MENU100 Years Ago
Life in Viroqua from the Vernon County Censor:
NOV. 21, 1923
The big word in the present session of the Vernon County Board of Supervisors is economy. Every measure which has come before the board has been carefully examined and appropriations have been in all cases reduced as fra [sic] as consistent with proper carrying on of county’s business, all with the idea of bringing as substantial a measure of relief to the taxpayers as possible.
The spell of case weather a few days ago has caused the tobacco growers to get busy with stripping, and the first tobacco delivery to come to the attention of the Censor is that of Albert Larson’s one-half acre to W.D. Dyson, for the Fred Eckhart firm. The price was 27¢ and the half-acre sold for $199.59.
An observer looking out of Mullen’s Grocery Store sorner [sic], Main and Decker streets, Viroqua on different occasions and counting the autos and being advised by the workers at this store gives his opinion that the constant stream of vehicles is from 300 to 400 per hour on the average and doubts if any other city of under 3000 in Wisconsin can make this showing.
Westby, November 3 – The Banner Restaurant was opened last Saturday. Free coffee and a dance was held.
Readers and advertisers will notice a substantial improvement in the typographical appearance of the Vernon County Censor this week which has been made possible by the addition to the composing room, of the Ludlow System of all-slug composition.
Readstown, November 19 – Elmer Sime is building a cess pool preparing to install bath fixtures in his residence... A large amount of tobacco was taken down in this vicinity during the recent case weather.
NOV. 14, 1923
County Road Commissioner Alex Ristow, says that road work is nearly all lid up for this winter. There are four crews working yet, one in the town of Union, one in Jefferson one in Kickapoo and one in Franklin. There are two contractor outfits still working on bridges, one in the town of Wheatland and one in the town of Hillsboro.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Buchanan have sold the Fortney Hotel to Adolph Fortney, son of the former popular proprietor, Torger Fortney. The deal was consummated last Wednesday evening and possession was given on Monday. Adolph was raised in the hotel, so he will no doubt take to it naturally. The Buchanans have been in charge for nearly three years.
Advice from the hospital at LaCrosse is to the effect that C.W. Nuzum is doing well as could be expected in view of the serious nature of his injuries. It is yet too early to determine how complete his recovery will be, but friends are hopeful that he may be able to walk in time. One of his limbs now has normal feeling to the ankle and the other to the knee.
Fresh sweet milk 8 cents per quart, 2 quarts for 15 cents, at the Cash store, J.O. Hanson & Sons, Props.
Viola – E.R. Cushman has rather unique pet that is attracting much curiosity – a very large rattle snake, 5 feet in length and carrying eleven rattles. It was captured on one of the surrounding bluffs, and now quietly reposes in a wooden box in “Tink’s” garage. Strange as it may seem, many folks in this neck o’ the woods, have never seen a live rattle snake.
NOV. 7, 1923
Viroqua people were shocked and saddened Saturday morning by the report that Clinton Nuzum had fallen from the porch of his home and had been very seriously injured. Dr. Chas. Trowbidge who arrived almost immediately advised that there had been a bad concussion of the spine and that immediate surgical aid was necessary... A special [train] was at once arranged for which started within forty-five minutes after the accident and arrived at the Lutheran Hospital in an hour and twenty minutes... Dr. Evans preformed the necessary surgery... Mr. Nuzum at present has the use of both limbs and the sense of feeling has returned almost down to his ankles.
Work on the North West Prairie church is now finished and service was held there last Sunday morning in English... Much improvement has been made this summer so that it is practically a new church. A new bell was purchased... The congregation has worked hard to complete the work and to raise funds...
Pleasant Ridge – October 30 – We are not enjoying the cold weather and hope it isn’t here to stay... A large number of hogs and cattle have been delivered from the ridge the past week.
FRANKLIN – Mason City, November 5 – The pupils of our school have been contributing this week to the County Child Welfare one cent fund. Some have very willingly given more than they have been asked to give. This fund is for the purpose of correcting minor defects among school children of indigent parents...the Hallowe’en program and pie social was well attended last Wednesday evening. The pies sold from fifty cents to three dollars each and lunches sold amounted to about twelve dollars. Home made candy, pies and lunches mad a grand total twenty-six dollars and forty cents.