INTERIOR VIEWS OF KLOSSNER STATE BANK

KLOSSNER BANK BLOWN 2ND TIME

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Yeggs Make Get-Away

With $1,500 Currency

and $1,000 in Liberty

Bonds.

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4 CHARGES WRECK SAFE-ROBBERS

TAKE CONTENTS

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Door of Safe Blown into Middle of Room.-Wires Cut and Flight Is Taken in Car.

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The Klossner State bank was robbed a second time early Tuesday morning, when yeggs pried off the screen from the window in the rear of the directors’ room of the bank building, forced the window, and thus gained entrance. The bank was burglarized during October, last year,the bandits gaining entrance in the same manner. The loot at that time was but $65.57. More success was attained this time, as the yeggs secured approximately $1,500 in cash and currency and $1,000 in Liberty bonds, which were in the safe.

Job Was Clean Cut.

The job was clean-cut and showed the earmarks of professional yeggs,They melted their way into the vault by the use of acetylene torches, and left the tank standing near the vault door.

The acetylene gas tank left behind by the burglars is marked as follows: “Commercial Gas Co., Minneapolis. I.C.C. 3A2015. C.’G. Co. 5-22-217.” A large sledge hammer, pinch bar and a liberal supply of soap were left behind. The base of an inkwell on the desk fixture contained a quantity of mixed explosive.

Hole Melted Through Door.

A good-sized hole was melted through the vault door and it was blown open. Charges of nitroglycerin were placed in the safe, within the vault. There were four distinct charges, the fourth being the loudest. Martin Schnobrich, who conducts a soft-drink parlor across the street from the bank, said the charge was so great that it “rocked the building like an earthquake.”

Door Blown Into Room.

The charge must have been heavy, as the door of the safe, which is a weighty affair, was blown from its hinges and against the vault door, which had been closed. The force of the impact was so great that the vault door was wrenched from its hinges and the safe door dropped in-to the room, a few feet beyond the vault. A large hole was made in the vault door, where the safe door came in contact with it.

Windows Blown Out.

The force of the blast was so great that it shattered the windows in the front of the bank as well as on the west side. A piece of flying steel, broken from the safe door, flew across the street and broke a window in the front of the Schnobrich place of business, where it was found the following morning.

Safe Was Gutted.

The safe was gutted. Besides the coin and currency and Liberty bonds, a lot of valuable papers were stolen. Notes, etc., were not in the safe, and these were not molested. The safety deposit boxes were not tampered with. Last year the robbers rifled several of the boxes and secured valuable papers, some of which were recovered later.

Cut Wires West of Town.

The telephone wires entering the village were cut west of town and the telegraph wires were also cut. This prevented the residents from giving the alarm. The job was a neat one and showed that the bandits were familiar with conditions. The poles, where the wires were cut, showed no marks of climbers. The New UIm Rural Telephone Co. had men on the job early Tuesday morning, hooking up the service.

Drove Into Town About

2 O’clock.

George Vetter, cashier of the bank, happened to be up at about 2 o’clock. He heard a car come into the village. It stopped on the highway east of the bank and Mr. Vetter thought that the occupants must have experienced trouble. Later the car passed west on the highway out of the village, but the lights were turned off. George thought nothing of this as he supposed that they had experienced trouble with the lights and the occupants had decided to go on their way without their use. The bandits had unloaded their paraphernalia at the rear door of the bank and, turning off the lights, had driven through the village and stopped a short distance out of town and cut the wires. The machine was left there. It is supposed that one of the men remained in charge.

Five Men on Job.

As nearly as can be ascertained from the villagers, who witnessed the operations of the bandits, there were five men on the job at the bank. One of these patrolled the street in front of the building during the blowing of the safe. The other four had charge of the work. In addition to Mr. Vetter, occupants of the Martin Schnobrich home, which included a road gang, and Mr. and Mrs. Aug. Kosek, were aroused by the charges, and watched the operations of the bandits.

The men, who were in the bank, came out on the street before each charge went off, and returned following the “blow.” After the last charge and the collection of the loot the bandits came out of the bank and walked west to the car. One of them had a flash light and turned it on the bank and they looked it over, before going to the car.

Vetter Comes to New Ulm.

Geo. Vetter, cashier of the bank, as soon as he saw the bandits leave, in company with Aug. Kosek, who was up and had been watching operations, drove to New Ulm and gave the alarm. Sheriff W. J. Julius and Chief Alvin Harmening were on the scene of the robbery in a short time. H. Foss was dispatched to Lafayette, and gave the alarm there.

The bandits drove west of Klossner and by the Simmet place and it is possible they came through New Ulm as a car going at a terrific rate crossed the grade at the Eagle mill shortly after three o’clock and came up the hill at Third St., North. It turned onto Minnesota street and went on through the city. R. W. Zimmermann of Courtland states that he heard a car go through that village at a high rate of speed early in the morning. The bandits came from Winthrop and it is likely that they were members of a Twin City gang and after leaving Courtland headed for St. Peter and went on into the Cities.

At Work About 45 Minutes.

The bandits commenced operations about two o’clock and had completed the job about fifteen minutes to three. It is said that they left the village about three o’clock.

Tank Stolen at Isanti.

The oxygen tank left at the bank was stolen about two weeks ago from a blacksmith at Isanti, Minn. The crowbar and spike maul were taken from the section crew’s tool shed at Nicollet Monday night.

The sheriffs of Nicollet and Blue Earth counties searched several premises in North Mankato Tuesday, following a report that the burglars were in hiding in that village. The clew was a cold one.

Shot Saves $64,000.

At Groton, S. D., four bandits daringly held up the First National bank in broad daylight Tuesday at 3:00 p.m., and almost succeeded in getting off with $65,000. But Pete Karokulis, proprietor of a soft drink saloon, shot at the bandit quartet, and striking the hand in which one of the men carried the loot, knocked all but $1,000 from his grasp. The robbers then fled in a car, pursued by Karokulis, but escaped.

Bank at Mabel Burglarized.

At Mabel, near Winona, cracksmen wrecked the safe of the First National bank with nitroglycerin Tuesday and took about $1,000 and escaped on a railroad handcar.

Rob St. Paul Bank.

Two unmasked robbers looted the Grand Avenue State bank, Grand Avenue and Victoria street, St. Paul, of $5,000 in currency, Monday afternoon, between 3 and 4 o’clock, and by the time the police reached the scene of the real robbery, the gunmen made their escape. The robbers pushed three employees into the vault.

Brown County Journal

Nov. 9, 1923

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BILLY KLEIN THROWS JOE

TOMSCHE TWICE

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Brooklyn Champion Had Best

of Mat Contest From Start.

-Tomsche Remained on Defensive.

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FULL HOUSE GREETED OPENING ATHLETIC BILL

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Alex. Vogel Arranging for Second Attraction of Season to Be Held

in December.

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The athletic fans in New Ulm and neighboring cities and villages, who were present at Turner hall Friday night for the purpose of witnessing the opening athletic bill of the season, promoted by Alex. Vogel, were not disappointed. The go between Joe Tomsche, wellknown mat artist, formerly of Gibbon, but now of A1bany, and Billy Klein of Brooklyn, N.Y., was the best event ever staged in New Ulm. Tomsche was the light heavyweight champion of the state and took his first defeat in New Ulm Friday evening, when Klein secured two straight falls. Tomsche is a local favorite and has won several events in New Ulm. He is a wonderful specimen of physical manhood. Since serving in the World war he has trained for the mat and has had considerable success, although it is admitted that this success is due more to his great strength than to the science of wrestling or his speed.

Anderson Brings Klein.

Several weeks ago Alex. Vogel importuned Fred Anderson, wellknown Chicago wrestler to secure a mat artist that would give Tomsche a good workout and the fans a run for their admission. Anderson secured Klein,whom he states is one of the most scientific mat artists in the country. He was confident Klein would win from Tomsche, as he considered that science would ultimately get the best of strength. His assumption proved correct, although there was no one in the hall, including Tomsche himself, who had any doubt, but that the Brooklyn wrestler would be easily handled by the Albany man.

First Down in 1 Hour,

32 Minutes.

Klein secured the first down in one hour and 32 minutes. Tomsche was not on the offensive at any time during the contest. Klein assumed the offensive at the outset and kept it during the whole bout, Tomsche not being on Klein’s back at any time. Klein rode the Albany man around the ring during the whole of the period consumed by the bout and it is assumed that this, together with the fact that Klein was working incessantly on the big man, wore down his endurance.

Klein had Tomsche’s shoulders nearly pinned to the mat upon several occasions, before he secured the first fall. The big man was in poor shape at the end of the round, but Klein did not show the terrific strain he had been under for two minutes in excess of an hour and a half. He appeared to be fairly fresh and full of pep.

Second Fall in Six Minutes.

Klein secured the second fall in six minutes, thus being the first man to get a decision over the Albany man.

Tomsche Good Man.

Klein at the finish of the second bout addressed those present and informed them that they should not underestimate Tomsche’s ability. Klein informed them Tomsche was the strongest man he had ever gone to the mat with, but that he lacked training and was not up to form at this time. He stated that he would be glad to take Tomsche on for another match, at any future date, and it is anticipated that one will be arranged during the winter some time. Klein is a good sport and told his hearers that Tomsche is a coming man.

Felt Defeat Keenly.

Tomsche keenly felt his defeat and has asked the Journal to publish a statement to the wrestling fans of New Ulm and vicinity, which is as follows:

“I am disappointed at the showing and poor battle I put up against Billy Klein Friday night. I have no excuse, as I was in shape, but somewhat off form, and simply could not get in action. I am a game loser, and admit Billy Klein is a good man in every respect, but am sure and know that I can beat him, and wish to meet him again. I will meet him at any time and place that he suggests. Although I feel defeat keenly, I desire to ask the fans of New Ulm to give me another chance and I assure them that I am always on the square and will do my best. It seemed impossible Friday night and I kindly ask the fans to give me another chance. If I do not satisfy every fan in the house I will not ask a cent for my work.

“I thank the fans for their loyal support and good sportsmanship.

“JOE J. TOMSCHE.”

Young Stecher of Kansas, Nebr., who was billed to go against Fred. Anderrson, failed to put in an appearance. Joe Hansen of Sleepy Eye,who was in the crowd, was secured and went to the mat with Anderson. Han-sen was not in trim, but put up a good battle for eleven minutes, but was finally pinned to the mat by the Chicago artist.

Sparring Bout.

An arrangement had been made by Mr. Vogel for a sparring exhibition between Spark Plug of Atlanta, Ga., and Cole Colested, the Masked Marvel, of Des Moines. The former had the best of the five three-minute rounds.

Preliminary Bouts.

Herbert Glaser and Leander Reinhart, local bantam boxers, opened the events of the evening by a sparring exhibition. Both lads showed wonderful staying qualities and considerable skill with the gloves.

Brown County Journal,

Nov. 9, 1923

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BOARD

SANCTIONS DANCING IN GYM

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Petitions Signed by Members

of Current News and Women’s

Literary Clubs.

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LATHE TO BE PLACED IN

MANUAL TRAINING DEPT

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25 Children Receiving Instructions in Kindergarten Department at

Lincoln School.

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Petitions signed by members of the Current News and Women’s Literary clubs, were read at a meeting of the school board, held Monday evening. Both requested that dancing be permitted in the high school gym, under the direction of the board and faculty. It was set for that better supervision could be had than the present manner of prohibiting dancing in the gym, and thereby causing the students to arrange for dances at other places, if they enjoyed this pastime.

The Current News club petition was signed by Mesdames I. M. Olsen, C. H. Gieseke, F. H. Dubbe, W. J. Von Bank, Walter Muesing, J. H. Vogel, G. F Reineke, H. H. Walter, M. J. Bieber, J. P. Graff, Ida Ozias, Emil G. Hage, J. R. Higgs, C. W. Miller and Alf. G. Vogel, while the Literary club petition was signed by Mesdames H. L. Beecher, A. G. Meile, A. H. Besmehn, Martha Arbes, T. O. Streissguth, E. H. Haberle, H. N. Somsen, H. G. Bingham, H. J. Klossner, J. C. Engel, Alb. Pfaender, F. H. Krook and F. Wheeler.

The board, after but little discussion, voted to permit the student body to enjoy dancing in the high school gym under the supervision and restrictions provided by the superintendent and the board. None but members of the student body and the faculty will be permitted to attend these functions. Dances by students of the high school at other places will be discouraged.

End of Closed Period.

This ends the closed period for dances in the high school gym, which has reigned for the past three years. Superintendent Gloor favored the permitting of the student body to have dances in the high school gym, and stated that much better supervision could be had over the functions, if held in the gym, than if they were held in other places.

Purchase Lathe.

The board decided to purchase a Little Giant lathe of the Mankato concern, which manufactures these machines, and it will be installed in the manual training room.

Kindergarten Class.

Superintendent Gloor advised the board that twenty-five children had enrolled in the kindergarten class, which was started at the Lincoln building last week.

Brown County Journal,

Nov. 9, 1923

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LAFAYETTE MAN IS FOUND DEAD AT DESK

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John F. Carlson, Implement Dealer in Nearby Village, Succumbs to Heart Failure, Shortly Before Noon Friday. Two Sons, Einar and Wilton, Entering the Office Found Him

Sitting at Desk.-Funeral

Sunday Afternoon.

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John F. Carlson, wellknown implement dealer at Lafayette, was found dead, sitting at his desk, just before noon Friday by his two sons, Einar and Wilton. He had died of an attack of heart failure while attending to business matters at his desk.

Deceased was born June 7, 1866, in Carver county. He came to Bernadotte township, Nicollet county, with his parents when a child. Sept. 27, 1901, he was married to Miss Josephine Bronelle at St. Peter. The family resided on a farm in Bernadotte township until 1909, when removal was made to Lafayette village. Mr. Carlson was grain buyer there for seven years. He then entered the implement business, which he still conducted at the time of his untimely demise.

Deceased leaves his sorrowing wife and six children, Einar, Arline, Burton, Jessie, Leonora and Wilton, to mourn his loss. A daughter, Marjory Elaine, died in infancy. Two brothers and two sisters, Chas. Carlson, Hector; Mrs. Wm. Mindeman, Wolf Point, Mont.; Mrs. Victor Lund, Lafayette; Albin Carlson, Minneapolis, also survive. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock from the home and at 2 o’clock from the Swedish Lutheran church. Interment of the remains was made in the Lafayette Lutheran cemetery.

Brown County Journal,

Nov. 9, 1923

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