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:
April 5, 1917 - reprinted October 29, 1980Enjoying a week’s vacation from the state university are students Misses Josie Zrust, Laura Folda, Ida and Bertha Dusatko, and Rober Hoh, Leonard Noh and Lad Kubik.
A total of 29 votes were cast at Tuesday’s election, while on previous occasions nearly 200 votes were cast. Votes cast were as follows: Emil Petr 28, W.F. Adamek 27 and Adolf Dudek 24. The village board will be composed of F. W. Noh, J. R. Vitek, Emil Petr, W. F. Adamek and Adolf Dudek for the ensuing year.
Mrs. Josefka Rozmarin, almost 90 years of age, died in her home in the southern part of town. Mrs. Rozmarin and her husband, Frank, came to this country in the early 60’s. He died many years ago. She is survived by one son, Joseph, who resides in Stanton.
Frank C. Hubenka, who has been connected with the W. F. Adamek and Co. mercantile firm, negotiated a deal with F.C. Schulz, whereby he became owner of a farm in the southern part of the county.
F.C. Schultz and J. D. Wolf made an auto trip to the county seat. The farmer attended to his realty business, while Wolf planned to attend the M. W. A. Convention. The convention was cancelled due to the bad conditions of the roads when they reached Schuyler. It is self explanatory just how the roads where when we say, that it had taken them 3 ½ hours to make the trip of 22 miles by auto.
The Howells baseball club re-organized and named Joe Suchan as manager and Egan Stangel will be player-captain and treasurer. The same players will compose the team except a shift in some positions: Ole Iwanski is slated for 3rd, Gil Srb 2nd, Rudy Suchan SS and Egan Stangel will hold down the initial bag.
E.H. Slama negotiated a deal whereby John Petr, Sr., disposed of his residence, to Frank J. Brabec for $2800. In turn, Mr. Petr purchased 80 acres of land from Mr. Brabec, paying $115 per acre. The land is part of the Brabec farm, located 6 miles north of town.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Houfek made an auto trip to Fremont, where they attended the declamatory contest in which their daughter, Libbie, carried off the highest honors.
A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Anton J. Hejtmanek, reports Dr. Allen.
Jos. C. Mundil, son of Frank Z. Mundil, left for Bloomfield, Montana where he expects to locate.
B. Wienike is putting up a large pitless farm scale on his farm one-mile south of Howells.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Novak of Howells were passengers to Omaha and intend to return this evening overland, driving a Dort auto for stock.
Mestl Bros., Howells report sales of Dodge cars to Emil Folda and W. J. Moore of Clarkson and an Oakland "six" to Amos Mestl of Dodge.
Undated, but probably April 5, 1917 - reprinted November 5, 1980Joseph Mosansky, living south of Howells, had the misfortune to sustain several broken ribs and many bruises about the body, by being crushed by a team of horses in the barn, while he was attending to chores.
Frank and James Viasak and James Krajicek of Howells left for Montana to have a look at lands still open for homesteaders, with the view of filing for claims.
Rudolph Misek left for Lynch at which place he has been appointed as manager for the Nye, Schneider-Fowler Company’s grain elevator and lumber yards.
Mrs. M. Sebek, Sr. of Howells is seriously ill at this writing at the home of her son, John, northwest of town. As she is past 76 years of age, her recovery is considered doubtful. Dr. Myers is caring for her.
Frank Hampl, Howells, sold a Smith-Barnes player piano to Frank Telecky. He has sold several pianos in the past week.
Jos. Vacin was absent from school Monday.
The seniors at Clarkson high school have selected their play entitled “ The Sweet Girl Graduates” and will be presented some time in May.
Last week the seniors selected their class rings which were sent for immediately.
Vladislav Odvarka and Joseph Knapp, once members of our high school, are now attending school in Omaha.
Howells Motor Co. this week delivered new Ford cars to Jos. Dirkschneider, Jos. J. Hajek, E. R. Pinker, Dr. Knight, Jos. Rueskamp and Anton Morfeld.
R. F. and Jos. Cihacek received the sad tidings of the death of their father, Julius Cihacek, who died from an attack of paralysis at his home in Linwood. The Press wished to be numbered among the many friends, offering sincere sympathy and condolences.
Mr. A. J. Karel. gave an interesting speech to the high school students on “Gardening”. He also emphasized a proposition by which the boys and girls could rent a piece of ground (as is done in other schools) on which to raise vegetables this summer. This would be a good way for them to make money and get plenty of outdoor exercise.
April 12, 1917 - reprinted November 5, 1980The report issued by the state government board shows that our county lost 65% of its winter wheat on account of the severe cold during the last winter.
The "Nebraska Marvel" Joe Stecher of Dodge lost the world’s wrestling championship to Ear Caddock, "the Pride of Iowa" in a match in Omaha.
John Sousek, 64, died in an Omaha hospital where he went for medical aid. He was born May 14, 1853 at Mokra Lhota, Bohemia and came to this country with his parents. They settled in Iowa until 1874 when they moved to a farm 9 miles south of Clarkson. For the last 8 years he and his wife made their home in Clarkson.
Misses Josie Zrust, Laura Folda, Bertha and Ida Dusatko and Messers Leonard and Robert Noh and Blashoslav Novtony resumed their studies at the University of Lincoln after a week’s vacation.
T. R. Talcott returned to his home in Dunlap, Iowa after a visit with his brother-in-law Harry May.
The little son of Mr. and Mrs. John Roether underwent quite a serious operation on his neck at the hands of Dr. Allen and Dr. Kolouch.
Rudy Warner, a marvel wrestler of Howells, won the handicap match at Leigh throwing 3 men in 33 minutes. The first man to appear on the mat with Warner was Chas. Vanicek and in 7 minutes the Howells lad was ready for the second man, Fred Glasner, who stayed on the scene only 4 minutes. The third comer was Jim Higgins, proved to be the best of the three, but after 21 minutes elapsed, he met with the same fate as his companions.
Jos. Svoboda arrived here from Ione, Wash. to visit his brothers, Frank , John and Philip Svoboda.
Anton Karnik and John Tomka of Dodge were here consulting Dr. Kolouch in regards to their health.
Frank J. Miller reports the sale of a fine Cable Nelson piano to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sterba, who bought the same as a graduation present for their daughter, Josie, who is to graduate from Clarkson schools this spring.
Joseph F. Jirovec, Ed Makousky, Clyde Karel and Albert O’Brien of this place and Emil Vitek of Dodge made an auto trip to Fremont Monday.
Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Walla are parents of a baby boy. Dr. Allen was in attendance.
Jos. Tichy announced that he had opened a tailor shop and pantorium at Leigh.
Adolf Cinfel; has rented his farm in Madison county to move into the Urban residence in the southern part of town and will now take life easier.
County Judge Fiala issued a marriage license to Jerry B. Brodecky 24 and Mary Agnes Lodl 21, both of Howells.
Jos. Cibulka sold his residence and 7 acres in the west part of town to Emil Konicek for $6,000. Mr. Cibulka in turn purchased the property owned by Konicek in the northeastern part of town for $3,000.
The law firm of Cain and Mapes in Schuyler has been dissolved and will maintain separate offices in Fremont.
Forty hours devotion will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church at Howells. Resident pastor Rev, C.O. Zak will be assisted by Rev. Drbal of Dodge, Rev. Petlach of Verdigre and Rev. Seezepuchowski of Heun and Tabor
The little baby boy of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Blazek of Rogers is quiet seriously ill. Dr. Alger spent most of the night at the boy’s bedside.
The 12 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Bourek, who was laid up with an attack of pleurisy, is now on the mend.
Louis Mejedlk, farming the Jos. Pekarek place north of Howells, had a runaway dislocating his right shoulder and breaking a bone in his left hand. Dr. Meyers reduced the fractures and the young man is getting along nicely.
Dr. Meyers is in receipt of a letter from Jos. Hledik, who is in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the Star Ranch tuberculosis resort. He said he has been there for many months and is making rapid gains in weight and health.
Dr. Zoerb sold his residence property in the western part of town to Vine Urban, who as part of payment, turned in the property he owned in the southern part of town, formerly known as the F.J. Mundil property.
Jos. Vesely marketed four head of hogs which netted him $252.70, the average being $63.18. They were sold to Nye Schneider, Fowler Co.
The young son of Mr. and Mrs. Alois Smejkal is laid up with a severe attack of bronchitis and is under the care of Dr. Kolouch.
Specials at the W. F. Adamek and Co. Store were: Work shirts $0.50 and $0.60, Overalls $1.00 to $1.50 a pair; Percales and ginghams $0.12 ½ to $0.17 a yard; Coffee $0.24; Sugar $9.50 per 100 lbs; Flour $3.00 for 48 lb. sack
Dr. Kalal performed a mastoiditis operation on the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Bohumil Kucera. The little patient is doing very nicely.
A Grand Concert by the Jirovee Orchestra featured: Coronet Solo-Leo Zelenda, Violin Duet-Frank Ferenc and Rudolph Hamsa, Trombone Duet-W.A. Karel and Frank Ferenc, Song-Miss Zdenka Sinkule, Violin Solo-Frank Ferenc, Coronet Duet-J.F. Jirovee and Leo Zelenda. The orchestra played Waltz- "Jolly Fellows" and Marches; "Annhauser", "Socialist", "Aida", "Cresent" and "Zahucely Hory" and the "Polka Lily".
Adolf Kukl announced that he has equipped his blacksmith shop with a modern acetylene-welding outfit and is prepared to do all kinds of work in this line.
April 19, 1917 - reprinted November 12, 1980Marriage licenses were issued to the following: Adolph C. Saalfeld, Richland, 25 and Edna Lucile Wilch, Schuyler, 19. Cyril Petr, Holt Co. 25 and Marie Prokopec, Stanton Co., 20.
Miss Mary A. Lodl and Jerome Brodecky were married by Rev. C.L. Zak at St. John’s church. They were attended by Miss Emilie Brodecky and James Karel. The bride’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Lodl. They will make their home on the Frank Brodecky home place in the Heun vicinity.
Mr. and Mrs. Jaroslav Novotny are rejoicing of the birth of a baby boy, born to them last week. Dr. Allen and Dr. Kolouch were the attending physicians.
A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs Joseph Jilek, living southeast of town.
Adolph Cernin, Adolph Cinfel and John Musil bought new Overlands from Fajamn Motor Co. The company received 2 carloads of Overlands and Cadillac for their stock.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Chleboun went to Madison by car but returned by train when Frank’s Ford was stalled at Madison because of the rain.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Emil Cernin, according to Dr. Kalal.
John, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vaclav Novak, residing north of Leigh seriously cut his hand some time ago, which now developed into a case of blood poisoning.
Eight lucky purchasers of new Ford cars from Prazak Motor Co. this week are: J.F. Rosenberry, Louis Lukl, F.R. Dvorak, F.C. Hubenka, Emil Knapp, Dr. F. G. Kolouch, Tom Nadrchal, Sr. and Edward Panek.
Phil Poether, auctioneer announces that Juluis Wacha will hold a combination sale, disposing of his store fixtures and furniture April 28, 1917.
Mundil and Faltys sold the Anton Vais residence to Adolph Cinfel for $2600.00. Mr. Cinfel will occupy the house as soon as it is vacated by the Wacha family.
Frank Evert submitted to an operation for appendicitis at his home in Tabor. Dr. L.A. Dermody of Omaha performed the surgical work, assisted by Dr. Myers of Howells. Miss Zak, a trained nurse from Omaha is taking care of Mr. Evert.
Mrs. J. J. Sindelar and Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Evert of Howells went to Omaha by train, where the latter submitted to an operation for appendicitis. The first two named returned home the next day. Dr. Myers has communications from the city that the patient withstood the ordeal and is making rapid recovery.
A new son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Vaclav Kacin, says Dr. Kalal.
Clarkson markets: Wheat, $2.43; Corn, $1.34; Oats, $0.63; rye, $1.50; Hogs, $14.70; Butter $0.30; Eggs, $0.30.
Slowly but surely the time is drawing nearer, when eventually the rags, fox-trots and all such similar dances will be absolutely restricted from these small towns; the same having been prohibited for almost 5 years past in the metropolitan places and cities of class. There are certain districts in many cities where it is still permitted but no public or first-class dance halls allow anything but the Standard dances and have posters displayed to that effect. One of the biggest lodges of this town and vicinity, met recently, and preparations are underway to be given in the very near future. It has been unanimously decided to restrict the rags and the announcement will so appear on the bills. Great credit must be given to the management of the order for this move and stand, and we hope others will follow suit in due time. It may take some little time before the local dances can be restored to the old order of things, but it must come to it sooner or later here as well as every other place. The some few exponents of the raggy dope will stay away for a time, no doubt many others, on the other hand, will attend who never had gone, and in a short while Howells may again pack the hall as in the years goneby reporter for Howells. F.L. Sindelar, local news reporter for Howells.