100 years ago: O’Fallon voters say ‘no’ to free textbooks for public school students

Looking back at stories that appeared in the O’Fallon Progress 100, 75, and 50 years ago:

100 years ago, April 17, 1924

“The proposition to furnish free text books to students in the local public schools lost by an overwhelming majority, being voted down nearly three to one at Saturday’s school election held in the High School building.

“The vote as polled was 208 for with 542 against.

“The proposition found its way on the ballot after a number of citizens favoring the move petitioned the board of education to have the same placed before the taxpayers at the annual school election.”

75 years ago, April 21, 1949

“Years ago, some of the early settlers delighted in telling the younger generation of the good old days when they indulged in the sport of duck hunting on a lake in what is now the business center of O’Fallon.

“There were the doubtful ones who considered the statement as “stretching the story” just a little beyond the believing stage.

“However, now it can be told that these settlers were no “story tellers.”

“This was revealed last week when workmen, digging for new sewer catch basins at the corner of Lincoln and First in the street-widening paving project now underway, went down through cinders and mine gob for a distance of almost three feet when they struck a hard substance which was discovered to be a well-preserved brick sidewalk in spite of its many years of burial.

“Below this were segments of weeds and other matter usually predominant on lake sites.

“The discovery of the brick sidewalk almost three feet below the present surface level proves that the area has been filled in through the years and that it was entirely possible for a lake to have covered the site at one time.”

50 years ago, April 18, 1974

“O’Fallon grade school children have raised $459.19 for the Send a Mouse to College program sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

“The program was designed for children who are concerned with finding a cure for cancer. They were able to donate money to buy mice that are used in cancer research.

“The school receipt breakdown is: Estelle Kampmeyer, $138.43; St. Clare School, $106.45; Marie Schaefer Grade School, $96.73; J. E. Hinchcliffe, $77.21; and Marie Schaefer Junior High School, $40.37. Certificates were presented to the school and homerooms with 100 percent participation.”