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:
May 3, 1917 - reprinted November 19, 1980Fifteen Clarkson youths volunteered for the Army, responding to President Wilson’s call for volunteers and pledged to fight for the flag which stands for honor and for the rights of mankind. The volunteers are: Richard Karel, Anton Luxa, Alois Hanel, Jos. Makovsky, Edward Vitek, Frank Polacek, Cyril Chrastil, Frank Zelenda, George Homola, Albin Vraspir, Emil Lukl, Anton J. Svoboda, Bohumil Bukacek and Wm. Rosmarin. Lad Kubil of Clarkson who is attending the University in Lincoln, has also enlisted in the army and will leave for Fort Sneeling, Minn. next week. The citizens of Clarkson, to show their appreciation and loyalty paid the boys transportation to Omaha besides giving each a gold five-dollar piece as a souvenir from home. Escorting the volunteers to Omaha were Jos. R. Vitek.
A fast Union Pacific freight was derailed at and piled up and several persons were injured. The freight was proceeding east to Omaha at a very high rate of speed when a boxing broke on one of the outer wheels of a box car 7 or 8 cars up from the caboose, thus the car swung outward. Several bunk and mess cars of Greek laborers was standing on the right hand side of the tracks and when the wheel hit the frog, the car shot in on the side track and upturned and rolled four bunk cars, piling them up within three feet of the elevator. Several laborers were hurt and one Greek was badly bruised and sustained a broken leg. Dr. Koory of Schuyler was taken up on a special train and attended to the injured. The Greek laborer was taken to Schuyler and placed in the hospital, where he is rapidly recovering. The Union Pacific can consider themselves fortunate in getting out of the accident as lucky as they did.
J.D. Wolf, W.F. Adamek, John F. Schaffer, Ed Zelenda, E. H. Slama, Frank C. Schulz and Anton Prazak. Schools were closed for a patriotic meeting and business places were closed from 8 to 10 a.m. in honor of the young men enlisting.
Dr. Kolouch , who has recently opened practice in Clarkson, is making preparations to locate in Schuyler.
Edwin J. Kriz, architect of Howells, was in town on business matters in his line. Mr. Kriz has a good education in the architectural line, having attended the best schools at Chicago, and there is no doubt that he is able to give the contemplated builder some very good ideas.
Little Frankie Petricek, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Petricek of Howells has established a perfect attendance record for the past year. He had never been tardy nor absent and attends in Dist. 11 which is more than 2 miles from his home. Taking into consideration the severe storms of the past winter, most trips were accomplished on foot. The little scholar beats many in town who have a few blocks to go.
Louis Evert went to Omaha to bring back his wife from the hospital, where she underwent an appendectomy some time ago.
Anton Kunhart, James A. Drahota and Jos. Novak, Sr. made a business trip to Omaha from Howells on the passenger.
In the Howells news department of The Colfax County Press: Practically no rough house demonstrations prevailed Monday, the last open saloon date, as was quite generally expected. The Fiser and Hruby bar closed their doors on Saturday evening, and did not reopen on the last date. The other 3 saloons were open as long as the stock lasted, which was until the middle of the afternoon. Nebraska has passed in to the dry columns and from most all standpoints, it is better so. It will in all probabilities be a national issue in 1920.
First grammar students in Howells who have neither been absent nor tardy throughout 3 months of school were Adolph Vesely, Joseph Kovar, Gilbert Prucha, Emily Dworak, Tonie Cech and Leonard Prucha.
The Clarkson Fire Department held its annual meeting and elected the following officers for the coming year: President, Jos. F. Jirovec; Vice-president, Otto Odvarka; Secretary, Julius Wacha; Treasurer, Emil F. Dudek; Chief, Joe R. Vitek; board of trustees, Adolph Dudek, Edward Makovsky and Wm. Severa.
W. J. Moore, governor of the Colfax County Good Roads Association in Adams precinct reminds people that he has a large list of paid up members, but there still remain a few members in arrears.
May 10, 1917 - reprinted November 26, 1980Two more men volunteered for the army since 15 left last week. These are Jos. E. Kopietz, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kopietz and Ladislav Sadler, a farm hand, who for some time has been in the employment of G.A. Johnson, residing southwest of Clarkson.
The annual meeting of the Good Roads Ass’n. of Colfax County met at Leigh. H.E. Phelps of Howells was elected president; F.C. Schulz of Clarkson, vice-president and W.B. Sadilek of Schuyler was re-elected secretary-treasurer. The following were elected governors of their respective precincts: J.E. McNally, Governor at large; Elmer Gless, Rogers precinct; Frank Dudek, Rogers village; T.P. Costello, Colfax precinct; Harry McNally Maple Creek; F.J. Mejstrik, Lincoln precinct; Fred J. Novak, Howells village; W. J. Moore, Clarkson village; Arthur Hahn, Adams Preciinct; A. E. Brichacek, Midland precinct; Anton Kopac, Schuyler City; Carl Schutte, Shell Creek precinct; H. Littleman, Stanton precinct; J. F. McKinley, Leigh village; Fred Kluck, Richland precinct and George A. Shonka, Richland village.
Mrs. Schaffer was hostess to the Kensington Club. Present were Mesdames Allen, Peter, Pechanec, Pinper,Vitek, Karel and Koza. Guests were Mesdames E.Dudek, A. Fajman, R. Novotny, F. Krofta and E. Novotny.
Schuyler Mills, Wells-Abbot Nieman Co. is adding another power unit to their plant. A 2-horse power Fairbanks Diesel oil engine is now in course of installation. The large steam engine which is of 400 horse power has been pulling a 700 horse power load and this new engine will lighten this burden. Cost of the new engine is $1,500. The power house will be able to handle a load of almost 1000 horse power.
Reprinted from the Omaha Bee, May 4, 1917: Clarkson Recruit, Has Large Fortune. Albin Vraspir, 32 years old, former training partner of Joe Stecher, who modestly admits he is worth more than $200,000 in his own name, joined the aviation branch of the army as a private yesterday. He says his country needs him. He has sold his $50,000 automobile business in Clarkson and is now anxious to do "his bit". The recruit is said to be one of the best wrestlers in the county.
Adv: "Sudden pain from over-strain?" Every housewife or mother is ever under that nervous strain which so often results in headaches, dizzy sensations, faintness, depression and other nervous disorders. Dr. Miles’ NERVINE is highly recommended in such cases.
J.W. Novicek advertised for service his Blanchard No. 24880, a thoroughbred French Draft stallion and Emil Hledik had an ad advertising his Bien Aime No. 18168, a Belgian thoroughbred imported stallion. Terms of service were $18.00 and $15.00 to insure living colt and $17.00 and $14.00 for each additional colt, respectively.
The Howells high juniors and seniors will present their play "Brother Josiah" with the cast of characters as follows: Jos. Stracek, Vernon Forbes, Irma Quesner, Agnes Stangel, Grace Palik, Thomas Broz, Joe Pakes, Stephen Cech, John Poledna, Lumir Novak and Emma Wragge.
L.J. Evert, Jos. A. Novak, Joseph Suchan, P. J. Thiem and Joe Pakes left on the mornings train and returned late that night driving over five new Fords for Howells Motor company’s stock.
Miss Anna Gerken, who had been in charge of the school in the Schlautman district, left for her home, the present school term having drawn to a close May 9.
The Howells local Czechs are pushing forward as much as possible, the movement to collect funds to aid the suffering Slovanic races of Europe. A branch of the Bohemian National Alliance, which is nation-wide, has been organized here and Messrs. Joseph Novak, Frank J. Prucha, Jos. Koren, Jos. Broz, Anton Rysavy and F.K. Sindelar are active in the movement. The following have been appointed to push forward this correlative work: F. C. Hrabak, F. J. Vesely, J.E. Sindelar and James A. Drahota.
R. H. Kloppel, postmaster at Leigh, has announced the new fixtures are installed. All boxes are steel and are lock boxed. They are the keyless type with a combination lock.
The cast for the class play entitled "The Sweet Girl Graduates" is as follows: Lilie Suchy, Josie Sterba, Charles Novotny, Libbie Fiala, Pauline Swoboda, Marie Severa, Edna Faiman, Tillie Swoboda, E. H. ? and M.K.?.
Rev. Henry Berger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Berger will celebrate his first Mass at Sacred Heart Church at Olean. The Howells band has been engaged to furnish music during the festivities. Rev. Jos. Rose has also joined the ranks of priesthood from Cuming County. Rev. Rose will also celebrate his first Mass at that church.
Supt. Lawrence and Chas. Novotny were Omaha visitors Saturday and Charles purchased a $100.00 violin.
Miss Helen Mejstrik, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Mejstrik of Howells was taken by her father where she submitted to an operation for appendicitis at St. Catherine’s hospital.
May 17, 1917 - reprinted December 3, 1980Graduation exercises of the Class of 1917 will be at the opera house May 23. Prof. B.E. McProud of Lincoln will deliver the address. Receiving diplomas will be: Edna M. Faiman, Marie J. Severa, Libbie Fiala, Josephine A. Sterba, Emma A. Havel, Libbie E. Suchy, Mildred F. Konicek, Tillie Svoboda, Amos Lacina, Pauline Svoboda and Chas. J. Novotny.
Sheriff Bartunek chased and caught 2 auto bandits driving a new Cole Eight, 7-passenger auto that was stolen in Illinois. He chased them west of Schuyler along the Lincoln highway on east to Richland. They were finally caught just northwest of Monroe. Found in their car was a 3 gallon jug of whiskey and besides auto theft will be charged for violating the booze law of this state, as the booze brought into the state was of the moonshine variety, some times called squirrel food.
Mrs. Josefka (Kalcova) Dudek, who was born November 25, 1842 in the village of Spelkov, Bohemia, died at the age of 74 years after a short illness. She emigrated to this county with her husband, Joseph Dudek in 1867. He died May 25, 1906. Survivors are 2 daughters: Mrs. L.J. Roubinek and Mrs. Mary Folda, one son, Emil R. Dudek of Neligh and one sister, Mrs. Anna Zastera, wife of Fran Zastera, Sr.
Fred Jelinek and his family will move soon to Hilger, Mont. where he was given the position of Cashiership of the bank there. F.W. Ruzicka, a former Clarkson citizen is one of the heaviest stock holders of that bank.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jos. W. Konicek reports Dr. Kalal.
The Kensington Club is making preparations to form a Red Cross Auxiliary. An appeal is made to all to join and to assist in bringing relief to the sick and wounded men at the front.
A.M. Salak purchased the 33 acres west of Schuyler held in trust by George W. Wertz, which was expected to be use as a fair ground for Colfax County. The price paid was $200 an acre and Mr. Salak may turn the place into a chicken ranch.
Dr. C.D. Eby of Leigh has let a contract for the erection of an addition to his home, which he will use for a hospital. The new building will be 20x30, two stories, and will be finished throughout according to the new methods of hospital construction.
Ex-mayor Otto Zuelow of Schuyler, purchased the Warren French farm, 4 miles east of Schuyler, consisting of 82 acres, paying $150.00 per acre.
The four-month-old child of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Hledik died after a lingering illness of a few weeks.
Three more men, Jos. Toman, Frank Votroubek and John Knapp enlisted for the service, making this a total of 20 volunteers from Clarkson.
C.M. Janecek is opening up a new drug store in Schuyler in the opera house block where the Chrastil saloon formerly was located.
The three lower grade teachers, Miss Zrust, Miss Jirovec and Mrs. Reinecke gave a farewell party for the teachers that are leaving: Misses Prochazka, Horak, Maliha, Telecky and Markitan. The first three named will return to teach next fall.
Jos. M. Buhacek left for Dallas, Texas as a delegate to the general convention of the Presbyterians of the United States.
Anyone desiring to enlist under the colors, and to go to take examinations, is requested to stop at the Howells postoffice and interview Mrs. Fanny Dworak, the postmistress. She will then send in names of applicants to Captain John F. McKinley of Omaha, and all transportations charges will be paid.
F.J. Mejstrik motored to Schuyler, from where he took a train for Omaha. He returned that evening, bringing home his daughter, Helen, who was a surgery patient at St. Catherine’s hospital for two weeks.
Members of the domestic science class winning prizes in various projects: rye bread, white bread, doughnuts, pies, "Strudl", salad, gems, cake, "Kolace", cornbread, biscuits noodles, cream puffs, cookies and dessert were: Josephine Fillipi, Libbie Fillipi, Emma Havel, Ida Konicek, Tillie Swoboda, Margaret Kutin, Libbie Slama, Agnes Novotny, Pauline Swoboda, Martha Bukacek, Elva Folda, Libbie Houfek, Olga Faltys, Libbie Novotny, Bessie Miller, Edna Faiman, Esther Wolf, Olga Dusatko, Alice Karel, Blanche Polansky, Mildred Konicek, Marie Severa, Sylvia Cada, Marie Kudrna, Mable Moore, Alice Stoklasa, Blanche Humlicek, Lillie Suchy, Josie Sterba.
May 24, 1917 - reprinted December 10 [?], 1980Another young man, John C. Mastny of Clarkson, enlisted in the U.S. army. This makes 21 volunteers from Clarkson.
Every male resident of the United States who has reached his 21st and has not reached his 31st birthday MUST register on the day set, June 5, 1917. Registration booths will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
J.D. Wolf and Dr. F.B. Schultz were appointed as members of the local registration board for the selective service.
Anton H. and John T. Mestl and their families and Miss Sophie Prusa made an auto trip to Lindsay on Sunday. They encountered some bad roads, almost impossible on account of heavy rains, but made the round trip to Howells successfully.
The new prohibition law is raising hec with the druggists of this state, as it requires them to secure a license in order to use intoxicating liquors in medicines, the law is very drastic. The applicants are: Charles M. Janecek, Chas. Chase, J.F. McKinley, E.H. Koza, and John W. Koza. If the governor ok’s them, the applicants must put up bonds each for the sum of $2,000.00 to answer for any violation of the law.
Steve Gloser who has been conducting the bakery and confectionery store at Leigh, sold out to George Weitzenkamp.
Stanton voters at a special election, voted to build a new city hall and fire house.
A musical will be given May 26 at the Boh. Nat’l Hall in Howells in which Miss Loretta DeLone of Omaha will appear in a Harp recital, assisted by Clarkson and Howells piano pupils of Miss Clara Novak. Pupils participating are: Vivian Cihacek, Alma Koza, Mary Drahota, Lambert Folda, Emma Cerny, Mabel Palik, Alma Poledna, Tillie Dostal, Hilda Straube, Emil Dworak, Frances Vrbicky, Mildred Palik, Adela Rozmarin, Libbie Fajman, Holly Smith, Helen Walters, Bessie Srb, Richard Hrabak, Alva Folda, Libbie Slama, Mary Kudrna, Esther Wolf, Libbie Makousky, Ethel Vanderbeek, Mabel Moore, Adela Tomes, Alice Karel and Anna Kunhart.
Baumert and Bogner of Howells received a carload of John Deere Implements and binders. They also handle McCormick Binders.
Frank Hampl of Howells sold a find Smith and Barnes player piano to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sroklass of this place.
A double wedding occurred when Miss Anna Zabka and John Glandt and Miss Lillie Zabka and Edw. Cekal boarded the train at Leigh and were married by a resident minister at Fremont on Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Glandt will live in Leigh and Mr. and Mrs. Cekal will live in Linwood, being Mr. Cekal is engaged in the erection of a fine school building in that place.
The Clarkson businessmen have decided on certain closing hours which will go into effect June 4, 1917. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, business places will close at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday Thursday and Saturday they will close at 9:30 p.m. The reason for this is that many have the habit of coming to town at very late hours and keep the store force at work more hours than is provided by law. We know of instances where people would come to do their trading at 9:30 in the evening, and some would come later than that. The clerks in order to satisfy employer’s customers were obliged to attend to duty from 13 to 15 hours a day.
Frank Lopour, who came to this country in 1854, died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Swoboda. His wife died a few months ago and rests peacefully in the cemetery near Gregory, South Dakota. Besides leaving two stepsons, Joseph and Frank Nebola , he leaves a host of friends and relatives here. Interment was in the cemetery west of Clarkson.
Lena Odvarka, Antonia Folda, Katie A. Kopietz, Mary Filipi and Julia Hobza signed a resolution extending their sympathy in the loss of their dear neighbors, Mary Folda and Josephine Roubinek to the Folda and Roubinek families.
Howells veterinarian B. E. Katz made a business trip to Hooper and while there purchased a Ford auto and is now able to answer calls into the country with quickness and dispatch, and to take better care of his fast increasing business.
Eman, 17 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Jos F. Kovarik was taken to Omaha to St. Catherine’s Hospital, where he submitted to an operation for appendicitis.
The Clarkson Commercial Club elected the following officers for the ensuing year: Chairman – B.A. Filipi, Vice President – W. J. Moore, Secretary – W.F. Adamek, Treasurer – Adolph Dudek, Executive Committee – J.R. Vitek and Emil Petr and V.J. Chieboun
Mrs. Frank Fillipi, Sr., 63 died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Pazak. Besides her husband, Frank, she is survived by 8 grown children.
160 pupils in Colfax county wrote on the 8th grade examination given in March, April and May, 1917 and only 51 will receive their 8th grade diplomas at the end of the present year.