Notes for Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock, 1892-1901

Notes for Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock, 1892-1901

2002

en-US

Text

1892-1901
COMPILED BY LISA KELLY 2002
RESEARCHER'S COMPUTER HARD COPY EDITOR'S ADDENDUM DIE CAST REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT HISTORICAL SUMMARY

TIMELINE HISTORY PROJECT January 1,1892 - December 31, 1901
The "Gay Nineties" and the turn of the century was an exciting time for Woodstock. The term "Gay Nineties" was actually coined in the 1930s when those in the midst of the Depression looked back fondly on a time when there was prosperity for almost everyone. During the nineties, Woodstock's industrial base was added to the agriculture that had previously supported its citizenry. At the same time, the community became socially conscious of the needs of its residents and the causes of countries beyond United States' borders. Physically it was the time that saw the loss through fire of the original wood settlement buildings and the construction of those that remain today on its downtown square.
Population of Woodstock (According to the US Census): 1890 1,683 1990
Mayors of Woodstock 1889-1893 E.E. Richards 1893-1897 J.D. Donovan 1897-1903 E.C. Jewett
Newspapers
The Woodstock Sentinel Republican
The McHenry County Democrat Democrat
Das Yolksblatt German and English
1892
1-5-1892
Fire in the Waverly House - took the whole block of Main St. Did $35,000 in damage. Caused by a kerosene lamp. Destroyed 2 saloons, a billiard parlor, a harness shop, a feed store, a boot and shoe store and several homes. But for a favorable wind direction, it would have wiped out everything on Main Street and possibly the whole city. Only a few of the affected building owners and residents had insurance. The citizens of Woodstock had a charity ball to raise money for relief and had numerous sewing bees to make clothes and bedding. (Woodstock Sentinel 1-7-
Celebration of the 25th anniversary of the McHenry County Fair - in appreciation thereof, the Woodstock Sentinel began publication of the Daily Sentinel a free advertising supplement that would be delivered door-to-door. (Sentinel 8-30-92) The fair was held over two weekends at that time.
A column on women's rights debuts in Sentinel (Sentinel 8-30-92)

1892 (cont.)
Grover Cleveland (Dem) (VP candidate Adlai Stevenson) elected over incumbent President Benjamin Harrison (Rep) (VP Candidate Jacob Whitelaw Reid) Four parties - Republican, 1892 Democrat, Prohibition and People's Party (Sentinel 11-10-92)
Professor Noble Hill became the sole owner of the Todd School when he purchased it from its founder Richard Kimball Todd. He paid $20,000 for it on a basis of $1,000 per year for 20 years. Local realtors termed this figure "ridiculously high." The school consisted of three buildings at the time. (The Todd Magazine" 12/1953 in pamphlet file.) Hill made extensive renovations and it was his taking it over that marked the beginning of its building an excellent reputation. (Woodstock Independent 6-20-2001).
1893
The zipper was invented (Panati's Parade.)
"Penny Mite Society" formed 1-1 1896. Began as the "Woodstock Ladies Benevolent Penny Society." A group of women living at the south end of Washington St. organized "to work for and to do good." They held suppers, teas, band concerts and sold a cookbook to raise money to buy food and other basic commodities for the hungry and material that they sewed into clothing, bedding and other essentials for the poor. They also provided holiday provisions for families that could not afford them, the group disbanded in the 1950s (Woodstock Sentinel 2-11-1904 and the Daily Sentinel 9-27-1950)
A huge fire demolished the southeast corner of the square on Friday night and Saturday morning of 4—15/16-93. In addition to burning down the infamous "Rat Hole" building that housed a meat market, a tin shop, a tailor shop and a shoe shop, it destroyed the German Lutheran Church, a barber shop, a hardware store, a milling shop and the hook and ladder company. The fire began in the livery barn belonging to M. Church, few of the business owners were adequately insured, but the businesses were all relocated in other space. (Woodstock Sentinel 4-20-93) The fire finished off all of the original buildings on the square. (1952 Centennial History- pamphlet file)
The Columbian Exposition ran in Chicago from 5-1-93 until 11-93 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America. It covered 686 acres on the shore of Lake Michigan on the south side of Chicago. Although most of the buildings were torn down after the exposition, several remain on the campus of the University of Chicago and one was rebuilt as the Museum of Science of Industry. Woodstock watched with excitement as visitors from all over the world arrived, and many Woodstock residents visited the fair. (Woodstock Sentinel 5-95 through 11-93) Visitors were treated to demonstrations of Edison's light bulb, Tesla's electric coil and Westinghouse's alternating current dynamo and electric transformer and motor. It was also the debut of the first Ferris wheel and hootchy-kootchy dancer "Little Egypt." (Panati's Parade of Fads, Follies and Mania)


1893 (cont.)
The Wheeler and Tappan Co. built a manufacturing plant at First and Clay streets. The business became the Tappan Steam Pump Co., which lasted until 1895. This facility actually created Woodstock's industrial base, (pamphlet file NWH. 3-31-1997)
First Baptist Church on corner of Throop and W. Jackson streets was reorganized after a fire in 1893. Added onto in 1895. Ultimately torn down and replaced by the Chicago Title Co. (pamphlet file WPL)
1894
There was a $ 10,000 bond issue made to secure funds for a public water system. It resulted in the construction of a high water tank on the western side of town. (History of McHenry County 1922)
The Chicago Industrial Home for Children moved to the home of Mrs Roxey D. Stevens, a childless widow. It was a farm located at 940 North Seminary. The children's home had been originally incorporated in the residence of Rev. Thomas B. Arnold in 1888. It became a haven for orphaned children, and all Mrs. Stevens asked in return was a home on the property until her death and a small annuity. Rev. Arnold continued to run the home until 1898 when he was succeeded by the Rev. J.D. Kelsey. The home operated until the early 1970s(McHenry County History 1922, McHenry County History 1832-1968 and pamphlet file at McHenry County Historical Society) CONFLICTING INFO The home moved to Mrs. Stevens farm in 1897. (McHenry County Historical Society pamphlet file. The Sentinel 2/23/71)
1895
An ad offered a set of the Encyclopedia Britannica for $ 1 asking potential customers to "Give Your Boys A Chance!" (Woodstock Sentinel 12-28-1895)
1896
In January, 1896 {the McHenry County History says Dec, 1896), the Oliver Typewriter Co. took over the building previously occupied by the Tappan Steam Pump Co. Founded by the Rev. Thomas Oliver of Iowa, it had 150 employees and turned out 100 typewriters in its first eight.. months of operation. It was not only the largest manufacturing plant in Woodstock, it was one of the largest typewriter manufacturing plants in the world at that time. (Centennial History pamphlet file WPL, "Headlights" 2-1898 pamphlet file)
Formation of the McHenry County Farmers' Institute. Its purpose was to educate its members through speakers, organize excursions to agricultural colleges and provide scholarships for young people pursuing careers in agriculture. It was the forerunner of the McHenry County Farm Bureau (History of McHenry County 1832-1968)
Woodstock received its first community telephone exchange from the McHenry County Telephone Co. (History of McHenry County 1832-1968)

1896 (cont.)
William McKinley (Rep) defeated William Jennings Bryan (Dem) General John Palmer (Gold Democrat) and Mr. Levering (Prohibitionist) for the presidency.
1897
Woodstock Brewing and Bottling Co. (founded in 1858) wins blue ribbon at state fair in Springfield. (Centennial History WPL pamphlet file)
Mrs. Edith Kinsman-Poyer established the "Northwestern Rabbitry." She left a successful teaching career throughout northern Illinois to breed rabbits for meat and skins on a site at the end of Washington Street. She imported and raised award-winning Belgian Hares and "Flemish Giant" breeds. When she expanded 1901, her operation was said to be the largest plant of its kind in the world. ("History of McHenry County 1922" and "Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Biography of McHenry County Citizens")
1898
The sinking of the battleship Maine in Havana, Cuba led the United States into the Spanish American War. More than 100 McHenry County men in the volunteer Third Regiment of Illinois Infantry, Company G were served the United States in that effort. ("History of McHenry County" 1832-1968 and 1922) When President McKinley signed the resolution of intervention, flags flew sf-all around Woodstock and especially on the downtown square. (McHenry County Historical Society pamphlet file The Sentinel 4-28-1898)
St. John's Lutheran Church rebuilt on NW corner of Jefferson and Calhoun streets. Served the German Lutheran population in that location until 1963. (N.H. 1-10-1990 pamphlet file)
1889
State Bank of Woodstock was organized. Mayor E.C. Jewett was the cashier.
1900
George Eastman's Kodak Brownie camera was introduced. It cost $1 and was the first camera to use film rather than plates making it operable by the general public. Film was priced at 15 cents a roll. (Panati's Parade...)
President William McKinley (Rep) defeated William Jennings Bryan (Dem) and Mr. Wooley (Prohibitionist) for the presidency.


1901
Dr. Windmueller, a well known cutting-edge sort of guy, introduced the first car to Woodstock, he scared all of the citizens by roaring up and down the city streets. ("History of McHenry County 1832-1968" and "Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Biography of McHenry County Citizens.") The car was a Stanley Steamer that took several hours to build up enough steam for operation. Quite often it was necessary to back it up and get a longer head start to get up enough steam to get up hills. (McHenry County Historical Society pamphlet file Elgin Courier 4/30/70)
Lisa Kelly

EDITOR'S ADDENDUM
THE WOODSTOCK DAILY SENTINEL DEC. 19,1902 Sold city lots to raise funds for industry recruitment. City has light and power plant $40,000.
Oct. 18, 1871 west part of south side burns. 9 names are losers. $20,000. Same day as the Chicago fire.
Aug. 27,1871 East side East side from E. Washington to Dietz burns. 16 buildings, 1 dwelling and 3 barns. $31,000 loss.
Sat. June 5, 1875 LA. Austin's livery stable burns. March 6, 1880 T.J. Dacy's burns
1892 East side of Main St. including Waverley House burns.
April 13, 1893 South half of east side of Square burns. Rat Hole and tumble down buildings.
May, 1894 Purchased a lot on First Street; 1,014 ft. well drilled, reservoir 40' in diameter by 10' deep; pumping outfit; 16' diameter 80' high water tank west end of Jackson, 20,679 feet of water mains and 42 hydrants. Standpipe provides 60 lbs. pressure. 1895 Finished water system.
1901 1000 ft. well drilled, added to water system- done in 2 weeks. Fairbanks Morse & Co. deep well pump in new well.
1902 5 miles of water pipes. $5 per year per house; $3 per year for sprinkling.
Used same boilers in city power house, home of power and lights. Engine for light plant is Gates Iron Works, after 4 years was inefficient. Last year (1901) got a new one.
Original power $12,150. 442 poles, none around the Square, 10 rniles system, 26 miles of wire. During first administration of Mayor Jewett in 1897.
Dr. Windmueller first and only to bring automobile to town.
1895 Council granted franchise to Allen B. Wager, McHenry County Telephone Owner and Manager, to construct complete local telephone system. By Sept. had 30 subscribers and in operation. Few months ago (1902?) sold to Donnelley, Geo. Field and D.R. Joslyn. Complete overhaul, new poles, new wires and cables, connected locally Citizens Telephone Co. Long distance toll calls with Chicago Telephone Co. Citizens Telephone Co. connected 22

communities in the county.
VARIOUS SOURCES
1894 Pullman strike- Federal troops sent in. Estimated damage $80 million. Eugene V. Debs was jailed for contempt of court for refusing to comply with injunction. • In prison for 6 months McHenry County jail in Woodstock. World Book 1972 Debs, Eugene V.
First wireless telegraph message sent across the Atlantic on December 12 from England by Marconi. World Book 1972 Marconi
Eugene V. Debs, president of the American Railroad Union refused to obey Federal Court injunction. Sentenced to 6 months in McHenry County jail and 6 others sentenced to 3 months. The Historic Woodstock Square p. 13
Rural Free Delivery by post office began in the county in 1900. McHenry County in the 20th Century, p. 58.
Jhmansfield 6/1/02

DIE CAST REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT HISTORICAL SUMMARY
(information taken from brief prepared by Planner Nancy Baker, based on documents housed at the McHenry County Historical Society)
1893— Woodstock Public Improvement Committee spearheads efforts to attract industry to town through construction of a $15,000 building for potential relocation by growing Chicago manufacturer.
1894— Efforts successfully attract the Wheeler and Tappan Company (hence the street names which remain today), and the building became occupied by the Tappan Steam Pump Company. The company made pumps for Proctor & Gamble, Colgate and other soap manufacturers. Tappan had its own steam plant and electric light plant to serve the factory.
1896—Property was vacated and the City donated it to the Oliver Typewriter Company on the condition it remain in Woodstock for 5 years. The Oliver Typewriter featured a unique keyboard which brought the keys, not up, but down from an elevated position. Oliver typewriters, with a reputation for their sturdy construction & quality control, were shipped around the world. Oliver pioneered merchandising of typewriters in different colors (USA/green, Scandinavian countries/white, Latin America/nickel plated; one for the King of Siam/gold plated and one for King Edward VII of England/mahogany & ivory. Many large companies used the Oliver Typewriter including the railroads, Carnegie Co., American Steel, John Hancock Insurance and the U.S. Treasury.
The Oliver Typewriter Plant was the heart of Woodstock's social—as well as economic—existence. The "Oliver News" column on the front page of the newspapers covered activities of Oliver employees in great detail. Oliver formed a company Band which played extensively at social & public events, and the Oliver Baseball Team was reported as one-of the best semi-pro teams in the Chicago area. Members of the 1902 Olivers included George Moriarty, who went on to play in the major leagues with Detroit and the Yankees and eventually managed the Yankees. A 1904 photograph shows an Oliver Women's Baseball Team, as well.
1907—Oliver acquired Hecht Bros. Brass Foundry which was incorporated into the overall factory.
1918—Oliver produced typewriters for the WWI military, operating day & night with a large female workforce; Oliver also produced munitions for the British army with contracts reportedly over a million dollars.

1922—1,400 people were employed by Oliver Typewriter (by contrast, in 1996, Woodstock's largest employer is the County Government Center at 1,000; largest private employer is Claussen Pickle with 515.)
1926—following the war expansion, price of a typewriter dropped from $100 to $49.50 and marketing efforts converted from a large sales force to print coupon advertisements.
1928—Oliver stocks originally costing $100-$ 150 were paying $4.50 a share, and the plant closed.
1928-Alemite Die Casting & Manufacturing paid $100,000 for the 7 acre Oliver property. They manufactured aluminum cookware and originally employed 75 people. As 300 people were out of work at the time, the opening was a major boon to Woodstock. They furnished parts or items for Hamilton Beach, Speed Queen and Whirlpool. They also made electric trains and other toys, and a variety of other items. By 1932, the fireproof die storage room contained over 4,000 different precision molds.
Once again, the site became the social and economic focus of Woodstock. The plant was exceptionally clean and beautifully landscaped with gardens, flowering trees and vines. The grounds included tennis courts, horseshoe courts and a softball diamond, and lawn swings and tables under the trees. Alemite had an active recreation and social club offering picnics, dances and a baseball league. They offered the best paying jobs available and everyone was related to, or knew, someone who worked there.
1935—Alemite was sold and the Woodstock plant became known as the Alemite Die Casting Division of Electric Autolite. Autohte produced accessories and parts (door handles, grilles, hood ornaments, etc.) for the automobile industry including Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Studebaker, DeSoto & Hudson.
1940s--Alemite name was dropped and the company was known as Electric Autolite.