The Romanowski family

A cousin found this article in an old copy of Princeton Bureau County Tribune from August 8, 1913.

FIVE YEAR OLD RESCUED FROM RIVER

Frank Romanowski is Saved From Watery Grave.

Frank Romanowski, the 5 year old son of Michael Romanowski of Peru, had a close call from drowning in the Illinois & Michigan canal Sunday evening. The little fellow ran away from his home and went to the water’s edge where he played for a short time.

Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Riedinger, the former pilot and engineer on the “Driftwood”, which is anchored in the basin, saw the little fellow and kept a watch on him. A short time after he appeared, the boy apparently was trying to drag something out of the water and a few minutes later Mrs. Riedinger missed him. Her husband secured field glasses and located the child struggling in the water.

Riedinger ran to the lock and, lowering himself into the water, pulled the little fellow to the surface. He then took the boy to the “Driftwood” and after a few minutes’ work restored him to consciousness.

The elder Romanowski is an employe (sic) of the Illinois Zinc company. As soon as he heard of the mishap, he hurried to the boat and assisted in resuscitating his son. As soon as the boy was sufficiently revived, the parent took him to the family home. --- La Salle Tribune.