Looking Back

By Arline Adamsick

The Peotone Vedette: May 18, 1973

It was May and that meant much activity was scheduled every week at the schools, including the 1973 prom. “Windmills of Your Mind,” theme for the 1973 prom, was held at the Will County Atrium. Rae Ann Murray was crowned Queen and Randy Wischover – King. Honored members of the court included: Cheryl Carstens, Jean Pierce, Wilma Mort, and Joann Koomar, plus Clarke Shaw, Roger Beaver, Dan Culpepper, and Bill Mort.

The high school golf season also ended, with the team recording an 8-7-2 season. The team finished above .500 by defeating St. Anne during the last match, 179-197. They also placed third in the KVC Tourney.

According to the article, “The Blue Devil golfers showed definite improvement this year and are looking forward to next year with much enthusiasm. Continued play throughout the summer should provide the young team with greater balance in their individual games, as well as team balance.”

Junior High students also had been very busy, with a page full of pictures showing their activities, including: Peter March, president of the junior high student council, presenting a $500 check to Marvin Becker, president of the Peotone Fire Department; Nine members of the junior high track team posed on the gym’s bleachers for a picture after they qualified for sectionals. Members of the team were: Scott Mudro, Tony Cantone, Kevin Schultz, Ron Richmond, Steve Ponton, Brian Hoffman, Mark Fritz, Jeff Kowalczyk, and Tom Culpepper.

There also was a picture of the junior high student council, who raised the $500 for the fire department. Members included: Patty Morrison, Pat Lytle, Janet Fry, Colleen Murray, Nancy Baker, Pam Albers, Ron Westfall, Tom Bisping, Ron Richmond, Pete March, Brian Schubbe, Joe Hall, Kathy Dart, Sue Bieronski, Sue Miller, Missy Bastic, Shirley Fowler, Bruce Stone, Carol Harris, Rita Hoffman, Donna Pool, and Rick Grisby.

It was time for new members to be inducted into the high school National Honor Society… “The induction of new members of the Peotone Chapter of the National Honor Society was held at Merichka’s Restaurant in Joliet, on Tuesday, May 8. The family-style dinner was followed by a brief speech by President Gayle Gutkowski. She presented certificates and membership cards to the new members: Edra Blew, Diane Breitbarth, Donald Dralle, Vicki Ehrhart, Mary George, Phyllis Holloman, Douglas Nadler, Joy Nickel, Linda Brockman, Sally Daum, Randy Fleck, Cheryl Hay, Richard Hoefle, Jolene Kniph, Delilah Kuse, Jane Kuse, Steve Lawrence, Anita March, Annette Oliver, Catherine Regan, Cynthia Rockwood, Alice Salzman, Christine Stuenkel, Joanna Tanner, John Tomberlin, Camille Varriale, and George Wolter.

At the Holiday Theatre: “Fiddler on the Roof” was held over for its fourth week.

The Beecher Herald: May 17, 1973

It was time to make Beecher even more beautiful…

“Approximately 150 Boy Scouts, Webelos, Cub Scouts, Junior Girl Scouts, Brownies, den mothers, committee mothers and fathers, leaders, and volunteers joined in the ‘All Scout Clean-Up Day’ in Beecher on Saturday, May 5. The weather was beautiful, and the workers were full of energy when they met at the Community Building. Several hours later the town was litter-free as a result of their efforts.”

There also was a delightful picture of the Brownie Scouts assembled at Firemen’s Park enjoying a cookout after doing their part to make Beecher a cleaner and prettier place to live.

“Pay Raises, Full Time Clerk Approved by Board”

“Pay raises were approved for village employees, and the village clerk was established as a full-time office at the meeting of the Beecher Village Board on Monday, May 14. The following salary schedule was recommended by the Finance Committee and approved by unanimous vote of the board: Mervin Bewsey, Police Chief and Superintendent of Water Department, $9,790; Don Stluka, Patrolman and Asst. Superintendent of Water Department and Sewer Department, $9,130; George Stadt, Patrolman, $8,190; George Wilkening, Superintendent of Streets and Alleys and the Sewer Department, $9,200; Violett Meeter, $800 set by ordinance for village clerk duties and $4,600 for collection services.”

From Grant Park:

“Grant Park Lions Install Officers”

“New officers were installed Thursday evening May 3, when the Lion’s Club met in the First United Methodist Church for their regular dinner meeting. More than 70 persons attended the event, when the Ladies of the Lions were honored. Gifts of a stamp holder embossed with the Lion’s insignia were presented to each lady present.

“Thad Stolz of Lowell, Indiana, member of the Grant Park Club, served as installing officer. Robert Leli is incoming president; R. Bruce Conner, first vice president; Clyde Lange, secretary; Claude Lockwood, tail twister; and Ben Barrera, lion tamer.”

“Grant Park Holds Junior-Senior Prom”

“‘This Magic Moment,’ with a color scheme of blue and white, was the theme for the annual Junior-Senior Prom held at the high school on Saturday night. The class held the banquet at the Elk’s Country Club near Kankakee, returning to the new high school gym for dancing to the music of Brotherhood Mountain. Helga Ohrt was crowned Queen by Bobby Moore, junior class treasurer, and Randall Kiedaisch was crowned King by Julie Hamann, president of the junior class.”

Just a quick peek at Jewel prices that week: White potatoes – 9¢/lb.; strawberries – $1 for 3 pints; pork loin – 69¢/lb.; and Cherry Valley orange juice – 29¢/qt.

The Crete Record: May 17, 1973

“Name Richard Lueder New Crete Police Chief”

“At one end of a long executive session and a longer meeting, the Crete Village Board, on Monday night, approved the appointment of a new police chief for Crete. He is Richard Lueder, of Chicago Heights, a veteran of more than 13 years of police work in the south suburbs. His appointment is effective June 1.

“Lueder replaces Chief John Ruckman, who was placed on terminal leave without pay for the remainder of the month. Ruckman was due to return to duty from a vacation on Tuesday morning, but Sgt. Elmer Engel was named acting chief until June 1.

“The change of chiefs was not unexpected, as that appointment was the only one not made by Mayor Ronald Christopher at the April 23 meeting of the board. That was the first meeting after the April elections, and all other permanent appointments were announced then. Ruckman was advised he would not be reappointed chief. The full board concurred unanimously with the selection of Lueder to the post.”

“Appoint Wischer Trustee; Call for Special Election”

“Monday night was eventful for the Crete Village Board, which saw the resignation of two trustees, appointments of two temporary trustees, and approval of a special election, plus the appointment of a new police chief.

“First order of business was the acceptance of Don Easterday’s resignation as trustee, turned in April 30 and effective that date. Frank Wischer, who ran for trustee unsuccessfully in the April 17 election, was appointed to fill Easterday’s seat temporarily and assume the duties of Trustee of Public Health. The board concurred with his appointment.

“Since Trustee Lynn Wiley also would be resigning before the end of the year to take up his post as Township Assessor on January 1, the board agreed to hold a special election on Tuesday, September 18, to fill both vacancies. To facilitate holding the election for two seats, Trustee Wiley was asked to resign immediately, which he did. He then was appointed temporarily to serve until the election.

“Mayor Christopher said he sent letters to all trustees regarding the vacancies and how they should be handled. Although he could have made appointments that would have been permanent until the next regular election in April 1975, he said he felt it was better to make interim appointments and let the public make their own choice in an open election. The other trustees concurred with this reasoning.”

The Manteno News: May 17, 1973

“Manteno Has Its Own Author and Illustrator”

“Manteno natives Martha Moran and Elmira Wilkey have been successful in their joint efforts at producing a children’s book for publication. Authored by Mrs. Moran, the title of the story is ‘Sugar and Mr. Duck’ and will be published about the end of June by Exposition Press in New York City. Mrs. Wilkey did the illustrations.

“Upon publication, ‘Sugar and Mr. Duck’ is expected to be available locally at Hilsenhoff Drug Store and at ‘The Manteno News.’ The book is Mrs. Moran’s first venture into writing children’s stories. Mrs. Wilkey has done professional artwork of many kinds, but this is her first illustration of a children’s book. The acclaim recently accorded Dr. James Ryan of Kankakee over his new book leads us to note that Manteno is capable of its own brand of one-upmanship.”

“Woman’s Club 50^th Anniversary Luncheon”

“Styles from the 1900s to present day, anecdotes about early club meetings, and special recognition of charter members are some of the highlights planned for the Manteno Woman’s Club 50^th Anniversary Spring Luncheon. Charter members, who are active in the club and will be honored, are Mrs. W.C. Harvey, Mrs. Albert Jacobs, Mrs. B.C. Madison, Mrs. Fred B. Nusbaum, Mrs. O.A. Phipps, and Mrs. Foster VanNeste.” Still amazes me the ladies are listed by their husbands’ first names and not their own!!

With Memorial Day just around the corner…

“Legion Post 755 to Hold Memorial Day Observance”

“According to Melvin Curl, Commander of Manteno Legion Post 755, the local post will observe Memorial Day, May 28, with memorial services to be held at five area cemeteries – Bloom, Deselm, Manteno, St. Joseph’s, and Manteno State Hospital. A parade will begin at 10:40 a.m., with assembly at the Manteno Legion Home, then marching east to Main Street, north on Main to Third, to the memorial plaque in American Legion Park.”

And here was an ad that brings back memories and the gas embargo… “We will be closed Sundays due to gas shortages. Farrell’s Standard Service”

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Have a great week and enjoy your busy May, too!! Have all or at least most of my flowers for the summer and my front porch and driveway look like a flower market – now to get them in pots before they droop. This is a joyful time – Life is Good!!!