Langlade County, Wisconsin - Chapter 25, 1922

Chapter 25

A review of the administrations of the Mayors of Antigo is the most feasible way to cover municipal activities in a span of years from 1885 to 1922. This review of Antigo, as a city, commences with the administration of Thomas W. Lynch, the first Mayor, who was elected on April 7, 1885.

The Administration Of Thomas W. Lynch

corporation as a city, was elected first Mayor of Antigo, April 7, 1885, with practically no opposition, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 79, Wisconsin laws of 1885. The first meeting of the Aldermen elected from the four wards and the Mayor was held at Spencer's Hall, the site of the Hill Building, Fifth Avenue, April 13, 1885. The city of Antigo was formally created then.

George Clithero, Alderman from the Second Ward was elected President of the first city council, on the second ballot. He defeated D. W. Keen and P. J. Koelzer.

The first ordinance passed prescribed the width of board sidewalks and the manner in which they should be constructed. This ordinance was passed April 16, 1885.

April 13, 1885, a poll tax of $1.50 was made upon every male inhabitant in the city of Antigo between the ages of 21 and 50 years, the said fund to go into the street improvement fund.

The salary of City Marshal was fixed at $50 and W. L. Crocker was chosen first marshal on April 14, 1885. The salary of the city clerk was fixed at $250.

May 1, 1885, the city awarded to Messrs. Wood & George the contract for pulling stumps from the principal Antigo streets for $84, the work to be completed in June, 1885.

To The Citizens Of Antigo

"On the 8th of August will occur the funeral of America's great chieftain. General U. S. Grant. An event of equal universal regret has not occurred in our day, nor is likely to happen again. The preparations being made throughout this great country, to pay the final tribute to our world renowned fellow citizen, but feebly speaks the affections of the people for the deceased. Nor is the regret confined to this country; it prevails throughout the world co-existence with his fame; from the humblest village to the grandest metropolis, from the farm to the cabinet, the people are preparing to observe the obsequies of General Grant. It is to meet therefore, that our young city should join in the National event with appropriate ceremonies.

and all business houses close from twelve o'clock noon to four in the afternoon, August 8, 1885, and that the citizens meet at the Odd Fellows' Hall at 2 p. m. and proceed from there to the Antigo Opera House, where appropriate funeral ceremonies will be held.

Thomas W. Lynch

Mayor Lynch officially welcomed the Wisconsin Press Association to Antigo on August 18, 1885. This was the first state-wide gathering of people who every visited Antigo.

September 15, 1885 at a special election the first vote was taken in the city of Antigo on the license question. The question was whether $500, $350 or $200 should be the annual license to be paid. The voters declared in favor of a $500 license by a vote of 42 majority. The total vote was 181 for $500; 19 for $350 license; and 120 for $200 license.

June 7, 1885, the city purchased fire apparatus for the volunteer fire department from Bailey & Gleason by a vote of 7 to 1. The fire apparatus was accepted on July 3, 1885, and a hook and ladder truck was purchased for $350.

Sixteen ordinances were passed during the Administration of Mayor Thomas W. Lynch. The last meeting of the common council under his administration was held April 12, 1886, when Mayor elect M. M. Ross and the new city officers qualified and took the oath of office.

Munson Monroe Ross, the second Mayor of Antigo, was elected to the office April 6, 1886, over Geo. W. Latta. Mayor-elect Ross lead the Democratic city ticket. The election was very exciting the chief controversies were between the Mayoralty candidates and the vote on the license question. The license of saloons was discontinued in the city by a very large vote. Mayor Ross, born August 22, 1853, came to Antigo in June, 1881, and permanently located in the village in September, 1881. He was elected by a vote of 353 as against 200 for Mr. Latta. A^-ril 12, 1886, Mayor Ross presided for the first time over the city council. D. W. Keen was elected President of the council, Ed. McKinney was selected City Marshal, at this first session. George Schintz was elected the second City Attorney of Antigo on April 19, 1886.

In June, 1886, the city purchased a second hand steamer for fire fighting purposes from the city of Appleton. The apparatus proved very necessary and paid for itself in one fire.

In February, 1887, the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western railroad decided to locate its shops and machine factory at Antigo after the Ross administration, with the assistance of many public spirited citizens, made arrangements for an $8,000 appropriation to purchase the necessary grounds for the industry. This action meant much to Antigo - in fact if not then accomplished, Antigo probably today would not be the important railroad center that it is.

Muxswn M. Ross

Mayor Ross was an efficient Mayor. When elected he was at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, but took charge of city affairs with vigor upon his return. His administration was handicapped due to the lack of funds, however. Nevertheless during his term of office considerable street improvements were made and the city in general made good progress.

Mayor Ross was succeeded in office by Daniel W. Keen, who was the first Mayor to be elected under the city charter after its first revision.

Daniel W. Keen, former Alderman and public spirited citizen, was the first Mayor elected after the first revision of the original city charter. He defeated Charles S. Leykom, who was nominated at a meet- ing held at the headquarters of trie Antigo Business Men's Association on April 15, 1887. The Business Men's Association and those affiliated with it were "for economical and conservative government and for the election of men who will faithfully discharge the duties devolving upon them." Mr. Keen lead the Union Tax Payer's ticket, in opposition to the Business Men's Citizen's Ticket.

Mayor Keen presided at the first council meeting under his administration on May 9, 1887. Alderman L. Mendlick was elected President of the city council.

The first ordinance passed under the Keen administration was one granting L. K. Strong and his associates the privilege of erecting, operating and maintaining a system of electric lighting in Antigo.

Fifth Avenue and Daskam (Morse) Street and B. P. Hopkins of New London, Wisconsin, secured the contract to dig the well, the first municipal one in Antigo.

Upon petition of many citizens an ordinance was passed May 17, 1887 discontinuing the following streets in Antigo. Commencing at the southeast corner of Pacific street, running thence northerly along the west line of the right-of-way of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western railroad to a point in the north line of lot nine (9) in block forty-one (41), extended thence westerly on the line of lot 9, extended twentytwo feet, thence southerly to the place of beginning. Also the east twenty-two feet of Pacific street from the north line of said lot 9 extended to Fifth Avenue, the easterly twenty-two feet of all that part of Reed Street lying between Fifth and Fourth Avenues, the east twenty-two feet of that part of Reed Street between Fourth and Third Avenues; all of Reed Street lying between Tliird Avenue and the north line of First Avenue; all that part of First Avenue between the westerly line of lot 1, block 2, extended northerly to the north line of said First Avenue and the east boundary of lot 4, of block 1, extended north to the north line of said First Avenue; all that part of Second Avenue lying between the west line of lot 1, block 12, extending northerly to the west line of lot 10, block 2, and the east boundary line of lot 4, block 11, extended northerly to the east line of lot 15, block 1 ; all that part of the alley lying between blocks 9 and 10, block 1 and lying between lots 9 and 10, block 11.

In 1887 the common council passed an ordinance exempting all manufacturing plants from taxation for a period of five years, that would locate in the city of Antigo and would quarantee steady employment to at least twenty men.

Mayor Keen served until the election in April, 1888, when Thomas W. Lynch, Antigo's first Mayor, was elected. He was nominated by a coalition of Democrats and Republicans. He defeated W. E. Jones and W. B. Badger. The latter was the Prohibition candidate.

The Second Administration Of Thomas

Thomas W. Lynch began his second administration of Antigo municipal affairs on April 9, 1888. Mayor Lynch delivered his message to the new city council and made many specific recommendations regarding important city questions. He said among other things : "We have agreed to assume the trust of administering the affairs of the city for the coming year. In performing that trust the welfare and best interest of the city, present and future, should be our sole aim. Public money is just as sacred as private money. Between necessary and unnecessary expenses we should use the judgment that any prudent business man would use in his own business."

The Wisconsin Press Association made its second visit to Antigo on July 25, 1888 and a public reception was given the editors. Mayor Lynch delivered the address of welcome. Among the visitors were Editor W. D. Hoard of Ft. Atkinson and John Hicks, President of the Association. Mayor Lynch, P. J. Millard, A. B. Millard, J. C. Lewis, W. H. Dawley, J. A. Ogden, G. W. Latta and H. G. Borgman, accompanied the editors from Antigo to Rhinelander.

The Lynch administration of 1888-89 was less momentous than that of 1885-86 when that citizen who played such an important part in Antigo municipal affairs first piloted the municipal ship. Mayor Lynch was succeeded by Dr. J. F. Doyle. The proposed amendments to the city charter were endorsed by the electorate.

The Administration Of Mayor J. F. Doyle

The first meeting of the city council under the Doyle administration was held on Monday, April 8, 1889. Mayor Doyle made some important suggestions to the Aldermen of the various wards, his address following the farewell speech of the outgoing Mayor Thomas W. Lynch.

One of the important achievements of this administration was the appointment of a committee, consisting of the Mayor, W. H. Dawley and H. C. Humphrey to investigate the matter of water works for the city of Antigo. This was not the first time the water works question was brought to the attention of the city, but this was the first practical step toward the solution of the problem.

June 28, 1889, a mass meeting was held at the city council rooms for the purpose of discussing the water question. H. G. Borgman and W. B. Johns were appointed to look over city water works in other cities.

H. C. Humphrey, J. H. Trever and Hon. Thomas W. Lynch were selected to represent the city of Antigo to confer with officials of the M. L. S. & W. R. R. Co. regarding alleged rumors that the Antigo shops would be moved to Kaukauna, Wis. The committee reported that the company had made no such plans and intimated that Antigo would ultimately be the point where the Lake Shore system would have its largest shops.

adopted the report of a committee on schools and authorized the expenditure of "not more than $20,000 for the erection of a high school in block 63."

The first arc lights were installed in Antigo on the principal streets during the Doyle administration by the Antigo Edison Electric Light Company.

Dr. J. I'. Doyle

Mayor Doyle was succeeded by Dr. I. D. Steffen, who was elected April 1, 1890. Dr. Steffen defeated G. W. Latta. The city council under Mayor Doyle assembled for the last time on April 8, 1890, completed its work and turned over the city's destiny to the new Mayor and the new council. Dr. J. F. Doyle, the retiring Mayor and Dr. I. D. Steffen, Mayor-elect, delivered appropriate addresses.

The First Administration Of Mayor I. D.

April 8, 1890, the first meeting of the new city council under Mayor I. D. Steffen was called to order by the new chief executive. W. H. Dawley was selected President of the council for the year, T. H. Robbins was elected City Marshal, H. A. Mills was chosen Deputy City Marshal, the retiring Mayor, Dr. J. F. Doyle was chosen as City Physician and F. J. Finucane was elected City Attorney at this meeting.

The subject of water works, which had been constantly before the Doyle administration was one of the problems with which the Steffen administration had to cope.

Antigo. The rental system was decided to be the most feasible system to adopt. April 30, 1890, the proposals for the erection of a plant were opened by the city council and a committee was selected by Mayor Steffen to report May 2, 1890. The result was that a special election was authorized to be held May 31, 1890, at which time the voters decided by a vote of 621 to 39 to permit a tax levy of $4,000 per year to pay the rental of such a system as it might adopt. The vote demonstrated that the people were then fully alert to prosperity and needs of the city. New bids were at once called for by the city council and on June 12, 1890, the council adopted and granted a franchise to W. G. Maxcy, giving him the exclusive right to maintain a system of water works in Antigo for fire and domestic purposes for a term of thirty years (1890- 1920). The question of levying a tax of $4,000 per

The water plant was in operation by January 1, 1891 and this marked an important step in the municipal advancement of Antigo. We shall learn more of the water works in the administrations following.

Through the efforts of the city council under Mayor Steffen the Kingsbury & Henshaw flour mill and the saw mill, eventually, important industries in Antigo, were obtained in May, 1890.

November 24, 1890, the new hose cart for the fire department was received and accepted by the city council. Arrangements were made at this time by the council to provide sleeping quarters for four men in the fire department and to always have a team of horses on hand to haul fire apparatus to any fire.

1892, authorizing the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railway Co. to construct and maintain a track across the streets between the Frost Veneer plant and the Antigo Screen Door Company plant. This track is a part of what is commonly called the "belt line."

During the administration of 1890, Dr. Steffen was also President of the School Board and at this time also the first high school building was erected in the block now occupied for high school purposes.

The Administration Of Cassius F. Smith

Cassius F". Smith was elected Mayor of Antigo in April, 1891, by defeating W. H. Dawley. Mayor Smith was the unanimous choice of the Republicans of the city. He defeated his opponent by a vote of 437 to 357 in a contest that was very exciting.

The first meeting of the city council under Mayor Smith was held on April 14, 1891. Mayor Smith selected T. H. Robbins as City Marshal; Louis Novotny as Street Commissioner; Attorney George W. Latta as City Attorney; Dr. J. H. Dawley as City Physician and B. F. Dorr as the first City Engineer.

Cassius F. Smith

May, 1891, the city fire department, with the sanction of the city council, responded to many calls in the outskirts of the city, where forest fires were raging. Dur-

Mill Street, between Seventh Avenue and Eighth Avenue, was discontinued by the city to make room for extensive improvements by the Crocker Chair Company.

During the Smith administration G. E. Frost, President of the Frost Veneer Seating Company of Sheboygan and William Calhoun, an official of that concern together with W. D. Badger, Manager of their plant at Elcho, conferred with the city officials regarding the location of their plant at Antigo.

Mayor Smith retired from office in April, 1892, declining to become a candidate for re-election. Shortly afterwards he moved from Antigo and today he is President of the Chicago Lumber and Veneer Company, Chicago, 111., which concern has extensive operations over a wide field.

The Second Administration Of Mayor J.

Mayor J. F. Doyle defeated John A. Ogden by a vote of 488 to 326, a majority of 162 votes. The entire Democratic ticket of the city was elected with the exception of a Justice of the Peace. The license question again came up and the vote was 6^3 for license and 157 against license, or a majority of 486 in favor of granting license.

April 11, 1892, the city council was organized under the Doyle administration. Ex-Mayor Steffen was elected President of the city council, T. H. Robbins as City Marshal; L. Novotny as Street Commissioner; G. R. Shaw as City Physician; W. F. White as City Attorney; Dr. J. H. Dawley as Health Officer; Mayor Doyle in his recommendations to the council dwelt with length on the financial conditions, treasury settlements, the street fund, the industrial bonus proposition and the publicity of council proceedings.

May 11, 1892, the city council authorized the enforcement of the ordinance prohibiting the running at large of cattle and elected Andrew Teske as Pound-Master. A fee of twenty-five cents was authorized paid to any individual who would drive any cattle running at large on the city streets to the city pound. This ordinance had its effect, when enforced, as but few cattle ran at large in Antigo since.

July 21, 1892, Mayor Doyle "unofficially" straddled L. E. Bucknam's bicycle and quite a crowd gathered on the corner of Clermont Street and Fifth Avenue expecting to see some fun but the Mayor got aboard with the agility of an expert and rode away on the "wonder machine" to the bewilderment of the people.

The city council, at a special meeting, November 1, 1893, decided to extend the Superior Street water main to Tenth Avenue to afford fire protection to the Antigo Manufacturing Company. The plant had been destroyed by fire the day before.

The mayoralty campaign of the spring of 1893 was really started by the Citizens' League, a non-partisan organization, whose object was "to get the men best fitted for public service into office," to look over the transactions of the city council and the county board and to stand for economy and low taxation." The coalition of Democrats, Republicans and Prohibitionists endorsed and supported J. F. Albers for Mayor. The Democrats put up J. L. Klocke. Thus the contest was between two prom.inent business men of the city.

Mr. Albers was elected, receiving 464 votes to 350 for Mr. Klocke. D. J. Mahor.ey was elected City Clerk and the contest for City Treasurer between L.

When the result of the Mayoralty election was announced the adherents of the Citizens' League held a great parade and celebration on Fifth Avenue, which brought back the old days of 1884 when the Blaine and Cleveland torch processions were so lively.

The administration of Mayor Albers' was launched on April 10, 1893, with the organization of the city council of which T. D. Kellogg was chosen President. T. H. Robbins was elected City Marshal; A. C. Conway, City Attorney; Dr. I. D. Steffen, City Physician; L. Corrigan, Street Commissioner and B. F. Dorr, City Engineer.

An ordinance was passed by the city council stopping all bicycle riding on sidewalks of the city. The wheel men of Antigo resented this ordinance as the streets of the city were traveled by wheel with difficulty.

City Marshal O'Connor applied for a franchise to erect and maintain a telephone exchange in Antigo in 1894 and his application was granted by the council.

The report was current during this administration that the Northwestern railroad would remove their shops from Antigo to Monico and thus minimize the importance of Antigo as a railroad center. Public spirited Antigo citizens together with the city council placed the matter before the officials of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company and were given assurance that the shops would remain in the city. Thus an industry of great importance was retained.

The Citizens' League of Antigo became a potent force as the end of the Albers' administration approached. It was non-partisan in character. Dr. I. D. Steffen was President; W. H. Blinn, Vice-President; J. C. Lewis, Secretary; J. F. Albers, Treasurer; Advisors were: A. M. Millard, John E. Martin, W. F. White, M. F. Crowe and H. G. Borgman. The Committee on Special Inquiry consisted of Ed. Daskam, J. C. Spencer and John A. Ogden.

The First Administration Of George W.

George W. Hill, a pioneer Antigo citizen, was first elected Mayor on April 3, 1894 defeating Dr. I. D. Steffen. Although a Democrat Mr. Hill did not have the support of the Democrat organ of the city in the election.

The first council meeting was held April 9, 1894. Mayor Hill appointed various committees and the council elected the following officers : President of the council - T. D. Kellogg; City Marshal - Peter O'Connor; Deputy Marshal - Frank Cunningham; City Attorney - W. F. White; Street Commissioner - L. Corrigan; City Engineer - B. F. Dorr; City Physician - Dr. I. D. Steffen. Fire Wardens were appointed in each ward.

By reason of the defeat of the proposition to increase the water tax $500 at the annual municipal election the city council ordered a special election to be held April 30, 1894. The proposal for the increase was defeated at the annual election due to the misunderstanding of the question. Thus when the vote was taken the second time it resulted in 419 in favor of the increase and but 75 against the proposition. This

In June, 1894, the city council, after a demonstration had been made before Mayor Hill and members of the council by three different machines, authorized the purchase of an Austin road machine for use on Antigo streets.

Fifteen hundred feet of hose for the volunteer fire department was purchased by the Committee on Fire and Water of the city council in August, 1894.

George W. Hill

A new fire department was organized in November, 1894, and the organization was accepted by the city council. An arrangement was made for four pipemen to sleep in the engine house, the city to purchase a team of horses and the volunteers agreed to furnish a volunteer chief, whose services were gratuitous.

In February, 1895, the finance committee of the city council was instructed to act with the Antigo Board of Education to devise ways and means for the construction of a new school house in the Second Ward. The proposition was finally defeated.

The Administrations Of R.

R. H. McMullen came to Antigo in 1880 from Chilton, Calumet County, Wisconsin, and at once became an active leader in the affairs of the village and city of Antigo. He was chosen the first City Treasurer in 1885 and held other offices. He was first elected Mayor of Antigo on April 2, 1895, defeating the Republican candidate for Mayor, John A. Ogden, by a vote of 483 to 410. With the exception of one city officer

Among the outstanding events during his administrations were the proposal to raise a sum sufficient to erect a new school in the Second Ward. The proposal went down to defeat on April 2, 1895.

A. M. Lanning was elected President of the city council under Mayor McMullen during his first administration. Ordinance No. 75 amended ordinance No. 42, prescribed new fire limits for the city and regulated the construction of buildings within those limits.

As a result of a conference with Superintendent G. F. Bidwell, Mayor McMullen and the council succeeded in having the Chicago & Northwestern railroad

During the McMullen administration the Antigo Opera House, where the first county fair was held was burned to the ground. Hoeffler Brothers were then in charge of it. The fire was on May 22, 1895.

Mayor McMullen was successively elected until 1898. In March, 1896, caucuses were held in Antigo Wards and T. D. Kellogg was nominated by the Republicans to contest the Mayoralty with Mr. McMullen. The result was the re-election of Mr. McMullen by a vote of 608-314.

The new city council met on April 13, 1896, and the following official roster was created : City Attorney - F. J. Finucane; City Physician - Dr. T. L. Harrington; City Marshal - John McArthur; Deputy Marshal - Isaac Lament; Street Commissioner - Larry

April 6, 1897, Mayor McMullen was again victorious for the office. He defeated John A. Ogden by a vote of 510 to 457. The appointive city officials remained the same with the exception of City Physician, M. J. Lower, being selected.

Mayor McMullen and the city council did considerable street work during his last administration. There was then considerable agitation about paving Fifth Avenue. Nothing definite was then decided.

In 1919 Mr. McMullen moved from Antigo to Portland, Oregon, which has been his home since. He was born in Marysburg, Ontario, Canada on May 10, 1850.

Mayor McMullen was the first citizen to be continuously elected by the voters of Antigo for three consecutive terms. He was the first Antigo Mayor to be re-elected after the expiration of his first term. Other mayors had been previously re-elected but their terms were not consecutive.

John F. Dailey was elected Mayor of Antigo on April 5, 1898, defeating W. B. Johns by a vote of 571 to 349. Mr. Dailey was the Democrat nominee and Mr. Johns was the Republican choice. Mayor Dailey was born on December 26, 1856, at Ogdensburg, Waupaca County, Wisconsin. He spent his early youth on a farm and secured his schooling at Waupaca. When a young man he became Superintendent of a large saw mill at Manawa, Wisconsin. He moved to Strassburg, Langlade County, eight years later and there operated a saw mill for nearly six years. From Strass-

The principal events of his administration were the macadamizing of Fifth Avenue and the revision of the city ordinances by City Attorney Max Hoffman and the City Clerk.

The last meeting of the city council under his administration was held April 10, 1899. Mayor Dailey thanked the city council for the courtesies extended him during his administration and then the city council of 1898-99 adjourned.

It was during the Dailey administration that the printing offices of the Antigo Herold, The Antigo Republican and the Weekly News Item were entered and the mechanical plants were damaged, January 19, 1899. The city council at their meeting of January 22, 1899, offered a reward of $250 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the party or parties who perpetrated the deed.

The city council tabled a request for aid when the Antigo Public Library Association presented a petition signed by one hundred tax payers on February 6, 1899.

Mayor Dailey moved to Birnamwood shortly after his term of office. He passed a'^ay on October 21, 1908, at that place. Many prominent citizens of Antigo attended his funeral.

The Second Administration Of Mayor I.

Dr. I. D. Steffen was nominated on March 19, 1899 at a meeting held in the old council rooms. The meeting was non-partisan in character. A ctimplete ticket was placed in the field by the non-partisans, with P. J. Millard for Clerk, Anton Schultz for Treasurer and Jos. Duchac and J. W. AUerton for Assessors.

The Democrats were lead by Leonard Freiburger, who, like Dr. Steffen, was a pioneer Antigo resident. This contest for the Mayor's office was the most exciting political contest ever conducted in Ar.t'go up to that time. Dr. Steffen was elected over Mr. Freiburger by a close vote. Peter Chadek defeated P. J. Millard for City Clerk by thirteen majority. Anton Schultz was defeated for City Treasurer by James Wagner, who received 460 votes to 448 for the former.

The city council under the Steffen administration employed Edgar Williams, a civil engineer, of Chicago, to prepare plans for a sewerage system in Antigo in August, 1899.

An ordinance was passed on August 18, 1899 to bond the city of Antigo in the sum of $10,003 for the erection of a city hall. The same time Edgar Williams of Chicago submitted plans for a modern sewerage system in Antigo.

Plans of the architect, Van Ryan, for the construction of the city hall were adopted by the city council on October 3, 1899. Mayor Steffen, Fred Ebeit, C. O. Marsh and T. D. Kellogg constituted the building committee. The city hall was ready for use in February, 1900.

During his second administration Mayor Steffen continued his policies as enunciated when he became a Mayoralty candidate in 1899. His re-election was a vindication of his previous record.

Mayor Steffen served until April 1, 1901, when the city council was reorganized and the reins of the city government were taken over by R. H. McMuUen.

April 2, 1901, R. H. McMullen was again chosen Mayor. He defeated Walter L. Elliott. The first meeting of the city council under his administration was on April 9, 1902, when the following city officials were chosen : President of the city council - Leonard Freiburger, Sr. ; City Attorney - E. A. Morse; City Physician - Dr. M. J. Lower; Marshal - John McArthur; Deputy Marshal - G. L. Drake; Street Commissioner - A. B. Hanks ; City Engineer - B. F. Dorr.

The city hall had been nearly completed during the administration of Dr. I. D. Steffen. The city clock was installed during the tenure in office of Mayor Mc- Mullen.

Antigo's Fire Department at that time had one hose cart, three hand hose carts, 2,800 feet of cotton and linen hose in good condition, 1,400 feet of rubber hose, six hydrant wrenches, ten play pipes, twelve spanners, ten pair of rubber boots, fifteen rubber coats and thirteen rubber hats for the equipment of the firemen.

At a special election held August 26, 1901, the matter of bonding the city of Antigo in the sum of $18,000 to put in a complete sewerage system was placed before the people. It was voted down by a vote of 273 to 170, or a majority of 103 who were against the measure.

Mayor McMullen served his last term as city executive of Antigo in 1901-02 and was succeeded by Thomas W. Hogan, who defeated W. L. Elliott, nominated on March 23, 1902. That day nominees were placed in nomination by Republican and Democrat conventions. There were times when, due to some dissension among certain wings of each city political coterie, a coaltion ticket was placed before the electorate.

The Administration Of Thomas W.

On April 7, 1902, Mayor Hogan outlined his policies to the new city council. He made two suggestions, one that the fire team should sprinkle Fifth Avenue and that the street commissioner should also act as weed commissioner. He ignored party lines in the appointment of city office; s. T. D. Kellogg was chosen President of the council by the aldermen. John McArthur was again named City Marshal with August Vogel and William Berner as his deputies; Dr. Fred V. Watson was elected City Physician and Max Hoffman as City Attorney. B. F. Dorr and Larry Corrigan were again chosen for the offices of City Engineer and Street Commissioner respectively. G. 0. Palmiter was made Chief of the Antigo Fire Department. Miss Maude Beattie was appointed Deputy City C'erV.

Thomas W. Hogan

One of the first acts of Mayor Hcgan was to order all gambling devices and slot machines removed from saloons, public halls and tobacco shops.

May 5, 1902, a Board of Public Works was created, the first one in the city, and .Aldermen M. F. Crowe, Leonard Freiburger, Sr., and Frank P. Ver Bryck were elected. J. F. Albers was then selected City Comptroller. The suggestion for the Board of Public Works was made by Alderman L D. Steffen.

May 30, 1902, the Board of Public Works recommended the installation of a more effective sewerage system in Antigo, but the proposals were defeated by the city council. The report of the Board of Public Works was then amended at the city council's request and was adopted at a meeting of that body on June 17, 1902. August 23, 1902, Harding, Nelson & Johnson of Racine, were granted the sewerage contract for $19,000.00.

Antigo's officials, including the Mayor and the city council, took part in the great reunion of the 14th Wisconsin infantry of Civil War fame, in Artigo June 18, 19 and 20, 1902.

Antigo was connected with Milwaukee by long distance telephone on October 2, 1902. The first telephone conversation to leave Antigo was one from the Antigo Republican requesting a supplement from Milwaukee containing Governor La Follette's speech at Milwaukee.

The First Administration Of Fred

Fred Hayssen was elected Mayor of Antigo for the first time on April 5, 1904. He did not have any opposition, receiving 812 votes. The chief event of his first administration was the revision of the charter of the city in 1905.

Fred Hayssen

During the Hayssen administration the City Park, two blocks between Eighth and Nir.th Avenues, east of Watson street, was purchased by the city council.

April 4, 1906, the last meeting of the city council under the first Hayssen regime was held. George W. Hill, the incoming Mayor, then took office for the second time.

The Second Administration Of George

George W. Hill was elected Mayor of Antigo on April 4, 1906, by defeating J. F. Albers. The contest was one of the most exciting in the history of the city. Mr. Hill won by fifteen votes, he receiving 546 to 531 votes for his opponent.

The Hill administration took over the government of the city the following day, April 5, 1906. Mayor Hayssen and the old city council "cleared the deck" and in a few appropriate words the retiring Mayor bid farewell to his former associates. Mayor Hill made a plea for harmony in the conduct of the city and urged all factions to forget differences in the interest of the city's welfare.

In April, 1906, the contract for the remodeling of the second floor of the public library for training school purposes was let to Thomas Solar, at $1,117.00.

The Mary Deleglise park, block 68, city of Antigo, was sold to Mayor Hill on September 21, 1906. This block was platted and soon became an important addition to residential Antigo.

The estimated expense for operating the city of Antigo in 1906-07 according to R. Koebke, J. J. French and G. 0. Palmiter, members of the Board of Public Works of that time, were $50,983.00.

During the Hill regime additional powers were accorded the Mayor by the city cour.cil in the enforcement of all rules governing the Ar.tigo Fire Department.

Another impoitant event in Antigo history happened during this period. November 14, 1906, the old C. & N. W. depot was removed from its foundation to make room for the modern depot now used.

Fred Hayssen, a pioneer Langlade County resident, who in an early day, before his residence in Antigo, had been in business at Bryant, Price township, was elected Mayor of Antigo on April 7, 1908. He defeated three other candidates, Leonard Freiburger, George W. Hill and A. F. Brehmer. Mr. Freiburger was his nearest rival, receiving 418 votes to 507 for Mr. Hayssen. Hayssen was elected on a platform of rigid economy in the conduct of the city and took advantage of the dissension in the ranks of his political rivals.

The license of saloons was again voted upon. For license again proved victorious. The vote stood : For License - 770; Against License - 451.

The city council under the Hayssen administration organized on April 21, 1908. Mayor Hayssen plead for harmony in the conduct of city affairs, making it plain

James Steber was elected President of the city council, William Coblentz was elected Chief of Police, S. J. McMahon was elected City Attorney, Dr. G. W. Moore was chosen City Physician and B. F. Dorr as City Engineer.

June 20, 1908, the Antigo Water Company refused to give the city officials a test of the system. Four days previously the city council instructed the Board of Public Works to engage a competent engineer to furnish estimates of the cost of a complete water works for the city of Antigo. This was a direct defy to the Antigo Water Company. The test was made at a later date.

The law suit of the City of Antigo vs. The Antigo Water Company was argued before the railroad rate commission in 1908. The suit was instituted because the city was not satisfied with the company's program of improvements. The railroad rate commission sent four experts to Antigo on July 14, 1908, to make an examination of the water plant. A partial decision was handed down by the railroad rate commission in which the finding was "the testimony shows that the present water supply of the Antigo Water Company is inadequate." The company was given three months to take steps necessary for securing and maintaining a reasonably adequate supply of wholesome water. The order, however, was a provisional ore, supplemented later by a more elaborate discussion.

August 4, 1908, the Board of Public Works of Antigo was authorized to advertise for bids for paving Clermont Street from Fourth to First Avenue.

September 17, 1908, the city council began plans for the erection of a sewerage disposal plant and John W. Alvord of Chicago was instructed to make estimations and recommendations relative to the erection of such a plant.

The Administration Of Burt W. Rynders

Burt W. Rynders, who had served in the Hayssen administration as Acting Mayor for many months, was elected Mayor of Antigo on April 5, 1910. He defeated George W. Hill by a vote of 648 to 622 in a hot fought contest. Both men appealed for support on the merits of their past records. The license question was again voted upon at this election and, as usual, was defeated by the overwhelming vote of 823 to 337.

Inadequate fire protection for the city was one of the chief questions confronting the Mayor and city council during the Rynder's administration. January 3, 1911, the fire and water committee of the council was ordered to investigate the cost of a modern fire engine.

The city council, February 7, 1911, delivered an ultimatum to the owners of the Antigo Water Company in which it was declared that "unless the said company does not comply fully with all the terms of its fran- chise on or before July 1, 1911, court proceedings would be instituted in the courts of the state or before the Railroad Rate Commission in order that the city and its inhabitants may be adequately supplied with water for the purposes of fire protection and for domestic use." This was but a part of the long fight between that concern and the city and which eventually led to the purchase of the water works by the city.

April 8, 1911, the city council took favorable action on a petition of abutting property owners on Clermont Street between First and Fourth Avenues in which they

Burt W. Rvxders

March 1, 1911, a petition signed by many citizens called upon the city of Antigo to construct and maintain an entirely new water system in Antigo, "because the present mains and pumps are not of sufficient capacity to furnish the necessary water and pressure for adequate fire protection."

Extensive improvements were inaugurated by the Antigo Water Company, under the supervision of F. C. Robinson, expert waterworks man of Manitowoc, Wis., on June, 1911.

The American La France steam engine for the Antigo Fire Department was purchased during the Rynders administration. The old dispute between the city and the Antigo Water Works was settled.

The Last Administration Of George W.

George W. Hill was again elected Mayor, defeating Burt W. Rynders for that office on April 12, 1912. Four days later the new city council was called into session. Mayor Hill advocated strict economy in the administration of the city. He took the office of Mayor following the farewell address of the retiring Mayor B. W. Rynders.

James Steber was elected President of the city council. F. Reindl, John McGreer and J. J. Laughlin were then made members of the Board of Public Works.

An ordinance for the building of a $30,000 trunk line sewer to relieve flood conditions in the northern part of the city was defeated at a special session of the city council on October 16, 1912.

Mayor Hill served as an efficient officer until his death at Montague, Muskegon County, Michigan on April 20, 1913. He was born on March 15, 1857, ths son of Homer and Elizabeth Hill and came to Antigo in 1882. Mayor Hill was active in city and county politics from then until his death. His body lay in state at the M. E. Church until the funeral April 24, 1913. His eulogy was read by Rev. M. L. Eversz.

Leonard Freiburger, Sr., a member of the city council from the Sixth Ward, was elected Mayor on the seventh ballot at a meeting of the council, April 25, 1913. He was officially notified of his election by G. 0. Palmiter, City Clerk, the following day. Mr. Freiburger had previously served for sixteen years as an Alderman from his ward. His nearest opponent for the office was Lee Waste of the second ward.

Among the important events of the Freiburger administration was the platting of Clermont Heights by Morse & Tradewell Co. This addition to the city was approved by the city council on May 6, 1913.

In 1912 the first experiments with street oil were made on Fifth Avenue. During the Freiburger regime the sprinkling of all city streets with oil was proposed in May, 1913. The applications then were placed on streets, upon request of citizens in the form of a petition. Then oil was applied for the following rates: One application; 12 foot roadway - 75c; 18 foot roadway - $1.10; 24 foot roadway - $1.50; two appli-

The old Antigo Commercial Club was very active in 1913. I. A. Herrick, then Secretary-Manager, was the leader in a movement to establish a public market square in Antigo.

Antigo's first modern moving picture theatre was erected by Harvey Hanson, who on May 17, 1913, purchased the Lee Waste Fifth Avenue property.

The city council appropriated funds for the purchasing of lighting standards for the high school park. The lighting system was installed during the summer of 1913.

L. P. Tradewell was awarded a contract for the construction of two blocks of concrete pavemer.t on June 3, 1913. The streets paved were Fifth Avenue, from Superior Street east to Field Street and Su,:erior Street, between Fifth and Fourth Avenues. The contract was let for $11,897.00.

June 7, 1913, the city of Antigo and Langlade County acted as hosts to the Merchants and Manufacturers of Milwaukee, who visited the city. The Cream City people were given a splendid reception by the Antigo business men.

The old homstead of F. A. Deleglise was moved from its original location to a spot on the public library grounds to be preserved. The city council authorized its removal to save it from being torn down.

The first municipal street sprinkler was purchased in 1913. Previously the merchants made arrangements with private organizations for sprinkling streets.

Government of the city of Antigo was changed from, the aldermanic system to that of government by commission by an overwhelming vote of the people. The primary election of that mayoralty contest was held on March 24, 1914. Candidates for election were Leonard Freiburger, Sr., Dr. I. D. Steffen, E. R. Gibbons,

The contest between the primary election and the general election, April 7, 1914, was one of the most spectacular elections in the history of the city. Dr. Steffen defeated Mr. Gibbons by a vote of 730 to 693 and was thus elected the first Mayor to serve under the commission foim of government in Antigo. He is called the father of that form of gDve.'nms/t in the city of ArAigo. G. 0. Palmiter and Frank Dvorak were both elected councilmen in the new government. They defeated John Callahan, anJ Thomas Daskam, the other two nominees. The other candidates for councilmen at the primary election were N. R. Babcock, James Cody, D. P. Corbett, William Kirg, John Mc- Greer, Lee Waste and Joseph Skibba.

With the inauguration of government by commission the veto power of a city executive was abolished and a majority of the city council constitutes a quorum. This system also eliminated many committees and the administration of city affairs progressed rapidly.

The city council. Mayor Steffen, City Clerk G. 0. Palmiter and City Treasurer Frank Dvorak, took over the reins of the city on April 21, 1914, when they held the first council meeting.

The late F. J. Finucane was selected City Attorney during the Steffen Administration and the stable foundation of that form of government in Antigo, is, in a large measure due to Attorney Finucane's wise counsel and advice.

Dr. Steffen was elected to the office of Mayor upon his previous record as a public servant, extending over a period of years since 1887. He deplored factionalism in the city. The rigid enforcement of the law, particularly that city ordinance pertaining to Sunday closing of saloons, was one of his strong planks in his platform for election.

During his administration of affairs taxes were reduced in the city, the water department operated at a ' profit, an extensive street improvement program was inaugurated, many feet of cement sidewalks were laid, new streets and alleys were opened for public convenience, all city ordinances were enforced, water mains were extended in many parts of the city, the old business of the aldermanic system was closed and the city was placed upon an entirely new and economic foundation.

Dr. Steffen served efficiently until September, 1915, when at a special election he was defeated by C. Fred Calhoun. The election was given state wide attention.

The Administration Of C. Fred Calhoun

C. Fred Calhoun, Superintendent of the Frost Veneer Seating Company plant in Antigo, was elected Mayor of Antigo at a special election in September, 1915. He presided over the city council as executive of the city, for the first time on Wednesday, September 29, 1915.

C. Fred Calhoun

tion was the settlement between the city council and the National Surety Company of New York relative to the repairing of the Westrumite paving on Clermont Street between Fourth and First Avenues. This settlement was made on October 15, 1915, when the city council accepted $1,000.00 from the National Surety Company with which to repair the street.

Before his election as Mayor, Mr. Calhoun was a member of the Board of Education from the Sixth Ward and he resigned from that body on October 14, 1915. B. H. Strong was chosen to fill the vacancy.

A contract was let, previously, to John MulhoUand to lay 653 feet of water mains on south Clermont Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. This work was completed during this administration.

December, 1915, the city purchased a tank from the Standard Oil Company. The tank is used to store street oil and has a capacity of 12,500 gallons.

While not a municipal affair, with which the city council had much to do, it is important to state that the Antigo Post Office was included, December 6,

1915, in the estimates submitted to Congress by Secretary of the Treasury Wm. G. McAdoo for the operating expenses for the year 1916. Thirty-four thousand dollars was listed as the amount needed to further the construction of the Antigo Post Office.

The announcement was made on February 17, 1916, that the city was to have a new industry. The Langlade Lumber Company. This followed a formal ratification of an informal agreement between officials of the concern and the members of the Antigo Commercial Club. Mayor Calhoun was made Chairman of a Finance Committee to raise a large sum of money to insure the city that the lumber company would locate here.

March 2, 1916, the city council granted the Board of Education authority to engage an architect and obtain plans and specifications for a new high school. The corner stone of the school was laid on July 7, 1916.

Five thousand one hundred dollars was paid to the Immel Construction Company of Fond du Lac, this being the first of the payments on the new Antigo High School. The school was dedicated October 19, 1917.

1916, at which time he announced his intention to erect a modern sawmill in Antigo, the mill to have a capacity of seven million feet annually.

During the Calhoun administration W. J. Gallon was elected first President of the Antigo Association of Commerce, which was organized on April 20, 1917.

The Administration Of Mayor John

Four prominent Antigo citizens were placed on the ticket as candidates for Mayor in the special primary election held in the fall of 1917. Munson M. Ross, Antigo's second Mayor, Martin Robrecht, a pioneer citizen and a man who had served in various public capacities for many years, H. F. Morson, a former County Superintendent of Schools, former City Attorney and a prominent member of the Langlade County bar, and John Benishek, a well known real estate dealer, who had served on the city council for many years prior to the change from aldermanic to government by commission, were the candidates. H. F. Morson and John Benishek were chosen at the primary as the candidates to be voted upon at the general election.

Johx Benishek

without parsimony in the conduct of city affairs. His years of experience as a city official gave him a valuable insight to prevalent conditions.

Upon the death of City Attorney F. J. Finucane, Charles Avery, who had been Acting City Attorney for some time, was elected City Attorney. He performed a service of great value in that position.

Mayor Benishek spent much of his time as Mayor securing estimates and making plans for a general program of street improvement and paving. Material was secured with difficulty, yet many of the streets were placed in first class condition.

During his administration a resolution was passed whereby all of the principal streets were prepared for paving by getting sewer connections with all buildings and vacant lots, thus to eliminate the necessity of tearing up a street.

The coal shortage of 1918 was so serious that many Antigo citizens petitioned the Mayor and the city council to establish a municipal coal yard. By purchasing coal, direct from the mines. Mayor Benishek's policy saved the city approximately $2,000 each year in fuel alone.

The Antigo Armory, operated by the city, was under the direct management of Mayor Benishek, during his term. He found that the institution was operating at a loss each year. By booking first class shows and under proper management the Armory made money for the city.

Three thousand square yards of gravel were laid on Superior Street, Antigo's principal highway. A modern grader for road and street work was purchaied and plans for scarifying Fifth Avenue were made.

The sewerage disposal plant was repaired and extensive changes were made in it, with the result that all complaints from Rolling township farmers ceased.

The storm sewer from Minola Street to the sand pit, east of the fair grounds, (purchased by the city during the Benishek administration) was completed.

Mayor Benishek served as Mayor for two and onefourth years. He became a candidate for re-election in 1920 and made his campaign upon his previous record. The campaign was one of the most interesting of recent elections. He was defeated by but two votes.

The Administration Of Mayor Charles

On February 20, 1920, Charles J. Hanzel, an Antigo business man, announced his candidacy for Mayor of Antigo. The six years of government by commission (1914-20) had produced three Mayors, Dr. I. D. Steffen, C. Fred Calhoun, and John Benishek.

Dr. Fred Kestly was placed in the field by a gathering of citizens who met at the Elks' Club January 21, 1920. Dr. Kestly later withdrew from the race.

Mayor Benishek, who had made an efficient public servant, announced his candidacy for re-election January 31, 1920. This made it a race between Mayor

Benishek, who made his previous record the issue, and Charles J. Hanzel, who made the race on a platform of lower taxation and better streets.

When the votes were counted it was discovered that it was a tie and would have to be decided by lot. Mr. Hanzel won. Mayor Benishek demanded a recount, which showed the correct vote to be 641 to 639, Hanzel winning by two votes. Thus Hanzel was twice declared Mayor of Antigo in two days.

During the summer of 1920 important street improvements were made in Antigo. Fifth Avenue and the Westrumite paving on Clermont Street were repaired at once. A new gyratory stone crusher was purchased to replace the old stone crusher which had been in service since 1907.

May 4, 1920, Attorney R. C. Dempsey was chosen City Attorney, G. 0. Palmiter, City Clerk and Vice- Mayor, and Frank Dvorak, City Treasurer. Lyman A. Steffen was made City Physician and City Health Officer. T. T. McGillan and M. T. Canfield were mads members of the Park and Cemetery Board. All banks of the city were made city depositories. During the same month nine new wells were completed and added to the municipal water works.

An extensive program of water main and sewer construction was carried out. During 1920 and 1921 thirteen thousand feet of water mains were laid. During the same time ore mile of sanitary sewers were laid annually. Two miles of storm sewers were laid under the supervision of Harry W. Jackson, Superintendent of the Water Department, during this administration.

June, 1920, an audit of the city's books was made by an auditor from the Wisconsin Tax ComTiission at the request of the city, to give the public a statement as to the actual financial condition of the city.

In November, 1921, in accordance with a plank in his platform or a promise to the electorate, Mayor Hanzel selected his unofficial Advisory Board. The twelve citizens chosen were

A. K. Potter, Francis Brush, R. J. McQuillan, Peter J. Dunn, Al. Duchac, Wm. H. Wolpert, John Hessel, W. W. Smith, 0. P. Walch, Walter Daskam, Edward McCandless, and James A. Cody. The first meeting of the Advisory Board was held on May 6, 1921.

The proposed white way was endorsed by the Advisory Board on August 8, 1921. The contract, calling for 46 single standards, with one light, was awarded to the Freeman-Sweet Company of Chicago, 111., on September 27, 1921, for $9,210. Fifth Avenue was lighted with the white way for the first time at eight o'clock, Saturday evening, December 10, 1921. The lights were turned on by little Elizabeth Berner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Berner.

Among other achievements of the Hanzel administration thus far have been the creation of a Poor Commission in Antigo. Mrs. H. V. Mills was selected Poor Commissioner in December, 1921 ; the addition of one man on the police force, the establishment of a desk sergeant, which was approved by the Police and Fire Commission in November, 1920; the licensing of all Antigo liveries, according to an ordinance passed on June 16, 1920; the great July 4th, 1920, celebration, in which Mayor Hanzel unveiled a bronze tablet at the Antigo Armory; extensive improvements in the City Hall; passed a resolution, January 12, 1921, whereby a new fire department will be constructed, the present one to be turned into a rest room, in accordance with state law; laid thirty thousand feet of curb and gutter in 1921-22, or more curb and gutter in the city than any other administration, and, among other things, assumed care of the old cemetery on April 19, 1922.

At a meeting of the Association of Commerce April 19, 1922, the paving of Fifth Avenue was endorsed. The next day the Advisory Board of the Mayor unanimously endorsed the proposed paving of Fifth Avenue.

The contract for the paving of Fifth Avenue from Superior Street to Lincoln Street, Edison Street from Sixth Avenue to Fourth Avenue, Clermont Street from Seventh to Fourth Avenue, and Superior Street from Sixth to Fifth Avenue, was awarded to the F. P. Coughlin Co., Chicago, 111., at approximately $81,000. This is the most extensive program of street improvement inaugurated in Antigo.

Mayor Hanzel became a Democrat candidate for Congress from the Ninth Congressional District, his announcement being made on April 22, 1922. He is the second Antigo man to be nominated for that office from this district, the other being Hon. Thomas W. Lynch, who was elected in 1892, the first Democrat ever accorded that honor in the Ninth Wisconsin District.