MENU100 Years Ago
Life in Viroqua from the Vernon County Censor:
JAN. 27, 1926
The town of Forest has erected snow brakes on what is known as the Dilly hill, on the road leading from Valley, to keep the road from drifting full of snow. The brakes consist of a fence made of slats which is placed on both sides of the road, and is said to be proving quite a success in preventing the snow from drifting and blocking the road. We are informed that this is the first attempt made in Vernon county to keep the roads open to travel by the use of snow brakes. – Hillsboro Sentry.
During the extremely heavy wind Saturday afternoon, the Northern States high line to this city parted near Westby, and Viroqua was without current for several hours. The local plant was steamed up to relieve the situation and the gale and drifted roads gave all the light men between here and Sparta a bad afternoon locating the break and repairing the same.
Hats off to the V.H.S. basket ball team! After losing their first three games, they have finally struck a winning stride. Last Friday night they journeyed to Westby and defeated that team by a 12 to 9 score.
The Censor is informed that the despicable dog poisoner is again abroad in the land, the canine population of the city of Viroqua being reduced by three Monday night...advise dog owners to watch their pets carefully for a time.
Viola, January 25 – The weather is extremely cold and the annual ice harvest is on. Men with teams are busy filling ice houses in this place...
DeSoto, January 25 – The DeSoto Co-operative creamery has been leased to Mr. Ed. Seaman of Clinton, Wisconsin, a man who is managing twenty-two creameries. Mr. Seaman will engage a buttermaker and open the business closed for the past four years.
JAN. 20, 1926
John Heck lost two valuable cows from poisoning after eating tobacco leaves, at his farm on Dach Ridge. Three more were sick but Dr. Geo. Minshall was called in due time and saved them.
We have a good line of men’s flannel shirts, in all sizes. Remember, winter is not over, and a good flannel shirt will give you many comfortable days. Surenson & Thompson, The Farmers Store.
The road from Viroqua to Westby is again open for travel after being closed for the past two weeks... On Tuesday afternoon using the county grader, the Buick truck and common plows, [the men] broke up the drifts, threw out the snow, and made a nice track through the blocked stretches. So travel can once more be enjoyed on the pavement until snow and wind again block things up.
The county snow plow arrived last week, but some parts did not arrive. As soon as they come, it will be assembled and put to work.
Since the block up of the ridge roads only two roads have been open out of Viroqua – the Viola road to the east and the Sidie Hollow road to the Mississippi River – and these two roads have been carrying a very considerable amount of traffic... It is now very narrow and with many bumps and dips, but we are informed that an expenditure of $3000 would grade and put this road from Viroqua to the river in good condition. It would certainly be a wonderful convenience... The Censor surely hopes that some action will be taken to bring this matter before the Board at its next session.
The Censor calls attention to the Viroqua Creamery Co...more than five million pounds of cream were received during the year, from which 1,762,842 pounds of butter were made. The cost of manufacturing each pound of butter was reduced from 1.99 to 1.94 cents.
JAN. 13, 1926
107TH ENGINEER NOTES
The rifle gallery is now ready for use and target practice will be a part of the regular encampment at Camp Douglas, to have all of the men fire the full course. This will give the men very valuable instruction and aid them in making better scores at camp. We still have room for three or four good men who would like to enlist.
Westby, January 4 – The Westby Snowflake Ski Club will hold its annual Ski Tournament on Wednesday, February 10. Lamoine Batson of Eau Claire, who rode in the noted Olympic tournament in France, two years ago, has been engaged to ride for Westby in Class A. Several local men will ride in Class B... A mass meeting was held on Tuesday night at the auditorium of the W.H.S., for the purpose of discussing the sewer system problem of the city. Mr. Tully of the state board of health of Madison gave an interesting talk on the question from a sanitation viewpoint, while Mr. Kirchofft, construction engineer, gave a talk on construction and financing of a sewer system for the city. A vote taken by the taxpayers present resulted in 54 for and 23 against.
Viola, January 9 – Many in this vicinity are ill with colds and the grip, and several serious cases of pneumonia have developed. Dr. Parke is suffering with the rest.
Readstown, January 11 – The tobacco ware house in this village opened last Wednesday for this season’s work. People are rejoicing as it will give employment to many for the winter and help all business in a general way... The Ladies’ Christian Workers will serve a 15¢ lunch at the home of Mrs. Bernard Calloway, Thursday afternoon January 21. Everyone is invited.
JAN. 6, 1926
An unusually interesting and impressive service was held at the Methodist church last Sunday night when Irwin G. Paulson showed his stercoption [sic] reproductions of the great masterpieces of the Life of Christ. Each picture was illustrated with appropriate scripture read by Irwin, and a hymn sung by a quartette.
Local basket ball fans are rejoicing over the fact that the referee’s whistle will sound for the first time this season when the locals meet the fast Westby High School quintette on Friday of this week.
The spell of mild weather, mingled with rain and fog, extending over, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, brought about an ideal condition of case weather and brought all the weed in this section into prime condition to be taken from the poles... The mild weather was followed by several inches of snow which, bourn on the wings of a strong wind from the northwest, has once more blocked up most of the ridge roads.
The city skating rink has been put in condition, and the youngsters are having a rollicking good time, enjoying the royal winter sport.
Another Christmas program passed and gone with the teacher still alive, and the children enjoying themselves hughly [sic]... Staley school.
Springville, January 4 – Our new merchants, Mr. Hughes & Son, are now installed in their new home and we extend them the glad hand of welcome... Mr. and Mrs. VanDyke, after spending so many years behind the counter here left for their new home near Bloomingdale.
Thursday night at the National Bank building, Gilbert of Sparta, checker expert, or a substitute, will play all checker players at once, who come to play, one player at each of 5 to 10 boards and a cigar will be given to each winner.