100 years ago: Shiloh man ‘not guilty’ in dry law case

100 years ago, April 1, 1926

Robert Gottmann, of Shiloh, was found “not guilty” by Judge Weber in the county court last Thursday on a charge of violating the dry law by having liquor in his possession.

The case, which attracted unusual attention, was heard by a large crowd of spectators and witnesses, who had been called to testify. It was charged by the prosecution that Gottmann gave a bottle of liquor to John and Leo Zemitus, 14 and 12 years old, respectively, who after drinking some of it appeared at the Shiloh school in an intoxicated condition.

On questioning the children claimed they received the liquor from Gottmann. At the trial one of the defense witnesses declared that she overheard the boys say that they had found the bottle of illicit liquor.

Judge Weber, after hearing both sides of the case held that there was not sufficient evidence to warrant conviction which prompted a “not guilty” verdict.

75 years ago, March 29, 1951

Pupils of Milburn School entertained their fathers Friday night at the regular meeting of their Book Club.

A short business session was held at which time the pupils and fathers discussed improvements for the school. Following this a social hour was enjoyed. Music was furnished by Ronald Davinroy with all attending joining in a community sing.

Parents attending were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Pigg, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Feig, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Kombrink, Mr. and Mrs. William Hale, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Davinroy, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Erlinger, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Obal, and Sgt. and Mrs. Pettibone.

Plans were also completed for the eighth grade graduation to be held May 18 and the school picnic to be held May 20.

50 years ago, April 1, 1976

When a hometown boy does well, everyone’s delighted. But when four hometown boys are on the way towards making a name for themselves, the town should be proud. Four young men from O’Fallon are on their way to making a name for themselves in the world of music and residents will get a last chance to hear them this weekend.

The rock n’ roll group Blyzzard will be performing at the high school Saturday evening. Chances are the group will be leaving for a cross-country tour soon afterwards. The group consists of Blair Blake, 19, on keyboards; Jack Poole, 22, bass guitar; Rick Bess, 19, guitar and Dave Kelly, 16, percussions.

The group has been together for two years waiting for a big break and they are getting one. A national talent agency is signing the group on to their booking agency for appearances throughout the country. It’s been something the group has been looking forward to for a long time.

“We are making music a career and have been working towards a national booking,” said Poole, who used to play with a local gospel group.

Although only two of the artists have had formal musical training, the group excels in their knowledge of music. The four get together three or four times a week to practice with the rehearsals running three or four hours long.

Surprisingly, the neighbors don’t complain even though Blyzzard’s music isn’t soft to the ear.

The group has begun writing their own songs and hope to sign a recording contract in the near future.

One of the other features of the group, besides the sound, is the incredible light show. The group has gotten quite a following on the light show alone.

“We are performers and we should put on a show for the people. We’ve worked hard getting the light show together. We think it’s one of the best around,” Poole said.

Besides trying to make it as musicians, the group has a second goal in mind with making it to the big time.

“Most rock groups are stereotyped into being lazy, dope heads who shoot drugs whenever they can. We want to dispel that rumor,” Poole said.

Although the group may only perform for two or three hours, Poole said the time involved in setting up and tearing down equipment makes the job an eight-hour one.

“Part of our message is that we aren’t lazy and we aren’t dopers. That’s not to say we haven’t been offered stuff. We just don’t want it,” Poole said.

The group feels that drugs can only ruin a group and not make it more successful.

“Playing the kind of involved music we play calls for quick responses and lots of concentration. There’s no way a person on drugs can do that,” Poole said.

The group has received the backing from their parents and some assistance has come from other people they have gotten to know. Other assistants for the group are: Duncan Blake and Bruce Hielig, special effect technician and John Feltman, sound technician.

The members of the group all felt that they turned to music to express themselves.

“If I wasn’t writing music I’d probably be writing stories and novels,” said Blake.

The group realizes that their signing with a national talent agency is the first step toward success. Although the road is long, the group feels they are on their way towards a career they dreamed of a few years ago.