ENCOUNTERED A LIVE WIRE
During the storm last Friday the wind blew down and broke an electric light wire at the corner of Tenth street and Wilson Avenue in front of Otto G. Anderson’s residence. Jimmy Haines, aged about fifteen, son of Joseph Haines, happening to pass that way, stepped on the live wire and was thrown down instantly. His cries soon collected a large crowd of people who watched him writhe and twist in terrible agony, but were unable to render assistance without endangering their own lives. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to remove the wire, the parties receiving severe shocks each time. Finally W.A. Scanlan procured a rocker from Mr. Anderson’s house and succeeded with some assistance to liberate the boy from the electric current, whereupon he started for home at full speed, yelling lustily as he went. It was learned that he was unhurt, though his escape was almost miraculous. So intense was the heat of the current that it burned the green, wet grass wherever the wire touched it. It had just ceased raining and fortunately the pavement where the boy lay was covered with water otherwise it id believed death would have resulted instantly from contact with the broken wire. – July 5, 1901 Dunn County News
LOCAL BREVITIES
T.H. Field’s shooting gallery in the Grover building on Main Street was patronized by a large crowd on the Fourth. The targets are rabbits, donkeys, eagles, etc., that are made to revolve and describe various evolutions by machinery run by a gasoline engine. The rifle shoots a 22 cartridge. There is a music box attachment also run by machinery. Mr. Field purposes remaining in the city about four weeks.
The fact that during circus day and also on the Fourth when thousands of people thronged our streets there was not an instance of rowdyism speaks well for the good behavior and law-abiding character of the folks who live in Dunn County. Not a single arrest was made and there was no occasion to make one. The utmost jollity and good humor prevailed from start to finish. Such is the record and we are proud of it. – July 7, 1905 Dunn County News
STABBED IN THE BACK
A sanguinary stabbing case was brought before Heller for adjudication last week. An examination disclosed the fact that John Harms, staber and Fritz Harms, stabee, were nephew and uncle and residents of the town of Spring Brook. A coolness had long existed between the two and one day last week during an altercation, John took occasion to insert a knife blade into a tender place in Fritz’s back, very much against that gentleman’s wish hand contrary to the peace and dignity of the great State of Wisconsin. However, the affair was settled upon the payment by John of ten dollars and costs of the suit. – July 8, 1876 Dunn County News
THE BEST COUNTY ON EARTH
The growing crops in Dunn County this season give promise of an abundant harvest. A drive through the country will convince the observer of the truth of this statement. Clover and timothy never looked better, and if the weather clerk will attend to business and give the farmers a few bright, sunny days they will harvest one of the biggest crops of hay ever raised in Dunn County. Wheat, oats and barley are above the average and in spite of cool weather corn is making rapid growth. There will also be a big yield of potatoes if their present condition is any guaranty of the future prospects. So take it all around old mother earth is giving forth her increase with a lavish hand and prosperity will crown the labors of the husbandman in this year of our Lord, 1904. Lift up your hearts in praise and thanksgiving and don’t fail to come to the Dunn County Fair. – July 15, 1904 Dunn County News
A MIRACLE
Scene at the ball game Sunday:
Kelly Nott’s team, detached from the popcorn wagon, is stationed on the track to the right of the grand stand. One of the horses lies down, and a messenger is dispatched to Mr. Nott on the grounds to break the news that one of his noble steeds has expired.
Mr. Nott arrives in great haste, and after the harness is untangled, the charger regains his feet. Small boy in loud voice from the benches: “Kell raisin’ the dead.” – July 22, 1909 Dunn County News
Do you like “old news?” Follow the Dunn County Historical Society on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dunnhistory for a daily dose.
