CHESTER PRECINCT

Their worship service was in the Czech language with the sermon being read from the 'Postilla," book brought from Bohemia. It was compiled by Jan Hus, a christian Martyr.

   On May 12, 1879, the bylaws were written and the church was incorporated. As time went on, the congregation increased and a larger building was needed. The majority voted to erect the new church in the town of Prague. The beautiful Gothic style edifice was dedicated on Oct.30, 1898. The approximate cost was $2800. Rev. Pipal served the congregation at this time. He was followed by Rev. Filipi. By 1911, Rev. Kucera served the people. His salary was $200. In 1923, Rev. Paroulek came to the people and since travel with horse and buggy was becoming more difficult, a Model T. Ford was purchased for $285, for his use. Worship services were held every other Sunday morning, as the Minister also served the churches of Weston and the Czech Presbyterian of Wahoo. The Christian Endeavor, a society for the young people of the church, helps them fulfill their need for spiritual and youthful fellowship. The congregation still observed several customs they had observed in Bohemia. The men did partake of the Lord's Supper first. This was revised so families could do so together. Later on, the families also sat together during the worship instead of men on one side and ladies and children on the other.

   Rev. B. Marek was the last Czech speaking minister. By 1948, the Czech ministers were very scarce. World War II left a service flag with 8 stars with a gold star in the midst for Edward Thege.

   Rev. Donald A. Proett came to the church in 1953 when he moved with his family to the Czech Presbyterian Manse to serve them also. Services now are held every Sunday with Prague having theirs earlier to enable Rev. Proett to return to the Czech church to conduct the service there also.

   A remodeling project in 1954 gave the church a new basement and all its advantages. The ladies of the church organized "The Ladies Guild," which also interested ladies in the community who desire the Christian fellowship. The ladies are busy in the social affairs of the church and also have been instrumental in the furnishing of the basement.

   A married couples organization, "The Faithful Mariners" meets the second Sunday evening of each month. They are an ambitious group and have as their cargo "project" the upkeep of their church cemetery, with the help of congregation members. They paneled the church vestibule and purchased the Bible and Chalice for the Communion table. They laid the carpeting on the basement stairs and the balcony. They sponsor showers for newly weds of the church. They were instrumental in the painting of sanctuary.

   The congregation had participated in Ecumenial Worship Services with neighboring St. Johns Catholic Church for 3 years.

   After 25 years of loving and faithful service, Rev. Proett retired and is now residing in Wahoo. Every family in this church, as well as many in the community, have been touched by him as he ministered to their needs. He was honored with open house on Oct.15, 1978 at the church.

   On Sept.30, 1979, the congregation celebrated its 100th anniversary with a day of festivities in the morning and afternoon. The Lord's Supper was served to all who wished to partake. All living pastors and/or spouses were invited. Rev. Benjamin Paroulek, a son of former pastor, Rev. Paroulek of the 1930's, was guest speaker. To serve the Prague and Czech Presbyterian churches as his first pastorate, came Rev. L. Paul Fiedler from Calif. in Nov. of 1979.

   The first schoolhouse in Chester Precinct was in District #51 and was known as the Willow Creek School. It was a sod house and the first teacher was Miss Wheeler. She walked a distance of 4 miles to school and was paid $25.00 a month.

   Later on, District #84 was organized, being partly in Elk and partly in Chester Precincts. The school house was located on Martin Vanek's farm, about 2½ miles southwest of the present Village of Prague. The district was found to be too large so it was divided. One school was located at Vaclav Frana's farm, half a mile west of Prague. This took the name of District #104, while the former retained the name of District #84. The school building was built in 1878 and the first teacher was Annie Kliment. Meanwhile, the Village of Prague was founded in 1887.

Prague Public School- 1929-30 Class 5th and 6th Grade Teacher -- Irene Kastl

   In 1888, a meeting was held to determine the location of a new school house as the old one, owing to the increase of pupils due to the existence of the village, was getting too small. There were two factions, one wanting the school to remain where it was, and the other one desiring it in town. Those wanting it in town won. The Board was made up of three members: Joseph Kaspar, Frank Placek, and Frank Vlcan. They were succeeded by a six-member board made up of the following: Thomas Simanek, Anton Kaspar, Frank Ruzek, Vaclav Kaspar, Frank Kubik and Joseph Kaspar. They were asked to select a block of ground upon which to build the school. They visited the nearby towns of Linwood, Cedar Bluffs and Weston and came to the conclusion that a school house similar to the one at Weston would fill the needs of Prague the best, and hence, it was practically copied. The contract for the erection of the building was given to the local firm of Petrzelka and Dobrusky for $3,000.00. This building was dedicated in 1889 and was a four-room school, two rooms on the ground floor and two above.

   As time went on and the enrollment increased, it was necessary to build an addition to the school house. This was done in 1913, making a six-room building, three rooms on the ground floor and three above. The cost of the addition was more than that of the original building.

   Czech was taught in the upper grades once a week for some time and many of the teachers were of Czech nationality.

Prague Public School

   Quite a misfortune befell the District in 1921 when the school house burned down. The fire started at the noon hour and made such a rapid headway that practically nothing was saved, not even the library. Teaching was then carried on in various buildings in town.

   It was then necessary to erect a new building. The question arose of how expensive a building should be built. Some felt that a $40,000.00 or $50,000.00 building was sufficient, while others favored $60,000.00, the amount recommended by the school board. At the ensuing election, bonds to the amount of $60,000.00 were voted. Architect Berlinghoff drew the plans, and the contract for the building was awarded to Vrana Bros., of Omaha.

   The cornerstone for the building was laid November 24, 1922, by the M. W. Grand Lodge of A. F. & A.M.

   The new building was ready when the fall term started in 1923.

   On June 4, 1974, a $320,000 bond issue was voted upon and was approved, to add on a new building annex to District #104 building. Boyer, Biskup, and Bonge Architects of Omaha drew the new addition building plans. The contract was awarded to the Fauss Construction Co. of Hooper. Construction started in November of 1974, following the completion of the surveying. The new addition was completed when the school fall term resumed classes August 25, 1975. The new addition includes a large gymnasium flanked with folding bleachers and all modern athletic facilities, a Voc Ag classroom and work shop, rest rooms and offices.

   In July 1978, Prague Public Schools was granted Accreditation by the State Department of Education.

   Since 1975, Vocational Agriculture and Vocational Home Economics have been added to the Curriculum. The companion activities of FFA and FHA were also added at that time.

   Many changes in curriculum offerings, purchasing of new audio visual equipment, and restoration of classrooms have been accomplished during recent years.

   The District will continue to make changes to meet the increasing complexities of education for the eighties.

   The first Post Office at Prague was opened December 10 1887, with Mr. Frank Secor appointed as Postmaster.

Post Office

   At the present time the Post Office is located in a new building that was built by Postmaster Anton Semrad and leased to the Postal Service in 1959.

   Postmasters that have served in this community are: Wencl Kirchman 1870, Anton Kasper 1893, Frank Polak 1897, Joseph Ubl 1908, Cyril Svoboda 1913, Adolph Kasper 1934, Charles Egr 1954, Elmer Kasper 1956, Anton Semrad 1957, with the present Postmaster as Mrs. Dorothy Vavak, who was appointed in 1970.

   Originally 2 rural routes were established to serve the people of the Prague Area. In 1937 the Rural Route 2 was discontinued and the miles added to the present Rural Route 1. This Rural Route now serves 183 families, has 83.40 miles and is served by Alphonse Polacek who was appointed in 1968. Rural Route 1 carriers were: Adolph Kasper 1903, Charles Vasina 1905, James Voboril 1923, Frank Petrzelka 1965, and Aphonse Polacek 1968, who is still serving.

   Rural Route 11 carriers were: Charles Rehak 1903, John Paseka 1905, Emil Texel 1917, Charles Svoboda 1919, Ferdinand Fujan 1920, and Louis Kucera 1920.

   The American Legion Post No.254 of Prague, Nebraska was chartered in 1920 by 34 Veterans of World War 1. Its first commander was Dr. Anton Bohaboy and its 1st Adjutant was Earl E. Bouna. The other charter members were Edward Jelinek, John Pabian, Ludvik Wesely, Vincent Placek, Frank Brozek, Joe Urban, Joe Cizek, Adolph Humlicek, Charles Wesely, Edward Buresh, Joe Prai, Juluis Prai, Frank Steinbach, Charles Krina, Charles Shandera, Joseph Frohner, James Voboril,

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Frank Semrad, James Semrad, Anton Chvatal, Edward Pabian, Charles Zizka, Joe Urban, Anton Vasina, James Steinbach, Joe Kusak, Rudolph Petrzelka, Jacob Holub, Frank Vlasak, Louis Vlasak, William Hynek and Frank Havlovic There are two charter members living, Frank Brozek who is living at the Haven House in Wahoo and Anton Chvatal who resides with his wife in North Bend, Nebraska. The Prague Post has 80 paid up members. Seven of these members have paid up memberships.

   The Commander is John Petrzelka, Vice Commander, Frances Tomek, and Adjutant, Dennis Urban.

   We donate money toward County Government Day. We have sponsored a local boy for Boys' State for a number of years.

   We honor the deceased members on Memorial Day by having services at the following cemeteries -- Plasi, Willow Creek, St. John's, Abie National and St. Peter's and Paul Cemetery at Abie.

   We have a Stag and Stagette at least once a year. We help with fund drives, contributed to childrens' activities, a few years ago we sponsored the Boy Scouts and a Legion baseball team and have contributed to the Prague Public School. We help our members obtain financial help when in time of need.

   We also march in a body for the funeral of a deceased member and have a prayer at the cemetery and the taps.

   Our Post is represented at all conventions.

   The American Legion Auxiliary No. 254 of Prague, Nebraska was organized May 13, 1929 with the belp of the Wahoo American Legion Auxiliary Unit and the Legion Post of Prague. Some of the charter members were Alice Wesely, Anna Humlicek, Anna (Wirka) Chvatal, Emma Kusak Agnes Cizek. All are deceased.

Prague Legion-Auxiliary Float 1967

   The Unit has 88 adult members and fourteen juniors. Six of the members have paid up memberships. The officers are Amalie Swartz President, Alberta Petrzelka Vice-President, Hattie Kratky Secretary Treasurer, Lillian Novotny Chaplain, Henriette Ourada Sargent of Arms. The Auxiliary has sponsored a local girl for Girls' State for about the last 30 years.

   We honor the Legion's Birthday in March. On Memorial Day, we honor the deceased Veterans by placing Poppies and Flags on the graves of the Legionnaires and Auxiliary members. We also sell Poppies on Memorial Day. We send in our Christmas assignments, send Christmas cards to the elderly and shutins in the different homes that we know.

   For Auxiliary members that have been married 50 years or more we give them a card and either a potted plant or gift certificate for $10.00. We sponsor the Bloodmobile each year in April. We take part in the community fund nite.

   We serve the stag and stagette for the legion which is usually held in November.

   We gave an American Flag and a large dictionary to the Prague Public School. We help out at the Veteran's picnic in Omaha in July and donate food. We send in bibs and lap robes for the hospitals. Our junior members made tray favors for the hospitals in Lincoln and Omaha. Also we work for funerals serving lunch. Our unit is represented in all the conventions.

   The Prague Rescue Unit, a part of the Prague Fire Department was formed in 1962 with 11 volunteer members. The Unit averages 40 to 50 calls per year.

   In 1977, several new members joined the squad. All members, old and new, are certified E.M.T.'s.

   Providing 24 hours volunteer service, the unit has been operating for 15 years began experiencing problems and also inability to pass new federal regulations which led to a fund drive to purchase a new unit.

   The members decided to have a fund drive. Helping the fund raising efforts were members of the Prague Jaycees, Volunteer Fire Department, members of the squad, and other individual volunteers of the community. The volunteers formed 34 teams and canvassed the town and surrounding community. People gave and gave generously. Funds collected totalled $28,000.00. Money was also donated by people from the surrounding towns and business places.

   The Unit has 13 members at the present time, although there have been people that have given their time and talents for many years.

   Current members of the squad are, Kenneth Kuncl, Robert Koranda, Ronald Paseka, Reeb, Larry Stanislav, Richard Shimerka, Betty Kuncl, Cynthia Karstens, Kaye Humlicek, Helen Sedlacek, Denise Kubik and Marge Polacek.

   Three of these members have served the Unit for 20 years. They are Marge Polacek, Richard Shimerka and Dennis Urban.

   We are proud of the women that serve with the men. The services which they provide are a credit to the area which they serve.

   The Prague Area Jaycees were aided in starting a chapter by the North Bend Jaycees. The North Bend Jaycees then proceeded to contact young men in the Prague community.

   By February of 1973, there were enough young men to form a Chapter. This was a first in the nation for a community of just 290 population to have a chapter.

   The Chapter Charter Night Banquet was held on March 17, 1973 at a local establishment. Gaylord Boilesen of Ord, State Jaycee President, was main speaker. The name of Prague Area Jaycees was chosen because our members were also outside the boundaries of the community but felt a strong tie to this community.

   The Chapter Charter Members were: Clarence Egr, President, Dave Sloup External Vice President, Jim Sousek Jr. Internal Vice President, Terry Vanek Treasurer, Ken Krondak Secretary, Dennis Fujan, Don Fujan, Gerald Gates, Rich Heuermen, Bob Humlicek, Tom Kuncl, Larry Mach, Ray Paseka, Rich Paseka, Ron Paseka, John Petrzelka Jr., Ron Sedlacek, Tom Sedlacek, Mark Sloup, Larry Snitily, and Ron Vanek.

   The first year's project was to add a family park to the community. To accomplish this we had a Demolition Derby as a money raiser. The Derby was a huge success. We began to understand how the Jaycee organization worked and it gave us confidence.

   The second year we were able to complete the majority of our initial plans on the Family Park. Second and third years we increased our projects to include self-improvement courses. These courses were Internal Development and External Development. They have enabled us to aid and serve our community.

   During the fourth and fifth years we started to work with our state organization by participating in Outstanding Young Educator and Outstanding Young Farmer Rancher. We had members, Larry Mach and Steve Banek, become District Directors for the chapters in our Region #4. Larry Mach went on to become Regional Director in Region #4 the following year.

FIRST OFFICERS OF THE JAYCEES -- L. to R.: Gaylor Boilesen, Ken Krondak, Jim Sousek, Jr.; Dave Sloup, Terry Vanek, Clarence Egr.

   We tried to increase our membership during the sixth and seventh years. At one time we had 60 members and were 11th in the state and first in our population division.

   Our chapter became a controlling organization of the National Hall in our eighth and ninth years. We are now trying to update and restore the hall.

   Other main projects our chapter has been involved in were helping with fund raising for the Prague Rescue Unit, street signs for Prague, public address system for Prague High School Gym, and watering equipment and lights for the high school park.

   Presidents for our chapter have been Clarence Egr, Dave Sloup, Dennis Fujan, Larry Mach, Jim Sousek Jr., Steve Vanek, Marvin Polacek, Bob Humlicek, Larry Stanislav and Jerome Polacek.

   Our chapter has always tried to help the community improve and better itself. Our chapter's success is due to our members' dedication and the support the community has always given us. Submitted by a member of the Prague Area Jaycees

   The Prague Jayceette Chapter was organized and established in December, 1980. The charter members were Sandy Wesely, Jeanne Vanek, Carolyn Stanislav, Vicki Swartz, Lorri Petrzelka, Cindy Ourada, Karma Ballaugh and Donna Janecek. First Officers were: President -- Carolyn Stanislav; Vice-President -- Donna Janecek; Secretary -- Jeanne Vanek; Treasurer -- Lorri Petrzelka and Chaplain -- Sandra Wesely.

   The Jayceettes hold monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of every month. For their first money-making project, a bake sale and a "Gingerbread House" raffle was held with over $100.00 profit made to start the Jayceettes on their way.

   Projects the Jayceettes have held are Halloween Dances, Aerobic Dance Classes; Easter Egg Hunts; Jaycee Stag/Stagette Dinners; May Baskets to the elderly; Christmas Parties; a Puppet Show; Caroling; Bike-A-Thon for Muscular Dystrophy; Food Stands; a Bike Rodeo; Arbor Day Tree Planting; "Play Pit" Sandbox; Decorated Trash Cans and a Salad Luncheon/Style Show.

Prague Ball Park

   Present members are Carolyn Stanislav, Jeanne Vanek, Sandra Wesely, Vicki Swartz, Pam Potter, Glee Houfek, Nancy Ueckert, Diane Sloup, Mary Ann Paseka, Lorri Petrzelka, Karen Reeb, Lori TePoel, Debbie Jenson, Linda Kumpula and Frani Linderman.

   Associate members are Margie Vanek, Georgia Shimerka, Alberta Petrzelka, Helen Kaspar, Clara

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Polacek, Loretta Wesely, Lydia Zizka and Francis Krondak.

   The Prague Jayceettes want to continue to bring new ideas and fun projects into the community for all generations to enjoy. They are proud to be established in a community as the one they are serving. By Lorri Petrzelka News Reporter

   In 1897, the first Fire engine was bought for a cost of $650.00. It was equipped with two hoses for two streams of water and could be operated by man power, horses, or both combined.

   In 1929, the Fire Department was revamped. A Packard chassis, equipped with a chemical tank, ladder, and a hose-rack with approximately 450 feet of hose, was purchased. In 1933, the purchase of a Dodge truck with a 500 gallon pump and 500 feet of hose, which is still in use today. Later in 1933, a Ford chassis and another chemical tank were added. In 1936, a Chevrolet chassis was purchased and equipment was transferred to it making it our first rural fire truck.

   The numbers of our Fire Dept. members grew to 25 when it joined the State Association in 1936. With the equipment then on hand, the department served our community very efficiently until the year 1955.

Prague Fire Department

   It was during that year that the Prague community decided to initiate rural fire protection. The organization of our rural Fire District is credited mostly to the following members; Stanley Sousek, Adolf Janecek both deceased, Leonard Musilek, Wilfred Wirka, and Milo Krondak.

   The Prague Fire Department now boasts a new Fire truck equipped with 1,400 feet of hose, a 500 gallon pumper and a 500 gallon tank. Another fire truck with a 1000 gallon tank is auxiliary water for rural fires. The growth of our Fire Department through the years is attributed to the self-sacrificing work of our Firemen.

   Our Fire Department now consists of the following members: Victor Sousek chairman, Clarence Egr Chief, Larry Stanislav Secy-Treas, Myron Coufal, Marvin Belik, Robert Humlicek, Cyril Kuncl, Richard Kuncl, Kenneth Kuncl, Robert Koranda, Milo Krondak, Myron Krondak, Leonard Musilek, Daniel Odvody, David Odvody, John Petrzelka Jr., Richard Paseka, Ron Paseka, Ray Paseka, Kenneth Polacek, Alfonse Polacek, Frank Polacek, Edward Prohaska, Ike Reeb, Richard Shimerka, Larry Snitily, Larry Stanislav, Dennis Urban, Joseph Urban, Gary Wirka, Victor Sousek and Terry Vanek.

Prague Rescue Squad

   Some of these members also belong to the Prague Rescue Unit; they are Richard Shimerka, Kenneth Kuncl, Richard Kuncl, Ron Paseka, Larry Stanislav, Robert Koranda, Ike Reeb, Dennis Urban. The service was started in 1962. We, as members of the Prague Fire Department, are glad that we could be of service to the community.

   The organization meeting was held in October, 1958, at the home of Mrs. Max Polacek, the first president. The club met once a month with about 9 meetings a year, not meeting in the summer. The Socialites belonged to the Saunders County Extension for about 10 years and then dropped out. They continued to meet as a ladies' club continuing with many of the goals set up by the county. The purpose of the club was to share information on new ideas of homemaking, opportunities to develop leadership, and improve social and community life.

   The first members who will be celebrating 25 years were the following ladies: President, Mrs. Max Polacek, Mrs. Charles Egr, Mrs. Leonard Musilek, Mrs. James Perk, Mrs. Emil Polacek, Mrs. John Polacek, Mrs. Robert Polacek, Mrs. Francis Sedlacek, Mrs. Robert Wernsman, Mrs. Dennis Wesely, and Mrs. Lester Vavak.

   Many worthwhile projects were started. The annual Halloween Party for youngsters in the community, which has grown and now is jointly sponsored by the local J.C. Chapter is continuing. Other projects include donating to the yearly Community Fund Drive, sponsoring Bingo at the Care Center, planting flowers at the Veterans' Memorial in Prague, donating food to the Bloodmobile, sending Christmas cards to the elderly, making tray favors for the hospital and care centers, and donating Christmas gifts to the Beatrice State Home.

   Other activities during the years included making a welcome sign for the community, sewing tiny cloth slippers and lap robes for the Saunders Co. Hospital, making bandages for the Rescue Unit, and hanging flower baskets in town. Planning tours, serving luncheons, learning and sharing different crafts, homemaking and cooking lessons were also shared by all.

   Over the years about 40 ladies have joined and dropped out. The club continues to meet about 9 times a year with the goals remaining the same. The present members are: President -- Mrs. Victor Sousek; Mrs. Robert Polacek, Mrs. Max Polacek, Mrs. John Polacek, Mrs. Alf Polacek, Mrs. Emil Polacek, Mrs. James Perk, Mrs. Dennis Wesely, Mrs. Larry Stanislav, Mrs. Robert Paseka, Mrs. Ike Reeb, Mrs. Rick Hurst, Mrs. Leonard Musilek, Mrs. Terry Vanek, and Mrs. James Fujan.

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