A look back as Aurora celebrates 175th anniversary

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New poster designed by Neal Ormond IV for the 175th anniversary (2012) of Aurora. | Aurora Historical Society

Updated: March 24, 2012 11:33PM

This year, Aurora celebrates its 175th anniversary. The Aurora Historical Society is planning events throughout the year, and more information about those celebrations is available at aurorahistory.net.

As part of The Beacon-News’ role in honoring Aurora’s milestone, every week we revisit some of the city’s stories from 50, 100 and 150 years ago. Here’s what people were talking about in Aurora this week ...

... in 1862.

It was reported that at a recent City Council meeting, the Aurora mayor and six aldermen agreed to repay George J. Squires the $3.75 fee for impounding his horses. No reason was given for this reimbursement. At the same meeting, a motion to refund some of the fees paid by William B. Sigley was referred to the Committee on Public Grounds for further consideration. Sigley had paid to release his cows from the pound. Also, the council voted to allow citizens to use City Hall for military drills, unless the building was being otherwise used.

... in 1912.

Aurora police were on the lookout for a scam artist who had once had an office in the city. The clairvoyant known as “Mizpah” had swindled a young man from Earlville out of $209. Mizpah had promised to double the man’s money if he brought it all to his office. The man went home and brought all his cash to Mizpah. Mizpah told the man put they money in a black bag because he didn’t like touching it. Mizpah rubbed the bag over the man’s head, then told him to open the bag when he got home and the money would be doubled. When he did, the man found only newspaper clippings.

... in 1962.

Aurora was mourning the death of 27-year-old William Peter Staff, an assistant pastor at St. Joseph Church, who was killed in a fire at the rectory. When firefighters arrived at 2:43 a.m., flames were coming from the second floor. Snow caused a slight delay in locating the hydrants and near zero temperatures hindered firefighters’ work. One other priest was rescued from the second floor by climbing down a fireman’s ladder.