This Week in Galesburg History- Sept 21, 2026

 

 

“This Week in Galesburg History” 

Heavyweight title match

OT’s with Anniversary Sale

Streaks football beats defending champs

Streaks swimmers dominate

GHS Principal Tom Chiles has a close shave

Kyle Hunter wins Double-A Championship

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, 30 years ago, 20 years ago, and 10 years ago this week? 

“This Week in Galesburg History” appears on Mondays on the WGIL website and the Massey Basketball Blog.

100 Years Ago- 1926

The Galesburg paper had daily articles leading up to the Heavyweight Title matchup between Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney. The local paper had daily articles leading up to this fight. The bout went 10 rounds with Dempsey winning in a decision. 

75 Years Ago- 1951

OT’s had their 89th Anniversary Sale. They gave away two cakes to customers each day during the sale. Women’s blouses went for $2.89 to $4.89. 

50 Years Ago- 1976

The Silver Streaks with Coach Kelly Kane blew out Alleman 41-14. Alleman was the defending WB6 Champions. Galesburg’s offense behind Dean McKillip, Tony Schuneman, and Bruce Seiler outscored the Pioneers 21-7 in the second half. 

30 Years Ago- 1996

Coach Ray VanHootegen’s Streaks girls swimmers crushed the competition in the Woodruff Relays. Galesburg won 10 of 12 events. The swimmers were Amy Bell, Alexis Vitale, Amber Hannam, Danielle Hulick, April Turner, Kristen Cherrington, Katie McQuillen, Angie Galloway, Annie Piper, Jill Morrison, Katy McCammon. 

20 Years Ago- 2006

Students responded to an attendance challenge. The reward for having good attendance was the opportunity to shave the head of GHS Principal, Tom Chiles. Vanessa Weaver and Devon Boydstun took the honors of shaving his head at the GHS Homecoming Assembly. 

10 Years Ago- 2016

Star GHS baseball pitcher, Kyle Hunter completed his fifth year of professional baseball. Pitching for the Seattle Mariners Double A organization, their team won the season’s title. Kyle had pitched for Kansas State before being drafted.