100 years ago: Police rounding up rabid dogs in O’Fallon

100 years ago, July 16, 1925

The police department has been busy in O’Fallon during the past week in eradicating dogs running about the streets and canines that were attacked by a stray rabid dog which was killed and was found to be affected with rabies in an advanced stage.

The ownership was traced to a party living in Troy, from where the animal disappeared.

Mayor Kampmeyer’s edict to dog owners to securely chain their canines had the desired effect, although there were several stray dogs which were found running at large after the 8th of July, when the order became effective. These were sent to the dog heaven by the police who also killed a number of others at the request of the owners after it was learned that they had been attacked by the rabid dog.

Of this number several were pedigreed animals and highly prized by the owners, but their masters decided that it was far better to have them killed than to contribute to a possible spread of hydrophobia. So far the police have dispatched 16 dogs to happy hunting grounds while all other dogs are securely chained under the mayor’s order which will continue for thirty days.

So far no new developments have arisen from the mad dog excitement and the authorities have the situation well in hand. It is believed that no other cases will result due to the vigilance of the city authorities who are working in conjunction with the police department.

However, dog owners are requested to keep a close watch on the canines and to report the case to the authorities at once should an animal show signs of becoming affected.

75 years ago, July 13, 1950

With most ideal weather, the wheat crop harvesting in this area is just about completed. Harvesting of oats by combine is now under way and with favorable weather conditions this will be finished for the most part by the end of the week.

Farmers from this area hauled approximately 75,000 bushels of wheat to the local elevator of the Oberbeck Feed Company. Small amounts are still coming in but harvesting is expected to be completed about today.

Wheat receipts at the local elevator were just about three-fourths of those that were delivered here last year when approximately 100,000 bushels were brought in. The lower yield for this year had been predicted but at that the crop was better than was anticipated.

Elmer Keck, elevator manager, reported that the oats crop is coming in and while the yield and quality is better than last year the weight runs from 26 to 30 pounds a bushel, about two pounds under the normal weight. The price at the elevator was 75 cents a bushel yesterday.

50 years ago, July 17, 1975

The walls came tumbling down Friday on the southeast corner of S. Lincoln and E. First St. The First National Bank of O’Fallon, owners of the corner property, had the corner razed. Last September, the Midway Tavern, located on the corner, collapsed. Three other businesses moved out of the corner location following the collapse of the tavern.

During the razing of the buildings Friday, a section of old wall fell against a wall on Bill’s TV building. Two televisions toppled from shelves inside the building. Damage was also done to the wall and ceiling in the building.

Bank spokesmen said there are no immediate plans for the empty corner. The area may be left vacant and landscaped to enhance the bank building across the street, spokesmen said.

Fleming Law Office is now located on that corner lot.