THE ZEIGLER NEWS
1933
The Zeigler News
January 1 – December 31, 1933
1-6-1933
Miner Dies Tuesday Morning
Andrew Bosak, 506 Pine Street, died at 3:30 o’clock Tuesday morning following an extended illness of dropsy and heart trouble. His illness forced him to stop working in the mine two years ago.
He was born in Poland fifty years ago and has lived in Zeigler for several years. He leaves his wife and four children, John, Agnes, Anna, and Austoria, to mourn his passing.
1-6-1933
Mt.View
We, as members of the Mountain View Baptist Church, wish to thank the Bell & Zoller Coal Co. for the coal donated to this church through the influence of E. L. Berger. Brother James Gray and members.
1-6-1933
Road Show Coming
American Legion Post 177 has contracted the road show featuring Little Johnny Jones, the fashion plate magician, for a two day appearance in Zeigler on January 12 and 13.
The Little Johnny Jones Company offers a complete two hour performance titled, “The Mysterious Orient” in three acts. Mr. Jones presents new and novel effects worth many thousands of dollars, at every performance.
The entertainment committee of the Legion feel that they have secured one of the amusement treats of the season for the people for Zeigler and popular prices will prevail.
1-6-1933
Zeigler Couple Married Monday
Virgil Brooks of Zeigler and Miss Ruby Payne also of Zeigler, were married by Rev. A.L. Cox, of Johnston City, Monday, January 2, 1933. Mr. Harry Mulkin of Herrin and Miss Nellie Hawkins of Zeigler served as witnesses for the young couple.
1-6-1933
Art Club Notes
The Art Department of the Zeigler Woman’s Club met Thursday evening, December 15th at the home of Mrs. Homer Watkins.
An interesting part of the program was the discussion of the film play, “Prosperity” which the club had attended at their previous meeting.
After adjournment, refreshments were served by the hostesses, Miss Louise Parkinson, and Mrs Watkins.
1-6-1933
Christmas Marriages
Among those from Franklin County that have been licensed to wed are: John Kascki, 26, Zeigler, and Pauline Melville, 18, West Frankfort, Bud Moore, 23, Zeigler and Emma Teffertillar, 20, Zeigler.
1-13-1933
Grocery Store Closed
Lottie’s Cash Market, South Pine Street and State Route 148, closed its doors Friday of last week. The stock of goods was moved to West Frankfort where it was closed out at market.
With the closing of the store Lottie retired from the grocery business. She said she would probably leave the city and make a venture in business in Taylorville.
Lottie Szymczak for several years has been connected with the business life of Zeigler.
Recently she married Audie Rains and they reside at South Pine Street and State Route 148.
1-13-1933
Bank Holds Annual Meeting
At the annual meeting of the share holders of The First National Bank of Zeigler, held Tuesday, January 10, 1933, the following were elected as Directors to succeed themselves for the ensuing year:
Mr. E. L. Berger, Zeigler, Superintendent of the Bell & Zoller Coal Company
Mr. G. D. Cowin, Chicago, President of the Bell & Zoller Coal Company
Dr. L. V. Gates, Zeigler, Superintendent of Zeigler Hospital
Mr. O. M. Gordon, Chicago, Treasurer of the Bell & Zoller Coal Company
Mr. F. Guy Hitt, Zeigler, President
Mr. Max F. Kohlsdorf, Zeigler, Manager, Kohlsdorfs’ Department Store
Mr. Paul Weir, Centralia, Vice-President & General Manager, Bell & Zoller Coal
The report of the operating profits for the year showed that the bank in l932 had one of the most profitable years of its existence.
After the Shareholders Meeting, the Directors re-elected the following officers:
F. Guy Hitt, President
Paul Weir, Vice-President
E. L. Berger, Vice-President
R. R. Frazier, Cashier
Kenneth E. Cook, Assistant Cashier
In its annual statement The First National Bank of Zeigler showed deposits of $850,283.60 and increase of 33 1/3 per cent, and total resources of $943,183.90.
1-13-1933
Party Saturday
Mr. and Mrs. James Bean entertained with a party for their daughter, Dorothy, Saturday night at their home on 118 South Pine Street. After several games were played refreshments were served at a late hour to the following: Misses Lora Talbert, Willadine Wilson, Kathryn Stratton, Martha Stoneburner, Kathryn Smith, Pauline Daily, Norma Williams, Vivian Smith, Doris Belcher, Mary Bean, Marie Parkinson, Ronald Roberts, Donald Bean, Woodrow Wilson, Visel Glodich, J. F. Vaughn, Dale Berry, Ralph Cunnar, Ed Warfel, W. A. Walker, LeRoy Van Baber, Earl Neibch, Leon Stratton, Max Davis, Julius Webb and Iley Thompson.
1-20-1933
Carter Offered State Job
In political circles it is reported that a former Zeigler man has been offered a high place in the councils of the state’s department of finance. He is A. M. Carter, former cashier of the Zeigler State Bank. He was offered the appointment as first assistant to Edward J. Barrett, new auditor of Public accounts.
1-20-1933
Bomb Tossed From Car
A stick of dynamite aimed at the home of Frank Moulin near seven o’clock Friday morning of last week, went awry, but made a large hole in the front yard.
This is the second time within four months, Moulin’s life has been threatened.
Officers investigating the dynamiting or attempted bombing believe that enemies of Moulin drove by the home and that one of them hurled the explosive from an automobile while it was traveling at high speed.
The large hole in the front yard is the only evidence of the attempted crime, as no one was injured, but had the dynamite struck the house things might have been different.
Last September while Moulin was standing by his home repairing an automobile tire, someone shot at him from a passing car, one bullet striking him in the arm. No one has been apprehended in connection with the attempted crime.
Moulin was recently named provisional president of the No. 2 mine local union here, which is now known as local No. 40. This move was taken by John L. Lewis, International President, and since that action feeling against Moulin has developed among a large number of miners.
1-20-1933
Find Dynamite in Hay Stack
The finding of four bombs and a machine gun in a hay stack near the Catholic Cemetery on Route 148 between Zeigler and Christopher. Three prominent labor leaders of this city and one from Taylorville have been arrested. The weapons have cast a feeling of uneasiness over the county and has caused guards to be placed at the homes of mine officials in Zeigler.
The bombs and machine gun were uncovered by Sheriff Browning Robinson early Tuesday morning. The Sheriff stated that he had been informed about the location of the explosives and that a plot had been formed to dynamite the home of E. L. Berger, Superintendent of the Bell & Zoller mines here.
Immediately after uncovering the explosives I. O. Dudley, former president of Local 790
was picked up and taken to Benton for questioning Mr. Dudley was president of the local at the time the charter was revoked last summer by John L Lewis, President of the UMWA. His card was revoked and since that time he has been without employment.
Jack Allen and Jack Royce were also picked up. They were members of the local, whose cards were revoked through the internal strife in the miner’s union.
Roy Tombossi, of Taylorville was charged by the sheriff of transporting the explosives and machine gun to Zeigler and he was also picked up.
State’s Attorney Hart indicated that Tombossi and another person, whose identity is at present unknown, arrived at Zeigler Monday morning about 1:30 o’clock driving a Ford coupe, with a machine gun and four bombs, consisting of 2 ½ inch reinforced piping about 18 inches long filled with high explosives, with long fuses attached.
The men from Taylorville are alleged to have gone to the home of Jack Royce, living near the laundry.
From there the machine gun and bombs were taken to a point near the Catholic Cemetery, lying just south of Christopher, and secreted in a stack of pea hay near the road.
Officers claim information to the effect that the bombs were to have been taken out of their hiding place Monday night and used to bomb the home of Superintendent Berger, as a means of intimidating mine officials into reemploying Royce and other former members of the local who had been reinstated but who had been unable to obtain employment at the mine.
Sufficient explosive was contained in these bombs to have completely demolished the Berger home and to cause the immediate death of every person in or near it.
Recent bombings of homes in this county are thought to have originated around Taylorville.
1-20-1933
Boosters 42; Christopher 30
The old rivalry between Zeigler and Christopher was battled off last Wednesday night with a victory for the Zeigler Boosters, a basketball team sponsored by the Croation Fraternal Union of Zeigler. The game was bitterly fought throughout. At the half the Zeigler Boosters led 12 to 11. In the fourth quarter Zeigler climbed away to a 42 to 30 victory. The Boosters are having a big game with Granite City, February 11, here. Granite City is a member of the strong Central States League.
1-27-1933
Were Married at Christian Parsonage
An impressive wedding was solemized Saturday evening, January 21, at the Christian Church parsonage in Zeigler, when Miss Inos Hall became the wife of Virgil R.Phifer. Thes groom’s father, C. L. Phifer, minister of the Christian Church in this city, spoke the words that united these two young people in marriage.
The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Hall. She is a student in the Zeigler High School and superintendent of the Young Peoples’ work in the Christian Church. The groom is an aviator photographer located at Scott Field, with the Fifth Photo Section.
Wayne Outland and Isabelle Cook acted as attendants at the wedding.
1-27-1933
Third Arrest in Bombing
William Hogan, three years mayor of Zeigler, Monday was placed under bond on a charge of assult to murder in connection with the alleged bombing of the home of Frank Moulin of this city, provisional president of local No. 38, on the night of January 12th.
Clinton Boucher and Eddie Hecklebeck of Zeigler, also charged with the same offense, were released on bond some days ago.
The former “Fighting Mayor” tells of an incident on the night of the bombing which is causing considerable comment.
He reports that two men attempted to put him “on the spot”. The two men according to the story had Hogan cornered when he backed to a wall and placing his hands in his overcoat pockets and pointing his fingers at the men led them to believe they were covered with two guns. According to his story, the bluff worked and the men put up their guns and beat a hasty retreat.
1-27-1933
Empire Theatre to Open
The Empire Theater will open with a complete program of talkies on Wednesday evening of next week.
The Empire and the Globe of Christopher has been leased by Rush and Baker of Christopher from the Fox People. The Christopher Theater will be open Saturday and the Zeigler show house Wednesday of next week.
1-27-1933
Purchases Bankrupt Store
Guy Minton has purchased the stock of two grocery stores at bankruptcy sales this week and removed the merchandise to this city. One of the sales was in West Frankfort, the other was that of Rubinella and Son at Johnston City.
These stocks were purchased at today’s bankrupt, forced sale prices and the low prices will be passed on to his customers in Zeigler.
2-3-1933
Fourteen Indictments
The Franklin County Grand Jury in session at Benton Tuesday returned fourteen indictments, according to a statement made by States’ Attorney Marion M. Hart Tuesday night.
Among the true bills was one against Raymond Tombossi and Merle H. Cotton, both of Taylorville, and Jack Royce of Zeigler, charged with conspiring to murder.
This case was the outgrowth of Tombossi and Cotton alleged to have brought into this county from Taylorville recently a machine gun and several bombs which were to be used in blowing up the home of E. L. Berger, superintendent of the Bell & Zoller mines here.
2-3-1933
Zeigler 34; Christopher 23
The high school gym was almost packed last Friday night to see the Zeigler-Christopher basketball game. Insofar as the game itself was concerned, it was a nice game of basketball. The score was only a tie once, after that Zeigler held a lead to the end of the game, the final score being 34-23.
2-3-1933
Muddy Bridge is Completed
The bridge across the Big Muddy river on Route 148 between Zeigler and Herrin was completed Tuesday of this week when the last batch of concrete was poured on the floor. The seasoning of this concrete will not allow the opening of this shortened route between here and Herrin. Another bridge is to be built across Pond Creek, a short distance from the Big Muddy bridge. The concrete work on the later bridge had been in place for considerable time and the steel structure is yet to be erected.
Besides the building of this additional bridge there is some grading followed by graveling to be done before the road can be opened. It is hoped this road will be opened in the early spring.
2-3-1933
Zeigler Boosters
The Boosters Athletic Club has been re-organized to sponsor all-year-round sports, such as independent basketball, baseball, track, football and to sponsor education to make all it members good citizens. The Boosters have the high school gym here every Monday and Thursday starting at 8 o’clock.
2-3-1933
New Low Prices
Princess Beauty Shoppe Ruth V.Plasters, Operator
107 N. Main Street Next door to Western Union
Frederic Eugene...............$ 5.00
Veta Tonic.........$ 5.00
Arlette............... $ 3.00 Scalp Treatment............... .75
Galve’ Facial........ .50 Marcel.............................. .50 Henna Rinse......... .35 Manicue........................... .35
Arch...................... .35 Finger Wave........... .25 & .35
Shampoo............... .25
2-3-1933
Illinois Led In Bank Failures
The North Central region of the United States accounted for more than 62 per cent of all bank failures in 1932. This fact is brought out by the Federal Reserve Board which shows that of the 1,453 banks which closed their doors during 1932, 453 were in the East North Central region and 451 in the West North Central area. The territory is mainly in the agricultural regions, the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin as well as the states of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, the Dakotas, Nebraska and Kansas.
The most bank failures during the twelve months were in Illinois. A total of 208 banks failed in this territory, tieing up deposits of $128,023,000.
2-17-1933
Sore Throat Proves Fatal
John Lakso, 511 Maple Street, died at the hospital in Benton Thursday of last week following a short illness of cellulitis of his neck. About a week before toncilitis developed in his throat. Before this disease could be checked, cellulitis, breaking down of the cells developed.
John Lakso was born in Finland fifty-six years ago. He has lived in Zeigler several years, being employed at No. 2 mine. He leaves his wife a son and two daughters and a large number of friends.
2-17-1933
Zeigler 37; Pinckneyville 22
Friday night in the local high school gym the Purple Tornadoes romped to another victory in the conference race over the big aggregation from Pinckneyville high by a score of 37-22.
2-17-1933
Fire Destroys Community Hut
Fire destroyed the Community Hut which was used as headquarters of the Boy Scouts, the City Library and sleeping quarters of Fred Eagle. About 2:00 o’clock Friday morning of last week Fred Eagle, who was sleeping in the building, heard something fall and going to investigate found the building to be on fire.
The City Library, which occupies one end of the building was entered and most of the books removed and saved. The damage runs into several hundred dollars.
The Community Hut was one of the landmarks of the city. Its history dates back into the days when this was a closed mining camp. At that time the Zeigler Coal Company owned all property in the city.
Among the small industries was a bakery shop. It was well equipped for baking, even though it was not an elaborate building. It was built on the rear of the lot, near the store and the railroad tracks where flour and coal could be unloaded and stored. The bakery served its purpose well for several years until the occupant left the building for a better location.
At the time the Zeigler American Legion post was organized they sought a headquarters and club room. The Zeigler Coal Company offered to contribute the old bakery and grounds to community purposes.
The American Legion post accepted the Coal Company offer and led the movement to remodel the building. Four rooms were developed, the club room, dining room, city library and the bedroom occupied by Mr. Eagle. Later the Legion desired to own their own building purchased property on Wilcox Avenue which was converted into a club room.
Since the American Legion left the Community Hut the building has been the headquarters of the Boy Scouts.
2-17-1933
Local Happenings
Marriage License—Paul Elyasevich, 25, and Anna Kalamarie, 24, both of Zeigler, Joe Chavanyak, 47 and Mary Toth, 45, both of Zeigler, Andrew L. Neu, 40 and Margaret Tryell Sphor, 26 both of Zeigler.
Electric Shop Moving
Workmen are busy remodeling and redecorating the Gates Building, next door to the First National Bank. The Whiteside Electric Shop will move from North Main Street to the new location.
2-24-1933
A Zeigler Tournament
A sports fan treat fit for kings and also at a price that almost anyone can afford to pay will be the Town Basketball Tournament at the local high school gym all next week and part of the week following.
This town tourney is a new thing in the annals of Zeigler and it being employed as a means of replenishing the coffers of the high school athletic fund. Several teams have sprung up in the city and they have agreed to exhibit their ability for the benefit of the local school.
Here is the schedule for the tournament:
Game No. 1—Methodist Church vs. Croation Juniors, Monday
Game No. 2—Intramural Team vs. Faculty, Monday
Game No. 3—Milosevich Brothers vs. Freshmen, Monday
Game No. 4—American Legion vs. Bell & Zoller Men, Monday
Game No. 5—Baptist Church vs. Married Men, Wednesday
Game No. 6—ZCHS Students from Royalton vs. Juniors, Wednesday
Game No. 7—Seniors vs. Alumni, Thursday
Game No. 8—Sophomores vs. Baggott Street Terrors, Thursday
Game No. 9—Winner of Game No. 2 vs. Winner of Game No. 4, Friday
Game No. 10—Winner of Game No. 6 vs. Winner of Game No. 8, Friday
Game No. 11—Winner of Game No. 1 vs Winner of Game No. 7, Saturday
Game No. 12—Winner of Game No. 3 vs. Winner of Game No. 5, Saturday
Game No. 13—Winner of Game No. 11 vs. Winner of Game No. 12, Monday
Game No. 14—Winner of Game No. 10 vs. Winner of Game No. 9, Monday
Game No. 15—Loser of Game No. 13 vs. Loser of Game No. 14, Tuesday
Game No. 16—Winner of Game No. 13 vs. Winner of Game No. 14, Tuesday
Admission is five and ten cents per session, afternoon or night. The proceeds of this tourney is to go into the high school athletic fund—every cent of it.
The tournament is sponsored by Principal C. W. Wingo and Coaches Martin, Moore and Neville of ZCHS. The high school varsity squad will handle the officiating, timing, and scoring.
2-24-1933
Barber Shop Adds Chair
Sol Nassar last week purchased the interest of his partner, Gilbert Gray, in the DeLuxe barber shop and became the sole owner. Changes immediately followed with the building being sealed with lumber and finished in first class style.
The partition in the building was moved back, giving more room for the workshop and an additional chair is to be installed making a five chair shop.
Walter Cross, who operates a barber shop on South Pine Street is to join the old force at the shop and give this business an increase in capacity of 25 per cent.
2-24-1933
Closing Hours Are Set
The Retail Merchants and the Retail Clerks’ Union Monday night reached an agreement on closing hours. All stores in Zeigler will now close at 6:00 p.m., except on paydays when they will remain open an hour longer. The stores are to remain closed all day Sundays.
3-3-1933
Mrs. Woodward Dies Friday
Mrs. E. G. Woodward died at 8:40 Friday night of last week at her home 806 Maple Street, Zeigler. Death relieved her after twenty months of suffering, the last two and one half being confined to her bed. She suffered from cancer of the liver or gall bladder.
Mrs. Woodward was born seventy-three years ago in Mississippi and came to Zeigler eight years ago.
She leaves her husband and children to mourn her: Lillian Cartright, Mae Warren, Elihu and Wikie Woodward, Mrs. Ted Gibson, Durward Warren.
3-3-1933
Town Tournament Progressing
Monday afternoon saw the start of the Town Tournament in the high school gym. Sixteen teams were lined up to take part and all were present to play.
Monday afternoon the Junior Croations doubled the Methodist Church by a score of 24-12 and the Faculty defeated the Intramural team 21-16. Monday night the Milosevich Brothers overwhelmed the Freshmen by a 47-9 score. The youngest Milosevich, only in the fourth grade, making six points. The second game the Bell & Zoller men defeated the American Legion 17-10 in a tug-of-war game of basketball.
Wednesday night the Baptist Church team defeated the Married Men 31-18 playing under the old rules at the request of the Married men. The Baptist team finished with only four men in the game. The second game Wednesday was ZCHS students from Royalton vs. The Juniors, Royalton winning by a score of 25-18, and the last game Wednesday was a 29-18 defeat for the Bell & Zoller team at the hands of the Faculty.
3-3-1933
Local Happenings
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Skoulas are the proud parents of a baby boy.
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Hudgens, Mr. and Mrs. Martin McPherson, and Mr. and Mrs. Hila Harris motored to St. Louis Thursday.
Leave us your order for young chicks at Dawsons.
Principal C. E. Wingo of the Zeigler Community High School is to officiate at the sectional grade school basketball tournament at Harrisburg this week-end.
The Illinois Commerce Commission has authorized the installation of flashlight signals on the Illinois Central railroad crossing at the point where the road intersects Route 149, about a mile and a half east of Zeigler.
3-3-1933
Primary Election Notice
Notice is hereby given that there will be a Primary Election held on Tuesday, March 14, 1933.
Polling places are:
First Ward—City Hall
Second Ward—No. 9 Circle, Cline-Vick
Third Ward—212 Oak Street
Noah E. Gifford, City Clerk
3-10-1933
Work Progressing On Route 148
One of the two bridges on the new Herrin-Zeigler road is completed and now only one gap remains to complete the new highway on Route 148 from Zeigler to Herrin.
All that remains to be built on the road is the pouring of concrete on the bridge across Pond Creek and the building of the approaches to the bridge.
3-10-1933
Milosevichs Win Tourney
Tuesday night at the high school gym a large crowd witnessed the championhip and consolation games of the first annual town basketball tournament.
The Milosevich team was composed of five brothers. The oldest, Mike, is a former high school football star, shortstop on the Zeigler team when they were American Legion Junior League state baseball champions, and star forward on the Croation Boosters Zeigler independent basketball team. Danny is a high school varsity member George is still in grade school but too old for athletic competition. Paul is a forward on the Zeigler grade school team. The youngest one is only in the fourth grade, but he scored points in every game in which they played in the tournament. These five made up the team without substitutes.
In the championship game Tuesday night the Milosevichs defeated Royalton by a score of 18-12. In the consolation game the Seniors defeated the Faculty by a score of 43-36. The trophies for the winners were two large cakes, baked by the Home Economics class, the Milosevichs received a large white one and Royalton a large chocolate one.
3-10-1933
Zeigler was defeated in the district basketball tournament at West Frankfort Wednesday night by Benton. The score being 21-12.
3-10-1933
Lad Disappears; Ransom Asked
George, the twelve year old adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Somers, 221 North Main Street disappeared from home Monday. The disappearance was followed by a note that night demanding two dollars for the release of the lad.
The boy attends Leiter School. He has eye glasses which are not worn regularly but some of the time. Monday morning he informed his teacher he had forgotten his glasses and asked permission to return home for them. The permission was granted and the boy left school. He did not return home. Since that time his foster parents have been unable to find him.
Since making his home in this city he has disappeared to be later located visiting with friends at Carrier Mills in Saline county.
Monday night on the front porch of the Somers home, was found a ransom note. It was written with printed characters on the end of a pasteboard shoe box. The note read as follows:
$ 2.00 BEFORE WE RETURN
YOU CHILD TO YOU.
PUT THE MONEY IN A
MILK BOTTLE IN YOUR
OLD TOILET
TO NIGHT
BY TEN ‘ CLOCK---A NUT
3-17-1933
Mother Dies in Arkansas
V. O. and Pete Vandergriff were called to Arkansas Monday to attend the funeral of their mother. Their mother formerly made her home in Zeigler and has many friends here.
3-17-1933
Returning Gold to Bank
The First National Bank of Zeigler was one of the first banks to open following the nine day suspension of all the banks of the United States. This was possible because of the excellent condition of the finances of the bank been conserved. In issuing the license to open, the Federal government placed its stamp of approval on the condition of the bank.
Lines are formed in the bank to cash checks and make deposits. Gold, Gold certificates, and old currency is being returned to the bank in large quantities. Wednesday, the first day the bank was opened more than five thousand dollars in gold and gold certificates were deposited. A large amount of old currency also was presented for deposit. According to President F. Guy Hitt of the bank, the deposits Wednesday far exceeded the withdrawals.
3-17-1933
Engineers Are Threatened
Engineers at Bell & Zoller mine No. 1 here have received a warning that unless they quit work they will be murdered on or before April 1st. The warning was written on a note, attached to a brick and dropped in a car belonging to John Payne, one of the mine engineers. The other engineers at the mine are S. B. Holland, James Bennett and Warren Harvey.
The four men are working at the Bell & Zoller mine No. 1, here, which is operating under a contract with the United Mine Workers of America.
Officials of Local Union No. 120, of the Progressive Miners of America, which is composed of miners who have lost their employment at the mines here for alleged affiliation with a duel union, denied that the Progressive Union had any connection with the sending of the warning note.
Victor Wiskamp Grocery & Meat Market
212 Baggott Street Phone 180-2 Zeigler, Illinois
3-24-1933
Home Entered And Robbed
The home of E. A. Meredith, 219 North Main Street was entered and ramsacked in one of the most daring robberies ever committed in this city. The robbery was committed Monday evening about 7:15 p.m. Mr. and Mrs. Meredith were placed in the bathroom and tied up while the robbers removed everything which they considered of value, from the house to an awaiting car.
Monday evening the family was enjoying the evening at home, Mr. Meredith was reading. A car drove up to the front, on stopping two men came to the door and rapped. The door was answered by a girl who makes her home with the Meredith family. On opening the door the men asked if her father was home. The girl called Mr. Meredith, who started to the door by the time he reached the door it was open by the visitors who with drawn revolvers ordered he and Mrs. Meredith into the bathroom where they would be tied up.
A search for money began which netted only about three dollars in cash. Jewelry was then taken and in the search the house was ramsacked and put into very bad order.
The men seemed to be dissatisfied with the small amount of cash obtained and began to remove things of value from the home in a clothes basket. A feather bed and other household supplies were taken.
After they had left the girl released the bound people and the alarm was given, but no trace of the robbers were found.
While the robbers were not masked, they were careful that the family had no chance to study them for future identification. The short glance the girl securred at the door furnishes about their only description. Both wore overcoats and one was much taller than the other was about the only description Mr. Meredith could give The News.
3-31-1933
Mayor and Commissioner Held For Questioning
Mayor C. M. Smith and Water Commissioner A. C. Carr were picked up Thursday morning and taken to the county jail for questioning in a fire which occurred early in the morning on South Pine Street.
About three o’clock Thursday morning the home of Mrs. Frank Ford, 301 South Pine Street, was discovered to be on fire. Probably a half hour elapsed before the arrival of the fire department. At that time this building was practically destroyed and the large store building on the north occupied by Borman & Son was under a good headway with fire. Fire departments from West Frankfort and Christopher come to the rescue of the Zeigler department.
The cause of the fire is unknown. Ray Edmundson, President of the Sub District of the United Mine Workers of America, made his home at the residence. Chester Ford, an active member of the same organization also made his home there. This together with the rapidity with which the building burned caused a great deal of gossip and charges passed back and forth of arson connected to union fighting.
Tom Mooncotch, acting fire chief, stated that the fire seemed to have started in the center of the building. No one was at home at the time the fire started, and no evidence from outside the house is available. The News questioned many people as to the reason the fire department was so late to the fire.
Sheriff Browning Robinson had taken over the policing of the city, suspending the powers of Mayor Smith. This has created friction which is far from being to the best interest of the city. This lack of co-operation has caused the absence of city officials at the city hall at night and very little activity during the daytime.
When the alarm was given no one was at the city hall except the posse of deputy sheriffs. They had adopted the rule of checking up before rushing the fire engine to the scene of the fire. Considerable time was lost in this investigation. Tom Mooncotch stated to The News they saw the light of the flames before the engine was ordered to proceed. Fire Chief Walter Kroski not being at the city hall, Mooncotch assumed the position of chief, made a run to the scene of the fire, arriving twenty or thirty minutes after the alarm had been turned in. Despite his efforts and the company from Christopher, both buildings were destroyed.
Conflicting rumors and charges lead to the picking up of Mayor C. M. Smith, and Water Commissioner A. C. Carr by the sheriff’s forces. By noon Thursday no complaints had been filed against anyone.
3-31-1933
Guilty of Taking Relief
A large number of persons pleaded guilty in Benton last week to charges of fraudulently receiving charity and were fined or paroled upon paying costs and making restitution. They were arrested in a drive against receiving supplies from relief stations in this county while maintaining postal and other savings.
Among those persons named Tuesday in warrants issued by State’s Attorney Marion M. Hart were George Sinkevich and his wife Josephine of Zeigler and Mrs. Louis Urbain of Clebourne. They were charged with obtaining relief from the local station of the Illinois Emergency Relief Commission while at the same time maintaining postal savings accounts.
It is charged Sinkevich and his wife received $42.25 relief while having $1600 in postal savings. Mrs. Urban received $49.97 relief while she had $700 postal savings.
3-31-1933
Clear Streets of Idlers
Tuesday afternoon a squad of deputy sheriffs appeared at the city hall and informed Mayor C. M. Smith that his police authority had been suspended by the sheriff and for the present the policing of the city would be under the orders of the sheriff at Benton. No efforts were made to disarm the regular policemen but special officers who had been recently appointed were disarmed and instructed to go home and make no further effort to police the city. The forces established headquarters at the city hall and proceeded to disperse all crowds.
3-31-1933
No Troops At Present
Troops will not be sent to Franklin county now. Whether they eventually will be ordered there depends on what Sheriff Browning Robinson and States’ Attorney Marion Hart of Franklin County have to say about the situation.
This was indicated by Governor Henry Horner Wednesday afternoon following a conference at which Mayor Smith of Zeigler and Claude Pearcy, president of the P. M. U., demanded that the National Guard be sent to Franklin county.
“It is only fair to hear both sides of the story,” Governor Horner said. Sheriff Robinson and States’ Attorney Hart had been requested to appear at Springfield Wednesday night.
“I have done my duty by those who must depend upon my office for protection, in the past, and I expect to continue doing so as long as I am in office,” Sheriff Robinson stated.
3-31-1933
Handbills From Airplane
Despite the fact that several thousand handbills were distributed by airplane Sunday calling a general strike of all miners Monday, the Sheriff of Franklin County reported that all mines that were expected to work did work. The bills were signed by the “Franklin County Central Strike Committee, Progressive Miners of America, Zeigler, Illinois.”
The United Mine Workers were claiming victory as the result of what they termed the failure of the so called “big push” of the Progressive in Franklin County. Despite plans by members of the Progressive movement, made in a meeting here Sunday, to call strikes at all the mines in the county, all six shafts scheduled to work were in operation with restricted crews.
3-31-1933
Marriage License
John Enot, 24, and Aldona Partock, 19 both of Zeigler.
3-31-1933
Stotlar-Herrin Lumber Company George P. Bagott, Manager, Zeigler
Big Paint Offer—5 gallon Diamond House Paint
2 gallons Linseed Oil
1—3 ½ or 4 inch Paint Brush
1—1 ½ Brush for trimming
ALL FOR $ 9.75
4-7-1933
Opening New Drug Store
The Endling Drug Company will open a new drug store in the post office building within a few days. Workmen are busy altering the building and as soon as this is completed the store will move in.
R. A. Endling, the proprietor of the store is a experienced druggest. At present he operates a store at Buckner. This will be the main store with the Buckner store operating with a small stock pending return of better times in that city.
Mr. Endling stated to The News that he had looked over some forty or fifty locations since deciding to move and the prospects here appeared to be the best of any place visited and he decided to locate here.
4-7-1933
Petition Before the Courts
The Peoples’Party headed by J. C. Deaton as candidate for mayor has gone to the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois in an effort to secure a place on the ballot in the city election April 18th.
By mandamus proceedings they have requested the Supreme Court to call in City Clerk Noah Gifford for the purpose of questioning him as to why this party has not been placed on the ballot. Papers complying with this request was served on the city clerk Wednesday morning. The hearing is set for Friday morning at Springfield.
These proceedings are expected to clear up some of the questions involved in the organization of a new party and methods of selecting candidates for municipal offices.
Mr. Gifford had decided the petition of the Peoples Party was defective and that party has now appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court.
4-7-1933
Principal Is Honored
Principal Charles E. Wingo of the Zeigler Community High School was chosen second vice-president of the Southern Illinois Teachers’ Association at its closed session in Carbondale last Friday.
4-7-1933
New Board Member
Beginning Saturday Ray Edmundson out-going president of this sub-district, took up his duties as Executive Board Member of the International Union, to which position he was appointed by International President John L. Lewis some days ago.
Edmundson has long been a leader in mining affairs of Franklin county, the present appointment being, no doubt, in recognition of the ability and courage he has demonstrated during the present struggle with the Progressive miners.
4-7-1933
Grand Jury in Session
A special grand jury was called Tuesday morning to investigate recent violations of the law in this county.
Among the cases inquired into is the recent fire that destroyed the boarding house of Mrs. Frank Ford, Zeigler widow, where Ray Edundson, United MineWorkers America county leader, had roomed.
John Moulin is being held, charged with complicity in the affair.
4-14-1933
Several Hurt in Mine
Wednesday seemed to have been an unlucky day in the operation of Bell & Zoller Mine No. 2 No less than three men were more or less seriously injured that day.
Lee Sheffer was caught by a car and received head injuries. He had been working below but a few days. In spragging a car he was caught and injured.
E. Meredith suffered a broken leg in an accident at the mine Wednesday The News was unable to learn the particulars of the accident.
Jack Mabon was also injured before the mine stopped work for the day.
Peck Davis, son of Browney Davis also received injuries to his arm while coupling cars.
4-14-1933
Carr Heads School Ticket
A. C. Carr and Foster King were elected members of the Board of Education of District 87 (elementary) in a spirited election Saturday. The vote in that district was: Carr—678, King—669, Neu—410, Connor—380
Mack Ashman and Dan Reeves were elected without opposition to members of the Board of Education in the election for District 109 (high school) in the same election.
4-14-1933
Strike Bills Are Dropped From Plane
The airplane dropping strike bills again visited this city Wednesday evening. Several thousand page bills were dropped to encourage the striking Progressive Miners and requesting them to stay at home.
The bills pledged to provide substance for those on strike, and claimed the new organization is winning the strike.
4-14-1933
ZCHS News
The Zeigler track team journeyed to Hurst-Bush last Saturday afternoon and came home with third money. Five schools participated in the meet, they were: Christopher, Valier, Sesser, Hurst-Bush and Zeigler.
Zeigler only gathered two first places: Sheffer won the mile, Horvath won the discus and third in the shot put, Yancy placed second in the 440 and Natyshok placed second in the 100 yard dash.
4-21-1933
Prominent Lady Dies Friday
Mrs. Paul Jones died early Friday morning at the Barnes Hospital in St. Louis after an illness of less than ten hours.
Thursday evening Mrs. Jones became ill. A physician was called who pronounced her to be seriously ill and recommended she be rushed to a hospital. She was taken to St. Louis where she died within two hours after entering the hospital.
The body was brought back to the family home at 208 Maple Street. Mrs. Jones was born in Herrin, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O.B. Banhill, who was formerly a hoisting engineer at one of the mines here. She was married to Paul Jones in 1923.
4-28-1933
New Managers At Theatre
A deal was closed this week whereby Joe Pirka and Charles Barchman have taken over the Empire Theatre and will operate it as a purely local venture, not being a branch of some chain theatres.
They are both home boys, expecting to present excellent programs and will receive the support of local people.
4-28-1933
Law Routs Progressives
The meeting of the Progressive miners, scheduled Monday afternoon, was broken up by officers.
Several gathered at the Progressive headquarters near the city hall.
Sheriff Browning Robinson and deputies told them the meeting had been called off. Deputy Sheriff Byford Vaughn and Constable J. E. Clem prodded several of them in the rear with machine guns.
4-28-1933
Local Man Charged with Gun Toting
Glen Hawkins of Zeigler, member of the United Mine Workers of America was arrested by local police Wednesday, charged with carrying a concealed weapon. He was placed in the city jail to await action of the local court.
4-28-1933
Toggery Tailors
207 Church Street Suits Cleaned & Pressed .50
Empire Theatre
Zane Grey’s “Smoked Lighting” Chapter 10 “Last Frontier”
Saturday, April 29 Admission .10
Farm For Sale, 1 ½ miles northwest of Zeigler, joining the Miner Church ground near Center School on gravel roads. Priced cheap for quick sale. Inquire at the Crawshaw Funeral Home, Murphysboro, Illinois.
4-28-1933
Marriage License
Paul Taylor, 21, and Joan Stimac, 18,both of Zeigler
5-5-1933
Seven Teachers are Dropped
Seven teachers were dropped from the faculty of the city schools at a meeting of the Board of Education Thursday evening of last week. When the vote was called to re-employ these teachers the board was tied with three to employ and three not to employ. Troy Parsons, president of the board, cast the deciding vote which was not to employ.
5-5-1933
Dies From Heart Attack
Mrs. Polly Watson, wife of William Watson 213 Orchard Street died Sunday night after a few minutes illness from heart attack. Mrs. Watson, who was forty-eight years of age had attended evening services at the Methodist Church.
She had lived in this city fourteen years. She leaves her husband and five children. The children are: Mrs. Dale Brown, Edith, Nancy, Noeline, and Robert Watson.
5-5-1933
County Clerk Has Beer License Blanks
County Clerk Zona Fay Pritchett has received application blanks for persons wishing to obtain state beer licenses. A state license cost $50., which added to the federal license of $ 20. And city of Zeigler license of $ 150. Makes the total cost of $ 220. for persons retailing beer in Zeigler.
5-5-1933
Grand Jury Is Drawn
The grand jurors for the May term of circuit court have been selected. Chosen from Six-Mile Township were Edward Morgan and Roy Clutts.
5-12-1933
Drys To Make Fight
The dry element of this township has called a meeting for Saturday evening at the Methodist Church in this city to form an organization to oppose the repeal of the Eighteenth Ammendment to the Federal Constitution.
The organization will be formed, electing captains in each of the three precincts and a captain for the township.
The purpose of the organization is more to find the dry sentiment that exists here. They wish to count noses to be in a better position to carry out future plans in dealing with the question of intoxicating liquor.
5-12-1933
Flats To Be Razed
The “Flats” landmark of the early days of coal mining in this city and Franklin county are to be dismantled.
M.H. Detweiler, vice president of the Zeigler Coal & Coke Company, has announced that the two huge apartment buildings, all that remains of the original group of five that comprised the “Flats,” are to be sold.
The “Flats” were built by Joe Leiter in 1903 and 1904, during the stormy days when the Zeigler mines were operated “open shop” with “gatling guns” and high powered search light mounted on tipple. The five buildings, housing fifty families, were erected by Leiter to accomodate imported labor with which the mines were operated.
The two-story buildings, composed of six-room apartments, have since been a picturesque reminder of the pioneer days of the coal industry in Franklin county. Three of the buildings have given way to the demands of more modern living standards and only two of the honey-comb-like abodes remain. These two buildings still have accomodations for 28 families, employees of the Bell &Zoller Coal Company. All the apartments are not taken, however, and the coal company officials long ago realized that the “Flats” had served their purpose.
The “Flats” were built in 1903 and 1904 and the living quarters were shared by negros and whites who were at that time employed by the Leiter interests.
Leiter’s clash with organized labor in the operation of the mines here marked the first of Franklin county’s major labor difficulties. Old timers recall that the decision to operate the Zeigler mines “open shop” came during a burst of anger when Leiter, soon after sinking of the first shaft, was on the point of signing a contract with the United Mine Workers for the operation of the properties.
A jubilant remark by one of the union representatives who was present at the signing that “I knew we’d bring him to time,” is said to have so angered Leiter that he flung the pen aside and, returning to Chicago, gave the order to start work with non-union labor.
The “cats” which are about to give way to the inroads of modern demands were long, unattractive looking structures, the largest of which housed twenty families, one long porch, upstairs and down, serving the occupants of the crowded quarters.
The “Flats” hsave beenn an historic part of this city, being closely identified with the city’s traditions as the “Circle” itself, which serves in a unissue way, the same purpose as the customary “Square” in most cities.
5-19-1933
To Coach At DuQuoin
Emory Martin, former Zeigler High School coach will direct DuQuoin’s township high school athletic teams next year, it was decided at a meeting of the high school board of education last week.
Coach Martin had considerable success in his several years at the local school with his athletic teams and his many friends here feel sure he will have still greater success in his new location. Here’s luck, coach.
5-19-1933
City Library To Open
The city library will open in a few days in the block school building between Church and Oak Streets. Since the destruction of the Community Hut by fire several weeks ago, the library having no place to open, had been closed with the books in storage.
Arrangements were made this week for the re-opening of the library in the new location and it will be ready to issue book to those requesting them.
5-19-1933
Two Men Seek Damage
Suits have been filed in the Circuit Court at Benton by Edward Cagle and Elbert Hurst against Mayor Charles M. Smith of this city, each asking for $ 2,500 damage for false arrest and abuse at the hands of Zeigler officers.
The case is the outgrowth of the arrest of five Christopher men here April 26, last, the others being Glen Hawkins, Frank Rose and Perry Johnston.
The petition sets forth that the local officers, at the command of Mayor Smith, “with force and arms, assaulted the plantiffs’ and siezed and laid hold of them with great violence, pulled and dragged them about the streets knocked them down and then struck them again and again with violent blows.”
The plaintiffs to be imprisoned in the city jail here from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. without any reasonable or probable case whatsover. They were not only bruised and wounded but were exposed to public disgrace.
Fearing for the safety of the men, it held in the Zeigler jail over night, Sheriff Browning Robinson came to Zeigler and after a conference with Mayor Smith the prisoners were turned over to the sheriff with the understand that the Mayor would go to Benton the following day and prefer changes or they would be released. Smith did not file charges in Benton.
5-19-1933
Are Installing Flash Signals
Workmen are busy installing the latest design of flash signals at the Illinois Central railroad crossing on Route 149 east of this city. The work is being rushed and within a few days one of the dangerous grade crossings will be protected with the new signals.
Many serious accidents have happened at the crossing since the state route was paved. The greater danger existed because of the schedule of running trains at that point.
This line is the main coal outlet on the Illinois Central from Williamson county. There are no passenger trains operated on this line.
5-26-1933
Installing Cooling System
Patrons of the Empire Theatre will enjoy healthy, cooling air during the hot summer months and will also enjoy the articulation of the latest improved sound screen.
The boys in charge of the theatre are making every effort to make the Empire the best show house in Egypt. They stated to The News they will install improvements as rapidly as conditions will permit.
5-26-1933
Federal Officers Are Busy
Federal agents, who are now attempting to clean up the wet spots in this territory, produced good results late Thursday of last week when they snared eight men and took them to the county jail at Benton.
The first contingent consisted of D. M. Brown, 45; J.A. Brown, 23; William McCarvey, 48; Thomas Fogle, 28; R. Z. Reed, 35; all of Zeigler. Stoy Fogel, 31, Herrin and Walthan L. Mazo, 33, Freeman.
According to the federal officers who made the arrests on a charge of violating the prohibition laws, these men were found near a still in a woods near Freeman. The men contended, however, that they were merely gathering greens and just happened to be in the vicinity of the still.
John Zekas, 45, of this city, was also taken in later on the charge of violating the prohibition act.
5-26-1933
Republicans Organize Club
The Young Men’s Republican Club is taking an active part in the judicial campaign which will close with the election Monday, June 5th. They are inviting every young man between the ages of twenty-one and thirty-one to attend the meeting and join the club. A meeting will be held at the city hall Friday evening at eight o’clock.
They will also conduct a big free dance at the Park Pavillion Sunday night at which everyone is welcome.
5-26-1933
Popular Cafe Leaves Town
The Manhattan Cafe closed its doors for the last time Saturday night. The furnishings were removed to Cape Girardeau, where the restaurant is opening in a new location.
The Manhattan was the oldest cafe in the city . Other restaurants have come and gone but the Manhattan remained until the closing of last week.
When the mining camp of Zeigler was developing into a city some ten or twelve years ago, the Manhattan opened its doors here and has catered to the pubic since. Its neighborhood seems to be some what lonesome without the open doors of this once popular restaurant.
5-26-1933
Boy Drowns In Mine Pond
Adam Semensky age 15, was drown Tuesday evening when he dived in the pond near No. 2 mine. He had gone fishing and was on the Missouri Pacific railroad embankment which runs through the pond. Another boy was in swimming with a bathing suit on. A discussion arose as to which was the best swimmer. The boy in the bathing suit started to swim to an island in the pond. In the excitement Adam did not wait to remove his clothing but dived in the water in an effort to be the first to reach the island.
The boy had gone but a short distance when, weighed down by his wet clothing, he sank.
The boys at the pond recovered the body and attempted to recover life by artificial respiration. Their efforts were without avail and a pullmotor was borrowed from the mine. All efforts would not revive life and the boy was pronounced dead.
5-26-1933
Given Tryout With Cardinals
Johnny Klun is being given a try-out on the Cardinal baseball team of the National League at St. Louis this week. He played on the American Legion Junior baseball team of this city for several years and was a member this year of the team of ex-Juniors, coached and managed by George Hall. Johnny is spending two weeks with the Cardinals and hopes to become a member of that organization.
6-2-1933
Arrest Two On Robbery Charge
Ralph Stockwell, 25, Christopher, and Emmitte Mezo,22 Zeigler, were jailed at Benton Friday night of last week charged with robbery.
It is alleged that these men and possibly others had coined a new racket, that of boarding freight trains running near Zeigler, and robbing any transits that happened to be on the trains.
6-2-1933
Plumber Dies In Colorado
Frank Vansaghi, aged 45, died at the Blockner Catholic Sanitarium in Colorado
Friday, May 26. He had been a patient at the sanitarium about five weeks, suffering from tuberculosis. His body will lay in state at his home, 236 Oak Street.
Frank Vansaghi was born in Italy 45 years ago. He came to the United States at the age of twenty years. He lived several years in Herrin before moving to Zeigler eleven years ago.
For a time he operated a grocery store and soft drink parlor at 236 Oak Street. He later converted the grocery store into a plumbing shop. He resided in the home at the rear of the plumbing shop.
He leaves his wife and two children, Frederick and Erma, both at home.
6-2-1933
Two Men Found Dead on Tracks
Ed Laird, 53, and Joe Walker, 62, were found on the Illinois Central tracks east of Zeigler early Friday morning of last week, where they had apparently been run over by a train. Boys on the railroad about a half mile east of Zeigler found one of the bodies. They reported the gruesome find to Gilbert Hall, who investigated. While viewing the first body, Mr. Hall looked down the track and found another body.
The men had been drinking and are supposed to have gone to the railroad and gone to sleep on the track. Both men were cronies and were seen together most every idle day of the mine.
Both men had been employed in the mine and were known as capable miners.
6-9-1933
Shipping Coal To World’s Fair
Sixty car loads of Zeigler coal from No. 2 shaft was shipped Saturday to “A Century of Progress,” the World’s Fair at Chicago.
There is a model coal mine on the exposition grounds and a part of the coal will be placed in the mine to exhibit to visitors and to show the working of a coal mine in Southern Illinois.
6-9-1933
Leon Coet, Coxspur Street was taken to the Zeigler hospital Wednesday where he underwent an operation for appendicitis.
The Balkan Store
A complete line of fine groceries
Our special
Lucky Strikes .12 Pkg.---2 for .23
6-16-1933
Dies After Short Illness
Mrs. Cordelia Goodson-Lefler, wife of Joe Lefler, died Thursday night at the Zeigler hospital after a few hours illness. Mrs. Lefler lived with her husband on a farm about four miles east of Zeigler. She has been suffering from high blood pressure. Tuesday she became seriously ill and was rushed to the hospital where she passed away within a few hours.
Mrs. Lefler came to this city about four years ago from Hillsboro to accept a position as operator for the Western Union Telegraph Company.
She leaves her husband, but no children.
6-23-1933
Power Company In New Home
The Central Illinois Public Service Company have removed their power office from North Main Street to the ice plant on East Maryland street just across the street from the Illinois Central depot.
The company operates the light and power lines in Zeigler and also operates the Zeigler Ice Plant. The power lines have had a separate office in a rented building although one man superintendented both industries.
6-30-1933
Good Prices AT Drug Store
Green’s Drug Store in offering real bargains in almost every line of merchandise to be found in this popular drug store. To properly advertise these special prices, they used the presses of The Zeigler News this week to print page bills.
6-30-1933
Pneumonia Proves Fatal
Miss Catherine Rebeschini, the nineteen year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Rebeschini died Monday night at the home of her parents, 801 Cockspur Street, from tuberculosis followed by pneumonia.
The daughter has been sick for several weeks. She was a student of the Community High School and graduated at the close of the past term. She was unable to attend the graduation exercises and the Diploma was presented to her privately.
6-30-1933
Surprise Their Many Friends
Miss Marie Hecklebech and Eddie Riley surprised their many friends when they announced this week that they had been married in Wickliff, Kentucky on November first last year.
The young couple, without telling their many friends, motored to Kentucky, on November first and were quietly married. Mrs. Riley is a nurse employed in St. Louis. She was visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Hecklebech, and returned Kentucky to St. Louis while her husband returned to this city and resumed his occupation as a miner at No. 2 mine.
They have not planned their future home.
6-30-1933
Says City Lights May Be Turned Off
In an interview with Mayor C. M. Smith,Thursday morning, he stated there is serious danger of the street lights of Zeigler being turned off.
He states that for two years the street lights have been maintained from profits from the scavanger fund. Because of the Delinquent taxes for the last several years it was found that the city could not realize enough profit from that department to maintain the light. In an effort to finance this department the scavanger work was turned over to Abraham Killgore. In exchange for the privilege he was to pay the bill for street lights, which is $81.25 per month.
It is understood that the city scavanger and independent scavangers are to charge the same price. By using the city scavanger, the resident will not only get his sewerage removed but will also receive in addition lights for the streets.
6-30-1933
Two Cent Local Postage After July 1
Letters mailed in Zeigler for delivery in Zeigler will cost two cents instead of three cents, beginning July first, but letters mailed in Zeigler to any other post office will still cost three cents, according to instructions received by the Zeigler Post Office this week.
This change in first class postage rates is the only one ordered by Congress this time, and is made effective for only one year.
6-30-1933
Feed Store Moved to Oak Street
The Zeigler Feed Store moved this week from Pine Street to 206 Oak Street where they will handle their products which include all kinds of feed.
7-7-1933
Car Shot Up At Christopher
Archie McNeal of Zeigler, was treated for wounds and his car contains several bullet holes in another flare-up of the strife among the miners. The car was shot into Tuesday night while at the junction of routes 14 and 149, well within the city of Christopher.
On examination, it was found one tire had been punctured by a bullet, a hole and a heavy dent in a fender and one hole in the rear. This bullet was almost in a line with the driver and embeded itself in the door jam. It barely missed a passenger in the rear and almost struck McNeal, who was driving.
McNeal stated there was a party of six in the car, four men and two women. They had spent the day at the Progressive Miners’ meeting at Belleville. They reached Christopher enroute to their home in Zeigler, about nine-thirty p.m.
On entering Christopher they noted a car following them. The strange car ran around them at a dark place and attempted to force them to the curb. Not realizing their danger and believe the car was turning into a side street they passed it. The strange car again passed them and stopped at the junction of route 148 on the main street.; McNeal stopped to await the movement of the car in front. Instead of proceeding, two men from the head car rushed back to theirs, one on either side. McNeal says he was attacked with a blackjack while the other men in the front seat was attacked with a gun, used as a club.
McNeal threw his car in reverse, backed a short distance and went around the car ahead. As he passed the two men, they opened fire with revolvers and left several holes in the car.
Following the shooting the party continued to their homes in Zeigler. Mr. McNeal stated he could not positively identify his assailants.
7-7-1933
Local Marriage
Charles Kraieski, 45, Cleburne and Stella Bartowski, 27, Zeigler
7-7-1933
Pirka Is Sole Manager
Joe Pirka is the sole manager of the Empire Theatre. A deal was closed Friday of last week and Charles Barkeman retired as a pardner in the firm.
The boys have been making a heroic struggle to keep the theatre open but decided business did not justify both remaining in the company which operates the theatre. It was decided that Pirka would attempt to keep the house going should he receive enough patronage.
7-7-1933
Guy Hitt Named Conservator
F. Guy Hitt, President of the First National Bank of Zeigler has been named conservator of the First National Bank of East St. Louis pending its reorganization under plans approved by the Treasury Department, it was announced Friday.
Hitts’ appointment is due to ability to keep the First National Bank of Zeigler open through financial troubles which forced the closing of practically every bank in this county long before the nation-wide banking holiday.
Hitt will serve as conservator only until this reorganization plan is finally put into effect.
7-14-1933
Jewelry Store Is Closed
The Boyer Jewelry store closed its doors this week, moved the merchandise to the home of the owner, John C. Boyer. The room is occupied as additional floor space and storage room for the Green Drug Store.
The Boyer Jewelry store was one of the oldest business establishments in this city. When the coal camp began to develop into a city John C. Boyer and wife came to this city from Carmi and opened the jewelry store in a room in the Zeigler State Bank building. From there they moved to Church Street in the Leader building. While there they suffered a fire and soon opened in the room on Church Street in the building occupied by the Green Drug Store.
About six weeks ago Mr. Boyer accepted employment at the mine and now has retired from the jewelry business.
7-14-1933
City Asks For Loan
The city administration is asking a loan of $ 40,000 from the Federal government under the emergency act for the relief of the unemployed. Should the loan be granted, and it probably will be, it is planned to use the fund for the purpose of paving the gap on Church street between Grant street and Walnut Street, and straightening out the creek which meanders through the city park, and should any funds remain available other work of a similar character will be undertaken.
7-14-1933
Vandergriff Open Beer Parlor
Pete Vandergriff opened a beer parlor on Zeigler Circle this week. He is located in the room formerly occupied by the Progressive Cleaners.
Otto Jones, manager of the cleaning establishment has moved his office to his home, 106 Railroad street.
7-14-1933
Library News
We are receiving new books all the time. Among those on the pay shelf we have Open Land by B. M. Bower, As the Earth Turns by Gladys Carrall, Wife for Sale by Kathleen Norris, and The Album by Mary R. Rinehart. We charge .10 per week for the reading of our pay shelf books.
The library is now located in the old Zoller school building to serve the public, open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 till 5 o’clock.
7-21-1933
New League Is Organized
A Play Ball League has been organized in Zeigler by the business men. There are eight teams in the league which play two games each evening except Saturday and Sunday. The games are held at the park near the Baptist Church, Maryland and North Pine streets.
The following teams have been organized and became part of the League: Bell & Zoller,Manager Eugene Prudent; East View Grocery, Manager Lloyd Wimberly; Endling Drug Co., Manager Enoch Nelson; Green Drug Store, Manager Joe Hecklebeck; Kohlsdorf, Manager John Tatar; Raski Brothers, Manager John Sandusky; Post Office, Manager Ivan Penrod; and Zeigler Furniture and Hardware, Manager Albert Zemba.
7-21-1933
Probe Cause for Delay
Steps were taken at a meeting of the West Frankfort Business Men’s Association last night to “look into” the failure of the highway department to condition the detours and fills on Route 149 between West Frankfort and Zeigler.
Complaints regarding the condition of the road have been frequent, with the amount of business between Zeigler and West Frankfort increasing steadily. The fills and detours are not only discomforting to the traveling public but are actually dangerous.
Business concerns which have turned to Zeigler for banking service and others who operate trucks between West Frankfort and Zeigler complained of increasing costs in the upkeep of their motor equipment because of broken springs on the Zeigler road.
The highway department said that the material for surfacing the gaps in the Zeigler road had been shipped to both Zeigler and West Frankfort.
The committee was told that the department was authorized to pay 40 cents an hour for labor on the highway but the Zeigler and West Frankfort labor unions had demanded fifty cents.
7-21-1933
Local Boy In Camp
Fred “Pottie” Hall, one of the two young men of Zeigler selected for service in the Civilian Conservation Corps is now located in Lyman, Washington. He is with Company 1634 consisting of 160 men.
Fred is the son of Herman Hall, former chief of the fire department of Zeigler.
7-21-1933
Local Happenings
Astor Sheffer was a business visitor in Christopher Saturday morning.
Joseph Pirka was a business visitor in Christopher Monday morning.
Thomas Sheffer and son, Thomas Jr. attended a singing convention at Creal Springs Sunday evening.
W. A. Walker, Jr. returned to his home here from Chicago Friday after spending the past few days visiting the World’s Fair there.
Taken Up—Four pigs, owner can have same by proving property, paying for this advertisement and a reasonable charge. Henry Church, Pump Station.
7-28-1933
Found Dead At Home
Andy Seretin, proprietor of the Modern Bakery, 604 Maple Street was found dead Saturday morning at the side of the bakery. He had been shot with a revolver in the head and the gun was found near-by. No one could be found who heard the fatal shot.
Andy Seretin was one of the pioneer bakers of this city. He came to Zeigler about fifteen years ago and established the Modern Bakery. He was one of the large party from this city taking the “Good Will Tour” in 1925 to spread the fame of the Genuine Zeigler Coal. He was fifty-one years of age at the time of his death.
An inquest will be held Thursday by Corner Clayton when additional evidence is expected to be presented concerning the mysterious death of Andrew Seretin, 51 year old baker of Zeigler.
7-28-1933
Attacks Man With Ax
Last week Joe Arenkovitch was a patient at the Zeigler Hospital. He was suffering from some ailment to the head. Sunday afternoon he left the hospital for a short time. When Joe left the hospital he went to his home at 505 Baggott Street. He invited some of the neighbors in. The invitation was accepted by George Bartusky. Within a short time neighbors heard a commotion and saw Joe leave, locking the door behind him. It was noted that George did not leave and neighbors investigated, breaking in the door.
On the floor was found Bartusky, unconscious and bleeding from the wounds in his head. A bloody ax was found nearby. The man was rushed to the hospital where it was found his injuries, while very painful, were not serious.
Joe Arenkovitch was immediately turned over to county officials for a sanity hearing.
7-28-1933
To Keep Money At Local Bank
The board of supervisors in their special meeting at Benton, last week, approved the First National Bank of Zeigler as a depository for the county clerk and circuit clerk. The banking accounts of these two offices heretofore has been carried in the First National Bank of St. Louis.
The action was taken after a special committee composed of Harry Lewis, Roy McCarty and Walter Schmitt had reported on an investigation they made and recommended the action.
7-28-1933
Production Shows Increase
Coal production in the mines of Franklin County is showing great gains within the past few days. Coal production is increasing, with more men working.
The two Zeigler mines, Bell & Zoller Mines No. 1 and No. 2 are working practically every day and from present indications they may work the five days per week which is set by the new industrial codes.
7-28-1933
Marriage License
Steve Ferketich, 31, and Mary Bartoli, 36 both of Zeigler
8-4-1944
Wingo Made New Member
Charles E. Wingo, Principal of the Zeigler Community High School has been elected to the Theta chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, professional fraternity only men who are doing superior work in the graduate School are eligible for membership. Of the total of 1338 students registered at Cornell University this summer only 40 have received this high honor.
Zeigler is to be complimented for having a man like Mr. Wingo at the head of their high school. His abilities has won him the position of vice-president of The Southern Illinois High School Principals’ Association.
8-4-1933
New Insurance Agency At Zeigler
Messrs. V. M. Baggott and J. M. Speer have recently established an Insurance and Real Estate office at Zeigler, their quarters being in the building next door to Davey’s Cafe.
The new firm will handle insurance of all kinds, real estate, rentals, collections, and their Notary will give attention to conveyancing, drawing of wills, etc.
8-4-1933
Cemetery Is Cleaned Up
The Old Cemetery on Maryland Street near the Community High School grounds was cleaned up last week by the men of this city who are on state relief. The shrubbers and thick growth of timber has been cut off and the grass and weeds burned off. Tomb stones and unmarked graves are now brought out into the light of day.
Very few of the present population of Zeigler have dear one interred in this plot and very little attention has heretofore been paid to the up keep of the cemetery.
When the Leiter interest purchased the land in this vicinity preparatory to sinking No. l mine there was a private cemetery at this location. It was exempted and dedicated as a burial ground.
When the mining camp was first opened to the public and the city began to grow this was the only cemetery near the city. Burials were frequent but it was found the burials in unmarked graves had far extended outside the cemetery grounds, many were burried in the street which runs along the side of the cemetery. Inside the grounds it was often found that more than one body had been burried at different depths in the same grave.
This over crowded condition of the cemetery led to the opening of the New City Cemetery on Route 148 north of this city.
8-4-1933
Inquest For Baker Says Unknown Person Fired Shot
The verdict of the coroner’s inquest last week after its investigation in to the death of Andy Seretin, 51 years old Zeigler baker who was found dead in is home Saturday morning, stated that Seretin had come to his death by “gunshot wounds by persons unknown.” A 45 caliber automatic pistol was found near the body and the bullet wound appeared to have been made by a gun of the same caliber.
8-4-1933
Takes Troubles to Court
The handling of scavanger work in Zeigler was transferred to the circuit court when Lee S. Hall applied for an injunction against city officials to prevent them enforcing the ordinance governing this occupation. This action was taken after Hall had been arrested charged with violating the ordinance.
The position of scavanger for this city has caused considerable trouble to the city administration for the past two years. Formerly this work was handled as it is in other cities. A scavanger was appointed by the incoming mayor, and accepted by the city council. Usually he had no competition and handled this work at the pleasure of the city administration.
Two years ago, in an effort to raise finances the city took this service in an effort to help finance the city. A considerable profit was realized which was used to pay for the street light and the remaining funds applied to other city expenses.
Difficulties began to raise immediately. The city found competition in furnishing the service and an ordinance was passed calling for a heavy license for this work.
The service moved along rather successfully until the difficulties developed between the miner’s unions. With the number of families without work the city was hard put to meet expenses for this service and turned it over to Abraham Kilgore, who offered to pay for the street lights if the receipts were sufficient to leave him a reasonable return for the work.
In the meantime the city began to fill up with new people who are affiliated with the United Mine Workers. These new comers and others were the only miners with an income with which to pay for the scavanger service. This group insisted on having a scavanger to their liking and petitioned Mr. Hall to take the work.
The independent Mr. Hall took the work and reduced the income to the city to such an extent that it was necessary to cut off the street lights and the city is in darkness at night.
Mr. Hall had no more than started his service until he was arrested. This case is pending in the city courts. In the meantime Mr. Hall has appealed to the circuit court for an injunction.
8-4-1933
Local Happenings
George P. Baggott & family are in Chicago this week attending the Century of Progress.
Mr. and Mrs. Buster Morgan and Mr. and Mrs. Grundy Huey spent the day Sunday in St. Louis.
Don Breeze, Earl Neibchk Fred and Robert Thalgott left Monday on a fishing trip to Shawneetown.
Mr. and Mrs. Lige Walker spent Wednesday in Benton, where Mr. Walker served as a witness in court.
Mrs. Alice Webb spent the week end visiting her sisters in Benton.
8-11-1933
Repairing Road Gaps
State Police were on hand Tuesday to insure that the work met with no interference, as the state maintenance men began the work of improving the unpaved gaps on state highway 149 between West Frankfort and Zeigler.
Local labor union officials had protested the departments’ doing the work at the wages paid state employees. They maintained that the work should be classed as construction instead of maintenance.
Residents of Zeigler and West Frankfort had appealed to the state highway department for the work to be done as the gaps were in a very bad condition.
The fills are to be graded and recovered with chat, after which they will be oiled and should be in satisfactory condition for use this winter.
8-11-1933
Short Measures By Brewers
Many complaints have been filed by proprietors of beer parlors of this city that the beer kegs used by the brewers and considerably under the capacity for which they are sold. Some kegs that are supposed to hold sixteen gallons have been measured and found to contain to hold less than fourteen gallons.
These complaints have been filed with the State Division of Standards and testers have been sent to Zeigler to checkup on the complaint. It is reported the testers have found the complaints justified.
8-11-1933
Held For Questioning
Frank Perkins, 65, was found beaten to death in his home in Harrisburg early Monday.
Evidence showed he had been struck at least 25 times. A badly dented plate off the bottom of an electric coffee urn, found near the body, is believed to be the weapon.
The crime was disclosed following a report by Scan W. Powell of Zeigler, that he had seen the body. Powell is being held by authorities pending an investigation. Police said Powell was intoxicated at the time he reported the find.
8-11-1933
Recommend New Post Office
A new federal building for Zeigler has been recommended by federal officials in Washington. The recommendation is not final and the funds have not been appropriated, but the prospects are very bright. With the population of this city and the postal receipts here it is to be hoped this city will not be dropped.
If approved by federal officials, two plans will be presented. To construct a new building, giving work to this city’s unemployed, or to purchase the building owned by the Zeigler State Bank. This bank is now in process of liquidation and the sale of the building at a reasonable price would allow a dividend to the depositors.
8-11-1933
Welcome To Our City
The merchants of Zeigler are extending a welcome to the new employees of the two Bell & Zoller mines in this city. Hundreds of miners have moved here within the past two months. The business men want miners to feel that this is their home, to take the same pride in Zeigler that they took in the cities from which they came.
8-11-1933
Is Improving Drug Store
Workmen have been busy the past two weeks enlarging and improving the display space at the Green Drug Store on Zeigler Circle. At the time Boyer Jewelry store ceased business the drug store took over the room.
The drug store had outgrown their original floor space. The stock had been increased until it could not be properly displayed without increasing the floor space.
8-11-1933
Local Happenings
The Most Popular of Desserts
Ice Cream
.25 a quart in bulk or brick
Goody Shop 102 Oak Street
Zeigler Furniture and Hardware Company
Combination End Table & Magazine Rack $ 1.50
Smokers .89
Give the Folks a New Deal, a vacation trip to the Illinois State Fair, admission only .25
Amos Pulliam has retired from the company operating the service station on Church Street next to Dawson’s Furniture & Hardware Co. The new firm in charge of the station is R. N. Baker and Company.
The explosion of an oil stove Tuesday caused the loss of the home of Harry Owlsey, 213 Station street. When a match was applied an explosion resulted which caused the entire room to become aflame. The fire spread so rapidly that none of the furnishings or clothing could be removed and all was lost in the fire.
8-18-1933
Man Escapes Assassin
Mike Aleksick, an employed member of the United Mine Workers, living at No. 6 Cook Shack was fired on Wednesday evening at 8:41. The chicken house door has one hole through which a bullet passed.
He thinks the firing of the shots was a result of the factional fight among the miners and he was fired on because he is working. Aleksick was in the yard and two men were passing on the walk. When they saw him they opened fire and he ran to the home for a gun. The men disappeared before he could secure a gun. He says the two fellows were slim men.
8-18-1933
Despondent Shoots Self
Joe Boros, 606 South Pine street died Sunday from a gunshot wound which was self inflicted at his home Friday morning. Mr. Boros had been under the care of physicians for the past two or three years. About six weeks ago he became a patient in a St. Louis hospital. The hospital staff informed him that he was suffering from high blood pressure and he would be restricted to light work.
Mr. Boros formerly worked in the mines here and became identified with the “Progressive” element among the miners.
8-18-1933
Ball Player Drops Dead
Leo Vaughn of Vancil Bend on the Big Muddy river and brother of Adolph Vaughn was stricken while playing ball at Osage, west of Royalton Sunday afternoon.
Although he was forty-seven years of age he decided to take part in a ball game. During the excitement of the ball game he was stricken and died within a short time. At the time he was stricken it was noted that he was sweating blood on his throat.
Death resulted from a ruptured blood vessel of his neck.
8-18-1933
Robbers Enter Lumber Yard
Robbers entered the office of the Zeigler Lumber Company, corner Pine and Birch streets Monday night and removed $ 60.00 from the safe. Nothing else was taken and care was taken in removing a glass from the side door to gain entrance.
8-25-1933
Principal Wingo Returns
Charles E. Wingo, Principal of Zeigler Community High School returned this week from Ithaca, New York where he has been working on a Master Degree in Education at Cornell University. Mr. Wingo achieved high honors in his studies and was elected into Phi Delta Kappa.
8-25-1933
High School To Open
School will open with classes meeting each hour on Tuesday, September 5, 1933. Pupils are requested to bring paper and pencil for the first day. Those who have second hand books to trade or sell may bring them on this day and there will be an exchange in the auditorium after dismissal.
8-25-1933
Falling Prop Injures Miner
J. H. Henry suffered a serious injury Tuesday when he was hit in the head in the mine by a falling prop.
A car jumped the track and dislodged a mine prop which in falling struck Mr. Henry on the head. He was taken to the Zeigler hospital where the injury was reported to be serious.
8-25-1933
Rotary Club Re-Organized
The Rotary Club is being organized with many new members. H. J. Mason has been elected President and the meeting nights have been changed to Wednesday evenings.
The Rotary Club has had the longest active life of any civic organization in Zeigler. At one time it had a larger percentage of business and professional men of this city in the club than claimed by any of the surrounding cities.
8-25-1933
Zeigler Ball League Notes
The Zeigler Business Mens’ League finished the first half of the season on August 23. The season is to be split into two halves. The team winning the first half will play the team that wins the second half.
There will be a city series of five games. The team winning three out of the five games will be the champions of the league and will be presented with the Kohlsdorf Cup, that will remain in the possession of that team for one year.
In order for a team to retain permanent possession of this trophy they will have to win the cup twice.
There will be two games each evening that will start at 5 o’clock p.m. and consist of seven innings instead of nine.
The second half of this season promises to be of great interest, the rivalry is very keen and will be much more so as the season advances.
8-25-1933
Pastor Tenders Resignation
Rev. John Phillips, pastor of the First Baptist Church has resigned his pastorate here and in a short time will move to Iberia, Missouri where his son lives. He will enter the evangelistic work for the present.
Rev Phillips has been paster of the First Baptist Church for the past seven years and eight months. He has made many friends who regret is leaving Zeigler.
8-25-1933
Acts As Judge of Beauty Contest
R.R. Frazier, cashier of the First National Bank was one of the judges in the beauty contest last week, conducted by the business men of Herrin. Amos Pulliam also attended the contest.
8-25-1933
Our chickens, Have all Been Grown by Farmers Living Near Zeigler. Zeigler Feed Store, 206 Oak Street Zeigler
9-1-1933
Dies At Anna State Hospital
Alex Strakosc aged nineteen, died at the Anna State Hospital, Monday after being there some eight days. He had suffered from a nervous breakdown and was moved to the hospital. His body was brought back to Zeigler for burial.
9-1-1933
Birthday Party at Methodist Parsonage
Nearly a score of the ladies of the Methodist Church met at the parsonage last Monday evening in honor of Mrs. Gould’s birthday, and gave her a handerchief shower. The was spent in games and social amusements and light refreshments were served.
The memory of Zeigler will linger in the minds of the people of the parsonage like the fragrance of withered flowers long after their connection with the change has been served.
9-1-1933
Local Happenings
Mr. and Mrs. Orval Dudek and Mrs. Brownine Davis spent Monday in Carterville visiting Mrs. Davis’mother.
9-1-1933
Frank Kuster Seriously Ill
Frank Kuster is in a hospital suffering from a paraletic stroke, however, his chances for recovery is favorable. Mr. Kuster was at his road house at Grimsby when he suffered the attack Friday and taken to the hospital at Murphysboro Saturday.
Mr. Kuster is one of the pioneer business men of this city, having been engaged in the liquor and hotel business for some eighteen years. His family still lives in Zeigler and he divides his time between here and his new road house.
9-8-1933
High School Has Opened
The high school of this city opened with a enrollment of 340--92 Freshmen, 96-- Sophomores, 83--Juniors, 69—Seniors. All teachers elected last spring return for another year.
9-8-1933
Unknown Man Found Dead Near Cambon Lake
The Thompson funeral home conducted the funeral Tuesday of an unknown man who was found dead in a shack close to Cambon Lake Monday.
The man, apparently 75 years of age, is said to have lived in the shack several years, and while he had a number of acquaintances, no one knew his name.
9-8-1933
Ask Divorce
Herbert Sandefur of Zeigler claims that his wife, Ann, struck him with a broom, and was guilty of other acts of cruelty, and asks a divorce.
9-8-1933
Big Bout Planned....
The fight fans of Zeigler will get a run for heir money at the next show Wednesday nite at Liberty Hall, under the promotion of Jack Dooley. The boxers that will appear that night will be some of the best leather pushers ever turned out of St.Louis, Eldorado, Harrisburg, and other southern Illinois towns.
9-15-1933
Every House Is Filled
Are there not some privately owned residences in Zeigler which are available to supply the demand of families who are seeking homes in this city? According to the report of the Zeigler Building and Loan Association every available home in the city is occupied and the supply is far short of the demand.
There are several factors which contribute to the large demand for homes here. Two of the largest bituminous mines in the world are located at the corporate lines of the city. The city has never over built, there has always been fewer homes than men employed.
9-15-1933
Fall of Rock Kills Miner
Bert Twitty, age 41, died at the Zeigler hospital early Monday night from the effect of injuries he sustained at Bell & Zoller Miner No. 2 that afternoon.
An entry had been driven some five or six years ago, but had not been worked for some time. The company decided to resume operations in this entry and Twitty was sent in to clean it up. While working he was caught by a slab of rock two feet wide, five inches thick and about five feet long.
He was rushed to the hospital where it was found both legs were broken and internal injuries led to his death.
9-15-1933
ZCHS News
Football practice started with forty candidates reporting for practice. Most of the recruits are of the light weight variety, but with plenty of pep and enthusiasm.
Those reporting for the squad are: Capt. Bill Homan, Edward Prudent, Paul Kaczar, John Kolisek, J. F. Vaughn, Frank Povich, Henry Grezlak, Bobby Davey, Dan Milosevich, Sulo Mattson, Walter Natyshak, Earl Neibch, Raymond Church, Oris Hall, Harold Petty, Vassil Georgoff, Engene Brooks, John Povich, Gene Natyshak, Dale Berry, Keith Berry, Ruel Shaffer, Mike Povich, Visel Glodich and John Klun.
9-22-1933
Kuster Dies At Murphysboro
Frank Kuster died at the hospital in Murphysboro Wednesday morning following an illness from a paraletic stroke which he suffered twenty-four days previous. Mr. Kuster adopted Zeigler as his home in 1911, working in the mines and operating a boarding house. A little later he went into the liquor business, operating a saloon and a hotel. At the time of his death he was also operating the roadhouse near Murphysboro and his wife was operating the Kuster Hotel here.
Mr. Kuster was a Croation born in Jugo-Slavia forty-seven years ago and came to this country about thirty years ago.
9-29-1933
Lodge Plans Big Meeting
The local Odd Fellows lodge is planning for a big meeting Saturday night, October 7th. James Kilbreth, Deputy Grandmaster will exemplify the work of the second degree. He will deliver a lecture on Odd Fellowship and discuss the signs and symbols of the order.
9-29-1933
Injured In Car Wreck
Charles Haberlin, of the engineering department of the Bell & Zoller Mining Company was severely bruised and otherwise injured when the car he was driving left the paved road just north of Johnston City Saturday and turned over several times. He was driving at a good rate of speed.
9-29-1933
Local Happenings
Frank Horvath of Zeigler is now attending Milliken University at Decatur.
Viotto Kangas and Paul Vargo attended the football game at Carmi Saturday.
Lamuel Hiller of this city was a business visitor in Christopher Friday night.
Eli Cunnar of Zeigler visited with friends in Christopher Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. George Starr of this city visited with friends in West Frankfort Sunday.
9-29-1933
Keller Recommends Five Postmasters
Congressman Kent Keller, of this district, has recommended the following changes in postmasters in Franklin County to be effective at once.
Frankfort Heights—Mrs. Emily Holshouer
Buckner—Mrs. Bessie Harris
Zeigler—William E. Berry
Royalton—John Browning
Orient—Mrs. Horace Brain
10-6-1933
Checker Players To Meet Here
Notices were mailed this week by Secretary Roy Moss that the Egyptian Checker Association would meet in the American Legion Hut in Zeigler Sunday for an all day session. It is expected that thirty-five or forty out of town players would take part in the match. These out of town players will be among the best in the state.
10-6-1933
Boy Killed By Auto
William Carl Smith, thirteen year old Freeman school boy died at the hospital in Herrin early Wednesday morning from injuries he received when struck by a car at Freeman. The car was driven by Frank Chinsky of Zeigler, who was returning from the Zeigler-Herrin football game at Herrin Tuesday night.
The car was passing the church at Freeman when the boy coming from the church stepped directly in front of the car. The driver of the car was blinded by the headlights of an approaching car and was not able to stop in time to avoid the accident.
10-6-1933
Purple Tornado Defeats Tigers
Penetrating the Herrin Tigers forward wall almost at will the Zeigler high school football team took home a 7 to 0 victory in the opening home game of the season at Herrin last night (October 3, 1933).
The Purple Tornadoes clipped the Tigers mane closely by out-playing Coach Jack’s boys in the first three periods.
Zeigler’s only score came after Homan intercepted a Herrin pass and ran it aback 82 yards with but 6 yards to go for a touchdown. Two line plays completed the feat. Mattson, Zeigler fullback, rammed the Tiger line twice for the touchdown. The extra point was made on a pass by Mattson to Notyshok, Zeigler halfback.
10-6-1933
Local Happenings
Steve Raski was a visitor in Harrisburg Sunday.
Adam Janicki visited with his wife in St. Louis Monday.
“Honey” Harvoth attended the football game in DuQuoin Saturday.
Vernon Laird was a business visitor in Christopher Saturday morning.
Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Cullough are attending the Legion Convention in Chicago this week.
Mr. and Mrs. Nick Kulick are the proud parents of a baby girl which the stork presented to them early Wednesday at their home on Cockspur Street.
10-13-1933
Partnership Is Dissolved
The dissolving of the partnership which operated the Goody Shop here was dissolved the later part of last week and George Schoulas is now sole owner of the business institution.
The Goody Shop here and a similar institution at Christopher has been operated by George Schoulas and Harry Schoulas. They dissolved partnership, George taking the plant here and Harry that in Christopher.
The Goody Shop are candy and ice cream manufactures and is the only manufacturers of this kind of Zeigler.
10-13-1933
New Pastor at Baptist Church
Reverend Mr. Stripling, graduate of Simon University, Abeline, Texas, has been called as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Zeigler. Rev. and Mrs. Stripling have already removed to Zeigler, occupying the parsonage, adjoining the church, on S. Pine Street.
10-13-1933
Feed Store Changes Hands
The management and ownership of the Zeigler Feed Store was changed this week when W. R. Dudley retired and Clyde Will of West Frankfort took charge. In this issue is an advertisement announcing that this store is used as a depot for milk and cream.
10-13-1933
Big Dance at Liberty Hall
A big dance will be conducted at the Liberty Hall Saturday night. Joe Hoffman and his famous dance orchestra will furnish music. Among the feature presented will be Ken Eldridge, vocal artist.
10-13-1933
Hunter Kills Eagle Near Weaver Mine
B.H. Long, who was out hunting last week near the Old Weaver mine shot an eagle which measures five feet, two inches from wing tip to wing tip. The Eagle, hunters say, is known as a “fish eagle”. It is said to get this nick name because it flies over the water and catch fish for its food.
Mr. Long said the eagle was after some ducks when he shot it. His attention was attracted to the bird by the noise the ducks were making.
10-20-1933
Were Married Sunday Morning
At the residence of Esq. E. A. McIntosh Sunday morning October the 15th a wedding ceremony was solimised. The contracting parties were Monroe James and Reba Conly. The Groom is employed at Bell & Zoller Mine No. 1 and the Bride is in the Zeigler Community High School, and the daughter of Mrs. Bessie Conly. LaVerne Jones was Brides Maid and Walter Heinemyer was Best Man.
10-27-1933
Leaves Assests To Socialists
Mike Cezmich, 229 Oak Street, willed his property to the Socialist Labor party on October 17, and the following week fired three fatal shots into his body.
Mike Cezmich, forty-eight years old, a Croation by birth, born in Hungaria, came to Zeigler in 1919. He purchased property and erected the brick building at 229 Oak Street in which he operated a pool room.
No one had seen him Tuesday morning and the pool room was not opened. The police were called about one o’clock to investigate. A. C. Carr took up the investigation.
A gastly sight met those making the investigation. Mike was lying dead and stiff on the bed. He was fully clothed, the quilt had been shoved from its place and a .38 calibre Colt revolver was found lying on the quilt. The first shot probably entered his mouth ranged upward and came out at an eye.
He realized the shot was not fatal, he then fired three more shots, two of which entered his head. Police Officer Carr read the will, asking that his body be cremated and his property be left to the National Committee of the Socialist Labor Party. Following the inquest, the body was taken back to the pool room and Thursday the body was taken to St.Louis to be cremated.
10-27-1933
New Store To Open
A new variety store will be opened at 205 Church street as soon and the building can be remodeled and stock arrive. The new business venture will be operated by R. E. Collins who was formerly manager of the Woolworth store at West Frankfort.
10-27-1933
Zeigler 39; Hurst-Bush 0
Coach Moore’s Purple Tornado defeated Hurst-Bush at the local field Saturday afternoon by a score of 39-0.
Hurst-Bush was easy for the Zeigler bunch and Coach Moore ran his men through one play after another and then replaced them with fresh men and did the same thing over again.
Saturday’s score brings Zeigler total points to 120 against their opponents’ 6.
10-27-1933
Zeigler Man Named Income Tax Deputy
Joseph Hecklebech of Zeigler has been appointed income tax deputy at Marion. Mr. V.Y. Dallman collector of internal revenue announced the appointment.
10-27-1933
ZCHS NEWS
High Honor Roll (A’s in all academic subjects)
Seniors: Eddie Jakuboski, Nellie Kern, James O’Rourke, Frank Tilendis
Juniors: Mary Tweedy
Sophomores: Tommy Gray, June Wilson
Freshmen: Juanite Berger, Ruth Breeze, Elton Berry, Sheeridan Evans, Harriet J. Lovel
10-27-1933
Church of Christ Notes
West Maryland Street C.L.Phifer, B.D.,Pastor
Bible School, 9:30 a.m. Lords’ Supper, 10:30 a.m.
Morning Worship 10:45 a.m. Sermon by the pastor
Christian Endeavor 6:30 p.m. Evangelistic Services, 7:30 p.m.
The Church of Christ always extends a hand of welcome to all who come to worship with us.
11-3-1933
Zeigler 48; DuQuoin 0
Coach Emory Martin and his DuQuoin Indians will probably give Zeigler a wide path for a while, at least until the razzing that they will get from the Zeigler fans about the 48-0 defeat handed them Saturday at the Zeigler Junior League park has cooled down. Coach Martin, formerly coached at Zeigler and planned to come back and show the “old home town” how it was done. Coach “Red” Moore of Zeigler, (former understudy of Coach Martin) turned the tables, however, and his team emerged victorious
The game seemed comparatively easy for the Zeigler boys. They scored in every quarter with practically all the playing being done in DuQuoin territory, only at one time was Zeigler threatened. Capt. Billy Homan, along with his entire backfield, scored touchdown after touchdown. Prudent, Homan Mattson, Vaughn and Rozenski took turns in bucking the line, crossing the goal line and completing passes.
Prudent’s ninety-yard run on an intercepted pass, with Captain Homan blocking out player after player, was easily worth the price of admission and gave a thrill to every football fan present.
Many who have witnessed practically all the teams of Southern Illinois in action. They claim Zeigler has the championship team of Southern Illinois this year, larger high schools included.
Saturday’s score ran Zeigler’s Purple Tornado’s total to 168 points to 6 for their opponent. Carmi scored in the first game of the season on the second string players.
11-3-1933
Jewelry Store Broken Into
A brick was thrown through the window of Neu’s Jewelry Store about 5 o’clock Sunday morning and jewelry to the amount of about $15. was taken from the window. The robbers were routed by Deputy Sheriff Walker before more loot could be taken.
About 5 o’clock Sunday morning Deputy Sheriff Walker who lives at the Annex across the street from the store heard the crash of glass and going to investigate discovered the robbers who became alarmed and ran. They were followed to the corner by Walker while he fired several shots at them. There were two men, both of whom escaped.
11-3-1933
Forty More Boys Enter Forest Army
The list of boys from the county who were successful in passing the physical examination for inclusion to the Reforestation Army and sent to Fort Sheridan are: Zeigler—Alex J. Yuzenas, Ziggy J. Sulkowski.
11-3-1933
Small Fire At Prudent Home
Norman Prudent, South Pine Street, suffered a small fire Tuesday night. The home was decorated in honor of Hallowe’en. The decorations became ignited and did considerable damage before the fire was put out.
11-3-1933
Auto Taken, Later Found Overturned
W.M. Somers, school teacher of this city, had his automobile taken from its parking place on Glendale Avenue in Benton Saturday night. Later in the night the car was found overturned.
Officers believe it was a Hallow’een prank on the part of children living in the northeast part of Benton.
11-3-1933
New Clergyman at St. Paul’s Church
Services will be resumed in the Episcopal church in Zeigler starting next Sunday, November 5. The hour for this service will be at 7:30 in the evening.
Mr. Spencer comes to Zeigler as one thoroughly acquainted with the Episcopal church, even though recently ordained. He brings with him a rich experience of active work in the field of religion.
He is especially interested in the work of men in the church, largely through his connection as an officer of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
The Holy Bible is used regularly in all the services of the church as is also The Book of Common Prayer, which contains the order of the various services.
Mr. Spencer will be available at all times to help any who may be in trouble. Until he is able to get located, apply for him at the Zeigler hospital, through Dr. Gates.
11-3-1933
Receive Bids For Paving Gaps Near Zeigler
The State Division of Highways Friday received bids for paving. Apparent low bidder for .8 miles of Route 148 paving gaps south of Zeigler and southwest of Plumbfield in Franklin and Williamson counties. Egypt Construction Co., Herrin, $ 19,500.
11-3-1933
Ashes Are Returned Here
The ashes of Mike Cezmich were returned to Zeigler Monday after the body was cremated in St. Louis last week. This was the first time a large number of people of this city had seen the remains of a person after the body had been cremated.
On Monday night of last week Cezmich died as a result of shots fired by himself into his own head. He left a will leaving his assets to the Socialist Labor Party and instructions to have his body cremated.
The ashes lie in state for a few days that they may be viewed by his friends and the urn was buried in the new city cemetery.
11-3-1933
Shooting Proves Serious
Fred Evett, of Carterville and brother of Fern Evett, Sub-District President of the U. M. W. of A., lies at the Zeigler hospital seriously injured from gunshot wound and George Ferrll is in the county jail at Benton charged with having fired the shot.
Both men are employed in the mines here. A dispute arose between them on South Pine Street about 5 o’clock Wednesday evening. The shot was fired by Ferrell striking Evett in the left jaw and going through the neck. Evett is paralized in the right side, which leads to the belief the concussion to some extent injured the left side of the brain.
Ferrell was arrested by policeman A. C. Carr and later turned over to county authorities. Ferrell claims the shot was fired in self defense. He stated it is the first revolver he has carried and when asked why he was carrying one, stated he had been told to carry one.
11-3-1933
Car Stripped in Chicago
Mrs. John Boyer was called to Chicago the first of the week to attend the bedside of her sister. Mrs. Gene Perrine, her daughter, took her to the city, driving in their car. The first night in the city the car was stolen. It was later found. It had been stripped to an amount of over two hundred dollars.
11-3-1933
Marriage License
Louis Magniez 21, Christopher and Anna Shur,19, Zeigler
11-3-1933
What’s Wrong With Your Radio?
J. Venoski’s Guaraneteed Radio Service,
Member of Official Radio Service Men’s Association
801 Maple Street Zeigler, Illinois
11-10-1933
Good Orchestra to Play Here
The Plantation Cotton Pickers, colored orchestra, will furnish music at a big dance given at the Liberty Hall Sunday night. This is an orchestra that are nationally known who travel in their own bus and are booked by the Central State Booking office in Peoria.
11-17-1933
Removes Cash From Cafe
Robber broke into the Davey Cafe Monday evening sometime between 7:15 and 10:00 o’clock. A slot machine was removed and rifled, cash register and purse emptied. It is estimated that between $ 60.00 and $ 65.00 was taken.
Mrs. Davey left the restaurant about 7:15 and returned at 10:00. During this time some one had come in through a rear window, taken the slot machine and money and left by the rear door which was found to be open.
The slot machine was broken into and rifled and the purse had been found where it had been hidden under the counter.
11-24-1933
Zeigler 18; Sparta 0
The Zeigler Purple Tornado football team won their eighth straight game at Sparta Saturday. The game was played with Zeigler scoring in the second, third, and last quarters but failed to make the extra point on every try. The victory was expected and the game created little excitement.
11-24-1933
Seriously Injured by Fall of Coal
Luther Clem of Herrin, who is employed at Bell & Zoller Mine No. 2 suffers a broken leg and other injuries when he was caught by a fall of coal Friday of last week.
The face of the coal rolled on him breaking his leg, cutting gashes in his head and otherwise injuring him.
11-24-1933
Arson Plot Flustrated
Fire was discovered Friday night of last week at the home of Robert Tygett, 302 S. Pine street, which investigation discloses that an effort was probably made to destroy the house by arson.
Mr. Tygett was working at the mine. Late at night the family were aroused by what was thought someone prowling around the house. On investigation it was discovered a fire had started under the house. The alarm was turned in and a quick run of the fire department the fire was put out before a great deal of damage had been done.
On investigation the cause of the fire two bundled fagots saturated with kerosene was found under the house. These bundles of sticks had been set on fire and it is believed a deliberate effort had been made to destroy the house by fire and endanger the family who were sleeping in the house.
The building is owned by John Mazourkis who left the city for sometime. The Tygett family have lived in the house but a short time.
11-24-1933
2288 Families In Franklin County on Charity Rolls
Families on relief in Franklin County as reported to the Federal Unemployment Census Bureau for the month of October totaled 2288. Those from Zeigler number 171.
11-24-1933
Marriage License
Harry Flowers 26, and Mary Fegan 20, both of Zeigler
Local Happenings
Frank Monkus attended the show in West Frankfort Sunday night.
John Cioni was visiting with friends and relatives in Nason Tuesday.
F. M. Sandefur and son, William were hunting near Thompsonville Sunday.
Tommy Zivalyevich was a business visitor in West Frankfort Monday afternoon.
Miss Olympia Cioni, 18, and John Dudash, 19, were married in Benton Saturday morning. Mrs. Dudash is the daughter of John Cioni of Walnut Street and formerly attended Zeigler Community High School. Mr. Dudash has been residing at Baggott street and is employed in Bell & Zoller Mine No. 2 here. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Davis, Miss Sue Crain, Fred Hall and Bill Boroski were the attendants at the wedding.
After the ceremony dinner was served at the bride’s home on Walnut street.
12-1-1933
Win Conference Championship
The Purple Tornado football team lost the last game of the season Saturday to the Elkville Bluebirds by the score of 14-0. The conference championship was already won by Zeigler before the game and this might have been the reason for the let up in the seriousness of the Zeigler boys in the game.
12-1-1933
Pour Cement on State Road
Workers began pouring cement on the gaps on Route 148 between Zeigler and Herrin Monday morning. Monday the temperature arose sufficient to start the work of paving. It was immediately started and good headway is being made.
Should the weather remain favorable it is hoped these gaps will be filled in by the end of this week or early next week.
12-1-1933
Basketball Season Opens
The first basketball game of the season will be played on Friday night Dec. 8, 8:00 p.m. with West Frankfort of the Big Eleven Conference furnishing the opposition. The following boys reported for the Zeigler squad:
Mattson, Grezlak, Homan, Milosevich. Prudent, Lazar, M. Povich, J. Povich, Petty, Kangas, E. Natyshak, Davey, Bondi, Aiken, Vaughn, Vargo, Razenski, Kalamarie, Ferrari, Neibch and Kolsiek.
12-8-1933
Library News
The Zeigler Public Library has received a few new books. Among them we have:
Dicket by Abbott, No Secret Spring by Keith, Ships Money by Morrow, South
Moon Under by Rowling.
Library is located in the Zoller School Building open on Tuesdays, Thursdays from 3:30 till 6 and Saturdays from 2 till 5.
12-8-1933
Death Relieves Aged Man
Cabel Rentfro, age 61years died Thanksgiving night at his home on 204 Prairie Street after four months illness. In the late fall Mr. Rentfro was attacked with an illness and an operation was deemed necessary.
He was taken to the hospital at Benton, September 10th. At the time of the operation it was learned he was suffering from cancer and his life was dispaired of.
Mr. Rentfro was a member of a prominent and respected family of this county. He worked at No. 2 mine from the time coal was first hoisted up to the time he retired because of illness. He leaves three children, Jess, Clyde and Mrs. Maris Furlow.
12-8-1933
Good Music At Liberty Hall Dance
Holsey Dabner will furnish the music for the dance at the Liberty Hall Sunday night. The dances which are conducted under the management of Jack Dooley has become very popular and a good crowd is expected.
12-8-1933
Piano Jack at Joe’s Place
Piano Jack, five piece orchestra, will furnish music for the dance to be given at Joe’s Place, 611 S. Pine street Sunday night.
12-8-1933
Republicans to Hold Meeting
The Republican County Central Committee will hold an open meeting in Zeigler Monday evening of next week. The meeting will be held at the Liberty Hall. It is more of a get together meeting at which the present industrial and political situation will be discussed by those attending the meeting.
There is a great movement among the Republicans of the state to bury all past differences and present a united front to the voters next year.
12-8-1933
Many Asks For Allowance
Seven men applied Monday night for the allowance offered by the city for four firemen.
Last month a fire occurred, the fire chief was not at the city hall and it was necessary to ask a deputy fireman to take out the engine. When it arrived at the fire not less than seven men took part in taking care of the pumper and hose.
The city allows only four men to a fire who draws three dollars each. At the city council all seven appeared and presented their claim for this fund. No agreement could be reached between the men and the council cut the allowance seven ways.
In an effort to prevent a similar question arising again the council appointed eight firemen. The chief and the first three to arrive at the fire are to be employed and their claim allowed by the city council.
12-15-1933
Zeigler Boosters to Give Play
The “Zeigler Boosters” will present a three act comedy play “Phillip for Short” at the Empire Theatre on Thursday, December 21. Besides the play there will be six reels of talkies.
This play is being directed by Mr. McMahon of “The Zeigler Furniture Co.”. All of his shows were a big success in Zeigler and it is believed that this show will make you tickled with laughter.
12-15-1933
20-17-Thriller to Red Birds
Coach “Greasy” Lee’s revamped West Frankfort Red Birds pulled a game out of the fire Friday night at the local gym and defeated the powerful Tornado crew 20-17 in a fast breaking climax that brought the large crowd to its feet with a roar.
The Purple and White team under the direction of “Red Moore”, started out with a bang in the first quarter and were setting a dizzy pace with Capt. Mattson spotting the locals five points before the crew of tall boys Lee had in the game could get going.
Shortly after the Zeigler team obtained their 7-2 lead, Lee started making substitutions. These new men finally managed to stop the shooting of Homan and Mattson before the half ended but were unable to gain the front as Zeigler led 9-7.
As the second half started the Birds took on new life and immediately took the lead and were never jarred from it during the remainder of the game.
12-15-1933
Death Takes Mining Man
S.A. Melhuish, 69, better known as Scott Melhuish, passed away in Dr. Moores Hospital at Benton about 7 o’clock Tuesday morning after an illness of a few weeks.
Mr. Melhuish had been connected with the Bell & Zoller Coal and Mining Company since 1906, and had been identified with the No. 2 mine at Zeigler as master mechanic ever since that mine was sunk in 1918, having helped sink that mine.
He moved to Zeigler in 1918 where he had lived with his family ever since. He has the record of being the oldest employee of Bell & Zoller. He has always taken a prominent part in the development of the city.
He leaves to mourn him, his widow and three daughters, Mrs. Florence Patterson, Sybil Melhuish, and Mrs. Elizabeth Moulin.
12-15-1933
Improvememt Is Started
City property owners will receive considerable benefit from the Civil Works Admininstration in their project to straighten out and deepen the small stream with many crooks and turns furnish drainage for the city. Eighty-five men and two foreman were to start the improvement Wednesday morning.
This stream with its many crooks and turns give poor drainage during wet weather and caused the flooding of a great deal of property and has been declared to be unsanitary.
The city has longed to improve this stream but has not had sufficient funds to do the work. The Community High School improved the stream where it passes its property but nothing further was done.
A dispute over the men to be employed on the work arose Tuesday afternoon. Mayor Smith contended the work should be given to men who were out of employment at the time the project was allowed. It appears that some men were to be transferred from the work on the state roads to the new project. It was contended this would not give work to additional men, but would be merely transferring men now employed on CWA projects.
12-22-1933
Legion to Hold Open House
The local legion post announced this week that beginning next week it would hold open house at the Hut every Wednesday evening. The public is invited to become the guests of the post one night each week during the winter.
The evenings will be spent in various games, pinochle, and bridge are expected to be the leaders, other games, checkers, chess and domanoes will be played should anyone so desire.
12-22-1933
Local Happenings
The Zeigler Eighth grade team lost to Orient in a basketball game on the local floor Thursday night by a score of 16-8.
Jack McGonigal, who is attending the Kemper Military Academy in Missouri, is spending the Christmas holidays visiting with his parents.
Melvin Wallace and Lee Shaffer were business visitors in Herrin Friday morning.
Mr. and Mrs. Hiley Harris were visiting friends in Christopher Friday evening.
John Fulkhouser was visiting in West Frankfort Thursday evening.
12-29-1933
Empire Presents Good Program
The Empire Theatre is presenting an excellent stage show and excellent screen play on New Year’s Eve. Jack Woods and the Livesay Sisters direct from the RKO Circuit will appear on the stage and present an excellent program of entertainment.
12-29-1933
Visiting from Chicago
Claude Vaughn, who is employed by the Chicago Title and Trust Company was a holiday visitor with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. Vaughn.
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