when it concerns the
health and welfare of children and youth. While
the P.T.A. is not a charity organization, it has sup-
plied articles of clothing and shoes and in a num-
ber of cases has paid for having children fitted with
glasses. A student aid committee at the Litch-
field Community High Parent-Teacher Association
has assisted students from the student aid fund.

It is impossible to enumerate the activities of
the various associations, but each school has been
enriched by material gifts such as pianos, record
players, radios, playground equipment of various
types, balls, bats, jump ropes, and numerous other
articles used on the playground.

Milk and graham crackers were furnished the
children in the grades and Junior High School
for a number of years, the P.T.A. paying for same
when the children were unable to pay for them.

Money has been raised in various ways with
various types of entertainments and basketball
games with adults from the groups playing on the
teams. With the exception of a very few years,
the P.T.A., through the generous co-operation of
the theater owners and managers, has benefited by
sharing in the proceeds of pictures sponsored by
the P.T.A. at some time during the year. Tickets
for these pictures are sold by the school children.

Presidents serving for the year 1952-53 are:
Litchfield Council, Mrs. Edw. Granger, Jr.; Litch-
field Community High, Mrs. J. L. Musgrave, with
56 members; Junior High, Mrs. Ralph Keune, with
56 members; J. D. Colt, Mrs. Carter Shero, with
65 members; Sihler, Mrs. Robert Cayce, with 44

192

members; Russell, Mrs. Henry Anderson, 44 mem-
bers; Madison Park, Mrs. William T. Wilson, 101
members.

Mrs. Harry Stuttle and Mrs. Carl Broeg served
as District Directors and each was on the state
board of the Illinois Congress of Parents and
Teachers for a number of years.

Hod Carriers, Building
& Common Laborers' Union

THE HOD Carriers', Building & Common La-
borers' Union of America was organized in
Litchfield, March 4, 1952. The purpose of this
Union is to create an organization to promote the
welfare and protection of general laborers, masons,
and plaster tenders.

The charter officers of this union included:
Business Agent, S. S. Burdell; President, Charles
Pickerill; Vice-President, Wilbert Adams; Record-
ing Secretary, Harry Booher; Financial Secretary-
Treasurer, James N. DeMarco; Sergeant-at-Arms,
Edwin Walker. There were twenty-one charter
members of this Union, and the membership now
stands at seventy.

The present officers of this union include: Busi-
ness Agent, S. S. Burdell; President, Wilbert
Adams; Vice-President, Wayne Curto; Recording
Secretary, Harry Booher; Financial Secretary-
Treasurer, James N. DeMarco; Sergeant-at-Arms,
Edwin Walker. Three trustees of the Union are:
Frank Jamison, Harry Burdell, James Curto.

This organization is interested in a movement to
construct a building, which would be used as a
recreation center for children and young people of
Litchfield, which would be open evenings.

Silver Leaf Camp No. 197

SILVER LEAF CAMP NO. 197, Royal Neigh-
bors of America, was chartered October 15,
1895, with 69 members. Now there are two camps
here, part of the largest fraternal insurance com-
pany, writing insurance on men, women and chil-
dren. Minnie McWilliams was the first recorder
and was a great-aunt of the present recorder, Feme
Symmes, who has served as recorder for 22 years.
Ella Hutson served as chancellor for 23 years, to
1950. Dr. Williams was camp physician for years.
There are six living Past Oracles. They met in the
Woodman Hall when they had to walk to lodge
meetings and carry a lantern.

There are four 50-year members: Belle Beck,
1895; Mary L. Duncan, 1899, who is in the Royal
Neighbors' Home at Davenport, Iowa, now; Kath-
ryn Roach, 1900; and Ella Whitlock, 1901.

Monthly meetings are held in the I.O.O.F. Hall
on the fourth Thursday night.

The following are now serving as officers:

Oracle — Leslie Kinder

Vice-Oracle — Addie Jamison

Post — Lucy Simmons

Chancellor — Leona Gipson

Recorder — Feme Symmes

Receiver — Ida Allen

Marshal — Gladys Elledge

Assistant Marshal — Virginia Reineke

Inner Sentinel — Dorothy Sawyer

Outer Sentinel — Florence Hayes

Managers — Bessie Saathoff, Mildred Shoop and
Joy Chaplin

Physicians — Drs. L. George Allen and H. A.
Yaeger

Faith — Isabel Prather

Courage — Marie Sprigg

Modesty — Mae Kellenberger

Unselfishness — Bernice Osborne

Endurance — Essie Nelson

Musican — Velma Alshouse

Other officers in the past few years were Lola
Knight, Mabel Livingston, Martha Schweppe,
Berdie Dalton and Cecilia Rill.

South Side Baptist Church

IN September, 1950, a series of evanglistic meet-
ings were held in a tent on the present site of
the Southside Baptist Church by Reverend Leo
Belcher, Macoupin Associational missionary and
Reverend Abraham Wright, Home Missionary of
the Southern Baptist Convention. At the close of
the meeting plans were made for Sunday School
and preaching services to be held in the Harry G.
Saathoff home, 1003 East St. John Street, until
other arrangements were made.

On November 1 of that same year, the Board
of Directors of the Illinois Baptist State Associa-
tion authorized Reverend Abraham Wright and
Reverend Leo Belcher to erect a chapel for mission
services on the tract of ground south of Columbia
Street and east of Illinois Avenue, which had been
acquired by the State Association in 1940.

As authorized, a chapel 24 feet x 28 feet was
erected. It was occupied in February of the next
year, and dedicated on the first Tuesday of May
following, with Dr. George L. Johnson, Dean of the
Baptist College of the Bible, Carbondale, Illinois, de-
livering the dedicatory address. The church was
organized and approved by a Baptist recognition
Council August 5, 1952. The Southside Baptist
Church was thus officially instituted.

At the time this article is being written, the
prospects for the future of the church are bright.
The Illinois Baptist State Association has deeded
the property to the trustees of the Southside Bap-
tist Church and plans are being made for the erec-
tion of a larger, more permanent building of con-
crete and brick.

Officers are Rev. Abraham Wright, Pastor; Mrs.
Anne Saathoff, Clerk; Harry G. Saathoff, Treas-
urer, and Andrew Whitworth, Chairman of Trus-
tees.

193

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

LITCHFIELD Lodge No. 654, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, was instituted on Feb-
ruary 11, 1901, with 43 members. By the time the
Lodge sent in its first report, on March 31, it had
added two more members and this rate of growth
has been continuing ever since. At present the
membership numbers more than 600.

At the time the Lodge was instituted at the old
Pythian Hall it met on the second and fourth Mon-
days of each month. On the following May first it
moved to a hall on East Kirkham Street across
from Library Park which served as home until the
present Elks Club was built.

The Charter lists the following officers: Louis
E. Heinly, Exalted Ruler; Wilson P. Spruill, Es-
teemed Leading Knight; E. O. Eichelroth, Es-
teemed Loyal Knight; David R. Kinder, Esteemed
Lecturing Knight; Fred C. Beeman, Secretary; Ar-
thur F. Smith, Treasurer; T. L. Beveridge, Tyler;
John F. Coddington, Esquire; George B. Faulk,
Inner Guard ; R. C. Shellenbarger, Chaplain ; George
W. Amsden, Organist; Hugh Hall, Hugh A. Snell
and W. T. Thorp, Trustees. Of the Charter mem-
bers, all save William Wiegreffe have passed on.

The Litchfield Lodge led a pleasant and agree-
able existence for its first twenty-one years. How-
ever, its quarters became cramped and the Lodge
entertained thoughts of a new home.

Under the leadership of C. C. (Chet) Weber,
Secretary and then Exalted Ruler (1921 to 1923),
the plans became more than discussion and the
property on the southeast corner of Union Avenue
and Monroe Street was acquired for the project.

Brother Weber is given full credit for seeing
through the construction of the present Lodge
home. He conceived the idea of floating approxi-
mately $125,000 in bonds and personally handled
their sale. The Lodge points with pride to its
record of paying off every cent of this indebtedness
after a small reorganization of its financing.

The building was started with the late Brother
Hugh Snell turning the first dirt in the spring of

1922. It was dedicated on February 5, 6, and 7,

1923, with a gala celebration and open house. A
class of forty-five was initiated on the final eve-
ning. Three special traction cars brought the out-
of-town guests.

During the next two decades the Lodge met with
a series of ups and downs. A basement swimming
pool in the building was abandoned a few years
later as too costly to operate. The Lodge under-
took a series of benefits to maintain its existence,
including the famed Elks Minstrels, the highlight
of home talent shows of its time.

The struggle was intense, and it was a proud night
in March, 1941, when under the leadership of Ex-
alted Ruler Benjamin I. Yaeger the burning of the
last bond paid off on the building marked the
liquidation of its tremendous debt.

During its fifty-two years, Litchfield Lodge No.
654 has been in the forefront of every movement
for the benefit of the community, and its service has
been as unswerving as it has been quiet in its pres-
entation, without fanfare, but with deep apprecia-
tion of the meaning of charity and selflessness.

194

Independent Order
of Odd Fellows

THE first Lodge of the I. O. O. F. was instituted
October 17, 1856, under the name of Litchfield
Lodge No. 202. The following brothers were the
charter members of Litchfield Lodge No. 202:
S. W. McDonald, R. P. Paden, E. R. White, E. W.
Miller, and John P. Davis.

The second Lodge was instituted October 14,
1873, under the name of Auguste Lodge No. 507.

The third Lodge was instituted Nov. 16, 1882
under the name of Oil City Lodge No. 724.

Auguste Lodge No. 507 passed out of existence
after about thirty years, some of its remaining
members joining the two Lodges then existing.

Litchfield Lodge No. 202 and Oil City Lodge
No. 724 were consolidated December 7, 1909, un-
der the name of Litchfield Lodge No. 724 of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of
Illinois. The number 724 was previously the num-
ber of Oil City I. O. O. F. Lodge, and at the closing
of Oil City Lodge, its remaining members and the
number 724 were made a part of Litchfield Lodge
No. 724, I. O. O. F.

As our present records show, the first lodge
meeting place was on the third floor at 405 North
State Street. The second meeting place was on the
second floor of a building located at the corner of
West Ryder and Jefferson Streets. The third meet-
ing place was on the second floor of the Beopple
Bakery at 211 North State Street. The fourth
meeting place was on the second floor at 421 North
State Street. The fifth and present meeting place
is on the third floor of the I. O. O. F. building at
401 North State Street.

This present lodge home building was purchased
from the D. D. Tennyson estate in the year 1929,
and in connection with the adjoining building, now
belonging to J. H. Jones a lifelong member of
the I. O. O. F.), houses the Sherman Department
Store on the ground floor. The Hagerdorn Studio
occupies the second floor; Charles Hughes, tailor,
also has his shop on the second floor. The third
floor of the I. O. O. F. Building is the lodge hall.

Litchfield Lodge No. 724, I. O. O. F., has 54
members at the present time. Officers of the
Lodge are: Claude Dooley, Noble Grand; A. R.
Mercer, Vice Grand; Clyde J. Kiefer, Secretary;
and Dave Simmons, Treasurer. The Trustees of
the Lodge are: J. H. Jones, chairman, Floyd
Sheppard, A. R. Mercer, Clyde J. Kiefer, and
T. S. Smith.

On August 23, 1949, Raymond Lodge No. 476
was consolidated with Litchfield Lodge No. 724,
thus adding seventeen members to our Lodge.
J. H. Jones, District Deputy of District 74 of the
I. O. O. F. was the consolidating officer.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has as
its motto, "Friendship, Love and Truth"; the let-
ters F. L. T., symbolize sincere Friendship, un-
feigned Love and simple Truth. The emblem of

the order is three links, each link representing one
of the words of the motto.

Litchfield Lodge No. 724 has adopted the wheel
chair and hospital bed program of the Lodge,
whereby anyone in the community in need of a
wheel chair or hospital bed may obtain the same
upon application to the lodge.

Vernon Becker, D. D. S.

DR. VERNON BECKER was born in Mt. Olive,
Illinois, and received his elementary education
in that city, graduating from the Mt. Olive High
School in 1938. He attended the Washington Uni-
versity College of Dentistry in St. Louis, Missouri,
and graduated from that school in June of 1944.
He then entered the service of his country, serving
in the United States Dental Corps until 1946.

In March of 1947 Dr. Becker opened his dental
office at 226a North State Street with all new and
modern equipment. In June of 1952 he moved to a
ground floor office at 204 North State Street.

His assistant and receptionist, is Miss Betty
Morgan of Litchfield.

Dr. Becker married Betty Tolbert of Vincennes,
Indiana, and they are the parents of two daughters,
Margaret Lynn and Barbara Ann.

Aid Association for Lutherans

THE Local Branch No. 542 of the Aid Associa-
tion for Lutherans, Legal Reserve Life In-
surance, was organized in Litchfield, Illinois, on
December 15, 1921. It began with ten certificate
holders and with $7,250 of insurance in force at
that time.

The first local branch officers were: President,
August Tiemann; Vice-President, Paul A. Fedder;
Secretary-Treasurer, A. H. Niemann. Officers
elected on February 10, 1953, are: President,
Burrell Wernsing; Vice-President, Theodore Birk-
enkamp; Secretary-Treasurer, Walter Tiemann.

At the present time the local branch at Litch-
field has $483,500 of insurance in force.

A meeting is held annually at the Zion Lutheran
Church Auditorium, at which time new officers are
elected for the year. Mr. Delford T. Precht, the
General Agent for the Central Illinois area, De-
catur, Illinois, visits the local organization at its
annual meeting. All policy holders are invited to
attend. Entertainment is furnished, which is fol-
lowed by refreshments.

On April 27, 1947, Henry F. Peters, of the lo-
cal branch, became District Representative for
the Aid Association for Lutherans, the home office
being in Appleton, Wisconsin. At that time Mr.
Peters took the correspondence course for sales-
manship in life insurance. At the present time,
he still holds the title of District Representative.

195

Attorneys of By-Gone Years

THE first lawyer in Litchfield was B. M. Munn,
who came to Litchfield in 1857, and later
moved to Chicago. In 1859, Elizur Southworth,
born in Vermont in 1826, began the practice of law
in Litchfield and remained an active attorney in
Litchfield until his death at an advanced age about
1915. For many years Mr. Southworth owned and
occupied the home now the residence of Attorney
Herbert W. Dey. James H. Attebury, early Litch-
field lawyer, was the son of Abram D. Attebury,
who came to the Litchfield area in 1850 and lived
his entire life here. He began practice here in
1881 and for many years was a member of the firm
of Southworth and Attebury. Louis Allen, native
of Clinton and born in 1852, came to Litchfield in
1877 and practiced law in the Litchfield area for
many years. George W. Jones, once City Clerk
of Litchfield, began the practice of law in Litch-
field as law partner of George P. Fowler, in the
spring of 1868. They practiced here for many
years. George L. Zink, born in Ohio in 1841, and
former teacher at Gillespie, located in Litchfield
in May of 1866, the same year he was admitted to
the Illinois bar, and practiced here for many years.
In later years he became a member of the firm
of Zink and Kinder, the latter being the late David
R. Kinder. Ben McWilliams, brother of the late
Judge Paul McWilliams, practiced law in Litchfield
until 1900. His father, the late Major Robert Mc-
Williams, was a pioneer Litchfield attorney.

P. A. Wilhite, early Litchfield attorney, brother
of Circuit Judge L. E. Wilhite of Carlinville, died
in 1903. In 1902, while serving as city attorney,
he collected and codified the city ordinances of
Litchfield. He was father of Siegel Wilhite and
Mrs. Myrtle Grimes, both now of Litchfield. His
widow, Mrs. Mary Lou Burns, still resides in Litch-
field. Other Litchfield attorneys of bygone years
who served at one time as city attorney include
Thomas A. Gasaway, Walter V. Halford, Herbert
L. Jackson, George P. O'Brien, and David R.
Kinder, father of Dwight R. Kinder. "Dave"
Kinder, once associated in law practice with the
late Judge Thomas M. Jett of Hillsboro, was noted
for his knowledge of the law as well as his forensic
skill, as was also George O'Brien, brother of Maisie
O'Brien of the News-Herald staff.

Litchfield attorneys of bygone years who served
as judge of the City Court include Colonel Amos
Oiler, Paul McWilliams, Dan W. Maddox and Harry
C. Stuttle.

Early 20th-century attorneys here included M.
M. Creighton and Zeno Reeves. Mr. Reeves was
once postmaster here and later served a term in
Congress.

ATTORNEYS OF TO-DAY

Present attorneys in Litchfield are Frank W.
Cooper, Geraldine Cooper, Herbert W. Dey, Charles
I. Fleming, Dennis J. Godfrey, Michael F. Godfrey,
George A. Hall, Dwight R. Kinder, Maureen Macy
Lober, Maurice T. Macy, J. Bert McWilliams, Paul

McWilliams, Jr., and Harold B. Tunnell. Martin
S. Morgan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Morgan,
practiced here until a few years ago when he moved
to Chicago.

Maurice T. Macy, served as Montgomery County
Judge from 1945 to 1950. Previously, Judge Macy
had been a teacher and coach at the local high
school for many years. Michael Godfrey, son of
former County Clerk Mike Godfrey, practiced
three years in East St. Louis before coming to
Litchfield. The firm of Macy and Godfrey was
established in 1951. Mrs. Maureen Macy Lober
is associated with the firm.

Herbert W. Dey, present Master in Chancery of
the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, is a
member of the firm of Kinder and Dey. Frank W.
Cooper is also associated with that firm. Mr.
Cooper's wife, Geraldine, is an attorney.

Among the present Litchfield attorneys who
have served as City Attorney of Litchfield are
Harold B. Tunnell, Dwight R. Kinder, George A.
Hall, and Herbert W. Dey. Mr. Hall also served
as Montgomery County States Attorney for two
terms. J. Bert McWilliams, son of the late Judge
McWilliams, is the present City Attorney and is
associated in law practice here with his brother,
Paul McWilliams, Jr.

THE CITY COURT OF LITCHFIELD
In 1898 the City Court of Litchfield was estab-
lished. Colonel Amos Oiler was elected the first
judge and served one term of four years. In 1902,
Paul McWilliams was elected Judge, serving three
terms until 1914. Judge McWilliams, when first
elected, was the youngest City Judge in the State
of Illinois. Dan W. Maddox was City Judge from
1914 to 1918 and he was succeeded by Harry C.
Stuttle who served as such until 1930. Judge
Stuttle also served as States Attorney and as a
member of the Illinois Senate from 1932 to 1940.
Judge Paul McWilliams was again elected City
Judge in 1930 and continued in office until his
death in 1952. Charles I. Fleming, a former high
school teacher, was elected to fill Judge McWil-
liams' unexpired term and he is the present City
Judge. Judges Stuttle, McWilliams, and Fleming
have been often called to preside in the Circuit
and Superior Courts of Cook County in Chicago.
A number of well-known reidents of Litchfield
have served as Clerk of the City Court. Dewey
Randle, the present clerk, has served as such for
the past 23 years. Preceding him were Harry
Ballard, Lauretta Salzman, Chester Sullivan, Carl
Zuber, and Robert Angle.

Litchfield's Attorneys, past and present, have
done much for the Litchfield community. The
complexities of legal problems have mounted with
the passing of the years and the lawyers of Litch-
field have always earnestly tried to keep pace
with them. They have done much toward devel-
oping the Litchfield area into the peaceful, orderly,
and progressive community which it is today.

196

History of the Physicians of Litchfield

THE founding of a town is always of historical
interest, and since 1953 marks Litchfield's
centennial, it becomes of profound concern because
of this history-making event. The history of the
medical profession will show the part played in
the growth of our town by this body of men.

History tells us that Dr. Gamble was the first
physician in the town and lived in a half-floored
log cabin west of the Methodist Church. Dr. H. H.
Hood first opened an office in Hardinsburg and was
the second physician in Litchfield. He had his office
at the store of J. M. McWilliams which was be-
tween the Phoenix House and the Central Hotel.
He was a man of decided opinions, active, persist-
ent and inflexible, and was familiarly known to all.
On November 24, 1854, the railroad was opened to
Litchfield and the sale of the Pretlow property soon
followed; the town received an impetus which it
has not lost since; panics, fires, the Civil War, and
removal of the railroad shops have each given a
breathing time to lay wiser plans and build its
prosperity on a more stable basis.

Dr. John Grinsted came in 1856 from Woodburn,
opened a drugstore, and practiced as a physician
until advancing years compelled his retirement. In
1857 Doctors Strafford and Speers located here from
St. Louis. Speers stayed only a short time but
Strafford remained, much impaired in health. He
never gained the position to which his skill might
have properly carried him. Dr. Ash was here a year
or two but found the field was too unpromising
and moved to Brighton. Dr. John Skillman from
Alton sought employment here and returned to Al-
ton but came back to die. Of Dr. Neff it is proper
to say that he is better known for his financial
transactions than for his professional success.

Dr. R. F. Bennett located here in 1862 and gained
a large practice and possessed a modest fortune.
He was active in politics and was twice mayor and
twice alderman. His medical abilities even earned
for him the high office of superintendent of the
Anna Asylum. Dr. H. F. Bennett, his son. was
secretary of the Montgomery County Medical So-
ciety for many years.

Dr. John D. Colt, forced by the failure of his
health from service in the gunboat fleet, came here
in 1863 and had reached an enviable rank in his
profession. He was a pioneer surgeon and his skill
was instrumental in establishing Litchfield as an
enterprising medical center. He loved the science
of medicine and for recreation chose the rod and
gun when he could steal a day or two with them
away from practice. He knew the names of flow-
ers and loved the out-of-doors. At the opening
of St. Francis Hospital in 1875, Dr. Colt was the
only surgeon on its staff and established a secure
foundation here for skilled surgery, causing Litch-
field to be recognized as a famed medical center.

Dr. Blackwelder went with Sherman to the sea
and finally settled here and had a large practice.
Dr. Jacob Clearwater was for many years the

county physician. His practice was enormous and
his fees would have been large had he exacted
them. His reputation built his success. Dr. James
after serving in Price's army came here. He lost
his health, tried farming and went to Virginia to
die, but regained his health and resumed his pro-
fessional duties. Dr. Leach was the first homeop-
athist and after his departure was not seen again.

Early in the sixties, Ben Davis, the snapping
doctor, made semi-monthly visits here. His au-
dience room in the Cummings Building contained
backless benches, on which were seated a score
of patients, as grave and silent as mourners at a
religious assembly. Davis circulated about the
apartment, snapping his fingers like castanets and
professing to heal diseases by occult magnetic in-
fluences impacted from himself. Cures did not
follow. His visits have been nearly forgotten.
Other early physicians who practiced here in this
era were Doctors Link, John H. Tilden, Charles W.
Johnson, P. T. Jameson, and J. M. Stratton.

Prior to 1882 in the long honorable list but three
names have fallen to the ground: Doctors Alex-
ander, Skillman, and Grinsted have died. It is
the best evidence of their worth and skill that with
the increase of the population, the bills of mortal-
ity in 1881 were but little larger than in 1857, with
only one-eighth of the present population. As early
as 1854 cholera appeared in South Litchfield by
importation from a river town. Again in 1870
cholera invaded the city and caused many deaths.
All butcher shops were closed, but at night a meet-
ing was held in several of them, where steaks were
cut, broiled, and eaten. In 1882 there was an epi-
demic of smallpox — the result of railroad travel.
Preventive measures were taken but twenty-four
died. General vaccination was enforced and the
disease stamped out. In 1888, black diphtheria
occurred. A victim of this disease was our Dr.
Ross Griswold who made a complete recovery.

Prior to World War I in 1917, the names of the
following physicians are known: A Dr. Kelly who
formerly was superintendent of the Kankakee In-
sane Hospital. Dr. G. P. Yengst, who was in World
War I, did not return to the city. Dr. Myron W.
Snell, a physician in 1900, later became the com-
manding officer of the Veterans' Hospital Milwau-
kee, Wisconsin. Dr. Victor Barcroft, who came
from Walshville, also Dr. T. B. Williams and Dr.
Watson are known by some of the older physicians
of the city. Dr. V. A. Carriere, who practiced here
in 1900, later became a coroner in St. Louis. Dr.
George W. Cox practiced here in 1916, and was a
graduate of Johns Hopkins Medical School.

Physicians of Litchfield have been not only active
in civic affairs but very patriotic and heeding the
country's call in the crisis of World War I. Those
who served in the army in this period were Doc-
tors H. F. Bennett, C. H. Zoller, Ross W. Griswold,
and Myron W. Snell. Of this group Doctors Zoller
and Griswold are carrying on an active practice.

197

Another skillful physician who was a great
surgeon was the late Dr. George A. Sihler, Sr.,
who after graduating from McGill University came
to Litchfield in 1884 and shortly after became an
assistant of Dr. Colt. The St. Francis Hospital as
a medical center in these days was clearly estab-
lished mainly through the skill and efforts of Doc-
tors Colt and Sihler who were the pre-eminent sur-
geons in southern Illinois. Dr. George A. Sihler,
Jr., a son of Dr. Sihler, Sr., followed in the foot-
steps of his illustrious father and carried on a very
skillful active surgical practice for 37 years. He
was noted for his daring and boldness in the prac-
tice of surgery and was held in high esteem by his
colleagues. His death in January, 1949, was keenly
felt by the profession and townspeople. Dr. C.
Harold Sihler, another son, has been carrying on a
very active practice since 1920.

Last but not least was the late Dr. Lee Gilbert
Allen, with whom the writer has had a close per-
sonal contact for four and one-half years up to the
time of his death in June, 1952. A family physi-
cian of the old school, kindly, refined, and a great
lover of humanity, Dr. Allen personified all the fine
traits of the old beloved family doctor. He was
held in high admiration by his colleagues and loved
by his patients. To the townspeople, his reverence
and noble character commanded high esteem and
the most profound respect. To these fine attributes
as a man, were added the skill and knowledge of a
skilled surgeon and a studious physician. In many
tete-a-tete fireside chats with the writer, Dr. Allen
told with intimacy, the fine training he had re-
ceived as a preceptor young doctor from his kindly
teacher, Dr. Colt. As long as people reside in
Litchfield, Dr. Allen will always be remembered
as a fine and able physician and one of the town's
most esteemed citizens.

The physicians of Litchfield today have a glori-
ous past and a solid foundation upon which to build
for the successful activities of the medical practice
for the future. All are graduates of fine medical
schools which are classified as the best that modern
education can bring to a young physician. A medi-
cal education today is long, costly, and highly tech-
nical, and with the interneship training qualifies a
graduate to give most competent and intelligent
care to the sick or maimed. For the quality and
skill of its doctors, Litchfield indeed is very fortu-
nate to possess so fine a group. Much success, care,
comfort, and community health are in a great
measure due to the splendid service and painstak-
ing efforts of the Sisters, nurses, technicians, and
employees of St. Francis Hospital who have so
magnificently served the community since 1875 — a
monumental test of care, love, and ceaseless vigi-
lance for Litchfield and its neighboring countryside.

In the two World Wars Litchfield contributed
medical talent to the armed forces in the person-
nel of the following:

World War I

Year entered practice in Litchfield

Dr. Harry F. Bennett — Capt. U. S.
Army (deceased).

1914 Dr. Christian H. Zoller— Major U. S.

Army — overseas in France.
1912 Dr. Ross W. Griswold— Capt. U. S.
Army — overseas in France.
Dr. Myron W. Snell — Commanding
Officer U. S. Veterans' Hospital,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1949 Dr. Harry A. Olin— M a j o r U. S.
Army Reserve Corps — overseas
in France and England now in
Litchfield).

World War II
1946 Dr. George L. Allen— C a p t. U. S.
Army — in India and Persia — 2
years.
1939 Dr. Nelson K. Floreth— Capt. U. S.
Army Air Force — 38 months in
New Guinea, South Pacific.
1935 Dr. Harry A. Yaeger— Capt. U. S.
Army — 36 months U. S. and
New Guinea.
1935 Dr. J. Robert Rebillot— Lieut.-Col.
U. S. Army — 44 months and
service in Hawaii.
Dr. E. J. Beckner is the Health Offi-
cer from the Illinois State
Health Service for Montgomery
County and resides in Litchfield.
From the foregoing it can be appreciated that
the physicians have served in various parts of the
world, some, thousands of miles from home, and
have returned to their homes to continue improv-
ing the lives and health of the community.

The task of writing a history of the physicians
of Litchfield the past one hundred years was
assigned to the writer on short notice, and much
against his will. But he has been rewarded by
learning Litchfield's early history and the group
of fine physicians who have aided the community
and who comprise its foremost citizens, civic-
minded, patriotic, and contributing to its daily life
and welfare. The writer begs indulgence for any
omissions or unintentional misstatement of facts
which have been gathered from the citizens, physi-
cians, and from the histories of Bond and Mont-
gomery Counties, published in 1882 and which the
author considers some of the most valuable books
of the Litchfield Public Library.

An attempt has been made when drawing upon
the material from the history of Montgomery
County to preserve, as far as possible, the color,
tone, and expressions which have proved to the
writer such fascinating reading. The writer wishes
to acknowledge with thanks, data furnished by
Walter R. Sanders, and the staff of St. Francis Hos-
pital, two of whom, Doctors Christian Zoller and
Ross Griswold, supplied many missing links.

As we go to press a few words should be writ-
ten to honor those who have been in the practice
of medicine 50 years. This honor was awarded to
Dr. Lee Gilbert Allen in a joint meeting of the
Montgomery and Macoupin County Medical So-
cities in February, 1952. The Illinois State Medi-
cal Society awarded him a 50 year membership

198

certificate and a gold pin. A similar honor this
coming October will be awarded to Dr. Christian
H. Zoller who will have completed his fifty years
as a practicing physician, 37 of which have been
spent in Litchfield.

Harry A. Olin, M.D.

4-H Clubs

THE 4-H CLUBS of the Litchfield vicinity were
established between 1920 and 1925. Their
purpose was to give young people the opportunity
to learn skills and to obtain knowledge of farm and
home practices; to develop leadership in commun-
ity activities; to provide an opportunity to work
out problems in a democratic manner; and to meet
their needs for wholesome recreational and social
activities.

J. Ed Priddle and Myron Whitlock organized the
first boys' 4-H Club in South Litchfield Township
with the help of the Litchfield Community High
School agriculture instructor, Irving Olson, and
the Montgomery County Farm Adviser, Aldon Sny-
der. In turn, Mesdames Priddle and Whitlock or-
ganized, a few years later, a girls' 4-H Club. Both
clubs were known as the Hickory Grove Clubs.

Between the first club and the present Crabtree
4-H, several years elapsed without the existence of
any 4-H club. Some other leaders served when it
was reorganized, but Mr. Priddle took over the
leadership again when the name was changed and
served the second time for fifteen years before re-
tiring.

In North Litchfield Township one of the first
leaders to organize a club was Miss May Crawford
from the Honey Bend area. She was in charge of
this girls' club for about 25 years and one of her
first assistant leaders was Mrs. Frank Davis.

The following are names and officers of the
clubs:

Hillside Lassie: Mrs. Freda Bandy, leader; Lois
Jones, assistant leader; Dona Mae Wright, president;
Joan Striplin, vice-president; Mary Carol Jones, secre-
tary-treasurer.

South Litchfield Home Economics Club: Mrs. A.
Werner, leader; Mrs. Clifford Green, leader; Mary Ann
Werner, assistant leader and reporter; Reba Bishop,
assistant leader and secretary-treasurer; Maudine Pope,
president; Carol Slightom, vice-president.

Barnctt Busy Bees: Mrs. Russell Varner, leader;
Mrs. Harold Goeke, assistant leader; Mary Thornton,
president; Virginia Ragland, vice-president; Dottie
Thornton, secretary; Keith Curvey, treasurer; Alberta
Crawford, reporter; Carol Ray, recreational leader.

Ritchie: Fremont Jones, leader; Tom Bandy, presi-
dent; Paul Hampton, vice-president; Donald Hampton,
secretary-treasurer; John Bowles, reporter.

Crabtree: Tom Priddle, leader; Karl Frerichs, as-
sistant leader; Ross Lay, president; Edward Helgen,
vice-president; Henry Gartner, reporter; Leon Bier-
baum, secretary-treasurer; Charles Culp, recreational
leader.

The clubs are made up of five or more boys and/
or girls between the ages of 10 and 20 who work
on specific home or farm projects under the super-
vision of adult leaders. This program is a part of

the National Extension program in Agriculture and
Home Economics in which over 2,000,000 boys and
girls are now enrolled.

Records are kept of the boys' and girls' projects
which consist of livestock and grain production,
tractor maintenance, home beautification, farm
electrification, cooking, sewing, gardening, poultry
raising, etc. All members completing their proj-
ects are given a certificate with a seal attached.

Completed record books are turned in and
graded each fall as the basis for determining
achievement awards. At an Achievement Night
held at the end of each year the members are
awarded bonds, trophies, medals, etc., for having
outstanding projects on a county-wide basis.

Of the winners, the two most outstanding are
given a trip with all expenses paid to the 4-H Club
Congress held in conjunction with the International
Livestock Show in Chicago.

Girl Scouting in Litchfield

THE Girl Scout movement was begun in Litch-
field in 1926 by the President of the Litchfield
Women's Club, Mrs. Harry F. Bennett. This troop
continued for about two years, and then the move-
ment died out. It was reactivated in 1936 with
Mrs. Harold Fleming as Leader of Troop I and
Mrs. John Heinlein of Troop II. Girl Scouts have
gone forward continuously since that time. At
present there are fifteen very active Girl Scout
troops and 85 adult interested workers registered
with the National Girl Scout Association. Churches
and P.TA.'s work in harmony to sponsor these
troops in Litchfield.

In 1946 a sum of money had been collected for
Montgomery County Girl Scouts through the United
War Relief Fund Drives. Realizing this money
was available to further the Girl Scout movement,
in January, 1947, a group of interested Litchfield
women, including Mrs. Frank Carter, Miss Estella
Blankley, Mrs. Garth Henrichs, Mrs. Lee Carroll,
Mrs. Ruth Hauser Anderson, and Mrs. Murray
Shrader, attended a meeting in Hillsboro. This
meeting was conducted by a professional worker
of National Girl Scouts (paid for from County
funds). She helped the group to set up the Mont-
gomery County Girl Scout Association uniting
Litchfield, Nokomis, and Hillsboro.

In July, 1947, the Montgomery County Girl Scout
Association held its first day camp of four weeks
at Lake Hillsboro, at a minimum cost of two dol-
lars per girl per week. The allotment from the
Litchfield Community Chest each year has helped
to make day camping possible for Litchfield girls
in all circumstances. A four-week day camp has
been held each summer in July since 1947 with
an attendance of approximately 350 Girl Scouts
and Brownies. An average of 60 Girl Scouts and
Brownies from Litchfield attend the day camp each
week. Each year additional improvements and sup-
plies have been added to day camp. We now own

199

one general supply house used as headquarters,
and called the "Big House"; a second smaller build-
ing used as a first-aid station, and called the "Little
House"; three large tents; and outdoor cooking
utensils, dishes, and silver for use by the girls.
Additional material for arts and crafts is added
each year. A swim period is provided each day
with instruction by an American Red Cross Life
Guard. Instruction in the handling of small boats
is also included. Our day camp meets all National
Girl Scout requirements in program and sanitation.

In November, 1947, Mrs. Verne Mahlandt was
appointed town chairman for Litchfield to pass on
information to Litchfield from the County Group.

On January 18, 1949, the Litchfield Girl Scout
Association was officially formed with fourteen peo-
ple in attendance. Later Mrs. Robert Rebillot
served two years in the capacity as Town Chair-
man. The Litchfield Girl Scouts have had a Cookie
Sale each year since 1948. In March, 1949, a Girl
Scout Birthday Party was held with all Litchfield
Girl Scout troops participating; it has become an
annual event. County Girl Scout Play Day was
instituted in 1950 at Walton Park in Litchfield.
The Scouts look forward to Play Day each year.

Through the cooperation and endeavor of Litch-
field people, Girl Scouting has become a commu-
nity project and continues to grow.

Masonic Fraternity

IN February, 1857, a petition was granted by J.
H. Hibbard, MWGM of the State of Illinois, to
a group of Masons to institute a Masonic Lodge
in Litchfield to be known as Charter Oak Lodge.
The first meeting was held on March 4, 1857, the
three principal officers being G. G. Withington,
WM; W. S. Palmer, SW; W. H. Cummings, JW.

On Oct. 7, 1857, a charter was granted to these
men and C. W. Parish, S. W. McDonald, James
Thalls, Samuel Boothe, and B. C. Beardsley to
form Charter Oak Lodge No. 236. On Oct. 28th,
W. S. Palmer was installed WM; W. H. Cummings,
SW; D. W. Bagley, JW; together with the other
officers of the lodge. The second degree was con-
ferred on Brother E. W. Litchfield (after whose
family the town was named) and the third degree
on Brothers W. T. Elliott and R. W. O'Bannon.

The meetings were held in a room on the third
floor of the yellow-colored frame building known
as the "Wigwam" which was located on the south-
east corner of Ryder and Madison Streets. The first
and second floors were occupied by a carriage fac-
tory.

The membership increased to such an extent
that in May, 1867, the lodge took temporary quar-
ters in the second story of the Elliott Hall (what is
now the south half of Yaegers Clothing Store).

In July, 1867, the Grand Lodge was petitioned
to form another lodge of Masons to be known as
the Litchfield Lodge. On Oct. 1, 1867, a charter
was granted by I. R. Gorin, MWGM, and on Oct. 7

Litchfield Lodge No. 517 was constituted with the
following charter members being installed: Geo.
M. Raymond, WM; W. E. Bacon, SW; S. J. Kirk-
patrick, JW; I. W. Davenport, Treasurer; H. C.
Watson, Secretary; Geo. A. Stoddard, SD; Shelby
Tyler, JD; C. W. Parish, SS; John B. Hall, JS; C.
M. Gilfellen of Charter Oak Lodge as Tyler. Other
charter members were Wesley Best and N. C.
Alexander. Dr. J. D. Colt was one of the first
members to be initiated.

In March, 1868, both lodges moved to the third
floor of the brick building located at the northwest
corner of State and Kirkham Streets, now occu-
pied by the Odd Fellows.

On May 15, 1913, the Masons purchased the build-
ing known as the Opera House located at the north-
east corner of Ryder and Madison Streets, the sec-
ond floor of which was used as a lodge hall. In
1923 this building was destroyed by fire and on
Nov. 20, 1924, the present Masonic Temple was
dedicated.

On June 7, 1935, a charter was issued consoli-
dating both lodges into Litchfield Lodge No. 236
and on July 23 the following officers were installed:
C. A. Hampton, WM; Earl Anderson, SW; W. L.
Bishop, JW; A. F. Heath, Treasurer; Clyde Du-
pree, Secretary; O. J. Stockton, SD; Geo. A. Hall,
JD; C. M. Davis, SS; John H. Taylor, JS; A. R.
Blankley, Chap.; A. H. Roberts, Mar.; B. J. Ellis,
Organist; Danvill Bennett, Tyler.

Present officers are A. N. Barrow, WM; R.
Brandt, SW; G, Faris, JW; A. F. Heath, Treasurer;
A. G. Kleinbeck, Secretary; D. Symmes, SD; J.
Markos, JD; F. Butts, SS; L. Corn, JS; C. D. Case,
Chap.; R. N. Angle, Mar.; B. J. Ellis, Organist;
A. Handegan, Tyler.

American Legion Auxiliary

THE American Legion Auxiliary was organized
August 24, 1929, with 32 charter members.
The first president was Helen Brubaker and the
first secretary was Irene Goodall.

For God and Country we associate ourselves
together for the following purposes: To up-
hold and defend the Constitution of the United
States of America; to maintain law and order;
to foster and perpetuate a one hundred per
cent Americanism; to preserve the memories
and incidents of our associations during the
Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual
obligation to the community, state and nation;
to combat the autocracy of both the classes
and the masses; to make right the master of
might; to promote peace and good-will on
earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity
the principles of justice, freedom and democ-
racy; to participate in and contribute to the
accomplishments of the aims and purposes of
the American Legion.

We help the Crippled Children's Clinic, Christ-
mas baskets, needy children and any civic project
and charities. We bought an incubator for the hos-
pital, and artificial limbs for children.

We sponsor: a cottage at Soldiers' Orphans'
Home; Americanism Essay and Poppy Poster Con-

200

tests; Brownie Troop; a girl to Girls' State; par-
ties and gifts for Gold Star Mothers and Nurses of
both World Wars; also assist in National-Civil De-
fense.

Furnish: Parties, cigarettes, candy, books, cloth-
ing, vaponefrin, insulin, cards, materials for craft
articles and poppies that disabled veterans make.
Save coupons to purchase seeing-eye dogs and
transportation for veterans' families.

The present membership is 136.

Marie Sprigg is President and Marie Loew is
Secretary.

Dairy Club

THE Litchfield Community Dairy Club was es-
tablished in the latter part of 1947. The found-
ers were C. A. Brock, former high school voca-
tional agriculture teacher, and Earl Peterson,
Montgomery County Farm Adviser. They were
assisted by local farmers and businessmen.

Its purpose was to award boys and girls, 4-H
and F.F.A. members, for their proficiency and
achievements in dairying.

There were twelve charter members: Elmer
Frerichs, Henry Schmidt, Charles Hampton, Har-
old Fleming, A. K. Saunders, C. A. Brock, Andy
Kopp, H. Henning, W. F. Allen, Robert Sharp, Ed
Priddle and Earl Peterson. The present member-
ship numbers 35 and the officers are: Morgan
Fogleman, president ; Karl Frerichs, vice-president ;
and Gertrude Ploczizka, secretary-treasurer. The
directors are: Henry Schmidt, A. K. Saunders, W.
F. Allen, Glenn Douglas, and Earl Peterson.

Seven degrees are set up on a score card as a
basis for presentation. These vary from the first
degree of Cub Dairyman, with 30 points earned
from the point scale, to the Master Dairyman, 7th
degree, with 850 points earned from the point scale.

Members receiving awards in 1953 were: Cub

Dairyman Degree — Charles Culp, Mike Hittmeier;
Junior Dairyman Degree — Delmar Volentine, Rob-
ert Janssen, Gilbert Kean, Paul Hampton; Dairy-
man Degree — William Sielschott, Robert Gurley,
Donald Hampton; Skilled Dairyman Degree — Leon
Bierbaum, Edward Helgen, Charles Bierbaum, Wal-
ter Bishop; Star Dairyman Degree — Gertrude
Ploczizka, Karl Frerichs, Herman Helgen.

State Employment Office

The Illinois Department of Labor through its
Illinois State Employment Service Office located
at 218-220 South Jackson Street, Litchfield, ad-
ministers both the Employment Service and Un-
employment Compensation Programs for Macoupin
and Montgomery Counties.

This office was opened in August, 1941, so as to
provide full-time service to the public — workers
and employers — of this and the surrounding com-
munities. Prior to this date, Litchfield was served
on an itinerant basis through the Gillespie office.

Through operation of the Employment Service
and Unemployment Compensation Programs, the
local Employment Service Office seeks to promote
and maintain the highest levels of stable employ-
ment for the community.

Since August, 1941, this office has made 18,624
placements with employers in this community and
throughout the State and Nation.

Unemployment Compensation benefits paid to
workers during periods of unemployment help to
maintain the economic security of the individual
and preserve the welfare of the community.

In furthering its program of maximum utiliza-
tion of all labor within the community, this office
works closely with the Chamber of Commerce and
other community organizations in attempting to
attract new industry to locate in Litchfield.

The Litchfield Post Office which was built in 1910.

201

Litchfield Community Chest and Council, Inc.

FOR several years prior to being officially or-
ganized, the Community Chest Drives were
conducted through the supervision of the Chamber

of Commerce office. On March 1, 1949, the Litch-
field Community Chest and Council, Inc., was of-
ficially incorporated.

DRIVE CHAIRMEN

YEAR

PRESIDENTS

J. Bert McWilliams
Wm. Todt, Jr.
Guy Farquhar and

Harry Butler
Frank Cooper
Paul McWilliams

1948
1949
1950

1951
1952

J. Bert McWilliar
Garth Henrichs

Don Brubaker
Victor Hauser

The following statement shows the amounts
raised for the past 5 years by the Community

Funds Raised
Expenses — Allocations

Boy Scouts of America

Girl Scouts of America

Salvation Army

U.S.O. (Now U.D.F.)

Christmas Basket-Relief

National Travelers Aid

Illinois Heart Association

Illinois Heart Association (Reserve)

Litchfield School Milk Fund

Litchfield Social Service Council

National Association Mental Health

Nat'l Com. Chest Membership Dues

Treasurer's Bond

Campaign Expenses

Chest and the corresponding agencies benefiting
from the Drives:

19^8

191,9

1950

1951

1952

4291.70

4696.80

5656.38

6537.14

6403.11

1000.00

1300.00

1400.00

1643.00

1800.00

1000.00

800.00

1000.00

1200.00

150.00

325.00

108.98

429.00

448.00

250.00

200.00

250.00

354.61

180.22

25.00

25.00
250.00
250.00
232.45

25.00
250.00

459.25

400.00

19.00

25.00

571.58

578.56

705.81

567.35

571.64

The Chamber of Commerce

THE Litchfield Chamber of Commerce was or-
ganized in 1898 by a group of 28 civic minded
men, under the name of the Litchfield Board of
Trade. One year later, with $7.00 in the treasury,
an Industrial Committee was set up, with David
Davis as Chairman. It was through this Commit-
tee that negotiations were first made (1904) with
R. Lewis Redpath, resulting in the purchase of
Mike Cleary's cornfield as the site for the Ameri-
can Radiator Company. This group later became
known as the Merchants' Protective Association of
Litchfield (1907) and finally was incorporated as
the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce (1936).

At the time the Brown Shoe Company located
here (1917) the Chamber took the lead in raising
the $60,000 to make this possible. Later, another
$25,000 was raised for an addition to the plant.
When the Hoffman Forge came here in '49, the
Chamber again raised the $7000 necessary for this
industry employing 23 men.

The industries recently brought to Litchfield
through the efforts of the Chamber are the Roll-

Away Skate and Aerflyte Shoe Companies in 1951.
at which time the industrial committee again
raised $20,000.

With the securing of desirable industries, the
Chamber has also had the job of screening unde-
sirable ones. Hundreds of contacts are made each
year by the Industrial Committee. There is also
a Committee working on a zoning ordinance for
the approval of the City Council.

The Chamber was instrumental in organizing the
Litchfield Community Chest and their campaigns
are conducted each year with the cooperation of
the Chamber Office.

The preliminary work of activating a Centennial
setup was done through the Chamber's Board of
Directors, whose office served as headquarters for
the Centennial Board's business transactions.

Other Chamber activities by committees include
Greeter Service to new families, new street light-
ing system, Community Planning Survey, employ-
ment survey, weekly radio broadcasts discussing
vital national issues, study and recommendations
on legislative matters in conjunction with State
and National Chamber, highway and lake plan-
ning, farm program, assistance in compilation of

202

city directories, financial support of matron for
Library Rest Room, shrubbery in Library Park,
ordinance recommended and passed affecting ped-
dlers, solicitation screening, downtown garbage col-
lection, negotiations for Illinois National Guard,
also Illinois State Employment Office, Scrap Drives,
War Bond Drive, and support of Grade and High
School bond issues.

The Retail Division embraces such activities as
Christmas decorations for the downtown district,
Christmas on Wheels parade, Santa Claus, Style
Shows, Dollar Days, survey of retail service to
shoppers and Retail Clinics, Business-Industry-Ed-
ucation Days, Vocational Guidance and Distribu-
tive Education programs with schools, and prizes
for the annual National Employ-the-Physically-
Handicapped Poster contest.

The Litchfield Chamber of Commerce is affiliated
with the State and National Chambers. Past presi-
dents are: D. W. Taylor, Ed Shrader, Charles
Morgan, L. W. Cline, H. C. Gorin, Clyde Brubaker,
Sr., Gus Alexander, R. L. Hurt, Clyde Dupree,
Charles Hauser, W. H. Hartke, Paul Armstrong,
Ben Yaeger, George Worley, M. M. Hess, F. P.
Hanafin, W. F. Allen, A. E. Price, and Max Ash.

Present Officers:

B. C. Arnold, Chairman of the Board
Al Sallee, President
Max Ash, Vice-President
Harold Fleming, Treasurer
Mrs. Emily Davis, Secretary

Directors

B. R. Blazer J. W. Moss

D. R. Kinder Ray Hittmeier

A. E. Price Al Russell

Home Bureau

THE Litchfield Unit of Home Bureau was or-
ganized on October 9, 1936, at the home of Mrs.
Frank B. Davis. There were thirteen charter
members.

The first officers were:

Unit Chairman Mrs. Frank Davis

Vice Chairman Mrs. Lawrence Heyenga

Secretary Mrs. J. Marvin Larkin

Treasurer Mrs. August Mehlberg

The Litchfield unit was later joined by ladies
from the South Litchfield Unit who were members
until 1947 when a unit was again organized in
South Litchfield and is now a flourishing unit with
ten members.

The Officers of the Litchfield Unit for 1952-53 are:
Chairman Mrs. Maynard Ritchie

Vice Chairman Mrs. Merle Shoop

Secretary Mrs. Wayne Sharp

Treasurer Mrs. John Tunnell

The Officers of the South Litchfield Unit for 1952-53
are:

Chairman Mrs. J. Ed Priddle

Vice Chairman Mrs. Fred Towell

Sec'y-Treas. Mrs. August Ploczizka

Home Bureau is an organization co-operating
with the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the

Home Economics Extension Department of the
University of Illinois.

The Home Bureau Aim is to have every home

Economically sound

Mechanically convenient

Morally wholesome

Mentally stimulating

Artistically satisfying

Physically healthful

Socially responsible

Spiritually inspiring

Founded on mutual affection and respect

Meetings are held monthly in the homes of the
members and lessons are presented on various sub-
jects pertaining to the home. Specialists from the
University give instructions in the subject matter
and the lesson is presented by members of the unit.

The County Home Advisor, Mrs. Helen Watson,
and the Assistant Home Advisor, Mrs. Anita Smith,
present the lesson several times each year.

V. F. W. 777— Ladies Auxiliary

LADIES Auxiliary to McAllister Pollard Post
777, Veterans of Foreign Wars was instituted
in a joint installation with the Hillsboro Auxiliary
at Hillsboro, Illinois, November 20, 1940 (in the
Kinkaid Hall). Mrs. Sue Welsh was installed as
first president of the local Auxiliary of 36 charter
members. Only four charter members remain at
the present time; they are Mesdames Cora Buzick,
Emma Herman, Hannah Hart, and Delia Pence.

The objects of the organization are: rehabilita-
tion of the sick and wounded veterans in govern-
ment hospitals by giving parties, dinners, and gifts.

Once each year the Auxiliary sell "Buddy Pop-
pies." These are made by disabled veterans to
earn money for themselves and families.

The National Home is maintained by contribu-
tions of Posts and Auxiliaries for the benefit of
widows and orphans of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Child Welfare is one of the most worthy projects
of our Auxiliary. Special fund-raising activities
are held to assist the Department of Illinois in the
care of children of needy veterans.

In community service the Auxiliary is always
ready to give time and money to any worthy cause.

The Auxiliary is composed of a group of hard-
working loyal women who combine service and
pleasure to make a succesful organization.

The Auxiliary holds regular meetings the sec-
ond and fourth Thursdays of each month at Post
Home, 123 West Edwards Street. Mrs. Juanita
Martin is president of the local Auxiliary.

Many of our early industries were lost to us for-
ever through fire — the mills, car shops, etc. Some
were lost due to change in times. It was found that
northern grain made flour that would absorb more
water. Bakers weigh their loaves before they were
baked so they have the advantage of the weight of
the water. Hence no mills rebuilt here.

203

This Is WSMI

TODAY in the United States more homes have
radios than have electricity; than have bath-
tubs or indoor plumbing. In fact, there are more
radio receivers than the total of all the beds in
the land.

Radio to listeners of Mid-Illinois is Radio Station
WSMI. A recent survey showed that WSMI is
listened to more than all other stations combined,
and more than twice as much as daytime televi-
sion.

The major phases of WSMI's programming op-
erations include news, sports, farm programs,
women's programs, special events, and music.
WSMI employs a full-time news editor, Jack Funk,
and a full-time leased news wire of the Associated
Press. Sports fans tune in for Ed Johnson's daily
broadcast "Last Word in Sports," as they do each
year for Ed's annual broadcast directly from Cham-
paign at the State High School Basketball Tourna-
ment. Each summer major league daytime base-
ball games are broadcast directly from ball parks
throughout the country through special sports net-
works.

Two programs each day are broadcast especially
for farmers. The noontime Mid-Illinois Farm Hour
is the most complete noontime farm program heard
in Central and Southern Illinois. Farm news,
markets, weather, interviews, and talks by farm
leaders are all a part of the program.

Women's news, fashions, cooking and interesting
interviews are broadcast each day on "Your Home
and Mine" by WSMI's Evelyn Smith. It's a program
that's interesting, entertaining and informative.

The WSMI special events microphone takes lis-
teners to the scene of all the major happenings in
the area. Most recently broadcast were final ar-
guments in a murder trial; the departure of the
local National Guard unit; and the appearance of
the President of the United States.

Radio Station WSMI in 1949 was little more than
an ambitious idea in the minds of two young radio
engineers and broadcasters, Hayward L. Talley and
Thomas F. Payton, Jr. By the early months of
1950, however, the idea had grown to the extent
that a new corporation, the Mid-Illinois Broadcast-
ing Company, had been formed for the purpose of
constructing and operating the proposed station.
First officers of the corporation were Hayward L.
Talley, President, and Thomas F. Payton, Jr., Ex-
ecutive Vice-President and Secretary.

Soon formal application was made to the Fed-
eral Communications Commission for authority to
build. Early plans called for a station with a
power of 250 watts, the usual power for a local sta-
tion. Before application was made, however, it
was decided to plan for 1000 watts, thus giving
Mid-Illinois radio equal or greater power than any
other Illinois station south of Peoria.

November 2, 1950, climaxed the many months
of planning, building and equipment installation
with the first day's broadcast. Taking part were

Hayward L. Talley Thomas F. Payton

FOUNDERS

representatives of all phases of community life —
business, religious, and political.

1952 marked the untimely death of one of the
station's founders, Thomas F. Payton, Jr. Tom is
missed at WSMI — and throughout the area. But
WSMI remains as a fine memorial to his life and
work. The other founder, Hayward Talley, re-
mains as President and General Manager of the
organization.

Radio Station WSMI has gained within less than
three years a wide listening audience in the south
central area of Illinois.

Bearded Champions

HIGHLIGHT of the Litchfield Elks bowling sea-
son was the winning of first place in the five-
man team event of the Elks National Bowling
Tournament held in Chicago at the Congress Rec-
reation Alleys, February 23, through May 3, 1953.
The winning score was 3,106 pins. Members of

1953 Elks National Champions

the winning team pictured above with their first
place trophy are, reading left to right: seated,
Carl Diehl, and Mason Bouillon, captain; stand-
ing: Harvey H. Lehnen, Ralph Walls, and Gene
Phillips. Other prizes received were individual
diamond belt buckles to the team members, and a
check for $300 to the local Elks Club.

204

View of Airport looking north — Litchfield is in the upper right part of picture

The Litchfield Airport

THE "Litchfield Airport Authority Act" was
voted on and carried by the citizens of Litch-
field and its surrounding area. The "Litchfield Air-
port Authority" was approved April 4, 1945, under
the provisions of an Act entitled "An Act in re-
lation to Airport Authorities."

Board members are appointed for five years.
Clyde Brubaker, Jr., and Russell Brawley, appointed
by the Mayor of Litchfield, were the members of
by the Judge of the County Court ; Bill Houlihan,
M. M. McClurg, and Lester W. Luehrs, appointed
the first Board. Clyde Brubaker, Jr., was the first
President and Chairman ; Lester W. Luehrs was the
first Secretary-Treasurer and still holds that post.

Two plots of ground just west of new Route 66
and south of the Schmidt Trucking Company, con-
sisting of about ninety acres, were bought from Mr.
Kaiser and Mr. Prange. However, before this land
was bought, all surrounding areas were explored
by the board and the C.A.A. state and federal rep-
resentatives. Litchfield has the only airport in
Macoupin, Montgomery, and Bond counties, or the
Litchfield trading area. In looking for a site, the
board wanted to be close to a town with a good
road leading to it. Litchfield has such an airport,
five minutes from the business section and three
hundred feet from a motel and restaurant. There
is approximately one-half mile of runways with
the west and east runway blacktopped; the airport

has blacktopped taxi strips and a large hangar
housing ten planes. The field is fenced to keep out
all animals.

A bond issue of $50,000 was passed by ordinance
to acquire, establish, construct, and develop the
"Litchfield Airport Authority" ; the bonds to be
retired in 20 years. The board then applied for,
and received, State and Federal aid, with the Air-
port Authority to pay 25 per cent, the State 25 per
cent and the Federal Government 25 per cent.

The present board members are President, Al Sal-
lee; Secretary-Treasurer, Lester W. Luehrs; Olind
McPherson, Bill Houlihan, and Frank Swank. The
present manager and flight instructor is Merle
Stinnett, Charles Peters is the licensed A. E. Me-
chanic. Orval Hittmeier served as a board mem-
ber for several years.

$1.02 per $1,000 valuation is assessed the prop-
erty owners within the airport district. The air-
port cost far less than one mile of single pavement
on Route 66.

If anyone in Litchfield or surrounding area
needed a medicine or drug in case of serious ill-
ness, the airport could easily be worth more than
one could ever pay.

The airport has considerable traffic of people
going across country each day and it certainly has
put Litchfield on the map.

205

INDEX

A & H Supply Co., 100

Aerflyte Shoe Co., 109

Aid Association for Lutherans, 195

Airport, 205

Alexander, A. M., 84

Alexander Lumber Co., 136

Allen, Dr. L. G., 77

Allen, W. F., 7

American Legion Auxiliary, 200

American Radiator, 90

Anderson, Claude, 99

Annex Cafe, The, 138

Arco Country Club, 191

Ariston Cafe, 117

Armstrong, Paul, 7

Arnold Family, Bert C, Sr., 86

Atchison Family, 63

Attorneys of By-Gone Years, 196

Austin and Shrader Bros., 119

Bacon Family, 51

Baker Family, 68

Bandy Barber Shop, 102

Bargfield Family, 73

Barnstable Supply Co., 123

Barry Family, 61

Beach, Davis & Co., 25

Beach Family, 57

Becker, Dr. Vernon, 195

Beck's Cleaners, 137

Bennett Family, 19, 63

Berry, Chancy D., 156

Beta Sigma Phi, 164

Beveridge Restaurant, 36

Biebel Roofing Co., 153

Billiter's Standard Service, 147

Bishop, Frank, 71

Blackwelder, Alfred, 75

Blackwelder's Clothing Store, 129

Blaeuer Office Equipment Co., 138

Blatter Motor Sales, 97

Boot and Shoe Workers Union, 186

Bootery, The, 137

Bost Family, 61

Boy Scouts, 190

Brawley Brothers, 112

Brell, William F., 68

Brewington Family, 56

Brewington, William, 52

Brokaw Family, 69

Brown Shoe Company, 111

Brubaker, Don L., 7

Brubaker Motor Co., 127

Bryant Family, 84

Builder's Supply & Rental Co., 143

Burwell Glass Products, 117

Busby Cleaners, 113

Busby's Drive-In, 156

Buscher and Son, M. J., 138

Buscher Family, 79

Buske Lines, Inc., 103

Butler Family, 69

Butler, Harry, 4

Cahokia Trinity Lutheran Church,

161
Capitol-Ritz Theatres, 152
Carnegie Library, 183
Carpenters and Joiners Union, 187
Carroll Funeral Home, 135
Car Works, 30
Chamber of Commerce, 202-203

Chautauqua, 35, 37
Cities Service, 115
City Council of 1903, 35
Cline, L. W., 72
Coca-Cola Bottling Co., 131
Colophon Credits, 208
Colt, Dr. John D., 76
Community Chest, 202
Concert Band of 1911, 41
Cooper, Frank W., 8
Corner Liquor Store, 123
Crane Family, 63
Cratty Family, 76

D
Dairy Club, 201
Daily News, 26
Davis, Charles M., 83
Davis, David, 54
Davis, John P., 54
Davis, Mrs. Charles M., 3
Davis Store, 21, 24
Dearduff Roller Rink, 107
Dental Profession, 175
Denton Cafe, 147
Dixie Market, 147
Dodds, Family, 88
Doll's Self-Service Laundry, 124
Dooley Shoe-Repair Shop, 126
Doug's Service Station, 158

Eades Dairy Queen, 113

Eastern Star, 182

Elementary Teachers, 182

Elks Bowling Team, 204

Elks Club, 194

Employees' Welfare Association,

185

F
Fair Department Store, 106
Farmers Elevator, 125
Farquhar's Men's Store, 144
Faris Cab Co., 151
Fearn, Logan, 5
Fire Department, 179
Firemen of 1886, 29; 1911, 40
First Baptist Church, 168
First Methodist Church, 171
First National Bank, 105
First Presbyterian Church, 170
Fisher Family, 80
Fitzsimmons Family, 63
Fizzell Hardware, 102
Fleming Family, 84
Four H Clubs, 199
Free Methodist Church, 166
Fudoli, Jim, Heating & Sheet Metal

Contractors, 139
Future Farmers of America, 177

Gage Family, 57
Gerlt Funeral Home, 119
Gib's Flower Shop, 136
Girl Scouts, 199
Goeke Family, 51
Goodall Family, 82
Gorin Family, 72
Gragg Family, 80
Graham, Dale, 79
Green Family, 84
Green, Vernon, 96
Grubbs, Samuel Moody, 84
Grummon, John W., 85
Guyan, Dr. R. W., 126

H
Hagerdorn Studio, 155
Hall, George A., 66

Hanrahan Family, 87
Harlow's Shell Service, 128
Harvey's Poultry & Feed Co., 128
Hauser, Charles, 69
Heath Family, 66
Heise, Martin M., 56
Henderson, Dr. Harold J., 121
Henrichs Family, 81
Henrichs, Garth, 3
Hermsmeyer Brothers, 106
High School, 162-163
Hittmeier Brothers, 118
Hod Carriers, Building and Com-
mon Labor Union, 193
Holderread Drug Store, 119
Holmer's Superway, 109
Home Bureau, 203
Hood Family, 58
Hood Home, 18
Hoog, Constantine, 75
Hope Camp Number 9959, 158
House of Sunshine, The, 132
Hribar Market, 103
Hughes, Hugh J., 70
Hushing Family, 70

Ice Plant, 39
Irvine Dairy, 152

Jacob, William, 139

James, Dr., 30

Johnson's Infirmary, Dr. C. W., 26

Johnson Hardware, 116

Jones, Fred P., Tile Company, 131

Jones, Max, 150

K
K & L Farm Supply, 138
K & O Tractor Sales, 151
Kane & Stolle, 107
Kane, Peter, 53
Kelly, Michael, 55
Katherine Grace Beauty Shop, 124
Kinder Family, 58
Kitch Family, 84
Kiwanis Club, 181
Kniery-Knagg Post, No. 436, 185
Kniery, Simon, 88
Knights of Columbus, 178
Koval, Stephen, 85
Kriege, Hatchery, 97
Kroger's, 122

Larkin, Marvin, 5
Lay's Grocery, 135
Leonard's Market, 113
Levy's Cheap Corner, 25
Library Fountain, 22
Litchfield Auto Parts, 158
Litchfield Bank & Trust Co., 95
Litchfield Bituminous Co., 134
Litchfield Candy Kitchen, 155
Litchfield Concrete Co., 134
Litchfield Creamery Co., 94
Litchfield, Electus Bachus, 12
Litchfield Family, 85
Litchfield Food Lockers, 123
Litchfield Grocer Co., 144
Litchfield Hotel, 33, 42
Litchfield Lumber Co., 128
Litchfield Marble and Granite Co.,

46
Litchfield National Bank, 110
Litchfield Public Schools. 159-161
Litchfield Transit Co.. 131
Litchfield Woman's Club, 180

206

Mc
McCance Brothers, 109
McElligott, Richard, 56
McGinnis Family, 63
McManus Studio, 38
McNamara Family, 87
McPherson Tire Service, 130
McWilliams Family, 70

M
Machinists' Union, 182
Machler Family, 63
Macy Family, 72
Mahondu, James, 46
Mangers, Peter, 57
Martin, Mark M., 55
Masonic Fraternity, 200
Master Mfg. Co., 100
Masters Family, 81
Max Sherman Lodge, 173
Mazenko Dri-Gas Service, 131
Maupin, Ira T„ Jr., D.D.S., 178
Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.,

128
Miller Family, 76
Miller, H. G., Radio and Music Store,

143
Milnor Drug Store, 34
Milnor, Frank R., 59
Milnor Family, 64
Mine Hoist, 48
Mix Grocery, 155

Montgomery's Camera Corner, 130
Montgomery County Motor Co., 122
Montgomery Family, 80
Moose Lodge, 190
Mothervvay, John, 53
Mueller's Shell Service, 153
Mumme Family, 70
Myers, Bert, Jr., 74
Myers Family, 72

N
Napier Plumbing and Heating Co.,

114
Nathan's L., Clothing Store, 48
Nathanson's, 124
Nelson, William L., 68
Newberry Co., J. J., 102
News Center, 113
News-Herald, 118
New York Store, 32, 41
Niehaus Truck Service, W. J., 133
Niemann Electric Co., 136
Nold's Drug Store, 99
North End Service, 151
Nu Phi Mu, 178

O
O'Bannon, Richard W., 50
Odd Fellows Lodge, 195
Oil Citv Building & Savings Assn.,

117
Oil Rig, 29
OK Mill, 47

Oiler, Perry Commodore, 39
Opera House, 27, 47
Out-O-Door Stoves, Inc., 157
Overhead, The, 154
Owen Mfg. Inc., 148. 149

Paden, Victor O., 157
Painters, Decorators, and Paper-
hangers Union, 186
Palmer, Winfield S., 50
Pappmeier Family, 66
Parent-Teacher's Association, 192
P.E.O. Sisterhood, 181

Pfolsgrofs Jewelry, 135

Physicians, History of, 197-199

Pierce Family, 87

Planet Mill, 31

Plat of Litchfield, 14

Post Office, 201

Potts Family, 60

Price's Cafe, 133

Price Family, 56

Prosser Electric Co., 98

R
R & C Home Appliances, 117
Radiator and Furnace Workers

Union— Local 1770, 188
Ralph's Marathon Service Station,

144
Rambo's Wallpaper & Paint Store,

117
Ranch Inn, 147
Rebekah Lodge, 187
Riley, Glen D., 87
Ritchie, John W., 52
Ritchie, Martin, 52
Ritchie, Maynard, 104
Ritchie's Service Station, 150
Roberts Family, 61
Robinson Grocery, 100
Roll-Away Skate Co., 108
Ronen Family, 77
Ronen's Market, 106
Ross and Becker, 115
Rotary Club, 184
Ruecking, Harry, 6

Sackett Barber Shop, 99

St. Aloysius Church, 165

St. Francis Hospital, 176-177

St. Mary's Church, 174

Sallee Refrigerator Service, 151

Salvation Army, 191

Sanders Family, 71

Sanders, Walter R., 8

Saratoga Club, 146

Sargent Market, 133

Satterlee Brothers, 142

Satterlee, Harry, 3

Schalk Family, 71

Schalk, Ray W., 82

Scherer Family, 55

Schmidt Truck Service, 116

Schoen, John B., 96

Schoen, John E., Jr., 6

Schoen Store, W. B., 24

Scotty's Pontiac, 156

Schutt Mfg. Co., 98

Schweppe, Howard and Son, 141

Settlemire Family, 80

Sharp's Market, 141

Sherman's Department Store, 152

Shero Plumbing and Heating, 139

Shore Family, 78

Sidney's, 104

Sigma Sigma, 181

Sihler, George A., Sr., 60

Silver Leaf Camp, 193

Simpson's Shoes, 96

Sinclair Family, 64

Skelton Family, 63

Skinny's Cafe, 141

Snell Family, 83

Southside Baptist Church, 193

Southworth Home, 20

Sparks, David R., 59

Sportsman's Club, 175

Stahl Family, 66

Stamer Implement Co., 157

Stansifer Family, 82

State Employment Office, 201
Steel Worker's Union, Local 4737,

189
Stiefel Family, 55
Stratton, Samuel W., 86
Strehle Agency, 106
Strehle Family, 64
Striegel, Otto G., 104
Stuttle Family, 51

Tavlor, D. W., 62
Taylor, George W., 86
Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Ware-
housemen Union, 189
Thiessen's Market, 116
Thorp Family, 53
Tile Works, 46
Todt, George, 74
Todt, William H., Jr., 74
Todt, William H, Sr., 73, 98
Towey, Mr. and Mrs. James M., 50
Train Wreck, 38
Tyler Family, 53
Typographical Union, 188

U
Uhlenhop Family, 67
Uhlenhop Store, 103
Union Avenue Christian Church, 169
Universalist Church, 164
Updike Family, 76

Varner Brothers Motel, 150

Verne & Gene's, 153

V. F. W., Post No. 777, and Ladies'

Auxiliary, 203
V. F. W., Post No. 3912, and Ladies'

Auxiliary, 166

W
Wabash Railroad, 145
Weatherford, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph,

67
Weber Family, 66
Weir, John F., 74
Wells-Fargo Express, 42, 48
Westhoff Sheet Metal, 107
White House Service Station, 140
Whitlock, Charles Lee, 71
Wilhite, Siegel, 73
Wiegreffe Family, 65
Windmill Factory, 40
Woman's Christian Temperance

Union, 189
Woman's Relief Corps, 161
Women of the Moose, 165
Woodman Family, 76
Wooster Family, 80
Workinger's, 126
Worley, George, 4
Worley Wear, 101
WSMI, 204

Y
Yaeger Family, 81
Yaeger's, 120
Yates Bakery, 99
Yates Motor Sales, 121

Zion English Evangelical Lutheran

Church, 15, 167
Zion Lutheran Church — Missouri

Svnod, 172
Zoller, Christian H., 67
Zuber, Chris Family, 79
Zuber Family, 65

207

COLOPHON

The Centennial Book

containing

The One Hundred Year History of

Litchfield, Illiiims

Page Design and Layout by Walter R. Sanders

Official Seal drawn by Juanita Ellis Markos

TYPOGRAPHY

Title Page, P. T. Barnum and Jim Crow Types

Headings, Ludlow Bookman

Text, Regal, set 9 point on 10 point body

Picture Captions, Regal 7 point

PAPER

Mirra Dull Enamel, cream white, 80 pound, specially

made for this volume by the Kalamazoo Paper Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan

and furnished through the Bermingham and Prosser Paper Company, St. Louis, Missouri

COVER

Genuine DuPont Red Cordoba Fabrikoid 700 Quality

Centennial Seal stamped on Front Cover in Genuine Gold Leaf

PRINTING

The Bethany Press, St. Louis, Missouri

ENGRAVINGS

The Peoria Engraving Company, Peoria, Illinois

BINDING

The Becktold Company, St. Louis, Missouri

EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP

Walter R. Sanders, General Chairman

Lee Carroll, Editorial Chairman

Kenyan F. Montgomery, Picture Chairman

Garth Hentichs, General Advisor

"Sunday, April 5, 1953: I visited Garth
Henrichs to talk over the history of Litch-
field which I had been asked to write for
the Centennial. In the course of our
lengthy discussion I was told that plans for
a Centennial 'booklet' had been laid and
that my name had been mentioned as edi-
tor of said 'booklet.' I was pleased, of
course, but I was evasive concerning
whether I could take on this additional
work. Inasmuch as it was to be a small
volume consisting of a few pictures to-
gether with histories of families, busi-
nesses, and organizations, I accepted. Fool-
ish man, like a lamb being led to the
slaughter, I said 'yes'!

"Little did I know that the town would
respond so enthusiastically to each section
of the book. Little did I know that the
workers would do such a splendid job of
contacting everyone. The results surprised
even the most optimistic chairman."
So might a diary have read had one been kept.
In the first meeting of April 10 with the workers,
we were all a bit uncertain how the response would
be from the townspeople. Meeting followed meeting,
and each time the book was enlarged — from 96 pages
to possibly 112, we thought, then to 160 pages, then to
192 pages, and as the book goes to press it finally
ended with an astounding figure of 208 pages.

The many who spent hours and hours and days
upon days accumulating pictures, contacting people,
writing copy, typing the final drafts, will realize
the amount of effort which went into this volume.

"To every single member of my section who assisted
in any way, and especially to the chairmen, I say
Thank You for your cooperation, your giving of your
time generously during these six weeks of frenzied

hustle and bustle. You will long remember the num-
ber of times that calls were made to check and re-
check, the problems that arose and the adjustments
that resolved themselves into this Centennial History.

Acknowledgment for assistance to the many who
freely gave to further the project of a Centennial His-
tory is appreciatively given: to Miss Margaret Norton,
Archivist, Illinois State Historical Library, for photo-
static copies of Litchfield's charter and pages from a
county history; to high school graduates who con-
tributed histories which were used in part, namely,
Dolores Kruse, Charles Arends, Maurice Hickman,
Dorothy Stamer, Joan Schwab, Theresa Heise, Lloyd
J. Hill, Jr., Vernon Hribar. Deloris Norvell, and James
Saathoff.

Those permitting the use of pictures: Mrs. T. T.
Baker, John Bederman, Pete Bennett, Edward Bocke-
witz, Miss Lou Bockewitz, Mrs. Ted Brawley, Lee Car-
roll, Miss Margaret Wiegers, David Davis, Miss Regina
Davis, Miss Rosalie Dunn, Fire Department, John Fizzell,
Charles Henske, Hilger Brothers, Mrs. S. A. Johnson of
Divernon, Mrs. Matilda Keene, Norman Litchfield of
Southbury, Connecticut, Miss Harriet McManus, Mc-
Williams and McWilliams, Mrs. Kenyon Montgomery,
Mr. Nichols, Mrs. Flmer Radcliff of Raymond, Mrs.
Maynard Ritchie, Mrs. H. C. Stuttle, Mr. D. P. Taylor of
Junction City, Kansas, Mrs. Edward Thorp, P. J.
Vaughn, and the late Mrs. John Coddington. Through
the courtesy of Herman Hagerdorn the glass plates of
the D. D. Tennyson files were made available.

For any errors or omissions which may occur, the
staff asks your indulgence in considering that in the
short period of six weeks we have accomplished a
tremendous task. Most certainly any error found will
be unintentional.

WALTER R. SANDERS,
Chairman, Centennial Book.

208

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA
977382L71C C001

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD. IL

3 0112 025398105