Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications
Echoes of the Past
May 26, 2004
columns by Helen Selee
100 Years Ago - 1904
An angry stallion came near killing his owner, Oscar Portlock, a Bethany machinist. When Portlock entered the stable early in the morning the animal did not step aside, as he was ordered to do. The man gave him several sharp cuts with a whip. The stallion, infuriated, seized Portlock by the left arm, dashed him on the floor of the stall, and shook him about as a cat does a mouse. The man’s cries of pain and terror brought some neighbors to the rescue.
Almost half a million acres of government land in the Rosebud Indian Reservation, in the southeast part of South Dakota, and a half million acres on the Shoshone Reservation in Wyoming, are to be opened for homestead settlements at an early date. Registration for Rosebud lands will probably begin August 8 and the final allotment to take place about a month later. The Rosebud lands are well watered by the Missouri, Niobrara, and White Rivers and are situated in the great corn belt, where adjacent farm lands are selling at from $25 to $40 an acre.
PERHAPS THEY DID
Jack and Jill went up the hill,
To get some water, so we hear,
From what we learn of their return,
Chances are they switched to beer.
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Earl Hoffman, while down at the picnic on the river Thursday, had the misfortune to accidentally discharge a 22 calibre rifle and shot himself through the leg. As we understand it, no bones were broken.
Ralph Heywood, the 13-year-old son of Rus Heywood, had the misfortune to have a horse fall with him and break his leg Wednesday evening. The accident happened at the home of Fay Heywood on the river. The boy was brought to town and the fracture reduced, and he is now resting at the home of S.H. Ladd.
A new five drawer, drop head Singer sewing machine is for sale at $35 by the Jordan Hardware.
This week Charles Hetzel sold the Hupp place, generally known as the Romine quarter, to a man named Huff. Consideration $850.
From the Long Pine Journal
Principal and Mrs. T.L. Knight of the public schools will not leave Nebraska. They have signed contracts with the Gordon School board and will hold positions there similar to those they have so acceptably filled here, principal and grammar room teacher. Mr. Knight will receive $85 and Mrs. Knight $45 per month. Gordon is to be congratulated upon its acquisition of these educators.
Ben Claymore and family moved out to the ranch last Saturday to stay for the summer.
Mrs. Fannie Moore came up from Cody last Friday and will stay until after the graduating at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Van Buskirk.
If some of the fathers, mothers and guardians, who have girls 12 to 16 years of age who are gadding around promiscuously, could hear what an occasional young man or boy lets leak out, they would surely be looking a little more after their girls.
Married
On Wednesday, May 25, 1904, at 3:30 o’clock p.m. at the home of Rev. Wilkinson, Mr. Royal S. Parker and Miss Ella L. Heywood. Roy Parker, as he is generally known, is the son of Charley Parker and spent most of his boyhood and youth in the Pole Creek country, and also is quite well known in Gordon and vicinity as an industrious young man of good character. Miss Heywood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Heywood who are well known by most of the people in this country, is the last of a family of seven daughters to get married and leave home. For some years she has been the only daughter left on the old homestead to care for and comfort her parents, and they will no doubt sorrow at her departure more than for the others. The young couple, after the ceremony, went to the Heywood home on the river and after a few days will visit with Mr. Parker’s parents in the vicinity of Valentine. The Journal takes great pleasure in wishing them success and happiness to secure which they will have to be good, attending to their own business and trusting the Lord.
DIED
Samuel David Hoyt, who was born on September 2nd, 1892 in Utah, and died in Gordon, Nebr. on May 20th, 1904, after a lingering illness of several months. He was brought to Gordon when about six months old and there are not many around here but what knew Sammy Hoyt. His troubles the past year were many. As most of our readers know, disease of one leg resulted in its amputation. After he had fully recovered from that, other diseased conditions set up and for the past four months he had been in pain most of the time, gradually getting weaker. Many things were done with the hope of getting relief and cure, but with no success. The boy’s suffering was a great trial for his parents, but it is over now. We extend our sympathy to the parents in their afflictions past and present.
At Mason, Michigan, Judge Wiest sentenced Lewis Oliver to the penitentiary for life for helping steal $3 and two hats from a butcher shop. It was his third offense.
The Methodist conference has been considering cutting out the word "obey" from marriage ceremonies. They may as well cut it out for it is a useless provision.
Charley Hetzel has purchased the Rye property on Main street of A. Hupp. He contemplates doing some building to the property next year. \
Get a milk shake at The Korner for 5 cents.
Mrs. Dan Hill had an ankle badly sprained Sunday by an accident on a defective sidewalk.
We have an Eldredge B. Sewing machine to dispose of, part cash and part trade. We can use stone, labor and the like.
The Cottier family moved last Saturday to Gamble, S.D. for the summer.
The Ed. Hutt residence has a new improvement in the way of a neat substantial new fence.
The graduating exercises will take place tonight in the Swigert Opera House. See the notice elsewhere in the paper. Grandma Irwin recent sold her place on Pole creek to a man named Hawk.75 Years Ago - 1929
The "White Way" along Main Street, for which a contract has already been signed, is to be installed within the next two weeks. The supplies have been arriving and a crew of men will soon start erecting the standards and lights. Main street will be much better lighted and also much better looking when the work is completed.
Virgil R. Zentmire, recently with the Furman Chevrolet, has taken the agency for the Buick and the new Marquette cars and will have his headquarters for the present at the Red Roof Filling Station. Mr. Zentmire has a new Buick demonstrator and expects to have a Mar1quette as soon as one can be obtained.
The M.D. Smith barber shop has been sold to Earl Zentmire of Rushville, who will take possession immediately. Mr. Zentmire will not make his home here but will place a man in charge for the present.
Mr. and Mrs. John Mishler are the parents of a baby girl, born Sunday, May 19.
A. J. Short has a pair of large squirrels that he brought home with him from his recent trip to the east. He has built a cage for them in his front yard.
Mrs. Bessie Ross, Miss Jessie Ross and Miss Kathryn Duerfeldt acted as chaperones for a number of young people at a picnic on the river on Sunday. Those attending were Alice Brewer, Ruth Furman, Dorothy and Gweneth Grove, Joe Saults, Kenneth Swaney, Emery Reed, Miss Zilmer and Mr. Zilmer.
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Miss Ruth Fritz and Mr. Herbert Burdick were united in marriage last Sunday, May 19, by Rev. E.C. Newland of Chadron, at whose home the ceremony took place. There were thus united, two of Gordon’s finest and most popular young people. The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Fritz of this city, pioneer residents of this community. She graduated from Gordon high school with the class of 1920 and during the school years of 1923 and 1924 attended the University of Nebraska, where she studied Home Economics. Since that time she has been employed in the dry goods department of her father’s store, where she has made a host of friends by her courteous and pleasant manner. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Burdick of Creighton, Nebr. He is a graduate of the Pharmacy department of the University of Nebraska, finishing in 1926, and is a member of the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity. Since finishing the university he has been employed as a registered pharmacist in the J.S. Saults store of this city. After a wedding trip of several weeks, Mr. and Mrs. Burdick will make their home in Gordon, where both will be employed in the Fritz’ Brothers’ store.
Fred Paul, a local farmer, is given national publicity in the current issue of the Feeders’ Purinagraph, a farm magazine published by Purina Mills at St. Louis. The book carries a picture of several of the pigs of the Paul farm. Beneath the picture the magazine says, "These pigs are owned by Fred Paul, Gordon, Nebr., and are making sturdy frames and getting the stretch from the feed that comes from Checkerboard bags --- Purina Pig Chow, the frame builder."
John Kime celebrated his third birthday on last Thursday by entertaining six of his little friends. The guests were Katherine and Margaret Vinton, Dorothy Gwynn, Doris May Hull, Roy Green and Kenneth Hull. Ice cream and cake were served to the little guests.
The W.A. Morey house was placed under quarantine for smallpox this week, Peggy Jane having the disease. The Bert Wilhite home is also under quarantine for smallpox this week.
By action of the district court last Saturday, Sarah Jane O’Rourk was granted a divorce from R.W. Bourne and her maiden name was restored to her.
B.D. Berkheimer has purchased the residence of Mrs. W.E. Brown and will take possession about June 1, while Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Burdick have purchased the Berkheimer residence.
A number of the friends and neighbors of the Dave Gigous family held a picnic in their honor at the river Sunday. Those present were: D. O. Stouffer, Lee Diehl and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Holsinger and family, Lester Stouffer, Mrs. Myron Holsinger, B.V. Stouffer and family and Mrs. Neuman and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Dohse’s baby is quite sick with whooping cough.
Howard Hill was taken to Rushville Wednesday, where he will undergo an operation for appendicitis.
Olin Waddill, Guy Leith, and Carl Williams went to Snake Creek Tuesday on a fishing trip, returning Wednesday. In their catch they had one fine trout, 22 inches long.
Last Saturday evening the neighbors of the Bayonne community quietly slipped in and surprised Jack Dohse, the occasion being his birthday. Cards were played until a late hour. At midnight a delicious luncheon was served.50 Years Ago - 1954
Martin Hess, with a 95.2 per cent average for four years of high school, was presented as valedictorian of the class of 1954 at commencement exercised held Friday evening at the City auditorium. Wanda DeFrance, with an average of 95 per cent was salutatorian. Forrest "Skip" Capler rated third in scholarship with a 94.4 percent average; Donna Aspinall, fourth with 93.6 and Wanda Peters fifth with 92.9 per cent. There were 43 graduates.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Sterns are the parents of a son, Steven Stewart, born May 21, 1954.
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Child are the parents of a son, Timmy Glenn, born May 23, 1954.
Mr. and Mrs. Ross Tilton are the proud grandparents of little twin girls born to Mr. and Mrs. Merle Tilton on May 21 at the Rushville hospital. The little girls have been named Janice Mae and Jean Rae. This makes the Merle Tiltons two sets of twin girls.
Pfc. Donald E. Kime, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Archie Kime, Gordon, recently spent a seven-day rest and recuperation leave in Hakata, Japan. Pfc. Kime is normally stationed in Korea as a clerk with Company D of the 772nd military police battalion.
Commencement exercises at the University of Nebraska school of agriculture at Curtis were held Friday, May 14th. Included in the class of 82 were five students from the Gordon area: Betty Leach, Tom Myers, Eleanor Ann Pifer, Sharon Shald and Mary Jo Schmidt.
Pat McGinley was seriously injured while he and his men were working cattle. He had roped a cow and his horse started bucking. In the mix up the rope, which was fastened to the saddle horn, dropped around Pat’s right leg, then his horse fell on him. He was jerked from his horse, and with his head hanging downward, the horse started kicking, striking him on the head. Three other men working with him cut him loose, avoiding further injury. He was taken to the Alliance hospital where it was reported that he had a broken right leg, and the ankle was pulled out of joint.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dillon announce the adoption of a daughter, Barbara Marie, age four and one-half months. Mr. and Mrs. Dillon and Barbara returned home from Omaha Friday evening.
Delbert Snodgrass, son of Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Snodgrass, Gordon, is one of 114 Army ROTC cadets of the University of Nebraska who will attend six weeks of summer camp at a regular army installation. Delbert has been assigned to Camp Gordon, Ga., and will report for duty by June 19.
Shirley Louks, Gordon eighth grade student, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Louks, was winner of the annual DAR 8th grade history contest. Shirley’s essay, "The American Flag and What It Means to Me" was selected from 12 entries. She wrote: "I am only one loyal patriot who speaks for the greatest flag to be found. To me, the American flag is a symbol of independence and freedom. Whenever and wherever I see our American flag, I think to myself, red is for the blood shed to win our independence, blue is for my loyalty and yours to our country and flag, the white stars stand for 48 loyal states and 13 stripes stand for 13 colonies who fought and won our independence. I also remember loyal Americans who fought and died for this great flag. So listen to my heed, Americans. Be loyal and honor this flag as I do, for to me it is the greatest flag in all the world." Janice Roth and Charles Magnuson received honorable mention.25 Years Ago - 1979
Jeanette Bruce, with a 98.42 point average for four years of high school was presented as valedictorian of the GHS class of 1979. Joy McCrory, with a 96.87 per cent average received salutatorian honors. The students are the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Dean Bruce, Gordon, and Mr. and Mrs. Royal McGaughey, Merriman, respectively. Further proof of academic excellence was evidenced in the scholastic scores of the seven top seniors: Bruce and McCrory were followed by John Sasse, 96.70; Candi Otte, 95.51; Sherri Burke, 94.13; Tracy Berry, 94.20; and Scott Mills, 92.97. There were 71 graduates.
Gene Robinett, Gordon high school industrial arts instructor, has been appointed as a member of the editorial board of MST, the professional journal of the American Industrial Arts association. He is one of two industrial arts instructors appointed from west of the Mississippi river. Robinett has been teaching at Gordon for the past eight years and holds a master’s degree in industrial arts from Chadron State college.
Recent graduates of a basic geriatric aide course offered at the Good Samaritan center by Nebraska Western college are Pam Letellier, Dorothy Timm, Alyce LaMont, Linda Miller, Rene Abold, Lillian McFarland, Dorothy Louder and Shirley Dunn.
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Buckles, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Buckles and Ava McBeth were in Wichita, Kansas, over the weekend to attend the wedding of Elaine Buckles to William R. Brammer. The event took place Saturday afternoon at the Grace Memorial chapel at Wichita State university. On Sunday they attended graduation exercises where Elaine Buckles [Brammer] received a BS in electrical engineering. Mrs. McBeth also visited in the Bill McBeth home in Manhatten, Kan. and with her sister, Marie Jones in Osborn, Mo. during the weekend.
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Stone announce the engagement of their daughter, Sheryl Ann, to Jared Jacobson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Jacobson of Gordon. Sheryl is a 1977 graduate of Gordon high school and is presently employed at the Saults Drug store in Gordon. Jared is a 1974 graduate of Gordon high school and is associated with his father on the farm. A June 30 wedding is being planned.
Mr. and Mrs. Don Tausan (Shirley Squires) of Gordon are the parents of a girl, Cara, born May 16.
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dolezal (Donna Dohrman) of Rushville are the parents of a boy, Dustin Odin, born May 17.
Diane Kills in Water of Kyle, S.D. is the mother of a baby girl, Alphelia Rose, born May 17.
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kearns (Virginia Hinn) of Rushville are the parents of a son, Shawn, born May 22.
The Sunny Knoll club met with Alma Leith on Thursday afternoon for the last meeting. The hostess served a delicious luncheon. Election of officers was held with these results: Barbara Fochtman, president; Ruth Hanson, vice-president; Amy Schmidt, secretary-treasurer. A plant exchange was held.
Raleigh Barker was surprised and speechless when he was presented with a picture of himself which is to hang in the front entrance of the Gordon high school. The inscription on the frame of the picture says: "Raleigh Barker, In appreciation for his lifelong support of Gordon High School Athletics" and signed "G Club 1979". Frank Pantoja made the presentation.
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Tuesday, 10-Mar-2009 20:00:20 MDT
submitted by Helen Selee
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