Wapella.com

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Johnnie Harrold

2012-02-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

Johnnie Mitchell Harrold, 87, Wapella, died at 6:43 p.m. Monday (Feb. 6, 2012) at his family residence, Wapella.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. Bill Vandervort and Tim Barbee will officiate. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton, with military honors. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Wapella Christian Church.

He was born Dec. 8, 1924, in Wapella, son of Thornton O. and Marie Sunderland Harrold. He married Virginia Jean Dower on Jan. 1, 1945, in Miami Beach, Fla. She passed away Jan. 8, 1994. He later married Evie Strange on April 7, 2000, in Clinton.

He is survived by his wife, Evie Harrold, Wapella; daughter, Barbara (Howard) Horton, Killen, Ala.; son, Bob (Rose) Harrold, Wapella; five grandchildren, David (Cheryl) Foster, Tupelo, Miss.; Stacey Foster, Lake Mary, Fla.; Mike (Theresa) Harrold, Aurora; Eric Harrold, Kenney; and Joe (Hannah) Harrold, Crystal Lake; two great-grandchildren, Taylor Jones, Lake Mary, Fla., and Gage Foster, Tupelo, Miss.

He was a member of Wapella Christian Church. He served in the U.S. Army.

Johnnie was a member of the Wapella Fire Department and the Clinton American Legion Post 103.

He was an ace mechanic, starting with Rolin Hartman in Wapella, worked at Crang Motors in Clinton and was a partner in Thomas & Harrold Garage in Clinton and finally retired at Finfrock Motors in Clinton.

All flags 1/2 mast please, for Johnnie Harold, US Army.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Robert Thorp

2012-02-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

Robert Eugene Thorp, 86, Wapella, IL, passed away at 6:48 AM Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012 at his residence in Wapella. Funeral services will be 10 AM Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, Clinton, IL with Rev. Greg Courtright and Rev. C. Don Ferrill officiating. Burial will be in Memorial park Cemetery, Clinton, IL. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Wednesday evening at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, Clinton, IL or to the Alzheimer’s Assoc.

Robert was born on May 25, 1925 in Clinton, IL, the son of Robert Irvin and Fern Earnestine Long Thorp. He married Betty Lou Wagner on Sept. 9, 1944 in Clinton, IL.

Survivors include: his wife of 67 years of marriage, Betty Lou Thorp of Wapella, IL; 3 sons: Gary Lee (Linda) Thorp – Homewood, IL, Christopher James Thorp of Gibson City, IL and Kim Wagner (Jeanie) Thorp of Heyworth, IL; 1 daughter: Robin Rhea Mock of Wapella, IL; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Clinton, IL. He served in the US Navy from July 1943 until January 1946.

Robert retired from farming after 61 years and he had also retired from Wallace Business Forms. He was a member of the American Legion and the DeWitt County Farm Bureau. He was a former Sunday School Teacher.

Robert was one of the first farmers to implement conservation tillage with no-till farming in the area.

Bob Thorp was a gentleman, a fine neighbor, and an excellent pinochle player. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.

All flags 1/2 mast please for Robert Thorp, US Navy, WWII

It turned out that the three men really were desperadoes. They were from Clinton

2012-02-05T07:07:00.000-08:00

This from my friend Jim Ridings in his history of Kankakee. The story is a little rough, but you have heard worse.

Raymond Parker owned a gas station and lunchroom one mile east of Grant Park. It became a target of several armed robberies in the 1920s.

At 5:45 a.m., on March 9, 1928, three men -- two white, one black -- walked into the station. Parker thought they were acting suspicious, as they walked in and out of the place a few times. He thought they might be robbers, and he kept close to his gun under the counter.

The men asked for hamburgers. Parker said he “did not serve colored people.” Walter Reynolds, the black man, “laughed and said it would be all right with him.” The white men, Kelse Humphrey and Harold North, said they would all eat outside in the car. Parker cooked six hamburgers and the men paid the bill

Reynolds seemed to be reaching inside his coat. Parker saw a gun in there. Parker pulled his gun and shot Reynolds in the head, killing him.

Parker, who also was an auxiliary sheriff’s deputy, took Humphrey and North to the county jail.
It turned out that the three men really were desperadoes. They were from Clinton, and earlier in the day they had stolen a car from a showroom in Johnson City, then broke into a hardware store and stole numerous items, including bullets. They had armed robbery in mind as they drove north and stopped in Grant Park.

The gas station was the target of an armed robbery prior to this. At 1 a.m., on March 29, 1925, two men walked into the gas station and pointed guns in Parker’s face and ordered him to put up his hands. Parker smashed his large fist into the jaw of one gunman, knocking him down. The other robber ran away. As the first man was getting up off the floor, Parker pulled his own gun and shot the man in the neck.

It was not a serious wound. Two hours later, the robber was in the county jail. He gave his name as Andrew Thomas, and later was identified as Oliver Black.

A third robbery happened on Aug. 8, 1928. Four men came into Parker’s gas station at 4 a.m. After eating sandwiches, the men got up, and it looked like they were going to pay. Instead, they pulled guns. They bound and gagged Parker and robbed the business.

Yahtzee! Minnesota Man with Deep Wapella Roots Makes Big Find about President John Tyler

2012-01-25T18:31:00.001-08:00

Well, I'll be Tippecanoed and Tyler tooed...This just in......President John Tyler's (born in 1790) has grandchildren who are very, much alive

Former President John Tyler, born 221 years ago, still has two living grandchildren. The one-term president isn't a well-known historical figure; he's probably best remembered for helping to push through the annexation of Texas in 1845, shortly before leaving office.

So, how is it possible that a former president who died 150 years ago would still have direct descendents alive today? As it turns out, the Tyler men were known for fathering children late in life. And that math is pretty outstanding when added up:
John Tyler was born in 1790. He became the 10th president of the United States in 1841 after William Henry Harrison died in office. Tyler fathered Lyon Gardiner Tyler in 1853, at age 63. Then, at the age of 71, Lyon Gardiner Tyler fathered Lyon Gardiner Tyler Jr. in 1924 and four years later at age 75, Harrison Ruffin Tyler. Both men are still alive today.

That means just three generations of the Tyler family are spread out over more than 200 years. President Tyler was also a prolific father, having 15 children (8 boys and 7 girls) with two wives.

What makes this story even more interesting (I am not sure it could get less interesting) is that is was drummed up by none other than Danny Dixon, of Eagan Minnesota, the son of Ann Toohill Dixon, of Wapella. Not that Danny did all that much research, or really had much of anything to do with the story, but I don't think I would ever have found out about it, if not for my 3rd cousin and look-alike Danny Dixon, who also is a very handsome man.

Thanks for the tip Danny!

Time Flies Like an Arrow; Fruit Flies Like a Banana and Fall Flings to Waynesville

2012-01-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

Lifted this straight from Waynesville's Facebook Page, but it looks like great fun. Our good neighbors to the west are having a Fall Fling naming contest. They were kind enough to take my (absurd) suggestion "A Salute to Kitchen Appliances" as token nomination for themes for their fling. I recall that being a Bob Newhart bit, but it could have come from Cecil Brown or somebody who kind of acted like Bob Newhart.

You can get over to Waynesville's Facebook Page here. I am backing the Salute to Kitchen Applicances, but have at it.

Go Waynesville! Go Wapella! Go DeWitt County, the Festival Capital of the Midwest.

Which of the 8 options would be the best choice to be chosen to be the theme of the 2012 Waynesville Fall Fling? Voting will remain open through February 29th. (We will re-share this question from time to time.)

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Sunburst On North Side of Wapella

2011-12-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Kenny Toohill.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Anna Martha Matheny

2011-11-30T07:18:00.000-08:00

Anna Martha Matheny, 89, Wapella, died at 12:20 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 29, 2011) at Manor Court, Clinton.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with Tim Barbee officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

She was born Aug. 14, 1922, at Weldon, to Lawrence and Mildred Gibson Long.

Surviving are her children, Jack E. (Joan) Morris, Clinton; Marvin (Linda Hardesty) Morris, Wapella; Allen (Della) Morris, Clinton; and Linda (Fritz) Jackson, Wapella; 12 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three grandsons and one sister, Twila West. Our condolences to the the Morris family, and all of Anna-Martha's relatives.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Dorothy Cisco

2011-11-12T05:21:00.000-08:00

Dorothy Jane Cisco, 89, Maroa, died at 6:15 a.m. Thursday (Nov. 10, 2011) at Manor Court, Clinton.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with Tim Barbee officiating. Burial will be in Maroa Cemetery, Maroa. Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Wapella Christian Church.

Dorothy was born Sept. 19, 1922, at Maroa, daughter of Derrick and Bertha Ferree Braden. She married Wayne Thrift in 1941. He passed away in 1944. She later married Herbert Lyle Cisco on June 5, 1948, in Clinton. He passed away Dec. 8, 2003.

Dorothy had a great sense of humor, loved life and cherished her friendships.
Her church was very important to her and her main topic of conversation was her nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. Those nieces and nephews remaining are Bill Schroeder, Franklin Park; Robert Braden and Steve Braden, both of Maroa; Russel Hawks, Metamora; Ron Braden, Maroa; Mary Gualano, Estero, Fla.; Charlotte Crabtree, Decatur; Ruth Ann Wilson, Clinton; and Margaret Jane VonBoeckman, Peoria; and a special cousin, Jerry Cisco, Waynesville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; two sisters; nephew, Dick Schroeder; and niece, Jane Blanchard.

She was a member of Wapella Christian Church.

She was a retired employee of Ace Hardware, Clinton, and former employee of General Telephone Co. and Thorp Seed Co.

Dorothy Cisco was a great neighbor and friend to many in the village of Wapella. She will be sadly missed. Our condolences to the Cisco family.

RIP Joe Frazier

2011-11-08T10:17:00.001-08:00

Joe Frazier, one of the all time great boxers and athletes, and tonics to the hype of professional sports, has died at age 67. Frazier had one of the all-time great rivalries with Muhammed Ali, which brought on some tough reactions

As usual, Ali didn't miss a chance to verbally attack his foe in the days leading to the bout. This time it was worse than ever: He gave Frazier the nickname "Gorilla", called him ignorant and mocked him because of his ghetto slang. Frazier reciprocated with untypically bellicose statements: "I want to hurt him. I don't want to knock him out. I want to take his heart out."

Good obituary lifted here.

Joe Frazier, the heavyweight boxing champion who in 1971 became the first fighter to defeat Muhammad Ali, then lost two epic rematches including a ferocious battle known as the "Thrilla in Manila," died Monday night. He was 67.

Smokin' Joe, as he was known, died in Philadelphia, said his manager, Leslie Wolff. He had liver cancer.

It was a golden age of heavyweight boxing in the 1970s, when fight fans filled massive arenas and boosted the sport's television ratings to watch the likes of Ali and Frazier and George Foreman, Jerry Quarry and Ken Norton.

Photos: Joe Frazier through the years

In his 37 professional fights, Frazier won 32 times — 27 by knockout — and lost only four, with one draw. But he never really accepted his 1-2 record against Ali.

"I whupped him three times," Frazier said many times over the years.

They met for the first time on March 8, 1971, in New York's Madison Square Garden, with each fighter guaranteed $2.5 million. Ali, then 31-0, had been stripped of his heavyweight titles when, as Cassius Clay, he refused to be inducted into the military after being drafted for the Vietnam War. Frazier, at 26-0, had captured the title of undisputed heavyweight champion in 1970 with a technical knockout of Jimmy Ellis.

It was a brutal battle, rated by many as the "fight of the century" and considered the best boxing match of all time at any weight. When Frazier knocked Ali down in the 15th and final round and won on points, both received rave reviews for their performances. Both also went immediately to the hospital.

Before they could be paired again in the ring, Frazier defended his title four times, most notably on Jan. 22, 1973, against Foreman in Kingston, Jamaica.

Even the burly, fearsome-looking Foreman, who was 4 inches taller, admitted that the thought of getting into the ring with the brawling fireplug Frazier frightened him.

"Every time he swung at me," Foreman said, "it scared five years out of my life."

Nevertheless, in the second round, Foreman caught Frazier with a right uppercut that sent the fighter from Philadelphia to the canvas.

Sitting ringside for the boxing telecast was announcer Howard Cosell, by now internationally known for his boisterous and opinionated broadcast style. When Frazier, the champion, hit the deck, Cosell stole the moment and the show with his dramatic bellowing of the call:

"DOWN GOES FRAZIER! DOWN GOES FRAZIER! DOWN GOES FRAZIER!"

It was as if he was calling an airplane crash rather than a boxing match. It not only stuck with Frazier, who got to his feet too late to avoid being counted out, but it is a mocking call to this day among boxing fans for all such spectacular knockdowns.

After Foreman took Frazier's title away, Frazier fought Ali twice more, losing in a more subdued battle in the Garden in 1974, when Ali kept Frazier away more effectively with holding and clinching, and a year later, after Ali had gotten his title back by beating Foreman in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).

It was for this third match, on Oct. 1, 1975, in Quezon City, the Philippines, that Ali predicted he would have an easy time with Frazier. In the pre-fight promotions for what was dubbed the "Thrilla in Manila," Ali called Frazier an "Uncle Tom" and a "gorilla" and repeatedly ridiculed him. The fight was anything but easy, and Ali later likened it to being "the closest thing to dying." By the 14th round, both having hit and been hit too many times to count, Frazier's eyes were nearly swollen shut and he couldn't see Ali's punches, even though he had stood in and flailed away for several rounds right through his near-blindness.

Finally, after the 14th round, his veteran trainer, Eddie Futch, over loud protests from Frazier, threw in the towel to end the fight.

"Sit down, son," Futch told Frazier. "It's all over. Nobody will ever forget what you did here today."

Frazier and Ali had fought 41 rounds and served up a boxing trilogy for the ages.

Frazier fought only two more times. In 1976, he lost to Foreman in a fifth-round knockout, announced his retirement, then finished for good in 1981 after a 10-round draw with Floyd Cummings.

Joseph William Frazier was born Jan. 12, 1944, in Beaufort, S.C. He was the youngest of 12 surviving children of Rubin and Dolly Frazier and lived his early life on a farm, where his parents worked as sharecroppers.

He was inspired to think about being a boxer when somebody told him he was built like a young Joe Louis, and when he was 15, he moved north to Philadelphia to stay with relatives and find work. One of his first jobs was in a slaughterhouse, where he would pummel the hanging slabs of beef for exercise. Years later, Sylvester Stallone borrowed from that scene for his "Rocky" movies.

Frazier worked his way through the ranks of local Golden Gloves competition in Philadelphia and lost only once as an amateur, to Buster Mathis, who beat him out of the heavyweight spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the 1964 Summer Games in Tokyo. But Mathis was injured before the Games, Frazier won the spot back and took home a gold medal.

After his boxing career ended, Frazier purchased a gym in Philadelphia, where he lived in his later years. Along the way, he sang with a group called the Knockouts and had a clothing brand, a restaurant and a limousine service. He dabbled in investments and real estate.

The tension between Ali and Frazier remained for decades. Frazier could not forget the taunts and the insults — Ali always said they were nothing more than fight promotion hype — and when Frazier was interviewed shortly after Ali, shaking and feeble from dementia and Parkinson's disease, lighted the torch to begin the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, he said he wished Ali had "fallen into the fire."

But in an interview in Jet magazine later that year, and in some subsequent interviews, an aging Frazier said he no longer held a grudge.

"It's like we were fighting the Vietnam War," he said. "We should meet and hug."

Frazier, who was divorced from his wife, Florence, is survived by 11 children. His son Marvis was a heavyweight contender in the 1980s, and daughter Jacqui Frazier-Lyde fought and lost to Ali's daughter Laila in 2001.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Katie Marie Lord Floyd

2011-11-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Katie Marie (Lord) Floyd, 23, of Charleston, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2011 as a result of an automobile accident. The funeral service honoring her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 3, 2011 at Salisbury Church-Charleston Campus, 2350 Madison Avenue, Charleston, with Scott Sims and Bret Hammond officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Kansas. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church. Arrangements: Harper-Swickard. Memorials in her honor may be directed to: The Epilepsy Foundation, Salisbury Church, or the Kansas Christian Church-Building Fund.

Katie was born September 25, 1988 at Mattoon, daughter of Alan (WHS '71) and Lisa (Kirchner) Lord. She married Riley Nathaniel Floyd, November 7, 2009 at the Kansas Christian Church; he survives. Also surviving is their son: Braxton Floyd at home; her parents: Alan and Lisa Lord of Charleston; her mother-in-law: Patty Peterson and husband Randy of Mattoon; her father-in-law: Scott Floyd of Mattoon; one brother: Jason Lord of Charleston; maternal grandparents: Charles and Glynette Kirchner of Kansas; paternal grandmother: Bernadine Hickman Lord of Clinton, IL; maternal great-grandfather: Glenn Hutchison and wife Nancy of Paris; Riley's grandparents: Malcolm and Carol O'Neil of Mattoon and James Floyd of Mattoon; uncles and aunts: Kurt Kirchner and wife Tara of Kansas, Ronald Lord and wife Louann of Clinton, Mary Hurst and husband Gordon of Mattoon, Linda Wooldridge (WHS '74) and husband Rick of Clinton, Rick Lord (WHS '77) and wife Elizabeth nee Holland (WHS '79) of Clinton, and Mark Lord (WHS '79) of Clinton; brother-in-law: Tyler Floyd of Dallas, TX; and sister-in-law: Mackenzie Floyd of Bloomington, IL. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather: Richard (Dick) Lord (WHS '43); and maternal great-grandparents: George and Lucile Kirchner and Leah Hutchison.

Katie was employed by Kirchner Building Centers in Charleston and Mattoon. She attended Salisbury Church-Charleston Campus, and was a member of the Kansas Christian Church. She graduated from Lake Land College with a degree in Cosmetology. Katie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and being a devoted mother to Braxton.

Our condolences to the Floyd and Lord families. May she Rest in Peace.

Raging Eyes Rock Video Circa 1983

2011-10-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a moviegoer, though I do enjoy the occasional Matt Helm movie, and of course music videos. This is Nick Lowe doing "Raging Eyes", sort of the arch-video of 1983, so un-creative that is sort of mocks the very process while doing exactly what it is mocking...while of course the white whale in the room is that the song is a timeless rocker regardless of the dated visual.

Check out the English Dentistry on Nick Lowe and (pretty much) his Cowboy Outfit Band. That's Martin Belmont (from Graham Parker's Rumour) on guitar and Paul Carrack (Tempted singer from Squeeze) on keyboard.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of James Wickenhouser

2011-10-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

James L. Wickenhauser, 75, of Heyworth passed away at 1:28 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 13, 2011) at Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth. The Rev. Kurt Flora will officiate. Burial will be in Randolph Township Memorial Cemetery, Heyworth. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heyworth Ambulance Service or the Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth.

Mr. Wickenhauser was born Dec. 9, 1935, in Wapella to Louis O. and Pearl Aileen Green Wickenhauser. He married Thelma J. Ringo on July 31, 1960, in Heyworth. She passed away Aug. 18, 2011.

Surviving are two sons, James Brett (Marcia) Wickenhauser of The Colony, Texas, and Troy James (Kelley) Wickenhauser of Downs; three daughters, Wendy Lee (Frank) Bartels of Heyworth, Terri (Howard) Springer of Bloomington, and Tammy J. (Dave) Stephens of Heyworth; 10 grandchildren, Craig (Lisa) Bartels of Downs, James (Krista) Bartels of Heyworth, Shane Cole of Texas, Mollie Springer of Bloomington, Tanner (Kate) Springer of Downs, Taylor Springer of Bloomington, Cody and Cami Wickenhauser of Downs, and Scott and Bryce Stephens of Heyworth; four great-grandchildren, Colton and Kelsey Bartels of Downs, Lucas Bartels of Heyworth, and Deacon Springer of Downs; two brothers, Don (Jackie) Wickenhauser of El Paso and Larry (Nancy) Wickenhauser of Heyworth; and one sister, Doris (Ken) Stalter of Clinton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dick and Mike Wickenhauser.

Jim was a 1953 graduate of Wapella High School. Jim was a U.S. Army veteran and served from 1959 to 1961. He was a residential contractor and built homes for 51 years in McLean County. He was a member of the Heyworth Christian Church and was a past president of the Heyworth Summer League for many years. In his retirement he enjoyed playing golf at the golf course in Atlanta.

Jim was a social, outgoing person who always had a joke to share. His family and friends were blessed to have known and loved him. He had many health issues with his heart, but it was made of gold. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Because family was so important to him, it is fitting that his grandsons will carry him to his final resting place.

All flags 1/2 mast please for US Army Veteran, Jim Wickenhouser.

Porter and Dolly Say Happy Friday, but Come Home on Time!

2011-10-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Friday like Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, and here Dolly tells it like it is to her duet-husband Porter, demanding that he cut his taverning short and "Better Move It On Home".

As Dolly says

I've been here cooking you a nice hot supper
and you can't even eat it on time
heating up the meat loaf and stiring up the gravy
is kind a messing up my mind
You better move it on home boy, you better move it on home.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Cecilia Ellen Burns Dolanc

2011-10-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

Cecelia Ellen Dolanc, 89, Normal, died at 8:55 p.m. Monday (Oct. 3, 2011) at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Normal.

Her funeral will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington, and at 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Bloomington, with Monsignor Douglas Hennessy officiating. Entombment will be in East Lawn Mausoleum, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church; St. Vincent de Paul Society; or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Chicago, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707.

Ellen was born Aug. 17, 1922, in Clinton, the daughter of Dennis and Cecelia Reynolds Burns. She married John (Jack) J. Dolanc on April 14, 1956, in Bloomington. He died Oct. 22, 1992.

She is survived by four sisters, Betty Maxwell, Heyworth; Patricia Powers, Wapella; Dolores Burns, Bloomington; and Helen (Bob) Haas, Clinton; one brother, William Burns, Bloomington; three sisters-in-law, Mildred Burns and Alma Burns, both of Clinton; and Frances Burns, LeRoy; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three brothers (Lawrence, James and Francis) and one sister (Mary Medler).

Ellen graduated from Wapella High School in 1940. She worked for State Farm Insurance Cos. for 40 years, retiring July 1, 1983. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society of the church, Young at Heart Club and St. Vincent de Paul Society. She volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry and OSF St. Joseph Medical Center.

Ellen is warmly remembered in Wapella a great friend, neighbor and cousin to many in town. Our condolences to the Burns and Dolenc family (and yes, that is condolences to the Dolences)

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Ron Thomas

2011-09-23T05:01:00.000-07:00

Ronald Dean “Whitey” Thomas, 75, Clinton, died at 7:14 a.m. Tuesday (Sept. 20, 2011) at Dr. John Warner Hospital, Clinton, after a three-year battle with cancer.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Burial will be at McClimans Cemetery, Hallsville, with military honors. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Cancer Care Center of Central Illinois.

He was born Dec. 25, 1935, in Logan County, son of June H. and Helen L. Burwell Thomas. He married Jane Ann Cain on April 22, 1962, at Wapella.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Ann Thomas, Clinton; children, Bradley (Janelle) Thomas, Clinton; Sarah K. (Lyn) Holt, Waynesville; Bruce (Sandra) Thomas, Wapella; and Susan Thomas, Champaign; seven grandchildren, Ross Thomas, Brent Thomas, Hannah Holt, Paige Thomas, Reid Thomas, Blake Holt and Brooke Holt; brother, Robert (Barbara) Thomas, Clinton; and sisters, Rachel Woolridge, Clinton, and Reva Stillman, Frankfort.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960.

Ron served on the DeWitt County Farm Bureau board and was president of the 4-H Fair board, a Khoury League baseball coach, a YMCA basketball coach and staunch supporter of all his children’s activities.

Ron was a great steward of the land and was an expert farmer, having lived on the same farm for 50 years. Ron was a great neighbor, friend and mentor to many in the Village of Wapella. His athletic intensity, sportsmanship and dedication were very much appreciated by all that knew him.

All flags 1/2 mast please for US Army Veteran Ron Thomas.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Walter Riddle

2011-09-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

Walter F. Riddle, 54, Decatur, died at 12:19 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 10, 2011) at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.

His graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton, with Ed Bacon officiating. There will be no visitation. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Wapella Christian Church or Illinois Lung Association.

He was born Dec. 5, 1956, at Clinton, to Glenn F. and Lila Jane Crum Riddle.
Surviving are his mother, Lila Jane McNees, Clinton; brother, Vic (Donna) Riddle, Wapella; and sister, Sharon Riddle, Wapella. Two nieces, three nephews, two great-nieces and five great-nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his father.

He was a member of Wapella Christian Church.

Walter Riddle was a 1976 Graduate of Wapella High School. Our condolences to the Riddle family and all of those who were friends with Walter.

Wapella.com Remembers 9/1/01

2011-09-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

It was 10 years ago tomorrow that New York City, Washington DC and the United States in general came under a massive terrorist attack. It was a mess but the country has been relatively safe from terrorism since then, due to the hard work of our armed forces and law enforcement officials everywhere. Thanks for that.

So how about a moment of silence..............ok...got it....but how do you celebrate the USA better than with what is best about it? You guessed it, with some Rock and Roll written by a guy from East St. Louis, sung by a Mexican-American, in a band led by a tax-refugee from a London suburb (Dartford). Here's Chuck Berry's "Back in the USA" sung by Linda Rondstadt (#16 hit from #1 album "Living in the USA"), arranged by Keith Richards with a little help from Eric Clapton, Robert Cray and Johnnie Johnson.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Jerry Corwin

2011-09-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

Jerry Wayne Corwin Sr., 79, Clinton, died at 12:40 p.m. Friday (Sept. 2, 2011) at his family residence, Clinton.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wapella, with military honors. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Clinton Animal Shelter.

He was born April 2, 1932, in Wapella, son of Paul and Opal Coppenbarger Corwin. He married Katherine L. Bray on Sept. 25, 1954, in Clinton. She passed away April 6, 2009.

Survivors include son, Jerry Corwin Jr., Clinton; daughter, Sharon (Nelse) Woods, Grapevine, Texas; three grandchildren, David Corwin, Clinton, and Sara Pedersen and Chris Copeland, both of Grapevine, Texas; one great-granddaughter, Chloe Corwin, Clinton; one sister, Evie (John) Harrold, Wapella.

He was preceded in death by his parents and and one brother, Don Corwin.

He was a corporal in the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean conflict.

He was a supervisor at Staley’s in Decatur, retiring after 48 years of service.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gun and knife collecting. Most of all he loved spending time with family and friends.

Our condolences to the Corwin and Bray families.

All flags 1/2 mast please for Jerry Corwin, US Army, Korea.

Trying This Out

2011-09-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Linda Wickenhauser
I love hearing all these stories about Wapella! It's a great little town I wasn't born here but I've been here for 44 years so I call it home and I can remember most of what you all have written, so does that mean I'm old????
· · · Tuesday at 7:16am
Mary Wickenhauser Shaw No it means you are wise
Tuesday at 7:28am ·
Kendra Hunt Means you're a Wapelican Aunt Linda
20 hours ago ·
Jack Morris
Remember went you could take the interurban to Clinton for 12 cents round trip, go to the show at the show for 15 cents,all for less than a quarter!
· · · Tuesday at 9:09am via mobile
Audrey Reynolds Yes we rode the interurban to the Y for swimming lessons - heck I never did learn to float - scared of the water - kept going back - still do not know how to swim - but I sure could drive the boat and whip the skiers back and forth- now that was funnnnnn!!!!!!
Tuesday at 3:43pm ·
Linda Powers I remember Mom taking me on the interurban the last trip to Clinton....Dad drove to Clinton and picked us up.:D
Wednesday at 9:23pm ·
Linda Scott
I loved the Christmas presentations at the high school gym every year from all the different school classes. Then Santa would bring out the paper sacks to us with an orange, apple and candy in it. It was so fun to watch my family be in it from the different classes sining and playing in the band. When I was little and went to school there, I got to be dressed up as an angel to sing with our class (1st grade). Only time I was considered for an angel part in my life since. Bahaha. Good memories for sure!
· · · Wednesday at 11:12am
Mary Wickenhauser Shaw likes this.
Leslie Trimble Cyrulik and Ann Jones were added by Mary Westfall.
· · · Wednesday at 10:47am
Bill King
When i retired from teaching, we moved to Lake Summerset up in N. Illinois. One day i was fishing on a dock and some high school age kids needed some help so i showed them how to catch some crappie. One lady that was there said "Thanks for helping the boys". I said" Oh i am used to it, i taught school for 37 years". So, she asked me where did i teach and i rattled off the schools. She said Wow, my husband used to teach at Wapella. I turned around and standing back on land was this guy who i had not been paying attention to at all. I recognized him immediately....it was the former band instructor who was there when i was at Wapella. His name is Richard Hammond. I have one Retro yearbook saved from the storm...the yearbook was the 1966 edition ...dedicated to Richard Hammond. Small world huh? Had not seen him for over 40+ years
· · · Tuesday at 11:08pm

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Carol Ann Morris

2011-08-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Carol Ann Morris, 78, Wapella, died at 2:25 p.m. Monday (Aug. 22, 2011) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.

Her graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Long Point Cemetery, Wapella. J. Kent Hickerson will officiate. Burial will be at Long Point Cemetery, Wapella. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Carol Ann Morris Memorial Fund.

She was born March 5, 1933, in Wapella, daughter of Fletcher and Marion Carl Ellis. She married Kenneth H. “Bill” Morris on Dec. 23, 1950, in Wapella. He passed away March 30, 2009.

Surviving are children, Kim (Brad) Karr, Wapella, and Kenneth (Tonja) Morris, LeRoy; two granddaughters, Sada (Ryan) McGee, DeWitt, and Lynn (Chad) Schmid, Clinton; five grandsons, Jason (Trudy) Karr, Clinton; John Karr, Wapella; David (Heather) Taylor, Greencastle, Ind.; Brandon Karr, Clinton; and Kenneth Tyler Morris, Wapella; four great-grandsons, Blake Karr, Nick Zenger, Nate Zenger and Raylan Schmid; one great-granddaughter, Savannah McGee; and one brother, Bill (Betty) Ellis, Clinton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one granddaughter.

Carol Ann Morris was considered by man to be the First Lady of Wapella, a title she earned in conjunction with her husband Bill Morris, a community leader. She was a secretary at Holland Brothers, Wapella, for 30 years, and was a great neighbor and friend to the Village of Wapella. She enjoyed quilting.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Robert Wilson

2011-08-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Robert D. Wilson, 77, of DeWitt died at midnight Saturday (Aug. 20, 2011) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. The Rev. Mary Louise Haxton and J. Kent Hickerson will officiate. Burial will be in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wapella, with military honors accorded. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to DeWitt County 4-H Foundation or DeWitt County Museum.
He was born in DeWitt County on Dec. 13, 1933, a son of Burl D. and Evelyn Fern Rolofson Wilson. He graduated from Wapella High School. He married Helen Bray on Aug. 15, 1953, in Clinton. She survives.

Also surviving are two children, Rodney D. (Debra) Wilson and Polly A. (Terry) Daugherty, both of Clinton; four grandchildren, Sarah J. (Michael) Oldham of Downers Grove, Ryan D. (Sarah) Wilson of Lindenhurst, Chad L. (Nichole) Daugherty of Cero Gordo and Chase M. Daugherty of Clinton; three great-grandchildren, Payton and Preston Oldham and Haley Daugherty; and one sister, Donna L. Stivers of Bloomington.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a member of LeRoy United Methodist Church and a U.S. Army veteran. He was a lifetime member of Moose Lodge and a retired farmer. He was a member of the DeWitt County Farm Bureau, American Legion and DeWitt County Museum.

All flags one-half mast please for US Army Veteran Robert Wilson.

Books on Tape: Reading Paperbacks on a Sunny Afternoon

2011-08-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Friday Afternoon Rock and Roll. Enjoying Ringo not participating in the artsy proto-Music Video

Big Weekend Planned in Wapella

2011-08-04T17:15:00.001-07:00

Here's a Three-For

1) Toohill Seed and Beef has one of their Wildcat Specials going on. You get a free bale of straw with ever Beef Order of $100 or more, and other such promotions. Toohill Seed and Beef is one of our very best sponsors at Wapella.com

2) The Donovan Reunion (image is Donovan Coat of Arms) is Saturday at Miller Park in Bloomington at Noon, and sure to spill over into Wapella and Heyworth. Come on up if you have time and the inclination!

3) In a celebration of Japanese Culture, The Irish Circle is running a Karaoke Contest on Saturday afternoon. Prizes for the winners and fun for everyone, starting at 3PM Saturday. I was going to put in the Till ??, but that is so lame, ah what the heck...from 3PM till ??

Go Wildcats!

Big Weekend Planned in Wapella

2011-08-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a Three-For

1) Toohill Seed and Beef has one of their Wildcat Specials going on. You get a free bale of straw with ever order of $100 or more, and other such promotions. Toohill Seed and Beef is one of our very best sponsors at Wapella.com

Go Wildcats!

Wapella.coom Mourns the Passing of Kathie Toohill

2011-07-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

Kathie S. Toohill, 67, of Granite City, Ill., born April 11, 1944, in Granite City, Ill., died at 6:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2011.

Mrs. Toohill worked for the Granite City Township Office as the deputy tax assessor for over 28 years. She was active in the Catholic Church, enjoyed traveling and cooking and spending time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Geneva, nee SansSouci, Redman; and her husband, William Hugh Toohill, WHS 1976

Surviving are sons, John and Gay Williams of Colorado Springs, Colo., and David and Debbie Williams of Granite City, Ill.; daughter, Molly and Garrett Mullen of Granite City, Ill.; aunts, Lois King of Maryville, Ill., and Madeleine Villotti of Granite City, Ill.; grandchildren, Joshua and Kathy Williams, Jeremiah Williams, Zachariah Williams, Benjamin Williams, Connor Mullen, MaKenna Mullen; loving nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Memorials may be made to the Granite City Park District or St. Elizabeth Catholic School. www.irwinchapel.com

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 2011, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road, Granite City, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 25, 2011, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Granite City, Ill., with Father Chris Comerford officiating.

Kathie Toohill is remembered as a caring and cheerful person. She will be sadly missed. Our condolences to the Toohill family.

Three Hour Tour to Wapa-Palooza This Saturday

2011-07-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

Big Day in Wapella this Saturday, where for a low price of $5 you can enjoy the10th annual Wapa-Palooza at the Irish Circle!! Live music starting at 4 p.m. until 12 a.m. Bands are, "Devout Sinners", "Misfets" and "Trouble with Names". D.J. at midnight until 2 a.m. This is a RAIN or SHINE event! Will have the outside grill going, so come hungry! Only $5 at the door for 10 hours of entertainment!

Here's more of the invitation via Facebook

And on a sad note, Sherwood Schwartz the legendary director of Gilligan's Island and the Brady Bunch has died. Here's the LA Times

Sherwood Schwartz, the comedy writer and producer who created "Gilligan's Island" and "The Brady Bunch," which have remained two of the most enduringly popular TV series in worldwide syndication, died Tuesday morning. He was 94.

Schwartz, who began his more than six-decade career by writing gags for Bob Hope's radio show in 1939, died of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, said his son Lloyd.

Schwartz once said he created "Gilligan's Island," which aired on CBS from 1964 to 1967, as an escape from his seven years on "The Red Skelton Show," for which he served as head writer and won an Emmy in 1961.

There was nothing quite as escapist as the wacky tale of seven people on a small charter boat, the SS Minnow, who set out on a "three-hour tour" and wound up shipwrecked on an uncharted South Pacific Island.

Starring Bob Denver in the title role of the boat's bumbling crew member, "Gilligan's Island" famously featured the exasperated skipper (Alan Hale Jr.), the millionaire and his wife (Jim Backus and Natalie Schafer), the professor (Russell Johnson), the naïve country girl (Dawn Wells) and the sexy movie star (Tina Louise).

Schwartz also wrote the lyrics for the show's memorable theme song:

"Sit right back and you'll hear a tale,

A tale of a fateful trip.

It started from this tropic port aboard this tiny ship.

The mate was a mighty sailing man,

The skipper brave and sure,

Five passengers set sail that day

For a three-hour tour."

Critics had a field day lambasting Schwartz's shipwreck saga when it debuted.

"It is impossible that a more inept, moronic or humorless show has ever appeared on the home tube," wrote UPI's Rick DuBrow.

"It is difficult for me to believe that 'Gilligan's Island' was written, directed and filmed by adults," wrote Terrence O'Flaherty of the San Francisco Chronicle.

It is "quite possibly the most preposterous situation comedy of the season," wrote Jack Gould of the New York Times.

But the show's very preposterousness struck a chord with millions of viewers.

For all its crude sight gags, low-brow humor and pratfalls, Schwartz viewed "Gilligan's Island" as something more: It is, he proclaimed, "my version of a social microcosm, where seven people from various backgrounds had to learn to live together."

In a 1965 TV Guide interview, Schwartz said he was not disheartened by the negative reviews — "only a bit angry with the lack of understanding of what was being attempted. Here are the same men who are forever saying: 'For heaven's sake, won't somebody give us something other than the wife and the husband and the two children?' "

Four years later, Schwartz served up his own version of that television staple: the family sitcom.

The story of the marriage between a "lovely lady" with three daughters and "a man named Brady" with three sons, "The Brady Bunch" became TV's first sitcom to feature a blended family. And its theme song featured lyrics again written by Schwartz.

The series, starring Robert Reed and Florence Henderson as Mike and Carol Brady, aired on ABC from 1969 to 1974. The Brady kids were played by Maureen McCormick, Barry Williams, Eve Plumb, Susan Olsen, Christopher Knight and Mike Lookinland. Ann B. Davis played Alice, the housekeeper.

Like "Gilligan's Island," "The Brady Bunch" was dismissed by the critics, and it never did as well as Schwartz's gang of castaways in the ratings. But the idyllic suburban tale of Marcia, Jan, Cindy, Greg, Peter, Bobby, Mike, Carol and Alice took on a life of its own in endless syndicated reruns around the world, watched by succeeding generations.

"The Brady Bunch" also begat a 1972-74 Saturday morning animated series ("The Brady Kids"), a 1977 comedy-variety series ("The Brady Bunch Hour"), a 1981 TV movie ("The Brady Girls Get Married"), a 1981 sitcom ("The Brady Brides"), a 1988 TV movie ("A Very Brady Christmas") and a 1990 hourlong dramatic series ("The Bradys.")

There was even a stage production in the early 1990s, "The Real Live Brady Bunch," which re-created episodes word-for-word, as well as "The Brady Bunch Movie" (1995), a hit spoof starring Shelley Long and Gary Cole that was followed by "A Very Brady Sequel" with Long and Cole (1996); and "The Brady Bunch in the White House," a 2002 TV movie.

"Gilligan's Island" likewise continued to air in reruns around the world and spawned two animated series, three TV movies and a 1992 stage musical, "Gilligan: The Musical," for which Schwartz and his collaborator son, Lloyd, wrote the book.

Schwartz, who practically made a career out of the two shows, put little stock in what the critics had to say about his creations.

"I honestly think I could sit down and write a show tonight that the critics would love, and I know it would be canceled within four weeks," Schwartz said in a 1990 interview with The Times. "I know what the critics love. We write and produce for people, not for critics."

Born on Nov. 14, 1916, in Passaic, N.J., Schwartz received a bachelor's degree from New York University and was working on his master's degree in biological sciences at USC in 1939 when he unexpectedly abandoned his plan of becoming a doctor.

At the time, he was living with his older brother, Al, a comedy writer for "The Bob Hope Show," then in its first year on radio. In need of money, Schwartz told his brother, "If I write some jokes, would you show them to Bob?"

As Schwartz told Jordan Young, author of the 1999 book "The Laugh Crafters: Comedy Writing in Radio and TV's Golden Age": "So I wrote some jokes, and he showed them to Bob, who liked them — and the last month of 'The Bob Hope Show' that first year, they used some of my material. And then [Hope] said to me, 'Why don't you come on the show?' "

After four years of writing for Hope's radio show, Schwartz joined the Army and wound up writing for Armed Forces Radio Service in Hollywood, including the shows "Command Performance," "Mail Call" and "Jubilee."

After the war, he returned to radio, putting in stints on "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," "The Alan Young Show" and "The Beulah Show."

He made his move to television in 1952, spending two years writing for Joan Davis' situation comedy "I Married Joan." In addition to "The Red Skelton Show," Schwartz also wrote for the sitcom "My Favorite Martian" in the early 1960s.

Schwartz conceived the idea for the Brady series in 1965 after reading a brief news report that said nearly one-third of American households included at least one child from a previous marriage.

"I realized there was a sociological change going on in this country, and it prompted me to sit down to write a script about it," he recalled in a 2000 interview with the Los Angeles Times.

It took him more than three years to sell "The Brady Bunch," a show whose cheery depiction of family life was, he said in another interview, "100% sincere."

"A lot of people say television holds up a mirror to life, and that's why you see all the drug busts and the killings and the seamier side of life," he said in the 1990 Times interview. "I personally take the view that as a responsible producer, it's not sufficient to portray only negative role models. I think it's better to give an alternative. It's not enough to say 'no' to drugs. What do you say 'yes' to?"

In addition to his son Lloyd, Schwartz is survived by his wife, Mildred; his two other sons, Dr. Donald Schwartz and Ross Schwartz; his daughter, Hope Juber; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral service for Schwartz will be held at noon Friday at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary at 6001 W. Centinela Ave.

Getting Patriotic with Charlie Rich

2011-07-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Holiday weekend is upon us, and the Silver Fox comes out to celebrate. Nobody does it better than Charlie Rich, from his Rock and Roll years at Sun Records to his smash country hits in the 1970's, Charlie could do it all. Take a look at the numbers for Charlie's #1 country smash "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World"

US Country #1

US Top 40 #1

US Adult Contemporary #1

Canada #1

UK Top of the Charts #2

But what really shows in Charlie Rich's talent is his piano playing and rhythmic accompaniment to his soul-searching voice. Put out your flags for the July 4th Holiday and give this video a spin.

Here's Charlie Rich doing (another #1 smash) "Behind Closed Doors"

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Frank Boston

2011-06-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Frank J. “Pete” Boston, 61, of San Antonio, Texas, and formerly of Wapella, died June 5, 2011, at the family home in San Antonio.

A graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wapella, with military honors. Ernie Harvey Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wapella, with military honors. There is no visitation. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or donor’s choice.

Frank was born Nov. 23, 1949, in Kinmundy, Ill., the son of James R. and Violet Schoonover Boston. He married Janie Campos on July 5, 1975, in San Antonio.

Survivors include his wife, Janie Boston, San Antonio; children, Jacob (Janet) Boston, San Antonio; Vanessa (Todd) Hebert, Germany; and Michael Boston, San Antonio; two grandchildren, Violet and Mason Boston, San Antonio; and brothers and sisters, Barbara (George) Taylor, Clinton; Kathryn (Mark Bauman) Rutledge, Bloomington; Mark (Paula) Boston, Clinton; and Rose (Bob) Cassidy, Moberly, Mo. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James A. Boston; and one sister, Judy Myers.

He served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. He was employed at Oak Farms Dairy, San Antonio, for 26 years. He enjoyed golfing and socializing with family and friends.

All flags half-mast please for Vietnam Veteran Frank Boston.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Winnie Harris

2011-06-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Dwyn E. “Winnie” Harris, 78, Wapella, died at 2:45 a.m. Tuesday (June 14, 2011) at Manor Court of Clinton.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Wapella, with the Rev. Peter Pilon officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wapella. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington, with the rosary recited at 7 p.m.
Winnie was born Feb. 28, 1933, on Irish Row in Wapella, the daughter of Harold and Anna C. Ryan Roberts. She married Gordon “Kent” Harris (WHS 51) on May 15, 1954, at St. Mary’s Church, Downs. He survives and is regarded as one of the most fascinating and entertaining men in the Village of Wapella.

She is also survived by two daughters, Susan (WHS 76) (Kevin) Fitzgerald, Bloomington, and Jackie (WHS 80) (Frank) Slayback, Heyworth; a son, Thomas (WHS 78) (Karen) Harris, Normal; eight grandchildren, Jenee (Ben) Slayback-Farrell, Molli (Jon) Wey, Janele (Nic) Knouse, Blake (Samantha) Harris, Kelly Fitzgerald, Joshua Sprague, Megan Fitzgerald and Casey Fitzgerald; three great-grandchildren, Peyton Dwyn Slayback, Ella Lyn Knouse and Maggie Lynn Wey; four sisters, Marilyn (Lawrence) Layten and Alyse Roberts, both of Downs; Jackie Hoover, McHenry; and Judy (John) Busey, Mahomet; one brother, James Roberts, Jackson Mich.; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a brother in-law, Stan (Maxine) Harris, Clinton, and a sister-in-law, Lucy Roberts, Downs.

She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Bernard and Maude Harris; and two brothers, Harold “Bud” Roberts and an infant brother.

Winnie received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from Illinois State University, Normal. She was an elementary teacher for the Wapella school system for 28 years and was recognized by Who’s Who among American Teachers.

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Wapella; the Parish Council and the Altar & Rosary Society of the church. She was also a member of the Wapella Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary and the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary.

Winnie is remembered as a leading educator in the Wapella School District. A kind neighbor, willing volunteer at Parish and Community efforts, and with a winning smile and charm, Winnie will be sadly missed by all those who knew her.

Our condolences to the Harris and Roberts families.

DWOB: New Memorabilia from Don's World of Beef

2011-06-08T09:13:00.001-07:00

Not sure how this happened but Wapella.com has become a semi-official repository of Don's World of Beef logo'ed merchandise. Happy to do this, as this is probably the highest and best use of the internet in the entire history of the medium (or at least the best thing on Wapella.com).

Here is a snapshot of a old-timey looking Don's World of Beef delivery wagon that was in Don's Office. It has an English Roast Beef House look to it and is sure to bring a smile to anyone who enjoyed Don's World of Beef in Central Illinois.

Thanks to Don's family for sending this picture! Lot's of good memories here.

RIP James Arness 1923-2011

2011-06-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Gunsmoke's Marshall Matt Dylan, James Arness has died at age 88. Arness, who had a long and very successful Hollywood career, was of Norwegian descent, born in Minneapolis Minnesota, brother of actor Peter Graves, and a US Army Veteran serving in WWII in the Italian Campaign.

His Service decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart; the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

Arness never won an Emmy nor an Oscar, but a Bronze Star had to rate high.

He was a tall man, standing 6ft 7in, which is much taller than the average Hollywood actor.

All flags 1/2 mast please for James King Arness.

Wapella Man Wins Big at JW Hospital

2011-06-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

Tim Mollet was the winner of the Illini Rug made by Margaret Finn at the Annual Employee Christmas Party at John Warner Hospital in Clinton Illinois.

Mollett, a 1988 graduate of Wapella High School stated "I am honored to receive such a beautiful rug. It will look good next to my Illini easy chair and Illini Ottoman"

When challenged as to the existence of the Illini Ottoman, Mollet cryptically replied, "Some call it a hassock, some a footstool, but this one is an Ottoman, and reflects the Empire of Illini Fan merchandise I have collected over the years. My rug will be quite comfortable next to his new pall, the Illini rug.

Congratulations Tim, and rest assured, the Illini have not been walking over many opponents over the last few years, so you will not be alone in walking all over the Illini. On second thought, the Illini walked all over the Northwestern Football Wildcats at Wrigley last year. Go Illini!

Wapella Flag Flies High for Winnie Harris

2011-05-22T13:01:00.001-07:00

Wapella.com is proudly waving the Wapella flag today for one of the village finest, Dwynn "Winnie" Harris is getting our full salute today.

For many years Winnie has graced our village with her smile, her wit, and her dedication to children's education, her Parish and Wapella sports. Today, the Board of Wapella Historians is smiling back at Winnie and cheering on one of the most pleasant people in the Village.

So let the bands play, the flags fly, and may the village hoist a tall glass of good cider for this great lady, who along with her husband Kent Harris, have been such fine neighbors and friends to everyone in Wapella for the last 55 years or so.

Three Cheers for a great Wapella Wildcat, Winnie Harris!

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Margaret Veteto

2011-05-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

CLINTON — Margaret Jane Veteto, 83, Clinton, died at 1:35 p.m. Thursday (May 12, 2011) at Manor Court, Clinton.

Service: 10 a.m. Monday graveside at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton, with J. Kent Hickerson officiating.

Visitation: private family visitation at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.
Memorials: DeWitt County Heart Fund.

Survivors include one son, Bradley Veteto, Clinton and one daughter, Mary Kinchen, Lexington, Tenn.

Mrs. Margaret Veteto was a piano teacher in the Wapella area, and a very kind and patient lady. She will be sadly missed. Our condolences to the Veteto, Deeters and other related families.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Clarence Hibbard

2011-05-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

Clarence Omer "Keeb" Hibbard, 52, of Elkton, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Hibbard was born Oct. 6, 1958, in Dayton, Ohio, and was a son of the late John Hibbard Sr. and surviving Pearl Hibbard Garriott of Clinton, Ill.

He was a machine operator for Packaging Corp. He was a Wapella Wildcat and a veteran of the U.S. Army. Clarence had a great zest for life and a great love for his country. He is best remembered for his sense of humor and his willingness to help out others in a time of need. Clarence greatly enjoyed all forms of music, old movies, fishing, gardening, barbecuing and woodworking, and socializing with his friends on Facebook. He was a great guy with a good heart, who had a smile for all. Clarence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his mother, Clarence is survived by his fiancée, Cathy Murphy, and her son, J.J., of Elkton; three brothers, Kenny Hibbard, Kris Hibbard and John Hibbard Jr., all of Clinton, Ill.; a sister, Doris Jost of Clinton, Ill.; numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends, who will greatly miss him. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Hibbard and Gary Hibbard.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, May 14, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton with Pastor Wayne Wright officiating and military rites by the Gooden Brothers VFW Post No. 9292. The family will receive friends following the service.

All flags half mast please for US Army Veteran Clarence Hibbard.

Sure The One You Need on a Friday Afternoon

2011-05-13T15:14:00.001-07:00

Especially if you need a Dentist, this video has it all, or most of the glory of English Dental Glory. Here's Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, sans Mick Jagger, as the New Barbarians doing Sure The One You Need.

Any ideas who the other guys in the band are?

Happy Birthday Ryan Curi!

2011-05-09T04:57:00.000-07:00

Wapella.com would like to wish Ryan Curi, son of Mark and Teresa Ryan Curi (WHS '82) a happy 21st birthday. Curi will be a senior at the University of Illinois, and is a well regarded gentleman in the Glen Elyn Illinois area, where he excels at athletic, cultural and mercantile pursuits.

Congratulation Ryan on your 21st!

A young Al Pacino stands in for Ryan Curi in absence of a more appropriate photo

Wapella.com Welcomes Randy Johnson Just For Men Promotion

2011-05-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

Your beard is weird?

What a day for fireballing sports legend Randy Johnson! Guaranteed Hall of Famer, Randall David Johnson, nicknamed "The Big Unit", has joined sports greats Mex Hernandez, Emmet Smith and Clyde Frazier on the Just For Men hair and beard dye commercials.

If you haven't seen this commercial, click on the video and see our sports legends in action. Congrats to Randy Johnson on his inclusion in this league of honor.

Just for Men prefers that Hernandez’s mustache be of a continually dark hue; the company does not mind if he keeps his hair dark, too, but his deal is strictly facial. Two executives have the additional corporate assignment of contacting him when they spot his color fading and suggest that it is time for a touch-up.

“During the season, I use it quite a bit,” said Mex Hernandez, the Mets’ former first baseman. “I can’t have gray.”

Just For Men's Lerch said, “When we remind him, it’s more like kidding him.”

Frazier needs no such reminders from the home office in White Plains; he is so fastidious about hiding the encroaching gray. But in the off-season, invisible to his gel masters, Hernandez lets the gray show in the signature facial hair that was voted the top sports mustache ever last year by the American Mustache Institute.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Jim Bell

2011-04-22T04:38:00.000-07:00

Jimmie D. Bell, 73, Clinton, died at 10 a.m. Wednesday (April 20, 2011) at Farmer City Rehab & Health Care Center, Farmer City.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. Ernie Harvey Jr. will officiate. Burial will be at Mausoleum Park Cemetery, Clinton. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. Memorials may be made to Elks Crippled Children Foundation.

He was born May 12, 1937, in DeWitt County, son of Lloyd R. Bell and Ina Ogelsby.

He is survived by three daughters, Tammy (Kurt) Schnake, Carlock; Shelley (Marvin Jr.) Finfrock, Clinton; and Beth (Terry) Followell, Weldon; four grandchildren, Ryan Hearon, Marvin Finfrock III, Megan Finfrock and Tiffany (Brice) Carr; one great-grandchild, Madison Hearon; and one brother, Richard Bell, Stuttgart, Ark.

He was preceded in death by one sister and one grandson, Adam Hearon.

He was an Army veteran, having served in the National Guard.

He was a lifelong DeWitt County resident and farmer. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He loved the Cubs and especially the Fighting Illini.

Special thank you to Kenny Nolting for caring dedication in the last years of Jim’s life

Jim was a well regarded member of the Wapella community, #1 neighboring farmer of all time, and a Champion Cattle farmer. Bell coached the Clinton Celtics in a hard fought, but ultimately futile effort in a 5th Grade YMCA Championship game against a polished Wapella squad in 1974.

A sportsman and sports enthusiast, Jim was the point man for all things related to the Fighting Illini and was a wealth of scouting and analytical information about the Illini. Bell was also a great supporter of University of Illinois alumni efforts, and was always encouraging others to support the academic and athletic programs at the university.

An Army-National Guard Veteran, all flags fly at half mast for Jim Bell.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Roberta Thomas

2011-04-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Anna RoBerta McCarthy Thomas, 94, of Heyworth passed away Friday (April 15, 2011) at LeRoy Manor, LeRoy.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth. The Rev. Amanda Richards of the United Church of Heyworth will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday before the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, LeRoy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Church of Heyworth, the Heyworth Public Library or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
RoBerta was born Jan. 8, 1917, in Saybrook to Harry and Pearl Wilhelm McCarthy and was married to Maxwell Thomas, who preceded her in death on July 12, 1997. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Pauline McCarthy.

Mrs. Thomas is survived by two cousins in Indiana; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kenneth and Mabel Adams of LeRoy; niece and nephew Karen Osolin and Myron Adams; and additional area nephews.

She graduated from Illinois State University and taught school for 36 years at LeRoy, Danville, and Wapella, and until 1990 substitute taught at Heyworth schools.

RoBerta was a member of the United Church of Heyworth, having served her church as an usher, as a delegate to BroMenn Hospital, as a trustee, as a Sunday school teacher in her younger years, and as a member of the church’s administrative board for more than 30 years and as its secretary for more than 25 years, closing in her twilight years as a church quilter once a week.

Mrs. Thomas had also been active as a member of the Heyworth Women’s Club and was a member of the Retired Teachers Association.

In 1963, she was elected as a member of the Heyworth Library Board, which she served as secretary from 1967 until she resigned in 1990, when she became vice president. She retired from the library board in May 2001 upon completion of her last term as vice president.

Mrs. Thomas was a well regarded member of the Wapella Community, and highly respected as a teacher and educational leader in the Wapella Schools System. Her professionalism and academic rigor, and general excellence are credits to our schools and valued by all the Wapella alumni who received instruction from Mrs. Thomas.

Our condolences to the Thomas family.

Wapella Baseball Circa 1946

2011-04-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a shot from a Wapella Baseball team circa 1946 from my old cousin Kenny Powers, featuring his Dad, Kenneth "Cap" Powers, and my Dad, Leo Powers. Others in the picture are Don Powers, Leo "Stick" O'Brien, Richard Cundiff, Gene Kiley, Vernell Greene, Dick Payne, Carl Troxel, at least one of the great Leggets, Gene Borland, and a few others I should recognize but don't.

Click on the photo for greater detail.

Topping it off JM Karr adds an Ebay listing for a full Wapella Baseball uniform from what looks to be the same era (but a different uniform), made out of wool, which must have been very pleasant on a hot Wapella afternoon.

Have fun at the ballpark!

Put Your Heist on Hold: Ski Championship Won by Wapella in Some Kind of Mangled Roundabout Way

2011-04-08T08:21:00.001-07:00

Tom Ryan (WHS '51, pictured in a recent portrayal by George Clooney, with beard) could really tear up the slopes on Swisher Hill in his day, so it is no surprise that his granddaughter Katie Ryan qualified for some kind of Olympic thing out in Aspen Colorado. Tom Ryan, fleet of foot, and a fancy dresser, was, is, and will always be a great Wapella Wildcat.

Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club racer Katie Ryan put an exclamation point on her return to competition this weekend after a broken arm. The 18 year-old alpine ski racer won the junior division (ages 19 and under) super-G at the U.S. Alpine National Championships at Winter Park on Saturday, April 2.

Ryan placed ninth overall in the one-run competition against competition including the best of the U.S. Ski Team. According to a report from SkiRacing.com, "The women were up first in the Rocky Mountain sun shine on a tricky, turny course that saw 18 racers fail to finish. "It was technical, definitely more gates and shorter distances than a normal super G but the snow set up better than the GS yesterday so it ran pretty smooth and good," said overall champion Julia Mauncuso."
According to the SkiRacing.com report, Ryan was quoted as saying, "it's really cool to be here with the World Cup racers, I've looked up to them for a long time and obviously watching them on World Cup has been so cool. You kind of try to ski like them and when they are right in front of you it's like the perfect opportunity to learn. Running 15 I just kind of tried to stay in their track."

Her results confirm her invitation to train with the U.S. Ski Team's Development Team this summer and according to AVSC Alpine coach Kent Towlerton, having access to the team's resources and expertise provides a big boost. "She's getting back in the saddle and getting her timing back after being out for six weeks," said Towlerton. "Having fresh legs at this point in the season probably helped, but she's strong in speed regardless even with a brace on her arm." Both Ryan and Towlerton are headed out west to Washington State and Oregon for the Western Region Spring Series in April. Ryan will start training with the U.S. Team on May 1st at Mammoth Mountain in California. "Her confidence is being built back to where Katie knows she can throw down," said Towlerton.

Photo caption: AVSC's Katie Ryan (center) on the podium at Winter Park with Libby Gibson (left) from Vermont and Taylor Rapley from New Zealand

Would you bat an eye?

2011-04-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

Seriously, if you saw these two walking the streets of Wapella, would you even bat an eye?

What would tip you off that something is amiss in the Village?

From the Pantagraph

Randy Quaid Spotted in Wapella

2011-04-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

It's right there in Black and White in the Pantagraph. Everyone's favorite "Cousin Eddie", Randy Quaid, was shaken up a bit by a heist at Casey's.

Quaid is a big man, so he may have given the heisters a bit of a scare.

Train Keeps a Rolling for the Mid Majors

2011-03-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

The NCAA's have been hot this year, and who doesn't like the Butler Bulldogs and Virginia Commonwealth Rams. Bruce Weber is adding some insightful color commentary, so this Final Four looks to burn down the barn at Reliant Stadium. Yer thoughts?

Here's Aerosmith, smithing their arrows, with an intro from Little Richard in 1974's 1951 classic made popular by the Burnette Brothers, Train Kept a Rollin'

From the Archives

2011-03-25T11:49:00.001-07:00

At the suggestion of RJT, I found the archives of Wapella.com. Here is a good question that went unanswered in 2006

Big question, in 1975 or 76, the graduating Senior Girls at WHS sang a stirring version of the Carpenters' "We've only Just Begun". How was this song chosen? What prompted this outburst of optimism? Was Joe Hindman involved? Had the Senior Girls actually only just begun? Did the Senior Boys consider singing "Space Trucking" only to find it had no lyrics? Your help please

Have at it, still a mystery 5 years later

This Quiz Just In from the esteemed Brad Karr

2011-03-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Do you remember these nicknames from your Wapella School Daze? See how many you can pair with who they belong. Bogey, Whip, Gomer, Hop, Tourqe, Petey Bear, and Weeder. I'm sure there are more.

Bogey

Whip

Gomer

Hop

Tourqe

Petey Bear

Weeder

The great minds of Wapella are being tested. Match the nickname with the given name for these Wapella legends.

Festus Hagen image looks nothing like Brad Karr.

Ghoul to Goulash

2011-03-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

Just testing the Internet here, but come on people, am I the only person who has said...if Life give you Lemons, make Lemonade, If Life gives you Ghouls, make Goulash?

Put that in quotes and there were only 3 hits on the entire Web a minute ago, none of the related to Wapella. I can put the Ghoulish quote here and get 500 hits, but can the rest of world pick it up a bit....

non sequitir picture of the Daleys, but a good one

Found this at Rural Vegan magazine

GHOULS & GOULASH
By Monica on October 13th, 2007

Last week it was 90Â°F here, now it is 36Â°F and frosting at night. Quite a change to acclimate to! Chilled to the bone this week, I thought I’d make a big pot of goulash to stick to the ribs and warm us up. Now, I realize that this looks like something the dog yakked up and I tried very hard to make it look more presentable, but it is what it is!

But aside from this mention, no one else on the entire Internet is concerned with the ghastly nature of Hungarian cuisine.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Clara Larkin

2011-03-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Clara Marie (Purviance) Larkin, 86, Clinton, died at 2:15 a.m. Friday (March 11, 2011) at her home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Clinton, with Father James Henning officiating. Burial will be at Steenbergen Cemetery, Mount Pulaski. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, with the rosary recited at 2 p.m., at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church.

She was born June 26, 1924, in Lincoln, daughter of Raymond and Mildred (Reichle) Purviance. She married Frederick Durchholz. He was killed in action in France in 1945 during World War II. She married Dr. Thomas J. Larkin in 1946 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Dr. Thomas J. Larkin survives in Clinton. Also surviving are children, Dr. Thomas J. (Judy) Larkin III, Marion; Patricia (Larry) Arteman, Waynesville; Jean (Dennis) Buraglio, Clinton; Annette (Ghil) Reese, Jerseyville; Dr. John (Kim) Larkin, Clinton; Paul (Sonya) Larkin, Lowell, Ind.; 13 grandchildren, Meghan Arteman-Bodnar, Devin Arteman, Elise Orr, Christian Arteman, Nick Buraglio (Rebecca Toohill), Christopher Buraglio, Michael Buraglio, Lucianna Reese, Stephana Fedchak, John Larkin Jr., Patrick Larkin, Thomas Larkin and Lucas Larkin; four great-grandchildren, Catherine Bodnar, Selena Bodnar, Tiernan Orr, Luke Buraglio; sisters, Laurel (Roy) Baker, Morton, and Marjorie (Joe) Mileham, Springfield; and brothers, Robert (Sharon) Purviance, Lincoln, and Richard (Lois) Purviance, Bull Shoals, Ark.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Harry Purviance.

She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. For two years, she worked at the Illiopolis Munitions Plant as executive secretary to the CEO. She later became a homemaker, raising her children and enjoyed her hobbies of reading and cooking.

She was loved by all her family, and a friend to many in the Wapella community.

The family would like to especially thank Chris Buraglio (her grandson), Terry Oakley and Mickie Simmons for their wonderful care during this difficult time.

Our sympathies to the Larkin and Buraglio families.

Buzzer Beater....Order St. Patrick's Clothes Here

2011-03-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't enjoy March Madness and taking things down to the wire. Well, nobody does buzzer beaters like Rose Toohill Szymkiewicz, who is offering some St. Patricks Wapella Logo'd sportswear for sale.

Please print the order form if you are interested in any St. Patrick's Church clothing, hopefully BEFORE MARCH 13....(right down to the wire!) and return to our Rose of Wapella.

Contact Rose Szymkiewicz at
drcdv5@gmail.com
or (217)935-4254
or catch her after Mass sometime soon
to place your order.

Feel free to pass on to others.

RIP David Broder 1929-2011

2011-03-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

From the Associated Press

David Salzer Broder was born in Chicago Heights, Ill., in 1929. He graduated from the University of Chicago and served in the Army from 1951 to 1953 before beginning his journalism career at the Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph. He worked for Congressional Quarterly and The Washington Star before joining The New York Times.
A fast-rising Times reporter, Broder surprised colleagues in 1966 by leaving after only 18 months. The paper’s often bureaucratic ways frustrated him. At an editor’s suggestion, he spelled out his grievances in a lengthy memo that made him a hero to many colleagues. It went down in Times lore as “the Broder memo.”
He then went to The Washington Post where he remained for over 40 years establishing himself as the dean of political journalists.

From Tom Roeser

David Broder was a journalist’s journalist whose gentlemanly personality endeared him to all—particularly me. I first met him in when I was the press secretary to the liberal Republican governor of Minnesota who was a firm ally of Nelson Rockefeller. In those halcyon days…before the rude division of social issues tore us apart…we were in the advance of the so-called left-wing of the Republican party: Rocky, Bill Scranton, Jack Javits, etc. When we sat down together I was impressed by his thorough, almost encyclopedic, knowledge of Minnesota and its political history…even though David, like me, was Illinois born and reared.
Later when I served as press secretary to one of the nation’s foremost experts on foreign affairs, Rep. Walter Judd (R-MN), the keynoter for the 1960 Republican convention and a strong contender for the vice presidential nomination with Richard Nixon I came into contact with him many times…although he was a little miffed at me when I denied him too-early access to the keynote speech text. But once again his questioning of Judd who had been a Mayo surgeon-missionary to China and one of the enduring experts on Far East policy showed David’s highly sophisticated erudition.
Still later when I became more conservative yet—one of several leaders of pro-life forces in Illinois and….a fascinating contradiction…a vice president of Quaker Oats which was more economically-rooted than socially…I met and shared information with Dave many times. We at Quaker invited him many times to speak to our new executives about the interaction of public and private interests and our responsibilities to both. I always was highly impressed with the great level of sophistication he possessed….this accompanied by a lively though quiet sense of humor and no talking-down from the standpoint of his superior accumulation of insights to his audiences.
One evening I will never forget occurred about 25 years ago when Dave came to town and….in an effort to glean information from many sides…invited Don Rose and I—with our guests—to dinner where the conversational exchange was pointed and delightful…sometimes cryptic. In all it was thoroughly one of the most memorable dinners I ever participated in. Don Rose in addition to all his other many talents is a gourmet, expert on food and a savvy reviewer of restaurants not just here but throughout the country. Dave had his own opinions and by the time the dinner was completed, Dave had a tremendous size-up from two I hope well-behaved but ardent disputants on political philosophy as well (from Don, not me) on the art of wine-tasting and appreciation of the cordon bleu arts.
The last time I saw David was at the Museum of Broadcast Communications tribute to Franklin Roosevelt a few years ago when he was a major speaker. Among his insights he pointed out that Roosevelt’s accent…speaking intonation…was not just Eastern nor Brahmin but something in between…was duplicated only by the never duplicated tones of Katherine Graham, publisher of The Washington Post. Fascinating. I had never thought of that before.
While David worked for one of the great liberal newspapers…The Washington Post…I always knew that he was far less ideological than his newspaper: more appreciative, for example, of the great contribution Richard Nixon—this paper’s bête noire—made to foreign policy by splitting the Soviet-Sino alliance—than Watergate for which Nixon paid too dear a price not by doing anything but by in a moment of outrage recorded on magnetic tape he said.
I suppose if you look at a list of scoops Dave had, they were not that many…but his value was to impart a brilliant civility and analysis to stories that—sadly—has not been equaled. Very high up in my list of his virtues was something I seldom detected in other high-pressure political journalists—an endearing sense of humility. A longtime wire service reporter who many years ago gloried in his ability to drink hugely after lunch and return to write colorful stories unencumbered by his alcoholic burden once stunned us when we were in David’s company by slurring: Broder…I can write better drunk than you can sober!
David thought that so funny he used it for years afterward. The guy was wrong but it is a measure of Broder’s self-confidence and comfort with himself that he treasured it as a corrective to keep his ego in check.
I think it’s fair to say there is not on hand another David Broder nor until big time newspapers start hiring blemish-free saints will there ever be.

From Bill Flick in The Bloomington Pantagraph

For Broder, it began at this newspaper, back in the 1950s, reportedly earning him $65 a week — before taxes.
His son was born at Brokaw Hospital (today’s Advocate BroMenn Medical Center).
He and wife, Ann, lived near Franklin Park.
By the 1960s, he moved on, first to Congressional Quarterly and then The Washington Post, where his weekly column became a bible for every president from Lyndon Johnson to Barack Obama.
But, even if he was a newspaper superstar, he seemed to never forget his start.
Over his 60 years as a front-line-but-in-the-back-row journalist, he’d occasionally be seen, every few years, at Lucca Grill downtown.
As they will tell you, he didn’t come with bravado.
Instead, he simply asked for a table, the Baldini special and an iced tea with a lemon slice.
When then-presidential candidate Ronald Reagan visited Bloomington-Normal in 1980 to be grand marshal of the Illinois State University homecoming parade, suddenly out of the media pool popped Broder, not to get closer to Reagan but instead to quickly stride to the steps near Hovey Hall.
“He came right over to us, just to say hello, as if the years had never passed,” remembers Rich Godfrey, then an ISU media relations head, mayor of Normal and alumnus of this newspaper. Godfrey says he worked one summer side by side with Broder, driving from Minonk to DeLand to visit The Pantagraph’s “state reporters,” who at that time usually were older women who were either farmer’s wives or the town gadflies.
“Dave was genuinely nice, quiet, patient,” says Godfrey, “a very thoughtful person.”

From Sen. Adlai Stevenson III

David Broder was old school, perhaps reflecting his earlly experience in a civil environment. He took an active interest in public policy and politics – which went beyond reporting and commenting. He was not infallible but he was incorruptible and non ideological. He came to the opening event for the Adlai Stevenson Center and seemed to enjoy it. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him and appreciates professional journalism.

From George Spray, former Head of Photography for the Bloomington Pantagraph

Dave and I were in the newsroom together for about a year. I joined the staff in 1954 and remember him as a kind journalist and equally, a gentlemen. I remember the day he left the newsroom for Washington, the newsroom crew gathered around as he was presented with a leather briefcase. Every time I saw or read Dave Broder, I could say, “I Knew Him”, and be proud of the work of the Pantagraph in the 1950′s.

image the US Flag flies at half-mast for David Broder, a US Army Veteran

Congratulations DeWitt County on You Choice of Choices

2011-02-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

In a fit of good governance, DeWitt County has settled on a consensus candidate for County Board. Wapella's own Jay Wickenhouser (WHS '88) has been chosen to fill a vacant seat, opened by a recent resignation.

Wickenhouser, who looks somewhat like Brian Urlacher, pictured here, albeit with better hair, his Uncle Jack was a noted barber in Clinton for many years, and a Cub fan of great merit and patience, brings not only his Hollywood Style looks to County Government, but also a pleasant demeanor and firm resolve to provide leadership for the citizens of not only Wapella, but also all of DeWitt County.

Way to go Jay Wickenhouser, one of Wapella's finest!

Watson, Come Here Casey's is Open Again

2011-02-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

Wapella.com is celebrating today for many reasons, (including the Feast of St. Bernadette if we were in France), but since we're here, and Wapella is enjoying an early spring thaw, nothing satisfies like a trip to the newly expanded Casey's General Store.

The word is that the food inspection is passed, and Casey's will begin serving sandwiches in a sort of cafe fashion, as well as having an expanded drinks section.

Welcome back to Wapella old friend!

On a side note, the Watson Model computer has won a Jeopardy Championship vs. two top quiz show competitors. Computer scientists worked night and day to fine tune Watson for the competition. ...however, has anyone considered the possibilities of a Computer Generated version of Tim Watson walking the streets of Wilson Township? Could a computer generate his great smile, winning personality, terrific hair...the outcomes could be fascinating.

Celebrate Egyptian Freedom with the King

2011-02-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

The legacy of Egypt in Illinois is a storied one, with two distinct "Egyptian" influences. One, the Southern Illinois area around Cairo, as put here by Stephen Douglas

"In 1858, debating in northern Illinois, Douglas had threatened Lincoln by asserting that he would 'trot him down to Egypt' and there challenge him to repeat his antislavery views before a hostile crowd. The audience understood Douglas: overwhelming proslavery sentiment and Democratic unanimity in Egypt had led to the nickname."

With Cairo, New Athens, Carthage, Sparta, and other classical towns in Illinois, the names (Saluki's anyone?) were there, but the Egyptian influence was pretty much an allegory of a big river, leading toward Memphis, named after the big city on the Nile, with a bit of influence from the various flavors of Masonic orders who called back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians for their ancient traditions.

Like the rest of Illinois, Egypt took to hip-shaking for the 1892 Chicago World's Fair, with Little Egypt being the stage name for two popular belly dancers. They had so many imitators, the name became synonymous with belly dancers generally. Farida Mazar Spyropoulos, (c. 1871, date of death unknown), also performing under the stage name Fatima, appeared at the "Street in Cairo" exhibition on the Midway at the World's Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago in 1893.

In 1893, at the Egyptian Theater on the World's Columbian Exposition Midway in Chicago, Raqs dancers performed for the first time in the United States. Sol Bloom presented a show titled "The Algerian Dancers of Morocco" at the attraction called "A Street in Cairo" produced by Gaston Akoun, which included Spyropoulos, though she was neither Egyptian nor Algerian, but Syrian. Spyropoulos was billed as Fatima, but because of her size, she had been called "Little Egypt" as a backstage nickname.

Spyropoulos stole the show, and popularized this form of dancing, which came to be referred to as the "Hoochee-Coochee", or the "shimmy and shake". At that time the word "bellydance" had not yet entered the American vocabulary, as Spyropoulos was the first in the U.S. to demonstrate the "danse du ventre" (literally "dance of the belly") first seen by the French during Napoleon's incursions into Egypt at the end of the eighteenth century. Today the word "hootchy-kootchy" generally means an erotic suggestive dance and is often erroneously conflated with the group of dances originating in the Middle East that we now call bellydance.

Subsequently, several women dancers adopted the name of Little Egypt and toured the United States performing some variation of this dance, until the name became somewhat synonymous with exotic dancers, and often associated with the Dance of the Seven Veils.

Elvis Presley (via the Coasters and Lieber/Stoller sone "Little Egypt") took off with the Hoochie Coochie Dance, here performed by Wilda Taylor shaking what her momma gave her. Elvis was a huge shaker himself, energizing the popular music world in much the same way the Little Egypt energized the world's fair. Elvis and Taylor are shown here tearing it up in the filme "Roustabout".

Back to this week's events, I'll hazard a guess that the solution to a corrupt anti-democratic regime is the soup of democracy (without the Stephen Douglas style appeal to the mob), topped by a big enough helping of spice to enjoy an Elvis movie and some World's Fair style dancing.

Happy 90th Birthday To Ernest Thorp!

2011-02-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

The Wapella Flag flies high and proudly (highly and proudly..high and proud?) in celebration of the birthday of one of Wapella's finest, Ernest N. Thorp (WHS '35). Ernest, a lifelong Wapella man with a rural Clinton address, will be 90 years old.

Ernest has a resume a mile long, is an Illini, and a Flying Farmer, among his many highlights. Ernest Thorp, WWII B-17 Pilot, will be celebrating his birthday with friends from 1-4pm at Crang-Bennett American Legion Post #103 in Clinton, Illinois.

A full salute to a fine gentleman from the entire staff at Wapella.com

Wapella Man Seen a Likely Successor to Jack LaLanne

2011-02-02T18:10:00.000-08:00

One of the champions of American fitness has passed, Francois Henri "Jack" LaLanne died last week at age 96 after a triumphant career as the premier advocate of healthy living and exercise.

LaLanne truly had a storybook career, enjoying success in business, performance as well as being a great example of health and fitness.

So it is with great pride when we see one of our own Wildcats taking the baton from LaLane to continue the quest for American health through fitness. This from the Daily Pantagraph

Jason Karr had an eye on the forecast when he planned his daily trip to the Clinton YMCA. "I wanted to get here before it got bad," said Karr, as he finished his three-mile trek on a treadmill.
With his exercise completed, Karr headed home. "I plan to stay home the rest of the day," he said. "I don't want to get out if I don't have to."

Well put from a fine Wapella Wildcat and modern day champion of the fit life. Take it on Jason, all of Wapella looks forward to your carrying Jack LaLanne style fitness forward. But the question remains, will Karr continue with the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer?

Good Looking Vehicle

2011-02-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

Here is a 1978 Grand Marquis, top of the line Mercury for that year. A great example of American design and manufacturing.

Who had this one in Wapella?

Excellent Bit of Trivia: Who is the Lead Singer Here?

2011-01-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here's one of the all time great tunes, a US #4 chart maker, Keep on Dancing from the Gentrys, with a surprising flush out. No no no, not that the Bay City Rollers had a UK #9 with the same song, six years later. Check out the lead singer on the Gentry's.

Take it as a trivia quiz, the lead singer from the Gentry's went to high school with Jerry "The King" Lawler (antagonist of Andy Kauffman), and was good friends with Hillbilly Jim (who not coincidentally hosts a radio show on Sirius that plays "Keep on Dancing"), which lead him to became a celebrated pro wrestling manager in the 1980's and 90's. The singer/manager also shares his name with one of Wapella's finest gentleman.

Who is inciting the good folks of Shindig to Keep on Dancing? What was his wrestling nickname?

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of John Archer

2011-01-26T09:54:00.000-08:00

John T. Archer, 47, Urbana, formerly of Clinton, passed away at 11:06 a.m. Monday (Jan. 24, 2011) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, with his family by his side.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Christ Lutheran Church, Clinton, with the Rev. Joel Dietrich officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. Memorials may be made to his daughter, the Lauren L. Archer Education Fund.

John was born June 14, 1963, in Bloomington, the son of John Archer Jr. and Wanda Bray. He married Dana Duff on June 15, 1983, in Clinton.

Survivors include his mother, Wanda (Roger) Mix, Clinton; father, John Archer Jr., Granite City; daughter, Lauren L. Archer, Battle Creek, Mich.; sisters, Jody (Richard) Karr, Clinton; Dawn (Don) Bushong, Francesville, Ind.; and Jill (Bill) Proud, Chippewa Falls, Wis.; brother, Tim Schnabel, Clinton; six nieces; one nephew; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents and one nephew.
John was affiliated with Christ Lutheran Church in Clinton. He will be remembered for his gardening, landscaping and his love of his mom’s home-cooked meals. John was a caretaker for the State of Illinois.

John was a student at Wapella Grade School and the friend and relative of many in the Wapella community. Our condolences to the Archer and Bray families.

It's Dolly Parton Day in Illinois

2011-01-24T11:51:00.000-08:00

Dolly Parton, one of the legends of country music and a talented lady all around, is being honored by the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois

While Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and wife Maggie were at the White House with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle having dinner Wednesday with China's president Hu Jintao, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn was on stage at Bank of America Theatre in Chicago with Dolly Parton declaring it "Dolly Parton Day in the City of Chicago."

Parton was honored with a beautiful plaque and plenty of applause by the surprised audience (and press) at the theater, gathered for the opening night of "9 to 5: The Musical," which features an original score of her songs. After a Broadway run, the show has been revamped by director and choreographer Jeff Calhoun and has been on a national tour since September. It's playing through Jan. 30 in Chicago.

All good and well, and part of a bit of promo with a wink at Dolly who celebrates her 65th birthday this Wednesday. But Wapella.com and the Board of Wapella Historians is also honoring Dolly Parton for her little known, but very fine work in providing library books throughout the world, via the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a gift to all of the children. The Imagination Library is currently at work in 1,100 communities in three countries - the U.S.A., Canada and the United Kingdom. More than 560,000 children each month receive books through the generosity of local sponsors and the Dollywood Foundation. In 2010, the 25,000,000th book was delivered! Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a unique opportunity to do something simple and powerful for preschoolers.

How about that? Through the generosity of Dolly Parton and many organizations affiliated with Dollywood, more than 25 Million books have been provided to pre-schoolers all over the US. What a tremendous and charitable good, from a great lady! Way to go Dolly Parton.

image Dolly Parton with a waxy looking Kenny Rogers

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Marie Clifton-Harris

2011-01-20T05:02:00.000-08:00

Marie J. Clifton-Harris, 71, of Warrensburg passed away at 5:42 p.m. Friday (Jan. 14, 2011) at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Her funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. A brief graveside service will be at Sugar Grove Cemetery near Wapella, immediately following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to DMH Heart and Lung Institute or Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network.

Marie was born on Oct. 15, 1939, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Russell and Elsie Dunaway.
She was a lifetime member of Sharon United Methodist Church. Marie loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her fiance, Joe Norris, with whom she also enjoyed going to Corvette shows. She also enjoyed crocheting and reading.

Marie is survived by her five children, Rebecah Tromm of Lexington, Ky.; Veronica (Randy) Fields of Troy; Jim (Marcia) Clifton of Attica, Ind.; Penny (Thom) Pennell of Armington; and David (Ursula) Clifton of Stanwood, Wash.; fiance, Joe Norris of Warrensburg; stepson, Mike (Heather) Norris of Springfield; 15 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, James; and sister, Beverly Stovall.

Our condolences to the Clifton family.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Marilyn Salmond

2011-01-20T04:52:00.000-08:00

Marilyn J. Walsh Salmond, 81, Normal, passed away at 5:11 p.m. Monday (Jan. 17, 2011) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal, with Monsignor Eric Powell officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Wapella. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be for one half hour prior to the service Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Cancer Research Center, Epiphany Catholic Church, Catholic Social Service or BroMenn Thrift Store.

Marilyn was born Dec. 4, 1929, in Bloomington, the daughter of Leo and Julia Kelley Walsh. She married Robert E. Salmond on June 11, 1955, in Wapella. He died Nov. 11, 1981.

Surviving are her five children, Kathleen Salmond, Normal; Janet Salmond (Thomas) Paley, St. Louis, Mo.; Christine Salmond, Bloomington; Michael Salmond, Denver, Colo.; and John Salmond, Hyattsville, Md.; two grandchildren, Julia and Stephen Paley; and a brother, John L. Walsh, Wapella.

Marilyn was a graduate of Wapella High School and of Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa. While a student there, she excelled in music as a member of the piano ensemble.

Marilyn was a devoted mother and grandmother. She enjoyed volunteering in her community and church. She served on the board of Catholic Social Service, was assistant director of CCD classes at Epiphany Catholic Church and also served on the board of directors for McLean County Home Extension and volunteered for several years at the BroMenn Thrift Store.
Marilyn was a kind and caring friend to all of her family and friends. She was extremely bright and witty and was always engaged in other people’s lives and families. She nurtured an environment that allowed for individuality, creativity, exploration and true adventure. She loved to travel and also enjoyed animals.

She is loved and will be truly missed by all.

Wapella.com extends our deepest sympathies to the Salmond and Walsh families.

Vote for the Tuscola Strangler

2011-01-14T05:12:00.000-08:00

Union Pacific Railroad is running and interesting contest. Y ou can vote here to determine the route of an old-timey Steam Engine that will travel around a good chunk of the United States on a historical promotional tour.

The Board of Wapella Historians has officially endorsed the UP Route from Boone Iowa to Tuscola (Villa Grove) Illinois, via Marshalltown, DeWitt and Clinton Iowa, Glen Elyn Illinois, and Woodland Illinois before terminating in Tuscola. We named it the Tuscola Strangler, which probably isn't the name that UP would have chosen, but it has a more risk taking sound to it.

The Union Pacific website is pretty slick, and you can vote every day. The Tuscola route is leading right now, but the Little Rock Express is only a few votes behind.

Wapella is a rail town with a huge history in the Rail Industry. What better way to take a glimpse at our past than to watch a bit of Big Steam cross the Prairie? Ok, it would be better if it went from Heyworth to Clinton and back again, but this is as close as UP is coming. Vote Illinois style, early and often.

UPDATE

You can vote ever day. Vote Tuscola Here

Happy 66th to the Tartanned One, Rod Stewart

2011-01-11T13:33:00.001-08:00

Who would have thunk it, but Roderick David "Rod" Stewart, CBE (who would have thought that Rod would be a British Knight?) turned 66 years old yesterday. Rod has had a huge and brilliant career spanning an amazing 6 decades, with a full range of musical styles ranging from Rhythm and Blues, Mod, plain old Blues, Folk, Chuck Berry Rock and Roll, Disco, American Standards, Acoustic and County, and had success in all genres.

A Scottsman to the core, but still a great success in the States and a Wapella all time favorite, here's Rod Stewart doing some R&B with "Just Like I Treat You" from around 1964.

Congratulations John Byner!

2011-01-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

Loyal readers here are very much aware that we religiously steer (or as religious as a steer can be) clear of politics of politics on Wapella.com. But today, we have to offer a congratulations to a Hollywood and Vegas Great who made his way over to the House of Representatives...not, not Sonny Bono, who sadly passed years ago...this is for our new Speaker of the House, John Byner.

Byner, the noted Dean Martin impressionist, takes a career stretching back to the (1967) Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan shows to bring 43 years of entertainment experience to Washington DC.

A little from John Byner's bio

On a 1967 episode of Get Smart, Byner played a KAOS agent who made a phone call to the Chief of CONTROL (played by Edward Platt), performed a perfect impression of President Lyndon B. Johnson, and told the Chief he was fired and replaced with agent Maxwell Smart (Don Adams). Smart, the Chief and Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon) foiled this plot to undermine CONTROL, and Byner's character was arrested.

In 1970, he hosted about 25 episodes of a syndicated half-hour musical variety series called Something Else. He then hosted his own show in 1972 called the "John Byner Comedy Hour", where the character Super Dave was first introduced. Also that year, he had a cameo appearance in Barbra Streisand's blockbuster comedy film What's Up Doc?. In the late 1970s, he had a featured role as Detective Donahue on the tv series Soap. In the 1980s he hosted the Canadian TV comedy series, Bizarre. That show re-introduced many people to hapless daredevil Super Dave Osborne, played by Bob Einstein. He was also a regular celebrity guest on Hollywood Squares during the Peter Marshall years and later hosted the 1988-89 syndicated game show Relatively Speaking Over the years he has done straight acting work and also light characters in otherwise serious dramas, such as the mostly-harmless con artist "Cotton Dunn" in the 1990s cop series Silk Stalkings and appeared in the PBS 1994 Halloween special "Lamb Chop in the Haunted Studio".

Sworn in yesterday, Byner is the 61st and current Speaker of the House. Congrats John Byner!

Here's Byner doing a Benny Hill Style sketch with some topical humor, yet Byner was doing this in 1980, 31 years ago. A man ahead of his time.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Jayne Brunskill

2011-01-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

Jayne L. Brunskill, 95, a resident of Piper City Rehab & Living Center in Piper City, formerly of Pontiac, passed away at 2:40a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 4, 2011) at the home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Pontiac, with Monsignor Thomas Mack officiating. Interment will be at Esmen-Camp Cemetery, rural Pontiac, with her son, the Rev. Richard Brunskill officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday prior to Mass at the church, where in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name for Masses, or to the Jayne L. Brunskill Memorial Fund. Martin Funeral Home, Chatsworth, is in charge of arrangements.

Jayne Laverne Tallman Brunskill was born Sept. 1, 1915, in Pontiac, a daughter of Albert and Florence Solma Tallman. She married Byron Brunskill in February 1936. He preceded her in death March 3, 1977.

She is survived by one daughter, Barbara Brunskill, Piper City; two sons, Craig (Maria) Brunskill, Normal, and the Rev. Richard Brunskill, Piper City; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Vernette; one brother, Richard; nieces and nephews; and many good friends. Fr. Dick Brunskill, was pastor at St. Patrick's Parish in Wapella, Illinois in the late 1980's.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother and one sister.

After raising her three children, Jayne pursued a career as a phlebotomist for nearly 20 years, before becoming a licensed practical nurse in 1978.

She worked at St. James Hospital, Asta Care, Piper City Nursing Home and two places in Fairbury, Fairview Haven Nursing Home and the offices of Drs. Langstaff and Mosciski. She retired from the nursing profession in 1995.

She was a woman of great faith, helping to start the Perpetual Adoration Society at St. Mary’s Church, and working tirelessly at Grace Episcopal Church for many years before she became Catholic — along with Bryon and Richard — in 1974. Jesus was the center of her life and faith.

Our condolences the the Brunskill family.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Carmen Mearida

2011-01-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Constance Carmen Mearida, 90, Wapella, died at 5:48 a.m. Monday (Jan. 3, 2011) at Manor Court, Clinton.

There will be private family services, with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Waynesville. There will be no visitation. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Manor Court, Clinton.

She was born July 11, 1920, in Waynesville Township, DeWitt County, to Carl B. and Anna M. Ruble Halsey. She married Charles Everett “Peanut” Mearida on Aug. 5, 1938, at St. Charles, Mo. He passed away March 14, 1996.

Surviving are two daughters, Sharolyn Fryman and Julia “Judy” Finger, both of Wapella; one brother, Thomas Halsey, Normal; one sister, Melva Neaville, Mount Pulaski; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and one sister.

She was a member of Wapella Christian Church. Carmen Mearida was regarded as a fine neighbor, pleasant person, and a great member of the Wapella Community.

Even More Historic Churches of Wapella: Presbyterians and the Opera House

2011-01-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

Here are two good shots of the Opera House, which was formerly the Presbyterian Church.

A bit on the Presbyterian Church from the Centennial booklet

The Presbyterian Church of Wapella was organized May
26, 1868. Some of the first charter members were John and
Jane Potter, Homer, Mary and Martha Buck, Thomas, George
and Lucinda, Hugh and Emehne Watson, EH and Zavilda Cant-
rall, Joshua Hull, Nancy Hickle, Susanna Certwill, S. A. and
Mary Longbrake, James Ellis, Ray Nelson, Mary Abbott, and
Marcuda Hull. The building and lot cost about $4,000, and
$7,000 was the amount paid for the pastor's salary and for
other church purposes. The following ministers served as pas-
tors: Samuel Stevenson, A. L. Knox, W. L. Rabbe, and W. W.
Farris.

A Sabbath School was organized in the fall of 1871 and
continued for about five years, but the members becoming few
in number and living in the country, it was disbanded and united
with other schools. The church was abandoned about 1876
and bought by Mr. Spafford and used for an opera house; then
in turn was owned by A. A. Alexander, Frank Cunningham,
and W. A. Graham. It was located on the lot across the street
from the Kenneth Duncan residence, but was moved to its pres-
ent location in 1908 by W. A. Graham, who now uses it for a
garage. The Rev. Samuel Stephenson was the pastor that held
the last church services in the Presbyterian Church.

One is in it's original location and the other is on main street after it was Graham's Garage. Note that the building resembles a church, has church windows and the base of a steeple or bell tower. The latter shot was taken shortly after the new firehouse was built.

Hat Tip, as always to Wapella's ace of photographers, George Spray.

Happy New Year from Don's World of Beef!

2011-01-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

It's only natural that Wapella.com would become one of the leading repositories for arcania and memorabilia concerning Don's World of Beef, as we have been noted as the 7th most active curator of DWOB information on the internet today by informed sources. Actually we the only people even mildly concerned with Don's World of Beef, but who is counting?

So when a thoughtful reader sent us a shot of a Don's World of Beef Mug, well of course it is the 1st post of the New Year.

A logo featuring a Steer, impaled by a two pennant flag declaring "Don's" and"World of Beef" is what brought the customers into the popular restaurant, but first-class service and hosting by some of Wapella's finest is what kept them coming back for more.

And the slogan "Where it's Love at First Bite" didn't hurt anything either, along with the floating dentures. Come to think of it the floating dentures might have driven more customers away than it brought in.

Thanks to Missouri reader Chris in Missouri for sharing the shot of the mug, or the mugshot if you will. Keep 'em coming and we will continue to be the leader in Don's World of Beef History.

Two Good Shots of Wapella Church History

2010-12-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

At the suggestion of George Spray, Wapella's Ace of Photographers, Wapella.com has obtained two historic postcards of Wapella Churches.

Here's St. Patrick's (Sans Steeple..may make a good Roman Church..St. Pat's Sans Campanile!) and the Wapella Chirstian Church from approximately the same era.

I am not sure what happened to the Wapella Christian Church pictured, but it looks like a well made building. Nor am I sure what years these are from. There is parking for your horse at the Catholic Church, which suggests this is pre-automobile.

These are from the CU Williams Company in Bloomington, under the title Genuine Photo, which indeed they are.

Merry Christmas and it would be great to hear any details about these structures that have been so important to the Village of Wapella and the Wildcat community.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Francis Carstens

2010-12-11T05:04:00.000-08:00

Francis E. “Frank” Carstens, 75, Raymond, died at 1:22 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 9, 2010) at St. John’s Medical Center, Springfield.

Rosary services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with the Rev. Father Peter Pilon officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Wapella, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

He was born Aug. 20, 1935, at Heyworth, to Henry and Nora Toohill Carstens. He married Ruby M. Dodson Reum on Sept. 30, 1990, at Hutchinson, Kan.

Surviving are wife, Ruby M. Carstens, Raymond; one daughter, Barbara (Eddie) Giefer, Cheney, Kan.; three grandchildren, Renae Giefer, Denver, Colo.; Rachel (Randy) Dick, Wichita, Kan.; and Rhonda (Ryan) Curtiss, Benton, Kan.; two great-grandchildren, Braydon and Briley Curtiss, Benton, Kan.; one brother, John (Phyllis) Carstens, Bloomington; and one sister, Genevieve (Martin) Metz.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Wapella, and was a U.S. Army mechanic veteran.

He was employed at G.E. for 36 years. He also farmed.

He was a loving and caring husband, dad and grandpa; also a fine cousin and friend to many in Wapella. An extended member of the Wapella community, Francis continued to participate in Wapella village and parish events long after moving away from Wapella. He will be missed by all his family and friends.

All flags half mast please for US Army Veteran Francis Carstens.

DeWitt County Stretches Political Reach

2010-12-09T07:42:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Sen. Mark Kirk on choosing one of DeWitt County's finest to Chair the Agriculture Advisory Board. Washington welcomes, Terry Ferguson of Clinton, a past president and current board member of the DeWitt County Farm Bureau, and a friend and neighbor to many in Wapella. A DeWitt County Board member and Harp Township highway commissioner, Ferguson is well known for bringing attention to the needs of farmers in central Illinois.

Also from the DeWitt County Board, Wapella's own David Taylor was elected to a leadership position. In a historic vote, David Taylor was elected 8 to 1 as Vice Chair of the DeWitt County Board. Taylor notes he's glad to have the confidence of the other board members, and says he's looking forward to moving DeWitt County forward. Taylor, you may remember is only vaguely connected to Taylorville Illinois, his family being from Wapella and Waynesville.

Congrats to the Board on their decision of much wisdom and foresight. DeWitt Clinton would be proud to see such a responsible crew.

Still A Happy Day to remember Sammy Davis Jr.

2010-12-08T07:26:00.001-08:00

Sammy Davis Jr. would be 85 years old today, if he were still with us. Happy Birthday SDJ, one of the great artists of the 20th century.

Here's Sammy doing his signature piece, Candyman.

The Raw Feed: Stories in Development for Wapella.com

2010-12-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

In response to the observation that Wapella.com is becoming increasingly irrelevant and untimely, we have reached new depths in lameness with the following stories, all with a tenuous connection to Wapella and to factualness in general.

* Zabriske Pointe by Michael Antonioni maybe the only film about a previous name of the Village of Wapella directed by an Oscar Winner. The movie looks like a period piece from 1970 and features a soundtrack from Pink Floyd, incidentally also the only soundtrack that Floyd did in homage to a previous name of the Village of Wapella.

* The Mattoon Mafia is one short after Brad Childress got the boot from the Vikings. Childress, EIU '78 was one of three Eastern Illinois University alums who are head coaches in the NFL, along with the Saints Sean Payton and Redskins Mike Shanahan.

* One of the few Sherlock Holmes stories set in Clinton, Illinois featured a mad medical group (pre-Myers and Veirs) terrorizing the Clinton Square titled the Surgeons of Spurgeons.

* Wapella is a whale of a place to get a Christmas tree. Here are two of the leading agri-merchants in Wapella marking their X in X-Mas, and one that is not doing so well.

DEWITT COUNTY
Don's Tree Farm, Wapella, 935-6367, Don Filkin owner, U.S. 51 2 miles north of Wapella to Carl Springs Road, turn west and drive ¾ mile; open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21; tours available weekdays; trees 3 to 8 feet; Scotch, Austrian and white pine and Fraser fir; $19.99 to $34.99; shaken and netted, no charge; $19.99 for stand system, drilling free; customer cuts, assistance available; wreaths, grave decorations, swags, crafts, gift shop. Free cider and animal crackers.
Christmas Trees at Hedrick Farms, Wapella, 935-3400; U.S. 51 north to Waynesville blacktop turn left, 4½ miles to Farmers Road, turn right, 1½ miles at T-road turn right; noon to dark Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to dark Saturday, noon to dark Sunday through Dec. 24; white and Scotch pine, balsam $30-$45, Douglas fir, up to 10 feet, $25; call ahead on wreaths.

Cut Your Own Cut Rate Christmas Tree Farm, Wilson Township, Wapella If you were here, you would already know where the place was at. Low prices, crummy trees, and questionable property rights are a big draw in the Holiday season for Cut-Your-Own. Many of the trees are not fit for indoor use and are generally regarded as brush. Unstaffed

* Ron Santo (1940-2010) was a likable guy. He had a restaurant in Libertyville that wasn't all that good. I don't think he paid much attention to it, just licensed his name out. Finger used to have a Ron Santo jersey that he claimed was owned by Santo. Oddly enou

gh Santo used to have a Jeff Finger jersey that he claimed was owned by Jeff. Hall of Fame or not, Santo was a fierce competitor and solid player, loved by fans and feared by the opposition. Jeff Finger is just feared by fans and tolerated, not particularly loved, by the opposition.

UPDATE

Ron Santo brings to mind a classic story from Wapella Great, Richard Cundiff. Richard was travelling with the Cubs in Montreal one time many years ago staying at the same hotel as the players. Many of the players went to a watering hole at the hotel for a private reception after a game one evening. Santo did not want to go, so offered his pass to the reception to our man Cundiff.

Cundiff sat up at the bar, with a badge on identifying him as Ron Santo. He was holding court with many players and reporters about the Cubs and baseball in general. One of the reporters said (something like) *So tell me Ronny, what do you think of Tim Foli?* Before Richard could reply, a player interrupted with "That's not Ron Santo, don't you recognize Jack Buck?"Richard's long term lookalike play-by-play man for the St. Louis Cardinals.

UPDATE 2 It's Pearl Harbor Day. Dr. Herman Meltzer, from Clinton survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor. You can buy Dr. Meltzer's book of poetry, Poems Written in Various Slap-Happy Moods here.

Rock and Roll Wrestling Returns to Wapella

2010-12-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought Wapella was yawning a bit, the Pro-Wrestling Great Rock and Roll Buck ZumHofe is bringing his Rock and Roll Wrestling Circus back to town at The Irish, December 10, 2010 Tickets $8.00 in advance $12.00 at the door..

Here's Buck answering few questions:

Q: Greatest Wrestling Achievement

A: I guess being the Texas Tag-Team Champion, but even more being the AWA Light-Heavy Weight Champioin not once, not twice, but three times and then actually retiring with the belt.

Q: Favorite Opponent

A: The Weasel, I suppose.

Q: Favorite Tag-Team Partner

A: Teto Santana

Q: Best Wrestling Moment

A: Wrestling with Andre The Giant against Bobbie Heenan and Kent Patera in the St. Paul Civic Center; 35,000 people chanting Rock n Roll...BEBE!

Q: Worst Wrestling Moment

A: One time in the end of my match, I was going to do my handstand, went to fast and actually tippped out head over heals over the top rope and hurt myself.

Q: Advice to someone just getting started

A: If you want to really do this, it has to be in your heart or you will never ever make it.

Q: Wrestling Goals

A: Every night that we here at Rock n Roll Wrestling put on a show...it will be the best possible show, every show, every night.

Big question, Buck brings on a Midget Wrestling Competition as well. Would any of Wapella's finest get in the ring as sort of an Andre the Giant vs. Buck's team?

RIP Leslie Nielsen

2010-11-29T14:03:00.000-08:00

Here is the genius, Leslie Nielsen in action in Police Squad. One of the true greats Nielsen will never be forgotten for his long and storied career.

Thanksgiving in Verse

2010-11-25T06:02:00.000-08:00

Psalm 100:4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Happy Thanksgiving and Feast of St. Katherine (image at left courtesy Matt Alderman).

The Slow but Inexorable Journey Home to Wapella

2010-11-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

Good story from Ernest Thorp. I particularly like the phrase

The Slow but Inexorable Journey Home to Wapella

Had to look up inexorable, to see if could be printed in a family website, and it means

Impossible to stop or prevent

It was impossible to prevent Ernest Thorp from returning to Wapella. Well said by a good neighbor.

I use Larry Hovis' photo as Sgt. Carter as a stand-in for Ernest Thorp.

From the Springfield Journal Register

Ernest Thorp had two consuming passions when growing up on a farm outside Wapella — farming and flying. As a child of the Depression, he had plenty of opportunity to pursue both. Thorp was a college student at what is now Illinois State University in 1941 when he earned his civilian pilot’s license. Two years later, he was training to fly B-17 Flying Fortresses.

By early 1944, Ernest was newly engaged and in England, serving as a co-pilot on missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. He felt very much like a target whenever he flew missions in the lumbering B-17, always part of a tight formation of aircraft headed to Germany and back. They were exposed and vulnerable in those formations, prey to German fighters, and fat targets to alert flak gunners. “Average life of a B-17 – 231 days or 21 missions,” Thorp wrote in the diary he faithfully maintained throughout the war. Even so, it was safer to stay in the formation, protected by an intricate web of interlocking machine gun fire woven by scores of .50-caliber machine guns.

The target for Thorp’s 18th combat mission on Aug. 4, 1944, was an oil refinery in Bremen, Germany. Not until the morning mission briefing did he discover he would be the co-pilot for a green crew in a beat-up old aircraft; otherwise, it seemed like a routine mission. The formation was hugging the coastline when they ran into flak, with Thorp’s No. 1 engine taking a hit. He and the navigator were able to get things under control and argued for staying in the formation, but the pilot insisted on turning back for England. That maneuver took them away from the safety of the formation and back into the sights of vigilant flak gunners. Soon, the No. 4 engine was gone as well and the resulting fire gave the crew no choice but to bail out over the North Sea.

A thankful Thorp was eventually fished out of the water by a sympathetic German fisherman, himself a POW in England during World War I. For the next year, Thorp concentrated on surviving while being shuttled through a succession of POW camps. The first stop was Stalag Luft III (later to become famous as the Great Escape camp). Unbeknownst to him, the Red Cross had initially reported him dead to his family back in Illinois. Only when Ernest got a chance to mail a letter home did they discover the truth.

“Dear Folks,” he wrote in that first letter. “By now you know I’m safe and well. I have been very lucky and grateful to God. … Don’t forget to cover all the past home news. Please send me double-edged razor blades, shorts, wool socks, toothpaste, and pajamas — and chocolate.”

When Soviet armies pressed into the German homeland, the prisoners were transferred from camp to camp, moving steadily deeper into the German interior. Chaos and uncertainty ruled the day and through it all, a gnawing hunger was Ernest’s constant companion. Only the occasional Red Cross package kept the specter of starvation at bay, and those became scarcer as the German empire crumbled around them.

Despite the constant turmoil, Ernest managed to maintain his diary, chronicling his daily struggle to survive, carefully recording both the significant and mundane. By the spring of 1945, rumors of the war’s end and their own liberation swirled through the camps. Thorp was at Stalag VII-A near Mooseburg when he spotted several “P-51s with red tails manned by Negroes,” strafing the railroad that ran near the camp. “We could see them circle into position, dive down and see the flash of fire from their machine guns.”

April 29 was Thorp’s personal “liberation day,” the day when American troops finally reached the camp.

“We shook hands with all the G.I.s we could get a hold of. … My feeling of elation gave me a funny feeling in the throat and stomach as well as tears in my eyes.”

It was the first of many emotional moments for Thorp as he made the slow but inexorable journey home to Wapella, ever closer to realizing his dream of a reunion with his fiancee and family.

Thorp remembers well his arrival in New York City harbor.

“The biggest impression I had,” he related 64 years later, “was when we passed by the Statue of Liberty. … There wasn’t one word – it was strictly silent as we passed by that Statue of Liberty. What we were fighting for was that statue – what it stood for. … That was really a moment that I didn’t think would happen, but it did. We were home.”

Too many of us today take our veterans and their sacrifices for granted. Hearing stories like Ernest’s reminds us of the real price of freedom.

Mark DePue is the director of oral history at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. You can listen to Ernest Thorp’s entire story, and those of many other veterans, at the program’s website, www.alplm.org/oral_history/projects.html.

Salute to Richard Dawson

2010-10-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

If there is one word to describe Richard Dawson, it is versatile. With a career spanning over 40 years, on stage, TV and Film, Dawson captured a huge audience with his role as Corporal Peter Newkirk in Hogan's Heroes, a show much beloved in Wapella and other places.

Born Colin Lionel Emm in Gosport, England, Dawson started out in the merchant marine at the age of 14, then became a boxer and comedian appearing as Dickie Dawson. Dawson hit it big when he married starlet Diana Dors, recognized as the most beautiful actress in England, whereupon they moved to Los Angeles to pursue their careers.

And what a career it has been, with the amazing role as the crafty Corporal Newkirk firmly establishing Richard Dawson as major star, then moving on to Laugh-In and two huge hits as game shows with Match Game and the masterpiece of Dawson's career, Family Feud, which he played to great effect in the "Running Man" Movie.

Approaching 78 years old, and living in Beverly Hills California, Richard Dawson has truly had a fabled and admirable career, one of the great performers of the 20th Century. And for a tip of the hat, Joe Jackson (from neighboring Portsmouth, England) questions "Is She Really Going Out With Him" a question never asked of the suave Dawson.

Cheers to you Richard Dawson!

In the Spirit of Chris Ooms,: Celery Stalks in Texas

2010-10-23T05:56:00.001-07:00

He Seemed Like Such a Nice Guy, I Never Knew He Was a Stalker

"Four Killed by Celery: Texas Food Processing Plant Shut Down After Poisoning Deaths"--headline, Daily Mail (London), Oct. 22

W.Com Sends Out Congrats to Jason and Kristen Reynolds!

2010-10-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

Wapella.com sends out big congrats to one of Wapella's finest clans, The Reynolds', and one of Clinton's as well, the Riegel's, as proud parents Jason and Kristin (Riegel) Reynolds and brother Jaxon welcomed Xander Martin Reynolds into the world at 8:41 on 10/7/10. Weighing in at 8lbs, and 19.5 inches long, he is a fine addition to a pair of already outstanding families.

Congrats all around!

What's Next for Jeff Finger?

2010-10-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

After a whirlwind career with the Colorado Avalance and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jeff Finger has been put on waivers, leaving the Blue and White for the second time including his WHS '79 commencement.

This from a Canadian blogger

One of the cool things about maintaining this blog for the past 8 years is that I can go back in time and read what I thought about events as they unfolded. For example, on July 1, 2008, I wrote an entry entitled "Uncle Cliffy Gives Us The Finger". The deal didn't make any sense to me at the time, and here's what I wrote.

I understood signing Cujo to a nice and tidy one year deal for $700,000 but I don't get why Cliff Fletcher just signed defenceman Jeff Finger to a four-year deal worth $3.5 million a season.

I understand the Toronto Maple Leafs need bodies, but do we really have to give four year deals to 28 year olds with 94 career games under their belts? Admittedly, I can't remember ever seeing him play, so if The Finger is Sylvain Lefebvre reincarnate I shall stand corrected.

I look at it in the opposite direction. $3.5 Million is a lot of money to anyone and Wapella is proud of Finger's accomplishments. Jeff gave 110% during his time in Toronto, but maybe it was just time to move on. Come to think of it, I don't recall Jeff playing all that much hockey in Wapella, perhaps in our basement a time or ten, with some street sticks from S.S. Kresge, but he was and is a tough competitor deserving of every dime he made. And who need some Canadian punk telling a Wildcat what he should be doing anyway? And Sylvain Lefebvre...please God Help Us!

Congrats Jeff Finger and all the Finger family on a solid career. Another lucky NHL team will pick you up and let your Wildcat pride lead them.

Dunk Tank Returns to Living History Museum in Clinton

2010-10-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, fasten your seat belt, warm up your pitching arm and prepare to re-live The #1 Event in Wapella History: The Wapella Dunk Tank has returned.

An alert Martin Morris, WHS '84, spotted the tanks at school festival in Clinton, Illinois, a city outside of Wapella, reportedly to the South.

"It was a sort of spiritual experience", mused Morris, "seeing the tank, enjoying the banter of a smart-alecky school principal raising money for one thing or another, and a line of enraged customers taking a shot at dunking the fine gentleman who volunteered for this sort of ritual humiliation".

That's principal, John Smith, in the tank at Webster School's PBIS celebration last week, giving his all for the kids of...Wapella...read it on the dunk tank by clicking on the photo...donated to the kids of Wapella, by Wapella legend KB Duncan.

It is heart-warming to see this machine put to good use again. If you are ever in Clinton, why not stop by Webster School and take a toss at dunking the Principal?

RIP George Blanda, Football's Grand Old Man

2010-09-27T18:28:00.001-07:00

Consider this, in 1975, when this Football Card was circulated, George Blanda was already 48 years old, about 20 years past the average retirement age for most NFL players.

But Blanda was not your average NFL star. A Kentucky Wildcat, Chicago Bear, Houston Oiler, and most famously an Oakland Raider, under Al Davis, Blanda played more than 26 season as Quaterback, Linebacker and Kicker.

Rest in Peace George Blanda.

Full Obit Here

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- George Blanda, who played longer than anyone in pro football history and racked up the most points in a career that spanned four decades, mostly with the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders, died Monday. He was 83.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of the great George Blanda," the Raiders said Monday in confirming his death. "George was a brave Raider and a close personal friend of Raiders owner Al Davis." The Pro Football Hall of Fame said on its website that Blanda died Monday after a brief illness.

Blanda retired a month shy of his 49th birthday before the 1976 season. He spent 10 seasons with the Bears, part of one with the Baltimore Colts, seven with the Houston Oilers and his final nine with the Raiders.

He held the pro scoring record when he retired, with 2,002 points. He kicked 335 field goals and 943 extra points, running for nine touchdowns and throwing for 236 more.

He also threw for 26,920 yards in his career and held the pro football record with 277 interceptions until Brett Favre passed him in 2007. His points record stood until it was topped by several players in recent years.

"It certainly doesn't bother me," Blanda said about losing the scoring record. "The one record I was happy to get rid of was the one for the most interceptions, when Brett Favre got that one."

It was a five-game stretch for Oakland in 1970 that is the lasting imprint of his career. As a 43-year-old, Blanda led the Raiders to four wins and one tie with late touchdown passes or field goals.

Later that season, he became the oldest quarterback to play in a championship game, throwing two touchdown passes and kicking a field goal in Oakland's 27-17 loss to Baltimore in the AFC title game. His performance that season earned him The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.

Blanda joined the Oilers of the new American Football League in 1960 and played 16 seasons before hanging it up for good following the 1975 campaign. He led the Oilers to the first two AFL titles, beating the Chargers for the championship following the 1960 and '61 seasons.

He nearly won a third straight title when he led the Oilers back from a 17-0 halftime deficit to the Dallas Texans in the 1962 title game before losing in double overtime.

"George Blanda will always be remembered as a legend of our game," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement, "including his amazing career longevity of 26 seasons in four different decades. George's multi-talented flair for the dramatic highlighted the excitement of pro football during an important period of growth for our sport."

Blanda began his memorable run in 1970 by throwing three touchdown passes in place of an injured Daryle Lamonica in a 31-14 win over Pittsburgh on Oct. 25. The following week he kicked a 48-yard field goal in the final seconds to give the Raiders a 17-17 tie against Kansas City.

Blanda was just getting started. He threw a tying touchdown pass with 1:34 remaining and then kicked the game-winning 52-yard field goal in the final seconds the following week in a 23-20 win over Cleveland.

He followed that with a 20-yard TD pass to Fred Biletnikoff in place of Lamonica in a 24-19 victory over Denver the next week, then kicked a 16-yard field goal in the closing seconds to beat San Diego 20-17 on Nov. 22.

"The game that I remember the most was playing against Cleveland in 1970," he once said. "We were down 20-13 and I came in and we got a touchdown and then we got a field goal in the last three seconds."

Blanda entered the NFL out of Kentucky as a 12th-round pick (119th overall) of the Chicago Bears in 1949. He spent most of the next decade with the Bears, leaving to play one game for the Colts in 1950. After winning the Bears starting job in 1953, Blanda promptly lost it the following season because of injury. His playing time at quarterback quickly diminished and he retired in 1959 at age 31 when Chicago planned to make him a full-time kicker. It was a short-lived break because he then joined the AFL's Oilers the next season.

Blanda was one of the new league's many prolific passers, throwing for 19,149 yards and 165 touchdowns in seven seasons for the Oilers. He was the AFL Player of the Year in 1961, holds AFL single-game passing record of 464 yards on Oct. 29, 1961, against Buffalo, and was chosen the league's all-time kicker.

"We did all the strategy right on the field," he once said. "Today, the coaches call all the plays, so all the quarterbacks have to do is perform. They are more or less programmed."

Oilers owner Bud Adams said Blanda's flair was a reason the AFL attracted so much attention.

"He was the perfect fit for the start of the AFL, joining our league from the NFL and displaying the ability to lead a high flying offense," Adams said in a statement. "His play garnered our league a lot of attention and fans. We had a celebration last year in Houston for the 1960 and 1961 AFL championship seasons and the team hall of fame members and it was great to have George join us and remember fondly those early years."

In 1967, the Oilers thought Blanda was at the end of his career, but the Raiders picked him up as a backup quarterback and kicker and he lasted nine more seasons.

"A seemingly ageless wonder, George inspired legions of fans over a 26-year career, with his clutch performances as a quarterback and place kicker. He will be truly missed," said Steve Perry, executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Batman vs. Taylorvillain

2010-09-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

An alert Wapella native and frequenter of Wapella.com, my sister Helen, is a great fan of all things Taylorville for many years, having spent much time in Taylorville with her roomate who was a native Taylorvillain.

Helen, who now lives west of Wapella, added this bit of arcania to our valuable collection here: Yvonne Craig, the actress who portrayed Batgirl on the Batman show was also a native of Taylorville. Like many people from Taylorville, Yvonne has her own website and fanclub and looks kind of like a cocktail waitress at an upscale restaurant in Collinsville, or is that a Vesapsian Warner Librarian in the photo? Ah the mystery that is Taylorville.

David Taylor, from Wapella, is not from Taylorville, despite having the last name as the City. Taylor states "what a stupid question John, you have known me my whole life. Are you from Powersville? There is hardly ever a connection between town names and last names, save Weldon Carter, and that is a first name" Well said Mr. Taylor, well said, and good catch on Weldon.

Here some more on Taylorville, one of the fine mid-sized cities in Illinois.

Taylorville, seat of Christian County, located at junction of Illinois 48, 29 and 104.
Taylorville was organized in 1839 for the express purpose of serving as county seat for the newly formed Christian County. The original site was purchased from the government by Daniel C. Goode at $1.25 an acre. It was surveyed and plotted by John Taylor, hence Taylorville.

Lincoln practiced law in Taylorville. [Lincoln practiced law in every county court house in central Illinois.] In 1970 the original courthouse was still in existance but had been moved to the Christian County Fair Grounds. It cost $2,350 in 1840. [Is it still there?]

Coal production has been big in Taylorville. In 1970 it was the site of one of the world's largest coal mines. In 1970 coal from that mine fueled generators which generated electricity for Chicago, sent there over 180 miles off transmission lines. There is a lake in conjunction with this, meant for cooling the generators but also providing water activities. There were major labor wars in 1934 and 1937. There is a statue of a slain miner near the gate of Oak Hill Cemetery.

And here's the Batgirl Theme from the Batman Series.

Congratulations to Rick and Denise Johnson

2010-09-20T04:55:00.000-07:00

It's 30 Years for Rick and Denise Schanafelt Johnson, two Wapella originals who are celebrating today. Denise proudly describes this as

Today I have been married to the most wonderful husband, best friend and a great father for 30 years. How time flys when your having fun. The best part is my 3 kids and can't forget BO and Maggie (dogs)

Congratualtion Rick and Denise, two of Wapella's finest.

Here's a video of Rockpile with Nick Lowe, who looks a lot like Rick if Rick were a English Rock star, or if Nick were from Wapella, or both. Add a mustache to Nick, put Rick's 1978 hair back on him and there you have it.

Nothing Says Autumn Like...

2010-09-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Autumn like high school football, followed by college football, followed by pro-football, in between some wild harvest rituals best demonstrated here by some Mexican-Americans dressed as Arabs playing Rock-and-Roll, singing nonsensical lyrics, and generally having a good time.

Here's Domingo "Big Sam" Samudio with the Pharaohs doing the Memphis/Tex Mex Sound circa 1965 with the Wooly Bully, the first American record to sell a million copies during the British Invasion, and one of the great songs of Autumn.

There is Tea in Clinton Today

2010-09-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Depending on who you ask La Te Da means 4-5-6 or A Female to Give in some derivative type of latin. But there is no translation necessary for today's beneift at the La Tea Da Tea Room in Clinton Illinois today. The Tea Room is given over to a benefit of Katie Braun-Wingard, a friend to many in Wapella and all of DeWitt County. Here's the invite:

Today · 11:00am - 2:30pm

Location La Tea Da Tea Room

1100 S Madison

Clinton, IL

Please join us at La Tea Da on September 12, 2010 to help an amazing family!

Katie suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and was hospitalized for Healthcare Acquired Pneumonia on July 29. After adopting a beautiful baby girl Allie Joy, Katie was surprised to find out she and Matt were expecting their own baby! Katie delivered a 6 week pre-mature, healthy baby girl (Naomi Rose Wingard) on July 15, 2010 prior to her hospitalization.

Wapella...Come on down to the County Seat for hot tea and a good cause!

Wapella.com Mourns The Passing of Betty Jo Deatrick

2010-09-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

Betty Deatrick, 72, Wapella, formerly of Heyworth, passed away Monday (Sept. 6, 2010) at Manor Court, Clinton.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Betty was born Feb. 5, 1938, in Bloomington, to Henry and Alberta Ballow Geske. She married Paul Deatrick on June 9, 1956, in Bloomington. He survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Jo (Jerry) Daugherty WHS '77, Normal, and Paula (Roger) Irvin, WHS '81, Kenney; one son, Ron (Alonna) Deatrick, WHS '84, Clinton; three sisters, Jean (Eddie) Merida, Wapella; Carolyn (Clarence) Buck, El Paso; and Linda Morris, Eureka; two brothers, Junior (Karen) Geske, Heyworth, and Bobby (Mary) Geske, Wapella; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, one brother and one sister.

Betty was an active supporter of the Mclean and DeWitt County 4-H. She raised Suffolk sheep and Boer goats for show.

Betty was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and devoted friend who will be deeply missed.

Jerry Ryan Goes to The Jungle

2010-09-04T05:05:00.000-07:00

In a (unique and unexplained) press statement, Jerry Ryan WHS '54 has announced a shift in his current nickname from Jumping Jerry Ryan to Jungle Jerry Ryan. Ryan, a gentleman farmer in rural Clinton, had used the "Jumping Jerry" moniker for much of the last decade, having successfully dropped the corny "Taters Ryan" from his identinty in the mid 1990's.

"We feel that Jungle Jerry is more youthful, more current, and a more accurate identifier of the Jerry Ryan persona", claimed Ryan's press release, "we ask that all our friends and fans remember that Jerry Ryan was indeed a good jumper and earned the name 'Jumping Jerry', but respect Mr. Ryan's wishes to move into a new decade with a new start as "Jungle Jerry" Ryan".

Repeated calls to Mr. Ryan were not returned, that is repeated calls to "Jungle Jerry" Ryan were not returned. Asked for comment, Jerome "Jerry" Toohill stated, "I've always liked Mr. Ryan and will respect his current choice in nicknames. Ryan is a big and powerful man and the Jungle Jerry name keeps the crafty veteran in the game. Who knows, I might take it up myself"

Wapella.com Mourns The Passing of Helen Toohill

2010-08-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

Helen Toohill has died this morning.

Visitation is on Friday at Calvert's Funeral Home in Clinton, Illinois. The Rosary at 4pm. The Funeral at St. Patrick's Parish, in Wapella, Illinois on Saturday at 10am.

**

Helen A. Toohill, 89, St. Charles, Mo., formerly of Heyworth, died at 5:55 a.m. Tuesday (Aug. 31, 2010) at Mount Carmel Senior Living Center, St. Charles, Mo.
A funeral Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick’s Church, Wapella, with the Rev. Peter Pilon officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wapella. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with the rosary recited at 4 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Altar Society of St. Patrick’s Church, Wapella.

She was born Sept. 17, 1920, at Greenville, Mo., daughter of Ira and Myrtle Daffron Rhodes. She married Clement M. Toohill on July 4, 1942, at St. Francis Xavier College Church, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo. He passed away July 20, 2002.

Surviving are her children, Ann (Robert) Dixon, WHS '62, Homecoming Queen. Plano, Texas; Jean Thorp, WHS '62, St. Charles, Mo.; Daniel (Rose Ann) Toohill, WHS '66, Heyworth; Clement (Marjorie) Toohill, WHS '70, Davenport, Iowa; Teresa (Richard) Carroll, WHS '72, Bloomington; (FFA Sweetheart) Connie (Herb) Buttrick, WHS '73, Green Bay, Wis.; Edward (Kim) Toohill, Normal, WHS '76; Thomas Toohill, WHS '77, Mount Pulaski; Matthew (Catherine) Toohill, WHS '79, Not the Homecoming King as his handsomeness and regal nature were uncontestable, Fairbury; and Kate (Tim) Watson, WHS '81 and Dennis (Marti) Toohill, WHS '82, Homecoming King, both of Bloomington; sister, Mary Bennett, Greenville, Mo.; son-in-law, Rob Fanning, Wilmette; daughter-in-law: Kathie Toohill, Granite City; 30 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Mary Helen Fanning, WHS '68; son, William Hugh Toohill, WHS '75; son-in-law, Carl Dean Thorp, WHS '62; and two sisters, Verna and Virginia.

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Wapella, and the Altar Society.

She graduated from Greenville High School in 1936 and Brown’s Business College. She received an honorary degree from the University of Illinois, Department of Home Economics Extension. During World War II she proudly went to various cities that her husband was deployed to during his tour with the U.S. Army Central Intelligence Corps. After the war, they then settled on the family farm in Wilson Township, DeWitt County.

She was a member of Joyful Hearts in Wapella; DeWitt County Farm Bureau; and DeWitt County Homemaker’s Extension. She also dutifully served as an election judge.

She treated all her children as individuals. Making them each feel like they were the most important person in her life. If they felt joy, she felt joy. If they grieved, she grieved. She was more than a grandmother, she was our inspiration. She was more than a mother, she was our friend. She was more than a wife, she was our anchor. She was a beautiful gift from God.

Helen Toohill was one of the matriarchs of Wapella. She possessed a monumental amount of patience and infinite amount of kindness. A generous and caring person, Helen brought a peaceful wisdom to every conversation and had a profound and pleasant effect on the Village of Wapella, St. Patrick's Parish, Wapella School District, Wilson Township, and Irish Row as well as her family and relatives.

Our condolences to the Toohill family.

image a tapestry of the Holy Rosary.

Happy 40th Birthday Paul Roesch!

2010-08-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

Wapella.com sending 40th birthday greetings to a future hall-of-famer, and top face about town, Paul Roesch. Paul turned the big 4-0 on Thursday, and was said to have celebrated at Texas Roundhouse, followed by an evening of slow dancing with Raymond and Steve Toohill. A perfect gentlemen's birthday, no doubt.

In tribute, here's U2 (admittedly not the edgiest choice) live in Chicago doing '40'.

Happy birthday, PBR!

239 Beans

2010-08-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

Why did the Irishman make his chili with 239 beans?

Because if he added one more it would be 2-40

(Say the punchline in Brogue for full comic effect)

Here's the Byrd's doing "Have You Seen Her Face", good tune written by the underutilized Chris Hillman, the Bassist for the Byrds.

	Retro T.V.- 70's and 80's television
	The good old days-Remembering everything classic
	Waynestock- Rock and Roll in the ville
	John Waynesville- Western theme
	Dr. Seuss’s Whoville in Waynesville
	Waynesville, Center of the Universe
	Salute to Kitchen Appliances
	Fiesta- Hispanic party theme

Wapella.com

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Johnnie Harrold

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Robert Thorp

It turned out that the three men really were desperadoes. They were from Clinton

Yahtzee! Minnesota Man with Deep Wapella Roots Makes Big Find about President John Tyler

Time Flies Like an Arrow; Fruit Flies Like a Banana and Fall Flings to Waynesville

Which of the 8 options would be the best choice to be chosen to be the theme of the 2012 Waynesville Fall Fling? Voting will remain open through February 29th. (We will re-share this question from time to time.)

Asked By

Sunburst On North Side of Wapella

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Anna Martha Matheny

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Dorothy Cisco

RIP Joe Frazier

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Katie Marie Lord Floyd

Raging Eyes Rock Video Circa 1983

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of James Wickenhouser

Porter and Dolly Say Happy Friday, but Come Home on Time!

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Cecilia Ellen Burns Dolanc

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Ron Thomas

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Walter Riddle

Wapella.com Remembers 9/1/01

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Jerry Corwin

Trying This Out

Linda WickenhauserI love hearing all these stories about Wapella! It's a great little town I wasn't born here but I've been here for 44 years so I call it home and I can remember most of what you all have written, so does that mean I'm old????

Jack MorrisRemember went you could take the interurban to Clinton for 12 cents round trip, go to the show at the show for 15 cents,all for less than a quarter!

Leslie Trimble Cyrulik and Ann Jones were added by Mary Westfall.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Carol Ann Morris

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Robert Wilson

Books on Tape: Reading Paperbacks on a Sunny Afternoon

Big Weekend Planned in Wapella

Big Weekend Planned in Wapella

Wapella.coom Mourns the Passing of Kathie Toohill

Three Hour Tour to Wapa-Palooza This Saturday

Getting Patriotic with Charlie Rich

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Frank Boston

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Winnie Harris

DWOB: New Memorabilia from Don's World of Beef

RIP James Arness 1923-2011

Wapella Man Wins Big at JW Hospital

Wapella Flag Flies High for Winnie Harris

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Margaret Veteto

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Clarence Hibbard

Sure The One You Need on a Friday Afternoon

Happy Birthday Ryan Curi!

Wapella.com Welcomes Randy Johnson Just For Men Promotion

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Jim Bell

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Roberta Thomas

Wapella Baseball Circa 1946

Put Your Heist on Hold: Ski Championship Won by Wapella in Some Kind of Mangled Roundabout Way

Would you bat an eye?

Randy Quaid Spotted in Wapella

Train Keeps a Rolling for the Mid Majors

From the Archives

This Quiz Just In from the esteemed Brad Karr

Ghoul to Goulash

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Clara Larkin

Buzzer Beater....Order St. Patrick's Clothes Here

RIP David Broder 1929-2011

From the Associated Press

Congratulations DeWitt County on You Choice of Choices

Watson, Come Here Casey's is Open Again

Celebrate Egyptian Freedom with the King

Happy 90th Birthday To Ernest Thorp!

Wapella Man Seen a Likely Successor to Jack LaLanne

Good Looking Vehicle

Excellent Bit of Trivia: Who is the Lead Singer Here?

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of John Archer

It's Dolly Parton Day in Illinois

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Marie Clifton-Harris

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Marilyn Salmond

Vote for the Tuscola Strangler

Happy 66th to the Tartanned One, Rod Stewart

Congratulations John Byner!

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Jayne Brunskill

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Carmen Mearida

Even More Historic Churches of Wapella: Presbyterians and the Opera House

Happy New Year from Don's World of Beef!

Two Good Shots of Wapella Church History

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Francis Carstens

DeWitt County Stretches Political Reach

Still A Happy Day to remember Sammy Davis Jr.

Linda Wickenhauser
I love hearing all these stories about Wapella! It's a great little town I wasn't born here but I've been here for 44 years so I call it home and I can remember most of what you all have written, so does that mean I'm old????

Jack Morris
Remember went you could take the interurban to Clinton for 12 cents round trip, go to the show at the show for 15 cents,all for less than a quarter!