This Week in Galesburg History (July 20)

 

“This Week in Galesburg History,” Red Grange faced negative publicity, a knee was injured, a floor was damaged, and Camels were being promoted. 

This is a look back at the history of Galesburg (and the world). What was going on 100 years ago, 75 years ago, 50 years ago, 25 years ago, and 10 years ago this week? 

“This Week in Galesburg History” can be found Mondays on WGIL website and Massey Basketball Blog. 

100 Years Ago- 1926

Legendary Fighting Illini and Chicago Bear football star, Red Grange found out the world of Hollywood was not all positive. While he was in Hollywood to appear in a movie, Grange was named as part of a divorce lawsuit by Charles Taylor and his wife. 

Taylor, a wealthy oil man claimed that Red Grange had caused his wife to be become infatuated with Grange. She had chosen to sit on Grange’s lap in a car instead of the empty and seat next to him, and Taylor claimed Mrs. Taylor had set up a meeting in Grange’s hotel. 

Grange described the situation as, “Not funny anymore.”

To escape the spotlight, Grange returned to his hometown, Wheaton Illinois. He went back to his off-season job, delivering ice. 

75 Years Ago- 1951

Today we are not used to seeing cigarette ads, and certainly not one that would claim, “Not one single case of throat irritation due to smoking.”

In 1950, cigarette smoking was at its peak in Illinois. It was estimated that 50% of Americans smoked, and males as many as 70% were smokers. It was also estimated 40% of smokers smoked one pack per day, while 20% of smokers smoked more than a pack per day. 

In 1998, 46 states won a lawsuit against the tobacco industry in the Master Settlement Agreement. The cigarette manufacturers were accused of deliberately defrauding the public regarding addictiveness and risks of smoking. They also were accused of purposely manipulating nicotine amounts to increase the addictiveness of cigarettes. The state won $200 billion in the suit.

By 2020, it was estimated that 12% of the U.S. population still smoked cigarettes, and 7% used e-cigarettes. 

50 Years Ago- 1976

Lakelawn Swim and Tennis Club opened a new pool. This pool was a 25 meter pool designed for competition and training. It was hoped to be a place to train young swimmers and promote the sport of swimming, as well as giving adults a place to swim without children playing. 

25 Years Ago- 2001

The Silver Streaks girls basketball team had just finished 6 straight State Appearances. One of expected stars of the Streaks, Amanda Gunther suffered an ACL injury. Jay Redfern talked to Amanda’s mother about Amanda’s surgery and expected return to play. It was estimated her recovery would take 4-6 months. It turned out Gunther was back in 4 months. 

The 2001-2 season, the Streaks and Gunther made the Sweet 16 before losing. Gunther’s senior season, 2002-3 Gunther averaged over 20 points per game during the IHSA Tourneys to lead the Streaks to an Elite 8 finish. 

10 Years Ago- 2016

The combination of bad storm and a bad gym roof led to damaging the wooden floor at Galesburg High School. The water damage was great enough that the entire floor needed to be replaced. Unfortunately, that meant Fall sports needed to be moved to the Kimbrough FH.