January 11, 2025
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Yesteryear: Looking back at stories that captured headlines in the Record for January

By Jeff Farren
2000:Getting ready for the year 2000, some experts predicted the worst. They advised to have alternate water and heating supplies, among other things. None of the predictions came true as the beginning of the year brought few problems. A Yorkville south side resident was ready, offering this Y2K Survival camp in his yard.

2000: Getting ready for the year 2000, some experts predicted the worst. They advised to have alternate water and heating supplies, among other things. None of the predictions came true as the beginning of the year brought few problems. A Yorkville south side resident was ready, offering this Y2K Survival camp in his yard. (Kendall County Record photo)

January 2020

Recreational marijuana for adults is now legal in Illinois. So far 37 dispensaries are open in the state. None are in Kendall County, and no applications are pending, according to county officials.

January 2015

The Yorkville Public Library celebrated its 100th anniversary. It was started by the Yorkville Woman’s Club in 1915 with 500 books in a small frame building on the east side of Route 47 just south of Van Emmon Street.

January 2010

Demolition began on the Hotel Nading, at Route 47 and West Hydraulic Avenue. Also, the Yorkville Lions Swim Club was torn down.

January 2005

Kendall County planning and zoning boards endorsed the plan for a subdivision and golf course, Whitetail Ridge, on Route 126.

January 2000

Yorkville city administrative and police offices moved to their new quarters at 800 Game Farm Road.

Fire of unknown origin caused $1 million damage to St. Anne’s Church in Oswego.

January 1995

Candy is now being manufactured at the new Amurol Plant on Route 47 north of Cannonball Trail.

January 1990

A pipe bomb exploded in a Kendall County squad car while it was parked at near the courthouse. Police are still investigating. The squad, valued at $4,950 was a total loss.

January 1985

Hornsby’s, the largest store in Countryside Center, was sold twice this month. The entire chain was first sold to Pubco, then later sold to Kansas retailer Duckwall Alco.

January 1980

Dr. Harold C. Scholle was named interim superintendent of Yorkville Schools. He replaces Dr. James Garnett.

January 1975

A countywide workshop by the Kendall County Bicentennial Commission drew 140 persons eager to find out what is planned for the celebration next year.

January 1970

County officials were “indignant and insulted” after Gov. Richard Ogilvie announced the state had purchased the 1,250-acre Feeney Farm for a State Park. Cost was $1.4 million. The county had been working with state in developing another area of Kendall County for a state park. There was no consultation with county officials for planning and the like of this site, and this has made county officials furious.

January 1965

Yorkville Police Chief Frank Martyn presented his annual report to the City Council. Among the highlights, one burglary was reported, one attempted burglary reported. One burglar was arrested and property recovered.

January 1960

Meetings are scheduled in each township to explain the proposed zoning ordinance for Kendall County. Officials said it represents a comprehensive revision of the original zoning ordinance adopted in 1940.

January 1955

Simon Dickson was reelected president of the Kendall County Farm Bureau at their annual meeting, which drew 500 people.

January 1950

Annual report of the Yorkville Public Library finances include $563 in receipts, $319 in disbursements.

January 1945

Two of our young ladies were treated to immersion in the icy waters of the beautiful Fox. While sledding down the Methodist hill their stubborn sled just would not turn way from a hole in the ice.

January 1940

The new Illinois truck Act means call Kendall County truck owners must register their vehicle and have them pass a safety test.

January 1935

Last Friday evening the writer walked from the south to the north side of the river to attend the basketball game at the gymnasium. He found that the rumors as to the safety of pedestrians crossing the bridge to be well founded.

January 1930

The Yorkville Woman’s Club’s work includes the Yorkville Library. In order to add to the depleted treasury of the library, the women have called in the help of a Chicago firm to put on a musical comedy. It is up to us to make this thing a financial success.

January 1925

Harry Bauman of Aurora, former proprietor of the Yorkville Bakery will reopen the place.

January 1920

It has been learned that there will be no income tax man in Kendall County this year. Those who need assistance in filing their returns are asked to meet with the revenue man in the Aurora Post Office. It is impossible to get men in sufficient numbers to cover the territory, but this does not in any way excuse you from your tax.

January 1915

The Farmers Elevator Company of Yorkville reported their ‘largest” year ever. They handled 365 carloads of grain, 56 carloads of lumber, 56 carloads of coal, among others.

January 1910

Frank Worsley believes in taking advantage of the good sleighing. He is moving some things to Yorkville.

January 1905

A week of gloomy cloudy weather was relieved of some monotony by sharp reports of thunder and vivid flashes of lightning with heavy showers. The roads are just awful in their mudiness.

January 1900

A gun club has been organized here. Frank Fasmer is president, George L. Needham, vice president.

January 1895

School enrolment reached 29, that being the highest since 1879.

January 1890

There was another dance in the new hall over at the L. Rickard’s store in Bristol and those present report a good time.

January 1885

John Hatterburg, the blacksmith on Louis Sherrill’s corner, has sold out.

January 1880

Tom McMurtrie and his assistant put 103 horseshoes on the requisite number of animals last Friday.

January 1875

The water in the Fox River is so low it is interfering with mill operations.

January 1865

The men of Bristol are invited to a war meeting at the schoolhouse. Our armies are everywhere victorious. The rebellion is tottering and only needs another strong united vigorous effort of the patriotic people of the North to complete its overthrow. In the name of liberty and good government you are invited, even urged to be present.