Colfax Co. - Peeking into the Past (Oct. 1920) NEGenWeb Project
PEEKING INTO THE PAST (October, 1920)
By The Colfax County Press
Colfax County, Nebraska


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:

October 14, 1920 - reprinted October 16, 1985

Frank J. Vesely rented the 160-acre farm he owns with John J. Podliska in Stanton county to Charles Moravec.

W. J. Zrust is one of the first farmers in the Heun vicinity to purchase a large Deering corn picker to get away from the trouble of hiring outside helpers. He made the purchase through the Mestl Bros.

While taking his sister out to her school, Norman Folda of Howells, came near having a serious wreck with the new family car, which is a dandy Chalmers. Driving along at a moderate speed, he ran into a rut in the road which caused the left front wheel to give way under the pressure of the jolt.
    Luckily, he was driving slow and thus averting a serious wreck. It was necessary to leave the car at Clarkson and Norman proceeded home by rail.

The Rev. P. Waldschmidt home is rejoicing over the birth of a baby girl.

Mr. Halbur and family, who were living in the George Heun property north of the tracks, are moving to Elgin, where they have invested in a new residence.

Clarkson Markets: Wheat $1.80, Oats 40c, Corn 60c, Rye $1.30, Hogs $13.50, Eggs 48c and Butter 40c.

Corn huskers are holding firm to the price of 10 and 11 cents per bushel for picking corn, flatly disregarding the fact that farmers are offered only 50 cents per bushel of corn when delivered to the market.
    Some farmers are going to evade paying this war-price and are putting one over on the pickers by investing in mechanical huskers, which are informed, and now very successful in doing the work. Wolf & Vitek sold two Deering pickers up to this time, one to Louis Faltys and the other to Jos. Janecek.
    These machines are constructed to do the work of several experienced pickers, and doubtless will prove a paying proposition. It is expected that the machines will increase in number as the years pass by.

Adolph Kudrna, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Alois Kudrna, northeast of town, is suffering with pneumonia and is under the care of Dr. Kavan.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. John Bukacek, Sr., was the scene of a family reunion and a merry gathering, when all the members of the household were present.
    The afternoon was spent in the most becoming manner and the photographer was called to come and take a family picture.
    Those present were Mr. and Mrs. John Bukacek, Mrs. Anton Klabenes of Plattsmouth; Mrs. E. R. Dudek and son of Neligh; Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Bukacek of Neligh; and Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Bukacek of Valparaiso, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Slama and family, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Schulz and daughter; Miss Henrietta Bukacek of Omaha; Miss Mary Bukacek and John E. Bukacek.

Emil Petr and John Kopietz and families motored to Fullerton Sunday, where they spent the day at the Whitnet home.

Ed Cinfel, Frank Kratochvil and F. E. Schwartz and family were in David City paying a visit to Mrs. Cinfel convalescing at the hospital.

G. A. Koza and Jos. F. Jirovec and families motored out to the southern part of the state last Sunday to spend the day with J. R. Koza and family, who are making their home near Lincoln. The trip was made in Mr. Koza’s new Essex to give the car a thorough try-out.

Miss Lillie Suchy was an Omaha visitor last Friday and Saturday. On Friday her school work was attended to by one of the normal trainers.

Mrs. M. L. Gray and son, Cameron of Scottsbluff, Nebraska visited a few days last week with her sister, Mrs. Anton Odvarka, Jr.

Fred Colsch had the following grocery prices in his ad in The Press this week: Sugar 100 pound sack $13.00, 10 pound Karo syrup 90c, Tall Can Carnation Milk 17c, Tall Can Salmon 35c, Ohio Noiseless Matches 6c, 8-oz. Hershey’s Cocoa 30c, Bar of Jap Rose Soap 7c, Sunkist Reo Coffee 45c and Camel Cigarettes pkg. 20c.

Attorney Frank Dolezal, wife and son, Frank, were Sunday visitors at the J. M. Mundil home.

Frank Vacin went to Wessington, South Dakota the forepart of the week, in the interest of looking after personal matters, pertaining principally to his land holdings.

James Kmoch, a farmer northwest of Leigh, reports the loss of a valuable horse which was killed by lightning during the storm Monday evening. The horse had been pasturing on the Novak farm north of Clarkson & the loss is covered by insurance.

John Colsch of Waukon, Iowa spent a few days here with his brother, Frank. The two gentlemen left early this morning for Lexington, in the interest of viewing some real estate.


October 14, 1920 - reprinted October 23, 1985

Dan Nance and Mourice Moore, Schuyler, who were riding in Burt Smith's buggy were run into Friday evening by Adolph Dworak, Jr., with his auto. The boys driving west and Dworak was driving east.
    The accident occurred near the Ben Freeman residence in West Schuyler. The buggy was badly demolished and the horse freed itself from the wreck and ran away. The harness was also badly damaged. Fortunately no one was hurt.

Anton Langer, Jr., sent an order to Czechoslovakia this week for 2,000 crowns of that country’s money. He is ordering a violin for his son, Robert. The instrument is made by a Bohemian who makes violins for Kubelik, and it cannot be doubted but Mr. Langer will get a fine instrument from the old country masters know their job.
    However, the deal, too, is a bargain, for in American money the 2,000 crowns mean by $28. We imagine many Schuyler people will look forward with interest to the arrival of a new violin from Czechoslovakia and Mr. Langer will have some questions to answer to the inquisitive.

John Novotny, Jr., has purchased the F. A. Sucha residence in Schuyler, paying $5,500 for same.

The first case to be considered in the last session of the district court was an action for divorce. Irene C. Yonkie vs Fred O. Yonkie of Richland. The divorce was granted.
    Mrs. Yonkie was given her maiden name, Irene Coles, $2,500 alimony, custody of the child, $25 per month for maintenance. She however, is restricted from leaving Nebraska or adjoining states.

The only criminal case on the calendar was that of State of Nebraska vs. George Hamann. The evidence was presented and the case argued by opposing counsel, after which the jury retired and soon returned with a verdict of not guilty.
    The two principals, George Bruhn and George Hamann, have been neighbors in Stanton precinct for many years, and had previously been on friendly terms, exchanging farm work, etc. When time came for settlement, Hamann avers he was forced to bring suit against Bruhn for the collection of a balance due.
    As years passed, their unfriendliness increased, and finally last spring Bruhn reported to the county attorney that Hamann was plowing so close to the line fence that stock would be able to get under the fence. Hamann retorted with emphatic language and Bruhn brought charges against him for using violent and insulting epithets and using profane language.
    The case was tried before the county judge last spring and a fine of $10 on the first count, $1 on the second and costs were assessed. The case was then appealed to the district court.

Frank M. Kopietz and family in company of Jos. K. Jindra and his mother, all of Stanton county, called on Frank Krejci family, northeast of Schuyler, where they enjoyed a pleasant visit.

Jos. Blecha and County Agent Nye spent two days this week visiting the old haunts of the Nebraska University which they attended together in days gone by. Their mission was also partly devoted to commercial transactions.

Mrs. Frank Jonas, who has been receiving treatment at Fremont for the last two weeks, returned home last evening, feeling considerably relieved. Her treatment consisted of chiropractic applications.

Total Loans and Bonds of the five Folda banks in Schuyler, Howells, Clarkson, Linwood and Rogers totaled $2,461,649.69 and Total Deposits were $2,806,432 .46

The people of Howells and the community tributary thereto, are awakening from painful shock sustained by the death of Mrs. Anna Svitak, the beloved wife of Adolph Svitak and mother of three small children.
    The deceased was afflicted with imflammation of the appendix and an operation was imparative. She readily submitted to the ordeal with the hope that she would be spared for her loved ones, but failed to survive the ordeal. She died Sunday after an illness of five weeks.
    She was 25 years of age at the time of her death and her maiden name was Miss Anna Vrba.
    She was married to Adolph Svitak eight years ago.
    Funeral services were held at Heun with Father Folta officiating.

Mrs. Anna Horak, wife of Jos. Horak, residing south of Howells, passed this life October 10, following an illness of 11 days, during which period she has submitted to an operation for gall stones. She died at her home in Maple Creek precinct.
    Mrs Horak, nee Anna Zrust, was born in Ely, Iowa, January 2, 1888 and when she was a small girl, came to Nebraska with her parents, and located on a farm in the Heun vicinity. Her mother died here many years ago and her father passed away at Clarkson, two years ago.
    Besides her husband, she leaves six children, namely: Olga, wife of Frank Klabenes, Vlasta, Helen, Blanche, Ladislav and Jaroslav. Milo, the eldest son, who served under the American colors during the late war, died in a southern camo two years ago.
    She is also survived by her stepmother, Mrs. Frank Zrust, living in Clarkson, two brothers and one sister, Frank Zrust of Greenleaf, Kansas and W. J. Zrust of near Heun and Mrs. James Srb of Belvidere, South Dakota.
    The remains were laid to rest beside the body of her son, Milo, in the Clarkson cemetery. The funeral procession was supplied With music appropriate to the occasion by the Jirovec band of Clarkson.


October 21, 1920 - reprinted November 6, 1985

Allen Cameron, a reident of Schuyler for the past 37 years, died at his home in the third ward after a prolonged illness with abdomional cancer. Mr. Cameron took ill about three years ago and has been confined to his bed about 2 years.

The Colfax County breeders and many other interested persons made a tour of the county visiting various farms where purebred livestock is being raised.
    The itinerary included stops at the farms of J. A. Prokes, J. E. Smatlan, A. E. Wolfe, William Shulz, Charl es Grotelueschen, Fritz Otto, Henry Dasenbrock, and John Dudycha. A picnic dinner was served at this point with the following farms visited in the afternoon: Frank Dvorak, John Fuchs, Emil Prusa, William Dostal, F. J. Mejstrik, J. K. Semerad and John Miller.

Through the Unkel-Dlouhy Land Co. agency, James McIntosh sold his 160-acre farm on the Lincoh highway, east of Schuyler to J. Moural, the purchase price being l60 per acre.

J. C. McGown of Norfolk was in Clarkson, looking after the building of his political fences. He is making a successful campaign for the office of state senator from the 10th senatorial district.

F. L. Tichota, who had been in the employ of Mestl Bros., at Howells, resigned from his position and left for Central City, near which place he rented a farm.

A Benedictine Father of Chicago has been placed in charge of St. John’s church in Howells, during the absence of Rev. Drbal who is still under the care of Dr. Sachs at St. Joseph’s hospital in Omaha.

Frank Novak, an old-time resident of the Howells community, but now living near Tabor, S.D., arrived here for a week’s visit with relatives and friends.

Dr. Myers and his family and Mrs P. J. Kulhanek of Howells spent a few days in Omaha last week and did not fail to attend the grand Caruso concert. They were well pleased with the treat.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Rozmarin of Leigh, accompanied by Mrs. Simunek and two sons of Clarkson, spent Sunday afternoon at the Charles Mejstrik home in the Praha neighborhood.

Mike Havel of Pierce made a brief stop at the Louis Faltys home. Mr. Havel is a brother-in-law of Mr. Faltys.

The James Klimes family received word of the death of Mrs. Klimes’ brother, J. Bartunek, who passed away at his home in Pawnee City, Nebraska.

The Albert Svik family is leaving Clarkson to make their future home in Omaha. Mr. Svik is a tailor by trade and has several years of experience in the cleaning and pressing business. During his previous residence at Clarkson he conducted a pantoium here.

A very large crowd attended the dance at the Krofta picnic grounds last Sunday. Cash prizes amounting to $10 were offered to the best dancers and $5 was offered to the couple who could do the best waltz. The waltz prize went to Louis Severa of Clarkson and Mrs. Edward Indra. Second prize went to Adolph Zabka, Jr., and Miss Theresa Tresnak of Leigh, for the best exhibition of jazz.
    Judges were John F. Pimper, Frank J. Hobza and Mrs. Charles Rozmarin.

The home of Herman Lindeman of Leigh caught fire and but for the prompt responses of neighbors in helping to extinguish the blaze, a serious fire was averted.
    The fire started in an upstairs closet and nearly all of his sister’s clothes were destroyed by the fire.

The remains of Mrs. Johanna Roselina Henke, whose death occurred in West Point, were brought to Leigh for funeral services. Rev. Koolen conducted the services at St. Paul’s church and the remains were laid to rest in the churchyard cemetery.

A strange coincidence occurred on succeeding days this week at Leigh, when Mrs. William Claussen and her daughter, Dora, each broke an arm.
    Miss Dora was walking back to her work as bookkeeper at the Farmers Store when she fell in front of the C. O. Kloppel home and broke both bones in her left fore arm.
    The following day her mother went to the chicken house and fell and also broke her left arm.

Roy Chamberlain, who resides about four miles south of Stanton, found that the team of horses valued at about $600.00 was missing and upon investigation found that both the animals had become mired in quick sand; one of the horses had disappeared so far that only the ears and a part of the body was visable, the animal died before Mr. Chamberlain became aware of his absence.
    The other horse was not quite down so far and with the aid of ten men who worked about 7 hours, rescued the animal. Several head of cattle had been lost in the same spot.


October 21, 1920 - reprinted November 13, 1985

Among the business and professional ads appearing in The Press were those of Dr. A. J. Knight, Physician and Surgeon, Clarkson; Dr. W. J. Kavan, Physician and Surgeon, Clarkson; W. B. Sadilek, Attorney-at-Law, Schuyler; Dr. H. D. Myers, Physician and Surgeon, Howells; Dr. J. A. Tamisiea, Physician and Surgeon, Howells; Dr. B. E. Katz, Veterinarian, Howells; Dr. T. C. Chudomelka, Veterinarian, Clarkson; Frank Benes, Jewerler, Watchmaker, Clarkson; Clarkson Milling & Grain Co., Clarkson; Pytlik Bros., Meat Market, Howells, J. J. Hledik, Auctioneer, Howells.
    Janata’s Amusement Place, Pool and Billiards, Howells; Frank Johns, Plasterer and Brick Mason, Howells; W. L. Sucha, Physician and Surgeon. Omaha; Adolph Bukacek Furniture and Undertaker, Clarkson. Dr. Knight was located in the Brichacek brick building over Stransky's Drug Store and Dr. Kavan was located in an office above Karel's Store.
    Dr. Myers was located in an office second door south of the Sindelar Corner in Howells and Dr. Tamisiea had his office in the Parr building, west of the Kovar Corner. H is residence was in the Jos. Bazata, Sr., tenement, Howells.

Last Tuesday, our friend William Holoubek complained to us that he was the victim of petty larceny while attending the picture show in Clarkson, Sunday evening. Some unidentified person or persons entered his automobile left standing during the performance on the south side of the opera house and stole a complete set of tools and several pieces of valuable accessories including a spot light.
    He informs us also that Frank R. Molacek's car left standing on the street in front of the hall was ransacked at the same time and relieved of some appliances.
    Whoever the guilty parties may be, we give them this tip to be on the lookout if they do not wish to have their character exposed.

The Emil Nykodem household, southwest of town, is rejoicing over the arrival of a baby girl, born in the presence of the family physician, Dr. Kavan on Thursday morning.

Messrs. Jerry and Emil Brodecky and B. J. Svoboda left on the early passenger for Omaha to buy some stock for their feed lots near Howells.

The following appeared in the Howells section of The Press: "It is a disgrace to see an elderly man drunk, but to see our young men, some still in their teens, drunk is beyond our words and such has been the case at all the dances in the vicinity of late. Most of these bootleggers are known to the authorities and we take this opportunity of giving them a fair warning."

Fred Colsch, Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Vidlak and a few other Clarkson citizens were among the first to avail themselves of the opportunity to use the new west-bound passinger train on the maiden trip Sunday afternoon as a means of conveyance.
    Mr. Colsch called on friends in Snyder and the Vidlaks stopped in Howells and spent the days with friends.

A large number of Clarkson residents were present at the depot to meet the train on its newly inaugurated schedule.

Last Monday morning Rev. Folta of the Praha neighborhood motored to Schuyler and was accompanied by Rev. Vlcek, who spent the day with the B. J. Svoboda family. Rev. Vlcek sails for Europe in a few days and many of his friends gathered at the Svoboda home to wish him a safe journey.

Charles Kriz and his crew are in full swing, building the new parsonage at Heun. When completed, this will be the most modern home in the vicinity.

J. D. Wolf informs us that he sold a steamboat ticket to Jos. Dvoracek of near Leigh, who ordered it to be sent to his brother in Bohemia. Upon receipt of the same, the young man will sail over the White Star line from his native land to America, the land of vast opportunities for the man willing to work.

Otto Sobeslavsky, who is taking a special course in the study of storage of batteries in Columbus, tells us that after he returns to Clarkson he will take charge of a new battery station to be opened in the near future by Richtig Bros.

John C. Lacina, at one time a mason at this point, but of late working at different construction companies in various sections of the state, departed Saturday for the home of his birth--Bohemia. It is John’s intentions to visit relatives and friends there and visit the old haunts of boyhood days he so often frequented. He sails from New York towards the end of the month in company with several other countrymen by whom he will be joined on the trip. His journey will spread over a course of several months, hoping to return to the United States in early spring. Bon voyage, John!

A new pupil in the freshman class at Clarkson public schools is Wanda Miller of Paradise, Kansas.

The Ryan Company had a half page in The Press. Some of their specials were: Jelly, 8c glass; Wash Boards 39c each; Lace Curtains, 98c and up; Peanut Butter, 5-lb. pail $1.09; Noodles, 1 doz. pkgs., 99c; Hominy, large cans, 13c; Mixed Nuts 28c lb. 5-lb. Sack Graham Flour 33c; Oil Sardines 7c per can; Eagle Lye 8c can; Union Leader Smoking Tobacco 12c; Cleanser 8c can.


October 21, 1920 - reprinted November 20, 1985

Jos. Havelka, Howells, reports the sale of elegant pianos to Herman Mueller, Vinc Tresnak and Emil Chudomelka.

The Beatrice Creamery Company has again established a station in Howells and is located in the old Alger office building. Thos. Verba will be in charge.

The Angel of Death crept into the happy home of Mr. and Mrs. Lambert J. Sindelar at Howells, and left a sad dismal bereavement with the departure of their little infant son, Lambert Thomas. The funeral was conducted from St. John's church and burial was in the Bohemian Catholic cemetery, north of Howells.

James Proskovec and family of Bruno were Sunday visitors at the L. C. Coufal home in Howells, Mrs. Proskovec being a niece of Mr. Coufal.

The banns of marriage were announced the first time at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic church at Howells for Jake Ritzdorf and Helen Mejstrik.

Rev. John Pieper of Howells went to Dodge to assist Father Korte in the celebration of the 40-hour devotions which closed Monday noon.

Richtig Bros., Paige Auto Dealers in Clarkson had an ad in The Press telling of the Paige entry in the Labor Day contest at Pikes Peak, shattering all speed records for this event up to the 14-mile post, was stopped at this point because of a blinding blizzard which made it too dangerous to continue at high speed.
    The new "Paige" "6-66" seven passenger stock model touring car with Ralph Mulford at the wheel, last week climbed Pikes Peak, using the cog railroad as its route, a feat that has never before been accomplishul by automobile.
    The extraordinary difficulties of the cog road climb lie in the fact that the car was not ony obliged to run on the ties and over trestles, cattle guards, cog switches and rocks, but was forced as well to conquer a grade that in some sections mounted as high as 25%. The climb was declared to be the highest, steepest and most difficult ever made by an automobile. Even Son-of-a-Gun Hill, nearly a two-mile stretch of 25% grade, was made with ease.

J. E. Higgins was a democratic candidate for state representative from District 27.


October 28, 1920 - reprinted November 27, 1985

Father John Vlcek, who for the past year has been the priest of St. Mary’s parish in Schuyler, left for a visit at Omaha, prior to his leaving for Prague, Bohemia, near where he will make his home with his widowed sister.
    This sister suffered many reverses during the war and he feels that it is his duty to return to his old home and give her the care and assistance that she so much needs.

Rudolph Daricek, five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Daricek of Schuyler, submitted to a very painful operation for the removal of a splinter that became lodged in the left side of his face as the result of an accident two weeks ago.
    Rudolph was playing on a fence in a neighbor’s yard when he happened to fall and at the same time run a twig through his lower lip, and up under the upper lip into the side of his face. The twig came very nearly touching the eyeball before it snapped off.
    On the day of the accident, a piece of twig, nearly two inches in length, was removed. It was still imbedded in the flesh thus necessitating the second operation.
    An incision was made and another piece of the twig an inch in length was removed.

Attorney Walters of Columbus was a Schuyler business caller Monday, being called there to look after the interests of his clients, the Columbus Laundry company, Howard Whaley and Clarence Kilborn, who were last week enjoined by the city from constructing an addition to the building recently purchased from the James Woods estate.
    The purpose of the defendants was to conduct a dry cleaning establishment, to which near-by business houses objected, because of increasing insurance rates, and appealed to the courts for relief.
    The injunction was returnable on Monday last, but the attorney did not appear in time to argue the question while Judge Button was in Schuyler holding a term of equity court.

NUSOLE—A scientific liquid preparation that will water-proof and double the life of shoe soles. A year’s supply for 85c. Sold on a money-back guarantee. Markytan’s Shoe Store, Clarkson, Nebraska.

Architect George A. Berlinghof of Lincoln, was in consultation with the county commissioners, county officials and several citizens, when tentative plans for the new courthouse were under consideration.
    The plans as suggested by Mr. Berlinghof were satisfactory to all concerned, but with a few minor changes and the transferring of two offices.
    The original plans as submitted placed the county superintendent's office on the ground floor and that of the county surveyor on the second floor. These two were reversed.
    The arrangement is complete in every detail. A large meeting room is provided for the American Legion also quarters for the G. A. R. adjoining those of the legion, a spacious rest room for the ladies is also provided on the first floor. The second floor contains the commissioners' chamber with connecting doors with the offices of county clerk and county treasurer. The County superintendent will occupy the southwest corner of the second floor. The county attorney and county assessor are also on this floor and the county judge in the northwest corner.
    On the third floor are offices for the clerk of the district court, sheriff, county agent, and the district court chamber, and on the fourth floor, jury quarters and the county jail.
    Mr. Berlinghof expects that the building will be completed in one year from the signing of the contract, if the contractor has the financial ability to handle the construction.

As is well known, A. F. Janata, proprietor of the Howells Pool and Billiard Hall, has one of the best business places of this nature in this section of the state and strives at all times to make various improvements to keep abreast with the times.
    With this end in view, Mr. Janata last week placed an order with F. L. Sindelar for the future installation of an electric coin-operated musical instrument which will add greatly to the pleasures to be derived at the new and modern hall. The instrument will be delivered with[in] a week or ten days.

Messrs. John M. Folda, Peter Thiem, L. J. Sindelar, Joseph Stangel, Frank Brichacek, Merton Miller, William Molacek, Rudolph Kaspar and Joseph Drahota motored from Howells to Fremont to be initiated into the eminent Catholic order, the Knights of Columbus.

The condensed statements of the five Folda Banks, Aug. 16, 1920 were as follows:
    Banking House of F. Folda, Schuyler, Deposits $1,025,776.48; Colfax County Bank, Howells, total deposits $919,167.77; Clarkson State Bank, Clarkson, total deposits $577,749.37; Farmers & Merchants Bank, Linwood, total deposits $302,240.19; Bank of Rogers, Rogers, total deposits $146,036.65. For all five banks—Total Loans and bonds $2,461,649.69; Total deposits $2,806,432.46.

The Stanton high school football team drove to Leigh Tuesday afternoon to battle the Leigh squad. It was an ideal day for football and the Stanton boys were doing good despite the ride across the country, defeating Leigh 21 to 0.

According to the Norfolk News, William Klawann shot a crow Saturday and his aim was so poor that he missed the bird, but it cost him $9 in Justice Norvell’s court because he didn’t have a hunting license. The complaint was filed against Klawann by Deputy Game Warden Heintzelman, who charged him with hunting without a license.
    With Klawaan were two other men who had hunting licenses. Klawaan had borrowed his brother’s gun and when the game warden stopped the automobile and saw the gun, Klawaan admitted that he had shot the crow. He appeared in court Monday morning and protested against the fine, stating that he had not violated the law.
    The court ruled that his intent was to hunt without a license and the fine was assessed.
    "Is shooting at a crow against the law?" asked Klawann.
    "Certainly, if you haven’t got a hunting license," the court said.
    "But I missed the crow and I thought the state gave anyone a bonus for shooting crows," Klawann stated.


October 28, 1920 - reprinted December 4, 1985

J. D. Wolf, president of the Farmers State Bank of Clarkson, is in receipt of a communication from George Wolz, commissioner of the Fremont Commercial Club, the substance of which is to determine the sentiment of the residents along this branch in regard to the recently adopted train schedule over the Northwestern between Omaha and Oakdale, pertaining principally to passenger train 309.
    Mr. Wolz states in his letter that the Fremont Commercial Club has taken the matter into consideration and is communicating with all towns on the branch, most of which are objecting vigorously to the change. He continues in advising Mr. Wolf to circulate a petition among the citizens of Clarkson which would be presented the protests of the neighboring towns to the state railway commission, pleading for a reconsideration of the new passenger schedule and requesting that the time of the westbound passenger train known as No. 309, be changed back as far as possible not less than three hours in order to give all people along the line the desired and needed service.

At a special session of the village council, the Board of Trustees entered into a contract with James Kovarik of Crete, who is to take charge of the city light and water plant in a few days.
    Mr. Kovarik has had many years of experience along this line of occupation and of late has been managing the municipal plant at Crete, from where he comes with satisfactory endorsement from his former employers.
    His first work at the Clarkson plant will be to repair the defects existing in the street lines which have been causing trouble since the establishment of the new plant. Several men have changed off at the station, none of whom seemed to be able to trace the fault and the city was forced to get along without the lights on side streets for many months.
    The matter was conscientiously taken up by Mr. Kovarik and yesterday for the first time in a period of more than six months the streets were again illuminated, thanks to the ingenuity of the new electrician.

Emil Hledik, residing three miles north of town, sold his farm containing of 160 acres to Thomas Hekrdle of near Leigh for the sum of $375 per acre. This is the paramount price paid for this kind of land in this neighborhood and tends to show that real estate values are not effected with the decline of prices but continue to gradually ascend.
    Mr. Hledik then purchased 320 acres of land belonging to Mr. Hekrdle and located in the vicinity of Lindsay at $250 per acre. The two deals represent an investment of $140,000 which is the largest sum of money involved in a single consummation closed here this year.

A bitter contest is expected to take place between the candidates for the office of clerk of district court. F. R. Moore, an old Schuyler boy is the republican contender for the office and being a highly educated man no better selection could have been made and we feel that the voters should cast their vote in favor of Mr. Moore.
    He is a lifelong resident of our county and has always taken part in the welfare of the public. For over 21 years he has taught in the schools of this county. His physical handicap holds him from entering many vocations and this ought to be taken into consideration by the voters. We truthfully recommend him as the right man for the office.

Charles Vais, who is well known throughout the county as a talented wrestler, has an engagement with the eastern tournament company with whom he is traveling and doing exhibition work in the art of wrestling.
    He meets all comers in the game and claims to have 23 matches to his credit since he is out. Charles is becoming a phenominal character and a promising contender for the title.

County Judge Fiala and family motored over from Schuyler Sunday and put in the day visiting relatives and friends.

It looks as if before the corn picking season is over we will see several more mechanical pickers in the neighborhood.
    Last week Wolf & Vitek sold their third machine this fall to Jos. R. Brabec, who will in this way do away with the difficulty of hiring outside help.

Miss Kalixta Teply returned to Fremont to resume her studies at the college.


October 28, 1920 - reprinted December 11, 1985

Chleboun Bros. have a new assistant salesman in their store in the person of George Humlicek, who entered upon the job last Monday.

Word was received here by relatives, announcing the arrival of a baby girl at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Bartak residing north of Leigh.

Mrs. Ben Jonas, who had been visiting with a part of her family on their farm in the vicinity of Sacramento, Calif., since last year, returned to Clarkson the latter part of the previous week with the intention of making her home at this point for the future.

Miss Lillie Bobisud, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Bobisud, former residents of Clarkson, now residing at Dodge, was married this week to Fred Becker of Snyder.
    Mr. Bobisud conducted a pharmacy in the building now occupied by the Colesh grocery store, the structure being erected by Mr. Bobisud during the time he was in business here.

Mrs. Adolph Mrsny of Leigh and Mrs. Jos. R. Vitek were at Omaha Saturday and Sunday, paying a visit to Mr. Mrsny, who had been receiving medical treatment in the city for some time.

At an early hour Friday morning, George Bartos, a resident of Clarkson since 1917 but known here before, passed away quietly at his home in the northwest part of town after an illness of two weeks duration.
    Mr. Bartos was born in Bohemia, the land loved so well, on the 22nd day of April 1854, and came to America in 1888. Hearing the call of the golden west he came to Colfax county and located in the vicinity of Howells. He later lived in Boyd county and on a farm north of Leigh.
    He is survived by his wife and four grown children: Mrs. Julius Valis of near Schuyler, Frank, Joseph and James, all of whom are residents of Boyd county, living in the vicinity of Verdigre.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hubenka were Dodge visitors last Sunday. During their visit there, Mr. Hubenka’s brother, Albin, was taken with severe pains that made an immediate operation necessary.
    Dr. Srb of Omaha was called to perform the ordeal, the physician having made the distance between Omaha and Dodge by motor in comparatively short time.

Dr. Kavan performed two minor operations for the removal of tonsils for Vinc Prokopec and tonsils and adenoids for Mr. Prokopec‘s son.

A wedding of general interest in this community took place at Tabor last Tuesday forenoon, when Miss Helen Mejstrik was led to the altar by Jake Ritzdorf. The wedding formality, which was witnessed by a large concourse of relatives and friends, was charming in all its appointments.
    The ceremony was performed by Rev. A. Folta and those who acted as witnesses at the plighting of the troth were Miss Tillie Semerad, an intimate friend of the bride and Fred Ritzdorf, a brother of the bridegroom, who served as bridesmaid and best man, respectively.
    After the church services, the bridal party and relatives repaired to the home of the bride’s parents, where a sumptuous wedding repast awaited them.
    The bride is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Mejstrik, and the bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ritzdorf. The young couple will go to housekeeping on a farm south of Howells.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. A Novak at Howells was brightened last Monday by the arrival of a charming baby girl.

In a real estate deal closed at Howells this week between J. A. Drahota and Louis Bohaboj, the former sold his 160 acre farm nine miles southeast of town, to the latter. The farm is known as the old Palous place, and is now occupied by J. B. Woslager.

Mr. and Mrs. James Palik of Howells were in Omaha attending the funeral of their relative, James Tobias, who died of infirmities incident to old age, having attained over 75 years.

Dr. H. D. Myers reports the birth of a daughter Saturday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Wieman at Howells.

The remains of Miss Martha Folda, a former resident of this county, who died in Omaha some time ago, were transferred from one of the city mortuaries last Sunday to the family tomb recently erected on the Schuyler cemetery.
    Services at the tomb were conducted privately for the immediate relationship, who came from a distance to attend the closing rites.
    The mausoleum, which occupies the entire family plot on the cemetery, was built at the cost of several thousand dollars, being a magnificient structure and possibly the best of its kind in this part of the state. The walls of the tomb are constructed of selected stone and laid out from the interior with polished plates, the work being a masterpiece.

The Platte county Farmers Union organization had a meeting last Thursday evening. After discussing the matter of wages to some length, they agreed to pay from five to six cents per bushel for husking corn in fields yielding good corn.

Frank Pokorny of Schuyler is a patient at the David City hospital having submitted to an operation for a ruptured appendix. Mr. Pokorny is in very critical condition but is making favorable progress.

The Joseph Hamata public sale of land, two tracts located on the Shell creek bottom, resulted in the sale of 120 acres at $250 per acre, the purchaser being Peter Hamata. The other tract containing 150 acres, was not sold.
    The highest bid on this tract was $250 per acre, while Mr. Hamata refused to allow it to go for less than $275 per acre.


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