Looking Back

130 Years Ago

August 20, 1892

Thomas Winslow is preparing to erect a commodious residence on the corner immediately east of the James Harrington residence.

As an attraction during the fair September 5 to 9 inclusive, the management has secured Kemp Bros., who will give daily exhibitions in the way of hippodrome races, etc.

Charlie Archer took first money in the foot races at Chatsworth Monday.

Misses Lillie McDowell and Jessie Dominy left this week for Chautauqua, N. Y., for a two weeks' sojourn.

120 Years Ago

August 22, 1902

Frank James, brother of the late Jesse James, has again been secured by the fair management to start the races at the fair September 1 to 5. James is somewhat of an attraction as a side line to his regular business of starting races. He gave the best satisfaction at the fair last fall, to the fair association, the people and the horsemen, and that is the principal reason for his being engaged this time.

Tuesday a youth of this city was arrested for jumping on a freight train, and after several hours in silent meditation in the city bastille, was taken before Magistrate Zimmerman and fined $3 and costs, amounting to $5. An effort is going to be made to put a stop to train jumping and complaint will be entered against anyone who is seen jumping on passenger or freight trains passing thru Fairbury who has no business on such trains. The first fine was a light one and it was possible to have sent the culprit to jail for a year for the offense committed. Young men, boys, old boys and everybody concerned or likely to be concerned, should take warning. Don't jump on a train you have no business on. Don't get on a train to help a friend carry a valise – the brakeman will do that. Bid your friends goodbye on the platform. Look pleasant and keep off the cars.

The young people of the Baptist church gave Jessie Spencer a delightful surprise party Tuesday evening, it being his 29th birthday. They presented him with a silk umbrella during the evening as a remembrance of the occasion. Refreshments were served and everybody had a splendid time.

110 Years Ago

August 23, 1912

Perhaps never in the history of Illinois has the weather been so unsettled as it has been this season. At the present time the farmers are in a bad way with their oats and there seems little hope of relief. Rain storm follows rain storm with only a day or two between. The farmers are farther behind with their threshing than they have been for several years. They say the oats are getting in very bad condition, some of them are growing in the shock and the straw is turning black.

The new fountain has been placed in the Marsh park this week and adds much to the convenience of the visitors to that pleasure resort. The fountain base is eight feet in diameter and stands three feet high. There is a cooling box at the base for ice. it is equipped with a bubbling drinking cup and a faucet for drawing water in pails. It is of white adamant and very neat in appearance.

Dan Leathers, the well known farmer living south of Fairbury, was exhibiting a cucumber Tuesday that tipped the beat at 13 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 15½ inches in length and 11 inches in circumference. It was perfectly formed and about the biggest thing in the cucumber line that has been exhibited here. Dan says he has lots more of them almost as large as this one and just barrels of little ones. Apparently 1912 is going to be a good year for pickles.

100 Years Ago

August 18, 1922

Because of the alleged ill treatment accorded her by her husband, Mrs. Mildred A. Gordon of Forrest, has filed a bill in the circuit court asking that her marriage relations with Russell R. Gordon be severed. The bill states that they were married August 23, 1919, and lived together until January of 1922, when she was compelled to leave him because of ill treatment, many instances of which she sets forth in the bill. She also states that her husband neglected to provide her and her son with proper and necessary clothing. She asks for the custody of their son and that her husband be ordered to furnish her with sufficient funds for her maintenance.

Samuel D. Rhoads, of the Census Department of Washington, D. C., has been here for the past week taking the census of this city. It is expected that the work will be completed today or tomorrow. Mr. Rhoads is being assisted by the following local gentlemen, Forest Fitzgerald, Clarence Williams, W. W. Garber, Clair Westervelt and George Milne. The census is running a little higher than the one turned in by the aldermen two weeks ago.

A blaze that almost developed into a real fire started in The Blade office Wednesday afternoon when a gasoline stove that had evidently been leaking went wrong when one of the burners was lighted. The heat from the fire broke out two large panes of glass in a window nearby and charred the window frame. A fire extinguisher put the flames out before they had made further headway.

90 Years Ago

August 19, 1932

Although The Blade columns have contained but little concerning fox hunting in recent weeks, yet this popular sport continues unabated. Never a week passes but what some of the local dogs are taken out for a run. Last Thursday night John Kohler, Ike Kilgus, Dean Carter and seven hounds were out. The dogs picked up a trail at the dredge ditch near Anchor about 9 o'clock and followed it till 4 o'clock in the morning, going as far as east of Strawn, south of Cropsey and over near Sibley. They got a lot of good exercise but the fox population was in no way decreased.

Wednesday, August 10, was the 45th anniversary of the Chatsworth wreck, in which many lives were lost and scores were injured. Among those who recall vividly many incidents connected with that holocaust is Edward Crawford, for he was one of those who was injured, but lived. Mr. Crawford is one of those connected with the hauling of gravel from the Churchill pit north of town, and resides near the Avoca bridge.

W. C. Dailey and Dr. Sargeant threw a party at the fair grounds Monday afternoon for about forty of their juvenile friends, which was enjoyed equally by hosts and guests. There were races and other contests with prizes for the winners and all the watermelon everyone could eat.

80 Years Ago

August 21, 1942

Honegger Bros., of Forrest, and Ben Roth, of this city, recently purchased the large oats bin just south of the T. P. & W. tracks on First street and are giving it a thorough overhauling. They are considering installing a feed mixer in the building, but the probabilities are they will use it for storage purposes.

Register to vote in November because – it is now the law that all Illinois citizens must register in order to vote. Because – once registered you may vote any time in the future for the selection of all county, state and federal officers. Because – Cook county and a few other cities are already completely registered, which means that if downstate voters do not register, Cook county will have the entire responsibility of electing state officials.

Jerry Abbey, nine-year-old son of Lester Abbey, was brought to the Fairbury Hospital last Friday, suffering from bites on the arms and legs inflicted by a dog at the Charles Elliott farm. A number of men were baling straw when the boy rode over to watch them. The dog attacked him, knocking him down and biting him on one leg and arm. The men ran to Jerry's rescue. The dog was later killed and its head sent in for examination to see if the animal was afflicted with rabies.

70 Years Ago

August 21, 1952

A barn on the Lee Hobart farm about five miles northwest of Fairbury was completely destroyed by fire about 11 o'clock Friday night during an electrical storm. Lightening was given as the cause. Lost in the fire was a quantity of straw and hay. No livestock was in the barn. The Fairbury Fire Department and Pike Seed Corn Co. truck answered the call.

Two out-of-state 15-year-old boys landed in the Fairbury Hospital and then in the McLean County Jail following the wrecking of the car they were diving. The car had been stolen in Bloomington last Wednesday. The accident that wrecked the car in which the boys were riding occurred on the narrow pavement that runs south of Chatsworth early last Thursday morning. The car left the pavement and rolled over at least two times. It was completely demolished.

Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Fosdick and daughters, Joyce and Esther, of Pontiac, were at Fort Riley, Kansas, Saturday and Sunday to visit with their son, Pvt. Sylvester Junior Fosdick. After arriving they found that he would be on guard duty Sunday but due to the goodness and friendship of Pvt. Kenneth Broquard, Fairbury, they were able to be with their son. Pvt. Broquard, who had been on guard duty Friday night came to Pvt. Fosdick and offered to take guard post on Sunday, which he did.

60 Years Ago

August 23, 1962

A new merry-go-round and teeter-totter have been installed at Marsh Park, Mayor Roy Taylor said at the city council meeting last Wednesday evening. This park equipment adds to improvement already done this summer.

Beautiful weather and excellent crowds have blessed the Fairbury Fair thus far in the week. Two afternoons of harness racing remain, with a variety show tonight, Thursday, and stock car racing both Friday and Saturday nights. Opening day fair attendance is up this year as compared with last year's figures. A total of 1,332 adults and 365 children paid at the gate Tuesday. Figures for 1961 were 1,310 adults and 298 children.

Gurid Bjornstad, a 17-year-old Norwegian girl, arrived in Fairbury last week to attend school in Unit District Three. She will be a senior here, although the year of education will not count toward graduation in her native country. The Norwegian beauty, from Brottum, registered for classes last Tuesday and Wednesday. She will be taking American history, American problems, speech and English III. It was her desire to take subjects that were not available at home.

50 Years Ago

August 24, 1972

The weatherman's apparent smile on the 96th Fairbury Fair, when a three-hour rain Tuesday marked the passage of a frontal system which broke a week-long heat wave, turned to a frown as grey skies and threat of more rain greeted the Fair's first day Wednesday. Temperatures, which have peaked above 90 for almost a week, were expected to be in the low 70s yesterday and the forecast was for occasional showers, the balance of the week with moderate temperatures.

This year's fair, already new and different in many ways, will feature a unique form of entertainment for young and old alike: a flea market. Though we're sure most readers are well aware of the nature of a flea market, we will explain for the benefit of those who are a little younger or a little out of touch, that a flea market has no small jumping bugs, of the type commonly associated with dogs, for sale. Rather it is a gathering of a breed almost as strange and awe-inspiring – notably, the antique and knick-knack collector.

Robert J. Ficklin, Fairbury, was awarded a teen boys flight trophy at the International Flying Farmers 27th annual convention in Philadelphia, Pa., last week. The award, sponsored by Piper Aircraft Corp., is given to boys ages 17 to 20 who have obtained their private pilot's license since June, 1971. Formed in 1944 as an airborne farmer group, the International Flying Farmers are devoted to increasing agricultural efficiency through the use of aircraft. The group is a family organization which now has more than 8,000 members in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

40 Years Ago

August 19, 1982

Something to crow about. Derrick Maurer of Forrest and his tiny bantam rooster, a Golden Seabright, won the Rooster Crowing contest Wednesday morning to become the first champion of the 106th Fairbury Fair, about two hours after it opened. They got a trophy and $10 in cash. Derrick's bird won the 20-minute event when he crowed 34 times to best a field of 21 birds, believed to be a record. A number of the entrants were pretty passive and didn't even chirp.

A 100-year-old church building, silver bell and cross are outward signs of the approaching centennial of the McDowell Methodist Church. When its members mark the church's 100th anniversary on August 29, they'll be celebrating more than these historical representations and the passing of time. They'll be thinking of people, past and present members, and the spirit of pitching in that has helped maintain and protect the little white church since 1876.

A monster of a radish emerged from the garden of Gilbert and Loren Ifft of Fairbury, weighing 6¾ pounds. The root of the plant alone measured 31½ inches. Another freak of Mother Nature...and what a BIG mistake!

30 Years Ago

August 20, 1992

Dane Scherr, son of Roger and Marcia Scherr of rural Fairbury, has taken his love of reading and turned it into a job at a local library. Scherr volunteered at Dominy Memorial Library in Fairbury four times this summer before he officially began working on July 1. He works at the library three hours a day, Monday through Friday. His duties include putting all of the books that are returned into their proper places, making sure that the books on the shelves are in order and insuring that the cards are in the proper books.

Airman Jason L. Bundy has graduated from the missile maintenance specialist course at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul. Students were taught the operation and maintenance of missile silo equipment, including hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic and mechanical systems. Bundy is the son of Leslie and Barbra Bundy of Chatsworth and a 1991 graduate of Prairie Central High School.

Many people have become concerned about the state of our environment in recent years, but Duane Dassow, of rural Chatsworth, has been a friend of nature his entire life. Dassow, his wife Connie and children Michelle, Joseph and John, recently were selected as a runner-up in the 1992 Governor's Conservation Farm Family of the Year. Entrants were judged on their land use program. The Dassows submitted photos, an essay and a list of their community service activities in order to be considered for the award.

20 Years Ago

August 21, 2002

Amanda Garard, daughter of Barry and Rebecca Garard of Strawn, was recently initiated into Eta Sigma Gamma, a national professional health science honorary, designed specifically for professionals in health science/health education anywhere in the United States and other nations.

Strong winds accompanied early morning storms on Monday, leaving signs of destruction behind as well as leaving some Fairbury residents in the dark. Ameren CIPS crews worked to free electrical lines after a tree fell on the lines, causing a power outage for many residents in the north part of town. The area was without electricity for six-plus hours, until workers were able to restore power.

The Forrest Public Library will host an "End of Summer Party" for all ages of area children on Aug. 29. The party will be from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. in the library community room. Activities will include stories, games, prizes and refreshments.

10 Years Ago

August 22, 2012

Finally, after many years of work, the Prairie Central Marching Hawks have a home of their own. Because of donations from the State Farm Good Neighbor program, donations and fundraisers by the Prairie Central Music Boosters and the generosity of Slagel Manufacturing, a 22-foot tower is currently being erected by Slagel Manufacturing. The tower stands before a lined football field that the band will use for their practices. This is the first stage of the plan. The dream continues to someday run electricity and water to the area and to build a storage and concession stand. A sign or plaque will be placed on the tower to thank all the businesses and individuals who made this possible.

Curtis and Janice Meiss of Fairbury celebrated their 45^th wedding anniversary with a family vacation at Duluth and North Shore, Minn. From Aug. 4-10. Meiss and the former Janice Treadwell were married Aug. 13, 1967 at the First Baptist Church in Fairbury by the Rev. Donald Conrod. Their attendants were Richard Meiss and Harolyn Treadwell Ropp. Family members on the trip included son Kenneth Meiss, his wife, Marli, and their daughters, Elsa, Emma and Tessa; daughter, Traci Daimid and her husband Scott.

After a series of newspaper articles and several public meetings explaining how new state mandates had put SELCAS into a money crunch, several donations have come their way. The ambulance service has had 21 donors who wish to remain anonymous, and 17 donors who consented for their names to be published. Those include, Honegger Insulation, Ted and Teresa Bachtold, Charles Steidinger, Keith Bittner, Jim Yoder Construction, Don Broquard, Bob and Nina Lassiter, Kafer Tiling, Irv and Pat Wilken, George and Phyllis Fyke, Laura Knapp, Dave and Janet Kilgus, Lucille Sohn, Carl and Georgianna Borngasser, Jim and Donita Hargitt, Randy and Rhonda Stoller and Jeremy and Val Stoller.

Kari Kamrath

This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Looking Back a history of Fairbury from the pages of The Blade