MIWIS HSTDRKIU SOSVEY
977,3875
P442n
New Baden
Centennial
1855 ~ 1955
JUNE 24, 25, and 26, 1955
NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS
1855-1955
Friday, June 24, 1955
OLD TIMERS PARADE
BEARD and COSTUME JUDGING
SQUARE DANCING
Address: Sen. Dwight Friederich
Saturday, June 25, 1955
FLOAT PARADE
Sunday, June 26, 1955
TALENT SHOW FLOAT PARADE
Souvenir Copy . . . $1.00
1
CITY OFFICIALS — 1955
From left to right: Robert Roth, Trustee; Franklin Kennett, Sec
retary; Donald Junior Ilges, Treasurer; Richard Stempel, Trustee;
Charles Cook, Trustee; Leonard Berberich, Street Commissioner
and Village Marshal; Robert Croumlich, President of Village Board
of Trustees; Robert Thoeming, Trustee; Oscar Poos, Trustee; Orville
Hemann, Retiring Board Member; Carl Heim,berger, Retiring Board
Member; Ralph Bann, Trustee.
Stanford Fritz, Police Magistrate, (absent when picture was taken) .
1
Page TWO
Xl
NEW BADEN CENTENNIAL
Sponsored By
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS
CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
Seated left to right: Joseph Huelsmann, Mrs. Agnes Macke, (alternate
for Marcella Heinzmann) ; Eileen Hoffmann, Lorene Brede, Frank Bux.
Standing: Oscar Poos, Robert Roth, Charles Cook, William E. Renth,
Alfred Brown, Ray Bruns, Richard Rakers, Theodore Medcalf, LeRoy
Brede, Gilbert Noll, H. C. Largent, Chairman.
Page Three
Foreword
History, that has been one hundred years in the making, cannot possi'
bly be recreated or retold in a mere twenty 'five or one hundred page book.
The committee has worked with a mixed feeling of pride, humility, and at
times, sheer exhaustion and frustration. The people and events mentioned
through the years are, of course, net the only ones responsible for oui
town but are those about whom we could find accurate accounts and records
to help formulate a running story of development. Behind the growth oi
every village, city, state, or nation, are those tireless and willing workers
who receive no honor or mention. New Baden would never have existed
or progressed without a combination of leaders and followers.
Special thanks must be given the Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring
the Centennial Celebration. Through this club, the committees met and
plans were made and carried out. It is an effort of which they can be very
proud.
Our thanks goes to every individual who has in any way given infor-
mation or pictures to the history'' committee to make our story. We hope
it will bring to you a picture and many pleasant memories of our towu
from 1855 to 1955.
Compiled and 'Written by
Charlene Peters
Mildred Large nt
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
Florence Mueller, Oscar Poos, Chairman, Mildred Largent,
Charlene Peters
Page Four
EARLY SETTLERS INFLUENTIAL IN THE
SETTLEMENT AND GROWTH OF NEW BADEN
Anton Griesbaum — Came from Germany in 1846 at the age of 19. Wife,
Elizabeth Yost. He was a farmer and laid out the Anton Griesbaum
Addition in 1899.
William Griesbaum— Came from Germany in 1857. Wife, Louisa Wink-
ler. Farmer, businessman. Laid out William Griesbaum Addition in
1890.
Valentine Heinzmann — Settled in 1852, from Baden, Germany. Wile,
Caroline Carl. Served as Postmaster and Township Treasurer, opei-
ated a saloon, served as Street Commissioner of the Village, Village
President, and Village Treasurer.
Bernard Singler — Came from Baden, Germany in 1853. Wife, Barbara
Morlock. He was a farmer and Highway Commissioner.
Rudolph Hertenstein, Sr. — Born in Baden, Germany in 1850. Emi-
grated to New Baden in 1854. Wife, Ida Monken. He worked as a
farm hand until 1872, when he started a peddler business. In a shon
time he opened a store.
John Weber— Born in Clinton County, Illinois in 1855. Wife, Lizzie
Koob. He was a school teacher in the first school house. Was the first
Village Clerk and wrote the first Village Ordinances. He procured
the Village Seal and Village Law at the time of incorporation.
Conrad Woerner — Came from Baden, Germany in 1855. Wife, Barbara
Ganz. Mr. Woerner operated a wagon shop. His was the first inter-
ment in the Catholic Cemetery.
Adolph Harpstreith— Came in 1855 from Germany. Wife, Ida Hartwig.
He was a farmer and Justice of the Peace.
Christian Schumacher — Came from Germany in 1867. Wife, Louisa
Wittmer. Established a general store in New Baden in the late 1 860 s.
The building in which he had his business and living quarters still
stands and has always been a general merchandise store.
John Monken — Came to New Baden from Columbia, Illinois in 1869.
Mr. Monken was a teacher.
Henry Hummel — Came from Baden, Germany in 1872. Wife, Caroline
Griesbaum. Mr. Hummel operated a saloon, a general store, a bowlim,
alley, and a dance hall in the establishment he built in 1880. The
building and its contents were completely destroyed by fire in 188V
It was rebuilt a year later. The building has also housed the post office
and bank in time past and was owned by the Hummel family for 75
years. This building is still standing.
William Probst — Came from Green County, Wisconsin and settled in
1875. Wife, Sophia Meyer. He was a farmer and stock raiser.
William E. Kruger — Came from Holstein, Germany in 1878. Dr. Krugei
was a physician and surgeon. He also operated a drug store.
Fn c:p Five
COPY — PLAT of the TOWN of BADEN
Dated November 28, 1855
"Be it known that I surveyed and established the town of Baden for
Frederick A. Carpenter this fifteenth day of August in the year one thou-
sand eight hundred and fifty-five, which is situated in the North West
quarter of Section Eighteen, Town One North Range Five (5) West of
the Third Principal Meridian, in Clinton County, State of Illinois, com-
mencing at the South West corner of the North West Quarter of sai'a
Section 18; planted a stone for the center of Hanover Street; thence N.
7° 30' W. 33 feet; thence N. 82^4° E. 15 feet across Lawrence Street, set a
stone; thence N. 82]/2° E. setting stakes alternately 300 feet and 30 feet to
the South East corner of Lot No. one; thence lVi° West 150 feet; thence
82J/2° West setting stakes alternately 300 feet and 30 feet apart to the
North West corner of Lot 36; thence S. 7^2° E. 150 feet to the S. W. corner
of Lot 36, making 6 blocks and 5 streets; each block is divided into 6 lots 50
feet by 150 feet, commencing again at the stone in the center of Hanover
Street; thence S.7|^° E. 33 feet; thence 82^° E. 33 feet set a stone for the
N. W. corner of Lot 37; thence 82|/2° E. 99 feet to the N. E. corner of Lot
37; thence N. KlVi° 2376 feet setting stakes consecutively 132 feet apart
to the N. E. corner of Lot 36; thence S. 7/ 2 ° E. 330 feet; thence S. 82^°
W. setting consecutive stakes as before 132 feet to the N. E. corner of Lot
37 same course 99 feet to N. W. corner of Lot 37, same v. 33 feet to a
point in the township line 5.50 chains South of the stone in the center
of Hanover Street: thence S. lVi° E. 957 feet to the S. W. corner of said
quarter Section 18, planted a stone; thence N. 82j/2° E. 2640 feet to the
S. E. corner of said quarter Section; thence N. lVi° W. 957 feet to the S. E.
corner of Lot 56; thence 82° 30 W. 2640 feet to the N. W. corner of
Lot 64, which area is divided into eight lots 330 feet by 957 feet (each lot
containing seven acres and a quarter).
W. G. Burnside,
Surveyor of Clinton County, Illinois.
It was also established at this time that "Hanover Street is 66 feet
wide. The center of Hanover Street is the center of the County Road
leading from Carlyle to Belleville. "
Page Six
ADDITIONS and SUBDIVISIONS
Town of New Baden
1. Friess and Teichmann's Addition — September, 1886. John P. Friess
and Henry Teichmann. No accurate price shown.
2. Anton Griesbaum Addition — July, 1899. First lots sold at $50 each.
3. William Griesbaum Railroad Addition — September, 1890. William
Griesbaum. First lots sold for $37.50 each.
4. Martin Heinzmann Subdivision — July, 1908. Martin Heinzmann.
First lots sold at $75 each.
5. Koch Subdivision — April, 1905. Fred J. Koch. First lots sold at
$137.50 each.
6. Rakers Subdivision— May, 1952. Richard Rakers and Marcella Rakers
7. Singler Subdivision— May, 1905. Bernard Singler. No price shown.
8. Joseph Spaeth Addition— April, 1903. Joseph Spaeth. First lots
sold at $100 each.
9. Toennies Addition — July, 1901. Reverend Gerard Toennies. First
lots sold for $72.50 each.
CELEBRANTS IN CENTENNIAL GARB
Page Seven
A HISTORY OF NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS
1855 - 1955
Clinton County was erected and organized December '27, 1824 from
Washington, Bond, and Fayette Counties. It was named in honor of the
distinguished statesman, DeWitt Clinton, of New York. The first land en-
tries were made in 1814. The population of the county in 1824 was about
1,000.
The land on which New Baden was founded was granted by the United
States Government to Walter Sawyer on September 11, 1838. The original
grant contained 155.14 acres. It is supposed that the first settlers of New
Baden were probably traders and farmers of Yankee descent who were a
part of the great westward movement. From the year 1840 to the time
New Baden was classed as a village, most of the emigrants were from Baden,
Germany. Hence, the name of our town.
Henry Pool, a German, and blacksmith by trade, put up the first house
here and began working at his trade. The second house was built of log»
by Lawrence Spicer and the third was built of brick by August Spicer and
housed his grocery store. These houses were built before the town was
laid out.
From a warranty deed dated April 27, 1844, the original 155.14 acres
of land, and other lands currently undefined, were sold by Walter Sawyer
to Frederick A. Carpenter for the consideration of $450. These lands were
laid out by Carpenter as the town of Baden on August 15, 1855.
Early records give interesting but sparse accounts of early settlements
and developments. In 1866, a large, first-class flouring mill was 'built by
John P. Friess, Henry Teichmann, and C. Scheurer; it burned in 1869.
Within the next few years the town boasted 52 residences,, a population of
about 200, and the following businesses: a small grist and saw mill run by
M. Miller; two stores kept by Henry Hummel and Christ Schumacher; four
saloons; two shoemakers; and one tailor.
Provisions were made for organized townships in Illinois in 1875. New
Baden was made part of Lookingglass Township. The township derives its
name from the Looking Glass prairie, of which about twenty-five sections
are within the boundaries of the township. A small portion of Shoal Creek
prairie is on the west side. The township is in the extreme southwest part
of the county, and contains about 48 sections, mostly fine farming land.
An election for trustees for the purpose of serving in the town seeking
incorporation as the village of New Baden was held December 16, 1882.
(Up to the time of incorporation, the town was known as Baden). The
village was officially incorporated in 1884 and the Village Seal and Village
Page Eight
Law were adopted. John Weber, the first Village Clerk, who actually served
before the village incorporation, was paid $5.00 for writing ordinances foi
the village. The first Treasurer was Xavier Griesbaum. On April '23, 1883,
Dr. William E. Kruger was paid $1.50 for swearing in six trustees; Village
Clerk, John Weber: Street Commissioner, Valentine Heinzmann, and Con-
stable. John Harpstreith.
Village records were kept from 1883 until April 5, 1896 when no
entries were made until April 27, 1897.
The Louisville, Evansville, and St. Louis Consolidated Railway pur-
chased land in 1889 for the purpose of building a railroad which was conv
pleted about 1890. It was known as the "Air Line.'" Shortly thereafter the
line became part of the Southern Railway System. In 1889, the village
purchased one and 25/100 acres of land for $100 from William Griesbaum
for the railway depot. In the same year the village purchased land from
Rudolph Hertenstein, Sr. to build Railway Avenue from the Belleville and
Carlyle Road to the depot site. The sidewalk along Railway Avenue was
laid in 1890. The first railway depot agent was Joseph Watschinger. J. W.
Bann is the present agent and has served in this position since 1927.
The first post office was located in the Hummel building; it was a
fourth class post office and the Postmaster was Laurence Geiger. The mail
was brought to New Baden by horse and wagon from Trenton. With the
coming of the railroad in 1890, the mail was brought by train. At one
time the Southern brought four mail exchanges a day. Train delivery con-
tinued until the Federal Government inaugurated the Highway Post Office
on November 1, 1952. The route is from Louisville, Kentucky to St. Louis,
Missouri. The Post Office is now third class and is located in the City Hall
building. Bert Baird serves as Postmaster.
Wedneday, May 27, 1896 stands out in the memory of the elder citi'
~ens of New Baden and there are few of the younger generation who have
not heard stories of the terrible cyclone which struck the village that day.
There were about sixty houses with a population of 200 in New Baden at
this time and after the fury of the storm had passed, thirty-one buildings
were completely demolished, many were slightly wrecked, and the dead and
suffering lay without shelter until help could come. The loss exceeded
$50,000. Neighboring towns lent a strong and willing hand and the injured
were taken to the old school house, St. George's School, and Nagele's Hall.
Those killed or who died from injuries were:
Peter Kraus Pits Meyer William Rust
Mrs. Peter Kraus Charles Lee Mrs. William Rust
Emma Kraus John Bassler Willie Rust
Hazel Ethington Hattie Bassler Adam Peter
Edna Ferguson Jacob Fehmel Ida Born
Mrs. Bachmann
Page Nine
An emergency fund was set up for the cyclone victims and contribu-
tions were received from many Illinois communities and one California
community. Mr. Louis Butzow was serving as president of the village at
SCENE FOLLOWING TORNADO OF 1896
this time and a hoard was appointed to apportion the relief funds which
amounted to $6,836.97.
Probably the most important development in the rebuilding and growth
of the community was the opening of a coal mine in 1897. The mine was
known as the Muren Mine and employed several hundred men. Coal was
hoisted from the air shaft until a main shaft was sunk. The name was
changed to the Southern Coal and Mining Co. in 1906; to Southern Coal,
Coke and Mining Co. in 1913. Mining operations continued until 1936 and
the mine was officially closed April 9, 1938.
Prior to the opening of the mine the village income had been obtained
mainly from tavern licenses which cost $25.00 to $37.50, bridge and road
tax, and rent for the village hall. With the new industry and increased
population new sources of income became available. Many fines were col-
lected, apparently on pay days when people celebrated a little too much;
liquor licenses were increased; dog tax was assessed; piqnic tax was charged;
village tax was recorded; and all merchants and peddlers bought village
licenses. There was, however, a need for the extra funds. Street lamps
were installed and a lamp-lighter was employed. A fire engine was pur-
chased for the city for the sum of $535.00. Jail cells were purchased which
Page Ten
cost $140.00, and $25.5 5 was expended for balls and chains. Prior to the
1920's, the most frequent village expense was for blacksmith work.
Around the year 1900 the daily wage for farm labor was 75 cents a
day from "sun up to sun down." Farm hands were paid $10 to $15 a
month and board. Corn sold at about 11 cents a bushel. On salaried jobs,
you could pay room and board and have about 70% of your salary left.
The average salary for a coal miner in New Baden around 1900 was $1.00
per day for bottom men; $2.00 for top men.
The following were Village Appropriations for 1904-1905:
Streets and Grades $1,000.00
Bridges, Culverts and Gutters , 500.00
Lighting 500.00
Fire Apparatus Fund * 50.00
Sidewalks 2,000.00
By the year 1905 the oil lights of the village were replaced by gas
lights and payments are recorded to the Vapor Light Co. The old lights
were sold by the village to Shiloh. In 1912 the New Baden Light and
Power Co. came into being. It was built at a cost of $13,500. Mr. Fred J.
Koch was the organizer of the plant and power was first generated on No-
vember 28, 1912. There were forty street lights controlled from the main
office which was located immediately west of the mill near the Southern
Rail Line. There are those who remember when there was power service
from daylight to 11:00 A. M. on Monday and Tuesday, because house-
wives washed and ironed on those days. The power was usually off until
the evening hours, beginning at dusk, and would again be turned off at
1 1 :00 P. M. until the next morning. A company was organized to erect the
plant and it was then leased to the city for a period of ten years, after
which time it was to become the property of the city as a municipal plant.
The street lights were of the Tungsten variety. The officers of the company
were: Fred J. Koch, president; F. A. Billhartz, secretary; John F. Engelke,
treasurer. The directors were: L. A. Schumacher, William Linck, and the
officers. The company discontinued operation in 1923. The Southern Illi-
nois Power Company obtained the franchise to supply power at this time—
this company became the Illinois Power Company which serves the com-
munity at the present.
A commercial history on Clinton County was compiled and published
in 1913. A glowing and thorough account of New Baden was presented.
The population was approximately 1,400 and great strides had been made
in the advancement of the community.
The City Administration of 1913 was as follows: George J. Monken,
mayor; William Georger, city clerk; A. F. Ackerman, city treasurer; Pa-
trick J. Bann, city marshall; Peter Mauk, superintendent of streets and
Page Eleven
alleys; Dr. E. G. Schmitt, police magistrate; Wm. Stoeckel, J. W. Duffner,
Henry Peter, Adam Vick, Joe Poelker, and Wm. Beine, aldermen.
The following businesses were listed at this time : One mill, one mine,
one bank, four general stores, three groceries, one bakery, eight saloons,
three gents' furnishing shops, two barber shops, one lumber yard, one hard'
ware concern, one tin shop, one saddlery shop, one hotel, one undertaker,
one livery stable, one implement house, one drug store, one picture show,
one real estate firm, one confectionery, one jeweler, two butchers, one res'
taurant, two doctors, one dentist, one veterinary surgeon, and several smaller
places of business.
This was one of the most progressive eras in New Baden's history. The
coal mine had brought a new economic growth to the town which promoted
prosperity in all phases of business. Some of the highlights in the businesses
and in the lives of the residents are listed below:
The Hertenstein Mercantile Co. did an average business of over
$50,000 a year.
Fred J. Koch of the Koch Lumber Co. was serving his second
term in the State Legislature.
There were eight passenger trains daily through New Baden.
An average of 1'2,000 cars a year were sent from New Baden and
about four'fifths of these were coal, the rest being produce, grain
and merchandise.
One of the first things to meet a person's gase when he stepped
from the train in New Baden was the tall and stately figure of Mr.
Patrick Bann, village marshall, in a full policeman's uniform. He
was the first marshall to wear a full policeman's uniform in the
city.
Martin Rensing operated two saloons and served as agent for
the Star Brewery.
William Stoeckel operated the livery stable, conducted a sales
stable and had an automobile for the use of traveling men who
wished to make fast drives when the roads were in good condition.
Charles Woerner ran a saloon and bowling alley. The bowling
alley was well known all over the Southern tournaments.
Chris Meinkoth operated the only restaurant in the city and the
Francis Hotel was one of the finest hotel buildings in the county.
The icigar factory was owned by Mr. Charles Kassebaum and
their output was 14,000 cigars a month.
J. W. Duffner ran a large and well'equipped meat market. He
did his own killing and manufactured sausages of all kinds.
Mr. F. H. Stroot had the only undertaking establishment in the
city. He was a licensed embalmer and carried a full line of caskets
Page Twelve
and shrouds, artificial flowers, also dealt in monuments and sup-
plied wagonettes and surreys for weddings.
The mill was rated as one of the largest of its kind in Southern
Illinois. Its capacity was 4>(» barrels of grist and meal per day.
The company manufa tured two well-known brands of meal and
grist — "Imperial Grits" and "Imperial Meal."
William Georger was a manufacturer of cement blocks and the
contractor who layed the greater part of the city's streets and
sidewalks.
Mr. Henry Schumacher manufactured hand-made shoes and did
all kinds of shoe repair.
F. A. Billhartz ran the Gents' Emporium. He had also been tax
collector for the district for fifteen years.
So New Baden lived and grew through the early 1900"s and moved
into World War I. Many of her sons saw military service and some never
returned. Jobs were plentiful and she had her fling in the "roaring twen-
ties." This was the era of prohibition when "moonshine" and "home brew"
appeared in most communities; New Baden was no exception.
After the depression which lasted through the early 30's, New Baden
was synonymous with the nation and experienced a stabilizing period which
lasted until economic aid was provided by the Federal Government, notably
in New Baden through the WPA. There was a WPA Library and a
WPA Recreation Center. Laboring wages for WPA workers ranged from
$38 to $56 per month. Surplus government food was given out in ratio
to family size in 1 to 3 -months periods. Occasionally clothing was also given.
Another important aid in the growth of New Baden was the construc-
tion of State Highway 161 through the community. This project was begun
in 1935 and completed in 1936. That wages were still low and prices
cheap at this time is evidenced by the fact that plate lunches sold in a local
restaurant for 25 cents.
Lack of employment remained a problem due to the slowed down op-
eration and eventual closing of the mine in 1938. However, with the ex-
pansion of nearby Scott Air Force Base (nine miles west of New Baden
on Highway 161), the local employment problem was somewhat alleviated.
In 1938, the field became General Headquarters of the Air Force of the
United States Army. In 1939, it became an Army Air Corps Technical
School. It was during this period that New Baden people found new em-
ployment, for with the stepped-up program at the Air Base, there was a
need for civilian personnel in many areas. The Air Base has been steadily
growing — building programs having been carried on in 1938. 1941. 1952.
and 1955. So it continues to be a source of employment for New Baden
as well as much of its surrounding area.
The period of World War II again brought prosperity to the nation
Page Thirteen
and locally with the defense program. New Baden men were drafted into
military service and served in many battle areas and the Korean conflict.
The present population of New Baden exceeds 1,600. Its growth may
be said to have been moderate, but steady. To indicate the growth, the
numerous new residences that have been built in the 1950 period can be
cited. The town's only supermarket was built in 1951. A drive-in dessen
stand was also built. A new parochial school, modern in every respect was
completed in 1953. A fine new addition to the public school is near com-
pletion. In 1954 the old crank-type telephone, in use for over 40 years,
was replaced with the dial system. New Baden is served by the Looking
glass Prairie Telephone Co. A Legion Home was built in 1954.
The newest community project is a Community Park, initiated in 1953
by the Lions' Club, and carried on by the civic organizations of New Bade:*.
The increasing population brought a water shortage to New Baden, so,
the evolution of the water system from private wells to city wells, and
finally to the present system. It was completed in 1952 and brings watei
to the community from a deep well located near Highway 15, about 7 miles
southeast of New Baden, near the Kaskaskia River.
On December 14, 1954, the citizens of New Baden voted a Sanitary
District for the community, thus paving the way for a sewerage system.
The bond issue for this new system was voted and passed at this election.
At the present time construction is underway for the Capitol Highwa> ,
that part which extends from New Baden to Trenton, over the old Trenton
Road. It is with pleasure that this can be included in the first 100 years
of New Baden's history, for the realization of the project is the culmination
of 3 years' effort to secure the highway. The entire Capitol Highway will
extend, when completed, from Litchfield to Coulterville.
New Baden is an alert and fast growing community, active in country
and state government, having a county judge and a state representative.
New Baden is the largest town in the township and is represented by the
following township officials: Road Commissioner Raymond Reinhardt who
succeeds Frank Zirkel, who served in this position for 31 years; Supervisoi
August Zimmerman who has served since 1941; Clerk Arthur E. Billhartz
who succeeds the late Fred H. Billhartz: Tax Assessor Harold Rensing, and
Justices of the Peace Fred Toennies and August Krausz.
In its first 100 years New Baden may be said to have had its "growing
pains." The history recorded here is evidence that these "pains" have not
all disappeared, nor will they ever disappear if there is to be continued
growth. New Baden can look back with pride on its first century. Let us
hope that we may in the time allotted to us on this earth, do as much to
further the growth and encourage the goodness of the home, the church, the
schools, business, and the social and cultural heritage which is ours.
Page Fourteen
A DESCRIPTION OF NEW BADEN BEFORE 1896
This is an excerpt from a letter written by Mrs. Helena Gricsbaum,
a senior citizen and long time resident of New Baden, describing the town
of New Baden prior to the cyclone. Her memory is excellent and she gave
a clear picture of New Baden as she remembered it. She was born in New
Baden in 1876. She told of her father Peter Johnson, an early settler of
New Baden who came from Copenhagen, Denmark. He was a peddler,
she said, and he went about the country selling groceries and dry goods
and buying poultry and eggs. Every three or four weeks he would drive
to St. Louis with horses and covered wagon to sell the poultry and eggs and
bring more groceries and dry goods home.
The Description.-
There were houses and businesses on both sides of Hanover Street.
There was only one street north of Hanover Street. A goodly portion of
what is the south side of Hanover Street was farm land up to the 190CTS.
Starting at County Line and going along J\[orth Side of the Hanover streei.
There was an ice house in which they stored ice which had been cut
from ponds in big blocks. It supplied ice to all the taverns. This 'burned
down when I was about six. It was operated by Ben Speiser.
Then came the old Bachmann home and the Melchoir Kiefer home.
These homes are no longer standing.
The Speiser Dance Hall was next and then Old Lady Speiser's saloon.
Conrad Woerner then had a wagon shop, his home, and an old frame
house all in one yard.
My parent's home, Peter Johnson, came next; next was the Golden'
berger home and blacksmith shop; then the Duggenburger or Jonas home;
the William Rust home — he was a tailor.
The Hettersheimer home was at the corner of Nagele's. (Where
Manwaring Garage is now).
There was a bridge to walk over the Hog River — then the Monken
home. He was a school teacher.
Then there was the City Hall.
The Blaetz building was next. (In its place is the Hempen Hardware
Store) .
Then Old Lady Wanger had a saloon and her residence. (Where
Hertenstein Garage is now).
Where there is now a hotel there was a mill and the block in which
it was located was referred to as "the mill block." There were no houses
in this block.
The Stempcl house — I think Hoggs lived in it then.
Dr. Krugers drug store was where Lillic Griesbaum had her living
Page Fifteen
rooms.
Next was Valentine Heinzmann's saloon and home. He suffered the
loss of part of an arm during the Civil War.
Then the Laurence Speiser place. He was a butcher. Just before tht
graveyard was the dear old schoolhouse.
George EbeFs home was where Rathmann's Park and Tavern are now.
K[ow for the South Side of the Street, again starting at the County Line:
Fritz Kram's home at corner — (brick) still standing. Then the Chrfsi
Schlosser home.
Henry Hummel home — they had a well and I believe it is there yet.
Then the Hurst home and then the Oswald home
Where Hill's Bakery is John Bassler lived. He was the mailman and
had to go to Trenton for the mail.
Then Uncle Rudolph Hertenstein's store and living rooms. Grandpa
Hertenstein's house was next. William Griesbaum's farm was all the way
to the corner of Hanover Street.
The Striegel home was where old Wangler later lived.
Next was the Stahler home and blacksmith shop. This is one of the
oldest residences in the town.
Christ Schumacher store and living rooms (where Goe'bers Store la
now) .
Henry Hummel store, implement shop, living rooms, and the park
where picnics were held.
Then the old Schrag house. Then the Grasholz home. The son, Ferdi-
nand Grasholz was the painter and band leader.
Tony Griesbaum farm was just across from the school and we went
skating and sleighing there at recess time.
The Kuhner house was where Wilken's home is now.
J^ow for the ba:\ Street just K[orth of Hanover Street:
Just behind the Peter Johnson home was the Pius Meyer home and
across the street from the Meyer house was the Georger home, which is
still there. In back of the Georger home was the brick yard which is now
the city dump.
Then Grandpa Butzow's home — he was the carpenter boss.
The Birkley home — parents of Mrs. Krumreyer (then Mrs. Moriti
Haas) . Mr. Krumreyer was the tinner.
Mueller's house was where Wuebbels live now.
Then the old Andrew Mueller house which I think is the oldest in town.
Heinzmann Park was behind the Andrew Mueller place. Town picnics
were held there.
There was the Butzow lumber yard where the Hempen and Baehr resi-
dences are now.
Page Sixteen
Looking NORTH on HANOVER STREET about the turn of the Century
ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Page Seventeen
ST. GEORGE PARISH
Prior to 1894, the Catholic families of New Baden attended church
at Germantown, Highland, or other nearby towns. In the year 1894 plans
were made to organize a parish in New Baden. Joseph Griesbaum and
Henry Stempel represented the people of New Baden and a parcel of
ground was purchased. Reverend Gerard Tocnnies was appointed to or'
ganize the new parish and build a church. The men who served on the first
building committee were Xavier Griesbaum, Sr., Leopold Kiefer, and Felix
Zinck.
The first Holy Mass was celebrated in the old Town Hall on November
11, 1894. About this time an acre of ground was purchased for a cemetery.
The same cemetery still serves the parish. The congregation at this time
numbered 40 families.
The church was erected at a cost of $7,500. It was dedicated in De-
cember of 1895. It was a two story brick structure with the upper floor
serving as the church, with a seating capacity of 200. The church and
school were not damaged in the cyclone of 1896; and in the same year a
rectory was built by the parish. Father Toennies became the resident pastor.
In 1906, the building of a larger church was undertaken and it was dedi-
cated in 1908. In 192'2 the present rectory was built and the former rec-
tory was renovated and enlarged to accommodate the Sisters, who had
occupied a small four-room frame house across from the school.
Reverend Francis Hodapp now serves the parish and the following
church societies are active: St. Agnes Young Ladies Sodality, Holy Name
Sodality, Christian Mothers and Altar Society, which is affiliated with the
National Council of Catholic Women and Archconfraternity of Christian
Mothers.
Trustees of the church are John H. Billhart:. Jr. and Herman H.
Hcmann. Directors are John Peters and Herman Mueller.
Pago Eighteen
ZION EVANGELICAL and REFORMED CHURCH
The origin oi Zion Church goes back to 1895, when Mr. Christ Trosv,
a member of a neighboring church .it Trenton, organised an Evangelical
Sunday School in New Baden. This Sunday School grew and prospered
and soon led to thoughts of organising a church. The first meeting place
of the Sunday Sch(X)l was in a room oi the Public School. Prior to this the
families had attended church in neighboring towns. During the summer
oi 1895 a Sunday School picnic was held. The interest continued and in
1898 the church was organized. It was known as the German Evangelical
Zion Church. Those serving on the first church board were: Andrea.-.
Mueller, president; William Stolz, secretary; Rudolph Hcrtenstein, treas*
urer, and Louis Butzow, member.
A plot of ground was purchased and the erection of the church began
in August, 1898 and was dedicated December 11th. The Reverend Fritz,
pastor of the Summerfield church, was in charge of the dedication. In 1899
the church officially joined the Evangelical Synod of North America, which
later became the present Evangelical and Reformed Church. Reverend
Fritz and student pastors from the church seminary at Wellston, Missouri,
supplied the pulpit until July 16, 1899, when the first full-time pastor was
installed, Reverend H. F. Grotefendt. A parsonage was built at this time
and still serves as the home for the pastor.
The oldest organization of the church is the Women's Guild, which
originated on October 11, 1898. It was known as the Ladies Aid and had
4') church members. This group has contributed much to the building of
the church. In 1922 the organization became affiliated with the Ladies Aid
Federation and in 1941 became a part of the Women's Guild. The church
choir has been active for more than 50 years; at present there are 12 mem
hers. The Adult Fellowship Club of the church was founded in 1947.
The church was redecorated and services were held on the Fiftieth
anniversary. On March 2, 1950 fire broke out in the church hall and spread
throughout the church, causing complete ruin to the re-decorated church.
The congregation, together with Reverend Harold Bchle, began a complete
rebuilding program immediately. The rebuilt church was dedicated June 3,
1951.
The present pastor is Reverend G. F. Brink, who has served since
1953. The church council members arc: President Gustav Bassler; Vice-
President Harry Krausz; Recording Secretary Raymond Brede; Financial
Secretary Raymond Ullrich; Treasurer Oscar J. Mallrich, and Membei
William Bitterberg.
Nineteen
''*"*""*"a*r<
ZION REFORMED and EVANGELICAL CHURCH
OLD M. E. CHURCH
Twenty
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The Methodist Church was organized July 21, 1902. The first tru I
were Rudolph Hertenstein, Charles Harpstnte, Oscar Mitzel. (War Harper.
Mrs. Barbara Singler, Philip Weiss. Joseph Arbegg, Charles Engelhardt,
and Oscar Carney. The name adopted was the Methodist Episcopal Church
of New Baden, Illinois. This was set forth in an affidavit by Z. J. Farmer.
a minister from Trenton, and notarized hy George J. Monken, Notary
Public, on August 25, 1902: it was recorded with the County Reorder oi
Deeds August 26. In the same year Rudolph Hertenstein deeded the
ground on which the first church stood to the chur;,h. It was located direct'
ly across the street to the east of George Hertenstein's present home.
The first minister was Reverend Matthews. The organizations of the
church were: Ladies Aid — now the Gleaners 1 Class, Epworth League
now Methodist Youth Fellowship, and the Men's Class.
The present church was built in 1922 and the minister is Reverend
Guy Watson. The church board is made up of the trustees and the
stewards. The trustees are Dr. E. C. Asbury, Orville Phillips, Ed Dagit.
Earl Gildig, John Dagit, Oscar Poos, and George Hertenstein. The
stewards are Charles Cook, Gus Laux, Matt Berberich, Josephine Asbury,
Hilda Kennedy. Lily Watson, Vivian Hertenstein, Margaret Poos, Amanda
Dagit. John Weatherford, and Robbie Odom.
NEW M. E. CHURCH
rnKc Twenl
PUBLIC SCHOOL
The subject df popular education, within the territory which now
comprises the State of Illinois, was discussed twentytwo years before the
State was made into a territory. The famous Ordinance of 1787 recognized
the importance of education for everyone. To encourage this principle,
educational provisions were made by this National Ordinance and were
later incorporated in an Act of Congress, adopted April 18, 1818 to enable
the State of Illinois to be created. These provisions provided that section 16
in every township should be used for school purposes, that 3% of the sale
of public lands should go for education and that one entire township should
be appropriated to the use of a "seminary of learning. -11 Since that time
the permanent school fund has been increased in various ways.
The first Governor, Mr. Bond, recommended that certain steps be
taken in education. It was not until the second session in January, 1819.
that the Legislature followed his suggestion and provided for the appoint-
ment, by the County Commissioners in each County, of three trustees in
each township. These men were to lay out section 16 in lots of not more
than 160 acres nor less than 40 acres. These lots were to be leased for
10'year terms for the purpose of creating revenue for school purposes.
In 182') a law was passed which provided for a system of free schools.
This law was only the first of many and it contained only general pro-
visions. Some of these were: (1) Schools to be open to white citizens
between ages 5 and 21 years. (2) Gave County Commissioners court
power to organize districts which should contain not less than fifteen fami-
lies each. (3) The affairs of each district were to be managed by the
board of trustees who could levy a tax for school support.
In 1828 the sale of the 16th section and the seminary township was
authorized. The law was expanded in 1837; but it was not completely
revised until 1841. The office of State Superintendent of Public Instruc-
tion was made a separate office in 1853. This bill also directed the State-
Superintendent to frame a bill for the unification of the school system of
the state. Mr. Ninnian Edwards was the first Superintendent and his recom-
mendations were incorporated in a law passed in IS')'). This law embraced
all of the essential principles now in force.
Sinqe the school laws prior to the 1840's were in a chaotic condition,
education in Clinton County, as well as over the State, was a matter of
private enterprise. Schooling was provided by tutors, private schools, oi
the grouping of families to secure an education for their children.
The first legal action taken to establish the common school system in
our county was in 1825. James Outhouse was appointed County School
Commissioner to dispose of section 16 as provided under the Act of 1828.
He resigned without performing this duty and in 1832, Zophar Case. Sr.
Page Twenty-1 wo
was appointed to this office. He executed the duties of his office compe-
tently, and the present system of education in the county i- said to have
grown from his capable efforts.
Mr. James Wightman was the first County School Commissioner
elected and O. B. Nichols was the first County Superintendent of Schools.
The residents of Lookingglass Township built a small log building near
the center of the Township in 18*29. The Township erected a log school
house on Section 24 and established a school in 1X44 which was taught by
Joseph Ostendorf.
The first school in New Baden was a frame building located on the
site where Mrs. Martha Graminskfs home now stands. This building was
torn down and a brick structure was erected. The first teacher was Mr.
Chinn. Early teachers in the first school were: John Weber, John Morlock,
and John Monken. After the mine opened in 1897, this school building
was turned into a residence and a new s.hool was built which is known as
Washington School.
The Washington School was built near the turn of the century. The
original building was two rooms. Within a few years two rooms were
added above these. The next addition called for the building of the two
north rooms, one on the lower floor and one on the upper floor. After the
fire in 1926, the old gym and the rooms above it were added. Construction
was begun in 19^4 on a new addition consisting of a gymnasium, two
shower rooms, cafeteria, additional furnace room, first aid room, two rest
rooms, and a lobby; the cost, $126,000. It will be ready for occupancy at
the beginning of the fall term in 195T.
The first school records available are from 1909. The following
Board of Education was serving at this time: President, F. A. Billhartz,
Secretary, Fred Heithaus; Members, Henry Wangler, Louis Goldbeck,
Henry Bassler, Henry Singler, and Ed Harpstreith. The teachers employed
were: W T illiam Ullrich, principal; Henry Griesbaum, assistant principal;
Joseph Kiefer, Room 3; Millie Gaffner, Room 2, and Francis Meiner,
Room 1.
The present board members of New Baden Elementary School Dis-
trict 68 arc: LeRoy Brede, president; J. W. Bann, secretary; George Rath-
mann, Bernard Hempen, Alfred Brown, George Hertenstein, and David
Riding. Present faculty members are: Herall C. Largent, principal; Fcrd
Kaufman, Room 4; Miss Marion Morgan, Room 3; Mrs. Charlenc Peters.
Room 2; Mrs. Frances Thorpe, Room 1. and George Barton, music.
In minutes of a board meeting held June 4, 1909, the Board of Edu-
cation voted to pay all bills against the school for the graduation of the
High School Class; the first recorded graduate was Golda Haskins. A mo-
tion was made and carried to award her a High School Diploma, May 31.
Pag'' Twini j -three
1912, in a ceremony befitting the occasion: this diploma was from a two
year high school.
The school burned on April 19, 1926. The renovated building with
its additions was dedicated Wednesday, December 29, 1926. Elementary
and high school classes resumed here shortly thereafter. The Certificate of
Recognition for a four-year course was in 192S. The members of the first
High School Board of Education for District 72 were: Tony Gildig, presi-
dent; Henry Hempen, vice-president; John Dagit, secretary'treasurer; Bert
Baird. and Dr. J. W. Hardy.
Present members of High School Board of District 72 are: William
Beine, Jr., president: Theodore Medcalf, Leonard Fiedler, Earl Gildig,
Edward Krausz, Charles Cook, Robert Schomaker, and Herall C. Largent,
secretary. Present faculty members are: Fred Widicus, Curtis Kinney,
William Daters, Miss Chrystal Maddex, George Bartcn, and Herall C.
Largent, principal. Mr. Largent is Superintendent of Schools and has
served since 1950. Custodians for the grade and high school building are
Arthur Nagele and Oliver Baehr.
The New Baden Community High School offers an excellent academic
curriculum. At the present time, the only vocational field offered is in
business education.
Science
General Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
English Mathematics
English I General Mathematics
English II Algebra I
English III Geometry
English IV Advanced Algebra
Trigonometry
Music Social Studies Business Education
Band — 4 years World History General Business
Boys Chorus — 4 years United States History Typewriting
Girls Chorus — 4 years International Gov't. Shorthand
Mixed Chorus — 4 years Sociology Office Practice
State and Local Gov't Bookkeeping
Advanced Shorthand
Physical Education — 4 years.
Competitive Sports — Baseball, Basketball. Track. Tennis.
Extra-Curricular -- Student Council, National Honor Society, Year-
book, Newspaper, Girls Athletic. Association, Drama, Class Organi-
sations.
In 1819, the County Commissioner was empowered to appoint three
trustees in each township to obtain financial support for the schools as
provided by law. These trustees appointed the Township Treasurer to
Page Twenty-four
FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL IN NEW BADEN
handle the funds of the sehools. In 19^2, a seven-member County Board
of Trustees was eleeted and in 1954, the office of Township Trustee was
abolished. The school boards now appoint a treasurer. Mr. O. W. Bill-
hart:; serves as the treasurer for the elementary and high schools.
A Parent'Teachers Association was organized January 19, 192S under
the superintendency oi Mr. Krug. This organization was disbanded Janu-
ary 30, 1934. A new P.T.A. was organized in the 1953-1954 school year
tor the Washington School. Mrs. Imogene Cook was the first president of
this group and Frank Towell is serving as president at the present time.
PRESENT DAY PUBLIC SCHOOL
Pagu Twenty-five
PUBLIC SCHOOL PRIOR TO ADDITIONS
OLD ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Page Twenty -six
ST. GEORGE SCHOOL
The first school ol St. George Parish was held on the lower floor of
the church. It was opened in September, 1895, under the direction of the
Sisters Adorers of the Most Precious Blood of Ruma, Illinois. The two
large rooms to the front of the building were used as class rooms, while
the three rooms in the rear served as a Sisters' residence. Two nuns were
engaged a- teachers, Sister Rosina and Sister Thecla.
In 1908, there were L25 children attending the parochial school, which
had by this time been enlarged by transforming the Sisters' quarters into a
class room. Shortly after 1 922 two more ekiss rooms were added to the
school by building partitions through the parish hall, situated on the second
floor of the school building, and two more teachers were added to the staff.
During the years, 19301943, St. George School became a district
school. It is one of the few public parochial schools in the state. Now in
the year 1955, the former church and school stand no more. It has been
razed and a beautiful new school for the children of St. George Parish was
completed in 1953. There are approximately 170 students enrolled and
five Sisters serve as teachers. The faculty includes Sister Hcnrica, principal:
Sister Mary Richard, Sister Alphonsa, Sister Winifred, and Sister Huberta.
Herman Kuhn is the custodian of the school.
• mt
4 «M
NEW ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Page Twenty-seven
SPORTS and RECREATION
From the earliest days of New Baden, the sports which created the
greatest interest were baseball and bowling. New Baden had many hall
clubs through the years, the names of a few hcre-in mentioned: New Baden
Vietors of 1910, Machine Runners Team, Shufflers Ball Team, and the
New Baden Ball Team of 1916. At the present time the New Baden Base-
ball Club plays a regular schedule and is in the Greater St. Clair County
League. The team is managed by William Beine. Jr. About 194S a
Booster Club was formed to raise funds for the ball elub and to further
baseball in the eommunity. This dub ineluded Alfred Brown. George Rath-
mann, the Ameriean Legion and the baseball team.
A girls' softball team was organized in 19^4. In 1955 they joined the
Girls" Twilight League and are playing a regular season sehedule. The
team is managed by James Swinney. There were many men's softball
teams, among these: Holy Name. Players Guild. Drugstore Cowboys, and
the WPA team.
At one time the Wcerner Bowling Alleys, ence loeated in the rear
of Kiefer's tavern, were famous for their bowling matches and New Baden
had many excellent bowlers. Bowling alleys were also located in the
building which now houses Welling's store. There are no bowling alleys in
New Baden at the present. However, there are locally sponsored teams
in other towns.
In the early days very little ready-made entertainment was available.
Church affairs, local picnics, and family gatherings provided the major
entertainment. One lady recalled that it was a Sunday ritual when she
was young for the girls to go down to the depot to watch the passenger
train arrive at the station.
New Baden was actively interested in music, for many hands and
orchestras were in existence from time to time. The earliest orchestra that
can be recalled was the Gnesbaum Orchestra begun in 1894. and continued
for about 2^ years. Members of the group were the Griesbaums — Emil.
Xavier, Louis, Phillip, Henry and the Hummel brothers. Julius and Grover.
Mr. Julius Hummel also recalled the Star Band of New Baden with Xavier
Griesbaum as the first leader. Mr. Hummel then became the leader And
also instructed new members. The band gave concerts in the City Park:
the band stand was behind the old City Hall. Members of the Star Band
included Leader Julius Hummel, Xavier Griesbaum. Henry Griesbaum,
Oscar Mallrich, John Koch, Adolph Reuter. Louis Bassler. Lawrence Kal-
tenbrenn, Herman Hemann, Henry Kuhn. Fred Beine. Emil Strotheide,
John Strotheide, Cecil Duffner, and William Lehrter.
The old Nagele Hall was the most popular spot in New Baden. Roller
Page Twenty-eighl
skating was enjoyed there during the week and dancing on the weekends.
The Hummel Orchestra played tor many of the dances. Movies were
occasionally shown here, also. Many activities were held at Hummel Park
including dancing, picnics, and outings. Heinzmann Park, behind the old
Andrew Mueller house, was also a picnic and outing area.
In later years popular dance orchestras in New Baden and surround-
ing towns were Tom Fortune and his Silver Moon Orchestra, Oscar Mall-
rich Orchestra, and William Lehrter Orchestra. At present there are three
orchestras in New Baden who play for dancing. They are the Jack Peters
Orchestra, Boh Goebel Orchestra, and Richard Rakers Orchestra. The first
two may be called modern dance orchestras and the latter plays "oldtime"
music. They are members of Local 175 of the American Federation of
Musicians.
At present the annual fund-raising picnics of the various organiza-
tions are held in the City Park. These include the Chamber of Commerce
Homecoming, Firemen's Picnic and American Legion Picnic. The annual
school picnic is held at Rathmann's Park, where family outings, dances,
and picnics are held. Dances are also held in the new Legion Home.
The town has had two movie theatres; one no longer stands and the
other is not operating.
Before the music program was brought into the school, there was a
community band (in the 1930's) which played concerts and marched in
parades. This band was discontinued.
The schools of the community have presented plays and operettas
throughout the years and there have also been home talent shows for the
amusement of the townspeople from time to time.
The oldtimers can relate some types of recreation, quite nostalgically,
which we are seldom privileged to enjoy in these days. What could com-
pare, even today, with a buggy ride in the moonlight, a sleigh ride on a
cold winter night ("in the old days they REALLY had snow") , a husking
bee, or a taffy pull?. Perhaps the generation of today will recall 195 5 as
"the good ole days" of television and jet planes.
Page Twonty-nino
NEW BADEN VICTORS— 1910
OLD TIME NEW BADEN BAND
WOERNER'S KY. KERNELS BOWLING TEAM
Page Thirty
CHAMBER of COMMERCE
The Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1904 as the Commer-
cial Club. First records are not available, so the first officers cannot be
listed. The date of organization of the club was verified by Herman Focht-
tnann, the only living charter member.
For many years the club's interest was in repairing and securing
streets and roads. They sponsored street repairs in the town, oiling of the
county line road and the building of a levee on the road to the Kalmer
School. The first town picnics were called "Good Roads Picnics" and
wore begun in 1915. Later they were called Homecomings and are still
sponsored annually by the Chamber of Commerce.
The club has been instrumental in bringing the following industries
to New Baden: Plastic Doll 5? Toy Co. in 1946, to which it gave financial
aid and promoted the sale of shares; Ace Metal Products, Inc. in 1946, to
which it gave 9 acres of land for the factory site and invested in its stock;
and sold to the Roth Dairy Co. of Mt. Vernon in 1947, the old creamery
building.
The club keeps up the City Park playground and purchased the perma-
nent playground equipment. In 1954, they put permanent lighting in the
City Park.
Up to the year 1949 the club sponsored the Boy Scouts. At the
present time the Chamber sponsors the School Boy Safety Patrol financially,
having purchased rain coats for the boys and two portable, blinking caution
signals for the street crossings.
In 1947 the village financed the drilling of a new well for the village.
In 1949 they also financed repairs to the city well. In 1952 they financed
the insulation on the standpipe of the water tower.
In 1950, at I.C.C. hearings, the club fought the impending removal
of passenger train service. When this failed, they aided the routing of
the Highway Post OSice through the town. In this year they also negoti-
ated the contract with Illinois Power Co. to install the "white way" lighting
system along Hanover Street.
Since 1945 a Capitol Highway committee from the club has been
lobbying for the approval of the highway. The state approved its construc-
tion in 1946. but material shortages and politics delayed its beginning until
1955.
In November 1951, the club moved that Herman Fochtmann and
William Stoeckel be honored as charter members of the club. At the
annual banquet the following January these men were presented with
Page Thirty-one
plaques for their many years of service.
In 1953 the club granted a 99-year lease on property owned, to estab-
lish a community park. The 1954 Homecoming was a community project
and one-half the proceeds went to the Community Park Board.
The club voted to allow Chamber of Commerce lands to be annexed
into the village limits in 1954. During this year they also dug a trench
for a new city dump on a portion of their property north of the Ace Metal
plant. They purchased a tractor and attachments for maintenance of
streets and secured a public telephone booth in the City Park after installa-
tion of the dial system.
The Chamber of Commerce has, throughout the years, assisted the
various organizations, industries, and civic projects through loans and
direct gifts.
Annual events which the club sponsors are the Christmas Lighting
Contest, Clean-Up Week, and the yearly banquet.
The club is sponsoring the Centennial Celebration in conjunction with
the annual Homecoming Celebration, and one-half the net proceeds will be
used for repair and rebuilding of sidewalks.
Present officers of the Chamber of Commerce are Charles Cook, presi-
dent; J. V. Mueller, vice-president, and Robert Thoeming, secretary-treas-
urer. The membership is 51.
HERMAN FOCHTMANN
ONLY LIVING
CHARTER MEMBER
OF THE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Page Thirty-two
SOCIAL, CIVIC and FRATERNAL
ORGANIZATIONS
Through the years the social and cultural growth of New Baden lias
been aided through the existence and work of numerous organizations.
Some of these have been discontinued; many are still active in helping to
build better citizens and a better community.
Concerted efforts have been made to give accurate accounts of the
organisations past and present. However, it is regretted that many records
were not available and only mention can be made.
GIRL SCOUTS
A Girl Scout Troop was organized in May, 1946. Mrs. Lucille Swart-
zcll was the leader and Lucille Bailey Bann was her assistant. This troop
continued until May, 1951. The troop was reorganized in January, 1953,
with Mrs. Bette Thoeming as leader. Mrs. Walter Robinson is assistant
leader. The New Baden Woman's Club sponsors the Girl Scouts.
BROWNIE SCOUTS
A Brownie Troop was organized in January, 1952, under the leader-
ship of Mrs. Ann Bieden'bach, nee Heimberger. Mrs. Jean Manwaring
Sinkler served as assistant. The present leader is Mrs. Jean Sinkler. Mrs.
Carl Obermeier is assistant leader. The Woman's Club is the sponsoring
organization.
LIONS CLUB
An organizational meeting to form the New Baden Lions Club was
held at the City Hall, November 21, 1951. The club was sponsored by
the Lebanon Lions Club and the Charter Night meeting was held Janu-
ary 9, 1952. There were 31 charter members and Herall C. Largent
served as the first president. The present membership is 40 members and
Carl Heimberger is serving as president.
Lionism embraces local, national, and international service. The New
Baden club organized the Beekemeyer Lions Club April 12, 1955.
CUB SCOUTS
The Cub Scouts, Pack 34 Council, sponsored by the American Legion,
was organized in February, 1954. Cubmastcr is David Riding and As-
sistant Cubmastcrs are Walter Robinson and Oscar Mallrich. There are
Page Thirty- Urn,
30 Cub Scouts .it present, divided into 5 dens. Den mothers meet with
these dens weekly to carry on cub scouting projects. Den mothers are
Imogene Cook, Georgia Phillips, Evelyn Mallrich, Mildred Sinkler. and
Leona Friess. Once monthly a pack meeting is held to observe and evaluate
the projects carried on by the dens during their weekly meetings.
BOY SCOUTS
Through the efforts of the American Legion the Boy Scouts were re-
activated in December, 1953, with 32 boys as scouts. The Troop Com-
mittee appointed was Stanford Fritz,chairman; Eugene Berberich, treasurer
and assistant chairman: Nate Sinkler, Joseph Huelsmann, William Flan-
agan, and Ralph Bann. Scoutmaster is Floyd Peachey and Assistant Scout-
master is Clarence Deutschmann. Troop 34 is a member of the Kaskaskia
Council and the St. Clair District. At present the troop has 2 Star Scouts
and 1 Life Scout, marking the first time New Baden has advanced this far
in the scouting program. There is also an organization of "Scouters,"' men
of the community who may be called on to aid the troop in various ways.
EXPLORER SCOUTS
The Explorer Scouts, Post 34, sponsored by the American Legion, were
organized in 1954 and chartered in 1955. The leader is La Verne Pollmann.
There are 12 boys in the post.
DADS' CLUB
The New Baden Dad's Club was organized in September, 1954, and
chartered December 13, 1954. There were 19 charter members and at
present there are 21 members. The slogan of the club is "Be a Dad to
Every Lad." The main purpose of the club is to provide wholesome enter-
tainment for the youth of the community. Several teen age dances have
been held, sporting equipment has been purchased, and the club arranges
for a hall for all scouts to hold meetings. Ray Bruns is president.
WOMAN'S CLUB
In 1933 a group of New Baden ladies met and formed the Household
Science Club. It was a civic, social, and cultural club. Mrs. Mattic Gildig
served as the first president. The club had ten charter members.
The club became a member of the Illinois Federation of Women's
Clubs in April, 1935. It is also a member of the General Federation of
Women's Clubs. Mrs. Gussie Hempen served as the first president. The
Page Thirty-four
present membership of the club is . ;, ». Mrs. Norma Manwaring is president.
The club sponsors the local Girl Scout and Brownie troops and ac
tivcly participates m national charity fund drive-.
ROYAL NEIGHBORS
The Royal Neighbor Lodge in New Baden was organized in 1902.
Although they no longer meet, Mrs. Naomi Manwaring receives the dues
oi the members oi the local lodge.
HOD CARRIERS" AND LABORERS" UNION
The International Hod Carriers* Building and Common Laborers'
Union of America, Local 638, was chartered August 3, 1936. There were
13 charter members. Officers were: Lewein Kennett, president; Jarvis
Swinney, vice-president; John Vavrinek, recording secretary; Emery Smith,
financial secretary; Charles Davis, corresponding secretary; George Hillen,
treasurer: Herman Dust, sergeant at arms, and John Billhartz, Jr., guardian.
Present membership is 71. The officers are Conrad Bachmann, president:
Richard Rensing, vice-president; George Hillen, recording secretary; John
Billhartz, Jr., financial secretary; Arnold Walthes, business agent, and
Henry Macke, sergeant ai arms.
CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
On August 28, 1893, the village bought land from Anton Griesbaum
for the sum of $200 for a city cemetery. The town took care of the
cemetery and received revenue from it. Ditches were dug, a fence built
and painted to enclose it, and a Cemetery Record purchased in 1894.
Graves were scld for $1.00 and lots for $8.00 at this time.
January 30, 1905, a charter was granted by the State of Illinois to
the New Baden Cemetery Association. The charter members were: Mrs.
Laura Metzel, Mrs. Ida Hertenstein, Mrs. Selma Iten, Louise Monken,
Mrs. Christina Schmidt, Mrs. Emma Jonas, Miss Emma F. Hertenstein.
secretary. April 24, 1905, the village deeded the cemetery to the Asso-
ciation, which still serves the community and now has charge of Green
Mount Cemetery as well. This new cemetery is located on the old Trenton
Road on the east side of the future Capitol Highway, about one mile north
of New Baden. The present officers are: Mrs. Catherine Friederich, presi-
dent; Mrs. John Baehr, secretary, and Mrs. Minnie Stoeckel, treasurer.
COMMUNITY PARK BOARD
The organizational meeting of the New Baden Community Park
Board was held October 16, 195 3. Civic organizations and their representa-
Page Thirty-five
NEW BADEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT- 1910
NEW BADEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT— 1955
From left to right, Alfred Brown, Asst. Chief; Ted Ahner, Asst.
Chief; LeRoy Brede, Fire Chief.
Page Thirtj -i Ight
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The early citizens of New Baden were organized to fight tires even
though they had no equipment other than buckets and no system hut the
old "bucket brigade.'"' After the community had a water system, hand
drawn reels were used.
In 1901 the first fire engine was purchased for $550. This was a hand
pumper and was hand drawn. J. J. Bachmann purchased the first fire bell.
The New Baden Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 was organized in
1903 with the following officers: President, Dr. F. M. Edwards; Secretary,
John J. Bachmann, Jr.; Treasurer, William Georger; Fire Chief, William
Stocckel. The department is believed to be one of the oldest in this area
and became a member of the Illinois Fire Association in 1905.
In 1922 the first motorized equipment was purchased — a Republic
truck with hose and chemical tank. In 1936 the first pumper was bought;
another was added in 1939. In 1952, a pumper was bought and the last
two purchased serve the department at the present. An inhalator was
added to the equipment in 1954. Bernard Hempen is trained in its use.
The New Baden department serves the taxable fire district which was
established through popular election in 1952. The district includes Looking-
glass Township in Clinton County and part of Mascoutah Township in
St. Clair County. Through the efforts of the New Baden department, the
Clinton-St. Clair Bi'County Firemen's Association was recently organized.
The present officers of the department are: LeRoy Brede, president
and Fire Chief; Ted Ahner and Alfred Brown, vice-presidents and assistant
chiefs; Wilmer Dreher, recording secretary; Richard Stempel, treasurer.
Mr. Brede has been Fire Chief since 1935. There is a limited membership
of 25 firemen.
Page Thirty-nine
NEW BADEN BUIL1 >IN< ! & L( KAN ASSOCIATION
Organization was chartered July 7, 1915. The first Board of Directors
included A. F. Ackermann, president: L. A. Schumacher, vice-president;
B. H. Hertenstein, secretary: Eugene Mueller, treasurer, and members F.
A. Billhartz, J. W. Duffner, Herman Fochtmann, G. O. Hertenstein, and
B. C. Schnell. The present Board of Directors includes E. C. Asbury. pres-
ident; J. W. Bann. vice-president: John Mallrich, vice-president: Clarence
Mueller, treasurer, and members Theodore Ahner, Warren Billhartz. Her-
man Fochtmann, Orville Hemann, and Elmer Zimmermann. O. W. Bill-
hart; is secretary for the organization and W. E. Renth is assistant sec-
retary.
Herman Fochtmann is a charter member of the organization, was on
the first board of directors, and is serving on the present board.
NEW BADEN MILLING COMPANY
Was organized in 1890. Records were lost, but sometime between
1890 and 1921 the name was changed to the Ernst-Engelke Milling Co.
The concern again became the New Baden Milling Co. in 1921 and officers
were Francis Aid, president and treasurer: Ben J. Theiss, vice-president,
and Harry E. Theiss, secretary. As of January 1, 1954, new officers are
B. J. Holtgreve, president and manager; W. O. Billhartz, vice-president,
and O. W. Billhartz, secretary-treasurer. Mr. Holtgreve has been manager
of the mill since 1938. The mill has a custom grinding and mixing system.
It was electrified in 1935 and the steam equipment was removed at that
time.
NEW BADEN MILLING COMPANY
A new office building has replaced, old one at right in picture
Tagc Forty
FARMERS AND MERCHANTS STATE BANK
The Farmers and Merchants State Bank of New Baden is a suc-
cessor organization to the Bank of New Baden, which was organized as a
private hank by August Schlafly and Fred Schlafly of Carlyle in 1900. The
first location of the hank was in the J. W. B.inn Building, formerly the
J. W. Hummel Building, next to GoebeTs store. Construction on the
present building began in 1901 and was completed in 1902. The bank
remained a private hank until January 25, 1914. when it was incorporated
as a state hank.
H. J. Schlafly was the first president of the newly organized state
hank and served as such until January, 1929, at which time his father Fred
Schlafly was named to that office, serving until he resigned on August 21.
1933. F. M. Edwards, succeeded him as president and served until June 16,
1943, being succeeded by O. W. Billhartz. who served until January, 19^4,
at which time he was named Chairman of the Board and was succeeded as
president by his son, Warren O. Billhartz.
The bank was completely remodeled and redecorated in April, 19^4.
The present officers of the bank are Chairman of the Board, O. W.
Billhartz, who began work at the hank as a bookkeeper on January 16, 1918:
Warren O. Billhartz, president: E. C. Ashury. M. D., Joseph H. Goebel,
and W. E. Renth, vice-presidents; John H. Dagit, secretary, and Kate M.
Nagele, cashier. Miss Nagele began work at the hank as an employee in
September, 192^. Other cashiers have been John Aekermann, the first
cashier: August Aekermann, who served from 1910 until his death in
1932, and O. W. Billhartz who served from 1932 to 1943.
Page Porty-one
PRESENT DAY BUSINESSES
BROWY BARBER SHOP — Mike Browy, proprietor, started business in
1928 in what is now Val's Restaurant. He has been in present location
since 1936. Others who have carried on the barbering trade in this
building were George Jonas, Ed Theobold, and William Lehrter.
SPECIALTY BUILDING SUPPLY — Started in 1954 and operated by
Wilburn F. Fochtmann. It was originated to supply lumber dealers
in the area with specialty building supplies. The company has whole-
sale distribution and employs a field representative. The building was
built in 1907 by Joe Glaetz. It has previously housed the following
businesses: New Baden News office; Public Library; Brede Meat Mar-
ket; Koebel Meat Market; a Boy Scout meeting place, and warehouse
for Fochtmann Lumber Co. A large, new warehouse has been erected
in the rear of this building for the Specialty Building Supply Co.
W. F. FOCHTMANN BUILDING MATERIAL - Lumber yard in
business 3 years under present owner. The business was started by
Herman and Emil Fochtmann in 1914 and moved to the present loca-
tion in 1917. The original property was purchased from Oscar Liese.
Later, the adjoining properties of Robert Schmidt and Henry Bassler
were bought to enlarge the lumber yard.
MUELLER'S GROCERY — Owned and operated by Clarence Mueller,
who assumed the business in 194^ upon the death of his father Eugene
Mueller, who operated the store from 1903. Previous proprietors of
the store were Anderson Grocery and Gus Fritz Grocery. The store
sells general merchandise, dry goods, and meats, and was remodeled in
1 9 "> 1 as a self -service store. The building also contains living quarters.
MANWARING SERVICE STATION — Phillips 66 station and garage
operated by Lewis Manwaring since April 1930. The station was
previously operated by Charles Mueller. Mr. Manwaring has en-
larged the garage and does general auto repair. He has the only
wrecker service in the community.
KRUEP'S TAVERN - - Owned and operated by Francis Kruep. This
building was built in 1S96 by Louis Butzow for Hugo Nagele, who
operated it as a tavern. Tavern keepers who have been in business in
this building includes Otto Roberts, Jess Eiscnhauer, James Stanhaus,
Alfred Haas, and Marcel Singler, Mr. Kruep bought the business and
building in 1954 and remodeled. The building contains living quarters.
Pagre Forty-two
MINNIE'S DRESS SHOP -■ Mrs. Minnie Stoeckel has operated a dress
shop located in her home for 19 years. This building was built about
1897 by Conrad Woerncr.
SCHOMAKER SHOE REPAIR SHOP — Operated by Henry Schomaker,
who does general shoe repair, and has followed the same trade for
46 years. At one time Mr. Schomaker manufactured hand-made shoes.
The building in which he is located was built by Charles Kassebaum
and was formerly a cigar factory.
HEMPEN HARDWARE - - Henry Hempen has operated a hardware
store since 1915. In present location since 1942. The original build-
ing formerly housed a butcher shop and a tavern. Mr. Hempen greatly
enlarged the building to accommodate his hardware, appliance, bottle
gas,, and plumbing business. His son, Bernard, is associated with him
in the business.
HEMPEN UNDERTAKING & AMBULANCE SERVICE - - Henry
Hempen has been a mortician since 1915. The present mortuary be-
longed to the Henry Peters estate and was purchased from the heirs
and remodeled. Bernard Hempen attended morticians' school and
became associated with his father in 1945. Robert Imming also assists
in embalming.
HERTENSTEIN GARAGE — George Hertenstein has been in business
since 1931. He started business in the old Stempel building (now
City Hall). He moved to present location in 1934. This building was
built by Mr. Niebur. The garage does general auto repair, sells Shell
products, and has the Plymouth dealership.
HOTEL FRANCIS — Owned and operated by Ray Bruns, the hotel con-
tains sleeping rooms, apartments, and an insurance office. Mr. Bruns
has been in the business since 1947. The hotel was previously operated
by Mary Griesbaum. The building was built for Henry Griesbaum
about 1909, by Jacob Meiner.
KOLAR MEAT MARKET - - Rudolph Kolar began business in New
Baden in 1945. He bought present building in 1947 from Henry
Rensing. It houses his store and residence. Mr. Kolar specializes in
home-killed meats and also sells groceries.
PETER DISTRIBUTING tf TRUCKING — The business was begun 75
years ago by Henry Peter. The next owner, son, Eugene Peter. The
present owner is Robert, son of Eugene Peter. He is the Stag Beer
distributor and his trucks do ice and coal hauling.
Page Forty-three
FRIEDERICH BARBER SHOP Earl Friederich operates a barber shop
in the Kiefer building. He has been a barber in New Baden since 192 7
in various locations.
KIEFER'S TAVERN - - Owned and operated by Francis Kiefer since
January 1954. Previous proprietors were Fred H. Billhartz. William
Spicer. William Collignon, and Charles Woerner. The building was
built about 1905 with living quarters to one side and a meeting hall
upstairs. This meeting hall was used by the American Legion and is
now used by the Labor Union, Dad's Club, and Scout Troops. The
Woerner Bowling Alleys once adjoined the building on the rear.
MEDCALF CLEANERS -- Operated by Theodore Medealf who owns
the building and has been in business in New Baden since 19^1. The
building was built by Xavier Griesbaum who operated a tavern. Other
tavern keepers in this building have been Ervin Spaeth, George Lodes,
and Edward Strake. Medcalfs first business location was the Hum-
mel building, now owned by J. W. Bann.
HEM ANN BROTHERS CHEVROLET — Garage built in 1926 by
William Hemann. Mr. Hemann died in 1943 and Orville and Robert
Hemann, his sons, became associated as Hemann Brothers. They en-
larged the building in 1946. The garage does general auto repair,
sells Standard Oil products, and has the Chevrolet dealership (the
latter since 1931).
MUGELE GARAGE - - Fred A. Mugele has been in business in New
Baden since 1937. In 1939, he built the present location. This garage
does general auto repair, sells Conoco products, has the Ford dealer-
ship, and sells Kelvinator and Sunbeam Appliances and Shapleigh
mowers.
RATHMANN'S PARK — Tavern and dance hall owned and operated by
George Rathmann, in business since 1943. The dance pavilion was
built by Everett Sprague. The adjoining building was built by Arthur
Billhartz, Sr. in 1934. Mr. Rathmann will remove a portion of the
building to the east, to aid the Capitol Highway project recently begun,
and he will remodel.
KENNETT BARBER SHOP — Franklin Kennett has been a barber in
New Baden 7 years. The location of his shop is just west of his home.
POOS ELECTRIC SHOP — Oscar Poos is a self-employed electrician do-
ing general electrical work in New Baden for 16 years. He does home
and commercial wiring and "trouble shooting"
rnpre Forty-four
HOME CAFE A restaurant built by Kate Hodel; it was opened May
29, 1947. Mrs. Hodel serves home-cooked meals and short orders and
has a successful business; supplied both by local patrons and truckers.
FALTUS I.G.A. MARKI T Robert Faltus opened an I.G.A. market in
1947. In 1951, he built a -elf service supermarket. Mr. Faltus started
in the meat and grocery business with his father, Frank Faltus. and
after his death m 1940 Robert operated this store until he opened an
I. G. A. market.
FROSTY WHIP FREEZETTE A frozen dessert drive-in built in 1951
by J. W. Bann. The business is owned by Ralph Bann. Frozen dessert,
soft dnnk-. and sandwiches are sold during the warm months.
GOEBELS A. G. MARKET F. A. Goebel bought this store from L. A.
Schumacher in 1922. It was built by C. L. Schumacher about 1873.
After the death of his father, F. A. Goebel. in 1934. Joseph Goebel
took over the operation of the store. They carry a large stock of
groceries, notions, and dry goods. The store became the self-service
type in 1950 and also is affiliated with the Associated Grocers.
REINHARDT BLACKSMITH SHOP — Owned and operated by Leo H.
Reinhardt since 1945. Mr. Reinhardt does machinery and general re
pair work. The building in which he is located is thought to be over
100 year- old. Businesses formerly in this building were Diekempei
Blacksmith. Charles Mueller, blacksmith, and Stahlcr blacksmith shop.
BROWN'S CAFE & TAVERN — Owned and operated bv Alfred Brown
since 1950. Formerly operated by Frank Defilippi from whom Mr.
Brown purchased. Former tavern operator- in this building were Louis
Barker and Otto Teichmann. Mrs. Millie Hamann operated a con-
fectionery here. The building also has living quarters..
VAL'S CAFE - Val Harpstrite has been in business in his present loca-
tion for five and a half years. He sells sandwiches and short order-.
The building formerly housed the post office, a barber shop, a fruit
store, and a shoe shop.
DR. CHARLES S. THORPE Veterinarian who began practice in New
Baden in February 1954. The practice was built up quickly because
of the need for veterinary service n the area. The building where Dr.
Thorpe is located was built by Enno Dick and housed his jewelry
store. Two dentists. Dr. J. W. Hardy and Dr. Roy Kolb had offices
in this building. Beauty shops operated by Geraldine Fiedler Scho-
maker and Betty Kuhn were also located here.
Page Ftorty-five
NEW BADEN DRUG STORE Owned and operated by Arthur E.
Billhartz. He has been in business since August 1952 and carries a nice
Stock of drugs, notions, jewelry, etc. Previous proprietors of busi'
nesses located in this building were Martin Hoefken Drugs in L910,
Duffner Novelty, Sisney Druses, Henry Brede Meat Market, GrieS'
baum Bros agency tor Whippit Autos. ( rerhardt Drug's, Paul Drugs,
and Bann Drugs. Monthly city water payments are collected at the
drug store.
HEIMBERGER MEAT MARKET -- Carl Heimberger started in busi-
ness February 1", 1925 in the Jaskc building. Mr. Heimberger built
his present building in 1937.. He sells meat and groceries.
NEW BADEN NEWS — Owned and edited by Arthur D. Jenkins. The
paper has served New Baden since the late thirties. Mrs. Valerie
Zrinsky of New Baden is associate editor and correspondent.
CHETS TAVERN - - Owned and operated by Chester Majeski who has
operated a tavern in New Baden since 1949, when he was located in
the old Linek building. In 1952 he bought the present location, which
had previously been operated as a tavern and later as a soda bottling
company. kk Chet" completely remodeled the tavern and adjoining liv
ing quarters in 1952.
TED AHNER, WHOLESALE FLORIST Mr. Ahner has been in busi-
ness in New Baden since March 5, 1940. The original greenhouses of
their plant were built by Lawrence Kaltenbronn for the purpose of
growing cucumbers for pickling factories. Ahners have added three
greenhouses and discontinued their retail florist business in 1954. At
the present they engage in wholesale trade only.
CLUB FLAMINGO — A tavern and night club built in 195? by William
Kueneke on the outskirts of New Baden in St. Clair County. Mr.
Kueneke formerly operated the Blue Moon Tavern from 1951.
ROTH DAIRY CO., INC. - The local plant is a branch of the Roth
Dairy of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, in business since l n 27. Superintendent
of the New Baden plant is Robert Roth, who resides in New Baden.
The plant has been in operation since July 1947. There are two dis-
tributors from this plant — one for New Baden and one for Maseoutah.
They serve surrounding towns including Albers, Okawville. New
Memphis, Lebanon, Shiloh, Fayetteville and Freeburg. Seven men are
employed in the local plant, which bottles milk in quart and half-
gallon containers. Building was purchased from the Chamber of Com-
merce. It was formerly a Farmer's Co-operative Dairy.
Page Forty -six
HILL'S BAKERY -- Owned and operated by William Hill since 1939.
The building is a two-story brick strueture and in addition to the
bakery has living quarters on both floors. They have a complete line
of bakery goods and operate bakery delivery routes. The building was
built about 1903 by Ferdinand Reiss, who also operated a bakery.
NOLL'S SALVAGE STORE A general merchandise store dealing in
merchandise at reduced prices operated by Gilbert Noll, who opened
the store in April 1954. Previous businesses in the building were:
Zwiek Dry Goods; taverns run by Emil Knipp, Alfred Haas, Cornelius
tCaltenbronn, Herman Hemann, Robert Schmidt, Walter Garbs; gro-
cery store: dance hall; Plastic Doll and Toy Co., Inc., and a butcher
shop. The building now contains apartments along with the store and
is owned by John Jaske.
NOLL'S TRUCKING SERVICE — General hauling and contract hauling
business using six trucks. Owned by Gilbert Noll and doing business
since 1947.
ALBER'S TRUCKING SERVICE -- Operated by Erwin Albers. Mr.
Albers is a self-employed trucker and does general hauling. He has
been in business since 1953.
NAGELE'S STUDIO -- Owned and operated by X. O. Nagele. Mr.
Nagele does fine portraits and pictures of all kinds. He has been in
business in New Baden for over 45 years.
NOWLEN COOK, CONTRACTOR — Started in 1946 as Nowlen Cook
and Son — with the recall of his son, Charles, into military service in
1951, became Nowlen Cook, Contractor. Mr. Cook does general con-
tracting. The first house built by him in New Baden is the LeRoy
Brede residence.
WELLING'S STORE -- Owned and operated by Theodore J. Welling.
It is a retail store for hardware, groceries, dry goods, and a dealer
for bottle gas.
Forty-seven
History of Ace Metal Products, Inc.
In the F.ill of 1946, .it the suggestion of Curtis Odom, Edward H.
Pratt of Belleville contacted the New Baden Chamber of Commerce with
regard to occupying the factory building that had been ercetcd on the old
Southern Coal & Coke Company mine property by the New Baden Build-
ing Association. In due time a deal was consummated and Ace Metal
Products, Inc. became a New Baden industry. The eertificate of incorpora-
tion was issued on February 10, 1947.
Share holders attending the first meeting of this new corporation were
Edward H. Pratt, Alfred Zachary, Howard Plumb, Joe Malina and Curtis
Odom all of whom were employees. Pratt and Malina arc still with
the corporation.
The first product produced was bar hangers, a product used in home
and industrial electrical wiring. The first truck load of steel came in before
any unloading facilities had been installed and only through the help of
Lewis Manwaring with his auto wrecker was it possible to get this 20,000
pounds of steel bars inside the building.
ACE METAL PRODUCTS, Inc.
Soon heavy machinery began arriving and within the first year pro-
duction of switch boxes was added to the now full production of bar
hangers. The number of employees has increased from the initial five men
to -eventeen.
The building, originally 60 feet by 120 feet, became crowded and too
small for the ever increasing operations so a 60 toot by 60 foot addition
was started in August of 1951 and completed in December, when an
anniversary party was held to celebrate five years of successful operations.
With these expanded facilities, a broadening of operations was in-
Page Fortj eighl
stituted. Several new customers were added and products now manu-
factured included precision machine tools, die making and products from
small washers to heater stove oil tanks. The Ace 3-Way Awning was
invented, which contains an original principal of design for which a patent
was issued February 26, 1954. This awning line lias now been expanded
to include door Inxxls and another style of window awning which arc all
being enthusiastically received by the buying public.
In March 194S, Robert Imming joined the company as office manager
and became secretary of the corporation in November 1952. The Board
of Directors and Officers of the corporation now consists of Edward H.
Pratt, president and treasurer; Alfred A. Switter, vice-president; Robert
E. Imming, secretary; Dr. E. C. Asbury, director and O. W. Billhartz,
director. Under this able management, Ace Metal Products, Inc. expects
to continue its successful operation and aid in the industrial development
of New Baden.
William J. Lehrter
William J. Lehrter is serving his fourth term as County Judge of
Clinton County. He was elected for his first term of office in 1942.
"The Judge" is 59 years old and was born in Germantown, Illinois
on July 30, 1896. He came to New Baden in 1912 and remained until
1921. During this time he worked as a barber in the shops of Otto Meyer
and Fred Jonas. He resided in St. Louis, Missouri until 1929 when he
returned to New Baden and opened his own barber shop.
Mr. Lehrter's hobby is music and he has been active in musical or-
ganisations from 1914 to 1953. He served as mayor of New Baden in
1931-1932.
E. C. Asbury, M. D.
Dr. Asbury was born in OTallon Township January 25, 1889, the
second son of James W. and Nellie Grant Asbury. He graduated from
St. Louis University in 1915 and interned in St. Louis City Hospital two
years. In 1917, during the construction of Scott Field, Dr. Asbury treated
patients for the Unit Construction Co. and the government. On May 4,
1918, he opened his office in New Baden and has practiced here for 37
years.
Dr. Asbury is a member of the American Medical Society, Illinois
Medical Society, Clinton County Medical Association. He has served as
president of the County Medical Association and during the process of
organizing the staff of St. Joseph Hospital in Breese, Illinois he was presi-
dent for three years.
We are proud to have the opportunity in this centennial year to
say "Thank you. Doctor"' for your many years of professional service.
Page Forty-nine
INSURANCE AGENCIES
LOOKINGGLASS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO. - The only
local insurance company in the New Baden area, it was financially
ruined by the heavy losses suffered in the cyclone. It was reorganized
in 1897. The Board of Directors and Officers were Poos and Santel,
Trippel and Hcinzmann, Krausz and Gaertner, Tony Harpstrite, G. H.
Santel, W. F. Poos, and Charles Harpstrite, secretary. The late Frank
Rensing served as secretary for 22 years and his wife, Anna, assumed
his duties after his death. Present officers and directors are William
Schmidt, president; Otto Richter, vice-president; Carl Mann, treas-
urer, Edward Billhartz, Joe Ziegler, Fred Lohmann, Oscar Krausz.
Henry Peters, and Ben Rensing, Sr. The secretary is Anna Rensing.
The following are insurance agents located in New Baden and the
insurance companies which they represent:
EDWARD HEMANN — Insurance broker, agent for Northwestern Mu-
tual Life Insurance Co., office in Hotel Francis.
W. F. RENTH — Insurance agent in New Baden for 30 years, now reprc
senting the following companies: Aetna Life & Casualty Co.; Royal
Liverpool Group; Hartford Fire Insurance Co.; American Central
Insurance Co.; Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Co.; Insurance
Company of North America; Fred Rapp 6? Son and W. A. Schicke-
danz Insurance Agency.
LEONARD PETERS — Agent for Prudential Insurance Co.
HENRY HEMPEN — Agent for U. S. Fire Insurance Co.; Newark Fire
Insurance Co., and London, Liverpool, and Globe Insurance Co.
WALTER HARPSTRITE — Agent for Sugar Creek Township Mutual
Fire Insurance Co. and Pana-Hillsboro District Cyclone Mutual In'
surancc Co. Also dealer in DeKalb Seed Corn and Baby Ohix.
Page Fifty
Warren O. Billhartz
Warren O. Billhartz was born in Centralia, Illinois on January 3,
927, the sun of O. W. and Marie (Engelhart) Billhartz. He has been a
ife-long resident of New Baden: attended grade and hi'i^h school in New
5aden and graduated from high school in May 1944.
During World War II. he served for twenty-two months in the U. S.
Merchant Marine aboard Army Transport ships in the North Atlantic
rca. He attended Shurtlerr College and Illinois College, gtaduating with
inal honors from Illinois College in 1949. In 1951, he graduated from
Washington University Law School. While attending law school, he
worked in the law offices of Johnson 6? Johnson in Belleville. He became
.ssociated with the New Baden bank in 1953.
Mr. Billhartz is actively engaged in the practice of law and maintains
aw office-; in Now Baden. He was named president of the Farmers and
Merchants State Bank of New Baden in January 19^4: is vice-president
tnd member of the board of directors of the New Baden Milling Company
tnd a member of the board of directors of the New Baden Building and
Loan Association.
He has been active in local and state governmental service. In Febru-
try 1953, he was named Assistant Attorney General of the State of Illi-
nois; was elected to the Clinton County Board of School Trustees and
became the first president of that board for a two-year term which expired
July 1, 1954; is now serving his second term as Republican Precinct Com-
nitteeman in Lookingglass Township Precinct No. 1. He is a third gen-
rration precinct committeeman in Clinton County, his grandfather Fred A.
Billhartz and his uncle Fred H. Billhartz having also served in that capacity.
In November 1954, he was elected to the General Assembly as Repre-
sentative from the 42nd Senatorial District (Clay, Clinton, Effingham and
Marion Counties). He received the highest number of votes cast of the
three successful candidates from the 42nd District.
Lucy Linck
Lucy Linck
Mrs. Linck is the oldest native-born resident
who has lived her entire lifetime in New Baden.
She was born March 10, 1877, the daughter of
William and Louisa Griesbaum. Her father, Wil-
liam Griesbaum, came from Germany in 18')2. He
laid out the Griesbaum Addition to New Baden in
1890. Mrs. Linck's husband, William Linck, was
a schoolteacher, served as village president, and later
operated a tavern. Mrs. Linck is the eldest member
of four generations in her family.
Fifty-one
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT
CHARLES COOK and FAMILY
IN CENTENNIAL GARB
CENTENNIAL CELEBRANTS VISIT GOVERNOR— APRIL. 1955
From left to right: Oscar Poos, Bernard Hempen. Gilbert Noll. J.
V Mueller, Ralph Bann. H. P. Baehr. Earl Gildig, Rep. Warren Bill-
hart;. Governor William G. Stratton, Sen. Dwight Friederidi, O. W.
Billhartz. Robert Roth. Charles Cook, George Hertenstein and
Francis Kiefer
Fifty-two
Compliments of
HEMPEN FUNERAL HOME
Ambulance Service — JUstice 8-2703
If no Answer — Call — JUstice 8-2741
BEN HEMPEN HENRY B. HEMPEN
Embalmer and Funeral Director Embalmer and Funeral Director
HEMPEN HARDWARE
Hardware — Furniture — Plumbing
Heating — Sheet — Guttering
JUstice 8-2501 New Baden, 111.
Page Fifty-three
FARMERS and MERCHANTS
STATE BANK of NEW BADEN
O. W. BILLHARTZ, Chairman of the Board
WARREN O. BILLHARTZ, President
E. C. ASBURY, Vice-President
JOS. H. GOEBEL, Vice-President
W. E. RENTH, Vice-President
JOHN H. DAGIT, Secretary
KATE M. NAGELE, Cashier
Serving New Baden and Surrounding Area
ACE METAL PRODUCTS, Inc.
NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS
Metal Fabricators — Tool & Die Makers
Contract Manufacturing
Shearing — Stamping — Forming — Welding
Products
ACE DeLUXE DOOR HOODS
ACE 3-WAY AWNINGS
ACE CANOPIES
ACE UTILITY STOOLS
sV ACE 3-WAY BOTTLE OPENERS J,
We Produce Many Items . . . From Washers to Tanks
Phone: JUstice 8-2281
Page Fifty-four
HEMANN BROS. CHEVROLET
sales xanSfcHf ; s e r v ■ c e
Factory Trained Mechanics
JUstice 8-2471 New Baden, 111.
WALTER HARPSTRITE
Agent For
Sugar Creek Township Mutual Fire
Insurance Company
Pana-Hillsboro District Mutual
Insurance Company
Dealer For
DeKALB Seed Corn and Baby Chix
Kilt:- -fiV(
MODERN MAIL SERVICE FOR NEW BADEN
GROUP OF SQUARE DANCERS
Page Fifty-six
Shell Products
Firestone Tires
GEO. HERTENSTEIN
JUstice 8-2181
New Baden, Illinois
A. G. Store . . .
F. A. GOEBEL and SON
Quality Merchandise
JUstice 8-2381
New Baden, Illinois
Beer
Wines
Liquors
RATHMANN'S PARK
Route 161 at Junction 156
JUstice 8-2671
New Baden, Illinois
T. J. WELLING
Hardware and General Merchandise
JUstice 8-2431
New Baden, Illinois
rage Fifty-seven
Compliments of
C. S. THORPE
Veterinarian
JUstice 8-2651 New Baden, Illinois
Try Our HOME-STYLE TWIN LOAF
Baked By
HILL'S BAKERY
JUstice 8-2451 New Baden, Illinois
PHONES: — Store: JUstice 8-2841 Res.: JUstice 8-3521
NOLL'S SALVAGE STORE
Groceries — Hardware — Furniture
Clothing — Electric Appliances
NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS
Store: JUstice 8-2841 PHONES Res.: JUstice 8-3521
NOLL'S TRUCK SERVICE
Coal — Rock — Sand — Dirt Hauling
Limestone Spreading
Page Fifty -eight
Ford Sales
RCA Radio & TV Sales
MUGELE'S GARAGE & APPLIANCE
Firestone Tires — Kelvinator Line
JUstice 8-2371
New Baden, Illinois
LEO. H. REINHARDT
Blacksmithing — Repairing — Welding
Farm Seeds and Cleaning
NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS
Sandwiches of All Kinds
Inside Rest Rooms
BROWN'S TAVERN and CAFE
BEER — WINES — LIQUORS
JUstice 8-2601
New Baden, Illinois
For the BEST in Home-Killed Meats It's .
KOLAR'S MEAT MARKET
Since 1945
"Where You Get More QUANTITY as Well as QUALITY
For YOUR Money
JUstice 8-2511
New Baden, Illinois
Page Fifty-nine
THIS WELL SUPPLIES AN
EXCELLENT WATER SUPPLY
FOR NEW BADEN
FILTER PLANT— MUNICIPAL WATER
PLANT
NEW BADEN'S
FIRST
SUPER MARKET
Tagre Sixty
Stop and Refresh at . . .
FROSTY WHIP
DELICIOUS MALTS — SUNDAES — CONES
COKE and ROOT BEER
HOT DOG, BEEF and HAM SANDWICHES
RALPH BANN, Proprielor
New Baden, Illinois
NEW BADEN CLEANERS
TED MEDCALF, Proprietor
JUstice 8-2161
New Baden, Illinois
HEIMBERGER MEAT MARKET
For Better FOODS
JUstice 8-2681
New Baden, Illinois
ERWIN ALBERS TRUCK SERVICE
Coal and General Hauling
JUstice 8-3532
New Baden, Illinois
Page Sixty-one
HERBERT F. LILL MERYL T. SCHROEDER
LILL and SCHROEDER
Attorneys at law
PHONE: LOgan 6-3351
219 East Main Street Mascoutoh, Illinois
ELECTRICAL MATERIAL STOKER and OIL
APPLIANCE REPAIRING Burner Controls
MOTOR REPAIRING HOUSE WIRING
POOS ELECTRIC SHOP
NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS
JUstice 8-2721 OSCAR POOS, Manager
GARDEN-ALL Lawn and Garden Tractor
PLATE LUNCHES ICE CREAM
SANDWICHES SOFT DRINKS
HOME CAFE
KATE HODEL, Proprietress
JUstice 8-2391 New Baden, Illinois
W. F. RENTH
General Insurance
JUstice 8-2042 New Baden, Illinois
Page Sixty-two
"Quality and Service is Our Motto"
SPECIALTY BUILDING SUPPLY
Wholesale Distributors
JUstice 8-4171 New Baden, Illinois
W. F. FOCHTMANN
Building Materials
"THE BEST FOR LESS"
Lumber — Building Materials — Paint
Hardware
JUstice 8-2421 New Baden, Illinois
TED AHNER
Florist
Wholesale Grower
JUstice 8-2661 New Baden, Illinois
"Here's Where Service Counts"
MANWARING SERVICE STATION
GAS — OILS — GREASES
JUstice 8-2521 New Baden, Illinois
Sixty-three
SOUTHERN RAILWAY DEPOT — 192?
OLD CITY HALL and FIRE DEPARTMENT
OLD NAGELE SALOON and DANCE HALL
Page Sixty-four
DELICIOUS SANDWICHES TABLES FOR LADIES
( HET'S MODERN TAVERN
Beers — Wines — Liquors — Pool
JUstice 8-2781 New Baden, Illinois
NEW BADEN DRUG SUNDRIES
ART. BILLHARTZ, Proprietor
Fountain Service — Baby Needs
Photo Developing
Compliments of
BROWY BARBER SHOP
NEW BADEN, ILLINOIS
VAN WINKLE TRUCK SERVICE
MASCOUTAH, ILLINOIS
Freight — Hauling and Moving
LOgan 6-1401
Slxtj -five
FRANCIS and ALICE'S TAVERN
FRANCIS KIEFER, Prop.
Sandwiches — Pool Table — Television
JUstice 8-2401 NEW BADEN, ILL.
FALTUS I. G. A. SUPER MARKET
"Low Prices Every Day"
New Baden, Illinois
On Route 161 ...
The FLAMINGO CLUB
BILL and MARG. KUENEKE, Props.
Beer and Mixed Drinks — Entertainment
JUstice 8-2581 NEW BADEN, ILL.
NAGELE'S STUDIO
MAKER OF FINE PROTRAITS AND PICTURES
OF ALL KINDS FOR OVER 45 YEARS
Photos Enlarged — Tinting — Frames
JUstice 8-3342 NEW BADEN ILL.
Page Sixty-six
LOOKING-GLASS MUTUAL
FIRE INSURANCE CO.
— SINCE 1897 —
Serving New Baden and Surrounding Area
Hot Sadwiches Pool Tables
KRUEP'S TAVERN
Beer — Wine — Liquor
(ACROSS FROM THE BANK)
JUstice 8-2271 NEW BADEN, ILL.
MUELLERS STORE
West End Grocer
JUstice 8-2171 NEW BADEN, ILL.
ROTH'S
' For Better Dairy Products"
JUstice 8-2771 NEW BADEN, ILL.
Page Sixty-seven
FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL PICNIC PARADE -1911
c*o
EARLY NEW BADEN COAL MINERS
Page Sixty-eight
NOWLEN COOK
General Contractor
JUstice 8-2811
NEW BADEN, ILL.
JACK PETERS' ORCHESTRA
Dances — Parties — Weddings
JUstice 8-3761
NEW BADEN, ILL.
FOR THE FINEST IN WEDDING INVITATIONS
Jl? BROWN
^ PRINTING SERVICE
Commercial Printing
707 EAST CHURCH ST. — MASCOUTAH, ILL.
Phone: LOgan 6-2911
SERVING THE NEW BADEN AND MASCOUTAH AREA SINCE 1933
Page Sixty -nine
GRAIN — FEED — FERTILIZERS
SEED — CUSTOM GRINDING
NEW BADEN MILLING CO.
fSSSSI MASTER MIX
JUstice 8-2261
COMFLCTC
CONCENTRATfS
AND
STRAIGHT FEEOS
W. M. BACKUS and ASSOCIATES
CIVIL and SANITARY ENGINEERS
Highland National Bank Bldg.
HIGHLAND, ILLINOIS
Page Seventy
OLD ANDREW
MUELLER HOME
One of the oldest
in the Community
OLD
HUMMEL
BUILDING
OLD
SCHUMACHER
BUILDING
Seven t 3 -one
PETER DISTRIBUTING CO.
NEW BADEN'S OLDEST GOING CONCERN
SALUTES NEW BADEN ON ITS lOOfh YEAR
We are celebrating our 75th year in New
Baden as distributors for STAG Beer
(1880- 1955)
"Stop for a Stag"
Our first year as distributor for PABST
Blue Ribbon Beer
'What'll You Have?'
AUGUSTA M. PETER — ROBERT PETER — GERALDINE PETER
PETER DISTRIBUTING CO.
DISTRIBUTORS
STAG Beer PABST Blue Ribbon
Coal & Ice - Campbell Soups
JUstice 8-2991 New Baden, 111.
Brown Printing Service — Mascoutah, III.
