Days Gone By In Staunton

Thursday, May 15, 1975 -- Staunton Home Burglarized -- Staunton City Police are investigating the reported burglary of the home of James Tipler. The burglary occurred Monday, May 5, according to police reports.

Tipler reported a total of $2,500 in household items and firearms was missing from his home Monday morning.

DIPPING INTO OLD MAN MOSE'S BUCKET -- In previous items I tried to recall the business places on Main Street when I came to Staunton in 1912. I realize that I made quite a few omissions, and probably some mistakes.

But that was some 63 years ago, and memory is often a rather fickle asset. In this attempt at reminiscence I will try to mention some of the business places which flourished off of Main Street. Of course probably the busiest place was the McKinley Interurban Station at the corner of Union and Pearl Streets. The building housed the waiting room, the ticket agent's quarters, the dispatchers' offices and trainmen's waiting rooms on the second floor.

Abe Sawyer had a confectionery in the south room, but I can't recall what was in the north room. Across the street was the Struck Tavern, the Parkinson & Willoughby Restaurant, and a hat cleaning and shoe shine place. Louis Calcari had his tavern farther south on Union, with the Immerthal Confectionery across the street. On South Laurel Street George Mull had a blacksmith shop, and in the next block Charles Franz, Sr., had his smithy and wagon makers shop. Near the Wabash depot was the Schlitz Hotel, the Bahn Meat Market, and taverns whose owners I can't recall. North of the depot Luker Bros. Beer and Soda business was located, the Illinois Lumber Co., and the Hargrave-Spengel Lumber yard, with Martin Lee's Ice Plant still farther north. Priesmeyer's Dairy was located on South Hackman Street. On South Elm Street the City Hotel was located, and on the lot across the street was a roller skating rink, with the Camp & Bekemeier Implement Store south of that. The Concordia Singing Society Hall was located where it now is, and where the present Columbian Club Building now is was a hall occupied by the Labor Lyceum Hall and was equipped with quite a bit of gymnastic apparatus.

It is certain that some of the older residents will be able to find inaccuracies in my reminiscences, but I hope that our younger residents will be able to appreciate my efforts of reminiscence.

Thursday, May 22, 1975 -- OPEN HOUSE, DEDICATION CEREMONIES THIS SUNDAY AT NEW HOSPITAL BUILDING -- Preparations are in the final stages for the open house and dedication ceremony this Sunday, May 25, from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m. Weather permitting this will be held outside at the main entrance of the new hospital. In case of inclement weather ceremonies will be held inside.

Guest speaker for the occasion will be Herb Gardner, representing the Illinois Hospital association with Art Allen as master of ceremonies. Recognition will be given to the doctors, Board of Trustees, Ed Treadway, fund drive chairman, and the supervisors of each department.

Following the ribbon cutting a tour has been arranged for all those who are interested. This has been carefully planned to include all the major aspects of hospital care. Guides will be stationed at the various departments to answer any questions you may have.

We ask your cooperation in quietly staying within the designated areas, especially on the second floor, so the patients will not be disturbed.

Coffee, punch and cookies will be served at the termination of the tour. Please sign the guest book and receive a copy of our brochure to commemorate this happy day.

STAUNTON MURAL PART OF DOCUMENTARY -- Last Tuesday afternoon, May 13, our usually quiet post office became a beehive of activity when a small film crew invaded the premises.

Original works of art done under federal sponsorship during the Great Depression are to be the "stars" of a documentary film now being shot throughout the state.

Tentatively entitled "Silver Lining," this film will show many of the murals and sculptures done by the artists of the W.P.A. and the Treasury projects that are still on view in public buildings There will also be interviews with some of the artists, rare photos, and newsreels taken 40 years ago.

The film will be about 23 minutes long, in color and with sound, and will be available for rental or sale to schools, libraries, civic organizations, and, television stations as part of the Bicentennial Celebration next year.

Sponsored by the Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the Illinois Arts Council, "Silver Lining" has been written, produced, and directed by Chicago filmmaker Barbara Bernstein. She is being assisted by Bryan England and Walter Olden, both students at Northwestern University.

Preparation for the film included writing to Washington, D.C., to obtain a list of all government sponsored art work done in Illinois, then writing to each location to find if the work was still in existence and getting permission to film there.

From over 200 murals in Illinois, Staunton's "Going to Work" was chosen as one of 25 most beautiful and interesting to be included in the film. The artist of the mural on display in the post office is listed as Ralph Henricksen, Professor of Arts, Michigan State, and according to our information is still living.

Upon close examination, we were pleased to note the last miner "Going to Work" is reading his copy of the Star-Times.

Beach Will Open Saturday -- The Staunton Lake Park will open its season this Saturday at 12 noon. The Park and Beach will be open every day except Wednesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Season family passes will be on sale at the beach for $6.50. This year, as was the case last year, a life guard will be on duty at all times when the beach is open.