Echoes Sep 1, 2004: Sheridan Co. NE GenWeb

Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications

Echoes of the Past
Sep 1, 2004
columns by Helen Selee

Echoes Page Sept 1, 2004

100 Years Ago - 1904

Work on the new courthouse has progressed so far that it begins to look as though there was something doing. The mason work is first class in every particular, up-to-date, and we venture the assertion that a better foundation cannot be found in the state. The workmen understand their biz. Everything is now in readiness to receive the crowd expected of attend the laying of the cornerstone on September 13th.

Last Sunday afternoon little Willie McElroy fell from the porch, fracturing his arm below the elbow. Dr. Dwyer reduced the fracture and Willie is getting along as good as can be expected. W.R. McElroy was up from the Spade ranch several days this week to see how his son was.

Norman Sherman, the genial baker at the Bailiff Restaurant, will depart tomorrow for Coleridge where he will assist his former employer in starting a bakery. From there he goes to Council Bluffs as a baker in the Deaf and Dumb school, a position he formerly held.

The arrival of a girl to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. W. Plummer is reported by Dr. Dwyer. Both mother and child are doing well.

We learn that Monte Clifford, of the White river area north of Merriman, is dangerously sick. Dr. McDowell was in attendance on him for a few days, and the indications are that he will lose his mind. (Monte died Wednesday morning.)

Our public schools open next Monday, September 5th.

The county fair will be held in Gordon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 27, 28 and 29.

Misses Susie and Catharyn Tupper arrived in Gordon from Osmond yesterday morning and they are now domiciling themselves upstairs in the Let Beckwith house where they will keep house while teaching in our schools.

Dr. Cremeens has moved from the Let Beckwith brick house to the Sassenbery place one block south and one east of the school house.

Last Friday and Saturday the Jordan Hardware company put air pressure gas lights in the Post Office, the Commercial Hotel, the J.H. Davis’ store and the Masonic Hall. The places are now lighted more superbly than as if they were illuminated with electric lamps.
William Trotter, who has been with the Spring Lake ranch for several years, will leave tonight for Colorado to visit his parents and perhaps locate.

H.G. Estey of Fremont had a carload of apples and melons on the track in the yards this week.
Myra Cass will become an assistant at the Green Hotel in Merriman.

Quartus Skinner and his grandfather were in Merriman Monday. The old gentleman made application for a homestead.

Dave Cottier and daughters drove down from the reservation Monday in order to leave Florence and Lizzie to catch the passenger Tuesday. The girls are going to Rapid City where they will attend the Indian boarding school during the coming year.

Last Sunday morning the barn in which Phil Garvey of Rushville kept his driving team was discovered to be on fire. The hour was early and many of the citizens were yet sleeping the sweet sleep of peace, but the clanging of the fire bell brought them out in a hurry. The fire boys did good work and kept the flames confined to the one building although it was in the midst of several small wooden structures. There was no opportunity to get the team out, and they, together with the harness and some feed, perished in the fire. There is no clue as to how the fire started.

Mrs. W.N. Ford went to Genoa on Monday to see her sister who is quite sick and not expected to recover.

During a rain shower Tuesday afternoon, lightning set fire to the prairie north of Rushville and burned up about 25 tons of good hay belonging to Henry Bank, who was away from home helping one of his neighbors thresh. Several of the neighbors saw the fire and spent an hour or more fighting it in an effort to prevent it from spreading.

Four beeves, four hogs and four sheep have been secured for the big barbeque to be held in Rushville on September 13. The citizens of Rushville invite everybody to come and celebrate this most interesting event in the history of Sheridan county. The day will start with a parade at 10 a.m., ending at the courthouse for the laying of the cornerstone ceremony. The barbeque will begin at 12:30. Events in the afternoon will include a ballgame, steer roping contest, pony races, men’s and women’s foot races, various other races, followed by a tug-of-war between the east and west ends of the county, and the culmination will be an all night bowery dance. All contests will have cash prizes.

Another Pioneer Gone
Mrs. C.H. Monier, who has been suffering with heart disease and dropsy, died Monday evening at ten o’clock. Marlena Odler was born in Switzerland October 23, 1821. She came to the United States in 1847 and was married to Charles H. Monier at Lowanda, Bradford county, Pa., on May 23, 1855. Two daughters and one son were the issues of this marriage. The son and one daughter survive her. She moved with her husband and family to Nebraska in 1886, settling near Merriman in Cherry county, where they remained until 1896. Having then disposed of their ranch, they moved to Gordon. After a serious and protracted illness, she died Aug. 29, 1904 at the ripe old age of 82 years, 10 months and 10 days.

As school commences it is time for pupils and parents to make some resolutions that are truly good. One of the best ways to conquer the mischievous urchin is not to uphold him at home. It may be though, that all the little ones attending school are angels minus wings. Anyway, when trouble boils the sentiments of some point in that direction. If they are not, then the parent has no moral right to take the child’s part against the teacher. When children are in school and trouble comes their way, even though they are in the wrong, they are capable of making a plausible story to anyone who would listen.

Mrs. J.H. Ballengee and little son and daughter, of Fort Robinson, are visiting Mrs. Lauren Jones this week. Since coming to Gordon Mrs. Ballengee has received word that her home had been struck by lightning and destroyed.

75 Years Ago - 1929

The following dispatch was carried in state papers today in regard to the election of Dwight Griswold to the office of Commander of the Nebraska Department of the American Legion: "Dwight Griswold of Gordon was unanimously elected state commander of the American Legion of Nebraska at the close of the 11th annual convention at Hastings Wednesday." Mr. Griswold has been active in state legion circles during the past several years and his friends in Gordon will be pleased to hear of this honor being conferred upon him.

A deal was consummated last week whereby William A. Louks became the owner of a half-section of land purchased of W.F. Wykoff, Mr. Wykoff taking in the Variety Store as partial payment on the same. Later in the week another deal was made in which the Bill Ghoin 10 cent Novelty Store company of North Platte and Chappel purchased the Variety Store from Mr. Wykoff. The new owners of the store plan to open the same to the public in the near future.

John Taft McGaughey and Ester Grace Clarke of Gordon were married August 17th at Martin by Justice Cozad. They were accompanied by LaVerne Cozad and Avah M. Johnson. These young folks have grown up in this community and have many friends in and around Gordon.

Shirley Elmore, who has been stationed at Fort Winfield Scott in California for some time, was promoted Monday to Major and will be stationed at Fort Logan at Denver for the next three years. Major Elmore will arrive in Gordon soon for a three weeks’ visit with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. J.Q. Elmore.

Little Vern Goodwin, the small son of Walter Goodwin, was badly trampled by a horse Wednesday morning. He was brought to the Bevie Hummel home in Gordon where he received medical attention.

Lawrence Jasperson and family of Blair visited at the home of W.J. Hess on Monday. Mr. Jesperson and Mr. Hess were classmates at the State Agricultural College. Lester Hess left Tuesday morning by auto for Clinton, Iowa, where he will assume his duties as principal in the high school.

Charley Foster visited at Rapid City last week. He was surprised at the aerial activity there. There are about 20 planes in use there. They didn’t have many until they had a place for them to land. Now the Northwestern Railway picks off passengers at Huron and sends them to Rapid City by plane. And more and more people are using the service.

We are glad to welcome the little Miss that came to Mr. and Mrs. H.M. Jamison’s home south of Merriman on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Clyde Kime and daughter, Mrs. Charles Gwynn, drove to Chadron Friday where they had Harold Kime’s and Fay Gwynn’s adenoids and tonsils removed. Boy boys are getting along nicely.

Roger Jones of Casper, Wyoming, arrived in Gordon Saturday for a short visit with his mother, Mrs. Katherine Jones. His wife and small daughter, who have been spending the summer here, returned with him on Tuesday morning.

Ralph Heywood left for his home in California Thursday morning after spending the summer visiting his father, R. Heywood, and his sister, Mrs. Bevie Hummel. Charles Smith Sr. accompanied him to California where he will visit a brother whom he has not seen for many years.

H.J. Peterson went to Norfolk on Monday where he will procure a truckload of apples for the Gordon Produce company.

A prairie fire was discovered on the Floyd Parker and Thorsen ranches Sunday night. It is thought it was started by lightning.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. O’Rourk and children of Kadoka were weekend visitors at the home of Mrs. O’Rourk’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Rebbeck. They were on their way home from a trip to several Colorado points.

50 Years Ago - 1954

Morris Hemstrom was appointed county agent when the Sheridan county extension board met Friday afternoon, Aug. 27th. Mr. Hemstrom, who is at present working in Cherry county as assistant agent, is a graduate of Colorado A and M. He will assume his duties in Sheridan county on Nov. 1.

A tragic but not fatal accident marred the Saturday afternoon of Don, 8, and Kathy, 3, children of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Davis of Mirage Flats. The two children were in the middle of a country road Saturday about 6 p.m. when they were struck by a car driven by Stanley DeHaven of Hay Springs. The accident, as reconstructed by Mrs. Davis, occurred when the two children went to the road to look for company the family was expecting. A sudden whirlwind swirled the dust in the road and the children kneeled down to avoid the dirt. Mr. and Mrs. DeHaven coming over the hill slowly, saw the children but could not avoid them completely. Both were struck by the car. Don suffered a concussion, cuts and bruises on the head, other bruises and a separated collarbone. After the impact he was unconscious beside the road. Kathy suffered a broken collarbone, concussion and a badly bruised ear and was lying under the car. The children were taken immediately to Hay Springs and from there the fire department rushed them by ambulance to the Rushville hospital. Both children are "getting along finer." Mr. and Mrs. Davis live 12 miles south of Hay Springs, four miles east and one-half mile south. They have another child, Keith Jr.

Rolland Schmidt, stricken with polio last Tuesday and taken to the center at Hot Springs, S.D. the same evening, is reported as "improving." Mr. Schmidt, who is suffering from the bulbar type of the disease, was released from isolation Saturday afternoon. Therapeutic
treatments will begin as soon as the acute stage has passed, hospital attaches informed Mrs. Schmidt. Some stiffness of the back is expected to be alleviated by the therapy.

Mr. and Mrs. Y.W. Scott, along with Mr. and Mrs. S.F. Krzyzanowski of Gordon accompanied a shipment of fat cattle to the Sioux City market last week which were consigned by Mr. Scott. In the shipment were 22 head of choice home-raised Angus steers that crossed the scales weighing 1,000 commanding $24, with four cattle weighing 872 pounds at $22.

David Parker, Norma Reynolds, Dick and Donna Muck, Arlene Lefler, Mary Esther Russell and Alice Sandoz are Niobrara students attending Gordon high school, and Vicki Graham has entered the Gordon grade school from the Niobrara neighborhood.

Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Sandoz entertained Sunday at their home in honor of Mari Sandoz who is here visiting. Guests besides the honoree included Mr. and Mrs. Jules Sandoz and Marguerite, Mr. and Mrs. James Sandoz and Alice, Mr. and Mrs. Boris Kicken, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pifer and Eleanor, Mrs. Orville Ostrander, Jules Edward and Mary Celia, Douglas Tryon, James West, John Murren and Lindal Eveland. A picnic supper was served in the recreation room of their new home. The day was spent playing croquet and visiting.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Gerold Hamilton on Aug. 24 at Gordon Memorial hospital, a son named Ronald Frank.

Another new baby of interest to readers was a son born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Ridenour on Aug. 25, named Johnny Fritz.

Second Lt. Bob Oehmcke has been spending his furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Oehmcke of Pine Ridge. He left Sunday for Lackland Air Force Base in Texas where he will receive three weeks flight training, after which he will be stationed at Ft. Moultree, Ga.

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Forster and family returned Wednesday evening from a trip which took them to Tulsa, Okla., where they visited their daughter and family, the Bill Stephens. They also visited relatives in Liberal, Kan. and McCook.

The Fieldside school opened Monday with Miss Dawn Burress as teacher. Mrs. Arnold Johnson and Mrs. Bob Bottorff cleaned the schoolhouse Friday.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer E. Davis of Gordon announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Donna Gail to Richard Ernest Feldhus, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Feldhus of New York City. The wedding, which will be solemnized at the Methodist church in Gordon, will be an event of Sept. 26. The groom to be, presently stationed at Colorado Springs with the Air Force, will receive his discharge on Sept. 25.

A no-host supper was given at the Folsom Gates home Monday evening honoring the girls who will soon leave to attend college. Guests were Mildred Gealy, Joan Drake, Susanne Evans, Marian Haslow, Donna Armstrong, Bonnie Bowman, Bonnie Musfelt, Kathleen Brandon and Carmen Gates.

Sgt. and Mrs. A.H. Shook and daughters Ceri and Jennifer are guests of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Robson. Sgt. Shook has returned recently from Germany where he has been stationed for the past three years. The Shooks will go to Fort Lewis, Wash. where the sergeant will await his new assignment.

25 Years Ago - 1979

Larry M. Swick, RPT, announces that Rick J. Kamerzell, RPT, has joined his staff at Gordon Memorial hospital. Mr. Kamerzell is a registered physical therapist who was graduated from the University of Nebraska college of medicine in 1976.After graduation, Mr. Kamerzell practiced in Corning, Ia., as director of physical therapy for two years. He then practiced in Clifton, Tex. for one year before returning here to Gordon. Mr. Kamerzell, his wife Colleen and their daughter Betsy Ann reside at 129 Sheridan in Gordon.

New teachers in the Gordon city school system this year are Mary Riggleman, Pat Riggleman, JoAnn Bowman, Cherie Heldt, Norman Hansen and Jackie Mills. First day enrollment for the new term in the Gordon public school totaled up to 666, with 399 in the 7th thru 12th grades and 277 in the elementary school.

Keith Krzyzanowski, Gordon, has received a Western Nebraska Technical College, Sidney, endowment association scholarship and will enter that school on registration day, August 27th. Keith, thee son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Krzyzanowski of Gordon, will enter the drafting field at the college.

Laurna Smith, daughter of Roger and Judy Smith was the recipient of the American Legion scholarship for the 1979-80 school year. Laurna will attend Kearney State College this fall.
Centenarian Bob Fair was honored by relatives and friends to help his celebrate his 100th birthday. He received a certificate from the Nebraska Century Club signed by Governor Charles Thone. Here to help in the celebration were two of his daughters, Nellie Hutchinson and Leona Hugen and Belinda Gibbons, a great-granddaughter.

Obituaries:
Graveside services were held Wednesday, August 22, 1979, at the Gordon cemetery for William J. (Dub) McGowan. He died at age 61 on Saturday, Aug. 18, 1979, at Luke Air Force Base hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., after a long illness. He was born to Ira Scott and Mary McGowan on Sept. 23, 1917, in Hot Springs, S.D. and graduated from Gordon high school in 1934. On June 21, 1939, he married Virginia Gass. He is survived by his wife, three sons and daughters-in-law, a grand-daughter and other relatives.

Anna Amelia Russell was born July 30, 1895 to Catherine and Sekfred Krzyzanowski at Prairie View, Kan., and died at the home of her daughter Mrs. Ethel Muck in Gordon. Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 13 and burial was in the Gordon cemetery.

Loma Greenamyre was born Oct. 4, 1906 near Springfield, and died Aug. 10, 1979, at the Lundberg Memorial hospital in Creighton. She lived in Nebraska her entire life. She is survived by her husband, Gerald; a son, Gordon, a daughter, Margaret Nelson of Gordon; a daughter, Leona Hancock of Bartlesville, Okla., and a son Dale of Leavenworth, Kan; 18 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; three sisters and one brother.

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