Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications
Echoes of the Past
Mar 23, 2005
columns by Helen Selee
100 Years Ago - 1905
Petitions for both wet and dry candidates have been circulated around town during the week. The candidates on the dry ticket are C.C. Parker, Frank Coates and D.H. Griswold, while the wets have brought forth Frank Hummel, W.G. Traub and E.C. Swigert. No matter what the outcome will be, it remains true that the village’s best interest will be looked after.
Glen Conklin has severed his connection with the Bayliff restaurant and will soon depart for Iowa where he will serve apprenticeship to a master of the square and saw.
Four thousand rolls of new wall paper are now at the Lyon & Swigert Drug Co.
Harry Wells and Henry Hugen came up from Lavaca on Monday and went to Valentine the next morning, having been summoned to serve as jurors in the District Court now in session there. Mr. Wells called at this office before he left to give us a local concerning his sale of bulls.
Bailey Fields is out on the Irwin ranch as a guest of his brothers who have charge of the ranch now.
Marshall Hupp reports some depredations were committed at the city jail Saturday night. The parties implicated had their curiosities aroused as to who the boarder there was that a barred door did not stop them from satisfying their whims.
John Wilhite, jovial landlord and alright good fellow, who still caters to the traveling public as Mine Host at Atkinson, was here from Sunday until Thursday visiting relatives and especially to see his father who has been indisposed for some time past.
Ham Morris and John Palmer, who are foreman and chore boy respectively, on the Schmitt ranch, broke up bachelor quarters last Sunday by putting up at the restaurant for their meals and attending union services in the evening.
Herman Peters of Hay Springs was here Wednesday in regard to contracting for a new cottage which Mr. Peters will erect soon.
Mort Tausan moved about our village Sunday as if another knot was to be tied soon.
J.H. Crowder has written from Liverpool that he set sail on the 11th. On his way back he may stop off at Washington and other eastern points. He is expected home about April first.
Tom Woodhouse is getting matters adjusted to let a contract for several settings of fifty eggs each since he has acquired his incubators.
Merriman News items
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. W. Weber last Wednesday, March 15th.
There will be a ball game between Gordon and Merriman played here Friday, that is if the Gordon boys don’t back out. Brace up boys; these are little boys: come one.
Ed Woodruff and sister, Mrs. Stanley, were in the city Tuesday. The latter was looking up a location for a millinery store.
Robert Stratton and son Chas. of Gordon were doing some work for Capt. Fuller at his residence and at the bank.
Joe Lessert, Tom Coffee and Lynn White have been out to Lake creek hunting this week.
Elmus. Frank and Walter Bullard were up from Lake creek on Wednesday.
Mrs. Bartlett, daughter of S.A. Bryant, of Allen, returned to her home at Chadron on Friday.
Jim Webster was in from the ranch Monday. He has been, until recently, attending the high school in Gordon.
Ben Roberts is putting up a granary near the track west of the depot. Mr. and Mrs. Ben Roberts and Cecil Baldwin Sundayed at the ranch.
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County Seat Siftings
Clayton Jordan reached his 13th birthday last Tuesday and in the evening the event was celebrated by several of his boy and girl friends calling at his home and being entertained with the kind of amusements that best suit children of that age. Those present report a good time.Martha Grubb was13 years of age last Friday and several of her playmates were invited to spend a few hours with her that evening. They each brought her a nice present and they were in turn entertained with games, music and a fine supper that had been prepared for the occasion.
James Sweeney and son Harry were in town Tuesday. The Sweeneys have lived south of town about 18 miles for a number of years, but have decided to locate near Broken Bow and leave for that country this week.
Ward McIntyre and Miss Anna Mechler came down from Chadron on Wednesday to visit relatives and friends.
Judge Westover went to Alliance Monday to sentence a couple of fellows who have been too free in picking up things that did not belong to themselves.Wednesday morning while Miss Sallie Gammon was on her way to school, the horse she was riding became unmanageable and threw her. She got on the animal again and when within a short distance of the school it threw her a second time, rendering her unconscious. She was taken home and at first it was feared that she was badly hurt, but fortunately it only proved to be a bad shaking up, although she was obliged to dismiss school for that day.
Last Friday county Judge Edmund assaulted Rev. J.A. Neill on the street and used him up rather rough. Papers were gotten out for the arrest of Edmunds and he was taken before Justice West and fined $5.00 and costs. The trouble between them arose from the fact that both families have children and live neighbors to each other. To say the least, it was a very improper to settle difficulties.
Two caucuses have been held in this town and two sets of candidates have been put up. It is a straight fight this year whether or not the majority of the citizens of this town wish to live in a place where decency and morality is established or where whiskey and debauchery reins supreme.
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Governor Peabody Wins in the Colorado gubernatorial fight, but only after signing an agreement to resign, which some claim that he will not keep.The Gordon Hose Company had a sprint Thursday morning occasioned by an alarm given about seven o’clock. When they arrived at the home of John Bayliff, where a defective flue had caused smoke to rise from the roof, the danger was removed with a pail full of water.
A thing that ought to be condemned by every citizen, were the proceedings carried on on our streets last Saturday night. It simply went part way to show that those whom the world looks to as being interested in the outcasts, in trying to “lift the fallen”, that those are the ones only too willing to kick them further down the path of sin and a life of ignominy and degradation. Not only were some men implicated in turning the cold shoulder to a girl gone astray, but also young women who seemingly ought to be models. Let your aims be higher and remember that the same Omnipotent Being created all mankind, though some may stray from the path of virtue, show them a Christian spirit of fellowship and love since thereby they may return to the righteous way.
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Banana skins are in demand in England, particularly at hotels, for the cleaning of boots.
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Lieutenant Francis Boone, whose conviction by court martial was made public, made a desperate attempt to escape from Vancouver barracks and shot by sentries. Two serious, though not necessarily fatal, wounds were inflicted.75 Years Ago - 1930
Eugene Heeftle celebrated his 8th birthday on last Friday afternoon by entertaining his classmates, the members of the Third B class and a few other friends at a birthday party. Besides his grade, the following guests were present: Betty Haslow, Donald Fowler, Eleanor and Joe Kent, Dorothy and Ted Smith, Kathleen Bitner, Franceline Stannard, Miss Hartman, Miss Winker and Miss Danielson. Mrs. Heeftle, assisted by Miss Danielson, served cake, ice cream cones and candy at the close of the afternoon.
Mr. and Mrs. George Schmidt are the parents of a boy born on March 18th.
Mr. and Mrs. Loren Brooks of Cody are the parents of a girl born on March 18th. They are at the F. Johns home in Gordon.
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Stephen Boothman, recent pastor of the local “Assembly of God” church in Gordon, was sentenced last week by Judge Hutton to spend a year in jail after pleading guilty to a statutory charge. Boothman and his wife had been in Gordon for several months but the charge against him was filed by a girl in Wisconsin, where he spent some time last year. The girl came to Gordon and was sent by Judge Hutton to the Woman’s Reformatory at York.Free Adams has purchased the Charles Merriville farm north of Denby, and the family has moved onto the place. They sold their home in west Gordon to Harry Evans.
More rapidly than most of her citizens suspect, Nebraska is becoming air minded. There are 102 licensed aircraft in the state. Licensed mechanics to keep the planes fit number 109. There are a few more pilots than planes, the number of licensed pilots being 155.
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BABIES BORN:
*Mr. and Mrs. John McGaughey
are the parents of a son, James Darwin, born Sunday, March 23rd.*Mr. and Mrs. Muck Madison are the parents of a daughter born Friday, March 21st.
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Monday being the birthday of Mrs. Mike Tausan and Mrs. Frank Divens, the families of Casper Johnson, Wm. Michaelson, Mort Tausan, Dick Flinn, Jim Divens and Frank Divens gathered at the Mike Tausan home and helped them celebrate the event. Ice cream and cake were served. Music and games formed the entertainment.A very nice surprise was given on Mrs. John Coon when 36 of her friends and relatives dropped in on her last Tuesday evening, the occasion being her birthday. Eight tables of cards were played after which a fine lunch was served.
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As near as we can figure it out, this game of marbles was not designed for people with lumbago.----------------------------------------
After months of experimental work, the Chrysler Sales Corp. this week is introducing the lowest-priced six-cylinder car in its history, a car that possesses engineering design heretofore associated only with higher priced cars. New from front to rear bumper, the Chrysler Six has a price range of $795 to $845 at the factory and is now on display in the salesrooms of all Chrysler distributors. The new engine, incorporating the latest features, is the L-head type with a bore of 3 1/8 inch., a stroke of 4 1/2 inches and a displacement of 195.6 cubic inches. SAE rating is 23.44 horse power but it actually develops 62 horse power at 3,200 revolutions a minute. Standard equipment includes newly-styled wheels of the artillery type, although wire wheels are available as special equipment. Oversize balloon tires (19 x 5.00) are provided.---------------------------------
SCHOOL NEWS
Awards for being the outstanding student in each class at the high school were made to the following: Freshmen: Milla Furman, Sophomores, Ester Anderson: Juniors, Alyce Teipel; Seniors, Marion Leedom. Marvin Metzger was selected as the outstanding member of the Student Council. Ralph Hatch was selected as the most worthy of award pupil on the Board of Managers. Orville Connor was chosen for the award to the “G” club, athletic organization. And in recognition of the fact that they had been neither absent nor tardy during the first semester, certificates were given to nine additional students. These were: Ira Bolser, Mildred Baker, Mildred Biltoft, Helen Carpenter, Dorothy Grove, Gweneth Grove, William Mitchell, Gertrude Powless and Margaret Schaer.Vincent Skinner, captain and star forward of the high school basketball squad, was chosen by Mr. Ukelela, well-known basketball official, to lead the all-star conference team and also as left forward on the mythical quintet. Mr. Ukelela praised Skinner on his good sportsmanship, stating that he placed good sportsmanship above all else in athletics. Skinner starred in practically all of Gordon’s games this season and was the local team’s high-point man as well as one of the leading scorers of the conference.
Agnes Thayer Rose.
Word was received in Gordon this week of the death of Agnes Thayer Rose. Mrs. Rose was the wife of Russell Rose and resided on a ranch southeast of Gordon. The young couple were visiting friends at Sheridan, Wyo., when Mrs. Rose was stricken with plural pneumonia. Her mother, Mrs. Alvin Thayer, was called to come from Clinton and reached the deathbed shortly before the end came. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon in Gordon and interment made in the Gordon cemetery. A full obituary will be published in next week’s issue of the Journal.50 Years Ago - 1955
Wayne Cobb, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Cobb, has been named as Fred Sturdevant Post delegate to Boys State in Lincoln. Wayne is a junior at Gordon high school where he is specializing in vocational agriculture.
Mrs. Dale Youel was elected PTA president at the annual meeting held Monday night at the grade school. She succeeds Mrs. Lester Hess. The Rev. Arnold Imbrock was name vice- president; Mrs. Jim McBeth, secretary, and Frances Speak, treasurer. Entertainment for the evening was definitely of the exotic variety, headlining “The King’s Daughter, a farcical parody on tragedies popular in another area. Appearing in this tear-jerker were Mrs. Dale Youel, king; Mrs. Jack Lewis, queen; Duana Ditsch, the princess; Bonnie Bowman, the duke (dook, perhaps would be a better term); Leona Greenamyre and Mrs. Charles Ryder, ladies-in-waiting; Mrs. Serene Holst, the stage setting (time that passed et cetera); and Mrs. Lester Hess, narrator. Making its debut and a hit was a barbershop quartet combo with its real low-down harmony in such old favorites as “The Bull Dog and the Bull Frog”, “Viva L’amour” and “Old MacDonald’s Farm.” Quartet personnel: Fred Chamberlin, Rev. Arnold Imbrock, Gordon Gealy and Dr. W.G. Sittler.
An open house was held Sunday afternoon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Al Petzold in honor of their silver anniversary. Thirty-six guests called between the hours of 2 and 5. Delmar, who is with the Army in Germany, sent flowers and a congratulatory cable to his parents. Mrs. Leo Petzold, Mrs. Art Russell and Mrs. Everett Muck were hostesses. Mr. and Mrs. Leo Petzold entertained the parents on Thursday night at a ham steak supper at the Sanders Café.
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Bower of Gordon were guests at the Castle Harbour Hotel, Tucker’s Town, Bermuda, from March 14 to 16. Mr. Bower was grand award winner of the Frigidaire sales incentive contest. The Bowers returned to Gordon Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Farmer are the parents of a son, LeMoyne Charles, born March 17, 1955.
Mr. and Mrs. John Abbott are the parents of a daughter, Delona Lee, born March 18, 1955.
Inez J. Crazybear, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Crazybear, Gordon, has completed her Air Force basic airmen indoctrination course at Lackland Air Force Base, the “gateway to the Air Force.” A/3C Crazybear arrived in Gordon Friday to spend a 10-day furlough with friends and relatives. Following her furlough she will report to Denver, Colo.
Terry Beutler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Quelle of Buffalo, Wyo., returned to Gordon Sunday after spending 16 months in Korea with the US Army. He received his discharge at Camp Carson, Colo. Plans for the future include farming his home place now operated by his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley “Bud” Sterns.
Tom Hardin, 68, died Friday, March 18, 1955, at the Gordon Memorial hospital. An obituary will appear in next week’s Journal.
25 Years Ago - 1980
Patrolman Harris investigated a motorcycle-pickup accident on March 14 at the intersection of North Oak and Ninth Street. Todd W. Greenamyre was driving a 1975 Honda motor-cycle, with Mark Deines as passenger and was northbound at a high rate of speed on the 800 block of North Oak. Upon seeing a 1976 Ford pickup, driven by Mary Sue Gates, start to make a left turn to enter Oak Street, he hit the rear brake on the motorcycle and slid approximately 173 feet to land underneath the Gates pickup, which had stopped. Greenamyre and his passenger were taken by ambulance to the Gordon hospital where Greenamyre was treated for cuts and abrasions and has been released. Mark Deines is hospitalized with a broken leg and will be in traction for about eight weeks. He also had cuts and bruises.
Thirty-six guests attended a reception Sunday afternoon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Pruden, to honor Mrs. Pruden who is retiring after 30 years of employment at the Gordon Livestock Auction Company. Franck Diercks presented an engraved watch to Mrs. Pruden and expressed his gratitude for her many years of service to the company. Mrs. Pruden also received a money tree from the guests.
The Gordon Girl Scouts honored Renea Elizabeth Ash for being the first baby girl born during Girl Scout week. The Girl Scout birthday is March 12. Renea was born March 14 to parents, Ron and Vicki Ash. The Cadette Scouts of troop 212 presented her with a baby blanket. Also attending were the three girl scouts of the Gary Varra family, Michelle, Amy and Melissa, who represented al Gordon Girl Scouts. Ellen Zlomke presented a six-piece serving set in behalf of all Gordon Girl Scouts.
Crib Crowd
*Craig and Mary Musfelt, a daughter, Nicole Rae, March 9. Brother: Ricky.
*Gary and Bev Fancher, a son, Travis Dal, March 14. Sister, Toni and brother, Tim.
*Ron and Jeanice Ash, a daughter, Renea Elizabeth, March 14.
*Casey and Julie Walton, a daughter, Andrea Dawn, March 15.
*Allen and Sherry Robbins, a son, Wayland LeRoy, March 16. Two sisters, Angelea and Lynette.--------------------------------------
The Spade ranch in Sheridan and Cherry counties, was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on Feb. 28, 1980 according to Marvin F. Kivett, state historic preservation officer. The Spade ranch is significant to the agricultural history and settlement of the Great Plains region of the United States. The original owners of the ranch, Bartlett Richards and Will Comstock, were among the few who proved that Nebraska’s sand hills, if handled properly, made good grazing land.
This page was last updated on
Tuesday, 10-Mar-2009 20:00:15 MDT
submitted by Helen Selee
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