The Colfax County Press publishes a weekly column entitled Peeking into the Past, which is comprised of articles taken from earlier Colfax County Press files, written by Helen C. Evans. A special thank you to the Colfax County Press for allowing me to reprint those articles! The following are selections from that column:
September 12, 1905 - reprinted March 11, 1981The marriage of Frank Houfek and Mary Cada will be celebrated tomorrow at Trinity church in Heun. A large number of relatives and friends from Clarkson plan to attend.
Theodore Bahns sold his 120 acre farm, southwest of town to his neighbor, Joseph Popelka for $66.00 per acre. As soon as this was done, Mr. Bahns purchased of Thos. Hyland his beautiful 200 acre farm, 6 miles south west of Clarkson for $75.00 per acre.
Wm. Reick met with quite a serious accident. He had a load of shingles on a wagon and was driving from the Leigh lumber yard up town. Near the depot the team became frightened and started to run. A part of the shingles fell off which gave the team another scare, and Mr. Reick was thrown to the ground. One wheel passed over his body and head, bruising and making him in bad shape.
The scenery and curtain for the new Kmoch hall was put in and the hall is ready for business in the show line. Few opera houses in a town the size of Clarkson have so finely a furnished stage.
A game between the Clarkson Nine and the Schuyler Juniors was played at the Schuyler grounds. Members of the Clarkson team were Jos. Kopac, Frank Kopac, Frank Vlach, C. Gerrard, John Kopac, Perry Postle, Phil Roether, Jos. Severa and Yank Schulz.
September 19, 1905 - reprinted April 1, 1981During the past spring and summer, 25 new houses were built in Clarkson.
Dr. Schultz has the first automobile brought to Clarkson. He purchased it in Omaha and it arrived here Thursday. It is an Olds runabout and one of the finest machines made. Since its arrival and when it is not raining, the doctor treats his friends to a ride.
Jerry Cerv, who is the mail carrier on Rt. 1 was unable to make mail deliveries to part of his patrons on account of two bridges being out, one near the Jos. Konicek place and the other near Frank Novotny’s farm.
Adolph Lukl left for Lincoln where he will be a student in the mechanical department of the State University. It is a sensible step for our young friend to make.
Joseph R. Koza, who had been suffering with appendicitis, went to Omaha and underwent surgery at St. Joseph hospital. He is now on the road to recovery.
September 26, 1905 - reprinted April 8, 1981While Mrs. Musil and daughter, Mrs. Jos. Suchy were out riding, their horse became frightened and ran away. The ladies were thrown from their rig in the street south of the Chleboun store. Mrs. Musil had two ribs broken.
Clarkson will have a new marshal and water commissioner after Oct. 1. Will Kroeger has been appointed by the village board and they could not have made a better selection. He will receive $40.00 a month for his services.
Adolph Fajman purchased of Frank Cinfl a half interest in the Clarkson Mill. The consideration was $7,500. Adolph Fajman, Jr., will come to town and look after his father’s interests.
A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Anton M. Novotny.
Frank Zrust, an old-time resident of Maple Creek precinct, is here from Marysville, Kansas on a visiting trip. Frank is in the real state business at Marysville.