MENU100 Years Ago
Life in Viroqua from the Vernon County Censor:
APRIL 28, 1920
Eugene Denning has sold his stock of meat to H.E. Anderson and closed his shop because of inability to secure another business place in Viroqua. This leaves our city with but one meat shop.
Children’s and misses’ wash dresses, $2.50 to $7.50 at M.J. Felix’.
A number of business men of Hillsboro have organized a building company and will erect a number of houses and sell the houses and lots to purchasers at actual cost. The houses will range in cost from $500 to $2500.
The new popcorn car of Mr. Bann is enjoying a prosperous trade on the streets each evening.
Because of continually advancing cost of living, I am compelled to ask that all ice be paid for in advance. Kindly pay when you get your card. This will enable me to hold down the price of ice. J.A. Tewalt.
We regret to give publicity to the fact that opposition to Viroqua’s sewage proposition has developed to the point where a remonstrance petition has been circulated, signed by seventy citizens and filed with the city clerk, calling for a special election on the 20th of May, with the apparent intention of killing the whole proposition... There will be a city here 5000 years from now; if the world lasts that long, and the need for sewage will grow more acute with each passing year. It MUST come soon, Why not now?
The Censor, which stands at all times for every public betterment... pleads with our citizens to vote for the bonding ordinance. Do not take a backward step.
APRIL 21, 1920
NEW FIRE TRUCK ARRIVES
- Viroqua’s fine new fire truck created quite a sensation as it dashed through Main Street Tuesday evening will [sic] bell clinging. It is a powerful and efficient machine, and handsome as it is efficient.
The machine has all exposed metal parts in full nickle plate, body is painted a bright red with black and gold striping.
BUTT SLEEPS IN CEMETERY
And Dr. W.E. Butt slept in Viroqua cemetery Sunday night – not because he considered himself dead, but to prove his lack of fear and to pull down the $10 which Manager B.C. Brown offered in last week’s advertising. This novel stunt was prompted by the great picture The Greatest Question, which deals with the hereafter... the sleeper [must] relate his experience during the running of the picture, and will receive the $10. Be there to hear Doc tell about it – how the sparrows gave him a thrill, how he protected himself from the elements, where he slept etc.
A little wind storm Monday morning did some damage to residences here. Between fire and wind this vicinity has suffered much damage this winter and spring.
APRIL 14, 1920
Hon. A.H. Dahl has disposed of his large business block at Westby to Villard & Sons, clothiers, and S. Halvorson, hardware dealer. Mr. Dahl moved to Kenosha more than a year since.
Wanted – Someone to spend the night alone in a grave yard - $10 offered to anyone who will sleep alone from 10 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in the grave yard. No professional medium need apply. Apply at Star Theatre.
Due to wreck on the Kickapoo branch and strike at Chicago, Ford Dealer A.E. Zimdars of LaFarge is having his “Lizzies” shipped to Viroqua. He was here Friday and Monday driving home cars.
Nels Fortney takes the prize for having received the largest crop of the season – that of Larson Bros, of this city which totaled 34,143 pounds and brought them a check of $10,580.55. This crop was raised on about 20 acres, and the price was 35¢, 10¢ for filler and grasshopper eaten stuff.
Seems natural to see the “buzz wagons” on the go again. County roads are smoothing out nicely under the patrolmen’s care.
Frightened by the Milwaukee train, Tuesday morning, Warren Fish’s team ran away, demolishing the surrey, harness, breaking off a telephone pole and throwing the wires across the track.
LaFarge Enterprise reports that traffic on the Kickapoo railroad was interrupted for a couple of days by a wreck just north of the tunnel. A freight was derailed, the entire train, except for the engine, leaving the track. On account of the terrible weather the work of clearing the track was somewhat slow.
APRIL 7, 1920
While at Andrew Johnson’s, assisting in loading a hog, Steener Jacobson sustained a broken leg.
Men of the Methodist church fed about two hundred people at their fine supper Tuesday evening.
Carl Gilberts and John Slette of Newry section, were in the city on business today. While here Mr. Slette bought Selmer Sherry’s span of fine bay geldings, full brothers, 5 and 6 years old, price $400.
The usual round of spring altering and renovation is getting under way. Albert Larson has made extensive repairs and additions to his home, Brown Music Company have erected fine phonograph demonstration booth, Pennell’s restaurant is adorned with fresh paint and varnish.
Although there was no outstanding issue in Tuesday’s city election, yet the largest vote was polled in the town’s history, 533... Luther Roseland is to be our new mayor, defeating W.E. Garrett by 88 majority.
Keep Off the Rock
I hereby give notice that I will tolerate no trespassing by children on my property known as the Court House Rock, both because of the damage done by them and the danger to them. Picnic parties of adults are, however, permitted to use it as in the past. CHRIS DAVIG.
Sugar prices higher than they have been in 50 years is the prediction of the sugar experts, next fall and winter, it is stated, probably will see sugar sold in meager rations at almost prohibitive cost.
Cold Easter Sunday morning mercury gage stood at 12 above zero.
Stanley Johnson is proving a public benefactor, having trapped three wolves out on Nottingham Ridge this winter, getting the last one a few days ago. Incidentally, the bounty of $20 each makes a neat little pocket piece.