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 4, 1922 - reprinted October 2, 1991This afternoon Doctors Kavan, Capek and Kolouch performed an operation on Jos. Hledik, which necessitated the amputation of one of his legs.
Two years ago Mr. Hledik lost one of his hands in the same manner which now makes his condition so much more pitiful.
Mr. Hledik has been suffering with diabetes for a number of years and his life is in a very grave danger.Word reached here this week from Long Beach, Calif., that Leonard Noh, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Noh of this city, assumed the title of a daddy when his wife presented him with a big bouncing baby boy.
Grandpa Noh is now wearing a broad smile and is kept busy handing out cigars.
Providence also had her guiding hand in the case as the baby was ushered into its new home by Dr. W. Guidinger, who by-the-way happens to be a former classmate of Grandmother Noh.
The mother is the former Miss Matilda Tomes.A simple wedding ceremony was performed at the New Zion church here by Rev. Filipi when our old-time friend and schoolmate, Frank Suchy of Omaha and Miss Catherine Vana united their destinies in the bonds of happy wedlock.
The pair was escorted on the blissful mission by Albion Gloser, brother-in-law of the groom, who acted as one of the witnesses of the auspicious event.
Frank is a Clarkson boy by birth and for a good many years is making his home in Omaha, where he has a railroad job. He is a hard-worker and we are sure his companion will find him worthy of her confidence.
Although his bride is a stranger to us, we are told she is an excellent young lady and highly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of knowing her.A drama of the New South was scheduled to be presented May 12 by the Class of 1922-C.H.S. at the Z.C.B.J. Opera House in Clarkson.
Cast of characters included: Theodore A. Filipi, Alan Dusatko, Rudolph Faiman, Adolf Karel, Gilbert Noh, Alton Kastanek, Teddy Fillipi, Olga Severa, Adelo Lodl, Lillian Benes, Lillian Pokorny, Helen Rychtig.
Music will be furnished by the Jirovec Orchestra and admission is 50c for adults and 35c for children.In District Court, Saturday was devoted to the hearing of petitions for naturalization at Schuyler.
Only two candidates were granted citizenship. They were Frank Klima of Howells and Joseph Sedlacek of Schuyler.
The petitions of Vaclav Krofta, Joseph Havel, Frank P. Belina of Howells and Thomas Geiger of Schuyler were dismissed because the petitioners have failed to prosecute the same within a reasonable time.
The petitions of Joseph Gloser of Clarkson and Vincenc Tresnak were continued in order that the petitioners might become better informed in the affairs of our government.
The petition of Frank Miller of Howells was continued as the petitioner was absent. The petition of Charles Suchan of Howells and Cyril Houser of Howells were dismissed as the witnesses were incompetent.
Ernest Glauser of Richland was denied citizenship because he claimed military exemption in the recent war on the grounds that he was an alien. The petition of Louise Rogatzke was dismissed at the request of the petitioner.A barn dance will be held May 6 at the Boh. Boubin place, 7 miles north of Leigh on the west road. Good music and plenty of refreshments and lunch has been provided for.
The divorce suit filed in District Court by a Clarkson farmer, asking separation from his wife, has been withdrawn.
A reconciliation of the young couple followed after the defendant and her advisors agreed to fulfill certain promises demanded by the plaintiff. The couple is now again living together on their farm three miles southeast of Clarkson, happy and contended as ever before.August Gross and his fiancee, Miss Ida Svoboda, surprised their friends by their quiet marriage at Omaha. The event was planned secretly and carried out with simplicity.
They are popular young people of near Clarkson and hold the respect of the entire community.
The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Gross and the bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Svoboda, both families being pioneer residents of this locality.
We have not learned where the newly weds will anchor for life but wish them happiness and contentment no matter where the place may be.
Later—The marriage was performed before the county judge of Douglas county. Now we learn that Mr. and Mrs. Gross will move to Sidney, where they will keep house on the large Gross farm near that place.A. C. Fajman, Jos. Krejci and John Moural, county commissioners, were at Wahoo inspecting a 10-ton caterpillar tractor tried out on the road near that place.
A number of ladies gathered at the Adolph Lukl home and in their routine of work “pasted up” a dress form for Mrs. John Glandt of Leigh. After completing the form, Mrs. Glandt expressed her generosity by serving an appetizing luncheon.
Passing a successful operation for appendicitis at the Schuyler hospital two weeks ago, Jerry Krofta has improved and was enabled to return home.
Louis Hanel, accompanied by his sister, Mrs. B. Beran and children, motored over to Bristow, Nebr. On their return trip they joined Louis’ wife, who had been visiting there for some time and the lady’s father, Robert Ruda, who will spend a few days here recuperating from his recent illness.
A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Klima, residing north of Clarkson. The gift was presented by Dr. Kavan.
Frank Zelenda is critically ill at the home of his brother, Edward. His condition is said to be very alarming and it is thought that Frank will have to be transferred to a hospital.
Vincent Mrstik suffered the fracture of his left shoulder while feeding horses. As he entered the stall he was crowded against the manger by one of the horses, which became unruly and could not be managed.
Dr. Kavan was called to the farm home to give the injure[d] man necessary attention.Jos. Mundil took Emil Folda overland to Schuyler, where Mr. Folda boarded a train for Omaha to visit with his sister-in-law, Mrs. Olga Stastny M. D., who underwent an operation this week.
May 4, 1922 - reprinted October 9, 1991If weather permits, a large delegation of Clarkson baseball enthusiasts will attend the Dodge - Howells ball game at Howells Sunday afternoon. John Knapp is to be on the mound for the Howells team and promises to throw a good game.
Kutin and Polacek and their force of men have commenced laying the concrete foundation for the storage tanks for the new oil company.
Jos. Franek, Sr., had a carload of stock on the Omaha market for which he received $7.80 cwt.
Fajman Motor Co., reports the sale of a new Wallis tractor to John Correll of Creston; a used Samson to John Kudera and a used Fordson to John S. Novotny.
Little Dolores Svoboda, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Svoboda, was taken sick the forepart of this week with scarlet fever.
As a result of the illness, the home has been placed under quarantine.
The patient is getting along real well under the care of Dr. Knight and it is expected that the quarantine will be raised before long.
Mr. Svoboda is now staying with his parents.Frank Ferenc and Elden Faltys start on a three months’ trip to Czechoslovakia and other European countries. They plan to make stops at leading cities in the east before starting their voyage across the pond.
We bid them adieu and wish them a pleasant trip.
Bohumil Beran, who was to have accompanied them, decided not to go at this particular time and deferred his trip to some later date.The Colfax county highway patrolmen ask for an apology for not being able to drag the roads last Wednesday, as they were asked to attend the funeral of Wm. Wertz, one of the patrolmen working out of Schuyler, whose demise occurred Monday, following a brief illness.
Dr. Kavan was called to the farm home of Jerry Vrbicky, south of Howells, where he left a bouncing baby boy.
Rev. C. Z. Petlach was a passenger to Pierce to attend a district conference of Nebraska clergymen.
Clarkson Markets: Wheat $1.22, oats 29c, corn 42c-44c, rye 80c, hogs $9.60. butter 15c, eggs 19c.
To Whom It Concerns: Notice is hereby given that I strictly forbid fishing in my pond northwest of the city limits and also prohobit trespassing on my land.
Anyone caught violating this warning will be punished to the full extent of the law. -Jos. Jonas, Clarkson, Neb.Ridernet, human hair nets are now available at A. J. Karel & Sons in Clarkson. Human hair thoroughly sterilized and carefully selected. Matches your hair, guaranteed perfect. Save the envelopes. Twelve Ridernet envelopes entitle you to a Ridernet Free.
Specials this week at Chleboun Bros. in Clarkson are:
Men’s Work Shirts......74c
Boys’ Work Shirts......59c
Men’s Black hose, Pair......11c
Men’s Brown Hose, pair......11c
Ladies’ Brown Hose, pair......11c
Ladies’ Black Hose, pair......11c
Men’s Red Handkerchiefs, 3 for......25c
Ladies’ and Men’s White Handkerchiefs, 4 for......25c
Children’s Black Hosiery, pair......14c
Ladies’ Trimmed Hats Reg.$3.00......$2.00
Cudahy White Borax Soap,7 bars......25c
15c Toweling, yard at......11cA goodly number of buyers attended the sale of new automobiles held at the Howells Motor Company’s garage. All three cars offered were sold at substantial prices.
The Reo touring car was sold at $930 while the truck of the same make went to Louis Nagengast who bid it in at $860.
The Studebaker touring car was bought by Albert Nagengast for $830. The total sales amounted to $2620.Dr. Myers reports the arrival of a baby girl at the Jos. Prchal home at Howells.
Anton Janata, the popular proprietor of the Royal theatre at Howells, is the proud owner of a dandy new sign on the front of his building.
It was made by Anton Rysavy and is a masterpiece in that line.
Mr. Janata is everlastingly adding some sort of improvement to make his popular theatre more pleasant and attractive for his patrons and judging from the attendances he has been enjoying it goes to prove that he has been successful in his efforts.Mr. and Mrs. James A. Drahota of Howells are the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy who came to make his home with them on May 1.
Edwin J. Kriz, who has employment in Omaha, was an over-Sunday visitor at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kriz at Howells.
Mr. and Mrs. G. Rex Heun of Howells are proud parents of a fine little baby boy since last Monday.
You will note Mr. Heun stepping around pretty lively this week although he has been crippled for some time.
Of course, it being their first born is a very good reason for Mr. Heun to feel his “oats” a little more than usual.L. J. Evert, the hustling owner of the Howells Motor Co. garage, has for some time been crowded for room and this week he rented the garage building formerly occupied by the Service Motor co. and where he will store his surplus stock of cars.
A very beautiful and elaborate wedding took place at SS. Peter & Paul’s church in Howells, when Miss Elizabeth Wagner and Jos. Liehkus, Jr. were united in marriage. The wedding lines were read by Rev. J. Pieper.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Wagner of Howells.
She is a fine young lady and well known to many of our readers, having been reared to womanhood in this vicinity.
The groom is a model young man, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Liekhus of Olean, and counts his friends by the number of his acquaintances.
After the church services, an elaborate wedding reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents.
The young people will make their home on a farm northeast of Howells.Mrs. Anton Herout of Howells received the sorrowful news of the death of her mother, Mrs. Anna Hejny, whose demise occured last week at her home near Hopps, Mont.
The deceased was a native of Bohemia and in 1911 came to Howells from the land of her birth. From here she was persuaded to Montana by two of her sons for whom she kept house.
She attained the age of 67 years and besides her other children leaves a son, James, who recently moved back to Howells from western Nebraska, where he farmed for a number of years.
In the old country she leaves a husband and three children, who were not fortunate to grasp the opportunity of coming to this country and taking hold of the numerous inducements offered here.
The remains were buried near Hopps, Mont.
May 4, 1922 - reprinted October 16, 1991Frank Brabec, stockman from Clarkson, was on the market with a load of choice yearlings. There were 14 head in the shipment that weighed 1,076 pounds and brought $8.00. They are of his own raising and were fed chiefly on corn and alfalfa.
J. Chudomelka who opened a grocery store in the Flores building near the postoffice in West Point about six months ago, decided to close out.
The forepart of this week he sold it to the Baumann Stores what grocery stock he had left that those stores could use and discontinued the business. He operated the store on the cash-and-carry plan and met with success. He has several business propositions in view and in the near future will accept the best one.Rev. Father Drbal of Howells motored over to Dwight and Brainard last Tuesday, returning home in the evening the same day.
The stores in Howells now have a new rule in regards to closing in the evenings.
Theretofore the stores were open only on the evenings of Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and from now on during the summer months they are to be open every evening of the week which make it much more convenient for the farmers.
Howells merchants always have the farmers’ desires in mind as the first consideration.William Kovar motored over to Fremont, where he boarded the train for Omaha having gone down to select some goods for his store at Howells.
The funeral of the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Reicks, northeast of Howells, was held Saturday morning at 10:00. Rev. Father John Pieper officiated at high Mass at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic church and the remains were laid to rest in the German Catholic cemetery. The bereaved parents have our sincere sympathy.
Howells Markets: Wheat $1.25, Corn 44c, Oats 29c. Hogs $9.50, Butter 15& [sic], Eggs 19c.
May 4, 1922 - reprinted October 23, 1991Carl Schroeder, farmer and stockman of Leigh, was represented on the market with a load of choice quality horned Hereford steers that averaged 1,144 pounds and sold at $8.40.
These cattle were all raised and fed by Mr. Schroeder, who markets two or three loads of the same sort of steers every season.Anton Psota, the genius of Coney Island at West Point, who is ever on the alert to find something new to amuse the public, announces that he is looking for a camel. He intends to have a camel to put on the race track at Coney Island this summer and will challenge the best horsemen of Omaha to trot out their best speedsters against his camel.
He states that he took possession of the track April 24 and is now ready to look around to see if he can get a camel with the longest legs and thinest body that will leave all the best trotting horses far in the rear on the home stretch.
Anton has a hunch that if his camel _ets a hump on himself it will give him a chance to take all prizes and sweepstakes offered.Colfax county contributed several loads of good cattle to the receipts here today. Frank Hamsa of Clarkson, was on the market with two loads of steers, in which 30 head of choice 1,138-pound beeves good enough to bring $8.20, the day’s top, while Jim Novak, also of Clarkson, marketed 33 steers that averaged 1,112 pounds at $8.05.
Another Clarkson stockman, J. Severa, came in today with a load of steers that averaged 1,068 pounds and sold at $7.75.County Treasurer Joseph Sedlacek and wife announce the arrival of a son in their home. Mrs. W. H. Carleton, who has been with her daughter in Schuyler for the past two weeks, has sent word that both mother and son are doing nicely.
The graduation exercises proper at Leigh will be held at the opera house on May 18. P. B. Howell of Omaha, a candidate for United States senator, will deliver the commencement address.
A class of 11, consisting of 5 girls and six boys, will receive diplomas at the end of the present school year.Howells residents were informed that Mrs. Frank Bukacek of Clarkson, former resident of Maple Creek precinct and mother of Frank B. and Anton Bukacek, who reside on the old home place, has been seriously ill for several days but at this writing reports come that she is improving which is good news to her large number of friends.
James A. Drahota and Chas. W. Konvalin, who own 80 acres of land south of Howells, are going to offer the same for sale at public auction on May 13 at Schuyler, in front of the old courthouse.
The sale is going to be made to the highest bidder in order to complete a land settlement.Joe Dvorak and Ben Bayer, prominent farmers of near Howells, were in Clarkson on business. They were accompanied by Mr. Bayer’s father, who purchased an elegant monument from the Svoboda marble works and will have the same erected as a memorial for his deceased wife.
Mr. Bayer, Sr., took the train for Albion, where he will visit for a few days with his son, Jake, and daughter, Mrs. B. Fritton.Mestl Bros. of Howells advertised a Samson Tractor for $445. Pulley and Brake, Governor, Platform and Fenders, $110. F.O.B. Factory.
The first case of the April, 1922 term of district court of Colfax county commencing on Monday of this week, was that in which Henry Foltz brought action to recover damages in the sum of $1,900 from Frank J. Muller as the result of an automobile accident that occurred between Humphrey and Cornlea on Sept. 24, 1921.
Mr. and Mrs. Foltz, who reside on a farm near Cornlea were returning from a visit to the Boone county fair at Albion, having left Albion at 4:00 in the afternoon.
They were traveling east in their Paige touring car about a mile and a half east from Cornlea, when the accident occurred, about 5:30. Mr. Muller and two companions, Nick J. Muller and Ed Renner, were enroute to Albion in a Pathfinder Six touring car with a blooded hog they were taking to Lindsay. They were traveling west.
The accident occurred on the crest of a large hill. Mr. Foltz had just made the hill and after having reached the crest noticed the Muller car approaching from the east about 150 feet distant. He alleged that he was in the center of the road coming at a high rate of speed. Fearing a collision, Mr. Foltz claimed that he brought his car to a standstill on the south side of the road near the ditch beside the road.
While in this position he was struck on the left side by the approaching car after it had made a swerve to the northwest and then again to the southwest. Mrs. Foltz was thrown from the car and somewhat injured and bruised. The Foltz car was so badly damaged as not to be considered worth repairing. It had been in use two years.
The Pathfinder was also damaged in the collision. Mr. Muller filed a counter claim of $785 for damages to his car. He alleged that it was damaged beyond repair.
The defense of Mr. Muller was to the effect that the Foltz car was on the wrong side of the road, that it was traveling at a rate of 25 miles per hour, that the driver was exicted [sic] and lost control of the car, that Mrs. Foltz was not thrown from the car, and that his car was struck by the Foltz car.
The testimony in the case was completed Tuesday evening and the arguments of the attorneys made Wednesday forenoon. The jury retired at 1:45 and after deliberation returned a verdict of $392.50 for the plaintiff.Miss Delzell Biggs, a trained nurse and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Biggs of Schuyler, will depart for Cordova, Alaska by way of Seattle, where she has accepted a hospital position.
Miss Biggs will be in the same city with her brother, Dr. M. LuVan Biggs, who has practiced dentistry in Cordova since February, 1920.
She expects to arrive at her destination about the 10th of May.
Cordova is a lively little city with a stable population of 2,000.Louis Folken, a resident of Colfax county, living about 8 miles northwest of Schuyler, is easily the champion coyote hunter in the county, if not in this section of the state.
Mr. Folken has killed 19 coyotes in the past two years. Last spring, he located a coyote nest and set traps for the elders and succeeded in trapping the mother, but she broke the chain and escaped with the trap about one foot. Mr. Folken finding the trap gone, killed the 10 small ones and the neighborhood kept a close lookout for the old ones, and saw the mother several times with the trap still on her foot.
Last fall Ernie Adams with his hounds attempted to clear the locality of the two coyotes, but the crippled one was able to keep away from the dogs and escaped. A short time ago, Mr. Folken located the nest and again set traps, but the old coyotes were wise to his tricks and refused to go near the nest.
Mr. Folken then determined to kill the young ones, and did. While he was digging out the nest, the male member stood a safe distance and witnessed the performance. Mr. Folken did not then have his rifle and has since been unable to get near enough to be within shooting distance.
However, with 19 young coyotes to his credit in two years, easily establishes him as the champion of the county, but he will be much more satisfied when he brings in the two old ones.
May 11, 1922 - reprinted November 6, 1991Jos. F. Hejtmanek, former manager of Jos. Stecher, and Felix Mikes of Dodge were Clarkson visitors last Friday.
Sam York, who at one time was assistant at the local railroad station, passed through here on his way to Omaha to accept a position as operator with the Western Union Tel. Co.
Since leaving here, Sam was employed at the Petersburg station.Father Petlach and A. J. Fayman were in Omaha from where they drove a new Ford Coupe purchased by the former.
The joyful tidings announcing the birth of a first-born baby girl to Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Kuzelka of Beemer reached here last week.
The mother will be remembered as Miss Lilly Suchy, formerly of this city, and who at one time was a grade teacher here.Frank Teply and J. R. Brabec were on the Omaha market with a carload of fat steers.
A large assemblage of relatives and admirers congregated at the local Catholic church Tuesday forenoon to witness the solemn rites pronounced by Father Petlach which caused Frank C. Novak and Miss Marie F. Brabec to enter the ranks of matrimony.
Prestige was added to the blissful event by the presence of two pairs of attendants, the honor being bestowed upon Miss Agnes Brabec and Stanley Novak, and Libbie Brabec and Stanley Brabec, all of whom are closely related to the contracting parties.
At the close of the church services the happy bridal party and scores of guests returned to the Brabec farm, six miles northeast of Clarkson, where the throng was awaited by a gorgeous reception which culminated with a big dance in the evening.
The principals of the wedding are young Stanton county people, the bride being a daughter of Mrs. Mary Brabec, while the bridegroom is a son of Vaclav Novak, a prosperous farmer of this community. The pair will reside on the groom’s farm five miles northwest of Clarkson.A large crowd escorted Frank Ferenc and Eldon Faltys last Sunday to the station to see them off on their trip to Europe. They received a warm farewell reception from the large multitude and who wished them godspeed and a safe journey.
The excursionists plan to be gone for about three months providing they are satisfied with the adversaries of the trip.
Mr. Ferenc placed his butcher shop into the hands of Edward Vitek and several others who will look after the business during his absence.A new outing club to be known as the "Clarkson Gun, Rod and Boat Club," has been formed in Clarkson this week. The purpose of the organization is to provide recreation and out-door sport for its members.
Albin A. Misek, secretary took minutes of the first meeting held May 8, 1922 at the Bukacek & Zrust hardware store.
The meeting was called to order by J. M. Zrust. The following were present: A. A. Misek, Dr. Schultz, J. M. Zrust, G. B. Fajman, Richard Karel, Stanley Svoboda, E. J. Pokorny, Joe Jonas, W. J. Moore, Evon Jonas, Adolf Vitek, L. V. Hanel, L. E. Hanel, Adolf Dudycha, Emil Folda, Earl Chleboun, Joseph Pavlis and Jerry Basta.
Arrangements were made with Jos. Jonas for leasing his lake and grounds surrounding same and the road leading to the lake for a term of 5 years. The club is to pay Mr. Jonas $100.00 annually for the use of the grounds, and the owner is to reserve the ice harvest only.
Membership fees are as follows: Single adult $5.00 for annual membership. Married man same fee but his membership will also include his wife and members of his family under 16 years of age. An additional fee of $2.00 will be charged for each member of his family between the ages of 16 and 21.Prazak Motor Co. had a quarter page ad in The Colfax County Press with the following Ford prices:
Runabout......$319.00
Touring......$348.00
Sedan......$645.00
Coupe......$580.00
Chassis......$285.00
Truck......$430.00
Tractor......$395.00
Lincoln Car......$3,300.00
F.O.B. DetroitClyde Johnson was landed in the Schuyler bastile for participating in a fistic encounter with Jack Grady at the Community pavilion park last Monday during the Firemen’s annual dance.
Mr. Grady was considerably bruised up, two gashes being cut over his left eye.
Johnson was arraigned Tuesday and his hearing continued until sometime next week. Grady will also be arrested on a similar charge.William R. Wertz, a resident of Schuyler and of Colfax county for a number of years, passed away at the family residence in the third ward of that city after an illness of but a few days. Mr. Wertz had been one of the patrolmen for Colfax county for the past year and two months.
About 3 weeks ago his truck was stuck in the mud near Rogers and it seems that in his efforts to get out, he subjected himself to an overexertion and to considerable exposure.
He was later taken ill, his kidneys being affected. He continued with his work as patrolman until Monday of last week. He was taken bedfast Wednesday of last week but his condition was not considered alarming.
He suddenly took a change for the worse Monday evening about 6:00 and passed quietly into his last sleep tWo hours later.Adolph Tomes of Schuyler left the latter part of the week for Hastings, where he joined the Hastings state league organization.
Tommy was signed as pitcher and is the third member of the old Puritan aggregation to find a birth with the Hastings team.Miss Anna Kovar, teacher in District No. 50, the first school west of Howells has been re-elected for the next school year. Miss Kovar was given an increase of $5.00 per month for the second year, the salary now being $95.00 per month.
Miss Bertha Shultz of District No. 40, south of Leigh, was re-elected for another year at the same salary she has received the past two years, $125 per month.
Frank and J. D. Wolf and their families, Mr. and Mrs. R. V. Prokop and Mrs. Frank Stodola motored to Omaha, where they spent the day visiting Miss Rosa Bukacek, who is planning to leave soon for a visit to Bohemia. Miss Bukacek is a close relative of the Wolf family.
Joseph Mundil, his mother, and Mrs. Emil Folda motored to Omaha to visit with Mrs. Stastny, who is convalescing at one of the city hospitals following an operation.
Vaclav Svoboda, who moved from here with his family to Banner, Okla., four years ago spent a few days here this week. Mr. Svoboda conducted a saloon in the building occupied by John Roether’s soft drink emporium and since leaving here is engaged in farming.
Wanted: A limited number of cattle and horses for pasturing on my farm 11 miles south of Clarkson. Will take in horses at $10.00 for the season and cattle at $7.50 a head. Plenty of grass and running water. See me at once. Ladislav Horak, Clarkson.
Being young is a fault which improves daily.
May 11, 1922 - reprinted November 13, 1991Mr. and Mrs: James Palik and daughters, Misses Alta and Mildred, were at Omaha two days last week. They made the trip by car.
Mrs. Jos. P. Fiala, Mrs. Peter Bogner and Miss Caroline Bart motored over to Schuyler Sunday, where they boarded the train for Omaha to visit with relatives and friends.
James A. Drahota of Howells is the owner of a new Ford roadster, which he will use in his real estate, livestock and grain business. James says a Ford is hard to beat when you want a reliable car for commercial use.
Wm. Kaspar of Howells, who a short time ago started in the cream and egg buying business, concluded to enlarge his business by adding a line of flour and feed. At present be has the Clarkson Milling Company’s product which is so well known here that it needs no further recommendation.
This flour is known as one of the best on the market and Mr. Kaspar says that he will make a price especially on larger quantities that will be very attractive.Last Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Kuchler and baby of Howells left in their new Reo truck for Cheyenne Wells, Colo., where Mr. Kuchler will engage in farming on a large scale. He intends to break up a lot of new land there and sow wheat. It is a great wheat country and the possibilities for making money there is excellent.
John, James and Frank L. Tichota of Howell motored over to Fremont, where they had business matters to look after in connection with the settlement of the estate of their deceased mother.
The forepart of the week, J. A. Novak of Howells took his mother-in-law, Mrs. Marie Folda to Omaha, where she underwent an operation at the Swedish Mission hospital. Mr. Novak returned home yesterday and we are told that Mrs. Folda is getting along nicely.
Frank J. Prucha of Howells went to Omaha to get his son, Gilbert, who was confined at the Lord Lister hospital, following an operation performed several weeks ago. They were accompanied home by Mrs. Prucha, who stayed at Omaha with her son since the operation.
The many friends of Mrs. Vincenc Tresnak of Howells will regret to learn that the lady was taken seriously sick last Saturday and it was necessary for her to be taken to Schuyler, where she underwent a surgical operation the following day.
The operation was successful and reports come from her bedside that she is resting well and it is only a matter of time when she will again be at home.
Mrs. Tresnak had not been feeling well for some time and since her condition grew worse it was decided to call Drs. Capek and Kolouch of Schuyler, who advised an operation which they performed later.Frank Yonda, Howells, received the sad news that his father, Joseph Yonda, died at his home in Fremont. The funeral was held Wednesday, Mr. Fonda and family having motored down on that day to attend the last sad rites.
Mr. Yonda has been a resident of Fremont for many years and was employed at the Fremont foundary for 18 years, retiring about a month ago.
He was 71 years old. The deceased was born in Bohemia, May 16, 1871. He leaves a wife and the following children: Mrs. Fred Cegavski of Primrose, Mrs. Rose Bunn of Scribner, Mrs. Julius Mayer, Mrs. Maggie Davis, all of Fremont, Frank of Howells and a step-son, Henry Wisner of North Bend.James Palik Store in Howells had the following specials in The Press:
Pure Santos Peaberry Coffee - Per pound..23c
Tomatoes, No.2 Can - 9 Cans..$1.00
Sauerkraut, No.2½ Can - Reg. 20c..Seller 10c
Pealed Peaches, Gallon Can..69c
Boys’ Knee Pant Suits, All Wool, Sizes up to 17 years..$4.98
Misses & Ladies Shoes, $6.50 Values...98c
All Silk Ribbon, 3 to 6 inches wide.Per yard..8c
Men’s Blue Serge Suits, $37.50 Values..$14.98
Men’s Work Shoes, Peters’ Brand..$2.25
Boy’s Blue Denim Overalls, Size from 4 to 15 years..58cEmil Suchan, Howells agent for the Standard Oil Co., is driving around with a fine new truck which the company furnisbed him. Emil says he is somewhat lonesome over parting with the mules but puts on dignified airs when he mounts his new possession.
The many old-time friends of John J. Kovar will miss his congenial personality In Howells hereafter for a time at least. Last Wednesday at three o’clock he boarded the Los Angeles Limited at Schuyler, where his son, Will, took him by car, and if the train runs on schedule time as usual on Thursday morning at 9 o’clock he will step off his train in Sunny California, where he intends to make his home in the future. Mr. Kovar has been in Howells for so many years and is numbered as one of the successful ex-business men that it will be difficult for the old timers to realize that another of the veterans has removed from among us.
The Nielson Auto Co., has installed a fine new gasoline pump in front of their garage in Howells. From now on they will be better prepared than ever to serve their patrons.
The opening game of the baseball season was played at Howells Sunday between the Howells and Dodge teams. Howells defeated Dodge by the score of 13 to 7.
Howells players were: E. Stangel, Zavadil, R. Suchan, West, Palensky, J. Suchan, J. Stangel, Iwansky, Folda and Sindelar.John Stracek of Howells has given an order for a new Ford to the Nielsen Auto Co. and it will be a matter of only a few days when John will not always be seen driving his fine pair of spotted ponies.
He will have his choice now between the ponies and the Ford. We will bet our hat that John will still like to drive his ponies.The Hereford breeders of North Central Nebraska recently formed an organization at Norfolk and the officers elected were: president, S. P. Peterson, Leigh; vice president, Charles Corkle, Tilden; secretary- treasurer, Alex Rabeler, Leigh.
The Colfax County Sunday School Association held it’s annual two-day convention in Leigh Saturday and Sunday.
Attendance was as follows: Howells Congregational 127, Howells Lutheran 32, Schuyler 40, Clarkson Presbyterian 92.Rychtig Bros. report the following sales since last week: E. Quesner, Howells, Paige; Henry Harsch, Clarkson, Paige; Jas. Nadrchal, Clarkson, Dodge; Emil Petr, Clarkson, Dodge; G. W. Heun, Howells, Dodge.
They also sold used cars to: F. J. Cech, Buick; Mike Vraspir, Buick; Jirovec orchestra, Cadillac; Wm. Specht, Leigh, two Fords; W. C. Hronek, Schuyler, Dodge.We were made a pleasant call by C. H. Stockdale, Elgin, one of the pioneer newspapermen of the state. About 25 years ago, Mr. Stockdale was publisher of the Leigh World, selling out to the present owner, C. R. Kuhle.
Since leaving Leigh, Mr. Stockdale is publisher of the Elgin paper and also devotes part of his time to the real estate game.
May 11, 1922 - reprinted November 27, 1991Matt J. Ramaekers at one time cashier of the Farmers and Merchants bank at Lindsay, and until lately, cashier of the Raeville Farmers State Bank, which he founded in 1917, was arrested the latter part of the week and lodged in the county jail at Albion on a charge of forgery in connection with shortages alleged to have been discovered in his account at the Raeville bank.
The complaint, containing the specific charge of forgery of a certain note in the sum of $2,790.55, was filed by the county attorney of Boone county.
An examiner of the state banking board is in charge of the bank at Raeville but it is open and doing business. It is alleged that other irregularities have been found to the amount of over $60,000. Speculation in high priced lands and shrunken values in the land are given as the cause of the shortage.
A trustee has been appointed for Ramaeker’s property, so that it could be used for the benefits of the creditors. Ramaekers claims that he is worth over $100,000 and will have plenty to cover all the losses.An ad: "111" cigarettes. They are Good! 10c. But [sic] this Cigarette and Save Money.
Howells Markets: Wheat $1.15, Corn 45c, Oats 29c, Hogs $9.70, Butter 18c, Eggs 20c.
James A. Drahota, Howells, who owned a frame business building in Madison, sold same to a Mr. Mullholland of Madison for $3800. This deal cleans up all of Mr. Drahota’s real estate holdings in Madison.
F. C. Hrabak of Howells was at Schuyler, where he conducted the sale of 40 acres of land from the William Dickinson 80.
The other 40 was retained by Mr. Dickinson. The sale opened with a bid of $160 and the land was sold for $l75 to David Dickinson of Stanton, a nephew of William Dickinson.Frank Jonas, residing west of the Zion church has been laid up for a few days with severe stomach trouble. Dr. Myers made several calls to the home.
The famous Stechers, Joe and Anton, as usual will be the big attraction of the Dodge baseball team.
Last winter a report went out that Joe was going to move to Kansas City, but it was only the dream of a newspaper reporter for he will cover the initial bag as usual this season and take them wherever thrown.
May 18, 1922 - reprinted November 27, 1991Jos. R. Bartunek, sheriff of Colfax county for the past several years, died at his home in Schuyler early Tuesday morning.
About two years ago, Mr. Bartunek had nervous prostration from the effects of which he never revived. For quite a while now he had been gradually weakening and though he had the best of medical care, his life could not be saved. He leaves a wife and a small daughter.Jerry Krofta announces the opening dance at his picnic pavilion north of Clarkson on May 20. With the bowery in excellent condition and the Jirovec orchestra on the job, the dancing public may be assured of a grand time.
The sad news announcing the sudden demise of Frank Tomka, Sr., were received here from Schuyler Saturday. Mr. Tomka recently submitted to an operation at Schuyler for the removal of a stomach tumor with which he had been troubled for some time.
He withstood the ordeal very nicely and for some days it was thought that he would be able to leave the hospital before long. He seemed to be on his way to recovery when finally he changed to the worst and the inevitable end came to him on early Saturday morning.
The remains were prepared for transportation and in the afternoon of the same day were brought to Clarkson. The body laid in state at the home of the deceased’s daughter, Mrs. Anton Rychtig, until Monday.
The news of Mr. Tomka’s death came as a distinct shock to his large host of relatives and friends who were not aware of his dangerous condition.
He was a hard-working man and at one time was recognized as a well-to-do farmer. He lived on different farms in this community and since last year had been living with his family on the Jos. Novak farm, 9 miles northwest of Clarkson.
Mr. Tomka was born in Bohemia 61 years ago and came to America as a single man in 1880. For many years be resided with his family in the vicinity of Howells, where they moved into this locality. They also spent some time in Minnesota.
Burial was held Monday forenoon from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Rychtig and the remains were consigned to the family plot in the Boh. Slov. cemetery, west of Clarkson. Rev. Filipi had charge of the services and delivered a sermon at the opera house having then offered prayer at the grave.
The casket containing the body of the dead man was escorted by the members of the Z.C.B.J. lodge to which the deceased belonged.
Surviving are the wife and 11 children, Joe, Frank, Jerry, Edward, Leonard, Louis, Josie, Mrs. Frank D. Nykodem, Mrs. Anton Rychtig, Mrs. Joseph Vedral and Mrs. Bohumil Jaroska.A pretty wedding occurred at St. Wenceslaus Catholic church in Dodge Tuesday forenoon at which many Howells and nearby people witnessed the marriage of John Balak and Miss Antonia Vodvarka.
Mr. Balak is the son of Vaclav Balak of Howells. His bride is a respectable young lady and is the daughter of Ferdinand Vodvarka, a pioneer settler of Dodge county.
The attendants at the wedding were Miss Josie Vodvarka, sister of the bride and James Balak, brother of the bridegroom.
A bounteous wedding feast took place at the Vodvarka farm near Dodge and in the evening, a grand dance was given in honor of the newly wedded couple in the Dodge hall.
Mr. and Mrs. Balak will establish their home on the groom’s farm four miles north of Howells.On Saturday evening, May the 6th, at the opera house, the juniors tendered a very delightful reception to the Class of 1922. The seniors were met by the juniors at the high school building and escorted to the opera house.
Upon entering the dining room for the Junior-Senior banquet, they beheld a gorgeous sight. The seniors’ class colors, purple and white, were most beautifully festooned above the tables which made wonderful decorations.
Beautiful bouquets of red roses, tulips, violets, pansies and blossoms graced the tables. The placards were hand-painted in the senior colors and certainly were very attractive. Dainty nut baskets were placed beside each cover.
Victrola selections were furnished during the courses.
The serving was done by the sophomore girls who were dressed in purple and white.
The menu consisted of raspberry cocktail, meat loaf, stuffed baked potatoes, creamed cauliflower, rolls, pickled beets, grape conserve, Waldorf salad, rolled waffles, grape frappe and coffee.
James Hampl, president of the junior class acted as toastmaster. The following toasts were given:
Seniors, Supt. Holm; Entertained, Theo. Filipi; Now, Mary Zak; Introduce, Stanley Tobias; Original, Olga Severa; Responsive, Gilbert Noh; Speeches, Mr. Jones.The difference between painting the town and painting the porch is marriage.
May 22, 1922 - reprinted December 25, 1991A very sad funeral took place this week at St. Peter’s Lutheran church three miles north of Howells. The occasion was one of those tragedies in human life that demonstrate the helplessness of our best efforts, care and measures against the invasion of sudden, crushing calamity.
People of the neighborhood well remember the Brahmer family. Their farm lies a mile or two north of the above mentioned church. Some years ago the old folks moved to Wisner.
Oscar Brahmer, the second oldest of the boys, who had married Emma Schwarting, daughter of George Schwarting moved to Denver, Colo., where he entered into the employment of a trunk factory. This was in 1919. Five years before their removal to Denver, a boy had been born to them, July 1, 1914. This boy they called Merlin. Merlin was a bright little boy, sympathetic, friendly, signifying thus a happy union of the Brahmer-Schwarting family.
Shortly after his coming to Denver, the parents sent the boy to school and soon become absorbed in his progress in the arts of education. From what we heard their keen, hopeful interest in their little son was well justified. Merlin gave them a bright prospect of the man he would grow up to be, if opportunity and time permitted.
A little over a week ago, Saturday, May 6, the boy was playing not far from home we presume in company with other enterprising boys of his age. Merlin had a scooter and, as he had learned from other boys, would hook on to passing wagons for a free ride.
If we remember correctly this happened after school time or during recess. As this so often happens, we think that the boys were calling to one another, even daring one another which would get the most and the fastest rides.
A sand wagon was passing by. The driver told Merlin to get away from behind his wagon. Merlin did, but unobserved by the driver ran up to the side of the wagon and held onto it with one hand, steering his little cart with his feet. The cart slipped away from under him, the boy lost his balance and came to lie under the wheel and ——
But what further need we say, our tongue protests to describe it. The dreadful accident was done. Mortally injured the boy was taken to the hospital, where after great suffering he passes away the following week, last Friday, May 12, at one o’clock at night.
It is impossible to describe the shock of woe that visited the home. Most families escape such trial. The more so do we give to his grief-stricken parents the sympathy of our heart and pray that God will afford them better consolation than we could say or do.
Young Merlin leaves sorrowful behing [sic] his parents, his baby brother, Orville, aged four, and many other relatives.
The funeral was held at the home of August Schulz, brother-in-law of the parents, Monday, May 15 at 1:00 p.m. Public services were held at St. Peter’s Lutheran church with Rev. J. C. Fitting in charge. The mortal remains of the deceased were laid away in the church cemetery.Charles Dvorak and his brothers, Anton and Albert of near Dodge, returned home from Karlin, Mo., where they were called by the death of their brother, Joseph, whose demise occurred on Monday of last week.
The deceased formerly of the Olean vicinity and moved from here with his family to Missouri about 19 years ago. He was engaged in various business pursuits in Karlin and was recognized as one of the leading merchants of that place.
Besides his brothers and sorrow-stricken family he leaves his aged mother, who is making her home in Dodge.
Mr. Dvorak was also an ardent supporter of the church and a firm believer in the Roman Catholic faith.
He died at the age of 58 years and was a native of Bohemia. His health had been undermined with a cancer of the lungs with which he suffered intensely for a long time.Confirmation exercises will be held at St. John’s Lutheran church on Ascension day at 10 a.m. The cathechumens are; Theodore Renner, Charles Butterfield, Emil Ehlers and Olga Ehlers.
While returning from Howells early yesterday morning, Frank Karel, son of Jos. Karel experienced an accident which nearly cost him his life.
The young man was in attendance at the dance here and at about 2:30 a. m. he started for his place of employment at the Henry Sucha farm north of Leigh.
According to the account of the accident as related to us by Mr. Karel, his right lights went out just as he was going down the hill near the Perry school. He attempted to stop the car with the foot brake which failed to take hold and before he could reach for the emergency brake, the car went looping down the embankment on the side of the road.
At this moment he became unconscious and life was blank to him until he came to at Dr. Myers office. Besides his left eye being seriously injured, he received several minor bruises over his body but is able to be around.
The car, a Ford touring car, belonging to his employer, Henry Sucha, is considerably damaged.In 1922 county fair dates were:
Antelope, Neligh . . . . Sept. 12-15
Boone, Albion . . . . Sept. 13-16
Colfax, Leigh . . . . Sept. 7-9
Madison, Madison . . . . Sept. 12-15
Pierce, Pierce . . . . Aug. 19-Sept. 1
Stanton, Stanton . . . . Sept. 30
State Fair, Lincoln . . . . Sept. 3-9Recent increases in gasoline prices are being investigated by the department of justice. Attorney Daugherty has promised to “give immediate attention” to increases amounting to four cents per gallon during the past six weeks in the face of the greatest gasoline reserve in the history of the United States.
Inquiry at the bureau of mines shows that the reserve is mounting to the 900,000,000 gallon mark.
The reserve on February 28 stood at 807,379,261, compared with 680,549,351 on the same date last year. Figures for March to be issed tomorrow will show a reserve close to 900,000,000.
Practically every oil producer in the country has raised prices, reports here state.
The national automobile chamber of commerce estimated that nearly 12,000,000 motor vehicles of all descriptions will be in use this summer and fall, compared with 9,211,911 in 1920.The March 25, 1922 condensed statements from receipts of the five Folda Banks, namely: Banking House of F. Folda, Schuyler; Colfax County Bank, Howells; Clarkson State Bank, Clarkson; Farmers & Merchants Bank, Linwood and Bank of Rogers, Rogers, was as follows:
Total Loans & Bonds . . . . $2,112,121.36
Total Deposits . . . . $2,386,333.23
Total Assets to meet deposit . . . . $2,710,273.78John Peplinsky died at the home of his parents after an illness of only five days. He was suffering with an attack of measles, which developed into a serious case and in spite of all the medical aid brought to his rescue, he was called to the Great Beyond.
The deceased was about 22 years of age and was born on a farm in the Olean vicinity.
He leaves to mourn his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
The funeral was conducted from the Catholic church in Dodge.A divorce between a local couple was withdrawn from the court files this week. The wife, who had been making her home in Schuyler since filing the petition is back home after having reconciled with her husband. Their differences were cast aside and forgotten and the couple aims to lead a harmonious life hereafter.