The Leigh World publishes a weekly column entitled Looking Back at the World, which is comprised of articles taken from earlier Leigh World files. A special thank you to the Leigh World for allowing me to reprint those articles. The following are selections from that column:

September 8, 1952 - reprinted June 7, 2006

On Saturday evening a motorcycle ridden by two youths returning to their home in Quebec, Canada caught fire suddenly on the highway about four miles east of Schuyler. When the fire was discovered, the youths tried desperately to flag down an oncoming truck and trailer used to transport cars but unable to do so, they stopped the motorcycle at the edge of the highway. The truck was unable to stop and slid into the ditch beside the burning cycle but did not overturn. No one was hurt in the mishap but the cycle completely burned.

On Saturday noon, Bruce Angst returning from Fremont to Stanton where he intended visiting his parents before coming to Leigh to be with his wife, figured in a car accident near Beemer.
    A team and wagon, traveling down the highway, suddenly stopped in front of the car which Mr. Angst was following. The first car was able to stop avoiding hitting the wagon but Mr. Angst, unable to stop so suddenly, crashed into the car ahead of him. The Angst car was extensively damaged in the front, having to be towed into Stanton and on to Norfolk for repairs. Mr. Angst received minor cuts about the head, right arm and leg and was badly shaken up.
    The trunk of the first car was pushed in. No severe injuries were received by either party.

About 5:30 a.m. early Thursday morning, the Chevrolet car driven by Eugene Muth of Leigh, who was alone in the car at the time, was extensively damaged when due to very muddy roads and heavy rain, the vehicle which was being driven east on Highway 91 slid into the north railing of the narrow bridge just west of Leigh, knocking it completely from the bridge.
    Considerable damage was done to the driver's side of the car when it struck the bridge. Mr. Muth received no injuries. Sheriff Patach of Schuyler was called but because the accident occurred in Platte County, Mr. Patach turned the report over to the State Patrol.

A group of relatives surprised Mr. and Mrs. Otto Feye last Monday evening in honor of their Silver Wedding Anniversary.
    A picnic supper, brought by the guests, was served on the lawn, and the evening was spent by playing cards and visiting.
    Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Emil Brauner and Ladean of Creston; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Claussen and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Mohnsen, Rosalind and Andrea of Leigh, and Mrs. Don Rayman, Keigh and Mark of Lyons.
    Saturday evening another group of relatives and friends staged a similar surprise party. A lunch brought by the guests was served at a late hour. The table was centered by a three tier wedding cake, baked and beautifully decorated in white and silver by Mrs. Arthur Feye of Columbus. The evening was spent playing cards.
    Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Feye and Mrs. Alma Feye of Columbus; Mr. and Mrs. Merlyn Brauner and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Feye, Ruth and Vernon of Creston; Mr. Jake Lueschen, Maxine and LaVern and Mrs. Amelia Lueschen of Leigh; Mr. and Mrs. James Paulin and Jamie Lynn of Fremont, and Frederick Arndt of Platte Center.

An exceptionally large crowd attended the Colfax County Fair on Sunday at the Colfax County Fairgrounds located in Leigh. Hampered by heavy rains on Thursday and Friday, the attendance on either day was slight.
    The parade of floats which was scheduled to be held on Saturday afternoon was postponed because of wet grounds at the fairgrounds and was held instead on Sunday afternoon before a large congregation of folks from all over the county and the adjoining Platte and Stanton counties.
    The 1952 Fair last week completed its 31st year of service to the community and surrounding territory and again has won the acclaim of being one of the finest fairs in east central Nebraska. A large number of exhibitions were entered again this year for judging. And despite the fact that hogs were banned from being shown this year at the fair, a goodly number of livestock of other kinds was brought to show.
    A large crowd of spectators lined both sides of the main street to view the fair floats in parade to the fairgrounds. Judges for the floats were Joe Jindra of Clarkson, John Inglis of Omaha and Frank Marik of Howells.
    In the commercial float division, first prize of $35.00 was won by Callies Implement. Leigh Implement Co. won second prize of $25.00. Motycka Meat Market won third prize of $15.00 and Flossie's Cafe won 4th of $10.00.
    In the religious and historical division, the Zion Lutheran Laymembers League of Leigh won 1st prize with their theme of Rock of Ages. The Leigh Auxiliary Unit won 2nd with their theme of World United. The Lutheran Walther League of Zone 8 received third prize and the Pilgrim Fellowship of Congregational Church received the 4th prize.
    In the comical floats, Leigh shipping won first prize. Duffy Belohrad won 2nd, the Howells Legion Post won 3rd and Mrs. Helen Cramer won 4th.
    In the Kiddies Parade, "Pioneer Day" entry by the Spanhake sisters won first. Second prize was received by the Tony Prokop children of Dodge for their entry of Humpty Dumpty. Third prize was won by the Harold Bausch children for their entry of "An Old Woman in a Shoe." Fourth prize was won by David Leigh for his entry of "God Bless America" and fifth prize went to the Leo Daniels children for their entry of "Fruit of America."
    The religious float of Zion Lutheran Laymembers League won third prize at the Schuyler Labor Day celebration when entered in their parade on Monday. St. Bonaventure won 1st and the Rural Youth Club which also entered a float in the Leigh parade won second.

Among the out-of-town former Leigh residents who attended the fair here last weekend were: Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hunt and Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Tomes and family of Lincoln, Mrs. Dora Schlueter, Mrs. Minnie Zabka, Miss Rita Mae Johnson and Miss Ethel Mae Woodward of Omaha, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Jenny and Family and Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Johnson of Norfolk. Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hoveling and Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Kafka and family of Columbus and Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Franzen and family of Newman Grove.

Juding in the World Herald's Soil Conservation Program for 1952 is down to the final round.
    Those selected to represent the Colfax Soil Conservation District in the final round are Joseph Horak, Clarkson; Otto C. Weber farm, operated by Marvin Weber of Leigh; and Bohous A. Cada, Clarkson.

---

September 11, 1952 - reprinted June 14, 2006

Mrs. Gordon Muhle was taken to an Omaha hospital after she was taken ill with polio.
    At this writing she is getting along as well as expected.
    She had lost the coordination of the muscles in her legs although they are not completely paralyzed.

Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Belohrad and Gary were visiting in Southern California and were guests one night of the now nationally known Lawrence Welk.
    Accordionist Lawrence Welk stood alongside Accordionist Adolph Belohrad on the Aragon bandstand with mutual admiration the keynote of the occasion.

It is with regret that we find another weekly newspaper discontinuing operation.
    The Lindsay Post, published by Gene and Gert Deegan ceased operation last week, after 56 years of publication.

Mrs. Minnie Reynish celebrated her 94th birthday Sept. 5. A small birthday party was held for her as Mrs. Reynish is ill.
    Callers in the afternoon were Misses Julie and Esther Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. M.C. Phillips. Mrs. Reynish is staying at the F. Otto Nelson Farm home.

Eighty-five high school students and 83 grade school children enrolled in the Leigh Public Schools, making a total of 168 pupils this year. Last year there were 145 registered.

A daughter was born Sept. 9 to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lake at the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus.
    Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Stieren of Beemer are the parents of a son, Michael Edward, born Aug. 26 at the West Point hospital. The mother is the former Maxine Hamann.
    Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Mueller are the parents of a daughter born Sept. 1 at the Columbus hospital. The mother is the former Ardith Becher.
    Mr. and Mrs. Helmuth Hake of Columbus are the parents of a son born Sept 5 at the Lutheran hospital in Columbus. He has been named Dale Walter and he has three sisters, Sharon Kay, Pamela Jean and Marcia Marie.

Miss Vivian Frank, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis R. Frank of Norfolk and Sgt. Walter F. Meyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Theo. Meyer of Leigh, were united in marriage sept. 6 at the Sacred Heart Church in Norfolk.
    The Rev. Father O'Donnell officiated.
    The bride, given in marriage by her father, was attractively gowned in traditional white satin made with a fitted bodice featuring a net yoke and full skirt.
    Her fingertip veil of imported illusion was held by a small flowered cap. She wore long white lace mitts and for her jewelry she wore a rhinestone necklace, a gift of the groom. She carried a bouquet of white chyrsanthemums.
    Mrs. Don Lewis of Norfolk was maid of honor. She was attired in a pink net over taffeta formal.
    The bridesmaids were Miss Wilma Frank and Miss Betty Collins. They were dressed in aqua taffeta and white taffeta respectively. They carried bouquets of pink gladioli.
    Harry Meyer of Pender was best man and groomsmen were George Meyer and Arnold Frank. Ushers were Rudolph Mazuch of Leigh and Raymond Vyhlidal of Pierce.
    The groom, a member of the United States Army, received a 10-day furlough and after a short trip they will make their home in Norfolk.
    The bride is a graduate of Plainview High School and since her graduation was employed at Frank's Cafe at Norfolk.
    The groom, a graduate of Leigh High School, enlisted in the service after graduation. He was in World War II, was with the army of occupation in Japan and then in 1950 fought in the Korean conflict until his return to the states in September, 1951.
    Mr. and Mrs. Theo. Meyer, Mrs. Helen Cramer of Leigh and Mrs. Pricilla Manning of Lincoln attended the wedding and reception.

Miss Norma Bruns, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Bruns of Leigh, became the bride of A-3c Ronald Trofholz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Trofholz of Columbus at a 3 p.m. ceremony on Sept. 2 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Leigh.
    The Rev. Karl Gigstad officiated.
    Miss Shirley Cinfel sang with Mrs. Harold Mohnsen as her accompanist.
    Miss Cinfel wore a navy formal with white accessories.
    Miss Bruns, given in marriage by her father, was gowned in a delicate imported chantill lace over lustrous white bridal satin. The smooth Elizabeth bodice featured long lace sleeves tapering to bridal points over the wrists, and a standing Queen Ann lace collar accented by the natural scallops of the lace.
    The voluminous demi-length shirt [sic] ended in the natural scallops of lace. She carried a white Bible with a Cattleya orchid on top with a shower of white satin ribbons and stephanatis.
    Miss Delores Bruns was maid of honor and Mrs. John Glandt, Jr., were bridesmaids. Best man was Robert Hobel and Harlan Trofholz was groomsman. Ushers were Roland Korte and John Glandt, Jr.
    A dinner was held at Memorial Auditorium in Leigh.

Fred A. and Welma Leigh were editors and publishers of The Leigh World. Subscription rates $2.50 per year in the State of Nebraska and $3.00 per year elsewhere.

Among the advertisers in The Leigh world were Leigh Shipping, Bank of Leigh, Hilltop Repair, Wm. Hespe & Sons, Westside Cafe, Drahota Oil Co., Jenny's Feed & Seed Store, Flossie's Cafe, Leigh Implement Co., Hauk's Booterie, Hobel Bros., Cremers Pharmacy, Leigh Hatchery, Motycka Meat Market, Moeller's IGA Store, Tom Trojan, Carpenter Work, Bob Neuhaus, Dr. Lloyd N. Jones, Merle E. Brown Insurance, Holmes Funeral Home, Adolph Nebola & Son Well Work, Arnold Rahtz KKK Representative, LeRoy "PeeWee" Kumph Gravel Hauling, A.E. Breuning, Helmuth Reick Your Foxbilt Dealer, Deichmann Electric Co., Leigh Hatchery, Ed Busse Livestock Market, Leigh Theatre, Alvin Reichmuth Funk's Hybrid, Callies Implement Co.

Movies showing at the Leigh Theatre this week were: "Distant Drums" with Gary Cooper, Niven Busch and Martin Racken. "Robinhood of the Pecos" starring Roy Rogers, "Gabby" Hayes, Marjorie Reynolds and "Trigger."
    Next week: "Jack and the Beanstalk."

Dick Hartman, son of Dr. and Mrs. C.M. Hartman of Omaha is being treated at his home for polio. He is 16 years old.
    Mrs. Hartman is a niece of Mr. and Mrs. John Hyland and the former Lucille McCurdy.

---

September 18, 1952 - reprinted June 21, 2006

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Oldigs were pleasantly surprised on Sunday when seven car-loads of relatives came to their home for dinner, all arriving at the same time. They came with filled baskets and a delicious dinner was enjoyed by all.
    Those who came to the Oldigs home included: Mr. and Mrs. William Lieneman and son of McLean, Mrs. John Lienemann, sr., Mr. and Mrs. Ben Lieneman and family, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lieneman and Mr. and Mrs. Louie Broer and family all of Randolph, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bargstadt, Mr. and Mrs. George Bargstadt, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Lieneman and family and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bargstadt, all of Pierce.
    Mr. and Mrs. Claus Rathman and family of Hoskins, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lieneman and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bargstadt and family of Norfolk, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert Svitak of Howells, Ne. and Mr. and Mrs. John Oldigs of Leigh.
    The afternoon was spent at visiting.

A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Russell McMullin at St. Mary's hospital at Columbus on Friday, Sept. 12th. The little miss weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces.

The newly created business, the Leigh Cob Company, received their first load of cobs on Thursday when Kenny Bachman of Creston sold a truckload of Cobs to the Company.
    Because it was a small amount of cobs, they were blown on a pile on the ground for transfer later to a box car for shipment to Omaha.
    Since Thursday, several loads of cobs have been purchased by the Cob Co.

Miss Muriel Motycka returned to Lincoln Wednesday evening to resume her studies in Pharmacy at the University of Nebraska.

Mr. and Mrs Ed Kluza and Mr. Leo Majowich of Omaha spent from Tuesday until Friday of last week at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Rozmarin and daughter, Alyce Marie. On Thursday, Mrs. Rose Krepel and Emilie and Mrs. Wilma Nester of Omaha joined the group and spent the day with them.

Mr. and Mrs. John Wullschleger, Raymond and Kenneth visited with friends, the King families at Scotia and North Loup last Thursday, and also attended the Pop Corn activities at North Loup.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rabeler, sr. are again back in Leigh after spending the summer at Nevis, Minnesota at their summer home there. Mrs. Charles Eby is visiting here and is a house guest of Mr. and Mrs. Rabeler.

The Arnold Neuhaus family of Polk visited with Emma Neuhaus, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Neuhaus and Mr. and Mrs. Alva Kykes and family on Sunday on their way home after spending a vacation in the east visiting old buddies there.

Mr. and Mrs. Don Callies of Lincoln visited relatives and friends in Leigh on Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bausch and family visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Thalken and Duane of Clarkson on Tuesday evening.

Jake Marty suffered a broken ankle on Friday evening while at football practice at Seward. He is getting along fine.

Larry Rynearson accompanied Rev. and Mrs. A. B. Senne and Bud Senne of Snyder to Columbus Saturday where Bud and Larry stayed overnight at the Ronald Guettler home. On Sunday morning, Larry, Bud Senne, Ronald Guettler and Harlan Harnapp of Columbus left for St. Louis, Mo. to attend Concordia Seminary there. Larry is a second year student while the other boys enrolled as Freshmen there.

Mrs. Frank Zuerlein spent Saturday with her sister, Mrs. D.E. Tedford and her husband.

Mr. and Mrs. Otto Bruns left early Thursday morning for Great Falls, Montana to visit their daughter and husband. Pfc. and Mrs Ronald Trofholz. They returned home again the first part of this week.

On Thursday evening a round table discussion following a dinner held at the Loup River Cabin was held for all District cubmasters and committeemen. Attorney Otradovsky of Schuyler acted as Master of Ceremonies. Those from Leigh who attended were: Harold Bausch, Leigh, Boy Scoutmaster, Fred Leigh, Henry Rosicky and Edward Korte, committeemen.

Mr. and Mrs. Will Dammas of Laurel, Iowa were weekend guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Urban Imholte, sr. While here they also visited other relatives of the Wullschleger family. Mrs. Urban Imholte jr. and Jimmy of Humphrey were also weekend guests at the Imholte home.

Harold "Dutch" Luchtel has been confined to his home since Friday afternoon due to illness. He returned to work again on Tuesday.

Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Severin, Mr. and Mrs. George Ehlers, Darwyn and Deanne and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Werth of Gretna, Ne. and Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Sohl and family were visitors on Sunday afternoon at the Fred W. Severin home.

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Malena and family, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Rozmarin and family of Leigh, Mr. and Mrs E.A. Dietz and family and Lt. and Mrs. Darrell Moran enjoyed a family dinner Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Moran.

Bud Dasenbrock has returned to Lincoln where he is a Sophomore at Nebraska Ag College.

Members of the Sunbonnet Sue 4-H Achievement Club entertained their mothers at a party at the Elmer Oeltjen home Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. Carolyn Ditter and children, Dallas and Sheryl came from Omaha Saturday. Mrs. Ditter returned to Omaha Sunday. Dallas and Sheryl remained with their grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. W. J. Ritter.

Mr. and Mrs. Paul German went to Lincoln Sunday to attend funeral services for Mrs. German's uncle Sam Long. Mr. Long was 103 years of age.

An appreciative audience enjoyed the recital presented by the piano pupils of Mrs. Robert Ritter on Sunday afternoon at the Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Rudy Wegner of Denver, Colo. spent several days this week with Mrs. August Wegner. Mrs. Wegner's daughter, Joanne, came with her as far as Seward, where she en¬rolled as a student at college.
    Mr. Wegner will join Mrs. Wegner here later and they will attend the Golden Wedding celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Zessin of Madison before returning to Denver.

Mrs. Julius Engle and Mrs. Clara Palmateer were Guild hosteseses on Thursday afternoon.
    Mrs. W. J. Ritter was Devotional Leader.
    The President, Mrs. Paul German, appointed the committees for the annual bazaar, which will be held in October.

Out-of-town relatives from Creston, Lincoln, Omaha, Dalton, Petersburg, St. Ed and Casper, Wyo. gathered Sunday of last week at the Ted Inquest home in St. Edward to honor Herman Sander on his 79th birthday. The occasion also honored Mr. and Mrs. Louis Boning of Creston on their 25th wedding anniversary.

Last week, Gustave Spanhake, as mayor of Leigh, Ne. received some correspondence from the newspaper, Leigh Guardian from Leigh, England, requesting that he get in touch with the local newspaper in Leigh.
    After turning over the correspondence to us which requested an exchange news column with their paper in England, your editors wrote to the director, James Kennally-Smith, who is the news editor and managing editor of their paper, stating that he would like very much to run an exchange column with them. So folks, if you happen to see news with an England heading... don't be surprised. It will be your "Leigh" editor from England talking.