The Class of 1909

World War I Veteran from the Class of 1909

Hobart Lebkicker, Engineers, Overseas.

Globe Park in 1909 was a park privately owned by Dr. W. W. Krape, 120 acres of rugged cliffs, deep ravines, twin caves, a natural bridge, and lots of trees, shrubs and flowers. Known in earlier days as Beebe's Woods, the park had been home to Chautauquas, Kryl's band performances, William Jennings Bryan's Cross of Gold lecture, Father Vaughn's Shakespeare lecture and many, many picnics. In August of 1911, Dr. Krape suggested that the city buy the park, and after a citizen vote of 1550 for and just 543 against, the Park Board bought the park in May 1913 for $29,000.

This is a view of the Pecatonica River from the Cedarville Bridge, now known as the Van Buren Bridge. I cannot tell from the view if it is looking east or west. If east, the factory stack may be Fairbanks Morse. If looking west, it may be the Organ Factory.

The Organ Factory, started in 1894 as the Burdett Organ Factory, became Cable & Burdett in 1901, and in 1907 until its close in 1924, was S. N. Swan and Sons.

Card postmarked 1909 showing St. Francis Hospital.

The Court House in 1909.

The Court House and Soldiers' Monument in 1909.

Stephenson Street looking west in 1909. Note the horses and buggies, and the trolley tracks running up the middle of the street. The Brewster Hotel is on the right.

Stephenson Street looking east in 1909.

Third Ward Park in 1909.

Colorized view of Third Ward Park in 1909.

The Freeport Water Works in 1909.

The YMCA in 1909. Note the early cars and horse and buggy.

Looking east on Stephenson Street in 1909.
City Hall is on the left, the YMCA on the right.

Freeport High School in 1909.

Freeport Fire Department in 1909.

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