100 years ago: Police find accommodations for buggy driver, blind horse

100 years ago, May 27, 1926

Officer John E. Tiley had a perplexing problem on his hands last Thursday night but as all stories go, “All’s well that ends well.”

He had a perfectly good horse, but blind in both eyes. In addition he had a fairly good buggy and a driver that was not so good. The officer could accommodate the buggy and the driver but what was he to do with the horse, inasmuch as “livery stables” in O’Fallon are extinct.

After a careful survey the policeman found a home for the horse for one night, the buggy had parking space in the City Park and the driver was a guest of the hotel de Tiley. Officer Tiley was summoned to the water tank on West State street to take charge of the outfit.

When he arrived he found the horse on the sidewalk hugging a telephone pole and the driver lying on the ground under the buggy, peacefully taking a nap. After being aroused from his slumbers the man gave his name as John Gebhardt, address East St. Louis, taking a buggy ride to get fresh air, or something to that effect.

After a night’s stay in the city bastille (jail) the man was able to continue his ride “for fresh air.”

75 years ago, May 24, 1951

The Quality Dairy Co. has opened a new frozen custard and packaged ice cream stand just west of their main dairy and ice cream store building, it was announced by William Schwarz, sales manager of the firm.

Schwarz explained the new building will specialize in the sale of frozen custard cones. It will also sell packaged ice cream products. Curb service and table service will be continued at the main building.

The dairy was located at the northwest corner of Oak and Highway 50.

50 years ago, May 27, 1976

O’Fallon City Attorney Delmar Koebel has been appointed as the new 20th Judicial Circuit Judge replacing Judge Harold Farmer who retired April 1. Koebel will assume the office July 1.

Koebel, of 207 N. Hunter, Lebanon, has been the city’s attorney for the past five years and has a private practice for the past 23 years. The city will have to find a replacement for Koebel by the July 1 appointment date.

Koebel is the third city attorney to be appointed to a judgeship or federal position.