100 years ago: A dispute over who would be teacher at Oak Hill school, east of O’Fallon

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

100 years ago, May 15, 1924

“A peculiar situation arose in the ranks of the board of trustees of Oak Hill school in district No. 93, east of O’Fallon when two members of the board decided on re-engaging Henry Griesbaum as teacher of the school for the next school term.

“Mike Keller, president of the board and George Hasemann, a member signed a contract to appoint the present teacher.

“Charles Briscoe, a newly-elected member, who succeeded Leonard Bridges, had another man in view and refused to sign the document recommending the present teacher.

“Keller and Hasemann, who have served as trustees for a number of years, last week named Griesbaum, but Briscoe declined to sign the contract with the teacher.

“The question then confronted the two trustees whether the contract with the teacher was legal if not signed by all the members of the board. The two went to the county superintendent of schools and laid the matter before Superintendent John E. Miller who referred the trustees to the State’s Attorney’s office.

“Assistant Curt C. Lindauer informed them that the majority ruled and that the contract signed by them was legal, regardless of whether or not the other member had signed it.”

75 years ago, May 19, 1949

“O’Fallon’s school boards and faculty are faced with a serious problem, according to John F. Miller, superintendent of schools.

“Although O’Fallon is rapidly expanding in the construction of many new homes it is not alleviating the acute housing shortage, a condition that has existed here for a number of years. This dates back to before the war years.

“In spite of all the tremendous new construction work, it falls short by far in solving a condition to provide homes and apartments for those who desire to locate in our city.

“Now this situation is making itself felt in our school system in providing homes or apartments for efficient teachers who are tendered contracts for the next year. Although the problem existed in the past several years, it is becoming more acute and the school boards are really faced with a desperate problem.

“A striking incident came to light in the past two weeks when a male teacher was tendered a contract for the coming term.

“This particular instructor furnished recommendations indicating he was highly qualified for the particular position. In this particular case it required an applicant in a difficult field to locate the right person.

“This teacher was a married man from upstate, but after futilely searching for two weeks for a place to live he gave up the task and hencewith returned the unsigned contract to the board, stating the reason for non-acceptance.

“This brings our city to the point that something will have to be done to relieve a serious situation, unless we want our school system to deteriorate for the lack of qualified teachers for no other reason but inadequate housing.

“Mr. Miller yesterday requested the Progress to urge those who have suitable apartments or homes to kindly register them with his office as soon as possible. This will be of material aid in filling the wants of prospective instructors and providing our schools with capable teachers before the next term opens. It is pertinent this be done as soon as possible.”

50 years ago, May 16, 1974

“Getting the O’Fallon Community Park ready for the spring and summer events was the main topic at the O’Fallon Park Board meeting Thursday evening.

“The board named Charles Weaver as the park’s police patrolman. The board also discussed additional police protection in the park during organizations’ annual picnics. The board adopted a plan for police protection.

“Under the plan, the board would supply one policeman, the city would provide one policeman and the organization sponsoring the picnic would pay for one policeman. The board also rescinded a previous motion that called for a policeman staying inside the beer stand at the picnics.

“John Anheuser said the motion was rescinded to allow the policemen to have better mobility throughout the picnic area.

“The policeman was too confined by having to stay behind the beer stand,” said Anheuser.

“The newly proposed lunch building to be constructed in the park will be ready for bidding in a short time. The specifications for the 24 by 40-ft. concession stand will be ready soon.

“Estimated cost of the work has been placed at $8,000. Arrangements for parking of police cars and fire equipment in the park during the picnics are being made. This is being done so the police and fire department have better access to all roads in case of an emergency.

“Rules and appointments were finalized for the O’Fallon Swimming Pool season. Mrs. Cathy Nichols was re-appointed manger of the swimming pool this year.

“Season passes will be sold. Prices are $10 for children 12 years old and under. Adult passes will be $13.50 for those over 12. Daily admission will be 75 cents for children and $1.25 for adults, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays and holidays, the price is $1 for children and $1.50 for adults. Swimming lessons will be $13.50 for the season.

“It was also announced that the park’s curfew hours are the same this year. No one is allowed in the park before 6 a.m. and after 11 p.m.”