Days Gone By In Staunton

Thursday, November 6, 1975 -- Dipping into old man moses's bucket -- During my lifetime, which now spans almost 84 years, I have experienced many wonderful things, and the period from the early 1890's to the present time has brought forth a myriad of inventions which have changed the lifestyle of all those who have lived to an old age. When I was a lad, we had no electricity to light our homes, no central heating or air conditioning, no supply of water for indoor plumbing, etc., as I, like so many others, lived in a rural community We had a deep cistern, and had to use buckets of water for cooking, scrubbing and the weekly baths. Our streets were not paved, and open gutters served as sewers. But inasmuch as we had to do with what was then available we seemed to live comfortably. But as the years rolled by, more and more conveniences were available, and all of us accepted the new mode of life in stride, thankful for the many improvements which added to our comfort.

When I came to Staunton in 1910, the city, as all other small towns, had kept pace with progress. Central electrical energy had been provided, Main street had been paved, and many other conveniences had made living better than in years before. Staunton at that time was a coal mining town, with most of the men being employed in the mines. However, Staunton had the advantage of an interurban line, and being a division point for the McKinley Lines, quite a few found employment as motormen, conductors, trainmen, and other jobs. An era of progress seemed to prevail, and the population about that time was said to be more than 6,000 inhabitants.

I can remember that the city was practically wide open, with a large number of saloons, and it is said that quite a few gambling establishments flourished. However, improved machinery for the mining of coal reduced the number of men employed, and the population gradually seemed to diminish. World War I took many of the younger men into military service. Although many of the men returned after the war, some lost their lives, and others found employment elsewhere.

Then came the era of prohibition, and the saloons lost their main stock in trade. But it seemed that there were quite a few who were able to do a bit of distilling or make home brew, and the sale of intoxicants still flourished briskly. Several who engaged in making or selling the illicit products were forced to spend a period of time in "yale" after being nabbed by the federal agents. The "great depression" came to Staunton earlier than in most other places, and a "commissary" was maintained by the miner's unions and many of the local business men. After the inauguration of President Roosevelt, prohibition was abolished, and with the various relief programs established things gradually improved, and the war in Europe eased the depression.

Thursday, November 13, 1975 -- Final Period for Studded Tires In Illinois -- Michael J. Howlett, Secretary of State, today reminded motorists that the final period for use of studded tires in Illinois will be from Nov. 15 to April 1.

Recent legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor bans studded tires effective April 1, 1976," said Howlett.

This prohibition will not apply to vehicles operated by rural letter carriers, either employed or under contract with the U.S. Postal Service, for delivery of mail.

Howlett said the prohibition does not apply to the use of tire chains.

Thursday, November 20, 1975 -- Mayor masinelli to seek house seat -- Mayor Russell Masinelli announced Monday that he will seek the seat in the Illinois House of Representatives from the 49th District which is being vacated by Representative Ken Boyle of Carlinville.

Masinelli, who is currently serving as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Macoupin County, is circulating his nominating petitions throughout the District and plans to wage, as Masinelli put it, a "people oriented campaign."

In discussing the issues which he feels are crucial in his campaign, Masinelli commented to the Carlinville Democrat: "In my view, the most crucial issue facing us today is the question of State spending. The people of this state cannot afford a tax increase when so many of our citizens are out of work and welfare and unemployment costs are so high. I intend also to stress the issue of ethics in government during the course of my campaign, with full disclosure of assets and expenditures in this race. Public trust in our public officials is at an all-time low and I am pledging to the people of this district that, if I am elected to the legislature, I will work vigorously for stronger ethics legislation at all levels of government. Public office is a public trust and, as a legislator, my financial affairs will be a matter of public record."

Masinelli, 34, resides in Staunton with his wife, Anita, and their son David who is six years old. Masinelli was elected Mayor of Staunton in 1972 and is currently doing post-graduate work at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Masinelli has served two years as alderman of Staunton; two years as Macoupin County Board Member from November 1972 to November 1974; and is serving his last year of a four year term as Mayor of Staunton.

Masinelli was an unsuccessful candidate in the March 1974 primary and lost to Senator Demuzio by 330 votes out of a total of 24,000.