Guttersohn struck by lightening north of O’Fallon

With the time of spring storms upon us, here’s an electrifying story that took place Tues. Apr. 8, 1941 in rural north O’Fallon.

Eldon Guttersohn was walking home from school shortly after 4 p.m. along with classmates Robert and Marvin George and Thomas and Wilbur Harris.

They all attended Ogle Creek School which was just northwest of Bethel Rd. and N. Lincoln Ave.

The group was walking northward through Bowler Woods when a lightning bolt struck Eldon, knocking him down unconscious.

His friends ran to the nearby Guttersohn home for help. Eldon was carried there and revived. He had slight burns on his head and suffered severe shock but recovered.

His clothing didn’t. They were badly tattered by the lightning.

75 years ago, Apr. 10, 1941 Frank Miles established a taxi business last week with headquarters at the Carroll Hotel where he can be reached for services.

The rate in O’Fallon will be 10 cents per person. Out-of-town calls will be based on the usual mileage whereby five may ride as cheap as one.

Miles announced the service is operated under state permit and all passengers are insured.

He gives service from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight. (The Carroll Hotel was at the southwest corner of First and Lincoln.)

50 years ago, Apr. 14, 1966. Crest South, the first condominium apartments to be completed in St. Clair County are ready for occupancy.

The building was recently built in the Southview area by William Schwarz, contractor and builder.

Each of four apartments in the building has 1500 square feet and its own heating, air conditioning, laundry area and garage. (The building, still standing, is at Whitehall and South Crest.)

This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 11:47 AM with the headline "Guttersohn struck by lightening north of O’Fallon."