Days Gone By (Jan. 20)
By: Pat Hunter, archivist, River Falls Journal
- 2001 Wildcat Girls Basketball
Local captain of the National Guard Russ Miller did not expect his unit to be called to serve during the Middle East crisis now occurring. However, Marine Corporal Jim Senn was serving in the Persian Gulf area, Navy Lieutenant Paul Haskins was serving aboard the USS Ranger on its way to Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Glenn Hoberg reported for active duty with the U.S. Army Reserve at Ft. Sam Houston in Texas.
Eleven-year-old Brandon Bauer received a hero’s recognition for evacuating a house where he was babysitting after a small fire started.
John Mosher had been recording daily temperatures and precipitation for 30 years, taking over after his former boss, Prof. Stratton, passed away Jan. 2, 1960.
$90,000 worth of road work was planned including an island at the corner of Second and Spring Streets and “right turn protection” at Second and Division.
Two River Falls writers, Beth Scott and Michael Norman, were authors of a new book, “Haunted Wisconsin.”
Students Craig Gienau, Robbie Schaar, Jeff Locke, Sheila Baillargeon, Suzy Johnson, Shannon Scott, Kevin Curti and Alfred Allueva wrote and presented a play at Westside.
Visiting alumnus, nuclear physicist Dr. William Stratton, lectured at the college, saying that the Three Mile Island nuclear accident was less hazardous than first thought.
According to the 1970 census, River Falls’ population was set at 7,229, counting some 2,500-plus college students. In 1960 population was at 4,857.
High school debaters Paul Stockton, Suanne Motl, Torrey Alexander and David Swensen successfully participated in three tournaments.
Top honors at the WSU-RF invitational wrestling tourney were won by Randy Baar, Gee Pope and Mike Jenkins.
50 YEARS AGO, JAN. 19, 1961
Oliver Lumphrey was elected president of the Chamber of Commerce, Herb Cudd was named vice-president, and Ruby Richards, secretary-treasurer.
Some members of the high school basketball team included Tom Belfiori, Gary Casement, Tom Durand, Dan Kay, Dave Linehan and Danny Reis.
Bjerstedt Dairy Supplies was hosting an open house with free coffee and doughnuts at its new location, 213 N. Main St.
After being scouted by three pro football teams, UW graduate Mick Lauber was drafted in the 15th round by the Detroit Lions.
Jim Laue, son of Dr. and Mrs. Roy Laue and current a student at Harvard, was working toward a Ph.D. in sociology. His thesis topic concerned the philosophy of non-violence and its techniques, with a special emphasis on the sit-in movement. His education pursuit has gained him jail time in Miami, curses in Atlanta, and vilification elsewhere across the South.
A letter from Marine Cpt. Carl D. Finstad told of the problems of fighting in Korea … “We are rather sick of fighting under Army command and suffering for its numerous blunders,” “We fought a hard 30 miles from Inchon to Seoul and now it is being given up along with the rest, Kojo, Wonsan, Majanni, Kagaru-ri, Koto-ri, and others — We have left many good Marines buried in these ‘nameless’ places, all now have died in vain.”
Before leaving for San Antonio Air Base in Texas, Charlie Pace, Tom Kealy, Alvin Hawkinson, Ray Sandberg and Harvey Pechacek were entertained at a chicken dinner by Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Pechacek.
Wayne Gilbertson, Victor Kreuziger, Bruce Steiner and Dan Prince received their Eagle Scout awards this month.
Editor’s Note: Readers are reminded their photos were welcome to be published on this page. Photos will be returned in original condition and credit to the owner given. Call the office, 715-425-1561 or email phunter@rivertowns.net.
Tags: river falls, days gone by, lifestyle, history
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