Looking back at stories that appeared in the O’Fallon Progress 125, 100, 75, and 50 years ago:
125 years ago, Sept. 29, 1899
“The O’Fallon Dramatic Co. will appear in a four-act comedy drama entitled ‘Jedediah Judkins, J. P.’ to be held at Wachter’s Hall, O’Fallon, Illinois, Friday evening, Oct. 6, 1899, for the benefit of the O’Fallon Brass Band.
“A number of new and popular songs will be rendered by members of the club. Vocal and piano music under the direction of Miss Jessie Housam. Full Orchestra directed by Prof. W. A. Koenigstein.
“Admission 15, 25 and 35 cents. Reserved seats on sale at Smiley’s Drug Store.”
(Wachter’s Hall is now the Salvatore Cincotta building at the northeast corner of Oak and State.)
100 years ago, Sept. 25, 1924
“A deal was consummated Monday in which Guy Harris, of Centralia, Ill., leased the store room and living quarters on the lower floor of Moonlight Hall from Frank Hartman, the owner.
“Mr. Hartman and family have decided to move to Collinsville where they will make their future home.
“Alterations have been started on the section formerly occupied by the Hartmans as a restaurant where Mr. Harris will install a modern and up-to-date billiard parlor which will be opened about October 1st. Mr. Harris, who comes here well-recommended, will move his family to this city shortly.”
75 years ago, Sept. 29, 1949
“Members of Township High school board of education of District 203 (OTHS) at their last meeting, decided on a blanket insurance coverage of all high school students in case of accident.
“This is the first time in the history of the local school that accident insurance is provided; the board taking this action after some sections in the state law were clarified by the last legislature.
“Cost of the overage is provided by the board. This new insurance covers all the boy and girl students in case of accident, either in curricular or extra-curricular activities, including baseball and basketball.
“The policy as carried by the board is broad in its scope, providing coverage during the time a student is enroute to or from school or while on a trip to other points for athletic or intellectual activities.”
50 years ago, Sept. 26, 1974
“School children in the city limits can put on their thinking caps and start entering in the City of O’Fallon’s flag contest sponsored by the O’Fallon Junior Woman’s Club.
“Children in grades three through 12 at the public and parochial schools are eligible to enter the contest. The winner will be presented with a $50 savings bond and the distinction of having designed the city’s first official flag. The entries may be turned into the O’Fallon City Library. Deadline for entries is Oct. 19.
“The flag must be of an original design and must be drawn on a type of paper or medium that will not smear. The paper must be at least 8-inches by 10-inches and not more than 12-inches by 18-inches. The name, age, address and phone number must be printed clearly on the back of the entry. Any failure to comply with the rules will mean the entry will be disqualified.
“A group of qualified judges will make the final decision. All entries will become property of the city of O’Fallon. The idea of the city flag design was brought up last week at the O’Fallon City Council meeting by O’Fallon Mayor Gary Mackey.
“The city has had no official city flag. The winning design will become the official city flag.”
(The winner of the contest was O’Fallon Township High School freshman Michael Donovan.)
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