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:
February 23, 1922 - reprinted December 26, 1990John Korte was on the market with a carload of choice fat hogs last Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Silas Holcomb of Ohio, who have been visiting the past weeks at the Emil Sies home, returned to their home last Tuesday, Mrs. Sies and Mrs. Holcomb are sisters.
Henry F. Baumert was a passenger to Omaha Tuesday, remaining there until Thursday.
John Stracek and John Konsel went to Fremont, where they attended a sale of high grade milk cows.
Last Sunday afternoon, Frank J. Beran of Maple Creek, took his wife to Schuyler where they boarded the passenger train for Omaha where Mrs. Beran entered one of the hospitals. On Monday she underwent a surgical operation which we are informed was successful. The patient is resting as well as can be expected under the prevailing circumstances. Her large host of friends are hoping for her early and complete recovery.
We are informed that our friend, Peter Zacek, who has been in the employ of Fier & Hruby for some time, has in partnership with Emil Ferenc of Clarkson, who is also well known to many of our readers, purchased a meat market in Creston and will take possession of the same this week. They are both good men and understand the business from A to Z. The citizens of Creston and vicinity can consider themselves fortunate that these gentlemen decided to locate in that prosperous little city.
Adolph Cech, one of the mail clerks on the Scribner-Oakdale branch was in Howells a few days visiting relatives and friends. He returned to his work this morning.
Wonder how many more propositions will be submitted to what deposition should be made of the old court house. Some of the suggestions certainly look like a joke. For many years the tax payers of the county were reminded that the old court house was about ready to tumble down and furthermore that it was not a safe place, neither for the county records nor those compelled to inhabit it. Yes, unsafe for men who were perfectly healthy and able to get out in case of danger. We fully agree with the advocates making that assertion.
But now the same people come and suggest that it is a fit place for sick people and recommend that the old structure be converted into a hospital. Imagine the unreasonableness of the prevarication “unsafe for invalids.” 'Tis true that it could be made safe. The same could have been said of it as a courthouse. Every fair- minded person realized what a waste of money it would have been to attempt anything of the kind. If it was an unwise policy then what difference does it make now. As has been suggested by The Press, why not get as much out of the property as will be possible and use the money to some better advantage for the benefit of the tax payers of Colfax County.In a recent report of the state fire inspector we notice that the officer redemmed [sic] three buildings in our neighboring village of Dodge, they are a one-story frame building on lot 4, block 6; two-story brick building on lot 8, blk 2, and a carpenter shop on lot 10 block 2. Humphrey also has several buildings condemmed.
William Parr of Dodge was in Howells attending the Knust-Limbach wedding.
James, Anton and Emil Misek were called to Omaha Saturday on account of the serious illness of their mother, Mrs. Marie Misek, who is making her home at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J.B. Svoboda.
Mrs. Henry Eusterwieman had the misfortune to slip on ice one day last week which resulted in the breaking of her leg which will confine her to her bed for some time.
The many friends of Edward Taborsky here were pleasantly surprised last Saturday to meet him here. Mr. Taborsky was for many years one of our leading businessmen and a very highly respected citizen. At this time, he is making his home in Geneva, this state, and is on the road for a concern manufacturing aluminum ware. He tells us that Howells is in his regular territory and that from now on he will make our town regularly at least twice a year.
Miss Anna Mueller and Bernard Dierkschnieder, selected Wednesday, February 22, for their wedding day. They were united in marriage at the Sts. Peter and Paul church by the pastor, Rev. Father John Peiper. Miss Loretta Mueller and Louis Dierkschneider, relatives of the contracting parties, accompanied the pair to the altar.
In the afternoon, a reception was held at the home of the bride’s brother.
The bride is a daughter of Mrs. Henry Mueller, former resident of Maple Creek precinct, now making her home at Lindsay. The groom is a son of Henry Dierkschneider of near Oleyan.On Friday morning of last week the death knell of the SS. Peter and Paul’s church announced the departure of another pioneer of Howells. This time it was Mrs. Mary Rajewich who answered the call of the Great Beyond after spending her alloted number of years in this world. She had been in poor health for some time and since the forepart of December, was confined to her home, although her ailment was not of the nature to cause her to be bedfast and it was only the last three days that she was obliged to remain in bed and await the arrival of the Grim Reaper.
The deceased was born on the second day of December, 1846, in Gedrove in the province of Posen, Germany. She grew to womanhood in her fatherland and it was also there that she was married to Michael Rajewich. After their arrival in this country, they located at Michigan and later moved to Nebraska on a farm northeast of Oleyan. During the past seventeen years, Mrs. Rajewich made her home in Howells.
The deceased is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Albert Dolejs of Dodge, four children having died in infancy while in the old country. She leaves one brother, Stanislaus Klimek, residing in Michigan, and one sister, Mrs. Balbina Pepplinski, of near Dodge.John Stanek, at one time one of our most prominent residents, but now residing at Dodge, was in Howells from Saturday to Monday, visiting at the home of his son, Steve and family.
Jos. A. Evert motored to Columbus Saturday and on his return trip was accompanied by Lizzie Dolesh, who came to attend the Mary Rajewich funeral.
The John Lahman sale Monday was well attended and everything offered under the hammer of Col. Roether, brought good prices.
Nick Podliska went to Omaha yesterday morning to bring his wife home who had been in the hospital for several weeks following an operation.
Dr. J. F. Palensky was called to Prague the forepart of the week on account of the serious illness of his father.
Drs. Mason, Chiropractors, have office again at Howells over Kovar’s store.
Dr. Hebenstreit was kept on the stretch the past few days answering calls. He delivered a fine baby girl at the Lodie Coufal home and presented Mr. and Mrs. August Christ with a bouncing boy.
February 23, 1922 - reprinted January 2, 1991Frank Pokorny, one of the best known farmers of Colfax precinct, is this spring retiring from active farm production and has moved his family to Schuyler, occupying the Joseph Hejtmanek home on the north side. The Pokorny boys have reached that stage where the heavy farm work can be passed on to them, and Mr. and Mrs. Pokorny will take only a passive interest.
Dr. Edward Lambofer, a former resident of Schuyler, passed away at his borne in Fullerton, California, Friday, February 3, 1922. The funeral services were held at Los Angeles, Sunday afternoon at St. Mathias’ church. In compliance with the expressed wish of the deceased the body be cremated.
Dr. Lamhofer was a resident of Schuyler for a number of years. He conducted the St. George pharmacy in Schuyler on the site now occupied by the Folda bank.Louis Hahn of Leigh, arrived in Schuyler Monday morning from a business trip to Wichita, Kansas, and other points in the oil belt of the southwest, having joined a delegation of some 25 independent dealers throughout Nebraska to investigate conditions in the production field and refineries. Mr. Hahn stated, “there is an apparent shortage of crude oil, and the refineries are wondering where the supply is to come from. If it were not for the supply coming in from Mexico, many stations would now be without gasoline."
Mr. Hahn with many other independent operators have also brought action against the state department, because of the manner employed in making the tests. The dealers claim that much of the oil is sold before it is tested. The dealers make a test and should the state inspector come after the supply is sold and find the quality below the standard, the dealer has no recourse but to pay a fine and the refinery would go scott free, because the carload has already been exploded. If necessary the dealers will ask for an injunction to protect them.Deputy County Treasurer, Joe Sedlacek was a business caller in Omaha last Friday. Joe has visions of another position and should he land, he will resign as deputy county treasurer. Failing to secure what he has in anticipation, he will most likely be one of the favorites in the race for the office of county treasurer.
The city of Schuyler is made defendant in a damage suit brought in district court by Cecil E. Hashberger for personal injuries alleged sustained when he was tripped in a manhole on the sidewalk near the First National bank last August. The petition recites that the plaintiff stepped on the iron cover to the manhole and it tipped causing him to fall in such a manner as to cause personal injuries in the sum of $2500. The amount sued for is $1730, the $230 including the doctor bill and wages lost by the plaintiff during the time of his illness.
The Royal Neighbors held a meeting last evening which was followed by a social reception given in honor of the recent marriage of their member, Mrs. Jos. Brdicko, Jr., formerly Miss Sylvia Sobeslavsky. The evening was delightfully spent in playing cards. A delicious luncheon was served at the close of the evening, entertainment much to the gratification of all attending. Mrs. Brdicko was presented with a beautiful gift.
Edward Zelenda is at Schuyler since Monday where he is laid up following an operation for hernia.
Mrs. Jos. Stoklasa and daughter spent the weekend at Omaha, visiting with Mrs. Jos. F. Seda of Stanton county, who recently underwent an operation at one of the city hospitals.
Jos. Cibulka returned from Schuyler latter part of the past where he spent several days visiting with relatives, mainly to assist Messrs. Louis Cibulka and Lawrence Roubinek in the pool hall and soft drink business.
The Bohemian short line is found in much better condition than when last inspected, especially the following towns: Leigh, Clarkson, Howells, Snyder, Scribner and Hooper, reports Inspector Dowling. --—State Fire Bulletin
Misses Bessie Podany, Mary Dudycha and Anna Karel were Howells visitors Saturday.
Last Friday, one of the electrical houses at Omaha announced over the wireless phone that they received a shipment of "loud talkers." Dr. Schultz was one of the many operators to catch the message and in less than fifteen minutes placed an order for the device over the long distance telephone. The strange part of the incident was that he heard the ringing of the phone bell in the office of the Omaha company when the call was being put in. On the following day the instrument was in Doc’s hands.
Miss Agnes Lacina went to Stanton Saturday morning where she will be employed at the Frank V. Mastny home for some time.
Miss Anna Dvorak, who has been employed at the V. Kolarik home the past few weeks, experts [sic] to left [sic] tomorrow for her home in Wilson precinct.
Last Thursday Dr. Knight had a minor mishap with his Buick car. He left the vehicle stand near the house and in less time than it takes to tell the story the car started down the hill and collided with a tree near the William Wasko home. It traveled only across the road but the impact was sufficient to damage the car considerably.
Emil Petr was at Omaha several days this week, viewing the conditions at the live stock exchange.
Mrs. F. C. Kratochvil and Miss Lillian Brabec were passengers to Howells Sunday where they spent the day visiting with relatives. They were accompanied by Miss Helen Kadlec who visited with her grandmother.
We take the liberty in announcing to the public of Clarkson and vicinity that we are now in charge of the Clarkson Cafe, recently purchased by us. It is our aim to conduct strictly first-class boarding and lodging quarters. We serve meals at all hours at reasonable prices. Our foods are carefully prepared and the rooms are steam-heated. When in town stop in for a lunch.
We also have placed a full line of confectionery, cigars, tobaccos and other lines. Yours to please, Krofta & Hubacek.Listed below are footwear specials offered by Markytan’s Shoe Store in Clarkson:
Men’s Red Rubber Shoes, 6 buckle, White Sole - $4.75; Men’s U.S. Cloth Top Shoes, 4 buckle - $2.75; Men’s Jersey, 1 buckle Shoes - $2.00; Ladies’ All Rubber Shoes, 4 buckle - $2.00; Ladies’ Cloth Top Rubber Shoes, 2 buckle - $1.75; Children’s All Rubber Shoes, 4 buckle, sizes 12-2 - $1.75; Boy’s Cloth Top Rubber Shoes, 4 buckle - Men’s Fleece-lined Shoes - Ladies’ Gray Kid, French Heel Shoes valued $12.00 now $5.00.
Our entire stock of footwear is subject to a discount during this sale. We have exceptional values in Children’s Footwear.
Remember that all goods we sell come from world’s known factories and we guarantee every pair. Get your shoes now and save money.Mrs. F. C. Kratochvil and Miss Lillian Brabec were passengers to Howells Sunday where they spent the day visiting with relatives. They were accompanied by Miss Helen Kadlec who visited with her grandmother.
Yesterday forenoon, Marvin, the six-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil E. Teply, fell on the icy sidewalk and cut a deep gash in his forehead from a lunch pail which he happened to be carrying.
February 23, 1922 - reprinted January 9, 1991The Class of 1922 has decided to wear the cap and gown during the commencement exercises. This class has the honor of introducing the cap and gown in our high school.
Our wide-awake general merchants A. J. Karel & Sons, have succeeded in purchasing a large stock of smart Ladies’ silk dresses, spring suits and cloaks. The lot was purchased at New York at very attractive prices and will be sold that way. The shipment is expected here sometime the coming week and in the forepart of March the management of the store will launch a great sale on the above state apparel. Watch for their announcement.
Anton Bukacek and Frank Blazek of Maple Creek precinct, south of Howells, braved the cold weather this forenoon and were seen here on business.
Dr. Olga Stastny, who recently arrived in Omaha from her European mission which lasted for almost three years, was a guest at the home of her sister, Mrs. Emil Folda, the past week.
Charles Novotny, living in the southeast part of Adams precinct, had a successful farm sale last Tuesday, realizing about $4300 for the sale of his personal property which consisted principally of well-bred cattle.
Dr. Kavan was called to the J. V. Novotny home southeast of Clarkson one day last week, presenting the family with a fine 9 lb. baby boy.
The Louis Sup is rejoicing over the birth of a husky boy who arrived on Saturday last. The family resides in the east part of town.
not dated - reprinted February 6, 1991Ed Malena of Leigh returned Wednesday from a trip to Arlington and Yutan, where he attended some Duroc hog sales. He purchased three head of classy Durocs.
Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Felsch drove a truck up from Omaha last Saturday and loaded up their furniture which has been in storage at Leigh. They took the same to Omaha where they will make their future home. Mrs. Felsch and Minnie went to Omaha on Monday.
A stillborn baby came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Jenny last Saturday. On Sunday the little Snow Drop was laid to rest in the old Wheeler Cemetery.
B. F. LeFevre recently purchased the house just south of the Louis Metzeger home. He and Mrs. LeFevre are now comfortably domiciled in the same. The consideration was $500.00.
On Washington’s birthday, the first grade and Kindergarten pupils gave the following program:
Song "Little George Washington", Recitation - "Our Flag" - Jo. Blecha, Donald Jiravec, Rawlin Karel. Concert Recitation "Whom do We Praise to To-Day - First Grade. Recitation - Waldo Podany. Song - Tick Tock". Concert Recitation - Alice Knight, Paul Koudelka. Recitation - Olga Kavan, "Little Hatchet Song" - Boys. Recitation - Dolores Svoboda. Recitation — Charley Sup. Recitation - Esther Loukota. Marching Drill - All Pupils. Recitation - Joseph Walla. Recitation - Donald Kolarik. Recitation - Loraine Chleboun. Song - "Star Spangled Banner" - Lillie Prazak, Esther Loukota and Alice Knight.Messrs. Julius Wacha and Frank Kubik, who recently sold his restaurant to Frank Kratochvil, formed a new partnership which will be known as the Central Sales Co. The intention of the new concern is to handle various commodities for outside houses which they will sell on a commission basis. We wish them.
The marriage of Louis J. Novotny and Miss Mary Brichacek consummated at Heun, Monday.
The services were just a family affair. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Novotny of Clarkson and the bride is a daughter of Mrs. Vaclav Brichacek of Midland Precinct. They will establish their home on a farm owned by the groom in the Heun neighborhood.The stock sale of Wolfe and Ehernberger held on the old Fuller ranch last Friday, was one of the biggest events of its kind ever held in Colfax County.
The offering consisted of 60 head of horses and mules, 100 head of stock cattle and 100 head of brood sows, together with a great amount of farm implements. The selling began at 10 o’clock and shortly after 4 o’clock the last animal was sold. The total of the sale reaching almost $17,000.
From the standpoint of selling, the auctioneers, Hawe, Schmid and Vanderkolk, established a record, not only in rapid and good selling, but in the handling of such an immense crowd. Many estimated the attendance at 2,000 people and at not less than 500 automobiles. Mr. Wolfe had prepared generously for lunch but when the noon hour arrived and fully 2,000 people were on hand, to be fed, messengers were sent to Schuyler and all lunch eatables in the city were purchased and even with this, many were not supplied. Mr. Wolfe regrets exceedingly that his estimate of the crowd was too low. While no exceedingly high tops were recorded for the day, the stock all sold well. A team at $375 was the top of the horses, but the offering would average well toward $150 per head for the entire lot. Stock cows held an average of about $60 per head and brood sow were near $50 per head average.The cost of electric current for lighting purposes in Schuyler is slightly higher under the new plant conditions, but not as much as a great many people have been lead to believe. E. V. Capps, lights and water commissioner, has taken the bills of January, 1921 and January 22 and finds in the comparison that the average increase per bill over last year is only nine cents or about 3.87 per cent. The total of residence lighting bills for January, 1921 was $1,432.63 and there were 555 customers, thus making the $2.67. The total for January, 1922 was $1,451.43 there being 526 customers, the average is $2.76 or only nine cents more than the average bill of January, 1921.
Frank Dudek, the genial cashier of the Rogers State Bank, met with a distressing accident Sunday evening. While returning home from Fremont, where he had been calling on a "dear friend", and perhaps entertaining visions of the happy hours spent, his automobile collided with that of a passing tourist and the Dudek car was more or less damaged, while the tourist escaped unhurt and the stranger did not even stop to inquire of the damage inflicted. However, Mr. Dudek was able to come home on his own power.