100 years ago: Dealer’s Pontiac creates a stir in local automobile circles
100 years ago, Feb. 25, 1926
Quite a stir was created in local automobile circles last week when Anheuser & Ruth introduced the new Pontiac automobile, a moderate priced six-cylinder car and the product of General Motors Corporation.
The new cars are built along graceful lines and have the appearance of cars selling at a much higher price. The new product is being built in coach and coupe styles, the price of which is $925 delivered, for either car.
The addition of the Pontiac gives the local firm three popular priced cars, being built by General Motors. The others are the Oakland Six and the Improved Chevrolet.
75 years ago, Feb. 22, 1951
A program of action designed to reduce automobile speed and promote pedestrian safety on route 50 near O’Fallon’s schools has been adopted by a group of representatives of civic clubs, public officials and school authorities.
Each of the groups there agreed to work together to eliminate the traffic hazard to school children who are compelled to cross the highway. The problem of traffic safety on route 50 where it runs through town has been a matter of concern for some time.
The matter was pointed up recently when two grade school children narrowly escaped being struck near school. The situation is made serious by the fact that route 50 is a main national artery and except in places where it passes through towns there is little speed restriction. The state highway department usually opposes the placing stop and go lights on such highways.
Elmer D. Murray, superintendent of schools, reported at the meeting that 41 children now have to cross the road to attend school. All but eight of them are in grade schools, both public and parochial. He said that the number of children is expected to increase rapidly as the area south of the highway builds up.
At present, he pointed out, 60 new homes are under construction. Several immediate steps will be taken, according to M. K. Schwarz, representing the Chamber of Commerce. He said that the school authorities agreed to make every effort to have all children cross the highway at Cherry street.
Mayor Henry M. Hesse said that he will instruct the chief of Police, Nick Hemmer, to patrol the intersection carefully.
The state highway division agreed to paint broad yellow stripes across the highway as soon as the weather moderates. These lines will serve to guide the children to the patrolled point and serve as a warning to motorists.
Signs will be erected by the Chamber of Commerce and special warning will be furnished by the State Highway division.
O. M. Randel, who served as secretary for the meeting, said the groups represented were: American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, Parent-Teacher Association, Woman’s Club, school board, the mayor, fire department and the Chamber of Commerce.
50 years ago, Feb. 26, 1976
With the weather becoming increasingly more pleasant, residents are spending more time outside. With more people outside, sightings of UFO’s (unidentified flying objects) increase also.
One such report was made by Mr. and Mrs. Bob Scates, rural route 1, O’Fallon, Monday evening. The two said they saw an object floating in the sky that carried green, red and white lights. It was silent and high in the sky.
“It was too far away to make out any detail in its shape. It didn’t move at all,” said Mrs. Scates.
When the family called Scott Air Force Base, officials there said they had nothing on radar.
“It was in the air for more than an hour,” said Mrs. Scates. “I don’t know what it was.”
Neighbors of the Scates also reported seeing the object in the sky. With Scates being head football coach at OTHS, he was hoping it was a 300 pound defensive tackle.