USA > Illinois > Madison County > Madison > Anniversary: City Of Madison, Illinois 1891-1966, 75th > Part 5
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Stephen Maeras was elected to his seventh con- secutive four year term as Mayor of the City of Madison on April 20, 1965. Elected with him at that time were Percy Lux, City Clerk; Demos Nich- olas, City Treasurer; Robert Don Reeves, Alderman, First Ward; Benjamin L. Bosworth, Alderman, Sec- ond Ward; Ray Kozielek, Alderman, Third Ward; Chris Costoff, Alderman, Fourth Ward; and Booker T. Walton, Alderman, Fifth Ward. These Alder- men, together with holdover Aldermen, Emil Ulan- ski, First Ward; Charles McMahan, Second Ward; Richard George, Third Ward; Steve Kelio, Fourth Ward, and John H. Haynes, Jr., Fifth Ward, con- stituted the City Council. Several months afterward Alderman Richard George departed this life and a vacancy now exists in that office which will be filled at the next city election. Mayor Maeras appointed John Gitchoff, Corporation Counsel; Nick
D. Vasileff, City Attorney; Emmett Pazia, Chief of Police; E. J. Miller, Comptroller and Chief of the Fire Department; Stanley Lucas, Superintendent of Streets; Mike Krieshok, Health Officer; Clayton T. Newton, Plumbing and Sewer Inspector; Harry Johnson, Civil Defense Director; Steve Kaman, Building Inspector; Pete Skundrich, Assistant Build- ing Inspector; Joseph Scrum, City Hall Custodian; Jerry S. Maeras, Superintendent of the Chain of Rocks Bridge; Frank Dutko, Humane Officer, and Fred Trebing, Chief of Auxiliary Police.
The Playground and Recreation Board at this time is composed of Joseph Kula, Mike Krieshok, Elvis Johnson, Harold T. Fisk and Claude Echols. Gerald Zahm is Supervisor of Playgrounds and Recreation.
Edward Dubish, Joseph Purdes and Mike Sasyk constitute the Board of Police Commissioners.
It is noteworthy that of the foregoing city officers only Stephen Maeras, Mayor, Percy Lux, City Clerk and Emil Ulanski, Alderman of the First Ward are the only elected officials of the city who have served continuously in their present offices since 1942 when Madison became a city. E. J. Miller, City Comptroller is the only appointed official who has served in that office continuously since that time. During that same period of time four resi- dents of Madison have been elected as County officers, Dale Hilt, as Probate Clerk, John Kraynak, as County Auditor, Austin Lewis as States Attorney and also as Judge of the Probate Court and Barney Fraundorf as Sheriff.
At the recent election for Members of the Board of Education of the Madison School District held on April 9, 1966, William G. Schreiber, a Member of the Board for the past several years was re- elected. William Vavra was also elected replacing Dr. Steve Geroff who retired after having served as a Member for many years. These members, to- gether with holdover members Chester McMana- way, Frank L. Derner, Oel M. Blumenstock and Harold T. Fisk, with John N. Bellcoff as President, now constitute the Board of Education. Wensel Brown is Superintendent of Schools. Ably assisting him are John L. Palcheff, Principal, Harris School; Kenneth Williams, Principal, Louis Baer School; Richard L. Spillers, Principal, Blair School; Wade E. James, Principal, Dunbar School; Donald J. Purkaple, Principal, Junior High School; and Fran- cis E. Dant, Principle, Madison Senior High School. Margaret Carlin is chief office secretary. At the present time there are 2302 Grade School and 702 High School pupils enrolled in the Madison Public Schools, taught by 110 teachers.
Residents of the City of Madison who are now serving as officers of Venice Township are Arthur W. Moore, Township Supervisor, Claude Echols, Assistant Supervisor, and Joseph Bergrath, Assessor. Albert Topal and Stanley Krakowiecki are members of the Board of Town Auditors.
During the fall of 1965, plans were formulated for a giant celebration to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the founding of Madison. Mayor Maeras, appointed Chief of Police, Emmett Pazia and Police Commissioner, Mike Sasyk, as Co-Chair- men of this celebration, which will be held June
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POLICE
29, to July 4, 1966, inclusive. A pageant and other appropriate ceremonies will be held commemorat- ing various events in the past history of Madison. At this time all Madisonians are looking forward with great anticipation to this celebration which should prove to be one of the most memorable occasions in the life of the City.
What will be the future of the City of Madison? Seventy-five years have come and gone since the horse and buggy days of 1891, when Madison came into being. Now we live in the Space Age. The founders of Madison would be astounded to see the changes that time has wrought over the years. They would be amazed at the sight of today's high speed methods of transportation. Present day railroads, automobiles, air lines, radios, television and the hundreds of modern electric and electronic devices known and used by all of us today would be unbe- lievable to them. The Atom and the Hydrogen bombs with their power to destroy whole cities and thousands of people at one blast, the orbiting of the earth in space capsules manned by astronauts, nearly two hundred miles above the earth's surface, and the planned voyage to the moon by astronauts, expected to be accomplished within the next five
years, would tax their credulity to the utmost. Al- though we residents of Madison today are accus- tomed to all these modern scientific accomplish- ments we too would probably be as much or more astonished and amazed at the developments of the next seventy-five years as our forebears of seventy- five years ago would be at today's modern scien- tific achievements.
It is the hope of all Madisonians that the City of Madison will progress and prosper during the years to come. We are beset today by problems of air and water pollution and the rehabilitation of old and blighted areas in the City. We are concerned with problems of industrial and territorial expan- sion. We confidently look forward to the solution of these matters of concern to the present residents of Madison. We are all united in a common effort to make our City one in which all of us and those who will follow in our foot steps, can live in comfort and happiness.
We seek the blessing and guidance of God, our Divine Creator, in order that our goal may be achieved.
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MADISON FIRE BELL DEDICATED IN 1908
DREW MUCH ATTENTION
Dedication of Madison's fire bell, which took place on Sunday, Nov. 22, 1908, attracted considerable at- tention from St. Louis metropolitan newspapers of that day. Rededication of it in connection with the village Golden Jubilee celebration is expected to re- ceive equal prominence.
A clipping from one St. Louis newspaper of that day 33 years ago has been kept by Mrs. F. A. Garesche, widow of the former mayor of Madison. It contains a two-column picture of her daughter, Dorothy Marie, then three years old, an artist's drawing of the little girl dedicating the bell, and an accompanying story.
The story and readlines follow:
SPONSOR OF MADISON'S NEW FIRE BELL WILL BE GIRL 3 YEARS OLD
Dorothy Marie Garesche, Daughter of Mayor of Illinois Town of Many Languages, Tells Her St. Louis Friends She Will Climb the Steeple And Make Speech ..
Dorothy Marie Garesche, 3 years old, daughter of Mayor F. A. Garesche, of Madison, will be the sponsor
of the town's new fire bell when it is christened today with elaborate ceremonies.
Citizens of the town, which sometimes is called "the Babel of Illinois," because they speak forty-two differ- ent languages or dialects there, will participate in the exercises. Little Dorothy came to St. Louis yesterday to tell her friends about the event of her short life.
"I'll climb 'wy up to the top of the steeple," she said, "and ring that bell, if they'll' let me."
Dorothy, despite her years, is a finished public speaker, as all the friends of the Mayor of Madison know. She intends to make a speech about the bell, if her father, the Mayor, will allow her.
Funds for the purchase of the bell were obtained from proceeds of a big dinner that the women of the town served to their husbands recently.
The Committee on Arrangements, consisting of Fire Chief C. Daniels, J. De Hay and Noah M. Ratliff, has provided the following programme: Song, by mem- bers of the Fire Corps; speech of acceptance by the Mayor; vocal solo, Mrs. Warren Champion; recitation, Miss Leora Locke; vocal solo, Miss Veona Haun; chris- tening of the bell, Dorothy Marie Garesche; benedic- tion by the Reverend J. F. Deal. The exercises will be held in Madison's new City Hall.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 75th ANNIVERSARY GITCHOFF AGENCY
1927 Edison Ave.
Granite City, III.
Andrew Gitchoff
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PIT BECOMES RECREATION AREA
A 40-acre headache for one firm has been de- veloped into a successful business venture by an- other.
Two Granite City business men purchased the land from a construction firm and developed a 40- acre beach resort in Madison County.
"Fun 'n Sun Beach Resort" is located near Mitchell between Interstate 270 and Bypass 66 and 40. It is the brainchild of Kenneth S. Hartbarger and Melvin T. Pasha, both of Granite City.
The land was purchased in August, 1961, from the Hoeffken Bros. Construction Co. of Belleville. The construction firm had earlier purchased the land for use as a fill borrow pit for highway con- struction.
However, said Hartbarger, which they began to dig they hit seven springs. The firm installed pumps to empty the water, but it came in faster than they could pump it out, he added. The land, therefore, was of no use to the construction firm.
Hartbarger said that it was ideal for a beach resort and he and Pashea purchased the land and began a 31/2-year development program.
Sand was dredged and piped from the water to form a sandy beach. A lake was formed which is constantly fed by the springs.
Hartbarger said that the body of water covers 20 acres, part of which is 35 feet deep. An adult swimming area has been roped off with the water reaching eight feet deep. There is a large area of 21/2-foot deep water roped for a children's play pool. The entire floor of the swimming area is sand.
Of the remaining acreage, 10 acres has been
developed in a beach and five acres are set off for a picnic ground. Fishing is permitted at the far end of the lake, away from the swimming area. There are no boats permitted.
Fun 'n Sun opened May 29 this year and is a partnership operation run by Hartbarger and Pashea. Memberships are sold for $42 per family per year.
When they opened there were fewer than 100 members. On opening day an additional 100 to 125 families purchased memberships. Today the member- ship roll bears more than 600 names.
There will be a maximum membership num- ber set, Hartbarger said, so that the resort will not become overcrowded and there will always be room available for members and their guests.
Swimming will continue through September and the picn ic and fishing season will be longer. At all times there are 4 to 12 lifeguards on duty at the swimming area - depending on the number using the facilities.
"All members have reservation privileges, which guarantees them picnic facilities. We mark the tables reserved and put their names on the tables," Hartbarger said.
There are 550 tables in the picnic area and there are 50 barbecue pits. In addition there are 150 barbecue pits in the sandy area between the beach and the picnic grounds.
One of the big attractions is the white sand beach which is 300 feet wide and extends along the water for 1,000 feet.
"This resort is an attraction for the family. It is not directed to any one age group," Hartbarger said.
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MADISON. IU
1st Row, Left to Right: Lou Waggoner, Will Radman, Wayne Scannell, Anthony Zedolek, Alex Schenhoffer. 2nd Row, Left to Right: Emil Strotheide, Steve Maeras, Harry Thebeau, Leo Shermer, Wensel Brown, Frank Fijan John Sedlack.
3rd Row, Left to Right: Jack Weed, Larry Palkus, Alex Markuley, Bill Mehl, Ed Menke, George Fronqulis. Not present when picture was ma de: Oscar Albert, John Bellcoff, Mike Sasyk, Demos Nicholas, Richard Suess Charles Pyles, Harvey Miller, Fred Schmidt, Steve Ger off, Bill Winter, E. A. Friedman, Jack Friedman.
MADISON ROTARY CLUB
From the day of its organization on April 25, 1925 with 25 charter members, the MADISON ROTARY CLUB has been living up to its dedi- cated objectives of SERVICE TO COMMUNITY, INTERNATIONAL SERVICE, VOCATIONAL SERVICE and SERVICE TO YOUTH.
The membership rolls have changed consider- ably since that early beginning, but it still in- cludes two of its charter members-E. A. FRIED- MAN and SAM HACKER. Through these many years, this organization, representing practically all of the business, professional and labor men of the City, has worked conscientiously toward the fulfillment of their obligations as members of ROTARY INTERNATIONAL.
They meet each Wednesday at noon, have lunch together and, after a short meeting session, hear speakers and presentations on a variety of interesting subjects. These programs and the subsequent discussions that come about, have given rise to numerous projects which MADISON ROTARY either initiated or actively supported. Such projects as:
. Soliciting gifts for the first Public Library in Madison;
. Placement of the first Public Nurse for the
Schools of the City;
. Sponsoring and construction of the recrea- tional center at Ironton, Mo. Boy Scout Camp for the Cahokia Mound Council;
. The purchase of Madison's Chain of Rocks Bridge;
. Purchase and display of American Flags or Madison Avenue on Holidays;
· Awarding Scholarships to graduates;
· Madison Recreation Hall;
· Improvements in service, medical personne and facilities of local Hospital;
. Comfort station at baseball-football field;
. Christmas Home Decorations Contest;
. Sending students each year to Egyptian Musi Camp;
. Active cooperation with Schools and Schoo officials; and
· Anti-litter campaign
There are many other projects. It is significant however, that all of these accomplishments have in one way or another, endeared the ROTARY CLUB to the City Officials and the Citizens 0 Madison, for together, they are all endeavorin to make Madison a better place to work and liv in-a truly representative American City
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LOUIS AGENCY
1215 Madison Ave.
Madison, III.
George P. Louis, born and reared in Madison, having previously been in bus- iness with his father, Christ Louis, Madi- son Coal & Feed Co., bought the Insur- ance Agency from Joe Grenzer in 1950.
TRiangle 6-1920 GLenview 2-3396
PAUL SEEBOLD CONCRETE CO.
PLANT 22nd and R. R. Tracks GRANITE CITY, ILLINOIS, P. O. Box 756
GRANITE CITY, ILLINOIS READY-MIX CONCRETE
FRANK HALE, Representative
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E. A. FRIEDMAN'S FURNITURE
AND HARDWARE
APPLIANCES . PLUMBING SUPPLIES
Convenient Terms
Free Parking
5th and Madison
TR 7-6000
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CONGRATULATIONS TO MADISON ON THEIR 75th ANNIVERSARY
DIAMOND PLATING CO., Inc.
NICKEL AND CHROME
BRASS . GOLD . BRONZE
Joe Clark, Pres.
23rd and Monroe Ave.
Granite City, III.
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STATE RADIO AND TV CO.
1936 State Street
Granite City
RCA Sales and Service Exclusive Tri-City Area on RCA Color TV
Whirlpool Washers
Dryers . Refrigerators
Air Conditioners . Stereos
Radio and Hi-Fi's
Stałe RADIO and TV
TROJAN CLEANERS
1548 4th Street
TR 6-7733
WE GIVE EAGLE STAMPS
We Deliver
Ruth Nicholas, Prop.
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a toast to MADISON
75 YEARS YOUNG
8
Madison pauses to note her Diamond Jubilee. Looking back, she has cause for pride. Looking ahead, she can have confidence.
Carling Brewing Company is proud to be a neighbor of Madison, and we are grateful for the privilege of serving her all throughout her 75 years.
It was back in 1851 that what is now the Carling plant began, with just a couple of buildings, and less than a dozen employees. It was in 1912 that Stag Beer was born, and it was in 1954 that Carling, one of America's fastest growing brewing concerns, seeking an area with a vitality and potential matching its own, made the home of its second plant here.
We, like Madison, are proud to be part of an area which shows such a zest for moving ahead.
So to our good neighbor, Madison, we offer a toast:
With appreciation for your past . . . with pride in your present . . . with faith in your future . . . we bid you well. On your Diamond Jubilee, your star burns bright with promise for the future.
CARLING BREWING COMPANY . BELLEVILLE
CARLING Stag BEER
CARLING Black Label BEER
CARLING
WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF JUL FISCHER DISTRIBUTORS, INC. 2100 Illinois Avenue . East St. Louis, III.
SERVING CARLING PRODUCTS TO MADISON, ST. CLAIR, BOND AND CLINTON COUNTIES
CONGRATULATIONS TO MADISON ON THEIR 75th ANNIVERSARY -F
The Madison Amvets, Post 204 Chapter was accepted at Danville, Ill. at a national and execu- tive meeting by Vasil Grairlle, acting com- mander in October 1954.
The first officers installed at Bruncic's Hall, Feb. 6, 1965.
Emmett Pazia was our first official command- er. Others elected at that time were Peter Skund- rich, first vice commander; Claude Echols, fi- nance officer; John Gitchoff and Nick Vasileff, judge advocates; Joe Trotts, provost Marshall; Vasil Graville, public relations officer; William Vavra, service officer; Robert Blattner, historian; John Gonterman, chaplain and Andrew Gitchoff, adjutant.
The Madison Amvets Post 204 first home was at 207 Madison Ave. The building was later destroyed by fire and the organization has been meeting in the Polish Home 826 Greenwood since that time.
Madison Amvets Post 204 has been active with its present officers in needy civic projects.
Sam Boshkoff, our second commander and present finance officer has been one of the main cogs in Amvets progress.
Ed Uhercik as adjutant and holder of state offices, keeps the Amvets on their toes.
Vasil Graville, past commander and state officer of Illinois, along with John Kozak, Harry Perkins, Stanley Krakowiecki, Stanley Hudzik, Steve Kusmierczak, John Graville, Andy Hart-
man are the flags on holidays for years.
The Ladies Auxiliary has always played a part in our progress, and projects. They especially play an important role in the annual fish fry that is held on Good Friday each year.
All our money-raising programs have been used to further some good city project.
Emmett Pazia 1955
Sam Boshkoff 1956
Manuel Casten 1957
Vasil Graville 1958
John Graville 1959
Edward Uhercik 1960
Steve Kusmierczak 1961-62
Harry Perkins 1963
Stanley Krakowiecki 1964
John Kozak 1965
Stanley Hudzik 1966
Seated (I to r) Harry Perkins, Vasil Graville, Emmett Pazia, Sam Boshkoff. Standing (I to r) Stanley Krakowiecki, John Kozak, John Graville, Edward Uhercik and Stanley Hudzik. Missing from picture Manuel Casten, Steve Kusmierczak.
PAST PRESIDENTS
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CONGRATULATIONS TO MADISON ON THEIR 75th ANNIVERSARY
The history of
St. Stanlius Lodge No. 1004
of
Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, a Fraternal Organization
In the year of 1912 a Polish Church under the patron's name of Our Lady of Chenstohowa was organized by the Polish residents of Madi- son. Later, Polish families moved to Madison from St. Louis, Mo.
A representative from the Polish Roman Cath- olic Union approached Polish speaking residents in Madison and helped organize, in the year of 1917, St. Stanislaus Lodge No. 1004. From 1917 to 1924 St. Stanislaus, with a total of about 25 members, held its monthly meetings in Polish Church class rooms. In the year of 1924 the St. Stanislaus Lodge moved its meeting place to the old Polish Home building at 1728 Edw. Rd. and with the increase of Polish speaking families, had increased its membership to 100 members and fifty juveniles. This Organization has taken part in Church and Civic affairs and has con- tributed to the welfare of the community.
About the year 1930 a committee was formed, representing this lodge and also Polish National
Alliance Lodge No. 402 of Madison, to purchase a building site for a New Polish Home. A place was purchased at 826 Greenwood St. in 1933, and an extensive remodeling program was started by members of the two lodges, and in the year of 1933 the building was dedicated and given the name New Polish Home; Representatives of the Village of Madison and of other organiza- tions took part in the dedication.
In June of 1954 St. Stanislaus bought out the share of the Lodge No. 402 of Polish National Alliance, and now owns the building, New Polish Home, 826 Greenwood St., Madison, III. St. Stanislaus holds its meetings at the Home the first Sunday of every month at 1:30 P.M., and its membership is now 220 members and 120 juveniles who belong to this fraternal society of Americans of Polish descent.
St. Stanislaus has taken part in all civic affairs, sports, social welfare activities, and scholarships for its juvenile members.
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FEDERAL
CREDIT
GRANITE CITY STEEL
EMPLOYEES'
UNION
HISTORY OF GRANITE CITY STEEL EMPLOYEES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
The Granite City Steel Employees Federal Credit Union has come a long way since its fledgling days in the 1940s when a Federal Credit Union Examiner's report had some pessimistic things to say about it:
"The members and potential members of the credit union have shown extremely little interest in the organization. The annual meet- ing was adjourned without transaction of busi- ness because only nine members were present
However, founders were convinced that such an organization would be of great help to mill employees-and they "stuck by their guns."
From those doubtful days of struggle, the Granite City Steel Employees Federal Credit Union-thanks to the tenacity and dedication of its leaders at that time, and of those in subsequent years-has grown to its present impressive strength and stature.
In 1941, 11 Granite City Steel men got together to sign a charter founding the Credit Union. Charter members were: W. O. Bell, George E. Hershbach, Sidney Holder, Jr., Owen Kennerly, Harold C. Lynn, John Patrich, Martin Schuster, Al Unverzagt, Ernest H. Thomas, O. W. Walters and Caleb Zinn.
An organization certificate was approved March 3, 1941. The first officers of the new Credit Union were Harold C. Lynn, president, O. L. Walters, vice president, William Jen- nings, treasurer, and Henry Beadle, clerk.
By December of its first year, the Credit Union had 370 members and had assets amounting to $3,801.78. The start of World War II stunted its growth, however. Patriotic mill men and women were putting their money into war bonds, and the Credit Union came upon difficult days. By 1945, membership had dropped off to 200, and assets had increased just $560.00 in four years.
It was in 1947, also, that the organization was given an office, and its first full-time employee.
By 1949, assets had increased to $125,082 .. . and membership was up to 1157.
Bill Williams was hired by the Board in 1950 as assistant treasurer and office man- ager. He became treasurer in 1956.
Until 1957, the Credit Union office was located next to the Granite City Steel Com- pany personnel department, with an entrance off 20th Street. Then growth forced a move . and land was acquired at 20th and lowa in Granite City-just across the street from the steel mill. A new $97,000 building was constructed, and the Credit Union officially began operations in its new quarters with a grand opening celebration and open house on November 2, 1957.
Williams was treasurer and general man- ager until October, 1965, when he resigned to take another position. At that time, in a reorganization move, the office management and treasurer duties were divided. Joe Lucido, former assistant office manager, was named office manager and assistant treasurer, while Nick Neunzerling, already a member of the Board of Directors, was elected treasurer.
In its year-end report for 1965, the Granite City Steel Employees Federal Credit Union listed assets of $6,108,088.49, a total of 6,521 members. Dividends paid for the year - $219,011.23.
Serving through the years, and contributing to this remarkable development, were eight different presidents-one of whom-Neunzer- ling-held the office three separate times. The list of past presidents:
Harold C. Lynn 1941
Loran Goad (deceased) 1942
John Zabel 1943
Henry Gantt 1944
Nick Neunzerling 1947
Henry Gantt 1949
Alex Skubish 1950
Nick Neunzerling 1951
Harvey Ebling 1956
Nick Neunzerling 1957
Ernest Eli
1965
Eli currently is president.
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R. Dron Electrical Co. Inc.
SALUTES THE CITY OF MADISON 1891 - 1966
We are proud to have shared in the growth of Madison and the installation and modernization of its Traffic Control System and Whiteway Lighting.
This page, in memory of our founder, Robert Dron who:
a. Served as School Board President, 1936-38.
b. Served as Village Treasurer, 1930-37.
c. Served as Village President, 1937-42.
d. Was instrumental in buying the Chain of Rocks Bridge, 1939.
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In the late 1800's and early 1900's it was small electric power plants like this which provided service, mainly for lighting, for Illinois cities and towns.
0
H
This is the computer center at the Wood River Power Plant, largest of three operated by Illinois Power Company.
Illinois Power Company, which supplies electricity and gas to Madison and most of Madison County, had its beginning in the many small electric companies which began operation in the 1880's and 1890's to provide elec- tricity for lighting.
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