100 years ago: Bank cashier dodges serious injury from manhole cover

100 years ago, March 4, 1926

George B. Gieser, assistant cashier at the First National Bank, had a narrow escape from probable serious injury yesterday morning in a fall in front of the bank building, when he accidentally stepped on an iron manhole lid.

George attempted to securely place the cover with his foot when it tipped and he fell into the opening, landing on a coal pile in the basement. The right leg was badly bruised and he was compelled to have the injury treated by a physician.

George, who is of an optimistic disposition, says: “It might have been worse” and his friends agree with him.

75 years ago, March 1, 1951

An inspector for the Illinois Secretary of State’s office was in O’Fallon Wednesday stopping motorists and issuing them warnings that their 1951 automobile licenses are due.

The tabs are technically good only until the first of the year following their date of issuance.

The inspector, Robert Myler, said his office reported that sale of automobile licenses were lagging in this area.

He was stationed at State street and Lincoln avenue to stop drivers and warn them to get their new plates. Similar warnings will be given in other parts of the county.

Myler made no arrests but said that there will be arrests if this week’s warning is unheeded.

50 years ago, March 4, 1976

Although those drivers caught in a Friday night traffic jam may not believe it, the amount of traffic on U.S. 50 in O’Fallon has been reduced by more than half since Interstate 64 has opened.

A survey conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation shows that during the peak months on U.S. 50 prior to the I-64 opening, approximately 24,000 cars traveled the highway daily. Now the figure for daily traffic is down to 11,000.

The 24,000 car figure may be somewhat deceiving since it was taken when U.S. 50 was used as a detour for I-64 when the interstate only went as far as Illinois 4 and a driver would have to travel on U.S. 50 to get to the next section of I-64.

The drop in traffic, although pleasant for the driver on U.S. 50, is having a bad effect on businesses along the highway – especially the gas stations. This is contrary to what was predicted to happen when the interstate opened – a boom to businesses.

Most stations are reporting a drop of 300 gallons a day in sales. Some station owners said their sales dropped to as low as 500 gallons a day loss in sales. During the winter months when snow caused traffic to drop even lower, gasoline sales were reported to be cut in half.

“The interstate may be helping some but it’s sure hurting us,” said one gas station employee.