Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications
Echoes of the Past
Dec 1, 2004
columns by Helen SeleeEchoes Page Dec. 1, 2004
100 Years Ago - 1904
The young hoodlums who are allowed to run at large at night have become so obnoxious that the town board found it necessary to offer a reward for the arrest and conviction of any one caught destroying public or private property. We hope that every good citizen of the town will stand by the board and help run the vandals down.
At an early hour Sunday morning the floor in the Nye Schneider elevator was discovered to be on fire by V.H. Uridil. He went to the elevator to get some things out as he was going hunting, and discovered the fire. Had he been half an hour later the flames would have gotten under such headway that it would have been a difficult matter to quench them before the entire building was destroyed. He managed to put out the fire with the elevator hose and pump before any damage was done other than a large hold being burned in the floor.
The County Dads are in session this week and have plenty to occupy their time. This is their first meeting since the election and it will be bills, bills, bills; nothing but bills.
The new courthouse is now shingled and when the tower is completed it will be entirely enclosed. The heating apparatus is being put in place and the plastering is being pushed as circumstances will permit. It is expected to be completed by the first of the year.
Quite a little commotion was caused last Monday evening about the time when chickens come home to roost. Gene Brown happened to hear a rumbling noise just as the running water makes in the spring time. He began an investigation and found that a water pipe below his sleeping compartments in the Saults Drug Store had burst and was rapidly filling the cellar. By the aid of Water Commissioner Hupp, the water was shut off from the main with no damage done to anyone.
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Nuptials
Last Sunday afternoon at the home of the bride’s parents, at Dakota Junction, Nebraska, Rev. E.E. Hunt united Miss Clara, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Nelson, in holy wedlock to Mr. Ralph Myers. The ceremony was performed in the presence of the relatives and a few friends. Miss Mary Nelson, sister of the bride, was the bridesmaid and Mr. Erie Huffman performed the role of best man. Many pretty and useful presents were received by the happy young couple, who begin the journey of life followed by the best wishes of their many friends.Tyndall Lyon and Rudy Swigert closed a deal last Friday through which they obtained a new stock of drugs which they will place in the old Saults stand. They will conduct business under the name of Lyon & Swigert Drug Co. With two such young and enterprising business men, there is no reason why they should not be successful.
Miss Jessie Thompson has secured the school at Whitney for the ensuing winter. She is a graduate of the Gordon high school, class of ‘03, and is making a success of teaching.
About 100 years after Columbus discovered America, Sir Walter Raleigh discovered the potato. This vegetable is now grown throughout the world, taking a prominent place as a food product. Of four billion bushels of potatoes raised annually, Germany raises 1,500,000,000 bushels, Russia 750,000,000 bushels, France 500,000,000 bushels, Great Britain raises 150,000,000 bushels and the United States raises 250,000,000 bushels, thus standing fifth as a potato growing country and not raising enough for its own requirements. We import potatoes from Bermuda, Germany, France, Scotland, Ireland and Canada. Nebraska fields have produced a net profit as high as $100 per acre and the price of potatoes for eight years has averaged 60 cents per bushel. As high as 600 bushels have been produced from an acre of unfertilized soil in Nebraska.
Frank Hutt is busily engaged loading a [railroad] car with his household furniture which he will ship to Indianola, Iowa, where he expects to make his future home. It is with deep regret that we lose Mr. and Mrs. Hutt from our midst. Ed Hutt will look after the brother interest here.
While Theo. Park was loading lumber in Traub’s yard, his team frightened and took a spin through the alley and then around again onto Main street where they collided with Wm. Wasmund’s buggy which was standing in the street. The buggy and a fore wheel of the wagon were demolished.
J.P. Irwin, who has been officiating as operator at the depot for several weeks, left for Valentine from whence he expects to go to Merriman, filling that position permanently.
John Darling buried his infant child on Wednesday. It was born the day previous and survived but a short time.
T.E. Margrave left Wednesday morning for Hiawatha, Kansas, to visit his father, who celebrated his 90th birthday last August.
Mrs. Van Buskirk still remains in a sub-conscious condition into which she sank after suffering the stroke of paralysis last week.
Drop in and have a cup of coffee and hot biscuits at our store any day. We will be glad to see you if you intend to buy or not. THE FAIR.
Charles L. Walker, from north of Eli, went to Valentine on business last Friday. He carried with him three grey wolf scalps and a dozen coyotes. The grey wolves out in his vicinity are becoming quite troublesome. They recently killed a cow for the Walkers, but these boys are getting it back on the brutes.
J.M. Barto returned yesterday morning from Ashton, Ill., where he has been for some time in the past, politicizing land buyers for the Maverick Loan & Trust Co. He was accompanied by four interested parties, three of whom are apt to locate here and engage in potato raising.
George Busick expects to move his family up from Spring Lake next Sunday into their dwelling here in town.
Runaways are always in order. Charley Hatch’s team felt their oats so much yesterday afternoon that they loped through several alleys at a gait that was not so slow. Two wagons were upset but no damage was done.
75 Years Ago - 1929
Ross Magowan was chosen to be president of the local Kiwanis club at their Wednesday noon meeting, with Joe Leedom as vice-president, Charles Versaw as treasurer, F.P. Mills as district trustee, and with the following directors: Wm. A. Morey, B.D. Berkheimer, M.W. Mills, J.S. Saults, J.A. Boyles and E.T. Whiting.
At the regular meeting of Sheridan Encampment I.O.O.F., the following were elected as regular officers for the ensuing term: Sidney Lowe, C. P.; Walter Anderson, S. W.; Frank Fowler, H. P.; Frank Boyles, J. W.; Fred Bower, scribe; Allen Strong treasurer; and Jim Webster, trustee.
Gordon will have a 4H club this year. The following boys have baby beef calves: Duane Ruse, Glen Webster, Buster Weaver, Waldo Gealy, Wayne Morgan, David Reed, Ralph Reed and LeRoy Vollentine. Several more boys are planning on getting a calf. Next week the 4H club will be organized and any boy or girl interested should see some of the members, Jim Webster or E.M. Huckfeldt.
Mrs. French, Sr. of Merriman fell and broke her arm on last Sunday. She came to Gordon for medical attention.
Mrs. Rachel Emma Kirtley, mother of Mrs. I.S. Magowan, died at the home of her daughter in Gordon on Monday, Nov. 25th, after a long illness. Mrs. Kirtley was eighty years of age and with her husband was a pioneer settler in southwestern South Dakota, for many years making their home at Hot Springs. In recent years, Mrs. Kirtley had spent most of her time in Omaha, but finally her health became so bad that she came to Gordon to be with her daughter. The funeral services will be held at Hot Springs the last of this week. Obituary will be in next week’s issue of the Journal.
The state game commission has closed a deal for a quarter section of land one mile east of Merriman, on which is a lake of some one hundred acres. The lake will be stocked with fish and will be made into a public fishing ground. The price paid was $17.50 per acre.
Gussie Haller is again in school after being absent for several days last week owing to a serious operation he underwent for the removal of a sliver from his side.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Casper Johnson on November 21st, was a son.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. George Nelson on Sunday, Nov. 24th, a daughter, Donna Lee.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Emil Malmberg of Irwin, on Saturday, Nov. 23rd, a son.
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One of our farmer friends tells us that he had a chicken that recently entered the ministry. "How was that?", we asked. Then he explained that they had the minister out to dinner, his wife fried the chicken, and the chicken entered the ministry. Not so bad, eh?-------------------
DR. DORAN
Coming to Chadron
Specialist
in Internal Medicine
for 25 Years.
Does Not Operate
Will be at the Blaine Hotel
Saturday, December 7th
From 10 am to 4 pm
ONE DAY ONLY
No Charge for
Consultation
Dr. Doran pays special attention to the SCIENCE OF INTERNAL MEDICINE AND DIETETICWSW. He is trying to eliminate surgery in his treatment of disease, as far as possible. He has to his credit many wonderful results in over 30 medical conditions from stomach problems to lung problems to chronic catarrah. Medicines are prepared for each individual case in his private laboratory, also special attention given to diet as to proper balance and selection of food. For this service a nominal fee is charged. Dr. Doran is a regular graduate in medicine and surgery and is licensed by the State of Nebraska.. Married women must be accompanied by their husbands.-------------------------------------
The Gordon High School eleven won a one-sided game from the Rushville gridsters on the local gridiron last Friday in the last game of the season. Gordon scored twice in the first half and came back in the last half and shoved their score to 47 points. The Rushville lads were completely outplayed and did not score in the entire game. Dixon, Hatch, Hummel, Kendall and Kenneth Reeves, Fay Stouffer and Caparoon played their last game for Gordon.50 Years Ago - 1954
Jack Knudtson, proprietor of the Knudtson Drug store for the last two and a half years, this week disposed of his interest to Drs. Waterman and Johnson, and will return to the field of law enforcement. Knudtson has accepted the position as chief deputy to Pat Corrigan, recently elected sheriff of Douglas county. Corrigan will assume office January 6. A former state patrolman and expert in the operation of the lie detector, Mr. Knudtson was repeatedly called upon to help with criminal investigations in this vicinity during his period of retirement from active duty. Mr. and Mrs. Knudtson left Wednesday morning for Omaha to seek living quarters and where Jack will confer with his superior on matters of department policy.
The area’s first real snow storm of the season struck Gordon Saturday night and continued intermittently through Tuesday. In the immediate Gordon area, some five inches of snow are reported at the weather station of Consumers Power district plant. Tuesday night the temperatures ranged down to zero, unofficial reports said.
Births at Gordon Memorial hospital were to:
*Mr. and Mrs. G.J. Fairhead, a son, Garould Joseph, Nov. 25, 1954.
*Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Parkhurst, a son, Kenneth Wayne, Nov. 25, 1954.
*Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Nollette, a son, Nov. 28, 1954.
*Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Elwood, a son, Steven Lyle, Nov.29, 1954.
*Mr. and Mrs. Robert Moreland, a daughter, Sandra Elaine, Nov. 29, 1954.--------------------------------------
Students home from college for the Thanksgiving holiday were: Stanley Slater, Janet Rash, Wanda Peters, Susanne Evans, Winfield Saults, Joe Huckfeldt, Delbert Snodgrass, Marilyn Metzger, Mildred Gealy and Douglas Tryon, all from the University of Nebraska. Those from Wesleyan University in Lincoln who came home were: Bob Chamberlin, Hildred Bressler and Carmen Gates. Those home from Chadron State Teachers College were: Roger Purdy, Jeanne Dohse, Duane Snodgrass, Marion Martin, Leah Lanell Britton, Everett and Ernest Holmgrain, Fred and Forrest Capler, John Oster and Deonna Matula.Miss Jeanne Dohse, senior at Nebraska State Teachers College in Chadron, was among six students chosen for the 1954 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Jeanne is a member of the home economics department and has figured prominently in school functions in her four years at Chadron State. She is co-editor of the college newspaper, president of women’s hall and a member of the campus activities committee. Among her other interests and activities are Cardinal Key, Alpha Phi Pi, Rodeo Ag club, Wesley Foundation, Home Economics club and Thespians. Miss Dohse is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Dohse of Gordon.
The wedding of Miss Marian Louise Haslow and Robert Nygaard was solemnized last Friday afternoon, Nov. 25th, at the First Methodist church in Gordon. Miss Haslow is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Haslow Sr. of Gordon. Mr. Nygaard’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Nygaard of Hot Springs, S.D. After a brief honeymoon trip the couple will be at home in Chadron where the groom is a student at CSTC.
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EDITH COBB
Edith J. Hatch, daughter of the late George and Alice Hatch, was born north of Gordon on July 22, 1889, and died on Monday, Nov. 15, 1954, at Gordon. In 1912 Edith went to Anderson, Indiana, where she was employed by the Gospel Trumpet company for several years. She was united in marriage to James Fredreck Cobb on Oct. 5, 1921 at Clarinda, Iowa, and to this union four children were born; Drusilla Inez, who preceded her mother in death, and three sons: Loren, U.S. Navy at San Diego, Calif.; Virgil of Wenatchee, Wash.; and Percy Lee, who is with the armed services stationed at Fort Knox, Ky. Her husband died on Febr. 18, 1935, and at that time Mrs. Cobb returned to Gordon with her children until her death. Others who mourn her passing are two step-children, Irene and Fred of Portland, Ore.; 3 grandchildren, 7 brothers and 4 sisters; also two sisters and a brother who preceded her in death. Burial was made in the Gordon cemetery.25 Years Ago - 1979
The whiplash of a dangerous winter storm that paralyzed Wyoming and parts of Colorado, stung the panhandle and sand hills region of Nebraska Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. Snow that started falling on Tuesday, gathered in intensity Tuesday night and Wednesday morning and lashed by strong winds, cut down visibility and buried the area in 3 to 6 foot snowdrifts. The city of Gordon still welcomed in the Spirit of Christmas, who this year was represented by Kathy Benedickt, the blonde daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Benedickt of Kyle, S.D., and LPN at Gordon Memorial Hospital.
Jean (Mrs. Ward) Forster, co-owner of Forsters Toy Box has been chosen by the Gordon Jayceettes as the local Outstanding Young Woman of 1980. Mrs. Forster will be entered in a state level competition. If she is among the top ten finalists, she goes on to compete at the Mrs. Nebraska Jaycees convention to be held in January in Lincoln. Jean was nominated for the honor here by women of the Church of God. She is a member of the Gordon Community Chamber of Commerce, serves on the board of directors and is chairman of the local community improve-ment program (CIP). She has been Gordon crusade chairman for the American Cancer Society for the last tow years, and with her husband teaches an adult Sunday School class. She also helps with the Cub Scout program. The Forsters have one son, James LeRoy.
Joanie Hull celebrated her 17th birthday with a pizza party for seven guests which was held Nov. 20.
The 25th anniversary celebration for Maggie Harner was well attended at the Merriman schoolhouse, Nov. 18. The celebration was given by the pupils and friends of the community. Sharon Moreland welcomed each one. A very enjoyable program consisted of songs by the school, men’s quartet (Stan and Bob Moreland, Joy Fairhead and the Rev. DeWitt), Karen Holeman, Laverne and Fred Thayer played and sang. The Kitchen Bank, consisting of women in the community, performed . Merle Ford spoke in behalf of the school board. They presented Maggie with a 25-year pin. Linda Ford, Mildred Weber, Florence McCray and Maxine Farmer served the cake, punch and coffee. The afternoon was enjoyed by everyone.
Amanda VanBriggle celebrated her 87th birthday with a party at the Good Samaritan home on Tuesday afternoon. Harry Hanson, Merle and Clara Olds furnished the entertain-ment.
OBITUARIES:
Edward M. Becker died Nov. 23, 1979, at Gordon Memorial hospital. He was born July 29, 1898 at Hyannis. He married Thelma Zoble on June 21, 1927 at Alliance. They were the parents of a son, Ed of Ashby; six daughters, Arlene Minor of Gordon, Irene Lowe and Darlene Bowfield of Whitman, Maxine Morris of Phoenix, Ariz., Charlene Hebbert, Sierra Blanca, Texas, and Delores Parker of Hyannis, all of whom survive. He is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 9 great-grand-children, and two sisters. He was preceded in death by two brothers, one sister and two infant sons.
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Anna Sorenson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Dam, was born Sept. 28, 1902, at Gordon and died at Northfield Villa in Gering on Nov. 24, 1979. Graveside services will be conducted by the Order of the Eastern Star at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, 1979. She was preceded in death by her father, mother and a brother, George. She is survived by her husband Dale Sorenson, of Ainsworth, two sisters, Eleanor and Emma, and a brother, Raymond, two nephews and a niece.
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Alice May Louden, daughter of William Oscar and Mary Agnes Brown McVey, was born Dec. 7, 1889 in Shelby county, Mo. In 1913 she moved with her family to Gordon. She was united in marriage to John Everett Goff of Nebraska City. They made their home there for several years. One daughter, Dorothy, was born to this union. In 1926 she and her husband and daughter moved back to Gordon. After a divorce from Mr. Goff, she was united in marriage to Peter John Louden. Mr. Louden died in 1958. Surviving are her daughter, Dorothy Britton; three grand-children, four great-grandchildren and one brother. Burial was in the Greenwood cemetery in Chadron.
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