Bio: Keller, Herb (Retired Custodian - 1972)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Keller

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 1/04/1973

Keller, Herb (Retired Custodian - 29 December 1972)

Longtime staff members recall that over the years many things, including the building itself, have changed at the Clark County courthouse. Friday marked the passing of yet another era when Herb Keller, custodian-maintenance man for 24 years, retired at the close of his work day.

“I’ve seen a lot of people come and go,” Keller noted.

When he began his job in the old courthouse January 1, 1949, Keller was the only custodian. What with a furnace to ten, together with a wide variety of other tasks, both in and outside the building, he had a 24-hour job on his hands. Nevertheless, he found it no more demanding than the eight-hour shifts of the last several years.

In the old building, there was a yearly allocation of $300 for extra custodial help. About six months before the move to the new courthouse, a night watchman was added to the staff. Now, there are several employees working different shifts.

A well-known musician and a member of a musically-talented family, Keller plans to continue playing dance band engagements so long as his health permits. In a sense, Herb retired from only his “day-time” job December 29.