Monthly Archives: February 2020

Earle Baker Perce, Antarctic explorer

Perce Point, a headland on an island on the west edge of Antarctica, commemorates a Williamsville man’s role in exploring some of the last unknown places on earth. Earle Baker Perce (1910-68) was a U.S. Navy radioman and pilot when … Continue reading

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The Kohlrus family

Josef Kohlrus and his sons operated Kohlrus & Sons grocery, later succeeded by Kohlrus Catering, at 1512 N. 15th St. from the 1930s until 1968. See Danube Swabians in Sangamon County.

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Danube Swabians in Sangamon County

In February 1903, the SS Pennland docked at Philadelphia, offloading scores of immigrants. One of the newcomers walking off the ship that day was Josef Kohlrus, a 31-year-old miner from Central Hungary.  With $14 in his pocket, Josef’s final destination … Continue reading

Posted in Business, Swabians | 21 Comments

Coe’s Book Store

In 1898, brothers Louis and Harry Coe, together with Ward Carter, organized Coe, Carter and Coe, a retail book and stationery store on the northeast corner of Fifth and Monroe streets. The business, at two different addresses and under three … Continue reading

Posted in Business, Prominent figures | 8 Comments