In 1975, the O’Fallon Fire Department’s plan went up in flames earlier than expected
It was probably the fastest follow-through on an O’Fallon City Council decision. It happened on April 21, 1975, during a regular City Council meeting.
The fire department wanted permission to use a vacant house for a practice burn. But the house was apparently impatient. Here’s how the Progress covered the story under the headline, Oops!
“The O’Fallon Volunteer Fire Department almost lost the house they were planning to practice on.
“Monday night, the O’Fallon City Council gave approval to the fire department to use a house at 318 W. Third St. for practice in firefighting. After approval was given, the council floor was shaken by the fire whistle which blows every time a fire is reported in the district. The location of the fire this time – 318 W. Third St.
“The house had been destroyed by a fire last summer and was left in its burned-out state since that time. The city had boarded up the house after the owner left and the insurance company paid off the remaining expenses.
“Dave Horton, zoning administrator for the city, made the request for using the house for fire practice Monday evening. Horton told the council that the Environmental Protection Agency would have to give permission to use the house for a practice session.
“The practice fire set under the watchful eye of the department is to expose newer members of the department to the techniques of fighting fires. Members of the Belleville Area College fire school were also being invited to the practice fire which was to be set at a later date.
“However, when the first whistle went off Monday evening during the meeting, little did anyone know that the house that was just given permission to be burned was already on fire. The fire was a minor one. Some bushes had started on fire. There was some damage to the side of the house and the front porch.
“O’Fallon Police reported that some small children were playing with matches in the area of the house.
“Volunteer firemen stayed at the scene to water down the area where the fire started. The city has had trouble with the house prior to Monday’s minor blaze.
“Citizens had complained that the house was a health hazard in the area and should be destroyed. Residents had reported playing near and in the house. Following those reports the city had the house boarded up to prevent any injuries.
“The announcement of the fire at the fire department’s practice house was read to the council after the department had returned from the scene. Most of the councilmen were shocked and amused at the fact that they had given approval to burn down a house that was already burning. And this reporter was anxious to get back to his typewriter with his ‘hot’ scoop.”
75 years ago, Sept. 2, 1948
A deal was consummated in which Mr. and Mrs. George Wood purchased the Rothkegel Confectionery and News Stand at the corner of South Lincoln Ave., and Second Street.
The new owners took charge yesterday under the name of Wood’s Confectionery. They will continue to carry a complete line of ice cream, confections, bread, pastries, in addition to newspapers and periodicals.
The Greyhound Bus Company will continue to maintain its ticket office and waiting room in the same quarters as heretofore. Mr. Wood, before engaging in business, was a press operator at the Empire Stove Foundry in Belleville.
(Later, in 1967, Wood bought Star Bakery at 115 W. First and renamed it Wood Bakery which still exists today.)
50 years ago. Aug. 30, 1973
O’Fallon Grade School District 90 has announced a free meal policy for school children unable to pay the full price of meals served in schools under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
Illinois statutes require all public schools to provide free lunches to children from families whose income is at or below the established guidelines.
Local school officials have adopted family-size income criteria for use in determining eligibility. Children from families whose income is at or below the guidelines are eligible for free meals.
In addition, families not meeting these criteria but with other unusual expenses due to unusually high medical expenses, shelter costs in excess of 30 percent of income, special education expenses due to the mental or physical condition of a child, and disaster or casualty losses are urged to apply.
They may do so by filling in the application forms sent home in a letter to parents. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office in each school. The information provided on the application will be confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility. Applications may be submitted any time during the school year.
