MENU100 Years Ago
Life in Viroqua from the Vernon County Censor:
SEPT. 27, 1922
They say there is nothing new under the sun, but so far as our knowledge goes Vernon County’s bastille added a new chapter to the county’s history sometime last Saturday night when two young men awaiting trial sawed through the bars and flew to parts unknown. They were Ray Marker and Earl McDaniel, who were arrested a week or two ago on a liquor charge and were waiting for trial at the October term of court...they connived to have a hacksaw slipped to them from the outside world, make a neat job of sawing the bars and gained their freedom.
Troubles never come singly, apparently. In the midst of being desperately busy trying to issue the paper and at the same time cope with the mass of job work incident to fair week, the Censor’s big cylinder press threw a fit this morning and the result was the breakage of three very vital parts. The break was a serious one, requiring many hours to repair, and the Censor is grateful to the efficient efforts of mechanic Victor Buckles in getting us back on our feet again with the minimum of delay.
Vernon county is soon to lose one of her officials, Sept. Sam Neprud of the Asylum having been selected by the head officials of the State Tobacco Pool as Field Man for the Pool... Mr. and Mrs. Neprud have agreed to remain in charge of affairs at the asylum until after the annual meeting of the county board in November.
The Censor office has a good opening for a bright young man who is not afraid of work and wants to learn the printing trade. Apply at the office at once.
SEPT. 20, 1922
The second week of the school year opened with all departments of our schools crowded to the limit. The enrollment in the high school is the largest by a large margin... The enrollment had reached three hundred twenty four by Monday noon.
All roads lead to Viroqua next week – the occasion being the 66th annual fair of the Vernon County Fair Society. Elaborate plans have been made to make this the premier event in the history of the society, and you will miss it if you miss it. The exhibits in all departments are expected to establish a record this year. The two free attractions are guaranteed to be the best...a fast field of horses assures a race meet that is bound to please you.
Announcement of the opening of Brenner’s Variety Store, which will take place Saturday morning of this week. Mr. Brenner has nicely arranged the center of the room of the Roman building and will display a nice stock...
The Fred Eckhart Company will pay 32¢ per bushel for Good Oats delivered to us within the next few days.
While at Hillsboro last week, Cyrus Butt met with an experience that nearly cost him his life. When walking on the street he was attacked by an enraged over-heated steer which later dropped dead. Cyrus was thrown to the ground, and trampled upon but finally made his escape with severe bruises and frightened beyond words. Having only recovered from a three week’s siege with an infected foot, he is fearful of what will next befall hem.
SEPT. 13, 1922
No piece of machinery of its size entering Viroqua has attracted more attention than the modern popcorn and peanut roaster which George Pennell has just installed in his restaurant. The machine is all electrical, each kernel is buttered as it is popped, and a blower arrangement at the bottom which agitates the beautiful white kernels with electric lights on each side, is a never failing source of interest to people passing his window.
It probably is best not to make any more night auto trips than necessary, and when you do don’t stop to pick up passengers or investigate articles found laying in the road. Although against the law, yet a revolver carried in your car when night trips are necessary adds somewhat to a person’s peace of mind. Take precautions, but don’t become hysterical.
A special meeting of the electors of Col. May school district was held last Wednesday evening and it was voted to rebuild the school house which was so mysteriously destroyed by fire several days ago. The new structure will be of brick veneer construction, and slightly larger than the old school – 33x37 feet – and work will be started as soon as possible.
As the Censor goes to press, the last loads of concrete are being laid on the eastern pavement contract which completes Viroqua’s paving contracts.
Ole Rund brought in two mighty fine leaves of tobacco last week. They... measured 22x36 inches. Ole has five acres of the same, all running very uniform.
Following the extremely hot weather and drought of the past six weeks, broken last Thursday by copious downpours, a period of cool weather set in and light frost was reported Monday morning.
SEPT. 6, 1922
The country to the west of Viroqua is greatly incensed over the burning of the fine brick Col. May school house. At five o’clock Monday morning, the structure was discovered in flames and was completely destroyed. As the building has not been occupied during the summer vacation, the fire was undoubtedly of incendiary origin. The loss is a grievous one to the district, as the structure could not be replaced for $10,000.
Reports coming in from those who are soliciting for the Tobacco Warehouse are very encouraging. There is no doubt but what sufficient stock will be sold to cover any Warehouse that may be required to handle the tobacco tributary in Viroqua... Every tobacco grower in this locality should be interested in this warehouse.
The progressive ladies of Viroqua are to be congratulated on their enterprise in beautifying the city of Viroqua. The fruit of their labors of several months ago is now bearing fruit, Electrician Seiler and his crew extending the white way down past Gillette Street on Main, installing six new light posts.
In order to improve sanitary conditions in Viroqua, the Board requests that Viroqua people who are using cess pools connect up with the city sewage system as rapidly as possible. The system needs the water for its successful operation. The board has full power to arbitrarily order all cess pool users to connect at once but much prefers that this action be not necessary and that connection be made at the convenience of users, providing this is done, within a reasonable time. BOARD OF HEALTH, Viroqua.