Shoe Column: Stevens Point Daily Journal’s 1958 Centennial Issue
By Tim “Shoe” Sullivan
I found something interesting at my front door about a month ago. Leaning against the mailbox was a big flat cardboard box. It was sent by my buddy Terry Witkowski of Waupaca, and it set him back $7.90.
Contained within the box were several sections of the June 28, 1958, Stevens Point Daily Journal. It was the original 112-page supplement of the Stevens Point Centennial Edition.
In other words, if you ever wanted to find out anything about Point history, this was a good place to look.
What a gold mine! They had stuff in there going back to the 1800’s.
The first section was the normal SPDJ 1958 edition. By the way, they informed you that if you wanted to reach their office by calling on the phone, you should dial DI4-6100.
Page One featured a photo of the “Point Journal’s” news staff. Included were James Hull (managing editor); Mrs. Theresabell Leary (society editor); Robert Seltzner (sports editor); William Strasser (wire news editor); George Rogers (reporter); Mrs. Ruth Komasa (proof reader); Sherman Sword (city editor); and William Stokes (reporter). I actually met Sword and Rogers a few times.
In June 1958 local sports, we learned that an “Old Timers” baseball game was about to be played at Bukolt Park. Ken Wallenschlager’s “Sluggers” tabbed Walt Barnsdale as its starting pitcher, and Ray Kalp and Roger Halverson were in the bullpen. Meanwhile, Bailey’s “Bombers” had Ed Winkler on the hill with Soo Line Polebitski, Martin Wochinski, and Pete Schelke in reserve. Slated to make an appearance was former local baseball star Ted Fritsch of the Green Bay Packers.
In the local “Babe Ruth” League, the baseball league after Little League, Elks nipped 40et8, 2-0, in a makeup game at Bukolt. Eddie Walport of the Elk’s pitched a one-hitter. A batter named Groholski (first name unknown) hit a double in the fifth for the losers. The only other players to reach base were Ken Brillowski who walked and Bill Gething who was safe on an Elks’ error. The Elks got their two runs in the third when Len Worzalla was hit by a pitch from (first name unknown) Cummer, John Leary singled, Eddie Walport was safe on a fielder’s choice, Chuck Nason walked, Bob Pawelski singled, and Rick Reichardt was drilled by Cummer. Bill Gething and Bob Kranig then turned a double play to end the rally.
Action in the major leagues saw Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Milwaukee Braves, 3-1, at Milwaukee County Stadium. Henry Aaron homered and had three hits for the Braves, and the only other Milwaukee hits were singles by Red Schoendienst, Eddie Mathews, Andy Pafko, and Del Rice. Losing pitcher Joey Jay only gave up singles to Jim Gilliam, Duke Snider, and Gil Hodges, but Dick Gray and Johnny Roseboro homered for the Dodgers. (The Braves played in the World Series in ‘58).
A huge ad featuring Bob Daniels was placed on the sports page touting Radio Station WFHR.
In Section 4 of the Centennial Section, we learned that the Grand Opera House at 444 Main Street was opened by G.F. Andrae in 1894. It became the center of Stevens Point entertainment. The Grand Opera House was the scene of many outstanding productions as well as home talent plays, vaudeville acts on the stage, minstrels, graduation exercises, and moving pictures. In 1914, the new Majestic Theater opened. The first movie shown was “All Aboard For Cuba”.
In 1920, the ever-growing Hardware Mutuals casualty company needed additional quarters and obtained the second floor of the Majestic. In 1928, the Fox Wisconsin Amusement Corporation took over the lease, but ownership of the property remained in the Andrae family. After the death of G.F.Andrae, his son G.W.Andrae became the owner, and after the death of G.W.’s widow, their daughter Mrs. Donald Sanders acquired ownership. In case you haven’t guessed, the Grand Opera House became the Fox Theatre, and Hardware Mutuals turned into Sentry Insurance.
Roller-skating rinks were popular in Stevens Point in 1885, Point had another theatre named the “Gem” and later the “Strand”. Other spots for local entertainment in Stevens Point in the 1800’s were places called “Halls” which held dances, picnics, and even basketball games. For instance, there was the Anshuetz and Quinn Hall on Portage; Chilla’s in 1893 on N. Second St.; Society Hall, Adam’s Hall on Division St.; Glover’s Hall on Church St.; Good Templar’s Hall on Main St.; Knights of Pythias Hall on Third St.; Kuhl’s Hall on the Public Square; Odd Fellows Hall on Third St.; Schwebach’s Hall on the corner of Water and Mill streets (Arlington Place), and many other places.
The Empire Amusement Hall on Union St. was established early in the 1900’s, and the Empire, operated by A.N. Sprafka, was built in 1910 as a roller rink and dance hall. It was then converted into a theatre and its first big movie shown was “The Birth of a Nation”.
Another place of amusement mentioned frequently in the news was Lasecki’s Hall on the North Side. In the early 1900’s, other theatres begun cropping up in town. The Ideal on Main St. was one, and the Della on Strongs Ave. was another. And we can’t forget the arcade.
On July 1, 1916, the “New Lyric” Theatre was opened at 454 Main St., and the first showing there was “The Battle Cry of Peace”.
As you can see, our beautiful city of Stevens Point always found a way to have a good time. Theatres up the gazoo way back in the day. Roller-skating rinks. Plays. Shows. Picnics. Dances. And in later years, a Youth Center and Men’s Club at the Parish House (and still later the armory).
The Centennial issue also featured a team photo of the undefeated Central State College basketball team in 1935-36 (CSC became UWSP). Pictured were team members Don Johnston, Chet Rinka, Captain Don Unferth, George Schneider, Fred Nimz, Tom Lindow, Coach Eddie Kotal, Franklin Hitzke, Frank Gordon, Oscar Copes, Jim Bain, and Wilbur “Web” Berard.
Eddie Kotal’s college team also was undefeated in 1932-33. The basketball team won 18 games in a row and beat the University of Wisconsin, 28-24. The team photo included Manager Bill Herrick, Ralph Bader ( not to be confused with Ralph Nader), Nolan Gregory, Captain Arthur Thompson, Harry Hansen, Les Omholt, Harris Shafton, Coach Eddie Kotal, Frank Klement, Guy Krumm, Larry Bishop, Robert Tardiff, Earl Eckerson, Waldo Marsh, and Peter Peterson. The highest-scoring player in a game in 1932 was Larry Bishop. He tossed in 25 points against Eau Claire.
The 1958 edition also had a story about how Hale Quandt was hired as head basketball coach at Central State College in 1947. He replaced George Berg. Perhaps you’ve heard of Berg Gym and Quandt Fieldhouse at UW-Stevens Point? Quandt, a product of Wausau High School, coached the 1956-57 Pointer team to the State College Championship. Pictured were LaVern Luebstorf, Jimmy “Wingnuts” Marko, Roy Anderson, Bob Bostad, Merlin Habeck, Fritz Kestly, Joe Dernbach, Lee Guetschow, Jim Boldig, Bill Sekel, Larry Maltby, Coach Quandt, and Rich Marko. Jack Krull was in the showers when the picture was taken. Jim Marko and Jack Krull formed one of the best guard combinations in school history, and Luebstorf was the leading scorer with 378 points. Jack Krull finished second with 369.
Next up, the Metro Wire will continue with the Centennial theme as we look at the first plane flight in Point in 1912, some bad fires, churches, hotels, clubs, Stevens Point’s Police Department in 1925 and 1955, and some other historic stuff.
And it’s all because former Stevens Pointer Terry Witkowski of Waupaca decided to mail us an awesome package.