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The Batavia Historian
(Batavia Historical Society
P.O. 01. 37 No.3 Jul 1996 byMarilyn Robinson the sanitarium who were mobile stayed Do you know this building? in the house. It stood in the clump of fear of going to the dentist. trees still near the Michealsen Center. The old, curving driveway to the house Most patients in the sanitarium is visible just south of the intersection of were those who were in advanced Fabyan Parkway and Batavia Avenue. stages of the disease. They were all Jeff Schielke remembers when the from Chicago, mostly of the Jewish Fox RIVlIR SANITARIIIII • • eATAV'A. ILL. house was razed in 1974. He recalls it faith, and stayed for prolonged as a two or three-story Victorian that periods. Usually there were about 50 In 1926 when Bessie Hirschberg was neglected and badly overgrown. patients in the hospital at anyone time. worked in a cigar factory in Chicago, The house and the sanitarium were she found facilities for caring for the . In 1940 the hospital treated 128 pa- both neglected after the hospital closed tubercular poor were inadequate. tients. In that year the Society raised for people were afraid the buildings Hirschberg began collecting pennies and gave to the hospital $65,275 of were contaminated. Even when the from the poor and formed the Chicago which $50,000 was used to run the hospital was in operation, local citizens Consumptive Aid Society. Her husband hospital and treat patients. pretty much ignored it, according to s.aw an ad in the newspaper offering Nurses worked for 32 cents an hour, Jeff. river-front land for sale in Batavia. 10 hours a day, and did all types of The Society soon built a long wooden When $150,000 was raised, the Soci- work. A private duty nurse worked 20 building for bed patients, with rooms on ety took possession of the land, and the hours a day and slept in the room with either side of a long hallway, all opening Fox River Sanitarium was built in the the patient. onto a porch so that patients could be early 1930s. The sanitarium was a town unto it- outdoors in all weather an aid in curing Batavia was chosen because it was self. There were out buildings around tuberculosis. The cornerstone for the far enough from Chicago to escape the the hospital, and it had its own wells permanent building was laid in 1926. and sewage disposal plant. There were city's noises, but close enough that The hospital closed in 1958 or 59. cement walks leading from one build- patients could be near loved ones and The Holmstad purchased the land in ing to another, and the grounds were be comforted by frequent visits. A Chi- the early 70's for its campus. Schielke beautifully landscaped. cago and North Western commuter visited the hospital in '74' after train ran along the river and visitors All food served in the hospital was Holmstad took possession. He recalls from Chicago could get to the hospital prepared in adherence to Jewish culi- that all the equipment and supplies by train. nary laws, Nearly all food not grown on were still in place. The beds were The Fox River Sanitarium was a pio- the property was donated through the made, and white sheets covered the leer.in TB care. It was directed along Society in Chicago and brought to examining tables. "It was as though the lines of a modern hospital with Batavia by train. everyone just left, locked the doors and sunny rooms, wards, solaria, modern The hospital was built on land previ- never came back," he said. operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, ously owned by Hamilton Browne. Mr. X-ray facilities, and a dental facility so an~ Mrs. Browne lived in a very large fine that is was said patients lost all white house there. The first patients at Continued on p. 2 Museum Doings Batavia Windmillers Trade Fair by Director Carla Hill The museum has been a beehive Makes History of activity over the last few months. by Francine McGuire-Popeck The Windmillers Trade Fair was a tremendous success and I am still receiving letters of congratulations The 8th International Windmillers fairs. Our special "THANKS" to all the from some of the participants. Trade Fair, held in Batavia between volunteers who helped ... " We have now moved the water June 12-15th, attracted 324 regis- Thanks also to those members tower in place and it will be painted tered attendees, almost double the who donated windmill-related items to this summer. We have also highest attendance figure from any of the Society and those who loaned us scheduled the painting and repair of the previous Fairs that were held in items for display at the temporary the Depot, Caboose, Coffin Bank and other cities. The Fair was indeed Windmill Museum. Many visitors the Gazebo. They are showing a lot "international" with representation thought that this museum was a per- of wear and need to be refurbished. from South Africa, the Netherlands, manent one and, believe me, by the The current exhibit, "Blades In The time it was set up we wished it could Sky", from Texas Tech University, and Canada. In addition, thanks to excellent media coverage, the Fair be. The old Appleton Windmill Manu- will remain at the museum until facturing factory, now City Hall, was August 1. We were extremely was well attended by the general an ideal setting for the museum as it pleased to have Tex Burdick, who is public, drawing hundreds of is centrally located, at street and eye the focal point of the exhibit, here for residents from Batavia, other Fox level, and still "authentic" in its pre the Windmillers Trade Fair. Valley and surrounding suburbs, Perhaps some of you have noticed Chicago, and Downstate Illinois. renovated condition. Windmills have the new sign in front of the museum. The Windmillers Trade Fair Com- long been an important part of our We have placed it there temporarily mittee, consisting of Bob Popeck, town's history and identity. The Trade until the work on Houston Street be- President, and Francine Popeck, Fair exhibited that our windmill gins next spring. Secretary, of the Historical Society heritage is a draw for visitors as well. We will be adding several new Board, Carla Hill, Curator of the De- It may behoove us to explore the items to our sales area at the mu- pot Museum, and Donna Dallesase, possibility of a separate museum like seum. Many of these items are a di- Director of the Batavia Chamber of space to house windmill-related items rect result of the Windmillers Trade Commerce, extend our thanks to the and other large items in the Society's Fair and will make nice additions to many Batavians who helped make collection. our gift section. this event so successful. Special The Trade Fair Committee also We are looking forward to the appreciation is given to the many thanks the Historical Society Board Windmill City Fest and the annual Historical Society members who for agreeing to fund the videotape Museum Volunteer Trip. If anyone is staffed the Depot Museum, which coverage of the Trade Fair. Close to interested in volunteering at the had extended hours during the days 20 reels of videotape were shot dur- museum, you can contact either of the Trade Fair, the temporary ing the event. This will be a wonderful Kathy Fairbairn (406-9041) or myself Windmill Museum, our Arts and addition to our archives. Once funds at (879-5235). Crafts booth, and the many special have been raised to create an edited I hope you are having a great events held during the Fair, including 20-minute videotape of this footage, Summer! the "old timer" talk sessions held at there could be numerous avenues for the formerwindmill factories. use of this video: 1) As an educational A consistent compliment was paid tool at our schools, 2) To promote to our townspeople by all who at- Batavia tourism, and 3) To market Continued from p. 1 tended the Fair. They found Batavia copies to those who attended the to be full of extremely friendly people Trade Fair. The building today is Holmstad's who also take great pride in their As Marilyn Robinson commented Colonial House at 831 North Batavia town and it~ history. Ken and Sharen to me, "It's nice to see a Trade Fair Avenue. O'Brock from Ohio wrote us: "We that draws people who are interested wanted you to know how much we in history, not in making money." This article is condensed from appreciate ... the beautiful display of Imagine ... tourists coming to Batavia Batavia Places and the People Who windmills, river walk, welcome signs, because of our history. It happened at Called Them Home by Marilyn clean city, friendly folks and your a Trade Fair held this past June what Robinson. This copyrighted material hospitality. (These) made for one of can we do to introduce more people is used by permission of the author the biggest and best yet trade to our proud history? who reserves all other rights. A copy of Robinson's book can be obtained at the Depot Museum. Page 2 The Batavia Historian More on the Newton Memorials by James Hanson Sin/Editor' Note: In "The Newton Memo- the city determined it needed to extend eny, these visits may have been part of rials" in the last issue, Jim Hanson Wilson Street west and tear down the trips to encourage enrollments and wrote about the Newton Monument in Levi Newton home, the D.C. Newton donations. the West Batavia Cemetery, the New- home was purchased and served as Carl More may have attended the ton Observatory at Allegheny College the library until the present one was college after graduation from high in Pennsylvania, and the Newtons' in- built. school in 1907, which would relate to volvement in the building of the present Even though D.C. Newton attended his great-aunt's support for the school. Batavia United Methodist Church. Allegheny for only one year, it seems Some readers were undoubtedly logical to assume he had maintained As noted in the article on the Newton curious about the connection between an interest in it. The school's Methodist memorials in the last issue, information the Newtons and Allegheny College, affiliation would certainly have also regarding Allegheny College and the and Jim now fills us in on the influenced a decision to give it support. Newton Observatory was researched background. In the early 1900s the college's by the late Tom Mair and was given to president, William Crawford, visited Jim Hanson several years ago. The relationship of the Newton Batavia one or more times. As he was Monument and the Newtons is easy to noted for greatly increasing enroll- understand considering Don Carlos ments, faculty and facilities at Allegh- Newton's service in the Civil War. It is also apparent the Newtons were ac- Willis L. Grimes and Batavia's New Post Office-1896 tively interested and active in the by Marilyn Robinson Methodist Church. But why a gift to a In June 1896, a model post office was opened in Batavia under the direction of small college in western Pennsylvania? Postmaster Willis L. Grimes. It was advertised as modern, convenient and A little history and a few assumptions substantial and was located in the vanNortwick Building on Wilson Street. This may help to explain. building contains the school administration offices along with other businesses Allegheny College, founded in today. 1815, was a well respected school The building was a solid brick and stone structure with substantial space where r>. affiliated with the Methodist Church. mail would be comparatively safe from fire and with special vaults and >'.;Iech was located about 150 miles from appropriate fixtures . .Are-Attica, NY, where Levi Newton, D.C. William M. and John S. vanNortwick leased the space to the government for a Newton's father, operated a wagon period of five years. They allowed the government to use their fixtures and office factory. Around 1850 (available refer- equipment. ences vary as to exact date) D.C. When a postal inspector came to examine the new office, he accepted it and Newton attended Allegheny College for complimented the city on having a postmaster who demonstrated such enterprise one year. After his father's factory was as to work for this public improvement. destroyed by fire in April, 1854, Levi The business of the post office was very large for a city of Batavia's size. In decided to move to Kane County to 1895 the receipts of the office amounted to $13,000, the largest ever recorded. rebuild. The entire family including This spoke well for the business interests of Batavia, her manufacturers and D.C., who had married the previous businessmen. year, came to Batavia in September, Mr. Grimes had a greater goal. He wished FREE DELIVERY for Batavia. Had 1854, and Levi and his son entered into the postal service not run out of money, the service would have been already in a partnership to build wagons. This Batavia. (It did come later in the year, and Mr. Grimes asked all citizens to furnish eventually became the Newton Wagon a container for the carrier to put the mail in.) Co., one of Batavia's leading industries Postmaster Grimes had an able corps of assistants. Deputy Charles Grimes, in the late 1800s. Otto Konrad and Miss Mamie Feeney were courteous, accommodating and In 1878 Don Carlos and his wife, proficient. Mary, built and lived in the house on the Willis L. Grimes was born in Batavia August 20, 1854. He received his educa- northwest corner of Batavia Avenue tion at the East Side Public School. At 16, he found employment with the C.B.&Q. and Wilson Street that today is an office RR as weigh master and assistant ticket agent for a year and a half at East building. They had three or four children Batavia. He was later transferred to the West Side, and afterwards he was agent (again references vary), all of whom at South Ottawa and LaGrange. died before reaching the age of six. He left the railroad in 1875 and became a clerk until March 1886 with the When Mary Newton's niece died iii exception of three years while he engaged in farming. 1892, Mary raised her two year old son, June 1, 1881, he was married to Annie E. Shaw. They had three daughters, Carl Newton More. In 1902 Mary gave Reba, Ellie Madge, and Florence. the public library the use Jf the Levi From an early age, he took a great interest in politics and was a staunch Newton home, which stood Democrat like his father. For the past few years, he had been the cashier in the '.~J at what today is the middle of West vanNortwick Bank. He had been Postmaster of Batavia since 1886, having been Wilson Street between the Newton appointed by President Cleveland. House and Gammon Corner. When -:'h> Batavra Historian Page 3 Herbert T. Windsor and the Batavia National Bank by Elliott Lundberg Herbert T. Windsor, builder of the to first National Bank to exchange successor, retired from the bank at the first electric railway in the west, the checks, he would also stop at the Post age of 75 and lived to be 94 years and Chicago, Harvard, and Geneva Lake Office and pick up the currency. Be- 7 months. Ernest Nelson, Vice Presi- Railroad, moved to Batavia about 1912 cause the coin was too heavy for him to dent at the time of the ill fated escort and built a magnificent home -the carry, it was picked up later by car. service, retired at the age of 75 and 26-room house at 717 N. Batavia Into his eighties, H.T. Windsor -- a lived to be 94 years and 1 month. Avenue that now houses the Holy short man -- could be seen each The Batavia National Bank is now Heart of Mary Novitiate. Soon after, he Thursday, carrying the very visible the First Chicago Bank of Batavia. was elected a director of the Batavia Federal Reserve Bank bag, usually National Bank, becoming President in containing from $15,000 to $30,000, 1918 and Chairman of the Board in over the bridge 1958, a position he held until his death to the Batavia Bits of This and That in 1964. National Bank. The son of a Congregational min- For some reason Normally the copies of each ister from England who came to serve Windsor newsletter mailed to members in- as a missionary to the Indians, purported not to clude a quarterly treasurer's report Windsor was born in Sycamore, Illi- understand, and the secretary's summary of the nois, on December 9, 1868. There was Chief of Police minutes of meetings held since the obvious talent in the family: his only Russel A. Clark, last issue. Because of the brother, H.H. Windsor, was the better known as pressures of time (the founder and owner of Popular Me- "Ruck," thought treasurer/editor is trying to get chanics magazine. that a man in his material to the printer before When I came to work at the Batavia eighties walking leaving on vacation and the National Bank in 1947, Windsor was from Island Av- secretary has been tied up with the still the President. Walter R. Johnson enue over the bridge to River Street Windmillers Trade Fair) and space was Vice President, and Ernest R. with a bag clearly full of cash was not constraints, we are not including Nelson was the Cashier. There were the kind of thing the Batavia Police those reports in this mailing. We four women employees, Ruth needed. So Ruck suggested that he will, however, catch up on these escort H.T. Windsor on his weekly Freedlund, Gladys Noren, Eleanor important matters in the next issue. journey, a suggestion that Windsor Issei, and Doris Perna so I, as the October 6 may seem a long way promptly vetoed. After Ruck appealed fourth male, evened the ratio. off, but mark your calendar. That is to Walter R. Johnson, then the Presi- Windsor was then 79. Although no when the Batavia ACCESS dent of the bank, Windsor grudgingly longer active in the daily operations, he Heritage Committee will hold its agreed to accept an escort -- which he had a desk in the directors' room and always popular cemetery walk. still claimed was unnecessary. came to the bank daily. He kept busy This year will feature the West Side The next Thursday the police were with various jobs, one of which was Cemetery. advised when Windsor was to be at the preparing tax returns, mainly for The May-June 1996 issue of Post Office. When he arrived and got farmers, early each year. A duty he magazine fa- the bag of currency, Ruck Clark was not American Heritage performed daily involved walking to the vorably reviewed there, so Windsor walked across the How the Other First National Bank of Batavia, which Half Lived: A People's Guide to bridge unattended. Soon Ruck, who was then located at 4 W. Wilson by had been out on a call, arrived at the American Historical Sites Street, to exchange checks. At about Philip Burnham. The author, who bank, wondering what had happened. 10 each morning, the First National grew up in Batavia, is the son of Windsor said he would not wait; if the Bank would call to advise the total of member Ruth Burnham. Copies police wanted to escort him, they would Batavia National Bank checks they are available at Robin's Book Shop have to be there on time. That ended had paid the previous day and in the in Geneva. the escort idea. Fortunately he morning. The bank with the lower total Although arrangements are still continued carrying the currency across would issue a check for the difference in progress, Patty Will, our vice- the bridge without incident until the in totals -- the Batavia clearing house -- president and prograr:n chairman, armored car service to the bank was which provided for a fast collection of says that an outstanding program initiated -- probably satisfying hini that checks. is in the works for the September there had never been a need for an The delivery of currency and coin general meeting. Members will be escort.", ..• from the Federal Reserve Bank was notified by post card regarding In the last months of his life when he not yet being provided by armored date, time and place well in ad- could no longer come to the bank, his trucks. Each Thursday morning, the vance of the meeting. weekly delivery of currency and coin wife would pick up work for him to do at was by U.S. mail; it had to be picked up home. In 1964, at the age of 93 years at the Post Office. So, each Thursday and 8 months. Herbert T. Windsor died. morning when Windsor walked Walter Johnson, his Page 4 The Batavia Historian 1896 Holy Cross Cornerstone Society Loses Two Opened-sWhat Was In It? Prominent Members The Society and the community at by William Wood large have recently lost two members closely associated with Batavia's Editor's Note: In connection with has the words "Brodrafolken Val" en- history, Thomas Mair and Arthur the recent dedication of the former circling the edge. To date we have a Swanson. Holy Cross Church as the Batavia Park loose translation of "Well thought of Tom Mair, a descendant of early District's Eastside Community Center, Sister Nation." The remaining coin, Batavia settlers, served for 1:1 period as officials of the Park District eagerly dated 1815, is copper and the size of city attorney. A member of the group of looked forward to the opening of the our seldom seen half-dollar. One side Batavia historians known as the church's hundred year-old carries the words (in descending order) "Senility Club," he was the author of a cornerstone. Bill Wood tells us what HALF PENNY TOKEN. Encircling the fascinating book, Batavia Revisited, they expected to find and what they did edge of the coin are the words "Pure which may be purchased at the depot find. Copper Preferable To Paper." The museum. It is fitting that his son, Tim reverse side has a threemasted sailing Mair, is now serving as a director of the The recent opening of the corner ship and the words "Trade and Society. stone of the former Holy Cross Church Navigation." ArtSwanson was Batavia's mayor and the retrieval of the box sealed Missing, along with the Batavia during the years in which the ground- there in 1896 provided both information Herald, is the parchment. To again work was laid for what is today our and mystery. quote the Batavia Herald, "The parch- ,Government Center and the River Roberta Campbell, late writer and ment, which is genuine and written in Wai~Witfih,s family, he was a major journalist, wrote a series of articles in India ink, contained the following donor to the effort that has led to the the Batavia Chronicle during the words: installation of historic windmills in the Batavia Sesquicentennial year of 1983. "'In the name of the ever adorable downtown area. His death unfortunately In the November 4th issue she told of Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, prevented him from participating in the finding an article in the Batavia Herald Amen. Be it known by these presents, recent Windmill Trade Fair, an event to of August 6th, 1896, reporting on the that on the first Sunday of August, One which he had looked forward with eager "impressive ceremonies of laying the Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety- anticipation. cornerstone for the Holy six (1896) in the eighteenth (18th) year ~'Cross Church." of the gracious reign of the Supreme _ AI "A box, hermetically sealed, was Pontiff Leo XIII, 262nd Successor of deposited in the cornerstone. It con- St. Peter; Patrick A. Feehan, tained several U.S. coins, antiquated Archbishop of Chicago; Grover Cleve- Does Your Newsletter foreign coins, a copy of each of the land, President of the United States; Have a Red Dot? local papers, a church paper of the John P. Altgeld, Governor of the State Diocese and the written parchment all of Illinois, in the presence of a large If so, this will be your last covered with stars and stripes." concourse of laity and clergy, under newsletter unless we hear from the invocation of Almighty God and When the box, in poor condition, you. special patronage of the Holy Cross was opened only one local paper was According to our records, you found, the Batavia Weekly News of which title this Church shall bear, in have not paid dues for any year Thursday, July 30, 1896, the competi- testimony of a gracious redemption after 1994. As reported in our last tor to the Batavia Herald. The Chicago and under the protection of the Con- Archdiocesan newspaper, The New stitution of these United States, the issue, we want to make sure that World, Saturday, August 1, 1896, sacred pledge and guarantee of our our newsletters and other notices selling for five cents was also included. religious liberty, was laid this day the are properly addressed and go to The newspapers are in somewhat Corner Stone of the Church. Attest: persons with a continuing interest Geo. Rathz, Pastor, N.J. Mooney, fragile condition, damaged by in the activities of the Society. Chancellor.'" moisture. They reflect the news of the Because our mailing list presently day, with importance given to the incudes the names of persons upcoming nomination of William who have not paid dues or with Jennings Bryan to run against William whom we have had no other McKinley for President of the United The Park District's innovative and contact for several years, the States. tasteful adaptation of the former Holy Board has adopted a policy of Five coins were found, all in good Cross Church to its new use as the retaining on its mailing list only condition. Two one cent pieces were East Side Community Center is an included; one Canadian for 1884 and outstanding example of recycling a those persons who have paid one U.S. for the year of 1846. A United historic building for a new use. The dues for the current year or the States three cent piece of ;1843, Center provides much-needed recre- year immediately past and any slightly smaller than the current dime, ational and meeting facilities while other person who indicates, in is in fairly good shape, rather worn. An saving the beautiful Gothic structure writing, that he or she wishes to 1877 5 ore Swedish coin for future generations of Batavians. continue receiving the Society's mailings. The Batavia Historian Page 5 All Tanked Up by Robert Popeck Not in the sense that you normally hear the phrase. What I delphia. For many years, it sat beside Crystal's family home am referring to are the two historic storage tanks that on Cleveland Avenue. It has received a new roof, and the generous donors have given us. tower has been given a coat of paint. Its permanent home has not yet been selected. The large tank, built by the U.S. Wind Engine and Pump Company in November 1936, was donated by the Tom Alexander family of Sugar Grove. This 1 O-foot tank, which sat on one of their farms west of Elburn, stands approxi- mately 27 feet high upon its iron tower. The tank, along with the tower, was moved to Batavia last fall and recently A Tour of Our Historic received a new roof. The photograph shows it in its per- manent site beside the Coffin Bank. Note the finial on the Central District roof, which was recreated from pictures in old catalogs. The original top will be on display in the museum along with the This issue includes, as an insert, a map and a de- iron indicator weight, which traveled up and down the scription of the route that the Batavia Trolley will fol- measuring guide to show the amount of water in the tank. low in showing riders the historic buildings and other The small water tank was donated by the Harold Maves family in memory of Harold's late wife, Crystal. We have not sights in our downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. been able to confirm its original use: it is too large to serve as Because of unexpected mechanical difficulties, the a salesman's sample or to be considered a miniature or yard inauguration of trolley service has been delayed. The model. We are told that the tank, which was given to problems may have been solved by the time you read Crystal's father by the president of the Challenge Company, this; if so, be sure to take a ride. Otherwise, you can may have been included in the large windmill display at the use the map and the conductor's script for a selfguided 1893 Columbian World Exposition in Chicago, along with driving or walking tour. And we suggest sav- d ing the insert other Challenge products. This tank, or one like it, appeared for future use when you are entertaining ~ out-of-town in a 1900 agriculture show in Phila- visitors. Page 6 The Batavia Historian ο Our Membership Keeps Growing! More Stories Since the first of the year we have Mr. and Mrs. D. Jack Smith added a number of new Society mem- Pierce W. Smith (Geneva) Mr. Always Welcome bers. We welcome the following per- and Mrs. Marian Tevis Marcia sons (all from Batavia unless otherwise Sperry Totz (Geneva) Wayne noted) who took out annual individual and Betty Warden Donald and or family memberships through the Corliss Weaver Walter L. middle of June: Weiss Pat Bass (Burnet, Texas) In addition, the following persons Alan and Grace Blotch Val (from Batavia unless otherwise noted) and Christine Brahm have become Life Members: Wayne Clements (Saline, Nancy L. Hubbard Greg Michigan) and Paula Issei Joe and As you can see in this issue, we are beginning to get more John Gamble Family Addie Marconi Arlene Mr. and Mrs. Philip Giles Nick contributors to the Historian. Alexander Hall (St. Louis Park, Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Miller III And already we have some vol- unteers lined up for the next Minnesota) Jerry Rundle (San Diego, couple of issues -- but we always Andrew Hall (Des Moines, Iowa) California) need more. An editor's greatest Thomas D. Hall Kent Shodeen (Geneva, Illinois) fear is coming up against the Bruce and Lisa Hohmann Dennis Swanson deadline for an issue and not Phillip Huyser Family Richard L. Swanson (San Antonio, having enough good stories to fill Mark Johnston (Cedar Rapids, Texas) the pages. That would be Iowa) Wayne Swanson particularly unfortunate here in Jennifer Jones (Atlanta, Georgia) E. Louise (Rundle) Tregellas (Lenore, Batavia where many more good Kathryn Klose Idaho) Gail Minella stories lie untold than we could ever print. We look forward to the George Mohn (St. Charles) In recent months, several persons day when we will thank people Ars. J.B. Moran have given memberships to their chil- for good stories while warning Mr. and Mrs. James R. Nass, Jr. dren or friends who no longer live in them that there is such a backlog Larry and Janet Overstreet Batavia. This is a thoughtful, and inex- that theirs will not be used until Paul and Bonnie Petrenko pensive, way to help these persons two or three issues down the Mrs. M.F. See (Plainfield) maintain old ties. You might want to road. Nick Seidel consider doing this for someone you The best stories are those with know. names -- names of old-time B~\.TAYIA, IJ .• L~, THURSDA.Y"l\IAX 14, ,l8S:l6. Batavians to awaken the memo- - ...• ~ ... _._ .. ~ __ .: .. :...... •. ,'~ .•..•.•. _.~:-_. ~"'~ __ "'. .0.. ries of our older readers and to acquaint the younger ones with TilE DANDY STEEL MILL when people who helped build Batavia. furnished with Graphite 8 M lubricating boxes W1LL We have one of these that will atrx FOR 2~ yE.Ul ~ WIrnotrr OIL and therefore appear in a future issue, but REQUIRES NO ATTENTIOH WHATEYER. 'These there are never enough. Another ~illaare fumis'1t~1 Galva- thing we can always use is a nized or not, just as ordered. THE DA.XDY ~~~~~.:I good picture _. of a special ':"' •.•.• IIIrii~U 4-CORXEHED STEEL TOWER ia~sTRmm, EST, happening or of an evocative MOST SUBSTA.'"TIAL 'and )lOST ABiJOLUTltLY STOR~[ PROOF To'n:n made. Mill and Tower SE~T street scene, for example. OUT ON 30 DA. Y.:i TEST TRIAL and if not satisfactory And don't think that a contri- to the p .rrchaser can be returned CO us and WE WILL P bution has to relate to someone s: Y FRElGIlT BOTU ,,.. A. Ys. or something 75 or 100 years We also make a full line of Power Wm4 Mills for ago. Hard as it is for some of us tunning machinery of a;l kinds and can fu\Disn any size wanted •.•• " e also make 0. full and complete line to realize (or admit), anything of T A.XKS, rt:~IP ST A."(DS ('\"LIXDER5, ORI~DER5, before 1950 -- even later -- is 5Ilt:LLEns, SAWS, ~tc.. now history! In addition to this will say we make 10, SlZes and kinds Let us hear from you. Call Bill of 'windmills. being more than &n1 other four concerns Hall at 879-2033, or write him at in the business. 345 N. Batavia Avenue. Challcni~ Wind Mill and F(~~d lUlU Co., Batavia Ill .. Page 7 The Batavia Historian Batavia Historical Society J\tIelIlbership 1996 Name Address ______ City ______State ______Zip ______Dues Structure: ο Individual $5.00 Mail to: ο Joint/Family $10.00 Treasurer ο Junior $1.00 Batavia Historical Society ο Classroom $5.00 P.O. Box 14 Batavia, ο Life (each) $75.00 Illinois 60510 ο Life (family) $125.00 ο Business or Institution $10.00 This membership is being given as a gift ο Business or Institution Life $100.00 o Prompt payment of dues is appreciated! If you would like to give a membership as a gift, send the above information and dues to the Society and indicate in the box above that it is to be a gift. The gift membership card will be mailed to you so that you may enclose it with a personal card or note. / OI~09 'TI ~1Atn~S: ~I::lJ!J U!1~ssoD (;£6 ./, UOSlreH s~UICf~)AI ~6C: 'ON 11~1:I3d O~90911 ''v'11\'v'1'v'8 o I ~09 S!OU!UI 'B!ABlBS: vI CIVd xes: 'O'd 38'v'lSOd"S"n Alapos IR:l!.I01S!H R!AR1RR '81:1011::l01:ld-NON r ·r>~R;'''T TAVIA I \RRARY U\01, Iv B11, tA , '-- "... . ,. " •• ! ' ..•.• The BataviaBATp,'JiA, ILL 11'Jl)iS Historian Batavia Historical Society cp, o. Box; 14 (]3atavia, Illinois 60510 Vol. 37, NO.2 April, 1996 Batavia and The Civil War by Eric Nelson From the bombardment of Fort I started my journey with a copy of served in 29 different regiments. Most Sumter in April 1861 to Lee's Surrender the names on the Newton Civil War were Illinois infantry regiments. Batavia to Grant in 1865, approximately Monument (see "The Newton Memo- men served in three Illinois cavalry 600,000 people lost their lives in the rials" in this issue) in the West Batavia regiments, most notably the 8th Illinois Civil War. Among that number are 32 cemetery. At that time I was living in Calvary Regiment which trained at ~atavians. The census of 1860 shows Austin, Texas, which is the home of the Camp Kane in St. Charles and served ,.he population of Batavia was 1,621, University of Texas, as well as the in the eastern battlefields throughout and yet, throughout the war, Batavia Texas State Archives. These two the war. Batavians serving with the provided 309 soldiers for the Union sources helped me compile a list with artillery, with one exception, served in Army. Even more amazing was just some of the basic information on the Battery B, 1st Illinois Light Artillery. how far those veterans. I also found veterans whose Theodore Wood was soldiers spread names were not included on the New- Continued on p. 2 out during the ton Monument. Two trips to Springfield war. Other than and the Illinois State Archives, as well the First Battle of as the Illinois State Historical Library Bull Run in July added information in my search. 1861, there is Telephone calls to the Maryland, Wis- virtually no major consin and New York State Archives battle of the war aided in the search for veterans who that did not served in regiments from other states. have at least one Batavian present. While I was home on Christmas My interest in military history and the leave in 1991, Bill Wood gave me ac- Civil War, in particular, has been a life cess to the records in the Depot Mu- long fascination. It was early in 1990 seum. Following atnp to the National that I first started looking at the Batavia Archives in the fall of 1993, I felt the list Civil War veterans. Initially my goal was of 309 names was virtually complete. I to pinpoint where they had served. After say virtually because there are still a small amount of research, I was twelve soldiers included on the list for amazed to discover just how much of whom I have not positively confirmed the war Batavians had seen. I had Batavia citizenship. I limited the list to expected to find Batavians in the include only those soldiers who lived in Western Theater at battles such as Batavia prior to their service in the Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Atlanta. I was Union Army. Although all twelve surprised to find Batavia soldiers soldiers' names are on the Newton 'ighting at Antietam, Gettysburg and Monument, I have not yet been able to 'Petersburg. My goal then became to prove they lived in Batavia prior to their identify the name, rank, service date, time in service. unit and places served of all the The results of my research have Batavia Civil War veterans. been very interesting. Batavians Batavia and the Civil War Continued from p. 1 commissioned a lieutenant near the ease and measles were some of the In the meantime my research is not end of the war with the 5th U.S. Col- ailments Batavia soldiers succumbed complete. I'm still looking for proof of ored Heavy Artillery. Batavians fought to that today aren't quite so deadly. Batavia citizenship or residency prior to in the ranks of the 29th U.S. Colored Combat deaths did occur as well. military service for the following sol- Infantry Regiment during the Battle of Jacob Price and Thomas Andrews diers: Petersburg. Two Batavians served in were killed at Shiloh. Thirty one year • Charles Stevens (enlistment Sep- other states' regiments. Franklin old Oscar Cooley was killed at tember 11,1861) Crandon was with the 1 st Maryland Vicksburg. Charles Burnell and Clem- • Franklin S. Hanks (enlistment Au- Cavalry Regiment,-while William ent Bradley were killed at gust 11, 1862) Brown fought as a member of the 123rd Chickamauga. Jesse Dawson and • Benjamin Stephens (enlistment New York Infantry Regiment. George Young were killed in action in July 24,1861) Batavians served in every rank from Mississippi. John Brown was killed in • William H. Bennett (enlistment Au- private to colonel. Dentist Edgar Swain Virginia in 1862, and James Watts and gust 15,1861) was the highest ranking Batavian. He Jordan Stewart were killed in the Battle • Emory Caskey (enlistment August finished the war as a colonel and of the Crater at Petersburg, Virginia in 15,1862) commander of the 42nd Illinois Infantry July 1864. On November 22, 1863 • Charles W. Cook (enlistment Au- Regiment. The 46 year old surveyor Sidney Barlacorn died in Libby Prison gust 11, 1862) Adin Mann was the only lieutenant in Richmond, Virginia. The strangest of • Joseph E. Merrill (enlistment July colonel from Batavia. Two men served the Batavia casualties was Peter Victor 29,1862) as majors, while six made captain and who was captured October 16, 1863. • Beverly Hammond (enlistment eight were lieutenants. Charles The following morning he was found February 25, 1864) Bucher, served first in the ranks of the dead in a gully stripped of his clothes. • Henry Harmon (enlistment August 124th Illinois and then became a At the time of Victor's death his 15,1861) surgeon with the 72nd Illinois Infantry regiment was in an area surrounded by • Thomas James (enlistment De- Regiment, where he saw service at the Confederates. It was thought he cember 17, 1861; a T.R. James battles of Nashville, Spring Hill and wandered too far from his comrades voted in the Batavia town meeting Franklin, Tennessee in late 1864. In and was picked up and murdered by on April 5, 1864, and signed to re- the enlisted ranks 27 men served as rebel troops. ceive Charles James' bounty on sergeants, 35 were corporals, 13 Batavia soldiers were typical of Civil February 27, 1865; however I think musicians and the rest served as War soldiers of both sides in another this may be Thomas' father.) privates. aspect. .. desertion. Eight Batavians • George C. Wood (enlistment March As was common during the Civil deserted their regiments. Somehow 1862) War, men joined the army and served this fact surprised me when I came • Thomas O'Connor (enlistment together throughout the war. Company across it; however, with 309 soldiers August 11, 1862) B of the 124th Illinois was organized by serving it would have been unusual I'm convinced that in the attics of Adin Mann and 79 Batavians served in not to have some desertions. Most Batavia there are still old letters from its ranks. Company I, 42nd Illinois had desertions occurred early in a soldier's the Civil War. I would like to get copies 30 Batavians as well as most of the military career, probably right after he of any letter written to or by a Batavia regimental band members. Company realized what he had gotten himself soldier, and I. know the Depot Museum 0, 52nd Illinois had 37 Batavians, into. Interestingly, most of the men would also like to add copies to its while 55 men served with Company B, who deserted are not included in the archives. I would like to thank two of the 141 st Illinois. Finally, 22 list of names on the Newton Civil War people who have helped me thus far in Batavians served in Company F, 156th Monument. my research. Dr. Rodney Ross happily Illinois Infantry. This was the final As my research and results pro- loaned me his notes on the 124th regiment Illinois sent to the Union gressed, my interest level continued to Illinois, as well as putting me in touch Army. Families also joined and fought rise so much - so that the idea of a with key people at the National together. Five Manns were in the book about Batavia and the Civil War Archives. I also need to thank Bill army, four Prindles, four Woods, three started to take hold. The crux of the Wood, who has always helped me with Wolcotts, three Balls, three Burtons book is the history of Batavia soldiers whatever I have asked, whether it was and three Kenyons. The Kenyons, the who fought in the Civil War. During the sending information to me in Texas or Manns, the Prindles and the winter of 1993 I started chapter one Alaska; giving me complete access to Hammonds all had fathers and sons and completed it approximately one the Depot Museum's records and ar- that served in the same regiments year later. The chapter tackles the . chives; editing chapter one; or taking together. start of the war and the recruitment of- me to lunch with the rest of the senility Batavia soldiers had about a ten the troops. Unfortunately my work club whenever I am back in Batavia. percent mortality rate in the Union schedule and graduate school Editor's Note: The author, a son of Army. As was typical for both armies of demands of late have not permitted Stephen and Anita Nelson of Batavia, the war, most Batavians died from me to finish the second chapter. is a captain in the Air Force presently disease rather than battle. Typhoid However, I have not given up and I stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. fever, chronic diarrhea, kidney dis- hope in the not too distant future to complete this project. Page 2 The Batavia Historian Windmillers Trade Fair Is Just Around the Corner throughout the country. Our Depot tion packets, and are still getting re- Museum will be open throughout the quests. We do know that the atten- by Robert Popeck event, allowing our visitors even more dance will include representatives from time to learn about our history. Along many western states as well as the In less than 70 days the 8th Inter- with our former employees of the Midwest and the East Coast. Our national Windmillers Trade Fair will windmill era will be the great-nephew of friends from Canada will be joining us, commence in our fair city. Daniel Halladay. He will be bringing and I understand that someone from From New Mexico to Canada, sev- several family heirlooms to share with the Netherlands hopes to attend. To eral hundred windmill enthusiasts us. top that, just recently I received a call gather each year to swap windmills, T. Lindsay Baker from Baylor Uni- from a man in Cape Town, South Af- information and stories. From farmers versity in Texas will be present. Dr. rica, who is seriously considering and ranchers to business and profes- Baker has written several books on coming. sional people, both young and old windmills and the lives of windmillers; Because of space limitations, the make up the rising number of collectors one, entitled Blades in the Sky, high- banquet will be by invitation only. There who get together, with great an- lights the exciting lives of those who put is plenty of space, however, for anyone tlcipation, for this annual event. up the windmills for a living. This book to join us at the other planned events. In June of 1995 representatives from features B.H. "Tex" Burdick of EI Paso, For more information, call our the City, Historical Society, Chamber of Texas, who has accepted our invitation Windmillers Hot Line, 879-5916, or Commerce and Park District visited the to share his life experiences at the contact any committee member: Bob fair in Alberta, Canada, to promote our banquet on Friday evening. Mr. Popeck, president; Francine Popeck, city and its windmill history. Our efforts Burdick, now 95, and his wife wrote, vice-president; Donna Dallesasse, were rewarded: "To visit the old Challenge factory and secretary; and Carla Hill, program and Batavia was selected to host the 8th meet and shake hands with some of events chairperson. Wind millers Trade Fair to be held June the old boys who designed, assembled Editor's Note: As we were going to 2,13,14 and 15,1996. and shipped old Model 27 Challenges press, Bob Popeck called to say that The 1996 show will be highlighted by would be a great pleasure." they certainly will be able to use our shining past. Windmills manu- How many will be coming and from volunteer help with the fair. You should factured in Batavia played an important where is difficult to answer at this time. read "will be able to use volunteer help" role in the settlement and development We have sent out over 500 registra- to mean "will need volunteer help." of civilization on the frontiers of our Please call him or Carla Hill country. Although we will follow some of the ideas from past trade fairs, we will also honor those in Batavia who built these windmills. Special tours are being You Are Invited: Please Come In arranged for' the visiting windmillers to go inside the walls of the factories where A Preview of Batavia's June 15 Housewalk this history took place. To hear the walls talk is not too hard to imagine. We are by Carole Dunn inViting former employees still living in Batavia to join us in the places they It is fitting that the housewalk to 1983 and spending the next three once worked and share their love and benefit the Chamber of Commerce years in restoration - before selling it to labor with our visitors. Build-out Fund is scheduled for the day Bob and Kristi Ellis. Kristi is the To continue on this historic theme that the Windmillers Trade Fair Wilcoxes' daughter. the present owners of the home where (described in story on this page) ends. Built by the year 1855 of native Daniel Halladay once lived will open it We hope that our visitors will take ad- Batavia limestone, this house has to our guests. Halladay, who received vantage of the opportunity to see the many of its original doors, windows and the first U.S. patent on the self- houses on the walk, some of which interior brick walls still intact. The own- regulating windmill in 1854, moved to were lived in by Batavians during the ership trail begins in 1855 when the Batavia in 1863 to start the U.S. Wind city's windmill building days. Here are property passed hands from DK Town Engine & Pump Co. some of the homes that will be open. to Addison Wells for $445. Town, a The committee is planning a special physician, arrived in Batavia in 1839. museum within the City Hall dedicated to 430 Main Street He later became one of the incorpora- rare windmill-related artifacts -from When the City of Batavia considered tors of the West Batavia Cemetery private collections, loaned both by local tearing down the old stone house on Association, a director of the First Na- residents and by others Main Street, John and Sandra Wilcox tional Bank and one of three owners came to the rescue, purchasing it in Continued on p. 4 The Batavia Historian Pa e 3 Batavia Housewalk Continued from p. 3 of a box car manufacturing plant. From Other Houses and Attractions and Palmer House in Chicago, this Wells, the stone house was sold to Other houses on the housewalk in- award-winning restoration of a Queen Hendrick Miller and in 1887 sold to clude the home of Janine and Mike Anne home was built in 1885 and is Charles Adams. Sold again in 1887 to a Callahan at 1121 Davey Drive and the now owned by Joe and Addie Marconi. party by the name of LaVallay, it next home of Sue and Don Olson at 348 Villa Batavia, 1430 S. Batavia Av- went to John and Mary Sheehan whose N. Jefferson. enue, will host a garden tea. Richard family maintained ownership until 1983. Current women's fashions will be Palmer and Fran Steiner now operate The current owners would appreciate modeled at Ms. Donali in Gammon this beautiful property, probably built photographs or information anyone Corners. Designed by John Mills Van between 1841 and 1845, as a bed and might have about the house. Osdel, famous architect of the Second breakfast. Presbyterian Church, City Hall 362 N. Water Street Where old industrial Batavia gives way to picturesque residential Batavia sits Waterford on the Fox, including the The Newton Memorials riverfront townhome of Dr. Robert E by James Hanson and Gerri Lee. Just a stone's throw from Batavia's restored Depot Museum A familiar sight to Batavians is the Newton Monument in the West Batavia and within sight of the skating pond that Cemetery which honors those from Batavia who served in the Union Army was the subject of John Falter's during the Civil War. Many, however, may not know how and why it came into Saturday Evening Post magazine existence some 50 years after the war ended. cover in 1958, the town homes hug the Mary Prindle Newton, the widow of Don Carlos Newton (1832-1893), west bank on a property previously bequeathed $10,000 for the erection of this memorial when she died in 1~13, home to factories and forges - to name n8:~ing.Charle~ More, Albro ~rindle and EH. Wolcott to carry out thls a few: Gardner Products, T.N.T. provision In her Will. The memonal was erected in 1918 and formally Industries, Watlow Batavia, Inc., dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, 1919. Rogers Galvanizing Co., C&F Forge D.C. Newton assisted in raising a company to serve in the Union Army in and the James Seaverns Co. 1861 and was elected a lieutenant of Co. D, 52nd Regiment, Illinois Infantry. The Lees have lived in the award- He was later promoted to captain and served until December, 186~. He winning town homes since June 1992 - participated in many major battles including those at Shiloh, Connth, "the first to buy and the first to move in," Chattanooga, Atlanta, and in Sherman's "March to the Sea" and capture of says Gerri. Their home has been Savannah. Following the war, Batavia had an active GAR. organization in decorated by their son Bill, an interior which Mr. Newton was involved. designer in St. Louis, Missouri. Few Batavians are aware that Mrs. Newton also provided funds for another memorial to her late husband. In 1901 an observatory, named the Newton Observatory, at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA was dedicate? ~s the resu~t of a gift of $10,000 from Mary Newton. The college had In ItS 1255 Woodland Avenue possession a telescope but no appropriate facility for its placement and use The ideal empty-nester home for until it received this gift. In 1910 she established a $5,000 endowment fund Nelson and June McRoberts was found for the maintenance of the observatory which is still in in Batavia at the southern-most end of use at the college. . Woodland Avenue, where this quiet The present Methodist Church on Batavia Ave. was a gift from D.C. lane blends into the woods. It is near Newton and his brother-in-law, Rev. EH. Gammon. They had it built similar to the river and close to a small town. a design of a church that the Newtons had seen in France. The church cost Wood, water, small town - three $35,000 and was dedicated in 1888. References are found that indicate Mr. qualities very important to the Newton thought of this as a memorial to his father, Levi Newton. An organ McRoberts. This ideal place, built in which had been given by Mary Newton and Mrs. Gammon to the previous 1957, follows the Bauhaus school of Methodist Church was installed in the new edifice. In her will, Mary Newt.on architecture and was designed by a provided for a trust to be established with $10,000 to ~e used for maintaining minor architect under Walter Gropius in the church building. Mary Newton also was givIng money to Dakota the international style. This school of Wesleyan University at the time of her death in 1913. architecture (1919-1933) declared "that Note: lntormation in this article reqardinq Allegheny College and the the artist and craftsman were Newton Observatory was researched by Tom Mair and given to me several inseparable, and craftsmanship was years ~go. ~e had received an old, undated newspaper clipping about the the main source of creative design." gift, which whetted his interest just as his notes caused me to delve into Mary June McRoberts, herself an interior Newton's probate records, old newspapers and the Society's archives for designer, has decorated the home with more details about her philanthropy. family pieces mixed with objects gathered during their travels. June, the artist, and Nelson, the craftsman, are keeping the tradition alive. Page 4 The Batavia Historian What's New at the Museum? The Historian by Carla Hill, Curator The Museum re-opened on Monday, Needs You! March 4, for the 1996 season. Chris Winter and I have done a lot of As you have probably noticed in reorganizing upstairs as well as some the last issue and in this one, we general cleaning and repairing are blessed with some extremely throughout the museum. able writers -- ones who know We expect this to be an exciting . year Batavia history and love to tell it. with the Windmill Trade Fair, which will They undoubtedly have many take place in June, and the exhibit, more stories to tell, and we expect to continue hearing from them. But "Blades in the Sky," which will arrive from we don't want to go to the same Texas Tech University in April and will wells too often -- and even the stay at the museum until the first of deepest ones can go dry. August. This exhibit features the That's where you, our members Challenge 27 windmill and Tex Burdick, and other readers, come in. As we who installed them in the Southwest. wrote in the last issue, Burdick will be coming to Batavia for the "contributions to the newsletter will Windmill Trade Fair and will be the be received with open arms. ... We featured speaker at the banquet. need your help and support if the National Volunteer Week will be April Tim Zetang of the Geneva Historical newsletter is to make the vital 15-21. We will be honoring our Society reviews exchanged items contribution that it should." The response to our plea was museum volunteers with a thank you with Carla Hill of the Depot "underwhelming": we heard from and a small gift of appreciation. The Museum. no one! museum is fortunate to have many to Batavia, especially photographs. We Maybe we were a little disap- dedicated volunteers who help in a will be happy to copy photographs and pointed, but we weren't really sur- variety of ways. They are truly appre- prised. This is an idea that needs return them to the owners. ciated. nurturing. You readers are busy. Make sure that you get a chance to We have received many donations in Perhaps some of you think the come down and visit us. kind in the last few months, including: stories you might tell aren't all that * As part of a cooperative effort, many • Many, many items from Batavia's interesting. And maybe you dislike museums transfer items in their collec- banking history, given by Ray Bristow. writing -- or feel that your writing tions that belong in other museums Ray has also been responsible for the skills are not up to par. Please, and historical societies. delivery of many items from Lydia Jean though, don't let any of those thoughts deter you. Whenever a Stafney's home. group of old-time Batavians, and • The Millett Family History from Spring General Meeting some not so old, get together and Marlene Barnes. begin to reminisce, they tell tales May 19, 1996 - 3:00 p.rn, Batavia Civic • Eight wonderful glass milk bottles that many people would like to Center Bartholomew Room from some of Batavia's dairies, given hear. These reminiscences by the Aurora Historical Society. * mustn't be lost. Send them to Bill • A stone hammer used in the Barker Hall, 345 N. Batavia Avenue, or Stone Quarry by Charles Henze. His All members and friends are cor- call him at 879-2033. If you think great-granddaughter, Alice Wagner dially invited to attend our annual your story isn't in good enough Bastian, donated the hammer to the Spring general meeting. With the up- form to print, he'll see that it gets Geneva Historical Society in 1969, coming Windmillers Trade Fair to be edited. And if you don't want to before the existence of the Depot held in June, our presentation will focus write it down at all, he'll listen or Museum. Geneva gave it to us in an on Batavia's historic windmill factories. get someone else to, and see that it gets written up. exchange that returned old photo- Presenting Windmills Past and Let's see that these parts of our graphs, books, and memorabilia to Present will be our own local historian Marilyn Robinson with contributions by history -- big events, little happen- their Geneva origins.* ings, funny stories, even sad re- • A silver bank from Jane Elwood. Bob Po peck. We also ask anyone who may have worked in any of the membrances -- don't get lost. This is only a sampling of the arti- factories to share their memories with Share them with others. facts that we receive. We are always us. Refreshments will be served. Hope looking for anything that directly relates to see many of you there! The Batavia Historian Page 5 I Remember Holidays on the Farm (Part 2 of 3) A couple of issues back, The Batavia Historian published the first installment of Helen Anderson's reminiscences of holidays as she was growing up on the George and Della Bartelt family farm, Warrenville Road, Batavia Township. In that installment, she covered New Year's Day, Ground Hog Day, Valentine's Day, Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays and then got into the preparations for Easter. Now her nar- rative resumes with Easter breakfast. by Helen Bartelt Anderson late. Cherries were nearly always ripe by the Fourth, so we would have fresh Easter breakfast was also tradi- cherry pie. tional. Each year we had a contest to Labor Day was made a national see who could eat the most soft-boiled holiday in 1894, so it was still a fairly eggs. Fred, a slightly retarded man new holiday when we were growing up. who lived with us and helped with It did not in any way affect farmers. chores, could easily put away a dozen Labor Day was a big day for farm or more. He was the undisputed winner children because it marked the begin- for all time. ning of school the following day. Summer vacation usually started on Like most children, I started school Memorial Day. Some years we had a with new dresses. Mama's cousin, picnic. It was a time to take off long Oma, would make two gingham underwear. A time to take off shoes dresses for me each year. One dress and stockings and go barefoot. I re- could be worn for a week or more member one year Mama took us to without laundering because I wore town to see the parade. We lived out- coverall aprons over the dresses. side the Batavia school district, so we These aprons were made of dark were not invited to march in the parade calico, were sleeveless, slipped over with the other school children. I the head and tied at the sides. remember going to an ice cream par- Roger probably had new clothes, _ lor after the parade for ice cream too. Boys were denim bib overalls and cones. Ideal Confectionery was owned high-top shoes. Boys often had trou- by Gus Kapinas. sers made from their father's worn July 4th -- One spring Papa was ones, especially in winter. When it was plowing in a field quite some distance really cold, boys wore a pair of made- from our house. He turned up a couple over pants with their bib overalls over of huge rocks. Not saying a word to the top. anyone, he went out to the field before Halloween was great fun. There was daylight on the 4th, put a stick of usually a party at school. We bobbed dynamite between the two rocks, lit for apples, tried to take a bite out of an the. fuse and quickly ran out of the apple tied on a string and tried to pin way. The blast must have awakened the tail on a black cat while we were everyone for miles around. That was blindfolded. Our schoolroom was real his way of celebrating. No doubt spooky with bats, black cats and cultivating corn took up the rest of his witches everywhere. We carved day. pumpkins and learned the poem, "The Mama celebrated the Fourth by Goblins'll Get You If You Don't Watch cooking a delicious dinner of ham that Out." had been smoked in the smokehouse, Mama and Papa belonged to the then packed in salt brine in big Farmers' Community Club. One year twenty-thirty gallon crocks. Mama tried they had a Masquerade party on Hal- to have new potatoes, cooked in their loween, at the home of Wilton and Elsie skins, and fresh peas from the garden. Lehman. As Papa drove our Model T Some years, when there was a late into their driveway a man with spring, the gardens were also blackened face jumped in front of the car, waving his arms and yelling. I screamed and cried louder and longer than anyone. I spent the rest of the evening on Mama's lap. One year Papa made costumes for all four of us of Catalpa leaves. I do not remember if we won a prize. Farmers had fun, too, in spite of long days of very hard work. Life on the farm was and is controlled by seasons and weather. In the late fall farmers checked the ears of corn to see if they were ripe enough and dry enough to be picked. If there was still moisture in the ears, the picking would have to wait until the corn was ready. Then the husking season would begin. Farmers wore heavy canvas gloves with husking pegs strapped over the mitts to rip open the corn husks. Even though these heavy gloves were worn the farmer's hands would be chapped and sore. Every night they would rub an ointment into them. Each ear of corn was picked and tossed into a box wagon that had bang boards on one side, to prevent the ears from landing in the field. Two faithful horses pulled the wagon, walking slowly up and down the rows. The husker could pretty well keep up with the horses. Thanksgiving Day was the deadline when all husking should be finished. Sometimes weather conditions pre- vented this from happening. If all went well, Thanksgiving would be celebrated by a traditional dinner, probably at Aunt Kate's and Uncle Mike's in West Chicago. Because Mama lived with them for many years before she married Papa, they were like Grandma and Grandpa to Roger and me. At school we made pictures of corn shocks and pumpkins. We colored and cut out pictures of turkeys although we did not have roast turkey for Thanksgiving because turkeys were not raised on the farm. Our teacher read stories to us about the Pilgrims and the Indians. We learned the poem, "Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandma's House We Go." Editor's Note: In a coming issue, we shall pick up the remainder of Helen Anderson's story as she described the joys of a Midwestern farm Christmas in the earlier days of the 20th century. Page 6 The Batavia Historian News Bits .. Short But Important The Board approved Landmark Sta- Batavian Harold Maves has donated a addresses by Dr. Mark E. Neely, Jr., tus applications for three houses. The 1 DO-plus year old display-sized Chal- renowned Lincoln scholar, author and plaque for Jim and Carol Auer's house, lenge water tank and tower. These are professor, and Dr. John Y. Simon, pro- 123 S. Jefferson, will bear the date of being prepared for display and will be fessor and executive director and 1860; that for Paul and Bonnie featured, with pictures, in a forthcom- managing editor of the Ulysses S. Petrenko's house (the old Dickinson ing issue. Grant Association. For more detailed House) at 404 N. Washington will be • • • information, call Lee at 708-879-8441. dated 1892; and the one for Danny and C.iting Bill Wood's article in our • • • LuAnn Bombard's house (the former January 1996 issue, the Chicago At the February' opening of his new home of Daniel Halladay of windmill Tribune of March 24 described, with Ice House restaurant on North River fame) at 432 Main will be dated 1858. some relish, the 1869 shenanigans of Street, Kent Shodeen presented the • • • some of early Batavians that, in the Society with a donation of $1 ,000. The The Frame House has offered to sell local news media, overshadowed Mark restaurant walls feature many photo- prints of Bonnie Christensen's rendition Twain's visit here. graphs of old-time Batavia that the So- of our gazebo. The price of a print is • • • ciety made available. $80, and purchasers who wish to have It may not be Batavia history, but it is • • • their prints framed will receive a 10% about history -- Illinois history -- and it Marilyn Robinson and other volun- discount from the normal cost of is directed by a Batavian, one of our teers have completed an index of pre- framing. • • • members. On August 2, 3 and 4, Lee 1860 through 1960 probate records. Tom and Ann Alexander of Sugar Moorehead will lead his annual Lincoln Any genealogists or others who wish to Grove have donated a U.S. Wind En- seminar in Springfield. What may well examine the index should make an gine & Pump Co. water tank, and be the best program yet will include appointment through the museum. Updating Our Mailing List We want to make sure that our newsletters and other notices are properly addressed and go to persons with a continuing interest in the activities of the Society. To accomplish this, our mailing list needs updating; it includes 'ie names of persons who have not paid dues or with whom we have had no other contact for several years. The Board has accordingly adopted a policy of retaining on its mailing list only those persons who have paid dues for the current year or the year immediately past and any other person who indicates that he or she wishes to continue receiving the Society's mailings. If you have not paid dues for 1995 and/or 1996 and wish to remain on the Society's mailing list, you should either -- • Fill in the form on the other side of this page and send in your dues for 1996 (no catch-up for earlier missing years required) OR • Complete and mail the form at the bottom of this page. If you do not know the status of your dues, you can call the Treasurer, Bill Hall, at 879-2033 after April 25. Batavia Historical Society P.O. Box 14 Batavia, Illinois 60510 Although I have not paid dues for 1995 and/or 1996 and am not doing so that this time, I wish to have my name kept on the mailing list. Name ______ Address ______ City ______State ______Zip ______ The Batavia Historian Page 7 The Batavia Historian (Batavia Historicai Society Po O. (]3o~ 14 Bataoia, Illinois 60510 Vol. 37, No.1 January, 1996 Slowly They Reappear By Robert Popeck As slowly as the windmills disap- peared from our community, they are making a reappearance in our down- town. Even the small group of people who do not think we should have windmills in our downtown cannot dampen my spirits to carry on this wonderful historic project. Seeing the windmills rise and noting the favorable looks and words of encouragement from young and old alike make it all worthwhile. Continued on p. 2 What's New with the Newsletter? The Batavia Historian is back and other readers of the news- always exciting, perhaps, we shall -- and will stay! That is the big. letter are not cLl-rent Batavia also include minutes of Board meet- news. ~" residents, and we shall try to ings so that everyone is apprised of Some of you reminded .. ... 'keep this in mind in what we what your officers and directors are us that we had fallen down ~.~/~/Irii/"".U include. Besides the doing and planning. always Contributions to the newsletter will in getting out timely newsletters the sought-after reminiscences and an- be received with open arms: just last year or so, and we are truly sorry. ecdotes involving residents, places send them to Bob Po peck at the City Recognizing the newsletter's impor- and events from our city's past, the Hall or to Bill Hall at 345 N. Batavia tance in carrying out the Society's newsletter will feature exciting de- Avenue. Or, if you know something mission and in keeping our members velopments regarding such places that would make a good story but do informed and involved, your officers as the ice skating pond, whlch en- not feel like writing it yourself, call Bill and directors are taking steps to see joys such a special place in the at 879-2033 and he will see that it that issues will be mailed out at least memories of old-time Batavians. We gets written up. Either Bob or Bill will quarterly. Bill Hall has agreed to help shall also focus on such current ac- also welcome any suggestions you Bob Po peck in seeing that this gets tivities of the Society as its role in may have regarding future done. Future issues, we hope, will the installation of windmills in the newsletters. We need your help and improve, but our main desire for this Riverwalk, its ongoing involvement support if the newsletter is to make one is to initiate prompt communica- in the Depot Museum, its work on the vital contribution that it should. tion -- and learn what you want. old court records, and what takes A number of the Society's members place at its meetings. Although not Batavia Thanks go first to those who have so ago for Colorado, where it was utilized ByWilIiamj. Wood generously donated funds to this over many years on a large ranch to project. Without their generosity, this pump water for cattle and horses. Fi- In the early undertaking would not have been pos- nally it was abandoned and in dire evening hours of sible. Another group whom I now call need ofT.L.C. to restore it. That came January 26, 1869,~(TI friends consists of those windmill col- from a family in Lamar, Colorado, Samuel Clemens/ lectors throughout the country who whose members love windmills; this Mark Twain began a heard my appeal for bringing this part mill was so special to them that they letter to Livy, his soon-to-be wife. of our heritage back to Batavia. Their restored it to tip-top condition and dis Date-lined "Batavia, Illinois," he fin- extra effort to lo- played it on the ished it in the early morning hours of the cate the wind- main street of 27th after delivering a lecture to a mills as quickly Lamar. We were Batavia audience, site and topic still as they did made able to purchase unknown. In his wildest dreams he the dream come it and bring it surely could not have envisioned that true faster than home to Batavia even the most where it will be on January 18, 1996, Jeffery D. optimistic of us placed in a Schielke, Mayor of Batavia, would be expected. Last, prominent posi- reviewing "The Mark Twain Papers: but far from least, tion next to the Mark Twain's Letters, Volume 3, 1869" are the members City Hall. in which his letter is reproduced. of my volunteer The love In preparing publicity for Mayor corps of local shown by that Schielke's presentation, Mark Johnson, windmill family who Batavia reporter for the Aurora Beacon- enthusiasts, who restored this spe- News, researched the February 4, 1869, have given many cial windmill is edition of the Beacon and found that his hours to restore also 1869 counterpart had mentioned and erect the most extraordinary dis- demonstrated by Twain's lecture, but only as a footnote to play of historic artifacts in the area. another family, more vital news of the day. As a Because the photo on page 1 can this one from Batavia. Art and Marian newspaperman, Twain would be show only a limited view of our proud Swanson and their sons, Wayne and understanding that news of his lecture display, I want to acquaint you with Dennis, decided to finance the pur- would be overshadowed by· a what is now on exhibit in and around chase of this mill because of Art's many "disgraceful occurrence" in which "one the Riverwalk and the Municipal Build- years of service with the U.S. Wind of a self-constituted Vigilance committee ing. Our windmill court fittingly stands Engine and Pump Company. Their came to grief." adjacent to the old Appleton factory contribution was large enough to help Barney Vermilyer, the planned re- (now the City Hall and Police Depart- acquire the rare "Halladay Vaneless" cipient of a coat of tar and feathers ment), displaying an outstanding ex- mill, as well, that now stands within our declined the honor. After the commit- ample from each of the three major windmill court. tee ransacked his home on North windmill companies -- the Appleton, "Thank you" is not enough for us to Washington Ave. and tracked him to Challenge, and U.S. Wind Engine and say about the Swanson family's won- the cellar, Vermilyer fired three shots, derful gift. I do know that this spring, Pump companies. injuring the leader, Bill Noakes, who To the north of this court along the when the Model "E" is erected, Art resided on North Van Buren Street. west bank of the pond, standing tall on Swanson will be there to see it take its "Upon the fall of their valiant leader, its 32-foot tower, is a Challenge "27." first breath of Batavia wind. And I'll This windmill will actually be a working make a little wager that, if we listen the rest of the group made a hasty display of what a windmill did. School really hard, we will hear it say, "I am charge away from there that made children and others will be able to home."Lincoln Dinner Reminder Sheridan's celebrated ride seem slow watch the windmill lift water from its in comparison. They stood not upon On Sunday evening, February 4, well beneath the tower and fill the pond; the order of their going but went as the Heritage Committee of the overflow will slowly cascade down though the devil was after them." The ACCESS will hold its Eighth Annual to the river over the limestone spillway. Batavia correspondent, known only as Lincoln Dinner Theater, featuring a Toward the east is our 10foot "Ben," had a way with words be- dramatic presentation by the With Challenge "OK," most appropriately queathed to his 1996 successor. Ben Lincoln Productions of Chicago, at placed just a stone's throw from where the Lincoln Inn. Don't miss this added that the matter was turned over it was built about 1885. always popular occasion. Tickets, to the grand jury, which did not bode well for We have several more mills yet to be which include dinner, gratuity and Noakes as "mob law and vigilance erected. The one I especially want to theater, can be purchased for $17 committees are decidedly unpopular just point out is our big red Model "E" built at the Batavia Park District office or now." a . It was reported that Twain's by the Wind Engine and Pump by calling Lee Moorehead at lecture. was a "success pecuniarily and Company. This mill left Batavia long 879-8441. otherwise." Page 2 The Batavia Historian ο 1896 in Review By Marilyn Robinson A century ago Some new busi- ~ Batavia was a nesses opened dur- thriving industrial A.J.!iuterson;Bicyt;ltllfller. ing 1896. P.G. town third in size Pearson had a very ~:J Batavhi'Ave.; Back'l!I Old 8taad. • ._.-:.;t:. . . only to Elgin and fine greenhouse with Aurora. Politi- 6,000 feet of ground cally, it was a under cultivation or Republican glass opposite the stronghold. As West Side cemetery. such, it was W.O. Jones opened a demanding a hardware business in county officer. the Walt Block. Fred Frank E. George Ries opened a had been a good . - manufactory to make county supervi- Bicycle PttwcbaSers\vilHind it to their interest tp call at A~J. sun bonnets and sor, so in the pri- ANDERSON'S, 5:J, Batavia Av:e., Buck's old stand, and look-over bis aprons, employing mary election fine stock-of \VHEELSnnd'get PRICES. '. 100 women to sew with the support the garments -- many of Geneva Re- BICYCLE ,REPAIRINC a Spec,ialty. of which went to Chi- publicans, cago for sale. George was cho- The Batavia Road sen to run for M.M. Kinne & Co. wanted water for ba- Bicycle Race (to Aurora and back) was County Recorder. He had been edu- sin purposes in its store. Firemen asked covered in 32 minutes, a new speed cated in Batavia and was a successful the city to have water run to their resi- record. grocery store owner with his father, dences free of charge while they were The Aurora, Batavia and Geneva Frank K. George. employed by the city. Aldermen felt a Electric Street Railway was opened In October there was a huge political need to extend the water mains. A fire October 24. The half-hour ride between demonstration in downtown Batavia " . hydrant was placed at Main and Lincoln Aurora and Batavia was one of the pret- sponsored by the Swedish-American Streets. tiest in the state, running along the ~ Republicans from Batavia, Aurora, and Miss Ella Beach ap- beautiful Fox River. The fare was 10 Geneva. The rally included bands and a plied to the city for elec- cents. The ride ran each hour. In Batavia torchlight parade and helped elect Mr. tric lights in her resi- the cars ended near the Revere House George and President William McKinley. dence on Walnut Street. on South Batavia Avenue, but they Of the 1110 local votes cast in Novem- Homeowners along would soon run to Geneva as the railway ber, McKinley received 856 votes, and the north side of Hous- company had permission to lay tracks to the Democrat, William Jennings Bryan, ton Street petitioned the the north edge of Batavia. 203. city for concrete sidewalks from Lincoln Nine students graduated from East In February, the Knights of Pythias to Jackson Street. The other side Batavia High School and five from West Lodge was initiated. It would meet in the wanted its walk to reach Harrison Street. Batavia High School. GAR Hall until its own building was se- The finest drinking fountains in Kane A major debate all year concerned cured. The Rebekah Lodge of the Lodge County for livestock and people were whether city saloons should remain of Odd Fellows was initiated in Novem- placed on Batavia Avenue. They sup- open. In December, the No-license sup- ber. plied drinkers with pure, cool water from porters seemed to win. The council re- The cornerstone of the Holy Cross the rocks 1300 feet below. The fountains fused to renew the licenses of the city's 6 Church on Wilson Street was laid August cost $100. The money came from cash saloons. Arguments for keeping them 2. that had been raised several years ear- open were that they put $6,000 into the Dr. Annie Spencer came to practice lier for a 4th of JUly celebration that city treasury in license fees and an ad- medicine after leaving her practice in never took place. ditional $500 for electricity and water. New York. Her specialty was women's The city spent $16,577.62 during This was a serious loss to the city coffers diseases. 1895 and received $17, 183.Q4, leaving and might not bring about the morality Public utilities were coming into their a balance in the city treasury of $606.02 and sobriety that the No-license people own. Telephone companies were beg- to start 1896. hoped. It would vacate 6 store buildings ging the city to let them run poles and Instead of unsightly vehicles, their and throw 20 people out of employment. lines to furnish service to the were bad barns. Dr. J.C. Augustine, It would cripple business and drive it to city. health officer, reported that Ben Borg's neighboring cities that still had licensed Piped water was new. The cow barn was very offensive to the saloons. With drink so accessible, the U.S.W.E. & P. Co. applied to neighborhood, and police officers were closing of the saloons would not keep the city for water to supply told to notify Mr. Borg to clean and keep local drunkards from drinking. their boilers and for drinking clean his barn. purposes in their factory. The Batavia Historian Page 3 Our Growing Membership Members are the lifeblood of our organization. It is not a matter of collecting dues (although we do welcome those); rather, it is a matter of having people who are interested in Batavia's history and want to preserve it for future generations. For those who wish, we offer a variety of activities such as volunteering as a museum docent or helping with the project on court records, and many people enjoy these opportunities to meet others and to learn more about Batavia's history. We always welcome people, however, New Life for Ice whose only interest lies in attending our meetings and other functions. Although we are growing, we need a broader membership, particularly Skating Pond among the younger people in our community. Those with young families may Batavia's ice skating pond, known in not be able to participate actively in all the Society's activities, but we should recent years as the Depot Pond, has get them interested and involved, to the extent they can be, at an early stage. long enjoyed a special place in the Gifts of memberships to friends and relatives is a good, and relatively hearts of our people. Indeed, the inexpensive way, to increase our rolls; it is easier for many people to give a painting of the pond filled with skaters, membership than it is to ask someone to join. And then, of course, those who which appeared on the cover of the make the gifts should follow up by inViting these new members and others to January 11, 1958, Saturday Evening join them in attending Society functions. If we do a good job and are lucky, Post, has been one of our claims to those we invite may get "hooked" on our program and become lifelong fame. As many of you know, the original members. painting now hangs in the Depot During 1995, the Society welcomed the following new members (all from Museum, and long-time residents enjoy Batavia unless otherwise indicated): pointing out themselves, their families, and their friends in the large, lively group shown skating. In recent years, however, the banks Richard Anderson family (Oswego) John Heath (Aurora) Ruth of the pond had deteriorated, and Kerry F. Bailey family (reinstated) Luettich Henrichs James freezing had been hampered by salty Barbara M. Brown (St. Charles) and Mary Lundin run-off from storm sewers. It was fitting, Randa Duncan Howard Miner and Jeane Roberts therefore, that the Riverwalk Susan Dwiggins Nancy Prichard Committee gave a high priority to the Susan Farr W. T. Springborn renovation of the pond -- and especially Charles Gillenwater William Donna Videtech since the Riverwalk itself will ultimately and Ellen Hamilton Jennifer L. Warta overlook the pond. The initial work, John and Heather Hamilton-Dryden Ed and Nancy Weiss (Aurora) scheduled for completion in the fall of 1995, was to consist of a sixfoot wall of In addition, the following persons (most of whom were already members) stone bricks surrounding the pond and have become Life Members: a new sluice gate controlling the flow of storm water into the pond. Richard and Lois Benson Ruth Hamper Timely completion of the work was Marvin and Carole Dunn Marilyn Robinson frustrated by four failures of the tem- Barbara Hall porary dams at the north end, required to drain the pond so that the wall could During 1995, the Society unfortunately lost members through death. be built. Finally, however, volunteers Some of these had given devoted service to the Society and other orga- and a construction crew have been able nizations in Batavia over many years and will be sorely missed. Our losses to complete the wall, and hopeful included: skaters are now only awaiting weather that will create the necessary six-inch Elizabeth (Peg) Bond Grace R. Oregon layer of ice. In the meanwhile, all of us Warren Hubbard Agnes Perrow can all enjoy the attractive appearance Martha May Lundberg of the new wall. Next spring, the Riverwalk Commit- There may be some deaths of which we are unaware, especially among tee will complete work on the pond, with those members who no longer live in this area. If any reader knows of . other the installation of the electrical and deaths during the last year, please let us know and we shall report them in the plumbing work for the warming house next newsletter. and fountain at the entry court. A landmark will not only have been saved, it will have been improved. Page 4 The Batavia Historian Marilyn Robinson: Citizen of the Year and Again an Author Marilyn Robinson, the Society's re- tiring vice president -- and still a YJ2ri. active board member -- was much in the news at the close of 1995. The Batavia Chamber of Commerce honored her as the 1995 Citizen of the Year at its December 8 annual awards dinner. As reported in The Batavia Republican: "(Marilyn) Robinson, a former busi- ness industrial teacher and chairman of applied arts at Batavia High School, retired from teaching in 1988. However, she has been anything but inactive since her retirement. Robinson has worked hard for the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence and the Batavia Historical Society and is a published author. She also has con- tributed columns to the Windmill Herald newspaper." Marilyn strongly believes that "everybody needs to know where they Book Signing at Depot Museum came from. People can't have a sense of how things currently are without Marilyn's most recent book, Batavia ies for Marilyn to sign, and enjoyed understanding the past." She certainly Places and the People Who Called visiting with her and others while has put that philosophy in practice in Them Home, arrived from the printer in indulging in Christmas cookies and her work for the community and in her early December. A number of people coffee. writing. Batavia is richer because she is had reserved copies in advance; for Copies of this book are available at here - and contributes. those who were present at the Decem- the Batavia Park District office. They Although we know that she will not ber 12 museum volunteer luncheon, can also be obtained at Town House receive this same award again, we Marilyn signed "hot off the press" cop- Books in St. Charles or directly from know that she will continue meriting it. ies. The Society arranged a formal Marilyn at 1418 Clybourne Street, Congratulations, Marilyn, and thanks! signing at the Depot Museum on the Batavia 60510. The cost of the book is Then, as if recognition as Citizen of afternoon of December 17. Many $24.95. If it must be mailed rather than the Year was not enough for one month, people braved the frigid weather, delivered or picked up locally, please bought cop- add $3.00 for first-class postage. ~4t Jlustum: Our Society's Center When we asked Carla Hill, the Depot Carla creates exciting new special have 70 volunteers who are the real life Museum curator, to write about the exhibits several times a year. And visi- and character of the museum. Without annual volunteer luncheon, we re- tors, many of them newcomers or volunteers the museum could not ceived a bonus -- an offer "to write a school children, are always asking function. museum oriented article any time." questions that require consultation or May Lundberg was one of those Needless to say, we accept the offer, research for answers. dedicated volunteers who for many and you will be finding stories about the Carla described the recent volunteer years took on the arduous task of museum as a regular feature in future luncheon in the following words: scheduling the museum volunteers. newsletters. "On Tuesday, December 12, the She unfailingly made the monthly calls, The museum lies at the heart of the Depot Museum volunteers came to- prepared the schedules and made sure Society's activities. Five afternoons gether for the annual Christmas lun- that they were ready to be sent. She each week, March through November, cheon. A delicious lunch was provided will be sadly missed. volunteers staff the museum. Even by Reuland's Catering in Aurora, and I look forward to a great 1996 season these volunteers, often old-time magician, Matthew Scherer, and pia- beginning on Monday, March 4th!" Batavians who have filled this role for nist, David Kellen, provided the en- New volunteers are always wel- many years, are always finding out tertainment. come; just call May Lundberg's suc- something new about our history. The museum is very fortunate to cessor, Kathy Fairbairn (406-9041), or Continued on page 6 The Batavia Historian Page 5 , 1'995 Annual Meeting and Christmas Dinner By Francine McGuire-Popeck County Records Project The Society's Annual Meeting pro- The terms of Robert Popeck, Presi- vides an opportunity for its members to dent; William D. Hall, Treasurer; and By Marilyn Robinson conduct business in a warm and Ray Anderson, Director, did not expire; friendly atmosphere surrounded by they continue to hold those positions. good friends, homemade food, lively The business meeting was preceded The County Records Project at round-table discussion, and enjoyable by lively entertainment from The the Campana Building continues. entertainment. Our December 3, 1995, Batavia Faculty Jazz Ensemble, under The combined societies have been meeting held all of the right ingredients. the directorship of Michael Stiers. Mr. working for nearly three years. Members gather early to add their Stiers added an informative historical The probate records are all potluck entrees to long buffet tables notation before each of the songs sorted, and in Batavia they have and talk with friends while arranging played by the band; this supplemented been boxed and indexed and are their own place settings. The tableware our enjoyment of the great jazz tunes ready for researchers to use. Make members choose to bring ranges from with an educational note. The band an appointment with Carla Hill to picnic style to fancy china. Some ended its performance with a see and use the records if you are members even bring Christmas plates Christmas carol sing-along that helped doing family or historical research. and cups to go along with the seasonal give the holiday season an early start The court records are coming table decorations provided by the for many of us. along slowly. We do see the pile committee that organizes and prepares shrinking, and there is no more for the evening. filming to do. Batavia has many During the business meeting, the boxes of these records at the Nominating Committee submitted museum, but they are not yet in- names to fill available positions for dexed. I am working on them. officers and the board. The members Some are on my computer, but most are not. My lengthy illness approved the following slate: Your Society has some wonderful last winter and other projects • Vice President: Patricia Will (formerly items for sale, items that anyone would caused me to get far behind. Recording Secretary) treasure for years to come. We work every Thursday on the • Recording Secretary: Francine We know. We're late and missed the second floor of the Campana McGuire-Popeck Christmas Season. But there are al- Building. Volunteers are always • Corresponding Secretary: Georgene ways other occasions; Valentine's Day, welcome, whether they stay for Kauth Easter, and maybe a birthday are whole afternoon or for just a couple • Historian: William J. Wood coming up. Perhaps you can even treat of hours. Batavia's shift is from •Directors: Marilyn Robinson (formerly yourself to a gift of lasting value. 12:30 to 3:30, but you won't be Vice President), Carole Dunn, Timothy Late last year, the Society obtained - turned away if you prefer to work in Mair and is the sole source for -- a beautiful the mornings. The task is simple, print: Gazebo on the Pond. This 28 by and there's always several to show 22 inch color print, from a painting by you what to do. Geneva artist Bonnie Christensen, Come in the front door of the would make a lovely adornment for the building, follow the sign to the home or office of any Batavian, or any- metal stairway. At the top of the continued from page 5 one who once called Batavia home and first flight, turn left to the double cherishes memories of the old ice doors across from the ladies room. Carla Hill (879-5235). No experience or skating pond. The print sells for $80; for It will be closed just because it even long-time residence in Batavia is a person who may be looking for makes it warmer in our workroom. required. Serving is fun, lets you meet something really special, the original is You can't miss us from there. people, and acquaints -- or reacquaints also available -- for $1-,600. Our members who frequently -- you with various aspects of Batavia's Our well-known author, Marilyn work at the project include Kathy history and traditions. It takes only two Robinson, has just published a new Fairbairn, Evelyn Noreen, Marilyn hours a month, and schedules, drawn book, Batavia Places and the People Robinson, William Hall, and Elliott up monthly, accommodate volunteers' Who Called Them Home. This book in- Lundberg. Others come infre- travel or other personal commitments. cludes both updated items that origi- quently, but all are always wel- And, even if you don't feel that you nally appeared in the Windmill Herald come. Some non-member can volunteer, be sure to visit the over the last few years and some new Batavians are regulars, so we have museum regularly. Surprisingly, even material. There are also other books for lots of fun. some active Society members occa- sale by authors Robinson, Roberta sionally admit they haven't visited the Campbell and Thomas Mair. museum for months, even years. They These items are all for sale at the are missing a lot! Batavia Park District office, 327 W. Wilson, or at the Depot Museum after it reopens on March 4. Page 6 The Batavia Historian Change in Dues Structures The Society's financial opera- Treasurer's tions are accounted for and re- C t Until this year, the Society's dues structure had remained un- ported in two funds. The General ommen s changed for a number of years. During 1995, the Board of Directors Fund reflects the day-to-day, re- y;' voted to make changes, effective from the end of that year, as follows: curring operations of the Society. on ear s The Special Projects Fund (iden- Fe e 1 tified as the "Special Fund" in the tnanCla Before After accompanying fina.ncial state- Operations Individuals and families - ments) covers receipts and ex- penditures for special projects that fall outside the Single $ 3 $ 5 Society's normal, ongoing operations. Family 5 10 General The principal source of funds in the Gen- Junior 1 1 F d eral Fund is interest. Under existing policy, Classroom 5 5 un the general fund receives all the interest Single life 50 75 from the Society's investments. The $8,160.39 of inter- Family life N.A. 125 est for the 1995 fiscal year represented about 75 percent Institutions and businesses - of the General Fund's total receipts of $10,921.18. The Annual 10 10 other principal receipts included $793 from dues and Life 100 100 $1,040 from sale of Gazebo prints. Late in the fiscal year, the Society purchased 100 Ga- Questions have been raised about the reasons for change, es- zebo prints for $3,550, to be resold at $80 apiece. Thir- pecially since the General Fund that receives the dues has had a teen of these had been sold through September 30, substantial excess of receipts over disbursements in recent years. 1995; the General Fund receipts, as noted above, As noted in the Treasurer's Comments on Financial Operations include $1,040 from these sales, and disbursements elsewhere in this newsletter, interest on investments constitutes the include $461 .50 as the cost of these prints. The assets major part of the receipts in the General Fund. Approximately of the Society at September 30, 1995, included three-quarters of the investments that produce this interest, however, $3,088.50 as the cost of the 87 prints held for resale at actually relate to the Special Projects Fund. It has been suggested, as that date. a means of preserving the Special Projects Fund for future major The largest General Fund disbursements for the year projects and even as a matter of equity, that consideration be given to related to the operations of the museum. Under allocating the applicable interest on these investments to the Special arrangements with the Batavia Park District, the Society Projects Fund. If that had been done for the fiscal year 1995, the pays for the security system; payments to Alarm General Fund would have shown only a slight excess of receipts over Detection System and to Ameritech for the related disbursements for the year -- an excess likely to disappear shortly with telephone system totalled $900.07. Museum insurance inflation and other factors. Even if no change were to be made in the accounted for $428, and display material cost $451. allocation of interest, however, it is prudent to look ahead and plan for Because of the substantial interest received on what might happen if a major part of the Special Project Fund were to investments, the excess of General Fund receipts over be used -- say, for an expansion of the museum as may be required disbursements totalled $6,986.84, which was added to some day with the growth of the community and the museum's the fund balance of the General Fund. contents. This would eliminate interest on which the Society has come The Board's financial policy has estab- to rely for its day-to-day operations. Special • lished that the Special Projects Fund Thinking along those lines led the Board to conclude that a modest should include all bequests and memo- increase in the dues structure might be appropriate at this time. Even Projects Fund rial donations, single donations in the the impact of the one recently implemented would not necessarily be amount of $100 or more, and those do- enough to bring the receipts and disbursements for normal day-to-day nations specifically designated for special projects under operations into balance, but it would be a step in the right direction. In the fund. Expenditures from this fund are for nonrecurring saying this, we are not suggesting that there is any present thought expenses related to projects not customarily part of the about future increases. Few not-forprofit organizations such as the operating expenses of the Society. Society can, or should ever be expected to, live on dues alone; we During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, the would need to look for other resources -- more fund-raising projects, fund received generous donations of $23,067, of which for example. Our most important asset is an interested, involved $22,175 were designated for the purchase and membership, and we would never want to establish a dues structure installation of Batavia-manufactured windmills around that would drive members away or discourage new ones from joining. the Municipal BUilding and the Riverwalk. The identities We have many older members, some of whom go away for all or part of the donors are shown in financial statements; how- of the year; although we hope that they will send in their dues on a ever, it should be noted that the $10,000 attributed to timely basis, they need not fear that their names will be dropped from Arthur W. Swanson (along with anouther $5,000 re- our mailing list because the date when their dues expires has slipped ceived after the end of the fiscal year) actually comes by. from the combined families of Arthur Swanson and his In summary, it can perhaps be said that we are trying to introduce sons, Wayne and Dennis. some long-range planning and a little prudence into our operations but A total of $32,097.50 was expended for windmills and are not about to focus exclusively on what is now commonly called the related costs during the fiscal year. Descriptions of these "bottom line." windmills are included in an article in this newsletter. Disbursements during the year exceeded receipts by $9,030.50, which resulted in a decrease of that amount in The Batavia Historian the balance of the Special Projects Fund. Page 7 .----~~~~~~~~~----- T The Batavia Historian Bataoia Historical Society Vol. 37 No.4 October, 1996 The Challenge Com.pany ... and Its People Personal Reminiscences by Elliott Lundberg In the mid 1920s to 1929 the U.S., ment and manufacturing. As the Great I worked there until the mid 1940s, about Challenge and Appleton windmill com- Depression followed, they never did when it closed down. One of my sisters panies and the Newton Wagon Works recover, although World War II brought also worked at the U.S. for a time. were probably at their peak of employ- employment through war work. Well In the mid 1920s we lived on Water over 1,000 people were Street, just south of the U.S. and I re- Do you know where this building is? employed at these plants member walking a couple of blocks to and the population of the U.S. to meet my father at quitting If not, see answer on page 5 Batavia was a little over time to explain my misadventures of the 5,000. Almost all workers day to him on our walk home so he lived in Batavia and walked could determine what punishment was to and from work. It was required. quite a sight at quitting time In 1938 I started work at the office of to see the hundreds of the Challenge Company. By then busi- workers carrying their lunch ness had improved some from the buckets heading home, depths of the Depression, but there still most of them walking east were many 4-day weeks. Frank Snow and west on Wilson Street. was President and the old timers in the This was before the repeal office were Maurice Marcuson, Bob of Prohibition so there were Lewis, Art Clark, Sam Thomle, Ray no tavern stops. McDaniels, and Frank Nelson, and a As with many Batavians, few younger men, Alan Larson, Harry windmills were in my Pierce, Charles Hoag and Ralph family's blood. My grandfa- Ernzen, and also five women and three ther, August Lundberg, had real young men, including me. arrived in Batavia from No doubt very little, if any, of the Sweden in 1887. Most of his machinery had been upgraded since the working life was spent at the 1920s. Water power from the river was U.S. Wind Engine and the main power source. The plant was Pump Company. My father, electrified but water power was used John Lundberg, also wherever possible due to its low' cost. worked at the U.S. (as it Money was in short supply. The average was called) most of his worker in the shop was paid 55 cents per working life. My aunt, Freda hour. The Wood Room and the Foundry Lundberg, started working and Core Room were union, and at that at the U.S. in 1920, fresh time foundry moulders made 921/2 cents out of high school. She be- per hour. came secretary to H.N. Electricity was being provided to many Wade, President of the farms by this time so that in our U.S., and after his death Continued on p. 2 The Challenge Com.pany ... and Its People Continuedfromp.1 area there was more demand for the The Challenge Company had fronted River Street. George Glasser #30 pump jack and the #45 deep well branches in Minneapolis and in Lub- was in charge of plating and had one or pump than windmills. Windmill produc- bock, Texas. Shipments of windmills two other employees. tion was still a big part of the and allied products were made to South of the Plating Room, the company's business but mostly for the these branches by rail. There was a Foundry and Core Room were located. southwest and western parts of our spur of the Chicago Northwestern Oscar Anderson, a Swede, was country and for foreign shipment to Railroad into the Challenge yard. foreman of the Foundry, but he was Australia, South America and other Many of the windmills going to more often referred to as the boss. places. Still there were plenty of Lubbock were for the customer More than once he literally picked me windmills in operation in the country Burdick and Burdick, and their name up and threw me out of the Foundry. He surrounding Batavia and also it was was stenciled on one side of the vane. didn't always like the questions I raised, expensive to buy a new electric pump, The self-oiling windmill, whereby the in line of duty. He was the boss. His and the depression had not really windmill motor ran in a bath of oil, all son, Erik Anderson, worked in the Core ended. enclosed in the head, was a great im- Room - Erik's son is Kenneth Anderson Local farmers could not afford to buy provement and made its appearance of Cincinnati Bengal fame. Nick Hermes new electric pumps or new windmills. in the 1920s. The Aermotor Company was foreman of the Core Room which As a result there were still a lot of old of Chicago was one of the first manu- adjoined the Foundry in the same windmills being used, and many farm- facturers of this type of windmill, and building. ers came in to get repairs for their the most successful. The Challenge John Kershules was the cupola ten- windmills, no matter how old. Many Company was slow in their develop- der in the Foundry, Faith Rice (a black repair parts were kept in stock, but if ment of the self-oiling windmill, and man) was his helper. In later years Faith not a part could usually be provided. when the Model 27 came out, they Rice worked up at John's Tap in George Thrun (I believe he was the were sued by the Aermotor Company Geneva. When he came in the bank father of William Thrun, fire chief of for infringement of patent. The about the time of the Geneva Swedish Batavia for many years), worked in a Aermotor Company won their suit, and Days parade, I always told him he room below the machine shop, which I used to hear that it cost the Challenge should lead the parade in Geneva as he itself was below ground level. When a $100,000, though I've not seen this probably could speak more Swedish repair part could not be found in the amount verified. than anyone else in Geneva. He stock room, I would take the farmer The Wood Room was located in the couldn't, of course, but he had picked with his part down to see George large two-story building at the north up a bit of Swedish working in the Thrun. He was a short man with a large end of the factory. Staves and other Foundry since so many Swedes worked mustache and a German accent. He wood parts of cypress and redwood in the Foundry. would usually find the part, but if not, were produced here for use in the In addition to moulding all the cast- he'd say that he would find the pattern manufacture of large wood water tanks ings for use in the manufacture of and have one cast in the foundry. In which were sold mainly to companies Challenge products, the Foundry did a 1940 parts were being provided for 50 and to municipalities and other institu- lot of work for other companies - the year old open gear windmills. Any tions for water storage. John Carlson, Chicago Pump Company, the Aurora business was acceptable in those a Swedish immigrant, was foreman of Pump Company, the American Well days. the Wood Room. He was also 2nd Works, the Lindsey Light and Chemical Until production ceased, Challenge Ward alderman. Almost every noon he Company, the Red Devil Tool Company Company was selling a revised version would come up to the office before and others. Therefore, this was a very of the Challenge 27 windmill, like the lunch hour was over for a discussion important unit of the Challenge, and the one recently erected west of the City with some of the office men, in which Foundry quite often had work when the Hall by the cut. Arnold Hall worked in he was usually defending his positions rest of the plant did not. the machine shop at the Challenge, on affairs of the city council or a politi- The Steel Tank Room was located where windmills were assembled, and cal discussion would ensue. I believe just south of the Foundry. Gust Johnson he erected windmills which were sold all of his workers in the Wood Room was foreman and there were three or by the company in this area. He re- were Swedish, except Mike Kouzes. four men working there. They produced called that the last windmill he erected The Plating Room was located at galvanized steel water tanks for use was on the Charles Gould farm on the north end of the row of buildings mainly by farmers for livestock. I believe Nelson Lake Road, probably in the which they also made the galvanized steel early 1940s. parts for the wheels and vanes of 'the windmills. . 1/0t1't Miss t6e October b Cemetery Walk (Elliott's reminiscences - with names of many more old-timers - will conclude The 5th Annual Cemetery Walk sponsored by the Heritage Committee of in the next issue. The Windmill Herald Access and the Batavia Historical Society will be October 6, with guided tours carried the introductory material in this every half hour from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the West Side Cemetery. A rain date article during the Windmillers Trade is October 13. Fair last June.) Page 2 The Batavia Historian Congregational Church of Batavia - A Brief History Although most of the This is the first in what we hope will founders of the Church of be a series of histories of the many the Big and Little Woods had churches in Batavia. Fortunately, as Congregational antecedents, part of its Sesquicentennial they apparently did not have Celebration in 1985, the "strenuous objections" to Congregational Church published A becoming Presbyterians, as History of the Congregational evidenced by the record of Church of Batavia, Illinois, 1835- organization: 1985. With the help of Ruth "On Saturday, the 8th of Burnham, who chaired the Ses- August, 1835, Rev. R.W. quicentennial Committee, your Gridley and Rev. N.C. Clark editor has extracted from and visited the vicinity of the Big abridged the wealth of information and Little Woods for the pur- that booklet contains. Anyone who pose of organizing a church has an opportunity should try to find of Christ. The following per- and read the fascinating story in full. sons presented testimonials of their good and regular standing in the Presbyterian Addressing the semi-centennial church and gave a relation of celebration of the Congregational their Christian experience: Church of Batavia in 1885, Dr. William William J. Strong, Carolyn Coffin observed that the church was Strong, Elijah S. Town, organized in 1835 "in another locality, Hannah E. Town, John was known by another name, and had a Gregg, Thompson Paxton, different denominational connection." Cynthia Paxton, Maria He pointed out that the church "was Paxton, Margaret Paxton, formed in a log cabin, on the farm of Mr. Thomas N. Paxton, Elizabeth Maxwell McKee, trustees of the Presbyterian Thompson Paxton, six (married daughter of Mr. Paxton), John Church and Society of the Big Woods, ~i1es southeast of us, outside the limits of Sawyer and Elvira Sawyer. William J. the sums set opposite our names for our township, outside the limits of our Strong and Elijah S. Town were elected the purpose or erecting a house of county even. It adopted the ruling elders. Sabbath, August 9th, after worship for said society, to be located Presbyterian form of government and a sermon and short intermission, the on the east side of the highway (now worship, and took, for a name, The elders elect were set apart to the office Batavia Avenue), a few rods north of Church of the Big and Little Woods." by ordination of E.S. Town, and Dr. Town's office, said house to be Since no church had been estab- installation of William J. Strong over this twenty-four by thirty-two feet. This sub- lished by 1835 in their newly settled church. The church was then declared scription paper payable one month area, five early families met in a large to be duly organized with the name of from date, Batavia, Illinois, October 7, room in the Paxtons' log cabin to or- 'Big and Little Woods.' Thus a Christian 1840." ganize one. Except for the Paxtons, all church was organized and families, The sums subscribed, aggregating had recently arrived from New England, until recently strangers, were united in $401, ranged from two dollars to sev- New York and Indiana. The Paxtons Christian fellowship and friendly enty-five dollars. Although the amounts had been driven from their home in sympathy to last through life." may seem small today, those subscrib- Tennessee because of their strong From 1835 to 1840, the church had ing were mostly living in log cabins, with stand against slavery. As Dr. Coffin no house of worship and no regular, little furniture and only a few hard- observed, their home was thus a fitting fulltime minister. The elders, however, earned dollars. place for the organization of a church. seem to have been faithful in their Some eighteen months after the But why a Presbyterian church? work, and by August, 1840 the decision to move and twelve months Under an 1801 Plan of Union, the membership totalled 29. During that after the dedication of the new church in Presbyterian and Congregational same period, considerable Batavia, the Paxton family, along with churches had agreed to send mission- development had taken place in several others, were dismissed to start aries jointly into the frontier. Because of Batavia, and a dam and bridge had a new church in the Big Woods. This a prevalent notion that the Presbyterian been built there. Accordingly, the latter church is Big Woods Con- mode of government was better suited members decided, in a meeting at the gregation Church, which stands today to frontier life than the Con- house of Sylvanus Town, to build a on Eola Road, just south of Butterfield t"~ gregational, missionaries came with '. church at the river, near the bridge, in Road. During this same period, five °igJspecific instructions to establish Pres""' the village of Batavia. The plans appear other members were dismissed to start ..... byterian churches unless a local con- in the subscription paper: a new church in Aurora. gregation had strenuous objections. "We, whose names are hereunto On March 7, 1843, the Society was annexed, do hereby agree to pay to Continued on p. 5 Elijah Town, Sylvanus Town and Joel The Batavia Historian Page 3 News and More· Small but Important Our Society, and Batavia in general, issue, we stated that he was mayor "dur- now occupied by Pinnacle Bank, Harris recently lost the day-to-day presence of ing the years in which the groundwork Bank, McDonald's and the Batavia Pro-: one of our best loved members, Miriam was laid for what is today our Govern- fessional Office Bldg.; annexation ofthe Havighurst Johnson, who has moved to ment Center and the River Walk." Jim large industrial area along Fabyan and Evanston to live with her niece. Batavia's Hanson, who was then an alderman, has Kirk Roads; and being instrumental along long-time librarian, its Citizen of the Year written us that this gave Art Swanson the with Phil Elfstrom in securing the financial in 1966, and a Life Member of the Soci- wrong -- and possibly too little -- credit. As support of a number of businessmen to ety, Miriam regularly attended all Society Jim informed us, "The property on which save what is now the Depot Museum for events and was a faithful volunteer at the the Government Center, Riverain and the Batavia when it was about to be sold and Depot Museum up to the time of her River Walk are located was purchased ... moved out of town." move. We know she would welcome during Bob Brown's first term as Mayor, A historical society should be accurate, hearing from friends at 9310 Hamlin Av- four years after Art left office. and we are glad to clarify Art Swanson's enue, Evanston, Illinois 60203 "Among Art's achievements while accomplishments -- and, at the same As you have undoubtedly noticed, the Mayor one could list the development of time, to give Bob Brown his due. Society uses a non-profit bulk mail permit the shopping plaza (Walgreen's, etc.); in sending out meeting notices and redevelopment and filling in of the area newsletters. New requirements for sorting and labeling bulk mail are so complicated Museum Doings by Carla Hill, Director that the person in charge of that area at the Batavia Post Office wrote to those The museum has had a very room schools. with permits: "To be honest with you, you successful summer. Attendance has This year's Christmas ornament, which will need to become a professional bulk been very high, and we saw a great each of the museum volunteers receives mailer or take your mailings to a number of families who were at the Christmas Party, will feature the professional bulk mailer." He gave the participating in the Museum Passport Congregational Church. The additional names of three in our area, and we program. This is a very successful ornaments will go on sale November 1. contacted the one in Batavia, Compulist program which is sponsored by the The museum volunteer fall bus trip will Mailers at 879-5949. JoAnn Stevens, who Kane DUPage Regional Museum take place in October and we will be operates Compulist, generously offered Association, and it continues to grow sending out the announcements in the to handle our mailings at no charge other each year. We have over 45 museums next few weeks. than postage. Only someone who has and historical sites participating this Anyone interested in becoming a mU-J worked on the mailings in the past, even year. seum volunteer, can contact either rny-' before the recent changes, can The museum now has a computer on self at 879-5235 or Kathy Fairbairn at appreciate the effort involved. As a small site which will help us with the prepara- 4069041. Come join your friends -- it's fun! token of our appreciation of JoAnn's tion of label text and information for the contribution, we have extended her a various displays. We are making many Historic Records Project family membership. changes upstairs and will be working We regret to report that we have lost, throughout the fall and winter to get Needs Your Help through death, two long-time members, things re-organized. A Plea by Marilyn Robinson Helen Johnson (a member since 1961) Our new sales items have been a Volunteers are still needed for the and Esther Sloggett (a member since great success. I have also purchased a Kane County court records project at the 1960). Our deepest sympathy goes to few copies of the book, "Great American Campana Building. We are making their families. Railroad Stations". The Depot is among progress, but still have 85 boxes to sort Does your address label have a yellow the stations listed in the book. (about 6-8 months of work.) dot? If so, it means that, according to our On Monday, August 5, Georgene Here's the good news. The 85 boxes records, you have not yet paid dues for Kauth and Marilyn Robinson hosted a are from the 1880s and 90s and are very 1996. We would appreciate your current group of residents from the Holmstad at interesting. The bad news -- they are support of our growing program. the museum. This was a very successful almost all handwritten and slow to sort. Didn't you enjoy Helen Anderson's and open house and gave us some new Our summer crews have been sparse. Elliott Lundberg's reminiscences in this members. Georgene has already men- With fall, it's hoped that all our regulars issue? Surely you have some of your tioned the possibility of schedUling an- will be back on the job. New people are own to share with our readers. They can other tour for those who were unable to welcome. It takes only a few minutes to be long or short; we can even start a get on the bus. The painting is continu- learn how to do the work. "Letters to the Editors" column if you ing at the museum and many of you We work every Thursday (except holi- want to follow up on someone else's story have probably noticed the new walls that days) on the third floor of the Campana that we have printed. Send whatever you were being constructed on the lower Building. It's a long climb, but a good have to Bill Hall, 345 N. Batavia Avenue, level of the building. This project will be aerobic workout. Batavia's shift is from or call him at 879-2033. followed by some new landscaping 12:30-3:30 p.m. However, you'd be wel- In summarizing the accomplishments which will give the museum and the area come at the 8:30-12:30 shift as well. of the late Arthur Swanson in the last a very fresh new look. This has been a long chore for all the~· I am currently scheduling third grades Kane County historical societies but well from the Batavia schools, and we have Continued on p. 5 recently completed a new exhibit entitled Page 4 "A Peek At The Past", the history of the The Batavia Historian early Batavia School system and the one Insert for Society Members Reports of Secretary and Treasurer Highlights of Meetings· Held Since Last Reported in Newsletter Submitted by Francine Popeck, Secretary HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S 1996 SPRING MEETING A short business meeting was held prior to the start of the Spring, 1996 Program. Business in brief on May 19th, 1996: --Minutes of 12/3/95 Annual Meeting were approved; --Auditor's Report was accepted; --Announcement of IL State Historical Society Award to Batavia Historical Society for Windmill Preser- vation Project; --Bill Hall commended for Newsletter coordination; --Current Board of Directors announced and introduced (listed in previous publication). With an eye to the then much anticipated Windmillers Trade Fair (held in Batavia June 12th through 15th), Marilyn Robinson provided a well-researched historical look at Batavia's rich windmill history. Batavia can boast that it was home to at least 6 windmill manufacturing companies. Danforth, Mole, and Nichols were the least reknowned owners of windmill firms, although Nichols was linked with the Elgin Windmill Company after he moved from Batavia. Batavia's world recognized windmill companies were the Challenge Co., the Appleton Manufacturing Co., and the U.S. Wind Engine & Pump Co. Some famous Batavia family names were involved in the windmill business. In the 1850's, the U.S. Wind Engine & Pump Co. was founded by John Burnham and Daniel Halladay in Connecticut. Van Nortwick, then President of the CB & Q Railroad, convinced them to move their enterprise closer to where the growth market was for windmills--newly homesteaded farms and railroad expansion. Thus the start of the windmill industry in Batavia in 1854. After the Challenge Co., begun in 1857, was reorganized after a fire in 1872, James Mair, Thomas Snow and Mary Snow bought the company. The Appleton Mfg. Co., founded in 1872 in its namesake Wisconsin town, was purchased by Van Nortwick in 1883. Did you know that he built his own factory town near Geneva and called it Van Nortwick? He then moved to Batavia's Western Paper Bag Co. building and later built the Appleton factory which now houses Batavia's City Administration and Police Department. Society members Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kline donated a Challenge Co. pump to the Society. Mr. Kline, a former employee of the Challenge Co., also generously shared his memories of his employment there for the many interested Windmillers Trade Fair attendees who toured the Challenge and U.S. Wind Engine & Pump buildings and listened to the stories told by former employees of the bygone Batavia windmill manufacturing days. HIGHLIGHTS OF 6/10/96 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Copies of the 5/31/96 financial statement were distributed. Motion was approved that Historical Society, one of the sponsors of the Windmillers Trade Fair, would contribute $1,000.00 toward the expenses of the event. President Bob Popeck requested Society fund a professional videotape of the Windmillers Trade Fair activities. Citing the historical value of this footage to the Society's archives, the request was approved for raw footage versus an edited version. BATAVIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Unaudited Results for Eleven Months Ended August 31, 1996 Preliminary and Tentative General Special Fund Fund Receipts: Interest $7,900.44 $0.00 Dues 2,245.00 0.00 Donations- George and Erdene Peck 0.00 100.00 Ruble Family 0.00 100.00 Arthur W. Swanson Family 0.00 5,000.00 Arlene Nick Family 0.00 1,200.00 Kent Shodeen 0.00 1,000.00 Various under $100 each 744.25 0.00 Memorial - Martha May Lundberg 0.00 330.00 Violet Maulding Porter 0.00 50.00 Gazebo print sales 560.00 0.00 '-. Book sales 292.90 0.00 l Museum sales 268.05 Q....QQ Total receipts $12,010.64 $7,780.00 Disbursements: Security system Museum insurance $1,071.48 $0.00 0.00 Newsletter Postage 428.00 0.00 Meeting expense 1,452.85 0.00 Office supplies 421.01 0.00 Books for resale 438.45 0.00 Cost of prints sold 96.13 0.00 Windmillers Trade Fair support 490.00 0.00 Dues, fees, and miscellaneous 248.50 0.00 Museum sign 293.35 0.00 Restoration of Van Nortwick music box 656.41 2,120.00 Videotape of Wind millers trade Fair 0.00 1,500.00 Windmills and related costs 0.00 2,600.00 0.00 6,001.40 .QJLQ. Total disbursements $5.596.18 $12,221.40 Increase (decrease) in fund balances $6.414.46 -$4,441.40 BATAVIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Unaudited Financial Position as of August 31, 1996 Preliminary and Tentative Assets: Checking account $4,216.92 Money Fund 9,038.84 Certificates of deposit- 5.20% due December 21, 1996 20,728.75 5.10% due January 19,1997 20,168.11 4.78% due February 2, 1997 19,163.93 5.15% due August 13, 1997 20,512.49 5.27% due December 21, 1997 8,293.02 6.50% due February 7, 1998 19,402.56 6.00% due January 25, 1996 9,804.53 Vanguard Fund 31,746.66 Gazebo prints for resale 2.840.00 Total assets $165,915.81 Fund Balances: General- October 1, 1995 $39,061.42 Increase for eight months 6.414.46 March 31, 1996 $45,475.88 Special projects- October 1, 1995 $124,881.33 Decrease for six months -4.441.40 March 31, 1996 120.439.93 Total fund balances $165,915.81 'the preceding financial statements have been prepared on the cash basis. They are subject to adjll8tntent upon review by the Board of Directors and the audit of the annual financial statements. The Special Project Fund consists of all bequests and memorial donations, single donations in the amount of $100 or more, and those donations specifically designated for said Fund. Expenditures from this- Fund shall be for non-recurring expenses related to 'projects not customarily part of the operating expenses of the Society and must be approved by seven votes of the Board of Directors or by 75% of the voting members present at a called meeting of the Society. William D. Hall Treasurer Congregational Church Continued from p. 3 formally organized under the name of difficulty they subscribed a $400 salary tion of a spire if enough money could 'he First Presbyterian Church and and sent to Andover Theological be raised. Evidently funds were forth- - Society of Batavia, but the new name was Seminary agreeing to accept any man coming, and the church had a beautiful to enjoy a very short life. Issues that the professors should send them, white steeple, similar to those gracing would ultimately lead to the Civil War without a question as to his personal New England churches, until 1877 and the abolition of slavery were beliefs. The man they selected came, when a high wind toppled .it onto the , coming to the front. With churches in the with his recently wedded bride, spent Rockwell house to the south. A blind South as well as the North, the one Sabbath with the church, and the Rockwell child, who had been playing Presbyterian church did not take an next Tuesday was in Chicago with his the piano just where the spire fell, only unequivocal stand on what, to those wife and goods on his way back to moments before the crash, escaped members of a largely New England Boston." unharmed. The tower was rebuilt origin, was a pressing question. On By about 1850, however, the church without a steeple. September 2, 1843, the Batavia church had grown enough. to be able to attract The entire church, with appoint- issued a strong statement outlining its and support full-time ministers. Indeed ments, cost $13,401.52. It was dedi- position, with copies to various it prospered enough that, by 1855-6, it cated on September 1, 1856. newspapers, including those in New needed and was able to erect the York. In the same year, the mem- A History of the Congregational present church west of BataviaAvenue, Church of Batavia, Illinois, bership voted to withdraw from the between Wilson and First, that is 1835-1985 includes names and Ottawa Presbytery (Which was sym- familiar to all Batavians. The lot was pictures of numerous persons who, pathetic to the Batavia views) and to purchased for $960, and bids were over the years, played important parts seek fellowship with the Fox Valley solicited for construction. When the in Batavia's history. Today we find their Union of Congregational Churches. bids were opened, the lowest one familiar names on bUildings and streets Although the church continued to exceeded the estimate by $2,000; throughout our city. A 1908 picture of grow during the remainder of the however, the membership voted to particular interest showed nine church 1840s, it had difficulty recruiting and proceed, lowering the height of the members, dressed in Grand Army of retaining ministers. A story told by Rev. basement by one foot and deferring the Republic uniforms, who were G.S.F. Savage of St. Charles that John completion of the basement until a later among the survivors of the twenty-five Gustafson quoted in "A Supplementary time. from the congregation who had served Historical Statement" at the irne of the Within a few months, the trustees in the Civil War. Sixteen members of church's Centennial makes were instructed to procure specifica- the Sunday School had enlisted in one this abundantly clear: tions and proceed with the construe- company. "(The Batavia church members) were greatly divided on the question of old school and new school, pro-slavery Continued on p. 6 and anti-slavery, old mission and new mission boards and could not agree in Answer to question on page 1 calling a pastor. To solve the This bUilding is on Thresher Square, 208 S. Third, Minneapolis, MN. Like the Historic Records Challenge Company in Elliott Lundberg's article in this issue, the Newton Wagon Company maintained an office in Minneapolis to serve the vast farming area north- Continued from p. 4 west of us. As shown in the accompanying picture, provided by Bob Popeck, the building remains in excellent condition. worth it to preserve and index these materials for future researchers. Every town has learned some interesting his- tory that was buried before we began. We've learned the history of the short- lived "Batavia Tribune" and the exact birth of the town's water system -- a date that can't be gleaned from governmental records. Our regular summer volunteers have been Kathy Fairbairn, Bill Hall, Elliott Lundberg, and myself. A non-society member, Marian Heiser of Batavia, is present every week. We've met some great people from other societies and learned a lot of Kane County history. If you can help on a Thursday, even ...AUSt once in a while or for only part of a shift, we need you. Hope to see you one Thursday soon. Dress casual. The Batavia Historian Page 5 Help with the Revision of Congregational Church Continued from p. 5 Historic Batavia At the time of the Centennial, John church and the community since 1888 Our Society's book, Historic Batavia, •• Gustafson wrote: when Alice and Peter Gustafson by John Gustafson and Jeffery Schielke' "The record of this century of Chris- moved to Batavia from Big Rock. is out of print. The Board has commis- tian service is one of men and women In 1963, the church purchased for sioned Marilyn Robinson to bring it up to who have been devoted and loyal to the $35,000 land north of the existing date before it is reprinted. church and her Master. On January 27, building for an addition consisting of Marilyn has completed reading the lo- 1929, a memorial service was held for classrooms, a general purpose cal newspapers for the years Miss Alice M. Williams organist for meeting room, a chapel, church office 1980-1996. Still there are undoubtedly sixty-three years and Miss Amelia E and pastor's study. Chairman of the items that should be included in the book Brown clerk for forty-seven years. Capital Funds Campaign, which that might not have been reported in the Former pastors, the Reverends Ira D. secured pledges for half of the cost, press. If you know of someone whose Stone, J.M. Hulbert and John EC. was Joseph Burnham. It was an hometown is or was Batavia and whose Green were present and gave tributes. exciting day for the church's 344 achievements were significant but ac- Messages were read from the members when the cornerstone, complished away from here, we should Reverends T.W. Harwood and T.M. enclosing the fingerprints of 138 church school members, was laid. hear about them. Higginbotham. " Some Batavia graduates have "To the names of these and other The next major change in the church's appearance came in 1974 achieved fame in the arts, music, televi- devoted women may be added those of sion, movies, literature, sports, military, Nelson Wolcott, Judge Samuel D. when a crowd of several hundred people gathered to watch the lifting by or political arenas. We'd like to honor Lockwood, E.S. Bradley, I.S. Stephens, them in the chronicle of our history. J.G. Brown, N.S. Young, L.A. Des crane and placement on the tower of the new spire, similar to the one All topics of historical significance Rosier, Wm. J. Hollister, E.C. Bradley, need to be recorded -- business Wm. Coffin, S.W. Fowler, Joseph toppled by the 1877 wind. It is the tall- est point in Batavia and can be seen for openings, closings of long-time firms, Felver and Joel McKee who so passing of civic leaders, significant faithfUlly served the church in the last miles, rising as a symbol of faith in the beautiful Fox Valley. anniversaries of organizations, etc. half of the century." Please help the Society by writing a John Gustafson modestly neglected short, but detailed account of anything to include mention of his family, mem- you feel should be included. There is no bers of which had faithfully served the guarantee that everything received will be able to be used -- space is a consid- eration -- but you can help see to it tha~ Pow Wow Marks nothing noteworthy is inadvertently omitted. Start of Fall Please send items to Marilyn Robinson, 1418 Clybourne Street, by Patricia Will Batavia. Vice President - Program Chairman Students Undertake World War II Project Our annual fall meeting was held on Sunday, Sept. 15th in the Bartholomew years by a young person who knows Room at the Batavia Civic Center. Through a grant from the Illinois you. The students may present their As part of the entertainment portion State Board of Education, the Ameri- results as a term paper or a video or of the meeting, an oral history on Capt. can Studies class at Batavia High audio presentation. C.B. Dodson and Col. Lyon was given. School is conducting a research project When the project is done in mid- The presentation centered on their re- entitled The Effects of World War II on December, the stories will be placed on lationships with the Native American Batavia. an Illinois history web site on the Indians in and around Batavia. Each student in the class under the Internet. Other schools will conduct The Fox Valley Order of the Arrow direction of English Instructor, Robert Indian Dancers, headed by Norb Kummer, and John Hamilton-Dryden, similar studies in their area, which Kurlek, then performed dances of the History Instructor, will be conducting a combined with ours will provide a Northern Plains Indians and held a project relating to the topic. Some of the state-wide record of Illinois during the mock pow-wow. The dancers were all students plan to interview veterans of war years. members of local Boy Scouts of the war, and some will be interviewing If the project is successful, a different America troops who have a special in- persons on the home front. Each will time period or subject will be covered in terest in Native American history. All of supplement their interviews with written future years. the performers were dressed in accounts of war time activities. Marilyn Robinson is the historical authentic costume. There are 60 students in the class, research consultant for the project. Jim All members and guests were then and they will need to do a complete Nies of the high school is the tech- invited to stay for refreshments. The study of the community in order not to nology consultant. have duplicate reports. You may be meeting was sure a great way to end a It is encouraging to see high SChOOl + asked for your memories of the war summer and to look forward to the cool, students becoming interested in local crisp days of autumn. history. Page 6 The Batavia Historian • by Helen Bartelt Anderson Earlier issues of The Batavia mas Eve it was oyster stew, with Historian carried parts of Helen ceived a little steam engine that really homecanned fruit and cookies. The ran. It was powered by a small alcohol Anderson's "I Remember Holidays cookies could have been soft molasses on the Farm." The final installment burning lamp. Another year a hired man or sugar cookies, which Mama had made a wooden barn for Roger. From covers Christmas at the George and baked. Sometimes she would send to that time on our play time was mostly Della Bartelt family farm on Sears for this big five pound box of as- spent in making cardboard horses, Warrenville Road in Batavia Town- sorted cookies. They would come in a cows and pigs. Never mind that I ship. flat cardboard box, each kind packed in wanted to play with my doll or my a neat row. There were Mary Janes with butterfly transfer pictures. Roger made About the middle of December we frosting, plain ginger cookies, oatmeal harnesses of string for his horses. He began thinking and dreaming about with raisins, sugar cookies and best of made stanchions and feeding troughs all, a row of round cookies with a mound Christmas. We colored and cut out of cardboard. Christmas trees, stars and bells to of marshmallow topping, covered with One year I found under the tree a decorate our schoolroom. We even had coconut. Some were pink and some beautiful, large doll with a pink dress red and green chalk to draw designs white. Chocolate chips were unheard and bonnet. She was sitting in a buggy, like holly on the blackboards. We had a of. waiting for me to pick her up. Years program on an evening before I believe we always had a Christmas later I learned that my Sadie was Christmas so that parents and tree, with ornaments and icicles bought by Mama's cousin, Sadie, and dressed by another cousin, Oma. At the time Santa got credit for all these gifts. The same year that I received my Sadie, Roger got a team of wooden, dapple-grey horses with bright red harnesses. Roger told me a short time ago that Papa had made these little harnesses of red leather. One year Roger and I both had the measles. We spent Christmas Day in bed with no lights and all the shades pulled. It was believed that light would cause blindness to anyone with the measles. We were both too sick to play ---- with our new toys, anyway. I do not remember how many days we had to families could come. Our school did not spend in that hot, dark room. hanging down. In our home there was a Another year Santa couldn't get to have electricity. Parents brought front room and a parlor. The parlor was kerosene lamps to light the room. Mrs. our house on Christmas Eve, but after a much smaller room. It was in this Papa came in from milking Christmas Perrow gave us each a little decorated room that each year a beautiful box of candy that had handles for car- morning, we all ran into the parlor to Christmas tree with gifts underneath see if Santa had been there during the rying. came into being. Roger and I were not One of the department stores in night. There were real candles on the allowed to enter the parlor the last few tree which Mama and Papa carefully lit. Aurora (either Sencenbaugh's or Wade, days before Christmas. Mama said Leitz) had a long shelf on their south I will never forget that sight, although I Santa Claus might be peeking in the was very young. wall where each year an animated windows and he wouldn't like it if he For several years after that we did Santa Claus sat in his sleigh, which was saw us. We tried awfully hard to be not have lights on our trees. Eventually, pulled by several reindeer. Santa sat good. electricity came to the country. bOWing and waving to everyone amid On Christmas Eve, while we still sat Our lives and our celebrations were the sounds of tinkling sleigh bells at the supper table Papa may have simple and fun. We learned and have attached to the reindeers' harnesses ... said, "Mama, did you hear a noise, like never forgotten that people do not need Pure magic! a bell or something?" Mama may have a lot of things to make them happy. Kinne & Jeffery's was another magic answered, "I thought I heard someting, place that we visited. There were so too." With that Mama would jump up many beautiful toys -- dolls and from the table and run into the parlor, buggies, firetrucks and trains, puzzles calling out, "He's been here." Then, a and games! If I remember 'ight, the toys mad scramble for the parlor. were on the third floor. Gifts were few in number. They were Christmas Eve at home had its share unwrapped and looked wonderful to us. of magic, too. As always, certain foods One special year, Roger re- stand out in my memories. On Christ- The Batavia Historian Page 7