The Colfax County Press publishes a weekly column entitled Peeking into the Past, which is comprised of articles taken from earlier Colfax County Press files, written by Helen C. Evans. A special thank you to the Colfax County Press for allowing me to reprint those articles! The following are selections from that column:
October 5, 1922 - reprinted February 8, 1995Last Sunday afternoon the members of the Clarkson band and their families were out at Pillar's lake near Stanton, spending a most enjoyable afternoon picnicing, fishing and boat-riding.
Mrs. R.B. Brewer, the lady who undertook the task of managing the Clarkson cafe several weeks ago, decided to quit and returned to her home at Plattsmouth. The place is now looking again for a new proprietor. Mrs. Brewer's early departure is due to the fact that her daughter who assisted her in the management of the enterprise joined the ranks of benedicts. The young lady's marriage occurred at Stanton on Monday of this week, her companion being a young man from Plattsmouth. This prompted Mrs. Brewer on account of her age to close the cafe and return to her former home at Plattsmouth.
The management of the Clarkson opera house will give another of their popular social dances on next Saturday, October 7th. The best of music, the kind that pleases all, will be furnished by the invincible Jirovec orchestra. Everybody cordially invited.
Suit has been filed in district court against fifty stockholders of the Farmers Union Co-operative Association by C.J. Theilen as trustee of the now bankrupt store.
The suit seeks to compel payment of each of the defendants of a 100 per cent assessment on the stock, which totals $3,850. Part of the stockholders have paid their assessment. The suit is based on the contention that the company failed to publish a financial statement of its condition.
It is brought out in the suit that the trustee realized on the company's assets, $10,049.97 which after deducting expenses of liquidation amounted to $8,072.07. Claims of creditors amount to $23,723.33.Stanton county fair, which closed last week, is declared to be the best ever held from all angles. The displays were the best and largest ever seen at our fair and the crowed for the three days broke all previous records.
It is estimated that 20,000 people passed through the gates throughout the show. For the first time in ten years a good exhibit of horses was had, additional sheds having been constructed for the cattle and hog exhibits. The agricultural hall was jammed with all kinds of farm products.-Stanton Register.
October 12, 1922 - reprinted February 8, 1995The inevitable has happened - our municipal plant had to raise the rates for the power users and for light outside of the city limits. This had to be done to at least partly offset the large deficit that grows into thousands at the end of each fiscal year through the operation of our light plant.
Power users will from now on be charged 14c per k.w. instead of 12c as heretofore was the rate and consumer of current outside of the city limits will pay 20c per k.w., a raise of 4 cents.
On the later move the city council deserves to be praised, not because of the fact that they advanced the rate but because they put in on a more equal basis with the city users. As it was heretofore all paid the same rate, notwithstanding that the city residents had to shoulder the burden of taxation and up-keep of the plant thus giving the out of town patrons full benefit of the plant. The village board has not tabled the Scribner light proposition but will await the outcome of the bond election in our sister town of Howells to be held on November 7th with the regular election.
Our predictions are that the people of Howells will stand united for the high tension line and will cast an overwhelming vote favoring the proposition.United States Senator Gilbert M. Hitchock, who is a candidate for re-election, is scheduled to speak in Clarkson, at 3 p.m. o'clock, on Thruday, October 26. In his speech he will dwell on various political topics.
October 19, 1922 - reprinted May 19, 1993The weather committee working in conjunction with the committee in charge of the cornerstone laying for the New Presbyterian Church at Clarkson yesterday afternoon was successful in picking an ideal day for the occasion. The sun was bright and with the gentle warm breeze playing in the air made it a totally perfect day. At a quarter to three in the afternoon the visiting Masonic lodges assembled at the opera house from where they were escorted by the Clarkson band to the building site. Lodge representations were present from Fremont, Leigh, Stanton, Schuyler, North Bend, Madison, Omaha and Howells, including the state officers of the grand lodge, Messrs. Charles Chappel, Grand Master of Minden; A. Davis, Grand Marshal, Wayne; Jno. Erhardt, Past Grand Master, Stanton and Charles M. Shephrd [sic], Grand Chaplain of Lincoln.
Entering the premises the paraders were welcomed by a large multitude of people already congregated about the church grounds. The attendance is placed at several hundred. Grand Master, Charles A. Chappel had supervision of the rituals. Completing the customary procedure the Masons proceeded to lay the stone which was placed in the southeast corner of the edifice over the steps leading to the entrance. The stone is a massive piece of white bedford, 3x3 feet in diameter and contained a good sized cavity into which various documents and memoirs were deposited and sealed in a brass container. The dedicated cornerstone was presented to the congregation by Albert Svoboda, proprietor of the Clarkson Marble Works, who also performed the artistic inscription engraved in the stone. Throughout the services the Clarkson band inspired the crowd with appropriate music and the church choir sang several hymns. Splendid and heart-touching orations were delivered by Rev. Jenks, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Omaha, who held his sermon in the English language and Rev. Jos. Havlik of the Zion parish southeast of Clarkson, who speaks in Bohemian. Their messages were eloquent in word, paying high tribute to the cause they were serving.
The walls of the new church have now reached a height to the first floor and the work is being pushed forth as rapidly as circumstances permit. When completed, Clarkson will have one of the best churches in this part of the state. The cost of the edifice will be approximately $40,000.Ostentatious settings and a grand display of beautiful attire were the keynotes at the gorgeous Moore-Cakl wedding yesterday at which Miss Mable Moore in holy marital, scripture became the loving wife of Joseph E. Cakl. It was a function far greater than the ordinary wedding. The bridal party and numerous guests assembled at the Moore home in the west part of town in the eary forenoon and when the appointed hour arrived for the transpiration of the auspicious nuptial event, the throng set out for the SS. Cyril and Methodius church, where the young people were sealed by Father Petlach for all times to come until death do them part. The couple was escorted to the altar by Miss Lillian Cakl and Nathan Moore, sister and brother of the contracting parties, respectively, and Miss Lillian Novak and Clarence Moore, the former a friend of the bridal pair and the latter a brother of the charming bride.
The ring bearers were Ida Stodola and Eli Moore who carried the rings in a gold hand-painted cut glass dish decorated with a bow of white tulle. Miss Evelyn Moore, sister of the bride, was assigned the role of flower girl wearing a pretty little dress of pink crepe and carrying a cluster of fragrant roses. The bride wore an attire of pure white canon crepe, becomingly trimmed with imported Spanish lace. Her belt consisted of a string of roses very neatly arranged while her head-gear and veil was set out with pearls. An immensely beautiful and costly pearl necklace, the gift of the bridegroom, reposed on the bride's neck. In her hand she carried a shower bouquet of bride's roses, pink smitax and lillies of the valley. The bridesmaids wore pink canton crepe and hats of tulle trimmed with pearls. Their flowers were fresh pink roses and chrysanthemums.
The groom and bestman wore suits of black broadcloth.
Miss Bessie Novotny and Frank Ference had the honor of playing the wedding march, a violin and organ duet. As a special feature they also rendered the "Angels Serenade." The church choir consisting of Mesdames Clyde Karel, organist, John F. Pimper, Frank Kratochvil, Albert O'Brien, Frank J. Hobza and Misses Emma Maliha and Kate Kopietz added to the gracefulness of the blissful ceremony while in addition Miss Bessie Novotny, sang, "O, Promise Me, Love You Truly." Beautiful roses, carnations, daffodils, hydrangeas and asters in large quantity were used in the tasteful church decorations.
Leaving the chapel the bridal party and guests returned to the bride's home not far distance from the church where a grand double wedding feast was held in anticipation of the glorious event. The home was prettily designed in pink and white and the extended tables were daintily laid and abounded in a large display of flowers and other ornamentations. A huge twenty pound wedding cake occupied the center of the large table and edibles of the very finest culinary specimens were galore. It was a feast fit for a king.
In the evening a public dance was given at the opera house in honor of the happily wedded couple. The reception excelled anything we have ever had in this line and was attended by several hundred guests. Music for the occasion was supplied by the Jirovec orchestra.
The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Moore, highly esteemed residents of this city and has grown to beautiful womanhood in our midst. She is a refined young lady of admirable temperament, having a high-school education and fully capable of looking after a home. She is one of our foremost young ladies and boasts of a large host of loving friends.
The bridegroom is a Colfax county product and has lived in this environment all his life, being a son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cakl, living three miles east of Clarkson. He is a hard-working young man of clean manly habits, possessing the integrity and ambitions which assure him a successful future.
Mr. and Mrs. Cakl will make their home with the bride's parents and Mr. Cakl will join the working force at the W. J. Moore general merchandise store.
We congratulate the happy pair and unite with numerous other friends in wishing them many years of unalloyed happiness crowned with contentment and success.
October 19, 1922 - reprinted May 26, 1993Prazak Motor Co., local Ford agency, received a telegram Tuesday morning from the Ford Motor Co., announcing a new drop in the price of Ford cars. This reduction amounts to $50.00 and applies to all Ford models with the exception of the four-door Sedan which the Ford company is now manufacturing. This car has not as yet reached the local agency but is listed to sell for $750.00.
Fordson tractors are also barred from the reduction and will continue to sell at their present day price of $395.00 f.o.b. Detroit.
This reduction is in line with Mr. Ford's policy of cutting the price as rapidly as he can, and still reserve enough capital to carry out his business plans.
The latest reduction will result in the following sale of Ford prices, f.o.b. Detroit: Chassis, $235; run-about $269; touring car, $298; coupe, $530; sedan, $595; truck, $380.
Prospective buyers will do well to place in their orders for Fords without delay in order to insure delivery in a reasonable length of time.Mrs. Catherine Podany, well-known resident of Stanton county, passed away late Monday evening at her home six and a half miles north of Clarkson after a prolonged illness of several months duration. Her demise is attributed to heart trouble. The deceased was born in Bohemia in 1855 and came to this country with her husband and family twenty-nine years ago. They heard the call of the promising west and located on a farm in Stanton county which has been their home ever since. Mr. Podany preceded his wife on the eternal mission seventeen years ago. Mrs. Podany is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Paul Mihelich, Mrs. Jerry Lodl and Miss Louisa, and two sons, Rudolph and Emil, all of whom reside in this community. Burial was held this forenoon with interment in the Catholic cemetery Clarkson. Requim mass was read by Father Patlach.
The neighbors of Gottlief Long were summoned to his home last week to save his grain stacks from burning when the threshing outfit of Mr. Nebola was burned. The cause of the fire is not known but the flames were too well under way when discovered, to save the machine. The stacks of Mr. Long were in great danger for the separator had just been set preparatory to threshing, so it was thru the work and promptness of the neighbors that the stacks were saved. This is the second separator to burn in the last two weeks, the extremely dry weather makes these fires very danagerous.
Katherine Tanborg, giving her home as Emmett, Nebraska, and in the employ of the Western Chautauqua company of Hastings, Nebraska, was brought to Schuyler last Friday by Sheriff Bartunek, having been arrested at Duncan by Sheriff Kavanaugh of Platte county during the day. The only charge against Miss Tanborg was that of neglecting to pay a board bill at Rogers, but she was only taken in charge by the officers, hoping that a check artist giving his name as Fred E. Peters, who operated about Rogers, might be located. He had flown, however, and Miss Tanborg could give no definite information as to his whereabouts.
Miss Tanborg is in the employ of the Hastings company, booking lyceum courses and met Peters while on a train in the western part of the state and last week at Nickerson and Fremont. He was an agreeable fellow and agreed to assist her in the work of selling the course in Rogers. While at Rogers he bargained for a Dodge car of Kracl Bros., and gave two checks, one for $200 and the other for $225, signed by Emma L. Peters, and drawn on the Security Savings bank of Marshalltown, Iowa. Before turning the car over to the purchaser Kracl Bros., went to the Bank of Rogers, and the officials suggested telegraphing to the Iowa bank concerning the legality of the checks and a return wire stated that the drawee had no funds in that bank, and was unknown. Peters learning that inquiry had been made concerning the checks, with Miss Tanborg, came to Schuyler and then to Duncan, where he boarded a train for Kearney, telling her he would return the latter part of the week to get the car.
Peters had been paying the hotel bill and Miss Tanborg states that she supposed the bill was settled.
Miss Tanborg was taken to the office of County Attorney W. B. Sadilek, where she was questioned concerning her acquaitanceship with Peters, but she could give no information more than stated above.
Peters is undoutedly an old offender as the chief of detective of Omaha has been in search of him, upon word from the banks about Marshalltown, and it was suspected that he was operating about Omaha, going under the names of Lang and Prince. The description given by the Omaha officials however, do not tally with those of Peters who is wanted by the Rogers people.
Peters also operated about Fremont purchasing a radio set of Grover Spangler, jeweler, giving a check for $200 receiving a balance of $9.00 in cash. He left the radio set and it was never called for.
October 19, 1922 - reprinted June 2, 1993Mrs. Adolph Folda and family were here from Lincoln for an over-Sunday visit with relatives.
George W. Heun left for Kansas City last Saturday for a visit at the home of his daughters, Mrs. Louis Schnuetigen and son, Claude, and their families. From Kansas City he goes to Chicago for a visit with his brother.
Rev. Rudolph Norden went to Omaha last Saturday where he attended a mission feast and on Sunday filled the pulpit in Rev. Adam's church.
Frank J. Ritzdorf, the popular auctioneer from the neighboring city of Dodge, was in Howells last Saturday looking after business in his line and shaking hands with old time friends.
October 19, 1922 - reprinted June 9, 1993John Rosburg and bride returned the latter part of the past week from their wedding trip which took them as far west as the Pacific Coast. They are now located on John's fine farm northeast of town.
Mr. and Mrs. P. B. Hampl took up their residence in town and are now in possession of the Jos. Ruzicka residence property in the northeast part of town recently vacated by the Schaffer family. Their intention is to take a well-earned rest to which they are fully entitled after their many years of fruitful toil.
Miss Etta Bukacek is here from Omaha this week visiting relatives.
The Mrs. Jos. Pavlis, sr., residence in the east part of town was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Nadrchal, sr., who moved in from Stanton county.
The bazaar and entertainment given by the Ladies' Aid societies of the Presbyterian church turned to be a grand success. Articles of various description and all sorts of fancy work were placed on sale during the bazaar and it is needless to say that everything found ready sale. The supper was also well patronized. In the evening a large audience was entertained at a fine diversified program. A snug sum was realized from the undertaking which will be donated towards the new church.
Chas. J. Novotny and Theodore A. Filipi, students at the state university were home for a visit.
City Electrician M. J. Thacker took a few days off and left for Weeping Water for a visit with his family.
If you would like to buy, sell or trade your farm or city property, write Frank G. Arnold, Fullerton, Neb.
Last Saturday we were made a pleasant call by William Keiser of Omaha who has been here with Mrs. Keiser spending the day at the F. W. Noh home. Our old-timers will remember Mr. and Mrs. Keiser as former residents of this community, having made their home on the present Brown farm west of town. About twenty-one years ago they left here and located on a farm near Elkhorn. Later they retired from active farming and now reside at Omaha.
Mr. Eman Novotny was at Howells spending a day with relatives.
Miss Merle Sillaway spent the latter part of the past week at Lincoln with her sister.
Chas. Renter, former resident of Clarkson now making his home at Omaha, was here for a few days the past week, renewing old acquaintances and also attending to business matters.
Dr. Knight presented Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Polodna with a baby boy.
Headaches, coated tongue, sour stomach, no appetite, bad breath, pimples, clogged bowels - Ugh! These are nature's danger signals - remove the cause, eliminate the poison from the Liver, Kidney's and Bowels - Hollister's Rocky Mountain Tea will do the job - endorsed by women everywhere. J. L. Stansky
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Petr and Mrs. Adolf Vraspir are at Bruno today visiting at the home of the latter's son.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Karel took possession of their elegant new home in the southeast part of town, having moved in. They are to be complimented on the beautiful structure which is an added improvement to the residential section of our village.
Mr. G. A. Koza wrote on the postmaster examinations at Norfolk last Saturday. George Humlicek, who is also one of the contenders for the office took the examination at Columbus.
John Moural and Jos. Husak were up from the county seat yesterday renewing their old acquaintances in the north end. Mr. Moural is one of our commissioners and is now seeking re-election on the democratic ticket. He had made a good official and this undoubtedly will be taken into consideration by the voters at the next election.
James Greig has filed suit in district court against Mr. and Mrs. Nels B. Jensen, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Nelson and John M. Folda to foreclose a mortgage on the southeast quarter and the east half of the southwest quarter of section 4, township 18, range 5 west in Platte county.
The mortgage, the plaintiff asserts, was executed by the Jensens to secure a note for $26,000 given to him two years ago. He alleges there is now due $27,599, and he asks that a receiver be appointed to handle the property until it can be sold to satisfy the mortgage.
The Nelsons are named as defendants only because they are leasing the property at this time, and Folda is made a party because he holds a second mortgage.One of the big real estate deals closed in this city for some time was completed last week when Herman Blank disposed of his quarter section four miles southwest of Madison to Fred Buettner.
The Blank farm which is the southwest quarter of section twelve, township twenty-one, Range 2, west, is considered one of the very best farms in the county, and while the price paid is considered by many to be exceptionally good because of prevalent conditions, those who know the farm declare that it is well worth the price paid by Mr. Buettner.
The new owner was born and reared in the immediate vicinity and has several hundred acres adjacent to it.
Real estate dealers here declare that this deal would indicate that there has been no material shrinkage in good farm property where land is bought by those who really want it and not where the object is speculative.
Both Mr. Blank and Mr. Buettner have spent their entire life in this community and are in a position to know the real value of farm lands in this particular territory, especially.
Mr. Buettner paid $325.00 per acre and the deal was made on purely a cash basis. No trades of any description were considered in the transaction.While enroute to Omaha with his truck Roy Morgans of Schuyler, came upon a stranded motorist, or Fordist, and kindly offered to tow him to the nearest garage which happened to be Valley.
After fastening the 'dead' car behind the truck, Mr. Morgans started for Valley. He noticed upon one occasion that the truck gave evidence of dragging a load, and when he arrived at the Valley garage, he said to the owner: 'I have brought you a customer,' and waved toward the rear of the truck. When he alighted to release the load he saw but a broken rope dangling from the rear. How far back he left the stranger he did not know and hurried on to Omaha.
October 19, 1922 - reprinted June 16, 1993Chas. R. Kuhle, publisher of the Leigh World and Harry Philson, a real estate dealer were in Howells attending to matters of business.
Louis Hamsa met with what might have been a serious accident while picking corn. Mr. Hamsa had charge of one wagon and his wife and daughter were picking corn into another following him closely. Unknown to him Bohumil Svoboda passed the corn field where Mr. Hamsa was picking corn. Mr. Svoboda was traveling in an automobile behind which he was leading a mule. Mrs. Hamsa's team became frightened as the car passed by and took to a flight. In the excitement Mr. Hamsa grabbed for the lines which he had fastened on the side of his wagon and put forth all his effort to halt the frenzied horses. By that time the other team caught up with him and Mr. Hamsa was struck with the end of the neck yoke. He was thrown to the ground directly under the feet of the horses, the team and wagon passing over his body. Fortunately the wheels did not run over his anatomy as otherwise his injury would have been much more serious. He came out of the scramble with two broken ribs and several bruises over his body. Medical aid was at once given him and it is thought that his injury will not prove fatal.
Jos. A. Husak of Schuyler was in Howells attending to some business matters and renewing friendship.
Peter P. Mueller is the proud owner of a dandy new Scripps-Booth touring car purchased through the agency of Nielson Auto Co.
Mrs. Fred Jelinek and daughter of Clarkson were in Howells visiting relatives and friends.
Wm. Kovar has several workmen in his store engaged with the remodeling of his building. From now on Mr. Kovar's place will be one of action because there will not be any time wasted while the work is going on. When the work will be completed Mr. Kovar will have a store that can not be equaled on this line west of Fremont.
Messers. Fiala and Matejka of the Auto Hospital have added another piece of equipment to their mechanical department and now are in position to rid motor car cylinders of carbon by the burning out method.
R. P. Nelson and family of Columbus were visitors at the W. I. Strehle home.
Dr. H. D. Myers and family are enjoying a visit from the gentleman's parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Myers who arrived here from Des Moines, Iowa, for an extended visit.
Louis J. Evert sold his garage and stock to Rudolph Telecky, having taken in on the deal Mr. Telecky's 120-acre farm south of Dodge. We are informed that it is not Mr. Telecky's intention to leave his fine farm west of Howells but will sell out the stock and rent the building.
Jos. and John Honcik are enjoying a visit from their brother who lives in Omaha.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Hrabak were West Point visitors.
Dr. Myers reports the birth of a baby girl to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Nemec and a boy to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Vogel. Mr. and Mrs. William Matejka welcomed a baby boy.
Mrs. J. F. Palensky, who has been seriously sick the past few days, is now showing signs for recovery. She is under the care of Dr. Myers.
Lella B. White of Wisner, the Red Cross representative for this county, is in Howells devoting her time and services in the interest of the veterans of different wars.
W. I. Strehle and E. L. Gruntorad went to Omaha and returned home bringing with them a new Ford truck and touring car.
The Howells State Bank is putting on a novel stunt in advertising and are offering an Eastman Kodak to all who open a new saving account with them. It is a fine little made [sic] and guaranteed by the largest and most reliable kodak manufacturer in the United States and no doubt will be very highly appreciated by those who will be given one. They have several sample pictures of local people displayed in their window which were taken with one of these kodaks and they are proof that the instrument does high-class work.
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Folda of Clarkson visited in Howells.
James A. Drahota had business connected with the Farmers Lumber and Grain Co. at Omaha.
The sale of the B. J. Pinker farm was held and a fair crowd was present. There being only one bid put on the property by the owners and not raised by anyone the farm remained unsold.
Last week we made mention of a Ford Coupe being stolen from Raymond Misek at Tabor and on Friday were informed that Sheriff Bartunek found the car a couple of miles southeast of the Dublin church in a clump of trees and tall weeds stripped of almost everything that could be removed, including two wheels. Mr. Misek has a fair idea who the theives were and we are told that the sheriff has his eye on them and the result may be that before long there will be some arrests made.
Alois Pimper was at Clarkson the forepart of the week on a business mission. While there he purchased a fine talking machine from his uncle, John F. Pimper.
G. Rex Heun and family of Madison were in Howells visiting at the home of the gentleman's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Heun.
William Kaspar went to Schuyler having been called down on jury duty. Thos. Vrba filled his place at the cream station during his absence.
Louis E. Krajicek and family of Bruno motored over from their town for a visit with relatives and friends.
Mrs. Adolf Folda and family were here from Lincoln for a visit with relatives.
October 19, 1922 - reprinted June 23, 1993Miss Phyllis Johnson, the popular milliner at Kovar's large department store left for her home in Kansas City. The millinery season having closed she goes to resume her place at the wholesale house to prepare and acquaint herself with the new requirements of "milady."
John Stracek and Josef B. Svoboda were at Clarkson giving attention to some business matters. While there they also made arrangements for holding a public sale on October 28th, at which time Mr. Svoboda will offer for sale his residence property and the household goods. After the sale Mr. and Mrs. Svoboda will make their home with their daughter, Mrs. John Stracek and family.
The public sale of Smatlan's Poland Chinas held at the farm last Saturday, drew about an average crowd and as usual, the day was raw and threatening.
Prices were quite satisfactory to Mr. Smatlan, making an average on the offering of a little better than $61 per head. The top of the day was on the Pilgrim, a proven yearling, which purchased at $200, John King of Albion being the purchaser. The second top at $155 went to L. H. Wible at Chanute, Kan. The top of the spring offering was at $100. A large proportion of the offering, in fact all but eight went away from the borders of Colfax county.Sheriff Bartunek was called out to Bissell where a dance was in progress, as some dances have been interfered with people who refuse to pay admittance and make themselves a nuisance generally. While the sheriff was giving attention to his official duties, some unregenerate cuss stole the coils from his Ford car.
W. C. Hronek of Schuyler, while at the river in quest of ducks shot and brought down two strange birds, called by birdologists American avocet, a bird which enjoys life in the water as well as on land.
The birds weighed about a pound each. They have beaks about four inches in length, and legs of the crane type, exceedingly long in comparison to the size of the body. The feathers are white and black, or white and dark gray.
Ed Hashberger confirms the report that they are strange birds in this section, claiming that but few have been bagged along the Platte river during the past 20 years.Bones of a child about fourteen years of age were found a short distance north of the south side of the Platte river under the bridge, consisting of the skull, the femur and humerous and two ribs.
The bones were found by Alvin and Alfret Messman of Schuyler, when at the river, in a sandbar almost directly under the wagon bridge and about 100 feet north of the south pier.
They were brought to Schuyler and taken to the office of County Attorney Sadilek. The bones were given an examination by Drs. McGowan and Proskovec and from the size of the skull and the formation of the teeth they determined the probable age of the child.
How long the bones had been in the water, and exposed to the elements would be difficult to state. It is quite probable that the recent high waters brought the bones down stream, and that they were broken apart recently, because they were all near together but none other were to be found.
A second search was made but the waters had begun cutting into the sandbar and that portion where the bones were found had disappeared. Finding of the adds [sic] another one of the tragedies of the Platte river.James A. Drahota and sons, James Jr. and Lumir, were in Creston where Mr. Drahota was looking after some property there.
Lambert Sindelar on the town truck and Geo. Fiala and Frank Miller on the grader have been doing some fine work in grading up several of the streets.
Gus. Lerch, Jr. arrived in Howells for a visit with relatives and looking after his farms here. He and his good family recently moved from Fremont to Omaha where they are now making their home.
John C. Schultz and family of South Dakota arrived in Howells for a visit with relatives and friends.
E. Quesner went to Fremont for a visit with his mother. From there he proceeded to Omaha the following day where he was attending to some business matters.
F. B. Lhotak, a one time business man of Howells, but now operating a ranch near Burwell, Nebraska, was in Howells shaking hands with his many friends who are always glad to see Frank.
Dr. J. S. Broz of Omaha was visiting at the home of his parents Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Broz.
Wm. R. Dostal of the Tabor neighborhood is in Schuyler this week serving on jury in district court of Colfax county now in session with Judge Button presiding.
L. J. Evert and E. Quesner motored over to the county seat of government last Monday where business matters required their presence.
True to advertising the picture of Charles Chaplin in The Kid, was one of the best that ever was shown in Howells. It is a high-priced picture, and we believe that with the small additional charge Mr. Janata made for this special night felt that he got more than his money's worth. Mr. Janata is ever striving to provide just a little better show than the public expects.
Martha Kraus, eldest daughter of Ferdinand Kraus of Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, died at Omaha, October 11, 1922 after a short illness. Many residents here will remember her since the time when the Kraus family resided on the Lerch farm northwest of Howells. She was buried in the Cedar Rapids cemetery. Several members of the Chris. Kraus family attended the funeral.
The Lutheran Ladies' Aid of Howells will give an apron, handkerchief and fancywork bazaar at the Royal theatre. Lunch will be served all afternoon until 7:00 o'clock p.m.
The dance given by the St. Mary's Catholic lodge was well attended and all who availed themselves of the hospitality of those ladies, have nothing but words of praise as to the manner in which they were entertained.
Amos Lacina, the manager of the local station of the Nicholas Oil Co. has everything in readiness and had commenced to distribute the company's reliable products and the way he seems to be getting around, we take it for granted that the company will meet with success.
Mr. and Mrs. James Misek motored over to Bruno where they visited at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Louis E. Krajicek and family.
Mr. and Mrs. John Stracek spent time visiting at the home of Mr. Stracek's sister, Mr. E. H. Mrsny at Schuyler.
W. I. Strehle reports the sale of a brand new Ford touring car to Conrad Welding of the West Point neighborhood.
October 22 [19 or 26?], 1922 - reprinted June 30, 1993Frank Misek and two small sons were in Howells from their home in Schuyler.
John Storek, the hustling real estate man of Madison, was in Howells looking after his business.
Hy. Sanders of Beemer was in Howells, shaking hands with old-time friends.
Otto Dlouhy, a one-time business man of Howells, now in the real estate business in Schuyler was in Howells attending to business matters in his line.
James A. Drahota had a force of men at his farm south of Dodge threshing a large field of clover which produced some very fine clover seed that Mr. Drahota will offer for sale.
Emil Sindelar and L. J. Evert and wife motored to Omaha in Emil's fine Buick. Messrs. Sindelar and Evert returned home the following day while Mrs. Evert remained for a longer visit with relatives.
Mrs. E. Quesner and daughters Irma and Dorothy, and Mrs. C. Forbes motored to Omaha returning on the following day.
Mrs. Chester Frobes is enjoying a visit from her sister, Mrs. A. Botts of Omaha.
Word was received here this morning that Conrad M. Lodes, of Dodge, a brother of our townsman, Geo. Lodes was seriously injured while working in the Nye Schnieder Jenks Co. elevator. Mr. Lodes was down in the grain pit and in some manner a shaft caught his clothing and whirled him several times around striking several times against the sides of the pit. He is considerably injured and very little hope is manifested for his recovery.
Frank Fiser and family motored over to Central City where they went to get acquainted with the little daughter that arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tichota. Mrs. Fiser and Mrs. Tichota are sisters.
Joe Pickhinke, jr., of Denver, Colorado arrived in Howells, having come down to attend the funeral of his sister, Mrs. E. E. Dostal.
Bankers Phillip and Campbell of Columbus and Creston were in Howells attending to matters of business in their line.
W. I. Strehle reports the sale of another brand new Ford touring car. This time the purchaser is John Renner. Fords go like hot cakes, especially if there is a reliable dealer back of them.
Joe Sedlacek, Jerry Severin and Jack Healy, all seeking county offices at the next election were in Howells looking after the building of their political fences. They are all good men and Mr. Sedlacek, especially, is well known, having succeeded George Smith to the office of county treasurer by appointment. He is our county treasurer up to this day and is doing well. All those who have occasion to be familiar with his services can vouch for the fact that he has created many needed improvements in that office since he has had charge of it.
Mrs. Thacker of Weeping Water has been here visiting her husband the local electrician.
Frank C. Kratochvil has been laid up for several days on account of injuring her [sic] back while performing some heavy work.
A. J. Karel, Richard Karel and Ed Zelenda spent the greater part of last week at the Goose lake in western [sic] part of the week on a hunting expedition.
Howells high school has forfeited to Dodge the score being nine to zero owing to the fact that Howells failed or refused to play a return game which had been agreed upon.
The reason Howells assigned for not living up to its agreement was that the Dodge boys protested a game played at Howells, where Howells credited themselves with a home run, in violation of their own ground rules, which credit the boys hit as a two-base hit.
This is a strange reasoning and logic on the part of Howells. It is news to be informed that protest enables a team to violate its agreement. It is also surprising on the part of Howells to take that stand as they protested a game at the state basketball tournament last spring and requested the Dodge high school to help them in their protest. Howells also requested a letter from Dodge to the effect that the Howells team were not poor losers at the state tournaments. In other words, protests are in order for Howells but not for Dodge.
We are sorry for Howells. Dodge played against great odds at Howells. They had to play in a drizzling rain, but, true sportsmen as the Dodge boys were, they played on rather than forfeit the game, as threatened by the Howells 'unprofessional' umpire. The score resulted in a tie, four to four. The games stand one tie and one nine to zero victory for Dodge.The many local and vicinity friends and well-wishers of the contracting parties, were indeed treated to a most pleasant surprise when the morning mail conveyed the blissful tidings announcing the marriage of Miss Josephine Dostal, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dostal of Dodge, to Mr. Joseph Wise of Howells.
The nuptial event took place on September 28 at Liberty Missouri where the bride was met by the groom per prearrangement and the happy ties solemnized.
Immediately following the ceremony they left for a short wedding tour taking them to Kansas City, St. Joseph, Omaha and other points.
The bride is well and favorably known in this section having been born and reared to beautiful womanhood in our midst. She is of a most pleasant personality and ways and beautiful traits of character that have ever made her a favorite among her numerous associates.
She has been the assistant at the Farmers State Bank for the past two years. The groom hails from Howells where he has lived most of his life and is an industrious capable man of honest and sincere motives of life.
Date omitted, but abt. October 26, 1922 - reprinted July 7, 1993Dr. Myers has been laid up the past few days which has kept him from attending to his profession.
Wm. Connelly, who at one time was a resident of our community, residing on a farm northwest of town, was killed by an automobile at Tilden last week. Mr. Connelly was making his home at the institution for the aged at West Point for some time. On the fatal day he went to Tilden to visit with his son, living near that place. Just as he was leaving the station to call on a friend before going to the farm, he was struck by a car operated by two young men. Mr. Connelly died thirty minutes later. He had reached the ripe old age of 84 years. The remains were brought to Howells and the funeral was conducted from the St. John's church by Rev. J. Drbal. He was laid to rest in the Bohemian cemetery beside his wife, who preceded him several years ago.
R. C. Norman, who has been our efficient station agent for the past few years, has resigned from the position and on Tuesday, accompanied by his family took their departure for Norfolk, where they will make their new home.
Mr. Norman is one of the faithful employees of the company and he was promoted to the position of chief operator at Norfolk. No one has been appointed new agent here, and John Knipping is acting as relief agent.Frank J. Richtig, one of the leading automobile dealers of Clrkson, was in Howells lat Friday, attending to business in his line.
Yesterday, we were to have a trial in Judge Hader's court which promised to be interesting as it was one of the "booze" trials which are becoming so popular througout the country. The case originated over at Clarkson where the policeman placed a party under arrest for an alleged sale of liquor.
The authorities at Clarkson were represented by Attorney Sadilek and the arrested party by Judge Olsen of Wisner. We are told that the authorities lacked evidence to convict the alleged dispensed of the forbidden fruit. No hearing was held and the case was dismissed by the county attorney after learning the particulars that lead to the arrest.F. C. Rose of Wolbach was in Howells last Wednesday and while here he rented the half section of land near Albion, owned by Henry and Harry Renner.
Jess L. Woods, republican candiate for country clerk was in Howells last Wendesday.
James Bartak, a one-time resident of this territory but now farmling near Creston, was in Howells last Wednesday giving attention to business matters.
Thos. Stibal, republican candidate for state representative, was in Howells, looking after his political fences. Mr. Stibal is a worhty young man, grown up on a farm in Colfax county, a lawyer by profession and there is none better qualified for that important office than he is. A vote for Stibal means a vote for good government.
Joseph Cakl, Rudolph Kuzelka and Joseph Holoubek are the first three farmers who report being trhough picking corn.
That is going some, as we say. All report a good yield and corn of fine quality. One of them remarked that the ears are so sound that they could be used for bullets.E. E. Brodecky and L. R. Coufal motored over the David City, Milford and Lincoln, having business matters to look after at those points.
The many friends of R. B. Folda were pleasantly surprised to see the worthy gentleman on the streets of Howells again, having returned the day before from Rochester, Minnesota, where he had been receiving treatment at the hands of the famous Mayo Bros. medical specialists. Mr. Folda is much improved in health and his many friends hope that it is only a matter of a short time when he will have entirely recovered his former health.