Echoes Dec 22, 2004: Sheridan Co. NE GenWeb

Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications

Echoes of the Past
Dec 22, 2004
columns by Helen Selee

Echoes page Dec 22 2004

100 Years Ago - 1904

Today is the last day of school before the holiday vacation, then they will be turned out for the usual vacation of two weeks. It is to be hoped that they abandon all thoughts and worries of their studies so that when their vacation is over they will return to work with a vim and vigor that always accomplishes good results.

Rev. J.A. Scamahorn is improving his residence property with the addition of a new sidewalk. W.R. McElroy is doing the work.

Gil Donner and Miss Iva Davies were married Wednesday evening by Rev. Scamahorn. They left the same night to spend their honeymoon and the holidays visiting relatives.

Henry Hauger has leased the Pfisterer Hotel at Rushville for a term of three years. He will take possession the first of the year and ought to make an acceptable landlord.

The editor expects to desert all duties of his sanctum tomorrow morning, leaving then for his former home at Pierce to put his feet under Pa’s table for another Christmas dinner.

Bennett Irwin left last Monday morning for Texas, being summoned their by the illness of his wife who is spending the fall with her relatives there. He took with him a model of the gate hook invented by W.E. Young and will endeavor to introduce it to the southern stockmen.

W.E. Young has invented a gate hook that will not become unfastened by the rubbing of cattle against it. It consists of an ordinary hook with a tilting iron where generally the hook comes to a point, preventing the opening of the gate without first straightening the moveable iron catch.

Roy Ireland came in from Belle Fourche yesterday morning to spend the holidays with his parents and other relatives. He expresses himself very much pleased with his work and believes Belle Fourche to be the making of an enterprising city if the government ditch is completed.

The Japanese are reported to have torpedoed the Sevastopol, the last battleship of the Russian Port Arthur fleet.

WASHINGTON---President Roosevelt’s guard of honor in the inaugural parade on the fourth of next March will be a squadron of picked men from his old regiment of rough riders---the first United States volunteer cavalry. Colonel A.O. Brodie, governor of Arizona, Major W.H. Llewellyn, formerly of the Rough Riders, took luncheon with the president, and arrangements for the guard of honor were made at that time. It is the wish of the president that Colonel Brodie select from the members of the regiment a squadron of from thirty to fifty men to act as his special escort on inauguration day. The president desired Colonel Brodie to inform the members of the Rough Riders that he would attend the annual reunion of the regiment at San Antonio the latter part of next March, and after the reunion, the president probably will take a hunting trip with Major Llewellyn.

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MERRIMAN NEWS
Homestead applications were made by Tyndall H. Lyon, Charles H. Gray, and Effie L. Sassenbery, of Gordon, and William Alder of Merriman.

Let it be remembered that beginning with the 2nd day of January, 1905, the U.S. Commissioner’s office will be located in the building formerly occupied by H. Green’s Drug store, just east of the Green Hotel.

Jim White, alias Sawmill Jim, is back at Merriman, but he informs us that he expects to soon depart for Baker City, Oregon, where he goes on the matter of an estate in which he is interested that will make him well off financially. We are glad to see this good luck strike Jim.

OBITUARIES
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(*Note: Due to scarcity of space, more often than not when an obituary is put into the Echoes of the Past columns, much is omitted. However, the following obituary was such a great tribute to a man known to the community for only three years that I am including it all. If there are any of Arthur Dix’s descendants still in Sheridan County, you must be proud. This man must have left quite an impression, at least on the editors of the day. HJS)
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ARTHUR DIX
Arthur Dix was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, February 12th, 1868, and moved to Gordon, Nebraska in 1885. He was married to Stena Hipke at Fremont, Neb., June 5th, 1895. He died at Newman Grove, Neb., October 28th, 1904. But this record, to those who knew him best, leaves a great deal more to be said. About three years covers the length of his life with us, and in those three years he has made a large place for himself in this community. He found the church which he joined, without a Christian Endeavor Society and, with little aid from anyone else he started one, watched over it, kept it from failure. He wan an important factor in the Sunday School, a faithful member of the choir. Perhaps the quality that most impressed us was his unbounded generosity. We can deliberately say that we know of no one in this community who, in proportion to his means, gave as freely and ungrudgingly as he. Some thought he was too generous. Today, if our sight was better, we could see that the assurance that the "Lord loveth a cheerful giver" balances all accounts. Coupled with this there was, as times grew darker, a sublime faith that the Lord would prepare a table for him as long as life should last. And he did. It is a pleasure to remember that medical skill could to save or prolong his life was done. The richest man in town could have fared no better. Right here it is a pleasure to say that the highest praise is due to the Odd Fellows of this town, and of the state, for the way they took care of their brother in time of trouble. How soon will the church learn to do the same thing.

The funeral services, in charge of the Odd Fellows, was held Sunday afternoon, from the Congregational Church. Rev. Mr. Osler, of Pasker, S.D., a dear friend of Mr. Dix’s, was summoned by a telegram, but unfortunately missed connection at Columbus and could not be present. Rev. Mr. Townsend of Albion was summoned in his place. In the presence of a crowd of friends, which exceeded the seating capacity of the church, and finally at the cemetery, the last sad words were spoken, the last hymns were sung, the last rites observed, then the mortal tenement of Arthur Dix was laid away in the hope of final resurrection beyond the grave. Are we able to assimilate, and put in practice the plain lessons of the day?

75 Years Ago - 1929

Walter Borders died at a hospital in Rushville on Sunday, following a fatal accident last Friday night while returning from Merriman. A car which he was driving turned over and a piece of wood was driven through his temple, fracturing his skull. He laid unconscious on the road for a short time, and Walter Birkby found him and brought him to Gordon. On Saturday morning he was taken to Rushville for hospital attention. He had regained consciousness then but his condition became worse and he died on Sunday. "Happy" as he was always called, was probably best known as having been for ten years one of Gordon’s star baseball players. He played third base for the local team and often hired out to neighboring towns when they had a hard contest. His nickname well described him. He was always good-natured, even to a fault, and had not an enemy in the world. He had worked at different jobs around Gordon and had a reputation of being a mighty good workman at anything he undertook. There was not a dishonest thing about him and the number of his friends was limited only to the number who knew him. Among those who played baseball with him during the past years and in all of his wide circle of friends, "Happy" is going to be greatly missed.
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MARILYN JEAN GROVE
Marilyn Jean Grove, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Grove, was born Dec. 14, and died Dec. 15, 1929, living only ten hours to bless her home. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon with Rev. Germany in charge. Interment was in the Gordon cemetery.

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Rev. Fenton C. Jones arrived in Gordon on Wednesday and commenced his pastorate in the Presbyterian church. Rev. Jones comes from Wayne, where he has been a very successful minister for the past ten years, coming to Gordon very highly recommended. His wife and small daughter accompanied him and they are making their home in the Presbyterian manse.

Mr. Carl W. Spacht, who for the past six months has been Cashier of the First National Bank of this city, resigned his position the first of this week to take charge of the Ranchers State Bank of Cody, which is being liquidated by the state banking department. Mr. Spacht came to Gordon from Hemingford. He and his family have made many friends in Gordon, who are hoping that his future work will permit him to retain his home here.

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Letter to the Editor:
Dec. 16, 1929
Mr. Lloyd H. Jordan
President, Kiwanis Club
Gordon, Nebraska
Dear Sir:
I am writing you as an advance notice that I will be in Gordon on the afternoon of Dec. 21, at which time I wish to see every boy and girl in your vicinity.
Inasmuch as Gordon has no air port, I will arrive on the afternoon train.
As I have only a few minutes to spend in Gordon on this afternoon visit, I will hurriedly distribute candy and nuts as a token of remembrance to each boy and girl present.
Kindly see to it that this letter in given publicity in your newspaper in order that every boy and girl in your vicinity will be sure and meet me on Saturday, December 21.
Sincerely yours,
SANTA CLAUS

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The small daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Sipp of Rushville fell and broke her collarbone last Thursday. She was brought to Gordon for medical attention.
*Born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Birmingham, on Friday, December 13th, a daughter.

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Clinton News
Wednesday night, Dec. 18, an eleven and one-half pound boy arrived at the home of Rev. Bottom.
Lyman Stokes arrived home last week from the east for a short visit with his parents.
Mrs. Wm. Mathis’ mother is staying with her for a few days.
Mrs. Marion Parrot is taking care of the Burleigh children while Mr. and Mrs. Burleigh are taking a short trip to Florida.
Wednesday night of last week a group of young folks were entertained at the A.R. Thayer home. The evening was spent dancing, playing cards and listening to the radio. A delicious luncheon was served.
Elda Swick and his son-in-law are putting down a number of wells on the reservation.

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NORTH OF GORDON
Nelson Fish has moved to the Fickle ranch, where he is employed.
Lyle Hull and Bill Leggett attended the Hull sale Monday.
Miss Hazel Tiensvold spent the weekend with her parents near Rushville.
Charles Leach is moving to the Florey place this week, getting ready for the trapping season.
Mrs. A.E. Abbott and Mrs. Claude Drury were calling at the P. Robertson home Friday afternoon. Dave Robertson is here to spend the holidays with his parents.

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SOUTH HILLS
Miss Esther Musser left Saturday for her mother’s home for a two-week’s vacation.
Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Saults entertained at a farewell party at their home Wednesday evening in honor of Mr. and Mrs. R. Cole, who are leaving for their new home near Merriman soon. They will be greatly missed by their many friends in this community.

Mr. Patrick entertained the card club at his home Saturday evening. Mrs. W.A. Saults made low score and Marvin Jorgenson high-score in the card play.

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OUT OUR WAY
*Mrs. Howard Hill returned from Rushville this week with her new son.
*W.H. Morgan and wife visited their son north of Gordon a few days the past week. Mr. Morgan, Bill Pfleiger and Joe Mielke hauled sheep to Gordon Monday for Ray Cue.
Frederick Hoos is at home again.
Billie Cue, who has been under the weather, is better at present.
Ira Lahaye and son, Buster, returned from Omaha the first of the week.
Velma Havener visited with Alma Morgan over Saturday and Sunday.
The A. Cue family installed a new radio this week in their home.

50 Years Ago - 1954

Births occurring the week before Christmas at the Gordon Memorial Hospital were those of:
*A son, Neal Allen, born to Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Lein, on December 16, 1954.
*A son born to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Halligan on December 18, 1954.
*A son, Maurice James, born to Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hathorn Jr., on December 19, 1954.
* A son, Richard Gilbert, born to Mr. and Mrs. David Swallow on December 20, 1954.

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Cpl. Jay Springman of Walters Air Force Base, Texas, arrived home Sunday evening to spend a three-week furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jess Springman.

Yvonne Thompson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Thompson of Gordon, will leave Jan. 2 for Fort McClellan, Ala. for basic training in the WAC’s.

Jerry Koerber, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Koerber, has enlisted in the navy and left Tuesday, Dec. 7th for the Great Lakes Naval Training Center at Waukegan, Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Donovan entertained the following guests at a birthday party Sunday in honor of their daughter, Debbie: Mr. and Mrs. Mick Phillips and children, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Hamilton and children, Mr. and Mrs. George Douglas and children, Mr. and Mrs. Burdette Thomas and children, Mr. and Mrs. Gottilief Schwaderer, Mrs. Don Piester and children, Connie and Terry Dillon and Dougie Hord.

The wedding of Miss Kathryn Ann Olds and Deen E. Johnson was solemnized Sunday afternoon, December 19th, at the First Methodist Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lester I. Olds of Gordon, and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Julius C. Johnson, also of Gordon. After a honeymoon trip through Wyoming and Colorado, the young couple will return to Gordon. Mrs. Johnson will remain here while her husband completes his six-months overseas tour of duty with the Army in Germany.

Santa Visits Merriman
By Plane and By Pickup
Santa Claus arrived in Merriman according to schedule on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 2:00 p.m. He arrived by plane, and after several passes over Main Street, he landed at the airport and transferred his pack of goodies to a pickup. He was driven up town where the kiddies were assembled waiting for him.

According to rumor, Santa’s lead reindeer was accidentally shot by a deer hunter. Rudolph, who always ran free is now learning to pull his share over the skyways and the plane can soon be stored for the next emergency.

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Pvt. Charles Ladely, Camp Gordon, Ga., arrived home early Sunday morning to spend the holidays with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Ladely. He will return to Camp Gordon by plane from Omaha on January 2.

Pvt. Bob Jenkins, Camp Pendleton, Calif., arrived home Sunday for a week’s leave which he will spend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jean Jenkins.

25 Years Ago - 1979

For the first time in at least five years, the price of school lunches will be increased in the Gordon public schools, effective with all meals purchased after Jan. 1. The increase is necessary to keep the program solvent. The new rate will be 60 cents per meal in grades 1-6; then 65 cents in grades 7-12, and 75 cents for adults. Lunch tickets of 20 meals will sell at $12 for elementary students, $13 for junior high and high school, and $15 for adults. Tickets purchased prior to Christmas vacation may be bought at the present price.

Two Gordon High School athletes were chosen as Athlete of the Week this week, as selected by the GHS Booster club. Scott Prusia lead the Broncs against Alliance with 18 points and many key rebounds to clinch the one-point victory. Then Rick Burleigh was selected as a result of his win over a Scottsbluff wrestler who just one year ago defeated Rick very easily.

Elizabeth Zlomke, Rogean Frandsen and Terri Hatch were in Chadron on business on Saturday. Later in the evening they enjoyed birthday cake and ice cream in honor of Rogean and Elizabeth’s 18th birthdays. Their mothers had been roommates [in the hospital] when the girls were born.

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Because its inhabitants are Buddhists and Mohammedans, Christmas Day is never celebrated on Christmas Island, located in the Indian ocean. And no Christmas festivities are held in Santa Claus’ hometown of Myrna, Turkey. The birthplace of St. Nicholas is a Mohammedan community.
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DEAR SANTA,
[a few letters sent to Santa]
- "I want for Christmas: riding motorcycle, Blow-up Bed. Pooh Bear." ----Angela McFarland
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"For Christmas Chris wants a toy truck. Daddy wants a pool table. I want a doll buggy. We have all been good this year."
---Angella Hilliker
"I want a bubblegum-baby and a standing pony and a Koula Bear." ---- Kristan Tausan
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"I want a Luke Skywalker man and a bike and a toy train."
----Jason Miles
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"I have been pretty good. I want a color n’ curl makeup center and a Flower Fun Thing Maker set." --- Jennifer Peterka
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"I have been a good boy. I want a GODZILLA the Monster with firing claws and Kids movie projector and a train set and a animal truck with a lot of plastic animals.
---- Brian W. Gwynn
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"I have been a very good boy this year so could you bring me a truck, color book and my best thing, a train. I love you, Santa."
---Elijah Jo McClain
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"For Christmas I would like a new set of crayons like Jimmy Shaal. I would also like a baseball lectronic. And a big loader constucshun kit if it is all right. And a flex track. I don’t have to get everything.
Love, Scott Michael Shald
P.S. I am going to be in Bosie, Idaho."
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"Hi Santa. Jason wants a racecar set or a people camper, and a truck. I wanta barby purfume maker. Mom, super shooter. Dad, Shortes, Tshirts and socks. Will you write to me. Love, Sheila"
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"My name is Kelly Siders and this is what I want for Christmas. A new electric blanket, and a Merlin. Have a Merry Christmas."
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"I want a watch and a pink Panther with a tuxedo and a calculator called Quiz Kid. Love, Jimmy Patrick Shaal
600 North Oak Street.
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"I want for Christmas, Big wheel. Thank You"
-----Justin Tappan
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"My Christmas wish is…
Kittens with a basket. I want it to make music with out Baterys. And a glass music without Baterys. Kitten. Dear Santa, have a safe trip.
No baterys for all of thes things.
Love From, Sherlyn
North Spruse
317"
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"How are you? Would you please send my Baby Sister a toy telephone and bring me a real Petite Elite Typewriter. Love, Raegen Faulk
and Danell Faulk
thank you santa.
claus."
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"I would like a merlen and simon. a baby wet and care. a Leif Garrett record and a heart shaped loket.
I have been a good girl. Say hi to mrs. Claus and reindeer.
your friend, Kristi Gentry
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