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 9
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Some of the organizations which worked at home and in the camps were: Red Cross, Knights of Columbus, the Council of Defense, headed by Louis Dehn and Mrs. Wm. Hills, investigated all claims; the Liberty Loan or- ganization headed by H. N. Kunz; Publicity, Ernst A. Weinel and George W. Smith; Food Administration; fuel administration headed by Emil Brucker; the War Chest, the Y. M. C. A. and the Salvation Army all with local directors."
Immediately upon the return of World War I Vet- erans the post began the fitting celebration of Armis- tice Day and Memorial Day. The first Memorial Day after some had returned was in 1919. There were 125 veterans In the parade that day, school children, or- ganizations, the officials of the city and two bands. There were aching hearts for those who did not return.
In 1922 a committee was appointed to raise funds for a Memorlal to our soldier dead in all wars. It Is a bronze statue, "The Spirit of the American Doughboy." The In- scription on the monument reads: "Columbia American Legion Post No. 581 1775-1918, Memorial In honor of our sons and daughters who served their nation In Freedom's cause and in memory of those of our number who gave that last full measure of devotion in the Six Great Wars: Revolutionary War, 1775-1781; War of 1812-14; Mexican War, 1846-47; the Civil War, 1861-65; Spanish-American
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War, 1898; The Great World War, 1917-1918. Columbia American Legion Post No. 581. Greater Love Hath No Man Than This. By the Community of Columbia, Ill.
Money was raised for the monument by the sale of tickets which enabled purchasers to designate where the Memorial would be placed. The vote showed that the place would be at Main and Legion Avenue. Accord- ingly it was placed there and impressive ceremonies were conducted on May 30, 1924 when it was dedi- cated. The American Legion Auxiliary had a flag pole erected there, and a flag given by the Sons of Union Veterans Auxiliary were also dedicated on this day.
The Post, with Albert C. Metter as commander, sponsored the first Community Christmas celebration early in its history. C. L. Volkert and Robert C. Kunz appeared before the Columbia Commercial Club and asked for their cooperation. This was forthcoming, and with the additional help of the merchants in Columbia, candy and peanuts and oranges for Santa's visit mir- aculously appeared. Santa in person, appeared at the Doughboy monument and gave young Columbians a community Christmas gift. Carols were sung by the as- semblage, and all Columbia joined in the celebration. This custom has continued to this day, although the location has been changed to the Municipal Building.
Another event sponsored by the Legion was the Fourth of July picnic and dance, with fireworks over the pond, then where the tennis court now is situated. Yet another was the annual Turkey Day, which is still held.
In January of 1926 Columbia Post was appointed trustee of the Palmier cemetery. This cemetery is one of the oldest in the county, having been established in 1783. Veterans as far back as the Revolutionary War are buried there. It was so neglected that instead of using mowers, Post members came to work with axes to cut down the trees that all but hid the monuments. The Post also took charge of the City cemetery for several years.
As time passed the organization felt the need of a Post home of their own and in 1934 the committee was appointed to find a site. The City of Columbia agreed to have the building placed on city property and this eliminated purchasing a lot. It also assured adequate grounds, since it is in the municipal recreational area at the corner of Metter street and Legion avenue. In July of 1940 the dream of the American Legion - a Post home - became a reality with the letting of the contract.
The home is a modern frame structure with ample space for meetings, entertainment, and Post activities on the first floor and a large basement where kitchen and dining facilities are provided. It is tastily furnished throughout. The Legion Auxiliary donated the furnishings. The home was dedicated on December 1, 1940.
Shortly thereafter when our country was plunged into World War II the Post was asked to help with Civilian Defense. They responded to a man and under Civilian De- fense Director C. L. Volkert, a Past Commander of the Post, they used their war-acquired knowledge so well that Columbia was the envy of other cities for their Defense work. They responded to calls for help in other communi- ties, and were of great help in 1943 when Dupo was evac- uated, and flood refugees in inundated areas were quar- tered in the City Hall. Federal troops came to help hold the levees along the Mississippi and the Legion helped there too. The Post helped with all wartime drives and activities to help the boys in the service of their country.
In May of 1945 VE (Victory in Europe) Day was celebrat- ed and in August VJ (Victory in Japan) Day-and World War II was over. The Post welcomed World War II veter- ans to the American Legion and later the veterans of the Korean conflict. After a period of adjustment, the veter- ans of all three wars emerged as a strong and vital force in the community.
The Legion stands by in emergencies of all kinds, and is now asked to "Stand By" when tornado warnings are broadcast. A Ground and Air Observer Corps was organized and the Legion served for several years in conjunction with the U. S. Air Force.
A Columbia Legion Post No. 581 Drill team was organ- ized with squad Commander Maurice Schneider the leader. This is a well-disciplined drill team, snappily dressed, and has placed high at Veterans Day at the Springfield State Fair in competition with drill teams all over Illinois.
The Legion backs all good measures for the advance- ment of Columbia. They have annual picnics and parades and other entertainments and use proceeds to develop their new Columbia American Legion Memorial Park, the site being purchased from Elmer Oerter for $22,000. This park was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1958. They have ob- ligated themselves for $28,506 so far.
The American Legion sponsored the Boy Scout Troop early in the 1920's and from 1948 to 1958 they have con- tinuously been their sponsoring organization. They are Big Brothers to Columbia lads in their formative years.
This park was purchased so that Columbia youth could have a well-equipped recreation center where they could gather and take part in competitive sports under supervision. It met with instant appeal and on summer nights and in vacation time the park is alive with young people happily engaged in Khoury League baseball. There are fourteen teams, and four diamonds, and most of the time games are in progress on all the diamonds. In fact, there were seventy softball games in 1958. One of the dia- monds is equipped with lights, courtesy of the Columbia Rotary Club.
This project, and others which the Legion has spon- sored proves that Legionnaires live up to their solemn American Legion obligation "To inculcate a sense of in- dividual obligation to community, state and nation" and to "foster and perpetuate a 100% Americanism."
What better way than to serve the youth of Columbia!
AMERICAN LEGION PAST COMMANDERS
Robert C. Kunz, 1920-22; A. C. Metter, 1922-23; C. L. Volkert, 1923-24; A. C. Metter, 1924-26; C. F. Weilbacher, 1926-28; A. G. Klein, 1928-29; Otto D. Schneider, 1929-31; Louis Mundinger, 1931-33; C. L. Volkert, 1933-35; H. F. Taake, 1935-37; E. R. Volkert, 1937-39; A. J. Kuehner, 1939- 41; C. W. Hoffmann, 1941-43; Henry Haberlah, 1943-44; C. A. Brucker, 1944-46; Leo A. Weilbacher, 1946-47; P. A. Lud- wig, 1947-49; Maurice Schneider, 1949-50; Louis Schiemer, 1950-51; Harold S. Mueller, 1951-52; George A. Wilde, 1952- 54; Virgil J. Crook, 1954-55; Norman Wessel, 1955-56; Mar- vin Greatting, 1956-57; Robert Schiemer, 1957-58; Kenneth G. Haller, 1958-59.
The present officers (1959) are as follows: Comman- der, Kenneth G. Haller; Sr. Vice Commander, Warren Bergmann; Jr. Vice Commander, Raymond Schrader; Ad- jutant, Millard Mundinger; Finance Officer, Norman Wes- sel; Chaplain, Harvey Buettner; Sgt. at Arms, Arnold Ru- dolph; Historian, Harold Mueller; Grave Registrar, Henry Thiele; Service Officer, Leo Weilbacher; Assistant Service Officer, George Wilde; Executive Board, Elmer Wilde, George Luhr, Robert Schiemer, Clarence Mueller, Erwin Stumpf, Howard Schrader, Leland Stechmesser.
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AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 581
In May of 1922, a committee consisting of Charles Hollingsworth, C. W. Breidecker, Mrs. Bertha Hollingsworth and Miss Ida Schneider met to consider organizing an American Legton Auxiliary. They agreed that an Auxiliary was needed and another meeting was called, with Mrs. Bertha Rose Hollingsworth acting as chairman. A charter was applied for and it was issued May 13, 1922 to the Co- lumbia American Legion Auxiliary Unit 581. Twenty-slx members were enrolled. The following officers were elec- ted: President, Phena Dehn; Vice President, Ida Schnei- der; Secretary, Florence Kunz; Treasurer, Dorothy Dehn; Historian, Louise Schneider; Chaplain, Ida H. Schneider.
Meetings were scheduled at the Turner Hall every second Tuesday in the month at the same time of the meeting of the American Legion.
Immediately the auxiliary began its role as a medium of help, not only for the Legion, but for the entire com- munity as well, as witnessed by their work taken from their records: In 1923 purchased a flag-began the sale of poppies made by disabled veterans, continued to today; sent two delegates to the state convention at Danville; a card party to raise money for the Legion's project, the Doughboy monument. They also paid for the flag pole erected near the monument, a bronze tablet for the mon- ument and gave $100 to put effective lighting in the mon- ument area; help every year to decorate the graves of de- parted soldiers.
They donated money to the Evangelical, Lutheran and Catholic Churches. In 1928 they invested $5.00 a month in the Columbia Building and Loan Association; started making tray favors for hospitalized veterans, which they still do. They donated to many forms of child welfare; tornado relief; they collected $150 for flood suf- ferers and sent a half carload of clothing to them; gave Christmas baskets to Columbia's needy; gave 4th of July suppers in conjunction with Sons of Veterans Auxiliary.
In 1932 they donated $20 to the Columbia Unemploy- ment Relief Fund; members of the auxiliary sewed clothes for needy families and the unemployed; farm members brought in bushels of potatoes for gifts to needy families; the Auxiliary cut 150 pounds of sauer kraut, packed it in one-half gallon jars and donated it to the Columbia Re- lief Headquarters; In 1935 they brought sixty-seven bas- kets of food to needy people and pretty Christmas pres- ents for the children; assisted with the Community Christ- mas celebration at the Doughboy monument and later at the City Hall; served lunch on Turkey Day.
In 1937 they donated to the Salvation Army, beloved of all service organizations, sent 472 cans of vegetables, 57 boxes of clothing and 4 boxes of underwear to the Her- rin, Illinois flood sufferers. They contributed to the Crip- pled Children's drive, to the Scout Hut and the Veterans' Gift Fund.
In 1939 donations went to the Education Fund. Auxil- jary Loan Fund, cigarette and insulin fund, Red Cross, Easter Seals, Cancer Drive, March of Dimes and Leonard Wood Memorial. They gave to the High school band, gave $1000 to the Legion, gave for uniforms for the Legion Fir- Ing Squad. They also gave a hospital bed for a memorial to veterans who died In the service.
In 1940 when the Legion Hut was dedicated, they helped with open house. Every May they take the food and entertain the veterans at the Illinois State Hospital at Alton. In 1947 they celebrated the 25th anniversary of their founding, and on March 30 this year (1959) they gave a 40th anniversary party for the Legion. In 1949 they gave $200 to the Legion Drill Team; they sell Veterans'
Crafts all during the year; send a high school junior to Girls' State at MacMurray College at Jacksonville, Illinois every year.
These are just a few of the activities of the auxiliary. Space forbids telling of more.
Following is a list of Committee Chairmen for 1958- 59: Americanism, Alma Rudolph; Auxiliary Loan Fund for Education of War Orphans, Helen Wilde; Community Service, June Weisenborn; Child Welfare, Lydia Immenga; Civil Defense, Mary Challacombe: Coupon, lda Harres; Il. lini Girls' State, Anna Lefholz; Gold Star, Alma Horcher; Membership, Amalia Bolle; Member of Lialson, Florence Hoock; National Security, Alma Kremmel; Legislative, Anna Lefholz; Pan-American, Tillie Harres; Poppy, Dolo- res Bergmann, Tillie Bergmann and June Weisenborn; Mu- sic, Myrtle Schneider and Irene Haberl; Past Presidents Parley, Ida Harres; Publicity, Esther Stumpf; Rehabilita- tion and Veterans' Crafts, Margaret Mueller; Flavor, Til- lie Bergmann; Tray Favors, Frieda Thiele; Entertainment, Virginia Klein, Mildred Haller and Alma Kremmel; FI- nance, Myrtle Schneider, Margaret Mueller and Mary Ann Schmidt; Junior Activity, Amalia Bolle and Lydia Immen- ga; Visiting, Tillle Bergmann; Ways and Means, Anna Lefholz, Irene Haberl and June Weisenborn; Revisions, Lydia Immenga, Amalia Bolle and Margaret Mueller.
The Auxiliary has grown from twenty-six members in 1922 to one hundred thirty-nine in 1959. Auxiliary members have held offices in the St. Clair-Monroe County Council, the 22d District, and at present Mrs. Amalia Bolle is a member of the Department of Illinois on the Civil Defense committee of the Fifth Division, and the 22d District Di- rector.
Gold Star Mothers are: Amanda Mosbacher, Elizabeth Rehg, Alma Roever. Elizabeth Weinel, Mrs. William Eg- gert, Flora Pieper and Lillie Payne.
JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
The Junior Auxiliary of the American Legion was or- ganized Nov. 10, 1956 with nine charter members. The fol- lowing officers were elected: Chairman, Ruth Bolle; vice chairman, Marlene Wilde; Secretary, Linda Custer; Treas- urer, Jo Ann Wilde; Chaplain, Betty Lindhorst: Historian, Sandra Lindhorst; Sergeant-at-arms, Karon Wilde. The Junior advisor was Mrs. Lydia Immenga.
The Juniors make thirty tray favors every month which are sent to the Veterans' Hospital at Galesburg, Illinois; donate to a rehabilitation program of the depart- ment; enter the Poppy Poster contest; sing carols at the Nursing Home at Waterloo; and send gifts to the boys at Bennett Cottage at Normal, Illinois.
At the present time there are 17 members with the following officers: Chairman, Marlene Wilde: Vice Chair- man, Nadine Wilde; Secretary, Linda Custer; Chaplain, Mary Sue Alexander; Treasurer, Alice Challacombe; Ser- geant-at-arms, Sharon Wilde; Historian, Nancy Daab. Mrs. Walter Bolle is Junior Advisor. Ruth Bolle Is 22d District Chairman; Nadine Wilde 22d District Historian.
Past Presidents: Phena Dehn, 1922-23; Ida Schneider. 1923-24; Consuelo Volkert, 1924-25; Florence Kunz, 1925-26; Lee Wellbacher. 1926-29; Lillian Heise, 1929-30; Fleda Nicks, 1930-31; Hilda Mueller, 1931-32; Ida Schneider Har- res, 1932-36; Minnie Heise, 1936-38; Hilda Mueller, 1938 (died in office); Tillie Bergmann, December 1938-41; Lee Weilbacher. 1941-43; Alma Kremmel, 1943-45; Lydia Schewe, 1945-47; Alma Kremmel, 1947-49; Amalia Bolle, 1949-51; Irene Haberl, 1951-53; Tillie Harres, 1953-55; Lydia Immenga, 1955-56; Margaret Mueller, 1956-58; Lau- ra M Kremmel. 1958-59.
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ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS 1958-59
President, Laura M. Kremmel; 1st Vice President, Esther Stumpf; 2d Vice President, Tillie Schorb; Secretary, Hilda Wilde; Treasurer, Lucille Woodcock; Historian, Frie- da Thiele; Chaplain, Virginia Klein; Sergeant-at-Arms, Alma Rudolph; Color Bearers, Laura Wood and Leona Stechmesser.
COLUMBIA PUBLIC LIBRARY
The present Columbia Public Library was originally sponsored by the Columbia Woman's Club. Club mem- bers felt that Columbia was badly in need of a library. There was no place available where the general public could borrow reference and research books or other good reading material.
The Columbia Woman's Club had furnished a room in the Municipal Building where they held their regular meetings. They agreed that they would be happy to give up this room as a meeting place so that it might be used as a library.
A solution was offered in the Fall of 1948 when Miss Helene Rogers, assistant librarian of the Illinois State Library was the guest speaker at the Woman's Club meeting.
Miss Rogers explained that a state demonstration library might be of help in establishing a library. A library organization in the club could procure books from the State Library for a limited time if the club would pay the postage for getting the books here and returning them. The Club would also provide a suitable place.
Mrs. Dorothy Eppinger, president of the club, and Mrs. Tom Henderson appeared before the City Council and asked for the use of the room as a library. The council agreed to do this and also promised to install shelves, provide heat, light and janitor service. The Woman's Club offered to staff the library and pay all expenses.
It was agreed that residents of Columbia School Dis- trict No. 4 would be eligible for library service as well as the citizens of Columbia.
On February 22, 1951 the library was formally dedi- Cated with Mrs. Laura Langston, Chief of the Illinois State Extension Service, present to answer any questions relative to the new project. The library room was very attractive, and at the time of the dedication had 2000 books on the shelves, mostly the property of the State. Mayor A. C. Metter made the dedicatory address and presented the library with the Book of Books-the Bible.
The club made the announcement that they would staff the library, aided by Columbia High School pupils, and church members from the various churches of Co- lumbia. It was to be operated part time and during vaca- tion there would be leisure time activities. There was a staff of about forty available. The first six weeks showed a circulation of 200 books.
Feeling the need for a permanent library, for this was a temporary project, they were advised to secure a district library on a tax supported basis. If this were voted in, a tax rate of 60c on the $1000 valuation would be automatically levied. The idea was indorsed and on June 6 an election was called. The district library plan was defeated with the vote 262 against and 215 for.
When the Municipal building was enlarged after an election on March 1, 1955 to authorize this, space was provided for the library in the new addition.
A committee from the Woman's Club appeared at the meeting of the City Board at the January 1958 meeting and asked for a publicly supported library. They were
given the proper legal procedure and at the April meet- ing they submitted for the establishment of a City Li- brary the required petition signed by 185 residents of Columbia. The City Council then agreed to establish a tax supported library in Columbia.
This program went into effect on May 1, 1959 with Mrs. Tom Henderson, librarian.
The library is open three afternoons a week and on Friday evening. It is very modern and attractive. About 4,000 books are upon the shelves.
It is served also by the Southern Illinois University Bookmobile and the Kaskaskia Regional Library Book- mobile which makes regular trips here. Upon request of the Columbia librarian the State Library will furnish any book requested by a patron of the Columbia Library. These loans are called inter-library loans.
The Library Board appointed by the City Council is as follows: Betty Cash, Walter W. Giffhorn, Jr., Florence E. Haberl, Thomas Henderson, Thelma Herbst, Wilbert Kremmel, Ruth Schmidt, Mary Ellen Norman, Mary Ann Roediger.
Leisure time activities for the children are provided during vacation months.
THE COLUMBIA WOMAN'S CLUB
The Columbia Woman's Club has had an interesting history. It had its inception in the old Columbia Literary Society in 1912 under O. S. Hayes. Meetings were held at the old Columbia Public School. The seventh and eighth grade rooms were thrown together to make a large assembly room. Pupils of the eighth grade were eligible, as well as the general public. Debates were held, parliamentary procedure studied and spelling bees held. Columbia men and women interested in education attended and took part in the programs, as well as school board members and business men. Early presidents were Louis Ritter and Ernestine Smith, with Edwin Rauch, sergeant-at-arms.
Out of the group was evolved the Columbia Home Economics Club, an affiliate of the Farmers' Institute. Mrs. William Hills was the president of the County Unit in 1914, according to the State Farmers Institute year book. She was also the president of the Columbia club in its early days. During the time of the flood in the Bottom when many were barracked in the City Hall, old clubs records were accidentally destroyed.
The club reorganized, became known as the Columbia Household Science Club in 1920, with Miss Beulah Hampson, president. Miss Hampson was the Home Eco- nomics teacher at the old Columbia High School. At first, club meetings were held in the evening, but later in 1940, it became an afternoon club. Meetings were held in Woodman Hall, until the new City Hall building was completed. Some unusual programs were given, one with the late Mrs. Leo Weilbacher in charge, was a Christmas pageant. Betty Weilbacher was Mary, George Brucker was Joseph and the whole Columbia Drum and Bugle Corps played 'We Three Kings of the Orient Are", as the Processional. The club made Christmas visits to tne Alms House, bearing gifts, and now visits the Monroe County Nursing Home.
The club worked for the establishment of the Par- ent-Teacher Assn. They also worked to get a County nurse, indorsed all educational moves, and had their club meeting in conjunction with war time bandage making. They sponsored the Girl Scouts, helped with
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furnishing the Scout Hut, furnished a room at the City Hall for the use of all women's organizations. As early as 1938 they tried to get a P. W. A. library. Later it be- came the library which was staffed by club members and friends. Under the guidance of the club the new city library was evolved, with Mrs. T. B. Henderson, the club's treasurer, also the librarian.
The club meets the third Thursday of the month in the city auditorium. It Is an affiliate of the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs and is also an affillate of the district and county organizations.
Present officers are: Mrs. Dorothy Christopher, Presi- dent; Mrs. W'm. Lengfelder Vice President; Mrs. T. B. Henderson, Secretary; Mrs. Fred Wills, Corresponding Sec- retary and Mrs. Wayne Compton, Treasurer. The club has forty-five members.
Working in conjunction with the Columbla Chamber of Commerce, the club's hospitality committee calls on newcomers to Columbia, officially welcoming them to the city.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Waterloo Council No. 1334, Knights of Columbus, Wat- erloo, Illinois, with which Columbia members are affili- ated, was granted a charter June 14, 1908, and one year ago on that date celebrated their golden jubilee.
The organization committee consisted of three Broth- er Knights: Brothers Bennett James, Hugh Murphy and John Koenigsmark.
The Knights of Columbus is a society founded upon Christian principles of service to God, Country and Fellow- man.
The slogan of the Knights is Charity, Fraternity, Unity and Patriotism.
The founder, the Reverend Michael J. McGivney, de- sired that the families of Catholic men should be protect- ed from privation at the death of the father or husband, and this desire motivated him in the establishment of the fraternal organization of Waterloo Council.
Council officers for 195S-59 from Columbia are: Erwin A. Hankamer, Deputy Grand Knight; Norman Schmidt, Advocate; Howard Haber!, Outside Guard. Chas. W. Grun- Inger served as Grand Knight in 1952-53.
The Fourth Degree Assembly of the Knights of Co- lumbus was established In 1924 in Waterloo. The present officers from Columbia are: Faithful Comptroller, Norman Kutterer and Faithful Outer Sentinel, Al Kish and Roy P. Conrad, Faithful Captain who is now Faithful Navigator elect. Guldo Serafini has also served as Faithful Navigator.
The principal function of the Fourth Degree is to serve as a guard of honor at public appearances of His Excel- lency, the Bishop of Belleville Diocese.
Over a million Catholic men belong to this very worth- while organization.
COLUMBIA ROTARY CLUB
Members of the newly organized Rotary Club were guests of the Millstadt Rotary Club on February 2, 1948, at a dinner meeting which preceded the organization pro- gram and election of officers for the Columbia club. The meeting was in charge of Oscar Krick, A. J. Mollman and Ray Payne, a former Columbian. These three Rotarians were the organizers of the Columbia club.
The first meeting after organizatlon was held at the Sangralee at a dinner meeting on February 9, 1948. Meet- Ings were to be held on Monday night of each week from 6:15 to 7:30.
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