The Peotone Vedette: January 3, 1975
“1974 – The Year That Was in Peotone”
By Audrey DeMuth
“As 1974 opened, Peotone drivers, like our counterparts everywhere, were in the grip of a gas shortage that threatened our lifeline to jobs, schools, and shopping. We survived the long freezing waits in line for gas, only to advance in time toward the dramatic resignations of a vice president and president on the national scene and a near calamitous train derailment locally. It was what you might call a traumatic year.
“The August 4 ICG derailment easily qualifies as the highlight of the news for Peotone’s year, although the hundreds who worked at the scene or were evacuated would term it something other than a highlight.
“A full-scale hearing followed in September, during which it transpired that nothing whatever caused the derailment. The equipment was fine, the tracks were OK, there was no ‘harmonic action;’ in short, nobody responsible did anything wrong, it just happened, or so they said.
“The United Methodist Church began the new year by moving into their new building January 13. Subsequently, the Peotone Library District purchased the old church building. The library board has been busy remodeling and getting ready for their move into the new quarters, hopefully, this month. Among the many gifts received by the library was a generous check for $1,806.33 from the Peotone Junior Women’s Club.
“Other physical changes in the village included the new drive-in facilities and time and temperature sign at Peotone State Bank. Lorenzo’s Pizza opened for business in April, and ground was broken for the new Peotone branch of Homewood Federal Savings and Loan Association in August. Unseen underground, but vital to the community, are new storm sewers that have been installed this year.
“In February, the community honored Dr. Lloyd Jessen for 25 years of service in Peotone, while Dr. N.G. Ignelzi retired to Arizona in August. Other notable retirees include Bill Tucker, after 55 years in the communications business; Trooper Stu Tribe, who was tendered a testimonial dinner in September, after 23 years on the state force; and Orville Ahlborn, whose 53 years in the dairy business add up to a lot of milk.
“Also, the fire department saw four of its members – Lanny Russell, Clifford Oliver, Stephen Knickrehm, and James Pillbeam – graduate in June from paramedic training at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey. Russell and Oliver won stethoscopes for their high scores in the course.
“Recently, the department kicked-off a $36,000 fund drive to buy a new ambulance with the latest telemetry. The equipment and trained men to operate it will make Peotone one of the best prepared small towns in the state for handling emergency care.
“Also, the possibility of obtaining mail delivery service may become a reality, depending on the results of a survey now in progress by the Senior Women’s Club.”
The Peotone Vedette: January 10, 1975
“County Planning Unit OK’s Public Transportation Study”
“Will County Weekly Press”
“The executive planning committee has consented to county participation in an interim public transportation study for the county. The study will be conducted cooperatively with the Joliet Community Development Department, the Joliet Mass Transit District (JMTD), and probably other communities and private companies, a planning department official said.
“At its last meeting in December, the committee asked county planners ‘to investigate’ feasibility of the transportation study, which was urged by Ed Lawson, JMTD operational director. Planners backed the study, one explained, ‘so the RTA doesn’t dictate what the county should do.’ They also pointed out data gathered could be incorporated into other studies, and all the study would cost is staff time.
“The study will help determine various communities’ needs for transportation, Lawson explained. Depending upon need shown and funding available, JMTD may extend bus services into outlying areas, he said.”
Couldn’t help but notice this ad from Yanson Chevrolet in Chicago Heights. How about these monthly payments: Chevy Vega Notchback Coup – $2,898 or $63.32 per month; or a Chevy Nova – $3,317.05, or $72.48 per month?
Here were some homes that were listed for sale in Peotone: “One of the early Peotone homes, 5 rooms, including 2 bedrooms. Forced air oil furnace. Over 1,000 sq. feet and a 1 car garage – all for $16,900.” Also, “an older 3-bedroom home on corner lot. Excellent location. Priced at $23,900, with many possibilities for the handyman,” or “One-year-old, 4-bedroom brick ranch on corner lot. Carpeting, draperies, dishwasher, central air conditioning. Priced at $57,900. This includes a large family room and 2-car garage, making it a very attractive home.”
The Peotone Vedette: January 17, 1975
“Mail Survey Reaches 75 Percent Yes Vote”
“Mail delivery in Peotone has received preliminary approval following favorable, but incomplete returns from the house-to-house survey being conducted by the Senior Women’s Club, the village board learned Monday night.
“Results so far show 575 yes votes and 300 no votes in the canvass, which means a better than 75 percent favorable response based on a minimum of 750 deliveries. (The totals turned out to be an error; it was actually 100 no votes.) Although about 100 units remain to be contacted, a spokesman for the U.S. Post Office has declared the numbers are sufficient to put Peotone delivery costs into the budget now being made up. ‘He sounded fairly optimistic,’ Mayor Howard Scrivens reported to the board. The women will continue in their attempt to reach every household in their survey, so final results can be submitted to the post office.
“Last week’s special Federal census apparently was successful in counting everyone in Peotone but yielded lower numbers than had been anticipated. Some 870 units were contacted, and the new population figure is expected to be 2,473. There are 33 vacant units, including some newly constructed houses, and 38 dwelling units had only one occupant. It was pointed out servicemen and college students living away from home were not counted, although vacationers were taken into account.
“The unofficial count at this point shows an increase of 128 people, which makes the census worthwhile. The additional population means $18 per name in more revenue to the village from state income tax rebates and motor fuel taxes. All information on the census is kept confidential.”
“Peotone Library District Sponsoring Library on Wheels”
“Peotone Public Library District is introducing Your Library on Wheels. An experiment in library service provided by the Bur Oak Library System Bookmobile. This service is for the Green Garden and Wilton Center areas. The Bur Oak Library System’s Bookmobile has begun its regular stops, with its next stop on January 20, then every other Monday, for a year.
“Adults and children living in the Wilton Center and Green Garden Township areas equally are welcome to borrow adult fiction and non-fiction books, story books for preschoolers, paperbacks, phonograph records, large print books for the visually handicapped, and framed art prints.”
At the Mar Theatre in Wilmington: One showing only, Friday at 6 p.m., 50¢, with popcorn and candy at 15¢ – featuring “The Legend of Hell House,” “Frankenstein and Dracula could be destroyed, but nothing can stop the creeping flesh.” This was followed by Lucy, starring in “Mame,” with a family price of $3.
The Peotone Vedette: January 24, 1975
Oops, were villagers’ optimistic hopes a bit premature…
“Mail Delivery Not Yet Assure Here”
“Although the future for mail delivery in Peotone looks promising, it is by no means assured, officials warned this week. In an effort to determine exactly how many yes votes in the continuing survey would be needed, Mayor Howard Scrivens contacted Arthur Lipinski, representative of the South Suburban Postal Service. Since a minimum of 750 units was necessary to make Peotone eligible for consideration, Scrivens asked if it was necessary to come up with 75 percent yes votes of the 750 minimum, or 75 percent of the estimated 850 total possible deliveries.
“Lipinski advised that, based on a preliminary count of 575 yes and 100 no votes, it seemed likely the survey will yield sufficient yes votes ultimately to warrant putting Peotone deliveries in the budget in preparation. It is still necessary for the count to reach 75 percent of the total possible deliveries.
“Lipinski also told Scrivens it may be necessary for post office officials to conduct their own survey later. In the meantime, the Senior Women’s Club is continuing its effort to reach every household to complete its survey. The Vedette erroneously reported last week there were 300 no votes so far. The correct figure is 100 no votes.”
“Fire Department Hopes New Ambulance Will Arrive Soon”
“The Peotone Fire Department is hopeful their new ambulance will be arriving shortly. Original letters from the manufacturer set the delivery date as February 1. Some of the medical equipment, as well as the defibrillator have arrived, and the rest is expected any day.
“The fund drive is progressing but not at the rate hoped for. The department hoped to have all the money for the unit the day it arrives, so no money will have to be borrowed to pay for the equipment. Several large donations from businesses and organizations have helped, but individual donations still are needed. There were approximately 1,300 letters mailed to the residents served by the department and, so far, the department has received 676 donations.
“Peotone is one of the few areas that does not pay taxes for fire protection and, in many communities, they are not paying an additional tax for ambulance service. The men of the fire department have worked hard and spent many hours training to provide the only paramedic staffed ambulance in Will or Kankakee Counties. They still are confident the people they serve and protect will make the contributions necessary to buy this life saving equipment.”
Stay warm and have a great week – Life is Good!!!
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