USA > Illinois > Monroe County > Columbia > History of Columbia and Columbia precinct, Monroe County, Illinois, 1859-1959 and centennial celebration, Columbia, Illinois, July 3-4-5, 1959 > Part 4
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On March 10, 1930 the Turner Hall was bombed, and the Columbia American Legion Post volunteered to serve as a Vigilante Committee for the City.
To insure more water, on August 4, 1930 the city authorized the drilling of another well. Again, on Janu- ary 5, 1931 Test well No. 2 was ordered on the Columbia Waterworks lot.
On January 31. 1931 the city water supply was in- adequate due to a long drought and another well was dug which proved to have a flow for 72 hours of from 30 to 10 gallons per minute.
The water situation became bad again. Water and sewers cost so much on account of the long drought that anticipation warrants had to be issued. Water had to be hauled in. There could be no sprinkling or washing of autos. At this time Alderman A. C. Metter was appointed chairman of the water committee.
At the July 16, 1931 meeting the board recommended employing an engineer to make a preliminary survey of the now contemplated Dupo water supply line.
CITY DECIDES TO PURCHASE WATER FROM DUPO
At the August 13. 1931 meeting the board decided to accept plan calling for a 10-inch main. At the Novem- ber 4, 1931 meeting the board decided to get water from Dupo and get a new pipe line, pump house and pumps to cost $11,500.00
But the City's finances were in bad condition, so bad they talked about reducing the street lights.
Then it was decided by the board to get a Recon- struction Finance Company loan for $52,000.00. On Decem- ber 12, 1932 it was partially approved and on February 21. 1933 the loan was finally approved.
A. C. METTER IS COLUMBIA'S NEW MAYOR
On April 18, 1933, Albert C. Metter was elected mayor for a two year term. A resolution was adopted author- izing an R. F. C. loan for $52,500 at 51% percent for con- struction of the Dupo-Columbia water line. Contract was awarded to the H. H. Hall Construction Company. The line was placed in operation in August of 1933 and the city well was abandoned. And the water problem was finally solved. March 20 of this year the new charter for the City of Columbia was received from the Illinois Sec- retary of State, pursuant to the election authorizing the changed status from a village to a city. The Turners deeded a quit clalm deed to the city to extend Legion Avenue to Cherry Street so that it might become a part of the city park. In 1936 the park and playgrounds proj- ect was approved under the Federal W. P. A. program. The old power house pond was eliminated for construc- tion of tennis courts as requested by the Great Oaks Ten- nis Club. Later new ornamental street lights were placed on the Municipal Park driveway.
In 1934 the city adopted, by virtue of a special elec- tion. a one mill benefit tax to meet annual sewer as- sessments against the city for public benefit: an alcohoile liquor license was adopted and a new vehicle license law went Into effect. This was setting the city in order financially so that an outfall sewer to the Mississippi might be constructed to eliminate the sewer disposal plant which had proved unsatisfactory. Application was
then filed with the Federal Emergency Administration of the P. W. A. for a grant to ald financing construction of an outfall sewer and pumping station to the Mississippi river. An arterial street system under the Illinois Motor Fuel Tax law was set up and approved. This gave the city a goodly sum for streets.
In 1935 an airplane marker sponsored by the Aero- nautical Society was Installed on Breidecker street under W. P. A. jurisdiction. In 1936 the Illinois Commerce Commission notified the city that the East St. Louis, Columbia and Waterloo railroad (the street car) had ap- plied for authority to abandon and discontinue all pub- llc utility services. It was approved Jan. 30, 1936 in com- pliance with the U. S. Bankruptcy Act. At midnight July 31, 1936 the street ca: system was no more.
At the request of the City of Columbia, an unin- corporated town on the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Rail- road in Kane county agreed to change its name to Crown, Illinois to eliminate the confusion caused by two places in Illinois being named Columbia. In this year the final chapter (or what they thought then) in the sewer story was written for a federal grant of 45% of the cost of the outfail sewer was approved, the city to assume 55% of the cost of the sewer. The right-of-way was procured to lay the sewer to the river. Previously, at a special election, the sale of $28,500 in General Obliga- tion bonds was approved to assist in financing the line. and erecting the pump house. The total cost of the proj- ect was $64,454 with approximately $28,500 by Federal grant. There was also a $7,000 Sewer Revenue Bond is- sue. The contract was awarded on November 26, 1936 to Dobson Humphry of Minneapolis, Minn. The sewer was completed on October 8, 1939. An ordinance was passed then to reduce the interest rate from 6 to 4 per cent and authorize redemption prior to maturity on Water and Sewer District No. 1 bonds. In 1938 the Interest rate on $37,500 516 per cent outstanding Water Revenue Bonds held by the R. F. C. were re-purchased at 4%.
Now in 1939 comes an era of building. Columbla Post 581 American Legion obtains permission to build a Legion Home in City Park. The Scouts become interested in a Hut of their own. The G. M. and O. rallroad was granted permission to operate a bus line through here. In 1940 the city agreed to house the equipment of the Rural Fire Department and have city firemen man their trucks.
On August 6, 1938 Columbla officially celebrated the completion of five civic improvements with a torchlight procession. The celebration marked the completion of a new 414 mile outfall sewer system from Columbia to the Mississippi river; a 10 inch cast Iron water supply line from Dupo to Columbia, a distance of 61% miles. The third project was the Municipal Park and Playgrounds and a site reserved for a Scout Hut. The fourth project was the concreting of the street car tracks of the dis- continued E. St. Louis, Columbia and Waterloo Railway. The Illinois State Highway Department paved the tracks after their removal, giving Main street paving curb to curb. The fifth project was the erection of a Municipal Bandstand in the new park.
On March 26. 1940 by a special election the con- struction of a new municipal building to be financed by $26.000 of Water Revenue Bonds was authorized The contract was let to Bauer Brothers of Belleville-total cost $35,000, which included the furnishings of the build- ing.
In 1941 water distribution lines were put in to Sugar Loaf and Lunceford Road, and water lines to Sugar Loaf
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and Lake View. This was the beginning of serving out- of-town customers. Since then many more lines and fire hydrants have been installed whenever possible. Main street's widening project was started with motor fuel tax funds.
Subdivisions appeared on the scene beginning in 1940 when Columbia Acres was accepted by the City. Scott Street and many others were opened or vacated to make a better street system. From 1940 on the following sub- divisions have been accepted: Wilson's Third Addition, Briegel's, Fred Lepp's, William Vogt's, Columbia Heights, First Addition to Frierdich Place, Columbia Hills, Wood- land Terrace, Faust's, Roessler's, Evergreen Terrace, Cas- cade Hills, Giffhorn's, Thiele's and Klein's. St. Paul Church of Christ was granted extension of Republican street from Bottom avenue to Church street, the city con- structing the extension. Upon request of the Public School Board certain streets in Wilson's subdivision were closed in the school grounds as a safety measure for the children.
In 1942 the city's commercial water rates were insti- tuted at the request of the Columbia American Distillery. In that year Civilian Defense was worked out in World War II. Blackouts were set up under Illinois War Council of Defense jurisdiction. The Millstadt bus line was granted permission to operate to the Jefferson Barracks Bridge. A 10 o'clock curfew was established. In 1943 the Columbia Fire Department was reorganized at a special meeting on June 21, 1943.
The widening of Main street project was approved, using Motor Fuel Tax Funds. In 1944 ordinances were passed authorizing the construction of a 50 foot diameter, 300,000 gallon concrete ground water storage reservoir and high service pump 500 g p m for $14,500. In June the city purchased a tract of land from Mrs. Elizabeth Wecker as a site for the reservoir. An ordinance was passed auhorizing the issuance of revenue bonds in the sum of $7,000, the balance being on hand.
In 1947 an ordinance was passed granting the Illinois Power and Light Company authority to service the city of Columbia with electric energy for fifty years. The com- pany agreed to re-wire, furnish fifty per cent of the street lighting, a White Way, and electric energy and gas to the Municipal Building and Parks free.
In 1948 an ordinance was passed regulating and licensing automatic musical devices and coin operated amusement devices. Concrete guttering and curbing was installed by Motor Fuel Tax Funds from Main Street to Legion to the G. M. and O. tracks.
In 1950 a 50 year franchise was issued to the Illinois Power Company to permit them to supply natural gas from the Mississippi Fuel Corp., whose main line is at the western limits of Columbia.
On the request of the Columbia Woman's Club the council agreed to submit the question of establishing a city library to the voters if a properly signed petition was presented to the Council. The petition was presented, the election was held and the vote was favorable.
In 1951 an ordinance establishing a uniform system for street numbering was passed. New street signs were purchased. The Harrisonville Telephone Co. an- nounced plans for a dial telephone system with under- ground cables. This was completed.
In 1952 the council passed an ordinance authorizing the issuance of $215,000 in Water Revenue Bonds, for a 12-inch cast iron pipeline 612 miles long to enable Co- lumbia to purchase water directly from the E. St. Louis and Interurban Water Co. instead of the City of Dupo.
In 1953 garbage collection services were instituted and city employes placed under social security. In 1954 the Illinois Fire Inspection Bureau reports Columbia placed in Class 6 insurance rating, affording Columbia home owners an insurance saving up to 15%. A new ad- dition to the Municipal Building is authorized by the voters for housing the rural fire department and the li- brary. Metter street was widened and this included the razing of the residence of Mrs. Christina Weiss, who agreed to this procedure.
An election on Feb. 10, 1955 authorizes the issuance of $18,000 in water revenue bonds for improvements to the municipal waterworks building. H. J. Frierdich and Sons were awarded the contract. Cost $42,699.40. The water tower and tank repainted and repaired, the tank requiring a new steel welded bottom. The 1/2 per cent municipal retail occupation tax was put into effect. Val- uation committees to work with the state highway de- partment to procure necessary land for the new Freeway By-Pass right-of-way were appointed. The East St. Louis and Interurban Water Co., increased water rate 331/3 % effective Nov. 14, 1955. In 1956 the outstanding balance due for equipment purchased for the Columbia Fire De- partment by the medium of a bond issue was paid in full. A Control Center necessitated by the Harrisonville Telephone Co. putting in a dial system, was established. From this center police calls are taken and dispatched to the police force. Fire calls are received and the fire company dispatched to the fire. Fred Bruenig and Lillie and Gottlieb Schuhkraft through the medium of the county court asked annexation of 224.5 acres to the city. Request is granted. John Daab deeded 40 feet of his land to the city to be used as a street to be named Daab street, commencing at Metter Street and ending at Briegel street.
The position of general administrative clerk (as- sistant to city clerk and collector) was authorized with Alvin G. Klein the appointee. Trunk line intercepting sewer established in center strip of new highway from southern to northern city limits, interconnecting to dis- posal trunk line to Mississippi river. Feb. 13, 1957 a hearing was held at the City Hall on new Federal aid highway. Main street widening project was begun from Mulberry street to Cherry street with M. F. T. funds.
Ordinance passed establishing a sewer charge. New police car purchased. In 1957 a new 12-inch sewer dis- posal trunk line contract awarded to Eugene Luhr for $65,446 30 for construction jointly on Federal Aid No. 4 state highway to sewer trunk line by contractor arrange- ment, financed by issuance of sewer revenue bonds in the amount of $80,000 with 47% per cent interest author- ized over 20 years.
In 1958 the city officially accepted the Bolm-Schuh- kraft Memorial Park, a 44.5 acre tract to be forever used as a public park and playground. The City Council appoint- ed a 15 member advisory board of local citizens to assist with long-range public improvement programs and a city limits extension program. The council established the Columbia Public Library tax, not to exceed 1.2 mills. The library is managed by a nine member library board of di- rectors, appointed by the City Council. The U. S. Weather Universal Storm Warning System has been adopted. The city purchased land for water standpipe and reservoir from Albert Kish and Mary Overall. Quit claim deed given to Albert Kish and Mary Overall to extend Cherry street to Water Reservoir. City installed brackets on utility poles on which to attach Christmas and other decorations.
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Under consideration will be a water boosting pump- ing station, additional water line and standpipe reservoir, a sewage treatment plant, a sewage lift station and con- necting lines, cooperation to the Cascade Ilills subdivision and the establishment of final boundary lines for city limits.
With the completion of the new by-pass, Columbia be- comes an ideal residential city, for the through traffic
from Illinois Route 3, 158 and Federal route 50, which plagued Columbia, Is now on the outskirts of our city. The new by-pass, too opens up the prospect of more de- velopment both industrial and residential. When the next 100 years of history is written this will probably show the by-pass to be the point of beginning for a larger and more beautiful Columbia.
The Municipal Building houses all administrative of- fices, public library, auditorium for meetings of a civic nature, jail, police and fire departments. It houses all City and Rural Fire District equipment which is manned and serviced by the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, with 25 wetl trained members. The Illinois Inspection Bureau gives it Class 6 rating.
Columbia has a modern police department and its streets are regularly patrolled.
Purified Mississippi River Water is additionally chlori- nated here and meets all Illinois State Board of llealth and U. S. Health Service standards. Sewerage system con- sists of laterals, a preliminary treatment plant, pumping station and 5 miles of 12" outfall sewer disposal line to the Mississippi.
A Freeway from Columbia to East St. Louis is being constructed to prevent traffic congestion.
E
DESK IN LIBRARY 100 YEARS OLD
COLUMBIA FIRE EQUIPMENT. RURAL AND CITY
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COLUMBIA SENIOR CITIZENS, 80 years of age or over are: Bottom row, George Eckert, 84; Charles Vogt, 82; Louis M. Huch, 84; Henry F. Schmidt, 81. Second row: John A. Eschmann, 80; William F. Doettling, 82; Henry Beck- mann, 84; Adam Wierschem, 86; Jacob Ludwig, 94; Henry Rehg, 84. Third row: George Ritter, 87; William F. Stumpf, 82; Gustave Juengling, 84; Fred J. Juengling, 86; August J. Ebersohl, 85.
Bottom row: Mrs. Bertha Tunze, 82; Mrs. Emma Fiege, 80;
Mrs. Sybilla Van Luik, 90; Mrs. Jennie Rauch, 84. Second row: Mrs. Meta Schneider, 82; Mrs. Caroline Vogel, 85; Mrs. Emma Rauch, 84; Mrs. Emelia Giffhorn, 80; Mrs. Franciska Oexner, 82. Back row: Mrs. Caroline Gummer- sheimer, 88; Mrs. Barbara Bergmann, 92; Mrs. Pauline Hal- ler, 81; Mrs. James Lemen, 81; Mrs. L. A. Vogt, 86. Others who registered were Mrs. Mary Ebersohl, 83; Mrs. Ida Grueninger, 85; Mrs. Louise Kossina, 82; Mrs. Emma Kruse, 83; E. L. Rauch, 82; Mrs. Louis Steppig, Sr. 81.
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MISS COLUMBIA GIRLS-Front row: Judy Vogt, Carol Lee Daab. Back row: Mary Pearl Grueninger, Germaine Schaffer Margaret Ann Kruse, Mary Louise Crowe, Karen Ludwig, Mary Lou Miller.
Miss Columbia Presentation Program SUNDAY, JULY 5, 1959 -- 2 P. M. (DST)
Prelude-Music "Columbia The Gem of the Ocean"-Co- lumbia Community Unit No. 4 Band.
Welcome-Centennial Chairman-Arthur P. Wink, Presi- dent Columbia Centennial Association.
Presentation of Flag Mrs. Laura Kremmel, President American Legion Auxiliary.
Flag raising at Doughboy Monument and Pledge of Alie- glance to Flag-Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Post Drill Team and Color Brarers. Kenneth G. Hailer, Commander, Columbia Post 581 American Legion.
Star Spangled Banner-Columbia High School Band, Uhl Sackman, Director.
Invocatiun Rev. Norman H. Rahmoeller B. D. Paster St. Paul United Church of Christ.
Introduction of "Miss Columbia and Her Court of Honor" -- Leo A. Weilbacher, Sr., Chairman Queen Contest.
Presentation of "Miss Columbia"-llon. Albert C. Metter. Mayor, City of Columbia.
Introduction of Platform Guests-City Officials and visit- ing dignitaries-Arthur P. Wink, Program Chairman.
Introduction of Speakers Hon. Albert C. Metter, Mayor. Centennial Addresses-( Guest Speakers).
Benedictlon-Father Elmer Holtgrave, Immaculate Concep- tion Church.
Musical selection-"America"-Columbia Community Unit No. 1 Band.
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CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES-Front row: Miss Ernestine C. Smith, Mrs. Dorothy Eppinger, Mrs. Raymond Krem- mel, Leo Weilbacher, Sr., Mrs. Melvin Gasser, Mrs. C. L. Volkert. Second row: B. D. Middleton, Herbert Schueler, James Crowe, Herbert J. Vogt, C. A. Hacker. Back row: Roy P. Conrad, Charles J. Grueninger, Arthur P. Wink, L. A. Weilbacher, Jr.
STYLE SHOW COMMITTEE-Seated left to right: Mrs. J. J. Volkert, Mrs. James Crowe, Mrs. Melvin Gasser, chair- man; Mrs. Paul Reyling, Mrs. Erwin Kossina. Standing left to right: Mrs. Ken Puckett, Mrs. Alvin Koch, Miss Ethel Mae Wink, Mrs. Vernon Smith, Mrs. Adolph Rohm and Mrs. Oliver Durrer.
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Columbia Volunteer Firemen: First row: Edgar L. Steppig, Edward Vogt, Carl Landgraf, Theodore E. Klein, Chief Jacob Steppig, Alfred Crowder, Clemence Metter, William Klein. Middle row: Norman Schroeder, Raymond Schroed- er, Ronald Raeber, Dennis McMullan, Harry Daab, James
COLUMBIA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
In the early history of Columbia the strident cry of "Fire" was all that was needed to get help to put out the fire. As you ran, you grabbed whatever would hold water, and brought it to the well, the pond or the spring or wherever there was a water supply. Then you lined up with people who were already there and passed the water from one person to another until it ultimately reached some of the most adventurous men who were already on the roof or wherever the fire was blazing. It was primitive, but amazingly effective as this writer can testify, for many's the itme she joined a "Bucket Bri- gade". Before the water reached its target many other neighbors carrled the furniture out of the burning house. Due to the excitement many's the time the dresser mirror was thrown out the window and the feather bed care- fully carried down the steps.
Rubber buckets and a very primitive hand pump were the next step up in the evolution of Columbia's Fire De- partment. By dint of hard labor, water was forced 10 the fire by the old "up and down" with six men on cach side. This apparatus was equipped with a rope about 25 feet long. The first to arrive at the engine house got the apparatus out and started to the fire. They were joined at every home by men and boys, with mother and the giris going along to help. The hose cart had to be gotten out, too. Girls who lived near the Engine House were Known to have the cart well on the way to the fire, only
Juengling, John Landgraf, Herman Krack, Herman Frier- dich. Back row: Oliver M. Durrer, Edward Kremmel, Don- ald A. Stumpf, Marvin Bergmann, James Janson, E. J. Schorb, George J. Van Luik.
to be ruthlessly pushed aside by men. Dogs always went to the fires in the good old days, yipping joyously. Later a tongue was affixed to the fire engine with horses to pull it, and later still, a gasoline powered pumper was pur- chased.
The first regularly organized Fire Department was commanded by Fire Chief Albert Lepp. With his guld fire trumpet he commanded the volunteers at the scene of the fire. He was assisted by E. L. Rauch, George Fiege, Ed Schneider, Charles Schneider and all the aforesaid helpers. Fire equipment was housed at the old City Hall. This was a rock structure on the site of the present municipal building. The council room was upstairs and the jail and engine house on the ground floor. A small park surrounded this building.
Here is a list of transactions taken from their records which show how the Fire Department evolved Into the ultra-modern one we have today, staffed by firemen weil trained in the art of fighting fires.
In 1886 a draft of a hook and ladder wagon was made by John Schmidt In December 1888, 12 sections of Ayers ladders were purchased, In June of 1891 the hook und ladder wagon was ordered to be put into condition for the Fourth of July celebration and a team of horses hired to haut said wagon. Committee on arrangements were H. C. Schneider, J. A. Breidecker and H N Kunz. In October 1593 fire boxes were put up In various parts of town with fire extinguishers in them, the town mar- shal to keep them filled.
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In March 1897 some fire engines were tested. On April 5 of that year an engine and hose cart was purchased from the Indianapolis Fire Company for $645.22 and 400 feet of hose was purchased from the Goodyear Rub- ber Company for $105. On March of that year a fire bell was ordered; also 400 feet of cotton hose. Dollar and Weinland built an engine shed and belfry for the fire bell. In June 1897 two rubber coats and helmets and a fire trumpet, and one hose hook were purchased.
December 6, 1897 three fire cisterns were built near the street; at the Catholic church; between Henckler's and Schaeffer's; and at Ernst Weinel's store. The cost for three was $125. Three manholes cost $18.
On July 4, 1897 the Fire Company had a big celebra- tion. They invited the city to join in the festivities. The city bought powder to shoot the anvil, which was shot for the first time at the Brewery Blacksmith Shop, later at Rauch's Blacksmithy and then each blacksmith in turn, and there were many blacksmiths in town at that time. You turned the anvil upside down, stuffed it with gunpower, then put in a wooden plug. Next you heated a long ród red hot and applied it to the powder and "Bang" goes the anvil. Just before the shooting, Charles Reis, a drummer boy and bugler in the Civil War, would stand in the doorway of his barber shop where Mr. and Mrs. Fred Richert now live, dressed to the teeth in his uniform of blue, and bugle furiously. Then the anvil was shot, and the Columbia Star Band paraded all over town playing patriotic airs, starting from the Turner Hall. No one slept after daybreak on the Fourth and it was a bad day for firemen. Fireworks were not taboo and small boys and very big boys took full advantage of this to make a racket, frighten timid little girls and all in all to live dangerously. There was an old cannon also in use in those days but it fortunately or unfortunately according to your point of view, blew up, injuring one of the citizens, hereafter called "Cannone Fritz", or "Can- non Fritz."
In March of 1900 a bell tower 50 feet high with lour posts of steel was put up where our water tower now is, and the fire bell installed. In July of 1913 four more fire cisterns were put in. William Riebeling got the job on a $147 bid. November 4 Peter Hoffman put in three more fire cisterns for $147. In December of 1912 the village replaced fire buckets and all needed fire equip- ment.
But on January 20, 1917, of all things, the fire en- gines burned up under mysterious circumstances.
In February of 1917 the city bought a new fire engine. Mayor Rapp announced the reorganization of the Fire Department. Fire Chief Albert Lepp and H. N. Kunz set to work on this and in April 1917 George W. Smith, Presi- dent of the Fire Company, reported 17 new members at the reorganization meeting.
Schmidt Brothers repaired the old engine, including suction hose and also bought 500 feet of fire hose at 73c a foot. On July 2, 1917 the village bought an addi- tional 500 feet of fire hose. In January of 1920 the fire department was motorized.
ANOTHER REORGANIZATION OF THE FIRE COMPANY
Now begins a new epoch. On October 27, 1924, citizens and fire department members held a meeting to discuss adequate fire protection. E. A. Weinel presided, with Gus Schroeder serving as secretary. They decided to canvass the town and countryside, asking for contributions for modern fire equipment. Committees were set to work on the project. In December of 1924 there were $1878 in the equipment fund from 102 memberships. The old Fire Department contributed $106.75 and $598 pledged. Gus Goeckeler, Jr., was elected chief, after Otto H. Vogt had been appointed, and John Landgraf, assistant chief.
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