1910 Hupmobile

SHE KILLED HER FATHER

Quincy Daily Whig October 1, 1909

Tragic Ending of a Wild Debauch

Daughter Acted in Defense of Her Mother

Drink-Crazed Father Tried to Kill Both Homicide Declared Justifiable

Dubuque la., Oct. 1 —Henry Schaefer, aged 60, frenzied with liquor Friday night, attempted to kill his wife and daughter near Lamotte, Jackson county, 17 miles from Dubuque.

While defending her mother the daughter struck her father with a club, killing him.

The wife drove to Belleuve and notified the officers, returning Saturday night with the coroner, who found the body still lying in the barn-yard where Schaefer had died.

The coroner's jury exonerated the daughter

DECIDES AGAINST SUNDAY THEATRES

Urbana Courier-Herald October 30, 1912

Champaign Council Denies Amusement House Concerns Rlght to Open on Sabbath—-May Seek Writ

No Sunday theaters for Champaign! The city council at its regular meeting Tuesday evening set its foot, down hard on the much discussed position for Sunday amusement houses, and that settles it unless a court should hold that the question is one of public policy, in which event a writ of mandamus may stand to compel a special election to decide the  matter.

Leading Champaign men today declared that the action of the council reflects the best sentiment of the community.

University Hall is Condemned

The university in this story is the University of Illinois.  The University Hall was replaced by the present day Illini Union.

Daily Illini January 25, 1938

SCHOOL'S OLDEST BUILDING ORDERED CLOSED; OFFICES, CLASSROOMS TO BE MOVED

Buildings, Grounds Committee of Board of Trustees Makes Decision; Action is Permanent, Effective Today

University hall, the oldest and most used building on the campus, was condemned as unsafe and ordered permanently closed yesterday by the building and grounds committee of the board of trustees. AH offices and classrooms must be vacated, and students and faculty men will be admitted only, with special permission.

The action followed the collapse of a ceiling in a third floor classroom of the building last Friday. The committee spent yesterday inspecting, the building, and reached its decision late in the afternoon.

The building houses several hundred classes a week, offices of the School of Journalism, the English and psychology departments, The Daily Mini editorial offices, psychology laboratories, the University extension offices, tabulating offices, journalism library, and many faculty offices. All must be vacated aa soon as possible.

The problem of where to locate these offices, and. where to place the classes next semester proved extremely difficult to University officials yesterday. Already cramped for classroom space, the added burden will tax the capacity of the entire University and will require co-operation from every department.

Willard Asks Co-operation
In a statement last night, A. C. Willard, president of the University. pointed out that the closing of the building presented a problem greatly complicated by the continued growth of the enrollment of the University. "Obviously," he said, "any re-adjustment of classroom schedules and re-assignment of office space for departments now housed in University hall will be extremely difficult,"

The ultimate fate of the building was not known last night by University officials. The committee will make further inspections of the building. It may be torn down, may be left standing, or there is a bare possibility that it may be reconditioned and put into further use.

On the building and grounds committee of the board of trustees are Edward E. Barrett, chairman. Walter W. Williams, Oscar G. Mayer, Mrs. Nellie V. Freeman, and Harold A. Pogue. The party which inspected the building was accompanied by C. S. Havens, director of the physical plant department.

Inspect All of Building
They prodded walls and ceilings throughout the building, inspected, the ceiling that had collapsed, and other places known to be weak. They met in late afternoon and made their decision that the 65-year-old building was no longer safe for occupation.

Hundreds of pounds of steel lathing and plaster fell on the unoccupied classroom last Friday, giving warning of what might come. Investigation following the collapse disclosed that ceilings in many parts of the building were in the same condition. In some places plaster fell from the ceiling when prodded.

Numerous repairs have been made on the building in the past few years. Staircases were kept in repair, and the floors in the halls were renovated last summer. The entire inside of the building was painted two summers ago. Last fall termites were found in the basement, and steps were immediately taken to eliminate them.

Has Been Indispensable
Because University Hall is one of the largest buildings on the campus, and the most used, it has been indispensable to the University. Several large lecture halls, including 218 and 315, were housed in the building.

Mr. Willard stated last night that. "any re-adjustment of classroom schedules and re-assignment of office space for departments now housed in University hall will he extremely difficult and will require complete co-operation of all colleges and schools and of all departments in order that the University's educational program may be carried ott with a minimum of sacrifice."

In the University's report to the general assembly on the "Needs of the University for the Biennium. 1937-39," the building was described as "poor and inadequate."

Mad Gasser of Mattoon

The story of the Mad Gasser of Mattoon is likely one of the most famous odd stories to come out of Central Illinois.  If you haven’t heard of it here are a couple of sources to read more.

The Mad Gasser of Mattoon

Mad Gassers

The following story and the one after are two items mentioning the gasser that I was able to find in the digital papers.

Daily Illini March 3, 1945

Mattoon Mystery is Mental Case

University Psychologist Makes Study of Case

The miasmic madman of Mattoon who had that quiet central Illinois city of 15,800 in a turmoil which was recorded in front-page newspaper headlines from coast to coast last September, has been put under scientific inspection.

Donald M. Johnson, University psychologist, has found the unidentified midnight marauder who terrorized the town with mysterious gas attacks a fascinating subject for inquiry. Recording his finding for the Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, he declares the affair a rare psychological event.

Without challenging the veracity or motives of any of the victims or others concerned, or denying the possibility that a marauder was connected with at least some of the cases, he finds the whole Mattoon mystery involving the rare phenomenon of a "mental epidemic," of which only one similar occurrence is recorded in the United States in the last 40 years.

Phantom Anesthetist
The phantom anesthetist of Mattoon was first reported Sept. 1 when a woman told the police that she and her daughter had been gassed. In all, 26 cases were reported, the last Sept. 12, Victims told of nausea and vomiting, palpitations, and in one case at least, burns about the mouth. All recovered rapidly. Four cases seen by physicians all were diagnosed as hysteria.

Some victims did not report smelling gas, others did. Though prowlers were reported, none was apprehended by the police. As the number of calls increased, state police with radio equipment were called in. Chemical analyses of cloths found at scenes of reported attacks gave no clues. For some nights citizens took up arms to protect their homes.

"Obviously something extraordinary took place in Mattoon. For its explanation two hypotheses have been advanced. The 'gasser' hypothesis asserts that the symptoms were produced by a gas which was sprayed on the victims by some ingenious fiend who has been able to elude the police. The alternative hypothesis is that the symptoms were due to hysteria ," writes Mr. Johnson.

Mental Suggestions
He uses the term "hysteria " in the medical sense, meaning emotional excitability, sensory disturbances, choking sensations, etc., due to mental suggestions.

The "gasser" hypothesis is based on the evidence of the victims and their authenticated illness. A difficulty is the contradictory demands on the gas, including the fact that it did not affect all in the same room, yet was strong enough to affect victims, but at the same time left no observable after-effects.

Symptoms of the victims also support the hysteria hypothesis, as does the fact that the only four cases seen by physicians were given this diagnosis.

Police Records
Turning to police records for a chronology, he finds an unusual number of reports of prowlers coinciding with the reports of gassing, both reaching a peak at the same time, and then rapidly. As the excitement subsided, the number of prowler calls fell even below normal with none at all reported by the Mattoon police in the first part of October

This reveals a wave of excitement or a "mental epidemic" sweeping through the community, the psychologist explains. In this the local newspaper played an important part. Ninety-seven percent of Mattoon families read the Daily Journal-Gazette. It has the confidence of its readers.

Mattoon Prowler Claimed Fake

Daily Illini September 13, 1944

Plant Fumes Cause Rumors , Says Chief

MATTOON, Sept. 12 — (JP)— Police Chief C. E. Cole stated today the furor caused by repeated reports that a nocturnal prowler was spraying sickening gas thru bedroom windows was "a mistake from beginning to end."

The whole thing, he said, could be traced to fumes from a war plant and hysteria.

Apparently seeking to reassure a populace aroused by complaints that a phantom marauder had gassed 14 homes this month, the chief issued this statement:

Just a Big Mistake
"The case was a mistake from beginning to end. Local police in cooperation with state officers have checked and rechecked all reported cases and we find absolutely no evidence to support the stories that have been told. Hysteria must be blamed for such seemingly accurate statements of supposed victims.

"However, we have found that large quantities of carbon tetrachloride are used in war work at the Atlas Imperial Diesel Engine company, and that it has an odor that can be carried to all parts of the city as the wind shifts."

Commenting specifically on the case of Mrs. Carl Cordes, who became ill after sniffing a chemically treated cloth she found on her porch, Chief Cole said:

Carbon Tetrachloride Villain
"Carbon tetrachloride will leave stains on a cloth such as that found at the Cordes home. Many workers use carbon tetrachloride in cleaning shell casings, and it might be possible that one of them tossed this cloth away."

Cole's opinions were supported by Capt. Harry Curtis of the state police. Investigators said such a chemical would cause symptoms remarked by the reported victims— dry lips and parched throat. Some also said they were nauseated and affected by partial paralysis for a brief spell.

A few of the complainants reported they saw a tall, thin man flee from their yards. On a theory that someone may have been peeping in windows during the uproar over the reported gas attacks, state police squads decided to continue to hunt for a prowler tonight at least

Humane Society Finds Crippled Girl Tied to Chair for 'Mother's Sin'

February 5, 1938

UNIONTOWN, Pa., Feb. 5
Humane agencies today investigated the strange case of a 5-year-old girl who, they charged, had been hidden in a room of a farmer's home since infancy.

E. M. Smith of the Western Pennsylvania Humane society said the child, crippled and undernourished, had been found tied to an old chair in a storage room on the second floor of the home of David Harris, about 17 miles from Uniontown.

Smith brought charges of negligence to a minor against Harris and his daughter, Martha. Both will receive a hearing Monday before a justice of the peace.

Smith quoted Harris as saying the child was illegitimate and had been kept in the room as "a sort of punishment" for his daughter's "second sin."

The humane officer reported he found the child after a complaint had been received from the woman's club of Star Junction, nearby. He said the child was wedged into the chair, which was tilted backwards to rest on a coal bucket, her spindly arms tied above her head. She was unable to talk or move, he said

Martha, he reported, said she fed and cared for the child.

Drs. J. F. Kerr and D. P. Newell said the child was undernourished, that the bones in her legs were softened and twisted out of normal shape and that she was suffering from rickets.

Humane society officers reported that Harris believed his action waa justified.

Smith and Mrs. Helen Reagan, a probation officer, quoted Harris as saying:

"I made her keep it up there, care for it and feed it as a sort of punishment. I forgave her first sin, but not the second."

The mother said the girl's father was a well-to-do farmer. Humane society officials withheld his name.

The tot's only semblance to normal expression was a lusty wail when given a tub bath at the county home where she was taken.

The child weighed 31 pounds. An attending physician said the normal child of her age weighs 52 pounds.

Dr. James B. Van Gilder said, "this is a case of malnutrition, I think with capable nursing she will pull through in about six months.

The Old Reliable

Ad from 1909

It is a Popularity Contest

A contest held by the Urbana Courier Herald in April 1910.

WOMAN WHO HELD UP BANK CAUGHT; $l,000 RECOVERED

May 27, 1924

Had Committed Robbery While Carrying Baby in Arms; Claims Bank Owed Her Money

PEORIA, May 27 —Norma Anderson, 18 years old, who, with a baby in her arms, held up the Steenburg bank at Farmington this afternoon, was arrested tonight at Hanna City after she had forced a taxicab driver at the point of a gun to hurry her away. Over one thousand dollars in cash which she grabbed from a teller's window was recovered.

The girl, after her arrest, claimed she held up the bank because it owed her some money. Bank officials deny this and claim they never saw the girl before.

When the girl walked into the bank and shoved a gun at the teller, he thought she was playing a joke and said: "Don't be in a hurry, I shall wait on you in a few moments."

"You'll wait on me now," the girl demanded, shoving the revolver closer to him, "hurry up and give me that money."

The teller hesitated and the girl reached inside the window and grabbed a bag containing over $1,000 in cash.

She then forced David Settles, taxi driver whom she hired to take her to Farmington, to hurry her away. The taxi driver at first refused, but complied when the girl put the revolver against his body.

BURGLARS GET CASH IN FLAT IRON

Urbana Courier-Herald September 25, 1908

VALUABLE CASH REGISTER DEMOLISHED AND FORTY-FIVE DOLLARS IN MONEY TAKEN BY MARAUDERS.

A bold, bad burglar, evidently acquainted with the surroundings, entered the basement of the Flatiron store Wednesday evening and after demolishing a cash register worth $300, decamped with $45 which had been left therein.

The intruder did not molest any of the stock and did not attempt to open the safe upstairs which was protected by lights left burning. He confined his operations entirely to the basement and was so satisfied with his hau1 that he threw away a check for $36, which was afterwards recovered under the Main street bridge.

The burglar gained entrance by creeping under the Main Street bridge, wading the Boneyard to a window under the concrete walk north of the building, and then smashing the glass with some instrument and unlocking the window from the aperture thus made. The rest was easy, for evidently he knew just where to find the register.

There was one thing that the clever knight of the jimmy overlooked and that was the fact that he had left footprints from his muddy shoes and this, the police hope, may prove his undoing.

The prints measure just 10 1-2 inches in length, showing that visitor was either a boy or a small man. He was tracked to a point in the rear of Ed Benton's furniture store where the marks were lost.

Knew Money Was There.
"I am confident that I was watched by that fellow," said Wallace Harper, manager of the basement.

"Money had not been left in the register more than once, or twice since the store opened, and it seems strange that he should chose one night out of two years. And again he could not locate the windows from the street, so he must have been down here looking around before we closed up."

Have No Suspects.
"I don't know whom to suspect, said Chief McKinney.

The police are now on the trail and have hopes of learning something before many days. They are inclined to believe that a boy did the job, as a man would hardly have stopped to bother with a double handful of pennies, as did this midnight visitor

NARROWLY ESCAPE DEATH

Urbana Courier-Herald January 20, 1904

Passengers on Street Car Have Close Call

Motorman Turns on Full Power and Breaks Though Gates Just in Front of Train

Passengers on an east bound streetcar that left Champaign for Urbana at 9:20 Monday night narrowly escaped death at the crossing of the Illinois Central with University avenue. Their lives were only saved by nervy action of the motorman who drove his car headlong through the gates that protect this crossing, much to of the damage of the gates, but to the relief of the passengers.

The car was conveying the usual load of late homeward bound passengers from Champaign, and had just passed the first gate of the crossing when the gates on both sides were lowered. The gates are supposed to be lowered when tram is approaching and as one was at that time coming onward rapidly, they should have been in position before the car attempted to cross the tracks. When the east gate was reached the engine was but a few feet away and coming on with unslackened speed. The car was lying across the track that train was on and every second increased the danger. There would have been no time to either lift the gate or back-up and, with all power turned on, the motorman. drove straight through it. The gate snapped like glass and fell clear Of the car track leaving the, car free to proceed on its journey with its load of precious human freight, that had come so near being sacrificed.

Croupy Coughs and Wheezy Colds

Quincy Daily Whig December 19, 1912

The quickest, simplest way to rid the children of dangerous croupy coughs and wheezy stuffy colds is to give them Foley's Honey and Tar Compound. It gives almost instant relief and stops a cough promptly. It soothes and heals. Contains no opiates. I.L. Blomquist, Esdaile, Wis., says: "My wife considers Foley's Honey and Tar Compound the best cough cure and it gives the best results."
Miller & Arthur Drug Co

Can’t Work Today?

The Quincy Daily Whig October 22, 1905

"FAIRIES" OF LOWER BROADWAY IN JAIL

The Quincy Whig December 19, 1912

Viola Franklyn and Minnie Hemptin Were Having Grand Celebration Last Night.

Viola Franklyn and Minnie Hemptin, 200 Broadway, members of Quincy's "redlight" last night were arrested at an uptown restaurant and will answer to the charges of disturbing the peace and intoxication this morning before Judge Reardon. Viola and her "pal" were celebrating their natal day and were having a hilarious time.

Hubert Is Back Again.
F. Hubert is back to the city Bastille. Hubert makes a monthly visit through an inability to make a living by begging. He is charged with vagrancy

Middle West is Indifferent to Poetry -Weirick

Daily Illini December 4, 1925

English Professor Says No Other Region Has Produced So Much; Sandburg The Greatest

That no region has produced so much poetry and that none is so indifferent to it as the Middle West, was stated by Prof. Bruce Weirick of the department of English, in his lecture yesterday afternoon on the status of poetry in the Middle West

Vachel Lindsay, Carl Sandburg, and Edgar Lee Masters are the three main poets of the Middle West. Two others are Lew Sarett and William Leonard, he said.

Until 1910 this region was poetically dead, with only a few fireside poets as James Whitcomb Riley. But in that year, the work of William B. Moody, a professor in the University of Chicago, and the author of the "Great Divide," became noticeable.

Influenced by Chicago
Three poets —Lindsay, Masters, and Sandburg— were influenced by Chicago, and, in Prof. Weirick's opinion, the spirit of true poetry hasn't yet come on Chicago.

Vachel Lindsay, whose home is in Springfield, writes optimistically of the life and spirit, the noise and "jazz" of America which he loves.

His best poem, "Congo," is a descriptive picture of the negro race, with its tinseled religion.

Prof. Weirick read "Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight," which is more serious and impressive. It draws a picture of Lincoln, during the World War, walking through the streets, unable to sleep because of the death and suffering, and neglect of remembrance for him. "The Chinese Nightingale" is Lindsay's most beautiful poem, he said.

Edgar Lee Masters
Edgar Lee Masters writes the "Spoon River Anthology" from the viewpoint of a" cynical lawyer. It is a series of epitaphs of people in a small town; the book was very popular when it was first published in 1915, because of its irony and ability to characterize, and for the authors emotional liberation.

In Prof. Weirick's opinion, Carl Sandburg is the first great poet the Middle West ever produced. He wrote in free verse as a Titanic poet, Prof. Weirick explained, and as a lyricist Sandburg believed in revolutions and loved to celebrate tie strong and big. His pictures of life were kind, however, unlike Masters.

But of these poets, concluded Prof. Weirick, bloomed and did all their work in, 10 years. One of them is now writing prose, but only Lew Sarett is still publishing;, poems.

EVERYONE WILL BE CRAZY UNLESS CURE IS FOUND

Daily Illini October 30, 1929

Evanston , Oct. 30.— (United Press )
”In the training of psychiatrists in our universities that specialization, and intensive study may find a means to cure mental disorders lies the solution to an increase of insanity cases in Illinois”, Rodney I. Brandon , director of the state department of public welfare, declared before the Illinois conference of public welfare, here last night

“The percentage of insanity is increasing comparatively, in Illinois more rapidly than the population”, Brandon said, and if the present ratio continues to hold good it will only he a question of time until everyone will he subject to incarceration because of mental disorders.

"The war for cure and prevention of unsoundness of mind must be waged as it has never been waged before." Brandon said. "The fundamental difficulty is that, psychiatry has been looked upon as a mystery and has not been made a commonplace thing in life as has the practice of medicine."

Brandon pointed out that it was part of the program of the state welfare department to introduce interests into the state hospital service and try and to induce the universities to develop their psychiatric divisions.

"When psychiatrist's shingle becomes as common on the street as the eye, ear and nose and throat man's sign is now, the public will find out how to live so that- unsoundness of mind may be reduced to the minimum," He said.

Where the Sky Begins

Once there were dances on the roof of the Robeson’s Department Store. Robeson’s was on the corner of Church and Randolph Streets. The building is still there. The store closed sometime in the early 1990’s. This ad is from 1931

$295 TAKEN FROM TWO FRATERNITIES

Daily Illini September 23, 1931

Theta Xi, D. A. E. Houses Entered by Robbers Early in Morning

Robbers entered, both the Delta Alpha Epsilon and Theta Xi houses early yesterday morning to take a total of $295 in cash. The robbers of the former house obtained $220 between 5 and 7 o'clock while those of the latter took only $75, entering the house between 3 and 6 o'clock.

The D. A. E.'s reported that all the money obtained was taken from members' clothing as it hung in the rooms. No closets were entered nor was anything but currency molested. One of the members who retired at. 5 o'clock found nothing amiss, but another who arose at 7 discovered his money missing.

A systematic search of the Theta Xi rooms was made by the burglars, but there, also, only cash was taken. The Theta Xi's were twice victims of similar, occurrences last year, losing about $100 in cash on one occasion, and several large silver loving cups on another.

Detroit Electric is the matchless Motor Car

An ad from 1916

Have a Coca-Cola = Soldier, refresh yourself

Ad from 1944

Home Conveniences Placed on Exhibit For Farm Women

Daily Illini January 24, 1924

"Why- stop to wash dishes?" -"It is not lazy to sit down while washing dishes.". "Human energy is too valuable to be expended on poor laundry equipment." —"Let the dishes drain themselves and save 30 to 45 minutes a day for you." —"This icebox has an economic value —ice on the farm isn't impossible."

There arc a few of the placards put up in the farm and home bureau exhibit of working equipment for the farm home. A high sink eliminates the stooping from dishwashing while a stool makes it possible to sit down. A wire drain for dishes, an ice box, a compression cooker, a fireless cooker, folding racks for tubs, a power washing machine, all arranged in a way to economize on space, footsteps and work tell their own story clearly and effectively.

Artistic furnishing of a dining room, and two studies in draperies, upholstery, rugs, pictures and pottery complete a most interesting and worth-while exhibit.

Hughes Receives Driver license Applications

Daily Illini July 15, 1938

Secretary Disagrees with Horner on Act's Validity

Special to The Daily Illini
SPRINGFIELD, July 14. — An undertaker, George T. Travis of Chicago, was the first applicant for a driver's license under Illinois' new law, as Secretary of State Edward J. Hughes today took issue with Gov. Horner and began putting the administrative machinery of the law into operation.

Travis' application was made by letter since blanks for the use of the state's estimated 2,700,000 motorists will not be issued until about Aug. 15. There were more than 50 other early applicants today. Licenses costing 50 cents are not required until May 1.

The governor, in letting the measure become a law without his signature, suggested that Hughes and Auditor Edward J. Barrett refrain from using the appropriation made in the bill on the ground that it, was technically invalid.

Accuses Horner
But, in a statement issued today, Hughes declared the appropriation to finance the cost of issuing the licenses was "incontestably legal" and accused Horner of creating "misapprehensions" in the public mind that might hinder efficient operation of the law.

Horner's refusal to sign the bill was based on an opinion by Attorney General Otto Kerner in which he questioned the validity of the appropriation section of the bill on the grounds that it was not specifically referred to in the title of the act.

Citing several Illinois supreme court cases, Hughes said, "In opposition to this opinion (from Kerner) I wish to cite contrary opinions which should remove a great deal of the doubt that has arisen as to the validity of the appropriation."

Cites Court Opinion
In one case the court opined, "The requirement that an act shall embrace but one subject is not intended to hamper the legislature or embarass honest legislation, but is intended to prevent incorporating into an act matters not related to the subject of legislation and of which the title gives no hint. An act may contain many provisions and details for the accomplishment of the legislative purpose, and if they legitimately tend to effectuate that object, the act is not contrary to the constitutional provision."

"That an appropriation is a legitimate provision for the accomplishment of the legislative purpose of licensing Illinois drivers is, therefore, only common sense," Hughes said.

Will Advise Public
The secretary also asserted that it would be more economical to begin issuance of the licenses immediately because his office is rushed early in the year issuing motor vehicle license plates.

"It will, therefore, be both economical and convenient for all concerned if the automobile department begins the issuance of licenses in the near future. Because of this and because of the undoubted legality of my incurring obligations to set up executive machinery for issuing such licenses, I shall take immediate steps to put into operation the requirements of the drivers' license law. At an early date the public will be provided with the necessary forms and full details concerning the law.

Drivers' License in Illinois?

Illinois did not have a drivers license law until July of 1938

Daily Illini December 5, 1936

It is easy to understand why auto death rates have decreased in states having drivers license and safety responsibility legislation similar to that which will be considered by the Illinois legislature in January.

As the situation stands today the only check on the unsafe driver is onerous fines and jail sentences, and so far, this has not been effective.

But show the unsafe driver that being involved in violations of the traffic code is going to cost him considerable money, not only one time, but regularly every year thereafter, and he will soon change his ways.

Here is how it works out. Under the drivers license law it is necessary to have a license before you can drive. This license may be suspended for various minor infractions of the law or it may be revoked for more serious breaches. Revocation means that the state license plates must be surrendered and that the driver cannot operate a vehicle for one year.

With the safety responsibility bill in effect, when the driver whose license has been revoked applies for another license he must prove his ability to satisfy judgments that may be levied against him as the result of future accidents in which he may be involved. Otherwise he cannot procure another license

This means, that the unsafe driver must post a surety company bond, real estate bond, cash or securities, or an insurance policy with the secretary of state before he may be permitted to drive again.

Naturally the necessity of paying premiums on insurance policies or tying up cash securities, or real estate places a burden on the unsafe driver of such proportions that the number of irresponsible motorists is bound-to be diminished to the point where it will become almost

Charge Graft In Denial of City License

Urbana Courier-Herald September 23, 1935

Flynn Reveals Katsinas' Complaint; "Friend" Wanted Cut in Return For Permit

Controversy between Mayor James D. Flynn and John Katsinas over issuance of a liquor license for the Katsinas buffet on North Hickory street has been livened by a story told by Mr. Katsinas that some one "close to the administration" had attempted to "shake him down" for a percentage of the proceeds of the cafe in return for a license, the mayor has revealed.

The Katsinas buffet has remained closed since its completion a week ago Saturday, because the mayor, in his capacity as city liquor commissioner, has refused Mr. Katsinas a liquor license.

Katsinas has taken an appeal to the tate liquor commission, and a hearing has been set for Friday, Oct. 27, in Springfield.

"In one of our conferences, Mr. Katsinas said that he had been approached some time ago by a person close to the administration with the proposition that, for a per cent of his proceeds, he would be guaranteed a license," the mayor said. "If he didn't submit to the "shakedown", he would be unable to obtain a license," the mayor quoted Katsinas as saying.

"I told him that if he would give me the name of the person who so approached him, and would promise to observe strictly the city ordinances in conducting his establishments, I would give him a license,"' Mayor Flynn said.

Katsinas Backs Away

"He refused both requests, so of course I refused him a license, he said be "would operate his liquor establishments only according to the regulations of the state liquor commission, indicating that he intended to ignore th» city's own ordinances," Mayor Fyns commented.

"I intend to oppose his request for a license before the state liquor commission." Mayor Flynn declared.

A Telephone in the Kitchen

Ad from December of 1938

Fall Fashions 1935

West Side Market

Ad from October 19, 1933

Why Not be Comfortable this Winter?

Ad from September 20, 1909

Police Discuss Radio As Aid In Work Here

Daily Illini January 8, 1936

Radio as an aid In law enforcement for Champaign-Urbana police, dream of many members of both forces for several years, may become a reality soon if tentative plans being discussed by city officials of both departments are realized.

The new Champaign city hall, designed by architects for adaptation to radio broadcasting facilities, will have a special room for that purpose.

One member of the city police, describing the advantages of radio in police work, added that a two-way system is not beyond the realm of possiMlities. In this way headquarters of both departments would be able to contact squad cars, with men in the cars replying at will.

Urbana's participation in the system, if in accordance with as yet indeterminate plans, would be by remote control.

Bertrand Russell Speaks at University of Illinois

Daily Illini March 15, 1944

Russell Discusses Probability Theory

Noted Author to Give Second Talk Tonight

By KAY HOUSE

"What grounds have I for believing the world was existent yesterday, the sun will rise tomorrow, and there are sound waves?" questioned Bertrand Russell, noted philosopher and author, at the beginning of his talk in Lincoln hall last night.

Discussing the principles of probability and inference, Russell divided the field of probability into two kinds: that definable in terms of frequency, and that representing the degree of doubtfulness. Such organizations as insurance companies proceed on the assumption that the future will resemble the past, but the frequency theory cannot be established except by knowing the truth of each instant, and since this may not be known by mortals, frequency is not the fundamental theory of probability.

As opposed to the frequency theory in the 'degree of doubtfulness' concept, an estimate is made, and in case of two conflicting premises, the one having the smaller probability is discarded. In either of these cases, all our knowledge appears only probable though the risk of error is less in some parts of knowledge than in others.

Another lecture, applying probability to the philosophy of physics and sciences, will be given by Russell tonight. He is the author of some 70 volumes, including the famed "Principia Mathmatica ," a technical work in which he proves mathematics nothing more than logic. Many of his books have been translated into other languages, some 17 having been translated into German, for instance.

The theory of probability, according to Russell, was originally invented by mathematicians for the enlightenment of wealthy patrons who wished to know the odds in gambling. Later, it was used in the kinetic theory, the quantitative theory, and in statistics for sociology. The whole of modern science is impregnated with this concept of probability.

Minstrel Shows once Popular Entertainment at the University of Illinois

Hard to believe that some people once considered this entertaining.

Daily Illini January 10, 1918

Faculty Men Entertain With Darktown Minstrels
"Ladies Night" at the University Club will be celebrated by the faculty Friday evening with the first and only appearance of the "Darktown Minstrels." This troupe is made up entirely of faculty men under the direction of F. K. W. Drury. Its initial performance will be given in the University Club before an audience of faculty members.

Those who are taking part in the production are: interlocutor , C. S. Sales; end men, A. C. Harper, F. K. Drury (bones), and J. R. Fleming, H. F. Harrington (tambos). A quartet made up of five singers —count 'em— R. W. Arms, H. A. Brown, J. .M. O'Gorman, H. F. Moore and J. H. Greene, will furnish the chorus music and aid in a blackface repartee. In addition to the specialties to be given by the regular performers, Carl Rahm will appear with a zither solo and A. F. Fay will give a vocal solo.

"The show is being put on primarily for the entertainment of the faculty," said Mr. Drury in commenting on the entertainment. Unique programs will be distributed among the audience as souvenirs of the ocaaaion.

Daily Illini March 27, 1930
UNION MINSTREL PROMISES TO BE BRILLIANT SHOW

April 5 Production Predicted as Best Ever; Cast Includes Faculty, Students, Radio Stars

With a cast composed of 40 leading campus comedians, dancers, and musicians, as well as Hink and Dink, WLW radio stars, it is predicted that the Minstrel show to be presented by the Illinois Union on April 5 will be the fastest, most brilliant, and spectacular production ever staged on the campus.

Commencing with the same old idea which underlies all minstrel shows, every effort has been made to make up two hours of whirlwind action. Leaders in nearly all campus productions during the past three years have been secured to take part in the presentation and the best popular musical numbers, past and present, have been secured.

Hall Macklin '30, director of all musical parts of the show, spent two days in Chicago interviewing radio minstrel directors to determine the music best suited for the Union show, and he will direct a 15 piece band to furnish music for the entire production.

Quartets, duets, and vocal solos will compose a great part of the show, while Hink and Dink, assisted by Prof. A. R. Knight of the department of electrical engineering and Prof. H. A. Ruehe, head of the department of dairy husbandry, will carry the end parts: Prof. W. P. Sandford, head of the public speaking staff will act as interlocutor.

Outstanding of the many dances to be given throughout the presentation will be a cakewalk by Margaret Jacobson '33, who comes from Alabama where they know how its done.

Daily Illini January 4, 1940
Schedule Minstrel Show Tomorrow

Formal goers to View Illinois Union Production

A formal audience will view the eleventh annual Illinois union minstrel show at 5:15 p. m. tomorrow in Lincoln hall theater. A repeat performance will be given Saturday night before an informal audience.

Lampblack and burnt cork will dominate the color scheme as 16 acts are presented under the direction of Miss Soverina Nelson, associate in speech.

Following the show, formal dancing will bo held in Bradley hall with music by Verne Rickner's orchestra.

Seventeen fraternities have already reserved blocks of seats for tomorrow night's show, and less than 70 seats are now available for the performance according to Dean Wessel '42 and Alice Jean Van Dyke '41, co-chairmen of the ticket committee.

Joe Steinberg '41 and Mary Diemer '40 are co-chairmen of the minstrel show.

The set depicting a Southern mansion, was designed for the production by J. W. Scott, assistant in speech.

Some of the highlights of the show include:

An "operatic-swing" number by Shirley Hppp '41; solos by Betty Lovegren '41 ; specialty numbers of Dave Terry '41 and Charles Caudle '41; and a jitterbug act by Virginia Hrubes '40 and Leo Tibensky '40.

Gail Mischlich '40 is the interlocutor and the four end men are Lief Olsen '40, Jack Deegan '40, Bud Good '40, an*' Bob Bales '41.

See “The Wonder Man” at the Colonial Theater

Georges Carpentier appears to have been fairly famous in 1919, however he doesn’t seem to be well-remembered today.

Flora Team Romps at Will

From the Flora Journal-Record October 26, 1922

Looks like small town excitement about football is nothing new.

The Flora football team took the Bridgeport team to a fine rendition of "The Slaughterhouse Blues" on last Saturday afternoon when the two teams met In their annual battle at the fair grounds. The final score wag 78 to 0. At the end of the game Coach Cully had used about all his subs, two water boys had pumped a well dry, a couple of hundred of fans had used up their vocal cords and ye scribe had exhausted nearly a ream of paper.

The fight of the men at Gideon, the mean spear slung by the regulars in David's volunteer corps, the fusses won by Caesar, the Black hole of Calcutta, the Ohio Indian massacres, the Armenian slaughter or that epochal day in football when the mighty Macoubrie, (or however you spell it) ran seventy yards through a broken field way out in Kansas for a touchdown while the audience rose as one man —none of these had even as much as an eye-winker on this local affray of ours. The defeat was too complete.

The game was hotly contested from the time the referee blew his whistle for the first kickoff until the ball, which had been walloped in the slats by Renfro's toe, settled for the first time In enemy territory. Yes, the game was closely contested for perhaps a half minute. From then on it was simply line up and score until Flora had made twelve touchdowns and half as many goal kicks. Flora backfield men went through the Bridgeport team like a pair of newlywed moths through an eighty dollar coat. Bridgeport tacklers found that Venable, Renfro, et al., were who they could stop nearly anyone else but.

Venable played the best game of his career against the Oiltown eleven, making four touchdowns. He made 35 yards the flrst time he was called. 52 yards und a touchdown the second time and 15 and 20 yards on several occasions. He had been called upon eight times to carry the ball when he left the game to give Harris a chance early In the seeond half and in these eight chances he had gained 124 yards.

Exclusive of passes the locals gained about 560 yards. Renfro and Knight both gained over 150 yards, but both were called on to carry the ball more then Venable. Renfro showed up especially well in the second half when he was given much better interference than in the first half. His kicking both in the kick-off and the punting was the best seen in Flora in ten years. He kicked the ball to the Bridgeport ten yard line nearly every time he booted it and several times to the one and two yard mark.

McDonald at quarter, ran the playa He contrlbuted a touchdown in the third period.

Flora's backfield showed up no better 'midst the landslide than the line —the well-known forward wall played themselves a wonderful game from start to finish. Bridgeport made as many yards though the Flora line as there are heels on a boot and about as many round the orange and blue ends as there are fingers in a glove.

Valbert, Reslow and Gaban broke through the visitors' line and got the man with the ball for a loss so many times we lost count and Meyer, who was playing his first game. Flexter, Pitchford, and Zimmerman also contributed to the yards lost in this way. The ends, Goldsby and Griffith, aided greatly downfall of Bridgeport.

Little Burris, weight 123 pounds,took Venable's place In the second half for a short time and proved that good goods comes in a small package. He hammered his way through the visiting team several times for nice gains and on one kickoff ran the ball back twenty yards before six or eight tacklers laid him low.

Valbert gave the rooters a laugh in the third quarter when be grabbed a pass and beat it toward the goal line about sixty yards away. He had proceeded about five yards when two tacklers bit him at the same time from opposite directions. He preceded about fifteen yards further before the effect of this ballast took any effect on him and he laid down for rest. Two tacklers on "Gib" have about the same effect as two fleas on an elephant.

Although beaten to a standstill, the Bridgeport lads didn't quit for a minute, but fought to get a score. They completed several passes on the locals for good gains and in the first quarter completed two in succession which took them to our eighteen yard line —closer than any other team has been to a score on Flora.

Their best players were Nellis, a heavy end, and their quarterback.

Many people paid Bridgeport a fine tribute by saying that they were the best losers that have ever playet here —which is exactly correct.

Following Is a list ot the scores in tbe order made: Renfro, Venable, Venable, Venable, Venable Knight, Renfro, Knight, McDonald, Renfro, Goldsby, Knight, Rentro booted 4 drop kicks across the bar following touchdowns and Knight contributed 2. Total 78 points.

There will be no game on the local gridiron this week, all efforts to book a game having tailed up to this point.

Penman Confesses to All but Motive for Murder

After his capture in Vermilion County Penman is moved to the jail in Urbana Illinois.  The following is from interviews in the Urbana jail and earlier from a meeting with reporters in Danville Illinois. The story is from the Urbana Courier-Herald August 15, 1913

DENIES MURDER HAD BEEN PLANNED

CROWD AT JAIL APPLAUDS

Story From Fugitive's Own Lips of How He Fled From Place to Placed, Always Fearful of Arrest and Haunted by the Memory of His Deed —Says He Shot Shaw and Beat Him With Club -Jumps From Train Running 30 Miles an Hour —Scorns Insanity plea

Gust Penman, murderer of Harold A. Shaw, captured Thursday afternoon at Ridge farm and brought to Urbana at 12:15 this morning, has confessed all but the motive for the heinous crime. He declares that the murder was not premeditated and that he shot Shaw in the heat of anger during a quarrel over the purchase of the latter's automobile. The state's attorney is not satisfied with this and believes Penman is trying to shield someone indirectly connected with the murder —a girl, perhaps. But Penman denies that there was any other motive and answers queries as to a possible love affair with a single word—"No!".

Gaunt from starvation and loss of sleep and with a terrible, haunted look in his large protruding eyes, the murderer sat alone in a semi-darkened cell in the Vermilion county jail, Thursday night, and stared wonderingly at the crowd of newspaper men and officers, sent over from Urbana, as they entered.

"Fellows," he said, "it is horrible, I want to tell you that I have one of the best fathers and one of the best mothers in the world, and now I have as good as killed them.

"My one ambition was to reach Philo, see my dear old parents, surrender myself to Jess Wimmer, a poor man, let him get the reward and then take my life.

Suddenly the murderer asked "How many newspaper men are in here?"

A deputy called off the names of the papers represented, including the Urbana Courier-Herald.

Penman then drew- an attorney's business card from his pocket and tendered it. It bore the name of S. Murray Clark, a Danville lawyer, whom Penman said had called on Him soon after his arrest. "He says I must not talk."

Prior to this, Penman had willingly granted an interview to all the newspaper men present, so he was not Pressed to repeat his story, which is appended to this article.

Some details, told in the drawling tone characteristic of the man, were drawn oot by adroit questioning by State's Attorney L. A. Busch in the course of their conversation the Dodsworth murder was mentioned.

"That was a horrible, horrible, affair wasn't it?", said the man who confesses to a crime ten-fold as fiendish.

Someone asked what his plea would be.

"I do not know. I will do what is right, fellows, but I am not insane and I will not stand for any lawyer putting up that kind of defense."

The story of the crime and escape, condensed, as told bv the murderer is as follows:

Saturday 5:40 pm met Harold Shaw and Mark Henson in Philo. Secured gun and left with Shaw in auto,
leaving Henson.

Saturday, about 7 p. m. shot Shaw and crushed his skull with a club six miles south of Philo.

Saturday, 8:15 p. m., returned and brought Henson to Urbana.

Saturday, about 9 p. m., went to Villa Grove, returning to Philo after midnight. Murder did not worry him greatly up to then.

Sunday, 3.15 a. m., worried about the body lying out in the open, borrowed a spade from Jess Wimmer and dug a grave near body. Fainted at sight of corpse's face, but recovered and continued digging at another point, with head turned away from the body.

Sunday, spent day riding about Philo, Champaign, and Urbana, trying to gain courage to surrender to sheriff.

Sunday, S:30 p. m., started for Danville with Wilson of Sidney. Arrested for running without light and without tire at Danville, but released.

Monday morning, took Big Four train to Indianapolis. Leaving there, tbought conductor recognized him and jumped while train was running thirty miles an hour. During the day he reached Hamilton, 0., where he borrowed a typewriter and wrote a message addressed it to himself at Philo aud signed the name "Harold." Went from Hamilton to Cincinnati and thence to Terre Haute. Leaving Terre Haute Wednesday morning as stated in Wednesday afternoon's Courier-Herald, he arrived in Danville a few hours later and within thirty minutes was walking the railroad track to Philo determined to surrender to Jess Wimmer, the man who gave the damaging evidence that put officers on his trail.

The Murderer's Confession

"Yes, I killed him," he said between sobs when questioned by the newspaper men. "I'm sorry I did it, for he was among the best friends I ever had. If we had,been together an hour later I would not have done it. It was really not me who killed him, but booze.

"I was on my way back home to give myself up when I was arrested. Had I been let alone for a few more hours. I would have visited my parents and then turned myself over to the officers. I tell you, fellows, it's terrible. Death is much sweeter than living in this manner. Last night was the first rest I have had since I killed my friend and then I slept because I was entirely worn out.

"I can hardly think, much less talk and tell a clear story, but I will tell it to you just as I can. You will excuse any lapses, for 1 can hardly bring myself to realize what I am doing and what I have done. I only hope to see my parents again before I die, but fellows, it will be terrible to meet them.

"I have had better chances than nine out of ten boys and here I have thrown all away. To think that I should have had the chances I have good parents, good home, the best of care and to be destined to fill the grave of a felon. I trust that all of my friends and acquaintances will come to see me at the Champaign county jail. I will talk to them and warn them of the pitfalls which besets their way, and the pitfalls are many and varied.

"Fellows, Saturday morning I came to Danville and at that time had great plans for my future. All of Saturday my friends and I spent in this town drinking and carousing. Saturday afternoon late we left for home. I was drunk when I left here. I was drunk when I reached Philo. Shaw and a friend by the name of Henson met me at the station. We drove out to my home. We left Henson and went for a drive. We drove to the farm, I had tn the meantime been to my brother's room and procured a revolver which he bad secreted there. He knew nothing of it.

"Why l took the revolver I cannot tell. I often took it and carried it about and as usual I slipped it in my front trousers pocket. Out at the farm I told Harold I wanted to look, at some fence which was not in the best of shape and started off. He asked me to wait a minute, saying he would go with me. He did. We waited out in the pasture and were looking at the stock. Meanwhile I was studying about buying that car. I had nearly decided not to take it and told him so. He said I had contracted to take it and must do it. I replied that I had a mind of my own and that if I did not want the car, I would not take it. He stated that unless I did take it he would cause me lots of trouble. I asked him what sort of trouble and he refused to reply. We exchanged hot words and jerking the pistol from my pocket I shot him. How many times I shot him I do not know, perhaps three, perhaps but two. As he fell, I picked up a stick, a bit of brush, which was lying there and struck him on the head and face repeatedly. How many times 1 struck him I do not know.

"I returned to the house. I did not yet realize what I had done. Afterward when I realized that I had killed my friend and that I was liable to bo arrested, I went home and after emptying the revolver, I placed It where my brother kept it. I then left and went to Villa Grove in the car. I returned from Villa drove about 3 o'clock in the morning, and went to the home of Jesse Wimmer, a friend of the family, and borrowed a tile spade. I thought someone might find the body out there in the open pasture and decided to bury it. I dug a hole just as small as I could, so that it would not take long. The first hole I started I found would take too long, the ground being hard. I could not bear to look upon, his face and was compelled, to do all the work with my head turned. Once I looked at him and then fainted. Here Penman broke down for a few moments and could not continue for sobbing.

"Where was I? Let me see?" He was prompted and continued with his tale. "Yes, yes. 1 went to Champaign early Sunday, determined to give myself up and several times started to see the sheriff. After making several starts and turning back, I finally went to Urbana late in the afternoon, but as I came in sight of the jail I could not summon up courage to give myself up. I drove to Sidney and returned. I thought I would get money from Mr. Shaw and would leave the country. Well, I started and went to Sidney again. Then I went to Homer and finally to Danville. I was starting for Argentina, where I hoped to lose myself so that no one would ever find me. I remembered having read that there was no chance to arrest and return me from there. I told Wilson I was going to Hoopeston. I did that just to fool him. Then shortly afterward the police stopped me. I thought perhaps some one had found the body. When I found different I decided to go east and get away.

"I went to Cincinnati, O. There I wandered about some and could not stand.it. I could not sleep. I decided to return home. I started. I drifted into Hamilton. There I bought a post card. I went into another store and asked to use the typewriter to write the card. I hoped to divert attention until I could get home and give myself up . I'm getting ahead of my story, however. After leaving police headquarters in Danville, I doubled around in several directions, visited a couple of depots, so that I might confuse anyone tracing me. Finally I boarded the head end of a train and rode to Indianapolis. On Monday I started back. I boarded a train out of Indianapolis, but the same conductor I went over with was on the train and fearing, he would recognize me and report me, I jumped off while the train was going about thirty miles an hour. I walked all of the way to Greencastle, Ind. Prom there I went into Terre Haute.

"I came fo Danville from Terre Haute on the morning train and got off at the Junction station. The officer there spoke to me and I was afraid he was about to arrest me. I came straight South down Collett street to Main. At a little restaurant just west of Collett on Main street, I stopped for breakfast. As I was eating I noticed in the paper a story about the car. Fellows, right there I almost fainted. I could not eat another bite. The man in the restaurant there will tell you that I left a part of my breakfast. I handed him fifty cents, and he gave me back a quarter.

"I then went south down through the hills and hollows to a place they call Grape Creek. I spent some little time about there and continued walking around. There at night, some night, I don't know what night, I have no idea as to time. I have slept so little been so worried I hardly know my own name. Whatever night it was I slept in a little church. Some one said it was McKindree, or something like tnat. I continued walking, several times losing my way and getting confused but going in the general direction of home. l'll tell you my plan. I intended going home and visiting the folks. Then I was going to Jesse Wimmer the man from whom I borrowed the  spade. He is a poor ma and he was always been a good friend of the family. I was going to have him take me to jail and get the reward because he needs it.

"I was tired and leafing about that little town down there waiting for night to start home. I talked to some boys and they must have told the officers. Even after the officers came I denied my identity. One of them saw my Masonic charm and he asked me about it. I denied that I was a member of the lodge. I told him my name was something else; that I came from Texas and that I had been working over in Indiana. I had no intention of lying, to them, but did it so that I might escape until 1 could reach home and carry out my original plans.

"I did everything just as I have said it. There is another thing I want. Over at Terre Haute I borrowed $5 from a good friend of mine. I want that money paid back to him. There is also a very kind hearted police officer in Cincinnati who gave me twenty-five cents for something to eat and I would like that money returned to him. He was a poor man, as I pretended to be, and he felt much sympathy for me. If it had not bean that I had planned to have Joss Wimmer collect that reward money, I would have given myself up to that kind hearted officer

In concluding his story Penman stated he feared he would be mobbed when he reached Champaign; that the officers would be unable to protect him from the crowd "I know how well Harold was liked. I have been friends with him for a long time. Everybody liked him. He was as dear to me as anyone could be. That is why I hate it so bad, now that I realize what I have done. I tell you, it is terrible. I hardly know what to do. l want to meet my parents yet I am afraid to meet them. I don't know whether I can. stand the strain. I fear I cannot live through the trying ordeal of greeting my poor old mother. Just think what her thoughts must be, I know she would take my place willingly if she could and it is the thought of the pain and heart weariness I am causing her that hurts me worse than the thought of death. Great God, fellows, I want each and every one of you to think of me whenever you have thoughts of straying from the path of righteousness. Just recall me as you see me now. That is how each and every one of you must suffer just as I am suffering now. Like i have done, though you will probably disregard my advice, but, fellows, better advice was never given. Shun liquor and bad women as you would shun a snake. Each is a thousand fold more poisonous than the most poisonous snake ever hatched and both lead only to the pitfalls which caught me.

GIRL GRADUATE ACCUSES YOUTH

Urbana Courier-Herald June 11, 1913

CLIFFORD HUMMELL JAILED ON JENNIE POAGE'S COMPLAINT

She Is Youngest Pupil Ever Finishing Course in Urbana High School —Received Diploma Friday Evening

Jennie Poage, who was graduated from Thornburn high school last Friday evening has caused the arrest on a paternity charge of Clifford Hummel, a Champaign electrician, and the latter occupied a cell in the county jail today, unable to give bond. Miss Poage is only seventeen years old, being the youngest pupil ever graduated from the Urbana high school. Hummel was arrested in Champaign late Tuesday afternoon and after an unsuccessful effort to give bond, sent for his father at Brooks, Ind.

Prisoner Is Under Age

Hummel is twenty years old. He is anxious to marry the girl as a way out of his trouble; but, being under age, must obtain the consent of his father or mother. A brother tried to adjust matters Tuesday night and wired the father upon finding all efforts to secure his brother's release, futile.

Girl Is From Homer.

The Poage girl comes from Homer, where she has always borne a good reputation. The announcement of her trouble created surprise among her classmates at Thornburn, who knew her as a quiet and studious pupil. Hummel and the girl applied for a marriage license upon the arrival of his father this afternoon, but there was some question as to ages and the permit was withheld while the state's attorney looked up the law. At a late hour the license had not been issued.

W.C. Fields movie at the Park Theater

March 27, 1927

Santa Claus Soap our Choice

From an ad in The Quincy Daily Herald on March 9, 1893

Neighborhood Row over Calf in Court

Urbana Courier-Herald January 23, 1905

MCGARIGLE VS. KAISER

Calf Wandered and Then Ensued Pitched Battle

Last week it was a wash bill, this week a neighborhood row over a calf occupies the time of the circuit court. Today the troubles of Mrs. Anna Belle McGarigle and Mrs. Una Kaiser, both of North Oak street Champaign, were related to a Jury.

Mrs. McGarigle, it seems, had a calf which wandered over to Mrs. Kaiser's, two doors north, and there the animal's owner sought it. Here there is a wide divergence of testimony. Mrs. McGarigle declares she was attacked by her neighbor; Mrs Kaiser says that that Mrs McGarigle came down on her like the Assyrians came down on the fold. At any rate the Champaign police when called found the two women engaged in a hand to hand combat.

Mrs McGarigle wants $1,000 damages, the action she brings being for trespass.

Holiness Men Choked

Urbana Courier-Herald January 23, 1905

Preachers "Mix" With Young Men, Getting Worst of Encounter

LIVELY RUMPUS WHILE SUNDAY MEETING IS ON

No Arrests or Complaints Are Made—How the Trouble Started.

Preachers Moore and Clark, expounders of the Holiness faith, were choked and otherwise assailed Sunday night during services at the Holiness church on Market street. The preachers and several young men of Urbana "mixed" in a general melee and the fur flew for quite a little while.

Clark, it is stated, was delivering a tirade against masonry and churches from the platform while his co-worker was standing in the rear when one of the party which became involved in the fracas made a remark in which he consigned the speaker to the same place he was sending other people. Moore is said to have ordered the young man out and to have taken him by the ear. Whereupon the dogs of war were let loose. Friends of the young man who "mixed" took a hand and there was a lively time. Clark it is said was badly choked but not seriously injured. When the melee ceased the party filed out.

No arrests wre made and no complaint was made at the police station today. A report from Officer McKinney to Chief Hawley stated that there was "rough house" at the Holiness meeting This was all the information the police had.

Police begin vice crusade

Urbana Courier-Herald August 25, 1910

DETECTIVES BELIEVED TO BE AT
WORK HERE.

Are After Bootleggers—Chief Morgan Called to Settle Family Row— Other Important Police Matters.

Spurred to action by open violations of the liquor laws, the Urbana police have started a crusade against bootleggers, which, if nothing else, will drive the alley venders from this city. It has been reported that bootlegging has heen going on among a certain class of undesirables, and while the officers have been unable to get conclusive evidence against guilty parties, they have opened a system of Shadowing which will present the lllicits from disposing of their wares. This, it in believed, will eventually drive them from the clly; or it may be the means of landing someone. It is whispered that two detectives are at work In plain clothes, having gone on duty Tuesday afternoon. One alleged bootlegger, against whom evidence has been secured has skipped, and others are missing from their usual haunts. It has been promised that there will be something doing when the September grand jury meets.

Sends for Police
On Tuesday afternoon Mrs. Susan Funk of Bast Water street sent for the police. Chief Morgan answered the call and was compelled to listen to a tale of woe incident to a row with neighbors, children being the principal aggressors. Mrs. Funk would not swear out a warrant and the chief could do nothing.

Complains of Pigeons.
Another incident showing what is expected of the police —Chief Morgan was called into a house on South Race street by a lady who asked what she could do to prevent pigeons from building nests under the eaves of her front porch. The chief confessed that he didn't know, but recommended getting out an injunction writ.

Man dragged to death in stalk rake

Urbana Courier-Herald April 14, 1934

Newol Curtis, age 34, a tenant on  the E. C. Bowser farm, a quarter of a mile north of Deers station, was dragged to death beneath a corn stalk rake at 10:30 o'clock this morning.

Curtis was standing in front of a team hitched to the rake as it left the  barn yard and when the horse took  fright at something and started to run, he attempted to seize the bridle. He was knocked down and caught in the rake, being dragged a considerable distance before the team was stopped. He was dead when extricated from the rake

The body was removed to the Renner Funeral Home in this city and Coroner Shurtz notified. The inquest probably will be held sometime today. Funeral services will be conducted at three o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the home and the body will be taken overland to Columbus Ind. for  burial, leaving Monday morning.

Mr. Curtis was born in Nashville, Indiana, October 21, 1899 and came to the vicinity of Deers station 12 years ago. He was married 13 years ago to Miss Mary Raush, who with two children,. Keith, 12, and Gleridale, three, survives. His parents live at Columbus, Ind., and one brother, Perry, farms in the vicinity of Deers station.

HUSBAND'S RETURN THWARTS TRAGEDY

Urbana Courier-Herald March 29, 1912

WIFE BECOMES INSANE DURING
HIS ABSENCE.
Three-year-old Boy Alone With Demented Mother —Imagined Child
Had Been Called to Heaven.

When George Morgan, a postal clerk on the Illinois Central, went on his run the other day, he left his wife and three-year-old son, a beautiful child, happy and in good health. When he returned late Monday afternoon he found the little fellow terrified at the queer actions of his mother, who had become a raving maniac during his absence. She told him that God had called her and the boy to heaven, and Morgan believes that his return prevented a double tragedy.

Is Adjudged Insane
Mrs. Morgan of Champaign was adjudged insane and committed to the Eastern Illinois Hospital at Kankakee, by a jury in county court on Thursday afternoon. The jury was composed of Dr. J. Bartholow, John Heppe, Jesse M. Sadorus, George Riley. R, A. Sturgeon and Z. Alsip. The case is a peculiar one. Mrs. Morgan had never manifested symptoms of insanity until last Monday. When her husband returned from his run that evening she refused to prepare his supper, and when he started to get the evening meal for himself and their little son, she run screaming out of doors, alarming the neighborhood

She finally was quieted and returned to the house. Even then Morgan did not realize that she had lost her reason, thinking that something dreadful had happened during his absence to agitate her.

Fears For Child's Life.
Mrs. Morgan had always been devoted to the little boy, but that night when he asked her to put him to bed she replied, "I don't want anything to do with you." Then she told her husband that God had called her and the child to heaven. Morgan then realized that something was seriously wrong, and fearing that she would kill herself and the boy, called a physician. Several medical men have examined the unfortunate woman, but are unable to explain the cause of her sudden attack of insanity.

"I knoow something is the matter with me," she said on the witness stand. "There's something pressing against my brain."

Prior to her marriage Mrs. Morgan was Miss Susie K.Birch, for many years bookkeeper for W. Lewis & Co.