Looking Back

By Arline Adamsick

The Beecher Herald: October 4, 1973

With the passing of Dr. Homer Hiatt, Beecher lost a respected doctor, citizen, and friend. Let’s look at what establishing a medical practice in a small farming community entailed back in the 1920s or so…

“Dr. Homer Hiatt Dies, Hiatt Clinic Founder”

“Funeral services will be held at Hack Funeral Chapel on Friday, October 5, at 2 p.m., for Dr. Homer Hiatt, who passed away at South Suburban Hospital on October 2. Services will be conducted by the Rev. John Meichert and the Rev. Herbert Goeltzer, with burial in Skyline Memorial Park in Monee.

“Dr. Hiatt was born September 20, 1893, in Albion, Indiana. He was a physician for 48 years, most of this time in Beecher He established the Hiatt Clinic in Beecher and was cofounder of South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest. He was a World War I veteran.

“Survivors include his wife, Ermal, one son. Dr. Richard Hiatt; three grandchildren, Dr. H. C. Hiatt, Richard, and Michael; one brother, Dewey of Albion. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, and five brothers.

“‘Dr. Homer Hiatt came to Beecher in 1920 and practiced until 1960, when he retired because of failing health. Friends of the Hiatts have enjoyed hearing the senior doctor tell of his first years in Beecher.

“‘He relates that by the time he had his office equipped, he had 50 cents left in his pocket. He also tells of payments he received the first year – mostly potatoes. He said his wife can prepare potatoes in more ways than anyone. Innumerable house calls were made by Dr. Hiatt and, during epidemics, he would have a hired driver so he could nap between stops. He made calls at all hours of the day or night, on roads axle deep in mud or snow.

“‘At the time of their 50^th wedding anniversary, Dr. Hiatt said “If I had to do it all over again, I’d go into the same profession, marry the same girl, and live in the same town’”

Fifty years ago, borrowing material from other libraries involved a Bookmobile not just ordering it via the Internet…

“Bur Oak Bookmobile in Beecher October 4”

“Beecher residents are reminded the Bur Oak System’s bookmobile will visit the Beecher community October 4, for the convenience of readers of all ages. Anyone wishing to borrow books is invited to visit the library on wheels at Zion Lutheran School, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., or at Beecher Elementary School, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Peotone Vedette: October 5, 1973

It will be 50 years for this special local couple…

“Wedding to Unite Kathy Morrison, Terry Lindemann”

“Mr. and Mrs. Reese Morrison of Peotone are announcing the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter Kathy Marie to Terry Lindemann, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Lindemann, also of Peotone.

“Kathy is a 1973 graduate of Peotone High School. Terry is a graduate of Peotone High School, attended Prairie State College, and graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in accounting. He is employed at Kankakee Auto Leasing in Kankakee.

“All friends and relatives are invited to attend the wedding, which will take place on October 20, at 2:30 p.m., at Immanuel United Church of Christ, and the reception at 7 p.m. at Peotone American Legion Post 392.” –You’ve had an amazing 50 years!! Happy Anniversary!!!

“Lee Russell Observes 50 Years of Printing”

“Fifty years in one line of work is a notable accomplishment for anyone, but when those 50 years have been spent in the newspaper and printing business, that individual has occupied a unique position in the life of his community.

“G. Lee Russell, who this week observes the 50^th anniversary of his entry into that magical world of the printed word, has been the chief chronicler of history day-by-day in Peotone and its environs and frequently a newsmaker in his own right.

“The Russell Printing Company saga began, simply enough, in October 1923, when schoolboy Lee went to work as a printer’s devil (someone serving at or below the apprentice level) for J.C. Adams, then owner of The Peotone Vedette. He went to Linotype school in Chicago and dreamed of one day owning the paper. Lee continued to work for Mrs. Adams after her husband’s death, but there was not enough work for a full week, so he went to work for the Glenview Publishing Co. in Glenview for about five years.

“Returning to Peotone in 1941, Lee and his wife, Sally, opened a snack shop. After only 10 months in this business, Mrs. Adams told the Russells she was ready to sell and, in 1942, Lee and Sally became instant publishers.

“Lee and Sally started with one paper and 300 paying subscribers, plus one ancient press and one Linotype. There have been innumerable changes and improvements down through the years. Today, the papers have grown to seven, the total circulation lists nearly 10,000 subscribers, and the press and Linotype are scrapped.

“No longer are headlines set by hand, one letter at a time, as in 1942. A computer with five fonts of type, several styles, and 10 sizes does the headlines and ad copy settings in seconds on photographic paper, which is developed almost instantaneously.

“A lot has changed about the mechanics of newspaper publishing in the past 50 years. But in Peotone, it has been Lee and his family at the helm all that time. Sally’s sister, ‘Dutch’ Tucker, joined the pair a few years after their start and is still a vital member of the organization. Gib became a partner with his father in 1962, and Lanny became a partner with his brother in 1967. Their sister, Tamra has even been pressed into service on occasion.

“Strangers often ask, ‘What is a Vedette, anyhow?’ Well, someone usually explains that a vedette is a sentry or an outlook for a sentinel. This sentinel, The Peotone Vedette, salutes Lee Russell today on his 50 years in the printing and publishing business.”

The Manteno News: October 4, 1973

–File photo.

Is this really a surprise??

“Football Fans Take Early Lead in News Poll”

“Manteno taxpayers spoke out for football and competitive sports for girls by a better than three-to-one margin in The Manteno News Poll this week. Football was favored 32-to-9 and girls’ sports 31-to-6. Those opposed to football were virtually unanimous in giving reasons – most dealing with the expense, danger, or limited participation. Those participating in the poll totaled about five percent of those voting in an average school election.

“Because the poll originated on page four and lasted only five days, The News believes a larger sampling can be and should be obtained in the interests of accuracy and hereby extends the poll by a week. Husbands and wives may vote separately on duplicate or facsimile coupons. Coupons may be mailed or brought to the News office in accordance with ground rules published with the coupon.

“Those in favor of football did not give reasons. Those opposed said: ‘Our taxes are too high now. Too expensive. Need is for benefits for most of students, such as a swimming pool for all. Taxes already prohibitive. Intramural football only. Too dangerous a sport at high school level. Need a gymnastics program for broader base. If you can’t pay for it, don’t have it, and do something for girls first.”

“Village Explores Use of Hospital Disposal Plant”

“The possibility of joint usage of the Manteno State Hospital sewage disposal plant with the Village of Manteno was set out in a letter from the E.P.A. to the village read at Monday evening’s board meeting. The E.P.A. letter noted the possibility of village purchase of the hospital plant in return for serving the hospital, hospital treatment of village sewage, or a sanitary district to serve both agencies. Mayor Harold Jacobs announced he planned to meet with hospital authorities and various other state officials to try to develop the idea.”

“Postmaster Announces ‘Stamps by Mail’ Program”

“Stamps by Mail, a customer service program successfully tested in selected cities nationwide will be introduced in Manteno beginning October 1. This new service will permit customers to purchase stamps and stamped envelopes through the mail using a check or money order.”

Take note of the stamp prices back in 1973: Roll or sheet of 100 eight cent stamps for $8 or two books of eight cent stamps – $4.

The Crete Record: October 4, 1973

–File photo.

“Annexation, Water Tower Tandem Goals of Village”

“After hearing the various alternatives outlined, the Crete Village Board Monday night voted unanimously to pursue a course that will lead to annexation to the Sanitary District of Bloom Township, as well as the construction of a new large-capacity water tower in the Lincolnshire area. The two goals, deemed vital to the continued existence and future growth of Crete, will be financed via a revenue bond issue of approximately $900,000.

“All board members were present to hear advice from village auditor Pete Skinger, a representative from the village engineers – George Ranney, and from Ed Benjamin of the municipal bonding firm of Benjamin and Lang.”

“201-U Board to Sue Will County Officials”

“The biggest piece of news to emanate from the 201-U School Board meeting Monday night – that the board was filing suit against Will County public officials – was announced Tuesday morning. Following completion of the printed agenda, which included correspondence, committee reports, and the opportunity for visitors to speak, President David Newhuis entertained the motion to retire to executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel. The mass exodus of visitors and press then occurred, leaving the board to its executive session.

“On Tuesday morning, it was leaned four items had been resolved after the board returned from executive session – the most important of which was the decision on the suit against Will County officials.

“According to Superintendent Dr. John Savage, ‘The board unanimously approved to direct the board’s law firm to file a class action suit against appropriate officials of Will County for the prompt collection of taxes and for damages incurred.’

“Although the board has mentioned many times in recent meetings, as the financial squeeze became more acute, that action should be taken to ensure prompt issuance of tax money, this matter had not been on the official agenda for action for the Monday night meeting. It came as a surprise to those who had believed the meeting to be over except for the matter of personnel.”

At the Holiday Theatre: Walt Disney’s “That Darn Cat,” while at the Sauk Trail Drive-In “They Only Kill Their Masters,” with James Garner, Hal Holbrook, and June Allyson, and “The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing,” with Burt Reynolds, Lee J. Cobb, and Jack Warden were featured.

*****

Have a wonderful week and Life is Good!!