95 years ago: ‘freely imbibed’ pair raised a ruckus at O’Fallon dance hall

It was a wild night on the town. On Saturday, Feb. 4, 1928, visitors to what is now the Peel Pizza building at First and Cherry in Downtown O’Fallon got much more than they bargained for.

And so did the wild culprits.

Here’s how the O’Fallon Progress reported it the following Thursday.

“Starting a general free-for-all battle during a dance at Moonlight Hall Saturday night proved an expensive affair for Lester Mulligan and Frank Hollman, of Belleville, who evidently learned the lesson that it does not pay to transgress on the peace of a law-abiding community.

“According to the police blotter the two young men came to O’Fallon to take in a dance and unfortunately imbibed too freely.

“Shortly before midnight Mulligan started trouble in the vicinity of the orchestra corner which waged into a free-for-all melee.

“Officer Tiley (O’Fallon Police Chief John E. Tiley) and several assistants went to quiet the belligerents with the results that things began to happen fast and ferocious.

“During the battle Rowland Fenton, who was playing the engagement, was one of the heavy sufferers, several instruments, valued at about $500 being damaged. In the fight someone stepped on a clarinet and smashed it, another fell into a bass drum while a third came in contact with a trombone which was crushed. Other instruments were also reported damaged.

“Mulligan fought ferociously but a well-directed blow from the officer’s club rendered him to a meek condition and he was arrested.

“While being taken to jail, Hollman, his companion interfered but was subdued. He followed the officer and prisoner to the lockup where he renewed his interference, with the result that another battle started in which Hollman drew the short end.

“The officer, realizing that the young man was under the influence of a “fighting spirit,” treated him the best he could until he became abusive and threatening. In this he obstructed the arm of the law in trying to prevent his friend from being placed in a cell.

Hollman finally succumbed when he was struck on the head with the top portion of a cell stove, suffering a scalp wound which required several stitches.

“The next morning the youths were hailed before Justice E. E. Asbury where they pleaded to a disorderly conduct charge and were assessed a fine of $25 and costs each, which were paid.

“Local authorities are making an investigation and indications are that more charges will follow as Fenton, the orchestra leader has threatened to bring a $1000 damage suit for the destruction of his instruments. Mayor (Ralph) Kampmeyer is also conferring with the city attorney relative to charges against Hollman for interfering with an officer while in line of duty.

“Officer Tiley reports that this is the first time in several years that trouble occurred at a social gathering and the incident is to be regretted.”

(The dance floor was on the second floor of the building.)

75 years ago, July 8, 1948

Another forward step in O’Fallon’s rapid expansion was negotiated Saturday when the O’Fallon Chapter of the Sportsmen’s Club leased the county rock quarry grounds, 2-1/2 miles east of the city for 10 years.

The county board of supervisors approved the lease at its meeting Saturday at a consideration of $1 a year. The quarry property comprises a large lake and 23 acres of ground. It was established during the WPA years when the county was in need of rock and desirous of providing work for the unemployed.

With the advent of the war, it was discontinued and has been inoperative since. Sportsmen officers plan to convert the property into a recreation center for members of the club, which now number 150. But with the acquisition of the lake, it is expected that many others will take advantage of a membership in the organization.

Ideally located on an all-weather road, present plans are for a general improvement of the grounds under a cleanup and beautification program. Tentatively, barbecue pits, tables and other facilities are to be eventually added. Restocking the lake with fish is one of the first projects under consideration.

The club is also taking steps to prohibit swimming in the quarry due to the danger involved. The grounds are to be properly posted July 15th when the lease becomes effective, against trespassing of any nature until such time when the site will be ready for recreational purposes.

In making the request to the board, the local club set forth the following objectives: “to work in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Conservation in the conservation and restoration of our natural resources in the propagation of fish and game in the development of true sportsmanship in our citizenry; developing a spirit of mutual understanding and co-operation between all classes and groups of conservationists, nature lovers, farmers, and sportsmen, to the end that the interests of each group may be served to the fullest extent with the rights and privileges of others; a belief in the essential worth of boys and recognizing the need of a place for clean sport and fishing.”

The county’s lease has but one restriction. This provides that the club agrees to surrender the property whenever it becomes necessary for the county’s requirements.

Clifton Joseph, secretary of the club, stated that a general meeting of the organization will be held at City Hall tonight at 8 o’clock in furtherance of the proposed improvements.

(Quarry Road is named after the area.)

50 years ago, July 5, 1973

Leo B. Obernuefemann, director of zoning for St. Clair County, has been named president of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. He succeeds Bill Shaffer, jewelry store owner. Other officers are Mrs. Robert P. Weinel, vice president; Harry Merkel, treasurer; and Mrs. Jean K. Donovan, secretary. New board members are Mrs. Barbara Kimmle, Thomas Molitor, George Thompson, Jr., and Mrs. Weinel.