Our Town: Halloween pranks, window peeping get four O’Fallon kids in trouble in 1948

O’Fallon Halloween mischief started early in 1948 as reported by the Progress in this October 28 article from that year.

“Four O’Fallon youths, in the 17-year age, alleged to have carried Hallowe’en pranks just beyond public favor, are finding themselves in trouble with the law. The lads are alleged to have darkened homes by pulling outside meter switches and also of window peeping.

“Depredations in various forms have been reported to police with the result that more stringent measures are now being resorted to in curbing what is considered a nuisance by the general public. Violations of the laws of decency are punishable by fines. This also applies to the malicious damage or destruction of property.

“‘Most O’Fallon boys and girls indulge in innocent fun, but it’s deplorable that a few of them have to resort to tearing things up or molesting the peace of our citizens,’ Chief of Police William Morton said yesterday.

“‘It’s these few who cause the public to look with disfavor on the Hallowe’en spirit,’ he added. ‘The police don’t object to the youngsters having a lot of fun during Hallowe’en week, but it should be remembered that pranks can be carried too far. It is well to remember not to damage, destroy, or move property. Then too, consideration should be shown to older folks who are ill. The bell-ringing and noise-making which may appear funny to youngsters can be a real hardship to the older folks,’ the chief added.”

The message must have sunk in. The following week, the Progress printed this Hallowe’en follow-up.

“O’Fallon merchants and citizens in general are elated over the excellent conduct of the community’s youth during the Hallowe’en season over the weekend.

“No window soaping or similar obnoxious conduct was in evidence. Aside from the throwing of corn on porches and some ringing of door bells, credit is due to the young folks.

“No depredations or property damage was reported. While quite a number paraded in costume and indulged in a little innocent fun, to which no one objects, their conduct merits comment.

“Well done, young folks.”

75 years ago, Oct. 28, 1948

A truck, heavily loaded with furniture, ran off U. S. Highway 50 at the State Street cut-off, partially overturning and resting against the embankment at 5:15 o’clock last Friday night.

The battery wires were shorted and with leaking gasoline, a blaze appeared imminent.

The fire department was summoned but the smoldering fire was extinguished before the firemen arrived.

Clyde Hester, of Sandoval, operator of the truck, stated that the accident was caused when he swerved sharply to the right to avoid a collision with an automobile which started to drive out of the State Street cut-off onto U. S. 50.

His cargo was unloaded into another truck and the overturned truck was righted, which continued on its way to Sandoval.

An automobile driven by Mrs. Mildred Kraske, of this city, was considerably damaged on the back end when it was crashed into by another on U. S. 50 at the Becherer Cross Roads at 5 o’clock Saturday night.

Mrs. Kraske, en route home from work, was driving east when another car ahead of her came to an abrupt stop, to permit another machine to turn off U. S. 50 at the Cross Roads. Mrs. Kraske also brought her car to halt but another car following was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.

50 years ago, Oct. 25, 1973

Work was scheduled to begin this week on a new dental building to be occupied by four O’Fallon dentists. The building is on a 2.9-acre site on Highway 50 just east of the Plaza East Drug Store.

Dentists to be in the building program and known as Spring Valley Dental Associates are Drs. Philip Kahlert, Lawrence Wiegers, Harvey Imber, and Robert Roylance. A dental technician, Theodore Amigdalos, will also be located in the building.

Cost of the structure was reported at $275,000. The building is a new departure in dental offices with a corridor structure on the Highway 50 side with offices and waiting rooms.

The dental offices will be in two multi-side pods overlooking Spring Creek on the south side of the building.