June 29, 1899 Issue of Princeville Republican Newspaper

The Princeville Republican newspaper was published for about 5 years, starting in 1898.  The editor/owner of the newspaper was George I. McGinnis.  In the beginning, it was advertised that you could subscribe to The Princeville Republican and the Peoria Weekly newspapers for $1.50 per year.  The Princeville Republican was a weekly newspaper published on Thursdays featuring local and national news and advertising.  Each issue contained news of residents from various area towns of which some are no longer in existence.  Towns with local news items included Princeville, Edelstein, Monica, Lawn Ridge, Duncan, Dunlap, Brimfield, Hallock and Grove.  A few years ago, we received bound Volumes I and II of the Princeville Republican from the estate of Jim Montgomery.  Rosemary Cooper of Prairie Photo Studio volunteered to take a photo of each page of the newspapers.  This allows staff and visitors to read through the newspapers because the originals are too brittle to handle.

So, what was in the news on this date 114 years ago?  The photo above is the June 29, 1899 front page of the Princeville Republican.  The front page featured who visited who in Princeville as well as meeting news.  The wedding announcements in this week's issue were for A.B. Brown & Carrie Cheesman and Peter Frye & Maggie Graham.  The Reverend C.T. Phillips of the Presbyterian church performed both ceremonies.  Mr. and Mrs. Brown were married at her Mrs. C.T. Cheesman's home, mother of the bride.  Mr. and Mrs. Frye were married at her parent's house.

When I look at these papers, the news is very interesting, but I always get distracted by the ads.  This week, at M.V. Conklin's store, you could have purchased summer corsets for 23 to 50 cents, pickles were 5 cents a dozen and a can of salmon was 10 cents.  Too bad we can't have those prices again!  Another ad that interests me is the ad for F.E. Prouty.  Mr. Prouty's business advertises undertaking, embalming, furniture, sewing machines and music.  Was Mr. Prouty's store the original supercenter with all of that under one roof.  That business was on the north side of the 100 block of East Main Street.

We are still in the process of printing out all the photos of the newspapers, but are over half done.  The newspapers are also on disc and can be viewed from a computer.  The printed pages are on display in the museum in the genealogy reference area and can be viewed during museum hours which are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm or by appointment.  Princeville is rich in history and these newspapers are a wealth of information for genealogists and local historians.  We are always looking for volunteers to help at the museum.  Please consider volunteering once a month or more to help us preserve and catalog Princeville history.

Aladdin Lamp Display

New to the museum is a display of Aladdin Lamps courtesy of Bob and Laura Daniels.  The Daniels are local residents who are Aladdin Lamp collectors and have had their lamps on display at museums, shows and programs around the state.  The display is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  On August 18 at 2:00 pm, there will be an Aladdin Lamp program at the museum.  We invite anyone interested to come to the program to view the lamps and listen to the history of Aladdin Lamps.  A big thank you to Bob and Laura Daniels for sharing their collection with us!

Princeville Grade School Class, Faculty and Staff of 1953

The newly expanded meeting room has been reserved for many activities this spring including business meetings, luncheons, weddings and class reunions.  This weekend, the museum will be the site of the Princeville High School Class of 1957 reunion.  When the museum has a class reunion, we try to display memorabilia relating to their years in Princeville schools.  I thought I would share the class photos we found of the Princeville Grade School 8th grade class of 1953.

Princeville Grade School

Eighth Grade Class of 1953

 Front Row:  Wesley Sloan, Doug Gingrich, Bill Pierce, Bob Bouton, Bob Smith, Ray Conkright, Charlie Kraft

Middle Row:  Larry Streitmatter, Nancy Burgess, Sharlene LaMay, Joan Hyde, Marilyn Higgs, Marilyn Jones, Sharon Hawksworth, Mary Jane Streitmatter, Charlotte Lawrence, Marguerite Harmon (teacher)

Back Row:  Hayden Cooper (principal), Patricia Rumbold, Caryl Noonen, Peggy Benson, Robert Harmon, Ken Harlan, Brian Telander, Patricia Guyot, Theda Dell, Carol Asal

 

 

Princeville Grade School

7th Grade Class of 1952

This is the same class as the first photo, but 1 year younger

Front Row:  Carol Asal, Theda Dell, Sharon Hawksworth, Joan Hyde, Caryl Noonen, Patricia Guyot, Nancy Burgess

Middle Row:  Larry Streitmatter, Sharlene LaMay, Marilyn Jones, Marilyn Higgs, Mary Jane Streitmatter, Charlotte Lawrence, Peggy Benson, Margeurite Harmon (teacher)

Back Row:  Bob Smith, Charles Kraft, Wesley Sloan, Robert Bouton, Ken Harlan, Bill Pierce, Doug Gingrich



Princeville Grade School

Faculty and Staff 1953

Front Row:  Luella Teets (cafeteria), Gladys Meservy (cafeteria), John Thoman (band), Ann Thoman (music), Betty Lou Stumpf (3rd grade), Paul Robinson (6th grade home room, math, coach), Emerson Sellers (7th grade home room)

Back Row:  Nora Miller (cafeteria), Jean Mitchell (cafeteria), Josephine Slane (2nd grade), ???, Hayden Cooper (principal), Leila Althoff (5th grade), Mildred Belski (1st grade), Marian Johnson (4th grade), Marguerite Harmon (8th grade home room), Bob Schindler (janitor)

Princeville High School Freshman Class 1897-1898

One of the fun things about doing research at the museum, is that you will always get sidetracked by interesting photos and documents.  This photo sidetracked me last week when I was working on a project.  The photo is identified as "Years 1897-1898, Princeville High School, 9th Grade".  According to the PHS alumni listing, (Click her for PHS Alumni List), students in this photo graduated in years 1898-1904.  I'm not sure if this is the freshman class or a composite of all students in the school at that time.  You can see the numbers written on or near each student.  A handwritten list was with this photo identifying them all.  The students are (left to right):

Back row:  Paul Hammer, Willis Hoag, Ferris Rowcliffe, Harry Searl, Rufus Hyde, Ray Hammer, Leo Miller, Roy Hopkins, Clyde McMillen, Charles Smith.

3rd Row:   Frank Smith, Rufus Wood, Clyde Alyea, unidentified, Charles Auten, Tom Byrnes, Marion Miller, Lulu Smith, Hattie Fast

2nd Row:  Sara Best, Jenny Darby, Pearl Bliss, Myrtis Wear, Isla Pratt, Jessie Glenn, Louise Klink Williams, Nell Culver, Lillian Santee, Gracie Morrow, Eunice Palmer

1st Row:  Gladys Fast, Hattie Pierce, Forest Edwards, Cora Hackney, Prof. Baker, Ada Kneer, Della Hoag, Emma Rowcliff, Maude Hopkins, Maude Bouton.

1905 Tradesmen and Professional Men of Princeville

 

 

 

At the museum, we always have this photo on display.  It is a composite photo from 1905 of the business owners and tradesmen in Princeville.  It also has the year they started their business.  The composite is organized such that photo #1 is the oldest business established in 1864 and the newest business at the time of the composite was established in 1903.  The names of the business owners correspond to the number on the bottom left of each individual photo.  Those pictured are:

1.  O.S. Pratt, blacksmith
2. V. Weber, shoe dealer
3. J.B. Ferguson, jeweler
4.  George Belford, auctioneer
5.  Milton Wilson, insurance
6.  James Carman, painter and paper hanger
7.  Joseph German, hardware and implements
8.  M. Hammer, furniture and undertaking
9.  W.S. Weaver, poultry dealer and painter
10. J.H. Hopkins, lawyer
11. D. Kinnah, butcher and stock buyer
12. John F. Bliss, druggist
13. R.J. Nichols, blacksmith
14. A.C. Washburn, hotel proprieter
15. E.D. Minkler, hardware and implements
16. F.D. Goodman, barber
17. Joseph Friedman, hardware and implements
18. R. Heberling, restaurateur
19. J. L. Searl, grocer
20. Dr. C.H. Wilcox, physician and surgeon
21. F.E. Prouty, furniture and undertaking
22. W.K. Blanchard, dry goods and furnishings
23. M.V. Conklin, dry goods and groceries
24. O.S. Kopp, baker
25. C.J. Cheesman, groceries and dry goods
26. M.L. Sniff, real estate and insurance
27. W.H. Simmons, contractor and carpenter
28. J.C. Welphey, harness maker
29. B.P. Williams, contractor and carpenter
30. O.M. Goodale, veterinary surgeon
31. J.R. Hart, contractor and mason
32. Richard Cox, lumber and grain
33. Dr. H.C. Young, druggist
34. H.J. Cheesman, postmaster
35. N.E. Adams, harness maker
36. H. Harrison, hardware and implements
37. A.S. Pratt, painting and paper hanging
38. J.S. McDermott, carpenter and contractor
39. Ray Pratt, painting and paper hanging
40. Prof. Wm. M. Beal, principal of high school
41. A. T. Williams, painter and paper hanger
42. Dr. W. J. Price, physician and surgeon
43. W. H. Lamb, optician and jeweler
44. Dr. W. S. Hicks, dentist
45. Gail Cutler, contractor and mason
46. F.M. Churchill, barber
47. J.W. Walkington, city marshall
48. Rev. C. P. O'Neill, rector of St. Mary's
49.  Wm. Keck, manager of telephone system
50. A.W. Higbee, mine operator
51. C.H. Cornish, telegrapher
52. F. Hietter, liveryman
53. Rev. R.L. Vivian, pastor M.E. Church
54. F. H. Cutler, mayor
55. A.A. Dart, editor
56. John Dickinson, mine operator
57. Wm. Friedman, contractor and painter
58. Robert Bennett, lumber dealer
59.  W. M. Hoag, grocer
60. N.H. Ayres, grain dealer
61. Dr. W. ????, physician (I can't read this one)
62. J. A. Harmon, clothier

Princeville Businesses and Owners in 1985

While working in the archives last week, I came across these photos in a stack of documents.  These photos were taken in September of 1985.   There were other businesses in Princeville at this time, they just weren't included.  They do bring back memories and many of you probably know the people in the photos. Please enjoy this mini tour of vintage Princeville. A big thank you to our museum volunteers who helped to identify the business owners and employees in the photos.  If we have misidentified anyone, please send us an email to phmarchives@frontier.com.

In this first photo is the storefront of Talman Home Bank which was located where Princeville Community Bank is now at 116 E. Main Street.  Cathy Massey is on the left, Lynn Simmons is in the middle and Kris Warren is on the right.

This next photo is the storefront of Ron's True Value with Randy Hammitt on the left and Ron Sulaski (owner) on the right.  Ron's True Value closed in 2012 and Princeville Performance Center is now operating in that location.  The store was located at 131 E. Main Street.  We all hope that Ron is enjoying his retirement.

Dori Jo's was a dress shop located at 141 W. Main Street.  The owner, Doris Long, is pictured in front of her store.  What garments did you purchase at this store?  Currently, Tom Kelley has his Country Financial Insurance office at this location.

The Princeville Home Center was located at 100 N. Town Avenue which is at the intersection of Town Avenue and West Main Street.  Currently, Princeville Automotive is at this location.  Pictured are Dave Dell and Steve Dell in front of the business.

Do any of you remember the Hair Saloon Barber Shop owned by Diana Gehrig Fry?  It was located on the west side of the 100 block of North Walnut.  This building is now the north part of the Cordis and Cordis law firm building.

This next business is still in existence today at 224 East Evans Street.  Pictured are Paul Cokel and his dad, Don Cokel in front of Cokel Welding and Muffler Bay.

In the photo below, Bill Hofer is on the left and T.E. Murphy is on the right.  They are standing in front of Hofer Real Estate Agency which was located on the west side of the 100 block of North Walnut Street.  This building is now part of Princeville State Bank.  It is on the north side of the bank building.

The Christ Bakery had some of the best baked goods in Peoria County.  It was located at 117 E. Main Street. Pictured here are Elsie and Eugene Christ standing in front of the bakery. 

Snyder's Meat Market was just a few doors west of Christ Bakery at 109 E. Main Street.  Pictured below are Steve Snyder on the left and Mike Snyder on the right in front of the business.  Look closely at the reflection in the window and you will see the Phillips gas station sign.  I'm pretty sure the price of a gallon of gas was $1.24!!

Hofer Tool and Machine was located next to Cokel Welding and Muffler on East Evans Street.  The building is now occupied by Dan Heinz Construction.  Dick Hofer is pictured standing in front of the business.   These days, you will find Dick at the Princeville Medical Center seeing patients as a Physician's Assistant.

Murphy's Insurance Agency was located at 129 N. Walnut Street.  From left to right in the photo are Bill German, Ernie Rosecrans, Barb Dallinger and Donna Komp.  The building is now occupied by Cordis and Cordis Law Firm. 

Time Travel Back to This Week in 1953

We have many past issues of local newspapers and it is always fun to look back at what was happening.  I always like looking at the ads but also wish the prices were the same today!  I thought it would be fun to share the Princeville Telephone of February 26, 1953.   What was happening 60 years ago?  Here are some of the highlights:

Duncan Community Consolidated School District planned to begin construction of a new school in March. Akron and Princeville Townships held their caucuses and parties made their nominations. 

The Princeville Township Republicans nominated:
T.E. Murphy for supervisor, Harry Best for Town Clerk, William German for Assessor, Fern Moffitt for Collector, Stewart Campbell for Justice of the Peace and Joe Theobald for Constable

The Princeville TownshipDemocrats nominated:
Gilbert Adams for Town Clerk, Guy Sibley for Assessor, Francis Camp for Collector, Fred Jackson for Justice of the Peace and Pearl Mitchell for Constable

The Akron Township Republicans nominated:
Eddie Woertz as Town Clerk, LeRoy Gruner as Assessor, Lucille Camp as Tax Collector, Jess Camp and Charles Frye as Justice of the Peace.

The second page had quite a list of local happenings keeping track of the comings and goings of local residens.  You can get great gas mileage with a Chevrolet purchased at Graves.  Do you remember what was playing at the local movie theater in 1953?  Well, Ronald Reagan was the star in Tropic Zone.  Cattle Town, Hiawatha and Meet Me at the Fair were also advertised.

The next page has some more local news.  Elma Crady and John Knell were married.  Their attendants were her sister and brother and law, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Gibson.  The ushers were Ralph Miller, George Lanier, Clayton Larson and Floyd Mummert.  Carmelitta Chapin of Edelstein was engaged to Lynville Eberle of Princeville.  CILCO (predecessor of Ameren) was advertising a "water hotter". 

The Radnor Grange served over 200 people at the Oyster Supper sponsored by their Home Economics Committee.  The committee consisted of Frances Felton, Irene Maddox and Inez DePue.  The is also news from LaPrairie and Laura.  If you needed to get to Dunlap, you could ride the Greyhound bus for 20 cents!!

I hope you enjoyed your time travel back to 1953.  I realize that you may not be able to read the fine print.  But, the newspaper itself can be viewed at the museum.  If you would like to view the newspaper, just stop in and ask us!