February 1869

The Washington correspondent of the Chicago Tribune devoted a letter to the subject on the railway land grants. Up to June 30 of last year, the government had given away 186,000,000 acres of land in the aid of railroads. Of late, there is a mania for further grants. Some eighty bills are now pending.

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Log Owners Annual Meeting: We are requested to say that the next annual meeting of the log owners on the Black River who are to make necessary arrangements for the spring drive, elect driving masters and such will meet at the courthouse in the village on Wednesday, February 17, 1869. The meeting will be called to order at 2 p.m. and a large and punctual attendance is desired.                 

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There will certainly be a dance at O’Neill’s Hall here on the 22nd of this month in honor of Washington’s Birthday. Come out.                                                                       

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The weather has been very mild for a few days and our quantity of snow is greatly diminished by a consequent thaw. (February 10th issue.)                                                      

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Mr. Wm. Yorkston, of Lynn, has converted his residence into “a house of merchandise,” and as he keeps a general assortment of dry goods, groceries, etc., the farmers in that vicinity find it of great convenience to them. We hope Mr. Yorkston will prosper so well in his business, that stern necessity will require him to take a partner, for life.                                                                                              

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Hewett Woods & Co. have commenced in building a sawmill on Wedge’s Creek near the mouth of Hay Meadow Creek, about seven miles west of here.

(Hay Meadow Creek, now known as Meadow Creek, runs eastward from Wedges Creek, parallel to CTH B, the old USH 10 route, for two miles. Then turns northeast, ending near Resewood Ave. DZ)             

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A man in Bemis’ logging camp was severely injured yesterday morning by a loaded sleigh running over one of his legs.                                                                                               

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We are pleased to learn that “Free” Lindsay is coming out of the woods in good shape this winter. He had his contract of one million logs filled several days ago and did all the work with a small crew of men.

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Some couples from here and Staffordville went on a sleigh ride last Friday to George Huntzicker’s, about twelve miles north of here where they were received by George and a number of the young folks in that neighborhood in a manner that made their visit a very agreeable one.                        

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An amusing scene was witnessed in our streets the other day, which afforded an almost exact and practical illustration of the verse in some child’ book, “two legs sat upon three legs,” etc. Hans Johnson of the O’Neill House had some choice venison hanging up behind his hotel, and a large, hungry black cur dexterously managed to bring down a hind quarter, with which he started off on a “dog trot” but passing in front of the hotel office he brought the watchful landlord after him in hot pursuit, who succeeded, by lustily calling out to the thieving quadruped in loud tones, “drop that!” not exactly in making “four legs bring back ‘one leg,’” but in scaring the dog so badly that he let go of his booty and Johnson gained possession of his property. It seems the dog was determined not to give it up, for he was soon after seen going across the street with more venison.

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Measles, which prevailed for several weeks in this locality, is now likely to disappear soon, for want to more victims. Very few in town, who had heretofore remained untouched by the malady, escaped its present contagion, and at one time, there were cases of it in nearly every family. The family of mrs. L.K. Hubbard, a widow lady, seemed to have been afflicted more than any other. There were six of them ill at the same time, and before they recovered two workmen were added to the number, making eight in all. We have heard of a number of cases in the logging camps, but of no serious results in consequence.

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The immigration to this county next summer promises to be quite large. A gentleman from Dodge County, who arrived here recently with his family, said about twenty families living near where he came from will settle in this county next spring. The men are mostly hardworking and industrious and will be a very valuable augmentation to our population.

Many persons are still coming in here and taking possession of land under the Homestead Act, and some very valuable farms have been secured in this manner. The so-called Fox River land will have a more ready sale the coming season and will undoubtedly bring in many new settlers. It is no idle boast on our part to say this county is destined to be one of the best in the State. A railroad from whatever direction will show up this fact soon. While we are always ready to encourage immigration here by speaking favorably of our county, we would rather people come to visit us, feeling confident that what they see will be more convincing to them of the advantages we offer than what they can hear.

February 1939

Glen White, well-known young man of Neillsville will take over the management of Chapman’s Café on Fifth Street Monday. It will be under the supervision of his mother, Mrs. W.H. White. Both Mr. White and his mother have had considerable experience in restaurant work. Mr. Chapman plans to continue to operate the bar.

(Chapman’s Café was located on the west side of the city hall and fire station. The bar was in the first building that had an inside doorway entrance into the adjoining building on the west side, where the café and kitchen were located. In the city’s early days there were some adjoining buildings that would pay a fee to be able to use the wall of a neighbor’s store to cut costs in building a new structure onto it. An average fee was $50 to build onto the “common wall.” There were a few that existed in our city. DZ)   

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Chapman’s Café

Beginning Sunday, Feb. 19

We will serve Sunday Dinners

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Potato Pancake Supper, Friday night, Feb. 17

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Chow Mein Dinner, Saturday Night

Chapman’s Café

Glen White, Mgr.

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Franklin Lyman Nehs, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nehs of Neillsville, was one of the 16 freshmen entering the University of Wisconsin at the age of 16. They were the youngest students enrolling in the university this school year.

In the freshman class of 3,094 students this year, there are no “child prodigies” of 14, as there were last year, according to officials. Nor are there any “oldsters” as in 1933, when a 45-year-old man enrolled. However, there were 24 students either 16 or 17 years of age, equally divided as to sex.

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Clark County residents would be greatly surprised should they awaken some fine morning soon to find desert cacti and palm trees growing in their front yards.

Now should they be greatly surprised should they awaken to find a howling blizzard, 15 feet of drifting snow, and down-out-of-sight temperatures.

The attitude, an outgrowth of the recent weather conditions, is one of “Anything Can Happen Here, and quite often it does.”

For one thing, Neillsville and vicinity experienced a peculiar phenomenon about 10 a.m. Wednesday, when a hailstorm was accompanied by lightning and thunder, no pun intended.

A short time later, a sleet storm of small proportions was driven in by a howling gale, which had blown throughout the early morning hours and which drifted snow until difficulty was experienced in township road travel in many sections.

For the last month, Clark County has been vexed by alternating “heat waves” and sub-zero temperatures; “spring” rains and winter snows.

But, according to the staunch band of believers,” the answer to this weather situation may be brought out today. The reason: it’s Ground Hog Day.

(I remember the year of 1938-39 with its various winter weather conditions while living in southeastern South Dakota. Amongst some family photos, there is one showing my uncle standing on the ice-covered farmyard in late January. In the 1936-37 winter, there was a record 104 inches of snowfall, which proves how winter weather patterns can vary from one year to the next. DZ)         

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An inventory of “big game” animals for 1937, recently completed by the United States biological survey in cooperation with local and state agencies, placed Wisconsin fifth among the states. Wisconsin had 324,000 whitetail deer and 2,000 black bears, according to the survey. Michigan ranked first with 878,000 big game animals, including 874,000 whitetail deer, 2,500 black bears, 1,000 moose, eight buffalo and five elk.

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The next meeting of the Kiwanis Club will be devoted to Lincoln, with an address by Dr. H. P. Landry of Cadott, a Lincoln specialist.

At the meeting, this week Victor W. Nehs made his official visitation as lieutenant governor of Kiwanis for this district. He made an earnest presentation of the purposes and principles of Kiwanis, and particularly emphasized certain projects, which will receive special attention this year including membership and attendance, conservation, citizenship and religious cooperation.

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In line with the policy of religious cooperation, Kiwanians are accepting the invitation of the Rev. G.W. Longenecker to attend the Congregational Church next Sunday morning. Last year they attended the Zion Reformed Church on a designated Sunday.                              

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City aldermen at their meeting in the city hall last Tuesday night voted to purchase the O.E. Counsell lot on the corner of Oak and Sixth Streets. The lot will be used for storage of city supplies and equipment.

The lot, 104 feet by 90 feet, was offered for $200. However, about $26 is due to the city for curb and gutter work done along it last year, thus bringing the actual cash outlay for the lot to about $174.

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H.C. Conklin of Thorp was elected president of the Clark County Maple Syrup Producers at their annual meeting in Loyal Monday afternoon.

Other officers elected were Julius Schroeder of Spencer, vice-president; Carl Yankee of Granton, secretary; Ed Klinke of Greenwood, treasurer; and Justin McCarty of Owen, Elwin Cook of Loyal and Charles Greeler of Neillsville, directors.

Members attending the meeting voted to sell maple syrup in 1939 at the same price asked in 1938. The principle speaker at the meeting was James Gwin of the state department of agriculture and markets, who told the requirements of producing a good quality of maple syrup.

Arrangements made for the meeting and securing Mr. Gwin as speaker were handled by county agent Wallace J. Landry.                                                                                                 

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The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Bollom was christened Patricia Rose in a baptismal service at the Neillsville Hospital last Friday afternoon. Rev. E.P. Stone performed the ceremony.

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Nine couples went to the Jake Moeller home in the Town of York Sunday evening, the drive to the farm home being made in the Tibbett Klondike sleigh. The evening was spent in dancing. Clarence Shaw furnishing the music on his piano accordion. Lunch was served by the guests.

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Oyster Supper and Entertainment Friday, February 24 At 7:00 p.m.

Given by Farmers’ Equity Union York Local At York Town Hall

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A Big Car at a Small Price!

1939 Ford V-8 Coupe, with 60-horsepower engine,

Delivered at Detroit, taxes extra - $584!

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New! Different! Delicious! Fresh Fruit Ice Cream Cake!

39¢, Serves 8 Generous Portions.

All Ice Cream. A brand new treat you won’t want to miss. Rich in tempting fruits, with the luscious, mellow, fruity flavor of fine fruitcake. Topped with delicious toasted macaroon “icing.” Enjoy this grand new taste thrill at dinners, birthdays, or Bridge parties.

Order one today!

Neillsville Dairy – We Deliver – Phone 279

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Wisconsin was the pioneer state in rural zoning field. A State Enabling Act passed in 1923 gave all counties in Wisconsin the power to zone land outside incorporated places, an amendment in 1929 allows the zoning of land for agriculture, forestry and recreation.                                               

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The state conservation department announced today that it has tentatively accepted 1,040 acres of land offered by Clark County last fall for entry under the state forest crop law.

The 1,040 acres, if finally approved, would boost the county’s total acreage in forest crop-lands to 115,448 acres, according to County Clerk Calvin Mills.

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