Clik here to view.

The Peotone Vedette: February 7, 1975
Since we are thoroughly entrenched in winter, here’s some advice from 50 years ago that still is valuable today…
“Warning! Don’t Be a Peephole Driver”
“The Chicago Motor Club cautions motorists against the habit of becoming ‘peephole’ drivers. A winter driving safety hazard occurs when motorists habitually clean only enough snow and ice from their windshields and rear windows to see straight ahead and straight behind. (Ever been guilty of that?) The Motor Club advises motorists not to risk this type of ‘peephole’ driving and instead pay particular attention to cleaning all snow from their cars before entering traffic.
“On slippery pavement or during the poor visibility of a snowstorm, obstructed vision out of either the back or side windows or a less than completely cleared windshield can cause a serious accident. Always scrape windows thoroughly. Use a long-handled brush to move snow from the hood and roof of your car. This will prevent snow particles from blowing on windows while the car is in motion. Windshield wipers should be checked frequently during the winter for cracking and general wear. They can be replaced inexpensively and could save serious trouble later.”
From The Bulletin Board…
“The old saying goes ‘If you build a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to your door.’ Apparently that truism applies to better pancake breakfasts, as well, as the Peotone Fire Department received a postcard this week from a man in Lockport who wanted to know when their next pancake breakfast would be. It seems he heard about them once from a friend in Manhattan, came down here, and enjoyed the good eating so much he wants to come again. Note: February 16 is the date of the next breakfast bash.”
Here’s some frontpage headlines about sports events in Peotone the first week of February 1975… “KVC Wrestling Tourney Tomorrow at Herscher,” “Peotone Blue Devils Capture District Tourney,” “Blue Devils Beaten at Free Throw Line,” “Little League Parents to Meet Tuesday Evening,” and “Park District Ping Pong Tourney Sunday Afternoon.”
Also, it was a week before Valentine’s Day, and businesses in the area wanted their customers to know they were there to help… Johnson’s Greenhouses had a lovely ad with the reminder “We have that perfect something for you,” including dainty teacup arrangements, spring bouquets, corsages, dish gardens, terrariums, and potted flowering plants.
Heyerman’s Jewelry had beautiful pendants, including a locket for two photos for $15; a jeweled sterling pendant – $7.50; a diamond pendant – $12.50, or a sterling silver bell pendant with a pearl for only $6.50.
If chocolate was your weakness, Hilsenhoff Pharmacy had a two-pound box of “Kitchen Fresh” chocolates for only $5.40, while heart-shaped boxes ranged from $1.25 to $14.50.
If your taste tended to be a little less personal, Daum Electric was having a Valentine’s Day Sale, featuring upright or chest freezers starting at $239.95, with a trade-in; a Big Top GE refrigerator – only $319.95; or a GE Potscrubber dishwasher – use as a portable now or a built-in later, for only $259.95. Hope that gives you some ideas if you were stumped about the perfect gift that says I Love You!
The Monee Monitor: February 7, 1975
“New High School Listed First Priority by 201-U”
“Establishing priorities for an application to the Capital Development Board required much study when the 201-U School Board met Monday, February 3. Priorities for the grants are not necessarily the most immediate needs of the district, the administration explained, but should be asked with the idea of a maximum amount of money coming into the district from the CDB.
“A new high school was named number one priority, then renovation of the present high school, and third, renovation of Crete Elementary. The estimated cost of a new high school is $8 million; with the CDB paying $4,707,200 and the district, $3,292,800. High school renovation is estimated at $4 million, CBD paying $2,353,600 and 201-U $1,646,400, and renovation of Crete Elementary estimated at $800,000. CDB’s portion of this would be $470,720 and the district’s $329,280.
“According to CDB’s rule of thumb for figuring student capacity of a building, C-M High School capacity is just slightly over 1,300 students. Expected enrollment next year in grades 10-12 is 1,470.
“The length of time necessary to build a new school, the fact that well over half of the expense would be paid by CDB if approved, and the fact the bonding capacity of the district would not be changed on any bonding necessary after CDB approval, convinced the board to approve the priorities. Board member Sheldon Houston cast the only no vote.
At the Holiday Theatre: Walt Disney’s “The Strongest Man in the World,” plus “A Goofy Spotacular,” both rated G, were on the marquee.
Only in a small town…”Meeting Time Is Changed for Monee Village Board…The Monee Village Board Meeting, set for Wednesday February 12, will begin at 8:45 p.m., instead of their customary time of 7:30 p.m. A village official said the Ash Wednesday church services, in the early evening hours on Wednesday, would be against the meeting’s regular hour, therefore a time change was necessary.”
The Beecher Herald: February 6, 1975
“Dog Bites Cop; He Disarms Woman in Separate Incidents”
“Beecher Patrolman Bob Einhorn got in on some unexpected action at St. James Hospital last Sunday afternoon when he disarmed a woman who had been firing shots in the hall.
“It all started when Einhorn, while on duty in Beecher, was dispatched on a dog call at 1 p.m. While loading the dog in the squad car, Einhorn was bitten on the leg, was unable to get medical help in town, so was advised by Mayor Landis Wehling to go to St. James Hospital.
“While he was giving the nurse the needed information, he heard shots being fired in an adjacent room, and people began running down the hall. Einhorn, being in uniform, drew his revolver, and as he heard two more shots fired, stepped out in the hallway. The woman, with a pistol in hand, moved toward him. He ordered her to freeze and drop the gun. She did – and he handcuffed her and turned her over to Chicago Heights Police.”
Haven’t seen much about grocery prices in recent issues, but here is what was featured in Knuth’s Kountry Korner ad for the week: Frying chickens – 99¢ each; ground beef – 69¢ lb.; spareribs – 89¢ lb.; Gerber baby juices – six for 79¢; Hunt’s tomato paste – 4/99¢; Brooks chili beans – 3/$1; three heads of lettuce – $1; red potatoes – 99¢/20 lbs.; and medium eggs – 59¢/doz. Zesta crackers were 39¢, with a coupon; or Pillsbury flour/ 69¢/5 lbs.; Angelo’s sliced Italian bread was on sale for 49¢; giant size Tide – $1.09; Northern tissue – 4/59¢; plus a 3 lb. can of Folgers coffee was only $2.69.
“Bell Would Tighten Bail Requirements for Major Offenses”
“State Sen. James F. Bell, introduced more legislation aimed at getting criminals off the streets by toughening bail requirements for persons charged with serious offenses. Under provisions of the bill, judges in setting bail would be required to take into consideration all past convictions and criminal charges brought against a particular defendant. In addition, in cases where a person is charged with an offense while on bail for another felony charge the courts would have to set bail as high as necessary to protect the public pending the individual trial.
“Another stipulation of the bill is that while criminal records in the State Department of Corrections will continue to be confidential, they are open for purposes of identifying criminals and providing information for trials about similar crimes perpetrated by the same defendant.”
The Manteno News: February 6, 1975
From “As We See It…”
“Our Airports: In Canada, the government is building the largest airport in the world near Montreal – several times larger than America’s biggest at Dallas-Fort Worth. The idea is to provide an airport capable of handling all air traffic for the next 100 years or more – and to guarantee commercial aircraft aren’t forced to descend over congested city areas or built-up residential areas. This largely avoids the noise problem so prevalent today. Fast non-stop rail links with metropolitan areas and special vehicles to meet airlines and speed passengers to the main terminal are features of such modern jetports.
“For large metropolitan areas, such modern airports are highly desirable, and fast rail service (operated at a loss, if necessary) can be offered for an area of some 50 or more surrounding miles, such airports can serve a huge geographical area. They are certain to be a necessity of the future.
“Solar Heat…The scientists have long known the sun’s heat, if harnessed, could easily warm the homes and offices of most of the world’s millions. But no major nation has yet succeeded in putting that heat energy to use on a grand scale. Now, with rising costs of fuel and electricity, the cost of solar heat is no longer prohibitive. In fact, it may be the most economical source available. All across America, solar heat systems and contractors are appearing – advertising new solar systems. For those building new homes, in most southern latitudes certainly, that heat source and the systems now available should be explored.
“It may be that America can point the way in this direction; Americans are traditionally ready to accept change and innovation – the latest thing, solar heating systems are that today.”
Have a great week and stay warm, plus the weatherman certainly has been helping with the mild temperatures. But one factor becomes more prominent with the milder temps – MUD!! And mud certainly has been more noticeable – especially on my kitchen floor. Meg has lovely white paws. I’m not sure how she manages to keep the tops so white! Mind you now, I’m very grateful for that, BUT it’s the bottom of those paws I’m fussing with. Last week, my white kitchen floor became a moderate gray on more occasions than I care to admit. White or gray – Life is Good!!
The post Looking Back appeared first on Southwest Regional Publishing.