100 years ago: Speeding while drunk becomes an expensive pastime in O’Fallon

Looking back at stories that appeared in the O’Fallon Progress 125, 100, 75, and 50 years ago;

125 years ago, July 21, 1899

“The selection of Saturday evening by the O’Fallon Brass Band for their ice-cream festival proved to be very unfavorable on account of rain.

“The morning gave fine promise, but in the afternoon it clouded up and rained in torrents and in the evening at time to commence business was still showering. Consequently everything was moved into the Town Hall and enough of the cream was sold to pay expenses.

“In spite of the rain those present enjoyed a very pleasant evening and decided the cream to be of a very rare good quality.

“If the evening had been favorable they would undoubtedly have done well, but there is no use in grieving over what might have been if – the best thing to do is to try it again.”

100 years ago, July 24, 1924

“Speeding on O’Fallon’s streets while intoxicated is becoming an expensive pastime and those who have a desire to ‘step on the gas’ will do well to think twice before they take the step, judging from a case disposed of in Justice Asbury’s court early Monday morning when Horace Garner, a 12-year-old youth of St. Louis was fined $125 and costs on two charges, the fine and costs amounting to $135.

“Unable to pay he was lodged in the county jail. He was fined $25 and costs for disorderly conduct and $100 and costs on charges of driving an automobile while intoxicated.

“According to evidence introduced at the trial young Garner came to O’Fallon Sunday afternoon and started out by transforming the streets into a race track, taking in a wide area by speeding in various parts of the city.

“The reckless driving was brought to the attention of Alderman A. A. Schobert who started to trail the St. Louisan, finally overtaking him on South Second street.

“Special officer Henry Warhoover took Garner into custody with some difficulty as the man showed fight and had to be subdued before he could be taken. He was locked up to permit him to sober up.

“Shortly before midnight Chief of Police Tiley was approached by Ace Garner of this city, who requested that his brother be released from jail. Due to the condition of the prisoner Tiley refused but decided to linger around the city hall for further developments. At 1 o’clock Ace Garner re-appeared and was seen to enter the jail corridor.

“Officer Tiley followed and saw him pass a bottle to the prisoner. This was seized and proved to be what the police claim was a bottle of whiskey. The man was arrested and locked up with his brother. The next morning Garner was taken to Belleville for a hearing before Justice Wangelin where charges of procuring liquor for another person were lodged against him. He was held to the county court under a $1,000 bond, which he was unable to furnish.

“Unless Horace Garner can pay his fine he will be incarcerated in the county jail for 90 days, serving it out at the rate of $1.50 a day.”

75 years ago, July 21, 1949

“Pheasants, a game which is practically unknown in this area, is to be introduced by the O’Fallon Chapter of Illinois Sportsmen.

“The organization recently procured eggs from Wisconsin and had them hatched at the O’Fallon Hatchery with the result that some 90 young pheasant materialized. These birds are now under the care of several members who hope to bring them to maturity for release at the Sportsmen’s Club grounds and other parts in this area next summer.

“The local club is contemplating further wild life propagation in this section having this as one of its objectives as an organization.

“Last year they partially devoted efforts in the raising and releasing of raccoons, reports from sportsmen indicating that this was a successful venture.

“Those interested in the propagation movement are hopeful that with further interest in this crafty animal, which was also nearly extinct hereabouts, raccoon will again become more plentiful in the next few years.”

50 years ago, July 18, 1974

“A new program will be initiated at O’Fallon Township High School this fall which will give students on-the-job training while at the same time earning the student money and class credit.

“The new office occupations program is under the direction of teacher Ben Butler.

“The program is a co-operative whereby students work on the job for half-a-day and are in class the other half. Students are required to work a minimum of 15 hours per week and a maximum of 24 hours. Regular credit is given for related instruction and time spent in training on the job.

“The employer will be designated to periodically fill out a rating sheet for the trainee which will be turned in to the director of the program.

“’There are a number of advantages to the employer with this type of program,’ Butler said. ‘The employer has a source of good part-time employees, reduces turnover, and supplements training programs already established by the employer.’”

Butler says the community also gains with the program. The area receives a trained supply of personnel and fewer school dropouts.

“’We train individuals who are responsible citizens, skilled workers and knowledgeable community leaders,’ Butler said.

“Some area businesses are taking advantage of the program. Those interested in the program, whether an employer or student, should contact Butler at the high school.”