125 years ago: Dewey’s Favorite ‘Olympia’ to be given to O’Fallon’s most popular girl
Looking back at stories that appeared in the O’Fallon Progress 125, 100, 75, and 50 years ago:
125 years ago, Oct. 13, 1899
“Dewey’s Favorite ‘Olympia’ to be given to the most popular little girl in and about O’Fallon.
“Decision to be rendered by vote at 5 cents per ballot for the benefit of the tower fund at the Catholic Fair, October 25 and 26. Contest open to all little girls under 12 years of age.
“The doll has natural curls, sewed wig and sleeping eyes. It was donated by Katie Lorenz and Hannora Carriel. It can be seen in Bunsen and McGeehon’s show window Saturday and Sunday.”
(The tower fund was for the bell tower of the old St. Clare Catholic Church at Third and Oak Streets. The tower was added to the church in 1899.)
100 years ago, Oct. 9, 1924
“Special Officer Henry Warhoover and Deputy Sheriff Charles Ahrens took two young girls into custody Sunday morning following a report from a B. & O. passenger train conductor that while his train was passing what is known as the “Hobo Camp” at Willard’s he noticed a number of tramps grouped about the girls.
“After receiving the report the officers hurried to the scene but when they arrived the girls had disappeared. They learned the names of the two and called at their homes where the matter was reported to the parents.
A stern and timely lecture followed, the parents thanking the officers for their interest shown in their offspring. For obvious reasons we refrain from publishing the names of the girls as we have reasons to believe that their curiosity led them to the perilous expedition.”
(The camp was just east of the Seven Hills Road Bridge in O’Fallon.)
75 years ago, Oct. 13, 1949
“At a meeting of interested fans, the newly-formed Fan Club decided to change its name to O’Fallon Athletic Club.
“The session, held at Community Hall Monday night, was largely attended by a number of fans who endorsed the organization by signifying they were ready to join the new group.
“Another meeting is to be held at Community Hall next Monday night at 7:30 o’clock at which time permanent officers are to be elected, applications approved and preliminary preparations formulated for a set of rules and bylaws.
“The club, devoting its interests to sports, principally baseball, has as one of its objectives the forming and sponsoring of a baseball team for the 1950 season. The association has an initiation fee of $1.00 and dues are 50 cents a month. Membership is open to all persons interested in sports.”
50 years ago, Oct. 10, 1974
“O’Fallon police captured two burglary suspects at the scene of an attempted burglary at the JB Limited Clothing Store, 312 S. Lincoln, early Saturday morning.
“Detective Dennis Sheldon reported an anonymous phone call was received at the police station at approximately 2:35 a.m. Saturday reporting a possible burglary in progress at the clothing store.
“Corporal Paul Owens, who was on patrol at the time, noticed a large amount of clothes piled in front of one of the store’s front windows. Owens stopped at the store and was backed up at the scene by Deputy Marshal Norman Fitch.
“The two captured at the scene were Geronimo Cherry, 17, Collinsville, and Dennis Wilkinson, 21, also of Collinsville. Jane Barrow, owner of the store, said the clothes that were piled up in the store were valued at $24,000.
“Sheldon reported that Wilkinson was presently on probation from a burglary charge. The detective also reported the front door to the store had been forced open. The telephone wires running to the store were also cut.
“The department is also running a check on the vehicle used in the attempted burglary. There had been a report of a van stolen from Granite City that Sheldon said could be the van used by the two apprehended here.
“Both Cherry and Wilkinson were taken to St. Clair County Jail and charged with burglary. They were both released on $2,500 bond.”