Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications
Echoes of the Past
July 28, 2004
columns by Helen Selee
Echoes Page July 28 2004
100 Years Ago - 1904
Among the Iowans that recently located on a 640 acre homestead by virtue of the Kincaid act were two genial old souls, viz: Noble O. Thomas and Adam Enge. They were very much delighted with this country, especially with their section farms. Mr. Thomas came to town the other day and reported that among many attractions that abound about his place and that will tend to make it an ideal summer resort in the future, there is a large lake, and here he had a most singular and remarkable experience. It seems that lake has been accustomed to furnish him with fish for his daily meat. The other morning, he was accompanied by his wife and son on his fishing expedition to carry his bait, which was meat. A wolf happened to be in the lake taking his morning bath. The wolf took the bait and Mr. Thomas, in his effort to land him, threw the wolf near his hole, breaking off the line at the same time. Mr. Thomas then grabbed hold of the wolf’s tail, but as the wolf was shedding, the hair slipped off and Mr. Thomas fell backwards on a horned toad, tearing a rent in his trousers. He then came to town to buy a new pair. Mr. Enge intervenes and suggests that they take down to the ranch a jug full of snake bite cure that will also give relief in the case of a toad sting. They left town in a happy frame of mind, thinking and hoping that no such accidents would ever befall them again.
Last Monday afternoon, a cloud of dust, intermingled with hats of the light weight order, passed down Main Street at a rapid rate. It was immediately followed by rain and hail. This was quite a relief to some of the crops as the hail did not do any severe damage.
Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Saults went down to the ranch last Friday to stay for a week or more. W.E. Mitchell sweeps and dishes out ice cream during Jim’s absence.
Mrs. Rising and her son Charles, who are presently staying at the Monier home during the sickness of Mrs. Monier, went to Merriman Monday to partake of the grace extended to them by virtue of the Kincaid law.
In the two coach loads of Falls City excursionists returning from Bonesteel Thursday of last week, was probably the saddest excursionist that has gone up the line since the rush to the Rosebud country began. It had been so hot in the tourist sleeper that Burt Reavis, a furniture dealer, thought he could rest better if he took off his clothes. He put them carefully away in the hammock at the side of the berth---at least, he thought he did---but when he awoke early next morning, he discovered he had put them gently out of the car window. In the clothes was his return ticket, watch, several Bryan dollars, and pearl handled knife. This reminds me of the man who left Omaha for Sioux City a number of years ago on an old river boat, and on "turning in" for the night, took off his shoes, opened a little door and put them very carefully on a shelf---the next morning he discovered he had set his shoes on the paddle wheel, and were no doubt, bobbing around in the Old Missouri river somewhere between Omaha and Kansas City.
Mr. A. Leach arrived Sunday morning from Indiana and in the future will make his home here. He is a brother of Miss Bessie Leach who is ill at the Jap Leach home.
Geo. Beamer reports that he has 120 acres of corn looking better than any he ever saw here. He also has 17 acres of potatoes that will yield at least 200 bushels per acre, besides 17 acres of wheat, 5 acres of speitz and 20 acres of grass that are very good. The grass so far is fine and the hay crop was never better.
Prof. T. L. Knight came into town Friday and remained with us until Saturday evening. He is presently traveling for the American Book company, and informs us that Mrs. Knight, who is visiting in Iowa now, will occupy their dwelling here about the middle of next month. You will remember that the Knights will both be part of the Gordon schools this year.
Rollin Hanchette had a horse fall with him last Saturday hurting his side severely.
Wort DeFrance and his little son were in town Monday and went down to the river for a visit with Wort’s mother.To know that there is practically no sale for the live hog and that bacon sells for fifteen cents and up, convinces us that the porker is not the only hog in the transaction.
A shocking discovery was made at Omaha on Tuesday. Father Judge of Sacred Heart church asked for an investigation of the "babies home" which resulted in the arrest of Mrs. Lowry, the matron, on the ground of cruelty. Two out of eight children entrusted to her care are dead as a result of starvation. The matron and the dog were the only ones well fed. Several children weighing sixteen pounds when given to her care now only weigh from six to eight pounds, and three are in such condition that recovery is unlikely.
A voucher for $2.37 back pay due from the Civil War was received by Adjutant General Culver from the war department. The money, which had never been solicited, was accompanied by a statement to the effect that settlement was made to enable the government to close up its accounts with the soldiers of the Civil War and to correct clerical errors made by the paymasters when the soldiers were mustered out of service. The voucher was for $1.72 due Mr. Culver for pay as a private from September 21 to 24 inclusive, 1861, and for 53 cents due for service on October 14, 1864, also 12 cents for clothing allowance for the same dates.
75 Years Ago - 1929
Last week the toll line of the N.W. Bell Telephone company, running from Gordon to Batesland, SD, was opened for business and it is now possible to talk with our neighbors in that locality. It will be a few weeks yet before the line is completed into Martin. This line gives communication to a rich farming community.
L. A. Beckwith of Gordon, state game warden, nearly drowned last Sunday while swimming in a lake on the Star ranch. Mr. Beckwith, with Allan Parker, Dawson Ewert, Bruce Hummel and Rufus Borders as helpers, had been changing fish from a drying up lake to one with deep water, and all decided to take a swim. It is thought that over-exertion caused Mr. Beckwith to become weak, and for a moment it seemed he would not be able to make the shore. His plight was noticed and the boys aided him to shallow water, but it was a close call.
In a separate incident, while swimming at the Chadron State Park on Wednesday, Willard Hetzel got into trouble and only quick work on the part of a Boy Scout, Carl Anderson, saved him from drowning. They were attending the Methodist picnic. Ted Lewis, scoutmaster, states that he expects to apply for a Boy Scout medal for Carl.
Miss Stella Felix as "Miss Gordon" in the beauty contest held in Hot Springs last week, won third place, known as "Miss Dream Eyes," the prize being a half-dozen photos. Miss Vera Spann of Rushville won the second prize of 100 oil shares in prospective wells near Hot Springs. The girls were royally entertained by the people of Hot Springs and report a very good time.
Mrs. H.A. Larson, while driving north of town Wednesday noon, got too near the edge of the grade in passing another car and had the misfortune of turning the car over two times, breaking the glass and ruining the body of the car. Miss Anna VanFleet, who was riding with Mrs. Larson at the time, was quite badly cut but otherwise the occupants of the car escaped unhurt.
On Tuesday evening the numerous friends of Chester Mathis and his bride gave them a surprise party in the form of a miscellaneous shower. About seventy-five persons gathered at their home three miles south of Clinton, and a very fine time is reported. After a fine program and games, the bride and groom opened many gifts. A delicious luncheon of cake, ice cream and fruit punch was served at about midnight.Born to Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Price, a girl, on July 19.
Mr. and Mrs. Edd Gregg brought their baby girl to Gordon Saturday night for medical attention.
Dorothy, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Coon, is slowly recovering after a siege of pneumonia.Mr. and Mrs. Roland Swick of Clinton are the proud parents of a baby boy, born Friday, July 19. He was named Loren Lester Swick.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cooper are the parents of a girl born July 23.
A cablegram was received Tuesday from Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd H. Jordan stating that they had reached England safely. They will sail on their return trip August 7th.
A municipal tennis court is under construction west of the bank building in Clinton. This will afford the young people a place for recreation, which is greatly needed.
A family reunion was held at the home of M. Waddill in Irwin last Sunday, all the children but one being present, with a total of family and other relatives of forty-two people. It being an ideal day, all enjoyed a pleasant time visiting.
A large crowd witnessed a very interesting eleven inning baseball game Sunday at Denby between the Denby team and the boys from Batesland. The Batesland team carried off the victory with a score of 12 to 11.
Mrs. Ben Beutler was hostess to a beautifully appointed six o’clock dinner on Sunday evening at the farm home south of Gordon. Guests were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith, Jr.; Miss Opal Howe and Miss Violet Naida of Wallace, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. F.B. Smith; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Burdick and Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Lunerbrug of Kadoka, SD.
Richard Winters of Gordon leased the late Bill Weberdeen place and moved into it the past week.
Carl Grover of the Hinchley area reports that one of his best cows [????]
On next Tuesday afternoon, July 30th, 1929, the local Masonic Lodge will lay the cornerstone of their fine new Masonic Temple, the ceremony being under the auspices of the Masonic Grand Lodge of this state, with the Grand Master, Ira C. Freet of York in charge. The Arcana Lodge, No. 195, was chartered by the Grand Lodge on June 20, 1890 after having been acting under a dispensation for almost a year. The lodge’s first meeting place was in the old Tin Hall, which has just been removed. In later years, the lodge moved to the upstairs of the old Jordan hardware store, which burned down about ten years ago.
The Gordon Cubs left for Omaha Tuesday evening to enter the state junior baseball tournament being sponsored by the American Legion. They will play their first game on Thursday afternoon and will then play each day until defeated, the final came coming on Saturday afternoon. The boys making the trip and the positions they will play are: Raymond Versaw, catcher; Orville Conner and Vincent Skinner, pitcher and first base; Woodrow Vollentine, 2nd base; Tarzan Moss, shortstop; Floyd Hedrick, 3rd base; Fay Stouffer, Emery Reed, Joe Saults, Gordon Johnson and August Zilmer, outfielders. The boys will be managed by Mr. A.M. Perry, and he and Dale Sorenson drove them down.
Ira C. Holsinger Dies Suddenly
While taking a little nap last Saturday afternoon, Mr. Ira C. Holsinger passed quietly away, death evidently caused by heart failure. He had been complaining that day that he did not feel very well but it was not thought that it was anything serious. Mr. Holsinger came to this community in 1910, for many years being a successful farmer here. A number of years ago he moved to Gordon and more recently has been associated with his son Myron, in the Standard Service Station. He was truly one of Gordon’s finest citizens, having the respect of all who knew him, and being a straight-forward, God-fearing man. There are many friends who will miss his cheerful greeting and kindly way.OBITUARY
Ira Clark Holsinger was born on May 2, 1868, at Mt. Morris, Ill. On the 14th of September, 1893, he was united in marriage with Luzetta Kitzmiller. To this union six children were born: one daughter, Mrs. Viola Stouffer of Gordon; George, who died in the service of his country on Oct. 14, 1918; Harry, of Sinner, S.D. and Myron, Roy and Ross of Gordon. He died very suddenly at his home in Gordon on Saturday, July 20, 1929, having attained an age of 61 years, 2 months and 16 days. Those sorrowing over his death are the widow and children; one sister, Mrs. Carry Harr of Alexandria, Iowa; four brothers, D.M. Holsinger of Yucaipa, Calif.; Oliver, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Charles of Pomona, Calif., and Lloyd of Minnesota; and four grandchildren and a host of friends and neighbors. Interment was in the Gordon cemetery.50 Years Ago - 1954
Among the interesting personalities who will be present for the Sun Dance ritual to be staged July 28-31 at Pine Ridge will be Dewey Beard, 97, one of the last great warriors of the Sioux nation. As a 14-year old boy he witnessed the destruction of Custer’s seventh cavalry at the Little Big Horn. His wife, baby, mother and father were all killed and he was injured at the Battle of Wounded Knee. This event is a highlight of the midsummer season in southern South Dakota.
Gordon golfers brought home four trophies from the Crawford tournament Sunday: Dr. W.K. Wolf, consolation, championship flight; Charles Finkey, championship, first flight; Jim Wheeler, championship, second flight; and A.C. Conger, consolation, third flight.
Mr. and Mrs. Dick Haslow are the parents of a son, John Richard, born July 26, 1954.
Preparation is underway at the Merriman airport where a new hard top runway will be put in by a contractor.Miss DeLena Ruth Spanner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Spanner, Gordon, became the bride of Alvin Eugene VanBriggle, Gordon, on Saturday, July 24 at the First Presbyterian church in Alliance. DeLena attended Gordon high school. Alvin is a graduate of Gordon high school, class of ‘53. He is now employed at Mobilgas service station. The VanBriggles plan to make their home in Gordon.
Miss Lavonne E. Burd, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Burd of Martin, S.D., became the bride of A/2C Charles W. Kelly, son of Charles S. Kelly of Bassett, on Tuesday, July 13, at Rapid City. Mrs. Kelly attended high school in Gordon and graduated from Rock county high school in Bassett. Kelly has been in the Air Force for nearly four years. He has returned to Ft. Benning, Ga. Until his discharge in October, Mrs. Kelly plans to live with her parents in Martin.
A no-host dinner was held at the Arnold Kling home Thursday honoring the birthday of Mrs. Kling. Guests were Mr. and Mrs. Lester Kling and sons, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Kling and Dennis, Harold Jensen of Lead, S.D., and Mr. and Mrs. Merle Tilton and daughters of Gordon.
Funeral services for Mrs. August Rewinkle of Batesland, S.D. were held Thursday, July 22 at Trinity Lutheran church in Gordon. Burial was in the Gordon cemetery. Mrs. Rewinkle died at her home in Batesland on Monday morning, July 19 after an illness of several weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Rewinkle were long-time residents of Bennett county. S.D.
Funeral services for Mrs. Charles L. Brooks, the former Ethel Albright, were held Saturday afternoon in Rushville. She died Wednesday morning, July 21, 1954 at the Rushville hospital. Mrs. Brooks was a life-long resident of Sheridan county, coming here when the territory was first being pioneered by colonies from Indiana.
25 Years Ago - 1979
Serious injury was avoided in a two-vehicle accident west of Gordon Friday, July 20. The accident involved a loaded grain truck driven by Terry Johnson of Putnam, Okla., and a car driven by Marian Rose of Rushville. Both vehicles were totally destroyed but neither driver had serious injuries.
Cameron Mathis was the winner of the Journal sponsored Skylab contest and was awarded his first place check.
A Gordon resident has received her juris doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Bridget Connealy Halvorson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Connealy, Gordon, was one of the graduates participating in ceremonies that marked the completion of the law school’s 55th academic year. Mrs. Halvorson was recognized for her scholastic achievement while at McGeorge. She placed on both the dean’s honor roll and the Traynor Honor society.
The Church of God in Gordon was the setting for the Saturday evening, June 30th, when Miss Loresta Ostrander, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Ostrander, Gordon, became the bride of Jack McCamish, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Taylor of Omaha. The newlyweds are living at 112 North Maple, Gordon. The groom is engaged in refrigeration service.
Troy Alan Roth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Roth, has been accepted for the fall 1979 term at National College, Rapid City, S.D. Troy is a 1979 graduate of Gordon high school. He will be enrolled in the farm management program.
One-year regent’s scholarships that provide tuition for the 1979-80 academic year, have been awarded 191 sophomores, juniors and seniors attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Catherine Valaika, Gordon, was a recipient of one of these scholarships.
Bruce W. Gealy, Gordon, and Ernest J. Frey, Hay Springs, were students from this area who were named to the dean’s list for receiving a perfect 4.0 grade point average at the University of Nebraska Lincoln college of engineering and technology. Gealy is in the agricultural engineering program and Frey in electrical engineering.
Lester Reese and Mrs. Janet Adamson of Gordon announce the engagement of their daughter Jennie Lea Reese to Brad Kevin Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold D. Johnson of Alliance. The bride-elect is a resident of Alliance. Her fiance is a graduate of Whittier high school of Lincoln and is employed by Clarks Ready Mix of Alliance.
Mr. and Mrs. Acel Miller and family of Rushville hosted a picnic dinner Sunday in their backyard in honor of the 29th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Morsett of Merriman. Guests were Mr. and Mrs. Joe Belsky, Frankie Morsett, Wendy Hagel and David, Kenneth Stapleton and Tanya Hykel, all of Gordon.
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Tuesday, 10-Mar-2009 20:00:05 MDT
submitted by Helen Selee
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