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:
November 1, 1917 - reprinted May 27, 1981Officers of the Evening Star Camp No. 3684 of the Royal Neighbors of America in Clarkson were Sylvia Sobeslavsky, oracle; Antonia Folda, past oracle; Kate Kopietz, vice oracle; Mary Filipi, chancellor and Julia Hobza, receiver.
Frank J. Hobel purchased a quarter section of land in Boone County from J.H. Pieper, paying $135.00 per acre.
Frank Korecky, 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Korecky, passed away Oct. 28 after an operation at the hands of Dr. Allen and Dr. Kolouch of Schuyler. The boy was afflicted with a boil on the back of his head which developed to be so serious as to cause his death. Besides his parents he is survived by two brothers and three sisters.
County Judge Fiala licensed and married John Sodomka, 25, and Ella Diouhy, 20, on Oct. 20.
Anton Svehla, Sr. 72, died Oct. 24. He is survived by three sons, Frank, Anton, and Anton and five daughters, Mrs. Jerry Sedlacek, Kristie, Stella, Josephine and Caroline. Funeral services were at the local Catholic Church with Rev. Bata officiating and burial was in the cemetery adjacent to Mrazek’s church in Wilson precinct.
The Koza drug store which was a part of the E.H. Koza estate was sold by the heirs to James L. Stransky of Dwight for a consideration of $7,750.00. Mr. Stransky is a registered druggist and is a son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Bukacek.
Clarkson grocers are complying with the regulations of the U.S. food administrator as to the sale of sugar. Only $0.50 worth of sugar is sold to a customer at one time.
The court after hearing the able arguments, denied Vaclav Rehak a new trial and then sentenced him to life imprisonment in the state penitentiary for the murder of his wife.
Jos. R. Vitek and his brother Adolf, Jos. Mundil, Jr. and Jos. F. Jirovec left for Camp Funston, near Riley, Kansas to visit with the soldier boys from Colfax County, who are stationed there. They also visited Emil Vitek, brother of the former two. They made the trip in Mundil’s car.
Fifteen counties in the southeastern portions of the state have turned in their appraisement of school lands and the same has been checked over by the land commissioner. The former revenue amounted to $13, 632.72 which will be increased to $36,938.20. If the appraisement is approved by the board there will be an increase in appraisement of these 15 counties alone of $338,305.48. The cost of the appraisement was less than $1,000. The old appraisement for Colfax County was $970.00 while the new appraisement is $4, 345.50.
Dr. Kalal is in receipt of a new National sterilizer which he will use for sterilizing gauze and other commodities used in his line. We are informed that the device is rather an expensive affair but will be of great help in preparing antiseptic bandages.
A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Svehla at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank F. Vitek.
Miss Tillie Kopietz, who is employed in Detroit, Mich. is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kopietz.
Beginning Nov. 1, the new postage rate of $0.03 for letters and $0.02 for cards goes into effect.
Marriage licenses were issued to: Henry Lhotak, 28, of Dodge and Frances Pospichal, 22, of Clarkson; Lad E. Hanel, 23, of Clarkson and Josie Svoboda, 21, of Clarkson; Patrick E. Kelly, 23, of Schuyler and Hilda M. Lorenzen, 20, also of Schuyler.
Miss Antonia Polodna resigned her position as helper at the Howells post office and will leave for Clarkson to resume duties as clerk at the John F. Pimper variety store.
The very first to report as having finished corn husking was James R. Kucera of the Tabor neighborhood, who reported that his crop yielded 75 bushels to the acre.
The following Howells boys are serving their country in the corn field this week; John Polodna, Stephen Cech, Fred Risch, Otto Risch, Alphonse Cech, Emil Karnik, and Gustav Dostal.
Misses Clara Dvorak and Mary Semerad left for Marion, Kansas, to serve as bridesmaids for the wedding of their cousin, Miss Emma Dvorak to Isidor Sklenar.
Peter Thiem, Ludvig Luxa, "Pep" Pakes and Louis Luxa motored from Howells to Lindsay on a hunting expedition. They brought home a large number of rabbits.
Clarkson markets Oct. 31, 1905 were: Good milling wheat $0.58 to $0.66; good milling rye $0.58; corn $0.36; butter $0.13; eggs $0.15; hogs $4.50.
Dr. Myers reports the birth of a boy at the Dominic Markytan home, and the birth of a fine girl to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Evert.
November 8, 1917 - reprinted June 3, 1981The $1.00 and $2.00 subscriptions for weekly papers are being a thing of the past and $2.00 subscriptions are rapidly taking their places. Besides the Press subscriptions going to a higher price, are the Howells Journal and Leigh World.
Frank J. Rychtig has secured the agency for the well-known "Guaranty" motor trucks. Any make of car can be converted into a durable and guaranteed truck.
Miss Mildred Lhotak, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lhotak of Dodge became the bride of Edward Rozmarin of Leigh.
Mrs. James Fiala of Howells and Frank Hanzl of Dodge were married in a quiet ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Schuyler. They were attended by Mrs. Thos. Verba, sister of the bride, and Joseph P. Fiala, the oldest son.
Number 1 Ben Davis apples, per barrel $5.25 at Fred Colsch store in Clarkson.
Miss Mary Glodowski received a letter from her cousin, B.A. Pickhinke, who is stationed with the U.S. troops in Funston, Kansas. He wrote he is waiting with delight for the day they can embark for active duty on foreign shores.
According to instructions received at the governor’s office from Provost Marshal Crowder, draft men with dependents will be allowed a specific sum of money for their families, based upon the number in the family and conditions. Beneficiaries entitled to family allowance and schedule: If there be a wife and no children $15.00. If there be a wife and one child $25.00. If there be a wife and two children $32.50 and $5 per month additional for each additional child. If there be no wife and three children $20.00. If there be no wife and four children $30.00 with $5 per month additional for each additional child. For grandchild, parent, brother or sister: If there be one parent $10.00. If there be two parents $20.00 and for each grandchild, brother, sister and additional parent $5.00.
Not Dated, but probably November 15, 1917 - reprinted June 10, 1981R.O. Reynolds of West Point and C.L. Pickett of Norfolk attended to business matters concerning the Nebraska Telephone Co. While here they appointed Misses Mary Bartak and Emma Storek to attend to the commercial part and Lambert Sindelar of Howells to look after the repairing of the lines.
V.L. Prazak, who is in charge of the local light plant during the absence of Engineer Roubinek , told us that the serious shortage of coal may force him to discontinue the morning service. However, with the arrival of two cars of coal we can consider ourselves lucky that the current will not be turned off.
Judge Fiala was very busy issuing marriage licenses and assisting cupid in his great philanthropic work. Usually he is greeted by young and bashful applicants for these heavenly honors but the past week the "Old Timers" came in for an inning and had their names inscribed on the roll of honor: Frank Hanzel,60, of Dodge County and Anna Fiala, 50, of Colfax County; Frank Votava, 70, of Schuyler and Mary Volka, 59, of Schuyler; Peter P. Muller, 45, and Katherine E. Jacobs, 35, of Howells; and George R. McCulley, 28, of Yukon, Okla. and Eda May Hughes, 25, of Schuyler.
Joseph Kocour, for some time past engaged at the farm of John Kment, south of Howells was the first in these parts to make application to enlist in the Czech regiment of American volunteers.
Miss Anna Forst, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Forst of Howells passed away at the state tuberculosis hospital in Kearney where she had been taking treatments for the ever-dreaded disease. Frank J. Prucha went to Schuyler by motor and from there took the train for Kearney, to make proper arrangements and bring the remains home. Funeral services were held at St. John’s Catholic Church in Howells.
Kopac Bros. of Schuyler and David City and a bunch of 50 drivers left by train for Detroit, Mich. to bring back overland that many of the Dodge Bros. automobiles to be delivered to their garages and sub-agents located in this county and neighboring counties.
John F. Svoboda is minus 50 fine thoroughbred chickens which were taken from his coop Thursday night. As yet no clue of the sneak thief was found. Chicken thieves are getting quite numerous in these days of "high cost of living" but we hope to see the guilty party or parties soon in the hands of the law.
John Schaffer from Montana where he spent two weeks visiting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Novotny.
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Splichal are mourning the death of an infant child, who died shortly after birth.
John D. Wolf and Emil F. Dudek sold the 180-acre farm they owned 8 miles northwest of town to Frank Hampl of Howells for $130.00 per acre.
Frank Molacek, Jr., of Stanton County, submitted to an operation for appendicitis in Omaha hospital.
L.J. Roubinek returned from Sterling Nebr. where he assisted his son, Lawrence, in husking corn. We were told they picked about 1,500 bushels and that the corn crop in that part of the state is flattering.
Edward Wolff, who sold his farm recently in the Wells neighborhood, will hold a farm sale Nov. 27.
Mrs. Frank Chleboun and daughter went to Omaha to visit her mother, Mrs. Thos. Lestina, who underwent an operation a few weeks ago.
Miss Vlasta Humlicke returned to her duties at Peru state normal after spending a few days with relatives.
Wm. Ternes purchased the Henry Smith property adjoining Schuyler, which consists of 10 acres and a large residence. The family will move to their new abode in the spring.
November 22, 1917 - reprinted July 15, 1981Frank Lhotak, now of Howells, who is also favorably known in Clarkson, purchased a 1,920 acre ranch in Loup County. The price of the land is being kept confidential, as we are told the investment was made for speculation.
A chicken thief stole three-fourths of Frank J. Zrust’s flock the other night. The thief after taking the chickens went to the granary and helped himself to about 50 bushels of oats. The thief while tying the bags of oats, laid a new pair of black cotton gloves, brand new, small size, which will serve as a clue as to who the sneak thief is.
The wedding of Miss Sylvia Rayman, formerly Mrs. Emil Jindra, and Emil Sindelar of the Wells neighborhood, were married by the county judge in Platte County. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Rayman of this community. After a wedding trip to Omaha and other eastern parts, a wedding dance will be held in their honor at the home of the bride’s parents north of town.
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Metzger are proud parents of a baby girl who arrived in their home at Leigh. Mrs. Metzger is the former Frances Nemec of this place.
The village dads, in company with City Engineer Roubinek and V.L. Prazak will go to Wausa Sunday to examine a Corliss steam engine which is for sale at that place.
F.J. Miller was called to Dodge with his auto hearse to assist Srb Bros., in conducting the funeral of Mrs. Herbrich. She was born in Bohemia in 1843 and immigrated to this country in 1877. Besides her husband, she is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Jos. Miller, Mrs. Bohata and Mrs. Tichota.
Julius Moeller returned to his home in Leigh after spending some time at the home of his father in Iroquois, S.D. He reported that their 75 acres of corn was husked and that the small grain was very good this year.
J.J. Higgins, 60, farmer living northeast of Schuyler, is in an Omaha hospital following the amputation of his right leg above the knee. The cause of his limb being diseased had its origin in a bruise received in a accident some time ago.
John F. Sobota, one of the very earliest settlers of Midland precinct, died after suffering a stroke of paralysis. He was born in Pizen, Bohemia July 24, 1844 and emigrated to this country with his parents when he was 12 years old. He was married to Josephine Svoboda, who survives. Five children were born to this union. Marie, who died in infancy, Wenzel, who died Aug. 12, 1898 at the age of 22 years, and three sons, Joseph B., John A. and Emil.
Amos Mesil and his son, Herman, Fred J. Novak, Rudolph Prusa, Frank Sebek and John T. and Joseph Mestl of Howells were in Cedar County on a jack rabbit hunt Sunday. They had a delightful long auto trip and brought home 80 big jacks.
Anton Wiese, residing northeast of town is seriously ill at this writing.
Miss Estep, a registered nurse from Fremont, who had been taking care of Mrs. Emil Splichal, returned home this week. Mrs. Splichal’s condition is much improved.
Powolny Studio advertised 1 dozen $1.50 pictures for $1.20; 1 dozen $4.00 pictures for $3.20 and 1 dozen $5.00 pictures for $4.00. The best order will receive free one fine colored picture 14x20.
In remitting his subscription E. J. Hobza of the Rogers community mentioned that their corn is very soft and a lot of it is rotting in piles.
November 29, 1917 - reprinted June 17, 1981Vaclav Podany Sr. purchased the Jetter brick building which is located in the center of main street for the consideration of $7,000.00. Mr. Podany will make repairs at his own expense as the interior was damaged by a fire when occupied by the Kovanda saloon.
Jos. D. Teply, residing 1 mile east and 2 ½ miles south of town, will dispose of his personal property at public auction Dec. 13.
A large crowd attended the Ed Wolff auction sale. The family will move to Monterey where they will operate a general merchandise store.
The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton J. Vlach is recovering from an attack of pneumonia and tonsillitis. She had been ill three weeks.
Emil Kopac, who piloted a lot of drivers from Schuyler, David City, Columbus, Norfolk and other nearby agencies arrived in Schuyler Thursday with 18 cars. The other 30 cars are expected to arrive early this evening. The trip for Mr. Kopac was anything from a pleasure trip since he had the entire responsibility of the trip. They made a great showing. On each car was a large banner “Puritan Flour—makes more and better bread. We are going to Schuyler, the home of Puritan Flour.”
Miss Eleanor A. Krajicek became the bride of Stephen S. Stanek at St. John’s Catholic Church in Howells. They were attended by the bride’s sister, Mrs. Emil Misek and the groom’s brother, Edward Stanek. Rev. C.L. Zak performed the ceremony.
Frank B. Lhotak left by motor for Gracie, Loup County where he purchased a 1900 acre ranch. He stocked same with grazing cattle and horses, and his two children will remain in Howells under the charge of their aunt Miss Thompson and will join their father after the close of the present school term.
The former Hiedik pool hall was sold in Howells to Anton Janata and Rudolph Novotny. After the news item was set for publication, we learned that Mr. Novotny sold his half interest to Charles Trmal of Stanton County.
The 9:50 a.m. passenger at Howells was delayed for fully 40 minutes on account of the extra heavy express shipments of produce and cream consigned to Omaha and other points. Forty-seven coops of chickens were loaded up, which represents in the neighborhood of 6,000 pounds and 14 barrels of dressed poultry besides 17 cans of cream from local stations. At the prevailing prices this one-day consignment amounts to over $1,000.
Clara, 6-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Glodowski of the Olean vicinity is recovering from an appendicitis operation at the hands of Dr. Dermody of Omaha and assisted by Dr. Myers of Howells. She is under the care of Miss Laumpaugh, trained nurse from Omaha.